Getting back to my roots

Ha -I mean touching up my roots. So I am back to a red/brunette color - still not my natural one, but its not like I want that color anyway.

p.s. yes, that is my office partition in the background

Best of 2008

If Stephen King can publish his list now, so can I!

Here we go again, my top 10 albums of the year. This year I seemed to get a lot more music than in past years. This is in large part due to the fact that I was able to take full advantage of the public library system. There are some Top 10 lists that use albums that were released in 2007, but maybe did not make it big until 2008 - I call this cheating, which is why MGMT or the Juno Soundtrack (yes, I am talking about you NPR and the All Songs Considered Poll) are not on the list.

1) New Kids on the Block "The Block" - I will be perfectly honest, I had no intention of buy this album - that was until I saw them live. After hearing the new songs I couldn't get them out of my head and the album has been on repeat ever since. The songs are typical pop songs - but have also evolved to what pop music sounds like today. The songs, which most of the time, are very sexual are also very addictive and catchy. Check out "Grown Man," "2 in the Morning" and "Summer time."

2) Girl Talk -No matter what an naysayer might say - he knows what he is doing and does it well. The ability to know music so well to take songs from all different types of genres and make it flow as well as he does is nothing less than amazing. Plus, he is one of the few artists that gets incredibely and noticable better as each album progresses.

3) The Submarines "Honeysuckle Weeks"- I was beyond excited when I found out that they were coming out with a second album having fell in love with them over a year ago after hearing "Peace and Hate" on Indie 103. This second album is by far more upbeat and catchy than the first. They are also an awesoem band to see live. When I listen to the songs, it just makes me feel happy.

4)Death Cab For Cutie "Narrow Stairs"- It took me awhile to get into "Plans" when it came out a few years back. So I was afraid that the same would happen with Narrow Stairs, especially with the dramatic "I Will Posse Your Heart" intro, but boy was I wrong. I loved the album from the very first listen. It is the album that made me remember why I loved DCFC, the lyrics, the music, everything just fit perfectly.

5) Vampire Weekend "Vampire Weekend"- Their name had been thrown arond a while on the indie stations, but it wasn't until that fateful day with Ash bought their album at the Sonic Boom sale (alas we both discovered the albums we bought we not actual part of the awesome sale) that I heard them. I think that their music is fun and light - it is the perfect music for a drive in the summer.

6) She & Him - This has been my year of the Deschanel sisters (Emily is on "Bones") and when I heard "Why Do you Let Me Stay Here" I fell instantly in love with Zoey's voice. She has a bit of twang, that goes so perfect with M. Ward's guitar work. My favorite track is "Sweet Darlin'" which was coinscentaly written by J.S. who is also dating Zoey.

7) Mates of State "Re-arrange Us"- The first time I had really listened to them was at Quadstock '07. This album is on par with all the rest of their albums - with dance worthy beats and catchy choruses. My favorites off the album are "Blue and Gold Print" and "Get Better." And they are not Sweedish as it was once discussed.

8) Phantom Planet "Raise the Dead" - Ok, let's be honest here, Jason Schwartzman was th best thing about Phantom Planet - and when he left the music basically sucked. So when I heard the first single off this album "Do The Panic," I was really surprised. This is the album that shows a matured Phantom Planet who went back to their roots of a popier, rock sound. It sounds like Southern California and beaches and sun - just like the albums before JS left.

9) Jenny Lewis "Acid Tongue" - I wasn't a fan of Rabbit Proof Coat - it just seemed too mellow for me at the time I listened to it, but I my opinion has changed of JL's solo work with this reccent album. The songs on this album, while still have a mellow feel are also upbeat and fast paced. Plus, the numerous back-up singers she has including Zoey D., Jonathan Rice (her bf), Elvis Costello and Chris Robinson give it a more well-rounded feel.

10) Cold War Kids "Loyalty to Loyalty" - I loved their first album, I loved the sound of the band, with the tambourine, the keyboard and the raspy vocals. This second album delivers the same feel and did not fall into the sophomore slump. While the songs that make radio play follow the common, verse chorus, verse chorus, the real gems of their albums are the story songs. The songs like "Everyman I Meet" and "Golden Gate Jumpers."

Honorable Mention

Weezer - I don't know if they will ever make an album as great as the Blue Album or Pinkerton and I can't just put them on my list as default

Matt Costa

Nada Surf

The Hold Steady

N.E.R.D.

Albums from 2008 that may have affected my Top 10 if I had been able to get them before the end of the year

Ingrid Michaelson

The Killers

Ben Folds

Fall Out Boy

Best Concert Ever

Words cannot describe how amazing the New Kids on the Block concert was Saturday night. I could not stop smiling for a good hour after the show was over. I have never been that excited and happy and lusty at concert. It was everything I could have ever expected and more. The best thing of the night is the upgrade tickets that we got -we were 24 rows away from the stage (!!!). So since a picture is worth 1,000 words - here are a few to show off the greatness that is The Block.

I have new love for Donnie

Oh Jordan, sa-woon

My first crushes

Love the ascot, Joey Mac

Strictly gratuitous movie of Jordan with no shirt





I'll be his Cover Girl any day








Jordan Knight can give it to me anytime he wants


Joey Mac, I do hope you stay the same*



Step by Step oooo baby


I think about them, not just in the summertime (oh god - these titles for videos just seem to be getting worse)

They had the right stuff, that's for damn sure

*there is only about a min. of these songs because I wanted to actually enjoy the songs - but also save some for posterity. Though "Stay the Same" is full length, because, well I don't care for that song, say as much as "I Love You Came too Late," Joey Mac. Also, I apologize for the shaky camera work.

A good old fashion case of reveritgo

Revertigo as defined by Urban Dictionary by way of HIMYM, "When you see people from your past, you start acting like you did when you used to spend time with them."

