Catch Up Smatch Up

This year has been one for the books, not because I did anything terribly exciting or I suffered some great hardship; sure I moved "Up North" meeting amazing new friends, and my higher education consists of dancing for hours on end, but more importantly I was happy. Not that I felt a great void in my life where happiness should be, rather I have realized I was just satisfied with life and going through the daily motions. Humm...perhaps happy ins't the right word, what I really should be saying in alive.  I felt alive again! And currently feel so. Yippy!

My little twin brothers left on their missions, and as of Christmas Day when I got to speak with them, they are having an absolute blast. As usual they were full of entertaining stories. For example, Harbor bought a shirt of a guys back! He literally walked up to him, said something along the lines of "I want your shirt. How much do you want for it?" and settled on a price that translates to roughly 25 cents; what a steal! Duran is also have all kind of crazy things happen to him as well. In fact, just the other day when he was about to jump in the shower he notice the shower curtain looked grosser than usual and seemed to be moving, upon further inspection he spotted well over a hundred cockroaches scurrying about. Needless to say, that was the end of that shower curtain. After that he and his companion deep cleaned their entire apartment, which is now dubbed one of the nicest in the mission.

On the blog front: I got an iPhone for Christmas! I can not tell you how long I have waited for these little suckers to come to Sprint (hint: before the iPhone was even released). So what does that have to do with my blog? Well I shall tell you my friend. I have succumb to my hipster counterpart (read: I am in denial of reality that I may just be a hipster, but a much cool version of one), so I now have an Instagram feed. Woo! Be on the look out for wonderful randoms captured on film. Such as...

I Dream of Drive

Imagine waking a from a dream and not remembering any of the details. All you remember was that it was the coolest dream ever. Well it is less of a memory and more of a feeling. You get the feeling of greatness every time you try to think about the dream. Now imagine that dream is a movie...that move is Drive.

Drive is a brilliant neo-noir film (which I can now I deify thanks to my understanding movies class taught by my favorite college teacher to date: Professed Bywater). Drive really stands out from just about any movie I have seen as of late. At first the only reason I wanted to see it was Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan, but I kept hearing how mind blown people were by the film I know I had to witness it for myself. Thank goodness my wise friend Kody had the good sense to come to my apartment and suggest that he, my roommates, and I all go see it.

I have to say there were two aspects of the movie that really struck me. First, the whole soundtrack. I've seen character driven movies and plot driven movies, but I can not name another time where I felt a movie was music driven. The music really laid out the foundation and feeling of the movie, giving a humble nod to the 80's, but sequestering the film to stand alone. The second aspect that kept coming back to me was the elevator kiss. I am girl, of course I like kiss scenes. However, it is move than just my girly ways. I think it is a stunning example of the overall film: the music, the slow motion, the dimming lights, and the lack of dialog.

For all those who have yet to see the movie Drive: get you hind end to the nearest showing NOW! And for all those who have seen Drive: what did you think?

Shirtless at The Sounds

Tonight I am going to see The Sounds for the second time. So in honor of the occupation I thought I would share with you my epic story of The Sounds concert circa 2009. Enjoy!

Okay, I know it sounds scandalous and really I guess it was, but it was not in the least bit intentional. It all started when I had to pick an outfit that I could seamlessly carry me from driving in the car for 5 hours to rocking out at The Sounds concert. It was an easy task, I just opted for a dark version of my 'go-to' fall outfit: black high waited spandex, grey boots, a longish black/cream button-up, a black headband, and a cream scarf. Sounds like the perfect concert outfit right...WRONG! Here is where I now advise you, if you are a female do NOT wear a button-up shirt to a rock concert. This was my unfortunate mistake, but luckily I also made some choices that would make my experience slightly less scandalous.

Stepping out of the car and feeling the bitter October air I decided to keep my scarf on so when I came out of the concert I wouldn’t be cold (this was a good choice). I walked inside and watched the first band, Foxy Shazam, from an open area on the stairs well away from the stage. This wasn’t because FS is bad at all, but rather I had not heard their music before, truth is they put on an amazingly entertaining show. I just knew not to approach the stage until the crowds anticipation of The Sounds had reached its peak. So as Semi Precious Weapons was wrapping up their set I started to make my way forward.  Minutes later the anticipation boiled over and I was rocketed nearly to the front of the stage. Which was awesome, expect I was so smashed between bodies at times it was difficult to breath and movement was literally impossible.

