My Life In Da' Hood

Well it's been a little over a year since I moved to Da' Hood. I'd like to say that each day gets a little easier...but that would be a lie. Who would have ever thought that poor management of money in your twenties would lead to living like this. (So take it from me young + dumb = a tough time in your thirties). I should have seen the writing on the wall when I got into a major accident while moving my things in. God was trying to keep me me in Virginia.

Don't get me wrong, it feels good having money in the bank -- I've cut my expenses virtually in half. But nothing could have ever prepared me for the past year. Let's see if I can sum it up...

I live in a junior 1-bedroom apartment in a 4-unit building. There are no kids in the building. I have my own washer and dryer, dishwasher and jacuzzi tub (sounds like the inner city's hidden treasure, right?). But the true jewel is that I live in Washington, DC 2-blocks from the Metro and only pay $650 a month. So you say, what's the problem...

To quote my neighber, "It's like Mardi Gras everyday outside!"

I love my people, but somethings just AIN'T RIGHT!!!

Here are some valuable lessons I've learned during the past year:

• It is OK to plug anything into a neighbor's outside outlet - curling irons, stereos, cellular phones, etc...
• Gambling on a neighbor's stoop is acceptable as long as you pick up the money so she can walk by.
• It's also acceptable to braid hair, drink wine or eat your carry-out food on a neighbor's stoop.
• You'll probably have to step over a neighbor who won't move from your stoop if he/she doesn't get out of your way by the 3rd 'excuse me'.
• Like clockwork, the ice cream man doesn't come around until 10pm.
• Just because it looks and sounds like an ice cream truck doesn't mean that you can't by hot dogs, nachos, french fries, etc. from him...just ask. (Though I believe that ice cream is a special order and he'll bring it by the next day.)
• If a neighbor is interested in getting to know you better, it is customary to volunteer to wheel his BBQ grill to your front lawn and cook you a hot dog (just in case you didn't want to spend your dollar at the ice cream truck).
• No one plays on the grass in the park at the end of the block (that's sacred ground - specifically reserved for ghetto memorials to the 'fallen soldiers').
• Everyone plays in the street -- adults, children, infants, seniors -- I mean it is 'Mardi Gras'. So you might as well put your car in park and join the party because they don't move until they feel good and ready.