Well folks, I have survived one month of living and working in Philadelphia. To commemorate/celebrate, here are a list of some things I have learned in the past month.
1. You should never, under any circumstances, eat two-week-old Hamburger Helper.
2. Friends are nice. It's especially nice to have friends who know more than you do about the city you're in, and don't mind educating you.
3. God gave you legs, so use them.
4. There is such a name as Huthaifah. And it's pronounced Who-day-fah.
5. If you chop up a bunch of vegetables, cook them in a frying pan, mix them with rice, and douse the whole thing with soy sauce, you've made stir fry.
6. Egyptians consider themselves Middle Eastern, not African.
7. Exploding at kids may make them listen for the moment, but later you will feel guilty for losing your self-control.
8. You can make an African drum using plastic cups, masking tape, and shoe polish.
9. What I call a french braid is just a braid. What I call a braid is a plait.
10. Just because God feels far away doesn't mean that He is. He will show up at moments when you least expect Him.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Plethora of Adventures (#16-19)
Hello everyone, and happy Sunday! It has been awhile since my last post. Truth is, by the time I get home from work, I am TIRED. But, I haven't stopped having adventures, and it is definitely time for an update.
Adventure #16: You Can Go Home Again
....it's just that it requires two subways, a train, and a car ride to get there. Last weekend, I went home for my friend's son's third birthday party. As you probably know, I am still learning how to navigate all this public transportation business, and I knew getting there and back would be an adventure indeed. Becky gave me DETAILED instructions on how to get to the train, which I wrote down and carried with me the whole time. I walked to the first subway and got off at the right stop, no problem. After that, things got interesting. I got on my second subway train at 13th Street, with the goal of getting to 30th Street. The first stop was at 11th...then 8th....then 5th. At this point, I was thinking, "Why are the numbers going down??" In a semi-panic, I texted Becky, who told me to get off at the next stop and cross over to the other side. I got off, talked to the nice cashier lady about how to actually get over to the other side, and boarded the correct subway train. After emerging from the subway at 30th Street Station, the next order of business was finding Amtrak, and then finding the line that was going to Harrisburg. It ended up being pretty easy. I got in the longest line and showed the lady my ticket, and since she didn't say anything I assumed it was the correct train. When I pictured an Amtrak train in my head, it was something like a subway - but as it turned out, it was more like an airplane! Just to be sure I was in the right place, I asked the nice 30-something man that I sat beside if the train was going to Harrisburg. He assured me that it was. I had my clarinet with me, and he asked what I play. We had a nice chat.
The actual train ride was quite relaxing. After about two hours or so, I got off at Harrisburg...and Dad and Michael were there waiting for me! Yay! It took another hour and a half car ride to get home. We stopped at KFC for supper, and then finally I was home! I had a great weekend - saw most of my good friends who are in Milton, spent some time with Dad, Mom, Kathy, and Michael, and saw my church family on Sunday (where I got to clarinet!)
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I got back to Philly with no issues...I just texted Becky to make sure I was doing the right thing before getting on each subway (I was right every time, just not confident.) :-P
Adventure #17 Exploring Cool Stores
Ikea is an amazing, wonderful place. Someday, I intend to hide out in a closet or something until it closes, come out after everyone leaves, and just live there. Like on Elf. I'd have my choice of beds, a library - they even sell food, for crying out loud!
Ikea is located in a shopping plaza over by the water. There is also a Target, Lowe's, Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and numerous other stores. You could pretty much find a place like it in central PA or anywhere else. Except for the giant ship docked there.
This is the SS United States. It's a historical flagship, around since the early 1950s. I don't know a lot about it, but Becky said they pay $1 million a year just to be able to dock the ship there, which leaves no money for actually restoring it. You can learn more about the SS United States here.
Another cool shop is Urban Jungle. They sell plants here and they have a really neat atmosphere. Instead of me trying to describe it, you should probably just check out the photos here.
And finally, today I discovered Molly's Books and Records in the Italian Market neighborhood. I was more interested in the books than the records, but there was a good selection of both. They have a great collection of children's books! (Don't worry, Mom. I only bought one. It was $3. And it's for camp this week. :-P) It's quite small, but like I said, the books there were good ones. I definitely could spend a long time in a place like that!
