The last day of summer classes was on Monday. I had to cover for a colleague in the morning & would have to administer the final exam to my group in the afternoon. I didn't mind covering the early class. It would force me to grade papers & calculate averages so that it wouldn't take me the evening to do so.
I got to the class at 8:55 to find 1 student in the room. Ten were scheduled to show up. Well, it's the last day. They'll be here. Nope. I had that one student for the first 15 minutes. Then another one rolled in. Finally, at 9:30, the remaining 8 wandered in a half hour late. They were loud, rude, and spewing profane language all over the place. I said to the group--directing it at one student in particular--"Refrain from cursing in the classroom. There's no need for it. You have five activities to complete before you may leave for the day". Mr. Mouth says to me "Yo--I work 'til 4 am and it's amazing I'm even here. So I ain't gonna do nuttin til I'm ready." He had no text book (only 5 of the 10 did though), no notebook, and nothing to write with. Why bother coming in for class? So I said "Hope you aren't taking any 8:25 classes". He was not happy that I said this and said "don't worry. I do what I gotta do". Trust me, stupid, I am not worried. He continued to talk in a loud, rude manner for the next 15 minutes & then stand up, walk to the door, faces the hallway & yells "I gotta go smoke a f**n blunt because she has me so f**kin aggravated!" With that, he left.
UGH! Why are these young ones so hostile & bitter? And where do they get off with this entitlement issue? And when did I sign up to teach inmates? Somewhere life has taken an awkward turn that I didn't even foresee.
Late that afternoon we (the faculty) got an email about attending a meeting Wednesday morning to discuss our new contracts. Yeah--thanks for the notice. This sounds diva-like but we aren't working right now. We aren't paid. We may not even be called back to work in 2 weeks, so why should I attend? And why can't Administration extend a profesional courtesy and give us a week's notice rather than less than 2 days? I'll tell you why--they don't want too many of us showing up.
Our contracts now state that we do not have sick days and $75 will be deducted from our paycheck if we call in for a class. So, teaching 3 in a day? Kiss $225 goodbye. Call in for all five clases? That's literally half of our paycheck for the week.
We have to give 3 office hours instead of two, still have 2 tutoring hours + our night hour. We have a new tihng where we will get a cohort of students. We are to advise them & assist them in any way they (the customer) desires. We are also being "requested" to go on highschool visits. I put that in quotes because it isn't a request, it's a "go when we tell you to" thing.
We have mandatory meetings on Fridays. We are to be at these meetings, otherwise we get a letter in our file. Too many letters = termination. I asked what are we to do if we pursue a PhD and we can only attend classes on Fridays (on behalf of Crak because she starts today & hopefully myself bc I want to start in the Spring) and the comment was "You have a choice. It's your job or your education" Okay--they didn't say that out loud (my chair did to me later on because that's what they told her) but they did that whole "Well, it's only 6 times and the class does meet fifteen times, so you will have to work something out with the professor & the director of the program". Uh-huh. Not a chance. You can't miss 1/3 of a course & expect to pass.
My schedule is all botched up & my chair called the house the other day to leave the updated one with me. Well, I wasn't home so my father answered. She asked to speak to me. He said I wasn't home & can he take a message. She says "Well, who am I speaking with?" He replies "her father". My boss? Decides to say (ina rude manner) "Oh, well, I'd rather leave it on the answering machine. So, when we hang up I am going to call back & leave it there." She isn't very tactful. I apologized to my dad later on for this. I was embarrassed to say I work there & for this person. He's a director...holds a big title....knows how to be diplomatic & guess what? He can even take a message! So she called back & left some screwey message that was a recap of what was in an email as well. Insane!
I am moping around the house, crying at times, exhausted all of the time & I know why. I don't want to go back. My life has been reduced to working for potential inmates for little money, no respect, and dealing with stupidity at every level.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Everyone Who's Anyone Summers In The Berkshires, Dahling
Early Thursday morning I hitched a ride with KDP's sister, the Librarian, up to The Berkshires for the weekend. We left at 9 and what should have been a 3-hour drive turned into five hours. THere was so much traffic on the Cross Bronx (isn't there always?) and it took forever to get out of the 5 boroughs.
We headed on up to the Taconic & all we had to do, according to the directions from the resort, was follow this up to 90 & them go into the state of Mass. Uh-huh. Sure. We get all the way up to 90 & have to follow Rte. 43 to the mountain road that is to be our home for the next three nights. Well, apparently, rte. 43, which is still in NY but crosses into Mass. makes a right turn & what had been 43 is now Rte. 42. What? There was no sign stating this.
So Librarian & I are driving along.....driving along.....unti lthe road stops & either goes right-left-or into the woods. Ummmm......no signs. Now what? So we panic & look around and wait. I said that we could knock on a door to a house & ask. With that....like in a movie...a cop shows up. We flag him over & ask him "How do we get to Mountain Road?" He says "Where?" We specify some of the attractions near it. He looks perplexed. I mention the ski resort name. He shakes his head & says "Not even close." What does he mean not even close? So it turns out that we had to make that sharp right turn to stay on 43 which there was no sign for & now have to backtrack a half hour to get to it again.
We find rte. 43 but it seems that we are on this road too long. So we finally find some little stand that sells pumpkins, wood carvings, and rotates tires. I get out and ask the men if we are on the right track. The one was trying to be a comedian & had us panicking that we were still going the wrong way--but he was only kidding. Thanks!
We arrive at the resort after 2 pm exhausted. Driving five hours takes a lot out of you! We hug KDP & say hi to the Beginner Comic. This is where the real problems kick in. We were so hungry & hadn't eaten lunch but didn't want to fill up because then dinner would be too late. So we ate 1/2 sandwiches and then wanted to go exploring. We hop in KDP's car & travel the 20 minutes to town to see what there is to do. BC is cheap & is a vegan & was going to make this impossible the entire time. Librarian is sarastic & decided it'd be fun to crack "steak house" jokes with BC there to get s rise out of her. And this is why you cannot have big cats share a cage. BC & Librarian did not get along at all. Things were tense. Often. So we tried to separate them as much as possible.
We wanted to eat but it was a steak house that we were trying to go into & that's when BC was not hungry & then KDP felt bad so she wasn't hungry so dinner was now being pushed off. So we head to the outlets to do some shopping. Librarian went off to her own stores while KDP & I looked for socks & BC went.....well...I am not sure where she went. But we all ended up at Coach where BC didn't want to go in because their products are leather & she is a vegan & does not want to go into leather shops......which gets Librarian saying "Hey! Let's go to Wilson's next!" UGH! Ages of these women, you ask? 29-36. UGH!
We ended up eating dinner at like 8:00 pm.....so not my dinner time. I was famished! We went to an italian restaurant where BC had to ask "How is your pasta prepared? IS it made here or packaged?" Her point was is it made from dairy because she won't eat it. Uncomforable moments but the pasta was safe & we all got to eat dinner.
We went back & watched "Never Been Kissed".....I love that movie. We then played 'Cranium' and had teams. It was KDP & Librarian versus BC & me. We were neck-in-neck until the end when the sister team answered their last question correctly before we could answer our's. They won. BC pouted. I mean literally pouted. It's a game, mind you, but pouting was the result.
Time for bed. KDP & sis took the big bed. BC took the couch. I had an aero bed (I loved it....I want one for myself!) and shared space with BC. This was not my first choice. See, BC has night terrors & frequently gets up in a panic. I was in no mood to have someone wake up screaming bloody murder because I would then wake up & start screaming because I heard someone else screaming. So, I slept with one eye open all night. Needless to say I was exhausted the next morning.
The three minds wanted to go to wineries that day. I woke up early (7:30) and had nothing to do with everyone sleeping so I read the pamphlet that they had been admiring. I look at the 20+ wineries one can visit in that area. I look at the town name & see it's Cortland area. Huh? That's in NY. That's about 3 hours away. Two PhDs + 1 masters and none of them looked for location. DRAT! So now I get to break it to them.
It's raining. The wineries are out. What's to do? Drive to Yankee Candle! It's an hour and a half away & so easy to get to. yeah, right. The resort gave us directions that took us over the mountain......and over another mountain....you know that tune "The Bear went over the mountain"? That was us. In the fog & rain it was so scary & difficult to figure out where we were & it took 2 1/2 hours their way. Could nothing go right?
We stopped to eat & that was a hassle in itself. Friendly's was the only thing there. THis was fine with 3 out of the 4, so too bad. BC got a salad and fries. She doesn't like, nor will eat, croutons so she proceeded to throw them on the table. Not place. Not stack on the side of her plate. Throw onto the table. Ummm...when's the last time you came out of your cave? Sorry--that may be harsh but the behavior was uncalled for.
We wrapped it up at Friendly's & headed to Yankee. Ah the smell of candles. The ladies were impressed. The comments went from "How long can one honestly spend looking at cnadles?" to "I'm going back to such& such. Look for me when you go around again." Oh yeah~~big hit! We were there almost three hours. I bought a few little things because if I bring home another candle......there will be problems.
