2000-11-03 | 03:20:50

well, my buddy palooka has chided me for leaving out a choice tidbit from our day of hanging out. i'm gonna make amends now. see, yesterday when i wrote that entry, i was feverish and headachey and only put in the facts, ma'am, but today i'm feeling better and will share the oddness for all.

it's like this. we were pulling into a metered street parking space when this short guy in a t-shirt and jogging pants started directing me with hand motions--you know, helping me park. that struck me as odd, but okkkkaaaaay. to top that, as soon as i was squared away into the spot, he nodded his approval and dropped a quarter into the meter. okkkkkkkaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy? palooka and i exchanged confused glances.

"maybe it's one of those random acts of kindness people talk about," palooka offered. i shrugged and said, "well, i've seen the guys cleaning windshields for cash, but..."

we got out of the car and walked towards the meter.

"it's ok, it's ok," our meter man reassured, "see, i watch the meter for you. when the cop comes by, i put in money. no problem, see? that's what i do."

i was still confused, but handed him a one dollar bill to cover his costs.

"well, i usually get the money afterwards, but OK," meter man said.

still a bit confused by the encounter, palooka and i stroll down to the restaurant to get our lunch.

"so, is this typical?" asked palooka.

"never seen it before in my life."

mid-lunch, meter man appeared by our booth and pointed to us.

"you guys--brown truck?" he asked. we shook our heads no.

"oh, someone with a brown truck left their lights on. i've been looking for them." he bounced around the corner to question other restaurant patrons.

after lunch, we walked back to my car in the rain. it was fine. safe. the meter blinking expired, but no ticket. for some reason, partially the rain, i felt compelled to give the guy another dollar. he was a bit farther down the block. i walked up to him. he looked confused. i gave him the money. he seemed to be disturbed, like he didn't want anyone to notice the exchange. trippy, man, but a true example that the entrepreneurial spirit cannot be dampened.

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boogie on down to girlboy for a daily fix of romance compliments of veronica

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