So I'm sitting in my classroom. I've got my posters unrolled and weighted down with dictionaries. I dragged my desks back where I like them. The floors are nice and shiny. They'll stay that way for oh, a week before going back to the dusty dullness. I'm so glad they let the floor dry more thouroughly than last year before moving everything back in. Sometimes the resin isn't quite dry and the furniture sticks to the floors. Gives new meaning to nailed down. And when you move said furniture, after unsticking it of course, there's usually an unsightly ring... kind of like when you move a chair off a carpet, but not this year! I still have failed to get keys for the closet. Man, who do you have to murder? I thought when one of the teacher retired, I could confiscate his, but we (school secretary and I) can't find them.
Now there's a lot of unschool stuff from the past two weeks that I should tell you about... a coolio book signing, an uber funny short film premier, and the getting of a roomie... but that will wait until later. Gotta actually do some work, man.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Vacation's Over
So you've probably noticed I haven't written for a while. I have, but it's been in a small journal in a scribbly cursive that occasionally breaks out into print. Yeah, I've got crappy handwriting. Sometimes I wish I had the pretty loopy scrawl of Melissa, but I'm left handed and other than when I'm writing on the board, my handwritings pretty bad.
So scroll down and read my post dated entries starting from Aug. 4.
So scroll down and read my post dated entries starting from Aug. 4.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Home Again
Just finished Something Rotten. Really – that’s the title. It’s a Thursday Next novel. Unfortunately I believe it may be the last. I wish I was as clever as Jasper Fforde… but I’m not. I think we’re beginning our descent into LA. After a last bout of Mario, we headed off to the mall – Neshaminy – to buy Clare’s family some candy.
After failed attempts to get Clare some money, we went to the Blue Fountain Diner. I have learned that you can’t drive a mile in Pennsylvania without hitting a diner… kinda like the pubs in England or the Starbucks in LA. They serve the oddest things in their sapad bar, like whole boiled eggs, and chopped liver. Mel ordered chili that I wouldn’t have eaten and I learned it’s very Midwestern to put ketchup in your chili. Right.
After picking up our luggage Mel drove us to the airport. We parked in Terminal A to see Clare off. No tears… but we were sad. On the way back I noticed that my flight to DC was cancelled due to Charley most likely – so we went back to the car, drove to Terminal E parking and walked back to Terminal D and approached the lineless United counter. The nice man made my day. “Well, we can put you on our direct flight to LAX leaving at 6:30. It pays to check in early, doesn’t it?” Yup.
I was a bit squished at first, but the gentleman in the center seat wasted no time in asking for an empty aisle seat. So that means there’s an empty seat between me and the guy reading There She Is… who I coincidently was sitting next to in the waiting area as well. He’s listening to country music so loudly through his headphones I could probably sing along.
The movie – Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind – weird trip. I can see the lights below and there goes the landing gear. Too bad I’m not near a window. I am beat. I can’t wait to tell Liz about my Grand Adventure… especially since she was nice enough to pick me up.
After failed attempts to get Clare some money, we went to the Blue Fountain Diner. I have learned that you can’t drive a mile in Pennsylvania without hitting a diner… kinda like the pubs in England or the Starbucks in LA. They serve the oddest things in their sapad bar, like whole boiled eggs, and chopped liver. Mel ordered chili that I wouldn’t have eaten and I learned it’s very Midwestern to put ketchup in your chili. Right.
After picking up our luggage Mel drove us to the airport. We parked in Terminal A to see Clare off. No tears… but we were sad. On the way back I noticed that my flight to DC was cancelled due to Charley most likely – so we went back to the car, drove to Terminal E parking and walked back to Terminal D and approached the lineless United counter. The nice man made my day. “Well, we can put you on our direct flight to LAX leaving at 6:30. It pays to check in early, doesn’t it?” Yup.
I was a bit squished at first, but the gentleman in the center seat wasted no time in asking for an empty aisle seat. So that means there’s an empty seat between me and the guy reading There She Is… who I coincidently was sitting next to in the waiting area as well. He’s listening to country music so loudly through his headphones I could probably sing along.
The movie – Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind – weird trip. I can see the lights below and there goes the landing gear. Too bad I’m not near a window. I am beat. I can’t wait to tell Liz about my Grand Adventure… especially since she was nice enough to pick me up.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Cats and BBQ
We managed to get out of the hotel by 11:30. At our stop in a Maryland Denny’s, Mel pointed out that only people who are really tired or really wasted go there. “Because the menu as pictures. You only have to point. I want this and this and this.” Very true.
After we got home, we relaxed for an hour or two with Super Mario, then with a stop at the grocery store for chicken and corn with a C, not a P as originally heard, we headed over to Natalie’s house for a BBQ. Their apartment was actually an old courthouse for their township from the early 1820’s. It was pretty cool. They’re cat people so I had a good time visiting with Ping and Packet… only saw Cowcat from a distance. We painted while the boys watched Celebrity Poker. I painted a dragon sleeping on books while Clare went for more abstract designs. Mel – a jungle scene and Nat painted the numbers on her new mailbox.
After we got home, we relaxed for an hour or two with Super Mario, then with a stop at the grocery store for chicken and corn with a C, not a P as originally heard, we headed over to Natalie’s house for a BBQ. Their apartment was actually an old courthouse for their township from the early 1820’s. It was pretty cool. They’re cat people so I had a good time visiting with Ping and Packet… only saw Cowcat from a distance. We painted while the boys watched Celebrity Poker. I painted a dragon sleeping on books while Clare went for more abstract designs. Mel – a jungle scene and Nat painted the numbers on her new mailbox.
DC Day 2
So last night I was too tired – or too distracted by the furry episode of CSI that was continually interrupted by tornado warnings to write.
