I must get more info but first I need to collect warm bodies who would go for this sort of thing. Pass the word around. If I get enough bites, I'll put the event together.
I'm thinking $5-10, snacks and juice boxes, not too loud music or dark lights, 2 to 6 in the afternoon, center city Philly location convieniently located near parking facilities. No more having to say no dancing in the house.
Common, I know the breeders are out there somewhere moaning that they never go out anymore because baby sitting is too expensive. What if you can bring the spawn with you?
Meanwhile the work is piling up. I need to really seriously take a few days just to catch up but I can't because there is always something. Quiet now though. The day might end on a good note if the server doesn't crash again.
I'm taking a really short lunch, just enough to write a bit. Because of the strike, I got permish to cut my lunch by 15 minutes so I can leave early and get Zoë. This way Frank won't have to rush around (his commute is about an hour and a half with the strike now) and I won't miss those 15 minutes of lunch the way I'll be really happy about being able to get Zoë in time.
I sent out the invites to my first official webinar today. Just about driving me insane with nerves. I think it's understandable that I feel like technology is out to get me. I just hope everything goes smoothly because otherwise it's really going to suck.
Ok, back to work. :)
I am not going to turn on the TV... even though I have private time. The rest of the fam is sleeping away. Frank pulled a back muscle and turned in early. I should go to bed too.
I should not have opened the halloween candy. Now we need more. Crap.
This rain is killing me. Should I get to bed early, tomorrow morning I really do need to go for a run even though I don't like running in the dark, especially the wet dark.
I'm already done with baseball and the series hasn't even started yet.
The stupid CMS people for my work web site are ignoring my code requests. Tomorrow I am going to have to get GRRR on them.
Halloween can't come soon enough.
Speaking of work, the site is working well. It helps to make sure the IP for the web site isn't also working on some other resource gobbling activity. Web sites are greedy and do not like to share. All fixed and all is well. I have one more pesky issue to work on but I need further techie support for that. Close... Today I got to work on a artst project. Much happiness.
The weekend was quite lovely. Maybe Thursday or Friday, we rearranged the furniture in our living room. It's a miracle! The sofa fits sideways and the room looks much bigger. Now one gets a nice view of the front of the room from the sofa instead of the stairs. I think it's better chi. Then we had this issue as so what to do with our Tiffany lamp. It needs it's own special table. We've been looking for over a year. Nadda. Then Friday evening, we go to Uhuru, second hand furniture store and voila! The perfect table for the perfect price. I think it's destiny about the new arrangement since the table was just there waiting for us. Plus, now I have a place to stash crap without anyone having to look at it.
Saturday I got to drive the car because Frank was working. I avoided 8 people who blew through stop signs and all manners of insanity in the parking lots. I only stalled twice. I am still getting a feel for the gears. Saturday night we noticed a little seepage in the basement on the new side. It's not the water heater, which we need to clean out anyway, but any water is somewhat alarming. However, it's a basement so it's so be expected. And we did get wicked rain. The old side of the house is fine. Just goes to show they don't make them like they used to. It's making us think that we should probably redo the kitchen sooner than later. We are starting to plan now. I figure it'll take about five years or so.
Sunday, Zoë wanted to come running with me so I dragged her along. She did a mile before giving up. Next time she'll be ok with heading home and letting me go on. We had a lovely pumpkin carving party at our friend's house. Kids played nicely. Good grown-up conversation. Awesome pumpkins. Meeting more local folk. A bonus on all accounts. Frank did this experimental black-light pumpkin that came out awesome. I did haunted row houses, of course. Really, everyone's pumpkins looked great. And this year we didn't need powertools to cut them.
Which brings me to this week. A short one in which I will hopefully make progress on everything I need to be progressing with. Including laundry.
Tomorrow is set for more debugging. I am so fed up with this entire thing. I'm not a developer and since I didn't have a hand in building this stupid cms, I have no idea how what is connected to where and what's going on. I have a feeling that I'm working with novice support that has been working with the cms for less time than I have.
