So that's how they do it.

You might remember that I work in the 'hood. It's no big deal- after working in Memphis, I hardly notice. Plus, it's only the hood a little bit.

But this morning, I may have gotten propositioned for prostitution. And I wasn't even wearing an inappropriate outfit.

Let's discuss: I visited the site of a community project we're working on. As I was walking back to my car, a white pick up truck pulls up next to me and stops- not quite on the curb so I thought he was parking, but close enough that I knew he required attention. The driver, a man, motions for me to walk up to the truck. I took a few steps forward, thinking maybe he wanted some information about the community project. He indicates that I should step closer, which I didn't, because NOW all the things my mom said when I was a kid about approaching people in cars, and stranger danger flies through my head. What's the password, buddy? Suddenly I'm seven, remembering a time when I ran away from someone curious about directions (who stops a 7 year old for directions?) Maybe this strange man in the white pick up needed directions? I whip my hand around, to say "roll down your window." He motions again, this time he is clearly asking me to get in the car.

I don't move and so he rolls down the window.

"Do you want a ride?"
"A ride? No, I'm fine thanks."
"Really? Hop in, I can give you a ride"
"Yeah, um, I'm just walking to my car now."
"...Ok...Well, you look really pretty today." [doesn't leave the curb as I walk away]

Thanks?

Does that work on people? Who just says, "Oh, yeah, sure, I'll get in the car with you because you crooked your finger my direction." And who thinks "That girl will DEFINITELY get into my car. I'm going to talk to her.'" Maybe I'm watching too much A&E.

Now, he was probably just trying to be nice. A really pretty girl, like myself, in "the hood" at 8 o'clock on Monday morning? I must be lost.

I feel pretty strange about all this. What's with the weirdos the past few days? Must be a full moon or something.