"Cause Brian Boitano Doesn't Take Shit From Anybody"

smiller03_9 @ 2009-05-02T14:09:00

2009-05-02T18:12:37Z

So.. it's been a week with the 'tacts and I've finally got a bit more skill putting them in. Only takes me 2-3 times and usually I can get them to stay in. I went to the eye doctor this morning for the checkup and I told him that I was having trouble seeing the computer screen (very important to my job) but I could see far very well. He wanted me to keep the prescription but he was alarmed at the amount of mucus in my eyes. He asked me if I had some allergies (I do) and got me some drops. He also taught me the neatest trick in using the eye drops. Just lean your head back, put the drop on the high bridge of your nose (between eyebrows) and the drop will find its way to where it should be. Just blink a couple of times. Amazing.

smiller03_9 @ 2009-04-28T04:42:00

2009-04-28T08:43:48Z

I was about ready to toss in the towel today with the contacts because I almost lost one!! again! It took me 15 minutes to find it . Then I resigned to have lost the damn thing and I found it underneath the papertowels I had layed down.

smiller03_9 @ 2009-04-26T14:58:00

2009-04-26T19:03:08Z

Day #2 of Contact Wearing

What happened to Saturday? Well after removing the lenses on Friday my eyes felt so irritated and sore they needed a break. Plus I was crashing over a friends house after work and didn't want to bring all that stuff with me (and then lose a contact in someone's bathroom.) But today I psyched myself for another round.

It still took some time to get them in. I'm a blinker; my eyes just sense impending doom and close! That's a hard reflex to fight. Someone I managed to get one in, realized it was in backwards, remove it then shove it back in again. Then the other eye followed.

The left lense wasn't as uncomfortable as it usually was. It's for the astigmatism so its thicker and I could always feel it in (the right side was thin and perfect and I never felt it). I still felt it in but sometimes I would go for an hour and not feel it. That has to be progress.

I took them out after about 5-6 hours of use. I didn't want my eyes to be sore like they were yesterday. So today was a better day.

smiller03_9 @ 2009-04-24T08:04:00

2009-04-24T12:09:17Z

Official First Day of Contact Usage. I think I'm going to need a valium to put them in in the AM. Like yesterday the aide told me "it would be easier if your finger would just stop shaking."

My morning: I give myself a good half an hour to put them in. I take them out of the solution, try to make sure they're flipped the right way. Do the whole *hold your eye open and try to place it correctly* move and no matter what I did it kept not attaching to the eye and then it would always fall. When they'd fall I'd panic! seriously. I was like *you just got these things Susan and you've lost one already.* Yes, I have papertowels spread all over the area but somehow they'd always miss the towel and end up somewhere else. Like on the wall. So every time I'd drop one I had to clean it. Finally I manage to get the left contact in. Then I psych myself up to get the other one in. Somehow I managed to do it.

I hope it gets better because I can't see myself having panic attacks every morning doing this. I want it to work out!

smiller03_9 @ 2009-04-23T14:25:00

2009-04-23T18:26:16Z

Im wearing contacts right now and it's so weird...

Thomas Time: Tuesday Recap

2009-03-26T23:57:53Z

Tuesday tuesday tuesday

Woke up in my own bed, which was nice. Had to remember what we were doing that day.. oh yes, Empire State Building! Oddly enough even though I've lived in the 'burbs of NYC all of my life I've never been--you'll find that a lot, native new yorkers who just don't do the touristy stuff. So here was my chance.

I met Thomas once again in the lobby. By now I'm sure the desk staff were used to seeing me. It was early, about 9AM or so and chilly. But the sun was shinning! Thank God. Not a drop a rain for his whole trip. In March! That was a miracle. Anyway, he needs to post some cards to I take him to the General Post Office on 8th, which is quite large and impressive (and probably wasn't the closest, whoops... lol). Then it was on the ESB. Mercifully there weren't any line and we had our tickets already so we went right up (after a security check where he had to remove his belt again!)

The elevator to the top was swift and it took us up to the 80th floor. Then we had to get out and take another one up to the 86th floor and that was where you get out onto the platform and take in the view. And what a view, you really forget what a beautiful city we have here. Thomas spent much time carefully taking pictures. I took some too but I was more interested in just taking in the scenery.