We said goodbye to BC at Yankee. She was heading back to Boston while we went in the other directions (the easy way) this time. KDP, Librarian & I stopped to eat at a microbrewery. It was a cute little place with a homey feel to it that we could have settled in to for the night. The food was good, the drinks better & our waitress was a riot. We had such a good time.
Then KDP & I introduced her sister to The Chocolate Cafe. The main reason for my heading back up to the Berkshires was to eat at this cafe. The man who owns it makes all of the tempting treats himself & they are so worth the drive. We each got a piece of cake (all different flavors) and sat down with HUGE mugs of tea to relax & recap the day.
Then it was back up the mountain to go to the resort and crash. We played drunk Scrabble & couldn't figure out some words so if it sounded good we let it ride.
The next morning we had to be out by 10:00 am & decided to detour to another microbrewery to pick up some beer for friends & family and then we began the drive home. The drive--using kdp's directions--was so quick & easy & I was home in no time.
Ah~~I can definitely get used to summering in the mountains.
We headed on up to the Taconic & all we had to do, according to the directions from the resort, was follow this up to 90 & them go into the state of Mass. Uh-huh. Sure. We get all the way up to 90 & have to follow Rte. 43 to the mountain road that is to be our home for the next three nights. Well, apparently, rte. 43, which is still in NY but crosses into Mass. makes a right turn & what had been 43 is now Rte. 42. What? There was no sign stating this.
So Librarian & I are driving along.....driving along.....unti lthe road stops & either goes right-left-or into the woods. Ummmm......no signs. Now what? So we panic & look around and wait. I said that we could knock on a door to a house & ask. With that....like in a movie...a cop shows up. We flag him over & ask him "How do we get to Mountain Road?" He says "Where?" We specify some of the attractions near it. He looks perplexed. I mention the ski resort name. He shakes his head & says "Not even close." What does he mean not even close? So it turns out that we had to make that sharp right turn to stay on 43 which there was no sign for & now have to backtrack a half hour to get to it again.
We find rte. 43 but it seems that we are on this road too long. So we finally find some little stand that sells pumpkins, wood carvings, and rotates tires. I get out and ask the men if we are on the right track. The one was trying to be a comedian & had us panicking that we were still going the wrong way--but he was only kidding. Thanks!
We arrive at the resort after 2 pm exhausted. Driving five hours takes a lot out of you! We hug KDP & say hi to the Beginner Comic. This is where the real problems kick in. We were so hungry & hadn't eaten lunch but didn't want to fill up because then dinner would be too late. So we ate 1/2 sandwiches and then wanted to go exploring. We hop in KDP's car & travel the 20 minutes to town to see what there is to do. BC is cheap & is a vegan & was going to make this impossible the entire time. Librarian is sarastic & decided it'd be fun to crack "steak house" jokes with BC there to get s rise out of her. And this is why you cannot have big cats share a cage. BC & Librarian did not get along at all. Things were tense. Often. So we tried to separate them as much as possible.
We wanted to eat but it was a steak house that we were trying to go into & that's when BC was not hungry & then KDP felt bad so she wasn't hungry so dinner was now being pushed off. So we head to the outlets to do some shopping. Librarian went off to her own stores while KDP & I looked for socks & BC went.....well...I am not sure where she went. But we all ended up at Coach where BC didn't want to go in because their products are leather & she is a vegan & does not want to go into leather shops......which gets Librarian saying "Hey! Let's go to Wilson's next!" UGH! Ages of these women, you ask? 29-36. UGH!
We ended up eating dinner at like 8:00 pm.....so not my dinner time. I was famished! We went to an italian restaurant where BC had to ask "How is your pasta prepared? IS it made here or packaged?" Her point was is it made from dairy because she won't eat it. Uncomforable moments but the pasta was safe & we all got to eat dinner.
We went back & watched "Never Been Kissed".....I love that movie. We then played 'Cranium' and had teams. It was KDP & Librarian versus BC & me. We were neck-in-neck until the end when the sister team answered their last question correctly before we could answer our's. They won. BC pouted. I mean literally pouted. It's a game, mind you, but pouting was the result.
Time for bed. KDP & sis took the big bed. BC took the couch. I had an aero bed (I loved it....I want one for myself!) and shared space with BC. This was not my first choice. See, BC has night terrors & frequently gets up in a panic. I was in no mood to have someone wake up screaming bloody murder because I would then wake up & start screaming because I heard someone else screaming. So, I slept with one eye open all night. Needless to say I was exhausted the next morning.
The three minds wanted to go to wineries that day. I woke up early (7:30) and had nothing to do with everyone sleeping so I read the pamphlet that they had been admiring. I look at the 20+ wineries one can visit in that area. I look at the town name & see it's Cortland area. Huh? That's in NY. That's about 3 hours away. Two PhDs + 1 masters and none of them looked for location. DRAT! So now I get to break it to them.
It's raining. The wineries are out. What's to do? Drive to Yankee Candle! It's an hour and a half away & so easy to get to. yeah, right. The resort gave us directions that took us over the mountain......and over another mountain....you know that tune "The Bear went over the mountain"? That was us. In the fog & rain it was so scary & difficult to figure out where we were & it took 2 1/2 hours their way. Could nothing go right?
We stopped to eat & that was a hassle in itself. Friendly's was the only thing there. THis was fine with 3 out of the 4, so too bad. BC got a salad and fries. She doesn't like, nor will eat, croutons so she proceeded to throw them on the table. Not place. Not stack on the side of her plate. Throw onto the table. Ummm...when's the last time you came out of your cave? Sorry--that may be harsh but the behavior was uncalled for.
We wrapped it up at Friendly's & headed to Yankee. Ah the smell of candles. The ladies were impressed. The comments went from "How long can one honestly spend looking at cnadles?" to "I'm going back to such& such. Look for me when you go around again." Oh yeah~~big hit! We were there almost three hours. I bought a few little things because if I bring home another candle......there will be problems.
We said goodbye to BC at Yankee. She was heading back to Boston while we went in the other directions (the easy way) this time. KDP, Librarian & I stopped to eat at a microbrewery. It was a cute little place with a homey feel to it that we could have settled in to for the night. The food was good, the drinks better & our waitress was a riot. We had such a good time.
Then KDP & I introduced her sister to The Chocolate Cafe. The main reason for my heading back up to the Berkshires was to eat at this cafe. The man who owns it makes all of the tempting treats himself & they are so worth the drive. We each got a piece of cake (all different flavors) and sat down with HUGE mugs of tea to relax & recap the day.
Then it was back up the mountain to go to the resort and crash. We played drunk Scrabble & couldn't figure out some words so if it sounded good we let it ride.
The next morning we had to be out by 10:00 am & decided to detour to another microbrewery to pick up some beer for friends & family and then we began the drive home. The drive--using kdp's directions--was so quick & easy & I was home in no time.
Ah~~I can definitely get used to summering in the mountains.
So Much To Recap!
I've been a busy bee & Blogger has not cooperated with me for the last few days so I have to cram it all in now before it decides to time out or kick me off or juts not post what I write. I went to that rooftop thingy last, I believe, right?
Well, Crak & I went to a lovely dinner party at her friend's apartment. I've met LL a number of times but have never been to her place. THis dinner soire was to introduce her new roommate to people. There were eleven of us in all & it was good food, great conversation, lots of wine, a wild game, and an exhausting night. I didn't get home until after 1:00 am. I had a blast!
I then went to lunch a couple days later at the Codewoman's home. Lovely! Her home is absolutely lovely! And her dog, Looie (that's how she spells it) is too cute! We had a fantastic lunch and griped about having to go back to work soon. Too soon for any of us.
I went out with JW for coffee recently (can't remember when) and caught up on all of his stuff.
But, this is all I can write now because I have to run to work. YES--work. So not happy. I have a few other posts to take care of. Look for my weekend in the Berkshires & the bemoaning that is to follow today's meeting. And I have to do all of this before I go away again this weekend. Ohio-bound am I.
Well, Crak & I went to a lovely dinner party at her friend's apartment. I've met LL a number of times but have never been to her place. THis dinner soire was to introduce her new roommate to people. There were eleven of us in all & it was good food, great conversation, lots of wine, a wild game, and an exhausting night. I didn't get home until after 1:00 am. I had a blast!
I then went to lunch a couple days later at the Codewoman's home. Lovely! Her home is absolutely lovely! And her dog, Looie (that's how she spells it) is too cute! We had a fantastic lunch and griped about having to go back to work soon. Too soon for any of us.
I went out with JW for coffee recently (can't remember when) and caught up on all of his stuff.
But, this is all I can write now because I have to run to work. YES--work. So not happy. I have a few other posts to take care of. Look for my weekend in the Berkshires & the bemoaning that is to follow today's meeting. And I have to do all of this before I go away again this weekend. Ohio-bound am I.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Back At The Beach, Baby!
