Thnks fr th Aplgs
Not a typo. Was trying to do a whole Fall Out Boy call back thing. The girls that get it...
Floor Time
/flôr tīm/
noun
the 15-60 minute time period spent laying on the floor in the middle of the work day, typically as a relief from the soul-sucking reality of corporate America.
I had the wildest encounter with a stranger this week. Before I tell you about it, I’ll have to rewind to fall of last year, when another incident occurred.
It was a normal morning, and I was taking Klaus out for his morning walk as I always do. One thing to know about the egg is that though he is almost 3 (little cancer baby—mark your cals for July 6!!!), he very much stays having puppy energy. This energy is most apparent first thing in the morning when he typically darts out of the apartment to have his Feral Frolic™. So, on this perfect fall day in 2022, Klaus senses the pristine weather in the air and practically bounds out of the house. I am obviously focused on him so I do not see, but I do hear, a lady about 10 feet out screech, “Oh my god!!” to which I respond, “Sorry for scaring you.” And she lashes back, “Control your damn dog!” I respond calmly—though also less patiently—"I’m sorry, but he didn’t touch you and was not going to attack you.” She continued to mutter curses (probably) under her breath as she sulked away.
I don’t remember too many specifics aside from the aforementioned. What I remember are all the feelings I felt. I was distraught that this stranger felt like it was necessary to lash out at me first thing in the morning. I was frustrated that she yucked my yum on such a beautiful day. And then later, with the gift of time to calm, I felt disappointed in myself for not being a more responsible dog owner. I’m not saying that it was right for her to yell at me, but I do think she had a point—not everyone likes dogs and that kind of quick movement can definitely be frightening to some. It’s my responsibility to make sure my dog isn’t the cause.
Now fast forward to this week. Over the past X months since this incident occurred, I have been much more thoughtful about how Klaus and I exit the apartment first thing in the morning. I have him wait on the ledge and I check if there are people on either side of the sidewalk approaching. Then we head out. So on this morning, we did this routine, and then Klaus beelines for a planter to have his morning pee1.
I look up and this woman is hyperfocused on me. She says, “Hi.” I tentatively say, “Hi…” because I have no idea who this person is. Then, this conversation plays out:
Her: “I’m not sure if you remember, but I yelled at you last year about your dog and I’ve felt bad about it ever since.”
Me: “Oh, honestly I learned something that day—not everyone likes dogs and I should’ve been more careful.”
Her: “No, no, to be clear I love your dog and he is so cute. My lashing out had nothing to do with you—I had gotten some bad test results that morning and I took out my frustration on you. I’ve actually been hoping I’d run into you again so I can apologize and tell you that I’ve felt awful about it ever since. I’m really sorry for how I acted.”
Me: “Wow, I’m really sorry you had to go through that, and I genuinely appreciate you coming up to apologize. That means a lot.”
Her: “I’m glad I had the opportunity to and I hope to see you and your dog around again. Have a good one.”
Me: “Thanks, you too.”
Me, aside, baffled in a good way: “Wtf just happened.”
At this risk of sounding trite (aka, I will now sound trite), this was a textbook example of you never know what someone has going on in their life.2 And, that it’s never too late to apologize and have a candid conversation that leads to deeper empathy and understanding. Immediately after our conversation, I felt the gnawing guilt and lingering frustration from the first meeting dissipate. It was replaced by this relief and acceptance, something you don’t often get after chance encounters like this. But it was pretty incredible.
Something Pretty
I feel like 2023 is the new 2010 because this week consisted of both Taylor Swift and Paramore concerts (I crie evertim, they were so good).
Something To Laugh About
This was a more serious and slightly less chaotic Floor Time than usual. So I think we have fully earned this week’s gems:
I love this energy. Everything about this is perfect. The throwback. The cozy inside clothes. The tiny hat.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this. It radiates peace, joy, and PHOTOSYNTHESIS 😎
By the way I went to the Eras Tour. No, I do not have amnesia. No, I did not wear an adult diaper. Anyway, IYKYK with this.
This isn’t the niche content we need, but the niche content we deserve.
And finally, happy Pride month!! Jail corporations!! I just—no words. Watch this.
It’s HAWT, ya’ll. Hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend—may it contain delightful encounters with strangers.
Til’ next time, neighbors. Your friend,
Clarice
By the way…I’m reading this.
I’ve hit a wall with Throne of Glass and need your encouragement. Nevertheless, we persist!
The benefit of having potty trained the egg in winter is that he is the world’s fastest pee-er (peer? lawl idk), and will literally pee within the first 10 seconds of being outside. It’s awesome.
Also makes me think of a recent Ted Lasso episode. Roy Kent ftw.