we have our small groups of friends but we aren't good at initiating a get together or dialing a friend's number or inviting people over or keeping in touch.  this is a terrible thing to admit but many times i'm relieved when plans to hang out with friends fall through :(
i suck, i'm sorry

anyway we're driving down venice blvd and i see a familiar face crossing the street and i excitedly blurt out hey that's my friend! should we pull over?

makoto also recognizes him and busts a u-turn without hesitation (uncharacteristic of us)

i didn't know his name but he lived on my street in my old neighborhood

literally on the street

every time i saw him he was walking somewhere with his shopping cart, collecting recyclables

a very nice man, he always smiled and nodded his head to say hello

we get out of our car to greet him

it's been 2 years since i lived on 23rd so i say you probably don't remember me but we used to be neighbors

he was still sweet as ever, still pushing his shopping cart, he had just come from the recycling center.  always working hard

we chatted for a while and makoto offered him a jacket that we've kept in my trunk for months (had been saving it for another friend but we've yet to find him again)

in the wake of my cousin's tragic death, one thing that has helped me is doing nice things in his honor.

and spending time with friends is nice for the soul

also today Jan 7 marks one year since Pickles came into our lives.  happy anniversary Pickles! thank you for being our friend