Finally The Sounds took the stage, and as they began to play I was thrashed around wildly by the crowd surrounding me. I've been to enough concerts thus far in my life to know just going along with it is the best possible way to avoid being trampled. However, I did not think that “going along with it” would result in the unbuttoning of my shirt (thank goodness I decided to wear a black bra and not a tan one)! I am unsure at what point my shirt became unbuttoned, but as soon as I realized it was, I tried in vain to fix the problem. I was so smashed between bodies that it was impossible to lift my hands up enough to reach to buttons. Shortly after this realization, I became aware that my shirt was not so slowly slipping off of my shoulders (oh no!), and getting stuck on my elbows because of everybody’s sweat (yeah!). I never thought I would be grateful for other peoples sweat, but in that moment I was. My shirt eventually made its way to my wrists where (thankfully) it remained the rest of The Sounds concert. Good thing I am not a shy girl, or it would have been pretty awkward having my half naked upper body pressed against complete strangers. Anyway, The Sounds were amazing on stage and Maja (the lead singer) even touched my hand! So in the end being shirtless at The Sounds was totally worth it!

Shaking with Anticipation of NaNoWriMo 2011

Quite possibly some, and more accurately most, of you may have no idea what NaNoWriMo stands for. Which means you aren't as nerdy as some of us who shall remain nameless (me), so congratulations! However, if you did perk up in your seat with looming anticipation at the mere mention of NaNoWriMo, then we should be friends, since I am desperate need of writing buddies for next month. I guess the time has come to reveal the true meaning of NaNoWriMo...National Novel Writing Month! The month in question being November, and frankly, I am slightly scared of November the more I think of it (excluding Thanksgiving), but who wouldn't be. Trying to write at least 50,000 words in 31 days on top of school, work, and a social life(?), is not an easy task to take on. Oh, and did I mention the writing has to be completely fresh new content? EEEEEK! Fortunately, NaNoWriMo has no rules against brainstorming/mapping/profiling or anything else I might want to do in preparation of the great writing journey, so you can bet that is what I spent my Saturday doing (nerd, remember). 

Well, check in to see how I am doing, and do feel free to offer any words of encouragement. Actually, I encourage you to do so. If everyone is super nice and very lucky I will probably post a snippet of two throughout the month so keep you eyes peeled. Plus, since you know how much I love music, you can almost be sure I will be provide a playlist or two (or three, or more) with songs that are reflecting the vibe of my novel. In short: Stay tuned folks!

Oh, and before I forget....check out the NaNoWriMo site to learn more about it

Marriage is What Brings Us Together...Last Saturday

One of my best friends, Daniel, is got married last Saturday, and I couldn't have been happier for him. In the past year quite of few of my best friend group have entered into eternal marriage, but my reaction to each of announcement of "big news" has varied. That is not to say any of my reactions were of the negative sort, quite the contrary...I was ecstatic every time. But still each one just felt different, because my relationship with each of my boys is very different (none of which are romantic). So it only seems right to not maintain one emotion. I may have called me the Ice Queen in high school, yet I can't claim to be a robot. Possibly the second greatest part about the weekend (obviously the wedding is the first) was seeing the group together once more.  For all we know, the occasion was more than likely the last of such reunions. Well if it was or wasn't our last hurrah I love and adore you all!

Orem=Out of This World

Sure Orem has ice cold winters, Walmart weirdies, and the most dreadful drivers I have ever had the misfortune to encounter; but I am slowly beginning to realize this town has more to offer than the blatenly obvious negatives. 

The first great heaven sent positive was my roommates: Rylee, Ashley, and Meagan. Those girls made my transition  from STG to Orem nearly seamless, because even though I met them an hour after I stepped "creeper style" into the apartment for the first time, I feel like I have lived with them forever. I can't began to explain their coolness, or how grateful I am for them to allow me into the group. 

Secondly, it is so nice to have family here in the great "Up North." I have lived by Aunts, Uncles, and even young cousins before, but having cousins my age near by is a comforting thought. In fact the complex I am living in was even recommended by one of my cousins. His advice turned out to be gold, so I think I can trust him now.

Third plus: my job totally rocks! Truthfully, sitting on the phone for 4 hours a day is not ideal, but the people are pretty cool so it makes the time fly by (at least for now). I have a work "best friend" who is really the kid I sit by and pester for all the secrets of the job. I wounder if he is sick of me yet? Oh, and today I got to walk 2 feet down the imaginary runway, scoring a 8.9, which I consider a victory over my former 7 status.