So Thursday we started off rather poorly when Mel set the alarm for 7:30pm instead of am. We realized, just in time that the last tram before noon left at 9:30 so we got our butts in gear and got to Union Station after a banana and a cookie or two. We hopped on The Old Town Trolley and took it around to visit all the sites. A few highlights: The Whitehouse – where the squirrels were so friendly I could have reached out and touched one. The FBI building – which is only slightly down the street from Ford’s Theater – construction sucks.
The Lincoln Monument has lots of steps and is cool and crowded. A great view. Next time, bring day old bread to feed the ducks in the reflecting pool. The National Gallery is a cool place to buy 10 Monet postcards and illuminated stationary before dragging ourselves back to the tram stop.
The rain started just as we got some good views of the Capitol. Back at Union Station we sprung for Café Uno appetizer sampler, soup or chili, and a brownie Sunday to split between the three of us. Yum! Back outside we waited for a 6:05 tram that never came… or was five minutes early. So back inside we went where we found the loo, and Mel bought a Viking hat. Yup… with plastic horns and everything. She says it’s for Viking Thursday. Strange thing Viking hats… the moment you put it on, you’re compelled to sing. I also forgot to mention previous forays into tourist shops and purchase of presents and money with President Wilson notepad – a million uses at school.
Right. So after being approached by multiple pan handlers, the 7:20 arrived and we rather passed out in the hotel after Will and Grace, CSI, and part of Conan the Barbarian II. – Yeah, Arnold in bikini pants with fur.
So Thursday we started off rather poorly when Mel set the alarm for 7:30pm instead of am. We realized, just in time that the last tram before noon left at 9:30 so we got our butts in gear and got to Union Station after a banana and a cookie or two. We hopped on The Old Town Trolley and took it around to visit all the sites. A few highlights: The Whitehouse – where the squirrels were so friendly I could have reached out and touched one. The FBI building – which is only slightly down the street from Ford’s Theater – construction sucks.
The Lincoln Monument has lots of steps and is cool and crowded. A great view. Next time, bring day old bread to feed the ducks in the reflecting pool. The National Gallery is a cool place to buy 10 Monet postcards and illuminated stationary before dragging ourselves back to the tram stop.
The rain started just as we got some good views of the Capitol. Back at Union Station we sprung for Café Uno appetizer sampler, soup or chili, and a brownie Sunday to split between the three of us. Yum! Back outside we waited for a 6:05 tram that never came… or was five minutes early. So back inside we went where we found the loo, and Mel bought a Viking hat. Yup… with plastic horns and everything. She says it’s for Viking Thursday. Strange thing Viking hats… the moment you put it on, you’re compelled to sing. I also forgot to mention previous forays into tourist shops and purchase of presents and money with President Wilson notepad – a million uses at school.
Right. So after being approached by multiple pan handlers, the 7:20 arrived and we rather passed out in the hotel after Will and Grace, CSI, and part of Conan the Barbarian II. – Yeah, Arnold in bikini pants with fur.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
DC Day 1
So upon waking we decided it was Mel’s turn to get sick, but she was outvoted – plus we’d be out the night’s hotel in DC without 24 hour notice. So we hopped in the car and drove through Philly and Delaware, stopping for lunch somewhere in Maryland. We got to DC and our hotel and only made one U turn. We were all a little worried checking the wrong side of the street for our hotel.
Gallaudet University is really pretty with gorgeous brick buildings and lush green lawns. The room is in a conference center and the hotel runs a shuttle to Union Station, so after dropping off our bags, we decided to head to the American History Museum. We learned how to navigate the subway and especially – DC Metro doors eat people. Don’t get in their way.
We popped out in the middle of the Mall. I clicked a quick pic of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The museum has such cool things as Harrison Ford’s suit from Air Force One and Indy’s jacket and Fedora. Ruby Slippers, Abe’s stove pipe hat, and Oscar the Grouch were some of the other coolio stuff. There was an exhibit on Presidents and another of The First Ladies. I never realized how ugly Martha Washington was. There was also a Beatles photo exhibit, an Ella Fitzgerald area, and the flag that was draped over the Pentagon on 9/11.
On the way back we stopped at Union Station Food Court – which was the largest I had ever seen. After exploring only half, I went for Indian while Clare and Mel went for Greek. Yummy. We’re now back at the hotel watching the tail end of Smallville and writing this. I did however, realize I forgot my p.j.’s. Good news is I get a bed all to myself now. J Despite Clare and Mel’s opinion, this was not deliberate.
Gallaudet University is really pretty with gorgeous brick buildings and lush green lawns. The room is in a conference center and the hotel runs a shuttle to Union Station, so after dropping off our bags, we decided to head to the American History Museum. We learned how to navigate the subway and especially – DC Metro doors eat people. Don’t get in their way.
We popped out in the middle of the Mall. I clicked a quick pic of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The museum has such cool things as Harrison Ford’s suit from Air Force One and Indy’s jacket and Fedora. Ruby Slippers, Abe’s stove pipe hat, and Oscar the Grouch were some of the other coolio stuff. There was an exhibit on Presidents and another of The First Ladies. I never realized how ugly Martha Washington was. There was also a Beatles photo exhibit, an Ella Fitzgerald area, and the flag that was draped over the Pentagon on 9/11.
On the way back we stopped at Union Station Food Court – which was the largest I had ever seen. After exploring only half, I went for Indian while Clare and Mel went for Greek. Yummy. We’re now back at the hotel watching the tail end of Smallville and writing this. I did however, realize I forgot my p.j.’s. Good news is I get a bed all to myself now. J Despite Clare and Mel’s opinion, this was not deliberate.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Amish Country
Today we were going to Amish country but Clare was feeling ill so we stayed in, got drunk, watched Stargate, made cookies and played Mario. It was a good day. We ate stew and dumplings for dinner – yummy. After that we played more Nintendo before some Gin Rummy.
