Today we had a company lunch, which is always a slightly awkward affair. Since the company is on two floors there is a kind of disconnect between the marketing, sales, and development people up stairs and the customer service/technical support people down stairs. I know only a couple of people from up stairs, yet I really know the people in my office the best and like hanging with them. So its awkward when, as a temp you know no one and they don't really know you. But hey free food and eating too much are always good things.
The funny thing is, that at my last job there was a better sense of family. You really knew everyone in the company, even if the office people were separate from the Manufacturing people. When we got together for something we all talked together, we all got along. And I think it was a better company because they hired 'nice' people, had a good product, and good ethics. Its amazing how much ethics can change how I feel about working some where. And until my life in Philly, I never really worried about my personal ethics or the ethics of what I work on. Guess I need to pay closer attention to all of that.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Colorless
I wish that the world was void of color
so I would not be judged by my skin
so that others will not pull me down
nor lift me up because a simple color.
White, they call me white.
But in reality I'm more Tan,
And does it really matter?
If the whole world was color blind
Could you imagine the out come?
If we saw man and woman as human, always?
If country and race and creed
mattered less than peace and love?
Make me color blind, make me free
And in this colorless world of greys
I would be one just like you, or you.
We would be sisters, brothers, family
human,
But yet, if we could do all that
And not loose the color of the world
Colorless would not be the cure, only a fix.
A badly placed band aid
Over a wound that can't heal
And a world void of color of culture
would be void of so much more.
So forget the colorless, make me vibrate
And celebrate with me our differences
Forget my sister, my brother our anger
learn Love, learn healing, learn peace.
Only prejudice is colorless.
so I would not be judged by my skin
so that others will not pull me down
nor lift me up because a simple color.
White, they call me white.
But in reality I'm more Tan,
And does it really matter?
If the whole world was color blind
Could you imagine the out come?
If we saw man and woman as human, always?
If country and race and creed
mattered less than peace and love?
Make me color blind, make me free
And in this colorless world of greys
I would be one just like you, or you.
We would be sisters, brothers, family
human,
But yet, if we could do all that
And not loose the color of the world
Colorless would not be the cure, only a fix.
A badly placed band aid
Over a wound that can't heal
And a world void of color of culture
would be void of so much more.
So forget the colorless, make me vibrate
And celebrate with me our differences
Forget my sister, my brother our anger
learn Love, learn healing, learn peace.
Only prejudice is colorless.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hump Day
We have reached the middle of the week. Hump day, as my mum calls it. What is it about Wednesdays that are so hard? There are still two days till the weekend. Of course this weekend is going to be great, my parents and little brother are down as part of their summer vacation. After visiting me they are off to Antietam (my little brother is slightly obsessed with the Civil War.
The real question is what do we do while they are in Philly? There so much we could do. Zoo, Museums, and Parks. Of course my Dad hurt his knee so we can't do to much walking. Of course what I really need is a NFT (Not for Tourist) book. I think I might buy one tonight. Definably since I need to know where the best places are around the city, and how much they cost...
So I guess I just have to make it though hump day and rehearsal later tonight... fun.
The real question is what do we do while they are in Philly? There so much we could do. Zoo, Museums, and Parks. Of course my Dad hurt his knee so we can't do to much walking. Of course what I really need is a NFT (Not for Tourist) book. I think I might buy one tonight. Definably since I need to know where the best places are around the city, and how much they cost...
So I guess I just have to make it though hump day and rehearsal later tonight... fun.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Rice
I felt the need to share what I am eating for lunch today. Rice topped with beef, spinach, and mushrooms. Its not really a stir fry, but close. The important thing is the rice. This is not normal rice, oh no. It is a mixture of white rice, brown rice, wild rice and wheat berries. It is perhaps one of my favorite mixtures I've found so far. Although I really like Jasmine rice as well. There is something amazing about good rice, whether its the sticky white stuff you get at the Chinese restaurant, or the super healthy mixture you buy in the store.
The other part to all of this is the diversity. We don't really think about it but most of the 'staples' we think about as being important to a meal can be very diverse. Potatoes for instance naturally occure in several colors, ranging from purple/blue to tan/white, with red and yellow in the mix. And that's not even touching on sweet potatoes. Than there is rice, wild, white, brown, yellow... need I go on? Diversity is the best thing about food! About life for that matter. No only is it better to eat rather diverse things, but in growing diverse things one is more likely to have a successful garden every year, one thing or even two things might not produce well one year, but everything else does fine. Although I think green beans grow well no matter what.
So let me climb up on my soup box. If being diverse in food is good, growing and eating. Does it follow that being diverse in life is a good thing? People from different back grounds and histories seem to always disagree, and yet that mixture is what we need, we need diversity to better understand ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Alright I'll step down and go back to eating my rice, but it is a thought.
The other part to all of this is the diversity. We don't really think about it but most of the 'staples' we think about as being important to a meal can be very diverse. Potatoes for instance naturally occure in several colors, ranging from purple/blue to tan/white, with red and yellow in the mix. And that's not even touching on sweet potatoes. Than there is rice, wild, white, brown, yellow... need I go on? Diversity is the best thing about food! About life for that matter. No only is it better to eat rather diverse things, but in growing diverse things one is more likely to have a successful garden every year, one thing or even two things might not produce well one year, but everything else does fine. Although I think green beans grow well no matter what.
