Im TIRED!!

Well just a quick check-in,

I need a freaking break,
I am counting down the minutes to Christmas Break.
No offense kiddies, but I need a week or so of not seeing them,
and believe me if they could run a blog,
they would be writing the same thing.

I now know what it is to be...COLD!
I tell ya, I wasn't quite prepared my friends.
I know all about layering now,
the wind has to be the worst part,
it just cuts right through you.

I just celebrated a quarter-life past,
weird,
Im not a kid anymore,
hmmmmmmm,
I think I will have to do something about that :)

Well, we are getting ready for our trip to NM,
and hopefully I will get to post about our fun activities this week in Class 100.

I have to say,
As we were driving back from doing some shopping in Jersey,
we saw that famous skyline in front of us,
I have to say,
I have a feeling that it all might be worth it,
NY truly is an amazing city.

Ta Ta for now friends...

What, this is madness, a third post!!!

My final blog of the evening,
(obviously there is nothing on T.V. to entertain me) and
OHH (Gil has the best spot on the couch because of his back),

I thought I would update you on Class 100!!
Well as you might have read, I hit a rough patch,
really it was a holy crap what the h*ll I am doing teaching first grade in the freaking bronx type hysteria,
call it my "I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas" moment only in this dream sequence my ruby red slippers have been ripped off and Im huddled in the corner of my classroom with no walls singing over and over the lyrics to "I will survive" while my students have set up a store hawking my teaching supplies for half price, and there is a fricking line around the building waiting to get in!!! (teachers are whores for a good deal) HA!

Ok it hasn't been that bad,
but like many others before me and many more after me,
My stress level boiled over.

Step by step i knocked off what I needed to,
and now I have converted from survival mode to a potentially good teacher.

I whipped the kids back into shape, and now we are learning!!

The kids are having so much fun writing their "how-to books".
They are writing books like "How to go up my elevator, How to unlock my front door, and how to microwave a hamburger, to name a few, So freaking cute.

We are moving from Hanukkah to Kwanza,
I had these kids making menorahs, how funny is that,
I just picture these Bronx kids going home and telling their parents about a Jewish holiday.
I would pay to see that scene.
And now, like I feel most teachers might have to, at lunch tomorrow I am actually going to research Kwanza so I know what I am teaching.
Nothing like long term preparation.

Luckily I can start to do Christmas next week,
we are going to have our "publishing party" next Friday for their "how-to books",
and then we are off to Christmas Break.

Oh BTW, next time I see you, make sure I show you my "happy dance" that only comes out when the kids have had an outstanding day. The kids get a kick out of it!!

We have found our way together in class 100,
and although there are more rough days ahead,
I actually have felt like a teacher the past few weeks.

Thank goodness,
although my "Dorothy Gale" moment might have been fun!!

follow the yellow brick road...

Another Side Note...

I think that our neighbors across the hall are running an illegal Chinese restaurant!!
I KNOW, about 9 every night the hallway fills with the smells of chicken fried rice and many other yummy smells,
and from 10 on for the rest of the night, their door opens and closes, and the lady emerges with
plastic bags filled with "stuff", ding ding ding goes the elevator.

Now I know what you are thinking..
ME TOO

How much do the charge for their sesame chicken,
Jakey could get into this front door service,

I will keep you posted, maybe my first blog restaurant review!
How fun!!!

Finding the groove

Christmas time in the city,
boy is this town a buzz.

Christmas tree shops at every corner,
Lights decorating east side neighborhoods,
the big tree lighting Rockefeller plaza.
I make my pilgrimage to all the sights this Friday,
as I told Gil it has to be an "event"!
You know hot chocolate, pictures, the works.

Funny adventure this week.
We were able to find a decent gym this week..."Crunch".
It is a decent walk and is pretty clean and new,
lots of Parsons and NYU students.
So we went a bit overboard this weekend!!

Come Monday, I could barely walk!
Instead of crunching it,
we decided to take a walk to Chinatown!
We ventured towards downtown,
past the east village, past alphabet city,
to the famous neighborhood.

Gil wanted some fresh fish and I wanted Chinese food!!
Walking by we saw "5 items for 4 dollars".
WHAT A STEAL Right??
Quickly we find that this Chinese food is not meant for gringos and mexicans.
Well, unless intestines, frog, fried whole fish, and about 25 other items not found at PF Changs are your thing.
We got some familiar "looking" items and about half way through we both were amazingly "full".
As we walked (ran) out we chalked it up to a fun NY experience.
We bought some fresh fish next door and walked (ran) 24 blocks back home!

