Shitty Christmas

In case you were wondering, holidays suck away from home. No matter how cheesy your family gatherings get, you will miss them when you’re gone. This is my first Christmas away from home and it sucks. I miss how my dad wakes us up early, and even though we’re all 17 and older, he makes us wait in the hall while he sets up the camera so that when we walk into the living room he can record our reactions to what Santa brought us. Okay, maybe I didn’t miss that. But, when I saw pictures my brother took this morning and knew I missed Christmas, I got depressed. That seemed to be the featured emotion of the weekend.

Christmas Eve - My first day off since Thanksgiving

I slept until noon, which was awesome. Collin took me to some Japanese supermarket that he loves. I bought some sake and some fresh tuna to make sushi later this week. Afterwards I went into the city to walk around and see the sights. I walked through the Village, Soho, and Little Italy where they have Christmas decorations everywhere. Then I took the train uptown where Fifth Ave. was packed with tourists as usual. All of the stores were closed so I don’t know where they were going. Then again, neither did they. I started to get hungry and decided to treat myself to a steak dinner. I knew I really deserved it so I went to Ruth’s Chris, one of the best steaks in the city. I ordered the 16 ounce New York Strip and a glass of Montgras Quattro. I’m proud to say that my dinner cost over $70 and was well worth it. Stuffed, I left the restaurant and walked towards the subway to head way uptown to a friend’s family Christmas party. On the sidewalk a homeless guy started walking with me and asked for some money, even though he was eating fries out of a McDonald’s bag I gave him one measly dollar and kept on. He told me merry Christmas and replied “Don’t forget why its Christmas.” About ten seconds later he yelled up the sidewalk, “Its because of Jesus!” All I could yell back was, “and don’t forget it!” Then I just wanted to cry. In this city that removes every ounce of truth from the holiday, only a guy on the street knows the meaning of the day. That was maybe my favorite moment from this weekend.

I got on the train and headed to 175th street. Vanessa and Theresa from Starbucks invited me to Vanessa’s family Christmas party. It was like no holiday party I’ve ever experienced. I got there close to 10 pm and was an early arriver. Her uncles, aunts and grandmother all showed up later. Things didn’t really kick off until midnight when they opened presents. By this time, Pops was drunk and everyone else was on their way. I sat in the corner and acted like I was drinking a Corona. Vanessa’s parents are Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican so the house was speaking half English and half Spanish. We ate South American cuisine as they opened presents. The classic moment was when her dad unwrapped his mini-fridge and cried. It was a touching moment for all the drunken people in the room. Unfortunately, I was still sober and wanted to leave. A little bit later, Theresa and Vanessa both handed me presents. They didn’t want me to feel bad because I didn’t have a present but it was quite the contrary. There are few things in this world that make me more depressed than a bad gift, and I received two of them at once. Vanessa gave me the movie ‘Night Shift’ with Michael Keaton. There is one good line in that movie and the rest is dreadful. It got worse when I unwrapped Theresa’s favorite book which she bought me, ‘Make Love like a Porn Star” the autobiography of Jenna Jameson. I was ruined. Soon after, at 1:45 AM, I was the first guest to leave the party. When I sat down in the empty subway station, I listened to the rats squeaking on the tracks, examined my gifts and wanted to cry myself to sleep. An hour later when I walked up to my front porch, I noticed Collin’s car right in front of the house with the hazard lights blinking. It looked like he had parked there in a hurry and planned to leave soon because the nose was jutting way out into the street. As it turns out, in the evening he came home for something and meant to go run a quick errand but Collin got sidetracked and forgot about his car. When he woke up the next morning, his car battery was dead and he had a parking ticket.

Christmas Day – Loneliness Sucks

When I woke up, it was 12:30 and that felt great. I had a ticket to see ‘The Life Aquatic’ at 1:30 so I put on jeans and a sweatshirt and headed back into town. The movie was pretty good but not as much as I had expected. Afterwards, I came home and drank half a carton of eggnog. Collin wanted me to come to his mom’s house around nine o’clock to hang out with his friends but I was hesitant after the previous night’s events. After sitting around the house though, I decided to give it a shot. However, my timing was off and I wasn’t able to buy a ticket in time to catch the next bus, so back home I went. That actually worked out well because Collin came home about an hour later. He gave me a pretty sweet Christmas present. I knew he liked to buy things for people and I hoped he wasn’t getting me anything because I had nothing to give. He had been thinking about it for a few months though and it was cool. I unwrapped the heavy package and found every newspaper from September and October that chronicled the Red Sox journey through the playoffs and ultimately to a World Series victory. It means even more coming from a conceding Yankees fan. I was thrilled and felt bad for not buying anything for him. Later on in the evening we enjoyed some wine and cherry pie while we played NHL ’93 on his old Sega we had just hooked up in our living room. I got stomped but it was a blast.

