So, I decided to go downtown with my friend Narissa, her mother Ms. George, her brother Aaron, and her sister Lexi. Let’s just say that it was definitely an adventure.
The first part of the journey began in my closet. I had no idea what I was going to wear! After I thought about it at the grocery store, in the shower, and in front of the mirror I finally decided to wear my Japanese inspired straight leg jeans (low rise, of course), my Bacharach ridged long sleeve, and my Guess sweater jacket. I think I was looking mighty spiffy, if I do say so myself!
After I got dressed, I saw my family off because after 8 years of living in the same neighborhood, we finally got invited to the annual New Year’s Party at our neighbors. (But that’s another post) So, they left and I sat in the kitchen and waited for Narissa and her family to arrive. I was listening to Beyonce, of course.
When she got there she was looking quite spiffy herself! I got my jacket, put on my coat, grabbed my keys, and we were out the door! I got in the back seat of her moms car. “I hope you like Keyshia Cole,” Ms. George said. Because as soon as she said that, Keyshia’s soulful voice and enticing lyrics blared from the speakers! I loved it! Especially when Ms. George started dancing and singing; that was great!
We were taking MARTA downtown, so we went to the station: H.E. Holmes (remember that name). We got our tickets/ loaded up the Breeze card, all while Ms. George spit her game to the “Metro man!” I swear, she is so much fun! We get on the train and by the next stop we run into the first drunk of the night! Now, the train is packed with a whole bunch of Black people and a couple White. And this fool had to say something when we pulled up to the GA State stop. “OH no! Invasion of the White people! AHH!” I laughed so hard, but I knew good and well that was so wrong of him! The dude… wait girl… no, it was a dude (transgendered male/ female, whichever) laughed just as hard. Narissa looked back at me and was like, “That’s a dude! Look!” I couldn’t see to well because this man’s arm was in the way. So, 5 minutes into the trip we have a drunk/ racist and a transgendered person. (Only in ATL will you get that combination!)
Finally, we get downtown where the action has just begun! Were standing in this long line where security is check each and every person! One by one! Already people are starting to push and shove! I’m just thinking, “Don’t step on my new shoes!” Then Ms. George told me something great! She said, “You know, you’re the reason Narissa went to college, because she wasn’t going to go.” I was like, “Wow! That is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me!” I know me and Narissa are best friends FOREVER but wow!
So, now were finally inside the gate and we have to find a place to stand. We have lots of time. It’s about 10:50 pm. As we walk around we see our first fight of the night! People started running TOWARDS the fight, like dummies! (lol) But it was amazing because I got part of it on camera! Next thing I know, the police are on the scene dragging people off one another! Let me say they were definitely on top of their game tonight! Well, after the first fight we decided to try and get a little bit closer, but before we had to wait for Narissa to find her friend from High School. When she got back, we formed a human train and barreled into the crowd. People were packed shoulder-to-shoulder all the way through! We got so far in that we got stuck! I swear, my hand was plastered to this dudes ass… Oh, so uncomfortable! But then we turned around and headed back out to the outskirts of the crowd!
As we stood there, we had a great view of the Giant Peach! (GA Bitches!) We also “people-watched”! It was great! lol Then came the next fight! I think this one was two groups fighting, because the cops swarmed in mass numbers! They stopped that fight so quick that people didn’t even have time to run! They just formed a circle! (lol) So, we just stood there for a few more minutes.
Then we decided to try and go in for a closer spot, one more time! This time on the other side. I led this train. All I did was follow this 7 foot woman (I called her “sheep”) through the crowd. She was like a blocker. She definitely got us deep into the crowd. We got so far in that we were right next to the steps that led to the bleachers in front of the stage. And that is where we camped out! But the bad part was that people kept wanting to walk through that area. But what made it great was the fact that Ms. George was making these hilarious comments! We were standing next to some Indian people and she was like, “Somebody stinks! Don’t ya’ll believe in deodorant! Ok, ya’ll can speak English now! I know you’re talking about me!” They must have been because they started laughing. Then she was saying stuff like, “I usually charge when people touch me like that,” as the people tried to squeeze past us.
With five minutes left people were still trying to leave! A lady passed out, then she started to have a seizure right in front of me! It was terrifying. But it was amazing how people worked together to help her. A group got the police while the rest of them lifted her and carried her as if she was crowd surfing to the back of the crowd where she could get medical attention. Then another man tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I could make room for him to get out because he needed to take his medicine ASAP. He was wheezing and everything! Scary things happened, but it was good to see how people worked together to help other people. Even the drunk people helped!
But this whole squeezing through had to stop so I started to say something. “Where the hell are you people going?! Whatever you have to do in 08 can wait until 09! We have 5 more minutes! Then all of a sudden the dude standing next to me (big, White, santa looking man) turned around and started to bust through the crowd! I was like, “What the HELL!” Then he ran into this Black dude, and he was like,” Where are you going?!” And the White man must have said or done something wrong because next thing I know the White dude was punched in the jaw and is now on the ground rolling around! Stomach flying out of his shirt and everything!! Now, that was hilarious!
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It came so fast that I didn’t realize what time it was until the Peach was coming down and fireworks were going off! Everyone cheered and screamed! A couple people yelled, “O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!” I’m not mad at them though! (lol) After a few seconds and a quick pic we turned around and left. We made our way to the MARTA station, along with about 2,000 other people. We got there and no one could go anywhere because it was so packed! So, after a few minutes of waiting we went downstairs into the station and got on the train. We got on the Eastbound train. As we sat there, shoulder to shoulder, I was beginning to think that we didn’t pass these places when we were coming. Then I saw on a sign that H.E. Holmes Station was in the Westbound direction. So, I told Ms. George and we got off at the next stop.
We jumped on the next Westbound train. There was nearly no one on the train. But as soon as we got on, we ran into another drunk. He immediately went to Ms. George and started to tell her how pretty she was and ask if she was married and ask if the new year had come yet. When he tried to touch her I got a little angry, but, you know me, it takes alot for me to actually say something. Then Ms. George and Aaron moved a little ways down the train to get away from the man, who had a HUGE hole in the back of his pants that went from his ass to his ankle. Then he followed her down there and still attempted to talk to her, complimenting her hair and stuff like that. That’s when I said, “Ey, man! She said no! So, chill out!” HE just looked at me like I was going to hit him or something. And he backed down. Then I went down there to sit next to Ms. George and separate the drunk from the area she was in.
Next thing we know, an announcement is made saying we have to get off the train. We later find out that the train won’t move. After a few minutes of waiting, fending off the drunk again, and a quick trip to the nearby restroom, the train pulls off… without people on it! So, now were stranded at a MARTA station at 2 am, miles away from Ms. George’s car. Oh, and don’t forget that the drunk is somewhere on the platform along with other half dressed White people. It’s too cold for a mini skirt and sandals.
Finally another train comes and we jump on. We were so far from H.E. Holmes that it took about 30 minutes to get back to the car. We then decided to go to Waffle House. I was excited because I’ve never eaten there. But when we pulled up at the Waffle Houses it was so packed inside. So, we went to IHOP. There, we see this Black woman who clearly took the drapes off the window and cut it into a child’s dress and put it on!
We ate dinner/ breakfast… a meal and left. By this time it’s about 4 am. Ms. George brought me back home and my adventure for the day was OVER! I just thank Ms. George for a great night! Also, for paying for my meal! Thank you again!!!!
Well, that was the MAN DOWN CODE 10!!!
