Problem Child

I'll have more pictures posted later, but I wanted to dedicate this blog to the New York City DMV. I kind of ranted and raved about them eariler (regarding the fact that they didn't believe that I was born). I went in today with my proof of birth (my birth certificate, not the fact that I was standing there), my Social Security card, and my license which is only 8 months old and valid (since I don't drive). You would think that would be plenty of proof of my existence to the state of New York. I took the eye test and passed, got my photo taken, got my ticket to wait and had my number called in a matter of minutes. Awesome, I'm walking into the DMV 10 minutes before it closes, and I'm going to knock this thing out. I bring everything over to the woman behind the counter, and I was told it wasn't enough "points." Let me explain the point system quickly. You get so many points for each piece of identification. If I had a passport (which I plan on getting very soon for Cruise part 4, we won't get into that), that's worth 6 points. Various other forms of ID make up points (pay stub, EBT card, Union card, etc.). If you move in from out of state, you need your valide license, your Social Security card, and your birth certificate (everything I had), and I go over to turn in my paperwork. The delightful government worker informed me that I didn't have enought ID. So I asked her what else I needed (I still have my UGA ID....don't judge me, we used to get student discounts in Atlanta). I ended up using my debit card and my college ID, and it still wasn't enough (I needed a transcript with it). Her exact words to me when I started asking her what each point value was went as followed: "Are you testing me?!" Unbe-freaking-lievable. Oh, she also told me that my birth certificate was worth a point value of "a big fat zero" (guess she's heard that description a few times in her life). This woman was cut out to work at the DMV. Or the Post Office. Or airport security. I really think the only question they ask when someone applies for a job at the DMV is "Do you have a smug sense of entitlement to go along with an IQ of 75?" I'm so determined to get this thing done, it's ridiculous. I vented to my buddy Brent about it, and then headed back to the ranch. Lena (my 60 year old roommate) made me chicken soup and rice, so that was pretty good. Man, I'm spoiled :)

Picture Perfect

OK, my bad for being away for a bit. Starting a new job and training can be quite a bit. Good news is that I got a camera phone this week (welcome to 2003 Brian) and I also changed my plan on my cell phone to unlimited outgoing minutes and unlimited texting (like I really needed either). So, onto photos of some of the hijink I've been up to!

The image above is the front door of my building. I like it quite a bit, it's really clean and just great. I'm liking it here. Next up is my room. Withouth further ado, here it is:

It's in the photo below. Notice the bed not made. I'm not ashamed of that seeing as I'm not out to impress anyone, and I'll just sleep in it again. I kid of course...just wanted to show you where I've been staying.

The above image is Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. It's kind of a landmark. As I said in one of my earlier posts, I live in Washington Heights. I'll get some more pictures posted soon. If my parents or my brother is reading this post, the best way to describe the area around where I live is compareable to Sommerville, NJ. It reminds me of that area quite a bit (a neighboring town when we were living in Bridgewater, NJ). If you're one of my California friends, I'd compare it to West LA (think about the UCLA campus, and that's kind of what my neighborhood looks like...well, for a 3 block radius). Atlanta folks, think a more urbanized area of Dunwoody. Where I live is a real up and coming area, so I'm glad I got such a good deal.

The above photo is the subway station I go to everyday. You can sort of see three dots on the sign (2 blue and 1 red). These dots indicate which trains come to this station. The 2 blue dots are the A and the C (the A runs express during the week, and the C runs Local on the A line, which means it hits every stop). The 1 runs along a parallel track and makes a few different stops. I'm not a fan of the 1 line, as it takes forever to get anywhere, and you have to take an elevator to get to the tracks. It's kind of a pain. The next picture is an approaching C train. I don't ride that one too much, but I thought it'd be cool to have a shot of that.

That's a picture of me riding the aforementioned 1 train that I didn't like. I wanted to check out the Statue of Liberty, and from my neck of the woods, I need to take the 1 to the South Ferry Station. I won't bore you with the short cut I took (yes, it involved an express train and a transfer). I sent this picture to my friend Kelly Coker because she got a new phone and wanted a picture of me. She didn't have my picture of me from Times Square, and my hair is pretty rocking in the one. An iPod is a must in Manhattan by the way. You're probably wondering what that picture is next to me. That's a Scientology auditing going on. Let me further explain. That's a picture of a "Free" Scientology auditing taking place in a subway station. I know when I'm looking for purpose and meaning in life, the first place I look is a local subway staion.

"Oh man, I'm running late for that appointment, what am I going to do?"

"Excuse me sir, are you under stress?"

"Why yes, yes I am! How did you know?! That's amazing, it's like you've known me my whole life!"

You have no idea how bad I wanted to go over there and get audited. I'm not into making fun of people for their beliefs, but in this case it's OK because...well, come on. I wanted to look at the guy and give him the horns and say "Hail Xenu!" Moral of the story, you'll see just about anything in a subway station. That and homeless people expect you to give you money; they don't really ask, they either hold out their hand or rudely shake thier change cup at you. I've already covered giving them money, so let's move on.

