January

Happy New Year and Millenium and Century! It doesn't feel real yet. It never does.

Tonight I went with Josh, Chandra and Nathan to a get together at their friend, Lora's, house. That was an educational experience. I've never actually spend time with people like this. Lora is 20 and has a 9 month old. She just married this idiot and they're living in a fairly nice house with all kinds of state-of-the-art electronics which I know they can't afford. They have a 300 disc CD player, VCR, DVD, HP Computer with all kinds of bells & whistles, big screen TV... And they were very ignorant and uneducated. Her husband handed her the birth control pill and she said, "Oh yeah, I always forget about these." Then she went to take one and wash it down with her alcoholic beverage. She then said, "Oh, I can't take these with alcohol." She got a cup of water, washed the pill down, and then proceeded to drink her alcoholic beverage. I'd be willing to bet they'll have another little one in less than a year. On accident (as they say), of course.

Then we went to their friend, Misty's, house. She just turned 22 and has a 5 year old. This woman has a mouth on her. She was ragging on EVERYONE (although she left me alone- guess she didn't know me well enough yet). That was a boring time, over there. We sort of watched the ball drop and Chandra was the only one who acknowledged the new year and that was by saying in a very monotone voice, "Happy new year... and stuff... whatever." Not exactly the time I had in mind but at least I stayed awake for it unlike last year (well, actually last year, Daniel woke me up 5 minutes before midnight to celebrate before leaving to go back to bed).

So now it's a new year. And I'm wide awake. I was exhausted until around midnight and now I keep feeling more and more awake. I also have this cold thing back again- just can't shake it. If the pattern continues, I should feel fine when I wake up tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Tech game. I'm predicting a good game and I hope there are more than 2 people wherever I decide to go watch it. Champs only had one other guy there today (whoops, yesterday) when Nathan and I went there. So I'm thinking of going to Macado's (the new one in Christiansburg) since I know they have TV's and it's a restaurant so there should be people there. I really don't want to watch it with Nathan. He's starting to get on my nerves. Chandra is as well. Her stories sound like she's making them up as she goes along and they're not even that interesting. God, I really don't have much tolerance for people, do I? Maybe that'll be one of my resolutions some month this year.

This is going to be hard keeping this updated until I get a phone line in my new apartment and then set up the DSL service. Right now I'm at easyEverything- a cool new internet cafe with 800 computers. It costs $1 for various amounts of time (depending on how many people are here at the time). I just got 182 minutes for $1. I have 2 hours and 41 minutes remaining and it expires in 28 days. These computers are extremely fast with an extremely fast internet connection. They're open 24 hours a day. It seems too good to be true. Since the computer lab at Hunter is closed and the libraries have slow connections and limited software, I'm lucky this place opened up here!

I got to New York yesterday afternoon and after getting a utility knife and something to drink, I fell asleep. I fell asleep at 3:30 PM and woke up this morning at 6:30 AM. And the only reason I didn't go back to sleep was that I didn't want to miss the people coming to set up furniture. Guess I needed the sleep.

I called at 8:00 to see if I was still scheduled for the assembly service and they said yes and they would be here between 8-12. At a little after noon I called back to say no one was here yet. The woman told me someone would get back to me in a few minutes. Sure enough, someone actually called in a few minutes (I was sure I was going to have to call back). She said that the representative who took my order forgot to give it to the technician so that person didn't have my work order. I had a feeling something like this would happen. All they could give me was a 15% discount. I guess that's better than nothing. So now I have to wait around all day tomorrow.

I packed my cell phone charger by accident so I got Chandra to stop by the Sprint store in Baltimore to get another one. The guy gave it to me for free (guess those are becoming obsolete... or he was being really nice). Well, it's a little different from my old one. You can charge the phone or the battery separately. I charged the phone like I normally would and it had the little green light (meaning it's charged). But it wasn't charged. So then when I got to New York I tried charging the battery. That didn't work either. I'm confused. So now I'm without a phone. I tried charging it periodically throughout the day and it partially charged. I'm convinced it will work this time (now that I'm out for a while). If not, I'll have to go out later to a Sprint store and tell them my problem.

The apartment is a mess right now and you can't really walk in the doorway without stepping on and over boxes. I was hoping some of that would be cleared up this afternoon but now I have to wait until tomrrow afternoon. Rather than sit around in a messy apartment, I think I'll take myself to see a movie- given the fact that there are 4 movie theatres within 3 blocks of my place.

Last night I fully realised what being back in NEw York meant. It means taking a walk in central park, seeing cool movies and theatre, going to Knicks and Rangers games (and Yankees games soon), getting use of this 24 hour Internet cafe, having dinner in a choice of good restaurants at 11:00 PM, having incredible public transportation, and all those other great things that are Unique in New York (or U Nork).

Josh, Chandra, & I went to Nacho Mama's when we got up to Baltimore the other night. I'm glad I finally went there but I didn't like it. The bar was fun but the food was nasty. It was an odd little place. Part Irish Pub, part Mexican restaurant, part Baltimorian, and part Macado's (they have the same tacky decor).

I'm a little annoyed that I didn't stay awake long enough to watch any of the Orange Bowl last night. That afternoon I had a strong feeling that Oklahoma would beat Florida State SOONER than any other team. Wow, not only did they beat them, they stomped all over them. I don't think I've ever seen a final football score of 13-2! Go OKLAHOMA!!!!!

They're playing techno music right now. This is the first time I feel REALLY awake since probably some time in Blacksburg. It probably helps that I'm drinking an iced mocha.

Well, I'm finished here, I think. Guess I'll be back Saturday. Or maybe I'll avoid the weekend and wait till Monday to come back. Nah, I will come on Saturday after I see a Saturday matinee...

I don't think I'll put the "interesting fact of the day up" after all. They're a bit too long- kind of like giving a mini lecture.

Well, most of the furniture is set up (I just have to put the shelves in the bookcase. I can't wait to set up my stereo! And I got my old phone charger yesterday so I can charge my phone quickly and be able to use it more throughout the day!

I started going through my mail last night. It's not too much- and a lot of it is for the previous tenant.

