Things have calmed down here considerably, so it seems as though there will be no more parades or marching in the street for a while. Temperatures are dropping and appear to be staying this way (no more freakishly warm highs in the 70's), so I suppose autumn is finally here to stay. With that comes drier air (other than November rain), biting wind (would wearing a balaclava be too weird for my every day commute?) and fewer people loitering around outside. I may be switching up my public transit way to work to include longer stretches of sitting in warm buses and subway cars, and shorter periods of time standing on street corners waiting for the bus. It will be longer travel time overall, but I sure do get a lot more reading done while sitting down, not worry about missing my stop.
Due to a series of strange (but certainly not unfortunate) events on Friday, my likeness may be part of a photo mural at 1845 Walnut St., an office building downtown by Rittenhouse Square. The planned day of surveying middle schoolers at a charter school went down the tubes; the project director called me at 8:30AM to tell me not to go there and I showed up 10 minutes later, much to the confusion of the school's staff). My colleague and I ambled back to Broad St., where cheery Starbucks employees were handing out $5 gift certificates. We each took one and found the nearest location (not too difficult, though I'm pretty sure Dunkin Donuts would be easier to find), then took our lattes and pastries to Rittenhouse Square where we sat chatting for a while, enjoying the mild weather. Then one of several people taking photographs of the area asked if we wouldn't mind moving benches to be part of their photo mural. We obliged since they were clearly professionals, and attempted to look natural while sipping our drinks and chatting. I'll have to follow up there in a few months to see if my likeness really is in the lobby.
Finally, I am getting better at finding cool free stuff to do here in the city. Last week's election party, tonight's Drambuie-sponsored event with free drinks and hors d'oeuvres, free Sundays at The National Liberty Museum, and of course First Fridays.
The latest installment of Philly food:
Tastykake Sugar-Free Sensables Cream Filled Koffee Kake Cupcakes: That's right, I dared to try the sugar-free version of my favorite packaged sweet snack here. They came in a 6-pack of pairs at Super Fresh, have an impossibly long ingredient list, and leave a weird faux-sugar residue in your mouth. Also, its beyond me why they spelled sensible that way. 10g of sugar alcohols, still too many calories, and no feelings of real Tastykake satisfaction. Never again.
I finally visited some legitimate restaurants here, but still have yet to eat a Philly cheesesteak at one of the big 3 places (Pat's, Geno's, Jim's). Maybe I'll go on a weekend cheesesteak and Miller Lite bender just to test my limits.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
excitement
THE PHILLIES WON!
OBAMA WON!
HALLOWEEN HAPPENED!
I SPENT A WONDERFUL 24 HOURS IN DC!
I'M TAKING A TRAIN HOME FOR THANKSGIVING!
now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
OBAMA WON!
HALLOWEEN HAPPENED!
I SPENT A WONDERFUL 24 HOURS IN DC!
I'M TAKING A TRAIN HOME FOR THANKSGIVING!
now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
things I have learned in the last 1.5 weeks
- Yes, a city's collective mental state can be put on hold by a rain delay. Game 5 (5.5?) of the World Series resumes tonight. I have joined the masses not allowed to discuss possible outcomes (a collective desire not to jinx anything), but I'm still hopeful.
- Nissin Cup Noodles is the work lunch of champions. The styrofoam makes me cringe, but they're cheap and only require a microwave or the hot water function of our water cooler. Plus, miniature shrimp.
- Water cooler jugs are 5 gallons, which is surprisingly difficult to lift. I have done my strength training for the day.
- Middle schoolers are a handful. After I was introduced, one boy shouted out "Hilary Banks!", which was a nice change from the usual Clinton remarks. Also, we were legitimately in West Philadelphia, so it was very geographically appropriate. Then a seventh grade girl told me I looked like Hilary Duff. Hmm.
- After a grease-heavy lackluster coffee cake this morning, I may put myself on a Tastykake moratorium until further notice.
- Loud office chitchat is best avoided by closing the door (if possible), or attempting to concentrate solely on your work. I think bringing in my iPod would be a little unnecessary and rude, but I guess I like working in silence or at least ambient music.
- You can successfully construct a Halloween costume for $15 that will hopefully be a winning combination of witty, cute, and unique. Pictures to come.
I went to Terror Behind the Walls last week, and it was incredible. I guess we went by Al Capone's old cell without my realizing it, but there was a lot of other stuff to see (zombies, cadavers, a 3-D glasses area).
I finally added some new photos from late September - early October to my picasa account. I still need to upload about 125 pictures from my camera and make executive decisions about which ones are facebook and blog appropriate (flowers and harvest festival, yes). But after work today I'm making a quick trip downtown to complete my costume with a single piece of yellow felt.
- Nissin Cup Noodles is the work lunch of champions. The styrofoam makes me cringe, but they're cheap and only require a microwave or the hot water function of our water cooler. Plus, miniature shrimp.
- Water cooler jugs are 5 gallons, which is surprisingly difficult to lift. I have done my strength training for the day.
- Middle schoolers are a handful. After I was introduced, one boy shouted out "Hilary Banks!", which was a nice change from the usual Clinton remarks. Also, we were legitimately in West Philadelphia, so it was very geographically appropriate. Then a seventh grade girl told me I looked like Hilary Duff. Hmm.
- After a grease-heavy lackluster coffee cake this morning, I may put myself on a Tastykake moratorium until further notice.
- Loud office chitchat is best avoided by closing the door (if possible), or attempting to concentrate solely on your work. I think bringing in my iPod would be a little unnecessary and rude, but I guess I like working in silence or at least ambient music.
- You can successfully construct a Halloween costume for $15 that will hopefully be a winning combination of witty, cute, and unique. Pictures to come.
I went to Terror Behind the Walls last week, and it was incredible. I guess we went by Al Capone's old cell without my realizing it, but there was a lot of other stuff to see (zombies, cadavers, a 3-D glasses area).
I finally added some new photos from late September - early October to my picasa account. I still need to upload about 125 pictures from my camera and make executive decisions about which ones are facebook and blog appropriate (flowers and harvest festival, yes). But after work today I'm making a quick trip downtown to complete my costume with a single piece of yellow felt.
Friday, October 17, 2008
you give me Phever
Phillies fever: I have caught it.
Wednesday evening was spent yelling at the TV with my roommates, then running around our street (and the bigger ave. up the hill) getting people to honk, screaming "wooooo!" for home videos and waving rally towels.
If you couldn't tell, this is a huge deal. This is their first trip to the World Series since 1993, and beating the LA Dodgers to get there felt great. I am part of this as an outsider; my enthusiasm is only a small fraction of my roommate Melissa's (who has tickets to Game 5 if such a game will exist) but it's still very exciting. This is definitely a sports town and the celebrations across the city proved that. Philly fans have stuck with it through the years (and all the letdowns) but they're still so hopeful. The only thing I can compare it to is more baseball analogies (Red Sox in 2004), which may be lost on some of my audience. This helps to settles which sports team's bumper sticker I will put on my car.
Another edition of Philly food review:
- Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak: this is what I want from my "steaks" here. Warm, gooey, spicy, cheesy, delicious. No onions or peppers necessary. I plan on trying this at many different restaurants/bars/street vendors.
- DiBruno Brothers cheese selection: I'm not sure how many they carry, but they had all of my favorites from the Kluge Estate Farm Shop; Monte Enebro, Idiazabal, several types of Manchego, Prima Donna, and Hoch Ybrig. There are a few other cheese shops in town, but this is part of the most awe-inspiring gourmet market and store I've laid eyes on.
- Breakfast/lunch cart goods: There is a magical silver truck (Lien's which apparently used to serve Chinese food) that parks right on campus and serves delicious, cheap made-to-order food all day long. I had the cheese fries a few weeks ago and was impressed, but yesterday I got bacon, egg and cheese on a sub roll for $2.50 and it was perfect. I couldn't even eat my lunch hours later.
- Campus food in general: I'm allowed access to the Faculty/Staff restaurant, which is actually very reasonably priced. My coworker took me there last week and I enjoyed their soup & salad bar as well as their tempting menu. Then the convenience store/grab&go food market on campus is also surprisingly cheap. They had TastyKakes for way less than Wawa, along with an enormous selection of energy drinks.
- I'm baking again, after over a month of resisting the call of the oven. I made these last night, and they are calorie-laden bites of mint chocolatey goodness. Thank goodness I've also taken up running again.
My parents visit this weekend and I also have a morning flu drive on Saturday, so hopefully I can get my room and photos re-organized by Sunday. Along with some grad school essays. The World Series starts Wednesday, so I know how my weeknights will be spent.