Just a story,
great day today,
I got a freaking parking spot right in front of the building,
the holy freaking grail of city commuters,
and we decided at 5 to run to times square to try to win $20 dollar lotto tickets to Wicked at 5:30!!
Picture it,
(side note-when I got home Gil made me put on these chinese foot pads on the bottom of my feet that are suppose to detox my body, but really feel like I am walking on bean bags, oh and btw Gil threw his back out :-) now picture it,
Jake running threw times square (with bean bag feet), leaving the subway at 5:28 two blocks away from our destination,
Gil hobbling behind ("leave me, leave me, save yourself" haha),
me running through the doors in a very dramatic fashion at precisely 5:30!!
Only to find an empty theater,
the lotto was at 4:30 they tell us,
"OH YEAH, WELL I JUST RAN THREW TIMES SQUARE 10 DODGING BUSES, 9 TOURISTS WHO THINK NY IS BUYING A HOT DOG ON THE STREET FOR 8 DOLLARS, 5 HOMELESS PEOPLE, 4 TAXIS DRIVEN BY HABIB YAHTRYSGS (you can never read their last names), 2 PROTESTS, ONE STRANGE PUDDLE, AND A FREAKING PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!! BUT HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS :)

We ventured home once again with a fun story,
and now we sit, in our room, gorgeous by the way,
in east side manhattan,
with bean bags on our feet!

Love to All!
Jakey

Wander

Snow in the city
Roaming in the cold
Icing on a this great place

Today an encore
to quite an interesting piece of theater
WTF Jake
8th face of me
goodness

Life begins
at my lowest
when I look in the mirror
and see a million different pieces

Snow brightens everything
flakes fall

GET OUT THERE
follow the instinct inside
go wander

My eyes have been closed
fears force of gravity
today they open

"Say" plays
over and over
"walking like a one man army
fighting with the shadows in your head"

No More

"say what you need to say"
no other voices allowed, just mine
fog horn level
you can do this

I wander,
leaves falling
horns honking
trash piling
snow whispering
heart opening
saying what it needs to say

Macy's Parade...FUN!!!!

Picture it 630AM
Thanksgiving day,
high off dunkin doughnuts coffee,
it is so good!!!

We searched and found the greatest spot,
front row center
at the corner of 65th and Central Park West.
tens block down from where Al cut the ribbon.

An unexpected blast,
perfect weather,
the late fall leaf change a perfect backdrop.




I screamed like a 5 year old,
Oh my god,
hear comes shrek,
here comes Dora,
YAH!!
we are happiest when we revisit our youth,

the balloons were huge,
and i begged for confetti,
we are still finding it around the apartment,


Anaki Rose (from Dreamgirls) waved right at me,
only because during a brief crowd lull,
I yelled in a high pitch voice,
"LARELL, We LOVE YOU!!"
Dolly, Winona, Jordin,all wonderful.

Something i will always remember, a true treat.
Enjoy the pics,
I picked my faves,

happy holidays!!

"Lars and the Real Girl"

I watched this about 3 weeks ago, but it is still on my mind.
The best movie I have seen this season.
I hope Ryan Gosling gets the golden statue.
A truly brilliant performance!

The movie is hilarious, sad, and compassionate. A movie of true acceptance and unconditional love from a whole community. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

5 freaking stars from me!!!

A more hopeful Jake...

Hi all...
I am here again,
Yah!!

have to struggle to learn,
and here I am learning.

No more fear,
no more paralyzing moments,
just hope,
hope for a better tomorrow!!

"walking like a one man army"
I take to my life with an editing pen,
taking the necessary steps,
to find that goofy boy again.

A glimpse tonight,
a brief feeling of a sustained change on the way.

I return tomorrow
Day 1,
Jakey, a good person, Mr. Robbins,
all back with in a blast!!

2007 is almost a memory,
a rollercoaster of a memory,
that will end with one last drop,
a good drop,
where you scream so loud because you are having FUN!!

I love you all
Happy Holidays,
Stay in touch!!!

Staying Strong

how dO i grow up when I teach six year olds?

tough day at 163,
bad teaching days come in waves,
today it felt like a Tsunami.

The education system has a trickle...

Cant they see they fail the kids?
It starts at the top,
the most political of jobs,
everyone watches their own ass,
working inner city in one of the biggest districts in the nation
provides a magnify glass.
teachers, teachers, teachers,
trickle, trickle trickle,
blame blame blame,
same same same

How can this be?
NY's brightest,
please,
room 205-d is an island.

Isolation for survival,
teachers fight for individual sanity,
leaving the feeble, fresh and uncertain to hunt alone.

Strength must come within. I have never fought this hard!!
How can this be in something like teaching?
Well teaching is one of the battlegrounds.
it all plays out in front of you,
a barometer of change in this country.
Something that appears so simplistic becomes complicated,
in the eyes of seeking six year olds.

Every inch of your mind and soul is exposed in this profession,
at least for the ones that truly care,
moments of simulated mental illness,
at least for someone as emotional as me.

