Big Date

Well, it's official, my Asia date cherry has been popped. I went out on Sunday night with a cute, 5'1ish" girl that I really had my eyes set on from the first Monday of my stay in Shenzhen. Although I'm not quite sure why I did not pursue her aggressively (or at all) in my first week, I assume it was because subliminally I may have been a bit intimidated. I found other girls that would use up my allotted chasing time (in chinese scheming on chicks really is "Chasing girls"), but in the end, I really should have attempted conversation in the first week because I basically wasted a weekend where we could have established some sort of relationship rather than starting a week later and had only 2 weeks left to make something from nothing.


So Sunday around noon I called her up; no answer. Now for all you players out there, the object of extreme annoyance is the lacktherof of (is that right?) voicemail. NO ONE HAS VOICEMAIL HERE. So try staying at a hotel and calling girls from the hotel only to have the operator say "asjdbajfajkfla;stiosanafkdj;asj (chinese); sorry, the person you have dialed is power off," "BJKFHFagnfjsdseojidkjg; sorry, the person you have dialed is not picking up phone" or "Ddsanjkrheoajssapqnfklm; sorry the person dialed is busy, please call again later" At this point, you think to yourself, ok maybe she's busy, or maybe she just isn't picking up the phone because she does not recognize the number (which, as I confirmed at work, happens).


Lets say the lady missed your call and wants to call you back; she is going to get the hotel operator, and if she forgot your name, there is no way for them to transfer you to them. I know what you're thinking, why wouldn't the girl just ask for the most attractive, well hung man in the hotel? Well that guy's in a different room, why the F would they be askin for that dude?

So anyway, I called my cleanup hitter and of course it rang 13 times before the operator did her thing. Feeling a bit frustrated, I went out to eat some italian. After about 40 minutes I returned; I dialed her up again, this time telling myself if she doesn't pick up, I am giving up and calling my #3 hitter. Fortunately, David Wright picked up; she didn't recognize me at first as I had to tell her twice that I was Ken. Once she finally realized, I noticed this young David took control of the conversation. She really seemed quite confident (which I liked). I settled on a 6:00 or 7:00PM dinner and she said she'd call me back. Right before she hung up I said oh yeah, and make sure you bring socks, long pants and long sleeves for the activities post dinner. I told her not to worry, it was a surprise (I'll be using this tactic a lot).

Later around 615, the youngster called me up and we would meet around 7 in front of my hotel. Unfortunately, I was still taking care of some work and managed to lock myself out of my room while going to another room to get some post it's. Obviously I go down, grab my new room key, and she comes in while I'm wearing my non date clothing, a tight dark green long sleeve Affliction shirt (part of my date attire), big black adidas shorts, flip flops, and a backwards baby blue/grey LA Lakers cap. Being the gentleman that I am, I did not elect to comment on how fine she looked (my coworkers taught me that you call a girl bright when she's fine). I told her to wait a bit as I got changed.

Now, I'm not sure if she really thought this was a date as during our conversation she had asked if anyone else was joining (no). We walked out into the warm spring night and she explained that she doesn't have a car, and that she stole one she was driving tonight. She drove about 40 min to my hotel, and we decided to drive over to the (Coastal City) mall next door to eat in there. By the speed and carefulness with which she drove, I assumed it was a big deal that she drove 40 min to see me. While she pulled into the parking spot she even commented that she's not very used to driving. "I can tell," I retorted as we both laughed.

We walked around as both of us didn't really mind where we would eat; we settled on Korean. It ended up being a great choice; we decided on some barbecue beef, some rice mixed w/various veggies and meat and I honestly forget the other item. Korean was perfect; not only was the food delicious, while we selected the food, we realized and I definitely pointed out that we have similar food tastes. In addition, the waitress would stand by our table and cook the food for us. I really can't recommend the beef enough; it is delicious! You wrap it in a large piece of lettuce and put some carrot sticks, cucumbers and some peanut sauce (any mix of these items) and eat! While we ate, she noticed I hadn't eaten a lot of rice and asked me whether or not I liked it. "I do, I just have too much other stuff to eat; I know you steal shit, but you ain't stealin my food" (Wow that sounds so much worse in English than Chinese).

