Happy 2010!
I apologize for the extremely long hiatus-- I finally wrapped up my undergraduate career at Goucher and was swamped in reading and writing last semester. I'll begin again with a brief list of things I've been enjoying this winter:
-The
snow! What's with all the snow we've been getting this winter? I totally enjoyed the blizzard that hit in December, but only because I finally made it home for the holidays without too many problems. If I really had to be somewhere in a hurry, I'm sure I would have found it frustrating!
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Tumblr: this graphic-based blogging portal is awesome. I get sucked in and spend a lot of time online. The huge number of talented artists, photographers, graphic designers and other bloggers is certainly impressive! I have also been working on putting together a portfolio of my photography. You can check it out
here.
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Job search: I've spent the past few months looking for a post-graduation job in Baltimore. Although I can't say I've necessarily been enjoying the search, I am happy to report that I have finally secured a place for myself in the real world by piecing together several part-time jobs: Visitor Services at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore (located in historic Druid Hill Park), serving as a Program Assistant the Maryland Humanities Council (a lovely organization promoting the study of humanities, located between the Maryland Historical Society and the Walters Art Gallery), and in the Office of Student Engagement at Goucher. If you are currently looking for a job (or will be soon), check out the
Central Maryland Career Fair at Towson University on February 19.
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Grano pasta bar's new reservation only location seems ultra-fancy and out of my price range. Their pocket-sized location on the Avenue, however, is adorable, cozy and much more my speed.
Holidays in Hampden: It feels cliche, but Hampden is so charming at Christmastime!! I loved shopping (or just window shopping) at the simply lovely (and unfortunately quite expensive) home store Red Tree, munching on raspberry cookies and heavenly coffee at Common Ground, and seeing the lights on 34th street.
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Walking around previously unknown (to me) neighborhoods, including the Stone Hill Historic District--tucked between Remington and Hampden on the Jones Falls (including the awesome Mill Center on Chestnut Avenue)-- plus vacant areas on the East and West sides (near Carroll Park in SoWeBo, Collington Square/American Brewery, etc.). Good photo ops, better way to know my city!
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Neighborhood involvement:
GRIA, the neighborhood association in Remington, is an awesome collection of individuals who genuinely care about the future of this area. We''ve been working on a master plan/vision with the Neighborhood Design Center and have recently been busy discussing the proposed Lowe's development in Lower Remington. I still have mixed feelings about the big box retailer moving into this residential area, but it's been awesome to talk it over with other residents. I also took advantage of Greater Homewood's Neighborhood Instititute and want to get involved in
Envision Baltimore, which informs and promotes transportation and other issues through multimedia like videos (modeled after
Street Films).
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The Collegetown Shuttle: After many long mornings waiting for the MTA bus, I can't get over how nice it is to have access to free, efficient transportation! The morning driver, Chip, is beyond awesome. I am really looking forward to trying out the Charm City Circulator as well!
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Walters and BMA: I am still impressed that these two institutions are free! So awesome!
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Urbanite: This month's issue on race features two goucher grads on the cover!
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Hulu.com: I'm working my way through their (free!) movies.
Things I am looking forward to:
-The Vancouver 2010
Olympics start February 12! I can't wait!! *If anyone has an extra TV that I could borrow to watch the Olympics, let me know!
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Architectural Confectionary Contest at the Museum of Industry on February 13. Not quite sure what this is but it sounds intriguing. The museum is totally worth going to regardless of the contest.
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Life & Liberty Ball at AVAM, also Feb. 13. (This one costs $ so I probably won't make it...but it sounds great!)
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Cabin Fever Festival in Frederick, Feb. 13 & 14.
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American Craft Council show in Baltimore, Feb. 25-8. (I'll be working at it!)
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National Outdoor Show: Come see the world muskrat skinning competition and Miss Outdoors beauty pageant at this annual Dorchester County showcase. (Eastern Shore) Topic of the documentary, Muskrat Lovely. Feb. 26-7. This is sure to be ridiculous!
-Spring!
-The opening of Charmington's, a cafe in Miller's Court-- not too far from us! I think the coffeeshop will be such a nice addition to the neighborhood!
-A new mayor? Today is Sheila D's last day...
