De do do do de da da da

Today is an exciting day!!!

I'm going to see The Police when they come back to town in November!!!

What an amazing opportunity!!! I'm glad someone was willing to go with me. I was worried that I'd have no concert partner. Leah - you're awesome!!!

What a great couple of days...tailgating and Police tickets!

Now comes the big decision...do I get all 80's out for the concert? Hmmmm... I think I trashed my pleather pants after the Def Leppard concert (or the last time I moved).

Awesome Seats

So...standing room only tickets worked out well for me! Many thanks to my cousin. He didn't make it to the game...but very kindly texted me the location of his season ticket seats. So I went from standing room to 17 rows behind 3rd base.

Yes, the sky looks angry, but the rain held off the WHOLE afternoon / evening!!!

Once I get the wiffle ball pics from Patty, I'll post them...

May I Introduce the Devine Duo...

Kudos to the North Jersey folk who traveled, yet again, to another tailgating extravaganza! And, of course, the local peeps who made the trip.

Meet my awesome brother Matt...responsible for half the sporting activities supplied by the Devine Duo (it's our super hero name....cheesy yes, but I'm attached!).

The football made it into another picture, one of my best investments...one little Nerf has supplied hours of enjoyment this summer!

Look at the sexy car in the background...who's could that be??? Zoom Zoom

Looking a Little Yellow?

I decided to Simpsonize myself and see what came out.

Yellow appears to suit this Jersey girl well. I must admit ... they are going nuts with the marketing for this film. I'd like to know how much they're spending on this marketing campaign...

Delirium?

The picture is proof that I was not hallucinating during the late night (early morning) train rides home. Gotta love it when kayaks pop up in the most peculiar places (especially with wheels?!?!?).

Sigh.... my kayaking love lives on! Listen to the sign.... HAVE FUN

Christmas in July

Well it really was a little holiday surprise. After blowing their lead and J Roll saving the day for extra innings, the game progressed through 5 innings of nothingness until Howard came through in the 14th.

To date this was my longest baseball game!

Uninvited Dinner Guest

What I perceived to be a small leak in my kitchen window has turned out to be termites! They are on the list of unwelcome critters (especially since Franklin and Pemberton cannot tend to them).

It's official: you are considered an unwelcome dinner guest if you make a meal out of my window sill (or any other wood in my house).

Oldie

This picture is about 18 months old, but I came across it and couldn't resist! Another typical BYO night with the architecture crowd, fun as always!!!

It's been a few years now and we have yet to hit the same BYO twice...now that's amazing.

"Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent." > Rumi (I've really been into Rumi lately ... I've been reading him along with Harry Potter ...Persian Poetry appartently is the perfect compliment to Children's fantasy ...in my world)

Home Sweet Home

Sunday was spent at the beach! Honestly, I did nothing but sleep on the blanket all day and read a book. Nice and relaxing.

Alas, I forgot my camera. Sunday's picture is taken from home later in the day. I really liked the way the evening sun came in the kitchen window. Note: Franklin eating his dinner.

Calling All Potter Fans!

What a fun and exciting time to work at a bookstore. Only if you enjoy organized chaos! Midnight Saturday morning the final Potter book was released (for all those living under a rock). I must admit, I had fun working that night. Everyone was in a good mood, and it was good to see some coworkers I don't get to see often.

In typical Trish fashion, I went home...got some sleep, went to the Market, took my little sister swimming, then went to dinner with Leah and Nikki. Phew...what a day. Taxing, but loads of fun! Kudos to Leah for introducing me to Mt. Holly, I think I'm infatuated with it!!!

Friday, I'm in Love

As I continue my love affair with the city, I enjoyed a nice lunch at the Cafe around the corner from the office.

Beautiful weather, and summer fun have been making me smile!

Philadelphia... how I love thee

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." >RUMI

Happy Summer

Ms Lemanowicz and I stopped by my local watering hole for a celebratory drink last night. Congrats to finishing another term at school. Now you can officially enjoy the summer!!!

Summer enjoyment part one: shore trip this weekend (2 days until we're laying in the sand!).

