It's been an interesting couple of days since last posting. My last day off I decided to take a loooooong walk. Walked across the Brooklyn bridge, up through the supreme court neighborhood, got lost in Chinatown trying find a particular banh mi joint, bought a sammy, then hopping back on the train to Union Square where I squeezed myself into fully occupied benches in Union Square Park.

I sat there for two hours finishing a book before I decided I wanted to see if my chef crush Scott Bryan was working. I walked back down to Apiary where I sat in the bar, chewing my food and sipping my wine hoping he'd come out of the kitchen. He apparently wasn't, because halfway through my meal, he sidles up next to me on the bar and leans over to talk to the bartender. He looked like he's just coming into work dressed in a t-shirt, shorts, kicks and carrying a gatorade bottle. I had to control my breathing and excitement during these few seconds. The only thing crossing my mind at that moment was how my ridiculously overpriced dinner (which I didn't need since I had that huge banh mi) was totally worth just seeing him then. Can you spell S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?

I watched Clash of the Titans 3D after that but I could barely keep my eyes open after having downed my last glass of wine too fast so I could make my 8pm showtime. The movie was mehh. Nothing exciting and totally forgettable.

Yesterday was such a hot day and I was so jealous of everyone walking around enjoying the sunny and mild breeze that I made it a point to get out of the house earlier so I, too, can walk around before my shift today at 4pm. I had lunch at this place called Westville, which I discovered through urbanspoon. I had the lemon herb marinated chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans with almonds plus the absolute BEST apple pie I have ever had in my life. I might have to go back there tomorrow just to have that pie.

layed on the grass and read a book before heading back to work

I walked around until I ended up in Hudson River Park. As I was walking along the water, I noticed a familiar stretch of boardwalk and wonder where I had seen it before. Then I remembered, months and months ago, I read an online article about Hugh Jackman buying a $33 million dollar triplex condo in the west village overlooking Hudson River. The view from the photo was where I was standing so I looked left and saw the building...and eventually the condo unit itself. It wasn't very hard to spot, which is odd for a famous celebrity. You'd think they'd want more privacy. The building was all glass which meant you could see through to the units and it was the only three story unit with the white spiral staircase as also shown in the article I saw. I know where Hugh Jackman lives! Again, STALKER.

2nd tall bldg is Mr. Wolverine's building

I'm beginning to scare even myself.

In other news, as in literally news. When I walked out of the apartment earlier today, I found that the surrounding areas was swarming with NYPD. I overheard one telling a passerby that my street was closed within a 10-block stretch. I didn't want to linger and ask what was going on. Later at work, Mica tells me about a drug raid that happened today. NYPD raided several establishments around the area for selling marijuana and in one instance, cocaine. When I got home to check NY1 news, I saw a video of the arrests and found out one of the said establishments happened to be the restaurant right beside my apartment building. There was my bldg! On the news! Where was I when this was happening downstairs?

Rather than be worried about the kind of neighborhood I live in, I was more reassured at the thought that something has been done to remedy the situation. I'd be more worried if the NYPD has given up and left my neighborhood to rot. Now only if they can do something about that late night karaoke place right outside my window?