Divorce, David Smith, and Dog-sitting

I've learned a few lessons over the past few days that I feel the need to share.

• Divorce: Friday night I went to a Divorce Party. Really, it was more like a shower. One of the men I work with is getting divorced and has moved into an apartment. He owns almost nothing right now, so we all got together and got him those much-needed items such as towels, cleaning supplies, and glassware. What I learned: In the midst of a sad event such as a divorce, it is surprisingly easy to bring people together and spread a little love.
• David Smith: Yesterday I went to the Guggenheim with my friend Paddy. I was excited to go because I loved it the last time I went, Paddy had never been, and Paddy is one of my favorite friends to go to museums with. The exhibit was for an artist named David Smith. I think this was the fastest either Paddy or myself had ever gone through a museum before. What I learned: I don't much care for abstract sculpture, and the bakery a few blocks away serves excellent cheesecake.
• Dog-sitting: Since Thursday night I have been crashing at my friends' house and taking care of their dog, Rudy. I have always loved dogs, so I was excited to pretend I had one for a few days. Being with Rudy has given me a new sense of my neighborhood. For example, I talked to many more people than I usually would on a ten-minute walk because they wanted to pet the dog or their dog knew Rudy. I also never realized how much trash there was laying around until Rudy tried to pick up every tissue, soda can, spit-out piece of gum, or unidentifiable disgusting object he came across. What I learned: I still love dogs but I don't want to own a dog in New York, which is perhaps the most valuable lesson of the past few days.