Adventure #18 Church in a Public Middle School
Today I went to CityLife Church, which is located right here in South Philly. They meet at The Academy at Palumbo, a public middle school (how great is it to live in America?) CityLife seems similar to Epic. They both have a predominately 20-30 something congregation, are new (CityLife celebrates its one year anniversary in two weeks), sing modern songs during worship, put a strong emphasis on serving and getting involved in the church, and have pastors that preach good sermons from the Bible. The sermon I heard today seemed a bit deeper theologically than the ones I've heard so far at Epic. The pastor talked about the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle back in Old Testament times. The Most Holy Place was where God lived, and only the High Priest was allowed back there, only once a year. This curtain, along with the necessary animal sacrifices, rules, rituals, etc, inspired a lot of fear in people. But because God wanted to be close to us, He decided a new curtain was necessary. Jesus became the new curtain. Hebrews 10:19-20 says "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..." Did you know that at the moment he died, "The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom"? (Mark 15:38) These are things I knew before, but the pastor today said it in a way I hadn't thought of - As Jesus' body was ripped, the curtain was also ripped. This is all to say that because of Jesus - who is the Way, the Gate, and the Door - we have access to God and need not fear. Jesus is the curtain through which we have access to God, and the priest who offered the sacrifice for our sins.
Adventure #19 I'm Not Quite a MasterChef
...but I am getting pretty good. Today I went to the Italian Market and got strawberries, four chicken thighs, a box of cherry tomatoes, a red pepper, asparagus, and garlic all for about $7.75. The strawberries were $3. I realized as I looked around that they were overpriced - lots of places had strawberries for $1.50 - but I didn't realize how much of a rip off they were until I got home and opened them up, and realized that almost all of them were moldy or rotting. I was able to save three. But. With the rest of the stuff, I made this:
And it was good!
Work Update
I am still stuggling with the children's behaviors, but things are better than they were. I asked my director on Friday about what I will be doing when the kids go back to school in two weeks. She said she has two openings. Either I can teach the Young Toddler class (two year olds), or continue to work with the School Agers after school and be a floater for the remainder of my hours. Pray that I make the right choice, as neither of these things are what I thought I'd be doing here. I've been thinking perhaps God is trying to teach me something about pride. I went to college to be an elementary school teacher, which is a position respected by most people, but God didn't open those doors. I came here expecting to teach preschool, which I knew I enjoyed but which (sadly) demands less respect from people, and now it looks like I won't even be doing that. Not many people consider a teacher of two-year-olds or an after-school teacher to be a professional, and it looks like this is what I will be doing. But really, what were my motives for wanting "more?"
How to Comment on the Blog
For Pat, and everyone else who has had trouble commenting...I think I fixed it! There should now be two new option in the drop down menu. One says "Name/URL" and the other says "Anonymous." You can pick either of these options. If you choose Name/URL, just put your name in the name box and leave the URL box empty. If you choose Anonymous, you can just sign your name in your comment so I know who wrote it. I hope this helps! Let me know if you still have trouble.
Adventure #16: You Can Go Home Again
....it's just that it requires two subways, a train, and a car ride to get there. Last weekend, I went home for my friend's son's third birthday party. As you probably know, I am still learning how to navigate all this public transportation business, and I knew getting there and back would be an adventure indeed. Becky gave me DETAILED instructions on how to get to the train, which I wrote down and carried with me the whole time. I walked to the first subway and got off at the right stop, no problem. After that, things got interesting. I got on my second subway train at 13th Street, with the goal of getting to 30th Street. The first stop was at 11th...then 8th....then 5th. At this point, I was thinking, "Why are the numbers going down??" In a semi-panic, I texted Becky, who told me to get off at the next stop and cross over to the other side. I got off, talked to the nice cashier lady about how to actually get over to the other side, and boarded the correct subway train. After emerging from the subway at 30th Street Station, the next order of business was finding Amtrak, and then finding the line that was going to Harrisburg. It ended up being pretty easy. I got in the longest line and showed the lady my ticket, and since she didn't say anything I assumed it was the correct train. When I pictured an Amtrak train in my head, it was something like a subway - but as it turned out, it was more like an airplane! Just to be sure I was in the right place, I asked the nice 30-something man that I sat beside if the train was going to Harrisburg. He assured me that it was. I had my clarinet with me, and he asked what I play. We had a nice chat.
The actual train ride was quite relaxing. After about two hours or so, I got off at Harrisburg...and Dad and Michael were there waiting for me! Yay! It took another hour and a half car ride to get home. We stopped at KFC for supper, and then finally I was home! I had a great weekend - saw most of my good friends who are in Milton, spent some time with Dad, Mom, Kathy, and Michael, and saw my church family on Sunday (where I got to clarinet!)
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I got back to Philly with no issues...I just texted Becky to make sure I was doing the right thing before getting on each subway (I was right every time, just not confident.) :-P
Adventure #17 Exploring Cool Stores
Ikea is an amazing, wonderful place. Someday, I intend to hide out in a closet or something until it closes, come out after everyone leaves, and just live there. Like on Elf. I'd have my choice of beds, a library - they even sell food, for crying out loud!
Ikea is located in a shopping plaza over by the water. There is also a Target, Lowe's, Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and numerous other stores. You could pretty much find a place like it in central PA or anywhere else. Except for the giant ship docked there.
