March 23, 2012
At night, I’m not sure about plans until Evan says he’s driving into the city with Bolanos. I join along and then I find out that it’s an 80s party and I don’t even know. It’s cool, but I would’ve liked trying deck out in 80s stuff. We get there and it’s a very small place downstairs. The music is pretty good, a decent amount of people, but we end up splitting pretty quickly.
We stand around Sophie’s for a while and then Stefa and Sara come. We leave immediately though only after a short Hello.
March 25, 2012
I was invited to this Mad Men party in the Upper West Side and I have class tomorrow. It’s a combination of things that make me not want to go. I have hints of a hang over from yesterday. I don’t really feel like driving 45 minutes out there. I have class the next day. It’s just a huge fucking hassle so I decide to ditch, even though I was excited about it all week.
I then randomly get a call from Rebecca, Miah’s sister, and she invites me to this party. It’s her friend Andrew, and Courtney, who I have met. They’re all dressed up. I dressed a bit, but just up instead of in the fashion of the time. It’s a cool time hanging out with people I never hang with and meeting new people.
March 28, 2012
I don’t have class the next day and Jenn texts me if people are around for drinks. Done deal, this works out perfectly. I text people and Kenny, Bolanos, and Erdem come too. It’s just a chill time talking shit and having a few drinks. We chat a decent amount about the party I’m throwing on Friday. I randomly decided to because of the Mad Men thing and I realized that I should utilize my open house. There’s no reason not to and I haven’t hosted a house party in ages. I made the event on Facebook and it’s turned out to be really big. Can’t wait for that.
March 30, 2012
When I was in Montmarte in Paris, there was this one amazing bakery (boulangerie) that I went to. I’ve seen this video of Gordon Ramsay learning how to make a croissant and it randomly turned out to this bakery that I loved. So crazy. I really wish I could eventually move out to Europe.
http://youtu.be/K7zdYKn2RJo
Today is my party party. I themed it for the 1940s because I was listening to Tiny Bradshaw on the radio. The radio is so awesome. I feel a cold coming on, but I take a nap after class and then get up to prepare. Throughout the week, I did most of the set up. Cleaned up, organized the house, made the bar presentable, etc.
I did shopping after class so it’s time to cook. I make an eggplant “caviar,” a Gordon Ramsay recipe. Eggplant with Greek yogurt and sour cream. Creamy with Sriracha as spice and lemon to lift up the flavor a bit. I then make these Spanish egg tapas. Onion and mushroom, bits of bacon, crumbled hard boiled egg on toasted baguette. I then make a hollandaise for the first time. What a delicious sauce for it. I spice it up with some Spanish pimenton and cayenne, sick sauce. Thankfully, Andrew comes with Maker’s Mark and I make a punch with it. I froze a Tupperware with water so I could make a huge ice cube, real fucking fancy I am. Apple cider, cinnamon, orange slices, lemon seltzer to cut the sweetness, and loads of Maker’s. So delicious.
People are slow on trickling in, but it eventually turns out to be a huge party. Enoch and his friend. Andrew and his friend Gio. Jenn, Bolanos, Aaron, Scott, Nikki, Avi, Rebecca, Kenny, Hasan (who brings a case of Bud 40s), Tom, and his friend Scott, Matt, and his lady friend. Everyone’s around the bar, I’m blasting some 40s music, it’s all good, but a bit of a mindfuck because I’m just running here and there trying to keep the party flowing, mingle, and just make sure I run around to reach everyone and chat.
Booze runs out really fast. Thankfully Andrew brought the Maker’s and Tom brought a bottle of Captain. After that, we move onto wine and the 40s that Hasan brought. We play some beer pong because Hasan has been wanting to do that for some reason and I can’t blame him. Jenn drove so she leaves pretty quickly, would’ve liked to see her have a fun night as she usually doesn’t like drinking out.
We talk about the gal that Matt brought, in the most complimentary sense though. She’s a real good looking girl and Matt tells me that they met on Plenty of Fish. Darn, I need to get myself on that site. A few of the guys comment on how she looks young, Aaron tells me and it turns out she’s 27. Motherfucker. I love me some older women. Dammit. Actually, the only thing I thing about the next day when waking up in a hungover daze is how angry I was about the matter. Jealousy anger, but I’m really glad for Matt and how he pulls.
It’s a fun time and I get real drunk up in thurr. Eventually everyone leaves and it’s just Hasan and I. My boy, oldest best friend I got. I’m on that drunken high and really happy that he’s staying so I can hang. We want food, but realize nothing is open for delivery. We cook up some fried rice and just chill out on my computer watching cute girls who sing with a guitar. My man knows how attractive a musically talented girl can be. After a while, he stays for the evening on my couch and I head upstairs exhausted. The food and all the water I drank is getting to me. I’m on Skype with Ela and I just feel bloated and want to vomit. It’s gross as she’s doing dishes and enjoying her day with her roommate Kristina, and I’m a drunk asshole there with my finger down my throat trying to throw up. Eventually it happens in my trash and it’s time for bed. I haven’t actually chatted with Ela on Skype for a week or so, so it’s good hearing from her.
April 5, 2012
It’s a three day weekend for Easter and I want to make big plans because I’ve been feeling shitty all week from being sick. My colds usually go by real fast, but maybe this is something else. How do you know if you have a flu or not anyway? Whatever, I just fight through it and go through the week with a sore throat, sinus issues, loads of mucus.
Aaron is on the Island so Bolanos, Kenny, Aaron, and I go to BHT. After some drinks, we go to White Castle, which I’ve been fiending forever. They have this special deal that Aaron and I split. Dude, chicken rangs, French frauys, and buhrgahs (I’m not sure what accent I’m trying to get at here). It was gloriously delicious. Never felt more like a pig in shit. The bathroom as a separate door that you need to get buzz into by the employees. I guess people were using it too much because it’s near bars. When I get out, there’s this older man and I try to leave the door open for him. He fucking gives me attitude for it.
Then, there’s two guys waiting for it and when he gets out, he gives them attitude and stares at them. They’re standing in front of the glass door simply waiting for him to get out. Fucking old man is fat as fuck and must be drunk or something. The three of them exchange some words. Bolanos mentions that it’s stupid he’s doing that because the two younger guys could easily beat his ass. He was a riot, but I didn’t want to laugh too hard or stare at it because he could walk over and cause ruckus.
During this, we chat a bit about Alon and girls because Alon and I talked about this last week. Aaron mentions something about “he’s in a drought.” (Though every night is a drought for us, ammirite?!). Not trying to specifically bash on Alon or anything, but I mention, “There’s no drought when there’s never been rain.” Boom, there you go, quote of the night. We were dying from it. Again, I’m not trying to disparage my boy at all. I tell you, there’s nobody that’s got our brothers’ backs like I do. I want him to destroy, so I hope he does. He’s also moving into the city soon, so good for him.
April 6, 2012
I pick up Bolanos, Aaron, Stefan, and Sarah and we go to Studio Square. We meet up with Jesse and Teddy. It’s a good chill time.
When I get back, I actually hang a bit on the Tinychat room and chat with Shelby from Wisconsin. Then there’s Lisa from Spain who I catch up with. I haven’t heard from her recently and apparently she was fired and missing home a bit because she’s Dutch and moved to Spain less than a year ago.
