a war of head versus heart

The One Where I Say Goodbye To Blogger

2009-07-27T01:20:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone -

I've been blogging here for over a year and I have decided to cross over to Tumblr. Actually, I created the whole new blog over a week ago (two weeks ago? I don't even remember) and I just haven't had the time/energy (read: I am a huge procrastinator) to do the whole switchover as of yet. Basically, the format is a lot easier and to be honest, I'm kind of over Blogger. For anyone who reads my tiny slice of the Internet, you can find me at http://goose98.tumblr.com. Once I figure out comments I'll definitely add them (contradiction of why I'm leaving?), but in the meantime feel free to email me at speedygoose98@gmail.com, google chat me, or AIM me at ... duh ... speedygoose98. I'm keeping every one of you in my Google Reader, so don't think this means goodbye in any way, shape, or form. If anything I'll be blogging more, so I guess in honor of this blog's name, I'll post the lyrics I took it from. Oh yeah - I'm going to keep the name. It's near and dear and what not.

Death Cab For Cutie - Crooked Teeth

It was 100 degrees as we sat beneath a willow tree whose tears didn’t care: they just hung in the air and refused to fall
And I knew then I’d made a horrible call and now the state line felt like the Berlin Wall
And there was no doubt about which side I was on

‘Cause I built you a home in my heart with rotten wood and it decayed from the start

And you can’t find nothin’ at all if there was nothin’ there all along

I braved treacherous streets and kids strung out on homemade speed
And we shared a bed in which I could not sleep at all
‘Cause at night the sun in retreat made the skyline look like crooked teeth in the mouth of a man who was devouring us both

You’re so cute when you’re slurring your speech but they’re closing the bar and they want us to leave

And you can’t find nothin’ at all if there was nothin’ there all along

I’m a war of head versus heart and it’s always this way
My head is weak and my heart always speaks before I know what it will say

And you can’t find nothin’ at all if there was nothin’ there all along
There were churches, theme parks and malls but there was nothing there all along

Best Of June 2009

2009-07-27T01:08:00.004-04:00

*Insert comment about how ridiculously late I am with this post here*

No particular order:

Wilco - (The Album)

The Mars Volta - Octahedron

Taking Back Sunday - New Again

Regina Spektor - Far

Placebo - Battle For The Sun

Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King

dredg - The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion

The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life And Death

Bwahaha! x Infinity

2009-07-23T07:41:00.000-04:00

Oh my Jeebus!

(via)

Lyrics On A Wall

2009-07-19T21:03:00.004-04:00

Part of this weekend included drawing and painting the lyrics to I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie onto the living room wall. Pretty BA, I know. The muscles in my forearm hurt a little from all the perfectionistic erasing and do-overs. It still managed to turn out pretty awesome.

Wise Words

2009-07-14T01:49:00.001-04:00

“Don’t you think it’s better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?”

- Audrey Niffenegger

Diamonds In The Sky

2009-07-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

Tonight on my way in to work I looked up through my sunroof and saw the most beautiful sight: the sky was as clear as glass and there were a million stars. Of course, I had to do the "dart the occasional glance" dance with my eyes due to the whole driving thing (what a bother) but it was so peaceful and serene it kind of made me want to stop the car and just watch the sky for hours.

Mind you, it also reminded me of this one time my friend Jeremy and I ...

... don't be a perv, just read.

I used to be pretty heavy into photography back in college. You know, where there was use of a darkroom for free at all hours and film and supplies came at a supreme discount. Nowadays I can't get near any of it due to the fact that I'm damn near poor, but I digress. Anyways, I really wanted to try a time-lapse photo project for the next critique our class was having, so being the great friend Jeremy was, he agreed to go out into the wilderness (basically an unpopulated area of backwoods in Georgia by the high school) and sit in my Jeep with me whilst I tried out my new tripod and time-lapse photo technique. Run on sentence much? We should have taken supplies, because there were a few snafus with flashlights, giggles, and ghost stories - we ended up staying out there until sun up. We both got as scared as little girls, and I'm not going to lie and say that there weren't a few really high pitched screams either. He can tell some really scary stories, and I swear on everything holy I saw a Kimodo Dragon with a bull head run across the woods in front of us. Ok, so maybe I've been watching a little too much True Blood. (I'm on book 4 now, btw - woohoo!) The photo turned out great and my critique went really well. I'd scan it in but it doesn't show up really well on here. One day I'd love to have my own darkroom and really delve into photography again, but I digress...again - $$. In the meantime I'll have fun with digital and my friend Kelly, I'm helping her out every now and then and she gives me lots of great tips - check her out!

Point? Take time to stop and appreciate the beautiful things that you see around you. Not often do you really get to see them. Cue warm fuzzies.

Far Studio Update 2

2009-07-13T07:39:00.001-04:00

Yes.

I'm On A Bike

2009-07-10T02:21:00.003-04:00

I’m on a bike
I’m on a bike
Everybody look at me cause I’m riding on a bike
I’m on a bike
I’m on a bike
Take a good hard look at the motherfuckin’ bike

I’m on a bike motherfucker take a look at me
Straight riding on a bike fast as the Grand Prix

(via)

Straight up lolz right there.

Dancing around in your old suits going crazy in your room again...

2009-07-09T01:41:00.008-04:00

So. On my way to work tonight I was listening to an album that I spent A LOT of time with about four years ago. By a lot I mean at least once a day for a number of months. Then I got over my situation and put it away for a while. I don't associate it with anything bad, I have great memories with it too, it just happened to help me through a rough time and I will love it forever. Anyways, every now and then a song would come up on my shuffle and I would think, hey, this album is the shit. And it really is. In my opinion, The Execution Of All Things is Rilo Kiley's best. The Good That Won't Come Out, which is the first video below, is also responsible for getting me into them and will probably remain my favorite song of theirs for all time. The second video is Capturing Moods, which has its moments, and tonight between Lowell and Ada was one of them. Enjoy!

The Legendary Roots Crew & Stone Temple Pilots

2009-07-08T04:58:00.006-04:00

(via)

Last night at Common Ground in Lansing. All I can say is Holy.Mother.Truck. Wow.

Cup Noodles

2009-07-08T03:52:00.001-04:00

SO much more than a soup. (I don't like to eat it in a soup-like consistency anyways, but anyways...)

I'm A Fan

2009-07-06T01:29:00.002-04:00

A short documentary in which we learn the origins of Bon Iver. Le sigh.

(via)

Friendships And Such

2009-07-03T01:38:00.005-04:00

I was reading Sam's blog earlier regarding the lack of emphasis on maintaining friendships here in Michigan vs Los Angeles, and it got me thinking. We aren't all thrown together in a random potluck of people like they are in LA just trying to get by or make it in some capacity without our families and friends, we're already stuck here. Our families and friendships have been here forever, we see each other all the time, life is kinda boring, there isn't the excitement or hustle and bustle like there is out there. It's Michigan. But at the same time, it's Michigan! It's hard to explain, because it is still a great place to be, you just have to make it your great place to be. And believe me, that's pretty frickin' hard to do sometimes.

But, not all of us take for granted the friendships that we have right in front of us. It might seem that way sometimes, and it's no excuse, but life gets in the way - obligations like work, family, etc. I'm sure that happens just about everywhere, though.

In my life, I've been incredibly fortunate to make a quite a few friends across the country, and even the world. Maybe because I've lived in so many different places, maybe because of my independent streak for traveling across the country to see bands and meet up with strangers who become like kin to me. I think (or hope, rather) this gives me a greater appreciation for the value of friendship. I think my friends are the only way I can truly make it through every day. I don't know if it was my parents trying to instill this quality in me or myself, but I try to be as genuine as possible and as grateful as I can for every person that crosses my path. I believe that everything happens for a reason and the people in my life are there for a purpose. I also hope that I never, ever lose sight of these two qualities as they are what I believe to be some of my finer points.

