I generally don't tend to ponder the armedness of people unless they look like undercover cops or there is a suspicious bulge.

And unless you have a concealed carry law, chances are slim you have to worry about it.

You missed this year's fire festival, but you have a year to save up, get your visa, make preparations for next year's (stock up on flammables).

WE. MUST. GO.

I can light water on fire. It's my superpower.

This is very true.

Pete's gonna hate me, isn't he?

Well that's true of any business center

But we're not just a business center.

That is to say, its not just at rush hour in midtown or the financial disctrict, its just how we be.

It's like people freaking out about the ::gasp:: ISLAMIC CENTER right near the SACRED GROUND OF GROUND ZEROOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Dude, they've been there for years. They're moving two blocks. You're worried about all the victims? Well the community board of that particular community voted overwhelmingly for the zoning stuff. THEY are the victims and they don't have a problem with it. We're New Yorkers. We don't care what you look like or wear or worship or don't. We have more ethnic/cultural/religious groups here with a wider variety of things on their heads than maybe anywhere else in the world. That mosque was there before and nobody gives a shit as long as you DON'T BLOCK THE STAIRS.

What smonster said. I've never seen a line of people wait while a southern cashier was chit chatting with another customer. While ringing things up, sure. A genuinely friendly, "Have a nice day!" as the customer is gathering their things, yep, but never just having a conversation while people are waiting, as that would be rude.

But chatting while ringing things up still makes the ringing up and bagging take longer. And strangers asking me questions makes me suspicious.

Pete's gonna hate me, isn't he?

That's OK - it's an adorable hate.

Wow, Daniel, I'm always in awe of people who do that.

Bonny, didn't you walk across the country?

Yes. Yes, I did.

In fact, I was being interviewed about that very thing while Daniel was posting about his nephew.

It's an awesome, inspiring, life-changing choice. I'm wishing him the very best.

Steph! I was a mystery shopper for movie theaters for 5 years. I mostly used my powers for good, but on a couple of occasions, it was nice to be able to 'clean house' when things were going really, really wrong in a particular shop.

I loved that gig!

Come and visit! Eat our fine cuisine of many lands! Enjoy the many museums and cultural opportunities! Take a walk in our lovely parks! Scream and leap in the air when a rat shoots out in front of you after dusk! (I know I do)

We will be perfectly helpful and polite (if not effusive) as long as you keep moving.

But chatting while ringing things up still makes the ringing up and bagging take longer.

Not really. I can chat with coworkers and type up an email all at the same time. I can't imagine it taking more brain power to work a scanner and chat.

So, as I just posted on fb, it's been 10 years to the day since I left for Peace Corps. Damn, can't believe it's been that long. I should dig out my diary and a bottle of wine, eat some sunflower seeds, listen to Zdob si Zdub. I thought I was preparing for a life's work in international development, and kind of hoping to meet a life partner among my fellow volunteers. Those expectations, and many others I wasn't even conscious of, bit me right on the ass. Good times.

That also means it's 10 years to the day since breaking up w/ the gf I mentioned yesterday. Hah. Guess I shouldn't send her a breakup-iversary message on fb.