snowflake in the hood

I know. I know. I've been gone forever. I used to blog while I was at work, teary-eyed from editing the most boring content on earth. But I got a new job, one that got REAL busy for me about the time that my last post appeared. I apologize for the neglect -- it's nothing personal. Quite the opposite really. I've missed you. I need you.

So here's the thing: I'm about to have a whole new batch of stories to tell. In a couple of weeks, I'm moving to my new apartment in Brooklyn. Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. And I tell you with much sincerity that I have, in my last two visits there, seen only 4 other white people -- and one of them was with me.

I tell you this not because I'm scared, but rather amused. Generally speaking, black men love me. They love a woman with an ass, and have even audibly commented before that I'm that elusive white girl in the hood who isn't skinny as a twig. Last week, I got a round of applause when I passed by the 10-12 black guys doing construction on my block. And during my apartment hunt, I had many, many compliments, smiles, and winks sent my way. So really, it has nothing to do with getting more for my money, or moving out of my shoebox studio. It's about self-esteem and feeling good.

So surely, as I adjust to my new surroundings, I'll be starting from scratch in terms of my city smarts. I mean, wearing comfortable footwear and tactfully avoiding remnants of dog poo are skills that transfer, but I know better than to believe I won't be surprised by anything in the new hood. So stay tuned. I promise I'll be back.