fun in five frames

mani.

2012-02-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to say I did this with my own two hands.

pedi.

2012-01-29T15:11:00.001-08:00

I've seen a lot of cute nails around the internet and IRL lately. Thought I'd try out the 'Vintage Cloud' pedicure. I like it!

'poo.

2012-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

I tried using baking soda instead of shampoo. It's a thing that people on the internet do (you could Google it)for reasons like it's cheap, chemical free, and supposedly returns your stripped out hair to it's natural pH levels, leaving it healthy and thick and beautiful.

I'm up for a hair experiment, so I gave it two weeks.
Or 5 shampoos. Or one whole box of baking soda.
Fail. It's really hard to get the baking soda/water paste in there. It's not like soap where it just runs all over your head. It's a lot of work. And there were parts that would get totally skipped and they'd be oily all day.
Also, my hair was definitely thicker, but only because I had to scrub the shit out of it to get anywhere. Thick = frizzed.
I imagine some good could come of this method if it was the only thing you'd ever done to your hair since the day you were born. But as a person raised in the new millennium, my body is adapted to modern conveniences. Like shampoo.

You know you're aging when foot comfort is a top priority.

2012-01-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

Bass Shoes.

I've always loved their sandals,

but on a recent trip to their outlet store in California I discovered the joy of their boots!

It was time to replace my gray cowboys boots. It was a really hard move because they were one of very few objects I felt physically and emotionally connected to. They were STURDY. The leather was real and I could feel the feet of the cowboy or Indian who once roamed the open American flat lands every time I put them on. But the soles cracked. And water came in. Then they started coming off all together. Then the inside sole started peeling up/giving me blisters. "This could be worth a trip to the cobbler", I was told many times. But I felt the pulls of renewal and attended to them.
So here goes...

Airy
Versatile
Good-looking
Roomy
NEW

More about feet accompaniments...
Legale Pillow Sole Knee High Socks.
Exactly what it sounds like.
Soft
Pillows
In
Your
Shoes

2012-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

I'll try to get back into 'five frames' this year. I'll probably do more 'five words' reviews than frames. No promises.

1Q84 - Haruki Murakami
26% of the way in - Kindle edition

Secrets
Wordy
Orientalism
Provocative
Hmmmm...

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color
"Natural Medium Brown", Box dye, CVS, $4.99 on sale, 28 shampoos

Permanent
Red
Stinky
Cheap
Fine

60 Degrees in Philadelphia in January
Historical Average: 30.2 Degrees

Humans
Good
Polar
Bears
Bad

Life as a Second Language

2011-10-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

The ESL class I teach on Wednesday nights rules. It's a drop-in situation, so some people come every week (Xiong, Ma-du, Loan) and other people cycle through (Cambodian monks this week!). Today I did a map making exercise, not only for the benefit of the students, but for my Linguistic Anthropology research as well. I asked four students, one Vietnamese woman, one Chinese woman, one Egyptian woman, and one Mexican man, to draw their neighborhoods. They were to include their houses and any other locations that they frequented. To my surprise, two of the four weren't sure how to even draw a map. Luckily, Philly's on the grid, so teaching them where the numbered streets go in relation to the named streets was pretty easy. But cardinal directions? That'll be next week. After they had come up with some hand drawn maps, we talked about the places that were represented. Being specifically interested in language, I asked them about how they managed to communicate with people in their neighborhoods who didn't speak their native tongues. Here are some (paraphrased) responses...

Loan (Vietnamese woman): I go to the Spanish market on my street. I can't speak Spanish and the lady doesn't speak good English.
Me: So how do you talk to her when you want to buy something?
Loan: English. But I got lucky because I bought a half gallon of milk that costs $1.90 and she gave me ten cents back.

Georgette (Egyptian woman): There aren't any Arabic speakers in my neighborhood, so I just speak English all the time.
Me: Do you speak English at home?
Georgette: No, I try to practice with my sons but they only speak Arabic to me because it's easier.

Mei (Chinese woman): I moved out of Vietnam when I was 6 years old, so I still know a little Vietnamese.
Me: Do you speak mostly Chinese in your neighborhood, or do you speak a lot of Vietnamese too?
Mei: I speak mostly Chinese. And I don't talk to the Spanish people. I only speak English at ShopRite.

Eddie (Drunk Mexican man): I want to learn every language in the world so I can talk to everybody!!!

The maps are pretty great too. They're not true representations of South Philly by any means, but they're how these people understand their environments, and that's what's important.

There they are!

2011-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have been hesitant to post pictures of my BITS Summer Program kids because, you know, internet/child privacy stuff. The minute I took this one they practically begged me to put it up!

David, Shaniyah, Jazmear, and Sakwon-Ali.
They are so hilarious and smart and sassy and sooooo 15 years old.
LOVE!

bITS Summer Program Mentor Training - Week 2

2011-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

This week in new job training we are doing dry runs of the fieldwork exercises we will be doing with our students throughout the summer. This includes going to The Stetson Hat Factory site, (my first digitized map of this walk is located
here), walking the entire Ben Franklin Parkway, exploring the Schuykill River banks, and hanging out on the new Race Street Pier. We look at how water and other natural features interact with the urban landscape and annotate maps with points of interest. My interest is in language and street art, so today I did a hand drawn map of all the Toynbee and robot tiles in the intersections along the Parkway. There are a lot.

I also decorated my notebook in the 'Water and Urban landscapes' theme. I get paid for this.

So far, so good, Summer.

bITS Summer Program Mentor Training - Week 1

2011-06-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

This was week 1 of my training as a bITS (Building Information Technology Skills) mentor for the 6 week summer program that begins July 5. These next weeks will bring a lot of work related stuff to my blog. But it's cool because my job rules (so far) and will provide lots of photos and stories about North Philly high schoolers.

One of the aspects of the program is digital mapping. The students will begin by hand drawing maps of their neighborhoods, daily routes to school, etc. These maps are based on perception and are not to scale. Here's my model:

We will then create digital maps of these in order to see how the student's perception of their environment relates to the actual scale/space/distance of the environment. I am currently working on my model for that (ie, still figuring out Google Maps).

Another activity the students will be doing is working in groups to create an original toy. They will be provided with string, skewers, popsicle sticks, paper clips, pipe cleaners, and other unconventional materials to build something creative and functional in 25 minutes or less. They will then market their toys to the other groups. Call this a 'Team Building Exercise". My model (and mentor partner):

It's a Swedish inspired gondola, or skyline, whatever. It's for little kids. You race. To be honest, it was kinda hard. But fun!

The camp is also geared toward training the students in job/life skills. This week we went over How to Use a Debit Card. More of this stuff that we take for granted to come.

Gay Par-ee

2011-06-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

Oh Happy Day wants to take us to Paris!
(Shameless plug for a cool blog and a contest I REALLY want to win!!)

Enter here:
http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

Au Revoir!

anarchy

2011-06-08T06:22:00.001-07:00

We're literally and figuratively deep into Sons of Anarchy right now. As hot as motorcycle bros can be, I must say, Katey Sagal steals the show. You may remember this:

Well, take a look at her now:

Besides being smokin' hot, Katey's character, Gemma, in Sons is the raddest lady. She's in love but independent, smart but sensitive, and strong willed but loyal. Her life is totally insane, but she rocks it.

I don't know what kind of cosmetic 'enhancements' the actual Katey has undergone, but it seems like her cheekbones, eyes, or something else haven't aged since the 80s, am I right? Or is she just that pretty?
Anyway, she reminds me of a less classy Angelica Houston. And for that, I commend her.

more good stuff

2011-06-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Another good coupon arrived in the mail today. I got a FREE pouch of Purina cat food, the gourmet one. The FILET MIGNON FOR CATS one. I wrote to these guys about how much my adorable cat loved their food and that I was having problems with my printer and was unable to access their (not as great) online coupons so wouldn't they send me some to my house? Got some way better ones that way.