Just as I had always known, aside from the actual story of Christmas, the holiday is about being with family and friends, not about getting gifts and partying like some people do. I may not have been with my family and friends, but they all called me this weekend or talked to me online and that meant so much to me. I was definitely lonely this weekend and the weird turns of events only made me feel worse, but at least I know that next week I will see my friends and family and be able to celebrate with them the birth of Christ. Merry Christmas everyone, and don’t forget it!

Christmas Eve Eve

I am very tired. I checked my calendar this week and I haven't had a day off of work since Thanksgiving. Yikes. I finished my shift tonight at work and began my holiday weekend by coming home for rest. I haven't had a chance to totally soak in the Christmas mood yet but tonight was a good event. I got home about the same time as Collin and his friend Chuck. We had homemade peanut butter cups and had some Guiness while Chuck played the guitar. When he played 'Christmas Song' by Dave Matthews, it all sank in about Christmas. New York has displayed the epitome of commercializing the season to me this year. All I have seen and heard about is shopping for gifts and nothing even remotely religious. One thing that has really bothered me is the abbreviation 'X-mas'. Is it really that tiresome to include 'Christ' in a label. If nothing else, lets call it 'Christ-x'.

Anyway, when Chuck played the song, all of the worldly garbage about the holidays melted away and really felt the spirit of Christmas. It was a great chance to listen to the Christmas story and be thankful for God's gift. Merry Christmas and don't forget what we are celebrating.

Gay Week

All I have to say is that I'm straight. Apparently I didn't make that clear when I moved to the city and there has been some recent confusion regarding that issue. Twice in less than one week I have been hit on by another guy. Yikes.

First, Friday night with the "guys". I'll save the juicy details for coffee talk but here's the gist. I went to meet Andrew, Tom, and some other dude after work for a beer. Andrew and Tom were tired and left immediately for home. I elected to stay with the other guy. He tried to touch me. His parting sentence was, "Soho can be your home tonight." I fled.

Second, tonight at J Crew (surprised?). I walk in and Keith, the paraiah of the store informs me that an employee likes me. He gave me a clue that made me think it was the hot girl from Alabama. I was thrilled. Then he told me it wasn't a she. I wept.

So alert the media, Alex is straight. If you are gay and reading this, do not waste your time on me, it is all in vain. However, if you are a girl and can put up with me for two hours, let's have coffee some time. I'll buy.

Without Words

Well this stinks. Last week at work two of the managers were sick and one girl thought she had pink eye. I knew I was doomed. My throat hurt a little yesterday and this morning, then after screaming at my co-workers all day, it left. For the first time in my life my voice is gone, and it stinks. My dad just called but I couldn't answer. I sent him a text message to explain. I don't feel sick in any other ways, which is weird becuase the girls at work felt dreadful. At least my typing skills are still intact.

My dad just sent me a perscription via e-mail to ease my pain.

"For your voice I recommend a hot totty. Hot tea with lemon juice, honey and a shot of burbon ( no kidding) A couple of those will sooth your throat and help you sleep."

A few of those have have definitely eased the pain and made the night more enjoyable. I'm gonna go sit down with another hot totty and watch a movie now.

Work Work, Woik

Its been awhile since I last got my blog on. First of all, I wrote a good one this week, but when I published it, it went blank so I just left it. Second, I've been working more lately than ever in my life. In case you were wondering, two part-time jobs is not a fun way to enjoy city life. I'm working about 60 hours a week, and I'm still broke! Starbucks is still fun, but J Crew is not so cool. Since I started two weeks ago, no one has told me what my job is so I just wander around until someone says, "Hey! Do you work here? Go fold that everything on that table." So I do. The guys are beginning to be cool and some of the girls and mangers remember my name. Then there are the 'Crewbags'. (I just made that up for the sake of a degrading nickname) The Crewbags go around and criticize people for being out of dress code and flap their wrists at the customers. They know what they're going to wear on Tuesday three weeks from now, but they don't care what the new stocker's name is. Its Alex.

So anyway, I wish I had a new exciting experience of the week to share with you, but I'm just working my jobs and dealing with Crewbags. I'll keep you posted.

Restaurant Hopping - Rogers Style

Its the weekend which can mean only one thing for me in NYC, the guests are coming. I've had quite a few friends come to town in the two months I've lived here and many have stayed at my place. My weekends are booked through the month of November. This week Ryan and Laura are in from San Francisco. Laura flew to Boston on Wednesday to see her brother and then they drove to NY together. Ryan flew the red-eye Thursday night and arrived early Friday morning.
Last night Ryan and I went to the Met and then waited at various Starbucks for Laura and Chris. When they got to town, we went into the village and met up with the ever elusive Matt Rogers.

I ran into Matt randomly at and elevator a few weeks ago. Ryan and I gave him a call and decided to have dinner tonight. Ryan brought some coupons he got off the internet so we ate in Chelsea and I had the sirloin steak for under $10. Mmmmnm. After, Matt took us to the 'number two' restaurant in the city for dessert but the kitchen was closed. It was 11:30 pm. Since the 'number two' was closed, we walked four blocks to the 'number one' place in the city.

