Big Hats, Black Eyed Susan's, and Betting

I can officially mark another thing off my list. Charlie and I, along with over 100,000 other people, attended the middle jewel of the triple crown-Preakness. We have all viewed the "Pomp and Circumstance" that surrounds The Derby, Preakness, and Belmont as the TV portrays it. Ladies with fancy hats, flowers neatly woven and placed on the winning horse, and owners and their families celebrating after a win. I finally had my chance to see this in person. But I would get to see so much more...

Charlie and I took public transportation to the race to avoid a parking nightmare. We rode the Light Rail and then caught a shuttle bus to the track. There were a few other ladies in their sundresses and hats, but the majority of the people on the bus were college students heading for the infield. I had been warned about the infield from people at work but nothing would fully prepare me. From the loud conversations and the beer bong being passed from the front to the back of the bus, it was obvious that they had all been drinking for a while. The girl in front of us was slightly lit, and looked at us and asked, "Are you going to Preakness? I really need to pee!" We would all soon realized just how bad she had to pee. As we exited the bus and shuffled along with the crowd, we saw that same girl barely squatting behind the bus stop. Should I mention that the bus stop shield is clear and she might as well have been standing out in the middle of the road. Big mistake on her part. Two cops watched this unfold and I am sure that she now has a pretty hefty ticket in her hand or she enjoyed a view from a jail cell. This would be the prelude for what was to come.

The Pimlico race track is pretty much surrounded by projects and the local people were opportunist and knew how to make a buck. You could pay $50 dollars to park in their "secure locations" or pay one of the many young boys or girls with shopping carts to push your coolers, chairs, and cases of beer to the infield entrance as it was quite a walk from there to where the shuttle buses dropped us off. Loud drunk people, traffic, and then PETA protesting the race...it was crazy. We unfortunately had to enter with the infield crowd to make it to our seats at the "top of the stretch". As we exited the tunnel into the infield I was shocked. Drunk, college students everywhere. Idiots running across the tops of the portolettes while being pelted with beers cans. People passing out and stumbling as they walked. My nerves where on edge until we reached our nice secluded section. I had a "black eyed susan", the official drink of preakness. We sat back and took it all in. We had a great view of the race track and I learned a lot about how to make a bet from the people around us. They take this betting seriously. One guy had print outs of stats while another group was discussing their strategy. I will have to admit, it made the races a lot more fun when you had some money riding on it. Charlie and I were not excessive with our betting, which is good since we did not win. Probably more fun than anything was watching the emergency crews drive in front of our stands with the numersous drunk people as everyone sang "na na na, na na na, hey hey, good bye". The weather was beautiful and possibly we were a part of history, provided Big Brown wins Belmont. It was a lot a fun and I am so glad I finally got to wear my big hat to a race. But just like that time I went to Talladega...I have done it once and I am now completely satisfied that I don't have to do it again. Go Big Brown!!!!

Um excuse me...Don't be alarmed, but there is a shark behind you!

It has been a long time since I have had a sleep over in which I brought my sleeping bag and pillow and stayed up all night talking. Okay, so maybe I didn't stay up talking but every time I woke to change positions, I would catch something out of the corner of my eye and be reminded that I was not alone. Possibly that was because I was sleeping in a room with a large tank full of patrolling sharks. My good friend Charlie drove up to join me and about 30-40 other people for a shark sleepover. We arrived at the Baltimore Aquarium around 5:30 on Friday night. We met with our tour guide, Al, who has been working at the aquarium for 25 years. We were then treated to one of my favorite meals, lasagna and cheese cake. After shopping for my ornament we headed over to the dolphin show where we had reserved front row seating. That was great if you didn't mind being in the "splash zone". After enjoying the dolphin show we all divided up into smaller groups with our tour guides and got to see the aquarium from an insider's perspective. Al provided us with many fun facts about the aquarium as we meandered through restricted halls and stairwells. We got to see where they prepare the food to feed the animals in the entire aquarium. They actually have recipes posted on the wall for each group of animals. We also saw the labs and veterinarian rooms where they treat the animals and also do necropsies. We saw where they receive the sharks and also guide them into the water. We walked along the cat walk just a few feet above the sharks careful not to drop anything into the water. I couldn't help but hear "dunah, dunah, dunah" (my impression of jaws). We were then treated to the new 4-D Immersion Theater. It was so realistic you felt like the waves were spraying water into your face. Literally! You never knew what to expect. From mist on your face, to wind, to the feeling that something is nibbling at your ankles while you watch rats scurry across the screen. It was a lot of fun. By this time, the aquarium had closed and we had free reign to it all. Al guided us along each exhibit and gave interesting tidbits about the fish and animals. We got to learn about what goes on behind the scenes. One of my favorite things was going into the rain forest. With minimal light, Al had to guide us with a flash light. Of course this was not so that we could see. This was so he could spot the massive toads along the way and avoid stepping on them. Little frogs are cute, but if I every came across one of these two pound plus toads in my yard, I would definitely scream and run. We had snack to tie us over until morning and also got to do a craft project. We learned about how they catch and track sharks and also why surfers are often targets. I will definitely always remember "yum yum yellow". Apparently, sharks like the color yellow. No yellow bathing suit for me. We then gathered up our sleeping bags, changed into our pajamas and headed to where we would be sleeping for the night. The floor wasn't that bad...a little hard but totally worth it to lay back and watch these sharks slowly glide past us. Sometimes you felt like they stopped and looked at you as if to say, "you look yummy". I woke up early and made Charlie get up with me. We headed down for coffee and breakfast. Others soon joined us. We finished off the morning visiting the dolphins and touring the frog exhibit. After playing a quick round of shark jeopardy between the three groups (which "Al's Pals" won) we were dismissed. What an awesome night. As Charlie and I walked backed to my condo, a little dishevelled with our sleeping bags and pillows, I couldn't help but wonder if the people we passed thought we were homeless. I do know one thing. If you carry your own sleeping bag and pillow on the streets, no one asks you for change. Hum...something to remember.


