some things I will never tire of hearing (lyn)

I’m running out to go to the bank.  I’m wearing a big down jacket and my Ugg slippers.  At least I have on jeans and not flannel pajama bottoms that I’ve actually seen worn by kids at Alexander’s school.  I have on no makeup and my hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail.  My sister Valerie would be appalled.  I can hear her saying, “How do you expect to ever meet anyone running around like that?”  On the way back from the bank this older woman who lives in my building is walking by.  I know her by face only, despite my having lived in the building for over 18 years.  She stops me.  “Excuse me,” she says, “But I just have to tell you.  I can see you are keeping the weight off and you look so young.  I’m not kidding, you’ve lost 20 years.  I remember what you looked like when you moved into this building, and you look exactly the same now.  And believe me, I’m not the type of person who just gives out compliments.”

I wanted to hug her, right there on the street.  Maybe then I could have asked for her name!