71 - Starbucks

Starbucks: always more fun with friends. When you share things, it's half the calories, half the fat!

70 - Car Views

We spent a number of hours driving during our short spring break trip (a total of 4 days). Here are a few things I saw... from inside the moving car, that is.


Yes, me. I definitely saw a lot of that. It happens when you're constantly looking out, in the rearview mirror, reflections in windows, etc.

Buildings. Fun ones. Funky ones. Fabulous ones. (Sorry, I needed another word that began with 'f'...)

Then there were some interesting signs and sayings...

And also a really cute kid at a corner shop...

Spring Break and Photos of Us!

I have a few days of Spring Break this week, and since I actually get weekdays off, it's one of those rare times Josh and I can actually go somewhere together! (He's always busiest on the weekends... which makes sense, given that he's doing church ministry.) There will be photos soon, but right now we're in and out, but mostly just out, so it's making posting difficult. But, I just wanted to assure you I'll be back soon.

In the meantime, you should head on over to The Popes and take a look at the fashion aftershoot Josh and I did this past December! It was on pretty much one of the coldest days I've ever experienced in Seattle (I think the high was 28), but we had so much fun that it totally made it worth it! 

Airika and Gerald Pope are amazing and fantastic photographers -- and I'm not just saying that because they're my sister and brother-in-law (though I felt that you should know for full disclosure). They are incredibly fun to be with, work really hard at what they do, and have some seriously ridiculous talent. So, check out our fashion aftershoot, and be sure to leave a comment there on which photos are your favorites!

69 - White on Blue

We're in the midst of another incredibly rainy day. For the past 12 hours (so, all throughout the night), the sound of the rain on the windows has been like that of when someone's taking a shower in the bathroom right next to your room. You know what I'm talking about... the consistent, loud, and heavy sound of water falling. We're actually under a flood watch right now. Perhaps this year March showers will bring April flowers.

Anywho, before all the rain came, I managed to snap this shot. It's currently my desktop background. It totally makes me happy. And it definitely looks better bigger. =)

68 - Pass and Stow

Come to Philly on a vacation and you'll probably end up visiting the Liberty Bell. It's a bit different than you might think - at least the set-up and museum part of the display. But it's still worth it to visit all the historic sites in the area (and there are many), and you might as well sneak a peek in at the famous site.

We had a few friends in the area this weekend (you might see them soon, although, I must admit, I didn't take many photos, and I'm not necessarily crazy about the ones I did... but we'll see!), so we hit up a few sites with them and their various family members, including the bell. 

It's crazy how many people are always there... and how hard it is to take photos of it because everybody wants their photo taken in front of it. It's a little bit crazy to think of how iconic it's become... because it's "just" a bell. Funny the things we hold onto, huh? And yet, I know that I'm definitely one who likes to have something physical to associate with something much larger and intangible. 

Anywho. That said, here's the Liberty Bell. Or at least half of it. =)

67 - Cat Nap(s)

Remember our kittens? The ridiculously cute, adorable, friendly ones? The ones who absolutely love each other to death and are forever together? 

Well, they're back, and just as wonderful as ever. This was the scene when Josh and I were eating lunch yesterday afternoon: 

The past few days have been considerably colder and with temperatures dipping below freezing again, we turned the heat back on. I know, it's the end of March... but I'd rather not deal with frozen pipes. Plus I think I'm probably considerably less irritable when the house is at least 63 degrees. 

At any rate, the radiators are back on, and Jack (left) and Mizu (right) have been very happy indeed. And in case you can't tell, yes, Mizu's head is resting on Jack's leg. They're just too cute sometimes. =)

66 - Adventures in Yellow

Even though we've had some absolutely beautiful March days this year in Philly, we've also gotten quite a lot of rain. And while I'm used to the grey days of Seattle, these are a bit different.

When it rains here, it rains. You can't really go outside to do anything, you're cold and miserable, and really, the day only feels good for curling up on the couch in front of the fire, wrapping up tightly in a blanket, and reading a good book with a steaming mug of hot chocolate to sip.

Sadly, we don't have a fireplace in our house, by the time I get home there's not really any time to "just sit", and I'm usually so tired that if I read before my actual bedtime, it'll just put me to sleep (reading is a necessary part of my bedtime ritual).

As you might've guessed, yesterday started out as one of those rainy Philly days. We've actually had a number of them the past couple weeks. So, I decided to try and cheer myself up with some good doses of brightness. And what better color to use than yellow, right?

