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May 05, 2003
Roughin' It Up
Something I did last week makes me believe I definitely have my New York moments. I noticed Rhett walking to the bus across the street going to Jersey. I had just got off the bus from Jersey. I walked over to say hello. After a brief chat he got on the bus and I crossed back over to the side on which I needed to be. I was just outside Port Authority.
Just after 911 they put these huge concrete blocks full of plants every 2 feet or so across the front of the building. I suppose they do an effective job of thwarting terrorists and they actually look kind of nice. They are not however conducive to the large amounts of foot traffic coming in and out of Port Authority. I was just about to go through an opening between two of these blocks when I belatedly noticed a short, rather round old woman trudging the opposite way through the same opening. Being the hospitable Southern girl I was taught to be I started to move over, but we were already almost on top of each other, this Old Woman and I. Apparently she did not notice my kind gesture, she muttered to herself and stared at the ground and shouted, "move. MOVE!!!". I was startled and I had already moved aside before I really registered how rude this woman was. Apparently age wasn't the only frailty. She was an out and out Loon! Before she completely passed and obviously before I regained my composure I turned to the trudging, looney old bird and said, "You better watch it, lady. I can kick your ass."
I was a little shocked at myself and a few steps later, couldn't help but laugh at my blatant Southern faux pas. I can only say this crazy old bat must have briefly startled my senses out of me and I resorted to the tried and true Fight or Flee mechanism. I guess I am a fighter not a flee-er. Especially when the opponent is a good foot shorter than me, 30 years my senior and crazy as a wolf on a full moon. I really think I could have taken her.
The thing is, crazy old birds are a staple in the South. Granted they are mythically a kind of "crazy polite" that rarely resorts to such blatant rudeness but they are prevalent. Why was I so unprepared when faced with the Northern version? I guess it just goes to show, there is a little New Yorker in me yet...
I'm thinking I need a visit to the Lone Star state for a little adjustment. I guess it's a good thing my mother has made it virtually impossible to say no to a graduation party in Houston for my twin cousins. A little good Southern music and hospitality will hopefully put me right as rain.
I'll let you know.
Posted by mermu at May 5, 2003 09:27 AM
Comments
Well Meredith, it is nice to have you blogging again. We all look forward to seeing you at the party (have you booked your ticket yet?) and it should be just as loud and crazy as it always is.
Posted by: Elizabeth at May 13, 2003 12:57 AM
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