The Day We Arrived On Time...

Side Note: Cran-Apple Juice is delicious...

So my computer is broken. Picture a fully functioning laptop. Now picture a fully functioning laptop where anything on the screen appears to be rotated counterclockwise. Yeah... it's actually kinda annoying, but I'm treating it like a challenge. A kind of game almost.  Hopefully I'll get it fixed soon, because it's actually a lot harder to maneuver than you'd imagine. 

Anyways-- Yesterday I went to the Lower Paxton Youth Center where they were having a benefit show for CASA.  It was nice catching up with some of my CASA friends. Not to mention great music and awesome music videos/animations!  

Today Ellen invited a couple of us over for a tea party on her back porch. It was glorious! Ellen's house is beautiful. And her garden reminds me of a mixture between Narnia and Spiderwick Chronicles.  Not to mention it is right next to Italian Lake... which is this beautiful park. And Kim and I were the first ones there... Shocker! I know. We saw people getting their wedding pictures taken. Then a whole bunch of kids showed up in brightly colored prom outfits.  Kim and I were mistaken as a couple multiple times... awkward. We had chocolate ship scones made by Ellen and Ally, Eric made pumpkin biscotti, Tyler brought bean dip, Kim and I provided Chips. Ice and hot tea were also served. We also made plans for wizard week, which included a proper send-off for our dear friend Dumbledore.

Becca Ellen and I had to take our own prom picture...

Food was sooo good...

Sarah "The Fonz" my love!

Becca and her burnt scone...

This is as close to camping as Kim and Tyler will get...

The Capital of Zimbabwe is...

So today I volunteered at the Ben Franklin Math and Science Academy on N. 6th street.  My sister's friend's mom is a sixth grade teacher there and asked me if I would like to come in and help out.  The Math and Science Academy is comprised of two classes each for 5th through 8th graders and a seperate school from the other k-8th graders at BF.  The kids are incredibly talented and gifted.  My job was to help them with their International "nations" projects... Each group was assigned a country and had to research and create a display of their country. I helped groups with Japan, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, and China.  It was so much fun getting to know each of the kids and get a taste of the fast past life at Ben Franklin.  Seriously--it was nonstop, but so much fun! Other teachers came into the conference room where we were working and asked me to take a look at their board, sent in their own kids to help, or asked for help. It was a little weird whenever a teacher would refer to me as "the artist" but even weirder when one of the kids called me "Mr. Jimmy". Talk about feeling old.  It was pretty intense, but this just further ingrained the idea that it's what I want to do after college. Each of the kids were so unique, and it was pretty remarkable how well they all got along with each other, a testament to BFMSA's unique setup and teaching techniques.

Batman to the Rescue!!!

So I just got home from Sarah's... we stayed and watched planet earth: fresh water after John and Kate... We were eating marylou's amazing italian wedding soup when BAMMMM something flew into the family room and hit the wall, flew out and then flew back in. 

What we thought was a bird turned out to be a bat! In sarah's house. Sarah and Liz ran into Sarahs room for protection. I attempted to get it outside using a swiffer wet jet mop. Fail. It just kept swooping down at me and flying circles around the kitchen. Sarah held up her leopard print blanket to block it from entering the rest of the house. Finally Liz caught it in a bowl and cutting board makeshift cage... we let it go outside. It was crazy... I felt like jeff corwin.

Quotes from Marylou: 

1) "If I have one more glass of wine you'll really see me be all I can be."

2) "Liz... I've decided I want your hair. Or I at least want to be able to play with it."

3) "You know Liz, when you put on that leopard print blanket and with your hair, you look like a queen."

4) "Jimmy--Sarah wants a baby. Wanna give it to her?!" *this was the most awkward for sarah and me*

(I love Marylou so much.)

Super Sonic Susan!

So here are some more pictures from the weekend. I even took a late trip out to Palmyra and had my first experience at Sonic. It was magical. To see me befriend our lovely server Susan click HERE!!!

