Kristin's Virtual Dance Party

Ben Folds Stole My Dreams

2009-04-14T11:24:00.001-07:00

Really Ben Folds?

An album of college A Cappella groups covering your songs?

Could you be any cooler?

I mean, I may never be as fond as any of your new albums as I am of "Rockin' The Suburbs", but you are still damn cool.

First, you collaborated with Shatner.

And now this!

Do you purposely try to steal my dreams straight from my slumbers?

As most of my friends know, creating a "Choir Band" is one of my MANY outlandish goals in life.

Laugh if you will, but A Cappella and Choir music is amazing.

And of course Mr. Folds understands the power of an A Capella group. He would. Because he's kickass. We see eye to eye like that.

" 'Music education has been atrophying,” Ben Folds says. “And yet, at any given school, any number of a cappella groups are getting together a few times a week to rehearse and perform. What’s more is they’re really good.' An idea was born. 'If there are thousands of a cappella groups out there,' Ben says, 'it must be amazing to sing in them. I wanted to capture that magic.' And so Ben Folds—one part Jane Goodall, two parts Ahmet Ertegun—set out to recruit and record these university a cappella groups. You hold the result in your hands." - From his website, visit http://www.benfolds.com/acappella to read more.

I am buying it.

I am there.

It will be my inspiration.

To either go back to college and join a choir, or finally make my band happen.

Ben Folds on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

Dear Public Dancing Organizers: Recruit Me!

2009-04-12T10:42:00.001-07:00

I am prepared to do this at any moment in time.

I am prepared to put my dancing shoes on at any given moment and chime into choreographed dance moves.

I have NO problem doing this in front of stangers and making a fool of myself.

So, if you ... dear reader ... happen to be someone who is organizing such an amazing stunt ENLIST ME IN YOUR ARMY OF DANCERS!

Please. Thanks.

Videos like this make me believe.

In people.

In life.

In dancing.

In happiness.

I just wish someone would do something like this around LA. Perhaps Improv Everywhere will do something like this.

Well, more specifically their LA affiliates (whose group I technically belong to, but I have yet to be able to make it to a Mission).

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

This one is floating around the internet today. I stumbled upon it during my morning browse of the internet. Thank you Yahoo home page for your ridiculous stories.

It took place at the Central Station in Antwerp, Blegium , and apparently it is viral advertising for a reality show in Belgium. At least that is what I have gathered thus far.

Have I ever told you that I love "Sound of Music"? Because if not, I do.

The choreography in this one is supurb, especially for the wide angle shots from up above. A+

The T-Mobile Dance - The funniest home videos are here

This one you have maybe seen by now, it has been floating around the internet for awhile. Obviously I am not on the cutting edge of blogging new things. But I thought I would share it anyways, because viewing this multiple times can only result in a happier state of being.

The songs used for this video make my day. Actually, everything about this video makes my day. The only thing about it that makes me sad is the fact that I wasn't there dancing. Someday.

I need an army of dancers and maybe someone who could choreograph it.

I can take care of the enthusism and vision.

Together we can change the world.

Or at least make someone smile.

In the Future, we will do NOTHING

2009-04-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.good.is/post/going-down-the-rabbit-hole/

Ray Kurzweil is an interesting man. I don't know TONS about him, but after a co-worker shared an article about him from "Rolling Stone," I was shocked by this inventor and "futurist" . He can apparently predict the oncoming changes in our society. Wowza, right?

Mr. Kurzweil has successfully predicted technological advances in our society for years now, and has lead the way on ideas and field such as text to speech synthesis, speech recognition technology, electric Keyboard instruments, and laid down the foundations for Xerox. The man is smart, the man is tech savvy, and his intelligence is something I cannot fathom. This I do know.

The thing is, he has some outrageous things to say.
In his article in Rolling Stone, he says that we will be able to download and upload our own memories and the ideas that exist in our head. He also says that we will be able to basically bring dead people back to life, re-create them. He has a few psychological issues going on in relation to the death of his late father. It is made apparent in the article through his determined desire to bring him back to life (or father 2.0 as it is called in the article). There are somethings that are hard to fathom, and it can be hard to distinguish between his own fantasies and desires, and what is realistic/beneficial for our society at large.

Today I ran across a blog on Good Magazine's site (http://www.good.is/post/going-down-the-rabbit-hole/) and in this he proclaims not only flying cars by 2030 (finally, right? I mean, come on, according to movies ... we are long overdue), but also we will supposedly replace most travel with virtual reality.

"By the late 2020s, nanobots in our brain (that will get there noninvasively, through the capillaries) will create full-immersion virtual-reality environments from within the nervous system. So if you want to go into virtual reality the nanobots shut down the signals coming from your real senses and replace them with the signals that your brain would be receiving if you were actually in the virtual environment. So this will provide full-immersion virtual reality incorporating all of the senses. You will have a body in these virtual-reality environments that you can control just like your real body, but it does not need to be the same body that you have in real reality. We’ll be able to interact with people in any way in these virtual-reality environments. That will replace most travel, but we’ll also have new travel technologies for our real bodies using nanotechnology."

I am just going to say, that I sincerely hope this means that we would cut down on business travel. In this imagined future.

But, by GOD!, don't let me live in a world that prefers virtual reality over actual travel. I already have fallen victim to a world that prefers communication through wires, signals, and computer screens. At times I feel it sucking the life out of me. I can feel my personal communication skills diminish, I can feel myself lacking and desiring human touch, and needing real conversation when I spend too much time with my dear laptop. Don't tempt us to spend our time in a world that is virtual, that is a similacra for real life. It would not be the same, it isn't "real" (what is real? good question), right?

I fear many people would be more vunerable to living in a virtual reality; be it a fantasy, or anightmare, than we think. Who knows what I would do if faced with the possiblity. I might. I have easily fallen victim to this world, the world online.

But I hope I would not succumb to it, I would hope I would access life experiences through real time travel, and real experiences with things that you can on experience through actually being there. The sights, the smells, the conversations, the things to learn. It can only be learned in person, right? I mean, we can't learn these things in a virtual head space, or maybe we could. But I can't imagine it being the same.

It all brings up some interesting things to contemplate.
In the mean time, I really should attempt to spend less time with my computer and live.
And let me travel.

At Last

2009-03-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I mentioned that 2009 was a going to be a year of action and exposure. I said I knew this.

I say a lot of things sometimes.

Like a lot of people, I am human, and I can easily fall into the trap of making excuses for not taking risks and not getting out of my comfort zone.

Luckily, I try to remind myself everyday, that if that happened, I would truly never grow and become very unhappy.

So with that, I decided to not become most people. I decided to take the risk I have been waiting for quite sometime to take.

I decided to travel abroad. I am going to London and Scotland in May!!!

Traveling abroad is pretty common place for middle class and upper class twenty-somethings now. College age students flood overseas for fun, or for school, frequently now. It is easy, it is possible, and it is an almost expected a rite of passage.

You have backpacked Europe ... OK good ... you're cultured.
Now go get a job!

It is a good thing people are doing this early. Exposure to other ways of life, being in a brand new environment, and becoming curious about seeing new places is something that I feel can only benefit a person and their view towards life (at any age really).

But for me, I never did it.

In college, I always kind of thought about it.

But I was in the confines of a very long term relationship, and that held me back.

Not a good reason, but it's the truth. I held myself back from doing a lot at that point in my life.

Well, to rely completely on the relationship as my excuse isn't completely fair.

Part if of it also had to do with confidence.

At the time I didn't think I was adventurous, or rather, deserving of adventure. I thought I wasn't "that type of person." Other people were people who did this kind of thing, went to other countries and explored.
My friend Michelle for example. She was a free spirit; she lived in London, she went to Australia for a long term stay, she has . Thought I do remember the slight hint of jealousy, I thought I had made my choice and I wasn't ever going to do that.

At the time, I just simply wasn't capable of being that person. I was in a relationship, I was dedicated to school. I defined myself that way and that held me back.

To me, I was just some girl, who wasn't sure what she deserved.

In retrospect, I wish someone slapped me and told me his was absurd. Putting boundaries like that on yourself is stupid, especially at 19, 20, 21 years old.

I would have told myself, of course you are adventurous, of course you deserve to go to new places, and anyone can do these things. Don't let your lack of confidence stop you, and don't let some relationship limit your future possibilities.

But I have always been a late bloomer. So this all took me quite some time.

But a break up happened, and as a result a lot o self reflection took place and a world of possibilities opened.

Once a formative years passed I realized I was an explorer, a traveler, and very free to still create who I was, in fact that was a never ending evolution.

It was exciting. For the first time I began to dream big.

Being Roadie for Roadtrip was instrumental in shaping my perception of myself and what I was capable of. After that trip I knew I HAD to go abroad. I wrote about this in past blogs.

But, then I let circumstances get in my way.

Money, job, money, not enough vacation time, no one to go with, etc ... etc ... blah blah blah.

Last week, I said enough is enough.

A few days ago I booked my plane ticket to London.

I am going alone.

I am taking my first trip abroad at 25 (outside of being in Toronto and some beach with my family in Mexico) years old. And I am happier than ever that I am doing it now.

Had I done it earlier, I don't know if I would have been in the right mind set. Or appreciated it as much as I do now. The fortunate position I am in to be able to do, to see, to explore. I also don't know if I would appreciated it as much as I do now, or would have been emotionally prepared for it at that. I have become a bit rougher in the last two years. I can handle more.

I also now can afford to do this on my own now.

I have no fear of being alone in another country , I have no fear of hostels, I have no fear of meeting new people, and I have no fear of myself.

