Monday, August 16, 2010

A Good Samaritan and a Swiss Bank Bag

Monday again.  I find these "Mondays" of ours particularly difficult to deal with coming off of a refreshing weekend, and refreshing it was.  That was the sound of a deep exhale.

Friday night the Chef and I decided to go to his place.  Trouble was we were at my place and had to make it over there.  This might sound like a small task, but there was so much to be done in order to make that happen.  Read:  catch up on Dateline, 20/20 and 48 Hours.  So by the time we pulled it together it was midnight and we found ourselves at In-N-Out Burger (aka manna from heaven - and for those of you not in AZ, CA, NV, UT please get to one of these locations stat to get a taste of what is rightfully yours).  As we were pulling out of the parking lot there was a man on the sidewalk amidst a bunch of teenage boys and he appeared to be asking them a question.  They all had the deer in the headlights look, so he began to cross in front of the car and I said to the Chef, "be careful.  This one might be packing the crazy."  He had made eye contact with me as he crossed in front and, sure enough, came to the Chef's window and began talking so he rolled it down a bit.  At this point the man asked where the nearest gas station was - which was well over a mile away - because he had run out of gas.  When we responded truthfully he asked for a ride.

Enter:  conundrum.  We are helpers by nature, but we are in Southern California - not the rural farming community I grew up in - this is no joke.  It was such an awkward moment because the guy looked a little disheveled and kinda dirty, but I guess I would too if I ran out of gas and was frantically looking for help after midnight.  And we truly did want to help, so we offered to take his container, fill it up, and return it to him.  He obliged and as we were returning with the gas I said to the Chef, "what a damn shame it is that we can't even give someone who needs a ride - a ride - for fear of our lives.  What kind of world do we live in where we can no longer feel safe helping someone?"  It truly made me very sad.  When we got back we gave him his container of gas and his change, and insisted we didn't want any compensation for helping someone who needed help.  And I apologized to him for not being comfortable to give him a ride, and even though he understood I pressed the point of the apology because I felt really bad to have had to leave him standing on the corner at bloody 12:30 in the morning.  Oy.

This is how the weekend began.  That experience, and several others of late, caused me to change my weekend cleaning plans.  Instead, early Saturday afternoon we hauled out of the house and decided to grab poolside brunch and cocktails at a small spot in the Chef's neighborhood.  We don't usually do this kind of lunch/brunch outing, but it was so nice and warm that we gave it a go.  What a wonderful idea.  If you follow me on twitter you saw a picture of our cocktails at, oh, roughly 5pm.  That's right.  We were there for hours people!!  I ended up chatting with a woman who grew up in the Bronx and now lives in Mexico with her husband who is a Chef, but has abandoned the profession to make handmade leather goods.  Yeah, get there ladies - he cooks and makes accessories.  She was the tiniest little bird who told me about her two kids, their lives in Mexico, that she's a trained dancer, did a little hip-hop imitation, took off her leather bracelet and tied it around my wrist...oh my gosh the stories I could release.  I never laughed so hard and had so much fun.  She was completely awesome (Chef says I have my first girl crush - hehe) and if I had stayed inside and done the laundry I would have never met her.  And what are the odds in LA where, no offense to anyone in LA because I love it, people are not always so down to earth and friendly?  She noted my handbag - made from authentic Swiss bank bags for reals - and I oooohed and ahhhhed over her belt and the rest was history.  I had been regretting the frivolous purchase of that unnecessary bag, but it ended up being the catalyst to a fantastic afternoon filled with laughter, a new friend, and a bracelet.  Life's too short.  The laundry can wait.

There's the lucky bag and my new bracelet.
Here's a close-up.  We were flying sans camera so this is it.
 Here you find the picture of a content woman post cocktails
...and an afternoon of stories and laughs. Yay!
(and yes that is a slight tilt)

Too bad there's a pile of work waiting for me this week, as well as a boatload of laundry, but that's okay because the weekend's coming. Ha! Wait a sec...I guess it may not get done then either?  Uh-oh!

What did you guys do?  Happy Monday!

77 comments:

Barbara von Enger said...

The world is not always a bright, happy place where laughter can be heard high in the hills.
Am so glad you helped this fellow with petrol.
Sure he'll remmeber the kind and warm gesture.
Indeed. California is one dangerous place - I know. I lived there. LOL

Brianna said...

