Moving to South Philly
Posted by: Marilyn on: November 21, 2008
- In: South Philly| moving
- 2 Comments
Loved living here in West Philly, sadly it’s time to move on. Another friend has offered a bedroom in her new home which is located in the “Newbold” section of South Philly. I know nothing about this neighborhood, but I’m quite OK with that. I love exploring new areas. I’m sure I’ll conquer it.
Anybody who can help load the small U-Haul truck here in West Philly or unload when I get to South Philly – please get in touch. I’m hoping to do the move on Sunday 11/30 or Monday 12/1. I know Monday is tough for most people, but I really won’t need more than an hour of your time.
Comment here or email phillygrub (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks.
Green Living Forum This Sunday @ Dock Street Brewery
Posted by: Marilyn on: October 24, 2008
Green Living Forum in West Philadelphia
Why Live Green: Eight Leaders, Eight Ways You Can Live Healthier, Wealthier, and Wiser with the Earth
The goal of this forum is public awareness about emerging green jobs, careers, business, housing, and educational opportunities in the Philadelphia region.
Panel discussion, Q&A, Brewery tour, appetizer buffet (included) and networking.
Sunday, October 26th
3PM-6PM
Dock Street Brewery
701 S. 50th Street
(50th & Baltimore Avenue)
West Philadelphia
Easy to get to – right off the 34 Trolley!
Panelists/Organizations/Companies and Topics:
• Anastasia Harrison, LEED-AP, AIA, IAQA
Director of Business Development - WESKetch Architecture + Interiors, Inc.
Senior Presenter at We Are BOOST Solutions Network Events
TOPIC: “Why Live Green? Real Reasons, Rationales, and Practical Steps You Can Take”
• Stephen F. Finkelman, P.E., LEED-AP
Associate - CMX Engineering
TOPIC: “LEED for Homes and Energy Conservation Strategies”
• Susie Belier, CHHC, AADP, OTR/L
Principal – Spectrum Health Consulting
TOPIC: “Change Your Food, Fuel Your Life”
• Doug Cohen
Founder – Inspired Futures Global Campaign
TOPIC: “Leaders of the Next Generation: Youth and Sustainability”
• Marianne Malloy
Eastern Regional Network Program Coordinator – Environmental Leadership Program
TOPIC: “ELP: 21st Century Community-Building and Social Capital Creation”
• Anne Misak
Program Organizer – Clean Water Action – Philadelphia Regional Chapter
TOPIC: “Protecting Our Watersheds and Improving Recycling in Philadelphia”
• Sean Crane, AA, AS, RESNET, BPI, Green Advantage Commercial
Chief Technical Officer – Home Town Green
TOPIC: “Walk Softly and Save Wisely”
• Peter Abrams
Proprietor – Modern Metal Work & Trenton Atelier
TOPIC: “Waste-Stream Treasures: What You Throw Away Does Not Go Away!”
SPECIAL GUEST:
Panel moderation by Christopher Zelov of the Knossus Project and director of the eco-education film, City21, which explores the multiple environmental initiatives that are shaping the 21st Century City.
DONATION:
Special discount tickets: $15
Please RSVP for this special discount
Otherwise, passes at the door will be $35!
RSVP:
Call: (206) 202-2883
Email: info@weareboost.org
Web: www.weareboost.org
Lucky’s Chinese on Baltimore Avenue
Posted by: Marilyn on: October 5, 2008
I should be posting this on my other blog, Philly Grub, and I may eventually, but I just wanted to do a quick post. I have asked a few people what, if any, good Chinese is in the West Philly ‘hood. My roommate said the only one she goes to is Lucky’s because it’s “fairly clean, and you can see what they are doing in the back.” Fair enough.
So today, I’m nursing a sinus infection. I’m hungry, but not ravenous. Without a clue of what I really want or should have, I just figure Chinese food would suffice. I went down, ordered wanton soup, spring roll, and lo mein noodles. They had chicken noodle soup, but I was in the mood for wantons. I have to say the soup was the only thing I really cared for. The roll and the lo mein were very ‘meh’. Well, not even an hour later, I began to have some digestive discomfort shall we say.
Long story short. I will not be returning to Lucky’s Chinese on Baltimore Avenue. In fact, next time I crave Chinese, I’ll just get Vietnamese from Vietnam Cafe instead. Their food is fantabulous!
