08/04/98

The peninsula's gotten triple digits this week. I'm enjoying it because, I can't stress this enough, it's not humid. It's causing the locals to break out in some amazing sun wear, though. This morning on the train I ogled three good looking guys in their underwear. Not boxers, the skimpy tank top thingies. They had an ultra forties styling thing going on with their tanned biceps and muscular shoulders in full view, big baggy trousers cinched in at their slender waists, white socks, and black loafers. I was entranced. On the other hand, the Creep wore two t-shirts today, quite possibly children's sizes, and the top one was not entirely pulled down over the other so that he looked as if he had tried the top one on and been unable to wrench it back off. His long, white, spider-like arms were hideously exposed. Win some, lose some. I continue to adorn myself in the lightest possible clothing I own without exposing my own shoulders or knees, which I was taught was unladylike and which I find has the virtue of making me look thinner. My concession to the baking heat is to wear one of my many hats. I wore a jaunty little straw number from Madrid to work, and a guy actually stopped me on the street to compliment me on it. He said, "Young lady, with a hat like that you just have to have a wonderful day!" and beamed at me. I beamed back and thanked him.

I think maybe I like being called young, after all. This is a sure sign of age.

In the interest of truth and deep, personal exposes, I must tell you that I have a new Beanie Baby. I didn't buy it, though! Really! Angela the ex-receptionist brought us all Beanies from her honeymoon trip to Hawaii. I got an ostrich. I admit I like it. The fake fur around the neck is to die for. I'm thinking of trying to affix it to my straw hat; it would make a splendid hat ornament, if a bit bulky. I think I'm going to have to do one of those side bar lists of things so popular in the online journal world. Mine will list my collection of Beanies as I accumulate them. I want to see how long I can go without buying one of my own, and how many I collect in the meantime. I'm up to eight.

Or maybe I should list the Daily Doofus. Today's travel loser question was offered by a hapless fellow who asked me if there was any difference between trains and planes. "Yes," I said helpfully. He waited. I waited. Oh, he responded, a lot? "Yes," I replied firmly, "quite a lot." We waited again. Oh, he said, and hung up.

The public. It's a wonder they can find their own feet in the morning.