Miss Connie Marie

Picture Time

2009-02-15T22:43:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I posted. I can't really access blogger at work any more and that's usually where i updated from. Sorry guys! Here are some pictures to keep you happy! :)

The girlies outside of Benihana.

Hanging out with cool people at Benihana.

New friends, and old friend and Me at a party.

Panoramic of a Party I went to for V-Day and the next day after everyone was gone and it was clean again.

Wants/Needs

2009-01-16T10:52:00.002-05:00

This post is my warning to you all. I am going to be making some big changes in my life. I have not been entirely honest with some of you, and in turn, I haven't been entirely honest with myself. I have shown different faces to different people and I am starting to lose sight of who I really am on the inside. I may be lying to you to hide my insecurites, regrets, shame, or just to protect myself. But I have come to realize that this is in no way helping ME. I am washing myself clean of my past. I am not going to lie to myself any more.

So that's your warning. If I seem different to you, it's because I am being me. And if you don't like it, that's okay with me. :)

It's 2009, Baby!

2009-01-02T14:58:00.004-05:00

As I predicted, New Year's Eve at the Electric Factory was "Kick. Ass. Awesome."!!! Loved every minute of it. The opening act was the West Philadelphia Orchestra, a really unique group that plays mostly Balkan Dance music. They rocked! And then Gogol Bordello totally made my year with their awesome stage presence and high energy show. The only thing I didn't enjoy that night was the DJ they had on stage while people we're filing in. The music he was playing, if you considered it music at all, was terribly annoying. Thus, Joanna and I named him DJ Anno MoFo, short for Annoying Mother Fucker. I know, we're brilliant, no need to say so. Ok, go ahead, say so. :)

Unfortunately, my camera did not come in on the 31st so there are no pics from me, but Jo did take a few with her iPhone that are on facebook now so I will swipe those later.

My camera showed up today, though so I will be going photo happy at my Annalise game tonight. Yay for 1920's mobsters and vampires! Haha.

This is like the longest day ever! Can't wait to get out of here, hit the gym, play Annalise, then go home.

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-31T11:19:00.004-05:00

Hmm here comes 2009. Wow. So how are you all ringing in the New Year? I will be at The Electric Factory with Gogol Bordello.

Kisk. Ass. Awesome.

I'm super excited since I have heard great things about their live performances and I love their crazy music style which they describe as "Gypsy Punk". Up until Monday I had no idea what I was going to be doing tonite until a friend suprised me with tickets as a Christmas Gift. Rock! Other awesomeness of today is that my new camera should be arriving at work before the day is out . If so, that will allow me to get pics of tonites greatness! w00t! Can you feel my glee?

Just a Thought...

2008-12-31T11:11:00.003-05:00

I'm working at the reception desk at the firm today. Not much to do since a lot of the Attorneys took today off so there aren't many phone calls to direct. I'm sitting here and a thought crosses my mind. Nothing great, no epiphany of any sort. Just wondering, who would win in a bare knuckles fight to the death? Tony the Tiger, or Chester Cheetah? My money is on Tony. I mean, have you seen how JACKED he is? And Chester is just that scrawy little dude with sunglasses. I can see Tony as a Boxer but when I look at Chester, the lyrics to Cheap Sunglasses run through my head. What do you think?

On another note, I finished season 3 of Dexter. Not as exciting as the other 2 seasons in my opinion but I enjoyed it. Mixed feelings on the signing of 2 more seasons. I hope they don't ruin it. But Michael C. hall as this demented do-gooder serial killer is really hot so I won't complain. :)

Spin that record, babe and just DANCE!

2008-12-24T14:35:00.003-05:00

I seriously need my FL girls. I just want to go out with my girls and have a good time. Krisitna, Jessie, Amanda, Jamie and Krista. When I get back to FL (whenever that may be???) we are so hitting up the Clubs and Bars (Sorry Jessie and Amanda, no drinkies for you just yet! ^_~)

Usually when I get to feeling like this I wait until I'm home alone, dress up in a "clubbing" outfit, do my makeup all wild, turn some dance music on and drop it like it's hot. Haha. So that's what I have been doing lately. I finally learned to "Walk it out" the other day. LOL!

