"In a world full of everything, there are still days where I feel I have nothing." - my tweet from Jun 17, 2009 @ 4:43PM
I hate to admit it but I'm starting to think this rainy weather has begun to take it's toll on me. I've been really moody lately and hadn't been able to put my finger on what was causing it. Little insignificant things have set me off. I've gotten angry really easily lately. I've gotten extremely ecstatic very quickly. I've also become quite melancholy at the drop of a dime. I am trying hard to keep my emotions in check but for this past week it has been a challenge at times. Maybe some sun will do me some good. Thankfully, my workouts have helped a little over the past few days.
I've been known to sometimes wear my heart on my sleeve. I have slowly realized, over the years, that it is mainly because I don't know how to let my emotions out verbally. I often find myself tongue tied and don't know how to express myself. Some people have told me it's as simple as saying 'X', 'Y', and 'Z', but it isn't. Not for me, anyway.
If we ever share a moment where I express any gratitude, show appreciation for something you did or said, or I'm in the unfortunate circumstance to tell you how sorry I am for your loss... understand that it is one of the most difficult things for me to do. I find it hard to find the right words to convey the message I have deep inside. The feeling is there but the words aren't always.
This blog of mine helps me get over this character flaw a little. There are no faces looking back at me. Although, I will see some of you in person, I feel like I can get away with saying some things here that I may not be able (or have the nerve) to say in person - whether it is meant for you directly or not.
Nevertheless, there are still some things that I will keep close to the vest. Things that are either too personal to share or that will violate someone else's privacy. I try hard to keep the focus on me in this blog. This is not out of some sense of narcissism. I just feel like the only person I can really sound off on, or open up about, with reckless abandon is myself.
I even have some blog entries that I have written than remain unpublished. These entries will stay unpublished for the immediate future. Posting them would be inappropriate until I actually talk to the individual(s) that the posts are about. Only then will I know whether it's ok to publish it for all the world to see, or not. Also, some of my unpublished entries were written as a form of catharsis. Writing about that experience/feeling/moment was simply an exercise in letting things out. Those entries are meant for my eyes only... for now. ;)
Now that I've gotten THAT off my chest...
At this time next week, I will be having fun under the bright lights of Las Vegas!!
I'm super excited and am looking forward to this trip! Not just because it gets me out of NYC (and this dreary weather) but it's one of the places I have been wanting to visit (did I remember to put that on my "to do list" blog entry a few months ago?). I always figured one day I would have the balls to actually enter into one of the WSOP tournaments and that would be at the heart of my Vegas trip. Now, it's all about leisure!
Preliminary plans include seeing Blue Man Group, dinner (and partying) at Tao, and getting a tan. Vegas weather forecasts for next week show sunny skies with highs in the low 100's and nighttime temps in the low 80's. It's a lot hotter than I would like but it's not going to keep me from enjoying myself.
If any of you have been there before and have any advice, suggestions, tips, etc. for things to do, places to see, etc., please comment.
I hope to get one more entry in before I leave for Vegas.
Until next time, faithful reader......
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thinking back - part 2
Welcome back,
Previously, I started recounted the story of my path from HS to when I dropped out of NYU (and the subsequent regret I had over that decision). This is the story of how I ended up at Queens College.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After spending several years away from a classroom, I realized my life wasn't really progressing and I wasn't happy where I had been working. Some of the jobs I had in this time included working at a car parts warehouse, a car rental agency (both ends of the transaction: the guy that gives the customer his/her car AND later as the rental agent printing up contracts), and a video store, among others. In all these jobs (except the warehouse), I had either become, or was on the verge of being promoted to, a manager (whether it was P/T mgr or ass't mgr). But despite the increase in pay and responsibility, it was not the life I felt I needed to be living.
I made the decision to go back to school. I had been out of NYU for some time and two of my closest friends were in Queens College. I knew I would be disappointed with myself if I were to never go back and get a college degree. I went to Bronx-freaking-Science for Christ's sake!! I had friends who went to Ivy League schools. Others went to top universities throughout the country studying with faculty that were the experts in their fields of interest. What did I have to show for my time at Science? NOTHING. I was an NYU-drop out. I was bitter and needed to get back on the intellectual horse for my own sanity otherwise I'd never be able to live with myself.
I knew I couldn't afford a private university and opted for a CUNY education. I applied to all the CUNY's in Queens: LaGuardia CC, Queens College and Queensborough CC (QCC). Queens College was my first choice. Though I was willing to settle for admission to one of the CC's and transfer after a year or two. I was only accepted to Queensborough which was a blow to my ego but, at least, it got my foot in the door.
I tried to make the most of my time there but, quite frankly, I was so bored with my classes that I didn't feel challenged. I would spend more time hanging out with new friends than working on my class work. I fell behind in my course work and was very unmotivated. In the span of a year, I managed to pass 2 classes, dropped a few (I forgot how many exactly), and the others I failed outright for lack of attendance. I knew I had to get out of there.
I decided a transfer would do me some good. After all, the school I really wanted to go to was Queens College (QC). I need to confess that my primary motivation for going to QC was the fact that my friends were there. They'd tell me about how they spent time there, the people that they've met, and it sounded like fun. So much so, I even started spending my free time at QC and really liked the vibe on the campus. I often rushed out of class at QCC (when I actually went to class) and took the buses to QC just to hang out. I spent my time at the office for the student organization Alliance of Latin American Students (ALAS). It got to the point that people in ALAS thought I was a QC student and were shocked to find out I was going to QCC.
My decision to attend QC was not solely based on the social scene there. After all, it's not as if QC is a bad school, academically. It actually had (and still has) a very good reputation and is one of the few "respected" schools in the CUNY system.
I applied for a transfer during the summer. I didn't get a letter from CUNY Central telling me whether the transfer was accepted or not. Instead, I received a phone call from the Director of Admissions at QC (to this day, I wish I could remember her name). She wanted to interview me in person. I was surprised and excited. I didn't know what to expect but, even though I was extremely nervous, I figured this must be a good sign.
