Sorry about the lapse.
Going to Mobile, Alabama for my friends Amy and Richard's wedding on Friday.
I haven't seen the boyfriend in almost a month. I miss him.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Healthy Eating
I've been reading through some blogs online. Not necessarily health tip blogs but more the blogs of girls around my age living healthy lifestyles (certainly better than I've been recently).
Many of them have been training for or run marathons in the past and it's interesting to read about another person's experiences. The Boyfriend and I plan to run a half marathon in May 2011 and I've been hitting the gym a lot lately in the hopes of getting back into shape in order to begin training in January.
That said, Emily at The Front Burner, has won me over with all the different things she puts in her oatmeal! I kept reading about a chocolate oatmeal she made and even though I never looked up her recipe, I made my own this morning:
I simply added a tablespoon of Nutella to the Organic Oatmeal I cooked on the stove-top. Heaven. On. Earth.
Many of them have been training for or run marathons in the past and it's interesting to read about another person's experiences. The Boyfriend and I plan to run a half marathon in May 2011 and I've been hitting the gym a lot lately in the hopes of getting back into shape in order to begin training in January.
That said, Emily at The Front Burner, has won me over with all the different things she puts in her oatmeal! I kept reading about a chocolate oatmeal she made and even though I never looked up her recipe, I made my own this morning:
I simply added a tablespoon of Nutella to the Organic Oatmeal I cooked on the stove-top. Heaven. On. Earth.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Funemployment
is officially over!
I was hired today today to start training as a Case Manager for a Financial Services Firm.
I start in 3 weeks, which means I get to enjoy the next three weeks without too much pressure.
I am so relieved!
I was hired today today to start training as a Case Manager for a Financial Services Firm.
I start in 3 weeks, which means I get to enjoy the next three weeks without too much pressure.
I am so relieved!
belated picture of the week
I want to celebrate The Boyfriend's Birthday at this inn, not far from my house. How cute!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thoughts
I don't want to use this blog to spout off any kind of agenda. I have my belief and I respect everyone having their own.
That said, the story of Tyler Clementi makes me physically sick.
I'm unsure how anyone could not know the story of Tyler but here's a brief synopsis:
Tyler began his freshman year at Rutgers this year and was a young man struggling with whether or not he maybe he gay. One evening, he asked that his roommate not be in the room while Tyler had guest over. Said roommate went to a friends' room, remotely accessed his webcam and broadcasted what ensued in his room over the internet, using his Twitter account.
A few days after all this occurred, Tyler felt he had no other choice but to kill himself and jumped off the George Washington Bridge.
News reports have described Tyler as a kind individual and a talented musician.
I don't believe there was any reason for this to have happened, I don't believe Tyler had to die and I fully believe the roommate and his friend who did such an immature, hateful and ignorant thing should be prosecuted to the fullest extent they can be.
Tyler was a friend, a musician, a son, a human being. He should have been respected in life but I wholeheartedly hope his memory will be honored as it should be.
That said, the story of Tyler Clementi makes me physically sick.
I'm unsure how anyone could not know the story of Tyler but here's a brief synopsis:
Tyler began his freshman year at Rutgers this year and was a young man struggling with whether or not he maybe he gay. One evening, he asked that his roommate not be in the room while Tyler had guest over. Said roommate went to a friends' room, remotely accessed his webcam and broadcasted what ensued in his room over the internet, using his Twitter account.
A few days after all this occurred, Tyler felt he had no other choice but to kill himself and jumped off the George Washington Bridge.
News reports have described Tyler as a kind individual and a talented musician.
I don't believe there was any reason for this to have happened, I don't believe Tyler had to die and I fully believe the roommate and his friend who did such an immature, hateful and ignorant thing should be prosecuted to the fullest extent they can be.
Tyler was a friend, a musician, a son, a human being. He should have been respected in life but I wholeheartedly hope his memory will be honored as it should be.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Falling into...
I'm not sure what we're falling into here in Philadelphia. It's been warm and today was especially hot and humid, even after a serious amount of rainfall. [on a side note: how is it October 1st tomorrow??]
In honor of the season that doesn't seem to want to arrive, I'm going to list my favorite things about fall:
*Cool[er] Weather: har har har, seems like a distant memory at this point.
*Fires in the Fireplace: I guess I can't have one without the other. :(
*Sweater Weather and Riding Boots: one day soon, I can hope
*Trees Changing Colors: I think this is the thing I missed most when I lived in Charleston.
*Anything Pumpkin: Pie, Candles, Ice Cream, Beer, Jack O'Lanterns
What do you enjoy most about Fall?
In honor of the season that doesn't seem to want to arrive, I'm going to list my favorite things about fall:
*Cool[er] Weather: har har har, seems like a distant memory at this point.
*Fires in the Fireplace: I guess I can't have one without the other. :(
*Sweater Weather and Riding Boots: one day soon, I can hope
*Trees Changing Colors: I think this is the thing I missed most when I lived in Charleston.
*Anything Pumpkin: Pie, Candles, Ice Cream, Beer, Jack O'Lanterns
What do you enjoy most about Fall?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Good Luck Pam!
My sister is off to Madrid, Spain via Lisbon, Portugal starting tonight! Good luck Pam!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Le Holy Cow
Today, in celebration of my father's birthday, the family and I had lunch at Le Bec-Fin. I mentioned this in an earlier post, as well as the fact that they're closing in Spring 2011, so I was really grateful for the chance to go.
