It's official. I've somehow transformed in to a teenager.
Maybe this is my secret desire to regress to a time when I didn't have to worry about the things I have to worry about now. Anyway, I can't seem to get over my attraction to barely 20-something celebrities, young adult vampire novels, and an overabundance of coke, hence this 3 am blog entry. Whatever it is, I'm completely enjoying it. I'm not a drinker. I'm not a smoker. But the Twilight Saga is my obsession. Jesse McCartney is my vice. It's not healthy. I feel like I'm in a time loop. I can't stop listening to his Departure: Recharged album. And when I say I can't stop listening to it, I mean, it's the ONLY thing I've listened to. When I'm not physically listening to the sounds coming out of the speakers, it's echoing constantly in the space between my ears. I haven't enjoyed an album this much since....Kings of Leon released "Only By The Night." I just need to verbally vomit this obsession on blogger, facebook, and twitter, until I wear myself out.
And I also downloaded Sugarland's album. I'm listening to a country band. WHAT THE HELL? They're an awesome country band, but still. Sugarland/Jesse McCartney. It's just weird, yo.
I don't know why I'm bothering to write in this blog, but I guess anything that keeps my fingers moving on the keyboard is...good?
I'm watching Little Dorrit on television now, and I have to say it's good to see Matthew Macfadyen again.
What have I been doing lately? Planning my next level of lameness.
Actually I've been working on my paper, trying to get the conclusion to this chapter done. I've been writing proposals and tons of contact letters for Arcanum, trying to get some funding for our little film. I've been praying against the odds that somehow the universe will give me what I need. I'm trying to remain calm and remind myself that time passes and worries will be replaced by more worries. I'm considering living on a commune where people grow their own food and people share tasks.
I think it's much harder to live in fear of failure than to actually fail at something, because when you fail, at least you can say that you tried. For some reason I keep taking the "harder" path, and I don't want to be on this road anymore. I feel very discouraged by my life at the moment, but it's only insecurity talking. and to us Cancers, insecurity is about the worst thing one can experience.
And then something totally amazing happens. It may not matter to anyone else, but Muse opening for U2 is enough to make me have permanent damage to the freak-out button in my brain. And I'm gonna be there. And I can't believe it. What I can believe is having a best friend who cares enough to get the tickets for us. I can also believe in having a best friend who is there for me through everything good and bad.
And did I mention that my mom is the most amazing person on the planet? Just thought I'd add that. The most resilient woman I will ever know, and I know many strong, inspiring women.
What else. I had a very bad experience lately. A very uncomfortable, inappropriate experience that tested who I am as a person. I don't know why the universe chose to introduce this person into my life, but I'm glad this person is no longer in my orbit. I didn't want to face it, I wanted to avoid it. But then a friend pointed out to me that I shouldn't hide. And there's nothing I hate more than being a wuss. It takes a good friend to kindly point out to you when you're being a wuss, and I'm thankful that I have people in my life who love me but can also be honest with me.
What else. Totally working on my novel. That's the thing that brings me the most joy at the moment. Nothing's original, but somehow it's all new to me. I love being able to make my characters do whatever I want them to do. It's total power. I love total power.
The new U2 album: The first time I listened to it, I hated it. Hated it. Now that I've listened to it over twenty times, I can safely say, I think it's good. New sounds keep popping out to me the harder I listen. "Moment of Surrender" and "Stand Up Comedy" are probably my favorite tracks - I especially love the line "At the moment of surrender, I folded to my knees." That's kinda hot.
I'm completely obsessed with Veronica Mars. I'm two episodes away from the end and every moment has been worth it. It's one of my all-time favorites. Give me Veronica and Logan everyday of the week.
Battlestar is over. Epic series. I loved watching you.
I wrote a letter to Fox asking them to save Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles. I wrote a letter for crying out loud.
There's more to say, but I'm bored by my own thoughts now.
Reading: Dead Until Dark
Watching: Terminator: TSCC, Veronica Mars, The Sopranos, Criminal Minds, 30 Rock, The Office, Brothers and Sisters, Little Dorrit, Reaper, Lost, Dollhouse, Medium
Listening: U2, Franz Ferdinand, James Morrison, John Mayer, Sia, Pilate
Current Obsessions: Luke Grimes, Thomas Dekker, Philip Winchester, Twitter.
Ah blog, it's been such a long time since we've seen each other. But I feel like we're the kind of friends who can reconnect, even if it's been years since our last meeting. I can't believe it's been almost two months, but here we go! Whoo hoo! Randomness awaits:
Today is my sister's 26th birthday. Happy birthday April! She's been stressed out because of her job, but at least she's making the big bucks, which is more than I can say for myself. I couldn't be more in the negative pile...Anyway, I'm making her a nice rib roast dinner tonight, and made a white chocolate cake with white chocolate frosting and white chocolate curls on top. It's going to be white chocolate overload, but I don't care.
It's been a crazy couple of months. My family is in the financial downward spiral that everyone else's family is experiencing. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I figure I should just keep moving. I finished a chapter in my dissertation last month, going to finish one this month, but who knows what kind of feedback my teachers will give me. I'm not going to worry about that right now though. One thing at a time.
Stuff with the AMERIKA film is frustrating me right now, but we haven't given up. In fact, we're deep in pre-production, even though we don't have a dime to our names. It's pretty rad actually. I need to win the lottery. I know I keep saying it, but I'm going to keep saying it until it actually happens.
I had a dream last night that I was hanging out with Gwyn and Chris. Weird.
Speaking of music...the Grammys...Radiohead was the best thing to grace that stupid show. Thom Yorke really takes the word 'performance' and dances around with it like Ed Grimley. Everything about the performance was incredible, and I've been watching it every night because it completely inspires me. I think the new U2 song is horrible, but C says that the album is worth listening to. I want to believe, but it's hard at the moment. Coldplay, Kanye=meh.
Mike and Yetta came down to visit at the same time, which was nice...and weird. Yetta had some unfortunate stuff happen in her family, so their trip was a little sad too. But I went back up to New York with them, and while I was there, I had the opportunity to meet Roger Shimomura, aka, the artist that I'm writing my dissertation about. He was super cool, but I knew he would be. Yetta and Mike were really impressed, and they liked his work. It was nice to be able to show some of my friends why Roger's work is so important to me. He was giving a lecture at the New York Public library, and it was free, so what's not to love?
What else...I started writing a novel. Yeah, that's been fun and challenging. I have four short chapters done, but I'm only really satisfied with the first chapter. I hope to have a complete manuscript by the end of the year. I don't know what made me think I could start working on a novel when I have a dissertation to finish, along with all of the work that I'm doing at Arcanum. But I figure that working on a novel is another way to exercise my writing skills, while challenging another part of my "writing brain." It's pure pleasure. I love doing it. And I figure that if Stephenie Meyer can do it, and get published, even with all of the typos I found in her first book, we all have a chance to publish something that will make us rich. Of course I recognize that her circumstance was a complete fluke. But it's like the lottery. Sooner or later somebody has to win, and I want that somebody to be me. At least with writing a novel, I can be totally proactive about making something happen, as opposed to leaving it up to some numbers-though I wouldn't mind the randomness of the Universe making its destined mark on my fortune line.