Maybe I'm rambling here, but I was trying to respond to Sam by saying, "Hey, I think I get where you were coming from, and even though you thought you were coming across in a negative way I don't really think you were." It's hard to get your point across in the blogging medium because when you aren't speaking and using hand guestures, facial movements, and tone; people can't really see what you're trying to convey and they have to take what you're saying at face value (or typed value...whatevs). ANYWAYS, that's 90% of why I went to Bonnaroo a few weeks ago. Yeah, I really wanted to see all of those bands. But really really? I wanted to spend quality time with a group of awesome people that are part of my "chosen" family. And there are a few people in Michigan that I consider to be on that level as well, maybe they just don't realize it. (I'm talking to four of you that I know read this blog, specifically.) And to one of you, I knew that moving back here would at the least be a tad difficult - I just hope that the real friendships that you do have here will prove to be as meaningful in their own ways as the ones you have out in LA. I'm not harshin' on your melon, as Pauly Shore would say, *nerd alert* I'm trying to relate and let you know that we (your mitten friends) are here for you too. And if you want to have some huge group hangouts, the House of Sin is no stranger to hosting some pretty decent parties and your roommate is pretty cool about having people over. Just sayin'!

As for that picture up there, I'm missing those guys pretty damn hard right about now. Minus the guy in the back with the crooked hat, mostly because he was hella weird in a not so good way and I don't know him very well. I mean, who gets THAT terrified of a dinosaur on a Cheerios box? CTFO.

Uhhh, thanks?

2009-07-02T03:08:00.003-04:00

Wow, thanks McDonald's! You've given me a real confidence booster by plastering this all over my cup.

Way To Work Playlist

2009-07-01T03:10:00.002-04:00

Tonight on my way to work I hit the old shuffle (shooflay) and waited for the randomness to spew forth. Usually I get the "ok" mix, half-hearted at best with the sporadic FY song thrown in. Tonight, however, I was treated to an epic, one of a kind playlist where every song was just what I needed. Granted, it could have been a million times better had some Journey been tossed in, but I'm not going to complain. And so, I present to you the awesomeness of my ride to work. I know it is pretty diverse, but that's just how I roll. kthnxbye.

Cortez The Killer - Dave Matthews Band featuring Warren Haynes
Got A Call - Land Of Talk
Micro Cuts - Muse
Ocean Breathes Salty - Modest Mouse
My Skin Is Thicker Than I Wanted - The Revolution Smile
Bury White - Far
Good Morning Beautiful - Deftones
The Day The World Went Away - Nine Inch Nails
A Beautiful Mess - Jason Mraz
Our Swords - Band Of Horses
Maynard's Dick - Tool
Biscuit - Portishead
Go Easy - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
True Love Way - Kings Of Leon

Coincidence

2009-06-30T04:38:00.003-04:00

(via)

Sam said this to me the other day while we were sitting on the couch, and I saw it this morning during my daily perusal of the interwebz (aka bored time) whilst my computer uploads a bunch of crap at work. Had to simply because he said it due to something the cat did. Hehe.

Am I Crazy?

2009-06-30T03:00:00.004-04:00

Two things.

1. I found a space heater sitting all by its lonesome in a corner at work so I decided to take it under my wing and let it reside in my cube. I know you are thinking the answer to my blog title (which is also a question) is YES! but I am here to tell you that it gets to sub-zero temperatures during third shift so really, it is a blessing in disguise. Srsly, I can't wear skirts or dresses (in the summer, crazy right?) and I am reduced to sweaters and pants for workwear. A girl across the hall even keeps a blanket on hand. Back to my neato little heater... One problem is that it has taken to blowing the breakers so my computer will randomly turn off and lose all of the information I was working on, but isn't that a small price to pay to not freeze my ass off? Exactly. The other problem is that when I turn my face away from the nice beachy breeze I get an arctic blast and henceforth I have to lean in towards the heater. If I had super awesome picture taking skillz and the self-confidence of Tyra Banks (loathe) I'd show you what I mean. Instead you get to use your super cool imaginations.

2. I forgot the second thing while I was typing out the first because I was so excited about being semi-thawed out.

Good day.

...

I said good day!

EDIT:

I remember now.

The second thing was this: after watching Sunday night's True Blood (btw, I am only done reading Book 1 of the Charlaine Harris series so please do not tell me what happens) [insert blog title here] for KINDA wanting Sookie and Eric to hook up!? Uhhh...yeah. There's something going on there, and I kinda like it. That is all.

The Mars Volta - With Twilight As My Guide

2009-06-29T03:36:00.002-04:00

I was a bit skeptical about this album following The Bedlam In Goliath and the whole touting of it being "acoustic but not so acoustic" at the same time. Well, I'm not finished with it yet - I'm only halfway through, but I've found a love at first listen and I had to share. And by first listen I mean I've repeated it about 6 times already. Cedric's vocals have never sounded more on par and at the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy - beautiful. The third and fourth minutes alone are so ridiculous they are goosebump inducing. That is all. I'll let you judge for yourselves.

Enjoy.

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-06-26T02:08:00.003-04:00

A while back Jessica recommended this book to me for my trip to LA and not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but like another Jessica, it totally ripped me to pieces at the same time. Now it is being made into a movie and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I have my own vision of how this story goes in my head, and although I totally love the two actors they have chosen to play the characters I fell in love with in October, I really really hope they don't mess it up. I choose to be optimistic, the trailer is pretty interesting - check it out. And if you haven't read it yet... The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is an AWESOME story. But, it will tear you apart and you will need a box or five of tissues. Not kidding.

RIP Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, & Ed McMahon

2009-06-26T01:23:00.004-04:00

Wow. What a sad couple of days for the world.

Sunday + Monday At Bonnaroo! (Thank God She's Done Talking About It)

2009-06-25T01:32:00.006-04:00

Sunday - the last day of music. Horrible night of sleep thanks to a rowdy camp, crap ass neighbours, and an awesome Moe. set that lasted until 6:30 am. BUT, it was Bonnaroo, so really, who cared? Percolated coffee was a lifesaver, thank God for Christy and Jeremiah remembering to bring caffeine for our poor, tired bodies. Whore's baths for us all once again, and then it was off to see the following:

Citizen Cope
Erykah Badu
Andrew Bird
Snoop Dogg
Band of Horses (this is who I went to Bonnaroo for, pretty much)
Phish

Yeah. Matt, Allison, and I actually just listened to Phish from camp. People were leaving like wildfire on our walk back screaming, "Fuckin' hippies - go home!" We had honestly had enough Phish on Friday and wanted to get an early start on packing our stuff up so we could head out early Monday morning. The Superjam started at that point and we heard Bruce take the stage with Phish - sounded pretty good - the Phish fans in our camp were not happy about it, but what can you do?

Monday morning we headed to the $7 showers, took the tent down, and scrammed. Chick-Fil-A for breakkie and the rest was history. All in all a totes awesome trip, and my final verdict, along with the rest of my SWAS Crew:

"Dude, next year @ Bonnaroo..." We are TOTALLY getting a RV. EFF tent camping in a bajillion degree heat. That is all. :-)

A graduation gown. A fur coat. It was fracking 90+ degrees out, guys. Weird ass mothertruckers. I'm all for individuality, but CTFO.

