January 20, 2011
The weather is getting horrible and getting out is getting harder and harder. Bolanos is being a prissy and staying in and I’m feeling a bit sluggish myself. Getting into my law school sleep schedule has been annoying. Bolanos also sounds pessimistic about the night and how he doesn’t really want to do “big things” in the city. He also thinks that we don’t really “do anything” anyway. However, as I said to Bolanos, “Life’s too short.” Buck up brother, lets head out. I get dressed and bundled up, jump in my car in the freezing cold and head out.
I plan on meeting Stefan in the East Village with Sarah and her friends are supposed to be coming as well. Candace invites me to go to Arlene’s Grocery for live band karaoke. I both eventually want to go there and also do live band karaoke, but I don’t make it.
Sophie’s is quite fun fun with Sarah and all her NYU buddies. Sarah’s awesome enough to compliment my leather jacket. Hey, even a guy can be conscious and care about what a helpful female may think of their look. Hope they work out.
It’s good getting practice in the “mingling” game and chatting with all these new people, swapping NYU stories, and all that. I ask one of the girls if she’s also graudating this semester. She says, “Oh no, I can’t say.” Turns out she was only a sophomore and 20 years old. Obviously she didn’t want to shout her age out because she’s in a bar, but it’s more the being young issue. I’m tell her, “Hey, I’m 23, I’m the one that should be hiding my age for being too old.” Darn, being old sucks. Funny how we both dislike our ages for different reasons.
Some of the peope that show up weren’t expected to and the girls go crazy. I thought I was in the actual “Shit Girls Say” video. Screams, “I haven’t seen you in forever!,” “Oh my gawdddd!.” One of the girls is standing with her back to all this ruckus and she is visibly in pain from it. I ask if she’s used to it at all and she is not. That stuff really does take a toll on the ears.
I also bring up this interesting question about how straight and homosexual couples operate. If I was going out with a girl, I wouldn’t want her randomly pointing out the attractiveness of other dudes. It’s just a weird thing and I’m not good at judging how attractive dudes are. And the other way around, maybe I’m generalizing, but girls can be self conscious, as well as men. I really doubt she’d to be second guessing her own looks because I’m pointing out other women. However, I feel it would be easier for homosexual couples. Both parties can appreciate the looks of the person they’re checking out. Just the stupid things I think about.
These gangstas seem to come to Sophie’s as well. I’m not sure about the story, but it seemed like they just came across it while exploring the city. That’s awesome because that’s how I found Sophie’s. I didn’t even know the name of the place when I was going to it.
One of the girls shares stories about how awesome Amos is. He’s actually the one that hooked up Stefan and Sarah! How awesome. He sits in the front, hanging out, and eventually, he finds two people he can hook up. What a matchmaker. A bar with its own matchmaker.
She also tells a story about how some dude was buying her drinks and she ended up leaving with this dude. He then ran back into the bar to grab something. She decides she doesn’t want to go back with him and decides to split. Amos follows her and tells her to keep going and going and then tries to make sure she’s safe. If she needs a cab or whatnot. Wow, Amos is such a huge sweetheart. What a great dude. By the way, this is a rule for you dudes though. If you pick up a girl, make sure you don’t let her out of your sights. She might change or mind get picked up by some other animal.
Amos also eventually walks over and Stefan talks about how Amos better not be kidding about something because Stefan met his wife. Amos gets a bit silent and as he starts walking away, “That ain’t my wife!” I die laughing. I want to say that everytime I get in a pickle. He sort of explains that he doesn’t have a wife and how he’s dating someone or whatnot. A playa.
Eventually, Stefan is tired and he heads out. Sarah and her friends to do the same. Sam was in Chelsea and I wait for a little bit as she comes down to hang. Sam and Sydnee come down to Sophie’s. I haven’t seen Sydnee in forever. The three of us catch up on things. Sydnee is apparently back in New York working with North Hempstead county’s environmental policy. Amos is nice enough to see that the ladies are just sitting there empty handed and just comes by with two beers for them. Amos coming in again proving that he’s a great dude. Can’t give the man enough props.
When I leave, my friend Jesse says she’s at the shit holek, Fiddlesticks. I’m invited to go and want to, but it just started snowing and I decide to leave before it gets bad. I get home around 4:00.
January 21, 2011
I get up and I’m just feeling lazy. I think the cold yesterday gave me a hint of a cold and I’m just sluggish. Instead of getting shit done, I procrastination bake, my take on the Momofuku Compost Cookies. I’ve been working on them and trying to perfect the recipe. One of the hardest things is the baking time/temperature.
I throw in Reese’s Pieces, kettle cooked chips, oatmeal, molasses, black pepper, Cayenne pepper, salt. With the baking time, I’ve been burning them and dropping the temperature has fixed this. I also have to keep checking them depending on the size of the cookie. I also use an special nonstick pan that spreads heat really well instead of these other thin pans I have.
It’s Jesse’s birthday at Radegast in Brooklyn. Bolanos was supposed to come along, but he dropped out. I end up driving myself out to Brooklyn and the roads aren’t bad. I meet them at this really cool “biergarten.” It’s not an outdoor one, which is good for this weather. It’s rustic, but not trashy with big bright TVs and whatnot. They’re playing some Eastern European sounding music. It’s a bit loud for that kind of music, but I really like the place. They also serve 1L beers, Octoberfest style. Love it.
It’s Jesse, her boyfriend Teddy, Frank, his girlfriend Miriam, and Tom. The guys are all pals from back in CIA, Culinary Institute of America, basically one of the best cooking schools in America. I’m glad they like my cookies, that’s a huge compliment. People that graduate from the school basically are the people cooking at all the great restaurants in New York. Teddy doesn’t do that anymore and works in New York in broadcasting.
