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counting a month in Toronto

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

I've been back in the city for a month now, thought I'd take stock:

I've been compared to Jeff Goldbloom twice (the latest in a long string of likenesses). I've had two compliments on a new shirt.

I know of two Japanese women working at counters in my immediate neighbourhood. Maybe it's them with whom I'll keep my Japanese skills luke-warm.

I've found three good falafel lunch restaurants along King Street west. Three!

I've met with four old friends. I've been stood up for meetings with old friends twice.

I've started tipping. I've experienced delays on the transit. I'm getting re-aquainted with seeing (real) blonde women. I've been given a break by a checkout teller on a few cents no fewer than four times. I've had one sneering comment on the street from a passer-by, and I've complimented strangers on things like coats etc twice. This ain't Tokyo.

For the first time in my life, I've lost a key. I've looked at countless apartments, and found none that I wanted to live in. But most importantly, I've found one job. Exactly the number I needed.