Museum & a Movie

My Saturday was nice. One of the members who attended a couple of previous "Movie & Dinner" group event asked if I would be interested in going to the Rubin Museum. The guy was very nice. He has a very interesting life, and he was more than willing to share every detail of that interesting life. I learned the details about his two marriages, his house, his jobs (past and present), working conditions, plans for the future, and difficulties (past and present). Since the conversation was so detailed, we had only seen about a floor and a half of the 4 or 5 floors worth of exhibitions. Normally, I would have seen most (if not all)of the exhibitions.

After the museum, we ate at a nice Chinese restaurant. My epal's plan was for us to share a bowl of soup, but luckily, the waitress mentioned that one bowl was not enough. Epal had pork and wonton soup, I had chicken wonton soup. It was very cold yesterday here in NYC. I didn't dress for the weather. The restaurant with its wall of windows was very drafty and cold.

After the meal, epal needed to buy a couple of dress shirts for work. He was going to take the train a couple of stops to Macy's in Herald Square. I suggested we walk. I had hoped the walk would warm me up. Yes, even though it was freezing outside. It worked.

In Macy's, we went to the dress shirts department, but epal couldn't find a style and/or size he wanted (I don't remember which). Epal next went right to the young men's department (he's 58 years old). He didn't seem to realize that he was in the young men's department, and was ready to give up because he couldn't find something in his size (medium). After finally convincing epal that there had to be regular men's department, -- I was starting to get confused as well. It just seemed strange that someone wouldn't know that there are different departments, and I tend to get confused very easily. Epal let me ask a clerk for the regular men's department. We found it. The main surprise, a ratty, torn flannel shirt, with bleach stains was being sold for $90. $90!!! Epal finally agreed on two dress!?! shirts with patches on the elbows. I wasn't sure how to deal with the situation. I wasn't sure if the guy would have gotten self-conscious if I started suggesting the shirts were not dress, or how to be tactful without appearing too critical. In the end, I didn't say anything. It was a bit strange, the guy just took two shirts off the rack, checked the sizes and went to the cashier. Didn't even hold it to himself to try visualizing the shirt on. I don't like shopping, but I never imagine just walking in picking items off a rack and walking directly to the cashier.

After Macy's, epal said he wanted to go home to take a nap. Since it was only about 4:20PM, I decided to go to see a movie. I went to see Sherlock Holmes. I liked the movie. The style and pace of the movie was very nice. I also like the setup of Professor Moriarty as the villian for a possible sequel. After the movie, I headed home with a stop at MacDonald's.


Post Date - Sunday, January 31, 2010 3:28PM

The Cloud Above

Since I'm up, I might as well stay up...again. On Monday, I finally started cleaning my living room. Mainly, I was focused on removing the months (yes months) worth of newspapers piled up, boxes packing materials from things bought, and of course papers, lots of papers. Well, after sleeping most of the day away, I finally got started with cleaning. By 10PM, I was finished with the preliminary clean (more trash removal, sorting of items and materials). My living room is still messy, but now they are tidy messes (a pile of papers here, a pile of electronic stuff there, and pile of mail [opened and unopened] over there.

By the time I finished emails and online chatting, it was about 2AM. I went to bed about 2:30AM. Imagine my surprised when I woke up at 5AM not feeling bone tired. I was up and out at 6AM. I arrived at school at 6:50AM.

In the evening, I went for college orientation. After about a 90 minute presentation, it was time to register. It was then that I found out that I would have to redo the entire Masters program I had suspended about 15 years ago. I never really thought about college. In my mind I just assumed that I would pick up where I left off. Even my acceptance letter seem to suggest that I only needed to finish up with 12 credits. I could go into details of how my "advisor" kept mixing my details up with the other guy he was talking to, but when all is said and done, I will have to redo the Masters Program. I did mention that if someone had told me, I could have thought more carefully about what Master's program I would do. Retaking almost all of my classes over doesn't have much appeal. It would have been nice to switch to a school administration program, but my school doesn't have one. Having completed the application process with days before college classes start, and about 1.5 years before my teaching license expires, I can't do anything but stay where I am. And hopefully, learn a lesson about quiting,...

