(re)discovered

Oh, How Pinteresting! Wednesdays

2012-01-25T14:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Wednesday! Hanging on to the fact that I only have to survive 2.5 more days of work...

Source: dirtyflannel.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Pearl Jam. I have a new respect for them after watching PJ20 this past weekend.

Source: Uploaded by user via Aubrey on Pinterest

...and a much more accessible one thanks to a new Keurig at home AND work!

Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Finally found a pretty-close-to-perfect recipe for cheese dip (the kind you get at Mexican restaurants)!

Source: Uploaded by user via Aubrey on Pinterest

favorites // Tori Amos // Under The Pink

Source: modcloth.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Flourish De Lis Dress from Mod Cloth. LOVE this color.

Lately...

2012-01-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

I guess I've fallen off the face of the earth a little....well, for three weeks-ish. My journey to "Frugal Living," well, that's another post (or maybe not, because the daily challenges are sitting unread in my inbox). There's not even a reason for my lack of blogging other than I've been readjusting to five day work weeks after the holidays.

The closest thing to exciting that happened recently is a couple weeks ago, I won tickets to see Sarah Jarosz at Neighborhood Theatre here in Charlotte! She is what I would consider bluegrass...but I guess maybe more progressive bluegrass. Probably a couple years ago, I purchased her first album on iTunes after randomly stumbling across it, so I was kind of familiar with her songs (although she had also put out a new album since then). I happened to see that Creative Loafing was giving away a pair of tickets, so I submitted my email address and won! It was a nice surprise since I think I had forgotten I even entered to win in the first place.

Several things hit me that night: (1) Sarah Jarsoz is far more talented than I realized. (2) Going to see live shows of not-so-well-known musicians is something I should do WAY more often. (3) There is a difference in spending time with your husband on the couch watching tv and actually going out and doing something. (4) Someday, I want to learn how to play the banjo.

Items #1 and 4 are pretty self explanatory. Sarah spent most her time on an octave mandolin, which I had never seen before, but she also switched between it and the banjo. She usually performs alongside a cellist and fiddler, but was sans cellist for this one. Sad face. BUT, fiddler Alex Hargreaves was out of this world.

Number two, Charlotte isn't exactly what I'd call a music scene hotspot, but I think it's improving. Not too long ago, Sara Bareilles played at Neighborhood Theatre. Ross and I have seen a couple good smaller shows at Amos' Southend, too.

As for number three, it really was kind of an "a-ha!" moment. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoy being at home, but we realized that it is fun to actually go out and do things together sometimes. Who would have thought? We eat out a lot, but that doesn't count. And to be honest, seeing a movie doesn't really count either. I mean, those are fun things to do, but we both love music...and it was just something different. Had we paid for the tickets, seeing Sarah Jarosz would've cost us the same as seeing a movie, anyway.

Since we live right down the road, we also need to take more advantage of NoDa, and I suggest you visit if you live near Charlotte...it's almost like a mini-Boone, which I love. I really liked Neighborhood Theatre as a venue, and we tried Revolution Pizza for the first time and enjoyed that as well (side note: I tried Four Friends Queen City Red there and would recommend it).

So those are the recent happenings, and hopefully there will be more similar things to discuss in the future now that we have realized there is a world outside our apartment!

Frugal Living...? Oh snap.

2012-01-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

The f-word isn't even one I'd consider to be in my vocabulary. Ever. Before I make it sound too bad, I promise I'm not someone who needs to go to shopaholics anonymous or anything like that (my husband would probably say that's debatable). I do have some self control when it comes to finances, but I'm willing to admit there is room to grow. Either way, I want to be smart about things. I want to recycle things and be wise when it comes to purchasing (or not purchasing) everything from clothing to food. I know it's possible, it just requires a little creativity and discipline.

So, I'm giving this a try. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but it will be a fun way to attempt being, what's the word again? Oh, yeah. Frugal. This whole thing starts tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have some positive updates from time to time on my life as a frugal-person-in-training!

Oh, How Pinteresting! Wednesdays

2012-01-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Some of my recent favorites!

Source: aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Love this idea! Recycle Christmas cards into gift tags. I saved several of my cards this year in hopes of finding a good idea like this one.

Source: turbogirl.tumblr.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

So true.

Source: jimhillmedia.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Babes in Toyland (Disney, 1961)

I loved watching this movie when I was younger, and decided to buy it on DVD this year!

Source: imperfecthomemaking.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Thankful that there are so many blogs out there that have such great cleaning and organizing tips! I enjoy reading them. Still working on the whole actually going through with it part.

a shiny, brand new year!

2012-01-03T23:21:00.002-05:00

Happy 2012 to you all! Hope everyone had a very relaxing and stress-free holiday. Ours felt crazy busy...four family get-togethers. Thanks, marriage. I do love every second of it, though. I managed to squeeze in a few days away at my grandparents' mountain home. Definitely needed that, but it wasn't long enough (it never is).

Christmas in the mountains

Those few days away gave me time to enjoy my new Nook, which I actually AM using. Currently reading Wuthering Heights and loving it. It was actually kind of witty here and there in the first few chapters, which was a bit of an unexpected surprise. I'm only on chapter ten, so I have a ways to go. Not sure what book is next...so many choices!

Other Christmas gifts I'm enjoying include

my Minnetonka Moccasins/slippers, and my new pink Snuggie, for starters. The pink was a welcomed replacement for my camo one. Somehow I always manage to wind up with Snuggies after Chinese Christmas/Dirty Santa/whatever-you-want-to-call-it games.

Now for my Minnetonka mini-advertisement (can I get paid for this?). The moccasins have lived on my feet for the past four-ish days because they are amazing. They are toasty warm, soft enough to be bedroom slippers but durable enough to wear out, and they molded to the shape of my feet after a few wears. Five stars.

And...I jumped on the Keurig bandwagon! Didn't feel like that warranted a picture. It really just made sense, especially since my husband is not a coffee drinker. Best part...I don't have to wash the darn thing out everyday. I know, how lazy is that? But for real.

As for New Year's resolutions, I'm still thinking about those. Really, if I had any, they'd mostly be things I've been trying to do all along. Come up with a cleaning routine, wake up earlier, go to bed earlier (obviously I'm trying real hard), eat healthier, the norm. Maybe it would help if I set goals. Well, resolutions or no resolutions, last year was wonderful and I hope this year is even better.

last update before the holiday madness begins

2011-12-22T00:18:00.001-05:00

We have been busy since not long after Thanksgiving. Busy, and I've been tired. Not that ten+ days without a post is a rare thing around here. Between work and getting ready for Christmas, there hasn't been much time.

I did really well this Christmas in terms of shopping. Really well considering I'm usually a day-before-Christmas marathon shopper. With work and an hour-long commute home at the end of the day, I realized there would definitely not be time for that. I wouldn't say I started early, but it's one step closer, so maybe next year I'll have most of it finished before December 1!

Speaking of December, I cannot believe tomorrow is the first day of winter and it's supposed to be 70 degrees here. This is ridiculous, and I hate it. Honestly, ever since I moved back from Boone, there have been several heavy sweaters I can't even wear because it just doesn't get that cold. I like the seasons, winter included, and I at least want to be able to comfortably wear a sweater and a cute scarf or something without burning up. Snow would be nice, too, but I realize the chances are slim.

The next item on my list of things to talk about is: Merry early Christmas to me, I have a Nook! I bought it yesterday. Just the Nook Simple Touch. I really like the Kindle Fire, but I don't want to feel like I'm staring at another computer screen after I've stared at one all day. I like that the basic e-readers look so much like book pages, and I'm kind of disappointed that the Fire, etc don't have an option to somehow switch display modes. Someone get on that.

I guess if I decide I want a tablet, I'll spring for an iPad. I got some funny looks from ~~everyone~~ some people (namely my husband) when I told them I wanted a Nook, because I'm not big into reading. But maybe now I will be? Seemed like good logic for purchasing one. Haha. In all seriousness, there are a lot of books I want to read, and this just makes them way more accessible. First on my list is (free, of course) Wuthering Heights. Don't ask me why, because I realize it's kind of random. I'm also excited to get into this whole library thing, I guess I need to get a library card so I can borrow via my Nook. Yay reading!

This weekend (and beginning of next week) is going to be a whirlwind of traveling and family get-togethers, and I'm excited to see everyone and spend a few days in the mountains. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!! I'll leave you with our we-didn't-send-out-Christmas-cards-so-I-posted-a-picture-on-facebook picture:

ps. our bow is red, not pink. (it kind of looks pink in this picture, doesn't it?)

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-06T09:12:00.001-05:00

1. What are three things that are on your Christmas wish list?
Minnetonka Slippers, a Kindle or a Nook (the basic, not the tablet), and that's about it.

2. What's your favorite Christmas song?
Do You Hear What I Hear?

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Not really...but Destiny's Child did a pretty good version of it. Haha

4. Have you heard about the website goodreads?
Yes, I'm on it...I like the idea, but I don't read that often.

5. What are three books you want to read?
I think I would like to try The Hunger Games series (I know, that's more than one book), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Help.

6. Do you hunt deer?
No. I know people who do, so I have eaten deer meat before and it's pretty good.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
I'm ahead of the game compared to most years, but "ahead of the game" for me means doing any shopping before December 20. I only have a couple things, so I've still got a ways to go.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I did! I've gone shopping during the day on Black Friday before, but this year I decided to try midnight shopping! I left for Concord Mills at about 11:45pm on Thursday night and arrived at about 12:10am on Friday. It was a madhouse! As big as Concord Mills is, I thought for sure it wouldn't be busting at the seams, but it was. As for the "deals," I was pretty disappointed. They didn't seem any different from the sales that happen most days in December. BUT - I have been looking for a pair of boots for a while now, and I didn't want to spend $50+ on them. I found a pair (the very last pair of these specific boots, I might add) that were regularly $59, had been marked down to $45 or something like that, but were on sale for Black Friday for $22!!! It was a fun experience, but I can't say I'll do it again.

9. What's one holiday tradition your family has?
On Christmas morning, we always read the story of Jesus' birth out of the Bible, and then we go around the room and each of us talks about what we are thankful for. We do this at both of my family get-togethers (mom's side and dad's side).

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?
On a regular basis, I'd say there are 7-10 blogs I keep up with via google reader. As far as subscribing/unsubscribing goes, I guess I just purge every once in a while.

Questions found here.

Christmas continued: decking the halls!

2011-12-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

Everyone else is posting pictures of their trees and Christmas decor, and I took pictures a week ago with the same intention...so here we are!

The perfect Christmas tree! This was a difficult choice for me, and major props to my husband for standing in Lowe's while I stared at pre-lit trees for an hour trying to make a decision. I grew up with real trees, so the switch to an artificial wasn't easy, but it made the most sense. The tree is pre-lit with clear lights, but I added multi-color strands. :) It being the first year I've had my very own tree to decorate, I cannot believe how expensive tree skirts are! Maybe it's just me, but I refuse to fork over $40 for a round piece of fabric that someone decorated. I bought the cheapest one I could find at Target...solid red, and it was either $15 or $20.

My stocking display...another "first" - first year without a fireplace! These shelves are a great replacement. On a side note, we have the most randomly placed thermostat.

And the elf & ornaments. Plenty of NC State candy canes and my little ASU snowman! My grandmother has an (very vintage) elf she puts up every year and has a few smaller elf ornaments. I love them, and happened to find one in a store. I just realized the ornament on the bottom left kind of resembles a grapefruit. The picture doesn't do it justice, though. It's beaded and sparkly, and I bought it when I visited the Biltmore in December a couple years ago.

I love Christmas decorations, and I may just leave mine up until March. Ok, not really, but I wish I could!

Christmas music is my favorite!

2011-11-29T21:48:00.001-05:00

Christmas music never gets old to me. I know, crazy. For someone who says every other song is "way too overplayed," I sure do have a high tolerance for holiday tunes played 24/7 over the course of two months (Light 102.9 starts on Nov. 1!). I think it's because I appreciate the variety. So many different interpretations of the same songs. How many times can one song be recycled? Every year there's something new.

I have an old favorite this year and a new favorite. My old favorite Christmas album (well, old as in 2006) is Wintersong from Sarah McLachlan. When it came out, I listened to it every night as I was going to sleep for like three weeks. That's pretty huge for me because I'm not a listen-to-the-tv-or-radio-when-trying-to-fall-asleep kind of person. One of my favorite songs is "River" (originally by Joni Mitchell), but I love the whole thing. Sarah McLachlan has a heavenly voice, and this is the perfect quiet/peaceful/soft Christmas album if you are looking for one.

My new favorite is the recent release from Kate Bush: 50 Words for Snow. LOVE Kate Bush. I guess it doesn't really qualify as Christmas music...more like winter music. This album is completely slow-moving (in a good way), but the story each song tells keeps you waiting for the next note and lyric. Definitely the most haunting winter album I have ever heard. "Snowed in at Wheeler Street" (w/ Elton John), "Snowflake," and "Among Angels" are the three I'm loving right now. A snippet that sums the whole thing up for me:

they (the songs) contain wondrous multitudes thanks to the singer's still-expressive voice and knack for uncanny arrangements. And mood. There's an appealing creepiness that runs through this album...
-Pitchfork

I'm willing to admit the record is a little bizarre, but that's Kate Bush.

You can see a little pattern here, I guess. All creepiness and bizarreness aside, I prefer the Christmas (or winter) music I'm listening to to be as relaxing and/or quiet as I hope the holidays will be. Hah! What are you listening to this holiday season?

Home.

2011-11-17T21:20:00.000-05:00

Well, second home. Boone and ASU definitely have a special place in my heart - I graduated from App, and so did my parents and grandparents. I grew up spending fall weekends in Boone for football games, and (obviously) I spent four crazy but wonderful years there.

My senior year of college, I was so blessed to become a part of a group of great friends, and every year we get together and rent a cabin for a fall weekend. I LOVE that we are continuing this tradition and it is something I look forward to every October (or November). We had a great weekend that involved King Street, Macado's, Dan'l Boone Inn, downtown Blowing Rock, and of course the game vs. Western Carolina (that I, admittedly, was quickly bored with).

There is just something amazing about Boone. I love that beauty is everywhere, and you don't have to look hard to find it. It's hard to be unhappy when the awesomeness of God's creation is so in your face. Sorry, I couldn't think of a more eloquent way to say that. I would move back in a heartbeat. And yes, I love snow. My husband hates snow and the cold, but we're going to work on that.

Speaking of snow, we saw a few snowflakes this past weekend! Somehow, that led me to the decision that it is not too early for Christmas decorations. With a few hours to spare on Sunday afternoon, Halloween was packed up and a few Christmas decorations were put out! I have a pretty good beginning collection, but it needs to be improved upon. This weekend I am (a) deep cleaning our apartment and (b) buying and putting up the Christmas tree! Hooray! I know some people think it's too early, and that's fine. I just decided it wasn't too early for me. Maybe, instead of a fake tree, I can convince Ross that another trip to Boone is necessary to get a real one...

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

1. What are your pantry staples?
Umm...haha. Right now, my pantry is an abyss. On my to-do list is inventory everything.

2. What are your refrigerator staples?
See above. Just kidding, my fridge isn't quite as bad. Orange juice, milk, Pepsi and cheese.

3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
That's tough. And I mean that in a completely non-cocky way, it's just hard to pinpoint exactly what I would choose to change. I could stand to be more assertive, I wish I was more organized, and more motivated.

4. What's holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
The short answer: money.
The long answer: Well, what I think would be my dream job (still a little uncertainty there) would involve more money and schooling. The tough part is that it's completely non-related to anything I've studied before. That would mean the schooling wouldn't be improving upon what I already have (i.e. getting a Masters degree), but starting completely over. And it isn't like law school, so in other words, it would basically be a completely new Bachelor's degree. Not to mention it would be in a field where I think there is a lot of uncertainty, and getting a job would be quite a feat (but that's almost every field right now, I suppose). It would probably also involve me not being able to work full-time while going back to school. Kind of a perfect storm for financial disaster. Just call me Debbie Downer.

5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
If we are speaking in terms of frivolity, I'd say a new Kate Spade bag. Reality - my car is in need of some body work, so I'd probably do that.

6. What is something you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
Starbucks. The item isn't embarrassing - but I'm embarrassed to admit that my habit has become out of control lately. Like seriously, I don't even want to know how much I spent on coffee the past month. My excuse is that I can't get coffee I make at home to taste right.

7. What's in/on your bed every night?
Pillows, sheets, blanket, and my super soft green blanket that I got from Target.

8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget is, you will always find room for?
Nail polish. I've always found it to be a good way to buy something new and fun even if you are having to clamp down on the rest of your spending.

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you've ever made?
I haven't, really. But my husband always eats cheetos ON his sandwiches (like if he has a turkey and cheese sandwich or something). I think that's pretty weird.

10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
Tough question. I think I would go with the Pinterest scenario. Of all those things, Pinterest is what I use the least. I don't really care about Twitter, but I think I'd rather keep Facebook and live with the fact that probably only 5 people read my blog. :)

Questions found here.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

1. What's your favorite television show for each day of the week?
Monday: The Sing-Off, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune ...and that's about all the tv I watch. I've been falling behind lately on Sister Wives (Sunday nights).

2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you wash them?
Twice...maybe three times. I've noticed the tags on a couple pair of jeans I recently bought even say, "wash me as little as possible."

3. What is your favorite pasta shape?
I don't have a favorite. I love all pasta equally!

4. Do you read newspapers?
I read them online...haha.

5. Do you sleep in socks?
Usually I do in the winter. Just depends on how cold I am, but my feet tend to stay freezing most the time. I have some of those slippers that are made to look like Uggs, and I actually get so cold that I sleep in them sometimes.

6. Favorite genre of movies?
Romantic comedies, duh!

7. How do you feel about wrestling?
Eh...I don't like it. I guess I can understand it as a competitive sport in high school or college. But I have no desire whatsoever to watch it, and I definitely don't like any kind of pro wrestling.

8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?
If they need to, then yes!

9. Do you have dimples?
I do not.

10. Do you like to camp?
LOVE it, but I rarely get to go. We went camping as a family a lot when I was growing up. But I had my first "rustic" camping experience a few years ago. Rustic as in - not at a campground, but at some random spot 45 minutes off a dirt road in the mountains of Tennessee, no running water or restrooms, no one else nearby. That was really a lot of fun. I don't think I strike a lot of people as someone who would enjoy camping, but I definitely do. There's something about no electricity, sleeping in the woods, sitting by a fire all day and doing nothing that's just wonderful.

Questions from Roots and Rings.

end-of-the-week hodgepodge: movies & money

2011-11-03T19:17:00.000-04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween weekend/Monday! I have zero to report from Halloween, since Ross and I spent the weekend hanging out at home. :) This is the first year in quite a while that we didn't dress up and go out, but a weekend of rest is definitely what we needed. Well, a weekend of rest and switching out summer and fall clothes for me. That was a chore, and I'm still not quite finished yet. I really don't mind doing it though, because I forget what I have and then I'm like "I forgot I had that sweater...love it!"

Aside from swapping out clothes, I also spent the weekend watching all the Halloween movies on ABC Family. Saw Coraline for the first time and was thoroughly freaked out. What a weird flick. But then it came on again, and I loved it after watching it a second time. Same with The Corpse Bride (except I loved it after watching it the first time).

We saw Puss in Boots as well. Very cute. It got great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, and someone even said it was funnier than Shrek. I wouldn't go that far, but I'd say it's worth seeing if you like Shrek-ish movies. Had no idea Zach Galifianakis was in it either, so that was an added bonus.

On a completely different subject, in my quest to be more organized lately (I haven't gotten too far with that), I've also been thinking about getting organized financially. I will be the first to admit that personal money management is not my strong point, nor has it ever been. Marriage has forced me to be a little better about finances only because I know that my decisions affect someone else now. So this is mostly a question to you all. What are your tips on money management? What budgeting programs (if any) do you use? What have you found to work and not work? I've tried using Mint.com, but it was too elaborate for me. I just need something simple where I can keep track of everything, and see when I'm spending too much in one area, etc.

Not that this post needs anymore randomness, but I want to end with a couple links:

Clean Mama - I stumbled upon this blog somehow and found "31 days to a cleaning routine" (and free printables to go with it). She also has an etsy store for all her additional cleaning/organizing printables which look awesome. AND, there is currently a giveaway going on for two of her starter kits! *crosses fingers*

Best Case Scenario Me - Something I really enjoyed reading. Featured on KylaRoma.com, written by Sarah Von from Yes & Yes

Oh, how pinteresting!

2011-10-26T20:39:00.000-04:00

Trying something new and fun today...a collection of some of my favorite pins from the week:

Source: katespade.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Kate Spade knightsbridge debra agenda. Loooove this - and love the color! If only I had $225 to spend on a planner...early Christmas present to myself, perhaps?

Source: lyndarthemerciless.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Sparkle in a sophisticated-not-sixth-grade way. Although I'm not gonna lie, I love all things sparkly, so you will still probably catch me wearing all out glitter nail polish from time to time.

Source: bonadrag.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

This is another LOVE. I have honestly spent time browsing zappos.com looking for ballet flats that actually resemble real ballet flats. Why? Because I like the look. These fit the bill perfectly.

Source: tinyapartmentcrafts.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Golden Snitch ornament (Harry Potter)! Not sure what the wings are made of, but it looks super easy to make.

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Practical pin of the week! I have not tried this yet - but it's on my to-do list. It looks like the plastic bag monster vomited all under my sink in my kitchen, and plastic bags are just stuffed wherever they will fit. What a clean and neat way to store them, assuming that it does actually work.

And that's it. Happy pinning!

On being a homebody.

