Clearly, then, the city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo. ~Desmond Morris, The Human Zoo
Over two months ago I was supposed to go to the Social Security office and take care of some business regarding my last name. Dude and I have been married almost 12 years and I’m still walking around with my maiden name on my Social Security card. Since I want to file for S.S.D.I. this is something I that had to get changed.
I haven’t done it because I didn’t want to go into the city by myself. Finally, Dude took me to the Social Security office today so I could get it taken care of once and for all. Thank GOD he went with me or I would have had a few minor meltdowns.
When we got to the city we couldn’t find a place to park. We drove around a few city blocks several times before Dude settled upon a spot in front of the Adult book store. It’s open 24 hours a day and has a nasty smell outside the door. I thought I was going to puke.
Dude and I walked down the street to the S.S. office. Once we arrived there were two people screaming at eachother, “Fuck you!”, “No, you shut the fuck up!” They continued screaming at each other until the security officer told them they would have to leave if they didn’t shut up.
This is only an observation…Dude and I were the only white people there.
We waited about 30 minutes until my number was called, took care of the name change and out the door we went.
As we were trying to drive out of the city we had to drive around a few blocks off the main drag and then got stuck at a red light. All of a sudden a huge pack of motorcycles came revving down the block. They turned and at one point we almost surrounding our car. I started to have a meltdown until I realized they were going into the funeral home that was right next to us and that they weren’t purposely surrounding us.
It was all too much excitement for this gal. I’m from the suburbs, what can I say?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
hahaha @ the motorcycles surrounding you guys… what a relief!
and yay for getting the social security stuff taken care of. i’m not used to the big city either & would be just like you were, i’d definitely hyperventilate!
janes last blog post..This, that & the other
You make me laugh. Hard.
I love this account of the city. I spent a long time living in *gag me* Baltimore. I lived in the straight up ghetto in a warehouse as a semi-squatter of sorts and in the “nice,” college-type, Johns Hopkins–Homewood part of town (obviously not so nice considering). But, crazy stuff went on there all of the time and I remember being just like that at first until I just got used to the busy bustle and constant commotion. It’s really funny to hear something like that now.
GirlintheCrosswalks last blog post..polka dot.
I seem to prefer the city. Your description of the SS office reminds me of the offices in Memphis Tennessee…..but then no matter where you went in Memphis, all the places were like that. The motorcycles wouldn’t have phased me though, I have my motorcycle endorsement!
Glad Dude went with you!
Blondefabulouss last blog post..Web
You’re too funny.
Me too! I am not a city girl at all. I’m glad everything worked out ok for you!
I live out in the middle of a pasture, light-years away from civilization (or more like 15-20 miles). Just the way I like it.
When I go “to town”, it’s to a town with a population of about 6,000. Cities, to me, are fun for occasional visits…and that’s it. 
Dude, the motorcycles would be the fun part! Well, except they were going to a funeral, bummer.
I’m still dreading changing my social security number and I live in a small town. I love going to the DMV here; there’s never more than 2 people in line!
Did I tell you about the time I spent driving around Allentown for like 90 minutes because I had forgotten directions and couldn’t find out which damn street actually lets you out of that city? Glad the name change was a quick thing!
I’m originally from “The City” and the “The City” scares the crap outta me!
LOL. Glad Dude was able to take you!
I remember playing softball in North Las Vegas - fireworks would go off & you’d hit the floor of your car thinking it was gunfire.
Welcome to my daily life now. And somehow I only melt down in front of Dawg when I forget what the current plan is and am operating on a plan two revisions ago. It’s very confusing sometimes.
Congrats on finally taking care of business.
Lisa- Not that it matters, but perhaps those motorcycles were headed to a military funeral-Partiot Guard Riders? They are there pay respects and to guard fallen soldiers- keep the peace. Did you see old Glory flying, POW Flags etc…? Maybe not, just a thought. Glad yu took your Dude with you.
jane: It’s not really a big city, but a crime-filled city.
Girl: The city I went to has a very high crime rate. Baltimore is probably a huge step up in comparison.
Blondefabulous: I don’t think the motorcycles would have faced me had there not been cars with “RIP” written on them. It was a gang related funeral.
Avitable: Who me?
radioactivegirl: Everything is better in the suburbs.
Ashley Hast: That sounds like country living.
annie: So, you need to change yours too?
HeatherK: That’s just about as bad as driving around Reading.
Megryansmom: Not every city is bad but like I said…this city had an extremely high crime rate.
Tug: That’s EXACTLY how you would feel in Reading.
Poppy: See, I feel I totally safe in New York.
Defendusa: No, these bikes were gang related…totally gang related.
Um. well, then you would have been completely correct to have a meltdown! Something like “I Love Lucy is what I would picture!!!
LMAO! Oh you poor thing. Mind you, I’d be the same way if I lived in a very busy place. I don’t think I’d be able to cope with it all. That’s why I don’t want to move to London although I probably will in a couple of years.
In response to your “observation”…there is scientific evidence that shows that the more brown your skin is the crazier you act. The brown color seeps into your skin or something like that; didn’t read all the research (being sarcastic, if you can’t tell).