Another New York Moment . . .

One of my favorite spots in New York is the dog "park" at Union Square. It is more like a little dog pit. It's like an alternate universe of friendliness where it is acceptable to talk to strangers. And well...The DOGS are adorable! Today there was this cutest puppy. His owner gave him a treat and suddenly 7 other dogs were jumping on the guy. It was hilarious.

Anyway. I was standing there laughing and looked over my shoulder and kind of did a double-take because this man was standing right behind me and he was wearing white make-up and looked like a vampire. Serious. He addressed a small boy with blonde hair wearing a baseball cap who looked like he belonged in the California sun. The man was speaking to a woman behind the fence in the pit about a dog and she said it was hers and his name is ferny or something. The guy said, "He looks very happy." The Vampire then addressed the boy and said, "Did you hear that son? His name is Ferny!" The boy said, "Yes. I heard dad." These two did not look like they belonged together.

The man continued to talk to the woman because there were several feathers all over the park from a community pillow fight over the weekend. The woman was so angry about it. So I chimed in and said that it was this improv group and they do it every year. She said she wanted to make a complaint because it looked awful. I think it looks kind of cool. I then said they do random improvs all over the city. Like once they did something where they had a bunch of redheads meet up somewhere in the city. The boy said, "That would be mom. She's a redhead" to the Vampire. The two of them then left. So the woman says to me, "Only in New York City would you see that. A Ghoul and an All-American boy walking off together." I had to agree with her. It was very peculiar.

Is this for real?

So I've begun perusing ads for apartments on Craigslist because I am....drumroll please....considering....making the move back into Manhattan. I'm thinking upper westside or maybe lower eastside. This would be a move in a few months. I'm just starting to look around and see if it is even possible within my price range.

Anywho. I just read this post and had to do a double-take. Is this for REAL? Give me a break. Eww! See below.

$775 Female Roommate Wanted - Your own bedroom in 2 1/2 Bedroom apartment (East Village)

Reply to: hous-615101727@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-03-22, 4:45PM EDT


Furnished bedroom available in spacious 2 1/2 bedroom apartment. Doorman, high floor, city and sunset views, sunny, etc. Washer, dryer and dishwasher in the apartment. The apartment has good heat, is quiet for sleeping, has good air-conditioning, high speed internet and a spare computer for the roommate's use. It's an elevator building and there is a health club in the building. The room is about 200 sq. ft., has a double bed, dresser, desk, walk in closet and a window with a nice view. I'm looking for a female roommate who will occasionally not wear clothes when I ask in exchange for free rent. No sex whatsoever required. Otherwise the rent is $775/month, everything included.

Overheard Waiting for the N Train

Last Sunday I was waiting. As usual. Waiting on the platform for the N train from Queens into Manhattan.

I heard a man off to my left say to another man, "Excuse me. I am sorry to interrupt. But I just want to say I think it is wonderful that you are reading to your daughter. I am a teacher and I wish more parents would do that."

The dad who was reading a book to his daughter said, "I don't know why anyone wouldn't!"

Then, a woman sitting on same bench as me commented to the man next to her, "Jewish people ALWAYS read to their children. That's why they are so smart." Then she repeated herself while clipping her nails at the same time.

For a brief moment I felt a sense of community. A rare moment for me in New York since I tend to be shy. Even though I didn't make any comments.