Jes

New year, New post!

2010-01-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Finally got to uploading some pictures from long and short ago. It's not a resolution but I'm gonna blog more this year!! here's tidbits from what i've missed :)

Here is the SnapDragon (though really only a dragon and not many people could even guess that! sillies)

We didn't get a full video of our performance but a snippet was taken by Angie and can be seen here....

Girls from Byakkoya

Still cooking tons in this new year of course and we just can't get enough of this pancake recipe!

Robie's flapjacks

I made some with eggs in the middle.....yummm..

They are the lightest and fluffiest ever! It really is key to just moisten the flour and to avoid over mixing. Lumps we've found go away while cooking. They almost float out of the pan.

I made a really good and overstuffed chicken pot pie with a yeasty apple pudding for desert. Both turned out tasty and we pretty much scraped the apple pan clean. David keeps bringing home cookbooks from work and I find myself flipping to the desert pages to see what I should make.

I hope to apprentice at a french patisserie in Wayne with a well known pastry chef. I went today and asked but will inquire further with a letter and maybe a pie to entice a position. I couldn't leave without getting a few things and bought some of the best deserts I've ever tasted. The macaroons were incredible.

And on the way back to town I stopped at the German butcher to pick up some goodies! :) It was a food full day.

Last time I got marzipan piggies but this time I found ..............................

Marzipan Potatoes!!!

And here's a pic of David's beanie I knitted for Xmas. It came out really well if I do say so myself.

I have to get ma to take a pic of her shawl and geez, I'm still not done with Amy's socks. I wrapped them half finished only to take them home again. Oh well, sometime soon I hope!

Cooking, Baking, Cooking, and oh yes, Baking

2009-07-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

27 pounds of peaches!! That's how many we picked while on our Va trip. I didn't know what to do with them all at first or what I was going to make with them, but we figured it out. I've been cooking a ton lately and have even stopped eating at work so much.

I hadn't made crepes for a while so decided that would be our first peach dish. We caramelized them with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. I had made the batter the day before since it's better to let it sit. Then I topped them with a blueberry, nutella, honey, and chocolate compote!! Yum!

I continued to use up the peaches by making a Peach Buckle and a Pie. Both were incredibly good especially with the leftover blueberry compote. (you can see the gift I got of measuring cups in the top picture. I've used them already about 5 times now and love having a 4 cup measuring option. David let the pastry chef at work try the buckle and she was quite impressed :)

We finished up the peaches by making Jam!! David wanted to learn how to can preserves so we used the final (well ripened) peaches to make two batches of jam. Of course you have to use some of the warm jam on ice cream to test it :)

I had picked up some NJ corn, tomatoes, along with those blueberries so we had a great meal of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil from our plants. The corn was so sweet and good. I used up the blueberries to make Sheldon's lunch pancakes. Who would have thought that one of the best blueberry pancake recipe's comes from a children's book?

Last Sunday I made Tamales and Tostones with Guacamole. My Tamales didn't turn out how I like so I remade them Tuesday. We had a tomato, avocado, and corn salad, with an asian slaw and some grilled Tuna. It was a much better meal than the original try!

We went to Reading Terminal Market Friday to pickup dinner. We got some trout, asparagus, and orriechette pasta. We cooked the meal in fifteen minutes which was a great improvement on our usual all night cooking projects and allowed us to actually watch spinal tap finally. I fried up bread crumbs in olive oil then tossed the pasta in with parmesan cheese. Always a fast good option.

Nothing much other than cooking going on right now. My 2nd sock is still wandering in and out of getting done. And I still haven't gotten the baking out of my system and feel like making a chocolate something or other........hmmm chocolate.

Wag the Dog

2009-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

There was some tail wagging action yesterday!! Kasia's tail has been limp after her fall off the deck and I was worried it was forever broken. But it seems to be gaining it's movement back so maybe in a month it will be full windmill again!

Photobooth Photobook

2009-07-02T10:23:00.001-07:00

some relief from a traumatic night.

And End.

Life summed up

2009-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

I finally got to uploading some photos of what's been up lately.

Let's see......

I got a package in the mail (think I wrote that last time :) Here's my pressed flowers, farmers market goodies and books from Papa..

I have a picture of my finished sock!! It looks pretty good and is really soft. I added another row at the end since it seemed to just need a little more room. That made it a little boxy, but you can't even tell when it's worn. Halfway done with the next one too!

I had a great gift of flowers, truffles, and icecream this week. That added to (more importantly) the person who gave them being an incredible individual who I love to be around makes my heart dive into happiness. (that sentence shows how sappy I've been of late. silly girl :)

I have my new print picture. It's a take on tapeworm scolex's. maybe entitled scolex attack. It was in my head readily formulated and flowed easily. I like it best right now, but maybe I think that after each one I complete.

And I made a batch of cookies Thursday to return the giving full circle and keep me busy so I wouldn't sink into my futon to sleep at 7pm. I've had early mornings being in to work by 7am so have been exhausted, but getting used to it.

Things have been too busy to get quality pictures even so these blue hued toned ones will have to do. At least I got them up! Off to work.

Late night surprise!!

2009-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a loooooong one.

I'm not used to going in at 7 and struggled with 4 days in a row of the sleepy eyed having to shake the puppy awake mornings. And on top of it the days were busy and didn't match the mood I was in. I've been having really lovely days off, which doesn't help me at work at all when I feel wistful and daydreamy!

I had a day with the girls (Floor and Erin) making mosaics at Erin's house and having brunch. The next day I had a gorgeous picnic complete with lounging, sun, nice breezes, and ants crashing. I made rhubarb and custard but the custard didn't enjoy the sun as much and went uneaten. poor thing. (it was the second batch since I curdled the first, I curse custard sometimes.... still haven't mastered that patience I was talking about)

Saturday I met Aunt Pam, Uncle John and Mom mom for dinner and enjoyed seeing them since I missed them last time. Though really upset I missed my little Cormack and hearing him call me Chesapeake.

