the "dual life" of cityboy

Cityboy has just returned from a short stay (one period) at Friends, but oh what a difference a short period makes. A really warm and friendly group of seventh graders, lacking the usual seventh grade "weirdness" had a study hall and though a little rambunctious, were incredibly congenial. Cityboy felt happy, relaxed and alive in the group---which did not ask him for help as they studied---and focused in on enjoying the moment, and the class' appreciation for him.
So why do I say "dual lives? At Friends I live completely in the moment--life is interesting, vibrant and care free. Outside, well as you know, cityboy loves to contemplate the existence and contradictions in all things---and also loves wandering through different neighborhoods, ---trying to reconcile the story of each neighborhood from its past to the present---this is a very different world from the one he inhabits at Friends.
  Can the "duality" be reconciled? Should it be? Hard to say, cannot really answer that question right now. Tomorrow is the BAN march---should be a very nice day for it---cityboy will try to do the whole march. Last year's was a breeze. This year, fatigue might enter at some point. Still, last year's esprit was quite wonderful. Made me feel that my passion for changing the city is not alone. Will report on it as soon as I can.
  Leaving tonight open---maybe trek out to Cobra to see if any of my friends are hanging out there. An interactive play at La Mama sounds interesting, but may wait until next week to check it out. Sunday will be a day to relax after the march---hanging out at Cobra in the afternoon and checking out the Jet game, does not seem like such a bad idea. Also, there is the movie at BAM, that half documentary: Hale County, the Morning, the Evening. Might try to see it at some point before the weekend is over.
  Last night, too tired after my first "trek" to Brooklyn to go back---I ended up at the Dive Bar on 96street---had an interesting talk with a neighborhood guy---youngish (almost 40, I would think) , he did not vote, but when I challenged him on why, instead of withdrawing, he seemed to want to talk about why he did not. Actually he was quite decent and likeable, but you wish that he would understand that his vote is not only about his own vision, but could help others.
  Heartened by the victories of 5 of the seven challengers to the ID members for State Senate. Let's hope change is coming.