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 I still like Dunkin' Donuts better. (Even though I don't drink coffee anymore.) (I know, right? Funnily enough, I feel more awake without caffeine.) I was never a big Starbucks fan. And they're everywhere! It's because I grew up with a Dunkin' Donuts by me, and it was where my dad used to take me on Sunday mornings. We'd get doughnuts and my dad, a coffee. I almost always got a glazed doughnut (regular or chocolate), and sometimes we'd get a box of Munchkins when we felt like it (apparently called doughnut holes on the West Coast?). On occasion I got one with frosting and sprinkles-- never really the jelly, not a big fan of those. It's weird, but I never realized how healthy my parents made me eat when I was younger. They never bought sugary cereals* but just healthy stuff. I did pine for Cocoa Puffs and Fruity Pebbles from time to time, but Basic 4 and Cheerios won me over in the end. Except for the doughnuts. That was a Sunday tradition. But now that I'm older, it all kind of rubbed off on me and I confess I'm a bit of health nut. I mean, I don't eat really outlandish things but you know, I snack on fruits, vegetables, crackers and cheese (you know me, I love my crackers and cheese! Wensleydale is my favorite, just like Wallace & Gromit)... give me some muesli and yogurt, and I'm good to go! I've professed my love for DuDo's blueberry doughnuts before, but I'll do it again. I love their blueberry doughnuts. They're like a hidden treasure in the doughnut world. I call it DuDo for short. Except I say it like do-dough, and not doodoo or dodo or duh-do. I like Dunkin' Donuts. * I learned this from Gilmore Girls, and I've probably ad-libbed from there but: mix 2 parts sugary cereal with 2 parts plain healthy cereal, and you get a really wonderful bowl of goodness. It's like a party in your mouth.
—Friday, July 31, 2009 4 comments My DuDo
 As a kid, I was obsessed with NASA and becoming an astronaut (we all went through that phase, right?). I loved the Kennedy Space Center more than Disney World when my family and I went there for vacation years ago. If you saw a little girl loving the sight of a launch pad more than Magic Kingdom, that was probably me. I still have a poster of the Man on the Moon and NASA-related stuff on my walls; it's a part me that never really left. But my favorite were the plastic glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling. (I remember jumping on my bed to stick them on the ceiling because I was too short.) I loved staring at them before I fell asleep; it soothed me. It was like laying outside and staring at the night's sky, except in the comfort of my bed. Since then, most of them have fallen and only a few remain. I've collected the ones that fell and put them aside. They still glow, after all these years. Now whenever I travel or am far away from home, I take a star with me. And if I can't fall asleep, I hold it in my hand and watch it glow.
—Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2 comments Star in my pocket
 - How to Make Moving Pictures (Just Like Harry Potter!) - How can I make my house into a home fit for a spy? - Photography is Easy, Photography is Difficult - Consumed (related: Fancy Fast Food) - Remembering Apollo 11 (transcript) - Fallen Princesses (Previously: Lists, part 25)
—Sunday, July 26, 2009 0 comments Lists, part 26
I want this to be my wedding! Even though I can't dance, I'm dancing! So happy.
—Friday, July 24, 2009 0 comments Wedding entrance dance
 We sat by the window, watching people stroll by in the night. "This is such a great people watching spot," she said. I nodded, and sipped my steamed milk. She sipped her coffee as we continued to sit in a comfortable silence, watching the traffic and the mix of people come and go. This was our last time to do this, before she leaves New York for her new life. Another goodbye, another friend gone. We caught up, traded stories, and she sought my advice. Sometimes I wonder why people ask me for advice. It's not that I give bad advice, but I wonder if my thoughts or opinions really make a big difference? (I feel like I spit out quotes and proverbs half the time.) I mused out loud this one time, and she told back then, "You have a calming presence, and you're strong... and you're Amy." (Well, I don't know about those things, but I am Amy!) As we sat talking, she said, "You have a realistic way of thinking, you're a realist." That caught me off guard, as I've always thought myself to be an idealist. I'm filled with romantic notions and the philosophy that you should do what you love. I replied, "I'm an idealist with a rational way of thinking..." She snapped her fingers and pointed at me and said, "That's it!" She continued talking as I sat listening and thoughtfully responded. I am an idealist, or at least I subscribe to idealistic ways. However, I am reasonable and for the most part, the decisions I've made in my life reflect... reality, the cold hard truth. I don't think I've actually lived out any of my dreams or what I'd like to do. But for others, whenever I give advice, it reflects my ideals. I tell people to pursue what's in their hearts, have hope, don't give in and so on. I, once again, project what I don't have or do onto others. And I do it because I want to see people happy, or at least content with the decisions they've made. I don't want them to be miserable. I don't want them to be sad. This is a good thing, right? (Of course, I know when to stop going overboard with the whole "reach for the stars!" spiel. I know when rational thought should kick in, and when to tell someone that this is the reality of the situation.) The last thing she said me, before we parted, was, "3 years down the line, I'm gonna be having another conversation with you... and you'll know what to say. You always do."
—Thursday, July 23, 2009 1 comment Rationally ideal
 (I will be rambling on about Harry Potter, so only read on if you've read the books and seen the movie... otherwise, ignore me...) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was pretty good. I had really high expectations since most reviews had been really good. I quite liked it because these kids (these kids!) have grown into good actors and the comedic timing is fantastic! Dumbledore was a bit more like the Dumbledore in the books in this film (knitting patterns!), Harry on Felix Felicis was just wonderful, Won-Won and Lavender Brown were exactly how I imagined them (and Lavender Brown was exactly how I imagined her!), Ron in general is always wonderful and funny (after eating Romilda Vane's chocolates!), Hermione while walking back from Hogsmeade, Cormac licking his fingers while looking at Hermione was hilarious, Cormac throwing up and Harry's priceless look on his face, Luna in every scene is lovely, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!, the entire cave scene, poor Draco Malfoy... But (sigh), I am a big fan and I love these books (and these kids!) a great deal (that's no secret), so I had some issues with what they cut and kept. For movie purposes, I understand and it makes complete sense. But why burn down the Burrow? Isn't that necessary in the Deathly Hallows? (Fleur wasn't even mentioned! Do you think that'll still happen?) I think Harry should've been petrified under the Invisibility Cloak; then he really wouldn't have been able to do anything (I know, I know, he was following Dumbledore's orders). The whole Snape finding him underneath... I don't know. Also, the lack of use of the Invisibility Cloak was quite interesting. No funeral? I did like the wands in the air, though. And Harry crying next to him was heartbreaking (but with Ginny? IIIII don't know about that). Also, no battle? (I did love that wide shot of him and Snape.) The battle should have happened, I think, because then all the Death Eaters that arrived would've made sense instead of Bellatrix just destroying the Great Hall and Hagrid's hut. I really wanted Snape to shout, "DON'T CALL ME A COWARD!" What about learning apparition? Not completely necessary but it would've been fun to watch! I don't know, but I'm sure it will all work out in the next two films with the changes they made (and more Neville!).
—Sunday, July 19, 2009 2 comments Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
 I kind of want a longboard. Though, 1) I don't really have a useful purpose for it (yet), 2) they're a wee bit expensive, and 3) I'm not ballsy enough to ride in the city (I can bike because I feel like I have more control, but skating or boarding-- it spells disaster!). Reasons aside, I would still like one (at some point). Longboards have a smoother ride, I think, compared to skateboards. And that's what I like about them. What do you count as one week: Monday to Sunday, or Sunday to Saturday? On the subway the other day, I saw an ad using... Comic Sans. I almost turned to the person standing next to me and said, "Can you believe this??!!" Then I realized most people don't care. (Comic Sans... inconceivable!) "Your lady, she's been... photocopying." Ah, the spoofing. I was sitting at my desk at work when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a pretty big spider creeping along my desk. It was flesh-toned and speckled with dark spots; it also had two antennae waving from its head. My reaction: sit in horror as it crept along my desk. (I am not a big fan of spiders.) I watched it climb over my phone, up my bulletin board, over the wall, and glide down on its web to the floor. I stooped down and saw it continue climbing over some wires and then, at last, I moved my garbage can over the spider, hoping to trap it. Unfortunately, after I left my desk to ask someone to help me, it disappeared. I have no idea where it went and everyday, I wonder...
