It has been a while. A whole month has gone by and you haven't heard a peep from me. Soo many things have been happening, or should I say life has been really showing out. I hope this blog post finds you all in good spirits, and if not maybe it can help in lifting them.
I'm sure I have mentioned it before, but it think I have to reiterate. If you decide to work or live in the city of NYC; you relinquish all if any personal space. Rather we are young or old our animal instincts are always with us. The subway doors open. People pile out and others rush in, or race in to get a seat if there are any left. It's almost like a game, and it's funny to watch. A lady squeezed herself right down next to me and another fellow. As she inhaled and exhaled I literally felt her ribcage contract and expand. NO LIE! I could feel every breath she took because here side was touching my side. I don't think I have ever felt anyone that close to me before; not even while hugging someone. I sat there thinking to myself this is so weird. The tan, skin, woman who probably wasn't older than 45yrs looked at me. She had an expression on her face. It seemed to be saying"I know you can feel me breathing. Thanks for not tripping that I'm sitting so close."
The bus is a little better, but it takes longer to get to your destination. I can deal with the to close for comfort concept. What I hate is the rude and disrespectful behavior. If you add both of those together it makes public transportation a hassle. I was sitting on the inside seat when a African American lady whom seemed to be a few years younger than me sat her fat self down next to me. No problem there, but when it was time for me to get up for my stop she act like she didn't want to move. I said excuse me two times and she didn't budge. Finally I stood up and started moving towards her and she got up. What in the hell was her problem? I actually wanted to yell at her. Not sure what helped me to hold my tongue but I didn't make a scene. Unlike the man on the train at 12:40AM. He claimed he was a war vet who had AIDS. He asked for money or cigarettes. I don't know if he was telling the truth or not, but no one gave him a dime. The train comes to a stop and we all jump off. Rushing off to our own destination. Never the less none of us could ignore the Caucasian man who rushed off the train. He cursed and then loudly released a sigh of relief as he unzipped himself and pissed right there in front of us all! As I passed the conductor he just laughed and shook his head as he saw the expression on my face. The word Gross here would be a huge understatement!
I am glad to report that not all New Yorkers are rude; although there are at least 50% whom are. I think some of the rudeness is because you are always rushing around. Even when your not rushing, your rushing. Just in case you've missed it in other entries, I'll say it again. NYC is lunatic capitol. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't see or hear something abnormal. The word normal along with customer service, and home training seems to be at a lost in NYC. People here rarely use the word "Thank You, Excuse Me, or I'm Sorry" At CVS pharmacy. I politely asked the pharmacist for some assistance. She practically cussed me out. With a nasty voice she said to me she wasn't going to stop what she was doing just to help me. Oddly she wasn't really doing anything. Applaud for how the African American woman spoke to me as if it wasn't' her job to assist people. I spoke to another pharmacist who was glad to help me. Sadly you get the same experience trying to make or cancel appointments, shopping, etc. Ironically people here that have customer service jobs; consequently act like you bothering them when you say or do something that makes them have to do their job.
It can be a mean world out there, but it's nice to still get the pleasantness of the word THANK YOU.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
NYC can be Disgusting
I have come to the realization that New York City is more than a bit ghetto. There are a lot of disgusting people who reside here. Although, I must admit I don't hang around the rich and famous. If I did then my entries altogether would be a little different and probably not as interesting. Not to say there aren't any famous ghetto folks. We all know better than that!
During the month I had to visit the doctor for an ear infection. I don't know why the office had the air conditioner on full blast, but they did. It was 27' outside with snow! I guess they were trying to keep the sick people sick and their pay checks thick. After waiting for over an hour; I met with my doctor. She spoke to me with a glossy, nasty, clear color substance on her upper lip. It was there for so long. I began to think it was an imperfection on her face; but it wasn't. It was snot! It started to move towards her mouth. Finally she said excuse me, and got a tissue to wipe her face. I don't know if that was embarrassing for her, or just gross to me. Thank God she remembered to sanitize her hands.
For my readers who don't live in an over crowded city. Subsequently, I don't think you understand the gratification you receive when your able to find a seat on a bus or subway. I was so happy and relived to plop my behind down on the bus. I had a long way to go and I really didn't have the energy to stand today. Sitting there with delight, I began to smell an odd aroma. It was scent that most people who take public transportation dread. Where was this strong pee smell coming from. "Oh No". I forgot to check the seat before I sat down. Was I sitting in pee? I reached under my leg to feel if it was wet. It seemed to be dry. I then patted the seat underneath me. It was dry to. Of course I did the sniff test, and I smelled nothing from my seat. Then I remembered, that I didn't really start to smell the pee until the guy next to me sat down. It just had to be him! I hoped it was him. As he shifted in his seat the stench became stronger. Soon the patroons seated around us were all staring at him. He was the nasty pee smell! Thank the Lawd! Oddly, after riding for some time the smell was somewhat tolerable. That's just nasty I know. I was so grateful I had not sat in pee, yet I can't help to wonder how many pre pee seats have I sat in?
Alright, so I have been here for a year now, and I still get lost. There was a bum standing right outside the train station. He had a cup of change in his hand. He said he lived in that area for 29 years; so whatever directions you needed he had. A Caucasian man gave him a $1 and got his directions. I gave him 50cents and got my directions; which so happen to be WRONG! Therefor, I was lost for 30minutes on the lower east side. The streets in this area cut off quick with out warning and start up somewhere else. Then again you just may look pass the street sign all together. There I was walking with this duffel bag on my shoulder. It weighed at least 20lbs. I was on my way to an audition, and it was beginning to feel like I would never make it.