April 7, 2012
It’s been a nerdy few days recently. I’ve been watching SC2 during the IPL tournament. I also switch between the Magic stream as well. Hey man, it’s Easter weekend, I get to sit around and do nothing. At night, people aren’t really around and I’m really not in the mood to go into the city. I thought the cold was dying down or gone, but it’s back and annoying me. I decide not to go into the city and go back to BHT with Tom, Bolanos, and Michelle shows up as well.
We’re just sitting around and chatting. Tom’s moving to Williamsburg soon, so that’s going to be pretty awesome. I decide to spice it up and after some beer, I get some Bombay and Knobb Creek. Classing it up and it was frakking delicious dammit.
April 10, 2012
Talking about snack game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erlw-ODVZxU&feature=youtu.be
Darwin: I've never seen a man more nonchalantly break up a fight. He did not stop his snacking for a moment. My biggest issue was answered on Reddit:
"He is eating pringles off of a white cheddar popcorn bag ಠ_ಠ"
"Raises so many questions. Did he combine the chips and popcorn to make a new flavour? Was he disguising the chips in a popcorn bag? What's going on!!"
I'm confused as fuck how he's pulling that off with his snack game.
Darwin: Yo, Doritos are the Baltic Avenue of the snack game. I wouldn't be caught with that shit in my grill.
Our boy had some premium chipage, BBQ Pringles. His popcorn game was pretty sick too.
You guys don't know, I'm all up in this snack game. I once killed a man over Fritos.
Another one
Eric: Snowing in April? Well played Michigan.
Darwin: Just like the Night's Watch of The Wall.
Eric: When you're this far north, the only place to go is south.
Darwin: I told that to a girl once. Let me tell you, she was not amused.
Me talking about Tom’s choice of a woman.
9 is a good choice. She's got that dark hair, very Czech looking. Those girls are sluts. You can probably get her anus for 2400 krona.
20 minutes with her would be cheap, maybe 90 USD and a bottle of Becherovka.
Man, I'm on a roll today. Someone pat my back.
http://youtu.be/HQb1ZEYmZHc
The end of this clip and how excited Larry David gets over something like that is exactly how I feel all the time. Ted Danson is just standing there, a person he barely knows, and has no clue what to say. Larry lights up, he pushes Ted a bit, and just wants a brother to acknowledge his acheivement and Ted is having none of it. Feels like that all the time with my “brothers.”
And also, can we also talk about how unbelievably beautiful Lucy Lawless is? Blonde hair, sharp facial features, and don’t even ask me about that Australian accent because I’m about to faint.
April 13, 2012
At night, we were planning to maybe go into the city because I’ve been planning with Jenn. However, we end up wanting to go to Josh’s, but that plan falls through. I haven’t seen that man in a while. We end up making it my place. Jenn, Bolanos, Tom, and Kenny head over. We just hang out talking shit and doing nothing, an easy night. Tom is actually moving out to Williamsburg in a week, so that’s some super exciting news.
April 14, 2012
It’s Sara’s birthday today so we go in. Bolanos picks up Kenny and I and we head into the West Village/Meatpacking to meet Nikki and Scott. She bartends at this bar that I’ve been to before. We walk around trying to look for Corner Bistro and boom, we randomly see Scott outside of the bar we were supposed to go to. We weren’t even trying to walk past that bar. Coincidence.
Corner Bistro is obviously too busy so we go to get fish and chips. Bolanos doesn’t care for it, but I love me some fish. Walking to find somewhere to eat it because the place was closing, we randomly walk into Alon on the street. Coincidence. Then sitting on the ground eating, Aaron randomly walks past us. Coincidence.
So literally I texted these three guys and we were planning to meet them at some point after food because I told them to come downtown. However, even without us texting each other where we were getting food, we just run into all three of them. Crazy night.
We end up going to Ace Bar because Sara’s there. I like the place, even though it’s a bit crowded always. Lots of girls though. And skeeball, can’t forget skeeball. I give Sara my birthday wishes and the card I made. Stefan meets up with us.
We then move over to Sophie’s because that’s where we always go these days. It’s nice because I haven’t been there for weeks.
I’m texting with Ala and I find out that she’s going to be visiting NYC in May with her friend and wants somewhere to crash. That’s going to be great. I haven’t caught up with her recently and I’ve always wanted to visit TN for the sake of it being the south and also having someone to show me around.
I give Alon a chat about women. Our boy has prospects and I need to make sure he gets this shit done. None of us have any freaking prospects and while I care for myself the most, he better make moves on what he has going on.
When we’re about to leave, Bolanos and Aaron are waiting on the line for the bathroom. There’s this girl that just cuts them and Aaron tells her, “You know, we’re a society here.” She then tells Bolanos, “Your friend is the worst person in the world.” When I hear this quote, I die. I always enjoy topping off the night with a highlight and a “quote of the night.” It really makes the night meaningful to have something that really emphasizes a story and gives us something to take away from it.
Bolanos responds that there probably are worse people in the world. She says, “Not on this planet.” Aaron and I end up having this conversation. He’s clearly on the side that women should be treated equally, society should have standards, and women shouldn’t be allowed to be an exception. The other guys seem to be of that opinion.
I feel that chivalry isn’t dead. Unless it’s a crazy emergency, I don’t really care waiting a minute for a lady. As much as I like the idea of equality and blurring lines of separating people into groups, I still think chivalry can exist. It’s how I want to treat the women in my life, friends, family, or significant others, so why not be an example of that and just treat women in general fairly. A man needs a code.
April 15, 2012
It’s a beautiful day and I want to go to Williamsburg, but I end up giving up on that plan. Usually with these plans, I have something “to do” other than eating somewhere, but I didn’t really have this with Williamsburg. Maybe I can go on the bridge, but I just stay home. I go to Macy’s and try to look for some clothes because I need some nicer stuff for law school. I actually really need to buy a suit and be a man. Great thing that nothing fits so I walk away empty handed.
April 20, 2012
It’s a week or two before things go crazy so it’s good time for me to figure something fun, but also get ahead on work so studying won’t be so crazy. I almost plan on staying in for the night, but Bolanos gets away from his work and I pick up Kenny and him to go to BHT.
We stay there for a while, but I drove so only grab two beers. I get to sleep by 2:30, despite mad procrastination. I plan tomorrow to meet Vanessa in Brooklyn.
April 21, 2012
I wake up at 10:00 and it’s sick feeling active in an un-hungover sense. I could drive into Williamsburg, but I decide not to. I have time, I have a Yelp event, I don’t want to deal with parking, done.
I catch a bus to Flushing, then a subway to Court Sq. The G train is messed up, so there’s a bus downtown. It’s crazy how close the Long Island City is to North Williamsburg. We go to Smorgasburg, which is one of the best things ever. It’s in East Side Park, right by the water.
There are new, probably expensive, as hell apartments. The people are rich mofos considering they get their groceries delivered and get to throw it onto a luggage cart instead of carrying it to and from the store like normal people.
It’s such an incredible view of the city for a gorgeous day. It’s the 70s. Warm with a nice breeze from the water. It won’t be this nice in a few weeks.
I meet with my friend Vanessa, who just came back from England and Paris. She got me a Mind the Gap keychain, so how very nice and cool of her. Something about that phrase is so cool.