If I could have one skill- I'd want to be a handyman. I wish I could easily put things together or fix things when they're broken. That would be so convenient! But I just don't think I'm that kind of person.

Question: Are there more chain-type places in New York than there used to be? Or was I just never in areas where all those places are? Or were they always there and I just didn't notice them? It seems odd to me- to see a Taco Bell next to a GAP next to a Banana Republic next to a McDonalds across the street from a Popeyes. I remember there was a Daily Show story about the amazing city of New York and they went around Manhattan focusing in on all those chain-type places. It was funny but I didn't realise how true it was.

I went to Barnes & Noble last night and used my gift certificate from Bev & Lisa. I decided to get back into gems & stones, so I bought a book on that. Now I just need to find some cool stones.

Today I'm going to try to see "Copenhagen" before it goes away on the 21st. If that's not available, I have no idea what I'll see. Maybe "Music Man"?

Yesterday was a productive day. Paula and Harvey came up here to help out a little with the boxes which was nice. I also hooked up the stereo and programed my 200 disc changer which was SO MUCH FUN! I decided to arrange my music collection in chronological order by release date but that seems like a big project so I'll wait on that till I have more time. I did the records but the CD's are in no order right now. The only problem with P & H staying here is that I was using their bed since mine is being delivered today and the couch isn't sitting right on the legs so I have to get that fixed. So I slept for a little bit on the chair and the rest of the time on the floor. My bed better get delivered today. I'm sure they will get it here- they seem like a good company. It's supposed to be between 11:30-2:00 (right in the middle of the day- how convenient). And when they get here, I'm going to see if they are able to help me with the couch.

After all that, I'll go to the Door Store to check out the desk and table Paula likes. Hopefully that will be fine as I am sick of shopping. This morning I went to look at posters and frames for the walls. I found one I liked but it's a small one so it'll work for a smaller wall but we'll still need a bigger one for the big wall behind the couch. I was hoping to find a night/water/stars/moon/snow (or something of that combination) type painting or photo. Maybe I'll find a place or two on the way to the Door Store. This morning I also went to Duane Reeds to pick up some cleaning-type things.

After I get back from shopping this evening, if I'm not too tired, I'll try to finish unpacking boxes.

I called Sprint this morning to change my cell number to a local number but they said they were out of numbers and to call back in a few days. Why am I not surprised?

Tomorrow I'll try to make the apartment completely liveable and I might go see a show if I'm still in Times Square (after easyEverything) in the evening. Wednesday is Math test and then I'll go find a bar where I can watch the MD/UNC game (just need to find out what time). Thursday I'll get a bank account and hopefully a driver's licence. Wow, things sound so easy right now. If only they seem as easy when I have to actually do them.

I wrote an entry yesterday, but I left it on my laptop at home. MAybe one day I'll upload it in here.

"Copenhagen" was wonderful! I understood so much more the second time that I was able to watch it as a theatrical performance rather than try to follow the dialogue the whole time. I might even see it one more time before it closes since I'm crazy like that.

Things are getting settled around the apartment. I have a bed (and today I got pillows), my stereo and TV (without cable) are hooked up, and some things are put away. I still have a lot to unpack though. I'll do some more tomorrow before the math test. I'm just having trouble trying to organise where my clothes should go.

Last night Paula, Harvey, and I watched "15 Minute Hamlet" and "Monster in a Box"- we were in the mood to laugh, I guess. Both were funnier than I remember them. We haven't laughed that hard in ages. Harvey said his stomach hurt when he went to bed. They left this morning too early to say good-bye. But I'll see them in about a week for the auction.

I'm having a blast with my new stereo! I programed the 200 discs and arranged almost all (will finish tonight, probably) my music in chronological order by release date (recording date was too complicated). I've never seen anyone arrange their music this way and I'm excited about it.

Right now I'm trying to find a show to go see tonight since I'll still be here for a while. I'm leaning towards "Seussical". Is Rosie in it yet? Maybe I'll see "Music Man" instead. I'll decide when I'm in line.

Hey, Neil & Maxine, if you're reading this- "Thanks for the sweater. I'm wearing it today and it's very cozy and warm which is great since it's REALLY WINDY today."

I know I had more to say but I can't remember now. Maybe I'll remember a little later.

There's a really annoying french guy next to me looking at nude pictures, chatting, and laughing hysterically every few minutes. One of the downsides to being in an Internet cafe.

I've been trying for the past hour to change my cell phone number. I got the number but they need to program the phone for it to be activated and they can't do that while I'm on the phone. So I went out to a pay phone, waited 30 minutes to talk to someone at customer service (there HAS to be an easier way), finally got to someone and it turned out that I needed my phone with me in order to program it. Of course it was in the apartment. So I told her that and asked if there was a quicker way to get through to someone at customer service because I was FREEZING and the bitch hung up on me!!! NOW I'M PISSED AND FREEZING!!! I'm not ready to call back yet. I'm hoping there will be a pay phone inside the building of the Hunter and I'll try again then. I'm also going to complain about the woman hanging up on me but it won't do any good (even if I knew her name). I HATE customer service!!!!!

Now I need to calm down a little bit and then I'll start some unpacking. I was going to tackle the clothes today but maybe I'll find something else instead. I wish I could get to the box of books. That would be a lot easier than clothes.

If you don't go to sleep for a night, it's still the same day. It does not become a new day until you sleep. If this is true, I'm probably a year and a half behind right now.

So now I came home for a few minutes (which turned into much longer) and unpacked some books (!) before heading out to Pig 'n' Whistle for the 2nd half of the MD/UNC game. I like this Pig 'n' Whistle- much better than the one in Times Square (which probably is all tourists). The one on Lex has a cool bartender, interesting patrons, cider, port, and a good jukebox. I found my "Cheers"!

And on that note, I'm off to hopefully watch MD kick some butt!

Just had a flashback of chanting that Rusted Root song during "Hair". That could have been so amazing with a different cast. I really want to do that show again with better people. I've worked with crappy people in a theatre before but nothing compared to those people at Catonsville. It was just too much drama and nasty people. I felt like I was back in middle school.

