Friday, June 13, 2008

I live in one of those neighborhoods . . .

Those neighborhoods are the kind that are in development. The houses are still expensive (but less so than other areas), there are new trendy restaurants next to boarded up or empty shops, and the neighbors are a mix of people from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. It's great, exciting, and there are always new things to discover. When new people move into the neighborhood, it is rare that I actually see who they are. With tall privacy fences and hot summers, it is more likely they stay indoors. What I do see, is a new car or two. I hate to admit it, but I judge them by the type of wheels they roll in. A giant SUV with spinning rims . . . says, I care about what I look like and not about the environment, a minivan says there may be some kids, a classic car shows someone is into antiques, an old van with tinted bubble windows and an antenna on the top says there is a sting operation on the neighborhood. We currently have a mix of cars ranging from an orange VW beetle to a large transportation van.

Last week, a new prius came into the scene. . .will they put up a solar panel, plant a green roof? Time will tell.

3 comments:

Why S? said...

I live in the same type of neighborhood, except it's in Los Angeles. And of course, I make assumptions about people based on their cars. I love seeing a new Audi or Jag in the 'hood. And I was livid when an old VW van, filled with junk, was parked in front of my house for several days. I don't always admit these thoughts out loud, but it's not about preferring rich people to poor people. It's about knowing that the person who drives the Jaguar is less likely to leave dirty food wrappers from 7-11 on my lawn. It's about knowing that the $$ I'm investing in my house might pay off one day. It's about knowing the Jag or Audi driver will be more cautious when parking next to my car.

Corey said...

We're in the same boat, neighborhood wise. Mine is pretty nice but borders a a more transitional one.

I so want a green roof but in B-more, I just don't think I'd get my money back on it at resale. :-(

Jennifer said...

I think it... but I'm always kind of glad to see the 10 year old but in good condition Corolla or Civic. THOSE are my favorite neighbors... dependable, hardworking, and upstanding.

Injuries Obtained

  • Sprained Toe/Foot: 1
  • Blood Blisters: 2
  • Splinters under fingernail: 1
  • Bird Shit on me: 1
  • Eye Injuries: 3
  • Burns: 0
  • Falls off ladder: 0 (this is because we don't have a ladder yet)
  • Headaches: too many to itemize
  • Broken Bones: 0
  • Bandages Needed: 5
  • Electric Shocks: 2
  • Stiches: 0
  • Bruises: way too many