Wednesday evening was spent yelling at the TV with my roommates, then running around our street (and the bigger ave. up the hill) getting people to honk, screaming "wooooo!" for home videos and waving rally towels.
If you couldn't tell, this is a huge deal. This is their first trip to the World Series since 1993, and beating the LA Dodgers to get there felt great. I am part of this as an outsider; my enthusiasm is only a small fraction of my roommate Melissa's (who has tickets to Game 5 if such a game will exist) but it's still very exciting. This is definitely a sports town and the celebrations across the city proved that. Philly fans have stuck with it through the years (and all the letdowns) but they're still so hopeful. The only thing I can compare it to is more baseball analogies (Red Sox in 2004), which may be lost on some of my audience. This helps to settles which sports team's bumper sticker I will put on my car.
Another edition of Philly food review:
- Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak: this is what I want from my "steaks" here. Warm, gooey, spicy, cheesy, delicious. No onions or peppers necessary. I plan on trying this at many different restaurants/bars/street vendors.
- DiBruno Brothers cheese selection: I'm not sure how many they carry, but they had all of my favorites from the Kluge Estate Farm Shop; Monte Enebro, Idiazabal, several types of Manchego, Prima Donna, and Hoch Ybrig. There are a few other cheese shops in town, but this is part of the most awe-inspiring gourmet market and store I've laid eyes on.
- Breakfast/lunch cart goods: There is a magical silver truck (Lien's which apparently used to serve Chinese food) that parks right on campus and serves delicious, cheap made-to-order food all day long. I had the cheese fries a few weeks ago and was impressed, but yesterday I got bacon, egg and cheese on a sub roll for $2.50 and it was perfect. I couldn't even eat my lunch hours later.
- Campus food in general: I'm allowed access to the Faculty/Staff restaurant, which is actually very reasonably priced. My coworker took me there last week and I enjoyed their soup & salad bar as well as their tempting menu. Then the convenience store/grab&go food market on campus is also surprisingly cheap. They had TastyKakes for way less than Wawa, along with an enormous selection of energy drinks.
- I'm baking again, after over a month of resisting the call of the oven. I made these last night, and they are calorie-laden bites of mint chocolatey goodness. Thank goodness I've also taken up running again.
My parents visit this weekend and I also have a morning flu drive on Saturday, so hopefully I can get my room and photos re-organized by Sunday. Along with some grad school essays. The World Series starts Wednesday, so I know how my weeknights will be spent.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Red October
I've started getting cash back more often at the grocery store, so the problem from my last entry is solved.... until I'm a dollar short for that takeout vendor meal and there are no benevolent strangers around.
I received a handwritten (in Sharpie) notice under my car's windshield wipers last week, informing me that cars must be moved every 72 hours. Except that it said "ever 72 hours" and had a decorative squiggle underneath this stern warning. Granted, I parked on the next street over and left my car there for a few days because I have a TransPass and don't mind taking the bus. I think my out-of-state plates are what earned me this warning, because I can find no record in the Philadelphia Parking Authority that says cars must be moved every 72 hours. Especially for residential streets without any parking restriction signs or neighborhood parking passes. If you find any record of such a policy, let me know. I'd rather not have my car towed because somebody with grammatical errors and teenager's handwriting doesn't want to see it there anymore.
In other news, the Phillies are 3-1 in their series against the LA Dodgers and the next game is at home. Things are looking good, though the Red Sox-Tampa Bay series is harder to call. As long as the Phillies make it to the World Series (and hopefully win it), my autumn will be complete. Playoff tickets are costly and hard to come by, so I will be watching it all unfold from the comfort of my living room and possibly a sports bar or two.
Obama came to town on Saturday, but I missed all of his public appearances. Palin came to drop the puck at the Flyers game and got booed. Life in a swing state is interesting.
Finally, I am struggling to explain the recent explosion of Canadian tuxedos around this city but am pretty sure we can chalk it up to the fall weather. It's too warm for a coat but too cold for just your t-shirt and jeans. Better top it off with a jean jacket!
I was a Top Yelper this week on yelp.com (for my 3 reviews last week, I suppose) and got to see my tiny photo in the email. Hopefully the link works here; I'm near the middle of the page.
