Okay…
Earlier this summer, I was involved in a major battle with Comcast. Things happened. Words were spoken. And, to make a long story short, I found myself without DSL…
*taking a breath to remember the pain of that moment*
…Anyway, I found myself in a jogging suit and a cute pair of flip-flops going to the library for internet access…I thought I was hopping in my car to retrieve a few “friendship” emails, get a few electronic “hugs”, and at least 3 emails cursing my immediate family and unborn children if I didn’t forward it to 43 people in 2 minutes…(after all, have you really arrived in the email world if you don’t have a few of these each week…LOL?)
Well people…it was soooo much more. Instead of checking email, I was in my car on my way to learn yet another lesson in the game of life…
Now, before I begin, I feel obligated to let you know this blog may be really descriptive because I need to set the scene…so you can TRULY understand my pain…so if you have something to do…. go do it…then come back…so you can give me your full attention…
Here goes…picture it…Sicily 1866…I mean…Atlanta, Georgia 2006…
The parking deck is full—so I’m forced to park under the library on the lower level. It’s daylight…and it’ll only take an hour tops…no big deal….right?
I take the elevator to the third floor and sit down at the computer. But there’s a username and ID required…I’ll just ask the people at the help desk and they’ll give it to me right? No big deal….
The help desk tells me that I have to use the code on my library card and set up a password…but that’s no big deal…I’m at the library…I don’t have my card, but I can go downstairs to the checkout counter and they can look it up right…that can’t be a big deal …can it?
So, I’m at the front desk filling out the paperwork for a new library card—because it was a big deal. I get a new library card and make up a pass code and I’m off to the third floor again…to show those computers what I’m made of…I’m ready to rumble…. right?
I begin walking towards the elevator and I realize that the library is very, very quiet. It’s like everyone disappeared. Well, almost everyone…
As I approached the elevator, there was a man walking in the entrance towards me. He had a bag on his back, but for some reason I was afraid. Only a few seconds passed before I realized that he too…was about to get on the elevator. What is a Counselor to do? The chicken in me told me to wait for the next elevator, but the socially conscious “you can’t be afraid of your own people” voice said…that’s ridiculous…and, needless to say…I got on the elevator.
The elevator opened… and I decided to stand in the front left corner…then the gentleman stepped inside…only…from the smell of him…this was no gentleman. *door closes*As I looked more closely, I notice his backpack was tattered and his clothes were seriously worn…oh…he’s homeless…no big deal…right? He probably has people afraid of him all the time—for no reason…humpfff!! Well not me….everyone can use a hello…after all, he IS human….
So, I pressed my button…looked at the floor indicator…and said it…”Hello” (in the friendliest voice I could muster)…
His response??? “SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID LITTLE BITCH …I WILL FUCK YOU UP!!!!”
(you might need to read that again...it's a true story people... LOL)
Okay…I was REALLY scared at this point. Flip-Flops…not the best shoes for the fight of your life. An elevator…not enough space for the fight of your life…the list goes on and on….
I’ll address the dangers of this situation at a later date…for right now…it’s important that you remember the lesson that we’ve all learned, but ignore everyday….
Counselor tip of the day: Don’t talk to strangers.
15 comments:
I knew i was right about libraries all these years. They're just dangerous. I stay as far away from 'em as possible.
Next time take the stairs honey.
Counselor,
OMG! That is beyond scary. When I lived in North Hollywood I would walk to the library because it was only a block away, so I feel you. You might have to just break down and get DSL though girlfriend. Thank the lord that you weren't really hurt. That story seriously scared me. The stairs is also not a very good idea. If you even feel a little bit uncomfortable, you can always use the excuse that you forgot something and let the elevator go by, never ever risk your life, your life is not worth the whole don't be afraid of Black people thing. Screw that, there are people who are flat out scary, Black or not. I am not trying to lecture, I am just worried for you even though I don't know you. :-) Again, Praise God that you were not hurt. You can always use Verizon for your DSL :-). Stay safe please.
Ms. Denva soon to be Ms. Atlanta
I would have wet my pants and fainted.. not sure in which order, though.
I had a friend who worked in a library and she said homeless people often hung out there during the day, so that's where I thought this was going.
This doesn't make me want to go to any library now. On another note, Comcast sucks. I used to have them as my cable company and for the most part, they are rude and inconsiderate towards their customers. I'll wait for the rest of your story.
Oh. My. God. You poor thing! What did you do after he said that? I would have been so "put off" by that. And, I'm pretty stupid, because I probably would have smarted off to him after that. J can't take me anywhere. :0)
Kiyotoe is right, I'm going to have to avoid libraries. tjeu ARE dangerous.
Oh yeah, I love the picture of Jericho. I'm sorry he's gone.
Yep...you always need to trust your instincts. Glad you're ok!
WOW! Sounds like me when I'm dealing with these damn kids!!! just kidding. I'm glad your alright. You didn't bring your piece with you?
thanks guys...you all are soooo sweet!!
I must say that initially...I was scared, but now...it's just hilarious...
I mean...I got cussed out!!
I've learned valuable lessons though...
1. Never trust Comcast
2. Always wear real shoes
outside--you never know if
you'll have to fight for your
life!
3. Always trust your instincts
4. Don't talk to strangers
5. Keep up with your library card!
Mikala...
You're so thoughtful. Thanks for "loving-on" Jericho!! :)
He passed away several years ago, but I still miss him.
p.s. I think I've fallen in love with a Yorkie name Reese (pronounced like Reese Peanut Butter Cup)...she's darling...
interesting!
thanks for stopping by my blog! Ok - here's a jazz starting point and I think it's a good one for beginners... look up Jamie Cullum, listen and love....let me know what you think... try googling him or maybe listen to a free 30 sec clip on itunes, etc...
take care and have a great Saturday!
wow...
i guess it's a forgone conclusion that one should trust their instincts!
glad it turned out alright
Ooh, you did get cussed out. I guess somebody was having a really bad day! I remember seeing some show a few years ago about how people don't trust their instinct because they are worried about offending someone, but more times than not, trusting that instinct can save your life.
Er, excuse me, that’s my cartoon ( of the car ) you have posted above without my permission! That is not good internet etiquette.
Now c’mon, do the write thing – contact me and ask nicely. Or you can ask not-so nicely and compensate me for usage of the cartoon.
Thanks,
Mike Drinkwater – Cartoonist.
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