This past weekend I "suffered" from a good case of revetigo. But the bestie from h.s. (known as the only person from I still consistently talk to from then - but trust me, this probably a good thing) came up for an impromptu visit. It was a lot fun and needed for the both of us. Though suffered is the wrong word because it had a negative connotation and revertigo is not something terrible like a cold or food posioning. Well at least for those of us who have it, it might be a different case for those who are around when I do have revertigo.

The symptoms of my revertigo include but are not limited to:

1) Drinking diet coke at every meal

2) Watching old MKA tv shows

3) Sitting around reading for hours and hours

4) Seeing great tween movies like "High School Musical 3" (so good)

5) Being able to watch the very last episode of TRL with someone who could appreciate the significance of it

Yesterday was my favorite day of the year because ....

Starbucks has its holiday cups!

It really is starting to become the most wonderful time of the year.*

*yes- of course I am extremely happy about the election results. I think I am still in shock of it all, which is why I kept it light hearted

What I learned from Judy Blume

I am in the process of reading "Everything I need to know about being a girl I learned from Judy Blume." It is this nice little anthology of some of my favorite females authors about how JB's books affected their lives. It got me thinking about the JB books that have had the most impact in my world. I think the two that stick out in my mind the most are "Are you there God, its me Margaret?" and "Forever ..." Sure, I read her other books - like Super Fudge or Deannie or the Rachel Robinson ones. I think I devoured every JB book there was (well, minus the adult ones and I never read Tiger Eyes - at least I don't think I did). And yet, those two are the only ones that stick out in my mind and well it would seem for obvious reasons.

"Are you there God ..." tells the tale of Margaret and all she wants is her period. All of her other friends get there periods and she feels left out. I mean, I suppose the whole puberty thing and girls becoming women is an important topic and the time when it was written also plays a role in the importance of the book. And while I do think that it is a book that every girl should read because by the end you don't feel as totally alone in the whole puberty world you some how got into -it also just never seemed totally realistic. Perhaps I was reading it around the time I had gotten mine for the first time (or even before) but either way it was nothing something I wanted. It wasn't something my friends and I discussed or was jealous about because some girls got their periods and others didn't. It was just a part of life, so deal with it.

And it was sure as heck something I didn't really care for (still don't) because it meant the end of being a kid. It meant I was a woman now. It meant that I could get pregnant (while sex wasn't on the radar for quite sometime after that - there was now all of a sudden this possibility). It meant that I basically could never wear white pants again - not that I think I ever wore them to begin with. It meant pain that induced vomiting numerous times. It just meant a slew of more problems than benefits. Oh, yeah you're supposed to get things like boobs and hips and grow taller and loose all that baby fat around the middle right? Hmmm... I must have missed that part of the deal.

So what did this book teach me about being a girl then? Not much. Everything in JB's seems just too idealistic for me. I guess it taught me that apparently becoming a woman was a big deal and that you too should feel superior instead of shame that you got your period before the rest of your friends. And also apparently your period is magically thing you just feel, while sitting at the dinner table - not the gut wrenching, all day long stomach pain. Man, did I get the short end of the stick when it came to getting my period.

p.s. what did I learn from "Forever ..." I learned that never have your first time on someone else's sheets -use a multi-colored blanket that will hide the inevitable blood stains. Oh yeah, also that person you have sex with for the first time is not someone who has to be a part of your life for a long period of time - which was good for my 14 year-old, romantic, self to understand.

My junk is you

Last night, the roomie and I went to see "Spring Awakening." It was really good and both of us thoroughly enjoyed it. The music, was obviously better live than on the soundtrack - which would have been terrible. Though, I must say, the sex scene not has hot as everyone made it seem to be, it was just awkward (though two people have sex for the first time is awkward). This could also be because, sitting in the third mezzanine, the "hot" factor of the scene decreases significantly - oh well.

But can I just say one of my biggest pet peeves is people who wear jeans to the theatre (or even worse the guy in his jeans and UW sweatshirt, go to a football if you are going to wear that). I get it, I live in Seattle, capital of the fashion impaired. A place where people think wearing the nice, black Northface is dressing up. But still. You never wear jeans to the theatre, this isn't the movies, this isn't some sporting event, this is real, live, people performing for you.

For pete's sake people, traditionally people wore ball gowns and tuxedos to performances, the least you could do would be put on a nice pair of pants; I would even settle for khakis. True, there are very few exceptions to the jeans rule (ie last minute procurement of tickets) but other than that, take the time to look just a tad nicer. I would even be willing then to overlook the Danskos and the Northfaces, is you at least put on nicer pants or a skirt.

Oh, it is just another reason to leave this, rainy, dreary town.




*please excuse the fact that the words "ass" and "fuck" are edited ... the FCC are jerk faces

You're what I wanted, I gave what I gave...

I saw Stars last night for Rubi's birthday - man was that a spectacular show. It might have been better than the first time I saw them, which was still so amazing and moving. But can I just say, that when they closed the set with "You're Ex-Lover is Dead" I was borderline, outright crying. There is something about that song, when I hear it live, that I get goosebumps from my toes to my head, my stomach gets tied in knots and I start tearing up. Shoot, I get emotional when I hear the song in general (even when I watch the Degrassi episode it is in). I couldn't find video of last nights show, so here is a version of them performing it. If you don't feel even a little moved, then you have no soul.





p.s. that piece of paper that I found the other day - not a sign of things to come - which, I am really glad about

We pressed against back doors and wood floors ...

So two nights ago, Ben Kweller became a record in my book. He is the musical artists that I have seen the most in concert - bringing it to a total of five times now. And man, he did not disappoint. There had been a point- at times 2 and 3 that I had been left wanting more-but with these past two times that I have seen him, he completely redeemed himself. Though, I never blame him for the reason the other shows had been a tad lacking; its hard to get psyched when there isn't a huge crowd (Sept 2006 with the crappy Sam Roberts Band) or when you are the opener (Feb. 2007 to Gomez who had a much older fan base than anticipated-plus that was just an awk. concert anyway).

