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| I, of course, mean the scarves. |
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Friday, August 8, 2014
always keep a quarter handy
Driving through the neighborhood today i saw a lemonade stand.
A full-blown, plastic tablecloth over wood and cardboard, hand drawn sign, lemonade stand.
You never see those any more.
I love lemonade stands.
I love the sincerity of a kid on the corner who believes that they can make it in this world one quarter at a time.
I love that it smacks of summer.
Rea and I once decided that we were going to make a fortune with a lemonade stand. Until, alas, we realized that we had no lemonade. But belief in an idea is hard to quell at that age so we sold grape Kool-Aid instead.
When i see a lemonade stand i have to stop. I mean, when else in your life can you make someone really happy with 25 cents?
I drove around the block, pulled up alongside the stand, hit my hazards and jumped out with that precious quarter. He smiled and said thank you; his mom smiled and waved from the porch while i sat in my car and gleefully drank what had to be the worst lemonade ever made.
Best 25 cents i spent all week.
A full-blown, plastic tablecloth over wood and cardboard, hand drawn sign, lemonade stand.
You never see those any more.
I love lemonade stands.
I love the sincerity of a kid on the corner who believes that they can make it in this world one quarter at a time.
I love that it smacks of summer.
Rea and I once decided that we were going to make a fortune with a lemonade stand. Until, alas, we realized that we had no lemonade. But belief in an idea is hard to quell at that age so we sold grape Kool-Aid instead.
When i see a lemonade stand i have to stop. I mean, when else in your life can you make someone really happy with 25 cents?
I drove around the block, pulled up alongside the stand, hit my hazards and jumped out with that precious quarter. He smiled and said thank you; his mom smiled and waved from the porch while i sat in my car and gleefully drank what had to be the worst lemonade ever made.
Best 25 cents i spent all week.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Catonsville Flower Fest and Garden Party
On Sunday, May 6th from 10am to 3pm my neighborhood will be welcoming Spring with a community garden party. There will be flowers and music and crafts and gardening and even a bonnet contest.
This will not only be fun, but is a great opportunity for you to come say HI to me; i will be exhibiting the ReWearables jewelry line as well as handmade cards and other paper goods.
Grab a lovely chapeau and celebrate Spring.
This will not only be fun, but is a great opportunity for you to come say HI to me; i will be exhibiting the ReWearables jewelry line as well as handmade cards and other paper goods.
Grab a lovely chapeau and celebrate Spring.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Dusenberg's
Some days are just a zombie apocalypse and a girl has to take herself out to lunch to keep from going insane.
On days like that i like to treat myself to trying new places.
I've driven by Dusenberg's in Catonsville a jillion times, but never eaten there,(mayhaps because until recently they only had breakfast and lunch hours) but on this particular day i decided that it was time to see what was what at this local eatery.
On days like that i like to treat myself to trying new places.
I've driven by Dusenberg's in Catonsville a jillion times, but never eaten there,(mayhaps because until recently they only had breakfast and lunch hours) but on this particular day i decided that it was time to see what was what at this local eatery.
I knew i had made the right decision when i saw fresh, seasonal flowers on the table.
I really love that.
The scuttlebutt on this place is all about the sandwiches, so i went with a hot roast beef with melted havarti on rye and wasabi sauce. Keeping with the new feeling of the outing i opted to try their green bean fries.
Look at this ridiculous order:
Can you even believe the size of that thing?
I'm supposed to eat that how?
And how about this Smith Island cake for dessert?
Also ridiculous.
Ridiculous, but delicious.
Everything was tasty and the service was super friendly if a little slow (they were slamming busy).
I spent more on lunch than i normally would, but considering that i ate it for both lunch and dinner that was okay.
I'll be back the next time zombies are getting me down.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
yes, there was indeed an art show
...though you would never know it from my camera.
I spent 9 hours at the art exhibition in May: setting up, organizing, hanging art, greeting guests, running the raffle, talking to visitors, manning the cash box, hanging out with the artists, cleaning up and tearing everything down and somehow i only managed one crappy, blurry picture of the room:
and 2 awful pictures of the pieces i was showing:
Really, you would think that i've never used my camera before.
With over 20 local artists (live, work or learn in my zipcode) represented and a collection of projects from 3 elementary and 2 middle schools, the event itself went really well. I learned a lot about staging an art exhibition [honestly, you wouldn't believe the paperwork involved] and have a bunch of ideas about what to do for next year.
My biggest disappointment was that i didn't do a better job with photo documenting, so i don't have anything better from the day to share with you. After mulling it over for the last month i've decided instead to tell you about the two pieces of mine that i ended up displaying.
