Every since the weather warmed up, you know, like last week, I’ve made it a point to take a long walk around my neighborhood every day around lunchtime. I usually go for at least a couple of miles and try to vary my route so I keep things interesting. These walks, by the way, are a major contributor to my recent skinny jeans celebration.

I’ve noticed a lot of things on these walks, and since it’s starting to dawn on me that in just a few days I won’t see those things anymore, I thought I’d take a minute and recognize these musings with an Ode to My Neighborhood. No, I’m not going to rhyme or be fancy. I’m just going to give a quick list of the good, the bad, and the probably-so-inconsequential-that-I’m-the-only-one-who-cares:

There are some friendly people around here. Whenever I pass anyone on the street there is always a sign of recognition – eye contact, a nod, a smile, sometimes even an actual “hello.” Kind of unnerving sometimes.

Seriously, do kids not go to school anymore? They are everywhere around here. It’s noon, people. Not even my high school let us go off campus for lunch, never mind elementary school.

Note to whoever maintains the street a couple blocks over: the trees are winning. I suggest you try a different approach.

Just because there is a mailbox at a bus stop doesn’t mean you can drape yourself on it. It’s awkward when I just want to send in my Netflix and be on my way but all your crap is in the way.

Speaking of crap – pick up after your dogs. Seriously. Nasty.

To the dude that decorated his minivan for Halloween and never un-decorated it: you rule. It took JB and I weeks to figure out that you didn’t actually do pickups for the morgue in that thing. Our opinion of the Medical Examiners’ office is also irreparably damaged given your crude signs that we thought were this town’s version of “official.” Awesome.

To the guy at Tony’s Pizzeria: if you aren’t willing to make me a slice with artichoke hearts, don’t put it on your menu. If you can make it as a pie you can make it as a slice.

Boston drivers are supposed to be among the worst in the nation, but they are the best I’ve seen at actually stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, even in the absence of ::gasp:: a traffic light. It’s like, they see a person about to cross the street at a designated spot, and, therefore, they stop to avoid vehicular manslaughter. Genius. Other states, take note.

There’s a tiny cafe around here that makes yummy sandwiches and greasy fries. I’m sorry I only discovered them 4 days before I move away.

The garbage around here has reached embarrassing levels. Do something about it. And by that I don’t mean get creative with your littering. Yes, I’m talking to you, man who hung something now thoroughly unedible in a plastic bag from a tree for no apparent reason.

The routes around here are bizarre in a great way. Like it can take me 35-40 minutes to walk to my destination (usually a lunch spot), but if I go home a different way I’m back in 10-15. It’s a strange and much-appreciated conundrum.

Yup. Safe to say I’m going to miss this town.