Ha!

From Lee King to the King of the Jews: The Best Quotes of 2007

Awesome.

Um, Jamie Lynn Spears Is Pregnant

The Buddha's maps for the journey to wisdom and happiness are attractive to many people because they are so simple. Essentially, he taught that it doesn't make sense to upset ourselves about what is beyond our control. We don't get a choice about what hand we are dealt in this life. The only choice we have is our attitude about the cards we hold and the finesse with which we play our hand. When the Buddha taught his ideas twenty-five hundred years ago, many people understood him so well as soon as they heard him that they were happy ever after. The people who didn't understand him immediately needed to practice meditation, and then they understood. - Sylvia Boorstein, It's Easier Than You Think

Pitchfork's review of Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo.

goodness

A Bundle of Joy Isn't Enough?

Happy Thanksgiving

Credit: Anders Krusberg/ The Martha Stewart Show

Moonchops Morrow and Sharon Jones

Lafayette's own James Morrow with Ms. Jones at The Vogue on Sunday, Nov. 18.
Enjoy!

McSweeney's, again.

RIPPLE EFFECTS OF THE WRITERS' STRIKE.

BY JOHN MOE

- - - -

Airline pilots

Lack of scripts means pilots are unable to perform "welcome from the cabin" announcements, which are customarily lengthy, loquacious, and infuriatingly drawn out. Having dedicated their careers to the complex task of operating commercial aircraft, pilots reveal themselves to be woefully inept at extemporaneous speaking, as their attempts ("We're in air. High up. Weather. No crash. Temperature!") prove disastrous. Filled with self-loathing, pilots refuse to leave their homes and eventually die. All air travel ends.

Grocery-store produce managers

Unable to skillfully phrase sales like "Grapes—$1.99/lb.," retailers panic and choose instead to throw fruits and vegetables at customers while screaming, "MONEY NOW!" Frightened by the prospect of facing a grocery store full of wild-eyed produce managers clutching rotten bananas while cloaked in ersatz-broccoli cloaks (fashioned after long bouts of existential madness), customers stay away. Consumer economy collapses.

Clergy

When you think about it, it's a bit too much to expect someone with an exceptionally profound sense of spirituality to also be a gifted crafter of prose. I mean, what are the odds, right? But since the strike means no new sermons written, the clergy must simply read from sacred texts and then stare forward, blinking. Attendance at religious services plummets, churches are boarded up, and, perhaps most importantly, God just says, "You know what? Screw all of you," and walks out.

Brides and grooms

Roadside direction signs like "Johnson-Turpin Wedding—Turn Left" are no longer possible and are replaced by feeble nonunion attempts such as "Girl! Ring! Left! I am Turpin! Turpjohn! Dress! Ah!" With would-be attendees unable to find events, weddings cease. Then love ends.

Rock-concert attendees

Shouting the classic written line "Play 'Free Bird'!" has historically been a quick way to convey to fellow concertgoers the message "I am aware that I am watching a concert by a band that would be highly unlikely to ever play a Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, but by shouting out such a request, I demonstrate that I am a student of popular culture, that I am intellectually superior to Skynyrd fans, and that I have mastered irony." But with no one to write such lines, fans soon forget about shouting "Play 'Free Bird'!" The result: the whole world starts going to more concerts, live music thrives, the human condition is elevated, beauty proliferates, and fewer douchebags get themselves stabbed at shows.

Pet-store owners

Without the assistance of professional writers, such droll puns as "purrfect pets" prove impossible, leaving shopkeepers to describe their offerings as "perfect pets." This results in unrealistic expectations being placed on the pets. Eventually, an acrimonious pet/owner dynamic emerges that proves impossible to overcome. After a surprisingly short period of time, cats say, you know, fuck this shit and they leave. The human/cat arrangement, which, to be honest, has been on thin ice for centuries, finally collapses and the domestication of the cat ends.

Poets

With their natural predators, the screenwriters, out of the literary ecosystem, poet herds thrive and proliferate, soon overrunning their native habitats and exhausting their food supply. Before long, having any unlocked windows in one's house becomes an invitation to poets to bust in, which they unfailingly do, spouting some goofy-ass nonsense while grabbing whatever is in the fridge. All are shot on sight, of course, creating an unwelcome sanitation problem. Heartened, God gives us one more chance.

Adoption

This caught my eye on the nytimes.com homepage. I was definitely nodding my head in agreement throughout most of the blog, especially with the two pictures posted in the blog. I have a few different photos of myself in O'Hare International at age 4 looking expressionless and a handful of photos with other kids in the orphanage in Pusan City. It is strange to not remember that day (or anything of my life in S. Korea). I have a video labeled "July 15 1986" that I have watched numerous times and also have the stories my parents have told me about the first few months of being in the U.S. I think one of my favorite stories is that I used to help my dad pick vegetables from the garden, and I would go back to the house carrying a bowl of green beans on my head singing. Great, isn't it? I think so:)

time for work.

oof.

This song kills me every time.

R.E.M.
At My Most Beautiful

The Decemberists

"Dracula's Daughter" at ACL

as much as I like The Office, Scrubs is still a favorite.

enjoy.

another favorite song

The Black Keys
Set You Free

the good and bad of making pizza

I made pizza last night after work, which turned out to be surprisingly therapeutic. I forgot how well chopping food and kneading dough helps to relieve stress! So that was the good. Unfortunately, I burned my arm on the oven when I was pulling the pizza out (and will now have two matching scars right next to each other on my right arm) and I added way too much salt while sauteing the vegetables for the topping. Bleh. I think I'm going to have to go on a sodium detox for the next day or so.

wishful thinking, indeed.

I talked to the HR manager today about why my federal taxes weren't being taken out of my last five or so paychecks, turns out that I gave myself an exemption for being married...geesh.

too much

That's how I felt this morning with all the Bryan Adams songs in rotation at 4:50 in the morning. Granted, there were only three stations playing said songs, but that is three too many. I will fess up that I own two of his albums, So Far So Good and another one that I bought for one song, a duet he did with Melanie C. (aka "Sporty Spice"), but I'm glad those days are far behind me. And was it just me or did every couple in middle/high school have "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" as "their" song? bleh.

Things are about the same at work, both places. I feel like all I do is work and in turn I have even less of a social life than I did before both jobs, if that's possible. But after this weekend I think it's a good thing I am working as much as I am. I know distractions aren't the answer to problems since they just temporarily suppress whatever you are feeling, etc., but when I'm not doing anything I just sit in silence and analyze everything which I do not need.

On a brighter note, my office crush is back from vacation. Even though I don't do much more than say hi occasionally and pretend that he is not there, it was nice to see him Sunday evening and for a short bit today.

Ferrari wins. again

Pretty close finish, but somehow Kimi Raikkonen pulled it off and won the F1 championship.

Purdue 31, Iowa 6

thank goodness for a win!

longtime sunshine

Posted on pastemagazine.com...

Rivers Cuomo putting out solo work

Writer: Sean Gandert
News, Published online on 17 Oct 2007

As Weezer sticks it out in the studio and prepares for the release of their 6th album for a hopeful early 2008 release, Rivers Cuomo announced on his blog that the he'll also be putting out a series of solo demos.

"I've compiled a CD of my favorite demos from the years 1992 to 2007 and Geffen Records has agreed to put it out this December, on the eleventh. I hope you enjoy it. I may also be able to put out more demo CDs in the near future," wrote Cuomo.

To die-hard Weezer fans this is a blessing, since Cuomo's well-known to have countless tracks worked out that have never seen the light of the day. Hell, I've actually got around 80 Weezer demos on my computer, which is by no means an inclusive list of what's out there. It could also mean some of those long sought "lost" tracks from the unreleased Songs from the Black Hole demo may see the light of day. According to Drowned in Sound the album is called Alone - The Home Recordings of River Cuomo and features a Dec. 11 release date.

Rivers has also commented about his supposed book project. "I am not shopping my 'memoirs,'" he wrote. "I am working on an amazingly cool creative project that is just as much musical in nature as it is literary. It may or may not be released by a book publisher. It is not a 'memoir.' Word to your mother." Word to your mother indeed.

Quittin' Time

This is random, as is most everything else on this blog, but Quittin’ Time by Mary Chapin Carpenter is such a good song. I especially love singing along with it, though I don’t think my neighbor does. He’s probably thinking...here we go again with this song. I don’t recommend listening to it if you are contemplating where you are at in a relationship with someone. It could make things more confusing, but I do think it’s perfectly fine to include in a post break-up mix with the millions of other songs about heartbreak. Which reminds me of the great line from High Fidelity, “What came first? the music or the misery?”

so sitting at work and watching various college football games...makes me miss going to games here at Purdue. especially today when we are playing Ohio State. oy. I remember my freshman year here at Purdue was great for football, the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl (even though we lost).