This is the SS United States. It's a historical flagship, around since the early 1950s. I don't know a lot about it, but Becky said they pay $1 million a year just to be able to dock the ship there, which leaves no money for actually restoring it. You can learn more about the SS United States here.
Another cool shop is Urban Jungle. They sell plants here and they have a really neat atmosphere. Instead of me trying to describe it, you should probably just check out the photos here.
And finally, today I discovered Molly's Books and Records in the Italian Market neighborhood. I was more interested in the books than the records, but there was a good selection of both. They have a great collection of children's books! (Don't worry, Mom. I only bought one. It was $3. And it's for camp this week. :-P) It's quite small, but like I said, the books there were good ones. I definitely could spend a long time in a place like that!
Adventure #18 Church in a Public Middle School
Today I went to CityLife Church, which is located right here in South Philly. They meet at The Academy at Palumbo, a public middle school (how great is it to live in America?) CityLife seems similar to Epic. They both have a predominately 20-30 something congregation, are new (CityLife celebrates its one year anniversary in two weeks), sing modern songs during worship, put a strong emphasis on serving and getting involved in the church, and have pastors that preach good sermons from the Bible. The sermon I heard today seemed a bit deeper theologically than the ones I've heard so far at Epic. The pastor talked about the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle back in Old Testament times. The Most Holy Place was where God lived, and only the High Priest was allowed back there, only once a year. This curtain, along with the necessary animal sacrifices, rules, rituals, etc, inspired a lot of fear in people. But because God wanted to be close to us, He decided a new curtain was necessary. Jesus became the new curtain. Hebrews 10:19-20 says "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..." Did you know that at the moment he died, "The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom"? (Mark 15:38) These are things I knew before, but the pastor today said it in a way I hadn't thought of - As Jesus' body was ripped, the curtain was also ripped. This is all to say that because of Jesus - who is the Way, the Gate, and the Door - we have access to God and need not fear. Jesus is the curtain through which we have access to God, and the priest who offered the sacrifice for our sins.
Adventure #19 I'm Not Quite a MasterChef
...but I am getting pretty good. Today I went to the Italian Market and got strawberries, four chicken thighs, a box of cherry tomatoes, a red pepper, asparagus, and garlic all for about $7.75. The strawberries were $3. I realized as I looked around that they were overpriced - lots of places had strawberries for $1.50 - but I didn't realize how much of a rip off they were until I got home and opened them up, and realized that almost all of them were moldy or rotting. I was able to save three. But. With the rest of the stuff, I made this:
And it was good!
Work Update
I am still stuggling with the children's behaviors, but things are better than they were. I asked my director on Friday about what I will be doing when the kids go back to school in two weeks. She said she has two openings. Either I can teach the Young Toddler class (two year olds), or continue to work with the School Agers after school and be a floater for the remainder of my hours. Pray that I make the right choice, as neither of these things are what I thought I'd be doing here. I've been thinking perhaps God is trying to teach me something about pride. I went to college to be an elementary school teacher, which is a position respected by most people, but God didn't open those doors. I came here expecting to teach preschool, which I knew I enjoyed but which (sadly) demands less respect from people, and now it looks like I won't even be doing that. Not many people consider a teacher of two-year-olds or an after-school teacher to be a professional, and it looks like this is what I will be doing. But really, what were my motives for wanting "more?"
How to Comment on the Blog
For Pat, and everyone else who has had trouble commenting...I think I fixed it! There should now be two new option in the drop down menu. One says "Name/URL" and the other says "Anonymous." You can pick either of these options. If you choose Name/URL, just put your name in the name box and leave the URL box empty. If you choose Anonymous, you can just sign your name in your comment so I know who wrote it. I hope this helps! Let me know if you still have trouble.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Adventure #15: Just Like Riding a Bike
On Saturday, Becky and I biked to the Schuylkill Trail. The trail runs alongside the Schuylkill River and was full of joggers, walkers, and bikers. It was so nice to be by a river! I never thought about it much, but I guess I've crossed over a river just about every day of my life (ok, at least several times a week.) The things you take for granted!
While we were on the trail, we could see the Art Museum in the distance. On the other side of the river, Becky pointed out the old train station, old post office, and new Amtrak skyscraper.
Anyhow. After Becky introduced me to the trail, we biked to my bank and I deposited my first paycheck! Yay! I was happy that there is a Susquehanna Bank in Philadelphia, relatively nearby. It made things very easy.
So how was the actual biking, you ask? I seriously hadn't been on a bike for maybe eleven years or so before Saturday. And yes, it was just like riding a bike, but in city traffic. Since it was early Saturday morning, the traffic wasn't too bad, but being on the bike still took a little getting used to. It was fun, and I should probably think about getting myself a bike if I plan on staying here (even though I would rather a pink scooter.) All told, I probably biked about six miles, which is a lot for me. I came home, went to meet a new roommate (she's super nice), and then came back and slept for two hours.
