some_stars | (no subject)

Well, as expected, I did not win either of the ticket lotteries I tried, but it was a lot of fun--Book of Mormon especially was a great, friendly atmosphere, and I was genuinely excited for all the people who did win. Newsies was less fun, mostly because their megaphone had much worse fidelity, and they didn't announce the winner's state first (they both wanted your state or zip code on the entry ticket, which I assume is something to do with when they check your ID), and for some reason the guy was pointing his megaphone away from me the entire time, so I was on edge just trying to hear. Plus he was much less entertaining than the guy at the other theater, who had a whole patter going. Also, I almost-ran all the way from one theater to the other--you can't actually run through Times Square at 5 pm, of course, which is just as well because I would have keeled over. But I powerwalked very intensely! And there was some running, whenever the path was clear. I am sure I looked ridiculous but it was very exciting, and I made it with six minutes to spare.

Anyway, all of this failed and I went down to Brooklyn and ate three hot dogs and watched the sunset and pronounced silent judgment on the new Brooklyn Bridge Park. But they left the old one intact, so my favorite place is still there, so I cannot grouse overmuch. Although I can grouse about the fact that when I got there at a little after six, there was a row of six public water fountains, new and clean and working well (and working), and I was very excited at this because, holy shit, actual public facilities that you don't have to pay for, I had thought that era was gone forever. But they're temporary/portable, and when I was leaving the park and hoping to refill my $2 water bottle for the trip home--staring at the sun for an hour is surprisingly dehydrating--some guys were wheeling them away. IDK, it just seems so...I don't know the right word. Cheap, mean-spirited, half-assed. Maybe the way they were treated like a special novelty treat, or the fact that actual fully-installed fountains weren't considered worthy of the budget. I have a huge hot button regarding necessary and free public facilities, you guys. HUGE. Of course it also may have been having to shell out another fucking two dollars to get some water.

All told, I think I walked almost two miles today, a quarter mile of that rather briskly. Much of it was the result of error, but at least it was exercise. The thing is, I have New York City filed in my mind as "not ridiculously hot," because most of the year, especially compared to home, it isn't. I mean, I checked the forecasts, but I didn't really process them and forgot that it's, you know, July. And really fucking hot. Since my favorite things to do in the city are walk around and sit in parks (both free!), this presents a problem. Also I didn't bring enough books. I almost did, but I was trying to make my suitcase less heavy and I only took three and what was I thinking? I see a trip to the Strand in my future.

Wow, that came out really negative. It was a lovely day! Really. Tomorrow: more lotteries! Crepes! Maybe a museum! Probably a concert! Also the subway line I use most is being basically shut down for maintenance this weekend. Possibly. Either the MTA website or the MTA posters are lying to me, it would be nice to know which one.