****I blogged the above earlier at work, like 6-ish****

So now the game is over. boo for losing 23-7. I know Ohio State is a better team, but goodness, the offense was majorly lacking tonight. Defense put up a good fight though. If not for them, Ohio might have scored more. and at least we got one touchdown, even if it was right at the end of the game. I will say that Ross-Ade Stadium looked amazing on ABC. I think I heard them say a sold out crowd of 65, 497, though Purdue's website lists 62,500 as capacity.

on to next week's game up in The Big House. oy.

I am officially going krazy...

I was making a list to go to the grocery store, and then it was like, what for? to buy the same stuff I always buy, bring it home and then say "what is there to make?" so for now I've decided to nix the idea of going to the store. I was thinking I should go through my cookbooks and find recipes to make for the week, that way I'll be eating something different and new. however, the problem at the moment is that I'm already hungry and going through cookbooks/magazines is making me irritable. it also made me realize how much I dislike cooking for one person. one of the really nice things about when James and I lived together was that I could decide to make whatever and he would eat it. it wasn't always good, that's for sure, but it was nice to have someone to make food for. anywho. I think it's time to get some food and then sit and shuffle through recipes.

rilo kiley tonight on late night with conan...

not because I love Jenny Lewis (and the other members of Rilo Kiley), but I've been thinking about getting basic cable for the major networks to catch band performances. boo for not being able to hook up an antenna and get those channels here in Lafayette (that's one thing Tipton will always have over Lafayette).

I'll just wait for a faithful fan to post on youtube. thank God for Steve, Chad and Jawed.

reasons

not that I think of this ALL the time, but it does cross my mind more frequently than it probably should and I get asked this a lot...how long do I plan on working at Starbucks? well, there are perks to both sides of that situation. Off the top of my head one of the main reasons I still work there is because it allows me to purchase things I probably wouldn't be able to with just one job. Yes, that's right, as lovely as the Journal & Courier is, they don't pay me enough to live comfortably. And I'm not a high maintenance gal that needs all the latest fashions, gadgets, etc., I just want to be able to buy some of the things that I want, like the four cds I bought this week (two of which were used and totaled $4). The discount/weekly coffee or tea isn't a bad perk either. Paying full price...oy. Ashley E. did tell me I should keep working there so I can get my lifetime discount...heh, ya right, that would only take me 6 1/2 to 7 years to get. Also, as much as I wanted get away from Starbucks and what direction our store was heading in, I do enjoy my coworkers and the customers. On the other hand, not having to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to go to work and getting to wake up around 7/8-ish instead is SO nice, as is not smelling like coffee and doing a separate load of work clothes (which when I get rid of/donate my Starbucks clothes, I'll have an empty drawer for my sweaters).

I know there are other things to include here, but I started this blog like four hours ago and I forget the other things that I was thinking of...

what a day for a daydream

my thoughts when I was walking to work...why do I have to work on such a nice day? Sunny, breezy and low humidity. *sigh* I also wished this morning that I had a porch/patio of some sort. seems I'm never satisified...actually I like to think of it as a wishlist. one of these days I'll get to choose when I want to work and I'll have a patio/porch to sit on and read or nap or listen to music...

back to work and listening to good music.


quote of the weekend...

There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.
- Nietzsche

Simple Attention

The secret of beginning a life of deep awareness and sensitivity lies in our willingness to pay attention. Our growth as conscious, awake human beings is marked not so much by grand gestures and visible renunciations as by extending loving attention to the minutest particulars of our lives. Every relationship, every thought, every gesture is blessed with meaning through the wholehearted attention we bring to it. In the complexities of our minds and lives we easily forget the power of attention, yet without attention we live only on the surface of existence. It is just simple attention that allows us truly to listen to the song of a bird, to see deeply the glory of an autumn leaf, to touch the heart of another and be touched. We need to be fully present in order to love a single thing wholeheartedly. We need to be fully awake in this moment if we are to receive and respond to the learning inherent in it.
- Christina Feldman and Jack Kornfield, Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart from Everyday Mind

my own personal George Michael

Bluth, not the former Wham member. I was talking with James today at work about Arrested Development and Superbad, and how it is prob a little inappropriate/pervy of me to have a crush on Michael Cera. I'd say it's mostly a crush on the type of character he played in both of those, the nerdy, sensitive guy, but I also think he's a cute kid, too. Kid...I just did what I get annoyed with by people who aren't that much older than me=Þ Just the fact that he's 19 is what makes me feel creepy. So maybe when he is in his 20's I won't feel as weird admitting I have a crush on him.

anywho. time to get ready for work. last day of work before Austin...wahoo!

***edit on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007***
I felt I needed to add that Christina said it was okay, he's legal.

oy

Well, tomorrow my story for the view from here column will be put in the paper...
I had asked the editor of the Life section if my subject for the column was okay, and everything seemed fine to her. She told me it was great and thanked me for participating. I'm definitely nervous for tomorrow. My not so great photo with a story about American Gladiators...oh dear. Ah well, I'm glad I'm putting something out there since I easily could have said no to writing for the column. Plus, it's too late to do anything about it.

time for sleep.

major bummero...

from pitchforkmedia.com

The biggest decision you'll have to make all season-- Do I see the White Stripes or Arcade Fire at the Austin City Limits festival this Saturday?-- has just been made for you.

Citing "medical reasons," the Stripes have cancelled their September 15 appearance at the ACL fest (according to an Austin360.com report), along with another gig the following night at Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin (according to Stubb's' website). We like to call this medical ailment, for which there is no known cure, Playing Against the Arcade Fire Syndrome (although the Stripes can hold their own better than most).

No word yet on other show cancellations, although one assumes that these "medical reasons" aren't going to subside for this Thursday's Albuquerque gig only to return this weekend.

oh Britney...

What happened to the sassy, racy, not white trash Britney who could shake it and flaunt it with the best of them? There is just too much embarrassment for Britney these days. Given her most recent actions, I can't imagine that mentally she is doing well...and the VMA's didn't help much. She should watch how much she is doing if she isn't well and ready to handle the usual criticism that goes along with being a celebrity. I DO NOT want to see her have another break-down. Everyone knows I used to be a Britney fan, but now I'm just sad for her. Well...as much as I can be. I want to see her get the help she needs and to make a proper comeback. It may not be the Britney from the "I'm a Slave 4 U" period, but it's gotta be better than what she did last night. No confidence, no good dancing and her lip-synching was definitely half-assed. *sigh*

p.s. here is a funny clip from Will & Grace back when Brit still had it going on...

yay, Fernando Alonso, Roger Federer and Dario Franchitti!

super slow day at work, but you never know. things can pick up unexpectedly. At noon I was the only person in the newsroom, but now there are a total of six bodies here. It's not a bad time, just a little on the boring side. I have worked a little on my column for next Wednesday. I'll warn you right now, it's gonna be pretty silly, but hopefully a few people in the area will find it amusing or something...just need to make a jousting stick of some sort for the photo shoot...

I went home on Saturday to hang out with my parents. We didn't do a whole lot since my mom had surgery earlier in the week. She is doing better, but still sore. She starts therapy tomorrow, so hopefully she will be back to her new and improved self soon. My dad was keeping busy with all of the resumes the church has been getting while they search for a new pastor. And of course we watched movies. I know it's outdated, but my parents are on a kick with buying vhs tapes and are getting quite a collection built up. At $0.99 a movie, it's really not a bad deal. We watched The African Queen, Forget Paris and The Evening Star. And like the last couple of times, I got sent home with the rejects (aka movies with too much foul language/nudity/or, in their opinion, are "kinda dumb"). This time I got sent home with Along Came Polly, Mr. Magoo, The Princess Bride, Liar Liar and InnerSpace (a movie they forgot they already owned). Gotta love parents;)

Anywho. Time to try and add more to the column since it is due by 5 p.m. Friday. I don't want to be in here last minute, trying to finish it.

He's a good driver...

this is my favorite quote of the year so far and here's why...

http://jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/NEWS03/708300338/1152/NEWS

and on the smoking gun...

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0830071drive1.html

man...

with only two races left in the IndyCar series, not sure how things are going to end...this has got to be frustrating for Dario. It's the third race in a row where something like this has happened, but thankfully it wasn't like the collision at the Michigan Speedway.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=1&id=2992256

anywho. I just hope for the last two races that things will be calmer, but still exciting, and that Dario will come out ahead.

kinda cool

I meant to post this about two or three weeks ago, but anywho. I answered Tim Brouk's line at work one evening from this guy named Freddy Lim. He said he was supposed to have an interview with Tim earlier that day, but I had to tell him that Tim had already left for the day and that I could take down his information and Tim would probably get back to him the next day. So he tells me that he was a vocalist of a band from Taiwan and I couldn't quite make out the what he was saying, sounded like Sonic or something, so I jot down his number and tell him I'll make sure Tim gets the message, i.e. me putting the "while you were out" slip in Tim's cubby box.

