(City) Pages

Lesson 1

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:13:00 +0000

For Christmas, I got a Canon Rebel Digital SLR camera. I'm learning how to use it, and here are my first test shots using the manual settings. Hopefully this will get me back to blogging this semester!

I Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:00 +0000

I haven't updated the blog lately, but I guess a lot of things have happened. I technically graduated last weekend with my PhD, I went to Jamaica, I got a job at Slippery Rock University full time, and the Pittsburgh police shot up my Jeep. Oh, and the garden looks amazing compared to its original state...check it out. Really, what is there to say? Here are some pictures!

Weekend in the 'Burgh

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:22:00 +0000

This weekend was Mt. Oliver's community days, the Vintage Grand Prix, and plenty of other Pittsburgh fun. Here are some pictures from our stay at the Omni William Penn hotel, the Strip District, Hyeholde Restaurant, and the rainbow over my neighborhood.

The Omni is one of the oldest hotels in the city where presidents and other famous people have stayed over the years. The Strip District opens up on Saturdays and is full of Pittsburgh merchandise, food, flowers, etc. Hyeholde Restaurant is a castle in Moon Township that we discovered for the first time.

This Year at the Zoo...

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:24:00 +0000

there's a baby sea otter! As always, the Pittsburgh Zoo doesn't disappoint. Some new animals this year like the sand sharks, and I don't think I've seen the kangaroos.

And of course, my back yard isn't really a zoo, but check out the crazy pumpkin plant threatening to take over the yard. Usually Kaya decides to sit right in the middle of the garden. This time she was posing for the picture.

Hockey

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Last year I spent a lot of time blogging about hockey. This year, I haven't said a thing...it was just too good to be true. I didn't make it to as many games during these playoffs as last year and I had to work during a lot of the games, but the end result is the best it could possibly be: the STANLEY CUP is back in Pittsburgh. I think it's only fitting to post a few pictures including some from the parade on Monday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcXe8tCpFEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1xbRLVNzro

Small House, Big Work

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:40:00 +0000

So, it's that time again. My dissertation work is over, vacation is over, and there's no excuse to not work on the house. This weekend Mom and I took out the very scary, smelly, old carpet from my stairs and hallway. It doesn't look good now, but I hope I'll have updated pictures soon.

Also, I didn't have time for a garden last year, but this year here it is! Again, doesn't look great yet, but when those sunflowers sprout and bloom, it better be awesome!

The Blue Malkin

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:21:00 +0000

1 oz Blue Curacao

1/2 glass OJ

Fill with 7-Up

All over ice.

Trademark: Amanda Reynolds and Matt Oberdier

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:04:00 +0000

Well, the summer semester has begun. Right now I have one ENG 102 class that I meet for the first time this evening, and I'm grading SATs along with tutoring online. It's not much, but at least it's something.

The big news is getting back from vacation in St. Maarten with Matt and my parents. I've put some new pictures from the trip.

Finally, let's go Pens!!!

Oooohhhhiiiiiooooo

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:16:00 +0000

That's right...Pittsburgh girl went to Ohio for two days. Don't worry. I made it back unscathed! One of the best things was Matt taking me to Vegitteranean, Chrissie Hynde's vegan restaurant in Akron. Awesome artichoke pizza and a portabello wrap...

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:14:00 +0000

I made truffles/candy for Mother's Day...here are some pictures. Probably won't do this again anytime soon...

"The Savvy Grouse"

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:05:00 +0000

The Pennsylvania Adventure website has changed its name. You can now find my posts at: www.thesavvygrouse.com Check out this week's blog on the Montour Trail.

If You Thought the Bloody Leg was Bad...

