Ryan "Cooper" T. Chong
19 years old Singer Artist Starbucks barista Please click on the links below to navigate my site
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Life In The Big Apple
Sunday, July 27, 2008
On Wednesday, Kim gave me a call asking if I could bring her to Pearl Paint because she needed to get some materials to get her portfolio done. Well I said I could bring her tomorrow (Thursday) if she's free. So we decided to go after her Starbucks Experience class at the Starbucks on 33rd St. and 7th Ave. in Manhattan. She went there together with Christine and Iris Grace and was scheduled to finish at 2:30pm. So at 1:30pm, I was looking at the LIRR schedule and noticed that the next train to Penn Station (which was next to that Starbucks) will arrive at 1:35pm. So I quickly got myself a one way ticket ($7.25 -_-"), ran to the platform and waited for a few minutes before the train arrived. I had a very bad experience the first time I took the LIRR. If you look at one of my entries a few months ago (probably in March 2008) you'll see what I mean. The trains though are way better than the subways and some even come equipped with restrooms, nice cushioned chairs, and its very quiet. Fast as well. There were only 2 stops (or was it 3) in between the Flushing Main St. Station and Penn Station. I arrived at Penn Station 15 to 20 minutes after I got on board compared to the hour plus that would have taken me if I had taken the subway. Anyway, I arrived there earlier than expected and took a seat right in front of the door to the room where they were having their class, nursing my iced venti 3 pumps classic, 3 pumps raspberry green tea lemonade. So 2:30pm came, Iris and Christine came out first followed by Kim. Gave all of em hugs ^^ (I think I've gotten used to that by now since before in Malaysia, the only time I hugged people was when I was about to leave for the States) After hanging around that Starbucks for awhile, Iris left first, then Christine, Kim and myself dropped by Borders for awhile. Christine left then to meet up with a friend before going home. Kim and I took the E train to Canal St. where we got off and walked a few blocks and finally arrived at my favorite art supply store. LOL! The elevator wasn't working so unfortunately the upper floors could not be restocked so at the top floor there was hardly and Copic markers left and stuff. Well we walked around awhile and she realized how expensive being an art student is ($6 for a 6oz tube of watercolor). Expensive no? After that I was getting pretty hungry. It was near 5pm and the only thing that I ate the whole day was a small lil bun in the morning. Thought of going to the Blue Ribbon Sushi but when we arrived, Gary wasn't there and we had to wait 30 to 45 minutes to get a seat, so we walked back to Prince and Sullivan st where our cab dropped us off and fortunately for us, the restaurant at the corner of that block was participating in the Restaurant Week event so its a 3 course meal for $35 per person. We decided to have dinner there and it was great! Well I wasn't at all used to that level of service or enviroment or food and I felt out of place wearing jeans and sneakers. But it was overall a great place. After looking up the restaurant I found out it was rated "the most romantic restaurant" by citysearch in 2006. Lol... I paid for the dinner and tips and was lucky enough that my dad was in the area so he picked me up and sent her home before going home outselves. Oh and the name of the restaurant was the "Cub Room" Some videos that I found on YouTube. Mi Mancherai by Josh Groban A medly of songs (including Bohemian Rhapsody) by Lucia Micarelli Saturday, July 19, 2008 boring day...
