Photo 5.31.10

As promised weeks ago...

Photos 5.13.10

During my time working at Project Helping Hands I took a liking to photgraphing grafitti. Driving around looking for homeless people allowed me to see things in Detroit that I probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise. I have a few which I'll post over the next few days. Here's one of a few that I went back to take pictures of because they were so interesting. I guess grafitti can serve a purpose? Enjoy. :)

I Apologize.

I've been too busy posting fun stuff or not posting at all. I have not abandoned my weight loss efforts. I just got a little lazy. I'm truly going to have to keep track because it's so easy to "forget" when it's not immediately on my mind. Saturday we walked to Eastern Market. I just checked it out on Gmaps and we went about 4 miles. Its hard to tell because we walked through the market and back tracked a few times. i think we may have walked further. It's a little under 2 miles just to walk there. So round trip was at least 4 miles not counting...oh, whatever. You get the point! This morning I walked over to the Secretary of State (DMV for the rest of the country~I don't know why it's the SOS in MI?) to renew my license plate. Only 2.5 weeks late. Oops. Do you KNOW how tempting it was to take that $89 go to Target? *sigh* Then over to the Library to get my very own Library card. Yay! After grad school I swore I was never going in to a Library again. As life would have it, I caved. After all, the Library is FREE! I like free these days and the Skillman Library is 1/4 mile from my apartment. By the way, that was a 2 mile walk round trip.

OH, oh, oh I almost forgot what a fun day we had yesterday! Went over to this little marina right on the Detroit River. It's located just west of Chene Park where St. Aubin ends at the Detroit River. The sign at the park entrance calls it the Tricentennial Park and Marina. SO pretty!! Me, Jane and Bev went over with our blankets and books and lounged on the grass under a tree. Since we're all apartment dwellers downtown we decided this would be our new "back yard". So relaxing. I'm excited about all of the little gems I've been discovering in Detroit! Have a told you how much I love living here? I know. I probably need my head checked!! After that we went down to the Concert of Colors festival and saw Aaron Neville perform. I feel akin to him because he's from New Orleans. I can't say that I love his voice but his band is spectacular! I really enjoyed listening to the music. Need I mention it was FREE? I should change the name of this blog to reflect finding FREE things to do during unemployment!

I just found out on Friday that one of my dearest friends, Kim, is getting married! Kim has always been like my sister. We met in 1983 when I was 9 and she was almost 11. We lived a block from each other and were always together growing up! She has been with her boyfriend, Rob for almost 10 years and though they've had their ups and downs they always pulled through. I'm so happy for her! I get to help with the planning and I'm in charge of decorations so I've got a job on my hands. It's going to be a simple backyard ceremony. I LOVE and encourage this idea because I think weddings are over-rated. I compare weddings to what has happened to Christmas...we seem to forget the meaning and obsess too much on the material aspect of such an important celebration! I'm behind her 100%. Congrats, Kimmeh!
Here's the most recent picture of Kim and I. We took this one afternoon a few weeks ago after we colored our hair and did pedicures! Then we drank wine. Heeheeee. Salon 506: Make your appointment today!


Now I leave you with some photos I took at the marina with my Blackberry.

The Week in Review.

Tina warned me to "start blogging before someone thinks you fell off the wagon into another birthday cake!" Thanks. ;)

Geeze. At least someone is paying attention.

The past week has been very busy! Today is my day of recovery. First thing this morning I had to tend to my duty as a Job Seeker. Now that I've got that taken care of I can do the fun online things that I love! I've got a lot of catching up to do!

Last week started out when I woke up with a desperate need to find employment. I haven't felt like this in a few weeks. Maybe I was sinking into a bit of a funk? It was probably a post-sugar-high from all of the damn cake I ate the week surrounding my Birthday? Probably. Well, I have sworn off cake until my next Birthday. I assure you that I can't stomach the mere thought of cake in any way, shape or form. So done with cake! After a few days of "making myself useful to those in need" (Yes, that's in code to elude the people paying my bills)I was ready for some rest and relaxation. My friends Lottie and John were here from Savannah so I was surely going to make time to see them. The original plan was for me to drive back down with them and visit Savannah but after careful evaluation of my finances I decided that wasn't a very good plan. Instead, I'll be going down there in a few weeks but I'll save that for another time. Lottie called and told me they were going to the Detroit Yacht Club to hang out on their friend's boat. I love Belle Isle and I've been to the awesome DYC before so I was totally down for that! We met up and had a good time catching up and being silly. Lottie rocked it out Old School and I was the picture of class with my Better Made chips and Bud Light.