People Make Me Sick
Posted by: Marilyn on: September 16, 2008
I often read the Philly Blog forum. It’s a treasure trove of information and great way to meet and discuss issues with other Philadelphians. Naturally, there’s good and bad news reported there all the time. However, this story took the cake. If it is ONE thing I am staunchly against and get riled up about, it’s animal cruelty. People who treat animals like that make me sick.
In any case, if you are a true pet lover, and are looking for a sweet dog, please send somegirl114 a message. This dog deserves a good home and to be treated humanely. Please let me know if you have gotten in touch and have rescued the dog. I want to give it some treats and some love!
Job Woes
Posted by: Marilyn on: September 13, 2008
- In: employment| fears
- 2 Comments
Do you realize I have been job hunting since June and I still have not secured a job? It really shouldn’t be this hard! I am extremely employable, not only with my knowledge and experience, but I have a great personality too. This is really mind-blowing to me. My skill set is diverse and I’m coming from a company whose CEO proclaimed “You are the best Project Manager we’ve ever had here”. I have informed prospective employers to contact my former employer for the reference. But these prospective employers are all so wishy-washy about their decision making process. Is it because I was interviewed by men and I’m a woman? I hate that I just said that. My resume is tight, I’m always learning new things either by attending conferences like PodCamp Philly, or taking webinars online to stay on top of new trends. I’m a true team player who can also work independently. I do what it takes to get a job done, I’ll work overtime and weekends. I’m about as dedicated as they come. So why don’t I have a job by now?
Even the freelance gigs that I have hoped would put some spending money in my pocket are not anywhere near getting started. I have emailed about 50 local companies introducing myself to them offering my very affordable freelance services. I had 3 bites. Nothing cooking on them yet. I have started to email these companies again to remind them “Hey, I’m here, and ready, willing, and able to help you!”
I guess I have to blame the economy. I mean what else could I blame? I have 4 recruitment companies who claim they are “looking out for me”. My resume is continually updated on Monster, Career Builder, Dice, and countless others. I apply to at least 5 jobs a day on Craigslist alone. I have recently sent emails to other temp agencies for basic, temporary administrative jobs. This is absolutely brutal. If something doesn’t come up, I may have to resort to a retail, food services, or a coffee-slinging job. Excuse my French, but WTF! I shouldn’t have to. Maybe moving here was a big mistake after all. I love you Philly, but I don’t know why you don’t love me back. I want to afford to live here. I need a job to do that. I don’t need a 6 figure job. I’m not asking for much really. Just to ensure that I don’t end up on the streets. I don’t want to work a job I will grow to resent or that will put my life at risk.
If anybody reading this knows of ANY (and I do mean ANY) job leads, please email me personally. phillymarketing (AT) gmail (DOT) com. You can read an excerpt of my resume online here. My Philly Marketing blog is a good indicator of what I can do and what I’m passionate about.
Thanks.
Clark Park Farmer’s Market
Posted by: Marilyn on: September 12, 2008
I stolled down to the Clark Park Farmer’s Market today. I grabbed a bunch of produce – eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers (green, orange, and purple), onion, and tomatoes. So nice to have an abundant farmer’s market so close by.
After making my purchases, I walked through Clark Park, then up Baltimore, and turned onto Springfield Avenue. It’s a nice street with a lot of interesting homes. I thought how cool it would be to live in one. Who knows maybe some day.
When I got home I made a yummy ratatouille which I served over basmati rice. My roommate Kate found it quite delicious. I’m only too happy to cook and have others enjoy it.
I was casually thinking of starting an online social network for West Philly people. This neighborhood seems very close-knit, but I haven’t found any online groups for it besides the West Philadelphia / University Park discussion forum on Philly Blog and West Philly LiveJournal community. I don’t know, I probably manage too many online communities as it is.
Ho hum.
I’m home
Posted by: Marilyn on: September 10, 2008
I am here, finally. I have returned home to Philadelphia. West Philadelphia to be exact. It’s been a hectic week+ already! Between getting settled, job hunting, paid DJ gigs, hanging with friends… I don’t think I have had a lot of time to just decompress from the move and life transition.
