Pieces of my heart

This morning in my office there was a meeting. And as I sat at my desk I overheard the new comers talking about their kids studying abroad. It made me think of my brother and his trip to Turkey this semester. He text me, "We need to go some where brand new for my birthday." I promised to visit him in Europe for his birthday. We've been throwing around ideas for different countries. Of course I've named the places I've lived as potential destinations "Dublin" "Venice." "Paris". And as I thought about these places and some others I've visited San Francisco, my new home New York City, I reflected on how I've left a little bit of myself in each of those cities I love so much and how I carry a little bit of each city in my heart with me. I love them and in some of them I truly feel whole. So excited to visit him for his birthday, wonder where it'll be?

Talented dad

As the signal changed I started to cross the street. I was checking my email on the way to the train station. I looked up just in time to swerve out of the way of a very dapper looking man, who just happened to be pushing a stroller at the same time that he was holding onto his 4 year old's two wheeler. And all I could think was 'wow, talented.'

On my way home.

We had just finished happy hour, celebrating, congratulating a co-worker on their new job. Celebrating with drinks, with others, in a happy way. I get on the train, and I look across the aisle and there's a man sitting there. He looks like he's half asleep, but he doesn't look homely, and then he takes a paper bag from his side, and he lifts it to his lips, alcohol. Not celebratory, not happy, sad. I saw so much despair in that one glance. I wanted to cry. I wanted to go over and hug him. I don't know what he was going through, I don't know what had happened in his life, but I wanted to cry for him. Instead, I sent up a silent prayer. I prayed that he would find what he was looking for, not in that bottle, or any other bottle, but a real contentment. It was a tough ride, it was hard and I don't know if I handled it right, maybe I should have told him that things were gonna change. That I would pray for him. But I didn't, but I hope next time I'll know what to do. And please send up a quick prayer likewise.

"Thanks for noticing."

Three simple words, but ones that carry so much weight. And resonated with me. Isn't that what everyone was seeking? Just a little bit of notice, just someone who would affirm their ideals, their, fashion sense, their opinion and even teir haircut. It wasn't a big deal to notice, and then to say something, but somehow, in that moment, it seemed to be the most important thing.

The simple joys of highlighter hunting at work

To which she came up to my desk and responded "He would've fired me on the spot had I offered him a pink highlighter."

Ups guy

Is it weird to tell the 60 year old UPS guy he smells nice?

Plotting

Thats what they looked like they were doing on their stools at the coffee shop. He had walked in first, got his black coffee and a sandwich. He sat on one stool and pulled another close, he sipped his coffee and placed the sandwich in front of the other stool. He sat there, sipping and waiting. In a flurry of cold air and an oversized coat, in walked this smaller man, he almost knocked the stool over in his flurry. the other man slowly moved his stuff from the other stool and continued to sip his coffee as the other man grabbed at the sandwich in the bag like a rabid dog. They sat there, whispering, plotting, planning. The man finished the sandwich and the other man finished his coffee and then they both got up in unison and walked out. One man went left and the other right. Something just went down.

Daycare

Sitting on the subway and on walked a family. A mom, a dad and their 3 year old little boy.
I heard the little boy ask, "How come I always have a stuffy nose?"
The mom paused and then said, "Umm.... daycare."
And the little boy was satisfied with this answer.

Happy Holidays

As I got off the plane, I was instantly hit with reality. My vacation was over, I was suffering from jet lag, and I hadn't even gone through customs yet. I got in line and realized I hadn't filled out the appropriate forms. I got back out of line and got the form. Filled it out and got in line. I
made it to the front and headed to the not so friendly customs officer. Did you have a nice holiday? He asked. Which shocked me because his facial expression said he couldn't care less and didn't really want to hear about it. So I returned with a curt, "Yes. And how was your Christmas?" This seem to surprise him, he gave me a look that said "I'm the one asking the quesitons." But then he seemed to change his mind, like it was nice change of pace to have someone to talk to and he started in, "You know it sucked, I was here. Here Christmas Eve, 17 hours, here Christmas Day 15hours." I glanced down at his hand and saw his ring and immediately wondered if he had kids and how sad it would be to have to miss a holiday because of work. I gave him a sympathetic look. And he put his guard back in place,"Yea, well whatch ya gonna do. Oh well." Ever the optimist, "Well what about New Years? Will you get to be home for that?" "No, I'll be here." He said. I groaned a little on his behalf, "Oh, I'm sorry." He looked at me, after he stamped my passport and handed it back to me. I started to walk away and then said, "Well I hope the New year turns out better for you!" "Thanks." He said, with what I could only assume was his attempt at a smile. "Happy New Year to you."