After I woke up from my nap, I decided to go buy myself a cheesesteak from Pat's. A gripe: Why do people insist on saving seats at food places? Nobody should be sitting unless they actually have food, especially when it's busy. If you're sitting and you don't have food, you're taking away a seat from a person who does have food. Don't do that. Moving on....I got a mushroom cheesesteak, wit, and got the Cheez Whiz. It was $10, but it was delicious. Since there was nowhere to sit, and since I didn't want to take up a whole table for just me anyway, I walked home (Geno's and Pat's are about a 5-10 min walk from where I am now. Be jealous.)
On Sunday, I went back to Epic. The sermon was about confronting our Christian friends when you see them going down the wrong path. Not a popular topic, but Pastor Kent really knows how to preach without being preachy. (I realize that makes no sense, but I can't think of any other way to put it.) I like Epic. It seems like a place where some friends from home who haven't clicked with church would be able to go and really feel comfortable. I stayed after, because they were having a "First Steps" meeting for newbies to learn more about the church. I sat at a table with some white people, some Asian people, an African-American, and a girl who I would guess is Middle Eastern. How cool is that? I learned that Epic was started by Pastor Kent about four years ago, but the Center City campus where I've been going just opened up in February. Turns out there was a reporter there on Sunday too, and he wrote this article about it for the paper and Philly.com.
While we were on the trail, we could see the Art Museum in the distance. On the other side of the river, Becky pointed out the old train station, old post office, and new Amtrak skyscraper.
Even though it was beautiful, there was something sad too. When we went under a bridge, I saw a homeless man. This guy was standing there kind of bopping up and down, moving in this way that made me immediately think "autism." Clearly, there was something going on with him. Who's supposed to be taking care of people like that?Anyhow. After Becky introduced me to the trail, we biked to my bank and I deposited my first paycheck! Yay! I was happy that there is a Susquehanna Bank in Philadelphia, relatively nearby. It made things very easy.
So how was the actual biking, you ask? I seriously hadn't been on a bike for maybe eleven years or so before Saturday. And yes, it was just like riding a bike, but in city traffic. Since it was early Saturday morning, the traffic wasn't too bad, but being on the bike still took a little getting used to. It was fun, and I should probably think about getting myself a bike if I plan on staying here (even though I would rather a pink scooter.) All told, I probably biked about six miles, which is a lot for me. I came home, went to meet a new roommate (she's super nice), and then came back and slept for two hours.
After I woke up from my nap, I decided to go buy myself a cheesesteak from Pat's. A gripe: Why do people insist on saving seats at food places? Nobody should be sitting unless they actually have food, especially when it's busy. If you're sitting and you don't have food, you're taking away a seat from a person who does have food. Don't do that. Moving on....I got a mushroom cheesesteak, wit, and got the Cheez Whiz. It was $10, but it was delicious. Since there was nowhere to sit, and since I didn't want to take up a whole table for just me anyway, I walked home (Geno's and Pat's are about a 5-10 min walk from where I am now. Be jealous.)
On Sunday, I went back to Epic. The sermon was about confronting our Christian friends when you see them going down the wrong path. Not a popular topic, but Pastor Kent really knows how to preach without being preachy. (I realize that makes no sense, but I can't think of any other way to put it.) I like Epic. It seems like a place where some friends from home who haven't clicked with church would be able to go and really feel comfortable. I stayed after, because they were having a "First Steps" meeting for newbies to learn more about the church. I sat at a table with some white people, some Asian people, an African-American, and a girl who I would guess is Middle Eastern. How cool is that? I learned that Epic was started by Pastor Kent about four years ago, but the Center City campus where I've been going just opened up in February. Turns out there was a reporter there on Sunday too, and he wrote this article about it for the paper and Philly.com.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Adventure #14: Old City and Ice Cream
On Wednesday, Becky and I had a mid-week adventure to Old City. We walked for like 45 minutes (I am going to get such awesome leg muscles) to get there. We saw the Betsy Ross house, and then we walked to Elfreth's Alley. Elfreth's Alley has been preserved to look like it did during the 18th century. People still live in the houses, but you're not allowed to even put anything in the windows besides things that were around back then. (Not sure why there is a car parked in the middle of the alley.)
There's also an alley-within-the-alley called Bladen's Court.
And, some of the houses are for sale or for rent. Think I'd be able to afford to live here?