After we had explored all sides, we were in the sunny part and I was leaning against the staircase (all cool like, lol) and I listened as he spoke to me about how he has a few more things to see (Flat Iron Building, Waldorf Astoria). He asked me if I had anything I needed to do, errands, etc. I shook my head no, curious as to where this was going. He suggested we then spend some time hanging out and talking. I smiled, and said that would be lovely.

With one last look, we then journeyed down and out. The Flatiron building was nearby and we eventually found the Waldorf Astoria. I suggested Chinatown next and then we decided to lunch there. Well I guess Flushing's Chinatown spoiled me because I wasn't impressed. We did have lunch in the first Thai restaurant we saw. I had Pad Thai with shrimp (yum!) and he had some vegetable/noodle/broth concoction that looked good. When the check came he swiped it and insisted on paying. Thankfully it wasn't much so I didn't feel so bad. I suggested we leave Chinatown and go back to Times Square to see the huge Toys R Us store. That was a fun break plus the bathrooms are nice (fyi).

Thomas suggested we walk to the Park, where we could really sit and talk. Like he needed to twist my arm. We stopped at a Duane Reede to pick up Root Beer (they don't have it in Germany and he wanted to try it even though I joked that he wouldn't like it...)

BTW, I have to comment that I really impressed myself with my walking long distances. My leg wasn't hurting much at all and that helped a lot.

We came back to the spot near the Palace with the duck pond. The sun was so strong we peeled off a couple of layers. We talked for hours. It was so nice. It was like all those letters we exchanged come to life. Sigh.

But it was getting late and so we figured out that I would meet with him later tomorrow (dinner time) and we'd go down to Brooklyn to cross the Bridge even though he had done that earlier.

Thomas Time: Monday Recap

2009-03-25T16:06:49Z

Oh Monday..

Monday was Statue of Liberty day! I had to convince Thomas to go because he wasn't sure it was worth it but really, you would come all the way to NYC and not go?As if! So I made the case. We were up super early (well not early for me.. ) and he bought me breakfast at Starbucks. I had purchased a lot of the tickets for things here because it was easier since I'm in the States and he's determined to try to pay me back in little ways, like breakfast. He bought a juice (which I had to reassure him was 100% orange, lol) and a struisel cake. I had a banana and a hot chocolate. Thomas doesn't drink coffee! That makes me happy for I don't drink it either.. it's the little things, lol!

Then we had to book it down town. We took the 1 train to the new (brand new, just opened last monday for Pete's Sake) South Ferry Station. The weather was COLD. DAMN COLD. I atleast had a hat and some gloves, poor Thomas had none so his ears were red. The queue was long into the security screening. He even had to remove his belt! Onto the boat. I knew the best place to see the statue was on the upper deck, right hand side so we ran up there (well I couldn't run up the stairs.. my thigh was still bothering me.. but I put on a brave Game Face and solidered on!). The cruise was so cold, tears were in our eyes. When he wanted a picture he would hand me his camera and I would quickly take the photo hand the camera back and get my fingers back into my pockets. After all the photo ops were done we went down below to the warmer, enclosed area to defrost.

It was fun to see the Island through Thomas' eyes. We walked around the parameter, snapping photos and talking. I cannot believe how much talking he and I did. He's so easy to be with and to talk to. *swoon* Anyhoo we boarded the ferry again and got off on Ellis Island. I find Ellis to be boring but he wanted to go and it's his Vacay! so away we went. He was impressed with the amount of foreign immigrants we were surrounded by.

We boarded the ferry once more back to Manhattan. The was was shinning so we felt a little bit warmer. On our way back to the Subway, we discussed plans for the rest of the afternoon. I knew he wanted to continue on with another walking tour and though the idea of spending more time with him was a bonus, I knew my leg was just in no shape, whatever muscle I pulled wasn't letting me climb stairs easliy. I could walk OK. (I didn't tell him that, of course. It's not a big deal I just wasn't going to be able to keep up with him as much I would like and that's not fair to him. The guy walked 10 miles on Saturday!!!) We would have lunch back in Midtown and I would collect my bag and then I would say goodbye until Tuesday.

We had lunch at my favorite place, Triple Crown which was mercifully quiet and nearly empty. I didn't know if that was OK for him for lunch but he hadn't been really going to any restaurants in NYC for any meal and that made me sad. I ordered a Turkey Ceaser Wrap and he wanted the Crispy Chicken Sandwhich. He ate the sandwhich with a fork and knife. I wanted to laugh! That's just his thing. We walked back to the Hotel, I collected my bag and he tells me to wait because he has 2 out of 3 presents for me to take. I blush, I really didn't need any presents! But he's such a sweetie. He gave me this littre sized beer stein which was so heavy I wondered how he managed to lug it as far as he did. And some Gummy bears! Yummy! I was so greatful, such nice presents. I was beet red in happiness.