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:15:00 +0000

…then check out the boot. That’s right, it’s a few days before the marathon, and if you haven’t heard, I have a stress fracture in my right tibia. My leg had been hurting for months, but I really thought it was shin splints. That is of course until I tried to run last Thursday. I had been running less (tapering) the last few weeks before the race, and my leg just kept feeling worse and worse. Now I get to wear this contraption for a few weeks, and also there’s no running, biking, etc. allowed for 6-8 weeks. The only thing I can do apparently is swim. Too bad I’m not so great at that! I think I’ve figured out why this thing is useful. It’s such a pain to walk in it that you basically avoid any walking you would normally do. So, I guess if I fall down the stairs that sort of defeats the purpose of resting my leg, right?

Here are some pictures of the marathon that I got to WATCH.

Seven Course Brunch?

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Since I moved to Pittsburgh, I've been wanting to try a small vegetarian restaurant near my house. It's actually more of an antique shop masquerading as a restaurant. Literally, everything's for sale. Today Laura and I finally made it to Zenith. For Sunday brunch you order one main dish (pancakes, chick pea burger, tofu, french toast, eggs, etc.) and get a drink and the buffet all for ten bucks. Most things are vegan and there's an entire table just of desserts. The buffet has fresh breads, fruit, at least ten different salads, hummus, etc. Pretty amazing place! Check out the size of Laura's sandwich!

Another Year, Another Easter Bread

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:39:00 +0000

I took a few pictures from Easter dinner, but I hadn't gotten around to posting them yet. Here you go. Nice to be home in Pittsburgh for once!

Rachmaninoff at Heinz Hall

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:14:00 +0000

You're not supposed to take pictures in Heinz Hall, but I had to steal a few! On Saturday, Matt and I had a good dinner at Palomino and a great Rachmaninoff concert at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. Great night full of city experiences like riding the T!

A PhD is Like an MD, but She Can't Help Anyone

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Because I know some people have been anxiously waiting...I PASSED! I don't have a whole lot to report, other than the fact that passing doesn't feel nearly as good as it should. The whole "you have to get a job" and "you have to publish your book" doesn't seem all that rewarding, but nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction. Thanks to V, Carly, and Catherine for having a drink with me to celebrate while I was in Florida. Oh, and I think it's "Dr. Amanda," not "Dr. Reynolds" for future reference. And thanks to Matt for picking me up at the airport for more celebrating. Finally, thanks to my parents, aunts, uncles, grandma, etc. for taking me out last weekend too!

Let This Be a Lesson to You

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:16:00 +0000

The first 10 or 11 miles of my run today were pretty good. I started out on the South Side, crossed the Hot Metal Bridge, went up Bates and into Schenley Park. From there I went to Frick Park, ran the trails for a while, and headed back toward home.

Then I was bitten by an angry stick. That's right. A sharp, violent, angry stick. Now, I pack all sorts of things for long runs: a cell phone, some cash, Shot Bloks, sports drink...the whole bit. But from now on, I think I'll pack some Band-aids. It wasn't a bad cut at all, but it would not stop bleeding. After a few minutes of mopping blood off my calf with my hand I was looking pretty bad and still miles from my car. So, I headed to Schenley Loop where there are restrooms, fountians, etc. Sounds smart, right? Sure, except that apparently all those facilities are closed for the winter. I got lots of terrified stares from parents pushing children in strollers considering my handful of blood and red leg. No, I was not slaughtering small forest creatures as I jogged through the woods! Stop staring for goodness sake!

Oh well, what to do? I finished my 24 miles beaten and bloody. Next time: Band-aids.

Will You Be in NYC in April?

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Ok, I probably won't get to see it, but one of my poems will be featured on restaurant menus in New York City this April for National Poetry month. The journal, Alimentum, has a cool program that puts poems (both old and new) on menus for hungry restaurant patrons to enjoy while they wait! Check out the broadside from last year, and stay tuned for this year's broadside with my poem online. And hey, if you happen to be in one of these restaurants and see the following poem, take a picture for me please. I wrote this during one of my wonderful stints as a waitress at the "Chuck Wagon Restaurant" in Gainesville, FL. Yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Night Shift

There is always someone waiting
for a napkin, a salad, a tray full of grease.

