1. Last Friday I went to one of the Seattle International Film Festival movies...I've never gone to any before, and I got some free tickets from the Mountain....figured I'd check it out. I saw Nurse.Fighter.Boy. The movie was great. It was about a single mom with sickle cell. The relationship between the mother and the little boy is so well done- sometimes I feel like the relationship development is lacking in movies- in comparison to books anyway. The casting was spot on...the little boy was so perfect...kind of like that little kid in Australia. And there was a really amazing soundtrack that just fit the scenes perfectly. While I enjoyed the movie, the part of the film festival experience that was so cool, was the director was there. He just flew in, introduced the film, and then did a Q and A after. I LOVE hearing people talk about their passions...hearing him explain why he included this part or that scene, or why he left certain parts out, or where he found a particular song, and how he spent the entire month of last May in the studio editing from 8:30am-3:30am. He has that much love for what he does. That is so inspiring to me. Cool experience...I'd like to think that I'll make it out to a few more.
2. On Saturday, the Adventurers Club had their first outing. We made plans to check out the Folklife Festival. For a few reasons having to do with our mission/goal (we haven't actually discussed a mission or goal, but these are what I imagine they would be if we had), 1. It's free. The Adventurers Club strongly believes in free and cheap...finding such events is really all part of the adventure. 2. Ohhh, the people watching. Seriously, have you ever been to Folklife? It should be called a hippie holiday, or, I don't know, some other alliteration involving hippies. 3. Food samples. When thinking of Adventurers Club, I didn't initially think about food samples...but really, what activity isn't enhanced by free morsels of yummy? We could do a club meeting at Costco on the weekend and call it a successful adventure.
I always think these big festivals down at the Seattle Center sound like a good idea...and then I get there, and remember how much I HATE the ridiculous crowds. Where it takes an hour (not an exaggeration) to get from point A to point B...which usually takes 5 minutes. Willow was certain she was going to catch swine flu, due to the close quarters and gross coughers...instead she was pooped on by a bird while we sat and ate our lunch. We saw so many accordian/washboard/banjo combinations of bands huddled together on the sides of the paths. And we caught some great bagpipe music, along with some Morris dancing (for those of you who don't know, as I didn't), this is the old Shakespeare kind of dancing with bells tied around your shins or shoes. Ohhh, the Morris dancers looked like they were having a ball. It was a good time, but definitely not a place I wanted to step foot at for the rest of the weekend. And I didn't.
3. On Sunday afternoon, I picked up a couple of musician girls at the Amtrak station. They are friends of friends of friends and would be playing a show in Seattle that night, and I offered them a place to stay while they were in town. It was a fun couple of days. You know how I loooove playing tour guide and showing people how great my city is, and it certainly helped that the weather was amazing. Truly, there is nothing more beautiful than Seattle in the sunshine...I think that's why it has to rain all the time...otherwise, why would anyone live anywhere else? :) Okay, okay...enough. So the girls (Lauren Zettler and Allison Weiss...check out their music) playing at the Skylark Cafe in West Seattle. They played before this other band- Lady Danville- who were actually pretty rad. I would def recommend checking them out...they are based out of LA, and had a lot of energy, interesting instrument usage and pretty cool harmonies. And totally great people...we hung out with them for awhile after the show...headed over to Alki and did the whole bonfire on the beach, with a ukulele (of course, why not?)...one of the guys told the most ridiculous ghost story, and we went around the circle telling our high and low of the day (though we actually did it Obama-style and did our thorn and rose of the day.) On Monday, we got up, and went to breakfast out at Easy Street. The girls have been doing a daily video blog while on tour, over breakfast...so they were in need of a good breakfast locale...and Easy Street it was...and they bought hoodies and tshirts, and then saw the Cupcake Royale sign from across the street...so we wandered over there and they bought two cupcakes each...documenting the whole thing on camera...as well as purchasing the "legalize frostitution" sticker. They spent the day at the EMP and then we went to Bimbo's for dinner. Yum. After Seattle, the girls were off to Vancouver, Canada for their last show of their mini tour.
4. I got bullied out of the pool at the gym today. I'm not a stellar swimmer...don't have any form, I don't like to put my face in the water (I can't stand not being able to breathe...especially when working out!), and I am about as slow as they come...BUT, I pay for my gym membership, I follow pool rules, and I should be able to throw a little variety in my workout and swim. Well, when I got to the gym (at 10am, mind you...I figured it would be an empty pool time), there was one free lane available, so I started my workout. Then someone else came and joined the lane...so there were three of us, and they wanted to do laps in a circle...which means I get lapped...over and over because, like I said before, I am the SLOWEST swimmer on the planet. I was feeling a little pressure to not get in these serious, goggle and swim cap wearing swimmers way...finally, someone left in the lane next to me, so I hopped over there...and then another no-nonsense, speedo-wearing swimmer jumped in my lane, and proceeded to turn the lap pool into a wave pool with his crazy thrashing and splashing. I nearly drowned...in the 4 feet of water. So I got out...ten minutes short of finishing my workout. So I went home and jumped on OnDemand to do a workout video. I opted for Carmen Elektra's Striptease. Wow, even in my completely empty apartment, I was embarrassed. Fun though.