I walk into her office and I'm greeting by a friendly woman. She asks me to take a seat and proceeds to tell me that she has been looking over my application repeatedly. Immediately, my heart sank. I began wondering why I was even called here in the first place. This was a waste of my time! She's seen how badly I've done in QCC. She knows that I've been out of HS for so many years. I only had a B (maybe B-) average at Science. What do I really have going for me??
Well, it turns out... something in my application had caught her eye. Something that made her call me in for the interview. Something that she couldn't quite wrap her head around that caused her to want to meet me in person rather than make her decision based on what was on paper. She asked me how someone who graduated from Bronx Science could do so badly in QCC. Essentially, I explained that I didn't feel QCC was the place for me. I explained having visited QC and feeling a sense of belonging there. She reasoned, aloud, that I wasn't being challenged academically and I hadn't realized that until she said it. It was the first ray of sunshine in what had been a cloudy collegiate experience for me.
She reviewed my SAT scores (which, for the record, were quite good) and told me that my academic pedigree was strong. She understood why I didn't do well at QCC and she was willing to give me a chance to succeed at QC. This was based on a hunch. An intuition that she had gotten after speaking to me for about 10-15 minutes. I could not believe what had just happened. I was going to attend Queens College!
After completing a few formalities such as writing a short reply to a generic question she had prepared (to prove I can write in English) and filling out some forms, I was officially a QC student. The director then made me promise to follow up with her every semester to let her know how I was progressing. I easily agreed to this condition. After all, this woman had just changed my life!! In hindsight, she changed it in more ways than I could have EVER imagined.
I'll talk about my time at QC some other time but I did want to say one more thing about the QC Admissions Director. I successfully completed my first semester at QC the following fall and was beginning to erase the memory of QCC on my record. I made arrangements to swing by the Director's office in January. It was after the new year but before the start of the spring semester. When I walked into the Admissions Office, I learned that she had transferred to another school and was no longer working at QC. I was disappointed since I really did want to give her a progress report and to thank her for letting me transfer to QC.
If she could only see me now: a graduate of the MA program at QC and teaching other QC students. I don't know where she is now and I am fairly certain she isn't reading this entry but THANK YOU! Thank you for for believing in me and for taking the chance on me. It was just what I needed and I don't know where I would be without you!!
Until next time, faithful reader......
Previously, I started recounted the story of my path from HS to when I dropped out of NYU (and the subsequent regret I had over that decision). This is the story of how I ended up at Queens College.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After spending several years away from a classroom, I realized my life wasn't really progressing and I wasn't happy where I had been working. Some of the jobs I had in this time included working at a car parts warehouse, a car rental agency (both ends of the transaction: the guy that gives the customer his/her car AND later as the rental agent printing up contracts), and a video store, among others. In all these jobs (except the warehouse), I had either become, or was on the verge of being promoted to, a manager (whether it was P/T mgr or ass't mgr). But despite the increase in pay and responsibility, it was not the life I felt I needed to be living.
I made the decision to go back to school. I had been out of NYU for some time and two of my closest friends were in Queens College. I knew I would be disappointed with myself if I were to never go back and get a college degree. I went to Bronx-freaking-Science for Christ's sake!! I had friends who went to Ivy League schools. Others went to top universities throughout the country studying with faculty that were the experts in their fields of interest. What did I have to show for my time at Science? NOTHING. I was an NYU-drop out. I was bitter and needed to get back on the intellectual horse for my own sanity otherwise I'd never be able to live with myself.
I knew I couldn't afford a private university and opted for a CUNY education. I applied to all the CUNY's in Queens: LaGuardia CC, Queens College and Queensborough CC (QCC). Queens College was my first choice. Though I was willing to settle for admission to one of the CC's and transfer after a year or two. I was only accepted to Queensborough which was a blow to my ego but, at least, it got my foot in the door.
I tried to make the most of my time there but, quite frankly, I was so bored with my classes that I didn't feel challenged. I would spend more time hanging out with new friends than working on my class work. I fell behind in my course work and was very unmotivated. In the span of a year, I managed to pass 2 classes, dropped a few (I forgot how many exactly), and the others I failed outright for lack of attendance. I knew I had to get out of there.
I decided a transfer would do me some good. After all, the school I really wanted to go to was Queens College (QC). I need to confess that my primary motivation for going to QC was the fact that my friends were there. They'd tell me about how they spent time there, the people that they've met, and it sounded like fun. So much so, I even started spending my free time at QC and really liked the vibe on the campus. I often rushed out of class at QCC (when I actually went to class) and took the buses to QC just to hang out. I spent my time at the office for the student organization Alliance of Latin American Students (ALAS). It got to the point that people in ALAS thought I was a QC student and were shocked to find out I was going to QCC.
My decision to attend QC was not solely based on the social scene there. After all, it's not as if QC is a bad school, academically. It actually had (and still has) a very good reputation and is one of the few "respected" schools in the CUNY system.
I applied for a transfer during the summer. I didn't get a letter from CUNY Central telling me whether the transfer was accepted or not. Instead, I received a phone call from the Director of Admissions at QC (to this day, I wish I could remember her name). She wanted to interview me in person. I was surprised and excited. I didn't know what to expect but, even though I was extremely nervous, I figured this must be a good sign.
I walk into her office and I'm greeting by a friendly woman. She asks me to take a seat and proceeds to tell me that she has been looking over my application repeatedly. Immediately, my heart sank. I began wondering why I was even called here in the first place. This was a waste of my time! She's seen how badly I've done in QCC. She knows that I've been out of HS for so many years. I only had a B (maybe B-) average at Science. What do I really have going for me??
Well, it turns out... something in my application had caught her eye. Something that made her call me in for the interview. Something that she couldn't quite wrap her head around that caused her to want to meet me in person rather than make her decision based on what was on paper. She asked me how someone who graduated from Bronx Science could do so badly in QCC. Essentially, I explained that I didn't feel QCC was the place for me. I explained having visited QC and feeling a sense of belonging there. She reasoned, aloud, that I wasn't being challenged academically and I hadn't realized that until she said it. It was the first ray of sunshine in what had been a cloudy collegiate experience for me.
