e: the secret fangirl

Dark Blue. . .

2012-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

...dark blue have you ever been alone in a crowded room?" - Jack's Mannequin "Dark Blue"

It's a new year, which means we kicked off the year with the first show of the year with Jack's Mannequin at the Viper Room on Sunset Blvd. I forgot how much I appreciate a band that can put on a great live show. They even played one of my JM favorites, "Dark Blue" in the "encore." Here's to hoping the rest of the year is just as fun!

Cave Show

2011-09-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today M and I trekked out to the Bronson Caves to see Lucy Schwartz play with a string quartet. This by far has been one of the most unusual places I've been to a show, it was beautiful. I took the photo above while Lucy was warming up outside of the cave. Her music is hauntingly melodic and incredibly catchy. Today's show has been one that I'll never forget.

Speaking of never forgetting, today marked the 10th anniversary 9/11. Ten years ago, I was a sophomore in college getting ready to head to my morning television production class when news started coming in that planes had crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We watched the news as a class that morning. This evening, I watched the news again to see the country come together again to remember that morning a decade ago.

It Girl

2011-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am currently addicted to this Jason Derulo song and the video is beautiful.

new music

2011-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Graham Fink (formerly of The Outline) is in a new band. I missed them at the Hammer Museum, but M and I will probably venture out to hipsterville to see them next week.

Dear WBR - interesting approach to a video when the artist is touring most of the summer....just put the lyrics to the music. The new Jack's Mannequin single comes out in a few weeks on August 2nd. The new album, "People and Things" got pushed from late summer to an October 4th release.

It's a little bit country....

2011-03-27T23:30:00.001-07:00

Josh Kelley's latest album and his first country album, "Georgia Clay" came out last week. I picked up cd up on Friday. Love that he's finally doing country and back to his southern roots. Some of you may know him as Mr. Katherine Heigl, however Josh has been a long time favorite of mine. Granted this album has a few songs that were on previous albums that were re-recorded, but it's quite a lovely album and it's one of my favorites out of his more recent stuff.

I had a Best Buy gift card so other recent purchases included Adele, Maroon 5 and Mumford & Sons. All are great. Yes I'm totally somewhat of a pop loving indie rock person. Oh and I'm definitely sometimes emo. But that's besides the point. I'm behind on blogging, but I am currently attempting to Tumbl...we'll see how this goes.

Home for the Holidays...

2010-12-23T23:17:00.000-08:00

So I've taken my first full week off from work this year. It's been great, the days I was off I baked while it rained like cats and dogs. Finally tried out my whoopie pie pan from my cousin. Cakes came out great...filling...probably needed more sugar so I'm forcing people to drop them into the freezer so they're more like ice cream sandwiches. Tried a different peach cobbler recipe which is essentially peach pie, two types of chocolate chip cookies and vegan donuts.

Anyway the holidays are in full swing. Finally got around to listening to some of the new cds that I bought this year including the new DMB record. Have cut back on shows this year to save moola...but have had some adventures including those out in hipsterville. Hopefully the new year will include new fun stuff and adventure.

Macaron Part Deux

2010-10-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

This was the result of a failed (ok well it wasn't completely failed, but as my mother said, the first batch from yesterday was good, but ugly) attempt and redemption on the second try. These lovely Parisan Macarons are courtesy of Martha Stewart's recipe. This is what I spent my Halloween doing. What'd you do?

We gonna find you. . .

2010-10-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

I'm a million years behind but feel it's necessary for you to see one of my favorite singer/songwriters do an acoustic version of this song with some help from Ernie Halter and a ukulele.

Out of Control. . .

2010-10-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

Love this. www.thegraduatemusic.com

You know you're not there. . .

2010-09-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

This Lucy Schwartz video is amazing. The last time I saw her was at The Standard in a tiny little room that made it look like they were playing acoustic out in the desert. Love her music, so catchy and simple. . .I swear she's going to be the next Sara Bareilles. New album's out. . .can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Kick Cancer's Butt Please

2010-09-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Light The Night 2010

Walk, don't walk, donate, raise money. . .just do something please. I walk because I don't want to have to go to any more memorial services or life celebrations because of blood cancers ever again.

Live Forever. . .

2010-07-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how a little thing called Twitter is changing the way we communicate. And in my case, find out about shows that my favorite musicians are playing. For example, I had no clue until I was perusing my Twitter yesterday that Matt Morris was playing at Hotel Cafe this evening.

And let me just say I am thankful for Twitter for letting me know about it because it was truly one of my favorite shows of the year. I think the simplest way for me to put this is that Matt just is music. When he's on stage it's absolutely seamless and puts all of his heart and soul into a song.

Yes I knew this about six years ago when first saw him prior to his signing with Tennman/Interscope. I'm happy to say that the recent events have not changed his humble and gracious stage presence. His new re-released album, "When Everything Breaks Open" hits stores tomorrow (also new thing I learned considering I'm just beyond behind these days in the world of music). If more "musicians" were like Matt the scope of the music world would be a much richer place and with that said I can't wait to see and hear what he does next.

Because you saved my life once. . .

2010-05-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to another CW show, I've learned about another pretty awesome band. This time it was Wakey!Wakey!. Love the songs "Almost Everything" and "Light Outside."

It almost seems like I'm just writing once a quarter now. I'm another year older. Celebrated a week later with a desserts party with fondue awesomeness and soda floats. Life's changing, we're growing up getting jobs and doing grown up stuff. Even if M is still sending me panicked texts reminding me to buy pre-sale tickets on her first day of a full time job.

I've been cutting back on shows, but have gone to a few movies thanks to work. The "How To Train Your Dragon" was cute and saw "Alice in Wonderland" for the second time as well. Good stuff. Can't wait for "SATC 2" to hit theaters next week. And of course in true sappy chick flick style, saw "Letters To Juliet" on Mother's Day.

Summer's around the corner and this will be a first, I get to experience summer Fridays starting next week. Exciting! Now onto trying to figure out a football season opener in tropical paradise.

But now here we are. . .

2010-03-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Whataya Want From Me? - Adam Lambert

Wow, first blog of 2010 and it's already March. I love this song. Granted I just purchased it on iTunes today and Lady Antebellum's latest LP "Need You Now" has been on repeat this past week. So far it's been a few months of transition and trying to figure life out.

I started the year up in a tiny town in Oregon and even attempted to be more open minded and tried snowboarding. It was an absolute disaster but I didn't come back broken. The trip did however reinforce how thankful I am for my friends.

For now the nomadic way of life has come to a bit of a standstill for me. Still trying to forget an ugly chapter from the end of last year. Thus part of the reason for Lambert's lyrics. Learning new things every day and trying to adjust to my old cut and run attitude.

Oh the adventures I've had in music this year. The year got off to a slower start but it's been fun so far. Another adventure on the Sunset Strip at the Viper Room. Happy moments filled with sugar highs down in Hermosa with some of my favorite singer-songwriters at Saint Rocke. And then there've been those moments when I decide to go b/c someone else asked me to come out to a show to support a band/artist. Let's just say open mic night in Silverlake can be painful. But on the flipside it can be nice to see a band that's grown quite a bit over the last few years. But it also makes me wonder of the band's manager, "Whatya want from me?"

"I Miss New York"

2009-12-22T00:25:00.001-08:00

That was a lyric from one of actor Brendan Hines' songs. Miss Mao invited me along on one of our many adventures out in Silverlake to the Bootleg Theater this evening. Contrasting parts of LA with "I Miss New York" makes me repeat parts of Jay-Z's latest single and tribute to his hometown. Brendan closed with a song about wishing a crush's boyfriend was dead.

One of my friends took off to NYC for work and for the holidays. I miss that city a little. But I love LA, it's home. It's been awhile since I've blogged...2009 has been a learning experience. Especially the last few months. Turkey day was spent with friends and family I'm thankful for. Baked quite a bit and discovered a few new recipes and spent time with friends. Learned that I'm lucky. Even related a bit to "Up in The Air" after seeing it this weekend. Even ventured out onto the grass at the UCLA v. USC game. FB-ed and twittered a bit too much. And finally got into the vampire book game a little late. Caught up on quite a bit of television via the internet. Still love "Ugly Betty" even though I think that the Friday night timeslot is a death sentence in TV now a days since it seems to no longer be TGIF.

Music as usual is something that gets me through certain chapters. OneRepublic did it again with their sophomore album. It's been on repeat since I bought it when it came out. I miss my local singer/songwriters (Curtis Peoples, Tony Lucca, cough cough) as most of them have hit the road during the last quarter. I still want to look into getting the new Rihanna album and the rest of Jay-Z's and even the latest re-issue of Lady Gaga's extended album. Love the "Bad Romance" video.

2010 is around the corner and I'm doing something different this year and going to see snow. So maybe it's like what my friend Jules said recently about there's no point in being afraid. Or like the T.I. song says, "Live Your Life."

. . .Because everything is never as it seems. . .

2009-10-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

. . .please take me away from here. . . - Owl City's "Fireflies"

It seems like September and October are always weird months for me. Every few years, it's as if the chapters in my life transition in the way that seasons change. Today is Halloween the day we all dress up and pretend that we're something we're not. Went to a party last night, I was a dinosaur, or in some instances I apparently looked like "Puff the Magic Dragon." Orange Rice Krispie Treats were in order. Also learned the hard way about why some children's costumes are so darn expensive as I embarked on the task of being a Halloween elf to make my friend's autumn fairy skirt by hand. It's super cute and I can't wait to see the whole costume in photos from tonight's party.

In the past couple of weeks, I've enjoyed going to DineLA's restaurant week. Had some excellent meals at Akasha, Beacon, Daily Grill, Maison Akira, and Cafe Was. Caught up with friends and co-workers. And the best one was the combo of Cafe Was which is owned by Ivan Kane (owner of Forty Deuce) and a Curtis People's singer/songwriter night. It just worked out that Curtis was filling in for a friend who normally has the gig. I was happy as a clam since I hadn't been to a small acoustic show in what seemed like forever. Tony Lucca, Dave Yaden and Keaton Simons joined Mr. Peoples on the tiny rotating stage and did a fantastic job and even played quite a few of my favorites and even covered Michael Jackson. I needless to say was so happy that people were making fun of me.

