Monday, December 24, 2007

Semester in review


A week ago I sat at a restaurant for lunch with a few close friends. Three of us were nursing students. Over the semester we have bonded on a level very different than our peers. As 20 year olds we have seen and had to deal with things that most people do not have to deal with in their entire lifetime: The emotions that come with lifelong and sudden illnesses, the damage a silly accident can cause, caring for people who can not care for themselves. It is a total immersion intense learning experience.

I felt the urge to remark about our semester together. Here is the gist of my summary:
This semester has been the
hardest so far. It has been painful, intense, busy, but we learned a lot - and now it is over!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Fighting a silent battle

No, this is not commendable like Ghandi. Instead I am referring to stabs using technology. Computers have killed our communication skills with each other and promoted passive aggressive behavior. In the past two months I have been frustrated, annoyed, hurt, and eventually humored by such trivial things as Instant Messenger away messages and Facebook statuses. Honestly...who would have thought? Whether it be painfully specific messages that I ask myself "why?" or impressively vague messages that my mind spins in the worst possible way, it is all in the shadows. You might not see anything going on face to face, smiles all around - but under the table there are these subtle stabs.

I have not done much better. While I chose not to "stoop to that level" I have successfully avoided confrontation. I excuse my behind the back talking to "getting it off my chest" and "venting" to friends that I trust. While this is necessary for emotional support and my own sanity, I'm not sure I can necessarily call it more mature. Here I am, again, talking about it - no matter how vague - online. One friend brightened my spirits by pointing out how humorous the situation really was. The passive aggressive behavior has pretty much subsided, as talk has passed from person to person, but it still bothers me. I do not even know if any of it was actually targeted at me. It is quite possible that I am just jealous and paranoid.

I am not proud of this.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Speaking of Judaism...

Today I sent in my application for my student visa...for entry into Israel. I was accepted into the semester long study abroad program at Hebrew University awhile ago. It is a special program tightly knit with Penn Nursing, so that I get all of my clinical requirements in. I have my flight set, my housing set, my program set. Now, I just need that official document.

Why Israel, you ask? Well, quite frankly, why not? No, unlike a large population of Penn, I am not Jewish and have no family there. But like I said, there is a special Nursing program offered. Penn Nursing only offers two semester study abroad options. One in England, and one in Israel. The England program, despite their keenness to high tea, was not my cup of tea. As the application deadline for study abroad in Israel came near, I realized I would regret it if I did not go. Studying abroad is one of the opportunities you can only experience in college. Sure, there is a travel advisory warning to Israel, but I am not worried. This will be a completely different culture and experience than I could ever imagine. The adventure will begin at the end of January. The anticipation is enormous!

Community

While shopping for our Secret Santa gifts in center city, a friend and I were intrigued by music playing in Rittenhouse Square. Naturally, we headed over to the park to see what was going on. As it turns out it was the second night of Chanukah. There was a tent designed as a dreidel, with traditional food being served out front. People gathered around to sing songs as the make-do electric menorah was lit. A Rabbi was present to say a blessing. Afterwards kids were invited into the dreidel tent to watch a video on Chanukah and play games. My friend and I stood a bit aback, taking all of this in, and neither of us could help but smile. While we are not Jewish, the sense of community shown at this very moment was moving.

It doesn't matter what you believe, community is extremely important to a person's well-being. My community is my friends. As we sat around the next day exchanging our Secret Santa gifts the same feeling came over me - but this community was my own. As we are all apart from our families in college, our friends become our family. Love was in the air. Friend love...the most important kind. With a genuine sense of caring for each other.

Man, I didn't mean to get sappy...

Sunday, November 25, 2007

There is light at the end of the tunnel

My last post is actually rather funny now that I look at it. Why? Let's see...I haven't blogged in a month, because I haven't had the time. They really push nursing students to the end. In my case, to the point of becoming sick. I have 3 exams and 3 papers due in the next 2 weeks, as well as a swing show to put on. I don't really know how it is all going to get done, especially while feeling miserable. But it will - because it has to.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Take Time


About 3 weeks ago
Whoopi Goldberg spoke at Penn as part of the SPEC lecture series. As soon as she walked on stage the crowd of mostly college students gave a standing ovation. We were star-struck. Whoopi was standing about 30 feet away. She covered a million different topics throughout her talk, but she left us with one piece of advice. Take time. It is proof alone that it took me 3 weeks to find time to write this post, that we don't do it enough. In the fast paced - stay up late and study - society that we live in we don't have the opportunity to take time. What exactly is the point of all the hustle and bustle, all the drive and work ethic, if we don't have time to sit back and enjoy it? Exactly, there isn't one.

This past week I have finally been able to take time. To enjoy my friends and give my brain a break. It does wonders for the mental health. The hardest course (I hope) of my nursing education (Medical/Surgical Nursing for the Young and Middle Aged Adult) is finished. I had multiple breakdowns throughout, as did the other students in the class, from all the pressure, information, and high expectations. They say what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - but why should it even seem like a plausible outcome to die from the sheer amount of work and lack of free time? I have taken Whoopi's advice to heart. Now the challenge is putting it into practice.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Restaurant Week verdicts are in

Restaurant Week is one of the best inventions of Philadelphia. The best restaurants in Philadelphia offer a special price fixed 3 or 4 course menu for the bargain price of $30 (more with tax and tip). This gives the more financially challenged people like myself a chance to sample the concoctions of these talented chefs. I got the chance to sample two of the numerous restaurants. One with friends and one with my parents.Tangerine: HUGE disappointment. This Steven Starr restaurant is over-hyped. The ambiance is beautiful and creates a romantic setting, however it is so loud you have to yell across the table. The food was mediocre.
Appetizer: Wild Mushroom Risotto - the highlight of the entire meal
Bread and Pitas served - looked like they came out of a
package, cut, and served
Entree: Bouillabaisse (a fish stew) - completely void of any flavor
Dessert: Panna Cotta with sorbet - also lacking any flavor
My friends and I sat at the table after finishing, completely unsatisfied and still hungry. It was painful to pay $38 dollars total for that meal.

Patou: A modern atmosphere serving French cuisine. Food was to die for. Absolutely DELICIOUS! I would highly recommend this restaurant. Their menu for restaurant week was much more extensive (most restaurants offer about 3 choices for each course). My parents and I each ordered a different option for each course and rotated. They were all good, but I liked my choices the best.
Appetizer: Fricasee (pan-roasted wild mushrooms)
Freshly baked warm rolls with a olive oil/pesto dip
Entree: Striped Bass (w/ carrot flan and green lentil ragout)
Dessert: Warmed Pear w/ Chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and sorbet
Drink: Pear Sangria - I actually liked it, which is saying a lot
Lemon Grass: Admittedly not actually part of restaurant week, it is a cute little Thai restaurant just off of campus in West Philadelphia. More in my price-range than the restaurant week restaurants, and much better than Tangerine. The dishes had awesome names, which we each decided to take on as our own. I was the Vegetarian Lover. We also had the Evil Jungle Princess, the Tutti Fruity Duck, the Sensual Salmon, and the Young Girl on Fire. The flavors and spices were delicious, and it was a nice way to end the busy week catching up with friends and not thinking about work.


Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Get culture, and get out.

Those are two things you need to do if you live in a city such as Philadelphia.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, Philadelphia is full of culture. However, I can narrow that down even more, and say that the University of Pennsylvania is full of culture. To a large extent Penn consists of an upper middle class population. But everyone has a heritage and background. This past weekend I went to see a friend perform in Penn's South Asia Society Mini-Cultural Show. Eleven groups each performed one piece. Music, dance, even drama groups centered around the Indian culture, which I completely admire. Several of the groups are renowned on and off campus. Dhamaka is an all male Indian dance group. You can never overestimate the attractiveness of a man who can dance. Penn Masala is an all male a-cappella group. They go on tours doing their own renditions of well-known songs - with beautiful voices. Each cultural group has so much to offer. This free show provided a wonderful taste of South Asian culture.

Getting out of the city is a necessary part of living in it. All those stresses and fumes of city life can really get to your head. This past Sunday my dorm organized a trip to Linvilla Orchards for apple picking. Breathing fresh air and walking through the rows of apple trees was so relaxing. Taking a bite out of a freshly picked apple brought back simplicity. It is a great field-trip for your mental health. After apple-picking we wandered over to their pumpkin land. Pony rides, hay rides, mazes, farm animals, and of course a gift shop and country store were available for exploration. Fall has arrived, and it sure is beautiful (and deliciously fresh).

