3 resolutions for the new year

A year ago Linda came over for New Year's Eve. When she left, there were big hugs, and promises to get together soon. She lives less than two miles away in upper Manhattan.

Tonight we get together, almost a year later. 

Resolution #1: 
See the people I love more often.

We are meeting for a quick bite before a screening of Phantom Thread, and a Q&A after.

I get to the bus stop around 4:30. Expecting to take a Select Bus, I enter my Metrocard into a kiosk and get proof of payment. The Select Bus is on the honor system but you need a paper ticket showing proof of payment in case you're asked by a transit police person to show you've paid. But it's cold, and I don't feel like waiting, so when a local bus arrives before the Select one, I board.

The driver insists that I use my Metrocard again; he will not even look at my paper proof. In a deep booming voice that carries throughout the bus he says, "Local busses only take Metrocards." He acts as if I'm trying to sneak on the bus without paying. 

I know my Metrocard will note this ride as a transfer and I won't be charged. But  if I were transferring to a crosstown bus after, I would be charged again. Okay, I am not transferring after, but still. 

I tell the bus driver he is wrong. We get into an argument.  Basically he says, "Either pay with your Metrocard or get off the bus." So I pay. He's also a horrible driver, riding the brake the entire trip. And even worse, he barely uses the bus lane and the trip down Second Avenue takes forever.  

I am hating this driver. He should know the rules, not me. And he should certainly know how to drive a city bus. I  later google the policy to confirm what I know and find this:

Can I use my SBS (Select Bus Service) ticket to ride on other bus routes? 

Your SBS ticket is your proof of payment for SBS service.  However, should another bus (local or limited) arrive at your stop before your SBS bus, you may board at the front door and give your ticket to the bus operator. 

Resolution #2: 
Don't make a big deal about the small stuff. Don't argue over petty things. And certainly don't let it bother you.

I meet Linda for a quick dinner and a quick catch-up. We head over to the theater early, but not early enough. (I am the ghost on the left).

The movie is ... well, see it and decide. 

The Q&A is great. Everyone uses their iPhones to capture great pictures of the illustrious panel. I use the camera on my cracked-screen, no-space-left, 3-year-old, ancient iPhone 5s and get another phantom photo, this time of Daniel Day-Lewis.

Resolution #3: 
Get a new iPhone.