Wicked!!!

Just saw Wicked at the Orpheum in San Francisco, and it was a-maz-ing!

(To be frank, I am a bit partial to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Okay, more than a bit partial. More like seriously-crazy-obsessed. But the cast at the Orpheum did do an amazing job.)

The costumes were fantastic... and the set? Totally freakin' awesome! There is definitely a very distinct aesthetic to the world of Wicked, and it is honestly as integral a part of the musical as anything else, music included.

I am still in awe of anyone being able to summon the amount of vocal stamina necessary to carry on for an ENTIRE show (must be exhausting.) Add to that the masterful comedic timing, acting, dancing, etc, etc, etc, and I am pretty much at a loss for words to describe all the talent flying around on that stage. Jealous? I think so. Impressed? Clearly. Dying to see it again? Um, yes. Yes. A thousand times yes!!!

Andy Warhol Thinks I'm Awesome

Today was the first day of my new history class, and I was... classic.

I got up at 8am sharp (well no, my alarm got up at 8am sharp, I got up around 8:30) and stumbled into the shower, did my makeup as quickly as possible (for me) and threw on the BEST first day outfit of all time - my dark purple jeans, paint splatter top, reddish-coral sweater, and a very cool shawl (yes it's possible) which I think is reminiscent of Andy Warhol and his Pop Art genius. Oh, and black fingerless gloves from Urban, to ward off the morning cold.

I was supposed to get a ride from my brother, but when I finally dragged myself out of bed, he'd already left (perhaps I forgot to remind him of our carpooling plans.) As it was already too late to take the bus, I asked my mom to drop me at school. (She was none too pleased, but took me anyway... ain't she sweet?) But on our way there, I suddenly realized that she was taking me to work and not to school! However, I REMAINED CALM! I would only be a few minutes late... not a huge deal.

When I finally made it into class (second floor, down the hall, on the left) everyone was already sitting down... and I do mean EVERYONE (the class was pretty full, so I had to ask to be directed to an open seat near the back.) As I walked through the rows of seats, past the students all agog at the apparently very late me, I was very aware of the unusually bright outfit I was sporting - Red sweater! Green fingernails! Multi-colored shawl! And gloves! Look at me! I am late, and I'm LOUD!

Turns out, I was actually a full HOUR late, not just a few minutes. Whoops! Guess I should've read that course schedule a little more carefully!

On the plus side, I definitely made an entrance... and I stood out, with my head held high, and my Andy Warhol Shawl a-blazing!

On the down side, I now have to maintain this polished-spazz appearance... because, hi, you can't just go to class one day in brights, and show up the next day in dreary darks. There's no hiding now!

The Kids Don't Stand a Chance. And Neither Do I.

Today I went to work.

It was... fine. (This is where my friend Paul would say, "fine is the F-word!" but I don't care, I simply cannot think of a better word. Sue me if you must.)

The Co-worker and I actually spent quite a few hours side-by-side this afternoon (which between you and me, is probably a few hours too-many. See evidence below.) The store was moderately busy, I was busily (and somewhat happily) doing little projects (orders, receiving) near my register, and he was busily (and complacently) doing whatever he was doing (other projects, of which I have little interest) by his.

Now, you would think that with all the work that was actually (for once) taking place on a somewhat-busy Monday, there would not be much occasion for talking, arguing, and socializing in general. Not so. (Topics included were: I heart Andrew Bird, The Co-worker's rather odd competitive side, and boats, obviously.)

Things got a little heated when the discussion turned to Second Saturdays, and I told him, rather blatantly, that although he habitually stalks my Myspace and makes fun of me on Facebook, that we are "not friends in real life." He didn't seem to take this part well, conceivably because it indicated an actual human emotion, and not just witless banter (our usual, and preferred, mode of communication.) After the initial exasperated (or was it just shocked?) response of "What?!" he concluded that I was mad at him... or if not mad (I told him I wasn't,) than disappointed. This was obviously not a favourable conclusion to him either, as he told me, quite a few times, that I "couldn't be disappointed with him." (As in, "please don't be disappointed with me," only without the "please" part.) To which I replied, "Why not?"