I'm bored... I didn't even take a single step out of my house today. Woke up at 8 but went back to sleep since I could meet up with Christine for brunch because I had to take care of Edric. Even JR called and asked if I could work a shift at Bayside. Woke up again at 10am. Spent the first 2 hours washing up, chatting and reading Rorouni Kenshin. Started playing Devil May Cry 4 on my PS3 till 1 something when I cooked lunch. Then I continued playing DMC4 till 4:50pm. After that I just read Rorouni Kenshin till now. The day before yesterday though, I was having dinner at the Happy Garden Restaurant on Main St. and 60th Ave./St. with my dad's friends. Hard to spell their names out since its in chinese. Anyway, one of them, Gary, is a Manager at the Blue Ribbon Sushi on 119, Sullivan Street in downtown Manhattan. Since I love Japanese food, he told me that if I bring a date, he'll treat us for free there. And I'm like.... what!? I can't find a date! Most of the girls I know are the ones at work. And lets see. First person that comes to mind was Kim, but I'm feeling more and more erm.. whats that word, uncomfortable. I just don't feel that I have the right since she's happy with her boyfriend. Everyone else is taken as well... Well... maybe except Ji (or is she?) Oh well... I guess it can wait. Its not a life and death situation... Sunday, July 13, 2008 You're Beautiful
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure. I saw an angel. Of that I'm sure. She smiled at me on the subway. She was with another man. But I won't lose no sleep on that, 'Cause I've got a plan. (Chorus): You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. I saw your face in a crowded place, And I don't know what to do, 'Cause Ill never be with you. Yes, she caught my eye, As I walked on by. She could see from my face that I was, Flying high, And I don't think that I'll see her again, But we shared a moment that will last till the end. (Chorus): You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful it's true I saw your face in a crowded place, And I don't know what to do, 'Cause Ill never be with you. (La-la-la-la, La-la-la-la, La-la-la-la, Laaah) (Chorus): You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. There must be an angel, with a smile on her face, When she thought that I should be with you. But it's time to face the truth, I will never be with you Rants.
In 2 days, I have moved from depressed to being hyper to being so damn exhausted. Being single really is depressing. Some people prefer to be single... Some people don't really think of it since they've been lucky and is already in a relationship or can always get into one easily. At least Carlos knows what I'm talking about. He's been single for the first 18 years of his life. He's 21 now and has had 2 girlfriends so far. At least there's one good thing about being single: Once you get into a relationship, you'll treasure it far more than if u always get out of one and into one. As for me. I'm still single. 19 damned years. gyahh!!! This is so depressing. I envy my friends who are in long term relationships. I guess it all started when I was 13. I really liked this girl for 2 years. When I confessed, word of it kinda got spread around and people starting making fun of me. And she didn't talk to me for 7 months after that. That was probably one of the worst times in my life. I was constantly depressed and my self confidence took a plunge down the Mariana trench. Well maybe its because of that I guess. My lack of confidence and self conciousnessis probably holding me back. Then again, I'm attracted to sweet girls more than really hot ones I guess. Oh well... Back to today.. or technically, yesterday since its already past midnight. Got onto the floor all hyper and bouncy, only to crash later since I used up all my energy. And then.... had to do an unexpected detail cleaning which included scrubbing the floor drains, wiping the hardened, dried syrups from the wall, wiping the dust off the wall and cleaning all the windows and ledges. Finally had to make 1 backup mocha sauce, 2 coffee frappuccino bases and 1 creme frappuccino base. I was so tired after that. Couldn't wait to get home. And I'm wondering why on Earth am I still awake. I have work at 10:30am tomorrow... gyahh.... Goodnight. Thursday, July 10, 2008 Smile...
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by If you smile And maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile Wednesday, July 09, 2008 The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ahh yes. The "Metropolitan Museum of Art, art museum in New York City, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. Founded in 1870 by a group of civic leaders, philanthropists, and artists, the museum has occupied its current location in New York’s Central Park since 1880. Its collections number nearly three million objects in every known artistic medium, representing cultures from every part of the world, from ancient times to the present. Popularly known as the Met, the museum is a private institution. Its collection is housed in a building owned and maintained by New York City. Visited by more than five million people each year, the museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is also a major educational institution, offering a wide array of programs for children and adults. In addition, scholars of archaeology and art history conduct advanced research projects at the museum." (Fletcher) "There are several large museums in New York but the Metropolitan Museum of Art is truly gigantic. From the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue, the Met, with its tall columns and windows, immense stairways and water fountains, looks like it could be an emperor’s palace. The size and diversity of the artwork on display is even more impressive; the museum’s collection contains works from every part of the world, spanning the Stone Age to the twentieth century. The Egyptian Art gallery includes a whole temple that was shipped to America as a gift. Kim invited me along to accompany her to the museum last night. I've been wanting to go and visit the museum again since I only spent like 4 hours there the last time (prompting my art professors to go like: "What!? Just 4 hours?" The museum is almost a quarter of a mile long and has over 4 million square feet in floor space. So it takes like 2 long hour trips there to actually visit everything. I've been there twice so far and I have yet to see everything or been to every exhibit in the entire museum. We met up at 10am at Starbucks, then after getting ourselves 2 iced grande, extra caramel, caramel macchiato, we got onto the subway and made our way to the Grand Central station where we transferred to the uptown bound #6 train and got off at the 77th St. Station. From there, we walked westward till we reached Central Park, made a left and walked a few more blocks till we reached the museum itself. I love the building's neo classical architecture. Its size is massive! More like a in-your-face sort of massive.   The Grand/Main hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This small temple here was shipped all the way from Egypt to New York City. Must've been a load of work!
