Jeff
EAST SIDE WESTSIDE HARLEM-ALL ABOUT TOWN AND TIME!
Today was a busy day in NYC with four closings and a haircut appointment! Running and catching subways — —
“Yet today would reinforce the core values that makes America -the America we all Love and Cherish.”
A mid-day appointment was on 125th street and Amsterdam in Harlem. When I confirmed this assignment, the wife, Maria —
PROCLAIMED, “WITH MY HUSBAND, WE OWN THE BEST BURGER JOINT IN NYC”!
The diner Harlem Burger Shake was very cool, with a retro vibe! — on a bustling corner right off the 125th street subway. There were autographed photos from professional boxers to actors to Barak Obama. All thanked the diner and the owners for the best shakes and burgers.
WELCOME TO THE NEW AND BETTER AMERICA
Arriving, I asked for Maria and Pedro. Pedro introduced himself in a strong, accented voice. He was an average-sized man with a charming, easy disposition. He explained that his wife was on the way as she was tending to their 2-year-old.
We exchanged pleasantries, Pedro stated in a firm voice that the diner had a rating as the #1 burger joint in NYC.
THE AMERICAN DREAM IS ALIVE AND WELL
Pedro was very proud of this distinction, as he told me NYC had the best of everything. Pedro was from Mexico, and he was living the American dream.
REALITY SETS IN-WHERE IS THE BATHROOM
Right on cue, I had to go to the bathroom and urgently asked Pedro for the men’s room. Rushing to the door of the bathroom-it was locked! I waited and waited; 5 minutes seemed like But, as an hour. As we all know, when you HAVE TO GO, YOU HAVE TO GO!
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE, AT TIMES, THEY STAY THE SAME
Finally, the door opened and out walked a looped-out 20-something male tripping over himself. He held the door and looked like he must have cleansed himself. There were papers all over as he stumbled by. I held my breath as I had just reached the toilet and took care of business. Pedro explained that his wife was in traffic, running late.
Once again, Pedro offered me anything I wanted as I settled into a booth. Unfortunately, I had already had lunch; it was a big mistake based on the food served. The fragrances of the burgers and fries filled the room.
I GOT WEAK AND ASKED FOR A VANILLA SHAKE— I texted my next appointment that I would be late. The woman Carol Lawrence started to freak out that she was with her advisors, and time was limited. I assured her the closing would go quickly. She went on and on that she had many questions. Yes, I had a nut job, a needy single woman for my next appointment. All very typical as I have heard this act many times before.
THE AMERICAN DREAM-NOT EVERYONE IS CREATED PLEASANT AND SANE!
As I sat, awaiting Maria, I kept texting my next appointment to keep her calm. I noticed the diner got jammed as a group of preppy high school kids came in all at once. Then, finally, Maria showed up and apologized for being late. Maria was attractive and very polished. Maria and Pedro were living the American dream, immigrants from Mexico: working hard and prospering.
It was a long closing, but fortunately, I had it all marked up to move along smoothly. Maria and Pedro gave me their cell phones and told me they would take care of my family. All the sights, sounds, and smells of a fun diner and hard-working immigrants.
Lessons Learned!
-never judging
-meeting the world
-always keeping a moral compass
-respecting all
- The American Dream is alive and well!
Now I am running to the East Side. No more vibrant smells of food and fragrance, but with a million senseless questions. All in the travels of trekking notary. Each assignment was $150 and a new story, many not exciting or telling of the American dream.
The journey from world trekking to notary trekking and the lessons learned-reinvention, discovery, and keeping it real!
Jeff