5. Seriously California...WTF? I generally don't get into political arguments because I know that there is no use trying to change someone's mind about their belief system, and it just ends up being frustrating for both parties....but I'm really sad/angry/confused that California voted down gay marriage. I honestly don't understand how that happened, or really how it is even an issue. It is such blatant discrimination...I am just so baffled by the fact that it is even an issue. How many people get divorced every year? And they want to talk about the sanctity of marriage? How about we just let people that love each other do so...good grief. Really, just thinking about it gets me so angry...read this: Rob Thomas, of Matchbox Twenty wrote about the issue and pretty much says exactly what I think about it...check out the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-thomas/the-big-gay-chip-on-my-sh_b_208183.html
And on that uplifting note...hope you enjoy the sunshine and have a great weekend!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Memorial Day weekend? Already?!
Hey....can you believe it is summer time? How crazy that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend? This year has been zipping by...probably because I am old now. People always say as you get older the time goes by faster...and it is just flying...I guess since I am in my late twenties now(wait, no, no...I forgot, I'm only 22, nevermind)...I can tell I'm getting older because of that AND because my knee has been hurting- I'm guessing from the rain (isn't that why old people get aches and pains- the rain?). Here is your Friday Five for the week:
1. I went with Ian and the band over to Banks Lake last weekend for a Blues festival. There were definitely some funny moments on the trip (playing a drinking game in the van without drinking because we didn't have a radio, being told by the merch guy next to me that the lube they sell is the best effing stuff there is- yeah, they sold lube-, hula hooping contests, etc) But what really stuck with me from the weekend was how unbelievably beautiful our state is. I always think of Seattle-the city- as being so great...with the mountains to look at over the puget sound, but driving over to Banks Lake...seeing geology in action (that might be an oxymoron)...it was all fairly breathtaking...I'm glad I wasn't driving or we may have ended up over a cliff. On our way home, we stopped at the Grand Coulee Dam, which is just so massive and impressive (until you read about all the damage it has done to the fishing industry here, and how the native americans haven't had a first salmon ceremony since 1940.) Sad. BUT, it is the largest electric power producing facility in the US (fifth in the world).
2. I got a new bed this weekend. Well, I got the mattress and boxspring- and I guess it isn't really new- it was my little brother's. New to me. And a real bed. Not the blow up mattress that I've been using for the past couple of years. What is going on with me? I painted my room, made a work desk space and now HAVE A BED? Wowza. I'm undecided on my thoughts of the new bed though. I kind of miss the inflatable. I'm going to give it a little bit longer, but I might switch back. It isn't UNcomfortable, it just isn't that great...though I can hide my closet doors underneath, instead of keeping them propped against the living room wall. So that's useful. We'll see.
3. I went to the Mariners game on Monday. Can I just tell you, I LOVE baseball games. Like, there was definitely some skipping going on as we got closer and closer to Safeco. I haven't been to a game yet this season (don't ask me why!), and I got a last minute invite from Jen and her work peeps. Grabbed some peanuts from a crazy karate chopping, yelling man (how could I buy from anyone else?!), Amy and Jen did the hot dog thing...I just couldn't bring myself to pay $9 for a hot dog...maybe if I liked hot dogs even a little bit, I would do it for the sake of the game, but I don't like them, I don't like ketchup or mustard, and I have had my fill of unknown meat for a little while (scrapple in philly...yikes). Despite my love of the Mariners and the whole baseball experience in general, I was SEVERELY disappointed by our fans. The stadium was pretty empty. People weren't that into it. While I was already aware of our city's lame-o sports fans, especially after having lived in and experienced the awesomeness of Chicago fans, it still made me sad. My friend Amy reminded me that Seattle people are lame in other arenas as well-such as concerts...we have a reputation of being too cool to have fun at the show...people standing around with their arms crossed, looking bored, at shows that they actually are really enjoying- they just don't want to show it. Lame. C'mon Seattle...have some fun, support your teams (I miss you Sonics!), dance a little!
4. I read a really interesting article in the June edition of the Atlantic. It was talking about a long term study that has been going on, figuring out what makes a good life- what makes people happy over the long run. Dr Vaillant took a group of Harvard college students- 72 years ago, and has followed them through their life, checking in on their physical and mental health, work successes and failures, marriages and divorces, children and grandchildren...long term studies like this don't happen often- mostly because of funding. The study has found some interesting information...such as: regular excercise in your college age years predicted late life mental health more than physical health; Your cholesterol at 50 actually has nothing to do with health in old age; pessimists suffer more physically than optimists; alcohol is actually the horse, not the carriage- in general it was not the hard time that lead to the alcoholism, it was that that caused the problem in the first place- Vaillant talks a lot about the negative effects of alcohol use; and finally, when he was asked "what have you learned from this study?" he said "the only thing that really matters in life is your relationships to other people." He talks about how relationships with people matters more than intelligence or social class in succesful aging- and in particular, he found, was relationships with siblings. Interesting. Go call your brother or sister right now. The article has a ton more information (it's long), and I totally recommend reading it: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/happiness
5. I got a library notice yesterday that my held copy of "Perfect Fifths"- the final book in the Jessica Darling series (remember, the books I was reading while walking down the street and nearly running into people?) was waiting for me to pick up. Woohoo...I skipped (okay, I didn't skip...that's hard to do uphill) on up to the library after work today and picked it up. Yay for taking the bus to work and being able to read on the way home. I have much planned for this Memorial Day weekend, but I am sure I will find moments here and there to slip in some time with my favorite fictional snarky pal, Jessica. Can't wait...how's it all going to end?!
Hope you all have a great weekend- be safe! Until next Friday....