Enjoying my CD player right now!!! I'm listening to Dave Matthew's "Stay". Have I mentioned recently that I LOVE my music collection?

I got a letter from Kendra yesterday. How cool is that? I haven't gotten a personal letter in... a VERY long time. Probably last one was from Kendra when I was living at the Days Inn in Timonium. It was really good hearing from her. She's such a good person- probably one of the kindest, most caring, not a bad bone in her body, thoughtful people I know. She says she has a friend in Jersey she wants to visit and I really hope she does that soon. It would be so wonderful to catch up. Think I'll write her back tomorrow.

Oh, and my CD player already developed my personality (like all my music playing devises always do). It knows my mood instantly. It's playing such cool stuff tonight. Now it's playing Euphoria. I wonder if it picked up my vibes more easily since I spent all that time with it programming the CD's? I know I'm a nut. I think I hear the funny farm van pulling up as I type this.

I finished unpacking my books! They look nice on the bookshelf. In fact, the whole apartment is beginning to look nice. I really like it here. The place actually looks bigger with all the furniture in here. I can't wait to have visitors. If you're reading this (and I know you), please come visit soon! But wait till I finish unpacking.

Now it's playing my 3rd favourite U2 song- "Still Haven't Found What I'm looking For" off of "Rattle & Hum". My first two favourites are- "With or Without You" and "Van Diemen's Land". Although, I'm also fond of "One" and "Wild Horses".

Now it's playing Dead Can Dance which is putting me in a candle lighting mood... Oh wait, now it's confusing me- it just started Blue Oyster Cult. I gotta get rid of this one- just can't handle them right now... Ah, much better- it's now playing REM's "Drive".

Tomorrow's computer working day. I hate not being able to do anything while I'm sitting here up half the night. At least I have books and movies. In fact, maybe I'll watch a movie. Or maybe I'll try to get to bed early and get over to easyEverything early. Okay, that's a good idea. Then I can stay there most of the day, take a break somewhere, and then go see a show since I didn't get to do that the other night. If I'm feeling brain-dead I'll see "Seussical". If I still have some comprehension left, I might try "Proof". I should have seen that the other night in preparation for my math test. Maybe I could have absorbed enough from the script that I would have passed the whole thing (even the Pre-Calculus part).

This afternoon I was reading, in Forbes, about The 400 Best Big Companies in America and read that General Mills was one of the "Letdowns" because of "negative equity, highly leveraged". Come on Jeff, get that company going ;)

I'm getting more and more irritated with easyEverything. The people who go here are extremely obnoxious, the people who work here are clueless and don't do things right, and it's hard to find a working computer in here most of the time. Right now I'm irritated because I waited in line to get the woman to download the files on my floppy and it doesn't seem to have worked. I really don't feel like getting back in line right now so I thought I'd write a quick entry in the meantime. Okay, I can't think of anything else to say right now so I guess I'll go wait in line and see if anyone knows how to help me.

No, I'm not waiting in that line- too long. Guess I won't be doing what I need to be doing. Guess it can wait till... maybe tomorrow there won't be as long a line or something. God, I can't wait until I get a phone line in the apartment. Although, I'll have to use a regular modem to dial up until I get the stuff for DSL. Maybe I'll just do a free trial month of something since I don't have any software for my Sprynet/Mindspring/Earthlink account. This is getting irritating but hopefully in less than a month I'll be up and running at warp (well not quite) speed and getting everything done that I need to in a timely fashion. I should send out an apology email to everyone in the meantime. I feel like I've been doing that a lot recently. I HATE moving!

I had two journal entries on this floppy but I obviously can't get to them so that will have to wait too.

Now they're saying some computers aren't working and if you try to log on and it doesn't work, to come to the front for help. Now that line will never die down. I'm beginning to hate this place. And I don't want to write anything else until I upload those two other entries. What's the point? I'll either repeat myself or forget about something.

And I thought it was supposed to be warmer today and tomorrow. Doesn't look like that now.

Oh yeah, and I guess Vick isn't waiting around to play ball with his little brother. Good move, in my opinion. At least he'll make a little money before he gets completely injured or something.

My goal is to finish unpacking by the end of the weekend. I should be able to accomplish that since there isn't much else distracting me.

Then Monday I can go get a bank account and driver's licence and maybe get a few things I need for the apartment (like a tiny trash can for the bathroom). I realised today when unpacking the kitchen stuff just how inconvenient the shelves are. The bottom one I can reach, the second one I can reach if I stand on my toes, but after that the others are unreachable. So it;s really like I don't have enough shelf space. Maybe I'll be able to get a chair in there and stand on that to reach... First though, I need to get chairs. I was leaving that up to Paula since she cares about that stuff more than I do. The kitchen drawers are tiny. I was going to get one of those silverware container things that you put in drawers but it wouldn't fit. So I just neatly put the silverware in there (like it will really stay neat...). The kitchen is the one downside to the apartment. The living room is huge, the bathrooms are small but really nice, the bedroom is fine and there's plenty of closet space, but the kitchen is really useless. Good thing I'm not much of a cook. I'll just serve drinks for my guests and then we can go out to eat. It's not like there's a shortage of restaurants in NYC.

"The Dinner Party" was wonderful! The acting (although I didn't care too much for Jan Maxwell) was superb and the script was almost perfect. It was a slow beginning (as most plays are, with setting the scene and all) but it picked up nicely and when it was over, I wished there was more to it. Len Carioux was perfect! I don't think it's a show I'd see more than once, but if someone wanted me to go with them, I certainly would not decline.