2011-10-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

Before starting this, I pulled out the trusty ol' webster.com and looked up "homebody." The definition is this: one whose life centers on home. That's a really good definition, in my opinion. I actually expected to see something more along the lines of "introvert who has no life." I guess I just think that is what everybody else thinks.

Although the two aren't really connected, what started me on this topic was when I realized that this blog is picture-less (I'm not counting the pictures of random things and wish list items, etc.). The obvious explanation for this is that I'm not a picture taker. I wish I was, but I'm not.

But that led me to my next point - I don't do much. And I'm lucky to have a husband who loves being home just as much as I do. Maybe I'm normal in that I spend 40 hours a week at work, and can't find time to do much more than just hang out on the weekends. But I have always, even in my teenage years, "not done much," and I enjoy it. "Not doing much" isn't really an accurate way to describe it, though. There is still a lot I don't know about myself, and things I'm still figuring out. One thing I do know is that I have always loved home. There is absolutely nothing I love more than to be at home with my family, or spending an hour (or several) chatting with a good friend. Those times are especially precious now, when it seems like no one knows how to press the slow down button (or does that even exist). Spending time with the people I care about is something I never get tired of, and something that I will never not have time for. Not sure how many of you listen to Sara Groves, but her song "Every Minute" might be a perfect description of what I'm trying to convey. You can listen to it, too. :)

I am long on staying, I am slow to leave
especially when it comes to you, my friend
You have taught me to slow down,and to prop up my feet
It's the fine art of being who I am
And I can't figure out why you want me around
I'm not the smartest person I have ever met
But somehow that doesn't matter
No, it never really mattered to you at all

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment, and every minute that you'll give me

And I can think of a time when families all lived together,
four generations in one house
And the table was full of good food, and friends and neighbors
That's not how we like it now
Cause if you sit at home, you're a loser
Couldn't you find anything better to do
Well no, I couldn't think of one thing I would rather waste my time on
than sitting here with you

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment, and every minute that you'll give me

And I wish all the people I love the most could gather in one place
and know each other, and love each other well
And I wish we could all go campingand lay beneath the stars,
and have nothing to doand stories to tell
And we'd sit around the campfire
and we'd make each other laugh, remembering when
And you're the first one I'm inviting,always know that you're invited, my friend

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment, and every minute that you'll give me

things to be excited about.

2011-10-19T23:42:00.004-04:00

I feel like all my posts revolve around lists, but that's ok I guess.

Leather Baggus

I'm pretty stoked about this. Well, let's say 50% stoked, 50% not sure what to think. I absolutely love regular Baggus - nylon reusable shopping bags that come in all the happy, neon, and fun colors you could ever want. And I've thought before that they should come out with something a little more purse-like. Not to say that you couldn't use their nylon bags for that, but you know. Here is the answer, I suppose. Part of the appeal of Baggus is that they are effortlessly cute. Mostly because of the colors, but also because of the simplicity. And I think I love this. The ultimate question is...is simplicity (even the 100% leather kind), worth $130.00?

New Blood

The new album from Peter Gabriel (orchestral remakes of older songs). Not many songs give me goosebumps these days, but every song (especially "In Your Eyes") off this album does. Some people might get tired of artists reinventing things all the time, but I love it. If songs are so good that they can be reinvented multiple times and be amazing in different ways, then why not?

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops
Found at Real Mom Kitchen

No picture, but this recipe turned out great! I love it when recipes turn out well. :) This was super easy, and the flavor was really good. The recipe called for one can of cream of chicken soup, and one packet of ranch seasoning, but next time I'm going to do two of each. I also made mashed potatoes for the first time, and they turned out pretty well. Kind of bland, and I think everyone has their own take on the perfect mashed potatoes, so I'm open to input. On days like this (I was off work), I say to my husband: "See, don't you like me better when I don't have to work??" Seriously.

Some Additional New Music
Obviously. Aside from Peter Gabriel, I have a new playlist this week. Hooray! Tracks include:
1. "If I Had a Gun" -Noel Gallagher.
My math goes a little something like this: Noel Gallagher - Liam Gallagher still = Oasis.
2. "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)" -The White Stripes
Not sure how I missed this one until now. Thank you, satellite radio.
3. "Sail" -AWOLNATION
If you haven't listened to this song, do it now.
4. "Mistakes" -Mates of State
We've been through this already.
5. "Mother" -Pink Floyd
I've become a little re-obsessed with this one after listening to Pearl Jam's cover.

KitchenAid Retweeted Me
Yes folks, you read that right. Do you even care? Probably not. But I'm kind of a big deal. You can view said tweet here. They didn't respond to my follow-up tweet regarding the free mixer I get for giving them such great advertising. #lame

Happy Thursday!

a wish list, and more Kassidy

2011-10-11T22:04:00.000-04:00

I don't keep a physical wish list, but my mental list has been getting pretty long lately. Turns out marriage means way more bills. More bills, and a lot less money to burn (as if "burning it" was a wise choice before). So, my list of things-I-can't-buy-now is a whole lot longer than it used to be. I'm pretty sure a lot of the funds are sitting in my closet, and somewhere on my to-do list is figure out ebay so I can sell all the junk (re: purses I don't carry anymore) and make room for the new!

1. Riding boots. (Am I the only one who calls them that?) This hasn't been a money issue as much as it has been a picky issue. I am VERY picky about riding boots. Certain heels I like, certain ones I don't, I don't want them to look like cowboy boots, but I don't want them to look too military, I don't want too many buckles, but I don't want them to be plain. I'll admit, it's all getting a bit ridiculous and eventually I will just have to settle.

2. A new black purse. I need a solid black purse. One smaller than my Longchamp. Again, this has been somewhat of an I-can't-decide problem. I want it to be casual but dressy if I need it to be. I can't spend $400, but I don't want it to look cheap.

3. A piano. Haha, I know, WHOA where did that come from. A couple years ago, I started piano lessons because it's something I want to do, and I need a hobby. For various reasons, it didn't work out, but I want to try it again. I would love to have a nice digital piano. Actually, I would prefer a real one, but space is a small issue considering we live in an apartment.

4. A pair of Birkenstocks. Just call me Julie Patchouli, but they might be some of THE most comfortable shoes on the planet earth. I've been through two pairs already, and I need new ones. Yes, I said *need.* I can't wear my ever-so-stylish Danskos everyday of the fall and winter, ok??

5. Ballet flats. ACTUAL ballet flats. I think they are super cute, and this confirms my suspicion that I'm not the only one who wants to wear them in public.

Is all that too much to ask for? I think not.

On a completely random note, we all know I love a good cover song, and I'd love to know what you think about this:

wine and crazy thoughts I probably shouldn't be blogging about

2011-10-09T21:56:00.001-04:00

This post...I'm not really sure where I'm going with it. But it's something that might be a little interesting, so here we go.

Sister Wives. You're probably already laughing. I LOVE the show, and have absolutely no idea why. I guess I've always found people interesting. Who they associate with, why they behave the way they do, different cultures, etc. My minor in college was Sociology, and I would've majored in it if my advisor hadn't told me it was a waste of time. That's another story.

One of the first places that forced me to semi-seriously contemplate the subject of polygamy was in class for a Human Rights course I took at App. I think what we discussed could be summed up with this: is it wrong for us to pull people out of their norms, because their "norm" isn't the same as ours? And who defines norms? Something to that extent. It's been four+ years, so that's a sloppy recollection. It really does ring true, though. I do want to make it clear that I draw a line somewhere - this is all in regards to consenting adults. In no way, shape or form do I think forced marriage, sex, etc involving minors is acceptable. That's my personal conviction anyway.

My conclusion here is that I have no problem with polygamists. And I've gotten some shocked looks from people when it comes up (I know you're probably wondering how often does that randomly come up in conversation?). I originally thought that Kody (the husband on Sister Wives) was a self-centered jerk who manipulated four women into worshipping him, but I've changed my tone after watching multiple episodes. I'm going to take it a step beyond that. I can see a few pros to their situation. They have a major support system, and God knows it isn't easy being a wife and mom these days (I speak from experience only regarding the former half of that statement). I'm not going to sign up for the show anytime soon (hah!), but In simple terms, they aren't hurting me or affecting how I live my life. And I'm gonna be honest, I think they value family and marriage way more than a lot of monogamous families do. I do laugh when the jealousy issues arise on Sister Wives because...um, when you're married to someone who you know is sleeping on a regular basis with three other women, that MIGHT be an issue. But also, I'm not here to tell people what they can and cannot do, right? This spills over into a lot of issues. Gay marriage, even. Maybe it boils down to my take on government, and that they should in no way, shape or form be dictating who an adult can or can't "marry." Who defines marriage, anyway? I think marriage is VERY important. But at the same time, a piece of paper defines your lifetime commitment to another person?

And this is what happens when I drink half a bottle of wine and watch Sister Wives on a Sunday night. I welcome your thoughts!

It's beginning to look a lot like Halloween!

2011-10-06T22:28:00.001-04:00

So glad fall is here! Well, it's sort of here. Not a fan of this 40 degree morning/80 degree afternoon thing. Weather wise, those are my LEAST favorite times of the year (when the weather can't make up its mind). Either way, Halloween is my second favorite holiday, so I'm definitely excited about that. Here are some of my favorite fall things!

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. I know, I'm one of the bajillion people who talk about this when fall comes around, but it truly is fall in a cup. I would also recommend the Salted Caramel Mocha (but maybe in latte form - the mocha flavoring was a little too much for me).

More of an excuse to watch one of my favorite movies: Hocus Pocus! Finally bought it at Best Buy the other day. The cashier said, "I used to love this movie!" And I was thinking...um, I still do. Speaking of Halloween movies, can't wait til ABC Family's 13 nights of Halloween...The Addams Family, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and CASPER! My kind of "horror" flicks. :) AND more of an excuse to watch Young Frankenstein and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (both of which I have on DVD). The Addams Family musical is actually coming to Charlotte this month, and I think I'd like to see it. I wonder if it's any good.

Fall candles. This is my latest favorite - Woodwick Glazed Pumpkin. Combination between cookies and pumpkins. It smells soooo good. And of course makes that fun crackling noise.

Oh, and while I'm talking Halloween movies - does anyone remember watching this? As a child, it was one of my favorite things to watch on Halloween. I watched it on The Disney Channel every year. There are listings on ebay for it, but they are mostly 25 year old VHS copies that go for around $80.00. I so wish Disney would release it on DVD...maybe someday!

Aside from those things, I LOVE decorating for Halloween, and I also hope to make some pumpkin cupcakes before the season ends. Not sure if Ross and I will do anything costume-related this year, but I'm hoping we'll have some trick-or-treaters at our apartment. There seem to be a lot of younger families/children where we live, so I'm assuming we will. Happy Fall!

recent [music] obsessions

2011-09-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

Mates of State :: Mountaintops

Cannot. stop. listening. And yes that warranted three periods. Mates of State is an acquired taste, for sure (consisting primarily of drums and an organ), but they seriously never disappoint. I've been listening to them for a while now, and I love their music and story (husband and wife duo, they quit their day jobs, and now record and tour with their toddlers in tow). The organ is something I specifically love about Mates of State because it's unique, but also because it gives their sound a depth that you wouldn't expect. The vocal blend and harmonies that they pull off is something else I love. I assume that comes easier to spouses in the same way it comes easy to siblings who sing together, etc. Also, if I want to be in a good mood, I put on MOS. Conversely, that doesn't mean that all their music is happy, because it isn't necessarily. I've read a couple reviews that dub MOS almost too sugary to stand, but I disagree. I am the queen of being attracted to depressing music (Tori Amos is my favorite artist of all time, if that doesn't say enough), and I love them. So there. One of the few artists who I can bank on buying their new album on iTunes the day it's released without even giving a listen because I know I'll love it. "Palomino," and "Mistakes" are two of my current favorites form this one.

Sarah Jaffe :: The Way Sound Leaves a Room

One of the many artists I've discovered as a result of having satellite radio. My first favorite of her's was "Clementine"...I wore that song out and still love it. This new EP is amazing. Highly recommend the songs, "The Way Sound Leaves a Room," "When You Rest," and her cover of Drake's "Shut It Down." but I am loving the whole thing. Here's a good review if you're interested. Yay for new music from artists I love!

Kassidy

Very new to me...but I am loving them so far. Heard their song "I Don't Know" on the radio and loved it, then spent thirty minutes thinking I had mistaken their name since they were nowhere to be found on iTunes...then realized it's because they aren't. LAME. They were described on the radio as "Britain's version of Kings of Leon"...which, from what I've heard, is about on point. Maybe a cross between Mumford and Sons, Kings of Leon, and The Avett Brothers? Like I said, they are totally new to me, but if I'm right about that, that's a pretty awesome combination. They're from Scotland...which I also think is awesome (for no real reason). The song I mentioned ("I Don't Know") is pretty much my favorite song right now and it is catchy as hell. I hope we hear more from them soon...and the U.S. iTunes store needs to get on that.

Ten on Tuesday on Thursday

2011-09-15T16:19:00.001-04:00

The 'Would You Rather' Edition

WOULD YOU RATHER...
1. eat chocolate covered grasshoppers or this freaky squid thing?
Oh dear Lord. I almost puked just watching that youtube video, for reals. Grashoppers, please!

2. never see another movie or never watch TV again?
I could live without tv. I don't follow shows too closely (with the exception of America's Got Talent this year and The Sing-Off).

3. be a superhero with a lame power or a supervillain with an awesome power?
Well it wouldn't be awesome if you couldn't use it for good, now would it? I'll take superhero with a lame power.

4. eat only salty snacks for the rest of your life, or only sweet snacks?
Salty. I like sweet every now and then, but not all the time. I could eat salty all the time.

5. never read another book or never hear another song?
Definitely never read another book. I enjoy reading from time to time, but I pretty much couldn't live without music.

6. be a whale carcass remover or a sewer inspector?
I'm gonna go with whale carcass remover on that one. I think I could handle a dead animal before I could handle sewage.

7.have no electricity or no running water?
I think I could live without electricity. In fact, sometimes, I think it would be kind of nice.

8. be a dog or a cat?
Probably a cat. They get to be lazier and don't have to go on walks. Haha.

9. always be hot or always be cold?
That's tough. I guess I'd say hot...I LIKE cold weather, but when I'm bundled up. So I wouldn't want to actually be cold. Hot is miserable, too, though. I'm going with hot.

10. be forced to watch all three High School Musicals on an endless loop, or the Twilight movies?
I think both would suck, but I did at least like the Twilight books...so I could stand that.

Questions found here.

End of the week updates, and some 90's music.

2011-09-08T22:24:00.002-04:00

Hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day weekend! I had a great one. First NC State game of the year, saw Ross's family and some of mine, and spent all day Monday cleaning *gasp*. And I mean seriously cleaning. Go me! I swear though, weeks that start on Tuesday feel longer than regular ones to me. Not sure why. At this point I'm working four days a week all the time, so it shouldn't be an issue. It's like even though you didn't have to deal with Monday, it isn't letting you get away with having an easier week. File that under things-I-have-no-right-to-complain-about. I know, I'm kind of heading towards late night/tired crazy rambling at this point.

So, we all know I have a small obsession with music before my time (or before my time-ish). Basically, all things 80's and 90's. Lately it's definitely been the 90's, though. One of the bands that would top my list as a 90's favorite AND an all-time favorite would be The Cranberries. I have always loved Dolores O'Riordan, specifically her completely unique voice coupled with that distinct Irish accent. One of my favorite things about their songs is the intricate two-part harmonies in every song (all Dolores). I have bits and pieces of different albums in my iTunes collection, but I've read elsewhere that No Need to Argue is one of those rare albums that you can always pick up and listen to all the way through and love it. I haven't done that, per se, but I can vouch for most the songs. From here, the only place to go is a list. A list of semi-lesser known songs I think you should listen to if you are remotely interested in The Cranberries.

1. No Need to Argue - Love. this. song. One of the saddest relationship-themed songs I have ever heard in my life. So bare and honest. Dolores O'Riordan's vocals+an organ=amazing. Worth sharing lyrics.
And I remember all the things we once shared, watching tv movies on the living room armchair, but they say it'll work out fine, was it all a waste of time, cause I knew, I knew I'd lose you.

2. Liar - Featured on the soundtrack for Empire Records

3. Twenty One - One of the few songs off No Need to Argue that I hadn't listened to until recently...currently a favorite.

4. Sunday - I actually owned Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can't We? on tape at some point, and remember rewinding and rewinding so I could listen to this song repeatedly in the car.

5. Free To Decide - from To the Faithful Departed, one of their albums that I'm not so familiar with.

Just a few suggestions. "Linger" holds a special place in my heart, because at the height of my guitar-playing career, I could play that song. yessss. Well, happy Friday, and go enjoy some good 90's music.

Pinterest Recipe Rundowns

2011-08-16T21:24:00.008-04:00

Pinterest, of course, is one of my new favorite things. So many great ideas, visuals, and RECIPES! I got into Pinterest right around the same time I got married, and considering I did zero cooking before now, there is no shortage of recipes on my to-try list. As good as the pictures always make the food look...they haven't all worked out for me. On a little bit of a tangent, I've also noticed that the word "easy" is thrown around waaaay too much. And as someone on facebook clarified for me, "easy [when it comes to food] is takeout."

Back to Pinterest. Here are a few recipes I've tried, and I thought I'd give you a little bit of insight as to how they turned out. Maybe this will be helpful, or you'll get a good laugh out of my attempts at cooking. Click on the image to go to the recipe.

Recipe #1: Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta

This was...meh. It actually turned out great, and it wasn't TOO complicated to make. Problem: recipe called for 10 tablespoons of butter. The author even noted that she realized that was a ton, but that it didn't taste nearly as good without all ten tablespoons. So, I've never cooked before in my life, I listened to her! Turns out that is WAY too much butter. It was so rich, Ross and I struggled to take more than a couple bites. We love pasta, we love shrimp and mushrooms. But not ten tablespoons of butter. I might go back and try it with less. If it supposedly doesn't taste the same, then I'm wondering if there is an in-between?

Recipe #2: Easy Enchiladas

Easy? Very. Delicious? Yes. And typically, I don't care for enchiladas. Again with the over-doing-it-on-an-ingredient, though. I put almost an entire 16 oz of shredded cheddar cheese on top of these before baking. Too much cheese (not something you'll hear me say often). I guess I'll just cut back next time. But these were very tasty and so so easy. Winner!

Recipe #3: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

This recipe and I didn't get along too well. My first mistake was starting the process at 6:30pm. Actually, everything went well until the lasagna noodles came into the picture. I cooked them, and then the recipe said to "make sure they were dry." What, exactly, does that mean? Of course I drained them after cooking...but that still leaves them a little soggy, right? So I let them sit in the strainer for a few minutes. Then they were all stuck together. Not sure how this happened, unless they weren't quite cooked well enough. Rookie mistake, I'm sure, but I was a little irritated. We tried to soak the noodles in hot water again and slowly pull them apart. We ended up with six noodles (three of them double-layered) instead of the nine we were supposed to have, but that was ok. It actually turned out pretty well. Ross and I both decided we were not a big fan of the spinach. It's healthy, so that should have been a no-brainer. Final thought: the word "lasagna" is in the name, so why not just make lasagna like normal and not fool with rolling stuff up? Either way, if you like spinach, this might be worth giving a try.

I have many more recipes on my list...so there will definitely be more of this to come! Yay for cooking!*

*Trying to convince myself that I actually enjoy this.

Vanessa Carlton: she's finally there

2011-08-15T21:18:00.012-04:00

Are the echoes coming back to you, is wisdom seeing patterns on a loop, like a blanket around you...you'll figure it out, and get good again...

-Vanessa Carlton, "Get Good"

Self-fulfilling prophecy, maybe? I am loving her new album, Rabbits on the Run (released July 26, 2011). All along, I've had faith in this one. Maybe because I'm big on the girl+piano thing. I can even remember back when I first heard "A Thousand Miles" and then saw the music video with Carlton seated at the piano. During a time when my choice of singers of the Tori Amos variety were few and far between (they still are), Vanessa Carlton was a tiny bit of fresh air. Unfortunately, she was plagued for a while by the whole Mandy Moore syndrome. Ew. Over-produced, overly-pop crap. But finally, she has risen above all that.

The first track I heard was "I Don't Want to Be a Bride," which was the first indication to me of something a little not-so-mainstream and perhaps a little bit of realness. It's still my favorite track off the album. I think it's audibly noticeable that the gap in time between her last album and Rabbits on the Run was the difference of four years. Vocally for her and lyrically. This is finally the depth I was looking for from someone who I thought had the potential. It all comes together. Other favorites include "Fairweather Friend," "Get Good," and "London." From someone else who can say it better than I can:

"Rabbits on the Run is a deeply satisfying 37-minute romp that will make you remember why you really liked Vanessa Carlton once upon a time. And don’t lie. You did. A lot of people will say this is Carlton’s best album since Be Not Nobody, but I say this is her best album ever."

-Adam Finley (perfect review - read more here)

Also, if you're interested in a little more background on the album, this video is definitely worth watching:

so much to do, so little weekend

2011-08-04T15:28:00.014-04:00

To be honest, this isn't entirely the case anymore. Yes, I cut back to a four-day work week, but the fifth day is reserved for job hunting. This summer, there have been SO many things I've wanted to do on the weekends. The good news is there have been lots of get-togethers and weekends spent out of town. The bad news is that means I've had zero time to do anything normal. Normal as in - go to the local farmer's market., or visit the Goodwills and thrift stores in my area (I've heard they are good). This weekend, we have absolutely nothing to do and nowhere to go, so I plan to do both! #superexcited

Speaking of things to do, our apartment got a random semi-deep cleaning the other night at around 10:00pm because we had company coming (psh, why else would you clean?). I had been putting it off for a while thinking that (and I debated admitting to this) I was going to pay someone to clean our apartment. Yes, you heard that right. Child-free couple in their mid-twenties, with no real responsibilities outside of work, paying to have their two bedroom apartment cleaned. I said "couple" in that sentence, but it was really me pushing for this. In my defense, there's the whole I-have-to-drive-an-hour-to-and-from-work-every-day thing. Still, I'm willing to admit that's not a really good excuse. Which brings me to this point - I HATE TO CLEAN.