I was wondering what the interview was for, since I hadn't heard about any Taiwanese band coming to Lafayette and what not. So I decided to google "freddy of taiwanese band" to see if I could find the right name of the band and low and behold, I did. Chthonic as it turns out is kind of a big deal and is also part of Ozzfest 2007.

Here is an article from the washingtonpost.com that I found today http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/23/AR2007082300647.html

and some other websites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddy_Lim

http://chthonic.org/en/

anywho, back to work.

another funny list from McSweeney's. enjoy...

Ways I've Let Down
Popular Musicians.

BY JOHN MOE

- - - -

Disappointed Chrissie Hynde by continuing to sob.

Permitted sun to go down on Elton John, thus failing him.

Failed to heed warning to stop in the name of love, broke Diana Ross's heart.

Was cruel to a heart that was true, much to the chagrin of Elvis Presley.

Stopped prior to getting enough, despite urging to the contrary by Michael Jackson.

Spoke even when told not to by Gwen Stefani.

Stopped believin', let go of the feelin', thereby enraging Steve Perry.

Clutched it too tightly, lost control, resulting in tersely worded letter from .38 Special.

Said "never"; Romeo Void merely shook their heads sadly.

Got together with only a few people, made no effort to love one another, received awkward phone call from the Youngbloods.

Monkees left at the station with only their worries after I missed the last train to Clarksville.

Failed to feel the noize, which doesn't seem like my fault, but Quiet Riot was still peeved.

Stayed perfectly sane, leaving Prince to go crazy by himself, which actually worked out best for everyone.

Went changing to try to please Billy Joel. Total fiasco.

Kanye West

I forgot to post this a while back, but when I saw this on pastemagazine.com, I was definitely drawn to it. That's right I'm a sucker for cutesy things, especially this bear and all his bling or ice (however it is referred to these days).

http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article/4697/news/music/kanye_reveals_graduation_tracklist_cover

Hey Tom...

I'm sad that you have moved, it would have been nice to say bye and wish you well on your trip out west. So I'll say it now...I hope the drive out west went well and was free of any catastrophes along the way;)

Anywho, I really do hope you are getting settled out there and that all is well. Hope to talk/see you whenever you come back through the crossroads of America.

p.s. I didn't have any other means of contacting you, so I thought leaving a post would be the next best thing.

Every Single Day

The Buddha recommended that every person should remember every single day that we are not here for ever. It is a guest performance, which can be finished any time. We don't know when; we have no idea. We always think that we may have seventy-five or eighty years, but who knows? If we remember our vulnerability every single day, our lives will be imbued with the understanding that each moment counts and we will not be so concerned with the future. Now is the time to grow on the spiritual path. If we remember that, we will also have a different relationship to the people around us. They too can die at any moment, and we certainly wouldn't like that to happen at a time when we are not loving towards them. When we remember that, our practice connects to this moment and meditation improves because there is urgency behind it. We need to act now. We can only watch this one breath, not the next one.
--Ayya Khema

So it looks like I blogged back in 2004, that my skin was at it's "all-time worst," but it seems I spoke a few years too soon. This past spring/summer my skin has been terrible. It's krazy how much something like this can make a person slightly depressed/very self-conscious (like Kim said, it's not you can hide your face)=/ It's not that I'm a shallow, self-absorbed person, but I've definitely been stressed/worried about it, which doesn't really help out either (and Hillary has had to hear about it 24/7 for the past 7 months). Thankfully, my appointment at the dermatologist is next Tuesday, which I have semi-patiently been waiting for and I am hopeful that things will start to improve and I will feel better in general. anywho.

I'll take an album cover for $100 Alex...

So Jeopardy is on in the newsroom, muted of course. But I can still read the clues from where my desk is. I didn't realize it was Celebrity Jeopardy until I recognized on Monday that Nancy Grace from CNN was on there (lovely woman that she is) and I must say that the clues are really easy. For example, one of them was to the effect of, "Like the Hardy Boys, she was a girl detective."

Right now it looks like a Law & Order Celebrity Jeopardy (with Christopher Meloni, Kathryn Erbe and Sam Waterston).

Sigh...I miss watching Jeopardy.

Anywho, back to work.

under the blacklight

I am so bummed that Rilo Kiley will be in Chicago on the 15th of September. Of course I'm not in any way trying to complain about why I can't see them on that date. I guess I'll just have to wait until next year. At least I got to see Jenny Lewis last year and that show was one half of Rilo Kiley since Jason Boesel was her drummer for the tour.

anywho...back to work.

I know there were a lot of different things I wanted to blog about, but I can't seem to remember half of them. There isn't enough time in each day to get everything done that I want (blogging/writing/reading/music...all the good things). Maybe someday I'll land a part-time job that happens to pay as much as a full-time job...that would be pretty cush.

Anywho. I did want to post a video of one of my favorite Rilo Kiley songs




That's all for now since it's almost time for work.

okay so I'm reading some of the lists off of McSweeney's and oh goodness, they are seriously making me almost laugh out loud! I don't want to bring too much attention to myself. It's bad enough that people walk by and see me staring at my monitor with a huge grin on my face. I wish I was half as creative as some of the people who have posted such lists...ah well.


yay for a three-day weekend coming up!

Here are a few that made me laugh/smile.

"Words never used in the titles of remotely good films."
by Patrick Cassels

Heat

Final

Ninja

Son of ...

Universe

Dino-

Ice

Force

Troll

... : The Movie

and another,

"Mundane Dreams"
by Jessy Randall and Daniel M. Shapiro

I am in math class. I have done my homework.

- - - -

I am at work, wearing my clothes.

- - - -

I registered for a college class and today is the final exam. I am well prepared.

- - - -

No one is chasing me.

- - - -

I'm standing perfectly still. I don't feel like I'm falling.

- - - -

A guy comes up to me in an alley, smiles and says hello, and keeps walking.

- - - -

I'm underwater for a long, long time. Then I surface, take a deep breath, and go underwater again.

- - - -

I drive my car really fast and get to Cleveland that much sooner.

Happy Fourth of July!

So I am at work right now and it's kinda depressing. Not that I am working, but just the amount of people in the newsroom. When I got here there were just two people and now it's up to four, including myself. I should have brought some music to listen to today...oh well. maybe I'll run home on my break or something. who knows.

I kinda miss doing stuff with my parents on this holiday. Like when I was still at home we would swim, cookout and I would attempt to make dessert (ya, I even tried to make the infamous Cool Whip cake that looks like a flag, with the blueberries and strawberries, and I haven't made one since that first time). And then we would usually go down by the fairgrounds to catch the fireworks. Tipton has really good fireworks, too. But since I went to college and have lived up here the last almost decade (wow!), my parents usually go up to the lake and hang out up there, which is what they are doing this year. They left Saturday to spend the week on the lake and catch some fireworks up there (I've heard they are beautiful on Lake Erie).

anywho. I sent Hillary a message to see if she would want to go to Slayter Hill to catch some music/fireworks there. I hope she does:)

all for now.

So I just got done sending a text message and I looked down at my shirt and it had shortbread cookie crumbs all over it. It's a good thing there aren't a lot of people working in the newsroom today, heh.

It's about 6:30 p.m. right now and I am thinking of what I would like to get accomplished after work this evening, but I think I am being overly optimistic. I would like to get ALL of my laundry done (but I think I picked a bad day to put it off on...Sundays down in the laundry room are never good), go grocery shopping, buy a cd and workout. If I plan it just right, I can probably get everything done, but I'm never timely/orderly about these things...or really anything. I could stop by Borders on the way home from work to get a cd and stop by Starbucks to get my markout (and change for laundry), then go home and start a few loads, run to the grocery store, get back and put my groceries away, put my clothes in the dryer and workout while they are drying.

It can probably be done by the average person, but I am just not quick and I tend to get distracted very easily by other things. we'll see...

hmm...

So I'm kinda wondering why I didn't get tickets for Pitchfork this year. Actually, thinking about it, I was probably broke and secondly, I didn't end up going last year. It was very last minute/I kinda freaked out about my financial situation (it's fabulous to be young and poor). But seriously. I was looking at the lineup and krazy...Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Califone, Grizzly Bear, Iron and Wine, the Yoko Ono w/special guests (I would want to see her just so I could say I saw her), Stephen Malkmus and a lot of other names that I recognized. But they are now sold out. Not a huge deal though since we know what is coming up in September, but I thought it was definitely worth a mention on here.

all for now.