Um...NETFLIX ROKS MY SOKS. Sometimes I want to get the netflix logo tattooed to my butt. That's how much I love it. I've started tackling the Sopranos. I'm still on season 2. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. There was so much hype for the show, but after watching The Wire, I just don't feel like The Sopranos even comes close. But it's still pretty awesome compared to the other crap on television these days (Heroes). Bleh. I've also started watching a lot of Danish cinema. Yeah, don't ask me why. But I love me some Mads Mikkelsen. If I ever met him, I'd freak out like a little girl. I would seriously lose my marbles. They would roll away from me, down the street, into the gutter. He's such a phenomenal actor. I wish that he would play in more English speaking roles...though, it really isn't necessary. His awesomeness knows no bounds.
You know who else is fabulous? Tom Hardy. Tom Hardy was in the recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights, and he blew me away. His next film project is called "Bronson" and it looks like a brainmelting performance. I hope that it gets picked up by American distributors so that we have the chance to see it on the big screen in the US.
Television is kind of blah lately, though Battlestar Galactica recently hit me across the face with its awesomeness. I can't understand why their ratings aren't higher. And I can't understand why Mad Men gets so much credit. I watched the whole first season of Mad Men, and it was okay, but nothing earthshattering. Lost is starting to reveal a lot of its secrets and I've been pleased by the information we've learned so far. And Jack is still hot. No more 24 for me. I'm no longer interested in Jack Bauer and what he has to save the world from. If he could somehow end the housing crisis, maybe I'd start watching again. Dollhouse is kind of boring. The Mentalist is good, but slowing.
My sister and I recently saw James Morrison perform at the 9:30 club. First of all, he was fantastic, soulful, playful, hot-everything I want in my rockstar. But how is he younger than my sister???? How is that possible? It's upsetting that all the whippersnappers are taking over the world! We didn't stay to meet him though, because it was the coldest night ever and we had to go home. But I loved hanging out with my sister, since she's so busy these days. We stopped at McDonald's on the way home, and I was feeding her salty french fries while she drove. It was pretty hilarious, like something I used to do in college with friends. I loved it
Lauren's coming for a visit next week and I'm very excited! We're going to check out an exhibit and eat some yummy food. Yetta's coming the weekend after for a nice concert experience with the one, the only....Lisa Hannigan! Whoo hoo!!!
Just bought the new Franz Ferdinand cd. They still sound like them, but more evolved, club-like, funky, and full of cool swagger. I love their music. Bye-a.
Reading: Revolutionary Road (still), Dead Until Dark,
Renting: The Sopranos, Veronica Mars, Reckless, 30 Rock, Chopper, The Celebration, Rocknrolla, Brothers, Dot the I, The Green Butchers, Restraint, Dogville, Silk, Ghost Town, Run Fatboy Run, Gossip Girl, Spaced, Junebug, The Piano Teacher, Love in the Time of Cholera
TV: House, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, Lost, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, Brothers and Sisters, Life, Medium, The Office, 30 Rock
When I look back on 2008 I won't remember it for the music I listened to, but for the books that I read and the television I watched. I'll remember it as the year my sister got married, the year that I became obsessed with the Twilight Saga, the year that I started working on an independent film, and the year I decided to make writing something to look forward to, not something to dread.
I listened to over 50 new albums this year, and was disappointed or bored by almost everything I heard. There were some exceptions, like Fleet Foxes self-titled album, Wolf Parade's "At Mount Zoomer," or Adele's "19." I've somehow become impatient with indie music, and I have no idea why. But I'm looking ahead, thinking about the new U2 album on the horizon...I listened to the following five albums the most throughout the year, but the Kings of Leon cd stands out as the one that will live a longer life than the rest.
Favorite Albums: 5. Coldplay Favorite Track: Lovers In Japan Coldplay are still Coldplay, but this album sounds more ambitious than the last one. Less became more, and Chris Martin listened to me when I told him to stop singing in that whiny falsetto. I love "Yes" and the baritone hum that comes from some mysterious place inside the over-earnest frontman. Coldplay didn't come close to reinventing themselves, but they embraced the things that make them good at what they do. I can't really tell how Brian Eno's production made a difference, but I'm sure it did something positive. "Lovers in Japan" is a beautiful and energetic track that feels like it is concerned with evoking spirit, not self-consciousness.
4. Elbow Favorite Track - Weather To Fly If it's good enough for Radiohead...you know the rest. I'm not in love with every song on this album, but there are several Sigur Ros/Doves moments that pierce me. Each track is heavily layered and lush. "Weather to Fly" is one of the more subtle songs, and it's just this little lullaby-like piece that crawls its way into your heart.
3. James Morrison - Favorite Track: Save Yourself James Morrison's music conjures something resembling Motown mixed with an updated British trend (with artists like Mark Ronson, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Jamie Lidell) essentially appropriating and combining big band instrumentation with vocal soul. Morrison's music benefits from the raspy texture and grit of his voice, which manages to be both tender and bombarding.
2. Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Stars Favorite Track: The Lightning Strike Snow Patrol have always been an anthemic band, even when they were only playing small clubs and pubs. Gary Lightbody excels as a pop-rock songwriter; his lyrics are equal parts enigmatic and lovetorn. There's a fair amount of darkness on this latest release - I'm thinking of "Lifeboats" and "The Lightning Strike" in particular, but there's also the signature Snow Patrol guitar chiming that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling...it's like coming home.
1. Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night Favorite Track: Closer I love love love this album, front to back, upwards and downwards, inside and out. I used to be so annoyed with their music, so much so, that I skipped their opening act slot at a U2 show I went to a couple of years ago in New Jersey. I won't make that mistake again. Of course, "Only By The Night" hadn't graced my ears at that time, so you'll forgive me my ignorance. Their Saturday Night Live performances of "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody" this fall cemented interest, and "Closer" the opening track on the album, tattooed itself on my brain. They're a huge band in the UK, but somehow never got the traction they needed to make it big in the States. I think that status is swiftly changing, and hopefully their show at Madison Square Garden will make a big impression.
After listening to their past albums, many things have changed or evolved for Kings of Leon: their songwriting is tighter; their music is more polished and less clunky. The sound is haunting (Closer, Cold Desert), warm (Reverie), playful (Seventeen), and sensual (Sex on Fire, Manhattan). But the best part of it all for me is Caleb Followill's voice. He isn't purposely singing incoherently anymore. Yes, apparently he did it on purpose before...He set his voice free, and the result is an unabashed howling; it's an echoing ache that pulls me in. They're nominated for three Grammys this year, and I hope they win the Best Rock Album category. They deserve it.