1. I went with Ian and the band over to Banks Lake last weekend for a Blues festival. There were definitely some funny moments on the trip (playing a drinking game in the van without drinking because we didn't have a radio, being told by the merch guy next to me that the lube they sell is the best effing stuff there is- yeah, they sold lube-, hula hooping contests, etc) But what really stuck with me from the weekend was how unbelievably beautiful our state is. I always think of Seattle-the city- as being so great...with the mountains to look at over the puget sound, but driving over to Banks Lake...seeing geology in action (that might be an oxymoron)...it was all fairly breathtaking...I'm glad I wasn't driving or we may have ended up over a cliff. On our way home, we stopped at the Grand Coulee Dam, which is just so massive and impressive (until you read about all the damage it has done to the fishing industry here, and how the native americans haven't had a first salmon ceremony since 1940.) Sad. BUT, it is the largest electric power producing facility in the US (fifth in the world).
2. I got a new bed this weekend. Well, I got the mattress and boxspring- and I guess it isn't really new- it was my little brother's. New to me. And a real bed. Not the blow up mattress that I've been using for the past couple of years. What is going on with me? I painted my room, made a work desk space and now HAVE A BED? Wowza. I'm undecided on my thoughts of the new bed though. I kind of miss the inflatable. I'm going to give it a little bit longer, but I might switch back. It isn't UNcomfortable, it just isn't that great...though I can hide my closet doors underneath, instead of keeping them propped against the living room wall. So that's useful. We'll see.
3. I went to the Mariners game on Monday. Can I just tell you, I LOVE baseball games. Like, there was definitely some skipping going on as we got closer and closer to Safeco. I haven't been to a game yet this season (don't ask me why!), and I got a last minute invite from Jen and her work peeps. Grabbed some peanuts from a crazy karate chopping, yelling man (how could I buy from anyone else?!), Amy and Jen did the hot dog thing...I just couldn't bring myself to pay $9 for a hot dog...maybe if I liked hot dogs even a little bit, I would do it for the sake of the game, but I don't like them, I don't like ketchup or mustard, and I have had my fill of unknown meat for a little while (scrapple in philly...yikes). Despite my love of the Mariners and the whole baseball experience in general, I was SEVERELY disappointed by our fans. The stadium was pretty empty. People weren't that into it. While I was already aware of our city's lame-o sports fans, especially after having lived in and experienced the awesomeness of Chicago fans, it still made me sad. My friend Amy reminded me that Seattle people are lame in other arenas as well-such as concerts...we have a reputation of being too cool to have fun at the show...people standing around with their arms crossed, looking bored, at shows that they actually are really enjoying- they just don't want to show it. Lame. C'mon Seattle...have some fun, support your teams (I miss you Sonics!), dance a little!
4. I read a really interesting article in the June edition of the Atlantic. It was talking about a long term study that has been going on, figuring out what makes a good life- what makes people happy over the long run. Dr Vaillant took a group of Harvard college students- 72 years ago, and has followed them through their life, checking in on their physical and mental health, work successes and failures, marriages and divorces, children and grandchildren...long term studies like this don't happen often- mostly because of funding. The study has found some interesting information...such as: regular excercise in your college age years predicted late life mental health more than physical health; Your cholesterol at 50 actually has nothing to do with health in old age; pessimists suffer more physically than optimists; alcohol is actually the horse, not the carriage- in general it was not the hard time that lead to the alcoholism, it was that that caused the problem in the first place- Vaillant talks a lot about the negative effects of alcohol use; and finally, when he was asked "what have you learned from this study?" he said "the only thing that really matters in life is your relationships to other people." He talks about how relationships with people matters more than intelligence or social class in succesful aging- and in particular, he found, was relationships with siblings. Interesting. Go call your brother or sister right now. The article has a ton more information (it's long), and I totally recommend reading it: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/happiness
5. I got a library notice yesterday that my held copy of "Perfect Fifths"- the final book in the Jessica Darling series (remember, the books I was reading while walking down the street and nearly running into people?) was waiting for me to pick up. Woohoo...I skipped (okay, I didn't skip...that's hard to do uphill) on up to the library after work today and picked it up. Yay for taking the bus to work and being able to read on the way home. I have much planned for this Memorial Day weekend, but I am sure I will find moments here and there to slip in some time with my favorite fictional snarky pal, Jessica. Can't wait...how's it all going to end?!
Hope you all have a great weekend- be safe! Until next Friday....
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday Five back in Seattle
Happy Friday! I know I said I was going to post another blog in between Fridays to keep my trip updated, but well, I didn't. I hope you were okay with that. Here's my Friday Five:
1. I am supposed to be in Chicago right now. I have never cancelled a trip like this before. It's sort of strange. Sort of like I am in two places at once right now- Harry Potter time-travel like. It's like when you are a kid and you stay home from school, and then realize that school is still going on even if you aren't there...I feel like my Chicago trip is still going on, even though I am sitting at my Starbucks right now, getting ready to work. Man, I wish I could be in two places at once...that would be sweet. I would get so much more done...and be able to visit so many more people. Anyway...I'll be making a trip out to Chicago later this summer sometime...I wasn't giving the trip the proper attention it needed for my return to Chicago. I need to do the normal Eryn planning...Cubs game, perhaps a concert, def a few skillet cookies, etc...oh how I miss that city. In a I'm so happy to not live there anymore kind of way.
2. With my unexpected time in Seattle, due to my cancelled trip, I was hoping to be productive and get ish done. I hadn't made any plans- no babysitting, nothing. BUT, in typical me fashion, I have already filled up pretty much the entire weekend. Ugh. I mean, good, yay! I picked up a shift at my Starbucks today and then I am booking it immediately from work to my apartment where Ian and the band are picking me up for a trip out to Eastern Washington- Electric City to be exact...did you know such a city existed? for a show. We are staying overnight in said Electric City...I'm looking forward to it...though am slightly stressed about leaving so quick after work...I'm sure I will forget to do something important. I thought it was going to be this blog that I wouldn't be able to get to, but since I had to drive to work, I had to get here an hour before my shift (to be able to find a parking spot...curse you downtown parking), so here I am a-writing away.