Motto of the weekend. And life.

Random smattering of people watching Andrew Bird.

FY Star Trek!

I spotted a dredg tattoo in the crowd at Band of Horses, and I flipped my shit. I had to get a pic.

Chick annoyed the crap out of me. She blocked my view at Andrew Bird and Band of Horses, and tried to do her troll boyfriend during Detlef Schrempf. PLUS, she's wearing a GD headdress. SRSLY.

Saturday At Bonnaroo!

2009-06-24T02:11:00.005-04:00

Saturday was a busy day for us. Of course none of us had gotten that much sleep, but the first order of business was a shower for all of us. Being non-hippies it was all we could take to have gone as long as we did without one. Our bodies thanked us (and our noses). We had the option of taking a cold shower with our clothes on in a trough in front of everyone for free, or in a trailer with other people in a gym-like setting with actual stalls (and curtains for doors PLUS the added luxury of hot water) for $7 a pop. You bet your ass we each shelled out the dough. And it was the best $7 we ever spent! After showers and sustenance (Shells N' Cheese) we headed out for the following shows:

Jimmy Buffet
Heartless Bastards
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Allen Toussaint
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Booker T & the DBTs
Bon Iver (no, we didn't see Justin Long and Drew Barrymore, blast!)
Jenny Lewis (special guests Jonathan Rice and Elvis Costello, holla!)
Of Montreal
Gov't Mule
Wilco
The Decemberists
The Mars Volta
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Nine Inch Nails
Moe.
Ben Harper and the Relentless 7
MGMT

And my very first Ferris Wheel ride. EVER. Saturday goes down as one of the best, and longest, but it was great fun and totes worth it.

Remember the velcro shoes incident from Wednesday? Yeah. Here they are in their full glory. Remember to bring shoes like I tell you to next time, Matthew! ;-) Best.Shoes.Ever.

Space Ghost Coast to Coast was watching Of Montreal. I mean, can you blame him?

The arch to get into Centeroo and the massive crowd beneath.

No lot lizards on the Ferris Wheel!

The four on the Wheel.

Some awse graffiti on the wall surrounding Centeroo.

The four before the Ferris Wheel ride.

Matthew and I not quite sure what to do with ourselves in this picture. They just told us to stand there so that's what we did. Hehe.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the weekend. Love! And it's up high.

Too true, Bob.

Matt, me, and J-Rock before NIN's last show in the US ever. Supposedly. Let's see if Trent keeps his word, yeah?

Friday At Bonnaroo!

2009-06-23T01:36:00.003-04:00

Friday morning the SWAS crew awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on the Roo festivities with swagga. Actually we were slow moving, the heat was unbearable but we all took it rather well considering what we were up against. A couple of whore's baths and some Velveeta Shells 'N Cheese later, (baby wipes work magic, I tell you) we hit up the following shows:

Gomez
Animal Collective
St. Vincent
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Grizzly Bear
Santigold
Al Green
TV on the Radio
Lucinda Williams
David Byrne

Now, let me take a pause and tell you two of my top five moments at Bonnaroo.

One being Dirty Sweet. I've never heard of these guys before and honestly, they were pretty good. I don't know if it was a combination of being blasted, the heat, the awesome music, the people I was with, and the misting fans (or what) - but I had THE best time just standing in front of those buggering fans dancing my non-hippie ass to death and giggling my melted face off. I was honestly sad when it was time to go to the next act. But I will take that hour and a half with me as one of the best memories of my trip.

Two. I was prepared for the Beastie Boys to put on an ok show. Boy, did they prove me wrong. They blew.me.away. Near the end of their set, they brought out fracking NAS! No, I don't think you understand. Nas. You know. Nas! Mothertruck. I nearly pissed myself. I think I did have a little trickle actually. Matt, Eric, and I went ballistic. Christy, J-Rock, and I danced our asses off. I think I lost five pounds during their set. One of our tent neighbours was with us (Cruise-azy guy) and I think we actually scared him, which was a feat in and of itself considering he was ricockulously high the entire weekend.

After that we stuck around for Phish since Christy, Jeremiah, and Eric have a huge love for them and Matt and I had never seen them. Allison was indifferent so she just sat there. Let's just say it was very ... interesting. Glow stick wars, trampolines, buttscratcher? I don't know. My jury's out. It was nice to see everyone so happy though, so I'll take it for what it's worth. All in all a very successful second day of our trip.

Teletubbies at Phish. Yeah. I don't know either.

Main stage all lit up.

Those misting fans were pure bliss. Jeremiah and I were in Heaven.

J-Rock and Eric misting.

The official Bonnaroo bracelet. <3

Alice In Wonderland (F Yeah!)

2009-06-22T04:00:00.004-04:00

Hecka yeah! I absolutely can not wait for this. Ever since I found out that Tim Burton was taking control of this classic tale, I've been waiting (im)patiently for any sort of snippet to get my juices going. Now, thanks to Ain't It Cool and USA Today, I've got something to wet my whistle. What do you think? Johnny Depp is going to kick some serious ass. Anne Hathaway as the White Queen? Interesting stuff.

Best Of May 2009

2009-06-18T07:52:00.007-04:00

Pardon the extreme lateness...I've been away. Here's my Best of... for May. No particular order. Enjoy!

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band: Outer South

Jeremy Enigk: OK Bear

Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

CKY: Carver City

The Felice Brothers: Yonder Is The Clock

Iron & Wine: Around the Well

Mat Kearney: City of Black & White

Tori Amos: Abnormally Attracted to Sin

White Rabbits: It's Frightening

Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest

Jenny Owen Youngs: Transmitter Failure

Mandy Moore: Amanda Leigh

Holy Mothertruck Chuck Bass

2009-06-18T04:32:00.002-04:00

Uhmm...yeah. Do I really need to expound on this one?

Didn't think so.

Wednesday + Thursday at Bonnaroo!

2009-06-18T02:11:00.007-04:00

What can I say!? The hiatus has been good for me.

Last Wednesday began the trip of a lifetime for me. Something I've been wanting to do for such a long time but have never gotten the chance (or the $$) to really do. So I packed up my shizz (there was A LOT) and headed towards Indianapolis where I picked up Matthew for a fun filled weekend of ... everything! Road Trip 1.0 held many adventures for us, but most importantly - I popped his Zaxby's cherry. If you know me at all then you get that Zaxby's is my Death Row meal of choice. I was in Heaven. We stopped in Nashville for the night where he got to see my childhood home and meet some of my old family friends. They got us quite tipsy with our good friend Jack and we took advantage of their hot tub. Which, let me tell you, made for some fine luxuries before the decidedly non-luxurious amenities of the Farm in Manchester.

Thursday we made our way down to Manchester, but not after a hilarious pee-inducing Velcro shoes incident at Wal-Mart and a white-knuckling drive through Nashville's "river," otherwise known as I-65. The line wasn't too bad but nobody informed me that there would be poor kids wafting through the cars with cups trying to get us to toss in spare change so they could "get to DC for a class trip." Into the safety inspection we went where as luck would have it, the heavens opened up and rain started dropping in once again. I chatted up the inspector guy as we were smuggling in a case of Guinness in bottles (absolutely no glass was allowed in) and voila! We made it. Somehow we were graced with sunshine when we pulled into Camp Apollo Creed and started setting up the tents. The sunshine quickly turned to blazing heat and as soon as everything was set up we cracked open the first of many brews. That night gave us our first act, The Knux. Now I've only just gotten into these guys maybe two months ago at best so I wasn't expecting too much. It was the perfect way to start things off. After finagling our way through yet another security inspection (this time on foot) we got to the show and danced our asses off, sold some glowsticks that we found on the ground, and in general kicked the weekend off right. It started to rain so we broke out our awesome ponchos and headed back to camp where we met up with Matthew's friends from Omaha and settled in for the evening. As the night went on, the rain got harder. Monsoon + tents = do not mix. But, it did make for some hilarity at least and I giggled my way almost completely off the air mattress at one point.

