What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Wow, I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve written. I’ve been to trying to figure out my direction. For my life, this blog, and everything. And boy have I been busy. So what have I been up to the last few months? It’s been a lot of getting my shit together.

I’ve visited Mom in Florida twice. The first one over Memorial Day was a fun visit. Brother went too and we had a lot of quality family time and got to hang out with our step-sister and her friends a lot. I also go to experience getting a pedicure with my step-dad. That was interesting to say the least. The second visit was to help out after Mom had surgery on her neck-her second spinal surgery this year. They went in through the front (her incision looked like something out of a slasher movie) and rebuilt three disks. It was nice to hang out and not have her be cooped up while my step-dad had to work. The looks she got on that first trip to CVS were hilarious.

After the first visit I also realized how much I miss Mom and Papa Steve. Visiting two or three times a year just is not going to cut it anymore. So I want to build a life that enables me to be in Florida for part of the year (5 months or so) and in PA the rest of the time. I’m still figuring out the details, but I think teaching yoga can be a way to do this. So I’ve started a teacher training program. It’s a year-long course and there is A LOT of information. It’s also keeping me busier than I thought it would, but I’m finishing my second month and it’s totally worth it. I’m also currently obsessed with the new Wegman’s that’s on my way to the yoga studio. They have an awesome prepared food area that is pretty inexpensive and delicious.

I did the Color Run in July with Katie and it was a BLAST. I can’t wait to do it again next year and I want to get a bigger group together. We didn’t run the whole thing-but for a super humid day in July I think we did a pretty good job.

 I also asked for a raise at job #1 and hope to quit job #2 by the end of the year. Asking for a raise was one of the scariest things I’ve done-but I’m glad I did it. My boss was 100% with me on it, which makes me respect him a lot more (even if he does still get on my nerves). We also updated my official job description. 

I’m also figuring out my budget for moving out on my own (either alone or with a roommate) in the new year. I’m so ready. Even though I’m so grateful that my aunt is willing to help me, I need to know that I can be independent. Call it self-validation, it’s just really important to me.

I guess that’s all the big stuff. I’d definitely like to get back on some kind of posting schedule. I miss writing and my journey through yoga teacher training is pretty interesting-at least to me. What have you guys been up to?

The Zoo, a Book Cover and OMG BABY DUCKS!

I gave myself a four-day weekend. I was finished work Wednesday night at 4:00, went to power yoga that evening (hot power yoga, mind you) and woke up Thursday ready. I met up with a friend who moved to Delaware at the Philadelphia Zoo. Try to have a bad day at the zoo, I dare you. I borrowed my work camera in the hopes of getting some shots I could be proud of. I think I succeeded. Here are a few of my favorites:

I LOVE peacocks.

He was in the rare animal conservatory. I love his face and coloring.

My sister is writing a book about our mom and what it was like trying to find her. She asked me to do the cover for her. It'll be an e-book, available soon. She currently has a book of her poetry available for kindle called The Color of Dawn. She's an excellent writer, and I can't wait to read the novel.

Coconuts just bought a house, so I went to see it (it's super cute, btw) and we ventured over to Zern's-a big farmer's/flea/food market. A local pet store has a shop in there where they bring some of their animals. Friday it happened to be BABY DUCKS! And baby chicks. I totally could have had a Friends moment--but I didn't.

This is Alphonse. I should have bought him.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I'm a Plant Killer

Not intentionally. I just have kind of a bad track record with plants-especially at my current residence. I killed two smaller plants and two larger plants from Ikea. I also managed to kill a bamboo---I KNOW. I accidentally tore some of his roots when I was moving him into a bigger vase with a new friend. The friend is still alive. I also had an orchid that died after I moved-but they don't like changing their environment, so I don't count that as my fault.

I also killed a Peace Lily at the office. I forgot to water her for too long and then when I did she didn't bounce back so well. Sheldon (my ZZ plant (doesn't everyone name their plants?)) is still alive-- and flourishing I might add. (One of the plants I killed at home was a ZZ. Different environments, perhaps?)

Anyway, I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Sunday. It was the last day of the show and we went early so it really wasn't crowded. The exhibits were pretty cool-but so not worth the $28 (at a discount!) entrance fee. But they had a ton of vendors and it was the last day of the show, so a lot of stuff was discounted.

So.

I got three new house plants. They're fairly small and were $13.50 all together, so if they die I won't be too upset about it. I got a ficus. I think I'm going with Freddie for him. Apparently they're pretty easy-so I have high hopes for his survival. I also picked up a crown of thorn that has small pink flowers. Her name is Marlena. I'm iffy about how I'll do with her. Especially since I forget the instructions that were written on the stand. I really should have written that down. The third one I got was a jade. Her name is...wait for it...Jade. Jades are supposed to be good for friendship, luck, and money. I wonder how long I have to keep her alive before the money part kicks in? She seems pretty durable, so fingers crossed!