Feist at the Vic Theatre, June 19

So this was my first time going to a concert by myself. Which wasn't so bad, I felt a little weird at first, but from my observation there were a number of people doing the same.

The Vic Theatre was a nice cozy smoke-free venue. And I got there in time to get a good spot, too. I think this may be the first time I've been to a show without having to peer between other people's shoulders, heads, etc. yay for the Vic having leveled standing room sections. (dunno if that makes sense, but I'm sure if you've been there you will know what I mean).

The opening act was Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear. I honestly had not heard of them before I got my ticket to Feist a few months ago. From what I've read they're last album, Yellow House, was quite a success and Pitchfork Media was a fan. The lead singer slightly reminded me of Ben Gibbard, I think it was mostly the hair, but he also had a pleasant voice. As did the other guitarist, Ed Droste, and it seemed all of the guys were able to harmonize well together. Definitely very creative with how they create their sound. The drummer used a laptop part of the time and the bassist played the flute and clarinet on different songs.

It didn't take long for Feist to come out on stage and she is quite the talented lady I must say. It's awesome to see a woman who can play guitar, write her own songs and have the voice she does. And it seems I have a terrible memory, but I can't remember what she opened with. I think it was "Honey Honey," and she used a looping pedal for the opening/backing vocals. She had the audience participate on a couple of the songs, with vocals and my favorite, hand claps. Most of the songs were from The Reminder, she performed 9 of the 13 songs, and she did my favorite from Let It Die, "Mushaboom."

There were a couple of surprises/funny moments during the evening. During a little break Feist asked if anyone had something she could read from, like a school report or something of that sort and two things she got handed from the audience were Out magazine, which she read the headline, "Mika. Gay, Post-Gay, Not Gay?," and someones academic paper on something biology/chemistry related. She read a decent amount, but admitted that she couldn't pronounce half of the terms which is understandable (I remember proofing one of Jenny's bio papers and I couldn't pronounce half of it). And the other fun part was when she had a woman come out and tap dance to "Now At Last," filling in part of the rhythm/background.

This setlist is not in order, but Feist did play "Let It Die" at the end of the encore, and either her eyes were really irritating her or she was sort of crying. Which I could totally understand if she was crying, it's such a sad song. There were also three songs that she played that I didn't know.

Setlist (or at least what I can remember)

honey honey
when I was a young girl
the park
my moon my man
limit to your love
1234
the water
mushaboom
so sorry
gatekeeper
feel it all
now at last
sea lion woman
let it die

Compassion and the Individual

Whether people are beautiful and friendly or unattractive and disruptive, ultimately they are human beings, just like oneself. Like oneself, they want happiness and do not want suffering. Furthermore, their right to overcome suffering and be happy is equal to one's own. ...When you recognize that all beings are equal in both their desire for happiness and their right to obtain it, you automatically feel empathy and closeness for them.

Through accustoming your mind to this sense of universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems. Nor is this wish selective; it applies equally to all. - The Dalai Lama

things I am excited about

my last week at Starbucks is here. It's kinda weird to think about. I am going to miss the people I get to see everyday (even though I know I'll see them around town) and I am going to miss the discount that I get...like Lisa said, paying full price is gonna hurt. But I figure that will go into my monthly budget. I just gotta stay positive and optimistic when I am opening four days in a row this week, that the money I make from it is allowing me to go to the Austin City Limits Music Festival! Holy freakin' moly. I had a good time at Lollapalooza last year, but the fact that I get to go with Ross (and his bro Grant) and that I'll get to stay for the entire thing and not be by myself the entire time (me alone in Chicago...not the best combination last year=Þ) is going to be so much fun. And look at the lineup! I can't wait! I'm also excited about the LayFlats Art Festival here in town. I think I have to work that day, but am going to see about switching around or something. Lots of good music, for sure!

Also excited about Guitar Hero III, slated for this fall. Which finally has a Weezer song in it=) and I just heard about Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 8os.

And last, but definitely not least. I ran into Heather down at Kathy's Kandies and we were talking about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the fundraising from last fall, and I asked her how Dustin was doing (the boy we were raising money for) and she said he just had his last official treatment and he's officially a cancer survivor. Isn't that so awesome?! I got chills when she told me and tears started forming. So yay for Dustin!

Anywho, I need to get ready for sleeping. It's already almost 11 p.m. and I want to read another chapter of the book I am reading.

much love!

I liked what this daily dharma had to say...

Being Buddhist
Have confidence in your own spiritual potentiality, your ability to find your own unique way. Learn from others certainly and use what you fine useful, but also learn to trust your own inner wisdom. Have courage. Be awake and aware. Remember too that Buddhism is not about being a Buddhist; that is, obtaining a new identity tag. Nor is it about collecting head-knowledge, practices and techniques. It is ultimately about letting go of all forms and concepts and becoming free. --John Snelling.

I just like that it applies to everything. seriously.

more random pics from indy500.com



Mr. Mario Andretti. He was quite the babe back in the day according to my mom, heh.



Dario Franchitti with the huge trophy

Chuck Yeager!

Dario Franchitti!

Yay for Dario Franchitti=)

ladies and gentlemen

So the Indy 500 is getting ready to start. Sad news, Jim Nabors won't be singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" this year. I know I say this every year, but I wonder what my mom will do. She chokes up every time she hears him sing before the race. She never explains why, but like other Indy 500 fans, it's sentimental to her.

I don't really have anyone pegged to win this year's race. I honestly wouldn't mind seeing Dan Wheldon, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan or Dario Franchitti win. Or maybe Marco Andretti could have another shot, although he is starting 13th. Anywho. It should be exciting either way. And this year there are three women racing and that is definitely something to be excited about. I'm sure there is a lot of pressure on Danica to do well this year.

Anywho. Hope the rain stays away. I'm sure I'll blog later (after work...boo) about who won.

let's hear it for the boy

Zach Braff is hosting the season finale of SNL with Maroon Five. So even if the skits are bad at least I can enjoy the fact that Zach Braff is hosting;)

Rick 'n Roll

So this a shout out to a few of you out there who enjoy Rick Astley, especially Ross's friend Todd. I'm not sure what all it involves, but there is a new fad or something called "RickRoll'd". From what I have gathered, it is where people are posting youtube video links on game forums (WoW forums for one) and it turns out to be a Rick Astley video. Seems that a lot of people have been "rickroll'd" today.

Who knew he would make a comeback this way?

anywho, here are two big hits for you to enjoy. Check out his sweet moves and fancy footwork!

So this past weekend and today especially, I have decided that I am no longer making any declarations about anything in my life (except for this one). I mean there are some things that I know I want in my life/out of life, but there is too much unknown and things I am still uncertain about for me to make a definite decision on. So if any of you guys here me declaring that I am doing something and making it out to be an all or nothing situation, please stop me.

anywho. I'm excited for tomorrow the new Wilco album, Sky Blue Sky and Rufus Wainwright has a new album coming out as well, Release The Stars.

woot!

I got soul, but I'm not a soldier

So I saw The Killers on Thursday evening at Sears Centre with Ross and Rebecca. I am not the biggest Killers fan by any means, but I really enjoyed the show and as a result I have been listening to them more. I was watching some different videos on youtube and came across this acoustic version of "All These Things That I've Done".

This is definitely one of my favorite Killers songs. I am not sure how old this is, but it still blows my mind that Brandon Flowers is 25, getting ready to turn 26. Krazy to think when Hot Fuss came out he was only 23...

Totally Stroked

love this song.

Feist!

Get excited! Feist's new album comes out next week. I'm pretty excited, I loved Let It Die. You can hear the album on her myspace page.

That's pretty much all I wanted to post.

Here is the music video for "One Evening" off of Let It Die (I'm sure you'll see why I love this video) and the next one is off the new album, The Reminder, "My Moon My Man." I like her music videos because she always looks like she is having fun and she's always dancing in them...it's great!

This weekend was nice. Hillary and I went to La Scala on Saturday evening and the food was excellent. We both decided it would be a nice place to go on a date. Now if only we could find two guys to go on dates with...To be honest as I was sitting there with Hillary, I couldn't think of any guy that I could necessarily see myself on a date with at the moment. Plus I told Hillary I do NOT want to go out to eat on a first date, unless this guy would happen to be someone I am friends with already (and comfortable around) because I do not want a repeat of awkward eating=Þ

The library had a book fair today so I checked it out. I bought two books, one of the What Not To Wear books and an autobiography of Chuck Yeager. I can always use help in knowing how to dress myself and I love the movie The Right Stuff, and I would like to know more about Chuck Yeager. He's definitely on my list of people I would like to meet someday. He is supposed to be at the Indy 500 this year. That could be my chance...

anywho, it's late and I want to read a bit before I fall asleep.

