I’ve been working pretty hard lately. Stressed. Spent 12 hours in the office today. Worked over the weekend. I get so beat when I do have free time that I forget to say hello. I’m still pretty tired so let me just tell you that I saw Harold and Kumar, Escape from Guantanamo Bay and it kind of sucked compared to the first one.
Lastly, Nev and I went to Second Chance Prom last weekend. Leaving you with photos. He was a great date. Opened car doors and got me a corsage! Never had a corsage before. What’s great about our outing is that in the 7 years we’ve known each other we never once had a full conversation. You could say we were overdue.
Before Sunrise
I have been meaning to see this movie for literally years. I have this book index of thousands of chick flicks and this made a lot of lists. It also gets a lot of references in pop culture and in novels so I always had it mentally bookmarked. I finally moved it up in my Netflix queue. Premise and plot are really simple. Two strangers meet on a train and they have such a great conversation and connection that they delay going to their respective homes in different countries, get off the train, and meander the streets talking. Eventually, they fall in love. The movie was 99.9 percent dialogue. Here are what I think the underlying reasons why I hated it.
It’s been so long that my expectations were really high.
Ethan Hawke was distracting me with how greasy and dirty he looked.
It’s corny. There was a scene where he goes “I’m going to take a picture of you” and he pulls back and stares at the girl. I may have thrown up a little in my mouth during that scene.
How can you fall in love that quickly?
I love dialogue and I think I can handle a movie that’s 100 percent dialogue but under one condition, give me some comic relief! Or irony! To keep it fresh. It just got stale for me.
What I appreciated from the movie:
I like travel love.
I like that they left off deciding to meet again in 6 months and in the mean time no phone calls or letters. It’s too depressing they said. I like that! You get 6 months to reminiscence and no additive filler shit to complicate your memory or dilute it. That’s how I would have done it as well. Delicious build up.
All in all, it was torturous for me. I took off the sequel, Before Sunset from my queue right after the movie.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Loved it. Great lines. What a great comedic team this Knocked up/Superbad team is becoming. It makes me look forward to Pineapple Express. Forgetting Sarah Marshall has a lot of full blown male nudity, so brace yourself. Plot simple here too. Dude gets dumped by famous girlfriend so he escapes to Hawaii to forget about her. To his unfortunate dismay, she’s vacationing there with her new beau. Half way through the movie I realized Sarah Marshall = Coyote Ugly girl! Roomie said he appreciated that he never thought the movie was dragging on and I must agree. I didn’t ever think to myself, “When is this movie ending?” Perfectly balanced. The side characters tripped me out as well. The Christian newly wed guy was my favorite. “Nooo stopppppppp, God did not put our mouth down there for a reason!!!”
Today I took my little from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America to the Earth Day Celebration downtown at Republic Square. We browsed the booths, had delicious velvet ice from Jim Jim’s (a great great place in Austin by the way), had her face painted, chased bubbles, painted tons of cardboard, swung on tires, made a clothespin doll (aka “peep”) and took her for elaborate peep rides. Basically, we had some good times bonding in the sun.
Day 4 was a GREAT day. So chill yet so eventful. We woke up 11ish? Slept in. I went with Jon to one of his law school meetings, had pizza. Then we drove to Long Island to visit one of his friends… who practically lives on the shore.
Jen T. calls and tells us she wants Korean BBQ in Flushing. Jon and I are thinking, HELLZ YEAH! Korean BBQ! I haven’t had Korean BBQ in maybe a year? I don’t remember the name of this place but it was amazing. They completely fill up your table like a feast and even then there’s still not enough room for the food. They cook the bbq in front of you and place it in your rice bowl individually for lack of space. They serve you like mom and dad would! Jon and I were in heaven. My mouth is watering as I reminiscence.
We then walked over to Pink Berry. This is my first experience with the new trendy acclaimed Pink Berry. Did you know it recently got bought out by Starbucks? I remembered I didn’t quite like the green tea yogurt at Red Mango so I opted for Original with mochi, strawberries, and chocolate. Oh god. So good and good for you!
Jon and I went home and chilled and marveled on how great of a day we had and it wasn’t even over yet. After relaxing at his digs for a bit we joined his friends at a Beer garden called Beer Garden. Sadly the garden part of it was closed off so we stayed in and drank beers and played Texas Hold ‘Em and Big 2/VC. We left the place at 3:30a. I didn’t know bars in NYC close at 4am. They got us in Austin beat by 2 hours. We then went to an 24 hour deli in Queens called Cherry Valley. This place was bumping at 4am and I can completely see why. Their sandwiches are DELICIOUS and you get over 200 to choose from! Look at that menu!