That's Clinton Castle. When you take a ferry to Ellis Island, you have to purchase your tickets here. It was also built as a fort in during the War of 1812. Staying very touristy, that's Times Square next. It's not where New Yorkers go to party. Well, it is if by New Yorker, you mean tourist, then yes, that's where all the New Yorkers go.

The above image is Battery Park. We don't have a lot of greenery in Manhattan, but the parks we do have are pretty cool. The next photo is Trump International Tower. It's by 59th as well. Thought it'd be cool to include that.

That funky looking thing there? Oh, that's the statue of Christopher Columbus, or "Christobel Colon" if you are a fan of "1492." It's a landmark known as Columbus Circle (it's a 59th St.), and it marks the southwest corner of the park. There's a traffic circle right there, and it looks like something in Paris (as far as traffic goes). Now next to Columbus Circle, that's a shot of Central Park (from across 59th). It was getting kind of dark (as it does rather quickly here), so I got the best shot I could. It's a camera phone, not the best quality, but you can kind of get the idea of where I am.

All over the place here. This is a really cool building I saw downtown. It's right down by the South Ferry station (where you'd get off to go see the Statue of Liberty).

That's someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty. I'm starting to see a theme here. That was in Times Square. You'll see just about anything in Times Square (even saw the Naked Cowboy the

other day).

I shouldn't have to explain the above, but the Late Show is around 55th St. I had some spaghetti at Angelo's next store tonight. Not bad. The photo to the right of Late Show is just down the street where I'll be earning a buck while I'm working my way into the New York acting scene. It's a Pan-Asian restaurant called Ruby Foo's, and it's pretty good. It's right at50th and Broadway, so they stay pretty busy.

I'll keep adding more photos. And I'll try to update a bit more regularly. Later!

Training Day

Sorry for the blogless Sunday. We did ended up finding Lenny's Pizza, it's right in the heart of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn (home of Stallion). You basically take the D train to 20th Ave. and it's right there. It's a bit of a landmark, since it was the pizza place in "Saturday Night Fever." You know the scene at the beginning of the movie where Travolta's walking with the paint cans? That's 86th St. Pizza was great. We had some Cold Stone afterwards, then I bought a shirth for work off 34th St. Anyway, onto today.

So today was my firts day of training at Ruby Foo's. This place stays really busy. Their menu has a lot of ingredients, and it's really extensive. Everyone keeps talking about how no one passes the final exam on their first try, but I think they are trying to weed out people who don't want to work there. One of the trainers asked if anyone was an actor, but I've been very careful who I tell I'm an actor. At this juncture, I feel that it's only my business. I know what I'm here to do.

They threw a lot at us today, and I'm going to start studying here in a bit. So, we'll keep it short and sweet today. Anyway, I'll post more soon!

Mystic Pizza

OK, today is the text book definition of a doozy, and by textbook, I mean my own. Before we dive in, a couple of things. A big thanks to Adam and Tatom for being my first two pieces of mail in New York. I received two very nice cards, and they were very thoughtful. Also, I stand corrected on my assessment of the migration patterns of black bears, as they can can be found as far south as Mexico (Thanks to Adam, the official "Life of Brian" fact checker).

OK, onto today. Got started kind of late, but I decided to go exploring once again. I talked to my friend Jason Guiliano (who we call "Stallion," you'll have to meet him to know why...incidentaly, I do a nice Jason impressonation as a cat, but we're not here to talk about which of my friends I can impersonate), and he told me to check out Lenny's Pizza in Brooklyn, at 86th St. and 22nd Ave. So I check out my subway map and see that the A train is running to Brooklyn. Initially, I thought I should take the A to the L to the F, but the L wasn't running, and I saw the A goes all the way to 88th street. Great, I think, 2 blocks away, I'll have some good pizza, scope out Brooklyn, this will be fun. Oh, you should realize I got off the A twice by accident, but moving forward (you should expect me to screw up here and there). I get off the train at 88th, and prepare to set out for my destination. OK, here's 88th, and this street looks like...102nd Ave. OK, a tad further out then I had planned. Just need to walk about 80 blocks (which I learned and was confirmed by Stallion via voicemail that 20 blockes equal a mile...you do the math). OK, so I set out (FYI, Chuck Taylor All-Stars are not the shoes you want to hike 4 miles in). So I start walking, hit a few dead ends, OK there's Forrest Park, no clue where I am, there's the Jackie Robinson Parkway, all right, a highway, haven't seen one fo those in a while. I keep walking. Hmmmm Queens Blvd. Jackson Heights, 44th Ave., OK we're getting warmer. I finally get to 86th St. and 24th. Ave., and it's a total residential area. I call Stallion to find out where this place is, and I find out that I'm in Queens. Queens is one of the 5 boroughs of New York, and it's north of Brooklyn, and I walked from 88th Street near Rockaway Blvd. to almost LaGuardia airport!! I stopped at a Citgo, and asked for directions back to Manhattan, and of course the guy didn't know. So I asked how I can get to a train station, and he pointed me to a Q bus (Q buses are for Queens, M buses are for Manhattan, and Bx buses are for the Bronx), and to take it to Roosevelt station. Did that, hopped on an E train (which ran express to Times Square and I met this woman from Brazil who missed her flight to Philadelphia and had to catch a bus from Times Square to Philadelphia. She was asking me for directions, and I kind of explained to her where to go. OK, I'm tired and sore, so I hope y'all enjoyed today's shennanigans.