But on Tuesday night, in packed Chop Suey, BK took the stage and totally rocked it. It was awesome; plain and simple. He played a half dozen new songs off his soon to be released album. Then he also had a fantastic mix of his other albums. But the two songs that made my night, where when he came back for his encore and played "Commerce, TX," which is by far my favorite song. And it is a song I haven't heard him sing live since when I saw him in March of 2004.

The other song he sang was "Wantin' Her Again." This is a little known song off of his first EP - that I am pretty sure no one else knew the words to, besides me - not even you girl in front of me to tried to pretend she knew which songs were which, and couldn't even get the album right. And if this song follows suit like "Don't Know Why" it might end up on this upcoming album. But as I was standing there - mouthing the words, being elitist, I was struck with the memory of my first BK experience and discussing with my friend Kristen (rest in peace). She was a much of a BK fan as I was and we were both so excited that he had sang "Problems" (off the same little known EP). We both had the same experience of being super excited he was playing the song and then suddenly realizing that we were the only people around who knew what was going on.

Oh, to be so superior to others ;)

Signs

I read my horoscope daily ever since I could remember. It was always just something fun, nothing I ever took too serious. It was just interesting to see what would be in store for me for the day. As time went on I learned a little more about astrology and importance of when your birthday is and how it effected your personality. Again, never serious enough to actually believe in the fact that my horoscopes would ever come true. It might all stem from that fact that I can't put all my eggs in the fate basket and that I have control over everything in my life.

Though it is always interesting when horoscopes come true or when reading a birthday book describe my various relationships with people accurately. This all times in with fate and signs and things that are bigger than my control. I've blogged about this before about things whether they are coincidence or have some sort of higher meaning. So that is where I am today, figuring out if something is a coincidence or means something more. I was cleaning out my car (no more trash, still have the fruit cocktail can though) and I came across something I thought I had thrown away. Something I distinctly remember taking out of my wallet and putting in my trash. I have no idea how it ended up in the back seat of my car to begin with. It threw me off for a second, and made me think if it meant something more or was just a piece of trash in my car.

It could also just be one of those things, like the answers to the crossword puzzle, that once it is out in the world, it starts connecting to other things that you would think have no relation to each other. And you end up staring at a piece of paper in your backseat and wonder if it has anything to do with what is happening in the week ahead.

My New Favorite Thing

I never upload the latest version of itunes because as soon as I do, two weeks later another update comes along and I need to upgrade again. So I make a rule to only do it on either days, when I have nothing better to do and don't mind my comp or it becomes an absolute necessity (like I can't download a free episode because I need to stupid upgrade).

So over the weekend that is what I did, a process that started on Friday night ... maybe even Thursday night, ended on Sunday evening with the greatest thing ever: The Genius Sidebar.

Now, I know that there are naysayers out there (there always are) and talks of blatant advertisement, getting you to buy more songs, yada yada. But the reason I love it is that it creates mixes around whatever song that you pick from your library, and they are pretty good mixes at that.

Now, you all know my love for a good mix, which I believe started in middle school with my friend Irice and I who, recorded all the versions of "My Heart Will Go" by Celion Dion. And yes, there were multiple versions, each with different dialogue ("I'll never let go Jack")from Titanic playing over the instrumental breakdown in part of the song. And my love has grown over the years for creating a good mix cd (alas I no longer use tapes). If you have been fortunate enough, you have received a mix from me at some point in your life (or if you are the Riz, at about every significant holiday or event for the last 5 years or so).

And yes, I'll be the first to admit, not all of my mixes will stand the test of time, but some of them aren't meant to. Some are meant to be reminiscent, some are meant to dance to do and some are meant to introduce the listen to new music/artists (which in this instance it is okay to have the same artist more than once).

So while I'll never give up my love for making mixes for my friends and family, it is nice to know that when I need a quick work out mix or a mopey mix I can can use the Sidebar and BAM! insta-mix.

Rest in Peace

Just taking a moment for my birthday buddy:

My love for an award ceramony

Last night was the Emmys and it was the first time in the last few years that I actually sat down and watched the awards. Out of all the award ceremonies that there are, the Emmys rank just above the Grammys for me. But last night I even watched the the red carpet pre-show on E! - which is always fun because I get to judge people on their looks (so shallow). And actually this year there weren't hideous choices, which was surprising. Though apparently the mermaid silhouette is in - which I am not a huge fan of - but I suppose that is neither here nor there.

The show itself, basically sucked though. I HATED the idea of the five hosts and they took up so much time on absolute stupidity that by the end of the awards everyone had to rush through their awards and those were the important ones. Was it just me, or did it seem like TV movie/miniseries got too much of the award show time? I am all for a good made for TV movie - but this just seemed excessive.

Overall, the winners weren't too surprising, not necessarily disappointing, just a bit lackluster. Example: I love Jeremey Piven; like mad crush on him. So I was glad that he won, but this is like the third year in a row for him and I really wanted Neil Patrick Harris to win for HIMYM. NPH does a great job on the show and I think this past season, with the whole Robin storyline was pretty good.

Some sharp dressed ladies:

photos courtsy of EW.com and people.com

p.s. oh, yeah my tiny crush on Josh Groban grew a little last night - too bad I can't stand his music, but gotta love a boy with a great sense of humor.

p.p.s. I couldn't find any pics of the hottie men that were there that would show up on the blog (screw you WireImage). I was able to hunt down this sa-woon worthy image. Gosh, makes me weak in the knees just thinking about him ... sigh

edit: Thanks Getty Images and the Seattle PI - you didn't let me down - I should have trusted you from the beginning

Blondes have more fun?

So, after feeling like I needed to change things and spending an obscene amount of money on retail therapy, I decided to change my hair color. This is probably the one thing that always makes me feel a little better is drastically changing my hair color. It always gives me a sense of feeling refreshed and renewed; like everything can change now because my hair color is new.

