Last night, Matt and I went to dinner with our lovely real estate agent. He is quirky, but wonderfully nice - Keith and Amy's friends referred him to us. Finally, after several months, we went out to dinner with him as a congratulations for getting our house.
First, we went to his house and he introduced us to another young couple who also recently bought a home in our neighborhood. They seem very nice - the husband is also a resident physician and the wife is a critical care nurse. Hopefully we will reconnect with them in the future. After having drinks with them, we went to a neat new restaurant called Bibou. It is a thirty seat, tiny cafe that is a BYOB. Apparently, it has been receiving wild reviews and reservations were hard to come by. The French chef, who owns the restaurant, used to work at Le Bec-Fin, which is one of fifteen five-star restaurants nationwide that is located here in Philadelphia and is owned by Georges Perrier. (This is, apparently, all very impressive stuff!) Here is a link to the restaurants menu - http://www.biboubyob.com/menu.html - for proof that we braved a scary menu. It is a French restaurant and they serve things like pigs feet! No - we weren't that brave - but both enjoyed the amazing steaks that we ordered. (The steaks certainly were the safest things on the menu!) Our agent ordered smoke salmon as an appetizer. It was an individual portion but he let us taste it. It was served with the most divine guacamole that I have ever tasted in my entire life. I thought about staging a sit-in in the kitchen until they showed me how to make it, but then I realized that I would be forced to sit in the same kitchen as uncooked pigs feet and other scary animal parts, so I relented. Many of you know that I am not a fan of salmon, but I decided to try a bite of this smoked salmon. It was so - well - weird. Good, but totally unexpected. It was a weird raw fish texture because its not really "cooked." Surprisingly though, it was a really mild flavor - smokey and salty. It oddly reminded me of a deli ham or something like that. I am glad I tried it, thought I can't imagine ever eating more than a bite or two because of the weird texture. Matt really enjoyed it though. It really was great food and we had a wonderful time. It also taught us to not be scared away by a scary looking menu. I would have taken pictures if it had just been Matt and I, but I felt awkward about taking pictures with people we don't know well. Next time I promise that I will.
In other news, I have finished my first week in my new (and hopefully temporary) career as a nanny. (Nanny sounds way more sophisticated than babysitter - right?!?) I am taking care of a 22 month old little girl, named Chloe, and a 6 month old little boy, named Dylan. They are sweet and low key kids with very nice parents. They only live about two miles away from our house, which makes for an easy drive three days a week. The up side is that I make more nannying three days a week than I would working full time at a minimum wage retail job. Obviously, I hope to find a real job soon, or at least find a way to supplement this job. Otherwise, it is going well and I find that I am settling into the job quite well. '
Matt also is loving his job. He certainly is happy to finally be doing the job that he has waited so long to be able to do. Last month he was on a rotation in the ICU, where he saw mostly chest scans. This month he is a on a rotation doing CTs of the body - no head, neck, sinuses, or extremities (I guess that is some other time!) I'm not sure what's up next, but I'll be sure to have Matt update you soon.
Next weekend Matt and I are going camping, so I'll be sure to post pictures when we return from our trip.
Much love to everyone who is reading!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oh Canada!
During the last week of July, I joined Matt's family in Canada for their long-established trip to Southview Cottages on Rice Lake. Matt, sadly, had to stay in Philly to work (and to row!). It is a wonderful trip that his family has taken every other year for most of his life. In addition to Matt's immediate family, his cousins x2, his cousins' cousins, and family friends all go on the trip. Now many of the "kids" are also bringing along significant others. It is a great big group of about 30 people, who drive many hours to relax, fish, relax, play cards, swim, water ski, kayak, chat, and relax some more.
Here are some of my favorite pictures:
Me with Jenny (Matt's brother David's girlfriend - wow - these labels could get confusing!) and our highly necessary fish rags.
This year, the pontoon boat became a favorite fishing boat - the more, the merrier!
Matt's dad, Mark, readying their boat for a morning of fishing.
Fresh fish goes fast!
Classic Canada - hanging out and chowing down.
Matt's brother, David, can't catch a fish from that side of the pontoon. But if he had only moved to the other side, his luck would have been better!
Lots of poles = lots of fish!
Beautiful sunset while fishing.
Matt's cousin, Elly, demonstrating how to remove a hook from a fish.
