Daily Thoughts - A crazy week

On Monday, a bomb exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. There has been 3 confirmed deaths and over a dozen with mangled extremities, more than a hundred with less threatening injuries. When I first heard of the news that day, there were no names tied yet to the casualties. Just the same, I was in a state of shock, disgust and sadness. Also a tinge of it-was-a-blessing-in-disguise-kind of relief for me not to have made it there for this year's race. Nevertheless, what happened was definitely not a blessing, it was a horrific crime. An act of shameless cowardice, stupidity and utter nonsense. The motive still a mystery though, but the feds are working on discovering why these kids (yes one was a teenager) pulled this stunt that will forever haunt this festive event.

The previous year I applied for both the Boston and the NYC Marathon.  I didnt qualify for either race. The NYC race however had a lottery for those who cant make the qualifying time.  No luck for me though, they took my registration fee anyway. It was only 11 bucks so I figured Ill treat it just like a donation. So when the race was cancelled I am not going to lie that I was sort of gloating over it. A bit because I was bitter, but moreso because I was upset over how insensitive the organizers were for not cancelling it sooner. I just thought it was not right to move forward with a race when a lot of people have been displaced, with no electricity, food, destroyed homes and worse deaths caused by Super Hurricane Sandy.

The cancellation of the NYC Marathon was mostly a disappointment to some runners and mostly the organizers and of course our "beloved" Mayor Bloomberg. I understand how the runners reacted to it since I believe majority of them saved and prepared for this big race. But there were those who also understood the need to cancel it and showed empathy to those affected by the storm. This should be the hallmark of a big event like the NYC Marathon, Unity, and not insensitivity and focus on monetizing especially in a crisis.

The Boston Marathon on the other hand, was not cancelled, yet the aftermath of the explosion rocked the state and the nation.

Another disturbing thing that happens during a tragedy like this  is when people spread lies. I despise it when some people are quick to blame one religious group especially when there is insufficient evidence. Nevertheless, spreading also a rumor and inaccurately making up a story especially alluding to a victim as a "fake" is just downright unfair and crass.

i saw this on my friend's facebook wall. 

The photo above is an example of such sheer stupidity. I was quick to point out to my friend that although I agree with her thoughts that people should not jump the gun and come up with conclusions that this act of Terror is a ploy to spread Islamophobia, I still find it very unfair to not have some common sense to do research or simply watch the news to know that the man on the left actually did lose his legs to the explosion. The man on the right photo is a totally different person.

Jeff Bauman Jr 

Jeff Bauman Jr was among the spectators at the finish line. He was waiting for his girlfriend when the bomb went off and cost him both his legs. If you doubt my story, ask Bradley Cooper, he visited the guy just recently. It is not right to play him for a fake just because some people want to prove a point.

The "good" news is, they have one of the suspects in custody, one killed I heard. The bad news, we all know that, still lingers however that beautiful lives were lost in this tragic event and others who are physically  and permanently disfigured. Lives totally changed after this event.

Criminals are getting bolder each day, its scary. But life has to move on. We gain nothing if we let the tragedy stifle us from loving what is beautiful with living.

Speaking of life, I quit my job because of an abusive boss. Im living off my savings for now and  I dont regret that decision although it was totally unplanned. I was coerced into resigning and it turns out that kind of behavior is sort of illegal in this country. I mean making it look as though someone voluntarily resigned when they didnt is not tolerated and has legal consequences . The long and short of is, my boss plan to get rid of me backfired on him. The event in Boston also made me  think of how uncertain our time here is on earth.It would have been very sad if I had died and I was still stuck in a job and life I hated.

Ive been on the lookout for a job that hopefully will be something I would enjoy doing though. I am not a demanding employee and if companies ask for qualifications, I too as an employee deserve to have a list of my requirements. Medical/Dental benefits, career growth, reasonable rate, feasible in terms of commute time and expense, and most importantly Respect. Unfortunately, you dont know early in the game whether you will get the last and most important one. So Im doing my best to research on all the potential offers I have been getting before I sign any paperwork. Fortunately, there are sites to find these information You can google it  up and indicate the name of the company then type employment and review. I discovered a bunch of scam/fake companies and it saved me a great deal of time, effort and MONEY. Yes some people were swindled because they were desperate to find jobs. There is a wealth of massive information on the wide web. But you have to do your homework. Most especially in a setting where the economy has gotten so bad that anyone is willing to take on any job to survive. 