After multiple hours of bleaching, rinsing and dying, below is the final product. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

An example of new car syndrome:

Dear Carolyn: I sit here at the beginning of another year of law school, but find myself feeling incredibly alone and unfulfilled. Most of my friends from college have gone their separate ways, gotten engaged or married, gotten used to me being elsewhere, and moved on.
I'm in my mid-20s and I feel like I've accomplished nothing. A terrible bout of depression kept me from really engaging in anything substantial in college, and these days, the things that used to interest me no longer do. Maybe people are just better at faking interest at what they do than I am, but if you told me when I was 15 this was what my life was going to look like, I'd have been shocked. I just don't know what to do. I'm tired of a life unlived.
-- Va.

Dear Va.: I hope you're still in treatment for the depression, at minimum having someone you talk to who can monitor your condition.
As for the lives your friends are living, please don't put too much stock in appearances. People are up, people are down, many are both at the same time -- but few are letting it all play out in full view.
That's why looking over your shoulder is of very limited use in assessing your place in life. Not only are you not seeing the whole picture, but it's also someone else's picture. The only thing that matters is the way your life fits when you're the one wearing it.
If your life doesn't resemble what you had in mind, you're in plentiful company. Depression can certainly add to any disappointment you feel, too: It affects both your ability to enjoy the moment and your ability to see where that moment is leading. That's why treatment is so important. It can help you sort out whether it's your life that needs fixing, or just your depression-tinged perception of it.
I also would suggest making basic, physical adjustments to boost your outlook, and specifically help fend off depression. If you're healthy enough for it, get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Eat well. To the best of your ability, will yourself to do these things.
Then, slowly, one move at a time, start looking around for fulfilling new things you can do with your time. If nothing appeals to you, try do-gooding just so you get the buzz of doing good. And so on.
And finally, give yourself a credible narrative for where you are in life right now. You haven't failed to live your life, and it's not as if you haven't accomplished anything; you're simply immersed, temporarily, in the pursuit of a long-term goal. It's not failure to bloom, it's a bloom of delayed gratification.
If your concern is that the gratification will never come, start taking small, practical steps toward planning your life after graduation. Ask yourself what you would consider a fulfilling life purpose -- advancing a cause, say, or protecting the vulnerable, or making great piles of money -- and then narrow your focus on the career path that would take you there. Having a steeple to chase, even if you end up changing direction later, can do so much when you feel a bit lost.

Love/Hate Relationship with Portland

The roomie and I went to Portland for the weekend to visit a good friend of mine from way back in my youth (aka high school). It was a lot of fun since it had been a while since I had been in Portland and since Maegan and I had hung out in general. It is always nice just to get away for awhile

The "hate" part of Portland is basically whittled down to the speed limit (never has that term seem so appropriate) and the fact that most bars close at 1am at the latest. There seemed to be other things that were bothersome to us at the time, but I can't recall the rest.

The "love" part, well there are so many things that I love about the city. And perhaps simply because it isn't home is what makes it seem so much fun. Or perhaps because it really is just that cool. Either way, always makes for a good weekend. I definitely for see more trips down there in the future. It is much easier now that I have a car and not in school anymore. Plus with Les and Maegan in the same place, there is no excuse for me not to be there more often.

Favorite moments:

(mmmm... beer and doughnuts, life is good)

Oh, God, what a bitch ...

Everything seemed to line-up that I should write about the new 90210. I was just going to let it go, slip under my blog radar, since I knew that everyone else would be talking about it. But I couldn't, not after reading this cool article* a friend sent or reading Sarah Dessen's LJ today.

I had been getting pretty psyched for a while knowing that they were going to make a new 90210. I got increasingly excited when I knew that Rob Thomas (no, not that one... this one) was going to be writing it. Hello- we are all aware of my my LOVE for all things Veronica Mars (Logan ... sa-woon). Then to hear that first Donna (oh, Tori why did you have to pull out of the show?) and Kelly and then Brenda (!) were all going to come back. I was excited. Plus, Shanae Grimes (Degrassi:TNG alum) was also apart of the show, which was fun to see.

But last night, I was a bit disappointed. I knew that it wouldn't be the same as the OG version. But it didn't even seem that good. It seemed that it was trying too hard to be like all other "successful" teen dramas. It had the trashiness of Gossip Girl (which is basically Sex and the City for 13 year olds) and the "hip -indie music" and parental story line like the OC. It just seemed like they were using a formula, which we all know never works. I was also expecting a little more wit and dry humor, since that is Rob Thomas's M.O.

Instead there was none. It was just sort of blah. The only parts that I enjoyed were ones that tied into the old story. Seeing Brenda not being a bitch, Kelly and her teenage sister. The Peach Pit. Plus, okay- I know its is WBHS and all, but what high school would allow their students to perform "Spring Awakening"? At my H.S. parents were up in arms about saying the word "skank" when it was part of the title of a song in the dance show ("Rockafella Skank," to be exact).

Plus, now everyone and their brother is going to try and figure out what Spring Awakening even is and then they will invade the showing of it, here in November. I already have to deal with people who think it is okay to wear jeans to the theatre, I don't need teeny-bopper wannabes.





*I wish I had such basic standards for TV shows/movies. Rather I just live by the "that's stupid" rule

Mi Familia

So, I was going to write about my weekend with the Phobester in town, going to Bumbershoot, the small size of the curly fries and elephant ears, and teeny-boppers galore. But then after a convo with my cousin, I decided to write about something else.

After some what I can assume was some "for fun" research my cousin came across an album cover and blurb about my real grandfather when he was the guitarist for Merle Haggard. It is pretty cool and fascinating that my grandfather did this, even if it was after my g-ma and him divorced and wasn't a part of the family any more.

It is all sort of surreal though to think that someone, who I have (had ... he has been dead for like 30 years) blood ties to was sorta famous. And not in the obscure famous Irish jockey or that guy who wrote "My Old Kentucky Home" and "Camptown Races" (both my relatives). I can say Merle Haggard and not have to explain really who he is or sing the song (camp town ladies sing that song, do da, do da...).

It also sort of interesting that it wasn't until these past few years that anyone in my family talked about it. It was never mentioned when either Evan or I did our family history projects. Or even when I retold (and told and told) my story of being mere feet away from Merle. To think, I could have yelled something along the lines of "I am Bobby Wayne's granddaughter" and I might have gotten a response. In reality, I might have gotten a blank stare - that man, is freakin' old. But still.