Monday night gave me a huge surprise with a visitor at my door!! The lady downstairs knocked and told me someone was outside for me. (I really need to get my buzzer fixed) I thought....... um, who in the world would be at the door for me??

Cleek! He hitched a ride with a neighbor who was driving to Philly and visited me for a quick less than 24 hour visit. Papers being due and all. I'm sure my face was great when I saw who it was.

Unfortunately I was an exhausted kitten and had to sleep soon after our usual photobooth session, but he came by work for lunch and had good walkings around the art museum. Then he was off as quick as he came leaving my cleek heart a little fuller (there's one especially for him).

Colleen had a German visitor so I had dinner with them Tues night and then gave her a (very) quick tour around Philly before her flight departed Wednesday.

I finished one sock!! Pictures to come of that and also my newest print. I don't think I ever posted the beret I knitted for father, so here's a picture of that.

Time to Catch up.....

2009-05-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just like getting rid of television 4 years ago, I don't realize how dependent on something I am until I can't turn to it whenever I have a free moment. So now that I don't have wifi access in the comfort of my own home my blogs and emails will suffer, but boy am I productive at home.
I felt like making a pie the other week. Mother was right and I couldn't find cherries in the store so I took up Erin's request of making a strawberry pie. Didn't hurt they were on sale too.

Everything was fine till I was a stupid head with little patience trying to pour out the pie weights when the whole shell toppled out and I had to start again. ergh.

I would complain about this lack of patience, but I think it's what helps me be so good at being laid back. Having to deal with these silly mistakes exercises my shrug off ability. That's how I'm taking it. (ha, but maybe I'll practice more patience)

A trip home happened with Brandy. The ride was gorgeous and it's always too short a trip.

Rakkassah was a really good time with some great performances, workshops, and our own troupe having it's go on the stage.

Sharon Kihara was amazing and hot with her little belly peacocks.

And here was the woman after her who we swore was going to have wardrobe malfunction Janet Jackson style. She asked for volunteers to come up and dance and I just couldn't resist and was lucky Nicole took up my camera to catch the moment.

Nicole and I stopped off at Gina's bakery to buy Ang a birthday cake with clown candles to try and set our hotel room on fire.

The Suhaila workshop we took kicked my ass but in a good way.

I have to say that I'm glad to be able to work on other projects other than coin bras and tassle belts! So hopefully soon I'll be able to post my first knitted pair of socks (finished not attempted:)

Moving Day Tomorrow

2009-04-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

And I can't frickin wait till I can walk around in my underdrawers again.

Here's my new print.

There's sand in my hair..

2009-03-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

And I feel some in my eyes. But it's worth the fun I'm having working on this mosaic project with Isaiah Zagar. We're covering Colleen's walls at Black ~n~ Brew and it's been a wonderful time learning technique and tricks. We started the project Saturday and what was to be a two day project has turned into four since the skies cried upon our water soluble adhesive.

We began cutting mirror at the beginning of the day to place on either side of Isaiah's design already outlined on the wall. Then we went to the site to start placing pieces. There were about 20 of us and it was pretty incredible to see how fast the work went. There were big 'blob' pieces already mounted on the wall. These are made by troweling leftover cement grout onto a plastic drop. Then ceramics and various glass/painted tile are stuck into it and left to dry.

This arrowhead like tile was my favorite piece I put up.

And here's my favorite portion that I did while standing on three milk crates.

Isaiah is quite a character and I really enjoy working with him. I didn't realize his wife owns one of my favorite shops in town where I get my bellydance gear. Also, his son is just about to release his documentary on their family's life which should be really interesting.

http://www.inadreammovie.com/

Isaiah laughed and said it didn't paint a very good picture of him. (described as revealing their tumultuous marriage ~ gasp! let me see a marriage that isn't) (ummm, except yours mother, but that doesn't count since it belongs in make believe world) A girl Lily asked if he was upset with his son over the movie and Isaiah said of course he couldn't be, which I found really endearing. He has a lot of great answers for things. Like when a man came up to ask him questions and one of the girls said "that must happen to you everywhere" he said back "not in my bedroom" I burst out laughing.

I also burst out laughing at his analogy of something needing to loose it's clothing. Mainly I laughed because his work is pretty sexual, or more anatomical i guess, and people just don't know what to do with that. It's incredibly amusing how awkward someone can be looking at a drawing of an outlined man with a detailed penis that you can't pretend to not notice. It's the "I'll hide my embarrassment to show appreciation" look. But one guy who said what everyone was thinking "dude, what's with all the penises?" more of my laughter fell out.

here's a pic after grouting.

here I am with Isaiah.

It's probably too wordy to describe the process, so if you are interested I can tell you, but I'll spare that here.

I'm gonna post this since I'm packed with volunteer work tomorrow and work and finishing the mosaic and trying to at some point fit in moving? ugh. but at some point I'll write about the rest of the experience.
I'm too tired right now from burger/reuben night with Ang. We laugh at how much we both eat and always order desert. Though tonight we were too late to get belgian tavern donuts. poo.

also, i have a pic coming of my latest print made. here's more from this weekend/mon.

Little Piggy got her head stuck

2009-02-18T17:28:00.001-08:00

I leave the room for ONE second! She's such a little snarfer. At least this time she got into something actually meant for her. But I had to laugh and snap a picture instead of helping her get it off her head. silly.

In other Piggy news, today we made Little Piggy Pot Pies in class. The kids mixed the veggie, water, cream soup, and chicken together and placed biscuits they arranged in the shape of pigs on top. We cooked em and finished actually within time today! They were pretty good even though we had to set them at assigned seats today. Two of them had an argument going on between them but we talked through it a bit and then by the end of class they were helping each other and saying thank you :)

I felt bad passing the younger kids class. Tahmaj who used to be in our class but now turned away since he's younger than 7 ran out and said "I want to be in your cooking class" I was pretty sad about that.

New job day #2 tomorrow. First day went pretty well and I really like everyone there. They all get along and are even friends. That's important so I was glad to see it.