I am capable and I am ready to expose myself to the world at large.

This is the beginning of something new.

This is another step in my life, growing as a person.

This is one of the most exciting things I have done to date.

It isn't anything extraordinary in a large scope, many people go to Europe all the time.

But in the scope of my life, this is a huge step. I am proud of myself. I am ready to get addicted to travel.

I hope I will forever be curious, and will never make excuses again.

And I hope you stop making excuses, whoever you are. Don't let them, her, him, or yourself stop you.

TO TRAVEL! TO LONDON! TO SCOTLAND!

I will keep you updated.

Immature Hopes, Dreams, and Wishes

2009-03-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in a land called Kristin's hopes and dreams ...

There was a perfect world in which candy and lollipops made you skinny, beer flowed freely at no cost, money grew on trees, and Benjamin Gibbard and Colin Meloy were both single men fighting over my honor and love.

It was beginning to get hard for her to watch them fighting over her. It was terribly stressful and made her emotional.

When Kristin couldn't take it anymore, she finally proclaimed,

"GENTLEMAN STOP! Stop all of this senseless arguing! It is futile, and your fighting is vexing.

The resolution is simple, I will love you both. You two will share my love, make beautiful songs that you can play for me , and we will live happily ever after!"

The two men smiled, realized their foolish mistake to compete with one another, and agreed that Kristin was very wise in her words. To come together a team would be the most peaceful and enjoyable solution. The arrangement was made for the marriage, a partnership of three ... and then ...

She woke up.

Yea, I know silly. But can't you let a girl wish upon a star every once and awhile?

Can't you just let me dream?

Don't act like you don't have foolish adolescent fantsies about your favorite "celebrities" every once and awhile. Don't act all high and mighty.

You do.

I see it in your eyes.

What inspired me to communicate my day dreams via this blog post?

This video (yea, you got to copy and paste): http://www.everythingnotrelated.com/coversalbum/vids/dcfc2005-08-18.mov

That's right, Colin Meloy and Benjamin Gibbard sang on stage together once, in New York at Summerstage. I think my head would have popped off if I was there.

It isn't a particularly amazing performance.

But Gibbard and Meloy, sharing the same mic? Practically kissing? Where was I?

It is the single closest moment there will ever be to my dreams coming to fruition.

Unless of course they collaborate again? * HINT HINT! * (I have no idea who I am hinting to, because if either of those men ran across this blog, and read this, I would sort of hate myself. But that won't happen, people don't read this.)

Oh to be 25 and still have silly "celeb" crushes. Add Ira Glass to this mix and you have the men that own my heart.

They are the standards that all "real" men I meet must live up to. You hear that boys?

Hence why I am probably very single.

Eh, oh well.

I'll just keep dreaming.

Bonus ridiculousness: This ones for the ladiez.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq3imtB3U6o

This is how I spend my quiet Saturdays. Watching videos of my crushes.
I am so cool.

Obsession: Gettin' My Groove On

2009-03-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to two of my current heros:

BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.
This is Ely Kim.

And that is Matt.

Now I have to admit, Ely has way better moves, music, and style than Matt.
But Matt wins on location, location, location.
It's a tie on the "awesome" scale.

If you are a friend of mine, you may be aware that I love to dance.
I am not a talented dancer, nor a trained dancer, but I am a flippin' amazing "bad" dancer.
I have enthusiasm for dancing that is off the charts, I don't mean to toot my own horn, it's something I simply can't help.

Dancing is an obsession of mine.

According to my mac dictionary widget, the definition of dance is as follows:

"to move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps."

No.
It's not.

Dancing is to let go.
To let go of all fear, of all judgment from those around you, and of your anxieties about the future or the past. Those two places in time are not here, they are not now, they are not the present.

What is present in the moment of dancing is the music, your body, and the space you occupy (which may or may not inhabit other bodies).
When I am dancing it is one of the rare occasions and spaces in my life where I don't feel the need to worry about what is to come, or what has happened. I only exist in the present and only do what my body feels is right in the moment.
If my arm feels like flinging up ward, then I hurl it up. If I feel like spinning, I spin. If I want to attempt to be semi sexy by dipping down low, then I do it. If the beat requires me to do a foot shuffle, then I shuffle my feet. If I want to do the chicken dance, then I do it damn it.
I don't think about it, I simply respond to the music and exist.
I am.
I am.
I am dancing.
It is sexual, it's physical, it's emotional, it's natural, it's philosophical, and it's living.

Some people feel the opposite, they feel like the are going to be judged when they dance. They are worried about how they will be perceived when they dance, and they hate the pressure. To these people I say ... you are going about it all wrong.
Just Let Go. That's what it is about. Who cares what they think. Just move to the music. Listen to your body, and don't let your ego get to you.
Ely and Matt sure as hell know how to let go.

I cannot get enough of dancing. I cannot get enough of the dance music, of any genre. I cannot get enough of the exhilaration. I cannot get enough of the release that it is. I need it.
I truly believe that if everyone danced, with friends or in private, for 10 minetes every day ... the world might be a better place.

P.S. Since my wedding is going to be the epic dance party of the century, whenever this takes place in my future ... I am pretty sure I want the 100 songs Ely used in his video to be my wedding playlist. Just so you know.

Oh MUSIC!

2009-03-04T12:03:00.001-08:00

I am so excited I can't contain myself. Every once and awhile I hit these moment of pure enthusiasm for something, something that makes me so filled with joy that I want to shout about it and share it with the world, in hopes that everyone else will be made as happy as I am by the beauty of what I have discovered.

Right now is one of those times.

Right now the "something" is music.

More specifically, it is a handful of bands that have come to inspire me over the last few days. You may have

heard of a few, but hopefully a few are new to you, something to be discovered, uncovered, and admired.

This craze all began a few nights ago when I decided to go to a show at local venue. This venue being "The Detroit Bar" in Costa Mesa, walking distance from work. The Detroit Bar is a local haven for the young and the hip, a place to go hear local bands for free on Monday Nights, where you are inspired to sing Karaoke under the influence of one of two Stella Artois on a Sunday night, and the one real place in Orange County to see worthwhile bands. In my opinion.

I rarely pay to see bands here, even though they manage to book fantastic acts (which in the past have included Dr. Dog, Sebadoh, The Album Leaf, Datarock, The Ravonettes, The Black Lips just to name a few). But with sudden inspiration from a co-worker, I decided to head out and see a $12 show on Monday. What is $12 really?

Two of the bands there are bands that I would like to preach here from my virtual soap box about:

1) Ra Ra Riot

I had heard of them before hand, but they impressed me live. The voice on the lead singer, combined with the vigor and energy he had singing on stage inspired me! He made me want to be a lead singer ... and once again affirmed that you don't need to play an instrument to be a lead singer. Your voice and presence alone are an instrument and gift to the audience.

Please, I invite you to view the video above for their single "Ghost Under Rocks", it is the catchiest song I have listened to in awhile. Also, I highly recommend their single "Dying is Fine".

Also note-able about this band, they are touring with my favorite band, "Death Cab For Cutie" this spring. Along with "The Cold War Kids". Rad. Now if only they would add an Los Angeles date.

2) Telekenisis

This band opened for "Ra Ra Riot" at the Detroit Bar on Monday. And they won me over, fast.

It helps that I instantly started crushing on the lead singer (a male drummer who is a leadsinger who has red hair, a beard, glasses, and quite the vocal abilities ... yep). But aside from that, their music made me happy. It's catchy, poppy, and fun. And there is nothing wrong with that. At all. Check out their Myspace and give them a listen, seriously.

3) The Decemberists

Do I need to defend this? Do I even need to explain.

Oh Colin Meloy! Oh Lyrics! Oh Everything about this band! Oh pretentious hipster bands that I love to love.

Just do me a favor, go to their myspace page @ www.myspace.com/thedecemberists, and listen to the two singles from the new album posted. "Hazards of Love 1" and "The Rake's Song." A little dark and a lot of amazing. The new album drops on March 24th and I'll be buying it.

4) Aushua

A local OC band that deserves a listen or two.

They are the resident band at The Detroit Bar during March and will be playing most Mondays of the month.

I highly recommend checking them out.

And give the single "Sister Saves" a listen @ their myspace. www.myspace.com/aushua

It will change your life.

5) The Colourist

The Colourist are a new band out on the scene here in my humble town of Costa Mesa. They played their first show at a great local art venue, eVocal, in town last weekend and I was blown away! They are a band to watch!

Also, they have quite the lovely drummer (who does some enchanting supporting vocals) if I do say so myself! They are now recording, so be on the look out for their music to be online soon. AND they have a few shows in L.A. that you might want to catch if you can.

Now I hope you end up like me, listening to some of these bands and their songs over, and over, and over, and over again. Until your fellow co-workers are wondering why you have played the same song 20 times in a single day.

Something Else to Share

2009-01-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

That video is a little treat that is related to this blog. That is one of my favorite visual segments from Season one of "This American Live", the TV show (not the radio show, obviously).

I sometimes go months without listening to "this american life" on the radio/web. It is almost as if I get too lazy. Not too lazy to click on the website and choose an episode, but mearly too lazy to mentally participate in the act of listening. When you listen to TAL, you get engrossed by the stories, you get wrapped up in them, you get emotional, you question, and you think.

And this is the very reason I love this show. And the very reason I sometimes opt out of listening for awhile. But I really wish I would never opt out, because when I do stretch out on my unvaccumed bedroom floor, and put on my headphones, I relish in every moment of TAL.

Ira's voice, the structure of the stories, the music, and the way that nearly every episode is "my favorite" after listening.