Gramercy Tavern is on 20th at Park Ave. South. I expected it to be full of fancy decorations and fancy people eating fancy food, fancily priced. It was nice inside but the people looked like any yuppie I've seen in the park or at Starbucks. The dessert was average dessert prices but Matt said entres were about $90. He choose a bottle of Hungarian red wine which I cannot pronounce but I can vouch that it is the best red wine I've ever had. Outstanding.

We had good conversation remembering good times in college. Ryan and Matt met in BYX and I met Matt through some friends at various events. We talked about our separate and similar paths now. Matt has been working very hard and is burnt out. We is on his way to vacation in Florida for awhile to maintain his sanity. He really wants to be purposeful in what he does and mentioned some hot topics in my mind. We talked about his desire to start a foundation of sorts to send aid to needy places. He also said he wanted to move to Sudan to fight for the people suffering virtual genocide there. Both of these are important issues in my mind and I look forward to talking about them more with him.

It was a fun night with Ryan, Laura and Chris and I'm ceratainly glad I could find Matt. I now consider him one of my friends in NYC so now I'm up to about four.

Down the Hatch

I am about to celebrate my two month anniversary in New York. Time is moving fast and things are going well. My parents came into town for the weekend and we had a great time. I took them to see all of the tourist hot spots followed by a few favorite locales of my own like McSorley's. On Saturday my dad and I watched the A&M football game with Andrew and Matt Polk while my mom shopped. That night we saw the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall which was very cool. The next day we hit up Times Square Church with Jenn and then walked to the park to see Andrew run the last mile of the NYC Marathon. I had a great time and it was hard to say goodbye to them just like in September when I moved out. I'll be back to Houston in early January on the concluding leg of my '04 Wedding Series.

On a smaller note, more serious note. I'd like to warn the readers about the dangers of eating too many buffalo wings. Andrew, Tom 'Doorbomb', and I went to a place called 'Down the Hatch' last night. Their claims to fame are 1) Connect Four boards for every table and if you're alone the bartender will play with you 2)the Monday Night Football special where $19 gets you all the wings you can eat and three pitchers of beer per person. That's a lot of food intake. Fortunately we only had a couple beers each, or else I might not be here writing this. Turns out, we all woke up at 3:30 AM with a stomach ache from the 4 baskets of wings we each downed. I was worried that they might decide to come out at work today, but I made it. I will use caution in the future and I suggest you limit your greasy orange chicken consumption too.

Cursed No More

Pigs are flying, Hell has frozen and the Bambino has rolled over in his grave. Last night my beloved Red Sox put an end to an 86 year championship drought by winning the World Series for the first time since 1918. Andrew and I viewed the game at a bar in Noho. Afterwards, Sox fans were running down the streets of New York and shouting in celebration. Just a few hours after the game was over, I awoke for my opening shift at work. On the way out the door, I donned my lucky Sox hat in order to signal my side to the locals. As I walked down the subway platform at 6:30 AM to catch the downtown A-Train, New Yorkers who were still wearing their ugly Yankees hats, glared at me in utter jealousy and embarassment knowing that I was the champion. Now they have to deal with the curse being reversed and trying to win a championship back from the defenders, the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

Espresso My Thoughts

For the first time in months I am settling back into a routine. I go to work and pour some coffee, then come home and read. Not much too it. Therefore, I am lacking material to write about. Just by looking out my window I feel like I should have a new adventure to describe but honestly, during the week I often forget that I live in New York.

If its Starbucks that you are so interested in then I'll tell you about my life as a Starbucks Barista. I am being promoted on December 1st to Shift Supervisor; $10/hr. Not bad for a college graduate, right? Most of the people I work with are 19 year old girls. There are only two other guys in the store. The girls love to bring their prissy little attitudes to work and share them with me on a regular basis. I can't even make a move with out this one girl, Monifa, criticising me for doing it wrong. Oftentimes, what I do isn't even wrong but she still tells me that it is. Just wait until December when I get my promotion. Then they'll know who the boss is; the guy with the college degree and $10 an hour. That's right, biaaatch. (I learned that at work)

Since we're on the topic of bad stories I have from work....today my manager was singing 'Gin and Juice' and when she got to the chorus, I chimed in with "Laid Back!" and she just thought that was hilarious. I guess its because I'm white and not supposed to know rap songs. Actually that's one of the four I do know.

Anyway, I'm gonna work this job for awhile. Until I run out of money or go insane. Then I'll start searching for a 'real' job. I wouldn't mind working for the Starbucks office, but that would entail my transfer to Seattle. I could look for a company in NYC that would pay me to shuffle papers and decorate my cubicle. We'll see what happens, and you'll be the first to know. Until then, "Would you like room for milk?"

Ease His Pain

Its that time of year in New York where the weather is cool, the leaves begin to change and the Damn Yankees make my insides churn. I am just 90 minutes from the start of game seven ALCS. It is the night I have been anticipating since last year's game seven when I threw a chair across my house in front of my roommates guests. The Red Sox have made an unbelieveable recovery from a 3-0 deficit and will try tonight to be the first baseball team ever to come back from 3-0 and win a playoff series. The tension is strangling me.