We start off with oysters, the Saint Simon Canadian one is the best. We share a half done, one each of the three different kinds. I’ve been itching to do $1 Happy Hour oysters, so this is a great move.
We walk all over the place and I wish I could try everything. We literally spend 30 minutes just checking out things without getting anything, just tasting samples and soaking it all in until actually getting something. I get a fried fish sandwich, so good. There’s also a crazy line for brisket and lamb with two guys with a smoker. The line is literally the longest line there by far and it’s quite obvious that apparently that’s the place to go. Boy it did not disappoint, crazy you can get a small sandwich of that quality stuff for $5. We sit on the grass for it, it’ll be a perfect place for a picnic.
I get a delicious apple and ginger soda, which would be a horrible idea if mixed with bourbon, you’d get so shitfaced. We then walk to the L train and we walk past all of Williamsburg. I forget why I’ve been to Public Assembly and still can’t think why I have, even after looking through the blog. We then walk over to the Yelp event, which is at a new place that celebrity chef David Burke opened up.
We came an hour late and only an hour left, however, I grab as many cocktails as I can. It’s a swanky outdoor cocktail area that is attached to a nice hotel in TriBeCa. They get celebrity bartenders to make drinks and it’s basically an free open bar.
Holy shit, nice ingredients, nice venue, beautiful weather, free drinks, great bartenders, loads of people, it’s so amazing. And freaking David Burke is actually there schmoozing around with people. I’m too shy to ask for a picture with him, then again, I haven’t tried any of his food, so I don’t have much to stay to him. However, the little bites of his food served are quite good.
The place is closing down and Vanessa is crazy and pulls a bottle of the rum into her bag. That is some skeevy move that I completely support. I haven’t pulled anything like that before in my prime days. I even take a shot because the bartenders need to get rid of the liquor that they’re given to make the drinks. I eventually split from Vanessa because she’s going to NJ. I tell Scott that we should meet up, I contact loads of people, but no one is really around.
I walk over to Grandaisy Bakery because that is amazing stuff, a butternut squash pizza with sage. Seriously? So good. I walk over the Washington Square Park and there’s a few young guys playing jazz. A trumpet, sax, drum, and bass. It’s so amazing. I record a few videos of it. It’s a beautiful day and beautiful music. People are enjoying it and I’m just a pig in shit. I’m drunk as hell now because I grabbed as many drinks as I could while I was there. I imagine I had at least 8-9 drinks and that’s a crazy amount for me these days.
I meet with Scott and we go to Down the Hatch, or whatever West Village bar is from the same people of Jake’s Dilemma. Other bars didn’t have Happy Hour this late since the event ended at 5 and I met Scott at 6-7:00. However, this bar has Happy Hour until 9, $3 shots and $1 beers. Good thing I can barely drink because I would’ve ordered so many freaking beers and shots with that value. After a couple drinks, we meet Nikki at the Magician in the LES.
Freaking hell, so many girls. I wish I was more sober or something because I wasn’t conversing with these girls and there were so many. It was literally like 6-7 girls and Scott and I and two others dudes. Hanging out with the usual group, we’re lucky to have one female hang out with 5-6 of us guys. I don’t know, it’s still just an amazing time. I’m too freaking happy. I had one of the best days I can recently remember, great food, great views, great drinks, great weather, just a great day. Beautiful New York.
And now, I’m drunk and hanging out with my boy Scott and Nikki and some other people. Just love it. Soctt and I realize we didn’t get food other than a hot dog after Down the Hatch, so we get pizza. Despite eating a lot earlier, I haven’t eaten dinner. I get the best pizza slice I’ve had in New York and then we join back with the group.
We go somewhere else and it’s a fucking walk. I didn’t realize. I told them not to take a cab, but they told me the wrong address. We all the way from the LES to basically Greenwich, between W Houston and Bleecker. It turns out to be this Hispanic place. There’s a live band playing salsa. The bathroom is the weirdest situtiaton because it’s in the basement, but down a 50 foot hallway. It’s just crazy how long the way is to the bathroom. I’d imagine people getting freaked out or lost. At the bathroom, there’s the obligatory guy that gives you a napkin and sometimes gets tipped. I thank him with a “Muchas gracias Senor.” He gives me a “De nada.” Great feeling. Not only do I get to use my Spanish, but I get a gentle reply. The Spanish I’ve dealt with recently is just pure racism. I hear all this “Chino” this or that all the time when I’m at stores or restaurants with workers. Hey man, the fuck!
I get some dancing down because I’m a dancing boss like that. We end up deciding to leave and pick up our stuff from the real sweet girl gives us back our stuff. Nikki had a suitcase because she was working at Whole Foods and I have a backpack with some law school work, an umbrella and whatnot. She offers us freaking sombreros! How sick!! Real fucking sombreros!
We walk outside and realize, WHAT THE FUCK. It’s a torrential hurricane rain. It’s only 11:30 and it looks like the night is dead. Damn that sucks.
I end up taking the subway up with them, they go home, I go to the LIRR. I obviously look sick in my hat. Had a sweet day though. Love it.
April 25, 2012
“Well I hope you as a future lawyer hold by the ideals of legal formalism. It would just be as fair for two hoodlums to beat you or I for helping a person who has fallen on the street. Unless you think bicycle messengers should be allotted powers of judgment, sentencing, and punishment, this man was innocent and had a Constitutional right to stand before a judge for a trial. Unfortunately, these deviants ignored the fundamental values this country was built upon.
We do not live in a land where punishment is dealt with by "street justice," vigilantism, and mob mentality. This is a society of laws and justice. Justitia omnibus.”
Something I wrote replying to Tork’s post. It was a video of some bike messengers beating on someone who tried to steal a bike.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Sunday, 25 March 2012
March
March 13, 2012
I decide today to go Elmhurst, where I lived until I was 9. I drive over the Queens Center and check out some stores, especially looking for green because St. Paddy’s is coming up. I eventually go to JC Penny and Macy’s and check out their “young adults” or boys section. It actually goes up to 20 years old so it’s not that weird for me. Come to think of it, some of my favorite shirts are actually from that section in Macy’s that I went to years ago.
Both stores turn out really well. It’s so hard shopping for my size and these sections are both cheap and some (not all, the lengths and builds can be a bit weird) are really amazing fits. Even just simple stuff like V neck tees and polos. Anyway, works out.
I then take a walk, leaving my car at the mall lot. It’s amazing seeing my neighborhood after not being there for almost 15 years. Lots of it I recognize, though some has changed. Loads of memories being brought back. I find this Malaysian place and get a milk based cold drink, great for this warm day. I then walk over to the other side of Elmhurst and then go to this Venezuelan place for a pacano, this really cool sandwich thing. After that, I take end my day and take drive back home.
When I get back, I turn on the Bowery Poetry Club’s stream online. I wanted to do that today and hang around the city, but it was a bit of a trek and I did not feel like going alone. I mentioned it a while ago, but this is the exact reason I should find a woman with similar interests as I. Either way, some of the poems were absolutely breath taking. I just sat with it there on full screen, open ears, open eyes, open heart.
March 14, 2012
Part Deux of New York trips. If I’m not going anywhere and being ambitious with my Spring Break, then I need to check out areas in New York. I even splurge and save loads of money. It’s also a convenient “vacation.”
