what a difference a....

day makes! Two calls from Friends, possibly three days of work, at least two. So there you go---cityboy is living on a different planet. Almost too relaxed. Where do we go from here...? Not much else on the mind, probably will check out a movie today--at least I feel I can afford it. Next three days might include subbing and tutoring, so it will be a little hectic---but do-able. Yesterday, not much until a session with my feisty student Brian---then a trip to La Flaca---Bobby is out of the country for a while, so I did not get a chance to see him, and then over to the Burg to hang out with Andrew and Lana---always nice--amazing I have known Lana for over six years now---the friends I have made at that place! So where do we go from here....? Not sure---but must plan for work tomorow...

Good and...

Nice day yesterday, felt strongly about the play Roosevelvis; great to see Libby and Kristen afterwards and feel their appreciation for my being there. Had fun hanging out at both South Fourth before and Cobra Club
afterwards (great free wings on Sunday night!). Today, saddened by no work but called Julie B and recommended Roosevelvis to her; she seemed excited---really nice feeling from talking to her. Really nice feeling talking with Kathy at South Fourth yesterday afternoon  as well. Which means what...? Quality of your relationships seems to be at a strong point. But what about.....Don't know how this will all be resolved.
Do I just wait it out? Last Tuesday left Friends on top of the world, thought I did a great job with the tests---but since then, not a word. Where to go from here---who to talk to---not sure.
Today, tutoring Brian, that irrepressible dude, then not sure what the rest of the day holds. Should give yourself some credit for holding expenditures way down, don't you think cityboy...?

so he did....

go to the Bronx last night---amidst much trepidation re the trip---but the two blocks between 149 and 151street posed no problem, and even the walk back at around 10 by himself was very easy---lots of
families walking on Courtlandt Avenue. Really love the place---terrific energy---some good conversation before the movie began. Movie strong in its feelings but kind of obvious, did not think
the discussion was really good--but overall glad I visited the Bronx Documentary Project, and hope
to get more involved in their activities. Mike seems like a really good man.
today, off to Brooklyn, fairly soon---then Roosevelvis---then we will see...

beautiful Saturday.....

morning---lots to do today. Had good session with Kyla yesterday---she is an incredibly sweet young woman---look forward to being her tutor. Afterwards went to Lansdiown Falls---the usual, noisy, busy, yet waitresses were incredibly nice to me. Strange place, Lansdown, not a neighborhood bar by any means, encourages the usual loudness you get from the "bridge and tunnel" crowd, yet staff in incredibly personable---and salads are really terrific. Returned home to sleep, awoke early, the usual problems, then  slept again for about an hour, surprised that I would go into a deep sleep around 8A.M., but did, slept very soundly, tired when I woke up.
Today's plans: go to Brooklyn this afternoon--or even right after this library session---and return book there, then stop at Cobra to see my friend Austen and hang out. Tonight, even more interesting, will go to Bronx Documentary Project in the heart of the South Bronx, to see documentary---nervous about visiting that part of the city at night--nevertheless, I must go. Tomorrow another Brooklyn trip and will see Roosevelvis---looking forward to that. Will report in new posts.

another day......

you get the picture......this afternoon first lesson with Kyla, a new student. Could lead to other students, have to wait and see. If the tutoring picture increases then perhaps a little more financial stability. still no attempt to send my resume to other schools, What are you waiting for, cityboy? Well, let's see how this goes today, don't want to overload myself. Meanwhile, restless with lots of energy in the morning. Luckily the library opened at 10 today.
Tomorrow, probably Bronx Documentary Project in the evening, Sunday, the usual but with Roosevelvis in bewtween. Should be fun. Not much else to say. Writing project: a seventy year old man looks at gentrifction. What does it mean to me, having seen how the city has changed so much over the past few years. Actually what is the fifty year picture that goes on in my mind. sounds interesting, maybe you will do it. ,also that monologue that you were thinking of. Maybe you should give it a try....we'll see.

nice time.....

at merrily last night---glad I went, even if physically I was pretty tired. Love that music---totally enraptured by certain moments in ACT II. Production was nothing new, some interesting attempts to solve the narrative
problem, different from others that I saw---but all directors are left with the contradictions of the piece. Still, this morning, after I was not called by Friends, the songs, Our Time, and especially Good Thing Going, could not get out of my head.
Today, tutoring, at 3 and 5, then not sure, ought to check in with Bob at La Flaca, have not been there for a while. Weekend looks good with trip to Bronx and The Team play on the agenda. Will I ever get to the Met?
Will I ever take the Ralph Avenue bus into Brownsville? Important questions, right, cityboy. Well , it is your city...you know...later

some thoughts on

seeing the movie version of the Donmar version of Merrily---how do I feel about it? Do I really want to live through the piece again? Do I have anything new to take from it? There are so many personal feelings that the musical evokes in me---I remember screaming at someone I did not know after seeing it in 1981 at the Alvin, when he disparaged it. Yet with the City Center Encores production I felt like it had come to an end for me---so here I am, this evening, experiencing it again. Probably can write a bit about it on the Sondheim
web site..Should be interesting...don't take anything for granted.....