So let me climb up on my soup box. If being diverse in food is good, growing and eating. Does it follow that being diverse in life is a good thing? People from different back grounds and histories seem to always disagree, and yet that mixture is what we need, we need diversity to better understand ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Alright I'll step down and go back to eating my rice, but it is a thought.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thunder Storms
Thunder storms are amazing. Sunday, after being extremely hot all on Saturday and trying to sleep in 85 degrees (which was the low that night), I decided to walk to church, a good 45 to 50 minute walk. The walk was in part because I was feeling poor, in part because I really just wanted to walk, and mostly just because I could. At least the church building was air conditioned. Then afterwards I walked to the bus stop and made my way home. After having lunch I packed up my laundry and headed to the Laundromat, which was gross and hot. Even with several fans blowing I was drenched in sweat after 10 minutes. Then right as I was getting ready to pull my dry laundry out of the dryer, it begins to pour. I had missed an hint of the storm coming, other then the gathering darkness.
Luckily by the time I was done folding my laundry the rain had slowed to a gentle mist. I made my way back to my apartment with a bag of laundry, a purse, a jug of laundry detergent, and an umbrella over my head (I'm sure I looked ridiculous). Once in my apartment I threw open all the windows in the hope of getting rid of all the hot air. Of course 20 minutes later I was closing them again as the heavens decided it was time to open up and I had rain driving its self into my apartment.
The wonderful thing is that last night it was a whole 10 degrees cooler in my room and I slept amazingly. 75 is so much better then 85. I love thunder storms!
Luckily by the time I was done folding my laundry the rain had slowed to a gentle mist. I made my way back to my apartment with a bag of laundry, a purse, a jug of laundry detergent, and an umbrella over my head (I'm sure I looked ridiculous). Once in my apartment I threw open all the windows in the hope of getting rid of all the hot air. Of course 20 minutes later I was closing them again as the heavens decided it was time to open up and I had rain driving its self into my apartment.
The wonderful thing is that last night it was a whole 10 degrees cooler in my room and I slept amazingly. 75 is so much better then 85. I love thunder storms!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Yell'n
I've seen so many things, the death of all that should not have been
I've seen the sky black, the ground grey, the tree dead, the grass sway,
sway away, away, away.
I heard the howl of the night, where cool cats of old played and told,
stories in the dank back rooms of jazz clubs, spoke of sweet freedom
somehow found the grace to continue in the heat, dense, forest
of broken Harlem, broken New York City, broken world
That howl, driving those many out towards the death of a generation,
of everything that generation had to offer, like some collector waiting
or perhaps darkness came too early for those wanting to break out,
get out, get even, get real, get far, get freedom.
Oh sweet freedom, sweat it out, speak it, swear it, love and despise it.
Sing us a song please? of concrete jungles, steel structures (breaking bending)
people living too close together, the TV goddess which harms our brain children
death of imagination, streets going no where ending every where.
That Song would last a long time, the city would move toward evening then day
the ghosts of those poets long dead, few remembered, would break out
beating which ever, what ever rhythm they wanted, a confused bunch
raising hell or voices or hope or whispering in pain.
That city would live long in the presence of those great, who marched
by numbers, deaths, songs, lives, crys, who carried us forward,
though we had yet breathed our first breath, we who would soon forget
the triumphs of what they fought so hard to give us, show us, force
on those yet to be imagined or dreamed of in that darkness before
golden years of light or sun could be risen from ash or dust or death.
So death has taken away the past and will someday take me too, but the city
this city with its concrete steel boned rock strewn streets will bend
mold melt renew into new concrete glass heights which still forget
still back some over others other kinds different kinds new kinds.
City oh my city darkness and light, in the molding of brick buildings which
hide the people of lesser means, minds, money, hope, or brings the spotlight
out against those trying to get by, get lost, get forgotten, get get get.
I dream the death of the past and wondered what the future will say of me,
of my dreams past future needs hopes family friends, ruff cut diamonds
or polished brass till trumpets sounds and call us up away anew.
Maybe I'll just howl ramble start yell'n wondering where and how and by,
till the movement changes morphs moves, till history gives us more information,
when we find a real relationship or rivers running deeper in rage
or through green pastures with all that is left of shambles and life.
Yell'n Yell'n Yell'n that all that I am will like those of the past,
leave something remotely interesting or maybe just words, which
like a Bard everyone studies, words, words, words, might be all
letters in random connections groups writings of madmen and liers.
And in the jazz filled rooms dripping in drink drugs and damned girls,
something was born that freed those words, people, animals, humans.
Blood red, our connection or maybe our separation, one always over the other
yet everything always together, separate together two and one and more
everyone whats that history to be different or theirs or better or true
so some memory planted can live with little water or die on the floor
like so many do, a rat in the sewer redeemed or not still a rat.
So tell me what you think of that history we share, the human race
racing towards some end need hope dream future unknown unheeded unneeded
can we free our selves from systems governments religion chains pains
while keeping hearts minds and bodies inline with our souls with each other
can we keep all together and still remember our blood is all red?
Hubcaps cool cats deathtraps hard raps needs and beggin' in the dark streets
this city will remember what I didn't do will bleed my dreams out
onto the concrete streets which vomit up my life and gives me my dreams
on street corners subway trains stone bricks or empty fields out of reach
of the night lights which search me out and go right through me.