Jon and I went to bed at around 5:30 am. Woke up in the afternoon my last day. Flight leaves at 7 so we went into the city for lunch with Jen T. Lunch ended up being a late lunch (which explains why I was late to the airport and got dropped off without my bag WHICH finally got here today (thanks, Jon!) which means I can stop using my Roomie’s shot glasses for contact lens holder and finally charge my cell phone!) at Luzzos. I got the delicious and comforting calamari risotto. It was the perfect last meal with the perfect two people. I’m pleased to see Jon and Jen really do enjoy each other’s company. They each have a new friend now in the city!
That’s one of our waiters. Jen wasn’t feeling photogenic.
I have this list of things I want to experience at least once in life… On this list you can find skydiving (check), shoot different types of guns (check), travel travel travel (in progress), try escargot (check) and try out a brazilian wax (check!)
Today after work, I bit the bullet finally. A friend of mine just recently had hers done for the first time a few weeks ago and she swears she won’t ever do it again. Something about the pain not being worth it. She said the lady did not use gloves and she didn’t let them go after her strays with tweezers. Determined to still try, I emailed all my girl friends to see if they had any Brazilian waxer they would swear by. None of them ever had their little girl part professionally waxed cept one. This soul told me she’s gets a regular bikini wax and wouldn’t ever do a Brazilian. She gave me the name (Sharon) and location (The Beauty Store and Salon - in the Central Market shopping center). I had this name for a week now but between New York and being sick (today was my first day back at work this week) I didn’t have the time. Emboldened by the cabin fever I was developing from being couped up in the apartment, I made my appointment for today yesterday.
Walked into the store and the salon is in the back. I told the cute blond in the front that I had an appointment. Took deep breaths as I wandered the store mindlessly. I actually purchased something called a Miracle Stone but I think it fell out of my purse? Can’t seem to find it. It’s suppose to help prevent ingrown hairs after bikini waxes.
Five minutes passed and Sharon finally got me. Breathing deep. I tried to conjure up all these personal painful memories to brace myself. Getting the wind knocked out of me from my airbag going off last summer. Spinal surgery as an adolescent. Eyebrow waxing. Indian burns. I thought if little Eva Longoria could do it, I can do it. If I could jump out of a plane and shoot a rifle… what’s a little hair? RIGHT?
Sharon tells me I should keep my underwear off if I want to make it easier for her. Do people really leave it on?
“You’d be surprised how many shy girls insist on keeping on their underwear.”
Huh.
So I’m on the table and she’s spreading the hot wax. I do some deep Lamaze type breaths. She rubs on the cloth strip and I noticed no gloves as well. Maybe since my friend and I are both in the healthcare profession, we’re sticklers for gloves? Do waxers not use gloves?!
She counts down for me. “5, 4, 3, 2″ Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppppppppp.
Motherfu…..!!!!!
Immense unbelievable amount of pain for 2 seconds and it starts to wear off.
At first I thought there was a rhyme and reason to what part hurt the most. But thinking back it felt arbitary. Pain ranged from 8.5 to 13 on a scale from 1 to 10.
She tried to have a conversation wtih me and I did my best to hold up my end.
“Kids?”
“No mam”
“Husband?”
“Nope.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Nope.”
“Bullshit. Why are you here?”
I laughed, “Maybe I’m a hooker.” (I’m not. Though it felt strangely liberating to say “hooker” to a stranger just as I’m sure it felt liberating to say “Bullshit” to a customer.)
I explained to her that damn list.
“Well… ” riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip. “You’ll enjoy how it looks.” riiiiiiiiiiippp “Go ahead, look.”
If you were to videotape my reaction up til this point like the youtube above, you’d see me covering my eyes like I’m watching a scary movie. Uncovering my face, I looked. It looked… bald. And angry. I mean, I’d be angry at me too.
Thankfully, It didn’t last as long as I thought. It was over before I knew it. Well, almost. As expected from other blog entries I found and my one friend who’s had it done said, Sharon came at me with tweezers. This part isn’t as bad the waxing. It felt like tiny needles pricking you.
