Sometimes working downtown has its perks. Sure, after 5 the place clears out faster than a Cloverfield monster sighting, but sometimes it works out. Like today. In case you haven't heard, the New York Giants captured the Super Bowl on Sunday over the New England Patriots (as a big sports buff, I could analyze the hell out of the game: Belichick's decision to not go for a field goal on 4th and 13, the emergence of Justin Tuck as a legitimate beast on defense, etc) but I'll save that for the other guys. This is about my life, which is clearly more important. Anyway, today was the parade for the G-Men, and lo and behold, it was starting at 11am near Battery Park, mere minutes from my office. To help matters, I also had a great vantage point from the window near my desk; so I could watch the parade and not be cramped or feel like someone was either grabbing my ass or pickpocketing me. I was content with that. But then after thinking about it, I realized, I had to watch it from the ground, no matter how far I was. Ticker tape parades are few and far between; the last one was for the Evil Empire (The Yankees) in 2000, and there had never been a football parade. The last time the Giants won, I believe in 1990, they didn't have a parade in NYC because former mayor Ed "I hope people forget I was the judge on The People's Court for a period of time" Koch didn't want a non-tax paying entity in "his" city. I think the Giants ended up on a flat bed truck somewhere near Route 3 near the Meadowlands, near the Tick Tock Diner and the Secaucus transfer point for NJ Transit. So this truly was something that hadn't happened in awhile, and may never happen again. And being so close to the actual parade route, it was a no-brainer. I saddled up my camera, and about 10:33am, about four co-workers and I braved the elements and went outside to catch a glimpse (I say "brave the elements" because we all didn't wear jackets; I thought it was supposed to be warmer yet I still shivered; another guy just had chronic armpit sweating issues).
However, our view was obstructed by overly excited Giant fans and a plethora of New York's finest. Seeing nothing in sight (except the buses the players were on, I assume, and an unbelievable amount of attractive women), we went back upstairs, heads down, disappointed. "I really planned on doing no work today," I thought to myself, even though that was most of the days.
While sitting back in my cell, I mean cube, a co-worker came back and said, "We have to go back." I wasn't sure we'd make any progress, but since I wanted any excuse to ditch what I was doing, I obliged, this time making sure to grab my coat.
We trudged downstairs and went out the back entrance, hoping to beat some of the rush. A co-worker warned us we wouldn't see anything, we paid him no mind. We had to at least try. So we went up Wall Street, only to be blocked by more of the po-po on each side street. But then, a break. We found a side street not blocked off. So we and about 500 other people crammed into what amounted into no more than an alley to try to get a glimpse of the promenade. Unfortunately, space and good viewing were in high demand, so we appeared to be out of luck. My co-worker stands about 6'3, so standing on his tippy toes, he was able to get a decent look. Me, being in this case a short 5'9, saw nothing but the back of heads. I was about to go out when an idea struck my co-worker. To my left, where other kids were standing (or rather balancing), there stood a ledge, maybe about 2 inches off the wall and about 3 feet long. "You should go up there," my co-worker exclaimed, not figuring I was chancing certain death. Keep in mind the ledge was probably about 10 feet off the ground, so a spill off that wouldn't likely kill me, but definitely would do some damage. I hesitated, wondering if it was all worth it. But, continuing my "once in a lifetime" thinking, I willingly took a boost from him and jumped up there. Now, the view was exceptional. I was able to see a good amount of the players, and snapped a solid 30+ pics, all while holding onto the ledge with one hand and the other holding my camera. I don't know what I was more worried about; falling or breaking my camera (it was a gift after all). Somehow I kept my balance until I couldn't feel my feet or hands. It was bedlam by me. People everywhere, people climbing onto sanitation trucks, ledges, standing on shoulders. I think voter groups would love to see this type of turnout for the primaries, but I severely doubt it. I have to say though, while it was a trying experience, I'll certainly never forget it, and am glad I did it. Just next time, I'll be getting there early, bringing stilts, and a camera with a better zoom.
In other news, the streak continues with bad news for other job opportunities. I hadn't invested a lot in this one, even though it sounded promising. The editor got back to me saying progress had been made, but they needed the dreaded "more time." I'm to get back to her in another month. Sigh. I should have expected it. I guess that's why I don't get too worked up over these things anymore; I always get let down. And while it's not a definite no-go, it might as well be. Another month. I just keep telling myself, "Just get yourself through another day. Another week. Another month." But I didn't think I'd still be telling myself this, almost eight months later. A co-worker, who is also as despondent over this job situation as I am, ran down the cons of working there, as there were really no pros. Basically, it came down to us feeling like we weren't doing anything for "the greater good." We weren't using our full college degree talents towards anything. And we just weren't going to put out a complete effort for such a meaningless place. I guess that's what it all comes down to. Are you willing to give all of yourself to something you don't care about? I've realized for this place, no. Thankfully I had the parade to take up most of the day. I wish they came around everyday.
It's the End of the World as We Know It: Standing on a ledge to get a glimpse of a bunch of football players I couldn't pick out of a police lineup. A close second: being at the urinal in the bathroom and saying, "I need to wash this crap off my hands." Another person at an adjoining stall replying, "Whoa, you don't use toilet paper?"
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