Larry Long

Join a weekly volunteer shift, then invite someone for a short walk.

The biggest surprise was how regimented the week is. Deliveries hit certain days and the post office shuts for lunch, and the pharmacy closes early on Wednesdays. People remember names fast, which made me track introductions because I forget. I keep a tiny sheet with store hours, closed days, and lead times for special orders. Self-indulgent, but it stopped wasted trips. Shared house meant I posted the hours sheet on the fridge so we stop duplicating errands. New routines that worked: I batch errands on one weekday evening and one Saturday morning, and I call ahead to confirm stock. Meal plan starts with pantry first, then tap the markdown section, then the farmers market if the weather holds. RSVP early for community events because headcount affects food and chairs. Wave at passing cars, return calls, and never ghost volunteers. If you borrow gear, return it cleaner than you got it.

Think about leverage and balance rather than marketing claims. A true one hand fold means the release is within reach of your steering hand and the hinge begins closing with light force and... overall weight matters because a heavy frame will fight you no matter how clever the mechanism is. Try a full stop and one continuous pull, and see if it locks itself closed and whether you can pivot it up to hip height without hunting for a grab point. If it also opens one handed, even better. On uneven pavement the big factors are wheel diameter, tire material, and how you load it. Larger or softer wheels tend to climb over edges more smoothly while weight hanging high makes the nose slap into gaps. Pack heavier items low and centered, keep rolling parts clean, and touch up sticky joints with a dry lube if needed. On rough blocks shorten your stride, keep wrists neutral, and give a small lift before the bigger cracks. No drama once you get the rhythm.

Networking chit chat feels like paying for a subscription I never wanted. I refuse the fake weekend spiel and the premium puffed up smiles. I point at something real and ask for an opinion and like that badge printer keeps jamming, how would you fix it, or got a free tool that beats the paid ones.

You'll probably screw it up anyway because vibes change too fast.

If you want repeat hangouts, go where the same people show up weekly: rec leagues, study groups at the library, volunteer shifts. Bars are noisy and expensive; skip them. Script: I'm trying this for a month, you coming next week? Get a phone number on the spot and actually send the follow-up.