So so excited that I was able to catch the Premiere Episode of Laguna Beach Season III. Even better, they had Alex, Jessica, Alex, & Taylor back on having lunch. So glad to see them together & getting along. Even better was when Alex said she couldn't live in L.A. with Kristin anymore & that they haven't really talked much since she moved out. Good. I like those 4 & can't stand Kristin.
However, Kristin's nasty supremist attitude has been trumped by this season's new witch: Kyndra. She & her group of friends are so full of themselves. It'll be amazing to watch them fall on their faces. Kyndra & Cami will be a force to reckon with, I am sure of this. And I am shocked at Cami's attitude. She was so nice in her appearance last season when she asked Alex if it was okay to go to the prom with her on/off again boyfriend, Jason. And I actually felt bad for her when Jason ditched Cami at prom for Alex again.
And when will Jessica learn that she just shouldn't date. She has the worst taste in guys. She is "dating" Cameron, a year her juinor, who is also hooking up with Kyndra (after the barbecue @ Kyndra's house) and then saying it's no big deal. And there sits Jessica staring at him longingly while he does to her what Jason did. She should have stayed with Dieter.
The sea will be angry & the waves rough this season for those at the Beach.
However, Kristin's nasty supremist attitude has been trumped by this season's new witch: Kyndra. She & her group of friends are so full of themselves. It'll be amazing to watch them fall on their faces. Kyndra & Cami will be a force to reckon with, I am sure of this. And I am shocked at Cami's attitude. She was so nice in her appearance last season when she asked Alex if it was okay to go to the prom with her on/off again boyfriend, Jason. And I actually felt bad for her when Jason ditched Cami at prom for Alex again.
And when will Jessica learn that she just shouldn't date. She has the worst taste in guys. She is "dating" Cameron, a year her juinor, who is also hooking up with Kyndra (after the barbecue @ Kyndra's house) and then saying it's no big deal. And there sits Jessica staring at him longingly while he does to her what Jason did. She should have stayed with Dieter.
The sea will be angry & the waves rough this season for those at the Beach.
Empty August Isn't Really
I had posted at the beginning of the month that I had nothing on the calendar to help me enjoy the remainig bliss that is my lengthy summer. Here it is, the 17th, and I have been very busy & do not have enough days to finish out the month of things I'd like to do. Went out three times last week & going out four this week. Going away next week which means I have to miss a fun birthday party (sorry Fred) & now it turns out I will miss the Hermes Sample! UGH! Life is so unfair. If there are any dedicated shoppers who want to go on my behalf & pick out something absolutely adorable for me, I will send you the info. Why are the shopping gods punishing me like this?
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Things to Do More & Some To Do Less
I don't buy magazines too often. But when I do & find an article I want to keep, I tear it out & put it in a folder. I was cleaning out this folder recently & came across something I think is good. So, taking a lead from Crak, I am posting some pieces of an article, by Maurice Vellecoup, that appeared in Glamour of March 2005:
Things To Spend More Time Doing:
1. listening
2. giving sincere compliments to anyone
3. thinking before you open your mouth
4. exploring all the places that aren't in the guidebook
Things To Spend Less Time Doing:
1. Checking out who'e getting fired, voted off, or botoxed
2. making excuses
3. hanging out with ex-boyfriends ( i will have seen 2 this month)
4. feeling guilty about things from 1997
5. trying to change that someone (or waitng around for them to change)
6. living by anybody else's standard but your own
7. staring at what you believe to be the imperfections of your body
Things To Spend More Time Doing:
1. listening
2. giving sincere compliments to anyone
3. thinking before you open your mouth
4. exploring all the places that aren't in the guidebook
Things To Spend Less Time Doing:
1. Checking out who'e getting fired, voted off, or botoxed
2. making excuses
3. hanging out with ex-boyfriends ( i will have seen 2 this month)
4. feeling guilty about things from 1997
5. trying to change that someone (or waitng around for them to change)
6. living by anybody else's standard but your own
7. staring at what you believe to be the imperfections of your body
Grotter + Bacardi + White Pants = Wardrobe Malfunction
So I am looking at my beautiful white capris today & notice a few more spotty stains on them that better come out. It's amazing how much of a brief evening I can get on myself & be so oblivious to. I am wearing jeans to everything from now on so don't expect me to be "dressy" with nice pants & such. I am not cut out for that. Oh, I'll still be the fashion plate that I am, just in jeans.
I am also remembering the rude SpongeChris Squarehead guy & why I don't like him. SC SH & a coworker of his were talking with Crak & myself. Coworker (whose name was out of my head the second he said it) said something about my Melie bag & women & bags & labels & stuff & Crak & I said how she is not into labels but I am but I get all of mine at great prices & I added "I know I look good". SC SH says "Let me get you a mirror". Ummm.....when did it go from casual conversation to sarcasm & biting remarks? I said something back (can't remember.....it's probabaly part of a memory on my pants now) and gave him "the look".
He hopes I'll put in a good word for him with Crak (here it is: free dinner....take him for what he'll shell out). But, that's all I can say.
Not only did I have a few splotches on my pants but I now remember that the pants have a zipper, a button, and two of those hook/clasp things. I had all but one of the clasps hooked & Crak only noticed it when we sat. Darn! I was able to not so inconspicuously fix it & then was fine. I can't even dress myself fully when preparing to go have drinks! UGH!
And~~~back to the question of the month from July: What is it about me? I was nice, funny, charming, and chatty. Then I get slammed by this Squarehead guy for no reason other than he wants to inpress Crak. Hello! Youdon't impress a woman by knocking her friend with both right there. Stupid.
Also, Crak said that "people at the party in July" said I seemed angry. ?????? Where's this coming from? I chatted with Fred asking about work & the candy making, chatted with the Lead Singer about his dog & music, with JW abou this new truck, job, bus routes, and LL about her trip to (i think it was) Maryland. I had a drink & some snacks & talked with Crak's brother about his apt & job & said positive things to everyone! Where is this coming from? I didn't say one thing negative (except for when Fred brought up the Regis & Kelly talking about 30somethings living at home as an epidemic in this country & Kelly said she wants her kids out at 18 & Regis said his haven't come home since they left for college & we both said they need to meet with the average person & see what it takes to survive) and yet it was "Grotter is angry"?
Asking others about themselves & laughing always makes me think others are angry....don't you too?
I am also remembering the rude SpongeChris Squarehead guy & why I don't like him. SC SH & a coworker of his were talking with Crak & myself. Coworker (whose name was out of my head the second he said it) said something about my Melie bag & women & bags & labels & stuff & Crak & I said how she is not into labels but I am but I get all of mine at great prices & I added "I know I look good". SC SH says "Let me get you a mirror". Ummm.....when did it go from casual conversation to sarcasm & biting remarks? I said something back (can't remember.....it's probabaly part of a memory on my pants now) and gave him "the look".
He hopes I'll put in a good word for him with Crak (here it is: free dinner....take him for what he'll shell out). But, that's all I can say.
Not only did I have a few splotches on my pants but I now remember that the pants have a zipper, a button, and two of those hook/clasp things. I had all but one of the clasps hooked & Crak only noticed it when we sat. Darn! I was able to not so inconspicuously fix it & then was fine. I can't even dress myself fully when preparing to go have drinks! UGH!
And~~~back to the question of the month from July: What is it about me? I was nice, funny, charming, and chatty. Then I get slammed by this Squarehead guy for no reason other than he wants to inpress Crak. Hello! Youdon't impress a woman by knocking her friend with both right there. Stupid.
Also, Crak said that "people at the party in July" said I seemed angry. ?????? Where's this coming from? I chatted with Fred asking about work & the candy making, chatted with the Lead Singer about his dog & music, with JW abou this new truck, job, bus routes, and LL about her trip to (i think it was) Maryland. I had a drink & some snacks & talked with Crak's brother about his apt & job & said positive things to everyone! Where is this coming from? I didn't say one thing negative (except for when Fred brought up the Regis & Kelly talking about 30somethings living at home as an epidemic in this country & Kelly said she wants her kids out at 18 & Regis said his haven't come home since they left for college & we both said they need to meet with the average person & see what it takes to survive) and yet it was "Grotter is angry"?
Asking others about themselves & laughing always makes me think others are angry....don't you too?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Why Wearing White Pants While Drinking On A Tuesday Night At An Open Bar In Manhattan Is Not The Brightest Idea
Disclaimer: This was written an hour after partying on a Tuesday night in Manhattan, with Crak, at an open bar. The spelling & clarity may need work. The events are real.
Crak had sent me an email ages ago to go to an "on the rooftop" event in the city. I said "sure" because, as I have said before, I will do anything once. She bought us tickets back in May for tonight at the Delancy, which is right by the Williamsburg Bridge. Very cute.