As if our weekend could not get any better, it did. We went to Canton Square and walked around the artsy area before dining at Nacho Mamas. Now when you think Mexican, I am sure that the last thing that comes to mind are velvet Elvis' and hubcaps. But that was the decor and the food was delicious. I particularly like the use of the hubcaps for a plate or to sip your margaritas from. After eating only a small portion of the gargantuan meals they serve, it was time for some ROLLER DERBY!! Just like it used to be on TV with women on roller skates knocking each other down. From their tacky outfits to their names like Flo Shizzle and Cindy LopHer, it was so much fun. I found myself rooting for the Junkyard Dolls and waiting for a close-line, an elbow or for a domino effect fall. By the time Charlie and I had figured out the rules, it was all over. I may be a new fan. Sunday we had brunch at my new favorite Irish pub. Doesn't have a pub feel at all. It is actually on old bank that they converted into a restaurant. It is very beautiful and full of history. We walked down to the harbor and enjoyed the sun shine and endless people watching.


Yes, I am still enjoying the city life. The traffic is not that bad and neither are the people. Work is very busy but makes the time pass quickly. I can't wait for more adventures. Hopefully will make it to Preakness. I have always wanted to wear a big hat and sip mimosas. Oh, and there is that whole placing a bet on a horse. Will keep you posted.

Bells, Boxing and Birds

I have accomplished quite a bit since I last blogged. I am very settled into my surroundings and I am truly enjoying myself. Last weekend I found myself visiting a friend in North Carolina. I attended a wedding in which I knew neither the bride nor the groom but I truly enjoyed the play by play break down and critique of the events of the service described by all the people at our table. Let's just say I learned what not to do for a wedding. I also visited the Maryland Museum of Art which has a display of photography through the years. I really enjoyed that.


Springtime weather and a very short walk, made it very appealing to attend an Orioles game. Unfortunately, the Orioles are not that great but it did make it easy to get great seats. With our over-sized, bright orange Orioles shirts donned, Carolyn and I found our seats and quickly became more entertained with the vendors and their sales tactics than the game itself. What a great stadium though. After stalking the Orioles mascot and taking some quick pics, we decided to leave with the masses and head back home...strength in numbers!!


Friday, after a very long work week, I found myself outside enjoying the sunshine with several co-workers and listening to a band. Being the maw-maw that I am, I soon retired for the night in anticipation of my weekend trip. Carolyn, a fellow traveler, and I loaded up and headed to Philadelphia, PA to visit my friend Jon. Our trusty tour guide lead us through the streets of Philadelphia. Imagine our delight of course when we unexpectedly were able to enjoy a protest to free Mumia (spoken sarcastically). Apparently, back in 1982, Mumia, a PA journalist who exposed police violence against against minority communities was unjustly convicted and sentenced to death row for murdering a police officer. An appeal for retrial was recently rejected even though there is supposedly new forensic evidence and a recantation from an eye witness proving his innocence. So, anyway, crowds of people marched down the street and chanted things like "brick by brick, wall by wall, free Mumia..." I guess everyone has a cause they feel compelled to support. Moving right along, we found ourselves at Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Also from that very spot, the Liberty Bell rang out in 1776 summonsing the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. I think I expected some great big wonderful moment when I would lay eyes on the Liberty Bell, but no. It was just a big bell with a crack.


We continued our exploration of the city on foot passing Hillary and Obama supporters. As the saying goes, "when in Rome..." Well, when in Philly, you must eat a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. I will have to admit that it was really good because I was starving at that moment, but otherwise, I was not too impressed. Apparently, if you are a serious connoisseur, cheeze wiz is your topping of choice. Because I love sharing my knowledge, you must know that the Philly Steak Sandwich originated back in 1930 after two store owners grew tired of hot dogs, bought some beef, sliced it up and cooked it with onions. Now I am sure that this smelled wonderful and a local cab driver smelled the aromas, came in and offered to buy it. After eating the sandwich he said, "you should sell this". It wasn't until much later, that cheese would be added. And the rest they say is history.


