So, get this! I work on the same floor and in fact, the same department as another (e:strip)per (yeah, not imk2. We are at WAR.) and I didn't know this for a WHOLE of three months!!!!
I was lounging in his cool office-space the other day and I noticed this very familiar picture on the desk. I thought it was (e:jim). When I looked closely, it wasn't (e:jim) but I was convinced it was his brother or some cousin. So I bust into the same office today and point to the picture and ask, is the last name of that bloke in the picture, Lindley? He goes, "No, why?" I blabber on and on about how I know this Jim who is totally like that person in the picture. He exclaims, "That Jim who does all the cool photos etc.". I nod and then he says, " Hey! Do you know Paul Visco, who works in the Washington Building". I then take over and rattle off a string of (e:Roswell)-Rippers, and he says, "Yeah, I know most of them". And then it dawns on me and I ask, "WHO ARE YOU??" Turns out its none other than (e:boxerboi), that avatar with the hot red Tee, the sun-shades and the uber cool back pack!
So I guess Buffalo is a tiny world and all cool (e:strip)pers do work at Roswell*. Haha. :)
PS: *Yeah, (e:imk2), you don't get mentioned. I don't care if you wear the most amazing clothes and see niche movies. You absolutely withheld important information. So, we are officially at war. ;)
Tinypliny's Journal
My Podcast Link
05/30/2008 17:46 #44491
Hellllooo, E:Roswell-Ripper!Category: e:strip
05/22/2008 09:01 #44418
No such thing as a perfect flatCategory: flat hunt
The votes are in. I put in my ballot for another year at the building with the hollow lions, terrible heating and lukewarm water.
Here's why. Living in and around Linwood has suddenly become very fashionable. Rumours abound that it is going to become the next gated community north of California. The direct effect of such hearsay and feigned snobbishness of the neighbourhood are crazy rents.
I spent four days hunting for livable and affordable flats around the place and frankly, I am so overwhelmed that I have reached a state of compromise where I think that $600/month may not be too unreasonable a price to pay for a simple studio! Though I have signed on the dotted line for yet another 365 and 1/4th of a day of lukewarm shower-serfdom at the Mayflower, it still seems quite outrageous to me that I managed to find no other place half as reasonable as my building!
The rundown of the hunt (and these were perhaps the only flats available within my budget range):
1. Target at Summer and Linwood (Not my building): Horrible smelly carpet with stains. Yuck. No more carpet tyranny in my life. Ever. Wouldn't live on a carpet even for free. I am done with carpets for life.
2. Target further down Allen: $400 without utilities. $300/month for utilities for the whole of the winter. So essentially $750/month including internet and everything. For a grad student, this is financial suicide. Unless I want to live on Ramen Noodles and spend my time coupon clipping. Which, by the way, I don't because it also happens to be the perfect recipe for depression.
3. Target on Franklin: AWESOME one-bedroom flat. Maintained like a dream. Even smelled nice! Landlord: a gem of a person. $440 a month. The catch, you ask? 9Ft ceilings and thus, $300/month utilities. Same Ramen Noodle issue as above. I pass. (If anyone is interested, and can afford this, I can give you the landlord's contact.)
4. Multiple targets in Hotel Lenox: The one bedroom flat had a bleak and lifeless view from its windows with a kitchen thrown in as an afterthought into a dark corridor of the flat. Another studio had a kitchen with no windows. Call me conceited and spoiled, but to me, the kitchen is the most important room in a house. It's a room where love is grown, happiness is concocted, nostalgia is stirred, music is dreamed up, dances are brewed, ideas are born and orgasms are perfected. The lack of windows and natural light in a kitchen is more abominable than anything else. I retract my earlier statement about the carpet. A kitchen without windows is the living hell I don't want to venture into. Ever.
5. Target on Irving: Nice flat with the blinds drawn. If you are okay with staring at a collection of assorted trashcans from around the neighbourhood and the wall of your neighbour's house 3 feet away, this flat may be perfect for you. It certainly would make me hasten to the first airplane headed back home.
6. The best arrangement of 'em all: Living with (e:Drew) and (e:Janelle). Awesome house, pets I never owned (and probably never will) but have always wanted, ONE-HELL-OF-AN-AMAZING cook (yeah, I mean (e:janelle). Sorry, (e:drew). I have no proof of your culinary skills. ;)) to cook with, lower than crazy rent (in fact, unreasonably so), and best of all, living with one of the coolest (e:strip)pers around!!! But (and isn't there always one? :( ) they live on Lexington. For my lazy and erratic grad student ways, the dream ends there.
I get up barely 1/2 hour before I have to make it to work, walk/run like crazy down the streets and reach at the nick of time. Sometimes, I don't come back till 3:00 AM. No matter how hard I try, I keep slipping into these irregular hours and last minute marathon spells. I delude myself that all this counts towards my exercise regimen (that is non-existent, BTW) Living in a flat very near work acts as a buffer to all these random acts of craziness. I can afford to not be dependent on any transport but my own and also afford to not own a car. So, even though I am TRULY tempted by their offer, I can't take them up on it. I know that the solution is more discipline. But currenly this is in severe short-supply. :/
So yes, there is indeed, no such thing as a perfect flat. There are always kinks and cracks, virtual or otherwise. The tact is to whine and blog about them till they sort of go away from your consciousness.
