Was very fortunate as I was granted the opportunity to leave at 4 p.m. today from work. This marks the first time in a long while where I have seen daylight during the ride home. I have made it a point to take Nassau Street up to Fulton and go north one more block and turn onto Barclay, where I can then make a right onto Church. This may not necessarily be a time-saver, however I feel it's a safer route as I avoid the constant 2-lane congestion near Ground Zero. After a stressful morning it was a relief to be able to leave work early in the hopes of hitting the gym for the first time since Sunday because I'll be home presumably more than an hour earlier than normal.
There was one point near Watts Street/Avenue where the wind blew hard enough to nearly stop me in my tracks. You look up and see the late-60s Beatles staring at you from a billboard above and an enticing bottle of Moet. I am glad I will get an extra day avoiding all this. I had a kielbasa sandwich on pumpernickel today and can still taste it in my throat.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Penultimate Thursday of 2010
The four-plus minutes westbound was tougher than the entire southbound part of the trip this morning, as the wind was working its way south as I rode toward the highway. All of Audioslave's "Cochise" was used during that time.
Once on the highway, however, it wasn't so bad and the wind even propelled me at certain points. Tomorrow is a holiday for the courts so it's a holiday for me. I need to take claritin on these windier days as my eyelids often do not want to cooperate. Child 44 is set in conditions that make this seem like Little Dix Bay so I keep that in mind. So far it's a real engaging read and it is truly a page-turner. It's been a while since I've read something that didn't feel like total homework. If they ever made this in to a movie it'd be a winner.
I'm listening to the first half of Audioslave's debut album. I really wish Cornell had stayed with these guys instead of reuniting with Soundgarden. I have nothing against the latter but Audioslave was much better at getting in your face.
I made a phone call that I'd been dreading last night and I hope it wasn't premature.
I can take the cold. I can take anything and everything you throw at me because you constantly underestimate me and what I've become. As I shed myself to near-skinless forms and conditions I become stronger. I always knew this was possible -- now the impossibility is that it will be taken from me. This is the one thing I have total control over and I will never look or feel the way I did in my late teens. I will starve out the form of that person but the memory will remain as it'll be a constant reminder of what could always be.
Forecast is for snow on Monday. I don't know that that will deter me. I am too strong for you now. Snow isn't a problem unless it coats the streets. The only time I'll rule out the ride now is for hard rain.
Thank you for reading.
Once on the highway, however, it wasn't so bad and the wind even propelled me at certain points. Tomorrow is a holiday for the courts so it's a holiday for me. I need to take claritin on these windier days as my eyelids often do not want to cooperate. Child 44 is set in conditions that make this seem like Little Dix Bay so I keep that in mind. So far it's a real engaging read and it is truly a page-turner. It's been a while since I've read something that didn't feel like total homework. If they ever made this in to a movie it'd be a winner.
I'm listening to the first half of Audioslave's debut album. I really wish Cornell had stayed with these guys instead of reuniting with Soundgarden. I have nothing against the latter but Audioslave was much better at getting in your face.
I made a phone call that I'd been dreading last night and I hope it wasn't premature.
I can take the cold. I can take anything and everything you throw at me because you constantly underestimate me and what I've become. As I shed myself to near-skinless forms and conditions I become stronger. I always knew this was possible -- now the impossibility is that it will be taken from me. This is the one thing I have total control over and I will never look or feel the way I did in my late teens. I will starve out the form of that person but the memory will remain as it'll be a constant reminder of what could always be.
Forecast is for snow on Monday. I don't know that that will deter me. I am too strong for you now. Snow isn't a problem unless it coats the streets. The only time I'll rule out the ride now is for hard rain.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
RHCP Bside day
It's quite cool yet again but my lungs have adjusted to the air. As I approach escalators and stairs I keep ending up right behind people with huge amounts of baggage, old people, or people who are too lazy to walk up and it's frustrating because I've got 35 pounds of cold aluminum in my hand. It is wrong not to walk up or down an escalator.
I'm listening to a bunch of RHCP b-sides today and eventually they ended and became Californication. My favorite song is "Around The World" (and I'm comparing this to all songs by everyone) and in it the line: Mother Russia, do not suffer...etc. is a line I hear differently today, since Child 44 has me paranoid with hardcore commie propoganda that their officers were programmed with.
It is sunny today and this is the beginning of the last half of the week, which is great. I still have some goals to reach and one of them has me sweating more than this ride.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"Time," "Out of Range," "Rivers of Avalon," "Save the Population," "Around the World" and "Parallel Universe"
I'm listening to a bunch of RHCP b-sides today and eventually they ended and became Californication. My favorite song is "Around The World" (and I'm comparing this to all songs by everyone) and in it the line: Mother Russia, do not suffer...etc. is a line I hear differently today, since Child 44 has me paranoid with hardcore commie propoganda that their officers were programmed with.
It is sunny today and this is the beginning of the last half of the week, which is great. I still have some goals to reach and one of them has me sweating more than this ride.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"Time," "Out of Range," "Rivers of Avalon," "Save the Population," "Around the World" and "Parallel Universe"
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Serenity on a Tuesday?
If I was at 25% soreness yesterday, I'm down to about 9% today.
There is a serene moment that occurs when I cross into the highway. The cars haven't started moving south yet and (this time of year) there's no one around. It's just me and the road. There is a comfort in this feeling and I am grateful for it. I cannot imagine this feeling can be replicated in the subway.
I'm listening to my Italian course again but am having trouble paying close attention. Old feelings started to swell up about co-workers but I reminded myself about my pre-New Year's resolution and was able to contain it. I also need to remember that at the WFC, the path is closed off.
