My Life in Argentina and Beyond

I was sad to learn that Oreo, the miracle pooch that was thrown from a building in Brooklyn a few months ago had to be put down. She recovered from her physical injuries, but the psychological ones were too much and it is said that she became aggressive with other dogs and her handler. The teenager who owned the dog has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on December 1st. He deserves to be put in jail for a long time. Oreo was not given the chance to be rehabilitated and at 18 months, she was too young to die. A few years ago, I had to leave my dog Rubio, a German shepherd, at somebody’s house for a few months. A well meaning person later told me that although I paid this man and his wife well to take care of my dog, he did not get a blanket to sleep on. The man had him sleep on cold tiles even in winter weather. The man’s wife was sharp with Rubio and may have abused him. My dog had a great heart and when we ran into these people on the street, he treated them as old friends. Animal cruelty in whatever form is a terrible thing. I wish that Oreo had been able to find a home and had been able to trust people. May she Rest in Peace!

Last night the Italian woman, better known as the star tenant on the 5th floor nearly lost it. I was in the bathroom doing my business and I had turned on the faucet to let her know someone was in there. But that wasn’t enough for her—she came into the bathroom without knocking when I seated on the toilet. I got angry and told her to be polite, but it didn’t help much. Then, the guy next door’s girlfriend was in the bathroom cleaning something up. The Italian woman and I were waiting outside the bathroom and she knocked on the door (something she hadn’t done for me). When the girl apologized the Italian woman told her to use Nina’s bathroom. I think the guy and his girlfriend sublet their space from one of the other tenants on the floor but the bathroom is inside the tenant’s apt.-like setting. The guy started to say something about his being a plumber and offering to make a sink in the Italian woman’s other bathroom space (the one that she uses with her friend and co-tenant). The Italian woman looked daggers and told him in a very high tone of voice that her rent had just being raised and that her bathroom usage was still restricted. I looked at the guy (who seems a very nice person) and he understood that this is a very touchy subject for the Italian woman (and I can fully understand why). I told him who he should talk to if he really wants to build this other sink. Nobody likes not to have their very own bathroom. Her actions were still very rude and if I had opened the door while she was in the bathroom, she would have filed a complaint against me.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008: Where to now? I must leave, I must go as soon as possible. I don't know yet and I'm tired of not knowing.

Friday, August 29, 2008: The shower auestis on!Yesterday I was able (after almost begging) to take a short shower at the Metropolitan Club on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. I felt like I was taking a shower in aslum, with all eyes looking at me. The shower curtain was not very protective and I got out of there quickly. If somebody had told me this 2 months ago I never would have believed them. Don't believe it now and it actually happening!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008: It is anew beginning, the stay in Brooklyn. A new venture into the unknown. An unknown with no promises, no guarantees.