New Year, New Nonsense

I brought in the new year by participating in one of my favorite activities...DANCING!  In case you didn't know, I live for dressing up in heels and going out to get my boogie on; see above for a picture of my snazzy New Years outfit (can you believe I bought that dress from the DI for only 5 bucks!). Anyways, between Salt Lake, Orem, and Provo, my friends and I really had our pick of dance parties. So being the poor college students that we are, we made the logical choice and went to the cheapest of our choices. Fortunately for us, we were not disappointed! Turns out, the kids turning the tunes happen to be my favorite DJs in town, and I won't deny the fact that I totally have eyes for one of them (I'm a sucker for a boy who knows his music). Alas, as per usual, I again went without a New Years kiss. Truthfully, I've never even had a real New Years kiss, but that sort of thing does tend to happen when you break up with your boyfriend earlier that day. From that  very same night, which took place roughly 5 years ago, all of mine have been from my guy friends who were just being silly. Which is okay I guess, since it made for some pretty epic times. In the end, I am pleased to say that this New Years Eve was a success. There was dancing, reacquainting, laughing, flirting, injuries(oops), and moments that should have been embarrassing. If those aren't the makings of a great and memorable time, then I really don't know what is. 

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

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

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.

 

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.

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!