I've decided this is the Filipino equivalent to Guantanamo.
ps: my favorite is the Thriller drill.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Royal Ballet
Mark, Kristina and I attended Romeo & Juliet performed by the Royal Ballet and after the performance it made me realize how much I missed and enjoyed it. My favorite scene was at the end because of the choreography and phenomenal performance by the principles. Romeo, after finding Juliet in the crypt, tries to arise her by dancing with her like he had once done during the balcony scene. I know my description will not do it justice, but just imagine this arrangement with Romeo picking up her unconscious body and gently trying to lift her above his head and she holding that position for just a moment and then slumping to one side with arms dangling. Honestly, I think that the female principle had a harder job in that she had to convince the audience that she was virtually lifeless, yet graceful. Her beautiful performance mixed with his expression of hopelessness and loss just tore at you.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Ugly American
Today I tried out this new lunch shop that I always pass on my way to school. The lady behind the counter showed extreme patience with me when I couldn't make up my mind (I was having one of those days), and seeing my backpack, she said "You a Hahnemann student? I give you 10% discount" and immediately took it off my bill. Nice doesn't cover it.
As I am waiting, a group of four men come in and sit at the stools along the counter. They were each dressed in slacks and a button-up and looked like professional computer geeks. Well, all but one. He screamed faux-yuppie, with shallow pockets and a shallow personality. On his tombstone it will read Plain Rotten. Loud, aggressive, interruptive, defensive, and RUDE are a few words that come to mind. Prime example: The nice lady is serving them their meals and without hesitation he says, "Where's my drink? I thought my meal came with a drink." She informed him that the drinks were self-serve, and pointed out that they were located at the end of the counter. He responds "Well, go down there and get it," to which she explains again that at this establishment you get your own drink. By this time he has moaned for so long that one of his co-workers got up, got his drink (his own drink, not the ugly guy's drink), sat back down, and was half way through with his onion rings.
You could feel the tension in the air and it escalated to the point where it was physically uncomfortable. The lady has a noticeable accent, and the jerk yells out in a mocking way "NO TIP! NO TIP FOR YOU!" He said it so ugly, and with such a belittling tone that I completely lost my appetite. She quickly says "this is a no tip place" and I was really hoping that she'd add "so get the hell out."
end of story: When I left he was still sitting there without his drink.
As I am waiting, a group of four men come in and sit at the stools along the counter. They were each dressed in slacks and a button-up and looked like professional computer geeks. Well, all but one. He screamed faux-yuppie, with shallow pockets and a shallow personality. On his tombstone it will read Plain Rotten. Loud, aggressive, interruptive, defensive, and RUDE are a few words that come to mind. Prime example: The nice lady is serving them their meals and without hesitation he says, "Where's my drink? I thought my meal came with a drink." She informed him that the drinks were self-serve, and pointed out that they were located at the end of the counter. He responds "Well, go down there and get it," to which she explains again that at this establishment you get your own drink. By this time he has moaned for so long that one of his co-workers got up, got his drink (his own drink, not the ugly guy's drink), sat back down, and was half way through with his onion rings.
You could feel the tension in the air and it escalated to the point where it was physically uncomfortable. The lady has a noticeable accent, and the jerk yells out in a mocking way "NO TIP! NO TIP FOR YOU!" He said it so ugly, and with such a belittling tone that I completely lost my appetite. She quickly says "this is a no tip place" and I was really hoping that she'd add "so get the hell out."
end of story: When I left he was still sitting there without his drink.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
First Friday
Every first Friday Old City's galleries and cultural organizations open up their doors and let the public explore for free. I attended this month, and now I know what I will be doing for the rest the firsts for the next year. I started the evening visiting a glass blowing shop complete with a demonstration that required four people to manage one piece. They were making a somewhat large light fixture, and I seriously never knew the amount of work it required. After watching them, I appreciate Chihuly that much more. side note: If you ever go to one wear nothing but your undies, because the heat was overwhelming. At the end of it, I stepped outside into a typical Philly summer and felt refreshed. By the way, the studio offers classes starting in the fall, and even a day class during December to make your own glass ornament. If you get bored at your respective locations you can come take a class with me! I even will let you stay on my deluxe, diamond encrusted, fur lined inflatable twin bed.