Anyone have any good houseplant tips? Or should I just believe was Google has to say?

Tidbits

• I decided to not really care about diet so much for the last couple of weeks.  This has resulted in a 5 pound weight gain.  My goal is to drop that, plus a little more as a cushion, before the holiday foodfests begin.  Fingers crossed. I'm planning on cardio 3 days a week, yoga twice, and weight training once or twice.  I also found out my old yoga teacher (from hot yoga last year) is teaching pole dancing at my gym.  I may have to try it.
• Kellifish’s baby shower is this weekend. I’m very excited that I got the blanket done.  I’m making cupcakes for the shower, so I just have to get those done and I’ll be good.  Here’s a little preview.  It’s knit, purl, and seed stitches. It’s supposed to have a hood on the corner, but I don’t think I’m a fan.

• I need to start thinking about what I’m getting/making people for Christmas.  I know for sure what I’m getting most people.
• I wanted to start building at Habitat asap.  The soonest available date is October 27.  Which is a Thursday, when I work 2 jobs.  So I’ll probably end up going to the Women Build site (which is not as close to me) the first Saturday in November.  I would have thought they’d have more Saturdays available.  Shows what I know.
• I really need to either find a different job #2 or start doing something on the side.  It’s making me stabby and I don’t like it.
• I dislike people who come into job #2 wearing Phillies jerseys/tshirts/hats/etc while there's a NLDS GAME GOING ON RIGHT NOW. Are there assigned seats on the bandwagon? Meanwhile, I'm trying to check scores on my phone, which we're not allowed to use while we're clocked in because we can fired for it. Awesome.  Game 4 tonight! Also, who picks the times for these games? 6:07? What is that?

I'm in a Fight with Alec Baldwin

I do hope he doesn't expect to come to Philly any time soon. 


Got this video from Becky Mochaface

PS Have you checked the Red Sox record lately? Not so good. I still think John Krasinski is adorable, though.

The Worst is Over, You Can Have the Best of Me

Ok, so the Starting Line (which is a super awesome band from Philly) is playing a FREE show at North Star Bar, which is a really intimate setting. Why is this so exciting? Because they’re not technically even together right now. They stopped touring back in 2008, but have played a few shows here and there. I saw them with Motion City Soundtrack before the split.  Such a great show!  The next show after the one in Philly is in north Jersey the day after Christmas. Which I would make the trek for if my mom wasn’t going to be here. I really don’t think she’d be interested in attending. And after that they’re playing in Jakarta and at an Australian music fest. Can’t exactly make the trip for those shows.


So how do I plan on scoring tickets to the free show? I subscribed to a magazine. It’s their show, and they can give tickets to whomever they please. (Did I just use “whomever” correctly?) Anywhom, Alternative Press is giving away the tickets. It’s their 25th anniversary party. So I spent the $8 for the digital version. I figure it’s a great way to find new music.  I found the contest because I was listening to the ol' iPod and thought "I miss the Starting Line" so I googled them to see what was up.  And this show popped up.  It's kizmet.  Or something.

If it's not kizmet so much as a coinky-dink, I could always go down to North Star anyway (half the venue is a bar) and do what I did to get into the Brand New show. Press my face against the window for 45 minutes until the bouncer feels pity and lets me in. Strangely enough, no one else had that idea.

Wordless Wendesday: My Favorite Subject

I love taking photos of my younger cousin.  This is one of my favorite pictures.  I took it last year when we took a trip to the Philly zoo and went up in the Zoo Balloon.

I'm Thinking About Running Away With the Circus...

I have a Life List.  It currently has about 30 items on it.  One of these items is to try aerial acrobatics. Which is this:

Courtesy picsdigger.com

Imgine my surprise and delight when I open my e-mail yesterday and my daily deal from livingsocial.com is half off an introductory class at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.  I'm excited to be a step closer to crossing an item off of The List.  (Frankly, I will be surprised if I can hold myself up on the rope for any significant length of time.)

I quickly sent the link to my college biffle as we had been discussing trying this together.  I really could hardly contain my excitement.

Sidenote: the school also offers a stretching class.  I imagine this to be clowns doing yoga.  I apologize for that image, but I really just had to share it.

Deal!

I took the deal-I've decided to keep Match.  I have been emailing this guy who might be too much crazy for me.  It was fine for the first couple of messages.  He won't tell me his name.  I've asked him twice.  TWICE.  I can undterstand missing it once in an email.  And the last couple have seem rushed to me and really short (like 2 lines).  It's weird.  He did tell me he had some recent head trauma.  I may need to leave this one alone.