When I left for the audition it was day light. After stopping in few shops, and asking three different people for directions included a cab driver who sent me off a bit; consequently I was still lost with no light. I was tempted to go back to the train station and take my tired butt home. Ironically, I couldn't do that. I felt I deserve to find out where this place was located. I told myself I had to get a cab. Oddly every cab I saw had people in it. Finally I flag down a cab that was dropping someone off. "Hold that cab Please!" I shouted. It took the cab three minutes to find my destination, and he charged me $10. I was shocked as hell, but I was able to boggle him down to $8. It was well worth it. I had a fantastic audition. Not to mention, I secured a role for a production that's coming out in August. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Until next time. Stay strong, focused, and DO NOT let people get you down!
During the month I had to visit the doctor for an ear infection. I don't know why the office had the air conditioner on full blast, but they did. It was 27' outside with snow! I guess they were trying to keep the sick people sick and their pay checks thick. After waiting for over an hour; I met with my doctor. She spoke to me with a glossy, nasty, clear color substance on her upper lip. It was there for so long. I began to think it was an imperfection on her face; but it wasn't. It was snot! It started to move towards her mouth. Finally she said excuse me, and got a tissue to wipe her face. I don't know if that was embarrassing for her, or just gross to me. Thank God she remembered to sanitize her hands.
For my readers who don't live in an over crowded city. Subsequently, I don't think you understand the gratification you receive when your able to find a seat on a bus or subway. I was so happy and relived to plop my behind down on the bus. I had a long way to go and I really didn't have the energy to stand today. Sitting there with delight, I began to smell an odd aroma. It was scent that most people who take public transportation dread. Where was this strong pee smell coming from. "Oh No". I forgot to check the seat before I sat down. Was I sitting in pee? I reached under my leg to feel if it was wet. It seemed to be dry. I then patted the seat underneath me. It was dry to. Of course I did the sniff test, and I smelled nothing from my seat. Then I remembered, that I didn't really start to smell the pee until the guy next to me sat down. It just had to be him! I hoped it was him. As he shifted in his seat the stench became stronger. Soon the patroons seated around us were all staring at him. He was the nasty pee smell! Thank the Lawd! Oddly, after riding for some time the smell was somewhat tolerable. That's just nasty I know. I was so grateful I had not sat in pee, yet I can't help to wonder how many pre pee seats have I sat in?
Alright, so I have been here for a year now, and I still get lost. There was a bum standing right outside the train station. He had a cup of change in his hand. He said he lived in that area for 29 years; so whatever directions you needed he had. A Caucasian man gave him a $1 and got his directions. I gave him 50cents and got my directions; which so happen to be WRONG! Therefor, I was lost for 30minutes on the lower east side. The streets in this area cut off quick with out warning and start up somewhere else. Then again you just may look pass the street sign all together. There I was walking with this duffel bag on my shoulder. It weighed at least 20lbs. I was on my way to an audition, and it was beginning to feel like I would never make it.
When I left for the audition it was day light. After stopping in few shops, and asking three different people for directions included a cab driver who sent me off a bit; consequently I was still lost with no light. I was tempted to go back to the train station and take my tired butt home. Ironically, I couldn't do that. I felt I deserve to find out where this place was located. I told myself I had to get a cab. Oddly every cab I saw had people in it. Finally I flag down a cab that was dropping someone off. "Hold that cab Please!" I shouted. It took the cab three minutes to find my destination, and he charged me $10. I was shocked as hell, but I was able to boggle him down to $8. It was well worth it. I had a fantastic audition. Not to mention, I secured a role for a production that's coming out in August. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Until next time. Stay strong, focused, and DO NOT let people get you down!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Update to 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY BELOVED FOLLOWERS and to those who have yet to join my blog, but do still read it. So much has happen and I'm going to do my best to fit it all in this one blog post.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a people person. I seldom turn away from a greeting. Meaning if you greet me, Il greet you back. Living here in New York City; I have to learn how to do just the opposite. It was around 9p.m. I had just come from a theatrical event in the Time Square area. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but to say that Time Square is extremely crowded on the weekend would be a huge understatement. Bumper to butt with people and traffic. As I walked with the pedestrian traffic and talked on my cell phone. A man who look to be in his 40's and of Italian background walked up to me. "Oh I thought you were talking to me", he said. I signal to him that I was talking to the person on my cell phone, but that didn't detour him. He began to walk beside me and tried to start up a conversation. The next thing out of his mouth was "So where are you heading?" and I answered "The Subway." That where I messed up. I should have kept my mouth shut! He replied "Good! So what are we doing for dinner?" Thats when I realized I had just attracted another NUT!
So what do I mean by another NUT...? Let me sum it up like this. I dated a Nigerian man throughout college. We continued to date after I had graduated. Giving us a relationship of about six years. He broke my heart and I broke his. I never truly got over him. There is a big part of me that still truly loves him today. Evermore I have to move on because he is now engaged to an African. No surprise there...and I do wish them well. Am I scared for life? Yes, I am. Am I stuck on stupid or African men? Both! I need to leave them all the way alone, but I wont! Now please don't misunderstand me. I don't discriminate in the least. I have dated out my race and will continue to do so if the right man comes along. Although I can't deny my ever so strong attraction to African men! On the other hand Caucasian men that are old enough to be my father will approach me before an African American man will. Well that may not be entirely true. There are the newly, wet behind the ears, young, African American, men. I'm talking 18yrs -24yrs old that will try to holler at me. So what's really going on? I mean seriously! Someone asked me the other day how was love treating me. I told them "Love hates me." They replied to me "Yeah, love sucks." I commented "No. Love hurts." I have dated two African man this year in NYC. NOT African American but AFRICAN. Some may hate to hear it, but there is a huge difference between being African American and African! Least to say I ended it with both men because they were both demanding me to marry them. Love, green cards, bad sex, Love, citizenship, great sex which ever... I WILL NOT BE MARRYING EITHER OF YOU! CONSIDER YOURSELF DISMISS!!!!