I live in a really rural area and even here you just cant trust people to let them in your car, even when you can see theyre in need and they look like a good person. you just never know. its sad but you did the right thing.

love the bracelet. :)

Anonymous said...

You did a good thing - I understand why you feel bad though. It's sad things have to be that way, isn't it?

I don't mention the Crohn's much, think that's the first time I ever said anything about it on the blog. (Might have Tweeted about it when we were talking about your gf stuff? Not sure.) I've kinda made up my own diet, but nothing I stick to hard and fast - I kinda suck at it most of the time. We should totally talk and swap stories of GI problems, I have an odd fascination with such now :)

Unknown said...

love your shoes xx

Diana Mieczan said...

You really did well..You still helped but stayed safe...:) Well done!
Its sad that we all have to be so careful but that is better then later be in trouble, right?

I adore your bag and dont worry about the laundry...I have tones of it too...hahaha...

Kisses,sweetie and have a wonderful Monday...Hope its sunny:)

She Wore It Well said...

Yep, I too am scared of helping people, but can't help my desire to reach out. Here's to new friends! Hot tip - laundry can be done during the week too ;))

Leia said...

I feel very sad that we live in a world where we can't trust people... I am naturally very trusting but I suppose it's good to know when to have your guard up. I don't think you should feel guilty - you did help the guy after all, which is more than someone else might have done... and if you were in his situation I'm sure you would understand that someone might have hesitation in letting you into their car at that time of night.

Anyway, sounds like the rest of your weekend was great! Also, why was I not following you on twitter before?! Following now (I'm @leia12) xx

Leia

Lori said...

Isn't it sad that we do not feel comfortable nowadays to help someone out ~ but bravo to you for filling up his gas can and returning it to him ~ some people would not even have done this Carrie. It was fate that you went to this little bistro to meet your new girlie crush ~ sounds like a wonderful day! Have a great week.

jules @ The Diversion Project said...

i think that's so cool. and i love your bag!!

jules :)

Jessica said...

If it makes you feel any better, I wouldn't have given him a ride either. I'm glad he understood why you felt uncomfortable - you just can't be too sure anymore. But it is unfortunate that being "neighborly" has to be with such hesitation and caution.

Glad you had such a fun time out! I would have struck up a conversation with you over that bag too!

OneCraftyFox said...

Hey gorgeous, that is a great look!!

I totally agree with your story, I would not have given the guy a ride either. I must say, he was rather trusting though to give you his money and watch you drive away, lol!! That was totally sweet of you to do, btw. Most people would have just kept driving.

Or taken the money and driven back to the burger joint, lol. have only been in an In-N-Out Burger once, and that was last spring in San Fran.

Have an awesome day!!

PS Boo on the chef for not hoisting you up on the cow for a prime photo op :P

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love that you went and got gas for him. It is so frustrating to want to help and not to be able to because of "today's world". I had a similar struggle a while back. http://tiny.cc/rk060 So hard to know how to best help. So glad you did what you did.

And the new friend sounds amazing! I hope you keep in touch with her!

Sher said...

Oh, I absolutely want to steal your sandals! And your bag! And your bracelet!

It's sad to think of what the world has come to. I'll probably have done the same thing you both did though. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry:)

xx

Laura said...

Geesh I know. We have to be so suspicious of people these days! Great bracelets by the way :)

L x
Half Dressed

k said...

isn't it soooo nice when you do unexpected things and have a blast? i think that happens a lot - and relaxing in a different atmosphere with our men - always brings out some fun. so glad you got to meet a fun girl and laugh, you deserve lots of laughs :)

k said...

and p.s. I WOULD ADOPT YOU IN A HEARTBEAT! but you have to bring the chef too because i need to try some of his foods :)

Kristen said...

Great stories here Carrie. Sounds like brunch turned all day excursion was a great descision!

LyddieGal said...

It's unfortunate we can't help people as much as we'd like too, but you didn't just leave the guy high and dry, you helped him and I'd imagine many people before you did not.

I Also love it when something I'm wearing becomes a Segway to a conversation, and sometimes even a friendship. A little reminder that what you waer matters -- people are looking. We care.

Olivia RPS said...

wow, sounds such an eventful weekend! but i'm glad you had a lovely time :)
I travelled home from holiday, thats always sad :(
Olivia x
www.something-like-roses.blogspot.com

Blogs said...

I always want to help but fear for my life tooo....this world is a very bad place! That's a cute bag though:)

Closet Fashionista said...

