Who knew that as a student in Environmental Geography, I'd be given an idea for a new playlist.
Here is the list of tunes we listened to today, and my current playlist.
Eco Session
"Blowin' In The Wind" - Bob Dylan
"Man and His Environment" - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" - Marvin Gaye
"Only So Much Oil In The Ground" - Tower of Power
"The Price of Oil" - Billy Bragg (I'm still attempting to locate this one)
"Dragonfly" - Ziggy Marley
"Gone" - Jack Johnson
"Excuse Me Mr." - Ben Harper
"Last Great American Whale" - Lou Reed
Definitely different than my usual taste, but I definitely dig. Makes for a fun school playlist.
4.27.2005
4.22.2005
the ONE campaign
Please check out The ONE campaign. You can visit the website below, or click on the title of this post to take you there. This is a campaign put together to bring an end to poverty. I am still in the early stages of learning and getting involved... I finally realized that action, no matter how small, is better than no action. I hope you're able to take a few seconds to visit this site. Watch the video, read a little bit of information, and if you feel so moved, sign the petition or buy a wristband or do both.
Thanks for listening.
www.one.org
Thanks for listening.
www.one.org
4.10.2005
millions
Check out the trailer for this movie (click on the title of the entry). It's such a great movie. I would recommend it to anyone. I'll write a lengthier review sometime soon, but for now, check out the trailer and GO SEE IT! It's so great.
seasons
I just wrote my first review for Relevant. It was a review of the self titled CD by a band called The Bravery. It's sort of a reinvention or ressurrection of new wave music. They sound a little like The Killers. Anyway, I started out the review, "To everything there is a season..." And I feel like that is so true right now. I feel like seasons are such a common thing, and I'm still trying to adjust to their existence.
Spring just arrived. We've only recently started to have warm breezes, cooling thunderstorms, and yes, ladybugs. It seems like ladybugs are a sure sign of warm weather. As spring has approached, drawing winter to an end, so have other things drawn to an end.
For those of you who don't know, I have decided to leave the church that I have attended just shy of 5 years. This was a difficult decision, and for those of you who would like to know why, feel free to email me or give me a call and we can talk about it. But I feel as though it is another season, like winter, that has come to an end. I was talking about with a friend of mine yesterday, and we were describing that it felt like we were graduating from high school, and all about to head in different directions. That's a pretty good description, because it's pretty close to how I feel. But while there is some pain behind this movement, there is also an excitement. While it's the end of one chapter, it's the beginning of another. I know, I know... Total cliche crap. But hey, it's true.
Another season I feel is changing is my transition from being a kid into adulthood. Granted, this probably should have happened a long time ago, but when I turned 25 last weekend, I really began to feel like, "Wow, I'm a full fledged adult." I had so many plans for where I would be when I was 25. When I was 18, I was sure I'd be married, have either a career or a kid, and be well on my way in life. Right now, I'm a college student who still lives at home, single, and no clue what she wants to do with the rest of her life. However, I feel all of that about to change. I don't know why. I don't know how I got this feeling, what I'm going to do with it, or where it will lead me, but I feel like "direction" is just around the corner, and I'm about to hit it head on. Let's hope that's the case.
So a few seasons are coming to a close and just about to start. It'll be interesting to see what season comes next.
Spring just arrived. We've only recently started to have warm breezes, cooling thunderstorms, and yes, ladybugs. It seems like ladybugs are a sure sign of warm weather. As spring has approached, drawing winter to an end, so have other things drawn to an end.
For those of you who don't know, I have decided to leave the church that I have attended just shy of 5 years. This was a difficult decision, and for those of you who would like to know why, feel free to email me or give me a call and we can talk about it. But I feel as though it is another season, like winter, that has come to an end. I was talking about with a friend of mine yesterday, and we were describing that it felt like we were graduating from high school, and all about to head in different directions. That's a pretty good description, because it's pretty close to how I feel. But while there is some pain behind this movement, there is also an excitement. While it's the end of one chapter, it's the beginning of another. I know, I know... Total cliche crap. But hey, it's true.
Another season I feel is changing is my transition from being a kid into adulthood. Granted, this probably should have happened a long time ago, but when I turned 25 last weekend, I really began to feel like, "Wow, I'm a full fledged adult." I had so many plans for where I would be when I was 25. When I was 18, I was sure I'd be married, have either a career or a kid, and be well on my way in life. Right now, I'm a college student who still lives at home, single, and no clue what she wants to do with the rest of her life. However, I feel all of that about to change. I don't know why. I don't know how I got this feeling, what I'm going to do with it, or where it will lead me, but I feel like "direction" is just around the corner, and I'm about to hit it head on. Let's hope that's the case.