Moonbounce drama...

My Hairless Hawaiian...

Sarah and Me after Caitlin tackled Tyler...

Liz Jr. and I were scarred of Caitlin who knocked over and broke a vase while jumping onto Sarah;s bed... copious amounts of laughter ensued.

Now I'm on my way over to a bonfire. The season premier of John and Kate + 8 is on tonight. I cut the grass today. I started reading a new book by Jonathan Safran Foer called Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. I am really enjoying it so far. Kim told me he's an English professor at NYU. The cover of the book told me it was a New York Times bestseller. It's quiet here without Trey... I miss him.

Spin Art!

YAY ARTSFEST! Picked up Tyler and Kim and headed down to the river today. We enjoyed a wonderfully sunny day, fried oreos, and great art.

We saw Steph and Ash running the Spin art, so of course we had to stop by!

And this is what you get when you have three college students collaborate on a piece!!!

Yetis Romp on Moonbounces...

Yesterday I went to Saturday's Market in Middletown. My mom wanted to check it out so I had the pleasure of accompanying her... I got really hot and started to burn so I had to wait in the car while she finished looking at the vendors outside. Once inside though we saw one of our old neighbors selling things and got to catch up a little.  We then had lunch at the new St. Thomas Restaurant located in Lingelstown square. Mom had a greek wrap w/ Gazebo room dressing. And I had a Hamburger sub. I told her that Caitlin carries Gazebo Room in her purse at school... she really  liked that idea. 

I then took a 2 hour nap... that turned into a 3 hour nap. Picked Kim up and went to Liz and Molly's graduation party. It was nice seeing Mamma Smith. AND! best part: MOONBOUNCE! Well... that and Kim wore a romper... (a dress that wasn't actually a dress, but shorts--with pockets!) We had fun making fun of her. Liz read us her fourth grade story about a Yeti being raided. We had fried chicken and chocolate cake. Kim and I had some sushi at Okini... deep conversation ensued. We drove around still filled with deep stories and reflection. Tyler called... we hung out at his house and watched Practical Magic and 27 Dresses... I LOVE HIS CATS! and I am NOT a cat person. I went to bed... 

Today I went to church. Laur bought me a $5 Footlong. Mike just came home... he's picking up Trey today for the trial run dog ownership. He goes back to Philly tonight... now I'm off to ArtsFest with Kim and Tyler!

These were the gifts I made for Liz and Molly. I made cut out books from some old manuals I found at a flea market and then drew two pictures, both of Liz and Molly and placed on in each book.  This way even though they always have each other.

Who Shaves Anymore?

My Last Couple Days... have been interesting. 

I'm still adjusting to being home, but I've:

-asked Mennonites for directions...

-not contracted Swine Flu...(success)

-had Neato Burrito

-driven on a mountain and saw a wild turkey

-been playing phone tag with my potential future employer.

-received an extra (FREE!) mcflurry while out with Laur and Carly

-driven to Kim's house and dropped off said free mcflurry...

-went to church for Ascension Thursday...

-almost died over Kim's enthusiasm while singing "On Eagles Wings"

-ordered Chinese-take out from my old favorite place

-watched the premier of So You Think You Can Dance with Kim (addicting!)

-visited my old art teacher...

-felt soooo old, because I didn't recognize a lot of kids from my high school...

-tried to take Trey to get his nails clipped with mom. Epic Failure! 

-learned Kim has never had to shave her legs because apparently Filipinos are hairless?

-reminisced in a classy upscale McDonalds with Kim and Jr.

-Tomorrow I'm up early again... mom and I are off to Saturday's Market and Liz and Molly's grad parties...

(Conversations with Kim)

K: "Show me your armpit hair..."

J: "NO! This is an upscale eatery and I'm gonna keep it classy"

(Disclaimer: Yes, Kim is wearing the same outfit she wore two days earlier... something she didn't want me to point out.)

