We Live In Brooklyn

August 8, 2011, 7:15 pmDoctor Psychobabble10 comments

“we live in brooklyn
with the type street curb hangers and the beat don’t shtop
we live in brooklyn
it’s no lie, do or die in the land of shown proof
we live in brooklyn”

- Lyrics from “Borough Check,” by Digable Planets

Mexican stand off

Today was a good day. I had a fun day at the state psych hospital. Even though I am utterly dripping with sweat by the time I arrive to work, I continue to refuse to take public transportation or drive the 1.4 miles to and from work every day.

I also saw the nice Trinidadian man that I sometimes see. He said to me, “I figured out your secret today.” I responded, “what is that?” “I know how far you walk to work every day in the heat, snow, or rain, and I know that it’s your secret to happiness.” “You got me!” I replied. “Don’t worry, I won’t give away your secret,” he said. “It’s okay, I like to spread the joy,” I replied with a smile.

Enjoy the photo with this post, as it was taken on my sweltering walk to work today. One of the coolest things about walking to the state psychiatric hospital is that there is this defining moment, about 2 blocks away from the hospital, where I cease to see “normal” folks, and begin to see folks who I can clearly identify as psychiatric patients and residents of the hospital. Some people might feel a bit anxious about this transition, but it makes me feel like I’m coming home.

Also enjoy the above video. My partner Micah made it yesterday. We went out in our neighborhood to run some errands and were greeted with a surprise block party. I had no idea he was taking a video. But glad that he did!

Part of My “Yo Brooklyn, Fuhgeddaboudit” Photo Series

  • http://www.TheseScrubs.com Doug S

    Yeah Digable Planets. That brought me back. 
    “Just a nickel bag of funk.”

    Riding my bike the three or four miles to work in Chicago in all four seasons, I thought I found a secret too. During the winter, I wore a neoprene chicken mask, winter cycling tights and gloves, plus a thermal shirt. I felt like a warrior against the elements the first few rides. But thereafter, I felt at one with the harsh snow and icy wind gusts. That embracing made me feel great and it showed, so I was told. 

    Great insight from your Trinidadian pal. Go Caribbean.

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      for realz!

      also, digable planets keeps me happy. :)

  • http://www.TheseScrubs.com Doug S

    Yeah Digable Planets. That brought me back. 
    “Just a nickel bag of funk.”

    Riding my bike the three or four miles to work in Chicago in all four seasons, I thought I found a secret too. During the winter, I wore a neoprene chicken mask, winter cycling tights and gloves, plus a thermal shirt. I felt like a warrior against the elements the first few rides. But thereafter, I felt at one with the harsh snow and icy wind gusts. That embracing made me feel great and it showed, so I was told. 

    Great insight from your Trinidadian pal. Go Caribbean.

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      for realz!

      also, digable planets keeps me happy. :)

  • Jon

    Interesting film. What kind of camera and tweaks did Micah use? I’ll bet he forgot to tell you the party was in your honor.

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      he used an iPhone 4 to shoot the footage, the “8mm” iPhone app to give it the cool effects, and i think he used the iMovie iPhone app to edit and add the music. amazing what you can do with an iPone, hey?! :)

  • Jon

    Interesting film. What kind of camera and tweaks did Micah use? I’ll bet he forgot to tell you the party was in your honor.

    • http://doctorpsychobabble.com Dr. Psychobabble

      he used an iPhone 4 to shoot the footage, the “8mm” iPhone app to give it the cool effects, and i think he used the iMovie iPhone app to edit and add the music. amazing what you can do with an iPone, hey?! :)

  • Ruby

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    It’s a great pleasure to read your blog. I find your post very
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    that you are living in a real world, far from perfection but is surely  full of interesting elements.

    As a reader, I consider your writing to be a great example of a
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  • Ruby

    Dear Dr. Psychobabble,

    It’s a great pleasure to read your blog. I find your post very
    informative allowing us to have a glimpse of your world. It is great to picture
    that you are living in a real world, far from perfection but is surely  full of interesting elements.

    As a reader, I consider your writing to be a great example of a
    quality and globally competitive output. It would be a great thrill and honor
    if you could share your genuine ideas and knowledge to our community, Physician
    Nexus. With this you can gain 1000 physician readers from over 62
    countries on Nexus.

    We would love for you to visit our community.  It’s free, takes seconds, and is designed for
    physicians only – completely free of industry bias and commercial interests.

    Best,

    Ruby Abarcas

    On behalf of the Physician Nexus Team

    http://www.PhysicianNexus.com