Wow thats a crazy weekend!! At least you found a way to help the man still, I wouldn't have known what to do XD
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Daniela said...

I love how u sat and made a new friend with a complete stranger. And that she gave you her bracelet!! New friend and free gift!

You're right - people aren't friendly at all these days (not in boston either).

You still helped the man,, though...without risking your life.

Marie a la Mode said...

I was in the same position a few weeks ago when I was at my parents' house while they were gone for the weekend. I was home alone, it was daytime and there was a knock at the door. It was a guy, about 19 years old who was "canvassing" in the area and asked if he could use the bathroom. I said NO! And then I felt like a complete b*tch afterward. But after talking to a couple of my friends they said they'd do the exact same thing. So I felt a bit better. For about two minutes.

Lovely bag and bracelet by the way ; )

Oh, and I didn't make it to American Eagle this weekend : ( So that military jacket will have to wait for now.

Nikki said...

I've been in the same position and I felt the same way. It is really sad that you have to be fearful to help someone. I love what you guys did though, it was really sweet. And the rest of your weekend sounds like bliss.


xx
Nikki

Fé... said...

I went to the movies with my girls and watched The Killers. Beautiful setting, wonderful casts, but the plot sucks. Had a good time, though :p Hope you did as well.

Jessica said...

I don't blame you for not giving the man a ride. You just never can tell about people these days. Such a gorgeous bag and those bracelets are darling! The laundry can wait- at least you had a fabulous weekend! xo

Anonymous said...

So nice of you and Chef to help the guy w/out gas... a lot of people wouldn't have even gone to the gas station for him. I love how you make friends wherever you go! xo

erica said...

You are such a sweet person..... a sweet person with a FABULOUS wardrobe! love the new bracelet!

xo

Kristen said...

You did the RIGHT thing!
Please be comforted with the thought that most people wouldn't have even considered helping the guy. It is really great that you were kind enough to stop and help him. You took precautions because that's what we have to do.
It is sad, but this is the world we live in. :/ All we can do is the right thing when the opportunities arise and I whole-heartedly believe that you did the exact right thing!

Also, your Saturday sounded quite marvelous! I love meeting interesting, down to earth people. It's so refreshing and reassuring!

Annie said...

awww Carrie, I love this post! So nice of you and Chef to help that man out..I do agree it's sad to have to be cautious like that, but so glad you were!
What a fun day you had on Saturday! SO much better than chores around the house. Lesson learned - Laundry should always be low on the priority list (until you run out of clean clothes at least ;))

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

It is sad that we are scared to help others out. I myself am very hesitant as to whether I should help out a complete stranger. You guys are so nice to help him with his problem though. Great pictures sweetie.I love that bag! =) Oh and I came across this quote and thought I'd share it with you, "Mondays are a punishment for what you did/didn't do over the weekend" hehehehe..That quote definitely strikes true for me, I made sure to make the weekend all play and no work and now I shiver at the thought of whatever work I still need to get done. =)

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

What a great day!
We also did poolside at home over the weekend- Quite time at home and dinner parties (At other peoples houses) both nights- that's good.

Anonymous said...

Love In N Out Burgers.

Alicia Lund said...

aw i love it, life is too short and the laundry can always wait! ;)my weekend was a perfect mix of relaxing and friends / sister time! xx

Josie said...

You have the best stories, Carrie. Nothing exciting ever happens to me, I swear... Glad to hear that you had a relaxing weekend, love! You look fab; I love your bag!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Marcie said...

Carrie,

I am the exact same way. You want to help, but you have to be careful. I like the approach you took about getting him gas and bringing it back. You just never know in this day and age (hence, 20/20 and Dateline specials), so you have to error on the side of caution.

In other news, I LOVE the shading you did to your photos. They look vintage and fabulous.

xo M

Discovery Street said...

i definitely understand your hesitation...while we were on our road trip we actually picked up a hitchhiker!! (my husband was a former hitch hiker so he feels a lot more compassionate than I do about it). It is a crazy world and you just never know.

So, question. Who takes your pics? what kind of camera are you using? the shots always look like they are from a photo shoot!

Claire Kiefer said...

What a delightful day! I looooove weekend brunches (especially if they involve cocktails), and I applaud you for staying (and drinking!) till 5. Days like this are so memorable!

