Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Galileo
This weekend, my dad made his first trip to Philly. Among the usual things we do when family members visit (e.g., give the 20-second tour of our small apartment, talk, take a trip around the neighborhood, eat a lot), we visited The Franklin Institute on Saturday morning to view the Galileo exhibit, which is there until Sept. 7. My dad--an engineer and a complete math and science enthusiast--was enthralled.
The exhibit included a series of amazing things, from Michelangelo's drawing tools, to 500-year old manuscripts, to one of Galileo's telescopes (there are only two that remain, and this is the first time one of them has left Italy). There were dozens of fascinating, detailed, intricately designed tools, including nautical instruments, compasses, thermometers, sundials, and all sorts of instruments for measuring everything from the days of the year to latitude and longitude to sine and cosine.
I felt an overwhelming sense of awe wandering among these pieces of history. It's nearly impossible to imagine how anything so intricate could have been constructed by hand, and how anyone was ever clever enough to come up with such amazing tools made of little more than brass or wood. They must have spent hours and hours just making these instruments, let alone figuring out how to use them. I can't imagine the persistence it must have taken to hand blow a perfect piece of glass for a thermometer, or to score the measurements on a compass with absolute precision. I can hardly contemplate getting directions or making a restaurant reservation without a computer these days, and yet people managed to map the oceans, to design buildings, and to clearly see the moons of Jupiter in the night sky with nothing more than some wood, brass, paper, and a couple pieces of glass.
We're so inundated with new things all the time that little seems like a novelty anymore. We take so much for granted. Though I try to make time now and then to invoke my awe and reverence for nature, this exhibit reminded me that there's a lot to awe about humans, too. I can't believe all that Galileo and his counterparts accomplished, all the things they were able to create, all the ways they dared to wonder. It's pretty amazing what people can do. It really, really is.
The exhibit included a series of amazing things, from Michelangelo's drawing tools, to 500-year old manuscripts, to one of Galileo's telescopes (there are only two that remain, and this is the first time one of them has left Italy). There were dozens of fascinating, detailed, intricately designed tools, including nautical instruments, compasses, thermometers, sundials, and all sorts of instruments for measuring everything from the days of the year to latitude and longitude to sine and cosine.
I felt an overwhelming sense of awe wandering among these pieces of history. It's nearly impossible to imagine how anything so intricate could have been constructed by hand, and how anyone was ever clever enough to come up with such amazing tools made of little more than brass or wood. They must have spent hours and hours just making these instruments, let alone figuring out how to use them. I can't imagine the persistence it must have taken to hand blow a perfect piece of glass for a thermometer, or to score the measurements on a compass with absolute precision. I can hardly contemplate getting directions or making a restaurant reservation without a computer these days, and yet people managed to map the oceans, to design buildings, and to clearly see the moons of Jupiter in the night sky with nothing more than some wood, brass, paper, and a couple pieces of glass.We're so inundated with new things all the time that little seems like a novelty anymore. We take so much for granted. Though I try to make time now and then to invoke my awe and reverence for nature, this exhibit reminded me that there's a lot to awe about humans, too. I can't believe all that Galileo and his counterparts accomplished, all the things they were able to create, all the ways they dared to wonder. It's pretty amazing what people can do. It really, really is.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
You Don't See This Every Day
This isn't the greatest photo, because I took it with my cell phone from inside my car, but this was the view I had for about 10 minutes on my commute home from work today. I wish you could see the rest of the car--the side mirrors, side doors, hood, pretty much everything had fake flowers glued to it. I've seen cars with flashing lights and crazy paint jobs and Christmas decorations, but I can't say I've ever seen this.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Green Visitor in the Stairwell
A praying mantis has taken up residence in the hallway of our apartment building. I have no idea how it got there. It's been living in our stairwell for the last two or three days, and it kind of creeps me out. I imagine it as a female, biting off the head of its mate, or as a fierce predator, like the larger mantises who unbelievably manage to eat lizards or birds. It literally turns its head and looks at me when I walk by it. It is freakin' creepy to watch an insect turn its head and look at you, especially when it looks like this.