Zaxby's! Best.Meal.Ever.

Childhood home in Hendersonville, TN ('burb of Nashville)

The line into the Farm.

Matthew setting up the tent.

Obvz.

Zack Attack!

2009-06-09T02:54:00.003-04:00

Hahahaha! Classic. And it's Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Jimmy. Get it right! Who doesn't love Saved By The Bell?

Monday In NYC

2009-06-08T01:46:00.002-04:00

Monday morning we packed it in and shared a cab to LaGuardia. The only problem there was that our cabbie got lost. WTF!? I thought the first thing you learned as a cabbie in New York was how to get to all the major airports. Isn't that your biggest fare? Doesn't your heart race when you see someone standing on the sidewalk with bags because you just know you're going to get not only a nice big fare but a tip as well because obviously they are going to be flying somewhere? Come on. But the flip side is, the dude had a GPS. He missed a turn! Yeah. It was awesome. I mean, we left early enough that it didn't really matter, but it just kind of went with the day. After we said our goodbyes and I was on my plane, I just happened to notice that it was rather warm in the cabin. The first officer got on the intercom and said that the a/c was actually broken and that it was over 110 degrees in the cockpit and 90 something in the cabin. Nice. After about a half hour of waiting for that to get fixed, we didn't have anyone available to push us back from the gate. They actually had to call the headquarters in Dallas to get someone to come get us. Srsly? Sooo after delays and such we finally got back to Detroit and the Qwick Park was there to pick me up and take me to my car (my coupon got me 1 day free, yesss).

All in all, fantastic trip! Loads of stories, loads of fun. I miss my Aussie BFF already and also NYC. I fall in love with the city every time I go. Sorry for the long ass time between posts and procrastination of actually posting. Things have been kind of ridiculous around here. More on that later...

Hope everyone out there is doing great!

Sunday In NYC

2009-06-07T07:21:00.004-04:00

Sunday the three of us awoke with horrendous hangovers. Whore-end-ous. Truly. But, as it was Jen's 30th Birthday, we had to make the most of it so we trudged over to Viand and had the greasiest breakfast we could think of and a nice brisk walk to Rockefeller and Grand Central. Jen and I ditched Marcus and headed over to Sak's (now renamed Sucks) for the ghetto-ist of ghetto pedicures we've ever had. Srsly. You'd think for it being Sak's they'd at least have the whirlpool tubs. We have whirlpool tubs in Michigan. You pay $25 for a pedicure here and you get the royal treatment. You pay a bajillion dollars in NYC and you get...a stainless steel bowl with marbles in the bottom. Not kidding. We're never bailing on Bliss again. Ever.

More walking and shopping ensued and then a trip to Whole Foods for some coffee and re-bags. BUT - we ended up having a hilarious encounter with a man who squeezed two packets of ketchup in his pea soup (no, really) and a lady who sanitized everything (including the sanitizer) and ate a bag of frozen peas for lunch. It may not seem funny now, but maybe you had to be there. I had tears rolling down my face. After that we went for a stroll through the park, as cliche as it may be it really is my favorite place in New York. It happened completely by accident but we found the coolest playground ever. It was being built the last time we were there and now that it was finished we decided to have a play. There was a maze all around it filled with water and jets! It was just what we needed.

Once we got back to the hotel Marcus had set up this amazing little Birthday surprise for Jen. Champagne and olives from Zabar's. Yumz. After that he whipped out a burger, fries, and ketchup all made from a cupcake, dried poundcake slices, and frosting. Too cute! Then to Brother Jimmy's for BBQ and Swamp Water, a grand tradition as far as traditions go. Karaoke started so we decided to head out (enough was really enough). Jen and I decided to have a go at the hotel lounge at which point we had one of our many "serious" discussions. At this point serious turned into hilarity when a man came in dancing in a Hawaiian shirt (I don't know HOW this happens, crazy people flock to us). We order a drink and try to talk some more but then a post-wedding party comes in (in their 50's, they think they are funny) and are pretty much the loudest, non-funny group of people to grace the lounge that evening. We finish our drinks and decide to head up to the room as we've got flights out the next afternoon. The waiter brings the check and I ask Jen how much the total was. "You'll run out into traffic. I'll put it on the room." She was right. I found out later that my raspberry mojito was $21.00. Lesson of the day: Don't order a drink from your hotel lounge unless you know how much it is beforehand.

Saturday In NYC

2009-06-03T22:51:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning Jen and I awoke to no sign of Marcus and no sign of a hangover, which was totes awse. Headed over to the Moonstruck Diner for a wonderful little breakkie in which I almost choked on a jalapeno pepper and Jen kept hitting her leg on the table. Apparently becoming an official Australian citizen has made it impossible to keep her leg in check. (Kidding.) After that we made for the shopping district where Jen dropped a year's salary on clothes (kidding x 2, kinda) and I dreamed of owning a Burberry trench (pictured below). Srsly, it was like liquid butter on my skin. I concocted a scheme where in this weird fantasy land, I almost justified spending $1,400 on a coat that I don't even need, but back in reality I sadly put it back on the hangar and trudged out of the store a better woman. Or not. But I digress. Off to Chipotle where a healthy serving of tacos, chippies, and beer made us feel better about our purchases (or lack thereof). There was a mirrored ceiling so I tried my best to get creative with the camera which you can also see below. More walking ensued, it was the perfect day for what we had planned, which was just about a whole lot of nothing. There was a purple jeans incident and some lady was walking with Nordic ski poles...but there was no snow to be seen.

After a quick kip and shower we headed out for our first annual official pub crawl, during which Marcus and I decided to pen a book together. We wrote our first chapter on a Trident wrapper and the rest, as they say, was history. About a zillion Guinnei later, we ditched the pub crawl and ended up resting our laurels at Justin Timberlake's bar. Jen claims the best DJ ever in existence was working that night, I didn't really pay attention because well - I was pretty much toasted at that point. We had a system going, but the details are sketchy. Let's just say we had a great time and we even managed to catch a glimpse of THE Justin Timberlake. Yeah. Not kidding. Not quite sure how we managed to get home THAT night either, especially considering the stumble factor...but we did get back. Took a Barocca and fell into a deep slumber. Read: passed out. I love my Aussie BFF. Hehe. Sunday's adventures are next.

Friday In NYC

2009-06-01T01:49:00.004-04:00

Friday morning I hightailed it out of here faster than you could say Jumpin' Jack Flash. My friend Heather had told me of a new parking place by the airport where you could get a day free if you had an online coupon and they would shuttle you to the airport within minutes of parking. Mind you, I'm always one for a bargain, so I decided to try it out. After driving past the stone cold silence of the Romulus GM Plant, I found civilization once again and there was the Qwik Park on Merriman. Srsly, these guys are the best. You drive in to this fully securitized gated lot where you receive a ticket and the receptionist asks you which airline you are flying. "American," I say. "Then you will drive to the A section of the parking lot. A shuttle will be waiting for you." Then she gets on her walkie-talkie and tells the shuttle what kind of car I'm driving and BOOM! I get to section A and there is a shuttle waiting. Less than five minutes later I'm at my terminal. No fuss. Two and a half hours later I'm sitting on the tarmac at LaGuardia looking at Trump's private jet and my city is waiting for me.