I wake up early in the morning and get into Brooklyn, Park Slope. I first to go Bark Hot Dogs. The lady serving my hot dog spills my beer a little bit while I’m at the table and she offers me a refill. Before I’m done with my dog, she gives me an entire full beer. After two beer and a small lunch (just their small dog), I’m walking around Brooklyn buzzed on a hot “summer” day and boy is Park Slope gorgeous. I check out the Armory and then get the best Jamaican patty of my life, a fantastic food by the way.
I then go to the Brooklyn museum. Not a huge museum, but still expansive. A great museum. I then plan with Stefan to meet up in the East Village for happy hour. We go to Ten Degrees, a wine bar, for some cocktails. They’re good cocktails and their half price for happy hour. I haven’t eaten much all day and after the first one, we both start feeling it pretty hard. We grab another one and then move out. Stefan updates me a bit on his future and job prospects. Wish the best for him that he gets the job he wants that he’s applied to.
I meet Sam with her friends Bailey and Jules. We to go ‘inoteca and then get dessert at Labratorio del Gelato. We then go to the newish UCB in the East Village. There’s a trio of three improv women, but I have to cut it short because Bolanos is meeting me in the city for a second dinner.
It’s not exactly my cup of tea the improv. I prefer my comedy written and scripted, but I do appreciate the spontaneity and the ability for improve. It is definitely something I would have a hard time doing. Bolanos and I check out the new East Village L’Asso and then we go to Keybar because it’s still before 10:00 and they have their awesome late happy hour. Two in one night, biotch.
Both Sam and Erdem show up and we just shoot some shit and hang out. A long day, but an amazing day. I ate like a king, drank all day, but most importantly got to see beautiful Brooklyn and had a fun afternoon and night with friends.
March 15, 2012
Luna is on her way to stay for the weekend and to hang for St. Paddy’s. My friend from Australia, Emily, is also in New York. I plan to meet Luna and Emily at Chelsea Market. I was planning to hit up loads of Chelsea galleries, but I unfortunately get itno the city a bit late into the afternoon. We all grab some Thai in Chelsea Market along with Emily’s friends that are also visiting the city. We then grab a tangy sourdough from Amy’s Bread (sooo good) and then head to the supermarket on the way back for some dinner ingredients. We make some great broccoli cheese soup and make a bread bowl out of the sour dough. An easy and delicious soup.
March 16, 2012
We head into Flushing for some hand pulled noodles, good stuff. We then pick up ingredients for the family meal we’re making tonight. We made it Irish themed for tomorrow. Corned beef, cabbage and carrots, Irish soda bread, cheesy potatoes, broccoli cheese soup (made some more with yesterday’s stuff). Jenn, Candace, Kim, and Bolanos show up. It’s great having everyone over for dinner.
Erdem fell asleep and couldn’t make it. Candace has plans to go to the city for karaoke and we head out. Jenn doesn’t come and I forget that Kim was still only 20. It’s great to see her again while she’s here.
Candace drives us into the city and we have a few drinks. Aaron, Eric F, and his friend Stew show up. It’s awesome seeing Eric and catch up with how he’s doing in Michigan Law. I end up doing a Queen song with Luna and then I drive Candace’s car back because I’m the most sober of the bunch.
March 17, 2012
We end up not being able to make the parade as we planned. We end up taking it slow about getting ready and have a few drinks before getting into the city by 6:00. Luna and I are obviously decked out. I have a green shirt and a flashy green pin. She’s got a green wig and also a flashy green necklace.
We wanted to go to McSorley’s, but that line was long as hell. We end up going to 13 Step, but that’s a crowded bar because it’s part of a pub crawl. I end up meeting Eric, Stew, and a new friend Rob, really cool guys. We go to Coal Yard and grab some Irish Car Bombs. We then get a pie of pizza at South Brooklyn. The best slice in the city.
We then head to Sophie’s and meet with Scott and his roommate Nikki. There’s been someone trolling his AIM and phone as him and sending me weird texts/IMs. I thought it was some idiot roommate dude that was too childish, but it turns out that it was her. She’s just a really good troll. She’s just a blast to have out. I hope she comes out more.
I find out that Tom has been dong really well at work. I’m glad for him. He was in Boston for the weekend and came down and caught St. Paddy’s.
Aaron, Bolanos, Tom and Stefan show up. It’s a huge gang of us, it’s just a really great time. We eventually go to Company, old times. People eventually decide to split. Luna and I take the 1:19 train. We’ve been out for a while. Turns out that Tom and Bolanos missed the train barely so they’re on our train because they were planning to take the 12:19.
March 23, 2012
After class, I take a quick nap and then by 5:00, I head into the city to meet up with my friend Emily at MOMA. She ends up backing out, which is fine because I’ll just make plans later and go to the Whitney Museum myself. It’s also free on Fridays and I’ve been wanting to go forever. It turns out to be a “Biennial” or something and the exhibits aren’t the paintings they usually have. There’s some performance art stuff, a lot of more modern abstract works, I’m out of there in under an hour. It’s actually a pretty small museum in the first place.
I then go downtown and shmooze around with Emily while she waits to get a tattoo. Aaron is supposed to meet up, but he backs out. It turns out that Sam is randomly in the area and texts me. What a coincidence, we meet up and then meet up with Erdem and Miah who came into the city to get dinner. We wanted to go a new Philipino place, well at least I pushed for it, but it’s crowded. We go next door to L’Asso and having not eaten all day, I stuff my face with loads of pizza. We go across the street and grab a couple drinks.
It really feels great for it to be the weekend and have friends out. Evan comes with his friend and Tom meets up too. However, Bolanos had to pick up his parents from the airport and doesn’t want to drive into the city so decides he wants to go to Astoria. Hasan agrees so now we have to pull out of the city. At the bar, I randomly walk by these two women speaking French and damn I melted. I was about to pass out. Something about attractive women and the beautiful French language just got me weak at the knees.
Either way, it’s crazy being in the city. When I was on the subway, in the Upper East Side, and around in the museum, I fell in love at least 5 times. I’m on this blonde phase and let me tell you, my heart can’t take it. I guess you live in a pond when it’s just law school and Great Neck. Being in the city, you realize what’s out there and it’s a lot to take in.
We split up with Sam and Tom, Evan, Miah, and I jump into Hasan’s car to head to Astoria. We go to Studio Square, which is finally opened up and perfect for our warm weather. Evan is passing the hell out. Hasan and him leave. With the rest of us, I take this recording of this ridiculous conversation start. I’m not trying to be serious, but it’s better then whatever dumb arguments we usually get into so it’s great to keep the conversation jovial. For some reason, a discussion about autism arises and I ask if there could be an austic woman that is fantastic at sex. A person who is socially inept, but they have a beyond human ability in the bed. They’re trying to explain to me that doesn’t exist, but I’m just considering this sweet idea. Bolanos doesn’t like any part of this and grunts and suggests that there should be a net wrapped around me and I should be taken away like an animal. What can I say…
March 23, 2012
At night, I’m not sure about plans until Evan says he’s driving into the city with Bolanos. I join along and then I find out that it’s an 80s party and I don’t even know. It’s cool, but I would’ve liked trying deck out in 80s stuff. We get there and it’s a very small place downstairs. The music is pretty good, a decent amount of people, but we end up splitting pretty quickly.