I've been busy doing laundry all evening, which means that I've spent a lot of time going up and down the stairs to access the washer and dryer in our basement. Each time I go into the hall, it seems to be in a different place; sometimes it's on the wall, sometimes on the stairs, sometimes hanging out in between the bars on the staircase rail.
I couldn't possibly kill it. I can't stand to kill things, so I almost always take bugs outside when I find them in my house (unless it is something particularly gross, in which case I will usually yell for Dan or sic one of my cats on it). Even if I was the killing kind, praying mantises seem so different than the little bugs you can just squash with your shoe. On the other hand, the thought of trying to capture a praying mantis is impossible to me, as I imagine it jumping up in my face and trying to bite off my nose. So I suppose there is a good possibility that it will be hanging out in our stairwell for a while.
The weird thing is that it's starting to grow on me a little bit. It's become kind of like "Where's Waldo?" to see which spot it's in each time I walk through the hall. When it turned to look at me as I was headed to work this morning, it kind of creeped me out, but I just pretended that it was telling me, "Good morning." It's kind of cool to look at--if nothing else, you have to admit that they're pretty fascinating. On the other hand, I'm not keeping my eyes off that thing. If it jumps on my leg during my next trip up the stairs, I'm dropping the laundry basket and running like hell.
I've been busy doing laundry all evening, which means that I've spent a lot of time going up and down the stairs to access the washer and dryer in our basement. Each time I go into the hall, it seems to be in a different place; sometimes it's on the wall, sometimes on the stairs, sometimes hanging out in between the bars on the staircase rail.I couldn't possibly kill it. I can't stand to kill things, so I almost always take bugs outside when I find them in my house (unless it is something particularly gross, in which case I will usually yell for Dan or sic one of my cats on it). Even if I was the killing kind, praying mantises seem so different than the little bugs you can just squash with your shoe. On the other hand, the thought of trying to capture a praying mantis is impossible to me, as I imagine it jumping up in my face and trying to bite off my nose. So I suppose there is a good possibility that it will be hanging out in our stairwell for a while.
The weird thing is that it's starting to grow on me a little bit. It's become kind of like "Where's Waldo?" to see which spot it's in each time I walk through the hall. When it turned to look at me as I was headed to work this morning, it kind of creeped me out, but I just pretended that it was telling me, "Good morning." It's kind of cool to look at--if nothing else, you have to admit that they're pretty fascinating. On the other hand, I'm not keeping my eyes off that thing. If it jumps on my leg during my next trip up the stairs, I'm dropping the laundry basket and running like hell.
Friday, July 24, 2009
My New Favorite Lunch Break
In the past, I've developed very bad habits during my lunch breaks at work: eating at my desk while catching up on e-mails; scarfing down food in a matter of minutes before rushing back to the next thing I have to do; and, perhaps worst of all, shoving food in my mouth while driving to a meeting or completing errands on my break.
While my current job definitely has its busy days, and while I haven't yet broken all my bad habits, I have tried to make a conscious effort since Day One to make my lunch break an actual break. Whenever possible, I avoid eating lunch at my desk and eat in the small lunchroom instead (this isn't always possible, since our limited office space often requires that the lunchroom double as a conference room). I don't get on the computer. I don't answer my office phone. Sometimes I go out to eat with my coworkers, but I often enjoy the time to myself. I sift through magazines or spend an hour with a novel. When the weather is nice (and when I'm not wearing heels), I go for a walk.
Lunchtime walks are particularly pleasant where I work because my office is close to a residential area with cute little houses and shady trees. On Monday, the weather was beautiful--around 75 degrees and breezy--and I spent most of my break walking lazily. And then, I made the most wonderful discovery.
It turns out that there is a playground about a 10-minute walk from my office. The playground wasn't occupied with children, and I suspect that will often be the case during my lunch break. In addition to having some benches and lovely trees, it has the usual playground equipment: monkey bars, a slide, and swings. I immediately knew what would be the most relaxing, most stress-relieving way I could spend my breaks: what could be a better way to de-stress than to swing?!