Garden State

If you'll remember back to last week, I set out to update my drivers license, only to be told by the NYC DMV that I needed to prove "proof of birth." Since I was born in New Jersey, I hoped a trian to Trenton today. Here's why I went in person. You can have it mailed to you, but you have to fax them proof of identity, and it costs $25 plus a shipping cost of $27, and you get it in 15 to 19 days (that's express...never has anything taken 2 weeks and been called "express," but I digress). It cost $21.50 to take a round trip to Trenton to pick it up in person, and the Department of Vital Records is 3 blocks from the train station. Easy decision for me. So I hop the train, and make my way to the Garden State, the place where I was born, New Jersey. The first stop out of New York is Newark, and all though Newark is very close to New York, it feels so far. You really can't even see the city. We went through a bunch of stops, New Brunswick (where I was born) being one of them. About an hour and a half after I left, I arrived in Trenton, NJ. Got to the place, filled out the paperwork, paid my money, made some NASCAR small talk with the girl behind the desk, and boom, done. The whole process in Trenton took less than 5 minutes (it took a while to get there, and it took a bit to walk over to the place, but the actual time at the Department of Vitals was litterally in and out). So I headed back to the train station to head back to New York. Riding through Jersey is the strangest thing. Geographicallly, I'm about 20-30 miles outside of New York (if you're from GA and never been to New York and don't remember, think Alpharetta or Lawrenceville to Atlanta). Got back on the train, and headed back to the city determined to update my license and piss off the DMV at the same time by walking in 5 minutes berfore they close. Alas, they closed at 4:00 pm, and I arrived at 4:40. Guess it'll have to wait until Tuesday to do that (since Monday I start at my new job...for more information on the job, see the blog "Waiting"). So who knows what shennanigans I'll get into with the DMV. That blog will be sure to be a doozy. So, here's to me proving to the state of NY that I was indeed born, and not spawned or hatched like perviously noted. Until next time!

Waiting

I'm in a great mood today, because I found a job! As many of you know, I quit my day job about 2 and a half years ago, so I could act full time. As a way of keeping the cash flow coming in, I went into the food service industry (i.e. "waiter"), and that's what I'll be doing to keep the bills paid until I hear from Lorne Michaels. Abell scored me an application to a Pan-Asian restaurant called Ruby-Foos right in the heart of Times Square. I dropped it off today and they interviewed/quizzed me on different things, and they guy said "well, training starts Monday, you're un-officially hired." He gave me my Monday schedule, and training lasts a week. I'm really happy to have found something. They stay very busy since we're in the theater district, and it seems like a great place to work.

I'm sitting back typing, and I just realized that almost 2 weeks ago, I was getting on a plane to go to this big, strange city, with a few thousand dollars in the bank, no where to live, no job, and a suitcase full of clothes. In that time frame, I've found a place and a job(and once I get my schedule down, I'll be heading over to UCB). I can't thank you all enough for you support and prayers. It means so much to me, and I can't tell you all how much you all mean to me (by you, I mean anyone of my friends, or if you just happen to be reading this). If I can impart any words of wisdom to anyone thinking about making a move to either New York or LA, I'd say it's more important to have a vision of what to accomplish. People throw around a dollar amount to bring, and you should have money saved up. It's more important to know what you want, and stay true to that goal. Anything that will take you off of that focus or goal, forget about. Stay on the path. Also, positive thinking goes along way. My buddy Matt (aka known as "My Matt") and I were headed up to Harrah's about a month ago, and the was telling me about this Tony Robin's book he bought about positive thinking. The basic premise was you can teach yourself to feel better (along with increasing pleasure and decreasing pain). It wasn't about numbing yourself into a false sense of happiness, but when someone asks you "how you doing?" you can respond "I'm great." I also had a trigonometry teacher talk about the same principles. Positive thinking really goes a long way, so if you've had a crumby day or you're not feeling well, the next time someone asks how you're doing, start choosing to feel great, and really mean it. After all, if you can see it, you can do it (I know, kind of a corny line, and I'm not going out that way).

So, how are you today?

