Pie

I love pie and I like making pie too. Last weekend I made a peach blueberry pie, and it did not turn out great. I think those fruits don't have enough fruit. I made a strawberry rhubarb pie a couple months ago and it was really tasty and beautiful - see picture.
Just thought I'd share my success.

Ice Cream Festival

Last weekend, Ben and I went to an ice cream festival down by the Delaware River. It offered all you eat ice cream for $5.00.
We went with our friend Cara and one of her friends, both who turned out to be as serious about ice cream as us. When we paid our money and they had given us a spoon each, we entered the tent filled with tables, ice cream scoopers from Ben and Jerry's, Haagen Dazs, Bryers, Edy's, Rita's Water Ice, and more. Also in the tent was a ton of people elbowing people out of the way and pushing small children out of their paths to get the cups of goodness - we joined right in. There is something about crowding around and jostling with hundreds of people over cheap sweets that just says "America" to me and it was fun fun fun. We'd all split up to scout out our favorite flavors and brands. (Melissa only took chocolate flavors, Ben filled up on fruit pops), and then meet up in the middle of the tent to eat and rest until we'd go back in to the foray. Apparently, it is an annual event, so next year, come join us!

So Philly

Last night we rode our bikes to the Mann Center to meet some friends to see the performance of The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra with Yo Yo Ma. The Mann Center is cool. Like Wolf Trap or Summer Stage, it is a big outdoor stage with a big lawn space for people to have picnics. It was the first city activity that we've really done here.
Which is especially important since now we own a bit of this city. Ben and I bought and moved into our new house last weekend. Living in a house with so many rooms and floors, that we own, is a concept that is strange to me. But it's been fun and great so far. My mom and sister came up for a few days to see the house and celebrate Ben's birthday, which was fun. All our friends have been really helpful telling us where to put stuff and filling up the house more. Ben is in 7th heaven, planting stuff, fixing up stuff and cooking on his grill. It's like we've become these whole new people in the last week. We cook on the grill and have a basement and a washer and dryer (which is one of my life goals fulfilled), and a backyard, and have to put the trash out.
It is also strange to live in our own house, but still be in the city. So far, city living for me and most people I know means living in an apartment. Philly is nice that you can buy a house, but still enjoy city life. All our neighbors have been very welcoming and friendly. Everyone says hello to each other on the block and has come over to introduce themselves to us.

We are thankful for this new blessing in our life and wish you all a great summer!

Big Apple

Ben and I went to New York this weekend. We saw some great friends and enjoyed being back in the place where we began our life together. In addition, we went to the Met to see the Jeff Koons exhibit on the roof which was wonderful and the Superheros Costume Exhibit, which was also fantastic. We love NY!

Future Home Owners

Check out these pix of the house we are in the process of buying in West Philly!

Hello to Spring and Goodbye to Wisdom Teeth

We have welcomed spring and all the blooming trees and flowers around us. It is unusual to track the coming of Spring in a city, but Philadelphia has so many beautiful trees along the streets. Ben and I continue to explore different parts of the city and have especially enjoyed to find Philly's hipster neighborhood, Northern Liberties. Packs of fixed gear bikers and friendly dogs. If only Planet Thai and Sea could open there too, we'd have a very nice Williamsburg, Brooklyn replica.

My Mom and Walter came to visit and we had a great time wandering around Center City and the Italian Market and watching a lot of basketball. They had an authentic Philly cheesesteak at Geno's and braved the "whiz wit" which in Philly lingo means you want it with Cheese Whiz and with onions. As the city wakes up from winter, it has a lot more action and reminds me of an uncaffinated New York! ( Although I still miss the frenetic pace in NYC). Anyway, Philly was out and in character for Mom and Walter and we're glad they liked it.

Otherwise, Ben and I are good. I had my wisdom teeth out a month ago and thought I'd embarrass myself by showing a pic of me right after I got home. Ben made this ice pack contraption that looks like I am wearing a ice-filled bra on my head. But it sure did work and I didn't have any bruising or swelling. Ben was an excellent nurse!

Pictures: Kato and Ben! Post-op Melissa! Girls from out home group from our church!

Oldies but Goodies?

Welcome 2008! Life moves on here in Philly for Ben and I.
At the end of December, I finally got a job. I"m working for an Artist Management company and I am the Contracts Coordinator.
We represent a big roster of chamber music groups, dance companies and soloists and my job is to finalize and write up their contracts with the theatres/presenters and send them out for signatures. I also do all the touring details, and just finished planning a tour for a vocal group from the Netherlands. I like what I do, but there is one small issue with the job.
Most of the people I work with are really old. Two are in their late 70's, One is in the late 60's and then some in their 50's. It's a really strange dynamic, which really turned me off at first. But it's growing on me and now it's 80% funny, 20% sad. I am grateful to have a job but still adjusting to working everyday. I am continuing to dance when I can and Ben and I are now gym members, which he is super excited about.
I'm sad i never have pictures to post anymore, but living regular American life doesn't call for much picture taking.
Next week we are off to Atlantic City for the CDW holiday party, so maybe there will be pictures from that.

This picture is one of my mom's paintings. She is having a show in DC in February, so anyone around there should go check it out, it's going to be spectacular!

Best Wishes to everyone for 2008.