Annnnnd, my bellydance troupe Rag Tag had it's first performance Sunday! We did pretty darn well and were in synch and looked awesome! We're working on our second performance for a guys party in March, which will also be awesome!

I'm winding down for the night and it's only 8:30! I forgot how nice it is to be a daywalker.

Craft Night!

2009-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

Some of my bellydance troupe and I had a craft night last friday! Very fun and neat to see others projects they work on. Such a creative crew. There were cute black cats to help me knit and make sure the yarn was sturdy.

We have a performance coming up on the 15th which I'm very excited about. We're practicing tomorrow at my house and are figuring out our costume! Nice.

I saw The Wrestler yesterday and enjoyed it very much. Mickey Rourke as a washed up old Pro Wrestler with bleached blonde 80's band hair. He was pretty exceptional in it.

Unfortunately my class was canceled today and the school was closed where I was supposed to go in with Kasia to a career fair to talk about Therapy dogs and volunteering. So that'll be next week. So instead I scouted out some fabrics for hip scarves and caught up with some tea at a cafe and knitted.

I think I'm on knitting overstimulation and don't know which project to try and finish. Ack! But here's my done bellydance belt (with my new pants underneath that goes with some tops I got. so cute)

Ever trying to figure out my work situation and what is up next in life. I'm still not sold on changing my car info and license to PA but I'm gonna bite my lip and just do it I guess!

Sigh, I wish I had a puppet master.

Here's to your nutrition

2009-01-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

I made a feast last night! Salmon cakes, polenta, broccoli, with a honey dijon vinegrette. Yum!! I get flack for not eating well. Personally I think cooking for yourself is overrated and at the base of what's wrong with the world today. heehee. Anyways, here's my smorgasbourg fit for a Templeton Rat.

In other news; I slept through the inauguration and awoke to finish my slouchy hat. Don't worry folks I caught the speech later via videostream for my casual enjoyment. The hat was made out of yarn I recycled from a thrift store scarf I bought for a buck. It was exactly the type of yarn I was looking for and worked perfectly since it unraveled really easily. The pattern was called sneaky snakes slouchy hat and I'm proud to say I did not divert at all from the pattern, though now would make some changes to it. It came out rather well I'll say.

I'm soon to be off to bellydance with a newly jangled belt I adourned with cut apart necklaces I found appropriately in a necklace store. Pics of that to come but here's my just done hat!

Perhaps tonight I'll start the beret I've been commissioned to make for Papa!

Warm Snake Arms

2009-01-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

Finished my bellydance arm warmers! I suppose they don't have to just be for bellydancing but that was what I made them for so that's what I'm calling them. They're a little different from each other but it's not hugely noticeable so I'll ignore it. I find I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kind of knitter. Sort of using a pattern but not really using it. I wasn't sure two skeins of this bulky stuff would be enough but it turned out to be just right and up to the elbows like I wanted.

I do believe I'm going to knit some knee high socks next if I can figure out the foot part. Or possibly a belly top since I'm on the things to wear to bellydance class kick (currently I'm crocheting arm bands to go with a belt I did).

Had a good day today with a museum, indian food, and a movie all with good company. I've been craving indian food and I don't know if I satisfied it completely since I'm a little mouth watery over thinking about samosas but I dampered it.

The penn museum of archeology is quite a place with tons of neat stuff to oogle. I can't even process all I saw but a few things stuck out like chinese lions, islamic moonlights, a huge crystal ball, and Qilin statues that I wanted to ride (half dragon half lions).

I'm sad I ate all my marzipan piggies but dark chocolate with caramel filling is mighty good!

Oh to be a honey bee...

2008-12-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

Pollenatin flowers and buzzin around in the springtime breeze.

But I only have chilling wind howling at my puppies ears. Oh well, to savor the spring we must swallow the winter I guess. or something. This puppy makes me feel warm and snugly though.

While I haven't been a honey bee, I have been a busy bee! knitting left and right, crocheting and making prints all for christmas. Those that follow this blog probably already know this, since they were the benefactors of my handmade gifts this year, except Robby who was MIA! I got everything done knitting up to the last minute (literally) and now I've moved on to projects for little 'ol selfish me.

Currently I'm working on some bellydance goodies like a belt and arm warmers. I have one arm warmer done and it looks amazing!! and..I have no idea how I'm going to replicate it for the other arm. hmm. rats buckets.

here's a few of the gifts;

Mama's bird print I made but didn't sign (I will I promise!)

And Ishmael's print for his birthday.

I made knittings for Amy and Eric. Amy got a cell phone cozy and ankle warmers. Eric got a camera case and soap in a sweater. (It felts in the shower and shrinks with the soap. cool!)

And Kasia got to open her gifts! Umm, those aren't all hers, though she did try to open them. Such a good puppy waiting all day and really being tortured by them sitting there!

Finally!!!

And making his debut in my blog is Miles, my belly. My Christmas belly!

ate waaayyy too much yorkshire pudding. mmmm.

New Years tomorrow... which doesn't usually mean big stuff to me, but something will be done I'm sure. Kasia hasn't shared her resolutions but she was making a list. Donny called her fat so maybe trimming down is on it!

I should be sleeping...

2008-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

But I have beats running through my head.

This week has been full of BuildaBridge activities. We had our ending celebration on Wed. night. We made pizzas with the kids and their families. They had their dance celebration while they cooked, and then everyone sat down to fellowship together.

After that I picked up Ishmael from the tea house and since we didn't have time to go to the Tulva throat singing concert, we decided to see a movie and get some duck dinner. Papa had us both craving duck after thanksgiving so we had some really good asian dishes and caught the movie Slumdog Millionaire. It was a good flick. I reccomend it (not too graphic for you ma) I love going to movies by myself, though, I have to say it's fun to sit next to someone :)

Today I just got done with the Latin rythym workshop I signed up to help with. It was totally worth only getting 3 hours of sleep after working an overnight shift. Held out on 43rd street in a huge church, I walked into the office not knowing where to go. There was a group of women laughing at one of the toddlers strutting around in diapers, cowboy boots, sunglasses, and a scarf. Really cute and a good way to start things out. Found where to go and went downstairs to help set up. We had a proffessional drummer, Josh, running things and ready to teach instrument making and beat laying.

