Manhattan Space

If you haven’t been to New York City lately, then you are missing out. Not because of the amazing food, extraordinary on and off-broadway shows, or the people watching. No, you are missing out because of the Manhattan Mini Storage advertisements everywhere. How clever!

Here’s a sample on their blog: http://blog.manhattanministorage.com/our-new-manhattan-mini-storage-ads-are-out

Anyone living in the City? What’s your favorite storage ad?

The Little Bookworm

About one year ago, I was on the #1 train, thankful to be seated. I overheard a rowdy conversation going on at the end of the car. A group of four men (two Latinos and two African Americans) looked like they had just gotten off of work from a construction type of job-at least that’s what the shoes and hard hats suggested. They were going back and forth, talking sh*#. I had just gotten off of work, and was tired. I tried to ignore them, but without earphones and an iPod, that was impossible. I decided to listen in.

With a “Yo. Yo,” here and a “He don’t know what he’s talkin’ bout,” there. Here a “True.” There a “Shiat.” Everywhere a “Oh that’s tight,” I listened.

I scanned the train to see if anyone else was paying attention, and of course, everyone pretended to be in their own little world. In particular, there was this adorably awkward little boy, probably no more than ten years old, sitting across from me reading his large textbook about science.

I put my head back and closed my eyes, and began to wander into my own thoughts. A few more minutes later, the rowdy crowd distracted me again.

“Look at that kid reading on the train. Must be some sort of mini genius,” guffaws all around.

I looked at the little boy as he kept his eyes pinned to the page he was reading. No doubt, like the rest of the car and me, he heard the comment.

“Damn, and that book bag. That thing is heavier than him, damn,” another burst of laughter.

What surprised me next was one of the African American men spoke up for this little boy, “Hey, he’s smart. He’s gonna be something.”

“Look at his glasses; he looks smart,” said the obnoxious man who started the teasing.

“Ain’t nothin’ wrong with being smart,” said the man who stood up for him.

The train came to a stop and the little boy slammed his book, heaved his book bag onto his shoulder, and scurried off of the train.

I couldn’t help but wonder how the little boy was feeling. He was very young to be traveling on the train alone in this intimidating city of crazies, only to be targeted by some vulgar bantering men. It made me think about the environment that these gentlemen grew up in. Was it OK to ridicule children as adults in their neighborhoods? Were they victims of ridicule by an adult? Why weren’t they aware that it is NOT OK for grown men to tease a child? As an adult, it is not OK to intimidate or cause discomfort in a child. Some may argue that it will build this young man’s character. But I say, if you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut.

NYC Subway Connections

A mere glance after the man with the snow cap coughed on the train, transpired a connection, a smile, between the young woman and the young man. The man’s cough was harsh enough to make you feel as though your lungs were inflated with his infection. Both dressed in suits, possibly eager novice business persons or maybe both seeking to make a mark in the city job market, traveling from one job interview to another…passing the time with gentle reflections and hope for human contact. Not but a moment passed, a brief smile and each of them went on their separate ways.

What is it about connections? Are we all just trying to keep from connecting because that is the fear instilled upon the people of this city? Or is it for pure safety precautions, because what is said about this city is true. Keep to yourself. Mind your business. Don’t make eye contact and keep guard of your possessions at all times. Yet when you ask a stranger for directions, not one blows you off. At times, even strangers approach you to ensure you are on the right track. “Do you understand what’s going on?” “Huh?” “This train is on a different schedule today; sometimes it’s a little confusing.” “Oh thanks, I’m okay.”

Moments like this leave me to think that connections are sought, yet too many people deny their need for those moments, friendships, family, and frankly speaking, humanly love.