[Our new home]
It's a perfect day. It just finished storming, storming so hard the sky sounded like it was breaking into hundreds of pieces. Now all the humidity has blown away and there's that fresh air feel and smell that only comes right after a good rain. So, I'm sitting in my 3rd floor room with the windows open, candles lit, and my record player singing Red House Painters. I can hear the noises from the Italian Market and my four year old neighbor stomping in the puddles. Did I mention it's a perfect day?
I love Philadelphia. It's a city that is hurting and broken from the crime and poverty, but is beautiful. I went to visit a friend from college who is visiting her dad in center city. The walk was about 1 1/2 miles and it took me through several different neighborhoods, each of which had its own style, smell, and charm. Everytime I walk out my front door I ask myself, "Do I really live here?" I love Philadelphia.
It's a perfect day. It just finished storming, storming so hard the sky sounded like it was breaking into hundreds of pieces. Now all the humidity has blown away and there's that fresh air feel and smell that only comes right after a good rain. So, I'm sitting in my 3rd floor room with the windows open, candles lit, and my record player singing Red House Painters. I can hear the noises from the Italian Market and my four year old neighbor stomping in the puddles. Did I mention it's a perfect day?
I love Philadelphia. It's a city that is hurting and broken from the crime and poverty, but is beautiful. I went to visit a friend from college who is visiting her dad in center city. The walk was about 1 1/2 miles and it took me through several different neighborhoods, each of which had its own style, smell, and charm. Everytime I walk out my front door I ask myself, "Do I really live here?" I love Philadelphia. [painting our wall, dad helped a lot, thanks!]
I start my credentialing classes tomorrow. It's hard to believe summer school is already over. I grew to care for those 6 kids so much, and it was difficult to say goodbye. I never knew teaching would grab my heart like this. I'm starting my job at Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School on the 27th. I'll be the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher--whatever that entails. I'm excited and nervous, but mostly excited. Being here this week and not having to work has almost made me forget I do have a job. Wouldn't life be so much easier if you could just enjoy your city and your neighbors and yourself? Tomorrow, work begins.
Link to the school's website: http://www.rapcs.org/
My friends here are great. Most of them left this past week but last night everyone was reunited for dinner and the Olympics at our place. There is always someone laughing or telling a story; there's always a plan or a place to go, always a great meal and a bottle of wine. Our neighbors are fantastic too. They're throwing a party for the two new houses on the street on their roof deck. I have fallen in love with people again and it's an amazing feeling. My new roommates and I sat up until 3am Wednesday night telling each other who we are. It was incredible to see how different each one of our lives have been and yet we have all ended up in the same place, for a reason. These girls are wonderful. The guys we hang out with are all uniquely incredible and although I've only known them for 2months they have each proved to be integrous and charming and genuine in each of their own quirky little way. My friends here are great.
[
just a few of us]
just a few of us]Today is Sunday and now I'm going to read a book and drink some tea until it's time to go to our friend's for a shrimp dinner. Did I mention today is a perfect day?
always,
-s