Last weekend I played "Trojan Football Fan" for alumni weekend. Awesomeness with cocktail parties, catered tailgates and good times with college friends. Wanted to be back in school when we went to the "Youth In Revolt" screening for the cinema class. It's the new Miguel Arteta film starring Michael Cera and is produced by the Weinstein Company. I enjoyed it immensely, however I'm not so sure why the heck they chose to show that during the "Parents Weekend."

Tony Lucca's still got one more date for his residency at Hotel Cafe on Wednesday. Last week was all things Jack's Mannequin (well sorta, it was more just Andrew McMahon). Two solo shows and one docu screening and a lot of little sleep. And as usual there were classic moments of awkwardness. Strongly dislike the HOB of Anaheim for messy pre-sale and stupid ideas of putting general admission upstairs where NO ONE can see. The docu, "Dear Jack" was great and very real with all the needles and such that I had to look away from b/c it freaks me out too much. It was directed and produced by two ex-MTV News producers and one of my friends actually shot some of the footage. Yay!

Contemplating what's next and taking the advice of Mr. Simmons pretty seriously on Twitter. Have a Happy Halloween!

Tears

2009-10-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

The past two days have been been full of tears. Yesterday they were for all the craziness that I was dealing with because of work and another incident.

Today they're b/c heaven has another angel because of a horrible disease called cancer. We won't forget you Matt.

Just one spark starts a fire. With one little action. . .

2009-08-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I just quoted a Disney song.

The title lyric comes from the Disney Channel's "Send It On" song that's part of "Disney's Friends for Change" Green Project. It really is amazing what people can do if they come together.

A perfect example of this is the fan based organization 11:11AM. What started out as a group of fans who were scattered across the country, has turned into a turnkey operation that raises money and awareness for pediatric cancer research. Yes I happen to be friends with the treasurer, but that's besides the point. They're out there getting the word out and doing something.

Another non-profit that I learned about recently is a Los Angeles based non-profit called Urban Possibilities. A new co-worker introduced me to. Los Angeles is the homeless capital of America and her organization helps the homeless rehabilitate by giving them the opportunity to learn life-skill tools.

These aren't people who are celebrities who get behind a cause for one reason or another. They're real people just like you and me who make a difference.

Maybe I'm just in one of my "do-good" moods again. But I feel like we're all on this planet for a reason and we've got to do our part to make the best of it.

Too Much Food. . .

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

Over the last week it's all been about food. Last Saturday was fondue party and all its yummy goodness with good friends. This past week was a bit of a roller coaster. Mid-week baked the first layer cake with help of co-workers kids. Friday was Soup Plantation and "500 Days of Summer." So not what I expected the story line to be but completely wonderful and made me want to get the soundtrack and the new Regina Spektor album.

This morning I rushed out the door to catch the AMC $6 showing of "Julie & Julia." Absolutely loved that and made me want to see if I my mom's cookbook library has any Julia Child books in it. After helping my friend apartment hunt around town we went down to Torrance to Musha to have Asian tapas dinner. Pure awesomeness with pork belly and risotto. And we went to Glacier for out of this world home made ice cream in Manhattan Beach. Seriously this mom and pop ice cream store that originated from Boulder, CO makes specialty flavors like Banana Carmel Crunch and a variety of different flavors that rotate.

Never Say Never

2009-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

So this week has been all things The Fray and Jack's Mannequin mixed in with a touch of old school funk but I'll get to that later. Last week I was watching the KTLA morning news and caught them talking about the Donate Life Concert Series that they do with the local radio station MyFM (both stations are Clear Channel owned) at downtown's LA Live's Grammy Museum. The KTLA newscasters mentioned going to the website to win passes to upcoming The Fray event. So I entered the online "contest" for a pair of passes.

That same afternoon I got an email telling me to RSVP and that I had won two passes. So the trick was trying to find someone I knew who didn't have to be at work between 8AM and 10AM on a Monday morning. Needless to say trying to fill that guest spot resulted in failure so I attended by myself. I really enjoyed the event but I have only two bones to pick with the people putting on the event.

1. Brief the artist on the schedule and the CHARITY
2. If the audience isn't allowed to shoot photos and will get yelled at quite sternly by security, tell them BEFORE hand that photography will not be allowed while in line and in the email.

The Jack's Mannequin / Fray show down in Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater was quite excellent. I love that JM sped up the tempo on almost their entire set and opened with "Dark Blue."

Doing Good

2009-07-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not be aware, I like supporting a variety of charities. Maybe it was the twelve years of being a Girl Scout, who knows. Anyway the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is celebrating its 60th birthday and one of my favorite bands, Jack's Mannequin has a national team for the annual Light The Night Walk events. It's pretty awesome that Tina Fey is this year's national spokes person.

I've got to get out and do more good things. Not just raise money and donate money. That reminds me that I finally got my letter in the mail from Pantene Pro-V's Beautiful Lengths program that works with the American Cancer Society to provide free real-hair wigs to women with cancer. Pretty awesome.

My friends with Music Saves Lives are back out on the Warped Tour. I hope to see them as Warped celebrates its 15th anniversary. Yay!

sometimes love comes around. . .

2009-06-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

It's funny how much love is in the world right now with the passing of music icon Michael Jackson. I watched last part of the BET Awards and it was nice to see how the teams at BET and John Cossette Productions pulled together to turn the show into a tribute to the late entertainer. I have to say that I admire the courage that Janet Jackson had as she stood on the stage to humbly thank everyone on behalf of their family.

The fourth of July is around the corner and change is coming. My friends are getting married. It'll be fun. After that it's change change change and I hope to finally catch a few movies like Transformers, Up and Harry Potter.

Golly

2009-06-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

It seems like I've been reduced to posting only once a month. Two weddings down, one to go. I've taken an affinity to baking, so far the experiments have included vegan buckwheat-agave-flaxseed-chocolate cupcakes, oatmeal walnut-raisin cookies, white chocolate cupcakes (these were a birthday experiment) and my variety of chocolate chunk cookies.

I finally got my hands on the soft-cover version of Meg Cabot's "The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched." I love the character Lizzie, but not so sure about the story line. Also finally picked up Kelly Clarkson's "All I Ever Wanted." Certain songs have been on repeat like crazy.

Even though it's been awhile since I've been to a show. I really want to see The Outline and pick up their new album. Just found out that a co-worker of mine was working with Tommy King on his new music video. He's giving away his current EP for free at his official website. It's kinda throw-back piano like. I like it a lot and I've seen him twice live and he's good. July 14th the Sick Puppies are releasing their sophomore album. I've missed this Aussie trio (even though if my memory serves me right, their drummer is actually from here). Can it be the 4th of July already. . .it'll mark the union of a couple, the celebration of our nation's birthday and hopefully the beginning of my next adventure for work.

27

2009-05-13T00:13:00.001-07:00

So I'm about a week late on updating but yes it's official I've gotten another year older. This week has been absolutely crazy. Work's going full speed ahead and I feel like I'm not catching up but at the same time I am. My couch is my new office since I can work from my laptop and most of the stuff is remote now.

The world of weddings starts this weekend. My mom and I found 3 dress options. Since my co-worker showed me her turquoise cocktail dress. . .the CK dress is out b/c it's aqua and we'd look like twins especially since I think we're carpooling. So now it's between the pink/fushia and my standby copper w/ black overlay which I think may be too fallish. Still need to figure out what I'm wearing to the Portland shindig. But I am glad that I do get a guest at that wedding. Unlike the other two, but at least I'll know more than a table full of people at the one on Saturday. It's so odd I feel like I have so little to show for accomplishments. It's been nearly 2 years since the last sets of weddings I went to in 2007. So much is different yet so much is the same. I suppose I'll never feel like a true grown up until the dwelling is different.

Congrats to Mao as law school is almost down and all it is now is a ceremony! Yay!

going to the chapel. . .

2009-04-30T00:32:00.000-07:00

Pssshhhh, no I'm not getting married. But quite a few people I know are. Next month starts the beginning of wedding season for me. My friend Jac-Jac has seven. I'm lucky I have nearly half that with only three. I'm excited though for one will be a swanky affair amongst the concrete of downtown. Another will be up in beautiful Portland with college friends. And the next we'll not only celebrating the birth of our nation, but the union of two people. Go figure. Well soon enough it will be time to rush and see what's left on a registry and put on some spiffy duds. It will be a nice break from some of the non-stop crazy that's going on right now with work. I wish my allergies would chill out, though I may have caught my college roomie's cold. Let's just hope it's not part of what everyone's freaking out about on the news.

April Shower Bring May Flowers

2009-04-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well. . .at least that's what I hope happens if we get any more rain.

It's been awhile since I posted. My friend Jac and I went to a few shows in March at Hotel Cafe. Got to see Vanessa Carlton and Josh Kelley's shows. The most random thing happened at the Vanessa show. Apparently the girl behind us drank so much that she blacked out and fell flat on her face. There was a giant thwack and we turn around and she's trying to get up off the floor. Both were pretty good shows. Josh was more entertaining b/c it was St. Patty's day.

Last week, went to NYC for my friend Megan's graduation from Sotherby's. I swear when I visit people, all we do is eat. Alice's Teacup, SMAC, Artichoke's Pizza, Two Boots Pizza, Two Red Hens, Bougouis Pig, Butter Lane, Pomme Frites and some awesome Chinese place in Flushing. Yeah that was jam packed into one three-day weekend.

This week Mao and I caught William Tell's show at the Knitting Factory. I love that my friend Andrew had the place re-lit. It's just too bad I didn't bring my camera.

oh bother

2009-03-11T23:56:00.000-07:00

I've had this fundamental issue with this for awhile, or just in general. How much of what we see on television is real and how much is produced. I mean for crying out loud I was there for some of it and now I watch shows and dissect it. This is probably me still trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing with my life as I've worked in "reality" for the last year. It's like Pooh says, "Oh bother."

there's no place like home

2009-03-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

That's how I feel when I'm lost amongst a crowd of people in a room watching one of my favorite bands or artists play a set. For me I guess there's just something comforting getting to see a band do what they love to do with every ounce of their being. Get Back Loretta is one of my favorite small indie bands from San Diego that I hope gets the success that I feel their talent deserves.

