be ready

scene: dreary morning, mid-week, on my way to work

driving on the freeway, i was listening to the new t.i. and mentally going through all the upcoming tasks at work (bad habit!) when i noticed something strange out of the corner of my eye.  

i saw a homeless man walking among the bushes in the median of the 580. although somewhat crumbled and disheveled, he had on a grey suit jacket (or maybe it was another color but covered in dust.)  he took quick, long steps; and he was combing his hair.

i did a double take.  mentally.

this man probably just rolled out of the bushes ten minutes ago.  by his appearance, it certainly didn't look like he had washed himself in days.  therefore, i could also infer that his breath probably hella stank.  despite all that, he was combing his greasy, long hair.

fixing your hair is definitely one of the quickest ways to clean up your look.  so obviously this man was concerned with his appearance.  where was this he going?  was he late for an interview?  was he meeting his lover?  maybe he was trying to hitch a ride?  for whatever reason, this man knew the lesson to "stay ready so you don't have to get ready."  well, at least about his hair.