On to a brighter topic. I had an audition to attend on a weekend when I had to work. I wasn't sure how I was going to make this happen. This would only be my 3rd time auditioning for a film. I was ecstatic that my boss let me off of work early. Just not early enough to go home and get completely ready; and this is why you can't beat living in NYC. I hoped off the train in Time Square, since that's where my transfer was. I ran into Sephora, and put my face on BABY! Gave myself a wink and hoped backed on the train. Least to say, I got my first film gig! Can I get an AMEN! When and if it does comes out I'll be sure to let you guys know. It's an independent racy comedy that will be submitted to the Sundance film festival.
I'm interested in how my followers spent there New Years Eve. I went to a singles event where there were well over 350 people. I got completely wasted. I had to spend 95% of the next day recovering. Tequila, white wine, red bull and vodka, cranberry and vodka, and cheap champagne don't mix very well. Thank God for good people and best friends. This year my goal is to see more than three production. Last year I had the privilege of seeing Ocean Imagine, which was a fun show. Mary Poppins was also was a nice treat, but I think I like Avenue Q the best. The songs were hilarious and well written. My new years resolution is to become better physically fit, get more out of my degree, and to do more international traveling! I'm interested in my readers goals and resolutions as well. Please feel free to post them.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a people person. I seldom turn away from a greeting. Meaning if you greet me, Il greet you back. Living here in New York City; I have to learn how to do just the opposite. It was around 9p.m. I had just come from a theatrical event in the Time Square area. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but to say that Time Square is extremely crowded on the weekend would be a huge understatement. Bumper to butt with people and traffic. As I walked with the pedestrian traffic and talked on my cell phone. A man who look to be in his 40's and of Italian background walked up to me. "Oh I thought you were talking to me", he said. I signal to him that I was talking to the person on my cell phone, but that didn't detour him. He began to walk beside me and tried to start up a conversation. The next thing out of his mouth was "So where are you heading?" and I answered "The Subway." That where I messed up. I should have kept my mouth shut! He replied "Good! So what are we doing for dinner?" Thats when I realized I had just attracted another NUT!
So what do I mean by another NUT...? Let me sum it up like this. I dated a Nigerian man throughout college. We continued to date after I had graduated. Giving us a relationship of about six years. He broke my heart and I broke his. I never truly got over him. There is a big part of me that still truly loves him today. Evermore I have to move on because he is now engaged to an African. No surprise there...and I do wish them well. Am I scared for life? Yes, I am. Am I stuck on stupid or African men? Both! I need to leave them all the way alone, but I wont! Now please don't misunderstand me. I don't discriminate in the least. I have dated out my race and will continue to do so if the right man comes along. Although I can't deny my ever so strong attraction to African men! On the other hand Caucasian men that are old enough to be my father will approach me before an African American man will. Well that may not be entirely true. There are the newly, wet behind the ears, young, African American, men. I'm talking 18yrs -24yrs old that will try to holler at me. So what's really going on? I mean seriously! Someone asked me the other day how was love treating me. I told them "Love hates me." They replied to me "Yeah, love sucks." I commented "No. Love hurts." I have dated two African man this year in NYC. NOT African American but AFRICAN. Some may hate to hear it, but there is a huge difference between being African American and African! Least to say I ended it with both men because they were both demanding me to marry them. Love, green cards, bad sex, Love, citizenship, great sex which ever... I WILL NOT BE MARRYING EITHER OF YOU! CONSIDER YOURSELF DISMISS!!!!
On to a brighter topic. I had an audition to attend on a weekend when I had to work. I wasn't sure how I was going to make this happen. This would only be my 3rd time auditioning for a film. I was ecstatic that my boss let me off of work early. Just not early enough to go home and get completely ready; and this is why you can't beat living in NYC. I hoped off the train in Time Square, since that's where my transfer was. I ran into Sephora, and put my face on BABY! Gave myself a wink and hoped backed on the train. Least to say, I got my first film gig! Can I get an AMEN! When and if it does comes out I'll be sure to let you guys know. It's an independent racy comedy that will be submitted to the Sundance film festival.
I'm interested in how my followers spent there New Years Eve. I went to a singles event where there were well over 350 people. I got completely wasted. I had to spend 95% of the next day recovering. Tequila, white wine, red bull and vodka, cranberry and vodka, and cheap champagne don't mix very well. Thank God for good people and best friends. This year my goal is to see more than three production. Last year I had the privilege of seeing Ocean Imagine, which was a fun show. Mary Poppins was also was a nice treat, but I think I like Avenue Q the best. The songs were hilarious and well written. My new years resolution is to become better physically fit, get more out of my degree, and to do more international traveling! I'm interested in my readers goals and resolutions as well. Please feel free to post them.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Chocolate Any One?
At the subway station, lost as usual...I sit down on the bench and decide to wait on the next train. In which I can ask the conductor; what train do I need to take to get to where I want to go? Sitting beside me is a heavy set Caucasian men singing Jesus Is the Answer. Just as free as he want to be. He stops and looks at me and says "People think I'm crazy, but I don't care!" I nod at him, thinking aww I haven't heard that song in such a long time. Part of me really wanted to sing along, but something said DON'T.