I need some Philly friends who like to dance. I had the crew over the summer but... well... that's no more. Heh.

Where is the Damn Snow?`

2008-12-23T16:49:00.003-05:00

So it's 29*F right now in Philly. My hometown back in FL is a nice 72*F. Boo! I am leaving work in about 5 minutes. I am happy to be leaving yet unhappy to be venturing out into this weather. Hey, Mr. Weather Man in the Sky! Could you at least give us some SNOW! Then maybe these freezing temps could be tolerable! Frozen over puddles and hanging icicles just aren't as much fun as building snowmen and sledding down the alley way behind my house! PLEASE JUST SNOW ALREADY!

AGGGGGGGHHHHHH!

2008-12-15T21:28:00.002-05:00

Soooooooo I'm kicking my own ass right now. No not literally (but I can if I really want to! ^_~) .

What needs to happen for me to be happy:

1. Stay SINGLE for at LEAST 3 months.
The logic behind this is to give myself time to foster friendships that are REAL and not based on anything other than shared interests (that aren't sex-related!). Also to prove to myself that IT'S OKAY TO BE SINGLE!

2. Get back to the damn gym!
It's being paid for. I don't work the night job anymore. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT GO AFTER WORK! (Well, unless it's a D&D or Annalise gaming night... but even then we don't meet up until 7 and I get out of work at 5:15.... plenty of time!) I was doing so well for a while. Lost 30 lbs. Haven't gained any back but I'm feeling lethargic lately and I need to get back to running.

3. Go to bed at a REASONABLE hour.
This means at least 7 hours before having to wake up. So If I have to wake up at 7am.... the latest I need to go to bed is midnight.

That's all for now. I may or may not be back with more soon.

Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition

2008-12-03T16:55:00.004-05:00

So I am finally beginning my first ever DnD campaign.

I have been wanting to play DnD for some time now, but I was always worried about frustrating other players with my lack of knowledge about the game. Luckily, I have a small group of friends who are pretty patient when it comes to answering my many questions and allowing me time to get more comfortable with things. Doesn't mean they don't still hint that I'm a freak for being so worried about sounding dumb. LoL.

Anyway... Don is keeping track of our campaign on his blog so you can check that out if you like. I may or may not write about the campaign also... we all know how bad I am at sticking with writing... *cough*failedNaNoWriMo*cough*

Heh.

2008-12-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

My best friend says I "suck at keeping up journals". I didn't write much at the beginning of November because said friend was in town. We were too busy roaming around the streets of Philadelphia for me to actually sit down and write about it. Then later in the month, friends here in Philly had some relationship issues. I have been trying to be supportive to either side and it has been time consuming and not wprking out as hoped. Also, I started seeing a new guy. :) But I can elaborate more on that later. I just wanted to check in because one of the (1...2...3..) four people who read my blog complained. I'm glad you care!!!! :)

I'll be back soon, guys. Promise!!!

...

2008-10-29T14:18:00.002-04:00

So lately I have been running myself a bit ragged.... But I am okay with that. I have been out alot and doing so much that I am rarely home. I didn't realize that this was a terrible problem. Despite the occasional feeling of exhaustion, I am happier and feel much better about myself because I am making plans to do the things I want instead of waiting around for them to happen. I have taken on a second job so I can afford the things I want and start to pay back debts owed.

So why do I feel as if others see this as a bad thing? I can't shake this want to seek approval from others. Usually it lurks in the back of my mind saying, "Are you really doing well? Are you sure? Your still not in school." And it continues to point out that things I'm not doing instead of the accomplishments. But I was getting better and focusing on what good I was doing. I KNOW I am doing what I WANT and what I think is best for ME. I think I just need to stop worrying about whether or not what I want is what others would approve of. I am a smart 21-year-old woman and I need to keep reminding myself of that. I need to stop taking "advice" as "assignments".

