frenetic.....

that what we are experiencing now! Two hours of tutoring, then a meal and some yogurt! In two hours I am supposed to be in Bushwick to meet Lucas and his fellow activists on a tour of his new space. Was invited there yesterday, at the party, which I had a good time at---so the baseball game is replaced by a walk in Bushwick on the day of the artist open house there...and after that....tired, should rest up for tomorrow's festivities (Leslie did call me, by the way)
Last night, good time at FUREE bash, stood outsde the Commons in the twilight,  prior to the party, standing on Atlantic Avenue---seemed so calm and beautiful, so different from Manhattan. Of course I realize that prices there have become incredibly expensive---still, loved the softness of the scene.
Not much else to say...kind of revived, seeing the relatives tomorrow, two days of work at Friends coming up....busy week, hope to check out Much Ado...that's all now....

could things.....

be worse, first, go in to pick up my check at Friends----two other people subbing today, certainly I probably could have gotten one of those jobs---not to mention at least a few other days someone with less experience has been called over me. What to do....? Luckily have made enough money to get through the summer---some other good financial breaks as well...but....where do we go from here...? Other schools..?
Seems like it really makes sense for me to take a Spanish course this summer---work on it, cityboy.
Then Bob R, with whom I was going to spend most of tomorrow with, e-mails me that he has canceled his
trip to NY. No Yankee game. Now day is open, which is probably a good thing, but am disappointed.
Sunday is okay to go, but still no reply from Leslie that she will meet me at train station. And Lucas wants me to be a clean up person at the party tonight! Clean up, indeed!
Well, anyway the complexion of the weekend is changed. May be able to see one of the plays on my "must" list tomorrow. Not much else to say, will check in tomorrow, now that I definitely have the time.

very long.....

list of things happening in the next two weeks, amazingly enough. Got the word yesterday, that I will be subbing for Rochelle on Monday, Tuesday, and then we'll see. Two days will be fine, maybe more.....
in addition, about three plays to see in the next two weeks, (at least) Bob's visit, the Dorothy celebration, the many Friends functions. Also should finalize Spanish studies for the summer.
Yesterday, received text from Rochelle about subbing; immediately attitude changed, a lot of anxiety disappeared, seem to be living on a much more relaxed planet (for want of a better word). Some energy removed. Later went to see Palo Alto, which has Nat Woolf, whom I worked with when he was at Friends, in a major role. He plays a totally vicious teeen-ager---very convincingly. Had two dreams in which he appeared, in which I was attending screenings of the movie, then re-introducing myself to him, and finding him not too sure of whom I was.  Wonder if this would be true in real life......
Today, woke up feeling pretty lethargic, will probably take it easy until early evening, when I will go to
New Georrges for a reading (feeling pretty comfortable there), then (around 9) may head to Williamsburg to experience Kareoke with Talia, might be too late, some movies to catch up on, but probably will not be able to catch them all (or any), All this shall be revealed tomorrow.....

interesting program....

on Brian Lehrer show, an interview with Anthony Buery, the Deputy Mayor in charge of pre-K and middle school after school programs. Heard it because there was no work. But really brought up some important points and got me interested, have questions to answer, could I participate in this program, could I get my sub licence back, how could I fit in, what could I offer, at time when I feel that my skills with children are so strong---and how would that impact my time at Friends? Interesting questions, when I don't work I definitely feel that i could be doing more.Much conversation to follow, maybe some decisions to make.
Yesterday, not much happened, very tired from the last two days, greatest accomplishment: staying within my budget limitations so that I would have the full money from unemployment at my disposal. After some rest in the early evening, went for a walk, looked at the bars, no interest, finally decided to take 11 bus up to Columbia University area, with its large amount of bars. Looked in all of them, so one that I liked, but declined to go in...why...? Felt full, which is one reason, but others...? Anyway, returned home tired, some conflict but went to bed.
This evening, not sure....but feeling more productive, three days before very busy weekend...will report more later..

