Minus the Bear

Last weekend my friend Stephanie invited us to go see Minus the Bear, a Seattle based band.  She's got connections (i.e. used to date a band member when she lived in Seattle, still keeps in touch) and was able to get us back stage passes. It was pretty awesome, and the show was super energetic.  My only regret is that we didn't take any photos back stage.  An opportunity like this probably won't happen again!

We really need to start bringing our DSLR to shows.  The point and shoot just ain't cutting it.

We are looking forward to going to see Dead to Me, a SF based band, this Saturday.  I love that so many bands we like are touring this fall as we haven't been to any shows since before we left for Australia!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBHg2ORzZi8
I've added a link to one of their more popular songs.  I think people are probably familiar with this song...

Ellison + Tobler FUN

My Broseph and his wife Dagmara came to visit us earlier in the week.  It was a blast and I think we talked our apartment down so low that they were pleasantly surprised by its *mansion-like qualities.  Such as high ceilings.  

*We don't live in anything that remotely resembles a mansion.  Maybe I'll post a photo or two in the yonder future. When I actually take a photo of the place.

Back to the Ellison and Tobler FUN.  We had ourselves some.  And then some more, all within the confines of Philadelphia County.  And we were truly blessed with wonderful weather.  Always a plus when walking about a big city. 

We started the days 'o fun walking down Elfreth's Alley, a preserved street from the 1700's.  Way cool, and I think people still live in the houses as we saw a couple of cats in the windows.  Meow.  I miss Gretchen.

We then ventured to Christ Church, which was initially established in 1695.  The original structure was too small, however, and in early-mid 1700's the main body of the church was reconstructed into the building that still stands today.  

From Christ Church we walked past the first post office through this passageway.  Wow, Ben Franklin walked through here, too! This passageway actually led to where his house once stood.

We got to watch how a printing press operates.  It might not have been a printing press from the 1700's but it was still intriguing to watch. I guess Clark got bored and distracted.

We also got to view the original floor of Ben Franklin's home.  From this quote, he sounds like a condescending jerk. 

Clark looks so happy and carefree, like a little boy.  He's so cute. I'm sure you can probably guess that Franklin Court was where B. Franklin's house was located, as well as the post office and printing press.

Independence Hall with lovely scaffolding.  

The crowds to see the Liberty Bell were pretty massive.  I guess we did venture out on Columbus Day, but still.  

At the Reading Terminal Market Scott and Dagmara enjoyed a Dinic's roast pork sandwich.  Clark convinced them they had to try one.  I opted for a fresh pretzel.  

Clark just can't get enough of these roast pork sandwiches.  Do you see that excitement!? Pure happiness and excitement in his face!

The Dept. of Treasury was closed, but we plan on going back at some point. 

Throwing a mini tantrum.  It was bound to happen at some point during the day.

View of the city from the Art Museum parking lot.  Straight ahead is City Hall.

Luckily, the tour buses left shortly after we arrived.

Dagmara and I just being....girls.

The Rocky statue was mega popular.  Even with prepubescent kids that probably have never even seen the movies.

We did run up the steps, by the way.  Channeling our inner Rocky.  

So cute! I'm so lucky to have such a great brother and sister in law!

Clark felt left out of the preceding picture.

Clark didn't lift his arms in triumph, but he's still a champion to me.  (Did I really just type that!?)

Dang it.  We didn't actually see the Seaweed Girl.  Next time.  Gotta get me a picture with this statue!

Well, we actually found ourselves back at the market again the following day.  And look at these chocolates!  

The sticky note reads: Mike Tyson special ears that are ok to bite.

Fresh pretzels are pretty fantastic, just so you know.  Unlike the ones you can get at the mall, which taste like rubber.

At City Hall, the Occupy Philly protest was in action.  The dude in black sitting down had a sign that read Hungry for answers not food.  But I guarantee by 8 pm he was heading through the door of McDonald's that was just across the street.  Nice try dude, you don't fool me.  And nice iPhone, too.  I wish I could afford one.

Oh look, and a protester can afford a fixed gear bike?!

Back to Love Park. Weren't we just here? Yep. Another picture? Why not!

Got a little saucy with the Sorry! piece.

Working the camera.  Thanks for egging us on, Scott.

Since we don't yet have a sofa (we're terrible hosts, I know!) Clark and Scott played a few games of chess on the floor.

And Dagmara kindly washed some dishes for us.  

Thank you guys so much for visiting!  We had a great time and are so excited to get together again!  Maybe next time you come we'll have a sofa and a tv so we don't have to cram chairs around our computer to watch Modern Family!