 We walked through many more different exhibits that I skipped or just walked by without looking during my first trip. Probably cause during my first trip, I had 2 works that I needed to find in that huge building. There were a few rooms where the artwork was done directly onto the wall itself. Like this one for example:  After wandering around the Egyptian, Native Australian, Southern American, Pop Art, Dadaism, Medieval, Romantic, Gothic and so on, we stumbled upon a rather interesting looking sculpture that looks very familiar...   Now we know where Starbucks coffee got their logo in the first place. It was fun to see Kim go: "ooh, pretty~" at a whole lot of works at the museum. It was very cute, like a little girl looking at something that she thinks is cute. She loves almost all of the animal works (Kim, "aww.. kitty~", "ooh a bunny!") hehe... Well we got kinda hungry after looking at the weapons and armor section so we decided to have lunch at the Balcony Cafe overlooking the main hall (neither of us had had breakfast). She loves brie cheese alot and was pretty happy to find out they had a ham and brie baguette sandwich. It was pretty expensive though ($8.50). I bought a bowl of tomato and mozzarella salad ($8.50) and 2 bottles of water ($2.50 each). She didn't like how the ham overpowered the taste of the cheese and how hard the baguette was. We shared our food and both agreed that the sandwich wasn't worth $8.50 at all. It was much more expensive than any of our sandwiches at Starbucks and yet doesn't even taste half as good as the ones that we have. The salad was much better (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, small lil cute mozzarella balls and olives with balsamic vinagrette dressing). After eating, we had a look at the Asian exhibition and Egyptian exhibition before finally moving on to the American exhibition. We had to leave soon cause she was supposed to meet up with her boyfriend at Queens Place at 5:15pm. So after the American exhibition was done (including some work by the founder of Tiffany and Co.), we took one photo of us together at the exit and made our way back to the subway station (though not before grabbing 2 cones of ice cream. It was really hot and humid outside). We parted ways at Queensboro Plaza station where she took the R train to Queens Plaza Mall and I continued back to Flushing on the #7 express. Went to Starbucks after that to get an iced venti, sweetened, green tea lemonade then walked through the rain (Tommy wanted to give me a bright pink umbrella) to pick Edric up from tutoring before heading back home all sweaty because of the damn heat. LOL... Gotta get to QCC tomorrow to settle some stuff about my fees. ugh... Good night!  Tuesday, July 08, 2008 Another day...
Another day, without your smile Another day, just passes by And now I know how much it means For you to stay right here with me The time we spend apart will make our love grow stronger But it hurts so bad I can't take it any longer... I arrived at work an hour and a half early so I ate breakfast (a caramel macchiato and a multigrain bagel toasted with cream cheese). After I finished that, John asked me if I wanted to start work earlier. I agreed so I clocked in at 8:00AM. I was soo energetic on the floor. Very enthusiastic I guess since today will be the first time I'm working together with Christine and Kimberly on the floor. Kimberly impressed me alot with how calm she was at the bar... Its like I'm the storm all around and she's the eye of the storm. All calm and stuff. (I really was zipping from one side of the bar to the other). I remember when I was as new as her... and I would be panicking so badly they would have to drag me back to register. LOL! Then she left and Christine came in. She's much more playful than Kimberly, still gets a little bit lost now and then but its not her fault. Really was busy today. She managed to spray chocolate whipped cream on her shoe and as well as on the back of John Kim. LOL!! Well after seeing both of them. I don't think there's going to be much of a problem. They're going to do alright. I realized a while back ago that when you make an iced shaken tea beverage with the shaker. The lid kinda gets stuck. Probably from the air pressure. I've seen J.R. tossing the shaker in the air with the tea still inside and it doesn't open up. So I tried that the past few days and its kinda fun. It gives me this really big adrelelin rush when I do that cause I'm hoping that it doesn't open up in mid-air and splash its contents all over the place (I'd be so dead if that happens) Had dinner today with Kim at the Restorant Malaysia. Asked Tommy if he wanted to come along but he passed on it. So we had sate, bbq-ed skate fish and char kuey teow. She really liked the char kuey teow, thought that the bbq-ed fish was tasty and interesting since she never tried it before and liked the sate as well. A little hesitant while taking the sate sauce cause she doesn't like spicy food. Started talking about this dream of hers where she visited her friends in England (Russell Peters, "England, ahh") Then went on to enter a school of magic in which the students are seperated into their elements like water, darkness, fire, light, etc. Really interesting. Especially the part of the jewel encrusted headmaster in a room beneath the school. I have an image of it in my mind but I was trying to get it on paper just now and I just couldn't do it. I even tried drawing Tommy but that didn't work out either. Just not in the mood to draw I guess. Just tired at the moment.... Maybe I should get to sleep... Been working for 9 hours today... Have a bunch of errands to run tomorrow before going to work (sigh). Better get to sleep soon.