Today I had the day off and I spent the morning or mid afternoon rather with Mao at Joanne's hunting for ribbon and fabric. Oh the things we would do if we actually knew how to sew.

Later this afternoon I went to see "Milk" with a friend. It's an excellent film and I'm glad that Sean Penn won the Oscar.

I've joined Twitter. . .it's fun little status program. Thanks to that I'm listening to William Tell and Jimmy Robbins perform live in Tampa, Florida via Stickam.com It's a little static-y and the video's dark, but for what it is, it's a great solution for those who can't make it to a show or who live on the wrong side of the country when the tour doesn't come to their town. So kudos to you stickam.

Happy 100

2009-02-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

So it's well into 2009 and here I am finally getting around to posting for the first time during the new year. Here's to the first blog of 2009 and marking the 100th entry. It's been a long month. The first two weeks were quite a blur with work. Things have finally slowed down as I make the transition between gigs again.

It's been a nice week so far. I've been enjoying the DineLA experience and have been playing Jury roulette every night. Then there's been my big project this week. I've finally learned how to use iMovie to get to making those wedding dvds for my college roomie's' wedding that was in June of '07. Yes, I know I'm incredibly late with it. But my goal is simple, to get it done by Valentine's Day so that it's shipped to them hopefully by the end of this week. I'm 3/5 done. The first set of dvds are burned. Now I just need cases and labels. 2/3 of the wedding day is cut and then it's on to the last day 2nd ceremony and then comes the fun part of seeing if I can get all of day 2 onto one dvd.

I've been addicted to Miss Beyonce's "Halo" song this week. Since purchasing it yesterday it's been on repeat.

Fa La La

2008-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas and I've done like no Christmas shopping. But in my defense, I've sorta been busy. Congrats to my friends who passed the bar. A few weekends ago we went to Canele in Silverlake for an awesome celebratory dinner (and I'm pretty sure we saw the actor who was in the movie "21") and also went to Nic's Martini Lounge in BH. Pretty cool place and Jacob Luttrell was playing, which is a rarity b/c I've caught him once before and got lucky when a co-worker happened to have his album that I promptly put in my iTunes.

Things have been a bit rocky at work lately, but the holidays are coming up so I'm looking forward to that. One sister's home already. I've decided I want to throw a fondue party for New Year's. Granted it'll probably consist of like me and 2 or 3 other people, but that's fine. There are shows coming up but I haven't been to anything in awhile. Tyler Hilton's playing with Curtis Peoples and Schyuler Fisk soon at Troub. Last weekend I went to see William Tell play at Hermosa Beach's Saint Rocke. Now that is a place I'd like to emulate if I ever had the guts and money to open my own little venue. Anyhoot, I ought to be getting ready for work. Not typing in my blog.

no good deed goes unpunished. . .

2008-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

I went to go give blood today. Third time in my lifetime. The last two times, didn't have any problems, it was fine, I was fine. This time, I tell them, they've had trouble w/ trying to do it on my left side the last few times. But no, the tech insists she can find it. Well she had to wiggle the needle around in my arm and at one point she almost has another tech come over to help her. I was seriously irritated with this. The next time I go, I'm insisting they do the right arm.

Turkey day was fun. I managed to avoid the relatives by doing dishes. Didn't really find anything black Friday. But I did manage to find 4 shirts that my fashionista little sister approved of believe it or not today. I wish I had a longer vacation, but maybe my baking efforts tomorrow will keep the psycho boss at bay for a day or two.

Even though Mao was being a good student, I managed to coerce a few friends into going to Spaceland to see The Outline. Akward moment of the night, G: Hey! E: Hi.
G: Long time no see. E:. . . .(thinking you haven't played LA in forever and I missed your last show b/c I went to see Josh Kelley instead). They were great. They finally found a replacement drummer and they even added a 5th dude into their live show mix. They didn't play a whole lot of new stuff, but hopefully the record will be out soon. Their live show has gotten a lot more polished. Dear Spaceland sound guy, if the place isn't that full don't try to blow the friggin' speakers.

you stand in the line just to hit a new low

2008-11-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

. . .the past week at work's been a bit insane. I haven't had to deal with travel before and I've managed to screw up twice with that stuff now. Nothing too major, but seriously annoyed at a certain airline.

Caught one of the Jack's shows at Troub earlier this month. A friend talked me into going to the Tony Lucca show w/o her, but managed to get someone else to go. Really glad I went b/c it's been forever since I'd seen him play. It's funny, I may say this a little too often, but a good independent music artist's show always has a way of making me realize what true musical talent is. It's not all these giant flashing lights and crazy theatrics. It's really all about an artist who gets up on a stage with some instruments and maybe with a band, that plays from the heart. Josh Kelley is usually one of those artists, saw him at Hotel this week. He had a good show. . .he just really shouldn't talk when he's drunk. I think he's a lot more funny in his head than he is in reality. The Sounds played the Hollywood Palladium Thursday night. Good show, totally nutty fans and very mixed crowd.

Turkey day is around the corner. I need to clean my room since people will be over and the younger siblings are coming home. I also baked oatmeal scotchies today.

Control Yourself Take Only What You Need From It

2008-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's too bad that I can't do what the MGMT song "Kids" suggests when it comes to going to Best Buy. Today's music spree includes their cd, Pink's "Funhouse," Jason Mraz's "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things," Ingrid Michaelson's "Be OK" and Rachael Yamagata's "Elephants . . .Teeth Sinking Into Heart."

I love Pink's latest album and the artwork is pretty awesome too. I need to be in the right mood to listen to Miss Yamagata's album. Ingrid's pretty good, I hope to catch her show this month. Same goes for Josh Kelley's upcoming gigs at Hotel Cafe.

It's too bad my new laptop isn't agreeing with the wireless at home.

It feels just like I'm going crazy.

2008-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

I just got The Veronicas album this weekend. I really like their single, "Untouched." It's not a bad electronica album. Thanks to Mao's super skills, we managed to get to go to the Viper Room show Friday night. Great show, they played the entire album electric and it actually made me like the album more. Really, really, really have little patience for drunk people who won't just go dance around in the back of a club during a show. Also despise people who are apparently tone deaf sing extra loudly during quiet songs. I think my ears might have started to bleed a little.

Last weekend went to see Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist. Loved it. Also had sushi at a great place in BH, but can't for the life of me remember the name of the place. I suppose I ought to start getting ready for work now.

But before I go. I love love love The Spill Canvas and just caught their latest video for the song "Saved" on MTV the other day and nearly fell off the sofa b/c Nick looks super cute w/ a mustache and like a guy that I kinda had a crush on. Oh and my first name shows up in the video. . .so it's just cool because I say so.

I'm keeping quiet until the phone stops ringing. . .

2008-09-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

That's a lyric from "Spinning" from the new Jack's Mannequin record "The Glass Passenger" that's out today. Let me just say that Andrew McMahon is probably one of those talented musicians like many that I love, that not a lot of people know about. But then again, his band is on a major, so I'm hoping that I'm wrong.

I also picked up Josh Kelley's latest independent release, "To Remember." I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. But from the reviews I saw in iTunes. . .it may be pretty good. I hope it's better than the last album that I was babbling about way too much last time.

This past weekend I saw "Nights in Rodanthe" and "The Women." I had so much hope for NIR, but it failed me. I really enjoyed "The Women." It was really funny and I wish I was cool enough to pull of Meg Ryan's hairstyle in the end of the movie.

I'm finally getting on with this new show and being ok with walking away from the other as I had talked to them about and on good terms I think. Other than dealing with what I hope is just allergies, things have been good and I've realized how different things can be.

here we go again. . .

2008-09-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

As one chapter closes another opens. Well the other one's like 95% closed. . .though it seems like it's one that just won't close. So we'll see, but Monday marks the 4th chapter of this year and a change in 6 months of one that I'm going to have to get re-aquainted with. I think I'll be fine considering I slipped right back in back in July.

Yesterday I went and saw "The Duchess." Some of it got kind of intense for being a PG13 movie. But I liked it a lot. It reminded me of Marie Antoinette in some senses.

I Hope. . .

2008-09-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

. . .we can all live fearlessly. - Dixie Chicks "I Hope"

It's funny, today marks the third year that I'll be participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk. While raising money for this year's walk, I learned that a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer and so now I walk not only in support of the band whose frontman survived leukemia, but I walk for my friend too.

It's been such a weird year, and as this week begins, so does the week of another week of change and transition. I feel like baking cookies because they make me feel warm and fuzzy.

If I can. . .

2008-08-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

you can. . .I went and donated blood today. I guess this weekend kind of had a "do-good" vibe with helping out at the 11:11 AM booth at USC's welcome back concert on Saturday. If you want to find out about the nearest Red Cross blood drive being held near you visit www.givelife.org . It really only takes a total of about 45 minutes, but the actual giving blood is about 10 minutes. Your donation can potentially help save 3 people's lives.

No Sir, Well I Don't Want To Be The Blame

2008-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

So I was going through some old photos. . .and it's weird how much can change in a year. Last summer I was hitting the Warped Tour circuit and this year. . .well let's just say it's a lot different. The photo above is one of the ones that I'm the most proud of. I'm glad that Paramore's doing so well and I'm bummed that I missed their Riot! tour.

I've been going to quite a few movies in the past few weeks and went to ATL. "Brideshead Revisited" is pretty awesome as was "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Also saw Sisterhood 2 and the 3-d fly moon movie. Both cute. Even saw "The Dark Knight."

Curtis Peoples finally released his "first real studio album." This one's actually been recorded more professionally as well as mixed and has a distribution deal with ADA. Went to the release show at the Roxy on Tuesday. Random star sighting: Mitchell Musso of Hannah Montana was there to see his buddy Leland Grant open. Tyler Hilton also performed w/ his friend as did Vic Fuentes from Pierce The Veil and Tony Lucca. I was glad to go to the show and made me think about how much I've missed going to shows.