I chalk it up to perfectionism. My honest thought process when I start to clean is this: "I'm not mopping this floor correctly. WHY won't this dirt come off??? In order to do it right, I'd need to get on my hands and knees and scrub every last inch with a toothbrush. Wait, every last inch?! I don't have time for that! I spend ten hours a day at work and in my car! Now I just wasted thirty minutes and it still looks like crap! I hate this!" *runs off to bedroom sobbing* (<--not really, that was just for dramatic effect) I feel like I don't know how to clean, and I feel like I'm not good at it, and it's all a little discouraging.

In my search for people who sympathized with my views on cleaning, I stumbled upon FlyLady.net. I like what I've seen so far, and I plan on following the "Beginner BabySteps" program to a new cleaning routine...and just routine in general. I'm not very good at keeping them, but I know I feel better when I have one. Less stress, for one thing. I'll keep you updated on how it goes.

In other news, an EarthFare opened up right across the street from me this week! Anyone shop there on a regular basis? I've only been in one a couple times before (the one in Boone). I know it's on the pricey side, but I definitely want to try shopping for a few things there. It's been waaaaay to crowded to visit so far, so I'm waiting until it dies down a bit. Perhaps I'll add that to my list of things to do this weekend! :)

Exciting Weekend Adventures

2011-07-18T10:53:00.014-04:00

For the first time in quite a while, I have an exciting weekend to report on! Four of my close friends from college came to Charlotte for a visit (two of us already live in the area, plus my husband), and a good time was had by all. We started the weekend with dinner at Killington's (a Huntersville favorite of mine & Ross's), hung out for a short while, and then went to bed early-ish.

The next day was spent at the U.S. National Whitewater Center! So much fun. I hate that I haven't taken advantage of it before now, considering it's only about 20 minutes away from where I live. We definitely got the most out of our time there - whitewater rafting, flat water kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing. It's pretty expensive for the all-inclusive pass ($49 per person), but otherwise I think it's free to get in if you just want to walk around. You can also pay individually for some of the activities, i.e. $15 for kayaking. Something else I enjoyed was the atmosphere, minus all the screaming kids running around everywhere. In the main area (where the rafting, climbing and zip lining is), you are almost always within walking distance of a bar with a decent beer selection, and you can tell a lot of people come out just to watch everyone else and enjoy a day outside. It turns out they even have a weekly Whitewater River Jam featuring different bands each week, admission is free, and of course this involves good beer and sitting out by the "river" (where the rafting takes place).

Speaking of the rafting, it was a lot of fun, but not as exciting as I had hoped. But really, you can only expect so much excitement when it's all man-made. Everyone goes around the same loop, so the guides have to tweak things in order to make the "difficulty" level higher. In other words, there's not a lot you CAN do to make the difficulty level higher. We chose the middle level. The highest level involves a smaller raft and a swim test since you spend more time in the water, so we opted not to do that.

Now, on to my little mountain biking adventure. I'll admit, I have not exercised on a regular basis in probably two+ years. Making the decision to mountain bike 3.5 miles was not one of the smarter things I've ever done. Their website describes the green trail (the one we took) as "beginner/easy, mostly flat trails." Either we got lost and ended up on a different trail, or my understanding of the words "beginner" and "flat" is way off. I thought I was going to die, but I survived. As we got towards the end, I had to walk the bike on the level ground as well as on inclines. I have to admit though, it felt nice to have pushed myself that hard for the first time in a while.

Sidenote: And now, I really want to buy a bike - something I had actually thought a lot about before my experience at USNWC. There's a Trek store about ten minutes from my apartment, but we're talking a price range that starts at around $600. I guess I have a lot of saving to do. I want a hybrid bike of some sort, one that can be used on the road around town but also on trails. Maybe the perfect one will pop up on craigslist or ebay. *crosses fingers*

After all that physical/outdoor activity, we ended the day at The Melting Pot! Charlotte Restaurant Week is here, so it was the perfect, and cheapest, time to go. :) Our original plan was to go to Chima (Brazilian steakhouse) but calling one week in advance wasn't enough to secure a Saturday night reservation. Maybe next year. Sunday was spent recovering. I wish I had pictures of all this, but unfortunately, I do not. Either way, it was a fantastic weekend, and I especially give the Whitewater Center two thumbs up!

more thoughts on cooking, and a summer list

2011-06-28T21:42:00.013-04:00

Well, today was FUN. Except not. I suppose this is going to lean towards a "whiny" post, but just bear with me. I try to avoid them, but sometimes I can't help it. As I mentioned earlier, I'm married now (woo!), but along with that came a new hour-long commute to work (and then one hour home). I. hate. it. The sky opened up on me twice coming home today (I'm talking everyone was driving 40 mph down the interstate), I was already drenched from running out to the car, had a mini-panic attack after almost hydroplaning like five times, and that's all I've got.

Speaking of the long drive, I'm now one of "those wives." The ones that are like "but I'm too tired to cook tonight." And we've only been married for a month!!!! This is not good. But I've at least learned something about myself. I fall apart without a plan. If I don't have a planned out list of meals for the week (along with the ingredients in my cabinet already), it ain't happening. You can just go ahead and pre-order all your takeout for the next five days because that's what's for dinner. I know, this can also be remedied by having a few easy stand-by meals, I just have to figure out what those are.

For all that cooking I don't have time for, I finally invested in a sort-of food processor! I originally planned on just going for the big one and getting a 12 cup food processor, but I opted for the 4 cup mini-prep food processor instead. I just re-read a few reviews on each, and I'm kind of second guessing myself now. Most people said I didn't need the big KitchenAid, in fact, most said they didn't even have a food processor. The primary reason I'm buying one is chopping, and slicing. I want to be able to put half a potato in and it come out chopped. The manual for my mini food processor said I had to cut onions into "1/2 inch pieces" before putting it in the chopper. Wtf is the purpose in even using it at that point? I might as well chop them up one more time and get the size I want. I mean, seriously. Opinions, anyone?? Recommendations for a good chopper? I know I'm kind of contradicting myself, since I just said I don't have time to cook, but I think the food processor might lead to more cooking since it (the KitchenAid) can do so much. Or maybe I just like the finer things in life, like $200 KitchenAid 12-cup food processors.

In other news, I can't believe how quickly this summer has flown by. The month of July is going to be super busy, but in a good way. I think one weekend will involve a visit to the US National Whitewater Center - should be awesome.

List of other things to do/start/finish this summer:

• Finish reading Love the One You're With. Started reading on our honeymoon, haven't picked it back up since (but I was really enjoying it).

• Start some kind of daily workout routine. Thinking about trying out the Purre Barre dvd's. There's a studio in Charlotte, but the classes are way too expensive...plus, there's the whole being-around-other-people thing.

• Eat healthier. I downloaded a calorie tracker app on my Droid, but so far, it hasn't been motivating.

• Go to bed earlier, as I sit here typing at 11pm. Seriously, one week I'm just going to take the plunge and start making myself get in bed at 8:30pm. Yes, I said 8:30. The drive to and from work wears me out, so I need to be compensating.

• Come up with a very set daily cleaning routine (different tasks on different days), so I'm not waking up on Saturday morning and dreading doing it all in one day.

That's all. Actually, it isn't, but the list would get a whole lot longer if I kept going. Really, the list is more of a start-at-some-point-eventually kind of list, but preferably before the summer ends. We'll see.

the married life!

2011-06-12T11:19:00.004-04:00

There's definitely a whole lot of "new" in my life right now. New husband (well, first and only husband), new town, new apartment, new hour-long drive to and from work every day. Other than the last item on that list (which sucks as bad as it sounds), I am loving it all! The past couple months have been a whirlwind, and it's finally settling down a bit.

Post-wedding thoughts:

The first three months or so after being engaged, I was seriously considering eloping. I still think it is a great idea, and I don't think I would have regretted going that route. With that being said, having so many people I love and care about in the same place was so wonderful - all the planning, time, money and stress was worth it ten times over. So I guess where I'm going with this is do whatever you feel like doing. We would have come out just as happy and as married as we are now if we had eloped, but we chose the big wedding. I say do whatever makes you happiest. Not sure our wedding day could have gone more smoothly, and I am definitely thankful for that!

On another topic, cooking has been a fun new adventure for us. And when I say "new," I really mean it. Living at home with busy families meant that Ross and I spent most our time eating out before we were married...and I'm gonna be honest, cooking has never really been my forte, although I haven't tried much. I am really excited about trying new things though, especially with all the new cooking gadgets and makers and cookers etc that were given to us. I'm very proud of the first thing we made, Mushroom Turnovers. I know, definitely not anything to brag about as they are really simple...but trust me, it was a big step for someone who hasn't really done much more than heat up frozen pizza before. They turned out really great, and I'm sure we'll eat them again! And when I refer to "we" as in "we cooked them," my husband and I have cooked everything together so far. It's fun, but is also probably a good move on his part to ensure the safety of ourselves and everyone in our apartment complex. Saturday morning consisted of a not-so-successful attempt at making breakfast. Our mistakes were cooking the eggs first (which meant they were cold when we ate them, of course), and also burning the bacon, and subsequently setting off the fire alarm. If you ever thought breakfast was too easy to screw up, you thought wrong.

Luckily, since we are now living right outside of Charlotte, there are plenty of restaurants around in case the whole cooking thing doesn't work out. :) I haven't really been able to enjoy living in a new town since ten hours of my day are spent at work and driving there and back. Ready to get out of that situation asap.

I plan on posting a few pictures of our wedding and honeymoon (spent in Nassau - we had a blast) soon, and maybe even reporting on a few more newly found/newly attempted recipes!

slowing down...and the madness ahead

2011-05-17T23:11:00.002-04:00

This time next week, I will be married. CRAZINESS. I'm happy to report there have been no meltdowns...yet. I have come very close, but luckily avoided them thus far. Tonight, it kind of clicked in my head why I've gotten close several times. With the exception of late night moments like this, my schedule seems to have been planned down to the minute every day. It's a constant feeling that I was unsuccessful at getting everything done for that day that I should have done. And really, by all accounts, it still doesn't add up. I still can't figure out exactly what it is about weddings that takes up so much damn time. I guess it's just the thinking and the planning, which is a very broad description of what I've been doing since January. There are a lot of things that have to be done at just the right time. For example, you can't tally up your response cards til you've sent out invitations. You can't write thank you cards until you get gifts. So I had much more free time from January to April because I couldn't do those things yet. That goes for a lot of other tasks also.

This brings me to my other point. Tonight I realized that I am a slow moving person. I like to enjoy life, and I am admittedly a homebody. I'm not a go-getter by any stretch of the imagination, which probably relates to the fact that I'm not a planner. I feel like all this planning and organizing has been quite difficult for me, and I have a mother AND a sister who I'm pretty sure have done 70% of the work compared to the 30% I put in.

The bottom line is that I want to eventually find the perfect balance. The perfect balance between being myself, but still being an organized and put-together person who gets things done. Completely random, but I caught an interview on the radio the other night with Demetri Martin (who I love). He talked about how he had devised this points system every week where he gave himself points for getting things done and for spending time working on things he wanted to accomplish. It sounded like a good idea, but the guy graduated with straight A's from Yale, and I didn't understand anything he said about it other than that points were involved. Either way, I hope that after everything settles down post-wedding, I'll be able to find the balance I'm looking for. I'm open to suggestions on how you keep yourself organized and motivated.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-10T11:01:00.006-04:00

(Questions from Roots & Rings)

1. If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Holiday, hands down. I just love everything about it; the actors and actresses (Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black), the storyline, and all the music. Pretty in Pink is a close second.

2. Let's say someone wrote a screenplay about you; what actor/actress would you choose to play you and why?
Zooey Deschanel. She is one of my faves, and she was just the first person who popped into my head. I'd say her or Kate Winslet.

3. What's the first movie you remember seeing in theaters?
Pocahontas. It came out when I was ten years old, and I'm thinking surely I had seen something in theaters before that. Although, with two siblings, it's possible my parents avoided movie theaters in order to save the $343254.00 they'd have to fork over. I do have very fond memories of my mom renting Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, and Rainbow Brite movies for me, though. :)

4. Did you ever make out at the back of a movie theater in middle school/high school?
Definitely not. My intense moment in a movie theater would have been when I "held hands" with a guy at the movies in sixth grade. Gettin' a little crazy!

5. Are you a Netflix-er, Blockbuster-er or a Redbox-er? (Or none of the above?)
Redbox just because it seems to be the easiest, but I think Netflix is in my future.

6. Name one actor/actress who you would give anything to have a dinner date with.
Tough question. I actually don't think there is one that I would "give anything" to do that with. I don't care that much. But I think dinner with Tom Hanks would be interesting. He's such a good actor, and I would like to just sit down and talk to him.

7. What's the worst movie you've ever seen?
Luckily, it's been a while since I've seen something that was absolutely the worst. I've seen movies I didn't like, but that was more on a level of personal preference.

8. Do you sneak snacks into the theater when you go?
Of course. Snacks AND drinks. One of the many perks of always carrying huge purses.

9. Movie theater popcorn: love or hate it?
LOVE. I actually worked at a movie theater in high school, and we could have all the popcorn we wanted. I never did get tired of it.

10. What is the all-time best Disney movie in your opinion?
I'd have to say Mary Poppins. My personal favorites would include Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland.

weekend musings

2011-05-09T10:41:00.016-04:00

This weekend I was reminded of how thankful and blessed I am to have such wonderful friends. It was my bachelorette weekend (spent in Charlotte), and SUCH a great one! Three of my friends from college were there, and two from high school, and my sister of course (who planned the whole thing). I'm so very glad to have friends from different stages of my life who I can still call my best friends. I'll end my sappy I-love-my-friends story now. But I think we all had a great time. Dinner at Rí Rá Irish Pub followed by Howl at the Moon and The Breakfast Club = awesome. As for The Breakfast Club, what could be better than dancing all night to some of the best 80's music while the actual movie is playing on a big screen on the wall?? So I was dancing to "Don't You (Forget About Me)" while simultaneously watching the scene where Claire gives Bender her diamond earring. Side note: "P.Y.T." is currently my favorite Michael Jackson song. Anyway, I made it to the next morning with only a horrible headache, and I considered that a relatively good outcome.

On my music radar right now is a band called Grouplove. I am loving the song "Colours" off their self-titled EP, which I bought. XM radio has made finding new music SO MUCH EASIER. And somehow, while browsing Frank Sinatra playlists on iTunes this weekend, I discovered a beautiful song called "Poses" by Rufus Wainwright. Pretty sure it's my favorite song right now. I love randomly stumbling upon great music.

Well, I'm really ready for this week to be over. I'm not going to lie and say I don't say that every Monday. But there is much wedding-related planning to be done, and I am ready to have it behind me so I can just make it to the big day! I feel like things have come together far better than they should have in such a small timeframe, and for that I am grateful. I'm just stuck in that completely in-between stage. Not married, some of my things are moved but some aren't, new apartment is filled with unpacked bags and boxes, furniture is mostly taken care of but not completely, all this halfway business is driving me crazy! Not much longer, though.

Friday Giveaway!

2011-05-06T10:53:00.004-04:00

I love giveaways...and I love the idea of being organized (doesn't always come to fruition with me, but I try) - so head over to Kyla Roma to win a Filofax Planner! :)

Oh, the waiting...

2011-05-04T13:13:00.001-04:00

The next three weeks are going to be cah-razy! Moving+wedding=insanity. But good insanity. I visited my new apartment for the first time on Saturday...so exciting! Ross and I had visited probably ten different places, and finally, I told him to check out a place near where he works (an hour away from where I am). We had actually started our search there, but left when we got there early and didn't want to wait for the main office to open. The rent was decently priced in comparison to other places, it was in a great location, and I knew it was fairly new as far as age goes. So, I went from being terribly picky to "just do it, I don't care if I haven't even seen it." And it worked out PERFECT! So glad.

I was told by several people that I was a little on the crazy side for trying to plan a wedding in four months, but I can't imagine it any other way. The time between now and the wedding seems to be creeping by - I can't imagine waiting any longer. I'm sure it all depends on what your situation is and how much you have going on in your life, but I feel like a shorter time frame forced me to get things done. If I had half a year or more, seems like it would have been planned and I would've been sitting around waiting on the next three or four months just to go by. Whatever floats your boat, but that's how it worked out for me.

Moving has been relatively painless, but that could be because I haven't moved much at all yet. So, it's probably going to suck. I'm considering just opening my room up to a bunch of people and saying, "come in and take whatever you want!" I have a feeling I'm going to have about an eighteen-wheeler's worth of stuff to take to Goodwill after it's all said and done.

To end on a random sidenote - I am loving the song "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes right now. They are new to me, but conveniently, their new album (entitled Helplessness Blues) came out yesterday...can't wait to give the whole thing a listen!

I was raised up believing I was somehow unique

like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes,

unique in each way you can see

And now after some thinking

I'd say I'd rather be a functioning cog

in some great machinery

serving something beyond me

But I don't, I don't know what that will be

I'll get back to you someday soon, you will see

-Fleet Foxes

Ten on Tuesday Fun

2011-05-03T14:25:00.006-04:00

(Questions from Roots & Rings)

1. What is the weather like in your city today?
Warm and fairly sunny. They're calling for thunderstorms later, though.

2. Do you like the zoo?
Sometimes. It depends on the zoo. I'm certainly not any kind of animal rights activist or anything, but sometimes it makes me sad to see the animals in captivity. :(

3. Do you eat coconut?
Not often. I don't hate it, but I don't particularly care for it.

4. Have you ever hammered a nail? Are you good at it?
Yes. Not so much.

5. Does your family have a vacation destination that you visit often?
Yes! We don't get to go every summer like we used to, mostly because everyone is so busy. But for a long time (starting when I was around two months old), we went to New Smyrna Beach, FL every summer. Some of my very best vacation memories are from that place. Also, if you're wondering, that would be the beach known as shark-attack capital of the world. Aside from the beach, we usually spend our 4th of Julys in Banner Elk, NC. I do love the beach...but summer in the mountains of NC is a close second.

6. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Just one.

7. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
Check emails on my Droid. That's sad, isn't it?

8. Will you send your kids to summer camp?
Probably, but in a so-they-can-have-fun sense, rather than a daycare sense (not that you can't have both of those at the same time). Growing up, I participated in local summer programs like art camp, and also spent the latter half of many of my summers doing a kids musical program. Always loved it!

9. What do you put in your baked potatoes?
Typically just butter and sour cream.

10. Did you take swimming lessons as a kid?
I did when I was three years old. It's actually one of the few things I remember at that early of an age. I can even remember that I had two teachers - a guy and a girl, and I'm pretty sure the girl's name was Rose. I also remember that my "default swim" was always the backstroke - I don't think I knew how to swim any other way, so I just went with it. Funny what you remember sometimes.

thrifty thursday and trends...on Sunday

2011-05-01T12:14:00.002-04:00

I had intentions of posting this on Thursday...but that didn't happen.

Recently, I have come to love spending time scouring the internet to find affordable items that compare to designer items I see in magazines, etc. I usually see a celebrity carrying a bag, or wearing sunglasses or shoes I love, then I have to find out who makes the original (if it isn't already obvious), then I find out that it usually costs more than I am worth as a human being, then I move on to trying to find a cheaper alternative. It's kind of a fun game.

Well, recently, I'm kind of embarrassed to say I've spent ~~every night this past week~~ some free time watching all the specials Lifetime and BBCA currently have running on the upcoming Royal Wedding. I mean, it's kind of fun to watch...right? Well, at some point, Kate Middleton was shown out shopping (I can show you a picture):

The show I was watching showed her walking around with the brown leather handbag you see in the picture. (Obviously I saw it from different angles than this, I wouldn't say I liked a purse based on that picture.)

After way too much time spent surfing the internet trying to identify the handbag....Found it! Price tag: $1295.00 ...USED.

I'm determined to find a fun, brown handbag to carry around that costs a little less than that. And I think I've found a few (well, three) that might fit the bill. I was going to take votes on which one I should buy...but I already chose. I will take guesses, or thoughts, though! I know the suspense will be killing you all. Options 1, 2 and 3:

(Option 1: Frenchi Convertible Tote, $38, nordstrom.com, Option 2: Tan Leather Maxi Holdall Bag, $160.00, topshop.com, Option 3: prepped for travel canvas purse in navy, $52.99, shopruche.com)

I realize Option 3 is not solid brown, but it's still really cute, and comparable in size.

And to expand on that last bag...I love the navy blue+brown leather look! I would not have come up with that combination in my own head, but it's really cute! See below:

(BDainty from Steve Madden)

I've accepted the fact that I'm not really going to get super close to the appearance of Kate's bag...I mean, the original is selling for $1295 in used condition. But I can come semi-close!

"Iona, you're gonna O.D. on nostalgia."

2011-04-13T23:01:00.006-04:00

This title applies to me in a serious way right now. I recently discovered the joy of XM radio (I know, I'm a bit late on that), and am pretty much obsessed with Lithium (90's grunge/alt rock) and 90's on 9. Really, it's rare that I listen to any other station. This is also evident if you've ever been over to my tumblr. The 90's song of the week is about the only thing I blog, and every week I spend more time than I should watching youtube videos, listening repeatedly to my favorite 90's songs on iTunes, and looking for ones I loved at some point but forgot about.