I've always loved to swing, but it's been a long time since I've been on one, and I'm certain I've never been on one in office attire. No doubt I looked a little silly, but anyone who knows me knows that looking silly has never bothered me much. I swung back and forth, watching the birds, looking at the trees, and studying the clouds. I was perfectly relaxed, and even a little giddy. I thought about anything except the office. . . in fact, I don't think I thought about much at all, except that visiting the playground during my lunch break is something I should definitely do again. And again. As far as lunchtime habits go, I think this one gets a thumbs up.
While my current job definitely has its busy days, and while I haven't yet broken all my bad habits, I have tried to make a conscious effort since Day One to make my lunch break an actual break. Whenever possible, I avoid eating lunch at my desk and eat in the small lunchroom instead (this isn't always possible, since our limited office space often requires that the lunchroom double as a conference room). I don't get on the computer. I don't answer my office phone. Sometimes I go out to eat with my coworkers, but I often enjoy the time to myself. I sift through magazines or spend an hour with a novel. When the weather is nice (and when I'm not wearing heels), I go for a walk.
Lunchtime walks are particularly pleasant where I work because my office is close to a residential area with cute little houses and shady trees. On Monday, the weather was beautiful--around 75 degrees and breezy--and I spent most of my break walking lazily. And then, I made the most wonderful discovery.
It turns out that there is a playground about a 10-minute walk from my office. The playground wasn't occupied with children, and I suspect that will often be the case during my lunch break. In addition to having some benches and lovely trees, it has the usual playground equipment: monkey bars, a slide, and swings. I immediately knew what would be the most relaxing, most stress-relieving way I could spend my breaks: what could be a better way to de-stress than to swing?!
I've always loved to swing, but it's been a long time since I've been on one, and I'm certain I've never been on one in office attire. No doubt I looked a little silly, but anyone who knows me knows that looking silly has never bothered me much. I swung back and forth, watching the birds, looking at the trees, and studying the clouds. I was perfectly relaxed, and even a little giddy. I thought about anything except the office. . . in fact, I don't think I thought about much at all, except that visiting the playground during my lunch break is something I should definitely do again. And again. As far as lunchtime habits go, I think this one gets a thumbs up.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A Perfectly Lovely Weekend
Last weekend was amazing! Friday night, I met Dan after work and we headed over to an Indian restaurant in the neighborhood. It is one of my new favorite places, not only because the food is so delicious and veg-friendly, but also because they have an amazing buffet! Indian food is one of my most favorite things, and I'd been craving it all week! Mmmm!
On Saturday, Dan and I headed out on a perfect morning to participate in a community mural project. Earlier this year, Philadelphians voted on a winning design and are now participating in a series of community paint days. The mural is huge--it's 42 panels and over 100 feet long--and the finished product will be displayed as a whole for a while and then different panels will be permanently installed in neighborhoods across the city. The winning mural design is pictured below.
There was a paint day in our neighborhood about a week ago, but Dan was out of town, so we headed to South Philly this past Saturday. We had to take the train, then the subway, and then walk several blocks, but it was totally worth it. The weather was perfect, there were so many different kinds of people involved, and it was awesome to see people from different parts of the city working, talking, and laughing together. The atmosphere was so great; the project took place at a local park, and in addition to folks working on the project, there were kids getting their faces painted, playing on the playground, and running through the sprinklers of a water fountain. Dan and I worked on the purple panel (the one on the far right).
I love that we were able to participate in this. Not only was it a great way to feel connected to our semi-new city, but it will be awesome to see the finished product and think, "I helped make that!"
From there, we walked around parts of Center City, including Chinatown, rested for a bit at home, made a quick trip to IKEA, and then caught an 8:00 showing of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (in my opinion, the best of the HP movies). Sunday was a perfect day of morning coffee and Dunkin' Donuts, hours on the couch reading a book, and a delicious afternoon nap. A perfectly lovely weekend in every way.
On Saturday, Dan and I headed out on a perfect morning to participate in a community mural project. Earlier this year, Philadelphians voted on a winning design and are now participating in a series of community paint days. The mural is huge--it's 42 panels and over 100 feet long--and the finished product will be displayed as a whole for a while and then different panels will be permanently installed in neighborhoods across the city. The winning mural design is pictured below.