Next we wandered around the streets and visited a few more exhibits. We came upon an entrance where a ton of people were gathered, so we squeezed our way in. Come to find out, it was a place called the Old City Jewish Arts Center, and they were about to start dinner. Chris and Alex (the two guys were wandering around with us) didn't want to attend, but Jen and I decided to stay. As we took our seats, I saw this line next to me waiting to wash their hands at a make-shift sink. Interesting, I thought. Investing a little bit more brain power, I realized that Friday night is the Jewish Sabbath and we were right in the middle of their worship service. Gratefully, a lot of people looked like they were in the same boat, so we just stayed where we were (and I'm about 99% positive I took a guy's seat that was standing in the washing line). Luckily, we sat next to a chatty Kathy (or, in this case, a chatty Dan), who attempted to explained everything that was going on. The best way to describe Dan is superficially insightful. He had a laissez faire way about him, with a touch of ambiguous wisdom. He gave explanations such as "everyone around you, for we are all teachers" when asked how many rabbis were in the room. The nice thing, though, was that he politely answered all of my questions, and I got to experience bread pudding made with cinnamon, sugar, broccoli bits, and stacked noodles. I couldn't stop thinking of Friends.
Next we wandered around the streets and visited a few more exhibits. We came upon an entrance where a ton of people were gathered, so we squeezed our way in. Come to find out, it was a place called the Old City Jewish Arts Center, and they were about to start dinner. Chris and Alex (the two guys were wandering around with us) didn't want to attend, but Jen and I decided to stay. As we took our seats, I saw this line next to me waiting to wash their hands at a make-shift sink. Interesting, I thought. Investing a little bit more brain power, I realized that Friday night is the Jewish Sabbath and we were right in the middle of their worship service. Gratefully, a lot of people looked like they were in the same boat, so we just stayed where we were (and I'm about 99% positive I took a guy's seat that was standing in the washing line). Luckily, we sat next to a chatty Kathy (or, in this case, a chatty Dan), who attempted to explained everything that was going on. The best way to describe Dan is superficially insightful. He had a laissez faire way about him, with a touch of ambiguous wisdom. He gave explanations such as "everyone around you, for we are all teachers" when asked how many rabbis were in the room. The nice thing, though, was that he politely answered all of my questions, and I got to experience bread pudding made with cinnamon, sugar, broccoli bits, and stacked noodles. I couldn't stop thinking of Friends.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
it's hard to say goodbye
If you have ever had the misfortune of chatting with me on the phone, you'd know how bad I say bye. I absolutely hate it. And probably why I hate it so much is because I entirely suck at it.
How hard can it be? Right? Well, for me, it is something I entirely dread. When I feel the conversation wrapping up, these feelings of anxiousness start to arise deep within my bowels because I just know the moment is coming. And that moment would be when I totally make a fool out of myself trynig to pretend like I know what I'm doing with my "k, talk to you later... I hope your cat starts to feel better... and the weather turns out in your favor... and you have exact change whenever you need it...and" etc. Sad, I know.
So I've been more comfortable with just the "k bye"and I quickly hang up. But I've been told that that is incredibly cruel. Thus, I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place.
How hard can it be? Right? Well, for me, it is something I entirely dread. When I feel the conversation wrapping up, these feelings of anxiousness start to arise deep within my bowels because I just know the moment is coming. And that moment would be when I totally make a fool out of myself trynig to pretend like I know what I'm doing with my "k, talk to you later... I hope your cat starts to feel better... and the weather turns out in your favor... and you have exact change whenever you need it...and" etc. Sad, I know.
So I've been more comfortable with just the "k bye"and I quickly hang up. But I've been told that that is incredibly cruel. Thus, I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
MISSING
My beach cruiser has run away!
Color: Orange, grey, and a splash of white
Seven speed (the fifth speed clicks a little)
handle breaks
Fenders
Those leading to the safe return of miss bike will be handsomely rewarded.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
target!
