blog.zgraggen.name  All-day insanity or I have a blog too!

Last Wednesday we had to leave the classroom early. The reason for this was a fire alarm.
It was a “nice” experience because nobody panicked and there was no hectic rush. Within a few minutes the whole class was outside. After a while (no clue how long it took) we were allowed back into the building. Someone told us that the fire alarm was set off by butter popcorn which were too long in the microwave

After that a friend told me that this is the reason why it is not allowed to make popcorn in government buildings…

After the beer incidence I decided to apply for a StateID.
In order to get a StateID you have to fulfill certain criteria and gather many different forms. The main criterion is that you will stay longer than one year in the US. Gathering all the different forms (Affirmation form the University, lease, bills (proof of Residency), Passport, Visa, I-20, Social Security Number (SSN) number or a denial letter) is not difficult. An interesting document is the SSN denial letter. As a foreign student with no employment I can’t get a SSN. In order to get the StateID I had to go to the Social Security Office and get a confirmation, that I can’t get a SSN. This took me about 30 minutes.
Finally, at the Pittsburgh State Office I had to wait for over 60 minutes till it was my turn. After filling out another form and answering a few question and writing a 10$ check (I get slowly used to it) I received my temporary StateID. This temporary ID will be valid for 15 days till I get the final version. The clerk told me they have to check my picture in the database if I am not registered anywhere…

Jiihaa! After 3 hours I am finally able to buy beer

Today, I already did my third presentation. The first time I was really nervous. The second time was much better and now the third time was nearly enjoyable. A couple more presentations and it will feel like presenting in Swissgerman.
My next presentation is due in two weeks…

It is now about 10 years ago the last time I was denied to buy alcohol. Guess what… Last week I tried to buy some beer for my apartment but I had to leave the store empty handed again!
Then I tried my luck at the wine and liqueur store. There I could buy some hard stuff without showing any ID… is that not interesting how that works over here =)

Prost Guido

Anyway I decided to apply for a StateID which will make everything easier for me…

Okay, I admit I did not think that I will blog so early again… Maybe I got used to the workload or my time management improved either way I have a little spare time.
Therefore, I will tell you some more interesting stuff which I experience here in Pittsburgh. But, I will keep my post shorter than usual!

This weekend Pittsburgh celebrated the 250 anniversary and they promised to show the best firework in the history of Pittsburgh.
They used 17 diverent launch sites for the fireworks. Several of them where launched from roof of buildings in the town.

I am not sure if it was the best firework I have ever seen but for sure the biggest one!

Cool janitors:

Roof top:

Some youtube videos:
here
and here