Philadelphia is My Home

11
Oct

Keeping Afloat

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

Well, as you may or may not have noticed, I have not been able to keep up with this blog and my editor responsibilities.  For this I truly apologize!  I am sure the readers reader I had is by now long gone.

When I started this, I had hoped to make this a great resource and fun place to meet for Philly residents on-line. But alas, shortly after we went live, I changed jobs.

My new job is keeping me very busy, not to mention barely squeezing in the time to update my personal blog every now and then.

I have contacted the powers that be in hopes of finding another editor for Philly! If anyone is interested, please e-mail me and I will pass it on.  I would hate to see this great city fall by the wayside on ismyhome.com.

In the meantime…

Well…

All I can say is I will keep trying. 

So what’s new with you?

24
Aug

The Squeeze

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

Well, we are off the shore tonight in hopes of squeezing in one more beach day before the summer ends.

I can’t believe summer is almost over. Why does it seem to go by so quickly.  I am sure all the teachers out there suffer this same anxiety and sorrow whenever September draws near.

Anyway, we are not the type to brave the shore traffic during the holiday weekends, so this weekend is our only hope for a last hurrah.  I hear it is suppose to be warm tomorrow, warm enough for the beach even.

But speaking of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, does anybody know of anything interesting going on?  Care to pass it along to all of us traffic chickens who will be stuck in the city?  I will try to do some research this week and see if I find anything worth mentioning.

I’m not promising much though.  It’s hard to muster up the spirit for celebrating on the last weekend of summer. Bwwwaaaaaaaaaaa!

No, please don’t worry about me.  I’ll be fine. Really, I will.

{sniff, sniff}

25
Jul

Here’s Another Thing I Hate

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

For the past four years I have worked in Jersey and Delaware, and in both places I am usually the only city dweller amongst the crowd.  So naturally, when the lunch conversation turns to lawn care, I yawn.  Maybe it has to do with the fact that these two words are so similar, such that I subconsciously have the urge to yawn when I hear lawn. But most likely, it has more to do with the fact that my backyard is a two by four slab of concrete with nary a blade of grass in it.

And believe when I tell you that people with lawns can talk for hours about their mowers, edgers, landscapers - the list is endless.  Suburban people are always talking about things I cannot relate to or things I never heard of or have no clue what the heck they are.  Like central vacuuming. What the heck is that? 

And when I ask them what it is, they look at me like I have six heads and just broke out of a time warp bubble.  HELLO! We live in houses that are over a hundred years old and are solid brick. Central vacuuming is not one of those things that casually comes up over coffee very often. (unless you work in Jersey, of course)

Anyway, it was a welcoming change the other day when I was finally able to jump right into the discussion about yard care woes. You see, I have slugs. Yes, I kid you not, there is actual wildlife in my backyard.

Basically, I asked my co-workers (the experts) how it is that two square feet of concrete could produce a colony of thirty slugs within six minutes after the sun sets.  It’s one of those disgusting yet fascinating things I just can’t let go.  I mean really, where are these slimy things coming from?  And, more importantly, how do I get rid of them! (Salt is not an option, I believe in Karma)

Recently, my step daughter created a slug slinger from one of our paint stirrers.  She must sling roughly a dozen slugs a night into our neighbor’s yard. Yet, the suckers keep coming back. In droves.  Finally, I told her to stop.  I told her I thought they might actually be enjoying this cannonball ride of hers.  I told her we are getting more slugs, as if they are telling their friends all about the Six Flags Adventure Park just over the wall. We have since put the useless slug slinger to rest.

So anyway, suffice to say that my wonderful suburban co-workers weren’t any help whatsoever. In fact, they never even heard of a slug slinger. Imagine! Maybe they don’t care about slugs or have learned to live with them as par for the course. All I know is when I brought it up, I only got a chorus of yawns in reply.  Which turned out to be a rewarding sweet revenge after years of tree rot lunches.

But the problem remains. How do I get rid of these buggers aside from sizzling them with salt? Tell me, do you have the same phenonema happening in your yard? Do you even care?

(P.S. If anyone is interested, check out my ebay listing for a EUC slug slinger. Original Sherwin Williams Logo on both sides with minimal slim stains. Starting bid is 99 cents.)

23
Jul

My Summer Reading List

Author: Momish, Category: People, Randomness

Didn’t you just hate when you were given a summer reading list in high school. Homework over the summer vacation! What sick and twisted mind thought of that one?

Well, now that I am adult and read for personal enjoyment, I think summer reading lists are a wonderful idea. Keeps the kids busy and their minds still in tune, lest they go off for two months and forget they have a mind come September.  Which is exactly the type of thing that can happen when you are actually having too much fun with absolutely no responsibilities whatsoever.

In fact, I think it is such a great idea that I am assigning myself my very own summer reading list.  Since I will be gallivanting on the beach, throwing my cares to the wind and basically forgetting about the fact that I have a job, a blog and yet another blog this entire week, it seems only fair that such debauchery is balanced with a healthy dose of discipline to get my mind back on track. 

