Yes, I do know how to hail a cab

You know what annoys me? I'll be walking home at night -- probably 10 pm or later -- usually from J1's house. Of course, if I happen to see a bus, I'll catch it and get a ride back to my place, rather than hoofing it. fn1. If I'm feeling really tired, I may just wait for a bus.

But for some reason, gypsy cabs and yellow cabs can't leave well enough alone. If they see me looking down the street for a bus, or just standing at the bus stop, they'll slow to a crawl. They honk. They linger, waiting to see if I want a ride.

Listen, gentlemen. I'm quite familiar with the whole "walking to the curb and raising my arm" gesture commonly used to hail a cab. I'm not blind. I can see you. I see that your light is on. IF I WANT A RIDE, I'LL HAIL YOU.

Seriously. Is that too hard for you to understand. Don't slow down. Don't stare at me. Don't honk. I don't want a ride, and if you behave like that, I'm certainly not going to ask you for one.

Geesh. You'd think I was a child with a "Please Help Me Find My Mommy" sign hanging around my neck.

1. Yes, I'm officially lazy. But come on. When it's after midnight, which would you prefer -- a fifteen-minute walk down mostly deserted streets, or a three-minute bus ride?