42nd Street

Sorry I haven't bloggerd in a few days. I did a bit more job hunting today, and I think I'm getting closer to landing one. I had a long talk with my buddy Jeff Pack about job searches and life in one of the big two markets (he moved to Los Angeles back in January, and he's diving into the restaurant biz for the first time. He'll do great, because he's one of the most focused people I know). Anyway, good talk, and for any of you thinking about making the move to either New York of Los Angeles, remember why you're moving. Obviously the place and the job are important (the simile Pack used was it's like a soldier going into Afghanistan and just shooting ramdomly. Our soldiers don't do that, they set up a base first, which is the stage Pack and I are both in). Anyway, things are moving along nicely, and I'm staying busy.

I've been hitting Times Square a lot lately, since it's pretty busy down that way. It's quite a sight, and I promise to have pictures up soon. Times Square is pretty funny, in that there are all these souvenier shops, a couple of movie theaters, and a bunch of restaurants. From a restaurant stand point, what makes Times Square so unique is that most of the restaurants in Times Square are ones you can find a stones throw from your home. For instance, there's a Friday's, Applebee's, Olvie Garden, and a Sbarro all right there. Now don't get me wrong, you've got some really nice, trendy places (where I've been applying), and then the aforementioned (where I have not been applying). The best part is, you can go to any of these restaurants anywhere in America, but in Times Square you're going to pay twice as much as you would anywhere else for something not very good. They could seriously use a Target or a Wal-Mart down there. My brother made a great poing about Wal-Mart; you can't say "I'm going into Wal-Mart right quick." That's at least a 30 minute journey, between browsing for things you don't need and waiting in line behind about 10 people. It would fit right in in Times Square.

OK, pretty tame past few days. I do need to go down to Trenton, NJ for my official state birth certificate sometime this week (to updated my license for "proof of birth," also, I want to get a passport soon for cruise 2k8). More to come later!

Swingers

I'll get into my day momentarily, but let's recap the evening. I got to hang with my good friend's younger brother Steve Pack (Steve is the younger brother of my buddy Jeff Pack of: http://jeffpacklajournal.blogspot.com fame). Ashley and I ran into Steve after my 10 year reunion, and I'm proud to say that Steve is my new New York buddy. What an awesome guy, and if I may say so, Mr. and Mrs. Pack did an awesome job with their 2 boys. They're so different, yet so the same, they remind me a bit of my brother, Kevin, and myself. Whenever anyone meets my brother who knows me, they immediately know Kevin is my brother, and Steve is the same way when it comes to Jeff. We had a great time, I hung out with and got to meet some of his friends, and they really made me feel welcome. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with Steve more, because he's a UGA grad/fan, and he's a super cool dude. We met up for dinner...wait, let's start with the rest of my day.

Woke up this morning and had some Kellogs Corn Flakes. Yes, I did taste them again for the first time, and they were delicious with my blueberries and Silk soy milk. I set out with 3 goals today. 1) Fix my Java apps on my phone, 2) Get my NY drivers license, and 3) job hunt. We're going a bit bass ackwards today, so I found a Nextel Service center up on 181st St. Carlos and Eduardo were great, they're Pro Wrestling fans, and all around nice guys. They said to wait about 2 hours once they tinkered with my Java apps, and to go on my merry way. OK, in the words of Jeff Pack, "check that off the list" (incidentally, I was carrying a checklist, but that's neither here nor there). So I hopped a train down to 34th St. to update my license.

There are few pleasures in life than dealing with the local DMV. Really, it's quite a joy. These people are so pleasant and helpful, why, it's as pleasant as any root-canal or visit to Dr. Jellyfinger when I hit the age of 40. I told the nice lady behind the booth (which was situated to where she was looking down at me, but it must've been a co-inky-dink) that I had just moved here from GA, I updated my license with the state of GA last year, and that I had just moved to NY and needed to update my license. I had said GA license on me ready to exchange along with my Social Security card to prove my identity. She looked at me and told me I needed proof of birth. I thought that me standing there was appropriate proof, seeing as I hadn't just appeared out of thin air. Or better yet, no, neither of my parents were amoebas nor starfish, ergo, I was part of a live birth, which is why I stand here today in need of a NY license. But why should it be that easy. Jeff Pack, I know your pain with the California DMV my friend. Completely ridiculous. So I was smart enough to leave my birth certificate in GA, which is a great place for it. On a side note, it's a hospital certificate, and if I ever wanted a passport (which I do), I'll need to apply for a state birth certificate, so I'll be handling that tomorrow. "We need proof of birth." Only at the DMV.

After that complete waste of time, I hit the job circuit. Chef David from Einstein's fame told me to hit 6th avenue headed towards central park, because there's a ton of restaurants there. I did a bit of hunting in that area, then I headed back to Times Square. I filled out a few apps today, and I have to say, it's quite a humbling experience walking in and asking for a job. You basically fill out the same information over and over again and again. Same info, same places you worked, same references. I set the goal to have a job by the end of my second week here, and I'm ahead of schedule, so I'm not too worried. I'm going to follow up on a few places early next week and knock that out. Onto the evening.

