OK, trying to get my heart to stop POUNDING here.

I just spent the entire shuttle ride from the other hospital in our system over here (20 minutes or so) being harassed by the creepiest guy who I'm pretty sure had no business being on the bus. It's supposed to be for staff and students only, and this guy seemed more like a patient. A not quite mentally all there patient.

Anyway, he was already singing when I got on the bus, and the configuration of empty seats was such that I ended up sort of across from him. So he started directing his songs AT ME. Songs that wouldn't have seemed especially creepy or suggestive on the radio, but whose sexual content was on the blatant side when taken in the form of a serenade from a creepy, crazy guy. In between the songs, he kept trying to get me to talk or at least react, which I refused to do beyond a minimal nod or headshake. I had a book with me (I'd been planning a nice leisurely reading break for the trip between hospitals), and there was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction of closing it. So I read, after a fashion, though I'm going to have to go back and re-read to actually appreciate the content--I know there was a baby's birth in there, and I think I missed a clue or two of the mystery plot. I was maybe reading at half my usual rate, but every time I'd turn a page he'd comment on it and call me a speed reader. But no way was I going to close that book. If nothing else, my name badge was hidden by it. He asked my name, and I refused to answer that, but I couldn't reverse my badge without being obvious about it, and our names are in a fairly large font.

It turned out OK because he stayed on the bus. I was scared he'd follow me inside and, if not actually attack or anything (I wasn't quite getting THAT vibe), see where I work and come back to try to harass me some more. After the fact, it occurred to me that instead of coming inside to my office, if he'd gotten off too I should've gone into the Medical Examiner's office, which is close by the bus stop and always staffed, and had them call security. But I didn't think of that at the time.

I don't feel like my description does justice to just how creepy and infuriating the whole experience was. I mean, why me? My coworker who's here in the office thinks it may have been the mere fact I was reading--I pretty much walked onto the bus with my book open and nose stuck in it--and that made me the person who was most fun to distract and annoy.

Susan W. I'm so sorry you had to be harassed like that. As to why he picked you: well maybe it was the book, but it could have been anything. Who a crazed asshole picks to harass is pretty random. I mean it is always tempting to try to find something we could have done differently when we attract that type of attention. And on the one hand it is way of feeling like if just do everything exactly right we can reduce our chances. And on the other it is a way of blaming ourselves for stuff we have no control over.

Our library put together an eight week course for volunteers to do booktalking in the schools. These are some really dedicated volunteers. I am doing this mostly for the exposure to the literature - I am a bit weak when it comes to kid lit. I have stacks of papers. email me with the ages/grade ranges you do. We work mostly with K-8. we can talk more in email.

susan, maybe you should give a description of this person to security anyway? just in case he bugs someone else, or you 'meet' him again. And your description sounded creepy enough to me

I wish I could, beth--unfortunately I was trying so hard not to look at him that I couldn't describe him much beyond age, height, race, and build.

That's too bad. Well, I hope that is the last you see of him

Susan, maybe mention it to security? they could keep an eye/ear out for possible problems.

I think I'll do that, Toddson--or maybe tell the shuttle bus people what happened and suggest they start checking ID to enforce the student/staff rules or at least have bus drivers say something when it's clear a rider is causing problems.

Yeah, you could also find out what the policy is on drivers tossing people off. Cause if the driver will actually toss people off (like the Long Beach transit system would in Long Beach) it might be worth considering reporting it to the driver if it happens again. But if the driver would just give him a stern glance, or a second chance, and you would have to ride the rest of the way after reporting him, then that is another thing.

OK, I finally got through to a human being at the shuttle office. The supervisor is supposed to call me later.

Now I'm going to try to do some actual work...