She reviewed my SAT scores (which, for the record, were quite good) and told me that my academic pedigree was strong. She understood why I didn't do well at QCC and she was willing to give me a chance to succeed at QC. This was based on a hunch. An intuition that she had gotten after speaking to me for about 10-15 minutes. I could not believe what had just happened. I was going to attend Queens College!
After completing a few formalities such as writing a short reply to a generic question she had prepared (to prove I can write in English) and filling out some forms, I was officially a QC student. The director then made me promise to follow up with her every semester to let her know how I was progressing. I easily agreed to this condition. After all, this woman had just changed my life!! In hindsight, she changed it in more ways than I could have EVER imagined.
I'll talk about my time at QC some other time but I did want to say one more thing about the QC Admissions Director. I successfully completed my first semester at QC the following fall and was beginning to erase the memory of QCC on my record. I made arrangements to swing by the Director's office in January. It was after the new year but before the start of the spring semester. When I walked into the Admissions Office, I learned that she had transferred to another school and was no longer working at QC. I was disappointed since I really did want to give her a progress report and to thank her for letting me transfer to QC.
If she could only see me now: a graduate of the MA program at QC and teaching other QC students. I don't know where she is now and I am fairly certain she isn't reading this entry but THANK YOU! Thank you for for believing in me and for taking the chance on me. It was just what I needed and I don't know where I would be without you!!
Until next time, faithful reader......
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thinking back (or My Life After High School) - Part 1 of 2
I'll get right to it today....
I'm often bitter of people that don't have to "pay their dues". This sentiment is born out of a resentment that I have since I didn't have parents that could provide me with the opportunities that others seem to have. Mommy and daddy weren’t able to take care of me during my college years. Quite frankly, I had to eat shit for a while before I could get to a place where I was relatively comfortable in life. I can say with a certain sense of pride that everything I have now, for better or worse, was earned, literally, through much blood, sweat and tears. Please don’t think this is something I want others to experience because I don’t. But it annoys me when others have the support that I didn't have whether it is financial, emotional, or academic. It's been a long road but I am beginning to feel a sense of fulfillment now that I haven't had before.
It all started when my parents separated when I was in high school. I won’t go into the details as to why they separated or why my mother, my sister, and I moved out of our apartment. During my senior year, the three of us lived in a room that we rented on a weekly basis. Yes... you read that correctly. It was a single room where we somehow managed to set up two twin sized beds with the rest of our stuff carefully arranged in the remaining space. The kitchen and bathroom was shared with other renters and it was a miserable experience. But it kept us away from the dangerous man I used to refer to as “Dad”.
My senior year at Bronx Science, arguably the most important of the 4 HS years, was spent with more pressure than any teen should ever experience. The academic and social pressures of taking the SATs, applying for colleges, going to the prom, etc. were compounded with the worry of what we would be eating each night for dinner or managing my personal spending to make sure I didn’t put any financial pressure on my mom. I still wonder how we survived those years. I remember many days that I went without eating lunch. I would mooch off of friends to survive the day. I was really skinny back then. I was an active kid (handball during free periods, soccer on the quad during lunch) but the main reason I was thin was because I didn’t eat.
Fast forward to the first year out of high school when I was in my second semester at NYU. I had done pretty terribly in my first semester because I wasn’t really focused on my studies. I had a job at an electronics store and knew that I needed to work more hours to be able to help my mom out with the expenses. We had moved into an actual apartment by this time (a basement in a private house a block away). I ended up dropping out of NYU during that second semester. I hated to do it but I needed the money more than I needed the education.
I hated dropping out of NYU for several reasons. For one, I feel like I cheated myself out of a chance to get a degree from a well known school. Secondly, I hated giving up on college only because I needed to work and earn money to live. It’s one thing to have a part time job to cover frivolous expenses. But I had to work to help pay the rent, to have food in the fridge, to help my mom in any way I could since she now had two children in college each with their own expenses. I had very little financial aid and had a lot to pay back in student loans, with nothing to show for it. I managed to pay off my NYU student loan several years ago and even paid the last 1/3 of the parent loan my mom took out for me as well. I felt guilty that she put had to her name and credit on the line for a kid who, essentially, wasted his time while in NYU. She worked long hours sometimes 6 days a week to get us to where we were. She dealt with the aggravation of talking to my father, who tried to exploit the fact that he was helping to pay for my sister’s college expenses as a way to be a part of all our lives again. [Side note: By this time, I had stopped speaking to him and didn’t want anything to do with him. I certainly wasn’t going to take his money thus giving him an excuse to get back into my life.]
To be continued next time, faithful reader......
I'm often bitter of people that don't have to "pay their dues". This sentiment is born out of a resentment that I have since I didn't have parents that could provide me with the opportunities that others seem to have. Mommy and daddy weren’t able to take care of me during my college years. Quite frankly, I had to eat shit for a while before I could get to a place where I was relatively comfortable in life. I can say with a certain sense of pride that everything I have now, for better or worse, was earned, literally, through much blood, sweat and tears. Please don’t think this is something I want others to experience because I don’t. But it annoys me when others have the support that I didn't have whether it is financial, emotional, or academic. It's been a long road but I am beginning to feel a sense of fulfillment now that I haven't had before.
It all started when my parents separated when I was in high school. I won’t go into the details as to why they separated or why my mother, my sister, and I moved out of our apartment. During my senior year, the three of us lived in a room that we rented on a weekly basis. Yes... you read that correctly. It was a single room where we somehow managed to set up two twin sized beds with the rest of our stuff carefully arranged in the remaining space. The kitchen and bathroom was shared with other renters and it was a miserable experience. But it kept us away from the dangerous man I used to refer to as “Dad”.
