Spider-Man

Day: 395

Photo taken on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 on our back porch at 636pm.

I am literally climbing the walls.

If we don't get cable and internet back soon, I'm gonna scale something higher.

Ezio

Day: Three Hundred and Sixty Three

Photo taken on Saturday, July 30, 2011 perched on our deck railing the morning after the storm.

Steve thinks he's an assassin.

He has been totally immersed in Assassin's Creed II lately and it's all he ever talks about. He's even included Ezio Auditore's hidden blade attack in our Imaginary Weapons Game. I don't mind his obsession because the video game is really freakin' cool. My favorite assassination of choice is when Ezio hides in hay and when a guard walks by he pulls him in and slaughters him inside without anyone being the wiser. The only problem I have with the game is the sense of vertigo I get whenever the character climbs really high to sit out on a viewpoint in order to update the map. The height feels so real! And I love the way Ezio just nonchalantly walks out on a wood beam and perches like a cat about to spring off the edge of it (and once the map updates, Ezio does just that...and into a mound of hay a hundred stories below...very realistic).

But I love that perch, so I take this picture for Hubs.

Steve may think he's an assassin. But I am one.

The End of an Era

Day: Three Hundred and Fifty

Photo taken on Sunday, July 17, 2011 after watching the final installment of Harry Potter in the Farmingdale Multiplex at 1030pm. (Pictured from left: The bad guys: Steve throwing a curse, Jenn pointing, and Heather channeling her inner Bellatrix. Neutral wizard: Mike. The good guys: Jon as Neville, Justin deflecting Steve's curse, and a hyperactive Hufflepuff.)

Ten years.

Pottermania has been in my life for an entire decade. And I have loved every single second of it.

I am aware of the Harry Potter books but thinking they are for children, never pick one up until I learn that it is story that anyone can enjoy. One day after hockey practice, my coach offers a movie excursion to Flatirons for Friday, the day Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is scheduled to come out. The majority of the team wants to go as well as my roommate, Sam, who upon hearing I am going, begs to come along. She even runs into her room and retrieves the three books out so far, telling me she's a huge fan. So on Friday, she joins me and the rest of the CU Women's Ice Hockey Team to see this flick. I have no idea what to expect but I am open-minded since I know most of the Hogwarts staff from other movies and enjoy these actors. My reaction? I think I forget to breathe through the entire thing, completely enchanted with the magical world J.K. Rowling has created. I love the story, the characters, the school, the food, the EVERYTHING! I want to stand in front of the Mirror of Erised. I want to sit under the sorting hat. I want to join in the fight against Voldermort.

And so begins the ten years of obsessing over one of the greatest stories of all time. As the years go on, I learn of more friends that share my deep love for Potter: Maeve is a fellow student but not in my house (she's a Gryffindor) though we hit Hogsmeade all the time together; Naughty, EJ, Dormmate Chris, and I play drunken Harry Potter on the original Playstation ("Potter NO! Potter MOVE!"); Naughty breaks out her books on tape while we live in the hockey house; Cameron even comes down from MA to see Goblet of Fire with me; Annie and I get together after the sixth book comes out to discuss what we thought (I bring two pages of notes), Christine brings me to the Wizarding World, and the list goes on. It's the second time this year I am writing about a trip to Potterland but I am afraid this time it will be my last.

I struggle with the ending of Book 7, maybe because it is time to say goodbye to the favorite characters that stole my heart (and then DIED, leaving me all alone to wallow in my sadness over them, and what the hell? Out of my top five-technically six because the twins are a package deal-four die?! So not fair.) Book 7 means it is finally complete, that there is no more yet I still have the movie to look forward to. And when I hear they are dividing it into two I think, that's not necessary but I'll take it! Why not extend this for a few more years?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II is bittersweet. My heart gets ripped out during the Snape montage because he is such a complex character and tortured soul. How much he endures for the sake of saving Harry, the dark front he has to keep up in order to appear faithful to Voldermort, the way he stands there and accepts his fate he knew was coming all along, and how he buries his love for a woman he could never have. He keeps hatred in his heart for Harry because he wants to make him his father but when he demands Harry look at him, he sees the green eyes of Lily as he passes on. So moving, so heart wrenching. How could one not love Severus?

I had been looking forward to the scene in the room of requirement-the fire dragon-I had a feeling it would be freaking cool! Though I am very saddened by the fact that two of my favorites, Fred and Lupin, are not paid the noble death sequence they so rightfully deserve. I have trouble swallowing the fact that out of all the Weasleys, Rowling chooses to split the twins. If I have learned anything from this troublesome duo is that one would never leave the other, even in death. In my world, Fred returns and can rival Peeves anyday!

I admit, I cry when Dobby leaves us. The red hot anger I feel when Sirius dies at the hand of his cousin keeps me awake at night. The tears that are almost endless when everyone lights their wands and raises them in the air for Dumbledore breaks me. But I am not prepared for the emotion I feel bubbling to the surface when the snitch "opens at the close". This is why I love the series so much. This is why Harry is redeemed from Book 5's constant whining (thank you film adaptation for changing that in the fifth movie) and holds a very special place in my heart. He is brave and honorable and chooses to sacrifice himself for the greater good. It's a poignant scene that makes me want to be a better person, makes me want to be more like Harry: a defender, determined and fearless.

I have taken much from this series and I can spend hours of your time talking about it. There are many religious and spiritual themes laced within this story as well has humanity guidelines. I am happy to say I agree with what Rowling is trying to teach us: that love really does conquer all, that loyalty and standing up for what you believe in is important, and that friendship is a treasured gift that can last a lifetime.

These past ten years have been a glorious and wonderful adventure for me. I hope that my love for Harry Potter continues and I thank you all for putting up with my incessant chatter about the series.

"I want you to listen to me very carefully, Harry. You're not a bad person. You're a very good person, who bad things have happened to. Besides, the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."-Sirius Black

"Stop looking at me swan!"

Day: Two Hundred and Ninety

Photo taken on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in our backyard at 1119am.

Yeah, I pretty much take this picture for the sole purpose of using a Billy Madison quote as my title.

Power Shot

Day: Two Hundred and Eighty Three

Photo taken on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, NY at 654pm. (Pictured: The Legs from left to right: Steve, me, and Chris Reed. The peeps on the serving line: Mike and Jenn)

Oh it's that time of year again...HANDBALL TIME!!!!

Being that I'm from the North Shore, it may sound odd to you how much I love this game. But being that everyone I'm playing with on this court is from the South Shore, you know how I learned to love it.

What is cool about this particular game is that anyone can play, at any level, and it's always fun. As much as I enjoy the fast paced intensity of a one-on-one with Steve (or what really should be called a one-on-assbeater), I take pleasure in playing with as many people as we can get on one court. Hilarity will ensue and someone always gets hurt but it's the camaraderie that counts.

Happy Moma's Day!

Day: Two Hundred and Eighty

Photo taken on Sunday, May 8, 2011 in the lobby of the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA at 3pm. (Pictured: Daddio, Moma, Preston, Kimberly, and I. Back Row: Thomas Jefferson)

Very much like my parents' birthdays, it is still very hard to come up with a great gift idea for their respective Sundays. Luckily for me but not so much for my mom, she misplaced her set of keys recently therefore I am able to purchase her a new Coach key chain for Moma's Day as a little extra gift. (*Note: Kim had been the one previously to buy her a Coach keychain. It was a cute flip-flop. The one I buy her, has two cute flip-flops. Just saying.) So besides that and her very nice plants from Kim and Pres, we take her out for an amazing brunch at this lavish hotel. It was Kim's idea two years ago and it was a fabulous way to spend a morning: gorgeous surroundings and unlimited trips to the dessert station. But last year, we forgot to call the day after Mother's Day so we were then #150 on the waiting list. Yeah, 150. It's really that good.

But this year we are #15 and Kim and her lawyering ways gets us a spot for the Champagne Brunch two days in advance. I think all of us enjoy the delicious spread and I know for a fact Preston loves the jazz musicians set up in the corner. One lady even comes over to remark on how interested he is because she too watches him grab a chair, pull it across the room, station it in front of their instruments, and literally sits back with his hands behind his head and watches them intently. Preston never ceases to amaze us.

So Moma, I hope you enjoyed the brunch and the rest of the day spent hanging out with your daughters! We love you very much!

^_\

For Kimberly's take on the weekend and some really great shots of everyone please click here! (My fave is of Preston with the alligator...you'll know which one.)