I once said in an older blog on myspace, when writing about my bump in with Ira Glass, that "It gives me hope every week. It gives me hope that one day I can do

something as fantastic and as real as this show."

It does give me hope. Their images and their

On the topic of hope, I am listening to an episode that was aired the week before Obama's inaguration, in which they had people across the US communicate their feelings, negative or postivie, in anticipation of the new administration. It is an episode of hope, or rather (as stated by one of the shows contributors during one of the acts) an episode of cautious optimisim.

On a smiliar note, I bought the "This American Life: Season 2" DVD a few days ago. I cried watching the episode "Escape" today. If you get the chance, go view it. The DVD also has the "LIVE" show they showed in theaters, live, for one night. It is a great show case of storytelling, if you are into that kind of thing.

P.S. One week later, I still can't belive it. I really can't. Barak Obama is our president. I am still lacking the words to say what I am feeling. Mostly because I think it has been said before, you've heard it. But I am proud, happy, anxious, and curious.

Current Fixation: Bon Iver

2009-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

I can't listen to much anything other than Bon Iver for the last few weeks. I bought his CD way, way, way, way, way late. But thank God I did.

I don't skip songs when I listen to this CD.

And this CD belongs in my favorite genre of music (well, aside from danceable) ... and that is the "music you listen to while driving at night" genre. It is the type of album that makes you want to fall in love and then have your heart crushed.

So, if you haven't had a chance. Check it out.

Bonus fixation: I was fixated on this a few weeks ago. But the middle sequence of this Sia video for "Some Day We'll Be Found" with the shadow puppets makes me want to direct music videos.

The song is depressingly optimistic. If that makes any sense?

Obsession #2 : Disneyland

2009-01-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

As most anyone who will most likely read this knows, I have a love for Disneyland. My fascination for Disneyland is something that will never die. Try you will. But there is no way you can succeed.

It is something that I have a hard time explaining unless you are willing to contribute at least an hour of your valuable time to a lecture on my love/hate/fascination/obsession with the park.

But for starters:

I have worked at Disneyland.

Twice.

I was a Tour Guide at Disneyland, sharing my "wealth" of knowledge with families who were really just eager to get to the "front of the line" somehow. I entertained individuals who wanted to rival my individual "expertise" on the subjects I discussed on tour. A Mickey Mouse duel of sorts, if you will.

I wrote my B.A. Thesis on Disneyland. I somehow managed to utilize the subject of Dystopian and Utopian literature as a way for me to talk about Disneyland (and its utopian/dystopian aspects) for 119 pages. The paper was only required to be 30. Brevity is obviously not my strength once you get me going.

I got a B on the paper.

I was pretty pissed off about that.

I am an annual pass-holder, I own most Disney animations, I own the 50 year anniversary soundtrack to Disneyland ... which includes the majority of Disneyland's attractions musical atmospheres. This includes my favorite, the soundtrack to the fireworks, which I know all 22 minuets by heart. Oh! And I love nothing more than to de-virginize a Disneyland "virgin." Nothing make me happier than converting a non-believer.

They will worship at the alter of Mickey, Walt, and the Holy Ghost.

Ok, don't take me too seriously on those last few points.

I am not saying any of this to brag.

No, not at all.

I am not that special, there are thousands of us out there.

Closeted, or not so closeted, we are Disney freaks.

Of course there are varying levels of Disney fandom.

For example, I would never associate with a Disneyland fan who trades pins. Pin traders are those who own books and books of pins, that they pay hundreds of dollars for, and then go to Disneyland to trade them with other people ... like poke-man cards for adults. And then they wear them proudly around their neck on a lanyard.

That just isn't my style.

I have always thought of myself as a more "intelligent" Disneyland fan. A fan who is aware of the hypocrisy and ridiculousness that the fabricated fantasy Disney sells to people for day at $79 is.

I like to analyze it as large symbol rather.

An insight on our preference for the safe and clean version of fantasy and exoticness. That anyone can fall for.

So telling, so fascinating, right?

But there is one thing all Disney fans have in common. This I have finally confirmed after a sneaking suspicion it was the truth for a long time.

Disneyland fans LACK THE INABILITY, AT TIMES, TO DEAL WITH REALITY.

We love fantasy.

We are a people prone to live in fantasy worlds, either created through drama in life or within our own heads.

I tend to live in worlds that exist with in my dreams and headspace.

I love storytelling, fantasy, the daydreams I create in my mind a little bit more than the real life I lead. I mean, I love life. I am an optimist, but I REALLY love my day dreams.

I create scenarios in my head that I hope will actualize in my every day life, and I feel extreme disappointment when things don't pan out that way.

I blame some of this on my computer for pulling me away from reality too often, I blame some of it on being a kid of the television era letting fantasy suck me in every night in front of it, and I blame some of it on the movies.

But most of all, I blame it on my personality.

I am a dreamer, an idealist, a creator of story. I like the perfection I can create in my head. Even though I am well aware that this is dangerous, That the imperfections of real life are both necessary, and so much more meaningful, thought provoking, and educational than any unchallenged life. It is necessary.

I know this. I mean, I love "Brave New World," I know what the savage is saying when he says that he would rather suffer he inconveniences of life that live without them.

So why do I turn to Disneyland, to Fantasy all too often?

Am I doomed? Probably.

But at least I won't even notice, I will be too busy day dreaming ... riding Space Mountain ... and eating churros.

2009-01-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

2009.

How did we get 9 years into the new millennium already?

Here is a LINK to a cool video I saw on a friends myspace, giving a global view on the state of the world going into 2009. Check it out, please.

And stay here for my EXTREMELY exciting reflection on my personal experience with 2008:

2008 is certainly a year I can reflect on. It was not my most "active" of years. It was a year of responsibility and reflection. In 2008 I probably did more reflection on how I got to be where I am today, at 25, than any other year. I looked at every year of my life, every decision I have made, and analyzed how it makes up my personal view of the world and what I value. And also see why I do what I do in the present, behave how I behave, and attempt understand my own aspirations for the future.

I finally moved back out on my own, after a year of living at home after college. And I now take full responsibility for myself, and have my own life to pave. And this last year I held more responsibility than I ever have before with my job. A job that I take pride in what I have done and what I do day to day.

It was certainly a year of friends; the friends I have at Roadtrip is a family I will have forever. Regardless of weather I work there or not. I have to say I probably spent 90% of my year in their presence, from work to Coachella to camping to roadtrips to after hour shenanigans. I love them, and they teach me to live within the present moment and allow me to be myself 100% of the time. How amazing is that? They let me make a Holiday Album with them this year, they let me play with my quirky ideas. It is rare to exist with a group of people who build you up, not tear you down. And for them, I am thankful.

It was a year of challenges. I drove from Erie, PA to Costa Mesa, CA in five days. The quickest adventure of my life, and perfecting RV driving skills that puzzle most truck drvin' men (I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, "you drive that thing hunny?" Why yes sir! I can even pay my own bills and fix a flat tire with out a man!). I ran a marathon. A goal I have had for YEARS now. I did it, and can attribute my success to the very fact that I was a happy with my life at the point I tried, and had confidence I could do it. And on October 12, I did run 26.2 miles. And in less than 6 hours!

And speaking of challenges, my family saw the first passing of a Grandparent, and the first loss of someone truly close to me in my life. That changes your perspective on life and the opportunities we have at hand. The time we have on this earth is limited and we never know when the end will come. The cliche is to make each moment count, but what other way can you put it? Also, I was reminded that we are remembered by our choices and actions when we are alive. Ultimately, how you treat other people, and your attitude, and how you live is the way you will be remember once you are gone. The passing of my grandfather is still something I am swallowing, and death may never be something I digest. Or at least anytime soon.

In the end, 2008 was a year of happiness. It will not be the most monumental year, it wasn't the year 2007 was with my roadtrip. 2007 was the year my entire world was rocked. My entire perspective on life and how I could handle it was moved. My foundations were shifted and I became solid in who I wanted to become and the life I wanted to lead. In 2008, I started working on that. All the changes within me in the last year were subtle. Subtle decisions about my future, about my free time, about relationships, about friendships ... but they are decisions I would not have made prior to my roadtrip. 2008 was a reflection.

And last but not least, 2008 was a year of anticipation. Anticipation of change. America elected that change, in the form of one man. Obama. And like the rest of our country I await the changes, the economy, and our future with eager hopes. And with the theme, I anticipate some HUGE changes in my own life this year. If 2008 was a year of responsibility, reaffirmation, and reflection, then 2009 will be a year of action, change, and exposure. I call this now. I know this now.

For fun, some rankings:

Kristin's Top Movies of 2008:

1. Wall-E, but of course.

2. Vicky Christina Barcelona

3. Rachel Getting Married

4. Dark Knight

5. Milk
6. Snow Angels
7. Revolutionary Road
8. Slumdog Millionare

*note* still need to see Happy Go Lucky , Man on Wire, and The Wrestler.

Kristin's Top Songs of 2008:

*it really was NOT a good year for Albums and I*

1. MGMT, "Kids" / "Time to Pretend" / "Electric Feel"

2. M.I.A., "Paper Planes"

3. Usher, "Love in this Club"

4. Rhianna, "Don't Stop the Music"

5. Hot Chip, "Ready for the Floor"

6. Kanye West, "Flashing LIghts"

7. Santogold, "L.E.S. Artistes"

8. Lil Wayne, "Lollipop"

9. M83, "Kim and Jessie"

10. Fleet Foxes, "White Winter Hymnal"

Kristin's Top Moments of 2008:

1. While literally LIFTING off the ground while on board a Jet Blue flight, Seattle bound, I hear the announcement on Jet Blue's wonderful directTV service, that Barak Obama was elected America's 44th President. He is our first African American President. I then proceed to watch his speech while floating over America. Amazing.