In case you have absolutely no idea what the hell I am talking about when I say, "the discussion turned to Second Saturdays," let me just do a VERY SHORT re-cap. About a week ago, I asked The Co-worker to go to an art/music shin-dig that I would be going to as a part of the local Second Saturday festivities. Being that The Co-worker is both artist and musician, this is a rather obvious sort of thing for him to take part in. However, he said no, he would much rather stay at home. I then felt rejected, obviously, but he apparently never knew this. (To which I say, "Idiot." But not out loud.) Today, the discussion turning to Second Saturdays basically translates into the Co-worker and I doing verbal fisticuffs ("fighting") over why, in any rational universe, he WOULD NOT be interested in going. Ever. Let me just conclude this paragraph by saying that, if one has to successfully argue a point in order to convince a certain person to go out with them, it probably wasn't worth it to begin with.

I would like to say that my rather shaky quick-draw of the guilt card eventually resulted in a win, but sadly, such is not the case. In the end (after the "you can't be disappointed in me's" and "why not's" were over,) the subject was dropped, changed, and forgot about. But not really, at least by me. Obviously.

(God, we really are like an old, married couple. No wonder he jokes about our kids. Idiot.)

Pretty Messed Up

Today is the first day in maybe two months that my room has been clean. My excuse? I share my room with my 17-year-old sister. Who has A LOT of clothes. And a closet, which she never uses.

I, on the other hand, wound up using half a closet in my parents room when I moved back and realized there was no longer any room for me in the old one. So yes, sometimes when I get home at night and can't go into my parents' room because my dad is sleeping, I plop my clothes on to the end of my bed... which later turns into a small pile which spills on to the floor.

But I think it's perfectly acceptable... because I say so. (And that's final!)

Anyway, in addition to having way too many clothes which she never puts away, my sister also (apparently) does not have enough clothes! Now, if anyone can understand the "I don't have anything to wear!" complex, it is me... I just went shopping (again) at Forever 21 (because I don't have any brights)... I simply am not thrilled with the part of this complex which seems to dictate that she borrow ALL of my clothes, EVERY day, and usually WITHOUT asking. Even more frustrating? The clothing-pile-deep understanding that while I am out busily feeding my shopping addiction, she is effectively using my lack of self control to save money. NOT FAIR. There is really no point to being the oldest. Seriously.

But whatever, I'm too old to whine (or something.)

In other news, Andrew Bird is releasing his new album on TUESDAY and I could not be more excited! I'm thinking of making it an all-me-on-my-own day... getting stuff done, exchanging a mistake for something awesome, getting lunch, coffee, etc, and OF COURSE picking up the CD at my favorite local record store. Yay!

You know, sometimes it really is nice not having a steady job...

The Thing About the Past is...

... you never knows how it's going to turn out.

Help me out guys, who said this?
I've been searching the web for about two whole minutes (God, so long) and I still cannot figure it out! It's driving me CRAZY!!! So, in the interest of my sanity (and I'm assuming yours as well,) I'm simply going to stop trying. Sounds good, right?

Ok, so a couple of days ago I ran into an old pal from high school whom I had always assumed I would never see again. His name was Matt, and we bonded over a shared dislike of 6th period french.

On Wednesday night, I happened to see him outside of my work with Drew, Alana, and Drew and Alana's friend (a.k.a. Matt's girlfriend.) At first I barely even recognized him, so I was surprised when he knew (I think) exactly who I was.

