Hairy bellies

Usually I love riding the subway in New York. It's just convenient and pretty fast (unless you have to transfer).

However, during rush hour, riding the subway is pretty brutal. They're really crowded and people push and pull to get on. It's worse if the air conditioning happens to go out on the car that you happen to get on.

Today, I'm standing in the middle of the car headed back home on the 1-9, which is crowded even on weekends. We were packed almost to the brim, and this woman (who happens to be Asian), pushed her way onto the train and decided that she would try to move past me. I lean forward and am almost on top of this man who is sitting with his eyes closed.

Except... she didn't move past me. She thought she would stop right behind me. So I'm off-kilter and using all my strength to try not to fall over onto this man in front of me and not get thrown to either side when the train starts or stops. All I could think about was how annoyed I was at this woman.

Anyway, everyone finally starts getting off around Times Square. I get a seat (yes!) but this lady gets on and stand right in front of me. Normally, I'm all fine with a lady standing in front of me, except this one was forty or so, short, pudgy and her shirt didn't cover her all the way. Thus, I was treated to the sight of a hairy belly button. I think on men they're called "love trails", but somehow, it didn't seem to work on a woman.

Sorry, ladies - I don't know if it's instinctual or if it's socialized, but women are just not allowed to be hairy. I think men look better not hairy too, but it seems to be OK.

So that's this post. The hairy belly inspired me.