Can't go home again

This upsets me...

http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/list-of-cities-from-safest-to-most/n20061030131109990008

Worse then Oakland, Compton, Flint, and Detroit is St. Louis, MO, the worst city in the nation when it comes to crime.

St. Louis is where I grew up, and like most people and their early years I have fond memories. Sadly, I know why the city went down the tubes (Thank you Carl Icahn...jackass!). I know most of the people I grew up with still live in St. Louis, around the outskirts. It's too bad. St. Louis is actually a fun little town with more things to do in it then most cities it would be compared to. I'll always have my memories.

"Please take me home, too late, it's gone
I bet you're sad, this is the best time we ever had" ~Blink 182

A note from a friend in Europe

One of the nicest people I met up here is a guy named Brad. He finished college last year, but wasn't quite ready to go into the real world. So in August he left for the ultimate trip around the world. For the last few months he has traveled all around Europe, and has been keeping me and a few other friends updated on his adventures. I am posting this one because I find Berlin a fascinating city and this particular restaurant sounds really cool.

Consider this a reason to travel!

"Well,I am about three weeks behind in my travel stories. I have spent that time with my girlfriend, Laura, and tried not to spend too much time at internet cafes (though she might beg to differ). We had a wonderful time and I was very sad to see her off. I will try to catch you all up on our adventures when I get a chance. However, I am leaving for India today and wanted to share with you my last night in Europe. It was to be my last meal in Europe and I had to do it up right. I had heard about this restaurant in Berlin in which you eat in complete darkness. I knew from the moment I heard of this that I would have to go, and I made it happen. Sadly, I left my family in Enschede, Netherlands and headed for Berlin via the train. I arrived at 1720 hrs and my reservation was for 1800, so I was cutting it close, and I did not really know how to get there. I threw my bag in a locker so I would not have to schlep it all over trying to find this place. Then, I took 3 different trains, hailed a taxi, and ended up making it to the restaurant about 20 minutes late, but all was okay as they kept my reservation. I had no idea what to expect, except that I was under the impression that the place was run by blind people. I had only blue jeans and a white undershirt. I figured that it would not matter what I was wearing since I would be in the dark and so would everyone else. When I got there I was greeted by a host who could see just fine, in a bar/lounge area that was dimly lit. Here I was served wine which I ordered and I was given time to peruse the menu which consisted of 4 different meals. I chose the meal with the duck and rosti (swiss hash browns) with a cranberry glaze, and a fruit/sugar thing for desert. I relaxed in the lounge for awhile. It was really nice. There was no rush and it was very laid back. I was given a briefing on how everything works and then I was taken downstairs. Apparently, it is only the servers who are vision impaired as they are the only ones capable of handling this job. I had originally thought that the chefs were also blind, but apparently that was not so. I was told that I would be led to my table by my server. I was warned that it would be complete and utter darkness, not just mostly dark. They were right. It does not get darker than this dungeon. I was led to my table which I ended up sharing with two older ladies who were very nice and we ended up becoming quick friends. I was not as disoriented as I thought I would be. I was able to pour my wine and eat without making too much of a mess. To be quite honest, I came out of there cleaner than I do when I can see what I am doing. The best part of the experience, I think, was being able to eat however you want. Just for the hell of it I licked my desert plate clean. It was funny because one of the ladies said, "You could even lick your plate clean if you want to." "I already did," I replied. That was a good laugh. There was a 40 minute comedy show after the meal. This was also in the dark. I did not understand any of what was said, as it was in German, but one of the ladies I was sitting across from translated some of it for me. After the show the three of us decided to leave and we were led by the hand to the exit. When we got into the light our faces were revealed. I had no idea what to expect. I had originally thought that these ladies were about 70 years old, but they were in reality about 45. I assumed they were older because one had a father whom she said passed away at 98 years old, and the other had one of the softest and most timid voices I had ever heard. We had hot drinks in the lounge upstairs. I had tea, as I hate coffee. Afterwards, they gave me a ride to the subway station where I picked up my backpack from the locker and headed to my hostel. This culinary experience was one of the most unique, interesting and rewarding ones that I have ever had. Well, my family and friends, I am currently in London. I really can't stand this place as it is so damn expensive. I leave for the airport in about 1 hour and a half. Then it is a 10 and a half hour flight to India. I don't know if I will be able to get to the internet very often, but rest assured I will do my best to make it home safe in two weeks time. Then, much to my chagrin, I have to find a job. Anyhow, I hope all of you are well. I enjoy getting emails from you. I am sorry if I have not replied to them all, but I am thinking of you all quite often. "