The biggest musical disappointment for me this year was Keane's "Perfect Symmetry" album. I don't know what it is supposed to be, all I know is that it isn't good. It isn't even palatable. It's just empty. And that criticism is coming from a fan who has been devoted for a long time. Bleh. I guess I should have been suspicious when I read the word "Perfect" in the title. But you won't catch me badmouthing their live shows. I've seen them four times, and never once was I even close to feeling any regret. I guess that's why the crappiness of this album confuses me now.
Favorite TV Shows: 10. The Office - I can't believe that the show is so low on the list this year, but it doesn't mean that Jim and Pam love is over...Favorite episode of this season so far? "The Surplus."
9. The Mentalist - Simon Baker finally found a CBS show that suits him...well vests him. He's got a smile that breaks hearts, a keen eye, and a very f#cked up character history. He's all charm and intelligence, and I love watching him solve cases every week. I also love the Asian dude. Favorite Ep: "Red-Handed"
8. Dexter - I'm late to the game that Dexter plays, but I've always loved the brilliance of Michael C. Hall. I haven't caught up with the new season yet, but watched the first two seasons and loved every bloody minute. I hope he wins the Emmy/Golden Globe/SAG award. My favorite episode so far as been the Season One Finale "Born Free". Who knew that there could be anybody creepier than Dexter himself?
7. Doctor Who - Donna Noble as the trusted new companion? Many thought it couldn't work, but I knew that she would be a great match for David Tennant in the humor and the drama department. The Doctor's life breaks my heart, and we all know how much I love angst. I'll be so upset when David Tennant leaves the role for good. Favorite episode: "Midnight."
6. Torchwood - Did I say angst? This season caused me to engage in a full blown fit of crying at the series finale, and I can't remember the last time a tv show made me cry that hard. I never thought that Torchwood would be anything but a diversion between Doctor Who seasons, but this year, I thought Torchwood's sophomore season trumpted the Doctor's. The gratuitous sexuality was kept to a minimum and the performances were passionate and outstanding. I was stunned by the power of Eve Myles, especially in scenes where her character and her fiance were forced to deal with the impact her job had on their relationship. Pure quality. The losses the team suffered this season will be hard to recover from. Amazing. Favorite Episode: "Adam"
5. Battlestar Galactica - It's been a while since I watched the "midseason finale" of Battlestar, but the unveiling of four out of the five final cylons was total mindblowing madness. While the show is wrapping up the "mythology" next spring, I'll admire it more for the political and ethical issues it dramatized in a sci-fi setting. Starbuck rules...and she might be the final cylon - who knows? I still have no idea. Can't wait to find out. Favorite ep: "Revelations" Also, "RAZOR" was amazing.
4. Brothers and Sisters - I don't know if many people watch this show, but it provides me with a certain type of relief from all of the other sci-fi/crime shows that I seemed to be obsessed with these days. It's a straightforward family drama, that is both frustrating and endearing to watch. You feel like these characters are your family too, with their various idiosyncracies and dysfunctional behaviors. By the end of the hour, you wonder where the time went, because time with the Walker family is always wonderful and fleeting. Favorite Episode: "Going Once, Going Twice"
3. Sarah Connor Chronicles - This is the only show right now that causes me to throw tantrums if I miss it. I don't know what it is about this Sci-fi knock off that keeps me coming back for more, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's the amazing Summer Glau in all her terminator glory. Or could it be Thomas Dekker's new haircut? Favorite Episode: "Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today"
2. Criminal Minds - Is it healthy to watch 60 episodes of Criminal Minds in two weeks? I certainly hope not, because that's exactly what I did. This BAU team has come to feel like a family to me, and I appreciate the complexity of each of the main character's backgrounds. They all have the strengths and weaknesses, but they know how and when to come together as a cohesive group to get the job done. I don't understand how a group of writers could sit in a room and think up the macabre stuff for this show, but I'm very glad that they do. Favorite Ep: "Mayhem"
1. The Wire - This show was nothing short of epic, and down to its last episode, it delivered in every way imaginable. It's such a shame that more people didn't watch it while it was on the air, but I think that its resurrection on dvd will make it the stuff of legends. I came to this show very late in the game, but I'm glad that I stuck with it. On the many train rides I've taken from New York to DC, I've passed through those forgotten neighborhoods of Baltimore. When you see the rowhouses, the trash, the abandonment, you can't help but think about just how real The Wire was. Baltimore is a major US city that is both a sense of pride and shame. They filmed this show on location, because they knew that anything less than the reality of it all would have discredited the things the show was trying to illustrate. It doesn't just take good leadership or money to run a city, but the knowledge that inequality of wealth and power causes desperate people to do desperate things.
Deconstructing the drug trade, the shipyards, the school systems, and the police itself, The Wire allowed viewers to walk in the shoes of the dregs and the junkies, the mayor and the moms struggling to keep their families afloat. In one sense, The Wire showed us the very worst sides of our country, but it also showed, in a very skewed manner, how people use whatever resources they have to give their lives purpose. But as a viewer, I'm allowed to step away from that world when it becomes too difficult to watch, to keep riding the train right through Baltimore, towards the comforts of my middle class life. The Wire is as close as I want to get to that world. I couldn't handle anything closer. Favorite Season: One - The Drug Trade
Other cool tv I watched this year: State of Play (BBC), Mad Men, House, Life, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies, 30 Rock, NCIS, Gossip Girl, and
Family Guy: DON'T YOU KNOW ABOUT THE WORD? EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE BIRD IS THE WORD!
Favorite Films: 10. Be Kind Rewind 9. Tropic Thunder 8. Kung Fu Panda 7. Iron Man 6. In Bruges 5. Wanted 4. Slumdog Millionaire 3. The Dark Knight 2. Twilight 1. The Fall - The most visually stunning film I've ever seen. Beautiful performances by Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru.
Favorite Books: The Twilight Saga, The Host - I've spent enough time talking about these books. I've read all of them twice so far. Edward and Bella will live forever in my mind and I'm thankful for it. If you haven't read this saga yet, you should. A couple of days ago I almost convinced a complete stranger to pick up the book. 12 people and counting - and that's just within my six degrees...have faith.
Favorite Concert of the Year: Radiohead, Nissan Pavilion, Bristow VA This was a slow year for concert going, as many of my favorite bands (U2, Muse, Franz Ferdinand) took the time to work on new material. But we were fortunate enough to see the best band play in the middle of a huge rainstorm and the crappiest venue in the greater metropolitan area. Total synchronicity, close enough to feel the heat from the stage = best concert of 2008.
Epic Fail: The Lost Finale, Fringe, Heroes, Private Practice, Keane, Gavin Degraw, Cold War Kids, the delay of both Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix AND The Road (boo), anything having to do with High School Musical or reality television.
Epic Win: The new first family standing at the edge of the stage in Chicago, Obama's acceptance speech and the tears of joy falling down the faces of 160 million Americans, including mine.