My senior year at Bronx Science, arguably the most important of the 4 HS years, was spent with more pressure than any teen should ever experience. The academic and social pressures of taking the SATs, applying for colleges, going to the prom, etc. were compounded with the worry of what we would be eating each night for dinner or managing my personal spending to make sure I didn’t put any financial pressure on my mom. I still wonder how we survived those years. I remember many days that I went without eating lunch. I would mooch off of friends to survive the day. I was really skinny back then. I was an active kid (handball during free periods, soccer on the quad during lunch) but the main reason I was thin was because I didn’t eat.
Fast forward to the first year out of high school when I was in my second semester at NYU. I had done pretty terribly in my first semester because I wasn’t really focused on my studies. I had a job at an electronics store and knew that I needed to work more hours to be able to help my mom out with the expenses. We had moved into an actual apartment by this time (a basement in a private house a block away). I ended up dropping out of NYU during that second semester. I hated to do it but I needed the money more than I needed the education.
I hated dropping out of NYU for several reasons. For one, I feel like I cheated myself out of a chance to get a degree from a well known school. Secondly, I hated giving up on college only because I needed to work and earn money to live. It’s one thing to have a part time job to cover frivolous expenses. But I had to work to help pay the rent, to have food in the fridge, to help my mom in any way I could since she now had two children in college each with their own expenses. I had very little financial aid and had a lot to pay back in student loans, with nothing to show for it. I managed to pay off my NYU student loan several years ago and even paid the last 1/3 of the parent loan my mom took out for me as well. I felt guilty that she put had to her name and credit on the line for a kid who, essentially, wasted his time while in NYU. She worked long hours sometimes 6 days a week to get us to where we were. She dealt with the aggravation of talking to my father, who tried to exploit the fact that he was helping to pay for my sister’s college expenses as a way to be a part of all our lives again. [Side note: By this time, I had stopped speaking to him and didn’t want anything to do with him. I certainly wasn’t going to take his money thus giving him an excuse to get back into my life.]
To be continued next time, faithful reader......
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
48 Hours (the June 6-7 Edition)
Ladies and gents, now that was one helluva weekend!!!
I had a pretty packed weekend and loved every second of it. I got to do 4 different activities with 4 different social circles! Apparently, diversity was the theme of the weekend!
Let's review how things went down:
Saturday (6/6) - MORNING:
Drove to Belmont Park to watch the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes (the 3rd leg of horse racing's Triple Crown)! An old HS friend had an extra ticket and I was the first to step up to take it off his hands. I've always wanted to go to the three major races of the year (Kentucky Derby and the Preakness are the other two for those of you who don't know) and finally got to check one off my To-Do-List. =)
There was also the chance that Calvin Borel would be the first person to win horse racing's Triple Crown on two different horses. He won the Kentucky Derby on Mine That Bird and won the Preakness riding Rachel Alexandra (the first filly to win at Pimlico in 85 years). On this day, Borel would be back on the morning favorite, Mine That Bird.
I arrived with plenty of time to go over the past performances for the horses in the first few races. Post time for the first race was roughly 11:30am and I stayed until the finish of the Belmont Stakes (race #11 on the day with a post time of 6:30pm). I did place some bets throughout the day. I won early and won some on the big race but overall it was a net loss. Oh well, that's why they call it gambling. There were 2 other races after the Belmont Stakes but I had plans for the night and wanted to get home, have a decent meal, get a workout in, before going out. The lack of funds with which to gamble also played a major role in that decision, sadly... haha.
[Oh, for those of you wondering, Calvin Borel was NOT able to make history on this evening. Mine That Bird's half-brother Summer Bird win the big race taking the lead with about 1/8 mile left. Mine That Bird finished 3rd.]
NIGHT:
Saturday was a friend's birthday and I had been looking to hang out with her and the rest of the crew. She's been working so hard finishing up grad school (Columbia University, tyvm) that she's pretty much been MIA for most of the last year and a half. If it wasn't for Facebook and the major gatherings in that time (the Asqui wedding, BBQ, etc), I may not have ever seen her at all in that time. I got a ride from my friend who agreed to be my designated driver for the night only because he says he's been boozing too much lately and wanted to keep his alcohol intake to a minimum (better for me!).
When we arrived at the bar/lounge, it was pretty empty and the DJ was mediocre at best. Not simply because of his song choices but his transitions were bad as well. Most of you who know me personally know I do NOT dance. I get more enjoyment from the people I'm around and the music that's being played. A bad DJ can ruin my night faster than a drunk chick vomiting on my leg (which thankfully has never happened to me). This was shaping up to be a difficult night for me because I love the people I was hanging with but the DJ was really ruining it for me. I realized that leaving to another spot was NOT an option so I only had two choices left: (1) drink MUCH more or (2) take a breather and regroup. I went with option #2.
I decided to leave the lounge for a few minutes and go for a walk to collect myself. I reminded myself I was there for my homegirl's b-day and shouldn't let one bad DJ ruin that. I also didn't want to be everyone else's buzzkill. I came back and decided to get another drink and make the most of the night.
When I got back something miraculous occurred. Around 2 am... the DJ actually developed some skills. I don't know if someone came by and handed him a CD with pre-recorded mixes or if he was "saving his good stuff" for the end of the night but I was having an AMAZING time! There was a good mix of all music... even a little Spanish Rock which warmed my soul ("...y yo estoy aquí... borracho y loco!!!....")
Keeping in touch on fb with new friends during my walk, enjoying good company in person at the lounge, and loving life by the end of the night! I can't expect Sunday to top this!
Sunday (6/7) - MORNING:
I get to finally play some softball this 2009 season!!! We were set to start at noon so I had the chance able to sleep in a little... or so I thought. That was until I woke up really really angry at 9:30am. I was upset because I had missed my flight on Lufthansa. And the stupid employee at the gate didn't even try and help me out when I was trying to figure out what my options were.
At least that's how things went down in my dream. I had such a vivid recollection of the dream, I swore it really happened to me. It wasn't until I was awake for a few minutes that I realized it was a dream. Very strange feeling... that's never happened to me before.
AFTERNOON:
Game time!! I barely got any warm-up throws and had NO BATTING practice whatsoever so, needless to say, the first game of our annual ALAS v Bookstore battle was not a shining moment for yours truly. I got overanxious at the plate, had very opportunities to make any defensive plays at third base (my fave position), and just felt really rusty in Game 1.