Frank also gave that up and wants to do medical school now. Tom is the only one still in the industry and is at DBGB. Ela has asked me why I didn’t go to culinary school. Teddy tells me that it’s a shit of a fun time. However, he tells me not to go because it’s just a bad decision for a career. Two of them aren’t in it anymore because they couldn’t pay the bills and needed to get out.
I never thought a culinary school is where people go buckwild, but apparently it is. They tell me that the girls just drink like animals. They share stories about how one of them got a blowjob after the girl was in a jalapeno eating contest. And then a story about how one of them gave a girl a Roman Helmut and posted the picture of his balls on her face and penis down her nose all over the bars. Sounds ridiculous more than funny because I feel bad for the girl. Naked pictures whatnot, whatever, the issue is when faces are there and people can be identified. Then stories about how they stole a golf cart and almost killed Teddy and crashed it in the wood during a snow storm. Just crazy shit. Maybe it would’ve been a bad idea to go to CIA, but hell, apparently I would’ve had a bitchin’ time.
Tom is a hilarious dude and tells some story about how he fried his own jizz with his girlfriend. Shit’s just way too funny.
After a couple delicious beers and a lot of stories, it’s 3:30 and we decide we want to eat. Williamsburg is right near the bridge so we go to Chinatown for Wo Hop. Just mind-blowingly good food for that time of the night. I wish I had been hitting this place up as late night drunk food for years. By the end, we’re all stuffed and call it a night. It’s 4:00 and I get home really quickly before 5:00.
After that I drive back. Both nights I drove instead of taking the train. Taking the train wouldn’t even be an option considering how cold it is, it’s just way too much. But also, it’s great because although I haven’t been absolutely the most productive this weekend, it still feels great without any hangovers. I’ve been getting home late and sleep in, but it’s nice to have a refreshing weekend. I’d actually love this a lot more if it were Spring and I could go out to enjoy my weekend. And one of the biggest is how I’m saving money by not spending it on beer. Without an income while I’m in school, it’s good to keep a tight grip on my financials.
Wow, I really enjoyed this weekend. Meeting new people, catching up with friends and people I haven’t seen in a while, funny stories. Hopefully next week will be just as eventful with a bit more productivity. I just can’t wait for it to get a bit warmer.
January 25, 2012
I recently explained this someone so I thought I’d write it out. My rant on males being friends with females.
Do you know how narcissistic you have to be to think that every attractive female you meet needs to sleep with you? It'd be like needing to rob a bank everytime you walked into one. In life, there's some people you'll have serious relationships with and some who will just be friends. Get over yourself, not everyone wants you. There's more fish in the sea.
Preventing half people, females, on Earth from being your friends is an absolute shame. You're just setting yourself back from the most enjoyable thing in the world, people.
January 27, 2012
It’s Luna’s birthday this weekend and she comes up from Oceanside, NJ to visit and stay at my place. I get her from Flushing after class and we head Fairway to get some stuff for a home cooked dinner.
Sauerkraut with kielbasa, which is really good with Dijon mustard by the way. Spaetzle (German egg noodle) with brown butter. Baked potato with bacon gouda. A Framboise beer. And the only thing that was a bit off from the menu was roasted Brussels sprouts with honey, Sriracha, and honey. Them sprouts is good.
We both hadn’t eaten anything all day and needed to pass out for an hour before doing anything ambitious for the night. Boom into the city. We plan on going to Solas for dancing, but then end up waiting around at Tile Bar for a while for Atron.
We then go to Booker and Dax, the new Momofuku bar, where Milk Bar used to be. It’s pretty basic with the décor as they haven’t change anything. I recognize this guy that’s walking around and I’m quite confused. I’ve seen his face before, but I don’t know where. Aaron ends up asking the waitress and it turns out to be Dave Arnold, a famous chef known for his work in molecular gastronomy. He works at the French Culinary Institute and is the co-owner of the bar with David Chang.
The place has just opened for a week and he offers a shot of Maker’s for everyone. I take a few sips before passing it on. Sober Sally Darwin driving tonight. He actually walks by the table and we get into a conversation with him. He seems very passionate about his work at this place. There are only a few reviews and he has read every single on Yelp and is already annoyed by some of them. I try to explain that it’s all about what he puts out and the quality of his product. Eventually, the bad reviews and unjustified criticisms will be weeded out. However, he treats it as if it was his baby. He still takes all of it quite personally. We share some little details of constructive criticism with him. He tells us some stories about how he makes the drinks. He’s a really cool and smart guy.
When we walk out, Aaron soaks it in, “Where else in the world can us, some random idiots, get into a long conversation with that guy?” We then walk over to Baohaus for a quick bite and then call it a night.
January 28, 2012
At night, it’s round 2 of the feast yesterday by eating the leftovers. I find out about Kenny’s birthday quite late, but can’t make it because I’m hosting Luna. We go into the city to meet up with her friends. We go to Down the Hatch, which is just like the rest of the Upper West Side bars, they’re run by the same group. After waiting for 30 minutes though, the place fills up quick fast and gets ridiculously crowded. We move over and head towards Peculiar Pub. However, it’s freezing and I randomly choose Kenny’s Castaways on the walk over. It’s awesome. There’s a live band in the back playing blues music with this gorgeous blonde as the front woman. Unfortuatenly, we’re not sitting in the back and don’t get to stay long. A no cover free live band. I’ll be returning to this place.