Here's why. Living in and around Linwood has suddenly become very fashionable. Rumours abound that it is going to become the next gated community north of California. The direct effect of such hearsay and feigned snobbishness of the neighbourhood are crazy rents.
I spent four days hunting for livable and affordable flats around the place and frankly, I am so overwhelmed that I have reached a state of compromise where I think that $600/month may not be too unreasonable a price to pay for a simple studio! Though I have signed on the dotted line for yet another 365 and 1/4th of a day of lukewarm shower-serfdom at the Mayflower, it still seems quite outrageous to me that I managed to find no other place half as reasonable as my building!
The rundown of the hunt (and these were perhaps the only flats available within my budget range):
1. Target at Summer and Linwood (Not my building): Horrible smelly carpet with stains. Yuck. No more carpet tyranny in my life. Ever. Wouldn't live on a carpet even for free. I am done with carpets for life.
2. Target further down Allen: $400 without utilities. $300/month for utilities for the whole of the winter. So essentially $750/month including internet and everything. For a grad student, this is financial suicide. Unless I want to live on Ramen Noodles and spend my time coupon clipping. Which, by the way, I don't because it also happens to be the perfect recipe for depression.
3. Target on Franklin: AWESOME one-bedroom flat. Maintained like a dream. Even smelled nice! Landlord: a gem of a person. $440 a month. The catch, you ask? 9Ft ceilings and thus, $300/month utilities. Same Ramen Noodle issue as above. I pass. (If anyone is interested, and can afford this, I can give you the landlord's contact.)
4. Multiple targets in Hotel Lenox: The one bedroom flat had a bleak and lifeless view from its windows with a kitchen thrown in as an afterthought into a dark corridor of the flat. Another studio had a kitchen with no windows. Call me conceited and spoiled, but to me, the kitchen is the most important room in a house. It's a room where love is grown, happiness is concocted, nostalgia is stirred, music is dreamed up, dances are brewed, ideas are born and orgasms are perfected. The lack of windows and natural light in a kitchen is more abominable than anything else. I retract my earlier statement about the carpet. A kitchen without windows is the living hell I don't want to venture into. Ever.
5. Target on Irving: Nice flat with the blinds drawn. If you are okay with staring at a collection of assorted trashcans from around the neighbourhood and the wall of your neighbour's house 3 feet away, this flat may be perfect for you. It certainly would make me hasten to the first airplane headed back home.
6. The best arrangement of 'em all: Living with (e:Drew) and (e:Janelle). Awesome house, pets I never owned (and probably never will) but have always wanted, ONE-HELL-OF-AN-AMAZING cook (yeah, I mean (e:janelle). Sorry, (e:drew). I have no proof of your culinary skills. ;)) to cook with, lower than crazy rent (in fact, unreasonably so), and best of all, living with one of the coolest (e:strip)pers around!!! But (and isn't there always one? :( ) they live on Lexington. For my lazy and erratic grad student ways, the dream ends there.
I get up barely 1/2 hour before I have to make it to work, walk/run like crazy down the streets and reach at the nick of time. Sometimes, I don't come back till 3:00 AM. No matter how hard I try, I keep slipping into these irregular hours and last minute marathon spells. I delude myself that all this counts towards my exercise regimen (that is non-existent, BTW) Living in a flat very near work acts as a buffer to all these random acts of craziness. I can afford to not be dependent on any transport but my own and also afford to not own a car. So, even though I am TRULY tempted by their offer, I can't take them up on it. I know that the solution is more discipline. But currenly this is in severe short-supply. :/
So yes, there is indeed, no such thing as a perfect flat. There are always kinks and cracks, virtual or otherwise. The tact is to whine and blog about them till they sort of go away from your consciousness.
tinypliny - 05/30/08 18:09
I need to try this replacement shower-head trick. Thanks (e:zobar).
(e:jenks): The tenant told me herself that bills easily go to around $300. :( With the increasing gas and energy prices, I won't be surprised if one fine day, they hit $400, this coming year.
I need to try this replacement shower-head trick. Thanks (e:zobar).
(e:jenks): The tenant told me herself that bills easily go to around $300. :( With the increasing gas and energy prices, I won't be surprised if one fine day, they hit $400, this coming year.
libertad - 05/22/08 14:18
I'm with you on the carpets, they are freaking gross. So all that being said my new place has carpeting in the bedrooms! I will be steam cleaning them though. Just imagine carpet in a kitchen. I did see this at one of the apartments I looked at.
I'm with you on the carpets, they are freaking gross. So all that being said my new place has carpeting in the bedrooms! I will be steam cleaning them though. Just imagine carpet in a kitchen. I did see this at one of the apartments I looked at.
jenks - 05/22/08 12:21
300/m for utilities sounds like a lot....
I would not rule things out on that alone, yet...
My apt is pretty huge (3br), with pretty high ceilings and a lot of windows that I have never bothered to put plastic on. i also CANNOT STAND to be cold, so I keep my heat on like 72 all the time.
And my utilities (using budget billing) still only come to like $200-250/m. (that's gas and electric).
300/m for utilities sounds like a lot....
I would not rule things out on that alone, yet...