Busy October/November

2008-10-21T10:40:00.006-04:00

New things happening in my life:

This Holiday Season is looking to be pretty jam packed and busy for me.

Last weekend I attended a really sweet Halloween Cocktail Party at Project Blancoyd. (I'm in the red and black pirate costume!!!) I indulged a little more than I should have but all in all it was a great time! Par-tay!

This weekend I will be attending UberCon in Piscataway, NJ. This will be my first time at a Gaming Convention and I am rather excited! Yippee!

The following week marks the kick-off for NaNoWrimo. There is a kick-off party at Capigiro on Thursday October 30th. And then I will actually begin writing my novel on Saturday November 1st. I'll be attempting to write 1600+ words a day for a total of at least 50,000 for the month. "50K! ALL THE WAY!".

Then October 31st I should be going to a Halloween/RPG Party. If we play what I am hoping to play, this will definitely be sweet! Heee!

Also on November 7th, my bestie from FL will be arriving in Philly and we will begin our belated celebration of her 21st Birthday! w00t!

On top of all of this, I just started a 2nd job. So not only will I be working M-F at the Law Firm from 9-5, I will be working a few shifts during the week and weekends as a reservationist at the new Stephen Starr Restaurant, Butcher and Singer. Woo Hoo!

::collapses from exhaustion::

So there ya have it folks. If you haven't seen me in a while and you wondering what happened to that silly girl Connie... there's your answer!

My Trip to Wildwood - Photo Entry

2008-10-17T00:08:00.003-04:00

Creative Writing Exercises

2008-10-16T12:03:00.002-04:00

My previous post "Patiently Persistant" was spurred on by my realization that I haven't written anything by way of creative fiction in quite some time. As I mentioned before I am attempting to write a novel during the month of November and I decided that until Nov 1st, I will be doing a few writing exercises as practice and I will be documenting them all here. Please feel free to swing by and read my little stories, suggest writing prompts, and/or offer constructive criticism.

Patiently Persistent

2008-10-14T10:24:00.005-04:00

As the wind blows her hair off of her tear-stained face, I notice a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She understands what can and cannot be, yet she can't help but long for more. And behind her defeat there is already a new plan forming in her mind. A minuscule grain on which she will build until she has a new approach, a new way to make this work. She is hounded by fear and she knows that she may just be fooling herself again, setting herself up for failure. But she also knows that her love is real and her love is strong and she won't let herself give up without fighting. I hold her in my arms and tell her it will be okay. She rests her head on my shoulder and I can almost hear the gears in her head turning, searching for the answers, persistent as always. "Patience, my Love." I hold her close a while longer but we both know I must be on my way. I leave her to her thoughts and I pray that she can find peace. As I walk away I feel hope arise in me that she just may find a way to make this work out. Or maybe I am just as much a fool.

NaNoWriMo

2008-10-09T13:47:00.002-04:00

My friend Joanna informed me a little while back that National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo as it is called by participants) is November. www.nanowrimo.org

During the month of November, participants will attempt to write a 50,000 word novel (about 170 pages) without editing themselves. Just write. On the website you will find forums and communitys that are "competing" with one another to reach the 50,000 word goal. You will also find within these community's events such as kick-off parties at the end of October to meet fellow NaNo's, new and old. There are also write-in's where neighboring NaNo's meet up weekly to encourage one another.

So far I have pulled 2 friends into NaNo-dom with me this year. Pann and Kristina. Pann lives here in Philly but Kristina lives in FL and we have decided to have our own little competition against one another. She will actually be visiting me during the month of November so she will be attending one of our write-ins with me too! Yay!