Why take it so seriously you might ask??
This year will define me,
how it plays out I feel,
will shape my second quarter life,
as you can tell my struggles lie within,
teaching is the stage,
personal growth is the backlighting.

Drowning happens,
but before I hit the bottom,
hope gives me a second wind,
I cant give up on myself,

the light above me is distorted
gets brighter as I push to the surface,

turn the clock to zero honey,
we are starting on a brand new day.

drowning

sometimes I feel like Im drowning,
I dont know what to do.

looking through the mirror,
all I ask is who.

I fight, fight, fight
feel like Im losing the war.

no one to tell,
problems the same old bore.

head pounds,
heart races.

look at people,
dont even see their faces.

lost,
I feeel lost.

walls are closing in,
dont want to hurt the ones I love.

sometimes I wish I could disappear
on the wings of a freedom dove.

Take me far away from myself.
Take me far away from myself.

Man in the Yellow Hat

Well the week of Halloween has come and gone. It was a fun week. On Halloween, we had our "character" parade at school. (I love when schools do sneaky thing to get around weird religious blah). I had 9 kids absent that day. You see, in the Bronx Halloween is a big gang initiation day where new gang members have to do crazy things to be initiated, so parents are notorious about keeping their kids home that day. Needless to say, I couldn't really teach any planned lessons because their were so many kids out. YAH!! We just had so much fun. We did pumpkin number problems, and sequenced the story "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat" and if they got all 8 things she ate they got a prize. Then we wrote spooky stories in the afternoon. Then at the end of the day they got to trick or treat with Mr. Robbins, which basically meant that they walked up to me said "trick or treat" and I gave them a bunch of candy. It was fun. It was the first time I have ever been able to teach a holiday at school so I took full advantage. I dressed up as the man in the yellow hat from curious george, and I have to say without coming off too braggy...I WAS A HIT!! It was such a fun day at P.S. 163.

That night we went to the famous West Village Halloween parade. I was so excited but I have to tell you I was a little disappointed. For this being NYC, I had big expectations for the event. I mean this is the town that holds the Macy's Day Parade and one of the biggest gay pride parades in the world. But, with a frowning heart, I must say that the Village Halloween parade just didn't add up. Oh bother... :)

The week ended well. I had another professional development day at Teacher's College at Columbia, and last night we went and explored an area of Brooklyn called Williamsburg. It was pretty groovy. It is up and coming and we had some great Chinese food. This weekend I am going to rest. Supposedly we are getting a huge rain storm with high winds but it doesnt look bad yet. Anyway, have a great weekend and talk to you soon.

Mind, Body Soul Revisited!!

There comes a day when you wake up and realize that I am getting chubby, my face is breaking out, i'm completely out of shape, and I spend most of days stressed and somewhat frantic like a crazy person. Well, at least I do! :) That is why I am taking back control. I am starting my own one-man campaign (much like Jack McFarlands "Just Jack" extravaganza) to get myself back in order. I am calling it Mind, Body and Soul Revisited. Catchy Huh?? Well I went for a jog this morning to kick off the campaign and it felt great. I even found my anthem, it is by (if you can believe it)...Annie Lennox with the Eurythmics. It is called "I got a life". It is more upbeat than it sounds and I love it. Keep tuned, I will be posting updates on this process hopefully weekly. Enjoy the lyrics and wish me luck!!

"I've got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I've got a life it aint over
I've got a way
It's the only things thats mine
All I'm asking for is tenderness
A little tenderness

Ooo it's a cruel place
You never asked to be here
Nobody cares and no ones gonna help you now
It's dog eat dog the human race
The only thing they'll do is hate you

Such a crime to be unkind
Turn your cheek pretend your blind

I've got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I've got a life it aint over
It aint over
I've got a way
It's the only thing that's mine
All im asking for is tenderness
Tenderness

I've got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I've got a life it aint over
It aint over
I've got a way
It's the only thing that's mine
All im asking for is tenderness

Be strong now baby
Gotta be strong now baby
Gotta be strong"

Whats Happening in Class 1-100!!

Well we are going to have quite the week this week. In reading, we are going to continue to work on using good reading strategies especially using the 3 main questions when trying to read those tricky words "Does it sound right, Does it look right, and Does it make sense". We will also keep building our sight words and learn about the -et word family. In writing we are going to write our third "small moment" about something that happened to use, most of us will probably be writing about our trip to the farm. We are now writing in 3-page booklets like real authors. In Math, we are going to review our last test. Most of us did well on telling time to the hour and counting by 2's and 5's, but those pennies and nickels are still pretty tricky. Wednesday is our "character parade" which just happens to be on Halloween, so kids get to dress up as their favorite "character" and be in a parade around the school. Our class is going to spend the afternoon going to other first grades and singing our pumpkin songs we have been practicing. Mr. Robbins is going to be the "Man in the Yellow Hat". On Friday, Mr. Robbins is going to be at yet another professional development day at Columbia's Teacher's College, but no worries our awesome new sub Ms. Shuford will be there to hold down the fort. First grade is fun. Report Cards are due on Friday. Conferences are in 3 weeks! Just thought you might want to know what is going on in Mr. Robbins class.