Lastly, I have met the first absolutely adorable boy, on a list of what I'm sure will be many, that for one reason or another I can never have. Man, life is just so unfair. Fortunately, Orem seems to be swarming with all sorts of boys: gorgeous, cute, nice, fun, fit, intriguing, musical, you name it Orem has it. YIPPY!

Leaving my Room to Facing the Inevitable

I am sitting here on my bed and I am slowly realizing how much I am going to miss my room, or rather what it stands for.  It is pathetic really, I'll be the first to admit it is, but honest is the best policy right?  Plus, I feel like I put a lot into creating the proper ambiance of my beloved room. I feel like my room is a true reflection of who I am right now in my life: an eclectic (closeted) romantic. My friends can attest to my utter lack of romanticism, and I have little doubt some of them are currently making a "psh, yeah right" face. Well are you?
The soft ivory of my old room has been replaced by harsh black, and my light colors have been transformed into deeper richer versions of their former selves. I am sure there is a metaphor for life in there somewhere. Is it that I can no longer take sanctuary from my dynamic self? Should I be just as captivating in private as I am in public? This is to assume I am dynamic or captivating in real life. My thoughts have lead me back to Icarus by White Hinterland, a song that always gives we the sense of approaching inevitability without apprehension. Not to say I can't be timid in that approach, for it is does not suit anyone to be so welcoming to all inevitable aspects of life. Or does it?

  White Hinterland - Icarus by erinaomi

Ciao Ali Ciao STG

I feel as if I have been bidding a lot of farewells this week, but I am not the only one saying "au revoir St. George" (or rather ciao). One of Harbor and Duran's best friends, Ali, a girl I consider a little sister, is setting out on the brave journey of being a nanny in Italy. I couldn't be more happy for her! Ali is such a great girl, and considering I have known her since she was in the 4th grade I am completely qualified to make such a statement as to her character. She just graduated high school and with my brothers leaving on their missions come September 7th and nearly everyone else off to school, I think she felt like she needed an adventure. Only, she took it one step further and actually did something about it, which sadly is more than I can say for most of us, my self included. I gave her some of my clothes, some big hugs, and lots of advice on how not to look like a tourist. I am so proud of her and I have no doubt she will do great things! Also, Ali is going to be keeping up a blog (or at least intending to) on all the great things she does so please go check it out and show her some support!

To celebrate her European travels, my departure for school, and Harbor & Duran's leave on a 2 year LDS mission, we gathered the neighborhood kids and took one last trip to Denny's. The midnight outing was bitter sweet, but much more on the sweet side of things. There had been lots of hanging out with family, friends, and even people we don't really know, but it was a joy to have the "neighborhood siblings" together for one last time, well for the next couple of years at least. I am going to miss everybody, but I am not going to morn their loss just because we are separating. Believe me, there will be plenty of communication thanks to good old modern day technology!

Ciao!

Ali modeling her new clothes

My brother Duran

Duran and Harbor. Can you tell their twins?

Ali and Priscilla.  What good friends they are

My (tallest) littlest brother Ryker with Spencer (aka Fiddy Spence)

Kami, Ali, and I.  The neighborhood girls.

Fiddy Spence striking a pose.

Ryker.  Would you believe he is 6 foot 2?

Denny's food...yummy

Saving Friends and Strengthening Friendships

The day started out with a 2 am text message, and no, it was not a booty call. It was a cry for help, okay it wasn't that dramatic, it was more (not exact conversation):

A: Hey are you awake?

B: Sadly yes. I am horrible at sleeping.

A: Yes you are, hence why we are soul sisters. Are you possibly still in STG?

B: I shall be in town for the remainder of the week. Why?

A: I am in need of some saving.

B: Oh no! From what? Or who?

A: Just from this kids house. My ride fell asleep and we got in a tiff so I don't want to wake him.

B: Then I shall make hast.

A: Kay Kay, see you soon.

If you are wondering why my text started to sound somewhat old fashion, the answer is a simple one...I was reading Pride & Prejudice at the time. Anyways, to make a long story short, I picked her up, drove her home, then we had an awesome chat about boys, life, and my ever nearing move to "Happy Valley," Utah. 