After experiencing the diversity of South Street, it was time to head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to personally recreate the inspiring stair workout once performed by Rocky. Being in the superb and awesome shape that I am in (little embellishment there), I ran to top and proceeded to dance around at the top. Anywhere else, I think this would have been considered odd, but here not so much. After a nice walk along the river, we returned to Jon's for a rest break before checking out the night life. Sunday morning found us scarfing down breakfast at a very popular local restaurant before we got back on the road and headed back to the hood. With it raining and being very tired from our weekend of festivities, I welcomed a nap on my couch knowing that the next day would find me right back at work. I do love the weekends. Thanks to Jon for being a gracious host and a most excellent barrista boy!

Star Spangled Banners, Beer and Bar-B-Que

I completed my first week at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. If my first week is any indication of how the next 12 weeks are going to be, I am in for an experience. After being stuck in traffic near DC, I arrived to my condo after hours. Key arrangements had been made. However, the security guard that was suppose to let me in and give me my keys was no where to be found. Hovering like a stalker, I waited for someone to walk out of the building so that I could get in. I eventually found the security guard and finally made it into my condo. I ventured out to get some groceries. This was no easy task. After circling the block, I finally found a parking place and had to test my parallel parking skills. The next morning I walked to the 7-11 for some coffee, but not before being approached by a homeless man. After he did not get the picture and kept walking with me, I finally told him to leave me alone. He responded, "I'm harmless, I'm homeless, but harmless." He would not be the last homeless person I encountered. I walked to the inner harbor and grabbed some brochures about the city. Then I drove my route to the hospital.

Monday and Tuesday were spent in orientation. It was here that I learned about the Jewish hospital that I would be working in. My biggest concern...not messing up my patient's Kosher diet. I listened as all of the Jewish holidays were described and learned how certain rituals that occur during these holidays could affect delivery of care. For example, Sukkot, the Feast of Booths and harvest festival. It celebrates the time the Israelites used booths in the desert. It lasts for 8 days with the middle four days considered "working holidays" in which Jews are not allowed to write, use electricity, etc. They would not be able to sign consent forms during these times. Patients who could walk, would also have to eat at least one meal in the lavish tent that is erected during this time. We also learned about major gangs in the area and that we are to notify security immediately if a member enters the hospital. I was scared to ask how I would identify these people. We were told not to leave lipstick on cups and leave them in our cars, as women are frequently targets. (Dad, don't let mom read that part). What had I gotten myself into?

The job itself is great. It is a large hospital, so I am on my feet and busy. Just the other day, the doctor robot passed me. Yes, that is correct. They have a robot with a flat screen as the head which displays the doctor's face. The doctor controls it from his office and it moves down the hall into patient's rooms just as if it were a person. Now if that freaked me out that much just going down the hall, image if you were a patient and it rolled into your room. I also find myself frequently singing Adam Sandler's song, "Put on your yamaka, it's time for Hanukkah" when I pass nurses and doctors wearing their yamakas. I will eat in the Cafe Shalom one day, a separate kitchen and cafeteria created only for preparing Kosher foods. Needless to say, I am definitely being exposed to another culture.


Living in downtown Baltimore, while scary at times, also has its advantages. I am close to everything. In case anyone was wondering what Lou Diamond Philips has been doing to pass time since Labamba...he is now performing as the character King Arthur in Camelot. Just across the street is the Hippodrome Theater where I plan to see many more plays in the future. I have already found a running buddy, a fellow traveler, who ventured out with me this weekend. Our first adventure-Fort McHenry. It was here in 1814 that an attack and capture of Baltimore by the British troops was prevented and Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the song we all know as "The Star Spangled Banner." Just a side note...it was first written as a poem and titled "the Defense of Fort McHenry." The fort never came under fire again but was used during the Civil War to house prisoners. It would also later serve as a hospital for veterans during WWII. So from now on when you sing the Star Spangled Banner, you can imagine Francis Scott Key viewing the flag still flying at dawn from Fort McHenry, realizing they were triumphant and being so moved by the defenders of our country, wrote a song. After learning about history, it was time for the Beer, Bourbon and Bar-B-Que festival. Local Breweries and breweries from across the country met up and paired their favorite beers and bourbon with Bar-B-Que. Of course, I had to sample the "Jewbilation" beer offered at one tent. It was fun and offered me the chance to check out the locals. After feeling claustrophobic from the growing crowds, we decided to head home and check out the city on foot. We climbed up Charles Street to the Washington Monument, the country's first major architectural memorial to George Washington. Yes, this was created before DC's monument but designed by the same guy. Baltimore really is a beautiful city. The architecture is unique and spring blooming all around just accentuates the details. As we walked away from the Mount Vernon district which is nice, clean and quiet we were quickly reminded of our side of town. Ah, the frequent sound of sirens, buses, and the occasional yelling match on the street resonated. We were home at last.