This Jessica business...is getting super super awkward now...

It's been a year already and I haven't corrected the man on my train who thinks, for some odd reason, that my name is Jessica. He's now taken the liberties of calling me by a nick name -- Jess or Jessie -- as in, "Hey Jess how ya doin?" Or "Hey Jessie, how 'bout that weather?" Or "Oh, Jess, our train is running late..." On Thursday morn, he asked how Jessica was enjoying her week so far. I told him that I was doing fine. o.O

Seriously, EVERY TIME I attempt to correct him, he compliments me (addressing me by the name Jessica) and I chicken out. Doh! I'm gonna feel like an asshole for making him feel bad about calling me the wrong name this past year...whenever I get around to correcting him. Which, at this rate, could very well be in 10 years...

BUT WHY DO I KEEP RESPONDING TO IT?

In other news...I hate how in NJ you can't pump your own gas. Was driving through Jerz yesterday, going back to NY, stopped for gas and had to wait, instead of going out like a normal person and just doing it myself. The man pumping my gas...wanted to look at my iPhone for some reason and started comparing his Galaxy 3 to mine. Then he went ahead and showed me some 3 minute long YouTube video (on his phone) of some girls in black and white leotards dancing. So fucking weird...Amusing but odd. Then he shook my hand after I paid him.

Then as I was making the drive back up to NY, the only station I could get (my antenna is broken) was Z100 -- a pop music station. I swear I'm getting old. I don't know half the shit that's on the radio and it all sounds the same to me. What the hell is a Demi Lovato? Iggy Azalea? Ariana Grande? (Something you get at Starbucks, I assume.)

Meanwhile...I have this beat in my head and I quite enjoy it. Listen to it. Your ears might thank you.

Happy Selfie Sunday! Post yours :)

[Charles]

Well.... at least the people are kinda friendly, around here they just keep their head down (or noses up) and don't make eye contact.

[Ms. T]

@zosimasy you make a good point. Although I myself try not to make any eye contact with people, keep my head down, don't make eye contact. Ya never know what kind of weirdos, creeps and stalkers you might attract (and I've had many a weird experiences including one semi-stalker) where I am. But even still trying to avoid that, I do manage to come across these exchanges. At least, like you said, they're friendly. Could be a helluva lot worse!

[Mat]

That tune is quite hypnotic - if I'm humming it tomorrow there'll be trouble! As for Jessica, she should make up a name for the man on the train and only ever look at his left ear when talking to him, see how long it takes for him to catch another train :-)

As for the pic - sideways selfie Sunday looks suitably sublime. Let's hope it catches on!

[Ms. T]

@mats365 ha! It pleases me that you listened to the tune! I honestly can't live a day without listening to music and I always want to hear new songs and share them. I think that song is hypnotic too. And lol...maybe I should try your suggestion. I know this guy's actual name but for some reason he 'looks' like a Chauncey. Dunno why. Maybe I should call him that bwahahahaha.

[Charles]

indeed, and a lot of time I'm like that too, but I got bored with keeping my head down and not making eye contact, but I guess it depends on the day and the location... especially the location actually...

[Aaron]

This is why, I'm sure of it... ;)
Maybe it's the unique way you ride the train... :P http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMuiSE8d94A

[Ms. T]

@grizzlysghost hahaha!!! Shit. Lol. I mean... I don't quite have the skills that that Jessica has.

I've actually seen people twirl around the subway pole...buuuut not exactly like that...

[Tim Erskine]

It's only my opinion but I think it's time for you to let the Jessica business go. It's been a year. Correcting him now can only serve to hurt his feelings and make you look/feel like an asshole. Just go with it. Not having to always be prepared to insert your correction with an adroit verbal lunge might make you more relaxed in your chats with him. Who knows where that will take your conversations?

With regards to your picture, nice to see the legs are still stunning.

[Ms. T]

@timerskine I had been planning to drop it but... The thing is...he works at a hospital that I might consider applying to for a job. In that scenario, I might like to network with him or at least pick his brain about who is who in the organization. At that point...he's gonna have to know my correct name. I mean, I don't have to go that route but...sometimes getting a job isn't about what you know...it's who you know. And Jessica knows someone lol. I will, however, just keep playing along for now... I do have ideas on how to do it tactfully. I can be pretty charming too... 😮 maybe that'll help lol.

[Tim Erskine]

OK, this is now a Seinfeld episode, isn't it?

Hmmm...WWJD? What would Jerry do?

Who gets off the train first, you or him? If it's you, you could figure out how to leave something with your name on it for him to find.

Or you could just be a straight shooter. Start your networking now. Ask him about the facility, tell him why you're interested, and then say something to the effect of, "And this is the really awkward part, my name's not Jessica. It's Elaine Bennes."

Well, maybe you should leave out the Elaine part. But really, start picking his brain and use it as the opportunity to correct things.

[Ms. T]

@timerskine I should tell him I work for Art Vandolay. Lol. We actually get on and off at the same stop(s). But really I had planned on being a straight shooter if and when the time comes up for that. Seems the best option, imho.

[Tom]

Looking good sideways all ways yes indeed. Music does have an interesting beat and repetitive cycle. Of course you can always act as if Jessica is
your nick name from collage party days and how on earth or the universe did he know it! From your selfies it is easy to see why, especially men, strike up conversations with Jessica oh Yes it is.. Quite attractive, witty and intelligent therefore doomed to interesting encounters of he Jessica kind

[Ms. T]

@tosee aw your comment is sweet. Thanks! I actually had thought of maybe telling him Jessica is a middle name or something but I prefer to be called my first name professionally (?) lol but that's too convoluted and I should just come clean. Tactful but clean 😳

[Andrew]

haha this is funny! you will have to tell him!

here the song in my head.... https://soundcloud.com/matoma-official/hold-on-be-strong-vs-big-poppa-matoma-remix

[Ms. T]

@andrewkru ahh thanks for sharing that song. It's catchy. Fun remix of a notorious b.i.g. song. 😊

[Danny G.]

I really enjoy your stories! Nice shot, too.

[Tony]

Great selfie again and love your commentary on the guy at the gas pump. We don't have any with driveway service all are self service. There are very few occasions when I tolerate that assumed personal relationship. My wife says I'm downright rude and abrupt. I like service without all the social interaction. Just me.