3 days and counting.

Well, Monday I start the FDNY academy and, needless to say, I'm a bit stressed. Ultimately, the whole academy experience will not be as bad as I'm imagining it to be, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't put myself under extreme psychological/emotional/gastrological distress everytime I make a transition in life.


I'm studying my ass off now in preperation, repeating my mantra "don't freak out" incessantly and trying to avoid demon alcohol. But, when I need a break, here are the rays of light that come shining through:

1. The Veal Cutlet Parmigiana Hero from Pizza Boy II (58-19 Woodside Ave.) - Yeah, I know, young cows kept in small pens. If you ask me, I think all children should be kept that way.


2. Captain America - Brubaker is the motherfucking man. Everything about this book is giving me hope - if Marvel can pull itself out of the creative/cultural quagmire that is the killing of Captain America, then surely I can quit smoking. Long live Steve Rogers! (For a more erudite look at Cap', check out my man The Sensation's entry on his blog, The Freedom Suite.)


3. I know I haven't done anymore music posts, and I will when I get more time, but while you're waiting with baited breath, you might go here and download The Paul Gonsalves Quartet album Boom-Jackie-Boom-Chick. You might. I'm not saying you will. But you might. And should.

My Mood: Relieved.

Well, between the debt collectors, ex-girlfriends that literally chase me down the street to let me know how happy they are with their new boyfriends and so-called "friends" who turn their noses up at strip club happy hours, it has not been a mellow scene at the Lodge. Luckily, I got accepted into the FDNY Emergency Medical Services Academy, otherwise the lodge would be shuttered for the season and I would be on a train bound for Alaska, work on a fishing trawler and the arms of an alcoholic Inuit woman.


But, miracles happen and our national nightmare has come to a close. With her usual speed and dilligence, my grandmother sent me a letter commemorating the event. As her letters go, this one didn't contain the usual emotional napalm that is her stock-in-trade. She noted in one line, "Don't ever forget, John, a lot of prayer has been offered for you and God answered. So now bow your head and say 'thank you.'"


To anyone out there praying for me: knock it off. I don't need any unexpected obligations thrust my way.


Question: Anyone out there have any experience with Yoga or Pilates? Do either do shit? Serious replys only.