I began reading Child 44 today, a book I've always been intrigued by since I saw an ad for it on the subway a few years ago. I picked it up from the library last night and its sequel. It's been a while since I've read a crime/thriller and the first in a long time that it's had an international tone so this will be an engaging read.
I've got some new jazz in my bag that I will download today. This is a pretty easy week and I am excited to spend time with family on Fri & Sat.
Thank you for reading.
There is a serene moment that occurs when I cross into the highway. The cars haven't started moving south yet and (this time of year) there's no one around. It's just me and the road. There is a comfort in this feeling and I am grateful for it. I cannot imagine this feeling can be replicated in the subway.
I'm listening to my Italian course again but am having trouble paying close attention. Old feelings started to swell up about co-workers but I reminded myself about my pre-New Year's resolution and was able to contain it. I also need to remember that at the WFC, the path is closed off.
I began reading Child 44 today, a book I've always been intrigued by since I saw an ad for it on the subway a few years ago. I picked it up from the library last night and its sequel. It's been a while since I've read a crime/thriller and the first in a long time that it's had an international tone so this will be an engaging read.
I've got some new jazz in my bag that I will download today. This is a pretty easy week and I am excited to spend time with family on Fri & Sat.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Just Another Penultimate Monday
It's always colder in Oside waiting for the train. The road was barren (barring some of those advertiser guys on bikes who turned into the lane just after I left the bathroom at Chelsea Piers) and though it was cold it was manageable. I left my scarf at home so the extra tee shirt I brought took on another role.
Despite the soreness, I am moving quite fast. In the end, I did it all in 23 minutes, and that includes the quick toxi-liqui-secretion. My hat is falling over my eyes a little but that's okay it's not inhibiting me at all.
I should be able to get away with morning and evening rides that are closer together this week considering that the work load will be lighter.
I've got The Authority: Kev and a Men's Health with me today, as I'm not sure what I'll start reading but either tomorrow or Weds I'll have started another book (either Hemingway or "Star Wars").
I have some tasks that I need to perform today but one is a phone call I don't want to make. Necessary Evil.
I realized I will not be riding on the next 3 Fridays since two are holidays and one will be a post-work event. Despite the coldness, though, my batting average is very good and that's why I am seeing a slight change in my tone.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"4-Way Diablo" - Monster Magnet
"Broken, Beaten & Scarred" and "Trapped Under Ice" - Metallica
"Cosmic Egg" and "White Feather" - Wolfmother
Despite the soreness, I am moving quite fast. In the end, I did it all in 23 minutes, and that includes the quick toxi-liqui-secretion. My hat is falling over my eyes a little but that's okay it's not inhibiting me at all.
I should be able to get away with morning and evening rides that are closer together this week considering that the work load will be lighter.
I've got The Authority: Kev and a Men's Health with me today, as I'm not sure what I'll start reading but either tomorrow or Weds I'll have started another book (either Hemingway or "Star Wars").
I have some tasks that I need to perform today but one is a phone call I don't want to make. Necessary Evil.
I realized I will not be riding on the next 3 Fridays since two are holidays and one will be a post-work event. Despite the coldness, though, my batting average is very good and that's why I am seeing a slight change in my tone.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"4-Way Diablo" - Monster Magnet
"Broken, Beaten & Scarred" and "Trapped Under Ice" - Metallica
"Cosmic Egg" and "White Feather" - Wolfmother
Friday, December 17, 2010
RT # 140
It was probably colder today than yesterday, but otherwise the days bleed in to each other. The slight sting of the ground salt wedges itself in my nostrils -- nothing to do about that.
Trying to absorb more Italian via Ipod today, but I'm a little too tired and distracted. I'll be working briefly tonight at the wedding hall that hosted our wedding and then will socialize for a while before what will be a somewhat stressful Saturday.
I'm pretty one-dimensional during today's ride. The remaining business weeks of the year are 4 days each, so no matter what I will not hit #350 until January.
Thank you for reading.
Trying to absorb more Italian via Ipod today, but I'm a little too tired and distracted. I'll be working briefly tonight at the wedding hall that hosted our wedding and then will socialize for a while before what will be a somewhat stressful Saturday.
I'm pretty one-dimensional during today's ride. The remaining business weeks of the year are 4 days each, so no matter what I will not hit #350 until January.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Diffi-cold
Today was pretty much the same as yesterday, only less wind and no back-pack. I cannot turn my head as easily as I'd like (on account of the dual scarves around my neck) so I feel like I'm wearing the Michael Keaton Batman suit.
I'm listening to Monster Magnet this morning and there's a line in "Too Bad" where Wyndorf says: "I learned a long time ago that you gotta shake hands with pain." That's a solid line -- while I'm not in any pain, there is difficulty riding in 20 degree weather, so I felt it applied.
There's 12 pages left for me to read in Tender is the Night so I reckon it'll be done by end of lunch time. It's been a good read and I can see why it'd be such a big seller way back. There's a disconnect I think, though, because of the generational gap and that I don't read in to things as deeply as scholars do. I understand it all and there are some passages that really speak to me, but I am more excited to read Perec next year.
There are very few runners and cyclists here today. I really respect the joggers as they are also shaking hands with difficulty.
Last weekend I had to start my New Year's resolution early and not let certain circumstances and politics at work follow me out of the office. It is an unhealthy habit and I will not let it get above me any more.
Worked on my abs and biceps last night and can feel the effects slightly. Probably need to shake up the routine.