BTW, I have no clue how he is paying for this! I'm guessing finanical aid. :)

It's been such a long time

I'm now realizing I have only posted 5 or 6 times this month. I am missing all the new tv shows. I have been catching "Lost" (but they better kick that show into gear because I am, once again, getting bored quick), and "How I met your Mother" has been fun. And that's been it. I am missing all the movies (Departed? Flags of Fathers? Are they good?...And yes, I will see Borat when it comes out!!!) It's not like it's all work and no play. For I am proud to announce that I am about to cross off the one Halloween costume I have been wanting to do for years.

The last few years up here I have gotten a chance to really go nuts with Halloween costumes. In LA I had some fun being an Irish Priest, Dr. Phil, and a 70's pimp. Down here I got to wear a toga. But this is the year I wear the costume that was first presented to me ten years ago, but I kept forgetting about.

Ladies and Gentlemen...


...Elvis has entered the building.

I need to learn to post pics on this blog! I will finally play the king of rock'n'roll! I have the shirt and wig. I now need to find the perfect, bleach-white, bellbottoms! I memorized a few song lyrics and I have my lip bending techniqued mastered from my Billy Idol days (don't ask!).

"You make me so lonely baby,
I get so lonely,
I get so lonely I could die." ~Da King!

Passed CBEST!

That's one! Next is the CSET in two weeks! It's funny how everyone kept saying the CBEST is an easy test, but sadly the person who I spent hours studying with did not pass. I feel bad because she is afraid to tell her folks. They will offer the test again in a few months so she can try again. But, to be selfish, I am very happy I passed! One more thing to cross off the list!!!

I have gone from knee deep to neck deep in school work the last few weeks. However, I did give myself a fun weekend to get my mind off of things. Friday, a group of us (illegally) went onto a farmer's corn field around midnight and played flashlight tag. The farmer made a corn maze, but it closes at sunset, so wearing all black we had our own fun. The college kids were afraid the boogey man would get them (as opposed to being afraid of a farmer with a shotgun, as I was). It was fun though. Saturday I did a "Bay Area" run (and was very tired from the night before, mind you) and went to the Bridge Concert Benefit (Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band, Brian Wilson, Trent Reznor...you get the idea), and got to enjoy some great music. I also enjoyed the near 80 degree weather! Sunday I got back home, and hit the books.

I have one Halloween party on Friday night I'm going to, and I think that will be it for parties. I am starting to feel the stress of school on me. It's the first real stress I have had in quite a few years (this isn't "test/quiz/finals" stress, this is getting into the credital program and making sure that GPA stays above 3.0 till I am completely done!), but it's also a good stress because there is a payoff in the end.

Ha! I just got an email, my first class is cancelled tomorrow because the Prof. has to do jury duty! Woo Hoo!!! The "system" finally pays off! Take that hippies!

Top Ten!....How soon I forget!

I keep wanting to do these at the end of the month. I forgot about September! Let's just get started!....and yes, I have been drinking (Happy Saturday. Pttt!)