For a while, it was 80's. And it still kind of is, but I've switched over to more of an 80's-movies-obsession rather than music. I wouldn't be lying if I said I've watched Pretty In Pink four times over the course of the past three weeks (see image). But I get hooked on things like that. When I find music I like, I wear it out, same with movies. I couldn't tell you what I like about Pretty In Pink...well, actually I could. A huge part of what I love in that movie is John Cryer and the role he plays. He is absolutely great.

But back to the 90's. My current obsession-within-an-obsession would be Oasis. I found this video the other day, and haven't stopped listening to them since. I mean, I've always had the Oasis staples in my collection (Wonderwall, Don't Go Away, etc)...but these kicks come out of nowhere. It's just kind of like, you've heard "Champagne Supernova" more times than you can count, but then you see or hear a different version or whatever and it's like a lightbulb goes off and you're just like "damn, that's a GOOD song." That happened with me too the other day for Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." I hated that song when it was popular because it was played so much on the radio, but I watched a live version on youtube the other day and got goosebumps. Maybe I'm just weird. But I do love the 90's.

In other news, ROBYN was on The Ellen Show today...awesome. This would be the same Robyn you know from the 90's ("Show Me Love" was one of her more popular singles). But she is way better now. Also, I may have exaggerated a tiny bit earlier, I do listen to a couple other stations from time to time on xm, and I'm kind of hooked on a song called "Young Blood" by Naked and Famous. I have no idea who they are, but I love the song.

wedding schmedding

2011-02-28T22:30:00.010-05:00

So, the big day is right around the corner...eek! There is much to be planned, and conveniently, "planner" might be the antithesis to my name. For real. But it is forcing me to be a planner, which is kind of good. I might grow from this.

Caution: the following is what could be considered as a rant.

The dress. Quite possibly the most exciting part of the whole wedding (you know, besides the whole spending-the-rest-of-your-life-with-someone thing). I envisioned laughter, tears (mom's), and good times all around with my sister and mother. One bridal store (I won't name any names, but you could possibly rhyme it with Cavid's Fridal), however, had other plans. If you could envision the worst possible nightmare experience EVER at a bridal store, that's basically what happened to me. Keep in mind this was also my very first time trying on any dresses. The store was, on a whole, a mess in terms of organization, checking people in for appointments, etc. My "consultant" was probably 65 years old, wearing a hideous sweater dress, smelled a little like cigarette smoke, and was so unfriendly and unhelpful it was unreal. My choice of words in assessing the situation to my mom, I believe, were: "this is a f$%#ing disaster." I really can't think of a time or place where I had customer service worse than what I experienced there. And today, up pops an email from none other than said bridal store! Among other things, they were asking me to take a survey. HAHA! I wrote a scathing email to their customer service when this first happened, but it's like really, what can they do? Because I'm for sure not going back. Unless maybe they offered me $1,000.00 but that is unlikely.

Moral of the story? I don't recommend them. I'm not much for google reviews, but if google reviews say the particular store in your area is bad, then for the love of God, trust them. Or just trust me.

But all is well that ends well, and I found the perfect dress at a fantastic store that I stopped at on a whim. So far, all other details seem to be working themselves out. My only other complaint would be that it is unnecessarily difficult to get prices/quotes from vendors via email. It's 2011, people! Get with it!

I apologize that this post was more of (ok, almost completely) a rant, but sometimes bad experiences at stores are worthy of a blog post. If only everything were as easy as shopping at Zappos.com.

comfortable...a valentine's day story

2011-02-14T23:06:00.007-05:00

So, I've heard that things kind of go down hill after marriage. Haha. Not in a bad way, though. Actually, let me rephrase that -- marriage may be the ultimate level of comfort. I'm thinking we are well on our way, and engagement is certainly a step in that direction. Hence, this conversation:

Ross: What do you want to do for Valentine's Day?

Me: Eh, let's just do lunch on Sunday or something. (in an effort to avoid any large crowds)

...after said meal...

Ross: So, want to do anything else?
Me: Nah, I'm kind of tired. (note: it was 5:30pm at that point)

Ross: Yeah, me too.

And we proceed to hang out/watch an episode of The Office then call it a night.

Funny how things get real when you've been dating two and a half years and are engaged. Not to say that we still don't go out from time to time and do fun stuff, but it's a lot easier now to just be chill and not really care. I think that's good, as long as you can keep a good balance. And really, the larger part of this is that I'm slowly realizing how precious weekends are where you don't have anything to do. They are few and far between, it seems. And when I don't have much on the agenda for Saturday or Sunday, I like to maintain a high level of nothingness if at all possible. For the record, I had mentioned to Ross that on the way home from Sunday's early dinner that we may need to "stop by the Coach store" on the way home for a potential Valentine's Day gift/purchase, and he was willing. I was tired and had no intention of actually doing that, so it was more of a test. He passed.

In other news...didn't watch the Grammys. I did catch Gaga's performance, though (which was actually pretty lackluster compared to some other ones). I think, after the past couple years, nothing she does is really shocking anymore. We've seen the kermit outfit, the bubble one, the meat one, yada yada yada. So she shows up in an egg? *yawn* I also caught the last part of The Avett Brothers performance...LOVE them. (So I lied. I watched a tiny bit.)

I'm getting bored, and I need some new music. Tomorrow = new PJ Harvey. Can't wait!

PJ Harvey...and why I love her.

2011-02-08T23:06:00.005-05:00

I am very much a newbie when it comes to PJ Harvey. As in, White Chalk (2007) is the chapter I started in. Probably the earliest song I have is "You Said Something" which was released in 2000, and she's been around since the early 90's. Based on that, I probably don't have strong grounds to say a whole lot...but I'm going to anyway.

It's safe to say that "You Said Something" and any songs off the White Chalk album are like night and day. The former at least has a little bit of mainstream potential, but I can assure you White Chalk does not. Whatever the difference is, I can appreciate it. The material isn't better, it hasn't gotten worse, but it's changed. There's something to be said for artists who can maintain quality while still exploring completely different sounds and going places they've never gone before. For me, three words sum up her sound: unpredictable, bizarre, and genius. I love it.

White Chalk is quite possibly one of the most haunting records I've ever heard (not sure I can even think of any others that would fit in the "haunting" category), and the overall tone of the album is dark and melancholy (my fave!). Timing was good considering it was released in the month of October...it was probably my favorite album for fall of '07. A lot of piano involved, too, which we all know I love, and there's kind of an old timey simplicity to it all. Seriously, if had to give a visual, it's of some 1800's era woman in a haunted cabin in the backwoods of some crazy mountain town (Boone, perhaps?) writing freaky ass songs on her piano. Some of that visual might stem from the album cover. A sidenote: Harvey taught herself how to play the piano, specifically for creativity purposes related to this album. From Wikipedia: "In an interview in The Wire she explained "the great thing about learning a new instrument from scratch is that it [...] liberates your imagination.""

So that was an interesting, but good, starting point for me. Now I'm looking forward to her upcoming album, Let England Shake. I've only heard "Written On The Forehead" so far, but it sure sounds like this album will be yet another venture into new sound for Harvey, and I can't wait. Bring on the weirdness! Saw a comparison somewhere between the sound for this new song and The Cocteau Twins who I LOVE. Either way, I'm anticipating greatness.

an early taste of spring

2011-01-31T23:31:00.002-05:00

Ahh! First experience with polyvore.com. I feel lame for not knowing about this site earlier. Anyway, I'm thinking this spring/summer will be the seasons of coral and navy blue for me. I've placed a temporary ban on myself from buying cardigans. I have too many, and it is starting to get nerdy. For the record, I bought all this on a complete whim. It was a last-minute shopping trip limited to a couple hours to find the perfect outfit for engagement pictures. I found two pairs of jeans in addition to everything shown below. MAJOR SCORE.

early taste of spring by aubsmiles featuring a knit cardigan

Long Bow Striped Cardigan, $30
Contrast Trim Sweater Cardigan, $20
Ruffled Seafarer Tunic, $13
Jersey Mummy Wrap Flats, $20
Rugby Stripe Sequin Tote, $17
Striped Canvas Tote With Polka Dot Bows, $17

the covers list

2011-01-24T22:57:00.007-05:00

...because I haven't made one yet! Discovered a really great cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" (you can listen here) on tumblr today. Well, "really great" coming from someone who is already a huge Ani DiFranco fan. But I am generally a fan of covers all around as long as they don't suck and ruin the original. I love it when talented artists make their own interpretations of what is already good. So here is my list, in no particular order, of some of my favorite covers.

1. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" -Nirvana/Tori Amos. I know, I know, all my lists have to include Tori Amos. But seriously, a Nirvana song being performed by a girl on a lone piano? I promise, you'll see the song in a whole new light. Or at least I did.

2. "Oh Father" -Madonna/Sia. Case of the cover being better than the original.

3. "Real Love" -John Lennon/Regina Spektor. I just love Regina Spektor, that is all. Purchased this song off the Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur album.

4. "Bizarre Love Triangle" -New Order/Charlotte Martin. I love a good 80's song, and this cover=amazing.

5. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" -Pearl Jam/Charlotte Martin. At this point we're seeing a pattern of my love for acoustic piano performances of 90's rock songs. Crazy how it completely changes the mood of the song.

6. "Bitches Ain't Shit" -Dr. Dre/Ben Folds. Ben Folds = genius. I love listening to this song in my car. haha.

7. "Free Fallin" -Tom Petty/John Mayer. Great, simple cover of a great song.

8. "Jolene" -Dolly Parton/The White Stripes. I think Jack White has a thing for old female country singers...?

9. "Where Is My Mind?" -The Pixies/Yoav. First heard of Yoav when he opened for Tori Amos. (Somehow, it all goes back to Tori amos, doesn't it?) This is a very trippy, weird version of Where is My Mind...but, that's kind of fitting.

10. "Come Talk to Me" -Peter Gabriel/Bon Iver. Love Peter Gabriel and this song. Love Bon Iver and love the banjo. A combination of all four, FTW!

Well, that's my strange little compilation...anyone have some favorites you'd like to share with the rest of us?

currently loving

2011-01-19T23:29:00.005-05:00

I give you...the bubble scarf:

LOVE this look. I happened to find this exact one for $14 from the lovely Hooks & Hammers shop on Etsy. (and it looks even prettier in person, which tends to be the case with etsy items) If you are interested, I recommend just searching "bubble scarf" and seeing what pops up. so much etsy goodness!

My impulsive and highly ambitious next purchase was the pattern for said bubble scarf. I know enough to sit for long periods of time and make the same crochet stitch repeatedly, but so far I've lost my patience with trying anything else. Maybe someday, though.

I hate healthy...or, we don't seem to get along anyway.

2011-01-14T16:36:00.009-05:00

Not really. I would love to be healthy. The idea of eating quality, healthy food really sounds good to me. I'm just not so good at the follow-through part, which I guess is the excuse most people use.

Unfortunately, I don't do well with things like Weight Watchers. It boils down to a black and white issue. Weight Watchers gives me too much freedom. They say, "why yes, you can have potato chips - but just three." Well I can't just eat three. I end up throwing my hands in the air and saying, screw this, I'm eating however many potato chips I want! I think what I *need* is a strict plan. Black or white. Yes or no. None of this "well, you can have HALF a cookie" business.

On top of that, I don't just want to limit my intake of the junk I already to eat. I want to cut it out. Which is why I think I need something drastic. Drastic is probably going to involve more time and money, but health is a worthy cause. Now I have to find a plan.

Although I'm not sure how healthy this is (actually, I'm pretty sure it isn't at all), I like the idea of Gwyneth Paltrow's detox diet. I mean it's pretty black and white. Down-to-the-minute play by play of exactly what you can and cannot have. That's what I'm going for. I need extreme.

It would also help if I was capable of cooking, which is why the word "easy" is a big factor in all of this as well. I think it's coming down to something like Nutrisystem...but really, I don't want to resort to frozen meals. :/ Something I actually have tried? A vegetable soup diet. Worst. Thing. Ever. I thought I was going to pass out at the end of the second day.

As far as working out goes, I'm considering hopping on the local YMCA bandwagon. A Planet Fitness just opened up right down the road from me, but I like the classes that the Y offers. Whether or not I will actually ever attend one is a different story.

This is why I never make New Year's Resolutions.

I Hope This Gets To You

2011-01-09T01:11:00.000-05:00

So I just mentioned Sarah Jaffe in my previous post...I "liked" her facebook page, and she introduced this music video (evidently from her cousin's band, The Daylights). I am really loving it (good things all around coming from Sarah Jaffe!)..although I think the video is kind of weird. but I usually like weird.

better live.

2011-01-08T23:54:00.005-05:00

I think as a general rule, it's safe to say that music is better live than recorded 99% of the time (barring that the band/artist doesn't suck). So, with a couple of the iTunes gift cards I was given for Christmas, I went on a bit of a live album spending spree!

Since I've been on a Ben Folds kick, I decided to buy Ben Folds Live. SO good. Just Ben Folds and the piano. Love it. Not to mention, he is a freaking genius. I recommend this album for anyone who is a fan. My favorites right now would be "Emaline," and "Jane."

I'm an Avett Brothers newbie (sadly, the only song I knew when I saw them at MerleFest last summer was "I and Love and You), and just bought I and Love and You (the album) a few weeks ago. I literally cannot stop listening to it. They are amazing. So I went ahead and bought The Avett Brothers Live, Vol. 3. Favorites are "When I Drink" and "The Ballad of Love and Hate."

And FINALLY...I got around to buying Snakes and Arrows Live from Rush. I am really starting to get into them...which I think is a result of seeing the documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage" (which I've actually watched three times). They are a seriously talented group, and I find it pretty amazing that they've remained together for all these years. In fact, they are going to be in Greensboro in April and I'm definitely considering forking over the $90 to see them.

On a random note, I also cannot stop listening to a song called "Clementine" by Sarah Jaffe.

Happy 2011!

too good not to share...

2010-12-15T23:02:00.002-05:00

I love Iron & Wine. My first introduction to them was "Love and Some Verses," and I absolutely love the simplicity of their sound, but their lyrics are amazing. Recently downloaded the Walking Far from Home EP and I'm loving it. The title track was my first favorite, but I finally got around to listening to "Biting Your Tail," and it's officially my second favorite Iron & Wine song ever. I think. A close second behind "The Trapeze Swinger." So anyway, here are the lyrics:

may your eyes be wide and seeing

may you learn from the view where you're kneeling

know the fear of the world that you're feeling

is the fear of a slave

may you know how the fight was started

and want as much for the snake as the garden

wear them both like a glove

that you can wave

may your mouth betray your wisdom

and may you get what they fail to mention

may your love be your only religion

and preach it to us all

may you lose what you offer gladly

may you worship the time and its passing

the stars won't ever wait for you

to watch them fall

we're the smoke on a burnt horizon

we're the boat on a tide that's rising

both the post and the pig you're untying

butcher gone for the blade

someday we may all be happy

someday all make a face worth slapping

someday we may be shocked to be laughing

at the way we behave

may your hands be strong and willing

may you know when to speak and to listen

may you find every friend that you're missing

there's no check in the mail

may you end there bruised and purple

and know the pieces the shape of a circle

round and round you'll go

biting your tail

we're the journey and the wind is whipping

the short hand's on the clock still ticking

both the egg and the red fox grinning

his belly full for the day

someday we may all want nothing

and all forget that we'll get whats coming

someday all say the world was something

that we just couldn't change

may your tongue be something wicked

and know your part in the calf and the killing

see straight through the captain you're kissing

the helm lose in his hand

may your words be well worth stealing

and put your hand on your heart when you're singing

the choir's sick of the song

but they still gotta stand

Just say no...to aspartame. (+Ten on Tuesday)

2010-12-08T22:55:00.006-05:00

I'm at day 10 of my no-more-diet-drinks experiment (don't think I even mentioned that I was doing it, so there, now you know)...so far, so good. I've heard from multiple sources that artificial sweeteners are pretty awful, and my Diet Dr. Pepper habit was just getting out of control. Horribly dangerous or not, we can all agree that tea is a much better option than any soft drink. In light of this, however, when I absolutely must have a soft drink, I've gone back to normal rather than diet. Probably not the best choice. And I can't make the switch to unsweetened tea, for now it's half and half. Either way, I've managed successfully put a dent in my soft drink consumption which is progress.

And for the sake of randomness...Ten on Tuesday (found here)

1. What do you order at Starbucks?

Tough one. Depends on the season. Last purchase there was a Pumpkin Spice Latte, I believe.

2. Where is your favorite place to eat breakfast?

My options are limited since I live in such a small town, but there's a local joint called Ken & Mary's that's pretty good. I also LOVED Corner Bakery (specifically their Swiss Oatmeal) when I spent a summer in DC...but haven't been to one since.

3. Are you on Twitter? Why or why not?

Of course. All the cool kids are doing it.

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Way too hard to choose. Ones that come to mind are Christmas Vacation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Santa Clause.

5. Are you a gift giver?

I'm going to have to go with no on that one. :/ I try...but unfortunately, I'm lacking in the creativity department.

6. Do you like your handwriting? Bonus for posting a picture.

I do! And, yes, I also have too much time on my hands.

7. Is your signature legible? Bonus points for posting a picture.

Gonna skip out on the picture for this...but I don't think it's legible. My name is fairly long, so making it legible would take too much time.

8. Have you ever been to New York during Christmas season?

No! but close. I was there towards the beginning of November...there were a few signs of Christmas around, but I would love to go in December someday.

9. Are there any items that you are completely brand loyal?

Not really. Although I tend to stick with the same face wash for long periods of time. And I mostly stick to the "Simply" line of juice (Simply Orange, Simply Apple, etc).

10. Who is your favorite public speaker?

No clue.

Next on the agenda...my Christmas wishlist (a must-read)!

It's Christmas time, y'all...

2010-12-01T22:37:00.004-05:00

and it's finally cold outside! Hooray! Yesterday it was 65 degrees, raining, and there was a tornado watch. Not what I would call ideal for the month of (or eve of) December. Living in Boone spoiled me though. Cold weather was frequently accompanied by snow there, and that rarely happens here. BUT I'm still happy that the Christmas season has arrived, and we've dipped below the 50 degree mark. :)

As far as gifts go this year...I intend on buying myself a semi-completely new wardrobe, since hardly anything I own fits. I thought I would try doing everything online, since it seems like that would be 100x easier than venturing into a mall this time of year. But I don't think it's going to work out. After spending an hour or so browsing around, I'm just hesitant to buy any piece of clothing that I can't actually pick up and feel. Plus, I'm never the same size in anything...it always just depends on the material/etc of whatever it is I'm buying. I know there are sizing charts, but I'm still leery. So I guess I'm stuck having to go out and shop for clothes, which honestly I think I'll be o.k. with.

I'm a last minute person when it comes to life in general, so I will be ahead of schedule if I have anything purchased for other people before December 15. Seems like it gets increasingly hard to buy gifts for people every year. I think it's because I look around, and it's like, no one I know is really in *need* of anything. And then you're just buying people random crap that they (a) didn't need and (b) probably didn't even really want. I go in circles with this every year.

Christmas music...I'm already tired of it I think. Which sucks. But you would be tired of it too if you had to listen to it eight hours a day. And for whatever reason, this particular station plays the SAME SONGS every day, eight hours a day. Not even a weekly variety. So I've about had my fill. However, I'm not tired of the movies on tv. I could watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Christmas Vacation every night until Christmas and be happy. And for whatever reason, Juno has been on tv the past five weekends in a row which = awesome.

I'll end with a playlist for the week, one that definitely does not have any Christmas songs on it.

1. Come Talk to Me -Bon Iver

2. I Grieve -Peter Gabirel

3. Solsbury Hill -Peter Gabriel

4. Bizarre Love Triangle -Charlotte Martin

5. Cloudbusting -Kate Bush

6. Keep Me In Your Pocket -Charlotte Martin

7. Walking Far from Home -Iron & Wine

8. Cosmic Love -Florence + The Machine

9. Unison -Bjork

10. Dog Days Are Over -Florence + The Machine

I've mostly been on a Peter Gabriel kick this week. He is hands down one of my most favorite artists of all time, and if you like Bon Iver, I'm very sure you'll love their cover of "Come Talk to Me."

visit to NYC & randomness

2010-11-21T01:13:00.003-05:00

Finally getting settled after my first week back to work (always so much fun). Spent the week before that visiting NYC for the first time! LOVED it. Not somewhere I'd want to live, but I definitely want to go back - specifically closer to Christmas. Likes about the city: so much culture, so many different people, so many options. Dislikes: dirtiness, too many people, no sweet tea. And I take back my earlier statement. I think I could live there, but not for more than three years ish.

I have been watching a Grease 1 & 2 marathon for the better half of the day (while doing other things, so it wasn't completely unproductive). Of all movies that would get old fast, you'd think it would be those two.

New favorite: Florence + The Machine. I feel like they are old news (well, not old but not new), but I downloaded their album, Lungs, because it was $3.99 on amazon. Hellz yeah! "Cosmic Love" is my new favorite song, with "Unison" by Björk coming in at a close second. Florence Welch has one heck of a voice...saw her not too long ago on tv, and she was amazing. Considering that it's not unusual for singers to suck on tv/live, it says a lot to not be in that category of performers.

Really really excited that the Christmas season is here. Trying to find some good new xmas music to invest in, although I think I would be happy with just having Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong. And to all you I-want-to-celebrate-Thanksgiving-first haters out there, I have nothing to say to you. I bought a new small Christmas tree for my room today. :)

be careful what you wish for

2010-11-02T21:22:00.013-04:00

So, I am a big fan of Baggus. They are GREAT bags in general, I use them for grocery shopping, since they fold up into tiny little pouches...easy to carry around, and they hold a ton of groceries or whatever else it is you are buying. Plus they come in a million awesome colors. Well, I follow them on Facebook because they are always doing giveaways, and I can always use another bag. Today I was thrilled to see that their status announced a giveaway of 50 pouches to anyone who left a comment & emailed their mailing address. I mean, I was thinking WOO [possibly] a free Baggu! Of course, I immediately sent them my info.