Then I walked back to Penn, took a train home, checked my email and slept for 10 hours. lol. More to come..

Thomas Time: Sunday Recap

2009-03-25T12:03:04Z

So I won't be meeting Thomas until tonight so I have time to recap!

Sunday was amazing. I was so nervous to meet him again but I think we found an easy groove with each other. We just kept talking , laughing, walking and even more walking lol

Woke up early to get to NYC by 8:30AM to meet my penpal at the hotel lobby. The 30 30 Hotel is a neat little hotel. I had my own overnight bag because I had decided to get my own room since we would be out late and didn't want to deal with LIRR and its crazy weekend schedule. I had a seat in the lobby and watched the elevator doors. To say I was nervous was an understatement, lol.

At 8:40 he came down and I stood up to meet him halfway. Pictures just don't do the man any justice. So hot!!! We hugged and I think we were both stunned at the whole reality of it. Here we were, in person.. not in some letter. No time was to waste though, we had to get Uptown to the Natural History Museum.

We walked to Columbus Circle and took the A to the Museum. We arrived there a little early so we waited against the Central Park West wall in the sunshine and talked. The Museum opened and we let the groups of children in first. We did a quick tour of the Dinosaurs in the quiet then we had tickets for the show at the Planetarium, *Cosmic Collisions*, he said he enjoyed astronomy when he was younger so I thought he'd get a kick out of and he did.

After the Museum we met my friends Christine and Kelley for lunch at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries. I don't think Thomas liked the whole hamburger idea since you eat with your hands but I think it went well. Then we all went to Rockefeller Center to take pictures and such. Fun.

We walked back to the hotel, I got my bag from his room (he was nice enough to hold it) and I checked in to take a shower and get ready. I had ordered tickets to see HAIR on Broadway. We walked up through Times Square. He wanted to take a picture but it wasn't dark enough for all the lights to pop. I picked up the Will Call tickets and we joined the large line waiting to enter. The show was amazing! and despite the craziness of the storytelling I think Thomas got the story.

We walked back through Times Square, which on a Sunday was sparsely populated. Good time for a picture so I snapped one of him in front of the lights like he wanted. I took a lot of pictures for him, lol! The perks of having a friend along.

By that time on our walk home my right upper thigh muscle was aching pretty bad (from all the walking and the tiny tiny theater seats) but I soldiered on back to the hotel.

more to come

smiller03_9 @ 2009-03-22T04:44:00

2009-03-22T08:47:13Z

Today is the Day!

Thomas Day!

He arrived Friday night, took Saturday to get over the Lag and do his German Solo Walkabout thing. But Sunday is my day! :-) Our agenda: Natural History Museum & the Planetairum show, Lunch at 5 Guys with Christine and Kelley (Bill declined and I don't blame him.. although he'll miss all the fun), then perhaps Serendipity 3 if I can get a reservation at so short a notice, then back to the hotel then HAIR on Broadway. Should be fun. Statue of Liberty tomorrow morning. I haven't been there in atleast 15 years.

smiller03_9 @ 2009-03-02T16:10:00

2009-03-02T21:11:27Z

So my German Friend is coming in less than 3 weeks and I'm freaking out..

smiller03_9 @ 2009-02-13T12:18:00

2009-02-13T17:19:14Z

I wish my German friend would stop telling me some females in my photos are attractive cause it's starting to annoy AND make me feel sad :-(

(it's the whole chopped liver situation.. Im fine with complementing my friends but you gotta send some my way too)

it's just another brick in the wall

smiller03_9 @ 2009-02-07T07:08:00

2009-02-07T12:12:51Z

Friday at the ComicCon...