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Green is my favorite color

With the start of a new school year, working as a Move-In Coordinator, and living in a dorm, I have had my share of interaction with freshmen. When asked what a freshman that she met was like, my friend responded simply with "he's so....green." I look at them - bright smiles of excitement and exploration, curiosity and bewilderment - and I wonder when I became so jaded. I am jealous of their naivety and their fresh start. It's sad really. I feel old saying "if I knew then what I know now..." but it is true. I have recently been talking to new people outside my "circle of friends" and I've realized that I can get along with a whole range of people. The friends we make freshmen year seem to be by chance. I see freshmen cling to each other just so that they are not alone. Little do they know that they will all make very good friends anyway. I guess my advice for future freshman is not to freak out about making new friends, meet as many people as possible, and see who you click with most. Good friends take time.

On another green note - a friend and I attended the Philly Green Fest this past Sunday on South Street. I was glad to see how many people were out checking out the various information booths on living green. I felt somewhat helpless living in a dorm and not having control over the environmental sustainability of my living situation. However, I took some comfort in the fact that I use Philly Car Share, they even have a large number of hybrid vehicles in their fleet. I highly recommend these car share deals. Flexcar is another option, and is operational nationwide. Solar Panels are also in my future. My super tall friend had fun dropping an egg on a spread of recycled tires used for playgrounds instead of bark dust. And we correctly answered three questions about littering/recycling to win a prize! A litterbug was walking around the festival for photo opportunities. One thing that disturbed me was a man making a food sculpture. It looked awesome, but it was such a waste of quality vegetables - potatoes, squash, carrots, eggplants. I couldn't help but think of the numerous homeless people I pass each day that would benefit from that food. It did not belong at the green fest.

At the Green Fest I also picked up a flyer for the Divine Bike Church. Awesome idea. Open Tues, Thurs, and Sundays from 6:30-9pm and Wednesday for women and transvestites only. They are located in the basement of St. Mary's Church right on Penn's campus. They mostly provide the tools to fix up your bikes, but they also sell used bikes and parts. I picked myself up a beautiful old bike with a basket named Sunshine (it is scratched on the frame) and they walked me through changing the brake cable, setting the gears, and changing a tire. A functioning bike - all from recycled parts - and all for $36.

Green is a beautiful thing.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Picture Perfect


"Isn't this just great" my dad kept repeating. He was right. Somehow the family (the four of us) was all together again for the first time in a year. We were sitting outdoors of a restaurant right on the beach in Pacific City, OR. The Ocean looked like a lake, next to still. Haystack rock was standing alone in the water, watching over the inlet. The dunes that we had climbed prior to dinner were gleaming off to the side, framing the ocean view. We felt as if we were looking at a piece of art. Toast and enjoy the moment.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Pink- Dear Mr President - Live

You'd never take a walk with me, would you?

The lyrics sung by Pink in her song "Dear Mr. President" are so beautifully put. Very different from her more popular songs, in which she tends to sound angry and loud, "Mr. President" sounds genuine and soft. After hearing this song for the first time and multiple times thereafter in Europe, I couldn't help but wonder: Why have I not heard this song, out since December 2006, in the country whose administration it refers to?

After polling a few of my friends, I got one "I think I heard it once during spring break," one "I might have heard the concept of the song," and one response by a devil's advocate saying "it's an old song, why would it be playing now?" (By the way - I've only been hearing old songs on the radio lately - where is the new music?). The rest had never heard of it. And believe me, if my liberal group of friends has not heard this song, the vast majority of America has not either.

As I was snuggled all warm in my bed, visions of censorship danced in my head. I had to investigate...was this our government preventing the American population from hearing this song? Afraid it would put ideas of dislike of our president in the remaining 25% of people who still approve of him
? Or is it just the patriotic loyalty through thick and thin causing Americans to not want to even hear the song?

I decided to email the program director of one of the local Portland, OR radio stations (105.1 The Buzz) and ask. I was pleased with the promptness and kindness of the response:

Thanks for your note. That's a good question because that's a good
song. I'm not sure if the music label might have had a different
marketing strategy for that song overseas than here, given the
difference in politics. Yours is the first request we've had for it, so
maybe other people will catch on to it and it'll become popular as time
goes on.