I see the next train approaching so I got in position on the platform where the conductor window where land. The Singing Man was watching me the whole time. I kindly asked the conductor for the correct directions. He gave them to me, and then I took my seat to wait on the appropriate train. As I sat there I begun to smell the scent of chocolate very strongly! So strong I thought I had sat in some candy. I got up to check the back of my dress and the bottom of my seat, but there was nothing there. Funny I didn't smell that smell earlier when I was sitting there. The singing man looked at me and ask " What's the matter? Did you sit in something wet?"I tell him " No. I thought I sat in some chocolate". I then ask him if he smelled the strong scent of chocolate? He told me that he smelled it too.. Then he started looking around. While he is looking I noticed him putting something in his mouth. I asked him "What's that your eating?" He showed me the package...AND...IT'S A BAG OF WHOPPERS! I told him "That's what I'm smelling! Whoppers are chocolate!" He looked at me with an OOOO, yeah expression. I thought to myself "Poor guy he really doesn't know. He is CRAZY!"
I see the next train approaching so I got in position on the platform where the conductor window where land. The Singing Man was watching me the whole time. I kindly asked the conductor for the correct directions. He gave them to me, and then I took my seat to wait on the appropriate train. As I sat there I begun to smell the scent of chocolate very strongly! So strong I thought I had sat in some candy. I got up to check the back of my dress and the bottom of my seat, but there was nothing there. Funny I didn't smell that smell earlier when I was sitting there. The singing man looked at me and ask " What's the matter? Did you sit in something wet?"I tell him " No. I thought I sat in some chocolate". I then ask him if he smelled the strong scent of chocolate? He told me that he smelled it too.. Then he started looking around. While he is looking I noticed him putting something in his mouth. I asked him "What's that your eating?" He showed me the package...AND...IT'S A BAG OF WHOPPERS! I told him "That's what I'm smelling! Whoppers are chocolate!" He looked at me with an OOOO, yeah expression. I thought to myself "Poor guy he really doesn't know. He is CRAZY!"
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Random
There are soo many people in NYC that I decided to get the flu shot this year. At first I was skeptical because I had seen a program on TV, where a lady had a severe, life changing, reaction to the flu shot. After being sick two times this summer I knew I couldn't risk it in the winter. Everywhere you look some one is coughing and sneezing. Also when your taking public transportation there is no telling what kind of people, and for that matter how many people have sat and touched where I am sitting and touching now.
I'm in the crowded subway terminal waiting for the train, and I see two open seats next to this old lady. Oddly no one is sitting in them. I look closer at the lady and notice that she has on a blue jogging suit. Her body is puffed up like the nutty professor, and her head is cocked to the side. Her eyes are closed, and she is not moving. I can barely tell if she's breathing. One of her puffy legs lay extended; sadly with no shoes on her feet only layers of socks. Beneath the extended leg was a trail of dark liquid. It look like a mixture of blood and feces. It was severely disgusting! People were trying their best to act as if they didn't notice her. I don't know why the police or the EMT wasn't called. The lady looked as if she could have been dying or worse already dead.
Now I'm happy to have found a seat on the train, and there is only standing room left. Just my luck a overweight 50ish Caucasian man stands in front of me. I'm looking at the front part of his pants and his overly huge stomach. Next thing I know the man starts passing deadly but silent gas, and it STINKS! There is a skinny, tall, African American girl seated next to me and she is frowning up her face because she smells it too. We both looked at each other with a look of disgust on our faces and then she dropped her head down. No matter where you put your head you were going to smell this man. All I could think was if this man farts one more time I'm going to get ghetto on him. On the bright side. I couldn't help but to think that the mans huge stomach would serve as a good air bag if the train was to throw me forward and out of my seat. Now on the other side of me was an African American woman. She looked to be in her 70's. She had all these hard, firm, severely, raised nodules all over her face, hands and neck. This was no Halloween costume. Think of a human pickle and multiply that. Here I was freaking out about my pimples, and this just proved to me how much worse it could be.
Any how check me out on my facebook page and you can see the costume I wore for Halloween. I guess my theater side was coming out of me because I decide to wear my mask on the train, and for once I was the weirdo. Can you say "all eyes on me"? I honestly didn't think I was anything to stare at but apparently I was wrong. I was a princess going to a masquerade ball. I had on a floor length, bright, yellow, ball gown with elbow length, white, satin, gloves, and a gold and silver, butterfly mask.
Well it was definitely one hell of a night. I went to two clubs and one restaurant. My associate...hmm let's call her Jade. She threw up at one of the most crowded restaurants located in Time Square. I felt sorry for the dinners next to her. When she finished puking her guts out she didn't even apologize to them. She started laughing hysterically, and then got up and went to the bathroom. Yeah she was a nasty, hot, mess! We left the restaurant and ran into some teenagers horsing around and throwing food. I got hit in the shoulder and cussed them all the way out NYC style! I don't know if there was some bad juju going on because the next day I got food poisoning. Therefore I spent the next evening throwing up and my girl "T" fell and hurt her ankle and spent the next day throwing up from the pain killers.
Now it's the end of the night and I'm just hoping I get in the house before 3AM. With the train making all local stops this is highly unlikely. Even though I'm not the only one in costume; I'm still catching looks sideways and back. Now I know how the homeless feel when people stare at them. One lady told me she was staring because the mask was so pretty, but I don't think that's why everyone else was burning holes in me. Anyhow waiting on the train wasn't too bad that night because of the talent in the subway. There was an 40ish, average looking, Caucasian man in the subway. He was playing a keyboard along with a trumpet, and making up songs. What ever he saw he threw it in his song. It was funny. He sung about the passengers waiting on the train, and how happy we were when it was approaching the station. Least to say I did make it home two minutes before 3AM.