And all those words thoughts dreams hopes needs given down the rabbit hole of
some demented nightmare prepare to keep us still keep us in
so that history can not teach us a lesson nor future learn a truth
till darkness dies lit to the extent and blood cleans white
till freedom means enslaving every man women and child to love
till words loss meaning and keep repeating that age old answer
till someone find and speaks the whole truth, I'm yell'n.
I've seen the sky black, the ground grey, the tree dead, the grass sway,
sway away, away, away.
I heard the howl of the night, where cool cats of old played and told,
stories in the dank back rooms of jazz clubs, spoke of sweet freedom
somehow found the grace to continue in the heat, dense, forest
of broken Harlem, broken New York City, broken world
That howl, driving those many out towards the death of a generation,
of everything that generation had to offer, like some collector waiting
or perhaps darkness came too early for those wanting to break out,
get out, get even, get real, get far, get freedom.
Oh sweet freedom, sweat it out, speak it, swear it, love and despise it.
Sing us a song please? of concrete jungles, steel structures (breaking bending)
people living too close together, the TV goddess which harms our brain children
death of imagination, streets going no where ending every where.
That Song would last a long time, the city would move toward evening then day
the ghosts of those poets long dead, few remembered, would break out
beating which ever, what ever rhythm they wanted, a confused bunch
raising hell or voices or hope or whispering in pain.
That city would live long in the presence of those great, who marched
by numbers, deaths, songs, lives, crys, who carried us forward,
though we had yet breathed our first breath, we who would soon forget
the triumphs of what they fought so hard to give us, show us, force
on those yet to be imagined or dreamed of in that darkness before
golden years of light or sun could be risen from ash or dust or death.
So death has taken away the past and will someday take me too, but the city
this city with its concrete steel boned rock strewn streets will bend
mold melt renew into new concrete glass heights which still forget
still back some over others other kinds different kinds new kinds.
City oh my city darkness and light, in the molding of brick buildings which
hide the people of lesser means, minds, money, hope, or brings the spotlight
out against those trying to get by, get lost, get forgotten, get get get.
I dream the death of the past and wondered what the future will say of me,
of my dreams past future needs hopes family friends, ruff cut diamonds
or polished brass till trumpets sounds and call us up away anew.
Maybe I'll just howl ramble start yell'n wondering where and how and by,
till the movement changes morphs moves, till history gives us more information,
when we find a real relationship or rivers running deeper in rage
or through green pastures with all that is left of shambles and life.
Yell'n Yell'n Yell'n that all that I am will like those of the past,
leave something remotely interesting or maybe just words, which
like a Bard everyone studies, words, words, words, might be all
letters in random connections groups writings of madmen and liers.
And in the jazz filled rooms dripping in drink drugs and damned girls,
something was born that freed those words, people, animals, humans.
Blood red, our connection or maybe our separation, one always over the other
yet everything always together, separate together two and one and more
everyone whats that history to be different or theirs or better or true
so some memory planted can live with little water or die on the floor
like so many do, a rat in the sewer redeemed or not still a rat.
So tell me what you think of that history we share, the human race
racing towards some end need hope dream future unknown unheeded unneeded
can we free our selves from systems governments religion chains pains
while keeping hearts minds and bodies inline with our souls with each other
can we keep all together and still remember our blood is all red?
Hubcaps cool cats deathtraps hard raps needs and beggin' in the dark streets
this city will remember what I didn't do will bleed my dreams out
onto the concrete streets which vomit up my life and gives me my dreams
on street corners subway trains stone bricks or empty fields out of reach
of the night lights which search me out and go right through me.
And all those words thoughts dreams hopes needs given down the rabbit hole of
some demented nightmare prepare to keep us still keep us in
so that history can not teach us a lesson nor future learn a truth
till darkness dies lit to the extent and blood cleans white
till freedom means enslaving every man women and child to love
till words loss meaning and keep repeating that age old answer
till someone find and speaks the whole truth, I'm yell'n.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Buzz
I have three really itchy mosquito bits. And annoyingly nothing seems to be helping. Why is it that those little bugs can find the most annoying places to bit you? Sadly its as if the City gets the worst of nature. Weeds, thistles, and mosquito. You never see wild flowers volunteering themselves between the cracks in the sidewalks or in the green lots. But also all the wild animals in the city are just annoying or destructive. Squirrels are scary in the city, there are rats and mice, and the flying version of both pigeons and sparrows.
Of course I have seen some lightening bugs in the city, which is cool. And I hear crickets most nights. But that seems to be the only thing that really reminds me of summer at home. And the lightening bugs here seem to be aliens searching unable to compete with the artificial lights of the city streets. And between the sirens and the cars endlessly driving on the streets the crickets are barely heard. Even the trees are different in the city, they are like caged beasts strangely unfamiliar and very distant from their brothers and sisters in the forests. And Why? Because Man (And I mean this in the humankind sense) thinks it can do better. Man thinks it can control what is meant to be wild. Maybe I'm a country girl stuck too long in the city, or maybe I am scared of losing that sense of beauty and wonder while in a world of concrete and metal.