A little demo session prior to the traditional Euchre tournament.
Matt's brother, David, and mom, Nancy, battle out an intense game of Euchre.
Posing with my twin/Matt's cousin, Elly.
David and Elly - priceless.
Matt's cousin, Will, sipping his beer through his Twizzler.
Moments later, I catch Will's wife, Ayn, sipping her beer through a Twizzler, and no, she was not copying Will!
Proof that Brad joined in on the spa day.
David and his keeper walleye.
Matt's cousin, Luke, and his girlfriend, Angel.
Matt's cousin, John, and his girlfriend, Susie.
Here are some of my favorite pictures:
Me with Jenny (Matt's brother David's girlfriend - wow - these labels could get confusing!) and our highly necessary fish rags.
This year, the pontoon boat became a favorite fishing boat - the more, the merrier!
Matt's dad, Mark, readying their boat for a morning of fishing.
Fresh fish goes fast!
Classic Canada - hanging out and chowing down.
Matt's brother, David, can't catch a fish from that side of the pontoon. But if he had only moved to the other side, his luck would have been better!
Lots of poles = lots of fish!
Beautiful sunset while fishing.
Matt's cousin, Elly, demonstrating how to remove a hook from a fish.
A little demo session prior to the traditional Euchre tournament.
Matt's brother, David, and mom, Nancy, battle out an intense game of Euchre.
Posing with my twin/Matt's cousin, Elly.
David and Elly - priceless.
Matt's cousin, Will, sipping his beer through his Twizzler.
Moments later, I catch Will's wife, Ayn, sipping her beer through a Twizzler, and no, she was not copying Will!
Proof that Brad joined in on the spa day.
David and his keeper walleye.
Matt's cousin, Luke, and his girlfriend, Angel.
Matt's cousin, John, and his girlfriend, Susie.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Updated: Thunderous Triathlon
So - I thought I would share my triathlon story with all of you - ie: my story of being scared that I was going to be struck by lightning while cowering in the rain next to a concrete barrier on a bridge over the Schuylkill River. I'll try to give you the short version.
This morning, storms were in the area and the race directros decided (much to my disappointment) to turn the triathlon into a duathlon because the storms, current, and debris made the river unsafe. That means that I had to do a 1.5m run, then 15.8m bike, and followed by a 3m run. They delayed the race by about 30 minutes while they were trying to make that decision - and in the long run, I really wish I had those 30 min because it would have saved me from cowering on the bridge. The 1.5m run went well and was dry. I grabbed my bike and headed off. Right away it started to sprinkle and then it really rained. The rain went on and off all during the bike portion, which was a 2 loop course. I finished the first loop, and I was tired but it was going ok. I settled in and was feeling a lot better on the second loop. Then the lightning and thunder really started to pick up. Everyone was chatting out on the course, and we were all ready to be off our bikes because it was getting scary. I was really hoping at that point that they had cancelled the second run portion. Then the bridge happened, and I knew that the run had been cancelled. I was in the middle of the bridge and I saw the wall of water coming. I stopped and jumped off my bike. I was looking all around and could see the clouds level with us and the lightning all around. We all ran up against the concrete walls of the bridge and ducked down to get some protection from the driving rain and lightning. Finally the lightning let up some and we ran our bikes across the bridge because the rain was coming down too strong for us to ride. Then we finished out the last mile or two on the bike. There was flash flooding and at some points I was biking in up to a foot of rushing water. I could barely see and the rain hurt because it was coming down so hard. When I finally got back to the transition area - it was mostly deserted. They had told the spectators to leave immediately, and later Matt told me that it was like a mass exodus. I had a hard time finding anywhere to return my timing chip, and I didn't get my participants medal :( Everything was flooded and totally chaotic.
Needless to say, there is no way that my next triathlon could be as bad as my first triathlon. Seriously insane - but somehow it was still fun and I want to do it again. Does that make me insane? If any of you have a desire to do a triathlon, I would highly suggest the Danskin Women's triathlon series. It is an all-women's triathlon and is geared at first-timers. Even if you have done one, I would still suggest it. It was so supportive and a lot of fun - really a great environment.
Here are the pictures as promised:
Setting out all of my gear the night before. Unbelievable how much stuff you need.