My bookshelf isn't perfect yet so I think on Saturday I'll go down to The Strand and sell my unwanted ones and pick up some interesting choices (I hope). This seems to be a good reading month since I can't work too much and classes haven't started yet (and I don't have cable yet). I've already read "High Fidelity" (exactly like the movie with a few extra parts) and I'm part of the way through "Pecked to Death by Ducks" by Tim Cahill. I'm not too thrilled with it yet, but maybe it will get better. Maybe if it was a different subject it would be better, but I don't like the fact that each chapter is a different story of some weird adventure. I'm not much of an adventureous person (at least I don't enjoy being 100 yards from a grizley bear or climbing oil mountains in Kuwait) so I don't really enjoy reading this stuff. Maybe I'll get some plays at The Strand. I haven't read too many plays recently (probably not since I took that Modern Drama class). I think I thought it would be too depressing reading plays and not being able to perform in any of them. But now I seem content with seeing so many great shows so I think reading some would be fun again. I wonder if Martin Downing (playwright of "House of Frankenstein") wrote anything else. Or maybe I'll read a Tom Stoppard play (if there are any I haven't read yet).

I hope to wake up early tomorrow and get to easyEverything before a lot of people are there. Tourists like to sleep in (I hope) and New Yorkers are late risers. I'd really like to get to the contents of my floppys (make that- I NEED to get to the content of my floppys!). And it would be nice to upload this and other past journal entries as well.

My CD player really likes New Order! Right now it's playing Weirdo off of Brotherhood (my favourite album besides Substance). I remember one morning I woke up at Terry's singing this song- guess it was in my dream or something.

Last night I dreamed that I hooked up with some chick from Sandy Spring- someone I never really knew but saw around a few times (or she might have been someone I knew in 8th grade, I don't really know). I was there at a New Years party. I saw some people I knew but for some reason the evening was extremely realistic with a combination of people I knew and people I didn't but they could have been actual people. Anyway, we were all sitting around hanging out at someone's house and this girl named Jill came over and sat down next to me. She started talking about playing ice hockey in some park in Russia and the next thing I know, we're fooling around in front of everyone at this little get together. Later we're all outside watching a few guys skate on very bumpy ice. There were two guys sniffing glue which supposedly was the new drug of choice for these people. One guy wanted me to sniff it through my ears which I didn't understand so he took a straw-like thing and blew this stuff in my ears. It didn't take much before I was high. Then I was wandering around this shopping centre near or in Bethesda not knowing where to go- everyone was gone. I knew I needed to get up to New York but I wanted to find Jill before she went back to Russia. Then I woke up.

What was THAT nonsense? Oh well, it's just a dream. There were a few other parts too- something about being at Sylvia's and finding some tapes that I left there a long time ago which was awesome. Then I was in some public bathroom and saw Anahi from the School for the Arts. It turned out that we were all in this support group for the suicidal. I was sort of making fun of suicidal people with this other girl which was a HUGE mistake since most of the people there were really suicidal. So we all had a big hug fest and everything was okay. That's when I suddenly turned up at the New Years party.

So I didn't mean to sleep this late. I originally woke up at 8:00 but was very tired so I went back to bed. That's when the weird dreams started. I should have gotten out of bed at 8:00. Now I still feel out of it and I really have a lot I need to get done today. Maybe by the time I get over to Times Square, I'll feel better.

Well, the reason I slept so late yesterday is that I'm sick. I've had a fever of around 101 for two days now. How irritating- I can't seem to shake this flu thing.

So I came home early yesterday and watched a bunch of movies and went to bed but didn't really sleep since I kept my self awake coughing all night.

Today I didn't do much. Read for a while, called Paula, called Eytan and finally dragged myself out to Kinkos. I finally got my files off of the floppy!!!! Yea! I'll also stop and get some carry-out on the way back.

Don't really have much else to say other than I had better get rid of this fever since I have 101 things to do before Wednesday. I was going to get my driver's license and bank account on Monday but Eytan reminded me that it's Martin Luther King day so I gues that will have to wait.

Still have a fever of 100.5�- this is getting tiresome. I don't have the energy to do the things I need to do. I hope I have the energy by tomorrow to tackle the apartment since it's the perfect thing to do on a day when other things I need will be closed. Today all I plan on doing is reading and watching movies. This is becoming a nice little pattern and would be much more enjoyable if I didn't have to look at 10 partially unpacked boxes and newspaper all over the place (from the breakables).

I really hope the RCN guy shows up on Tuesday. It would be so nice to have a phone and cable. I want to watch football today but I'm too sick to sit at a bar. It would be great watching at home- oh well.

I think, if I'm feeling better and the apartment is mostly unpacked, I might go see a show Tueday night. Maybe "Music Man"?

I've been having really crazy dreams since I've been sick. I wake up every few minutes to cough so I remember everything vividly. I've been 7 years old and Sylvia and Paula were planning a Price is Right surprise party for me but since I had no friends, Paula was pulling random people out of the audience. It turned out I couldn't be at the party since I was moving to New York that day and Sylvia was crying about that on the phone to Paula. Then I was driving on Rt. 40 in Ellicott City and there was tons of traffic. I was listening to Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner's "Duets" CD and on it they did a song from "Side Show" which I thought was funny that they were doing their own song. Then I was at Heritage Players where I saw Jennifer & Alix, Robb, Alan, Robin, and Paul. Then I was driving around Sudbrook roads and saw Meital, Tracey, Robb again, and Michi. I went to Michi's house and saw Jackie and Jenn as well. Their house turned into Rebecca Gelfand's old house in Highland- she wasn't there but I got to see Judy. I don't even remember what she looks like. Then I was riding around the DC Metro with Eytan and Jamilla (from the School for the Arts) and we were on the red line. Jamilla asked what stop was next and I told her Forest Glen. I didn't even know I knew the DC Metro stops. Guess I do in my dreams.

Last night's dream was fun! I was driving around Timonium trying to turn left but I couldn't find anywhere to turn left so I wound up in a swimming pool which happened to be at Camp Debut. I saw some of my old kids (they looked the same) which was fun. Then the swimming instructor winked at me and said I was funny. Jill & Lisa were looking at him and then at me and then back at him and said, "Are you sure you mean her?" I said, "See, things can change. I'm not the pathetic person you once thought I was." I know there was more to the dream that I remembered when I first woke up, but I can't remember now.

I'm REALLY sick now. Last night I couldn't sleep because my ear hurt. This morning I woke up with a fever- 102 degrees. So I called Howard Bernstein to see if he could write a prescription for me and he did. Now I'm on an anti-biotic so hopefully I'll feel better in a few days.