...but I probably didn't.

Post Date - Wednesday, January 20, 2009 5:02AM

This and That

A few random comments considering the time I'm posting (and not editing) this, I hope it makes sense. Since I haven't posted in a while, I thought I should post something quick.


Cell Phone
I'm not sure how or why, but since adding more minutes for my phone, it seems to be okay for the time being. Speaking of minutes, I might have to give up my prepaid phone. When I had Tracfone, I basically had a cell phone. I couldn't do much with it but peck out simple text messages, and make calls. With the Tracfone, minutes would last for months. Now, with my AT&T phone, I seem to be going through minutes like there is no tomorrow. Now, I have (limited) access to the internet. I can check my Hotmail account and send/receive instant messages. I've only done the instant messages once, if I start doing that on a regular basis, my minute usage will only increase. Anyway, I had to purchase more minutes today. I purchased 100 minutes ($100) because the original 25 minutes, and the 25 minutes I purchased last week are gone. I will see how long these 100 minutes last. If they don't last until the (approx.) 10 left in the month, then I will have to sign up for one of those prepaid plans with a couple of hundred minutes that will cost about $30 ~ $40 per month.

Today (Sunday, January 17th), I decided to visit my foster father early and then return home to do the laundry and go food shopping. Well, his lady friend asked me to help her add minutes to the Tracfone I gave your as a present. I was on the phone for about 49 minutes trying to get the minutes added. First the problem was that the "add minutes" option was not on her phone, so I had to jump through the automated system nightmare of trying to get a live person, because the options given didn't fit. And each time I chose wrong, I was bumped back to start again with a 15 minute waiting time to speak to a customer service representative. Next, the problem was me misreading the number on the prepaid minute card misreading the last digit as a "0" instead of an "8". That took another 15 minute investigation. When I was finally finished, the Tracfone message couldn't be removed. I took the battery out, and put it back in only to discover that the phone would now not come on. Hopefully it is just the battery needing recharging.

On my way back home, I bought another black messenger bag. This one is closer to what I want in a messenger bag, but not quite. my previous one -- see a previous blog entry with black bag the newspaper and yellowpage phone book in it. This new bag ($20) bought from one of those stands on the streets, is a bit more sporty. It is a bit bigger 9in height x 12in length x 3in width. The previous bag only had a Velcro closure for the main flap. This new bag has a zipper closer for the main compartment, and doubled-clipped closure for the flap. I also like that this bag has a handle for hand-carrying when I don't need it over my shoulder. It has about 10 pockets/compartments, two pen slots, plus the main storage area(with a zippered bottom for a slight expansion). It also has a pipping around the edges so the bag will hold the rectangular shape. Finally, this bag is waterproof. The other bag was just cotton canvas. Sunday was a rainy day, and I had to carry my cotton canvas bag in a plastic shopping bag to keep it from getting wet, which defeats the purpose of having a messenger bag. I just wanted a daypack to keep junk out of my pockets. A backpack is too big when I don't need to carry anything to the movies or the museum.

Social Networking
My membership to the social networking site mentioned in recent blog entries expired January 12th. For three months, I joined this site with the hope of making new friends. In the three months of planning different events like movies, museums, etc...not a single person participated. Not including the circus where my event was posted on another group's site. And the two people who did joined avoided me (politely) like the plague. I was going to let the membership expire. My thinking was why put all of the time and effort into planning events no one shows up for. However now, I thinking that I should give it more time.

On an impulse -- I'm sure you see a pattern. I tend not to do things unless planned or on an impulse. I joined another social networking site. I've heard this site mentioned over the years, but never had any interest in joining. However, on an impulse, I joined about 2 weeks ago. On this site, you answer several questions, creating a profile, and your profile is posted. People with similar interests can find you, or visa verse. At first I was a bit put off by the specificity of the site, but I've grown to kind of like it. You can set search filters for for friends with a search within any state or you can search down to a local search. For the last couple of weeks, I've been chatting online with people who live in my neighborhood. Interesting. One of the reasons for my lack of blog entries.

Work
Nothing's changed. Letting procrastination slowly take over. Letting deadlines build and collide. This past week, I've been working on about 3 or 4 hours of sleep per night. Now, I've developed at wake up at 2AM after falling asleep from exhaustion the minute I touch the couch only to do last minute prep work for the following day. That has to change. Oh, and I have to set time limits on my online chatting. One of the nice things about my new cell phone, is I don't need to be at the computer to chat. I can do it commuting to and from work. There is no longer the need to log it to "check my messages", my phone notifies me when I've received a new text message or email.

College
This Tuesday, January 12th. I return to finish up my Masters Degree. Tuesday is orientation. They sent me the paperwork in the mail. The college even included a scheduled list of classes I need to take in order to graduate. I need to take four classes in order to complete my Masters. Once I've completed the requirements for getting my permanent certification, I stay in college to get my second Masters in school administration. I'd like to see what it's like on the other side.

Movie
I joined another group's event from my previous social networking organization. The event was a movie and dinner. There were about 7 of us attending. Normally, I buy my movie ticket on line, to avoid arriving and finding out it has sold out. This time, the movie was for Sherlock Holmes. I was tired from the previous week, so a part of me wasn't really in the mood for a movie, but I did say I would attend. I had planned to arrive early get my ticket. However, not only did a not arrive early -- I called the organizer to let him know that wouldn't be arriving with the the group. Since the groups usually don't sit together in the movie theater, it really doesn't matter. So, I don't count this event as arriving late. Anyway, when I arrived, and the movie was sold out, so I went to see "Daybreakers". Luckily for me, the movie end at just the right time. My movie finished, I was in and out of the bathroom and in the lobby waiting for the movie group. I'm glad I didn't go to see Sherlock Holmes. I was told the theater was packed. Below is my review of the event:

I didn't see the Sherlock Holmes movie -- it was sold out. I met with the group after the movie. I went to see "Daybreakers" instead. The dinner part of the event was okay. Again, the guys were very nice. The organizer took the time to plan ahead. Unfortunately, the organizer couldn't have foreseen a different atmosphere from the one seen the previous week. This time the place was more cramped, the lights were too low, and the music was too loud. The guys seemed very nice, I enjoyed the conversations. I had more in common with the guys this time around. To be honest, the cheapskate in me was a bit annoyed at having to split the check. I had an expensive $25 dollar burger and fries with a single glass of soda(no water was served). Each person should have known what their own meal should have been. Or, the check should have been passed around so those who didn't know, would have been able to find out.

Well, I think that's about it.

Post Date - Monday, January 18, 2009 6:42AM

The Honeymoon is over

Something is wrong with my phone. Surprised!?!

It started yesterday with messages saying that emails couldn't be sent. I thought it related to not having enough minutes available. However, this evening I notice the phone is not shutting off (going into sleep mode) like it used to. Also, the phone is running warm to the touch. This is a nice phone, but this is not good.

New Phone

I'm loving my cell phone. The more time with it, the more it impresses me. I can't believe I waited so long to change over. AND...it is a prepaid phone. Now, each time I receive an email or text message, my phone alerts me. I also have access to the Internet along with three different Instant Messenger programs. Texting has gotten so much easier with the QWERTY keyboard. The only complaint (so far), the phone has a very low ring, but that is minor.

Quick Entry

Let's see if I can keep this quick. I started the work week (after the vacation) on the wrong note, but there have been some pluses along the way:

I finally got my (refurbished) cell phone. And so far I'm loving it! I used to have Tracfone (Prepaid). Now (with my old number transferred), I'm on the AT&T network. The phone should have arrived Dec. 31st, but after a couple of trips, the phone was located somewhere at the post office. I haven't really had it long enough to do a complete review. The only thing that impressed me so far is an email alert when I have new hotmail. There are a lot more bells and whistles on this new phone.

I bought a Nesco Oven Roaster. Once again, another impulse buy. This roaster actually does the job of a slow cooker a long with baking and roasting. I want to try cooking enough food on the weekend to be able to have leftovers for the work week.

Social Networking Event

Today, was the (probably) last social network event I plan. It was basically another wasted effort. My event had the "Science-fiction" theme. My group mission was to find others interested in science-fiction, fantasy, comic books, and graphic novels, movies (with the same themes), etc... Would you believe once again, with a group of about 33, I still had no one who was interested in those themes show up. Oh, I did add "40+ Guys (giving women the option of also attending if they wanted), but no one. I did link up with another group by posting my event on their site, t group has over 1,050 members (their group theme is NYC). From the other group, one one woman showed up. She many came because she wanted to see "Avatar". She seemed bored by the comics, stayed for the movie (anted to sit up near the front), and was gone the minute we stepped into the hallway. At least this one took the time to say good bye before leaving.

Quick summary -the planned schedule

1:30PM - Barnes and Nobles Bookstore (Graphic Novels)
2:15PM - Coffee / Tea in the B&N cafe
2:45PM - Walk over to Forbidden Planet (Comics)
3:00PM - Browse the Shelves at Forbidden Planet
3:45PM - Walk over to the Regal Theater
4:00PM - See the Movie "Avatar"
7:30PM - Dinner (a nearby restaurant)
8:30PM - End of the Event

Although, I had two members RSVP "Yes" for the event (with about 9 "Maybe" RSVP). For the Barnes & Nobles part no one showed. I stayed about 90 minutes. Since you can stay and read the books, it is like a library. When I left, I was about $68.46 poorer.

My purchases:
101 Things to Do With A Slow Cooker
Green Lantern - The Sinestro Corps War
E. E. Knight's Dragon Rule (Book Five)
United States Puzzle - 55 pieces
The Global Puzzle - 600 pieces

The last two where more impulse buys (picked up on the way to the cashier). Whenever someone used to ask about my hobbies, instead of saying I don't have any, I would always say jigsaw puzzles, but to this day, I have complete few (if any). However, I do remember liking jigsaw puzzles. When I saw the global puzzle (with pieces shaped like the countries), I really liked it. Although my geography skills are not what they should be, I shouldn't have any problems finishing the global puzzle. However, realizing I'm not the sharpest knife in the draw, I decided to start off with something easy like the United States (hopefully without looking at the box).

Next stop, was Forbidden Planet the local comic shop (and about $10 poorer)

War Machine #11
Justice Society #34
Astonishing X-Men #33

At $2.99 apiece, I tried to find comics that wouldn't have me returning for the next issue. Being the cheapskate that I am becoming in my old age, I really don't like buying comics that are basically the same shape and size (about 15 pages including pages of advertisements). After about 30 minutes, I received a call from one of the members from the other group who had RSVPed "Maybe". She arrived only to see the movie "Avatar". From the way she was staring at the comics, I knew she was only there to see the movie.

Last was the movie. I thought I was being smart to get to the theater early, but the theater was PACKED!!! Although I avoid the ticket line by purchasing my ticket online, there was still a long, very, very long line to get into the actually theater playing the movie. The line extended down the hall, around the corner to the back and then wrapped around and ended near the theater #8 doors. I offered the lady with me to select the seats she was comfortable with...she wants to sit in the near the front...crap! As soon as we sit down, and the theater is full, the lady starts wondering out loud if there are better seats in the back, and noticing (or thought she noticed available seats in the back. During the 2.5 hour movie, the lady was a bit restless twisting and turning in her sit. As soon as the movie was over (and the first credits hit the screen), the lady was up and ready to leave. As soon as we made it into the secondary lobby, the lady tells me she has to go. I was actually glad the "event" was over. I wasn't in the mood to eat, so I just headed for home.

Oh, the movie "Avatar" was very good. I LOVED THE SPECIAL EFFECTS!!! I thought the characters were very well acted.

Above is a short slideshow of a few pictures I took during the event.

Post Date - Sunday, January 3, 2009 4:13AM