My immediate surroundings: bus stop outside SCAT, Union Square. Wooden bench, a few feet from the curb. No bus shelter. To the right of the bench (and closer to the curb) is a bus sign mentioning routes #85, #86, #87, #91, and CT2. On the same pillar as the sigh is a blue and brown banner saying "Union Square Lively Historical Crossroads." Not very well-lit.
What I see when I look to my left: closest to me, some pavement/bricks and a few trees (run-of-the-mill city-planted), still green and leafy. Behind those, SCAT, a big brick building that's now dark. Behind SCAT and to its left, a Gulf station and a road that, from my point of view, comes toward me, then hooks right behind SCAT to join up with Somerville Ave. There's a traffic light at that intersection.
What I see when I look behind me: more brick/cracked pavement, a few trees, some benches (one or two people sit on these). Slightly off to the right, the small parking lot, a few cars inside. Behind those, from left to right: a big brick bulding, a series of lower buildings with various businesses - Fleet ATM, pizza place, insurance, the Independent, Thai place, Irish Eyes, Gulf station.
What I see when I look in front of me: Somerville Ave., crossing in front of me. Across the street, a Midas place, Kawasaki, Mandarin Chinese restaurant, nail center.
What I see when I look to my right: Somerville Ave., and the beginnings of Union Square (where the road curves to the left). More small businesses.
What I hear: Car noises, couple of people walking by quickly and quietly.
Weather: Low 60's (cool, but not cold). Clear. Moon is a faint crescent.
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2003.
My watch reads: 10:07 p.m.
Time: Wednesday, September 24, 2003, 10:07 p.m.
What I'm wearing: short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved pullover, black Dockers, scuffed sneakers.
Props: backpack (heavy), partially drunk bottle of Schweppes ginger ale (bought at pizza place).
Where did I just come from: the right, from a pay phone.
What was I doing one minute ago: I was on a pay phone, talking to Kait -- telling her that the shoot was done, and that I would be on the next bus home.
What was I doing one hour ago: I was standing in the studio, operating Camera #3, as we taped an episode for Cafe SCAT (Via Audio -- one girl singer/guitarist, one guy guitarist, one guy bassist, one guy drummer).
Other notes about my day: spent 7.5 hours at work, sitting in front of computer, rushes of activity alternating with boredom. Went to Harvard T, took bus to Union Square. Grabbed two slices of cheese pizza and soda (which I still have). Called Kait. Went into SCAT, helped deploy cameras. Hung around, chatted, checked e-mail while first band (Winterboy, acoustic guitar, guy on drums, guy on bass). Sound check, taped first band (quieter, mellow music). Listened to director on headphones, looked for shots, a little moving. Break while second band set up. Taping -- more active, more moving around, louder music (strain to hear director). Then put back cameras, take down stars, coil cable. Other folks heading to Independent; I say good-bye, go to pay phone, call Kait, go to bus stop.
What I want right then: a place to sit and rest. A place that's not so hard on the ears. A drink to wet my throat. Feeling of "I earned a rest."
What I want, longer-term: to get home. Warmth, quiet, comfort, sweetie-pie. Best bus would be #87, since that takes me right there ... do NOT want to hop on bus that makes me get off at T stop, get on T, get off at Davis and walk another 15 min.
What I do: thankfully collapse on bench. Breathe sigh of joy at being off my feet. Take a drink. Watch both streets. Look at bus coming other way, look at number, try to guess when it'll loop back. When bus comes, squint for number, move to curb to make sure bus sees you.