Later we left John on the boat with the boys and headed downtown for some Girl Time. Me, Lottie and Jane went to Cliff Bells for some drinks. We wanted the bartender to take our picture but she was really busy so we posed for a few self-portraits. It took a few (or six) attempts to get a decent picture.





I'm still not sure any of them are "decent" enough to meet all of our approvals!

Moving forward. On Thursday I headed out to Ann Arbor to meet up with Tina and Leslie. The three of us have recently lost jobs at our last place of employment. I didn't mention how much that place sucked, did I? Well, now you get an idea. We've been getting together in different groups since our demise at said agency for awhile. I can honestly say that this last batch of co-workers were my favorite and we formed friendships that I'm happy have outlasted being employed together in a sort of "forced camaraderie". Since we are all currently seeking employment we decided that we should take advantage of our good fortune of being part of the FUNEMPLOYED in Michigan and spend some time in the sun. We started with a healthy feast. The best part of this was that we were all able to pool our resources of things we already had in the pantry and come up with a pretty good lunch! Of course, Tina had a veggie sausage. We used our Girl Scout skills and no gas grill was used in the creating of this fine cuisine! Two points for the Social Workers that know how to use some charcoal briquettes and a lighter!!


After we ate we cleaned up and headed to the pool. I didn't get any pictures of us in the pool because that would be mortifying (plus, phones and water don't mix!) The sky looked nice from my chaise lounge though!

It was fun. We tried to educate two grown men (that admitted to us that they didn't know how to swim) on floating and treading water. Baby steps, gentlemen! You have to learn to float before you can swim...I know it's really "sink before you swim" but we didn't want to tell them that! After we got a little crispy (and the kids showed up and took over our peaceful space) we headed back inside. The rest of the night was spent watching movies and playing games. We played Scrabble and I watched Tina play Guitar Hero. That "game" is very intimidating! I also got to see Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. VERY cute movie! We also watched The Mothman Prophecies. Not scurry(sic) at all. Psychologically thrilling, yes. I liked it! I know Tina would have loooooved for me to watch Lord of the Rings but I have limits, people! Love you, Tina! ;) I also made my first attempt at Origami. Tina used to sit at work meetings and fold up some pretty awesome creations! She can make flowers and birds and stars out of all the notes I would pass her during these extremely boring meetings! I tried to make stars but they came out looking like spit balls. Tina did give me a Booty of stars which I used to fill a glass and add to my decor.

OK, so HERE is what you've been waiting for...in between all of this eating and lounging we walked TWO whole miles. I'm out of breath just thinking about it! I kid. We took a stroll to World Market and Whole Foods just to get out of the apartment. That's the extent of my exercise for the week. I'll admit, I suck and blow at the same time. I'll make up for it right now though. I'm going to help Diana with her gardening! Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE gardening! I was born with a green thumb. I'll get into that when I get home tonight. I will also tell you all about the FABULOUS time I had with Andrea and gang at the Kraft Lake House on Saturday and Sunday! OMG, good times! Gotta run.

Weekend Recap.

I didn't exercise today. Instead I ate this:

My Birthday seems to drag out every year. This isn't done purposely. It just so happens that my Birthday is two days before a big summer holiday and everyone seems to be busy, especially when it falls on a weekend. I got this for my birthday:

This thrills me. It must come with age.

This morning I caught Lucky on top of the microwave. What's his deal? He does this once in awhile. I guess he's trying to get my attention. As soon as I catch him in the act of doing something naughty he tries to run off like he's not doing anything wrong. Silly cat.