Free lunch day today, but it'll probably be sandwiches that were supposed to be hot.
Thank you for reading.
I'm listening to Monster Magnet this morning and there's a line in "Too Bad" where Wyndorf says: "I learned a long time ago that you gotta shake hands with pain." That's a solid line -- while I'm not in any pain, there is difficulty riding in 20 degree weather, so I felt it applied.
There's 12 pages left for me to read in Tender is the Night so I reckon it'll be done by end of lunch time. It's been a good read and I can see why it'd be such a big seller way back. There's a disconnect I think, though, because of the generational gap and that I don't read in to things as deeply as scholars do. I understand it all and there are some passages that really speak to me, but I am more excited to read Perec next year.
There are very few runners and cyclists here today. I really respect the joggers as they are also shaking hands with difficulty.
Last weekend I had to start my New Year's resolution early and not let certain circumstances and politics at work follow me out of the office. It is an unhealthy habit and I will not let it get above me any more.
Worked on my abs and biceps last night and can feel the effects slightly. Probably need to shake up the routine.
Free lunch day today, but it'll probably be sandwiches that were supposed to be hot.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
no wind, but chill.
My last sick day of the year was used on Monday and last night I was fortunate enough to see the "Pee Wee Herman Show" on Broadway so there has been no biking up to this morning.
I've only 50 pages left in Tender is the Night and I am enjoying it, probably more so than Paradise. Dick Diver's life is in decline so what started as a stuffy in-depth look at the bourgeoisie is now from the point of view of a man whose life is coming apart.
While it is frosty outside the weather has a habit of overselling the wind chill factor, which from now on I will ignore. Wind speed and gusts are important but the wind chill is an unnecessary measurement. It was surprisingly calm as I was on the highway this morning.
Which brings me to my appearance.
If you were on/along the Westside Highway this morning and saw a gray sweat-shirted and sweat-panted human on a bike, with what-looked-liked a sitting donut around his neck (under his shirt) while speaking basic Italian to himself, that was me. I had wrapped two scarves around my neck with one up to my lower lip (so it looked like a tumorous growth around my neck and I appeared to be a mid-color marshmallow).
If you were near a guy on the train listening too-loudly to that Lady Ga-ga song about "just dancing," then I don't know him and I don't want to. He's rude and has lousy taste.
My fingers were a little cold (as to be expected) and I wasn't wearing a tight-enough 2nd undershirt as I could feel drafts begin from little air pockets shooting up from my gloves. Today I am also wearing my thermals under my sweatpants for the first time ever (don't know why), which I'm sure helped. I was only slightly over-prepared today and that's fine.
I can take it -- I can handle it all -- anything you throw at me.
Thank you for reading.
I've only 50 pages left in Tender is the Night and I am enjoying it, probably more so than Paradise. Dick Diver's life is in decline so what started as a stuffy in-depth look at the bourgeoisie is now from the point of view of a man whose life is coming apart.
While it is frosty outside the weather has a habit of overselling the wind chill factor, which from now on I will ignore. Wind speed and gusts are important but the wind chill is an unnecessary measurement. It was surprisingly calm as I was on the highway this morning.
Which brings me to my appearance.
If you were on/along the Westside Highway this morning and saw a gray sweat-shirted and sweat-panted human on a bike, with what-looked-liked a sitting donut around his neck (under his shirt) while speaking basic Italian to himself, that was me. I had wrapped two scarves around my neck with one up to my lower lip (so it looked like a tumorous growth around my neck and I appeared to be a mid-color marshmallow).
If you were near a guy on the train listening too-loudly to that Lady Ga-ga song about "just dancing," then I don't know him and I don't want to. He's rude and has lousy taste.
My fingers were a little cold (as to be expected) and I wasn't wearing a tight-enough 2nd undershirt as I could feel drafts begin from little air pockets shooting up from my gloves. Today I am also wearing my thermals under my sweatpants for the first time ever (don't know why), which I'm sure helped. I was only slightly over-prepared today and that's fine.
I can take it -- I can handle it all -- anything you throw at me.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Another Friday Down
My feeling is that it's a bad idea to call out sick on a Friday in December -- mostly because you can get away with more if you go in on Fridays and call out on other days. Also, vacant parking spots are more plentiful at LIRR stations on Fridays because everyone else is calling out.
With that thought out of my head, while today is cold it's not very windy (thankfully) and it was enjoyable moving west on 31st street. My eyes weren't closed as much as yesterday and I am backpack-less again.
The character of Rosemary in Tender reminds me of some girls (now, women) I have known, where their looks were really a bankable asset. I haven't seen them in quite some time so I don't know if it still holds up but at the comparable age of 19 that was certainly the case. It's tough to find music to listen to while reading (I exclusively listen to instrumental music when I read, if I listen to anything) but I always try to listen to something that is time/setting-appropriate. I have the Sweet & Lowdown Soundtrack, but that gets old quickly. I did find that Steve Blanco's cover of "Us & Them" and some select, slower Sonny Clark songs fit the mood perfectly.
There's not a whole lot to be said though I feel pretty strong today, as my breakfast of Cinnabon pancakes (with powdered sugar from the pfeffernuise), milk, orange juice, and coffee has provided ample sustenance. My breakfasts are better than yours.
I made it a point to find Rollins' "Inhale Exhale" whilst riding as I felt it described things -- physically and mentally -- succinctly.