Next up, the SuperShuttle. We have a love/hate relationship. Granted, for $16 it was totally worth it. They picked me up from the airport AND I was the first stop. But, I was crammed like a sardine in a van with 10 other people (including a screaming baby) and I had a driver that pronounced my name as "Bilips" multiple times, even after I asked him if he meant my proper name. He couldn't even say "Jennifer." :| If I didn't understand such language I would have missed my ride. That is all. ANYWAYS, over the Queensboro Bridge we went and soon I was on the 9th floor of the Loews Regency knocking on my Aussie BFF's door. Reunited. The afternoon was spent walking around the city (nothing better). We had our first drink at the lounge in the W Hotel (we had gone to Bliss to see about booking appointments for massages and pedi's). Can I mention that wasabi peas are a great little addition to bar nuts? We met up with Jen's hubby Marcus and had dinner at our fave wang place, The Back Page. After that we ditched him and made our way to some of our favorite pubs, Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality and Iggy's. Shots instead of beer made for zero hangover the next day. I really, really don't know how that happened, but I'll take it. Jen's zero tolerance policy on brown liquor somehow got liquidated as I ordered up $3.00 Jameson shots (yesss!) and we somehow managed to have one of the best nights ever at the karaoke bar. Yes. We make even the worst places good. It's just how we do. I'm not quite positive how we made it back to the hotel but I'm pretty sure it involved stumbling, cat-calling, and some very unladylike guestures. Stay tuned for Saturday's adventures.

TAB

2009-05-28T06:06:00.003-04:00

I'm a horrible blogger. To be quite honest, I haven't really had much to be excited about. Things have been shitty (coming from most directions) and I haven't been motivated enough to even be blah...until last weekend. So here is a preview of my weekend in NYC. This is TAB. Two Awesome Bitches. That's Jen, my Aussie Best Friend since 1998, and myself. We coined the phrase a while back when we decided to open our own business (yet to happen). Anywhore, when I'm not at work and I have more than ten minutes to myself, I will post a worthy update. Until then, you have this warm fuzzy of a photo to tide yourselves over. I know, right?

The Most Random Post You Will Ever See

2009-05-21T08:02:00.004-04:00

There have been soooooooo many ridiculous and outlandish things standing in the way of tomorrow's trip to NYC that I could write a soap opera episode JUST about getting there.

...

But I won't. Because I have vowed to keep the dramz to a minimum this year and well, it would be hell to recall everything at this point. All I want to do is get my ass to the airport tomorrow morning, kick back at the airport bar (it has to be open at 10 am, right!?) and depart for a weekend of straight up debauchery. I'm working an early shift tonight so I can drive to the D (it's tough on the streets) and fly to the city that never sleeps (as will I...not sleep, that is).

I'd like to go ahead and wish my kitty, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, a Happy 3rd Birthday, as today is her day and she's getting a super awesome present when I get home. I don't have anything for her yet but I was hoping to pick up something amidst my travels. I'm a bad mother. And really, I don't know if it is her real birthday but she is a stray and I was told to pick a day in late May as that was the closest the vet could get to her birthdate. I figured since today was supposed to be my birthday, (I was born a month premature exactly) we could have that in common. When I got her, she was beaten and a "7" was branded into her nose. They guessed she was between 4 and 5 weeks old. Poor thing! I wasn't really a cat person, but who can resist that?

And since I highly doubt I'll be blogging before I return, I'll wish my Aussie BFF Jen (the person I am going to meet this weekend) a Happy 30th Birthday (that is what we are celebrating).

And safe travels to Matthew, who will be returning from Italy with his family around the same time-ish-kind of that I get back.

Time to end this atrocity of a post since I just re-read and saw a ridiculous amount of parenthesis. My apologies.

New Moon (OMGWTFBBQ!!!@#$)

2009-05-19T08:55:00.003-04:00

Fangirl alert. I don't even care.

(via)

Say What?

2009-05-14T04:44:00.003-04:00

Got this email from my co-worker Heather when I got to work tonight...hehe.

Subject: FW: ODD Product
Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 08:38:51 -0400

No joke... I was at D&W last night to pick up a couple of things I needed for dinner. As I am scanning the isle my eyes stopped at this canned product that had me a little shocked and had me cracking up all by myself in the middle of the store. I was also thinking to myself that this canned product is quite expensive. I had to take a picture of it.

I was trying to picture people sitting around the dinner table and all of sudden someone goes..... I think I'll have some spotted "you know what" for desert, would anyone else like some? LOL

Star Trek

2009-05-14T02:36:00.006-04:00

Last night Joel and I went to see Star Trek. Granted, I'm no Trekkie from the old days, but I wanted to go because I'm a huge fan of LOST! BOOM!, Karl Urban, Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine (true story - we watched The Princess Diaries 2 just a couple of weeks ago), and John Cho.

Now...I really, really enjoyed myself. NOT just because I slid off my chair a few times. But true to Abrams/Bad Robot/Lindelof style I experienced every emotion and I was truly entertained. The best part? I wanted more. So yeah, I'm ready for the sequel. I don't want to give too much away for the people who haven't seen it yet (like THAT many people actually read this, but I was going through my Twitter tonight and I totally read THE LOST! BOOM! spoiler so now I'm completely pissed off, thanks life ruiner). And excuse the Jeebus Cripes out of me, but I'll be damned if I'm not a little more than extremely attracted to the Vulcan side of Zachary Quinto. That is all. Oh wait! I dare you not to laugh when Kirk says, "Kirk out!" Hi-larious. Now, that is all.

(via)

New Obsession

2009-05-12T11:22:00.002-04:00

This site tops them all. Even my silly Twilight - RoPatz obsession* sites. And not just because of the picture up there, although it helps (a lot). But if you take a sec and mosey around the site you'll see why. Here is another snippet (via):

"You love them because they are just like you. They are normal people. They have crappy jobs and mortgages, they aren’t top surgeons. They worry about bills, they watch movies in their spare time; they don’t have superpowers, they don’t seek to save the world from evil forces. They are ordinary. But extraordinary at the same time. And you’re glad, stunned and humbled that what they had was brittle and fragile, but they’re going to end up marrying each other.

You’re glad that they know what it is like to feel loved.

Wanted.

Complete."

Yes. <3

*I still love you RoPatz!

<3

2009-05-12T07:20:00.001-04:00

Srsly.

Bo-ring

2009-05-12T02:40:00.003-04:00

I did my nails today so I'd have something to look at while I type. Yes. That is the exciting life I lead.

dredg - Information

2009-05-09T05:14:00.002-04:00

(via SSR!!!)

As per usual, I wouldn't have even known there was a new video out if not for you. Thanks!

Best of April 2009

2009-05-07T06:07:00.008-04:00

Better late than never, I always say. There is an EP included, but it's DCFC - soooo...yeah. Here are my notables for April releases.

Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing

Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

Death Cab For Cutie - The Open Door EP

Silversun Pickups - Swoon

Metric - Fantasies

Pam Gets It

2009-05-06T07:02:00.002-04:00

I find myself in this position a lot these days.

Far Studio Update

2009-05-04T07:23:00.001-04:00

Just sayin'

Live - Hold/Lift Me Up

2009-04-30T02:47:00.004-04:00

Just sayin' if ever there were a song that should be released, this might be it. I guess there is a lot of debate over what the actual title is. Hold or Lift, I don't care. It's teh shizz and I heart it. Oh yeah, and Zack and Miri is a KA movie too.