Team Reab

Day: Two Hundred and Seventy Three

Photo taken on Sunday, May 1, 2011 in Sai on the way to JFK airport at 503pm. (Pictured in front seat: Steve and I; Backseat: Anna and Pher; Back-backseat: Mike and Jenn)

I don't care if it is only for an hour, I am happy to see Pher and Anna. Since we end up hitting traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike and have to wait a half an hour for gas at one of the rest stops, it only leaves us with enough time to drive Pher and Anna to the airport. We had planned on all going upstairs to Dad's apartment for a soda and some relaxation before heading out but that plan has gone out the window. Instead poor Jenn and Mike are losing circulation in their legs as I try to maneuver around the potholes and bumps in NYC so they don't smash their heads into the ceiling. Despite the cramped space, we are all enjoying each other and catching up on what has been happening in each other's lives.

Pher and Anna had a wedding this weekend and are now on their way back to Arizona and I am sad to see them go. I'll be seeing Pher in July when he comes back from his trip to Italy but Anna has to go straight home (booooo work!). I am grateful for this car ride, a chance to joke around with both my family and Steve's and look forward to the next time we will all meet again under one roof. Just hopefully not Sai's roof.

Later Taters!

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Seven

Photo taken on Monday, April 25, 2011 in front of the TDM mudroom door at 202pm. (Pictured hands from left: Steve, me, and Charlie. Pictured on the stoop from left: Moma, Grandma Z., Kimberly, Preston, and Daddio)

I hate saying goodbye.

It really is no fun at all. I don't like the finality of it; it creeps me out sometimes because I know I will be seeing everyone again so why do I have to say it? I usually settle for some version of "see you later" because it sounds better.

But then if someone wishes me a "safe flight" I HAVE to say, "Tell that to the pilot!" What started as a joke has turned into a compulsion and I will seriously freak out if I accidently say, "Have a safe flight!" and they don't return the punchline. One time I called Moma back in a panic right before she shut down her phone before boarding. I have chased Bossdad down the hallway to make sure he says it though he has come up with his own version of tell-that-to-the-pilot. Dad says, "Make sure he doesn't drop me in the Hudson." That sounds reasonable.

So don't take it personally if I drop you at the airport and I don't wish your flight to be safe. I really do want you to be safe but if you don't say the infamous line, I might end up chasing you through security. And then I'll get arrested.

4am Forever

Day: Two Hundred and Eleven

Photo taken on Monday, February 28, 2011 while brushing my teeth in the attic bathroom of the TDM at 437am.

How sad is it that whether I am in Virginia or New York I still get up at the same time for work? And I'll probably get to the Surge today around the same time I normally do as well.

Dominoes

Day: Two Hundred and Three

Photo taken on Sunday, February 20, 2011 in Justin's house in Jericho, NY at 458pm. (Hands pictured from mine in front then counterclockwise: Steve, Heather, Justin, Rachel, Adam, Rachel again, and Michelle)

 Totally LOVE everyone for participating in this shot today especially after fulfilling my request to pick your noses and butts before touching my individual pizza.

Cameron

Day: Two Hundred and One

Photo taken on Friday, February 18, 2011 in the Surge private bathroom at 816am.

There is something definitely wrong with this picture and the way I shot it makes it even harder to figure out. Only two people noticed it today and right away too. The minute Steve sees me enter our bedroom from the bathroom he immediately tells me, "I don't like it." Robyn on the other hand compliments me later on tonight about it.

This entry is for one of my stage crew buddies because he did this to us one day back in high school and everyone stopped in their tracks, looked at him sideways, and was like, "um....something's different..." though it took some of us awhile to figure out.

This one's for you, Cam!

^_\

The Wardrobe

Day: One Hundred and Eighty Three

Photo taken Monday, January 31, 2011 on the (secret) pathway by our apartment at 741pm.

I swear this is going to lead me to Narnia.

Thar she blows!

Day: One Hundred and Eighty

Photo taken on Friday, January 28, 2011 in the dining area at 606pm.

It looks like I have a nice little night planned doesn't it? Looks like I'm about to get busy with a game of beer pong using some ambers. Looks like I'm about to square off with my opponent.

Well, I'm not.

Those aren't microbrews. Those are orange Gatorades. And we're not playing beer pong but those four glasses are about to wreak havoc upon my digestive system because they are filled with 238grams of Miralax.

Remember this and that? Yeah, well, tomorrow I am going for my first colonoscopy ever to find out the root of the problem and hopefully rule out Crohn's disease. I'm pretty sure I'm fine but after cutting out almost everything in my diet and nothing working, we need to make sure everything is okay up there.

But right now, I have 28 years worth of crap coming out of me. I haven't eaten since yesterday yet I'm on Round 8 or 9 or maybe even 32 and my stomach still sounds like a creaky boat. I think I even saw part of a bologna sandwich I ate in 1992 make an appearance.