Also...Meeting Stephenie Meyer, Daniel Radcliffe, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Haley Joel Osment in the same year, Lisa Hannigan's solo album release, TV on DVD, Twilight's release being bumped up a month, Robert Pattinson's hair.
So it's been almost two months since my sister's wedding and I've been woefully negligent on updating my blog. So, my little sister's married! I can't believe it, but I've never been so happy for them as a couple than now. They've been together for seven years, but they're still young. And even though she was the one getting married, the last few months were nuts for me. October was so eventful and November was pretty busy as well.
April's wedding was nothing short of magical. But man, one of these days I'd like to just attend a wedding and have nothing to do with being in it. I've been to eight weddings in my lifetime. I've been in six of them, including the flower girl at my Uncle's wedding when I was like, five.
Three days leading up to the wedding were filled with excitement and a little bit a fear. The wedding celebrations actually turned into a four day affair. Rehearsal on Thursday, Rehearsal Dinner Friday, Wedding Saturday, Brunch Sunday.
The wedding was held at a posh women's club in DC. One of Patrick's relatives is a member, and that's the only reason why we were able to use the place. It's a former mansion, and much of the interior design has remained in tact.
The reverend who performed the ceremony was a woman named Gini, and she was the coolest person ever. She was so cool that she made me want to go to church. But not just any church, her church. She is just this super accessible, funny, spiritual, wise, beautiful woman. She's my new hero.
Anyway, the rehearsal dinner was fantastic because my cousins were there, and I love my cousins. I hate that they live so far away from me. Anyway, April was drinking a lot of wine, and every once in a while there would be a tremendous sound of laughter coming from her general direction. It was nice to hear her having such a good time the night before her wedding.
I was certain that she would turn into a bridezilla, but I gotta give my sister credit. She really didn't freak out that much. Yetta came down for the wedding, and for all intents and purposes was my date. I couldn't have had a better one. Unless it was Edward...sorry Yetta...you know it's true. Anyway, Yetta somehow got the job of doing my hair and makeup, April's hair, and her own stuff. She was a total wonder woman. And I got a lot of compliments, so that showed her skillz. Because I have very thin hair, and she had very little to work with.
After a minor hotel mix up, April, her bridesmaids, Yetta, and I spent the early afternoon laughing and getting ready for the wedding, which was only a few blocks from the hotel. It was a stunning fall day, not a cloud in the sky (when earlier in the week they called for rain). It was chilly, but the air was dry. When April got her dress on, we were all up in her business, adjusting and taping body parts to the dress. I won't get too graphic. But let me say this: she went commando. My sister has guts man, guts. Anyway, she looked totally awesome in her dress and I'm glad that I convinced her to buy it.
We barely finished in time, only because April has so much hair, and Yetta was working up a sweat trying to curl it all. I think it turned out beautifully. Yetta and I went ahead and got to the club before my sister. My mom walked down the stairs to talk to me and the Rev. and my mom looked like a million bucks in her chocolate brown Badgley Mischka dress. And the best part? She knew she looked fantastic. Totally spectacular. My mom should have been walking down some red carpet at the Oscars or something. My sister finally came, and we all said a prayer. And then it was time to walk up the stairs to the waiting guests. I was trying my best to remain calm, but when I reached the top of the stairs, I was overcome. The second level of the club was lit only by the natural afternoon light coming through the windows and April chose to walk down the aisle to the theme from "Pride and Prejudice." The theme of my sister's wedding was Jane Austen, and it was like looking into a damn fairy tale. Also, that music is so ingrained in me, that to hear it as April walked arm in arm with my mom was almost too much for me to handle. But I kept it together, even as April had tears streaking down her face as she approached us. The ceremony was beautiful, and even Rev. Gini almost lost it! (she later told me).
The cocktail reception followed, but unfortunately we didn't really get to enjoy that part because we were whisked away for photos outside. It was weird to take pictures in Dupont Circle. A lot of people were honking their horns and giving us the thumbs up, which I guess was a really nice gesture. But we were in a public park, and a dude totally urinated in a bush not 20 feet from us. I guess pee waits for no wedding photo.
April and Patrick chose U2's "All I Want is You" as their wedding song, and a little part of me smiled with delight as I knew I was totally responsible for that.
I was nervous the whole time, because I was due to give a speech and I don't do well in front of large groups of people. I think it would have been alright if it was some kind of conference or something, but with my sister and new brother-in-law sitting right in front of me, I knew the emotions would be on overload. So while I waited for my cue, I tried to eat and make conversation with Rev. Gini's husband Joe, who was the sweetest man ever. It felt good to be sitting within arms length of the holiest person in the room. She really sent out good vibes to me. I had my speech typed, and I was planning to just talk from the paper. But then...I didn't do that. And then, I ended up doing that because I started to cry a little. So embarrassing.
My sister seemed touched, but not overwhelmed. However, when I walked back to my table, my cousin Melanie (who incidentally made me and my sister sob last year when she gave her speech at HER sister's wedding) stood up from her table and was sobbing all over the place like a crazy woman. She threw her arms around me and I cursed her and her sister Vanessa for making me become even more snotty and teary than I already was. It's a shame that my speech touched the wrong sister, but I guess it's good that it touched someone. Rev. Gini seemed impressed as well, and I gave her my copy of the speech. Chantal joked and said, "Gini, I better not show up to church on Sunday and hear the speech in your sermon!" That was cool.
Dinner kicked ass. The main course was lamb cooked to absolute perfection. And for desert? Champagne sorbet with an assortment of cookies made of awesomeness. I can still imagine the taste. Something resembling heaven...
And then the dancing began. April had chosen the playlist, so naturally there were all sorts of eighties songs. Why is it that weddings bring out the gayness in normally heterosexual men? There was a dude named Duncan a husband-friend of April's, who had me in absolute stitches. I laughed so hard at everything he was doing. He was trying to get everyone to dance, and he was truly the life of the party. I later found out...that he is a DC cop. W. T. F.! He was fantastic and everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives. My favorite part of the night was a small moment that I caught. My sister was on the dance floor surrounded by her friends, music pumping, and she looked totally free. She looked like how I imagine I must look at concerts. Just completely and utterly happy. Seeing that was the best part of the night for me.
We all rolled out of the club at around 10:30pm. Yetta and I were completely wiped, but full and happy for my sister. But, we had to get up early the next morning for the brunch that my aunt was throwing at her house. Of course, somehow, I managed to get Yetta to help me make omelets to order for the 25 guests. We got up at nine, and made our way over to do some chopping and pre-cooking before the guests arrived. Brunch is my favorite, so I was having the time of my life with the smell of eggs and bacon in the air. It was so nice to be with everyone, just happy and chilled out, even though Yetta and I were were working like dogs.
And then it was over. My sister and her new husband went to Miami for their honeymoon, all expenses paid...btw. And Yetta and I stayed at their apartment to watch their cat.