Stephen and Aaron are at Sophie’s and we all walk over. However, the place is too crowded and they won’t let us in. We walk over the Ace Bar, a place I normally dislike. However, tonight, it’s pretty awesome. It’s a bit crowded, but I like it. Lots of girls, people having fun, etc. Luna actually runs into an old classmate of her’s from middle school. They were best friends back then apparently and haven’t seen each other in years. She actually is a mind-blowingly beautiful girl with that same old story. She moved to LA, did some waitressing, tried to make it big as a model or actress. She currently is trying to getting into theater or something. Yadda yadda.
We eventually split and try Sophie’s again. Luna’s 5-6 friends don’t seem to like being out in the cold nor just being out at all. They end up splitting. We go into Sophie’s and get a warm welcoming from everyone. Sara is a sweetheart by trade and sends compliments about my slick attire. I awkwardly don’t say Hi to Lauren, the girl that Aaron didn’t work with. Sara is busting balls even though Lauren is her friend. She bashes her and calls her boring and what not, even I wouldn’t say that kind of stuff I don’t know her. This is because she’s best friends with this talkative fun girl and they’re apparently complete opposites. I find the candid comments absolutely refreshing and hilarious. Still, I wouldn’t talk about someone like this considering she is right at the bar.
People call it quits pretty quickly. Luna and I head to Crif Dogs so I can redeem by Groupon for two. I paid $14 for $28 worth of food. Three dogs, cheese and meat tater tots, a beer, and an Arnold Palmer. Shit was way too much and we couldn’t finish it. A much earlier night tonight.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 16 January 2012
The End of Break
January 10, 2011
The night before, I plan on waking up at 10:00 and heading to the MET before being off to my other stuff in the city. I only have one more week left of freedom before classes start again. However, my sleep schedule is off the wall and I randomly wake up at 6AM and can’t get back to sleep. Going to sleep at 3:00 probably didn’t help. I sit around for an hour, wake up for an hour and eat some pretzels and sit at the computer, then back to sleep. By then, I decided to drop the MET for next time because they don’t even have a special exhibit (still regret not seeing McQueen) that I really want to see.
By 12:00, I’m up. I get out the door by 1:20 after egg whites, shower, and the usual slacking. I decide to take the bus to Flushing and subway route. I don’t really care because I’m in no rush, but there are about 20+ minutes of delays. People aren’t happy about it.
Obviously I’ve planned ahead so I know what I want to do, where I want to go, and even have compaions. Miah gets off work at 3:00 and my friend Vanessa gets off work at 5:30. I’m occupied. Always prepared.
I head to SoHo for Grandaisy Bakery. As usual, won’t get too specific into the food because I’d be repeating Yelp. I get a mushroom pizza, a ciabatta for home, as well as rosemary olive oil focaccia. Pretty reasonably priced.
Then around the corner to Dominque Ansel Bakery, known for their special DKA and canele. A French bakery and hit the bank a bit more at $9 for both. However, so worth it.
Then I meet Miah at Uniqlo. My brother got me a shirt for Christmas, but he got me a Small, I guess because he knows I’m a bit bigger in size than him. I end up exchanging it for an XS, but now I’m home, I still think I’ll return it. It fits, but it’s a loose fit. I’d imagine most guys would get away with it, but being thin and short, having a baggier and longer shirt just makes me look even more ridiculously short. However, I do find some sick Henley long sleeves, I actually don’t have any long sleeve shirts.
Miah and I then go to La Colombe for a proper cappuccino with a fancy flower pour and such. We then walk over to Japadog to meet Vanessa, who I haven’t seen in a few month. I get a Japanese themed hot dog and Miah splits. We catch up and then split up after Japadog. It’s still before 7:00 and I have nothing to do.
I walk around checking up if the boys are around for a drink because I’m in the city anyway. No one’s free. The dog wasn’t much, so I think about heading to this new great pizza place, Forcella. However, I’m by myself and don’t think I can finish an entire pizza. I then realize that it’s Tuesday and the only day of the week that Bowery Poetry Club does its poetry slams. I’ve always wanted to go, but then I give up. Maybe I should’ve lone wolfed it. Either way, I think this is exactly the reason I should find myself a girlfriend. Jeeeez Darwin.
Either way, I spoiled diet today and still have a small ciabatta and focaccia slice to bring home. All that food only cost me $25. All that variety, so many places. I must pat myself on the back for that because that is about what a meal at a restaurant would be in the city.
January 12, 2011
Jenn drives Bolanos and I into the city. We meet Aaron and Scott at Tile Bar. We then move to Drop Off Service. Then onto Otto’s Shrunken Head. It’s a fun time and interesting to see have Jenn around as a different perspective to our dude banter. One subject that came up was a discussion that I had with Bolanos and Kenny the night before. Bolanos is offended by the idea of dating and the possibility of having to pay for dates (as a man) and not getting any ensured return. “Cheap” can be used in many ways, but this is where Bolanos is cheap. There’s just something so offensive about it to him that it hurts the bones inside, whereas most guys just take the hit and concede it’s what you’re going to have to do if you want to go on dates with someone.
It’s also a night of Bolanos-isms. We’re talking about sending naked pictures to your girlfriend after she has sent you pictures. Personally, that’s not the best idea because it can get around to somewhere, but as long as your face isn’t on it… Hey, we’re the 21st century, sexuality has expanded its boundaries to include technology. And obviously, it’s only fair if she’s already taking part.
Bolanos on the other hand doesn’t get this idea. We explain the idea to him and he is absolutely floored by the concept that there exists reciprocation between two parties. I literally see his mind explode and it doesn’t remotely enter his mind that this idea of give and take exists. He understands the part of him benefitting from naked pictures of a significant other, but even mentioning the idea that the male would have to do it is out of this world. I die laughing because this is just a pure Bolanos-ism.