Of course I have seen some lightening bugs in the city, which is cool. And I hear crickets most nights. But that seems to be the only thing that really reminds me of summer at home. And the lightening bugs here seem to be aliens searching unable to compete with the artificial lights of the city streets. And between the sirens and the cars endlessly driving on the streets the crickets are barely heard. Even the trees are different in the city, they are like caged beasts strangely unfamiliar and very distant from their brothers and sisters in the forests. And Why? Because Man (And I mean this in the humankind sense) thinks it can do better. Man thinks it can control what is meant to be wild. Maybe I'm a country girl stuck too long in the city, or maybe I am scared of losing that sense of beauty and wonder while in a world of concrete and metal.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hanging with Cool People
Yesterday I was invited (slightly last minute) to a dinner at a friend Talain's house. He lives just outside of Valley Forge and I was reminded while riding with a Abbie (my ex-roommate) to his house, that I really do miss grass Fields, trees, and country. It was a great time too. I hung out with two of my favorite people in the Philly area, eat really good food (Talain is French and a extremely good cook more about the food later) and meet several friends of Talain's. It was great to just hang out, eat, tell stories, and just have fun. Never mind the fact that I did not get back to my apartment last night until close to 1am.
The food was amazing, as always. We have sesame chicken with almonds and strawberry's, and summer squash and cheesy Rice Roni as sides. Of course I ate too much, but it was so worth it. Than of course after dinner Talain decided to make Cinnamon rolls. I really sure that last night between the glass of wine and all the food, I had all of my calories for this week (which is why I'm eating a salad for lunch).
Also despite the lack of sleep I was wide awake when I got into work early this morning. Not what I expected after less than 4 hours of sleep. Of course after rehearsal Monday, last nights late hours and rehearsal tonight, tomorrow morning might be really interesting.
The food was amazing, as always. We have sesame chicken with almonds and strawberry's, and summer squash and cheesy Rice Roni as sides. Of course I ate too much, but it was so worth it. Than of course after dinner Talain decided to make Cinnamon rolls. I really sure that last night between the glass of wine and all the food, I had all of my calories for this week (which is why I'm eating a salad for lunch).
Also despite the lack of sleep I was wide awake when I got into work early this morning. Not what I expected after less than 4 hours of sleep. Of course after rehearsal Monday, last nights late hours and rehearsal tonight, tomorrow morning might be really interesting.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Cat
She slinks past moving in time to the drum
She prowls past and through and by
lurks in the shadows, so you see but her eyes
Which glisten and show green by the moon
She catches most of which she hunts
Few escape the traps she sets
She likes to play with her food
All things, including love, are games
She'll draw you in with a look
dismiss you with a hiss
And like the wild cat
which inhabits the jungle dark
or sweeping wide plain
Her nails are daggers
and easily painted red.
She'll steel your heart, then rip it out
She'll leave it on the floor
And as you pick it up
She'll leave with a sneer by the door.
So beware of the cat
Who prowls by night
Who promises love and gives none.
Beware of the cat, she goes by many names
I could not tell you every one.
Beware.
She prowls past and through and by
lurks in the shadows, so you see but her eyes
Which glisten and show green by the moon
She catches most of which she hunts
Few escape the traps she sets
She likes to play with her food
All things, including love, are games
She'll draw you in with a look
dismiss you with a hiss
And like the wild cat
which inhabits the jungle dark
or sweeping wide plain
Her nails are daggers
and easily painted red.
She'll steel your heart, then rip it out
She'll leave it on the floor
And as you pick it up
She'll leave with a sneer by the door.
So beware of the cat
Who prowls by night
Who promises love and gives none.
Beware of the cat, she goes by many names
I could not tell you every one.
Beware.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Onion
One of my favorite 'news' sights The Onion, is always good for a laugh. Of course they make fun of everything, which means that there is nothing that is sacred or out of bounds. But in reality all 'news' has to be read with a grain of salt. CNN and Fox have very different backgrounds, one Conservative the other liberal. That difference means a difference in what information gets talked about and how it is portrayed. The nice thing about The Onion is that you know that you can't really trust anything you read to be very truthful, still the tongue in cheek has the ability to shed a little truth on matters while laughing away at them.
The short write up from The Onion that made me smile today...
NEW ORLEANS—Critics were silenced today after President Barack Obama's fifth visit to the Gulf Coast vastly improved the devastated region. While at the site of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the president walked on a beach, looked at oil-soaked terns, and displayed the right amount of anger toward BP executives, all of which, sources said, should pretty much clear up the massive environmental disaster in a matter of days. "I really didn't think the president did enough in his first four visits," Louisiana fisherman Kevin Latrobe said. "Everyone knows you have to visit five times to make a difference. And sure enough, look! The pelicans already seem a little cleaner!" Some opponents still blasted the president for his trip, saying that they wanted something more substantial than political grandstanding, like a sixth or a ninth visit to the region.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/obamas-fifth-gulf-coast-visit-really-helps-a-lot,17748/
The short write up from The Onion that made me smile today...