My apt is pretty huge (3br), with pretty high ceilings and a lot of windows that I have never bothered to put plastic on. i also CANNOT STAND to be cold, so I keep my heat on like 72 all the time.
And my utilities (using budget billing) still only come to like $200-250/m. (that's gas and electric).
fellyconnelly - 05/22/08 11:32
my apartment is peachy keen except for lukewarm water and the douchebag who lives downstairs.
my apartment is peachy keen except for lukewarm water and the douchebag who lives downstairs.
zobar - 05/22/08 11:23
For some reason our shower was always warm-ish, while the other taps were hot. Turns out the ancient showerhead was creating too fine a spray and the water was cooling off significantly between showerhead and body. Replaced showerhead, worked like a charm. [This may not be your problem, but it might be worth a try. Keep the old showerhead to reinstall when you move out.]
- Z
For some reason our shower was always warm-ish, while the other taps were hot. Turns out the ancient showerhead was creating too fine a spray and the water was cooling off significantly between showerhead and body. Replaced showerhead, worked like a charm. [This may not be your problem, but it might be worth a try. Keep the old showerhead to reinstall when you move out.]
- Z
drew - 05/22/08 09:31
I am a good cook, by the way. I'll have to show you sometime.
I am a good cook, by the way. I'll have to show you sometime.
janelle - 05/22/08 09:17
We're so sad! You would have been the perfect roommate....ah, well.
We're so sad! You would have been the perfect roommate....ah, well.
05/13/2008 23:39 #44333
To move or not to move...Category: flat hunt
It will be a whole year since I moved into Buffalo, next month. A leap year with an extra day, no less. Unbelievable. One year has gone by and it seems so unreal. I swear time went by faster here than any time or any place I have lived.
The management stuck the extended-lease agreement to the milk box on my door today morning and its time to reconsider whether I want to live here or not. Let's see:
Pros:
1. It does have a nuclear shelter. Though, I imagine 97 households huddled in the basement with noisy washers, dryers and a spooky gaping hole while the city is being nuclear-bombed might not be so much fun as it is chalked up to be.
2. I don't need to hang up any curtains. Come on, spiderman and superman are not real, kids.
3. The floors are hardwood and shiny. I found a dead flattened mummified mouse under the carpet in my last flat. I suspect it is still there, because as we all know, mummies are best left undisturbed. Carpets are thus modern equivalents of the pyramids. Q.E.D. I hate carpets.
4. I can hear the police sirens at odd times. Believe it or not, it makes it feel like home.
5. My calves have been conditioned pretty nicely this past year, without having to invest in a stairmaster. I just need to figure out why my lungs can't take to stair-climbing as easily as my calves can. Puzzling.
Cons:
1. The leechy management hiked the rent by $30 - takes it to >$600 with utilities. Money doesn't really grow on trees as the BMG seems to think. (BMG is the management company.)
2. The heating is disastrously bad. But its summer now and I can't recall how bad it was.
3. I think I have too much junk. Living in the same flat for more than a year is injurious to the Simple Pliny Project. The idea is to be nomadic enough to get rid of *everything* unessential.
Not many cons. I remembered that moving also involves actually finding another flat so I went for a walk around the neighbourhood and learned some useful things:
a) Hotel Lenox is also an apartment complex. Imagine the cool factor in being able to tell people that you actually *live* in a hotel. You could also constantly claim that you really haven't made your mind up about Buffalo yet.
b) The Westbrooks Apartments has a restaurant in the building - called Amaryllis. Hmmm... I wonder how it is for the residents. Honey, its time for dinner. I think they are serving baked crab with crumbled feta cheese downstairs.
c) The residents who live in "the North" park in a parking on North and Park streets. Sweet.
d) Is the building across from the massage clinic on North (with the anti-war signage) empty? I couldn't tell. If it is indeed occupied, then the tenants/owner have an odd knack of using billboard ads as curtains.
The Question lingers. I have four days to decide before the rent goes up $40. Aaargh. Tyrants.
The management stuck the extended-lease agreement to the milk box on my door today morning and its time to reconsider whether I want to live here or not. Let's see:
Pros:
1. It does have a nuclear shelter. Though, I imagine 97 households huddled in the basement with noisy washers, dryers and a spooky gaping hole while the city is being nuclear-bombed might not be so much fun as it is chalked up to be.
2. I don't need to hang up any curtains. Come on, spiderman and superman are not real, kids.
3. The floors are hardwood and shiny. I found a dead flattened mummified mouse under the carpet in my last flat. I suspect it is still there, because as we all know, mummies are best left undisturbed. Carpets are thus modern equivalents of the pyramids. Q.E.D. I hate carpets.
4. I can hear the police sirens at odd times. Believe it or not, it makes it feel like home.
5. My calves have been conditioned pretty nicely this past year, without having to invest in a stairmaster. I just need to figure out why my lungs can't take to stair-climbing as easily as my calves can. Puzzling.
Cons:
1. The leechy management hiked the rent by $30 - takes it to >$600 with utilities. Money doesn't really grow on trees as the BMG seems to think. (BMG is the management company.)
2. The heating is disastrously bad. But its summer now and I can't recall how bad it was.
3. I think I have too much junk. Living in the same flat for more than a year is injurious to the Simple Pliny Project. The idea is to be nomadic enough to get rid of *everything* unessential.