Scary Good Mood

2008-10-03T10:38:00.002-04:00

Ever have one of those days where you are just in a really good mood and you can't wipe the permanent (genuine) smile off of your face? I am having one of those days! I woke up this morning about 6am and stayed under the covers for about another hour. Got up and did my hair in a different style that was more edgy than I am used to. Also decided to just go for it and wear my red lipstick that has been sitting in my makeup case untouched. I usually put it on and then take it off because I am afraid of it being to bold or coming off drag-queen-ish. But I am so glad I went for it today because, according to coworkers, I can pull it off. ^_^ Yay! Also got a great reception on the new hairstyle. I feel so hot today! Hee hee! My one freind said my hairstyle is the "Perpetual Sex Hair" look. LoL. It's short and spiked in the back and I took my bangs and did the lil poof on the top front. I'll have to take a picture later today to post because I feel so fabulous.

So I know that my mini-makeover is a contributor to my fantastic mood. I also think that I am happy because I am at the reception desk today. Our usual Receptionist called out so I get to cover for her and answer phones and greet clients. I like this much more than I like my filing work (even thought I really do enjoy my job) because there is more to do out here and in between tasks I can jump online as I am right now. When filing I can only sit and wait until someone gives me more work.

WTF?!

2008-09-29T16:49:00.002-04:00

So I am slightly upset and outraged (and even a bitembarrassed) that my supervisor just came up to me and asked me to remove my Obama/Biden Sticket from my desk. I put the sticker up this morning and didn't think it would be a problem due to the fact that everyone else adorns their workspace with pictures, sports teams, and other various crap. Apparently, my sticker has offended someone and they went to the supervisor to complain. I am so apalled. I can't support a political nominee with a little sticker, yet signs that say "I don't repeat Gossip... so listen carefully.", and Phillies Bobble Heads, and other stupid crap are okay. Now one of my super's reasons was that because there are people with differing opinions and they don't want it to cause a conflict.... Soooooo what about sports fans? There are NUMEROUS FREAKING TEAMS AND NOT EVERYONE LIKES THE PHILLIES OR THE YANKEES OR THE FLYERS OR THE WHO-EVER-THE-FUCK-YOU-SUPPORT.

I'm upset. And annoyed. And they shouldn't have me on the phones right now...

Connie's joing the Circus!

2008-09-05T15:46:00.003-04:00

I thoughtI had posted about this already, but apparently I did not.

Here in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia is the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Last year I had the pleasure of taking my cousins two children to classes at this school. The girls learned various aerial skills along with juggling and balancing skills. Watching the girls walk the tightrope and climb the fabric made me really want to jump in and try my hand at it, but of course I was definitely not going to jump in front of 5-year-old and say "MY TURN!". (I really, REALLY wanted to, though!!!!) So when I found out that the school offered adult beginner's level classes I was seriously excited. I signed up for an introductory workshop on September 21st for $20 to try it out and if that goes well I will sign up for the 8 week course. I am SUPER STOKED!

If your interested in learning more about the Philladelphia School of Circus Arts or are interested in taking classes visit their website here.

New Job!

2008-08-30T13:43:00.002-04:00

So I totally forgot to mention that I was called in for an interview with the Law Firm I had applied for. Monday I interviewed and Tuesday I started work as File Clerk/Receptionist for Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin. The week went by pretty quickly and I love the company. Not only did I get an amazing benefits package that starts Sept. 1, I also work with some really friendly, witty and personable people.

YAY! :D

And I totally have Don to thank for letting me know about the job, helping me with my resume and talking me up to the Office Manager. Thanks Don!!!! You're awesome!

One of the most awesome things about the job is the building I work in is right in Rittenhouse Square so I get to spend time in the city with I LOVE and lunches in the park are really nice too.

Now on the school end of things. I have decided, for a few different reasons, that I will not be taking classes this fall and I will wait until the spring semester. The most important reason being that I want to get a good start at this new job and I don't want to be spreading myself thin immediately. Another reason for this decision is the cost of tuition. Right now I am still considered and Out-of-State resident and will be until spring. This makes my tuition about 3 times as much as an In-State residents. And the final reason, which has a little to do with the second reason, is that I still haven't received word from the school about my financial aid package and classes start next week, I beleive.