Generally, i don't like to share too much about what i was thinking about while creating art because i like people to be able to interpret each piece for themselves, but i'm gonna make an exception as both of these pieces do have interesting stories: one started as a birthday card and the other as one of the worst days at work ever.
to be continued
I spent 9 hours at the art exhibition in May: setting up, organizing, hanging art, greeting guests, running the raffle, talking to visitors, manning the cash box, hanging out with the artists, cleaning up and tearing everything down and somehow i only managed one crappy, blurry picture of the room:
and 2 awful pictures of the pieces i was showing:
 |
| entropy, multimedia |
 |
| raging calm, multimedia |
With over 20 local artists (live, work or learn in my zipcode) represented and a collection of projects from 3 elementary and 2 middle schools, the event itself went really well. I learned a lot about staging an art exhibition [honestly, you wouldn't believe the paperwork involved] and have a bunch of ideas about what to do for next year.
My biggest disappointment was that i didn't do a better job with photo documenting, so i don't have anything better from the day to share with you. After mulling it over for the last month i've decided instead to tell you about the two pieces of mine that i ended up displaying.
Generally, i don't like to share too much about what i was thinking about while creating art because i like people to be able to interpret each piece for themselves, but i'm gonna make an exception as both of these pieces do have interesting stories: one started as a birthday card and the other as one of the worst days at work ever.
to be continued
Saturday, April 23, 2011
back porch chat
Hello old friend.
Pull up a chair.
I'm so glad you came to visit.
Let's relax here on the porch and catch up some.
Can i get you some sweet tea?
Would you like crushed mint or mayhaps some rum in that?
Did you hear that there is a new thrift store in Catonsville?
When i went to Just In 4 U they didn't take credit (cash or checks), but it was in the business plan to add the machine as soon as they could. Stop by for some good local thrifting.
Do you realize that Dashiell turned one in March?
Is it my imagination or is time speeding up every year? I swear that i just posted the first pictures of him and now it is already a month since the fun filled birthday party.
Of all of the pictures i took that day, this is the one that makes me smile the most because it captures all three generations of boys in one frame, plus you can see the picture that Jason's dad is taking at the same time that i am taking this one.
Have you ever been to the 8X10 in Federal Hill?
I went there for the first time
to see TM Adam
play keyboards
with the John Mancini Band.
I guess you'd call them a jam band with a jazzy flair.
Normally a quartet, for this local show John Mancini's dad joined them on stage playing the trumpet for a few numbers.
It is a well known fact that i am also not particularly fond of reggae. I mean, reggae is fine one song at a time, but after 3 songs i feel like i'm just listening to the same thing over and over again.
After Adam's band there was another band on the bill called Yellow Dubmarine.
Yes, it is a Beatle's-cover reggae band.
What?
Obviously i had to stay, just to satisfy my curiosity about what in the world this band could be about; especially after i saw the stage crew set up about a jillion mikes on that itty, bitty stage.
There were eight band members always on stage, but that number went up to 10 or 11 during different songs as there were 2 guest vocalists and a PR/manager/friend guy who'd show up to do percussion and raise sing-a-long signs.
This is a tight, well-rehearsed band. They had some arrangements that i really enjoyed and others that made me cringe (who the heck slows down Help?), but either way they sounded great. It was certainly a different experience so i'd recommend going to see Yellow Dubmarine if they are playing a gig near you.
After the personnel shake-up at work I decided to rearrange the Happy TSP Corner. We needed to utilize the space better, I wanted a meeting/work table and frankly i couldn't stand to look at the empty desks where the rest of my team used to be so over 3 days everything got moved and cleaned. We also took out all of the cubicle walls.
At one point a desk was moved and we found this:
Speaking of Team Marge, here we are at our fourth Trivia Bowl
Pull up a chair.
I'm so glad you came to visit.
Let's relax here on the porch and catch up some.
Can i get you some sweet tea?
Would you like crushed mint or mayhaps some rum in that?
Did you hear that there is a new thrift store in Catonsville?It's called Just In 4 U and is right behind the Papa John's on the Old Edmondson spur.
The store is pretty small, but i like that they have not only regular clothes, but petites, plus and maternity as well. The ladies that run the store seem nice (as a bonus they are from Catonsville and want to invest in the community) and one of them has a thing for shoes, so there are plenty of good shoes to be had for cheap.
But you know me; shoes are not my addiction.
Hello lovelies 
I thrifted 2 great pins the day i visited. 
The cat in the washing machine made me laugh out loud when i saw it. The pearls as bubbles are a fab touch and there is no solid backing so you'll be able to see through to whatever it is attached.
I once considered collecting pearl-heads; they are so weirdly ugly that i like them. I had a great cowboy in jeweled chaps who unfortunately lost his head when he went through the washing by mistake. sigh So i couldn't pass up this $4 ballerina.When i went to Just In 4 U they didn't take credit (cash or checks), but it was in the business plan to add the machine as soon as they could. Stop by for some good local thrifting.
Do you realize that Dashiell turned one in March?
Is it my imagination or is time speeding up every year? I swear that i just posted the first pictures of him and now it is already a month since the fun filled birthday party.
Of all of the pictures i took that day, this is the one that makes me smile the most because it captures all three generations of boys in one frame, plus you can see the picture that Jason's dad is taking at the same time that i am taking this one.Have you ever been to the 8X10 in Federal Hill?
I went there for the first time
to see TM Adam
play keyboards
with the John Mancini Band.
I guess you'd call them a jam band with a jazzy flair.
Normally a quartet, for this local show John Mancini's dad joined them on stage playing the trumpet for a few numbers.
 |
| mother, sister and wife all snapping away |
It was a family affair all around as not only did the entire team come out to support Adam, his family came up from Virginia. Even his elusive wife Rachel -whom none of us had met yet cause she is interning at Sinai- managed to have the night off from the hospital.
Though not particularly a fan of jam bands in general, i thoroughly enjoyed their set and highly recommend the new John Mancini Band's new CD, Sun King.It is a well known fact that i am also not particularly fond of reggae. I mean, reggae is fine one song at a time, but after 3 songs i feel like i'm just listening to the same thing over and over again.
After Adam's band there was another band on the bill called Yellow Dubmarine.
Yes, it is a Beatle's-cover reggae band.
What?
Obviously i had to stay, just to satisfy my curiosity about what in the world this band could be about; especially after i saw the stage crew set up about a jillion mikes on that itty, bitty stage.
There were eight band members always on stage, but that number went up to 10 or 11 during different songs as there were 2 guest vocalists and a PR/manager/friend guy who'd show up to do percussion and raise sing-a-long signs.
This is a tight, well-rehearsed band. They had some arrangements that i really enjoyed and others that made me cringe (who the heck slows down Help?), but either way they sounded great. It was certainly a different experience so i'd recommend going to see Yellow Dubmarine if they are playing a gig near you.
After the personnel shake-up at work I decided to rearrange the Happy TSP Corner. We needed to utilize the space better, I wanted a meeting/work table and frankly i couldn't stand to look at the empty desks where the rest of my team used to be so over 3 days everything got moved and cleaned. We also took out all of the cubicle walls.
At one point a desk was moved and we found this:
ummmmmmm... ew! There was detritus down there from every person that has ever had this desk, including me and i moved over to The Big Desk 10 years ago. And let's not even talk about little buggy corpses or that snarl of cordage.
Yikes.
I highly recommend that if you haven't rearranged and cleaned your office recently you might want to get on that cause goodness only knows what might be lurking.
I highly recommend that if you haven't rearranged and cleaned your office recently you might want to get on that cause goodness only knows what might be lurking.
On my trivia team it is understood that i can not do anagrams. My brain just doesn't work like that. I'm great at puzzles and patterns, but not mixed-up words. That's why i suck at Scrabble. In an effort to exercise that part of my brain and to do something new, i decided to do the Jumbles in the newspaper (yes, i still get a newspaper; how else am i gonna have coupons?)
My Grandma Craig did the Jumble every day after finishing the crossword and i was always amazed cause it looks incomprehensible to me.
So one night after reading the funnies and working the Sudoku i tackled the Jumble. I worked that mother like a dog after a bone, determined to not give up. Even though they were short words it took me almost 30 minutes to solve all 5 of them, but by jiminy i did it
and having finally accomplished this mind expanding exercise, proving to myself that i am capable of conquering it, i feel compelled to never, ever do it again.
It made my brain hurt.
and having finally accomplished this mind expanding exercise, proving to myself that i am capable of conquering it, i feel compelled to never, ever do it again. It made my brain hurt.
Blech.
The team will simply have to count on Karen and Kate for those stupid anagram questions.
Speaking of Team Marge, here we are at our fourth Trivia Bowl
 |
| Cricket, Karen, Chris, Kate, Nancy, Jason and the goofball in the front |
As i'm sure you can tell, the theme of this Trivia Bowl was sports. Not that the questions were all about sports (that would make me stick pins in my eyeballs), but the prizes and decorations and music was all sports themed. Jason outfitted us in jerseys, Karen gave us all hilarious hockey nicknames and we put together a lovely hockey-themed centerpiece. The Chalmers even outfitted our mascot Aloha Hello Marge.
How did we do? you ask.
Fifth place.
Again.
You might recall that there are money prizes for first through fourth places at the Trivia Bowl. You might also recall that we finished fifth last time. And the time before that. Yes, we have been out of the money by 1 to 4 points THREE TIMES IN A ROW.
Sorry to shout; it is a sore point.
There was some discussion about changing our team name to G*ddamn Fifth Place, but cooler heads prevailed. Team Marge continues on. However, they will be answering questions about vice-presidents and kicking butt without me for a little while. I am benching myself for half a season to save money and devote some time to other projects.
Which brings us to the Second Annual Catonsville Art Exhibition.
You know this is happening, right?
You know i am exhibiting again, right?
You know that i am in charge of promotions this year, right?
It's May 15th; your calendar is marked, right?
Gosh, its been nice to catch up.
I've missed you.
We should do this again.
You bring the nachos, i'll bring the watermelon sorbet.
Before you go i wanna mention that the quest to try and do new things has become a way of life. Just last night a had lobster ravioli (good, but i wouldn't order it for myself) and anchovies (dear lord was that repulsive) for the first time. Even the things i don't like are cool for being new.
Thanks for stopping by.
Be careful leaving the porch, that third step is a little wobbly.
Take care.
How did we do? you ask.
Fifth place.
Again.
You might recall that there are money prizes for first through fourth places at the Trivia Bowl. You might also recall that we finished fifth last time. And the time before that. Yes, we have been out of the money by 1 to 4 points THREE TIMES IN A ROW.
Sorry to shout; it is a sore point.
There was some discussion about changing our team name to G*ddamn Fifth Place, but cooler heads prevailed. Team Marge continues on. However, they will be answering questions about vice-presidents and kicking butt without me for a little while. I am benching myself for half a season to save money and devote some time to other projects.
Which brings us to the Second Annual Catonsville Art Exhibition.
You know this is happening, right?
You know i am exhibiting again, right?
You know that i am in charge of promotions this year, right?
It's May 15th; your calendar is marked, right?
Gosh, its been nice to catch up.
I've missed you.
We should do this again.
You bring the nachos, i'll bring the watermelon sorbet.
Before you go i wanna mention that the quest to try and do new things has become a way of life. Just last night a had lobster ravioli (good, but i wouldn't order it for myself) and anchovies (dear lord was that repulsive) for the first time. Even the things i don't like are cool for being new.
Thanks for stopping by.
Be careful leaving the porch, that third step is a little wobbly.
Take care.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
since Mike asked...
Over the last few years i've felt myself becoming stagnant.
I loved my job, but it didn't challenge me anymore and there was resistance to change from higher up, not to mention no funds to change anyway. I loved my friends, but so many of them were so far away that i felt isolated. I loved my art, but needed to be stretched. I wasn't completely discontented, but bored and stuck and floundering.
We know now that part of it was medical, but other parts weren't. I've been wanting change, growth, challenges to break me out of my comfortable box. My post about this week's quote is really about how all of that change seems to be happening at once and only some of it is in my control - be careful what you wish for, right?
So, in order to be less cryptic (i'm looking at you, Michael :->) here is a list of opportunities, goals, obstacles, deadlines that are swirling in my brain right now, in no particular order:
-2 members of my team were laid off
-we have to keep taking triple bookings
-my team is writing the new summer theater program
-my team is writing a new assembly program
-my team has been researching new classroom programs
-summer bookings are closed, but higher than i wanted them to be
-my entire department is being reorganized and reimagined
-i am on a committee to do a summer extravaganza of science
-the owner of Objects Found asked me for a new line of Spring cards, three weeks ago
-there is going to be a 2nd annual Catonsville art exhibition; due date for entries is April 10 and i don't have any new pieces finished
-i am in the middle of a painting
-i am in the middle of an assemblage
-i have the inspiration and the materials to do a sculpture/mobile/thingee, but it needs about a thousand solder joints
-i need to learn how to solder
-and get a soldering iron
-i was asked to do the publicity and marketing for that art exhibition
-which just got moved up by a week [MAY 15TH; YOU'RE ALL COMING, RIGHT?]
-i've been reminded that my handmade cards were the highest selling object at the last art exhibition so be sure to have plenty done
-i have 15-20 necklaces in the works
-i have 6 other necklaces designed and faux beaded that need finished
-there is a new thrift store in Catonsville that i've started courting to possibly carry a line of handmade or reimagined jewelry of mine
-i have the okay from the organizer of a local scrapbooking crop to be a vendor at her next crop, selling found objects, interesting notions and handmade embellishments, date April 16ish
-sort and package notions
-make displays and prices
-finish embellishments
-make pages/samples using my wares
-paint 12 chipboard books
-start April birthday cards
-Debbie's play is this weekend
-spend time with Colleen
-i am working on cultivating/growing about 10 new friendships within 2 totally different communities and need to devote time to each
-somehow i need to fit in at least 5 hours of sleep a night
-i can finally, finally go back to the gym
-i don't think i have clean underware for tomorrow
-there are 26 books checked out from the library in my living room, mocking me
-my taxes need done; where did i put my W-2?
-there are still 22 CDs checked out from the library that i am reviewing
-i owe Carlotta dinner
-this is day 3 of not buying any restaurant food; if i make it to 31 i get 20 stars, but i really want KFC for dinner so that i don't have to cook
-there is currently condiments, half an onion and Scotch in my fridge; i need to go shopping
-i am resolved not to go to the grocery store without a menu, shopping list and coupons
-like everyone else in this economy, i will soon be spending more each month than i make and banks don't believe in negative numbers; where do i get more income?
-i need to secure funds to ensure my mother's continued independence
-my museum is hosting the national conference in October; i am planning a traditional all-day outreach session, due date for changes and prices was a week ago and i have neither finished
-over the last year i've gained 20 pounds that needs attending to before my annual physical next month
-wait... did i schedule that physical? yes, i did.
-wait... did i just book a show for that day? hmmmm...
-i need a better recycling process at work cause currently i just take it home, but after rearranging our little corner there are about 5 loads of paper recycling
-the community clean-up day is April 9 and i want to volunteer
-i want to invite my new neighbors to dinner
-girls' craft night???
-we lost 5 limbs off of the dogwood tree; how am i going to get them to the mulcher on clean-up day?
-the basement seriously needs cleaned
-New Year's resolution #1 (volunteering) hasn't even been started yet; do i want to apply for CASA and/or mentor at St Vincent's?
-i got a baby shower invite for my high school best friend; wait... she's pregnant?!?
-the trivia season ended and we won our location; special game on Saturday, finals next weekend, Trivia Bowl (if we make it) on April 2nd
-i have 10 days of dirty dishes to wash
-i got a letter from my sponsored boy in Africa and i need to get a return letter in the mail by Saturday
-the are currently 15 blog posts started in the queue and i took picture today for 2 more
-need to fit in a phone debrief date with Matt and Sara this week
-i owe Grandpa a letter
-the only disorder left from the office shuffling is sitting in my space
-the 35L dewar is in pieces and i need to get it fixed
-did i take my mid-day pill?... yep; okay
...phew And that's just what came off of the top of my head. Most of these things are awesome opportunities that make me tingle with possibilities. Some of them are deadlines that i'm not sure i'm gonna make. Any money things really stress me out cause i don't really care about money, but that doesn't mean that i don't need it. I need more time, but have to get the sleep necessary to keep me healthy (dang it!). I am excited about the new things at work, but need to take time off to finish my outside endeavors, but can't take time off cause i'm understaffed and don't want to take time off cause i'm excited about the new things.
So Mike... does that clarify things a bit?
I loved my job, but it didn't challenge me anymore and there was resistance to change from higher up, not to mention no funds to change anyway. I loved my friends, but so many of them were so far away that i felt isolated. I loved my art, but needed to be stretched. I wasn't completely discontented, but bored and stuck and floundering.
We know now that part of it was medical, but other parts weren't. I've been wanting change, growth, challenges to break me out of my comfortable box. My post about this week's quote is really about how all of that change seems to be happening at once and only some of it is in my control - be careful what you wish for, right?
So, in order to be less cryptic (i'm looking at you, Michael :->) here is a list of opportunities, goals, obstacles, deadlines that are swirling in my brain right now, in no particular order:
-2 members of my team were laid off
-we have to keep taking triple bookings
-my team is writing the new summer theater program
-my team is writing a new assembly program
-my team has been researching new classroom programs
-summer bookings are closed, but higher than i wanted them to be
-my entire department is being reorganized and reimagined
-i am on a committee to do a summer extravaganza of science
-the owner of Objects Found asked me for a new line of Spring cards, three weeks ago
-there is going to be a 2nd annual Catonsville art exhibition; due date for entries is April 10 and i don't have any new pieces finished
-i am in the middle of a painting
-i am in the middle of an assemblage
-i have the inspiration and the materials to do a sculpture/mobile/thingee, but it needs about a thousand solder joints
-i need to learn how to solder
-and get a soldering iron
-i was asked to do the publicity and marketing for that art exhibition
-which just got moved up by a week [MAY 15TH; YOU'RE ALL COMING, RIGHT?]
-i've been reminded that my handmade cards were the highest selling object at the last art exhibition so be sure to have plenty done
-i have 15-20 necklaces in the works
-i have 6 other necklaces designed and faux beaded that need finished
-there is a new thrift store in Catonsville that i've started courting to possibly carry a line of handmade or reimagined jewelry of mine
-i have the okay from the organizer of a local scrapbooking crop to be a vendor at her next crop, selling found objects, interesting notions and handmade embellishments, date April 16ish
-sort and package notions
-make displays and prices
-finish embellishments
-make pages/samples using my wares
-paint 12 chipboard books
-start April birthday cards
-Debbie's play is this weekend
-spend time with Colleen
-i am working on cultivating/growing about 10 new friendships within 2 totally different communities and need to devote time to each
-somehow i need to fit in at least 5 hours of sleep a night
-i can finally, finally go back to the gym
-i don't think i have clean underware for tomorrow
-there are 26 books checked out from the library in my living room, mocking me
-my taxes need done; where did i put my W-2?
-there are still 22 CDs checked out from the library that i am reviewing
-i owe Carlotta dinner
-this is day 3 of not buying any restaurant food; if i make it to 31 i get 20 stars, but i really want KFC for dinner so that i don't have to cook
-there is currently condiments, half an onion and Scotch in my fridge; i need to go shopping
-i am resolved not to go to the grocery store without a menu, shopping list and coupons
-like everyone else in this economy, i will soon be spending more each month than i make and banks don't believe in negative numbers; where do i get more income?
-i need to secure funds to ensure my mother's continued independence
-my museum is hosting the national conference in October; i am planning a traditional all-day outreach session, due date for changes and prices was a week ago and i have neither finished
-over the last year i've gained 20 pounds that needs attending to before my annual physical next month
-wait... did i schedule that physical? yes, i did.
-wait... did i just book a show for that day? hmmmm...
-i need a better recycling process at work cause currently i just take it home, but after rearranging our little corner there are about 5 loads of paper recycling
-the community clean-up day is April 9 and i want to volunteer
-i want to invite my new neighbors to dinner
-girls' craft night???
-we lost 5 limbs off of the dogwood tree; how am i going to get them to the mulcher on clean-up day?
-the basement seriously needs cleaned
-New Year's resolution #1 (volunteering) hasn't even been started yet; do i want to apply for CASA and/or mentor at St Vincent's?
-i got a baby shower invite for my high school best friend; wait... she's pregnant?!?
-the trivia season ended and we won our location; special game on Saturday, finals next weekend, Trivia Bowl (if we make it) on April 2nd
-i have 10 days of dirty dishes to wash
-i got a letter from my sponsored boy in Africa and i need to get a return letter in the mail by Saturday
-the are currently 15 blog posts started in the queue and i took picture today for 2 more
-need to fit in a phone debrief date with Matt and Sara this week
-i owe Grandpa a letter
-the only disorder left from the office shuffling is sitting in my space
-the 35L dewar is in pieces and i need to get it fixed
-did i take my mid-day pill?... yep; okay
...phew And that's just what came off of the top of my head. Most of these things are awesome opportunities that make me tingle with possibilities. Some of them are deadlines that i'm not sure i'm gonna make. Any money things really stress me out cause i don't really care about money, but that doesn't mean that i don't need it. I need more time, but have to get the sleep necessary to keep me healthy (dang it!). I am excited about the new things at work, but need to take time off to finish my outside endeavors, but can't take time off cause i'm understaffed and don't want to take time off cause i'm excited about the new things.
So Mike... does that clarify things a bit?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Update and baby steps and pancakes
So a two week break from the world has been good for me.
Of course, 5 of those days were spent preparing for and helping at Matt and Sara's wedding.
And, i did go to work 2 days.
But for ME, i've been taking it relatively easy.
I'm almost acclimated to the new meds, though there is some occasional wooziness. At this point my biggest issue is my own impatience.
I want to be better.
Now!
Anyhoo, i've missed posting here and now have about a 20 post backlog, but have decided to take things slow and easy. You might still be hearing about Hawaii in January, but eventually everything will get done. Today, i'll share one of my favorite, favorite local restaurants:
Shirley's on Rt 40 used to be my IHOP.
Though randomly, it was the first place i ever ate salsa.
Several years ago, IHOP decided to pull out of this location and the restaurant was bought by a waitress and named for her mother who had also been a waitress there. The food is generally good and plentiful.
I've always had good service.
And during this season it is my favorite place to get pumpkin pancakes!
Give Shirley's a try, just not Sunday after church cause they are swamped.
Of course, 5 of those days were spent preparing for and helping at Matt and Sara's wedding.
And, i did go to work 2 days.
But for ME, i've been taking it relatively easy.
I'm almost acclimated to the new meds, though there is some occasional wooziness. At this point my biggest issue is my own impatience.
I want to be better.
Now!
Anyhoo, i've missed posting here and now have about a 20 post backlog, but have decided to take things slow and easy. You might still be hearing about Hawaii in January, but eventually everything will get done. Today, i'll share one of my favorite, favorite local restaurants:
Shirley's on Rt 40 used to be my IHOP.
Though randomly, it was the first place i ever ate salsa.
Several years ago, IHOP decided to pull out of this location and the restaurant was bought by a waitress and named for her mother who had also been a waitress there. The food is generally good and plentiful.
I've always had good service.
And during this season it is my favorite place to get pumpkin pancakes!
Give Shirley's a try, just not Sunday after church cause they are swamped.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
getting there from here
As i have said before, i live in a suburb masquerading as a small town.
I love it.
Just when all the comfort and normalcy makes you wonder if perhaps it would be more exciting to live in the city, you notice a unicyclist coming up the road across from the drugstore.
Yes, you read that correctly,
UNICYCLIST!
No joke, this guy wasn't in front of his house practicing for a talent show or performing at a kid's party.
He was utilizing a unicycle to traverse Edmondson Avenue.
Really.
And he didn't come to mess around.
Oh no.
With as much zoom as my camera has i tried to capture all of his PPE (personal protective equipment) -
You might expect the helmet and the reflective vest, but the goggles were a bit of a surprise and the gloves were downright perplexing. It's not like there are handlebars to grip or anything.
Good luck to you, unicycle-man.
Thank you for being eco-friendly.
And look out for that car.
Yes, just another day in the Nikiverse.
Thank God i always have my camera so that i can prove that i don't make this stuff up!
I love it.
Just when all the comfort and normalcy makes you wonder if perhaps it would be more exciting to live in the city, you notice a unicyclist coming up the road across from the drugstore.
Yes, you read that correctly,
UNICYCLIST!No joke, this guy wasn't in front of his house practicing for a talent show or performing at a kid's party.
He was utilizing a unicycle to traverse Edmondson Avenue.
Really.
And he didn't come to mess around.
Oh no.
With as much zoom as my camera has i tried to capture all of his PPE (personal protective equipment) -
You might expect the helmet and the reflective vest, but the goggles were a bit of a surprise and the gloves were downright perplexing. It's not like there are handlebars to grip or anything.
Good luck to you, unicycle-man.
Thank you for being eco-friendly.
And look out for that car.
Yes, just another day in the Nikiverse.
Thank God i always have my camera so that i can prove that i don't make this stuff up!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Gyro Grilled Cheese
I just came from lunch at Grilled Cheese & Co.
Their special right now is the Santorini: gyro meat, feta cheese, chopped red onion and tzitziki sauce grilled on chibata.
HOLY CRAP!
People, if you like gyros, if you like grilled cheese you must, must, must go right now to try this wonderful marriage of the two.It is on special so there are no guarantees of how long it will be around.
RUN!
The special is always about a dollar more expensive, but i still got a combo with sweet potato fries and a drink for under $11.
Never would it have even occurred to me to turn my beloved gyro into a grilled sandwich.
It is like heaven on bread.
I would kick a puppy to eat this again.
HURRY!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
it's not easy being grilled cheesee
I have found heaven, 
and it is filled with grilled cheese.
This is a (relatively) new restaurant in Catonsville that is right at my exit from the Beltway so i see it every night when i get home from work. I finally got a chance to try it last week and was so glad that i did.
Grilled Cheese & Co serves variations of toasted bread with cheese. It doesn't sound like an earth-shattering idea, but it is. Imagine a row of sandwich presses, each perfectly toasting your bread from edge to edge and the smell of cheese in the air.
sigh... it's wonderful
They have a small dining room with seating for about 40-50 that was immaculately clean. The menu is written on the wall and the prices are competitive with other sit-down sandwich places. I opted to sit at one of the 2 outdoor tables with umbrellas cause it was a lovely day and though the view is not exactly picturesque
i hardly noticed, since my eyes were locked on my Blue Ox combo with sweet potato fries
Behold!
That would be roast beef and blue cheese grilled with horseradish sauce. They did not skimp on any of the ingredients and the side portion was large enough that i took some home with me.
With my soda it was $9.50.
Plus, the sandwich was so good that i couldn't stop thinking about it and went back to get another 3 days later. If you aren't Jason (or a vegan), give Grilled Cheese & Co a chance. You'll be so happy you did.
and it is filled with grilled cheese.
This is a (relatively) new restaurant in Catonsville that is right at my exit from the Beltway so i see it every night when i get home from work. I finally got a chance to try it last week and was so glad that i did.
Grilled Cheese & Co serves variations of toasted bread with cheese. It doesn't sound like an earth-shattering idea, but it is. Imagine a row of sandwich presses, each perfectly toasting your bread from edge to edge and the smell of cheese in the air.
sigh... it's wonderful
They have a small dining room with seating for about 40-50 that was immaculately clean. The menu is written on the wall and the prices are competitive with other sit-down sandwich places. I opted to sit at one of the 2 outdoor tables with umbrellas cause it was a lovely day and though the view is not exactly picturesque
i hardly noticed, since my eyes were locked on my Blue Ox combo with sweet potato friesBehold!
That would be roast beef and blue cheese grilled with horseradish sauce. They did not skimp on any of the ingredients and the side portion was large enough that i took some home with me.With my soda it was $9.50.
Plus, the sandwich was so good that i couldn't stop thinking about it and went back to get another 3 days later. If you aren't Jason (or a vegan), give Grilled Cheese & Co a chance. You'll be so happy you did.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Catonsville Bicentennial Fine Arts Exhibition
Now that we are in June I can share more about the art exhibition in which i am showing a new piece of work. To celebrate the 200th year of the founding of Catonsville, some local artists decided to put together an exhibition of various types of art being created by people living and working in the local zip code. A call went out for submissions and i was intrigued. By no means would i consider myself a fine artist, but i saw this as a chance to try something new. In all the years that i have been painting i have only shared the two pieces hanging on my wall in my studio and the two pieces that i have given as gifts. The rest have either been buried under piles in my studio or cut up and used in other mixed media pieces. I figured it was time to hang something on a wall for other people to see. I was excited to submit the piece and then i regretted it completely and then i was so excited again that i wished that i had more time to submit another piece and then i was trepidatious.
Excited, scared, excited, scared - it oscillates between the two every day.
I really want people to come and see the mixed media with acrylic painting that i finished.
I am terrified of having it hang next to trained and professional artists.
I'm proud that i am even trying this.
I'm scared no one will come.
I'm scared people will come and laugh.
I am all over the emotional map about this.
That is where all of you come into the picture.
Wouldn't you love to come see some local art and witness me being a basketcase?
Mayhaps you would like to purchase some handpainted cards?
Perhaps you'd like to bring your kids to do some crafty things.
Did i mention refreshments?
SATURDAY JUNE 12th 1:00-5:00
is the opening reception with all of the activities.
SUNDAY JUNE 13th 1:00-5:00, the gallery will be open with the artists, as well.
Many of the pieces will be for sale.
The exhibition continues through July 16th.
This will hopefully be a fun time for everyone and a character building experience for me. Please come say HI, if you can. I'll put a counter on the side of my blog to help you remember.
is the opening reception with all of the activities.
SUNDAY JUNE 13th 1:00-5:00, the gallery will be open with the artists, as well.
Many of the pieces will be for sale.
The exhibition continues through July 16th.
This will hopefully be a fun time for everyone and a character building experience for me. Please come say HI, if you can. I'll put a counter on the side of my blog to help you remember.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
you scream, i scream, we all scream
Last weekend my friend Rachel came down to Pirate Weekend at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
Of course, i was working so i couldn't go.
She was planning on heading back to Jersey at the same time i was getting off from work so she inquired about meeting for ice cream. I knew just the place: Dino Bites is a dinosaur themed ice cream parlor in Glen Burnie. It is yummy, fun and located right between work and the Fair. As is my luck, it is also apparently closed, which i discovered when i tried to get the address to text it to Rachel.
sigh
So i'm sitting at my desk bemoaning the extinction of Dino Bites when team member Amy chirps You should go to the secret ice cream place.
Excuse me?
By her house, there is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that sits back off of the road that you kinda have to know is there. She drew me a map, explained how to find it and full of confidence i set off.
I met Rachel and her girlfriend Jen at a local 7-11 and they followed me to Arbutus. (non-Marylanders: that is a neighborhood that is 2 over from mine, about 15 minutes away).
It was dark and pouring rain; we almost ended up in a culvert. It was like trying to find lost treasure of the Incas or the Yeti or something. Amy was not kidding that you REALLY need to know that it is there or you will miss it. But finally we discovered the secret ice cream place.
How cute is the Ice Cream Cottage?
And look at the inside 
It was so bright and cheerful after the dark, wet journey to find it.
I mean this place even has a charming door bell
with a BOW, for heaven's sake.
Did i mention that all of the tables have checker boards painted onto them?
With hand-made, custom checker boxes?
It was like a place from another century; i almost expected to see a soda jerk behind the fountain.
As an added bonus, it is a Hershey's ice cream parlor so they had Denali Moose Tracks.
But of course the best part was catching up with Rachel and getting to meet Jen. (who doesn't like ponies, but seems cool anyway)
I'd try to explain how to find the Ice Cream Cottage, but really you need a guide who's been there.
The experience is worth it, but consider hiring a Sherpa, really.
Of course, i was working so i couldn't go.
She was planning on heading back to Jersey at the same time i was getting off from work so she inquired about meeting for ice cream. I knew just the place: Dino Bites is a dinosaur themed ice cream parlor in Glen Burnie. It is yummy, fun and located right between work and the Fair. As is my luck, it is also apparently closed, which i discovered when i tried to get the address to text it to Rachel.
sigh
So i'm sitting at my desk bemoaning the extinction of Dino Bites when team member Amy chirps You should go to the secret ice cream place.
Excuse me?
By her house, there is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that sits back off of the road that you kinda have to know is there. She drew me a map, explained how to find it and full of confidence i set off.
I met Rachel and her girlfriend Jen at a local 7-11 and they followed me to Arbutus. (non-Marylanders: that is a neighborhood that is 2 over from mine, about 15 minutes away).
It was dark and pouring rain; we almost ended up in a culvert. It was like trying to find lost treasure of the Incas or the Yeti or something. Amy was not kidding that you REALLY need to know that it is there or you will miss it. But finally we discovered the secret ice cream place.
How cute is the Ice Cream Cottage?
It was so bright and cheerful after the dark, wet journey to find it.
I mean this place even has a charming door bell
with a BOW, for heaven's sake.
Did i mention that all of the tables have checker boards painted onto them?
With hand-made, custom checker boxes?
It was like a place from another century; i almost expected to see a soda jerk behind the fountain.
As an added bonus, it is a Hershey's ice cream parlor so they had Denali Moose Tracks.
But of course the best part was catching up with Rachel and getting to meet Jen. (who doesn't like ponies, but seems cool anyway)
I'd try to explain how to find the Ice Cream Cottage, but really you need a guide who's been there.
The experience is worth it, but consider hiring a Sherpa, really.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More Reasons to Love My Library
I recently found out that Mondays and Wednesdays are "2 for 1" DVD days at the Catonsville Library. You know how much i love Red Box, but with the deal at the library you get 2 DVDs for 2 days for $2.50 - that is only 19 cents more than Red Box and you get an extra day. Plus, DVDs of TV shows are a 7 day loan with no charge.
At this point i think i could only love my library more if they started giving away food. Or puppies.
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