Game 2 was a different story as I swung the bat a little better and even had a chance to pitch as well. There were at least 2 innings I can recall clearly where my team got two quick outs to start the inning and then an error on a potential 3rd out led to rallies of three runs or more. Oh well, can't win 'em all!
Are we gonna do this again next week, fellas? Lemme know!!!
EVENING:
My sister was freaking out a little when she saw my Facebook status indicating I was playing softball. You see, folks. She had called me earlier in the week asking if I wanted to go with her to a concert at Jones Beach. I'm not one to turn down a free ticket and a chance to hang with the baby sis. I asked her who was performing and she tells me Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction.
I know she's a huge JA fan (an old friend of hers put her on to them several years ago). I only knew a handful of songs by JA and NIN. I figured the best way to introduce myself to a full discography of these bands was to see them perform their songs live. The thought of being around crazed white kids with pent up rage did concern me for about 3 seconds but I told her "I'm down".
After reading my status on Facebook Sunday afternoon, my sis starts panicking as if I won't be able to make the show (now would be a good time to mention that she doesn't drive and didn't want to go alone). I reassured her that I would make it as long as she met me in Queens. All I would need is time to shower, eat something, and we'd be good to go.
I did just that and she met me at my place. Despite leaving "late", we got to the Jones Beach Theater at 7:30pm for a show that was scheduled to start at 7. I tried telling her 7:30 was NOT late but she just didn't want to miss JA. Needless to say, the show had not begun yet. I had overlooked one tiny detail that would come back to haunt me by the end of the night. I was underdressed for an outdoor, night time concert by the ocean. All I had on was a t-shirt and shorts. The shorts were not an issue but my upper body was FREEZING for more than half the show. My hoodie would have done me a world of good!
NIN opened the show at 7:50 and at one point in their set Trent Reznor told the crowd they were keeping the bullshit to a minimum so they could get in as much music as possible. Thank God for a band that GETS IT!!
I'd like to take this time to recognize the polite girl sitting in front of us who turned around to ask "Is the smell bothering you?" At first, I wondered "What smell?" Despite not smelling anything, I quickly realized what she meant. We're in an OUTDOOR venue. At a rock concert. I EXPECTED there to be a huge cloud over the seats (and not from the smoke machines)! I assured her it would not be a problem at all. She later turned around to ask (with her bloodshot blue eyes) if it would be alright for her to stand up. Really dude?? Go for it!!! Just don't be a dick about it and abuse it, you know? My sis is a short girl and if she stands up, she won't be able to see over you and your boyfriend. (FYI, they didn't abuse it)
Any who.... NIN did their thing... great start to the show!
About a half hour later, JA came on stage. But I was not in my seat. No. I was on a freaking line. For the men's room. For almost 25 minutes!!! How insane is that!?!? Thankfully, I was almost inside but I didn't get to see the excitement on my sis' face when they first came out. I have a mental picture of how it probably looked. I'll have to live with that.
I have to admit, despite how much fun JA's lead singer, Perry Farrell, had performing his set (my sis and I were SURE he was higher than the full moon), NIN was the better band on this night (Sorry, sis... lol).
After the contact high wore off, I drove my sis home (in Brooklyn) and made it back to my house (in Queens) around 1am. A great end to a wonderful weekend.
Until next time, faithful reader......
I had a pretty packed weekend and loved every second of it. I got to do 4 different activities with 4 different social circles! Apparently, diversity was the theme of the weekend!
Let's review how things went down:
Saturday (6/6) - MORNING:
Drove to Belmont Park to watch the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes (the 3rd leg of horse racing's Triple Crown)! An old HS friend had an extra ticket and I was the first to step up to take it off his hands. I've always wanted to go to the three major races of the year (Kentucky Derby and the Preakness are the other two for those of you who don't know) and finally got to check one off my To-Do-List. =)
There was also the chance that Calvin Borel would be the first person to win horse racing's Triple Crown on two different horses. He won the Kentucky Derby on Mine That Bird and won the Preakness riding Rachel Alexandra (the first filly to win at Pimlico in 85 years). On this day, Borel would be back on the morning favorite, Mine That Bird.
I arrived with plenty of time to go over the past performances for the horses in the first few races. Post time for the first race was roughly 11:30am and I stayed until the finish of the Belmont Stakes (race #11 on the day with a post time of 6:30pm). I did place some bets throughout the day. I won early and won some on the big race but overall it was a net loss. Oh well, that's why they call it gambling. There were 2 other races after the Belmont Stakes but I had plans for the night and wanted to get home, have a decent meal, get a workout in, before going out. The lack of funds with which to gamble also played a major role in that decision, sadly... haha.
[Oh, for those of you wondering, Calvin Borel was NOT able to make history on this evening. Mine That Bird's half-brother Summer Bird win the big race taking the lead with about 1/8 mile left. Mine That Bird finished 3rd.]
NIGHT:
Saturday was a friend's birthday and I had been looking to hang out with her and the rest of the crew. She's been working so hard finishing up grad school (Columbia University, tyvm) that she's pretty much been MIA for most of the last year and a half. If it wasn't for Facebook and the major gatherings in that time (the Asqui wedding, BBQ, etc), I may not have ever seen her at all in that time. I got a ride from my friend who agreed to be my designated driver for the night only because he says he's been boozing too much lately and wanted to keep his alcohol intake to a minimum (better for me!).
When we arrived at the bar/lounge, it was pretty empty and the DJ was mediocre at best. Not simply because of his song choices but his transitions were bad as well. Most of you who know me personally know I do NOT dance. I get more enjoyment from the people I'm around and the music that's being played. A bad DJ can ruin my night faster than a drunk chick vomiting on my leg (which thankfully has never happened to me). This was shaping up to be a difficult night for me because I love the people I was hanging with but the DJ was really ruining it for me. I realized that leaving to another spot was NOT an option so I only had two choices left: (1) drink MUCH more or (2) take a breather and regroup. I went with option #2.
