I owe you an update

but it is waiting on my rechargeable camera batteries. I started drawing the human head in my drawing class last week. I now have two heads under my belt and will post them soon. What I won't post, though, is a picture of the model because I want you to think that my drawings really do look like my subjects. There is a slight resemblance, but really I've probably unearthed a long lost cousin instead. Hang tight!

I Take Up Space Too

I had one of those days today where everyone got in the way of my personal space. The most noted offender was this guy at the Chipotle in Dupont Circle. He was behind me in line, and it was as if I wasn't there at all. In addition to invading the personal space of the condiments (he was leaning way over the sneeze guard to get an up close look at the salsas), he continued to side-step down the line and when he bumped into me, he didn't stop - as if he was trying to bulldoze me aside so that he could get a look at a topping that was a bit out of his line of sight. He reminded me a bit of those old video game characters - a Mario or Luigi - who just continue to move their feet when they've hit a wall. I guess I was the wall.

I wanted to say, "Dude! I take up space, too." But instead I just shot him nasty looks. It didn't work.

At at mere 5' 2", I realize that I don't take up a lot of space and I definitely don't have one of those flamboyant personalities that announces "I'm here!" at my every turn. But I do take up space. I am composed of water and atoms and molecules and so forth and by the laws of physics, I displace air when I walk (I think!?!).

And I like my space.

I read a study once (I wish I could find it now to share with you) that people who engage in casual touch wind up happier than those who are never touched by others. For example, if your hand brushes a cashier's hand when he/she gives you your change, or you brush against a co-worker's arm while passing in the hallway, you are probably happier than someone who never receives the sense of touch.

This was not casual touch though. It was downright obtrusive bulldozing into my personal space.

I shouldn't be surprised that there is a Wikipedia entry on personal space. And it is interesting to note that, "Those who live in a densely populated environment tend to have smaller personal space requirements." In the entry, they compare someone who lives in India to someone who lives in the Mongolian Steppe. I'm not going to be that extreme - but maybe this guy came from New York City.

Updates and Obs

Alas, days go by filled with work and life and catching up with old friends and not a blog post to be found.

Just a few quick thoughts and obs that I haven't had time to put into writing:

1. The man who takes the orders at the Farragut Square Subway makes me smile. "Cheese? Toasted? Happy Friday. Have a nice weekend."

2. I was wondering today why bank offices are so visible from the street? Don't matters of money tend to be on the private side? And isn't it weird to have people watch you work all day?

3. I'm routing for the Phillies because after 14 dismal years, they have finally made the post-season again. I admit I did not watch one regular season game, nor do I know any of the players anymore. But, my childhood crush on Darren Daulton still leaves me with an affinity for the team.

4. Watching them lose without the sympathy/ support of the city behind me is no fun.

5. We're making a baby visit this weekend - to North Carolina. EVERYONE is having babies.

I hope to be back in action again soon. And I owe you all an update on my plant.