Then I got to thinking.

What exactly IS the pouch they were referring to? They make all different size bags, zipper pouches etc, so I figured it was one of the above. I merely glanced at the announcement before sending my info, so I figured I'd head over to their website to find out exactly what kind of "pouch" I was getting. It makes perfect sense, but they apparently have an overstock of the little pocket pouches that you fold your Baggu INTO. It gets better. They weren't giving them away to the first 50 commenters, they are sending 50 to each person. So within a week, I will be the proud owner of 50 multi colored Baggu pouches. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not complaining. They will serve a good purpose in being cute little pocket things I can put random crap in. But after this, if my purse is not semi organized with 50 Baggu pouches at my disposal, I think I am beyond saving.

back to blogging, and back to the 90's

2010-11-01T21:42:00.012-04:00

After another 5 month hiatus, I'm back! Determined to keep hiatuses down to a couple weeks max from now on. I have been doing the tumblr thing as of late, and have found this to be a most excellent source of finding new (or rediscovering old) music. Music, shoes, and everything sparkly and Tori Amos about sums up my daily tumblr feed.

In the world of music, I have recently been on a huge Pearl Jam kick. Not sure I would have considered myself a fan (based on not even owning a full album) until now. I credit "Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town" with turning me into one. I'm not gonna lie, at first I didn't even like the original version. I first heard Charlotte Martin's ah-mazing cover of the song, but after a few listens I fell in love with the original as well. The original usually eclipses the cover eventually, because it's, well, the original. Still working on adding to my Pearl Jam collection, but right now I would have to say my two absolute favorites are "Nothingman," and "Jeremy." I know the latter is one of their chart toppers, but I can't get over how crazy the message is and the uncanny-ness of everything that happened in years after. I have watched this live performance of the song about 100 times in the past week. Moving along.

Sidenote: Has anyone ever heard a comparison made between Eddie Vedder and Mac Powell? I seem to recall someone comparing them before. I guess I have to admit I hear a slight similarity in the tone of their voices, but Eddie Vedder > Mac Powell times a thousand. I have never liked Mac Powell's voice, but I would have come to that conclusion either way.

I've decided there are lots of decades I would preferred to have lived in for the sake of the music that was around. Don't know that anything can take the place of spot #1 which would go to the years that Pink Floyd was in its prime. The 90's gets a pretty high spot on the list though (obviously I was already born then, but you know what I mean). I was elementary school age during the early 90's, and might like to revisit it as someone age 18 or 19 ish, or whatever age it is when you start really appreciating music.

As seen on a comment on a youtube video (Pearl Jam performing Jeremy live), the early 90's may have been the "last years that music was considerable." Does that even make sense? I think I know what the guy is trying to say. And frankly, early 90's music is quickly becoming my most favorite genre to listen to. I'm starting to see it as a peak before it all took a turn for the worst. Kind of like a drug habit. Seven years in rehab, you're doing great then you crash. Early 90's would be the "doing great" run. Thoughts?

Whatever the case may be, you can bet that at any given afternoon in the near future, I'll probably be listening to some mix of Pearl Jam, Oasis, The Cranberries, Lisa Loeb, etc. and enjoying every minute of it.

new

2010-05-24T22:23:00.005-04:00

Happy May! As routine as everything else is in my life right now, you would think I could make a habit of writing something more than once every two months. Oh well. My creativity & ability to write about anything of interest is obviously lacking, seeing as how the best title I could come up with for this was "new."

But new applies to a lot of things. There is...new music I've been listening to, we will get to that. And it's spring, which means everything is new-ish. Right?

This new music I speak of is mostly Greg Laswell's new album, Take a Bow. (He had me at his slow, meaningful rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Just a guy and his piano singing that song. It's worth checking out, and it gives the song a whole new meaning.) I absolutely love the new album. I'm not gonna lie, a lot of his songs are quite depressing (depressing in a break-up kind of way). But I appreciate it when people have a take on love that isn't sugary coated cupcakes with three layers of chocolate icing on top and sprinkles. Unfortunately, that's not reality. And I think Greg Laswell has the ability to write raw and simple (but amazing) lyrics that I would think most people could relate to. And the music is so laid back. I'm a sucker for the piano, which also helps. But I love listening to his music in the car with my windows rolled down, or just in my room when I'm trying to wind down. So, I highly recommend you check out his music. Any of it. I think (or, well, I know) I've written about Greg Laswell before, so I'm sorry if you've heard any of this before.

That's really all I have on the music agenda. Along with this whole new-things-in-spring topic, I have set a new goal for myself (God help me): running a half marathon in October. SCARY. I don't think there is a bigger struggle for me than getting out of bed to run before work. The only part of the day I actually like is after 5pm. I don't really want to add to the earlier half of the day if at all possible. Of course, my mom's response to this is "but eventually, you will love getting up at 6am and running!" ...yeah, um, still not getting that. So this brings me to a question...does anyone reading this do their working out and/or running AFTER work? Is it still enjoyable? Does it work, or is it impossibly hard to muster up the energy? I just don't see the whole waking-up-earlier thing working out for me.

Quick and random change of subject - can't believe I almost completely forgot to mention this - I saw Wicked for the first time this weekend! Love love loved it!!!! In general, actors & actresses in musicals never cease to amaze me. I have never seen a show and not been blown away by the vocal talent of every performer. Wicked, specifically, was so much fun to see - especially since it's tied into The Wizard of Oz. The music was fantastic, it was visually awesome, and I will go see it again in a heartbeat when and if I have the chance.

So, part of this whole running thing means going to bed before midnight. I do have other things floating around in my head that may eventually make it here...hopefully before August.

Robyn resurfacing (part 2)

2010-03-26T23:46:00.004-04:00

So, a few years back, I wrote a post about Robyn and how she was resurfacing in the pop world. Or the pop world here, rather. She never really faded out in Europe. Anyway, I have continued to keep up with her as I looooove her music and she is at it again. Her new single is called "Fembot" and can be heard here. Homegirl is leaps and bounds ahead of what the Beyonces and Christina Aguilera's are doing (or trying to do). She's on her own record label, the creativity juices seem to be flowing with no limits, and I could seriously listen to her new single probably ten times a day and not get tired of it...along with "Change of Heart" (also featured on her myspace page).

I still don't understand why she disappeared from the map here in the United States. I guess when her music & style evolved, we couldn't handle the change here. Not surprising. I find it ironic that she did back up vocals for Britney Spears on "Piece of Me," which = the back up singer being ten times better than the main act. Although that probably happens quite often.

Still can't get enough of her self-entitled album with tracks like "Be Mine!" and "Who's That Girl"...can't wait for the new one to come out!!! If she's fallen off your map, I'd say she is worth giving a second listen.

a new hobby.

2010-02-28T01:07:00.010-05:00

Second only to my obsession with music would be purses...bags of any kind, really. Cute, reusable shopping bags? Can't resist buying them. Totes? Clutches? Overnight bags? I'm pretty much obsessed with buying any form of bag you can think of. I think my love of purses has surpassed my love of shoes. Maybe.

So this brings me to my new hobby - being a Thirty-One Gifts consultant. In all honesty, I never really saw myself doing something like this. But after going to a Thirty-One party a couple weeks ago, I loved their stuff so much I just felt like it would be something enjoyable for me to do.

So far, I own the skirt purse, large utility tote, boardwalk bag, thermal tote, along with a few other items. The skirt purse is my favorite so far (seen in the picture) - it's really a great size. It's small compared to what I usually carry, but it's bigger than it looks. I still have plenty of room for everything - my (big-sized) wallet, blackberry, ipods (I carry two), small makeup bag, and more. AND, best thing about it is the skirt! I've seen skirt purses before (one purse with interchangeable "skirts" you can buy to change the look), but was never impressed. Most of the ones I had seen were obvious - you could seek all the hooks around the purse and I didn't like that. With the Thirty-One skirt purse, the hooks are completely hidden, so it looks like the skirt is the actual purse. And, of course, they have plenty of really cute different skirts to choose from.

Moving along. You can see the entire catalog here. And then you can make an order directly on my site - www.mythirtyone.com/aubreyb. :) Almost all the items can be embroidered, so they make wonderful gifts for any occasion...birthdays, babies, great for bridesmaids, Christmas, etc. I will say that they have a lot of really great things for mommies. I think one of their bags has enough pockets for six sippy cups or something crazy like that (that could be an exaggeration, but trust me it was a lot). However, not being a mommy, I can say that a lot of the same items are great for just being organized.

As a consultant, I also facilitate parties. They do *not* have to be in-home parties, so realistically I could do a party for you if you lived three states away (a web party or catalog party). There are several benefits to hosting a party...discounts, free stuff, all those good things. And most importantly, it's fun.

I'm hoping this endeavor goes in a good direction, and whatever happens, I can at least say I tried. And it was a wonderful excuse to purchase large quantities of great purses and bags all at once!!! In all seriousness, feel free to leave a comment here with your email address if you have any questions, or email me at a.l.bumgarner@gmail.com. I'll be happy to answer!

recent jamz

2010-02-15T23:17:00.007-05:00

Since I really have nothing to say, I shall make a list. Here's what I'm currently listening to:

1. The Fear - Lily Allen. Before hearing this song, I only knew who she was from Perez Hilton (I know, you're probably thinking "really?"). From what I gather, she's pretty messed up, in an Amy Winehouse sort of way. Love this song though. Found it via Pandora (Imogen Heap radio). I have discovered the joy of listening to Pandora more on my blackberry in my car...woo!

2. Glittering Clouds (Locusts) - Imogen Heap. Again, thank you Pandora! I love Imogen and I'm surprised I hadn't heard this one. It was featured on a compilation called Plague Songs. Very interesting concept. The album is made up of 10 songs, each representing a Biblical plague from the book of Exodus. Kind of cool, but also very weird. Imogen never disappoints though.

3. Who Is It (Carry My Joy On the Left, Carry My Pain On the Right) - Björk. Although I proclaim to be a huge fan of Björk, I'm mostly just a fan of her old stuff. This song is from her album entitled Medúlla which was released in 2004. Not really "new," but newer than say Debut. Anyway. I'm loving this song, specifically the beat box rhythm she uses in the background for the whole track. And it's quite upbeat - similar in mood to "Alarm Call," another great track of her's that is worth listening to.

4. I Can't Love You Now - Sarah Jarosz. This girl is the missing link I have been searching for since Nickel Creek stopped recording. Only seventeen years old, plays the mandolin, and writes great songs. I can't stop listening to this one in particular. Along with the rest of the album (Song Up In Her Head).

5. Edge of a Dream - Sarah Jarosz. See above.

6. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel. I love a lot of Peter Gabriel's music, and I could probably always list this song as being "currently played." In my book, it's one of the best songs ever. My love for this song was recently rekindled after watching the movie "Say Anything...". OMG. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I always figured it had to be good if it featured this song, but I hadn't seen the movie until a few months ago. The first time I watched it, I kind of felt like, meh. I'm not a huge fan of Ione Sky (who plays the lead female role of Diane), but John Cusack is wonderful. And it's such a great story. Simple, but great. And after visiting Best Buy yesterday, I now own the dvd. yay! I'm watching the Olympics right now, and seriously, someone should ice skate to this if they haven't already.

7. Live in Las Vegas - Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds. So, I probably have five different live versions of most songs on this album, but you can't go wrong with this combination. And the $15 iTunes gift card I had was burning a hole in my pocket.

On an unrelated note, I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day. Ross & I were completely cheesy and saw the movie - "Valentine's Day," in case you are missing that - ON Valentine's Day (yes, we were one of those people). There were a couple endings that I didn't see coming and I thought were kind of awkward, but overall it was pretty good. Taylor Swift's character was actually pretty funny and she did a good job, as did the rest of the cast. I really just had a hard time picturing Bradley Cooper in the role he ended with...? I will end this now and say no more in case any of you are dying of suspense and don't want me to ruin the ending. HAH.

And I guess I had more to say than I originally thought.

All is Full of Love

2010-02-11T22:39:00.005-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, and in honor of the fact that I love Björk & this is one of her best live performances, I give you:

I consider Björk to be one of the most innovative artists of my lifetime. And this is probably one of her best songs, for the message if anything. Her music is definitely an acquired taste, but there's no denying that she is out of this world on the creativity charts.

Mindy Smith

2010-02-01T00:04:00.004-05:00

Well, here lately I've gone from a Björk kick to a Mindy Smith kick...I know. That's like going from orange juice to supreme pizza with pickles. What can I say? I like to keep the variety going. I may return to Björk later.

I first heard Mindy Smith when she opened for Nickel Creek at ASU. Such a great show. Mindy Smith is fantastic. She has a tone for country/bluegrass that can't be learned. Kind of like Alison Krauss in the sense that there's no way you could ever practice for getting that vocal sound. You either have it or you don't.

She combines the themes of religion, love, and self-discovery in her songs and it's all really heartfelt. A straight-from-the-heart-to-the-page kind of thing. Love it. I wouldn't classify her as country or bluegrass. Somewhere inbetween, but more on the country side. Worth listening to however you choose to look at it though. Also, her cover of "Jolene" (featuring Dolly Parton) is really good if you like that song.

Recently I discovered this song of her's called "Peace of Mind" - a new favorite for sure. Favorite enough for me to post the lyrics...but you don't get half the meaning out of them compared to when you hear the actual song. It's one of the prettiest songs I've heard in a while I think. So I'll leave you with that.

I need peace of mind and a hopeful heart

to lose this rage and move out of the dark

I ain't lookin for rainbows or shooting stars,

just some peace of mind and a hopeful heart

I need peace of mind and a lullaby

cause there's an angry voice in my head tonight

telling me to do things that can't be right

I need peace of mind and a lullaby

And a miracle for this broken soul,

a little miracle for this broken soul

I need peace of mind and a gentle hand

as I try to change the way I am

and hope God forgives me when I can't

I need peace of mind and a gentle hand

or a miracle for this broken soul,

a little miracle for this broken soul

I need peace of mind and a hopeful heart

one more read to add to the list

2009-09-21T23:25:00.005-04:00

for a smaller, redundant, in-between version of this and twitter...find me on tumblr!

http://aubsmiles.tumblr.com

I'll still post on here when I feel the need to be extra wordy, so I'm not leaving.

next on the agenda: Kid Cudi - I am excited about this.

VMA's, YYY, etc.

2009-09-14T22:28:00.010-04:00

I would like to begin by stating that I had no intentions of watching the VMA's, and I really didn't...I happened to catch the performance of Muse, probably the only good performance there actually was. My facebook newsfeed exploded with remarks about Kanye, I watched on youtube, and was not surprised. Kanye is the biggest asshole this side of, well pretty much the universe. I'm not gonna lie though, 808s & Heartbreak is one of my faves.

Lady Gaga, just wow. Chick is INSANE! Her performance on the VMA's (which I also viewed on youtube) was um, freaky to say the least. If it's at all possible to top that, the music video for "Paparazzi" is even more weird. I love her though. You have to give her credit for being different. She first caught my attention with "Just Dance," which is odd because I normally couldn't care less about the pop crap that's constantly on the radio. But I liked her voice, and she sounded like she had potential to be *gasp* actually talented- also she didn't fall in the same line of the Beyonces/Britneys/etc. The Fame is a fantastic pop album that I definitely don't regret buying. And I love watching her play the piano. You can check that out for yourself here. I would venture to say that she is the new combination of Annie Lennox+Cyndi Lauper+Madonna. I mean seriously, anyone remember the weirdness in the video for "No More I Love You's??" The first 30 seconds should jog your memory. She has by no means attained Annie Lennox status...but is worthy of a small comparison I think. I put her on the same level as Madonna in regards to shock value. As for Cyndi Lauper, "Boys Boys Boys" reminds me of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Ok, so they are obviously two different messages but it's got that same rally-all-the-girls-together thing going for it. And both singers have an outlandish/flashy/weird persona.

I'm also partial to singers who wear flamboyant clothing. I've said this many times before, but my theory is- if you are THAT famous, why not go all out and wear the craziest stuff you can find?? My favorite outfits include this get up from Karen O:

and the bubble outfit from Lady Gaga:

Really, if you could wear bubbles for an outfit...who would pass that up??

Anyway. My recent jamz, aside from Lady Gaga, include songs from the IS IS - EP from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. "Rockers to Swallow" is a perfect introduction to the band if you're not familiar with them. Well, maybe not a perfect introduction. A good way to ease into the YYY would be "Maps." But the former is a good picture of the sound and style that defines them. Actually, the entire EP is. I find myself constantly wondering how did I not like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs before this year?? but it gives me a lot of good music to catch up on. :)

Still enjoying Imogen's new album as well...love the instrumental versions of the songs more than I thought I would. Perfect for when you need some relaxing music that isn't Enya.

On a completely unrelated note, I am trying to read four books right now. For the life of me, I don't know how people who read multiple books at one time do it. I'm not much of a reader though, I probably should have started slow. But it's 11:30pm, and Harry Potter/Living Dead in Dallas/Shoe Addicts Anonymous/Such a Pretty Fat wait for me.

why August 25th was a good day.

2009-08-26T23:23:00.002-04:00

Imogen Heap's new album Ellipse finally came out yesterday...I have been waiting on this for a long time! She has a way of fusing words and sound like no other. The sound is similar to the last album, but in my opinion, that's what sets her apart (i.e. use of the vocoder). I'm all for new sounds, but in this case, her "sound" is central to what makes her Imogen Heap. I'd actually be kind of disappointed if the record didn't have her signature innovative style. I mean, Imogen Heap wouldn't be Imogen Heap if she abandoned it all and we were presented with acoustic guitars and boring pop-wannabe tunes.

I've probably listened to all the songs at least once- but the tracks "Wait It Out" and "Half Life" make the whole album completely worth $9.99 to me. or however much it costs on iTunes. I actually ended up buying the cd off her website ("Immi's Favourite Edition"), and that speaks volumes for me. I rarely (I'm talking 0.5 times a year) buy physical cd's- only when the album is so completely great and unique that you need to have it in your hands. It's too good to be shoved on the iTunes shelf, if you will.

I'm also excited about listening to Ingrid Michaelson's new stuff (her new album entitled Everybody was released yesterday as well). I noticed "The Chain" is on the track list- one of my favorites from her. A live version of the song is on Be OK, and I'm sure the new version is wonderful as well. I hope the chorus stays the same...in the live version it is sung as a round (I don't even know if that's the right phrase) and that's what makes the song. I'm also liking "Soldier," which I think can be heard on her myspace.

Anyway. The lyrics to "Half Life" are too good not to be posted. So I'll leave you with that. Last I checked, the whole cd was available for streaming at Imogen's myspace so go listen. :)

I knew that I'd get like this again,

that's why I try to keep at bay,

be a hundred percent when I'm with you and then

the perfect heart's length away

the stickler is you've played not one beat wrong

you never promised me anything

even sat me down, warned me just how they fall

I knew the odds were I'd never win, yet here I am

it's a half life

with you as my quarterback

a daft life

my self worth measured in text-back tempo,

it's been two days and eight minutes too slow,

well there may well be others but I still like to pretend

that I'm the one you really want to grow old with

I've got a schedule to stick to, got a world to keep sweet,

it's so much to everyone all the time

will you ever slow down, will I ever come first,

the universe contracts to size

it's a half life

with you as my quarterback

a daft life

you know you'll never be alone,

you know you'll always be loved

and maybe you'll never need more than that.

of other sapless little loves, what's to become of us,

does it even register on your conscience?

long for one last showdown from a box in a crowd

air compress tight to explode

I'm clinching my ticket to the only way out

as you disappear in a puff of smoke

it's a half life

with you as my quarterback

a daft life

updates

2009-07-09T23:06:00.007-04:00

It's been over a month since I have posted anything...yikes! I obviously am not so good at consistency with this. This will be a very random compilation of what I've been listening to recently.

I decided that I LOVE the new(est) Yeah Yeah Yeah's album. Really, the best part about following an artist/band is getting to see how they branch out and what new sounds they come up with. I think It's Blitz! is fantastic in that it's something totally different, but still has that spunky off-the-wall vibe (most of which Karen O is responsible for) that makes the Yeah Yeah Yeah's so great. LOVE IT. track I can't stop listening to: "Soft Shock"

Yesterday and today, I have been finding lots of new great music via Paste Magazine's Best Music of 2009 (So Far). I felt pretty inadequate about the fact that I wasn't familiar with 70% of the bands on their lists...but it's ok. I really can't believe I didn't give Animal Collective a chance prior to now. I had listened to clips of songs from Merriweather Post Pavillion, but never really gave any of it a second listen. Now I can't stop playing "My Girls," and probably won't for a few months. I haven't bought the entire album yet, but I have plans to do so. I am also loving "Blood Bank" by Bon Iver. I went to their website and saw that they will be playing in Cali with the Indigo Girls soon. I LIVE IN THE WRONG STATE. Also discovered via Paste: Passion Pit. Haven't listened to much of their stuff yet, but I like what I've heard so far.

Finally acquired Taylor Swift's Fearless album. Love love love. My favorite song by far is "You're Not Sorry." Honorable mention goes to "You Belong With Me" - which, I might add, made of one of the staff's (Paste) lists for Best of 2009 (So Far). And the music video for "You Belong With Me" is soooo cute. I was a band geek, so I can relate. I watched a video on youtube the other day of a live performance of "You're Not Sorry"/"What Goes Around" (Justin Timberlake)...it was really good, minus Taylor throwing around her head the whole time. That kind of got on my nerves. But you can check it out here.