So that is my final decision. As much as it upsets me to not be in school yet, I know I am making the right choice because I want to be sure I do this right and it just doesn't seem to make sense right now. In the meantime I will be working at MDWC&G and taking my circus class. :D

The Mind of a Child

2008-08-30T13:35:00.003-04:00

I am half-watching The Rescuers Down Under with Amy (also reading some blogs) which is one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid. I find it more entertaining now to see Amy's reactions to the movie since she has never seen it before. My favorite so far is when the Rescuer Bernard successfully pushed Percival C. McLeach over the side of a cliff into a crocodile infested river and Amy jumped up excitedly exclaiming, "Yes! He did it! Yay Bernard!". I miss being so excited about a movie that I could jump up and down and cheer on the characters.

Crazy Week!

2008-08-19T15:08:00.002-04:00

A lot of crazy things have happened this week and despite how badly I was feeling before, I know that it is all for the best.

The worst of it all was Nick calling me on Sunday to break up with me. He went on about how I have changed and told me everything that's wrong with me. I was in shock because I had tried to break things off when I was last in FL in June and he wanted to try to make it work. Well I found out through a friend that he has been seeing someone else and he just didn't have the nerve to tell me the truth. When he called Sunday he said there was no one else, but that he wasn't sure that he loved me anymore. I asked if this meant we weren't going to talk anymore and he said he wanted to keep in touch. So I am entirely shocked by this other girlfriend thing but at the same time I now see that I never knew Nick. We dated for 3 years and 7 months and as soon as some new girl comes along that gives him attention, he ditches me. I am hurt, yes, but now I can get over him because I see that he wasn't worth my love, my time, and my effort. It also makes sense now that he wasn't there for me when I would call... possibly because he was too busy with this other girl. I know I am better off, I know I deserve better, and I am trying to move on. I just want to get past this whole feeling of betrayel and live my life. I no longer want to speak to him and I don't want any explanations. I just want to heal.

The ball is rolling- albeit slowly.

2008-08-03T23:50:00.003-04:00

I haven't been updating this blog because life has been a little crazy.

First off, my laptop has been dead since early July and I have yet to buy a new power supply cord for it. (I'm a slacker.)

Another reason for my absence is that I have so many new people in my life and as much as I love spending time with good friends and loved ones, I am starting to miss my precious "me" time. But it's hard to schedule me time when I'm trying to work around everyone else's schedules! I guess I just need to make my own schedule and stick to it? I don't want to end up that one person who doesn't do anything she wants when she wants because she is depending on everyone else to agree first. Make sense?

I'm also busy with getting my shiz together for CCP so that I can start classes in the fall. So far it's been going along alright- I took my CPT last week and I have an advisory meeting next Tuesday-but I'm still afraid I may not get the financial aid I need. Let's keep our fingers crossed ya'll!

And then there are all of my various jobs.

I just recently finished up with PIGLFF and received my last check from the Philadelphia Film Society for my time.

I am now hoping to get a part-time job at a law firm in center city. A very close friend of mine has been talking me up and says the jobs pretty much in the bag as long as I pass a typing test and don't act like a fool in my interview. Tomorrow I will be having lunch with him and he is going to help me with my resume before I actually apply. If I get the job I will be starting sometime after Labor Day. Even with all of his assurance I am still really nervous. I realllllllly hope I get this posistion! (Since your finger's are already crossed for me, go ahead and use your toes for this one! Thanks!)

There's the job of watching the girls and taking them to any after school activities they may have this school year.

AND I just agreed to take on some hours at the neighborhood co-op for my Aunt and Uncle (in exchange for compensation, of course! :P)

Oh yeah, and I also agreed to volunteer for Jen Bendik (who I worked under during PIGLFF) at GreenFest Philly.

So do you understand now why I haven't blogged in a while? LoL. I am hoping to set aside more "chill" time so I can catch up on some reading, blog and make some ATC's and explore my artistic side a little more.