NEW ORLEANS—Critics were silenced today after President Barack Obama's fifth visit to the Gulf Coast vastly improved the devastated region. While at the site of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the president walked on a beach, looked at oil-soaked terns, and displayed the right amount of anger toward BP executives, all of which, sources said, should pretty much clear up the massive environmental disaster in a matter of days. "I really didn't think the president did enough in his first four visits," Louisiana fisherman Kevin Latrobe said. "Everyone knows you have to visit five times to make a difference. And sure enough, look! The pelicans already seem a little cleaner!" Some opponents still blasted the president for his trip, saying that they wanted something more substantial than political grandstanding, like a sixth or a ninth visit to the region.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/obamas-fifth-gulf-coast-visit-really-helps-a-lot,17748/
Thursday, July 15, 2010
No I ain't
No He ain't
I ain't dead
I live and move
breath and dance
And IF I ain't
He ain't either
They say God is Dead
They ask how and why
They bury their
collective heads
in science and theory
Theory, they forget
is not the whole truth
might not be truth
Its really just a guess
And If I ain't Dead
God ain't either
Don't get me wrong
science is interesting
It keeps on changing
and exploring,
Looking backwards
Looking fowards
God ain't dead
He's here and now
Will always be
'cause he always was
If I ain't dead
He ain't either
'cause he lives in me
I ain't dead
I live and move
breath and dance
And IF I ain't
He ain't either
They say God is Dead
They ask how and why
They bury their
collective heads
in science and theory
Theory, they forget
is not the whole truth
might not be truth
Its really just a guess
And If I ain't Dead
God ain't either
Don't get me wrong
science is interesting
It keeps on changing
and exploring,
Looking backwards
Looking fowards
God ain't dead
He's here and now
Will always be
'cause he always was
If I ain't dead
He ain't either
'cause he lives in me
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Peach
Yellow blushing reddy pink
soft to the touch
juicy inside
dripping sugar sweet
down the front of my shirt
skin sticking in my teeth
flesh yellow, orange, pink
dissolving away with each bite
Summer peaches, memories
of canning with grandma
in the oppressive summer heat
of the steamy too hot kitchen
The rolling water
meeting that blushed skin
which after a minute pulls away
Grandma splitting the flesh
to dislodge the pit,
Halves bundled together
in large glass jars
the hot sweet syrup
seeping into all the spaces
bubbling with dislodged air
Oh that sweet tangy flesh
which reminds me of home
soft to the touch
juicy inside
dripping sugar sweet
down the front of my shirt
skin sticking in my teeth
flesh yellow, orange, pink
dissolving away with each bite
Summer peaches, memories
of canning with grandma
in the oppressive summer heat
of the steamy too hot kitchen
The rolling water
meeting that blushed skin
which after a minute pulls away
Grandma splitting the flesh
to dislodge the pit,
Halves bundled together
in large glass jars
the hot sweet syrup
seeping into all the spaces
bubbling with dislodged air
Oh that sweet tangy flesh
which reminds me of home
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mouse Killer
(make sure you read the following in the movie announcer voice) It was a simple plan, kill the mouse that was skittering around the apartment after she went to sleep every night. Kill the mouse that was leaving little droppings on her counters. Kill the mouse that she found on her table, when she stepped into the kitchen last night.
Coming Soon to a movie theatre near you (Yes You!)
It was a simple plan,
1 buy mouse trap
2 set up mouse trap
3 kill mouse
Mouse Killer: The only question is, does everything go to plan? (OK you can drop the voice)
Answer Yes.
Yesterday when I came out of the bathroom I saw a mouse. I had already bought poison and had seen some of it disappear, so I was hoping that it had taken care of the problem. Obviously not. So yesterday on my way home from work I went to Rite Aid and purchased two Tom Cat mouse traps. They are different from the little old school wood ones. They are a mix between a clothespin and the jaws of death. They look like little rubber jaws, which set extremely easily. I put a little peanut butter on them, set them out. And a couple of hours later I had my first mouse. And the nice thing is I did not have to touch the thing, just push open the rubber jaws like a clothespin and the mouse dropped out into the garbage can. Watch out world of mice, Rena is all set to bring you down!
Coming Soon to a movie theatre near you (Yes You!)
It was a simple plan,
1 buy mouse trap
2 set up mouse trap
3 kill mouse
Mouse Killer: The only question is, does everything go to plan? (OK you can drop the voice)
Answer Yes.
Yesterday when I came out of the bathroom I saw a mouse. I had already bought poison and had seen some of it disappear, so I was hoping that it had taken care of the problem. Obviously not. So yesterday on my way home from work I went to Rite Aid and purchased two Tom Cat mouse traps. They are different from the little old school wood ones. They are a mix between a clothespin and the jaws of death. They look like little rubber jaws, which set extremely easily. I put a little peanut butter on them, set them out. And a couple of hours later I had my first mouse. And the nice thing is I did not have to touch the thing, just push open the rubber jaws like a clothespin and the mouse dropped out into the garbage can. Watch out world of mice, Rena is all set to bring you down!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Riding in a Down Pour
On Friday it decided to start raining about an hour before I was to leave work. It was still down pouring when I made may way downstairs with my bike. Once I was out of the elevator I stalled, hoping that it would stop long enough for me to make it to my apartment relatively dry. I hoped too much.
I waited until the rain had come to a stop and than was on my bike. Less that ten minutes later I was in another downpour which followed me all the way to my apartment. I was completely soaked, completely. I had made the mistake of wearing my white khakis too, which as heavy as they are shown pale pink sticking to my legs. Even my journal got wet, although thankfully not ruined.
The funny thing was I was smiling once I got to my apartment. There is something very nice about getting completely soaked. My father of course would ask me if I had remembered my soap (no is the answer). The funny thing is that it stopped raining very shortly after I got home, as if mother nature was having a laugh (along with all of the people who passed me in their nice dry cars).
Than Saturday I awoke to a downpour, which lasted almost the whole day. It held off enough for me to make my way to the bank and grocery store. I was actually very thankful for the cooler weekend. It was comfortable in my apartment! Although it was annoying having to wait for Sunday before I could do my laundry (I missed the first half of the World Cup final, although I did not really miss anything since Spain did not score till overtime). Thankfully I was able to dry out.