Anyway my youngest sister embarks on the next chapter of life tomorrow by starting college, or at least moves into her dorm. Yup, life's definitely changing.

isn't it crazy how we never get it right

2008-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

let's see. . .the last week or so has been a bit of a whirlwind. . .VH1's Rock Honors The Who. . .awesome show with The Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Flaming Lips and The Who. If you didn't catch it or don't get cable, check it out at vh1's website. Let's see besides staying up until 5am that day. . .also went to see The Monolators with Mao. Then this weekend I hung out with the family and went shopping.

My mother dragged my youngest sister and me to see Mamma Mia!. Yes the new batman movie opened and what did I go see Saturday morning, Mamma Mia!. As my brilliant little sister said of some of the film's stars. . .they have fallen. I think fundamentally the issue is that someone set out to write a musical/story around songs. My mom liked it. . .but then I think she likes ABBA.

Sunday was the day of shopping. . .went to Best Buy to pick up the new Delta Goodrem cd. It's about time it's in the US. Thanks to my friend Megan, I've got a lot of her other music already. It's super poppy. Also picked up the new Coldplay cd and a best of The Who. I'm so beyond behind on classic rock. Coldplay. . .it's Coldplay do I need to say anything else.

Then my GBF and I went shopping for new clothing purchases. I wore a skirt randomly when we hung out when I got back from NYC and then while we were in Banana he was like let's go for your new look. . .WTF just b/c I like wearing jeans and t-shirts doesn't mean I can't wear a skirt occasionally, just not often. Anyway. . .no skirts were bought, but I got some new stuff from Banana, Arden B. and Nordy's. Yay! I need to clean out the black hole some more.

William Tell's playing at Hotel tomorrow.

i survived

2008-07-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

So. . .The Graduate is on tour and they're coming to LA this Friday. Love, love, love the new video for "I Survived." Austin James Band is playing tomorrow at the Key Club as part of the Spin magazine showcase. I can't seem to go to sleep so instead I've been addicted to facebook and watching random late night tv.

Oh the procrastination. Caught the finale for The Bachelorette, totally surprised by the guy she picked but at the same time, I often forget that there's lots producers can do in post. Also saw the movie Wall-E this weekend. So cute!

Went on a iTunes binge this weekend (thanks little sis for the gift card). Purchases included Katy Perry, Rihanna, PCD (yes I know. . .but I couldn't help it), John Mayer, Sick Puppies. Now I'm contemplating the Spill Canvas and a Leona Lewis song. I am too darn predictable. Maybe I ought to attempt to get some sleep to actually be able to function tomorrow, or today rather since it's 1am.

What are you working for? What are you searching for?

2008-07-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

The other day I was listening to the radio and those familiar lyrics come through the speakers. I was surprised to hear Shim's voice coming across the airwaves, but at the same time was very excited as the Sick Puppies were always one of my favorites from the bunch that were on rehearsals.com. The next time they come to LA I want to go to their show.

Anyway, it's been awhile since I've posted. June was the week of Tuesdays of William Tell at The Key Club on Tuesdays. . .I think I may have missed the Austin James Band playing there just recently. Went to a show w/ Mao at the Roxy the other night to see Shwayze, which is a group that Cisco Adler's joined. Enjoyed the DJ and the rapping that makes harmonies from Cisco work together surprisingly well. Their album comes out in August and they're on Warped Tour, so maybe when the tour makes it way back to the west coast I'll check it out.

Speaking of Warped, I'm bummed that I missed the kick off in Pomona and Ventura. I missed the boys in Treaty, but Mao represented. I'm really glad that Katy Perry's on the tour. One of my friends told me about her ages ago and had me go to a Hotel Cafe show awhile back and it's nice to see her hard work blowing up. Half of me is thinking that I ought to find a random date to fly to if I take a few weeks off this month instead of rolling into another run of craziness. Makes me sad that I don't have a place to throw a Music Saves Lives blood drive this year. But maybe I can go to one, it's been long overdue since I've donated.

It's nice to have a three day weekend. I've been going to a few movies since I've been home. Finally got to see Sex In The City. Also saw the indie flick, The Visitor. And then last week to my gory dismay we caught Wanted. I think I saw something else but being the bad movie goer that I am I don't remember what it was. Oh, also went to West Hollywood hot spots, The Abbey and Hair last weekend. That was a first and definitely one of the craziness nights ever. My friends are crazy but I love them anyway.

HOME!!

2008-06-09T22:20:00.001-07:00

I'm finally home and despite the fact I spent a good 4 hours in a car today. . .I'm glad to be home with the traffic. Tour life's definitely not for me. . .though I could get used to living in a hotel with beds as nice as the Affinia in Chicago.

LOVE IT
- Chicago
- San Diego
- breakfast
- hotel beds

NOT SURE
- Baltimore

HATE IT
- Vegas (especially frat boy hotels and smoke)
- Crazy co-workers

All in all I had a great time, but we're all tired and are glad to be home. yay!

without you believing. . .

2008-05-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Despite the rain this week, it's been pretty good. Here's a quick recap:
- alcohol = truth serum
- rain in NYC - SUCKS
- sailor bosses in given situations = pure comedy
- confusing a boy with a guitar by being on the wrong coast is fun (it also made me feel like I was back home)

Awesome food from Spring Street Natural Restaurant and Shake Shack. Cupcakes from Buttercup Bakery are killer. My friend's right they're better than Magnolia.

It's Raining. . .It's Pouring. . .

2008-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

and I bought rain boots from Strawberry!!! And they were only 20 dollars unlike the Nine West ones that I couldn't find anywhere in L.A. the last time I thought that I should invest in them.

Let's see, learned to catch the subway. Got lost on the subway. Am incredibly glad that I have work friends in NYC. Thankful that I have greater friends who let me crash in the city. I owe them more than I can say. Caught one Broadway show, went to the Met, had Serendipity, saw Shea Stadium from afar, even somehow wound up in the Scientology building (I know, WTF, went to Chelsea Market, and ate at a Bobby Flay restaurant. I'm bummed that I haven't gotten to go to a music show yet, but at the same time as my friend would say, I work too much. Anyway...I'm in week two of four. We'll see how this goes and hopefully I'll get to go out and explore. That reminds me I still need to find something for a Mother's Day gift.

Here Goes Nothing

2008-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

My friends often say I'm a work-a-holic. I can't say that's inaccurate considering the latest chapter in my life. What started out as a simple trip to NYC turned into an opportunity to work there for a little while. So here's to a cali girl going to the east coast for a bit. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I'll miss my lovely SoCal, but New York is pretty in the spring, especially around this time of year. Last year I took so many pictures of flowers my friend thought I was crazy.

stay up all night and sleep all day

2008-04-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

I've become a bit of a night owl or maybe just an insomniac. Anyway, I've been enjoying my time off. And today it dawns on me how much I really do hate talking about myself and resumes. Then today I was looking at my resume today and thought, "What the heck have I been doing with my life? Seriously, is this one sheet of paper that lists the jobs I've done really what I'm about?"

That's when I guess I had one of those light bulb goes off above your head moments. In the greater scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Take for instance, I got an email from a friend today asking if I'd be a reference for him so that he can sign up for a volunteer program to help kids in the hospital. So as my vacation starts and my birthday approaches, I am pondering what the heck I'm doing as I try to find that balance and figure out what the next year and chapter brings.

what if i led a different life?

2008-04-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

I've been addicted to The Spill Canvas' latest album, "No Really, I'm Fine." It seems like depending on what's going on in my life, certain albums become associated with certain times. Kind of like how John Mayer's "Heavier Things" was the one that got me through the last quarter of 2003. Though as the lyric of this entry says, I really do wonder how life would be different if I had made different choices.

Anyway, this weekend I enjoyed a BBQ on Saturday and got to see some people I hadn't seen in awhile. Sunday, my friend and I went to Urth Cafe again and then ran errands and made it over to Santa Monica. Since a couple of people mentioned that we should check out the Green Apple Festival, we wandered over to the pier for a bit and didn't stick around as the opening bands weren't that great. We did however make it over to Father's Office and one of the best burgers ever. Also were amused by the table next to us that managed to get cut off by 6:10pm on a Sunday evening.

Last night, "Gossip Girl" aired a new episode and I enjoy this soap opera like teenage drama a lot. Even if a lot of it seems far fetched, they redeemed themselves by having one of The Deadly Syndrome's songs on the show this episode. And I got sucked into the new episode of "One Tree Hill." Their story lines drive me crazy. Lucas and Peyton need to get back together already! But of course they're going to save that for like the ultimate end of the series if they ever let it happen.

Opening Bands

2008-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've gone to a show. On a crazy whim after seeing the view from Malibu that reminded me of being at Seaside Park for Warped Tour, Mao and I decided to attempt to make the trek out to the Ventura Theater for the Yellowcard Acoustic tour. Despite the crazy traffic we made it in time to catch Treaty of Paris and The Spill Canvas. It's been way too long since they've played west coast, well TOP that is. They're playing the HOB Sunset tonight and William Tell is playing USC's Springfest (Lupe Fiasco's headlining, pretty darn cool SC). The Sick Puppies are at the Troub tomorrow and they're almost sold out. I'm wondering if I should try going.

In other thoughts I caught this preview for Rock Dinner on MTV TR3S and think it'd be awesome if they did it on the regular MTV too!

It's a dream, but there's a real world waiting

2008-03-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur. There were many trips out to areas of LA that I've never been to as well as unexpected events that I never dreamt would have happened. Anyway, now it's nearly over and now we've got to pick up all of the pieces and make sure that people taken care of.

Today was my first real day off in a long time. I went and saw "21" this morning. The theater was a lot more crowded than I had expected it would be for a 9:45AM showing. I enjoyed it. Too bad I don't have a clue to count cards. Anyway, I hope to catch a few more shows and movies soon and get back to reading a few books. It's hard for me to believe April's around the corner.

SXSW

2008-03-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

is where I wish I was going. Or maybe for the first time ever, I wished I lived in Austin, Texas as opposed to living in L.A. because one of the biggest music festivals of the year takes place this week and that's where I want to be. Anyhoot, if you haven't checked out the amazing line ups of bands heading to SXSW, check out their official website and figure out a way to get to Austin.