Happy Shōwa Day

2009-04-29T03:03:00.002-04:00

As a few of you may or may not know, much of my work revolves around the country of Japan. Today is a Japanese holiday, which means I am not so busy (get to blog). Now you get to be educated on today's holiday. And btw, did you realize that there are an obscene amount of holidays over there? Next week alone there are three in a row! Anyways, today's is: Shōwa Day (昭和の日 Shōwa no hi^?) a Japanese annual holiday held on April 29. It honors the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), the reigning Emperor before, during, and after World War II (from 1926 to 1989). The official purpose of the holiday is "To reflect on Japan's Shōwa period when recovery was made after turbulent days, and to think of the country's future."

Thank you Wikipedia for the reference.

In other news, last week was pretty busy and a lot of fun. List form!

- 29th birthday Tuesday (gorged self at Red Lobster)
- Earth Day Wednesday
- Sam came home for a visit (Friday - yesterday)
- BBQ Saturday (it rained, of course)
- Garrett visited for the weekend
- Saw 17 Again (hello, new obsession Zac Efron)
- Saw Fighter (hello, Channing Tatum)
- Had some dogs at Yesterdog (essential)
- Watched about 36 hours of Lego Batman played on Xbox 360 (which SSR!!! left - I think I might become addicted if I ever learn how to turn it on...kidding! Obvz - about the turning it on part.)
- Got to see tons of old friends

Very good times indeed. Yesterday when I got home from dropping off Sam at the airport in D-Town the old House of Sin was as lonely as it's ever been. It made me realize that I need to have people over more often, who cares if they have to make a little drive out to Prison City? So if any of you bitches from The Mitten that read this don't ever come over, I'm talking to you. Comprende?

That's all I got for now. I might be back after hours of scouring the interwebz since there is this whole pesky holiday thing going on. Oh wait, I mean I have work to do.

Ra Ra Riot | Cold War Kids | Death Cab For Cutie

2009-04-19T10:16:00.004-04:00

My 300th post is dedicated to Ben Gibbard. If you aren't a fan, I suggest you go about your day and skip over the rest of this.

SO - Ra Ra Riot were better than I expected, Cold War Kids were fracking SICK - holy mother, and Death Cab...well, they were everything I was hoping for. As long as I've held a candle for them I've never been fortunate enough to see them live.

Until last night.

Not only do I still want to have Ben Gibbard's babies and Chris Wall's love child, but my love for BG has increased ten-fold. The last song they played in the encore was Transatlanticism. It started out with just a blue light behind Ben at the piano. That was it. Simply gorgeous. Obviously it turned into more and ended in a huge crescendo of awesomeness, but I stood there with my mouth open (looked r-tarded I'm sure) and my arms had goosebumps the whole time as well. I couldn't move. They played a lot of faves, old and new. Our seats were amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better show (OK - they didn't play Passenger Seat, but we DID get an I Will Follow You Into The Dark solo and Transatlanticism so really, can't complain).

All in all... <3

Go see them live if you ever get a chance. You won't regret it. Unless you don't like them, in which case...I don't know you. ;-)

M83 - We Own The Sky

2009-04-17T11:52:00.001-04:00

Favorite M83 Song. EVER.

I Wish I Could Reblog On Blogger

2009-04-14T23:39:00.000-04:00

(via)

I'm In A Glass Case Of Emotion

2009-04-14T23:35:00.000-04:00

Srsly.

Margot & The Nuclear So And So's - Talking In Code

2009-04-14T12:43:00.002-04:00

TONIGHT.

To say that I can't wait would be a huge understatement.

Loves It!

2009-04-13T05:54:00.003-04:00

Srsly. Could this be any cuterz? RoPatz & Kat Dennings from an EW shoot back in November '08.

(via)

You've Got Mail

2009-04-10T05:09:00.002-04:00

*Disclaimer* I love this movie so much that I can't just choose one quote. So the fact that I narrowed it down to three is a feat in and of itself. Heh.

"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don’t really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So goodnight, dear void."

"The odd thing about this form of communication is that you're more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings."

"Thank your, ladies and gentlemen..."

- Virgil

2009-04-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

(via)

Coldplay - Strawberry Swing

2009-04-07T08:28:00.002-04:00

Do you have one of those 'insta-happy' songs? You know what I'm talking about, a song that makes you close your eyes no matter where you're at and just makes you smile? No? Yes? Well, this one is mine for the moment. And I don't care if it's Coldplay. I like them.

Oh, and I do NOT recommend the closing your eyes part whilst driving. Believe me, it's dangerous. ;-)

Click HERE to listen.

They were sitting
They were sitting on the strawberry swing
Every moment was so precious

They were sitting
They were talking under strawberry swing
Everybody was for fighting
Wouldn't wanna waste a thing

Cold, cold water bring me round
Now my feet won't touch the ground
Cold, cold water what ya say?
When it's such…
It's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day

I remember
We were walking up to strawberry swing
I can't wait until the morning
Wouldn't wanna change a thing

People moving all the time
Inside a perfectly straight line
Don't you wanna curve away?
When it's such…
It's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day

Now the sky could be blue
I don't mind
Without you it's a waste of time

Could be blue
I don’t mind
Without you it’s a waste of time

Could be blue,
Could be grey
Without you I’m just miles away

Could be blue
I don’t mind
Without you it’s a waste of time

March Madness & The Like

2009-04-07T03:15:00.003-04:00

A little background, if you please.

My dad used to be kind of a big deal in high school when it came to b-ball, as the kids in the know like to call it. He was the superstar, the tall guy, the dude that scored all the shots, the slam-dunker, the go-to guy. Whatevs, you get it. As I was growing up, I was the only one of six daughters (yeah, he got the luck of the draw - six times) that took a REAL interest in sports. It was implied that at some point I would try out for basketball, so in 7th grade I decided it was time. I was pretty good at most sports, better at some...but for some reason basketball just wasn't my thing. In fact, you could say I was bad at it. Not the whole thing, just...dribbling. Well, keeping my eyes forward whilst dribbling. They put this weird contraption on my face intended to fit like glasses (called Dribble Aid Glasses) but honestly I just looked - and felt - like a complete goofball. BTW - that picture, if you click on it - those are updated. The ones I wore had complete ledges. This was the 90's folks. I couldn't get it down for the life of me, and my self-confidence just shattered like glass. I didn't even make the B team. For the first time in my life, I was cut and I didn't know how to tell my dad. He was disappointed, sure - but he hid it well. I joined the Intramurals for one season so that he would at least have some sort of basketball playing daughter legacy. And I never played again. Nor did I take an interest in watching it. Ever. Again.

Until this year when Matt asked me to be a part of his family pool. What what? There was asbolutely no way I would do well! But, as he tends to do...he convinced me it was no big deal and that I should take at least take part and try. So I said what the hecka, threw in my $5, made my picks based on a VERY highly classified strategery, bounced back and forth in front of and behind him (which honestly was worth the whole thing, heh), and bit my lips until last night when I got the tweet in my dream-state: I came in 2nd place behind Mr. Tobia himself (Dad T.). Guess I don't suck after all. Now I can afford that Pocket Edward I've been dreaming of for so long. Heh. ;-)

The moral of that incredibly long story is: Don't second guess yourself - you might just be better at stuff than you think!

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

2009-04-06T06:15:00.001-04:00

"Look, other bands, they want to make it about sex or pain, but you know, The Beatles, they had it all figured out, okay? "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The first single. It's effing brilliant, right?...That's what everybody wants, Nicky. They don't want a twenty-four-hour hump sesh, they don't want to be married to you for a hundred years. They just want to hold your hand."