I received a handwritten (in Sharpie) notice under my car's windshield wipers last week, informing me that cars must be moved every 72 hours. Except that it said "ever 72 hours" and had a decorative squiggle underneath this stern warning. Granted, I parked on the next street over and left my car there for a few days because I have a TransPass and don't mind taking the bus. I think my out-of-state plates are what earned me this warning, because I can find no record in the Philadelphia Parking Authority that says cars must be moved every 72 hours. Especially for residential streets without any parking restriction signs or neighborhood parking passes. If you find any record of such a policy, let me know. I'd rather not have my car towed because somebody with grammatical errors and teenager's handwriting doesn't want to see it there anymore.
In other news, the Phillies are 3-1 in their series against the LA Dodgers and the next game is at home. Things are looking good, though the Red Sox-Tampa Bay series is harder to call. As long as the Phillies make it to the World Series (and hopefully win it), my autumn will be complete. Playoff tickets are costly and hard to come by, so I will be watching it all unfold from the comfort of my living room and possibly a sports bar or two.
Obama came to town on Saturday, but I missed all of his public appearances. Palin came to drop the puck at the Flyers game and got booed. Life in a swing state is interesting.
Finally, I am struggling to explain the recent explosion of Canadian tuxedos around this city but am pretty sure we can chalk it up to the fall weather. It's too warm for a coat but too cold for just your t-shirt and jeans. Better top it off with a jean jacket!
I was a Top Yelper this week on yelp.com (for my 3 reviews last week, I suppose) and got to see my tiny photo in the email. Hopefully the link works here; I'm near the middle of the page.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the annoyances of cash
A Brief Rant:
Why the obsession with cash-only facilities, Philadelphia? Harrisonburg only had a few places that wouldn't take my debit card and its VISA logo (the delicious Indian American Cafe and The Little Grill, as well as most vendors at the Farmer's Market) but it seems like a huge entity of restaurants, Reading Terminal Market vendors, and other proprietors won't take cards here. I know it's not extremely convenient and they have to pay some transaction fees, but it seems like they're missing out on business. Then again, judging from the amount of $$ people carry with them around here, I might be the only business they're losing. ATMs are a no-no, since my bank does not exist up here and I refuse to pay transaction fees on both sides. Until I open an account (Citizens Bank? PNC? Bank of America?), I'll need to cash in on (ha, ha) the few opportunities I get to receive cash back during transactions at major places (grocery stores, drugstores, post office). Today I was resigned to returning to my office to have a Cup of Noodles instead of indulging in Saag Paneer downtown. It was good for being cost-conscious, but upsetting since I haven't had Indian food since mid-August. And because my stomach was rumbling. In all seriousness, at least I have nothing to give any potential purse-snatchers and wallet muggers except some business cards and a Sheetz frequent coffee buyer card that will be useless here in the land of Wawa.
Did that count as a diatribe?
Why the obsession with cash-only facilities, Philadelphia? Harrisonburg only had a few places that wouldn't take my debit card and its VISA logo (the delicious Indian American Cafe and The Little Grill, as well as most vendors at the Farmer's Market) but it seems like a huge entity of restaurants, Reading Terminal Market vendors, and other proprietors won't take cards here. I know it's not extremely convenient and they have to pay some transaction fees, but it seems like they're missing out on business. Then again, judging from the amount of $$ people carry with them around here, I might be the only business they're losing. ATMs are a no-no, since my bank does not exist up here and I refuse to pay transaction fees on both sides. Until I open an account (Citizens Bank? PNC? Bank of America?), I'll need to cash in on (ha, ha) the few opportunities I get to receive cash back during transactions at major places (grocery stores, drugstores, post office). Today I was resigned to returning to my office to have a Cup of Noodles instead of indulging in Saag Paneer downtown. It was good for being cost-conscious, but upsetting since I haven't had Indian food since mid-August. And because my stomach was rumbling. In all seriousness, at least I have nothing to give any potential purse-snatchers and wallet muggers except some business cards and a Sheetz frequent coffee buyer card that will be useless here in the land of Wawa.