This weekend I will destroy every muscle in my body and rebuild as I am working to make natural causes struggle for their pay. I have new shoes to help me with that, we'll see how they work out.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Guns N Roses - "Paradise City"
Megadeth - "Train of Consequences"
Hellyeah - "Debt That All Men Pay"
Rollins Band - "Inhale Exhale" and "Saying Goodbye Again" and "Rejection"
With that thought out of my head, while today is cold it's not very windy (thankfully) and it was enjoyable moving west on 31st street. My eyes weren't closed as much as yesterday and I am backpack-less again.
The character of Rosemary in Tender reminds me of some girls (now, women) I have known, where their looks were really a bankable asset. I haven't seen them in quite some time so I don't know if it still holds up but at the comparable age of 19 that was certainly the case. It's tough to find music to listen to while reading (I exclusively listen to instrumental music when I read, if I listen to anything) but I always try to listen to something that is time/setting-appropriate. I have the Sweet & Lowdown Soundtrack, but that gets old quickly. I did find that Steve Blanco's cover of "Us & Them" and some select, slower Sonny Clark songs fit the mood perfectly.
There's not a whole lot to be said though I feel pretty strong today, as my breakfast of Cinnabon pancakes (with powdered sugar from the pfeffernuise), milk, orange juice, and coffee has provided ample sustenance. My breakfasts are better than yours.
I made it a point to find Rollins' "Inhale Exhale" whilst riding as I felt it described things -- physically and mentally -- succinctly.
This weekend I will destroy every muscle in my body and rebuild as I am working to make natural causes struggle for their pay. I have new shoes to help me with that, we'll see how they work out.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Guns N Roses - "Paradise City"
Megadeth - "Train of Consequences"
Hellyeah - "Debt That All Men Pay"
Rollins Band - "Inhale Exhale" and "Saying Goodbye Again" and "Rejection"
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tender is the night, bitter is the morning
Today is bitter cold again. It started out oddly, as the trains were running very late and on opposite tracks. Thankfully I didn't go to RVC, as my regularly sched'd train came only 20 min. late (so I would've saved a whole 5-10 min). My gripe is that the conductor of the earlier train could've picked up some of the bewildered passengers and did not, and I though that was rude (especially taking the weather in to consideration) and the announcements didn't start until after that train had left.
Having finished Ex Machina last night (it turns out it was the final installment of the series -- easily one of my top 3 finite titles), I began reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is The Night today upon a strong endorsement by Henry Rollins in Dull Roar (I think that's the last one I read). It's starting off in a similar setting and time as The Garden Of Eden, so that's fine but it'll be a dense read and when I'm finished with it I'll have to nerd it up and maybe read some non-fiction afterward. I'm only about 20 pages in, we'll see what happens. There are a lot of stuffy aristocrats already so I want to smash my fist through their collective, fictitious faces but I'll let the story unfold before I do.
I'm closing my eyes a lot because it is just too damn cold. Last night I worked out my chest, tris and back in a compact 35-minute session and am feeling pretty good. I want to run today but I don't know how good of an idea that would be. I can always wait until the weekend.
I was smart enough to read the sign at the WFC entrance today and knew that the bike bath is fenced off so I took to the street and moved quite quickly. WFC1's bike bath actually seems nearly complete so I guess that's something to look forward to.
I woke up this morning (to Wolfmother) and realized it was only Thursday. Bummer. I've got one sick day remaining on the year and I know I'll need to use it.
My playlist today is pretty badass and the Hellyeah track is especially good, not just because it's new but because the lyrics are what I'm looking for in a song.
I didn't have to stop at Albany Street and despite the wind and the frostiness, it was a smooth ride.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
AC/DC - "Black Ice"
Airbourne - "Armed & Dangerous"
Hellyeah - "Debt That All Men Pay"
The Cult - "Coming Down"
Derek & The Dominoes - "Layla"
Having finished Ex Machina last night (it turns out it was the final installment of the series -- easily one of my top 3 finite titles), I began reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is The Night today upon a strong endorsement by Henry Rollins in Dull Roar (I think that's the last one I read). It's starting off in a similar setting and time as The Garden Of Eden, so that's fine but it'll be a dense read and when I'm finished with it I'll have to nerd it up and maybe read some non-fiction afterward. I'm only about 20 pages in, we'll see what happens. There are a lot of stuffy aristocrats already so I want to smash my fist through their collective, fictitious faces but I'll let the story unfold before I do.
I'm closing my eyes a lot because it is just too damn cold. Last night I worked out my chest, tris and back in a compact 35-minute session and am feeling pretty good. I want to run today but I don't know how good of an idea that would be. I can always wait until the weekend.
I was smart enough to read the sign at the WFC entrance today and knew that the bike bath is fenced off so I took to the street and moved quite quickly. WFC1's bike bath actually seems nearly complete so I guess that's something to look forward to.
I woke up this morning (to Wolfmother) and realized it was only Thursday. Bummer. I've got one sick day remaining on the year and I know I'll need to use it.
My playlist today is pretty badass and the Hellyeah track is especially good, not just because it's new but because the lyrics are what I'm looking for in a song.
I didn't have to stop at Albany Street and despite the wind and the frostiness, it was a smooth ride.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
AC/DC - "Black Ice"
Airbourne - "Armed & Dangerous"
Hellyeah - "Debt That All Men Pay"
The Cult - "Coming Down"
Derek & The Dominoes - "Layla"
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Ozzy in the morning, Ozzy in the evening?
It's not as windy/nasty as it was yesterday morning and that's something for which I am thankful. I'm pack-less again today, since I have enough at work to keep me nourished and feeling warm.