I am sooo excited because today my friend and I are going to Target! I love that store. Lately, I've had to settle for K-mart since it's in the city, and I've never really warmed up to the idea. I feel like I'm having an affair.
ps: I need some new music, and I'm hoping that you guys will give me some good recommendations (I need something I can study to, like Cat Stevens or Bread).
ps: I need some new music, and I'm hoping that you guys will give me some good recommendations (I need something I can study to, like Cat Stevens or Bread).
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Classics
You know how there are things in life that you've decided you have to do, no matter how cliche or extreme it might be? Valentine's Day in Paris? Certainly, but only if Eddie Cahill is available. Jumping off the cliffs of Dover (with a parachute, of course). Why not? Well, I've made a mini-list of the big events that I want to participate in before I'm too feeble (which gives me about a year). Usually, these classics are associated with holidays. This list is no way inclusive, but a good start. Feel free to add to it.
New Year's Eve in New York City
Boston Pops for the Fourth of July
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade sitting along Central Park West
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (before I turn 30)
Stand on the steps of Lincoln Memorial on MLK Day
Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney, PA (whilst sporting a top hat and possibly a moustache)
Attend a presidential debate (preferably Democrat)
Be a participant in a Live 8 concert (I'm getting good at that tambourine)
Ring the bell at the NYSE (Dad, I'll catch up to you someday)
If I'm Inebriated (not happened yet, suckas!):
Run with the Bulls in Pamplona
Try out for a Musical on Broadway
Drive for NASCAR
New Year's Eve in New York City
Boston Pops for the Fourth of July
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade sitting along Central Park West
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (before I turn 30)
Stand on the steps of Lincoln Memorial on MLK Day
Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney, PA (whilst sporting a top hat and possibly a moustache)
Attend a presidential debate (preferably Democrat)
Be a participant in a Live 8 concert (I'm getting good at that tambourine)
Ring the bell at the NYSE (Dad, I'll catch up to you someday)
If I'm Inebriated (not happened yet, suckas!):
Run with the Bulls in Pamplona
Try out for a Musical on Broadway
Drive for NASCAR
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Terror, Part I and II
Well, from the plethora of responses from my last post, I'm thinking I need to add some context.
The very first time I visited Philadelphia I stayed in a Hampton Inn on the corner of Race street and 12th street. After my interview, my dad and I decide to go out for a celebration dinner near China town (at Arch and 10th, which is a few blocks south of Race). It was a good meal, but it ran later than expected; so it was around 10pm when we started heading back. While enjoying our walk up 10th we turn on Race to find over a dozen men standing, lying, sitting, peeing, etc along 11th. It was a serious surprise to see all of these men, some with sleeping bags, others with just a pile of dirty, dilapidated clothes stuck to their obviously soiled bodies (the smell of the corner rivaled that of porta-potties). And they were a loud and aggressive bunch. Of course anyone can cat call (which they did), but when they start crossing the street to your side, red flags raise. So as quickly and confidently as I could in heels, I high tailed it to the entrance of the hotel. Father, of course, used this as a prime example of why I should never, ever be out in the city at night, and even said that four hours before dusk was warrant enough to be indoors (that would make the time four in the afternoon).
Really, four in the afternoon is a perfectly fine time to pass by this corner solo. However, a few miles north of Race when you start getting north of Temple University, four o' clock would not be the right time for a walk, a bus ride, or even, let's say, a Sunday afternoon drive in a Lincoln Town Car (as my mother and I did the following week). That corner looked like Mary Poppins compared with its northern crack baby sister who'd kill anyone as a way of passing the time. Trash was everywhere. Literally, EVERYWHERE. I have never seen a place look so filthy in the states (the smell not like that of the porta-pottie corner, but more like that of the sole toilets at an IBS symposium). Disgusting, right? Absolutely. It was like touring a third world country in a food truck that screamed take me. And it wasn't the only one screaming. As much as I love my mother, I can't stand her nerves. (She usually freaks out over small things, like "Jackie, that man looked at me funny." Well, mom, it's because he has a glass eye.) So when we realize our situation, she starts to yell in the car "My god, Jackie, we are going to die..." along with a slew of swear words. side note: she's driving. Each stop light exacerbates the situation with beyond shady people walking slowly in front of and behind the car, which causes my mother to be on the verge of tears. I finally snap. "Mother, clam down and look as confident as you can. Keep your hands on the wheel, and calm it down!"