We met at Penn at 5:15 and the moment I looked at her I knew it would be a night. We were dressed similar enough that I know I have to call her from now on to avoid looking like the "Bobsey Twins". She was accessorized in red while I in black, but we both had white pants on (as stated in the title). We had to go above ground to walk a block & catch the F train down to Delancy. An easy run when you can walk in the shoes you chose to wear for the evening.
We get there at 5:55 & they will not let us check in. So we look around a bit & watch as the place begins to fill up with people who are waiting to go onto the roof. At precisely 6:00, they check us off on a list & give us raffle tickets so that we may redeem them at the end of the night for our "goody bag". How nice! Open Bacardi bar from 6-8, cover charge, & a goody abg all for $20? Where else can you get that in Manhattan?
So we go up the stairs to the tropical oasis & do a "lap around the setting before committing to a location". There were potted palms everywhere, a water bank with fountain in the center, and a view of the Williamsburg Bridge right there infront of us.
Crak began by grabbing a (I think) Japanese beer. I passed on that because I do not like beer at all. I gagged down the raddler in Munich and that was enough to last me a lifetime. I was holding out for the drinks being supplied by the waitstaff.
Well, waitstaff was carrying empty trays by the time we did the lap so it was up to the bar for us. We began with a Bacardi Coconut & Pineapple juice. Very yummy. We also grabbed some dried fruit & nut snacks that were in martini glasses & snagged a bench to sit on & chat.
I wanted to get up & grab another snack & asked Crak to "check me". She noticed a stain but it was on the waistband of the pants. Hmmm.....not from the bar. Okay. I then sit back down & look at my left pants leg & there's another stain. I also managed to drip a lot of water from the condensation of the drinks on my pants. Drat!
We snacked but not as much as we drank. It went from the Coconut to a Bacardi Lemon drink for me, while Crak had a Bacardi Mojito. I finished the Lemon & moved on to a Bacardi Raspberry (are you picking up on the fact that Bacardi sponsored this?). We had some red wine in there somewhere. We then got up & went to the bar to order our last "open bar drink" for the evening. We had the melon drinks. Not too bad. We decided to do a lap again & that's when we met Chris. He approached us by saying "Hey. You think they'd have some kind of music playing out ehre for this, wouldn't you?" Which began the hour that we spent with him & his colleagues. He was very inerested in Crak & couldn't be more clear about that. I was talking to his lesbian friend, Bobby, who was a riot. She is a retired NYC cop & now works as a CPA. She was sharing all of her views & opinoins about education & the youth of today to me. So so nice.
Chris then decided he wanted to impress Crak & decided to buy four of us a round of drinks. Very nice. So I had another melon thingy. I have never drank this much in my life & here I have 5 drinks + wine in me. And no dinner. And yet I can walk. And sort of talk. And realize that Crak is letting this guy hang on her & she is pretty gone, at least from what I can tell. Very giddy & giggly & well....gone. Oh it was time to go. I have more drinks in me than I do in 3 months total + heels + have to get all the way back to Penn with a fuzzy Crak. Yeah~~time to go.
She gives Chris her card (why I am not sure & told her later I'd rather see her go out with the Lead Singer than Chris) & we wobbled our way down the stairs. We tried to pick up our parting gifts, but there was nobody manning the table & there was only one bag left. Hmmm.....how can you hand out more tickets than bags? They are getting a letter.
We managed to get to the subway station &, even better, got on the right subway. Back at Penn, we grabbed Starbucks & hopped on separate trains & made it home. Ah~~drinking with Crak is always a good time. Now, if I could just find a man...........................................
Crak had sent me an email ages ago to go to an "on the rooftop" event in the city. I said "sure" because, as I have said before, I will do anything once. She bought us tickets back in May for tonight at the Delancy, which is right by the Williamsburg Bridge. Very cute.
We met at Penn at 5:15 and the moment I looked at her I knew it would be a night. We were dressed similar enough that I know I have to call her from now on to avoid looking like the "Bobsey Twins". She was accessorized in red while I in black, but we both had white pants on (as stated in the title). We had to go above ground to walk a block & catch the F train down to Delancy. An easy run when you can walk in the shoes you chose to wear for the evening.
We get there at 5:55 & they will not let us check in. So we look around a bit & watch as the place begins to fill up with people who are waiting to go onto the roof. At precisely 6:00, they check us off on a list & give us raffle tickets so that we may redeem them at the end of the night for our "goody bag". How nice! Open Bacardi bar from 6-8, cover charge, & a goody abg all for $20? Where else can you get that in Manhattan?
So we go up the stairs to the tropical oasis & do a "lap around the setting before committing to a location". There were potted palms everywhere, a water bank with fountain in the center, and a view of the Williamsburg Bridge right there infront of us.
Crak began by grabbing a (I think) Japanese beer. I passed on that because I do not like beer at all. I gagged down the raddler in Munich and that was enough to last me a lifetime. I was holding out for the drinks being supplied by the waitstaff.
Well, waitstaff was carrying empty trays by the time we did the lap so it was up to the bar for us. We began with a Bacardi Coconut & Pineapple juice. Very yummy. We also grabbed some dried fruit & nut snacks that were in martini glasses & snagged a bench to sit on & chat.
I wanted to get up & grab another snack & asked Crak to "check me". She noticed a stain but it was on the waistband of the pants. Hmmm.....not from the bar. Okay. I then sit back down & look at my left pants leg & there's another stain. I also managed to drip a lot of water from the condensation of the drinks on my pants. Drat!
We snacked but not as much as we drank. It went from the Coconut to a Bacardi Lemon drink for me, while Crak had a Bacardi Mojito. I finished the Lemon & moved on to a Bacardi Raspberry (are you picking up on the fact that Bacardi sponsored this?). We had some red wine in there somewhere. We then got up & went to the bar to order our last "open bar drink" for the evening. We had the melon drinks. Not too bad. We decided to do a lap again & that's when we met Chris. He approached us by saying "Hey. You think they'd have some kind of music playing out ehre for this, wouldn't you?" Which began the hour that we spent with him & his colleagues. He was very inerested in Crak & couldn't be more clear about that. I was talking to his lesbian friend, Bobby, who was a riot. She is a retired NYC cop & now works as a CPA. She was sharing all of her views & opinoins about education & the youth of today to me. So so nice.
Chris then decided he wanted to impress Crak & decided to buy four of us a round of drinks. Very nice. So I had another melon thingy. I have never drank this much in my life & here I have 5 drinks + wine in me. And no dinner. And yet I can walk. And sort of talk. And realize that Crak is letting this guy hang on her & she is pretty gone, at least from what I can tell. Very giddy & giggly & well....gone. Oh it was time to go. I have more drinks in me than I do in 3 months total + heels + have to get all the way back to Penn with a fuzzy Crak. Yeah~~time to go.
She gives Chris her card (why I am not sure & told her later I'd rather see her go out with the Lead Singer than Chris) & we wobbled our way down the stairs. We tried to pick up our parting gifts, but there was nobody manning the table & there was only one bag left. Hmmm.....how can you hand out more tickets than bags? They are getting a letter.
We managed to get to the subway station &, even better, got on the right subway. Back at Penn, we grabbed Starbucks & hopped on separate trains & made it home. Ah~~drinking with Crak is always a good time. Now, if I could just find a man...........................................
Monday, August 14, 2006
Little Bits O' Heaven
I was craving icecream in the worst way. And I have been dying for anything chocolate. I then remembered that I had bought Edy's Dibs about 2 weeks ago & they were sitting in the freezer all by themselves. So I decided to help my hand, mouth, stomach to these yummy bites. I had purchased the chocolate mint & they were fantastic. I had the best time sitting there eating my little bites of yummy icecream & not feeling one ounce of guilt. I am trying to avoid the sugar (because my level tends to run on the high side) & am trying to start eating a healthier diet than what I have been doing since last November. These bites are my guiltless pleasure. I can have four or five & they help to deal with the craving & then it's gone. I absolutely love sitting with them while watching CSI. I had such a blast all by myself!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
What Did I Do?
I was trying to buy a plane ticket out to Portland to visit Cowboy. I have promised him time & again that I'd go to see him. Prices were always phenomenal~~upwards of $350. I can't do that. That's nutty. I finally found airfare for $237 over Labor Day weekend. I call & say "Guess what! I can come visit these dates, can you get off from work?" And he says "I'll be in Ohio that weekend to see family." UGH! Cowboy calls back that I am more than welcome to join them.
Here's the catch: I have not seen, nor interacted, with his parents for almost two years. We do not get along AT ALL. And they ruined my Christmas of 2004. So I swore off any interaction with them. And now it's going to happen. I will have to see them, drive in a car with them, and break bread with them. EW! My stomach is already turning. But I will never go to Ohio on my own. I have no need to & this will help to knock another of the 50 states off my list to visit.
I can go to Longaberger & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I can see Cowboy. I can travel 1 1/2 hours & not have to deal with a 3-our time difference. This is easier but seems more insane than anything.
Why am I doing these things to myself this week?