I got home, made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and changed. I was on my way to meet Steve, but it was raining heavily. My sweet roommate loaned me an umbrella, however it was no good, because the weather today was nasty. The bottoms of my jeans are still soaked. I'm running late to meet my new friend, it's raining, however, Steve was super cool and talked me through were I was going. We had Asian/noodles at this place by where he lived (Jeff, you'd love this place...it's so Pack...which is why I can see why Steve brought me there). Had a great time, and then it was off to the birthday gathering.

Steve's friends were great. They work in the financial industry, and there were a plethora of Atlanta peeps and UGA grads, so I felt at home. I started talking football with one of the guys Russ, and we went so far as to talk about Georgia's backups and their signing class. Dan (it was his birthday) sat across from me, and him and Steve were talking about different shots they had invented, one being a "bear fight." If I remember correctly, a bear fight is a Jager bomb followed by an Irish car bomb. At first, we came up with "rabid bear fight," which would include the aforementioned shots, plus a shot of tequilla. However, being the stickler that I am, and knowing that bears are not indigenious to Mexico (Black bears, Brown bears, Grizzlies, etc.), I pointed out that maybe adding tequilla to the shot wouldn't necessarily make it rabid, and wouldn't really keep a bear theme. Then someone asked if bears can even get rabies, to which I answered yes, since it's a mammal; any mammal can get rabies. By the way, I wouldn't recommend talking about rabies, mammals, or which members of which class are susceptible to rabies. Way to make a first impression B, you're the new guy, and you're over there correcting the shots people get and giving them a biology lesson. Let's save National Geographic or Survivor Man for another time. Anyway, Steve's friends laughed, and they were really cool about my dorkiness. Oh, and we decided Stoli would be a good way to finish off the bear fight and make it rabid, seeing as bears can be found in the Russian wilderness. Great group of folks last night, and I'm glad they allowed me the pleasure of their company. Steve gets a game ball.

After that, I took the A train back up to my part of town, started this blog and went to sleep. Oh, and if you're wondering, prior to going out last night, I had to stop back by the Nextel store and have my phone fixed again, since it didn't take the first time. Now it works, the only issue is I can't download Pac-Man. Tonight I'm going to catch Abell's improv show. I'll be ready to give notes to complete strangers afterwards, since everyone loves being corrected. Until next time...

Three Days in the Valley

...is exactly what it's felt like not having internet, but we have wireless in the apartment! Huge props to Juan over at Verizon for being a great bilingual customer service rep and really helping me out.

Today was tame, so we'll bring you up to speed concerning yesterday's activities. Abell and I went job hunting down in Times Square. I filled out an app at Hard Rock Cafe, then we went to some other place that said they weren't hiring, but to fill out a questionaire and they'd get back to us. The aforementioned questionaire was basically wine, liquor and food knowledge, which wasn't much of a problem for me, thanks to the good folks at Oceanaire in Atlanta, GA. They even served oysters that I recommend to everyone (Blue Points, which are East Coast, and Kummamoto, which are West Coast. Never fear, they get along swimmingly...eh? Eh? Nah? Oh, come on, that's funny). Corny jokes aside, the guy called us both back (Matt, I got a call back! Good stuff!), and told us he was actually looking to hire one more server, and that he'd be in touch. Afterwards, we headed down to where Abell works and grabbed some pizza. She had to go to work, so I decided to continue my job hunt. I hit Tavern on the Green because Stack told me to, and I filled out an app there. For those of you who don't know, Tavern on the Green is the end all, be all restaurant in New York. They grossed well over $40 million dollars last year, so needless to say, they stay busy. After I filled out my app, I talked to the guy (nice guy named Angel, also come to find out he's a huge fan of history and a poly-sci guy). He was a straight shooter, and I think I impressed him, because after I told him what I was looking for, he said "Walk with me." We started talking a bit, and he got into some history stuff. He said "So, you're from Georgia. They still fighting the Civil War down there?," to which I responded, "Absolutely. In fact, we refer to anyone from up North as a 'Lincoln Lover.'" He liked that. He showed me the entire restaurant, and asked if I ever worked in a kitchen that big, to which I responded no. He pointed out the gift shop to me, to which I responded, "listen, I know I'm from down South, but we're not that slow." He laughed again. He's a no BS guy, and I was respectful the whole time, but I was also me...OK, not too much me, I'm good in small doses when you first meet me. He was looking around for one of the senior managers to introduce me to her, but she must've been gone for the day. After that, we went back to his office, and talked more about what I wanted to do. I was honest and told him I'm a good server and that's where I think I'd help everyone, and help myself in gaining money and keeping food on my plate and a roof over my head. He explained the set up to me (captain, waiter, and wait assistant...if anyone knows what a wait captain does, please enlighten me), and asked if my number was the best place to reach me, which I said yes. We shook hands, and he said "Brian, it's been an absolute pleasure," and I said, "Likewise, and I look forward to hearing from you." In the grand scheme of things, it'd be great to work here starting off while I'm manifesting my goal. I then headed down to UCB Theaters, and picked up some info on their improv troupes and talked to a few guys in the box office. I have to pause for a moment and take this all in. I just really see everything coming together, and I haven't been this happy in a while. I'm happy, because I have the best friends and support systme in Atlanta, and I miss and love all of you guys like you wouldn't believe. I also thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for me up here in the Big Apple. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful friends anyone could ever ask for, and I think Him everyday for bringing all of you into my life.

