Argan...

A few weeks ago KB and I got together again in center city to catch up. It just so happened to be the same day as the Philly Pride parade so we watched as tons of people gathered between locust and Penns Landing. It was nice to see so many different types of people out and about in the city. There's just something about being in the presence of a large crowd that are just celebrating life.

Anyways after the parade went by KB and I decided to catch up over some lunch, which is starting to become a pattern with us. But definitely a pattern I enjoy, because it seems like anytime we go out together we find a great new restaurant. This time we ate at Argan Morrocan Cuisine, which is located in the lower level of a building on 17th street. (I actually have to duck to enter.) I had originally heard about it from Christine who said they had a really great variety of vegetarian options, but I ended up getting the lamb which was seriously soooo soooo good. And I need to find out what kind of bread they used. I'd liken it to a cornbread type pita, but even better. And warm. Sooo good. And at $6.50 a sandwich I was pretty pleased!

Monica...

Here's a charcoal drawing of Monica I did today on

18x24" Strathmore paper.

(I sprayed the final piece, which I don't normally do, and it really killed all the lights.)

Drawing

*Click the box above to see some in-progress photos of the

drawing above from start to finish.

(Once you follow the link hit the "slideshow" button in the top

left to view in slideshow form)

-And if you would like to see some of Monica's amazing

work click here!

Reunited and It Feels So Good...

Tonight I get to see you since school has ended.

I am beyond excited!

Here's to hoping you'll scratch my head.

Park It Right There...

Jane Jacobs...

I just had my last day of summer class today, Hallelujah!!! But it's weird to think I still have two more months of summer left. Especially knowing that in two months I'll be on my way outside of the country for the first time.

In the meantime, the last book we read was Jane Jacobs' Life and Death of Great American Cities. I found this book to be probably one of my favorites from the class due to the fluidity to which it read and the subject matter itself. The book focuses on Jacobs' viewpoints on what makes a city, in particularly a neighborhood, successful or unsuccessful.

She narrows her focus down to neighborhoods and parks talking about how parks are a crucial part of merging public and private space among individuals. It is at places like these that we establish bonds with not only friends, but also strangers and other city dwellers that become important in maintaining safety and a working diverse society.

When I think back to my summer here in Philly, a lot of my time has been spent in parks doing just that. Especially in Rittenhouse, to which Jacobs mentions as probably the most successful park in Philadelphia.

Here we are playing a game called miniature tanks.

Soooo fun. Soooo ridiculous.

Completely pointless. ha.

All photos courtesy the lovely CW...

Padre...

I know I'm a little behind.

And I know I wasn't home to say this in person...

But it doesn't mean I mean it any less.

I love you dad.

I love the way you make crazy eyes when taking pictures.

Or how you cook breakfast in your boxers.

How you taught me how to play sports...

Catch a fish, swing a golf club, draw teeth...

I will always remember our father-son dinners.

And how 9 out of 10 times we ended up at Chef Wongs.

Sesame Chicken, Shrimp and Cashews, and Seafood Delight.

Family style.

I remember all the drives to and from Pittsburgh.

The tunnels I made wishes in.

I remember playing tennis at Brightbill as lightning lit up the sky.

And I remember how grateful you were whenever you'd come home from work at night and I'd have dinner for you.

I love how you fall asleep in front of the tv.

And even though you still till this day say you don't snore,

I love that too.

I love how you have the ability to befriend

anyone you come in contact with.

And are perfectly content either being the center of attention

or an intent listener.

Your stories are unparalleled,

In fact, I'd like to think that's something you passed onto me.

And even though I may not always see it

I secretly love whenever anyone tells me I remind them of you.

Happy father's day dad.

Top photo: Dan-O, me, and little sister circa 1993ish.

Bottom Photo: Mom and Dad in Chinatown, Philadelphi circa Mothers day 2010.

Con-GRAD-ulations...

Some pictures from Laur's graduation.

I still can't believe she's done with high school now, but we are all so proud of her.

Sibling shot.

Three generations.

This was one of my grandma's photo taking attempts.

It just so happens to be Laur's and my favorite photo also.

Here's a nice family shot with both grandmothers.

I had a really nice time home, even if it was less than 24 hours.

Mike and I had some nice conversations to and from Philly, lunch was excellent, I saw some friends, got to catch up with the grandmas, and even have a 11pm steak dinner.

What more could I ask for.

Graduation Day...

Hey soul sister...

You did it! And I couldn't be prouder.

See you tonight!!!

(Next stop PITT!)

Oh Chrissy...

I mean LOV3BABBZ..

Just wanted to say I love this girl! She is seriously one of the most hilarious friends I have--and the best part is she doesn't even try to be. Tonight we spent two hours walking around South Philly in search of a place to eat before we settled on Govinda's Vegetarian Restaraunt. I had the Zucchini Melt and Chrissy had the Chimichanga, both of which were delicious! We ate on her roof with a beautiful view of the city and created an internet dating profile for CF (hence lov3babbz). So many one liners. So many zingers. So much fun.

*Photos from this past Halloween at Penn.

Long Overdue...

Ok-- I'm officially a bad blogger. It has been far too long. And I really don't have an excuse other than every time I go to update my blog my camera is either not charged, at Caitlin and Christine's, or back in Philly.

(So I guess those are excuses... lame ones, but still.)

Anyways; here is what i have been up to!!!!

(In reverse chronological order because blogger uploads photos strangely.)

Caitlin Bought a dress at the Kinetic Sculpture contest and art fair in Kensington!

Greg came to visit!!! And we creepily stalked Eric from "The Tim and Eric Show" for about 45 minutes.

End result: We didn't meet him, but definitely out-creeped our usual selves.

Lizabeast was probably making fun of CW here... most likely.

Laura Jane was also in attendanceeee!

Love this girl. AND she's from the 717!

Almost had to amputate.

It was badd--with two d's.

Luckily a bag of frozen pea's did the trick.

Next up: Thai and Laotian food with Liz, CW, and Chrissy.

The restaurant was beautiful, and very reasonably priced.

Exploring Passyunk.

(Note CW in the window)

This was the first week Chrissy moved into Italian Market.

We walked around to get our bearings and had lunch.

Dinner of champions.

CW made me peas and macaroni with an Arizona Ice tea as thanks for helping her clean the apartment.

And beleive me when I tell you...

It was soooooooo disgusting.

Still don't believe me, click here.

But look at how beautiful it is now!

Such a nice space, except for the no air conditioning.

Oh this night was great.

Cait and Dee made me spaghetti...

I ate it ALLL it was soo good.

And the two of them made extra because they knew I like to eat.

So considerate. Then we got sucked into HBO movies.

Mother's DAY!

Madre and Padre came to visit! Such a good day.

More on that later...

Kitchen slow dances with Dee.

I had a Birthday.

Wonderful friends, cake, and pie.

Alex got free tickets to see an early screening of the film "BABIES" in center city. And she asked me to go with her!

Sooo much fun. Sooo adorable. I want to go to Mongolia.

School ended. And with it, so did Sophomore year.

(This was actually one of our last meals this semester together

and it just so happened to be on my birthday)