Here's the catch: I have not seen, nor interacted, with his parents for almost two years. We do not get along AT ALL. And they ruined my Christmas of 2004. So I swore off any interaction with them. And now it's going to happen. I will have to see them, drive in a car with them, and break bread with them. EW! My stomach is already turning. But I will never go to Ohio on my own. I have no need to & this will help to knock another of the 50 states off my list to visit.
I can go to Longaberger & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I can see Cowboy. I can travel 1 1/2 hours & not have to deal with a 3-our time difference. This is easier but seems more insane than anything.
Why am I doing these things to myself this week?
A Game of Catch-Up
Love Thy Neighbor & I finally got to go out & celebrate her 21st birthday (2 & 1/2 months late). I've known her since before she was a year old & have been there for all of the milestones. Well, we wanted to go out & have fun while she enters the "legal age" but could never get our schedules to match. We managed to grab last night for food, lots of conversation & drinks of both the alcoholic & non-alcoholic nature.
We were originally going to meet in the city because she works there 5 days a week over her summers & breaks off from school. I left it up to her seeing as I do not really "work" like most people do & have a much more flexible schedule. She called Thursday night (while I was on greek time) to say she'd rather go local & it was up-in-the-air as to where our stomachs would take us. She left, in the message, that she'd only had mudslides at Houlihans but it seemed like a fun place to go. I ended up calling her back & having to leave a message & said "oh yes! they have good food & if you haven't tried their 'shrooms, you just have to".
Well, LTN was listening to this message while eating breakfast with the family the next morning before having to catch the train into work & her brother heard me say that & she said she had to stop for a minute & said out loud, "I think Grotter wants us to eat 'shrooms tomorrow. Does that sound right?" Well, she should know me by now (heck its 21 years of family) and that it must be food related--to which the little brother said "This is Grotter we're talking about. She doesn't do drugs." And he was (according to LTN) shaking his head and laughing at the thought of me offering her drugs on a cellphone message. It is rather odd & I found this a riot.
Anyway, we did end up at the extremely crowded Houlihans & got a pager & sat outside with approx. 25 others waiting. But, we managed to get a table in under 10 minutes while these people were still waiting. Must have ben a good-looking night for us!
We pondered the menu way too long & changed our minds a dozen times over food choices. We ended up with the 'shrooms, watermelon martinis, and I had the quiche florentine & a salad while she ahd the southwest wrap. Both were amazing. Not to mention that she & I are champion eaters. (Ask me about her "hungry little princess story one day if interested.) I will point out two things: 1. I had eaten dinner at 6:00 because I ws hungry & was now eating a full meal again just an hour & 1/2 later & 2. the waitstaff didn't proof either of us. I just got proofed while out with the Ultimate Shopper but not now? & LTN barely looks 21. So where's the proof people?
We sat & ate & talked nonstop & drank the martinis & ate & drank & talked some more. We finally decided we were stuffed & freezing (cute tank outfits + cool night + air-conditioning - long sleeve cover-up = too cold for me to sit) and went outside to the car. I gave her a tour of the benz, seeing as she hadn't sat in it yet but has drooled over it from her window.
It was then off for a bit of driving to let food settle & decide if it was dessert or coffe or both. We ended up at Starbucks & talked & drank & drank & talked. We got home 3 1/2 hrs later stuffed, tired, and jaws aching. We also left it with a "have to do our annual fall trip to the outlets & palisades" run. I have done this every semester with her for the last 3 years of her college experience. Sometimes it's just her & sometimes it's the roommates. Either way, it's a day of shopping, laughing, & food. Can it get any better?
We were originally going to meet in the city because she works there 5 days a week over her summers & breaks off from school. I left it up to her seeing as I do not really "work" like most people do & have a much more flexible schedule. She called Thursday night (while I was on greek time) to say she'd rather go local & it was up-in-the-air as to where our stomachs would take us. She left, in the message, that she'd only had mudslides at Houlihans but it seemed like a fun place to go. I ended up calling her back & having to leave a message & said "oh yes! they have good food & if you haven't tried their 'shrooms, you just have to".
Well, LTN was listening to this message while eating breakfast with the family the next morning before having to catch the train into work & her brother heard me say that & she said she had to stop for a minute & said out loud, "I think Grotter wants us to eat 'shrooms tomorrow. Does that sound right?" Well, she should know me by now (heck its 21 years of family) and that it must be food related--to which the little brother said "This is Grotter we're talking about. She doesn't do drugs." And he was (according to LTN) shaking his head and laughing at the thought of me offering her drugs on a cellphone message. It is rather odd & I found this a riot.
Anyway, we did end up at the extremely crowded Houlihans & got a pager & sat outside with approx. 25 others waiting. But, we managed to get a table in under 10 minutes while these people were still waiting. Must have ben a good-looking night for us!
We pondered the menu way too long & changed our minds a dozen times over food choices. We ended up with the 'shrooms, watermelon martinis, and I had the quiche florentine & a salad while she ahd the southwest wrap. Both were amazing. Not to mention that she & I are champion eaters. (Ask me about her "hungry little princess story one day if interested.) I will point out two things: 1. I had eaten dinner at 6:00 because I ws hungry & was now eating a full meal again just an hour & 1/2 later & 2. the waitstaff didn't proof either of us. I just got proofed while out with the Ultimate Shopper but not now? & LTN barely looks 21. So where's the proof people?
We sat & ate & talked nonstop & drank the martinis & ate & drank & talked some more. We finally decided we were stuffed & freezing (cute tank outfits + cool night + air-conditioning - long sleeve cover-up = too cold for me to sit) and went outside to the car. I gave her a tour of the benz, seeing as she hadn't sat in it yet but has drooled over it from her window.
It was then off for a bit of driving to let food settle & decide if it was dessert or coffe or both. We ended up at Starbucks & talked & drank & drank & talked. We got home 3 1/2 hrs later stuffed, tired, and jaws aching. We also left it with a "have to do our annual fall trip to the outlets & palisades" run. I have done this every semester with her for the last 3 years of her college experience. Sometimes it's just her & sometimes it's the roommates. Either way, it's a day of shopping, laughing, & food. Can it get any better?
Friday, August 11, 2006
It's Greek To Me
So, the Greek had said he wanted to "get together for drinks this week" and I thought for sure that it would never materialize. And it almost didn't. We set it up on Sunday night that we would go out for drinks on Thursday at 9pm. I got a call on Wednesday at 8:30 pm from him, saying that he was "Stuck at work and would have to cancel". Ummm.....no ya don't. So I called back & had to leave him a message. It went something like this: "Hi. It's me. I just got your message that you are cancelling. First of all, do not cancel a half hour before we are supposed to meet up. I would have already been on my way & would not want to have to turn around. Secondly, we aren't meeting tonight. We are meeting tomorrow (Thursday). If you are going to cancel on me tomorrow, you are to call me no later than 7:30 pm to notify me of this change. Looking forward to seeing you" and I hung up. U.S. was sitting there while I did this & she was cracking up.
Anyway, Thursday came & I was on my way to PF Changs for drinks & apps. I get a call at 8:30 (again) and it's "I'm on my way but there's traffic." At least he let me know he was still coming. I would have flipped because I had already left to meet him & if he cancelled that would have been it for him. He shows up a half an hour late. I wasn't too happy, but at least we had chatted a bit during this time period.
He looked good. The last time I saw him he was a mess (and I was soooooooo happy). But he really looked good this time. Darn. It wasn't really that awkward at all. We got a table immediately. I already knew what I was having so I didn't need to look at the menu. He did ask me for help & we talked about (what else) food for a bit. Then it went on to what we've been doing since we last saw eachother over a year ago. We had drinks. A bit too much, I think. Because then we started talking about our dating expereinces over the last 5 years. That's how much time has passed since our relationship ended. We talked the entire time. There wasn't one lull in the conversation. We laughed a lot too.
He drove me to my car & we said goodnight. I said we should get together again soon & not let a year go by. He said "call & I'll make time for you". Now, if you know him, that is a lot. Because he works all the time. And he doesn't come all the way out to Nassau County when he's in Queens & Manhattan at his offices. So I knew the offer was big. It was awkward for a moment, but I gave him a kiss on the cheek & a hug and thanked him for dinner & got in my car. I wasn't home 5 minutes when a text came through "I had a good time tonight. Thank you. Good night". Wow. A follow-up already? Now, some people may say it should have been a phone call but this whole "us talking thingy" started with a text 5 or 6 weeks ago. So this was appropriate. I sent it back saying the usual thanks & had a good time. He then sent it back that he went home right after we left & I should "come over for fun" if I want. Wait a second. Where did this come from? We left with a friendly kiss on the cheek, a hug, and a "let's do this in the next two months" kind of scenario. Did I miss something? Was there something there I didn't pick up on? Ofcourse, any guy who has dated me will tell you that he practically had to hit me over the head for me to see his interest, no matter what it was. I sent it back that I didn't realize that is where this was going & he replied that it can --maybe -- if we want.