2. Roger Waters performs "Dark Side of The Moon" live at Coachella. Then followed by an epic dance party at the Justice tent. It was all like a dream. Who in our generation will be able to say they saw "Dark Side of The Moon" live? Flying pig and all ...

3. Making "Papa Jerry Just Wants Socks," the Holiday album we made at work, in honor of my grandfather (who passed away in the Fall). Despite our lack of talent, we did it anyways. It had always been a funky dream of mine to make a silly holiday album, and so we did.

4. The Beck/Spoon/MGMT night. After returning from a 2500 mile RV drive in 5 days, I had tickets to go see the show at the Hollywood Bowl. Always a treat, but the real treat was the evening in store. All 12 of us somehow decided a room at the Embassy Suites by LAX was the right move. And one of the more interesting and fun nights of my life ensued.

5. My Best Friends Wedding. No, not the Julia Roberts movie. And no, I didn't try to steal the groom. There was actually two weddings. Amy and Kristina both got married, and I was even the Maid of Honor at one . Despite my skepticism of marriage at times, I had a great time watching these two unions. It was beyond interesting to enter the stage of life where friends are deciding to make that commitment.

new years resolution: to become a much healthier eater.

I guess I'll Never Give up Hope

2008-11-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

REJOICE!

That's right. Here I am.

Writing to you.

I hear he celebratory cries! She writes! She writes again. The wise words of Kristin are back and we are better for it!

What will she talk about today?

The new President and the flame of change he will ignite?

The changing culture we live in post Nov 4th?

How HORRIBLE it is that California is for passing Prop 8? (seriously.)

The economy and its trouble?

Earthquakes, SoCal fires, and the impending Armageddon we so obviously have headed towards us?

No. For I cannot go there tonight. Or really ever.

What I can do for you, is tell you that something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

I am on the prowl (for men, food, and sugar) and I am mentally at the place of a pre-pubesen teenager right now.

And outside of my usual crushes on Ira Glass, Ben Gibbard, Steven Colbert and Steve Carrell, I am drowning in fantasies of the men of SNL.

Bill Hader. Yes. Please.

Please tell me you watched this last weeks episode. Because there was man on man make out action, nude paintings, and great dancing. SNL is on a wave of good again. And I am happy to sail along with it.

In other news, things I think I might want to do with my life someday:

-Take an improv class (could this be because of my SNL obsession lately? maybe. could this be because I enjoy audiences watching me. Most Likely)

- Do some musical theater (shut your face, don't laugh)

- Teach abroad

- Grad School

- Work on a Cruise Line (I am now talking crazy)

- Dance every day somehow

- Become a professional wierdo (check, done)

- Write a book

You know what, my blogs lack any theme or cohesiveness. I promise I am going to get back to that someday. Writing actual pieces ... essays of sorts. Someday.

-K

P.S. Karaoke = Amazing. I = not too shabby singing Weezer after 4 beers. Who knew?

P.S.S. RIP Papa Jerry. My grandfather passed away last week, and he will be missed.

perplexed and losing my edge

2008-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

when all of a sudden you realize you don't care to blog because you have no idea how to distinguish your voice from the millions of others out there.

when all of a sudden you aren't as hip on new music as you used to.

when all of a sudden you don't care about being all that cool.

constantly perplexed. by. it. all.

The BS of it all!

2008-06-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

This is the bullshit that brainwashes us from the start.
I can name every movie in that montage.
And I love almost every single film/show used in it (worst background song).
This is what we (mostly women) let get to our brain.
Even when we don't think so, when we think we are smarter than cheese ball idealism and are skeptic of romance... this stuff is permeating our brains.
With every scene we watch it is revealing an awful lot about our wants, needs, and wishes.

It's unhealthy.
And horrible.
And wonderful

Don't lie, even you secretly hope for these moments in your everyday mundane life.

On a side note, I peed my pants a little when I saw this poster today.

I keep trying to tell myself I am an intelligent, forward thinking 24 year old woman ... but it's posts like this that really defy that logic.

La Vida es Hermosa

2008-04-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Life is indeed beautiful.
I often forget.

I am content beyond belief with life right now and feel very blessed to be as happy as I am.

Sure there are some things I strive to achieve beyond where I am at right now. Of course there are other desires and needs that can be met. But we always need to grow, learn and strive. I don't think I ever want to say "YES! I am complete!" That would make for quite a boring life.
But I feel so consumed with love for so many things and people that surround me right now, I am so happy with what I am doing, with how amazing some people can be, that I can't help but radiate optimism right now.

Some people say this is a bad sign, that things are bound to go downhill.
But I think they are wrong. I think challenges await, I think adversity will arrive, but I also believe if my optimism is maintained ... I can handle the future with the correct state of mind to maintain a level of happiness. I hope you are happy. Or are trying to get there, and haven't become too jaded to give up on positivity. I think giving up is kind of lame, so to speak.

We don't get a second chance at this life, might as well spend as much as you can of it happy.

P.S. Saw Roy Disney present Rare Disney films including "Destino" (the Dali/Disney 7 min film) tonight at the Newport Film Festival ... AMAZING.
Something, after leaving Disneyland, that reinstated my love of Disney history and tradition. That made me FINALLY want to pick up a book again. Because I sure know that after giving Tour after Tour and dealing with Disney politics for awhile, I didn't want to think about any of it for awhile.

I highly recommend picking up the Destino DVD/Documentary when they release it in a few months.

Also ... I saw another film at the festival. A co-worker/friend of mine filmed 305 a You Tube short turned film done by a crew of Vanguard University friends.
Amazing to see a group of young people work together for such a fun and well done project.
KUDOS!

P.S.S. Coachella was amazing. Roger Waters and Prince alone were worth the money spent, but Justice ... I'm From Barcelona, Portishead, among others made the weekend amazing. And of course the brilliant people I spent it with. Check out my images back at my myspace or facebook from the weekend.

Ok ... Night.

Hopeless

2008-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Someone told me (thru a numerology reading at Denny's after a cabaret night at a gay bar in Long Beach, yea, that's right) that I am a Hopeless Romantic.

After being told this, my friend laughed and had a look on her face that seemed to simply say, "duh."

I asked other friends and they said "well, yeah."

This wasn't so obvious to me.
Here I spent all this time during my late college years craft in this independent female persona, who didn't need love and fooled myself into thinking it was something that just brought confusion, dependency and pain to a person.

I guess I knew I was slightly fooling myself all along. But I still someone believe in that strong version of me.

But I don't give off that persona AT ALL apparently. Apparently, I am an obvious hopeless romantic.

Oh the conflict between wanting to be independent and strong, and still being a hopeless idealist who believes I will find my other half someday.

Let the delusions continue.

I also don't write in here because I am obsessed with my job. I think thats good but I need side projects soon.

Sometimes, I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion

2008-03-23T22:39:00.001-07:00

Amy Adams was in Drop Dead Gorgeous. Go figure.

I hated this movie when I first saw it when I was in High School.

I must have been real stupid.

Taṇhā

2008-03-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have this friend. He is traveling the world right now.

You should look him up at blakehodges.com .

He left early this month to hit the road for an entire year, he won't be back until March of '09. He will be going from Europe to China to Japan to India to Australia and New Zealand ( in more detailed sections than that). He has saved up for some time, to travel for the sake of travel. Or more so, I imagine to travel for the sake of self growth and exploration of self and others. To gain a larger perspective on his life.

When I check out his blog and photos I feel a sense of nausea. At first I wasn't sure why. I thought it might have something to do with missing this person, and that does play a small part. But I was contemplating why this is effecting me so much lately. And I think I may have figured out why:

I know my road in life is going to lead me down something similar to what he is doing. I HAVE TO TRAVEL. I have to have my pilgrimage, my adventure, my expansion of self. I thirst for this experience more than anything I have ever thirsted for before.

After hitting the road last fall with roadtrip nation (which I have not written about nor talked about in length too much, but believe me the effect was so profound I am still figuring out how to digest the trip and convey what happened on the road), I knew that I had to go internationally. I have to see more. I have to meet new people, I have to see other ways of living, I have to become more inquisitive about the world that surrounds me in order to gain a better understanding in the world I surround myself with at home.

There is no option, there is no if, ands, buts involved in this. It will happen and the probability is it will happen next year.

And knowing this and seeing his travels only brings a sense of urgency SO strong that I physically react. I see him living out the dream and I KNOW that if I don't do it, I will have gone unfullfilling part of my life's purpose. Part of what will make me the future, best version of me.

I to some extent am just blabbling, but also feel really strong about all of this.
To anyone who plans on traveling, has traveled, has taught abroad (one of the vehicles and ways in which I will get abroad and fund travels), studies abroad, anything ... throw any advice at me.

For those who want to go too, let me know. I highly recommend a book titled Vagabonding . I is a miracle book that really coaches you on making long term travel and work a realistic venture and really makes you feel like it is something you owe yourself if you really want it.

In the meantime, I am going to work hard in the present moment for this adventure and at the same time, try to live as best as I can while doing this in my current situation. That is all we can do. Reflect, enjoy the present, and dream about the future. Without one, we are unbalanced, lopsided.