Yesterday I spent the day hanging out with Beverly. We ate "4th of July" food. Sausage and potato salad. Then we drank a bottle of wine and watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I've seen it before and I really like the movie enough to watch it again! Before we started eating and drinking wine we went for a ride looking for this:

Steve's Soul Food used to be on Grand River. I never went there but I've heard rave reviews about it! Friends and I have set out to eat there and couldn't make up or down of how to get there. Now they've moved over on Franklin Street between Chene Park and The Ren Cen. The outside looks beautiful. This will be the next place I try when I have that disposable income I used to enjoy! :)

Geeeeeeze!

Is it the 4th of July? You would've fooled me. I guess I asked for it last week when I let this thought slip out of my fingertips. Damn it, Jackie. I just wanted to go to the BEACH on my birthday! Is that so much to ask for? *pffft* I did have a wonderful birthday! I had dinner at Cliff Bells with G. It was awesome because neither of us could concentrate on the menu without making fun of the oxtail soup and Potato Fingerlings. I'm laughing out loud just thinking about it! Good times. I would've stayed there and talked with him forever. Four years is a mighty long time to catch up on. The highlight of the evening was...when I fell on my ass! Two glasses of wine did that to me? Seriously? I was scooting out of my seat and suddenly I realized I'd scooted my caboose a little too far to the right. I went down gracefully, if I do say so myself! Awesome! Good thing I do not embarrass easily. Can't say the same for G. He's going to be embarrassed just reading this! Thank you, Gregg! *hugs*

Back to what I was saying...I just wanted to go to the beach on my birthday. Here it is two days later AND a holiday and I still have not been to the beach! I remember the last time I went to the beach. Last Sunday. I took Tina and Bev with me and we ventured over to Belle Isle. I have been to Belle Isle once in the past 18 years or so. As a kid we went there ALL THE TIME! It's such a shame that it went through a rough time for about a decade there. I had it on good authority that the beach was doable. We took the bait. It ended up being the most pleasant afternoon. Tina flew her kite, we played Frisbee, walked on the sand and relaxed in the sun. I'm definitely going back!

I forgot who this statue is but I do know that my brother and I were scared of this thing when I was a kid! We always called him "Yankee Doodle" LOL


I just LOVE this view. I'm a proud Detroiter, that's fo sho!


Close-up. I need photoshop so I can make an arrow pointing to my building. Heh. I think the bridge is the coolest thing!


Here's a picture I've posted before but just using it for those of you that don't know what Belle Isle is. It's the patch of green you see in the water on the horizon. It's "technically" in Canadian waters but is only accessible by bridge from Detroit. The land was purchased in the 1800's for $200,000. It's layout and landscape were desinged by the same man that designed Central park and many of the buildings were designed by Albert Kahn. The same man that designed the building I live in. So, click on the link if you want to learn more. One thing it doesn't state on the web page is that it was once a private estate and someone owned the island and lived on it. That's my brief synopsis of what I know about Belle Isle~ which means Beautiful Island.


I'm just going to post the rest of the pictures and let you fill in the blanks. I'm off to eat, drink and be merry! Happy Holiday, everyone!

Catching up.

I've got so many pictures to post! I should've been doing it all along. I know three posts yesterday don't make up for it. I didn't even post about half the things I wanted to. I'm going to do it now. We had some wicked weather last Thursday. I was at a friends house helping her out and then I went out and relaxed in the pool with the kids. (I did swim 10 laps first and thought I was going to have a heart attack!) After about 2 hours the sky became overcast so I decided to head home. Along the way the sky changed. It was wild how fast the storm blew in! I got in my apartment just as the sky open up! It was fun watching the people leaving the Tiger's game race for their vehicles! Here are some photos in no particular order!

The sky gets dark!
Almost home!
Creepy clouds! The streets were so empty it was freaky!


Passed my old apartment building.
My building looming over Grand Circus Park.
Clouds rolling in. Good thing I have underground parking!
Traffic jam. Little did these people know that the brunt of the storm was pounding the 'burbs already!

The Bones in Cleveland!