Matt: "Were you in Mr. R's french class?"
Me: "Yahhh"
Matt: "Oh, I think we had the same class..."
Me: "What's your name?"
Matt: "Matt"
Me: "Matt Green?!"
Matt: "Yah"
Me: "Oh my God, I hecka remember you!!!"
Matt: "I know"

So, yes... all in all, a very witty exchange/joyous reunion. To be fair, there is absolutely no part of my enthusiasm that goes unwarranted. Because, well, that class was dull. And Matt made me laugh, A LOT. Like, my abs literally ached from laughing so hard sometimes. I am forever in his dept, I think.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed that he has a girlfriend, presently... but he seemed to be doing really well, sufficiently recovered from high school, and all that... and really, Drew and Alana's friend (I suppose I should call her Ariel, because I think that is a nice fake name) is really a very nice, upbeat, sunshiny sort of creature. Which is good.

And I honestly wasn't even jealous... okay, maybe a little jealous... but mostly, I'm just glad I got to see him. And I'm glad it wasn't awkward, which is how I would expect a miniature high school reunion to turn out.

Maybe now I can get up the nerve to say hi to those middle-school acquaintances I keep seeing at the cafe outside of school... But ew, do I really want to talk to them?

Oh Baby, how you move me! (Meme Today, Blog Tomorrow)

First ever Weirdo-endorsed meme*! Are you excited?? You should be.

And don't worry, I've provided helpful commentary for your (and my) enjoyment. Proceed with caution... (Kidding!)

1. Put your iPod/iTunes on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

4. Tag 3 people to complete this!


IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Woman Left Alone" (Cat Power)

- Or, leave me alone

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Corduroy" (Jaymay)

- Damnit.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Of Moons, Birds and Monsters" (MGMT)

- Someone who's a little off, apparently

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Hit the Heartbrakes" (Black Kids)

- Oh, yes. I should.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"This Ship Was Built to Last" (Duke Spirit)

- It really was

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Gronlandic Edit" (Of Montreal)

- Wow, my friends are weird

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN​?
"Matchbox" (The Kooks)

- I swear I'm not a pyro... most of the time

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" (Vampire Weekend)

- I really couldn't tell you

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"A Martyr for My Love for Your" (The White Stripes)

- Haha. Seriously.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"A Voice at the End of the Line" (M. Ward)

- Ah, so true

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Teen Lovers" (The Virgins)

- Hell Yes! Or not... LOL

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"The Past and Pending" (The Shins)

- Hmm, no doubt! I will move on! I willlllll!!!

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"The Bleeding Heart Show" (The New Pornographers)

- LOL, I don't think so... or do I?

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Hallucinations" (The Raveonettes)

- That's great, what a perfect wedding song... unfortunately.

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Transfiguration #2" (M. Ward)

- Ha, Perfect

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Closure Found Rag" (Language of Kings)

- Is closure a secret? Okay never mind, it totally is.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Jigsaw Falling Into Place" (Radiohead)

- Nice

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"Get Free" (The Vines)

- Huh. Maybe the opposite of this is more accurate, no?

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"My Friend" (Dr. Dog)

- Holy Crap

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"Baskerfeild By The Sea" (Knock Knock)

- I don't know what this means

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"The Delicate Place" (Spoon)

- No kidding, I'm such a child!

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Little Green Bag" (George Baker Selection)

- It's a good thing I don't smoke then!

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"Bamboo Banga" (M.I.A.)

- All right then

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"I've Got You" (McFly)

- I so do

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Red Morning Light" (Kings of Leon)

- Hmmm... It's so profound, I don't even understand it!

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"300 MPH Torrential Outpour Blues" (The White Stripes)

- But it was sunny today... Oh well!

And I tag Chelsea, Himbo, and Sebastian!

Have fun guys!

* This meme provided by Beelzebub at Common Nonsense

Hey Man, It's All Good (Or Something)

OK, so I realize it's been a while since my last (real) post. Sincerest apologies.

But see, I took this vacation, on a boat... and we got lost... and suddenly we were stranded on this desert island, with cannibals... and no Internet! Or I've just been a little out of it lately.

