Spotlight!

Have you ever been in a situation when you were put in a spotlight to tell a story you don't want to tell, because oh, well, it's either a)embarrassing, or b)not funny? So, there you are, having dinner, let's say, with a big group of friends, and then one of your friend says, "hey, tell them about this or that..", and you really don't wanna go into it, but everyone's watching you now and expecting an answer and you're put on the spot when you don't know what to say!

It's so awkward! It happened to me a while back, we were having drinks together with new people. New people, that's even worse! Hot new people, the worst! Well, thanks a lot, now I can snatch the record of ruining a good image of myself in under 5 minutes! Neutral, if not good, since we supposedly have just been introduced.

Anyway, I was sipping my drink innocently, so gullible and oblivious of what was gonna happen next. Suddenly, my friend said, "Tin, tell them about how you two met.." and everyone's eyes were on me. I wanted to curl up under a blanket and never come out, or dissapear off the face of the earth! I think at that time, I was muttering, "eh..." or I might have even attempted a slight change-of-subject-manuever (I was told I'm pretty good at it), but obviously I sucked. If I did try to change the subject, my friend must have persisted, "tell them!" until I had no choice. (Of course by being busted trying to change the topic got everyone to think there's a really juicy story, and now they wouldn't drop the matter!) By the time I finished the story, I think everyone kinda fell into a deafening silence, and the conversation gradually continued on a totally different topic. I was like, what the fuck, I totally didn't need to say anything back there! It was so unoriginal that it wasn't even worth a comment or a follow-up!

One thing about me is that, I don't like being put on the spot! I mean, I like attention and all, but nothing gets me more anxious than being surprised, or put under the spotlight unexpectedly! Part of why I don't like changes is because I'm an insane planner and I like to know what I'm dealing with in advance. So I guess that makes sense. Don't do that, please!

Similar thing happened just recently. We were having dinner too with new people! Why oh why! Well, and then one of my older friend suddenly said, "Tin, what happened to your then-boyfriend? Why did you two break up?"

Everyone was staring at me. Like, dammit, I don't want to discuss about my breakup during dinner in front of a new friend, lah! At one point even this new person said to me, "Tell me! I'm curious now..."

"Ah, nothing..." I think I could only say that weakly after a few seconds (which felt like eternity) of awkward silence. Suddenly my food looked very interesting that I could only manage to look down at it.

So embarrassing!!!!

Pee Pee Phone Goes Green.




The other night someone pointed out to me a situation that has possibly never happened before EVER. As crazy as this may sound..The Pee Pee phone was actually healthy for a brief period of time! There was a granola bar resting atop of it PLUS some kind of healthy smoothie type beverage placed in front of it. WHAT THE FUCK??!!!! Was someone jogging by and decided they needed to leave their healthy lifestyle behind and pick up a case of the clap? Did Richard Simmons jazzercise his way down Avenue A leaving these items in his wake? Did I just completely BLOW YOUR MIND??? A few hours later these items mysteriously went missing and were replaced by Colt 45 cans and wadded up tissues soaked with snot and possibly bird flu.
The NYC map lying on the ground suggests that it was not a local who placed the healthy stuff there...
I'm so broke right now and I was thinking to myself today..If someone randomly offered me 100 bucks to lick the Pee Phone for five whole minutes, would I consider it? Nah...i'd probably say no. Although if someone offered me a years subscription to CAT FANCY, that may be a different story! The subscription is only $3.95 a month but that's besides the point.

Counter Intelligence

Okay..There is a certain diner on Avenue A that has been there for many years. It has regulars that go and eat there every day. Often times, I must void urine. To do so, I need to find a bathroom unless I'm really drunk and decide to tinkle outside somewhere. I use the bathroom at this diner fairly often and sometimes end up sitting in there and talking to people..I have come to the realization that the same people sit there at the counter every day and almost every one of these people are under the impression that the CIA is after them or that they are surrounded by spies from the CIA. Now, I don't mean to be judgmental BUT I admit to having major doubts about these people being correct about this. When I asked them to provide evidence to prove their theories they said stuff like, "the waitress knocked on the table three times..obviously a CIA signal!"
Anyhoo, I call these regulars The Counter Intelligence. Because they are sitting at a freakin' counter. Get it? Har!
To prove how completely normal I myself am, I will post a photo of my most prized possession, which is framed and hanging in my room in a place of honor.

the bay

Sent from his iPhone.