There's Even Light In The Darkest Of Places

2009-04-05T15:55:00.000-04:00

(via)

Best Of March 2009

2009-04-02T14:44:00.006-04:00

March kind of flew right by. There were some qaul-it-ee releases last month. Check 'em!

(Again, no order):

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

Maria Taylor - LadyLuck

Peter Bjorn and John - Living Thing

Gomez - A New Tide

Falling Up - Fangs

Decemberists - Hazards of Love

Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen

Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted

High Fidelity

2009-04-02T08:16:00.003-04:00

"Do you even know your daughter? There's no way she likes that song! Oh oh oh wait! Is she in a coma?"

New Fiona!

2009-04-01T14:21:00.001-04:00

"Obligatory anytime there is new Fiona it gets posted post." (via)

Tidbits Is A Funny Word

2009-04-01T03:46:00.004-04:00

So here are a few interesting tidbits for your brains this morning:

1. Oberon season began on Monday. Woo! You know what that means. Spring has sprung! It marks the true start of spring and the start of the Major League Baseball season. Huzzah! Thank God for beer. And speaking of beer,

2. The900 went down by quite a lot this past weekend (originally started over two years ago in Syracuse by my BFF Matthew and I). Basically, it is a mission to drink over 900 Guinnei over the span of our lifetime. Crazy? Yes. Awesome? Totally. Loves it. Of course, in our completely OCD-ness we had to come up with a plan for Bonnaroo. We are going to knock off 100 Guinnei in the span of 5 1/2 days. Yessssssss. Totes Magotes. I think it scares other people, but they are going to be indulging too, so it works out. Win/Win.

3. I've been Blipping like crazy. Sometimes I think maybe too much, but then I don't really care. You have probably seen my blips on Twatter. You should join.

4. Last but not least, and I'm sure you're enjoying these random points - Nutella. Matthew has been trying to get me to try this 'orginial creamy, chocolatey hazelnut spread' for ages now and I don't really know why the hecka I haven't yet... so anyways - he had some in his carry on to bring to Chicago this weekend and the bastards at the TSA confiscated it from him in Syracuse (because they wanted to eat it probably). So finally I just bought some myself yesterday. WELL, let me just say this. Nutella is heaven in a jar. Literally. Heaven in a jar. I even brought it to work with me this morning. I might carry it in my purse with me everywhere. It's like my new best friend. I mean, no offense to my real BFF, but...yeah.

Ok that is all for now kids. Have a great Wednesday and such. Oh yeah, and it's April Fools Day. So Happy That And Such. :-p

Random

2009-03-31T04:52:00.002-04:00

Besides having probably one of the most fun and epic weekends of my life (more on that when I get ahold of Kim's pics for a complete collection and Facebook upload) I think I found one of the funniest blogs ever on the Internet tonight. Behold - Big World, Little Pocket. It's all about the adventures of a little pocket Edward Cullen action figure. Complete hilarity. The captions alone make it worthwhile.

Bittersweet

2009-03-27T04:19:00.003-04:00

Miss you already sis.

But to add some goodness, this morning I'm off to Chicago for a fun-filled weekend with some of my bestest for my good friend Johnny K's housewarming. Congrats on the new condo JK. He's the one pointing. Heh!

WANT: LP

2009-03-26T05:36:00.001-04:00

My birthday is April 21. Just sayin'

Ryan Adams - Two

2009-03-26T04:18:00.002-04:00

My 2nd favorite RA song, slowly creeping into the #1 slot.

Say Goodnight, Not Goodbye

2009-03-23T10:14:00.003-04:00

No new posts since the 18th? Atrocious, I know. There is a good excuse, however. I've been sick, and I spent my weekend being sick and hanging out with my sister and her 3 boys who are moving this upcoming weekend to Pennsylvania (oh, and I won't be here this weekend...so this was my last chance at quality time and the like). Her husband is already out there, so yeah. Ever since I found out I've been putting off the reality of their leaving, but sadly I can't do that anymore as it is staring me in the face.

Moving here - and staying - hasn't always been the easiest, and my sister has always been my number 1 constant. Now she joins the list of people who leave/have left. For completely selfish reasons I want her to stay - logical ones too, I promise. But I won't air anyone's dirty laundry on my blog, and although I try to stay away from Taxicab Confessions here I have to get personal just this once. That's a lie, I'm sure there will be more times. I try to keep from getting too deep here because some things should be kept private, ya dig? Anyways... It's not like we haven't been separated before, I mean - we've survived living in different states for the better part of 17 years... I just thought I finally had my core family intact here in Michigan, and now I don't. And let it be known that I have 5 sisters...but this is my Ducky. She helped my dad take care of me when my mom was in the hospital for the first 8 weeks of my life. She's always been there for me. She's always been my one of my greatest friends, even though we're 12 years apart. And don't even get me started on her 3 boys, or I will lose it. I guess the point of all this rambling is just to say that I'm sad to see them go. I know there will be visits and please don't take this as an epically long whine, I'm just going to miss always having them around.

As for being sick, well that is a story in and of itself, and I won't bother you with that today.

To end this ridiculously pathetic post on a good note, 4 more sleeps until I've got a few of my bestest in my physical presence. Chicago, prepare yourself.

Random Thought Of The Day

2009-03-18T13:37:00.002-04:00

Christian Slater was my first celeb crush, way back in the day. As a tween, I scoured countless hordes of Teen Beat, Bop, and Tiger Beat for posters that battled for every inch of free space my walls had left. Funny how my current obsession with Robert Pattinson doesn't differ by much. I mean, I don't have posters of him on my walls or anything, but...yeah.

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T04:26:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This is code for "drink all the Guinness you want and don't feel bad about it." Thank God for third shift schedules and St. Pat's drink specials. Hollaaaa.

A Fave

2009-03-17T04:19:00.000-04:00

(via)

Help Stand

2009-03-16T04:19:00.001-04:00

Flip the sign. (Just for today.)

Upcoming: Eargasms

2009-03-12T08:33:00.004-04:00

Concerts I am planning on in the near future:

April 04 - NKOTB (don't judge me) - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, MI
April 04 - Festival of Faith & Music - The Hold Steady/Lupe Fiasco/etc. - Calvin College - Grand Rapids, MI
April 13 - Farther From Earth World Tour - Jack's Mannequin/Matt Nathanson/Low vs. Diamond - The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, MI
April 14 - Margot & The Nuclear So And So's/Cloud Cult/The Ice Palace - The Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI
April 18 - Death Cab For Cutie/Cold War Kids/Ra Ra Ra Riot - Breslin Center - East Lansing, MI

May 25 - New York Philharmonic - Cathedral of St. John the Divine - New York City, NY

June 10 - 15 - Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (shitload of totes awse bands) - Manchester, TN

Icy Hot

2009-03-12T05:12:00.002-04:00

Day, consider yourself made.

Mental note: Get latest copy of GQ when get out of work today. (EDIT: Kidding, March 27th)

Sidenote: Holy hotness.

Thank you Perez Hilton.

Michigan Left

2009-03-12T05:08:00.002-04:00

Ever heard of it? I can't believe there's a Wikipedia entry for a Michigan Left. This is how The Mitten distinguishes itself from other states. Ha!

NIN

2009-03-09T09:48:00.004-04:00

NIN: 1,000,000 Live from on stage, Sydney 2.22.09 [HD] from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

I have a feeling this show will be worth the ticket to Bonnaroo by itself.

Thanks SSR!!! for the find. Can.not.wait.

Foo Fighters - Everlong

2009-03-07T09:52:00.001-05:00

(via)

No More Questions

2009-03-06T04:31:00.002-05:00

I always thought Natalie Portman was "OK."