Wait. What?
Anyway, Thursday came & I was on my way to PF Changs for drinks & apps. I get a call at 8:30 (again) and it's "I'm on my way but there's traffic." At least he let me know he was still coming. I would have flipped because I had already left to meet him & if he cancelled that would have been it for him. He shows up a half an hour late. I wasn't too happy, but at least we had chatted a bit during this time period.
He looked good. The last time I saw him he was a mess (and I was soooooooo happy). But he really looked good this time. Darn. It wasn't really that awkward at all. We got a table immediately. I already knew what I was having so I didn't need to look at the menu. He did ask me for help & we talked about (what else) food for a bit. Then it went on to what we've been doing since we last saw eachother over a year ago. We had drinks. A bit too much, I think. Because then we started talking about our dating expereinces over the last 5 years. That's how much time has passed since our relationship ended. We talked the entire time. There wasn't one lull in the conversation. We laughed a lot too.
He drove me to my car & we said goodnight. I said we should get together again soon & not let a year go by. He said "call & I'll make time for you". Now, if you know him, that is a lot. Because he works all the time. And he doesn't come all the way out to Nassau County when he's in Queens & Manhattan at his offices. So I knew the offer was big. It was awkward for a moment, but I gave him a kiss on the cheek & a hug and thanked him for dinner & got in my car. I wasn't home 5 minutes when a text came through "I had a good time tonight. Thank you. Good night". Wow. A follow-up already? Now, some people may say it should have been a phone call but this whole "us talking thingy" started with a text 5 or 6 weeks ago. So this was appropriate. I sent it back saying the usual thanks & had a good time. He then sent it back that he went home right after we left & I should "come over for fun" if I want. Wait a second. Where did this come from? We left with a friendly kiss on the cheek, a hug, and a "let's do this in the next two months" kind of scenario. Did I miss something? Was there something there I didn't pick up on? Ofcourse, any guy who has dated me will tell you that he practically had to hit me over the head for me to see his interest, no matter what it was. I sent it back that I didn't realize that is where this was going & he replied that it can --maybe -- if we want.
Wait. What?
Ultimately Good Time
I was so happy to meet up with the Ultimate Shopper on Wednesday night. We never seem to have schedules that match but finally found a date to have dinner.....and do what we do best. We met up at 5pm @ our usual spot. First item on the list was dinner at Fridays. I got my usual sesame jack chicken & US got her chicken strips. However, we always say we are going to order drinks & never do. This time we actually followed through with it. I had the Lynchburg Lemonade. It was okay but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. However, we did realize why we don't drink when we go out. It's so hard to walk the mall & shop & balance after a drink that was more alochol than you thought it would be.
We hit all of the stores....and I do mean all. She is one of the very few people who will actually shop & go anywhere & not be selective about the stores. I know too many people who will not go to the mall or will ONLY go to their stores of choice & if you can get them into one you want, they criticize it the entire time.
Anyway, we even had a chance to stop in for some yummy Starbucks & rest our weary arms from all of the packages. I will say (to quote the Frenchie Bombshell) it was a "Pretty Woman" shopping experience.
We hit all of the stores....and I do mean all. She is one of the very few people who will actually shop & go anywhere & not be selective about the stores. I know too many people who will not go to the mall or will ONLY go to their stores of choice & if you can get them into one you want, they criticize it the entire time.
Anyway, we even had a chance to stop in for some yummy Starbucks & rest our weary arms from all of the packages. I will say (to quote the Frenchie Bombshell) it was a "Pretty Woman" shopping experience.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Like Speakng a Foreign Langauge
I had recently had a couple of text converstaions with the Greek. We haven't chatted in almost a year & have now had 2 of these conversation in a month. As his last text requested the night before, "Can You Talk?" I decided to call him on my way in to the city. I left a message & figured that'd be it for almost another year. He called on the ride home from the city & we talked. About stuff. He works. A Lot. I told him about the new business & the first thing he asks is how much an hour & can he book four. He has a degree. So I asked him why. He said because he can't hold down a relationship & at least this way he'd have to go out since it's paid for. What? My response to him was "Fine. It'll pay for the Gucci sunglasses I want". He asked if I want to get together. Sure. He then asked if I drink. My resposne to him was that it depends on the company I am going to be keeping. This struck him so funny & it's now that we will go out some night this week--my choice---for drinks & conversation. Already I am wondering why I am getting into this.
Citypass Day 2: "You Ain't Got No Babys?"
Crak & I trekked back in to finish the remaining four sights on our pass that is to expire this Tuesday. We knew it'd be a looooonnnnnggggg day & were (sort of) prepared for it. We met again at 10:30 in our spot at Penn & grabbed that same subway to head right back over the the now shady Intrepid-area. We were taking the Circle Line but couldn't believe that we actually did the Intrepid on the hottest day the other day. We have a PhD & a half between us & not a "lick of sense" at all. We should have done the museums the other day. But no. We made a plan & stuck to it. Maybe our determination is the flaw in our character. But I digress.
We got on line for the Circle Line & stood in the blazing sun. We had a 1/2 hour wait to board the ship & I was taking inventory of the families around us who came much better prepared with food & snacks & coolers of drinks. We had packed our little sandwiches & a bottle of water & I was hungry at 11am so I was not sure how I'd hold out until at least 1:30. Our tour guide, David, was so informative & entertaining. He pointed out the home of Alexander Hamilton & the infamous spot of the duel with him & Burr. We saw the Jersey City developments, the Chelsea Piers, the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano Bridge, heard all about Tribeca, Chelsea, the Village, Little Italy, China Town, references to 'Gangs of New York' & 'Spiderman', the Brooklyn Bridge (and how it's use of cables make buildings over 6 floors possible), the Manhattan Bridge, & the Williamsburg Bridge. We saw Brooklin & Queens & the old Domino Sugar Factory. It was really a great trip & I recommend it to everyone!
We got off at 1:30 & I was beyond hungry, even though I had eaten my sandwich & chips on the boat. We grabbed another subway & headed over to the MOMA. I have never been interested in seeing this musem. I wasn't now, but it was on the pass & so I was going. It was okay. Smaller than I expected & I never realized that I have passed it dozens of times & just never noticed it. We did see the 'Dada' exhibit & the Andy Warhol famous pieces of Campbells & Marilyn Monroe. I had Crak rolling her eyes when I pointed out that the arrangement of the soup was incorrect. My knowledge from my days of being a Campbells rep. stick with me to this day. We even snuck a few more Jackson Pollock's in there. I can now say yes, I have been to the MOMA.
By this time we were famished & needed to eat. We stopped at some little place called Fluffy's Bakery. I had a broccoli cheese quiche with a small salad on the side. It hit the spot. I'd have preferred the Seattle Cafe again but that was out of our way & we had a schedule to keep.
After dining, we hopped another subway to 81st to the Museum of Natural History. There I got to see the photo exhibit of the 'Yellowstone to Yukon' which was so pretty & makes me want to go west. We also went to the Rose Center & the Hayden Planetarium. There we saw the Big Bang Theory broken down for us & the new movie "Cosmic Collides". So pretty & enertaining & comfy chairs.
Back out to the subway for our final stop. We were going to the top of the Empire State Building. I haven't been up there in like 20 years. We got on a line that was filled with annoying people & waited. And waited. And waited. While waiting to enter the hallway that would take us to the elevator, we had the chance to chat with the young man at the rope. He was the one who let the line in. He asked us a few questions & then showed us a picture of his 2-month old son, Angel. He was such the proud father! Then I told him that he "is so lucky" because that is what I say to anyone with a baby because I want one. He then looked at Crak & me and said "You ain't got no babys, miss?" We both said "No". He said "Oh, you gotta have a baby". Yeah--from your lips to God's ears, Angel's daddy.
This line, however, cracked us up & we held it until we got to the top of the building. It would have been rude to laugh at him when he was so nice.
We walk out onto the observation deck & the first thing we see is King Kong. Yup. Someone in a costume taking pictures with the tourists. I am not a fan of people in costumes. They freak me out. Crak, on the other hand, is terrified. We immediately went the other way to avoid him. I took a look out at the Chrystler Building & then backed way up so that there was space between me & the people across the make-shift aisle to see out. As I am waiting for Crak, I turn to look to my left. However, on my right I hear the odd sound of a footstep that does not belong to a normal person. I whip my head around just in time to see Kong behind Crak. OH NO! I couldn't say her name & he taps her on the shoulder & she looks back & up & the color drains for her face. Oh I felt sooooooooo bad!
We made a beeline in the other direction & finished up at the top. Down we went in the speedy elevators & over to the nearest Starbucks because I was hungry again. We snacked & rested & then made our way back to Penn to hop a train home. This all seems like not much but it took us 12 hours from start to finish. I got on a 9:40am train & arrived back at the station at 9:40pm. That's a lot to do!
