This Summer, Will be Epic

Note: My computer has been on the fritz the last few weeks so I haven't been able to update as much as I would like to..so to all of those drunken bromances - what we do in life, echoes in Eternity (name the quote and I'll buy you a cookie).

June has officially arrived in NYC and that can only mean one thing - it's summer summer summer time. The Summer (Summer will now and forever be capitalized. And no, this is not an OC reference) brings a lot of amazing things to the plate when you live in the City. There are the Soho Girls walking around lower Manhattan in their sundresses, high heels and sunglasses that cover half three-quarters their faces. There are the Bros, who walk around Murray Hill "Wolfpack" style, sporting bright striped polo shirts, DEP hair and an occasional barbed wire tattoo. And let's not forget the RIVAL ASIAN GROUPS who love to play "Red Rover" as they traverse Broadway/Chinatown, linking arms and walking in a seemingly impenetrable line of gossip, foreign languages and bubble tea.

As an NYU veteran, I've been around the city the past few summers and can officially break it down into five stages:

Stage 1 - Nice Weather = 24 Hour, Champagne Diet

Usually around late May/early June, this stage brings back Outdoor Drinking. You can tell it's this stage of the Summer because you will receive the following text on a Tuesday night - "It's nice weather, LET'S DO THISSS." Other qualities include: not checking a jacket at the club, creating a "Movies I Need to See" list and re-discovering a love for Blue Moon..

Stage 2 - I don't care if we live in NYC, I still want my TAN

People like to be tan in the Summer, city-dwellers or  not. This stage is classified by beach visits, laying out in Central Park or playing basketball outdoors. You know when you see someone at work Monday morning whose face is completely sunburned but you play it off by saying something nice like "you got a lot of color this weekend!"? Classic Stage 2.

Stage 3 - I hate people.

Tourists invade NYC  and bring with them everything that vexes someone who lives in the City. Lines for anything, 2 hour waits @ Shake Shack, strangers asking you for directions on the subway, men wearing visors, etc.

Stage 4 - Apartment Lockdown

Instead of trying to explain this one, I'm going to go Nostradamus on you and look into the future. Guaranteed Tweets to occur during stage 4 include:

• "FML IT'S SO HOT"
• "WHY IS IT SO HOT"
• "My air conditioner is broken, WHYYYY"
• "I'm not leaving the apartment, EVER AGAIN"
• "Wahhhhhhhhh someone please bring me an ice cofee :("

Stage 5 - Crap Summer is ending = 24 Hour, Champagne Diet REMIX

Around late August, there is the slow realization that Summer is ending and Fall will slowly but surely set upon us. It's been drilled into our brains since elementary school that while Summer is a time of fun & craziness, Fall brings back work and responsibility. And you know what college/post college young adults say to this? THIS.

For the record, we are the transition between Stage 1 and Stage 2. I hope to have a great Summer with good eats, amazing friends and memories to last a lifetime. Summer 2k11, LET'S DO THISSS.

In MTN, my next biggest challenge is to cut weight - my goal is to be in the low 170's range by the middle of the Summer. Ever since I've gotten back on a regular workout schedule, I've slowly been gaining weight (muscle, I hope). While I normally wouldn't mind, I'm afraid that if I continue to gain I'll lose some speed in my punches/kicks. This means cardio cardio cardio - I've been trying to take some of my Muay Thai classes back-to-back to get a better workout too. Don't forget - I'm still the Biggest Loser Champion (see one of my other posts for an old picture).

In other news, I've been to Atlantic City two weekends in a row. While this may make me seem like a complete degenerate (a status which I adore, gimme the belt baby), I have learned some valuable lessons. I may be a few hundred dollars poorer, but knowledge is power. Just do me a favor friends, next time we are at the Casino, remind me of these rules should I forget them.

