Why do things happen? I think that’s where I left off last time. I wish I had the answers, but am also realizing that the answers might not matter. I spent the day walking, not along beautiful reads, but through my list of to-do’s, trying to catch up with my procrastination and crossing things off said list. And instead of my legs hurting, it was my head that was aching, and with it, my normally positive outlook was, shall we say, not at its best. By about nine PM, after a dozen hours in front of this screen, I was done, over, and in a really crummy mood. Instead of just going straight to sleep, which I really wanted to do, I put on a jacket and beanie, for it is cold tonight, and walked out of my little apartment to take a short walk around my hood.
So I got into the elevator, and greeted my neighbor, never had seen him before, but glad we’ve now met. I always say hello to people in elevators, but this time took I that one little extra step and asked how he was doing. He told me he was headed to study up on his new job. Long story short, Alonso was born in Mexico City, lived in Philly for most of his life, most of his family lives near Pottstown, PA. Remember little ol’ Pottstown? I do, scariest bridge on my entire trip, but a beautiful place nonetheless. And we talked for a little while outside, and when we parted ways, I felt better already.
Then I walked past ShakeShack – it’s dangerous to have a very good hamburger joint in your own building. I really wasn’t planning on going anywhere but around a handful of blocks, had no wallet or cash, but suddenly got hungry. So I went in, asked if they accepted Apple Pay – had only my phone, was worth the try. Sam – Samantha said no, only the other pay, but said “what do you want, it’s on me”. I really tried to say no, but she insisted, and I had one of the best burgers I’ve had in years, thanks to Sam. On the bottom of the receipt it asks “How’d We Do?”, to which I say “better than you’ll ever know.”
I learned the story of ShakeShack only recently, and actually saw the original stand back in November in NYC with my dear high-school friend Larry after having been to Pete’s Tavern (appropriate) in way lower Manhattan. What I love about the story is its commitment and focus on community. The original hot-dog stand was set up in an effort to revitalize a city park (Madison) that had fallen into seediness and disrepair. From then on, their self-proclaimed ethos is maintaining the community vibe. Very cool.
And as I sat there really savoring my meal, I pondered why? Perhaps I try to read too much into too many things, always have, but it may be a bit more pronounced lately. I just find these circumstances way too cool to go unnoticed. And appreciated. I needed to get out tonight – I had to get away from this desk, and in doing so, it changed the way I go to sleep tonight, thankfully.
Again, If you know the answers, I’m all ears All I know tonight is that hellos and smiles can go an awful long way….