Now I totally skimmed over the two funniest events of the day. First of all, before Clare woke up, Mel wanted me to help pick up her packages… one was almost as tall as me. Mel had ordered two lamps off of Ebay from Minnesota.
Now upon opening the first package we discovered every packing material known to man – bubble rap, cardboard, foam, peanuts, Styrofoam, airbags, and old grocery bags. The second box was similar, but it had an added bonus! A ratty old pink and white flowered pillow. Right. Wonderfully amusing, those Minnesotans. I got into a total giggle fit and didn’t stop laughing for at least five minutes. It was almost as bad as the time Clare explained about tanning salons and paper knickers.
The second amusement stemmed from Mel’s attempt at Daiquiris. Ice, mix, Vodka… blend… not right. More vodka. Nope, more mix, more vodka… bleh… okay, how about some rum? Sugar? Okay… Grenadine! Still not so good, but the blenders full so we’re drinking it anyway. Whoo Hoo! After a few sips, who cares?
Now I totally skimmed over the two funniest events of the day. First of all, before Clare woke up, Mel wanted me to help pick up her packages… one was almost as tall as me. Mel had ordered two lamps off of Ebay from Minnesota.
Now upon opening the first package we discovered every packing material known to man – bubble rap, cardboard, foam, peanuts, Styrofoam, airbags, and old grocery bags. The second box was similar, but it had an added bonus! A ratty old pink and white flowered pillow. Right. Wonderfully amusing, those Minnesotans. I got into a total giggle fit and didn’t stop laughing for at least five minutes. It was almost as bad as the time Clare explained about tanning salons and paper knickers.
The second amusement stemmed from Mel’s attempt at Daiquiris. Ice, mix, Vodka… blend… not right. More vodka. Nope, more mix, more vodka… bleh… okay, how about some rum? Sugar? Okay… Grenadine! Still not so good, but the blenders full so we’re drinking it anyway. Whoo Hoo! After a few sips, who cares?
Monday, August 09, 2004
King of Prussia and Valley Forge
So we got a new idea… well, Mel got it and I of course am making it my own. In her Virginia Jones series, we’re writing on Virginia and her two friends at an all girls’ boarding school circa 1906. We started discussing this during dinner at Don Pablos, a semi-decent Mexican joint (the only one in Penndel) with slow service. We had a big ass fried ice cream for dessert in a huge martini glass… really because Clare was curious and had never had it before. Yum. It was quickly demolished.
Earlier in the day we went to The King of Prussia Mall which, as Mel tells us, is the largest mall on the East Coast. It was okay. (You know me and shopping.) Mel and Clare forced me into buying a cool stripey skirt and a shirt… total of $25. Sale Baby! I struck out on shoes though. Mel bought some patent leather deals with heels.
We went into Tiffanies and Clare realized she never got a picture of the one in New York so we stood her outside the sign and took pictures. Then this mall security guy told us we couldn’t take pictures in the mall. It wasn’t like we were photographing the jewels. It was a sign for goodness sakes!
After we shopped we went to Valley Forge… which was conveniently practically next door. We visited the gift shop and grabbed a map and did a very cool self driving tourto all the different sights. Lots of beautiful scenery… and deer too. Yeah. The first time we saw one I told Mel to stop the car so I could get a picture. A lady drove by on a bike and told me I could take a picture of her too. I realized why she was laughing at me when later we drove through more countryside plagued with deer. They were almost as numerous as the cannons.
Earlier in the day we went to The King of Prussia Mall which, as Mel tells us, is the largest mall on the East Coast. It was okay. (You know me and shopping.) Mel and Clare forced me into buying a cool stripey skirt and a shirt… total of $25. Sale Baby! I struck out on shoes though. Mel bought some patent leather deals with heels.
We went into Tiffanies and Clare realized she never got a picture of the one in New York so we stood her outside the sign and took pictures. Then this mall security guy told us we couldn’t take pictures in the mall. It wasn’t like we were photographing the jewels. It was a sign for goodness sakes!
After we shopped we went to Valley Forge… which was conveniently practically next door. We visited the gift shop and grabbed a map and did a very cool self driving tourto all the different sights. Lots of beautiful scenery… and deer too. Yeah. The first time we saw one I told Mel to stop the car so I could get a picture. A lady drove by on a bike and told me I could take a picture of her too. I realized why she was laughing at me when later we drove through more countryside plagued with deer. They were almost as numerous as the cannons.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Recovery Day
Today was a day of recovery. I spent most of it napping, trying to shake this cold. Otherwise we were watching The Mummy, eating Mel’s French Toast, or watching her play Super Mario 3. She invited us to play but I suck so badly I get more enjoyment from cheering her on. We gathered our strength long enough to go see a 5:00 Bourne Supremacy. Sooo glad we watched the other one last night. Was not disappointed – action packed Matt Damon. Upon return Andy had made me chicken soup while the other girls enjoyed sloppy Joes and salad. There was Angel Food and the few strawberries she’d saved from the heap for dessert.
Finally watched Mel kick more Mario butt and finished off with a conversation about parents and boys (or girls, in Andy’s case). Mel and Andy related how the first sight of Andy and Rick in all black scared the heck out of Mel, so she just went back to reading her Beowulf. Rick almost asked Mel out, but Andy warned him. “She’s mine.” How romantic. His proposal consisted of opening a joint wedding account. He told her when she thought there was enough money in the account, they’d set a date for their wedding. And if she decided she didn’t want to marry him and just wanted to screw him over and take the money, that was okay too. Such a practical man.