The amazing view of The Bay, taken from his office. Feels like I'm back there.

Amusing States Mottos

[caud] and I have talked about all imaginable topics we can think of. We rant and slur our ways into total insanity. We yell things like 'fuck normality!', 'random disposition!' and 'cave of oblivion!' without making any sense.

On an ordinary afternoon many months ago, our conversation suddenly got to the topic of states' motto. It was hilarious, and I'm sorry for being a dork, but I've simply never had any inkling ideas about states motto until that time. We started googling each US states' motto and I was in complete stitches!

Anyway, I remember this out of a sudden after seeing my friend's album on facebook, she was also travelling around the States after our residency in Oklahoma last December, and there was one picture when she took picture of a license plate during her trip. This has got to be the most bad-ass license plate ever!


New Hampshire - LIVE FREE OR DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh man, that is the funniest thing ever! It sounds almost like a threat! Gangsta-city! So bad-ass! I would love to have that plastered in my room!

Because I was going to Oklahoma in a few months' time, I was curious to know their state motto.

Oklahoma - LABOR CONQUERS ALL THINGS!!!!!!!!!!

Hahahahahaha! What the!! Farm-social-workers-city! That is such an unglam motto! It screams prairie and horses all over! Which, I guess, it rather accurate...

Massachusetts - BY THE SWORD WE SEEK PEACE, BUT PEACE ONLY UNDER LIBERTY!!!

Woah, not bad! It even has the word 'sword' in it! The image of knights in steel armor suddenly came to mind.

California - I HAVE FOUND IT!!!

Idaho - IT IS FOREVER!!!

So inspirational! Quite bad-ass too, isn't it? Nothing beats this one, though. Check it out...

Rhode Island - HOPE!!!

Now that's what I'm talking about! HOPE!

West Virginia - MOUNTAINEERS ARE ALWAYS FREE

Eh, okay, hear hear. Hahahaha.

Geez, I'm really having too much fun here. I just kinda wanna share this random-probably-worthless information. What? It's hilarious! *dork alert*

I still have loads of studying to do, so until next time, LIVE FREE OR DIE!!!!!!!

character

He's her seasonal listening ear, her occassional supper friend, and she's perfectly happy with the arrangement. She likes it that way; that she doesn't need to see him on regular basis, that both of them know they will be there for each other whenever any needs arise, that there is never any pressure in their friendship.

That night they were out on their usual spontaneous feast because he was craving stingray fish and char kwetiau. He brought along another friend she doesn't particularly like. His friend was snobbish, how he could be friends with him remains a mystery to her.

They talked normally in the car, but when they were walking to the eating place he was suddenly beside her, his arms reaching for her shoulder. Spontaneously she drifted away, not because she was upset, but more so appalled of the sudden gesture. It was her fight-or-flee reaction. His expression didn't change, so she tried to ignore it.

After the food came, they started eating. He ordered her favorite food, although he himself didn't like it. She's frustrated because she would end up eating the whole thing alone. Well, at least now his friend could be useful in a way.

But then he carefully took the fish for her, opened the cockles from the shells and dipped them in sauce before laying them down on her plate. She stared in disbelief, what has gotten into him? Why was he being so nice and....manly? She simply has never seen him in that light before.

It's like his friend's presence changed something, although she had no idea what, or why.

Suddenly once again, she wanted to just flee. She wanted to scold him for being so uncharacteristically him, she wanted to wipe his friend's teasing-look off his face. But more than anything, at that precise moment, she wanted her normal friend back.

Embarrassing photos of me.


Forced to take dance classes by my mother..I think I was dressed up as a chicken here. Loverly!


Age 8 or 9. A miserable, depressed tomboy with a weird haircut.


At Catskills hotel..age 14. yup, I had no friends..but that huge afro was company enough for me!