I will leave you with a quote from this book, a quote I wrote in my brave friends book before he left:

"We travel initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves.
We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowlege, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again - to slow time down an dget taken in, and fall in love once more." - Pico Iyer from "why we travel"

Spread the Web

2008-03-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

There are some really amazing websites out there that I wanted to share with all my friends (or shall I say loyal readers?). I feel like these websites the reason I believe in the web. They also could be time consuming beasts, that are the reasons I will never do anything creative on my own again. I will be far too busy watching, reading, and viewing others creative works and ramblings. You may have heard of some of these, or you may not ... I am not claiming to reveal anything revolutionary ... I am no Columbus of the internet. What I am doing is simply sharing what some new finds of mine, with the hope you too find joy or activation by looking at these:

www.pangeaday.org

At Roadtrip Nation we are actually throwing a local event for this. So if you are in the Southern Califronia Region, you are welcome to view the screening at our headquarter offices in Costa Mesa. It is going to be AWESOME! A brief description from the website:

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future.

In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that - to help people see themselves in others - through the power of film.

On May 10, 2008 - Pangea Day - sites in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro will be linked live to produce a program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music.

The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

Of course, movies alone can't change the world. But the people who watch them can. So following May 10, 2008, Pangea Day organizers will facilitate community-building activities around the world by connecting inspired viewers with numerous organizations which are already doing groundbreaking work.

Though, I strongly encourage you to go to the website and check out what it is all about. This is the materialization of a dream that one of the 2006 TED Prize winner's (as well as one of our Roadtrip Nation interviewee), Jehane Noujaim, wish. Check out her acceptance speech on either this site, or my next website...

www.ted.com

The tagline here is "Ideas Worth Spreading."

But really. They are. They aren't joking.

TED stands for Technology. Entertainment. Design. And as you can read on the site, it began as an annual conference in Monterey, CA. Oddly enough, I had no idea about this until recently and I resided in the Monterey Bay area for five years of my life. It is a place for the greatest thinkers and speakers from these realms to come together and give a speech in 18 min that will inspire and inform others. The best speeches are compiled and made available to the pubic here on this website.

Dave Eggers ( author of "Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" and founder of educational non-profit tutoring centers, 826Valencia, LA, and so on) won the prize for 2008 . And his project can be found at www.onceuponaschool.org .

I suggest watching all of these when you can.

If you are in the mood to be inspired, provoked, or to simply be humbled by great people of our time ... simply visit this website. Talk about motivation to get out there and do something.

www.goodreads.com

Pretty self explanatory.

Share what you a reading with your friends, write reviews, see what other people have enjoyed. GET EXPOSED TO GOOD BOOKS!

And add me as a friend while you are at it.

www.roadtripnation.com

HAHA Made you look.

But really, you should. It's pretty great.

www.freedocumentaries.org

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the existence of this site.

This website is free access to documentaries, just like the URL states. Whatdayaknow? And we aren't just talking unheard of, underground films ... these documentaries cover the spectrum. From popular, in theater films such as "Supersize Me" or "Sicko" to PBS series documentaries to "Invisible Children" to ones you may have never heard of. They are all on this site, and ready for your viewing.

I love the idea that everyone with a computer has access to this information and access to becoming informed. Availability to these kind of films are crucial, and I feel much more inclined to view when I know they are only a click away when I am sitting around at home. It is a much better free time activity than picking my nose and sitting on facebook/myspace. Although I do still indulge in those activities quite frequently.

www.improveverywhere.com

Listen, just visit it and watch the Food Court Musical mission and the Union Station Freeze mission.

I WILL participate in a mission. And I invite you all to participate in missions as well.

I love organized choas, especially when it involves throwing people off course for even a few minutes and getting them to rethink their day. And if this means dancing and getting people to laugh and enjoy themselves a bit ... then all the better.

Also, if you are interested, check out www.worldfreeze.org.

www.hulu.com

I am sure you know about this.
BUT HOW THE HELL DID I NOT?! FREE FREAKIN' TV!?!!
I can catch up on my television w/o having to actually own a TV.

LIFE IS GOOD.

Kristin is LAZZYY

2008-03-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but in theory I want to blog all the time.
I think about subjects to blog about, things to talk about, things to speculate over.

Then when it comes to actually writing this, I am a lazy son-of-a-bitch (that term looks so grotesque written out in type).

For this I apologize. Maybe I wasn't meant to write at all. I have no idea what I am meant to do.

Though thanks to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, I do now know I am meant to be with people and work with people. So maybe the arts aren't my forte ... but that doesn't mean I shouldn't attempt to be creative within a form I enjoy such as writing.

If only I weren't the laziest writer sometimes. I want to write about Disneyland, The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, about current events ... I want I want I want. So why don't I do , I do, I do. Doing is the only thing that really distinguishes. Actually being a participant.

Why am I even writing this when I could be writing about something else?

What the hell am I even talking about?

Anyways, the last few weeks have been curious, and I blame that.
In the last few weeks I have:

- Said goodbye.
- Cried more than usual.
- Felt Jealous
- Apologized
- Caught up with many friends
- Decided that I should do Improv Everywhere ASAP (WATCH FOOD COURT MUSICAL PLEASE! THAT IS MY LIFE'S GOAL!)
- Worked, a lot.
- Decided to Move out of Mom and Dad's
- Starting going to the gym again.

Does that explain why I haven't been blogging? No, not really.
In fact, being at a point of emotional fragility should be a reason TO blog. Creativity is born out of pain.
Oddly enough, I write when happy and feeling productive.
I talk to my freakin' mouth off when feeling sad and confused.

I am done talking about myself.

How are you?
Let's take a trip.

I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!

2008-02-21T21:51:00.001-08:00

I am on a rampage tonight!

I just wanted to post this video so you can blow snot out of your nose from laughing so hard.

This IS funny, dammit.

This I Believe...

2008-02-21T21:17:00.001-08:00

My Boss, Nate, lent me a book called "orbiting the giant hairball: a corporate fool's guide to surviving with grace by, gordon mackenzie" today and I think it is quite wonderful.

It really is all about maintaining your creative genius, despite the fact that society tries to take it away. Especially within cooperate culture (which the author worked in for many years).

Being that I am going through a bit of a crisis ( I think I may be in permanent crisis ... always questions what I am doing in the present, never satisfied, always looking toward the horizon with hope) right now, this one particular portion of the book was perfection. And here it is:

There is a Fool in each of us,you know.

A rash, brash, harebrained, audacious, imprudent,

Ill-suited, spontaneous, impolitic, daredevil Fool, which,

In most of us,

Was long ago hog-tied and locked in the basement.

If you want to see a full-fledged Fool in action,

Watch an undisciplined child,

(The more undisciplined, the better!)

Oblivious to concepts of appropriate behavior,

Driven by rampant curiosity and innocent lust.

Raw genius,

Resolutely stumbling into hurt and wondrous discovery.

Inspired, annoying,

Rapturous, petulant.

The creative savage of our being.

Savages, Fools,

Do not a society make.

So we tame the little Yahoos.

We teach them the meaning of the word "no".

We teach them the benefits of boundaries.

We teach them the value of our learned lessons.

When our teaching fall short,

Our society begins to unravel,

And the quality of our culture declines.

So tame, we must.

But we have been slow to learn how to tame the Fool

Without also interring

The Fool's innate creativity and inborn genius.

With the bath water, the baby is cast out.

Chew on that.

And also, Take the Myers-Briggs test if you get a chance. I am an ENFJ: The Teacher.

It is a great way to get to know yourself, especially if you are young, lost, and are not sure if you and yourself are aquatinted quite yet.

You can analyze your results HERE!

OH! TO BE LOST. AND UNSURE.

Holy Cow

2008-02-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

I am glad I am including the inappropriate usage of a cow cartoon right here. I have no idea where that came from. I just use google sometimes to find the images I want.

So sue me.

So, check this out. My relatives used to own the slaughterhouse that is responsible for all the mis treatment of sick cows. What a bloodline I come from. Great.

Apparently, they sold it awhile ago, but I have some 5th cousins who were a part of the evil operation.

And on this same topic I will not further express myself, but use the words of another essayist, Michael Pollan. I read this essay in "The Best American Essays", I believe 2004. And I thought it was grand. And this may all be a reminder, if we choose to eat me (like myself), we may try and be consciences of where it came from and have respect for what we consume. And here is a link to the article:

http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=55

Glasses

2008-01-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know, I wear FAKE glasses.
I am a fraud.
I have been wearing fake glasses since I was in my junior year of high school. And I usually buy them from hot topic or urban outfitters, though one time I actually bought what they call "plano" (meaning no perscription) frames from a real deal frames dealer online.

Lots of people have had a problem with this. I say, go to hell buddy!
People pierce their ears, nose, toes, and other unmentionable areas. People dye their hair purple, blue, pink, and green. Some people get tattoos to express themselves. Others may wear outrageous clothing. More power to them. I wear glasses.

Does this mean I want to come off more intelligent than I really am? Does this mean I want to appear more innocent than I really am? Does this mean I want to appear hipper than I really am? Does this mean I want to seem more artistic than I actually am?

You betcha buddy.

Lets face it, We all pretend that the way we choose to appear is somewhat chance, but most of us run around in a costume so we can play a part that we imagine we are. We have consciously chosen to accentuated variables of our personality we feel we lack or personality traits that we want to emphasize, so we can help control how others feel about us and judge us.

So... I wear fake glasses. And I look damn good in them too.

Shit YA!

2008-01-22T23:50:00.000-08:00

Oh hey, what's up?

This is Maya Rudolph. And she is hilarious.

She actually is soooo funny she is on SNL.

She also, just happens to be the keyboardist for The Rentals. A la Matt Sharp from ex-Weezer band member... his other band. And that is pretty fuckin' cool.