Did that count as a diatribe?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Week 4, in words
The highlights of my workweek thus far have been self-defense training on Monday, a pediatric dental symposium Thursday, an academic talk on aut mechanics Wednesday, and actually trying potato knish. Secondary activities included cheering on the Phillies during their playoff games, more phone calls, and watching the VP debate last night. I didn't fall on top of anyone on the bus (like last week), nor did I receive any particularly interesting catcalls. I only went on a few home visits, due to my supervisor being on vacation for half of the week and my being out of the office Monday and Thursday. As I write this, it's Friday afternoon and I have very little left to accomplish. I'll be coming in to work tomorrow morning (9AM) to get trained for the Sex After Marriage program. Apparently, they especially want my teaching skills for the lessons involving reproductive anatomy. My college coursework speaks for itself.
It's getting colder here and fall is in the air. I'm excited for the leaves to change and the addition of scarves and blazers to my wardrobe, but have already had to deal with seasonal allergies. So after taking some Claritin-D last Friday, I was really feeling my Golden Monkey at Happy Hour. Then again, it's 9.5% alcohol. Victory Brewing Co. isn't too far from here, so I may add it to my list of brewpubs to visit. I'm sure my Dad wholeheartedly encourages this effort. Our group's Social Committee has been doing a great job of planning fun stuff around the city, particularly on Friday evenings. I'm on the Professional Development committee, which sounds important but apparently serves little purpose. Also on the topic of season changes, I need to get a space heater ASAP because it's house policy to avoid turning on the gas heat for as long as possible. Of course, I'm one of those people who feels cold at temperatures under 70 degrees, so this October weather is already doing me in.
This is not supposed to be a food blog, but rather one chronicling my experience moving to and living in Philadelphia. Along with that, however, comes trying Philly-specific foods. Expect updates on this front starting now. I will spare you the tales of shrimp-flavored ramen and PB&J on English muffins.
I had my first Philly cheesesteak (with provolone, without onions & peppers) back in August but wasn't too impressed. Apparently I simply must try the peppers & onions and get Cheez Whiz. Although there are the main three cheesesteak places in their hot competition with each other (Pat's, Geno's, Jim's), there are plenty of others. I will have to try this again.
As for TastyKakes, I've been trying new ones from the nearby Wawa every so often (well, weekly). My favorites are the Cream Filled Koffee Kake Cupcakes, the Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, and the Oatmeal Raisin Snak Bars (my attempt to feel healthier). The AmeriCorps person in my position last year (another Southern tall blonde) got to attend a health fair at the TastyKake factory, and received her just desserts. This event may become the pinnacle of my year. I'm imagining the factory as straight up Willy Wonka, complete with chocolate river and waterfall. I'll keep you posted.
It's getting colder here and fall is in the air. I'm excited for the leaves to change and the addition of scarves and blazers to my wardrobe, but have already had to deal with seasonal allergies. So after taking some Claritin-D last Friday, I was really feeling my Golden Monkey at Happy Hour. Then again, it's 9.5% alcohol. Victory Brewing Co. isn't too far from here, so I may add it to my list of brewpubs to visit. I'm sure my Dad wholeheartedly encourages this effort. Our group's Social Committee has been doing a great job of planning fun stuff around the city, particularly on Friday evenings. I'm on the Professional Development committee, which sounds important but apparently serves little purpose. Also on the topic of season changes, I need to get a space heater ASAP because it's house policy to avoid turning on the gas heat for as long as possible. Of course, I'm one of those people who feels cold at temperatures under 70 degrees, so this October weather is already doing me in.
This is not supposed to be a food blog, but rather one chronicling my experience moving to and living in Philadelphia. Along with that, however, comes trying Philly-specific foods. Expect updates on this front starting now. I will spare you the tales of shrimp-flavored ramen and PB&J on English muffins.
I had my first Philly cheesesteak (with provolone, without onions & peppers) back in August but wasn't too impressed. Apparently I simply must try the peppers & onions and get Cheez Whiz. Although there are the main three cheesesteak places in their hot competition with each other (Pat's, Geno's, Jim's), there are plenty of others. I will have to try this again.
As for TastyKakes, I've been trying new ones from the nearby Wawa every so often (well, weekly). My favorites are the Cream Filled Koffee Kake Cupcakes, the Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, and the Oatmeal Raisin Snak Bars (my attempt to feel healthier). The AmeriCorps person in my position last year (another Southern tall blonde) got to attend a health fair at the TastyKake factory, and received her just desserts. This event may become the pinnacle of my year. I'm imagining the factory as straight up Willy Wonka, complete with chocolate river and waterfall. I'll keep you posted.
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