(I'll continue to add to this last as I get older. Shouts to Mrs. Cooper, Predator, the Boss, Troll #1, Shaolin, Doctah, Zordon, Apollo 11, Air Jordan, Ke$ha and Nanny McPhee. Day & Night All Day)

MKP's Gambling Rules

Rule #1: Always, always, ALWAYS gamble with women. The other guys at the table will love it, you will love it, and they bring luck. (When was the last time the - "I went to AC with a bunch of my boys" story actually had a happy ending? Usually, it ends with a) a tamed down version of the Hangover the next morning or b) trying to chase girls at 3AM because you forgot Rule #1)

Rule #2: Time passes so quickly in the Casino, don't even bother trying to plan out the next day. I kid you not, it's like backwards Inception because where hours feel like minutes. Thus, when it's 8AM and you stumble back to bad, realize no one is going to be functional the next morning. It's just not happening.

Rule #3: Even if you have your own special game, the Sex and the City slot machine is fun. Because no matter if you're a man, woman, grandma or child you will always end up thinking - Why thank you Machine, I would LOVE to pick out Samantha's next outfit!

Finally, happy belated/early birthdays to One Love, The Queen & Zordon!

Peace & Love,
MKP

Today, I Discovered an Affinity for White Wine

World of Warcraft WoW Springtime is FLYING by in New York right now, plus or minus the occasional torrential downpour. It has to be a side-effect of global warming because somethings giving in the atmosphere. Thankfully, it was a short-lived allergy season for me this year as we approach that sweet, sweet time of year where people bid adieu to their college lives. I remember graduating to the tune of constant partying amidst constant crying (think the final battle scene from The Last Samurai, except with partying). Was it really one year ago that I graduated from NYU? ::gasp:: #oldness

Congratulations to EVERYONE graduating, get ready for your life to change in major ways when you realize a) the new typical weekend"nightlife" = texting all of your friends only to realize that nobody really wants to go out b) instead, getting housed on the weekdays is not only totally acceptable but a great story to tell colleagues the next day. and c) Friday is Pink Shirt Day. As the Czech would say, Na Zdravi!

Today, I  put on my classy-hat (see right) and tried to put my French white wine tasting class to use. A few weeks ago, I went on a wine-tasting adventure with some Gurls from work in an attempt to gain some classiness. But then I thought about it and realized there is one reason and one reason only why anyone under the age of 50 40 should ever pays for such a class. DUH. Among many secrets learned that day (besides the fact that I suck at wine tasting. who really cares what the differnece is between high acidity and low acidity anyway?!!), was that I would give drinking white wine on the regular a chance. And the verdict? I think Drake said it best.

In MTN, I've started moving away from the more beginner-oriented classes and more towards the "intermediate" realm oooooooooooo. This means more work with the dreaded pads (think what boxing trainers hold in their hands during workout sessions). Working with pads allows you to use a lot more force with your punches/kicks so it brings a whole new dimension to the workout. I thought I was in good shape before, but this stuff is TOUGH. Last week I could barely walk around the office but truth be told - No Pain, No Gain. Next time I have a good sparring round, I'll post the play by play here. Watch out, Warrior Dash 2k11.

I have also started booking plans to visit the mythical Chi-town in a  few weeks. I'm pretty excited, as I've owed both Lupe Fiasco & my man Sp!ke a visit for quite some time. Yay - I can cross it off my list!!

Mental List #218: Places I Want To Go

-Machu Picchu (Life Goal)

-Los Angeles (Long Term Goal)

-Chicago (Long term Goal)

-The Highline in NYC (Summer Goal - it's a shame I've never been wah /hint)

-Dairy Queen (Short Term Goal)

-Taco Bell (Shorter Term Goal...must...go...soon..)

Finally in the Music World, I am SO hyped for Joe Budden's newest album, Mood Muzik 4.5, to be released in late May. Anyone true to the hip hop game has to give the man respect - his lines are not only catchy, but can be both clever and deep at the same time. That, and he's a really funny guy (peep him on twitter, esp. on #sundressdays) Is there anyone with a Jersey affiliation who didn't scream "Let me just make the statement loud and clear, Jersey's HERE!"during Fire? Anyone???

On that note, here's my favorite song from his last mixtape. Cheers.