I'm going to do the annual "read with kids" session over at a nearby school today so I'll be away from the desk for a few hours and that will make me happy, also. I used to read on a near-weekly basis with a kid in PS 12 before we moved downtown. His name was William and I really liked him because he was enthusiastic and good-humored and wanted to be there. We'd read books about whales (his choice) and for a while there the two of us could've been marine biologists (I really did get quite knowledgeable). But that has passed now and the kid must be about 13-14 now. I hope he's still reading on his own because he had a lot of potential. What we'll be doing today is just an excuse to give the kids cookies, but it beats sitting at my desk.
Speaking of reading, I finished The Garden of Eden Monday night and it ended pretty well. One big similarity between this book and This Side of Paradise is that, of course, there are women whose mental health slowly decline. I liked the book, and although it's about a writer, there is a lot of good advice in there for us, not just as writers but pertaining to all walks of professional life. I wonder if having 4 wives is what forced Hemingway to off himself? There's a movie of it that'll be coming out this weekend but I doubt we'll be able to find a theater where it'll play. He has two lovers in the story but it doesn't get as over-the-top, physically, as you'd think.
After reading really dense work, I like to catch up on my fraternal pastime, comic books. Yesterday I read the first Hitman tpb and Punisher War Zone: Resurrection of Ma Gnucci. Both are by Garth Ennis, or as I like to call him: Garth "greatest living comics writer and no one can touch him" Ennis. I liked both of them of course. My gripe with Punisher was that after reading all those stories on the MAX imprint, it's tough to match the shock value from there.
Today I'm reading book 10 of Ex Machina, which is one of the very few current titles I make it a point to buy. It's just so consistently good (Vol. 9 was acceptable, at best. They jumped the shark in that one, I'm afraid, as the writer and artist injected themselves into the story). There's the right blend of action, socio-political commentary, realistic art (and some gore) and morality and that's why it's appealing to me as an adult. I may have written about this before, but I was turned on to the book during the first month's of its release back in the Fall of 2004. I was temping at a kitchen designer's in East Williston and found there was a comic shop a few blocks away. The clerk gave the full recommendation and since it was on the Wildstorm imprint, I knew it'd be worth the couple of bucks. The dork at the register was right (I should talk -- we all remember what a whore I felt like when I'd work Wednesday mornings at Cosmic Comics in 2004 & 5) and I've kept up with the series since then, but stopped buying single issues after #10.
The problem with riding in weather like this is that it's going to get tougher to get motivated. It happens each Winter. A small part of me feels as though it's not worth the time and effort but that's only a small part of me. I do feel very much in-control, however, and there is a powerful feeling that accompanies the end of the ride. I barely had to stop today and that's probably why I was able to get to the building a few minutes early.
Today I listened to select tracks off Ozzy's Black Rain: "Not Going Away," "I Don't Wanna Stop," "11 Silver," "Civilize the Universe" and "Here for You."
It's energetic enough to provide a soundtrack for the ride without being too deep and I don't need to manufacture any anger to get moving.
Thank you for reading.
I'm going to do the annual "read with kids" session over at a nearby school today so I'll be away from the desk for a few hours and that will make me happy, also. I used to read on a near-weekly basis with a kid in PS 12 before we moved downtown. His name was William and I really liked him because he was enthusiastic and good-humored and wanted to be there. We'd read books about whales (his choice) and for a while there the two of us could've been marine biologists (I really did get quite knowledgeable). But that has passed now and the kid must be about 13-14 now. I hope he's still reading on his own because he had a lot of potential. What we'll be doing today is just an excuse to give the kids cookies, but it beats sitting at my desk.
Speaking of reading, I finished The Garden of Eden Monday night and it ended pretty well. One big similarity between this book and This Side of Paradise is that, of course, there are women whose mental health slowly decline. I liked the book, and although it's about a writer, there is a lot of good advice in there for us, not just as writers but pertaining to all walks of professional life. I wonder if having 4 wives is what forced Hemingway to off himself? There's a movie of it that'll be coming out this weekend but I doubt we'll be able to find a theater where it'll play. He has two lovers in the story but it doesn't get as over-the-top, physically, as you'd think.
After reading really dense work, I like to catch up on my fraternal pastime, comic books. Yesterday I read the first Hitman tpb and Punisher War Zone: Resurrection of Ma Gnucci. Both are by Garth Ennis, or as I like to call him: Garth "greatest living comics writer and no one can touch him" Ennis. I liked both of them of course. My gripe with Punisher was that after reading all those stories on the MAX imprint, it's tough to match the shock value from there.
Today I'm reading book 10 of Ex Machina, which is one of the very few current titles I make it a point to buy. It's just so consistently good (Vol. 9 was acceptable, at best. They jumped the shark in that one, I'm afraid, as the writer and artist injected themselves into the story). There's the right blend of action, socio-political commentary, realistic art (and some gore) and morality and that's why it's appealing to me as an adult. I may have written about this before, but I was turned on to the book during the first month's of its release back in the Fall of 2004. I was temping at a kitchen designer's in East Williston and found there was a comic shop a few blocks away. The clerk gave the full recommendation and since it was on the Wildstorm imprint, I knew it'd be worth the couple of bucks. The dork at the register was right (I should talk -- we all remember what a whore I felt like when I'd work Wednesday mornings at Cosmic Comics in 2004 & 5) and I've kept up with the series since then, but stopped buying single issues after #10.
The problem with riding in weather like this is that it's going to get tougher to get motivated. It happens each Winter. A small part of me feels as though it's not worth the time and effort but that's only a small part of me. I do feel very much in-control, however, and there is a powerful feeling that accompanies the end of the ride. I barely had to stop today and that's probably why I was able to get to the building a few minutes early.