Dancin' little marionette...

Disclaimer: I am not actually mad at Hillary, this is just a lively debate.

No respect Hillary?! Come on! Ryan isn't singing about dancing with an actual marionette. He's saying she is like a marionette, aka puppet with strings and all, which is being controlled by someone else. The lyrics are pretty straight forward...

dancin' where the stars go blue
dancin' where the evening fell
dancin' in your wooden shoes
in a wedding gown

dancin' out on 7th street
dancin' through the underground
dancin' little marionette
are you happy now?

where do you go when you're lonely?
where do you go when you're blue?
where do you go when you're lonely?
i'll follow you
when the stars go blue

laughing with your pretty mouth
laughing with your broken eyes
laughing with your lover's tongue
in a lullabye

where do you go when you're lonely?
where do you go when you're blue?
where do you go when you're lonely?
i'll follow you
when the stars go blue

anywho. We could go on and on about Ryan Adams and Tim McGraw and who is the better musician/songwriter (which would be Ryan because I have never heard of Tim being called any of those things, rather just a singer). The fact that Ryan Adams is 32, has nine albums to his credit, on which he wrote most of the songs (some were collaborations) and also played his own instruments (not using session musicians). I would have thought you would at least tolerate him a bit more since he is considered alt country.

anywho, I'm off to read and fall asleep.

p.s. to quote Hillary, "The Beatles suck...hardcore. They are pretty much the worst group in musical history."

only in dreams

talk about flustered. There are those people who make you nervous/get your mind all worked up into a tizzy. First it was Beau, he's just so nice when he comes in and is way adorable/cute. I felt flustered when I was talking to him about graduating and such. Dawn said I was fine and that she didn't notice anything, but I always feel like he can tell that I'm nervous. Kim and I joked that he probably just thinks I'm a spaz because that is all he ever sees=Þ It's just annoying that I still get nervous at times when he comes in. I don't really think of him as a crush anymore, but there must still be something in my head that makes me act all lame-o. The other person was James. I never thought I would get that nervous/worried feeling around him again. And he didn't make it awkward in any way, but after the incredibly long argument/discussion I had with him this past weekend (which I never want to repeat) I felt kinda awkward when he came in. It's still hard to get over everything and up until this past weekend I didn't really realize that it was just as hard for James. I always assumed he would get over me first and move on with things. anywho.

not much else going on today. super lazy day after work. I went to the library after work, dropped by Goodwill and got a few books=) and then just sat around most of the evening. I wasn't in a bad mood or anything, just felt kinda blah. Hillary and I exchanged different opinions on "When the Stars Go Blue", Ryan Adams vs. Tim McGraw. I am sure you can guess how that conversation went=Þ

I should be sleeping, but I want to read a little bit. I finally finished The Know-It-All. It was pretty good. And I'm halfway through Chuck Klosterman's Killing Yourself to Live. And working on reading through a bunch of different magazines!

Quick randomness though before I quit blogging. Some of you may know that JoJo's song, "Too Little Too Late" is a guilty pleasure of mine, as well as Katharine McPhee's "Over It". The songs pretty much have the same lyrics and the same melody, etc. So like everything else, I decided to look it up on wikipedia and not surprisingly, both songs were written by the team of Billy Steinberg, Josh Alexander and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. (Steinberg has quite a list of songs to his credit according to wikipedia including "Like a Virgin" and "Eternal Flame")

anywho, seriously going to bed now.

much love!

p.s. I saw this on themodernage.org and loved it


you can read more about it here

there's always money in the banana stand

the weather is so nice outside. prob doesn't make much sense for me to be sitting inside blogging, but oh well. I'll prob go outside for a walk/jog in a bit.

I am finally finished with all my tax stuff for the year. I owed $30 in state taxes, got that sent out today, paid rent and put another dent in my urgent care bill from my freak allergic reaction/hives break out/night I thought I was going to die, incident from last fall. It's good to have insurance, but not when the urgent care you go to isn't on your plan. boo! but oh well, it's my second to last payment and I am glad for that.

The big game is tonight, Florida and Ohio State. Not really rooting for any team in particular. I guess it makes the most sense that I'd want another Big Ten school to win. So go Buckeyes?! In other sports related updates, Helio Castroneves won the race this past weekend. He's another of my favorites. I'm also excited that there is the possibility of three women racing in the series this year. Sarah Fisher is back in the series, there's Danica and then you got Milka Duno. From one of the articles I read on espn.com, some folks think it's a mistake to put her into the racing series so quickly. But we'll see how this season goes!

anywho, all for now. Getting hungry and I also want get a workout in, Jeopardy and to read more of my book!

much love!

58 seats and 62 Asians

So it's Sunday and I think I managed to get two things done out of the four or five I had planned on finishing this weekend. I worked out today and started to look at one of the other workout dvds I bought, but just wasn't feeling it. I am excited though to try it out tomorrow. It's one of the New York City Ballet workouts. I did start the first couple of exercises and it was stretching, pliés and relevés so that was fun. It reminded me how much I used to like ballet and dancing, but also a somewhat painful reminder that I am really out of shape and the flexibility that I used to have is nonexistent. And unfortunately it appears that I have put on the freshman 15 all over again. boo. So ya, gotta get out of the funk and back to better eating habits and working out regularly. I'm sure this will all be painless and fun...

The other thing I got done this weekend was finishing Gilmore girls. That's right, I have now completed seasons 1-6. My dad would be so proud of me and all the time I have spent in front of a television=Þ

This weekend was good though. Friday I went up and visited with Ross and I got to see Rebecca for a little bit. We had plans to see Mario Lopez, aka A.C. Slater, give free dance lessons at a local Y, but when we called about parking and such we got the bad news...you had to be registered for the event. The lady told me that over 300 people had registered and that those would be the only people allowed in. Talk about a sad day=Þ So after like an hour of trying to decide on what to do (mostly me trying to pick something) and after finding out the shows at Second City were sold out, we decided on Blades of Glory and dinner. The movie had funny moments, but not krazy funny. And I also wouldn't recommend seeing Black Dahlia, I had a horrible time trying to follow the story. I give it two thumbs down, way down! The ride home from Ross's was mildly entertaining and annoying at the same time. I was on Cicero Avenue and this group of like four cars were "cruising the strip" from what I observed. Two neons and two cobalts, one which had been debadged and I'm sure all four had been modified, but not really riced up. The four of them raced each other a couple of times and even got another car to try and race them. Really lame-o. anywho.

I was supposed to have lunch with my friend Charlie (mutual friend of James and I) and James on Saturday, but with me being hungry and also being really annoyed by one of James's comments on IM, I decided to pass on lunch. I just don't get why he insists on "getting a rise out of me" by making sarcastic/mocking comments about me, my friends and whatever it is that we might do for fun. He knows that I don't appreciate it or find the humor in it. Instead it just hurts my feelings and pisses me off. arg.

Christina came down to visit Saturday evening as part of her birthday celebrations. Hillary and I wrapped up a mock gift for her, an awesomely bad cinnamon covered, snickerdoodle scented candle. heh. Hillary and I got a good laugh out of that. And we had pizza, of course with pepperoni, waiting for her and her actual present. So it was definitely a fun hang out time. Later Christina and I went to blockbuster and rented Trust the Man and The Science of Sleep. Trust the Man was pretty good. Definitely laugh out loud funny and it had a good ending. The Science of Sleep, not sure yet. We didn't make it all the way through it. I fell asleep a lot and Christina got lost and fell asleep. I'll have to finish it sometime this week.

Goodness, that is a crap ton of time I spent in front of a television...eeks! Anywho, yay for getting to hang out with Ross, Christina and Hillary. Three of the awesomest, funnest and bestest friends I could have;)

I'm off to move some stuff around in my room and hopefully make a clear path to my bed=D

much love!

Hear Music

I was on my break at work and shuffling through the J&C and read that the first artist that has been signed to Starbucks music label is Paul McCartney. Krazy. I wonder what kind of deal was worked out. I would have never guessed when I first started working for this company that Hear Music would have become such a huge thing (they do make some pretty good compilations and I've been impressed with some of their album choices to sell in the stores, plus I've always been curious/interested in working for them), or that Hear Music would team up with Concord Records and become a music label for Starbucks. And now especially this. Paul McCartney's next album is scheduled to come out sometime this summer. It's weird to think when you pick up that album and look on the back, Hear Music/Starbucks will be on the back...

here's one of many articles on this topic from The New York Times.

