Saturday, September 09, 2006

30 days and 30 nights (Of fun like this)

I didn't even notice that I hadn't posted in awhile. I guess it was because I was working so much. Last week I worked six days with only Friday off. On top of that I started a stretch of six days in a row starting the Saturday before last. Then I did the same thing again starting last Saturday. I had only two days off in the last twelve and they were both on Friday. I didn't do anything on the 1st, but lounge around the house (actually moping). Fatigue can do a number on you. This past Friday I decided that I MUST go to the mall and get some new clothes.

Just in case you forgot, some of my clothes were ruined by squirrels (revelation in regards to this in a future post). I also decided that it was time for a new jacket as well. So I was determined to go get that too. So I decided to take the bus, considering I don't have a car. I tell you doing this was one of the most difficult things of my life.

Why?

It wasn't because I was tired.
And it wasn't because of the bee that landed on my arm at the bus stop either (You should have saw me panicking)

It's because I am trying to go a month without wearing any earphones. Let me tell you that it is tough. I used my MP3 or in the past a discman as a barrier of protection from the world. I would hide behind it so I wouldn't here what others were saying about me. Everything has been fine for the most part. A friend of mines was supposed to go with me to the mall, but for some reason she became sick by the time I got to her house. So she went as far as downtown Rochester with me, to close her bank account, and then went back home. I felt bad, because she seemed out of it. I couldn't go back with to her house with her though. I knew if I did, that I wouldn't have went to the mall. "Escaping" is the best talent I have, and I don't want or like it. So we went on our separate paths.

I went and got some cash from Midtown Plaza while I was downtown, and then I walked back to and caught the bus to the mall. This is where it became difficult. While I was on the "24 Marketplace" bus, there were two people on the bus talking about how much they hate being in Rochester. One (a woman) was from Jamaica, and the other (a young man) from North Carolina. It was one of those moments where I wished I had my MP3. I hated listening to them talk about my hometown like that. I wanted to turn around and say something, but I didn't know what I'd say, and I didn't know what kind of response I would get. So I stood there and I took it.

Like I said up top, I also needed a new jacket. On my way to the mall, there is a plaza called Southtown. There is a Burlington Coat Factory there, and I wanted to go, but I wasn't sure that the bus came anywhere near there. Boy was I wrong. The Plaza wasn't to far from a bus stop, so I got off and went and bought myself a new jacket. Just before I got to Burlington, I called my friend to see if how she was doing. She sounded way better than before, and this was good. It made me feel a hell of a lot better. I arrived a Burlington, and went to check out there jackets. They had some nice ones there, so don't take this the wrong way when I say I didn't want more than half of them.

Sean Jean: I didn't want a white jacket anymore, and a the black one I liked was a little pricey.

G-Unit: Not a big rap fan anymore. Looked great, but I don't buy things that aren't "ME".

Tommy Hilfiger: Someone told me that he is a racist. I don't know if it's true or not, but it definitely deterred me.

FUBU: The one Jacket there that Burlington had in stock, had dirt stains on it. (and I like FUBU. My last four winter coats were FUBU.)

Out with the old!



In with the New



Some coat company called "zErO xPoSuR". Yeah, I'm cheap, but at least I got a free headband with it.

After I grabbed the coat, I ended up doing most of my shopping at Burlington Coat Factory. I'm representing the Buffalo Bills with a $4.99 T-shirt, and a pullover sweater. I also got two pairs of FUBU jeans and a white Sean Jean sweater. At first I was going to wear the black pair of jeans I bought for work, but then I was like NO, because those are a nice pair of jeans. I won't let them go to waste like that.

After I was done there, I headed back for the bus stop I got off of 45 minutes before. I decided to wait for the next 24 Marketplace bus to take me to the mall, and then I notice something. The Freaking mall was right across the street from where I was standing. Traffic was murder, so I had to walk to a crosswalk to cross the street. I still almost ended up getting hit. I did all of the clothes shopping that I was gonna do that day, but I wanted to get a new pair of sneakers for work so I went to Altiers and got a pair of Reeboks, for $40. Way cheap compared to these $80-$150 that people are expected to buy today. While I was there I had a conversation with the clerk, an old man that is looking forward to retirement. He helped me find my sneakers and I thanked him and went to FYE and bought Corinne Bailey Rae's Album, because Stephaine Suggested it awhile back. I will let you know how it goes Stephaine. While I was there, I ended up buying Season 2 of Lost (I could watch it the entire DVD 108 times). Afterwards I called it a day. I was going to go and buy a milkshake, but I saw a bus pull up so, I ran for it and headed home.

I survived that day, and I did it without my MP3 player and earphones. Hopefully I will get over hiding behind them just like I got rid of my craving for soda. Conversation, and making friends is why I am going the month without music on my ears. Wish me luck!

7 comments:

Emily Suess said...

Sounds like a productive day! But I'd sure like to know how you beat those soda cravings!!!

Chelle said...

::gasp:: no soda? ::faints::

I'm PROUD of YOU! Way to go and what a HUGE step ya took!

*hugs*

And um, what team is Stephaine's? Cause um, yer all GOING DOWN!!!

BOOO YAHHHHHHH

Cause I have pretty smiles on my team... LMFAO

Kelly said...

i'm with them...how'd you beat those soda cravings...i was doing so well...maybe it's time i tried again. if you can do it, i can do it, right? good luck with the whole being "social" thing. that's not one of my better skills either!

Jod{i} said...

Charles...
I know you can do it, no luck needed..
You are a sweet soul and a funny one as well...Yet we all hide for our own reasons. It will come, it will.
I love the New jacket! And yes, you did read institution! lmao..we are a couple of nutballs, yes we are! and I wouldnt have it any other way..

Peace

Bedazzzled1 said...

Nice threads, Charles! You're stylin'!

I never heard that Hilfiger was a racist. I love to run around in his clothes...they fit me well. And I have always thought it was kind of him to hold a fashion show to raise money for breast cancer research.

Who knows how he truly is?

Anyway, glad you were out and about and that you had a new entry!

Nikki

Anonymous said...

And it isn't even Lent!

Anonymous said...

Hi Charles, I made it over to your blog at last! I often wear headphones when I want to shut off from the world. I never did like any kind of soda drink, don't like them lil bubbles! Glad you got a new coat you liked! Jeannette xx