I have an idea of what's wrong. But I can't explain it in detail. Oh, and then I don't get access to the server because I'm not in IT. So frusterating.
On the bright side, it's the home stretch. Once I get past this, I'm in good shape. Plus, I posted a new article to RowHouse about Framers' Markets - http://www.rowhouse-magazine.com/.
Yesterday I had grandious plans of laundry and sorting things for the season but alas, started to feel rather crappy. Did laundry but didn't fold it. Meant to cook shepards pie but that didn't happen either. Did finally get to see Coraline, which we kept missing.
Today I am hanging in there. Trying to get 16 hours of work into 8. Could really use a nap.
I rode my bike to work in the rain this morning. I wasn't about to miss a day of riding like last time. Totally, not a problem when one wears a huge poncho. I looked like a big rolling blueberry. I am thinking that I should get a brighter color since I'll be rolling in the dark shortly and will need to be visible. I also think my ski goggles, which I am glad I kept all these years, are really going to come in handy. Otherwise, I've gotten all the nuances of locking up, changing clothing and getting in on time down to a science. Takes me exactly 30 minutes from Zoë's school to sitting down at my desk. I am also going to get some battery powered led lights and make light-up gloves so cars can see me when I indicate that I'm turning. I'm surprised how many people don't understand bike turn signals.
I really wanted to start running this week because the biking isn't going to cut it. But I am been naughty and watching tv. I must go to bed early. I must run. Clothing is getting tight.
The beemer is good. Frank has been playing musical tires and rims.
I'm looking forward to a nice long weekend, cleaning out my storage areas, going apple picking and decorating the house for halloween.
I wish work had naptime...
In brief, the rest of the weekend went ok.
Block party was good despite some neighbor drama. All I've learned is second hand gossip. Part of me wants to just ask people flat out in person what is going on. The other part of me just wants to help those who might need help, set a good example myself and remain neutral since I get along with most of the neighbors. I actually don't have time for drama anyway.
Sunday we had a lovely walk to Target for a new booster seat for Zoë. We also got her holloween costume. She picked it out herself. Marshalls has wonderful costumes, well made. I wish I could have bought her two because we do wear them more than just once a year. We'll see what's lurking after the season on sale. They also had beautiful decorations.
Yesterday was the auto acquisition. Quite an adventure. It turned out not to be as far as we thought. Wilmington looks quite lovely as we drove by and I can't wait to return so we can check out the Swedish Nyckle boat. I wish we weren't so pressed for time because I would have liked to stop for crabs as well. The previous owner was just the nicest guy. Lives in a beautiful house that I could write about for hours. Just the cutest cottage with a stellar water view. I was seriously contemplating moving out of the city until we had to drive for 30 minutes looking for a notory and bank. Back to the city for me. I spent a good deal of the drive home praying that the car wouldn't fall off the trailer. It made horrible noises. Then there was the breathless waiting while we worked with PennDot. Buying a car out of state from a private person is so tricky. But in the end everything went well.
And back to work today. I have quite a few big things on my plate and need to position and focus. I feel like the last week has just been insane and almost too much to deal with. But today seems quite back to normal.
The extra good news is the the owner of the 318ti is totally being patient because he really likes us and would rather give a family his car than some teenager.
A great anniversary present would be if the loan faries take pity on us.
You'd think the bank would prefer and older car that is much less likely to get stolen than a newer car...
Unrelated and irritating, I have no idea why not but I can't keep my bike under my desk. I am debating buying a suitcase to put it into. The guys felt really bad so they let me keep it in the storage closet behind the concierge's desk. Meanwhile, there is a rack beh...ind the office with a guard nearby so I'm hoping for the best. The lock guarentees a bike up to $1,200 which works for me. Otherwise riding to work is a wonderful workout.
If anyone is curious - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Compac
So in the end, hopefully, we will have a tiny car to go with our tiny house and a very happy ending to an otherwise very crappy week.
