Unexpected
My car dealership was the last place I expected to be kept entertained. While there for a tiny car blunder, I came across a woman in her early 70s. I first noticed her at the service counter wondering whether to pay now or after her car had been serviced.
After being told it would take an hour to inspect my car, I sat outside about to start on some work and the woman sits next to me asking if someone could smoke here. I pointed to the large cement receptacle and figured it an oversized ashtray. I nodded.
After a few minutes, she asked what was wrong with my car. From there, the conversation veered towards her 30 year stay in Ojai, her 15 year stay in New York City at the height of the civil rights movement of the 60s, her musician son, and her love affair with a New Yorker from India.
This woman was fascinating. She talked about how much she missed New York and called it “the cultural center of the world.” She smoked 3 cigarettes while talking about “happenings” and “be-ins” at Central Park.
After an hour, we exchanged phone numbers, and I got two more things I didn’t expect: a possible client lead and a new, fascinating friend. Sara (“Sawra”) is a fascinating woman.
It doesn’t surprise me that I got along well with her. I tend to get along better with older people – I find that they’re less concerned with silly bullshit (and who wouldn’t get along better with them!) and more concerned with living their lives – I find they’re better equipped to handle things.
Its not uncommon for me to be good friends with folks whom are much older than I. I have more in common with them. Similar experiences and similar outlook on life..
I hate waiting, especially at places like this.
But I’m definitely happy I waited today.