This year has been very different from my previous playoff experiences. I am in the city of my much loathed rival and to top it off, my roommate is a die-hard Yanks fan. We've watched 3 of the past 6 games together and have swapped enough trash talk to fill the Newark landfill.

-----

Its now 35 minutes until game time. There is an eerie dark fog hanging over Manhattan. I've donned my lucky Red Sox shirt. I'm so nervous. I'm speechless. Go Sox!

Kaboom!

I awoke this morning to the shuttering of my walls and the deafening sound of sudden death. At 7 AM today a car exploded about 200 yards from my house and shook my bed until I awoke bug-eyed. The sound was as if my head was in a metal trash can and someone ran and slammed it with a baseball bat. I froze, wide awake, and thought frantically about what just blew up. My roommate and I met in the kitchen leaning out the window to stare at the pillar of smoke rising up just two blocks away. Almost immediately, a line of police cars made their way to the scene to be soon followed by a hook and ladder fire truck and ambulances.

The news first reported that it was a domestic disturbance gone deadly, as if the angry wife had wired her husbands car to blow. It turns out though that the lone victim of the blast worked in a chemical factory and for some reason had two spare tanks of acetine gas in his trunk. They must have leaked because when he turned the key....lights out.

Later in the day the U.S. Arson and Explosion investigation team showd up along with the ATF, K-9 units, and everyone else looking for action. The story made the NYC news and I think my apartment showed up on the morning video.

So welcome to the big city, Alex.

This Trash Can Dream

Now I know, "Spanish Harlem" are not just pretty words to say.
I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow,
in New York City.

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true,
You stand at the edge, while people run you through.
And I thank the Lord, there's people out there like you,
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you.

This Broadway's got, its got a lot of songs to sing,
if I knew the tunes I might join in.

I go my way alone, grow my own,
my own seeds shall be sown, in New York city.

Subways no way, for a good man to go down,
Rich man can ride, and the hobo he can drown.

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true,
You stand at the edge, while people run you through.
And I thank the Lord, there's people out there like you,
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you.

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters, sons of bankers, sons of lawyers,
turn around and say, "good morning" to the night.
For unless they see the sky,
but they can't and that is why,
they know not if it's dark out side or light.


"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" by Elton John

Money Matters

So I'm finally starting to feel my groove here in the Big Apple. This is my first blog from my apartment and as I type I can look out the window to the Manhattan skyline. I'm also into my third week at work and things are going great there. However, I still haven't been able to locate a weekend job to curb my finacial situation. It seems a few times a day I catch my self estimating my monthly salary in my head to see if I can afford rent. I think that with my current work situation, I can afford rent, utilities, and two bologna sandwiches.

Still, I have defininitely had a good time up here so far. Its not like I'm going to a Broadway show every night or having dinner with Donald Trump, but I have had an enjoyable time and it has cost me alot-of-money. For instance, last night I went into the city to have dinner with some friends, no biggie. My sandwich, "The Catcher in the Rye", cost $12 and I ended up leaving $15. I needed to get home and go to sleep since I had an early morning the next day and I realized walking to the bus stop would take nearly 45 minutes so I got a cab. That cost me $8 even though I asked the cabbie for $3 back from my 10. So after dinner, the cab, and a bus ride home, my three hour outing cost me $25. Ouch. Anyway, I'm not here to save for my retirement or put kids through college. If I breakeven, that will be a success. I mean, afterall, Money is for Spending.

Weehawken, Woo Hoo!

This is just a quick update for my slew of readers out there. I became an offical resident of the city today. I now have a place to live in Weehawken, NJ. I will be moving in on Thursday with my new roommate Collin. He is 25 and very affable. We each will have two rooms to ourselves and will share the rest. I have no idea what to do with two rooms which is a great problem to have when moving to New York. I think one will be my bedroom, obviously, and the other will be my reading room where I can listen to jazz and read books and fill out my blogs which will be inspired by my new metorpolitan experiences and... my incredible view of Manhattan through my window.

My purpose in NY revealed, Kenny.

I knew from the beginning that if God wanted me to be in New York, he would provide. But, the Lord wouldn't bring me to the city unless there was a purpose for me to be here. Today I felt like my purpose has already begun. I haven't started work, I don't even have a home yet, but I feel like God is already using me here, and I love it.
As I wandered the streets today searching for a job as a waiter, I came across an odd man outside a restaurant. He looked like a normal person but wasn't at work and needed to shave. When he started talking to me I realized that something was missing upstairs. I smelled some alcohol on his breath and knew he was pretty drunk. It was only noon. We didn't really talk about a certain topic, rather he rambled on about...I don't know. He did mention, though, that he was a Christian Jew. I asked him to explain to me. I also asked if he believed in Jesus and he said absolutely. He also dropped hints about his recent past as a struggling alcoholic. He can't see his daughter and recently lost his job. Out of nowhere he mentioned that he "goes" to church at Times Square Church, which is where I visited the day before and Loved it. I told him I went there and he could hardly believe it. Right then, we both realized that we were meant to meet right there on the street.
I felt horrible for the things he has been through and encouraged him to quit drinking. He is certainly struggling through life right now and it is only getting harder as he continues to drink. I promised to pray for him all week and urged him to be at church on Sunday. When we departed, he was in tears. I could see the Holy Spirit convicting him as we spoke.
I was so excited that I met Kenny and was able to pray for him and encourage him. I know that I will see Kenny somewhere, sometime soon. How awesome it feels to know God has already begun to reaveal his purpose for me here in ministering to people who are suffering with out His lead in their life. I can't wait to get settled into this city at work, in my community and in a church home. I am so excited to see more opportunites to minister and see God's hand move in my life.