FREE cat food.

Another email worth writing is to OB tampons. They offer a free sample pack in a cute little carry case right off their website, or you can contact them for coupons in the mail. They sent me three $1 off coupons, which is pretty good. You know, just in case.

girl stuff.

I tried Stonyfield yogurt and Almond Breeze almond milk too. They sent 50 cent/$1 off coupons. However, even with the discount, these brands are still more expensive than the Wegman's brand of the similar product. So as a conclusion to my coupon hunting experiment I'd say coupons are best when they get you something free. Obvious, but you'll only get these freebies by asking for them. Money off coupons for particular brands that you love can be good too, as long as there is not a store brand knock off that will do.

P.S. I was totally that lady at Wegman's who held up the line because she had a coupon that required a manager's key. Ugh.

i can make stuff sometimes.

2011-05-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

everyone is making incredible jewelry while i rifle through pages and pages on etsy for stuff i like that isn't one million dollars. so today i took matters into my own hands.

a few years ago i made leather wallets and remembered that philadelphia fabric outlet on 4th and bainbridge has a bin of leather scraps. at $7.98/lb, it was a pretty good deal.

i sorted through some old earrings and necklaces to find hooks and backs and chains, etc. for making jewelry. a pair of scissors, a needle, and some pliers were all it took.

the necklace is my favorite part.
i have tons of leather left, so if anyone wants to come over and make something together, that would rule. or go buy some and see what you come up with!

lox

2011-05-20T11:40:00.001-07:00

So I'm considering cutting my hair for the first time in over 2 years. It's gone from a tiny pixie to long and luxurious (sike) in that time, and the thought of even just taking up to the shoulders is exciting but nerve racking too. In my mind I picture an ear to shoulder length, chopped up messy 'do. But when I internet search it, I come up with the Friends cut. I may be over 30, but that is NOT happening. Maybe more like this?

Except with tiniest bangs for summer. And brown. I like the idea of pulling the bottom up into a ponytail and having all the front layers going crazy when it's sweaty out. But is my hair too pin straight and fine for this?

I may be having an internal hair crisis for no real reason, and maybe I should just keep my hair and rock the Audrey pony.
Advice/thoughts/opinions?

when you are unemployed...

2011-05-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

So I've been riding the coupon train recently, and with some pretty sweet results. Here are the best for the week:

Sandro and I are way into Clif Bars, especially the peanut butter pretzel Mojo. I was tipped off by a profesh online couponer about writing to companies who don't typically offer coupons and asking for them anyway. I told Clif that I needed coupons in order to continue providing healthy snacks for my kid's school lunches. He bought it and sent me one ticket for a FREE Mojo bar (a savings of $1.69) and two tickets for 50 cents off. Three Mojos for $2.40. Not bad.

Write to them here and include your home address for some of your own coupons in the mail!
http://www.clifbar.com/contact/

Now here's the real kicker.
One day I Googled "best cat litter in the world", you know, 'cause it's a constant thing. A company called 'World's Best Cat Litter' came up with some pretty solid reviews. Like a dummy, I ordered it online, paying shipping, for about $17 for a 7 lb. bag. Whatever. I thought, if this really is the best thing ever, I'll find it at Monster Pets or something. Well it is the BEST cat litter in the world, and at TARGET! So I wrote to them, praising them for their ecofriendly, corn based, non-stinking, incredibly clumping, effective cat litter and requested coupons so that I might continue to spoil my cat and clear my allergies with this amazing product. Today I got one ticket for a FREE bag ($7.99 at Target), and another ticket for $5 off another bag. Two 7 lb. bags for $3! Kit shit heaven.

Write them here for your own free coupons:
http://www.worldsbestcatlitter.com/about/contact-us.php

Or go out and buy a bag full price, and then mail in this form, the UPC code from the bag, and your original receipt for a full rebate:

http://worldsbestcoupon.com/offers/WBCL_rebate_coupon_standalone_datestamped.pdf

2011-05-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

fifiduvie

dungeon nails by kelly

2011-05-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

i'm not sure why i seem so disgusted. i had a really fun time and my nails turned out great!

AB+AR

2011-05-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

sandro scratched this into the fresh concrete outside our place, and i loved it.

you know you're OVER 30 when...

2011-04-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

you make coffee at home. regularly.

you can actually relate to Liz Lemon.

you think about your next cat-too. regularly.

there's gray hair at BOTH of your temples.

neutral nail polish colors start to look "pretty".

protein sounds better than carbs sometimes.

you start promoting things like eye primer on your blog.

coca-cola and broccoli start to become difficult.

vacuum cleaners and comfortable shoes are a priority.

you'll never wear shorts again.

renting a cabin on the bay for a weekend with your friends sounds way more fun that road tripping in a van all summer with your band.

valentine's day and easter don't matter but birthdays last a full week.

i promise i don't get paid for this.

2011-04-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

product reviews:

my eyes are always kinda blue underneath. i use concealer to neutralize the color, but it doesn't last all day and i end up looking a bit zombie-esque by 3pm. enter sephora eye primer. it's clear and you put it all over your eyes. when it dries, you put your concealer, mascara, eyeshadow, whatever on and it is matte and stays put all day. if you don't wear any eye makeup, you don't need this.

my eyes are also insanely itchy and watery this time of year because of allergies (hence the need for eye primer). allergy medicines are so expensive and just make me soooo thirsty. the girl at whole foods gave me this. two under the tongue before you leave the house, good to go.

Hyland's homeopathic seasonal allergy relief

secret garden

2011-04-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

cleaned up the raised garden bed in our "backyard" today. shoveling dirt is hard work. but now it's ready for foodplants!

here is the lettuce nicole gave me. i've been nursing it in a dixie cup for months. now that it's got some space to grow, i'm hoping to have you all over for homegrown salad this summer.

then i thought i'd put the (now dying) daffodils susie gave us for easter in the garden. in this a thing that will work? the leaves still look good and i was able to get the roots out of the pot totally in tact. we'll see...

look out for tomatoes, jalapenos, and the homegrown pico de gallo that will be the result!

Critters

2011-04-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

ole/awl

2011-04-19T11:58:00.001-07:00

Instead of studying for my Spanish exam, I'm at the Temple tech center obsessing about Polish art. Here are some fine examples...

Paper cutting.

Pretty patterns.

Pysanka - egg decorating with wax.

Textiles.

I adore all the colors and geometry. In my search for more, I kept coming across images like this...

I thought, "Wow, those Poles must really love their fancy nails!" I mean, more than half the image results in my search for 'polish art' came up with....oh. Paw-lish art.

the best!

2011-04-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

avocado smoothie

2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt
1 whole avocado
1 tbsp. honey
3/4 cup almond milk
cinnamon to garnish

blend and enjoy!!

It's funny 'cause it's true.

2011-04-10T19:20:00.001-07:00

http://i.imgur.com/LCK88.jpg

reposted in it's entirety.

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

so i've been pretty lucky in applying for jobs. seems like there are some real possibilities out there, at least to get me through the summer and fund my south american get away.
except i applied for this nanny position on craigslist that seemed totally flexible and regular. then i got this response...scam???

Hello my name is Mr.JACK ROBINS , My wife died three months ago of breast cancer I don't wanna talk about this but I think it is important, since you would be working as Diane's Nanny. Diane is 2 years old . I am out of the city based on my business that is really booming here and my Girl will be arriving shortly back to the city , precisely on 16th April, Diane is here with me right now for holiday . After a serious discussion with my father-in-law concerning a proper care for my Girl, we finally decided to search for a good and responsible Nanny/babysitter.If You are a student you can go for your classes and report to Diane as soon as you are done with classes The monthly pay is $2600.00 for live out and $2400.. for live in. We will be
responsible for your transportation which in exclusive of your weekly salary regardless of the distance. You will be working with my sister and also a housekeeper for a while before I fully arrive back to the city We are strongly
searching for someone of well mannered attitudes, neatness and good sense of
relationship. We are a Christian family and we love our religion so basically
everything we do is according to our doctrines, I don't mind your religion
but just letting you know so we don't offend you.. If you are interested in
this offer, please answer all the questions below so i can have a brief idea of You

1) What academic qualifications do you possess?
2) Do you have any relevant certificate to back up your
babysitting/Nanny career?
3) How old are you?
4) Are you married?
5) Do you have a valid Bank Account?
6) Tell us more about your temperament ..
7) Can you handle money if you are given an assignment to carry out?
8) Is your husband/Girlfriend/parent in support of you doing this job?
9) which city are you located in??
10)How would you spend a time with my daughter though out a day?" 9:00am~ 7:30pm
11)What kind of activities would you plan for her?

Let me know if you will be available for the work offer. If you have any
questions as regards this offer, feel free to get in touch with me..You can work
during the Weekend if you can work during the week due to other job or studies.
I await a response at your earliest convenience. If the hours are not okay by you let me know. you can also send me an email to .... deswagger02@gmail.com , i will respond back immediately
Thanks

JACK

My new thing is blogging on the bus.

2011-04-08T07:40:00.001-07:00

So I quit my job today! It's been a long time coming, and if you are reading this, you probably already know more than you need to. But what a relief! No paycheck is kinda scary, but today I realized how many awesome people I know that are all looking out for me and my unemployed self.
I had an interview at a day spa today called...3000BC. It wasn't nearly as epic as it sounds.
Ready?
Pros...
Nice
Pretty
Wearing all black
Desk
Phones
Discount
Cons...
Image obsessed
OCD owner
New girl (me)
ONE HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTE BUS RIDE TO CHESTNUT HILL.

We'll see.
For now,
Here's to one week left with Medusa (code name),
Pouring myself into finishing the semester,
Budgeting,
Free time!!!

This weekend was...

2011-04-02T20:33:00.001-07:00

Phillies Season Opener! Trader Joe's potluck! Kelly's Mexican penguin birthday!

Real talk.

2011-03-31T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is probably the millionth post I've written about school, but man, I love it. I had a super productive meeting with one of my anthropology professors today that was so inspiring. I totally threw up all my end -of -semester/near -graduation/about -to -be -looking -for -meaningful -work fears all over her and she basically told me I ruled. I had all these questions, like..

Is it paternalistic to teach English to Spanish speakers? Would I be breaching an anthropological and human rights code of ethics by facilitating the spread of the dominant language, teaching English in South America?
Should I, instead, be focused on the preservation of native Latin American cultures and languages?
Should I have spent $40,000 on Spanish instead of Anthro?

Can I write about minority languages and the social policies that control their use in South Philly instead of the assignment on welfare reform?
How can I use this research to promote myself as a teacher of English in a Spanish speaking country? As a possible grad student someday? As a person who cares about the ability of people to communicate their needs to those in power when they speak a different language?

Answer: Talk to people. Read and write. Ask EVERY question. Nothing is perfect and nothing is black and white. Do what you care about.

This is really refreshing after seeing the kids protesting on campus, "They raised our tuition to build another prison!!"

Glacial.

2011-03-27T12:44:00.001-07:00

Every day I serve a woman at the cafe who EATS three to four pint glasses of ice. It's not like she's meth-y and has a nervous twitch, and she is certainly not an angry person. I don't know why she does it, but it makes my skin crawl. And today she spit her ice up all over the bar. How do I handle this misfortune?

pretty pieces.

2011-03-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

i've gone mad for accessories lately. here's a peek.

also, i'm giving this a shot. does anyone have any experience with these hair feather extensions? i mean, besides kei$ha? they were cheap on etsy, and now that my hair is long and boringest brown, i thought they would be fun for summer. i'll probably look just like this girl.

sike.

Birthday Week wrap up.

2011-03-14T18:48:00.001-07:00

I had two additional, much needed days off at the end of Birthday Week. I'm a spoiled brat! In any case, not too siked about getting back to school tomorrow, although the week is supposed to bring temperatures in the 50s and 60s!

So much more birthday happened. This included...

* A surprise trip to ATLANTIC CITY with Best Boyfriend of the Year award winner Alessandro Braidotti! Shopping, eating, drinking, hoteling, breakfasting...everything I love soooo much.

* Ryers' swanky art show that we pseudo broke into and then ate all the treats. We got to see the light up bacteria in full effect, as well as creepy doctor/child paintings.

* A MEXICAN FIESTA with all my friends and favorite foods, plus a real sombrero, hand squeezed margaritas, and cakecakecake!

* Sam's family party at which I ended up with a pie to the face. I also learned a lot about cast iron skillets, the Playstation with the lightsabers, and a Boston terrier named Murphy.

* A trip to Golden Nugget, the New Jersey flea market with every good thing. I picked up a silver pendant that I imagine wearing with every summer dress. Sue, Ryan, Sandro, and I tested out Triumph Brewery in New Hope, and it totally passed. Mellow beers, delicious lunch burgers, alternative tunes. A trip to the French bakery for coffee and macaroons made it a pretty perfect Birthday morning.

Every year I think, "Best birthday week ever!", and every time I mean it.

Somewhere in there I bought a lot more shoes too. But I did really well, what with thrift stores and outlet malls and everything. I won't include pictures this time, you'll have to see 'em IRL.

birthdays and blogging

2011-03-09T08:09:00.001-08:00

Birthday Week is in full swing and nothing says 31 like vacation.
I get a birthday, spring break, Mardi Gras, time off work, and friends who are amazing all at the same time!

Sunday was garlic tattoo day!
Monday I ate a tablespoon of Nutella in honor of...myself!
Tuesday was FAT--so much Fasnacht-ing and streamers and jambalaya!
Today is Wednesday and so much more to come. Updates to follow...

Also, totally OT, but important, so check this out, BLOGGERS!
Lulu mentioned to me last night that she was considering starting a food blog...with pictures and recipes and everything! She's so good at that stuff and it would be so fun to read, so...
LULU, IF YOU'RE READING THIS...
DO IT!
Blog Friends, if you're reading this, put your opinion in the comments section of this post so Lulu will know how much we want her to do this project!

super summer shopaganza

2011-02-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

After online stalking these beauties for a week, I ran smack into them at Marshall's!
$35 for a $75 pair of super comfy Clarks.
Luckiest girl alive right here.

Here's another peak of things to come...

color wheel.

2011-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

this is something i see on all the cute design blogs and have been meaning to do for ages. it's an easy way to make your bookshelf look super cute. i found that most books spines are red, blue, black, or white and only some are green or multi colored.

craftin'.

2011-02-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Having moved a couple times in the last couple years I've parted ways with almost all of my art supplies. Which is a bummer when an idea hits and I've got nothing with which to attempt to execute it. So here I am, domestically settled and looking to restore my collection of bits and pieces. I started today with these awesome old hardcover books i found at American Thrift/8th & Wolf. One is a Reader's Digest coffee table book with photos of America's national parks from 1985. The other two are volumes from The Art of Sewing. I found "The Personal Touch" and "Traditional Favorites", both which feature some pretty rad prints/styles from 1974. Expect some collaging.

keeping making. and drinking.

2011-02-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

the heart show happened! alex did such a great job. there were so many hearts, and even heart show beer cozies! check out theheartshow.org for this year's photos. here's my sockeye salmon love:

here's another heart by a girl named shelby. i think it was my favorite. felted egg in a nest!

i made this too. a collage for anchorbaby3: touristy places. i hope melissa doesn't mind that her grill is all up in this. but i love how young we look. and international graffiti circa 2005 rules.

also, green rock. it's so normal but so extraordinary. i really like $2 Tecate night. and these guys...
(photo cred: sandro)

so many reviews.