Turns out, making yourself forget about someone you like is a little harder than I thought. Especially when said someone keeps texting/facebook commenting every time you (almost) stop thinking about them. Normally I would think that this sort of attention, though limited, is a sign that he likes me... that is, if he hadn't already rejected my invitation to join me for the Second Saturday shin-dig that he absolutely did have time for.

Be that as it may, the Second Saturday thing was still a lot of fun. In this town (read: small city,) the second Saturday of every month is an event in itself. Local cafes, boutiques, salons, restaurants, etc. are transformed into venues for the arts. Local artists display their work and local bands provide entertainment. It's all very, ummm... now. Or something. Anyway, one of these venues is a non-profit organization headed up by my mom and her friends, so me and Drew (my brother) were there to show our support/hang out on the couch and act like total weirdo's. At one point, we had a "live art installation" entitled "our living room," which consisted of sitting on the big red coach in the middle of the festivities, and acting as if no one else was there, but in a nice way. The piece came to a crashing halt, however, when I got up to go to the bathroom and two other people sat in my seat. Also when the headlining act began playing and we decided that "this, would never happen." All in all it was a great night - a ton of people showed up, the performances were great, and the "energy" was amazing. It was their (my mom and company's) first time in a new place, and it was pretty perfect.

Other than that, I've had the last couple of days off, and school starts next week. I know I probably won't feel like this for long, but I'm actually looking forward to a new semester. It'll give me something new to obsess about for a while. that is, if I'm not too busy playing SingStar!

The Truth According to Blogthings

For those of you who read my last post, blogthings has me answered... kind of.

Your Dreams Are Important

Your dreams seem to show that you're a bit disturbed... but nothing serious. You may have a problem you're trying to work out in your sleep. Your dreams tend to reflect your insecurities. You have a very vivid imagination and a rich creative mind.

What Do Your Dreams Mean?

Well, okay, it's a little too vague to be helpful... but that's what I get for taking dream diagnosis from online quizes!

Real post to come!

What Dreams May Come (and bug the hell out of me)

Part Two: Random violence and other things

While my last post was about dreams in the metaphorical sense (as in "I have a dream..." as in, I have a dream that one day I will own as many designer outfits as Carrie Bradshaw), this post is about dreams in the literal sense (as in, someone help me, please!)

Lately, my dreams have been a little on the disturbing side - what with people dying, getting severely injured, or being slowly stabbed to death. I know, nasty piece of work, my internal psyche.

Anyway, the first dream I can remember being like this occurred a couple of weeks ago. In it, I met (and made out with) Andrew, a barrista whom I'd had a friendly customer-to-customer-serviceman relationship with (in real life) before he transferred cafes several months ago. The first thing that was strange about this dream was the kiss. Normally, if I kiss someone in a dream, I can feel it. Wet, warm, whatever... it's all there. This time, no such thing. As for what it looked like, I could only see that from outside the situation, as if it didn't really include me at all. A few minutes (in dream time) later (and this is the really weird part), Andrew suddenly has a stake through his head. As in, a giant nail. He's lying on the ground, and I have no idea what to do. He seems to be dead already. I looked it up on Wikipedia, and apparently "In folklore and mythology, a wooden stake have special powers to kill certain monsters via impalement. See vampyre" (Just so you know, I am aware that the quote says "stake have," but this is Wikipedia, after all.) As far as I know, Andrew is not now, nor do I think is likely to have ever been, a vampire (or vampyre.) So really, he's dead for no reason. And I know this is crazy, but every time I think about that dream, I feel as though I killed him! I feel awful. He didn't deserve to die, he's just a poor, unsuspecting victim of my (apparently) tormented subconscious.

In the second dream, I am lost on a twisting staircase. It's Labyrinth-esque, it's cold and it's stony, so I know what this one means. Easy. However, this dream is even more violence-ridden than the next, and a whole lot more graphic to boot. There is one man lying on what I can only describe as his death-bed, and there is another man right next to him. I'm not sure, but I think they're supposed to be father and son (the father being the older, dying one). All of a sudden, the younger one is being stabbed through the middle by the older one - and with an almost clear, long, curved sword with no handle (which looks almost exactly like a giant fish bone!) Luckily, I don't seem to know either of these men, so I'm not too scarred by it. Although the (horrifyingly) graceful back-and-forth motion of the sword from within it's victim has left a lasting impression.

