Pound For Pound...

Laur and I just finished watching Seven Pounds on demand. It was actually the first On Demand Movie I have ever ordered. But luckily Laur's a pro at it. We actually intended on watching the 5th Harry Potter movie while making a late night run to McDonalds, but it wasn't at Red box or On Demand. 

Anyways... Seven Pounds-- Sooo good. Sooo motivating. Sooo sad. Seriously... I am not afraid to admit it, I cry like a baby at movies. 

I get it from my mom.

I think I just really liked the moral when all was said and done: In a society that seems to forget about the good guy, finally comes someone who recognizes them for their contributions and rewarded without asking. Soo good. I also love spending time with Laur... even if it's 3 am movies.

Picture of Lauren and I on the swing set outside our old house... circa '92-'93

Carrot Top...

I just found this the other day. I was feeling a little nostalgic so I thought I'd post it here. This was my audition piece for CASA. It's sort of a animated self portrait/journal of myself.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow...

Fact 473: I have always and will always be a pale kid. 

The sun and I have a love/hate relationship that has caused me to put a hold on our friendship in recent years. I tend to only meet with him after I've caked on gallons upon gallons of sunblock. And even then it's the 95 spf that's meant for infants. I love the sun... I don't love the sunburn. The burns that cause my skin to change from fire engine red to eggplant purple. The sunburns that make me immobile for at least the next two to three days after. The burns that take forever to finally peel and be done with... only to repeat the process a week later. I have had a farmer's tan the majority of my summers... and it looks like this summer is going to be no exception. I try to stay inside till the sun goes down, but fact of the matter is that the sun will always come out tomorrow...

Picture of Laur and I sunburnt when we were little... 

Baby Steps...

Some pictures from the past few days...

Picked up Christine and Keiran at the train station with Cait. Met Jen and Audrey for lunch at Neato downtown. Got a Cowboy Crunch.  Delicious. 

I can't wait to be a dad, or an uncle, or till more of my friends have babies... I just want to spoil them. Audrey is by far the cutest most adorable baby I know. 

Caitlin had a dinner party. We dressed up as elderly couples and made macaroni and cheese. Christine and I were a classy old couple from Bocca Raton. 

Photos courtesy Caitlin and Christine...

Flyer Than The Rest of 'Dem...

I like Salvation Army. Especially when I find a 3 piece suit for $12.99.  Yeah it was a blue tag and not on sale... and yes this is the most I've ever spent at a Salv Al. But sometimes you need to be a little spontaneous. 

Besides... I had fun shopping with Cait, Keiran, and Christine; who came to visit H-burg from NYC and NH.

Next I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for a potential pocket watch at one of the thrift stores in Philly...

Dan The Man...

To The Coolest Guy I Know:

Happy father's day Dan-O Man-O... you are seriously one of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure to have in my life. Deffinitely one of the most influencial and important. Each day is filled with your quick wit , intelligence, and humor-- something I'm extremely proud you have passed on to your children. We couldn't have asked for a better dad. Can't wait to see what other shenanigans we'll get into in the years to come... 

Dad, Laur, and I... circa 1991-ish: Yeah, I was a looker. I know.

Like Father Like Son... 

It's almost scary how much stuff I unintentionally do like him.

The Bigger the Better...

Fact: I'm always intrigued by large man-made objects, especially if they are gigantic. The more they make me feel like an ant... the more I just marvel at them. Seriously. I can't comprehend that another human being made something that large, whether it be power lines or the Eiffel Tower. It's just amazing... and don't even get me started on naturally occurring giants. Trees, Giraffes, Elephants-- the list goes on and on...

April Fools...

Reasons Why I Love Temple:

Reason 51: Sometimes, on April Fools Day, a bunch of my friends decide to make fake posters promising the students of Temple University rather interesting experiences and opportunities. They then hang them throughout my dorm, 1300. Funny story, the one above... actually entrigued enough people to form a mini gathering on the 3rd floor. Their excuses: "we really just came for the buffet."  Mhmmm... right. 

