Good Morning Sunshine!.....

Anyone who has been to DC has met a few of our crazies roaming the streets. At first glance, one may immediately disregard the man begging for change, but I cannot help but notice the Tag on his wrist. Then there is the man begging for food who is clutching his carton of cigarettes which must have set him back about $34.99. I love a little bit of irony.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the crazies that talk to themselves. It is really and under-rated talent to be able to laugh, cry, yell, and challenge oneself when there is not a second party involved in the discussion. I once saw a woman even slap herself for "looking at her" the wrong way. I'm not quite sure how that came to be though.

There are even a few famous loons in the city. There's the "Compliment Guy" that frequents Dupont - he's my favorite. He singles out all the ladies and compliments their hair, clothes, handbag, or even their shoes. Seeing as how begging is a business, this guy is the Donald Trump of the Homeless sect. His unique approach to getting money from strangers even landed him on the front page of the Washington Post. Next, we have the "Insult Lady". She calls the streets of Georgetown home and is just downright scary. She'll chase after you just to tell you how fat you are, spit out any and every racial slur imaginable, and even insult your Mom. I am guessing she doesn't do too well with the handouts.

The first time I went to Logan Circle's CVS, I was a little taken aback to find that they had a doorman. The man holding the door set the record straight when he called me a "stingy mother f***er" as I left the store. I guess what they say is true, "nothing in life is free" - even an open door.

However, it is my neighborhood crazies that I really call my own. There is a group of 5 men that call the church lawn across the street 'home'. They greet everyone that passes with a smile and will even call attention to a shoe lace that has come untied. However, it is their unrelenting cheerfulness that has always caught me a little off-guard. When I pass them in the early morning hours on my way to work, they are quick to stand up and give a proper "Good Morning Sunshine!" with a wave - if only they didn't sleep naked and drop the newspaper when they stand. Good Morning Sunshine indeed.