I decided to leave the lounge for a few minutes and go for a walk to collect myself. I reminded myself I was there for my homegirl's b-day and shouldn't let one bad DJ ruin that. I also didn't want to be everyone else's buzzkill. I came back and decided to get another drink and make the most of the night.
When I got back something miraculous occurred. Around 2 am... the DJ actually developed some skills. I don't know if someone came by and handed him a CD with pre-recorded mixes or if he was "saving his good stuff" for the end of the night but I was having an AMAZING time! There was a good mix of all music... even a little Spanish Rock which warmed my soul ("...y yo estoy aquí... borracho y loco!!!....")
Keeping in touch on fb with new friends during my walk, enjoying good company in person at the lounge, and loving life by the end of the night! I can't expect Sunday to top this!
Sunday (6/7) - MORNING:
I get to finally play some softball this 2009 season!!! We were set to start at noon so I had the chance able to sleep in a little... or so I thought. That was until I woke up really really angry at 9:30am. I was upset because I had missed my flight on Lufthansa. And the stupid employee at the gate didn't even try and help me out when I was trying to figure out what my options were.
At least that's how things went down in my dream. I had such a vivid recollection of the dream, I swore it really happened to me. It wasn't until I was awake for a few minutes that I realized it was a dream. Very strange feeling... that's never happened to me before.
AFTERNOON:
Game time!! I barely got any warm-up throws and had NO BATTING practice whatsoever so, needless to say, the first game of our annual ALAS v Bookstore battle was not a shining moment for yours truly. I got overanxious at the plate, had very opportunities to make any defensive plays at third base (my fave position), and just felt really rusty in Game 1.
Game 2 was a different story as I swung the bat a little better and even had a chance to pitch as well. There were at least 2 innings I can recall clearly where my team got two quick outs to start the inning and then an error on a potential 3rd out led to rallies of three runs or more. Oh well, can't win 'em all!
Are we gonna do this again next week, fellas? Lemme know!!!
EVENING:
My sister was freaking out a little when she saw my Facebook status indicating I was playing softball. You see, folks. She had called me earlier in the week asking if I wanted to go with her to a concert at Jones Beach. I'm not one to turn down a free ticket and a chance to hang with the baby sis. I asked her who was performing and she tells me Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction.
I know she's a huge JA fan (an old friend of hers put her on to them several years ago). I only knew a handful of songs by JA and NIN. I figured the best way to introduce myself to a full discography of these bands was to see them perform their songs live. The thought of being around crazed white kids with pent up rage did concern me for about 3 seconds but I told her "I'm down".
After reading my status on Facebook Sunday afternoon, my sis starts panicking as if I won't be able to make the show (now would be a good time to mention that she doesn't drive and didn't want to go alone). I reassured her that I would make it as long as she met me in Queens. All I would need is time to shower, eat something, and we'd be good to go.
I did just that and she met me at my place. Despite leaving "late", we got to the Jones Beach Theater at 7:30pm for a show that was scheduled to start at 7. I tried telling her 7:30 was NOT late but she just didn't want to miss JA. Needless to say, the show had not begun yet. I had overlooked one tiny detail that would come back to haunt me by the end of the night. I was underdressed for an outdoor, night time concert by the ocean. All I had on was a t-shirt and shorts. The shorts were not an issue but my upper body was FREEZING for more than half the show. My hoodie would have done me a world of good!
NIN opened the show at 7:50 and at one point in their set Trent Reznor told the crowd they were keeping the bullshit to a minimum so they could get in as much music as possible. Thank God for a band that GETS IT!!
I'd like to take this time to recognize the polite girl sitting in front of us who turned around to ask "Is the smell bothering you?" At first, I wondered "What smell?" Despite not smelling anything, I quickly realized what she meant. We're in an OUTDOOR venue. At a rock concert. I EXPECTED there to be a huge cloud over the seats (and not from the smoke machines)! I assured her it would not be a problem at all. She later turned around to ask (with her bloodshot blue eyes) if it would be alright for her to stand up. Really dude?? Go for it!!! Just don't be a dick about it and abuse it, you know? My sis is a short girl and if she stands up, she won't be able to see over you and your boyfriend. (FYI, they didn't abuse it)
Any who.... NIN did their thing... great start to the show!
About a half hour later, JA came on stage. But I was not in my seat. No. I was on a freaking line. For the men's room. For almost 25 minutes!!! How insane is that!?!? Thankfully, I was almost inside but I didn't get to see the excitement on my sis' face when they first came out. I have a mental picture of how it probably looked. I'll have to live with that.
I have to admit, despite how much fun JA's lead singer, Perry Farrell, had performing his set (my sis and I were SURE he was higher than the full moon), NIN was the better band on this night (Sorry, sis... lol).
After the contact high wore off, I drove my sis home (in Brooklyn) and made it back to my house (in Queens) around 1am. A great end to a wonderful weekend.
Until next time, faithful reader......
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Citi Field and me (or The Streak That I Hope Never Ends)
Yes ladies and gents, the rumors are true.
The Mets have won all four games that I have seen in Citi Field (we will not EVER talk about those two games I went to this past April in Miami... played by the "pre-CitiField" Mets)
4 - 0 ! ! ! ! !
Unreal!!! The past few season when I've had the small ticket plans (6-8 tix), they've played terribly against everyone: the good teams and the bad teams alike. I think I can count on one hand how many games they won for me live the past 3 seasons in Shea Stadium. Nice to see the trend changing for the better in the new ballpark.
Game 1 - Marlins (April 27):
My first Mets game at Citi Field.
Gary Sheffield drops a routine fly ball in left in the top of the first and that runner was driven home by Jorge Cantu for the early 1-0 lead. It was shaping up to be one of those typical Mets games. But then Sheff makes up for the gaffe in the bottom half of the inning by driving in a run (with runners on 1st and 3rd) to tie the game. Several minutes later, with a 2-1 lead and the bases loaded, the #8 batter comes up to the plate. It's rookie catcher Omir Santos who is ONLY getting regular playing time because Brian Schneider is on the DL. What does the young man do?? Santos hits the first grand slam at Citi Field!!! A 6-1 lead in the first and the fans are going absolutely NUTS!!!