I'm in the crowded subway terminal waiting for the train, and I see two open seats next to this old lady. Oddly no one is sitting in them. I look closer at the lady and notice that she has on a blue jogging suit. Her body is puffed up like the nutty professor, and her head is cocked to the side. Her eyes are closed, and she is not moving. I can barely tell if she's breathing. One of her puffy legs lay extended; sadly with no shoes on her feet only layers of socks. Beneath the extended leg was a trail of dark liquid. It look like a mixture of blood and feces. It was severely disgusting! People were trying their best to act as if they didn't notice her. I don't know why the police or the EMT wasn't called. The lady looked as if she could have been dying or worse already dead.
Now I'm happy to have found a seat on the train, and there is only standing room left. Just my luck a overweight 50ish Caucasian man stands in front of me. I'm looking at the front part of his pants and his overly huge stomach. Next thing I know the man starts passing deadly but silent gas, and it STINKS! There is a skinny, tall, African American girl seated next to me and she is frowning up her face because she smells it too. We both looked at each other with a look of disgust on our faces and then she dropped her head down. No matter where you put your head you were going to smell this man. All I could think was if this man farts one more time I'm going to get ghetto on him. On the bright side. I couldn't help but to think that the mans huge stomach would serve as a good air bag if the train was to throw me forward and out of my seat. Now on the other side of me was an African American woman. She looked to be in her 70's. She had all these hard, firm, severely, raised nodules all over her face, hands and neck. This was no Halloween costume. Think of a human pickle and multiply that. Here I was freaking out about my pimples, and this just proved to me how much worse it could be.
Any how check me out on my facebook page and you can see the costume I wore for Halloween. I guess my theater side was coming out of me because I decide to wear my mask on the train, and for once I was the weirdo. Can you say "all eyes on me"? I honestly didn't think I was anything to stare at but apparently I was wrong. I was a princess going to a masquerade ball. I had on a floor length, bright, yellow, ball gown with elbow length, white, satin, gloves, and a gold and silver, butterfly mask.
Well it was definitely one hell of a night. I went to two clubs and one restaurant. My associate...hmm let's call her Jade. She threw up at one of the most crowded restaurants located in Time Square. I felt sorry for the dinners next to her. When she finished puking her guts out she didn't even apologize to them. She started laughing hysterically, and then got up and went to the bathroom. Yeah she was a nasty, hot, mess! We left the restaurant and ran into some teenagers horsing around and throwing food. I got hit in the shoulder and cussed them all the way out NYC style! I don't know if there was some bad juju going on because the next day I got food poisoning. Therefore I spent the next evening throwing up and my girl "T" fell and hurt her ankle and spent the next day throwing up from the pain killers.
Now it's the end of the night and I'm just hoping I get in the house before 3AM. With the train making all local stops this is highly unlikely. Even though I'm not the only one in costume; I'm still catching looks sideways and back. Now I know how the homeless feel when people stare at them. One lady told me she was staring because the mask was so pretty, but I don't think that's why everyone else was burning holes in me. Anyhow waiting on the train wasn't too bad that night because of the talent in the subway. There was an 40ish, average looking, Caucasian man in the subway. He was playing a keyboard along with a trumpet, and making up songs. What ever he saw he threw it in his song. It was funny. He sung about the passengers waiting on the train, and how happy we were when it was approaching the station. Least to say I did make it home two minutes before 3AM.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Homeless and Helpless
I was on a crowded shuttle bus one evening and there was an African-American homeless man sitting in the front seat. He looked to be in his early 60's. I assume he was high on some type of paraphernalia because he was talking loudly and swatting at flies that weren't there. Half of the people seated in front of the bus were staring and laughing. I was staring and then dropped my head and laughed to myself. Then I stopped and realized how sad this man situation must be.
I didn't see my first real homeless person till after I graduated college and moved to St. Louis. Praise God I don't reside in that city anymore. Furthermore it was a cultural shock for me to see such a thing in person. It was weird and a little unnerving having an unsightly stranger approach me and ask me for money. Now living here in New York City; I realize that homelessness in an epidemic. I see a homeless person everyday. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm looking at a human being because they are covered with papers or curled up in a tight ball. It's odd to me because this is the place where people come to fulfill their dreams and hopes. I never thought I would walk outside and see soo much pain, despair and hopelessness.
There are different categories of homeless people. I'm sure this is not all of them. What I have seen is: Sad, Bold,and Angry. Last week I spoke to a homeless woman on the train. She was Caucasian, short, and looked to be in her late 40's. She stood up from her seat,and gave a speech to a car full of young African Americans. She said she was down on her luck and she would not be asking for handouts unless she really needed to. A young teenage girl ask her if she ate chicken. The homeless lady replied "yeah". The teenage girl gave the woman her box of leftover Popeye's. There was a young lady next to me who gave her some money. The homeless woman started walking and lost her balance on the moving train. She smacked her jaw into one of the pole that stands in the middle of the train for passengers to hold on to. The poor woman looked as if she was trying her best to fight back tears. She grabbed her jaw with eyes closed and pain on her face. A woman who was in her 20's offered her some water to get the blood out of her mouth, but woman turned it down. She said she had water in her bag. She stood there until the next stop. I gave the woman some money as well as a few Ib Profen. She thanked me and then began to tell me what was going on with her. She said that her husband had committed suicide last week and that she was just barely hanging on. She also stated that her mouth was already hurting her because she had an infected tooth. I don't know if it was true or not. I did inform her on some of the free services that were available to her in that area. She told me she knew about them already. All I could say was keep holding on and things will get better. She thanked me for my generosity and we parted ways. I honestly don't remember if I told her to pray to God for help,or if the words God bless you was mentioned.
