Another Day in the Neighborhood

I'm back. Thanks to those of you who urged me to post during my dry spell. I started to think it was kind of stupid. I mean how narcissistic can you get? Right?

I changed my mind. I just don't get to talk to everybody as often as I'd like. So, I can write amusing things here and you all can check in. Heck, I've even gotten a few notes from strangers who happened upon my blog and wrote to tell me what they liked about it. That's pretty cool. My own little bit of fame.

So, one interesting thing about this neighborhood is the amount of life on the street. There are always people walking around and milling about.

Sundays are a great day to go hat spotting. This mornning, I saw a woman all natted up for church wearing a white, feather sombrero. Swear to God. It was pretty cool.

There's also a huge African community around us here. I wonder if they are from the same country, or the same tribe. Many of them seem to speak the same language. I hope I don't sound too much like a social scientist here. I don't want to come off like I'm some sort of anthropologist observing the locals. It's just hard not to notice these things.

Anyway, Jasmine is rolled up in a ball, stretching her paws forward under the window in the corner. A soft breeze is blowing through the apartment and it feels great. I worked a double shift yesterday, 15 hours, so am taking it easy today. Mark is at work. That's my number one complaint right now. We have opposite hours. Yuck.

Why couldn't I find a lawyer or engineer?

The tops of the trees outside my front windows make me forget that I'm living in the city sometimes. Then, a stereo blasting horn honking SUV passes and I remember.

I was out in the neighborhood today and I saw a young woman riding a pedi-cab asking passersby if they want to see nearby condos. In other words, she's pedaling a little cart around with a seat in the back for two. If you take the free ride, she brings you to some new highrise that's going up on 123rd St. and 5th Ave.

That's interesting on multiple levels. I mean, I'm pretty damn sure she's got a certain type of person in mind when she asks "Interested in seeing condos today?" It's sort of like one of those old time-share letters but there was no offer of a brand new car (or possibly a grill) if you went with her. All you would get is a look at something beautiful that you couldn't afford. (Adam, don't try to steal this sty idea!)


Peace all,
Tina