Don't worry this is not for my school parents, because do you really think that I would want them to read directly below this that I would love to have Demi Morre's legs. Although they might find it interesting, most likely they would rather chase me around the Bronx as I ran screaming like the little girl I often turn into. I have just been planning and thought it might be a fun blog. Hope everyone is grand. Toodles

My new Fave!!

O.K., I freakin love this C.D. Ms. Annie Lennox is amazing. I bought this album a week ago and I cannot stop listening to it. I fell for Annie in quite a weird way for a gay man. One night I found myself watching "Striptease" with Demi More, you know like most gay guys. And not because they find her irresistible but more because they want to be her. I admit, if I had her legs I would probably dance on a poll too, and marry Bruce Willis ;). Anyway, Demi's character dances to one of Annie songs "Little Bird" from her "Diva " album, and I have loved Ms. Lennox ever since. If you get the chance buy it or download "Sing", "Dark Road", "Smithereens" or "Big Sky". Buh Bye!

Smiles

Hi!!

What a good Thursday! I woke up a little blue today. I usually prefer to wallow in my blue days, which I have found is not all that great of a tactic. Today, I chose to fight my self out of it. I would be lying if I said that this whole transition to the big city has been super easy. It has had its tough moments. But today, I fought myself out of what could have been a really bad day, and I am proud. I felt pride in my day for the first time in awhile. Yah for me!!

I just went for a jog in drizly fall NY weather. LOVING IT!!

Tonight the show I live for UGLY BETTY!!

I hope everyone is doing great. I miss everyone, and thanks for celebrating a good day for me!!

Jakey

P.S. I just got my Halloween custom for our school parade. I am going to be the Man in the Yellow Hat from curious george (compliments of mom) :)

Quickie blog

Time for what I like to call a quickie blog my friends...

Anyway, I almost died like 4 times today driving home. To solve some parking issues, I drive to school up in the Boogie Down Bronx everyday. It is is fun, I have a nice carpool going on with some gals from work. BUT!!, you see a whole other side to New York when you drive. It is f-in nuts. There are really no rules, it is really like driving in those video car games. Honking is completely fair game. If I had a nickel for every time I have been honked at, I could afford a 3 bedroom condo on Park Ave. Manhattan is agressive for sure, but the Bronx is a whole other story. I feel like I am driving and working in a third world country sometimes. There will be old crazy friends chatting it up in the middle of a four lane parkway. Double parking is completely allowed even if it blocks all lanes of traffic. The Bronx might as well have covered trucks with 10 chickens flying out every time it hits a bump, and why not just throw in a burro or two just for kicks. Hell, isn't it about time for the covered wagon to make a comeback. Anyway I digress, driving has been an experience.

Another funny thing happened. Can you believe they have a farm in Queens? We took our kids there today, and it was such a hoot to see these inner-city kids milk a cow and chase baby ducklings. There was even a hay ride. it was such a blast. They each got a pumpkin, and seeing these 6 year olds trying to carry there lunch boxes, water bottles and pumpkins all at once was worth the trip. At least until three kids in a row managed to drop their pumpkin perfectly on my foot. No kidding, karma is a bitch. The kids had a great time, they got to see infant goats and pet bunnies and look at pigs. Field trips are fun, especially when you take kids places they might never see again if they are life time NY-ers. Next field trip is down the road, when I take them to the top of Rockefeller Plaza so they can see all 5 boroughs during our community study. That should be fun!!

New York is cool. If anyway ever makes it out east give me a holler!! Have a great day. And meet me here again for another quickie sometime.

Poll of the week!!

Hi bloggers,

Poll of the week, inspired by my recent viewing of the classic disco smash "Saturday Night Fever". Did you like the movie? Myself, I thought that they story line was awful, but if I could dance like that....WATCH OUT!! Not to mention the outfits, I hope to single handedly bring back polyester bell-bottoms and platform shoes for men. Man, the 70's seemed like a hoot!! Have a great week!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congrats to my two brothers.

Kirk and Becca just welcomed a new man into the Robbins Clan. Benjamin Kirk was born on Friday Morning!! Yah! Congrats Kirk and Becca, I am so freaking happy for you two. Love you both!

Also, Ty and Karna are expecting, and I better start to take uncle classes because my uncle responsibilities are growing. I am so excited. Cant wait for he/she or both to arrive!

Hears to Pro-creation friends!! Love to all!