3. I went and saw Little Ashes last night...the Harvard Exit theater was doing a free screening, so Olga and I headed over to Capitol Hill for the movie. I don't know what I was expecting...all I knew about it was it is about Salvadore Dali, that it was made fairly low budget without the intention of going to major theaters- but due to the current Robert Pattinson craze, it found its way there (the movie was made before he made Twilight, but is just coming out now). After having seen it, I can't really say that I LIKED it, but I think that is just because it was a heavier movie than I was expecting. I'm not sure why Robert was cast in the film- he has to fake the spanish accent when everyone else in the cast is much more natural, and he is very awkward- which DOES work for the Dali character, except that after being super awkward in Twilight, I feel like it is just him, and not his acting skills. The movie was a little bit slow. It dealt with the Spain during Franco's time and how people that were part of the resistence were just taken out to fields and killed in mass numbers...which is just really hard to think about. I know it isn't a new concept in our world, it has happened numerous times in history (and still is), but more than the actual killing, it just really upsets me how these people are killed so anonymously, just one person in such a huge number. How easy it is to forget that each and every one of those people had friends and families that loved them...they weren't just a number, they were real. This movie really showed that. I do think I recommend it...I also recommend reading Ghosts of Spain- it's a book I read while I was living in Barcelona that talked about all the stuff that went on during the Franco time. Crazy.
4. On a lighter note, a friend at Starbucks and I have been talking about going out and hiking and doing outdoor Pacific Northwest type stuff, and then how there are so many Seattle things that, as residents, we just don't do. So we decided we should make regular excursions...and then took a step farther and decided we needed to create a club. Yup, nerd alert. So we are going to try to get in the first meeting of our adventurers club this weekend. I'm pretty sure we will have a secret handshake, secret code words and a song by next week. Maybe even matching sashes. I don't know. I am excited about having an excuse to plan adventures...keep things interesting...be prepared for Seattle visitors...that kind of thing. Another thing I really want to find, and I don't know if it is going to be with this group or not, but I am just going to throw it out there in case any of you readers are interested- I really want to start playing a sport again...I'm getting so bored with running. I miss playing team sports...but I'm just not that into drunk kickball-which is the only team sport I know people who participate in. So, if you have a team and are in need of a player, or if you have been hoping to get involved in something...lemme know! I really want to!
5. And finally, a recap of the east coast trip. On Saturday Luke and I ran some errands while Jessica was at work, and then made the ever-important stop at TWIST, again. Oh man, do I miss twist! Jessica and I talked yesterday and she said they got a new wild blueberry flavor yogurt...mmmm. Sunday Jessica and I went to yoga at her store (she works at Lululemon) and got coffee and hung out. Then we grabbed Luke and all headed out to an lovely outdoor sculpture park. The sun decided to finally make an appearance for my visit (thanks sun). It was really nice to just wander through the trees and chat and enjoy art. It was a really pretty place...very picturesque (we did, in fact, get some pics...but I can't find my camera cord to take them off my camera...argh). Then I headed back into Philly for a last visit with my Philly pal, since I was flying out of Philadelphia Monday afternoon. I experienced the friendliest Starbucks EVER there, in Dave's little neighborhood. And he took me to his favorite little diner, Bob's...which was adorable...and then forced me to eat scrapple, without telling me what it was. I knew it was something gross, but I couldn't remember exactly what...so I tasted it and then was informed that it is basically all the scraps of the unwanted parts of animals mushed together in a loaf, held together with some cornmeal, and then cut into slices and fried. Yeah. And the Philadelphians can't get enough of it.
Alright...I have about 15 min til work, so I am going to sign off here...have a great weekend.
1. I am supposed to be in Chicago right now. I have never cancelled a trip like this before. It's sort of strange. Sort of like I am in two places at once right now- Harry Potter time-travel like. It's like when you are a kid and you stay home from school, and then realize that school is still going on even if you aren't there...I feel like my Chicago trip is still going on, even though I am sitting at my Starbucks right now, getting ready to work. Man, I wish I could be in two places at once...that would be sweet. I would get so much more done...and be able to visit so many more people. Anyway...I'll be making a trip out to Chicago later this summer sometime...I wasn't giving the trip the proper attention it needed for my return to Chicago. I need to do the normal Eryn planning...Cubs game, perhaps a concert, def a few skillet cookies, etc...oh how I miss that city. In a I'm so happy to not live there anymore kind of way.
2. With my unexpected time in Seattle, due to my cancelled trip, I was hoping to be productive and get ish done. I hadn't made any plans- no babysitting, nothing. BUT, in typical me fashion, I have already filled up pretty much the entire weekend. Ugh. I mean, good, yay! I picked up a shift at my Starbucks today and then I am booking it immediately from work to my apartment where Ian and the band are picking me up for a trip out to Eastern Washington- Electric City to be exact...did you know such a city existed? for a show. We are staying overnight in said Electric City...I'm looking forward to it...though am slightly stressed about leaving so quick after work...I'm sure I will forget to do something important. I thought it was going to be this blog that I wouldn't be able to get to, but since I had to drive to work, I had to get here an hour before my shift (to be able to find a parking spot...curse you downtown parking), so here I am a-writing away.