Top Ten classes I have loved in college.
1. Communications in writing (because we got to write poetry outside!)
2. Art (Rules!)
3. P.E. (Playing dodgeball in my 30's! Priceless!)
4. History (My best "A+" and I learned a lot!)
5. Physics (Good teacher!)
6. Geography (I skip nearly half the classes and still aced those tests!)
7. Drama (Acting like myself, and people think it's an act? Who can ask for anything more!)
8. Multicultural Communications (Learning about different societies is cool!)
9. Child Psych. (Very Eye Opening!)
10. Children's Lit (Getting to make your own children book....worth all my tuition!)

Top ten cities I HAVE been to (even if it was too brief)...
1. New York
2. San Fran
3. Chicago
4. Seattle
5. LA
6. Boston
7. Minneapolis
8. San Diego
9. Portland
10. St. Louis

Top ten things I am doing tomorrow...
1. Laundry (If I know what's good for me!)
2. Take "V" and her sis to Target
3. Homework
4. See "The Departed"
5. Sleep
6. Clean out the fridge (yes, sleep is more important)
7. Check Emails
8. Call "I" regarding English class
9. Call mom
10. Watch the "boob tube" is you have time.

Top ten noises I hear at night.
1. Drunk college kids drinking
2. Drunk college kids puking
3. Racoons in the garbage
4. Cops breaking up a party around me.
5. An 8 cylindar car roaring down the highway
6. Drunk college kids trying to get into their apartment
7. My neighbors (doesn't matter which one) and their mate...."Nuff said!"
8. Music booming (Usually sucky music)
9. Racoons fighting with drunk homeless guy over...lord knows what!
10. Homeless guy cheering for victory win he beats the Racoons (which is rare).

Top ten colors I seem to like
1. Green
2. Light Blue
3. Dark Blue
4. Purple
5. Red
6. Orange
7. Black
8. Yellow
9. Pink
10. Magenta

Top ten horror movies
1. The Exorcist
2. The Thing
3. Alien
4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (The 1970's version)
5. Rosemary's Baby
6. Silence of the Lambs
7. Psycho
8. Night of the Living Dead
9. Halloween
10. Jaws

Top ten party fouls!
1. Spilling a drink
2. Puking
3. Falling down drunk
4. Just falling down
5. Changing the music
6. "Wall flower!"
7. Trying to dance when no one else is
8. Sneaking a kiss from someone you shouldn't.
9. Not bring your own drink to the party!
10. Not drinking (and not being the "DD" either!)

I had a list pre-made but can't find it. That's be next month.

CBEST, and...

So today was the first of many tests I am taking for the next two years. CBEST is about the second or third hardest. It took me four hours to complete (*ugh*). I think I did ok. I'll know in a few weeks. But it wore me out.

On a bit of the bright front I talked to my advi"soar", and it looks like I might be able to wrap things up by the end of next semester. I guess the seat belt sign has turned on and I am beginning to make my arrival at Real Life, USA. Which now brings up the $64,000 dollar questions. Where?

When I bring up this topic to my friends they never respond. I assume because only I can make this decision (but really, they could've said "Stay in LA" or "Go to Chicago" or "Whatever"...hey, "whatever" is a response!) Any input is good. Before I have had fantasies of Italy and the South Seas. I have to make up my mind by Nov 3rd. That is when I start filling out the transscripts that state which areas I am interested in getting my credital in.

Funny, I never re-read my posts. If there are misspellings or run-on sentences then I live with it. After taking that test I am re-reading my mistakes. I have a lot of errors on this blog, so oh well.

Edit: One quick note, a friend ("P") keeps trying to convince me to go back to the Bay Area. Which is sounds, expect for the cost of living. Even if I was making good money (which brings up a story in Monday's blog...wait!...No, baseball returns on Monday!!!!) I would have to rent. I really would rather own.

That's the way of the world.