I just realised that when the RCN guy comes tomorrow (hopefully), he's going to have to work in a mess of boxes and stuff everywhere. Hope that's not a problem. I was really hoping to do something today but today I feel worse than any previous day. I talked to Paula this morning and she said Eytan was having stomach problems on and off and Lisa and George were both feeling light-headed on and off. George went to the emergency room, Lisa did not. What's with everyone? I guess it's that time of year when everyone gets sick and I happen to be one of them this year. Gee, I feel so normal.

Wow, the RCN guy got here early. I was sure I'd have to wait here until 12:30. So he said it should take about an hour and a half. That's a long time but at least it's only 10:00. That way I can go get the rest of my prescription (since they ran out yesterday), get some tea and then use the rest of the day for unpacking. Although, right now, I don't feel much better and don't know how much unpacking I can do. My fever is a little lower but I feel lousy. My ear hurt a little last night and hurts a little bit right now, my nose has been running constantly since yesterday, I'm still coughing, and I'm worn out. Last night's dream wasn't too good. First Matt & Brie were staying with me or moving in with me for a little while or something. That part was fine. Then I was driving around Blacksburg. That part was fine. Then I was in Paula's house and overheard her on the phone mentioning the few things she wanted to do before she died. So I woke up at 6:00 AM, crying. I didn't really get back to sleep. But I think I slept through the night for the first time since I got sick. Maybe that's a sign that I'm getting better. I should be getting better. It's enough of being sick.

I can't wait to have a phone line! Although I have to charge the stupid phone for 15 hours before I can use it. I should have gotten a corded phone as well but I didn't. Maybe they'll have one at Duane Reade's- I'll have to remember to look when I go later.

Well, cable is hooked up and I'm excited. There are better channels than I thought there would be. I'll get to watch: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Classic, Sundance Film Channel, Independent Film Channel, Ovation, CNNsi, CNNfn, plus all the usual channels like Comedy Central and the History Channel.

And now I have a phone line as well! I think I'll try to set up a dial-up connection today so I can get online before I have DSL. But first, I'm off to Duane Reade's.

I am so pissed off right now. Earthlink can't offer me DSL since my local phone company is RCN- they only work with Verizon. So now my options are to keep my email address but tie up my phone line and just use a regular dial-up modem or to use RCN's cable access and have to change my email address but get faster access and not tie up the phone line. Decisions, decisions. I think I want to go with the cable modem and deal with the email address change (even though it will probably take a month to notify everyone of my new email address. Okay, I guess I'll go call RCN. I hope they can come install it soon...

I was seriously thinking about getting RCN's cable internet access. At least it will be faster than a regular 56K modem. Of course I'd have to get a new email address which first upset me and then I thought about it this way. Getting a new email address will be like making a fresh start. It feels like more of a fresh start than making a physical move (like to New York). I guess because I change my physical address (an average of once a year) more often than I change my email address (an average of once every 3 1/2 years). That feels a little backwards. Okay, and how is that different from the rest of my life? At least there are still people like Daniel.

Now I have a better idea. I think I'll try to get Verizon to give me local phone service. Then I can go back to Earthlink DSL. Okay, I'll try to call them tomorrow if there's time.

I'm so irritated with today. I woke up early to go to school to talk to an advisor. I got up there (still feeling really sick) and the woman told me that I can only talk to an advisor on Fridays from 10-11 (gee thanks). She didn't tell me why the woman at the Welcome Center told me that I could talk to an advisor any time. Then she told me that I would also need proof of immunization. I told her NYU also required proof of immunization as well and I took classes there so isn't that proof enough? She said no. So I'll have to go down to NYU (I know that will be easier than trying to call someone) and see if they have my proof. I don't know if I'll even be able to do all this in time for the start of the semester. I hope I can. I could go down to NYU some time next week, go talk to an advisor a week from this Friday as well as register for classes, pay tuition, get an ID, get a driver's license, finish unpacking, work, get some odds and ends (like a few lamps, sheets, trash cans...), get a bank account, and then start classes that following Monday? We'll see...

Right now Eytan is here watching the Ashcroft hearing on CNN. I'm getting a little sick of it, personally. I guess I could go in the other room, but I think I heard they were going to break at 6:30 so I'll just wait for that.

Oh, and my local phone service isn't working. It's dialing numbers that aren't right and aren't going through. I've had all sorts of different problems- like "This Nextel number is not in service", even though I wasn't dialing a Nextel number, or "Please try your call again later", and it was busy the next 5 times I tried (and it was a hotel which shouldn't have been busy and wasn't busy when I called on my cell phone). But it can dial 800 numbers fine. So I guess I'll have to call RCN. Or I'll wait to see what Verizon says they can do for me. If I can get Verizon local service soon, that would be the best situation. Okay, I figured out why I can't make local calls. It's the stupid 646 area code. When calling any 212 number I have to dial 1+212+xxx-xxxx. How ridiculous!! Oh well, at least I know. Eytan had to tell me. When he called me from the Four Seasons, the hotel operator told him he had to dial a 1 before calling my number. So I thought I'd try it from here and sure enough, that was the problem. That is really going to get on my nerves. I'm also going to have to ask if I'm paying extra for that call. It's not fair that just because I have a number with the stupid new area code, that I have to call everywhere long distance. Okay, enough complaining.

But I'm not done complaining. I'm pissed off that I'm still so sick. If I don't feel any better tomorrow, then I'll worry. And maybe even try to see a doctor (although I don't know who or how to do that... but I'm not worrying about that now). I just want to complain about how lightheaded I feel, how my ears hurt (especially riding the elevator at the Four Seasons), how I still have a fever, how I'm coughing up a lung every 5 minutes, and that I'm dizzy every time I bend more than 10 degrees in any one direction. Okay- NOW I've done enough complaining.

Today was a waste of time. I didn't do anything at the hotel and if I had thought about it earlier, I could have left and done some things that I needed to do. Of course, I felt sick and tired all day so I don't know exactly how much I would have gotten done after all. My stomach feels like someone is ripping it apart. I hate this. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.