Of course, nothing's ever calm for us, because we had plans to see Lisa Hannigan open for Jason Mraz at Constitution Hall. But we didn't actually have tickets. When Yetta saw Lisa perform at Joe's Pub a couple of weeks earlier, Lisa said that she would put our name on a guest list. So, we were hopeful, but nothing was for sure. Regardless, we were planning to wait for her outside to talk to her, but obviously, seeing her perform solo was important, especially because I hadn't seen it yet. We got there, and thankfully, there was a ticket for each of us-tenth row no less. Lisa is awesome. But I already knew this.
Earlier in the day Yetta and I bought her a small gift to thank her for everything and we were pretty excited to give it to her. When she came out, she was a vision. I love how she presents herself very quietly and then busts out with that phenomenal voice. She and her band looked like they were having a great time. I was so proud to be a fan and happy that she was able to release her own album the way she wanted to.
Jason Mraz hit the stage and his voice was truly impressive. His voice sustains a pure kind of clarity, which is a hard thing to maintain. But I was rather bored by his show. It seemed like all the songs were arranged to fit an adult contemporary audience. And there's nothing wrong with that. But it wasn't like he was trying to reach my 31 year old adult category. It seemed like he was aiming for something older, like 45-50. But people seemed to dig it. Yetta and I left before the last four songs (not just because of him, but because of the really annoying tweenies sitting behind us, singing every song annoyingly and loudly.)
We waited by the buses and were able to meet everyone, including Una, Lisa's manager. She is super cool. Nice, real, down to earth. And she completely called us by name when she met us. It was weird, although maybe we were Lisa's only guests that particular night? Anyway, we had a very candid talk with Tomo beforehand. We've talked to him several times, but he was feeling particularly snarky this time around. He made some comments about some bands that were less than nice...he had me laughing to say the least. I won't reveal the bands he ragged on, but needless to say, it was an enlightening conversation.
We talked with the band while waiting for Lisa and had a great time with everyone. Irish people are just so unassuming, spirited, beautiful people. I don't think I've met an Irish person I didn't like. But I guess I haven't really met that many. Anyway, I think the best part of the night for me (and there were so many great moments) happened right before we gave Lisa the gift we got her. We said, "We got you something to thank you for everything" and she said, "You already gave me the best gift." She was referring to the day we saw her after the Snow Patrol show. I think that was the nicest thing she could have said to us. It's natural that Yetta and I would remember that day like it was yesterday, but for to Lisa to remember was really meaningful. And everything felt so full circle. She's released her album, and she can hold her own on that stage, like we all knew she could. I'm so proud to be her fan.
So that was October. November for me meant two things: Twilight and Thanksgiving, in that order.
OMG. I thought I was going to go insane with the anticipation for Twilight. I don't think I've ever been so anxious to see a film in my entire life. It was becoming a sickness. On the actual day, six of us went to see the film on opening day, four married women in that bunch I might add, and we were freaking out-along with the other teenagers in line. Everything was sold out, so we decided to get in line an hour ahead of time. We got great seats, and when the lights when down, I remember my insides turning upside down, like I was going to jump out of my skin.
I have to admit, there were many things about the film that I didn't particularly like, mainly the handling of particular "sacred" scenes from the book. But considering the low budget of the film, I thought Catherine Hardwicke did a great job. I appreciated the fact that she was a fan of the books even before the film began production. I had a lot of confidence in Kristen Stewart to portray Bella, but some of her scenes left me wanting more. Robert Pattinson did a great job as Edward. He really understood the angst of Edward, and we all know how much I love angst. But my favorite performance in the film turned out to be Billy Burke's. His portrayal of Charlie brought grounding to the movie, and he's just a stellar actor. He's also hot, even with the 'stache. He appeals to the side of me that's looking for a man, not a boy...
Anyway, I'd give the film a B+ for what it's worth. I've seen the film 4 times in the theater, (countless times in other manners of watching these things...) and I can't get enough. I love it. I can't wait for the other films.
My favorite scene? The last one at the prom. Hottest kiss ever. All Rob, all the time. I also enjoyed the restaurant scene. Super angsty vampire angst.
Other than that, not much else is happening.
I finished a poetry manuscript that I submitted for a Walt Whitman competition. It was over 50 pages. That was cool. I like the idea of being a poet. I don't like the idea of being poor however.
We're still looking for someone to fund AMERIKA. Millionaires inquire within.
I'm obsessed with Criminal Minds. TV on DVD is the best.
Reading: Ender's Game, New Moon, Revolutionary Road
Watching: Twilight, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist, Life, Sarah Connor Chronicles, NCIS, Pushing Daisies, Mad Men, Feast of Love, Vicar of Dibley, Heroes, House, Fringe, Eli Stone, Brothers and Sisters, Legend of the Seeker, 30 Rock, The Office, Family Guy, The Dog Whisperer, Slumdog Millionaire
Listening to: Paramore, Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Rob Pattinson, James Morrison, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Magnet, Muse, Sia, Iron and Wine, Coldplay, U2, Ray LaMontagne, Kalli, Damien Rice, Linkin Park, Mute Math, Ryan Adams, The Frames, David Gray, Adele, Pilate, Patrick Watson
Matt Nathanson, that is. I recently addressed him as sweetpea. It just came out.
Before I get to that, if you love the greatness of Matt Nathanson like I do, you'll listen to his appearance on DC's rock station DC101 Morning Show. This was the funniest interview I've ever heard. If he ever wants to give up the road (I hope he never does) he could have a number one radio show. Radio is a perfect platform for his acerbic wit. You can download it at the DC101 site here. Please do.
And on a serious tip, this is the story that Matt talks about in that interview. A girl named Jessica Stone who was having a life-saving surgery, later resulting in total deafness, wanted Matt's concert to be the last thing she would enjoy. This is the power of Matt Nathanson. What's stopping you?
Anyway, October 3rd was my sister's bachelorette party. We picked out October 3rd as the day, and it just happened to coincide with another important event, a Matt Nathanson concert in Towson, MD at the Recher Theatre. Towson is the hometown of Olympic champion Michael Phelps. Other than that Towson looks like any other college town. It's small, young, and full of bars.
Yetta and I sat in two hours of rush hour traffic, one hour more than should have been necessary. My sister and her friends came seperately. When we finally got to Towson, I had to pee so bad that I thought I was going to cry. Yetta was so hungry that she was feeling a little violent. Luckily, no one peed themselves or committed heinous acts. After we grabbed a quick dinner, we headed up the street to the venue where a fair number of people stood in line outside. As Yetta was pulling up her socks, she saw Matt walk by his bus and nodded at him. We were a little slow to roll on catching him, but if I had I would have requested a song on April's behalf. We ended up standing pretty close to the stage, but against a wall, because we were both kind of tired and worried about where my sister was. Thankfully April and her friends showed up on time and slightly intoxicated. But thanks to the amazing and entertaining show, a great time was had by all, as per usual.
