Well, the Birthday went real well. Went to this bar called 
The Delancey. I chose this place because it was supposed to have a Rooftop Garden that had a water fountain and everything. Little did I know it was real popular and
there were 3 private parties up there already! So we decided to stay in the main bar area. It was fun. There were more people than I expected so that was always a treat. I think we were rolling 20 somewhat deep. Got to see a lot of friends that I didn't see before so it was all good. The best thing about my day was my boy, Cass-izzle gave me a ride on his motorcycle. I had dinner with him in Chinatown after watching one of my former students play in a bball tournament. It was already 9:10 pm and I told my peeps to be there at 10pm and I still had to change. [It's rude to be late for your own thing, ya know?]. Anyways, he offered me a ride back and I was like "Hell yeah". It was awesome. We flew through traffic and up the FDR drive in 15 minutes. It was my first time on a bike and it was the best thing ever. By the time I got back home, it was 9: 25.
Me: "Yo Cass...how you going back home?"
Cass: "Same way."
Me: "Wanna give me a ride back afer I change?"
Wheee! Here I go again! Here are some of the tricks he did with me on the way back
Ha ha. Just wanted to scare my mom. But for real. It was exhiliarating and a rush. I think I might want one but maybe slower. Maybe a Vespa. But for some reason, 
I never seen anyone looking real masculine on them. But they're so compact, good on gas and I could park anywhere in NYC. No more looking for spots. We'll see.....
Uncategorized
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*Its funny how people celebrate and feel about their birthdays*
- Some have birthday "week" (where you party for the entire week)....
- Some celebrate their birthday AND "half-birthday" (dividing your b-day into 2. I guess mine is April 13th)...
- Some like to combine birthday parties with friends of the same month...
- Some don't like to have to share the "spotlight"...
- Some have a huge event planned and invite everyone they know...
- Some have only a few intimate friends over...
- Some let everyone know that their birthday is coming up in 2 days, 3hours, 14 minutes and 7 seconds...
- Some don't tell anyone...
- Some yell out "I'M FINALLY 21!!!"...
- Some yell out "i'm finally 30..."
- Some people like getting surprise parties!...
- Some people are embarassed by them...
- Some people do NOT look their age...
- Some DO...look their age...
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I used to be a bit bitter about my b-days. Never really had parties and kept it to myself. I felt that people felt obliged to go out and see you whereas they wouldn't make the attempt otherwise. But lately [last 2 years] I tried to be more open about it. Having that thinking did not allow me to enjoy their company fully when they do come out. I prefer my buddies to come out and have a drink with me. That's all I want really. I keep to this motto when it comes to birthdays..."Keep it simple...stupid." * What's your motto? -
"Don't feel bad for me".
"I'm really not that poor"
"It really is a misconception".
"You should come join me"
* Don't feel bad for me. Yeah I am a Guidance/College Counselor. I like kids. I would think the feeling is mutual. I work 9 months of the year. I get 2 months summer vacation WITHOUT doing summer homework. I get a Winter Break. I get a Spring Break. I get a Christmas break. I get Jewish holidays off and I'm not even Jewish. I get 10 sick days a year. Feel bad for someone who gets only 2 weeks a year.
My hours are technically 8:20am to 3 pm. My friends get off sometimes by 11 pm!
* I'm really not that poor. (Its just that I'm living in Manhattan makes me forget sometimes.) We have a wonderful union that works for us. It gets us raises. When I was about to start, they won and I came into a job that paid $5,000 more than I thought. (This happens roughly 3-4 times a person's career). Top it off with a Master's Degree and you get an extra $4Gs. We get raises each year. If you wish to coach a sport, which I do, [girls bball/boys baseball] you get at least 188 hours each sport at ~$34 dollars an hour. Here's the kicker. Besides your normal Tax Deferred Annuity [TDA], that we can put our money into so that we get taxed less, we "po" city workers get a ...Pension. This means that when you retire, probably at your highest salary, we get ~70% of that final salary until we die. Checks keep rolling in. Let's see an investment banker get that! ha ha. What else..oh yeah I get paid during the summer so...I pretty much get paid for lying on the beach
or creating a Xanga. [People always hate me when I tell them that 
].
* It really is a misconception. I know some teachers and educators might complain about pay because they feel they should be getting much more, but doesn't everybody who works feel that way? "Teachers are poor." I guess it really depends on what you define as poor. Monetary value or something more than that? I am not poor because I never had a profession where I get treated so well. "Well" in terms of getting appreciated and feeling important every single day. I get on a daily basis, at least a student, parent, teacher, or administrator that makes me feel of some sort of value to them. That's what people really want. They would like to be remembered. They want to have an affect on someone else. Its part of human nature. I guess so is survival of the fittest but people seek other people. No matter what they say. I once told 3 of my fellow colleagues, I think I offended them, that I would much rather talk to a student than some adults. They're more interesting and open. I guess they don't know any better.
* You should come join me. We always need smart, effective and more role models for students. Teach! Counsel! Coach! Give back. Why not? There has to be something to it. I got some H.W. for you . Ask any teacher why they teach. The answers are genuine, real and meaningful. I guarantee that no one does it for the money. But they still do it. The other day some of my students asked me to go to Dim Sum with them. It was great. I got to got to Florida, all expense paid, for 5 days on their Senior Trip. The Senior Prom was at the China Club, open bar for the Chaperones. Find me another occupation that can....WARNING: SENTIMENTAL PART OF BLOG, make you cry to see someone graduate or to find out they got into their dream College.
Hard to do, huh?
Ok, by now you can tell I am a wee bit biased. Sure there are plenty of things wrong and that I can complain about. But that's for a different time
. I'm sure there are other professions that can offer you similar or different things but I gotta REP mine, you know? People are different. I just happened to choose Peace of Mind, Mental Health and free time as my priorities in my career and life. -
I just saw a funny commercial about two burgulars ransacking someone's house. But when they stumbled upon a NY METS bobblehead , they knew the person was a Mets fan and put everything back. Well, hopefully I never get robbed but...I do live in NY so here's my attempt for leniancy ...
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Dear Mr./Ms. Burgular a.k.a. Robber,
Welcome to my apartment. Although it is small, I'm sure you can find many things to your liking. Feel free to take what you wish for I know that is your intent, but I ask you to leave some precious tokens of mine. Here's my list:
Run through the cupboard and fridge and take what is left (water,eggs, and milk)...but please leave me my:
- Iced Tea Mix
- Triscuits
- My Coffee [really Zabar's coffee in the tin! shhh. ]
- My Plums
- and...my Beer. Ok, you can have one..but thats it.
Next, if you can be so kind to not take along with you my:
- Rollerblades. [These were Nike's first ever made]
- My big and luxurious Leather Chair.
- My Lapdesk. [Its like the best gift I ever got!]
* But feel free to sit on it and write a letter on the lapdesk or whatever have you and try on my skates if they fit you.
Alright, I know I'm asking more than your normal "rob-eee" but I have a few more things.
Since my knees are weak, I would like for you to have mercy and leave me my...TIGER BALM. [Probably the best ointment ever invented!]
* Thanks, you might want to use some as you carry some of my stuff out. Your arms might get sore.
I have many book and some video games you can take but if you can leave only 1 of each, I would appreciate it. Please leave:
- MVP Baseball 2004, as it is the game I am currently playing.
- The Art of Happiness book by the Dalai Lama, as it is my own handbook of living.
Last but not least...I'll admit it, these 2 items are my favorite by far:
* Feel free to take my TV, DVD, Computer, Microwave, Printer, utensils, China [ha, yea right] but leave me my:
- Mini iPod: I think I love it more than MY life!
- My Air Conditioner. It gets humid in NY.
Thank you for listening to my concerns. But if that doesn't move you...well, I've been a
die hard Mets fan all my life.
Sincerely grateful,
Felix Shen -
OK...So I'm NOT rich. I'm also NOT a Gourmet chef. But what I AM...is an expert on making PEANUT BUTTER BANANA sandwiches!! Yum. These are my favorite sandwiches of all time. Ask my students. I bring them to work ~3-4 times a week. Here is what you need:
Ingredients:
1. Jif Peanut Butter [Smooth]. (Only Jif! Its the best kind)
2. White bread (forget the wheat, pumpernickel, & sourdough)
3. Bananas! (probably the most important ingredient)
Directions
1. Take 2 (or in my case 4) slices of bread.
2. Proceed to spread peanut butter on all slices [that's right, ALL]
3.
Grab 1 banana.
4. Cut Banana into mini slices.
5. Spread out slices into 3 rows of 3. [discard tops and btms. of banana]
Presentation
1. Add Favorite Chip of choice. [I like Pringles' Sweet Mesquite BBQ]
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This sandwich is defintely retro, classic, vintage, old skool, or whatever you want to call it to sound "hip". Simple ingredients, short preparation time and CHEAP!
* Besides would I recommend something that wasn't good enough for a KING? (this was Elvis' favorite sandwich....except he fried them...yeah, you probably shouldn't do that.)
"Join us next time when Chef Felix teaches you how to make...Campbell's Soup"
-
Stop and smell the roses. Have you ever heard that before? Well, I literally did just that. I was on E. 57th and Park and was running to catch the light but stopped in the little intersection. For some reason I decided to stop.
And what did I find to the right of me? You can see for yourself. Why was I in a rush? So I decided to stop and enjoy the moment. Instead of taking the train to where I was going, I decided to walk and look around. A few weeks ago, I was walking slowly in the streets and this chick comes from behind and huffs" This is New York, you know, we walk faster." Man was I heated. So as she walked by, I noticed that
she has a UCLA bag. "Look who's telling me what to do in New York with your UCLA bag. Get some manners! What's your rush?" I responded. Trust me, she did not look like she was from NY and to tell a born and raised City boy about NY pushed my buttons. As she made a scowl and walked away, I have asked myself...What's MY rush? Am I that important that I need to walk briskly and get annoyed when "slow walkers" are in my way or is that just a NYC thing? Well, this day I decided to stop and smell the roses.
What I noticed were that there were many funny things to look at which I may have taken for granted. For example,
I watched in amusement at this couple trying to ride a 2 seater bike. They had such a hard time trying to get on. The girlfriend kept falling off and the boyfriend kept telling her it's alright while keeping a straight face. He was a 
good sport because I was rolling on the floor. Ha Ha. In the end, they ended up WALKING the bike. It was funny. Or, when I decided to walk through Central Park instead of taking the streets. It's very interesting to walk thru the Park at around 3 pm on a weekday because for the most part, these are the people who probably don't work or have weird occupations. There I saw a lot of people "smelling the roses". I saw many individuals sitting on rocks by themselves and just thinking and watching. They each had their own favorite part of their park and THEY were the ones who got it. THEY took the time out for themselves. I already do that but I can always do more for myself. My recommendation to everyone reading this entry is to take your time and look at your surroundings. Look up from your newspaper, take off your headphones, get off your cellphone. There are many things that you are missing. Besides would you get to see stuff like this if you didn't? 
[* I saw this random dude doing pushups in the street...Ha Ha]
Gotta bounce, 200 Freestyle is on...Phelps vs. Thorpedo...Oooo!
* Damn, Phelps got Bronze. -
Ahh...The Summer Olympic Games. Gotta love it. One of the things I make sure I stay home for to watch on TV. I make sure not to enter any news websites because I know
they will report any late breaking Olympic news [sometimes when it gets to TV, it is taped]. The Olympics always make me feel so patriotic. Well my favorite sports are NOT basketball...but Swimming and then Track. I'm currently watching gymnastics and volleyball on NBC and CNBC but @ 8:00, the swimming events are shown. Prime Time. Can't wait. Here are 7 swimmers to look out for:
1. Michael Phelps: 19 yr. old. America's hopeful. Can compete for 7 Gold Medals!
2. Natalie Coughlin: Top Female Swimmer
3. Brendan Hansen: World Record Holder in the Breastroke events
4. Ian Crocker: Top Male Butterflyer
5. Gary Hall Jr.: 3rd Olympics. Arrogant and fastest freestyle in 2004
6. Amanda Beard: Top Female Breastroker. Oh yeah, also in Stuff & Maxim Magazines.
7. Jenny Thompson: 10 medals, 7 Gold. Most decorated US Olympian.
8. Aaron Perisol: Top Male Backstroker.
So, you might not care. Well, the only things on television are Reality shows, Presidential Election Coverage, Terrrorist threats, the War in Iraq, or the Olympics. Your pick.
-
This entry is for all my non-NYC people. I have received some comments/emails on what are some "Must-Visits" in New York. Well, one of my favorite things to do is eat. You MUST eat at GRAY's PAPAYA. It is awesome! I looooove it. 
I normally frequent the W. 72nd and Broadway one but there is a second one W. 8th and 6th Ave. If you're uptown or downtown, this is one of the best places to go for cheap food. There 
are normally 2 lines that form on each door opening. But don't worry. Although the lines can sometimes be intimidating, they average less than a minute with each patron. Not ONLY are these hot dogs better than the ones you get at a baseball game they are cheap as hell. You can get 2 hot dogs and any drink [Papaya, Pina Colada, Coke, etc.] for a whopping $2.75! It's called the Recession Special. Boy, do my funds 
feel special paying for that. Helpful tips: 1. The Pina Colada is better than the Papaya drink.[ironic, huh?] 2. Reading all the colorful signs helps pass the time on line. 3. Mustard and ketchup are self-
serve. Ha Ha. I think thats it. Oh yeah, they even TOAST the buns! GO! -
Hey...I got a jukebox on my Xanga. Cool, huh? I know people have it but it's still cool to me. Hope people like and utilize the music. Although there are countless amount of songs that I can add, these 13 are the ones I've been listening to recently. iTunes has celebrity playlists so I thought why can't I? My bro is a celebrity. That should be good enough. Be warned, I'm not a music expert whatsoever but I have a whole lot of it and its a big part of my life! [*Big up to lillianchan for being patient with me and explaining how to do this stuff. Look Lillian, its up!]
1."Rise and Fall" - Craig David feat. Sting.
Great beat and background. David took this from Sting's "Shape of My Heart". Great song. Craig David is mad smooVe and Sting...well, he's Sting. One of the coolest dudes ever in music.
2. "She Will Be Loved" - Maroon 5. Previously had this song playing as my Xanga
background...so I couldn't leave it out. Video is cool as the main singer ditches his hot girlfriend for an older and more experienced Kelly Preston. Cool band. Soothing song to listen to. Actually had people compliment me on choice of background song.
3. "Slow Jams" - Twista, Kanye West & Jamie Foxx.
I don't know. Anytime Jamie Foxx
is singing something, its worth it to listen to it. This is the epitome of a Slow Jam. Feel like I need to have candles lit listening to this joint.
4. "The Reason" - Hoobastank.
Man. If I said all these words to a girl, "And the Reason is...You!" I would have it made. Song grew on me. I like the band though. Video is entertaining and makes you want to watch the whole thing.
5. "Halie's Song" - Eminem. This is my man.
Lyrical Genuis. After watching 8 Mile, I began to mess around with the freestyling. I'm a dork. Anyways I like this song because he knows he can't sing but tries anyway all for his daughter...awww
6. "My Immortal" -Evanescence. Did I spell that right?
Well I think most of their songs sound the same but I kind of like this one. My brother's wife likes it a lot so I decided to give it a chance. Its a bit depressing but no need for All happy songs.
7."The Scientist" -Coldplay. Probably the best song ever made. What's with me and
depressing songs. The simplicity of Chris Martin and just the piano rock! Best performance at the VMA's a few years ago. One of the best videos ever too.
8. "One Day at a Time" -Tupac feat. Slim Shady.
Had this song earlier as my background music but my mom didn't like it. Em found one of Tupac's old tracks and produced and rapped in this song. Headlines the new Tupac movie, Resurrection. Too bad they didn't get to do this duet live.
9. "Crawling" - Linkin Park.
Probably the one group that I was surprised to make my list. I know they have this huge cult following and now I know why. They're just so passionate in this song. I'm not into hardrock but these guys are bad asses. I saw them play this song in a concert on TV...blood, sweat and tears man.
10. "Bathwater" - No Doubt. First of all, I did not have this song on
my "exclusive" playlist to court Gwen Stefani. That would just be downright childish. No but seriously this song is really good. If you get a chance to hear the live version...do it! This song doesn't get played much but one of their better songs. Funky beats.
11. "What a Wonderful Life" - Louis Armstrong.
This definetly is what "old skool" is about. How can anyone not like this song? For all those people who like to complain about all the injustices in their life, shut up and listen to this song. It will make you feel better.
12. "This Love" - Maroon 5.
Impressive that this group made this playlist twice. All of my students who are in different cliques and backgrounds all like this song. Its so upbeat and unique. It always makes me want to sing along when I hear it [makings of a great song!]
13. "Dance Like This" - Wyclef feat. Claudette Ortiz.
This song is from the soundtrack, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Although I did not watch the movie, I happened to stumble upon it. Its got that Latino Hip Hop vibe to it. Great instruments and Wyclef and Claudette make a fun storyline out of it. -
Well, my weekend was kind of eventful. Decided to go out Friday night with my boy Jimmy Jam. We heard about this "Filipino" party out on the East Side and headed over there. We came to this place called AZAZA's [50th and 1st]. Strange place. I definitely didn't see any Filipinos, let alone a party in there. The bouncer was all like "Yeah, its a private party...but I'll let you guys come in." Wish he didn't do me any favors. This place was strange.
We were there for ~ 30 minutes and everyone slowly left...one-by-one. There was like a total of 20 people there. But what would this entry be without a funny story? So when we get there, I decided to get some drinks. As I head over to the bar, I noticed 2 women come in, dressed in the same sparkling silver blouses, to the room. From my vantage point, I could tell they worked there and one girl had a tray in her hand. But that didn't stop my boy. He starts giving one girl the eye and she proceeds to talk to him. I could tell he was trying to kick it to her while she was trying to get him to buy something. But who am I to hate? So he starts talking to her and the other chick came by and sat next to him too! Here he is thinking he's macking with 2 honeys right when we first got there. I didn't have the heart to break it to them so I stayed at the bar to see what he would try to do. Ha Ha. Eventually, he motioned for me to come over there [it only took him 5 minutes to do so] and I sat next to him. Tell me why when they started talking to me, a third girl came out of nowhere and introduced herself to me. Raven was her name. I was thinking
"Am I at a whore house or something?" Ha Ha. It was funny. Jimmy told me later that at first he thought this girl was feeling him. I asked him if he saw that they wore the same tanktops, and he was like "Yeah but I thought it was by coincidence." Ha ha. Well these girls weren't "you-know-whats" but they were called the JELLO-SHOT GIRLS. They even have their own website and card. They're supposed to liven up a party. Apparently they weren't doing a good job since no one was there. Ha Ha. Anyways, *Jim if you're reading this, I didn't mean to shout you out like that but I found that hilarious.
* Saturday night, I found the new hotspot in NYC. For all you people diggin' Hawaii, there is a Tiki Bar called Waikiki Wally's. [E. 2nd St and 1st Ave]. Great place. Hula dancers, great drinks and everyone that works there is Hawaiian. It was amazing. The bartender already bought me a drink the second time around [what a sweetie!].
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