Tomorrow we’re going to The King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge. Sound like fun? Bed is calling. Actually, Clare looks like she wants me to turn off the light. Her hearing aides are out… that’s a sure sign. Time to go.
Finally watched Mel kick more Mario butt and finished off with a conversation about parents and boys (or girls, in Andy’s case). Mel and Andy related how the first sight of Andy and Rick in all black scared the heck out of Mel, so she just went back to reading her Beowulf. Rick almost asked Mel out, but Andy warned him. “She’s mine.” How romantic. His proposal consisted of opening a joint wedding account. He told her when she thought there was enough money in the account, they’d set a date for their wedding. And if she decided she didn’t want to marry him and just wanted to screw him over and take the money, that was okay too. Such a practical man.
Tomorrow we’re going to The King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge. Sound like fun? Bed is calling. Actually, Clare looks like she wants me to turn off the light. Her hearing aides are out… that’s a sure sign. Time to go.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Liquer and Matt Damon
Just getting to bed. After a little nap on the couch we went off to dinner at a diner with Natalie and Dell. Clare didn’t exactly believe you could order practically any combo of food without the waitress even batting an eye. It was our waitress’s first day and she was pretty good for it. The dinner specials came with soup, salad bar, a glass of wine, entree, and desert. Whoah. That’s all I gotta say.
After dinner we went to a liquor store because you can’t buy hard stuff on a Sunday in Pennsylvania. Odd but true. I think it’s the Quaker influence holding strong. We bought ready made Cosmos and Vodka (the cheap kind).
Andy went off with Natalie and husband to play Magic and the three of us camped out with Belgian chocolates, Cosmos, and Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity. We followed that a with a little bit of Laurel and Hardy, Dr. Who, and whatever sketch comedy shows on late Saturday night. Tomorrow is Veggie Day. We’re getting pedicures and staying in our p.j.’s
After dinner we went to a liquor store because you can’t buy hard stuff on a Sunday in Pennsylvania. Odd but true. I think it’s the Quaker influence holding strong. We bought ready made Cosmos and Vodka (the cheap kind).
Andy went off with Natalie and husband to play Magic and the three of us camped out with Belgian chocolates, Cosmos, and Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity. We followed that a with a little bit of Laurel and Hardy, Dr. Who, and whatever sketch comedy shows on late Saturday night. Tomorrow is Veggie Day. We’re getting pedicures and staying in our p.j.’s
On the Train to Trenton
On the Train to Trenton, Mel took over.
I think Jenny slightly skews events and dialogue. While all these events happened, she retells it in such a manner that she looks better. Like just now, when we were lost in Center City Wednesday night, Jenny said, “When Mel took that turn I know it was the wrong direction.” Sure she did. I was lost in Center City, Philadelphia. The one exit to I-95 I knew of was closed and would have liked some help. – Mel
I would like to add to the above diatribe that I did my due part. I handed her the map. Now I do wonder why I handed her my journal. “Come on, enough about the airplane… I want to read about us!” Fine then. Mel Mel Mel Clare Clare Clare Mel Mel Clare Clare Mel Clare… Is that enough?
She documented every detail about the airplane, but blithely glides over our adventures. - Mel
Well, when one is alone, and has no one to talk to , it is easy to write four pages about airplanes.
We’re currently discussing holidays. The Bahamas or someplace else to sit for a week and do nothing. Clare has just been nominated and elected as President of Next Year’s Vacation.
This morning I woke up around 8:30 freezing my toes off. So I went into the bathroom and took a shower, figuring my buddies would at least be moving when I got out. Took my time, but nope. Just ZZZZZZZ… so I dragged a chair over to the bathroom light and read oh, about a hundred pages of Just a Geek before I decided to blow dry my hair before it completely fixed itself into Unbrushed Mess. The hairdryer did the trick… at least on waking Mel.
At about 11:15 we dropped off our keys and luggage and took a tube to Battery Park. It was a nice little walk with views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor. We decided to skip the ferry rides on account of my stomach. Mel and Clare then placated themselves with handbag purchases. Clare bought a coolio New York Yankees hat and tehn we stopped for a picture at the World Trade Center Sculpture before heading back to the tube. I won’t mention the pictures I took of Mel and Clare pole dancing in the subway car. Their idea… not mine.
Pole dancing is hard work. Clare and I think we hurt ourselves. - Mel
They’re complaining again. I figure I might skip over to returning our luggage. I got into the correct elevator, while Mel and Clare insisted on getting into the wrong one. Instead of argueing, I said, “I’ll meet you down there,” and pushed the button. As I was waiting for them to switch elevators and join me, a horde of very enthusiastic people poured out of the seminar room and filled the elevator lobby. After Clare and Mel made their way through the throng, Clare parting the way like Moses through the red sea, we collected our luggage where the guy told us the crowd was a group buying into a pyramid scheme. Really, I hope I can be that happy when someone takes my money. They were shouting and clapping and acting like one big friendly mob with name tags.
We stopped in the train station for some goodies and then waited for them to announce the train. I think we’re almost to Princeton now and our seating arrangement is much more comfortable. Next stop is Hamil - ton… according, according to the announcer. At least we could understand him. Most of them just sound like jibberish.
I think Jenny slightly skews events and dialogue. While all these events happened, she retells it in such a manner that she looks better. Like just now, when we were lost in Center City Wednesday night, Jenny said, “When Mel took that turn I know it was the wrong direction.” Sure she did. I was lost in Center City, Philadelphia. The one exit to I-95 I knew of was closed and would have liked some help. – Mel
I would like to add to the above diatribe that I did my due part. I handed her the map. Now I do wonder why I handed her my journal. “Come on, enough about the airplane… I want to read about us!” Fine then. Mel Mel Mel Clare Clare Clare Mel Mel Clare Clare Mel Clare… Is that enough?
She documented every detail about the airplane, but blithely glides over our adventures. - Mel
Well, when one is alone, and has no one to talk to , it is easy to write four pages about airplanes.
We’re currently discussing holidays. The Bahamas or someplace else to sit for a week and do nothing. Clare has just been nominated and elected as President of Next Year’s Vacation.
This morning I woke up around 8:30 freezing my toes off. So I went into the bathroom and took a shower, figuring my buddies would at least be moving when I got out. Took my time, but nope. Just ZZZZZZZ… so I dragged a chair over to the bathroom light and read oh, about a hundred pages of Just a Geek before I decided to blow dry my hair before it completely fixed itself into Unbrushed Mess. The hairdryer did the trick… at least on waking Mel.
At about 11:15 we dropped off our keys and luggage and took a tube to Battery Park. It was a nice little walk with views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor. We decided to skip the ferry rides on account of my stomach. Mel and Clare then placated themselves with handbag purchases. Clare bought a coolio New York Yankees hat and tehn we stopped for a picture at the World Trade Center Sculpture before heading back to the tube. I won’t mention the pictures I took of Mel and Clare pole dancing in the subway car. Their idea… not mine.
Pole dancing is hard work. Clare and I think we hurt ourselves. - Mel
They’re complaining again. I figure I might skip over to returning our luggage. I got into the correct elevator, while Mel and Clare insisted on getting into the wrong one. Instead of argueing, I said, “I’ll meet you down there,” and pushed the button. As I was waiting for them to switch elevators and join me, a horde of very enthusiastic people poured out of the seminar room and filled the elevator lobby. After Clare and Mel made their way through the throng, Clare parting the way like Moses through the red sea, we collected our luggage where the guy told us the crowd was a group buying into a pyramid scheme. Really, I hope I can be that happy when someone takes my money. They were shouting and clapping and acting like one big friendly mob with name tags.
We stopped in the train station for some goodies and then waited for them to announce the train. I think we’re almost to Princeton now and our seating arrangement is much more comfortable. Next stop is Hamil - ton… according, according to the announcer. At least we could understand him. Most of them just sound like jibberish.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Leo and Dracula
7:03 pm - Three words – My Feet Hurt. I’m also coming down with a cold. I can feel it. Crap.
As soon as Clare finishes her dolling up, we’re off to the theater for some Dracula. We started off the day with a mission from Clare – Stamps and Coffee. So we walked down behind Penn Station and Madison Square Gardens – which is oddly circular and has no visible gardens – and there was Post Office Humongo. Mel waited below while Clare and I climbed the steps to mail her postcards. We skipped coffee for a tube ride followed by brunch – in my case water and a French toast muffin. Clare got her coffee and Mel went with a cranberry orange muffin I think.
11:37pm - Line of the night belongs to Melissa. While soaking feet in tub, Clare asks, “Do you want me to get more ice?”
“No, I already feel like Leonardo DiCaprio will be floating by soon.
Though we did less walking today, Mel’s feet are a mess. After brunch we headed to the Guggenheim. I was impressed with the architecture, less so with the exhibit. It was a bit odd. Hands. Pictures and pictures of hands. Hands holding children. Hands holding batons, pots and several pictures of hands holding cocks. Like I said – odd. Then there was one room with mainly Cezanne, Picasso, and a few Van Gogh and Degas thrown in for good measure. After perusing the gift shop we took our FIRST OFFICIAL NEW YORK CAB ride straight down 5th to Saks. After marveling at a $6,000 dress and a skirt on sale for $995, (oh yes, and yet more handbags and shoes) we went next door to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Clare – “A Cathedral’s a Cathedral and if I sit in that pew, I’ll have to kneel first so I’ll stand, thanks.”
Mel – “It’s too new in here. It’s only 125 and nothing’s falling over or smashed and they have no mystery people underneath the floor.” I’ll never forget Westminster Abbey where they put chairs over Charles Dickens.
So we walked up two blocks, caught the subway and ended up right back at the post office.
Back in the hotel room we discovered a Chinese food flyer under our door and decided to eat in rather than hurry to get dressed and go out. I took a nap. We ended up with Hunaan chicken, lemon chicken and sweet and sour pork. My eggroll had shrimp in it. Blegh!
“Wow, poetry,” says Mel.
We walked down to Times Square and hung a right to Dracula. Just like at La Jolla, there were people flyin’ everywhere. The second act was better musically than the first, but visually it’s a very cool production. Just wish we could have seen Chuck Wagner in it somewhere… I bet he would have been a better Van Helsing. The walk home was cool as we stared at all the bright lights on Broadway. Clare almost got us lost then she threatened to kick me when I started singing On Broadway.
Back in the hotel, we sucked Lady in the Purple Shirt into taking a picture or three of us all. Yeah! Then foot soak, now reading and BED!
As soon as Clare finishes her dolling up, we’re off to the theater for some Dracula. We started off the day with a mission from Clare – Stamps and Coffee. So we walked down behind Penn Station and Madison Square Gardens – which is oddly circular and has no visible gardens – and there was Post Office Humongo. Mel waited below while Clare and I climbed the steps to mail her postcards. We skipped coffee for a tube ride followed by brunch – in my case water and a French toast muffin. Clare got her coffee and Mel went with a cranberry orange muffin I think.
11:37pm - Line of the night belongs to Melissa. While soaking feet in tub, Clare asks, “Do you want me to get more ice?”
“No, I already feel like Leonardo DiCaprio will be floating by soon.
Though we did less walking today, Mel’s feet are a mess. After brunch we headed to the Guggenheim. I was impressed with the architecture, less so with the exhibit. It was a bit odd. Hands. Pictures and pictures of hands. Hands holding children. Hands holding batons, pots and several pictures of hands holding cocks. Like I said – odd. Then there was one room with mainly Cezanne, Picasso, and a few Van Gogh and Degas thrown in for good measure. After perusing the gift shop we took our FIRST OFFICIAL NEW YORK CAB ride straight down 5th to Saks. After marveling at a $6,000 dress and a skirt on sale for $995, (oh yes, and yet more handbags and shoes) we went next door to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Clare – “A Cathedral’s a Cathedral and if I sit in that pew, I’ll have to kneel first so I’ll stand, thanks.”
Mel – “It’s too new in here. It’s only 125 and nothing’s falling over or smashed and they have no mystery people underneath the floor.” I’ll never forget Westminster Abbey where they put chairs over Charles Dickens.
So we walked up two blocks, caught the subway and ended up right back at the post office.
Back in the hotel room we discovered a Chinese food flyer under our door and decided to eat in rather than hurry to get dressed and go out. I took a nap. We ended up with Hunaan chicken, lemon chicken and sweet and sour pork. My eggroll had shrimp in it. Blegh!
“Wow, poetry,” says Mel.
We walked down to Times Square and hung a right to Dracula. Just like at La Jolla, there were people flyin’ everywhere. The second act was better musically than the first, but visually it’s a very cool production. Just wish we could have seen Chuck Wagner in it somewhere… I bet he would have been a better Van Helsing. The walk home was cool as we stared at all the bright lights on Broadway. Clare almost got us lost then she threatened to kick me when I started singing On Broadway.
Back in the hotel, we sucked Lady in the Purple Shirt into taking a picture or three of us all. Yeah! Then foot soak, now reading and BED!
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Walking and Shopping in NYC
11:54pm EST NYC
So we leisurely got out of bed this morning, drove to Trenton and caught the 11:30 am train to Penn Station. We were able to check in early to Hotel Pennsylvania and by 1:30 we sat down to sandwiches, a wilted Caesar, and a soda for $5. We marched off to Macy’s which was only a block or two down the street. Now Mel and Clare find rows and rows of handbags as an almost orgasmic experience. I, Jenny of the purse-wallet, was not so impressed. So we meandered through a floor of shoes. Again – eh.
After several more floors we decide to head to Bloomies. Clare wants to walk and I said okay, as long as we take the subway back. So we trekked from 33rd to 59th and Central Park then across to Lexington, pausing on 5th Avenue for some pictures. By this time we were all pooped so we high tailed it up to the café on the 7th floor for a soda, then worked our way down from there.
Wandering through the bedding section slightly ahead of Melissa I hear a sales rep ask her if she needs help. Melissa’s classic response. “No thank you, I’m just touching everything.” I suppose I almost got in trouble when I took a photo of Clare with a five fingered duck glove on… but the camera was away before the lady could hunt us down. Clare and Mel bought t-shirts from the Bloomies store and I bought a grand total of nothing!
Off to the subway we went to hunt down Little Italy. I suggested we get off on Canal Street, but Mel wanted one street earlier so I obliged. Now we ended up walking the long way about – through China Town – which would have been a nice place to have dinner, if we hadn’t eaten at Rangoon’s the night before. We found this Italian place, a half a block from Canal Street Station. The waiter on the street polled people eating outside for us to help us decide. Fratelli’s it was, I think. The waiters were friendly and amusing. Ours tried to tell us some joke involving a business card and a million dollars. I think that he meant if we sign and date it, and bring it back in exactly 100 years, they’d give us – or our descendent – a mil. Anyway, we got back to the subway and sat waiting for the yellow trains, but only green ones came by. I thought we might be on the wrong platform but Mel swore there was only one. So I told us to get on the train to Union where at least we could change there. We successfully navigated the route… except Mel also said to get off on Herald Square… not 34th. The next stop being Times Square, we got off and went back to the previous station.
After a short trudge, there we were, the Empire State Building. Unlike our previous visit on New Year’s Day, it only took us 9 minutes to get through the ticket line. Clare timed us. Of course then we had to queue through security and then through the two elevators. Clare informed us those were hydraulic lifts… otherwise the cables would be too big and bulky for 80 floors. I guess having a lift repairman for a dad has some advantages.
We finally got to the top and were quite impressed. I’m glad I got to see it at night. I was windy, but not freezing… definitely not as bad as it was on New Years when then end of our noses went numb for most of that trip. Back at the hotel, I decided it was a good day. A little to much walking, but lots of silliness.
So we leisurely got out of bed this morning, drove to Trenton and caught the 11:30 am train to Penn Station. We were able to check in early to Hotel Pennsylvania and by 1:30 we sat down to sandwiches, a wilted Caesar, and a soda for $5. We marched off to Macy’s which was only a block or two down the street. Now Mel and Clare find rows and rows of handbags as an almost orgasmic experience. I, Jenny of the purse-wallet, was not so impressed. So we meandered through a floor of shoes. Again – eh.
After several more floors we decide to head to Bloomies. Clare wants to walk and I said okay, as long as we take the subway back. So we trekked from 33rd to 59th and Central Park then across to Lexington, pausing on 5th Avenue for some pictures. By this time we were all pooped so we high tailed it up to the café on the 7th floor for a soda, then worked our way down from there.
Wandering through the bedding section slightly ahead of Melissa I hear a sales rep ask her if she needs help. Melissa’s classic response. “No thank you, I’m just touching everything.” I suppose I almost got in trouble when I took a photo of Clare with a five fingered duck glove on… but the camera was away before the lady could hunt us down. Clare and Mel bought t-shirts from the Bloomies store and I bought a grand total of nothing!
Off to the subway we went to hunt down Little Italy. I suggested we get off on Canal Street, but Mel wanted one street earlier so I obliged. Now we ended up walking the long way about – through China Town – which would have been a nice place to have dinner, if we hadn’t eaten at Rangoon’s the night before. We found this Italian place, a half a block from Canal Street Station. The waiter on the street polled people eating outside for us to help us decide. Fratelli’s it was, I think. The waiters were friendly and amusing. Ours tried to tell us some joke involving a business card and a million dollars. I think that he meant if we sign and date it, and bring it back in exactly 100 years, they’d give us – or our descendent – a mil. Anyway, we got back to the subway and sat waiting for the yellow trains, but only green ones came by. I thought we might be on the wrong platform but Mel swore there was only one. So I told us to get on the train to Union where at least we could change there. We successfully navigated the route… except Mel also said to get off on Herald Square… not 34th. The next stop being Times Square, we got off and went back to the previous station.
After a short trudge, there we were, the Empire State Building. Unlike our previous visit on New Year’s Day, it only took us 9 minutes to get through the ticket line. Clare timed us. Of course then we had to queue through security and then through the two elevators. Clare informed us those were hydraulic lifts… otherwise the cables would be too big and bulky for 80 floors. I guess having a lift repairman for a dad has some advantages.
We finally got to the top and were quite impressed. I’m glad I got to see it at night. I was windy, but not freezing… definitely not as bad as it was on New Years when then end of our noses went numb for most of that trip. Back at the hotel, I decided it was a good day. A little to much walking, but lots of silliness.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
10:46 Mountain Time - Denver Airport
There's a lot of walking to do in Denver. The trains are cool though there's this strange happy jingly music to announce the doors and these little pinwheely things tacked to the walls of the tunnel that spin wildly as the trains pass. I guess they wanted to have something to look at.
10:56 - Have boarded the plane. I'm in the window seat of the last row and man, I can't wait for the air conditioning to kick in. It's bloody hot. This flight, unlike the last is so not full. I might have an entire row to myself. There's two more blonde kids in front of me and I think my seat pocket is broken. It's slightly eschew.
11:09 Spoke too soon. Now in 32D. Got displaced to an aisle seat in favor of a baby in a car seat. The flight did full up. I guess people in Denver aren't as fast paced as LA.
11:40 Now I'm feeling pissy. You'd think the flight attendants would realize they can be overheard when they talk about people only one row ahead of them. I was critisized for being slow to give up my seat. First of all, I was confused that a baby seat had to be by a window, and by the fact they hadn't reserved a window seat for that purpose. When I bought mine I specifically asked for a window. Mind you, I didn't complain, or whine or bitch. I just moved and yet I'm accused of being mean by the flight attendant. Said baby is now crying. I feel like joining him.
10:00pm EST Sitting on the bed discussing moolah. So far we've had a grand time of Rangoon's - a Chinese Burmese place in Philly's Chinatown - named for Debbie's cat. We also watched the Holy Grail, which I mentioned I had never seen. We had pina coladas and chocolate chip cookies they baked yesterday. Tomorrow we head off for the Big Apple. Whoo Hoo! Hrothgar is watching me suspiciously from the end of the bed. I think he's sore at me because I kicked him off Clare's suitcase. Clare has very little luck in removing the feline from her suitcase. She's too tentative and he just pokes back at her. I on the other hand, am all for the pick'm up and dump routine.
10:56 - Have boarded the plane. I'm in the window seat of the last row and man, I can't wait for the air conditioning to kick in. It's bloody hot. This flight, unlike the last is so not full. I might have an entire row to myself. There's two more blonde kids in front of me and I think my seat pocket is broken. It's slightly eschew.
11:09 Spoke too soon. Now in 32D. Got displaced to an aisle seat in favor of a baby in a car seat. The flight did full up. I guess people in Denver aren't as fast paced as LA.
11:40 Now I'm feeling pissy. You'd think the flight attendants would realize they can be overheard when they talk about people only one row ahead of them. I was critisized for being slow to give up my seat. First of all, I was confused that a baby seat had to be by a window, and by the fact they hadn't reserved a window seat for that purpose. When I bought mine I specifically asked for a window. Mind you, I didn't complain, or whine or bitch. I just moved and yet I'm accused of being mean by the flight attendant. Said baby is now crying. I feel like joining him.
10:00pm EST Sitting on the bed discussing moolah. So far we've had a grand time of Rangoon's - a Chinese Burmese place in Philly's Chinatown - named for Debbie's cat. We also watched the Holy Grail, which I mentioned I had never seen. We had pina coladas and chocolate chip cookies they baked yesterday. Tomorrow we head off for the Big Apple. Whoo Hoo! Hrothgar is watching me suspiciously from the end of the bed. I think he's sore at me because I kicked him off Clare's suitcase. Clare has very little luck in removing the feline from her suitcase. She's too tentative and he just pokes back at her. I on the other hand, am all for the pick'm up and dump routine.
Mountain Time
10:46 - Denver Airport
There's a lot of walking to do in Denver. The trains are cool though. There's this strange happy jingly music to announce the doors and these little metal pinwheely things tacked to the walls of the tunnel.
10:56 - Have boarded plane. I'm in the window seat of the last row and man, I can't wait for air conditioning. It's bloody hot. This flight, unlike the last is so not full. I might have the entire row to myself. There's two more blonde kids in front of me and I think my seat pocket is broken. It's slightly eschew.
11:09 - Spoke too soon. Now in 32 D. Got displaced to an aisle seat in favor of a baby in a car seat. The flight did fill up. I guess people in Denver aren't as fast paced as LA.
11:40 am - Now I'm feeling pissy. You'd think the flight attendants would realize they can be overheard when they talk about people only one row ahead of them. I was critisized for being slow to give up my seat. First of all, I was confused that a baby seat had to be by a window, and they hadn't previously booked one. Secondly, I had specifically asked for a window seat when I bought my ticket. Mind you, I didn't complain or whine or bitch. I just moved and yet I'm accused of being mean. Said baby now crying. I feel like joining him. (Side note: As the plane taxied into the gate, baby coughed and spit chewed shredded wheat all over me. Wonderful. How do I get this stuff off without betraying my cool exterior?)
There's a lot of walking to do in Denver. The trains are cool though. There's this strange happy jingly music to announce the doors and these little metal pinwheely things tacked to the walls of the tunnel.
10:56 - Have boarded plane. I'm in the window seat of the last row and man, I can't wait for air conditioning. It's bloody hot. This flight, unlike the last is so not full. I might have the entire row to myself. There's two more blonde kids in front of me and I think my seat pocket is broken. It's slightly eschew.
11:09 - Spoke too soon. Now in 32 D. Got displaced to an aisle seat in favor of a baby in a car seat. The flight did fill up. I guess people in Denver aren't as fast paced as LA.
11:40 am - Now I'm feeling pissy. You'd think the flight attendants would realize they can be overheard when they talk about people only one row ahead of them. I was critisized for being slow to give up my seat. First of all, I was confused that a baby seat had to be by a window, and they hadn't previously booked one. Secondly, I had specifically asked for a window seat when I bought my ticket. Mind you, I didn't complain or whine or bitch. I just moved and yet I'm accused of being mean. Said baby now crying. I feel like joining him. (Side note: As the plane taxied into the gate, baby coughed and spit chewed shredded wheat all over me. Wonderful. How do I get this stuff off without betraying my cool exterior?)
Aiplane Rants: 6:37 am
On the plane after a quick call to Mell giving her permission to split my half of the fun between them until I get there. I've got an emergency aisle seat near the window with a recently graduated USC basketball player's feet stretched out in the space between me and the window. I suppose if you're that tall, you're picky about seat assignment. I love emergency rows - I feel less closed in. I suppose Jenny of the Short Legs should leave those spots for basketball players... and Clare, but I guess I'm just selfish.
So we've got 15 minutes to take off and I can either write or watch the faces as they go down the aisle. It's a strangely blonde group. The poor basketbal player had to move. He's F, not A, so he still gets room to stretch.
7:30 - So the guy next to me inflated a black neck pillow and is already fast asleep. He keeps twitching. Reminds me of Eddie when he's in his dream state. Flight Attendant bumped him awake and I took my opportunity to get up to use the loo. He was asleep again by the time I got back.
So we've got 15 minutes to take off and I can either write or watch the faces as they go down the aisle. It's a strangely blonde group. The poor basketbal player had to move. He's F, not A, so he still gets room to stretch.
7:30 - So the guy next to me inflated a black neck pillow and is already fast asleep. He keeps twitching. Reminds me of Eddie when he's in his dream state. Flight Attendant bumped him awake and I took my opportunity to get up to use the loo. He was asleep again by the time I got back.
LAX 5:49 am
So I'm starting the trip off right with an Earl Grey Venti (one tea bag) and a blueberry muffin from Starbucks. On my way to Denver to check off another airport in my "never been to" list. I'm feeling decidedly low tech compared to my previous trips, traveling with only my cell and a new digital camera. I've got two books, two notebooks, one manuscript, and I'm desperately waiting for my Earl Grey to cool off because my caffeine high from my earlier Diet Coke is wearing off.
A family of tow headed boys just came up to visit with a second family of towheads. The father said they couldn't make the standbye on the last flight as they were only letting a few people on.
"You should have just put the kids on," the first father says. He looks at me and grins as a moment of panic crosses on one of the boy's faces. He can't be more than 7.
Oooh, our plane is pulling up! People are already queueing We've got an hour until the flight takes off. Earl Grey is still hot, but drinkable. I think the family next to me is on their way home. The dad is tanned to the point of burnt. I suddenly realize that I don't think that's our plane after all. Brain's a little fuzzy and it's all Bob Hope's fault.
Yeah, you heard me, Bob Hope. You see I was finding it difficult to sleep after my shower last night so I turned on the telly for a few minites to wind down. It was 11:30 and I figured 15 minutes would be enough until Bob Hope and a penguin showed up. My Favorite Blonde. It's the kind of movie that couldn't do now without extensive animatronics. I don't think you're allowed to put penguins in roller skates anymore. The ASPCA would have a field day with that one.
Hoping for good travel karma. As usual it took me less than 20 minutes to check in and go through security. I'll never forget the Spanish airports where everyone just rather mobbed the plane instead of a neat queue.
A family of tow headed boys just came up to visit with a second family of towheads. The father said they couldn't make the standbye on the last flight as they were only letting a few people on.
"You should have just put the kids on," the first father says. He looks at me and grins as a moment of panic crosses on one of the boy's faces. He can't be more than 7.
Oooh, our plane is pulling up! People are already queueing We've got an hour until the flight takes off. Earl Grey is still hot, but drinkable. I think the family next to me is on their way home. The dad is tanned to the point of burnt. I suddenly realize that I don't think that's our plane after all. Brain's a little fuzzy and it's all Bob Hope's fault.
Yeah, you heard me, Bob Hope. You see I was finding it difficult to sleep after my shower last night so I turned on the telly for a few minites to wind down. It was 11:30 and I figured 15 minutes would be enough until Bob Hope and a penguin showed up. My Favorite Blonde. It's the kind of movie that couldn't do now without extensive animatronics. I don't think you're allowed to put penguins in roller skates anymore. The ASPCA would have a field day with that one.
Hoping for good travel karma. As usual it took me less than 20 minutes to check in and go through security. I'll never forget the Spanish airports where everyone just rather mobbed the plane instead of a neat queue.
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