Matt Nathanson Recher Theater Setlist 10.3.08 Car Crash Gone Curve of the Earth Princess (Jessie's Girl) Still In A Big Country Falling Apart Laid Sing Me Sweet Amazing Again Church Clothes Lost Myself In Search of You Suspended Then I'll Be Smiling To The Beat of Our Noisy Hearts Sad Songs Wedding Dress You Shook Me All Night Long Detroit Waves (Kids In America) All We Are Come On Get Higher Answering Machine
I hadn't seen him since he played 9:30 Club last year, and it was really nice to see him with a tight band and a full set. Everyone was really focused and much more intense than before. I'm so glad that his record company are promoting him properly and that he's getting so much more exposure. His music is on the radio and in television shows a lot more now. He's touring around in a proper tour bus now, and it's really great to see that he's becoming more well known. He completely deserves every bit of success. But of course I was a little sad by the fact that he probably wouldn't be able to spend as much time with his fans after the shows because he's in the bigger leagues now. He has completely spoiled his fans. Although now, in retrospect, I shouldn't have doubted him.
*Note to self. Never doubt Matt Nathanson.
Since my sister brought four of her friends along, all of whom were Matt-show newbies, it was especially important for them to see his awesomeness up close and personal. All of April's friends were too shy to say hello to him first, so they asked me and Yetta to step up. Usually, I'm the shy one, but it's really impossible to be shy around Matt because he's so incredibly kind and personable. So when it was our turn to say hello I just yelled out "sweetpea!" and threw my arms around him, which he reciprocated with equal vigor. He said, "Wow how long has it been since I've seen you guys??" And for a second I actually thought he meant it, and maybe we did look slightly familiar since we've been to many of his shows. But I never expect him to remember me, because he meets so many different people everyday. We then had a conversation about how tight his band is now, how we've missed him, his hotness, etc...and it was like old times with the beloved friend who is only really a friend in our minds. Earlier Yetta had taken a cool poster from off the wall of the venue, and I asked Matt to sign it for me. And he said, this is always the embarrassing part...what's your name again?" I said my name, and then he said "Lacha..." trying to remember my last name. I guess my sister and her friends were listening to our conversation, because at that point, we simultaneously freaked out. I've written Matt some emails, given him things, been a good fangirl, and he's been an equally good music-celeb to us. However I really didn't expect him to even remotely remember my last name. It was cool, and meant a lot to me. After he was done chatting with us, I told him that it was my sister's bachelorette celebration, and all of the people that we were with were new to his shows and music. He was wonderful and inviting to everyone, and I could tell that all of April's friends had stars in their eyes. Ashleigh even told me "Yeah, I just wanted to say, 'Hi Matt, I love you.'" And coming from Ashleigh who has always struck me as a fairly reserved person, this was a hilarious response.
Thanks Matt, as always, for being generous with your time and energy.
I feel it is necessary to say once again that the new Kings of Leon album "Only By The Night" is aces. Pure sexy aces. My favorite album so far this year. I started listening to their older albums, and I'm glad I got in to their music at this point in their careers. Their earlier sound doesn't really float my boat, but I appreciate it because of what I know they're capable of now. I seem to jump on bandwagons later in the game, did it with U2, Coldplay, Muse, because I like skipping the awkward in-between growing stages. This is why I only watch the last three episodes of America's Next Top Model. Skip all the middle work to get to the end. This also explains why I like spoilers.
I found a copy of the Twilight screenplay and read the entire thing, because I was so curious about how the adaptation would hold up. Both Yetta and my sister yelled at me for doing it. But it's a weird compulsion. I'm not big on surprises, and I just needed to know how things are going to play out. But now that I have a little more experience with writing screenplays, I understand that the words on the script page don't come to life until they're spoken aloud. The new Twilight trailer has exceeded my expectations in the hotvampireness department and I'm counting the days until the premiere.
My sister's wedding is this upcoming Saturday, and there's much to be done between now and then. We're planning to make all of the flower centerpieces and bouquets ourselves (with calla lilies) and it should be interesting. I finished writing my wedding speech, and will probably end up reading from it, because my memory is so bad. I'll try to be spontaneous, but like I said before, I don't like surprises. So I don't want to risk saying something stupid in my speech. I'm nervous about it, but not as nervous as my sister probably is about the whole getting married thing.
In other random totally fantastic news, Yetta and C met up with Lisa Hannigan at her Joe's Pub show. Apparently, Lisa remembered us from the last time we saw her, and she put us down for tickets to her DC show, a couple days after my sister's wedding. It's so awesome that Yetta will already be in town. I love how things work out. We didn't originally have tickets because we're broke. Yetta and I decided that we'd just go to the venue and say hello to her and Shane. And just wait for them after. But it will be fantastic to see her perform. I'm so happy that she has her own album now and that she's getting out there on her own. I'm sure Yetta will have her own story about seeing Lisa when she gets around to updating her blog...whenever that is.
I'm still sick and it sucks. I hope that this goes away for the wedding, because no one will want to hear my frog voice giving the speech. But it's supposed to be a beautiful week in DC, so please say a little prayer for nice weather on October 18th.
It's been a weird week, complete with a clairvoyant who told me I was a hypnotist, and setting turtles free in the pond of a Buddhist temple. Never a dull moment in my otherwise dull life.
Listening to: Kings of Leon, Lisa Hannigan, James Morrison, Matt Nathanson, Chris Brown, Muse, Coldplay, Magnet, Daughtry, John Mayer, Elbow, The Frames, Ray LaMontagne, U2, The Duke Spirit, Keane
Watching: The Twilight Trailer-way too many times to be healthy, Life, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Pushing Daisies, The Mentalist, The Ex-List, Life on Mars, House, Heroes, Family Guy, Brothers and Sisters, Private Practice, The Office, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 5cm per second, The Places We Were Promised in our Youth, In Bruges, Lie With Me
"Closer." That's the name of the totally orgasmic song that opens the new Kings of Leon album called "Only By the Night." I never really liked this band. But then they got haircuts, and suddenly it's like pure moonlight shining through a dirt-caked window. Their new album is the most satisfying thing I've listened to all year. And I'm sure that their hardcore fans probably hate it because I'm sure it marks some kind of massive sonic departure from their previous three albums. I don't care. I love it and it makes me want to listen to their old stuff. Keep the haircuts Kings. Keep the haircuts.
Anyone who hates cats is automatically my enemy. I'm just saying. They're awesome and if you can't appreciate that then I don't know how to relate to you.
The guy on some football show just used the term "critical juncture." Can we please reserve that phrase for something like...the state of the union? Please don't use it for football. Please.
So...I got back from a week long trip to New York City with a welcomed detour to Connecticut. I'm so tired from my trip, but I'm very thankful for all the friends that I was able to see, and all the friends who put me up while I was there. My friends are a pretty cool group of people. This isn't a new realization. But it's really special when someone lets you share their space, their food, and/or their time and company. So a big Thank You! goes out to Linda, Yetta, Lia and Kevin, Adrianne and Francesco, Donna and Daniel, and Rich for spending their precious time with me. You rock.