Baby Steps

I am realizing now that my time table for moving to the City was way off. First of all, I started talking with Starbucks in May. Just now in mid-September have they finished something off for me, and it isn't quite the position I aimed for in the beginning. More on that later. Also, apartment hunting is quite a lengthy process. I have yet to step into a possible home for myself. I think that tomorrow I'll have some break throughs on that. I am also searching for a second job as a waiter. I feel like I've made little or no progress on that. A few restaurant managers took my resume and two offered sincere advice but none have shown a glimmer of hope for employment. One thing is working quickly and that is my search for a church home. I have many options but today I went to Times Square Church and was blown away. The pastor, David Wilkerson, wrote a book that I read last summer. That is one reason I visited today and I definitely see the Lord's hand in that. It is an enormous congregation, around 5,000 I think. They meet at 51st and Broadway in an old theater. It is beautiful in side with intricate designs and paintings on the walls. I thought it was neat that there was an enormous crown looking carving in above the stage guarded by two angels. I usually hate cheesy things like this but it reminded me Christ the 'King' and it is in the middle of Times Square Church. Anyway, the music was great. A big choir and a seven piece band led a mixture of hymns and modern praise and the entire building shook to the beat of the praise. Everyone clapped and was sincerely singing to God. After that Pastor Wilkerson brought a message that was the opposite of low-key. More like, no-holds-barred style preaching. He spoke on the Holy Spirit and how Americans don't really let it into the church or experience it to the fullest. He put the fear of God into me and every other person in the room. I would go more into detail but you had to be there, because it was the Spirit of God.

So, I am taking baby steps toward making New York my home. God has a plan for me here, I learned that today. And he will provide in due time as long as I trust him to do it. I have a job and maybe a new church home. Now I get to be blessed with an apartment, maybe a roommate and a new job. Be in prayer.

Start Spreading the News

Sinatra spoke for us all when he sang,

Start spreading the news. I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it New York, New York.

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.
Its up to you New York, New York.

At last, my life after college is taking some definite shape. I have been anxiously waiting over the past four months for the next step of my life and now it seems I am on the cusp of a great transition. As I write this I am on my one-way flight to Newark, NJ where I will stay with Andrew for the time being. I have my final interview with Starbucks where my New York destiny will be determined. Ever since my first visit to New York two years ago, I have wanted to live nowhere but there. It looks like my dreams may finally be coming to fruition.

It was sad this morning having to leave my family. I know they will miss me a lot and I already miss them. I joked about how disappointed everyone would be if this job doesn't work out and I'm back in Houston next week. I really do feel like God is working things out for me though and that my dream life in New York may actually be happening.

So here I am on the East Coast. God only knows what will happen next...

Laborless Labor Day

Labor Day is usually a coveted three-day weekend by people that have jobs but since I am still unemployed it was just another day. Nevertheless, Micah had the day off and his wife was at school so we decided to spend it together.

He came into Kingwood for lunch. I cooked some sausage on the grill and we had that on tortillas with corn on the side. Always one of our favorites, Carpe Meatus! After my dad yelled at me for not helping him powerwash the driveway, we elected to leave the premises.

The Astros were playing an afternoon game so we decided to go get some $5 tickets. As luck had it, a man at the gate had two extra tickets and gave them two us. We didnt' really want to sit with them though so we snuch into some cool seats on the left field porch. Eventhough we weren't hungry, it was dollar hot dog day so we had to buy a few. The Astros romped on the Reds. We saw three homers in one inning and the pitcher hit a two run shot the next inning. When we left in the 8th the 'stros were winning 11-1.

Micah lives really close to the park. On our walk home we decided to stop into the neighborhood corner store. We bought a six-pack of Miller High Life 16 oz. and landed ourselves poolside at his apartment. The sun was hot on that September afternoon and we were living... the High Life.

I'd like to mention my new Alex Wood Quotable Moment. We saw a girl at the pool pouring a Dos Equis into a cup for her boyfriend. Although I was jealous a bikini clad lady wasn't pouring my drinks, I don't think Dos Equis should be served in a pink plastic cup. In imitation of the boyfriend I shook my head and said, "Baby, that ain't the High Life." ... guess you had to be there.

