I’m-a deliver and give a speech with vigor
Pass the wine cooler you big black…. [laughter]

–LL Cool J, “Jingling Baby (remix)”

I have only one explanation for why noone ever sits next to me on my commute. That fact makes the ride particularly comfy, actually, but it’s always interesting to note that, like the last kid to get picked for kickball in elementary school, i’m always the last alternative to people looking for an empty seat.

on the commute i’m either in a seat by myself, or i end up standing up to finish the ride. yesterday was one exception. someone sat next to me, and we even chatted for a second, and she actually wished me a nice day on her way out.

I often wonder if the reason so many people (at the very least, appear to) like me is because when they first see me they have a general impression about what they expect my personality to be like, then they’re “pleasantly surprised” when they find out that my mother taught me how to treat folk with respect, and my God taught me to treat humans what they’re really worth? Or, maybe they’re scared to not like me (ha! doubt it–i generally come off as a ‘teddy bear’).

i don’t dress like a homeless person. i don’t smell. i don’t think my face is particularly unattractive. it must be that when i’m sitting on the bus, headphones on, head bobbing, i just appear to be a big black ….