after two days

at Friends, feel more upbeat and wanted; really proud of myself for yesterday's work, proctoring four full period spelling and vocab tests--really felt like I was on top of things, but will that change anything? Time will tell; four days in seven if pretty good. Also a spike in my tutoring---a positive one, that is , is making things look up. Just half to "play it by ear" again, If the tutoring improves, less pressure on me to sub---let us see.

Finished O' Brien's memoir, and enjoyed it very much. Probably did not have much in common with those people, but still understand what they were trying to do. Beginning to read his notes about the Cherry Orchard rehearsals, many of those people are very clear to me. Still make me want to direct Chekhov.
So where are we now...? Tonight, perhaps, Merrily, if I can coordinate with Kim and Clint---if not.....

interesting contrast....

between today and yesterday. Felt "raw' and uncentered yesterday, today after proctoring the PSATs at Friends for four hours, with a bunch of kids that I really like, feel strong and valued. So what is to be done?
Monday and Tuesday as I sub for John Byrne, should be telling-hopefully more work at Friends will open up. Would not be so bad to sub at another school, you might be very well liked somewhere else, Cityboy, but the issue is the Friends kids, --they really like me, I feel faithful to them. Well, give it a little bit of time, now that you are in good spirits.
Tired now, need some rest, but would like to simply bop into a movie, and stay as long as I wished--still not there yet---tonight will make an attempt to see kendra's piece for david dorfman, hopefully I can get a senior ticket---would have liked a comp, but not on AE. Oh well, $15.00 is not so bad.
Tomorrow an easy day, probably tutor Michaela, then off to Bushwick to hang with Susan and her gang, then back to South fourth for more interaction as the football game is shown. That's it for now....

so its been....

three days, on one of them cityboy worked at Friends, tomorrow will proctor PSAT and then Monday and Tuesday sub for JB. Still a lot of raw feelings about not being called---see how this week works out, a little more financially stable at this point.
Wednesday subbed a full day, then tutored, afterwards had nothing left, missed Allison's surprise party.
Yesterday, not much during day, kind of sore from all the activity the day before, but went to FUREE pot luck---had a good deal of chicken, then met Frank and later Michael at Soda--had a good time. Walked from FUREE (388 Atlantic Avenue to Soda---Bergen and Vanderbuilt past the  Barlcays center, then went home from Vanderbuilt to Fulton to Lafayette to Train Station. Long walk but felt very energized, could have walked into the slope or further, body really wanted to continue.
Not much else to say at this point; have to find a copy of Of Mice and Men for Monday's class. Will let the rest happen....

cityboy is

mostly relieved...after having gone to Friends to pick up and deposit check---everyone seemed glad to see him---felt welcome---does seem like there are fewer subs that have been hired so far. So maybe it is just a matter of time before the work will come in. After deposit, walked from 24th street and third avenue to library with just a few short breaks. Got Jack O'Brien's autobiography to read---should be interesting. Just checked with unemployment----processed claim yesterday evening, not recorded yet, but should be by tomorrow. A little hassled over doubt, but that should take care of itself.
Sunday-Monday, went to DC and back---seem to be active every minute, very little time for repose, yet now feeling terribly up because I took the trip---enjoyed watching Frank in the play, wandered a bit around the fourteenth street corridor, mostly built up, apartments and bars and restaurants for only one type of person. Nice to go out to Chevy Chase, even if the trip was long, (well it wasn't that long, really) enjoyed seeing the suburban city, very placid, reminds me of my dreams of my youth, yet in all fairness could never
consider living there---seems to be that is the place for "adults"---still feel that way after all these years. Nevertheless, Paul and Kathy's house was very guest friendly, loved the shower, best I have had in years, ditto the bed, slept very comfortably, almost wished I had an extra day to spend there---but had to return to NYC. Bus and local train trips were long, with very minimal stuff to read (too cheap to buy a New Yorker, huh cityboy)---but finally made it---ate a bit and went to sleep almost immediately, awoke at around 11, two trips out, then back to bed---must be feeling good, otherwise, how could I take the walk from Friends easily.
Tonight Mayoral debate, not terribly interested, figure they know what they will say--want to get to election day and get started on new administration quickly, don't know plan for tonight but next few nights are pretty sealed up---wait to weekend to have some extra time.....

short time for ...

