so I did....

go to the new coffee shop on Fourth (ugly) avenue, after leaving the library. Nice ambience, though it reeks of a kind of "park slopian" energy---still, the coffee was excellent, seems like a nice place to sit and read for a while. Returned to Manhattan after that, restless, but did nothing until seeing A Christmas Tale last night, very enjoyable, kept me occupied for its two and a half hour length---much more trenchant, say, then Rachel's Wedding. Woke up this morning feeling grouchy---decided not to see the movie about the making of Mother Courage, which I had planned to do. Why? Is there something about the outright aggressiveness of Meryl Streep (from around 29 years ago) that still puts me off? And what to do until I head for South Fourth this evening---am in the library now, and probably I will get some CD's; possibly listen to some of these while I am waiting---and what time to get to South Fourth, how will I deal with all the partying? Will I stop off at 119---probably, then tomorrow at the party at the Singers---should be interesting, will I see something before or after.....? Hard to say. At this point, feel the difference between seeing a live performance and a movie is really strong, nevertheless, should see "important" movies. At any rate, after Monday, time will have to be so well apportioned, that who knows what I will see...? Will try to have some report on New Year's (projected to be very cold) for the next blog.

here I am...

at the library outside of Park Slope. Promised myself I would spend part of the day in Brooklyn, so here I am. A little drained, had a nice time at South fourth yesterday, will go back there for New Year's party. But today.....what....? Should I visit new coffee house on fourth, or go visit my buddy Jimmy at south fourth, where time is running out. what about movies....plays, had a good session with Chelsea yesterday, clarity in her reading is really happening---she can read and write comfortably in sentences, and that is very good. As for myself............

an interesting....

decided to go to the Scorsese movie in the afternoon---okay, then headed to South Fourth, had my coffee, a nice time, then decided to check in at Heights Cafe----to my surprise had a very good time, even if I had to hear of the death of two regulars, Charlie (a great surprise) and Victor, an older teachera t Saint Ann's. Still everyone was very friendly, very happy to see me, had a good conversation with a gentleman named Aaron, and Tom told me about his adventures at the Met as a standby for a non-speaking part in La Rondine. Still is an older peron's bar, no doubt about it, but felt very gratified after I left. Many other interesting places in Brooklyn that I would like to check out, but begs the question---if you are at home in certain places, how can you visit others? Asssuming, that is one is on a tight budget, which I am, and also has a stomach that can only receive so much. Anyway, a good time was had by all, tomorrow I will tutor in the Bronx, today decide what to do before I see the musical at Urban Stages this afternoon at 5:30.

nice xmas eve....

at Margo's house--somewhat surprised at this, since several others I did not enjoy, or found the participants a little stifling or pretentious---but this with a much smaller group, found conversation about both theater and politics very meaningful---myself and Margo, Rhetta, Joanne, Lily P, and before Theresa left, her, a group of very aware sixty-somethings talking about very meaningful things---almost felt like I wanted to continue the conversation, don't know how much contact I will have with the others besides this, but anyway, wanted to list it.
Yesterday a slow day, but saw Gypsy in the evening--was not in love with Patti Lupone's performance, a lot of in's and out's---still it is an incredible piece of musical theater (that is not saying much) and found the new ending (if you call it that) viable. Today want to stay away from watching something, may go to Brooklyn to hang out (finally!) if I need to see something can always go to a late movie. Don't know if I will tutor tomorrow....we'll see.

to take it from where...

we left off---very disappointed by Schrott's performance and the whole Don Gionvanni first act, which turned out very stiff, at best like a well sung concert----Schrott or the stage director seems not to have noticed that he is the reason for the opera's existence---his agreement to go where the stage director had placed him was aimiable, but hardly electric. Are the reviews just pushing everything at Peter Gelb's met? Anyway, still have not stayed for a full performance for a while---wonder if that will continue.
Yesterday worked at 163---enjoyed it, the kids are great, but came back totally destroyed physically---slept and woke last night with great regularity---feeling better today, walked to Lincoln Center, but was amazed at how tired I felt yesterday evening, and this is without tutoring afterwards. Well, perhaps just a glitch in the schedule---rest of the week looms large---lots of time to move around....we'll see

five days later....

returning from Friends after the Christmas assembly, which brought back a lot of the older alumni---really nice to see themm all, glad I could talk to Hayden and Cheryl at length. Watching the assembly, felt that I was experiencing a kind of perfect harmony among students and faculty, a world in which all wanted to do good...adequate perception.....? not sure. Anyway, tonight make my first trip to Met Opera, will see Schrott do Don Giovanni, somewhat exhilirated by this...tomorrow the first Christmas party then.......

rest and....

????? relaxation? Perhaps, but much to do today, will probably see Adam's play in the afternoon, and maybe Keith's play in the evening. Would have liked to have gone to the Met, either afternoon or evening, but seems like a bit too much. Strange, I seem to have an approach-avoidance relationship with the Met. Probably will listen to first act of Queeen of Spades on radio, which should be enough. maybe see Don Giovanni next Friday. Anyway, yesterday worked very hard at Friends, the two different classes total contrasts---llth grade focused, intense, I worded very hard watching them---the eighth grade---jumping out of their skins, animated, full of energy---the whole thing left me extremely exhausted. Came home and (ofcourse) slept. Hope to relax a little this weekend, but ofcourse will be on the run. Monday up again into the high fifties---can't believe it---well, let's see how it plays out......

seven days of.....

work at Friends, really more than I could have asked for, also a little more tutoring----the wear and tear on my body has been immense-----today I awoke feeling kind of sore all over---happy that I did not get any work from Friends. But the last few days have been very gratifying---really feel good there, and also went to two basketball games. So that's good. Not much time for much else, but will try to see a few plays that I have friends or acquaintances involved with...about three, and a few others, and also, possibly Tristan and Don Giovanni at the Met. Saw David on Sunday, took the train down to New Brunswick to visit with him---he seems in very good spirits---holidays will be for what---still a lot of time and a lot of work---let it evolve...