Other things:

Downloaded Moby's new album the other day. Am I a big fan? No. Was it $3.99? Yes. So I bought it. I haven't gotten into yet...there seems to be a lot of repetitiveness, but I feel like I should have known that going into the purchase.

"Running Down" by Michelle Featherstone is quite possibly one of THE BEST sad songs ever. Very comparable to Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U." Comparable in the simplicity of what they are saying (although Featherstone's lyrics are simpler), and in that they somehow make you want to curl up in a ball and cry even if you're not going through a breakup at the moment.

other random song I can't stop listening to: "Spaceship" by Angie Aparo, heard on 106.5's 90's lunch hour (always one of the highlights of my workdays).

Maybe next time will come sooner rather than almost two months later and we can avoid all this randomness.

Mandy Moore: new album fail

2009-05-27T01:03:00.008-04:00

So I decided to check out Mandy Moore's new album, Amanda Leigh (released yesterday). I will start by admitting that I have never really been a fan of Ms. Moore. Her voice has always had this airy tone to it that kind of makes me want to gag. BUT, I did try to give the record a fair listen. Being that she is married to Ryan Adams and all, I thought for sure this could actually turn out to be decent. However, I was wrong, and it was worse than "not decent." Ironically, it sounds to me almost like a Ryan Adams album gone terribly wrong. In her attempts to be folksy and (maybe??) alt-rock, she came out with a record full of songs that very much fall into my category of "cheesy, not quite pop, just kind of weird." My mother is an elementary school music teacher, and the best comparison that comes to mind is one of the cd's that would go along with her K-5 music books. I'm not really sure where she was going with song titles like "Merrimack River" and "Fern Dell." Again, I'm just having to guess it was a failed attempt at being folksy. The sound is way too clean, which to me is almost the opposite of what gritty, folksy, alt-rock is supposed to be. And there you have it, Mandy Moore dishes out a less-than-satisfying album once again.* I really think I would rather her just stick to pop music, and maybe come out with a good surface level love song every now and then to go along with some sappy movie. I could appreciate that.

*I do give her some props for Coverage. It was decent...perhaps because she didn't write any of the songs.

I feel like that was harsh. But honesty is harsh sometimes. Happy Wednesday!

A side note: One review I read of MM's album actually called it "classic rock." That boggles my mind.

weekend in [music] review

2009-05-17T23:08:00.004-04:00

I have been listening to the new Tori album all weekend! It's available for streaming (in full) on her myspace before it's released this Tuesday. So far, I'm loving it. Well, I can pretty much guarantee I will always love anything she comes out with. BUT, in all honesty, I'm not quite getting the entire album. I've only listened to bits and pieces of some of the songs, but a few of them are even too lyrically obscure for my taste...and just kind of made me go "ehh- not so much." My absolute favorite so far is "Curtain Call." If you want a very detailed review of the album, I recommend you check out this one. Overall, I think it's another great delivery from Tori- but a few songs could've been left out.

Moving on. I spent some time just letting my itunes actually go through shuffle (you know, without skipping to the next song I know I actually want to listen to) and rediscovered a few great songs. Here's the list:

1. Dogs -Damien Rice ...I am loving this one. I think I probably didn't ever devote enough time to listening to the 9 album, and I have plans of doing so.

2. Paper Aeroplane -KT Tunstall ...ditto, but replace 9 with Drastic Fantastic.

3. Waking Up in Vegas -Katy Perry ...guilty pop music pleasure. I've had the whole album since it came out, but hadn't given this song a second listen until it started coming on the radio a week ago. and it is now my ringtone. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that.

Short list, I know. But it's one I am loving right now! (#3 will be short-lived, especially after the 4.3 millionth time I've heard it on the radio/my phone).

Goodbye weekend. :(

Blue October show + other stuff

2009-05-07T00:16:00.005-04:00

SO in recent news, I saw Blue October a couple weekends ago in Charlotte at Amos' Southend...awesome show. I have been a big fan of Blue October for quite a while, so I was happy that I could finally catch them in CLT. They mostly played songs off their new album entitled Approaching Normal, which I hadn't really listened to. One of my favorite new ones was "My Never," and I also didn't realize it was connected to Breaking Dawn (Twilight series). Of course they still played a few older ones like "Congratulations" (one of my absolute favorites). You can never fully appreciate the sound and energy of a band until you hear them live, and Blue October is definitely worth seeing. Justin is awesome, as is the rest of the band. Amos' Southend is also a great venue if you live in the Charlotte area. I loved the atmosphere AND they have decently priced drinks...I definitely plan on going back. I should have bought the new album before the concert, but I didn't. I do have it now though, and I can't stop listening. "Dirt Room," and "Picking Up the Pieces" are two favorites right now.

I finally bought the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, and I'm still getting used to it. It's almost dance party-ish. Not sure how I feel about that, which is exactly what I said when I first heard "Zero." I'm still in that same place. But I'm glad the itunes version includes acoustic versions of several of the songs- adds a little bit of variation to the mix. I can say that I always admire bands for going where they haven't been before in terms of sound. I think it's a mark of a real artist (or in the YYYs case, artists).

Kings of Leon was in Charlotte recently as well and I could kick myself for not going. Saw an interesting fact pop up on twitter from John Acuff (Stuff Christians Like) - Kings of Leon's new album actually sold more copies in the UK than Coldplay's newest album. I knew Kings of Leon was huge in the UK, but that's pretty darn impressive. Ahh well, I'm sure they'll roll into this area sometime again in the near future.

I suppose I'll leave you with my spin list for the week!

1. Dirt Room -Blue October

2. Picking Up the Pieces -Blue October

3. Hysteric -Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4. Cherry-Coloured Funk -Charlotte Martin

5. Keep Me In Your Pocket -Charlotte Martin

6. Ickis Wish -I Nine

7. Come Around -M.I.A. (feat. Timbaland)

8. Stoned -Dido

9. Anne -Santigold

10. Oh My God, Whatever, Etc. -Ryan Adams

I know, quite the range of genres there. Keeps my iPod interesting. ;)

giveaways! yay

2009-04-15T14:30:00.004-04:00

I am a HUGE fan of etsy...and also of contests where you can win free things. So if you want to win a really awesome handmade journal, you can visit http://somewhatvoluble.com/2009/04/07/blogoversary-giveaway/ and enter to win one.

The journals can be found at Kreativlink's etsy shop.

:) Happy Wednesday!

I usually like the original, but...

2009-04-13T22:40:00.013-04:00

Just discovered a wonderful rendition of a song called "Hand on Your Heart," originally performed by Kylie Minogue. Can't say I'm a big fan of Kylie's. I heard José González's version first, and then had a brief moment of confusion/shock after hearing what the original sounded like. It was definitely more cheezy, pop-tastic 80's-ness than I could handle. But González turned it into a simple, heartfelt love song marked by his simple acoustic sound that I love. As a general rule I usually like original versions best, simply because, well, they are the original. But definitely not this time. Also, I found the song on youtube- it was one of their "recommendations" for me. Who knew those might actually turn out to be good? Anyway, I feel like it would be comparable to Simon & Garfunkel covering Britney Spears in terms of the genre comparison. Yeah. Crazy. But I think it takes talent to find great lyrics hidden in a song like this one. I mean, Kylie Minogue, who knew? Not that she wrote it or anything.

Of course, this isn't the first time I've been more than impressed with one of his covers. He also does a fantastic version of The Knife's "Heartbeats." I'm going to go out on a limb and assume most people have never heard of The Knife (or José González, for that matter)...they are both worth checking out.

Also, in reference to the "Hand On Your Heart," I love José González's video for the song. It's kind of strange, which is probably partly why I like it. You can find the video here.

He's also covered a couple Bruce Springsteen songs that I haven't listened to yet- but they're next on my list.

Tori and the church

2009-03-30T12:51:00.006-04:00

Loved this quote from Tori Amos regarding her upcoming album, Abnormally Attracted to Sin:

“I’m a minister’s daughter. The power of the church is insidious, and it permeates everything,” Amos explained. “A lot of what the Church discusses is not about the compassionate path of Christ, it’s about what kind of lifestyle is acceptable and approved of by the Church when god knows what they’re doing behind closed doors. You have a lot of people waking up every morning who feel paralyzed to act because of these judgments. All around us people are not only experiencing physical bondage but emotional and mental bondage behind perfectly groomed lawns."

Can't WAIT to hear the whole record!!!!

read the full interview here.

out of the depths

2009-03-15T22:29:00.003-04:00

Recently discovered a song...and I have to share the lyrics. I've been a fan of Sinead O'Connor since the day (probably circa 6th grade) I first saw "Nothing Compares 2 U" on VH1. And of course she's an artist far beyond that, other songs like "Heroine" and "Hold Back the Night" being two of my favorites. But the song I recently found thanks to Chad Reed is called "Out of the Depths" and is on her Theology album. I had no idea she had a side like this, but maybe I should've taken a hint from her Pope antics. Anyway. The lyrics are amazing and I love the song.

Out of the depths I cry to you oh Lord

Don't let my cries for mercy be ignored

If you keep account of sins, oh who would stand

but you have forgiveness in your hands

And I've heard religion say you're to be feared

but I don't buy into everything I hear

And it seems to me you're hostage to those rules

that were made by religion, and not by you

And I'm wondering will you ever get yourself free

Is it bad to think you might like help from me

Is there anything my little heart can do

to help religion share us with you

For oh you're like a ghost in your own home

Nobody hears you crying all alone

Oh you are the one true really voiceless one

They have their backs turned to you for worship of gold and stone

And to see you prisoner oh makes me weep

Nobody hears you screaming in the streets

And it's sad but true how the old saying goes

If God lived on earth, people would break his windows

I long for you as watchmen long for the end of the night

I like techno music, but...

2009-03-01T18:30:00.005-05:00

I'm currently listening to the new single entitled "Zero" from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs upcoming album...not really sure how I feel about it. Well, I think I like the single. I think. It's all techno-ish. I'm a fan of electronic/techno stuff usually, but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Maybe it will turn out to be a great album, I'm not too sure though. David Sitek (TV On the Radio) did production work on the album, which I'd think would mean good things. I'd say the band has the talent to branch out into whatever they want. We shall see.

In other exciting news, I am typing this on my new macbook! woo! I love it so far. It's taking a little getting used to, but that was expected. I'd love to play around more with GarageBand but I don't really know anything about it nor have I had time to learn. Hopefully soon.

Piano lessons are coming along nicely. However I still don't feel like there's been a "clicking point" between what I've learned and everything I already knew. Kind of frustrating, but patience is a virtue I guess.

I've been on a big pop music kick lately. Kind of embarassing, but I look at it more as my ability to like any genre of music (even the kind that doesn't actually require a lot of talent). I bought Lady GaGa's cd a couple weeks ago - like, physically purchased the album. Very rare for me, much less for it to be an artist like that. I'm liking it though, there are some catchy songs in addition to her radio hit "Just Dance." I also can't stop listening to "Circus" by Britney Spears or "Sucka for Love" by Danity Kane. What is wrong with me?! This phase will pass soon though. I semi-retract my earlier statement, actually. Pop music doesn't always equate to a lack of talent. Just more often than not.

Speaking of radio hits- I really can't get enough of Kanye's 808s & Hearbreak. I thought for sure "Heartless" would be getting old at this point, but I still like it even the eleventy billionth time I hear it in my car. but "RoboCop" is still my favorite track off the album. I couldn't agree more with Carey's synopsis of the record, so just go read that.

I'm excited about a lot of upcoming albums this spring...TORI AMOS, among others. Of course I am excited about that. The album is titled Abnormally Attracted to Sin if you are interested.

Well, it's time to stare out the window for a bit and admire the snow. Maybe progress on to syncing my ipod up to the new mac, which I haven't done yet. Sledding would be GREAT, but I may or may not be the only in Shelby who realizes that going out in less than an inch of snow will most likely not kill you. ooh! "Bruised" by The Bens just popped up on my party shuffle. Good song. :) I'll stop rambling now.

random dose of Regina

2009-02-11T22:50:00.005-05:00

Since I've been taking piano, I've been listening to a lot of Regina Spektor lately- she is one of my favorite artists, and her songs aren't that insanely difficult (on the piano) so I like to read over them and try to play them. Anyway, one of my favorites from her is a song called "Buildings." Her best songs are, of course, not the ones that have been on the radio. Sidenote: I've been reduced to listening to music on imeem or pandora all the time because my laptop isn't properly functioning as far as itunes is concerned (among other issues). My laptop AND six disc cd changer in my car are both in the process of dying this week. Boo. At least I still have my ipod. *knocks on wood*

Anyway, I'm going to try this...sorry if no link appears but right below this sentence you should be able to listen to the song.

Buildings - Regina Spektor

Here are the lyrics for "Buildings." The song itself is sad, but in some kind of twisted way I think it's a really sweet illustration of a husband who takes care of his wife under the given circumstances that aren't so good.

he was a husband who drove his wife home drunk from the parties
he was a husband who drove his wife home
and in the car he would lean her head gently against the side door window
and in the bathroom he would hold her hair back and hope, saying;

oh they build buildings oh they build buildings oh they build buildings
so tall these days

and in the morning she'd wake up and crouch recollections all day
but she would always always wake up the next morning
he'd take one look at her and say oh, oh it's ok
and her conscience would issue yet another last warning, saying;

oh they build buildings oh they build buildings oh they build buildings
so tall these days

and then she would ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time,
and she would beg for time, and she'd beg for time and call it a gift
and he would give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time-
but time is not given and time is not taken
it just sifts through its sift

it would be coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee some more
and he'd go to work and she'd take a sick day and rot at the core
and by the time he came back she'd scrubbed the bathrooms and made them smell like pine
it would be almost as if nothing had happened and he'd give her time, oh, oh and he'd giver her time, saying;

oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh don't they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings so tall these days
and she would ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd beg for time, and she would beg for time and she'd beg for time and call it a gift
and he would give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time-
but time is not given and time is not taken
it just sifts through its sift

he was a husband drove time home time car whole core core sick day core coffee core warning last warning

he was a husband time pine scrub scrub bathroom lean hair back car window hope time give don't they build buildings tall these days...

'08 favorites.

2009-01-11T20:55:00.006-05:00

As a spin off of Carey's upcoming top albums of 2008 list, I'm going to muster together a list of my own. Maybe not necessarily a top albums list, but a list of albums I have really enjoyed this past year (in no particular order).

1. Only By the Night -Kings of Leon.
This one had to make the list. Fantastic band, great alt-southern-rock sound. My favorite songs from the album would have to be "Sex On Fire," and "Cold Desert." But I would definitely say that every song is worth listening to.

2. Re-Arrange Us -Mates of State.
If you read this blog at all, you already know I'm a huge MOS fan. I guess they are considered to be in the indie-genre. Sometimes it seems like a lot of indie music sounds the same as other indie music and it just kind of gets old. But with the genius combination of an organ and drums, along with unique vocal harmonies that fit together perfectly, this band never disappoints. If you're into Jackson Browne at all, I highly recommend the MOS cover of "These Days." (You can find it on the soundtrack for the movie Wicker Park.)

3. Three Flights from Alto Nido -Greg Laswell.
Greg Laswell has to be one of my favorite new-ish artists. I mean he certainly isn't brand new, but fairly new. New to me at least. Moving on. I was hooked from the first line of his piano cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Another one of those I-love-every-song albums.

4. Day & Age -The Killers.
Can't go wrong with this band. This album is equally as awesome as Sam's Town, but equally just as distinct. I'm always a big fan of their lyrics/songwriting. A sample from the song "A Dustland Fairytale":
and the decades disappear like sinking ships but we persever
God gives us hope
but we still fear what we don't know
the mind is poison

5. One of the Boys -Katy Perry
Not sure this qualifies as a top-favorite album overall, but if I was doing a "top pop albums of 2008" list, this would be on it. She's one of my fave new pop artists. "Ur so gay and you don't even like boys" has to qualify as lyrical genius. In all seriousness, I really do like her voice and I think she kind of spiced things up in the pop world for 2008.

I think this list is to be continued. It's late, and I'm running out of steam. In a short update as to what I'm currently spinning...that would be Kanye's 808's & Heartbreak. "RoboCop" is pretty much my favorite song so that's really all I'm listening to, but I expect I'll grow to like the rest of the album too. When he comes back to Charlotte, I'm buying tickets for sure.

Happy 2009! :)

props to Obama and The White Stripes

2008-12-18T14:09:00.007-05:00

So I'm going to visit politics again. I really want to address this article about gay leaders being angry with Obama for choosing evangelist Rick Warren to lead the invocation at his inauguration.

Here's how I am looking at the situation. Say, for instance, Obama had chosen a super liberal pro-homosexual-agenda pastor to lead the invocation. I don't doubt that people from the religious right would be talking about how terrible of a decision that would be, and they would be labeled as bigoted and closed-minded (probably rightly so). How is this not the same situation, the groups just reversed?? Rick Warren may hold beliefs about homosexuality that many do not agree with, but that doesn't make him any less worthy of making an appearance at an inauguration that is supposed to mark change and promote the coming together of America. It seems like we always hear about one side of closed-mindedness, but not when it's coming from the minority group involved. Why is it always assumed that Christians are judgmental and hateful towards the LGBT community? I know we haven't made the best reputation for ourselves, but lumping all of us in the same category of discriminatory bigots doesn't do anything for compromise. Just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I'm not able to still respect them and their differing opinions. And on that note, I don't assume that everyone in the LGBT community feels the same way about Obama's choice.

I always enjoy reading comments from readers at the end of news articles, and here are a couple from that article that I completely agreed with:
"So, because Pastor Warren doesn't endorse gay marriage, he somehow becomes unfit to offer the invocation? That doesn't really seem all that tolerant of different points-of-view now does it? Imposing a "party line" isn't exactly going to win over anyone on the fence on any issue; rather, it simply alinates everyone who might share other views and essentially says, "my way or the highway." That's a sure-fired way to make sure nothing you support goes anywhere."
-Mike

"Solmonese (one of the gay leaders involved) wants to be inclusive as long as he likes who is included. Just because people that disagree with you are at Obama's enormous table, doesn't preclude you from being an equally valuable guest. Human Rights are not the exclusive territory of any minority."
-Oddball (their username I presume)

That pretty much sums up my feelings on the situation, and we'll end it there. Although I might not be in line with all of Obama's ideas, I sincerely do hope his presidency is successful in bringing together people with different views and beliefs.

In lighter news, I am on a White Stripes kick. Jack White is a genius. So just fyi, here's a list of some of my all-time favorite Stripes songs:
1. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
2. I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart
3. Ball and Biscuit
4. There's No Home For You Here
5. My Doorbell

Any readers care to share your favorites (coughcoughCarey I know you're a fancoughcough)?

Most of those are pre-Get Behind Me Satan era, because I didn't really get into that album or Icky Thump. There are many more favorites as well, the list is interchangeable based on my moods.

other random things worth mentioning:
I've decided that "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany is one of my favorite 80's songs. I have video blackmail of a certain best friend of mine clogging to that song circa 1991 in a metallic purple outfit. awesomeness.

Well, Christmas is just around the corner now! I feel that my 40-hour work week has impeded by ability to fully enjoy the season. Thanks a lot Real World. But I hope you all enjoy your holidays. :)

middle of the week nothingness

2008-12-02T22:57:00.004-05:00

blaaah. Nothing too exciting this week. Just enjoying the most recent Killers album, Day & Age...good stuff. The single "Human" is good but definitely not the only good one on the cd. "Spaceman," and "Losing Touch" are two of my faves. I didn't ever get into Hot Fuss but I loved (and still love) Sam's Town. The latter being another one of those few albums where I actually like every single song, hands down. I think they are a creative band, you don't really hear anything like them. And I like Brandon Flower's voice. Speaking of that- at the Mates of State concert, a band called The Winter Sounds played and the lead singer's voice kind of made me think of The Killers. I haven't really listened to them since the concert because, low and behold, I can't remember what songs they played at the concert. None of their songs on itunes sound like what they played. ugghh hate it when that happens. But they were good and I plan on making a trek back to Greenville if they play there again. I am living in the WRONG TOWN. Shelby=complete lack of taste in anything good.

BUT that brings me to the Mates of State concert...it was totally great. I, of course, love their music in general but the organ sounds really great in concert. I guess it just has a loud, full sound that you can't really get out of car speakers or ipod player speakers. But I guess it's a well known fact that you can't capture the awesomeness of bands on a record. Live just equals awesome (as long as the band is actually good). I also loved that my MOM loved the concert. haha. She ended up going with me and really liked it. She's a music teacher so obviously she already has an appreciation for music in general, but I wasn't sure if she would actually like it. But she did. I'm glad I had the opportunity to expose her to fabulous music she wouldn't otherwise have ever really listened to. :)

In other randomness, I'm getting more and more into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Karen O (lead singer) just embodies the term "kick-ass." There just aren't a lot of those kinds of female lead singers. Not ones who have the energy like she does. One of the things she is known for are the outlandish outfits she wears on stage, which I think is awesome. I mean, if I were a rock star, I think I'd wear completely crazy glittery nonsensical clothes too. Because rock stars can do whatever the f$#@ they want and get away with it...and I would take full advantage of that in the crazy-clothes-wearing department. Besides Karen O, the drummer and guitar player are both really talented. Or at least I think so. Need a gift idea for me? Any of their cd's. In cd format, because itunes isn't cutting it.

And I think I mentioned in my previous post that I was going to see Twilight...total disappointment. I mean, I did my best to go in without high expectations, but for real it was bad. The soundtrack is probably the only good thing about it (and I'm not really crazy excited about it either). I'll leave it at that.