The women and kids came downstairs, sleepy and a little not ready to have loud noises played. Josh started playing on one of the buckets, and you could tell everyone had no choice but to wake up fast. We played a couple games with making up beats and listening to each other. A few people weren't so enthusiastic but they warmed up in the next part where we made our instruments. Josh showed us how to make drums, shakers, and mallets out of everyday materials like cans and soda bottles. I helped the toddler from upstairs make a mallet and beat on a drum.

We sat in a circle and had a little jam session. Everyone was into it, all the kids were following the rythym and everyone did a solo. The people who were rolling their eyes were drumming and connecting with everyone and it was just really awesome. The young ones were following how to make different sounds and get the drum to change pitch. The teens were being really inventive with their drum creations and adding grips on the mallets. So much fun to be a part of this. I'll get some pictures up when I get them, but here's my drum and little shaker!

And now I sleep to be able to go to holiday party tonight with Ishmael without shut eyes. More fun!

~also, I have a print job on monday which is great! no so great it's right after my overnight but I'll deal. I can sleep anytime yes?

Motility at 95%

2008-11-20T21:55:00.001-08:00

Ummm, that's not..... Yes. Yes they are.

Monoprint #2 in the series. (technically #3 but wasn't satisfied with the real 2nd)

Motility at 95%
I think that will be the title. Running some others through my head like;

The Race

Good Little Swimmers

Get the Bitch Pregnant (only people who I went to school with will get that one)

Stud Dog Meet Handler

pretty pleased with it! Next up: Blood Cells with Bartonella I think?

My Picture for Bike Riders Against Pneumonia. (so damn cold out)

Pups for Barack

2008-11-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

I had my second culinary class at Project Rainbow, a daycare and service facility for women and their children in transitional homes. Chicken tenders were on the menu to make with a spin on the fried version, teaching healthier alternatives to cooking. The kids substituted olive oil, crushed crackers, and honey mustard for the fatty butter breading you fry up. I don't know if they were completely convinced but it was a fun process and cute to watch them sit down and eat what they made.

It's amazing how things can differ each week just within how the kids respond. The little boy who was so quiet and good last week was a bubbly explosion of hyper this week. It matters a lot of who they're paired with too, of course. One boy was focused on the music playing in the background and didn't really want to cook since he had made fried chicken the night before. But it's fun to try to change that around and he was interested that I took hip hop and started getting enthused when we talked about dancing = which helped get him enthused about chicken tenders! ha. I told him no wonder he was hesitant about cooking today since he seemed like a pro, which made him nod in agreement. so adorable.

Things only got slightly tizzied during the wait for the baking. Juice is a good havoc calmer though.

They started to eat the goods when mothers came in to round them up. They have little patience. The weaving workshop I helped with the other week was great in getting good interaction with the moms and kids. Half of getting the kids to stop calling each other stupid is to get the moms to stop calling them stupid.

a glimpse of my new jacquard bellydance top with knitting needles and arm warmers.

Currentlly I'm obsessed with knitting. And this begins (mother) the trade of photo's with what I've made. Starting with what Dottie at work calls a 'Dickie'. I don't know if that name will stick since it's coming from someone who refers to female parts as 'chicken', but I thought it was funny.

Reversable neckwarmers. I stole the idea from a guys mom. I met him on an art crawl in his store of designed t-shirts. He was impressive being so young and having a really creative idea and his own shop. There was a cabinet with knitted wears and he said his mom made them all. hats, neckwarmers, and scarves. At least I told him I was going to steal the idea.

So here's my first made item.

I met some new people at the art crawl. It was a fun night (sans the losing of I.D. and CC, ick)

Some really good galleries are in the area with unusual art. Made friends, danced to 80's new wave, Learned that porn editing isn't as exciting as some people think, and ate some eggs. it was a good night.

I've been sick all week which sucked donkeys breath. couldn't see marie's baby yet. not nice to cough on infants.

I did make it out though to a dance party Fri night for a bit. Veg chinese food first with a new friend then dancing while people in pizza costumes were crowd surfing. Met some more good people.

Now I have to go to work, ugh. good thing i bought juice and soup.

Riot the Streets

2008-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Two Riots, halloween, and a giant Pinata. Full week in the Phil streets, this one might mimic it depending on tonights outcome.

Well, the Phillies win was had. After much buildup with the last game broken in two by mischievious thundergods, the game concluded with a strike out pitch and the streets flooded with havoc drunken phanatics. There was no terror of being taken with the crowds as I tucked myself away in a movie theater. The woman in the box laughed when I walked in and said "you're the only one in the whole place" i said, "oh nice!".

Seven people were behind the snack counter listening to the game, two of them made me my tea. (note for next time if i bring my own cup and tea bag i get hot water for free)

I watched Happy-go-Lucky an english flick about a chick who is happy. obviously. the guy who was the villain/driver teacher/stalker did an amazing job and overall i liked the movie. little annoyed that they had to throw in a love interest for her to be happy, but that wasn't a huge part so not a big annoy. I liked how it ended with her character not changing too much but feeling like the movie moved somewhere.

It was low key for the Halloween celebration. Sugar cookie baking and handing out candies to little mexican kids driven around by the van fulls. We actually didn't have that many come so here I am eating 5 pieces every night with my two bite brownies. good thing i bike.

The giant Pinata isn't even worth talking about. A Carnival Cruise marketing ploy used to lure peole into their ick. I got lured, but more because I couldn't sleep. They built a 3 story pinata but built up to a nonrelease of candy and no demolishing. disappointing.

Sleep was my friend last night, and waking up likes me too. though it helps to have your maid knock on the door to be let in. umm, I have a house cleaner, did i write that ever? ridiculous, but damn she does a good job down to the organized soybeans in the freezer. it's weird though. i haven't had her do my room, i just can't. i always seem to want a shower right at the moment she's cleaning the bathroom.