Lots and lots of women getting ready to run. They sent us off in 6 minute increments and I was one of the last groups. It seemed to take forever.
Somehow, Matt found me in the crowd - impressive feat.
Finished the run and now jogging to get my bike.
Bike and helmet - check!
And I'm off - headed into the storms to bike 15.8 miles. Sounds like a brilliant idea!! :)
This morning, storms were in the area and the race directros decided (much to my disappointment) to turn the triathlon into a duathlon because the storms, current, and debris made the river unsafe. That means that I had to do a 1.5m run, then 15.8m bike, and followed by a 3m run. They delayed the race by about 30 minutes while they were trying to make that decision - and in the long run, I really wish I had those 30 min because it would have saved me from cowering on the bridge. The 1.5m run went well and was dry. I grabbed my bike and headed off. Right away it started to sprinkle and then it really rained. The rain went on and off all during the bike portion, which was a 2 loop course. I finished the first loop, and I was tired but it was going ok. I settled in and was feeling a lot better on the second loop. Then the lightning and thunder really started to pick up. Everyone was chatting out on the course, and we were all ready to be off our bikes because it was getting scary. I was really hoping at that point that they had cancelled the second run portion. Then the bridge happened, and I knew that the run had been cancelled. I was in the middle of the bridge and I saw the wall of water coming. I stopped and jumped off my bike. I was looking all around and could see the clouds level with us and the lightning all around. We all ran up against the concrete walls of the bridge and ducked down to get some protection from the driving rain and lightning. Finally the lightning let up some and we ran our bikes across the bridge because the rain was coming down too strong for us to ride. Then we finished out the last mile or two on the bike. There was flash flooding and at some points I was biking in up to a foot of rushing water. I could barely see and the rain hurt because it was coming down so hard. When I finally got back to the transition area - it was mostly deserted. They had told the spectators to leave immediately, and later Matt told me that it was like a mass exodus. I had a hard time finding anywhere to return my timing chip, and I didn't get my participants medal :( Everything was flooded and totally chaotic.
Needless to say, there is no way that my next triathlon could be as bad as my first triathlon. Seriously insane - but somehow it was still fun and I want to do it again. Does that make me insane? If any of you have a desire to do a triathlon, I would highly suggest the Danskin Women's triathlon series. It is an all-women's triathlon and is geared at first-timers. Even if you have done one, I would still suggest it. It was so supportive and a lot of fun - really a great environment.
Here are the pictures as promised:
Setting out all of my gear the night before. Unbelievable how much stuff you need.
Lots and lots of women getting ready to run. They sent us off in 6 minute increments and I was one of the last groups. It seemed to take forever.
Somehow, Matt found me in the crowd - impressive feat.
Finished the run and now jogging to get my bike.
Bike and helmet - check!
And I'm off - headed into the storms to bike 15.8 miles. Sounds like a brilliant idea!! :)
Monday, July 20, 2009
More Rooms Done!
Even though the living area was the first area done, it has taken awhile to get it picked up enough to take pictures. It always seemed to get the overflow from other projects. Now that we are going to have rowers staying with us on and off for the next few weeks - we thought it should all be picked up. That actually means that the whole house, except for our bedroom, is put together. We are really pleased with how the living room came together, and we love our new couch and TV. They are a perfect pair - super comfy and a great picture!
Here's lots of views of the new living area:
View from the kitchen.
View from the dining area.
View from the stairs.
View from entryway.
Here's lots of views of the new living area:
View from the kitchen.
View from the dining area.
View from the stairs.
View from entryway.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Another Room Done!
While Matt was gone this weekend seat racing for a quad in Connecticut, I officially conquered the office. Unfortunately, I have not yet conquered the paperwork that belongs in the office. At least when I finally face the mound of paper, I will be in a room with a nice soothing blue. It is very light blue - in fact, it is almost a neutral color.
The office also is our official "rowing" room. We decided that it was the perfect place to display all of our rowing memorabilia, medals, and pictures. We are so pleased with how it all came together.
Here are the pictures that you are all waiting for:
Getting ready to paint - that is always the toughest part. I certainly won't be sad if I never see blue tape again after we finish these projects! See that lovely radiator - I learned that those little cheap black foam paint brushes are definitely the best way to tackle painting behind radiators.
It is a small room, which makes taking pictures pretty tough. Hopefully you get the idea!