Man Down

Welcome to the gritty tangible Philly. Honor boxes hang out in groups on street corners. In some areas they can take up entire lengths of sidewalk, but others (like here) are pathetic displays of efficiency and order. Of this grouping, the Inquirer is the only box that has the appropriate paper inside. The graffiti reflects the art student neighborhood.

They stand by...forgotten and unwanted.

Hello...Can I speak with Tuesday?

Wow, what a busy day. Welcome to the freight line...I was surveying and liked the vegetation look the green water gave to the cut. Pure aesthetic, but the photo proved to be useful for real purposes.

Dual purposed photo...I like it!!!

I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction. Ayn Rand - Anthem

Me and My Mumu

Another shocker! Meet me and my mumu!

HAHHAA... I love the damn thing, and I feel that I somewhat devalue it by referring to it as my mumu. Basically it's become my house dress. What I change into after a long days work...amazingly comfortable and cool on warm summer evenings. It's silk but feels life the softest cotton. I also love the crazy pattern.

I must admit...I saw a girl dressed to the nines in this same dress! It made me smile... if she only knew how everyday it is to me!

Forced Day of Relaxation

Brace yourselves...this may come as a shocker.

Alas, I did not go to the shore this weekend! After conflicting schedules and a last minute cancellation, I decided to give myself the day off. I mean DAY OFF. There was no laundry, no vacuuming, no recaulking the shower, no hanging ceiling fans, no making clothing or refinishing furniture...you know, all that fun stuff I do in my free time.

Sunday was devoted to reading. Yup, all day reading for pleasure! Let me tell you, it was hard...I'm not one to sit still. I get antsy and feel useless if I'm not keeping busy. The forced relaxation was nice (once I got over the "I'm being a lazy ass")!!!

Things that make me :)

I received a present from a friend on Saturday. What a geek I am! I got a food chopper... and let me tell you, am I ever excited about it!!! I've been secretly coveting one for about a year now. I think this somehow coincides with my recent cooking cravings...the domestic goddess is rearing her head.

If you think I'm nuts now...you should have seen me when I got my new vacuum cleaner!

Good Company

Apparently I've been itching to cook for a crowd. Friday, I cooked and dined with Chris and Diane (and of course baby Stapleton!!!).

Gosh, what a year brings...through thick and thin the group has made it through the years challenges and although March positively SUCKED...we're all having a much better July. The past year has brought tremendous growth and understanding in my life. I've found meaning in everything that I do, and I continually strive for so much more. I by no means have it all figured out, but I'm happy with my purpose and my path!

How exciting....baby Stapleton is half way through development. He'll be here before we know it!

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. >>>MLK Jr.

Wine was Made for Birthdays

Last night was filled with fun and friends. Post work Megan and I hopped onto the Bongo Express for the perfect happy hour. We sat on the deck of the Moshulu, at a bar, on the water, outside with lots of cool breezes and listening to live music (plus there were free trolley rides to and from). How can you beat that!

Then we ran off to a Northern Liberties Italian BYO to celebrate her b-day dinner with friends. It's a wonderful birthday tradition.

Keep up the Love!

Where is my window???

Wednesday was devoted to things that I love. I was feeling quite content and as many of you know, I love books. (hence the picture above)

My love for books stems from my love of reading as a small child. My two favorites were Harold and the Purple Crayon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I loved Harold for his imagination and willingness to find what he wanted. My favorite color happened to be purple, so I liked the book graphically, for obvious reasons.

More things that I loved about Wednesday:
- the walk to the train in the cool afternoon rain
-the potential new roommate (stay tuned for info about my Freedom Party - only 20 days away)
-jamming to Soullive on the way home
-new sunglasses
-mango juice at lunch
-reading before bed

Basically, I highly enjoyed all things simple about yesterday!

I like it HOT HOT HOT

Today was a scorcher...how I love the summertime. I'm serious...this girl was made for summer. I love driving around with the windows open, sitting outside and reading in the warm evening air. A little sweat never hurt anyone!

Today my blog turns 100...yup 100 posts so far.