After the sun was down, we went up to the apartment and a spaghetti dinner with Jacy while we watched Seinfeld reruns. I cannot get enough of that show. I was meeting Jenn for coffee at seven so I split after the dinner. I know Micah and Jacy had things to attend to. Jenn and I sat at Brasil and talked for three hours. She's moving to New York on Friday so we talked about that and life in general. Hopefully I'll follow her up there soon.

Leaving Manhattan – Part I

As I predicted would happen, NeYork City has made my life as a recent college grad even more difficult to cope with. I came here seeking employment and was filled with high hopes of living in Manhattan. These desires only grew stronger as the minutes ticked by. Every person on the street, every taxi on the road, every wait in the subway, the endless sidewalks, scheduled protests for the RNC, getting ripped off at dinner, overspending my budget daily, getting sunburned in Central Park, seeing beautiful girls everywhere and then realizing my chances; all of these things are just a start to my endless list of things I love about New York. I want to live here so badly.
And now, as a result of this fantastic trip, my life is now filled with even more agonizing anticipation. I had two successful interviews with Starbucks over the past week but my future with them is still unknown. I expect to hear from them within the next two weeks; however, I am still not sure of their feelings for me. As odd as it may seem, I am rather optimistic about the situation but I’m not making any promises. Now all I can do is wait for the phone to ring and schedule that last interview and hope for an opportunity to move here. I feel like Starbucks is dragging me across hot coals to give me this job. It is just an Assistant Manager position but like Beene said, the process sounds like The Apprentice except when I win I won’t run a four-star Trump hotel, just pour coffee.
Anyway, as I was saying, this trip has only made me love the city that much more. I can’t picture myself living anywhere else right now but I have no guarantees that it will ever happen, just hope. I can only dream of my perfect life of urban living. I can only fantasize about my small apartment with holes in the ceiling, neighbors getting “intimate” every night at 2AM, no money in my wallet, working full-time for the rest of my life, still eating macaroni and cheese on a regular basis. Sheer Bliss!
And so now I sit in the Newark Airport with a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline. I wonder when my next trip to the city will be. Now I can only dream of what my future holds for me. Until these dreams come to fruition, I will be on my parent’s sofa spilling my heart onto this page and thinking of what may someday become the reality that is, New York City.

Healed by Jazz

Well, here I am in New York for my ever hoped for and anticipated interview with Starbucks. I’ve been excited and anxious to get in there and see where my path would lead me. I’ve spent a few days here in the city with Andrew just hanging out and eating cheap pizza. Yesterday while chatting with Julie I was informed that my favorite jazz musician of this day and musically declined age, Jamie Cullum, was playing a free show in Central Park that night. I would have to swing by a theater downtown on my way to the interview and pick up tickets. The line was about 150 people when I got there; almost all of whom were “twentysomething.” Luckily the line moved super fast and I was handed my two free tickets within minutes. I hailed a cab and cruised into the shadow of the Empire State building for my interview with next door. The interview went well but I’m still unsure of my chances for employment. Therefore, I elect to stray from the subject of interviews and jobs. We got to the park at about 7:15 while the first guy was playing. He’s a guitarist who happens to be blind. My favorite skill of his was his ability to perfectly simulate the sound of a trumpet with his mouth and play solos during his songs. The next act was okay. A white girl who used her Beastie Boy-esque lyric pattern and her piano to perform a quasi-comedy act set to music. I was less than enthralled, to put it nicely. Finally, Jamie Cullum took to stage at about 9:00 with his drummer and bassist. You can’t put into words what jazz is and how it feels but I will say that the stress from my interviews was lifted and replaced with total elation by the music last night. Jamie was so energetic yet enormously talented. They played all the good songs off of their album but my favorite was a Billie Holiday cover called Comes Love. It was about a twelve minute rendition chock full of some incredible solos from each part of the trio. The audience was overcome with that numb feeling of calm and contentment that only Jazz music can bring. I can’t do anymore to describe the music because words and music are two separate ideas that I don’t think can accurately describe each other. How fortunate I was to see Jamie Cullum in Central Park for free on a night like that. Beautiful weather, beautiful venue, in a beautiful city filled with beautiful music. I love jazz and I love New York. Hopefully they will both continue to contribute to my life experience in the near future.

Tour de America

In the past few months I have been fortunate enought to travel from coast to coast visiting friends. There are still new legs of this trip pending but I shall summarize what has happened up until this current hiatus.

In April I flew to Chicago and met Dan and Co. for a couple of Cubs games. None of us had ever been to Wrigley field which has been home to the Cubs since 1916. The Friday game was one of the best games I have ever seen as Sosa hit a homer to tie the game in the ninth and the next batter, Alou, hit another dinger to win. The stadium exploded into celebration which continued as the fans emptied into the streets. The trip took a downer when I broke my ankle and jacked up my knee dancing with some girl I didn't know. I'll spare anymore details so I don't have to painfully recall the entire episode. I hobbled to the game the next day and then through two airports that night. All in all, it was still a fantastic time.

Due to my recent injury, my scheduled Father/Son trip to Vegas was postponed from May until a pending date. I was able to make my next engagement in mid June. My dad and I went to Las Cruces, NM to for my grandmother's 81st birthday. We dined and wined and came home.