Now I'm fairly sure that the situation felt a bit more precarious simply because of the crazy lady next to me screaming death was inevitable. Would I have felt safer without the sideline rants? That's one question I'm okay with unanswered.
The very first time I visited Philadelphia I stayed in a Hampton Inn on the corner of Race street and 12th street. After my interview, my dad and I decide to go out for a celebration dinner near China town (at Arch and 10th, which is a few blocks south of Race). It was a good meal, but it ran later than expected; so it was around 10pm when we started heading back. While enjoying our walk up 10th we turn on Race to find over a dozen men standing, lying, sitting, peeing, etc along 11th. It was a serious surprise to see all of these men, some with sleeping bags, others with just a pile of dirty, dilapidated clothes stuck to their obviously soiled bodies (the smell of the corner rivaled that of porta-potties). And they were a loud and aggressive bunch. Of course anyone can cat call (which they did), but when they start crossing the street to your side, red flags raise. So as quickly and confidently as I could in heels, I high tailed it to the entrance of the hotel. Father, of course, used this as a prime example of why I should never, ever be out in the city at night, and even said that four hours before dusk was warrant enough to be indoors (that would make the time four in the afternoon).
Really, four in the afternoon is a perfectly fine time to pass by this corner solo. However, a few miles north of Race when you start getting north of Temple University, four o' clock would not be the right time for a walk, a bus ride, or even, let's say, a Sunday afternoon drive in a Lincoln Town Car (as my mother and I did the following week). That corner looked like Mary Poppins compared with its northern crack baby sister who'd kill anyone as a way of passing the time. Trash was everywhere. Literally, EVERYWHERE. I have never seen a place look so filthy in the states (the smell not like that of the porta-pottie corner, but more like that of the sole toilets at an IBS symposium). Disgusting, right? Absolutely. It was like touring a third world country in a food truck that screamed take me. And it wasn't the only one screaming. As much as I love my mother, I can't stand her nerves. (She usually freaks out over small things, like "Jackie, that man looked at me funny." Well, mom, it's because he has a glass eye.) So when we realize our situation, she starts to yell in the car "My god, Jackie, we are going to die..." along with a slew of swear words. side note: she's driving. Each stop light exacerbates the situation with beyond shady people walking slowly in front of and behind the car, which causes my mother to be on the verge of tears. I finally snap. "Mother, clam down and look as confident as you can. Keep your hands on the wheel, and calm it down!"
Now I'm fairly sure that the situation felt a bit more precarious simply because of the crazy lady next to me screaming death was inevitable. Would I have felt safer without the sideline rants? That's one question I'm okay with unanswered.
Monday, June 11, 2007
places that scare me
The corner of Race and 11th (the place to go if you want to be mugged)
Anything north of Temple (the place you go if you want to be killed)
Chuck E. Cheese
USAMRIID (who knows what they've got cookin' up in there)
bathrooms
Anything north of Temple (the place you go if you want to be killed)
Chuck E. Cheese
USAMRIID (who knows what they've got cookin' up in there)
bathrooms
Monday, June 04, 2007
suck it up
This morning I finished my second exam (the first in anatomy) and it was a bit unnerving. Have you ever taken a test where before it started you heard multiple rumors from reliable sources that it was a killer; then, once you see it you think not bad. That means either I am right (genius) or I am an idiot completely unaware of how bad I sucked it up.
Speaking of suction, I bought a vacuum! It's a Dyson DC14 Full Kit Upright and it was the Woot item for the day (sale!). When I moved up here my parents gave me a shop vac. I had no idea what that was, but when they told me it could suck up nuts and bolts and water, I thought the vacuum people made it just for me. I tested it out a few weeks ago to find out that it had enough power to suck up pets and small cars. Literally, it was pulling the carpet up (and it almost took my rug). So I went and got one of those push ones that have no electrical power. total crap. So, kids, the moral of this story is to shell out the money for a normal one in the beginning or else you'll never see Fifi or your Mini Cooper again.