January 13, 2011
I drive with Bolanos into the city. I tried to gather more people go out because it’s Aaron and my last weekend before classes start. We go to Sophie’s, despite being there so much recently. I would’ve liked a change of pace, but it’s hard to argue moving people around. It is so ridiculously cold. We meet with Elena, Jeff, Reuben, Aaron, and Stefan.
Aaron is stuck on hitting on this girl and tells Reuben not to butt in. Funny thing, he ends up doing so and Aaron later gives him a stern command again. He’s serious about his game.
This shaggy guy runs into the bar and goes to the back with a half eaten pizza. He shoves it into another shaggy dude’s face and forces the guy to take a bite. It’s just a ridiculous sight because the guy getting fed pizza was probably just as surprised as us onlookers.
“Rock n’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” by AC/DC comes on and there’s these dudes that get really into it, like me, because AC/DC is some of the best bar music. They create their own air guitar band and rock out in front of the jukebox. They get some applause at the end of their “performance.” I end up putting on more AC/DC, but we end up leaving before that.
Stefan’s “date” ends up coming to the bar, which he actually met at same place, two weeks ago. She brings a friend and I try to keep her company and talk to her. However, she’s pretty dry and hard to talk to. Thankfully, Aaron steps in and takes that task. Sarah on the other hand is a really sweet gal and seems to enjoy Stefan’s wackiness. Stefan with his whole act and dancing, she seems to find it cute and precious. I’m really happy that’s the case. Good for him.
We then move to another bar, Cherry Tavern, which is a pretty shit place. When Aaron goes to buy Sarah’s friend a beer, she says out loud with a bad attitude that Aaron was hitting on her. It’s one thing if she’s not interested and says that privately to Sarah. Whatever, not everyone needs to click. However, as his pal, I find it a bit offensive that she would blatantly state that as if it were something disgusting and repulsive. My pal Aaron is a great dude and great catch, ladies would be lucky if he were giving them his attention. And I don’t need to say this, but if anything, I felt Aaron was easily working below his standards. Jeez, once the man gets into a “dry spell,” in his mind, apparently everything is free reign.
Sarah, her friend, and Stefan eventually leave because her friend got bored. Good thing Aaron kept her occupied for a while though. I still feel bad about a few weeks ago when Samara ended up leaving Bolanos’ birthday party because Samara’s roommate got bored from not knowing anyone. Being his buddy, I should ensure that everyone, especially him, is having good time and maybe speak to her roommate so she doesn’t easily get bored and need to drag Samara out of there.
Bolanos and I end up dropping by Pommes Frites and then splitting. We have our usual banter and it really doesn’t result in much. A lot of it is just little details and agreeing to disagree. Probably the biggest one was Sarah’s friend. I explained that I enjoyed trying my best to be accommodating, despite the nasty attitude. It’s generally amazing to meet new people and find out about them. Bolanos did not seem to seem to think so. He made it seem like such a ridiculously horrible burden to have to speak to her. More importantly, the fact that she wasn’t attractive made the act of a doing so just unfathomable. What’s he to gain from the experience? So it’s basically opposite views of talking to strangers and meeting new people, but that’s just a different perspective of social life.
With props to Ricky Gervais, I may not go by a religion, but I don’t need to when I enjoy humanity so much. Despite the inanimate things in life that I love, travelling, sights, and food, nothing will come close to friends, family, or just people. The relationships I make with others are by far the most important things in my life.
So to another year of: People.
January 14, 2011
I feel a cold coming along or something and just don’t want to get out of the house. It’s Tork’s birthday, but it’s all the way in Brooklyn and I just don’t have the effort to make it. There’s also other plans from Brandon, who is going to Alex Molina’s birthday. I haven’t seen her in years, maybe even high school. But still, it’d be really cool seeing people from high school again and meeting new people, etc.
I eventually give up on this plan on tell the guys to meet me in the Lower East Side. They take their time doing stuff so I eventually leave at 11:00. It’s 11:35 and I get into the area and I get a call. Aaron says that we’re going to Jake’s Dilemma.
I make the plans around here because they can’t make decisions. Not only that, they make bad ones or extremely boring ones because we’ve been there, done that. I pulled the trigger and got down there on time. These assholes won’t budge on the plan and I’m fucking furious. I took the Williamsburg instead of the 59th Street and now I have to go all the way up there. It takes me a good 30 minutes and I find them in the Gin Mill. It’s infested with mostly dudes and Bolanos just staring up at the TV screen like a dolt.
Scott’s also there, which makes the reason going there a bit more reasonable because it’s easier for Scott. Other than that, my issue is that I wasn’t dealt with correctly. They didn’t give me a reasonable explanation for why I was dragging myself all the way up there and were unapologetic about it. Give me anything reasonable like Scott will be up there and I can take it. However, I was just given no explanation and from what I can gather, it was just to watch whatever stupid games on TV.
Aaron finds a table with two girls and starts chatting them up. Apparently Reigler has 2 cents in his brain and realizes that he shouldn’t be watching the hockey game and walks over to join Aaron. Even with a couple beers, I end up getting extremely bored standing there with Scott and Bolanos and make plans to go to midtown to meet Jesse and Teddy.
Aaron and Reigler come with me after they’re done getting numbers and we go to Hagi. It’s a cool Izakaya style place, small plates, simple food, and beer. Love it. After shooting some shit and a beer. We all split up and Reigler and I take the subway back uptown where my car is and we drive back.
On the way back, I’m just about to get off the highway when I see someone pulled over. I slow down a bit and drive by. I then realize, I just broke the Move Over Law. What an unintuitive law. For those who don’t know, if someone is pulled over an a shoulder, you must move a lane over from the right lane, or go 20 miles/hour below the speed limit. They’re trying to meet officers and the people they pulled over safe, but what’s the point of pulling someone over when you’re putting people in immediate risk. I freak the fuck out and hope that nothing is going to happen. Turns out that the officer just must’ve gave up on the guy he pulled over and raced after me. I’m waiting at a light after the exit and get pulled over. I’m so freaked out/pissed now.