2011-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

First.
Toothpaste. Sandro is way into Tom's of Maine, which is great but $4. As a solo habitator I was drawn to 97cent Generotooth or whatever was on the bottom shelf at Target. Now, i compromise, forking over the big bucks for an organic mouth, or whatever. The first foray into fancy toothpaste turned up fennel flavored. This is one of the very few flavors that incite a gag reflex in every part of my body. However, I believe the battle has been won.
Enter:

I thought, "Cinnamon toothpaste is always too spicy for me. I hate it. But clove...that could be delicious." Turns out, it just the crappy cinnamon toothpaste that burns. This organic cinnamon clove combo is like dessert!

Also.
Center City brunch spot, Le Pain Quotidien (btw Broad and 15th on Walnut).
It's new and a big-cities-only chain. They bake their own french style bread and have loads of fancy, overpriced pastries. They're doing that 'French farmhouse' thing, but in Center City, so it's a pretty space filled with young professionals and their kids. I sat down for a little me time and ordered a coffee and porridge. So good, but I paid $18 with tip. Everyone else's dishes looked delicious. I'd say stop in if you're around there and want a coffee and special treat to go. Or take your parents there for Sunday brunch.

Next.
Face lazers. Thanks to a friend of mine who always gives extremely helpful reviews of interesting products and services she so boldly attempts, this happened:

http://www.metropolitanlaser.com/

It was painless, but pricey. I thought a single treatment for a small trouble spot was worth the ticket price, but for now, the jury is still out on effectiveness. We'll see how the next 6 weeks, or "cycle" goes.

This, so far, has been my Saturday. And it's not even 2 o'clock.

just walking around.

2011-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

thoughts dump.

2011-01-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

so even though school wasn't cancelled and i self-imposed a snow day, all my professors cancelled our classes anyways. which means i'm totally off the hook.
today that means:

sleeping til noon

so much tv (including madmen 4, space and beyond, and breaking bad. great, terrible, ok)

homework but actually wasting time on the internets

crockpot

fresh berry white zin

kelly's killer tiramisu

melissa's haircut

i even shoveled our sidewalk this morning. i felt very east coast.

unfortunately, the snow day has put a damper on some of my other plans. like getting my warby parkers in the mail and thrift store shopping. i guess it's fine.
back to bothering the cat...

red wine spritzers.

2011-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

the holiday season ruled this year. that is to say, i was in italy with sandro, right?!

so now i can't help but think about resolutions and all the things i thought i'd resolve to do every year until now. it's retarded. i'm not going to worry about it.
however, i have been very into charting and tracking since 2011 (ryan, am i right?). my already obsessive agenda now has charts for grocery store spending and days at the gym. i don't really care about the content, it's more the act of tracking it that excites me.

also, i'm moving this weekend. so far this has meant lots of rearranging and playing musical bookshelves at sandro's apartment in order to make room for my stuff. i'm thinking small, warm, together. feels great.

i could talk and talk about italy but it's more a visual experience i think. so here...
www.flickr.com/sayambular

new things.

2010-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

made this for a holiday potluck. spinach, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts. YUM.

this is sam's cat. i'm calling her BANDITA. can you believe that face?!

this is for my brother, jonathan. he's rad. and a fisherguy.

so much dudes in bands!

2010-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

T Gives 2K10 X 3

2010-12-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

an orange string, a mini forest.

2010-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

space out!

2010-11-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

superrandom

2010-11-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

sometimes you have to dry your lettuce out on the sidewalk in south philly?

matt got in the spirit at Q.

the scariest man i've seen in real life.

sisterwife.

hanging.

2010-11-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

phil and beth came down from new york, and they are the cutest people. we made dinner and watched the office and had an all around chilled out slumber party.

the funnest.

2010-10-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

fall is here and school won't stop us from doing so many things!

birthdays with so much food.
marilyn, ryan, meesh...you really know how to keep living.

philadelphia union soccer match with so many rowdies!
we drank, we sang, and we ridiculed the referee.

making beer.
this is a long, tedious process. help us drink it in a couple weeks?

weddings, and brunchings, and bowlings, and hair cuttings...
it's all happening.

coming up...
the zoo!
macbeth!
haunted hay ride!
hockey!
oh my!

"your're buying a ring? for yourself?"

2010-06-10T08:57:00.001-07:00

i was cruising etsy and decided on a whim that i needed some eetybeety little pieces.

PARTY TIME.

2010-05-25T12:27:00.001-07:00

so sue, i have you to thank. big time.

i went bowling in new jersey last night at our spot from last summer. it used to be totally fun, but this time it sucked.
SO I WROTE A LETTER.
i basically laid out what bummed us out and said it was really a hassle to go all the way to new jersey for just an ok bowling time. here's what i got!!!!

We’d love to have you back into the venue and would like to offer you a complimentary party for 10 guests; including 2 hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental for your guests, and one complimentary appetizer tray of assorted appetizers for your group. Beverages would be on a cash bar or tab bar basis and there would be a server at your lanes to take care of any beverage, or additional food orders. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly to set up your event – we simply need 1 week notice to set this up and there are no restrictions on dates/times beyond that we are 21+ at 9:00pm. Should I not be available, I’ve CCd Danielle Barsuglia on this email and she can also set up your complimentary party. Again, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions and we hope you’ll have a wonderful time at our venue as you did in the past -

so who's in??

other things i said i'd never do...

2010-05-21T19:09:00.001-07:00

it's 2010. you can't stop me.

i made pickles (canning is next).
i eat goat and lamb (still can't get into hamburgers).
i left the house with wet hair (you're lucky if you ever see me sans mascara though).
i got acupuncture (i have to give a few more times to report accurately).
i have a gadget with apps (but i promise i won't look at it when you're talking to me).
i lift weights (they're connected to an apparatus, but still).

things i said i'd never do but plan to this year...
i will sleep in a tent on 4th of july (and i'm not 7 years old).
i will attend and partake in a whole pig roast (apple in mouth).
hmmm...
can i get some suggestions? challenges?

school's! out! for! summer!

2010-05-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

sometimes, being your own best friend means that spa day is just as important, and can therefore trump, gym day. so yesterday, after finishing my semester at school and working my ass off for days, i got my hair AND my nails did.
jesse at jean madeline is really great. he's this super determined, by-the-book cosmo student, in a young, lip pierced, philipino package. he got this mop back to dark and shiny as all get out.
"nail polish" is my new nail stop. it's in headhouse square across from wawa. it's wierd because it's set up like a bar, with fancy glassware and half consumed bottles of various schnapps. the menu of nail services even says "complimentary drinks!". except when i asked for a cocktail, the lady said they were just for decoration. whatevs. i got hot pink fingers and toes and massages.
after a nap, sandro and i went to Q lounge where luke works for a drag show. look up Meme First. she sung 'this is the dawning of the age of aquarius' in the middle of the intersection at 13th and lombard in a pink disco ball dress and hair like (jon and) kate (plus 8) if she had been electrocuted. she was gorgeous (her words).
so anyways, off to boston. see you all next week for the real beginning of summer, which means keeping grilling really.
love.
a.

try these!

2010-03-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
makes 2 loaves

6 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup brown or unrefined sugar
1 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp./packets dry active yeast
3 1/4 cups warm water

Mix dry ingredients in a big bowl.
Add water (warm, not hot).
Stir mixture until everything is well incorporated (here you could also add dried fruit, cinnamon, nuts, whatever you want!).
Divide into two and put each lump of dough into a greased loaf pan.
Cover each with a clean dish towel. Let rise 1/2 an hour, or until dough has doubled in size.
**if it's normal in your house, these can sit out on the countertop. if it's cold or even kind of chilly inside, set your oven to 'warm' (no hotter!) and put them in there**
Once risen, preheat the oven to 400 degrees (if you let your loaves rise in there, pull them out til the oven is heated to 400). This may take about ten minutes.
in the meantime, you can sprinkle the tops of the loaves with sunflower or pumpkin seeds or oats or olive oil or anything else.
Put the loaves in the heated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and loaf feels/sounds hollow.
let cool and enjoy!

