the "countdown"

New Year's Eve, preparation, it is like being in jail. Nothing to do but wait it out. Will probably go to South Fourth around 9 P.M., maybe remain, maybe stop at East River, who knows...? Hopefully some meaningful conversation will fill the time out---not much more to say, will proabably do a good deal of reading before that.
Yesterday a good day, particularly had a good time at Cobra Club in Bushwick. Will probably watch much of football playoffs there, drill will be the same, start off at South Fourth and end up at Cobra.What of La Flaca, will probably spend some time there too, . So "stuck" with New Year's Eve drill, but for the most part feel hopeful and optimistic about the next three or four months, lots to see and do, many places to discover, and good conversations to be had (sounds kind of cliche ish doesn't it). Lots of people I know doing plays, so there should be a lot of activity in that area. Will check in and report about the night, soon....

so yesterday....

returned to Gerritsen Beach to volunteer---carefully prepared myself for Out House problem, (let's call it that) ---used bathroom in Kings Highway library probably four or five times (somewhat exaggerated) just so that I would not have to use those out houses---library people must have thought I was a freak or something---anyway, opened the food store, then was joined by two nice volunteers, Alexis and Robb, from Park Slope. Stayed about two hours, nearly froze, I think the place is much too cold for me, I simply don't know if I can hack it, maybe for the best if I don't return, or return very nominally, or wait for warmer weather---there seems to be enough volunteer interest at this point---can probably drop by to check and see if any help is needed--anyway, returned to apartment, spent rest of night there, resting, no Branaugh Hamlet, which is what I had hoped to do, felt it was important to "sit:" (best word for it) on my money.
Strange vacation, havn't socialized as much as I thought I would, cold has something to do with it, maybe today at Cobra, or South Fourth or East River...or...(oh well, the choices are endless, arn't they City Boy).
Still love going down Ocean Avenue looking at the apartment houses..will miss that, or maybe take a wallk around there when it gets milder.....

in which city boy....

"cops out". Volunteered at Gerristen Beach on Monday---no bathroom, other than that, not a lot of work, people seemed to be at the holidays, three "shacks" where food, toiletries and other essentials were given out for free. Any one could get what was there. The Gerrtisen Beach people were friendly and responsive, told them I would be back today, nevertheless could not go, even though I planned for it. Why? It's awfully cold, felt that if the rain came it might be impossible to get a bus back, also simply am ambivalent about returning. This has to play out, I will try to go tomorrow or Friday---not sure how much help is needed, somewhat dissappointed in myself for not going, nevertheless feel that it is the safest thing for me to do.
Yesterday, did not want to see a movie, therefore, took  the B 49 bus from Fulton and Franklin to Kings Highway and Ocean, fascinating trip, Ocean Avenue full of apartment houses, are these the houses where my contemporaries were brought up, now seems a little west Indian, to the north, but also Russian and Orthodox Jewish as one approaches the southern end of Ocean Avenue.
Idea for a short story, begins in 1964, when a friend of mine falls in love with a girl from the Bronx, but she is not available to him, because she is in love with one of the freedom summer guys. Where do I go from there, want to bring it to the present.....can I...
Trying not to see a movie today, will read and (I guess) think about things, will see the play in the evening....assuming weather is possible.......

Vacation day 2...

Got new phone today, with the usual tsimmis that goes with it---still do not know how to send a text or to change my greetings.
Sad news yesterday about friend Wade---a genuinely nice guy whom I spent several hours in the early 2000's chatting with while he bartended at Cosi---did he have to do it? Met him on the subway about seven months ago---early spring, he seemed very settled, never went into his place of work---wish I could have spent more time with him---absloutely no idea that anything was wrong. Not much else to say, he was part of a group that I knew in the early 2000's.
Ended yesterday at the Sports bar, Standings, Aaron was very nice to me---its a good place for pure sports, not great for conversation, thought that I would go to Cobra this morning, but here I am still in Manhattan---not sure about the rest of the day---should go to Brooklyn, but it is cold, movie...? possibly, though after last night Silver Lining Playbooks, I am not so sure---told Bob I might come in today, that would be for early evening---I guess, then could go to Pine Box, but that means going from the J to the L.
Anyway, will decide as the day progresses---cd player worked beautifully this morning---listened carefully to Beethoven's Sonata for Piano no 4, opus 7, an amazing work with an incredible second movement---thought about trying to see Messiah at Philharmonic tonight, but probably won't---could spend much of the vacation simply listening to Beethoven's chamber music...let it happen....

city boy is....

free as a bird, for the next two weeks, and two days. What a relief! First time since September that I don't have to think about being hired---great day at Friends yesterday, solidified some of my relationships with the eleventh grade students, feel closer and more invested in them then I have previously, a lot of them are really very genuine. Then saw some of the alumni, many from last year's class, was really great to see them. Feel very solidified about my work there....still no real guarantee of lots of work---that should work itself out in January.
As for now, life on the run, can go anywhere anytime, late movies, late bars, you name it, I can do it....but what will I actually do...? Taking a very improvisatory attitude about it...just a moment at a time....

another day without working....

still had a good lunch with Ben Begley, we go over so many theater topics, now, back in Manhattan, this evening will go to Dixon Place to see Tanya's monologue, first piece of theater I have payed for in a long time. Tomorrow at Friends, Science, a short day unless I am asked to fill in for other teachers , which is possible. Had a great time at the basketball game yesterday, good conversation with Emory's dad, also the guy whose son goes to Berkely Carroll--also nice conversation with Jeff T, suggested an article for Matt, his roommate, who writes for the Times. Maybe will see him tomorrow...anyway, waiting for my apartment to be cleaned, be careful with money...time running out (of blog time, anyway)

the next day....

just returned from city point rally---not bad, accomplished some sign ins and some nice conversations, starving, though, afterwards, got some cream of broccoli, then off to library at camden plaza. How can you fight the 'enemy' when you are the 'enemy' i thought of that as I left the rally, passed the high rises that are forcing people out---wouldn't you like to live there, I thought/? maybe i would not, but nevertheless, in a heartbeat i seem to be able to forget the juggernaut and its plan, and simply want to enjoy the Brooklyn heighs surrounding.
Later today to go to Friends, to watch one or two basket ball games---check in---after that off to.....?