In other thoughts, I walked into Best Buy the other day and only purchased an auxiliary cable. Yay for resisting sale cds.

just sing along if all else fails. . .it's the hollywood chaingang

2008-02-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

As usual, Tony Lucca has the ability to wrap how I was feeling since the last time I wrote in this blog into a song. It's been awhile since my last blog. Got quite busy last week with some craziness with some rain and the first two of six. Now I not only despise rain, I truly am that socal kid who HATES rain.

Anyway, back to my weekend of pure bliss of vegging out at the movies all weekend and eating. My friend and I started out with brunch at Beach 26 and caught a double feature of Jumper and Charlie Bartlett. For the first, I could live without the ending, but I'm shameless enough to say I pretty much went because I'm a fan of Hayden. Adored the second film and had no clue that Tyler Hilton along with a gang of Degrassi kids were in it. Tyler shocked me by playing the mohawked bully, while I'm used to him being the goofy singer songwriter who wears geeky glasses and plays his guitar and even vows in his own blog to get a shoot with a place I used to work. As usual I digress, it was an awesome movie. Sunday the mission became to find a theater that was actually playing The Spiderwick Chronicles. That was another great film. I have yet to read the popular book series, but perhaps another time when I actually have more time. Also caught bits of the Oscars. I felt bad for them because of the rain. I'm very glad that Diablo Cody won for Juno.

six words

2008-02-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

I went to the bookstore the other day and came across the new book, Not Quite What I Was Planning that's inspired by the idea of telling a story life story in six words. It's an interesting concept because at this point I have no idea what mine would be as I ponder it. Though I've made myself a rule, I'm not allowed to purchase any more books until I get through the pile that's been stacking up in my room since last year.

In other thoughts, while having coffee, or tea rather at Coffee Bean this evening, I got excited because they had the quote mugs that I like. One in particular caught my attention because it has a quote that I think I, like many others ought to remember more often that's by Ghandi, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

And the Grammy goes to. . . .

2008-02-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

[insert winner's name here]. . .

Today marks the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony and what is "the biggest night in music" is going on at the Staples Center in downtown LA. I wish all of the nominees and performers luck and to the production staff and crew doing the show happy thoughts as they do what they do best. With that said, I found this quote from poet/writer William Braithwaite and find it fitting advice for the winners.

"Give thanks for empty moments given to dreams, and for thoughtful people who help those dreams come true."

I learned the hard way that they all say things that you want to hear.

2008-02-04T22:10:00.000-08:00

It's funny how songs can put how you're feeling so eloquently into words. Sara Bareilles is an artist that my friends had been talking about a lot last year when she was playing at places like Hotel Cafe, and of course she's blown up and is now one of VH1's artists to watch. Bought her album today and love it.

I seriously wish that cold season was over. Other random tidbits, caught the last half of Fuse TV's "Where Music Meets Film" today. Tyler Hilton hosted the special that was taped up at Sundance. Only saw the second half with Mozella, Tyler, Josh Groban and some other band that I don't know. Missed Michelle Branch and Jack's Mannequin's performances, so I'll have to catch the re-air.

It's hard for me to believe it's already February. Tomorrow, Josh Kelley's album, "Special Company" actually hits stores. There will also be more movies and shows I'll be wanting to go to soon. If I hadn't booked another show, I think I would have attempted to buy myself a ticket to South by Southwest. Quite a few of the festival line ups are starting to come out. Bamboozle Left is has Paramore and Jimmy Eat World. While it's parent festival, Bamboozle, has inspired the idea of another annual celebration on the east coast. The Coachella line up has been announced, but I'm not sure I want to make the trek out to the middle of no where again. It's so weird how much has changed in a year and how little has all at the same time.

"I've been misguided by you. . . .

2008-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

I've been mistreated by you."

Those are some of the lyrics from the first track of The Audition's new album "Champion." To celebrate Mao turning a quarter of a century, we went to The Pac Sun tour that was at the Knitting Factory earlier this week. This particular band has gotten better since the last few times I saw them open for Jack's Mannequin and tour with The Graduate last year. Good times, the funny part is that they're pretty much in the emo/punk scene and with the exception of one of them they were dressed like preppy frat boys with button down shirts and sweater vests. I digress, the live show is really good and the new album shows that they've grown as a band.

Last weekend I missed Get Back Loretta at a Hollywood show due to unforseen circumstances. Started a new adventure at work and forgot that Mr. Lucca and Mr. Peoples had a show down in Fullerton this Friday. . .Yesterday was pretty chill. I started reading Meg Cabot's Queen of Babble while I was at Starbucks waiting for my oil change. I really ought to start reading books with more substance. Anyway it's Super Bowl Sunday and I'm off to figure out plans with different college friends.

why does love got to be so unfair?

2008-01-15T22:41:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I babbled about Josh Kelley's new album coming out this month in a different post. Well it's available on iTunes as of today and it's called "Special Company" and I'm in the midst of listening to it and so far adore it. It's obvious so much of this particular album is about the newlywed's beautiful wife, actress Katherine Heigl, or as he calls her Katie. So if you like indie rock and love songs, then you definitely should check out this album out.

Also picked up the latest Jimmy Eat World album, along with the Juno soundtrack. Love the radio hit "Big Casino" and realize that I'm going to have to invest in some older Jimmy Eat World albums soon.

I guess I've been living under a rock, but Panic At the Disco has officially dropped the ! from their name and are headlining the Honda Civic Tour this year that kicks off on April 10th in SF @ the Warfield Theater. And then it comes full circle again to conclude the tour at the Honda Center (aka the pond) in Anaheim in June. From what I've heard they've got a pretty awesome line up that reflects quite a few of the FBR bands along with some of the WBR bands.

With January nearly half over, that means many of the bands are going to be heading out to Japan and hitting the early winter/spring music tours/festivals. And this is about when I start wishing money really grew on trees. But I really shouldn't complain, I've had a pretty awesome year so far and it's only just begun.

"So here's to living in the moment" - Jimmy Eat World

did you get my message?

2008-01-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

This week has been a bit crazy and I completely spaced about Streamline having shows in L.A. this week. So I'm bummed, but it's not the end of the world. Today Tony Lucca, Chasen Hampton, David Ryan Harris, Bushwalla are among a bunch of local singer/songwriters getting together for the HUB Three Hour Tour II. Tickets are $50 and definitely worth the price, plus you never know who might show up at the show. For example, at the last Bushwalla show I was at Jason Mraz joined his friends on stage for the majority of the set.

Tommy King's got a residency at Molly's on Monday's at 9pm in January. Hopefully I'll make it out at least once this month. Yesterday I went on a carb/sugar tour of L.A. with some friends from college. We managed to hit Breadbar, Sprinkles, PinkBerry and Sweet Lady Jane all in the same day. SO good. Sweet Lady Jane hands down has some of the best red velvet cupcakes in L.A.. I think the only thing that may beat it is if someone made some homemade ones.

life is what your pray for. . . .

2008-01-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

love is what you stay for. (Josh Kelley - "Didn't Hear That From Me")

It's that time of year again where things start new. Or at least they're supposed to. This week I've been addicted to the CW mostly because my focus was on a little something that went down on Monday in Santa Monica. But now that's over, life will go on. I had a great time meeting new people and seeing a few from the past. Some of which I wish would stop finding a way back into crossing paths. It's been far too long since I went to a show and that will have to be remedied as soon as possible.

I did however manage to catch the premiere of "One Tree Hill" and this week's episode of "Gossip Girl." OTH is weird now that it's fast forwarded into the future. But none the less I'll probably watch some of it. "Gossip Girl" is a guilty pleasure. The only thing I wonder is how much longer this writer's strike is going to affect things. Caught bits of the the clip show based People's Choice Awards. It's too bad that it worked out that way. I'm excited. . .I don't know what's next for me but I'm definitely looking forward to "27 Dresses" coming out this weekend and can't wait for the rest of 2008 and doing things that we love.

if i could just believe in something. . .

2007-12-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

The title of this particular blog comes from the Fisher song, "Believe in Something." She's an artist that is one of my favorites that I had forgotten about until today as the year's coming to the close and everyone is preparing for the fresh start that seems to come with the annual change with resolution lists and year in wrap up lists. I guess part of the reason for the lyrics is my recent interest in non-profits. For example, the billboards for forbetterlife.org caught my attention and did exactly what they were supposed to. This particular campaign strikes me because I adore quotes and keep a book of my favorite quotes from books and songs. If you get a chance, check it out.

Let's see the holidays have been fun, got to spend time with friends and family. Saw a few movies including National Treasure 2 on Christmas eve. Enjoyed that immensely. Christmas included some elfing trips and then there was the day that we all celebrate the birth of Jesus. In my house this usually means that my mother cooks a feast and many relatives and friends come over. It also means she bakes A LOT. Dangerous stuff.

Finally made it out to a live show this week. Mao and I had an adventure out in Silverlake which involved some magic parallel parking skills on Mao's part. Get Back Loretta rocked the Spaceland stage after Dirty Sweet played. I hope that both of these San Diego based bands make it back up to L.A. for shows more often in 2008. Perhaps if I finally get through the rest of my newer music, I'll make my top lists for 2007. If I wasn't so darn afraid of drunk drivers my pick for New Year's festivities would be Tony Lucca and Curtis Peoples' show at Molly Malone's tomorrow night.

hooray!

2007-12-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited because while catching up on some emails I've found out that quite a few artists that I love are releasing albums next year!
- Josh Kelley - Feb. 8th (indie! and i believe he & Ms. Heigl are to marry this month)
- Matt Morris - TBA (currently recording and signed to JRT's label Tennman Records)
- Jack's Mannequin - TBA (currently recording - expected spring release on Sire)

And recently I got an email from the Jonah Cohen mailing list in which he informed fans that he's been in medical school (!!?!?).

The Juno soundtrack isn't out until January 8th, which is also the late Elvis' birthday. Saw the movie and find it somewhat ironic considering what's been splashed across entertainment news headlines recently. Ellen Page definitely gave a stellar performance. Really, really want to see the National Treasure 2 film that just came out this Friday. No I do not particularly care for Nicholas Cage, I actually think the geeky side-kick, Ben (Justin Bartha), is absolutely adorable.

