Saturday, February 28, 2015

Chinese Fire(work) Drill



Thursday morning, I was riding on my route, Arch Street to be exact, when I began to see these strange clusters of red shrapnel everywhere along the sidewalks.

In hindsight, it's pretty obvious what they are - fireworks casings:


But, me in my half-awake auto-pilot state at 7:30 AM didn't realize this...and after noticing what they were, I didn't understand why they were there.

Then I realized that I was in the heart of Chinatown, and the Chinese New Year Celebration had just happened days earlier. Suddenly it all made sense.

We crazy Americans normally shoot off fireworks in the Summer...

Friday, February 27, 2015

Suds, Sun, Snow

The other morning, I was waiting for a customer when a passersby attempted to start a conversation with me by asking "How ya like this cold weather?" It was 8 AM, 18 degrees, overcast and windy. I'll usually humor people just for the sake of representing well. That day, wasn't having it. I brushed him off.

Today, a similar thing happened. I had just paused to take a picture of the beautiful scene in front of me - snow and sun together is pretty nice, right? - when a gentleman walked past and said "Man, how about this snow?" But this time, instead of being a jerk, I responded with "Hey, it could be colder..." We exchanged pleasantries and went on with our days seemingly in good spirits.

I guess vitamin D does a body good.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Like Riding a Bike

Until yesterday, it had been almost a week since I rode a bike. There are several reasons...

The biggest reason is that I took a bit of a nasty spill last Thursday near the end of my shift. I had just completed a pickup and was about to walk out of the customer's apartment building when I fell down their marble stairs, which had no traction enhancement whatsoever. It was the perfect storm: I had a laundry bag in one hand, my company cell phone in the other, my shoes were slippery from the freshly melted snow, and I was psyched because this was my last appointment for the day, so yea, not paying attention to anything else but myself...

I was stunned, but after the initial shock, I knew I didn't hurt myself too badly. I didn't hit my head, I was able to walk away (literally) and incredibly, I only missed one day of work. I should qualify that by letting you know that when it's super cold outside, like it was last week and Tuesday this week, they allow us to do deliveries in cars. It's much easier on the back than a bike ride, for sure.

The one day that I did miss, Monday, I booked an appointment with the company acupuncturist (well, he's sort of the company guy). After trying to "tough it out" and performing admirably, I knew I needed some sort of help to speed up the healing of this bruise. I'd never done it before, but it actually worked! Range of motion was back almost immediately, and save for some slight discomfort here or there, you'd never know I'd injured myself.

So yesterday morning, I went in knowing that I would be riding again. It was...weird. When you're used to biking every day and you take a few days off, I can't explain it other than to say I felt a little off balance. Surprising, to say the least, that I have actually gotten so accustomed to it, I didn't know how much I missed it...

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Rustcycles: 16th & Fitzwater

Once again, why not to lock your bike by the tire alone...


Rustcycles is a series of abandoned bicycles and locks I've stumbled upon throughout Philadelphia.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Rustcycles: 7th & Washington

There's probably symbolism happening here. Or a metaphor. Or something else...


Rustcycles is a series of abandoned bicycles and locks I've stumbled upon throughout Philadelphia.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Freezing F%$#ing Cold...


Many thanks to the cool folks over at TicketLeap for their enthusiasm and support.

This is how you Wash Cycle. Glad I was wearing my Thursday best!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Elderly Woman Standing Behind the Counter in a Big City (Part Two)

If you didn't read part one, click here.

It just so happens that I was assigned to deliver the bag I (literally) helped pack the day before. We don't always get assigned the same customers two days in a row, believe it or not.

Knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised that I had a little more time that morning to hang around for a few minutes instead of rushing out the door. I did have several more stops after this one, but nothing I couldn't handle after a short intermission.

After I delivered the bag, the customer began telling me more stories about her son, why her apartment sucks, what she used to do for a living, all manner of things. I'll spare the details, but the conversation went on for about 10 minutes.

Afterward, she said "Thank you so much. You made my day." and gave me one of the most generous tips I've ever received. Of course, I said "You don't have to do that." She insisted. So as not to offend her, I accepted her generous offer.

There's a moral to this, but you can figure it out for yourself, right?