Red Pepper Hummus

1 16 oz. can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 med. red pepper cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 fresh lemon, juiced
1 1/2 tbsp. water
4 cloves garlic, diced
salt and black pepper to taste

all you have to do is put everything in the blender and blend til smooth!
put the liquidy things in first so it blends easier. it will take some working with the blender to get this thick mixture going, but it will work out well. don't forget to keep tasting it until the flavor and texture are perfect!
serve with your whole wheat bread!

free associate.

2010-03-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

i'm going to be rebecca's bridesmaid! so excited i can hardly stand it.

and i've been taking classes at the gym. running around like a chicken with no head with old south philly ladies who wear lipstick to work out. it's amazing to get myself pumped up and get to watch them fumble with the medicine ball.

today i checked out the new 'green isle grocer' on east passyunk ave. it's a pocket sized store with shelves of fancy, overpriced specialty items. but when you need organic agave nectar and can't find farro anywhere else but the internet, it's worth the trip.

i also further domesticated today by purchasing a blender. it's homemade hummus and breakfast smoothies from here on out.

no other random updates for now.
love.

the greatest.

2010-02-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

i'm so happy. it sounds silly, and maybe boastful or overly optimistic when so many things are wrong with the world. and i find myself too self conscious to say it sometimes, but here it is. because why not?!

i'm so happy about turning 30. i don't feel old at all, i feel cool about it.
i'm so happy about where i am. philly is great still for now. i love my apartment.
i'm so happy i have the best people. sandro, you're the best teammate ever. friends, you've been held onto when others were weeded out for a reason! breecie, my baby cat, you are a tiny heart.
i'm so happy to be in school. it's the best time and the best classes and the best school for me for now ever.
i'm so happy i have a job that is 4 blocks from my house that i go to only 3 days a week and i have the best co-workers and customers. i get to drink hot, delicious beverages all day and read the newspaper.
i'm so happy i care about my body and work on eating and exercising and like it.
i'm so happy my family is well.
i'm so happy i'm doing what i want and it's good.

it feels good to get that out. i'm not cynical enough to hold it in for the sake of seeming cool or dramatic. if you read this, thanks for "listening".
let's do something fun!!

losing things.

2010-02-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

as i traipse along 2k10 with a smile and some determination, my dreams dig up all my subconcious anxieties about life. bah.
so last night...
i was at "school" but it was this enormous, super futuristic school.
glass skyscraper, millions of floors, roof garden.
having this bounce in my step, i decided i'd take the stairs down after my art class.
half way down the world's tallest stairwell, i realize i've left my bookbag in the classroom.
i can't find an elevator.
my professor will have left the classroom by the time i can make it back up there.
why am i all the sudden in an airport near the baggage claim carousels?
back in the stairwell i start sprinting up so many flights of stairs.
and my flipflops fall off.
don't care.
leave 'em.
arrive at the classroom and there is my professor, my bag in hand, ready to return it to me. phew.
i exit the building onto the roof where there's what was a garden in spring but is a snowy, dead zone right now.
where's my septa stop?
how do i get down from here?
what if i slip?
where the hell are my shoes?
back in the stairwell. again, sprinting down many flights,
maybe my shoes fell off in here.
WHY IS THERE A BAGGAGE CAROUSEL AT SCHOOL??
everybody's gone. school must be closing. i guess i have to walk home barefooted?
wait. woah. there's my shoes. phew.
deep breath. i'm okay.

at least i don't talk about weddings and babies all the time.

2010-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

one really great thing about school at temple (and maybe all universities do this, maybe it's just my choices?)is how well all my classes seem to compliment each other. this is good in semesters where the main topic is language acquisition. this is a bit more difficult when it's death. like this semester.

fundamentals of archaeology
"here are a bunch of dead people of cultures past and this is how we dug them up and cut them up to learn all about them."

women and poverty
"single women and their children are the largest group living below the poverty line in america. they have nothing. maybe food stamps. their kids are effed. they're mostly black."

the art of sacred space
"look at all these shrines and graveyards where people go to mourn the loss of their loved ones."

death and dying
"how does death make you feel? do you know anyone who has been murdered? is this class making you feel uncomfortable? write a 12 page paper about it."

piano
"sit up straight! curve your wrist like holding a bubble! one! two! three! four!"

big plans.

2010-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

when sandro has to leave his apartment before me, i make coffee in the percolator and sit around internetting in my snuggie. it's pretty perfect.

so some big trips are in the mix...

we're talking about a seasonal sporty type trip.
snowboarding in the poconos in february.
hiking part of the appalachian trail in spring.
white water rafting in west virginia in summer.

also, relaxing, get-away types trips.
costa rica or tulum, mexico with sandro for spring break/my birthday mid-march?

lake honeoye with sue and crew this summer?

california for rebecca's wedding and my brother's wedding in july!

argentina with sandro in two years when i graduate college?

gettin' busy.

2010-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

today was a super productive in the most fun way day.
sandro and i went to tom jones family diner and pigged out on the blue ribbon breakfast special. it's basically two of everything you'd want for breakfast for $3.79. this is 24 cents more than it was last time we went, but still pretty far out.

after that we went to borders to spend the gift cards sandro's mom gave us. i found a pocket crossword puzzle book and a 1001 crock pot cookbook! perf.

we also went to trader joe's and went nuts choosing dinner solutions. we're eating more meat and more grains and vegetables, pretty well rounded meals. cooking at home is so much more fun in winter than in summer.

our friend samantha has a crafty store that's closing soon, so we went there to support her and her artist friends. i found a cat face brooch made of goat fur and some crafting supplies.

i've also begun a new fitness regimine. we'll see how it goes. yesterday i did the ab routine and today i feel like i got punched in the gut. today's work was on the calves, so we'll see if i'm still standing tomorrow.

xo
a.

two thousand and zen.

2010-01-06T17:17:00.001-08:00

ok so it's twenty ten and time for me to get back on the blogwagon.
so here's a brief of the last few months...

fall semester at school went well. got some major requirements completed and walked away with a 3.75 gpa.

went to california to visit the fam for ten days with sandro!
real mexican food everyday.
legit thrift stores where i found skirts and the softest sweater.
beachbeachbeach. literal long walks on the beach at sunset are just the order of the day there.
tons of eating out with mom. dinner and drinks is how she does.
christmas eve with vegan lasagna and red wine with brother and sister-in-law.
perfect mornings and nights all around.

i thought i'd jump on sandro's resolution of 'less sugar in 2010', but i seem to be failing. i'm actually eating a brownie right now.

i'm super pumped on school starting again. i like working less and reading more. and time management.

what else? i don't know, i'm wearing a snuggie! i broke a hundred dollar toaster at work and had to replace it! i lost my keys in a garbage can that held a colostomy bag! this is my life!

but on to bigger and better, right? i've never been so cool with how things have rolled til now.

mom will be here february 12. let's take her to royal.

these days.

2009-08-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

homemade tomato pie with veggies, chorizo and shrimp with rice, fruit cobbler.

countdown to fall semester.

green boat shoes.

pigtails.

Big S.

also,
new jersey redeemed itself this week by providing nature, poker, steak dinner, and central air!

scatterbrain.