To top it off later that week was another homeless man on the train. I couldn't tell if he was African American or Hispanic. He was about 5'10, slim, and had on sunglasses that didn't really stay on his face. He held a large picture in his hand, but I couldn't see clearly what was on it. Apparently it was a picture of him before and after he first got burned. This man face was completely covered with deep heavy scars. His ears were disfigured and one of his eyes were practically hanging out. I assume it was a false eyeball. It was absolutely horrible pitiful site. He gave a speech also, but I couldn't really make out what he was saying. Though we all knew that he wanted money. Male and female alike willing gave it to him. The whole thing made me want to cry. I reached in my purse to give the man some money, but he walked right passed me. I even waited to see if he was getting off at the next stop, so I could catch him and give him the money. He stayed on the train but went to the next car telling his sob story and collecting more money. I stood there on the platform thinking to myself, "I give more money to the homeless than I do to the church".
I don't know how I forgot about the homeless man on the train with no shirt on. He was a tall, black, frail man. He sat there shivering and twitching. He had on busted tennis shoes. One of them had a huge hole in the front. You could see his big toe sticking out of it. He must of had an infection in that toe because it was black as night. The toenail itself looked molded. There was a African American, heavy set, lady on the train giving a speech about how she needed money and wasn't ashamed to accept food also. She called herself "MAMA". Someone gave her some money, but when she looked at the dirty homeless man she gave him the money. She then reached in her plastic bag and gave him a sandwich also. The man took the handouts without sayin a word of thanks. MAMA told him "God bless you". I was amazed to see one homeless person help another. I guess she knew he was worse off then she was.
I woke up the next morning cursing God because I had spilled pomegranate juice in the refrigerator. There was juice everywhere including the floor. I took out the drawers to the fridge and washed, wiped and dried. I was so upset. I didn't think I was going to have enough time to catch the bus, but I did. I sat on the bus mad at the juice that spilled and the time it took to clean it up. I didn't really feel like being sociable. I sat there in my seat and that's when I thought back to the homeless man. He doesn't even have the sight to clean up a mess like I had made that morning. I apologized to God for cursing him. Instead I thanked him quietly for my many blessings.
I didn't see my first real homeless person till after I graduated college and moved to St. Louis. Praise God I don't reside in that city anymore. Furthermore it was a cultural shock for me to see such a thing in person. It was weird and a little unnerving having an unsightly stranger approach me and ask me for money. Now living here in New York City; I realize that homelessness in an epidemic. I see a homeless person everyday. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm looking at a human being because they are covered with papers or curled up in a tight ball. It's odd to me because this is the place where people come to fulfill their dreams and hopes. I never thought I would walk outside and see soo much pain, despair and hopelessness.
There are different categories of homeless people. I'm sure this is not all of them. What I have seen is: Sad, Bold,and Angry. Last week I spoke to a homeless woman on the train. She was Caucasian, short, and looked to be in her late 40's. She stood up from her seat,and gave a speech to a car full of young African Americans. She said she was down on her luck and she would not be asking for handouts unless she really needed to. A young teenage girl ask her if she ate chicken. The homeless lady replied "yeah". The teenage girl gave the woman her box of leftover Popeye's. There was a young lady next to me who gave her some money. The homeless woman started walking and lost her balance on the moving train. She smacked her jaw into one of the pole that stands in the middle of the train for passengers to hold on to. The poor woman looked as if she was trying her best to fight back tears. She grabbed her jaw with eyes closed and pain on her face. A woman who was in her 20's offered her some water to get the blood out of her mouth, but woman turned it down. She said she had water in her bag. She stood there until the next stop. I gave the woman some money as well as a few Ib Profen. She thanked me and then began to tell me what was going on with her. She said that her husband had committed suicide last week and that she was just barely hanging on. She also stated that her mouth was already hurting her because she had an infected tooth. I don't know if it was true or not. I did inform her on some of the free services that were available to her in that area. She told me she knew about them already. All I could say was keep holding on and things will get better. She thanked me for my generosity and we parted ways. I honestly don't remember if I told her to pray to God for help,or if the words God bless you was mentioned.
To top it off later that week was another homeless man on the train. I couldn't tell if he was African American or Hispanic. He was about 5'10, slim, and had on sunglasses that didn't really stay on his face. He held a large picture in his hand, but I couldn't see clearly what was on it. Apparently it was a picture of him before and after he first got burned. This man face was completely covered with deep heavy scars. His ears were disfigured and one of his eyes were practically hanging out. I assume it was a false eyeball. It was absolutely horrible pitiful site. He gave a speech also, but I couldn't really make out what he was saying. Though we all knew that he wanted money. Male and female alike willing gave it to him. The whole thing made me want to cry. I reached in my purse to give the man some money, but he walked right passed me. I even waited to see if he was getting off at the next stop, so I could catch him and give him the money. He stayed on the train but went to the next car telling his sob story and collecting more money. I stood there on the platform thinking to myself, "I give more money to the homeless than I do to the church".
I don't know how I forgot about the homeless man on the train with no shirt on. He was a tall, black, frail man. He sat there shivering and twitching. He had on busted tennis shoes. One of them had a huge hole in the front. You could see his big toe sticking out of it. He must of had an infection in that toe because it was black as night. The toenail itself looked molded. There was a African American, heavy set, lady on the train giving a speech about how she needed money and wasn't ashamed to accept food also. She called herself "MAMA". Someone gave her some money, but when she looked at the dirty homeless man she gave him the money. She then reached in her plastic bag and gave him a sandwich also. The man took the handouts without sayin a word of thanks. MAMA told him "God bless you". I was amazed to see one homeless person help another. I guess she knew he was worse off then she was.