Dinner was clearly a really good time; there was chemistry. I noticed again her confidence and swagger as she ordered the food with authority (most girls do not do this I think). Again, another positive. We ended dinner and I led her over to the ice skating rink (the surprise). As we were about to board the escalator, she stopped and cried, "Wait, are we going ice skating????" I said, "yeah, i was wondering when you'd guess." She seemed pretty pumped up about it, which then excited me. I ended up paying for everything (though I must note she offered every time up til now). We got our skates and proceeded to the lockers; "Do you have a dollar," she said as she extended her hand palm up like a girlfriend of 2 years. This I thought was a great sign, and obliged w/the dollar deposit necessary to lock our shit up.

I'm feelin pretty good right now and we step out onto the ice. Basically w/in 20 seconds I realize something has gone completely wrong and the date is melting down right before my eyes. She refuses to get off the wall and just looks totally disinterested. She tells me several times to go skate by myself, but I ask her what fun is it to skate by yourself? She nods her head in agreement. I offered to hold her hand, but she politely declined (a note to all the gentlemen out there, don't be a bitch like me and ask... just grab her body or hand and pull).

An uncomfortable 20 seconds turned into 15 minutes; finally I decided I wanted no more of this and said lets go. She obliged and we left. At this point I thought basically my chances were about as good as the chances I'd see a black dude on the ice rink. However, she actually warmed up a little bit (maybe literally) and started asking me questions again.

We decided to drive back to the hotel, and as we drove she asked if the hotel I stayed at was nice. "It's definitely one of the nicer hotels I've stayed at," and started a 2 minute debate on pro/con asking her to come check out my room. I finally settled on yes, lets do it, and I could've sworn I felt her think abuot it. She settled on a no, and just dropped me off. I decided to end the night w/o a good night kiss or hug as we were in a car and because of other reasons (to be released later). I know everyone's gonna tell me "Nah, kissin on the first date ain't hard... not unless you a bitch" but lets be honest, I'm in China and it may have made my relationship w/her a bit awkward.

So tell me what you think!

Feelings from Saturday Night in Shenzhen, China

I am gonna be maddd busy at work this week, but next week I'll have time I hope.

I currently have 4 girls numbers in Shenzhen; in the leadoff spot; Air China flight attendant. I called her once, exchanged one round of emails, sent her one more, and haven't talked to her again.

Batting 2nd, the masseuse; I've talked to quite a few times on the phone. I actually went back to the parlor again. I tried to remember her employee # (308 for those interested and in Shenzhen). First I incorrectly guessed 380 (she was busy); then I guessed 308, but wanted an oil massage. They said she wasn't "licensed" in the art, so I was out of luck. I told them I'd take another chick and they obliged. As I waited, the door was open and wouldn't you know it... young Ma LiDan strolled by and I yelled at her to come back. The young fawn looked totally surprised, shocked, shy and embarrased; her cheeks turned red when she saw me. She was just going to a customer's room when I stopped her. Using my charm, I succesfully talked the coordinator into handing young LiDan to me.
We conversed the whole time, but it seemed to not really go anywhere. After she was done, she left for a little to clock out, but returned to BS w/me for a little. She kinda stood by the doorway, "You want to sit down?" I inquired. "No." I was confused. She then later said she was getting off work; but I took this as, she had to get another customer (I didn't realize it was midnight already). When I did realize it after she said it again, my coworkers knocked on the door. What an involuntary cock block!!! I then just panicked; we were taking a company car home, so it would've been unprofessional to take a pro home (not really a pro HUUUUUH!!!). So anyway, that sucked cuz i guess she wanted to hang out after.
Third girl's # acquired was right after I left the 5th floor of the parlor to go to the first floor. The first time I went to the parlor (and got the masseuse's #), I stared at this girl who looked away and back again and away again. I told myself I might as well try. I walked into the dressing room that was littered w/as many naked dudes as towels. I took a quick shower because I thought the guy told me I had to. When I came out of the changing station I expected plenty of time to kick SERIOUS game until I realized my coworkers were already there (because they correctly realized showering was an option) unfortuantely; however, the chick asked the coworker if I was korean (hint hint: I want the hot beef injection). So as the elevator door opened, I asked her if she liked Korean guys, and it closed and yeah, I love dudes. I was hoping she'd be downstairs when I came back down, but of course not; why should I be rewarded for being such a bitch?
Wouldn't you know it? God smiled upon me when we returned for the 2nd massage. She was there again; how could young tsuizzie F this one up? Young Tsuizzie dashed out of the changing room hoping she'd be there this time. My coworkers were there again, but this time I said F it. We were waiting for the elevator, I pointed and said I remember you in chinese (actually all of this pimping I describe happens in Chinese). She started laughing and her and 3 girls started talking about how tall I was, and that I must be an out of countrier. I said hell yeah, USA and flashed the #1 passport in the world (actually I did not have my passport w/me)! And I could've made smores from how hot they were getting. Unfortunately, yes, I couldnt' get over my affection for men, and the elevator opened. This time I stared at her while the door closed, and, yes, the lady in the hat eye fucked the shit out of me. As I berated myself for being such a pussy, that was when I encountered the masseuse. After I was done botching her; I went back down and wouldn't you know, the 3rd chick was still there. "So quick" she inquired? "Yes, all I could think about was you, so I had to come right back down" "Really?" "yeah, why don't you.... " pause... thinking of how to say phone number... "give me your phone number and we can be friends (chinese way to say lets get some barbeque and get busy)" She said really? ok, pulls a pen out. Now I am only wearing my massage parlor issued clothing, w/no underwear, so obviously I have no paper (she should know this). I shot my left hand out quickly open palm up and she said "Really??" "Yeah, go for it". She wrote and said "Oh, this must tickle" I thought, it's gonna do more than tickle... She finished and I left.