Today was the best day of work I think I've had yet. My partner teacher started a Star Chart earlier this week, and the kids are really responding to it. Each of their names are on the chart, and they can earn stars for helping to clean up, playing nicely, following directions, participating in activities, staying out of fights...etc. The original plan was to give the person who has the most stars at the end of the summer some kind of special prize, but now I'm thinking that maybe if they reach a certain number of stars, they can earn a prize. Say, maybe a prize for every ten stars earned, or something like that. I think that would be more fair, since not everyone comes every day, and would be even more motivating to the kids. Also I was happy because this morning, the kids responded really well to an art activity that I took from the summer camp curriculum. They had to cover pieces of heavy paper with aluminum foil, draw a picture on it with a pencil, trace it with a marker, and then either paint it or color it with marker (I had Sharpies.) They stayed engaged with the activity for a long time, and most of them even made multiple pictures. Later in the day, there was another Talent Show in the gym, and at the end almost everyone was up doing the same dance to...what is that song...the one where you go to the right, and turn, and whatever. It was really cool to see the kids do something together that looked organized! I hope things continue to improve next week.
Happy weekend everyone!
There's also an alley-within-the-alley called Bladen's Court.
And, some of the houses are for sale or for rent. Think I'd be able to afford to live here?
Next, we saw the Liberty Bell. We were there later in the day, so there wasn't much of a crowd, which was nice for picture-taking.
We took the subway back to South Philly. Subways sort of scare the crap out of me, but I guess it wasn't so bad. There must have been a Phillies game on Wednesday, because there were all kinds of folks down there in their Phillies garb.
When we got back to South Philly, we went to Cap Giro's for some of the best ice cream in the world. I got a scoop of dark chocolate and a scoop of mint. It's pricey - I paid almost $5 for those two scoops - but oh my goodness, it's delicious. Just look at this.
The mint had little mint leaves in it, for crying out loud.
Today was the best day of work I think I've had yet. My partner teacher started a Star Chart earlier this week, and the kids are really responding to it. Each of their names are on the chart, and they can earn stars for helping to clean up, playing nicely, following directions, participating in activities, staying out of fights...etc. The original plan was to give the person who has the most stars at the end of the summer some kind of special prize, but now I'm thinking that maybe if they reach a certain number of stars, they can earn a prize. Say, maybe a prize for every ten stars earned, or something like that. I think that would be more fair, since not everyone comes every day, and would be even more motivating to the kids. Also I was happy because this morning, the kids responded really well to an art activity that I took from the summer camp curriculum. They had to cover pieces of heavy paper with aluminum foil, draw a picture on it with a pencil, trace it with a marker, and then either paint it or color it with marker (I had Sharpies.) They stayed engaged with the activity for a long time, and most of them even made multiple pictures. Later in the day, there was another Talent Show in the gym, and at the end almost everyone was up doing the same dance to...what is that song...the one where you go to the right, and turn, and whatever. It was really cool to see the kids do something together that looked organized! I hope things continue to improve next week.
Happy weekend everyone!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Adventure #13: How I Made It to Training Alive (but barely)
Yesterday I didn't go to camp. Instead, I had a day of training (the training that, technically, you're supposed to have before you start working.) It was my first time riding the bus by myself. I felt fairly confident, because Becky had shown me where the bus stop is, and even drew me a map of the route. I was supposed to be there at 8:45 am. I left the apartment at 7:45 and walked to the bus stop. The bus stopped and I got on and put my token in the slot...so far, so good. I was nervous about missing my stop, but I knew the ride was about 36 minutes long, so I knew when I had to start really paying attention. So finally, we get to my stop and I get off the bus...and proceed to start walking in the wrong direction. I didn't know it at first, but then I started looking around and things didn't look right, so I decided to ask for directions. I saw an old lady sitting on a stoop in front of what looked like a church and asked her for directions. She thought for a little while, pointed me in the right direction, and then asked for a dollar for a cup of coffee. I mumbled some excuse about being in a hurry, started walking, and then felt like a terrible person. So I'm walking and walking and realize I still don't know where I am or how to get to where I'm going. I see an old man cleaning out the bed of a truck and ask him for directions. He didn't know, but yelled over to a younger guy, who pointed me in the right direction and then offered to give me a ride there if I'd give him some gas money. I said, "No thank you," and did not feel like a terrible person.
Anyway. I did eventually find the place, hallelujah, and the training went well. I was actually only 5-10 minutes late. Then it was time to go home. Now, for some crazy reason I was thinking the bus stop was on 8th Street, when really it's on 6th. So I found 8th Street and walked and walked and never saw a bus stop. After 20 minutes or so, I finally stopped in a Spanish corner store, and the guy told me I had to go to 6th Street. I pulled out my map from Becky, which was clearly labeled "6th Street" and felt like an idiot. I found 6th Street and walked around looking for the bus stop, which I eventually found...another hallelujah moment. Thankfully the ride home was uneventful, and although I was briefly disoriented when I got off the bus, I got back to the apartment without any major problems.
And that wraps up the story of my first solo experience with Philadelphia's public transportation system. Tomorrow, I have to go back to the regional office again to complete the training. Hopefully, it will not make for such an interesting story.
