And, so my day began.  Actually, I should amend this, my day didn’t begin with vermin, but my boss’ day did.  She opened her front door and a baby mouse ran through and straight under her couch.  Upon later discussion, we determined it was probably a full-grown mouse but we were open to defining it as juvenile.

So walking back from a meeting this morning, my boss told me about her mouse which got us talking as to what types of vermin we can stand and in what environments.  We are both agreed that rats indoors is a deal closer… out of the apartment.  Mice – less of deal closer, but needs to be dealt with.  Some of you may remember my winter of 2009… not so good with the mice.  Rats in the subway…ok on the rails.  And, how is it that my roommate has left a discard pizza box, albeit empty… yet greasy, on the kitchen floor and we haven’t been invaded by roaches…yet.  ?

Well, as some people would have the universe work, talk about it- surround yourself with it – and you will get it.  Thoughts beget actions.  Departing  the uptown 2 express (sounding like a New Yorker, right?  or maybe a LA transplant hopelessly trying to sound New Yorker), I see a rat waiting for us on the platform.  I warn my boss, and we both hurry in very girlie fashion down the platform away from said rat.

Now rats are on my mind…and mice haven’t left my boss’ mind.

At the end of the day, we left the hospital together and as we head to cross the street, I notice a bike on a collision course with my boss.  I shout my boss’ name and warn her to look out.   She immediately cringes, looks to her feet, and picks them up to avoid stepping on … anything with a tail.  Fortunately, the cyclist swerves.  Now we have rats and mice on our nerves.  And as we wait for the train home, I notice a rat on that same platform across from us.  Ugh, is it the same rat or a new one?

Now I feel like I have creepy crawlies all over me with the accompanying itches and hair tingling.  Combine that with my mis-step on a half-drunk box of Yoohoo that squishes and explodes on my shins, and I am just completely grossed out.

It’s a good thing that I am escaping the heat and headed home this weekend.

Good bye Mr. Rat and brother mouse!

As ever,

K. Quinn