My "soul sister" and I are a peculiar pair. We used to be the best of friends at the beginning of my Junior year of high school, which was her sophomore year. We were crazy wild, but not in a naughty sort of way; There was no sex, drugs, and rock and roll for us (well there was a little rock and roll). For better or worse, we encompassed the meaning of reckless abandon. We said senseless things, made stupid moves, and loved every single minute of it. Come on, who wouldn't love demonstrating how to drop and roll out the moon roof of a moving vehicle? However, life happened, as it often does, and we slowly drifted apart. The rare occasions we happened to see each other were joyous ones. We could talk for hours, but it was clear we ran in very different circles. Here we are, years later finally reconnecting, with a friendship just as random as it was before. I rescue her, she accompanies me on a spontaneous midnight trip to Lake Powell, you know the usual sort of thing. It is reasons like these that reassure me that our friendship is a lasting one. Growing older might cause us to loose touch again, but that doesn't matter much: I'll still save her at 2 am if she needs me to.

Marvelous Music: Sister Wife by Alex Winston

I hope the name of this song sound familiar considering I mentioned it in my last post, but does anyone actually read this blog? If by chance you did manage to read the last post, you are my new favorite person, and you would know that Sister Wife is the perfect song to sing while cruising on road trip (my mom even finds joy in reciting the lyrics). Even though (nearly) my whole family loves the song, the lyrics have sparked quite a debate.  And no, the debate has nothing to do with the concept of polygamy (which happens to be a common sight in my neck of the woods). The debate is all over one little word in the chorus: "Hey there sister wife, get the hell out its my...(debated word)" Some believe it says "life", but I am pretty well convinced the correct word is "night".  What do you think? Take a listen to Sister Wife and let me know who you think wins the debate?

P.S. I know this music video is bizarre, but don't hold that against the actual song.

 

(Window) Shopping in Vegas

This last Tuesday I took a short 2 hour road trip to Vegas with the purpose of accompanying my (fake) little sister as she does some birthday and school shopping.  As word of the trip spread the number of participants rapidly evolved to include: my mother, my little brother, my (fake) little brother/little brother of my little sister, and two of their friends.  Road tripping with soon to be high school sophomores and juniors was super entertaining.  At that age they are old enough to be independent, but too young to have really become streetwise. There is an innocently awkward in between stage, made even more prominent due to the fact that we come from a small "city".  However, if it were not for their blissful stage in life we probably would have felt foolish cruising in the escalade down Las Vegas Blvd with the windows unrolled while singing and dancing to Sister Wife by Alex Winston.  Instead, we thought we were the coolest thing to ever grace the Blvd.  It was a real shop till you drop trip; The girls made off with multiple bags full of clothing and accessories, I even "splurged" to buy 3 items: a VS bra, H&M tights and knee high socks.  All in all I am pleased to say it was an absolute blast, and the break I needed from all my moving preparations.

Marvelous Music: Mayer Hawthorne - Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'

Mayer Hawthorne's tunes have been stuck on repeat in my head for the past week, and to be perfectly honest, I don't mind it at all.  I am defiantly a fan of his "new soul" sound.  I haven't heard any modern artist quite like him (if you know of any please let me know!), so that has greatly contributed in my declaration that Mayer Hawthorne as my musical crush.  I mean how could you not love his adorably awkward dance moves in Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'?  The video is general is probably one of my favorites.  The vibe is fun and play full, and I wish my pool parties had this much dancing (maybe next time).  So watch the video and let me know what you think.

And Cue Summer

Yesterday I was so excited for summer classes to be over with I could not bring myself to participate in any activities reminiscent of school work.  So naturally, typing was out of the question.  Now I am pleased to announce I am FREE!  Well, at least until August 29th, at which time school will be commencing once more. However, until that time I am planning to get as much playing and fun in the sun and I can manage.  I suppose I will also have to find the time to pack for my move to Orem, UT, but I am so not thinking of that at the moment.  For now life is all about being lazy and crazy before I hunker down for another round of Fall/Spring/Summer semesters.  So, excuse me as I am off to swim and sip fruit smoothies.

And So it Ends...