You may not be aware of this, but it is remarkably hard for us to just
pick music off of CDs and play it, hoping that it will become popular.
We certainly don't play what the record labels tell us to, but unless
the music labels are hyping music with videos on VH1, billboards and bus
signs, clips on "Grey's Anatomy" and etc, we have a hard time making a
song a hit if we are the only media outlet playing it. It's possible,
but harder than it would seem.

Anyway, please keep us in mind when you hear good music that we should
consider. I'll make sure that our music director knows that you like
that song!

Jeff McHugh
Program Director
I'm not sure why the music label would have different marketing strategies for different countries - or no marketing strategy for this one at all - but that is one world I know absolutely nothing about. I can only guess what is going on with Pink's brave practice of free speech (we all remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks when the spoke out against the president), but I really hope that people stand up for the rights that they still have.

Conclusion: Europe does a lot of things a lot better.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Back in the States

After 3 full, and I mean full, weeks of traveling with my sister around Europe I am back home in Oregon. Great trip, but good to be home and rest a bit.

Here is the rest of trip briefly:

Day 9: July 20, 2007
-Slept in...what an amazing concept.
** Went pedal boating on lake Lugano and jumped in the lake.
-Ate gelati and relaxed
-
Saw free outdoor concert (popular hits band) in the center.
Day 10: July 21, 2007
-Walked around Lugano
-Saw sister's school
-Shopped
Day 11: July 22, 2007
-Laundry day
-Day trip to Como, Italy
-Went to Volta museum (guy who invented batteries and conducted experiments on frogs)
-Visited the Duomo
-Went on a boat trip across Lake Como
-Saw WWII Memorial
Day 12: July 23, 2007
-Train to Firenze, Italy (Florence).
-Stayed at beautiful hostel Villa Camarata set away from the city in nature.
-Walked around the city seeing the colorful Duomo, Michaelangelo's house, and Pointe Vecchio.
-Ate a lot of gelati.
-Rubbed the boar's nose to ensure our return to Firenze.
** Had dinner at a restaurant with live Jazz music on the river, and got free drinks from the handsome flirty waiter.
Day 13: July 24, 2007
-Day trip to Pisa, Italy.
-Went to outdoor market and bought exotic dried fruits (made me feel sick) and nougat.
-Walked around the Duomo, old city walls and Leaning tower of Pisa.
**Climbed to the top of the leaning tower!!! Very trippy and scary experience, but well worth it.
-Returned to Firenze and toured the city some more - saw lots of statues.
Day 14: July 25, 2007
-Left Firenze early for train to Milano, Italy.
** Climbed on top of the roof of the Duomo and wandered around. Awesome view and way to see the cathedral. Beautiful.
-Ate Gelati (see a trend here).
-Went to the Galleria with lots of expensive stores and a McDonalds Cafe - so upscale.
-Kicked the bull in the balls and spun on them for good luck.
-Took train back to Lugano.
Day 15: July 26, 2007
-Walked around Lake Lugano.
-Ate the "best Swiss Turkish Kabob".
- Watched sailboat races.
-Ran errands
-Took train to Balsthal, Switzerland and stayed with sister's friend.
Day 16: July 27, 2007
-Drove past Interlachen to the Swiss Alps village Grindewald and the top of Europe.
-Took train halfway up to little tourist village in Alps.
-Ate Cheese fondue.
-Listened to the Alp Horn.
** Hiked around area. Breathtaking view and lots of cows and mountain goats.
-Drove back to Balsthal and went to random birthday dinner party for sister's friend's student.
Day 17: July 28, 2007
-Took train to Frankfurt, Germany.
-Picked up and taken to distant relatives (4th cousins) house.
-Hung out with cousin and his friends watching tv, movies, and playing poker (I won one hand! yay!). They had a "whiskey fetish" with at least 12 different kinds of whiskey out on the table.
Day 18: July 29, 2007
-Raining.
-Took a boat trip on the Rhine river.
** Hiked up to explore 2 different castles.
-
Had Bratwurst and Saurkraut for lunch on the boat.
Day 19: July 30, 2007
-Sister's last day.
-Walked around Massenheim, Germany - where the cousins live.
-Went into Frankfurt in the evening with whole big extended family.
-Went to top of 2nd highest skyscraper in Frankfurt (very modern-day city) for a great view for miles.
-Had drinks in a tavern that opened in the 1470s.
-Walked across pedestrian bridge over river to see the city by night.
Day 20: July 31, 2007
-Took sister to train station for a tearful goodbye.
-Sight-seeing trip to Weisbaden with 2 cousins and other American guest.
-Had the "Best German Turkish kabob".
-Hiked up hill for a good view.
-Walked around the city and stopped for coffee in a cafe to chat with cousin.
Day 21: Aug 1, 2007
-Flew home to Salem, Oregon.
** Read Harry Potter on the plane!

