New gang in town
The Jean jackets are out in force. They're everywhere.

The working woman's uniform is updated to reflect the slight change in temperature. We still wear our smart tailored pants that hit the middle of the shoe (as we've been instructed on "What Not to Wear" - both BBC and TLC versions).

We trot around the natty streets of Boston in our New Balance sneakers while carrying our stylish, pointy toed shoes and boots in our trusty soft-sided messenger bags (Thanks "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" - that tip works for the ladies as well as the men). And now we're wearing our cute, tailored jean jackets which add a different fun texture and bit of whimsy to our look.

Yes, the Jean jackets are out.

The cautionary tale of Weiner Dogs on Huron Avenue
I used to be a pet person. I loved all the critters (except reptiles) and enjoyed visiting people who had dogs or cats. We'd play, we'd pet, it was good fun.

But, now I'm finding that other people's pets are more like other people's children. Not in the way you think. I find their pets have are poorly behaved and a little dangerous.

Just this weekend I was nearly attacked by a pair of vicious Dachshunds. Now they seem cute - they are. Who doesn't love a Weiner dog? I even thought that as the dogs approached me (with their owners in tow, on a leashes) on the sidewalk. Then they let loose with really loud barking and the pair of young Weiner dogs lunged and snapped at me.

This would have been my third Weiner attack had they been successful. I've actually been bitten by Dachshunds in the past. I still think they're cute but I find when I'm walking down the street and a dog is approaching (not necessarily a Doxie - with owner in tow, on a leash) I'm inclined to cross the street away from the dog. It's sad.

Michigan is for Lovers and France is for the French
I'm going to France in a few weeks, Paris to be exact. I've been to Paris before. But then I was a young'un with no cash and no sense. I think this time might be different.

I've picked up a few guide books and been reading through my "Rick Steve's" purchases. I enjoy the following excerpt about the notion that the French are unfriendly people:

"You've no doubt heard that Parisians are 'mean and cold and refuse to speak English.' This is an out-of-date preconception left over from the de Gaulle days. Parisians are as friendly as any other people....
(cont'd several paragraphs later)
..."Polite and formal, the French respect the fine points of culture and tradition. In France, strolling down the street wearing a big grin on your face and saying hello to strangers is a sign of senility, not friendliness (seriously)."
-Rick Steve's Paris, 2003; pgs. 6-7

Labels: 2003