Today is a rare staying at school later than I have to update. Why? I could go home stay there for an hour, then turn around but I decided instead that I’ll stay at school, have a leisurely dinner out, then go see Anna Dagmar conduct at Hunter college. I might take a nap while I’m here as there’s nobody around. Naps are always good. I wrote that three days ago and never got any further. I don’t remember what I was going to write then, so I’ll just move on. I did not take a nap; I don’t remember what stopped me from writing.
I did go out to eat but it was not as leisurely as I planned. I realized that I didn’t have to eat in the City. I could eat in Brooklyn where it would be cheaper, and I could try someplace I haven’t eaten before. I did what so many of us do now, I Googled to find a restaurant. I searched for the best barbecue in Brooklyn. I came up with Fette Sau (Fat Pig) which is about a 15 minute walk from school. Do other teachers refer to “school” as opposed as to saying “work” The food was fantastic, but it was not a place for a leisurely dinner. This is what it looks like, outside and in. You pick up your food at a counter then take it to your picnic table. There are a few inside as you can see, there are more outside. The only side that I would like is the baked beans, but I can’t eat baked beans because of my Crohn’s so I settled for half a pound of meat, half brisket, and half pork belly. I have never had pork belly other than bacon. It was amazing. They were both amazing, as good as Hill Country Barbecue but much cheaper. The bill was something like $18. You can cut the meat with your fork. It melts in your mouth. I’ll be going back there. If you go, and you should, mix the hot and sweet sauces but use more sweet. The hot is very hot. I of course got friendly with the Texan behind the counter that served me and took his recommendation. The place’s vibe reminded me of the best barbecue I had in Texas.
Now on to Anna. She was getting a masters in conducting and as part of the program conducted the Hunter Orchestra. This is the second time I saw her do it. The piece was Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances. It’s a great piece. It was a great performance. I loved seeing Anna up there. I saw her before the show too. There’s a bit of a story there. I said that dinner wasn’t leisurely. Instead of spending an hour eating I spent 15 minutes. I got to the auditorium an hour before showtime. Doors were not open. I saw musicians coming in when I did. So, what did I do? I walked in and told security that I was there for the concert. They let me in! I thought they were just going to let me hang out in the lobby but no, I went in as they were setting up. It was just me and the musicians. I was dressed nicely for school, all in black, and I looked like I belonged. I’ve always had the good fortune to look like I belong. To put a dark view on it perhaps it means I have a sense of entitlement. I prefer to think that it’s because I’m cute. Side note, one of my colleagues at school said, “You are the cutest person I know,” to me. She was talking personality, not looks. The looks go without saying.
I of course had my choice of seats and found this great row with an aisle in front of me, so I had tons of leg room. The row became the home of Anna’s cheering section. I sat next to this lovely couple, musicians from a family of musicians. I didn’t notice them till it was too late to talk but Anna’s father was sitting on the other side of them as was her husband John and daughter Eloise. How do I remember Eloise’s name? I picture her at the Plaza Hotel. How do I know about Eloise? The 90-Second Newberry Film Festival.
Anna’s advisor conducted the rest of the concert. There was a piano concerto, I forgot which one because I’m an idiot, and the finale was Bach’s Magnificat; the orchestra was joined by an organist and the Hunter Choir. The Magnificat is magnificent. After the show Anna came over to talk to her cheering section. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go out with everyone afterward as I have to get up at 5:30. Too bad as they went to a bar/restaurant called Bedford Falls. Why did that excite me? I don’t know the restaurant at all, but I live in Bedford Park, and after dinner I got the L train at Bedford Ave in Brooklyn and when I got home, I left the D train at Bedford Park Blvd. That’s all meaningless and silly but the confluence of Bedfords amuses me.
I’ve been ridiculously busy. Last night I went to the Met game. They broke their losing streak and beat the Rockies 1-0. Tonight, I’m going to see Rachel Baiman and Alec Spiegelman at the Owl in Brooklyn. That’s becoming one of my homes away from home even though it’s an hour and a half trip to get there. One of these days I might catch up on some little things that happened that I haven’t written about. For the first time in 23 years, I’m having trouble writing every day. Getting up at 5:30 is to blame.
Wise Madness 