2009-08-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

i've been laying down in the shower a lot as a means of relaxation. after work it really helps to loosen up and clean up to lay down in the shower. with the water on, coming from high up, it gets a little colder once it hits me...good. but i was thinking that there must be a more productive way of relaxing with those fifteen minutes or so. so i'm thinking of yoga on dvd for my living room. any suggestions? pros, cons, ideas? or is the point to be unproductive with that time in order to recharge?

after a short run of denying myself too many treats, i'm back on the treats all the time wagon. what's with that? i don't want sugar comas or chunk, but i want a sweet taste after every meal. is that so wrong?

also, i can't wait for school to start. am i the only one? i'm way in the mood for a change of schedule and really looking forward to reading and writing time. oh! and computer lab time. i seriously love hanging out at temple (see previous posts where i've sung its praises).

talked to mom and S about california christmas and it looks to be the best time. all i have to do is get through this semester. ha.

man, being a grown up is tricky.

summertime.

2009-08-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

last summer i remember thinking, this heat's not so bad. yeah, well, i don't feel the same way this year. and what's with all the rain? is this monsoon season in the tropics or the east coast of america? i've never been so excited to be cold in my life.

except...
this summer has been the most fun in a really long time. i feel like i'm really doing it up this year. lake trips, beach trips, friends in and out of town, birthdays, tons of bbq, all the makings of summer.
i read that thing that melissa wrote about growing up and nostalgia and gratitude and i totally agree. i'm pretty glad about being an adult and liking it now.

when i feel like everyone around me is crazy (usually at the cafe), i start to wonder if it's me. like, is it possible that this many people are this insane? is it the cafe that is a magnet for these people? is it philly? is my entire perspective whack?

i also think about things like, what could i look up on wikipedia right now that would be interesting to read? is wikipedia even worth reading since people make stuff up?
what could i sew?
what's for dinner?
will i be able to stay up past ten tonight?
when's my next day off?
will i see my mom before christmas?

that's just the surface. but woah. i'll stop now.

moderate.

2009-07-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

so first blog in weeks should be epic, but i don't have a ton to say. other than...

reading.
if on a winter's night a traveler by italo calvino. italo means italian, and calvino is like my dad's name, calvin. huh.

listening.
to songs i'd like to sing and cover in a little duo that might be surfacing.

laying.
on my new couch (thanks luke!) with my kitten in my apartment. that's the thing.

drinking.
so tonight is detox night.

grilling.
sausage. so much sausage.

thinking about a new hobby, learning card games, ordering in chinese food, someone's birthday coming up (!), school starting up soon.
so far so good.

rad.

2009-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

this weekend was spent in delaware (this is happening more and more now that i spend time with sandro). julie and aaron wed which for me meant sooooo much food and drink and dance and hotel! it seems like the guests really got the better part of the deal on this one, really, spoiled rotten. i mean, i'm sure the bride and groom feel pretty good too.
photos at www.flickr.com/sayambular

this summer is shaping up beautifully. i'm so excited about all my trips i'm going to tell the whole wide web.
june 18-19 nyc with sandro for jen's birthday! friends, thai food, the big apple.

july3-5 fingerlakes with sue, holly, sandro, and friends! i've never seen these finger-like lakes and am way over due for cabin/fireworks/sleepover time.

july 10-13 chicago with sandro! i've never been here either and am super pumped to meet friends and spend some time on that grand lake.

what are we doing in august? i'm trying to keep up this trend before school starts.

a.n.s.

2009-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

so i'm taking on the always, never, sometimes challenge.

always.

denim
flats/slip ons
black
nose ring
bra

never.

polyester
heels higher than 2"
white/brown
rings
strapless/bra-less

sometimes.

blouses
nike dunks
red/green/blue/purple
earrings
bra straps showing

i thought i'd never but definitely do now.

spaghetti straps
skirts above the knee
pointy toe shoes

hurrah!

2009-06-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

i can't believe i'm ok with turning thirty. this is the year (my twenty ninth) that i've always dreaded, the gateway to the end of my actual life. and, like all the other years before it, it's nothing like i thought it would be. and that's great! what high hopes i had for my young years. although not tragic, they weren't always magical. and what anxiety i've had for my thirties. although they have not even arrived, they seem somewhat exciting now.

so for now...
waiting for the rain to end.
keeping grilling.
games with friends.
singing songs.
lots of trips.

it's so good.

look what i got!

2009-06-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

burp cup.

2009-06-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

a brutal game of flip cup definitely happened. sandro thought it would be fun to bring back the (his) college days by gulping cheap beer out of red plastic cups and racing to flip them over on his kitchen table. burping, sticking, and jumping kept happening, and it was really fun! lizan (the neighbor from upstairs) wins for most unexpected talent and ben wins for single handedly flip cupping and winning against a whole three person team. all of this after tons of delicious meat from the grill. i had fish, turkey, and chicken in the course of an hour. woah

it's all i wanna do.

2009-05-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

this weekend we memorialized by playing lawn sports in the park. we got all dressed up and rode our bikes there on the most perfectly temperate day of the year. some played bocce or badminton, sandro and i learned croquet. it took me two or three wickets to learn my (lack of) strength, but by the time i'd hit the half way post and was making my way back through the course i got the hang of it. white wine and strawberry margaritas were sipped through thermoses and sun and fun were had.
post sports grill out happened at ben and scott's. they really know how to host it. pork and dill and onion burgers plus sandro's mushrooms and god knows how many shmidt's did me in and i was in bed by nine o'clock. welcome, summer.

the whatever american.

2009-05-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

quizzo last night at the ugly american was ok. patrick put it best when he said the place was like "TGIFridays for the big city". lots of patriotic artwork on the walls, lots of really pumped up quizzo players, lots of lesbians. as per our style, T. Mawesome started on top and took a sure and swift dive for 6th place. we can usually kill it on the first two rounds, it's the second two where we start slipping. dave came through with some solid answers to spite his lack of confidence in his quiz skills. susie knew david ickes as the former bbc sports reporter who made popular the conspiracy theory involving politicians as shape shifters. patrick and conrad held down sports and the ages of dead people. and conrad really meant it when he said sandro could have held the game down single handedly. besides cheap beer and sweet friends, it was whatever. keeping looking for philly's best quiz night.

happy pollution day.

2009-05-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

i don't get mad. i'm not sure if it's a deep rooted defense mechanism or if me the little fetus just got skipped when that particular emotion was getting doled out. in any case, anger doesn't become me. until...

today.

walking up 8th street on the way to the cafe. this middle aged, faux red head (no dis), opens her front door. she has two shiny, mylar 'happy mother's day!' balloons. cute, i think. until, with a shake of her wrist, those suckers are floating down the street in front of me. half deflated, they didn't get far, and i was able to snatch them up. she laughs and says, 'oh, honey. i was gonna let those go.' and then...anger. i stop. i glare. i clench the pretty balloons her husband probably bought for her at the last minute in the check out line at the AK-UH-ME. 'well,' i say, 'i'll just put them in a GARBAGE CAN for you then.'

really? have you heard of the state of the world? do you live in philadelphia? do you know it's world renowned nickname? you live right here, do you care about your life, lady?!?!

ok. rage averted. thanks for listening. sometimes a rage-less girl's gotta vent.
love,
a.

this is gonna be good.

2009-05-16T12:43:00.001-07:00

so "what tv show are we going to pitch to TLC?" is one hot coversation that happens at benna's quite frequently. today, i think ben and i came up with the best idea yet.

it goes something like this...
each episode features a grown up experiencing something that they should have done as a kid, but haven't yet. scott was our inspiration so he gets the first episode. scott has never been on a rollercoaster and he's 24. so we're taking him to great adventure!

following episodes include...
gettin the chicken pox. we're going to purposely infect you and then put you in a bath of baking soda every night before you go to bed.

learning to swim. we're going to throw you off a sailboat in the middle of a lake and come back for you when we're done with our cocktails.

getting a cavity. i'm willing to do this one since i've never had a cavity at age 29. i'll eat a ton of candy and not brush my teeth until it happens.

playing spin the bottle. ben's got dibs on this one, though we are auditioning for girls and boys who want to spin said bottle and spend that seven minutes in heaven.

being in a school play. you'll have to go back to your actual elementary/middle/high school and audition. you have to get the part to be on our show.

any other ideas? any volunteers? you must be an adult, you must not have ever done/gotten/seen/eaten/slept with/etc your challenge before. you must thoroughly document your challenge and succeed.

great!

i really like my friends.

