cup of change

So, the other day, a man with no legs used his hands to walk through the train car (and subsequently, between train cars—I got a little nervous for the guy, but it seems he knew what he was doing) begging for money. Actually, just shaking a cup with change, because really, are any words necessary when you have no legs?

Anyhow, the thing that bothered me just a bit was that this man held out his cup and didn't even acknowledge the people who gave him some dough. Now, I understand: When you have no legs, you are probably very, very angry at the world, perhaps even severely depressed. Maybe you've even contemplated whether life is worth living. I, for one, probably would not be walking around with a party hat on, throwing confetti if i were in this poor soul's position. However, I think it's only common courtesy—no matter how terrible your situation is—to acknowledge other people who find it in their heart to donate their money (or food, goods, whatever) to you. Say "thanks," give them a nod of appreciation—something. Honestly, it really, really sucks that you have no legs, and I do feel an extreme amount of sympathy for you. If I had the power to give you your legs back, I really would. At the same time, though, it is not my fault that you don't have legs, so please don't make it seem like I owe you this quarter or dollar because of your disability. I hate to sound cold-hearted, because I think that, as civilized human beings, we DO all owe each other consideration and especially sympathy for those who are in a worse-off place than we are. But just express even a tinge of appreciation, no?

on the way back to ridgewood, via the J

young black kid (loudly): damn, yo, there's mad white people on this train.

couple.

This morning I found myself sitting next to an adorable elderly woman reading the Metro newspaper. She was definitely at least around 80, as per the state of her very spotted and veiny hands, and a set of rather large jowls (yes, really). Anyhow, she looked very chic, in a white blazer with a delicate gold floral/branch pattern, some beige pants, and cute Keds. Her glasses were so huge that at first glance, I wondered if she had any problems reading that tiny newspaper print, but she seemed to be getting along just fine. I noticed she was reading a story about new movies, and then she moved on to the letters/op-ed page.

Then I noticed right next to her was an elderly man, dressed more business-like, also reading the Metro. He had a magnifying device, however, and I couldn't get mad at him when the top of his paper brushed against my shoulder for about a minute. He was too blind to even realize what was going on. When I fidgeted in my seat a bit, he moved his paper closer toward him. Anyhow, took me a couple of moments for me to gather that the two were together; they had matching wedding rings, and eventually they mumbled a few words to one another. They had gotten on the train before my stop, which means they had come from Jamaica, and they got off a Rockefeller Center. I wondered if they worked together? It was all a very cute scene.

Maybe I'm feeling a little hormonal around this time of the month, but for what it's worth, I really hope that I'm still hopping on and off of the train when I'm in my 80s—whether with a husband, friend, or by myself—reading up on what's new and going places in my fun little Keds. Or Nike dunks, cause I'll still be stylin'.

green-bug massacre

this morning, on my walk to the train station, all sorts of insects were finding themselves attracted to me. i think it's because i was wearing a bright shirt & bright shoes. or maybe i just resembled a tree with my crazy hair. anyhow, as i sat down on a bench on the train platform, i found one of those cool neon-green bugs climbing along the gym bag hanging from my shoulder.

now, these are very cute little bugs. but i was still not fond of idea of this bright little fellow finding his way in my hair, under my shirt, or in some other indecent place. so i gently brushed him away. but instead of him falling gracefully to the bench and continuing on his path, i accidentally KILLED HIM! i felt so bad. so bad, in fact, that i am still thinking about it, 7 hours later. poor guy! he was just walking along, being all green and fun. i should've just left him alone.

RIP mr cute bright-green bug