Another hot, funfilled, touristy day with Crak. Always a good time.
We got on line for the Circle Line & stood in the blazing sun. We had a 1/2 hour wait to board the ship & I was taking inventory of the families around us who came much better prepared with food & snacks & coolers of drinks. We had packed our little sandwiches & a bottle of water & I was hungry at 11am so I was not sure how I'd hold out until at least 1:30. Our tour guide, David, was so informative & entertaining. He pointed out the home of Alexander Hamilton & the infamous spot of the duel with him & Burr. We saw the Jersey City developments, the Chelsea Piers, the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano Bridge, heard all about Tribeca, Chelsea, the Village, Little Italy, China Town, references to 'Gangs of New York' & 'Spiderman', the Brooklyn Bridge (and how it's use of cables make buildings over 6 floors possible), the Manhattan Bridge, & the Williamsburg Bridge. We saw Brooklin & Queens & the old Domino Sugar Factory. It was really a great trip & I recommend it to everyone!
We got off at 1:30 & I was beyond hungry, even though I had eaten my sandwich & chips on the boat. We grabbed another subway & headed over to the MOMA. I have never been interested in seeing this musem. I wasn't now, but it was on the pass & so I was going. It was okay. Smaller than I expected & I never realized that I have passed it dozens of times & just never noticed it. We did see the 'Dada' exhibit & the Andy Warhol famous pieces of Campbells & Marilyn Monroe. I had Crak rolling her eyes when I pointed out that the arrangement of the soup was incorrect. My knowledge from my days of being a Campbells rep. stick with me to this day. We even snuck a few more Jackson Pollock's in there. I can now say yes, I have been to the MOMA.
By this time we were famished & needed to eat. We stopped at some little place called Fluffy's Bakery. I had a broccoli cheese quiche with a small salad on the side. It hit the spot. I'd have preferred the Seattle Cafe again but that was out of our way & we had a schedule to keep.
After dining, we hopped another subway to 81st to the Museum of Natural History. There I got to see the photo exhibit of the 'Yellowstone to Yukon' which was so pretty & makes me want to go west. We also went to the Rose Center & the Hayden Planetarium. There we saw the Big Bang Theory broken down for us & the new movie "Cosmic Collides". So pretty & enertaining & comfy chairs.
Back out to the subway for our final stop. We were going to the top of the Empire State Building. I haven't been up there in like 20 years. We got on a line that was filled with annoying people & waited. And waited. And waited. While waiting to enter the hallway that would take us to the elevator, we had the chance to chat with the young man at the rope. He was the one who let the line in. He asked us a few questions & then showed us a picture of his 2-month old son, Angel. He was such the proud father! Then I told him that he "is so lucky" because that is what I say to anyone with a baby because I want one. He then looked at Crak & me and said "You ain't got no babys, miss?" We both said "No". He said "Oh, you gotta have a baby". Yeah--from your lips to God's ears, Angel's daddy.
This line, however, cracked us up & we held it until we got to the top of the building. It would have been rude to laugh at him when he was so nice.
We walk out onto the observation deck & the first thing we see is King Kong. Yup. Someone in a costume taking pictures with the tourists. I am not a fan of people in costumes. They freak me out. Crak, on the other hand, is terrified. We immediately went the other way to avoid him. I took a look out at the Chrystler Building & then backed way up so that there was space between me & the people across the make-shift aisle to see out. As I am waiting for Crak, I turn to look to my left. However, on my right I hear the odd sound of a footstep that does not belong to a normal person. I whip my head around just in time to see Kong behind Crak. OH NO! I couldn't say her name & he taps her on the shoulder & she looks back & up & the color drains for her face. Oh I felt sooooooooo bad!
We made a beeline in the other direction & finished up at the top. Down we went in the speedy elevators & over to the nearest Starbucks because I was hungry again. We snacked & rested & then made our way back to Penn to hop a train home. This all seems like not much but it took us 12 hours from start to finish. I got on a 9:40am train & arrived back at the station at 9:40pm. That's a lot to do!
Another hot, funfilled, touristy day with Crak. Always a good time.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Don't You Love It When A Song Is Stuck In Your Head For Days? Want One?
I have three songs in my head & they seem to work on rotation. The first is that Panic! At The Disco song I wrote about. Driving me batty. The second one is "Copa Cabana" by, none other than, Barry Manilow. I have no idea why. I don't even remember the last time I heard it but it's there. Over & over & over again. Finally, I saw a birthday card Monday night that is just too cute & it's the "Happy Birthday" song but altered. It has a hippo, a bird, two ewes, and a deer at one point. And, you can just guess what it says: "Hippo Birdie Two Ewe. Hippo Birdie Two Ewe. Hippo Birdie Deer Ewe. Hippo Birdie Two Ewe". Lol~~~I love that!
What The Heck....Is 'Pants Off Dance Off'?!?
Why is Jodi Sweetin the host of "Pants Off Dance Off"? This is some show on fuse that people try out each week to be a stripper. They all get $200 for dancing on tv & taking off all of their clothes. There are the usual scrawny girls who just haven't bought their tickets to Vegas yet. But then there are the larger people....the not-so-pretty people, and the old people. EW! And why is Ms. Sweetin the host? I asked that already but I had to say it again because it's so odd. Tell me you don't know who she is. 'Stephanie' from "Full House". Why why why are people taking off their clothes? Don't we have enough of that on television already?
And~~sorry for the interruption but I am watching 'Friends' & Crau will love this: they are playing "Phoebe Ball" and she just asked Monica 'what is your favorite thing about trees?" And the answer that Phoebe is going for is........?
Okay~~back to tacky tv & stars who ar trying to make some kind of comeback & going about it completely wrong. I can't believe that people will strip for $200! I am not sure why I am surprised by this but I am. What is happening to society? Whoah...loaded question. Chalk this all up to the heat.
And~~sorry for the interruption but I am watching 'Friends' & Crau will love this: they are playing "Phoebe Ball" and she just asked Monica 'what is your favorite thing about trees?" And the answer that Phoebe is going for is........?
Okay~~back to tacky tv & stars who ar trying to make some kind of comeback & going about it completely wrong. I can't believe that people will strip for $200! I am not sure why I am surprised by this but I am. What is happening to society? Whoah...loaded question. Chalk this all up to the heat.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Could Someone Please Explain the Meaning of
What in the world does the song "I Write Sins Not Tragedies", from Panic! At The Disco, mean? I looked up the lyrics to see if reading them would help them sink in, but nope. I hear that song constantly. I turn on the radio. It's playing. I change the station to avoid it. It's playing on the next station. I have no idea what they are talking about!! The bridesmaid says to a waiter that the groom's bride is a whore? And then later on the 'groom'(?) says "at least our marriage is saved"? How is it saved if your new wife isn't faithful? And if people at the wedding already know about her affairs (including membes of teh waitstaff) then is there a point? Or is there really no point to this headache called music (holy cow--just aged myself) and it's that whole 'new style...push limits....kurt cobain movement in another direction type of thing?
I don't think I am reading too much into it since I have yet to comprehend it. I had to ask Crak about the reference in Bon Jovi's 'My Life' about Frankie. I had no clue that it's Frank Sinatra. Maybe because I didn't put the "I did it my way" together with the name. Nevermind the fact that I have never heard Frank Sinatra referred to as Frankie. See why I ask these things.
I don't think I am reading too much into it since I have yet to comprehend it. I had to ask Crak about the reference in Bon Jovi's 'My Life' about Frankie. I had no clue that it's Frank Sinatra. Maybe because I didn't put the "I did it my way" together with the name. Nevermind the fact that I have never heard Frank Sinatra referred to as Frankie. See why I ask these things.
Not A Fan of When
people you haven't heard from in two years drop into your life with an email out of the blue & want to know how things are going. And it's always followed up with "We should get together for a short breakfast or lunch or something". It actually said that. I haven't seen or heard from this person in two years. I went to their wedding, was there for the various festivities, was asked to send a gift when the baby was born, but never got to see the baby in question (I wonder if there really is a baby). Baby is almost three and I get the email of "Well, how are things?" What? How are things? Do you really care or is it that you are so bored & your friends are not available because they don't have children & you are looking for someone who may be free to tell your good fortunes to? Be honest. Because an offer of "short breakfast or lunch" is not really worth my time when it's been over two years. If getting together is that much of a chore but you need it to be long enough to declare how the construction on your new house is going, your job & marriage & vacation & child, then just write it in the stupid email. Don't make me drive out there to meet at a restaurant while someone watches the child in question so I again do not meet the child, don't get to see the spouse I watched you marry, or even get an offer for "lunch" in general. Because the last time we met, it was a "short" deal where you had scheduled to meet another friend for coffee in the afternoon that Saturday right after we were to have lunch. Everything is too cataloged & runs more like a work day filled with meetings rather than a genuine "how are you" session.