post, ended up doing "nothing" yesterday night, too tired to go to Williamsburgh, too cheap (or penurious) to go to a movie---finally went to Bar Thalia at around 10:00, which was pretty empty so there was no pushing and shoving as per the usual Friday night bar scene (good) but a kind of sterile atmosphere (bad) anyway, it killed some time and served its purpose---keeping things cheap. Woke up at 3 with the usual angst, but by early morning it was obliterated, and am feeling pretty together now. Will visit Brooklyn this afternoon, also got info from Allison about where her parents live, should not be that hard to get to from Studio Theater. Will try to make contact with Allison's step dad later.
Not much else to say, leave tomorrow morning around 7, slightly cramped traveling, but must be done. Today just prepare....

cityboy confused.....

should he see Forsythe at BAM, which would cost nothing, or Omar at NYFF, which would cost 15 dollars, which he really doesn't have---or should he just hang with the gang at South fourth tonight? Or should he...well you get the point. Maybe other options will intrude, making this "saga" more difficult.
Finally settled where I am staying in DC on Sunday----Alison's parents seem very nice. Still have not talked to them yet.  Trip kind of rushed...but it is paid for, and I said that I would do it so.....
Next week already filling up, at least in the evening--Wednesday, Thursday and one weekend day kind of booked---should be fun, see how we can fit in tutoring. Of course still no work---hate to bring that up, but
the fact remains---managing money well, actually very well, but how long....?
Take a breadth, city boy, you need one---tomorrow will visit Liz's studio in downtown Brooklyn, then probably up to cobra club to say hi to my new friend Austin.....after that......

a little more.....

relaxed: sent e-mail to Hassan about no subbing, he got back to me quickly---I am still wanted there (at least in his department)--very decent of him. So a little less anxiety (much this morning). Yesterday, fate hooked me up with Alison and Bill, now it looks like I will spend  Sunday at Alison's mom and step dad's house. The DC problem, essentially, solved. Also found out that Calhoun School problem with receiving resume was really a deficient address on my part, nothing more. So I can re send it if I wish to (Probably early next week). Not much else, one or two tutoring sessions today---tomorrow and Saturday basically prep days for
trip to DC.

what now....cityboy

What now indeed! yesterday, felt good after two sessions of tutoring----went to South fourth, watched baseball, felt wanted, again glad that I discovered the place. Today, of course, no work
found out that my resume to Calhoun had not gone through, yet saw Ben, had a really good talk about
theater with him felt very specific---then walked to library on sixth, stopped there, walkled down seventh to Grand Army Plaza, then up to Central library.
Disappointed in Frank's plan to put his mom up at his Washington apartment, left on my own, slight chance that Abby's parents' friends will be available, otherwise will try airbnb---toyed with the idea of canceling the trip, but it looks like I will try to make it happen. Rest of day (today, that is) unclear,
may end up at South fourth again to watch important baseball game, maybe Bob's place, maybe my friends at Lansdown Falls, maybe simply exhaustion. Will see, found interesting new book in Brooklyn library..let it happen...

exhausted.....

and it is only noon; just finished and sent off first letter and resume to a different school; how many more of them will there be? Do I next appear at Friends for Johns' classes in two weeks? Unbelievable! What do I do? Cut your life into two pieces, cityboy---you are still very popular in the social set you move around in...
stilll....
Yesterday, good time at South Fourth and Cobra---Saturday, finally discovered Poets House in Battery Park City. The "City" itself is like a playground for the well to do---at least that was my impression of it.
The Poets House is amazing! All poetry! Read for a while, found some good poems that I might want to read to students at one time or another---then wrote my own---wonder if I will ever read it to anyone, or even look at it again. Just a figment of the moment? Oh, what a story Cityboy could tell, if he ever wanted to.
Rest of day, unclear----George seems to have dissapeared, so guess I will have afternoon free. Not sure about tonight, tons of options---baseball playoffs still going strong. My brother must be overjoyed about the Pirates....anything else...?

cityboy is hungry...

for a freebie. Love to see something this evening, but money is tight, trying to figure out what is viable and for
free. Meanwhile, on Lincoln Center film web, it is announced that there are 25 dollar seats for the new Ben Stiller Movie, the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, that old Danny Kaye movie. Should I go---use my credit card, no I actually can use my debit card, but so expensive. still, cityboy, you are a part of the city intelligentsia, aren't you (well I suppose so) and you have to show your face (such as it is) Ah, decisions, decisions---still have no idea if you will see your money from tutoring Noagh, if all had gone as planned, Mitty might be a drop in the water, now....
Last night, another great night at Prelude, sorry that I could not go to afterparty, but was bushed, still some good conversations with people, nice work from Abby and Michael--early piece on Uncle Vanya evoked some feelings from me about my own participation in something like that---thoughts that were gone soon after, still being at Prelude was a great event for me---only did not come up with any comps.
What next...? Well, lots of options--paying and non-paying, finally finishing the Alexandria Quartet, ready to start a new book, American League Playoffs tonight...anything can happen....?