The good news is we got all Frank's CDs back. Thieves didn't like our music. Zoë's photo also. Not carseat. I can't imagine what that's worth being several years old so it would have been nice if they left it. Also Frank's sweatshirt and the bat. Not sure what gives about those things but if I see that sweatshirt walking around here I am calling the cops.
Had to take the day off to get all the calls made, paper work done and see the carnage and sign off. Took a little time to check out some options for a replacement car. I think we're going with a BMW 318ti, which is the really little one they made in the late 90s. It's an oldie but goodie. BMWs don't even register on the cars people like to steal list and one that is that old and that nonpopular, even better. Even better still, we found one for a decent price. I have to see about a loan tomorrow but it's going to be a great deal more comfortable for us than the Honda was. Plus it's a BMW which Frank is very handy with being a BMW techie guy by profession. The potential acquisition is just the most beautiful ever. We really would love it. Requires a drive to Maryland but it is worth it.
And another happy note is that I was able to find a foldable bike for $199. A lovely, brand new Dahon which folds up really small. It's their budget-friendly version but I am not exactly running the Tour de France with it. I've got my helmet so tomorrow will be a first run to see how it goes.
Also happy was a wonderful visit from my mom and step-dad for an early anniversary celebration. Of course, I fell down the stairs and now am quite sore but nothing broken.
Ok, this week has just been insane. I would like to order several months of peaceful existance...
What I hope from this is that the insurance coveres everything so we break even. That would be awesome. I thought we got over our heads with this one anyway being that it was pricey. Car number two will be cheaper and easier to manage.
Meanwhile, we are borrowing a neighbor's car because we have the best neighbors in the world. Not sure what we're going to do between now and when we get a new car in regards to getting Zoë after school. Actually, if it wasn't for her schedule, we would probably do without.
Now, I definitely need a bicycle really bad and will probably pick one up this weekend.
At least I was spared the rant about city life because a friend of Frank's who lived in suburban Long Island got her car broken in to. It can really happen anywhere. Not just in the city.
At least the chicken I cooked last night for lunch today was awesome. And I scored a free yogurt parfette from the lunchroom. Have to be thankful for small things.
The rest of the weekend was fabulous. A happy drop in from Kelvin who hung around the entire day, including food shopping.
Hershey was awesome.
Zoë's first day is tomorrow.
More later!
I always get sick around when Frank's work has their yearly picnic at Hershey. Yeah, it sucks. At least this year, I might actually be feeling better by the time we go instead of having to skulk around Hershey Park being icky.
Our weekend kicked major butt. Friday I got to escape slightly early. Made it to NY with little traffic. Saturday my mom took Zoë and Frank and I got to spend a day like we did before we became parental units. We parked by the old apartment, admired the new security system they installed and then headed over the Brooklyn Bridge. We tried to go to the Pizzaria Uno for lunch but it was insanely crowded. Instead we got food court nibbles which included bubble tea and crepes. Frank got a burrito because he doesn't do crepes. Then we headed up to Gothic Renassaince to buy our tickets for Sunday, passing through a street fair. I wish I had more money. We were going to wander across town to get back to the F to head back to Brooklyn when Frank says why not see if my hair dresser is available. I am skeptical but lo and behold he was not only there but available and was able to fix the mess that my hair had become. He actually asked, "What happened to you?" I explained the Philly hairdressers do not understand what I'm talking about. Frank took many photos so hopefully I can look normal between visits back to my NY hairdresser. Really, it's worth it.
Sunday morning we went to Century 21. I miss Century 21. Century 21 is worth waiting to shop at. Then we hung around with the fam. Very relaxed. My entire purpose of the weekend was to not stress out. After a BBQ with the fam, we headed back to the seester's apartment to get ready. The dress I thought I was going to wear didn't quite work because I totally forgot to pick up a belt at Century 21. I'm very glad I brought my old reliable plaid jumper which I've been wearing since the last time I went to The Bank. We got a slightly late start but not too bad.
