Catherine is here. Drinking has Commenced.

My friend Catherine, from High School, is a cop in the town next to the one in which we grew up. Her jurisdiction includes the University of Rhode Island of which she is a graduate. She is a member of the Air National Guard and served a tour in Kuwait. That being said, she is one of the most low-key, easy-going people I know. She is terrified of New York.

Catherine arrived late this morning and I had her take a cab to my office. She was already shell-shocked by the ride by the time she arrived and fascinated by the food vendors on the street, what she calls "street meat". As we stood on the corner to cross the street to go out to lunch I asked her how work was going.

"Okay," she said. "I mean, it's not as dangerous as what you do here." I looked at her quizzically. "You could be killed just getting a sandwich. You take your life in your hands every time you cross the street. Are you wearing a vest?" She pauses. "I bet you're rethinking this invitation. Actually, I guess you really didn't invite me. I guess I just announced I was coming." We were standing in Midtown Manhattan. Oh Jesus. Wait until I get her to Brooklyn. She'll be calling for back-up and air cover. So when we sat down at lunch and she asked, "Are you allowed to drink on the job?", I replied, "Actually, we civilians call it networking."