I enjoy telling people that I am an ‘ice cream man.’ Partially because it conjures a very specific image to a lot of people, and I like the idea of them thinking of me driving a Good Humor truck through Sunset Park in a white jumpsuit. But in another sense, it is very much a test. Classism has reached epic proportions, and people often treat workers in the service industry differently. If I had used the word ‘gelato’, or mentioned any of the accolades, the same people might think differently of me. And I would prefer people to come to their own conclusions- for better or for worse. Besides, after all, humility is still our core value.
People keep asking if my birthday this year is a 'big one.'
For me, every birthday is a 'big one.'
Too many of my friends never made it to my age. Whether it were drugs, suicide, murder, or cancer, many of them never made it to see 21.
So, I'm not just celebrating my own life- I am celebrating the lives of Semz, Mario, Bill, Matt, Silvers, Joey, Bono, Katie, Jaybones, Chris, Eric, Roberto, Mary, Barb, Col, Runer, Heineman, and too many others who left this world far too soon.
Please come celebrate and dance with me to the sleazy sounds of @ivanberko on Friday August 11th at my home away from home: @everybodyiknowcanbefoundhere