Officer comes over, asks for ID and registration. I can’t find the registration and he doesn’t give me a hard time about it. He asks if I know about the Move Over Law and I apologize that I do know, but it slipped my mind. He gives me a sobriety test by making me start at his pen while he moves it. I couldn’t be more nervous. I only had three beers in at least 3 and a half hours. I still don’t want to get out of the car and do all these weird test or whatnot. Stuff’s just nerve racking. Thankfully, he’s fine with the test. He’s a cool guy, doesn’t even go back to his car to check my license or anything, he just lets me on my way. Pheewwww.
Personally, I just don’t want to get a ticket in the first place. Then, I also don’t want my mom having to bear more insurance costs. And lastly, Bolanos told me the ticket is $300. Fuckkinnn hell. I mean, that won’t break me, but that’s a real amount of money. I don’t have that to just throw around. Most importantly, I would feel robbed from it. Okay, I did break the stupid law, but really… This stupid law I’m getting fined for? Robbed I would feel. Robbed.
I get home and take the biggest sigh of relief ever. I catch up some with CNF and he seems to be doing well. I chat with him about how everyone around me, including him, has something happening and how I should try to jump back on the horse and get out dating.
With a new semester in a couple days, hopefully this semester doesn’t swamp me and I have somewhat of a social life for this new aspiration. Cheers.
The night before, I plan on waking up at 10:00 and heading to the MET before being off to my other stuff in the city. I only have one more week left of freedom before classes start again. However, my sleep schedule is off the wall and I randomly wake up at 6AM and can’t get back to sleep. Going to sleep at 3:00 probably didn’t help. I sit around for an hour, wake up for an hour and eat some pretzels and sit at the computer, then back to sleep. By then, I decided to drop the MET for next time because they don’t even have a special exhibit (still regret not seeing McQueen) that I really want to see.
By 12:00, I’m up. I get out the door by 1:20 after egg whites, shower, and the usual slacking. I decide to take the bus to Flushing and subway route. I don’t really care because I’m in no rush, but there are about 20+ minutes of delays. People aren’t happy about it.
Obviously I’ve planned ahead so I know what I want to do, where I want to go, and even have compaions. Miah gets off work at 3:00 and my friend Vanessa gets off work at 5:30. I’m occupied. Always prepared.
I head to SoHo for Grandaisy Bakery. As usual, won’t get too specific into the food because I’d be repeating Yelp. I get a mushroom pizza, a ciabatta for home, as well as rosemary olive oil focaccia. Pretty reasonably priced.
Then around the corner to Dominque Ansel Bakery, known for their special DKA and canele. A French bakery and hit the bank a bit more at $9 for both. However, so worth it.
Then I meet Miah at Uniqlo. My brother got me a shirt for Christmas, but he got me a Small, I guess because he knows I’m a bit bigger in size than him. I end up exchanging it for an XS, but now I’m home, I still think I’ll return it. It fits, but it’s a loose fit. I’d imagine most guys would get away with it, but being thin and short, having a baggier and longer shirt just makes me look even more ridiculously short. However, I do find some sick Henley long sleeves, I actually don’t have any long sleeve shirts.
Miah and I then go to La Colombe for a proper cappuccino with a fancy flower pour and such. We then walk over to Japadog to meet Vanessa, who I haven’t seen in a few month. I get a Japanese themed hot dog and Miah splits. We catch up and then split up after Japadog. It’s still before 7:00 and I have nothing to do.
I walk around checking up if the boys are around for a drink because I’m in the city anyway. No one’s free. The dog wasn’t much, so I think about heading to this new great pizza place, Forcella. However, I’m by myself and don’t think I can finish an entire pizza. I then realize that it’s Tuesday and the only day of the week that Bowery Poetry Club does its poetry slams. I’ve always wanted to go, but then I give up. Maybe I should’ve lone wolfed it. Either way, I think this is exactly the reason I should find myself a girlfriend. Jeeeez Darwin.
Either way, I spoiled diet today and still have a small ciabatta and focaccia slice to bring home. All that food only cost me $25. All that variety, so many places. I must pat myself on the back for that because that is about what a meal at a restaurant would be in the city.
January 12, 2011
Jenn drives Bolanos and I into the city. We meet Aaron and Scott at Tile Bar. We then move to Drop Off Service. Then onto Otto’s Shrunken Head. It’s a fun time and interesting to see have Jenn around as a different perspective to our dude banter. One subject that came up was a discussion that I had with Bolanos and Kenny the night before. Bolanos is offended by the idea of dating and the possibility of having to pay for dates (as a man) and not getting any ensured return. “Cheap” can be used in many ways, but this is where Bolanos is cheap. There’s just something so offensive about it to him that it hurts the bones inside, whereas most guys just take the hit and concede it’s what you’re going to have to do if you want to go on dates with someone.
It’s also a night of Bolanos-isms. We’re talking about sending naked pictures to your girlfriend after she has sent you pictures. Personally, that’s not the best idea because it can get around to somewhere, but as long as your face isn’t on it… Hey, we’re the 21st century, sexuality has expanded its boundaries to include technology. And obviously, it’s only fair if she’s already taking part.
Bolanos on the other hand doesn’t get this idea. We explain the idea to him and he is absolutely floored by the concept that there exists reciprocation between two parties. I literally see his mind explode and it doesn’t remotely enter his mind that this idea of give and take exists. He understands the part of him benefitting from naked pictures of a significant other, but even mentioning the idea that the male would have to do it is out of this world. I die laughing because this is just a pure Bolanos-ism.