Ever since that fateful day in 1998, when I first opened the book, Harry Potter has been constant theme in my life.  I was never what you would consider obsessed (unless you count that time in 7th grade when for 6 months I would only ever speak with a British accent); I wasn't one to wait in line too long, or die if I didn't read the book in a day.  But nonetheless, I absorbed every word, every plot, every character, until I felt a part of me was accepted into that magical world.  As the release date of the final installment of the Harry Potter series draws ever nearer, I find myself growing more weary of what the end really means.  For me, The Deathly Hallows-Part 2 does not mean the end of my childhood, as it seems mean to many. I feel my childhood properly ended years ago; I feel no longing to return, or loss of what was.  Rather, I am reluctant to fully grow up, to enter the real world, to abandon the characters and people whose ages and lives I coincided with all those years. There is no road map from here on out, if there every really was before.  Despite my hesitance, I am prepared for all that is to follow in life after my Harry Potter chapter comes to a close.  For now I will just enjoy a look back into the magical world of Harry Potter, and love every single moment of it!

Yeah I'm Ambitious: July 11

Although I am unsure of the details, I am thinking I want to make this a regular thing. Maybe an ambitious post once a month? Maybe only goals that are achievable withing that month (or however long) span of time?  I guess I will cross that bridge on another date.  Until then I will provide you with this little lovely list:

Ambitions

• Post 2 times a week, maybe more (I hope more)
• Finish reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (via Nook on my phone)
• Survive my summer classes unscathed (it has been brutal thus far)
• Go on at least one more road trip before fall semester (Cali!)

Dear Blogosphere...July 10

  
Please find me one of him.  Thanks!

And as a completely off topic side note, my calves are absolutely burning from a field trip I had to do for my Biology class.  Being a dancer and all, I think I am in pretty good shape, but I guess walking down hill a mile, then turning around and walking up that same hill can really make a girl sore (or at least this one).  Hey, at least I had a fun time, that is all that really matters.

A Fresh Start

With the start of summer classes I kind of let this blog go. if you know what I mean.  There wasn't much grooming, fine tuning, or even blogging/  Which is sad when you really think about it, because a) this blog was so new and fresh that now most of its less than four months of life most of what it has know has been rejection, and b) the reason for no new posts was a serious lack of time to do what I love...Write! But hey you try to cram 16 weeks of material into a 5 week block of school, plus work.  I promise you it is not as easy at it may sound.  Anyhow, I have found the freedom (see picture of freedom dance to the right) to write at least a few times a week.  Unless perhaps I  am out of town, at which time you really shouldn't expect to hear from me.

This relaunch into the blogosphere has prompted to my do many new and exciting things concerning my blog.  For instance I have a created a Bloglovin account (or currently am?), so here is my personal plug: Go follow me on Bloglovin here!  Did it work?  Did you follow me?  Oh well, it was worth a try, I am bound to have convinced someone.  I have also added a link to my Chictopia profile in the sidebar, so check that out as well if you want.

That is about all I can think of at the moment, so au revoir and check back soon for another exciting edition of whatever I feel like writing about.

So I Stared a YouTube Channel...

Yup, it is true, I finally did it.  I have been threatening to make a channel for who knows how long, but now it is official.  Thus far I only have various videos of dances I have made up for my little dancers.  Don't you worry though, I will be adding more stuff about...I'm not sure, yet I am sure it will be about something (I think).  Any who, check it out and let me know what you think.  What dance is your favorite, or whatever you feel like saying would be alright too.

Marvelous Music: April 4

I have recently fallen in love with the musical stylings of Jenny O.  Maybe it is my love for indie folk, or perhaps it is my current draw to medium jams (songs that aren't slow, but aren't really fast either), but one this is for sure, I have had my iPod on a constant loop playing Jenny O.'s EP Home.  One song in particular has really moved me... literally.  The dancer in me stared swaying as soon as the first notes of Won't Let You Leave trickled through my speakers.  Who knows, maybe on of these days I will choreograph a dance to one Jenny O.'s amazing songs.  For now just check out her site by clicking on her name, and enjoy a listen of Won't Let You Leave by Jenny O.

Marvelous Music: March 21

The first taste of marvelous music comes by way of Dirty Projectors with their amazing song Knotty Pine.  This song is currently the ring tone for all of my immediate family members, so when they call me I am instantly happy for two reasons: I get to hear Knotty Pines, and finally someone other than my boss has decided to call me.  ENJOY!

And for an added bonus here is a live video of Dirty Projectors playing Knotty Pines celebrating the release of the "Dark Was the Night" compilation.

Random Note: I figured if I went with "Marvelous Music" and not "Music Monday" than I wasn't limiting myself to only sharing music on Monday.  Maybe it is just me, but I usually listen to music everyday.  So when the mood strikes me to share some tunes, I want to be free from all entanglement implied by a title like "Music Monday."  End rant now!