Around 15 or 16 years old..Getting ready to follow the Dead around and do nitrous.


All hippied out with John lennon glasses during the height of the 80's. This was more than likely my only friend.

Yeah, that's me with the ginormous afro. Isn't she lovely....

You thought they were going to be naked pics didn't you, you old perv! I found some truly hideous old photos of myself ranging from 5 years old to teenage angst. Always the freak, I was a hippie at age 13 thus ensuring I was a junior high school and later high school outcast. Growing up in Flushing, Queens was miserable for me. So close to "The City", yet my classmates were bordering on rednecks. I was shunned for having a big afro, buck teeth, weird blue tinted glasses, and an unapologetic attitude. As wretched as it all was, I still didn't let anyone get to me..I knew they would all stay in queens and pop out babies and never become enlightened. I discovered Washington Square Park and later Tompkins and I did indeed become enlightened...But after ten years of drinking mad dog and cisco, I honestly for the life of me don't remember what I discovered. Oh well! I'm sure it wasn't important anyway!
It is clear that I looked like a freak and probably acted like one too. I did have some friends who thought I was funny..but not one date did I go on. My first big relationship was with a 24 year old homeless guy I met in the park when I was 16. I wander around by myself a lot these days, and being a tiny fake blond, I get hit on a lot. I guess I seem approachable or something..I should carry these old photos around with me with my number written on the back to give to men.
When guys hit on me, I like to hand them this card I have that says "Syphilis-It's Back!" I ask them if they want me to write my number on the back of it..They usually shake their heads and slowly back away. Or I saunter up to them and whisper, "My vagina. It's diseased," in a super sexy voice..Or I just look at their crotch and start laughing. They love this!

Kind of sick of Slumdog Millionaire.

Just watched hours upon hours of Oscars...I'm glad Heath won and I'm really glad Kate Winslet won..but I'm getting tired of Slumdog Millionaire I have to say. It was a good movie, but in my opinion The Reader was way better. Are people just suckers for the romantic happy ending? I wanted Mickey Rourke to win too..but I kinda figured Sean Penn would. Every time I see Penn all I can think about is him floating around on a raft in New Orleans helping people and holding a gun. But I really love Kate. Heavenly Creatures and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are two of my favorite pictures. Along with Santa with Muscles and Playmate of the Apes..Hardy har!
The two photos below are of Ray's most loyal customers. They are at his store 24/7. They hang out in the tree right outside his door..Who knows how long that damn wooden duck has been there..and that freaking plastic bag! Someone tied it on I guess..it never blows away even during a storm. The duck and the plastic bag convey a deep, meaningful message I'm sure. I just haven't figured out what that message is exactly.

Exciting band news!

Well, I'm excited anyway! John and I got booked to play the Chicago Blues festival in June..This is a pretty big thing for us..We're obviously not playing the same stage as BB King or whoever else is gonna be there, we're playing at some little bar I think..but it's awesome! We get flown out there, get a hotel, get to play and go to the after party on sunday night. They usually don't have old timey blues there I think but they are doing a tribute to Maxwell Street type thingy..Our friends Dom Flemons and Blind Boy Paxton will be playing too. Between this, the comp John is doing for Dust-to-Digital this spring, and our new CD with the Crumb cover that'll be done by the summer, I predict big things for us! By big things I mean that I can buy the wine that comes in the bottle instead of the box. When I'm rich I'm totally going to pay someone to floss my teeth for me.
This is the beauteous artwork that R. Crumb did for our last CD...Of course, I can draw just as well as this. I just don't feel like it.

Random Likes

I like.....