Oh yea, and she was in a Robert Altman film (Prairie Home Companion). Bitchin'.

She also graduated from UC Santa Cruz and played with a band and got her degree in Photography. Which makes her cool.

And, she is pretty hot. Look at that picture. ( I don't mean that in a creepy way either)

Oh, and hey... she happens to be involved with only my favorite director ever...Paul Thomas Anderson. And is his baby's mama.

I discovered most of this over the last few days.

WTF. Why can't I be half the woman she is. When will my life get this cool.

Maya... you fuckin' go girl.

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2008-01-21T22:02:00.001-08:00

Announcements all over the place. Exciting times full of prospect and speculation.

I love speculation.

Todays big announcement: Coachella. Tell me what cha think... What I can say is even though

I am not particularly too excited about any single band over another, I do think the line-up is solid. I must say, I don't fancy Jack Johnston at all... and I mean AT ALL... and that lends me to choosing going up only on Saturday and Sunday. The National and Animal Collective might be able to sway me otherwise, but possibly not.

Kraftwerk, Porstishead, and Dwight Yoakam (fuckin' guitars, Cadillacs, and hillbilly music, bitches) are good draws. And Death Cab I will pretty much spend a millions dollars to go see by themselves, because I am ridiculous. So Saturday is a shoe in. Sunday, Roger Waters "Dark Side of the Moon". I really don't know what to expect from that, but it probably is worth my time.

Point being... who is with me? Charge the tickets to your card, get tent, we will buy some booze, and let's go. It'll be a party of a lifetime!

Tomorrow's big announcement: THE OSCAR NOMINEES! OOOOOOOOOH. AAAAAAAAAH.

(Also tomorrow... is Dan Ford the Sausage King? Jimmy Dean announces it's contest winner. I hope someone who reads this gets what I am talking about.)

Anyways, that is all for now.

Night kids.

If I only were a talented gay man.

2008-01-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

If God wanted to grant me one wish he would turn me into a Gay man that had enough talent to make it on Broadway as a fabulous singer and dancer.

Or at least a woman with a killer voice to get me on Broadway.

But I don't think God grants these kind of wishes. He/She has already determined the level of singing talent I deserve, and I guess my gender/sexuality has been somewhat determined as well.

Oh well.

My Grandma took me to see the Broadway "sensation" WICKED tonight and was pleased completely. There is a reason it is somewhat over exposed all over L.A. It is rather smart, very funny, and the heroine of the story (the wicked witch) is my kind of a woman... strong, smart, and out-casted.It is a nice shift of perspective on the traditional story and reminds you that every story has another side, that is usually mis-understood and mis communicated for the purpose of misguiding the audience it is meant for. Of course, she ends up with a guy in the end... which defines her happiness... which is my only dilemma with the story.

Major Kudos to the women in this production, they can certainly belt out a tune.

Check out my favorite song from the production if you want to:

But really, I do love musicals ( down with the nay sayers!) and really wish I had the talent to be on the stage. As Colin Meloy of the Decemberists once put it so gracefully, "I was meant for the stage, I was meant for the curtain." OH COLIN! You made it to the stage, be happy.

I on the other hand have been on stage only a few times in my life. All though, quite frankly, some of the most joyous moments in my life have taken place in front of the audience. Yep, Kristin likes an audience... what can I say? I am Leo. Maybe I should have pursued a life on stage more actively in my younger years. Because at 24, to make a living with the any type of

art on stage you need to poses talent. I am relatively confident I lack just that.

But, I did find within my retrospection tonight a video from "Flashback 2007" (for those of you unfamiliar, it is a show Disney Cast Members put on every-year, anyone is welcome to participate that is employed at the Resort. We did everything from write, choreograph, act, to costume it. We sold tickets to friends and family and all the proceeds go directly to charity). It was quite frankly one of the best times I have ever had in my life. I was so completely absorbed in rehearsals and the in the entire event, that I didn't want to do anything else. I even had a speaking supporting actress role in my team's play. Something to tell the grandkids.

So here is video (ironically featuring "Popular" from Wicked in the first portion), cut up into pieces focusing on one of our red-headed cast members if you can't tell. But if you look close, towards the end of the video...I am in white during the dance routine and in a red headband in the front during the singing portion. We are obviously all novices at being on the stage, but I was still proud of all of us.

So anyone up for some musical theater anytime soon??? NO? Too bad. Thought I would try.

P.S. I have a deep contempt for the person who designed "The Bucket List" movie poster. Just look at it and vomit:

blagagagaghahghahghghaghghaghhghaghahgahaghahghadlskfhjaoidfn <----- vomit noises.

Happy Flipping New Year

2008-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

I am surly and in a bad mood right now. Just thought you should know.
A little too much champagne yesterday.

Also, I suddenly found myself in a odd emotional state for the last few days, I feel very off balance. Piss.

I once read somewhere, some odd statistic that claimed if you wrote something down, say a New Years Resolution, you are 8000% more likely to follow through on it. So in hopes that this magical research study is correct, I am going to type my resolutions right here for all you to see.

My large following of loyal readers, in the 2008th year post the birth of Christ, I herby will diligently see that myself, Kristin, will:

1) GET A GODDAMN APARTMENT. I loathe people who still live at home, especially in their mid-twenties. Somehow I make an excuse for myself, because I am...me. But come May will be my 2 year anniversary of coming back to SoCal. This is not acceptable. This is not cool. I will move during this first month, if it is the last thing I do.

2) GET BACK INTO SHAPE. So what if everyone else has this every year on their list. So do I. I am an aging woman, my metabolism is slowing down, and no one will shag me if my thighs get any jello-ier. This also includes eating healthier, although I will find a way to remain a sugar feign and eat healthy. Sugar is my life partner.

3) TRAVEL. I need to go somewhere I have never been. At first, I thought this might be my year to go abroad. But this really is my year to start taking responsibility for myself (i.e. rent, doctors, bills, start taking care of a plant) and going into debt on a very unplanned trip might be for 2009. We will see, but maybe Oregon/Washington or the Northeaster Seaboard is in store this year.

And if nothing else, this is the year we elect a new President. Get excited folks. Get pumped. I even re-registered to vote today. I am genuinely ready for some debate watching.

I need sleep more than anything right now. I hate myself.

Enjoy this for now, because I bought a hoodie this weekend:

Natalie Dee rules.

Happy New Year.

P.S. Go see THERE WILL BE BLOOD
That is an order, not a choice by any means. Maybe I will write something on it when I have slept.

From the Archives Part II

2007-12-24T23:57:00.001-08:00

First off, Merry Christmas.

It is odd how different Christmas Eve feels as I get older and have no children to watch in my family during this time of year. It is still a joyful time spent with family, but it lacks a bit of imagination and excitement that kids provide to this time of year.

Every year on this day I think of this day last year. And I feel that time has robbed me. I somehow feel like I have been warped into this postion of being alive on Christmas Day again, another year older, and it happened in a blink of the eye. I can barely remember what took place in the 365 days in between. Until I really start to think about it, and then I realize a whole bunch.

This piece of old writing is something I wrote during the middle of this year, and reminds me of what has happened for me personally this year. I felt at a complete loss still working for Disney and at a loss for how I defined myself. I got hired by Roadtrip Nation a month later and hit the road 3 months later. And though that didn't solve ALL my problems (as it should not have), it did allow me to grow closer to finding out who I am. It was that long trip I was yearning for at the time, and it was exactly what I needed. It taught me to be a little less worried about that search for self and to make life more about the experience, to make myself driven o experience, and to know myself through my experiences. Not through who I want to be, who others think I am, how I want others to perceive me, but from what I know I am right now.

June 23, 2007

I have reached a point in my life where I realized that all I have been doing is searching for the last two years for who i want to be and what i want to do.
yet no answer has come to me. nor have i been able to find the answers.
weather it is fate or hard work that will reveal my life...i don't know.
because i have no idea what i believe, what i know, what i want. i feel as if i have lost my soul. or perhaps i have never had one at all.

i have wanted to reach my goals, i have wanted to do right, i wanted to do well, i have wanted to be liked, i always want to eventually be happy.
but my goals have no real purpose other than they are what i thought i should do.
i do right because i am afraid of what will happen if i do wrong. and doing right is what good people do.
i do well because it is what is expected. i do well because when people approve i feel alright.
i want to be liked because that is how i measure my success.
and being happy is easy and carefree...like a child.

this is all despicable. this is all without a good reason. a good philosophy. a well thought out purpose.

i need enlightenment and i need it now. i need to search...but not obsessively. i just need to escape and feel free to explore the possibilities without the pressures of the outside world. i need to go away. i need a long trip on a train. or a long hike in the forest. alone. selfishly.

i need to know what is right is right and why. i want to not worry about others approval, but i want to also be able to keep others in my thoughts. i need to know who i am and what purpose i want to serve. i need to know who i am.
because if i live any other way i will be failing. i will be soulless. and to me...that is the saddest of all things. to not understand ones own soul.

On the lighter side of things, enjoy these e-cards my co-worker shared with all of us at work the other day. They are a hoot! That's right...a fuckin' hoot: www.someecards.com

Old Thoughts

2007-12-22T12:52:00.001-08:00

This blog is an installment that I may or may not implement (just like obsessions), of older pieces that were written before the existence of my blog. I particularly remember writing this piece for my myspace during a time in my life where everything seemed uncertain, where I felt as if I had no foundation for who I was and what I was thinking, experiencing, or feeling as an individual. It was the beginning of my self discovery, which from that point on will never end. I still heavily identify with these problems of my own articulation :

July 2005

My mind is restless tonight. I am having a hard time finding sleep, I am having a hard time stopping my mind. I have scratched my head until I have made it bleed (a bad nervous habit I have). Nothing is wrong, I just can't sleep. So I thought I would type out some thoughts here so I can get some rest.