3. I went and saw Little Ashes last night...the Harvard Exit theater was doing a free screening, so Olga and I headed over to Capitol Hill for the movie. I don't know what I was expecting...all I knew about it was it is about Salvadore Dali, that it was made fairly low budget without the intention of going to major theaters- but due to the current Robert Pattinson craze, it found its way there (the movie was made before he made Twilight, but is just coming out now). After having seen it, I can't really say that I LIKED it, but I think that is just because it was a heavier movie than I was expecting. I'm not sure why Robert was cast in the film- he has to fake the spanish accent when everyone else in the cast is much more natural, and he is very awkward- which DOES work for the Dali character, except that after being super awkward in Twilight, I feel like it is just him, and not his acting skills. The movie was a little bit slow. It dealt with the Spain during Franco's time and how people that were part of the resistence were just taken out to fields and killed in mass numbers...which is just really hard to think about. I know it isn't a new concept in our world, it has happened numerous times in history (and still is), but more than the actual killing, it just really upsets me how these people are killed so anonymously, just one person in such a huge number. How easy it is to forget that each and every one of those people had friends and families that loved them...they weren't just a number, they were real. This movie really showed that. I do think I recommend it...I also recommend reading Ghosts of Spain- it's a book I read while I was living in Barcelona that talked about all the stuff that went on during the Franco time. Crazy.
4. On a lighter note, a friend at Starbucks and I have been talking about going out and hiking and doing outdoor Pacific Northwest type stuff, and then how there are so many Seattle things that, as residents, we just don't do. So we decided we should make regular excursions...and then took a step farther and decided we needed to create a club. Yup, nerd alert. So we are going to try to get in the first meeting of our adventurers club this weekend. I'm pretty sure we will have a secret handshake, secret code words and a song by next week. Maybe even matching sashes. I don't know. I am excited about having an excuse to plan adventures...keep things interesting...be prepared for Seattle visitors...that kind of thing. Another thing I really want to find, and I don't know if it is going to be with this group or not, but I am just going to throw it out there in case any of you readers are interested- I really want to start playing a sport again...I'm getting so bored with running. I miss playing team sports...but I'm just not that into drunk kickball-which is the only team sport I know people who participate in. So, if you have a team and are in need of a player, or if you have been hoping to get involved in something...lemme know! I really want to!
5. And finally, a recap of the east coast trip. On Saturday Luke and I ran some errands while Jessica was at work, and then made the ever-important stop at TWIST, again. Oh man, do I miss twist! Jessica and I talked yesterday and she said they got a new wild blueberry flavor yogurt...mmmm. Sunday Jessica and I went to yoga at her store (she works at Lululemon) and got coffee and hung out. Then we grabbed Luke and all headed out to an lovely outdoor sculpture park. The sun decided to finally make an appearance for my visit (thanks sun). It was really nice to just wander through the trees and chat and enjoy art. It was a really pretty place...very picturesque (we did, in fact, get some pics...but I can't find my camera cord to take them off my camera...argh). Then I headed back into Philly for a last visit with my Philly pal, since I was flying out of Philadelphia Monday afternoon. I experienced the friendliest Starbucks EVER there, in Dave's little neighborhood. And he took me to his favorite little diner, Bob's...which was adorable...and then forced me to eat scrapple, without telling me what it was. I knew it was something gross, but I couldn't remember exactly what...so I tasted it and then was informed that it is basically all the scraps of the unwanted parts of animals mushed together in a loaf, held together with some cornmeal, and then cut into slices and fried. Yeah. And the Philadelphians can't get enough of it.
Alright...I have about 15 min til work, so I am going to sign off here...have a great weekend.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday 5...15...50? East Coast
Hello from Princeton, NJ. Please be prepared to look up big, important words in a dictionary, perhaps not completely follow my extensive line of thinking, and perhaps feel less than adequate...I mean, I have just spent a week at Princeton. My IQ has obviously increased dramatically.
I have had such an amazing time on this trip...I have somehow managed to not overschedule myself, but still get much in...and have been able to see so many friends. Awesome. So here are a few highlights of my trip (so far, I still have two more days):
1. Twist. This is on the top of my mind because we just returned from this heavenly do-it-yourself yogurt shop. Yeah, you read right. Do it yourself. First thing you do is ask for a sample cup, so you can test the eight different flavors of frozen yogurt. According to Tyra Banks, this sampling is a perfect way to portion control...that's right, Tyra walks in for a sample and leaves without buying anything. Luke, Jessica and I made up for her. We filled our bowls with a combination of the flavors, and then moved on to the toppings...fruit, cereal, candy, nuts, coconut...everything. Delicious. Love it. Please open one in Seattle!
2. On my first night in town, we met up with a group of their friends and had dinner and went to see the new XMen movie. I don't know if you are aware, but Tim Riggins is in the movie...so while I don't typically care much about the comic movies...I was looking forward to seeing my boyfriend in a setting outside of the Dillon, TX football field (Friday Night Lights, if you aren't following). Movie was not so great. The end kinda sucked. And Riggins' character wasn't so great...they definitely could have done more with it.
3. I worked one day at the Starbucks here in Princeton. It was an unusually slow day at the store...it was raining, and apparently people don't leave their house in the rain- though I did see an abundance of adorable rain boots on the people that did brave the rain...I think everyone had a pair. My shift went by quickly and the people I worked with were great. Everyone was in awe of my Seattle heritage...they kept telling the customers that the barista making their drink today is all the way from the home of Starbucks...people were expecting great things from their coffee beverages. I'm sure I exceeded all their expectations. Right. I did convince several of them to visit Seattle...that it is beautiful and friendly.
