Technically, I’m on my fifth day here, but I didn’t get to write about my fourth day until now, so here we go. Had a very nice day. I walked quite a bit, just looking around and such—the weather was begging to be enjoyed. It wasn’t too hot early on in the afternoon, but got a little warm as the day progressed. Thank the Lord for the amazing breeze here. One thing I really like about this city so far is the fact that there’s an actual breeze. In the city! It’s not just a small breeze, either. It’s a major breeze, which is very pleasant in these premature summer temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately. It’s just not like that in New York City. I love NYC so much, but summers right in the heart of all the action are brutal. Anyway, shopped a little bit, mainly to pick up some needs, but also to get some wants as well (haha). My first weekend in the area is coming up, and I’m excited for it! I’ve been thinking about what I want to do on the weekends before I even got here, lol. I’ve got to do something, I can’t just waste a perfectly good weekend doing nothing. It’s supposed to rain late on Friday into early Saturday morning, but things should be clearing up before Saturday really starts. If all goes well weather-wise, I’d love to get out and explore. :)

Well, I guess I’ll go for now. I’m exhausted, partly because of everything I did yesterday (technically), and also because of my allergies. See, I’m allergic to just about everything outside, so I’ve been sneezing like crazy. I believe I’d benefit from a small investment in some Claritin, haha.

Talk later. :)

-Bran.

It’s exciting, but annoying too, because I want to be forever 21. Oh well, nothing I can do about it, so BRING IT ON! ;)

Whenever I look lovely, there are no hot guys to be found. Nowhere, not one. BUT TODAY, after waiting OVER AN HOUR in fairly windy weather for a frickin’ cab, who greets me when I arrive at my hotel? Why, a VERY cute, Michael Bublé look-alike valet guy, of course.

Why, WHY does this always happen to me?! lmao. He smiled at me (fainting over here), and asked if I needed any help with my bags. Sigh. I was tired as crap, and my hair must’ve looked crazy, from being blown around all day. I think it’s a conspiracy. Like, hot guys just gather at their secret hot guy headquarters, and wait for you to look ugly, so they can pop out of nowhere to say hello. WHYYYY?!

Oh, and the cab thing is totally my fault. I had the stupid idea to go to Rite Aid during rush hour. Rush hour = GOOD LUCK FINDING A CAB! Seriously, I’m from Northern Virginia—I should’ve known better. Northern Virginia’s unofficial slogan is “Welcome to Northern Virginia! Expect delays.” Anyway, ah well, haha. I just lost track of time.

Also, thank you, “Rite Aid Man” as I shall call you, for having a Mom who works for a cab company. I’m very fond of the fact that you have connections to get anyone in Philadelphia a cab within a very short amount of time. You’re our savior! :)

-Bran.

Yay! Just arrived on Monday afternoon. :) I’ve passed through the area many times by train, but that’s about it. Last year, I actually got to see the train station on 30th Street (insert sarcastic “ooooh” here) while waiting to catch a connecting train, but again, that’s about it. The station is lovely, but, you know, nothing like what’s beyond it. I walked around the area today to get a feel for what this city is really like, but felt a bit lost. See, I don’t know quite where to begin. That’s the way I feel about all cities—they’re dense, which means lots of things to do, places to see, etc., some of which can be “hidden,” if you will, from visitors’ eyes.

So, this is where all of you locals come in. I’m going to be here for a while, so I’ve got to know: What it is that I, without a doubt, must do while I’m here? Where do I need to go? What do I have to see? Where can I find the best cheesesteak(s)? LOL, if you like finer cuisine, by all means, recommend your suggestions, but know that I’m a simple girl. I wanna know where all of the good junk food is. ;) I Googled where to find the best cheesesteak(s) in Philadelphia, and while of course, Geno’s and Pat’s came up, I understand they’re more touristy (I quote the term “tourist traps,” used by one local), and, frankly, overrated. THIS IS ONLY WHAT I’VE GATHERED FROM ONLINE RESEARCH, so don’t hate me if I’m completely wrong about this. I’ve concluded that Jim’s is apparently awesome, so I kinda have my heart set on it. Is this wise? A local recommended this same place to me, so I think I might have something here. Am I right?

One more question: How do you “properly” order a cheesesteak in Philadelphia? Philadelphians are serious about their cheesesteak ordering process, so I want to make sure I get it right. Tell me what to do. It seems that it’s simply either American, provolone, or Whiz (Cheez Whiz), depending on what kind of cheese you want, followed by “wit,” meaning you want onions, or “witout,” if you prefer your cheesesteak be onionless. Is that right? Please correct me if I’m wrong. I’m thinking I can’t go wrong saying “American, without.” How does that sound? Please note that there’s no way I’m going to say “witout.” Locals sound normal saying that. I, however, sound ridiculous.