Though I suppose in the end it all makes sense, no one wants to really talk about a man who was an alcoholic and not a part of the family. Especially if he was semi-successful afterward. Logically it all makes sense why it took this long to become any sort of conversation topic. He's not exactly someone that my family wants to glorify - nor do I really think he should be, either. I suppose the acknowledgment of it all that I am getting at.

I suppose we wouldn't be a family though if there still weren't untold stories or skeletons hanging around in the closet.

Succcckkkkkaaaaa

So, it is no secret that I like tv shows. I was practically raised on tv and I mean that in the least latch-key kid sense. But, in a way its true. I grew up on Nick at Nite, and Nickelodeon. I was that girl who was glued to the WB during its heyday. Must See TV, there I was. It's New to You, that was where I could be found in the summer (with my parents as well).

I fall for most TV shows that I watch. I can get sucked into basically anything. Well I take that back, there are shows that I can't watch. Dr. Quinn? No, thanks. Drangonball Z? I'll pass. There are also shows that I can watch while there are on, but not get sucked in. Two and half men? I watch when on. The Family Guy? Funny, but I can live without watching every episode (just realized these are shows that my roommate has continually sucked me into).

And it is a rarity that I give up on a show. I still watch "Grey's Anatomy" - granted its online and in marathon format, but still I can't give up on Meredith. Though, I did stop watching Desperate Housewives and, shocker, I am not feeling "Degrassi" anymore (I feel it has jumped the shark).

So, where is this long tangent going? Well I seem to now get sucked into shows that have already ended by the time I get to them or are on their way out. "Veronica Mars," a witty and intelligent show, I did not discover (well, I had heard about it, but I in this thing called college and had a thing called a job) it until it was all on DVD. I became very angry with the "ending." Not to give anything away, but it just end, I get no closure. And now I am into "Friday Night Lights." And what is it's fate? I have to wait until Jan. to watch it and it is only going to be around for 13 more episodes. Though, if I had Direct TV, it is showing on some channel in Oct.

I didn't think that I would get into FNL either, I just had it on hold at the library and I got sucked into it. I wanted them to go to State, I wanted Jason to become more independent. I love Matt's stutter/nervousness. Mrs. Coach? Yep, she is just fantastic. Who would have thought Kyle Chandler would have worked after Early Edition and those 2 guest spots on Grey's? But he is and is doing a phenomenal job as Coach.

But even with the 5 months in between then and now and the questionable story arch, I STILL MUST WATCH. I still have to know how it ends. It is like a disease. Now, here I find myself, yet again, falling into the obsessive cycle of new tv show love. I know, so soon after FNL, what can I say, I move on quick (yeah ... right)

Anyway, now my new love is "Bones." Thank goodness for Hulu so I can get caught up on Season 1. But what is the deal with no Season 2 online, anywhere? And Season 3 is not even out on DVD yet (yeah, I know it is already in season 4... where have we been?). But despite that I might not even remember to watch it all the time in live time and that I'll eventually have to watch it all on DVD. That is not stopping me from watching Season 1 at warped speed and trying to figure out the timing of my Netflix queue to start on Season 2. Plus, who doesn't love David Borenaz* and Emily Deschanel does a fabulous dead pan. Though I find it hard to believe that her character doesn't even at least least the attractiveness of Agent Booth, because, hello ... hottie alert. But we all know that this building sexual tension will lead to something. I just have to be patient




*I tried to find at least some sort of clip of when he gets turned into a puppet in Season 5 of Angel. Though I don't suppose that really shows off his acting ability, but sure is funny.

The Friday "I'm on Sugar High" Five*

1. Got out of the house for the first time in a few weeks. Well, I mean besides going to work, running and McPherson's. It was for the Hey Marseilles CD release show. That band is always high energy and entertaining. Hanging out with super cool friends and eating super good hamburgers, it made for a good night. Helped start easing me out of my hermit like slump. Don't know if the funk is totally gone, but working on it. Can't help, still stressin' about money (more so then usual).

2. I have been on a movie kick for this past week. Mainly because I checked out a bazillion of them from the library and all the ones I had put on hold, came all at once. So far since Saturday I have watched:

Meet Bill - I liked this a lot. I liked that for once the male lead is an emotional eater. Plus who doesn't love Aaron Eckhart

Fifty Pills - not really worth it, Kristen Bell is hardly in it.

Enchanted - love. it.

Annie Hall - for the very first time

We Were the Mulvanys - A pretty good representation of the book. Halmark: 1 Lifetime:0
No Reservations - cute. Gotta love a romantic comedy with food and Aaron Eckhart

3. Still to watch:

Cashback (well, finish it), Smart People, In the Mood for Love, Nobody Knows, CQ, Le Divorce, Mysterious Skin (maybe - not sure if I am in mood of this one -still), Once (for the millionth time, love.it.), Dirty Pretty Things, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason (best fight scene), D.E.B.S. and December Boys

Geez ... that's a lot (and not even counting the many I could be watching on Instant Watch)- maybe its a good thing I am still in hermit mood ;)

4. So I recently got into the show "Friday Night Lights." My ability to get sucked into great TV shows that are cut before their time (I know, that this isn't technically cut yet, but how many Hail Mary passes do you get in a game?). Long story short, Tony Lucca (yes, that Tony Lucca, from the MMC) did a cover of the Daniel Johnston song "Devil Town." And ever since Indie 103 had been playing the OG version, I've had it stuck in my head. But I like Tony's cover of it better and so I was considering buying the single (a decision that I do not take lightly - plus the library doesn't have it). However, the only way to get the song is if you buy the whole soundtrack. I don't want the whole soundtrack, I just want that song. So now I am on a fruitless search to at least find a website that will stream the song, so I can listen to it on repeat for a bit and get it out of my head.