I was thinking about the limits of language and thoughts, and the ways in which this relates to how we put together our personal beliefs and ideologies. I was reflecting on the fact that I am only intellectually capable of thinking certain thoughts, but I am almost always incapable of articulating them verbally (and written somtimes). I don't know what limits my mind. I am completely capable of verbally bullshitting most of the time. Talking about nothing, talking about pointless chatter is easy, very natural. What causes this? What makes people capable of gabbing on and on about nothing, but incapable of talking about something with substance? Is it because we are constantly surrounded by vocabulary of conversations that lack meaning, the television, commericals, daily gossip and banter? Or are we simply not equiped with enough knowledge to support our thoughts yet?

I hate when I am listening to an interesting conversation, I want to respond, I am having a reply in my head all ready, and my mind goes blank of English vocabulary to use and respond with. My mind is simply a bunch of fragmented thoughts, and I haven't the discourse to say what I am thinking sometimes. Having the discourse is what separates those from the majority. I guess I exist in the majority. I guess I am hoping one day I can surpass that.

I realized the only way I can piece together my fragmented thoughts on anything; love, loss, ache, happiness, politics, sadness, fear, etc... is through already established thoughts from someone else. Which is plagarism to some extent. But it is what I am capable of doing at this point. I quote movies, I quote music, I quote books, I quote my professors, I quote intellectuals of the past. I pick and choose my quotes hoping someone can gather an ideology from this. This is why I think I love music so much, I can pick up on similar thoughts that i am having, by someone who has the got the discourse to do so. And in such beautiful tunes that exaggerate the meaning. I find there are certain CD's I return to when I am in a contemplating state. All of Wilco's, Death Cab's (laugh if you will), Sufjan Stevens, The Red House Painters, Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, Ben Folds, and Badly Drawn Boy. I just sit there listening to words that I have thought, loving the fact that I am hearing songs that reconfirm feelings that I feel but don't yet have the grace or maturity to verbalize.

In 1984, Wiston states "The best books, he percieved, are the ones that tell you what you know already." I think he is somewhat confirming what i am feeling tonight. Although, this is not always truth.

Of course, relying on others thoughts to verbalize my thoughts will become unsuccessful in the end. Rather than unsuccessful, unsatisfying. I must overcome this, I must grow out of this. I need to work on articulating myself. It is something of a struggle.I am not too embarrassed to admit. Vocabulary has never been a strong point of mine. But one day, I will have the words. They will come. I hope.

I hope you have found your voice, or want to, or are going to one day.

Ok, maybe I can go to bed now. I am sure you are snoring already.

I appologize if this makes no sense. Or if you understand what I am saying, go ahead and speak up. Id like to hear.

Flying High

2007-11-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

At this point just consider me a liar about having the obsession posts.
Just figure it will be a random installment on my blog, upon the right occasion to do so.

I just wanted to tell you that I am riding high from a show I went to. Rarely after shows do I feel this elated afterwards. There are shows I feel good about and I enjoyed, but only a handful of times do I feel even more love towards a band...to the point that I don't want to stop listening to them for a few days.

Band of Horses did this to me tonight. I would make love to the music if that were physically possible.

I went through this phase of doubt when a friend of mine, with rather decent music taste, told me that he thought they were, and I quote, boring. And for a second I considered it. I questioned my own taste and why I had loved them since their first album (Everything all the Time) appeared in my hands...way back, back, back in March of the year 2006. I questioned why I loved the new album so much, and asked myself if I was a boring person for loving them so much. Plus, suddenly their music was appearing everywhere, including advertisements...so I really felt silly now.

But I still loved them, deep down. I still posted their new songs on my myspace page as my default song.

Then I missed them opening for The Decemberists at the Hollywood Bowl, and that majorly bummed me out because I wanted to prove to myself that they were worth my love and seeing them live would be evidence enough. So when I saw the tickets for tonights show at The Glass House, I bought them without second guessing.

I sung along to every song and I danced along to the tunes with each beat. I was in awe of lead singer, Ben Bridwell's vocal abilities and I admired their mix of Seattle indie sensibility with their obvious Southern Charm. I applauded their piano player (any use of piano in music is a plus to me) and his ability to produce beautiful harmonies with Ben. I cheered for their obvious love for what they do and how that translated into a attitude on stage that could only reinforce my enthusiasm for a band who can do so much...so right. Writing this really isn't doing justice.

But I thank them for giving me a show (and music) that I can love this much.

*On a side note...check out The Drones and Tyler Ramsey...the opening acts. Very different and very deserving of my respect in their own rights.

The Drones are an Australian band that can, as a friend told me, ROCK. I mean really rock. plus they had this rough sexual energy about them...that I couldn't deny.
And Tyler Ramsey, well he was super folksy and gentle and super cool. He also did a great job supporting Band of Horses on stage with guitar during their set.

Watch a video of a cover song they did at tonights show (Good Man) as well (although this is at a different show) which was brilliant to me because it was different from what they normally do, and had so much fuckin' soul it hurt:

Patience is a Virtue

2007-11-25T01:54:00.000-08:00

I have sudden inspiration to make this blog awesome. Or blogtastic. Whatever you choose.

But this requires time.

Time for me to become a good blog designer. Which requires lots of bad design for me to test things out.

Sometime soon though a good design will pop up!

But hey...at least I have a "blog title" now.

In the mean time, watch this video.

Because against all better judgment...I am a perv for Zac Efron. Thanks to a weekend of watching both of the High School Musical films and watching Hairspray, I decided that I was aligning myself with the views of every preteen female in America, he is drool worthy.
The man (or boy, whatever, don't judge me!) can shake his ass, and you know what they say about men who can dance...enjoy this clip ladies (in all of it's cheesy glory):

Commercial Break

2007-11-24T01:28:00.000-08:00

I lied. I said I was going to do an obsession "everyday for the next five days." Well...my job got in the way, so did my social life, and so did getting sick.

I promise to continue tomorrow with a new obsession article. But for now...before I go to sleep...I wanted to make something clear.

I WANT TO START A BAND.

I was a choir kid all my life. I loved choir, I would be in a choir now if I could find one that wasn't attached to a church or old people or kids. I adore singing and dancing in groups; it moves me, it makes life swell, and I get a rush!

And this video I have posted here is EXACTLY the type of band I want to start. It ties in my love of good music and choir music. It is hip, it is fun, and it is inclusive to all sorts of people. Problem is, I don't (yet) know any instruments and I don't really know how to construct a tune. I probably could write a few lyrics though.

SO I AM CALLING OUT TO ALL MY FRIENDS, to join me in a choir band. I'll even learn an instrument if you let me sing in a group of cardigan wearing fun people.

We will be a hit, I promise. I am seriously serious about this. I swear to effing god.

And now for the video example (these Swedes got it right. Choir band...think about it):

We're From Barcelona-I'm From Barcelona

Admitting I Am Partly Crazy

2007-11-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentleman, I have something to announce.

I am an obsessive.

I obsess.

If you know me well enough, this proclamation is the equivalent to announcing that the sky is blue. You already knew this.

But in the case you didn't, my personality throughout my entire existence has lead me around to become extremely passionate about certain subjects for a particular length...and then skip along to the next obsession.

What do I obsess about? Well, the truth is quite embarrassing and can lead to conclusions about me as a person that point to the fact that I am indeed, against everything i was ever told to believe in elementary self esteem sessions, not a genius. Evidence would actually make one inclined to assume that my mental abilities are never to exceed a giddy 8th grade girls.

Thanks to my new co-workers and recent conversations we have had, I have been re-contemplating my past obsessions and for you, my non-existent reader, I have complied a list of my top obsessions through my short life thus far.
But I will break these top 5 obsessions into a multiple article blog, writing a new one every day for the next five days.

Maybe after this list I will have a huge epiphany about who I am and what these obsessions mean for my future, but most likely they will just reconfirm that I am part crazy :

1) John Houston Stockton.

Everyone finds this humorous. I find this nothing of the sort.
The man was my childhood hero and probably the most intense of all my obsessions. I considered making a video for MTV's fanatic (I hope you remember this show) in hopes that I can get on the show and meet my short short wearing hero. I taped over 20 VHS tapes full of Utah Jazz games, I collected sports illustrated articles about this man, I memorized his birthday, career states, and life biography. I can still tell you the names of his children in order of age. I cried when the Utah Jazz didn't win the NBA finals, both years. I was known as the Utah Jazz fan both at my Jr. High School and at High School. I loved John Stockton.

It is creepy.

I only can attribute the intensity of my obsession to the ages at which it occurred. Which was 6th thru 10th grade. Only at such a young and impressionable age in your life, can a love for some hero be so pure and so intense. Think about it, these are the times in most kids lives where they plaster their bedroom walls with some sort of hero/icons face and kiss it goodnight, or praise its worthiness and hope that one day they can grow up to be half the adult they are.

I did both. I was a fan of John Stockton both in a romantic sense, but more so in a "I hope I can be as good of a person as he is" sense. He was loyal, hard-working, strong, modest, made everyone around him better, and very agreeable. Put him against the backdrop of other basketball superstars, he was an outcast because he was old fashioned, dependable, pleasing, a little boring, and kind of nerdy. Kind of like the kid I was, out casted because I simply wanted to do my best and be a good person.