The Bank was awesome. We saw people we haven't seen in years. A few missed the night which was too bad. It would have been nice but we'll hopefully catch them in the next visit. They've sinced remodeled the venue. The dance floor is too small. Didn't matter. Too many people to even move. Because everyone looks the same, it's sort of surreal. Almost like time hasn't elapsed. We stayed out all night.
Monday we were hoping for a little more sleep. We decided to brave our friend's BBQ. Glad we did. By the time we got home, we were beyond tired. Yesterday I was night of the living dead.
Today I actually feel sick. Figures.
And that's about all the energy I have.
1) Community Gardening
Probably not this year, but next, we'll see about getting a plot in the nearby community garden. We're already thinking about what veggies we would like. I do hope the community garden is squirrel proof. We're also pretty sure we are chopping down our birch tree. The catapillers are out of control this year and they only get worse. My breaking point came when I stepped on one in my bedroom with bare feet. Additionally, the tree is just too big for the space and annoying the neighbors. Seeing as the area is going to be bare, we're going to build a latice on the balcony and encourage ivy and other viney plants. I'm also thinking about sunflowers. Although this isn't what Frank wants (a private, large backyard), I think he's ok with it and community gardening means that we'll make new friends and can probably trade our surplus veggies for other gardener's surplus veggies.
2) Tattoos:
This is a strange thing to want to DIY but considering a lot of what we want is so simple, it's dumb to pay someone else hundred's of dollars to do it. Both of us are competant enough to work with a stencil for flat designs which are a majority of what we want. Not to mention the touching up. Anyway, it's not a terribly expensive endevour, the cheapest of the lot, and in the worst case, we'll have something to laugh about every time we see each other naked for the rest of our lives.
3) Brewing Beer:
Apparently everyone in PA has brewed beer at one time or another. We had one of Frank's co-workers, and his fiance, over for dinner on Saturday. He brews with a few friends and is going to take Frank under his wing. Frank is very excited to start making beer. Apparently our house is not too small for brewing beer and the kitchen fireplace is the perfect place to put the container into for fermenting because of the smoked glass firescreen.
It was really nice to have someone over since we don't entertain too often. I always get a little nervous when new people come over, especially those who might not be used to such a small space but I was very happy to learn that our guests had looked at similar houses in our neighborhood and were familiar with the small-urban-house and eating in the basement. They're both really nice and we had a lovely evening chatting away. Additionally, my sister and neice were in town as well so it was a nice full house. We set up a kiddie table for the girls and had plenty of room for the grownups at the table. We were going to sit out front and smoke our hookah but alas, it started to rain (monsoon) and that was that.
Yesterday, we spent the afternoon BBQing and swimming at our friend's house. Zoë is ready to move into our friend's house. She's like a fish. Our friends are some of the nicest people ever and an afternoon spent together is like hanging out with family and with four little girls to play with, Zoë was in heaven.
When we got home, we smoked hookah in front with our neighbors. I probably should have gone to sleep about two hours before I did. Feeling a little like a zombie today.
No, we're not leaving Philly. However, seeing as our house is completely void of things that make Frank happy, such as space, garden, garage and surplus budget, it might be time to relocate.
I do not want to move to the suburbs. Luckily, there is Manayunk. Manayunk is sort of like the Queens of Philadelphia, in that it is about the same, proportional distance out. It's an ok commute via train which would get me to work in less than an hour, door to door. The schools are ok. We can likely score an early 20th century row house with garage and yard that isn't too terribly unattractive for a big chunk less than our current house was. Most residents are either old-school, working class, professionals priced out of Center City or people who just want more space. From the School-kill Expressway it looks like a mountainside, model train village. Cute. It's still close enough to easily get back into the city for assorted fun things to do. And I don't really hear too much in the news about hooligan activities. And because it's situated on the side of a big hill, one can get a super workout just by going down the hill to the river and then back up again. Should our car not be able to handle the hills in the snow, the train works for both Frank and I.
If we do exodus, it won't be for a few years. Research must commence now so we can scope out the schools, neighborhood and what it's really like to live there.
In my fashion, I have to think about pros and cons.