I think total it lasted 30 minutes. I cleaned off and paid her 65 dollars (a ten dollar tip included… I mean.. she saw my lil girl.)
Will I go through this again 4 to 6 weeks from now? I guess I’ll figure that out once I’m done icing myself.
Day three was also day two of being sick. Jon dropped me off at the subway stop in Queens and 2 trains later, I met up Jen W. at Grand Central Station. We took the train to Canal street and had brunch in China Town.
I remember reading about the big sting that closed down a slew of China Town counterfeit vendors. It’s just a shock to see it in person. This street used to be difficult to get by and now all the shops are closed. No more cheap fakes.
Dim Sum! We had dim sum at this grand place (it’s hard to find a grand space in China Town) called Jung Fung. 2 Stories, escalators, spacious. Again, that’s an aberration in China Town. Good? I’ve had better in Houston but this is my first dim sum in NYC and it’s good.
We then made our way to Union Square to check out Max Brenner on Kim’s recommendation.
Kim sent me an email of her banana split waffles from Max and I HAD TO GET THEM TOO. (We owe Kim for like half of this day.)
We DEVOURED it. AMAZING.
There’s the bald guy….
We took turns going to the bathroom. Jen tipped me to take my camera into the bathroom. Hee.
We shopped some after Max. I got a cute dress at Forever 21 (something we have in Texas) and she got something at H&M, something she has across the street from her work in Madison. Being as though I got dropped off at the airport without my luggage and Jon had to send me my bag… I hope I get my bag… if for anything for my NYC clothing purchases :(. Cross your fingers for me
We then had a snack at Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Another Kim rec. I went to Kim’s pistachio cupcake rec and Jen had the red velvet. I really really appreciated this place because it reminded me of an Austiny place. The signs on the wall. The people who work there. The decor. Very Hippy Austiny. Good pick, Kim.
10 reasons why you should eat a cupcake. Hee. I’m a instant fan.
Then we had dinner at Kyotofu…. Trendy. Minimalistic. Reminded me of a HippyTrendyAsian version of Wink i n Austin. I only had the desserts at Wink but it was divine. Kyotofu? Eh. It’s interesting. Not so tasty but definitely an adventure of some sort. Here’s a couple of snapshots of the food and of Jen W.
We spent the next couple of hours in Time Square looking for a certain tshirt for someone but never found it. Made a last food stop at Red Mango… the counter to Pink Berry I hear.
I discovered that I do not like green tea yogurt (and I LOVE green tea) and that I love mochi.
My night with Jen ended with her taking the train back upstate and my meeting Jon who was waiting for me in Time Square. He was all dolled up from another engagement. Handsome.
2nd day in NYC, Jon skipped law school for a day and we spent it in the city.
Before we left Queens, we started at this store called Linda’s Organic Kitchen? Or something like that. Jon took me there deliberately. We ordered from Linda’s smoothie menu. I think we both got the antioxidant smoothie. Yum.
While they made our smoothies, I walked around the store and stumbled on some tea.
Teehee. Tea for Manhood. ;)
We then made our way to the city to find Jon’s Indian gem. Curry in a Hurry. Yum. You pick out a couple of curries so it’s somewhat of a buffet style. Indian food, Thai food, and bbq are our thing. So it’s great that I could eat Indian with him again. I told him I would take him to Bombay Bistro next time he’s in Austin. Curry in a Hurry was good but I’m partial to true buffets when it comes to Indian cuisine. I ate him under the table. He had forgotten that I got skillz.
After Curry in a Hurry, he indulged me in some shopping at H&M. When are we going to get our own H&M in Texas? I think it’s time.
We then had lunch at Pomme Frites, a Belgian Fries place with many accolades. You order deliciously unhealthy fries and pick from one of 20 something sauces. We tried the Vietnamese Pineapple Mayo (my favorite), the Irish Curry, the Sweet Mango Chutney Mayo, and the Pesto Mayo. Delicious. Very unhealthy.
While walking around the city, we saw some naked men. Heh. So of course I took pictures. Especially since we were on our way to see the Museum of Sex.
Museum was fun. Enlightening. Already written about it. The 2nd gallery where they only show rolling porns was entertaining not only in it’s own inherent way but also the other patrons made it entertaining. Saw an old Asian couple kind of just.. staring at the films. Saw another couple all cuddly and that almost made me shiver. Fun times at the Sex Museum!