Stuck in the Moment
I can’t explain it, I just gotta embrace it
But something got me feeling this way
Instead of running, I’m waiting here for it
Cause nothin ever felt this great
I’m stuck in the moment
Stuck in the moment, the moment
Stuck in the moment, the moment
Stuck in the moment


Peace & Love,
MKP

Today, Allergies Reigned Supreme (AND MEMPHIS IS AWESOME)

Note: In the middle of writing this post, I took a 2+ hour hiatus to watch the 3OT Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game. Even in defeat, the Kobe face picture I was going to post at the end will now be replaced by Z-Bo. #Respect.

There are few things worse in this world than having uber, uberly bad allergies in springtime (it's May...). I'm one of those unlucky people who are afflicted by uncontrollable sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes and all of that other sticky-icky-icky stuff that is associated with having allergies. And today, at work I almost had a total breakdown.

Have you ever been in a public place and wanted to sneeze/cough/laugh/cry loudly & uncontrollably? And been helpless to do anything about it? Then there's a little, tiny piece of your subconscious that believes you might be able to hold it together? Yeah, that never happens. Trust me, I'm known for doing this annoying cute thing where I sneeze and sneeze and sneeze again for no apparent reason. Anyone who has EVER slept in a room with me knows exactly what I am talking about.

Today it was so bad, it almost eclipsed the time where my headphones fell out of my phone when I was streaming the Spice Girls Pandora Station and blasted "Say My Name" for a solid 30 seconds. True Story.  Situations like today reminded me of the list that me and The Iron Lung put together a few years ago:

Worst Things That Could Ever Happen (in no particular order):
1. Drowning
2. Going to a Dinner Party With Not Enough Food
3. Allergies
4. Having Someone Else Ruin the Season Finale of Glee
5. Being Allergic to Chocolate

In MTN, I am finally getting back in the groove of working out on a constant basis. After going hard for the first 5-6 weeks, the beautiful weather drew me in yet again. But, I am happy to report that I am now back on my grinding schedule (I want to see those push ups, Mrs. Cooper). One thing I do have to work on is my punching form. I have a tendency to lead with my arms too much and not put enough of my body/legs into my hooks. For anyone who ever took AP Physics, I need more torque.

Finally, in honor of the saddest tweet I've seen in 2011 - "i wanna go on a date" here are some IDEAL places to meet girls. I feel a new Summer 2k11 Pact coming. And this one Ladies & Gentlemen,  has a chance to top the "American Pie", "Slap Bet", "Throw Up or Sun Up" AND "Never Fall in Love at the Jersey Shore" pacts...one of these has to work right?

• Bowling Alley
• Car Wash
• Blackjack Table
• Lady Gaga Concert (Tix pls, Zordon)
• Anywhere that Serves Milkshakes

(I have to mention it, R.I.P. Lakers Mini-Dynasty. We all loved Kobe #24, now it's time for the next generation - Bynum 2.0, The Executioner)

And now Z-Bo. See the first few lines of this post for reference.

Peace & Love,
MKP

Today, Justice Has Been Done

In the middle of writing one of my usual blog posts, breaking news came across the wire - Osama Bin Laden has been confirmed as killed by the United States. By the time anyone reads this, they will definitely already know about it, but I think it's important to write something on this anyway. Everyone remembers where they were that day and I certainly do - it was my middle school Applied Technology class when whispers started going around that the U.S. had been attacked.

At the time, I know was too young to really understand the gravity of that moment. Now, almost 10 years later (and on a seemingly normal Sunday night), I'm reminded of that sense of national unity & pride. I think I can speak for everyone when I praise our military and the job they do protecting this country. Thank You.

Details we all want to know:


-The intimate details of the firefight that killed Osama. I don't know if I've seen too many episodes of 24, but I'd like to believe there are some heroes out there (Real Life Jack Bauers) who carried out the mission.

-The timeline. Obama apparently had knowledge of the situation for a while and OK'd the mission today - on the heels of a hysterical White House correspondents dinner (watch this, you won't regret it). He's the definition of cool under pressure and obviously able to hand the immense stress of the job.  I don't envy the decisions he has to make each and every day - can we say reelection yet?

-How crazy the college parties will be in DC. All of those people rushing the White House gates will definitely need somewhere to go later. What a moment! Wish I could be at Ground Zero tonight.