I decided to get Verizon to give me local phone service. Unfortunately, I'll have to get a new number, but they said they could do it in 8 business days which isn't bad. Then I can get Earthlink DSL and be happy.

Nothing much going on tonight. Eytan and I ordered dinner and he's watching the Matthew Shepard movie ("Anatomy of a Hate Crime") on MTV. Rest is good.

Auction- huge success. Except for 150 lots, I got to be on the phone with two wonderful people! They were perfect phone bidders and kept me awake the entire time. Last night, I went to Manhattan Ocean Club with George and Eytan which was nice. I'm feeling better now, although I still have a cough which will probably linger for a few more days.

Paula and Harvey are staying here tonight. I'm glad- I felt lonely when Eytan left and thought they were going to leave too. We're going to see "State and Main" today and then go to Maya's for dinner. Before all that though, I will try to unpack as much as I can. I also need to do laundry.

This morning I had breakfast at the Four Seasons with George and Eytan. Then we packed up all the frames. Hope they have a nice, uneventful ride back to Baltimore. I wish I was going with them. It just feels really odd to stay here when everyone else is leaving. I don't know why. I'll probably feel fine with it next time. It's just that I just moved here and don't feel like I'm really living here yet.

The snow/slush is lovely to walk in. I really need better boots. I wonder if I can find a pair that will fit me. Speaking of shoes, I need to call the custom shoe place and see if my shoes are ready. They should have been ready a few weeks ago. I just keep forgetting to call. I think I'll do that today as well.

Tomorrow I'll go down to the Village and get my immunization records at NYU and sell my books at The Strand.

I don't know why I feel so lonely. My CD player is playing Rusted Root "Lost and Found" right now and it's making me feel even worse. I probably shouldn't be listening to music right now. I'm so glad Harvey's coming over soon.

I decided it's more important to unpack today and then tomorrow I'll go to NYU and The Strand. First I need to go through 200 emails. Hopefully that won't take more than 2 hours. Then I'll have the rest of the day to unpack.

"State and Main" was funny! Really glad I saw it. Paula and Harvey liked it too. Then we went to Maya's. I really love that restaurant. I'm really glad they stayed an extra day. It was nice to spend some time with them and it was nice not to be alone.

Today I had the urge to play guitar. This is the first time I've been without a guitar since 1993. And it feels weird. Maybe I'll buy one in a few months when I can justify spending the money. I bet I could find a decent used one for about $50. I just need to know where to look. The last one I found at an antique store in Fells Point.

I had a weird dream last night. First I was at a party talking to Terry about New Order and our "relationship". I guess he got there since I mentioned him to Eytan on the phone yesterday. Sarah St. John was at the party which was odd since I haven't thought about her in a few years. Then I was driving at the intersection of Old Court and Falls Rd. with Paula and Harvey. Then we were at the same party smoking a joint. Why do I dream these things?

Went down to the Village today to sell my books and get my immunization records at NYU. Both went smoothly. As soon as I finish up here, I'm going to buy a pair of tennis shoes that I can work out in. There's a trainer there during the day and I'd feel ridiculous wearing my sandals. I hope someone at the store can find a pair that will fit me.

I just had a flashback of Michelle Levitas' house.

I re-organised my music tonight. I'm completely happy with my selection (at least for the next few months) and all the titles are right (I messed up a few the first time I did it by putting the wrong CD in the wrong slot. Or is it the right CD in the wrong slot? Or the wrong CD in the right slot?).

I just found an old story I was working on a few years ago. It's pretty good. Maybe one day soon I'll add to it- working on chapter 4 and editing 1-3.

I didn't find any shoes that fit me yesterday. Guess I'll have to just wear sandals. I guess I could look somewhere else, but I tried Nike, Avia, and two other brands and they're all cut too narrow or too low for my high arch. I really hate my feet.

I found a quiet Internet Cafe on 57th that's less expensive than Kinkos and less noisy and irritating than easyEverything.

I really hope the school stuff goes smoothly on Friday. I'm a little worried but there's nothing I can do about it now so I just won't think about it.

I'm thinking of going to see "Traffic" this afternoon as January seems to be movie month for me.

Not much to say today. I was thinking about going to see "Rent" tonight but Manley Pope is still playing Roger and I really didn't like him so I think I'll wait to see it. I should rest anyway since I still don't feel 100%. Maybe I'll go rent a movie.

Tomorrow I get to see if I am able to take classes this semester. I sure hope I can. I'd like to graduate some time this century.

Happy birthday Rebecca! And happy birthday Jon, yesterday. I got another urge to play guitar. My CD player is playing Collective Soul's, "I'm Coming Home". I love the guitar in that one. And I can play it. And I want to play it now. Oh good, the song's over. Now I'm in the mood to sing. It's now playing "Buddy Kissed Me" from "Side Show".

My day today:
I went up to Hunter today in hopes of talking to an advisor. Well, they didn't have any individual advisors to talk to but they had an orientation I could go to. First I had to run to the other building to give them proof of immunization. Then I ran back and got my checklist and found out I didn't get placed in a math class, I have to go to the math workshop. Which means I did so badly on the placement test, they couldn't even place me in a class. I wasn't alone. Other transfer students have to do the same thing. Anyway, then I got to sit through the orientation meeting which taught me nothing other than which room I needed to go to to get my bill for the semester. Oh, I also got a sheet of codes of open classes. So I looked through the schedule of classes with the categories of required classes and the open classes list, and it took 45 minutes, but I finally found two classes to take. I'm taking English Literature and Urban Affairs (which includes 4 projects and sounds like a hell of an amount of work). I'm not looking forward to either one but at least they're at good times. All day classes are either on Mon/Wed/Thurs or Tues/Fri. Fortunately some of the evening classes are on Tues/Thurs. That's when my two are. So I'll only have to be there from 5:30-8:30, I won't have a long time to wait in between classes which is nice since there's no where to go around there. And if I need to travel, I can make that long weekends. This will be the only semester where I can do that so I should take advantage of it. I'm hoping there's at least one book in the English Lit classes which I've already read, but I doubt that will happen. So after I registered on the phone, I went down to get my bill. Then went to the Bursar's to pay. Then went to get an ID. As I was waiting in line, the woman at the desk said that our bill had to show a zero balance or we could go back to the Bursar's and get a signature. So I ran back to the Bursar's (since when I was there, they were closing) and the old man was guarding the locked door not allowing anyone in. I batted my eye lashes and said in a sweet voice, "Sir, could you please sign this so I'm able to get my student ID card?" He grumbled but did it. Damn I'm good. Then I ran back and got in line for the ID card. I got it. I look mean and evil.

