Seven Hispanics in a Hyundai

The last time I was with seven people in a car, it was a Yukon. It went pretty well, I anchored the passenger seat, there were two couples in the back, allowing for optimum lap seating. Of course, it wasn't the same comfort two cars would've provided, but we didn't find the need to complain.

Last night...wow...

There was somewhat of a misunderstanding (I'm going to leave it at that...some people know the full story and my feelings on it) and I was separated from my crew that was going to Remedy Diner on Houston.

I was on 63rd and Broadway, and my friends came back for me. I was initially told the car was full, and to be prepared to squeeze in. There were six people in a Hyundai. Someone was sitting backwards...it was a modern clown car.

Eventually I drove, while my boy Louie rode in the trunk. Honestly, I don't think we'd have had a better time. Sure, I wasn't cramped in a small compartment with a shovel, as we rode over potholes. I didn't have another dude on my lap. I didn't have a girlfriend's mom draped over me. But we were all just cracking up throughout the 60 block drive.

Now, honestly I know I'm not unique in this experience, although I doubt any of my American friends have done this.

But really, I write about this because of how this made me feel.

I was in a HORRID mood when they came for me. I mean, bad bad bad bad mood. Somehow, my friends INSISTING on coming to pick me up, knowing that it was going to inconvenience them further by having to drive through Columbus Circle again, and then squeeze in the biggest guy in the car when there's really NO ROOM...that made me feel good.

What I was mad about before, melted away.

Which makes me think? Can money replace emotion? You think about corporative leaders, athletes, musicians who alienate themselves from the common man and old friends. Their best friends to them, are the who ones who (in the eyes of the money-holder) lust after their money the LEAST...bodyguards, other rich people...

At some point I'll blog about what I'd do with a large windfall, but this is more of a question posed to the rich.

You, rich man? Did your thousands and millions make you happy then, when you first obtained them? How about now? Do your Franklins make you laugh? Do your McKinleys play hoops with you? Or do you keep your friends locked away, emotionless?

Do we really envy Jay-Z? Lil Wayne? Bill Gates? The Walton Family? (Think Wal-Mart, not bad basketball commentary.)

Something to think about.