4. Luke and Jessica took me to a pizza and wine tasting restaurant- Teresa's Cafe...sooo much fun! On Monday nights they do this tasting- first, they bring out an antipasta plate for the table to share. Then two different kinds of pizza (with one piece of each kind for each person at the table), then another two pizzas, then another set, finally followed by dessert. and each course had a wine to pair with it. Luke kept saying he was disappointed with the pizza variety...but I thought it was awesome...I wish I could remember all the kinds...there was definitely fig involved in one, walnuts and goat cheese on another, some pesto, red, and white sauces.
5. Princeton campus...is gorgeous! The dorms are like castles. The buildings are all old, with ivy and flowers draped down the walls. Jen came into town for a couple of days and we went on a tour of the campus. We took fun pictures- I climbed a tree (and fell out of it- it was slippery!), we found an empty lecture hall (where Einstein apparently lectured) and took pictures writing equations on the blackboard and pretending to teach behind the podium. Yeah, pretty cool.
6. Jessica took Jen and I to Washington's Crossing state park...we saw a video about where the Americans defeated the British in some fight that took place in Princeton. My Philly friend, Dave met up with us there and then we went to this cute little town- New Hope- nearby for lunch. It was all very historical and old and cool.
7. Dave kidnapped me from them and took me in to Philadelphia for a walking tour through the rainy streets of the city. We were a little late getting into the city, so most of the touristy sites were closed, but we walked through them...I saw the liberty bell through the window...which I think was probably just as good a view anyway. We went to "Love Park"...for the City of Brotherly Love. Then we met up with our friends Veronica and Tom...both from areas just out of Philly. All past Disney college program folks. I haven't seen them in such a long time, but it was like it hadn't been any time at all...we had dinner, ice cream and drinks, and just really fun conversation. It made me sad to think about how long it would be before I see them again...stupid distance. Grrr...I hate it.
8. NYC! Thursday, Dave brought me back to Princeton, and Jessica, Jen, Luke and I hopped on the train and headed into NYC. We went right to lunch at Max Brenner's- which is a craaaazy chocolate place...like a combo between classy and Willy Wonka. We had onion rings with a chocolate ranch dipping sauce...we had rich, intense hot chocolates, and a hazelnut banana crepe for dessert. Sooo good. I wish I hadn't gotten full...I could have sat there all day. We left there and visited St. Pat's cathedral, which was beautiful and reminded me of my european adventure.
9. A Whitney spotting...on our way to check out the plaza hotel, I noticed a small camera crew on the street and was wondering what they were filming. I looked at the crowd up ahead, trying to pick out who they could be focusing on. Wait, it must be that tall blonde girl in the ridiculous short polka dot skirt...walk a little closer...omg, it's Whitney! From the Hills, and the City! I was sooo dorky and excited....possibly walked a little faster toward her...may have made it into a shot.
10. Birthday dinner- we met up with a few other friends in West Village...I was still feeling a bit exhausted from the day before, so we didn't make it a late night. But we had some yummy mexican food and they did the whole singing Happy Birthday thing for me. I saaw my friend Adam, who lives in NYC and recently got engaged...with a bench in central park that is theirs forever and says the "will you marry me" thing...so cute!
11. A visit with Cory and Addy- On Friday, I hopped on the train to South Orange, NJ to visit the family I stayed with in Europe. I was so excited to see the kids! As I walked off the bus and toward their mini-van (which they cringe at every time the word comes up), I could see Cory in the back seat, with his GIANT smile and he was laughing so hard. It was adorable! They took me home and showed me around. The kids took a rest, and then we took them to the park to play for a little while. The dads made a delicious birthday dinner for me...salmon, rice, asparagus, salad, champagne...and Rob made a rhubarb pie- completely from scratch- with rhubarb from his AMAZING garden. It was so good. And Grandma Yaya came over with cupcakes she made...we did the candles and singing. Adorable. Then the kids watched a little Monsters Inc- their current fav (last I heard, they were way into Mama Mia) and they went to bed. And I jumped back on the train to Princeton.
I have another day and a half before I head home...not entirely sure what they will hold...I will probably write a follow up before next Friday...maybe add some pics after I upload them.
It has been such a great trip!!
I have had such an amazing time on this trip...I have somehow managed to not overschedule myself, but still get much in...and have been able to see so many friends. Awesome. So here are a few highlights of my trip (so far, I still have two more days):
1. Twist. This is on the top of my mind because we just returned from this heavenly do-it-yourself yogurt shop. Yeah, you read right. Do it yourself. First thing you do is ask for a sample cup, so you can test the eight different flavors of frozen yogurt. According to Tyra Banks, this sampling is a perfect way to portion control...that's right, Tyra walks in for a sample and leaves without buying anything. Luke, Jessica and I made up for her. We filled our bowls with a combination of the flavors, and then moved on to the toppings...fruit, cereal, candy, nuts, coconut...everything. Delicious. Love it. Please open one in Seattle!
2. On my first night in town, we met up with a group of their friends and had dinner and went to see the new XMen movie. I don't know if you are aware, but Tim Riggins is in the movie...so while I don't typically care much about the comic movies...I was looking forward to seeing my boyfriend in a setting outside of the Dillon, TX football field (Friday Night Lights, if you aren't following). Movie was not so great. The end kinda sucked. And Riggins' character wasn't so great...they definitely could have done more with it.
3. I worked one day at the Starbucks here in Princeton. It was an unusually slow day at the store...it was raining, and apparently people don't leave their house in the rain- though I did see an abundance of adorable rain boots on the people that did brave the rain...I think everyone had a pair. My shift went by quickly and the people I worked with were great. Everyone was in awe of my Seattle heritage...they kept telling the customers that the barista making their drink today is all the way from the home of Starbucks...people were expecting great things from their coffee beverages. I'm sure I exceeded all their expectations. Right. I did convince several of them to visit Seattle...that it is beautiful and friendly.