McCartney Signs With Starbucks for His Next Album

it's that time again...

Racing Season! F1 has already kicked off with Ferrari taking the first win of the season at the Australian GP with Kimi Raikkonen (having replaced Michael Schumacher) and my favorite Fernando Alonso taking second (now driving for McLaren). This should be an exciting season with plenty of good races ahead. I plan on going to the USGP this year, prob with James since he is the only other person I know who is interested in Formula One racing (besides Pete). And hopefully if all goes well Bernie, will decide that it is a good thing to have a Grand Prix in the good ol' US of A! And! perhaps Alonso could win his third world championship this season...

and of course, I couldn't leave out IndyCar Series. I am hoping for Wheldon to win this season, but with Hornish, Castroneves (still a fave), Marco and Danica all thrown in the mix, who knows what will happen. Definitely exciting though! I just gotta remember to ask for race days off at work before it's too late=D

anywho, all for now.

much love!

Taco! Burrito! What's coming out of your speedo?!

so I was looking on weezer.com and there was an article mentioned about Rick Rubin on MTV.com (February 14, 2007), so I thought I would read it and this was mentioned about Weezer by Rick Rubin...

"Rivers [Cuomo] just gave me some demos, the first round for this album," Rubin said. "I'm trying to get my head clear to really just dive in."

that's definitely exciting. especially, since after Rivers got married the rumors were that the band was kinda chillaxing for a while and no major rush to record another album. So who knows when the next Weezer album will be. Maybe we can expect one in 2008?

The new Wilco album, Sky Blue Sky, has a release date for May 15th. I enjoyed the new songs they played during two shows I went to. I'm not sure what to expect from the album, I have listened to a couple songs that were leaked early (You Are My Face and Either Way) and they seem a little laid back for Wilco. Nothing krazy special about Either Way and sorta the same with the other, except that about a minute into You Are My Face, it picks up a bit with a guitar solo. On a more positive note, both songs show solid guitar playing from Nels Cline and vocals from Jeff Tweedy. But I can't judge an album from just these two songs, so I'll just have to wait until May 15th...definitely still excited to hear it!

anywho, I'm off to eat some food!

much love!

*phew*

so I finally got my resume updated and sent out for a job this week. slowly, but surely I think I'm getting better at not putting things off and instead getting things done. Plus, I'm trying to work on the whole not being afraid of rejection thing/avoiding everything!

Today was a pretty good day. I didn't get much sleep the night before and I felt horrible at work, but I get to sleep in tomorrow since I don't have to work until 9am, so that will be nice. Eric came in early this morning and he hung out a little bit to talk, but we got kinda busy so we didn't really get to chit-chat much. The guy I have a crush on, came in this morning and I talked to him a bit. I'm trying so hard, prob too hard, to act normal when he comes in, but there is just something about him that makes me get all nervous/lame and I say/do stupid stuff in front of him. A huge part of it is that he knows I think he's cute or whatever, so that makes me feel weird. But he's nice and doesn't make it seem awkward, I do that on my own=Þ

Hillary came back today since she had to work this evening, so we got to catch up on things a bit this afternoon. I know we're roommates, but I wish we had more time to hang out. boo for working opposite shifts! Then I got my hair cut by Mandi from Christina's. She did a really nice job and they took care of mailing/sending my hair into Locks for Love. My hair is right above my shoulders with long layers and I just got my bangs trimmed. I think this is prob the second time I've actually liked my hair short after having it long for quite some time.

anywho...time for hot cocoa, reading and then sleeping!

much love!

it's finally here!

So tomorrow is the big day. I am finally getting my hair cut and donating to Locks for Love=D I know I am going to miss my hair a little bit, I'm not sure it has ever been this long. Still haven't really decided what style I want to go with. My hair should still be at my shoulders after taking 10 inches off so maybe some long layers so my face won't look more round than it already is. Trying to avoid making my cheeks look any chubbier!

anywho, off to do laundry and finish my resumé and then sleep a bit since I have to open tomorrow...eeks!

much love!

I so don't want to go to work today, but it's not like I have any other option. Anywho. It has been such a nice day today. I slept in quite a bit, I eventually got up around 10am, watched two or so episodes of Gilmore girls (season 4), ate breakfast while watching it. Talked to my dad for a bit on the phone and then I went outside and walked for an hour or so in the neighborhood around here and through Happy Hollow Park, where I can usually get my fill of seeing couples walking together with/without their dogs and/or children. And just got done stuffing my face with food before I have to hop in the shower and go to work.

that's pretty much all I have to blog about at the moment.

much love!

ps. just wanted to give a shout out to Kelly M. for getting a job with Alaska Airlines...woot woot for getting jobs with the degrees we earned! And a shout out to Kelly Rolley for finally getting to leave the Buck. It's been a long almost three years and I am so happy for her that she won't have to work two jobs, but instead one and make decent money!

Our Suffering Stems From Ignorance

Observing respiration is also the means for practicing right awareness. Our suffering stems from ignorance. We react because we do not know what we are doing, because we do not know the reality of ourselves. The mind spends most of the time lost in fantasies and illusions, reliving pleasant or unpleasant experiences and anticipating the future with eagerness or fear. While lost in such cravings or aversions, we are unaware of what is happening now, what we are doing now. Yet surely this moment, now, is the most important for us. We cannot live in the past; it is gone. Nor can we live in the future; it is forever beyond our grasp. We can live only in the present. If we are unaware of our present actions, we are condemned to repeating the mistakes of the past and can never succeed in attaining our dreams for the future. But if we can develop the ability to be aware of the present moment, we can use the past as a guide for ordering our actions in the future, so that we may attain our goal.

--S.N. Goenka, in The Art of Living

Georgia on my mind...

So the time has come and I'm finally ready to move on from West Lafayette/Purdue. It's been forever since I graduated from school and I haven't really done anything career wise to move forward, just Starbucks and a couple of things in between. The more and more I think about it, this is the time for me to move away and have new experiences and start moving towards what I want for a career. I don't really have anything keeping me here, the only thing that I am going to miss tons, are my friends and of course my family. I've been thinking of where to move where I would know at least one person and where I could potentially get more experience with writing/music and also some place new/exciting and Georgia makes the most sense (I would love to live in Chicago, but without a decent job I can't afford to live there). Lisa is in Georgia, Paste is in Georgia and of course Athens (music and UGA where I could possibly apply for grad school if I so choose). I talked to Lisa today about it and I am definitely nervous/excited and a bunch of other things! I wouldn't move until my lease is up here which is the end of July. Hillary has already renewed her part of the lease and in talks with having her sister move in. Either way, I am not renewing my lease here and as we all know I refuse to move anywhere else in this town. I've lost count of how many times I have moved! So ya...I have a lot of planning to do. Jobs to search for, a place to live (with Lisa), what would I take with me and how will I get it there...oy! I told Lisa I would commit to one year, with a lease and all and see how it goes from there. Now of course we have discussed if something happens and plans change (things are always changing!) that she won't be disappointed. So unless something incredibly good happens while I am still here in West Lafayette that would keep me here or close to here, that is the plan to move to Georgia at the end of the summer!

much love!

I can't believe it is already March! Kim and I had the brunch yesterday and it turned out to be a success. Quiche, popovers, french toast with cream cheese and berries, potatoes and fruit. It was nice to get together with ppl outside of work and enjoy good food together. It did get a little odd when our manager showed up like 3 1/2 hours after the brunch had started, but what are you gonna do?

This past week went really well compared to past weeks. Still needing to get more sleep through the week before I collapse of exhaustion someday. I think a few weeks ago I realized that Monday through Friday I had only had 12-15 hours of sleep total...eeks! So here's to another week of trying to get more sleep than the week before. I definitely made up for some of it today...I slept until noon. I just didn't feel good and just went back to sleep after all of my alarms went off this morning. so now I need to get a couple of things done so I don't feel like the day has been a total waste.

so I guess that is all for now...off to the post and then to take some things over to goodwill.

much love!

before I forget

so this isn't really that important, but I'm listening to music...wha? and Run by Ben Kweller just shuffled through and I freakin' love this song, it is so stinkin' sweet. My favorite part of the song is...

It doesn't matter that they say we'll never make it
It's so strong that nothing can ever break it
You and I can tackle anything of any size
All anyone could ever want is a co-pilot
Someone to leave this town and
Up and start a secret
And when you sleep at night
I'll kiss you right between your eyes

anywho, we all know I am sucker for good pop songs, especially those with super sweet lyrics=D

off to eat lunch and hopefully practice, unless James's brothers are home sick from school (awkward).

much love!

oh, Oscar

So this weekend was a bummer. Christina and I had plans for a wedding near Chicago, but with the weather it didn't happen. As much fun as driving in snow and ice is, we decided against it. So no wedding, no hanging out with Ross and eating at Giordano's, and no seeing Kim and Colin get married=/.