So I went up to NYC for two main reasons: a Sigur Ros show at the United Palace and a meeting with my professor. After a thankfully uneventful train ride to the city I met Linda (my oldest friend in the world) for lunch on what was one of the most stunning new york days I've ever seen-blue sky and cool weather, perfect. The last time I saw Linda she gave me a beautiful gold necklace that has a lotus flower on it. It was a belated birthday gift and I was stunned to say the least. Linda and I caught up on life and afterwards I dragged my ass to the upper west side to meet Yetta before the Sigur Ros show. Yetta and I were originally supposed to meet at 86th and Broadway. But I got there early and discovered that there wasn't a Starbucks in my immediate sightline. So I walked about five blocks south until I found one. On my walk down, I saw many big rigs, lighting equipment, PAs, wardrobe racks...oh yes filming was happening somewhere. Yetta has taught me to recognize these things. But I was craving coffee and that craving would not be silenced until satiated.
I did a once-over glance at what was happening on the street and then settled in with my cup of white chocolate mocha. I knew that earlier in the week Law and Order: Criminal Intent was filming on the upper west side, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. Yetta had already met Vincent D'Onofrio once, but she didn't have her camera with her that time. And I always wanted to meet him and we came close a couple of times yet never realized that particular celebrity experience. As I waited on the street corner for Yetta to pick me up, I saw a police sign on a lamp post and it said that the show filming was: Law and Order: Criminal Intent. So Yetta drove up, I hoped in, and we freaked out a little. We found our free parking and made our way back to the scene. We were about to cross the street to check out the rigs when I turned and saw the kind of trailers that are for the "talent." I said, "let's go over there first." So when we approached the trailer we saw a very faded sticker on the door that read "Goren." Oh yes. That's Vincent D'Onofrio's character's name on the show. I flipped. We had no idea if the man himself was inside but we decided to wait. And of course something weird happened.
When we were in the car I was telling Yetta about how my lunch with Linda was, so Linda was on my mind. There was a store right in front of Vincent's trailer, and as we were walking, I spotted a huge, beautiful Buddha statue in that store window. Buddha statues always make me stop and pause a little, but I stopped dead in my tracks with this one. As I admired it for a second, I realized that I was looking into a jewelry store, and the jewelry that they sold was made exclusively by the designer who made the necklace that Linda had given me. These designs are pretty much handmade, so it's not like it's a chain store or anything. These things might be coincidental facts for other people. But they aren't for me. And so when my little slice of the universe swirled around me in that moment, I knew we were going to have a good night. I just didn't how good it was going to be.
In her classic bout of boldness, Yetta asked one of the guys that worked for the show about Vincent's whereabouts. He was very nice to her, and very forthcoming in telling us that Vincent was inside the trailer, and that he'd be out in 40 minutes. So as we waited there like stalkers and laughed nervously. Yetta's palms started to sweat. I felt like I might vomit. Other PAs and crew started to gather around, and it was so obvious that they knew why we were there. But amazingly enough, no one said anything, no one looked at us with ugly glares. Yetta told me that tv crew are usually really nice, and they were. The trailer door swung open for a short moment and Vincent and Yetta made eye contact. This really high pitched squeal came out of her mouth between a ridiculously wide grin. She felt stupid, so naturally, I made fun of her.
She wasn't sure of what to say to him, or even if she'd be able to speak. So I told her that she should just tell him about how much meeting him the last time meant to her. She wasn't feeling well that time, and he couldn't have been nicer to her, friendly, generous, smiling. So when he eventually came out, that's what she said. Verbatum. And the crew just stood around and smiled at her story. And then we took this picture. He's so serious looking, but when we were talking to him he was really nice (and smiling!) Afterwards we freaked and then realized that we needed to catch the subway up to 175 street.
Sept. 18th was second of a two-night stint at United Palace for Sigur Ros and Yetta and I were really excited. It was the first ever Sigur Ros show for her, the third for me. And since we had front row, it was going to be an even sweeter experience. Not to be a concert snob, but the front row is just...the only acceptable place to be. Even if you have to wait for hours and hours just to stand and be crushed by people (Muse) to get that spot, it's still worth it. When we finally reached the venue, we noticed that there was an abnormal amount of hot men there. Like, everywhere, with good hair, and jeans, and girlfriends....still. We sat down and waited for the opening act, a band called Parachutes, who ended up being really appropriate openers. They were really trying to sound like Sigur Ros, and maybe one day they'll get there.
When we were waiting for the show to start, people would walk by, and usually when you're up front, the people wandering around are family and friends of the band. So everyone who walked by us was at least six feet tall, hot men and women, blonde, "perfect." Yetta said, "Why the hell does everybody look like a Cylon? It's creepy!" If you don't know what a Cylon is, you just won't understand how fucking funny that comment was.
Right before Sigur Ros took the stage, one of the ushers came with two people and they were all trying to figure out who was sitting where. It turns out that this couple in the second row were actually supposed to be in the front row next to me. But the guy said something to his date and said, "It's okay they (pointing to the standing couple) can have the seats." And the usher said "What? You have front row seats and you don't want to sit here?" I looked at the guy for a second and turned to Yetta and said, "Wow, he's a lot nicer than I would be. I wouldn't give up front row seats." I guess the usher had convinced this guy and his date to move to the front row, and as they were waiting for everyone to move out of the way, Yetta whispers in my ear, "Oh my god, is he Haley Joel Osment?" And I looked at his face, and couldn't fucking believe it, it was him. Just standing there, looking like himself. I assumed that he didn't want to draw any attention to himself, which is why he didn't originally sit in the front row. It was kind of funny in retrospect that he could seem to deflect attention. In all the confusion he and his date stepped away and didn't come back until the show was about to start. So Yetta and I were trying to think of how to talk to him. I said that we should bring up the fact that we all love MUSE, even though that's how he got into trouble....but it wasn't like we were going to talk about that aspect of it.
Anyway, I warned Yetta before the Sigur Ros performance that she shouldn't clap until she was absolutely sure it was okay. Sigur Ros take gigantic pauses in many of their songs, silences that often make people completely uncomfortable, and there's always some nimrod who claps or yells inappropriately. Why can't people just be comfortable with a moment of silence?
Ugh, how can I possibly articulate the Sigur Ros show? It was sublime. Their music is stunning, epic, ethereal. I would describe their sound as emblematic of their homeland, of Iceland itself; the music captures the cold but transcendent beauty of that magical and dark landscape. The trick seems to be finding the authority to take those massive experiences and make them into something all-consuming but still relatable. I don't know. It's hard to describe. I wouldn't classify Sigur Ros' music as rock, but that doesn't mean they don't completely blow the tops off of everyone's heads. They really make you feel full and content.