crazy session in....

library, trying to send attachment e-mails back and forth in prep for sending at least one out next week. Have to, it seems. Woke up this morning, looked at financial situation---not happy--even the money that I am missing will only make a small dent---it is the subbing that pays, sorry about that Bob, you just have to face it. Let's see what happens.
Change subject: Yesterday, all evening at Prelude, a good time had by all; interesting interlude (planned) with
Patrice---almost seemed a dream come true, dancing in a lonely place with an exciting young lady, but that is what they offered. I was very cool with it---played the image of the in control guy, but in fact, what choice did I have...? Anyway, did well, then went to Assembly's project, nice evolving, fascinated by how different it is from Home/Sick. Today will see Michael and Abby's piece and maybe an earlier work about 60 somethings finding an ending for Uncle Vanya. Possible.. or just an illusion...not clear..not sure if I will go to party at Littlefields (ironically, where I ended up on Tuesday) could be interesting, could feel left out; we'll see.
Weekend: saturday unclear----not sure if I will tutor---possible travel through Brooklyn that day, especially if tutoring does not evolve---Sunday, after seeing Michaela, will probably go back to South Fourth for the free pizza, although the game that they will have on is actually the least interesting game at that time. Then traditional trip back to Cobra and then back to....well, you guessed it...South Fourth. The Sunday after that, of course will be different, for that is the day I got to DC. Firmed up plans for return trip via Philly, might be fun to wander around Philly for a while, then take the slow train back

making sense....

of what is going on. Amazing feeling---revved up and want to work---but nowhere to go! Money really tight! Tough luck cityboy. Yesterday, after frustrating wait for student's mom at home in Harlem, went to South fourth, watched baseball, had a nice talk with Lana and it was good to see Andrew. None of my
so called "group" were there, but watched most of wild card game---great play on 3-6-1 double play, and left feeling good, did not go directly back to L, instead wandered down to south 6th, met Bill and Alison, a good talk with them, then entered East River---Sarah was bartending, I had not seen her in about a year, but she remembered me immediately, had good talk, then good conversation about serials with Less---former boy friend of Alison, a really nice guy, just what I needed, finally left tired, and took train back home.
Woke up this morning feeling great, but of course no phone call from Friends. Spoke to Rochelle yesterday evening, she says that teachers are just staying healthy, how I long to be there, but.....again the beautiful fall breeze seeps through me, full of energy, but until I meet with George at 2 :30---no outlet!. What is to be done...he asks himself.
This evening, check out Prelude, some interesting things, and then Assembly's project at 8:45; tomorrow, same, with 600 Highwaymen around 6. Should keep me busy in the evenings, but what of.....

glad about...

Tish James's victory in Public Advocate race; let's see what she makes of it. Still no work; yesterday night at Littlefields, nestled in the much gentrified, somewhat storybooked Gowanus, never been to the place before, did not realize how huge it was---had a good conversation with Jo--though did not stay long for the punderdome--found it basically sophmoric. Afterwards, wandered thorough the slope, ended up at the somewhat cold, but serviceable BARK, they had the wild card game on, so that was fun---must call David this morning and congratulate him on Pittsburgh's victory.
Yesterday, walked from Hoyt Schermerhorn station to Littlefields, nice walk through Boerum Hill, almost beautiful in the early fall weather, such a sense of repose, who would have thought that it could evovle from the tough neighborhood of the early and mid seventies. Love to find someone to talk to about that evolution.
Tonight, maybe go to South Fourth, since it is close to Patrick's final day.

Still no....

work, mornings are getting anxious, now, feeling somewhat more "whole" due to making two statements on different articles on the web. But what is to be done? Cityboy walks through Columbia neighborhood, grooving on the energy, the students moving back and forth between classes-yes, this is what he likes, particularly on a day like this---beautiful in itself---he longs to be at Harvard Square in Cambridge, just watching the ongoing procession---well, just jump in a bus and go, cityboy---won't cost much---and then--
next stop Washington in two weeks to see Frank's play---have to make my reservations soon.
Today, a planned tutoring session at 5, then off to Littlefields in Brooklyn to see a new friend do some comic stuff. Sounds like fun, but still wondering how to combat non-work fatigue.
Last night, after a mid afternoon sleep, felt angry, decided to opt for Landsdowne Falls, the bar on 43rd
and tenth, felt very welcomed by CC, enjoyed watching the baseball game and the football game, felt happy for David Price and his accomplishments. Getting to like that bar better and better, should go there next week during the division series.