OH BTW, I HATE the new apple in center field. It doesn't have the same 'feel' as the old apple. And it also doesn't stay up long enough to take a picture of it. By the time you're done high fiving your fellow fans around you, the apple is already on it's way back into it's hole. I HATE IT!
As far as stadium noms, I was told I had to try Shake Shack. They did not disappoint! At first, I thought the burgers were a little overpriced but after a few bites, I can see why there was such a long line in the first place. The burgers were fantastic, the Shakemeister beer from Brooklyn Brewery was a nice compliment, and the vanilla shake... mmm mmm mmm. I decided I would hit up Shake Shack again next time at the ball park.
The game ends up being the Marlins 7th straight loss and gets the Mets to a game under .500 (9-10). Can it be that the Marlins really started the season 11-1 with the only loss coming to us in Miami at the start of the season?? Wow, the baseball gods are fickle.
Final Score: Marlins 1 - Mets 7
Game 2 - Pirates (May 8th):
My annual birthday game.
The Pirates always come to town during the Mets homestands around my birthday. The Amazins got off to an early start with 2 runs in the first only to give them right back to the Pirates in the 3rd. Going into the bottom of the 8th, it seemed certain this game would go to extra innings. It would be the first extra inning game at Citi Field but the Carlos-es had a different plan. Beltran singled in a run and Delgado followed up with a 3-run bomb to right center. K-Rod had been warming up while the Mets were batting but with another run driven in by rookie Omir Santos, the Mets brought out JJ Putz instead to finish up the game.
I had Shake Shack one again this game. Tried the Shack-cago dog. Not too bad. Not my first choice as their burgers are quite phenomenal but not too shabby. The Taqueria needs to be the next stop for me.
(Mets record is now 15-13: they're 6-3 since my last time in Citi Field)
Final Score: Pirates 3 - Mets 7
Game 3 - Nationals (May 26):
A drizzly Tuesday night at Citi Field. I was supposed to go to the game with someone and they flaked on me (you know who you are... I'm not about to name names). I was undecided about going to the game alone since no one was available to go at the last minute - perhaps they were afraid they'd melt in the rain(??). Who knows...
Nevertheless, I got up and went to the game alone. And I'm soooo glad I did. Not just because my streak remained intact but I got to see a glimpse of the old Livan Hernandez. The work horse who can throw nearly 120 pitches and go deep in a game. Turns out this was not only the Mets first complete game of the season but the Mets first complete game in CITI FIELD!! Good game, very little drizzle. You-who-shall-remain-nameless missed out!! (To be fair, this person did have a legitimate excuse for missing the game, so I'm not gonna hate too much)
I got to try the Taqueria food. The elotes are amazing (no Mets pun intended) but the tacos are very ho-hum. Nothing special and DEF not worth the price. Pleasantly surprised by one of the specialty beers though I cannot recall the name of the pilsner that I bought. My apologies to my beer connoisseurs, I'll get the name of the brew on my next trip to Citi Field.
(Mets record is now 25-20, they're 10-7 since my last visit to Citi Field)
Final Score: Nationals 1 - Mets 6
Game 4 - Marlins (May 29):
Last minute call from a friend on Facebook to check out a game. I was down and ended up meeting up with people at the Citi Field. I forgot my camera and was hoping that it wasn't the source of all the good luck I've had at Citi Field.
Big Pelf (Mets' starter Mike Pelfrey for those of you who don't know) had a great game as he went 7 2/3 innings and allowed only one run while throwing 108 pitches. The game was moving very quickly as both starters got some quick outs and allowed very few baserunners. It was already 2 hours into the game and we were tied 1-1 in the 8th. WTF!! Usually baseball games go about 3 innings every hour. Could this game be finished by 9:30? Not on this night since this time the game DID go to extra innings (unlike Game 2 against the Pirates). It was the 3rd extra inning game in Citi Field (the first two times were against Atlanta a few weeks ago).
In the 11th, after what felt like 20,000 throws over to first base, Sheffield steals 2nd and goes to third on a bad throw from the catcher. Tatis gets hit by the very next pitch by Sanches (which made me wonder if it was intentional but whatever... we've got runners on the corners, no double play plz!). Omir Santos comes to bat and hits the game winning single in the 11th. He is easily the player of the game as he drives in both runs today including a solo HR in the 5th.
I'm starting to think that maybe I'm Santos' good luck charm. lol. Let's check out the numbers for Santos in Citi Field:
With me sitting in Citi Field (4 games): 5 for 17 (.294), 3 runs, 2 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 SO
Without me in Citi Field (15 games): 10 for 36 (.278), 6 runs, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 7 SO
Santos hits his HR's at home when I'm there and he strikes out less. I'm just saying!!
I ate at Blue Smoke this time and had the pulled pork sandwich. Not too bad but slightly overpriced in my book considering it's served in a fairly small bun. Though it was quite filling so maybe it was worth it since I didn't eat lunch. I think I'll try the ribs at my next game.
(Mets record is now 27-20, they're 2-0 since my last time in Citi Field)
Final Score: Marlins 1 - Mets 2
My love affair with Citi Field has officially begun. I don't know when the honeymoon will be over but for now, I'm loving the new digs.
On a related side note, I'm still sitting here without Subway Series for the first time in a long time. *sigh* Let's see how that goes. LET'S GO METS!!!
Until next time, faithful reader......
The Mets have won all four games that I have seen in Citi Field (we will not EVER talk about those two games I went to this past April in Miami... played by the "pre-CitiField" Mets)
4 - 0 ! ! ! ! !
Unreal!!! The past few season when I've had the small ticket plans (6-8 tix), they've played terribly against everyone: the good teams and the bad teams alike. I think I can count on one hand how many games they won for me live the past 3 seasons in Shea Stadium. Nice to see the trend changing for the better in the new ballpark.