I waited until the rain had come to a stop and than was on my bike. Less that ten minutes later I was in another downpour which followed me all the way to my apartment. I was completely soaked, completely. I had made the mistake of wearing my white khakis too, which as heavy as they are shown pale pink sticking to my legs. Even my journal got wet, although thankfully not ruined.
The funny thing was I was smiling once I got to my apartment. There is something very nice about getting completely soaked. My father of course would ask me if I had remembered my soap (no is the answer). The funny thing is that it stopped raining very shortly after I got home, as if mother nature was having a laugh (along with all of the people who passed me in their nice dry cars).
Than Saturday I awoke to a downpour, which lasted almost the whole day. It held off enough for me to make my way to the bank and grocery store. I was actually very thankful for the cooler weekend. It was comfortable in my apartment! Although it was annoying having to wait for Sunday before I could do my laundry (I missed the first half of the World Cup final, although I did not really miss anything since Spain did not score till overtime). Thankfully I was able to dry out.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Its a Wonderful Thing!
Friday!!!! Let us say that again. FRIDAY!!! After a short week, due to the holiday and a very, very, very slow week at work, I am so ready for the weekend. Not only do I have to do laundry, but the Spain/Netherlands game is on Sunday (bring to a close the World Cup). I'm going for the Netherlands, but I would be happy either way (this is Spain's first time in the World Cup).
But mostly I am just excited to have made it to Friday, this week has been hard. Also I might have an interview for a better job, working customer suport for Drexel Registar Office (I talked to the Boss there yesterday and am waiting for her to call back to set up a interview). This would be a great opportunity not to mention a job with benifits and very close to where I live at the moment. Pray hard I get it!!
Well I guess now all I have to do is make it till 5:30 when I can leave work and go home and sleep (which is all I want to do at the moment).
But mostly I am just excited to have made it to Friday, this week has been hard. Also I might have an interview for a better job, working customer suport for Drexel Registar Office (I talked to the Boss there yesterday and am waiting for her to call back to set up a interview). This would be a great opportunity not to mention a job with benifits and very close to where I live at the moment. Pray hard I get it!!
Well I guess now all I have to do is make it till 5:30 when I can leave work and go home and sleep (which is all I want to do at the moment).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rehearsal
After walking home through the blistering hot July summer haze and sun, I stood in my stifling apartment sweating and gulping down a large glass of water. It was no were close to ice cold, but it was good none the less. After downing the glass and refilling it, I sipped water while walking around my apartment throwing open all the windows. I hoped that some air flow would happen, but felt little change.
After changing out of my work cloths to something a little more comfortable, I moved to the kitchen to make something for dinner. I had less than half an hour before I needed to leave my apartment for rehearsal. Quickly I shredded some lettuce I had in the frig and chopped up some green pepper. Than I smothered it all with blue cheese and feeling very much like a rabbit started to eat. After finishing the salad I felt hungry still so I at a couple of crackers with cheese. Than after another glass of water I left the apartment, already sweating in my 'fresh' clothing.
I quickly walked, nervous about missing my bus, while calling my sister to talk. I really like talking to my sister while I'm walking, doing two things at once, it makes it easier to appear at home in a place were I stand out. Being white in a area of Philly that is almost completely Black, I'm getting used to sticking out. I get to the bus stop right as the bus comes barreling down the street towards me, its early. I'm thankful that I did not miss it. I hang up with my sister, drop my token through the little box next the driver and awkwardly walk to the closest free seat as the bus sways back into traffic.
On the bus I look out the window at the passing rows of houses, which give way to the park. The bus stops and starts with the traffic and as it pull off to the side to let people on and off. Everyone on the bus sways as it gathers speed and than quickly decelerates before a red light. Slowly the bus empties until I am the only one on board. Finally we reach the last stop and I step off the bus and back into the heat wave. I start walking down the main street towards the pub we normally meet in. The shoes I am wearing start to eat into the back of my ankles, and my walk starts to become a hobble.
I make it to the pub, only to find it basically empty. Shortly after I sit down I receive a text to come outside, because we are moving to the directors house. I wonder out, find his car, and clamber into the front seat. Off we go through the streets of Manayunk, first to pick up another member of the cast at the train station and than off to the Directors house, which thankfully will be air conditioned. Together the group of us head inside sweat and ready for cool air, cold glasses of water and rehearsal. It seems everything I do here in the city is some type of adventure, at least I have yet to be really lost.
After changing out of my work cloths to something a little more comfortable, I moved to the kitchen to make something for dinner. I had less than half an hour before I needed to leave my apartment for rehearsal. Quickly I shredded some lettuce I had in the frig and chopped up some green pepper. Than I smothered it all with blue cheese and feeling very much like a rabbit started to eat. After finishing the salad I felt hungry still so I at a couple of crackers with cheese. Than after another glass of water I left the apartment, already sweating in my 'fresh' clothing.
I quickly walked, nervous about missing my bus, while calling my sister to talk. I really like talking to my sister while I'm walking, doing two things at once, it makes it easier to appear at home in a place were I stand out. Being white in a area of Philly that is almost completely Black, I'm getting used to sticking out. I get to the bus stop right as the bus comes barreling down the street towards me, its early. I'm thankful that I did not miss it. I hang up with my sister, drop my token through the little box next the driver and awkwardly walk to the closest free seat as the bus sways back into traffic.
