June Shelter Duty 2008

It was quite the rough night, and early morning. Too bad since it was the last official night for the shelter until autumn rolls around. I just wished things ended on a better note. The bus arrived too early, both in the evening and the next morning. This left the guests running around in a mad scramble to get ready, strip their beds, and claim a seat to take them back to the drop off center. No one seemed to have gotten a decent night's sleep. I know I certainly didn't.

Not a great way to end the season.

Reassessing the Classics

Ripped from the pages of the Noble Savage, is the list of Entertainment Weekly's "100 New Classics". I think it's time to evolve our definition of what is a classic, especially for those movies that may have not won academy awards or have made more money off of DVD sales than theater sales, but that we love and will watch almost every time they appear on TBS.

In bold are the ones I've seen.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)
3. Titanic (1997)
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
5. Toy Story (1995)
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
9. Die Hard (1988)
10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
12. The Matrix (1999)
13. GoodFellas (1990)
14. Crumb (1995)
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
16. Boogie Nights (1997)
17. Jerry Maguire (1996)
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
19. Casino Royale (2006)
20. The Lion King (1994)
21. Schindler’s List (1993)
22. Rushmore (1998)
23. Memento (2001)
24. A Room With a View (1986)
25. Shrek (2001)
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
27. Aliens (1986)
28. Wings of Desire (1988)
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
32. Fight Club (1999)
33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
34. Fargo (1996)
35. The Incredibles (2004)
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
37. Pretty Woman (1990)
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
39. The Sixth Sense (1999)
40. Speed (1994)
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
42. Clueless (1995)
43. Gladiator (2000)
44. The Player (1992)
45. Rain Man (1988 )
46. Children of Men (2006)
47. Men in Black (1997)
48. Scarface (1983)
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
50. The Piano (1993)
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
53. The Truman Show (1998)
54. Fatal Attraction (1987)
55. Risky Business (1983)
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
60. Scream (1996)
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
63. Big (1988)
64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
68. Witness (1985)
69. All About My Mother (1999)
70. Broadcast News (1987)
71. Unforgiven (1992)
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
73. Office Space (1999)
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. The Departed (2006)
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
80. Michael Clayton (2007)
81. Moonstruck (1987)
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
84. Sideways (2004)
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
87. Swingers (1996)
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
91. Back to the Future (1985)
92. Menace II Society (1993)
93. Ed Wood (1994)
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
96. Far From Heaven (2002)
97. Glory (1989)
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

Friendship, Grown Up

This past weekend one of my closest friends, M, came to the city to visit me. As usual, we had a raucous time with alcohol, food, and laughter, all very much a part of the action.

M and I met on the playground in 2nd grade. From then on, we were inseparable. That is, until the end of fourth grade, when her family packed up and moved back to Boston. We were gutted. For years, both of us were forced to communicate via snail mail with the odd phone call to each other. We lost contact in high school, but it wasn't because of any falling out. The distance, compounded by living in an era which predated both the Internet and low cost long distance, was sadly to blame.

It wasn't until after graduation that one day I sat down and penned a "how are you?" letter to her. What I didn't know until afterwards was that she too was writing the same letter to me. Both of us praying that the other still lived at the same address as years before. When her letter reached me (mine never came to her), it was like we were never apart. A few shrieky phone calls back and forth and she was on her way to drive down take me away for a Boston weekend. From then on, we never again lost contact.

The thing with M and I is that we can both be busy and not pull any "you were supposed to call me" attitude. We both understand that the phone works both ways and that's what gives longevity to our friendship. That said, she is in Los Angeles and I am in New York. This makes for a difficult time to see each other much. So, when the opportunity arises and we can get together, we go all out.

Most of our time this weekend was spent shopping, eating, drinking, and catching up on the small things people blank on when they're on the phone or IM'ing each other. She's talking about moving back East and transplanting herself right here in the city. That'll be crazy cool, for us anyway. If her plan comes to fruition, it will be the first time we have lived in close proximity since we were kids. Like 2nd grade all over again.

Transfer...Next Stop

There is such excitement in the air. The university has finished evaluating my college transcripts. I received in the mail confirmation of the classes and amount of credits they were able to transfer over into my intended degree program. I was ecstatic when I opened the envelope to see that I've been awarded the full 60 credits. This is also the maximum they can transfer under their rules and guidelines. It really gave me a sense of exaltation. Like it was all coming together for me now.

Yeah, so they didn't honor two of my courses, but their policy clearly states the 60 credit maximum, so I was happy with what they gave me. Besides, they dropped the two classes that each earned me only two credits, so it wasn't that bad. One thing that rubs me, but I'll get over soon, is that I'm required to take a three credit English course that focuses solely on writing a research paper. This happens to be one of the two credit courses the university chose not to honor. Now, I can write a mean paper, but it kinda feels like an academic version of the movie Groundhog Day where I'm repeating the same course over again.

In the meantime, I've matched the courses that correspond to my future curriculum and it's looking good. It's looking like I'll be able to focus pretty extensively on my major. Another bummer is that although I took statistics as a math requirement for my current college, two courses in algebra are required for my intended degree. That brings the total to three math classes. I can't get upset, and can only shrug my shoulders at the way the curriculum cards played out. Lucky for me, I can count statistics towards my general electives, so that's coming as a plus. I just deplore math, is all.