2009-05-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

the moment i said i never dream, i dreamed and dreamed and (dreamt?). and it seems like all of these dreams are mostly related to anxieties i have IRL. like being on time, being too tired, and math. the most recent one was where i was involuntarily getting felt up by john cleese in a victorian style theatre. hm.

yesterday i heard that when i drink too much i spill all my secrets. it's one of those things i've always known about myself, but never really realized until someone else said it. i guess it's not that big of a deal except that now sandro knows there's a surprise coming.

i love to do "this is the summer of..." or "this is the month of...". like when the goal was just to stay alive in 2k5, or like how sue and holly are having the summer of social date experimentation. so i think this will be the summer of weekend getaways, making food at home, and reading trashy vampire novels. i'm shooting high here, i know i know. but really, after a year back at college at age 29, this is how it is.

fleetwood mac.

2009-05-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

woke up to a rainy morning, which meant extended laying around in bed.
target, which equalled two new summer shoes and summer underpants.
home alone time. man, it's so good. this mix holly made me for my birthday is like my own private dance and space out jam. breece likes it too. big ups to the person who invented the ceiling fan. blonde, brown, and red hair color on my one head. stolen internet is working and everything just feels peaceful.

the barrio, not el barrio.

2009-05-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

so summer proves that i officially live in the barrio. sometimes my landlord walks in on me naked, in my own apartment. sometimes there are six dudes that do not live in my building chillin on my stoop screaming a replay of the last baseball game. oftentimes i hear my upstairs neighbor, al, singing along to nineties r&b. i got nervous thinking of having my mom over, the trash, the noise...but then S reminded me that, 'whatever. i'm keeping it real.'

bocce on sunday.
two days off next week.
legs are out.
dinner plans.
money's under control.
shoe hunt is on.
school's out for summer!

so far so good, friends!

weekend update.

2009-04-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

medieval times dinner happened. SOOO MUCH CHICKEN. chicken with our fingers, tomato soup in mugs, baguette, beans and peas. and cannolis (inappropriate, but sickeningly delicious). oh, and we (D n D crew) got into vara and slept in a basement where a frozen body dripped on us in the night. to be continued...

dress as your mii party happened. happy birthday, holly!! no one looked like their mii, or everyone did 'cause your mii just looks like you, right? but sue's mii eyes glasses were the hit. as well as holly's pico de gallo and all that meat that i ate. a successful first grill out for 2k9!

got some new music on my ipod from S. really excited about having some fun new stuff to dance to in the cafe. little dragon is seriously good and i'm not even that girl that talks about music. come by and eat treats with me.

i woke up at 8:00 this morning (it's SUNDAY) to my doorbell buzzing incessantly and people yelling outside my door. the really pumped kind of yelling. after a minute of breece and i looking at each other trying to decide how to handle it, THE LOUDEST SPANISH FIESTA music began screaming through the barrio. i peaked out my window to see a crew of mexi-mummers going nuts on south 7th street. apparently it's a really big deal. and now i'm sitting at the cafe before my shift and a couple of them just walked in!!!! who are they? what is this?!?

i need a new craft.

2009-04-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

things that make me want to cut myself:

math class. first time i've ever seriously had to consider the fact that i might fail a class. it's absolutely excruciating.

this girl that comes into the cafe. is she trying really hard to be funny slash cute? is she hitting on renee? why did she ask benna if she was famous?

the old lady that i watch throw her garbage in the gutter this morning. i stopped in my tracks, just stared at the trash. she turned around and glared at me. really?

speaking of really??? tila tequila and billy corgan? all my junior high dreams smashed to a pulp.

ok...i'm seriously not that bummed on life. i just had to vent.
so.

ways i Get There:

mexican food.

medival times dinner.

alex and renee.

personal hygiene.

language socialization.

afternoon indoor chat time.

i hate rain today.

2009-04-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

a few things i've been thinking about:

going out dancing.
photorealistic kitten portrait tatoo.
how april is like october and may is like september. may and september are better.
mexico.
how friends are better now that we're all grown up.
clove and latte combo.
making dinner with friends at homes, sitting around dinner tables for hours with wine and stories.
the summer sundresses i bought in march and have yet to be able to wear.
2k9 is rad.

i'm a good student.

2009-04-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

today was a study extravaganza. and i didn't even mean to, it just sort of happened. swamped with reading, i started at the cafe while working the s l o w e s t s h i f t e v e r. it felt good to get home and snuggle up with my baby cat and more reading about fascists and female genital operations. the whisky and cookie weren't so bad either. by now i've got all my reading done and a paper due in two weeks completed. thanks three lattes today. thanks rain. thanks mexico. thanks breece. we did it.
also, here's my new bike. it has a bmx brake lever 'cause the handle bars got cut too short. otherwise, it's the sweetest.

a drive.

2009-03-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

today i went to delaware. dela-where? even though i've crossed that line, it still seems like a fake state to me. but there was nature IN DELAWARE. sandro showed me a bridge he once knew and it brought up all these nostalgic times. which are the best things to talk about when driving through winter sunshine.

for today.

2009-03-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

things that matter change really frequently
(just me?).
like keeping my roots touched up or keeping on a studying schedule. there's a fine line between laziness/procrastination and going with how you feel.

today was a loooooong and tired work day. i sat at the bar and stared out the window admiring the 8th and wharton intersection to jay z, the black album. i wonder how my customers felt.
this called for hygiene night. this usually includes the works, and today was no exception. cut and color hair, shower, shave, pedicure. it's like that work day never happened. and now breece and i have the same hair. calico.
i watched amelie and ate a massive chicken burrito. sometimes you have to love yourself just the way you like it.

lost.

2009-02-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

today was all over the place. i mean, on the inside. it was like nothing was happening around me (i did work at the cafe, which means i did some chatting, but that's not out of the ordinary) but it was like i was daniel faraday on the inside, traveling all over the place and not sure 'WHEN am i?'. in the past a good book would be my out for a day like this, or the gym now that it's 2k9. but today neither of those things will suffice. i think tonight sleep will be my rescue.

25 randos. thanks sue.

2009-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

1.i have an irrational fear of touching concrete. not with shoes on, but more like with my head. i don't even want to touch it with my hands really.

2. i thought i'd dread the gym, but now i crave it.

3. i thought i'd dread school, but now i crave it.

4. i oftentimes put myself in situations i think i'll dread and end up craving them.

5. my mom became my best friend last year.

6. i never believed a word i said until december 2008.

7. i am SUCH a pisces.

8. i generally don't like people under the age of 25. unless they're between 4 and 6.

9. i'm only so-so at trivia and crosswords and scrabble but i love playing them.

10. my subconcious and i have been bro-ing down lately. she gets stuff i don't get and then tells me. it's a good relationship.

11. i'm about to go tell someone a secret and it's making me nervous.

12. i went to red lobster and thought it was ok and then realized when i got home that i hated it.

13. this year i changed my mind about prescriptions.

14. i'll introduce you to the same person over and over until one of you calls me out on it.

15. i've cried in public during break ups more often than i can count.

16. i have the recording of when i got my palms read in cassadaga.

17. i wish i could visit home more often.

18. i hate brushing my teeth and taking showers. i do it, but i don't like it one bit.

19. i've been in my house for 6 years and am moving out next week.

20. i drop the ball sometimes and then feel bad about it but don't do anything to pick it back up.

21. if i could have two channels they'd be food network and tlc.

22. i ran three miles a day monday through friday and five miles on saturday every week my freshman year of high school. man, where did that girl go?

23. you'll never see a color other than black on my top.