I applied for a job.  In the city.  It's working for a blog that talks about fun stuff to do in Philly.  Kind of awesome?  Yes.  I love the neighborhood the office is in.  So we'll see how that goes.  My mind is already racing with the possiblities and they haven't even emailed me back yet.

Why is there so much new tv on tonight?  I'm hoping I get home in time to watch one of the 10 o'clock shows.  I'm really into Royal Pains, but Jersey Shore starts tonight!  Gotta love TV that's so bad it's good.  I'm going to have to catch Project Runway on demand or something, though.  Because they moved it to 9.  They moved Big Bang Theory to Thursdays in the fall.  I might have to quit job #2 so I can watch it.  And Glee.

A List of Randomness for You to Enjoy.

I have a ton of random stories floating around in my head right now and they're all jumbled and confusing so please don't blame me if this post comes out all jumbled and confusing.  I basically have a few short stories which is why they invented twitter, but here they are in list-ish form.

1-It's World MS Day...learn more here and join the global movement.

2-Effing ShoeDazzle.I ordered the "Nancy" shoes, in which  a portion of the proceeds go toward an MS Society (see above).  And they sent me two left shoes.  TWO. LEFT. SHOES.  Is this God punishing me for too much shopping?  probably...

3-@toywithme is following me on Twitter.  Which I find to be odd.  Since I don't write about sex like, ever.  Because I don't do that sort of thing.  (Or Big Brother reads this.  Hi.)  I sent her sparkle vagina hugs, anyway.  She probably found me through Nicole at More Is Better because I read and comment and twitter stalk her. 

4- I saw my ex-boyfriend at the bar Saturday.  I haven't seen or spoken to him in over a year.  Felt awkward.  Didn't acknowledge him.  I left. At midnight. But somehow didn't get home til 3.  Funny how that works out.

5a-  Took off Monday to go to the Philadelphia Zoo.  It's the oldest zoo in the country.  Recognize.

5b- There was a baby orangutan.  I wanted to steal it.  But it was protected behind glass.  I'll post a picture when I'm not feeling so lazy.

6- Glee was amazing this week.  I love Puck even more now.  And Finn dressed in a red shower curtain was amazing.  Also, I want to get a puppy and name her Jackie Daniels.  Brilliant.

7-  Watch Parenthood on NBC.  SO GOOD.  There were 13 episodes this season and I loved every one of them.

8- My computer is still not fixed.  Fail.  I think it may need to go to the doctor.

9-  Post about girly doctors on Friday.  Please take this time to mentally prepare yourselves.

10- I feel like I need to update my resume and start shopping around for a new job.  Boss man is still as annoying as ever.  I like my job, but I don't love it.  Might be time for a change.

I'm going to stop at 10 because it's a nice round number and I have a touch of OCD when it comes to numbers.  Because I'm weird like that.  I don't like lists with off numbers.  Odd numbers are okay, but only if it's a multiple of 5...I have issues.

Philly Sports are Fantastical

It's that time of the year, my friends.  Stanley Cup playoffs are upon us.  I'm not a close follower of the NHL.  I like when a hockey game breaks out in the middle of a fight as much as the next person, but I don't watch every game, check the standings, or have a fantasy league (in anything).  BUT...our fantastic Flyers have beaten the odds and come back from three, count 'em THREE, games behind.  The last game of that seven game series was on Friday night.  They were three goals behind in the first period-scoring the third as I arrived at my favorite neighborhood sports bar.  But they came back from three goals behind to win!  I will admit that mob mentality took over and I yelled as much as anyone else in that bar when they won the game.  And I will be excited if they win the cup...it's definitely been a long time coming.

But here's what I don't get about hockey.  It's May.  MAY.  There's no longer ice here in the United States...maybe in Alaska?  Shouldn't the season be over by now?  I mean, we're into baseball season now.  The boys of summer are playing.  "Summer" being the operative word.

Speaking of my boys.  My beloved Phillies (yes I've been a fan since I was little, but now I actually understand the game...with the exception of the infield fly rule...I still don't get that one) are back and rockin' it.  I know it's along road to October, but I can't help but gush a little about how well they're doing so far.

We're number one in our division, number one in our league, and number three overall.  We're only a half game behind the Yankees (effing Yankees), and we have plenty of time to make up the difference.  We've already had a few injuries this season, but I'd rather have them early in the season, then later on in the season.
 It's damn near impossible to live in/near Philly and not get caught up in the fan frenzy that takes place when our teams do well.  Even if you're not a fan per se  it's always fun to go to a game.  The energy is awesome.  No matter what sport it is.