Anyway. I did eventually find the place, hallelujah, and the training went well. I was actually only 5-10 minutes late. Then it was time to go home. Now, for some crazy reason I was thinking the bus stop was on 8th Street, when really it's on 6th. So I found 8th Street and walked and walked and never saw a bus stop. After 20 minutes or so, I finally stopped in a Spanish corner store, and the guy told me I had to go to 6th Street. I pulled out my map from Becky, which was clearly labeled "6th Street" and felt like an idiot. I found 6th Street and walked around looking for the bus stop, which I eventually found...another hallelujah moment. Thankfully the ride home was uneventful, and although I was briefly disoriented when I got off the bus, I got back to the apartment without any major problems.
And that wraps up the story of my first solo experience with Philadelphia's public transportation system. Tomorrow, I have to go back to the regional office again to complete the training. Hopefully, it will not make for such an interesting story.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Adventures 9-12: Reading Terminal Market, Settlers of Catan, Church in a Theater, and Apartment Hunting
It's been three days! There is so much to blog about!
Adventure #9: Reading Terminal Market
Yesterday we went to the Reading Terminal and shopped for produce and meat. I bought a green pepper, tomatoes, grape tomatoes, carrots, an onion, plums, oranges, and ground beef. I have no idea what I will actually make with all those ingredients. Maybe stuffed peppers or Hamburger Helper or something. The place was bustling, but I didn't find it overwhelming. It was neat to see all the different stands. It seems like you can buy just about anything there - although my friend searched high and low for ham spread and couldn't find any. There were baked goods, cheese, deli meats, seafood, fish, fruits, vegetables, coffee, other meats, even non-food places, like a stand that sold soap. We bought ice cream for lunch, and it was delicious. I had a scoop of raspberry truffle and a scoop of Guatemalan Ripple, which tasted like coffee and chocolate. We sat down to eat in a little table area, where an older man was playing tunes on a keyboard. As we listened, we realized he was playing hymns and jazzing them up a bit! Pretty neat experience!
Adventure #10: Settlers of Catan
Yesterday Becky had two friends over, and we played a game called Settlers of Catan. It was my first time playing this game. I don't even know how to explain it, except that it is a game of strategy in which you build roads and settlements and cities and collect resources and try to be the first person to get to ten points. During the first game, they played with a Cities and Knights expansion pack, which made it really complicated for a novice like me; but Becky and the two guys were good about explaining everything (ten times). The first game lasted for hours and we never did finish it. We decided to play a second game, but just the Basic version. By this time I had started to Get It a little more, and got lucky enough to win. It was a fun way to spend the evening, and it was great getting to know a couple more people in this city! Also, I may become addicted to this game and need to get one of my own...look out, friends. You thought Dutch Blitz was bad...wait till I teach you this one (and then proceed to lose every time we play.)
Adventure #11: Church in a Theater
This is where I went to church today:
This is the Suzanne Roberts Theater in Center City, but on Sunday mornings it becomes the sanctuary for Epic Church. I absolutely loved the pastor, Kent Jacobs (yes, Jacobs) and the sermon. He reminded me of FBC's old youth pastor, Todd, in that he is hilarious and a great speaker. I still want to explore other churches a bit, but I am sure I will be back to this one. (And probably listening to Kent's sermons online if I'm elsewhere.) http://www.epicwired.net/
Adventure #12: Apartment Hunting
Ugh. This is one of those adventures that might be better described as a hassle. So, on Friday I called a real estate agent named Pete during my lunch break, and arranged for him to pick me up after work to go show me a place. Getting in a car by myself with a guy I didn't know to go to a place I wasn't familiar with probably wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, but I ended up not getting murdered, so it's all good. Pete turned out to be a character. In addition to being a real estate agent, he also sells sneakers, sells merchandise before Phillies games, published a book, and is currently working on a comic. He grew up in Philly and has that accent that I will forever associate with Uncle Johnny and Aunt Claire. He also said he grew up down the street from some Jacobs - I don't know that it was anyone I'm related to, though. The first place Pete showed me was in an...interesting area....and it smelled funny. The second place was actually quite nice and in a slightly better part of town. It's $700/mo plus utilities. I took an application for the place, and Pete's been pushing me to get it done this weekend because it isn't even listed yet, but will be tomorrow, and it will go fast.
However, now I am thinking that it might be better for me to find people who are looking for a roommate and just move into a place that is already furnished. I saw a place yesterday that was really nice and in a good part of town, really close to where Becky lives, but I didn't get to meet the girls I'd be living with yet (the one who showed it to me is the one moving out.) We seem to be playing phone tag. They want $505/month plus utilities. I don't know. Hopefully when I meet them things will become clear. I'm just trying to trust that God is going to get me into a good place where I can feel safe and not be overwhelmed.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Tomorrow I have a training and I get to navigate public transportation by myself, so pray that that goes well!