I did get to catch up on sleep though, I think this past week I got a total of like 12-15 hours in between Monday and Friday...goodness. I really do need to be better about that. I felt like crap on Friday when 1:30pm rolled around. So I slept from like 3pm-8pm that evening and went to bed later around 1am. I got to talk to Ross on IM which was a first, but hopefully there will be more times to chat in the future. I also finally got a bookshelf for my room. Just your basic three-shelf one from Target and then watched a lot of Gilmore Girls...love that show=)

Hillary and I got to hang out this weekend. Stayed up last night to play a board game (one of the Scene It games) and then trekked out to the mall today for shoes, Girl Scout cookies, vitamins and cards.

Things are fairly good though, I am getting better control of my eating. Basically taking it a meal/snack at a time. I feel like I am a little kid learning how to eat all over again, but that is how it needs to be right now. Had a little stress with my finances and such, but a good long talk with my mom and dad and encouraging words/advice from them helped tremendously. I do have to say at times my dad confuses me, but in the end he is always there for me, as is my mother, and reminds me to not worry so much about things, that things will work out and that as long as I do my best to lead a good/right life, not cheat/harm others and be a good, hard-working person, that is how I will make it through this world. I love them so much! I can only hope that they will always be proud of me and continue to help me grow and be the best person I can be. (I know way cheeseball, but oh well=Þ).

Anywho, off to put my bookshelf together and watch some of the Academy Awards!

much love!

so I tried refilling the ink cartridges for my printer to save money, but it seems it might have been better to spend the bit of extra money since the cartridges are still "settling" and are leaking more than what I think they are supposed to. ah well. At least I tried this method. I'll just go with the refurbished cartridges like I did last time...

Kim's wedding is this weekend and as of Sunday I got her and Colin's gift purchased and today the hotel room was booked. Seems the Hilton hotels elsewhere aren't as up to date/in the know about friends and family rates as Indianapolis and our very own West Lafayette hotels. But finally got a room booked at the Hampton for $60. It took like 4 or 5 different phone calls and Hillary had to make the reservation, but it is a done deal. They said it wouldn't be a problem to be able to check in earlier around 1:30/2pm (instead of the usual 3pm). So that will be nice to not have to ride in the car with our dressy clothes on since the wedding starts at 3pm. I am excited to see this wedding and am of course excited for Kim and Colin. Yes, I am a girl who for the most part loves weddings;)

I suppose I should go check on the ink and eat something for a late lunch, print off the brunch invitations and then prepare a lesson for Jae. I'm way excited for the brunch and I looked at the schedule and almost everyone will be able to go (if they want) or either stop by...yay!

much love!

Our Life Work

The Eightfold Path of Right Views, Right Thoughts, Right Speech, Right Conduct [Action], Right Livelihood, Right Effort or Lifestyle, Right Recollection [Mindfulness], and Right Meditation [Concentration] was preached by the Buddha to his first five disciples of Benares, and it remains for us the basic guide for our lives as Buddhists. It begins with Right Views and ends with Right Meditation, but each element of the path depends on all others, so really there is no first step and no last step. The key word is "right," from words in Sanskrit and Chinese that mean "upright, straight, right, correct." Finding what is upright in attitude, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditation, and then doing it--this is our life work.

-Robert Aitken, Encouraging Words.

um, ya...

so here are some daliy dharma quotes that I wanted to share...

So Much Goodness

The practice of metta, uncovering the force of love that can uproot fear, anger, and guilt, begins with befriending ourselves. The foundation of metta practice is to know how to be our own friend. According to the Buddha, "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." How few of us embrace ourselves in this way! With metta practice we uncover the possibility of truly respecting ourselves. We discover, as Walt Whitman put it, "I am larger and better than I thought. I did not think I held so much goodness."

-Sharon Salzberg, Lovingkindness

The Wellspring of Compassion

Seeing the suffering in the world around us and in our own bodies and minds, we begin to understand suffering not only as an individual problem, but as a universal experience. It is one of the aspects of being alive. The question that then comes to mind is: If compassion arises from the awareness of suffering, why isn't the world a more compassionate place? The problem is that often our hearts are not open to feel the pain. We move away from it, close off, and become defended. By closing ourselves off from suffering, however, we also close ourselves to our own wellspring of compassion. We don't need to be particularly saintly in order to be compassionate. Compassion is the natural response of an open heart, but that wellspring of compassion remains capped as long as we turn away from or deny or resist the truth of what is there. When we deny our experience of suffering, we move away from what is genuine to what is fabricated, deceptive and confusing.

--Joseph Goldstein, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom


And another of my favorites, the Prayer of Saint Francis...

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

much love!

GRAMMYs!

Of course I watched the Grammys this year. I was telling Hillary that I felt this year's ceremony would be really good and that I personally felt like 2006 was a good year for music (based on a lot of different things). Long story short, I was not disappointed with the awards show. I enjoyed all the performances and thought most, if not all, of the recipients were worthy of their award.

And for the Dixie Chicks winning Album of the Year, here is the video of Not Ready To Make Nice. (I still get chills whenever I see it/hear the song)...

today I met the boy I'm gonna marry

so I said I would write about weddings and here it goes...

I have a few weddings coming up of friends that I will be attending and that I am looking forward to. Kim Berlin and Colin are getting married February 24th near Chicago. Christina and I are planning on going together and staying the night in a hotel nearby the wedding location and such. I am pretty much expecting this to be Kim's dream wedding since she is the sort of gal that has been planning her wedding since she was prob 10 or 12 (or younger). This will be the third Starbucks related wedding that I will have been to, also.

The next weddings are the same day and in completely different locations and I am still unsure of which I will be attending...oy. My cousin is getting married May 5th on the beach in Ft. Myers. I know it's going to be a great wedding and I bet the reception will be a blast...dancing all night! However, it will also be really expensive...plane ticket there for the weekend (around $225-240ish), lots of dining out and other expenses. The other wedding will be here in town for a friend I work with, Heather. I am so excited for her wedding also. It's going to be such a rock star wedding (due to the fact she is marrying a musician and that she has a funky/fun style and the ideas she has mentioned for the wedding are way cool and unique to her and Jared). Kim at work said today (jokingly of course), "geez Alexa, it's friends before family." So I gotta make up my mind first. I just know that I am going to feel badly either way for the wedding I can't attend...bummer situation. So far it has been leaning toward the family wedding. I can't imagine not going to Kevin & Robyn's wedding.

The other wedding I am blogging about is my own. I know, you are probably like, what?!?! Back in the day when James and I were first dating and I was in the phase of, "I am in love with you and we are so going to get married!", I made a page on theknot.com. Ya, you prob think I am krazy, but we had actually discussed it, so I didn't just blindly make a page because I was a krazy pyscho girlfriend. Anywho, I was curious a few weeks ago with all these weddings and such and I found the page I had started for us. I remember when I planned the date of our wedding, I was trying to look ahead and find a year/time when we would prob be out of school for a year or so and then get married...the date of the wedding was set for what day???? May 4th, 2007! It doesn't mean a ton, but it is weird to think that we could have possibly been getting married this year, ya know? And that I also planned a Friday wedding (which is apparently gaining popularity). The other funny thing is the budget that I put for the wedding, I must have been planning on making a lot of money because I put the budget as $25,000. oh dear!

anywho, that is all for weddings now.

much love!

oh! and one of my bestest friends, Jenny is getting married next summer, June 8th!

The future's not ours to see

really random, but how much do I love Dean Martin, Doris Day and Perry Como? tons! thanks to my mom and dad and the music I grew up on. Lots of 40's, 50's and 60's music played. Thinking of being in the car when I was younger or at home, having the radio on an AM station, and hearing my parents sing or talk about who their favorites were growing up is such a fond memory of mine (I don't think they know how much I loved it). I also remember being on the school bus and we were playing one of those stupid games we played to pass the time away called..."I'll hum this song and you have to guess what it is", and I remember humming "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" and no one could guess it. And of course in my usualy dorky fashion, I was all like, "it's Doris Day, like one of the best songs ever...you've never heard of it?"

anywho. if you have the time or are even interested here are some of my favorites...

Dean Martin
Mambo, Italiano
Everybody Loves Somebody
Sway
In the Misty Moonlight
(yes I like the way popular ones, That's Amore and You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You)

Perry Como
Magic Moments
Round and Round
Papa Loves Mambo
Catch a Falling Star
And I Love You So
(and of course don't forget Perry also sings Christmas and it's great!)