After that annoying and hectic day, I decided to take the rest of the day off and rented some movies. I'm going to go watch them now. I rented "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and "Snow Falling on Cedars". Guess I was in the mood for heavy dramas.

I just remembered... when Eytan was here, he wanted to watch the video tape of my speeches from the Public Speaking class I took. I didn't want to watch since I thought most of them were pretty bad but we watched and I was pleasantly surprised. They were pretty good even though I embellished a little (or a lot in the last one) in them. I'm sure everyone did. No one has a perfect story when giving personal speeches. Life isn't packaged the way they are in the movies, yet we were expected to provide neat little life packages in 5-10 minutes. That teacher really bothered me. It wasn't a public speaking class, it was an encounter group. I'm sure it benefited many people but not me. Oh well, at least it's over and I tricked my teacher into giving me a 4.0. I can be deceptive and pretend I'm a person who fits in a neat little package and enjoys encounter groups. Anyway, I'm glad looking at them a few months later made me realise that, when not having to critique it, they looked good. Maybe I can remember that the next time I have to give a speech (I doubt it will be any time in the near future) and not be nervous when giving it.

I slept 13 hours last night. Maybe I slept off the rest of the illness. That would be nice. I can't believe I fell asleep around 10:00 last night. I didn't mean to, I just wanted to lie down for a few minutes- and then 13 hours later...

I had WEIRD dreams! I don't remember much right now, but I had a little dream about being in Christiansburg with Andy and Josh and it looked like my usual dream version of Christiansburg. Andy was working for some computer company (which he was working for the last time I had a dream like this) and living in a cabin-like house (the same one that was in my dream last time). The only thing in the dream that looks like it does in real life was Craig Rd. I don't know why that looks the same and nothing else does. Then later on this morning I had a dream about climbing on stuff- dirt, playground, closets... George was there as well as two younger guys I didn't know (I almost never dream about people I don't know). Then I was chasing George around Sylvia's apartment- no idea why.

I finally wrote back to Kendra last night. It was fun writing a letter. It's amazing how used to email one can get. I was never big on writing letters anyway, but it felt especially strange and fun this time. I really hope she decided to make a trip up here soon. It would be really nice to catch up.

I really wanted to go to Pig N' Whistle and watch the game, but I'm just not in the mood. I'd rather sit here and watch another heavy drama. I really enjoyed "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". But I don't have any more heavy dramas to watch, unless I want to watch one I already have but the only one I can think of that I have is "Eyes Wide Shut" which I've seen twice recently so I don't want to watch that. Maybe I should force myself to go out. But it's a Saturday night, it'll probably be crowded. So? Well then, I'm tired and should rest and try to get 100% healthy. Okay, I convinced myself, I'll stay home and rest. I'll watch some of the MD/Duke game and then hopefully decide on a movie to watch. Maybe I'll also read a little before bed. No, I probably won't even be able to stay up long enough to watch a movie. What a waste of a day.

Never mind, I just turned on the game and got in the mood to go out and watch it. Pig N' Whistle, here I come. Whoa, Duke hasn't lost on the road since February 5, 1998 to North Carolina. I know they'll win. I just hope they win by less than 30 points.

Maryland's doing well. It must be home court advantage (even though Duke hasn't lost on the road in a few years). Jason Williams has had 10 turnovers. Duke's just not playing very well tonight. Of course, their idea of not playing well is keeping Maryland's lead to 10 or less. Even if Duke wins, the Terps gave them a hard time. We'll see. At least my prediction of Maryland losing by 30 points isn't going to happen. The Terps are really on fire tonight! Oh, and Cinncinati beat Wake Forest tonight. Maryland will be moving up in ranking. They now have the lead by 13! I'm proud to be a Terps fan tonight! Wow, Battier just missed two out of three on Holden's foul. I'm surprised Maryland hasn't run into foul trouble yet. Every time I look, they're committing a foul. Ah, Blake just fouls out. I don't like him much, reminds me of a North Carolina hick (although, he did play a good game tonight). Oh look, he's player of the game. Uh-oh, Duke could win this. 90-88 with 40 seconds left. This has been a really good game! I'd hate to see Duke win it now. If Maryland wins people will remember. If they lose, who's going to remember them playing a good game and leading most of the time? I can't believe this is going into overtime. Maryland doesn't seem to do well when games go into overtime. Uh oh, Blake and Morris are both out of the game. I have a bad feeling about this... Oh come on, how many times cam they say, "I've seen a lot of basketball, but I've never seen anything like this"? Oh, so close... Duke pulled it off 98-96. That sucks! Okay, time for bed.

Happy birthday Sherry.

I've been having a lot of dreams recently where I'm driving. Maybe I miss it. Last night I don't remember all the details anymore but first I was driving Erica to her home in Tempe. Then I had a present for Brie in the trunk. She was driving and I was in the backseat. So I leaned back to the trunk and pullled out the present. She climbed in the backseat and opened it. Suddenly I asked, "Who's driving?" She told me I was. So I leaned forward to grab the wheel, and somehow also managed to reach the pedals, just as we passed by an accident on our side of the road. I managed perfectly to get around it. Then a cop drove by. I was sure he was going to pull us over but he just drove right by. Then I figured out that if Brie could pull the handle that lowers the seat, I could climb over and drive like a normal person, but then I woke up. Somewhere in the middle of the night there was a dream about Matt & Sylvia acting like typical Matt & Sylvia. What a shame to know they're annoying even in dreams. And there was another part of a dream where Rebecca and I were on some field trip thing and we were both interested in this one guy (another dream about a stranger. Why can't I meet these people in real life?) Anyway, there was a part of the trip where we could do a 5 day hike. Rebecca wanted to and I didn't. Neither did the guy. So he and I stayed behind and Rebecca knew we were going to hook up and she should stay away. Sorry, Rebecca, but it WAS just a dream.