As for right now, I'm going to bed. Well, maybe after I read another chapter in Peter and the Starcatchers. =D

yawn

2008-07-20T14:55:00.002-04:00

I am soooooo tired. Too tired to even post anything. Well maybe not that tired. Moreso just tired and too "lazy" to post. Yeah, that's it. I'm lazy.

Back in Philadelphia!

2008-07-13T11:13:00.003-04:00

My 3 week vacation to FL ended on Thursday and I am now back in my favorite place of all, Philadelphia!

The day after I returned I started a job doing ticket sales for the 14th Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. It's a fun job and I get alot of cool perks and a VIP all access pass to any shows and after parties related to the festival. Last night I went to a Party at a Lesbian club called "Sister's" with some friends after work. That was the second time I've been to a club and I think it's funny the first club I went to was a Gay club with drag shows. Are we seeing a pattern? LoL.

I am so tired right now from last night's dancing and drinking! I wanted to write more but my brain just wants to zone out. Sorry!

Shopping Ups and Downs.

2008-06-27T21:29:00.004-04:00

I love to shop! So today when we thought it was going to be too rainy for the beach, Krista, myself and my sister Jessie went to the mall. Turned out it was a great beach day heat-wise but the sky was a bit cloudy. Anyways, here's a bit of what I encountered today.

I found a new boyfriend at Anchorblue. :)

Krista told me to try this shirt on because it was made for my boobs. What do you think?

Krista jsut wanted to sit in the chair for a second, but a salesmen wouldn't let her get away. He gave her a complete 15 minute product demonstration and nearly exposed her goods by making the chair lean back.

My least favorite part of shopping: When shirts that will otherwise fit me greatly, don't button over my giant boobs. Damn my melons!

A Southern Tradition

2008-06-26T14:00:00.004-04:00

Any true southerner knows that boiled peanuts are a household staple snack. Growing up I can remember the smell of my mom boiling peanuts on the stove in a giant silver pot. It would take hours for these peanuts to become soft enough to snack on. Mom would add salt or sometimes a hot pepper sauce to kick the flavor up bit. In southern states you can see signs outside of gas stations and along US 1 that say "Get Your Boiled Peanuts Here! Regular or Cajun!".

When I moved to Philadelphia in 2003 I was shocked to find that none of my new friends had ever heard of boiled peanuts! And my Aunt Diane who I lived with in Philly told me that you can't even buy raw (non-roasted) peanuts in Philly. That ruined my plan to make a batch for my friends to try!

However, the friends I have in FL who are from NY and NJ have tried them and they can't stand them!

Oh well! More for me, I guess!

Mi Familia.

2008-06-23T17:12:00.004-04:00

Yesterday my sister Daneille invited me to her house and made authentic mexican flautas. Nick, Kristina and my parents came as well. My little sister couldn't make it but I will be seeing her tonite. Also, Daneille's husband and my other nephew Sal are in Tennessee so I won't get to see them while I am in town. :(

Two Cakes; 21 Candles.

Kristina is a little bit special, but we love her more for it!

My Mommy, Bonnie Lou!

My nephew Matt tries to be gangster. Kristina gives him a lesson in smiling for the camera...
Now that's an improvement! Watch out ladies!

He was too busy lighting my candles to take a pic with his Tia Connie.

My neice Alondra and Me. Nick was watching TV the whole time we were there.

Connie's 21st Birthday!

2008-06-22T04:23:00.011-04:00

I am still sobering up from my night out tonite! Wish it could have gone on longer! Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

As soon as it hit midnite I was at the Bar. Sex on the Beach, please!

My girls Jamie and Kristina. I look more interested in my drink than the camera! LoL!

She was a sweetie. :P

Amanda showing some skin for me!

So now this guy. He was very proud. (As he should be.) He saw we had the camera and whipped it out again. Got that on camera but don't think I should post it here. HAHA.

I like lap dances from Amanda!

However, lap dances from Jorge aren't as fun!

Blow Jobs!

WTF?! Why didn't my whipped cream come out?!

Mmmm white creamy goodness!

Jamie spilled. Can't have any alcohol going to waste on MY birthday!

A Best Friend Kinda Love.

The End.... for now.

decided not to get arrested

2008-06-22T04:03:00.004-04:00

So despite my little chat with Hilary (see chat here) I decided not to play "Kill, F**k, Marry." I took a few pictures, but by the time I had the nerve to do so, there weren't many interesting people around.

This lady here in the black cardigan had the funniest teeth but I just couldn't seem to get a good pic.
This women in the black was more concerned about her boobs than her screaming child.
This girl here in the yellow and white looked so familiar. I think I might go ahead and throw her in the F**k category. She has a beautiful bubble butt... too bad I couldnt get a pic of that!

Sadly, this was a filed mission. However! I WILL be in 3 different airports on my trip home. I will have to revisit this mission then!

What I learned while sitting in the Philadelphia Airport.

2008-06-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

I am leaving Philly for a 3 week vacation to FL today.

My flight leaves at noon.

It's 6:03am and I'm already at the airport.

It's a long, fun, rather exciting story that I will keep to myself. However I will share with you what I have so far learned whilst waiting for Noon to roll around (if only time would fly as it does with good company *sigh*).

1. I have always wondered why there are different colored fire hydrants and what the significance is. After google-ing I found that fire hydrants are color-coded to indicate their amount of pressure, special function or other information.

2. Many Airport employees sleep on the job at 5:37am. Some find a row of chairs to crash on in an empty corner, however the man at the information desk just sleeps in his chair. :)

3. Thanks to CNN I now know that what was believed to be a human foot in a sneaker wrapped in seaweed washed ashore a beach in BC. This would be the 6th that has been found wash up in BC and the 9th known severed foot to wash ashore beaches worldwide. The first surfaced in 2004. Turns out the foot is really a severed animal paw.

4. For years I have wondered why so many churches in Philadelphia neighborhoods have red doors. I finally remembered to google this.
"It's because red doors traditionally mean "sanctuary" -- the ground beyond the doors is holy, and anyone who goes through them is safe from physical (and spiritual) harm. In ancient times, no one could pursue an enemy past red doors into a church, and certainly no one could be harmed or captured inside of a church. "

I also read that in Scotland when a homeowner pays off their mortgage, they paint their door red. I thought that was interesting. :)

5. I have decided I really want to read The Ethical Slut. A close friend recommended it to me and upon further research it seems to be a very good read. (Hint, Hint. Birthday present?!)

6. CNN recycles stories like crazy. In the past 30 minutes I have heard about the guy who tried to rob a convenience store with a palm frond 3 times.

That's it for now. I'm going to meander over to Dunkin Donuts now.

Garbage Day! This post is rather messy. You have been warned!

2008-06-16T04:56:00.001-04:00

As usual, it is 5 am and I have spent another sleepless night in Philadelphia. There just seems to be so much on my mind lately. I keep pushing everything to the back of my brain, cramming more and more thoughts away so that now my head could be compared to the overflowing garbage pail that you keep ignoring and know needs to be dealt with but you don't want to touch it now because you know it's going to be a huge pain in the ass. Yeah. My neck is supporting a trash can.

Time to take out some of the trash!

My 21st birthday is on Sunday. For the past 3 months I have been planning an exciting birthday party for myself with friends back in FL. I was completely stoked about turning 21 until this past week. I know the party will be terrific, I mean, there's going to be Pudding Wrestling! Excellent! But instead of eagerly anticipating my alcoholic legality, I'm getting anxious about being an official "Adult".

I find that with each passing day I am questioning my life more and more.

I think a lot about the fact that I have never been alone. Until age 14 I had my mother to fall back on. Medical Complications changed things. I turned to boyfriends. If one relationship failed, I jumped right into the next, afraid to be alone. I think I have been single a whole 2 weeks, collectively, in the past 7 years. (That can't be healthy, can it?) I think I gipped myself out of independence. I always had someone to look to for acceptance. Someone I tried desperately to please. If I made them happy, I was happy. That was all there was to it. Make him happy, whoever "he" may be.