24. i love cheap motels.

25. i need london.

Tag, you're it.

girlish.

2009-01-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

being the girliest girl is really fun right now. these nights usually include hanging out with brae. she wears lipstick and i don't, but seeing her in her lipstick encourages me to wear tights or earrings or something ladylike. tonight we put some color in her hair. then we had SWEET AND SPICY SHRIMP FAJITA WRAPS at the pope. i'm serious. the best thing. there were two perfect seats at the bar, summers was there to serve us, beers were there. we talked about boys and makeup and shopping and periods (i know this sounds exactly like a funny joke, but it's real)...sometimes the most normal moments seem so perfect for no reason.

it's all happening.

2009-01-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

so two thousand (and?) nine is great. no, really. peace out, two thousand (and?) eight. we don't need you anyways.
the gym is amazing. nothing like thirty minutes of cardio to get a heart and a body and a mind up and out. i found myself dancing with my eyes closed, rocking out to the postal service on the elliptical machine this morning. the weight circuit kicked my ass last week, so i'm thinking slow and steady with that part.

i adore my co-workers. all three of them. the two cutest girls (big ups, renee and alex), and fantastic all around nice guy, the pete miller. who could ask for more? also, i keep getting three day weekends off, which means more fun.

i may have been going on some dates, which is the most fun thing ever.

i have been spending quality time with my roommates, who are THE GREATEST. quizzo, rock band, crossword puzzles, netflix, bike rides, drinks. oh, and a warm welcome to brian, 734's newest member. RIP sam, not dead, but moving to the other coast. we're ok.

my mom has been texting me a lot lately. which sounds wierd, but is actually awesome.

lots of love, amber.

joining the gym=the most original new year's resolution ever.

2008-12-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

christmas was so awesome.
santa loves me so much that he brings me things and money.
like...
a new computer!
my favorite handbag!
pretty make up!
and
(drum roll)
a gym membership!
that's right. come to fitness works, south philly's neighborhood gym, and watch me work it. i'm so into cardio right now. oh, and the circuit. AND...INDOOR POOL WITH WATER AEROBICS CLASSES!!!
seriously, 2009.

we're having fun.

2008-12-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

so the school semester is coming to an end and somehow we get a whole week off before finals. then a week off before i go to california, then a couple weeks off before the spring semester begins! so what are we doing?
i propose:

movies. i want to go to them. let's see "milk" and who wants to see "twilight" with me again (because it was GOOD)?

movies. i want to watch my netflix at my house with you. this includes the british "office" and whatever else you want to recommend. i'll provide the hot toasty bev of your choice.

singing. i want to accompany you. so if you make music in which a tiny girl voice is appropriate, i'm offering my services in return for the hot toasty bev of my choice.

making. it's craft time. i'm collaging and in search of materials, ie magazines, paper, etc. we could make over hot toasty bevs?

gaming. board, not video. anything having to do with words, pictures, or trivia. anytime. really. treats and bevs.

brunching. let's go out. eggs and irish coffee (hot, toasty...).

ok great! this winter is turning out awesome.
love,
a.

t-gives 08.

2008-11-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

thanks to these three bodacious babes, i'm stuffed like a turkey.

this is how we do it.

2008-11-26T12:28:00.001-08:00

i bought a new digicam today. thought i'd test it out on my best model.

and now it's time for quizzo! could today get better?

2008-11-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

so much changes in 15 hours! no, but really. i look back at last night's (this morning's) post and think, 'who was that person?'
not only do i have a fully functional pc, but i have completed a facebook profile (maybe i should be saying, 'who is THIS person??').
more importantly, i have paid e-bills, emailed my e-mother, and reinstated an e-life (ha...g-life. we're all about google chrome as our browser).
i also have a brutal math test behind me.
i also got a ton of work done today-
the personal kind, the school kind (two papers. i wrote TWO papers today), and not the coffee kind.
i'm listening to an updated itunes with much billy bragg therein.
i got (ok, gave) one billion kisses to a tiny baby bear (ok, cat) today.
AND I FINISHED NEW MOON, book 2 in the TWILIGHT SERIES.
i've said it once and i'll say it again, lazy-slash-productive days are all the rage.

a bit of an update at 3 am.

2008-11-24T23:43:00.001-08:00

thanks to my friend sandro, i have an up and running computer once again. who leaves their slow old PC in the dust for a (un)fancy (used) mac? what a blow out. that thing bailed in six months and in a couple of hours, this old beast is better than ever.

confession: i tried to sign up for facebook tonight. i know, i know.
1. "wait, you haven't been on it this whole time?"
2. "awesome, now we can play word twist."
3. "hahahaha...loser."
it's whatever. i'm having trouble editing my profile. the worst problem the world's ever faced.

school's almost out for winter and it's crunch time. meet me at the pope on the weekends.

oh, and book two of the twilight series, new moon, is taking a very unseen turn. for the better. get on this, all of you.

sleep shmeep.

2008-11-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

since my computer is kaput, i'm using any chance i get at one to do this.

i'm all about days off. but productive days off. i always romanticize those days off when you don't get out of bed, you just LAY ALL DAY. but when i have the opportunity to do just that, i'm jumping out of bed for something to do. so today, having that day off, i thought, let's do this (this could also be due to the fact that i've slept for no less than twelve hours per night for the last eight nights). so productivity was had. maybe in the mundane chores of life, but it was had nonetheless.

take care of the baby cat. and by 'take care' i mean, get her all worked up into a puffy tail by chasing her around and singing 'breeciebreeciebreeciebear!'

deposit paycheck. 'cause once that happens, bills can be paid. and more importantly, fun that requires money can be had.

read teenage vampire/werewolf novel for 3 hours. it's good for the body and the soul.
great. so now it's dinner and the top model finale.

who would want to stay in bed?

things we're into for winter '08

2008-11-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

quizzo with roommates at dive bars and a goodtimes MC.

top model, particularly mckey who i really hope wins the finale this week because she's the all time prettiest.

starbucks, especially pumpkin spice lattes.

obama speeches.

opaque cotton stockings.

saving up for christmas in california.

one shot of jameson with dinner at a south philly pub, but not SPTR because their menu sucks now.

reading sue's blog because she's cute and funny and fun to read about (doggieeyes).

netflix.

lulu's living room (have i mentioned it?).

a mac repair man (who? where?).

hot water. on my body and in my mouth.

finishing up the sememster and getting straight A's.

what are you up to?

saying not showing.

2008-11-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

i've totally dropped the ball on funinfiveframes. mostly because i don't have a functioning computer on which to upload fun frames. so in the meantime, writing about funny things while i'm at school and not doing work sounds great.

today is pouring. all day. i've been envying people with those really huge umbrellas, the ones that pretty much enclose you in a bubble? who needs to see when you're keeping dry? the trusty cowboy boots have served as rainboots and my miniscule, bookbag compatible umbrella has done the trick.
today i really like temple. it's cozy. there are all these really great places to get out of the rain and work or relax (or blog - blog the verb). there's a starbucks and we can bring our grande nonfat lattes into the computer lab with us! there's a center with big cushy chairs and little eateries and food carts everywhere. basically, temple's campus is a microcosm of the good things in the world. i'd rather be here than work (no dis).
also, i'd like to mention the hope and inspiration that is lulu's living room. that's right, this thing exists. and not only does it exist, it exudes comfort, love, and enhances health and prosperity. for this, i am eternally grateful and look forward to spending many a winter eve, including this one, there, with her, on the couch (regardless of its slipcover color(s)).
here's to a good mood amongst a bad storm, keeping dry and keeping warm.
cheers, friends.

breece.

2008-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

www.flickr.com

we got (and gave) tatoos in west virgina.

2008-05-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

a few of my favorite things.

2008-04-13T11:53:00.001-07:00

represent.

2008-04-10T14:11:00.001-07:00