Lunch Break

If there's a fast food chain in need of a new advertising campaign, they should probably send a few camera crews down to Philadelphia around noon. I had the opportunity to walk through Center City today right around lunch break. I've never seen so many different people eating so many different things. People from all walks of life were out, sitting on benches or standing at street corners, waving their hands and consuming dollar hotdogs and value meals. There were construction workers hanging from rigs and businessmen chatting on cellular phones. There were bicycle messengers and tourists and students and even an old person or two.

I was down in the city for an interview - a big, important interview in a big, important building with a big, important guy. That being said, I was there in a new suit, with a tie and freshly-shined shoes; you know, the works. For the first time ever, I got to walk around the city with all of those important people in their blue blazers and spiffy shoes and try to blend in with them. For the first time ever, I was in a place where young (and old) professionals walk around and talk about big, important things. And I was wearing the right form of camoflage!

I think I stuck out like a sore thumb. I felt more "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" than "Boiler Room," that's for sure. It's not that the city makes me uncomfortable - not many places do that, any more. I guess I just don't feel old enough. I feel like I did when my dad indulged me on Take Your Son To Work Day in elementary school. I don't know what it is... maybe my suit's too big.