Wednesday, May 25, 2005

I love my parents but...(continued)

So. That was the first of three times in the one year we lived in that house that we were robbed. The other two times were your normal run-of-the-mill break-ins when no-one was home.

Which is why we only lived there one year. The following year Dad and Step-mom moved to a duplex in Greenwich Village. Also a lovely house. They have great taste.

Now, you may notice that Mom and Step-dad are still living in Brooklyn. I'm still going to the school I've always gone to in Brooklyn (not the greatest of schools academically, though excellent if you're interested in the life of Harriet Tubman. It's since been swallowed up by an academically superior school).

Are you now asking the $24,000 questions?

Q: Did the half-week/half-week schedule change to accomodate the move?
A: No.

Q: How did little Miss MysteryMommy get from her dad and step-mom's house in Greenwich Village to her school in Brooklyn?
A: The D or the F. By myself. In 6th grade. Oy.


Nothing ever happened to me on the subway until I was an adult (it's another story, save it for another post). But still! God, if I had a subway token for everytime I got lost and ended up somewhere I'd never heard of on the R or M line...BTW, if this ever happens to you, find the nearest token booth and/or the nearest police officer. They will help you find your way home. All the better if you are crying. Even better if you are very short. Thank you to all of the nice employees of New York City who helped me back then.

Note: Good survival technique for inexperienced subway riders - Sing loudly and off-key. Everyone will think you're crazy and they won't bother you. Oh! And don't wear flashy jewelry. And don't make eye-contact.

And just in case you think I'm picking on Dad & Stepmom in these two stories, I'm not. All of these decisions (no babysitter, no change in schedule, no guardian on the subway) were jointly made by all 4 of my parents.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I found you through Susie. Nice to meet you.

My mother and step-father decided the summer just before the start of 7th grade that there was no need for a babysitter. They both worked 3rd shift and I was responsible for getting my sister and myself off to school each morning. There were a few nights we were scared living out in the country on a farm. There are times I slept with one eye on the clock waiting for sun up. I can understand completely how you feel.

Liz Miller said...

Whoof. I can't imagine being left alone all night at that age.

Welcome! Glad you are here! Can I like to your site, which I love on first sight?

My sister lives on a road with a Civil War and Before era cemetery. I love it.

Anonymous said...

Of course you can link to me. I will do likewise. I am looking through your archives and clinking all your links! lol I am in Va., too. Orange County.

Liz Miller said...

Cool beans. I drove down there a few years ago. Beautiful area.

Phantom Scribbler said...

Oh my! I still won't take a New York subway without a guardian. I can't imagine going alone as a very short child!

Julie said...

Love your survival technique. My sister had a friend in NYC who would pick her nose and eat it in order to make would-be muggers think she was crazy.

Liz Miller said...

I love that! I wish I had thought of it!

Yankee, Transferred said...

I am in awe of you. You are brave.