January 13, 2011
I drive with Bolanos into the city. I tried to gather more people go out because it’s Aaron and my last weekend before classes start. We go to Sophie’s, despite being there so much recently. I would’ve liked a change of pace, but it’s hard to argue moving people around. It is so ridiculously cold. We meet with Elena, Jeff, Reuben, Aaron, and Stefan.
Aaron is stuck on hitting on this girl and tells Reuben not to butt in. Funny thing, he ends up doing so and Aaron later gives him a stern command again. He’s serious about his game.
This shaggy guy runs into the bar and goes to the back with a half eaten pizza. He shoves it into another shaggy dude’s face and forces the guy to take a bite. It’s just a ridiculous sight because the guy getting fed pizza was probably just as surprised as us onlookers.
“Rock n’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” by AC/DC comes on and there’s these dudes that get really into it, like me, because AC/DC is some of the best bar music. They create their own air guitar band and rock out in front of the jukebox. They get some applause at the end of their “performance.” I end up putting on more AC/DC, but we end up leaving before that.
Stefan’s “date” ends up coming to the bar, which he actually met at same place, two weeks ago. She brings a friend and I try to keep her company and talk to her. However, she’s pretty dry and hard to talk to. Thankfully, Aaron steps in and takes that task. Sarah on the other hand is a really sweet gal and seems to enjoy Stefan’s wackiness. Stefan with his whole act and dancing, she seems to find it cute and precious. I’m really happy that’s the case. Good for him.
We then move to another bar, Cherry Tavern, which is a pretty shit place. When Aaron goes to buy Sarah’s friend a beer, she says out loud with a bad attitude that Aaron was hitting on her. It’s one thing if she’s not interested and says that privately to Sarah. Whatever, not everyone needs to click. However, as his pal, I find it a bit offensive that she would blatantly state that as if it were something disgusting and repulsive. My pal Aaron is a great dude and great catch, ladies would be lucky if he were giving them his attention. And I don’t need to say this, but if anything, I felt Aaron was easily working below his standards. Jeez, once the man gets into a “dry spell,” in his mind, apparently everything is free reign.
Sarah, her friend, and Stefan eventually leave because her friend got bored. Good thing Aaron kept her occupied for a while though. I still feel bad about a few weeks ago when Samara ended up leaving Bolanos’ birthday party because Samara’s roommate got bored from not knowing anyone. Being his buddy, I should ensure that everyone, especially him, is having good time and maybe speak to her roommate so she doesn’t easily get bored and need to drag Samara out of there.
Bolanos and I end up dropping by Pommes Frites and then splitting. We have our usual banter and it really doesn’t result in much. A lot of it is just little details and agreeing to disagree. Probably the biggest one was Sarah’s friend. I explained that I enjoyed trying my best to be accommodating, despite the nasty attitude. It’s generally amazing to meet new people and find out about them. Bolanos did not seem to seem to think so. He made it seem like such a ridiculously horrible burden to have to speak to her. More importantly, the fact that she wasn’t attractive made the act of a doing so just unfathomable. What’s he to gain from the experience? So it’s basically opposite views of talking to strangers and meeting new people, but that’s just a different perspective of social life.
With props to Ricky Gervais, I may not go by a religion, but I don’t need to when I enjoy humanity so much. Despite the inanimate things in life that I love, travelling, sights, and food, nothing will come close to friends, family, or just people. The relationships I make with others are by far the most important things in my life.
So to another year of: People.
January 14, 2011
I feel a cold coming along or something and just don’t want to get out of the house. It’s Tork’s birthday, but it’s all the way in Brooklyn and I just don’t have the effort to make it. There’s also other plans from Brandon, who is going to Alex Molina’s birthday. I haven’t seen her in years, maybe even high school. But still, it’d be really cool seeing people from high school again and meeting new people, etc.
I eventually give up on this plan on tell the guys to meet me in the Lower East Side. They take their time doing stuff so I eventually leave at 11:00. It’s 11:35 and I get into the area and I get a call. Aaron says that we’re going to Jake’s Dilemma.
I make the plans around here because they can’t make decisions. Not only that, they make bad ones or extremely boring ones because we’ve been there, done that. I pulled the trigger and got down there on time. These assholes won’t budge on the plan and I’m fucking furious. I took the Williamsburg instead of the 59th Street and now I have to go all the way up there. It takes me a good 30 minutes and I find them in the Gin Mill. It’s infested with mostly dudes and Bolanos just staring up at the TV screen like a dolt.
Scott’s also there, which makes the reason going there a bit more reasonable because it’s easier for Scott. Other than that, my issue is that I wasn’t dealt with correctly. They didn’t give me a reasonable explanation for why I was dragging myself all the way up there and were unapologetic about it. Give me anything reasonable like Scott will be up there and I can take it. However, I was just given no explanation and from what I can gather, it was just to watch whatever stupid games on TV.
Aaron finds a table with two girls and starts chatting them up. Apparently Reigler has 2 cents in his brain and realizes that he shouldn’t be watching the hockey game and walks over to join Aaron. Even with a couple beers, I end up getting extremely bored standing there with Scott and Bolanos and make plans to go to midtown to meet Jesse and Teddy.
Aaron and Reigler come with me after they’re done getting numbers and we go to Hagi. It’s a cool Izakaya style place, small plates, simple food, and beer. Love it. After shooting some shit and a beer. We all split up and Reigler and I take the subway back uptown where my car is and we drive back.