In other randomness, Whole Foods is now one of my favorite places ever and they carry awesome publications like GOOD Magazine, which I think I'm going to need to invest in a subscription to.

This life is way to short to get caught up in this stuff

2007-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've always been one of those people who gets way into the details. And yet it's always the details that tend to make me put the blinders on. I was listening to The Spill Canvas cd today and the "All Over You" lyrics pop struck me today as I was reading a few emails and came across the organization www.DoSomething.org which is the charity organization that is benefitting from the Take Action! Tour that starts on Quirky Alone Day (aka Valentine's Day) in Detroit. The bands on the line up are very Warped Tour esque and I've only heard of From First to Last and the headlining band is Every Time I Die (I'm assuming it's an emo band.)

The way that the Do Something site challenges its visitors to get up and do something is great. It takes on various causes like hunger, teen pregnancy, recycling, genocide in Darfur. They also offer $500 grants to kids who are out "doing something." I hope that this organization gets more recogniztion because it looks like they have their stuff together. It's organizations like these that make me go um. . .what the heck am I doing other than attempting to help some "go green." Maybe it's time for me to "Do Something" more.

"Something has changed within me. . .

2007-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

something is not the same. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game." (song: "Defying Gravity" from Wicked)

Last night was the second time that I had the opportunity to see the LA run of "Wicked" (thankyouverymuchJ&DJ). It was a Christmas gift to my sisters and one of my friends. I know why it's one of the most popular musicals because bottom line it's just an AMAZING musical. What's funny is that the timing of when I see it. Last time it was in October and it marked a particular chapter point for me and this time it did again.

One of the songs that stuck out the most in my mind this time was "Popular" and how it applies to many social and political situations. Glinda's intentions of making Elphaba a project reminds me of recent conversations that I've had where I was basically the Elphaba. And then there's the song, "No Good Deed" that has lyrics like "No good deed goes unpunished" and is all about intention and the concept of good. It's like the conversation I had with someone about presentation, you can have all the best intentions but in the end if your presentation fails ultimately, you fail too. Which is why I've used the lyrics from "Defying Gravity" as the title of this particular blog. And I leave you with some of the lyrics from "For Good" for all of the people in my life it applies to.

GLINDA
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Some how everything's gonna fall right into place

2007-12-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

I think over time that destiny plays a large role in why things certain events take place. Last night I went to a screening party and also caught the movie "Atonement." We had such a range of people at party in both age and background the common thread amongst us was that we all worked on the same show that was airing that night. It's funny how there are so many shows that I have credits in and in all honesty I don't think I even watched all of them or in one particular case, I was so exhausted with one from one of them that I started watching it and somehow fell asleep despite the fact Kanye West performed on the show. I did however watch all 85 odd editions of my old webcasts and it was interesting to see the growth over time and naturally I have my favorites. Those tended to be the ones where things just fell into place.

And then there's the film that my sister and mom watched last night. "Atonement" has been building quite a bit of buzz especially with all of the award show nominations coming out. I have to say I enjoyed the film but didn't particularly care for how jumpcutty (for the lack of a better word) it was. The definition of the word atonement according to dictionary.com is "satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends." Keira Knightly and James McAvoy are fantastic. Well I suppose it also helps that they're both really beautiful people. Anyway. . .that's it for now I've got to get a jump on attempting to get ready for the holidays that have snuck up on me.

"But you bring me here so close. . .

2007-12-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

. . .to the single thing that I want the most."

With the holiday season in full swing a common question that keeps popping up for me is what do you want for Christmas? Is it wrong that I really don't want anything really except maybe for some time off? Sure there are things I want, but I started thinking a lot about it lately how there's really a big difference between necessity and luxury.

I finally caught up with a friend from college for coffee who works down the street from me. We're two peas in a pod in two different parts of the same industry. It was good to catch up with her, it had been at least a year and the funny part is that between a group of us who had an intro journalism class freshman year are all scattered in some pretty amazing places around Hollywood. I thank my lucky stars that I had the ability to get back into something that a lot of people wouldn't even dream of having the opportunity to do. With that said I think really truly for the holidays this year, I want the world to be a better place.

Have you ever been alone in crowded room?

2007-12-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I posted. The title of this blog comes from one of my favorite Jack's Mannequin songs because that's how I've been feeling about having to go into work lately. It's been such a roller coaster of a year with some of the best moments ever and then a lot of overwhelming ones as well.

One of my co-workers taught me the term "working remotely." I found it amusing because I've had so many weeks of bosses working remotely that when we finally got to being physically at the same shoot that it actually felt weird to me to have them around. There were a lot of new people that I met this weekend and some that I remembered from the past that didn't necessarily remember me when I was a PA a few years ago. It's funny to find out that there's almost always a handful of USC alum on hand at a various production as well as quite a few NYU peeps too. The funniest thing that someone said to me was that he saw big things for me in the future. And I was so caught off guard by that comment because I keep feeling like I haven't been cutting it with my job. It's scary that the holidays are right around the corner and that one of the shows airs this weekend. And then the flurry begins and I haven't even started to get a handle on the next show that's live during the first week of the year. I seriously want a break in February to bum around the country for a bit and figure stuff out. Maybe it's like what some people say about not knowing a good thing until it gets taken away.

Home is where the holidays will always be. . .

2007-12-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mr. Lucca for putting the holidays into song lyrics for the title of this blog. It's hard to believe that it's already December. It's been a crazy past couple of weeks with Thanksgiving, a wedding and craziness at work. That was compounded with my getting sick. I had to call in yesterday because it got to the point where I had to go see the doctor. The weather matched how I was feeling yesterday. What's funny is that it hardly ever rains in SoCal, so when it does it throws traffic off even more. Anyway I sat at home taking antibiotics and attempting to drink soup and work from home. It's amazing what we can do with technology today.

Anyway next week's going to be long and I need to be ready for it. But I think the reason I'm writing about where home is is that it's where the heart is. I read a cover article in Alt. Press the other day and it's a rather extensive article that features its cover boy, err man? No he's a boy, anyway I find the cover funny because I've shot the band a lot and it amazes me how complicated the article is with all of it's credits. For example, there's a stylist and a groomer WTF? The concept of home and family leads me to how we build mini "families" wherever we go and however we name them groups, cliques, friends. In the freelance world is a nomadic lifestyle in which many times they often run in the same circles. Sometimes I think that if you take the saying home is where the heart is, then what happens when you feel like you've left bits of your heart in different places?

Making a Difference

2007-11-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

I went to a charity reception this evening and it made me remember what giving back is all about, it's not all about the awards and how much money you can raise, it's truly about making a difference. Maybe it was the 12 years of being a girl scout. Maybe it's the many people who are around me trying to make a difference. There are a few in particular that inspire everyone to good be it people like Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, and Oprah or it could be the stranger standing next to you on the street. You never know. But, we are all humans and maybe just maybe we need to remember that from time to time despite all of our differences.

"We're all trying to make a big difference, not realizing the small difference we make for each other every day." - Daphne Kingma

This Time. . .

2007-11-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

The new film August Rush is one of my favorites from this year. It combined a lot of elements that I love. Its stars include Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Terrence Howard and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. And of course then there's the music the character/element that is just as big as a star as the actors themselves. It makes me appreciate the artists who have the natural gift to make music, something that never came naturally to me during my 8 years of forced piano lessons. I really want to get the soundtrack but am trying to be good about budgeting.

Also went on a bit of a book/periodical shopping spree. . .will have to go through those purchases once I make a decent dent in the stack sitting on the floor of my room.

Dance with me into the colors of the dusk

2007-11-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

The title lyrics of this particular blog come from Ben Harper's song, "In The Colors." This particular song was the first song that my friends danced to this weekend as they were joined in holy matrimony yesterday. Yay!

As this four day holiday starts to come to an end I want to take a moment and give thanks. At work my co-workers and I made the Thanksgiving turkeys in which we write down the things we are thankful for. . .here are a few of mine: family, friends, music, education and life in general. Certain life events bring people together, i.e. weddings, birthdays, funerals. . .you get what I mean. But we have to be thankful for all of those moments, even the ones that make us sad or angry. Yesterday represented a day of happiness and a new chapter of two lives coming together. It seems like yesterday that the groom told me that he had proposed. And that was only six months ago. As my friends embark on their next journey I wish them the best and know that they will always be dancing in my memories.

. . .something about this special time of year

2007-11-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

I went to the mall today to do some shopping and had forgotten that the holiday season is in full swing with all of the Christmas decorations and music everywhere. It's hard to believe that another year has passed. This time last year I wasn't half as stressed out as I am now but I guess that's just the thing about change.

Last week I went to a couple of shows. My friend had an extra ticket to see Athlete at the Troubadour. Excellent British band, I'm bummed that they don't tour the U.S. more often. The place was packed and other than people being extremely tall (ok relatively speaking coming from me as I'm only 5'4"). Definitely made a fan out of me. Also went and saw The Graduate play with Ludo and a few other bands the Knitting Factory's main stage on Thursday night. Other than running late because Mao and I were microwave baking, that night was fun.

Back to the holiday hoopla. The fourth quarter shopping season is one of my least favorites. I like the holidays and all, I just don't like all of the crowds and retail craziness that ensues (I get flashbacks to working in retail). Something that one of my friends said to me about Valentine's Day applies, it went something like, if you love someone, why celebrate it on this one day, celebrate it everyday. Same thing goes for all of the giving and love that goes along with the holiday season. ThankyouverymuchKK.

Do you know where your heart is?

2007-11-16T23:46:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw OneRepublic play awhile back at Molly Malone's before the world's smallest William Tell show; I thought they were great because they had lyrics that hit home and friended them on MySpace. Slowly but surely they blew up despite a few bumps in the road and had a crazy cult following. Who would have thunk that a little bit of my boredom combined with some encouragement from friends and inspiration from another band would have led to one of the craziest top ten lists I've ever made all because of this band. Enough about me, it's a big day for the band on Tuesday, November 20th when "Dreaming Out Loud" finally hits shelves. The title alone represents what can happen when one person has a dream and makes a dream become a reality.