We stand around Sophie’s for a while and then Stefa and Sara come. We leave immediately though only after a short Hello.
I decide today to go Elmhurst, where I lived until I was 9. I drive over the Queens Center and check out some stores, especially looking for green because St. Paddy’s is coming up. I eventually go to JC Penny and Macy’s and check out their “young adults” or boys section. It actually goes up to 20 years old so it’s not that weird for me. Come to think of it, some of my favorite shirts are actually from that section in Macy’s that I went to years ago.
Both stores turn out really well. It’s so hard shopping for my size and these sections are both cheap and some (not all, the lengths and builds can be a bit weird) are really amazing fits. Even just simple stuff like V neck tees and polos. Anyway, works out.
I then take a walk, leaving my car at the mall lot. It’s amazing seeing my neighborhood after not being there for almost 15 years. Lots of it I recognize, though some has changed. Loads of memories being brought back. I find this Malaysian place and get a milk based cold drink, great for this warm day. I then walk over to the other side of Elmhurst and then go to this Venezuelan place for a pacano, this really cool sandwich thing. After that, I take end my day and take drive back home.
When I get back, I turn on the Bowery Poetry Club’s stream online. I wanted to do that today and hang around the city, but it was a bit of a trek and I did not feel like going alone. I mentioned it a while ago, but this is the exact reason I should find a woman with similar interests as I. Either way, some of the poems were absolutely breath taking. I just sat with it there on full screen, open ears, open eyes, open heart.
March 14, 2012
Part Deux of New York trips. If I’m not going anywhere and being ambitious with my Spring Break, then I need to check out areas in New York. I even splurge and save loads of money. It’s also a convenient “vacation.”
I wake up early in the morning and get into Brooklyn, Park Slope. I first to go Bark Hot Dogs. The lady serving my hot dog spills my beer a little bit while I’m at the table and she offers me a refill. Before I’m done with my dog, she gives me an entire full beer. After two beer and a small lunch (just their small dog), I’m walking around Brooklyn buzzed on a hot “summer” day and boy is Park Slope gorgeous. I check out the Armory and then get the best Jamaican patty of my life, a fantastic food by the way.
I then go to the Brooklyn museum. Not a huge museum, but still expansive. A great museum. I then plan with Stefan to meet up in the East Village for happy hour. We go to Ten Degrees, a wine bar, for some cocktails. They’re good cocktails and their half price for happy hour. I haven’t eaten much all day and after the first one, we both start feeling it pretty hard. We grab another one and then move out. Stefan updates me a bit on his future and job prospects. Wish the best for him that he gets the job he wants that he’s applied to.
I meet Sam with her friends Bailey and Jules. We to go ‘inoteca and then get dessert at Labratorio del Gelato. We then go to the newish UCB in the East Village. There’s a trio of three improv women, but I have to cut it short because Bolanos is meeting me in the city for a second dinner.
It’s not exactly my cup of tea the improv. I prefer my comedy written and scripted, but I do appreciate the spontaneity and the ability for improve. It is definitely something I would have a hard time doing. Bolanos and I check out the new East Village L’Asso and then we go to Keybar because it’s still before 10:00 and they have their awesome late happy hour. Two in one night, biotch.
Both Sam and Erdem show up and we just shoot some shit and hang out. A long day, but an amazing day. I ate like a king, drank all day, but most importantly got to see beautiful Brooklyn and had a fun afternoon and night with friends.
March 15, 2012
Luna is on her way to stay for the weekend and to hang for St. Paddy’s. My friend from Australia, Emily, is also in New York. I plan to meet Luna and Emily at Chelsea Market. I was planning to hit up loads of Chelsea galleries, but I unfortunately get itno the city a bit late into the afternoon. We all grab some Thai in Chelsea Market along with Emily’s friends that are also visiting the city. We then grab a tangy sourdough from Amy’s Bread (sooo good) and then head to the supermarket on the way back for some dinner ingredients. We make some great broccoli cheese soup and make a bread bowl out of the sour dough. An easy and delicious soup.
March 16, 2012
We head into Flushing for some hand pulled noodles, good stuff. We then pick up ingredients for the family meal we’re making tonight. We made it Irish themed for tomorrow. Corned beef, cabbage and carrots, Irish soda bread, cheesy potatoes, broccoli cheese soup (made some more with yesterday’s stuff). Jenn, Candace, Kim, and Bolanos show up. It’s great having everyone over for dinner.
Erdem fell asleep and couldn’t make it. Candace has plans to go to the city for karaoke and we head out. Jenn doesn’t come and I forget that Kim was still only 20. It’s great to see her again while she’s here.
Candace drives us into the city and we have a few drinks. Aaron, Eric F, and his friend Stew show up. It’s awesome seeing Eric and catch up with how he’s doing in Michigan Law. I end up doing a Queen song with Luna and then I drive Candace’s car back because I’m the most sober of the bunch.
March 17, 2012
We end up not being able to make the parade as we planned. We end up taking it slow about getting ready and have a few drinks before getting into the city by 6:00. Luna and I are obviously decked out. I have a green shirt and a flashy green pin. She’s got a green wig and also a flashy green necklace.
We wanted to go to McSorley’s, but that line was long as hell. We end up going to 13 Step, but that’s a crowded bar because it’s part of a pub crawl. I end up meeting Eric, Stew, and a new friend Rob, really cool guys. We go to Coal Yard and grab some Irish Car Bombs. We then get a pie of pizza at South Brooklyn. The best slice in the city.
We then head to Sophie’s and meet with Scott and his roommate Nikki. There’s been someone trolling his AIM and phone as him and sending me weird texts/IMs. I thought it was some idiot roommate dude that was too childish, but it turns out that it was her. She’s just a really good troll. She’s just a blast to have out. I hope she comes out more.
I find out that Tom has been dong really well at work. I’m glad for him. He was in Boston for the weekend and came down and caught St. Paddy’s.
Aaron, Bolanos, Tom and Stefan show up. It’s a huge gang of us, it’s just a really great time. We eventually go to Company, old times. People eventually decide to split. Luna and I take the 1:19 train. We’ve been out for a while. Turns out that Tom and Bolanos missed the train barely so they’re on our train because they were planning to take the 12:19.
March 23, 2012
After class, I take a quick nap and then by 5:00, I head into the city to meet up with my friend Emily at MOMA. She ends up backing out, which is fine because I’ll just make plans later and go to the Whitney Museum myself. It’s also free on Fridays and I’ve been wanting to go forever. It turns out to be a “Biennial” or something and the exhibits aren’t the paintings they usually have. There’s some performance art stuff, a lot of more modern abstract works, I’m out of there in under an hour. It’s actually a pretty small museum in the first place.
I then go downtown and shmooze around with Emily while she waits to get a tattoo. Aaron is supposed to meet up, but he backs out. It turns out that Sam is randomly in the area and texts me. What a coincidence, we meet up and then meet up with Erdem and Miah who came into the city to get dinner. We wanted to go a new Philipino place, well at least I pushed for it, but it’s crowded. We go next door to L’Asso and having not eaten all day, I stuff my face with loads of pizza. We go across the street and grab a couple drinks.