Today I listened to select tracks off Ozzy's Black Rain: "Not Going Away," "I Don't Wanna Stop," "11 Silver," "Civilize the Universe" and "Here for You."
It's energetic enough to provide a soundtrack for the ride without being too deep and I don't need to manufacture any anger to get moving.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
...I thought they'd snap off just like Eugene Levy's...
Missed the Oside train by seconds in the freezing morning. I tried to beat the train to E. Rock, but I couldn't get across Atlantic Ave. in time so I had to book it with iced up fingers to RVC, which I did in ample time. My digits were so cold I thought they'd snap off just like Eugene Levy's in "Stay Tuned." It is obviously harder to ride in the cold as my lungs need to acclimate and that can take as much as 10 minutes -- by then I'm already a slave to the grind.
That set the tone, and mood and phsyical well-being of the day and I felt as though I couldn't open my eyes at one point. They were half-closed on the ride down to work today -- and by the time I had made it outside Penn it wasn't as bitter-cold as it was in LI. My eyelids were still mostly shut though as the stress of the past few days has hit me hard. I have one sick day left on the calendar year and I was very very close to just turning around and going home and calling out. But I'd rather use it more stragically.
I know I'll need a lot of coffee today as I missed out this morning. I am bare-back again, since I brought my backpack & lunch to work yesterday and left it overnight. Couldn't say if it helped any, but it was a smart move not to ride yesterday between having legal obligations after work and the fact that it continued to flurry in the morning and gust (sometimes violently).
Even my playlist, which by all means should pump me up, didn't do an ample job -- when you're that tired it's a tough thing to snap out of. There were some tourists as I rode through WFC taking photos of Ground Zero and I waved my arms to try to disrupt them but to no avail.
I had to stop seconds later and turn around since they closed off the lane. I decided to cut myself a little slack and use the elevator that's there and then walked the bike across the highway and it brought me over to the NJ Transit outlet (Bad idea, I know. Sometimes I need to remind myself why I don't do this often), and made my way back toward Park Row.
As I parked the bike on Nassau Street I saw the guy who gave me a hard time last week in front of my building. He didn't seem to notice me. It was too cold to pick up where we left off and I had to urinate real badly.
Playlist:
Hellyeah - "Goddamn," "One Thing," "Nausea"
Led Zeppelin - "Achilles Last Stand"
Rollins Band - "Your Number is One" (Long version)
Thank you for reading.
That set the tone, and mood and phsyical well-being of the day and I felt as though I couldn't open my eyes at one point. They were half-closed on the ride down to work today -- and by the time I had made it outside Penn it wasn't as bitter-cold as it was in LI. My eyelids were still mostly shut though as the stress of the past few days has hit me hard. I have one sick day left on the calendar year and I was very very close to just turning around and going home and calling out. But I'd rather use it more stragically.
I know I'll need a lot of coffee today as I missed out this morning. I am bare-back again, since I brought my backpack & lunch to work yesterday and left it overnight. Couldn't say if it helped any, but it was a smart move not to ride yesterday between having legal obligations after work and the fact that it continued to flurry in the morning and gust (sometimes violently).
Even my playlist, which by all means should pump me up, didn't do an ample job -- when you're that tired it's a tough thing to snap out of. There were some tourists as I rode through WFC taking photos of Ground Zero and I waved my arms to try to disrupt them but to no avail.
I had to stop seconds later and turn around since they closed off the lane. I decided to cut myself a little slack and use the elevator that's there and then walked the bike across the highway and it brought me over to the NJ Transit outlet (Bad idea, I know. Sometimes I need to remind myself why I don't do this often), and made my way back toward Park Row.
As I parked the bike on Nassau Street I saw the guy who gave me a hard time last week in front of my building. He didn't seem to notice me. It was too cold to pick up where we left off and I had to urinate real badly.
Playlist:
Hellyeah - "Goddamn," "One Thing," "Nausea"
Led Zeppelin - "Achilles Last Stand"
Rollins Band - "Your Number is One" (Long version)
Thank you for reading.
Friday, December 3, 2010
No Backpack Friday
After learning from yesterday's weather, I was so well-prepared that I didn't even need a backpack. My lunch and change of clothes were already at work so all I needed were my credentials, a banana, a book and gloves. It's a rare and different feeling when I'm bare-back. Feels like I'm missing something but it really frees me up to be more agile. That's good, I suppose and if I keep planning ahead perhaps I can do it a little bit more and lose some of the stress of having to pack for work.
I am reading Hemingway's Garden Of Eden. I bought it -- a first edition, untouched hardcover -- at a nearby garage sale for 50 cents back in the summer. For an additional 50 cents I was able to pick up Jim Norton's I Hate Your Guts. So it was like I satisfied my intellectual and moronic urges with 4 quarters. I started Eden a couple of weeks ago but got sidetracked by a phone call that never came which inspired me to pick up a couple of how-to books at the library. But I decided to pick up where I left off, which was about mid-way through.
This is an okay book thus far and sometimes it reminds me of his house, which I toured in Key West in early 2009 and sometimes it reminds me of this snooty writers' group I was expelled from after submitting the first act of my screenplay, "Go Grandpa, Go!" Apparently, if I was going to get my low-brow family comedy up to snuff, I really needed to read Hemingway to get a grasp of good dialogue. I hope everyone in that group (except my old co-worker) loses their hands digging for gold and can no longer type out their deep, insightful short stories that expose their childhood traumas. The world needs a good fart joke every once in a while, dammit.
