May

11

Thanks for the memories.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, Steve Earle, Al Gore, Anne Lamott | 3 Comments

With only four days left in the City of Brotherly Love, I wanted to slowly look back on the semester that was with a collection of photos. In compiling this list, I realized that what I’ll take away when I leave this place in mere days are the unexpected blessings from the last two semesters: […]

May

4

“Like a nature walk through the Book of Revelation.”

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, learning, Al Gore, environment | Leave a Comment

Al Gore—speaking tonight before a crowd of PennFuture benefators, supporters, and activists—told a story from his recent speech at the United Nations: after discussing the role of all nations in stemming the consequences of global warming and requesting the immediate need for countries to ratify a treaty toward sustainability, Gore was shocked when the delegates […]

Apr

26

“Hunger only for a taste of justice, hunger only for a world of truth.”

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, home, learning | 5 Comments

Leaving Philadelphia has me feeling particularly melancholy. Today, describing to Dr. Peterson a wonderful encounter I had on the City Hall bus, my favorite Messiah professor said to me, “See, those are experiences you just can’t have in Harrisburg.”
“What are you doing to me!?” I exclaimed. “Don’t say that! I have to go back and […]

Apr

19

Father, Father, Father—help us.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, government, Christianity, learning, grace, politics | 4 Comments

One of Anne Lamott’s favorite prayers is “Help me, help me, help me.” It is a plea that has certainly entered into my own repertoire since I moved to north Philadelphia: not just because my mother fears for my life on these mean (or, in my own mind, merely disgruntled) streets, but because almost everywhere […]

Apr

6

I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, academics, Grantham, Kimya Dawson | 1 Comment

This was me last weekend, cutting through the collapsing mesh fence (for the purposes of putting up another, better one) that once surrounded the Uber Street Garden. Later in the day, I somehow contracted poison ivy. (Eying the picture you will note the strangeness of this occurrence, as I was wearing long sleeves and pants.) […]

Feb

9

Update your holiday calendars accordingly.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, embarrassment, satire | 1 Comment

False Fire Alarm Day is a annual holiday celebration held on February 9 at Messiah College Philadelphia Campus that honors and celebrates fire alarms that activate with no provocation, often when least expected.
Modern customs of the holiday include rousting grumpy, poorly rested college students from their beds as early as 7:30 a.m. with a […]

Jan

30

If Flava Flav says it, it must be true.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, learning | 1 Comment

It’s a seasonably blustery day in the City of Brotherly Love. The wind, of course, has ravaged every part of me. The cold I’d thought I’d vanquished this weekend is making a John McCain-esque comeback. My hair is frizzier than Aunt Gladys’ unfortunate peach-fuzz goatee. My skin is dry and if dandruff were snow, my […]

Sep

30

The art of becoming frugal

Filed Under Philadelphia, money, poor, frugal | 3 Comments

His name is Jerome and he is stereotypically effeminate, flicking his wrists with each shirt-folding and wagging his finger at his fellow cashiers’ off-handed jibes: “Huh-uhhhh, no you didn’t.” When you put your purchase on the counter—a simple white button-up, on sale (thank God) and therefore reasonably priced—he performs a neat little trick, sliding the […]

Sep

15

My old Grantham home, goodnight.

Filed Under general, Philadelphia, home, Grantham | 3 Comments

In Grantham it is fall already, and the air is crisp with the kind of breeze that rustles the little hairs on your arms. Walking around main campus today, taking advantage of my temporary sojourn from the concrete and steel of Philadelphia, I realize that I am terrifically underpacked: short-sleeve polos and footwear that doesn’t […]

Sep

3

Where the rubber meets the road.

Filed Under Philadelphia, Messiah College Philadelphia Campus, Temple University, academics, nerd | 2 Comments

Fear not, dear readers—I’m back. I have to apologize for being gone so long. Two weeks ago, I moved from my comfortable spot in the tiny hamlet of Grantham to the bustling metropolis of Philadelphia, where—for the next three or so months—I’ll be attending Messiah College’s Philaelphia campus (MCPC) and taking courses at Temple University, […]