Ruby Sparks

I cannot wait for this to come to Ambler. It looks so good! From what I can tell, Ruby Sparks is a movie about a writer who creates a character (Ruby Sparks) and she comes to life. It seems to be funny and romantic and an overall good movie!

The Boxer

I heard this song on the radio today. It is the best mix of two things I love: Simon & Garfunkel and Mumford & Sons! Love them both. Enjoy!

Olympics

Currently watching the Olympic opening ceremony. This is probably the most exciting sporting event. I think one thing that adds to the allure is that it is held every 4 years. But, this year, I am trying to watch as much as I can--even the ones that I wouldn't usually watch. The sports that I will most definitely watch are track and gymnastics. I won't pass up watching any American--so like beach volleyball or swimming. I think the Olympics are unifying--both the US and the world. Everyone comes together to support the United States; it is a second 4th of July. It makes me proud when an American athlete competes to the best of his or her ability. In regards to the world, the Olympics create a sense of solidarity, of peace. At the time of the Olympics, it seems like all conflicts and wars stop. It may be that it makes us forget the slaughter and difficulties and so actually the Olympics cover up this. But I think it still is a great event and will watch many minutes of the Olympics!

from wikipedia.com

Introverts

I am currently reading Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. As an introvert myself, I find it hard to be successful in this world where the best people are the most talkative. I hope that everyone can understand and hopefully the world will accept this personality type soon!

Disney

Trip to Disney World coming up!! I started packing today--I'm so excited. We haven't gone in 3 years so I think my whole family is looking forward to it!

Monsters

There is going to be a Monsters Inc prequel!! It looks very good and very funny. Mike and Sully go to college to become scary. Just watching the preview clip makes me so excited. The first movie was great so Pixar has a lot to live up to, but in the past, they have delivered. Speaking of which, there is talk of a Toy Story 4 and Finding Nemo 2! What the heck?!?! They definitely don't need another Toy Story but maybe it has to do with money? The other Toy Story movies grossed a whole lot at the box office. And I guess a Nemo 2 couldn't be too bad--another adventure in the ocean. I would probably pick a new Nemo over another Toy Story. There are only so many story lines about toys. There are more options for fish because this would only be the second film. But knowing Pixar, they have great plot lines for both and will surprise me and take my money when I go to see them. Any thoughts?

Movie

Wednesday I went to the $5 matinee at the Ambler Theater to see Moonrise Kingdom. Amazing, just as I thought. But I am looking forward to next Wednesday to see To Rome With Love. Most definitely. Hopefully my mother tags along again so she can pay and so we can go out to lunch beforehand!!

Johnstown

My visit to Johnstown was amazing, to say the least. It might have been that I hadn't seen my friend since May and that I enjoyed just hanging out with her. But anyway, I arrived at State College on the Megabus (great idea), so tired. It was Arts Fest at Penn State, but we just walked around, enjoying the beautiful day. The night was fun too,. We hung out with her high school friends around the fire. I had my first mountain pie--they were shocked that I never even heard of one. It is kinda like a grilled cheese sandwich over the fire with tomato sauce and pepperoni, like a pizza. Very good, I must say. It was a culture shock. Even though I am not technically from the city, it was crazy to see how these "country" kids lived. Sunday was a day for sightseeing. We went to the Johnstown Flood Museum, the Inclined Plane, and the Flight 93 Memorial. Her dad joked that all the sights were about destruction. That night I went to my first drive-in movie. It was a double feature but I fell asleep during the second movie. The United States has only 403 drive-ins left (I think) and there were 3 within a half hour from her house. Crazy.

So Excited

Big week for me. Monday I saw my friend from high school who 95% of the time cancels on me. We caught up and watched a movie. Very relaxing. Tuesday and Wednesday I babysat my 4 cousins. The youngest is almost 2. He is very crazy--throwing things around, escaping. Yesterday night I had dinner at Panera with another high school friend. Food was delicious, as usual. And the company was pretty swell too.

But the big event of the week is my trip to see my college friend in Johnstown, PA. It is the sight of the Johnstown Flood, where us Pennsylvanians still have to pay a tax to cover the damage (at least that is what my parents say). Johnstown is halfway (?) between State College and Pittsburgh--pretty much the middle of nowhere. But I think we might be going to the Penn State Arts Fest, which I heard is the best weekend of the year in State College. I don't know really what is on the itinerary for the weekend but I am stoked nonetheless. Even for my 6:40am bus!

**Did you know Johnstown has the steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world? Yah! Really cool!

from visitjohnstownpa.com

How To Train Your Dragon

Okay, when I first heard of How To Train Your Dragon, I thought it was going to be a stupid kids movie that was completely horrible. Lo and behold, I was wrong. My cousin was talking about it the other day. She seemed to really like it. I didn't think anything of it until I went to my friend's house on Monday. She said I could pick a movie to watch. And there it was: How To Train Your Dragon. So we watched it. We both really really enjoyed it. The boy viking Hiccup befriends a dragon and ultimately turns the whole viking community values upside-down. Like any good movie, it had plot, jokes, romance, action... Hiccup did talk in a monotone, but I can't complain because so do I. I would recommend seeing it if you can. A nice movie that is fun for all ages.

the gang from rottentomatoes.com

Hiccup from rottentomatoes.com

PS - Hiccup looks like a kid I know at school!!! Weird...

Backpacks

I love backpacks. No idea why. I think I find something adventurous about them. Maybe? I had a Jansport one for so many years for school, but then the zipper broke. I was devastated. Currently in use are two backpacks: one navy Nike and one navy Herman's. I have a new and old styles to choose from. The Herman's was my dad's; I took it! But about my obsession with backpacks. I really want another yet I don't need another. What is a girl to do?

Kanken from jcrew.com

Wandering Star Canvas from jcrew.com

The Matrix

It has been a while (I am just guessing here) since I have been captivated by a movie, or in this case, a trilogy. Usually I have to pause the movie a couple times, taking breaks to re-energize my movie watching self. I borrowed The Matrix from the library, thinking it would be interesting, a mystery/action movie in the future. What is not to love?? Little did I know that I would not be able to stop watching it. Not like watching it 1000 times. More like I can't wait to get the sequel out to watch.

The premise of the movie is a world controlled by alienish computers. "The Matrix" is the actual program. There are people who break out of the matrix to try to fight the invaders to save the human race. There is a lot of fighting, a little romance, and some mind-bending puzzles. If you haven't seen it, go see it now. It will be worth it.

PS--If you see it, you can now do that "dodge the bullets move" that everyone knows. You'll have credibility.

Pool Time

Just a lazy day out by the pool. I tweeted, "pool is finally open. everyone is welcome to come over! #goingtoneedabiggerpool" I got a big kick out of that. I was seriously chuckling to myself.

The Tour

I love this time of year, most especially for the Tour de France. For those who don't know, it is an annual bike race held each year in France, usually spanning the month of July. It is the premiere bike race in the world. The winner of the Tour is given the yellow jersey--the most coveted shirt ever. I love it: the competition, the difficulty (try climbing Alpe d'Huez), everything. In honor of the race, I found some old photos on Life. Enjoy!

life.com

America

Happy Independence Day/Fourth of July/Birthday, America!!! Today is the day to wear your red, white, and blue. Here are some things I find patriotic and embody the atmosphere of today.

1. My Nails (One hand is blue and the other is red)
2. Independence Hall (Philadelphia)

just the birthplace of America, no biggie

3. My New Nalgene Waterbottle ($8 at Target!)

4. These Girls (circa June 2006--World Cup)

don't notice my 13-year-old awkwardness

5. Pretty much all of DC, especially this picture (4th of July last year)

sun's out, guns out

Philadelphia Freedom

Here are some pictures from my trip into Philadelphia yesterday. After walking a million miles, I was so tired but it was definitely and completely worth it. Visits include the Independence Seaport Museum, Bain's Deli at the Bourse, Miller's in Reading Terminal Market, and Love Park. Good thing I had Flat Explorer to keep me company!

Brave

So last night, I saw Disney Pixar's Brave. After getting shot down by a gazillion friends who were all already busy, I went with two friends from my high school cross country team. We went and we were the only ones over the age of 8 in the theater besides the parents. Hold on, I had a giftcard for the movie so I probably shouldn't be complaining, but the movie cost $11.50?!?! Yeah, I know. But on the plus side, with the rewards program, I got a free small popcorn! Yes!

Back to Brave. For those who don't know, it is about a Scottish princess, Merida, who does not want to get married--instead she wants to run around and shoot arrows and ride her horse and explore. Her mom, however, insists that she marries and is otherwise uncompromising. Merida takes her fate into her own hands and...sorry, can't spoil it for you. The animation was wonderful--Merida's fiery red hair bounces along with her. The one message I got out of the movie was understanding. Merida and her mother, the queen, argue about everything. If they just took time to listen to each other, a compromise could be made. This can be applied to real life. I don't know, maybe I am just reading into too much, but I really think it sends a good message.