And it will be up to you to decide what I will be reading! Let’s see how many fine citizens of Philadelphia have a blog or other on-line endeavor.  Leave me a link to your own virtual home or business in a comment, and I will do my homework throughout the rest of this week and when I return. It’ll be my summer reading list of links.

And that includes all you guys in the surrounding areas.  ‘Cause let’s face it, when you travel to places far away, you know you tell people you are from Philly.  Yeah, you do.  You accept the fact that people in France or Seattle have never heard of Malvern or Sewell.

So let’s get that Philly Blogroll going. It could be our very own Philly Folk Hub. I know you are out there.  And we all know how this bloggy stuff works.  I scratch your back, you scratch mine. 

And I got an itch, people.

{a little to the left… more left… over, over… up a bit… ahhhhhh}

20
Jul

Vacation, Gotta Get Away

Author: Momish, Category: Randomness, Something to Do, The Shore

So it figures that the week we go live I am scheduled to go on vacation.  Just as I am getting into the swing of things, meeting new people, receiving (unpaid/non-bribery) feedback, getting my groove on…. Wham! Stop everything! I have to go down the shore and relax in the sun while doing absolutely nothing for the next seven days.

 Woe is me!

Other than the timing factor, we have no worries, trust me.  That is because I have figured out how to schedule publishing posts.  I practiced on today’s post. I actually wrote this last night and voila, it didn’t show up until this morning.

I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking that even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then.  But I really do think I am getting the hang of this WordPress stuff.  I honestly think things will go smoothly next week.  You wait and see.

The Jersey shore is calling to me, people.  I have but no choice to go.

So, I have the sworn promise that the powers that be here at IsMyHome are going to moderate all comments.  As for me, I promise to respond as often as I can between my hours of sea, sun and surf.  And, if I find any great happening or bargains,  I will be sure to pass it along.

Just to prove my good faith, I will remind you that next Friday (the 28th) is the famous Night in Venice annual parade of boats in Ocean City.  I wanted to pass this one along early so you can make the necessary plans.  Just in case you aren’t already down there on your week long vacation like some of us.

So please don’t take my comment silence as a sign of not caring! Although, truth be told, I really won’t be caring about anything other than the next time I have to turn over or sand getting into my Mai Tai.  But hey, like they say… silence is golden.  Right?

Hello? Did you hear me?  I said silence is golden, right?

<cricket cricket>

Pfft.

17
Jul

Live In America

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Randomness

So I am told we are now ”live”.  As in, no-longer-writing-to-myself live.

At first I panicked.

OH MY GOD! WE’RE LIVE! Is my header on straight? How’s my font? Does this side bar make me look fat?

Then I was all like, what am I panicking for? Everything is fine. The blog looks fine. I look fine.  Besides, even if I didn’t, it’s not like you guys would ever know.  You’ll just have to trust me on that one…

Speaking of beautiful people, did you see that the Beckhams have arrived in America?

Granted, they are a handsome couple.  Apparently, he looked rather debonair in his light grey suit and she looked posh in a stunning purple dress.  It’s all the papers could write about.  The way they looked seemed much more important than the reason they are here - to play for the L.A. Galaxy and hopefully promote soccer in the U.S.  Maybe add a little spice to the sport. {hee hee. Get it, spice?}

As for me, I have a minor grudge against these two, so you will have to forgive me if I am not all gaga about them moving here.  For one, I got royally jacked when David Beckham went to Real Madrid.  You see, I had tickets to the grand opening of Lincoln Field where FC Barcelona played Manchester United.  I was so excited to finally see this man in action.  Then there were all these rumours about him being traded, but they all suggested it would be to Barcelona.  No worries there.  Remember, it was Barcelona vs. Manchester United after all.

But no, instead he runs off to Madrid.  No Beckham.  I was royally jacked, I tell ya.

As for the wife?  My grudge against her isn’t exactly personal, it’s more like by proxy.  Echo and the Bunnymen (my all time favorite band) were suppose to sing the 1998 World Cup song, because hey, they like actually wrote the song.  But then they got booted for the more attractive and popular Spice Girls, who ended up singing their song.  My boys were royally jacked, I tell ya.

But all that was many years ago, so I am sure I can find in my heart to put those grudges aside and welcome this couple to our fine country.  Maybe his presence here will give Major League Soccer more exposure and bring us up to par with the rest of the world.  Yeah, now that I think of it, I guess I can put my personal grudges aside for the sake of the sport, not to mention haute couture.

So let me take this minute to shout out a big ole WELCOME all around.  Welcome to America Mr. and Mrs. Beckham, and welcome to Philadelphia Is My Home all of you!

11
Jul

Place Nouveau Marche

Author: Momish, Category: General, Randomness

I have an idea.

Perhaps this idea sprung to me as a result of feeling giddy over the upcoming French Festival in Fairmount Park this weekend.  Could be, could be.  Or, it might have sprung from the fact that I recently discovered a long lost pair of barrettes purchased at that really cool store called Metro that use to be in New Market Square.  Could be, could be.  