There was a paint day in our neighborhood about a week ago, but Dan was out of town, so we headed to South Philly this past Saturday. We had to take the train, then the subway, and then walk several blocks, but it was totally worth it. The weather was perfect, there were so many different kinds of people involved, and it was awesome to see people from different parts of the city working, talking, and laughing together. The atmosphere was so great; the project took place at a local park, and in addition to folks working on the project, there were kids getting their faces painted, playing on the playground, and running through the sprinklers of a water fountain. Dan and I worked on the purple panel (the one on the far right).
I love that we were able to participate in this. Not only was it a great way to feel connected to our semi-new city, but it will be awesome to see the finished product and think, "I helped make that!"From there, we walked around parts of Center City, including Chinatown, rested for a bit at home, made a quick trip to IKEA, and then caught an 8:00 showing of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (in my opinion, the best of the HP movies). Sunday was a perfect day of morning coffee and Dunkin' Donuts, hours on the couch reading a book, and a delicious afternoon nap. A perfectly lovely weekend in every way.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tomatoes are here!
Since summer began, I have been patiently waiting for the first tomatoes. There arrive a little later here in Pennsylvania than they do in the South and Missouri, so I've had to wait a little longer than usual. I was starting to wonder if maybe our CSA didn't include tomatoes when the first ones arrived last week! Also included in our share: green beans, baby salad greens, potatoes, zucchini, beets with greens, a fresh onion, and the most glorious, beautiful, heavenly scented fresh basil!
With tomatoes and fresh basil in our box, there was only one thing to do: combine it with some fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and cracked pepper for the most delicious summer salad I have had yet this season (we also had some scrumptious crusty bread on the side). Oh, my gosh. So good.
With tomatoes and fresh basil in our box, there was only one thing to do: combine it with some fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and cracked pepper for the most delicious summer salad I have had yet this season (we also had some scrumptious crusty bread on the side). Oh, my gosh. So good.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Lazy Solitude
On Thursday, Dan left for a conference in Massachusetts. He'll be back tonight--probably not until 9 or 10. While I am definitely missing him and looking forward to his arrival, I have also taken full advantage of having the apartment to myself. Though I can, of course, do whatever I please even when he's here, there's something about being alone that gives you the freedom to do whatever you want without worrying about whether you are going to annoy or bother someone in a small apartment. In his absence, I have enjoyed the following:
Acquisition of all three spots in our Netflix queue, resulting in viewings of "Hairspray," "He's Just Not That Into You," and "Rachel Getting Married."
Viewings of "Anne of Green Gables," "Anne of Avonlea," and "Rent" (while completing copious amounts of ironing).
Consumption of an embarrassing amount of junk food.
Three lovely naps, including two with a kitty curled up on my chest.
Two hours on the phone with my family Thursday night.
Hitting the snooze button. A lot.
This has been, by far, my laziest weekend in recent memory, and I'm very proud of myself for accomplishing very little (though I did get a few things done). I didn't even get dressed yesterday. Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow?
Acquisition of all three spots in our Netflix queue, resulting in viewings of "Hairspray," "He's Just Not That Into You," and "Rachel Getting Married."
Viewings of "Anne of Green Gables," "Anne of Avonlea," and "Rent" (while completing copious amounts of ironing).
Consumption of an embarrassing amount of junk food.
Three lovely naps, including two with a kitty curled up on my chest.
Two hours on the phone with my family Thursday night.
Hitting the snooze button. A lot.
This has been, by far, my laziest weekend in recent memory, and I'm very proud of myself for accomplishing very little (though I did get a few things done). I didn't even get dressed yesterday. Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Freedom
Freedom is not an ideal, it is not even a protection, if it means nothing more than freedom to stagnate, to live without dreams, to have no greater aim than a second car and another television set. ~Adlai Stevenson
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mmmm
Our latest CSA share (yes, I'm probably going to do this every time, though I was too tired this week to take pictures). . . .
- Collard greens
- Lettuce
- Baby salad mix
- Zucchini
- Parsley
- Mint
- Dill
- Chives
- New potatoes
- Onion
- Fresh garlic
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