Two weeks later I went west to visit Ryan and Laura in San Francisco. The city was beautiful with its steep hills and suspension bridges. The weather was my favorite part. We did some sight seeing and caught the obligitory baseball game. My Red Sox happened to be in town but did not prevail that day. I loved the city but wouldn't not want to live there because of bad transportation and...bad transportation.

The following week I traveled in the opposite direction to the Eastern Coast with Dad and Bro. Boston was our destination and a religious experience in Fenway Park was our goal. The oldest baseball stadium in the world is home to my favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. We caught to good games but the atmosphere at the stadium is the most memorable part. We and sausages on Yawkey way before the game and washed them down with some Harpoon IPA. The outfield bleechers were cramped and rowdy. Fenway was like a time machine taking us back to the glory days of the game. As I watched the game, I imagined what it would have been like to see guys like Williams, Pesky, Dimaggio, Yaz, and Fisk among others play there. After the games we headed over to the oldest tavern in the U.S., the Bell in Hand. Sitting on the corner, we took in the city life and did our bonding. We loved the park and the city as well. It was a successful trip that all three of us will always remember.

These were the major stops on my 2004 Tour de America. I'll be in Colorado in a couple of weeks for a wedding. I also have plans to be in New York sometime in August or September for interviews depending on how my upcoming phone interview goes. I think that will pretty much round out my cross-country tour for this year, and now you know.

A Life to be Discovered

   The summer is now half way over and not much has changed.  With the exception of my new position as substitute for my brother at Hin's Garden Chinese Resturaunt, I continue to spend countless hours at home either playing X Box or sleeping.  I do read some, watch an occasional Seinfeld rerun or head to Starbucks but that's all my life is really comprised of at this moment.     
   Micah just moved into his apartment yesterday so I went down tonight to christen the his new abode with a bottle of chardonnay I stole from my dad's collection.  His apartment is a really swank loft in an old mattress warehouse.  The complex renovated the warehouse and made the rooms look very nice.  The walls end just short of the high ceiling and the floors are concrete.   With the help of Jacy, their new home has a very modern look with its track lighting and sleek looking kitchen appliances.  The whole place comes together with the vintage Wurlitzer piano by the t.v. 
   We had some wine and then went for a quick swim.  After the sun went down we drove over to my new favorite dig in Houston.  It is a cafe called Brasil over on Westheimer.  Its a pretty young crowd with half studious college kids and half lazy bastards that smoke too much.  I love it though.  Its the only place in Texas that I've ever been where someone my age can get away with drinking a bottle of wine on a Tuesday night.  Along with the vino, they also have some decent coffee and some of my favorite beers on draught.  The food is not bad either.  All its missing is a young lady on the other side of the table.
   Anyway, Micah and I chilled there for a few hours and talked nonsense and went back to his place.  We messed around on the Wurlitzer and talked music some.  This is when I started thinking.  I have envisioned an lifestyle where I live in a place like his and go to places like Brasil on a regular basis.  I read good books and write in my spare time.  There is always jazz in the background no matter where I am and in a perfect scenario, I can play some of those songs on the piano.  I imagine having a girl wich is a friend that I meet on the weekends and she lets me buy dinner.  I have a job but it doesn't dominate my life, rater it is just another chapter of this bachelor lifestyle in which I live.  All of this is in my head of course.  In reality, I live in the burbs with my parents.  I have no full-time job.  I deliver Chinese on the weekends.  Micah is my only friend in this city of four million and he'll be gone in three weeks when he marries.
   I am experiencing none of what I dream of.  When will things come together?  How do I get to this city of fate?  and When? 

Head Games

Who was the person that determined the rules for communication between the sexes in America's modern society. There is no such thing as a simple, meaningless conversation between a guy and a girl. There always ends up being an underlying message or a hint hidden under the facade we build in our relationships. I'm not just talking about two people who are interested in each other and want to date, I'm talking about two people who just want to be friends. There is no such thing as a simple relationship.

I must have missed the training course on cross-gender interaction in middle school. No one told me that you can't call someone the day after you get their number. I was unaware of the fact that having a cup of coffee with someone could, and will be considered a date. I had no idea I should buy dinner if I ask a friend to eat with me who happens to be of the female persuasion. No one told me that expressing my true feeling is taboo while in pursuit of the opposite sex. I never received the instruction manual outlining these methods for communication.

Why all the games? Wouldn't our lives be so much easier if we just said what we meant? Instead, people phrase their opinion in the most arbitrary wording and hope the other person can crack the secret code. A friend of mine gave me an encoded message tonight, which I'm still trying to figure out. While we are both reading, I notice that her eyes have slipped off of the page and are now locked on me. Is she day dreaming? Staring? Begging me to ask her what's up? I look up from my book and she acts lost in thought. The crap thickens when she comes to and asks me for relationship advice. "I've been dating this boy this summer, but I don't really like him. Blah Blah Blah. What should I do?" I answered, "If you want advice on how to break up with a boy, you're asking the wrong man."