No work....

today, on the last day of official school---middle and lower school continue, might be some chance of my being asked to work there. Have to think of the future, essentially all right now, but next year.....strange that
at a time when personally I am feeling very fulfilled, not as much work is happening as I would like.
Last night: final night at Dixon Place to see Primal Play, third play of the New Georges Jam. Another very inventive piece, really well acted---quality of the work very high, may return for a reading, wouldn't mind hanging out, a little reluctant. Not sure what the future will bring, had a good talk with Ed B, about his frustrations and what the "downtown threater" really means. Feel good that I have a specific vision of it---able to see what completely separates it from the not for profits that ring round the Broadway theaters.
Rest of weekend okay, a nice walk through Greenpoint on Sunday afternoon---found Propeller, seems like a good place to read and experience things, then talked with Susan about her movie, the Immigrant, glad she felt that I realized what an important part she played---then off to South Fourth for the rest of the evening, "hung' with the "gang' kept my money low, and....
Saturday saw sarah Farrington's play at Wild Project, love that theater, afterwards ended up at Burp Castle. no tv, but some very good conversation with Erin, bartender, and Ryan, my met loving buddy. Good way of spending the rest of the evening.
Friday at Bushwick Starr, really admired the work of The Food Was Terrible, hung out, Oliver invited me to the Debate Society party on 6/6---nice feeling---now Tuesday morning, need to stay low on cash today, what is your next move cityboy.....?

First week prior to

Memorial Day that I did not sub at least one day, since, (believe it) 1995. First week not subbing at Friends at the same time since 2006 (subbed all week that year at 163, still miss the place), still, feeling strangely confidant as the weekend approaches,  already theater plans made for tonight and tomorrow, some movies---possibly.
Yesterday, saw the one act plays at Friends, really good, these kids did a really great job, the decided to go
to the Public, caught the new play for $10.00, called Manhatta (actually they charged me $12.00, must be a late fee---really solid work from the playwright with a terrific cast, glad I went, play seems similar to the play The Vault, that I saw on Tuesday evening----both written by young female playwrights, both spry and energetic, very "clean" dramatically, no gratuitous moments are moments that seem like they should be in another play. Will see what happens with the two tonight (at Bushwick Starr) and tomorrow, at wild Project.
Not much else to say, have enough to read, a few movies (possibly) many places to visit---Monday is the first of the three cookouts that South Fourth has on the three summer holidays, and I will be there----try not too eat too much cityboy---next week the approach to my Aunt Dorothy's 100th birthday....looking forward to it....

Flight.....

Cityboy, in his rage, confusion and hurt, decided to visit the main library at the Bronx this morning. Took the 1 to 96, 2 to 149nth, and entered the different world of the Bronx. Here you can see all that is NOT Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn. Harsh, secluded, cut off from all of New York, the old Bronx, filled with apartment houses---now filled with what seems like total poverty. Of course, I may be wrong, felt a strong need to work with people here---as train passed 174th street, thought of Tusenbach saying to Irina, "yes, let us work, there is work to be done" Would probably enjoy working as a math tutor in one of the schools here.
Yesterday, visited Friends to see the spring concert, enjoyed it, still no work, will return today for the drama club play---not sure about this evening.
Any more to say about the Bronx---not at this time, all thoughts on hold---want desperately to remember the "old" Bronx, now so old that one wonders how many memories it lives in. 1964---was that the end of it all...
waiting on line to see Night of the Iguana at the movie theater on University and Tremont (Park Plaza?) all the people on that line were white, yet in just a few years......the cataclysmic change of the neighborhood.
Maybe a short story in this, maybe not....will see...

he is...

restless, but alive. Returned home from my evening at Dixon Place around 12:45 A. M. but had a great time there, first a reading of a new play that I felt was viable, then play 2 (at least for me) the Vault, really enjoyed it, great time afterwards talking with Emily and others. Left feeling exhilirated, in spite of the fact that both my tutorees have canceled (or so it seems) which means going into the bank account for money. Still have not used my credit cards, that is my goal, not to use them until I really need to---i.e. the last possible moment---but with no work either from Friends or from my tutorees, how long will that be? Yesterday, spent the day in a funk because of that today, a little more sense of freedom, not subbing allows me to experience the evening (yes, that is a good way to put it) and get what I need to from that part of my life.
Will be at Friends anyway, tonight for the spring concert and tomorrow for (and I just found out about it today) the spring play. Friday just made plans to see the play at Bushwick Starr, and Saturday probably will see Ms. Farrington's play. Lots of choices, just read the Voices movie reviews and there is a lot in that field as well.
Probably push to hard on myself, should be a little bit more money than I think but always could use a little more, with all the things I want to see, also, want to be at Friends. Maybe next week....