Not many cons. I remembered that moving also involves actually finding another flat so I went for a walk around the neighbourhood and learned some useful things:
a) Hotel Lenox is also an apartment complex. Imagine the cool factor in being able to tell people that you actually *live* in a hotel. You could also constantly claim that you really haven't made your mind up about Buffalo yet.
b) The Westbrooks Apartments has a restaurant in the building - called Amaryllis. Hmmm... I wonder how it is for the residents. Honey, its time for dinner. I think they are serving baked crab with crumbled feta cheese downstairs.
c) The residents who live in "the North" park in a parking on North and Park streets. Sweet.
d) Is the building across from the massage clinic on North (with the anti-war signage) empty? I couldn't tell. If it is indeed occupied, then the tenants/owner have an odd knack of using billboard ads as curtains.
The Question lingers. I have four days to decide before the rent goes up $40. Aaargh. Tyrants.
drew - 05/19/08 07:36
Hey Tiny, related to the conversation you had with Drew. There is a bus that would get you to work in 5-10 minutes.
Hey Tiny, related to the conversation you had with Drew. There is a bus that would get you to work in 5-10 minutes.
jenks - 05/14/08 12:11
I thought lenox was super sketchy? But I dunno for sure.
And I think the amaryllis room service is about the greatest idea ever. but yes, it's a pricey place. But good.
A friend used to live there.... she said they (everyone in the building) would hang out at the bar there- it was like Cheers. I don't know anything about the quality/price of the apts though- but she liked it.
When I moved here I had a weekend to drive to/from chicago, learn the city, and find a place to live. I rented the upstairs of a double that a nurse from one of the hospitals owned. it was a last second thing, since another house I liked fell through at the last second. I figured I'd rent for a year, and then buy a place and move.
that never happened b/c 1- I like my place, and 2- moving SUUUUUCCCCCKKKKSSSSS. Inertia is a very powerful force. ;)
I thought lenox was super sketchy? But I dunno for sure.
And I think the amaryllis room service is about the greatest idea ever. but yes, it's a pricey place. But good.
A friend used to live there.... she said they (everyone in the building) would hang out at the bar there- it was like Cheers. I don't know anything about the quality/price of the apts though- but she liked it.
When I moved here I had a weekend to drive to/from chicago, learn the city, and find a place to live. I rented the upstairs of a double that a nurse from one of the hospitals owned. it was a last second thing, since another house I liked fell through at the last second. I figured I'd rent for a year, and then buy a place and move.
that never happened b/c 1- I like my place, and 2- moving SUUUUUCCCCCKKKKSSSSS. Inertia is a very powerful force. ;)
mrmike - 05/14/08 06:42
Delaware Court has openings for 625 including utilities
Delaware Court has openings for 625 including utilities
imk2 - 05/14/08 06:27
although amaryllis does have room service for the residents, you'd never be able to afford it. it's a super expensive restaurant.
i wanted to see what the renovated apartments in hotel lenox looked like too. if you ever go see one, let me know.
although amaryllis does have room service for the residents, you'd never be able to afford it. it's a super expensive restaurant.
i wanted to see what the renovated apartments in hotel lenox looked like too. if you ever go see one, let me know.
05/09/2008 19:00 #44289
Chow Chocolat and Chef Johnny DeppCategory: eating out
I went for a walk through Buffalo's breath-takingly beautiful and sunny downtown today and spotted a delightful new chocolate coffee shop - Chow Chocolat. It opened this week. Their floor is so beautiful, that you want to dance on it. Romantic/classical period piano was wafting through the store.
The chef was at the counter and told me that they were waiting for their espresso machine. Come next week, Chow Chocolat will have delicious espresso, tasty salads, rich veggie (and other) sandwiches as well as signature spinach creations. I checked online and Buffalo Rising seems to have done a feature on this shop:
I know they will have tasty food because the chef described the salads and sandwiches to me in detail, and his eyes lit up and danced while he was talking about them. I think anyone who is so passionate about food and cooking cannot go wrong.
I admit I may have been a bit distracted because the chef is a splitting image of Johnny Depp (In movies: Chocolat + Blow + Pirates of the Caribbean). He gave me chocolate samples and I couldn't quite think straight after that. I didn't even check out the prices, as I usually do! I had to force myself not to get coffee and sit there gazing at him. Lucky is the girl (or guy) who has him. He has the world's most charming smile, long luxurious locks, plus he cooks and works at a chocolate store! How good can it possibly get?? :)
Chef Johnny Depp: The bloke in the tie in the picture. From:
On afterthought, I think employing him might have been intentional; or at least making him do the whole Johnny Depp look. After all, if you are named Chow Chocolat, who better to employ than the hot chocolaty Johnny Depp. Hmmm... I wonder if the counter will be manned by Juliette Binoche when Johhny is cooking in the kitchen...
I can't wait to go back! :)
The chef was at the counter and told me that they were waiting for their espresso machine. Come next week, Chow Chocolat will have delicious espresso, tasty salads, rich veggie (and other) sandwiches as well as signature spinach creations. I checked online and Buffalo Rising seems to have done a feature on this shop:
I know they will have tasty food because the chef described the salads and sandwiches to me in detail, and his eyes lit up and danced while he was talking about them. I think anyone who is so passionate about food and cooking cannot go wrong.
