Finally some lasting SUNSHINE!

This past weekend was spent close to the workplace and summer apartment in Edison, NJ in Tom's backyard in the pool and sitting out on the patio. Who knew saving money could turn out to be such a sweet deal! After hearing about possible issues with my feet (on-going) from the foot doctor in Somerset, NJ on Friday I needed to stay away from all other complications.

The pool felt really nice and cooled me down after weeks upon weeks of mugginess and ungodly heat. Although the offer to drink beer out in the sun by the pool was appealing I knew better. So hydration is key therefore I reverted to H2O! And let me say although I was so relieved to be away from the apartment in New Brunswick (less than desired...EVER) sleeping on the couch is not comfortable. It was a chushy couch at first but for a on-the-stomach sleeper who often gets annoyed when hot while asleep. 

Saturday we did put up a line of CDs in front of all the vegetables growing in Tom's backyard. Why CDs? A stupid groundhog has been eating up the vegetables and potential vegetables. BBQ and more pool time ended a perfectly pleasant day. Sunday was almost a repeat of Saturday with the exception of any work and Mom coming to hang out. Went to CVS to get ice cream and Watermelon Twizzlers (craving you cannot do without for too long) was a nice touch to end the weekend. 

Praying Mantis on the pool ladder

The veggies now protected from the greedy groundhog

Summer Job & Life in New Brunswick

Before graduating Elon I had tirelessly searched for jobs part-time, full-time, internships - paid or not, fellowships and volunteers opportunities available post college. I applied to many organizations and postings but there were many different (and random) opportunities that arose while waiting to hear back. One was coming across the Fund for the Public Interest. Its a non-profit agency that has locations all throughout the country and corporate being in Boston. In addition the Fund has adopted smaller, local non-profits for each of the offices across the country. The New Brunswick branch consists of NJPIRG - a local non-profit currently working on a campaign to prevent further toxic spills by introducing other forms of chemicals that are less harmful (and have less catastrophic outcomes if a spill were to occur) to the environment during transport and Environment New Jersey - another local non-profit currently working on a campaign to clean up the Jersey Shore.

My heart was always for preventing further pollution, degradation of shore life and strengthen our shoreline so that in the event of another major storm we are more prepared. Since my first day canvassing (people who go out to the public whether it be on the phone, street or door-to-door to gain support through membership and contributions made to the causes/campaigns they address) Tuesday, June 11th I have learned so much. I've also grown to have more admiration and appreciation for those who do this as a career. It is very hard work but does pay off in raising awareness to local concerns and issues that the state continues to ignore. Now I know some people might say - like some I've met while in various central Jersey neighborhoods during canvassing hours - that I am some college liberal kid fighting for the same environmental issues they fought back in their day. Well, your probably right. The problem is that these are STILL issues that have gotten worse. And yes I am still somewhat innocent and naive but I'm full of passion. I believe that if everyone did their part both financially and physically that these issues would not reoccur.

I also believe that older people with that philosophy are really selfish. Yes the issues might not be different but because they haven't been resolved and in most cases gotten worse, my generation including myself suffer and will have an even more challenging time making it better. This will be my life and my legacy. Unlike other generations who failed to make these issues disappear (no offense) its my turn to make it better for the next generations especially my children.

 I won't put it into a global context since most would say it does matter or effect us (but understand it does). What I will say is that doing this work has made me realize that there are good people out there that want to help and make a difference but in most cases don't know how to go about that. So when people like me come up to someones door with knowledge on the issues and ask for help there are people who grab that opportunity.

Blah Blah Blah...I know I'm going off on a rant but this is why I've stayed with this organization. Not to mention how well I've been able to connect with my work colleagues. They are very diverse and unique individuals, most of which are younger than me still in college (mainly Rutgers). Its definitely been a great experience meeting and getting to know each of them more intimately. Socials with the work crew are fun too. We have a consistent schedule:
Mondays - Frozen yogurt at Truly Yogurt
Tuesdays - Stuff Yer Face: boli and beers
Wednesdays - Free pizza
Thursdays - Tumulty's
Fridays - BBQ

Last week I went to Stuff Yer Face and had a giant original boli as we watched Game 6 Spurs and the Heat duke it out. It was so hilarious watching some of my work colleagues get so into the game especially Ben and Loren. I hope to make it to Tumulty's this Thursday to rock out the close of my week before Keith comes from Philly. We're going to see David Brynn and St. Vincent play at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank Friday evening. It'll be a blast!!!! Saturday is a make-up work day aka canvass day and then Sunday is PRIDE!!!

So much to look forward to. I'll keep you posted lol :)

Black Maria Film Fest and Amber Blues

I never realized how good it feels to have time off and use it as a period to do absolutely nothing but relax. This past weekend was the best relaxing, do-nothing type of weekend. In addition I had a few extra days that made it last much longer....ahhhhhh so nice :) I left on Wednesday night last week and stayed home until early Monday morning, yea the day from hell! BUT despite the terrible ending to my wonderfully chill weekend I did a lot. In the city on Thursday, shopping Friday, film festival and cajin blues dinner Saturday, AND Southern Tom's pancake breakfast and an evening of sucky Academy Awards (ICK) Sunday.

The highlight by far was our visit to this sculpture park to see some awesome films part of the Black Maria Film Festival (link). I wish we had gotten to the park earlier to look around a bit but it was really REALLY windy and we were late...as usual...MOM(cough)...lol. It reminded me a lot of this recycling center near the Meadowlands in northern Jersey. I went to a bunch of times when I was younger. I guess thats why I have such an appreciation of art and nature because I was exposed to it when I was younger.
On our way to New Brunswick for dinner the grounds were light up with christmas lights! It was so clever and quint. Check them out (Grounds for Sculpture)

I was spoiled that evening with my favorite CAJIAN and MUSIC. What could be better? I had the salmon in bourbon sauce and mom had the pecan crusted catfish. Ooooooohhhh weee! it was awesome!! (Her moreso than mine but it was good ESPECIALLY the bread pudding).  Jersey's own, Amber Blues, was the band of the night. They had a very interesting look and a whole lotta energy. It was nice to heard original and some golden 80s tunes - "take on me" A-Ha!!!! <3 Below are some pics (not very good but I tried).

Academy Awards is just a disgrace. I mean there is no art showcased in the whole show other than people's terrible fashion. What's the point? It seemed like my opinion about the commercial film industry is dead on. The production and big-money companies continue to release the crappiest movies on earth and sequels of the crappiest movies on earth because they are ALL greedy bastards! I'm sorry I love film and thought about studying film at Elon but I'm fed up. Why do you think I prefer to spend $18 going to an indie film festival like Black Maria and see twelve original and creative films versus pay close to $20 now if your in the NY tri-state area to sit through 30mins of commericals/ads on top of hours of crap! HELLO?!?!?! The whole time I was knitting watching the show telling it like it is, I mean come on. During the entire show most of the jokes and intermission announcements were obviously marketing "Go to the movies, make me tons of money so I can be a crap actor doing crap work and give all the rights and privileges to the big-money, art crushing production companies!"

Pew. I'm done on my rant. Ha..ha.eh. Don't let me get into my 8hr (yes 8 FREAKIN HOURS) trip back to D.C. on the Megabus. WHAT....A....NIGHT...MARE!!! I will say this if you do decide to purchase a ticket for a Megabus trip DO NOT rely on the website or 877 number for help. The day you need to leave I suggest going to the website and pretend you are purchasing another ticket for the same trip and that will show you where to get your bus. Yea they are SO NOT organized in regards to...well...anything. I made it back stiff, exhausted, pissed and what the hell? It's spring already.