I woke up the next morning cursing God because I had spilled pomegranate juice in the refrigerator. There was juice everywhere including the floor. I took out the drawers to the fridge and washed, wiped and dried. I was so upset. I didn't think I was going to have enough time to catch the bus, but I did. I sat on the bus mad at the juice that spilled and the time it took to clean it up. I didn't really feel like being sociable. I sat there in my seat and that's when I thought back to the homeless man. He doesn't even have the sight to clean up a mess like I had made that morning. I apologized to God for cursing him. Instead I thanked him quietly for my many blessings.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Fat Black Pussy Cat Cont..
I'm on my way to 230 Fifth roof tar bar to meet Kema. I took an early shuttle and now I'm on the train. I can't recall what the man next to me looked like, but he had on soo much cologne my sinus began to start up. Auuugghh... I hate when people let their perfume/cologne wear them. Have you ever passed someone on the street, and after you pass them; consequently you can still smell them ten minutes later? There is literally a trail of their scent left behind. Of course I'm sneezing and blowing my nose at this point because my sinuses are irritated. I hear the subway door car open as the train is still moving. I look up and there is a African American man, who looked to be in his mid thirties, standing there with a case of various stale looking candy. Old bags of M&M's, Starburst, Snickers, etc. In a loud voice he said
"Get your candy, help out the youth. A dollar a bar is all it takes."
Then he repeated that phrase two more times. Once in Spanish and again in broken English and then he said "SHABA" really loud. Everybody just looked at him and no one budged to buy a single bar. He then went to the next car giving the same speech. Five more stops to go before I get to my destination, and now there are five, young, rude and loud youth in the car I'm in. Male and female youth talking entirely too loud, so everybody could here there conversation. Cussing and carrying on, and conversing about all the fights they've gotten into this year. Using the "N" word like it's the proper thing to do. I was so irritated by them I wanted to move to another car. Finally it's my stop and I can escape the subway madness for the time being.
I arrive at 230 Fifth, and in my opinion it's the most beautiful roof tar bar in Manhattan. The view is magnificent and the atmosphere is lively. It's generously spacious, and if you don't want to be outside you can always go inside to the club/lounge area and sit on the beautiful, bright, red furniture. Hot pink, green and blue lights illuminate the room decor. My only complaint is the elevator doesn't take you all the way up to the roof, and the menu is a tad bit on the pricey side. Kema order a regular pepsi; which was $6, and a small serving of french fries at $7. I got the pineapple coconut martini at $14 and lamb tea sandwiches for $12. Total bill $40.69 and that doesn't include the tip or the drink Kema had before I got there! Needless to say after our drinks were gone so were we. We went on to Taj Lounge. A nice spacious club that gets overly crowded once midnight arrives. We got there early so we could get in for free. That's right NYC does have some freebies if you know where to look and what to sign up for. Apparently there was a mix up. To our surprise, our names weren't on the VIP/get in free list, and we had to pay to get in. Kema was not happy about that. We were also supposed to get two free drinks at the bar, but was told we needed tickets that we knew nothing about. Kema tried to find out what had gone wrong but the staff gave her the run around; which caused Kema to get a major attitude. "OK, let me handle it." I told her. I spoke to a 350lbs African American bouncer who had flirted with me earlier at the entrance. He pointed me in the direction of the manager. I spoke with the manager, and I walked away with six drink tickets in my hand and an professional apology.
The DJ spun music from the early 90's to the present. Sticking to the hip hop and rap genre. People were dancing wildly and some doing nasty moves as if they should have been in a hotel room. I danced with a tall African American guy who looked to be in his mid 20's. He wasn't cute, but wasn't too ugly either. He asked me if he could take me out to dinner sometime. I don't know why I said yea. When I really meant no. I just don't know how to mean to people. Now he's been calling me for over three weeks, and I have yet to take his call. Don't judge me! LOL. It was soo crowded and hot Kema and I headed towards the bar for a water. $5 for a $1 bottle of water. That's more than what the airport charges. The Money you will pay for convenience is astounding at times. After awhile Kema and I got tired of people bumping into us on the dance floor, and decided to call it a night. It was time to go get something to eat.
My friend, we'll call her "T" for short joined me at a diner. The food wasn't good. As a matter of fact I had to send mine back. The entertainment on the other hand was. Behind me sat two Caucasian women who were in their late 30's. They had been to a club and one of them had way to much to drink. The sober lady who had blond hair and bright red lipstick spoke to me. She informed me that she only goes out to bars and clubs about 3-4 times a year. Her drunken friend sat there; with her head laid in her plate of cheese fries half sleep; had begged her to come out. The lady told me that her friend was fine just a minute ago. As a matter of fact her drunken, brunette, friend had driven them to the diner. The brunette then got up wobbly in her stance and ran to the bathroom. She returned to the table 20 minutes later.
About 15 minutes passed and a loud rowdy group of about ten walked through the door. They were male and female of European decent. All look to be under the age of 25 years. They were seated in the back. Not even five minutes passed before you heard a loud BOOM. Next thing you know the cops were being called. One of the guys had broken something that belong to the restaurant along with his hand. Half of the their group split before the cops would arrive. I had seen enough for the night I was ready to go home. My sweet tooth was calling so I got a piece of carrot cake to take with me. On the way to the car I almost step in a pile of pink puke that was not there before. Undoubtedly it belonged to the drunken brunette who left before we did.
