The Random Ramblings of One K-Dubs

Phatcorndog

This post has been a long time coming, and I really haven't had much time to post in the past few weeks cause I've been so busy.  But I'll recap my trip to State College briefly.

The one thing about traveling to State College from Philadelphia is the complete lack of choice of public transportation.  No trains between the two towns, and since I'm without a car, I was forced to resort to Greyhound (and its accompanying 6 hour bus trip) to get there.  The bus broke down about a half hour from State College in some boondock town named Lewistown.  Luckily, the guy sitting in front of me on the bus happened to be a mechanic.  Problem solved.

After meeting up with Joffre, we went to some random frat house.  Typical college party, with plenty of Natty Light and freshman girls to boot.  Definitely a nice change of pace from the lameness that is my social life these days.  After the frat party, we headed to some bar off College Ave. called The Brewery, which featured a live band and a great grungy atmosphere.  We capped off the night by almost walking into a full-blown brawl in some back alley, and nearly beat Toe Jam and Earl on Sega Genesis before getting fucked over on the 26th level or something... I was too wasted to remember.

Woke up in a haze the next morning, and cured that with a sick bowl of pho from Viet Thai.  I don't know if Joffre knows how lucky he is to have a place like that down the street from his off-campus house.  That place was so money.

I can't really describe the Penn State-Minnesota football game any other way than this: it was simply amazing.  106,000 people, all but 500 or so rooting for the Nittany Lions.  Everybody going nuts, chanting, cheering, screaming "Fuck Lee Corso" (who had picked Minny earlier in the day on College Gameday and "Fuck You, 15" (the uniform number worn by the arrogant as hell Minnesota cornerback who couldn't stop anybody), etc.  It was how I wish Georgetown kids were at our basketball games (minus the front 4-5 rows that are equally hardcore).  Penn State spanked Minnesota 44-14, and the place was pumped up all afternoon.  I sat on the 40 yard line in the senior student section.  Can't beat that.

Later that night, we went to a restaurant/bar called Otto's, where I had the best nachos I've ever had (although still the best guacamole and chili pepper cheese dip I've ever had was in Acapulco).  We followed that up with a visit to two different bars, The Deli and Phyrst (imagine what Tombs would be like without stuck up trust fund kids and asshole waiters).  On top of it, we helped celebrate one of Joffre's friend's 23rd birthday, before stumbling back across campus.

Low key Sunday.  Watched the Giants smoke the Rams, the Yanks win the pennant, and a 6 hour bus ride back.

Great trip.  I needed that badly.  And in my next post, I'll explain why I needed it more than I even thought. 

Phatcorndog

I think I've been catching a lot of flack from some people for not hanging out more often with people within the IMS program at Drexel.  And I have to admit, I have been traveling a lot; mostly out of necessity (eye exam, helping out at home, family reasons), but sometimes also because I know I'll have fun somewhere else (Penn State, AC, etc.)  And despite the fact that even though I was told the Yankee game would be on the TVs at a bowling alley at UPenn on Monday night, I was reluctant to commit to going bowling with a lot of the Drexel kids  that night simply because I was unsure if I'd have fun.

My fears turned out to be warranted.

We get to this seedy bowling alley.  10 lanes, and it looks real crummy, except for all the black lights and crazy atmosphere.  Adult Swim was doing a promo for 12 Ounce Mouse and the Boondocks, so it had a kind of party atmosphere that was not that bad.  But that's where the good part ends.

First, the Yankee game, which was promised to me that it would be on TV, was substituted by Monday Night Football.  Missed the majority of the game, and even though the Yanks eventually ended up losing, I was pissed I missed the game.  I also took some lip from the owner of the bar when I tried to get them to change channels (second time in a week that's happened).  Fuck Philadelphia.

It took us over 2 hours to finally get onto the lanes.  I was basically lied to twice (one, they said they'd have lanes open no problem, and two, they said they'd have the Yankee game on).   And when we finally did get on the lanes, it was like trying to swim in a kiddy pool; the area was so small, you couldn't even get a full headstart towards the lane while throwing your ball.