On the way back, I’m just about to get off the highway when I see someone pulled over. I slow down a bit and drive by. I then realize, I just broke the Move Over Law. What an unintuitive law. For those who don’t know, if someone is pulled over an a shoulder, you must move a lane over from the right lane, or go 20 miles/hour below the speed limit. They’re trying to meet officers and the people they pulled over safe, but what’s the point of pulling someone over when you’re putting people in immediate risk. I freak the fuck out and hope that nothing is going to happen. Turns out that the officer just must’ve gave up on the guy he pulled over and raced after me. I’m waiting at a light after the exit and get pulled over. I’m so freaked out/pissed now.
Officer comes over, asks for ID and registration. I can’t find the registration and he doesn’t give me a hard time about it. He asks if I know about the Move Over Law and I apologize that I do know, but it slipped my mind. He gives me a sobriety test by making me start at his pen while he moves it. I couldn’t be more nervous. I only had three beers in at least 3 and a half hours. I still don’t want to get out of the car and do all these weird test or whatnot. Stuff’s just nerve racking. Thankfully, he’s fine with the test. He’s a cool guy, doesn’t even go back to his car to check my license or anything, he just lets me on my way. Pheewwww.
Personally, I just don’t want to get a ticket in the first place. Then, I also don’t want my mom having to bear more insurance costs. And lastly, Bolanos told me the ticket is $300. Fuckkinnn hell. I mean, that won’t break me, but that’s a real amount of money. I don’t have that to just throw around. Most importantly, I would feel robbed from it. Okay, I did break the stupid law, but really… This stupid law I’m getting fined for? Robbed I would feel. Robbed.
I get home and take the biggest sigh of relief ever. I catch up some with CNF and he seems to be doing well. I chat with him about how everyone around me, including him, has something happening and how I should try to jump back on the horse and get out dating.
With a new semester in a couple days, hopefully this semester doesn’t swamp me and I have somewhat of a social life for this new aspiration. Cheers.
Monday 9 January 2012
New Years and Break is Winding Down
December 31, 2011
I go with Tom and Bolanos on the train to the Cardinal, meeting up with Stefan, Reuben, and CNF. We get the platter thing, which turned out to be not enough, after a fried chicken order and two sides, we were done.
We then take a cab up to Union Square, the bar Revival, where we bought tickets. I’ve never paid for an event like this, though this was pretty cheap for NYE, $60 and with an open bar from 9 to 2AM. Initially, it feels extremely tight and crowded. Dimitri and Dave Simon show up. Along with Scott and Josh. Josh shows up with a new lady on his arm. She’s very cool and fun to chat with, proud of our brother. I’ve given Bolanos this speech, we need to stand together and root for each other and support each other towards a more mature situation of dealing with women and relationdship. I root for my boys. We’re at arms against pussy and no comrade with go down on my watch. I hope the same is reflected by the others, but I’m not so sure about that.
I eventually go upstairs and see Aaron and his crew with Annie and such. It’s a lot better since it’s less crowded up there. I spend a decent amount of time bouncing around. The outdoors is pretty nice and I get dragged there when Stefan comes up and says he needs Bolanos because he’s a tall guy and the girls he’s chatting with are looking for one. He then looks and me and says, “You can come too…” I died laughing.
He drags us along, we meet some girls, chat a little bit, then it’s over.
For the night, I’m rocking mostly gin and seltzers. An easy drink. Light, which goes well with the heavy meal we had beforehand. The last thing you want is to be chugging loads of beer and getting bloated and tired.
Eventually, people start dropping like flies after 12:00. Next thing I know, it’s just Bolanos, Scott, and I. We wander around and I decide to pull ups on some scaffolding. Man is that a bad idea when you’re drunk. I barely can do them because I guess my motor skills aren’t working since I’m quite drunk. I eventually fall and land on my knee. It’s not ripped up. I’m happy I didn’t lose my teeth this time or something. Bad decision, I will not be doing that again.
I meet up with Bolanos, Dimitri, and Dave Simon on the train. I get off with Bolanos and we try to get 4AM. It’s not open though, darn fuckers. It was a fun New Years, though I should’ve made things occur. I was initially impressed by the amount of women that were at this joint and I should’ve been bouncing around chatting them up. Ugh, same old Darwin. Hopefully 2012 will bring a more confident me and I wish the best for myself in the female department.
December 7, 2011
Wow, there was Patron last night and I woke up feeling okay, but that was only have 12 hours of sleep. I thought I would take the night easy and drive in. I pick up Bolanos and we drive into the city. We find parking and meet up with Atron. Bolanos and I grab some pizza and go to Atrons and have a few drinks. Sam joins us and we catch the view at the roof.
We then head downtown, which takes forever trying to get downtown. We pass the 11:00 deadline for there to be no cover at the lounge Elena chose. Atron tries his stuff and get passed the cover for us, but it’s his birthday so he gets it, but not for us. It’s only $5, so no biggie. While, it’s a bit crowded, but I like it. It’s not this whole ritual of getting into a large (some may say pretentious) club. There won’t be sitting unless you probably reserve a table, but I’m fine with that. They’re playing awesome 90s stuff like “What is Love” and all these tracks that I “know,” but don’t actually “know.” They’re not on my iPod and I couldn’t tell you the artist, but I’ve heard them and musical nostalgia is a powerful emotion.
It’s small and there’s no actual dance floor, but you can boogie a bit if you like. There’s a lot of standing around so it’s possible to chat with people. A kind of place I could see myself going to more.
Aaron almost gets into a fight there. He wants to know how much a Bud Light is and taps a guy. He asks and the guy can’t really hear him and just ignores it. Then Aaron calls the guy out for being an “asshole” and his friend won’t take that. Aaron says he was just trying to ask for the price. The guy says, I didn’t hear you, but I’ll punch you if you call me an asshole again. It escalates a little bit and I think I’m about to get into a fight. However, it dies down. I mean, Aaron, dudes don’t want to talk to dudes. I’m a nice guy and I’ll take a quick question. However, most guys don’t want to deal with dudes, straight ones at least. They’re also hotheaded ones that do not like being called an “asshole.”