Over the past weekend Jane and I went to Cleveland to see the best band on Earth! I've been a fan of Bonerama for at least the past six years. They are from New Orleans. The main men, Mark and Craig used to play in Harry Connick Jr's Big Band and that's how we got to know them and eventually I was hooked to the Bone! They've become more than just a band I love. I would consider them friends. Even as the band changes and old guys go and new ones hit the stage one thing is certain, these musicians are some of the coolest and sweetest men I know! They're so talented I'm still in awe of them every time I see them! You got to do the Bone!

On the Ohio Turnpike keeping my eyes on the road!


Rocking our socks off!!
Bert, Greg, Craig, Mark, Nori and Joe. I've been informed that they picked Joe up at a rest stop. heh heh.


The next few pictures were taken on the Blackberry. Nice!

The ladies love Mark Mullins!


Smashing on the drums, Mr. Eric Bolivar!

I'm Still Here!

I've been busy the past few days. Forgive me. I walked a good four miles yesterday! Tuesday night me, Tina, Di and Jane went to see Grease! I think it's funny that Taylor Hicks came out of an ICE CREAM CONE above the Soda Shoppe. I've never seen the movie or the musical before so I'm not sure if that's normal? Is Teen Angel real or part of the girl's imagination? Either way, it was corny. The whole show was. The majority of the audience were a bit older than me so I guess I could say Grease was "before my time" despite everyone my age saying "You've never seen Grease!?" Now I have. And I know why I've never seen it before and probably never will again. heh. It was cute to watch. Taylor Hicks' floating head looks sort of creepy in the promo poster! I thought the theater was going to emplode as the audience errupted into a frenzy when Mr. Hicks emerged from the ICE CREAM CONE. I, having never watched an episode of American Idol, thought it was funny. I just had to remember that if it were Harry Connick Jr I would've thought it was the best thing on Earth! Hmmmmm...I just realized I had never seen Grease AND I've never watched American Idol. Call it what you want, I call it "selective in my viewing choices".
While at the theater I spotted a promo poster for the Phantom of the Opera. Jane was super excited to see it.Don't be fooled by the look on Jane's face. This photo is staged and taken in good fun because working at the Detroit Opera House Jane will hear about nothing else but The Phantom all summer. Mentioning the names Lion King, RENT and Wicked will almost always have the same effect. People go NUTS for big shows that come to Detroit. As well they should. I guess we're just spoiled because we get to see the shows for free.
Tina and I took a nice long walk around the city and on the water yesterday. It's fun to see the waterfront busy! This weekend Windsor, ON is hosting the Red Bull Air Races so they're setting up for that. Last year Detroit hosted it so I guess they're taking turns to make it fair since we share the same waterway with Canada. The website makes the riverfront look so pretty! It does look beautiful from the sky. If I could take another helicopter ride like I did in 2007 I would be very excited!
Sooooo...we walked 4 miles according to Gmaps Pedometer. I'm going to start using this site to track my miles because it calculates how many calories you've burned based on your weight. It's not completely accurate because it's based on walking 4 miles per hour and I probably don't walk that fast. It's impossible when you have to stop before crossing the street or if other people get in the way! Along the way I snapped this picture of the Spirit of Detroit adorned with the infamous Red Wings jersey. Friday night Joe Louis Arena is hosting game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals!! Wings vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. I'm not a member of the Wings Cult that rises during hockey season but living in "Hockeytown" you can not avoid the hype! I guess I can show my pride for the City and muster up a "Go, Wings!" Downtown is going to be INSANE tomorrow night! All the hotels down here are booked solid! I should rent out my apartment. heeheeeeee... Finally, last night Jane and I joined a bunch of neighbors in our building over and Cliff Bells for the Mad Hatter "Torch with a Twist" Burlesque Show. I wasn't looking at the show because I was too busy running my mouth but at one point I did notice a person dancing behind a sheet, creating a shadow effect. I guess that was risque in the 20's? I didn't take any pictures, sorry. It was a good time though and Cliff Bells is my new favorite place to hang out. I joined their mailing list so I'll be keeping an eye on what's going on down there since it's literally the building below my apartment window. On Sundays nights you can actually hear the music coming from the place. It's cool, trust me.