Batting cleanup is a real cute girl (can't release details at this time). Need advice on this one; she told me thursday that we could hang sunday. I said I'll cordinate w/you on Friday, but we never really spoke. Should I call her Sunday during the day and ask if she's still cool w/hanging out? My idea is that I only have less than 2 more weeks, so I need to make at least some sort of contact this week for her to feel comfortable w/me. Then next week will be much easier to have her come back to the crib. I dunno, what do you think? I couldn't call yesterday and today because i was out all day until real late. Let me know son!!!

Blog Change!

From this day forward, this blog will chronicle my life. I recently have parted ways with my girlfriend of a year and a half and now instead of spending time and money on her, I have some additional time to describe the ins and outs of my life, thoughts and feelings.

A reflection on my time with my girlfriend? V was a real motivator, fireplug, cook, and beauty; she was very smart and thoughtful, apparently more thoughtful than I. I guess I may not have really appreciated her from her standpoint. Maybe I didn't appreciate her; I think I could be guilty of it, but I am really happy to have dated her, and hope it wasn't a total waste of time for her. We got along very well and I thought she was really a catch. Sorry I couldn't relay that information to you V. Everyone else I knew, knew how much I enjoyed my time with you, except you. I feel really terribly about this, and hope I didn't cause you any heartache.

As for right now, I'm in Shenzhen China. I've been eating at really nice restaurants and staying at the Kempinski Hotel here, which is just unbelievable (Super king beds are sick). More to come.