Today I'm finally going to dye my hair. There's a lot of grey. Then I'm going to pay my bills (I hope I have enough in my checking account). I can't wait to get a local bank. I decided to go with HSBC since their fees are lower than Citibank. If anyone reading this knows of a reason I shouldn't use them, please let me know by Tuesday. Tomorrow I'm going to get a driver's licence. I hope it works out without too much hassle. I don't even mind waiting in a long line as long as it works out in the end. I can't imagine what could go wrong since I'll have all my documents totaling 6 points, but this is the DMV, who knows what could go wrong? Then Tuesday I'm supposed to get my Verizon line. If it works, I can call Earthlink and get DSL finally. Then I just need to finish buying a few things, set them up in the apartment, and I'll be all settled in. Can't wait.

Enjoying Tom Waits right now. My CD Player really seems to know what kind of mood I'm in. Now it's playing Yes! Have I mentioned recently how much I love my music?

I'm going to see "Sugar and Spice" in a few minutes. Mainly because it's playing right across the street so it's convenient, but I'm also curious to see another teeny-bopper movie. I'm wondering how many of these they can do without making them all the same. And I think the girl from "American Beauty", the one who played Kevin Spacey's daughter, is in it (I loved her!). Or at least it looked like her in the ad I saw. But I'm so bad at picking out actors. I mean, I was in the elevator with Robert DeNiro and I had no idea (Eytan had to tell me). And Eytan doesn't even watch movies. He's so good at recognising people though. I wish I were better at that.

Okay, here's something different. Watching "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" reconfirned the fact that I want to live in High Society. I want to dress up and go to fancy parties and live a scandalous lifestyle (but of course not talk about it) and know important people and travel to Europe and go to the Opera/Theatre... I want to know people like at the parites in "Eyes Wide Shut", "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", "Cradle Will Rock"... And of course I have no way of making this reality. Guess I'll just have to continue reading and watching movies and being content to see other people living the lifestyle that I would so love to have.

And while on that rampage, the Ravens just scored another touchdown. Oh well, poor Giants. I mean, the game's not over, but I don't see them pulling off a win. Well, enjoy your victory Baltimorons for it will soon be baseball season and you'll have to get off your high horse and deal with your pathetic Orioles. And then there's all the other troubles with Baltimore. Like Mr. Police Chief not wanting to investigate the policeman taking the coke from the bench they put it on and arresting someone else for the crime? And O'Mally firing curse words at Mr. Police Chief in an oh-so-mature-and-wholesome way. And oh my, another interception. At least those Baltimorons will have a reason to be proud. The Ravens are REALLY good! And that means that next year they'll get to play a bunch of Monday night games and they'll suck and barely even make it to the post season, right Rams?

It is cool that Dilfer will be the winning QB in Tampy Bay. And he might get MVP too.

Okay, Rebecca called during the last 4 minutes of the game so I talked to her and missed the end of the game. 34-7, Ravens. A score no one anticipated. Well, good for them. And really, if the team wasn't from Baltimore, I'd be thrilled for them! Again, at least it was an exciting game. Another Superbowl where the game was more exciting than the commercials.

I can't believe it. I got my driver's license quickly and easily. Fortunately I called this morning to find out the closet location and I got to speak to someone right away. He started asking me questions about my documents and told me that a student ID wouldn't be vaild without a transcript. So I brought along my bill thingy listing the classes I was taking this semester and that seemed to be okay. The line was short and the whole thing took less than 30 minutes. I got a temporary ID and the real one will be mailed to me in 45 days. I have no idea why it takes that long, but oh well. I also registered to vote and was a little upset that New York doesn't have a Libertarian Party. I knew they didn't but had forgotten. If I was an ambitious leader-type person, I'd get the Libertarian Party on the ballot. But I'm not so I won't.

Well, Verizon didn't get my phone line hooked up- big surprise. They said there was trouble with the outside line and Friday was the earliest they could send someone out to look at it. Well, I had just made an appointment for Friday afternoon to try on my shoes so hopefully the phone guy will come before then (but my luck, he'll show up just as I leave for my shoe appointment). And Earthlink cancelled my DSL account because of "electronics on the phone line". Huh? They told me to call my phone company and get the electronics removed. Okay.

Tonight classes start- oh boy. I'm REALLY not looking forward to the English one and hope that the Urban Affairs will be less work than it says it will be and that the professor isn't a Nazi-type.

Good news of the day- "Cannibal the Musical" will be Off-Broadway in March! Can't wait!!

Wow! The end of January.

Well, the day started out nicely. I got to do some research at the PF which went well. Then I wanted to get together for coffee or something with Harvey since he was up here meeting a client, but the client talked his ear off and had to get to the train station before we could get together. So I wasted most of the afternoon waiting for him for no reason. Oh well, at least I got to finish a book.

Tomorrow I'm determined to open a bank account. I might also try to talk to an advisor at school. Then Friday I get to hopefully get a phone line and my shoes. Maybe I'll go see a show over the weekend.

My classes I'm not too sure about yet. For English I have an ancient woman who... talks... so... slowly... and... starts a sentence............... and maybe finishes it 30 seconds later. She gave us no syllabus, no grading policies... She took roll and then started talking about Shakespeare's Sonnets which we'll read first. I wish I knew what else we'll be reading so I could maybe get ahead or at least read something about what we'll be reading. Urban Affairs is being co-taught by two geeks in the field (not teachers). They seem okay but one is VERY strict about attendence and the work and the grading... Oh well, at least it sounds like it will be interesting. We even get to go on a walking tour- which should be interesting seeing how 50+ of us are going to go on a walking tour and keep up and learn what we're supposed to be learning.

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