After throwing ONE game, 5 of the 8 people I went with decided they had had enough and decided to leave.  At 11:00pm.  With no school the next day.  I was in disbelief.  These were apparently the same kids who called me out for not ever going out with them, and they were the ones ditching early.  So lame.  I'd have a hard time justifying ever going out again with them in the future.  That was completely uncool.

Not to sound all emo or anything like that intentionally, but man, I am really missing you guys from home and from G'Town.  I'm really hoping a lot of you can make it up for my birthday in 3 weeks.  By the way, if you were thinking of heading into Philly, I'm still working on trying to get you guys open bar wristbands at McFadden's for 3 bucks, but it doesn't look like its going to happen (Student Activities Board people are being bitches).  But, I hope you still come, and if we don't go there, we can always find somewhere else to have a good time.

Phatcorndog

Wow, what a sick night it was on Saturday.

Joffre and Chaz came down around dinner time, and we headed over to Colleen's first for some grub and brew.  We met up with their friend Smoky down on South Street at a bar called Fat Tuesday, and through back a few drinks there before heading over to Blarney's, where we did the same.  After chilling out by the waterfront for a bit before Smoky had to go home (poor guy had to drive all the way to Newark, DE), we were walking aimlessly down South Street until a bouncer yelled at us to come to the bar he was working at.  It was called Malakai, and apparently, it was their anniversary celebration.  That meant $3 drinks... anything you wanted.  Top shelft, the cream, you name it.  After helping kill the rest of their Voxx/Grey Goose/Belvidere, and a few rounds of pool, we all awoke back my place miraculously, unharmed.  True story.

The next morning, a quick review of the previous night and random clues (such as a Jim's cheesesteak in the fridge) confirmed that we had gotten cheesesteaks (at Jim's, obviously) and gotten a ride home with Joffre's roommate Ghaz and her 40 year old looking step-sister, who both just happened to be in town after declaring West Chester to be beat.  Luck was on our side.

That's my last post for two weeks.  Hit me up if you want in Philly for 11/4.  

Phatcorndog

God, I'm tired.

After a pretty decent homecoming weekend (which was cut short in order to come back early and study for an exam), I've been at the books non-stop since.  And I'm exhausted.

I'll recap the homecoming weekend after Monday's exams, but I need to get out an update and memo for people visiting me next weekend...

This is the list so far that I have for people definitely coming: Ray, Doug, Alex, Eric, Kim, Jen, Cory, Vernon, and Jaisun.  And this is the list of people who expressed interest but haven't given me a definite answer yet: Brendan, Brian, and Anne.  For all those coming or thinking of coming (including those not listed), please read the following few paragraphs carefully:

My apartment is a single studio.  That's not to say it's a tiny box, but I will be hard pressed to fit everyone.  However, it can be done, but you all need to help.  I've got a futon, and the entire floor is carpeted; however, if you are driving to Philly, I strongly suggest you bring pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, etc. to lay out on the floor.  For you G'town people, Nicole has graciously offered her place to sleep during the nights next weekend, and if you feel like you'd be more comfortable there, let me know ASAP so I can arrange that (keep in mind she lives on campus and about a 20 minute walk from me). 

Also, I'd like to know who is staying for the whole weekend and who is just staying Friday night.  I know several of you have to leave on Saturday, but just to let everyone know, we will be going out Saturday night as well, so if you plan on staying the whole weekend, I have no problem with it. 

As for Friday night, it does not look like I'll be able to get open bar tickets for everyone.  But in any case, that's not a problem either.  I was told you could get an open bar bracelet for the entire night (9-2) for $30 at McFadden's, but if we're going bar-hopping, I doubt we'll be there the entire night.

Lastly, I need to know what time everyone is arriving on Friday, so I can be available to meet you or help you if you get lost.  If you need driving directions or suggestions on how to get to Philly via public transportation, call or IM me and I'll help you out.

Can't wait to see everyone soon.