Speaking of suction, I bought a vacuum! It's a Dyson DC14 Full Kit Upright and it was the Woot item for the day (sale!). When I moved up here my parents gave me a shop vac. I had no idea what that was, but when they told me it could suck up nuts and bolts and water, I thought the vacuum people made it just for me. I tested it out a few weeks ago to find out that it had enough power to suck up pets and small cars. Literally, it was pulling the carpet up (and it almost took my rug). So I went and got one of those push ones that have no electrical power. total crap. So, kids, the moral of this story is to shell out the money for a normal one in the beginning or else you'll never see Fifi or your Mini Cooper again.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
time is not on my side
How is it that every morning I am late. doesn't matter what, when, or why. late for school, late for a date. late for, oh, everything. and lately it is not that I am really late, just by a minute or so (Kristi I have improved from the days of high school), and I walk up to find everyone is sitting in class all prepared with their damn laptops out or their stupid pencils and paper. I hate those people.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
four diet cokes and all the critters in the sea
I just got home from a fantastic night full of great conversation, excellent food, and much needed relaxation. A fellow from class invited me to a bar called Standard Tap, which was quite different than any bar I had ever been to (all two of them). It was louder than the pub outside West Dean and more chic than the Fox Sports Bar (you might be thinking that it doesn't take much to be more chic than a sports bar, but it did have style). So it was him and his wife and then another couple and me, which sounds like it would be awkward for me. But it wasn't at all. Both girls are originally from Eastern Europe and one is in her second year of med school and I knew that it was going to be a good night when a socialist and a capitalist sat down at the same table. I've never seen the topic of health care discussed with such zeal between friends that had the exact opposite viewpoint. Come to find out that Doug (the fellow from class) has lived outside the states for years, is fluent in Russian, and has hopes for the country to be more like Canada (at least concerning health care).
We had fried oysters (delicious), calamari, and monkfish. I'd never expect that the bar would have such good food (especially seafood), but apparently some shellfish bring out the flavors of quality beer. Who knew?
We had fried oysters (delicious), calamari, and monkfish. I'd never expect that the bar would have such good food (especially seafood), but apparently some shellfish bring out the flavors of quality beer. Who knew?
Monday, May 21, 2007
some things in life are free
My mom and I had a great time out in Dutch country. So much so that she is actually considering living on a Mennonite farm for part of the summer/fall. She said to me while driving home "I think I could be Amish" and I burst out laughing.
Next story:
I dropped her off at the airport today and caught the train back to the city center. As I was walking out of the station a tall guy from behind me said in a booming voice "Excuse me miss..." Thinking I dropped something I turn to hear him continue "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me to a free dinner this week." Looking dumbfounded I said "who, me?" to which he replied "Yeah, it's free." I politely declined but had to give him props for being so bold as to ask out a total stranger. Yet, I really wanted to help him with his tactics. So I've thought of a few pointers:
Try to avoid emphasizing that the meal during the date will be free. Unless it's from a dumpster. Then explicitly point that out, because, boy, will you be in for a surprise when she strands your butt on the street.
Don't approach people from behind and start asking out their backpack.
Strike up a conversation while on the train when you've got a captive audience. literally.
Lastly, try not to stand so close as to scare your potential date. Introducing yourself is usually not the time to make your move.
Next story:
I dropped her off at the airport today and caught the train back to the city center. As I was walking out of the station a tall guy from behind me said in a booming voice "Excuse me miss..." Thinking I dropped something I turn to hear him continue "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me to a free dinner this week." Looking dumbfounded I said "who, me?" to which he replied "Yeah, it's free." I politely declined but had to give him props for being so bold as to ask out a total stranger. Yet, I really wanted to help him with his tactics. So I've thought of a few pointers:
Try to avoid emphasizing that the meal during the date will be free. Unless it's from a dumpster. Then explicitly point that out, because, boy, will you be in for a surprise when she strands your butt on the street.
Don't approach people from behind and start asking out their backpack.
Strike up a conversation while on the train when you've got a captive audience. literally.