Photo Courtesy Christine!

Past, Present, and Future...

Two days ago I met up with my friends, (and fellow bloggers), Jen and Caitlin. We went to the Neato Burito in New Cumberland. It has this really neat thrift store (Checkered Past) above it and a ridiculous Buffalo head on the wall. Stuffed of course. 

Anyways... Jen brought her wonderful adorable too cute to describe so I have pictures baby girl, Audrey. She is so well behaved. She gave me a lot of questionable looks... which Cait reveled in... but eventually settled down and just slept the whole time.

Cait, Jen, and I talked about how Jen was doing since having Audrey and being home and all the important things. We talked about our love for any and all babies. Babies and their dads in public. And even various reality TV shows... most of which centered around TLC and their "I didn't even know I was pregnant" or "medical marvels" shows. It was just like old times at Temple.  I really have missed talking to Jen. She is seriously one of the most positive people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. And what's even more impressive is that she doesn't make excuses... Jen takes everything in stride. Accepts it. Fixes it if it's worth fixing. And moves on...

Seriously though... this baby is going to be such a heartbreaker. And they both laughed at me when I told them I had a feeling she was going to be one of those edgy toddlers that all the other kids want to be friends with... 

Seriously... adorable.

One, Two, Trey...

What A winner...

I spent the day with Trey... we went to the new Dog Park at Khol Park off of Union Deposit Road.  He had the whole place to himself for a little bit. But when the three other dogs appeared I knew it would be a matter of time before he was ready to get going. You see, he's what we like to refer to as "socially challenged". He's great with people, wonderful with kids, and not the least bit aggressive towards other dogs. But we think the lack of aggression is due to the fact that he has absolutely no idea what to do around them. In fact, it often looks like he is massively confused or even frightened. The fact that he's a lab/rotweiler mix is something kind of ironic too... seeing as both breeds are suppose to be known for their bravery. 

After Trey had enough of the dog park (he camped out by the gate), we decided to head downtown to Italian Lake. It is a beautiful park that just so happens to be right next to Ellen's house. He enjoyed this trip a lot better than the park, even making friends with some pincer and pit bull puppies. Then it was off to the high school to drop Trey off in Laur's car. Her reaction to seeing him in there was pretty priceless...

After looking at the numerous pictures that I took, (there are way more than what I posted), I have come to the conclusion that yes... I have unfortunately become one of those people who lives through and for their dogs. Which I said I wouldn't do. I don't know how it happened. He's just so cute, I never really had a chance...

Up Up And Away!

Here are some pictures from yesterday and today that I thought I'd share...

Ever since seeing the movie UP my fascination with any and all means of flying have been rekindled. It's the superpower I would most want if ever give the option to choose a superpower. So you could imagine my delight when I woke up to find this hot air balloon outside my window! Bucket List addition: take a hot air balloon ride.

This is Victoria Ernst... remember that name, you'll be hearing it in a few years. Tori and I went to CASA and she just graduated high school this year. I drew this for her graduation party. She is sooo talented!

Brielle and I went to Neato Burrito. Lovely conversation, witty banter, and rapid sarcasm occurred. Lots of laughter too.

I deviated from my normal Cowboy Crunch and got the Monday Burrito of the Day. 

Cilanto Chicken Pesto. I'd get it again.

Then B and I went to Shipoke for our traditional chalk and talk conversations.

This is Brielle's...

The dandelions are mine...

As is the couple...

Center of Attention...

Reasons Why I Love Temple:

Reason #54584: The SAC

Why: The Student Activities Center is one of my favorite buildings on the beautiful campus that is Temple University.  In fact it is tied for first place with the Tyler building. It is closely followed by Ritter Hall, the education school, on my list of favorite Temple buildings.  The SAC, as it is referred to, is absolutely amazing. No matter what I'm doing or where I am on campus, as soon as I pass the SAC I am captivated by the architecture. It is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. And is a wonderful example of new age design meeting traditional stylings. It is huge, housing a food court style cafeteria, a game room, our bookstore, a bank, a travel agency, numerous breakout rooms, help desk, post office, music practice rooms, orientation/large group rooms, classrooms, a performance stage, and a movie theater in the basement! Tell me that's not impressive. I love that everyone is allowed to use this building too... not to mention the numerous events and parties that are hosted there... for FREE! 

