Every day after I write I think I’ve thought of what to write the next day. Then every day I forget. It is very difficult not having a brain. I’ll start with saying what I did yesterday, that’s easy.
A lot of drama happens in the apartment above me. I have had to call police several times as I’ve heard violent arguments that included the sounds of crashes. I’m not sure if things are being thrown or furniture knocked over, but it’s violent enough for me to fear for someone’s safety. It is a man abusing a woman. Other times I hear the woman verbally abusing a child. It’s difficult for me to make out most of what she says other than the strings of obscenities and the child crying. When I posted on Facebook that I heard that going on people suggested I report it. Yesterday I did. I wasn’t sure who to call so I called the New York City services line, 311. That was a great innovation, not matter what your problem, if it isn’t an emergency, that’s who you call. A tree is down on the power line? Call 311. Want to know where to vote? Call 311. Want to know about alternate side of the street parking? Call 311. A child needs help? Call 311. I give Mayor Bloomberg credit for instituting that. It makes the city better.
I called 311 and explained the situation. She probed to find out if she should call the police. I had considered calling them first, but they’ve been to the house before and the problem continues. What the operator explained was that first we’d talk to the police and they’d check on the child’s safety and then she’d connect me with ACS, the Administration for Child Services. I talked to the cops and I’m assuming they sent someone as when I left the house half an hour later there was a cop car there. Then I explained everything to ACS. Its’ tough as I don’t know anything about the people. I don’t know what they look like or the age of the child. I actually went up there once when I got some of their mail but don’t remember what the woman looked like at all. What I remember is that she had no affect. Usually if you do something nice for a neighbor you don’t know they respond with a thank you and a smile. Her face never changed expression. This was before I heard the abuse. Thinking of that now, it could be a result of the abuse.
The ACS operator said that they’d send someone within 24 hours. She asked for my contact info, it was not required. I gave it to her and asked if I could be notified when they investigated. She said yes.
Then I went out on the day’s mission, getting my phone’s camera fixed. The protective glass in front of the lens broke. This was the second time this happened, and I wasn’t happy about the repair job the first time. I did some research and found another guy that got good reviews. This one was near Aldi and Stop & Shop, so I decided to combine the repair with food shopping. When I called, he said it would take one to two hours, I figure I could also get a walk in. It was a beautiful day. When I arrived and he looked at it and said it would take only 45 minutes. That was great. I took a walk and stopped at Aldi for just a few things, spent ten minutes in the store, and got back in exactly 45 minutes. The phone was finished. Now I can start taking pictures for Instagram again.
On the bus ride home, my phone rang. Most of the time if my phone rings and it’s my default ring tone it’s spam, usually in Chinese. That’s what I expected. It wasn’t. It was a case worker for the ACS. She was on her way over and wanted to find if there was anything I could add to what she knew. There wasn’t but I was so happy they got right on it.
While I’ve never called ACS before I have called the police. I’d rather err on the side of caution. If I think someone’s getting hurt, I call. I witnessed that assault a month or two ago. That time I stayed around to talk to the police. I’ve also called in accidents. You can’t assume someone else will make the call. If everyone assumes that then nobody will.
Five years ago, today I posted on Facebook that I had no Thanksgiving plans and would like to. Emily posted that she was hosting Thanksgiving in Massachusetts and invited me. I went. I’ve been going ever since. I made my reservations to get there and home on Bolt Bus. By leaving on Tuesday instead of Wednesday I was able to get their legendary $1 fare! You have to grab those quick. I’m coming home on Saturday instead of Sunday and that saves a lot of money too.
Now it’s time for breakfast and watching The Good Place.
Wise Madness 