April 19, 2009

• An Evening Walk and How I'm Perceived

  I went out for a walk the other night.  It was a cool evening and I needed some fresh air.  There were lots of people out.  Some stores were closing but a lot of restaurants and bars were busy.  It’s fascinating for people watching. 

  I passed by a small gallery that had a DJ spinning records.  I could hear the tune from across the street.  It was a song from the 60’s – The 5^th Dimension:  Aquarius / Let the Sun Shine.   The gallery was dark with people walking around with drinks.  The DJ was the only one that seemed to be interested in the music.

  At night, I can glimpse into condos when their blinds are open.  It’s always interesting to see how others have decorated their home.  I saw amazing lights and chandeliers, gorgeous bookshelves neatly tucked into corners, lots of flat screen TVs (I don’t have one) and neatly dressed people generally going about their business.  A couple of years ago, I looked up at a condo and saw a young Asian man working on a large architectural table.  He sat on those high lift chairs and was totally engrossed in his work.  His desk was right by a large floor to ceiling window.  He was in the 2^nd or 3^rd floor and I could see clearly into his workspace.  I wondered what he was working on and why he was working so late. 

  I walked by a restaurant that I’ve always wanted to try and peer in. There were 2 guys at a table near the window.  Both were seated very close to each other.  The Asian guy faced the window, he looked to be in his early to mid 20’s with a gentle and friendly smile.  I couldn’t make out the other guy as his back was towards me.  They leaned forward towards each other, intent in their conversation.  The Asian guy looked up at me just as I was about to walk past the large street window.   Hmm... they seemed to be pretty friends and maybe more? 

  Just ahead was a big guy dressed in a pink outfit.  It’s like one of these 50’s outfit that you might have seen Doris Day wearing in movies. 
  

  
  

  He had on tight pink pants and a loose pink shirt that was tucked in.  It just didn’t look right even if he wanted to be in drag.  He came out of the bar and just walked a few steps into a nearby door and stood with his back to the street.  I thought he probably just wanted to get a quick cigarette.  But when I crossed the street and looked back, I noticed he had one hand down in his groin, gently shaking it.  Ew… I won’t want to be the person who owns that door.  You hate to step out to a urine sprayed door and sidewalk. 

  As I continued my walk, I encountered a small group of people.  One of them stepped in front of me.  I glared at him.  He pointed to his name tag and asked me politely if I’ve been stopped tonight by anyone wearing those name tags.  I grunted “No.”  He said he was part of a group doing a survey on homelessness and wanted to ask me some questions.  I eased up and said “Sure.”  He then asked if I had someplace indoors to sleep tonight.  I said yes.  He thanked me and went on his way.  I took a few steps and was a bit puzzled.  Did he just mistake me for a homeless person?  Nah… but why would he stop after only asking the first question?   I called my bf after.  He laughed.  You do look like a bum when you don’t shave.  But it was a work day so I thought I looked decent.    Sigh… so there you have it.  I have a big head and I look like a homeless person. 

  • 9:33 PM
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