#27

Life is a precariously balanced list of hopes and disappointments. That's how Mandy ended up working the "Nirvana" knitted materials booth at Columbus Circle's Holiday Bazaar. That's how Pete a 53-year-old black man from Pittsburg ended up a bike messenger in NY. And that's how Alex walked into my life. Doug from "Nirvana" re-reads a Daily News from the trash bin. "Little ditty 'bout Jack n' Diane..." in the background. Alex stands, shoulders slumped at the entrance to the bazaar, sighing into his phone, clutching his I ♥ NY bag. Okay...so Alex didn't actually walk into my life and his name (most likely) isn't even actually Alex. But he looks like an Alex. He, too, has experienced hope and disappointment--hoping to buy a gift--found nothing. that's how our lives function. We all settle for what we can get and we end up semi disappointed. Mike over there settled for that "Nirvana" sweater vest because he feels his wife will settle for it just as he is. I've settled for sitting on this cold fountain because the stone is a seat and the light is bright enough and the wind isn't TOO bad. Even Mandy glances at the used Daily News. What will you settle for this Christmas?