OMG, there’s an official crazy lady in Stuck-Up.
You’d think after living here for nearly 11 months that I would have discovered the crazy lady already, but apparently not. Last night was the first time I’ve had the pleasure. Of course, I would say that there are tons of unofficially crazy people in Stuck-Up - the people with their Christmas decorations still up, the women who wear fur coats and sweat pants, the parents who have their five year olds in 7 activities - but you don’t normally see the typically urban type of crazy here. You know, the kind of crazy person who wears odd clothing and talks to him or herself in public. (Because we all talk to ourselves when we’re alone, right? RIGHT?)
Until we moved here, I’d spent the last 18 years living and/or working in an urban area. So I got sort of used to crazy homeless people and odd fellow store patrons. And until I met the woman last night, I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed seeing crazy people. I’m not sure whether they just make me feel better about myself (as in, my hair could be worse!) or whether I just like to be reminded of the world beyond my own petty problems.
So last night I went out to get a treat for the small people that live here. And there, right in front of me, was a woman in a black wig, sunglasses and four coats. One of which was a lovely Burberry trench coat. It didn’t quite match the down vest she had on underneath. She also appeared to have zinc oxide on her lips. I loved her immediately. Although I admit my love did shrink a bit when she cut in front of me to chat with the cashier. And I do mean chat - she wasn’t ready to purchase anything yet. Finally she wandered away so that I could order. The cashier let me know that she actually LIVES IN STUCK-UP! Apparently she only visits the local businesses at night (probably why I’ve never seen her, considering my night life only exists on my computer). She LOVES to hang out and chat but gets visibly upset if she is asked to step aside for a paying customer. She was very nice to me, though. At least, from what I could follow of the conversation.
There’s a part of me, of course, that feels bad for this lonely woman. Who was obviously cared for but not talked to. But the other part of me is relieved to find a crack in Stuck-Up’s Stepford facade. There are people stranger than we are living in Stuck-Up. Who knew?
8 responses so far ↓
Mama Zen // February 2, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Sometimes, I’m afraid that I’M the crazy person in my neighborhood!
Aunt Becky // February 2, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Dude, I think I miss the Crazies, too. They don’t seem to come out this way, so it’s been years since I’ve seen one.
Can I tell you I’m jealous?
Reiza // February 3, 2008 at 4:03 pm
It’s bizarre that you posted about this because I was just thinking about the crazy people from my high school days and wondering what happened to them (really crazy people, not just teenagers being teenagers).
Oh and JSYK, one of the crazy people in the town where I grew up was considered crazy because he kept his Xmas lights up in his yard insisted on turning them on into the SUMMER. Even when all the strands were falling down into one big mess, he actually went through the effort of plugging them in and turning them on every freaking night.
anglophilefootballfanatic // February 3, 2008 at 9:36 pm
What stats do you speak of?
I love crazy people. Burberry coat? Umm…she’s a rich crazy?
MamaGeek // February 3, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I’m with AFF, she sounds like a rich, crazy lady. And crazy is just always SO amusing!
Leslie // February 3, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Crazy people are awesome.
(P.S. I have my three-year old in six activities. But, I guess we already knew that I was crazy.)
anne // February 4, 2008 at 9:28 am
We have a Crazy Man in our neighborhood. We call him Radio Man because he is usually carrying around something electronic. He dresses like Schneider on One Day at a Time. The neighbors say he’s harmless… so far so good.
jerseygirl89 // February 4, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Mama Zen - That’s what I was afraid of - you just need to find someone crazier than you are.
Aunt Becky - Maybe you just need to hit your local McDonald’s in the evening to find one.
Reiza - OMG, I wonder is my crazy lady is also a person with her decorations still up. I hadn’t even thought of that!
AFF - The graph thing is my favorite. And yeah, I think she’s rich crazy.
MamaGeek - And it’s easier to be amused by rich crazy as you know the person’s basic needs are being met.
Leslie - But Julia isn’t in school all day with six activities on top of school and homework. So you’re not crazy. At least, not because of that.
Anne - That’s awesome. He’s sounds even better than my crazy lady (and points for the Schneider reference).
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