The sound of soda drink as it's being opened.
The salty, particular smell of the rain I can never quite describe.
The smell of onion and garlic in the frying pan.
The few seconds before meals.
The rule of diminishing pleasure.
My bolster.
Black-rimmed glasses.
Glass tables.
Learning new words that not many people know.
The feeling of touching new, fresh books.
The sound of my yahoo alert everytime a new e-mail comes in.
Writing long, descriptive, rambling mails.
Mixed baby boys.
The colour turqoise.
Creativity.
Salty popcorn, although not many agree.
Accents.
Silver-tipped microphone, there's something really appealing about it.
Checking-in at the airport.
Seeing hot girls got rejected.
The sound of an old keyboard, instead of the modern one which doesn't make any sound at all.
Soy milk with pearls.
When two people talk at the same time.
Roleplay in text messages.
Mocking at how dramatic television shows can be.
Being fascinated at one's real accent is as opposed to the accent he/she uses in a movie.
Those witty messages in bumper stickers.
Lifting one of my legs as I'm brushing my teeth.
Men in suits.
Take-away coffee cup.
Listening to a song in repeat, over and over again. That's what I do when I really like a song.
Introducing my favorite movies to people and converting them into liking them too.
Lyrics; it's as important as the melodies.
Reality shows, because I like seeing emotions and reactions of real people.
English language.
Movie quotes.
The few seconds before you drift off to sleep.
The feeling of going out from the office every evening, knowing it was a well-spent day.
Observing license plates from different places I'm in.
Surprising people, yet I hate surprises.
Watching award shows.
Armani code perfume.
Cold weather.
Listening people talk about numbers.
Sunset.
Watching trailers before movie starts in the cinema.
Flip phones.
When I was little and we used to drive up to stay at mountain resort every weekend.
The font Trebuchet MS.
Unknown actors.
Cooking instant noodles with egg with little water, so the noodles is very thick in texture.
The time when I used to not worry about anything.
The sound of telephone being put down.
CTU ringtone in 24.
Curse words.
The name Nathan.
Talking to myself in my head.
Making lists.
Grocery shopping in t-shirt and shorts.
Analyzing people's names.
Random blog entry just like this.

Street Scenes


G last week. He has a different crazy hat on every time I see him.


Biker Bill who is still fuming about his arch nemesis Biker Billy. Those two REALLY need to have a cook off at Ray's!


John Penley who is leaving for lake Erie in two weeks. He is giving all his photos to the NYU Tamiment library.


Singing "New York New York" to yuppies passing by



G says he is preparing for the WATCHMEN movie(which I already have tickets to in IMAX thank you very much!)

Personality test, just because I'm bored. You know this is BS, yet it's always interesting to try anyway.

Your view on yourself:
You are intelligent, honest and sweet. You are friendly to everybody and don't like conflict. Because you're so cheerful and fun people are naturally attracted to you and like to talk to you.

The type of boyfriend you are looking for:
You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education:
Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:
You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

Just my luck!

Wanna know what I concluded yesterday? Well, my conclusion sucks, but it's true; I have shit for luck. I think I have been yammering about this before, I just think that there's something wrong with my allignment in the stars when I was born or something, but I just might be one of the unluckiest person I know.

If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then I've no idea what it's telling me. The near-misses, the bad coincidences, frankly I can't think of a reason how it would benefit me eventually, how these could mean something. I'm a believer that things sometimes just happen in random, it sounds sad, but it means that we should just be grateful when good things happen because you'll never know. Isn't that realistic?

Yeah, and I've always thought I'm the optimist one in the family. What a bunch of depressed people. Nah, I'm kidding, it's just me. If anything, I'm the weird one.

So, I have been struggling with this whole job hunting process, and the response I got has so far been pathetically pathetic. I don't know what else to call it. But I got one job offer which might be cool and exciting, but the pay isn't good. It's peanut, practically. I can safely say, though, that it was the only option I got. I met with the boss, he was great, everything seemed great, and I was given a week to think about it and give my answer, 'cos once you commit, you gotta commit, you know? Which is all everyone can ask for, really. I don't like people backing out on their words either, and I've got my fair share of that when I was coordinating an event and the client kept making last-minute changes and it drove me nuts. Like, nuts.

So I waited and pondered. Couldn't exactly make a pros-and-cons list, because yes, rub it in my face again that it was simply the only lead I got. Yeah yeah. Within the week though, I kept applying and sending my resumes everywhere, well, I wanted to make sure I made the right choice. But nothing came up, and it boiled down to the deadline when I was supposed to give my answer, which was yesterday. I still waited 'til afternoon even, but my phone remained dead. I shook it, turned it off and on again, but the only text I've got was from a friend saying "Tin..." What the hell? My friends are weird.