4. Luke and Jessica took me to a pizza and wine tasting restaurant- Teresa's Cafe...sooo much fun! On Monday nights they do this tasting- first, they bring out an antipasta plate for the table to share. Then two different kinds of pizza (with one piece of each kind for each person at the table), then another two pizzas, then another set, finally followed by dessert. and each course had a wine to pair with it. Luke kept saying he was disappointed with the pizza variety...but I thought it was awesome...I wish I could remember all the kinds...there was definitely fig involved in one, walnuts and goat cheese on another, some pesto, red, and white sauces.
5. Princeton campus...is gorgeous! The dorms are like castles. The buildings are all old, with ivy and flowers draped down the walls. Jen came into town for a couple of days and we went on a tour of the campus. We took fun pictures- I climbed a tree (and fell out of it- it was slippery!), we found an empty lecture hall (where Einstein apparently lectured) and took pictures writing equations on the blackboard and pretending to teach behind the podium. Yeah, pretty cool.
6. Jessica took Jen and I to Washington's Crossing state park...we saw a video about where the Americans defeated the British in some fight that took place in Princeton. My Philly friend, Dave met up with us there and then we went to this cute little town- New Hope- nearby for lunch. It was all very historical and old and cool.
7. Dave kidnapped me from them and took me in to Philadelphia for a walking tour through the rainy streets of the city. We were a little late getting into the city, so most of the touristy sites were closed, but we walked through them...I saw the liberty bell through the window...which I think was probably just as good a view anyway. We went to "Love Park"...for the City of Brotherly Love. Then we met up with our friends Veronica and Tom...both from areas just out of Philly. All past Disney college program folks. I haven't seen them in such a long time, but it was like it hadn't been any time at all...we had dinner, ice cream and drinks, and just really fun conversation. It made me sad to think about how long it would be before I see them again...stupid distance. Grrr...I hate it.
8. NYC! Thursday, Dave brought me back to Princeton, and Jessica, Jen, Luke and I hopped on the train and headed into NYC. We went right to lunch at Max Brenner's- which is a craaaazy chocolate place...like a combo between classy and Willy Wonka. We had onion rings with a chocolate ranch dipping sauce...we had rich, intense hot chocolates, and a hazelnut banana crepe for dessert. Sooo good. I wish I hadn't gotten full...I could have sat there all day. We left there and visited St. Pat's cathedral, which was beautiful and reminded me of my european adventure.
9. A Whitney spotting...on our way to check out the plaza hotel, I noticed a small camera crew on the street and was wondering what they were filming. I looked at the crowd up ahead, trying to pick out who they could be focusing on. Wait, it must be that tall blonde girl in the ridiculous short polka dot skirt...walk a little closer...omg, it's Whitney! From the Hills, and the City! I was sooo dorky and excited....possibly walked a little faster toward her...may have made it into a shot.
10. Birthday dinner- we met up with a few other friends in West Village...I was still feeling a bit exhausted from the day before, so we didn't make it a late night. But we had some yummy mexican food and they did the whole singing Happy Birthday thing for me. I saaw my friend Adam, who lives in NYC and recently got engaged...with a bench in central park that is theirs forever and says the "will you marry me" thing...so cute!
11. A visit with Cory and Addy- On Friday, I hopped on the train to South Orange, NJ to visit the family I stayed with in Europe. I was so excited to see the kids! As I walked off the bus and toward their mini-van (which they cringe at every time the word comes up), I could see Cory in the back seat, with his GIANT smile and he was laughing so hard. It was adorable! They took me home and showed me around. The kids took a rest, and then we took them to the park to play for a little while. The dads made a delicious birthday dinner for me...salmon, rice, asparagus, salad, champagne...and Rob made a rhubarb pie- completely from scratch- with rhubarb from his AMAZING garden. It was so good. And Grandma Yaya came over with cupcakes she made...we did the candles and singing. Adorable. Then the kids watched a little Monsters Inc- their current fav (last I heard, they were way into Mama Mia) and they went to bed. And I jumped back on the train to Princeton.
I have another day and a half before I head home...not entirely sure what they will hold...I will probably write a follow up before next Friday...maybe add some pics after I upload them.
It has been such a great trip!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hurray Hurray for May!
I know I am late in posting…I spent Friday afternoon, after packing and running around like a crazy lady getting ready for my trip, sitting in the sun in the backyard at my Grandma’s…it was lovely. Currently though, it is 6am Atlanta time (where I have a 2 hour layover) I slept a little on the plane, but am exhausted. I did, however, find it amusing that the terminals T and A are grouped together at this airport. Here is your Friday Five for the first day of May (whaaaa?!)
1. Oh my goodness. I am so tired of hearing about the swine flu. I know the media is tired of talking about the economy so they are jumping on this…but c’mon! Closing down schools? Really? It’s the FLU! Yes, people have died from it…but guess what, thousands of people die from the flu every year…doesn’t mean we shut down schools and wear masks around the streets. I’m not saying I’d be jumping at the chance to head down to Mexico right now (although I bet there are some good deals ), but I really don’t understand why people are getting so worked up. I do have to say, I think it might just be a media thing…after hanging at the Seatac airport last night and now in the Atlanta airport, I have yet to see anyone in a mask.
