No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn

OK, technically I went to Brooklyn on very little sleep. But that wasn’t my fault; the bars are open until 4 am here.

Yes, I finally left my little island to check out another borough. And how did I get there? I walked the 6,016 feet (1,834 m for my international readers) across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Ready for your fun facts? The bridge crosses the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The construction was completed in 1883, and at the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world (the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan currently holds the record). And, it played an important role in the film "Fantastic Four".

In West Philadelphia born and raised …

I have a new man in my life. He is sweet, he is available, and he loves to travel. He even has his own theme song.

His name is Mister Softee.

I know what you are thinking. (Especially some of you.)

What am I doing, seeing a 50-year-old? I just can’t help myself.

I first noticed Mister Softee a few weeks ago, when the weather got warmer. There he was, on the corner of 44th and 6th, ready to serve. I was tempted, but I had to do a little reconnaissance first. Turns out, a lot of people know Mister Softee; he is an East Coast institution. Everyone I spoke to offered up his or her best advice.

One balmy Friday afternoon, I finally worked up my nerve to go see Mister Softee. With a girlfriend by my side, we made our approach. “How can I help you?” he asked. The moment of truth had arrived. I studied him for a moment, and then said without hesitation, “I’d like a vanilla cone with chocolate sprinkles, please”.

I think I am in this relationship for the long haul. (Or at least until the end of summer.)