Voting is going on right now. and the outcome will decide if i move to Germany or not. I'll take Kasia having to wear a basket muzzle over Palin running this country (McCain's going to keel over with how suprised he's gonna be if he wins, you don't give gramps heartshockers).

But I feel the streets will riot again in Philly with the joys of an Obama nation. I hope, otherwise I might not make it home on my bike tonight. eep.

I'm off to take a shower in a spotless bathroom, then do art, then knitting store, then train a dog, then bellydance. chock full day.

(i'm serious ma about the knitting challenge. expect some pictures of socks up here within the month, i expect you to knit bird cages)

Pizza, rolled up shirts, fringed jackets, and a kiss.

Here's one for South Philly.

Rainy days with puddles to jump in

2008-10-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Pretty rainy in the philly region. I like it though. I feel it washes away some of the trashyness on the sidewalk (when really it just takes it to the sewer grates).

Tea and sleepy puppy noises go well with drip drop sounds.

This weekend was fun but full. Working four days was killer but at least I had a break since Cleek and Sean came to visit!!! I got to go in late on Saturday (still BS that I had to go in since I was told 'we're so flexible if something comes up' when hired). Oh, and that rottweiler from last blogs died :(

Met up at Fergie's for session fun and tunes. Nice little pub with good brie and apple grilled sandwich. The boys started playing and I listened and took pictures.

Cleek and I had wanderings and desserts. mmm pumpkin cheesecake. Then I had to go to work so left for the night. Slept some in the a.m. and then we went for dimsum yum. Dropped off cleeks to catch train, such a short trip but do not dismay!! I'll be going to D.C. to have another short trip to see the amazing wolf saving piano player Helene Grimaud with Cleek and Graham. very excited.

In other news I do have a job next week with rite aid company to do an employee educational video. not hugely exciting but good.

Also I have an interview set up and orientation to work with the program/company BuildaBridge. (http://www.buildabridge.org/) I'm really excited about this since it's such an exciting program. They use creative arts to help nourish needy groups in the community, children, abused women etc. by teaching them dance, music, visual art, cooking classes all kinds of things. They also have international programs so I'm pretty excited to get involved with something that mixes my love of art and helping.

Ok, I'm off to practice my tinwhistle so I can join in the next session.

You're an odd Duck..

2008-09-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

Quack.

Sooooo long of a night. For some reason three of us were working, but then we found the reason. We were pretty darn busy with a bloated dog coming in at 4am. The poor sweet rottweiler boy had a stomach the size of a watermelon. An intern was working so we needed to wait for the surgeon to come in to help him untwist his tummy. I was trying to get the intern vet to maybe decompress it (deflate) but she didn't get the ok and felt like she should wait. So we waited, for over an hour. And the poor dog sat there uncomfortable and then the surgeon walks in, grabs a needle and pokes it into the stomach making the balloon noise. Then tells the intern he was testing her to see if she had the guts to do that. I was thinking right, cause the dog really appreciates to be on the testing end of that situation. that place is an odd duck.

(i was told I was an odd duck by the surgeon after some comment I made. can't remember what comment, but I quacked)

I got off late, maybe 7am, then slept even later. Woke up with resolutions not to be so tired or unmotivated this week. Don't know how that's going to work since I have to work Thurs. through Sun. nights. ergh. Was having a discussion on my tiredness with roommate and friend. Don't know if it's depression or a different reason. I self diagnosed Lupus because of an eye rash (don't freak out ma, i have no idea) But I think maybe i just get sad when I'm dating someone. though I'm not really anymore. i think? ergh.

I went to a movie tonight, "Towelhead". It was premised by the ticket taker saying "that's a disturbing movie" I was then excited for it. When you're alone it makes people much more open to talking to you. A man after the film came up to ask what I thought. He was a talkative sort though. Then a convo with the ticket taker was had. I think people assume that someone alone wants to be talked to. not that I don't it's just interesting the feelings we have towards people who are by themselves. The movie was disturbing but it's better that way.

I think I'll go to the Mutter Museum tomorrow. finally. And take delight in the anomalies in life like siamese twins and soap bodies. (Heather's excited right now)

Pancakes might be in order first though.

If I'm gonna work a lot. I'm gonna play a lot :)

I keep meaning to edit more and send these to you Shannon.

I has a therapy dog

2008-09-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Kasia passed her therapy test!!

She was the most well behaved dog there, if I may say so. (bias disclaimer here)

We walked in and had to walk by a few dogs, which was all part of the test. No biggie, she's good with dogs. One big guy though really liked her and started barking at her. But she just laid down and watched.

Next part of the test was to down/stay. easy. then she had to act normal around the woman in the wheel chair. no problem. The crutches came out and she didn't bat an eye when the lady dropped them on the floor to make a loud noise.

So she passed and I almost cried. (no documented proof, so I say almost)

Now once she gets her papers she can go to the childrens hospitals or have kids read to her. soo cute. I think it really took 11 years for her to calm down enough to get to this point. She's a good girl but she was hyper when young and even at 9!

Here's a picture of her and Penny. really ridiculous.

Kasia and I are walking in the Mutt Strut for the Philly PAWS here that I volunteer at. We've raised 240$ so far which is great. I'm trying to find stuff to focus on since work is in the "blugh" realm and social life is in the "i have no clue" realm. Though I am looking forward to baking soon with Maddy, that should be fun. And hopefully I'll get cracking on the monoprints.

I also got in the mail today the catalog that Kasia and Pity are in! It's sooo cute! I'll post pics of it.

"dirty water"

2008-09-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

First monoprint of the series. It looks a little better in person.

and another

2008-09-09T23:04:00.001-07:00

her eyes are crazy big. poor bugbitten nose.

I really do has a Hotdog

2008-09-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

My new infatuation introduced by someone who loves there dog as much as I do. Which is awesome.

http://www.ihasahotdog.com/

Life really is as good as dog makes it look.....

2008-07-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

I don't mean for just me, but anyone. If you're perceptive to the goodness around you. Goodies can be staring you in the face with coke bottom glasses on. I'll explain.