I admit I may have been a bit distracted because the chef is a splitting image of Johnny Depp (In movies: Chocolat + Blow + Pirates of the Caribbean). He gave me chocolate samples and I couldn't quite think straight after that. I didn't even check out the prices, as I usually do! I had to force myself not to get coffee and sit there gazing at him. Lucky is the girl (or guy) who has him. He has the world's most charming smile, long luxurious locks, plus he cooks and works at a chocolate store! How good can it possibly get?? :)
Chef Johnny Depp: The bloke in the tie in the picture. From:
On afterthought, I think employing him might have been intentional; or at least making him do the whole Johnny Depp look. After all, if you are named Chow Chocolat, who better to employ than the hot chocolaty Johnny Depp. Hmmm... I wonder if the counter will be manned by Juliette Binoche when Johhny is cooking in the kitchen...
I can't wait to go back! :)
metalpeter - 05/11/08 10:26
Thanks for the map, from that map I get a good sense of where it is. Next time I'm downtown with some free time I may have to explore that place and see if they have stuff other then Chocolate, reason being is you don't want to eat that on an empty stomach or atleast it isn't good for me to do that.
Thanks for the map, from that map I get a good sense of where it is. Next time I'm downtown with some free time I may have to explore that place and see if they have stuff other then Chocolate, reason being is you don't want to eat that on an empty stomach or atleast it isn't good for me to do that.
tinypliny - 05/11/08 09:58
It might have been SO COOL had you shouted "Hey Tiny" from the bus!! I might have become an instant celebrity! The next time you see me somewhere, I would absolutely LOVE it if you let go of the what-might-people-think notion and let it rip! :)
The Chow Chocolat is at: 731 main Street, slightly south of the Tupper-Main crossing. Here is the map: :::link:::
I was trying to embed the map in my journal, but it doesn't seem to be working. I think I am going to map all the places I talk about on estrip on google maps and link it on my blog. I wish the embedding worked.
It might have been SO COOL had you shouted "Hey Tiny" from the bus!! I might have become an instant celebrity! The next time you see me somewhere, I would absolutely LOVE it if you let go of the what-might-people-think notion and let it rip! :)
The Chow Chocolat is at: 731 main Street, slightly south of the Tupper-Main crossing. Here is the map: :::link:::
I was trying to embed the map in my journal, but it doesn't seem to be working. I think I am going to map all the places I talk about on estrip on google maps and link it on my blog. I wish the embedding worked.
metalpeter - 05/10/08 15:02
Tiny I did see you on Friday but I couldn't yell since I was on the bus and you where crossing main st. Near Tim Hortons. Besides even if I could I sure "hey Tiny" would have sounded odd to everyone out side and on the bus. That building you mentioned where is it or is there a landmark across from it, and the business to you have to enter the building or can you see it from the outside? If someone wants to really test there body they should go eat there and then go over to the Chip Strip and go to the Chocalate Bar and have drinks you could overload your body and die but at least it would be a good death. That place sounds pretty interesting and good.
Tiny I did see you on Friday but I couldn't yell since I was on the bus and you where crossing main st. Near Tim Hortons. Besides even if I could I sure "hey Tiny" would have sounded odd to everyone out side and on the bus. That building you mentioned where is it or is there a landmark across from it, and the business to you have to enter the building or can you see it from the outside? If someone wants to really test there body they should go eat there and then go over to the Chip Strip and go to the Chocalate Bar and have drinks you could overload your body and die but at least it would be a good death. That place sounds pretty interesting and good.
fellyconnelly - 05/10/08 07:30
I should hope so... creepy depp is so... creeeepy
I should hope so... creepy depp is so... creeeepy
tinypliny - 05/09/08 23:10
okay. I think I need to find a photo of Johnny Depp that describes the Chef at Chow Chocolat the best.
And NO NO NO!! NOT Willy Wonka. Think Johnny Depp as in Blow + Pirates of the Caribbean = Long flowing cascade of silky dark hair, sexy mustache, flowing beard, brilliant teeth, winning conversationalist, sparking humourous eyes and a very charming smile. Get the virtual picture??
okay. I think I need to find a photo of Johnny Depp that describes the Chef at Chow Chocolat the best.
And NO NO NO!! NOT Willy Wonka. Think Johnny Depp as in Blow + Pirates of the Caribbean = Long flowing cascade of silky dark hair, sexy mustache, flowing beard, brilliant teeth, winning conversationalist, sparking humourous eyes and a very charming smile. Get the virtual picture??
fellyconnelly - 05/09/08 22:39
um this made me think of johnny depp as willy wonka. which kinda creeped me out. kinda like thinking about james's moist panties. eww i hate saying that word.
um this made me think of johnny depp as willy wonka. which kinda creeped me out. kinda like thinking about james's moist panties. eww i hate saying that word.
james - 05/09/08 21:37
the chef looked like Johnny Depp? Like in the ultimate chic flick Chocolat? My panties are getting moist just thinking about it.
the chef looked like Johnny Depp? Like in the ultimate chic flick Chocolat? My panties are getting moist just thinking about it.
libertad - 05/09/08 20:44
I'm looking forward to stopping in. Sounds great! Yum-O
I'm looking forward to stopping in. Sounds great! Yum-O
paul - 05/09/08 20:22
Damn, that sounds like the best boyfriend ever!
Damn, that sounds like the best boyfriend ever!
05/11/2008 14:54 #44307
Cool as a CucumberCategory: simple pliny
I am going to be working on Rule 49 from this minute.
49. Develop Equanimity.
The unfortunate fact is I am not. Either cool or even a cucumber. I care too much about everything. I care about everyone around me to the point of interfering in their affairs and offering my opinions. I think its time to stop. Completely grind to a no-opinion, cucumber stop.
My inspiration will aptly be, a CUCUMBER.
Eight alphabets. Eight rules.
Let's see.
It remains a Cucumber.
1. All these rules are not applicable to my family. I will interfere,
judge, argue and be a pain. Nopes, *you* don't escape. HEHE.
It's crUnchy!
2. If situations are chewing on me, then I shall remember the crunch of this post. Keep calm. Drink more water. Remain silent.
It's a Creeper and takes the shape of the trellis that guides it.
3. I shall go with the flow and not interfere with anyone's lives, decisions, opinions and practices. If it is their wish, its their wish alone. It does not concern me.
It has tons of entrapped cucumber jUice.
4. I shall drink more water and cool down. Every time I am irked I shall take the divine opportunity to take a detour to the water cooler and drink some water instead of speaking.
It is Mute.
5. I shall not be offering my opinions anymore, unless I am asked. I shall be silent. Your business is your business alone. Not mine. At all.
Its pollinated by Bumblebees, but only if released into the cucumber field at the proper time.
6. My help and opinions shall be available anytime, and all the time. BUT only if you ask. Not otherwise. I don't want to be sorry that I gave you both but you didn't want them anyway.
Its grEen outside and a delicate shade of the lightest green inside.
7. Err... that means I should bejealous sick calm. Yes, calm. No matter what kind of volcanoes are exploding around me.
Its a gReat balancing sandwich component.
8. I shall not judge you whatever you do. Not because I don't care but because I shall respect your right to be who you are and what you want to do plus I don't want to be sorry that I judged you and it was because of my prejudices and beliefs.
Progress report:
1. Did not email much.
2. Working on summaries to (e:chico). One on time, but slipped on 3.
3. Planning to put the lunch/7:00 AM work plan into action this week.
4. Took a hiatus. Three days of:
19. Do what you love. I walked and enjoyed sunshine. I cooked!
55. Learn to do nothing. Haha. I didn't have to learn this. But I put it into practice. I used the freed up time to do nothing. And I loved it!
44. Try living without a car. Alright. I don't have one anyway and this is cheating, but hey this is the 72 day plan. I need all the mileage I can get (irony totally intended).
~End of day Seven~
The Simple Pliny Project
49. Develop Equanimity.
The unfortunate fact is I am not. Either cool or even a cucumber. I care too much about everything. I care about everyone around me to the point of interfering in their affairs and offering my opinions. I think its time to stop. Completely grind to a no-opinion, cucumber stop.
My inspiration will aptly be, a CUCUMBER.
Eight alphabets. Eight rules.
Let's see.
It remains a Cucumber.
1. All these rules are not applicable to my family. I will interfere,
judge, argue and be a pain. Nopes, *you* don't escape. HEHE.
It's crUnchy!
2. If situations are chewing on me, then I shall remember the crunch of this post. Keep calm. Drink more water. Remain silent.
It's a Creeper and takes the shape of the trellis that guides it.
3. I shall go with the flow and not interfere with anyone's lives, decisions, opinions and practices. If it is their wish, its their wish alone. It does not concern me.
It has tons of entrapped cucumber jUice.
4. I shall drink more water and cool down. Every time I am irked I shall take the divine opportunity to take a detour to the water cooler and drink some water instead of speaking.
It is Mute.
5. I shall not be offering my opinions anymore, unless I am asked. I shall be silent. Your business is your business alone. Not mine. At all.
Its pollinated by Bumblebees, but only if released into the cucumber field at the proper time.
6. My help and opinions shall be available anytime, and all the time. BUT only if you ask. Not otherwise. I don't want to be sorry that I gave you both but you didn't want them anyway.
Its grEen outside and a delicate shade of the lightest green inside.
7. Err... that means I should be
Its a gReat balancing sandwich component.
8. I shall not judge you whatever you do. Not because I don't care but because I shall respect your right to be who you are and what you want to do plus I don't want to be sorry that I judged you and it was because of my prejudices and beliefs.
Progress report:
1. Did not email much.
2. Working on summaries to (e:chico). One on time, but slipped on 3.
3. Planning to put the lunch/7:00 AM work plan into action this week.
4. Took a hiatus. Three days of:
19. Do what you love. I walked and enjoyed sunshine. I cooked!
55. Learn to do nothing. Haha. I didn't have to learn this. But I put it into practice. I used the freed up time to do nothing. And I loved it!
44. Try living without a car. Alright. I don't have one anyway and this is cheating, but hey this is the 72 day plan. I need all the mileage I can get (irony totally intended).
~End of day Seven~
The Simple Pliny Project
tinypliny - 05/11/08 22:16
@(e:imk2): To be honest, I am not sure. I can get under people's skins as you know pretty well from your own personal experience with me. ;)
@(e:metalpeter): woohoo! That's the spirit!
I agree, it's a fine line (that I find hard to discern sometimes). (Interesting example, BTW.) But the point is I don't want to look for that line anymore. It's draining for me to be in that role. So I am backing out. Its going to be a conscious effort to simplify my priorities. If that means I am becoming more self-centered, then I accept that penalty. Its better than repenting what I say for hours on end and feeling remorseful to the point that it affects my sleep... or what little I have of it. It does mean I am changing who I am but that is very much the point of this 72-day exercise: To birth again as a simpler (and perhaps a more primitive) but happier person who can sleep without waking up in a sweat for ridiculously simple reasons!
@(e:joshua): Aha! I am provoked and thus, I act. I am provoked by unwise NSAID use. But I don't want to be provoked anymore. So I am intentionally going to go blind. And yes, this is because my actions are increasingly becoming creepy and complicated, even to myself.
@(e:libertad): That's an observation that lead me to this experiment. I think I am on a self-demolishing path if I continue to be who I am. I was uncomfortable about it all the time. And its not as if I was not told about it. So I do understand how people might react if confronted with something they thought was fine to do but might not necessarily be. Being nagged about it does not help. I don't want to be the nag. And I also don't want to be one who is resistant to change no matter how hard it might be. I want to change for the good. I want to be simpler.
@(e:imk2): To be honest, I am not sure. I can get under people's skins as you know pretty well from your own personal experience with me. ;)
@(e:metalpeter): woohoo! That's the spirit!
I agree, it's a fine line (that I find hard to discern sometimes). (Interesting example, BTW.) But the point is I don't want to look for that line anymore. It's draining for me to be in that role. So I am backing out. Its going to be a conscious effort to simplify my priorities. If that means I am becoming more self-centered, then I accept that penalty. Its better than repenting what I say for hours on end and feeling remorseful to the point that it affects my sleep... or what little I have of it. It does mean I am changing who I am but that is very much the point of this 72-day exercise: To birth again as a simpler (and perhaps a more primitive) but happier person who can sleep without waking up in a sweat for ridiculously simple reasons!
@(e:joshua): Aha! I am provoked and thus, I act. I am provoked by unwise NSAID use. But I don't want to be provoked anymore. So I am intentionally going to go blind. And yes, this is because my actions are increasingly becoming creepy and complicated, even to myself.
@(e:libertad): That's an observation that lead me to this experiment. I think I am on a self-demolishing path if I continue to be who I am. I was uncomfortable about it all the time. And its not as if I was not told about it. So I do understand how people might react if confronted with something they thought was fine to do but might not necessarily be. Being nagged about it does not help. I don't want to be the nag. And I also don't want to be one who is resistant to change no matter how hard it might be. I want to change for the good. I want to be simpler.
libertad - 05/11/08 20:44
I think that if someone was doing something you believed was harmful and you thought that maybe that they weren't aware that it was causing them harm it would be nice to say something. You obviously want to have some control in doing so. People are very reluctant to change and may feel very uncomfortable when told that the way they do things isn't good for them or not the best way. I am one of those people and I think to some extent we all are.
I think that if someone was doing something you believed was harmful and you thought that maybe that they weren't aware that it was causing them harm it would be nice to say something. You obviously want to have some control in doing so. People are very reluctant to change and may feel very uncomfortable when told that the way they do things isn't good for them or not the best way. I am one of those people and I think to some extent we all are.
joshua - 05/11/08 19:45
I don't judge people unprovoked really - there is something neurotic and a little weird about it. It wreaks of a lack of self-confidence. Its not that you are judging them - its really more akin to judging yourself using them as a benchmark. People that are overly judgmental are creepy, really.
I don't judge people unprovoked really - there is something neurotic and a little weird about it. It wreaks of a lack of self-confidence. Its not that you are judging them - its really more akin to judging yourself using them as a benchmark. People that are overly judgmental are creepy, really.
metalpeter - 05/11/08 18:11
"HEY TINY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I think there is a difference between judging someone and being judgemental. Judgemental to me means that you look down on someone or think they are less then you because they are different. I think it is good that you judge people and let them know about it. It doesn't mean you are right and they are wrong. I'm not saying to stick your nose into there Business but you can tell them when you don't agree with what they are doing. That assumes you say it in a good way. I think that is what a real friend does. For example if I went out to the bar and get drunk and and go home every night I might get some bar friends who would think it was cool or would laugh when some girl takes me home and she is some chick they gang banged on the pool table or I'm the only one in the bar she hasn't blown in the bathroom and I think she is isn't that way. Well a real friend would go dude if you want to fuck her I don't blame you she is hot and is great in bed but me and the the four guys I came here with have all had sex with her so you might want to think twice. Or a real friend would say "Pete I like that you want to go out but dude I get up at 6am and so do you so I can't go out and neither should you". I know it is a fine line to decide when you should but in and some people think that you telling them things stright is not being a real friend that you should support them even when they do something wrong so it is kinda tricky.
"HEY TINY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I think there is a difference between judging someone and being judgemental. Judgemental to me means that you look down on someone or think they are less then you because they are different. I think it is good that you judge people and let them know about it. It doesn't mean you are right and they are wrong. I'm not saying to stick your nose into there Business but you can tell them when you don't agree with what they are doing. That assumes you say it in a good way. I think that is what a real friend does. For example if I went out to the bar and get drunk and and go home every night I might get some bar friends who would think it was cool or would laugh when some girl takes me home and she is some chick they gang banged on the pool table or I'm the only one in the bar she hasn't blown in the bathroom and I think she is isn't that way. Well a real friend would go dude if you want to fuck her I don't blame you she is hot and is great in bed but me and the the four guys I came here with have all had sex with her so you might want to think twice. Or a real friend would say "Pete I like that you want to go out but dude I get up at 6am and so do you so I can't go out and neither should you". I know it is a fine line to decide when you should but in and some people think that you telling them things stright is not being a real friend that you should support them even when they do something wrong so it is kinda tricky.
imk2 - 05/11/08 17:57
and how do these friends react when you do all of this?
and how do these friends react when you do all of this?
tinypliny - 05/11/08 17:24
I meant I *DO NOT* want to think about their NSAID habits...
Hehe, the truth always outs, eh?
I meant I *DO NOT* want to think about their NSAID habits...
Hehe, the truth always outs, eh?
tinypliny - 05/11/08 17:21
I know! Judging people is so much fun, but my judging doesn't stop there. I go ahead and tell them what I think is "wrong" with them. Its as if I cannot stop, and I cannot keep my mouth shut. I simply *have* to tell them what I think! And then I feel sorry and apologize. So I figured it might be easy to just not think judgmental thoughts in the first place. Let me give you an example. Two friends of mine eat NSAIDs all the time, ON EMPTY STOMACHS!! They could easily go to the dentist and solve the root of the problem, or they could drink milk/eat cheese to get calcium for cramps, or just eat something before they pop the evil little gastric lining stripping pill. But they don't. I can't stand idly by. I judge them on their inadequacy to act on what is widely known - that a) NSAIDS are harmful to the GI b) they have alternatives. Then I proceed to tell them just that. I don't do it in an offhand way either. Last time, I hand-wrote a creepy note to one of them to stop them from eating NSAIDs. More recently, I made a huge fuss about taking Calcium instead of NSAIDs for cramps and send them several articles + citations. This is borderline intrusive behaviour. And I know I am capable of it. So I want to think about their NSAID habits (and in fact any deleterious habit) any more. Because the fact is, I am prejudiced against NSAIDs. My experience tells me that their ends DO NOT justify their means in the long run. But WHY should I work myself into a agony over this? So I need to stop thinking or even judging about actions that TO ME seem harmful but in essence, might not really be. I also need to learn to be silent. But that is going to be more difficult. Because loud and garrulous are two adjectives that most precisely describe me.
I know! Judging people is so much fun, but my judging doesn't stop there. I go ahead and tell them what I think is "wrong" with them. Its as if I cannot stop, and I cannot keep my mouth shut. I simply *have* to tell them what I think! And then I feel sorry and apologize. So I figured it might be easy to just not think judgmental thoughts in the first place. Let me give you an example. Two friends of mine eat NSAIDs all the time, ON EMPTY STOMACHS!! They could easily go to the dentist and solve the root of the problem, or they could drink milk/eat cheese to get calcium for cramps, or just eat something before they pop the evil little gastric lining stripping pill. But they don't. I can't stand idly by. I judge them on their inadequacy to act on what is widely known - that a) NSAIDS are harmful to the GI b) they have alternatives. Then I proceed to tell them just that. I don't do it in an offhand way either. Last time, I hand-wrote a creepy note to one of them to stop them from eating NSAIDs. More recently, I made a huge fuss about taking Calcium instead of NSAIDs for cramps and send them several articles + citations. This is borderline intrusive behaviour. And I know I am capable of it. So I want to think about their NSAID habits (and in fact any deleterious habit) any more. Because the fact is, I am prejudiced against NSAIDs. My experience tells me that their ends DO NOT justify their means in the long run. But WHY should I work myself into a agony over this? So I need to stop thinking or even judging about actions that TO ME seem harmful but in essence, might not really be. I also need to learn to be silent. But that is going to be more difficult. Because loud and garrulous are two adjectives that most precisely describe me.
paul - 05/11/08 16:25
I think it is fun to judge people. I mean you can still let them be however they want, but why censor your inner judgmentalness when its such a fun part of life and helps you compartmentalize people into categories. I would never want to give that up. (e:mike) makes it into an artform.
I think it is fun to judge people. I mean you can still let them be however they want, but why censor your inner judgmentalness when its such a fun part of life and helps you compartmentalize people into categories. I would never want to give that up. (e:mike) makes it into an artform.
I know I know... I'm really bad at staying in touch.
Thanks for outing me Tinypliny! :o)
I thought I saw him the other day. Talk about keeping a low profile.
We could have a party at our house, but allergic people, like (e:paul), would have to stay on the porch or in the backyard.
A party would rock. I am dying to make old-timey punch!
It isn't my house and I don't have a place to have a party but I do agree with (e:Paul) on the party thought it has been a long time.
muaaaahhhhaaaa!!!!
I didn't know that he worked here. He used to be a student of mine at Canisius. A pretty cool guy. We really need to have a party soon.