Sigur Ros September 18, 2008 Svefn G Englar Glosoli Ny Batteri Fljotavik Vid Spilum Endalaust Hoppipolla Med Blodnasir Svo Hljott Heysatan Vidrar Vel Til Loftarasa Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur Saeglopur Hafsol Gobbledigook
Encore Illgresi Popplagid
Anyway, after the show, we met Haley Joel Osment. We brought up Muse and he laughed. This was his first Sigur Ros show and he was stunned by how great and "rock" it was. He could not have been nicer. So down to earth, normal, friendly, cool as a cucumber. Oscar-nominee. WTF! Lol.
When we walked outside, we looked around in a haze at all the beautiful mens, and made our way to the side of the venue. Long story longer, Orri the drummer and Jonsi, the lead singer came out. Orri has always been my favorite, because I WORSHIP his drumming, and because he has the exact same birthday as me, even the same year. It's a stupid piece of information that I always wanted to tell him. Because really, how often do you meet someone that was born the same month-day-year as you? Not often, that's how often! But I wasn't going to bring it up. But Yetta did. And Orri genuinely thought it was cool. I say this because he was signing something, and he stopped and said, "Wait! 1977? That's my year too!" And I said, "I know! It's weird right?"
I don't think that Icelandic people are sarcastic or facetious. I feel like it's not a part of their temperament to be that way. Which is wonderful if you think about it. They don't say things they don't mean. And they don't say things to elicit a particular reaction. There were only about seven of us waiting outside, and when Orri came out he immediately said, in a really serious tone, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were out here. It's very cold. I would have come outside if I knew you were out here." And it was like, "Whhhaaa?" You're apologizing to us for having us wait to stalk you. Okay this makes no sense.
Even the security guards, two specifically, were so nice, even helping us by telling the band that we were outside waiting and telling us when they were going to come out. There have only been a couple of times when guards were this nice. I was expecting Jonsi to be quiet and shy like Jonny Greenwood was, but he totally shocked me. He was very affable, happy, outgoing and game for anything, super tall. Though he reminded Yetta of a vampire. I still felt intimidated by him though. It was an honor meeting these musicians. They're in the top echelon as far as I'm concerned. So that day kicked ass.
After two fun-filled days with Yetta, I headed up to Connecticut to see Lia. I really love that train ride because you cross a lot of countryside and this time of year is especially nice. The landscape was just about to change color. When I got to CT Lia, Kevin, and their superbaby Ellie were all waiting for me on the platform. Not to be dramatic, but from my perspective it just looked like this perfect scene from a movie. Mom, dad, and baby all looking at me. I had a great time with them as always. Lia made her famous cookies, and I must have eaten about 75% of them. So good! And Ellie can say my name perfectly, like an angel. When a baby can say your name, and call out for you from another room, it gives you a really special feeling. I swear when I look at Ellie, I see a very old soul looking back at me, a soul much older than mine and older than her parents. She laughs with a knowing expression on her face. She's a mystic.
The next three days were filled with food and friends and I was in some kind of bliss. Adrianne and I reconnected after at least three years of not seeing each other. She got married in that time, and it was wonderful to meet her husband. And then I spent an all-too-quick night with Donna and Daniel, though I was subjected to almost two hours of "Dancing with the Stars." ;) It was fun to make fun of Rocco Despirto though. That guy is a gigantic asshole. His dancing was awful and Donna saw this fact as indicative of his performance in the bedroom. I concur. ;) What a douche.
Wednesday was lunch with Rich! Whoo hoo! It had been seven(?) years at least since I last saw Rich, and in that time he got married and now has a newborn! Ah, time flies. He wanted me to tell everyone that he's still tall. Though I don't think anyone would have doubted that fact. I was around a lot of tall people this past week actually. Vinnie D. is 6.3, Jonsi had to be 6.3 at least, Adrianne's husband Francesco is 6.5, and Rich said that he's 6.3 but I think he's taller, he just slouches. Ahh, blog, I love being random with you.
My sister is getting married in three weeks. Ahhhh! I took this picture for a frame that the guests are going to sign. They're my cute poopies. For April's "bachelorette party" we're all going to see Matt Nathanson play in Towson. We haven't seen him in a very long time, so it should be a lot of fun. I miss him a lot.
I finally finished watching all of the seasons of The Wire. It's done, and it feels like a huge television watching accomplishment. On my train ride back to DC, I passed through Baltimore, and it still stuns me to realize that the city that The Wire depicts isn't a fiction. Baltimore really looks like an awful, abandoned place. It's depressing to think about how a city in the United States can look like a dead end. Anyway, I was completely satisfied by the last season of The Wire, but if I had to pick my favorite season, it would definitely be the first season. Pure magic, brilliant writing, stellar performances.
Started reading Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian." It's hard for me to follow. But I'm pushing through because of lines like this one: "They saw wild horses racing on the plain, pounding their shadows down the night and leaving in the moonlight a vaporous dust like the palest stain of their passing."
That is one of the most perfect sentences I have ever read.
Anyway, still trudging through "Ender's Game" but so far it isn't really winning me over. But that's okay. I just realized that I'd rather watch science fiction than read it.
The band members of Muse were recently awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Plymouth. Awesome bastards.
The Office premiere was pretty good, although it didn't feel like The Office that I'm used to. All the Jim/Pam action was aces. Yes the kiss at the gas station was amazing, but I'm partial to the kiss in her dorm room. Jim literally swept Pam off her feet and it was incredibly sexy, but in that fairy tale way.
Ricky Gervais continues to rule all things:
Watching: Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Office, Tropic Thunder, Black Snake Moan, 5cm per second, Extras, The Office, Family Guy, Brothers and Sisters, Driving Lessons, Cashback, Heroes, House, Evening,
Listening to: Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Ray LaMontagne, Patrick Watson, Chris Brown, Muse, The Frames, Magnet, Lisa Hannigan, Cold War Kids, Augie March, Coldplay, Doves, Benoit Pioulard, Damien Rice, U2, David Gray, Sigur Ros, Sara Bareilles, KT Tunstall
Reading: Blood Meridian, Ender's Game
Robert Pattinson hotness coming up from this month's Interview Magazine:
Maybe this is my secret desire to regress to a time when I didn't have to worry about the things I have to worry about now. Anyway, I can't seem to get over my attraction to barely 20-something celebrities, young adult vampire novels, and an overabundance of coke, hence this 3 am blog entry. Whatever it is, I'm completely enjoying it. I'm not a drinker. I'm not a smoker. But the Twilight Saga is my obsession. Jesse McCartney is my vice. It's not healthy. I feel like I'm in a time loop. I can't stop listening to his Departure: Recharged album. And when I say I can't stop listening to it, I mean, it's the ONLY thing I've listened to. When I'm not physically listening to the sounds coming out of the speakers, it's echoing constantly in the space between my ears. I haven't enjoyed an album this much since....Kings of Leon released "Only By The Night." I just need to verbally vomit this obsession on blogger, facebook, and twitter, until I wear myself out. 