Pro: More Space -- I won't pretend to be happy when I constantly bump into things or bang my head on the ceiling. I would really like a piano or at the least a place to set up my keyboard.
Con: More House -- More to worry about. Replacing windows, repointing brick, roof, all cost more if you have more of it.
Pro: Garage -- This would make Frank very happy.
Con: Commute -- Taking the train would give me more time to read or crochet or whatever. However, missing the train here means I would be at least a half hour late for work since they don't run all that often. It probably won't take too much longer than walking does now. However without my walk means my butt is bound to get even bigger.
Pro (Frank) & Con (Suzanne): Garden -- Frank loves the idea of gardening. Although I have suggested a container garden, he wants something bigger. I have no gardening ability what so ever and I would rather do many other things. However, I dispise ugly property so I can just see myself having to weed and whatnot, not to mention the expense of planting things.
Con: Not Old -- Manayunk is in the 100 years old catagory, while our current neighborhood is in the 300 years old catagory. I like old, really old. But although I am willing to give up a lot for the colonial life, Frank doesn't.
Pro: Nature -- Manayunk is close to Fairmount Park and quite a few nature trails and river activities.
Pro: Safety -- Manayunk doesn't really pop up in the news often. Seems like a quite place. I have to do more research.
Con: Zoë -- I like being really close to Zoë. I like that I'm a five minute cab ride away, just in case. Manayunk is 30 minutes in a cab or more depending on traffic.
It's hard, because I'm about even. Some of these things really make a big difference to me like being near Zoë, although as she gets older it won't matter as much. And I think it will probably take a few years before we're in a place where we can sell our house and have our finances in well enough order to purchase another.
We have a good friend who happens to have a Lotus (http://www.lotuscars.com/) which he, insane as it seems, lets Frank borrow every now and then, for maintenance and exercise. It's sort of like dog sitting a really, big dog. Normally, I spend the entire time worried sick that something is going to happen to the car even though our neighbor, who is an absolute saint and one of my mommy role models, lends us her driveway. Sunday, Frank says to me that we're going to take the car for a "walk" to a few places that he's been wanting to show me. Because it's not every day one gets to drive around in a car like that, I got all pretty including sunglasses, a scarf and red, red lipstick. I should have taken a photo before we left because the look didn't last too long. It's very hot when you have to sit on the engine practically. Anyway, we went for a lovely drive, through some very nice areas of the Main Line with houses we love but will never afford or would want to clean anyway. Then he took me to this devine little antique shop where I loved just about everything. We'll have to keep it in mind once things get better. They had the most charming striped setee set with a matching large, tuffed poof ottoman. It would be so perfect in our living room. Another piece I really liked was this small china cabinet from the 1930s. All the pieces had been painted either black or white and they had a lot of gingham and toile which was just lovely. If I could, I would have bought nearly the entire store and then paid a carpenter to dismantle and reassemble everything in our little house. We can have antiques, we just need to be able to MacGyver them in. Anyway, it was nice to be driving in a really awesome exotic car and going antiquing, very swanky. Sometimes it's fun to play.
Because we didn't have the Honda, Frank had to take the Lotus food shopping. I didn't think everything was going to get into the trunk but amazingly enough, five bags of groceries fit in the trunk of a mid/rear engine car! Shocking! All of a sudden, the Lotus does not seem so unpractical. Frank really wants one so I think, when Zoë is old enough to want to drive her own car and not come food shopping with us any more, a roadster might be a great deal of fun for us to have and by then, we should be able to get one for a very reasonable sum.
While Frank and Zoë were out food shopping I got to watch Mamma Mia, which was completely silly but a lot of fun.
Yesterday, Zoë and I had a marathon walk from work to the library. I really hope they don't close the libraries. When times are tough, nothings is as good as a free book. I don't want to buy them anyway because I haven't the room. I love the borrow the book concept. This week I took out a book on closets since I think our next project will be our bedroom closet. I'm tired of everything being squished. Another project we're considering is building a wall and door to Zoë's room.
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