Star Driver

From Crackle: And Now Marino's First Love

Just finished watching episode.

Yes I watch Japanese Anime. And what..

Turkish Delights - Tale in the City 6-09-11

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Istanbul. I had no expectations so I was only pleasantly pleased with all I had gotten to see and do as a tourist walking among the friendly locals.

The many Mosques are wonderful examples of old world architecture along with the tourist hordes and some can be reached during a self directed walking tour my friend and I were making as we walked across the bridges, watched the fishermen, and generally got a feel for the city as the locals would see it.

By the the third day we were switching between the tram, the oldest subway in the world (The funicular) and making our way to the Grand Bazaar. I have not had to deal with such a hard sell regarding buying a carpet that I did not want since someone tried to sell me a time-share. After that the hard sellers ran the gamut from the desperate to overly familiar (listening to you and parroting back to you the english words) I learned that the only friendly people in Istanbul will not be found while shopping inside the oldest covered market in the world.

On the whole the people are very friendly, helpful, and smiling while not treating the new person in town as a curiosity. Only the late night club pitch men and the waiters for the empty restaurants trying to entice you in can draw any kind of negative feedback from one such as myself. When I need help I will call you over. Not before, and not when its not needed.

Favorite Moments so far:

“There is a dog on the dance floor, really an actual dog. He wants me to put him but I don’t want dog hair on my sneakers. I hope the decibel of the music doesn’t make the poor thing deaf.”

“All the coolest conversations start in the smoking section.”

“No means No, It does not mean keep asking me until I change my mind. That’s not going to happen.”

“They play some fierce beats at the McDonalds”

Things to Know

Every transfer on the train or tram costs One Token

Do bring extra money.. No one ever frowns on American Dollars. But the ATM at the right time of day (morning) is your friend

Most of the sights are within walking distance of one another.

Cross the street at the crosswalk.

Plan to wake up early to do any of the tours or tour buses

Don’t go to the bazaar unless you know what you want and how to avoid eye contact (and say No or “Haier” as often as possible)

Do eat the ice cream

Do have a kebab but as a wrap and not in the bread

If walking down the Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) check out the food court in the mall for more familiar fast food options.

Do see the man selling the dancing dolls on the same side of the street as the mall, You will laugh and smile.

Do take a 1.75 YTL (Turkish Lira) ride on the ferry across the Bosphorus so you can say you have walked in Asia.

Do not ask a drag queen for directions at night, you may draw attention from the police. (For some strange reason)

Do not go home with anyone without knowing what you are getting into. People who expect you to pay for everything, including hotels, or rides half-way across town is not fun when you find out at the last minute..

4-3-11 - Adventures in Babysitting. No adventures - Just Babysitting.

Today as I babysit my niece and nephew I just smiled as I made my breakfast. Then I actually wondered for a long moment, why even though the fact that I had not lived in the same house as them for years, my sisters would think I am good enough to watch their kids in their absence. Both of them have finely tuned Mommy senses that would pick up on shadiness or wildness two blocks away. As most people all know.. Not just anybody should be watching kids.
It’s sad but it’s true. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20039299-504083.html

And it does help that the kids are in the next room watching cartoons. With me popping in at random moments if they get too quiet or too loud.

I had an interesting epiphany.. While was eating my over easy egg and fried ham.

I am a nice person. But anybody can seem nice. Some can play the role like they were born to it to get something they want. But I like being nice. I like being seen as a force for good and not evil (maybe it’s the japanese anime in me)

I actually like kids, especially other peoples kids when you can give them back because there will be a time-limit. And that is always a good thing. (I won’t discuss godparents because I’m not one unless the real ones are gone for some reason so that level of change need not be discussed)

I have a lot in common with kids. I was one once. I play video games. I watch a lot of cartoons. So when I do talk to kids we have plenty to talk about.

I don’t mind teaching. I tell people what they should be doing all the time. Not in a bossy way but in a way that actually makes them understand that I am trying to help them. I usually make them laugh and they do what I tell them to do because they actually should be doing it that way. Straight Talk. Kids appreciate that.

And then I said it, to myself (and to the interwebs because that’s what a blog is)
Being a not straight person has that advantage.

Being attracted to Adults means I’m not a danger to other peoples little boys. I just like telling them to get off the floor and clean up after themselves. And being attracted to Adults means I’m not a danger to other peoples little girls. I just like telling them when they haven’t washed their hands or they are being too loud.

I guess this is why most day care ladies are day care ladies. I don’t really know of any day care guys. It is a cool thing that now in the 00’s that people are finally catching onto the idea of “Manny’s” and not just Nanny’s.

So I just sit back and smile (and type) as I sit in my living room playing Pokemon Black (while my niece is in the the other room playing Pokemon White) and know that someday I might just be ready to have kids of my own.

Something to look forward to is always a good thing.