Boy, we were not disappointed. It was a limited menu due to Philadelphia Restaurant Week and among the four of us, I think we managed to try one of everything. I also don't think any of us never need to eat again.
I have some pictures I took, but I apologize in advance for the quality, as I used the camera on my iPhone.
First of all the restaurant is very nondescript from the outside. The sign on the restaurant is very elegant, but I think one could easily miss it. It's on Walnut Street and the particular block on which it is located, there are many clothing stores and not many that scream, "come this way for a fine dining experience."
The dining room is on the smaller side - if I had to guess, I'd say there are less than 25 tables upstairs (the bar in downstairs), but the room is very elegant. There are these beautiful chandeliers and the most color I saw was the flowers on eacfh table. But it really was spectacular.
For our appetizer course, I had a rich duck terrine, my mother had a velvety squash soup, and my father and sister went the most reasonable route with a salad of greens and Manchego cheese. Everything was delicious, but if I could do it all over again, I could have gotten the salad.
For our main entrees, I had Salmon Confit with Brussel Sprouts and Potato Puree (lord was this good! my only complain was the foam, which is one aspect of the culinary world I have yet to fully accept), my mother and sister had this amazing looking hamburgers, and my father had ravioli stuffed with a chicken mousse and a mushroom sauce.
And who can't just leave after a meal like that?! My family, apparently. So for desert, Pam and I had Creme Brulee, my mother had a chocolate cake for which the restaurant is known and dad had a Key Lime Torte.
All in all, it was one hell of a meal. And I'm very excited I finally had the chance to go. And I really want to take the Boyfriend before they close for good. I know he'd love it.
Where have you eaten recently?
Boy, we were not disappointed. It was a limited menu due to Philadelphia Restaurant Week and among the four of us, I think we managed to try one of everything. I also don't think any of us never need to eat again.
I have some pictures I took, but I apologize in advance for the quality, as I used the camera on my iPhone.
First of all the restaurant is very nondescript from the outside. The sign on the restaurant is very elegant, but I think one could easily miss it. It's on Walnut Street and the particular block on which it is located, there are many clothing stores and not many that scream, "come this way for a fine dining experience."
The dining room is on the smaller side - if I had to guess, I'd say there are less than 25 tables upstairs (the bar in downstairs), but the room is very elegant. There are these beautiful chandeliers and the most color I saw was the flowers on eacfh table. But it really was spectacular.
For our appetizer course, I had a rich duck terrine, my mother had a velvety squash soup, and my father and sister went the most reasonable route with a salad of greens and Manchego cheese. Everything was delicious, but if I could do it all over again, I could have gotten the salad.
For our main entrees, I had Salmon Confit with Brussel Sprouts and Potato Puree (lord was this good! my only complain was the foam, which is one aspect of the culinary world I have yet to fully accept), my mother and sister had this amazing looking hamburgers, and my father had ravioli stuffed with a chicken mousse and a mushroom sauce.
And who can't just leave after a meal like that?! My family, apparently. So for desert, Pam and I had Creme Brulee, my mother had a chocolate cake for which the restaurant is known and dad had a Key Lime Torte.
All in all, it was one hell of a meal. And I'm very excited I finally had the chance to go. And I really want to take the Boyfriend before they close for good. I know he'd love it.
Where have you eaten recently?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It's a great night
...when the highlight is buying your 2011 planner. I got this beauty last night:
I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited. :D
I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited. :D
Friday, September 17, 2010
this week
...is going to be filled with so much activity, I can hardly stand it!
Sunday I am going to my first yoga class at Shine Yoga, not far from my parents house, as well as to a wedding on the beach in New Jersey (no fist pumping for me, sorry).
Tuesday I have a job "interview" at a temp agency in Philadelphia. Will be nice to get into the city, even if it is only for a few hours.
Thursday, the family and I are celebrating Dad's birthday in style at Le Bec Fin. I cannot begin to explain just how excited I am about this meal. Prior to finding out where we were celebrating, I would have sworn that the restaurant had closed. The plan is for it to close in Spring 2011, so I am very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy some good food before then!
Friday, Dad, Pam, The Boyfriend, and I are taking in the Phils/Mets game. I'm very excited, as I won't have seen The Boyfriend in almost 2 weeks when I finally get to see him on Friday.
I can't complain about not seeing him every 2 weeks, because when I was still in Charleston, we saw each other once a month. I guess I just feel like I've grown so close to him over the past few months, that even 2 weeks seems like a long time.
What plans do you have in the near future?
P.S. Can I tell you HOW excited I was when Kevin Sbraga won Top Chef: DC on Wednesday Night. Philly.com is reporting he wants to open a high end restaurant in Philadelphia and I cannot wait to see what he does!
Sunday I am going to my first yoga class at Shine Yoga, not far from my parents house, as well as to a wedding on the beach in New Jersey (no fist pumping for me, sorry).
Tuesday I have a job "interview" at a temp agency in Philadelphia. Will be nice to get into the city, even if it is only for a few hours.
Thursday, the family and I are celebrating Dad's birthday in style at Le Bec Fin. I cannot begin to explain just how excited I am about this meal. Prior to finding out where we were celebrating, I would have sworn that the restaurant had closed. The plan is for it to close in Spring 2011, so I am very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy some good food before then!
Friday, Dad, Pam, The Boyfriend, and I are taking in the Phils/Mets game. I'm very excited, as I won't have seen The Boyfriend in almost 2 weeks when I finally get to see him on Friday.
I can't complain about not seeing him every 2 weeks, because when I was still in Charleston, we saw each other once a month. I guess I just feel like I've grown so close to him over the past few months, that even 2 weeks seems like a long time.
What plans do you have in the near future?
P.S. Can I tell you HOW excited I was when Kevin Sbraga won Top Chef: DC on Wednesday Night. Philly.com is reporting he wants to open a high end restaurant in Philadelphia and I cannot wait to see what he does!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Top Chef Marathon
Today is the finale of the Top Chef: DC. There's a marathon of the season on Bravo today and this is how I'm choosing to spend my day, applying for jobs and watching Top Chef.
Trying to find a job has been tough; mainly because I have no. Clue. What. I. Want. To. Do.
I like working with people, but I don't want to sit at a desk again.
I like food, but I'm not interested in serving or hostessing at a restaurant.
My background is in German.
Boy, am I in for a hell of a ride.
Trying to find a job has been tough; mainly because I have no. Clue. What. I. Want. To. Do.
I like working with people, but I don't want to sit at a desk again.
I like food, but I'm not interested in serving or hostessing at a restaurant.
My background is in German.
Boy, am I in for a hell of a ride.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturdays in September
The Boyfriend and I spent the day along the Delaware River, in New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ. Reminded me what I enjoy here in PA and made me realized how ready I am for fall!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Eat Pray Not-So-Much
I'm probably one of very few people who did not enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert's Memoir, Eat Pray Love. Well, maybe not all of it. I liked the "Eat" and "Love" parts just fine, but the spiritual "Pray" part drove me crazy. On top of that, as someone who has gone through a painful breakup, I found it Liz spending a year finding herself in 3 different countries very pretentious.
Regardless, books I'm looking forward to reading include: My Life in France by Julia Child, Tim Gunn's Golden Rules by...Tim Gunn, and Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain.
What are ya'll reading this fall?
kOb
Regardless, books I'm looking forward to reading include: My Life in France by Julia Child, Tim Gunn's Golden Rules by...Tim Gunn, and Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain.
What are ya'll reading this fall?
kOb
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Cape!
I started off really strong with this blog, but vacation and real life seemed to have gotten in the way. Now that I'm back and attempting to be a productive member of society again (read: find a job!), I'm trying to be better at this as well!
The Boyfriend and I had a wonderful time on Cape Cod. He picked me up Sunday, 8/29, bagels in tow, ready to meet my parents. It went as well as could be expected: no one said anything stupid, my parents didn't bite (as I promised him they wouldn't) and off we went. It was a 7 hour ride to Chatham, where we stayed at the Chatham Bars Inn, pictured below.
The Inn was wonderful! I've compared it to hotel featured on Dirty Dancing, only on the water and this was certainly true in many aspects. They has many activities planned every day and there was always a flurry of excitement in the lobby, near the pool, on the tennis courts, or on the private beach. I certainly could not have asked for a better place to stay.
We arrived Sunday night and set out to explore Chatham. It's a great little town with a main drag that's a little shorter than a mile long, with many stores (hello Vineyard Vines!), beautiful homes, and restaurants. We stopped at the Chatham Squire, a local dive, that had such good food! We split oysters and lobster ravioli, because everyone knows when you split food, the calories don't count at all! ;)
After a good nights sleep in our big, comfy, feels-like-we're-sleeping-on-clouds bed, we continued to explore on Monday. We walked down to the lighthouse and the public beach, where we watched seals sun themselves on an island less than half a mile from the beach and collected seashells. The water on the cape was so clear! I've never stood on the East Coast and been able to see what was in the water!
Tuesday we went Whale Watching off the coast of Provincetown. This was absolutely stunning. It was an hour boat ride off the city, an hour watching at least 12 whales do their thing and another hour ride back. Provincetown is a liberal, artsy, and open town, with the most incredible spot to get lobster rolls!
Wednesday, our last full day on the Cape, we did absolutely. nothing. at it was perfect. We spent most of the day by the pool. It was perfect. We finished the night with dinner at the hotel, which was delicious.
All in all, it was a) the best vacation I've been on in a while, b) the best place the Boyfriend and I could have chosen for our first vacation together, and c) just an all around beautiful place to visit. I can't wait to go back!
Now, can I have a job, please?
The Boyfriend and I had a wonderful time on Cape Cod. He picked me up Sunday, 8/29, bagels in tow, ready to meet my parents. It went as well as could be expected: no one said anything stupid, my parents didn't bite (as I promised him they wouldn't) and off we went. It was a 7 hour ride to Chatham, where we stayed at the Chatham Bars Inn, pictured below.
The Inn was wonderful! I've compared it to hotel featured on Dirty Dancing, only on the water and this was certainly true in many aspects. They has many activities planned every day and there was always a flurry of excitement in the lobby, near the pool, on the tennis courts, or on the private beach. I certainly could not have asked for a better place to stay.
We arrived Sunday night and set out to explore Chatham. It's a great little town with a main drag that's a little shorter than a mile long, with many stores (hello Vineyard Vines!), beautiful homes, and restaurants. We stopped at the Chatham Squire, a local dive, that had such good food! We split oysters and lobster ravioli, because everyone knows when you split food, the calories don't count at all! ;)
After a good nights sleep in our big, comfy, feels-like-we're-sleeping-on-clouds bed, we continued to explore on Monday. We walked down to the lighthouse and the public beach, where we watched seals sun themselves on an island less than half a mile from the beach and collected seashells. The water on the cape was so clear! I've never stood on the East Coast and been able to see what was in the water!
Tuesday we went Whale Watching off the coast of Provincetown. This was absolutely stunning. It was an hour boat ride off the city, an hour watching at least 12 whales do their thing and another hour ride back. Provincetown is a liberal, artsy, and open town, with the most incredible spot to get lobster rolls!
Wednesday, our last full day on the Cape, we did absolutely. nothing. at it was perfect. We spent most of the day by the pool. It was perfect. We finished the night with dinner at the hotel, which was delicious.
All in all, it was a) the best vacation I've been on in a while, b) the best place the Boyfriend and I could have chosen for our first vacation together, and c) just an all around beautiful place to visit. I can't wait to go back!
Now, can I have a job, please?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Home, Again
The Boyfriend and I made it back from the Cape safely, but I'm exhausted. Will post more soon.
But please pray for my friend Lauren's daughter, Willa. She had surgery on Monday and so far, I haven't heard more than that.
But please pray for my friend Lauren's daughter, Willa. She had surgery on Monday and so far, I haven't heard more than that.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Happy Sunday / Picture of the Week
My friends Ashley, Sarah and I refer to ourselves as a "3-pack," because Ashley is a blond, Sarah is a redhead and I'm a brunette.
This is the 3 pack on New Years Eve 2009-2010.
And here we are, immortalized on the wall of the bathroom at Big John's Tavern (Charleston's Oldest Dive Since 1955!).
I'm taking a blogging hiatus for the next few days. The Boyfriend and I are set to leave for Cape Cod (!) in a few hours.
This is the 3 pack on New Years Eve 2009-2010.
And here we are, immortalized on the wall of the bathroom at Big John's Tavern (Charleston's Oldest Dive Since 1955!).
I'm taking a blogging hiatus for the next few days. The Boyfriend and I are set to leave for Cape Cod (!) in a few hours.
Last Night in Charleston
Greetings from Pennsylvania! Dad and I got a late start yesterday so we didn't arrive back here until after 11:00, but we made it.
Thursday was my last full day in Charleston and boy, did Dad and I live it up! We spent most of the day packing the car in the worst heat of the week (of course) and then took in some final sites before we started a restaurant crawl I'd had in the works for a while.
We started the night at my favorite wine bar, Bin 152. This place is 1/4 wine bar, 1/4 cheese and charcuterie shop, 1/4 art gallery and 1/4 antique store. The owners, Franny and Patrick, are so delightful. We each had a glass of wine and some Giddy Goat Pimento Cheese. It was a wonderful way to start off.
From there, we moved on to Hank's Seafood, which is what I consider the best seafood restaurant in town. It's an old warehouse so it can be loud, but I like the atmosphere alot. The Chef, Frank McMahon, has some wonderful dishes on their menu including the Low Country Bouillabaisse (a personal fav!), grilled Swordfish, seafood Platters that can be grilled or friends, and these Seafood Towers, that always look incredible. This is my favorite picture of Chef McMahon, with Frank Lee from Maverick Southern Kitchens, from the 2009 Charleston Wine and Food Festival (and, for the record, Dad and I had a dozen Gulf Coast Oysters which were also spectacular!).
From there, we moved onto to the Peninsula Grill at the Planter's Inn Hotel. I'd been here once before with the Boyfriend and was really impressed by their lamb, goat cheese smashed potatoes, the Lobster "3-way" appetizer, which Dad and I split, and, of course, their Coconut Cake. We even brought a piece home to share with Mom and Pam!
Our final stop of the night was at my favorite restaurant in town, FIG. FIG stands for "Food Is Good," and damn, is it ever when you're there. The Chef, Mike Lata, even won the 2009 Best Chef Southeast James Beard Award. I had my 26th birthday here and the Boyfriend and I were here in April and I wasn't disappointed either time. While it's hard to pick menu regulars to recommend (because Chef Lata changed the menu every day), I do suggest trying the Gnocchi and Tomato Tar-Tatin appetizers and the Triggerfish entree when they are available. The Boyfriend and I decided that the gnocchi was one of the best things we've ever eaten together so Dad and I had that and their Sticky Sorghum Cake with Walnut Ice Cream. Heaven. Dad even said of all the places I took him, he most wanted to come back there! Picture below is from my birthday, when I was lucky enough to meet Chef Lata!
All in all, it was a lovely evening and the best way we could have spent my last night in town!
Thursday was my last full day in Charleston and boy, did Dad and I live it up! We spent most of the day packing the car in the worst heat of the week (of course) and then took in some final sites before we started a restaurant crawl I'd had in the works for a while.
We started the night at my favorite wine bar, Bin 152. This place is 1/4 wine bar, 1/4 cheese and charcuterie shop, 1/4 art gallery and 1/4 antique store. The owners, Franny and Patrick, are so delightful. We each had a glass of wine and some Giddy Goat Pimento Cheese. It was a wonderful way to start off.
From there, we moved on to Hank's Seafood, which is what I consider the best seafood restaurant in town. It's an old warehouse so it can be loud, but I like the atmosphere alot. The Chef, Frank McMahon, has some wonderful dishes on their menu including the Low Country Bouillabaisse (a personal fav!), grilled Swordfish, seafood Platters that can be grilled or friends, and these Seafood Towers, that always look incredible. This is my favorite picture of Chef McMahon, with Frank Lee from Maverick Southern Kitchens, from the 2009 Charleston Wine and Food Festival (and, for the record, Dad and I had a dozen Gulf Coast Oysters which were also spectacular!).
From there, we moved onto to the Peninsula Grill at the Planter's Inn Hotel. I'd been here once before with the Boyfriend and was really impressed by their lamb, goat cheese smashed potatoes, the Lobster "3-way" appetizer, which Dad and I split, and, of course, their Coconut Cake. We even brought a piece home to share with Mom and Pam!
Our final stop of the night was at my favorite restaurant in town, FIG. FIG stands for "Food Is Good," and damn, is it ever when you're there. The Chef, Mike Lata, even won the 2009 Best Chef Southeast James Beard Award. I had my 26th birthday here and the Boyfriend and I were here in April and I wasn't disappointed either time. While it's hard to pick menu regulars to recommend (because Chef Lata changed the menu every day), I do suggest trying the Gnocchi and Tomato Tar-Tatin appetizers and the Triggerfish entree when they are available. The Boyfriend and I decided that the gnocchi was one of the best things we've ever eaten together so Dad and I had that and their Sticky Sorghum Cake with Walnut Ice Cream. Heaven. Dad even said of all the places I took him, he most wanted to come back there! Picture below is from my birthday, when I was lucky enough to meet Chef Lata!
All in all, it was a lovely evening and the best way we could have spent my last night in town!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Doh!
I got this great jersey dress from Anne Taylor in May. I was wearing it on my bike last month and it got caught in my wheel, tearing a hole in the back. I took it to my tailor to have it hemmed and finally got around to picking it up yesterday.
It is now one. Short. Dress. Lord, I am a class act!
T - 5 hours and 38 minutes until work in Charleston is over!
It is now one. Short. Dress. Lord, I am a class act!
T - 5 hours and 38 minutes until work in Charleston is over!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Random Thoughts
With only two and a half shifts of work left in Charleston, I'm running on really close to empty. Forgive me if this post seems a bit...scattered.
Took my father to Allouette's Cafe today for lunch. Allouette is the owner and chef at this "Holistic Soul Cafe" and man, does this woman know how to cook. The Boyfriend once compared the eating experience there to "sitting around a friend's living room while they make lunch," and after today, I couldn't agree more. Her shrimp salad sandwiches with coleslaw and sweet tea were to die for. I'm still full!
Did anyone else catch the Season Finale of the Real Housewives of New Jersey last night? Danielle is a lunatic, Ashley needs to have her mouth washed out with soap or be cut off completely, Caroline is an episode hero for what she attempted to do, and it is time to move on (though, I not-so-secretly can't wait for the reunion). And on a more personal note, a New Jersey accent is a hard thing to love. Truth be told, I love the Boyfriend's NJ accent but I get a headache if I watch these ladies too long.
Speaking of The Boyfriend, we are going on vacation! In less than a week! To Cape Cod! Neither of us have ever been and we've been looking forward to this since Memorial Day.For the past two weeks, the weather has been in the mid-70's during the day and mid-60's during the night consistently and neither of us have had a real vacation in a while. I. Can't. Wait.
kOb
Took my father to Allouette's Cafe today for lunch. Allouette is the owner and chef at this "Holistic Soul Cafe" and man, does this woman know how to cook. The Boyfriend once compared the eating experience there to "sitting around a friend's living room while they make lunch," and after today, I couldn't agree more. Her shrimp salad sandwiches with coleslaw and sweet tea were to die for. I'm still full!
Did anyone else catch the Season Finale of the Real Housewives of New Jersey last night? Danielle is a lunatic, Ashley needs to have her mouth washed out with soap or be cut off completely, Caroline is an episode hero for what she attempted to do, and it is time to move on (though, I not-so-secretly can't wait for the reunion). And on a more personal note, a New Jersey accent is a hard thing to love. Truth be told, I love the Boyfriend's NJ accent but I get a headache if I watch these ladies too long.
Speaking of The Boyfriend, we are going on vacation! In less than a week! To Cape Cod! Neither of us have ever been and we've been looking forward to this since Memorial Day.For the past two weeks, the weather has been in the mid-70's during the day and mid-60's during the night consistently and neither of us have had a real vacation in a while. I. Can't. Wait.
kOb
Monday, August 23, 2010
kate vs. the squirrel vs. the landlords that won't be missed
It's always something, even the last week in town.
As I mentioned yesterday, I worked the audit shift last night/this morning. This left a fair amount of time Sunday afternoon to run some errands (and not sleep, grr). I came back to my apartment, walked through my gate and stood in my courtyard fumbling for my keys.
Something didn't feel right.
I glanced to my right and saw him. The squirrel. The poor guy must have fallen off of one of the tree branches that hang over my courtyard and just kind of...face-planted. I let myself in and called my dad, who simply suggested I call my landlord. Since, it was Sunday, I decided I'd give them a pass and would wait until today to call. I said a quick prayer for Mr. Squirrel and ventured back out to finish more errands.
On my way out, I saw one of the landlords was putting the trash on the curb and I figured I could save myself the hassle of the phone call the next day. The following conversation ensued:
Me: Hi, I live in Apartment C and there's a squirrel that fell from a tree into my courtyard. I'm really unsure of what to do.
Landlord: You should just throw him away.
Me: *Blank stare with some shock thrown in*
Landlord: You know, the same way you'd pick up a piece of dog poop. Cover your hands in a plastic bag, pick him up and throw him in the trash.
Me (and I'll willingly admit, this was one heck of an effort for me not to pick up the poor guy or at the very least, a last ditch attempt to emphasize how uncomfortable I was): I don't think ladies should pick up dead animals.
Landlord: Well, sometimes as adults, we have to do things we just don't want to do.
And that was that. I think I left a little more distraught than I was before.
Would someone like to tell me what the point of a landlord is if that's the type of reaction I received?
At work this morning, a co-worker suggested I call animal control. Doh. The thought simply never crossed my mind. I called at noon and Mr. Squirrel (RIP) was taken away to be disposed of properly by 12:45. I'd like to ad that even the Animal Control Guy thought the situation was gross and informed other tenants and myself that poor Mr. Squirrel had to be removed in 3 pieces.
As an adult, my 20 year old sister, Pam, had this to say in response to my landlord:
"And sometimes, as squirrels, we end up in places and situations we don't want."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
kOb
As I mentioned yesterday, I worked the audit shift last night/this morning. This left a fair amount of time Sunday afternoon to run some errands (and not sleep, grr). I came back to my apartment, walked through my gate and stood in my courtyard fumbling for my keys.
Something didn't feel right.
I glanced to my right and saw him. The squirrel. The poor guy must have fallen off of one of the tree branches that hang over my courtyard and just kind of...face-planted. I let myself in and called my dad, who simply suggested I call my landlord. Since, it was Sunday, I decided I'd give them a pass and would wait until today to call. I said a quick prayer for Mr. Squirrel and ventured back out to finish more errands.
On my way out, I saw one of the landlords was putting the trash on the curb and I figured I could save myself the hassle of the phone call the next day. The following conversation ensued:
Me: Hi, I live in Apartment C and there's a squirrel that fell from a tree into my courtyard. I'm really unsure of what to do.
Landlord: You should just throw him away.
Me: *Blank stare with some shock thrown in*
Landlord: You know, the same way you'd pick up a piece of dog poop. Cover your hands in a plastic bag, pick him up and throw him in the trash.
Me (and I'll willingly admit, this was one heck of an effort for me not to pick up the poor guy or at the very least, a last ditch attempt to emphasize how uncomfortable I was): I don't think ladies should pick up dead animals.
Landlord: Well, sometimes as adults, we have to do things we just don't want to do.
And that was that. I think I left a little more distraught than I was before.
Would someone like to tell me what the point of a landlord is if that's the type of reaction I received?
At work this morning, a co-worker suggested I call animal control. Doh. The thought simply never crossed my mind. I called at noon and Mr. Squirrel (RIP) was taken away to be disposed of properly by 12:45. I'd like to ad that even the Animal Control Guy thought the situation was gross and informed other tenants and myself that poor Mr. Squirrel had to be removed in 3 pieces.
As an adult, my 20 year old sister, Pam, had this to say in response to my landlord:
"And sometimes, as squirrels, we end up in places and situations we don't want."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
kOb
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Happy Sunday / Picture of the Week
I'm working the audit shift tonight (11:00 pm to 7:00 am), so I should be asleep, but alas, my body simply doesn't feel like napping. Cest la vie, I guess.
I spent my junior year studying abroad in the wonderful city pictured below. It truly is one of the most special places to me.
kOb
Recently, as I've been preparing to give up all personal freedoms and move back in with my parents return to Philadelphia, it dawned on me that six years ago this month, I left Charleston to travel somewhere completely new: Tuebingen, Germany.
I spent my junior year studying abroad in the wonderful city pictured below. It truly is one of the most special places to me.
kOb
Saturday, August 21, 2010
John Rutledge and His House
I've mentioned it before, but I am finishing up work as a concierge at The John Rutledge House Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. I have adored working here and want to tell everyone why.
About John:
John Rutledge was a lawyer, the first Governor of South Carolina, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, a signer of the US Constitution, a Justice on the Supreme Court and the 2nd Chief Justice overall.
I am very fond of the story of the special relationship John and his wife had, considering the time they lived. The colonial times were a period when most marriages were arranged and John's mother was absolutely beside herself that John refused to agree to one because he was in love with Elizabeth Grimke. They were married in 1763 and had 10 children, 9 of whom grew to be adults. This was also unheard of for the time period!
Elizabeth's death in 1792 affected John very deeply. Due to rumors of mental illness and alcoholism following her death, he attempted suicide in 1795 and died at the age of 60 in 1800. He is buried right down the street from The John Rutledge House Inn, in the cemetery at St. Micheal's Episcopalian Church.
About his house:
The House was built in 1763. That's right. 1763. That's thirteen years before the Declaration of Independence was adopted and 24 years before the US Constitution was ratified.
John Rutledge was 24 years old, newly married and needed a present for his 19 year old wife, Elizabeth Grimke (For all you John Rutledge's out there: you're about 7 years too late and I don't even need you to build me a house, there are plenty for sale!). When the home opened at Christmas time, it was the place to be and be seen. The Rutledge's used the house as their city residence until the late 1700's and Elizabeth was even lucky enough to host George Washington for tea during his tour of the South in 1791. It is even believed that John Rutledge wrote part of the US Constitution in the ballroom in the house.
After the John and Elizabeth both died, the home went on numerous others including Bishop John England, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, Charleston Mayor R. G. Rhett, and was also the original location for the prominent Gaud School for Boys.
In the 1970's and 80's the home was a law office and when they law firm left in 1983, the house stood vacant 5 years until it was bought and turned into a bed and breakfast.
The home survived a cannon during the Civil War, the Charleston specialty She-Crab Soup was invented here in the 1920's and it was barely damaged by Hurricane Hugo, the Category 4 storm that devastated much of Charleston and the surrounding Low Country in 1989.
About the Inn:
The House has been a fully functioning bed and breakfast for 21 years. There are 19 rooms total with 11 in the Main House and 8 rooms split between the Cooper and Ashley Carriage Houses out back. Nine of the rooms in the Main house are considered “Deluxe” or “Suites” and this means they are more authentic to the time period when the house was build. They have canopied beds, hardwood parquet floors, working fire places with Italian marble mantle pieces, and 14 foot ceilings. The picture below is Elizabeth Grimke's room and my favorite. :)
My absolute favorite part of the whole property is the balcony off the ballroom on the 2nd floor. It's open all day and all night, has a beautiful view and there's almost always some breeze. (It also happens to be where I had one of my favorite moments with my boyfriend: the weekend we met, he came by here to say goodbye and we spent about 15 minutes out on the balcony. I was so nervous and then really disappointed because he didn't kiss me! Over the past 6 months, he's expressed regret for not kissing me so on the last night of his last trip to visit me in Charleston, I took him up to there and told him he could cross it off his lists of regrets. It very easily could be my favorite memory of the two of us in Charleston!).
Included with each stay is breakfast each morning, an informal tea service each afternoon, complimentary port, sherry and brandy in the ballroom, and turn-down each evening. The only additional charges are parking, which is 12$ a night (city living, what can you do?).
The John Rutledge House Inn has won many awards including the AAA Four Diamond Award and is a member of the Select Registry. The Inn is managed by Charming Inns of Charleston, a hotel group which owns 3 other properties, the Fulton Lane Inn, the Kings Courtyard Inn, and the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Wentworth Mansion, and a restaurant, Circa 1886 (but more on that some other time!).
If you ever get to Charleston, I wholeheartedly believe The John Rutledge House Inn would provide you with a unique experience you will never forget!
kOb
*This is a shameless plug done solely on my own. At no point was I asked to write this for Charming Inns.
About John:
John Rutledge was a lawyer, the first Governor of South Carolina, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, a signer of the US Constitution, a Justice on the Supreme Court and the 2nd Chief Justice overall. I am very fond of the story of the special relationship John and his wife had, considering the time they lived. The colonial times were a period when most marriages were arranged and John's mother was absolutely beside herself that John refused to agree to one because he was in love with Elizabeth Grimke. They were married in 1763 and had 10 children, 9 of whom grew to be adults. This was also unheard of for the time period!
Elizabeth's death in 1792 affected John very deeply. Due to rumors of mental illness and alcoholism following her death, he attempted suicide in 1795 and died at the age of 60 in 1800. He is buried right down the street from The John Rutledge House Inn, in the cemetery at St. Micheal's Episcopalian Church.
About his house:
The House was built in 1763. That's right. 1763. That's thirteen years before the Declaration of Independence was adopted and 24 years before the US Constitution was ratified.
John Rutledge was 24 years old, newly married and needed a present for his 19 year old wife, Elizabeth Grimke (For all you John Rutledge's out there: you're about 7 years too late and I don't even need you to build me a house, there are plenty for sale!). When the home opened at Christmas time, it was the place to be and be seen. The Rutledge's used the house as their city residence until the late 1700's and Elizabeth was even lucky enough to host George Washington for tea during his tour of the South in 1791. It is even believed that John Rutledge wrote part of the US Constitution in the ballroom in the house.
After the John and Elizabeth both died, the home went on numerous others including Bishop John England, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, Charleston Mayor R. G. Rhett, and was also the original location for the prominent Gaud School for Boys.
In the 1970's and 80's the home was a law office and when they law firm left in 1983, the house stood vacant 5 years until it was bought and turned into a bed and breakfast.
The home survived a cannon during the Civil War, the Charleston specialty She-Crab Soup was invented here in the 1920's and it was barely damaged by Hurricane Hugo, the Category 4 storm that devastated much of Charleston and the surrounding Low Country in 1989.
About the Inn:
The House has been a fully functioning bed and breakfast for 21 years. There are 19 rooms total with 11 in the Main House and 8 rooms split between the Cooper and Ashley Carriage Houses out back. Nine of the rooms in the Main house are considered “Deluxe” or “Suites” and this means they are more authentic to the time period when the house was build. They have canopied beds, hardwood parquet floors, working fire places with Italian marble mantle pieces, and 14 foot ceilings. The picture below is Elizabeth Grimke's room and my favorite. :)
My absolute favorite part of the whole property is the balcony off the ballroom on the 2nd floor. It's open all day and all night, has a beautiful view and there's almost always some breeze. (It also happens to be where I had one of my favorite moments with my boyfriend: the weekend we met, he came by here to say goodbye and we spent about 15 minutes out on the balcony. I was so nervous and then really disappointed because he didn't kiss me! Over the past 6 months, he's expressed regret for not kissing me so on the last night of his last trip to visit me in Charleston, I took him up to there and told him he could cross it off his lists of regrets. It very easily could be my favorite memory of the two of us in Charleston!).
Included with each stay is breakfast each morning, an informal tea service each afternoon, complimentary port, sherry and brandy in the ballroom, and turn-down each evening. The only additional charges are parking, which is 12$ a night (city living, what can you do?).
The John Rutledge House Inn has won many awards including the AAA Four Diamond Award and is a member of the Select Registry. The Inn is managed by Charming Inns of Charleston, a hotel group which owns 3 other properties, the Fulton Lane Inn, the Kings Courtyard Inn, and the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Wentworth Mansion, and a restaurant, Circa 1886 (but more on that some other time!).
If you ever get to Charleston, I wholeheartedly believe The John Rutledge House Inn would provide you with a unique experience you will never forget!
kOb
*This is a shameless plug done solely on my own. At no point was I asked to write this for Charming Inns.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Things I'll miss about Charleston
As excited as I am about heading back up north, there are many things about Charleston that I simply will miss more than words describe.
The Basics - Obviously, I will miss the warm weather (though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to the first cold snap this year), palm trees, flip flops, fresh seafood, grits, monograms, porch parties, sweat tea [vodka], riding my bike everywhere, and wearing sundresses, just because I want.
Friends - I moved back to Charleston after living in Germany because I still had a group of friends in town from my days at the College of Charleston. While my social circle certainly has changed over the past [almost] 2 years, it's safe to say I will miss Charity, Galina, Sarah, Ashley, Elizabeth, Matt, Damien, Jeff, and everyone else who has meant so much to me during my time in town. They have shared my tears and my happiness, my frustration and my excitement and, most importantly, they have been nothing but supportive throughout the past few months, when I considered and then finally decided to return home. They all mean the world to me.
The History - When I was in college, there were far more important things to be worried about than the history of this wonderful city. When I moved back, I got a job as a concierge the John Rutledge House Inn. This, itself, has been quite the historical experience, but everything I have learned about the different homes, gardens, museums, forts, beaches, and even the restaurants. I am now even fonder of everything Charleston, Confederate (or Revolutionary, for that matter) and Rutledge.
Restaurants - Can't talk about Charleston without talking about food. I'm a foodie now and I certainly wasn't when I moved here in 2002. I didn't even eat seafood! Now, I've eaten at restaurants with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs, tried things that may have once seemed outrageous like antelope and squab, and shared some magical evenings at these different places with some amazing people. In the future, I plan to post my favorite restaurants with menu suggestions! ;-)
My Work - One of the main reasons I'm moving home is because I've spent most of my time working. I easily have worked 65 to 70 hours a week over the past year, and, as you may assume, it can be exhausting. Working in the hospitality industry has had its ups and its downs for me, but between the people I work with and the people I have met doing what I do, I have truly enjoyed [almost] every minute of it. I can only hope that I'm lucky enough to find a job, with coworkers, I will enjoy as much as I've enjoyed the ones in Charleston.
kOb
The Basics - Obviously, I will miss the warm weather (though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to the first cold snap this year), palm trees, flip flops, fresh seafood, grits, monograms, porch parties, sweat tea [vodka], riding my bike everywhere, and wearing sundresses, just because I want.
Friends - I moved back to Charleston after living in Germany because I still had a group of friends in town from my days at the College of Charleston. While my social circle certainly has changed over the past [almost] 2 years, it's safe to say I will miss Charity, Galina, Sarah, Ashley, Elizabeth, Matt, Damien, Jeff, and everyone else who has meant so much to me during my time in town. They have shared my tears and my happiness, my frustration and my excitement and, most importantly, they have been nothing but supportive throughout the past few months, when I considered and then finally decided to return home. They all mean the world to me.
The History - When I was in college, there were far more important things to be worried about than the history of this wonderful city. When I moved back, I got a job as a concierge the John Rutledge House Inn. This, itself, has been quite the historical experience, but everything I have learned about the different homes, gardens, museums, forts, beaches, and even the restaurants. I am now even fonder of everything Charleston, Confederate (or Revolutionary, for that matter) and Rutledge.
Restaurants - Can't talk about Charleston without talking about food. I'm a foodie now and I certainly wasn't when I moved here in 2002. I didn't even eat seafood! Now, I've eaten at restaurants with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs, tried things that may have once seemed outrageous like antelope and squab, and shared some magical evenings at these different places with some amazing people. In the future, I plan to post my favorite restaurants with menu suggestions! ;-)
My Work - One of the main reasons I'm moving home is because I've spent most of my time working. I easily have worked 65 to 70 hours a week over the past year, and, as you may assume, it can be exhausting. Working in the hospitality industry has had its ups and its downs for me, but between the people I work with and the people I have met doing what I do, I have truly enjoyed [almost] every minute of it. I can only hope that I'm lucky enough to find a job, with coworkers, I will enjoy as much as I've enjoyed the ones in Charleston.
kOb
Monday, August 16, 2010
Starting Over
As I write this, I'm sitting at work. I've spent the last 18 months working as a concierge at a bed and breakfast in Charleston, South Carolina. It's been an amazing experience, but about 3 months ago, I made the decision to return to Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
I've spent 5 of the last 8 years in Charleston. I came here to go to college in 2002 and have spent my time learning to love bright colors, use the word ya'll, and enjoy Southern specialties like grits.
Alas, it's time to move on. I miss my family, my boyfriend, the crispness that fills the air when the seasons change, and Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
I've started this blog to track my transition, I hope ya'll enjoy.
kOb
I've spent 5 of the last 8 years in Charleston. I came here to go to college in 2002 and have spent my time learning to love bright colors, use the word ya'll, and enjoy Southern specialties like grits.
Alas, it's time to move on. I miss my family, my boyfriend, the crispness that fills the air when the seasons change, and Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
I've started this blog to track my transition, I hope ya'll enjoy.
kOb
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