So, here's a bit of yellow happiness from photos over the past couple of weeks - and even some from yesterday. Once the rain went away and the sun decided to come out, that is...

(One of the lovely roses Josh gave me... he's just good like that.)

Now, don't you feel better? I sure do. =)

65 - Buds of Spring, Part II

Last week I wrote about how Spring was popping its head out a little bit in Philly, and put up a few posts sharing some of the blooms and buds.  

Well, one week ago exactly I posted Buds of Spring. I walk by these shrubs as I go between two of the campuses of our school, and as I went by a couple days ago, I couldn't believe how much change there had been. Thus, today's "Part II" of the post. 

I went back and did my very best to take photos from about the same angles - I think I may have even found the same broken stem. But, check it out, and be amazed at what can happen in one week... 

(I'm re-posting last week's photos at the bottom so you don't have to go back and forth between the posts.)

And here are last week's photos...

64 - Weeeee Are the Champions...

A few days ago, we had a pretty exciting thing happen at our school (especially for all the little kids who got to scream really loudly about it). Our middle school basketball team won the championship game, finishing off a fantastic undefeated season.

I've actually been meaning to post a couple photos, but because I'd downloaded the pictures to my work computer, I didn't have them at home when it came time to update the blog. So, they're a little out of order (this post should've come on Tuesday), but I hope you enjoy a few snapshots from the game.

And I apologize in advance for the horrible lighting... though, I had to try and get creative (I refused to use the flash because I didn't want to distract the players), and it did lend to some fun (unexpected) blurred shots.

63 - Emma Sage

Yesterday little Emma came to visit me in the office. Although, when she first arrived, she wasn't much interested in visiting.

So, her mom and I visited instead, talking very quietly for a few minutes. However, Emma quickly decided I was taking up entirely too much of her mom's attention. She joined us, and though she didn't say a word, it was an intensely serious conversation:

Now, just try to tell me that isn't one of the cutest pouty faces you've ever seen... because if you do, I simply won't be able to believe you. 

62 - Beethoven's Seventh

You might have to look at the larger image of this one... it's pretty great. I especially love how the scratch marks indicate he's very used to this kind of treatment! I'm quite impressed he didn't actually just jump right out of the car and run along with the traffic... but I guess he didn't need to leave the car when he was obviously having such a fantastic time.

Oh, and yes, in case you were wondering, there have indeed been SIX Beethoven movies made. I checked. So, here's to Beethoven's Seventh.

61 - Rule Breaking 101

Welcome to Rule Breaking 101, brought to you by the citizens of Philadelphia.

Oh, and the above is on a highway with a speed limit of 50, meaning everyone goes at least 60-70. That's something I still can't get used to. I'm from Seattle, folks. You'll get a ticket if you're going 5 over - not kidding. So, rule breaking instance #3, I suppose. I hope he was bracing himself well.

60 - Picnic

Did I mention that it was 72 and sunny on Saturday? Most definitely the perfect day for a picnic and walk. And I bet ya didn't know I get that many freckles on my nose when I hang out in the sun...

59 - Blooming Whites

Here are a few more Spring blooms for you... in white!

I found this little trio and it made me think of the nursery rhyme, Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. I don't really know much about anything in regards to gardening and flower types, but I at least know these aren't lady bells. However, they still make me think of bells and spring and gardens and dew drops and early mornings and happiness, right?

Now... take a look below... can you believe the orange in the center of these?! Most of the shots from this week have come from my walks between our elementary and middle school campuses, and each time I passed by these flowers below, I just couldn't get over the brilliance of the orange and its contrast against the white. Kind of breathtaking, huh?

58 - Buds of Spring

So, we've had a week of March weather that really isn't typical of Philadelphia until mid-late May. It's been wonderful, and lovely, and fabulous, and everything good. I just wish it was here to stay. But, we'll enjoy it while we can, and that includes taking in all the beautiful buds and blooms around us. Although, it's not just the flowers that are starting to bud and bloom here in Philly...

I never thought I'd find shrubbery interesting... but I guess I was wrong! I actually really like the buildings in the background. I don't know why, but it feels a little bit like the wild west meeting urban city life.

Pretty amazing, huh? What is spring looking like where you live?

57 - Blades of Protection

Ok, this is probably showing off my nerdy side just a tad too much... but I just love how the blades of grass in these photos bend over the flower, almost as protectors. So, the blades of protection. Yeah, I know, I know. Just let me have my moment. =)

And by the way, there's been no color adjustment for any of these photos... it's pretty amazing what you can find in nature, huh?