Saturday, July 05, 2008 A Day with Kim
So Christine and Kimberly has started work at Starbucks (yay!), Karen has returned from Italy (double yay!), I got paid 1.5 times for today because its July 4th (triple yay!) and I got to hang out with Kim yesterday (quad[?] yay!) LOL! Yesterday was my only day off this week as well since I took Min's shift on Tuesday (and because I worked an extra hour that day, I'm working 39.5 hours this week. Sweet!). Well Kim told me before that she only had one pair of uniform for work and her shoes were deemed inappropriate by John cause it "wasn't completely black". So I decided to help her get another pair of uniforms and shoes. We met up at Starbucks (Thats my third place and work place at the same time LOL [Only Starbucks partners will know what I mean]) and then walked to Old Navy to get her shirt. She's very petite so fortunately there was one last XS sized shirt waiting for her. (couldn't get one in white though). Couldn't find any pants her size so we left and walked to MNG by Mango at the new Queens Crossing Mall. We found a nice stretchy black shirt that would have looked great on her but... It wasn't long enough to be tucked in. Oh well... We wandered around this interior decoration store (kinda forgotten what the name of it was). It was cute how she liked and disliked some of the stuff there. And she also told me about her childhood back in Washington. After that we went to Cafe de Paris on Union St. which she had mentioned about during lunch on Tuesday. The interior decoration was one of a cozy little European bakery and the cakes looked really beautiful (unlike those cheap Chinese bakeries). After grabbing a sandwhich from a deli nearby, we hopped on the subway and made our way to Queens Center Mall. Decided to take a break from walking and sat down on one of those sofas so she can munch on her sandwhich (lol) all the while listening to her talk about her life and food and friends and family. I was content to just listen to her most of the time (she seems to enjoy talking lol). It was pretty interesting though I'm not going to go into detail here since there are things that I think she won't want me to spread all over (which I was prone to doing back in Malaysia). Somehow I've gotten much more reserved since I came here. Not as talkative as before I guess. Anyway, we went to JC Penny's to pick out a pair of khakis for her and then she went on to get herself some perfume (CKin2 was it???) and some other thing which I don't even know what its called (Something to do with eyelashes lol) While looking around she suddenly said that I should get some colongue (which we did later). After paying for her pants we went to PayLess Shoe Source. Turns out she loves high heels (around 3 to 3 1/2 inches in height) Cause for some reason, she feels much more comfortable in those than in regular shoes. She chose the most comfortable slip-resistant shoes she could find (which is important in the line of work that we do) and I helped pay for it. Later we stopped by a few more stores for a little window shopping, sampled like 10 colongues to see which one suits me the best (apparently Ferrari Black). We went to Guess, Banana Republic, some Chinese gift shop, a number of shoe shops (she loves shoes). Getting a little late. So we took the bus back to Flushing, got a drink from Starbucks and talked about singers and stuff while waiting for her bus to arrive. It finally did after a whole lot of other busses came and went so we hugged each other and said our goodbyes. She's a sweet sweet person, my partners think she's cool too. Her boyfriend's a pretty lucky fella. Well, its like 2:51am, Got work in less than 12 hours. I think I should be getting to sleep soon. =P Till next time guys! Ryan "Cooper" T. Chong
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