Lastly, try not to stand so close as to scare your potential date. Introducing yourself is usually not the time to make your move.
Friday, May 18, 2007
so so sorry
Dear readership (all three of you):
I beg for your forgiveness for not bloging for a month. No excuse can make up for my lack, but I now have access to the internet at home and at school so now you'll have more of me to love.
I've started my program and so far it's do-able. I want to know how everyone is doing. Annalise, how is SLC and the apartment? Kristin, how is the job and what have you been up to? Jenny, when do you move out here to the East coast? have you found a place to live? and Kristi, have you been relaxing after a exhaustive break?
Well, I'm off this weekend with mom to go to Lancaster County. I'm going to see a concert with Pickett and the Union Gap and The Association
Loves,
Jackie
I beg for your forgiveness for not bloging for a month. No excuse can make up for my lack, but I now have access to the internet at home and at school so now you'll have more of me to love.
I've started my program and so far it's do-able. I want to know how everyone is doing. Annalise, how is SLC and the apartment? Kristin, how is the job and what have you been up to? Jenny, when do you move out here to the East coast? have you found a place to live? and Kristi, have you been relaxing after a exhaustive break?
Well, I'm off this weekend with mom to go to Lancaster County. I'm going to see a concert with Pickett and the Union Gap and The Association
Loves,
Jackie
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
home sweet home
Hello all! Kristi and I made it home on Saturday from our trip the UK and the Netherlands. Needless to say, we had a memorable time going from place to place to place keeping busy. Highlights included three musicals in three nights, sitting with the choir in St. Paul's cathedral during Evensong, and wandering around acres of tulips.
The three musicals were Spamalot, the Lion King, and Wicked. Kristi surprised me with the third musical, which was the best. We had planned to go see Wicked before I arrived but once there Kristi told me it was completely sold out. Little did I know, Kristi had bought the tickets and was trying to keep it a secret. So as we were walking around London, I'd say "Ooh, let's go into this ticket shop, they might have Wicked seats," which I'm sure made her have a tiny stroke each time. On the last night there we were standing at a metro station having come from Evensong, and Kristi turns to me with this grin and says "I have a surprise... it's rrreeallly good." I knew it! That massive of smile means one thing. WICKED! And it was incredible, with Elphaba having this voice that filled the entire theater. Hands down I'm going to see it in New York. And i might even see Spamalot again.
The three musicals were Spamalot, the Lion King, and Wicked. Kristi surprised me with the third musical, which was the best. We had planned to go see Wicked before I arrived but once there Kristi told me it was completely sold out. Little did I know, Kristi had bought the tickets and was trying to keep it a secret. So as we were walking around London, I'd say "Ooh, let's go into this ticket shop, they might have Wicked seats," which I'm sure made her have a tiny stroke each time. On the last night there we were standing at a metro station having come from Evensong, and Kristi turns to me with this grin and says "I have a surprise... it's rrreeallly good." I knew it! That massive of smile means one thing. WICKED! And it was incredible, with Elphaba having this voice that filled the entire theater. Hands down I'm going to see it in New York. And i might even see Spamalot again.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
London Calling
I'm excited for tomorrow because that's the day to get on a plane to see Kristi!! I have been waiting for this for months, and finally it is here. I actually have butterflies, like the feeling when you get when you were a kid and it was Christmas Eve and you knew you'd be getting a butt load of presents cause you had been exceptionally excellent that year. that's how excited I am.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
back in the saddle again
I'm home! After three days of driving, with a hike through Arches and a walk through a petroglyph park in Albuquerque, I and my Aunt made it home to Texas. So far we have been showing her around different sites (and quite a few quilt shops), with my favorite site being the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum was of JFK's presidency, death, and legacy. I didn't know that the inspiration for the Civil Rights Act came from his administration, nor did I know that the governor was shot with him. The museum was certainly solemn and humbling. There was a section where they had the layout of the trauma unit of Parkland, and having worked in one, I could picture the chaos and desperation of the health care workers. Even with a bullet to the brain, the charge nurse readied the OR room and neurology team. Over a dozen doctors were in the room likely racking their brain with every last radical effort to save the president's life. If you haven't been I highly recommend it.
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