I suppose I'll end this with a list of songs I'm most likely listening to in my car this week, just fyi.
1. "Spaceman" -The Killers
2. "Sweet Talk" -The Killers
3. "I'm With You" -The Stills
4. "These Days" -Mates of State
5. "Y Control" (Live at the Fillmore) -Yeah Yeah Yeahs
6. "How to Be Dead" -Snow Patrol
7. "The Old Apartment" -Barenaked Ladies
8. "Bette Davis Eyes" -Kim Carnes
9. "Maps" (Live at the Belfast Empire) -Duke Special (sidenote: This is a really great cover of one of my favorites from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This guy has a thick Irish accent that's almost humorous in the song, but his piano interpretation of it is really pretty.)
10. "When I Was Dreaming" -Tori Amos

Mates of State, Santogold, and more.

2008-11-19T22:20:00.008-05:00

Goods - Mates of State

Featured above is one of my favorite songs by Mates of State, who I will be going to see in concert on Friday!!!! SO EXCITED to finally be seeing them live. I've loved their music for quite a while, they are seriously one of the few bands I can listen to over and over and it just never gets old. And I've probably said this before, but their music totally puts me in a good mood. It's all upbeat and happy sounding, which is something you don't find much of nowadays. And I find their whole husband-and-wife-touring-together-with-two-toddlers story completely inspiring (you can read more about that on their blog). It's pretty awesome that they make such good music with an organ and drums...totally unique sound, and I love the harmonies they put together. I have several live videos of them on my youtube channel that are definitely worth checking out. :] And in honor of my upcoming MOS concert experience, here are my current ten favorite songs- a mix of new ones and old ones:

1. Think Long
2. Like U Crazy
3. Open Book
4. Punchlines
5. Proofs
6. Gotta Get A Problem
7. Great Dane
8. My Only Offer
9. Running Out
10. The Re-Arranger

You can probably listen to a couple of those on their myspace, and of course you can find them on itunes.

I am still loving Santogold right now (I unfortunately missed the tour that featured her AND Mates of State). Her entire self-titled album is so great. I can't get enough of singers/songwriters who have their own styles...seems they are few and far between these days. "Lights Out" and "L.E.S. Artistes" are my two favorite tracks right now. awesomeness. I also saw the Sex and the City movie this weekend- loved it and I'm enjoying the soundtrack (Fergie's "Labels or Love" has pretty much been dominating car stereo this week). That's kind of old news but I just got around to seeing the movie.

On to other things. Pink's "So What" is growing on me. I really don't understand, because I hated it when it first came out. I really do believe that songs you listen to repeatedly, for whatever reason, eventually grow on you somehow. That song is on the radio ALL THE TIME. Maybe it's some kind of subconscious white flag...like you can't get away from the song, so your brain figures you might as well start liking it. One song that I do not like and hope that I don't start liking is "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Like seriously...I think that dead horse has been beaten one too many times. Supposedly even Ciara stole the idea for her song ("Like a Boy") from someone, but whatever, let's get past this whole writing-songs-about-being-the-opposite-sex. Although I never hear many songs from the opposite perspective. Point is, it's getting old. I don't care what you would or wouldn't do if you were a boy because, well, you're not so it doesn't matter!!! And this whole Beyonce alter-ego thing..."Sasha Fierce"...I mean, seriously? Seriously. Sasha Fierce. I can't not laugh at that.

I'm going to see Twilight tomorrow night at midnight (a decision I think I may regret on Friday morning)! YAY!!!! I've been wanting to listen to the soundtrack but I haven't really had time. Any soundtrack that includes bands like Muse, Collective Soul, and Iron & Wine can't be bad. I heard a clip of Rob Pattinson's song (Rob Pattinson plays the main character in the movie, for all you non-Twilighters) and it sounded good I think. I didn't really picture his voice sounding like it did in the song, doesn't really sound like a British person's voice if that makes any sense.

Also, I am enjoying all the Christmas music. I've decided that it is not too early. When November 28th rolls around, you only have 27 days left to celebrate Christmas and that comes and goes way too fast. I'm an advocate of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I was happy when Wham!'s "Last Christmas" popped up on my ipod today. :]

real men

2008-11-11T21:17:00.006-05:00

If you know me, you know I am a huge fan of Tori Amos. That's an understatement. Anyway, her album entitled Strange Little Girls was released in 2001 and consisted entirely of cover songs originally recorded by male artists...so the album was more or less her musical take (as a female) on each song that had been written by a man. And of course it's a brilliant album, as all of her albums are. I really love all the songs from the SLG album, but the song "Real Men" (originally recorded by Joe Jackson) fell through the cracks and I just recently listened to it all the way through. I love it, the lyrics (which I have posted below) are just really thought provoking. It seems like, among Christians especially, everyone is always trying to define what a "real man" is...seems like there's so much confusion, so many labels that society has created. I could probably write a fifty page paper on this thanks to the Gender & Society class I took in college. But it's a good song for however you choose to take it, and you can find it on itunes. The video is a live performance of the song by Tori on the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.

take your mind back
I don't know when
sometime when it always seemed to be just us and them
girls that wore pink
boys that wore blue
boys that always grew up better men
than me and you

what's a man now
what's a man mean
is he rough or is he rugged
cultural and clean
now it's all changed
it's got to change more
we think it's getting better
but nobody's really sure

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

see the nice boys
dancing in pairs
golden earring, golden tan
blow-wave in the hair
sure they're all straight, straight as a line
all the guys are macho
see their leather shine

you don't want to sound dumb
don't want to offend
so don't call me a faggot
not unless you are a friend
then if you're tall
handsome and strong
you can wear the uniform and i could play along

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

time to get scared
time to change plan
don't know how to treat a lady
don't know how to be a man
time to admit
what you call defeat
'cause there's women running past you now
and you just drag your feet

man makes a gun
man goes to war
man can kill and man can drink
and man can take a whore
kill all the blacks
kill all the reds
if there's war between the sexes
then there'll be no people left

and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are
and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are
and so it goes, go round again
but now and then we wonder who the real men are

opinions, opinions

2008-11-04T23:33:00.003-05:00

Sidenote about this post: I wrote most of this way before today (and had it saved as a draft), so keep in mind I did not write this post-election except for the last couple sentences.

So, since my degree is in political science, we'll visit that realm for a while. Especially since this whole election thing has been going on. I suppose I can go there. I don't really like discussing politics actually...mostly because I have developed a strong distaste for how people approach it. I mean, it's great to have beliefs and strong convictions, but those always seem to overshadow peoples' ability to discuss and debate intelligently. If that made any sense. And that's why we never get anywhere. It's like people don't know how to take a step back and look at things from both perspectives. All people want to do is bash the opposing view and automatically label it as ignorant or unintelligent. I can honestly say that I always try to respect anyone who has different views than me, and I always try to remember that just because we have a difference in opinion doesn't mean that either side is less intelligent. Just because candidates have two different ways of handling issues doesn't mean that one is less intelligent than the other. I find it kind of ironic that we preach tolerance and acceptance all the time but can't get through an election without throwing around completely mind-numbing bs in all directions that displays anything BUT tolerance and acceptance of differing opinions. That was a really long run on sentence. Anyway, it's completely ridiculous, and I suppose it's why I have always been uninterested in the election side of politics. Furthermore, I think I have a very strong case in saying that people should be ashamed of themselves in regards to the treatment of Sarah Palin. Neither McCain, Obama, or Biden experienced anything like the biased, unfounded attacks that Sarah Palin weathered. See, here's my thing. If you think that she is completely wrong in her views, that is great, we're supposed to disagree with each other. But respectfully disagreeing with someone and just completely (and ignorantly) attacking them are two different things. I'm glad I can honestly say that I respected all the candidates in this election and will continue to respect the winners. Is that what you can say? I hope so.

In other news, Santogold is awesome. Check her out on iTunes. I'm planning to go see Mates of State on Nov. 21st at the Handlebar in Greenville, SC. SO EXCITED. And the Holiday season is upon us! Time to pull out Sarah McLachalan's album Wintersong...one of my favorites by far. LOVE IT! the end. :)

new music tuesdaaaaay

2008-10-07T18:00:00.004-04:00

So I'm really excited about this week's new music!! Lots of good stuff.

Sarah McLachlan released Closer - The Best of Sarah McLachlan, finally a studio compilation of some of her best songs. It goes as far back as "Vox," her first single that was released in 1988, and the second disc includes some of her more recent hits as well as several brand new songs. Up until now I think she had only released live compilations and remix albums but not a studio collection. I enjoy her live stuff but I'm glad I'll finally be able to get a greatest hits cd with the original versions of the songs.

On the flipside of that, Matthew Good released Live at Massey Hall and I am very stoked about this. It includes older-ish and newer-ish songs, including "Load Me Up" and "Apparations," and basically every other song of his that I like. I had heard a live version of "Strange Days" and loved it (you can probably find it on youtube), and so now live versions of all my other favorite songs are together on one album. yay.

Another one of my favorite artists came out with a new album today - Rachael Yamagata! I loved her album Happenstance but that was released in 2004 so I'm excited that she finally has a new one out. It's called Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart and anyone who enjoys chill music should give this a listen. Rachael Yamagata is a fantastic singer/songwriter. I don't think their music sounds the same...but her style kind of reminds me of Damien Rice. Moving on.

Also on the radar, The Streets (composed of hip-hop/rap artist Mike Skinner) new album called Everything is Borrowed. I'm loving the title track off the album- I actually heard a clip of it on the UK iTunes store a couple weeks ago, and now it's out on the US store. I don't exactly know why his music appeals to me because it's not really like any other music I listen to...but I heard the song called "It's Too Late" in the coffee shop at ASU one time and I've been hooked since. In the words of someone's review of the new album on iTunes, "he has some really dope beats and excellent lyrics." I would agree with that and say it's worth checking out for sure.

Let's see, other releases that I'm not going to elaborate on too much...
Newsboys (Live) - Houston We Are GO ...if that's up your alley. Not really my cup of tea anymore, but for all of you out there who <3 contemporary Christian music, I'm sure you will enjoy this as it includes some of my personal youth group favorites "Shine," and "Entertaining Angels."

The Sippy Cups - One Day Soon - EP. Ok actually I have no clue what or who this is (other than it's obviously children's music). I just saw it listed on iTunes and I have to say that if I ever made children's music, THAT would have been the name I'd have chosen for my band. awesome.

And last, but certainly not least:
Tori Amos - Live at Montreaux 1991/1992. SO excited about this. All of Tori's music is equally amazing because every album has its own sound and meaning. However, personally, my favorites come from her early years (the Little Earthquakes era). At that point in time, Tori in concert consisted only of her and the piano, which I love...I would venture to say that sometimes songs are way more meaningful without a full band. Anyway, I'm totally disappointed this one isn't on iTunes but oh well.

that's all for today and hopefully I won't go bankrupt buying all this new music.

randomness for this week

2008-09-30T19:24:00.003-04:00

Ben Folds new album entitled Way to Normal was released today and I'm sure it's great. Ben Folds doesn't put out music that isn't awesome. AND one of the songs features Regina Spektor. Such a great combination. Can't wait to listen to more of it. Anberlin also released an album, I'm not sure what to expect there- I don't really understand why "Feel Good Drag" was re-released on the album. I liked Cities a lot...so I don't know if this new one will be quite as impressive.

Ok so, the Kings of Leon album...just keeps getting better. It came out last week and I've had more time to listen to all the songs and they are ALL great. It is so rare for me to find an album that I actually like every song from. My favorites right now are "I Want You," and "Manhattan," and "Notion." I would LOVE to see them in Atlanta in November, but I doubt I will pull that off. Why can't they just come to Charlotte?

I've also been listening to some older favorites recently, a couple of them being songs by Milla Jovovich. You probably know her better as a model and/or actress. I've always seen her mostly do modeling for L'Oreal, but she's done a lot of acting too. If you've seen The Fifth Element, she plays Leeloo. Anyway. She also has a good voice, which is surprising because usually I would say that models/actresses need to stick with their respective careers and stay away from attempts at making albums. But I think Milla's attempt turned out semi-successful. She obviously didn't have much mainstream success, and most of you probably still have no idea who she is. Her sound is kind of quirky, but I definitely think she has a pretty voice. The songs I like are "Gentleman Who Fell," and "It's Your Life"...you can check them out on itunes. In an interview, she described the album as "a mix between Kate Bush, Sinead O'Connor, This Mortal Coil, and the Cocteau Twins." I love Kate Bush and the Cocteau Twins, and like Sinead O'Connor a lot...so I suppose that explains why I like her sound.

Anyone remember the song "Kiss the Rain" by Billie Myers? It came out in 1997-ish I think and was on the radio quite a bit...a pretty typical cheesy pop song. It popped up on my ipod a couple weeks ago and I've been listening to it fairly frequently since then. I don't really like her voice, but somehow it sounds good for the song. I liked it in the seventh grade for whatever reason and I still like it!

In other randomness, Halloween is getting closer and I am so excited! I love decorating for the fall season. :) yay pumpkins!

new love.

2008-09-21T21:11:00.001-04:00

Kings of Leon!!!

I stumbled across them on the United Kingdom iTunes store, and I am loving their music. Something I like to do every now and then is search around the iTunes stores of other countries. If you're on iTunes, there's a little place at the bottom of the main screen that tells you which store you're at (i.e. "United States") and you can choose to go to a different one. I always find it interesting to look at what songs/artists are popular in other countries...there are albums that have been released over there that haven't been here, that kind of thing. And personally, I think the United States is lacking in the ability to appreciate good music (for the most part). Back to Kings of Leon- I had heard of them, but not heard any of their music. I'm glad that the UK seemingly has an appreciation for good southern rock. Well, Kings of Leon is at least southern rock-ish (the UK store classifies them as "American Southern Rock")...I might not entirely classify them as that. Alternative/southern rock. Whatever. I like that half the band is from Tennessee. My favorite songs by them right now are "Fans," and "Sex On Fire." The latter is only released as a single right now but will be on their album that's set to be released on Sept. 23rd...this Tuesday! sweet. I really love the lead singer's voice, too. All the songs on their myspace page are good and they have some good live videos on youtube that are worth watching.

Speaking of youtube, I have a channel that I save all my favorite videos on and you can check them out at www.youtube.com/aubsmiles03.

So I also saw on iTunes that Jessica Simpson has gone country...bahahahaha. I am not a fan of Jessica Simpson. I always feel like her vocal chords have to be in agony when she is singing, it sounds like it takes so much work for her to wail the way she does. It's like...just quit while you're ahead. I'm aware there are some very talented country musicians, so I'm not saying this is the case all the time. but sometimes it seems like the country music genre is a popular back up plan for when artists aren't received well anywhere else. Country or children's music. Haha. I guess it's just the way everyone tries to dabble in everything else, which is fine I suppose. Country music artists try to go pop, vice versa, they all cover each others' songs, yada yada yada. I digress.

Well, to end this, here's my "recently downloaded" playlist for the week...fyi. :)

1. "Fans" by Kings of Leon (love this one!)
2. "Second Chance" by Shinedown
3. "Flying High" by Jem
4. "Swingset Chain" by Loquat
5. "Rise Above This" by Seether
6. "Take On Me" by a-ha ...I've been watching too much "I Love the 80's" on vh1, and I was surprisingly lacking this song on my ipod 80's playlist
7. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" by Pearl Jam
8. "Finding Me" by Vertical Horizon
9. "My Name is Trouble" by Nightmare of You
10. "Better Than Me" by Hinder
11. "Rattlesnakes" by Tori Amos
12. "Wreckage" by Ben Jelen

Twilight and good covers!

2008-09-02T18:10:00.003-04:00

So, I trust that over the last month or so you all have started reading the wonderful series that is the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. Best books EVER. Well, for those of you who aren't reading the series, this will be meaningless to you. Not entirely meaningless, so keep reading. I recently downloaded Charlotte Martin's album entitled Reproductions and it is fantastic. "Reproductions" meaning all the songs are covers. Really good covers. One of my favorites is "Bizarre Love Triangle" (originally performed by New Order- think 80's), and it totally belongs on the soundtrack for the first Twilight movie. Hands down. I think it would be more fitting if it were the Charlotte Martin version...only because the mood is a little different sounding because she slows it down a lot. Beyond things relating to the Twilight series- she also covered a Kate Bush song!!! I love Kate Bush. My current favorites from the album are (original artist's name is in parentheses):

1. "Bizarre Love Triangle" (New Order)
2. "Cloudbusting" (Kate Bush)
3. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town," which, I had absolutely no idea was originally done by Pearl Jam until just now
4. "Song to the Siren" (Tim Buckley)

I'm sure I will eventually love every song once I listen to them all thoroughly. I've been a fan of Charlotte Martin for quite a while, most her songs are piano-heavy which I love.

other random songs that I am liking right now:
"In Your Atmosphere" -John Mayer, from his Live in LA album
the entire Rearrange Us album by Mates of State
"My Love for You is Real" -Ryan Adams

more from the little black box of magic

2008-07-18T11:11:00.014-04:00

I realized this morning while listening to my ipod (which is referred to by many as the "little black box of magic") that I neglected to mention an artist I am really loving right now...Matthew Good. And it's definitely worth mentioning. "Load Me Up" was the first song I heard by him (or technically the Matthew Good Band). I guess that song came out my freshmen year of high school which would be 1999, gah I'm old! I saw the video for the song on MTV and I've liked the song ever since then.
I can't really remember what prompted me to listen to more of his stuff, but not too long ago I dowloaded his greatest hits cd called In a Coma (it also includes songs from the Matthew Good Band days) and I listen to it all the time. I really like his lyrics and sound, he's one of those artists who sings like they are genuinely putting emotion into what they are singing. Enough of my amateur analyzation though. "Load Me Up," "Apparitions," "Strange Days," and "Indestructible" are probably my top four favorite songs. but I could definitely listen to the greatest hits cd the whole way through and like every one. He's an artist I would say is certainly worth checking out.

just some current faves!

2008-07-16T14:35:00.007-04:00

As you can see (or hear, rather) I have updated my music player to the right. If it bothers you, you can just hit stop...but you will be missing out on the awesomeness that is spinning on my ipod right now.

On the music front this week, I recently bought Greg Laswell's full album entitled Three Flights From Alto Nido and I LOVE it. You can go to his myspace to listen to some of the songs, and I highly recommend that you do! His rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is one of my favorites. I am also liking Katy Perry's cd...the album has other good songs on it besides "I Kissed a Girl." I heard an interview with Katy Perry on one of the radio morning shows I listen to, and she was asked how she felt about the fact that young girls are listening to that song. Her response was "you know, it's whatever...if parents don't want their kids listening to it, that's fine and they can go on letting their kids listen to "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne and not think anything of it." Touche! I thought that was a good response. You know there are people out there who are appalled at her song but jam out to whatever sexually charged and explicit rap song is playing next. Ironically, Perry's debut album was a gospel album which is something I find humorous. But I digress. Her new cd is what I would consider "fun." Just kind of fun to listen to when you're in the car running errands or whatever. She also does a good cover of "Your Love" (originally done by The Outfield), and I love that song so she wins points there. Between listening to Greg Laswell and Katy Perry, not much else is new. I'm trying to get into Coldplay's new album, but I can't seem to get past "Viva La Vida." I just listen to it repeatedly and then move on to the next artist. I need to just put on the cd and let it play through. Let's see...what else...I really love "Whatever It Takes" by Lifehouse. I mean, I like the song but I think a lot of why I like it is because of the subject matter. He's singing about how he is willing to do whatever it takes (hence the title) to keep a relationship together, and unfortunately I don't think many people care enough to put forth effort into staying together anymore if it requires anything that would mean they would have to not be selfish. That was a long sentence. haha! But anyway, I guess the song is kind of refreshing, sad and romantic all at the same time and I like it.

In other randomness, "Drugs or Me" by Jimmy Eat World is one of my favorite songs ever. You can listen to it on the player I have on here or you can find it on iTunes. The original version is good but I also love the Styrofoam Remix.

ok that's it for now. :)

2008-07-01T14:00:00.003-04:00

this is hilarious.

2008-06-30T23:46:00.005-04:00

Of all places, I would never think that the Cleveland Mall in Shelby would have good music playing over their speakers. But admittedly, it has been my source for almost all my new discoveries over the past few months. I mean, they really play good music! Not just new music, but really good old music (and by "old" I mean early 90's). I'm sure it's some kind of satellite radio station, which reminds me that I need to find out what station it is. but whatever it is, it's good. So anyway. Here is my "list of good songs I've discovered via the Cleveland Mall." Hope you enjoy.

1. "At My Most Beautiful" by R.E.M. - How did I not know this song before now?! It's such a good one. It just makes me smile, and the only qualm I have is that it isn't long enough.

2. "Accept Things" by Dolores O'Riordan - I should already be listening to her solo stuff, as I am huge fan of The Cranberries. I think other singles off this album were promoted more than this one so I'm not sure why it was chosen to be played on the radio but I'm glad it was. If you like her voice, I think you'll like this song.

3. "Here's Where the Story Ends" by The Sundays - Another one I'm thinking how did I miss this before now?? I am a big fan of the Cocteau Twins and iTunes kind of puts them in the same category. so yeah. Really good early 90's stuff that I'm sorry I missed the first go round. I was only five.

4. "If Only" by KT Tunstall - I really like KT Tunstall. And I have the entire album that this song is on...but didn't notice it until I heard it today. Just goes to show, there are probably hundreds of amazing songs hiding on our cd's that we don't ever thoroughly listen to.

There are more, but those are the most recent. In addition to these songs, I have been listening to Mates of State way more than any human being ever should. haha ok, not THAT much, but quite a bit. I know I will probably get tired of it real soon and not listen to them for a good solid few months. but right now I am loving their new cd...it's titled Rearrange Us. In addition to the fact that I just like their sound, I love the story behind them. They are a husband and wife duo, both had normal jobs...she was a teacher and he was a cancer researcher or something like that- but then they just decided they loved being on tour and playing shows everywhere so they quit their jobs and now music is all they do. I just think that is awesome.

