I apologize in advance for the storm of negativity you are about to experience; I really just need to get some things off of my chest.
1. A few weeks ago Oliver and I were walking home after a going away party for some friends. It was dusk when we left, and fairly dark by the time we got home. There was a strange car parked with its lights on, running, and a person sitting in the driver seat, right in front of our house. I was really freaked out about the car just sitting there, when I saw a person walking through our back yard, in the dark. I had no idea if someone was in the house, or what was going on, but it was all very weird and very scary. I called 911, and sat there, in front of the open front door, holding a sleeping Oliver, plotting the best way to get out of the house quickly, if someone was there. The car sat there for over an hour, and so did I, just watching it, totally scared. The police never came. They never came! I think that is only the second or third time in my life I have called 911, and I did it because I actually felt like it was necessary, not because it seemed like a fun thing to do; and the police never came. How is that even possible? It is Champaign, so I am sure they were too busy pulling over young brown skinned boys for no reason to show up for an actual call where they are actually needed. The list of what-if’s running through my head is just insane, and I don’t feel safe here anymore. How can I trust that should I need them again, they will actually show up this time? Word to Chuck D is all I have to say about that.
2. Trash removal is a privatized service here. It is totally retarded. On our block alone there are at least 5 different trash removal companies picking up trash on Thursdays. The trucks start at about 3 in the morning and keep coming until about 10. It is the most insane system I have ever witnessed. 5 different trucks come and pick up trash from 5 different houses, almost right in a row. It is so inefficient, wasteful, noisy, and just stupid. I think I am running for mayor to reform this ridiculous crap.
3. I have just started riding my bike again since having Oliver, and working out work schedules with Sasha. Yesterday I rode to campus town to work at Bar Gulianni, the best and only place to get coffee here. I had 5 cars yell at me! I know, I have heard of this happening, but it seemed like an exaggeration until I actually experienced it. 5 cars, all middle aged, seemingly middle class white people. I got 1 “you’re going to get killed”, 2 “get on the sidewalk” and 2 “get off the road”. What is wrong with these people? What is wrong with this town? Don’t they understand that sidewalks are for pedestrians, and that bikes are vehicles? And ‘you’re going to get killed” …really? That is just mean and total malarkey. Don’t be scurred of the bikes Champaign; it’s going to be okay.
4. I miss Chicago.