Tonight was gorgeous. On a last minute wim I decided to see the Regina Spektor/Ani DiFranco concert. I had to catch the bus to the music center on 20th which just happened to be perfectly located 2 blocks from my favorite sushi joint. So I rode bike there and then skipped in for some roll specials. I love going in when there's no one else. It's a tiny cute little place and the guy is so nice. Today he was smling at my tattoo and asked if it was a firebird. His first firebird he's seen he said in his asian accent. cute.

Tonight added to my count of being caught in the rain. I always seem to be biking. My next interaction might need it's own blog, and if I find the pictures of me with this random guy in the Philly Style weekly magazine, it probably will get it's own blog. I'll save that story.

The concert was amazing. I mainly went for Regina Spektor and she was adorable and stunning to watch. Ani was an added bonus.

The bus ride back though, was actually the highlight. An older gentleman sat next to me. I had seen him on the ride there talking to himself the whole way. He started a conversation with no one really in particular, kind of out loud in the way that makes you think "ok, don't make eye contact and it won't be directed at you" But I thought, "eh, who cares, I'll entertain him a bit"

Let me first describe him, cute as the whole thing was. Thick glasses which made it impossible to see his eyes. A slight stutter with sentences a little off in the mind but not so much that he didn't converse, just mild rambles. He talked about all the concerts he's seen there and how 51 years ago he paid 33$ for a month membership and now it's that per show. I asked him how else it's changed and he said, "well, the hair around me is getting a lot grayer when I go to symphonies" He told me about who was playing and composing and what year it was in. I said one of my sorrows was to never see Pavarotti live, he said he's seen him 6 times. Then listed where, what year, and who he sang with. He was in the audience when Shostokovitch was there at a performance. I couldn't keep all the singers straight but he said they finally let a woman sing in the 70's who they wouldn't 20 years earlier. I asked why they wouldn't and he said, "because she was black, of course. Discrimination" He told me how he found her picture signed in the photographer's frame work in a thrift store and paid 10$ when it was worth 1,000$. We talked about Nadja Sonnenberg and Magdalena Kozena. He asked me how long I'd been in Philladelphia. He lived there his whole life. My stop came up and I thanked him and told him it was nice talking to him, and he said to enjoy Philadelphia and that there was so much to see and I should see everything. I unfortunately didn't get his name and I would have stayed on the bus but my bike was parked so had to get off. He was probably a Herbert or Walter. I should have asked. I should have made him my museum friend.

This conversation rivaled the man who lived with rocks in New Mexico.

Everyone needs to look out for their coke bottle glassed conversation. That is good life.

Here is dog's good life.

Behind the Scenes plus extra

2008-07-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the demanded photos of our dog modeling extravaganza. I don't have many of Kasia working it since I was busy helping her with poses while she was on. And she was on.

She had a few vain moments and kept walking over to a mirror and standing in front of it. That was extremely funny. Pity was her usual Supermodel self and pulled out her signature over the shoulder. She was a little upset at little Mia being so cute. She's going to have to understand that it's a young models world. and you really only have a few good minutes for high fashion before you're yesterdays top dogmodel.

I will also post the photographer's finished product.

I was in heaven. I think I need to tap into the dog High Fashion market. In fact... Look for that series to come.

and a bonus........Jon is so lucky to work for MAC and lucky to hang out with us girls. HeeHee. And I scored sassy pink lipstick and blush. Pretty.

SuperModel

2008-06-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

NY visiting is scheduled this week for Pup photoshoot and fun. Kasia will have a spa day tomorrow to prep and beautify.

It was a long but good weekend of work. Dr's are beginning to see my level of capabilities and are starting to rely on me to help them and look for me to assign stuff to. It's a crazy environment but luckily I miss the politics working at night with very few and awesome people, so I seem to not have to deal with it. Sleep is off a lot but I'm dealing with it.

New project is underway of Clay Monoprints. I'm setting up studio in the basement and getting tools together. Hopefully what I'm trying to do will work. No reason it shouldn't. I even lucked out and got well water from work, which I wasn't sure where I was going to obtain. Now I need to think of a motif and theme to play with.

I got a little lizard in the mail today. very cute, thank you MaMa.

I actually have a meet tomorrow with some people to have deserts and talks. That should be fun. Mind is a blank on what else is going on. hmmm, i'll think more when my head is no zombie keeper.

NY visit

2008-06-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

I found (well, heard about) a wonderful thing. Megabus. It allows me to travel to NY for only 12$. now if they would let kasia buy a ticket that would be sweet bliss.

I had a workshop/audition with some agencies up there this past week. I think it went pretty well, but you never know, so we'll see. I met up with Brandy, Pity, and Jon. We had an unusual invention called Bubble Tea. I went and read for agents. Then we met up again to hangs. I miss my friends!! *sniff*

We experienced live Karaoke that was almost to a choreographed level. which made us question the definition of karaoke but it was entertaining. We had some brew and sweet potato fries and laughs. Seeing how it was a thursday and folks had to get to works we headed out and back to apartment. But then continued with dog photo sessions and goodness. Pity is such a little ham she loves it. and so do we.

The Model Pitufina (and her mom);

Sad news...

2008-06-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

My orchid did not bloom :( thank you Papa though. I'm sure it will bloom again. I just have to wait for the suprise of what color it is. (i think i might have found it online though)

Philly, DC, and NY in a whirlwind

2008-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

The beginning Philly the Phirst time;

I wanted to post at least one picture of our last harrah before cleek ran off to Berlin. The trip started off with cleekers meeting me at the philly train station. We decided to walk up to get some coffee and go over the plan. We went to the place I like the most and frequent maybe a little too frequently. It was nice and slow there so we could cause a little havoc and be loud and take pictures at free will. Struck up some conversation with a sweet little gumdrop named Maddy, which Cleek suggested we steal away with us. I think she might have come willingly though. We decided to make a trip to Brooklyn that night since Arjuna decided he would rather go see Barack Obama speak than come to see us. So the trip was needed to kidnap him. We left Philly at 10pm, which is such an improvement over usually leaving C'ville at that time and driving 7 hours! It was incredibly quick to scootch up into NY in under 2 little bitty hours.