I guess that was it, then. I probably would have to eat grass and be a monk for the next six months 'cos I would be broke and all, but well, I would manage. And I sent an email saying yes, I would be happy working for him. Case closed, right? Well, of course something must have happened, because things couldn't just work that smoothly.

Only half an hour after, I got a call from an event company, setting me up for an interview next week. That was the kind of lead I have been waiting for all week! And it had to come, half a freaking four after I commited to something else?! What is wrong with the world?!

Okay, a little dramatic there, but shit, the whole timing just bummed me out. I know, it's just an interview, probably little chance of me actually nailing it, but still, now I feel like it wouldn't matter anymore. It would be such a dick move to back out on my words now, but at the same time, I wanna take the chance and just see what's gonna happen. I'm supposed to look out for my best interest, right? Then again, I could just be thinking too much right now, why worry about it now? I'll cross the bridge when the time comes. Dammit, I hate being a thinker.

Another shitty luck so you get my gist. I rented a DVD to watch with my friend, but of course something went wrong. His Mac somehow couldn't play the damn thing, not that I'm surprised. I was looking forward to seeing this movie! Besides, who would have anticipated that?! I should write Murphy's Law right on my forehead!

Anyway, just feel like rambling here. Didn't mean to be such a downer about everything, ha! My mood is starting to lift up again now, seeing Before Sunset for the umpteenth times.....

Mars Bar.


Tanya, Matt, and Zach!!!!



These photos were taken at my favorite dive bar Mars Bar. There's not too many really dirty, grungy, dive bars left in the city and Mars is by far the best one. Pretty much every time I go there some crazy shit happens...fights are common, the windows being busted out and broken is a regular occurrence...cell phones and coats are ripped off all the time..I won't even mention what goes on in the bathrooms. The bar is scarred, the place is full of funny graffiti, there is weird ass art hung up on the walls, and most people who hang out there on a regular basis are fucking nuts. How can I not love this place? There used to be a pay phone in there that somehow went missing..If this place ever closes i'm not sure which bar I would go to..I'll probably just get really depressed and get drunk in front of where it used to be. If you go there tip Amy the bartender well..she deserves it!

Girls

I miss these people!!!

We used to be the foursome, the potluck girls, the Carrie-Samantha-Miranda-Charlotte-wannabe, the football fans, the inseparable party buddies! Now we just have our own friends and things going on. I mean, that's life, and everything can't stay the same, I guess. But they are still the best!

Remembering the time when Elsa and I used to dye each other's hair!

We just finished our home-experiment here and brought back dinner from KFC to eat at my place! Elsa's hair was still curly then! This must have been, what, probably two years back?

I could make a very long blog entry seeing all these old pictures, but maybe I'll save them for next time! Supposedly meeting babe tonight, I'm excited to catch up! :)

Anyway! It's a happy day today! Todd got a really great news and for some reason, I'm super excited for it! On another note, after much-thought contemplation, I think I'm gonna take this job. Will update more as soon as everything's confirmed.

Pizza! I'm coming! *so random there*

just what i thought while walking back last night.

I wonder why some gestures from men could leave you feeling, degraded. I'm sure it doesn't apply the other way around, so it must be either, women are sensitive creatures, or rather, I am too sensitive, or, well, that's the only thing I can think of.

If you were from Jakarta, or probably from Indonesia, for that matter, you would know what I'm talking about. People in the street whistle after you, call you, wave at you; it's not all that uncommon, but it always irritates me to no end. And that's why I never had any interest taking public transportation back home, and not that I'm allowed to anyway, but well, I'm happy not to, if you know what I mean. I wonder if those guys call after everybody with breast, or just the chinese. Either way, I always feel used when it happens.

It doesn't happen that often here in Singapore, but it still does sometimes. A hawker place near my apartment is a case in point. I buy food there when I'm home just because that's the nearest, but the fact that there are some sleazy guys who always call after me can be enough reason to just stay home and cook instant noodles, or starve myself. I purposely would avoid this particular chinese food stall when I'm alone. I know that's pathetic, but ugh, I just can't stand these people.