OK, back to more hilarity. I unpacked yesterday evening and just chilled out. Today was internet/grocery shopping/laundry day, and 2 out of 3 tasks are completed (A gold star to the first who can guess it). I'm going to nerd out tonight and watch "Lost." Tomorrow, I'm going to see if I have better luck at the New York DMV and get my New York license, to make it super official that I'm a New Yorker. And for those wondering, pictures will be up soon.

Much love to everyone reading the blog. Later taters!

Are We There Yet?

We'll keep it short and sweet today, or as such that I can keep it. I've been told that I can be a bit long-winded ;)

Yesterday we had quite a bit of rain in the big apple. Our bus broke down, and we had to catch another bus. Abell, Sheena, and I did a bit of shopping on 34th St., and I got a new winter coat and haggled the price down on 2 t-shirts (a Venom one and a John Lennon one...if you know me, you know I'm a t-shirt honk). I also bought a good winter coat, that I wasn't sure if it was a woman's coat or not. I wanted a cool Pea Coat like my friend Matt has, and the price was great ($100). You know what, if it's meant for a woman, I really don't care because it looks great on me and I'm warm.

We then had dinner at TGIFriday's. Friday's is the most chainy, goofy, no substance restaurant on the planet. It had to have inspired Chotsky's in "Office Space." Now they advertise free refills on fountain drinks, which just doesn't happen in Manhattan. I open the menu and decide on a nice healthy burger, at the reasonable rate of $15.59. Really? OK, I was in the mood for a beer, but at nearly $16 for a burger, no thanks. What, am I going to have to re-finance and hope to get a better rate just to purchase a beer? Am I going to have to take a second mortgage just to get some fried cheese sticks as an app? We get the bill at the end, and I see my Diet Pepsi (sorry Stack, you're going to be hard pressed to find Diet Coke up here) cost $3.59. Oh, and our server wasn't too up on re-filling our drinks. So for those of you keeping score at home, my meal was $15.59, drink (non-alcoholic) was $3.59, and that was before tax. I should have asked if they carried Pabst Blue Ribbon, because you can probably get a six pack of that for cheaper than 1 Diet Pepsi at the Friday's across from Madison Square Garden. Friday's also includes a little handy guide on tipping (15% standard, 18% good, 20% excellent). That formula might have worked in 1962, but I give 20% just for basic service (it's a hard job, and who wants the rap of being a bad tipper). I guess it's for foreign guests who think they can run up a huge bill and not tip. Sorry for the rant, back to where we were. So Abell heads to her rehearsal, and Sheena and I go move my stuff into my new place. I love it there. I'll text everyone my new address, because I don't feel too safe leaving it out there in cyber space. We then met Abell after her rehearsal, and went to a Starbucks in Times Square, where I taught Helen (I just realized some of you may not have made the correlation that Helen and Abell are one in the same, since her name is Helen Abell) and Sheena about wine and a bit about liquor for when they go looking for restaurants jobs. Oh, and afterwards, I bought another t-shirt, because it gave me a good idea....

On a side note, the major drug store up here is Duane Reade. Ironically, when I was in one the other day, the guy cashing me out was named "Dwayne." So I kept insisting he was the Duane (or "Dwayne") of Duane Reade fame.I decide to make like my buddy Jeff Pack and be completely ridiculous with this guy. You're probably not laughing whilst you read this, and that's fine, because you should've been there. I put a smile on his face.

OK, Abell (of Helen fame) and I are going to look for jobs and get into more shennanigans. Until later!

The Explorers

Huge thanks to Jeff Pack on helping me with my blog. I had been creating all new ones, and now I have it all consolidated. Jeff's blog can be read at: http://jeffpacklajourney.blogspot.com. Check it out if you haven't already.