As I took the train back to the shuttle bus I noticed a woman staring at me. Wouldn't you know it she was plus sized. I shifted my gaze to something else, but when it returned she was still staring at me. She then rolled her eyes so hard at me. I believe it had to hurt. I began to wonder if she knew me because she kept rolling them. Next thing I knew she is whispering to a brown skin man seated next to her. He looked to be he gay friend. They both stared at me and then laughed. I looked passed them and then away from them but I could still see this lady from my side view rolling her eyes at me. Needless to say I got off at the next stop and switched to a different train. It may seem extreme but I'm starting to think NYC is the capitol for CRAZY and I'm just not willing to risk it!
Until next time. Readers stay safe and upbeat!!!
"Get your candy, help out the youth. A dollar a bar is all it takes."
Then he repeated that phrase two more times. Once in Spanish and again in broken English and then he said "SHABA" really loud. Everybody just looked at him and no one budged to buy a single bar. He then went to the next car giving the same speech. Five more stops to go before I get to my destination, and now there are five, young, rude and loud youth in the car I'm in. Male and female youth talking entirely too loud, so everybody could here there conversation. Cussing and carrying on, and conversing about all the fights they've gotten into this year. Using the "N" word like it's the proper thing to do. I was so irritated by them I wanted to move to another car. Finally it's my stop and I can escape the subway madness for the time being.
I arrive at 230 Fifth, and in my opinion it's the most beautiful roof tar bar in Manhattan. The view is magnificent and the atmosphere is lively. It's generously spacious, and if you don't want to be outside you can always go inside to the club/lounge area and sit on the beautiful, bright, red furniture. Hot pink, green and blue lights illuminate the room decor. My only complaint is the elevator doesn't take you all the way up to the roof, and the menu is a tad bit on the pricey side. Kema order a regular pepsi; which was $6, and a small serving of french fries at $7. I got the pineapple coconut martini at $14 and lamb tea sandwiches for $12. Total bill $40.69 and that doesn't include the tip or the drink Kema had before I got there! Needless to say after our drinks were gone so were we. We went on to Taj Lounge. A nice spacious club that gets overly crowded once midnight arrives. We got there early so we could get in for free. That's right NYC does have some freebies if you know where to look and what to sign up for. Apparently there was a mix up. To our surprise, our names weren't on the VIP/get in free list, and we had to pay to get in. Kema was not happy about that. We were also supposed to get two free drinks at the bar, but was told we needed tickets that we knew nothing about. Kema tried to find out what had gone wrong but the staff gave her the run around; which caused Kema to get a major attitude. "OK, let me handle it." I told her. I spoke to a 350lbs African American bouncer who had flirted with me earlier at the entrance. He pointed me in the direction of the manager. I spoke with the manager, and I walked away with six drink tickets in my hand and an professional apology.
The DJ spun music from the early 90's to the present. Sticking to the hip hop and rap genre. People were dancing wildly and some doing nasty moves as if they should have been in a hotel room. I danced with a tall African American guy who looked to be in his mid 20's. He wasn't cute, but wasn't too ugly either. He asked me if he could take me out to dinner sometime. I don't know why I said yea. When I really meant no. I just don't know how to mean to people. Now he's been calling me for over three weeks, and I have yet to take his call. Don't judge me! LOL. It was soo crowded and hot Kema and I headed towards the bar for a water. $5 for a $1 bottle of water. That's more than what the airport charges. The Money you will pay for convenience is astounding at times. After awhile Kema and I got tired of people bumping into us on the dance floor, and decided to call it a night. It was time to go get something to eat.
My friend, we'll call her "T" for short joined me at a diner. The food wasn't good. As a matter of fact I had to send mine back. The entertainment on the other hand was. Behind me sat two Caucasian women who were in their late 30's. They had been to a club and one of them had way to much to drink. The sober lady who had blond hair and bright red lipstick spoke to me. She informed me that she only goes out to bars and clubs about 3-4 times a year. Her drunken friend sat there; with her head laid in her plate of cheese fries half sleep; had begged her to come out. The lady told me that her friend was fine just a minute ago. As a matter of fact her drunken, brunette, friend had driven them to the diner. The brunette then got up wobbly in her stance and ran to the bathroom. She returned to the table 20 minutes later.
About 15 minutes passed and a loud rowdy group of about ten walked through the door. They were male and female of European decent. All look to be under the age of 25 years. They were seated in the back. Not even five minutes passed before you heard a loud BOOM. Next thing you know the cops were being called. One of the guys had broken something that belong to the restaurant along with his hand. Half of the their group split before the cops would arrive. I had seen enough for the night I was ready to go home. My sweet tooth was calling so I got a piece of carrot cake to take with me. On the way to the car I almost step in a pile of pink puke that was not there before. Undoubtedly it belonged to the drunken brunette who left before we did.
As I took the train back to the shuttle bus I noticed a woman staring at me. Wouldn't you know it she was plus sized. I shifted my gaze to something else, but when it returned she was still staring at me. She then rolled her eyes so hard at me. I believe it had to hurt. I began to wonder if she knew me because she kept rolling them. Next thing I knew she is whispering to a brown skin man seated next to her. He looked to be he gay friend. They both stared at me and then laughed. I looked passed them and then away from them but I could still see this lady from my side view rolling her eyes at me. Needless to say I got off at the next stop and switched to a different train. It may seem extreme but I'm starting to think NYC is the capitol for CRAZY and I'm just not willing to risk it!
Until next time. Readers stay safe and upbeat!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