Adventure #9: Reading Terminal Market
Yesterday we went to the Reading Terminal and shopped for produce and meat. I bought a green pepper, tomatoes, grape tomatoes, carrots, an onion, plums, oranges, and ground beef. I have no idea what I will actually make with all those ingredients. Maybe stuffed peppers or Hamburger Helper or something. The place was bustling, but I didn't find it overwhelming. It was neat to see all the different stands. It seems like you can buy just about anything there - although my friend searched high and low for ham spread and couldn't find any. There were baked goods, cheese, deli meats, seafood, fish, fruits, vegetables, coffee, other meats, even non-food places, like a stand that sold soap. We bought ice cream for lunch, and it was delicious. I had a scoop of raspberry truffle and a scoop of Guatemalan Ripple, which tasted like coffee and chocolate. We sat down to eat in a little table area, where an older man was playing tunes on a keyboard. As we listened, we realized he was playing hymns and jazzing them up a bit! Pretty neat experience!
Adventure #10: Settlers of Catan
Yesterday Becky had two friends over, and we played a game called Settlers of Catan. It was my first time playing this game. I don't even know how to explain it, except that it is a game of strategy in which you build roads and settlements and cities and collect resources and try to be the first person to get to ten points. During the first game, they played with a Cities and Knights expansion pack, which made it really complicated for a novice like me; but Becky and the two guys were good about explaining everything (ten times). The first game lasted for hours and we never did finish it. We decided to play a second game, but just the Basic version. By this time I had started to Get It a little more, and got lucky enough to win. It was a fun way to spend the evening, and it was great getting to know a couple more people in this city! Also, I may become addicted to this game and need to get one of my own...look out, friends. You thought Dutch Blitz was bad...wait till I teach you this one (and then proceed to lose every time we play.)
Adventure #11: Church in a Theater
This is where I went to church today:
This is the Suzanne Roberts Theater in Center City, but on Sunday mornings it becomes the sanctuary for Epic Church. I absolutely loved the pastor, Kent Jacobs (yes, Jacobs) and the sermon. He reminded me of FBC's old youth pastor, Todd, in that he is hilarious and a great speaker. I still want to explore other churches a bit, but I am sure I will be back to this one. (And probably listening to Kent's sermons online if I'm elsewhere.) http://www.epicwired.net/
Adventure #12: Apartment Hunting
Ugh. This is one of those adventures that might be better described as a hassle. So, on Friday I called a real estate agent named Pete during my lunch break, and arranged for him to pick me up after work to go show me a place. Getting in a car by myself with a guy I didn't know to go to a place I wasn't familiar with probably wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, but I ended up not getting murdered, so it's all good. Pete turned out to be a character. In addition to being a real estate agent, he also sells sneakers, sells merchandise before Phillies games, published a book, and is currently working on a comic. He grew up in Philly and has that accent that I will forever associate with Uncle Johnny and Aunt Claire. He also said he grew up down the street from some Jacobs - I don't know that it was anyone I'm related to, though. The first place Pete showed me was in an...interesting area....and it smelled funny. The second place was actually quite nice and in a slightly better part of town. It's $700/mo plus utilities. I took an application for the place, and Pete's been pushing me to get it done this weekend because it isn't even listed yet, but will be tomorrow, and it will go fast.
However, now I am thinking that it might be better for me to find people who are looking for a roommate and just move into a place that is already furnished. I saw a place yesterday that was really nice and in a good part of town, really close to where Becky lives, but I didn't get to meet the girls I'd be living with yet (the one who showed it to me is the one moving out.) We seem to be playing phone tag. They want $505/month plus utilities. I don't know. Hopefully when I meet them things will become clear. I'm just trying to trust that God is going to get me into a good place where I can feel safe and not be overwhelmed.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Tomorrow I have a training and I get to navigate public transportation by myself, so pray that that goes well!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Adventure #8: This Block is a Chinese Doughnut
Today's treat: mango-flavored Philadelphia water ice from El Zarapes. Mmmmm.
I just want to thank everyone for all of the comments you leave here on the blog, on Facebook, and the e-mails, text messages, and snail mail (I got your letters today, Aunt Carole and Ginny!) I read them all, and I'm finding that I really thrive on and need those words of affirmation. Thanks for all the ideas for games, too. Today I tried playing Telephone and Four Corners during the gym time. They really liked Telephone, but I ended Four Corners early because I though people were cheating.
Camp was surprisingly good today! I feel like a few of the kids are starting to listen to me more, and some are getting used to me being around. We had a 20 minute long Morning Meeting with the younger group today, in which we played Friendship Web and discussed our daily schedule. They sort of had a schedule in place already, but I wanted them to know that I know.