The third, and thankfully last, installment of these dreams is both considerably less shocking and simultaneously more disconcerting. My friend Paul (whom I was once secretly in love with) was visiting my house (aka my parents' house) and somehow sustained a mildly serious head-wound. I'm not sure how, or why (though I'm almost certain I saw it happen), but he was immediately proclaimed a temporary invalid and sent straight to the couch. I inevitably had the urge to go and kiss his forehead (although I would not have kissed the wound, because it was disgusting), but in the end I stood my ground. Because if there's one thing people hate, it's awkward tension between friends. Even in dreams. Apparently.

Also, in a non-violence-induced tangent, The Co-worker appeared for the first time in one of my dreams last night. Nothing tragic, nothing dirty (sorry) ... he was just passing through, very considerately minding his own business. This will be because he inadvertently rejected me last week, and I've been attempting to get over him (read: stop thinking about him) ever since. I expected the dreams to come. Still, it's always irritating when they do.

Okay, so now I've told you ALL my weirdo dreams from the past few weeks, feel free to begin diagnosing/dissecting my mind... NOW! Whatever you've got, I can handle it... I'm pretty sure it will be better than Suzee-Q's interpretation, which was "Well, maybe Andrew is dead." Really Suze? Thanks for that. So helpful.

What Dreams May Come (and bug the hell out of me)

Part One: Sex and the City makes me want to shop!!!

For the most part, I'm pretty well satisfied with my life... I live at home, but I love my family (and we actually get along, gah!); I work in retail, but I like my co-workers (one in particular I like a little too much, but we'll get into that later); and I have friends whom I adore (though some of them unfortunately live very far away!)

For me, it's all the little things that really count, like the fact that I can be made inordinately happy with the mere mention of musicals - live or filmed, have a very good time being obsessed with certain books (Harry Potter and Twilight series', anything Jane Austen or Oscar Wilde, etc.), and love nothing better than a good night in playing SingStar or watching the beloved TV. But sometimes, I come across something that makes me feel as though I need to drop everything and become a world-wide success (and subsequently become filthy-stinking-rich) IMMEDIATELY! One of these things is Sex and the City. I love this show for many reasons... unfortunately one of these reasons also makes me feel severely inadequate, and that reason is THE CLOTHES. I know, I know, it's just material, they're just possessions (I barely even believe that at this point), but that doesn't change the fact that one episode later and I am more than convinced that if I could only dress (and maybe even look like) Carrie Bradshaw, my life would be A MILLION times better!!

Honestly, I had the computer on my lap while watching, and before the show was even over I had this very strong impulse to go to UrbanOutfitters.com and completely re-invent myself. (For me, UO is like the version of SATC that I can actually, sort of, afford. I know it's not the same, don't be confused.)

The good news is that I PREVAILED! I resisted the online-shopping urge and am no more in dept today than I was yesterday (or the day before, when I bought two Cd's I really didn't need.)

(Part two to come. Although I should mention that the only things Part One and Part Two will really have in common are the titles and the dates published. Bare with me, it's fun.)

Abba's in the living room, and Dorota will get your coats

As those of you who joined I Wish My Life Was a Musical! on Twenty Something Bloggers may have guessed, I am very much in love with musicals. So much so that my friend Alana and I have this long-standing wish to actually live in one!

So, In an attempt to make our lives more musical, I recently purchased this game




Right after buying this movie



(Yes, I'm a spend-head... don't judge!)