If you go to Johor, that would be the first thing you notice once you get out on the street. I mean, are they really just bored? Why can't they count their buttons or something?

Last night after having supper at Fong Seng with friends, I barely made it to the last bus. It wasn't the bus to my house, but it was the closest that I could get, so I alighted at the most familiar area I knew, and walked quite a distance to my place. It was dark and it must have been at least 30 minutes after midnight, but the walk did me good. Nearing my condo, though, there were some security guards from the opposite buildings and they waved. Somehow this really bugs me. Call me super sensitive or drama queen if you may, but fuck!!!

I guess everyone's different. It's probably just me.

Shayne Speak.


This is Pezent Shayne who lives at C Squat..Shayne is from the west coast where he was sometimes referred to as Macgyver due to his ability to open squats with nothing but a toothpick and some yarn, and his penchant for climbing on top of tall, dangerous bridges and rooftops. Shayne is a unique character and has a habit of saying strange things which we call "shayne-speak."
The other night Shayne was talking about how dangerous it is to go swimming if you have really long dreadlocks..he said that someone should invent a backpack with some kind of floatation device in it in which one could stuff their dreads into when they go for a swim. Shayne is very quoatable and the quote for the night was "Do you know how blatantly offensive it is to be poked with a stick? Trust me."

Thoughts.

Am currently contemplating about future job. I have a tough decision to make, and I don't have much time to do it. My sister's friends needed 3 to even 6 months to get jobs, even herself with such impressive qualifications took 2 months. Not only is the economy so bad right now and this is simply the worst possible time to be graduating, I only have less than one month to make it happen. Well, before I get deported, that is. What an uplifting thought, eh?

Was so happy, though, to catch Slumdog Millionaire yesterday!

It was lighthearted, heartfelt, funny, romantic and exciting all at one! I knew it was going to be good, it's Oscar-nominated for Best Picture afterall, but didn't expect it to be all those things. And the leading Indian actor was so innocently cute like a button. The scene with Amita Bachan was hilarious! Okay, I'm not gonna spoil it, you guys all should see it! Smiley.

Yeah, yeah, so it was Valentine's day yesterday, big deal. No car was hit, no scolding from Dad, so well, I'd say it's a huge improvement. Still, Orchard Road was so packed and people were selling roses and balloons everywhere along the street. We got stopped so many times by these sellers offering cheesy pinkish, heartish-shaped goods. Yeah, right, as if I was going to spend my hard-earned money buying balloons.

The day would have been almost good, if it wasn't for me bumping into the guy from the seventh floor again at Attica last night! Seriously, out of all places! Talk about random!

Whatever, lah!

I'm starting to see 24 now, 7th season! Wooo!

Reverend Billy's Love Fest!






The honorable Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping were out in Union Square today to celebrate real love, not the fake consumerism VD bullshit that's shoved down everyone's throat every year. Reporters and photographers were out in full force as Billy gave valentines out to people who show real love, like the activists that are trying to save Union Square from being completely taken over by yuppies, the people who run the indie bookstore BLUESTOCKINGS, and the cyclists/activists from TIME'S UP. Rev. Billy also performed a wedding! Everyone was almost moved to tears as the groom(who is a Ray's regular) kissed his lovely and freezing bride. The Stop Shopping choir sounded great as usual and hopefully Billy and his gang ended up at STARFUCKS afterwards and performed a much needed exorcism on their cash register.

Sorry 'Bout Your Luck.