All it takes is one dream and you never know where your dreams can take you. I guess what I'm really getting at is that I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that I would have so many of the opportunities that I've had and appreciate them more now that I can ever put into words. What I can say is that I really encourage everyone to BUY this album, don't illegally download it. Some of my favorite tracks are "Say," "Stop and Stare" and "Mercy." To be honest I'm really sick of "Apologize" now even though it's a great song, radio killed this song. Technically I still owe the band some sort of homemade baked goods. So instead I write my in my little blog hoping that in someway it helps them live their dream out loud. As they've inspired me to remember to never lose sight of your dreams and make them realities.

if i wasn't a celebrity. . .

2007-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

would you be so nice to me. (*NSYNC's title track from "Celebrity")

The boy band that once was, captured the meaning of the word celebrity in such a simple song. Why am I writing about a song that is so old? Partially because a friend finally got to meet her favorite member of that band. It was Mr. Lance Bass, whose book Out of Sync came out recently.

It's been awhile since I posted. Here's a quick recap.
- West LA Guitar Center Opening - The Graduate and The Appearance performed. thankyouverymuch Kurt for walking the line and telling us to cut into the performance area. istronglydislike people who come to these events for the free stuff and free stuff only. it defeats the promotional word of mouth type of advertising you're hoping for from the general public. Anyway, The Graduate's playing at Knitting Factory this week on November 15th. I think you should try to go if you can.

- Get Back Loretta @ Zen Sushi this past Sunday. I took my roommate from college w/ me since she was in town for Veteran's Day weekend. This band is SO amazing live. I want them to have a bigger following so the next time they have a show I will bribe my friends with cookies/baked goods. . .

Ended up skipping out on The Morning Benders at The Viper Room last night because I got out of work so late and was feeling the hangover from the long weekend. Next week's gonna be fun because OneRepublic's album is finally coming out! It's crazy how this band that played the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Rock 'N Bowl back in June has blown up nationwide.

there's just something. . .

2007-10-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

about one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Tony Lucca, that always makes remember what music truly is about. A few of my friends texted on Saturday saying are you going to the show tonight and I was like, uh what show? Naturally I haven't been keeping up on MySpace and e-mail lists as much as I should. Two of my favorite artists, Tony Lucca and Joe Firstman were playing the Viper Room. Tony really is one of the most gifted musicians that I know of. And I'm not just gushing for gushing's sake. I've been going to his shows since I was a freshman in college, which was during the spring of 2001.

And then there's also the boy that I spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out where he was so I could go buy cds from him. Tommy King. He plays piano and it's more of throw-back type of pop music. Eventually before Joe played I found him. He plays keys in Joe's band for the Carson Daly house band. One of the Carney brothers is in his band. Also, discovered that Reeve Carney has signed with Interscope no thanks to MySpace. Cougars and penguins scare me.

best buy

2007-10-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

is a dangerous place for me to go when i'm armed with a credit card. I went to best buy before heading over to the troub w/ mao to go see OFFICE. they're really sweet, a few of them remembered me. jessica actually did and i think that erica did too. i didn't see tom and i kinda avoided scott. i love how matt freaking made sure that they went turtle racing tonight, which i bailed upon after my new friend frank and i had a spat and i realized he didn't have a cable. back to best buy. . .

here are my most recent purchases (some of which i still have yet to listen to):
- Kenna - "Make Sure They See My Face" - he is amazing live and i love the album
- Carrie Underwood - "Carnival Ride" - still need to listen to it but i like country ok? i have random taste it depends on what mood i'm in
- Flyleaf (I think it's self titled) - i think their cool music video with all of the paint coming down the walls influenced this particular one
- Shooter Jennings - His drummer Bryan is AMAZING and is one of the coolest people I know.

I'm so ready for the weekend, I want to have nothing to do.

October 30th

2007-10-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Seriously. . .what the heck is up with artists and bands all booking shows on the same night.
- Regina Spektor - The Wiltern (which I have a ticket for and believe it's sold out)
- OneRepublic - HOB Anaheim
- Get Back Loretta - BB King's Universal City Walk
And there's probably another one that I'm forgetting like AJB, why can't I just clone myself or teleport. Maybe in another lifetime.

Everything In Transit

2007-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

That is an appropriate title for this roller coaster of a week. I start something new tomorrow, which technically is almost old because of my past. It's a new chapter and I'm excited. Two Jack's Mannequin, well technically Dashboard Confessional shows and a crapload of stress at work and saying good byes. It's official DC is too emo for me. Friday. . .let's just say I officially hate patron now. I do love my friends though. And thus I have come up with the soundtrack for this week.

"Apologize" - OneRepublic
"Ego" - The Sounds
"La La Lie" - Jack's Mannequin
"Imagine" - John Lennon
"All Over You" - The Spill Canvas
"Cry Me A River" - Justin Timberlake [this is more literal than anything else]
"Home To Me" - Josh Kelley

I'm All Over You. . .I'm Not Over You

2007-10-13T00:26:00.000-07:00

The Spill Canvas played Avalon tonight, but the next time they come to town I'll make an effort to go. I've seen them twice at Warped and wasn't sure about them (maybe it was because I was photoing/paranoid about getting back over to Pepper and the first time I was exhausted from the heat) and also wasn't sure about the EP. . .then I listened to the song "All Over You" on MySpace today. . .consequently I just downloaded their latest album "No Really I'm Fine" on iTunes because Nick was so nice at Warped and I fell in love with the song. I like them even if they wouldn't take Treaty of Paris on their West Coast dates (booo!). I'm in the midst of listening to it, but thus far "All Over You," "Saved" and "Hush Hush" are favorites. I also picked up the Rihanna album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" a few weeks ago. Love love love the track she has with Ne-Yo "Hate That I Love You." It's been on repeat on the iPod a lot lately.

Anyway, I've seen a couple of movies lately. The most recent was Ryan Gosling's "Lars and The Real Girl." Gosling is an amazing actor as usual, I think I may even go see it again because I liked it so much. Also saw "Feast of Love" and "The Jane Austen Book Club" both very good movies. The second prompted me to order the Austen collection from Amazon.com, it along with my my punk the clock and office albums that I was unable to find at a normal store (that and I was too lazy to make the trip to Amoeba) have yet to arrive in the mail. I kinda want to go see "Across the Universe" tomorrow if it's raining it might be nice to go to the movies.

TV-land. I missed ABC's "Pushing Daisies" this week because I was at my sister's high school's dance company's dinner fund-raiser at Factor's. I've lost my patience for "Heroes." I really do adore "Dirty Sexy Money" and can't go wrong with the Thursday night line up of "Ugly Betty" and "Grey's Anatomy." Even "Big Shots" is growing on me unfortunately. Wow, I've really become an avid ABC watcher this season. Some of that is probably in part to the fact that the CW ended "Gilmore Girls."

So that's the media round up. . .oh wait. . . I forgot to cover books. I'm in the midst of reading Anthony Rapp's "Without You" Good stuff and even better if you're listening to the Rent soundtrack.

This is for real. . .

2007-10-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

this time i mean it.

it's been an interesting week. i had to do one of the scariest things that i never thought i'd have to do. and i got reactions that i wasn't expecting from some people. it's time for me to move along and the scary part is i feel like i'm moving backwards though i know it's forward. now comes the hard part, actually cutting the cord. we'll see how that goes.

It's funny the album that I associate with one of my very first jobs is John Mayer's "Heavier Things." This particular crossroads in my career is going to be Motion City Soundtrack's "Even If It Kills Me," Rocket Summer's "Do You Feel" and Regina Spektor's "Begin To Hope." Those three have been on repeat in my itunes and ipod.

i'd swim. . .

2007-09-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

so i watched quite a bit of tv last night. ANTM - weird. Gossip Girl/Private Practice - why are you two competing. And then there's the what could quite possibly become my new favorite show this season, Dirty Sexy Money. That show was sooooo good. That and they use good music.

This is for real. . .this time I mean it

2007-09-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Street Scene - FUN, with the exception of learning that some people need to learn not to encroach on space. I get places early for a reason do-do birds. And I am not talking about fans. If you do pit. . .that's a whole 'nother set of rules. Speaking of rules. . .I despise Free Lindsay shirts, but love bands anyway. Panic! At The Disco. . you're so weird when you're not being theatrical. Muse. . .please make rules about how people should dance to your music. Doing the bounce w/ the hand slapping the air. . only makes for amusing not cool (not that my dancing at TAI could be defined as cool. . .but at least I'm pretty sure I didn't look like I was trying too hard). Gym Class Heroes. . .you amuse me to no end. And despite not being a fan of new material, I was sorta bummed we had to leave The Killers earlly. oh and Magic Fry or whatever it is in San Diego with like cornmeal fried catfish. . .seriously good stuff.

Yesterday, yesterday marked a big day for my favorite guys, Treaty of Paris. Their album "Sweet Dreams, Sucker" came out yesterday. I heart it (i even heart the song aboug money. . .it's sorta grown on me). I also purchased Foo Fighters. And I'm on a mission to find the Punk The Clock and OFFICE albums actually in a store. . .I may need to make a trip to Target. Speaking of stuff I bought. . .love the new motioncity soundtrack album. and the older rocket summer album's pretty darn good too.

you've got so much love in you. . .

2007-09-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

i'm amazed that i'm talking to you. . .

OK, so last night, pretty much BEST SHOW OF THE YEAR (though I think Regina is gonna give them a run for their money)! I don't think I've danced around so much at a show before in my life. I'm not even kidding. Sherwood was really good. I hadn't seen them before. I absolutely adore The Rocket Summer and wish they'd play a headlining tour. That and I really wished that they were selling their older cds. Not so into Armour for Sleep. Not a bad band, just not what I'm into. And then there's the boy who's so skinny that I hate him and love him all at the same time. The Academy Is. . .blew me away. I saw them at warped last year and I wasn't sure how I was going to like the new album live. They played all the songs I like and a lot of the older stuff. It made running out to buy my poster when there was no line a little harder than I anticipated, so instead I missed him outing the Jack's crew. I'm excited because just about all of these bands are playing Street Scene this weekend. Yay!

all we can do is keep breathing

2007-09-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

i'm a faux student today while mao is getting her learn on.

finally get to see rocket summer tonight so i'm jazzed. i've been blasting that cd a little too much since i bought it. and i got my metro station cd in the mail on monday. i love it. i still need to go to best buy and pick up the new motion city soundtrack cd since it came out on tuesday. it's funny. . .other big albums came out too like the reba duets album that i'm contemplating buying. next week i'm going to go broke buying new music. OFFICE, TREATY OF PARIS, FOO. . .

so now to find out grub places near the wiltern.

