June 21, 2004

text me

I love how a couple glasses of wine make me a silly blogger. Last night? Silly. But not untrue.

Being in the constant companionship of two 17 year-olds might add to the silly factor as well. It’s fun, of course, but I sort of need a conversation that does not include the words, kick-ass, awkward (it’s the word of the moment, it seems) or the phrase, “so and so is texting me.”

They text message constantly, kids these days. Does my phone even have that capability? I have no idea. But Joyce and Stina do it while walking down crowded sidewalks, without dropping conversation, and when my apartment lights go off, I can still see little glowing screens and hear little fingers tapping out Morse code from the AeroBed in the living room.

They’re on their own for the most part today, with goals of finding boys to make out with. I’m serious. I guess I never thought to make it an actual goal, but it does seem like a worthy one. I wished them the best of luck, left an apartment key, and told them to call when they woke up. If that happens before noon, I’ll be shocked.

So, it being about oh, 8:30, that gives you exactly 3.5 hours to leave me comments as to what I should suggest they do today. Please note, that you use the word museum, you’re automatically disqualified. They’re 17. With alternative hair color and piercings. They don’t really do museums. And, besides, you can’t text message in museums. They make you shut off your phones.

Posted by This Fish at June 21, 2004 08:32 AM
Comments

Have they been downtown yet? Sounds like they might enjoy wandering around the LES.

Although the girls aren't into museums, there are always the more unusual offerings, like the Museum of Sex. But tickets are on the high end, I think. And you probably don't want to lead them to corruption on purpose.

Posted by: Lady Crumpet at June 21, 2004 09:27 AM

I have a 17-year-old niece who is on her cell phone constantly -- except when an adult calls. She has the ringer set to recognize every number so she can avoid any actual contact with grownups. I only got through once when I changed my service provider (and number). "Who is this?" said an annoyed teenage whine. "Your nemesis, honey. Come home. Your mother is here." I think the entire summer was ruined in 20 seconds. I don't do phone text, however. I don't care who the girl is.

Posted by: Michael at June 21, 2004 10:00 AM

I second the LES, but would specify St. Mark's Place. Sounds like they'll feel right at home there. Piercings and cell phones and boys, oh my!

Posted by: sly at June 21, 2004 10:03 AM

St. Mark's Place, Astor Place definitely.

Posted by: Jonathan at June 21, 2004 10:11 AM

Update: Apparently, they're importing boys from Jersey for make out purposes.

Posted by: Fish at June 21, 2004 10:54 AM

Greenwich Village? Although chess in the park may not be their thing, I could always wander the streets for a couple hours. Then again, I don't live in NYC, so it's all new to me.

Posted by: Lauren at June 21, 2004 10:58 AM

I could suggest a few things, but I doubt you would want to visit any NYPD precincts today.

Posted by: girlpunch at June 21, 2004 11:15 AM

New Jersey boys? Uh, Fish, time for the older sister chat, I think.

Posted by: Michael at June 21, 2004 11:41 AM

There are tons of cute single travellers at the AYH. Take the spare key, point towards the nearest subway station, pat on the head, and send them on their way.

Posted by: Ms Koolaid at June 21, 2004 12:01 PM

I'm not sure if you are already out and about with them or not, but when I was about that age, I went to the big NYC to visit, and spent a whole day just wandering around Chinatown. There is plenty of random stuff hanging in shop windows to keep them interested, and usually a good supply of young guys wandering around looking at the same wierd crap.

Posted by: Stu at June 21, 2004 01:10 PM

Oh God. I text message like a 17 year old. Everyone makes fun of me for it. I could do it blindfolded.

Posted by: Sarah B. at June 21, 2004 03:54 PM

This is probably late, but send them down to the Lower East side--check out Orchard and Delancy streets. Then on to the South Side Seaport... 17-year-old girls like to shop, right?

Posted by: Dave at June 21, 2004 06:13 PM

you don't text message? i text more than i talk on the phone. i text while driving.

incidentally, i'm eighteen.

incidentally part two, today marks my mother's first-ever text message.

Posted by: janna at June 21, 2004 10:38 PM