I used to think that part of the book involved the Catherine playing the role of the husband in bed but now I think it was more just a "state of mind" thing rather than her going in through the out door on her husband. Part of my problem is that the husband, David, is a writer, so that sort of bores me, as I don't want to read about a fictitious writer after a while as it doesn't interest me. But the setting is interesting and he's not in to his three-way love affair as you'd think he'd be so that's what's keeping me involved.
As I was stopped at the Albany Street light, a foreign tourist started to take my picture and I waved her off. She persisted and mentioned something about "bike" and "husband" -- I turned away and she probably took a shot anyway. There's something creepy about that it's just annoying. There is nothing special about me and the bike wasn't folded and I am dressed as properly as Stallone during the outdoor training sequences in the first "Rocky" only with a helmet so I didn't see the point and wasn't in the mood to be an attraction.
My thighs are a little sore due using the thighsolator and hip abductor at the gym yesterday. It's a good soreness since I cranked up the weight on the machines.
It's going to be a long day since there are plans abound for the night there will be mass coffee consumption.
Playlist:
Soundgarden - "My Wave"
Metallica - "Trapped Under Ice"
Monster Magnet - "Slap In The Face"
Jamiroquai - "Soul Education"
Guns 'n' Roses - "The Garden"
Thank you for reading.
I am reading Hemingway's Garden Of Eden. I bought it -- a first edition, untouched hardcover -- at a nearby garage sale for 50 cents back in the summer. For an additional 50 cents I was able to pick up Jim Norton's I Hate Your Guts. So it was like I satisfied my intellectual and moronic urges with 4 quarters. I started Eden a couple of weeks ago but got sidetracked by a phone call that never came which inspired me to pick up a couple of how-to books at the library. But I decided to pick up where I left off, which was about mid-way through.
This is an okay book thus far and sometimes it reminds me of his house, which I toured in Key West in early 2009 and sometimes it reminds me of this snooty writers' group I was expelled from after submitting the first act of my screenplay, "Go Grandpa, Go!" Apparently, if I was going to get my low-brow family comedy up to snuff, I really needed to read Hemingway to get a grasp of good dialogue. I hope everyone in that group (except my old co-worker) loses their hands digging for gold and can no longer type out their deep, insightful short stories that expose their childhood traumas. The world needs a good fart joke every once in a while, dammit.
I used to think that part of the book involved the Catherine playing the role of the husband in bed but now I think it was more just a "state of mind" thing rather than her going in through the out door on her husband. Part of my problem is that the husband, David, is a writer, so that sort of bores me, as I don't want to read about a fictitious writer after a while as it doesn't interest me. But the setting is interesting and he's not in to his three-way love affair as you'd think he'd be so that's what's keeping me involved.
As I was stopped at the Albany Street light, a foreign tourist started to take my picture and I waved her off. She persisted and mentioned something about "bike" and "husband" -- I turned away and she probably took a shot anyway. There's something creepy about that it's just annoying. There is nothing special about me and the bike wasn't folded and I am dressed as properly as Stallone during the outdoor training sequences in the first "Rocky" only with a helmet so I didn't see the point and wasn't in the mood to be an attraction.
My thighs are a little sore due using the thighsolator and hip abductor at the gym yesterday. It's a good soreness since I cranked up the weight on the machines.
It's going to be a long day since there are plans abound for the night there will be mass coffee consumption.
Playlist:
Soundgarden - "My Wave"
Metallica - "Trapped Under Ice"
Monster Magnet - "Slap In The Face"
Jamiroquai - "Soul Education"
Guns 'n' Roses - "The Garden"
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
cold morning in the sun
The morning was just so cold. The problem was that I overslept to a point where I didn't even think to turn on the tv and see the weather report but thankfully brought my heavy, long-sleeve polo shirt with me so that by the time we were entering Penn I had it on as my top (and third layer). The truth is that it's only really cold for the first 5-10 minutes and then I warm up. My fingertips were pretty raw too, as I am using my lifting gloves today instead of my Yankees gloves.
I listened to most of the latter half of Monster Magnet's Dopes To Infinity omitting the last two songs and then listened to a couple off 4-Way Diablo. The cold will not bother me as much later today nor tomorrow, since I will be better prepared (there's a brand new hoodie waiting for me at my desk).
Mostly today's thoughts were spoken aloud and it's me talking to me telling me to move my ass. Not too many folks on the road today there was one jogger who was stretching out wearing a t-shirt and shorts and him and the bicyclist wearing shorts are two guys who won't admit it but their testicles are probably still way up in their respective stomachs.
Because it has the tendency to be a little congested, I had to get a little close to the pedestrians as I crossed Broadway via Thames Street in front of the Starbucks. I said "excuse me" to a tall, gruff-looking guy with slightly gray hair and a lazy eye and he stopped abruptly and gave me a dirty look. I ignored it, looked both ways before crossing and then parked the bike in front of the building, next to the cops who are always stationed there. I knew this guy was going to confront me but I was confident nothing would come from it. As I was locking up the bike, he then muttered something of an insult by calling me a "stupid f*ck" for shaking my head at him. I tried to quickly explain that I said "excuse me" and before I could elaborate he got louder as he walked away. I dropped my helmet, took off my headphones and backpack and loudly asked him if he had further plans, since the cops were standing right next to me. He continued his petty name calling and I just smiled at him. The cops were cool about it all -- they pointed at the guy and made the international swirling "cuckoo" sign with their fingers. My only concern was for the bike, so when the angry guy turned the corner I turned around and locked the bike up with the others on Nassau St., so he couldn't come back to where he'd think it was and mess with it. I probably would've reacted the same way even if the cops weren't around, but it's certainly not worth physically fighting over.