We went back to Queens after the museum to enjoy some drinks and card games with his friends.
90 percent of my relationship with Jon consist of eating. The first thing we did after he picked me up was go to Tuang Thong, his favorite Thai restaurant he’s found so far. Located in Queens. Good stuff. I had the Kee Prow, which is basically Kee Mao but with rice instead of noodles. He got the Pad Thai. We ate half of our own and then exchanged. One of the many reasons why I love us. We share food.
Next series of photos are from my solo trip to the MET. First time I made it to this museum. I only had 3 hours here. Must schedule a return visit next time. I guess this trip could count as one of my scary things of the week, as I only navigated NYC’s subway system for about 30 minutes on my own during my last trip and this was for a good 6 hours. I had help from Jon and Kim via text messaging. Ha!
I think this was translated to something to the like of, “I dream in color?” Or “My dreams of are in color”? Anyone, anyone?
I remember walking up to this one thinking, this looks like a Dali. I’ve never seen this one before but sho enuff! It is a Dali.
After the Met closed, I walked outside and found myself an audience member of a dance show. These two guys just randomly started to perform. They were given one ticket and were approached by NYPD twice. I love New York.
After the show, I took the train to Bloomingdales with the assistance of Kim’s text messages on what train to take and when to get off. I wandered around and shopped and waited til dinner time with Jen T. We had Patsy’s which is across the street from Dylan’s Candybar behind Bloomingdales. Yum. We ordered a pizza with olives, mushrooms, and sausage. Delish.
Wednesday last week, I flew into NYC and spent the day in the city pretty much on my own while my friends were studying and working.
Thursday I wake up with a sore throat but I play away anyway.
Friday, my voice is hoarse and I spent it catching up with Jennifer Wu. We hadn’t seen each other in a YEAR.
Saturday til now: VOICE IS COMPLETELY GONE. I speak in a whisper with an occasional squeak.
Sunday: I fly in with no voice and NO LUGGAGE. I had lunch in the city before leaving. Jon and I both thought to put my bag in his car since he decided to drive but neither of us spoke up. Traffic ended up being worse than he predicted for a Sunday, Jen T was a bit late, traffic back was pretty bad… so he ended up dropping me at the airport sans bag to avoid a 250 dollar fine changing my flight. Gah.
Since I’ve been back I missed both days of work. It looks like I missing out on tomorrow as well. I have not been this sick in a long time.
I got into NYC yesterday at 11:30a. Hung out with Jon who so sweetly picked me up and has been a great host for a few hours in Queens. He had class, Jen T. had work and then piano class, and Jen W. won’t come in till tomorrow. Jon gave me his metro card and sent me on my merry way to the city. Kim a former NYC resident) helped me find the 6 train by text and I killed several hours at the Met. She then directed me to Bloomingdales which is near where I was scheduled to have dinner with Jen T after piano. I felt like Carrie in SATC when she was “dating the city.” I take myself out on my own often but never in NYC before. So this is the cup of hot chocolate (also a suggestion texted to me from my city guide, Kim) I had on my own at Dylan’s Candy Bar while waiting for my dinner buddy.
Today, Jon skipped law school and he indulged me in a lot of shopping, a lot of eating, and a lot of walking. I also got to finally go see The Museum of Sex. That’s been on my list for a while now. Fun experience. Saw celebrity porn, 70’s porn, 80’s porn, 90’s porn, new porn, and black and white porn, I touched a real doll and it reminded me of Lars and the Real Girl.
I have more photos to share but I didn’t bring my memory card reader. I’m limited to phone pictures till I get back.
Tomorrow, I’m spending all day with Jen W. who will be in from Madison, WI. :) I haven’t seen her since……. I honestly can’t remember when I last saw her.
Texas native. Living and working in Austin, TX. Twenty something. In hot pursuit of good food, adventure, and laughter. Dreams of owning her own place with a big giant library.
once i fell asleep sitting in the splash zone @ SeaWorld (1hr sleep night before), also fell asleep waiting for a ride @ waterpark (3 hrs) 1 hour ago
avg 4 hours of sleep a night. which = i fall asleep during slow movies or fight scenes. fell asleep at fight scene of alice&wonderland. damn 1 hour ago
Linda | 
04 29th, 2008| 
Texas native. Living and working in Austin, TX. Twenty something. In hot pursuit of good food, adventure, and laughter. Dreams of owning her own place with a big giant library.