Met Misko and a bit drunk Arjuna out at the bar. stayed for a hot little minute then made way to sleep at Arjuna's.

We had a good little ride first though, taking pictures (I'm so bad at doing it while driving. actually it's just bad that I'm so good at it really) and galavanting with arjuna shouting directions at me in french that i don't know. Had to stop at lights and run out to take pictures at opportune times. (this one with camera on the back of a taxi.)

In the morning we made way to eat at Dim Sum, walked around chinatown where I was going to kick over and free frogs kept in buckets, and finally convinced Arjuna to continue with us back to philly.

Fiesta #2 In Philly;

We were so hungry by the time I got home with them and everyone got going that we didn't seem to make it all the way up to market st. like i had said. in fact we only made it a few blocks till we hit up La Lupe mexican joint where we ordered so much food the waitress laughed at us when she brought it all out. We were so stuffed that we pretty much just rolled ourselves over to the cafe close by and had some chocolated drinks. you would think this would be a normal thing but with this french guy that owns this place, it is not. He douses your hot chocolate with shaved choc. whipped cream, melted choc., powdered chocolate. so much chocolate. and yells and woops when he does it. ridiculous.

The next day we met up with Chloe at the coffee shop (see? frequent too frequently. can't help it, cute guys own cute dogs there and their mocha's are sooo good.) Then i wanted to show them the joys of philly walking and cannoli eating so we walked up to market around society hill and into reading terminal market.

The last stretch Part 3 DC;

We had to quickly head home to leave for the district as Maximillion's show started at 8. We made it so quickly since philly leads to everywhere in just 2 hours. Ran over to becca's home where we were staying that night, picked her up and ran over to the 9:30 club. I found a lucky spot again (I don't know why my parking is lucky) close to the club. Max played with his father's punk band that used to play a ton around. It was really fun and a good show. Max is so talented with his percussion!

After the show we ate ethiopian. food not an actual one. maya and ruth came too so it was quadruple the fun. Then we went over to meet max's crew for some dance time. I of course made the jukebox play INXS so we could sashay around. After, we went back to the big house we were sleeping at and made our beds in the glass sunroom, which made us feel like plants in a greenhouse when we woke up. good for morning yoga, not really for sleeping. I had some tea and a little food fight with cleek then had to make the trek back up to philly. arjuna and cleek stayed to have lunch with arjuna's mom, which i desperately wanted to do too, i love kathy. and i love that she's going into the peace corps. but i had to get back.

our last adventure..........until i go to berlin! hopefully. (not looking too great, so expensive)

2008-05-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

teller diminishes me to
little dog bone ashes.

you have to push the button and run.

non-judgemental smiles

eat frog legs sticking out.

appologize and stutter for him

again.

Naked at her wedding,

my diamond removed.

she gloats to cover

my awkward standings

silence. clicking.. silence. clicking..

data entry punching down my collarbone

i held so high.

former existance paper trails at length.

these eyes lowered have found a reason

to pick a heron balancing diversion on one

leg.

audubon gives reassuring gestures

but only for so long.

the wombs cry out to

me sleep between fruitloins forever,

or for moments like this.

Park Day

2008-05-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

I had to drop off my bike to get fixed today. So I decided to make it a park day with dog.

Dog + bike + umbrella = hard to walk.

I had an umbrella from being caught in the rain and a nice random guy let me borrow it cause he didn't want me sitting where there had been muggings before. I couldn't argue. I'm too naive, but I do always carry mace. not that I'm begging to use it, but I guess not completely naive.

So dog and I set out with bike and umbrella.

Today dog was irresistable to children. really. She met another dog in the bike shop. That dog had a little boy who asked if he could pet mine and he kissed her on the back. adorable.

next we made way to the dog park inside the bigger park. Little dogs were there which was nice, two cute bulldogs, a puggle, and some other guys. We left as bigger more surly ones started rolling in.

We sat in the sun on a hill to read and write. That agenda changed as two girls ambled up to us to ask if they could pet her. The next two hours were spent chatting with Brittany and Siani. It was quite entertaining. Kids love it if you just let them talk. they have incredible amounts to say and it's so much lighter than adult ramblings. refreshing. Brittany spent the whole time walking kasia around and on her leash and feeding her grass. Siani talked about everything from how her braids hurt being done so tight to her grandmas dogs who broke her heart when they nipped at her. We also exchanged hip hop moves (my move though was a breakdance step I just learned).

They thought it was hysterical that dog plays dead. And she even did the trick over and over for them, which suprised me. She usually gets annoyed and walks away.

They left with their godfather after his nap was done on the bench. I really need to learn to take my camera everywhere. They adored dog and there were really cute shots of her plumping herself down on their laps and leaning up against them. can't recreate that unfortunately.

As I started to try and read a tiny bit another little munchkin walked up with his Pop. This one was much smaller and of the shrieking kind. The shriek that makes dog's ears go back and sit next to me and stare to leave. she's so good though. Let him pull on her ears and point to her eyes. then he blinked his eyes wildly to show he had them too.

Don't start twittering, all this interaction does not speak to my loins in the least. I can appreciate a tiny tot but it doesn't make me want my own of the lot. ha.

but it would be good to do some volunteer work with the non furry kind. maybe i'll just volunteer with my dog.

in the park.

it seemed therapeutic for lots of kids today.

Dog is Done

2008-05-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Impatience stare my eyes.

Walk growls my belly.

Shift left,

I know you.

Shift right,

possible foe.

mumbles are distant but close.

I hear mumbles. Ready. So Ready.

I don't know where but movement.

Sit, Stand, Slump, Lick a hand.