NITE OF DEC 1
Amazed, I was able to pedal back to Penn since the streets were remarkably dry and it was no longer raining. What up with that? It keeps the streak going and I feel like I'm putting one over on the man. And the man, in this case is the MTA ticket machines. It's Chanukah tonite and all the more reason to celebrate.
Thank you for reading.
I listened to most of the latter half of Monster Magnet's Dopes To Infinity omitting the last two songs and then listened to a couple off 4-Way Diablo. The cold will not bother me as much later today nor tomorrow, since I will be better prepared (there's a brand new hoodie waiting for me at my desk).
Mostly today's thoughts were spoken aloud and it's me talking to me telling me to move my ass. Not too many folks on the road today there was one jogger who was stretching out wearing a t-shirt and shorts and him and the bicyclist wearing shorts are two guys who won't admit it but their testicles are probably still way up in their respective stomachs.
Because it has the tendency to be a little congested, I had to get a little close to the pedestrians as I crossed Broadway via Thames Street in front of the Starbucks. I said "excuse me" to a tall, gruff-looking guy with slightly gray hair and a lazy eye and he stopped abruptly and gave me a dirty look. I ignored it, looked both ways before crossing and then parked the bike in front of the building, next to the cops who are always stationed there. I knew this guy was going to confront me but I was confident nothing would come from it. As I was locking up the bike, he then muttered something of an insult by calling me a "stupid f*ck" for shaking my head at him. I tried to quickly explain that I said "excuse me" and before I could elaborate he got louder as he walked away. I dropped my helmet, took off my headphones and backpack and loudly asked him if he had further plans, since the cops were standing right next to me. He continued his petty name calling and I just smiled at him. The cops were cool about it all -- they pointed at the guy and made the international swirling "cuckoo" sign with their fingers. My only concern was for the bike, so when the angry guy turned the corner I turned around and locked the bike up with the others on Nassau St., so he couldn't come back to where he'd think it was and mess with it. I probably would've reacted the same way even if the cops weren't around, but it's certainly not worth physically fighting over.
NITE OF DEC 1
Amazed, I was able to pedal back to Penn since the streets were remarkably dry and it was no longer raining. What up with that? It keeps the streak going and I feel like I'm putting one over on the man. And the man, in this case is the MTA ticket machines. It's Chanukah tonite and all the more reason to celebrate.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
the beginning of the end...of the year
Well, in hindsight this wasn't the best day to ride the bike, though I don't regret it. There was a storm warning and gusts and all that -- but by the time I left Oceanside, there was a breeze and barely a drizzle so I thought I was in the clear. Of course by the time I started out of Penn I saw that the wind was still picking up and it was raining. I think there was a day in July or August that was harder than this but it has been a while since I've rode in the precipitous conditions.
The wind was certainly something to contend with (though it may have propelled me once or twice).
The morning's playlist included:
"Thunderstruck" (live) - AC/DC
"I Don't Wanna Change the World," "Perry Mason," and "Black Rain" - Ozzy
"Nobody Weird Like Me" - RHCP
The interesting thing about my band selection is that I can vividly recall that all three artists released albums within months of each other in Fall 1995, so vicariously it was a very creative time and personally a pretty fun one. Gwar did, too, but we'll pretend like I didn't know that. I think I had just about started to play bass that year or the very next year.
The wind kicked up before I even got to Chelsea Piers today so I knew it wouldn't be a cake-walk. There were a few people jogging and biking and that's pretty cool it means they are in it for the long haul, like me -- or it could mean they'd rather not be on the subway, like me. There were very few people along the highway, so when one guy cut me off very closely I found that to be an unnecessary maneuver and that was a momentary agitation.
I sincerely doubt I'll be riding back to Penn tonight, if this keeps up. It's the sort of thing I feel out once I'm outside. There was a day back in July where I rode the bike one-way, so if I don't ride back, it does complete the other half of that day and I'll count it. Yesterday was R/T day #330.
My maroon Key West shirt is soaked as are my gray sweats but I am wearing shorts underneath the sweats so my undies won't be too soggy.
Thank you for reading.
The wind was certainly something to contend with (though it may have propelled me once or twice).
The morning's playlist included:
"Thunderstruck" (live) - AC/DC
"I Don't Wanna Change the World," "Perry Mason," and "Black Rain" - Ozzy
"Nobody Weird Like Me" - RHCP
The interesting thing about my band selection is that I can vividly recall that all three artists released albums within months of each other in Fall 1995, so vicariously it was a very creative time and personally a pretty fun one. Gwar did, too, but we'll pretend like I didn't know that. I think I had just about started to play bass that year or the very next year.
The wind kicked up before I even got to Chelsea Piers today so I knew it wouldn't be a cake-walk. There were a few people jogging and biking and that's pretty cool it means they are in it for the long haul, like me -- or it could mean they'd rather not be on the subway, like me. There were very few people along the highway, so when one guy cut me off very closely I found that to be an unnecessary maneuver and that was a momentary agitation.
I sincerely doubt I'll be riding back to Penn tonight, if this keeps up. It's the sort of thing I feel out once I'm outside. There was a day back in July where I rode the bike one-way, so if I don't ride back, it does complete the other half of that day and I'll count it. Yesterday was R/T day #330.
My maroon Key West shirt is soaked as are my gray sweats but I am wearing shorts underneath the sweats so my undies won't be too soggy.
Thank you for reading.
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