Make a wish.

If this were ancient Rome, the festival of Castor and Pollux would have been held today. Those Romans sure loved their parties.

In more recent millennia, my odometer read all ones today.

I got a prime parking spot. Someone gave me a back rub. I got a gyro for dinner.

It's the little things.

Listening to: Yes Man
Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Uncommon courtesy.

As I was attempting to pull out of a gas station today, I found my way blocked by a long line of cars at a red light. I was preparing myself mentally to wait for the light to turn green and the line to eventually dissipate, when the car blocking the parking lot entrance backed up and waved me into the space. I gave him a thumbs up. He deserved it.

Listening to: "Star Trek Girl"
Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Acoustic.

The best thing that happened today was that I forgot to make a lunch. I know that sounds bad, but it was for a good cause. I decided to download an album of strummy chilliness onto my iPod before I left for school. It was taking longer than expected, and while I was worrying about being late the concept that I might need to eat around noon completely escaped me. The album was Around the Well by Iron & Wine.

I finally went to the art museum on campus. The architecture alone is stupendous. I wanted to run up and down all the steps. It was serene listening to the fountains echoing cavernously underneath the gentle guitar of Iron & Wine.

I also got to hang out with some good friends tonight. They just got a new roommate (another friend of mine) who brought with her a ginormous bean bag. She was doing flips onto it without incident. I view this as extra incentive to visit these extraordinary ladies. That, and they always feed me yummies.

Listening to: Castle
Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Are these funeral potatoes?

I was going to make a post bragging about my Starburst-flavored chapstick, but the awesome conversation at FHE tonight trumps it. I heard somewhere that the mark of a good conversation is that you can't remember what was said. I suppose if I tried I could list some things that were talked about (one of the guys took a class from Brandon Sanderson), but all in all it was a wonderful night because people were laughing and interrupting each other and exchanging knowing looks. For once I wasn't the one doing most of the talking at my table. I spoke my fair share, but there were people with just as much or more to say. I wish every Monday night could be this fabulous.

Listening to: "Tu Angelito Soy Yo"
Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Heartstrings.

I've been working my way through the Harry Potter series again. I just finished number four. I love that no matter how many times I experience something, be it a book or a movie or something else, it can still make me cry. I know what's coming. I've felt this all before. Call me a girl (you'd be spot on), but it still touches me in just the same way. In this instance, it was Dumbledore's toast to Cedric at the Leaving Feast. He has a way with words, that one. Great man, Dumbledore.

Listening to: "Take It Easy" by The Eagles
Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Romance.

I went to the zoo yesterday intending to sketch. I did a little. The wallabies were being particularly obliging models (they were asleep), but the shifty ocelot...not so much. I wandered through the kids' section for a short while before deciding to head home. Before I did, though, I decided to see just a few more animals, then just a few more. I stumbled across a part of the zoo I don't think I'd ever seen before. I won't describe it because I want to preserve it in my memory. I don't want to warp it or jinx it. The second to last thing I saw was the komodo dragon exhibit. I'm fairly certain they didn't have those last time I was there. I know; I looked. They're such pretty beasts. Naturally the last thing I saw was the giraffes. I can't go to that zoo without visiting the giraffes at their giant, multi-species enclosure. I love that they have room to run. I arrived at just the right time: feeding time. They're fed extremely close to the fence, so the view was amazing. I could've stood there until they all wandered away.

Listening to: "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" by U2
Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling

Burrito.

Today I spent an hour writing a letter and amicably chatting with a friend instead of studying. It was nice.

It looks like my new Latin professor is going to be marvelous. If nothing else, one has to give the man props for enthusiasm.

Institute is going to be fun this semester, and I'll be learning about sections of Church history concerning which my knowledge is currently rather fuzzy.

Listening to: "Don't Look Back" by She and Him
Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling