I'm sitting here at my desk and there has been a conversation going on next to me for about 10 minutes. My desk is in a high traffic area, so I've learned to tune things out. But as I'm sitting here, I notice that I have only heard one voice this whole time. The guy hasn't stopped talking the entire time. Person #2 has had the occasional 'yep' and 'uh huh' squeezed in, but other than that, it has been person #1.
There are few things that annoy me more than people who talk nonstop without taking a breath. Just one giant run on sentence. To make matters worse, he has a somewhat monotone voice. You think there is lilt to his vocals, but then you realize you're starting to twitch from the constant buzz of his words.
He's such a nice guy, too, that I feel bad for saying these things. He's also incredibly smart and is full of interesting tid bits. But sometimes it's too much. At lunch, we can be discussing something trivial such as the latest Brangelina baby and he will turn the conversation into a thesis on the movie Tomb Raider and you just wanted to make fun of the baby's name.
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Riding the bus can be difficult enough. Standing outside in the snow or the rain or the wind can be unpleasant. The crowded bus stops, the crowded bus can be unpleasant. The gross people you are sometimes forced to be a bit too close to can be unpleasant. The gaggle of young adults talking too loudly can be unpleasant.
Strangely enough, I do enjoy the bus. I find it a relaxing way to start the day. Slip on my headphones, pull out a book, and sit back and enjoy the ride. No sitting in traffic getting frustrated. I just bury myself in a story or a song.
One thing that helps to make the bus enjoyable are the unspoken rules that the majority of riders adhere to. What makes it unejoyable is when people don't abide by them. For example:
1. Do not speak to your fellow riders. Unless you have a friendship off the bus, keep your mouth shut. I have headphones on. Quit trying to talk to me and making me pull out the earbuds to say, "what?" only to have you make some meaningless comment about the weather or the book I'm reading. (add that to my list of annoyances: small talk. I hate small talk).
2. If you are sharing a seat with someone and another seat opens up, move. We don't know each other. It is bad enough we are forced to squeeze this close together. You are 200 pounds overweight with weird bumps on your arm and your breath is atrocious. Please get up and move to a seat where you can spread out. There was one instance where I was sitting at the very back of the bus next to the window (the long bench seat). The bus was packed and we were all crammed in there. As the ride continued, it left just me and the dude sitting next to me on the bench seat. I looked over and saw that the window seat across from me was open. All he had to do was slide over, but he didn't budge. It was incredibly awkward. Dude, I will not take offence if you move.
3. Keep your music at a reasonable volume, and dear god, do not sing along. There have been many times where I have been stuck next to someone with their music so loud I can hear it through my own headphones. Why? Why does it need to be so loud? And maybe you think you're the next American Idol, but I am not Paula Abdul so please do not give me your best Alicia Keys.
4. Do not eat on the bus. My bus stops next to an Arbys. Arbys smells. People get on the bus and open up their Arbys and start to go to town. They then throw their wrappers on the floor. It makes me want to vomit. Which leads me to the next rule....
5. The bus is not a giant garbage can. Please pick up after yourself. Please. I don't want to sit in your gum. I don't want to step on your peanut shells. I don't want to slip on your Arbys' wrapper.
6. Sit next to your kids. I just worked all day. I don't need your squirmming 3 year old bopping up and down in the seat and bumping into me and staring at me. I am not your babysitter.
Please, just follow these rules and the bus will be a much more inviting place for everyone.
********************************************************************************
I'm tall and, therefore, I have longer legs and take longer strides when I walk. This makes me walk faster than most. Yet, I have plenty of shorter friends that I have trouble keeping up with, so I don't think I walk ridiculously fast. What I don't get is people who walk slow, or just move slow in general. Do they not have anywhere to go? Do they not have a job to get to or a bus to catch or just anywhere they would rather be then on the street inches in front of me? I wish I could be so lackadaisical.
This goes for drivers, too. I like to drive fast. But I am never more than 5 miles over the speed limit on side streets and 10 on freeways. When people pull out in front of me, I assume it must mean they are in a hurry and will be going at least the speed limit. But then why does it seem they slow to a crawl as soon as they are in front of me? I just want a sign on my car that says, "I am faster than you. Please just pull over and let me go around you. I am not afraid of a speeding ticket."
*******************************************************************************
I took a Strength Finders test that told me my best strength is that I am empathetic. I wish I wasn't. One of my top annoyances is people who are inconsiderate of others. It drive me crazy. Especially when they are inconsiderate of me.
As I said, I sit in a highly trafficked area at work right next to a conference room. People will finish a meeting, well they will finish the meeting in the conference room, and then continue the meeting right next to my desk. Even so much as standing in my cube and leaning on my desk. Who does this? Hello? Do you not see me?
I also don't like when I feel people are being excluded. Maybe it's from feeling excluded growing up, but it really bugs me.
*******************************************************************************
So, those are just a few things. Maybe I will have another entry as more come to me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
See you later, holidays
The holidays are over. Well, I guess New Years is yet to happen, but the holiday season, in my mind, is over.
I start to dread them around mid October, then the next thing you know you've been stuff to the gills with mashed potatoes and chocolate and it's January 1st. Now the real winter begins. It always feels like once Christmas has passed that winter is almost over. But no. There are at least 4 more months of this crap.
I used to be a winter person. But I've changed. I think it was last winter that did it. It started early and lasted so long. Then we got about 3 weeks of summer and fall kicked in. Now here we are again. It's just too soon. Here's to hoping it's over by April (or at the very least May).
Christmas treated me well. It was a good year. I didn't have to buy much which made it much more enjoyable. Not that I'm a scrooge or anything, but I think the giving and receiving part of Christmas is lost anyway, so why bother. It has always seemed silly to me to tell people exactly what I want only so they can buy it for me when I could just as easily buy it for myself. But instead, I spend the same amount of money on something for them that they could just buy themselves. Maybe if we put the guessing game back into it, then I could find the spirit. But then there is just so much pressure.
I did have to go to church on Christmas Day. My mother-in-law sings in the choir. It was a Catholic service in a brand new church. It was like sitting in a ski lodge. There was nothing spiritual about it. The priests' voices came through on tiny speakers that made them sound alien. It just creeped me out. I'm not a religious person and I was not raised Catholic, so the whole thing was just weird and I wanted to leave as soon as I stepped through the door. But it was not until over an hour later that I was set free.
My family get together consisted of food. It was one of the best spreads we've had. We do potluck style and there was a lot of variety and a ton of stuff that I can eat (I'm a vegetarian). One of my sisters, who insists she can get me to go back to eating meat in one week spent with her, made me a my very own seven layer salad minus the bacon. It was a big step for her and I really appreciated it.
Now I'm back at work for three days and then I get another four day weekend. Oddly enough, I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine again. I'm at work now and have zero motivation since no one is here and I only have a day and a half left before another extended weekend.
It looks like I will be spending New Years at home with my husband and dog and this is just fine with me. We were invited to a party/bar hopping extravaganza, but that just didn't sound intriguing.
I'm getting ready to head home with day one almost in the books. Unfortunately, Prison Break is on a holiday hiatus. So it will just be laundry for me tonight.
1 1/2 more days....
I start to dread them around mid October, then the next thing you know you've been stuff to the gills with mashed potatoes and chocolate and it's January 1st. Now the real winter begins. It always feels like once Christmas has passed that winter is almost over. But no. There are at least 4 more months of this crap.
I used to be a winter person. But I've changed. I think it was last winter that did it. It started early and lasted so long. Then we got about 3 weeks of summer and fall kicked in. Now here we are again. It's just too soon. Here's to hoping it's over by April (or at the very least May).
Christmas treated me well. It was a good year. I didn't have to buy much which made it much more enjoyable. Not that I'm a scrooge or anything, but I think the giving and receiving part of Christmas is lost anyway, so why bother. It has always seemed silly to me to tell people exactly what I want only so they can buy it for me when I could just as easily buy it for myself. But instead, I spend the same amount of money on something for them that they could just buy themselves. Maybe if we put the guessing game back into it, then I could find the spirit. But then there is just so much pressure.
I did have to go to church on Christmas Day. My mother-in-law sings in the choir. It was a Catholic service in a brand new church. It was like sitting in a ski lodge. There was nothing spiritual about it. The priests' voices came through on tiny speakers that made them sound alien. It just creeped me out. I'm not a religious person and I was not raised Catholic, so the whole thing was just weird and I wanted to leave as soon as I stepped through the door. But it was not until over an hour later that I was set free.
My family get together consisted of food. It was one of the best spreads we've had. We do potluck style and there was a lot of variety and a ton of stuff that I can eat (I'm a vegetarian). One of my sisters, who insists she can get me to go back to eating meat in one week spent with her, made me a my very own seven layer salad minus the bacon. It was a big step for her and I really appreciated it.
Now I'm back at work for three days and then I get another four day weekend. Oddly enough, I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine again. I'm at work now and have zero motivation since no one is here and I only have a day and a half left before another extended weekend.
It looks like I will be spending New Years at home with my husband and dog and this is just fine with me. We were invited to a party/bar hopping extravaganza, but that just didn't sound intriguing.
I'm getting ready to head home with day one almost in the books. Unfortunately, Prison Break is on a holiday hiatus. So it will just be laundry for me tonight.
1 1/2 more days....
Monday, December 22, 2008
Poisoned
I had food poisoning on Saturday. At least that's what I think it was. Although I can't trace it back to any one food source. I just know I wouldn't wish what I went through on anybody.
I woke up Saturday around noon feeling really hungover. Understandable, given the festivities the night before. My stomach felt upset, but I just thought I needed some food. My husband offered to run to the store to get what I was craving: bananas and spaghetti-os. While he was gone, I made trip #1 to the bathroom and threw up. It has been years since I threw up. What a horrible feeling.
He came home and I had the banana. Within minutes I was back in the bathroom for vomit session #2. I tried to drink some orange juice and water. #3, #4. Nothing was staying down.
I tried to go back to bed. As I laid there, my stomach pains grew worse. I was actually wailing in agony. The only relief I could get was by throwing up. But that would only last a few minutes and then slowly the pain would return.
Eventually I started getting really concerned. I was feeling light headed and the nausea was bringing me to the breaking point. I told my husband that I think I needed to go to the doctor.
Unfortunately, we had a major snow storm that day so the roads were terrible. I kept going back and forth on whether or not I should go and risk the drive. We decided we had no choice and I needed to go. At this point I couldn't even stand anymore.
Around 6pm, we got into the car and drove to the nearest Urgent Care. Closed. My fingers and head were tingling. I had my head sticking out the window to get air. We headed to the next closest. After the usual waiting period (I thought this was urgent?) I finally met with the doctor. He confirmed I was very dehydrated and, though they did not have the equipment to give me an IV for fluids, they were able to give me an anti-nausea/anti-vomiting shot. It would also help me sleep.
He told me to get some gatorade and mix it with water and sip that for the rest of the night.
When we got home, I took a sip of gatorade and it was probably the greatest thing I've ever tasted. I fell asleep within a half hour.
When I woke up on Sunday, I felt fine. My stomach was rumbling with hunger pains and my whole upper body was (and still is) one big muscle strain, but I wasn't doubled over in pain.
It just sucks that I lost a full Saturday.
And I missed the 25 Cent Taco Christmas show.
And now I'm scared to eat certain things.
I woke up Saturday around noon feeling really hungover. Understandable, given the festivities the night before. My stomach felt upset, but I just thought I needed some food. My husband offered to run to the store to get what I was craving: bananas and spaghetti-os. While he was gone, I made trip #1 to the bathroom and threw up. It has been years since I threw up. What a horrible feeling.
He came home and I had the banana. Within minutes I was back in the bathroom for vomit session #2. I tried to drink some orange juice and water. #3, #4. Nothing was staying down.
I tried to go back to bed. As I laid there, my stomach pains grew worse. I was actually wailing in agony. The only relief I could get was by throwing up. But that would only last a few minutes and then slowly the pain would return.
Eventually I started getting really concerned. I was feeling light headed and the nausea was bringing me to the breaking point. I told my husband that I think I needed to go to the doctor.
Unfortunately, we had a major snow storm that day so the roads were terrible. I kept going back and forth on whether or not I should go and risk the drive. We decided we had no choice and I needed to go. At this point I couldn't even stand anymore.
Around 6pm, we got into the car and drove to the nearest Urgent Care. Closed. My fingers and head were tingling. I had my head sticking out the window to get air. We headed to the next closest. After the usual waiting period (I thought this was urgent?) I finally met with the doctor. He confirmed I was very dehydrated and, though they did not have the equipment to give me an IV for fluids, they were able to give me an anti-nausea/anti-vomiting shot. It would also help me sleep.
He told me to get some gatorade and mix it with water and sip that for the rest of the night.
When we got home, I took a sip of gatorade and it was probably the greatest thing I've ever tasted. I fell asleep within a half hour.
When I woke up on Sunday, I felt fine. My stomach was rumbling with hunger pains and my whole upper body was (and still is) one big muscle strain, but I wasn't doubled over in pain.
It just sucks that I lost a full Saturday.
And I missed the 25 Cent Taco Christmas show.
And now I'm scared to eat certain things.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Weekend Update
I had such a nice weekend.
My husband told me he wanted a new iPod for Christmas. I told him I wanted Rock Band. So on Friday night we went and bought each other our gifts. Then came home and played Rock Band all night. That game is so much fun and so addicting. All I see when I close my eyes are the colorful flowing music squares. So much fun.
Saturday night we went to see Dan Wilson courtesy of my job. We had
great seats. I like Dan Wilson, the actual guy, I've always found him very pleasant. I loved the one big Semisonic album. His solo stuff I've been indifferent to. I've never bought any of it, but I didn't hate it either.
We went into the show expecting a nice pleasant folky sort of sit down show. Very grown up. We left yelling how much Dan Wilson rules. It was fantastic. What a performer. He did two sets. One solo acoustic, the second with the full band. He joked that he was opening for himself. He did a great cover of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" by Bob Dylan. He told great stories. He made group sing alongs with the audience. It was such a suprise. As we left, my husband and I both said we had no idea we would be sitting there with a smile on our face the entire evening. Totally loved him.
I did nothing on Sunday. And it was great. I never got out of my pajamas. I played a little Rock Band, watched a couple of movies, took a nap. A great Sunday.
One of the movies I watched was I Am Legend. It was on HBO. I can't decide if I liked it or not, but it hasn't left my mind since it ended. I think it's mostly because....SPOILER WARNING........
the dog died. I was devestated, though I saw it coming. I hate when companion animals die in movies. And the way he goes is heartbreaking.
Will Smith was fantastic in this movie. Who knew he could really really act? The movie was a lot spookier than I thought it would be. The ending sort of copped out and could have been so much better. I hear it's not true to the book. I might have to pick the book up.
.....SPOILER OVER....
So, though it was not an exciting weekend, it was a nice one.
My husband told me he wanted a new iPod for Christmas. I told him I wanted Rock Band. So on Friday night we went and bought each other our gifts. Then came home and played Rock Band all night. That game is so much fun and so addicting. All I see when I close my eyes are the colorful flowing music squares. So much fun.
Saturday night we went to see Dan Wilson courtesy of my job. We had
great seats. I like Dan Wilson, the actual guy, I've always found him very pleasant. I loved the one big Semisonic album. His solo stuff I've been indifferent to. I've never bought any of it, but I didn't hate it either.We went into the show expecting a nice pleasant folky sort of sit down show. Very grown up. We left yelling how much Dan Wilson rules. It was fantastic. What a performer. He did two sets. One solo acoustic, the second with the full band. He joked that he was opening for himself. He did a great cover of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" by Bob Dylan. He told great stories. He made group sing alongs with the audience. It was such a suprise. As we left, my husband and I both said we had no idea we would be sitting there with a smile on our face the entire evening. Totally loved him.
I did nothing on Sunday. And it was great. I never got out of my pajamas. I played a little Rock Band, watched a couple of movies, took a nap. A great Sunday.
One of the movies I watched was I Am Legend. It was on HBO. I can't decide if I liked it or not, but it hasn't left my mind since it ended. I think it's mostly because....SPOILER WARNING........
the dog died. I was devestated, though I saw it coming. I hate when companion animals die in movies. And the way he goes is heartbreaking.
Will Smith was fantastic in this movie. Who knew he could really really act? The movie was a lot spookier than I thought it would be. The ending sort of copped out and could have been so much better. I hear it's not true to the book. I might have to pick the book up.
.....SPOILER OVER....
So, though it was not an exciting weekend, it was a nice one.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Don't Look Back In Anger
I went to Oasis last night. I left with mixed feelings.
First, no live music that is not a marching band should ever be played at the Target Center. The sound there is atrocious. Just a big wall of muffled static. Even when music wasn't playing and the artists were just talking, it was muffled.
Second, I got my tickets free from work, so I shouldn't complain about their location, but they weren't very good. Oasis looked like little stick people.
Third, the arena was half empty. The rows around us were almost completely empty. It's hard to get energized surrounded by no one watching stick people make muffled sounds.
Here is how my night went:
Earlier in the day, at my work, Ryan Adams performed. Seeing this, I wasn't too eager to see him at the official show. What a tool.
At the actual show, however, he sounded good (for as well as anyone can sound at the Target Center). He's a fine musician and has surrounded himself with fine musicians (The Cardinals). But, his songs are all kind of the same. One blended into the next and it didn't help that he didn't address the crowd whatsoever. Just played one song and the next and the next with barely a break in between.
First, no live music that is not a marching band should ever be played at the Target Center. The sound there is atrocious. Just a big wall of muffled static. Even when music wasn't playing and the artists were just talking, it was muffled.
Second, I got my tickets free from work, so I shouldn't complain about their location, but they weren't very good. Oasis looked like little stick people.
Third, the arena was half empty. The rows around us were almost completely empty. It's hard to get energized surrounded by no one watching stick people make muffled sounds.
Here is how my night went:
Earlier in the day, at my work, Ryan Adams performed. Seeing this, I wasn't too eager to see him at the official show. What a tool.
At the actual show, however, he sounded good (for as well as anyone can sound at the Target Center). He's a fine musician and has surrounded himself with fine musicians (The Cardinals). But, his songs are all kind of the same. One blended into the next and it didn't help that he didn't address the crowd whatsoever. Just played one song and the next and the next with barely a break in between.
We were so far away that when Oasis started, all I could focus on was the crazy screens going on behind the stick figures on stage. It was like watching a really long music video.
In the end, Oasis played a lot of great songs that I love, though I couldn't understand half of them because it sounded like I was listening to them from the otherside of a wall. And I spent $100 (beer was $7.50, parking was $14 - it adds up).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Oasis!
I get to see Oasis tonight! I get to see Oasis tonight!
I'm very excited. I have loved Oasis for so long. I will admit, I lost touch with them around Standing On The Shoulder of Giants, but I don't think I'm the only one.
They are definitely in my top 5 favorite bands of all time. Yes, all time.
They are only getting better, too. Their last two albums have been phenomenal.
Below is a list of my top 20 (I couldn't narrow it down any further) Oasis songs:
1. Supersonic
2. Live Forever
3. Do You know Know What I Mean?
4. Slide Away
5. Don't Look Back in Anger
6. Wonderwall
7. The Meaning of Soul
8. Talk Tonight
9. Champagne Supernova
10. Mucky Fingers
11. Rockin' Chair
12. Masterplan
13. Let There Be Love
14. Cigarettes and Alchohol
15. Fade In/Out
16. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
17. Little By Little
18. Columbia
19. Girl In The Dirty Shirt
20. Where Did it All Go Wrong?
I'm very excited. I have loved Oasis for so long. I will admit, I lost touch with them around Standing On The Shoulder of Giants, but I don't think I'm the only one.
They are definitely in my top 5 favorite bands of all time. Yes, all time.
They are only getting better, too. Their last two albums have been phenomenal.
Below is a list of my top 20 (I couldn't narrow it down any further) Oasis songs:
1. Supersonic
2. Live Forever
3. Do You know Know What I Mean?
4. Slide Away
5. Don't Look Back in Anger
6. Wonderwall
7. The Meaning of Soul
8. Talk Tonight
9. Champagne Supernova
10. Mucky Fingers
11. Rockin' Chair
12. Masterplan
13. Let There Be Love
14. Cigarettes and Alchohol
15. Fade In/Out
16. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
17. Little By Little
18. Columbia
19. Girl In The Dirty Shirt
20. Where Did it All Go Wrong?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I Love Prison Break
My favorite show is Prison Break. Yes, Prison Break. Even more than Lost or The Office...I love Prison Break. Why? It's just so much fun.
I started watching it the summer after the first season. I had heard good things, but didn't want to come in midseason, so I purchased all of season 1 off of iTunes. I thought it was awesome. It was suspenseful, smart, fast paced, gritty, shocking....it was great.
It is on it's fourth season now and I eagerly await Monday nights. It is one of the few shows that starts early (late August) and runs almost straight through. It has had one 2 week break during the World Series (Prison Break is on FOX).
The show has had its ups and downs (last season was ruined by the writer's strike - like most shows), but it has always been a fun and exciting ride - if not a confusing implausible one. Consisitency has not been the show's friend.
Let's see if I can sum up these past four seasons in the most basic way and have them make any sense (spoilers below)....
One brother (Linc) is falsely accused of murdering the president's brother. He is put on death row. The president is a part of group of bad guys called The Company. Her brother isn't even dead! (well, he is now, but not when Linc allegedly shot him.)
Lin's younger brother, Michael, a genius engineer who just happened to have helped design the very prison (Fox River) that his brother is being held at. He gets the prison blueprints, along with clues and names of people, tattooed onto his body and commits armed robbery to get thrown into the same prison as his brother (luckily that all worked out and he didn't get tossed somewhere else).
At the end of season 1, the brothers, along with about 6 other people they are forced to bring with, escape with the help of the prison doctor (and Michael love interest) Sarah Tancredi.
Once out, they are persued by FBI agent (and Company hitman) Alex Mahone. Also on their tail is former Fox River guard Bellick (I can't believe I don't remember his first name at the moment). This is basically the whole second season. You find out some background info. The brother's father once worked for The Company. He tries to bring them down, only to be killed by Mahone. Mahone is a bit crazy with a shady past, but is just trying to do one last job for The Company so he can move on with his life and try to win back the love of his wife and child.
Eventually, Michael, Lin, Sarah, and two other ex-inmates make it to Panama. Lincoln is cleared of all charges.
At the end of season 2, The Company frames Michael for murder and has him thrown in a Panama prison named Sona. Joining him in this prissn are: Alex Mahone (Michael gets him busted for drug trafficking), Bellick (accused of murder while trying to track down the Fox River Eight) and T-Bag (an ex-con from Fox River who, I think, also gets busted for murder in Panama). Sona is a prison that is run by the prisoners. There are guards in the towers outside, but the inside is anything goes. It holds some of the worst criminals in the world.
Season 3 takes place almost entirely in Sona. You learn that The Company had Michael thrown in Sona so he can break out one of their men (hey! another prison break!). Lincoln is teamed up with a woman from The Company named Gretchen. Gretchen is holding Lincoln's son LJ and Sarah Tancredi hostage until Michael can break out The Company man, named Whistler.
This season was cut short due to the writers' strike so it is very rushed and ends up with a lot of plot holes. One of the most painful plot mishaps is Michael's attire. They are in a Panama prison. It is hot. Very very hot. Most of the prisoners are running around in muscle shirts. But the actor who plays Michael did not want to have to sit through getting his fake tattoo plastered on daily, so they threw him in a long sleeve tee. It just looked ridiculous.
Somewhere along the way, Lincoln tries to rescue Sarah and LJ. When he fails, Gretchen sends Lincoln a present....Sarah's head in a box! He doesn't tell Michael at first. When Michael does find out, he is obviously upset, but he goes on with plan to save his nephew, LJ.
Eventually, they break out of Sona and Michael vows to get his revenge on Gretchen for cutting off Sarah's head. End of season three.
So, now we are on season 4. Lincoln, Michael, Mahone, Bellick, and Michael's old Fox River cellmate, Sucre are picked up for various reasons by FBI agent Don Self They are asked to help bring down The Company in return for full pardons. Before this happens, Michael tracks down Gretchen who tells Michael she never killed Sarah. Michael is able to track down the unbelievably alive Sarah who actually did manage to escape. Gretchen made up the whole killing to keep Michael on the plan.
Sarah joins the new team and they beginworking together to get a device called Scylla that will help them bring down The Company.
Yes, that was the simplest series synopsis I could do.
I didn't even get into all that has happened this season. It is just too much.
All I can say is I love this show and this season especially. My husband can't even be in the same room as me because I freak out too much.
Highly recommend you start from the beginning and check it out.
Just remember to not over think it and just enjoy the ride. It's a lot of fun.
I started watching it the summer after the first season. I had heard good things, but didn't want to come in midseason, so I purchased all of season 1 off of iTunes. I thought it was awesome. It was suspenseful, smart, fast paced, gritty, shocking....it was great.
It is on it's fourth season now and I eagerly await Monday nights. It is one of the few shows that starts early (late August) and runs almost straight through. It has had one 2 week break during the World Series (Prison Break is on FOX).
The show has had its ups and downs (last season was ruined by the writer's strike - like most shows), but it has always been a fun and exciting ride - if not a confusing implausible one. Consisitency has not been the show's friend.
Let's see if I can sum up these past four seasons in the most basic way and have them make any sense (spoilers below)....
One brother (Linc) is falsely accused of murdering the president's brother. He is put on death row. The president is a part of group of bad guys called The Company. Her brother isn't even dead! (well, he is now, but not when Linc allegedly shot him.)
Lin's younger brother, Michael, a genius engineer who just happened to have helped design the very prison (Fox River) that his brother is being held at. He gets the prison blueprints, along with clues and names of people, tattooed onto his body and commits armed robbery to get thrown into the same prison as his brother (luckily that all worked out and he didn't get tossed somewhere else).
At the end of season 1, the brothers, along with about 6 other people they are forced to bring with, escape with the help of the prison doctor (and Michael love interest) Sarah Tancredi.
Once out, they are persued by FBI agent (and Company hitman) Alex Mahone. Also on their tail is former Fox River guard Bellick (I can't believe I don't remember his first name at the moment). This is basically the whole second season. You find out some background info. The brother's father once worked for The Company. He tries to bring them down, only to be killed by Mahone. Mahone is a bit crazy with a shady past, but is just trying to do one last job for The Company so he can move on with his life and try to win back the love of his wife and child.
Eventually, Michael, Lin, Sarah, and two other ex-inmates make it to Panama. Lincoln is cleared of all charges.
At the end of season 2, The Company frames Michael for murder and has him thrown in a Panama prison named Sona. Joining him in this prissn are: Alex Mahone (Michael gets him busted for drug trafficking), Bellick (accused of murder while trying to track down the Fox River Eight) and T-Bag (an ex-con from Fox River who, I think, also gets busted for murder in Panama). Sona is a prison that is run by the prisoners. There are guards in the towers outside, but the inside is anything goes. It holds some of the worst criminals in the world.
Season 3 takes place almost entirely in Sona. You learn that The Company had Michael thrown in Sona so he can break out one of their men (hey! another prison break!). Lincoln is teamed up with a woman from The Company named Gretchen. Gretchen is holding Lincoln's son LJ and Sarah Tancredi hostage until Michael can break out The Company man, named Whistler.
This season was cut short due to the writers' strike so it is very rushed and ends up with a lot of plot holes. One of the most painful plot mishaps is Michael's attire. They are in a Panama prison. It is hot. Very very hot. Most of the prisoners are running around in muscle shirts. But the actor who plays Michael did not want to have to sit through getting his fake tattoo plastered on daily, so they threw him in a long sleeve tee. It just looked ridiculous.
Somewhere along the way, Lincoln tries to rescue Sarah and LJ. When he fails, Gretchen sends Lincoln a present....Sarah's head in a box! He doesn't tell Michael at first. When Michael does find out, he is obviously upset, but he goes on with plan to save his nephew, LJ.
Eventually, they break out of Sona and Michael vows to get his revenge on Gretchen for cutting off Sarah's head. End of season three.
So, now we are on season 4. Lincoln, Michael, Mahone, Bellick, and Michael's old Fox River cellmate, Sucre are picked up for various reasons by FBI agent Don Self They are asked to help bring down The Company in return for full pardons. Before this happens, Michael tracks down Gretchen who tells Michael she never killed Sarah. Michael is able to track down the unbelievably alive Sarah who actually did manage to escape. Gretchen made up the whole killing to keep Michael on the plan.
Sarah joins the new team and they beginworking together to get a device called Scylla that will help them bring down The Company.
Yes, that was the simplest series synopsis I could do.
I didn't even get into all that has happened this season. It is just too much.
All I can say is I love this show and this season especially. My husband can't even be in the same room as me because I freak out too much.
Highly recommend you start from the beginning and check it out.
Just remember to not over think it and just enjoy the ride. It's a lot of fun.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sober Ramblings Part 1
I need a haircut. Really really bad. I can barely see out from under my bangs and the back of my hair sits on my collar and looks so scraggly and stringy. I am already sick of my new clothes that I just purchased one week ago. It seems nothing I have goes together and some items I just don't know what I was thinking.
I really hate snobs. It's hard to be a bitch. Why work at being one all the time? What is the point?
I really love my husband. We went to a work function last night and he's such a superstar. I wear him with pride.
I must really love my dog, too, since I got myself out of bed at 6am to take him for his walk. It was cold and dark and the sidewalks weren't shoveled. But he was happy. He loves his morning walks.
I'm not ready for winter. But I don't have a choice. The snow and cold are here to stay. For almost 5 months.
I went to buy the t-shirt I have been wanting to buy my husband for Christmas and it is no longer being offered by the soccer team he loves. I even checked eBay. Bummer.
I'm getting Rock Band for Christmas. I am so stoked. Yes, stoked.
I've spent the last 5 or 6 years slowly falling into my own anti-social hole and I am finally crawling out of it. What do I find? That it's a lot of work to be social. I have things going on all the time. I'm so used to staying home. And going out is expensive. I need to readjust my budget for this.
I'm going to see Oasis on Wednesday. OMG I love Oasis. I love my job for getting me Oasis tickets for free.
I would like to know why everyone schedules things on Sunday night. Is this some new hip thing that started while I was down in my hole?
I need to decide how out of my shell I want to step. Just when I decide I know how I want to do things, something comes along to change it.
I should really go to the doctor about my ongoing foot problems. The pain is starting to get ridiculous. I am too young to have these physical problems.
Tonight is Monday night. Tonight is Prison Break. And we are making tacos for dinner. This could be the greatest night ever.
I really hate snobs. It's hard to be a bitch. Why work at being one all the time? What is the point?
I really love my husband. We went to a work function last night and he's such a superstar. I wear him with pride.
I must really love my dog, too, since I got myself out of bed at 6am to take him for his walk. It was cold and dark and the sidewalks weren't shoveled. But he was happy. He loves his morning walks.
I'm not ready for winter. But I don't have a choice. The snow and cold are here to stay. For almost 5 months.
I went to buy the t-shirt I have been wanting to buy my husband for Christmas and it is no longer being offered by the soccer team he loves. I even checked eBay. Bummer.
I'm getting Rock Band for Christmas. I am so stoked. Yes, stoked.
I've spent the last 5 or 6 years slowly falling into my own anti-social hole and I am finally crawling out of it. What do I find? That it's a lot of work to be social. I have things going on all the time. I'm so used to staying home. And going out is expensive. I need to readjust my budget for this.
I'm going to see Oasis on Wednesday. OMG I love Oasis. I love my job for getting me Oasis tickets for free.
I would like to know why everyone schedules things on Sunday night. Is this some new hip thing that started while I was down in my hole?
I need to decide how out of my shell I want to step. Just when I decide I know how I want to do things, something comes along to change it.
I should really go to the doctor about my ongoing foot problems. The pain is starting to get ridiculous. I am too young to have these physical problems.
Tonight is Monday night. Tonight is Prison Break. And we are making tacos for dinner. This could be the greatest night ever.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Drunken Ramblings Part 1
I think I might be a good songwriter.
I'm listening to one of many of my home recordings and...a bit narcissistically, I enjoy them. I'm nowhere near a professional level, but I have some gems in there. I wish I new how to upload them to Myspace or something just to get some sort of unbiased reaction.
The problem is, I'm a lazy recording artist. Yes, all I have is GarageBand. All of my drums are recorded one drum part at a time. It makes it very hard for a non drummer as myself to keep the beat and continuity of the drums. I have no idea how to play the drums. None. So, I just throw things together. Most of the time they come out pretty terrible, but sometimes they work.
I also am not an editor. So mistakes are all over my recordings. A bit off beat...oh well. Off key...oh well. Forgot the chord that one time...oh well. Maybe it could be my thing.
Either way, I would love a complete stranger's non-watered down review. Of course, everyone I know looooooveeees them all. I want to know what someone different thinks.
Friday, December 5, 2008
My Top Ten Albums of 2008
After checking to see who has albums yet to come out in December, I decided it was safe to list my top ten albums of 2008. It was the year of the ladies for me. My top ten albums of the year is dominated by female artists and female led bands. I had no trouble at all picking a top 7, except I had a hard time choosing who should be number one. They all have earned that spot in their own ways. But, the last three (and the honorable mention) were really just filler and were the best of the rest of the albums I bought this year. And when I say best, I don't mean so in a music critic way...these are just the albums I enjoyed the most that came out this past year.
1. Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
This is the obvious number one pick for me. I think this album is perfect from beginning to end and has a vibe that holds throughout. Jenny Lewis has proven herself to be a real force in the music scene. Her work with Rilo Kiley and the Postal Service were a start. She has now released two exceptional solo albums that, I think, suprised everyone in their greatness.
I love the vibe of this album. It sounds like it came right out of 1976. The single piano chord punches that trickle in and out of songs like the opener "Black Sand" and "Trying My Best to Love You", the higher pitch Jenny sings in, the choral background vocals of the title track, the dirty dive bar bathroom sound to "The Next Messiah", and the suprise guests along the way. The only guest I could have done without is Elvis Costello. Don't get me wrong, I love Elvis Costello. But his work on the track "CarpetBaggers" is the only downer on an otherwise perfect album. His voice just doesn't work with Jenny's and comes in so abrasively that you feel a little assulted when he leaves.
Top Three Tracks: "Acid Tongue", "The Next Messiah", "Jack Killed Mom"
2. Lykke Li: Youth Novels
I first heard of Lykke Li through a co-worker who was watching her video on YouTube or MySpace or something. What I heard sounded great and I kept the name in my head.
A couple of months later, I came across her name again and decided to check her out. After watching the video again, I downloaded the whole album from iTunes and was blown away by its awesomeness.
As with Acid Tongue, nearly every track is perfect. Her child-like voice meshes well with the jungle like beats. For an album that leans close to dance music, the lyrics have a lot of substance, which as a lyrics person I appreciate. The music sounds organic, as well. The drums sound like they were created with actual humans and not just humans pressing a button on a computer. They sound so organic that I swear some of them were created by just banging on the table or hitting sticks together.
Though I enjoy this kind of music, I find that it's hard to find a full album's worth of enjoyable songs, especially one that would make my number 2 spot for album of the year. But this one did it with ease. A must have.
Top Three Tracks: "Tonight", "Little Bit", "Everybody But Me"
3. Ingrid Michaelson: Be OK
Yes, I know this is more of an EP filled with previously released tracks and b-sides and covers. But I don't care. I stumbled across it when I was desperate for some new music. I have her previous album Girls and Boys and enjoyed it. I wouldn't put it anywhere near my favorites and most likely it did not make my top ten list the year it came out (though I believe the single, "The Way I Am" did, go figure). But I'm so happy I stumbled across this album.
I think Ingrid has found her niche with this album. This is a stripped down album full of sweet little ditties that really show off the beauty and range in her voice that I never knew she had. Either driven by piano or ukelele, these songs will pull at your heartstrings. The vocal arrangement on the track "The Chain" is so unbelievably gorgeous. Though the songs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Can't Help Falling In Love" seem to have been done to death, she actually brings something new to them. Each time I listen to this album, I find something new to love.
Top Three Tracks: "The Chain", "You and I", "Oh What A Day"
4. Haley Bonar: Big Star
When I first heard Haley Bonar's debut album ....The Size of Planets, I could hardly believe it was written by a 19 year old. Sure there was a bit of naivete that slipped through, but it was so endearing.
It appears Haley has grown up and really come into her own. She has found her niche. I think she struggled a bit with her last album "Lure the Fox", a darker outing that covered up her beautiful voice and ability to write a catchy hook. This album is full of catchy, quick tunes that leave you wanting more. One track, "Little Maiden Gin", currently holds the #1 spot on my most played list on iTunes due to it's short length and how I wish it would just keep going and going. It's a fun, sweet album that I enjoy singing along to, which in the end, is all I ever really ask for an album. Twelve tracks that I can sing along to.
Top Three Tracks: "Little Maiden Gin", "Green Eyed Boy", "Tiger Boy"
5. Cloud Cult: Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
As with every Cloud Cult album, I love it from the first note. If anyone asks who my favorite band is, it is them.
I was concerned about this ablum when I heard it was coming out. I felt it was too soon after their last album The Meaning of 8. But, as I said, after the first note, I was hooked and grateful for the new material.
As with most of their albums, most of the songs are about loss (the lead singer/guitarst lost a child to SIDS). The heartache and feeling lead singer Craig Minowa breathes into his words leaves me in a mixture of agony and joy.
The first half of this album is an amazing, orchestral, cinematic masterpiece. The string arranagements are much more advanced than previous efforts. But the latter half of the album takes a downward turn. It doesn't help that one of the songs uses the word "poop" in a completely serious matter. I was listening to this album on the bus when it first came out and enjoying it immensely and then that word popped up and completely took me out of it. I don't understand why they used it.
Top Three Tracks: "Everybody Here is a Cloud", "When Water Comes to Life", "The Ghost Inside Our House"
6. Mates of State: Re-Arrange Us
I cannot tell you how happy I am to have discovered their last album Bring It Back when it came out 2 years ago. I'm a sucker for guys and gals singing together, and the Mates of State do it so well. I was concerned that Bring It Back was an anomoly after hearing their previous efforts. But Re-Arrange Us proved me wrong.
Another album with 10 sing along mostly upbeat tracks. The opener, "Get Better" is everything you could ask for in an opening track. It grabs your attention from the get go and makes you want to hear the rest of the album.
I don't find Kori to have the greatest voice - she is a bit shouty - but that's what makes it so fun. You can shout along with her. That is much more fun that trying to follow the vocal antics of a Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey.
Their songs are full of big moments, fun harmonies, and catchy choruses. A great album to drive to.
Top Three Tracks: "Get Better", "My Only Offer", "Lullaby Haze"
7. Ani Difranco: Red Letter Year
Ani, Ani, Ani....you are on my list every year because you release an album every year. I think it might be time to say it....you need to take a break.
I still love your albums because they are you and even at your worst, I still find you to be better than most. Your albums also have the habit of growing on me, as this one did.
Upon first listen I was let down. Not by the songs, but by the production. Letting your babydaddy produce the album was not a good idea, no matter how much fun you had making it. I think you have a problem with taking things too far. You are an amazing guitarist and it is slipping through the noise of the bleeps and blips and distortions. Same with your lyrics and melodies and voice. What happened to singing? What is with this speak/shouting you have decided to do?
Either way, I still enjoy the album. It is nice to hear positive love songs from you for a change. Your politics are still front and center like on the title track and "Alla This". The sentiment of "Present/Infant" brings tears to my eyes. And though "The Atom" is full of scientific errors, I get what you're saying and the cresendo in the middle of the song is absolutely beautiful.
Top Three Tracks: "Emancipated Minor", "Way Tight", "Star Matter"
8. Tilly and the Wall: o
I'm going to be honest. I haven't paid close enough attention to this album to be able to describe the different tracks. What I can say, is that I enjoy listening to and that it doesn't stray from previous Tilly and the Wall efforts. So, if you like their old albums, you'll like this one, too. Which I did.
Top Three Tracks: "Pot Kettle Black", "Cacophony", "Dust Me Off"
9. Leona Naess: Thirteens
See the above description but change Tilly and the Wall to Leona Naess.
She is someone I have just recently been getting into. I love her voice. There are not a lot of stand out tracks on this album, but as a whole it has a nice mello vibe to it. A good Sunday afternoon album.
Top Three Tracks: "Ghost in the Attic", "Leave Your Boyfriends Behind", "Heavy Like Sunday"
10. Juliana Hatfield: How to Walk Away
This is a bit of a departure for Juliana. It kind of reminds me of Sheryl Crow's The Globe Session, in that it is an obvious break up album and written with a maturity that wasn't as apparent in previous efforts. That said, I do enjoy it. It's a nice little album.
Top Three Tracks: "The Fact Remains", "Just Lust", "Law of Nature"
Honorable Mention: Pierre de Reeder: The Way That It Was. I included this because I think more people should hear it. Pierre is another member of Rilo Kiley and I am just amazed at the talent that oozes from that group. A catchy "Beatlesque" (yuck, I can't believe I'm using that descriptor) album.
1. Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
This is the obvious number one pick for me. I think this album is perfect from beginning to end and has a vibe that holds throughout. Jenny Lewis has proven herself to be a real force in the music scene. Her work with Rilo Kiley and the Postal Service were a start. She has now released two exceptional solo albums that, I think, suprised everyone in their greatness.
I love the vibe of this album. It sounds like it came right out of 1976. The single piano chord punches that trickle in and out of songs like the opener "Black Sand" and "Trying My Best to Love You", the higher pitch Jenny sings in, the choral background vocals of the title track, the dirty dive bar bathroom sound to "The Next Messiah", and the suprise guests along the way. The only guest I could have done without is Elvis Costello. Don't get me wrong, I love Elvis Costello. But his work on the track "CarpetBaggers" is the only downer on an otherwise perfect album. His voice just doesn't work with Jenny's and comes in so abrasively that you feel a little assulted when he leaves.
Top Three Tracks: "Acid Tongue", "The Next Messiah", "Jack Killed Mom"
2. Lykke Li: Youth Novels
I first heard of Lykke Li through a co-worker who was watching her video on YouTube or MySpace or something. What I heard sounded great and I kept the name in my head.
A couple of months later, I came across her name again and decided to check her out. After watching the video again, I downloaded the whole album from iTunes and was blown away by its awesomeness.
As with Acid Tongue, nearly every track is perfect. Her child-like voice meshes well with the jungle like beats. For an album that leans close to dance music, the lyrics have a lot of substance, which as a lyrics person I appreciate. The music sounds organic, as well. The drums sound like they were created with actual humans and not just humans pressing a button on a computer. They sound so organic that I swear some of them were created by just banging on the table or hitting sticks together.
Though I enjoy this kind of music, I find that it's hard to find a full album's worth of enjoyable songs, especially one that would make my number 2 spot for album of the year. But this one did it with ease. A must have.
Top Three Tracks: "Tonight", "Little Bit", "Everybody But Me"
3. Ingrid Michaelson: Be OKYes, I know this is more of an EP filled with previously released tracks and b-sides and covers. But I don't care. I stumbled across it when I was desperate for some new music. I have her previous album Girls and Boys and enjoyed it. I wouldn't put it anywhere near my favorites and most likely it did not make my top ten list the year it came out (though I believe the single, "The Way I Am" did, go figure). But I'm so happy I stumbled across this album.
I think Ingrid has found her niche with this album. This is a stripped down album full of sweet little ditties that really show off the beauty and range in her voice that I never knew she had. Either driven by piano or ukelele, these songs will pull at your heartstrings. The vocal arrangement on the track "The Chain" is so unbelievably gorgeous. Though the songs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Can't Help Falling In Love" seem to have been done to death, she actually brings something new to them. Each time I listen to this album, I find something new to love.
Top Three Tracks: "The Chain", "You and I", "Oh What A Day"
4. Haley Bonar: Big StarWhen I first heard Haley Bonar's debut album ....The Size of Planets, I could hardly believe it was written by a 19 year old. Sure there was a bit of naivete that slipped through, but it was so endearing.
It appears Haley has grown up and really come into her own. She has found her niche. I think she struggled a bit with her last album "Lure the Fox", a darker outing that covered up her beautiful voice and ability to write a catchy hook. This album is full of catchy, quick tunes that leave you wanting more. One track, "Little Maiden Gin", currently holds the #1 spot on my most played list on iTunes due to it's short length and how I wish it would just keep going and going. It's a fun, sweet album that I enjoy singing along to, which in the end, is all I ever really ask for an album. Twelve tracks that I can sing along to.
Top Three Tracks: "Little Maiden Gin", "Green Eyed Boy", "Tiger Boy"
5. Cloud Cult: Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)As with every Cloud Cult album, I love it from the first note. If anyone asks who my favorite band is, it is them.
I was concerned about this ablum when I heard it was coming out. I felt it was too soon after their last album The Meaning of 8. But, as I said, after the first note, I was hooked and grateful for the new material.
As with most of their albums, most of the songs are about loss (the lead singer/guitarst lost a child to SIDS). The heartache and feeling lead singer Craig Minowa breathes into his words leaves me in a mixture of agony and joy.
The first half of this album is an amazing, orchestral, cinematic masterpiece. The string arranagements are much more advanced than previous efforts. But the latter half of the album takes a downward turn. It doesn't help that one of the songs uses the word "poop" in a completely serious matter. I was listening to this album on the bus when it first came out and enjoying it immensely and then that word popped up and completely took me out of it. I don't understand why they used it.
Top Three Tracks: "Everybody Here is a Cloud", "When Water Comes to Life", "The Ghost Inside Our House"
6. Mates of State: Re-Arrange UsI cannot tell you how happy I am to have discovered their last album Bring It Back when it came out 2 years ago. I'm a sucker for guys and gals singing together, and the Mates of State do it so well. I was concerned that Bring It Back was an anomoly after hearing their previous efforts. But Re-Arrange Us proved me wrong.
Another album with 10 sing along mostly upbeat tracks. The opener, "Get Better" is everything you could ask for in an opening track. It grabs your attention from the get go and makes you want to hear the rest of the album.
I don't find Kori to have the greatest voice - she is a bit shouty - but that's what makes it so fun. You can shout along with her. That is much more fun that trying to follow the vocal antics of a Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey.
Their songs are full of big moments, fun harmonies, and catchy choruses. A great album to drive to.
Top Three Tracks: "Get Better", "My Only Offer", "Lullaby Haze"
7. Ani Difranco: Red Letter YearAni, Ani, Ani....you are on my list every year because you release an album every year. I think it might be time to say it....you need to take a break.
I still love your albums because they are you and even at your worst, I still find you to be better than most. Your albums also have the habit of growing on me, as this one did.
Upon first listen I was let down. Not by the songs, but by the production. Letting your babydaddy produce the album was not a good idea, no matter how much fun you had making it. I think you have a problem with taking things too far. You are an amazing guitarist and it is slipping through the noise of the bleeps and blips and distortions. Same with your lyrics and melodies and voice. What happened to singing? What is with this speak/shouting you have decided to do?
Either way, I still enjoy the album. It is nice to hear positive love songs from you for a change. Your politics are still front and center like on the title track and "Alla This". The sentiment of "Present/Infant" brings tears to my eyes. And though "The Atom" is full of scientific errors, I get what you're saying and the cresendo in the middle of the song is absolutely beautiful.
Top Three Tracks: "Emancipated Minor", "Way Tight", "Star Matter"
8. Tilly and the Wall: o
I'm going to be honest. I haven't paid close enough attention to this album to be able to describe the different tracks. What I can say, is that I enjoy listening to and that it doesn't stray from previous Tilly and the Wall efforts. So, if you like their old albums, you'll like this one, too. Which I did.
Top Three Tracks: "Pot Kettle Black", "Cacophony", "Dust Me Off"
9. Leona Naess: ThirteensSee the above description but change Tilly and the Wall to Leona Naess.
She is someone I have just recently been getting into. I love her voice. There are not a lot of stand out tracks on this album, but as a whole it has a nice mello vibe to it. A good Sunday afternoon album.
Top Three Tracks: "Ghost in the Attic", "Leave Your Boyfriends Behind", "Heavy Like Sunday"
10. Juliana Hatfield: How to Walk Away
This is a bit of a departure for Juliana. It kind of reminds me of Sheryl Crow's The Globe Session, in that it is an obvious break up album and written with a maturity that wasn't as apparent in previous efforts. That said, I do enjoy it. It's a nice little album.
Top Three Tracks: "The Fact Remains", "Just Lust", "Law of Nature"
Honorable Mention: Pierre de Reeder: The Way That It Was. I included this because I think more people should hear it. Pierre is another member of Rilo Kiley and I am just amazed at the talent that oozes from that group. A catchy "Beatlesque" (yuck, I can't believe I'm using that descriptor) album.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Holiday Weekend Recap
Okay, I think this blog is starting to turn into a journal. Is that the way they are supposed to work?
Here's ther rundown:
Wednesday: Husband wasn't feeling well but I coaxed him into going out to a bar to see an old friend's band after getting a call from another friend. Changed our minds last minute after friend first called to say she wasn't ready when she was supposed to be and would be a half hour to 45 minutes late and then getting another call from her 15 minutes later asking if we could pick her up as her boyfriend was now not feeling well. I told her this evening just became difficult and I don't feel like going out anymore. It was getting too late.
Thursday: Thanksgiving at the in-laws. Chaos. Babies. Food. Games. 5 hours. We had to leave our dog at home this year because of the babies. That made me very sad. My dog loves grandma's house.
Friday: Brunch at my dad's. Sloppy Joes for everyone else, a salad for me. My family assumes if you don't eat meat, the only other thing you can possibly eat is salad. I did get some Christmas money from my dad which I ran out and spent that afternoon. Yes, I went out on black Friday. It wasn't so bad. Just a busy day at the mall. I didn't have to wait in any lines, though.
We spent Friday night at our neighbor's house. Our neighbors are such awesome people who have had a string of bad luck lately. They are slightly older than my husband and I and have two pre-teen daughters. My husband and the neigbor husband get along really well due to their mutual bicycle obsession. That leaves me to talk to the neighbor wife. We don't have much in common. I find once a woman has kids and does the stay at home mom thing, they have nothing else to talk about besides kids. Since I don't really like kids, this makes for difficult conversation.
Saturday: I raided Target on Saturday. It was awesome. All of their clothing was on clearance. We're talking $7 dresses. Their clothing is much improved. Although, I did get a new sweater and wore it today for the first time and it is already missing two buttons. Oh, well. It was only $8.
Saturday night my husband and I attended Haley Bonar's show. It was fantastic. It was my third time seeing her. She, like Target's clothing, is much improved. She had a full band who were super tight. I first saw her opening up for a couple of bands at 7th Street. You could barely hear her over the crowd noise. She was so quiet and timid. Now, total pro. Really great show.
Sunday: Sunday started out as a lazy day. I didn't get out of my pjs until about 5:00 when I had to jump in the shower and get ready to go to my friend's hockey game. He lost. I then went out to dinner at The Eatery for another friend's birthday dinner. I had the most amazing butternut squash dish. I will definitely be trying that recipe at home. Or, my husband will, as he is the cook.
Monday: My final day off. I woke up unable to walk. My left foot was incredibly tender. I must have just pulled something because it worked it's way out eventually. I still feel a little sore, but I can walk. I spent the day at home doing nothing. I played a little Tetris, played some guitar (actually composed and recorded a song on Garage Band), watched some talk shows. Then my husband came home, we made tacos for dinner, had some wine and I watched the best show on television: Prison Break. Really, fantastic television. I'm not being sarcastic.
Here's ther rundown:
Wednesday: Husband wasn't feeling well but I coaxed him into going out to a bar to see an old friend's band after getting a call from another friend. Changed our minds last minute after friend first called to say she wasn't ready when she was supposed to be and would be a half hour to 45 minutes late and then getting another call from her 15 minutes later asking if we could pick her up as her boyfriend was now not feeling well. I told her this evening just became difficult and I don't feel like going out anymore. It was getting too late.
Thursday: Thanksgiving at the in-laws. Chaos. Babies. Food. Games. 5 hours. We had to leave our dog at home this year because of the babies. That made me very sad. My dog loves grandma's house.
Friday: Brunch at my dad's. Sloppy Joes for everyone else, a salad for me. My family assumes if you don't eat meat, the only other thing you can possibly eat is salad. I did get some Christmas money from my dad which I ran out and spent that afternoon. Yes, I went out on black Friday. It wasn't so bad. Just a busy day at the mall. I didn't have to wait in any lines, though.
We spent Friday night at our neighbor's house. Our neighbors are such awesome people who have had a string of bad luck lately. They are slightly older than my husband and I and have two pre-teen daughters. My husband and the neigbor husband get along really well due to their mutual bicycle obsession. That leaves me to talk to the neighbor wife. We don't have much in common. I find once a woman has kids and does the stay at home mom thing, they have nothing else to talk about besides kids. Since I don't really like kids, this makes for difficult conversation.
Saturday: I raided Target on Saturday. It was awesome. All of their clothing was on clearance. We're talking $7 dresses. Their clothing is much improved. Although, I did get a new sweater and wore it today for the first time and it is already missing two buttons. Oh, well. It was only $8.
Saturday night my husband and I attended Haley Bonar's show. It was fantastic. It was my third time seeing her. She, like Target's clothing, is much improved. She had a full band who were super tight. I first saw her opening up for a couple of bands at 7th Street. You could barely hear her over the crowd noise. She was so quiet and timid. Now, total pro. Really great show.
Sunday: Sunday started out as a lazy day. I didn't get out of my pjs until about 5:00 when I had to jump in the shower and get ready to go to my friend's hockey game. He lost. I then went out to dinner at The Eatery for another friend's birthday dinner. I had the most amazing butternut squash dish. I will definitely be trying that recipe at home. Or, my husband will, as he is the cook.
Monday: My final day off. I woke up unable to walk. My left foot was incredibly tender. I must have just pulled something because it worked it's way out eventually. I still feel a little sore, but I can walk. I spent the day at home doing nothing. I played a little Tetris, played some guitar (actually composed and recorded a song on Garage Band), watched some talk shows. Then my husband came home, we made tacos for dinner, had some wine and I watched the best show on television: Prison Break. Really, fantastic television. I'm not being sarcastic.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Oui!
A friend of mine is planning a two to three week trip to Europe and Africa, spending most of her time in France as she used to live there. She sent out a request that her friends and family should find time during her trip to fly to France for lunch with the idea that how cool would it be to randomly see people from back home while you are abroad.
I think this is a fantastic idea.
I am now giddy with the possibility of going to Paris next May or June. My husband has enough frequent flyer miles saved for one round trip ticket overseas. So, we would just need to buy the other, money for a hotel, and spending cash. Totally feasible. We would leave on a Thursday night and return home on Sunday. Lunch, The Lourve, home. It sounds so awesome. I have never been overseas.
Just one problem, we are total procrastinators. A weekend trip to Paris takes a lot of pre-planning. We would have to save up enough money to buy the tickets as soon as we can, and most of our savings is already earmarked for home improvement projects that just need to be done.
We had once planned to go to Tokyo for New Years to visit a friend. We even both got passports. But then we waited and waited and then it was too late to get decent tickets and hotel rooms.
I just really want to do this. I think I'll start researching flights today.
I think this is a fantastic idea.
I am now giddy with the possibility of going to Paris next May or June. My husband has enough frequent flyer miles saved for one round trip ticket overseas. So, we would just need to buy the other, money for a hotel, and spending cash. Totally feasible. We would leave on a Thursday night and return home on Sunday. Lunch, The Lourve, home. It sounds so awesome. I have never been overseas.
Just one problem, we are total procrastinators. A weekend trip to Paris takes a lot of pre-planning. We would have to save up enough money to buy the tickets as soon as we can, and most of our savings is already earmarked for home improvement projects that just need to be done.
We had once planned to go to Tokyo for New Years to visit a friend. We even both got passports. But then we waited and waited and then it was too late to get decent tickets and hotel rooms.
I just really want to do this. I think I'll start researching flights today.
Monday, November 24, 2008
I Need To Be Inspired
Last night I attended a poetry and short stories reading at a local bar. My friend, a poet, was doing a reading. I haven't been to many of these things. I'm always fearful of being forced to sit and listen to people who take themselves way too seriously or ranting women cursing out ex-boyfriends. But last night was entertaining. The readers were mostly humorous.
What happens after I attend anything like this, an evening watching talented people express themselves either with words or music, is that I begin to feel very inspired and just want to run home and write, pick up the guitar, sing, turn on Garage Band and start creating. I go to bed with words and rhymes and verses running through my head. I begin to feel like I should be doing something like this or with this. I do believe I have a creative talent in me somewhere. I'm just not sure how to harness it.
I've been told repeatedly that I am a good writer (not that this blog is any indication of that). Usually, when told this, the person appears suprised.
But, I don't want to be a writer. I'm more into poetry and lyrics. I would love to be a little folksinger who plays at little bars every once in a while. I, in no way, would ever want it to be how I make a living. I don't strive for the spotlight. But I just think it would be a fun thing to do on the side. A hobby. A creative outlet.
But I am too shy and musically, not quite there. I can play guitar just fine. Well enough to hold my own, alone. But my voice is not up to par. I can sing. I can sing well. But not consistently. I don't have a lot of control over my voice. Some days I sound quite lovely, and the next like horseshit.
I do think I need to stick with writing and stick with this blog. It's been nice to come in every morning and just babble on to no one and everyone.
Like I'm on my very own stage.
What happens after I attend anything like this, an evening watching talented people express themselves either with words or music, is that I begin to feel very inspired and just want to run home and write, pick up the guitar, sing, turn on Garage Band and start creating. I go to bed with words and rhymes and verses running through my head. I begin to feel like I should be doing something like this or with this. I do believe I have a creative talent in me somewhere. I'm just not sure how to harness it.
I've been told repeatedly that I am a good writer (not that this blog is any indication of that). Usually, when told this, the person appears suprised.
But, I don't want to be a writer. I'm more into poetry and lyrics. I would love to be a little folksinger who plays at little bars every once in a while. I, in no way, would ever want it to be how I make a living. I don't strive for the spotlight. But I just think it would be a fun thing to do on the side. A hobby. A creative outlet.
But I am too shy and musically, not quite there. I can play guitar just fine. Well enough to hold my own, alone. But my voice is not up to par. I can sing. I can sing well. But not consistently. I don't have a lot of control over my voice. Some days I sound quite lovely, and the next like horseshit.
I do think I need to stick with writing and stick with this blog. It's been nice to come in every morning and just babble on to no one and everyone.
Like I'm on my very own stage.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Nothing More Than Feelings...
One month from yesterday will mark the 23rd anniversary of my mother's death. It's hard to believe it's been 23 years. I was 6 years old.
My brother sent an email out me and my siblings asking us to share our memories of mom. It's been really nice for me to read. As the youngest, I don't remember a whole lot. So it's nice to read about her as a mother of a teenager and adult women.
My oldest sister is 25 years my senior. My youngest sibling is 6 years older than me. I have 9 siblings in all. 6 sisters, 3 brothers. All half-siblings.
My mom was married twice before my dad, and my dad was married once before my mom. I am the only product of the two of them. My mother brought 5 kids to the marriage, my dad 4. All but two were out of the house already when I came along.
I had an older sister (10 years older) and older brother (6 years older) in the house growing up.
All of these emails going back and forth have reminded me that I used to have a "normal" childhood, however brief it lasted. I had a married mom and dad, we lived in a house with a yard, I had older brothers and sisters who played tricks on me and each other. We ate dinner together at night. I got in trouble when I did things wrong, and praised when I did them right. There were neighborhood kids who I was friends with and we would play all day. There were quirky sitcom-esq situations and serious "special episodes". We had Christmas trees and presents were purchased and wrapped without my knowledge of what they were. Everyone got together for the holidays. There were Easter egg hunts and Santas. People slept in beds. Birthday parties were had.
Then she died....and that all went away.
My "real" childhood consisted of a never ending rotation of 1 and 2 bedroom crappy apartments. Since my brother and sister were technically my mom's kids, dad threw them out. It was just he and I. Dinner mostly consisted of TV dinners. Sundays we had pot roast. I was already cooking for myself by the time I was 8. Well, heating crap in the microwave. Once I turned 9, I spent after school alone fending for myself (I had a daycare up until then, but dad pulled me out. If I remember correctly, there was a scandal with the provider's son. I was better off at home alone). I was never scolded or punished. I was spoiled rotten, in the only way poor people can be spoiled. My dad spent every extra dime he had on me. He never spent money on himself. He was a drinker, though. He would go out a lot, especially when I was younger. I spent many nights home alone. My mom's kids would come get me for holidays, I didn't see much of my dad's family. He kept to himself. He would get a Christmas tree then take me shopping and have me pick out several items, then he would choose from those and wrap them. After awhile, he just took me shopping. He did get me the biggest Easter basket every year. Depending on whether or not we had a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom, sometimes my room was the living room and I would sleep on the couch. I think I had one real birthday party after she died. My dad always acknowledged my birthday and would buy a Dairy Queen ice cream cake and presents, but I never had a real birthday party.
I won't get into my teen years because that is just way too much craziness.
I guess I'm just suddenly feeling very angry about my childhood and I never felt that way before. I was never the kid who was mad at their parent for dying, but now I kind of am. Or maybe I'm mad at my dad for not doing everything he could to give me a normal childhood.
I don't know. I should probably go to therapy.
My brother sent an email out me and my siblings asking us to share our memories of mom. It's been really nice for me to read. As the youngest, I don't remember a whole lot. So it's nice to read about her as a mother of a teenager and adult women.
My oldest sister is 25 years my senior. My youngest sibling is 6 years older than me. I have 9 siblings in all. 6 sisters, 3 brothers. All half-siblings.
My mom was married twice before my dad, and my dad was married once before my mom. I am the only product of the two of them. My mother brought 5 kids to the marriage, my dad 4. All but two were out of the house already when I came along.
I had an older sister (10 years older) and older brother (6 years older) in the house growing up.
All of these emails going back and forth have reminded me that I used to have a "normal" childhood, however brief it lasted. I had a married mom and dad, we lived in a house with a yard, I had older brothers and sisters who played tricks on me and each other. We ate dinner together at night. I got in trouble when I did things wrong, and praised when I did them right. There were neighborhood kids who I was friends with and we would play all day. There were quirky sitcom-esq situations and serious "special episodes". We had Christmas trees and presents were purchased and wrapped without my knowledge of what they were. Everyone got together for the holidays. There were Easter egg hunts and Santas. People slept in beds. Birthday parties were had.
Then she died....and that all went away.
My "real" childhood consisted of a never ending rotation of 1 and 2 bedroom crappy apartments. Since my brother and sister were technically my mom's kids, dad threw them out. It was just he and I. Dinner mostly consisted of TV dinners. Sundays we had pot roast. I was already cooking for myself by the time I was 8. Well, heating crap in the microwave. Once I turned 9, I spent after school alone fending for myself (I had a daycare up until then, but dad pulled me out. If I remember correctly, there was a scandal with the provider's son. I was better off at home alone). I was never scolded or punished. I was spoiled rotten, in the only way poor people can be spoiled. My dad spent every extra dime he had on me. He never spent money on himself. He was a drinker, though. He would go out a lot, especially when I was younger. I spent many nights home alone. My mom's kids would come get me for holidays, I didn't see much of my dad's family. He kept to himself. He would get a Christmas tree then take me shopping and have me pick out several items, then he would choose from those and wrap them. After awhile, he just took me shopping. He did get me the biggest Easter basket every year. Depending on whether or not we had a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom, sometimes my room was the living room and I would sleep on the couch. I think I had one real birthday party after she died. My dad always acknowledged my birthday and would buy a Dairy Queen ice cream cake and presents, but I never had a real birthday party.
I won't get into my teen years because that is just way too much craziness.
I guess I'm just suddenly feeling very angry about my childhood and I never felt that way before. I was never the kid who was mad at their parent for dying, but now I kind of am. Or maybe I'm mad at my dad for not doing everything he could to give me a normal childhood.
I don't know. I should probably go to therapy.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Cold, Clothing, and Chocolate
My desk is set right next to the coldest conference room of the office building. I keep the door closed to keep the cold air from blowing on me. It is always about 20 degrees in there no matter what time of year it is.
One of my co-workers seems to find it easier to do his work in there. He knows, because I have told him, to keep the door shut because I get very very cold. Yet, he always leaves it open. Then I get up to close it. Then he goes back in there and leaves it open. Then I close it again. I'm sitting here with my winter jacket on. Hello. I'm freezing.
Speaking of winter jackets (let's see if I can make this segue work), I've been reassessing my current clothing situation. I recycle the same 7-8 outfits each week. Sometimes I mix and match for variety, but essentially I wear the same pieces of clothing 7 days a week.
I find it very hard to hang onto clothing. Maybe I'm not washing them correctly, but they don't seem to last very long. And, I know this sounds ridiculous, but I think I shrink all of my clothes after washing them a certain amount of times. One day they fit, the next they don't. My weight can't possibly fluctuate this much, can it? I will wear a pair of jeans to work, wash them that night, try them on 2 days later, and they won't fit. I can barely get them buttoned. Same thing happens with shirts. So then those pieces of clothing get tossed aside and never worn again. I don't know what it is or what I do to my clothes to make this happen, but it's incredibly frustrating.
It also happens if I buy something new.
Let's say I have my favorite pair of jeans. I wear them 3-4 times a week. I get some extra money and go shopping and buy another pair of jeans. Suddenly, the old jeans no longer fit. It's very strange. I just chalk it up to the greater conspiracy that I believe is against me. I can't even begin to give you the details of this because it is all in my head. Maybe some bored weekend night I will choose to prattle on about it.
Back on track...anyway, I find clothes to be very difficult for me. I'm at the between size where I'm at the top size at a place like The Gap (14/16) and the very bottom at a place like Layne Bryant. So finding clothes that fit is near impossible. I try to keep it simple. Jean, long sleeve tees, sweaters. But that gets so boring. I just want fun, comfortable clothing. Why is it so hard?
Now, onto chocolate. I do realize that I need to lose some weight. But there is not much to cut from my diet since I actually eat pretty well. I have a bagel in the morning, a light lunch (either a sandwich or salad), and then a nice dinner of either pasta, fish and veggies, or a tuna sandwich. And, besides beer, I only drink water.
My one vice is chocolate. I looooooove chocolate. Every morning I used to get a large hot chocolate. I would also, at some point in the afternoon, have another form of chocolate. If someone in the office brought in some sort of sweet treat, I could not resist.
I am trying to only have chocolate once a week. So far so good. But it is only week two. Last week my treat was a slice of chocolate and peanut butter cake my co-worker brought in. It was divine and worth every bite.
I have yet to have chocolate this week. I'm trying to save it for something special like the slice of cake, but I will most likely end up grabbing a Dove bar at some point. Which will be good. I love Dove bars.
One of my co-workers seems to find it easier to do his work in there. He knows, because I have told him, to keep the door shut because I get very very cold. Yet, he always leaves it open. Then I get up to close it. Then he goes back in there and leaves it open. Then I close it again. I'm sitting here with my winter jacket on. Hello. I'm freezing.
Speaking of winter jackets (let's see if I can make this segue work), I've been reassessing my current clothing situation. I recycle the same 7-8 outfits each week. Sometimes I mix and match for variety, but essentially I wear the same pieces of clothing 7 days a week.
I find it very hard to hang onto clothing. Maybe I'm not washing them correctly, but they don't seem to last very long. And, I know this sounds ridiculous, but I think I shrink all of my clothes after washing them a certain amount of times. One day they fit, the next they don't. My weight can't possibly fluctuate this much, can it? I will wear a pair of jeans to work, wash them that night, try them on 2 days later, and they won't fit. I can barely get them buttoned. Same thing happens with shirts. So then those pieces of clothing get tossed aside and never worn again. I don't know what it is or what I do to my clothes to make this happen, but it's incredibly frustrating.
It also happens if I buy something new.
Let's say I have my favorite pair of jeans. I wear them 3-4 times a week. I get some extra money and go shopping and buy another pair of jeans. Suddenly, the old jeans no longer fit. It's very strange. I just chalk it up to the greater conspiracy that I believe is against me. I can't even begin to give you the details of this because it is all in my head. Maybe some bored weekend night I will choose to prattle on about it.
Back on track...anyway, I find clothes to be very difficult for me. I'm at the between size where I'm at the top size at a place like The Gap (14/16) and the very bottom at a place like Layne Bryant. So finding clothes that fit is near impossible. I try to keep it simple. Jean, long sleeve tees, sweaters. But that gets so boring. I just want fun, comfortable clothing. Why is it so hard?
Now, onto chocolate. I do realize that I need to lose some weight. But there is not much to cut from my diet since I actually eat pretty well. I have a bagel in the morning, a light lunch (either a sandwich or salad), and then a nice dinner of either pasta, fish and veggies, or a tuna sandwich. And, besides beer, I only drink water.
My one vice is chocolate. I looooooove chocolate. Every morning I used to get a large hot chocolate. I would also, at some point in the afternoon, have another form of chocolate. If someone in the office brought in some sort of sweet treat, I could not resist.
I am trying to only have chocolate once a week. So far so good. But it is only week two. Last week my treat was a slice of chocolate and peanut butter cake my co-worker brought in. It was divine and worth every bite.
I have yet to have chocolate this week. I'm trying to save it for something special like the slice of cake, but I will most likely end up grabbing a Dove bar at some point. Which will be good. I love Dove bars.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
To Music
I have a musical obsession. Out of the 16 hours a day I am awake, I spend at least 8 of them with music in my ear. The other 8 are spent either wishing I was listening or playing my guitar or singing to myself. Maybe it's more of an addiction.
I am constantly on the search for new music, yet have no time to listen to all of the music I currently have. Most of the time I'm not looking for new new music, I'm just digging for hidden gems from my favorites. I can't get enough.
And once I find an artist I like, I need to own everything they've ever done.
I love all kinds of music, too. I'm not picky. Sure, there are certain areas I prefer: The singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar formula will usually draw me in the fastest. But I love me some Britney Spears, as well. As I said in an earlier post, I'm also enjoying American Idol winner David Cook and his flyover rock sound. Other favorites include: Cloud Cult, Rilo Kiley/Jenny Lewis/The Elected, Jens Lekman, Ani Difranco, Damien Rice, Air, Erin McKeown, Bob Dylan, Regina Spektor, Cat Power, Sufjan Stevens, Blur, Mates of State, Oasis....the list goes on.
As I said above, I play guitar, as well. Love to play my guitar. If I'm just sitting around watching tv or waiting to go somewhere, the guitar is in my hands. I've been playing for 18 years now. I think I'm alright. I have some issues with my pinky finger that cause it to lock up, so I don't get too tricky. I love to write songs. I love to just sing and play as loud as I can. Unfortunately, I don't think my husband or neighbors appreciate that so much. I've decided when we finish our basement that I need to create a room down there that is sound proof so I can have my own space to play.
I love going to live shows. I get so inspired. I'm not one who likes to hang out afterwards because I usually just want to go home and play my guitar. I just love the immediateness of them. I love being in the moment with the musician.
I also love to dance. Put a couple of beers in me and I am a dancing fool.
Where am I going with this? Nowhere. I'm at work with my headphones on. The New Pornographers are currently playing. I was just thinking about how if I'm awake, I have music in my ears. I love music. I wrote this ode to music a while back:
TO MUSIC
the notes emanating from the fuzzy black speaker
swirl around my head
making my thoughts go deeper
inside my little room or shoved in my ears
they speak to me in a volume i choose
in melodies i love to hear
and it seems there is never enough
i can never get my fill
or soothe the itch that creeps through me still
i long at all hours to hear the plucking of strings
or the pounding of ivory
i long to hear voices from heaven
or voices from hell
snarling or harking
sometimes it's hard to tell
the difference
the difference between love and hate can be smudged in a song
the song is sometimes the only thing that can keep me moving along
whether down in the deepest pits
or high on the northern most star
it follows my mood no matter how far swung
takes hostage my lungs
vaccuums up my breath
pulls the water from eyes
doesn't matter whether a flower blooms
or a friendship dies
there is hope
in harmonies
there is realness
in wrong notes
there is change
in melodies
there is a life in every song ever written
every word is lulled from somewhere
every chord is a call to every emotion within
everytime i sing
or just listen
i can seem them
memories as distant or as new as the day
floating from behind my eyes
wanting to share their tales
of successes and failures
of songs lost in time
lives lost to my eyes
i toast to music
to the song and the writer
i toast to southern harmonies
and to smokey clubs
and to concert halls and stadiums
i toast to jazz
to r and b
i toast to what moves me
i toast to folk
the protest singers
i toast to the pop tarts
who make the skies more blue
and the grass a little greener
i toast to garages across the world
and all the songs i'll never hear
i toast to the outdoor festivals
with eclectic bands and domestic beer
i toast to rap for making life more interesting
with all it's controversy
and to funk
for making me dance
i toast to every artist who's ever made it
and for those that never got a chance
and i toast to hoping i never get my fill
that this itch is never relenting
and that music be my will
I am constantly on the search for new music, yet have no time to listen to all of the music I currently have. Most of the time I'm not looking for new new music, I'm just digging for hidden gems from my favorites. I can't get enough.
And once I find an artist I like, I need to own everything they've ever done.
I love all kinds of music, too. I'm not picky. Sure, there are certain areas I prefer: The singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar formula will usually draw me in the fastest. But I love me some Britney Spears, as well. As I said in an earlier post, I'm also enjoying American Idol winner David Cook and his flyover rock sound. Other favorites include: Cloud Cult, Rilo Kiley/Jenny Lewis/The Elected, Jens Lekman, Ani Difranco, Damien Rice, Air, Erin McKeown, Bob Dylan, Regina Spektor, Cat Power, Sufjan Stevens, Blur, Mates of State, Oasis....the list goes on.
As I said above, I play guitar, as well. Love to play my guitar. If I'm just sitting around watching tv or waiting to go somewhere, the guitar is in my hands. I've been playing for 18 years now. I think I'm alright. I have some issues with my pinky finger that cause it to lock up, so I don't get too tricky. I love to write songs. I love to just sing and play as loud as I can. Unfortunately, I don't think my husband or neighbors appreciate that so much. I've decided when we finish our basement that I need to create a room down there that is sound proof so I can have my own space to play.
I love going to live shows. I get so inspired. I'm not one who likes to hang out afterwards because I usually just want to go home and play my guitar. I just love the immediateness of them. I love being in the moment with the musician.
I also love to dance. Put a couple of beers in me and I am a dancing fool.
Where am I going with this? Nowhere. I'm at work with my headphones on. The New Pornographers are currently playing. I was just thinking about how if I'm awake, I have music in my ears. I love music. I wrote this ode to music a while back:
TO MUSIC
the notes emanating from the fuzzy black speaker
swirl around my head
making my thoughts go deeper
inside my little room or shoved in my ears
they speak to me in a volume i choose
in melodies i love to hear
and it seems there is never enough
i can never get my fill
or soothe the itch that creeps through me still
i long at all hours to hear the plucking of strings
or the pounding of ivory
i long to hear voices from heaven
or voices from hell
snarling or harking
sometimes it's hard to tell
the difference
the difference between love and hate can be smudged in a song
the song is sometimes the only thing that can keep me moving along
whether down in the deepest pits
or high on the northern most star
it follows my mood no matter how far swung
takes hostage my lungs
vaccuums up my breath
pulls the water from eyes
doesn't matter whether a flower blooms
or a friendship dies
there is hope
in harmonies
there is realness
in wrong notes
there is change
in melodies
there is a life in every song ever written
every word is lulled from somewhere
every chord is a call to every emotion within
everytime i sing
or just listen
i can seem them
memories as distant or as new as the day
floating from behind my eyes
wanting to share their tales
of successes and failures
of songs lost in time
lives lost to my eyes
i toast to music
to the song and the writer
i toast to southern harmonies
and to smokey clubs
and to concert halls and stadiums
i toast to jazz
to r and b
i toast to what moves me
i toast to folk
the protest singers
i toast to the pop tarts
who make the skies more blue
and the grass a little greener
i toast to garages across the world
and all the songs i'll never hear
i toast to the outdoor festivals
with eclectic bands and domestic beer
i toast to rap for making life more interesting
with all it's controversy
and to funk
for making me dance
i toast to every artist who's ever made it
and for those that never got a chance
and i toast to hoping i never get my fill
that this itch is never relenting
and that music be my will
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
I come into Mondays with a lot on my brain. A weekend worth of pondering whilst raking leaves or cleaning the house or running errands leaves me with a lot on my mind. Being new to blogging, I'm never sure if I should break all of these thoughts into separate posts to keep things clear, or just dump them all under one header and be done with it.
I think this unknowing stems from a deeper problem of mine: What is everyone else doing? Am I doing this right?
I doubt myself constantly and I am constantly looking for acceptance. I certainly have a void I am looking to fill. I'm sure a psychologist would tell me it is due to my mom dying when I was young and me looking to replace that relationship. It's blaringly obvious that's what it is.
Knowing this about myself, I tend to be very aware when I am doing something based on filling a void. But lately, I am becoming more and more unsure of the reasons behind why I do what I do. I'm trying to make some changes, but I don't know if I will be able to pull them off. These are the same changes I try to make over and over again, but I never seem to be able to follow through.
Here are the changes I am trying to make and the reasons why I have difficulty keeping them.
1. No More Chocolate. I'm having some serious weight gain issues. I always put on weight this time of year. I think that has more to do with my activity levels dropping than anything else. I just want to stay in and curl up on the couch evey night. Because of this, I need to cut back on what I eat. Unfortunately, I eat pretty well. There isn't much I can cut back from in my daily meals. I also don't believe in depriving myself. I am, however, a chocoholic. I cannot resist it. I have a large hot chocolate from Caribou every morning. I will usually find a chocolate snack at some point in the afternoon and then some sort of sweet dessert after dinner. I know that if I just cut these things out, my calorie intake will drop dramatically and so will the weight. I stopped drinking soda years ago and noticed a difference in my face almost immediately. I also quit smoking over a year ago and I don't have that nicotine crutch to use when I am craving chocolate. The only beverages besides hot chocolate that I drink are water, orange juice, and beer. I don't drink coffee or tea or soda. I think this no chocolate thing will help immensley. I will treat myself once a week to some, though. But that's it. Of course, being that this is the first day of my resistance, one co-worker brought in homemade chocolate chip cookies and another brought in donuts. So far, so good though.