City Pass Adventures
Crak had asked me ages ago if I wanted to become a tourist in the city & buy the citypass that offers you a huge savings to see major atractions. For 1/2 the price, you get to see the Guggenheim, the MOMA, the Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid, the Empire State Building, & take a 2-hour cruise on the CircleLine. The catch? It must be used within a 9-day period. That doesn't sound bad, but with conflicting schedules & time-restraints, it isn't easy either.
We agreed to start our adventure yesterday. We met at 10:30 in Penn & had planned on the Guggenheim, the Intrepid, and the Museum of Natural History. What we didn't really plan on was the 110-degree temps we were to battle for the day. I had eaten breakfast but it didn't feel that way to my stomach & I announced my arrival to her with the usual "I'm already hungry" which would plague me all day. We hopped a subway & headed up to 46th st. & then had to come back above ground to walk from 8th Ave to 12th & 48th. UGH~~~the heat! It was inescapable. The minute we walked out of Penn & into the subway area it hit. And was going to get worse. We walked (rather quickly) to the Intrepid & were pretty sticky already & it was barely 11:00.
It wasn't very crowded there & we did everything there was to see. We started with the Growler, a submarine used during WWII. We took the 15-minute tour & climbed through those small porthole doorways, almost cracking our heads on the top. We saw the missiles that were fired from this sub. We giggled all the way through it as well. What made me laugh the most was Crak exclaiming "We were underwater?!" We then headed back to sea-level & over to the exhibit that had the Concorde. I was in awe of this plane & so happy to be able to walk through it. What amazed me the most was how tiny this plane is in person. It was cool to walk up the stairs & be able to walk down the center aisle of the aircraft & see how the "other half" lived for a time.
Oh so hot! We were dripping by this point. Way too hot. And I am not exaggerating. We were soaked. And we were now on our way onto the actual Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Very cool. We began at the lowest level--the galley. Leave it to us to start where there would have been food. We proceeded up to the midship level & looked at all of the exhibits there & head the history of various planes & military personnel. By the way~~did you know it was George Washington who began the traditional honoring of the Purple Heart? He had it made from a silk-like material & presented the first one in 1781. I was impressed that such a time-honored tradition is so old.
We even made our way up to the flight deck. There we saw the A-6 & one of the retired F-14s. However, this one was painted white with red & blue stripes. The ones I am used to are gray. And it's impressive to say that I saw the last flight (with my brother assisting the aircraft) just over a month ago. And here one is for people to see. So awesome.
EW! SO HOT! We walked out of the exhibit & back towards 50th & 8th. We had to stop along the way for lunch....remember me? Still hungry. We found some little lunch spot called Seattle ...something......and I had a very yummy california wrap & salad on the side. What made me oh so happy was that both had avocado in them. HEAVENLY! We sat & refreshed & breathed in the cool air-conditioned air until it was absolutely pushing the limits of time.
Back out into the scorcher & over to another HOT subway station & work our way to the Guggenheim. That's on 5th & 89th. ???????? Yeah. A completely different section of the city. Needless to say, we were still soaked when we entered but at least it was nice & cool in there. I have never been in this museum before & was so happy to finally see it. However, I am so shocked at how small it really is. I guess when you can get lost in so many of the others in Europe (that Crak & I have gotten lost in) this seemed too easy. We saw that new exhibit for Zada Hadid & I liked a couple of her images and was most impressed with the car she designed.
I was also happy to see the Jackson Pollock exhibit but it baffles me how one man can paint random colored lines & drippings on a page & then have multiple "untitled" ones hanging in a museum. I have a ton of things like that from art classes over the years & they aren't even hanging on my mother's refridgerator.
It was already 2:00 & I had to be home before 5 to meet my family for dinner. We were going out to celebrate my cousin's birthday. Another sweaty & disgusting ride on the subway got us back to Penn at 3:40. This is where Crak & I parted ways. She was headed to the CUNY grad center (so jealous) & I was headed to the nearest Starbucks before I got on my 3:55 train. I had to wait 10 minutes to get a greentea lemonade (worth it though) & then race over to the board & down the stairs with the other lemmings to fight for a seat on the train. I did get one (thankfully) and had a 45 minute ride home. I was so disgusting that I didn't want to sit in my car for fear of ruining the interior with the sweat that was going on. It was beyond gross. And I know this is all very tacky to share & so unlike me, but I am blaming it on the heatstroke I may have suffered.
I had a good time with Crak but we only finihsed two of the three exhibits we wanted to complete. This is a bit of a set-back. However, the woman who sold us the citypasses didn't record the date on the cover so we may be able to break out of that nine-day restriction rule. Good for us! We are hoping to go back in on Friday but with the threat of rain looming in the forcast, we shall see.
I love being a tourist in my own backyard.
We agreed to start our adventure yesterday. We met at 10:30 in Penn & had planned on the Guggenheim, the Intrepid, and the Museum of Natural History. What we didn't really plan on was the 110-degree temps we were to battle for the day. I had eaten breakfast but it didn't feel that way to my stomach & I announced my arrival to her with the usual "I'm already hungry" which would plague me all day. We hopped a subway & headed up to 46th st. & then had to come back above ground to walk from 8th Ave to 12th & 48th. UGH~~~the heat! It was inescapable. The minute we walked out of Penn & into the subway area it hit. And was going to get worse. We walked (rather quickly) to the Intrepid & were pretty sticky already & it was barely 11:00.
It wasn't very crowded there & we did everything there was to see. We started with the Growler, a submarine used during WWII. We took the 15-minute tour & climbed through those small porthole doorways, almost cracking our heads on the top. We saw the missiles that were fired from this sub. We giggled all the way through it as well. What made me laugh the most was Crak exclaiming "We were underwater?!" We then headed back to sea-level & over to the exhibit that had the Concorde. I was in awe of this plane & so happy to be able to walk through it. What amazed me the most was how tiny this plane is in person. It was cool to walk up the stairs & be able to walk down the center aisle of the aircraft & see how the "other half" lived for a time.
Oh so hot! We were dripping by this point. Way too hot. And I am not exaggerating. We were soaked. And we were now on our way onto the actual Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Very cool. We began at the lowest level--the galley. Leave it to us to start where there would have been food. We proceeded up to the midship level & looked at all of the exhibits there & head the history of various planes & military personnel. By the way~~did you know it was George Washington who began the traditional honoring of the Purple Heart? He had it made from a silk-like material & presented the first one in 1781. I was impressed that such a time-honored tradition is so old.
We even made our way up to the flight deck. There we saw the A-6 & one of the retired F-14s. However, this one was painted white with red & blue stripes. The ones I am used to are gray. And it's impressive to say that I saw the last flight (with my brother assisting the aircraft) just over a month ago. And here one is for people to see. So awesome.
EW! SO HOT! We walked out of the exhibit & back towards 50th & 8th. We had to stop along the way for lunch....remember me? Still hungry. We found some little lunch spot called Seattle ...something......and I had a very yummy california wrap & salad on the side. What made me oh so happy was that both had avocado in them. HEAVENLY! We sat & refreshed & breathed in the cool air-conditioned air until it was absolutely pushing the limits of time.
Back out into the scorcher & over to another HOT subway station & work our way to the Guggenheim. That's on 5th & 89th. ???????? Yeah. A completely different section of the city. Needless to say, we were still soaked when we entered but at least it was nice & cool in there. I have never been in this museum before & was so happy to finally see it. However, I am so shocked at how small it really is. I guess when you can get lost in so many of the others in Europe (that Crak & I have gotten lost in) this seemed too easy. We saw that new exhibit for Zada Hadid & I liked a couple of her images and was most impressed with the car she designed.
I was also happy to see the Jackson Pollock exhibit but it baffles me how one man can paint random colored lines & drippings on a page & then have multiple "untitled" ones hanging in a museum. I have a ton of things like that from art classes over the years & they aren't even hanging on my mother's refridgerator.
It was already 2:00 & I had to be home before 5 to meet my family for dinner. We were going out to celebrate my cousin's birthday. Another sweaty & disgusting ride on the subway got us back to Penn at 3:40. This is where Crak & I parted ways. She was headed to the CUNY grad center (so jealous) & I was headed to the nearest Starbucks before I got on my 3:55 train. I had to wait 10 minutes to get a greentea lemonade (worth it though) & then race over to the board & down the stairs with the other lemmings to fight for a seat on the train. I did get one (thankfully) and had a 45 minute ride home. I was so disgusting that I didn't want to sit in my car for fear of ruining the interior with the sweat that was going on. It was beyond gross. And I know this is all very tacky to share & so unlike me, but I am blaming it on the heatstroke I may have suffered.
I had a good time with Crak but we only finihsed two of the three exhibits we wanted to complete. This is a bit of a set-back. However, the woman who sold us the citypasses didn't record the date on the cover so we may be able to break out of that nine-day restriction rule. Good for us! We are hoping to go back in on Friday but with the threat of rain looming in the forcast, we shall see.
I love being a tourist in my own backyard.
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