On a sidenote before I end this, I added a blog to my list of blogs I read on the right called "Stuff Christians Like" and it is fantastic. I read it every day and always enjoy the posts...they are usually really funny and also very true. So I highly recommend you check it out.
http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com ...and yes, there are three f's in the word "stuff" in the url address.

Happy 4th of July week! :)

top fiiiiive!!!!!!!

2008-05-20T22:05:00.004-04:00

I think it's time for another top five list!...I should be folding laundry or something but really, who wants to do that? All of the songs this week might not have lengthy explanations but you should listen to all of them anyway. ok here it is:

1. The entire Safetysuit album. I really like this band. My favorite songs thus far are "Annie," and "Something I Said." You can hear both of them on their myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/safetysuit.

2. "Real Love" by Regina Spektor. Originally by John Lennon. She does such a beautiful cover of this song...I've found the sheet music and it looks pretty easy to play so maybe you'll hear me singing it in a coffee shop one day or something. hah! Seriously though, it is such a pretty song and, even better, it's featured on the album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Good song, good artist, good cause.

3. "Tracing" by John Mayer. I love his songwriting. I also have full intentions of buying his as/is live album very soon because it sounds reealllly good.

4. "London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do)" by Heather Nova.

5. "Get Better" by Mates of State. If you haven't ever listened to Mates of State, you should. I am a big fan. It's basically a husband and wife duo- he plays the drums, she plays the organ. I know, you're thinking "umm...organ?" but it's a really good sound. And the song "Get Better" actually features the piano instead. Anyway, they are definitely unique. http://www.myspace.com/matesofstate if you're interested!

and that's it. Now that you have my stamp of approval on all these songs, you can go listen to them and soak up the musical goodness. :)

blogs, weddings, etc.

2008-04-22T22:35:00.006-04:00

Just a note- everyone should take a look at the new blog I listed under my "frequented blogs and sites" list to your right...well, actually I'll just give you the link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/waltrumfelt. Walt Rumfelt's story is pretty amazing, so I encourage you to take a look at his journal. He also spoke at The Foundation last week, and if you go to their blog (that link is also on my list) you can download the testimony that he gave. A short summary- Walt went on a mission trip to Nepal with my church here in Shelby and came back fine, but two weeks later fell ill to some unknown disease (doctors to this day have no idea what it was) and came close to losing his life. It's an amazing story of how God works in our lives and through us even in the most difficult times. I can't really do justice to the story here so I'll let you look into it.

In other news, my best friend got married this past weekend! I don't even know if she reads this but I am so happy for her and her new husband! (: yaaaay weddings! I have to mention something I just read in one of Walt Rumfelt's journal entries. He was thanking his wife for all she had done and talking about marriage in general and this is the excerpt I really liked:
"God doesn't see marriage as a contract but a covenant. Tommy Nelson says that when you marry that person, you make them the right person at that moment. In God's economy, there is no turning back once you say I do."
Wow...what would our society be like if people really honored that covenant? It's kind of scary to think about how casually marriage is looked upon now. Really scary, actually. But I especially like the part about "when you marry that person, you make them the right person." It seems like so many times people abandon marriages because they feel they just aren't right for each other anymore, or they don't love each other the way they used to. Commitment is a choice, and I hate how people act like it's something they have no control over. I am thankful that I have two parents to look up to in this department. Are there times my parents didn't think they loved each other anymore? I'm sure. Are there times they felt like the romance was gone? Most definitely. But they make a choice everyday to put in 100% and make things work...and they've come out on the better side. I just pray that my friends who are making that step will find the courage and the strength to stick things out. Anyway, didn't think I'd go off on that tangent but I did.

Onto other things. (: I have liked The Weepies for a while now but their new album was released today, I've downloaded and so far it's great. They have such a good simple sound and I always love their lyrics. um...what else...Alanis Morissette's new single "Underneath" is not too bad either. I'm listening to Lifehouse as we speak and I'm loving the songs they have on their myspace. I've always liked Lifehouse and I definitely love their new stuff. ok that was all really random but that's it for now!

THE list.

2008-04-09T22:50:00.004-04:00

So I think this evening I will post a top five (or however many I decide) list of sorts. I usually go at least a couple weeks listening to a select few songs I've recently discovered and/or rediscovered...and they all automatically have my stamp of approval/recommendation.

the list (in no particular order, except the first one which I really love)
(1) "Steady On" by Shawn Colvin
(2) "Where Is My Mind" by the Pixies
(3) "So Long" by Guster
(4) "Weightless" by Nada Surf
(5) "Without Love" by Donna Lewis
(6) "Talula (The Tornado Mix)" by Tori Amos

also, I am loving this John Mayer song called "Say"...(and my new car, but that's another topic!) I love the lyrics. So here they are.

Take all of your wasted honor,
every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
better put them in quotations

say what you need to say

Walking like a one man army,
fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment,
knowing you'd be better off instead
if you could only

say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end
it's better say too much
than never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
and your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

say what you need to say

Such a good song. I think it's on the soundtrack for The Bucket List, which would seem appropriate. Anyway that's it for tonight! (: Be looking soon for my next post that is almost certainly going to be about one of the best Nickel Creek songs in existence. and maybe another top however many list.

Living Well's the Best Revenge

2008-03-21T21:29:00.004-04:00

I am loving this video. R.E.M. freakin rocks. You can also download this on iTunes for free! :D

2008-03-03T22:16:00.004-05:00

So...quite possibly one of my favorite songs by The Supremes would have to be "My World is Empty Without You." It is the jam!! haha. I think the bari sax just makes the track. Love it.

Anyway. On a random note, I decorated my first cake tonight! I don't think it was very good...but I tried. I am lacking in the patience department, probably just because of not enough sleep and working all day. And the icing I made was really weird and hard to squeeze out so now my hand hurts real bad! Gah! lol. Either way, I'm hoping maybe later in life I'll have the patience to decorate cakes. I mean, I think it's a lot of fun, but sometimes I just don't think I would ever be able to spend such a long time on all the intricate details of a pretty cake. I think I'm bad about always finding a way to justify paying people for things (i.e. cakes). Maybe crafty things just aren't my kind of hobby.

but listening to music definitely is. (:

Stand Back

2008-01-27T23:01:00.001-05:00

So this next video has to be one of most favorite live performances- Stevie Nicks performing "Stand Back" in 1983 on late night tv. I think her voice sounds really good in this particular performance. I mean- I'm a fan of Stevie Nicks in general, but I don't have a problem admitting that I think her voice tends to be on the very-nasal-sounding side of things. That nasal-sound just isn't as defined in this video and I like that. Also I LOVE this song. Stevie Nicks is freakin awesome. I always love the black flowy outfits with the really big sleeves and platform shoes she wears. I read in some article that she didn't like always being so much shorter than everyone on stage (she's like 5'1) so she always wore really high platform shoes. I can totally identify with that sentiment (not the on-stage part, of course). Anyway, she definitely has a spot on my list of the best female performing artists. If you can get past the cheese-tastic 80's dancing, it's a great video.

I did have the video posted, but it's a little sluggish when I actually post the video, so...you can watch it here!

Adele

2008-01-21T01:02:00.000-05:00

this girl is just fabulous.

go here for more. (:

sometimes the best are undiscovered

2008-01-19T00:49:00.001-05:00

A song called "Polaroid Millennium" by the UK group Sneaker Pimps is quite possibly one of my most favorite songs of all time. Or, well, it would at least make the top 50. I would venture to say it is almost entirely unheard of. I stumbled upon the song after buying the soundtrack to The Saint (good soundtrack and good movie). For some reason, the soundtrack doesn't list Sneaker Pimps as the artist for the song. So I never knew who it was by until I googled the lyrics today. Strange. But anyway. "6 Underground" is a more well-known song by the Sneaker Pimps, and it's also on The Saint soundtrack. Evidently, the Sneaker Pimps album that featured "Polaroid Millennium" never actually released because the record company rejected it...which would explain the lack of popularity. I'm pretty much a sucker for any song that features any form of strings, and this song qualifies. And you are in luck, I have the song here for you to listen to! I might just type all the lyrics out if I'm feeling extra ambitious. I especially like the part when (a little over halfway through) the electric-guitar sound is thrown in.

just press play :)

Pictures black and white or color
There's a postcard sent from heaven,
says 'make the most of never-never,
horizon starts right here,
the futures always near'
I know
I know this time is borrowed
I try to remember then forget my sorrow

Celluloid, monochrome, or color
Don't want to end in tears
I'll leave before my fear's confirmed,
scared to learn wasted knowledge
Give to the grave
These four walls could last forever
I could never be that clever

Celluloid, monochrome, or color
Don't want to end in tears
There's nothing left to discover
Did I learn to walk too soon
Is there time to turn the screw
Survive destiny, polaroid me
What's left to say about yesterday

I'll leave before my fear's confirmed,
scared to learn wasted knowledge
Give to the grave
These four walls could last forever
I could never be that clever

2008-01-13T01:10:00.000-05:00

So new on the music-to-discuss list is Jose (pronounced "josie") Vanders. I originally discovered her music via perezhilton.com (that's kind of embarassing and I promise I don't visit that site on a regular basis). Then, I started to see these little clips on MTV of a singer followed by the name "Kate Nash" flashing on the screen. I'm pretty sure Kate Nash is Jose Vanders. Actually not, but they sound so alike it isn't even funny. I first thought maybe "Kate Nash" was a show on MTV that Jose Vanders was doing the music for or something, but I looked it up and it turns out Kate Nash is a singer. They both have this ridiculously thick British accent...which might have a lot to do with why I thought they were the same person.

I haven't really heard any of Kate Nash's music other than the MTV clips. However, I do like Jose Vanders. The accent gets annoying after a while, but she has some good songs. I can't say that I like all of the songs I've heard on her myspace, but I really like a couple. The song called "Faces Going Places" is cute, and I very much like "Alberto Morrocco." Her songs are kind of abstract, kind of. You might could say she's a tiny bit Regina Spektor-ish. You can actually listen to "Faces Going Places" here:

Anyway. On the list of things that made my Friday (yesterday): I was at Harris-Teeter on Fri morning, and I was in a ridiculously long line to check out and I only had a couple bottles of water. A cashier opened another register and told *me* that she could ring me up. Well another lady walking up behind me with a cart full of groceries hears the cashier tell ME this, but proceeds to push her cart up to the newly-opened register! I, of course, back down and kind of gesture to the cashier to let the other woman go ahead (even though it was clearly my turn). But the cashier said to the lady "no, I'm sorry ma'am, I told her I would ring her up first so I can't let you cut in...sorry." HAHA! I snickered at her on the inside. It's the little victories in life! Hope you enjoyed that story.

Goodnight!

Foo, Sia, and more.

2008-01-07T23:55:00.001-05:00

So I am immensely enjoying the most recent release by a little band known as the Foo Fighters. It came out in September I think...so I'm a little late, but it happens. I heard one song I liked on it and immediately knew the entire album was worth buying. I probably should've known that even without hearing any of the tracks. I don't think they ever disappoint. Anyway, I highly recommend you check it out. You can listen to one of my favorites, "The Pretender," on their myspace. The song I initially loved from the album was "But, Honestly" and so far it is still my favorite. I haven't listened to the album the whole way through yet, so yeah. David Grohl is freakin awesome and so is the band. It's such a relief to buy an album that is completely and totally worth my $9.99. Such a rare delight.

In other randomness, Five Guys (the restaurant) seems to have a decent music playlist. I guess it's a cd or something that's constantly on rotation, but it's good. Today, the song called "Without Love" by Donna Lewis was playing. I'm sure you remember her and her hit song entitled "I Love You Always Forever" circa the sixth grade. "Without Love" is a really good track as well. I mean, who knew she had more than one good song?

On my myspace page, I have a song called "Numb" by Sia playing. Sia is yet another unique sound that has managed to emerge among the commonplace and mundane. You can listen to her music on iTunes, of course, or on her myspace. I don't really know any of the songs on her myspace, but "Breathe Me" is a good one and I think the video is somewhere on there.

So much good music, so little time! Right now I have a queue of songs to buy as I wait for my laptop to be back in commission. The stupid power cord broke. It's my second cord in like sixth months! Toshiba makes a good laptop, but not a good power cord to go with it. I've been listening to Pandora Radio a lot since I'm without iTunes (on my laptop), so I've found plenty of fabulous new songs there. I have a link to Pandora over to the right of this blog, but I'll explain it to you. You go to pandora.com, and enter the name of an artist you really like. Pandora finds songs that (are supposed to) sound very similar to the one you like. I've found that Pandora usually does a really good job. It's a good way to discover new music in the way of what genres/sounds you enjoy. And of course since it isn't music by that same artist, you get a little variation which can lead to new favorites, which can lead to more variations, and so on and so on. Obviously I am entirely too familiar with the process, but I love discovering music.

ASU Nat'l Championship #3!!! and other things

2007-12-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

All I wanted for Christmas was an ASU 3peat...and I got it!! I spent this past weekend in Chattanooga watching/celebrating AppState win their third consecutive national championship!!! wooooooooo!!! Six of my good friends and I went together and it was a blast. The final score was 49-21. The Delaware (opposing team) fans were pretty rude from what I saw walking around the stadium, so I have no sympathy for them. Even though the game wasn't really close, ASU has had a knack in past games for being way ahead and then letting the other team tie up the game in the third quarter- so every minute was important. I love how, at the beginning of the game, Delaware fans were chanting "We're not Michigan." Obviously they're not, and I have a feeling Michigan would probably run them into the ground just like we did. Anyway though. ASU won and that is all that matters!

Eight days til Christmas...EIGHT DAYS! I can't believe it. The one thing I always hate about the Christmas season is how fast it flies by. It's my favorite time of year, but it's gone just like that and then you have to wait another whole year. Boo! But I love Christmas.

Now on to other things. Imogen Heap is currently writing her third album and I am so stoked. It doesn't come out for a while, but she has a new song coming out in February that very possibly will be used for the tv show "Heroes." She has a video blog that she updates every week or so, and she's been playing clips of the song and it sounds GREAT. I can't wait! Here is video blog #15 where she discloses part of the song that was sorta kinda inspired by the Foo Fighters after she heard them in concert.

If you haven't listened to Imogen Heap before, you should. Her music is wonderful and best of all - it doesn't sound like anything else (that's hard to find nowadays). Click hereto go to her myspace. Listen to "Hide and Seek" if you've never heard it before. Ok well that's it for now. I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! :)

Band of Horses

2007-12-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

I am loving these guys right now. Turn up your volume and you can hear one of my favorite songs by them. I heard their music for the first time last year on The Road Mix: Music From The Television Series One Tree Hill Vol. 3 (I don't even watch the show, but I recommend this cd). The song on the OTH soundtrack is called "Funeral" and it's a great song. THEN, last week I was at Murphy's in Boone and I'm pretty sure I heard "Is There a Ghost" on the radio. I didn't know it was Band of Horses, but their sound is pretty distinctive. So my thought process was "I know that sound...kind of similar to the song "Funeral"...Band of Horses!!!" I love it when I hear a song on the radio I like and then I'm able to figure out who it is, because it always sucks when you can't.

So anyway- "Is There a Ghost" is really good song, and so are the rest of the songs posted on their myspace. I specifically like "Is There a Ghost," "No One's Gonna Love You," and "The General Specific" ...but like I said, they are all good. I plan on buying the whole cd on iTunes in the very near future!

This 1:30am bedtime thing has got to end.

jobs and Christmas music

2007-11-28T00:06:00.000-05:00

It's very depressing that, when I think about what I love to do most, it involves sitting for hours listening to music and/or searching for new music. What kind of job is out there where you can do that?! It's so frustrating. I think maybe I would do well working in a music store. Who knows.

Besides that, I am very happy that it is almost the month of December. Yay Christmas! Last year, Sarah McLachlan's album Wintersong was my soundtrack for the holiday. I fell asleep every night listening to it. Such a good cd. It's different from the other fifty million Christmas cd's that artists put out every year. The songs, with the exception of a few, aren't your typical Christmas songs and I like that. So anyway, here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs called "Wintersong."

The lake is frozen over, the trees are white with snow
and all around reminders of you are everywhere I go
It's later, morning's in no hurry but sleep won't set me free
I lie awake and try to recall how your body felt beside me
When silence gets too hard to handle, and the night too long

And this is how I see you, in the snow on Christmas morning
Love and happiness surround you
as you throw your arms up to the sky
I keep this moment by and by
Oh how I miss you now, my love
Merry Christmas, my love

A sense of joy fills the air and I daydream and I stare
up at the tree and I see your star up there

And this is how I see you, in the snow on Christmas morning
Love and happiness surround you
as you throw your arms up to the sky
I keep this moment by and by
-Sarah McLachlan

new music player!

2007-11-26T01:46:00.000-05:00

So I have a little music player to the left so you can experience some of the greatness that is the music I am listening to!

Kate Bush is just fabulous. I stumbled upon her music before I knew that a lot of people tie her sound to Tori Amos. I like her voice and I think her music is unique and good. Not to mention the fact that David Gilmour helped kick start her career because he liked her work so much. So you should listen to "Running Up That Hill" if it hasn't played on here already, or if you immediately turned the volume down upon hearing the sound.

Today's rant: I am annoyed with people boycotting "The Golden Compass" movie. I mean really...I understand a person's motivation for wanting to protect their children. And if you feel that it would be wise for your young children not to see it, then by all means don't take them. But as far as adults go - I say read the books before you take such a strong stance against them. All I'm asking is that people be informed and educated before they decide to boycott anything. Or at least do some research on both sides. Another thing that pisses me off is the constant picking and choosing of what is wrong and right. Take Harry Potter, for example. Seriously, people. If you let your children watch Disney movies, then Harry Potter really isn't THAT different. Disney movies are almost always comprised entirely of magic, witches, fairies, and countless other mystical elements that have the potential to damage a child's view of reality. I specifically recall a scene towards the end of "Sleeping Beauty" when the *witch* declares that the prince is battling against her and that she will summon "all the powers of hell" to fight him when he attempts to rescue Sleeping Beauty. Pretty blatant, if you ask me. Yet millions of Christians let their children watch that movie. If you are going to be whole-heartedly against something, at least be consistent with it. I could name so many people who are probably boycotting this movie who have let their eight year olds watch gruesome horror movies that desensitize them to death and violence. And they probably are the same ones who let their children play disgusting and violent video games...oh how I could go on. But I'm going to stop now because I've discussed this enough.

Tori Amos and Peter Gabriel

2007-11-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

The Tori Amos concert was fabulous as expected. I love love LOVE her music and she is beyond amazing on the piano. It's insane. I would post the few pictures I took, but I'm too lazy to do it right now!

Right now, I have Peter Gabriel's "I Grieve" on repeat. I am loving this song. And in general, Peter Gabriel is a great musician. The song is from "City of Angels"...so I'm guessing somehow the lyrics tie in with the movie (which I actually never saw). I have a tendency to gravitate towards more depressing songs, but there isn't anything wrong with that necessarily. However, I think it's safe to say that grieving for someone is an idea that most people can relate to. Even if it isn't necessarily grieving over someone who has literally passed away, but just grieving over someone for whatever reason. So anyway, here are the lyrics:

It was only one hour ago
It was all so different then
There's nothing yet has really sunk in
Looks like it always did
This flesh and bone
is just the way that you were tied in
Now there's no one home

I grieve for you
and you leave me
It's so hard to move on,
still loving what's gone
They say life carries on,
carries on and on and on and on

The news that truly shocks is the empty, empty page
while the final rattle rocks its empty, empty cage
and I can't handle this

I grieve for you
and you leave me

Let it out and move on,
missing what's gone
They say life carries on
They say life carries on and on and on

Life carries on
in the people I meet
in everyone that's out on the street
in all the dogs and cats
in the flies and rats
in the rot and the rust
in the ashes and the dust
and life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

It’s just the car that we ride in,
the home we reside in
the face that we hide in
the way we are tied in
and life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

Did I dream this belief
or did I believe this dream?
Now I can find relief
I grieve

pianos and cake decor

2007-11-12T23:24:00.000-05:00

I am so very desperate to learn how to play the piano. I can read music, but on the French horn I only had to read notes on the treble clef- not the bass clef. I *can* read on the bass clef, it just takes me longer with the whole eye-to-hand reaction. I can play a few of Regina Spektor's songs, and one or two songs by Coldplay. I'm sure they are all easy pieces, so it's no real accomplishment. I just want to take lessons to get more familiar with chords, theory, etc. I learned almost zero theory in high school band, so right now my brain is useless in that department. BUT I am going to start taking lessons soon if it's the last thing I do. Being able to play the piano is one of the few goals in my life that is certain right now.

Hopefully I will be signing up for a cake decorating class at the community college tomorrow! I'm excited! I have always loved how people can make wedding cakes so pretty, and that is very random. Random or not, I am happy about getting to take the class! yay for cake decorating!

Another very important announcement: I AM SEEING TORI AMOS TOMORROW NIGHT IN CONCERT! Words cannot describe how excited I am about this. I have loved her music for years, but I haven't ever seen her live. I also have seats that are five rows from the front, so that should be pretty awesome. I'm sure the whole concert will be awesome.

I wish tomorrow could be Veteran's Day again. I mean seriously, they deserve a whole week. But since it's only one day, that means I have to work, which also means I should probably go to sleep now. So that's all for today!

I'm sorry but I'm just thinking of the right words to say
I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be
but if you wait around a while I'll make you fall for me
I promise, I promise you I will
-When in Rome
...good 80's song!