How I missed New York

As the long, cold and bitter (I’m not talking about weather) winter began to drag on too long, I began to wonder how I ever missed New York. How feeling like a sardine and being swept off my feet and catapulted into a subway car was ever appealing. How I could ever walk through a tunnel drenched in the smells of urine and decomp and not heed the appalling aromas.

But as the sunshine found its way back and melted my frozen spirit, I began to see clearly what is so wonderful and magical about NY. I remembered that one can learn how to unconsciously hold their breath and ignore the unpleasantries of the city in exchange for the many wonders it provides.

A simple trip to the hidden oasis of Fort Tryon Park – with its beautiful gardens, lawns and spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River and Henry Hudson Parkway - helped me gain perspective. Young couples holding hands and waking the park, inspiring artists and poets capturing its beauty through prose and painting, and young mothers ignoring there children as they run-a-muck and nearly knock over an old couple trying to meander the winding paths. I realize that there is something soothing about the large woman in little pants and male runner in pink leopard print spandex; I think it’s the magic of springtime in NY. And, there really is no other place quite like it.

Who said beggars can't be choosers

I was working late last week, trying to get things in order for my next trip. Time got away from me and before I realized it it was 8:00. Determined to make the 8:20 train I packed it in. Promising myself to at least get the research I needed to do to write my next piece completed on the train. I made it to Grand Central at 8:14 – 6 minutes to make the train, I can do that with ease. If of course that train existed. But alas, it is no longer.

With a little more than an hour before the next train, I decided to make the most of my found time. I went down to the dining course - now riddled with families, college students and NYC's homeless population to get some work done.

I must admit, it was definitely time well spent. I created a test matrix for my next promotion, outlined the email and landing page and found some pretty stellar quotes. After the obligatory pat on the back, I started packing up my stuff and looked around. That's when I noticed a homeless man going through the garbage.

Initially I thought he was searching for empty bottles and cans to collect the deposit. But, upon closer examination I noticed he was going through half eaten food containers looking for his next meal. I remembered the uneaten half of sandwich and the apple sauce I didn't eat at lunch sitting in my bag and decided to make a move.

I got up, and walked over to him -

"Sir" I said reaching over the trash can with my sandwich and applesauce in hand "please, take this".

"What is it?" he replied

"It's half a chicken salad wrap, I didn't touch it, you may have it"

"Did you buy it here?"

"No, I bought it at a deli downtown."

"Oh, you see, I'm a deeply religious man and I only eat meat that is treated humanely."

"Well, I since I can't guarantee it was treated humanely, please have my applesauce, it is organic."

As I walk away my mind was plagued with questions.

Can an animal be treated humanely? I know it can be treated well, fed well, treated with respect and provided with opportunity to roam, but to be humane wouldn't it need to be human?

How can anything that is killed be killed humanely? Especially when the sole reason for its death is to be consumed?

How strong must your convictions be that when provided with the choice of eating something someone you never met before has already chewed it, you pass up food that was not touched?

Part of me respects this man, that even to spite his hardships he holds true to what he believes. The other part of me thinks – man you've got to be crazy – you'd risk getting hepatitis, the flu, herpes, mono or even strep because I didn't know if the chicken is organic.

Hello World!

Since this is my first post, I guess I should start by explaining the obscure title and by introducing myself.

A monocle is a single eye glass - it helps you see better out of one eye.

Since this blog is a place where I plan on sharing my thoughts, views and visions of the world I thought it was fitting.

Now the full disclosure clause -

I am an advertising/marketing professional - and I love marketing as much as I love watching the characters around me. I am engaged and my fiance and I are in the early stages of planning our May 2008 wedding. All exciting stuff!

I don't consider myself a funny person, but I definitely appreciate the humor of those around me.