On the bus I look out the window at the passing rows of houses, which give way to the park. The bus stops and starts with the traffic and as it pull off to the side to let people on and off. Everyone on the bus sways as it gathers speed and than quickly decelerates before a red light. Slowly the bus empties until I am the only one on board. Finally we reach the last stop and I step off the bus and back into the heat wave. I start walking down the main street towards the pub we normally meet in. The shoes I am wearing start to eat into the back of my ankles, and my walk starts to become a hobble.
I make it to the pub, only to find it basically empty. Shortly after I sit down I receive a text to come outside, because we are moving to the directors house. I wonder out, find his car, and clamber into the front seat. Off we go through the streets of Manayunk, first to pick up another member of the cast at the train station and than off to the Directors house, which thankfully will be air conditioned. Together the group of us head inside sweat and ready for cool air, cold glasses of water and rehearsal. It seems everything I do here in the city is some type of adventure, at least I have yet to be really lost.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
100 Degrees
Yesterday it was 102 degrees (according to the Weather Channel, felt like 110). Today has climbed to the same hight. I rode the El both yesterday and today, knowing that it was just too hot to bike into work. No only would I have arrived to the office gross and sweaty, but I am also sure that going home would have been killer. Seeing as I do not have air conditioning, getting over heated is something I have to be very careful about. So far so good. I've been warm the last couple of nights but between a whole bunch of water and a fan I've been ok.
The really interesting thing was yesterday the office experienced some kind of long term brown out. Slowly parts of the building lost power (not the whole thing, only part) and I ended up going home early because I could not work without my pc. Than this morning our internet was down. Luckly that did not last long and I have been working all morning. Still it is amazing what the weather can do. And I am happily contimplating the cool front that is supose to come through starting tomorrow. I don't care if it means rain and thunder. Bring it on! It will be so nice to have nights drop below 75 degrees. And heres hoping that we do not have too many 100degree days this summer.
The really interesting thing was yesterday the office experienced some kind of long term brown out. Slowly parts of the building lost power (not the whole thing, only part) and I ended up going home early because I could not work without my pc. Than this morning our internet was down. Luckly that did not last long and I have been working all morning. Still it is amazing what the weather can do. And I am happily contimplating the cool front that is supose to come through starting tomorrow. I don't care if it means rain and thunder. Bring it on! It will be so nice to have nights drop below 75 degrees. And heres hoping that we do not have too many 100degree days this summer.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Things that Scare Me.
This past weekend I had my Sibs (sister and two brothers)down. We went and watched both firework shows in Philly. The best was Saturday night at Penn's landing. The music of the Philly Pops along with the water and crowd made it an amazing experience for all four of us. All three of my Sibs think I'm crazy for living in a city and sometimes I think they might be right, definably after what happened on Sunday night.
Sunday we were all a little slow getting moving. I woke up slowly, but was up stairs to look in on the boys. Theo was throw across his bunched up sleeping bag in a way that looked like it had been staged and could not have been very comfortable. While Richard was half sticking out of his sleeping bag rather cute and very asleep. Soon we were all up and getting breakfast and off to see the 4th of July day Parade. We got to see the wonderful hour special before with the ringing of the bell and some rather amazing music. Than the parade started, although interesting, it was rather dragged out and unorganized and long. We than walked towards the Art Museum and had lunch then went back to my apartment. I took a very nice too short nap and the boys and Audrey watch The Great Race (a great old time movie courtesy of Netflix).
Sunday night we again left for the fireworks. We arrived just before 8pm. We waited 3hours for the show to begin, Richard falling asleep and all of us rather itchy from the dry grass we were sitting on. The show was great, bigger than anything we see at home, although not as cool as Saturday night. We picked up and joined the crowd of people walking across the bridge and westward on Spring Garden. When we were only about 4 or 5 blocks away from my apartment, there was a bang (which I thought was fireworks) and people started to run past us. The four of us quickened or pace. Than this morning I find out that there was a shooting on Spring Garden probably only five minutes after we had walked past. Talk about Scary. And to think that I was naive enough to think it was just people stupidly setting off fireworks like they had been doing all night. At least no one was hurt.
Sunday we were all a little slow getting moving. I woke up slowly, but was up stairs to look in on the boys. Theo was throw across his bunched up sleeping bag in a way that looked like it had been staged and could not have been very comfortable. While Richard was half sticking out of his sleeping bag rather cute and very asleep. Soon we were all up and getting breakfast and off to see the 4th of July day Parade. We got to see the wonderful hour special before with the ringing of the bell and some rather amazing music. Than the parade started, although interesting, it was rather dragged out and unorganized and long. We than walked towards the Art Museum and had lunch then went back to my apartment. I took a very nice too short nap and the boys and Audrey watch The Great Race (a great old time movie courtesy of Netflix).
Sunday night we again left for the fireworks. We arrived just before 8pm. We waited 3hours for the show to begin, Richard falling asleep and all of us rather itchy from the dry grass we were sitting on. The show was great, bigger than anything we see at home, although not as cool as Saturday night. We picked up and joined the crowd of people walking across the bridge and westward on Spring Garden. When we were only about 4 or 5 blocks away from my apartment, there was a bang (which I thought was fireworks) and people started to run past us. The four of us quickened or pace. Than this morning I find out that there was a shooting on Spring Garden probably only five minutes after we had walked past. Talk about Scary. And to think that I was naive enough to think it was just people stupidly setting off fireworks like they had been doing all night. At least no one was hurt.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Go Dutch!!!