** = My favorites

As my sister said, "This isn't vacation, this is travel."

Friday, July 20, 2007

The cradle of civilization - as one might call it

I feel the need to jot down what I have done in Europe thus far - before I forget. It has been a busy busy first week.

Day 1: July 12, 2007
-Reunited with friend and sister.
-Walked aimlessly in Paris, France w/ sister, saw Arc de Triumph had coffee at a cafe, got lost, found our way again.
** Had dinner on the Eiffel tower. Amazing view, atmosphere, and company.
-Sat on steps outside Eiffel tower and watched fire dancers.
Day 2: July 13th, 2007
-Walked down Champs de Elysees to the Touilerees.
-Sat by the Seine.
-Went to Notre Dame - it is way too touristy and loud. I mean, I am not religious at all, but I can respect and be quiet in a cathedral.
-Got into the Louvre for free (under 26 after 6pm on fridays).
** Had dinner on Monmarte - very cute area. Sat on the hill overlooking Paris watching fireworks set off by boys in the street, as well as bigger ones all over the city.
-Walked to Moulin Rouge/Red light district.
-Had a drink in the lively Latin Quarter.
Day 3: July 14th, 2007
-Bastille Day! Woke up to watch the parade down the Champs de Elysees complete with the president, french army, music, and the air brigade. Mostly just saw bobbing heads through the crowd.
-Took train to Brussels, Belgium to stay with forementioned friend and his family.
Day 4: July 15th, 2007
-Saw Brussels, its Plaza, important buildings, Mantequin Pis (statue/fountain of a boy peeing), etc.
-Learned about the divisions of Belgium (French, Flemish, and German/ Catholic and atheist) and the 3 things that make it famous (chocolate, waffles, and lace).
Day 5: July 16th, 2007
-Took train to Brugge.
-Went on Canal trip through Brugge - cute town.
-Saw Harry Potter movie.
Day 6: July 17th, 2007
-Went to Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels - most entertaining museum have been to in a while, because they give you headphones that play music when you stand in front of certain instruments.
** Walked around Brussels with sister being touristy, touched statue to give me good luck, had famous Belgian waffle and chocolate.
-Ate the famous mussels in Brussels at the famous Chez Leon restaurant.
-Drove to Waterloo to see the battlefields and mound.
Day 7: July 18th, 2007
** Left Brussels and friend for Amsterdam. I am going to live there, everyone was riding bikes with baskets all over the place.
-Took the hop on hop off canal boat trip to various sites.
-Walked through the Van Gogh museum.
-Saw outside of Anne Frank's house - difficult to determine what exactly was her house, because it all looked very modern, and the line was over an hour long to get inside (we couldn't wait, because we had a train to catch).
-Wandered around the city and saw cool buildings.
-Took the night train to Zurich, shared a sleeper car with 5 other people, one of who snored.
Day 8: July 19th, 2007
-Arrived in Zurich, Switzerland in the morning.
** Walked along the beautiful lake for hours.
-Ate the pretzels filled with meat.
-Went inside churches with stiking stained glass windows.
-Climbed up hill to park with good view, swang.
-Saw part of kindercircus show.
-Took train to Lugano, Switzerland, where sister currently lives.

Summary: having an amazing time!!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

"If we can find money to kill people, we can find money to help people."

What a concept. People helping out other people. Healthcare should be a basic human right. What is freedom, if you aren't healthy to enjoy it. All the issues surrounding the United States healthcare system that are dear to my heart were exposed in Michael Moore's most recent documentary Sicko. I don't care that so many people thing he is over the top and one-sided, he is an excellent reporter that digs deep for information. He got into Cuba for heaven sakes.

This film needs to be watched by everyone in America. It made things I already knew about the healthcare industry and insurance companies real. It magnifies the stereotypical greed of Americans and the U.S. government. If it is not for a profit, then it is pointless. People's lives are not pointless.


I won't go into a whole rant, because I would just be reitterating the points made in the movie. But one thing I do want to add: as I was in the bathroom after the movie I head someone say "My doctor needs to see that movie." It is not the doctors. It is not the healthcare professionals (for the most part). It is the system. It is the insurance companies and politicians. The doctor's hands are tied. Some major reform needs to take place.


Part of me wants to practice nursing in another country where I can give the best care to every patient, while the other part of me wants to fight within the healthcare system here in the U.S. for reform.


For now though, I am off for a 3 week European vacation. To countries with socialized, free, unverisal healthcare. I am super excited to go exploring with my friend and my sister. Wish me a safe trip, and if not, at least I will be taken care of - no strings attached.

Monday, July 9, 2007

I'm seeing stars

Quite a contrast to the light pollution of the city. I spent the past weekend camping by the North Santiam river with 4 friends. It was beautiful, peaceful, and fun-filled. We did the traditional cooking over the campfire with chicken and vegetable kabobs, followed later by banana boats and s'mores. Played cards and chatted by the fire until bed. The girls woke up early Saturday morning for a run, and we all continued to fill the day with a water fight, volleyball, kayaking, and a little hike while the boys went fishing. After dinner we all laid out on an open field looking at the stars. It was very striking. We could see the milky way and a million stars so that constellations no longer stood out. Apparently there were a few shooting stars too - but my gaze was never lucky enough to catch one. Although, I'm not quite sure what I would wish for at this point had I seen one. I am pretty darn happy. I am at home in nature. Even so I am jokingly called Sacajawea by my friends because of the way I kayak. While sitting around the campfire our last night - a friend looked over at me and commented that I looked very happy. All I was doing was staring off into space.

All you need to do is come to Oregon and see how beautiful it is, and you will understand why I am so passionate about the environment. Hug a tree.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Oregon is west, afterall

Yee-haw! What better day to go to the St. Paul Rodeo than Independence Day? My family has done it three consecutive years now - so naturally, it is a tradition. My parents treated me and three of my "poor starving college student" friends to the afternoon rodeo show - so we were able to share our enthusiasm.

My favorite events include: bull riding, cow milking, and wild horse chase. In the latter, grown men are being dragged around by these wild horses. They chase after them, try to put a saddle on and ride them through the gate. Not too successful, but pretty darn hilarious.

Watching the cowboys made me long for the days when I rode horses. They really are beautiful creatures. I would give anything right now to be able to saddle one up (western style, of course) and ride off into the wilderness. Just me and my horse. Extremely peaceful...

Oh, and I wouldn't mind a cowboy either.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

I am addicted to ice cream

Funny how I've lived in Philly for 2 years now, and I have never done any touristy activities. I do love Philly for its rich history, but I have never really thought about exploring that aspect of it. For example, what is the big deal about the Liberty Bell anyway? It is a big bell. With a crack. The crack isn't even significant - it is from moving the bell. The bell itself doesn't really have a story behind it - it is simply a symbol. But, while walking by these historical monuments and centers with friends on our way from ethnic restaurant of the week night (The Banana Leaf - Malaysian..yum) to gospel and the Super Scooper at Penn's Landing (to benefit the Joshua Kahan Fund) we goofed off and acted a bit touristy. And you know what...it was fun. We made a pact to do one fun event every week next semester (easier said than done) - and maybe some of those events will be visiting these historic centers and buildings and learning more about the city we go to school in.In other news: I am back in Salem for a week. Let Phase 2 of my summer break begin. Went to the World Beat Festival with some friends. Danced to some Nigerian drumming. Realized how nerdy/cute my little city is. We really aren't very diverse - but we pride ourselves on having the "Best cultural heritage event" in Oregon. Delta just started flying 2 small planes a day into our small private airport, and I got to fly on one of them! Everyone was standing outside the gate while our plane pulled in and waved at us as we were stepping out of the plane onto the runway. Almost as if the president had arrived or something. It made me chuckle a bit. Even though Salem is the capital, it is still a small enough town were we can be nerdy - and that is just fine.

Monday, June 25, 2007

My childhood playground

"Dirty Jersey," "The armpit of America." I could care less about the nicknames assigned to the state of New Jersey. To me Jersey is a place of wonderful childhood memories: carefree running around, beach sisters, huge holes dug in the sand, crepe-paper decorated bicycles, parades, ice cream trucks, sandcastles, mini-golf, moving tides, fishing, dance routines, surries, Indian poker, librarian, shell in hole, hammocks, and walks on the beach.
Now, over a decade after those annual summer days at the beach house I was able to return to my childhood playground. Wonderful is the word I would choose to describe it. It would seem that we packed a lot into a day, but it was all done in a leisurely style. I brought 6 friends along with me via Philly Car Share to experience the shore at Beach Haven, Long Beach Island. We laid out on the beach, built a sandcastle, buried one of us, swam in the ocean, played mini golf, BBQ'ed, and to top the day off we went to Show Place, a musical ice cream parlor where the waiters match the wallpaper (aka - the best place in the world).

Another thing I noticed while returning to my roots: these people, this environment really contributed to who I am today. This somewhat surprised me - being away for so long. But as we went around the dinner table answering questions that bordered the line between interview/curious and interrogation, I found that my beliefs very closely matched those of my parents' old friends. I am finding out more and more everyday why I am how I am.

On another note: BEACH!!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

It's like they know me...

It all makes sense now. I just took the Myers-Briggs online type-indicator personality test. Turns out I am an INTJ. Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging. Man, whoever wrote that description knows me better than I know myself.

Also, my good friend who I love going on random walks and getaways to NYC with, who I always comment about how "we understand each other" is also an INTJ. So, of course we understand each other. The two of us help comprise the 1% of the population who are the "Mastermind" INTJs. Only 1 percent. Wow. We are a unique breed. I feel kind of special.

But it makes me wonder: maybe all of the people and their actions that I don't think make "sense" or consider irrational really aren't that off. Things that occur to me and bother me don't occur to other people. Sooo...am I the odd ball?



And for those who have to deal with me, here are some tips

Sunday, June 17, 2007

I don't even have a mastercard...


Round trip Chinatown bus ride from Philly to NYC: $25.00
Crashing at a friend's dorm room: $0
Nighttime walk around Central Park: $0
Horse carriage ride for 4 people: $40
Improv Comedy show with audience participation for 3: $20
Picture with the Naked Cowboy in Times Square: $0
Eating out at NY restaurants: $50
6 ride Metro Card: $10

"Spontaneous" weekend getaway to an alternate reality: priceless


Thursday, June 14, 2007

I feel yummy

Ethnic restaurant of the week was probably one of the best ideas we've ever had. This week we decided on Kabul, an Afghan BYOB. It was sooooo good. I called in advance and reserved the taqh - which is a raised area with Afghan rugs and pillows. We removed our shoes and lounged on the cushioned floor around our "table" of a cloth in front of us, picnic style. It was a great experience. Dimmed lighting, with Middle Eastern music and a mural painted on the wall behind us really set the seen. And the food. Oh my goodness, the food was delicious. As we all took our first bites it was a murmur of "mmmmmms." I am still so happy at the thought of the food. The lamb was so tender, the saffron rice so sweet, the spices perfect.

It was a beautiful walk to the restaurant as well. Situated in old city right by Penn's Landing, it was a bit of a trek. However the city really seems to come alive in the summer. So many people were bustling about, and greenery lined the streets, really bringing out Philly's beauty that was hidden all winter.

I probably shouldn't have eaten my whole meal. I am quite full right now. But my goodness, do I feel yummy. I can't wait until next week. I wonder where we'll decide to go - the options are endless.



Sunday, June 10, 2007

"I wish I was black"

I remember having this conversation with a good friend from home. When we were younger, reading the American Girl books, Addy's stories were our favorites. We hated white people for doing such terrible things to the blacks, to Addy and her family. We didn't want to be associated with those mean, racist people. We wanted to suffer along with Addy.

I was reminded of this idea today. My boss was talking about the Odunde festival, so I decided to pay it a visit on my way to the Italian market, where I get my produce each week. As soon as I hit the area where the streets were blocked off I was immersed in culture. It was a great feeling. While my friends are either too busy, or too boring (just kidding) I wandered around by myself. I probably stood out like a sore thumb, but I didn't feel unwelcome. The streets were filled with different booths selling African and Caribbean artistry. While I was seriously considering beginning the practice of incense burning, I was overwhelmed by the smell of fried food. Fried chicken, fried fish, fried shrimp, french fries and funnel cake was everywhere - I almost felt sick, and decided to continue on down the rows. Many women were dressed in traditional African clothing, which set the scene. African dancing to drums was taking place on the stage. Everyone was celebrating the culture, their heritage, everyone was a part of a greater community.

This is why I love Philly so much. There is such an array of ethnicities and cultures. Sometimes I wish I was a part of one, instead of just a Caucasian mix. Or that I knew more about my own heritage. African-Americans from all different parts of Africa and the Caribbean had such a bond, such a rich culture. But it works for me right now to just stand back and absorb it all. Take the spirit into my own heart. I plan to explore other parts of Philly. But, right now, I better start studying for that midterm tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Summer in the city

Simple things make me happy. The other day I was running through the cemetery, and the song "summer and the city" came on my ipod shuffle (I'm really not into technology, the only reason I have one is because my friend gave me her old one when she got a real ipod) and I just got so happy and went into a full out sprint. The sun was shining, and I was embarking on, exactly that, my summer in the city. By the way, the cemetery is a very nice place to run. It is very green, full of trees, peaceful, and there are deer wandering around. For me, a big-time environmentalist, it is a nice place to go to decompress from the hustle and bustle.

Another simple thing: wandering around and talking with a good friend. We hadn't really seen eachother much this summer, from previously mentioned busy conflicting schedules, but today we were able to spend some time together. We have the same thought process, so it is really nice to chat with someone who understands where you are coming from. Also, wandering off-campus is refreshing. It's a completely different world in the city neighborhoods. Seeing people of all different ages, not just college students and profesors makes me open my eyes a little wider. I realize that there is a whole world out there that I have become sheltered from in my college, study, work realm.

Oh, and I can't forget about dancing. Either jumping up and down crazily with friends in a dorm room while screaming lyrics to 80s and 90s songs, or going to a lindy and blues club and partner dancing with the lights dimmed, I don't think I stop smiling.

I think being pleased by simple things is best. I woke up today in a bad mood, I was tempted to rant on about this and that in my blog, but as the day went on, I cheered up rather quickly. Of course, the whole getting to cut rats brains with cool equipment and solutions for the first time this morning brightened my day...but it was topped off with good dinner and conversation with friends. Might as well enjoy the little things in life, because, well, you only live once, right? What's the sense in being angry?


On a separate note: I'm leaving for the weekend to go to my cousin's high school graduation. They grow up so fast! But it is extra exciting, because my mom is going to, so I'll get to see her, which is always nice. Nothing can ever replace a mom, no matter how independent you are.


Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Here we go

Well, I did it. I created a blog. I was "inspired" by my friend who is a blogging fiend. I never really read her blog before this week, but going through her old posts, I realized that this is a nice way to get random thoughts down. And, if something interesting actually happens in my life I can write it here once, and have friends come here, instead of explaining it over and over again - which, by the way, gets on my nerves. I just finished my sophomore year of college, so that means summer! However, that doesn't mean quite the same thing as it used to. I am taking one course and I, as well as most of my friends, have to work in order to be able to pay for our higher education. I currently am working three jobs. They are all part-time, and I make my own hours more or less, so it's not too bad. At least I go from place to place doing different things, making it more interesting and less monotonous. Oh, and my one job is super interesting. I mean, I get to help do research on rats for hypoglycemia unawareness in Type I Diabetes. The researcher I work with did head surgery, and I actually got to suture up the opening. I am a working surgeon! In case you didn't know, I am a nursing student, so these things excite me. Sadly though, my schedule never seems to match up with my friends. I need to work on this, especially since I am only in Philly for another month. Tonight, however, I am going swing dancing with that crew. Haven't been in awhile - should be good times.