Today is Friday the 13th and boy do I feel like finding a cute little puppy to kick! Just kidding..I would rather pinch the li'l rascal!
Anyhoo, I took some photos of some bad luck situations...Firstly, Nino's Pizza on Avenue A and St. Marks is temporarily closed. They had a sign that said something about renewing some permit or something..but I like the sign that said Closed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. I guess Nino's Pizza makes people go nuts and I like to imagine, maybe fills them with a berzerker type rage. Hmmm...
Then there is Patrick O'Hare..Has anyone seen him? Who's looking for him? What did he do? Where did he go? Who knows?
And bad luck for puppies who want to pee on East 4th St. by Avenue A..Gotta tinkle elsewhere i guess. Might I suggest on the ugly new SUBWAY sandwich shop that just opened?
I walked by IRON FAIRIES on St. Marks between 2nd and 3rd to try to find some pagan good luck charms..and they seem to have gone out of business already. There were work permit signs posted, but I was too short to read what they said exactly. That free soap they were giving out when they first opened probably gave everyone leprosy.

dreading

I know I can be pretty sensitive and I worry about ten thousand and one things, with the ten thousand being probably bullshit. It was great to talk it out yesterday and I'm happy to know that we're on the same page. It was just unnerving to meet someone who reminds me a lot about you, you know?

Anyway! Enough of the mushy, nerdy conversation! I'm excited for the weekend! Well, I'm determined to shed away past awful valentine experiences! I'm starting to think I'm just not meant for it! Where was I last year, anyway? Can't remember, that's how dry and pathetic my love life was! Even desert's more alive.

But even when I was with someone during the so-called love day many years ago, it always turned out disastrous. There was that time when I ended up being scolded by dad for getting home too late, but hey, it would have been worth it if we have had amazing dinner and thus, we lost track of time, or whatever! I wish! We were late because it took us hours to get to the restaurant due to the shitty traffic, it took us another eternity to get seats, and more of my lifetime I would never get back to wait for our food. In the end? We went home before even having our dinner because it was already past my curfew and the food hasn't arrived yet. We were both starving like mad. Disaster.

The next year, I was having dinner with a friend when another friend called me and tricked me into meeting him. It was awkward to the highest level, both of them ignoring each other. None of us had anything resembling fun that day. Somemore, he crashed his car when driving me home. The first time he has ever hit anything, he was with me! I had a feeling he was scolded by his dad for that, although he wouldn't admit it. What's worse about getting someone into trouble is getting someone who's really nice into trouble.

What is wrong with me???

Ah. Anyway, I bumped into the 7th floor guy on Wednesday night, and it was aaawwwwkward! Sod it! Anyway I had a great night with the girls. And I was sober! Ha!

half of the ladies!

'Til next time! I'm dreading the next disaster awaiting tomorrow..SIGH!

Hardy Har Har!




These are photos of humorous signs I took at Ray's Candy Store tonight.
First we have the IT TASTES BETTER IN A COP sign. A young cheerleader from the 1980's holding a huge phallic ice-cream cone. Underneath, well...What once tasted good in a cone now apparently tastes better in a cop. Ray has a few of these old looking campy signs in his store and always seems confused when drunk ironic hipsters eagerly ask him if they are for sale.
Ray also, at times, tries to stop his place from become crowded with too many folks just hanging out and not buying anything. He made a bunch of NO HANGOUT signs, which got defaced almost immediately. One of the signs that said NO HANGOUT quickly became SNOW HANGOUT. Poor Ray...Another sign went from NO HANGOUT to NOW HANGOUT and presently says NOW CHANGEOUT with the W resembling a pair of boobies. Alright, I admit I added the nipples to the W...You, dear readers, had most likely already figured that out.

Short update on The Pee Pee Phone


Someone posted a flyer offering free financial counseling and tax filing in the Pee Phone earlier today. Checking back tonight, I saw it was already ripped down. Is there ANYTHING this phone doesn't offer? Food, drugs, alcohol, socks, plastic bags, free tax advice, the sharp scent of urine...Pee Phone has it all. God Bless the Pee Phone.

Best Garbage Ever.




Today I found the best garbage ever! Walking home on East 7th street I spied the most wonderful thing just sitting out on the curb..The Hand Chair! I always wanted a chair shaped like a hand and now all my dreams have come true...Much to John's dismay, I made him carry it home for me. Everyone stared at us on the street, and some laughed..but they are obviously all jealous of my chair! Hopefully it doesn't have bed bugs, but even if it does..it's worth it. Because it's a chair. A chair shaped like a HAND! Oh, the joy I felt when I sat in it and it cradled my buttocks tenderly.
Here we see John carrying it home, me resting in it on the way (because watching him made me tired), and our friend Dom enjoying himself immensely whilst sitting in it. And yes, it does take up a third of our apartment.

The Pee Pee Phone.




These lovely images are of The Pee Phone located by Ray's Candy Store on the corner of Avenue A and 7th street. This phone booth reflects the very definition of decadence. I have observed all kinds of craziness happening in and about this phone. For one thing, everyone and their mother pees on it. Sometimes they purposely pee on the receiver just for an added bonus. People have had sex in the Pee Phone, have passed out drunk in the Pee Phone, have fought and made up in it and most likely all kinds of other stuff I don't know about. Every deadly sin has probably been broken in this phone booth.
Just look at the pics I snapped of it a few hours ago!
We have beer, vodka, used toilet paper, what looks like a nasty bologna sandwich, a dirty sock, possibly a bag of poop, and lots and lots of URINE! Ah, yes...Contemplate the humble Pee Phone. And believe it or not, I do see people using it to make calls all the time. Last week I witnessed two men spraying it down with bleach and scrubbing the hell out of it. These men deserve the Nobel prize.

Sunday @ ECP

Due to the fact that I have been gaining weight like a pregnant cat, yesterday we decided to go cycling. This very idea was hardly accepted by some people because they know I don't exercise, I simply lack that gene for some reason. But since this is new year and all, and we ought to try doing new things...oh sod it, I'm so dramatic. It's just cycling, for goodness' sake.

Yes, fine! Kill my awesome introduction, I wanted to start with 'I went cycling yesterday' but it seemed to lack the explosive climax that I intended.

Oh well. So yeah, Dom was there with all his glory, complete with professional gears and all. Bonnie and I were simply in flip-flops and I felt indequate, tinier by the second. Anyway, we took the double-bicycle thing (like those you see in soppy romantic korean drama?), and thank God we did, for the reason I shall reveal later on.

I have to say it was fun, though. It's nice to be out there in the park and seeing the beach and people enjoying their Sunday as well, picnic-ing, walking their dogs, rollerblading and all. And seeing the ocean! :) We were there at noon so it was pretty scorching hot!

Bonnie was riding in front at first and after some time, we decided to switch. Anyway, I will spare you the details but let's just say that I probably wasn't the most balanced-cyclist in the world.

"You know what I'm feeling right now?" Bonnie shouted from the back while I was maneuvering the bike. It just wouldn't go straight, I'm telling you! We were moving like a freaking snake!

"Eh, what?" I asked.

"Fear!" she blatantly declared. Ouch, I'm wounded! Man, now I had to be responsible for another being's safety? Look at me! I barely managed to take care of my own!

After only 15 minutes of the bike running from left to right, but not centre, we switched again, probably for the best. I was still in the state of denial at that point, blaming it on the bike! Must have been because it was double-bike so it was heavy, I thought to myself, feeling suddenly consoled.

Our tandem bike at East Coast Park.

Bonnie left a few hours later and Elsa and Albert came. The three of us decided to rent bikes again. My rationale was actually because of guilt for eating so much at lunch! This time we took the tandem bike and a single bike.

Just then was my denial was scattered cruelly by reality! I rode the single bike..........

.........and fell right on my bottocks!

What the!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't ride a bike to save my life! My knee was bruised, my ego even more! Granted, I haven't rode one in years, but what happens to the saying "...it's like riding a bike?" Who the hell said that?! I want to sue!

"Here, here, ride with me,..." Albert said, feeling charitable.

Oh, for the love of......!!!! (so close to cursing!)

Ehem. So. We stayed there 'til 5 pm and by that time our thighs were feeling it! But, aside from the saddening realization that I could no longer ride a bike, it was so much fun.

Us @ lunch at some Hongkong Cafe.

So I can't ride a bike, there are worse things in life, right? Right? Right?

By the time I got to the movie later at night to catch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, my cheeks and nose were sunburnt! They are the size of two very red apples. Well, the size has always been like apple, but the color!

Maybe next week I shall try...rollerblading? Too ambitious. Running? Um. Perhaps. How about walking? Strolling? Sounds like a winner! Ha!