Today, I was noticing their creativity in coming up with things to do. We don't have many supplies because apparently the kids don't take very good care of stuff. So today, there was the yarn that became a jump rope, the ping pong ball and plastic bin that became a bouncing game, and my favorite, the wooden blocks that became Chinese food.
Tidbits:
-These kids are obsessed with my glasses. I've taken them off a couple times when asked, and they think I look better without them. Oh, honesty.
-Today a girl asked if I could be her "fake mom." I guess this means she calls me "mom" while at daycare. She's a little older though, and while it's kind of cute, I'm trying to downplay it.
-People here keep reminding me of specific people at home. There's one boy who is Brandon Baysore. There's a Director from another Brightside that sounds exactly like Frankie Merritt. The Director of my center reminds me of someone too, but I haven't quite figured out who yet.
"When everything that can go wrong, does, God will be there beside you. He will give you hope, strength, patience, and love." -Everything Counts by Steve Case <----- This got my head in the right place this morning.
I just want to thank everyone for all of the comments you leave here on the blog, on Facebook, and the e-mails, text messages, and snail mail (I got your letters today, Aunt Carole and Ginny!) I read them all, and I'm finding that I really thrive on and need those words of affirmation. Thanks for all the ideas for games, too. Today I tried playing Telephone and Four Corners during the gym time. They really liked Telephone, but I ended Four Corners early because I though people were cheating.
Camp was surprisingly good today! I feel like a few of the kids are starting to listen to me more, and some are getting used to me being around. We had a 20 minute long Morning Meeting with the younger group today, in which we played Friendship Web and discussed our daily schedule. They sort of had a schedule in place already, but I wanted them to know that I know.
Today, I was noticing their creativity in coming up with things to do. We don't have many supplies because apparently the kids don't take very good care of stuff. So today, there was the yarn that became a jump rope, the ping pong ball and plastic bin that became a bouncing game, and my favorite, the wooden blocks that became Chinese food.
Tidbits:
-These kids are obsessed with my glasses. I've taken them off a couple times when asked, and they think I look better without them. Oh, honesty.
-Today a girl asked if I could be her "fake mom." I guess this means she calls me "mom" while at daycare. She's a little older though, and while it's kind of cute, I'm trying to downplay it.
-People here keep reminding me of specific people at home. There's one boy who is Brandon Baysore. There's a Director from another Brightside that sounds exactly like Frankie Merritt. The Director of my center reminds me of someone too, but I haven't quite figured out who yet.
"When everything that can go wrong, does, God will be there beside you. He will give you hope, strength, patience, and love." -Everything Counts by Steve Case <----- This got my head in the right place this morning.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Adventures #6 and #7: The Worst Bowling Experience and Best Tiramisu Gelato Ever
I don't know if today was an adventure so much as a Complete Catastrophe.
I'm not going to get into all the details, but today's bowling trip with summer camp was NOT GOOD. And I never want to go a field trip like that again.
I'm trying to be positive in this blog though, so let's talk about something besides work today. Let's talk about gelato.
There is a place just down the block called Vallaro Brothers. It's an Italian bakery, and it also had gelato. For $1.75, I got a scoop of gelato (which is all you really need). They had lots of flavors to choose from - kiwi, watermelon, caramel, etc. I picked tiramisu. It was DELICIOUS. Getting a treat on the way home from work everyday might become a habit. But it's ok, I'm walking more often now than I ever have in my life, so I'm not worried about getting fat. Just poor. I Googled Vallaro Brothers, and apparently I need to try their cannoli too. Maybe tomorrow!
I shall conclude this short post with a funny exchange from earlier this week:
Girl: (asking about Milton) Is your town old fashioned?
Me: Kind of, yes.
Girl: Is it in black and white?
:)
Vallaro Brothers Bakery
I'm not going to get into all the details, but today's bowling trip with summer camp was NOT GOOD. And I never want to go a field trip like that again.
I'm trying to be positive in this blog though, so let's talk about something besides work today. Let's talk about gelato.
There is a place just down the block called Vallaro Brothers. It's an Italian bakery, and it also had gelato. For $1.75, I got a scoop of gelato (which is all you really need). They had lots of flavors to choose from - kiwi, watermelon, caramel, etc. I picked tiramisu. It was DELICIOUS. Getting a treat on the way home from work everyday might become a habit. But it's ok, I'm walking more often now than I ever have in my life, so I'm not worried about getting fat. Just poor. I Googled Vallaro Brothers, and apparently I need to try their cannoli too. Maybe tomorrow!
I shall conclude this short post with a funny exchange from earlier this week:
Girl: (asking about Milton) Is your town old fashioned?
Me: Kind of, yes.
Girl: Is it in black and white?
:)
Vallaro Brothers Bakery
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