Totally Crazy!

I have seen a lot of crazy things since I have lived here in New York City. There is good crazy and creepy crazy. The good things would be the free U2 concert, the "bucket drummers" in times square, seeing eye dogs (amazing), The Gates, Halloween Parade in the Villiage, Macy's Day Parade (four times), The Yankees, Knicks Game, etc.

The bad things would be Naked hill - so named for all of the pasty white Manhattanites covering a grassy hill in central park wearing little to no clothing the first time the temperature is around 70 degrees in March. Parents taking their kids to the corner of the subway platform so they can pee (on one occasion a poop). Upper Eastsiders actually wiping their dogs behinds after they have taken a squat on the sidewalk. Getting in a 85 degree subway car that is packed with people and touching hot, sweaty, nasty skin. People freaking out over the littlest stuff (particularly on the bus or in the post office). Good taste going out the window once winter is over and the jackets are put up. More than a few five year olds licking the bus windows, subway poles, and bus seat handles....sick! Rats...big, hairy, unafraid rats!

"So, I didn't know you were
into waterguns?"

These things are experienced everyday to varying degrees by people who call The City home. But the one thing that universally throws all New Yorkers for a loop is this:

Seeing someone you know while on your commute, in a store, or out of relationship context.

It is so freaky! Just the other day Allison and her sister noticed that a woman dropped her bag while they were shopping in front of Macy's on 34th st. There has to be about 10,000 people out on the sidewalks during this time of day on a Saturday. Mary-Kathryn and Allison pick up the bag and run to catch the woman. When they get to her, she turns around and low and behold it's a mother of one of our teens in the youth group! Allison talked about how weird it was for three days!

There have been several times where I have gotten on a subway car and seen people I know from church, our building, or familiar tourist and it totally throws me off. I have nothing to say to them, it's like seeing them out of the context of our relationship doesn't allow me to interact with them in a normal way. Since the city is so big, so crowded, and there are literally hundreds of ways for people to get around you often only see people you know in places you supposed to see them. If someone has your same commute, then perhaps you will see them, but it just so unlikely.

I can handle "Big Brother" watching me, but running into someone I know out of context throws me for a loop every-time.

Speaking of seeing people out of context, we are going on a trip to Glen Rose, TX for a reunion to see some old college friends. We haven't all been together in five years (which we still won't be all together, but since Mario will be there that will be close enough). I think I am the only one who has been to Glen Rose actually. My mom took us kids there to the Dinasaur State Park several times, and we walked in the creek and stared up at the fenced in Dinasaur replicas, like these kids are doing. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone, not necessarily for the environment, but definately for the company. I will post some pics when I get back, and you can see how pasty white this New Yorker is....I know, I know, you'll be holding your breath in anticipation.

Oooh, Oooh, Oooh...iTunes is now PodCast compatible! This is wickedly awesome, and just one more thing for me to get into, and thanks to Apple...it's all automatic. I have to say I LOVE my iPod, it's the coolest thing ever!