Living Dead on the Broad Street Line

Reasons I Love Temple: 

Reason 3847: On Halloween everyone gets dressed up and takes the subway to various parties, shows, and get-togethers.  Our destination on this particular night: The Of Montreal concert at Electric Factory. It was an amazing night and an amazing show...

My Friends are Neato...

Kim, Britney and I made a Neato Burrito run! It was absolutely wonderful!!!! I had a Cowboy Crunch and was not disappointed one bit. 

Kim had the same and BK had the Veggie. It was 

delicious. I took them to Shipoke. We bought a book for BK's summer english class. Kim and I went to Borders after dropping BK off at home (we saw a wild Turkey!). 

I like these days with friends. Laughing nonstop.

Took Trey on a pretty long walk. Dad made spaghetti. Business as usual...

 And yet--the job hunt continues. 

Kim and I missed Neato while we were away...

(Photos courtesy Kim)

Graduation Day!

Little Michael. He's all grown up!

My brother graduated from Philadelphia University yesterday. My whole family (including my grandma and mimi) drove down to Philly to see him.  The ceremony was held at the Mann Center in Fairmont Park. It was beautiful. It was cold. It was kinda scary... It seems like just yesterday we were dropping him off for freshman year. And here he is... getting ready to go into Grad School. I'm so proud of him and I can't wait to see what else he accomplishes in his lifetime.

Laur and I... admiring our big bro.

The Red, White, and Blue

So today we had a going away party for my wonderfully beautiful, talented, and kind friend Tasia.  She has enlisted into the armed forces and leaves for army training on May 23rd.  And while I may not be thrilled with the idea that one of my truly amazing friends is leaving me for a little bit, I know that it is something she needs to do and I support her 100%. She has more balls than I do--that's for sure. 

Plus I rest a little easier knowing that she is going to make one of the best nurses the Army has ever seen! She is going to win her patients over with care and compassion, as well as with the happy go lucky, roll with the punches, sarcastic humor she possesses! Asia with a T--We are all so proud of you and truly honored to have you in our lives. You are forever in my prayers...

Caitlin, Liz and Tyler! 

These are some of my bests friends... they're all lookers, I know. 

Believe me. I know.

Gotta represent Temple University. 

T-U-!  YOU KNOW!

(also note: we did not all plan to wear blue... it just happened)

I also got to break out into a disney song or 12. So that was successfully embarrassing and bitter sweet at the same time.

Laur and I then went to go get a movie at red box. But the selection was kinda lacking. So when one door closes what else do you do... go to the diner of course! I had a western omelet, home fries, and toast. Laur had Mozzarella Sticks.  We ran into Cait's parents! They sat with us for a little. Thay are celebrating their 22nd Wedding Anniversary! CONGRATS WEIGELS!!!

Angels and Demons...

Things I Did Today:

1) slept till 1 pm

2) started the job hunt

3) applied to three places

4) came home and applied to two more online

5) did some yard work for my mom

6) played with puppy

7) made laur dinner

8) watched the bourne supremacy

9) went to see angels and demons

10) ate french fries at mcdonalds @ 1 am

I love it when Laur and I do spontaneous things.  She didn't even want to go see the movie... granted we got home around 1 am, but she couldn't stop talking about it the entire ride home. I love her. That movie was amazing.  My sister is amazing. 

New Summer Goal: Be more Spontaneous!

I Tried To Keep The Crowd Away

I finally added music to my 3D project... and while it isn't exactly perfect, it's at least done. (Well, until I have access to Final Cut Pro at school again) Hope you enjoy.

I Miss You TU...

I miss Temple. I miss the SAC. I miss J&H. I miss the security guards that talked to me as I walked into the building at 3 am, arms filled with art stuff. I miss walking through the halls of Tyler. Standing outside starring at Tyler and thinking, "wow-- I go here". I miss the smog. The crosswalk beeping. Temple Star and Temple Garden. Late night runs to 7-11. Liacorus Walk. The sun never setting on Temple University. I miss my friends. I miss the acappella disney sing-alongs most of all, because singing by myself in my room just isn't the same as it was in 324SW.