-Does this finally kick The Royal Wedding off the news wire? (Fox News Fail: During the Osama coverage, the original programming was entitled "Royal Wedding Recap").

(below is the post I had originally wrote before the announcement. God Bless!)

-------------------------------------------------------

On Thursday, I went to my first official game at the new Yankee Stadium. I'd been to the Stadium before for my NYU graduation (one of those bittersweet moments where fml meets /cry) but had never been to an actual game before. Score aside, which the Yankees pulled out, the most impressive thing about where we were sitting was the fact that they have servers who can bring you food. Can it really get any better than that???

The best thing they serve at Yankee Stadium? Cheese Fries. See below for important information.

Things that cheese goes well on (in no particular order):

-Fries

-Broccoli

-Meat(s)

-Substance

(Thx out to the Doctah for the awesome seats! Definitely need to go to more baseball games during the summer. Mets? Yanks? Let's gooo)

On Saturday, I played in the annual IFA Tony Regina Basketball Tournament. It was great to see everyone again and catch up with past & present Flying Tigers. Yes, I fouled a freshman girl at the rim. And Yes, it was all ball baby.  #balltillIfall

After Hooters (an after tournament tradition), I checked out my first UFC PPV event featuring GSP vs. Jake Shields. While this was a  great match on it's own, the true brawl was the title fight before it - Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick. I don't know what a Hematoa is, and I never want to. All I know is that Hominick had a welt THE SIZE OF A BASEBALL on his forehead. I'd post a picture of it, but it's defintely not for the faint of heart. I definitely let loose one too many girly yelps manly roars during the bout. Google, but beware.

Finally, Zach Randolph may a beast in Memphis this year - but Knicks fans don't forget his tenure with the team. Reminds me of a night out with Jazz, Air Jordan and Apollo 11. Mass MT this week, stay tuned!

Peace & Love,
MKP

This weekend, was 3 days long.

Just got back from class today and boy did I need the sweat. I'm finally starting to get the hang of Muay Thai kicks - it takes balance and a lot of trust that you won't fall over. There have been multiple times where I have completely wiped out and had a "that guy" moment. Hopefully those days are behind me now. Top highlight of the day: High Kicking Tommy Boy straight in the kisser.

So this past weekend was 3 days long (Happy Belated Easter). The funniest thing about a 3 day weekend  is that you always try and convince yourself you're going to "take it easy." Always. And you know what Always happens? The complete opposite of "taking it easy." 

Have you ever tried to recap one of your friends on what you did over the weekend and it comes out like some kind of shopping list? Here goes:

"Got Ready" for PCN (Philippine Cultural Night, an NYU Tradition)

Went to PCN. Shouts to IFAmily, making us alum proud!

Went out with the oldies

Got Cheesesteaks, again.

Got a Manicure (jk?)

Went to Lair (interesting, but expensive)

Went to People to wish my boy the Predator a happy birthday

Got an entire Articoke pizza, again. I'm a sad, sad mess. 

Went to MSG for Game 4 of the Knicks vs. Celtics

On Sunday, I checked out my first Knicks playoff game. Despite the loss, the Knickbockers didn't play too terribly (if you discount the first 30 minutes of the game). I was proud to see them fight it out until the end even if they couldn't look up defense in the dictionary. Shouts to Bosi & OK!

Top chants of a drunken, rowdy MSG playoff atmosphere:

"THESE REFS SUCK"

"BOSTON SUCKS"

"KG SUCKS" (anything with the word sucks after it was fair game)

"ADEL-MAN, ADEL-MAN" (Might need to fire D'Antoni next year. TBD.)

My personal creations:

"GET THE BABY A BOTTLE" (Glen "Big Baby" Davis Reference)

"YOU ARE OLD. YOU ARE OLD" (Boston in General Reference)

In the music world, heading out to see Big KRIT tomorrow in the BK.  In his honor, peep the song below. Sooo hyped, lets do thissss.

Big Krit - My Sub

Yeah let my trunk knock till the tape pop,
My rims chop chop, while the bass drop,
Yeah let my trunk knock till the tape pop,
My rims chop chop, while the bass drop

Peace & Love,

MKP