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365: Assaulted again and scammed
Here are the notes I read from (maybe better just to listen):
Yesterday two things, I'll start with second because more poignant.
Ran into old friend a few weeks ago, clubbing, Submedia.
Met at bar, first time since March, ready to walk away, wasn't going to order doof. But distant, outdoor, nearly empty.
Talking for about an hour, a lot on how I transitioned.
Talking about TV show.
As an aside, he remarked knowing my regular background made stewardship more compelling and interesting than just tree hugger.
While talking, some guy starts rooting through trash can on street, throwing trash everywhere. I remark, almost act.
Then he starts yelling at us, threatening.
Dave, fresh from kickboxing stands and advances toward.
Guy points at me! throws bottle, shatters, leaves.
Five minutes later comes back, hauls off and throws bottle hard, shatters huge, all eyes are on situation.
Dave advances, I back him up. Gut yells at Dave, hard to understand since mostly Spanish, threatening, fists up, mostly at Dave, partly me.
Guy crosses street, Dave pursues, guy has lost advantage.
Dave crosses street, in guy's face, less threatening physically, but aggressive.
Through broken Spanish while still threatening Dave and me becomes clear.
He felt we were putting him down for having to eat from trash.
Instead of resolving or trying to reach understanding, throws bottles, so still crazy but different, not just malevolent or hurtful, defending.
Dave and I walk away feeling compassion, sad that he's in that situation, and sad that his resolution involves assaulting us.
Coming back workmen curious, cop asks a few questions.
You may have heard that I swam across Hudson River two weeks ago today for first time since 2008, twelve years ago. At nearly 50 years old, sort of risky.
Major life achievement. Why am I holding back on posting it? Because I wanted the video. Here's that story.
Two years ago
Last year, friend commits, backs out for reason he could have known.
Invite other friend, he loves it, life goal for him too I knew he was swim instructor, life guard too. Says he'll bring equipment.
I say, so I don't need to bring a camera. No, he has one.
Before swimming, I interview Joe De Sena and get invited to Vermont.
I invite friend, who is overjoyed, another life achievement.
He's marketing his coaching, sees huge benefit to webcasting from Spartan Race farm.
Joe and I have hit if off, hence the invitation to an invitation-only event, plus as I've shared, my carrying my rowing machine and kettle bell to roof. I offer to introduce him to Spartan community. As long as I'm there, I intend to share friends with friends.
We swim across, I'll share in post about swimming.
Ferry approaching us, scary. He jokes, good to have white person in facing authority.
After we reach shore, I hold on to his swimming equipment so ferry people don't identify him as swimmer they thought breaking lawn Before Friday, he says he can't drive. Family needs car.
I feel disappointed, but contact Spartan Up people. We go into overdrive finding someone I can ride with.
Many potential options, but only one works. I have to take train to.
Connecticut early next morning, but I make sure space for my friend.
Turns out he can't make early ride.
After we get back I text him how he would have liked it but next time, and ask him about video. No response.
Read text trail.
Our mutual friend defends him. Says I'm making a big deal about nothing, but sends twenty texts. What's going on?
I give up. Confused about what to do as weeks pass that I can't share about life event without explanation.
Finally yesterday he emails me. Read email.
My read of situation: I didn't bring camera because he said he would create. Never discussed charging.
Published on 5 years, 5 months ago