Doris Day
Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)
Tea for Two
Pillow Talk
Sentimental Journey
By the Light of the Silvery Moon

goodness, I pretty much love all of their stuff, I know to some it is cheesy and not likable, but if you know me it makes perfect sense that I absolutely love this music! so check it out;)

much love!

The Way I See It #204

Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure. Never forget your Personal Legend. Never forget your dreams. Your silent heart will guide you. Be silent now. It is the possibility of a dream that makes life interesting. You can choose between being a victim of destiny or an adventurer who is fighting for something important.

--Paulo Coehlo.

aw yeah!

yay Colts!

What do we do when someone else is doing wrong to us?

You must not allow people to do wrong to you. Whenever someone does something wrong, he harms others and at the same time he harms himself. If you allow him to do wrong, you are encouraging him to do wrong. You must use all your strength to stop him, but with only good will, compassion, and sympathy for that person. If you act with hatred or anger, then you only aggravate the situation. But you cannot have goodwill for such a person unless your mind is calm and peaceful. So practice to develop peace within yourself, and then you can solve the problem.

you know, this would make good fries...like the home-made kind, real potatoes and stuff

blogs to come...

weddings

book deals at thrift stores/goodwill

and I am sure something else, but I don't remember=Þ

much love!

Facing the Right Direction

In Buddhism there are numerous paths of spiritual training. Each has its unique goal, purpose, and benefits for oneself and others. But in order to be able to benefit truly, it is very important to understand the principal purpose underlying these practices. If we take the wrong turn at a crossroads, every step we make will take us further from our destination. In the same way, if we fail to realize the nature of our spiritual goal and what our aim should be, our practice will not be beneficial, or at least not nearly as helpful as it could otherwise be.

The main focus of all of our training in Dharma is to benefit our minds....If we do not improve our minds, then regardless of how many understandings we have about the ten stages, the five paths, ceremonies, philosophies, and so forth, they'll all become objects that we never apply to ourselves. It can be very simple, like when we are facing the right direction--every step will bring us closer to our destination.

--Tulku Thondup, in Enlightened Journey.

However Small a Spark

In simple terms, what does karma mean? It means that whatever we do, with our body, speech, or mind, will have a corresponding result. Each action, even the smallest, is pregnant with its consequences. It is said by the masters that even a little poison can cause death, and even a tiny seed can become a huge tree. And as Buddha said: "Do not overlook negative actions merely because they are small; however small a spark may be, it can burn down a haystack as big as a mountain." Similarly he said: "Do not overlook tiny good actions, thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water in the end will fill a huge vessel." Karma does not decay like external things, or ever become inoperative. It cannot be destroyed by time, fire, or water. Its power will never disappear, until it is ripened.

--Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

YAY!!!!

yay for the Colts winning...this should make for a good Superbowl game, esp. since my roomie is a Bears fan=)

much love!

I was wondering if you would like to join me in my quarters this night... for some toast.

so ya, WSF have a show tonight at midnight, but I don't have anyone to go with me, so I prob won't be going...just not at the point in my life where I can go to shows by myself, prob won't be for a long time or ever. I just don't know enough ppl at these things to not feel weird just hanging out by random strangers or sit at a table by myself or with strangers, ya know?

anywho. work was definitely a test of my patience today with the various customers who came in and the work environment. I am trying so hard to have more patience with all things, but sometimes it is really really hard...oy. anywho, I got to work with Anna for pretty much the entire shift so that was nice.

Ginger and I met up to have dinner at Moe's. Dinner was good and the conversation was really good. it definitely reminded me of why I became friends with Ginger and why I want to maintain a friendship with her. good times for sure. then we went over to Borders and I bought a book for someone...I won't say who or what kind just in case they are reading this. And what a relief there were no awkward greeting exchanges with anyone who works there=Þ

my teeth feel a little fuzzy from the drink I got at Starbucks afterwards, but I think I am going to make some popcorn and watch a movie. It's no secret that I love weddings, not as much as some of my friends, and I've been in the mood this week to watch Father of the Bride so I should do that since this week is almost over=)

much love!

so follow my lead, and we'll 1-2-3

so I am finally at the point where I like my bangs for the most part. it has just been so long since i have had straight across bangs. and no, I do not want people saying/calling me "she bangs, she bangs!" (James) and relating me to William Hung just because i am asian=Þ

Hillary and I had a feast tonight of pizza and breadsticks. I slept most of it off during a nap before watching Scrubs, it was the musical episode and it was pretty good. Zach Braff and Donald Faison were on Jimmy Kimmel last night and they were pretty funny. and it also reaffirmed my crush on Zach Braff, heh. Which Hillary still doesn't understand, but to each her own=)

Today was a good day for the most part, it has helped talking with some of my friends about the somewhat major funk I am in, but hopefully will get out of...thanks Christina, Anna and Hillary, esp.. I think if I continue to talk to people about it and probably seek out a professional to talk to (to have an objective viewpoint) it will be easier to tackle for sure. oy. I am not sure when the turning point was for me that I became so overwhelmed by everyday things and what not. However, the other issue I am dealing with makes sense...but pairing it with anxiousness, etc. is not fun...eek! The anxiety stuff I feel didn't really become an issue until a few years ago and esp during the time of Kitchen Art from what I remember. ah well.

Anywho, I know there was more stuff I was going to write, but I need to clean up the kitchen and prepare my list of things to do for tomorrow...yay for pay day!

much love!

Blocked

The river flows rapidly down the mountain, and then all of a sudden it gets blocked with big boulders and a lot of trees. The water can't go any farther, even though it has tremendous force and forward energy. It just gets blocked there. That's what happens with us, too; we get blocked like that. Letting go at the end of the out-breath, letting the thoughts go, is like moving one of those boulders away so that the water can keep flowing, so that our energy and our life force can keep evolving and going forward. We don't, out of fear of the unknown, have to put up these blocks, these dams, that basically say no to life and to feeling life.

--Pema Chodron.

Do you guys know where I could get one of those gold T-shaped pendants?

so first it was Kate Hudson & Chris Robinson and now Drew & Fab? My favorite rocker/actress couples are breaking up! The different sources I have read say that Drew and Fab have separated a couple times throughout their relationship, so who knows if this is the real deal. According to MSN and Harper's this is what Drew had to say of Fab, "Right now I'm in a phase of 'I'm not even your girlfriend. I'm your best friend who is madly in love with you.'" Oy. And of course the other major couple people are talking about right now...Cameron and Justin - it's a done deal.

Anywho, enough lame-o gossip from all the smut magazines and such. Yay for day two of my mini-vacay! It's almost 10am and I need to eat something real quick, then head over to James's house to finish tuning all the drums/set and then hopefully get in a little time to just play whatever by myself. Yesterday was fun, I had my first "jam" with James. And um ya...there were a lot of moments where my foot got all jumbled and it took me a while to get back on the right beat or a beat at all=Þ I'm just glad that if I had to be doing this with anyone it is James because he's not all super serious about it and not expecting much out of me yet *whew*. And I felt a bit relieved afterwards when he said it was better than what he had expected.

Oh! I'm heading to Chicago later to hang out with Ross and Rebecca. Nothing major planned, just hang out time which I am way excited...so I should get off of here so I can make it up there by 3pm-ish!

much love!

Take a load off Fanny

so I'm going to be turning the big 25 this year and I'm kinda in the mindset that I need to get my weight under control and consistently make the effort to be healthy...not just every other week or so. I would not describe myself as fat, but I am definitely slightly chubs. I've been on the chubby side as far back as I can remember and I'd like to change it if I can. I know I'll always have these chubby cheeks, cheeks that I am sorry to say CAN'T store food during wintertime=Þ Hillary and I have decided to buddy up and lose the weight together, I just hope we keep each other motivated when one of us wants to eat a whole large thin crust pizza from Domino on any given Tuesday night (2x's Tuesday!). Hillary is on weight watchers and said that ideally one can lose two pounds a week, approx. 8-10 lbs a month. If I was way hardcore, I could have the weight off by April, but something tells me I can't be that strict/disciplined to do that. SO, the plan is to have the weight off by June (my birthday) and see how well I can keep it off, I am hoping for good +/- 5 lbs. I just don't feel comfortable weighing what I do now. If I don't get it under control, I can see myself getting big again...like the summer before eighth grade and end of sophomore year here at Purdue. I'm not planning on starving myself and working out tons (I just don't have it in me!), instead just planning on being healthier overall and actually caring about my body - what I am putting into it and how I am taking care of it and getting my emotional eating under control. It's so easy to say! Anywho...

off to do some stuff before bedtime.

much love!