It really feels great for it to be the weekend and have friends out. Evan comes with his friend and Tom meets up too. However, Bolanos had to pick up his parents from the airport and doesn’t want to drive into the city so decides he wants to go to Astoria. Hasan agrees so now we have to pull out of the city. At the bar, I randomly walk by these two women speaking French and damn I melted. I was about to pass out. Something about attractive women and the beautiful French language just got me weak at the knees.
Either way, it’s crazy being in the city. When I was on the subway, in the Upper East Side, and around in the museum, I fell in love at least 5 times. I’m on this blonde phase and let me tell you, my heart can’t take it. I guess you live in a pond when it’s just law school and Great Neck. Being in the city, you realize what’s out there and it’s a lot to take in.
We split up with Sam and Tom, Evan, Miah, and I jump into Hasan’s car to head to Astoria. We go to Studio Square, which is finally opened up and perfect for our warm weather. Evan is passing the hell out. Hasan and him leave. With the rest of us, I take this recording of this ridiculous conversation start. I’m not trying to be serious, but it’s better then whatever dumb arguments we usually get into so it’s great to keep the conversation jovial. For some reason, a discussion about autism arises and I ask if there could be an austic woman that is fantastic at sex. A person who is socially inept, but they have a beyond human ability in the bed. They’re trying to explain to me that doesn’t exist, but I’m just considering this sweet idea. Bolanos doesn’t like any part of this and grunts and suggests that there should be a net wrapped around me and I should be taken away like an animal. What can I say…
March 23, 2012
At night, I’m not sure about plans until Evan says he’s driving into the city with Bolanos. I join along and then I find out that it’s an 80s party and I don’t even know. It’s cool, but I would’ve liked trying deck out in 80s stuff. We get there and it’s a very small place downstairs. The music is pretty good, a decent amount of people, but we end up splitting pretty quickly.
We stand around Sophie’s for a while and then Stefa and Sara come. We leave immediately though only after a short Hello.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Febs
February 17, 2012
It’s Stefan’s night off and I want to stay in this weekend to do work so I make today my night out. Aaron is doing work for school. I meet up with Scott and Stefan and Sarah at Sophie’s. I say Hi to Jen the bartender. Shauna’s not working tonight. I order a beer and Jen just taps the bar when I try to pay. I eventually slunk away because she’s getting other drinks after leaving a decent tip. Well I guess I learn something every day. A knock on the bar means a buy back.
Scott doesn’t have too much to say about Israel, but Stefan is convinced that he fucked all these girls and he’s just shouting it over and over. Scott’s honest though and keeps insisting that he didn’t. Plans are weird about meeting up with Candace, but Josh doesn’t end up making it. Tom meets us when we take a cab to Cornerstone Tavern uptown. Candace is there for karaoke. Stefan and Sarah leave pretty quickly.
It’s a pretty cool place, no one is upstairs really to sing karaoke. Enough people singing so that it’s not empty. Not so many so that you could get your songs in. I sing Love by Nat King Cole, a song that’s been stuck in my head all week. They also have a Yuengling liter glass of beer for $10. That’s a fucking ridiculous deal, especially when a pint or regular beer is $6.
It’s strange when we suddenly realize that we’re at America’s Got Talent. There’s this version of Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s Picture. The guy has a real serious deep country voice, professional level. He’s a way better singer than Kid Rock and I’m just blown away. The girl is also really good too. Then there’s also this another guy with another amazing voice. Bolanos and I are just confused as fuck. Why are the people so good here? Then there’s some drunk as people singing after that and we realize we actually live in the real world. Bolanos and I then do You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. A real man’s song.
We then leave and I’m waiting outside for a cig while they run inside. I know that we got there fast and that it’ll be at least 30 minutes. I go get Taco Bell and then I see them under the sign and run towards the train. Bolanos splits from Tom and I. He texts me that he found a seat. I just could imagine how happy he was about that. “Yo sick, I found us a three seater.” Tom and I quickly realize that we’re on the wrong train, to Ronkonkama. I guess I should’ve thought about that, but I hear drinking messes with your thinking. Fuckin’ idiot Bolanos. It’s only 3:00. The train is at 3:19. We should’ve just waited, instead, we jumped on some random train going the way around direction. When Tom and I have this conversation, Bolanos texts me, “Man, this night is going to suck.” It’s hilarious seeing those two texts up against each other. The quick excitement of having a seat and then realizing that we have a real long night ahead of us.
We get off at Jamaica, which is an amazing station because it’s for JFK. More of New York should look like that station. Our shit is ugly. It feels like Europe, modern.
We eventually give up on the idea of taking the train back to Woodside. We just jump in a cab. It costs me $14 because we’re splitting it 3 ways. I guess it’s worth it considering I get home at 4:00 and I would’ve gotten home at 6:00 if we had done it the other way.
I end up staying up until 8:30AM chatting with Ela, who is sick as a dog. I was quite exhausted during it, but we’re just talking shit.
February 20, 2012
Alex is once and a while posting dumb things. He randomly posts a status update of someone from high school. I don’t even know why they are Facebook friends in the first place considering the animosity that Alex holds towards this guy. This is what I have to say about it.
“No, I won't. And I find it unfortunate that your life is so sad, miserable, and boring that you think you should have any opinion on a total stranger having a baby. Your attachment to an institution you began attending a decade ago is nonsense. Maybe I don't know the full story, but this is an individual who I presume you never even sat down to have a conversation with 10 years ago, let alone recently. If this is your idea of gossip, it is childish and down right despicable.
All I have to say about it is, Mazel Tov. I hope this person enjoys bringing a new life to this world and I send blessings for the arduous journey of rearing a child.”
“Jeremiah, I'm glad you can make judgments about someone you haven't even dealt with for over 5 years (or even at all in school). If that's your perception on humanity that people can't change in that amount of time, then so be it, but you must have a horrible bleak view of human beings.
Alex, all I hear is these stories about people being "twats" or something to you. Sorry to alert you, but we were nobodies in our school. I highly doubt that people treated you that differently than they did me. I have no recollection of these horror stories you have. We're lucky we didn't go to a school where people were bullied.
Pick up the little scraps of your dignity and stand up. Don't be an insect needs to bolster his own ego by making fun of the birth of a child. That is all I ask.”
“Jeremiah, I'm glad you can make judgments about someone you haven't even dealt with for over 5 years (or even at all in school). If that's your perception on humanity that people can't change in that amount of time, then so be it, but you must have a horrible bleak view of human beings.
Alex, all I hear is these stories about people being "twats" or something to you. Sorry to alert you, but we were nobodies in our school. I highly doubt that people treated you that differently than they did me. I have no recollection of these horror stories you have. We're lucky we didn't go to a school where people were bullied.
Pick up the little scraps of your dignity and stand up. Don't be an insect needs to bolster his own ego by making fun of the birth of a child. That is all I ask.”
“It's horribly pointless. I'm confused to why you have nothing to better to do. However, my biggest issue is how you are able to decide who is fit or unfit to have a child.
I'm not being pretentious here. I'm trying to be respectful. You're the pretentious one thinking you have the authority to decide this matter. I'm sure at the age of 23, he has better things to do than badger people for giving birth to a child. So you tell me, who really is the unfit parent here?”
Jon eventually joins my point. He agrees, it’s absolutely pointless. Why care about someone who might as well he an absolute stranger to you and judge their life decisions?