Where all the paperwork is going to happen - eventually.
The office also is our official "rowing" room. We decided that it was the perfect place to display all of our rowing memorabilia, medals, and pictures. We are so pleased with how it all came together.
Here are the pictures that you are all waiting for:
Getting ready to paint - that is always the toughest part. I certainly won't be sad if I never see blue tape again after we finish these projects! See that lovely radiator - I learned that those little cheap black foam paint brushes are definitely the best way to tackle painting behind radiators.
It is a small room, which makes taking pictures pretty tough. Hopefully you get the idea!
Where all the paperwork is going to happen - eventually.
Bicycling Philadelphia
As many of you know, I am going to be completing (hopefully!) my first triathlon in two weeks. In the process of training, I have grown to love biking. Really for the first time since I rowed in college, I have found a physical activity that I truly enjoy.
That said, I knew that I was going to miss the Lakefront Bike Path in Chicago. It was such an enjoyable place to ride my bike, plus it was safe and I had the ability to ride for long distances without riding on roads. Plus, I was going to miss taking my bike to Rockford and going on nice long rides with Nancy. When we moved to Philadelphia I was afraid that I might not find something similar here. But I've been exploring some now and I am so very pleased with what I have found. I got over my fear of riding on the roads with cars and ride my bike the .5 mile down to the bike path along the Schuykill River, which is the same river that Matt rows on. If I ride down toward Boathouse Row and follow the path all the way downtown, I can get in a 10 mile loop. I had planned to take pictures of this path today, but it was crazy busy and wasn't safe to stop. Plus I was beyond frustrated with the traffic from a rowing race and a running race.
When I got to the turn-off that I take to go home, I decided to keep going to see if I could figure out how the path connected to the Wissahickon Preserve. I almost didn't do it because I was a bit nervous, but I am so glad I did. The path is absolutely beautiful. I know that I will be riding there often. I don't know how far it goes, but I think it is about 20 miles.
Here are some pictures of the scenery. There are no captions, well because I don't really know where I was or what I was looking at!!
That said, I knew that I was going to miss the Lakefront Bike Path in Chicago. It was such an enjoyable place to ride my bike, plus it was safe and I had the ability to ride for long distances without riding on roads. Plus, I was going to miss taking my bike to Rockford and going on nice long rides with Nancy. When we moved to Philadelphia I was afraid that I might not find something similar here. But I've been exploring some now and I am so very pleased with what I have found. I got over my fear of riding on the roads with cars and ride my bike the .5 mile down to the bike path along the Schuykill River, which is the same river that Matt rows on. If I ride down toward Boathouse Row and follow the path all the way downtown, I can get in a 10 mile loop. I had planned to take pictures of this path today, but it was crazy busy and wasn't safe to stop. Plus I was beyond frustrated with the traffic from a rowing race and a running race.
When I got to the turn-off that I take to go home, I decided to keep going to see if I could figure out how the path connected to the Wissahickon Preserve. I almost didn't do it because I was a bit nervous, but I am so glad I did. The path is absolutely beautiful. I know that I will be riding there often. I don't know how far it goes, but I think it is about 20 miles.
Here are some pictures of the scenery. There are no captions, well because I don't really know where I was or what I was looking at!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A little about blogging...
I know that many of you that follow this blog probably are not very familiar with blogging. Actually, it is something that Matt and I are really learning as we go too.
If you would like updates - then you can follow the blog and it will email you when we make new posts. Otherwise, you can simply check in occasionally.
If you click on the posted pictures, they will open up bigger so that you can see the detail a bit better.
You can leave comments if you feel like it - which means that other people (family and friends) can see what you said and can also reply. In other words, a blog could be a conversation place. Leaving a comment would also allow you to request more pictures or info about different posts.
As we learn more and add features, we'll keep you posted on the add-ons.
If you would like updates - then you can follow the blog and it will email you when we make new posts. Otherwise, you can simply check in occasionally.
If you click on the posted pictures, they will open up bigger so that you can see the detail a bit better.
You can leave comments if you feel like it - which means that other people (family and friends) can see what you said and can also reply. In other words, a blog could be a conversation place. Leaving a comment would also allow you to request more pictures or info about different posts.
As we learn more and add features, we'll keep you posted on the add-ons.
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