Karyn Khronicles #34

Life in DC

Khronicle 1: Bagels, Etc.
I’ve been going to the bagel place next door since before Spawn was born. I know how much I need for everything I buy there there. Since I’ve been home, it’s been great to go back. When Spawn was in college and I dropped by to get a blueberry bagel, they’d say: She’s back?

They know my regular order: Bacon, egg and cheese on a great grains bagel, egg well-done and a coffee. Or sometimes just the coffee. Once in a while? A cinnamon raisin bagel.

I ran over last Thursday to grab my usual order.

They only take cash, so I went to the ATM they have in the shop to get some money out… but the machine wasn’t working.

They figured out that the phone line was down.

They gave me my usual order and told me to just stop by and pay it later.

They’ve done this a few times.

It’s good to be home.

Kronicle 2: When the Conductor Thinks You’re Nuts
I’m taking a Zoom class called Awareness Without Judgment: Teacher Intensive.

Spawn and I visited Dad a few weeks ago.

We took the train.

One of my classes was happening while we were traveling back to DC.

My teacher had us do a warm-up.

We shake ourselves, making noises while bouncing. Then we circle our hips… and the finale???

A version of the twist.

The conductor is coming through the car checking tickets.

I am shaking my body, swirling my hips, doing the twist.

He gets to Spawn, looks at me, looks at her and says:

She’s just having her own party.

Khronicle 3: The New People in My Building
Black people speak. Southern people speak.

Speaking is when you see someone and you acknowledge the fact that another living, breathing and sentient being is within your presence.

Hi, good morning, howya doing, good afternoon, etc… all work.

What does not work?

Walking by a human and not acknowledging their presence.

As a rule, I have noticed that many white people do not speak.

It’s one thing that has been noted many times amongst me and my Black friends.

When my building’s management company upgraded the empty units, they raised the rents and the new people moving in are like the new people moving into DC… no intention to stay here and put down roots.

They don’t speak.

Sometimes I do.

Sometimes I don’t.

… and for the times I don’t…

Fuck 'em