February 28, 2012
I’m in class and the professor asks why another student’s answer is better. The student answers, “Uh… Well it’s basically the same thing.” The balls on this guy…
If there’s someone that’s going to turn out to be a douchebag, lawyer, it’s going to be this kid. I could imagine that he would be in court and he would sass the judge, despite the fact that he might have been wrong.
It’s Stefan’s night off and I want to stay in this weekend to do work so I make today my night out. Aaron is doing work for school. I meet up with Scott and Stefan and Sarah at Sophie’s. I say Hi to Jen the bartender. Shauna’s not working tonight. I order a beer and Jen just taps the bar when I try to pay. I eventually slunk away because she’s getting other drinks after leaving a decent tip. Well I guess I learn something every day. A knock on the bar means a buy back.
Scott doesn’t have too much to say about Israel, but Stefan is convinced that he fucked all these girls and he’s just shouting it over and over. Scott’s honest though and keeps insisting that he didn’t. Plans are weird about meeting up with Candace, but Josh doesn’t end up making it. Tom meets us when we take a cab to Cornerstone Tavern uptown. Candace is there for karaoke. Stefan and Sarah leave pretty quickly.
It’s a pretty cool place, no one is upstairs really to sing karaoke. Enough people singing so that it’s not empty. Not so many so that you could get your songs in. I sing Love by Nat King Cole, a song that’s been stuck in my head all week. They also have a Yuengling liter glass of beer for $10. That’s a fucking ridiculous deal, especially when a pint or regular beer is $6.
It’s strange when we suddenly realize that we’re at America’s Got Talent. There’s this version of Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s Picture. The guy has a real serious deep country voice, professional level. He’s a way better singer than Kid Rock and I’m just blown away. The girl is also really good too. Then there’s also this another guy with another amazing voice. Bolanos and I are just confused as fuck. Why are the people so good here? Then there’s some drunk as people singing after that and we realize we actually live in the real world. Bolanos and I then do You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. A real man’s song.
We then leave and I’m waiting outside for a cig while they run inside. I know that we got there fast and that it’ll be at least 30 minutes. I go get Taco Bell and then I see them under the sign and run towards the train. Bolanos splits from Tom and I. He texts me that he found a seat. I just could imagine how happy he was about that. “Yo sick, I found us a three seater.” Tom and I quickly realize that we’re on the wrong train, to Ronkonkama. I guess I should’ve thought about that, but I hear drinking messes with your thinking. Fuckin’ idiot Bolanos. It’s only 3:00. The train is at 3:19. We should’ve just waited, instead, we jumped on some random train going the way around direction. When Tom and I have this conversation, Bolanos texts me, “Man, this night is going to suck.” It’s hilarious seeing those two texts up against each other. The quick excitement of having a seat and then realizing that we have a real long night ahead of us.
We get off at Jamaica, which is an amazing station because it’s for JFK. More of New York should look like that station. Our shit is ugly. It feels like Europe, modern.
We eventually give up on the idea of taking the train back to Woodside. We just jump in a cab. It costs me $14 because we’re splitting it 3 ways. I guess it’s worth it considering I get home at 4:00 and I would’ve gotten home at 6:00 if we had done it the other way.
I end up staying up until 8:30AM chatting with Ela, who is sick as a dog. I was quite exhausted during it, but we’re just talking shit.
February 20, 2012
Alex is once and a while posting dumb things. He randomly posts a status update of someone from high school. I don’t even know why they are Facebook friends in the first place considering the animosity that Alex holds towards this guy. This is what I have to say about it.
“No, I won't. And I find it unfortunate that your life is so sad, miserable, and boring that you think you should have any opinion on a total stranger having a baby. Your attachment to an institution you began attending a decade ago is nonsense. Maybe I don't know the full story, but this is an individual who I presume you never even sat down to have a conversation with 10 years ago, let alone recently. If this is your idea of gossip, it is childish and down right despicable.
All I have to say about it is, Mazel Tov. I hope this person enjoys bringing a new life to this world and I send blessings for the arduous journey of rearing a child.”
“Jeremiah, I'm glad you can make judgments about someone you haven't even dealt with for over 5 years (or even at all in school). If that's your perception on humanity that people can't change in that amount of time, then so be it, but you must have a horrible bleak view of human beings.
Alex, all I hear is these stories about people being "twats" or something to you. Sorry to alert you, but we were nobodies in our school. I highly doubt that people treated you that differently than they did me. I have no recollection of these horror stories you have. We're lucky we didn't go to a school where people were bullied.
Pick up the little scraps of your dignity and stand up. Don't be an insect needs to bolster his own ego by making fun of the birth of a child. That is all I ask.”
“Jeremiah, I'm glad you can make judgments about someone you haven't even dealt with for over 5 years (or even at all in school). If that's your perception on humanity that people can't change in that amount of time, then so be it, but you must have a horrible bleak view of human beings.
Alex, all I hear is these stories about people being "twats" or something to you. Sorry to alert you, but we were nobodies in our school. I highly doubt that people treated you that differently than they did me. I have no recollection of these horror stories you have. We're lucky we didn't go to a school where people were bullied.
Pick up the little scraps of your dignity and stand up. Don't be an insect needs to bolster his own ego by making fun of the birth of a child. That is all I ask.”
“It's horribly pointless. I'm confused to why you have nothing to better to do. However, my biggest issue is how you are able to decide who is fit or unfit to have a child.
I'm not being pretentious here. I'm trying to be respectful. You're the pretentious one thinking you have the authority to decide this matter. I'm sure at the age of 23, he has better things to do than badger people for giving birth to a child. So you tell me, who really is the unfit parent here?”
Jon eventually joins my point. He agrees, it’s absolutely pointless. Why care about someone who might as well he an absolute stranger to you and judge their life decisions?
February 28, 2012
I’m in class and the professor asks why another student’s answer is better. The student answers, “Uh… Well it’s basically the same thing.” The balls on this guy…
If there’s someone that’s going to turn out to be a douchebag, lawyer, it’s going to be this kid. I could imagine that he would be in court and he would sass the judge, despite the fact that he might have been wrong.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
February
February 3, 2012
After an amazing burger at Juliebelle’s with Kenny and Bolanos, we head to BHT. I wanted to make bigger plans tonight, but that doesn’t end up happening. I’ve been a sober Sal for the past few weeks, so it’s good having a few beers.
February 4, 2012
Some thinking I was doing:
The mirror of time reflects our past for only a better future.
For we are darkness in an empty room without memories.
After much contact and planning with people, I eventually get a ride with Avi and his girlfriend Maya into the city. He's been doing well being a ski instructor up in Vermont. Maya is also very nice and cool. My brothers seem to be doing well, getting hooked up and all. Stefan has apparently made it uh-fish with Sara. Very happy for those two love birds. Or a more a dove and a jokey Toucan Stefan.
We meet up with Aaron, Brandon, Bolanos, and Samara and her friends at this club in Hell's Kitchen.
I always dress up, but the shoes are no good. I'm sure I could've gotten last their shoe dress code, but the other guys are more obvious with their sneakers. We decide to go to Landmark Tavern a block away and then to Pony Bar. Samara goes in with her friends and Bolanos ain't happy about it.
