I decided that watching 4 episodes of Gilmore in a row, although entertaining and restful, is not going to make me a healthy person. So I decided to put on a cute sweater and go for a walk around my neighborhood.
Five seems to be a happening time in my neighborhood. I saw Frank, the frisbee guy cooking on the BBQ. Best Christmas decoration people were taking their lights down. All black dog walking bike riding guy was out for another ride. And several other people were out and about. I felt like I was part of a community.
You see, I grew up in a neighborhood that was more like a small town. We all had keys to each others houses and knew all the details of everyone's life. My parents' neighborhood was more like another family to me. Since I've moved here, things have been a little more quiet. Maybe it's because I don't have my father to instigate introductions or maybe everyone else is a little bit quieter too. I just felt bad that after four years I only know a few of my neighbors by their real names.
Best Christmas decoration people always have the best Christmas decorations. They get together with their whole building and do a theme. One year they even gift wrapped the garage doors. I've always wanted to tell them that I love their decorations and tonight I did!
All black dog walking bike riding guy is just as his name implies. He wears only all black and rides his bike with his dog on the leash. Seriously, even his dog is black. It kind of creeps me out. What made him choose a monochromatic life? The ease of one color? Does he just think black is elegant? Is he color blind? A tragic fingerpainting accident that has left him devoid of happiness expressed through color? I don't know. I avoided him on my walk.
And then there's Frank, the frisbee guy. Frank is an older gentleman who is always playing with kids toys in the street. He often plays with frisbees, remote control cars, kites, airplanes, and one time this complicated UFO thing that was glowing and traveled on a string connecting two balconies across the street from each other. Frank has always been a pleasant waver when I drive by. Maybe he calls me "that mini girl", but Julie and I named him Frank. Well it took me three laps around the complex to get up the courage to introduce myself to Frank, but I finally did. He's lived here for 21 years (that's about as old as the complex) and his name is Ray. His friend across the street is Al. I have to tell you, I was a little disappointed. He really looks more like a Frank to me, but I'm glad to get to know him.
So now I know even more of my neighbors and so if I am tragically murdered and the detectives start asking my neighbors about the girl who lived in suite D, more of them will know more about me than just that I drive a mini and can be heard singing to myself as I skip to the mailbox. This brings me comfort.