Feeling....

grim---though not sure why I should be---just decided to spend the evening at Dixon Place, probably the Reading first, and then The Vaults, with my friend Emily in it (and Chris' friend Ryan as well)
Yesterday, good day, two tutoring sessions enjoyed them both, none until tomorrow, then probably will go to the spring concert at Friends.
After tutoring, stuck around Lincoln Center until 9:30 to see The Immgrant, the movie that Susan (my Sunday cobra bartender) is in. She actually has a lot of time on screen. I admired the movie more than liking it---beautiful expression of color, but I think the central character is weak. How many other  movies can I see now, now that the money is a little "tight"? We will see
Rest of the day, before play, maybe go to Brooklyn, should walk around, it is really nice-actually using the library on Saint Nicholas and 160th street, got here early so had to walk around, actually discovered some beautiful brownstones on Jumel and Sylvan Place, hidden streets close to Edgecomb Avenue near 162nd street. Another new discovery for cityboy!
Will probably get an extension on time in library, see what happens, what book to read....

No work...

at Friends today,  What to make of the weekend? do I have enough time to express all that happened. Yesterday: the outsider---two visits to South Fourth, a visit to Cobra, and an incredible walk from Jefferson and Wycoff to south fourth and Berry. Yes, walked the whole way! This morning (early) got up, my body felt very strong.
Friday evening---the two plays at New Georges, was made to feel very welcome by Eliza, who was great in her project. About the first play, wait a while to discuss. Good short conversation with Dave Malloy is well, wonder if he will take my advice and see Allegro. Too tired to go to Amoralists party a few blocks nearbye, also it was raining hard.
Saturday---all day at Friends, finally the day I was waiting for, to see all the kids from class of 09. Turned out fine, though not clear who I am to them now. A little chastened by.....hard to express the whole experience, Learned that Brother Jimmy's might be a fun sports bar for me. But so what...? That was not supposed to be what the afternoon was about. Anyway, listened reverently to the speakers, nice to see Carla, hope I can visit with her. Went home feeling alive and exhilirated---hoped to go to Bob's party at La Flaca that evening, but much too tired, after the Storycorps project first and then the parties.
Still overwhelmed by things to see and do this week, lots of choices, will continue to see what arrives.

this will be a

short one (I think)  kind of tired, just made a reservation for New Georges Play festival tonight, maybe two for one, hope I am not disappointing Zach by postponing hangout out at Amoralists party---just that everything seems to be happening at once, its overwhelming! (What isn't!)
Yesterday, tough and long day at Friends, some problems eighth period, why is the seventh grade going through its rebellious period at this time...? Then ice cream party, gorged myself, but came out okay. Talked with Claire B about reunion party tomorrow; that should be very interesting---was extremely tired when I got home, had to fight with myself to go out to see Leo play with Yale orchestra---had some tired moments at the concert but very glad that I did. Really intense! Felt good when I left, walked a  bit, took the 7 bus and got off, only to see Rose and Hanna from Friends having yogurt. Had a nice conversation with them; Rose was singing at Fisher with the chorus in the Mahler third.
Went home and collapsed. Today, tired, should see the Immigrant but will probably wait, should rest this afternoon if a big evening is ahead.

just wrote a...

comment on an article I found on the Crain's web site about rents (commercial) skyrocketing in Brooklyn---not happy about it. I could not get it published---the server would not accept it.
Interesting day....will meet Tom Nealis fromJHU alumni association for lunch---should be an interesting meeting, should be enjoyable, then will tutor Michaela for the first time in a long time at the library.
Worked at Friends the last two days, enjoyed giving the kids my take on My Antonia, really fortunate that I could red it this weekend in time for Monday.
This evening, after tutoring, should find a place to watch the two "important' sports events of the eveining.
Yankees Mets and Nets-Heat. So there we go again, the remarkable contrast---as rents go up, costs go up,
some people get wealthy, and I delight myself by watching sports (or theater for that matter). It is a dichotomy, no doubt about it. But how is it resolved...?

last night at....

Allegro, fascinating experience, really loved the musical. Company of unknowns did it just right. Also loved walking around Astoria, Good place to prowl around, many food venues, interesting diversity, apartments that remind of of the one that I grew up in. Can probably walk forever around there.
The musical itself. Not a "great" R and H musical but a good one. Music itself quite wonderful---nothing ever forced or contrived. Sitting there I felt completely drawn in. Production not afraid to capture the "ethos" of post world war ii feeling. Women stayed home while men worked---and yet-----the relationship between the mother and father of the central character is portrayed with such tenderness and heartfelt warmth, that one buys it completely. Still thinking about it, considering it etc.
On the subway home, struck up a conversation with a friend of the female lead---good conversation, very active, then she was gone.
So here we are today, a really beautiful day, so many options. Could see two very interesting plays in NY for free----plus many other interesting arts events---and yet, don't feel like I want to tie myself down, need to move around, interact with people---will probably head to Cobra at some point, maybe watch the sports events of the night at La Flaca--also want to read Cather's novel in preparation for Monday. New York---the great city for wanderers........