HONORABLE MENTIONS in the SPORTS OBSESSIONS CATAGOREY:
1. Brett Favre (8th grade)
2. Jeff Gordon (9th Grade, yeah...embarrassing I know)
3. Bob Costas ( 6-7th grade)
4. Steve Nash (now, kind of like Stockton I realize but a bit edgier, Canadian, and involved in charity works.)

Do Me A Favor

2007-11-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

If you do anything today it will be that you will visit Take Away Shots.

Just do me that favor. I don't ask much.

This is seriously awesome. It is a French video blog that shoots improvised sessions with bands (such as Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Architecture and Helsinki, The Shins, Final Fantasy, Beirut, and many others) in random settings around the world. Watch Architecture and Helsinki prepare a live chorus of random fans/people. That kind of social energy and creativity makes me love living...and people...and things.

Whoever thought this up, I envy.

I must admit, a silly little 'ole dream of mine is to start impromptu choirs on the street, or dance troupes. I love that kind of stuff. Anyone else up for it? If Roadtrip Nation has taught me anything, I really need to just do it. And I need to just create a kickball league as well. And learn the piano...and learn to DJ...and so on and so on and so on.....

Here is a taste, this one is awesome, it is the Arcade Fire playing Neon Bible in an elevator:

hot dogs and pizza

2007-09-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what the hell I write about in here.

But apparently most of it revolves around television. I have led myself to believe my interests lied within music, literature, education...but no it apparently is television. It's a horrible shock to your sense of self when these realizations happen.

But anyways, television. It's this box that transmits signals sent from above...in the sky...from the satellites. And I don't have one right now because I am out on the road in a giant RV. And this great. Being out on the road. But I ran across an Entertainment Weekly today and I missed my TV. How sad is that? I missed the first episode of Grey's...I missed The Office...and I was extremely relieved to realize that Project Runway doesn't start until I get back home. Maybe my future lies within the world of television. Maybe I can make the world a better place that way?

What does this have to do with anything. Nothing. I am just typing in my own little world of self centeredness (is that a word?). And I am tired. And delirious. And probably embarrassed if you have made it this far. This is ludicrous.

P.S. I ate a lot of pizza this week. New York will do that to you.

P.S. again: I am gonna buy a sick bike and piano when I get back to California. Priorities man.

Doomed

2007-09-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I watched the first episode of Tell Me You Love Me. Did you? My best girl friend did and she was not a fan. She said she was bored. What did I think? I enjoyed it. I didn't come away feeling moved or like I HAD to tell my friends about it. In fact, I waited awhile to write the blog. But, I will tune in again (after I come back from the road). I enjoyed it's perspective on how most monogamous relationships are screwed from the beginning to some extent. I REALLY liked the couple who hadn't had sex in a year. I thought their predicament was interesting and I couldn't help but feel miserable for either of them. Anyways, go view it for yourself and make up your mind.

I do have to say one thing about it though. I think it may be doomed. How much more can they do with this idea? The topic and the characters situations make for a good movie. But where else are they going to go with the problems these couples face.

One couple is in trouble because the male partner doesn't seem too confident in the idea of monogamy. Ok, well either they suck it up and get married or they break up. And if they do get married, they continue to battle with it, he gets over it, or he cheats.

The other couple can't get pregnant, and it is ruining their sex life and relationship. Ok, well either she does or doesn't get pregnant and they stay together or they don't last.

The third couple hasn't had sex in a year. But he loves her and doesn't appear to be unfaithful, but now she is now going to couples therapy alone over this. This is the most complex of the couples and has the most room for exploration...but is the least sexy plot line.

I know I am simplifying complex situations that couples face down to something way too simple. i know that the possibility in this show lies in the complex web of the emotions that one experiences when trying to spend a whole lifetime with a partner. But I don't know. I just don't see how it will make for a whole television series. I feel like its going to be pounding the same point in until its dead. How much of doomed monogamy can one really watch? I hope they prove to me that the answer is a lot, and prove me wrong. Maybe they will mix the characters lives up...Grey's Anatomy style.

Then again, maybe this just reflects my feelings on monogamous love at this point in my life. It's a situation in which I feel doomed and is going nowhere because I will get bored. The problems are scary and emotional at first, then they just feel cliche and tiring. Then I'll want to change the channel, literally and figuratively, in my life.

At least I can admit this to myself.

P.S. This show has LOTS of nudity, and on the shallow side of things...I see this as a bonus.

I Like a the Blog!

2007-09-08T22:44:00.001-07:00

I have no life. No need to tell me. This I am already aware of.
So I just wanted to write and ask if anyone is going to watch HBO tomorrow evening?
(Even though NOBODY...literally nobody... reads this yet because I have told no one I write this)

HBO has had some darn tootin good television. You know the type of people who always bring up how much they hate television? They brag that they don't watch television, and they ask who needs a television and why, and they promote the throwing of televisions out of windows, you know...them? Listen, I get it. I didn't own a TV for a year and half while away at college and there were times where I completely understood the sentiment. There were those times that I felt my time could be well spent doing other things and what not, being smart or something. But on the same token...I was raised on TV, and it taught me many valuable lessons. Such as not to take caffeine pills because you will end up like Jesse Spano from Saved By the Bell and will end up making films like Striptease. TV is a powerful form of communication folks. And I feel it can be a legitimate medium of entertainment if you are intelligent enough to filter through the vast amount of crap it offers. It is just as valid of a story telling device as music and film and can put narrative in compelling visual display. It is as much of an educator as any other form of media. An abundance of crap is part of life. There are crappy books, crappy places, crappy films, crappy food to eat, crappy music, and crappy people...does that mean I stop reading, watching film, having friends, listening to music, and eating??? If you want me to be a miserable bitch, then yes.

Television holds its place in the creative world and in culture. And there is some good stuff out there, and right now I am going to focus on HBO. I liked Sex in the City, I liked Six Feet Under, I heard Rome and Carnivale were good, and the of course The Sopranos. I don't need to tell you that was great. And lets talk a little about Curb Your Enthusiasm. Ok, ready...Larry David = awesome. Simplistic equation? Yes. Do I care? No. Because it's fact, not a matter of debate. Plus, who can resist this kind of episode? Certainly not me. HBO television is usually conversation worthy, the type of TV you talk about with friends over dinner. And that is my kind of TV.

The new season of Curb starts tomorrow. So watch it. My real question here is .... IS ANYONE GONNA WATCH THE NEW SHOW afterwards? The new show is called Tell Me You Love Me, and it really, really looks interesting. I thrive off watching shows that explore relationship issues and sex between monogamous couples (or polygamist if we are talking about Big Love...a yet another enjoyable HBO show). I am obsessed with these kind of shows.... Sex and The City, Grey's Anatomy, and hopefully this new one, will have me tune in every week to sympathize and live through the trials of love with their characters.

Anyways, I'll tell you what I think when I watch it...but I will shut up for now.
You can read this well thought out article on nerve about the show for now.

This is the dawning of the age of aquarius...

2007-09-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

My good friend Kevin frequently tells me that I need my own podcast. But I am relatively clueless as to how to engineer making my own podcast. So I decided to take the more common route, and create my own blog.

It really is about time. I mean just about every single junior high school student knows how to write about their tormented life (you know things like...their romance troubles, how their parents suck, how much they love High School Musical, how they snuck beer from their older brother...whatever) on their livejournal accounts! Well by golly, it was about time the world heard from me! This is a democracy after all, and I want my VOICE TO BE HEARD! And the internet is the new way making your voice be heard afterall (even if it is being drowned out by a trillion other blogging voices).

What will this lead to? Fame beyond compare due to my terrific writing capabilities, my unusual wit, and my ability to sum up the significance of film, music, and literature in our culture? Will I be able to tackle political issues and cover the next presidential race with such intelligence and insight that my blog will be watched closer than the Fox News Network in Middle America? Or will I help define the new medium of communication for generations to come by breaking the mold of blogging and be mentioned in future Wikipedia articles about bloggers?

This is all possible, very much so...I will not deny this. I will probably reign supreme. But then again, how can we possibly know this yet? This is after all only my first blog. The possibilities do remain endless, and what can I say...I am a dreamer at heart.

But what I am really doing this for is because I am told blogging is sexy. It's the new way to win over new lovers hearts. It's kind of like what being a rock n' roll star was in past generations. One cannot turn down the appeal of a chick who can write a blog analyzing David Hasselhoff's video for "Hooked on a Feeling" (please watch that) with her 75 wpm typing hand. That has sex appeal written all over it. Yep, and my main motivation for everything...as we all may know already...is sex.

And speaking of sex, I am lonely. And nothing cures a lonely heart more than a fantastic scene from a pop-novel turned film sensation whose opening credits feature a power ballad by Celine Dion. No sarcasms here folks. The scene is linked in the title above and...right here just in case you hate looking for things. This may be ridiculous, but I love this film. I love the books. And I love drunkenly singing along to music all alone. I love drunkenly singing along to music anywhere with anyone in fact. If you haven't seen Bridget Jones Diary, I say go treat yourself and rent it. Better yet if you haven't read it, go to your library and do your brain some good and get to reading. Should you rent the second film? The choice is yours, I will say it is not as good as the first, but its still a pleasure if you are a fan. Also, I heard there will be a third book. From a little bird. And that my friends is good news, and a reason to start a Bridget Jones revolution. Plus, Colin Firth makes me purr.

And what can I say? The woman is my neurotic comrade and someone I would want to call a drinking buddy. Too bad she's fictional, although it wouldn't be the first fictional friend I have had. And to all of this I say, Cheers!