I was very annoyed when both the English and the Americans were eliminated. I had faithfully watch their games while they were in the group phase. I wondered about who they would play once they were to the 16 group. I worried about Germany, about the US waiting the last moment, England's haphazardness, and Ghana's fire. It all ended with Both the USA and England making it out of the group phase, and dieing their first game in the elimination round, figures.
The question became who do I know cheer for? The Dutch of course, and after their game against Brazil I'm happy with my choice (of course it helps that Brazil scored on itself). But why the Dutch? Well besides the fact that they wear my favorite color (orange), I also spent two wonderful weeks in Netherlands when I was a kid. And I really can't cheer for Germany, although I really do like Ozil, because I want Argentina to move on. Perhaps I take all this Futbol stuff to seriously.
Hey what else am I going to do?
The question became who do I know cheer for? The Dutch of course, and after their game against Brazil I'm happy with my choice (of course it helps that Brazil scored on itself). But why the Dutch? Well besides the fact that they wear my favorite color (orange), I also spent two wonderful weeks in Netherlands when I was a kid. And I really can't cheer for Germany, although I really do like Ozil, because I want Argentina to move on. Perhaps I take all this Futbol stuff to seriously.
Hey what else am I going to do?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The 4th
Normally the Fourth of July means that I would be going to see fireworks with my family and going to a family pig roast. This year however I am in Philadelphia, the home of freedom. I forgot until yesterday, when I was riding my bike past the art museum with all the tents and things, that Philadelphia is kind of where our country was born. For a country girl, who is used to fireworks being done at the elementary school and that really being the extent of the celebration, a whole week of events and activities leading up to the fourth is rather odd to me.
Of course what is making it worse is that I miss my family.
The fourth means six plus people: parents kids, and sometimes grandparents, carrying blankets, folding chairs, and cans of bug spray across the soccer Fields to find an empty piece of grass. Blanket unfurl, my brothers pull out game boys or start begging for money to buy 'stuff' (the parents rarely give in). Dogs park and kids scream, while a mass of people sit waiting for the sky to darken, praying the rain will hold off.
Than the 30min warning goes up with a pop and the faintest of whooshes, which ends in a boom rocking the hills around our small village. I know at home our dog will be hiding scared. Those 30minutes pass so slowly. The stars slowly show up, the trees around the baseball diamond, where they set off the fireworks, blacken and create a kind of wall. Men walk around checking the lines and talking to the fireman. My sister and I get in a argument about nothing in particular. Everyone stops really paying attention, although my brother starts to ask the time ever minute or so. My parents are having a conversation with friends from church.
Suddenly through the noise, everyone hears the first pop. The people laying on the blankets around my family hush, as if they could over power the fireworks. The first sparkling shower opens in the sky and the crowd break out in 'cool', 'wow', and 'that was a nice one'. My brothers annoyingly start saying 'ooh', 'ahhhh' after each one, in a rather sarcastic voice, that my mother says is all my fault. My Dad tells them to be quiet.
After a while there is a big finale, which depending on the year can be slightly lame, and than my family packs up quickly, and rushes to try and beat the crowd, who all have the same idea. My brothers start arguing, lugging chairs that seemed so lite when we first arrived, but are now too heavy. Some how through the mess of cars and people we make it out of town and drive the almost empty country roads towards home. Over the hills we can see the flashing lights of another villages fireworks coming to an end.
At home we unpack the car and reassure the nervous dog that we are OK. My parents make my brothers go off to bed, and my sister and I stay up talking. Sometime later we go off to bed and fall asleep in the darkness. The fourth having come to an end.
Of course what is making it worse is that I miss my family.
The fourth means six plus people: parents kids, and sometimes grandparents, carrying blankets, folding chairs, and cans of bug spray across the soccer Fields to find an empty piece of grass. Blanket unfurl, my brothers pull out game boys or start begging for money to buy 'stuff' (the parents rarely give in). Dogs park and kids scream, while a mass of people sit waiting for the sky to darken, praying the rain will hold off.
Than the 30min warning goes up with a pop and the faintest of whooshes, which ends in a boom rocking the hills around our small village. I know at home our dog will be hiding scared. Those 30minutes pass so slowly. The stars slowly show up, the trees around the baseball diamond, where they set off the fireworks, blacken and create a kind of wall. Men walk around checking the lines and talking to the fireman. My sister and I get in a argument about nothing in particular. Everyone stops really paying attention, although my brother starts to ask the time ever minute or so. My parents are having a conversation with friends from church.
Suddenly through the noise, everyone hears the first pop. The people laying on the blankets around my family hush, as if they could over power the fireworks. The first sparkling shower opens in the sky and the crowd break out in 'cool', 'wow', and 'that was a nice one'. My brothers annoyingly start saying 'ooh', 'ahhhh' after each one, in a rather sarcastic voice, that my mother says is all my fault. My Dad tells them to be quiet.
After a while there is a big finale, which depending on the year can be slightly lame, and than my family packs up quickly, and rushes to try and beat the crowd, who all have the same idea. My brothers start arguing, lugging chairs that seemed so lite when we first arrived, but are now too heavy. Some how through the mess of cars and people we make it out of town and drive the almost empty country roads towards home. Over the hills we can see the flashing lights of another villages fireworks coming to an end.
At home we unpack the car and reassure the nervous dog that we are OK. My parents make my brothers go off to bed, and my sister and I stay up talking. Sometime later we go off to bed and fall asleep in the darkness. The fourth having come to an end.
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