2007-09-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

The moon is not quite right. . .

2007-09-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

So this Tuesday, September 11th is a pretty big day in music, but I'm not talking about the whole Kanye vs. 50 controversy. No, I'm talking about one of my favorite little indie bands, The Deadly Syndrome. I've babbled quite a bit about them lately. My co-worker Jason turned us all on to these guys last year and their album "The Ortolan" finally hits shelves on Tuesday. It is AMAZING. I just picked mine up at the album release party last night at The Echo. I'm so proud of these guys and am seriously considering buying a bunch of those and Treaty's albums for people's X-mas gifts this year. So yeah if you want to hear some awesomely different indie rock, check out The Deadly Syndrome. (I also heart these guys b/c they retired winker the ghost for me legitimately and he now lives in my office). Highlights of the album "Eucalyptus" "Emily Paints" and "Friends Who Don't Go Out At Night." It seriously just makes me want to dance even if my friends spill their beer on me.

so. . .

2007-09-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

apparently giving bands baked goods/microwaved treats leave impressions upon the band bbs. yes this is what i've learned. note to self make sure to actually make sure some bands get introduced to you by name or else the name of your website is your default name. i'm so tired. . .i think the last two weeks of going to shows 3x during the week night finally caught up with me. i'm excited though because the deadly syndrome's cd release party is tonight in hipsterville. i will however have to give them crap for selling me a blank cd from their spaceland live recordings. i heart them anyway.

lovestoned. . .

2007-09-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

darn freakin' justin timberlake. i love that song a little too much and got sucked into your hbo special. . .ahhh it makes my poor boy band loving heart miss the *nsync hbo special. . .freakin' you played gone. its too bad that band is bye bye bye

* <- my emo tear

the next time. . .

2007-09-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

i get the idea to go a little overboard with cookies/treats. . .someone stop me!

Anyway. . .let's see it's taken two open bars for me to learn that giant cups mean drink slower and that they are at least 2x the amount of alcohol in a normal drink. Otherwise I will be stuck guzzling water like there's no tomorrow. Really need to reinstate the no drinking on weeknights rule.

Despite the problematic live cd, still heart The Deadly Syndrome. The Office is way cool, very hipster, but definitely fun. That and Mao and I fangirled a bit. Heck even my old intern friend did too. Other bands need to get on top of posting stuff and updating. This includes learning to use the bullein function on MySpace, especially if you change a show time by 3 hours earlier!

Onto bands that I heart and are looking forward to. Tomorrow night, Treaty of Paris, is finally playing in L.A. at the Knitting Factory with Lorene Drive. I'm super excited for this show because the last time I saw them, granted it was on my birthday, it was all the way across the freaking country. These guys are great and all hysterical. That and they play pretty sweet music too. I kid, from what I've heard the album is awesome and it comes out on Airport Tapes and Records on September 25th (yeah they also have some serious competition but whatev, I know what I'm going to buy at Best Buy or Target that day). I'm off to enjoy the rest of Labor Day and figure out what the heck to delete off my camera. Or maybe I should go invest in that new memory card I want to buy with a coupoon.

A Good Human Being. . .

2007-08-26T21:53:00.001-07:00

That is exactly what Ben Harper is. Therefore you should remember that his new album with The Innocent Criminals is headed to shelves this week on Tuesday, August 28th and it's called "Lifeline." He blew me away at Lolla and is an awesome person.

I've got friends who. . .

2007-08-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

are great. Lolla was fantastic. Chicago is a fun city. Got to see family on two different levels. Not to mention got to see some pretty awesome bands. Definitely need to raid my co-worker's Ben Harper's collection. Pearl Jam. . .there aren't many words other than the governor of Cornerville is crazy and they ought to make sunblock free at festivals.

this past weekend included friends. . .Friday was weird and involved way too much driving. Saturday I caught "Becoming Jane" great movie, especially if you like Jane Austen and Anne Hathaway. Sunday I decided to be selfish and see "Transformers" by myself. That was a freaking amazing movie. I definitely see why people like it so much. I'm not one to gush about action films, but it seriously had me intrigued. I also finally got a new phone. It's a Nokia flip phone that I hope to the heavens I do not destroy with my phone dropping skills.

This week The Outline is playing the filter show at the Roxy. Everyone who's anyone's gonna be there Thursday night.

I'm done babbling for now and my laptop is gonna run out of juice soon if I'm not careful.

2007-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Note to self:
- Remember when trying to do things for charity. . .it's ok to be late to other stuff.
- Even without random shirts. . .drunk people are f-ing weird and scary when they're used to getting what they want. I'm tired.

Re-Producing?

2007-07-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

so last week I went and bought The Rocket Summer's latest release, "Do You Feel." I love love love love this album. I've been doing nothing but playing it non-stop. Yes I realize it's like impossible because TRS came before these other two bands but it's best described as if Jack's Mannequin had a baby with De Capulet, than the baby would be The Rocket Summer. I shouldn't be surprised that I like it so much, it's produced by Jim Wirt. I discovered a few years ago that I was not just a fan of certain artists' music. I seriously was a fan of John Alagia's work (he's done everything from DMB to John Mayer to one of my personal faves Rachael Yamagata) and it wasn't until I was sitting there reading all the liner notes that I saw a weird trend and then a light bulb went off. So yes, pay attention to who produces an album and then look up their catalog. . .you never know what you might find.

i heart this little band. . .

2007-07-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

All of the guys in The Deadly Syndrome are super cool and their music makes me want to dance. They're going on tour with Hot Hot Heat and I'm bummed they don't hit L.A. plus Mustachio is one awesome ghost and so is his friend winker who is no longer on tour.

Things that. . .

2007-07-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

ugh
- dates changing for releases a day too late for me to realize that it affects things.
- me thinking that people might actually read stuff
- people assuming that i'm the person who started stuff when i didn't and was keeping my mouth shut about it to people who it'd matter to. maybe it'll all come back karma wise

La La La

2007-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

- Gave blood for the first time on Friday (apparently I looked completely nervous and pale afterwards) I feel fine and my good deed for July is done. Also thankful for a co-worker who is able to talk lots of people into coming out and donating, so we reached over our goal. Also thankful for friends who come out to help out and run the desk while I'm freaking out in a chair and the other volunteer is kindly attempting to keep me distracted while they're getting my blood. Remember, Music Saves Lives and you can help by either volunteering at drives or donating yourself.

- Went to tea at the Huntington Gardens yesterday. It's fantastic b/c it's all you can eat for about 25 dollars if you include tax and tip. The food's great and the atmosphere is fun b/c the garden's so pretty.

- Also finished the last Harry Potter in the wee hours of the morning. Nicely done Ms. Rowling. Not so thrilled that you killed off so many of my favorite characters. . .but none the less it was good and I particularly liked the way you ended the whole series so we're not completely left hanging.

Even when your hope is gone. . .

2007-07-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

move along. . .

I feel like that incredibly catchy All American Rejects song is fitting. I had a crazy week cat sitting. I think being a professional house-sitter could be fun. A little too nomadic, but potentially kinda neat, getting to live somewhere else every so often.

Anyway, saw Jersey Boys Saturday night and went out to Saddle Ranch on Sunset to catch up with a few friends. That was crazy, but really really fun. One of my friends got brave (or maybe she just had a little too much to drink) and rode the bull. Unfortunately, my other friends got into a car accident after they dropped me off. This is like the 5th one among my circles. I just hope that was the last of them and we'll be done with them for awhile. It just sucks because two of them had to go to car heaven.

Dragged Mao out to The Longest Hug show at The Joint last night. Yeah, I think they broke Mao. I want to go to the OneRepublic show tomorrow at The Avalon. . .but it's kinda expensive and I'm still recovering from wedding hoopla and need to get ready for Lolla.

I've decided. . .

2007-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

that certain record labels like must have some tour manager must be cute rule because I've seen a few from such and thus far they're proving this theory. So ironic since they're always on the road and almost never home and not that it would ever be an option anyway. . .ok enough of my babble about cute tour managers. also learned the hard way. . publicists send out email blasts for a reason. . .they want to get your attention. . this doesn't mean you have to feel obligated to write back and say me me me! need to go back to the so what who cares fundamentals my oh so wise teachers taught me in school. they'd probably yell at me about my lack of capitals right about now too.

i'm cat-sitting yet again, but this time it's at a diffrent place. i'm excited because this weekend is a work free, wedding free weekend. hopefully. the outline's playing tonight. i like them. . .but i'm hoping they find a new drummer sooner than later. i'm proud of them for coming up with an electronic solution. but seriously. . .miss the drums. still thoroughly confused by their music video other than we've come to the conclusion. . .they must have gotten some usc students to help.

I'm going to paint. . .

2007-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

my nails black and be emo. Warped Tour here we come. . .it's been one whirlwind of a week which culminated itself in a bad way on Monday but I won't get into that. All that matters is that everyone's ok and the universe shall move along. I really really just want a day where I can sleep in but that's not happening until Sunday b/c I've got early meetings tomorrow and then Friday and Saturday I have to be at the tour at the crack of dawn to help set up a booth. Oh the things I get myself into when I open my mouth. At least it'll be fun and I really ought to go find my black nail polish. . .maybe do that with hot pink tips. . .it'll piss my 16 year old sister off.

stickers

2007-06-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

i finally get to have stickers made at work.

boo-ya!

Do you know what it feels like. . .

2007-06-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm addicted to that silly ping pong song by Enrique Iglesias. . .but I can't bring myself to buy the whole album. I did however get the "Instant Karma" cd for the darfur campaign. Darn iTunes and their special extra tracks. Also picked up the new Paramore disc. I'm tired and I've learned a little in the past week or so. this includes new shirts should not be worn at open bars. that being said. . .karma's a good thing sometimes and that in the end if you do good, good will come back to you it. that and when it rains it freaking pours.