I've wanted to blog so badly the last few days, but I haven't been able to for a combination of reasons. My cousin arrived from England a few days ago so I have not been alone much, and some family friends with little kids are staying, so my duties as a host have overwhelmed any chances to blog.
It's 1:04 and I thought I was tired about ten minutes ago, but as usual, waves of energy surge and keep me up. It is really nice having my cousin here. We never see each other during the year, but during the summer we do, and catching up with the contents of a year always makes us very close and really good friends.
The past few days have been surprisingly filled. Since a bunch of people are here I am making a big effort to always find something to do. Tonight we had a big monopoly game and I never lose. I had some qualms about being so gleeful beating a ten and seven year old in the game, but I had spoiling little kids and letting them win at everything. It's not a good preparation for life is it?
Yesterday I realized how atrocious I am at tennis, even though I had a good time in my struggles. As it was rainy today, the nine people at my house decided to go see Harry Potter, FINALLY! It was extremely good, and definitely the best so far. People complain that it was lacking 'action' and such, but I think the relatively slow pace (compared to the previous films) allowed for much more character development, and better captured the brilliance of the books. As a huge fan of the books (reading each at least ten times), I always feel the movies are bittersweet, as they are often unfaithful to the books or like the earlier ones, catastrophic to the images created in my head. This time I just sat back and enjoyed it greatly, especially because of all the little things. Movie Review of the Day. For the past two nights I have been sleeping on the porch and it's the best thing. The rain at night in the past few days has been beautiful. It's so peaceful listening to it and feeling it against your face as you drift into sleep. Overall these past few days have seemed busy and satisfying, although I haven't done very much. Summer in a nutshell for you. Plans by Bloc Party

My cat Isabel strutted onto the newly finished screened porch as if she had always owned the place. She had a spring on her step and an intent look in her cattish eyes that seemed to disdainfully say "What are you doing here on my turf joseph?". God, I'm odd, inventing non-existant conversations between me and a small feline creature. Her brother Mister Fred was tentative and cautious, silently moving, alert to the most miniscule of noises. I was so glad they are getting to experience a bit more of the outdoors, as they have seemed lethargic the past few months.
I sat outside and read all day until my cousin arrived. Then we went to the roof and chatted.
Just Like Heaven- The Cure

One whole calendar month of blogging woohoo! I've only missed three days so far and I wasn't going to be able to blog tonight, so I decided to right now. It's 6:03 and it feels odd. I usually begin writing my entries at closer to midnight. I realized how much of a problem my nocturnal nature has become when for the past week, it has been physically impossible to go to sleep before 2:30am. The screened in porch is done and its fantastic. I have never painted more in my life. My cousin from England, Alexander, is coming tomorrow and staying for 10 days. I am glad since we are really close, despite only seeing each other a few weeks each year. Plasticities by Andrew Bird. I never get tired of this song.

This morning I walked to a pool and heard a jarring and shrieking sound, which I soon discovered to be two hawks fighting high above in the sky. After a refreshing swim and non-descript afternoon, I was home alone for the evening. I blasted music and cleaned the whole kitchen. A song came up called Sleepy Shores by Michael Price. It has no words, and I had never heard it before. I sat down and put it on repeat. It's from the soundtrack to Children of Men and something about it is so powerful to me, as if it tells its own story or something. If I had to see one film for the rest of my life it would be Children of Men and if you haven't seen it please do, or at least listen to the song. You have to be in the right mood though, I guess.

I struggle to come up with titles for my entries, so I have decided to adopt the practice of naming my posts with relevant lyrics from my song of the day. Every day this week has felt the same as the day before, as if I am living a loop. It's fine though. I haven't been bored, and the whole week has been devoted to screening and painting my porch. Physical work can be dull, but it is something to do and today the fruits of labor were beginning to appear, as the porch was looking more like I had envisioned it would. In my drivetime today I drove all the way from Big Y to my house, it felt like a big accomplishment. My hands are covered with white paint despite my best efforts to scrub it off and I have two very painful cankersores that I usually only get in the winter. I often get them on the bottom of my tongue, and they kill every time I bite or talk. The doctor says they are from stress. But I have had zero stress today. No siree. Oh god, I must be dying from herpes then, its the only logical explanation. Sike.
A Hard Day's Night by the Beatles, who I have been listening to all evening. Oh and please take a look at these pictures in large if you so desire.

Today started off with the promise of a good day. It wasn't. My mum went to the beach with my sister and her friends and it struck me that I haven't been to the beach at all this year, and funnily enough I don't mind at all.
I hate people who are stuck up, self-centered and think they can get whatever they want. That is why my day was lacking. The highlights were painting my porch in the sun and seeing Bremilyan (lame nickname for bryan and emily '09 oh yeahh). It was really nice seeing them, but I was caught up with this stupid argument over money with a kid. He kept bullying me to try and get what he wanted. It was a saga and half. Gahh. I look forward to a carefree day at a lake someday soon with people! I had a nice chat with my dad over dinner. When we had done talking it was starting to get dark out. Tomorrow I have a drive time which will be most likely unpleasant but hopefully the day will be salvaged if I am able to see Harry Potter. Those books are such a big part of my childhood and early adolescence, and they were always a constant. The song of the day is And the Hazy Sea by Cymbals Eat Guitars

My car arrived today! My dad got into a slight argument with the delivery man who spoke no english, and I tried throwing in random words that sounded right. It was so satisfying unscrewing the old Florida liscense plates and putting on the brand new ones. 219 AX6 has got to be the easiest thing to remember. Just say it, it has a ring to it.
After the excitement of the car faded, I tried to kill the evening by wandering around town with a kid. We aren't particularly good friends, but it was something to do. Then the unexpected happened. A hulking black bear sprinted across our paths. It was terrifying yet exhilarating, and I almost laughed at how ridiculous the idea of a bear in Princeton is. When my days stay at the same pace, I get listless. Paris is Burning by St Vincent.