Game 1 - Marlins (April 27):
My first Mets game at Citi Field.
Gary Sheffield drops a routine fly ball in left in the top of the first and that runner was driven home by Jorge Cantu for the early 1-0 lead. It was shaping up to be one of those typical Mets games. But then Sheff makes up for the gaffe in the bottom half of the inning by driving in a run (with runners on 1st and 3rd) to tie the game. Several minutes later, with a 2-1 lead and the bases loaded, the #8 batter comes up to the plate. It's rookie catcher Omir Santos who is ONLY getting regular playing time because Brian Schneider is on the DL. What does the young man do?? Santos hits the first grand slam at Citi Field!!! A 6-1 lead in the first and the fans are going absolutely NUTS!!!
OH BTW, I HATE the new apple in center field. It doesn't have the same 'feel' as the old apple. And it also doesn't stay up long enough to take a picture of it. By the time you're done high fiving your fellow fans around you, the apple is already on it's way back into it's hole. I HATE IT!
As far as stadium noms, I was told I had to try Shake Shack. They did not disappoint! At first, I thought the burgers were a little overpriced but after a few bites, I can see why there was such a long line in the first place. The burgers were fantastic, the Shakemeister beer from Brooklyn Brewery was a nice compliment, and the vanilla shake... mmm mmm mmm. I decided I would hit up Shake Shack again next time at the ball park.
The game ends up being the Marlins 7th straight loss and gets the Mets to a game under .500 (9-10). Can it be that the Marlins really started the season 11-1 with the only loss coming to us in Miami at the start of the season?? Wow, the baseball gods are fickle.
Final Score: Marlins 1 - Mets 7
Game 2 - Pirates (May 8th):
My annual birthday game.
The Pirates always come to town during the Mets homestands around my birthday. The Amazins got off to an early start with 2 runs in the first only to give them right back to the Pirates in the 3rd. Going into the bottom of the 8th, it seemed certain this game would go to extra innings. It would be the first extra inning game at Citi Field but the Carlos-es had a different plan. Beltran singled in a run and Delgado followed up with a 3-run bomb to right center. K-Rod had been warming up while the Mets were batting but with another run driven in by rookie Omir Santos, the Mets brought out JJ Putz instead to finish up the game.
I had Shake Shack one again this game. Tried the Shack-cago dog. Not too bad. Not my first choice as their burgers are quite phenomenal but not too shabby. The Taqueria needs to be the next stop for me.
(Mets record is now 15-13: they're 6-3 since my last time in Citi Field)
Final Score: Pirates 3 - Mets 7
Game 3 - Nationals (May 26):
A drizzly Tuesday night at Citi Field. I was supposed to go to the game with someone and they flaked on me (you know who you are... I'm not about to name names). I was undecided about going to the game alone since no one was available to go at the last minute - perhaps they were afraid they'd melt in the rain(??). Who knows...
Nevertheless, I got up and went to the game alone. And I'm soooo glad I did. Not just because my streak remained intact but I got to see a glimpse of the old Livan Hernandez. The work horse who can throw nearly 120 pitches and go deep in a game. Turns out this was not only the Mets first complete game of the season but the Mets first complete game in CITI FIELD!! Good game, very little drizzle. You-who-shall-remain-nameless missed out!! (To be fair, this person did have a legitimate excuse for missing the game, so I'm not gonna hate too much)
I got to try the Taqueria food. The elotes are amazing (no Mets pun intended) but the tacos are very ho-hum. Nothing special and DEF not worth the price. Pleasantly surprised by one of the specialty beers though I cannot recall the name of the pilsner that I bought. My apologies to my beer connoisseurs, I'll get the name of the brew on my next trip to Citi Field.
(Mets record is now 25-20, they're 10-7 since my last visit to Citi Field)
Final Score: Nationals 1 - Mets 6
Game 4 - Marlins (May 29):
Last minute call from a friend on Facebook to check out a game. I was down and ended up meeting up with people at the Citi Field. I forgot my camera and was hoping that it wasn't the source of all the good luck I've had at Citi Field.
Big Pelf (Mets' starter Mike Pelfrey for those of you who don't know) had a great game as he went 7 2/3 innings and allowed only one run while throwing 108 pitches. The game was moving very quickly as both starters got some quick outs and allowed very few baserunners. It was already 2 hours into the game and we were tied 1-1 in the 8th. WTF!! Usually baseball games go about 3 innings every hour. Could this game be finished by 9:30? Not on this night since this time the game DID go to extra innings (unlike Game 2 against the Pirates). It was the 3rd extra inning game in Citi Field (the first two times were against Atlanta a few weeks ago).
In the 11th, after what felt like 20,000 throws over to first base, Sheffield steals 2nd and goes to third on a bad throw from the catcher. Tatis gets hit by the very next pitch by Sanches (which made me wonder if it was intentional but whatever... we've got runners on the corners, no double play plz!). Omir Santos comes to bat and hits the game winning single in the 11th. He is easily the player of the game as he drives in both runs today including a solo HR in the 5th.
I'm starting to think that maybe I'm Santos' good luck charm. lol. Let's check out the numbers for Santos in Citi Field:
With me sitting in Citi Field (4 games): 5 for 17 (.294), 3 runs, 2 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 SO
Without me in Citi Field (15 games): 10 for 36 (.278), 6 runs, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 7 SO
Santos hits his HR's at home when I'm there and he strikes out less. I'm just saying!!
I ate at Blue Smoke this time and had the pulled pork sandwich. Not too bad but slightly overpriced in my book considering it's served in a fairly small bun. Though it was quite filling so maybe it was worth it since I didn't eat lunch. I think I'll try the ribs at my next game.
(Mets record is now 27-20, they're 2-0 since my last time in Citi Field)
Final Score: Marlins 1 - Mets 2
My love affair with Citi Field has officially begun. I don't know when the honeymoon will be over but for now, I'm loving the new digs.
On a related side note, I'm still sitting here without Subway Series for the first time in a long time. *sigh* Let's see how that goes. LET'S GO METS!!!
Until next time, faithful reader......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)