Sure I need the job, but I am not desperate. I may be practical but I also want to be careful since it doesnt look good either on a resume if you keep hopping from one job to another. This week I have been in a few interviews for a new job. Also apartment hunting for a new place. Another fresh start. Im getting tired of the Lower East Side. I  mean, i love the restaurants here but the perpetual sound of sirens on the main thoroughfare gets old after awhile. I even sleep with earplugs now just to drown the noise. I do admit though that its kinda great to live smack in a spot where you find Kmart, Starbucks,  Staples, Whole Foods, DSW, Movie Houses, Trader Joes, etc and  St Mark's long strip of exotic and interesting restaurants.Plus there's the easy access to the subway that takes less than 20 minutes to get to Times Square and Central Park. Reality check though for me though  is  gentrification has made this part of the city too upscale for my budget. I'm currently hell bent on saving some dough  to further my education and take that dream trip to visit the Holy Land hopefully in 2016. So something's gotta give. In this case, a less expensive apartment hopefully not in the sticks somewhere.

Also, I have my misgivings about how NYC will handle another (God forbid) Sandy like catastrophe. The Lower East Side may not have been as unfortunate as other farther places like the Rockaways or Staten Island, still it was odd that past 18th Street, there was electricity after the hurricane. I never got around to sharing my Sandy experience because I have been so busy since November. Plus there werent a lot of photos to actually share since I didnt anticipate that a blackout would occur for a couple days (weeks, and months for some) at our apartment. Not too much photos to share except for a few and that of me and the spouse buying waffles in a dimly lit food truck, ironically parked in front of ConEdison's brightly and fully lit building (assholes).

I experienced having to walk the streets on a busy night and there were no traffic lights or even makeshift lights along the Lower East Side. I worked along 34th street and I walked to and from work for 4 days after the storm. There was no water, electricity, phone signal and the 911 and 311 lines were inaccessible. We had to check on grandma too because she lived alone in her building and we helped haul water all the way up to her apartment and get supplies. Price gouging was prevalent, yet there were people who showed kindness too. Chase bank for instance gave free food. Duane Reade on Chrysler building let us charge our electronics for free. B and H along 34th street also let people charge their electronics. Percy's Tavern on Avenue A gave away bagels the next morning and even allowed patrons and non patrons to charge phones/electronics on their generator. Its long overdue but Thank you guys! No love from Con Edison although the night prior to the hurricane, their vehicles were parked in front of Barnes and Noble (Union Square). Now in retrospect all I can say is the image they tried to project was an Overkill. Because those vehicles didnt serve us in anyway during the time we were crossing those dangerous streets those dark nights (Shame on you Conned Edison). 

And again Im putting off the detailed Sandy experience post for another day. But here are some of the few photos I was able to take using my low resolution phone. 

I ran for 11 miles on October 29 and found these at Union Square after my Long Slow Distance run.

Con Eds trucks ready for the storm: (pre storm photos)

The Day after the Storm:

power strip appropriated at Duane Reade Chrysler Building

Hubby bought a power strip at Duane Reade so we can charge more electronics. But he was also generous enough to let other people piggy back on our extension cord. He received profuse thanks for the offer.

Heart of India Dinner, Rogan Josh and Curry

Dinner in the Dark, Romantic! hehe

We bought our dinner from this place called Heart of India. Another restaurant we love. They have great authentic Indian food. We were so happy to find that they were open although the restaurant was barely noticeable because it was pitch black along 2nd Avenue.

B and H along 34th street

B and H along 34th street put out a long table in front of their store and let people charge their phones for free. 

Apartment on 8th avenue

This was quite a sight. I was walking on my way to work (an hour walk) and I saw this. My phone battery was almost dead but great thing I took a snap of this building. Later that day it was swarmed with reporters and I saw it also on the news.

waffle truck Wafels and Dinges

the building across the food truck is Con Edison 

And as you can see, all the offices inside Con Edison building is lit up while the rest of the Lower East Side grappled in the Darkness. 

a rainbow after the storm! free food! =)

Food truck giving away food sponsored by Chase

Thanks guys!

Its 12am and Im bushed. But it was a great day despite a hectic week. Im grateful Im alive, happy, blessed. Amidst the chaos in the world, I find solace knowing the Lord is there.. 

Happy Sunday!=)