Right now, it's just so…new. It's electric. Now that I have the accepted course outline, I feel as if I can get going. For now, another question mark, another obstacle, has been removed from my continuing path of studies.

To Russia, with Love

I'm really bad at keeping such juicy information from everyone, so here goes - This November, I'm going to St. Petersburg and Moscow. I'm sure it wasn't exactly a big surprise to the few who read this blog. Normally, I would stay quiet out of this weird fear I have of forever jinxing myself should I dare utter anything too early. Born under a bad sign, I guess. But since I am still shocked at the prospect of visiting St. Petersburg, my dream city, I figure that if something stands in the way, it would have been expected anyway.

With so much to plan in advance and the rising costs of oil, seeking out airfare had to be completed as early as possible. This, is a difficult one as past trips to Europe almost always started out as an idea and came to fruition only around September and October. I recall one trip to London being decided upon and booked only 2-3 weeks prior to leaving.

That said, the itinerary is as follows:

1 day in Helsinki
1-1/2 days in Tallinn
5 days in St. Petersburg
1-1/2 days in Moscow

I have kept a promise to myself that Helsinki and Tallinn will not be filled with treacherous itineraries but instead, calm excursions to check out only the best and brightest these two cities have to offer. Helsinki is actually an 8 hour layover with probably about five hours for myself. The rest will be check-in and boarding protocol. Tallinn? What can I say? My original goal plan was to fly into Helsinki and spend a day or so there before hopping the train to St. Petersburg. It seems to be the natural course of action for those who do this trip. However, ever since my good friend D went there last year, I was stunned by the pictures he took of this often overlooked city. The flight I found was the same price even if it didn't include Tallinn. A sign that it would be foolish to miss out on such an opportunity. Besides, it beats lugging around and trying to find a place to store luggage for the day.

There is so much to plan and my visit happens to be in November, when it gets dark earlier. This was something clearly out of my control, time and money wise, as any earlier travel is not feasible (for my sins, I guess).

The palaces of the Romanov's, The Hermitage, The Kremlin, and Red Square. It's all too odd and out of reach to me now. I think after I come back it may very well remain as such.

C Ya!

After waiting anxiously all Sunday night and all Monday morning, I finally received the e-mail that contained my grade for the semester. It's a C. Don't get me wrong, I'm actually happy with this grade. It's exactly what I anticipated. I worked very hard for this grade and I knew going in that an A was out of the question, and that a B was asking too much. A nice little C.

I'm praying this will be the end of attending my current college, and I'll be able to graduate with my Associates degree. But I'm not hopeful. I am currently in the process of dealing with the college appeals committee to move my entry year back to its original date so that I don't have to take two more classes. You see, I was away from my school for a year due to a situation I am convinced was the college's fault. It's long and complicated and I can't explain without tears welling up in my eyes. I just never expected my school to act in a way that would bring me to this level of frustration.

Fun With Hema

I grabbed this off one of the forums I visit. It's a cute Rube Goldberg way of announcing online shopping.

http://producten.hema.nl/

(Make sure the sound is on)

It's. Just. So. Hot.

The city is currently in the midst of a raging, humidity filled heat wave, and it won't subside for several days now. Me? I've been staying low and keeping my movements to a minimum lest I break even more of a sweat than I already have. I did get out yesterday. First for school, which wasn't too bad because it was morning, then early in the evening, to capture any night breezes I could to keep my body heat down. Today, was the worst of it, as I had to get laundry done. There is nothing worse then entering a laundromat on a day like today. Curses!

It's the beginning of June and this is what we have to face? I don't know what I'll do come August.

With the Mind Alone...

Russia cannot be understood. No ordinary yardstick spans her greatness; She stands alone, unique - In Russia one can only believe.

--Fyodor Tytchev


JFK--> HEL--> TLL--> LED--> DME--> ORD--> EWR

Eleven Years On

And I almost forgot.

It wasn't until last night when it occurred to me that today is my eleven year anniversary of moving to the city. I only realized this when during a conversation with one of our shelter guests, she revealed that she had once lived in the same residence I had when I first moved here.

Even more special is that today is the actual day, Sunday, when I arrived.

Another odd thing. This very residence is now a luxury hotel. My own friend will be staying there when she visits in a few weeks. I can't wait to go back and check out my old haunt.

May Shelter Duty 2008

Nothing much to report. The shelter season is coming to a close at the end of this month and things were quiet despite the fact that there will be one less facility offering beds until the fall season begins. With the rain coming and going all day, I feared that since our guests would have spent pretty much all day holed up with each other, they would arrive carrying the frustrations and squabbles which occur when people of different personalities and backgrounds are confined together for long periods of time. Thankfully, there was no drama or harsh words exchanged amongst anyone.

The bus arrived last night probably the latest it had ever come in all the years I have volunteered. It also arrived this morning the earliest it had ever been in all the years I have volunteered. This company, although new this year, still hasn't sussed out a normalized schedule.

That said, it was nice to come home early, although my rhythms are a bit off.