The guys however are bitching like crazy and immediately want to leave. They end up at Sophie’s and I eventually go with Sam and Michelle. Stefan and Reuben depart pretty quickly. Samara finally arrives. She’s bright, nice, and lovely. Then, my friend Teddy arrives with his girlfriend Jesse and another friend.
They’re a very cool couple and just chill people. Teddy moves to BK for a job and Jesse plans on moving here soon after her semester. Fun times, easy conversation, I’m all about it.
We eventually split up, Bolanos is off to his own shit. Aaron and I take a cab uptown. It was a good night. Nice taking it easy and I drive back. However, I end up leaving late and get home around 4:30.
I go with Tom and Bolanos on the train to the Cardinal, meeting up with Stefan, Reuben, and CNF. We get the platter thing, which turned out to be not enough, after a fried chicken order and two sides, we were done.
We then take a cab up to Union Square, the bar Revival, where we bought tickets. I’ve never paid for an event like this, though this was pretty cheap for NYE, $60 and with an open bar from 9 to 2AM. Initially, it feels extremely tight and crowded. Dimitri and Dave Simon show up. Along with Scott and Josh. Josh shows up with a new lady on his arm. She’s very cool and fun to chat with, proud of our brother. I’ve given Bolanos this speech, we need to stand together and root for each other and support each other towards a more mature situation of dealing with women and relationdship. I root for my boys. We’re at arms against pussy and no comrade with go down on my watch. I hope the same is reflected by the others, but I’m not so sure about that.
I eventually go upstairs and see Aaron and his crew with Annie and such. It’s a lot better since it’s less crowded up there. I spend a decent amount of time bouncing around. The outdoors is pretty nice and I get dragged there when Stefan comes up and says he needs Bolanos because he’s a tall guy and the girls he’s chatting with are looking for one. He then looks and me and says, “You can come too…” I died laughing.
He drags us along, we meet some girls, chat a little bit, then it’s over.
For the night, I’m rocking mostly gin and seltzers. An easy drink. Light, which goes well with the heavy meal we had beforehand. The last thing you want is to be chugging loads of beer and getting bloated and tired.
Eventually, people start dropping like flies after 12:00. Next thing I know, it’s just Bolanos, Scott, and I. We wander around and I decide to pull ups on some scaffolding. Man is that a bad idea when you’re drunk. I barely can do them because I guess my motor skills aren’t working since I’m quite drunk. I eventually fall and land on my knee. It’s not ripped up. I’m happy I didn’t lose my teeth this time or something. Bad decision, I will not be doing that again.
I meet up with Bolanos, Dimitri, and Dave Simon on the train. I get off with Bolanos and we try to get 4AM. It’s not open though, darn fuckers. It was a fun New Years, though I should’ve made things occur. I was initially impressed by the amount of women that were at this joint and I should’ve been bouncing around chatting them up. Ugh, same old Darwin. Hopefully 2012 will bring a more confident me and I wish the best for myself in the female department.
December 7, 2011
Wow, there was Patron last night and I woke up feeling okay, but that was only have 12 hours of sleep. I thought I would take the night easy and drive in. I pick up Bolanos and we drive into the city. We find parking and meet up with Atron. Bolanos and I grab some pizza and go to Atrons and have a few drinks. Sam joins us and we catch the view at the roof.
We then head downtown, which takes forever trying to get downtown. We pass the 11:00 deadline for there to be no cover at the lounge Elena chose. Atron tries his stuff and get passed the cover for us, but it’s his birthday so he gets it, but not for us. It’s only $5, so no biggie. While, it’s a bit crowded, but I like it. It’s not this whole ritual of getting into a large (some may say pretentious) club. There won’t be sitting unless you probably reserve a table, but I’m fine with that. They’re playing awesome 90s stuff like “What is Love” and all these tracks that I “know,” but don’t actually “know.” They’re not on my iPod and I couldn’t tell you the artist, but I’ve heard them and musical nostalgia is a powerful emotion.
It’s small and there’s no actual dance floor, but you can boogie a bit if you like. There’s a lot of standing around so it’s possible to chat with people. A kind of place I could see myself going to more.
Aaron almost gets into a fight there. He wants to know how much a Bud Light is and taps a guy. He asks and the guy can’t really hear him and just ignores it. Then Aaron calls the guy out for being an “asshole” and his friend won’t take that. Aaron says he was just trying to ask for the price. The guy says, I didn’t hear you, but I’ll punch you if you call me an asshole again. It escalates a little bit and I think I’m about to get into a fight. However, it dies down. I mean, Aaron, dudes don’t want to talk to dudes. I’m a nice guy and I’ll take a quick question. However, most guys don’t want to deal with dudes, straight ones at least. They’re also hotheaded ones that do not like being called an “asshole.”
The guys however are bitching like crazy and immediately want to leave. They end up at Sophie’s and I eventually go with Sam and Michelle. Stefan and Reuben depart pretty quickly. Samara finally arrives. She’s bright, nice, and lovely. Then, my friend Teddy arrives with his girlfriend Jesse and another friend.
They’re a very cool couple and just chill people. Teddy moves to BK for a job and Jesse plans on moving here soon after her semester. Fun times, easy conversation, I’m all about it.
We eventually split up, Bolanos is off to his own shit. Aaron and I take a cab uptown. It was a good night. Nice taking it easy and I drive back. However, I end up leaving late and get home around 4:30.
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