I yawn on purpose. Notice me

here.

goin ons

2008-05-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not too tired, right now at least, after my two overnight shifts at vet hospital.
So, last week I did a few things. I had a meetup with an agency I would like to work with. They seemed to like me. They do a lot of stuff in Philly but it seems to be toward the commercial/QVC stuff which is ok for now (if I even get anything) but eventually I need to figure out this area and how I fit. It is going to start building up on it's film production, fortunately. A studio is going to be built close and in the past two months two movies were shot here. nothing compared to LA but it's pretty good to start out. I think once I finish this acting class and have a good monologue to perform for the casting directors open calls that will be a big help. And I signed up for a workshop in NY. Not really a workshop but to work scenes in front of agents from the area. that's a good thing. nothing except class this week yet. we'll see if anyone calls or I find something to submit to.

In regular life; The italian market festival was completely too good. I had to go back Sunday, after already walking it and getting goods on Sat. like cannoli, choc. dipped pineapple, and homemade gnocchi (that was amazing!!in alfredo sauce mmm) So sunday I went back drooling and sighted a line for italian sandwich's. I custom made one to fit my craving for the spiced veal and italian sausage with sauce. Yeah. not so much veggie anymore. in fact very much opposite.
The dog got wise the second day (and I made the mistake of not putting on her no pull harness) and was scouring the streets for goodies and we could barely walk a 1/4 block. A guy at a mexican stand laughed at the sight of me screaming as she tried to snarf a big bread chunk and I yelled drop it! and she did. then I looked up at him as our audience, but he enjoyed it. She also illegally snacked when the guy at the dog treat tent wasn't looking. She thought I was her cover as I unknowingly distracted him to buy some biscuits as she took the opportunity to dive into the storage bin behind the table.

The weekend wasn't too long with going in to work at 6pm, ending at 5am. It was an interesting place. It'll do for paying me but aside from that, I don't really think it has too many pluses on the building my teching skills. I am actually enjoying the woman I work with. such a character. she actually likes me, I say actually since apparentley she gives new people a hard time to the point of making it hell for em. I think she likes that I can actually jump in and know what I'm doing. The politics are the same, so I'll just ignore them. One vet was very dry and pretty condescending (really? sarcasm here folks.) I asked her a question as a medication was written down wrong and if I change that. the answer? No. you don't.
ok. so the upside is there aren't many people to deal with on the overnight shift and I can just twitter away at stuff. It's been incredibley slow which is good and bad. It'll do for now. I won't hold my breath to put in any jugular catheters. oh well.
I can at least sit and write or do other stuff in between rounds which is cool.
and next a poem.

been a long time now..

2008-04-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

sorry for no updates recently. i really like posting with pictures and seeing as somehow i manage to fritz my computer Lucia Maretta in one week, no pics will have to do for now.

So. i actually made ways around a bit of nightlife last night since Ginna came to visit. We went to a hip spot and ate fried plantains and pineapple basted ribs and nacho goodies with margerita's (i know there's an h in there somewhere but he couldn't decide where to go so i'll spell it like that)
then wandered up passayunk ave to jump bars and see what was going on. walked around south street but it was a little college sceney so walked down to where i knew a bar had live electronic music from tokyo playing. we settled there and where laughing that a lounge called Bob and Barbara's was across the street. i should really learn to bring my camera everywhere.
after a beer or half of one we were pretty tired so decided to scoot home. i really enjoyed the music though and was glad to find a good spot to maybe go later.

slept in a bit, then woke to walk and eat the best cannoli's ever with tea. Ginna left to go be studious and i should really be on my way to walmart to print some pictures for the coming week. i think i'm going to ny tues. to be seen for a verizon print ad which is eh, but will pay well.
i have to go into a vet hospital tonight and show em what i know. see if i want to work there, but i don't think i do so we'll see.
first though i want to walk up and take a picture of this mexican fiesta that is going on up the street with little kids who have costumes like they're pinatas and color everywhere. i don't know what holiday it is but it's something. some virgin saint or something.
hopefully pictures soon, i think my new laptopis coming this week! i'll have to pick out a new name i guess, don't want to jinx this one.

Chicken in the City

2008-04-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Your noise doesnt fit,
crow here while i sip my tea.

Never scratched in dirt or pecked for mealyworms.
Free range isn't the only life.

Like street children that play in marked off parking lots,
not even a patch of grass.

Nothing to miss if you don't know what's missing.

Cockadoodle-doo-F-you

Even Philly chickens have attitude.

.
. ~j.s.
.
tried to get a picture of those chickens, but was run off by PETA wary store owner. i don't blame him. but i'll get that picture.

whadya gonna doboutit?

2008-04-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's my smashed window.

Initiated the first week! i think philly likes me.

to bed

2008-04-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

to bed i said.

i go to bed.

Now, Off to the dog park

2008-04-13T10:46:00.002-07:00

and then Work, or Find Work!

but this is what i was working on this am.

Springtacular

2008-04-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kasia had her first open air concert experience. She liked it if we weren't too close. (and a little put out i wouldn't let her have an ale)

Northern liberties is dog haven with little boos running all about (well, on leashes). allowed in shops and cafes it promises to be bountiful with kasia pets and she's all about it. a definite ham for attention her only problem is she thinks anyone that moves means they want her to come lick their leg.

I keep telling her that not everyone likes a bath.

Catch Up

2008-04-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

I will try to fill in since a little late with starting Der Blogen.

Or maybe I'll just start from here. yessss, I'll start from here.

Market this morning. Late getting up so all the bread was sold. I really did go by the bakery all week so I don't think I really need bread.

i'm learning bit by bit. dibruno's is good but importated Balls O' Mozza are expensive. and i don't think my cheap green beans care to be paired up to high end cheese anyways.

portabella caps for 3$ a lb is a steal and i bought two, 6 roma toms, and sugar snaps for 5 bucks. I can live off that for a week! (with my snooty mozz ball)

waited in line for ~1/2 an hour to buy some farm eggs. The people in front and behind me then informed me to just yell "DOZEN EGGS!" and they chuckled (since they were all buying about 50 lbs. of chick wings and chops) that it was all i was buying, but were impressed with my patience.

Silly Virginia Girl. Philly isn't patient.