Skip to main content

You Deserve A Break Today


30 years ago, I took a train from Lima, Ohio to New York City with my resume in the World's Heaviest Briefcase and the address of the Sloane House YMCA on West 34th Street close to 9th Avenue.

The building is now home to the Sloane Apartments and the neighborhood itself edges the glitzy new Hudson Yards complex.

Hudson Yards Photo by Rhododendrites/Commons.Wikimedia

But in 1989, I didn't dare go over to 9th Avenue. Even in the daytime, it looked desolate. I always turned right whenever I walked out of that YMCA towards brighter, louder 8th Avenue.

I was starving before I checked into my room that first August evening. So I threw my bags down on the little bed and immediately ventured out again.

As I left the building, I put my wallet in my front pocket and assumed the stance of a seasoned New Yorker - downcast eyes, sullen face and a resolute stride like I was late for something. Even though I had no idea where I was going. I wasn't afraid, just...out of my element and hyper-aware of my new surroundings. Ready in case someone jumped me. 

I passed steel gates guarding narrow stores. I heard the rumble of the subway somewhere beneath me. Dozens of people just shuffled on the sidewalks even though it was close to 10 p.m. Once at 34th and 8th, I stood still, contemplating my next move. Should I turn? Just keep going straight? Why do I keep smelling chestnuts roasting?

Then I felt conspicuous like I really was fresh off of the train. So I crossed and veered to the right, passing an adult book store with glaring "PEEP SHOW" signs. Wow, right here out in the open, I thought. I slowed down, trying to peek in. I didn't see the guy crouched on a crate by the front door.

"Hey, little man. C'mon in. Whatchu need tonight?"

I snapped my head and sped away.

"Can I have a dollar?" he called out after me.

Embarrassed, I sought refuge in the only thing I recognized: The Golden Arches. So much for my big exploration. I wasn't proud that McDonald's was my first meal as a New Yorker, but I rationalized it by thinking "Go With What You Know." I gorged on a Big Mac, a cheeseburger, and large fries. I passed on a pop. Why spend money on a drink when I can get water later from the drinking fountain. I had to stick to my budget. 




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Van Halen vs. Tone-Loc

This week in 1989, Tone-Loc was blocked from the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 by Paula Abdul and her first hit song "Straight Up."  Sharp-eyed readers will note that this is the third mention of Abdul on this blog, something I never would have guessed when I launched this.  Anyway, Tone-Loc's "Wild Thing" rocketed into the hearts of music lovers around the world thanks to a classic hip hop move: Borrowing an element from something that was tired at the moment and re-inventing it for new audiences.   In this case, the song's guitar riff and drum roll were instantly identifiable from Van Halen's "Jamie's Cryin'" off their first album in 1978 (!) According to Wikipedia (the primary research resource here at "Little Brett, Big City"), the Van Halen management team allowed the sample to be included in "Wild Thing" for a flat fee of $5,000.  But apparently the band members hadn't heard anything about it. Drummer...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Of Love

  As my mother studiously wrote on the back, this little gem is from 1972. Look at me with that natural curl. And I wasn't even wearing any mousse!  Some of you have kindly asked how "The Book" is going. Easter eggs aside, I'm on the hunt for a literary agent for my finished manuscript. (Well, is it ever finished?) Seems like I've got a pretty darn good pitch, or "query letter" as they call it in the biz. So far, I've received 11 responses out of 25 pitches. Not bad since agents get hundreds of pitches a year, and they don't owe me a thing.  Nice replies usually, but nothing solid yet because of their current workload of projects, or my story just isn't right for them. More than one has mentioned that memoirs have been difficult to sell to publishers lately. Ruh-roh. Maybe I'll turn it into a comic book.  So if you haven't already, my Easter request to you dear reader is to sign up here for future installments of "Little Brett, B...
Post a Comment
Read more

What's The Same In New York Since 1989

NYTix.com   As of this weekend, I have been in New York for 32 years. They say you become a "New Yorker" after 10. I suppose I am New York to the 3rd power?  Last week I had one of those sensory memories walking to a client meeting in the August humidity. While crossing 5th Avenue, the heat, the noise, and the smells transported me to another late August day back in 1989, pounding the pavement with "The World's Heaviest Briefcase" looking for a job.  It made me stop and smile. A lot has changed since then of course. I certainly have. But a few things remain the same here. I've made a list of what's the same for me since those early days:  WHAT'S THE SAME IN NEW YORK SINCE 1989  * There's another pandemic now, just as misunderstood and misappropriated by political interests.  * Rent is still "Too damn high" as one upstart political party used as a battle cry about 10 years ago. Except for rare blips, rents go up exponentially.  * You al...
Post a Comment
Read more