Anyway, Me and my brother Drew (who is straight by the way, just in case this post confuses you) got home at around 6pm last night and started playing Abba SingStar on the PS3... and we didn't stop playing it until 8. Needless to say, I love this game! Not only do you get to sing your ass off to all the Abba hits you know and love, but the music videos that play along with the songs are amazing. Outrageous costumes, makeup that looks like it's melting under the not-so-perfect lighting, and absolutely hilarious choreography = Pure 70's magic! There's also a bit of 80's and early 90's in there, which doesn't hurt.

There is, of course, one flaw in the magical world of SingStar; and that is - if you thought you could sing before, you won't after playing this game! I am one of those people who loves to sing in and out of the shower, and most of the time I think I sound pretty good. Not amazingly fantastic and earth-shattering, but not horribly out-of-tune and pathetic either. Playing this game, though, makes me think maybe I am more of the latter. Somehow I always seem to conveniently forget this right before playing (we also have the 80's SingStar), and the shock of it all can be a bit embarrassing. But then I recover and forget about the embarrassing part, and sooner or later I find myself being humiliated by my own lack of skill all over again! It's the cycle of life, or something. (Alana was really excited to come over and play, until she got here and realized that Oh, right, this is a game where you have to sing in front of people!)

On another note, Gossip Girl is getting darker and darker. I just finished watching it on the DVR and let's just say it was almost as depressing as last week's! But seriously, I'll be the first to tell you that I was thrilled with all the new plot-lines that came to light before the holiday break, and I still think it's genius of the writers to give us a story we can actually break our hearts over - I just don't know how much more of this I can take! Thank God for Dorota, she's just the subtle kind of comedic relief I need!

Until tomorrow (or, you know, later),
Ambles

One-Day-Weekend Wonder

When you work in retail, you will find that your definition of weekends is just not the same as it used to be. Today was a Saturday, and miraculously I did have the day off! (Not tomorrow though, I have to open the store at 9am on a Sunday - wooh!) So to celebrate, I had an amazing day of doing absolutely nothing, and it was fantastic!

Part one of the wonderful nothing was watching a movie with my brother Drew and mutual friend Alana. Now, it must be said that our version of watching movies involves a lot of talking and very little actual watching. It's just one of the benefits of being at home and not at the movie theater (where people typically don't appreciat that kind of behavior!) The movie of the day was "Mamma Mia!" and it was... perfect. For anyone who wants to be able to both mock and enjoy their movies, "Mamma Mia!" is the choice for you!

After that, we headed on down to Ulta, followed by Target, followed by Barnes and Noble, followed by home (the ultimate destination.) I bought a few things as late christmas presents to myself/rewards for doing so little shopping lately (wait...) The first item on my list was a new Con-Air Ionic Hair Dryer with a diffuser attatchment, for my poor, suffering hair. Next was a tried-and-true brand of Shampoo and Conditioner, also for the suffering hair. After that, "Mamma Mia!" on blu-ray (the copy we were watching earlier was sadly not mine to keep.) And to finnish the shopping extravaganza, a copy of New Moon for Edie-girl (we're exchanging our christmas presents later.)

All in all, it was the perfect day for me and my tired-ass self. Here's hoping I'm rested enough to wake up for work in the morning! Oh God, I think we're out of coffee...

Be Kind, Don't Rewind

Tonight I am a little sad. I have finally been made to accept the fact that, as the world-famous book and now soon-to-be movie says, "He's Just Not That Into You" er, me. Luckily, Jim Sturgess is here performing right in my living room (via "Across the Universe", in Blu-ray) and who better to cheer me up than a sexy crooner such as himself? (And British too!)

So for those of you who were absolutely besides yourselves with worry over my fate during the dreaded New Year's Eve in Touristville, you can finally relax! I AM ALIVE!!! And no, I did not get sent to the tent, thank God! Thankfully, all the really drunk people stayed outside, so I got to avoid them as well. All in all, it was not quite the crisis situation I thought it would be. Which, unfortunately, is rather boring for you. So I'm sorry. I will try to follow through on the discontent at a later date.

For now, Jim Sturgess is calling, and I'd best not keep him waiting!