On the way, there's this 220 pound girl in just a white tshirt in this cold winter weather. She's drunk as fuck and bumps into me. She tries to cause ruckus and I just walk. Bolanos on the other hand replies to be threats of a fight, "You want some!?" If I was Bolanos I would reply, "Yeah, lay down and spread your leg. Lets do this sweetheart."
He avoids a fight, but this is a Zoo of a woman. Aaron and Bolanos think that it could be racist. No, it doesn't matter that she was Hispanic. It was more the fact that she was belligerent and a mess. It was like the Bronx Zoo. She was a freaking zoo creature. Put that shit behind a cage.
At Tavern, Bolanos is pretty out of it. He's just nonchalantly pouring beer all over himself as he stands. I've never seen a man standing up straight with a glass straight up and somehow slowly pour beer all over his jeans and shoes. Avi and Maya split.
TA, Bolanos, Atron, and I are left at Pony Bar. We go to the Halal cart for a bite and Bolanos in his stupor drops part of his gyro all over Aaron. We joke he might as well thrown up on him. It’s all over his jacket and sleeve. Fucking mess.
Before we leave, we end up sitting at this table with two girls. They’re a little bit older than us, 25-26 and work in the city doing ad agency stuff. Very interesting stuff. Bolanos is still a grouchy face and sits there not interested in engaging in conversation at all. We end up heading to the train.
So this girl is weeping like crazy on the train. I feel bad for her, she has make up running down her face. She's on the phone and I can tell from her call that it's serious business. She's angry as fuck. She apparently has been fucking this dude for months and was told at the club that he has a girlfriend. He pushed her away from him and didn't want to deal with it no more. This phone call his her backlash.
The sound track during this is this guy constantly repeating, "Rack city bitch, rack rack city bitch." She is now balling out even worse. Her friends are around her and she's leaning against the window with her face against the glass, crying and shouting depressing emotional lines. " Why are you telling me you love this girl?! We're not done! We're not done!"
After her phone call, she just leans on her friend and balls crazy. She is hyperventilating and I can't tell if she's going to throw up or pass out. And hell, this is a very pretty girl in a tight black dress and big green eyes. Shes actually still in high school. She's half Thai and half Jewish. Fuck, hook me up with one of those. She can rebound and find an actual man, like moi. A friend gives her advice and shes still a youngin. Get some reality, shes going to be fine. Young naive love is a killer.
Love sucks. It makes hearts and shatters them like a bull in China shop. Or maybe we're actually just miniature China dolls in a bull pen as the world of love can recklessly break us without a moments notice.
She tells a story about how he was willing to stab her with a gun. The singer, "Romantic bitch, ro romantic bitch."
February 5, 2012
It’s the Super Bowl biotch. I head in and meet up with half of the boys, Dimitri, Charles, Dave, and TA. At half time, I get a sandwich and then we all go to Dalton’s to meet up with Aaron, Evan, and Bolanos. It’s a tight as game, but the Giants pull through baby. A great time to be a New Yorker. Dave eventually gives me a ride back. I call it a night eventually because I have class at 1:00. Thankfully it’s later instead of early because I wouldn’t be waking the fuck up, no way.
After an amazing burger at Juliebelle’s with Kenny and Bolanos, we head to BHT. I wanted to make bigger plans tonight, but that doesn’t end up happening. I’ve been a sober Sal for the past few weeks, so it’s good having a few beers.
February 4, 2012
Some thinking I was doing:
The mirror of time reflects our past for only a better future.
For we are darkness in an empty room without memories.
After much contact and planning with people, I eventually get a ride with Avi and his girlfriend Maya into the city. He's been doing well being a ski instructor up in Vermont. Maya is also very nice and cool. My brothers seem to be doing well, getting hooked up and all. Stefan has apparently made it uh-fish with Sara. Very happy for those two love birds. Or a more a dove and a jokey Toucan Stefan.
We meet up with Aaron, Brandon, Bolanos, and Samara and her friends at this club in Hell's Kitchen.
I always dress up, but the shoes are no good. I'm sure I could've gotten last their shoe dress code, but the other guys are more obvious with their sneakers. We decide to go to Landmark Tavern a block away and then to Pony Bar. Samara goes in with her friends and Bolanos ain't happy about it.
On the way, there's this 220 pound girl in just a white tshirt in this cold winter weather. She's drunk as fuck and bumps into me. She tries to cause ruckus and I just walk. Bolanos on the other hand replies to be threats of a fight, "You want some!?" If I was Bolanos I would reply, "Yeah, lay down and spread your leg. Lets do this sweetheart."
He avoids a fight, but this is a Zoo of a woman. Aaron and Bolanos think that it could be racist. No, it doesn't matter that she was Hispanic. It was more the fact that she was belligerent and a mess. It was like the Bronx Zoo. She was a freaking zoo creature. Put that shit behind a cage.
At Tavern, Bolanos is pretty out of it. He's just nonchalantly pouring beer all over himself as he stands. I've never seen a man standing up straight with a glass straight up and somehow slowly pour beer all over his jeans and shoes. Avi and Maya split.
TA, Bolanos, Atron, and I are left at Pony Bar. We go to the Halal cart for a bite and Bolanos in his stupor drops part of his gyro all over Aaron. We joke he might as well thrown up on him. It’s all over his jacket and sleeve. Fucking mess.
Before we leave, we end up sitting at this table with two girls. They’re a little bit older than us, 25-26 and work in the city doing ad agency stuff. Very interesting stuff. Bolanos is still a grouchy face and sits there not interested in engaging in conversation at all. We end up heading to the train.
So this girl is weeping like crazy on the train. I feel bad for her, she has make up running down her face. She's on the phone and I can tell from her call that it's serious business. She's angry as fuck. She apparently has been fucking this dude for months and was told at the club that he has a girlfriend. He pushed her away from him and didn't want to deal with it no more. This phone call his her backlash.
The sound track during this is this guy constantly repeating, "Rack city bitch, rack rack city bitch." She is now balling out even worse. Her friends are around her and she's leaning against the window with her face against the glass, crying and shouting depressing emotional lines. " Why are you telling me you love this girl?! We're not done! We're not done!"
After her phone call, she just leans on her friend and balls crazy. She is hyperventilating and I can't tell if she's going to throw up or pass out. And hell, this is a very pretty girl in a tight black dress and big green eyes. Shes actually still in high school. She's half Thai and half Jewish. Fuck, hook me up with one of those. She can rebound and find an actual man, like moi. A friend gives her advice and shes still a youngin. Get some reality, shes going to be fine. Young naive love is a killer.
Love sucks. It makes hearts and shatters them like a bull in China shop. Or maybe we're actually just miniature China dolls in a bull pen as the world of love can recklessly break us without a moments notice.
She tells a story about how he was willing to stab her with a gun. The singer, "Romantic bitch, ro romantic bitch."
February 5, 2012
It’s the Super Bowl biotch. I head in and meet up with half of the boys, Dimitri, Charles, Dave, and TA. At half time, I get a sandwich and then we all go to Dalton’s to meet up with Aaron, Evan, and Bolanos. It’s a tight as game, but the Giants pull through baby. A great time to be a New Yorker. Dave eventually gives me a ride back. I call it a night eventually because I have class at 1:00. Thankfully it’s later instead of early because I wouldn’t be waking the fuck up, no way.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
End of January
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.
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.
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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