—Saturday, July 18, 2009 2 comments Random things and thoughts
 During my run the other day, I stopped off the path and decided to plop down on a patch of grass. It was an absolutely beautiful day: blue skies, a few lazy clouds here and there and a wonderful summer breeze. I stretched out, put my hands behind my head and stared up at the never-ending blue before me. Around the edges, I saw tree branches swaying and whispering every so often. My breathing eventually slowed to normal, and I started to take longer and deeper breaths. I tuned everything out around me except for the whispering trees. It was so nice and peaceful, I didn't want to get up. I kept staring at the sky, almost willing the blue to form something or to change. But no, it was just blue, so brilliantly blue. It was like staring at the ocean upside down. After a bit, I managed to hoist myself up. Except... I didn't continue running. I decided to walk all the way back, taking my time.
—Thursday, July 16, 2009 1 comment The day's sky
 I've recently hit a wall with books and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions? I'm down with anything, really (some books I've read): your favorites, recent reads, books you've heard about, golden oldies... many thanks! (Previously: Book suggestions?)
—Saturday, July 11, 2009 4 comments Book suggestions, part 2
 I'm always startled when someone is nice to me. It's not that I'm treated horribly; people are generally good natured and not mean. But it's almost rare that someone treats me well, as in takes care of me and takes notice of things around me enough to be courteous and giving. And that's what startles me, because I guess I was raised to not be dependent on anyone. I'm self-sufficient, I can take care of myself, I can go my own way. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I feel like I don't deserve to be treated so well. That sounds weird, but I mean, I grew up in a more or less warm and caring family. We look out for each other and help is always there. The word "love" is seldom used and, I don't know, I was brought up in a certain environment, almost distant but still close if that makes any sense. I guess that's how I sort of became myself? Through interactions, experiences, teachers, books and more, I learned to be generous, kind, thoughtful and loving. But even before the learning, I feel like it's this inborn thing I have. I treat people the way I think I (and everyone else) should be treated, with the same generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness and love. (Sometimes I can be overwhelming, I've realized, and I know when to "tone it down" in certain situations. And I recognize that not everyone should be treated so kindly, as some are mean-spirited. I understand that.) It was kind of something I never "had" as a kid, and maybe that's why I feel so startled and why I project such radiant feelings. And I wonder, on being startled, if people feel the same way when I'm nice to them? Because, for me, it's like this feeling of "Oh!" and "aw, shucks" all at once.
—Wednesday, July 8, 2009 0 comments Startled
 July 4th was yesterday, but happy belated 4th! I've been running around all weekend, from Boston to Philly where I celebrated the 4th of July with good, old friends. You guys, not only did I see some amazing fireworks in Philly, I saw The Roots LIVE. Historical-C mentioned it briefly when we left his apartment, and both Captain-P and I went, "I, wait, what?! THE ROOTS?!!! HERE?! WHAT!" And we both freaked out and hugged each other excitedly. The Roots! Live! What a happy coincidence. I don't know where to begin, but it has been a whirlwind long weekend since Thursday. I was in and out of Boston in a blink of an eye. Driving up there through holiday traffic was horrendous, though it was quite the experience. But I was glad to relax and take it slow in Philly, taking in the sights and sounds. I haven't been there in a while, and I have never been there on July 4th. At any rate, it was really enjoyable and nothing beats wading into a big fountain and getting soaked. (Well, except seeing The Roots and some awesome fireworks. How many times can I mention The Roots in this entry?) Tomorrow's Monday and back to reality. Sitting here, everything is swirling around my mind-- I can't keep it still. My body is slowly realizing how much I've run it out, but my mind is on fire. It has been a very good weekend, and all I can say is that ending it on a beautiful day walking along the beach with a good friend was absolutely wonderful.
—Sunday, July 5, 2009 2 comments Happy 4th!
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