seeing Allegro....

tonight, just reserved my ticket, should be very interesting---the musical that Rogers and Hammerstein wrote between Carousel and South Pacific. Very odd piece, but should have some very interesting moments in it. Also, just got word that I am subbing on Monday, should try to read My Antonia, or some of it before that.
Yesterday, quiet day, rested after tutoring Ellie, today, before show will tutor Andrea. Next two days open---should be incredibly warm, may catch up on some movies, we'll see.....

first post in.....

what? four days....have worked for the last three, body still aches from yesterday's activity--going up to
Harlem to tutor after proctoring tests for Monica. Still, it was a nice day, really am enjoying getting to know the ninth grade students. Only one more scheduled day at Friends, and that is for proctoring, but expect more will come. Called today by Science department, only to find it to be a false alarm. Not a problem though, since I was tired.
Today is free except for tutoring Ellie this afternoon after 4. Can't get myself to commit to anything for the evening, though, even though there I things I should see. Not sure exactly where to put my energies, or how much energy there really is. Financially much better now, especially after I put in Robin's check for the i-pad, which comes due tomorrow.
Really pleased that library has decided not to go through with planned changes of the central library. A good sign, one that means that people's opinions and feelings can be respected.
Not sure where to go from here, so many interesting movies this weekend, but should see living, breathing theater, or take advantage of my Brooklyn bar book (First one at Basik, was very successful) and hit some new bars, Never has the city been so full of options, but......

Beautiful day....

already out and about, as I went to the bank on 125th Street to take out some money.
Yesterday, really good visit with Lucas, who is one of the leaders of a new space in Bushwick (surprise, surprise) that will be a bar and coffee place but will also focus on progressive issues. Nice to know that my input is desired. Afterwards returned home to find myself knocked out---almost unable to move, so canceled trip to BDC, and slept, did not wake up until about 8, at which time I still felt very tired. Ultimately improved and decided to head to the irish bar on 72nd street, found Baltimore native Gary there, and we chatted for quite a while while watching the games. Nice guy, though a little too anxious for Baltimore's success this early in the year. Anyway, kept me busy for about an hour, which was good---i like that place, the bartenders are
friendly and there is no pressure. Good place to be if staying around here.
What about today, not sure, maybe listen to some of the opera, but that is inside, would also enjoy watching the Yankee Ray game this afternoon, but that would mean going into a bar, and you know the cost of that.
Later, maybe go to south fourth, talk to a few people maybe about buying the i-pad, then return for supper with Robin, happy to see her, but wish it did not happen on such short notice, would have liked to go to
Aaron's opera, maybe be there for the end. That is all for now, as the breeze really caresses me through the library window.

not so....

great feeling today, no work and then Andrea's mom canceled the lesson, leaving me free. Still up in the air about what to do about i pad---sent out some feelers, nothing definite, contacted Lucas today, but no answer.
Robin called today, I will meet her for dinner tomorrow, but that was when I planned to see Aaron's opera.
Can go tonight, but also wanted to go to the opening at Bronx Documentary Center. Figure they will be very crowded, but do I want to rush back to Abrons Arts?  everything up in the air....did get a Wednesday assignment at Friends, from Monica, should be fun, so at least I will be there for two days next week.
Also, just heard from Cat---they want me back at the Fringe this summer, but there will be new ways
of taking tickets at Box Office---all by computer. Sounds a little rough for you, cityboy, but we will adapt.
Try to think back to yesterday night, Richard's concert at Carnegie Hall---really felt happy for him, the way he was received---some memories of the times we spent together in his apartment, or actually in his family's apartment when we were kids--Arnow Avenue---his grandmother "bubba"  a cold austere lady, the piano in the living room---a lot of fun. All these thoughts as I was listening to him play the Schumann and the Debussy. Forceful, detached works.
Not much else, feel a little cramped about saying yes to meeting Robin, but I guess it is important to have too many alternatives. And what will happen afterwards....? Well, we will see....

thursday morning....

no work, but read a very interesting article in NY magazine---must share with my facebook friend, Tess, yesterday evening, great jazz concert at Friends, greeted warmly by everyone---especially the students, but nothing until next Tuesday when I proctor an AP exam. With no work, some things more possible, others not,  a little more financial pressure, but probably can be handled.
After the concert, ate at Mumbles and watched the Net game, can't believe it ended so close---nets looked awful just before I left----rest of today, see Richard's concert, if possible, tutor Ellie, and ......