Another One Bites The Dust...

First Year of College: Check...

Not going to lie though, I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for it all to be over. Everyone here is so ready to be done and go home for the summer, and as much as I love my family and friends back home... I kinda feel as though I was just actually getting settled in with the City of Brotherly Love.  We have a love hate relationship... I love it here. I hate how little time there is to do all the things I want to do.  I hate goodbyes too. Like seriously... one of my least favorite things ever in all of the world. I try and say "see you later"--I like how that pretty much leaves it open for another reunion to occur. If I missed saying goodbye to you...I'm sorry! I'll see you next semester... but hopefully over the summer!

Last J&H breakfast with the 324 gang. 

Last dinner at the SAC. Beef Burrito Bowl.

Best Friend and Future Roommate/Best Friend at dinner.

226SW. Stripped down to the bare necessities.  I will semi-miss you room.

Drawn Together...

These are my friends. They are beautiful. 

Yesterday Recap:

-J&H Breakfast

-Absurdly long nap

-Missed Saying goodbye to Dee

-Dinner at SAC/Study Session

(Rotisserie Chicken, Stuffing, Apple Pie)

-Fourth Meal at J&H

-Insomnia Walk

-Slowdanced to Nick Lachey as I said goodbye to Mary

-All-Nighter at the Tech Center writing my paper

-7-11 run at 4:45am

I love my friends.

Artwork by my talented pint-sized grandma Keiran. Check out her blog HERE!!!

Mail's Here....

I got a birthday card in the mail from my Grandma today. It read:

"Birthdays are the perfect time for thinking back on where you've been, looking forward to where you're going...

and enjoying today for all it's worth."

I really enjoyed reading this. And it made me think about all my previous life experiences, birthdays, and crazy events good and bad and how they've shaped me.

Thanks Gram. Love you.

Photo of Truc, Me, and Liz in Caitlin's Kitchen.

Mother May I...

Today my parents came down to Philly to help me pack up my room before the semester ends.  My brother joined us and we had dinner at the Nashery. It is this really nice deli/restaurant located on Broad street. We all had paninis, something my family enjoys very very much. Laur stayed at home and kept Trey company. They were missed.

This is my mother and her siblings. She is absolutely beautiful in every way imaginable. They say a picture is worth a thousand words... and I feel as though that holds true here. So to the strongest woman I know. To the woman who knows just what to say to calm me down. To the woman who's up for anything and everything.  Here's a toast: Thank you for helping me become the person I am today. Happy Mother's Day.

Love you Mom.

Photos courtesy PostSecret and my Grandma.

Turn This Mother Out!

(title credit to caitlin weigel)

VIDEO BLOG!!!!!

Disclaimer: there was a lot more to this video, but for some reason it got cut off. =[

What a Drag...

May 6th I took the R5 to Thorndale with Caitlin. I enjoy train rides a lot. Sarah Daxton picked us up. I love her. She drove us home to Harrisburg. We got reall excited when we saw horse drawn buggies and sang songs from "Wicked" the entire way back.

I went to the CASA end of the year show. The theme this year was "Green" and it was wonderful. I miss all my old classmates so much.

I got to take Trey on a walk and see my family. Then I came back on the train. Stayed up all night and took my Art History Final. It was my birthday. Julie and Sam took me to Drexel to see Joe's show. It was magical. We were kinda a big deal there.

Pictures Courtesy of me, Caitlin, and Drexel (Fuse)

I'm Soooo Old...

I turn 19 today. Weird age 19. But I am forever thankful for my life. My family. My friends. My school. And while it's sometimes stressful and I seem frantic or ungrateful know that when push comes to shove... I wouldn't change it for the world.

Now off to study for my Art History Midterm... bright and early!

Picture of baby me in my mom and dad's bed.