...Until I listened to Incredibad and found this gem. I think I even giggle-snorted the first time I watched this.

p.s. It's tons better uncensored, but this is all I had to work with. Ya dig?

Listen To This!

2009-03-05T03:25:00.001-05:00

Tegan And Sara - Dancing In The Dark ♫ http://blip.fm/~2obx4

Best Of February 2009

2009-03-04T05:42:00.011-05:00

Another month gone by already! February was pretty great as far as album releases go, and March is proving to be a promising month as well. But you guys probably know that already. Without further adieu, here are my top picks for February (in no particular order):

Lisa Hannigan - Sea Stew

Thursday – Common Existence

Minus The Bear – Acoustics

Incredibad – The Lonely Island

Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You

M. Ward – Hold Time

P.O.S. – Never Better

The Pretty Young Things

2009-03-03T05:36:00.003-05:00

Hilarious photo shoot of Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen (holy crap, he looks great!), Jason Segel, and Jonah Hill. A mock up of the famous Annie Lebovitz (by Annie Lebovitz) photograph with Tom Ford, Keira Knightley, and Scarlett Johansson from the March 2006 cover of Vanity Fair. Whilst I find this ridiculously funny, the following question begs to be asked: how sexy does Paul Rudd look? Can I get a Friday represent "daaaaaaaayum!?"

(via)

Goodnight Moon

2009-03-03T05:30:00.002-05:00

Sorry for all of the recent baby Rilo posts, but if you were to ever just be near him...you'd understand. He fell asleep in his Aunt Jen's arms yesterday. Maneuvering my BB's camera was quite the feat because prior to this he was death-gripping my only free hand. Heehee! :o)

Weekend Update

2009-03-02T03:20:00.008-05:00

Pretty awesome weekend.

Friday, I got to spend the day with Dan, Sal, and Rilo. Apparently Rilo has begun teething, because he nom nomed my fingers for a half hour or so. Little stinker.

Later I went to a party at Heather's house, but I didn't get any pictures. Good thing, too. Apparently I was so tired/affected by Jello Shots and Margaritas that I ended up in Rockford from Cedar Springs on my way home. Weird.

Oh yeah, I got bang bangs. Ferosh! (Also, I know. It's a ridiculous MySpace-esque pic of myself, but really I just wanted to do the "I got a new haircut look at how awesome it is" picture.)

Saturday, my sister and I (along with some old work cohorts) took a trip up to Mt. Pleasant and tried our luck at the Soaring Eagle Casino. I won $30 on Roulette. Hecka yes!

Yesterday I downloaded the new Cursive album for $1. (Thanks, Sam!) If you can afford it, it will be going up $1 a day until the 10th, when it is officially released. Do yourself a flave and fork over what it would cost for a pack of gum and some tic tacs. You won't be disappointed. This shit's going on repeat.

What What?

2009-02-27T03:55:00.001-05:00

This is awesome for one reason over all others:

George Clinton is wearing a UGA shirt. Bad.Ass.

(via)

Congratulations!

2009-02-25T01:57:00.002-05:00

My old rooms/BFF/pseudo-sister and her boyfriend/baby's daddy are engaged! He totally tricked her (which is awesome - because believe it or not, she's hard to trick) and they are planning an August 2010 wedding. By then, Rilo will be old enough to walk down the aisle next to his big brother Gavin. Of course while she was telling me all of this and asking me to be her right hand man/bridesmaid, I got all teary and tried not to veer off the road (successfully). Happy happy happy!

In other news:

My cousin Cheyenne is due with her fourth child (holy crap) in June.
My cousin Jon's wife Katrina is due with their second child in October.
My cousin Casey's wife Kit is due with their first child in September.
My niece Iris just gave birth to her first child last week, making me a Great Aunt.

All of this I learned within the past few weeks. I guess you could say that my family is ridiculously fertile this year.

Wow.

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-24T05:49:00.004-05:00

Yesssssss. I heart Fat Tuesday. Why? It gives me an excuse to eat Pączki! Today's delectable treat had raspberry filling and powdered sugar on top.

Hope you all have a great Mardi Gras!

Yep

2009-02-24T03:22:00.000-05:00

(via)

Question

2009-02-23T06:09:00.002-05:00

I'm having one of those moments where I am just not sure if this is what I'm really meant to do.

Jason Mraz (Feat. James Morrison) - Details In The Fabric

2009-02-20T21:35:00.002-05:00

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads and
Breaking yourself up

If it's a broken part, replace it
If it's a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it

And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your own name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything

Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything, everything will be fine
Everything

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Are the things that make you blow
Hell no reason go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything

Hold your own
Know your name
Go your own way

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine? (Go your own way)

Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own)
Hell no reason go on and scream (Know your name)
If you’re shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

The Roots - You Got Me (Feat. Eve and Erykah Badu)

2009-02-20T05:10:00.002-05:00

I've been mega-sick all week (hence the lack of posting) and the last thing I wanted was to battle the "embedding disabled by request" monster. So you'll have to click here to see the video, but I promise it's worth it.

Truth

2009-02-17T03:36:00.000-05:00

(via)

Dave Matthews - Sister

2009-02-16T08:55:00.001-05:00

For my sister, Dawn. I'm trying to be happy for you.

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Go Easy

2009-02-13T04:26:00.002-05:00

(via)

Weezer - El Scorcho

2009-02-13T03:18:00.003-05:00

(via)

Definition Of Awkward

2009-02-12T04:17:00.004-05:00

Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman tonight. So horribly awesome.

"How's the beard?" Bwahahahahaha! "A cuticle mishap." Jeebus. This is absolute gold.

Best Of January 2009

2009-02-10T05:45:00.006-05:00

I know that we are well into February, but I wanted to start a new thing around here, which is a "Best Of..." for each month's new music.

Without further adieu, January.

There were three major standouts for me last month. I may or may not be seeing all of them at Bonnaroo in June. Scratch that, they're all confirmed. Heh.

Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast/Useless Creatures

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Check 'em out.

Le Petit Prince

2009-02-09T05:02:00.003-05:00

Can I just mention how awesome I think it is that LOST named an episode after one of my favorite books of all time?

Favorite passage: Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.
English: Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

RIP Roi

2009-02-09T03:47:00.003-05:00

The Grammys may have made an "oversight" but his family, friends, and fans remember him well and will continue to honor his memory as time goes on.

Edit: Update: Love @qoolquest for Tweeting this:

For Jen

2009-02-06T19:54:00.001-05:00

She'll get it.

Mama, I'm Swollen

2009-02-06T19:04:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Liz who found it on Pitchfork.

Cursive is releasing a new album on March 10! Mama, I'm Swollen.

Track List:

01 In the Now
02 From the Hips
03 I Couldn't Love You
04 Donkeys
05 Caveman
06 We're Going to Hell
07 Mama, I'm Satan
08 Let Me Up
09 Mama, I'm Swollen
10 What Have I Done?

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

p.s. I want to have Tim Kasher's babies. I even named my cat Kasher at one point. She has multiple names, the first and foremost being Tiffani-Amber Thiessen. Don't ask.

Howie Day - Madrigals

2009-02-06T06:37:00.003-05:00

Ok. So, he has a penchant for being kind of a d-bag. But I'll be damned if I don't love his songs. This one is my favorite of his. The loops, the voice, the lyrics. If you watch the whole thing you just might be slightly amazed. Sure, it's long* - but what else have you got going on right now? Anywhore, this one's always put me in a daydream-like state. Enjoy.

*that's what she said