Jake

Ellis Island

Hola Amigos,

Wondering about my ethnic opening, well I just returned from a fabulous experience at Ellis Island. This weekend in the city is "Open House New York". It is a focus on the design and history of this great city, and New Yorkers get to experience many great things that are not usually available. Today we went to Ellis Island for a tour of the south side of the island, which use to be the hospital. This side of the island is very rarely open to the public because it is old and in the beginning stages of renovation. The very cool part was actually being able to go into the buildings. I even got to look very macho in a hard hat!! We saw the doctor's house and an actual isolation ward for patients that came to the country with contagious diseases. The views were amazing and the tour was outstanding. Top it off with great morning weather and you have a very happy Jakey. This is the side of New York that I love!! Hope you all are having a tremendous weekend. Time for me to clean house, or should I say room. :) Who cares I love it no less! Adios Muchachas!

Mr. Robbins

September Blur!

Almost a month, but no less…a blog!!

What a month September has been!! We dove right into this city and what it has to offer. We have had so many great opportunities to see many great things. The month started with Coney Island, my last blog. After that, thanks to our wonderful friend Dennis, we saw the opening night of the U.S. Open. The night was dedicated to Althea Gibson, the first African American woman to win a major tennis championship. What a celebration, there were huge choirs and a marching band, topped off by the one and only Aretha Franklin singing respect. And respect her we did!! The night was wonderful. We saw Venus and Serena win their matches, and I really took in the whole experience. Now the blue court on TV, means a little bit more to me. After a $13 hot dog we went back to our little cave in the city.Our next highlight was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. I have always wanted to do this and so has Gil. We took the subway to High Street and emerged upon the famous bridge. The bridge itself is gorgeous. Everything I thought it would be, but the views are what took me aback. The whole skyline of New York was in view. We could see midtown and downtown, the Empire State and the Manhattan Bridge. It was perfect, a spot that will become a constant nook for sure.

My journey in teaching has also begun here in the Bronx. A new chapter had begun. I have been working my toosh off this month trying to keep my head above water. After 3 weeks, I can honestly say that my students are amazing. They have a certain edge to them that I have not experienced, but as of right now I have learned way more from them than they have from me. We are on a journey together this year in class 205-D, and believe me, you will be hearing a lot about it. What inspires should always be written down, and those kids inspire me.

We did a long weekend up in Maine. The Maine coast was so serene, yet strong at the same time. The beach we visited was the most beautiful I had ever seen, not to mention Mother Nature gave us a perfect day with the bluest sky to compliment the sights. We took a detour on the way home and spent some time in Boston. A quick trip yes, but to me it was an appetizer to many other Boston experiences. Not to mention, I found a certain place where everybody knows your name.

We have seen great movies and great shows. We saw the absolutely hysterical musical Avenue Q, and the powerful and romantic Opera, La Boehm, at Lincoln Center. We have eaten great food. New York really does have the most amazing amount of variety in restaurants. It makes it hard to stay in, but we are trying. On a perfect day last weekend, we went to the New York Botanical Gardens in the boogie down Bronx. It was wonderful and gigantic, a must for a seasoned visitor to the city. We also got tickets to see David Letterman, and we really enjoyed the laughs and experience.

New York for us is coming along. I have met some great people and life is good. My heart is still in the west, but New York is an experience. I really think I might find myself, find myself among millions.

Sorry for the long delay. September swallowed me up and spit me back out, but here I am reclaiming my blog. Please stay in touch, and hugs and kisses to everyone.

Jakey

Poetry...

Poem 1.

Bethesda

Set perfectly within a great city's sanctuary, you are there.
Not an attraction to me but a belief.

A belief in protectors, heavenly teachers.
Angel's do exist,
sent by a power greater than myself,
to guide, to comfort, to share in moments.

Mine is there,
early in the morning with the day's first light,
in the perfect light of a sunset,
in a crashing wave, in a genuine smile,
in the warmth that overcomes me giving me hope.

Bethesda,
you give form to presence that has always been there.


Poem 2.

Identity.

Breeze...
candle extinguished.

Breeze...
reflection distorted.

nauseating, grotesque image remains,
Picasso's interpretation,
acutely aware,
million different voices create static.
personal presence non-existent.

Cleansing breathe restores conviction destroys apprehension.

With breath illumination,
with belief calmness.

Determine soul unquestioning,
an optimistic believer,
full of hope,
a refugee to safe harbor,
if only for a moment,
steadfastly existing among light.

Weekend Adventure!!

Friday was blah,
the heat was on its way,
a night of Gil studying,
and me watching anything Bravo!

Saturday was school close shopping,
two words, boring and hot!
No escaping the heat,
the buildings even sweat.



Awoke today to find our friend humidity gone,
it showed up for a day to assure us it exists still,
I rejoiced in its absence.
The road took us to Brooklyn,
Coney Island, how exciting.
New York is amazing if you open your eyes and explore.

A working class playground,
kitchy with an amazing energy,
a t-shirt passes us by,
"Welcome to Brooklyn, a home to the world"
A truth,
At home in the diversity, I grin
Injest an original Nathan's followed by a ride on the Cyclone,
a perfect Sunday afternoon.

We drive home in the gloaming,
my favorite time of day,
day gives way to night,
Cruise down the expressway,
a panoramic view of downtown, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State,
Wow,
First time on the famous bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan,
Wow,
I live here,
urban beauty at its best.


Home now,
CNN "God's Warriors",
scary shit,
Annie Lennox,
"Peace is just a word",
Maybe,
I find my own peace,
and go towards the light!!

An apartment blog...

We really kept the course on this mission…to finish our NY apt. I really felt as though my head would explode if I had to contemplate one more piece of furniture and whether or not it would fit into our “fung shway” or however you spell it. We finally measured and we have just about 500 square feet to exist in together. So I completely understand the importance of making the space comfortable and livable, but my head did want to burst. I explained to Gil that we had “over shopped”, but in retrospect it was worth it.


Our safe harbor in this crazy city fit together like pieces in an intricate puzzle of hardwood and leather. After all the analyzing and debate, the final product is exactly what I pictured it would be. It is a quiet, simple and cozy spot in the low east part of this grand island.





PS-the following tour is mostly for my family "hi mom", and pictures are arranged as you walk in and we do have a bathroom, but why a pic of the bathroom??

Opera at Bryant Park

The park backs up to the city’s great library. Close enough to hear the lion’s roar. People are scattered throughout. Some, like us, are at bistro tables waiting for the show. Others are laying back taking in the rays of sun.

Two twin girls kick a basketball with mom as “test, test,” thunders over the park, sunbathers break from a trance to see about the ruckus. Unbothered by the spectators their heads fall right back down.

Gil approaches with an announcement. They have twenty-five dollar tickets to the Opera at Lincoln Center. Cannot pass this up, finances are tight, but experiencing life is more important. 3rd row orchestra to see “La Boehm” September 7th. The anticipation begins.

A stream of people continues to flow in as the performers practice. A mother lays a big read blanket in front of us. Her son jumps right on with his big truck and curls up under mother’s watchful eyes. She spots a better location and they are gone, replaced by two men on a lunch break.

The show is about to begin. An afternoon of Aria’s…

Their voices are so powerful. I wonder just how far away they could be heard. Renditions of Pagliacci, Madame Butterfly, and La Boehm over power my ears. I have never seen the opera, but I know I will like it. The performers put heart and soul into the songs, beads of sweat run down their animated faces, even though I don’t understand the language, they help me understand. The opera is truly music to my ears.

The show ends and we walk. A smile never leaves my face. A new nook discovered, this city is amazing.

A catch up blog...

The Prius,
Our road warrior,
Helping to open our eyes to the world outside the apple.

Upstate New York,
The Hudson sees many faces in these crowded areas,
My love for the city is vast,
But the Hudson sees its prettiest face just north,

Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and the many places surrounding,
Worlds away from the hustle and bustle,
Sounds of birds and streams replace horns and sirens.
Fall will bring fire to the tree covered skies. I cannot wait.

Jersey,
The land of malls and shopping,
Watch out here I come.
Went to the Paramus mall,
I have a new love,
We will leave it at that.

And finally, Connecticut,
Breathtaking,
Scenes like perfect pictures for my eyes,
Sorrow for the city goers cemented in their urban force field.
I touched the river at the People’s Forest,
A much needed real moment bringing me back to home,
Connecticut,
A nook for sure.

An adventure weekend,
Becoming familiar with the new world around me.

The apartment is coming along,
Showing its face,
Stay tuned.

Something I read

Updated: 2:19 p.m. ET Aug 11, 2007

ARLINGTON, Texas - A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.

Officials at the nondenominational High Point Church knew that Cecil Howard Sinclair was gay when they offered to host his service, said his sister, Kathleen Wright. But after his obituary listed his life partner as one of his survivors, she said, it was called off.

“It’s a slap in the face. It’s like, ’Oh, we’re sorry he died, but he’s gay so we can’t help you,”’ she said Friday.

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Wright said High Point offered to hold the service for Sinclair because their brother is a janitor there. Sinclair, who served in the first Gulf War, died Monday at age 46 from an infection after surgery to prepare him for a heart transplant.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Gary Simons, said no one knew Sinclair, who was not a church member, was gay until the day before the Thursday service, when staff members putting together his video tribute saw pictures of men “engaging in clear affection, kissing and embracing.”

‘It’s not that we didn’t love the family’
Simons said the church believes homosexuality is a sin, and it would have appeared to endorse that lifestyle if the service had been held there.

“We did decline to host the service — not based on hatred, not based on discrimination, but based on principle,” Simons told The Associated Press. “Had we known it on the day they first spoke about it — yes, we would have declined then. It’s not that we didn’t love the family.”

Simons said the decision had nothing to do with the obituary. He said the church offered to pay for another site for the service, made the video and provided food for more than 100 relatives and friends

“Even though we could not condone that lifestyle, we went above and beyond for the family through many acts of love and kindness,” Simons said.

Wright called the church’s claim about the pictures “a bold-faced lie.” She said she provided numerous family pictures of Sinclair, including some with his partner, but said none showed men kissing or hugging.

The 5,000-member High Point Church was founded in 2000 by Simons and his wife, April, whose brother is Joel Osteen, well-known pastor of the 38,000-member Lakewood Church in Houston. Now High Point meets in a 432,000-square-foot facility in Arlington, near Dallas.

Wright said relatives declined the church’s offer to hold the service at a community center because they felt it was an inappropriate venue. It ultimately was held at a funeral home, but the cancellation still lingered in some minds, she said.

I don't why but this just bothered me. People just need to love one another, aren't we suppose to be our brother's keepers. Sad...

How I met humidity.

The humidity has been the main thing on my mind lately. I use to think that I knew what it felt like to be hot, but now a truly know the meaning of HOT!! Growing up in the desert the sun felt like laser beams peering right down on me on hot days. The good thing though is that I could escape the laser like heat under a tree or porch. In NY, it feels like I'm am walking around in a heat bubble. The heat surrounds me, and when it is at it hottest it feels like I am suffocating. The other thing I have found out is that humidity will stick around even if the sun doesn't. Let me explain. Two days ago, I looked out the window in the early afternoon and saw that it was cloudy. Even though it was mid-day, I felt it would be a good time to run because in the West when it is cloudy it is cooler. Boy was I wrong. The first 15 minutes went on without a hitch, but as I turned around to head back to home, I realized how sweaty I was. Everything was so heavy. My shirt felt like it weighed 15 pounds, and my shoes 30. Walking back and looking at the skyline, I could see the heaviness in the air. I felt like sticking my hand out and saying "nice to meet you humidity". It is really going to be something I will have to grow accustomed to while we explore.

Another funny story happened yesterday. We drove our flight attendant friend Dennis to the JFK Airport at 5:30 in the morning. It was pouring rain when we awoke. This was the second storm I have encountered in my time here, and I am amazed by how much lightning there was each time. It looked almost like a strob light in the air. Gil tells me it has to do with all the moisture plus the extreme heat. We were able to get Dennis safely to JFK on time with no problems. Our drive home on the other hand, proved to be much more interesting.

The rain doubled its density on the way home, and Gil became more like our captain rather than our driver. Whole expressways were flooded out. We were driving on the Van Wycke Highway, where at one point water was as high as the bottom of our doors. There were mud slides from the side of the highways that Gil had to navigate through, and then we had to wait. We were waiting to exit onto the 287 Brooklyn/Queens Expressway for a LONG time. Turns out, as we found out later on the news, there was a freaking tornado in the area, a tornado in NYC!! It destroyed homes and ripped up trees and jumped right over the BQE. It took us at least 3 hours to get home, but at least we missed the whole tornado experience. I mean I love the Wizard of Oz, but I don't feel like going to visit anytime soon. Sorry Dorothy.

The day wrapped up by us eating at the cheap Mexican food restaurant, that I note is cooked and ran by a Japanese family. The funny thing about this is that our new favorite Sushi place, has nothing but Mexican Sushi chefs. Man, you gotta love NY!!

August 5th, 07 "When gays smack you in the face..."

Today’s car journey took up to the famous, at least in the gay culture, Fire Island. We were not quite sure what to expect, nevertheless we hopped in the Prius, took a right into the Queens/Midtown Tunnel and were on our way. We took exit 59 south to the Cherry Grove Ferry, and arrived on the Island.

Fire Island was everything you could imagine a gay Island to be. The little grove towns off the beach were quaint, cute, and friendly. The houses were gorgeous. There was always the faint sound of drag queens butchering another 80’s dance hit at one of the many gay bars that could be found pretty much at every turn. I have never been a huge fan of the bars, as Gil would point out, but I was surprised when I found myself realizing that something would be missing from the island if they were not present. The most surprising thing to me though, was how beautiful the beach was. The water was a deep blue and the white sand was so white and fluffy. The beach of course had its share of characters. We encountered the whole spectrum of “gay” as we took our initial stroll up the beach, and I loved it. The cohesive existence of acceptance on that beach was touching and I felt, for the first time in a long time, an urge to find a healthy connection with my culture, a new goal of mine. There were hot bodies and not so hot bodies. There were Speedos, European style, and thong bathing suits. Bathing suits, naturally, were optional on Fire Island. Many men and women walked leisurely across the beach not caring one bit that they were naked. Leary at first my admiration grew for these people. I finally concluded that if these people were so comfortable with themselves, good for them to go nude on a beach. It just added a little zip to the whole experience. There were huge groups of friends that seemed to be going in on one of the hundred or so beach houses together for a summer of partying and single men and women reading books and enjoying individual peacefulness. Lesbians were present taking in the sun and sights, providing the stern feminine attitude with a touch of goofiness that carved their place among everybody. Gay couples walked hand-in-hand down the beach without any staring or gawking. Gays were normal and for once the straight people stuck out in the crowds. I finally concluded that if these people were so comfortable with themselves, good for them to go nude on a beach. It just added a little zip to the whole experience. It was a perfect day to be on the beach, so we found a spot, settled down, and lounged the day away. As we waited for the ferry back to Sayeville, we saw the most beautiful sunset, which put the perfect period on the end of our day.

The day was great and I encourage anyone gay, curious or open in cyber land to visit Fire Island. We took the Long Island expressway back to the city, back to home. I, of course, had another “wow” moment when I realized that my new home was marked in the distance by the blinking red light on the top of the Empire State Building. What a great day…

Finding my "nook"...

I have always envisioned a “nook” as a place of safety. A place that made me feel safe and centered no matter what was going on around me.

NYC is a complete trip. At any given time there are thousands of people surrounding you. The heat has been extreme this week, and lets not talk about the drivers. The loudness and dirtiness alone are alarming. Even though I still gaze up at the city in awe, I can see the notorious “harshness” of the city. I can sense that if I don’t establish myself with two very stable feet on the floor, I could be completely swallowed up by the city and run back home with my tail between my legs and write the experience off to “Well we gave it a try”. That is one realization.

The second would be the calming realization that even though I am in the center of this gigantic city in this completely new and complicated culture, I am not going to change. Daydreaming while working this summer, I envisioned myself becoming a tough, sleekly dressed, talking on my cell phone, always on the cutting edge, out every night, and saying phrases like “that is so New York” type of city-goer. I know I have only been here about a week, but I can already tell that I am going to fall somewhere in the middle. Coming to NY magnifies certain qualities about people or at least me, and I was surprised to find into this quarter-life I have developed a core. I am pretty laid back and simple. I like staying in more than going out. I really do appreciate intimate evenings at home. A couple nights a week I like to have events such as dinner, drinks with friends, a movie, and/or a show. I am a more day-oriented person, and like to fill my days with errands and projects, and relax at night. I have no idea why I thought that would all change, but one week in I can tell it won’t. I do, indeed, have more access to very exciting things that I certainly will take advantage of, but it seems gravitation to my core is helping me through this adjustment. Some might find this juvenile, but I like it this way. I see it as establishing my foundation and building up from there. I do though look forward to the future when my routines are established and I experience everything this city has to offer.

Also helping me with this transition is my “nooks”. Like I said, they have been revealing themselves. Here are some examples of what I call my “nooks”. As soon as we moved here, we discovered the Union Square’s Farmer Market; amazingly cheap produce fills the square. Finding out that my favorite store Trader Joe’s was right down the street was also exciting. At least 3 times now in the late afternoon, we walk to the market, stop by Joe’s, and walk 2 long blocks and 7 short blocks back to our apartment to cook dinner. I love our shopping activities; they make me feel at home and also like I am having a shopping experience unique to New York. Another “nook” was getting in our car, which I love having here even though no one agreed with us, and going to explore Long Island. We found Ikea, and as we left we saw a sign for Hempstead, my dad’s hometown where none of my family have been. We called my dad up, and had him map quest us to his childhood home at 15 Foster Place. Hearing how excited this made my dad, made me feel safe; a moment I will never forget. We continued our exploration to Sag Harbor next to the Hamptons, and instantly fell in love. Next summer we want to get a summer rental there. The final “nook” I will share with you happened this morning. I went for a jog, and intended to jog through the big Stu-town complex near our apartment. Instead, I ended up jogging on a trail along the East River. This is where I found my peeps…the runners. This familiarity fueled my run from awful to above average. People were walking dogs, partners were walking hand-in-hand, and I even saw a 5 year old tee ball team, The Mets, warming up for their game. On my way up the trail back to our place, I caught an awesome view of the eastern skyline and the Empire Sate building, and I experienced another “wow, I really live here” moment that was exhilarating. My “nooks” are becoming quite sacred to me, and I will write more about them as I find them.

Sorry for the long blog, I just felt like writing it all down today. It is so long for me to even proofread, so if you have made it this far, I thank you. Tomorrow is our first Sunday in the city, and we intend to drive out and ferry to Fire Island. It is not suppose to be as humid as these past days, and I cannot wait to see the ocean.