Why in the world did she have to tell me that? I didn't know she was dating someone and I really didn't care. What help could I possibly offer in that situation? Here's some, tell him you don't want to date anymore. Oh wait, that is too easy and a clear violation of Rule 1: Never clearly state how you feel. Does this mean she was sending me a message? Does she want to date me? Does she want me to go away? Does she really want to know how I think the situation should be handled? I'm lost in the enigma.

Anyway, while I try to figure out this puzzle I want everyone to know that this man is putting his foot down. From now on I play no games. I will say what I mean and act according to my own gut feelings. I may be cast out of the modern dating realm for breaking the rules, but at least everyone will know how I feel about it.

And thus begins my journey into authorship

I've been promising myself since last fall I would start writing a book the first Monday after I graduate. In that time, I've only come up with a few begining sentences. I guess the rest will flow after that. The book is already entitled, "You don't Have to do Anything." I haven't entirely developed my theory behind my clever motto but I expect that to flow also. So, with out further delay, I give you the begining text of my first book.

You don't Have to do Anything, by Alex Wood

Chapter I

"Today is Monday May 17. I am a recent college graduate. I don't have a job and their are few opportunities on the horizon. There is no one in my life to anchor me down. I exactly zero responsibilities. I don't have to do anything."


If you wish to read the rest of my book you may purchase it at www.barnesandnoble.com when it is published. The release date is pending. You may also preorder my second book, Money is for Spending, which I will begin shortly after I make it big with my first publication.

"Its like playing cards with my brother's kids."

Well, the school year has wrapped up and although I am currently graduated and unempolyed I do still have a busy summer ahead of me. I thought I'd let you know what I'm doing in case you're curious or just bored enough to keep reading.

Early June - Vegas baby Vegas!
June 17-20 - San Francisco
June 24-26 - Boston

Then the wedding season starts...

July 10 - Julie and David, The Woodlands
July 31 - Elkin, College Station
August 7 - Micah, Beaumont
August 14 - Witler, Colorado

Hopefully at some point in that time frame I will either start a full-time job or win the lottery. I am positive that at some point I will go insane because I live with my parents. I won't miss school. I will wish it wasn't so bloody hot in Houston. I won't live in Aggieland all the time nor will I spend more than three days at a time in my folk's house. I will escape to Starbucks or the pool as often as possible to read and enjoy a choice beverage. I'll wish I was in Europe. I'll probably give a shot at writing(see "You don't Have to do anything" blog). I shall continue rambling...

Just a small side note as we part. I played poker tonight and cleaned house. I walked away with thirty bucks. Spank you very much to all the suckers who afforded me thier chips tonight.

No regrets,

Mr. Fabulous

Walking and/or Limping

So today was the big day. I graduated. The fam came to town and everyone threw their little after parties. I got to Read Arena and they sent me to the handicapped section since I'm on crutches. I examined the row of thirty chairs to the side of the student section and they assured me that this was where all of the handicapped students would sit, very comforting. It turns out that I was the only handicapped student. Luckily, Beene and Polk directly in front of me and I sat with them for half of the ceremony. I actually was able to ditch the crutches and limp across the stage. All of the important people on stage asked me if I could make it. One lady in a purple and black gown said, "Bless you" as I hobbled down the stairs.

Of course something has to go wrong for me on something important like this. I opened my diploma tube only to find a note from the registrar's office. It turns out that the transfer course I took this semester hasn't transferred yet. Figures. I'll have to go get my $40,000 piece of paper on Monday.

After the ceremony I went to Jenn's house where her family was celebrating. I got to introduce my parents. The Petersen's never miss an opportunity to party. Everyone was dancing to oldies and drinking light beer. A classic Petersen moment. Later, David called me and said, "We're getting drunk at Julie's." I proptly rushed over for a girly drink marathon followed by some cheesy board games.

Everyone's question is,"What are you doing now that you're done?" My answer is,"Hell if I know." That's the truth. Stay tuned for details.

tuesday is the first day of the rest of my life....?

Maybe I misunderstood. I thought the American road through life consisted of high school graduation, college, getting a job followed by success. I'm just about through with step two, but there's nowhere to stand after that. There is not a job in sight. I have no idea where I will even be sleeping next week. It kind of works out though; I don't want to work and no one wants to hire me.

Tomorrow is my last day of school ever! I've been going to school for 16 years. I have no idea what to do with myself. They tell me to get a job but I don't want to. Can't a guy enjoy a few seconds of his life before he's stuck in a crappy job for forty years, only to be followed by bad golf and back problems?

First things first, I've got two tests standing between me and graduation. I've been staring at the cover of my Latin American philosophy book all day (I've been to that class exactly one time in the past month). I have a take home test due in that class tomorrow but all I've accomplished in nine hours of effort is putting the date on the top and making the font bigger. So, I guess I better get to writing. I need to make sure I pass these tests tomorrow. Then I can worry about what happens Tuesday when the rest of my life begins.