5. I baked ... again. Crazy, I know. So many baking attempts in a matter of days. This time I wanted to make Red Velvet cupcakes. I found a recipe, and made the batter ... FROM SCRATCH. And while they turned out tasting fine, they taste like cupcakes, they didn't, however, taste like Red Velvet. There is something about the consistency that I didn't quite master. Oh well, I can always try a new recipe and give it another go

Look at what a fantastic job Rubi and I did decorating them

*The concept of the Friday Five courtesy of the wonderful Sarah Dessen

I'll call it My Friends Bought Me Sushi So I Made A Pie

I made a pie. Can you believe it, me, baking? Well, baking something besides my great chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, I did, I made a pie. I made that pie (see the picture of the pie to the left of this sentence). And you know what else? It actually tasted pretty damn good. I didn't burn anything (well minus my arm on the stove) and it wasn't overcooked or undercooked. I successfully baked a pie.

Too bad I live with people who are apparently anti-pie and so besides myself and Omar were the only ones to taste my first pie making adventure. Oh well, their loss right? It is also unfortunate because since I can't eat a pie in one sitting - or even in 3-4 days, parts of it started to get moldy. I think it was caused by the moisture in the plastic bag that was protecting my pie from the fruit flies that have taken over our kitchen. So alas, I had to get rid of the last 2 pieces last night.

Oh, yeah, because you can't really tell from the picture, it was a peach blackberry pie. It was pretty simple recipe, just the fruit, some sugar and corn starch. Mix the ingredients and pour into already made pie crust. Presto, Change-o, pie!

Don't Believe the Hype

I don't get the whole "Twilight"phenomenon. I knew that the books were a big thing- the Harry Potter for the religious folk. Then I head that they were making it into a movie and all of a sudden it was this BFD. So I figured, okay -I'll read them. I always like to read the book before the movie. To at least be my elitist self and say "well the book is so much better. I don't understand how they could get 'x, y, and z' so wrong." I got the first book finally from the library. I gave it my requisite 50 page rule and wasn't impressed - but one to want to see what the hype is about I finished the book. Man, what a disappointment.

(WARNING SPOILERS)

But there were just so many major points of the plot that I could not get into. Putting aside the terrible writing of Stephanie Meyer. It is an insult to the YA genre almost. It is something that i would have read in middle school -maybe late 5th grade (whatever year it was I started reading Sweet Valley High). It is just such simple writing, i had to force myself to get into the certain moments which are supposed to be high sexual tension and emotional.

The points that really bother me:

1) Who is Meyer to discount hundreds of years of vampire lore and legend. I mean it is common knowledge that Vampires cannot be outside during the day because they will get burned by the sun. They can't be around crucifixes, holy water, etc. But no, according to Meyer, she just takes it upon herself to change all of this.

2) How overly dramatic/emo Bella is. I know that she is 17 and every thing is be all and end all. But even when I was 17 I didn't fall for the "oh, I love you," after a few days of knowing someone. And I definitely don't believe it now at 23. Plus she is just an idiot -I mean really, how do you know at 17 you want to be with someone for the REST of life. especially when that person is a vampire and now you are saying -no begging- to become a vampire too. Give me a break. Even Buffy and Angel which are (for at least this generation) are the quintessential human/vampire love story and Buffy didn't beg to become a vampire. Talk about your forbidden love, but they worked with it until it didn't work anymore and both moved on (eventually). And might I point out, Buffy was also a teenager when this happened.

3) I can do unrealistic. I can do vampire/human love. I did love love with Buffy was with Angel and even when she was with Spike. I read YA (Sarah Dessen, favorite author). But yet, somehow that combination does not work for me when it comes to Twilight.

So I can understand, that as a 23-year-old, I might not be on the same level as a 13-year-old and not be as emo as them. But two of my really good friends have read it (one read the entire series) and both loved it. I mean, use of exclamation points when describing it, loved it. I know I am a tad cynical, a little jaded when it comes to most things, but really I don't see what the big deal is. I guess I. Just. Don't. Get. It.

I am holding out on Riz, for when/if she finally reads it and at least feels the same way I do.

My Absolute Favorite Thing About Summer:

This past weekend I did one of my favorite things to do during the summer: read an entire book in one day. While I am not talking about something long and in depth (like, say A Prayer for Owen Meany, that I am still 2oo pages into). It was in fact, the book, that you see to the left (more on that in a moment), The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched.

Of course, now that I am not in school anymore, I can read books in one day any time of year, but there was just something about sitting on my couch curled up with a good book all afternoon and night that made it really feel like summer. Perhaps it is from the many, many summers in which I did just that. I had a stack of books that I would try to plow through knowing, once September came along I would not be able to read any more books for fun until December. How many hours passed sitting at the Riz's house each of us reading a book, at times when we no longer played Barbies or paper dolls? Even during those years, we would still spend so many hours of our week at each other's house reading.

So this past Saturday as I was reading my book and the Bex was reading hers, I just felt a wave of nostalgia and what I love about summer.

But, back to the book that I read, now don't get me wrong, I still love Meg Cabot. I love that her novels are somewhat predictable and really not realistic (duh, its fiction). While I was upset that she turned Queen of Babble into a series, i was pretty satisfied with this latest book. Though let's just hope she doesn't jump the shark like she did with The Princess Diaries (really? Mia using sex as a way to keep Michael, what happened to our strong female character). With any luck, this is is the last one, leaving us with good memories of the characters and feeling comfortable knowing that they are where they are supposed to be.

Money can buy happiness

Why is it when you are young people are always telling you that money can't buy you happiness? Because that is a bunch of bull. I suppose we don't want our children growing up so materialistic and jaded right off the bat. We want them to have as good as a childhood as possible and don't need them to have to worry about what they have compared to other kids. But let me tell you as you get older that mindset changes completely

After reading two different blogs today that dealt with money (million vs. ScarJo's body and what you would do if you woke up with a "plush" bank account) and let me tell you I would take that million over ScarJo's body hands down. The stress that builds every time a bill comes, a loan payment is due and rent comes around is not fun and to not have those worries would definitely make me happy. If I wanted ScarJo's body, I would then have the money to pay for it (and pay off all my loans). I would not have to stress about the costs of moving the Big Apple next year. I could finally live a little. While a million dollars would not last forever, if invested correctly, it could last me a long time.

I could do the things that I wanted to do and truly enjoy them and not have the constant nagging voice in the back of my head telling me "you can't afford this; you shouldn't be doing this."

Maybe we should be teaching our kids -that when they are younger, money does not mean as much - but as soon as you become an adult it seems to mean everything.

What Makes Me Smile:

So in an effort to change my perspective on my life, I decided to compile a list of what makes me happy. Things are in no particular order and are what are making me smile at the moment. This list could and probably will change as time goes on - perhaps I'll create an updated one every once and a while.

1) Good Friends (old and new)

2) The Seattle Public Library constantly providing me with tons of CDs and books

3) Netlfix and the 150+ movies/tv shows on my queue

4) The sun -whether it is 100 degrees or 30, as long as the sun is out- I am a happy gal

5) Making a good batch of mojitos

6) Laying out by the lake

7) Reading a good book

8) Listening to happy music like The Submarines, Phantom Planet (w/ j. schwartzman ...okay and maybe this w/o him), Ben Kweller, etc

9) Going to shows

10) Watching a good movie
11) Discovering new televisions shows (well new to me, anyway)
12) Laughing

These times they are a changin'

Well, so said good-bye to the BFF this morning has she will soon embark on her journey to China. Though technically she will still be stateside for 2.5 weeks, she has left the PNW (for the most part). It is somewhat comforting to know that, if need to can still call and not have to worry about the 15 hour time difference (and whether or not she is on Skype).

But I have decided to use this time frame to make some changes in my life because of late I have been feeling continually out of sorts with most everything. And, while, yes that all could have been because two of my good friends were leaving and I feel like I am right back to junior year of college (and we all remember how that went). But I think this time will be good time for me to stop being a SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY.

I suppose then the biggest hurdle to over come is believing that I can stick with something longer than a month or two. That it is okay to put the extra time and effort into bettering myself for the long run.

The second thing I need to get over is making excuses, as I have become the Queen of Excuses when it comes to diet and exercise. But here's the thing, there will always be friends visiting, people close to me will die, there will bad days, there will be good days, it get cold outside and rain (a lot), I will sometimes (ok-probably a lot of the time) be tired after working long days and then there will be all the other days in between.

But somehow, despite all of those (and the many more I could think of) excuses, I just need to really believe that I Am Worth It. Maybe then I will stop selling myself short in many aspects of my life, stop being so hard on myself and start believing in myself.

Whoa ... pretty big goals there. Maybe I should just start with my small one of trying to become a runner. See how far that gets me

Girl Talk Video

Paul is the one in the white shirt, yellow backpack -spends most of his time on the left hand side. John, the BFF, is in black shirt bandana, shades. And Tiffany- the GF, i believe is in a blue dress and sticks pretty close to Paul

Capitol Hill - We Love It!

Friday was Capitol Hill Block Party 2008 and man, was it fun. Much better than last year. Started off with a half-day at worked followed by wonderful happy hour drinks with friends, a crazycherry stop and then the show.

We got there with perfect time to see U.S.E. But gotta say, was a little disappointed that the set was so short and they only played one old song. Is it too hard to ask for a little "Emerald City" or even some "Vamos ala Playa"? Oh well, let's just hope this means that a new album with FINALLY come out.

In between sets of bands we wanted to see there was lots of drinking and a sign caught our attention $2 jello shots and $2 PBR. Perfect, we thought. Not so much. Probably the worst idea ever -since the bar thought that blending cucumber and alcohol was a good idea. So not only did is just taste gross, the texture was disgusting. PBR never tasted so good after that.

We also got to see Vampire Weekend, who were awesome. They played their entire album and the crowd was into them as well - which always makes a show better. Though since it was the end of the night we were all pretty tired, hungry and a little cranky, so anyone who tried to push past got elbowed (a lot).

Though the BEST part of the Block Party was getting to experience Girl Talk. Oh man - what a fun and great experience. It was a huge dance party, something that I have not done in a while and I definitely needed it. I can even block out the bitches next to us who kept trying to get in front of us and the cute boy - who turned out to be jack ass and tried to push in front of us. However, I won't forget how JEALOUS I am of my friend Paul who got to dance on stage during the show. But I think I was also excited to see that he was back in town.

However, the best moment of the night goes to running into two old friends who I have not seen in a year and were literally talking about them earlier in the day. While we didn't get to talk for too long, it was so great to see them again and to reconnect.

Holy Red Snapper Batman, they're throwing fish at us!

First off, I really wish that I could remember more witty lines from the OG Batman, but alas besides "Pow" and "Bam" that is the only one that I can ever recall. But that is besides the point. Last night I went and saw The Dark Knight and wow- it was amazing. Its that type of good that when trying to describe it, I can only think of positive adjectives and nothing too specific about way it was so amazing. There was wit and action and drama. And Heath Ledger's performance lived up to the hype. The awesome quote from Marc Fennell (as pointed out to me by the Riz) on Rotten Tomatoes describes it perfectly, "Oh, and if skin-crawling performances, complex storytelling, and profound ideas don't do it for you…did I mention that the film is completely badass?"

Also, seeing Christian Bale 6 stories high was not bad either. It just reminded me of the day that I first saw him, at the Foothill Cinemas Theatre on a rainy day in second grade. My mom and brother went to see Rock-a-Doodle (which later became a question in Beyond Balderdash that no one got really right) and my dad and I saw this. Enjoy!

Round Two: Equilibrium vs. Say Anything...

So after about a month between films, since my counterpart was on a perpetual vacation, our movie watching was back on. We watched "Equilibrium" like three weeks back or something and at the time I had more insight on the film and I should have just wrote about it then. But I had wanted to wait until we watched my film choice.