The important thing here is that I have an idea for what they can do with the eyesore of an empty parking lot that use to be known as New Market Square on 2nd and South.

Here’s my idea, you ready? All you developers out there have your listening caps on?

They should make that place into a mini replica of Place Monge in Paris.  Perspective buyers should hop on a plane to Paris.  Get on the Metro and take the line 7 to the Place Monge stop.  The minute you step outside, you are one of the sweetest little nooks in all of France.

They should then take note of every inch of that place and brick by brick, recreate that circle of cafes, shops, taverns and bakeries in that huge empty space that is just begging to be one of the sweetest nooks in all of Philly.

Place Monge is a circle of activity due to the cafes and shops and the way they are situated.  In the center of it all is a mini concrete stage where there is always something interesting and welcoming happening.  You can spend hours there, sipping a latte watching the goings on.

I’m telling you, if you were to build a circle of welcoming shops and eateries surrounding a mini stage, you will be surprised just how many jugglers, poets and mimes this city has to offer!  

So, what do you think? 

08
Jul

No Such Luck

Author: Momish, Category: Randomness

Well, as you can probably guess by the fact that I am still here writing for ya, I didn’t win any million bucks last night.

 Not even a hundred.

Looks like you are stuck with me, for now anyway.

And if you didn’t win anything either, don’t worry.  There will be other chances.  All we have to do is live another hundred years for the drawing on 7/7/2107!  Count me in!

06
Jul

777

Author: Momish, Category: Randomness

Tomorrow is being hailed as one of the luckiest days of all time due to the alignment of all sevens in tomorrow’s date.  I am sure you haven’t escaped the buzz that has been going on.  After all, even the PA lottery is cashing in on the craze.  They are holding a special millionaire’s raffle, where they will award 7,777 cash prizes including five top prizes of a million bucks.

I could sure use a million bucks right now, how ’bout you?

I am not exactly superstitious by nature (a-hem), but hey, you gotta play to win, right?  So, I will be sure to buy my (hopefully) lucky ticket before 5PM tomorrow or even soon, since there are a limited amount of tix available.  Who knows,  7/7/7  just might be my lucky day (oh please, oh please)!

The drawing will held tomorrow at (surprise, surprise) 7 PM.

C’mon lucky seven!

27
Jun

“Ratatouille”, My You Know What!

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness, Resources

Here is one of the things I really hate about living in the city….RATS!

There ain’t nothing cute rats. They can make all the movies they want about friendly and adorable pretend rats with quaint accents cooking French cuisine.  Heck, you may even find me laughing and rooting for the little bugger, because  it isn’t real.  But, the real ones? Like the one I saw last night IN MY HOUSE? Sorry, but upon seeing one of those little disease ridden rodents scurrying across my bathroom, the only thing I am doing is freaking out. And I mean freaking out as in a whole other level of freaking out, my friends.  As in adapting a new mantra in life that goes along the lines of, “KILL! KILL! KILL!”

So, after screaming and jumping up and down like a lunitic hopping across a live minefield, I lied awake in bed, completely paranoid and beside myself with anxiety. Sleep was not an option. I was on full alert. I immediately jumped into combat mode.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

First things first, I got the cat. Although obviously useless, his presence at the foot of my bed made a significant difference none-the-less. Second, I began a mental check list of all the stuff I need to do to make sure that disgusting thing doesn’t come near me or my family, even by proxy. By four in the morning I had my strategy all planned out and was ready for full on war.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

City rats are not to be taken lightly. They transmit diseases through their droppings, urine and fleas. These disease are especially harmful to children under five. My daughter is two, TWO, so you see where I’m coming from here? How many ways are there to say PANIC?

Needless to say, at 9:01 I was on the phone with Philadelphia Rat Control and had already researched rats to the point where I can now teach a class on this stuff. Here is the plan I have devised. I am posting it here, just in case you should ever find a rat running in your house at midnight, in the middle of an already hectic weak when you are pretty much a neurotic mess of a human being to begin with:

• Call Philadelphia Rat Control (they are no help beyond “we’ll check out the area”)
• Sanitize everything! Every floor space, counter space and table space. BLEACH!
• Put all open dry foods in plastic bags or bins
• Empty the lazy cat’s food bowl at night
• Clean all the apples and cherries that have fallen in your 2X4 cement yard
• Get hubby to seal all holes around the 100 year old house and decrepid basement
• Tightly seal up all trash and bins, inside and out (think superglue)
• Close all toilet lids (spray Windex on lid before closing)
• Put out a million traps in places cat and kid can’t reach (Note: Poison is not recommended around children and pets, plus it can end up in a desperate search for a decaying rat that hid itself real good while it was dying. I am not sure what is worse, a live rat or a decaying rat you can’t find or get to!)
• Wipe dry all sinks, tub and showers after using in order to remove all water sources (needless to say, repair leaks)
• And finally, take a Valium before you drop dead of a heart attack. You want to be around to see that sucker go down, after all. DEAD! DEAD! DEAD!