Also loved your story about the man who needed gas. My temptation would have been to just take him to get it as well, but I think you made the wisest choice. A couple of years ago, in my neighborhood, this guy stopped at a gas station for directions. A man at the gas station said he was headed in the same direction and could use a lift. Several blocks down the street, right in front of my house, the passenger pulled out a gun, demanded money, and shot the driver in the back. I heard the gunshot, called 911, ran outside, and watched the man die . . . sooooo sad . . .

Man, I just told you a depressing story! But the point is: sucks that our world is dangerous, but you're still a wonderful spirit for helping the man in need. Safely. :)

xoxoxo!

Unknown said...

Man you look good! That bag! Those clogs! Love!

Valerie said...

What a fun afternoon! The bag and bracelet were a good choice on all fronts, Carrie. And so were those shoes! I know what you mean about making good girl friends in LA. This place is rough. Haha. And about the guy who ran out of gas, I have felt that way before too. It's so sad, but with all the crazies out there, you just never know. At least you were still able to help him out. My dad always tells this story about a time when he was in Texas (my mom's from there and they were visiting my grandparents) and they ran out of gas in the middle of the night in a very remote location. They went to the nearest house to ask for help and the guy tossed my dad his keys and said, "My car's out back, just take it and get what you need." Can you imagine??? My dad tried to argue but the guy insisted, so they drove his car to get gas and brought it back, trying to pay him but he wouldn't take anything. Your story made me think of my dad's story and how different things are now (and in LA). Crazy!

xo
Valerie

Style, She Wrote said...

Love the distressed Lucky Bag. Very cute -- and great story, too. We had fun with friends and family. Happy Monday to you, too. xo style, she wrote

Jenna Hughes said...

thanks for the awesome comment! i love your jacket! subscribe if you enjoyed my blog :)

http://underthefluorescents.blogspot.com/

heather said...

Yay! To the beautiful day sans laundry! I love how your weekends keep ending up without the housework done. And for such excellent reasons! Also, laughs with new friends and new bracelets are soooo special! Glad you got to enjoy it fully!

It is sad that it can be scary to help people. I have been living in miniville for too long, so I will definitely need to find a reality check before I get back.

Also, Adventures of Cuppie, part III, is up! woot woot!
xoxoxo

Unknown said...

You did the right thing, not letting that guy in your car. It's really a shame, but truly, that was above and beyond for you to fill up his tank, too kind! And awesome about your new friend! I love meetings like that! XX!

PhotoPuddle said...

I'm sad to say it but I would have done the same thing. There's no way I'd let a stranger into my car. It is sad how this world has left us so untrusting of people. Glad you were able to help in some way though.

k said...

you crack me up, you don't have to send me ketchup, haha...i should just carry it in my purse like an old lady, can you imagine?!
and that is CRAZY about greg laswell, if i were you and not married, etc...i would totally be a fan girl. the concert was a few years ago, i actually don't know if he has had new albums since! tell him i said hi next time :)
and that is really weird that he drives that car - not what i would expect at all! kind of kills the image i have of him :)

OneCraftyFox said...

Thanks so much for letting me know about Cuppies new adventure, I had not yet seen it!!

OMGoodness, that was hilarious! Cuppie is having so many awesome adventures. Is it sad that a polyresin figurine has a more exciting life than me? lol!

xox
Diana

Anonymous said...

Yeah... I've become suspicious of weird people because of the situations I've found myself in several times (eg I've been attacked with a knife and robbed; I've had a guy try to open my rucksack to steal my wallet on an escalator in broad daylight) so there is no way I would have trusted the guy, either. I think it's really nice that you went to all that trouble to help him.

Couture Carrie said...

Lovely look, darling!
Must try that burger place someday!

xoxox,
CC

Abby said...

I'm so glad you helped the poor guy out. That is really sad that we have to be so careful about our own safety nowadays. I get freaked out walking from building to building at night on my campus nowadays. And with good reason to... there were two college students who randomly decided to beat up the next person they met, at 2 in the morning. They hadn't been drinking.

Outfit looks great, and you look so contented!

DT ~ RDH said...

Heehee, don't u just love days like your brunch day? The best of life for sure: food, company, laughter, new people to learn about, and leather goods!
Love the shoes too btw...
and, i feel u on the laundry front, but i try to tell myself that laundry is "background" housework, since you can load it, do something else, transfer it, do something else, and then fold it while doing something else (enter television...)!! not so bad after all. now those darned tubs....UGH- no getting out of the direct dedication and physical work there. :/

grayce said...

I want cocktails at the pool!!!! And your bag is pretty cool too.

Plami said...

I love the way you write. Very honest, It has an edge to it!

XoXo
Fiamma

http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

Plami said...

actually, I started writing on my blog recently... I guess it's because I can feel the fall spirit already and it makes me very creative:) I write a lot but somehow summer is like my low season when it comes to art and creativity :)

XoXo
Fiamma

http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I really like your blazer!

Melanie@UnravelledThreads

Kerri said...

it is a sad state that we have to be so careful when someone in need needs our help- i think you did the best thing and i'm sure he understood- i think since you were just so honest he wouldn't take offense! great way to handle it-

Closet Fashionista said...

(haha! I am in love with the comment you just left about my boots XD <3 <3 so funny, and true :D )

Anonymous said...

It was amazing of you to help at all. Don't feel bad that you didn't help as much as you wanted. Feel bad because I would've given him my "dude puhleeze" look then immediately texted a friend to let them know I barely escaped YK10 Manson. Afterwhich, I would have been a little nervous that he had time to get my plates.

The leather wrap she gave you is so awesome though. Sounds like an amazing weekend.

http://xoxoebony.blogspot.com

Dawn said...

Just ran across your blog. Love it!! I am also a cat lover and have saved many of them. =)

STYLE'N said...

tough situation but it was really nice of you to help him out. and, sounds like the rest of the weekend was fun with cocktails, poolside time, and love the bag and those bracelets!!! Back to reality now right?
naina

Miss Rebecca @ Flaming Ichijiku Art said...

Thanks for stoppin by!

Better safe than sorry, That is so wonderful that you took time to help him, even if he could of been creepy! Most people would not thought twice of just driving away!

Unknown said...

It is sad but you were smart about it, and went out of your way to help! Nothing to apologize for. I had a full weekend with my family and sadly they went back to Texas on Sunday :( Anyway, have a good week!

XX Cristina

Hello*Pretty said...

Loving your outfit!!! xo- karrie

www.hellopretty.net

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

It is sad what the world has come too, I agree. I'm always "on guard," so to say.

On another note, I love your outfit AND your comments on my blog ALWAYS, without fail, have me belly laughing! I think about sweets when I'm working out, too, lol! I love that you're always creative and able to make them gluten free! So creative of you!

Monday's almost over (yay!)!!!!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

Martha said...

Hi Carrie!

Thanks for sharing a bit of your weekend!

I understand how you feel and can relate to it. In today's world it is hard to trust people and it's a shame that we can't lend a hand because of the thought of what might happen to us.

On another note, I love your pictures. I always enjoy them. You have such great taste for fashion!

xo

Regan said...

Sooo cute!! xoxo

Tiffany Kadani said...

Oh, that's a tough one about the ride thing. It's so true- we are actually too scared sometimes to help. So sad.
And ps... I had In-n-Out on Saturday and it was AWESOME.

Blair McLeod said...

you are way too cute!

J. said...

I can barely get my outfits to match on a monday morning...let alone look this freaking perfect!

Unknown said...

you did so much this weekend that probably deserved a multitude of posts. i feel for your conundrum with the stranded man, but i'm glad you took the time to help him out--it is a sad thing that it's hard to trust strangers now a days, but you did the right thing at the time.

so fun about your new friend who is married to a chef! great new bracelet, lady! you look awesome for having so many cocktails (i'd be cross-eyed and/or cross-legged on the grass)

xx anna jane

Danielle Barbe said...

i like the lucky bag!

Dawn said...

You did something amazing....most people wouldn't have done even THAT (getting his gas can filled!)
Now days...yes it stinks...but society has gone a wee bit crazy and you still need to take care of you...(or else who would do the laundry;))
Happy day to you,
love your blog!
dawn

S.I.F. said...

I used to love love love my Saturday Brunches in San Diego! Always a good time... always!

And I totally dig that handbag lady! I would have started up a conversation with you about it too!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Sounds like a great weekend! I spent mine being sick :( So I had to live vicariously through others. haha
I know what you mean about feeling sad that it seems to be unsafe to even give someone a ride nowadays. I know of someone who offered to fill up someone's gas can and bring it back to them, and the person refused. I don't understand that. It is such a nice gesture, like what you did.
I hope your week is off to a good start :)

S said...

lovely post..there are no strangers, just friends we have yet to meet...lovely! xx

Roxy Te said...

I love the bag, but can I get those shoes please?!

Heather Taylor said...

In n Out is the greatest!

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