I liked Equilibrium, its hard not to like anything Christian Bale is in (even when he is a Nazi youth, you still can't help but lust). Plus Taye Diggs is a hottie. I obviously paid attention to the important parts of the film ;) While I never read 1984 or Brave New World, the parallels weren't lost on me. Though I was also thinking about how it also seemed to have undertones of how over medicated America was/is when it comes to dealing with mental health issues. But I could be reading way too much into it and I am too lazy to do actual research to figure out if this is an actual theory. Also, it wasn't so much that they didn't have emotion but rather it was compassion or other similar feelings right? Because there was obviously feelings of anger and vindication.

I'd give it a 3 out 5 ... probably only really watch it again because it is Christian Bale

"Say Anything ..." there is a lot that I could say about this film and after watching it again, for what has been probably years since I last saw it I came to realize that this movie shaped more of my perspective on life than I thought. I first saw it right after I had graduated high school, was going to move to Seattle and it just seemed like perfect timing. It doesn't even bother me that Lloyd basically revolves his life around her - and coming from a commitment-phobe like myself - that is saying a lot.

Plus it has such quintessential lines like "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen" and "I'm Lloyd Dobler." For me, its the type of movie that makes me smile most of the way through, no matter how many times I watch it.

City girl meets the great outdoors

So, this past weekend I (along with my nearest and dearest) went camping at Lake Easton. One fact that we quickly learned was that Lake Easton is not the HUGE lake that we always pass when visiting the 'burg. However, it is still a nice and beautiful area. Camping was lots of fun, though I don't think I could do more than one night of it. Let's face it anymore and I really would have become Negative Nancy.

I was just spoiled growing up and camping in warm areas with the beach, a pool, hot non-pay shows, air mattresses, tire swing that didn't make you throw up after being on it, air mattresses (yep, it goes twice, my back hurt that much after one night of ground sleeping) and parents who provided all meals and such for you.

Oh well though not everyone has to love the outdoors and I did only end up with one bug bite, a success in my book.

This picture epitomizes what Ash and I did the whole trip (though we totally took down her tent and were so awesome and got it back into the tiny little bag).



photo courtesy of jason

Let the teaching begin

So a friend and I decided that we were going to teach other the merits of the movie genres that we are the most knowledgeable in. He is informing me of the greatest of Chinese cinema (starting off with John Woo) and I of course, am teaching him the ways of the great romantic comedies (with focus on the early mid-nineties).

We decided to start it off pretty basic, he brought Face/Off to the table and I decided to show Clueless. Since the only John Woo film, I ever saw was Paycheck, my standards for his movies were set pretty low. And after all is said and done I really liked Face/Off. I liked the bad-assness of the two guns, and that with the exception of one of the extras, none of the females were passive. So that was a major plus for it. Then, of course, I started to over think that whole line about how their face transplants would just be temporary- so wouldn't there be complications eventually down the road, if they had to stay with the same faces? I suppose then it is a good thing the whole thing only took place in a week.

Overall, I would say, that is was a 4 out of 5.

Now, I don't think that I really need to share my love for Clueless, since I am sure by now it is apparent. So instead to show my love for the film, I will point out three scenes/lines that made the trailer but not the actual film.
1) In the beginning Cher says "they were sitting on mismatched chairs ..."
2) When Cher, Ty and Dione are at the restaurant Cher says "I'm not a prude or anything..."
3) The scene in the bathroom with Cher, Amber and Dione and Cher turns to Amber and says "Is big hair in?"

Its all true- watch the trailer and then the movie and compare. You will see that I am right

6 years ....

After multiple conversations with friends and feeling nostalgic, I wanted to find out how long I had continually kept up a blog or online journal. As of this July, it will be 6 years ... that's such a long time. I suppose it is because I find it easier to type than write since my mind seems to go faster than my hand. It is always so interesting to look back at the type of person that you were and what was important to post out to the public and the things you kept private. Let me tell you, there wasn't a lot I kept secret in those first few years of blogging. I used my first online journal to basically talk about everything and anything often times things that I should have kept to myself. Looking back, I can't help but think, "man, maybe I wouldn't have been my friend either." But then again if I hadn't acted certain ways and if others hadn't acted the way they had then I wouldn't be who I am or where I am. So in a way, my big mouth did me some good.

So here is to another 6 years ... which will be the longest commitment that I'll have had to anything so far

word.

Dear Carolyn: I never thought of looking at things like that! Do you really suggest going into a relationship thinking about the worst-case scenario?
-- Your Idea

Dear Idea: Of course it's brilliant. Cheez.
Seriously -- it's considered irresponsible to make any big decision without mentally walking yourself through the worst-case scenario. With any investment, you have to consider the risk. To avoid thinking this way with a relationship because doubts seem "mean" is, I think, the equivalent of choosing to shut off half your brain, arguably when you need it most.
Will asking yourself this question prevent all mistakes? No. All this can do is weed out the ones you already know are capable of taking prisoners and/or cheap shots. Almost everyone who gets out of a bad relationship will admit to having seen something was wrong long before choosing to get out. When there's an easy way to pre-empt a whole lot of bad decisions in one stroke, use it.

You'll laugh again when something is really funny

This past weekend was a good weekend, one of those weekend you think back on a year later and still think that it was one of the best, despite the fact that many other ones have passed since then. It was also one of those weekends that also, you'll never know how good it was unless you were there to be a part of it. So since I won't be able to accurately describe it, I'll describe the more tangible aspects of it.

I got to see two fabulous movies (oh and I supposed a terrible one as well). First off, I got to see American Teen for free thanks to the hard work of the roomie. This was an amzing documentary about teens in a high school in Indiana. There were times when my heart just swelled and broke with the teens. I recommend that everyone go and see it when it gets released in August.

I also went to see Sex and the City with the girls and it was a glorious 2 hours and 26 mins. I laughed and I cried and fell back in love with my favorite girls all over again. Though not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, I wish that Jennifer Hudson had a bigger role, because she was just wonderful.

Happy 23rd Birthday Leslie: