Old Colleagues

Had lunch today on the plaza at Embarcadero Center with Ken and Ellie, both old colleagues of mine from a previous firm. Ken now works in compliance at Wells in a building just around the corner from me. Ellie just started in a new position at a boutique private equity firm down on Market Street. Much of the pasta lunch was devoted to Ellie raving about her new Italian boyfriend, me continuing to bitch about my work, and Ken just quietly nodding in agreement... not much has changed since our times spent just kicking it on the 16th floor. Ellie, raised part of her life in Rome, is always highly animated in conversation, arms flailing and eyes darting all around. Myself having been raised in the slow drawl state of Texas, I often find it a bit dizzying engaging in a one-to-one dialogue with her. Afterwards, the walk to and from the restaurant was another highlight of the day. Clear Spring days in the City are the best, especially when everyone floods out onto the streets during the lunch hour, the alleys of the financial district abuzz with a collective energy and excitement. I used to get a similar sense of community while working in Rockefeller Center during the warmer months in Manhattan. Thousands upon thousands would overtake the midtown Manhattan streets during lunch... each day being a ritualized block party.