Crimson and clover, over and over
from some anonymous speaker hidden

in a dank corner that no server
has ever dared clamber up a stool to clean.

Three-top in section eight,
one coffee, two creamers,

six screaming kids.
“Waitress! There’s a hair in my chicken.”

“I get two sides? How about left and right?”
“You want a tip? Third horse, second race.”

The biggest insult is always the pennies left,
cold soup, a tipped and flying glass of milk.

Paadventure.com

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:34:00 +0000

I started as a guest blogger for the website http://www.paadventure.com/author/amanda today. You can check out my posts on running/hiking/biking in the Pittsburgh area every other week. Also, check out the other bloggers: http://www.paadventure.com/guest-bloggers

Piano

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Check out the new piano!

Fair Warning

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:28:00 +0000

If I don't respond to your email... If I don't call you back... If there are no blog posts... It's because my dissertation is due on March 16th! That's right. Ten years after high school I might actually be getting close to the end of this part of my education. My defense will be on April 9th. Please think positive thoughts for me.

Can Anyone Say Slacker?

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Ok, I'm not a slacker. But on days when there's too much to do and not enough time, I wonder where all my free moments have gone. Of course, considering that I'm typing a blog post while I'm wondering that probably means something, but I justify it with the fact that I'm waiting for the water to boil for pasta as I type. Multitasking, right?

Truth is, I haven't blogged much lately. I'm back to teaching, had SATs to grade the last few weeks, online tutoring started, etc. On top of that I've been running quite a bit. But today on a whim I went straight from class to drive the Green Belt. From Kennywood through Rankin all the way to Fox Chapel and beyond :) I really hope this will give me some poem ideas, because I'm just stuck at this point. The harder I try to come up with something, the worse the poems get. Hey, I only have to write a book and run a marathon in the next two and a half months. That's not bad, right?

Nothing to Blog About...

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:21:00 +0000

No prelims to study for? No good hockey? What in the world can I blog about? Well, after being reminded that I haven't updated my blog in a while today, I'm gonna try!

If nothing else, check out the new teapots! (Thanks Jolia. Thanks Mom.) The dragon is the newest...pretty cool, huh?

Other than that (and I realize I'm stating the obvious), it's darn cold here! It's hard to get out and run. In fact, it's hard to get out and do just about anything. And for me, the problem is that running outside is really where I got my good ideas for poems. So, I'm in a bit of a slump writing, but still trying, and yesterday I went on a run only to be thwarted a few miles out by snow and giant icicles blocking my path through a tunnel.

Classes start on Monday...the two that I have left. Cross your fingers for me. My first semester at CCAC felt like my classes were terrible. That had a lot to do with the fact that I was studying so much. This time I hope that I can concentrate a little more on papers and students. Of course, I'm teaching a new course with a new book, so that never helps. Also, SATs and Smarthinking and all of those wonderful jobs start this week too. Back to reality I guess.

I'm still exploring Pittsburgh believe it or not...made it to the Andy Warhol Museum, tried Lulu's Noodles, ate at Paparazzi on the South Side, saw the Pens lose against the Capitals...some day I hope I'll be able to drive around and actually know where I'm going!

"His finger was in my mouth but I didn't bite him..."

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:22:00 +0000

I really do love hockey. I loved watching Fedotenko knock out Colby Armstrong with one punch. I loved watching Laraque jump into the glass when he scored a goal...I could go on and on. But here's a great one. Jarkko Ruutu (used to play for the Pens) BIT a guy this week. It's too funny not to watch, but beware...there are a few profanities. It is hockey after all.

Red Belt

noreply@blogger.com (AJR) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Ok, I've written about this before... but if you don't remember, there are roads that circle the city of Pittsburgh that follow the colors of the rainbow. They were designed in the 1940's to keep people off the main roads. So, I decided to try driving them all. The red belt (the outermost belt) is where I started. Boring... Gunsmith shops and old barns. Hopefully they get better the closer you get to the city! But at least I got a picture of the beginning and end.