I'm pretty disappointed with the tutoring job. Not the people that are tutoring or the tutties. They are great. I'm really proud of them. I refer to my bosses. I recently got a notice saying that in just over a week is the deadline for people volunteering to get livescans (Livescans is a quick way to register fingerprints to the FBI). I simply asked my boss if I can have an extention (for the very obvious reason that grade and high schools only started a month ago and we are getting more and more calls for tutors). What I got back was the most defensive answer I have ever heard. My fellow co-director who was with me in the room and I was talked down to as if we were children. What makes it worse is the real reason why...

charities, in order to make money, need to be showing that they are giving back to the community. My program has started small because I want to make sure everyone is tutoring, as opposed to past years where college kids would sit around and do nothing expect way to tutor someone. I got yelled at because they want me to have people sit around and do nothing so they can show "the people" giving them money that we have a lot of volunteers. Which is true, but all those volunteers would do is sit around and do nothing. I'm all about getting these people to tutor. They, my bosses, don't care.

I talked to people who direct other programs, and they seem to be in agreement with me. It's funny, when I started getting the verbal abuse I thought about "the agency", but this was a bit worse. This was about getting money pretending to be doing good. How sad. At least at "the agency" they don't pretend to be good guys (you just have to remember they're not.)

What makes it worse, is now that I am working with kids I have less tolerance for people who act like children. I'm finding myself growing sad when someone as a hissyfit because they wanted no tomatoes on their burger or something.

Spoiled hippies. :)

"You will find peace of mind
If you look way down in your heart and soul
Don’t hesitate ‘cause the world seems cold
Stay young at heart ‘cause you’re never old at heart" ~Earth, Wind, and Fire

Date.............................sorta/kinda/somewhat/not really

And not with the "baseball" girl. She was a no show at the party. So Que Sera, Sera.

However, there was another girl who I've known for a while. She is nice, but crazy. No, I'm not putting her down. She's crazy, she'll be the first to tell you. But we had a great conversation and decided to have dinner yesterday. So I "Suited Up", picked her up, and went to (and this is my favorite part!) "The Ritz." Quite possibly the best Sushi restaurant north of San Fran, and considering I miss Sushi basdly it was great to have some. And it was good!!! Damn good! Anywho, it was a nice evening. She, btw, is 26, so it was adult conversation (which is something else I now realize I truly miss!) The restaurant had some great music (Bob Marley, of course, just a reminder I still live in Humboldt.) It was a fun night. Afterwards we walked around old town (I'll explain "old town" in a moment. We then went to this coffee house and hung out and talked about LA from an outsiders perceptive. She is the first person to speak positively about LA. She brought up some great points why LA is a great town. She's from this neck the central valley (aka, Central California, near Sacarmento) from a little town, but she's been around the state and lived in LA a bit. By 9:30pm we were both tired and called it a night. I took her home, she invited me in and I said hi to her roommates (who I know), and hung out for a bit, then left. No goodnight kiss, but that's ok. I think she will be just a friend anyway. But it was nice to play my age for a night.

Before I wrap up that thought, let me tell you about "old town." If you have done any travelling then you know that every town has a center. Eureka has this very cool old town (surrounded by a pit of Meth Addicts and people doing whatever they can to get by.) I try to go there the first Saturday of every month for "Arts Alive" when all the local artist around the area display their art work. No, the art work is at MoMa standard, but once in a while you will see a piece which is really cool. It's as close to "big city living" as it gets up here.

Anyway, it was also fun to go out on a date (Not all dates have to end with a kiss). We'll probably hang out again (probably get more sushi!). But no, she will be just a friend. She's in a different mindset (literally) in her life right now. I'm not where she's at. Oh, "Why is she crazy?" She extremely outgoing. Now if you know me, you know I am not one to care what people think of me (and if you really know me, you know that that's not entirely true.), but her personality is a bit loud. A lot of people think she's "certified" crazy (*ahem*, the "college" age kids), but she isn't. She, like most everyone else I know, has issues (aka "The Normal"), but I didn't see that last night. I had a great time with a friend.


"Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera" ~Doris Day