Way more industry people than last year.
More Cos-Play and Ren-Faire clothing dealers (which was nice)
Less bootleg DVD sellers :-( (tempted to pick up Let the Right One In but its coming out in March on DVD so I'll just wait)
Keep me away from signed photo dealers! (Must resist urge to blow 120.00 on a full cast signed Lost Boys poster)
More food vendors (one will even add some booze to your smoothie)
No Bean Bag chairs!
Next con will be in October 2010????
Fango Weekend of Horrors is back in NY (at the Javitts!)
More free comics, more free books, less free pins
More Jedi and less Leias in golden bikinis (thank god)

smiller03_9 @ 2009-01-29T11:18:00

2009-01-29T16:18:24Z

My Political Views
I am a left moderate social libertarian
Left: 5.41, Libertarian: 1.73

Political Spectrum Quiz

smiller03_9 @ 2009-01-25T10:41:00

2009-01-25T15:43:02Z

So Kelley and I got lost in Hamilton Beach last night in the freezing cold. We were trying to find this Yacht Club for Christine's surprise party. We got there soo late, lol. And we walked past the place like 2 times cause it wasn't like any Yacht club I've seen. Good party. I need to never drink Rum again....

smiller03_9 @ 2009-01-22T20:09:00

2009-01-23T01:10:24Z

Were you one of the lucky kids in NY that got to learn Square Dancing while in Elementary school? This blows Bill's mind like every time it comes up. He's from Pittsburgh and doesn't get why NY would have it in the curriculum! We just do, Bill.

I think he's just jealous. He hasn't do-see-do'd anyone in his life.

eta: to fix bad english

smiller03_9 @ 2009-01-17T20:42:00

2009-01-18T01:47:45Z

I never used to have to get buckled in to the car after one (1!) margarita!

Anyway so for Kelley's birthday we went out to the Roosevelt Field Mall to Legal Seafood where we all ate overpriced but fairly excellent seafood. I had a margarita that went straight to my head but everyone got a kick out of me.

smiller03_9 @ 2008-12-21T13:43:00

2008-12-21T18:46:40Z

I tell a patron that the book she/he wants is in the Adult Hardcover Fiction under the author's last name.

They come back and want to know the call number.

“No, seriously, in order to make it easier for all parties, since you don’t understand call numbers anyway, we’ve eliminated call numbers in certain obvious areas. Not because we think you’re stupid, but well, yeah, it’s because we think you’re stupid.”

Saturday Night Musings

2008-12-21T02:41:50Z

Came to a realization the other day. We all have our particular talents.. some are great at Music, others at Math or Art or Crafts.. etc. well I'm not good at any of that! lol. But what I do have a knack for (and this is so so so sad) is Customer Service.

Yup. I'm good at fixing *your* problems and making *you* feel good. Putting *you* at ease.

Not exactly something to write home about. I would make a great submissive though. lol!

Seriously, though. It's exhausting! Sometimes I can't muster enough energy to be Miss Sunshine, you know?

smiller03_9 @ 2008-12-19T03:59:00

2008-12-19T09:02:17Z

Chocolate Cookie Recipe Suggestion!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/top-secret-chocolate-cookies-recipe/index.html

So good!

smiller03_9 @ 2008-12-16T20:19:00

2008-12-17T01:25:00Z

I'm taking it back.

I'm taking back my Air Supply.

Back in the day when Rich Garwood still talked to me, he had emailed me this mp3 and it was Air Supply's "Two Less Lonely People in The World". I loved it. I loved him. (I was stupid, what can I say.) Fast forward like a year and he Ignored dumped me and I couldn't listen to it anymore.

Somehow that song has followed me from computer to computer and whenever it came up in my iTunes rotation I had to skip to the next track just cause it hurt too much.

But I was telling my pal Bill about the song and you know what? I wanted the song back. So I'm taking it back.

smiller03_9 @ 2008-12-14T18:17:00

2008-12-14T23:24:08Z

This happened on Friday:

Morya had spoke to this young boy she's found of. Back in the Workroom she lets us in on what this cute little boy told her.

This child asked Morya about the red-headed man (Bill). He asked if he was Catholic and Morya said that he was and she asked why he was interested. Apparently his mom said that all redheads are Catholic and bad or something like that...

Christmas in Hollis

2008-12-07T12:32:29Z

Now that I work in Queens, this song means so much more to me

smiller03_9 @ 2008-11-30T15:36:00

2008-11-30T20:39:09Z

Had a moment of creativity

smiller03_9 @ 2008-11-26T07:24:00

2008-11-26T12:26:47Z

Because I'm working late tonight, I just made the stuffing..

now bring on Thanksgiving!

ADVENTURELAND trailer

2008-11-23T02:20:45Z

OK, so Mottola didn't shoot it at my treasured childhood amusement park here on Long Island but it's pretty damn close