Nighttiming

My sister and her boyfriend Josh joined me at Brad’s house for some grillin’ and night swimming. It was, quite honestly, one of the best summer nights I’ve had this year. Brad and I went shopping after my volunteering stint (all went well and fast, but I do have my very first farmer’s tan/burn) and we bought chicken, hot dogs, and salmon, taco dip fixings, fresh green beans, and other green veggies for salad. I didn’t take any pictures of the spread, and I slightly regret that. But at least I have it stored in the hard drive that is my memory.

We didn’t get into the pool until around 8. We were sitting around, drinking Dos Equis and watching funny things online on Brad’s deck. But I’m almost glad we waited. The pool eventually got all lit up, as did his backyard, and it was like swimming/jumping into a huge bathtub. I didn’t want to get out…unless I was jumping back in. Excellent night…can’t believe it was my last full vacation night…

Brad took some really great shots. The second from the bottom is outstanding. In other photography news, I found a link I saved last summer in my bookmarks for a website with beginner’s photography tips. I want to teach myself to use my little point-and-shoot to it’s fullest advantage. And also, really expand my hobby so work is just a thing I do in the day so that I can do whatever I want when I’m not there.

Jersey

Spent the last couple nights in Jersey with my friend, Rafter. We bought tickets for a Kings of Leon concert forever ago and it finally made it. So crazy.

Funny thing is, the concert was my least favorite time of the little outing. Don’t get me wrong…I’ll always have a soft spot for the band. But I saw them a couple of years ago at a sold out show at The Electric Factory and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. This time, I was surrounded by douche bags grinding to the song “Use Somebody”, got burnt with a cigarette, and nearly sweated to death. Sorry, guys, but unless you start doing some smaller venues, I’ll probably never see you again…

Regardless, my time spent there was fun, even if I do have a couple of bug bites and back pain from sleeping on an air mattress.

Wednesday night, I arrived and we went out for sushi, which is funny because I never eat that stuff but had just been talking about possibly trying it again. I went the easy route and got one roll with chicken and another with cooked salmon and cucumbers. I enjoyed both of them. While my options are limited (I’m allergic to shellfish), I think I’ll be trying another round again soon. Then we spent half the day on Thursday walking on the Atlantic City boardwalk. I’d never been there, and it was nice to see the beach. It was a nice trip, and I’m glad I took it.

It’s the last weekday of my vacation. Volunteering tomorrow…not very happy about the timing on that. It’s cutting into the final moments of my work-free, relaxation-filled time off. I’m getting sad. But I’ll survive, books and magazines in tow, smile on my face ‘til its time to punch out.

Vacation So Far…

Saturday was spent at Mauch Chunk Lake. I’d never been there before, but it’s gorgeous. I’m used to Hickory Run, which I love, but this was 10x bigger, cleaner, nicer, peaceful-er. I hope to get there again before the season’s over…

When we got home, we played board games and drank beer at Joe’s. Always a good time.

Last night, Brad and I went for wings and then we went bowling. I love bowling, but it had been a while…so I sucked. But whatever, it’s always fun.

Today, Ed and I went on our 2nd annual (haha) trip to Gyps in Freeland. It’s kind of a disaster area place. Lots of expired food and creepy random trinkets. Always good for a laugh…

Vacation is good so far. Not as sunny as I would like, but it’s been so nice to be home and take my time. I’m not going to want to go back to work. BAH. But I don’t have to worry about work-related things for 3 more days, and even then I’ll only be doing something for like 4 hours. So, whatever. I’ll survive. Let’s just hope everything goes well…

Inspiración

 

Just a few pictures I like…

Not My News

I got a text from my sister around noon with this picture attached:

Yup…Maria met Michael FREAKING Cera. Just walking around Philadelphia. According to her, she took a different route than she normally does and it was basically fate.

I’m jealous of her, because I absolutely love him and pretty much everything he’s ever done. And happy for her because she loves him too! She said he was really nice and…well, this isn’t my story, it’s hers.

I keep telling her to start a blog. She has a cute life in the city/at home and is very creative and artsy, so I really think hers would be something to read. Maybe this experience will be another thing to push her into it, so she can share them with everyone too!

Hayley

I’ve had a girl crush on Hayley Williams for a couple of years now. I think she has an amazing voice (though I also think that Paramore plays pretty generic music that I still sometimes find catchy) and she is pretty much her own person.

And yes, she rocks the red hair.

That’s the thing about fair-skinned people. They can do pretty much any hair color and pull it off. Not that I have a problem with my medium-ish skin tones…it just seems like you’re taking a bigger risk.

Yes, I’d like to be a rockstar.

More Leos

Today is mother’s birthday! Next Monday is my father’s. More on the whole very close together Leo people in my life.

 

Nothing special happens on birthdays around here. But that’s what’s so great. The birthday girl/guy gets to pick what they want for dinner and dessert and pretty much lounge around all day (if their schedule permits it).

I’m so happy that I’m celebrating my mom’s birthday during my vacation. I don’t get to spend that much time with her balancing work and a social life, so free time around the house is just what the doctor ordered for both of us.

Dad’s making salmon and steak with the most delicious corn on the cob you can find in the area. It’s finally in season here and I couldn’t be more excited. Yum!

Happy birthday mom! Enjoy your day!