Also, random, but my Mom and I stopped by 7-Eleven yesterday evening to grab some snacks and drinks, and as we browsed around, Elton John’s Philadelphia Freedom began playing overhead. I felt like fist pumping, lmao (I know, wrong state). Who cares if it’s a 70s song, it’s amazingly appropriate for the occasion! :)

Anyway, yes. I shall be going to bed now, as I’ve had a very long day of walking around in at least 90+ degree weather. I’m from Virginia—if you’re from the East Coast, you know that it’s humid as CRAP here. Therefore, horrible heat + terrible humidity make for one very tired Brandi. That being said, goodnight, everyone. Sleep tight.

-Bran.

Heyyyy, everyone!

Okay. I still exist, lmao.

I’m so sorry that I basically disappeared, but I’ve had this stupid stomach thing for the past two weeks. I was really sick, weak, etc. It just wasn’t fun. I’m still not feeling completely back to normal, but a lot better than I was. Yay! :)

I was afraid to log on a little while ago (haha), because I knew that I must’ve lost some followers. It’s inevitable when you go from posting daily, to completely disappearing for two weeks. But, to my surprise, I only lost three, I think. I forgot how many followers I had, wow. You know you’ve been away from Tumblr for too long when you’ve forgotten how many followers you have!

Anyway, as I always say, thank you for following me, everyone. ♥ I really appreciate the support! :)

Hopefully, I can start posting a little more regularly again, but let me say from now on that if I ever just disappear, it’s most likely because I’m sick. Don’t worry, I didn’t abandon my Tumblr. Never jump to that conclusion. :) Just stay tuned, I’ll always be back! ;)

Love you guys!

-Bran.

Heeeey, guys! :) I’m back! Just sitting here, relaxing. About to go to bed in a bit, I believe—traveling is so tiring! Had a good trip, feeling positive! ♥

I must also mention that This Week’s Message (#536, Yes is in Your Future) of Joel Osteen’s was particularly great (though they’re all amazing), I strongly suggest you check it out if you like. You won’t regret it. :)

Hope you all had a great week, and weekend as well. Have a blessed week, and weekend ahead! ♥

-Bran.

YAY! It was so good. So, so good. I’m stuffed!

Stupid pollen. I hate you.

Around here, it’s not uncommon to hear military aircraft fly overhead. No matter how many times it sounds like something’s actually going to hit my house, I usually just ignore it—I’m used to it. But about 20-30 minutes ago, whatever it was that flew overhead scared the crap out of me. I prayed that it was just NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) flight training as I Googled InsideNoVA.com, and sure enough, my suspicions were right. Thank the Lord! I was getting a little worried there for a minute. With all of this North Korea rocket launch stuff going on, like, you never know. My mind started going, and I was thinking all kinds of stuff like, what if the rocket launch was just a distraction? You know, and then they go and attack us, or something. I don’t know.

ANYWAY, back to your regularly scheduled programming..

(Referring to this post from earlier today.)

Hello, people!

Well, I actually slept a little better last night (this morning), I guess. Went to bed even later than I usually do though, but managed to fall asleep sooner. Perhaps nothing really changed, then—the only difference is that I was up until I truly felt tired, as opposed to resting in bed until I fell asleep. Have no idea.

The saga continues..

About to go to bed. For the past two nights, I’ve had the worst time falling asleep. Like, I have trouble falling asleep every night, but these past two nights especially have really sucked. At least I eventually do fall asleep, and feel surprisingly decent later. I had an amazing, deep sleep a couple nights ago, before this crap started. Perhaps I slept so good that I’m rested enough, and don’t need to sleep as much—I really have no idea. Hoping things will be different tonight, or, this morning, haha. Will update later. Good night/good morning/good afternoon to you all, wherever you are. :)

Talk later.

-Bran. ♥

I just post so many pictures of food, LOL.

But, it shall remain a personal blog, as it’s always been. A personal blog with lots of pictures of food, hot guys, clothes, shoes, cute animals, etc. You know, things we all need to survive. :)

Seriously, why have I been so stupid over the years? Like, the way I talked a few years ago, eww. lmao. My writing makes me cringe. I don’t think I’ll ever be happy with it, though, which is a good thing. It’s when you’re completely satisfied with your work, and feel you can’t improve anymore that you have to worry.

Also, they were talking about birch beer on the news a few minutes ago. Yummy. Birch beer. Haven’t had that in a loooong time, good stuff.

Random, random thoughts. Yes.

Sorry. :) I could just really go for a grande mocha frapp with chocolate, an almond toffee bar, a brownie, a chocolate chip cookie, etc. from there right now. Just give me all of the coffee, every food item in the case, and a good book, please. Complete perfection would be if it was a rainy day. I’m in an introvert kind of mood, I guess.