Gon' go an paint the town red

Our first visitors have arrived! YAY!

According to my Nursing 720 textbook...

I have an upcoming test in my Nursing of Children Theory I: Child and Family Development, class.  As I've been skimming over the contents and of the chapters, I've noticed that the authors use some surprisingly contemporary language.  Below are a couple of excerpts that have caught my eye so far.

To put the sentence in the appropriate context, the author initially explains that most children develop normally but sometimes a clinician's approach can take on one of two extremes.  The first is approaching a each visit too superficially, the second is assuming every variation in a child is a disorder.  She then goes on to state:

"The first is demeaning to a family and usually means that the clinician doesn't have a clue as to what's up."

Hmmmmmmm...maybe the authors are from some inner city, hard knock lifestyle?  Or maybe it's the exact opposite.  Perhaps the authors are country bumpkins who are trying to identify with clinicians who have grown up in da hood. What up, dawg.

Here's the second excerpt.  I don't feel like I need to explain the context of the next sentence.

"The baby's orgasmic smiles, laughs and total body wiggles are a terrific reward for a few tickles or a play face expression."

Oh, come on!  I don't believe for a second that the authors couldn't determine a more appropriate adjective do describe a baby's smile.  Delightful? Enchanted, maybe? I realize that a baby's smile is very, very exciting for both baby and mommy/daddy, but is it really orgasmically exciting?  But I guess I don't know.  I don't have kids.  Parents, just how exciting is a baby's smile?  Please don't answer this. 

I'm glad I'm just skimming the material because I can't even begin to imagine the jewels I would probably find if I read every sentence.

Sentences courtesy of Encounters with Children, Pediatric Behavior and Development, written by Suzanne D. Dixon and Martin T. Stein.  I am not providing you an APA reference on this, sorry.

A confession...or two

Ok guys, I never intended on becoming this version of me:

Confession #1: I now look forward to the end of the week so Clark and I can plop down in the comfort of our bed and watch missed episodes of The Office, Modern Family, Up All Night and New Girl on our lovely HP laptop.  No Macs for us.  RIP Steve Jobs but I still can't stand Mac computers.  Bleh.

Back to my personal issue. Four TV shows? Are you kidding me? How did I allow this to happen?  Hulu, you are so wonderful and diverse, but maybe you are a bit of a devil, too.

I used to pride myself on being devoted to only a couple of shows, namely The Office and Arrested Development (yes, the three whole seasons in existence).  But now Clark and I have taken a likin' to three more shows.  I guess we're becoming more open-minded as we get older.  

Ok, Modern Family is just fabulous. Saxy phone!! Nuff said. I'm still slightly depressed I didn't start watching the show when it initially aired in '09.

Have you checked out Up All Night yet? If not, I advise that you do!  The episode Working Late and Working It is pretty awesome.

Confession #2: Zooey Deschanel usually drives me crazy. Except as the character Jess, her character in this show.  Zooey Deschanel has a tendency to play the role of a peculiar, ditzy, twenty something female over and over... and I guess it works for her.  I don't care for her in other films or sitcoms, yet she is so charming in this show!   And the fellers who play her roommates are hilarious. 

I'm no critic.  I'm just telling you what's become of me the last few weeks.  These shows brighten my life at the end of each school week. 

And did you all hear? Arrested Development is going to air more seasons!? Can life get any better!?  Oh, it will once the episodes actually emerge from the clouds of entertainment gossip that have been circulating for years!

FALL-ing for Philly

It's fall!  We're stoked that the weather seems to be changing and that we don't feel miserable when we go outside.  Humidity is a killer, that's for sure. 

I've recently reunited with a childhood friend who now lives in Philly.  It's been so nice catching up with her, and a few days ago Clark and I met up with her at her apartment downtown so we could explore the city by foot.  Philly, she told us, is a very walk-able city.  Indeed, it is.

Close to her apartment is Rittenhouse Square, a cute little park that she says is always filled with dogs and babies. I spied a lot of dogs, and a lot of strollers.  She may be on to something.

We walked through the park... 

...to a MASSIVE fall festival that was taking place in the city streets.  Seriously, the crowds were a little overwhelming.

We wanted to eat at the Graffiti Bar, which was just down this narrow alley, but the crowds were still overwhelming there.  

I didn't capture our walk through the city very well, but I'm quite certain we'll have many more opportunities to stroll through the streets of Philadelphia.  Who wants to come visit and explore with us? Anyone? Anyone? I promise our flea situation is under control (finally!).