It looks like my Quick and the Dead gunslinger moment between me and those Gatorades might be coming to a close

Wah na na na na!

Miralax wins.

J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets!

Day: One Hundred and Seventy Five

Photo taken on Sunday, January 23, 2011 in the living room from the Manga Loft during the Jets vs. Steelers game at 846pm. (pictured from left: Mike, Tucker, Charlie, Jenn, Paul, Jess, Aunt Kathie, me, and Steve)

I am blessed. I really am. I am blessed to have so many people in my life that support me and all of my creative projects. I wish I could get a picture of all my supporters at once but I know they're always here in spirit with every picture I take.

Tonight I have eight people backing me up on this one and probably holding their breath too because Steve is helping me dangle my camera by string from the Manga Loft. Everyone shouted out ideas of how to take a sweeping picture from above and I am happy with the results. As everyone gets in position to cheer (and for some reason the only Jets fan in the room, Charlie, is "booing") I set up the camera from above. As I hit the delay button they all count the seconds for me as I race down the stairs and jump in behind Steve.

Definitely a cool bunch of peeps.

Save the cheerleader, save the world.

Day: One Hundred and Forty Seven

Photo taken on Sunday, December 26, 2010 in the living room at 535pm.

There really isn't much to do today being that we are snowed in at the moment so I'm strutting around the apartment in the snuggie that Jenn got me for Christmas. I feel very superhero-ish and important. Hopefully nothing life threatening happens because I can't go out to save the world in this kind of weather while in this kind of outfit. That's just craziness.

He sees you when you're sleeping...

Day: One Hundred and Forty Four

Photo taken on Thursday, December 23, 2010 in the living room at 1120pm.

A few years back, Moma gives Steve and I a bunch of Christmas decorations and serving platters to help make our annual Wing Party more festive (don't worry, the Wing Party has just been pushed later this winter that's all, it's still happening...eventually). The only decoration Steve doesn't "get" is the large decapitated Santa head. To me this is normal since we had one on our family tree since I was a kid but Steve is kind of frightened by it (kind of like me and Birthday Bear).

Converse Universe

Day: One Hundred and Forty Three

Photo taken on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in the Time Out Room at 716pm.

I'm a total sneaker whore. I have seriously worn sneakers with any type of outfit: from shorts to skirts, suits to gowns, and even under my wedding dress as I am getting ready for the big day. I just don't see the need to torture myself in high heels when a pair of sneaks can do just fine. Don't get me wrong, I'll wear heels when it calls for it and look killer in them (thanks thousands of miles run!) but as I'm leaving that fancy restaurant, you might catch me changing out of those heels and into a pair of Nikes as I drive off into the sunset.

Plaster Funhouse

Day: One Hundred and Thirty Four

Photo taken on Monday, December 13, 2010 in the living room at 722pm.

Kim had Preston's birthday party at this place called All Fired Up and the kids loved it (as did I)! Moma wanted me to make something too so I chose a snowman candy dish and tried my hardest to slather it four times with green and red paint only for it to turn out looking like that. Kim keeps making fun of me but she's just jealous of my mad painting skillz.

Besides, when it's filled with candy, you don't really notice the missed spots.

Cowabunga, Dude!

Day: One Hundred and Thirty One

Photo taken on Friday, December 10, 2010 on the Smithtown train station platform at 515am.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely happy right now but it's not because everyone I know is still sleeping peacefully and I'm on the way to work. I'm happy because it's the first time I get to wear my new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle hat I bought three months ago at Comic Con. At first I only saw Rafael hats and he's my least favorite turtle but I really liked the tuque, so my favorite had to be there. Steve followed me around the whole booth even though he had no idea what I was searching for until I squeed with glee.

Hell yeah, Michelangelo hat!

"Wise man say forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."

Mort

Day: One Hundred and Twenty Nine

Photo taken on Tuesday, December 8, 2010 in the Manga Loft stairwell at 720pm.

This happens to be my favorite picture of myself thus far and I'm not sure why because honestly the background is all blurry and I know the true reason for pulling up my sweater neck.

I'm going to tell you I'm excited to be busting out my thick sweaters for the season because winter is on the horizon but really I actually do need it since there is no heat in my office and technically I sit in a closet and closets don't need heat. I'm going to tell you I'm pulling up my sweater neck because I'm being silly and you can tell by my eyes I'm genuinely happy. But I really should tell you though, I'm pulling up my sweater neck because it's hiding my terrible acne and it's making the rest of me, especially my hair, look good.