Well "He" is currently Nick. And I have been making Nick happy for 3 and half years. And Nick has certainly been the best boyfriend I've ever had. He has always been there for me and supported me in everything I do. But, (you knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you?), I'm not happy. I thought I was for the longest time. We made plans, we talked about our future together. But we don't want the same things. I want a bigger life. I want more than there is back home in FL. Nick is happy there. He has his own house and great city job. He is content and he has found his niche. I am very happy for him. Yet, although I do not know exactly where I want to end up, I know I don't want to live my life in my old hometown in FL.

And I think about this all and I come to the conclusion that...

I think It's time I just be me.

Those words are so much easier to type in this blog entry than they are to enforce in real life, however. I have had this thought for some time now, buried at the bottom of the trash can. But it just lurks down there, untouched and festering. I know the longer I take to deal with this the worse it's going to get. Why can't I just break things off and do my own thing?

I'm scared.

And that's all I have for you right now, at 5 am this beautiful Monday morning.

I <3 Little People.

2008-06-08T02:42:00.000-04:00

I spent my Friday afternoon and evening as a Babysitter during an end of year party for the private school Project Learn. Parents gathered at one parent's lovely suburban house and chatted from 2-8pm while I kept an eye on there extremely rambunctious offspring. There were about 15 children throughout the day (but not all at once). And despite my weariness at the end of the party, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the little rascals! I kept an observant eye on them as they ran through sprinklers and among slip 'n slides; I sword fought with the boys; and I played dress up with the girls. We also spent time relaxing in the hammock and on the swings.

And I must say also that I am not very happy with this humidity!!!! Here's my hair just before the party :) ...

and then again a few hours in. :(

Oh how crafty!

2008-06-05T02:11:00.000-04:00

Saturday May 31st I got a text from Hilary about this craft bazaar down at Penn's Landing. I jumped at the opportunity to get out of the house being that I had nothing planned for the day. That and the fact that it was a craft bazaar. :)

The "Art Star Craft Bazaar", actually. A lovely gathering of 144 artists/vendors accompanied by live music. Oh joy! Unfortunately, by the time I arrived (3:00pm-ish), some vendors had retreated because of rain. Lucky for me, many had persevered through the storm, intent on selling their wares!

And, oh my, what crafty little wares they were! Here are a few of the artists who caught my interest.

When it came to hand crafted jewelry, there is no doubt that Amy Lucas McClure won my favoritism! Her Olaria Studio collection was amazing and Hilary bought 2 lovely necklaces from her. Amy resides in Boston but there was no mistaking that she was a southern gal. Her warm Alabama accent was so welcoming, I noticed I was beginning to slip into my old southern drawl! And her southern nature definitely shows in her work as well.

Sycamore Street Press by Eva Jorgensen won me over in the stationary department. Her note cards and gift tags have a simple look and a delicate touch of color.

Kerri Conrad is talented in many areas. Her business card boasts "mixed media artwork, prints, handmade crafts, reconstructed vintage apparel and accessories". I loved her reconstructed vintage aprons! Hilary made off with a cool very mixed media piece featuring an owl.

Then there is Deanna. She reunites people with their Missing Monsters (for a small fee of course!) Fill out a form describing your M.I.A. monster and Deanna will find it and ship it to you. Or you can adopt an abandoned monster through her as well (small adoption fee!).

I fell in love with the hat's and totes of Giant Dwarf Design made by Sue Eggen. My favorites were her "Garden Cloche Hats" and "Snappy Satchels".

And finally, my favorite illustrator, Bob Dix. Dix's work is captivating and strikingly imaginative with some dark twists here and there. I have loved his work since I first met him 4 years ago during the Philly Fringe Festival at what was then the Well Fed Artist Gallery. He introduced me to Artist Trading Cards and I am proud to say I have one or two cards made by him. I mentioned this to him at the Bazaar and he told me that although the WFA is no longer open, there is talk of another gallery that may host ATC trading sessions soon. Can we say "Yay?!" One can only hope!