Picture is a drawing assignment from last semester. We had to draw architectural elements. 

Drawing Story: I spent all night outside in the cold drawing this magnificent building. When the morning came a food truck parked right in front of me... the security guard that had watched me drawing all night came outside and made the man move his truck so that I could finish... even more reason why I love Temple.

Take A Walk on the Wild Side...

Yesterday I woke up and looked out my window to find one of the most beautiful days of weather we've had this summer in Central Pennsylvania. So I did what anyone else would do... I called Sarah and told her we were going on a picnic.

 An hour and a half later we were off to Fort Hunter! It is this beautiful park on Front Street in Harrisburg that has beautiful views of the Susquehanna River.  

I hadn't been there in years and when I got there couldn't believe how nice it still was. 

Sarah and I took a little stroll before we finally set up the blanket, which was actually Sarah's college comforter, and laid out all of our delicious food!

I got to talk to Marylou on the telephone... I love our conversations. She always makes me laugh.  Sarah and I tried to throw popcorn into each other's mouths. I preformed an interpretive dance to Pocohantas's "Just Around the River Bend." You know--business as usual.

I couldn't get over how GREEN everything looked. Seriously... it was so beautiful.

I didn't get a picture of it... but as we were eating and talking a train was going across this bridge. That's another thing I love about going to Temple... I get to occasionally take the train to and from there!

The trail we strolled down...

Then we packed up and headed to Middletown to surprise Liz!!! I was driving, so we got lost of course. But when we made it she took us to get ice cream, even though she still wasn't feeling all that great. I had raspberry... for the second day in a row! It's like heaven in a cone.

Because she was sick she refused to have her picture taken... but come to think about it, she usually refuses to get her picture taken...

Liz being illusive on Middletown's version of CoaCoa Castle. Hoffer Park is beautiful. They were setting up for their craft show. We swung on the swings and ate ice cream.

Then Liz took us on a tour of Middletown... and it ended in another beautiful park. We went on a small trail that led us to this beautiful view of Three Mile Island. Oh Nuclear Power Plants... gotta love em...

The day was wonderful. Filled with great conversation, friends, and constant laughing. What more could I ask for?! 

We Owe It All to Pete...

I have no idea who Pete is... but apparently his good luck rubbed off on us today! Laur and I had a wonderful brother/sister bonding day...

Seriously, it couldn't have been better. It started off with her going on a 3 mile run. Me finally getting finished cleaning my room. We then went to Atlanta Bread Company for lunch. But before we did we stopped off at an ATM where I was fortunate enough to find the beauty that is Pete's $10 bill. 

Beautiful Sister...

Lunch was wonderful. I had an ABC Special Sandwich, soda, and chips. Laur had a strawberry-banana smoothie. Carly provided deep and intense conversation.  

Then Laur and I went to her basketball game. I met Emily's brother, Matt. What a character.  Laur ended up winning and from the game we headed to Holy Name to play some bingo at the festival.  We all showed up with bags of quarters... seriously there were 8 of us with bags of quarters. It was ridiculous!

Money Bags...

I never realized how intense my sister and her friends get at this game. Laur won three times, totaling $16.75 and I won once for a prize of $10! It was pretty exciting.  

We even made friends with all the old ladies running the bingo tent. And got into a friendly heckling competition with an old woman smoking a cigaret and oxygen tank in tow. (I unfortunately didn't get a picture of her though.)

It started to rain once we go to 3B's to blow our winnings...

Lastly we took our big winnings and bought some ice cream at 3B's. It was delicious. Raspberry is my favorite. Then Laur and I drove home. I love her more than blog posts can say...

Thanks Pete... for giving us a wonderful day together.