When I first moved into my very own apartment, on the Upper East Side, no less, in the early 1990s, I couldn’t figure out how to get things done. Like, how was I supposed to be at work and at the same time have the window cleaning guy come to wash my windows? Certainly I couldn’t leave him in the apartment alone, because you know, he could steal my perfume and hide in my closet and dismember me later that night. Which now that I think about it, seems like a fair trade for clean windows, but I did not have this wisdom back then.
So, I solved that problem in a way that I’ve solved most problems in my life–I asked my parents for help and and mama said that she would stay at my apartment and guard my Soap Opera Digest and Ravioli Maker and possibly save my life.
Sadly, mama and the window guy did not hit it off. I think it was because window guy assumed that mama, since she spoke with an accent, was the cleaning lady. I’m sure the fact that she read a magazine while he worked made him think that she was a really lazy cleaning lady to boot. Mama, for her part, didn’t take to the window guy because he was drunk. I can’t remember now what the tell tale signs of inebriation were, but for argument’s sake, let’s say that it was a Budweiser can with a straw in his back pocket.
He washed all the windows except for the kitchen windows and when she asked him to do that one too, he refused. “Why?” she asked. “Because I’m tired, that’s why,” he said. And maybe burped.
What I love about this is that I think we’ve all been there. Don’t want to do something–home, work, wherever because we’re tired. No fancy excuse necessary. No explanation. Tired.
Which leads me to my update about my efforts to get a driver’s license. I have the social security card, but still no learner’s permit. I didn’t even look at the DMV site this week to go over the sample questions. Why? Because I’m tired. And if you give me enough time, drunk.
One year ago ...
- The Unthinkable - 2011
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You just reminded me again, that my license expires in THREE days now… Thanks! I live everything to the last minute – because I’m tired too
cute blog and god bless your mom for guarding.
I wonder if our paths ever crossed. I moved to New York June 15, 1991. Like we could have been on the same bus, train, subway or gasp elevator and never new it.
Me: I’m too tired to make your breakfast today. Sorry
Kids: OK
Thanks for giving me the morning off!
WFB–If our paths did indeed cross, I’m sorry for anything that I may have said or done!
Mama Ginger Tree–You’re welcome! And to be on the safe side, take the afternoon off too!
My mom just yelled at her house painters last week because she returned home to beer cans all over the yard. “No drinking on the job!!” I wish I had a job where I could drink.
LMAO – I think it was probably the other way around, my friend! GOSH, I miss being able to just tell someone off and no one think twice about it.
I first lived in Riverdale, then Woodlawn, Yonkers and lastly Elmsford. (Hard to believe that I am in my current home almost 9 years now)
I worked across from the library at 485 5th Avenue and then 55th and Madison, the building was on the South West Corner across from a kids GAP Store. The next block was the Sony Building and do you know about basement shopping in the FAO Schwartz building (if it is still there…. Este Lauder and Revlon stores)
I so miss the Metro North and Grand Central. I would always set my watch by the clock at the information booth.
HEY, I’m just getting ready to load some photos for my contest give away… check soon!
I’m too tired to comment. Actually, I’m not because you always make me giggle and then I have to comment.
I’m never too tired to drink. Wine?
Jack & Coke, and a housecleaner on Thursdays helps me survive! 😉