Racing

Monday was a fined tuned machine like day. I had about 12 days in one.

I ate lunch outside on the office deck (me and the black eyed susies) Sitting in the shade wasn't too bad.

After a whirlwind day, I raced home to meet a realtor...then raced to my parents house. After running around like a looney I grabbed a bottle of wine and headed to a nice relaxing dinner with Bobb and Olivia. There are two people who make my world seem easy. They are getting married, she's in another wedding, they just bought a house and are moving, and he just transitioned jobs...all of this is set into motion for the next 3 weeks! Crazy, I know.

Wine, italian food and friends is the perfect way to end an evening.

Lazy Relaxing Day!!!

"Maggie and Millie and Molly and May"

Maggie and Millie and Molly and May
went down to the beach (to play one day)

and Maggie discovered a shell that sang
so sweetly she couldn't remember her trouble, and

Millie befriended a stranded star
who's rays five languid fingers were:

and Molly was chased by a horrible thing
which raced sideways while blowing bubbles: and

May came home with a smooth round stone
as small as a world and as large and alone.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea.

--E.E. Cummings

Fiesta on the Landing

Saturday, I took my little sister the the Hispanic Festival down on Penn's Landing. It was a fun filled afternoon with food, crafts, music, dancing and hanging out. Not to mention the adorable little dancing boy in the sombrero pictured above!

Philly offers a wealth of activities throughout the year, you should check them out. Next on my list The Ultimate Philadelphia Ice Cream Festival at RTM on July 28 followed by an afternoon tailgating for the Saturday evening Phillies game! How I love summers in the city.

Food Cravings

I'd been craving stuffed peppers for a few days and decided to have my fellow foodies, Gina and Charles, over for dinner.

Gina supplied dessert, a molten dark chocolate brownie topped with ice cream...which was out of this world.

Who needs to dine out when there are amazing chefs right at home?

Menu:
Bruschetta
Fresh Garden Salad
Stuffed Peppers
French Bread
Brownie Sundae

Oh and lets not forget, a bottle of local red wine! Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Train Weirdo

Welcome back to 4th grade everyone. While sitting and reading on the train to work, the person behind me slipped me a note! Who does that??? I must admit, I was disappointed that there were no yes / no check boxes under the question.

BTW...for those of you who don't know...I actually do NOT have a name, just my legs. Shocking?... yes!

At least I was able to get today's picture over with rather quickly!

4th + NJ = Beach

One of my favorite equations!

So 4th of July marked trip 5 to the shore (not including memorial day). I'm feeling like my goal of 6 trips was a little weak. I'll be heading down again on Sunday, so by July 8th I will have reached my goal a full 7 weeks early. (way to go overachiever!)

Again, I prefer the quiet uncrowded parts of the shore and the back road drives to get there!

Kudos to Patty, for letting me crash at her friends place...I had a great time relaxing on our stone beach!

Sparklers

What is July 4th without sparklers?

Great Weather

Lunch in the park is the perfect way to break up ones day. I love the pattern the sun and trees make on the ground. And I had a chuckle watching one pigeon on steroids bully the other two.

Who knew there were meat heads in the pigeon world!

BUGS

I decided to sneak this picture in! Cheers to the 3 lovely ladies that I got to share the roadtrip with. I highly enjoyed the great car ride!!!




Sunday, we rose and hit the road early. Midway through our drive we stopped, got food, gas and scrapped all the bugs off the window.

We drove home looking forward to the up and coming wedding, when we'll all return to Wild Wonderful West Virginia

Bridal Weekend

After a nice drive Friday evening, the ladies embarked on an all day bridal theme!







First on the list, Olivia's bridal shower. Lunch on a beautiful veranda overlooking a golf course and typical WV scenery. Very Steel Magnolias, brunch on wicker furniture, beautiful ladies in dresses...the only thing missing were the floppy hats.

The theme of the evening was: When in Rome, do as the Romans. After a good meal, we hit up the casino and then were off to the bars. An evening filled with laughter, good times, drinking, dancing and lots of country music!!!