New Yorkin

I'm in New York for three days working at Hunter College on 68th in Manhattan. Stayin at a place on 45th, 2 blocks from Times Square. Last night I walked down to the Garden and managed to scrounge up a ticket for the Knicks vs. Suns, one of the most exciting teams to watch in the last 15 years in the NBA. A bit of a slow start by the Suns, but they didn't dispappoint as they scored 62 in the second half. Nash was spectacular as usual and Stoudemire was unstoppable. The won their 15th straight for the 2nd time this season! Best comment of the the night, Eddie Curry left the game after he tweaked his ankle and the comment from a couple of New Yorkers behind me: "At least it's not his heart..."

Taking it a bit easier tonight, I walked down the street in the bitter cold to an izakaya called Riki. I was pretty much the only non-Japanese person there. So needless to say, the food was amazing. Squid, Yaki Tori and some Kimuchi Chahan, all while Japanese tv played in the background. I heard not a word of English spoken for a good hour and a half.

I've felt like a real New Yorker the last few days, commuting on the subway, passing through Grand Central every morning and evening, eating at a cart on the street outside Hunter. Granted, this is a better than average part of the city, not a place where many can afford to live, but I am quickly getting used the the pace here. Would be interesting to be here for more than a few days.

I'm meeting up with Miyazaki/Jersey Derrick tomorrow evening for a drink and perhaps a night on the town. I will be ready for that after dealing with *interesting* clients the last few days.

Holiday Hijinks

The holidays in St. Louis bring a great amount of parties and all kinds of crazy fun.

First, we opened presents. Joey got some ridiculous wedding DJ vest and Michiyo had to pick her nose.


Then Robby Hodai opened his Christmas present and was excited.


Then Lynny and Mom received some traditional Japanese tube tops direct from Kumamoto.


Next, me and Ryan had a Pimps and Ho Ho Ho's party and some girls came too.


Biscan came too and we looked pretty hard.


Then we had to clean up a huge mess.


Finally, it was New Year's and Katie and Mike partied like it was 2005.

Hey Wurld, Happy New Year

Two and a half hours into 2007, happy to be relaxing in St. Louis. What a fantastic year it was. I found decent employment, saw two Fingerhuts become homowners, saw Joe and Michiyo travel the globe and return for the holidays. I contemplated joining the ranks of the aforementioned homowners, but settled on cheap rent and a fat whip instead.

I am not one to spend a lot of time thinking about the past in general, but now that I have a few minutes, I may as well. A brief history of my New Year's:

2003 - Spent the New Year's with my brother as we attempted to enjoy ourselves at a rave on a mountain top somewhere outside Nelson, New Zealand. If I haven't told that forgettable story before, remind me to do it sometime before I do.

2004 - New Year's visiting my girlfriend in Perth, Western Australia. The night itself was not so memorable, but 85 degrees outside at midnight on New Year's is pretty cool.

2005 - Solo snowboarding in Nagano, Japan allowed me to meet many random Gajinas. I arrived the day after the very first snow of the season, so scraping across the rocks on my board the first few hours was not so pleasant. A healthy dumping of fresh powder certainly did help over the next few days. Spent New Year's in an Alpine bar, celebrating the New Year earlier than I ever had before.

2006 - The homecoming celebration. After two triumphant months spent travelling SE Asia, I came home to an amazing group of friends and sibblings and a hell of a night at Cusamano's on Manchester. Mike inquired about dating my sister and with a few in me, I utilized one of the greatest words in Japanese, 'Dozo.'

2007 - A massive scandalous party last night set the foundation for a generally laid back night tonight. The superfriends gathered for a massive pot luck dinner with an amazing amount of delicious food. Stopped by Lynn's house for her party, then adjourned to another South City establishment. No cover, cheap drinks, accomodating environment. We were able to basically take over the bar, avoid excessive tabacco inhalation and enjoy eachother's company as we brought in the new year. The name of the bar? Friendly's.

I've been very lucky to enjoy the occasion of turning over the calendar in some amazing places. What's even better is the company I've kept on those nights. Family, Friends and Strangers. Had some great times and looking forward to o7.