The Motor City

So I arrived in Detroit this Sunday and ate at a Mediterranean Grill at the airport in Terminal A (Northwest). Could you believe anything in Detroit was nice?!?! Terminal A was beautiful; there was a monorail in the terminal, and there was a mediterranean grill!!! Couldn't believe it! I had some chicken shwarrma which was really good and it was a huge portion! My coworker had the shrimp grill?? It was just like sauteed shrimp and vegetables with some rice; it looked ok, but she said it was not great.
On Monday, the President of the business took us out to a place called Eastside Marios. This place was delicious! I had a Linguine Chicken Amatriciana; which was linguini and chicken in a blush sauce which basically tastes like a marinara with cream sauce. It was delicious.
Monday night we dined at Mountain Jack's. It was amazing. It was an upscale steakhouse that served all types of steaks, pastas, seafood, and other meats. I got a Grilled Sole with lump crab meat and broccoli and rice on the side; it was delicious!!! The bread that came out prior to the meal was amazing, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! They have a unique way of serving salad. They bring out a huge wooden platter with lettuce in a large dimple in the middle and different toppings like shredded carrots, croutons, baby tomatoes and other things. We also had a potatoes au gratin side which tasted very good; to top it all off, we had a turtle cheesecake that was basically drowned in caramel and fudge. It was delicious! I loved the crunchy brown crust and the actual cake was very tasty, not very cheesy. I usually don't like cheesecake and I enjoyed this one.
Tuesday's lunch was spent at Taco Loco Cantina & Grill which was apparently voted Michigan's best bar, best Authentic Mexican food and other great things (wasn't joking). Can you believe, I talked the waitress into getting me some Chorizos Juevos which is mexican sausage and eggs which is amazing (basically an omlet). It came with rice and some light beans. We had chips and salsa. Chips were very crispy, thick and delicious... extremely good for plain corn chips! A hot salsa and a mild salsa were both brought out and both tasted good. My coworker got an enchilada and taco. The taco looked like a white whoopie cushion it was so big and inflated. She said it was delicious.
Tuesday night we dined at Lelli's. This place is a very upscale Italian Steakhouse. They serve delicious steaks that are cut up while simmering tableside, veal dishes, seafood and an enormous pasta selection. I got the half spaghetti half ravioli where I chose Napoletana (creamy sauce like vodka sauce) with my spaghetti and meat ravioli. The portion was a bit small, but did the trick. I tried some of my coworker's fettucini and red clam sauce which tasted pretty good. The ravioli pasta was al dente which made it pretty good. The service here was very nice; the wait staff was dressed in tuxedos. Our meals came with the bread which was AMAZING! It was almost a perfect sphere; hard crispy crust and super soft insides, a bit better than at Mountain Jack's. The salad was tossed in front of us which was nice and the creamy minestrone soup was very good as well (bits of potatoes in it). The meal also came with a chocolate cake which had white icing and tasted like any other cake. We really enjoyed our meal.

Hopefully we get to eat somewhere nice today before we head home!

The Big Apple

I haven't written in a while because I've been in NJ/NYC. While I've been here I've been to quite a few restuarants, so lets get right to it!
Last week I went over to Cranberry Station, a bar/restuarant on Route 130 near Dayton, NJ. It seems this is a hot place for happy hour for people from south brunswick, west windsor and north brunswick and there is a karaoke night on Thursdays at 8 PM. We had some calamari as an appetizer. The breaded outside was crisp and fresh out of the oven, but the squid was a little rubbery. All in all it was good. I had a penne with vodka sauce w/chicken strips which was amazing. The sauce was so good, and the chicken was fresh. There was a seafood salad which was just 3 lumps (1 tuna, 1 seafood salad and another lump of I am not even sure what) that didn't look that great, but my dad seemed to still eat a bit of it. My mom and uncle both got stuffed shells; my uncle got the Italian Feast which included meatballs. The shells seemed a bit hard, but it looked pretty good. There were mixed reviews.
Then the next night we went to McCormick and Schmick's at 400 Commons Way in Bridgewater, NJ; it's right outside the Bridgewater Commons Mall. The calamari there is unbelievable!!! It is so fresh, so soft and crispy; it comes with a sweet marmalade sauce, a tartar sauce and a tangy mayo. I ordered a catfish with jambalaya which was amazing!!! The catfish was a bit salty, but I like my food a bit blander than the norm. The jambalaya included puffy white rice which was ok, chunks of tomatoes, strips of peppers and best of all medium sized round sausage puffs which were tasty. I really enjoyed it. I was able to try bits of the shrimp alfredo. It was probably too bland for most people (a dash of pepper could do the trick), the halibut which was a bit fishy; but I don't eat much Halibut, so I'm not sure how good it really was (it came with some rice pilaf that was a bit hard, but still good), and the steamers which included clams and mussels which were DELICIOUS!!!!! We had an upside down apple pie with cinnamon ice cream and the triple creme brulee (orange, vanilla and choco CB's) both of which were really good.
Finally I made it to Park Blue, a lounge/bar on 57th and 7th in the city. They only serve one entree which was not impressive; a New York Strip that was a bit tasteless, but served with fries which were a bit sweet, crispy and very good! We also had a quarter leg of duck, and a tuna roll; both were pretty good. The great tastes were the shrimp skewers served with a tangy gaucemole which was amazing and the mini cheeseburgers!!! The burgers came with swiss and cheddar which made the delicious beef (the manager said it was not ground beef) taste like it was dipped in a chipotle mayo. They are a bit expensive at $8 a piece, but they are definitely worth trying. The restaurant plays jazz at a nice higher than normal volume; you can have a normal conversation because jazz is soft to begin with. They have a beautiful bar that looks like it's marble white.
Hope you get to try!