2.I spent last weekend running (driving actually) from Seattle to Olympia and back…several times. It was my Grandpa Don’s surprise birthday party and we celebrated at the Great Wolf Lodge. Which was pretty cool. The whole family stayed overnight- I didn’t because I was housesitting up in Seattle- and then we played at the indoor water park all day. It certainly wasn’t at a Disney level, but I think they did a good job with the park…totally family friendly. They could use some better food there though…pizza hut? Not yummy.
3. I rediscovered Room For Squares- John Mayer’s first full length album while driving back and forth between Seattle and Olympia. I stopped at my parent’s house and grabbed a couple of my CDs that I keep there, and I just ended up listening to John the whole time. Seriously, that album is so amazing. I mean, I am a pretty big fan in general, and have enjoyed his later albums…but that first one, man, soundtrack of my life. LOVE IT. Go re-listen to it. Your welcome.
4.Thursday night was Dining Out For Life…particular restaurants throughtout the city donated a percentage of their sales to fight AIDS. Amy and I decided we should probably be supportive of the evening…I looked at the list of restaurants participating and it looked like pretty much every place in the entire city. So, we decided to hit up Serious Pie- Tom Douglas’s pizza place. We have been talking about going there since we became friends a couple years ago and hadn’t made it there yet. It was delicious. They were out of the soup we wanted…boo. So I got some asparagus with dried anchovies on top (I know), and then we split a truffle and chartelle mushroom pizza….which was flippin delicious. And then we split dessert…no, we didn’t split A dessert…c’mon, it’s a Tom Douglas restaurant- you don’t skimp on dessert. We ordered two and they were A-MAZING. It was a way too expensive dinner- but I’m pretty sure we are fairly close to curing AIDS after that. So I suppose it is okay.
5.Well, it should be interesting to see what this next week is like…I have NO idea what my schedule holds. I was planning on picking up some shifts at the Starbucks near Jessica’s place…talked to the manager a couple weeks ago about him scheduling me, he said no prob, he would call me after he made the schedule. Finally, on Wednesday (just a couple days before the schedule would be good), he finished it…and when I called him (since I hadn’t heard from him) oh, ooops, forgot to put me on the schedule. Grrrr, so annoying! I was counting on working those days. Not to mention that I had been waiting to figure out my schedule for visiting friends and such until I knew my Starbucks schedule. So I am not only not working, but have made no plans with anyone. I told my manager that I appreciate her.
There you go. Have a great week! Make sure you put some time into thinking about my birthday gift…I mean, uh, no, just kidding. But seriously…I’ll be 22 in less than a week. That’s exciting. Later….E
1. Oh my goodness. I am so tired of hearing about the swine flu. I know the media is tired of talking about the economy so they are jumping on this…but c’mon! Closing down schools? Really? It’s the FLU! Yes, people have died from it…but guess what, thousands of people die from the flu every year…doesn’t mean we shut down schools and wear masks around the streets. I’m not saying I’d be jumping at the chance to head down to Mexico right now (although I bet there are some good deals ), but I really don’t understand why people are getting so worked up. I do have to say, I think it might just be a media thing…after hanging at the Seatac airport last night and now in the Atlanta airport, I have yet to see anyone in a mask.
2.I spent last weekend running (driving actually) from Seattle to Olympia and back…several times. It was my Grandpa Don’s surprise birthday party and we celebrated at the Great Wolf Lodge. Which was pretty cool. The whole family stayed overnight- I didn’t because I was housesitting up in Seattle- and then we played at the indoor water park all day. It certainly wasn’t at a Disney level, but I think they did a good job with the park…totally family friendly. They could use some better food there though…pizza hut? Not yummy.
3. I rediscovered Room For Squares- John Mayer’s first full length album while driving back and forth between Seattle and Olympia. I stopped at my parent’s house and grabbed a couple of my CDs that I keep there, and I just ended up listening to John the whole time. Seriously, that album is so amazing. I mean, I am a pretty big fan in general, and have enjoyed his later albums…but that first one, man, soundtrack of my life. LOVE IT. Go re-listen to it. Your welcome.
4.Thursday night was Dining Out For Life…particular restaurants throughtout the city donated a percentage of their sales to fight AIDS. Amy and I decided we should probably be supportive of the evening…I looked at the list of restaurants participating and it looked like pretty much every place in the entire city. So, we decided to hit up Serious Pie- Tom Douglas’s pizza place. We have been talking about going there since we became friends a couple years ago and hadn’t made it there yet. It was delicious. They were out of the soup we wanted…boo. So I got some asparagus with dried anchovies on top (I know), and then we split a truffle and chartelle mushroom pizza….which was flippin delicious. And then we split dessert…no, we didn’t split A dessert…c’mon, it’s a Tom Douglas restaurant- you don’t skimp on dessert. We ordered two and they were A-MAZING. It was a way too expensive dinner- but I’m pretty sure we are fairly close to curing AIDS after that. So I suppose it is okay.
5.Well, it should be interesting to see what this next week is like…I have NO idea what my schedule holds. I was planning on picking up some shifts at the Starbucks near Jessica’s place…talked to the manager a couple weeks ago about him scheduling me, he said no prob, he would call me after he made the schedule. Finally, on Wednesday (just a couple days before the schedule would be good), he finished it…and when I called him (since I hadn’t heard from him) oh, ooops, forgot to put me on the schedule. Grrrr, so annoying! I was counting on working those days. Not to mention that I had been waiting to figure out my schedule for visiting friends and such until I knew my Starbucks schedule. So I am not only not working, but have made no plans with anyone. I told my manager that I appreciate her.
There you go. Have a great week! Make sure you put some time into thinking about my birthday gift…I mean, uh, no, just kidding. But seriously…I’ll be 22 in less than a week. That’s exciting. Later….E
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