2. Stop Caring What My Peers Think Of Me. I bend and mold myself for others. I tend to act like a stupid puppy around people I deem "cooler" than me. I'm almost 30 and I still feel like I'm supposed to live up to some ultra-hip standard of cool that I've set up for myself. It doesn't help that I now work for a media company full of these ultra-hipsters who are constantly coming back from some ultra-hip place and when they ask what I did over the weekend, I feel like a jackass when I say "I stayed home...again." It's not that I don't go out. I'm just very picky about what I want to do. I love to see live shows, but I don't necessarily want to go and see every new local band that sprouts up just so I can say I saw them first. I'm also very very scared of getting a DWI. When I go out, I like to have a few beers. So, it's either stay close to home or take a very expensive cab. The cab is out of the question (can't afford it), so I just stay home and try to make the nights that I do go out to be extra special. I need to be okay with this. I also need to be okay with not being able to wear the latest fashions. I do not have the budget to spend on clothing. I've never been a fashionable person. I've always just worn whatever. But lately I've been trying so hard, that my wardrobe has fallen apart and is just filled with pieces that don't go together and now I look like I try to hard. I just need to get back to my basic jeans and tee ensembles.
3. Become A Better Wife. I don't mean this in the old fashioned sense of having dinner on the table when he comes home from work or anything, but due to number 2 on this list, I tend to neglect him and his needs. I am so lucky to have such a supportive, nuturing, loving husband. He is everything I could ever want. I want to start making our nights at home more special. I want to try to let him know more often what he means to me and how grateful I am to have him in my life. Because, honestly, there is nothing I enjoy more than a Saturday night at home with my husband and my dog. I need to remember that all those people I see at bars and clubs who are constantly on the prowl are more than likely looking for what I already have. One thing I know is that I love my husband and I love the little life we have created for ourselves.
4. Be A Stronger Woman. I've always been a pushover. This goes along with my constant need of acceptance.
So that's that. Those are the 4 changes I really need to make with myself. Is it close enough to New Years to make them resolutions? Oh, New Years. Let me throw this on here, too. I will not feel down on myself if I have no happening party to attend on New Years Eve. Truth be told, I hate going out on New Years. It's DWI waiting to happen. I love just getting a bottle of champagne and toasting my husband in our living room while we sit by the fire and listen to music.
I think this unknowing stems from a deeper problem of mine: What is everyone else doing? Am I doing this right?
I doubt myself constantly and I am constantly looking for acceptance. I certainly have a void I am looking to fill. I'm sure a psychologist would tell me it is due to my mom dying when I was young and me looking to replace that relationship. It's blaringly obvious that's what it is.
Knowing this about myself, I tend to be very aware when I am doing something based on filling a void. But lately, I am becoming more and more unsure of the reasons behind why I do what I do. I'm trying to make some changes, but I don't know if I will be able to pull them off. These are the same changes I try to make over and over again, but I never seem to be able to follow through.
Here are the changes I am trying to make and the reasons why I have difficulty keeping them.
1. No More Chocolate. I'm having some serious weight gain issues. I always put on weight this time of year. I think that has more to do with my activity levels dropping than anything else. I just want to stay in and curl up on the couch evey night. Because of this, I need to cut back on what I eat. Unfortunately, I eat pretty well. There isn't much I can cut back from in my daily meals. I also don't believe in depriving myself. I am, however, a chocoholic. I cannot resist it. I have a large hot chocolate from Caribou every morning. I will usually find a chocolate snack at some point in the afternoon and then some sort of sweet dessert after dinner. I know that if I just cut these things out, my calorie intake will drop dramatically and so will the weight. I stopped drinking soda years ago and noticed a difference in my face almost immediately. I also quit smoking over a year ago and I don't have that nicotine crutch to use when I am craving chocolate. The only beverages besides hot chocolate that I drink are water, orange juice, and beer. I don't drink coffee or tea or soda. I think this no chocolate thing will help immensley. I will treat myself once a week to some, though. But that's it. Of course, being that this is the first day of my resistance, one co-worker brought in homemade chocolate chip cookies and another brought in donuts. So far, so good though.
2. Stop Caring What My Peers Think Of Me. I bend and mold myself for others. I tend to act like a stupid puppy around people I deem "cooler" than me. I'm almost 30 and I still feel like I'm supposed to live up to some ultra-hip standard of cool that I've set up for myself. It doesn't help that I now work for a media company full of these ultra-hipsters who are constantly coming back from some ultra-hip place and when they ask what I did over the weekend, I feel like a jackass when I say "I stayed home...again." It's not that I don't go out. I'm just very picky about what I want to do. I love to see live shows, but I don't necessarily want to go and see every new local band that sprouts up just so I can say I saw them first. I'm also very very scared of getting a DWI. When I go out, I like to have a few beers. So, it's either stay close to home or take a very expensive cab. The cab is out of the question (can't afford it), so I just stay home and try to make the nights that I do go out to be extra special. I need to be okay with this. I also need to be okay with not being able to wear the latest fashions. I do not have the budget to spend on clothing. I've never been a fashionable person. I've always just worn whatever. But lately I've been trying so hard, that my wardrobe has fallen apart and is just filled with pieces that don't go together and now I look like I try to hard. I just need to get back to my basic jeans and tee ensembles.
3. Become A Better Wife. I don't mean this in the old fashioned sense of having dinner on the table when he comes home from work or anything, but due to number 2 on this list, I tend to neglect him and his needs. I am so lucky to have such a supportive, nuturing, loving husband. He is everything I could ever want. I want to start making our nights at home more special. I want to try to let him know more often what he means to me and how grateful I am to have him in my life. Because, honestly, there is nothing I enjoy more than a Saturday night at home with my husband and my dog. I need to remember that all those people I see at bars and clubs who are constantly on the prowl are more than likely looking for what I already have. One thing I know is that I love my husband and I love the little life we have created for ourselves.
4. Be A Stronger Woman. I've always been a pushover. This goes along with my constant need of acceptance.
So that's that. Those are the 4 changes I really need to make with myself. Is it close enough to New Years to make them resolutions? Oh, New Years. Let me throw this on here, too. I will not feel down on myself if I have no happening party to attend on New Years Eve. Truth be told, I hate going out on New Years. It's DWI waiting to happen. I love just getting a bottle of champagne and toasting my husband in our living room while we sit by the fire and listen to music.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sinking in
I think it's really just starting to sink in that Obama won. I was just finally able to watch his press conference today and I was so pleased for so many reasons. One, that he came out with this presidential air. You can't deny his presence and that does matter. When he begins to meet with other leaders, this will be a big factor after 8 years of Bush. Two, that he had plans and was ready to discuss them. He is so obviously ready to start his new job. And three, that I finally have a president I can withstand listening to for longer than 20 seconds. 20 seconds was about my Bush threshold.
This whole election was historical. Our two democratic top prospects were a woman and a black man. The VP pic for the GOP was a woman. It was really an amazing presidential election 'season'.
I am still just so proud of our country for this pick.
But now we need to look to California and try to stop the hate that is happening there. It is so frustrating that when our country finally moves forward in it's struggle with race relations that we now our struggling over sexual relations. It just seems that, as a country, we have always needed someone to pick on. This bullying needs to stop. Let these people love who they choose to love. I'm not a religious person, but if you truly believe in god, then god made everyone who they are and made them that way for a reason. Don't deny your gay/bi/lesbian/transgender/transsexual brothers and sisters the same civil rights that everyone else on this earth receives.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes we did.
We did it. We have made a change.
I spent last night crying into my wine glass. Happy, happy tears. I could not believe what I was seeing. After 2 elections where Bush was declared the winner, I just didn't think our country had it in them.
I am so proud of my fellow Americans. I am once again proud to be an American. I look at President-Elect Obama (can't believe I get to type that!!!!!) and see a glorious future for our country. Even if he is unable to fulfill every promise he has made, I know that he will try.
He has shown us and the world that anyone can do anything. He is the American dream.
There is a different vibe in my city this morning. People seem friendlier. Everyone is saying hello to each other. There is a definite positive energy filling the streets. It's a wonderful thing.
And in Obama's America, I didn't wake up with a hangover.
I spent last night crying into my wine glass. Happy, happy tears. I could not believe what I was seeing. After 2 elections where Bush was declared the winner, I just didn't think our country had it in them.
I am so proud of my fellow Americans. I am once again proud to be an American. I look at President-Elect Obama (can't believe I get to type that!!!!!) and see a glorious future for our country. Even if he is unable to fulfill every promise he has made, I know that he will try.
He has shown us and the world that anyone can do anything. He is the American dream.
There is a different vibe in my city this morning. People seem friendlier. Everyone is saying hello to each other. There is a definite positive energy filling the streets. It's a wonderful thing.
And in Obama's America, I didn't wake up with a hangover.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I voted
I voted and almost cried in the booth out of sheer excitement and the possibilities today can bring.
Now I am at work, unable to concentrate. I just want to fast forward this day until about 7:00 tonight.
I will be attending an event tonight to watch the elections unfold. As with the rest of America, I just really hope it goes my way.
It is so hard for me to wrap my brain around how someone could vote for someone like McCain and Palin. How listening to them speak inspires them to make a change. They inspire me to crawl into the darkest of corners with my hands over my ears screaming "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!!!" until they're done talking.
Bush was elected because people thought he'd be someone they want to have a beer with. I've had beer with many many people, and there is not a single one of them I would elect to run this country.
People like Palin because she's a hockey mom...one of us. Like above, I have spoken to many many hockey moms...not one of them I would elect to run the country.
Because, yes, a vote for McCain as president is a vote for Palin as president. I just don't see McCain lasting another 4 years. Her "You Betcha" way of speaking is not going to fly outside of the U.S.
My ultimate hope no matter which way this election goes, is that it is a clear cut win. No matter questions of voter fraud, hanging chads. By tomorrow morning, this had better be finished so we can all move on with our lives. For better or worse.
Now I am at work, unable to concentrate. I just want to fast forward this day until about 7:00 tonight.
I will be attending an event tonight to watch the elections unfold. As with the rest of America, I just really hope it goes my way.
It is so hard for me to wrap my brain around how someone could vote for someone like McCain and Palin. How listening to them speak inspires them to make a change. They inspire me to crawl into the darkest of corners with my hands over my ears screaming "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!!!" until they're done talking.
Bush was elected because people thought he'd be someone they want to have a beer with. I've had beer with many many people, and there is not a single one of them I would elect to run this country.
People like Palin because she's a hockey mom...one of us. Like above, I have spoken to many many hockey moms...not one of them I would elect to run the country.
Because, yes, a vote for McCain as president is a vote for Palin as president. I just don't see McCain lasting another 4 years. Her "You Betcha" way of speaking is not going to fly outside of the U.S.
My ultimate hope no matter which way this election goes, is that it is a clear cut win. No matter questions of voter fraud, hanging chads. By tomorrow morning, this had better be finished so we can all move on with our lives. For better or worse.
Friday, October 31, 2008
First Words
I decided I need an outlet.
I go to bed every night with way too many thoughts running through my head and absolutely nowhere to put them.
I dump a lot of it on my husband, poor guy. He handles it well. But I know there are other ways he'd like to spend his free time, as well.
So here I am.
I've come to join the ranks of millions of other people who feel that the world wants to....needs to know what they have to say.
Actually, as I said, I just need a place to store my thoughts.
This blog is not important. It will not change your life. It will only help to serve my own ego and to help me sleep better.
I also just really like to write - or should I say type?
I go to bed every night with way too many thoughts running through my head and absolutely nowhere to put them.
I dump a lot of it on my husband, poor guy. He handles it well. But I know there are other ways he'd like to spend his free time, as well.
So here I am.
I've come to join the ranks of millions of other people who feel that the world wants to....needs to know what they have to say.
Actually, as I said, I just need a place to store my thoughts.
This blog is not important. It will not change your life. It will only help to serve my own ego and to help me sleep better.
I also just really like to write - or should I say type?
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