I'm slowly but surely getting used to New York. It's pretty cool, and I love riding a train everywhere. I'm used to walking places, and I had no problem walking a mile or more to get somewhere in the ATL. In New York, a train can get you anywhere, and I'm getting pretty used to the A train and the 1 train. I'm not used to no free re-fills on Cokes (known as soda in the North), no sweet tea, no Wal-Mart (it would really fit in in Times Square), and no Chik-Fil-A. However, the trains and buses are great, especially when you have a 30 day Metro pass, and it's nice to be able to buy beer on Sundays. However, let's get to the fun.

My first night in New York was your proverbial deer in headlights for me. I was completely clueless as to where anything was, no sense of direction, and if I didn't have Helen and Sheena there to guide me, I'd be screwed. I got to see Times Square for the first time Saturday night, and it reminded me so much of Las Vegas, minus the casinos. I'd love to see Kelly Coker in Times Square. That picture makes me smile. So as I'm exiting the train, there's a woman handing out flyers, and I decide to take one. Of course, it's for Scientology auditing. Awesome. Not even off my first train, and I'm hit with a Scientology sales pitch...ERRR...pamphlet. To each his own on his or her beliefs, but I answer to a Jewish carpenter (I know...think about it....). So we walk around for a bit, and we hang in Times Square and check out Hells Kitchen, and we eat in a small diner. We camped at the table a bit, and I was going to tip our waitress in cash, but I noticed she was leaving. I stopped her and tried to give her the cash, but she said she couldn't take it because they pool their tips, and the next shift had already taken over. Marx and Lenin would be so proud to see communism working wonders in the food industry. You should already be up to speed on Sunday (Spanglish), which brings us to today.

I hung with Helen, Sheena, and one of Helen's roommates, and helped Helen look for a place (we'll touch on her situation later, that is if she'd like me to. I'll ask later). Abell and I got some pizza down by where she worked, and Sheena joined us. Sheena is a blast. Just lots of fun. So while Helen is in barista mode serving up grande, double caff, no fat, extra whip, latte's at Starbucks, Sheena and I decided to check out the city. We went and saw Rockefeller Center first, then took a train to Chinatown. Cool place. Ducks that have been glazed in the window, really good Chinese food (or what the Chinese themselves call "food"), and a bus you can take to Boston for $20 roundtrip. Apparently, Chinatown is the place to go for any designer knock off. You have to be blind folded and ride 30 minutes in a van to get to these sweatshops they have set up, but it was getting late, and we have the whole resto f the week. We then met up with Sheena's friend Renee, and it reminded me that I have a friend named Renee. We then walked over to Little Italy, and walked by a bunch of restaurants. At these restaurants, the managers hang out on the steps, and try to hustle you in to eat. My response was, "no thanks, I ate recently, and I'm just not hungry, but maybe next time," which they really don't want to hear. We made our way over to Soho, and I learned Houston St. is pronounced "House-ton," not like the city. Personally, I like when people say "Houston" with a silent "H." Very trendy area that had a good vibe. The weather was also great today. We then made our way over to Ground Zero via the train, and walked over to the financial district. It's amazing that 2 very big buildings used to stand there, and the city is going to build just one in it's place. I'd build the 2 right back up, but I'm not in charge, so it doesn't really matter what I think. Man, I can remember eating breakfast at Windows on the World, which was a restaurant that was on top of one of the buildings. It was quite eerie to see this spot and remember what happened a little more than 6 years ago.

After hanging in the Financial district, we took a train back to Times Square to see the movie "Penelope." I was with 2 females and didn't have a choice, and I didn't want to be a jerk and say "well, I'm going to see 'Semi-Pro,' I'll see you 2 later." By the way, no student discounts, and movies are $11.75 here. You can bring in contraband, but not student discounts?!?! Crazy!!! The movie was fine, I think Stack would love it, and then Sheena and I met back up with Abell at her friendly neighborhood Starbucks.

What will the Explorers do tomorrow? Check back and see....

Spanglish

I don't like to self-gloss, however, this is one instance where I think it's appropriate. I found a place to live in Manhattan, less than 24 hours after I got off the plane. I'm impressed, however, I'm much more grateful than anything.

Before I continue, if you haven't read my last blog, please do so: www.blogspot.com/thelifeofbrian-ny-atl. I think that's the link. If not, I'll edit it. Again, I'm really good at getting off the subject. I gave thanks to a bunch of my friends in the last blog, and if I left you out, I sincerely apologize. I got home late, and woke up later and still had to pack. It's a lame excuse, however, I'll make it up to you if you weren't mentioned, because I do want to take the time to thank you all personally. However, this blog is called "Spanglish," and we need to get the show on the road...

If you've never used craigslist, it's a great way to find...well, anything, really. It's become a great place to find a roommate. While Helen was in a meeting today, I was setting up appointments to look at apartments, and getting lost and finding my way, all at the same time. FYI, New York is very daunting. It's a concrete jungle, and it's crazy, but don't let the city own you. Don't let anything own you for that matter. Anyway, I set up a 3:00pm meeting to see an apartment at 165th and Broadway. It's about 20 blocks north of my friend Helen Abell and 10 blocks north of my new friend Sheena. Basically, it's in Washington Heights near Columbia University, across from the University hospital and above a Wendy's (great, just what I need, to live above the Home of the Baconator and the Stack Attack). Also, right on the A and 1 lines. My first impression when we got off the subway was, "wow, I kind of like the area." I got a really good vibe. So, the three of us venture up to the apartment on the 6th floor. A small woman who speaks primarily Spanish answers the door. She shows me the apartment, and tells me her daughter is on the way (she speaks English). So we go over everything, and here's the deal: $700, all utilities included, no deposit, rent month to month, and fully furnished. Yes, internet is included as is cable. I told her I needed to think about it (obviously not too long!), and went and checked out one more. I just got such a good vibe from the first place, I made my decision after seeing the second one. I paid my first month's rent, got a receipt, and I'm in on Tuesday. So, if you're keeping score at home, my new roommate will be a 60 year old woman who speaks primarily Spanish. We're the new freaking Odd Couple!!!

I can't tell you how relieved I am. It's kind of like when Luke Skywalker went back to Dagobah in "Return of the Jedi" to complete his training, and he realized that he truly was a Jedi all along. He always had it in him. This week, I'm going to start job hunting down on restaurant row. I'm so grateful to my friend Helen for letting me crash on her couch. If you ever stayed with a friend at their place, the last thing you want is a "You, Me, and Dupree" situation (by the way, Stack what did you think of it? I don't need to see it to know it's terrible, but I'd like your thoughts as well). I'm kidding, of course. Man, I miss the troupe already. I know they had to have had a killer show tonight. I may call Matt and have him put me on speaker phone whilst the gang is at Taco Mac.

That's all for now gang. I'm looking forward to improving my Spanglish...

ATL

The party is over. If you're from Boston or any where in New England, it's "ovah." I leave today at 2:20. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a nicer going away party. Since it's 5:00 AM, I'll try to keep it quick and give everyone a personal thanks.

Matt and Stack: You guys have to be first, and all though I'd love to give you individual thanks, I'd start crying, and I don't want to do that. You two are more than my two closetest friends. You're the cell wall to my plant cell. That's right, if I were a plant cell, I'd have a cell wall named "Matt/Stack."

Melissa: I never had a big sister (why'd you have to be such a hottie?), but I couldn't be happier with one in you. You make me and everyone else around you happy. Keep that up.

Vinnie: Remember our chat Submariner. You did the right thing, and I'm very proud of you.

BJ: Finished. I now have a rocking dramatic role and it's all thanks to you!!!

Coker: Words simply can't describe, and I'll get to emotional if I type. Make sure Jon (aka "Jun") knows he's the luckiest guy in the world.

Scary/Jerry Barry: Wow. I love watching you perform. Not only have you become a tremendous improvisor, you have a keen eye for what's good and bad in improv, and that makes you even more awesome. It makes you super awesome.

Isabella: Another party, another surprise. I couldn't ask for a better one. Great seeing you again.

Ashley: We haven't hung out in a while, but I still consider you a very close friend. It meant so much to me to not only see you at my final show, but also at my farewell soiree tonight. You have a tremendous amount of talent, and you're a beautiful soul. As much as I ask everyone "who's my favorite," I only really mean it when I'm asking one person, and I hope I don't have to spell it out, because it would be kind of awkward.

Janet: Stay thirsty. I'm glad I have you for a second mom, because God knows I need it, even if you don't like my long hair.

Paigemaster: Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow about the move. I need to hear it.

Josh: My future lawyer, I hope to always greet you with a hug.

Dave and Wendy: I can't tell you two how blessed I am for knowing you guys and having y'all in my life. God really smiled down on me and hooked me up with friends like you (and come to think about it, He did so with each and everyone of you. I am truly, truly blessed and a better person for knowing ALL of you...however, this is Dave and Wendy time, so back to them). Dave, I know the troupe is going to soar to new heights with everything you bring, and Wendy...well, you're just simply "Aweshum man!"

Kevin: Kelly, make sure you tickle him while I'm gone. I can't do it because it's weird, but you can get away with it.

Chapman: Thank you for being a great teacher, an amazing mentor, and a wonderful friend...and all the rides every where (by the way, if you ever gave me a ride, THANK YOU!!!). I think the note here would be...thank you for imparting your vast improv intellect on me. I hope to make you proud.

Peanut: My one and only Peanut...you make me happy when skies are gray. GO DAWGS!!!!

Playing in Traffic: Matt, Stack, Coker, Paige, Cedric, Preston, Reigna, Scary Barry, Josh, Dave, Lara, Teates, Tatom...am I leaving any one out? You guys continue to rock the house and "Do good work for me!" You are all loved and will be sorely missed!!

OK, I dozed off during this blog, and today is the big day.

So Long, ATL...