On the job front, I met with a recruitment company in Conshohocken last Tuesday, had a job interview with a company in the Northern Liberties last Wednesday, had a job interview with a company in Berwyn yesterday, and trying to secure some freelance work in the meantime. I’ve definitely been productive and using my time wisely, but I have to be honest, it’s brutal out there. I’m trying to remain positive, confident, and focused. But the fact that I don’t have something lined up right now is a bit frazzling. I know something will come up in time, as I’m an intelligent, driven, and engaging person. But I’m afraid I will have to resort to working a part-time job that isn’t in something I want to be doing long-term just to have some money coming in.
When I first moved to Philadelphia in 2002, I ended up taking a job at the Turf Club in Center City. My intention was to be there six months or less until I found something better. I was there nearly 4 years until I moved to New Jersey. It was a mind-numbing job, but it paid the bills and then some. In fact, the tips were really nice. I got used to sitting on my ass doing practically nothing – and since I was making a decent living wage I stayed with it. That is until a gun was pointed at me and I was prompted to hand over the money in my cash drawers. I was unharmed, but it left a scar on my psyche.
I certainly will not resort to a job like that again. I stopped by the Turf Club last week to see my old co-workers and customers. They all remembered me and were happy to see me and know that I was back in Philadelphia. In fact, the GM was like “Anytime you want a job, you just let me know.” Yeah, they would take me back in a heartbeat. Even though they have improved security quite a bit, I am in no hurry to rush back there even though the money (tips) would probably be decent. I would be back to low seniority and working crappy hours. No thanks.
Anyways, I just need to remain focused, persistent, and energized. I am not in panic mode yet. 
In other news, on Sunday, I attended PodCamp Philly at Temple University. I took in 3 very interesting sessions and feel I got a lot of value out of them. In fact, I just posted on my Philly Marketing blog about the Blogging for Business session which was presented by Geoff Livingston. By all means, read it. I look forward to attending more informative and educational events like that in the future! Great networking potential and I just generally love being amongst other progressive, innovative “in the know” people.
Job Hunt continues in Philadelphia
Posted by: Marilyn on: August 18, 2008
Yes, I admit, I am a bit of an idealist at times. When it comes to finding a job, I have never had a problem. I don’t get rejected too often. Job hunting from afar, however, has proven to be a bit of a challenge. Between email tag and phone tag, I haven’t been able to successfully connect with some job leads. Especially because I was still working my full-time job up until last week. I had planned to see out this week as well, but they had other plans. “We don’t need you anymore”. While I can understand that from a business perspective (since I gave them more than enough notice), it still stings! And it puts a kink in my plans.
On the positive side, it frees up time for me to job search. I am flexible about the times I can take calls and interview. I am moving in 2 weeks, so ideally I would like to be interviewing for jobs, in earnest, that week. I’d love to start a job the second week of September (September 8th) if possible. I may be able to afford some more time off, but I’d prefer to be working again shortly after my move.
So I have been stepping up my efforts. Reaching out to more recruiting companies. Scouring Craiglist. And going through the Philadelphia New Media list. Many friends are in possession of my resume and have reached out to their employers to see about potential positions that I would be suited for. Nothing (that I’m qualified for) has come of that yet.
I’ve got some freelance things cookin’, but no solid work on the immediate horizon.
I realize this economy is brutal, but I thought it would be easier for me I guess. There’s still time, I’m not discouraged, but when you don’t have a paycheck lined up, things get a little stressful.
If you’re reading this, and you can help, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line at phillymarketing (AT) gmail (DOT) com. By all means, check out my Philly Marketing blog, for more information about the work I do and what I’m passionate about.
Introducing Philly Grub
Posted by: Marilyn on: August 10, 2008
My bff and future roommate (again) Kate and I decided to start a food blog together – we call it Philly Grub – because we are crazy foodies. We not only love to dine out and discuss the various restaurants we’ve been to, but we’re also savvy in the kitchen! So the blog will cover our restaurants review and we’ll share our tips and recipes to the world.
Not only did I start the food blog, but I created a social networking site for other “Philly Grubbers” to join & discuss great food & drink in the Philly area. So if you love to talk about food, share your restaurant reviews, or want to share a recipe… join Philly Grubbers!
Anyways, thanks to some networking (yay for friends in high places) we were asked by Hadas Kuznits to come in and do an interview for KYW Radio. It was a lot of fun! It is now available on KYW1060.com as a podcast. Click here, scroll to Philly Scene, and it’s the first link aptly title “Philly Grub” in the left nav (middle of the page).
Enjoy!
Recent Comments