So a few seasons are coming to a close and just about to start. It'll be interesting to see what season comes next.
anniversary
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Michelle Wimter's death.
I think about that family quite often, and wonder how one processes such an event, and attempts to move on. I know that they have. I know they're a strong family. I know they have things to look forward to and celebrate in their family. But I also know it must still feel fresh for them too, and I know they're a tight family and so I'm sure they feel it every day.
I love them lots. I don't always show it to them, and let them know they mean a lot to me, but they do.
I will continue to think about them and pray for them as they enter their second year without Michelle.
I think about that family quite often, and wonder how one processes such an event, and attempts to move on. I know that they have. I know they're a strong family. I know they have things to look forward to and celebrate in their family. But I also know it must still feel fresh for them too, and I know they're a tight family and so I'm sure they feel it every day.
I love them lots. I don't always show it to them, and let them know they mean a lot to me, but they do.
I will continue to think about them and pray for them as they enter their second year without Michelle.
4.02.2005
culture envy
I never really fully fit into the world of art. That "artsy" side of me has always been there, and I'd like to consider myself creative, but I've never been able to say "I'm an artist." When I was at Judson, I can remember there being times where I strongly desired to be just like the art majors surrounding me. However, I just didn't find the appeal in Vampire Hunter D, or other such japanese animation, my interest in comic books was lacking, and I was quite positive I didn't dig Buffy. Art culture #1 I didn't belong to.
I have a friend who's a graffiti artist - or rather, was a graffiti artist. He's a skater, has the dread thing going on, and has who knows how many tatoos. He's one of my favorite people. But in my khaki's, button down shirt, and bobbed hair, I don't exactly fit into to the "skater" realm either. Granted, I made a valiant attempt to learn how to skateboard (and might I say, I wasn't THAT bad), but that's definitely a world that is not my own.
Then there's the political activist artists.
The top notch, sophisticated, corporate bound graphic designers.
The "I'm angry with the world" artists.
The people who have hands that are permanently clay-caked.
The reclusives.
The rebels.
If you step out of the world of physical visual art (fine art/graphic design) and consider the film and music realm, it's the same thing. If you don't know everything there is to know about film or music, don't even try to pretend like you do. They'll see right through you, and mention something so completely obscure that even the originator is hazey as to its existence.
I feel like I can grab from each of these categories, compiling some form of "mut" artist, who's skill is lacking but passion is there. I love art. I love to be creative. I have millions of ideas in my head with no satisfactory way of expressing them.
But I'm not an artist. I can't keep up in conversation with an artist. And I don't fit into their culture... at least, not entirely.
But I so desire to be a part it.
I guess you could say I have a bit of culture envy.
I have a friend who's a graffiti artist - or rather, was a graffiti artist. He's a skater, has the dread thing going on, and has who knows how many tatoos. He's one of my favorite people. But in my khaki's, button down shirt, and bobbed hair, I don't exactly fit into to the "skater" realm either. Granted, I made a valiant attempt to learn how to skateboard (and might I say, I wasn't THAT bad), but that's definitely a world that is not my own.
Then there's the political activist artists.
The top notch, sophisticated, corporate bound graphic designers.
The "I'm angry with the world" artists.
The people who have hands that are permanently clay-caked.
The reclusives.
The rebels.
If you step out of the world of physical visual art (fine art/graphic design) and consider the film and music realm, it's the same thing. If you don't know everything there is to know about film or music, don't even try to pretend like you do. They'll see right through you, and mention something so completely obscure that even the originator is hazey as to its existence.
I feel like I can grab from each of these categories, compiling some form of "mut" artist, who's skill is lacking but passion is there. I love art. I love to be creative. I have millions of ideas in my head with no satisfactory way of expressing them.
But I'm not an artist. I can't keep up in conversation with an artist. And I don't fit into their culture... at least, not entirely.
But I so desire to be a part it.
I guess you could say I have a bit of culture envy.
3.30.2005
storms
Laying on my back in my shadowed room, I looked past my silhouetted feet which were propped in my half-opened window, to watch the storm emerge outside. Brief moments of illumination revealed my quiet and still neighborhood. There's something so comforting in the sounds of storms - the rain rattling on the roof, the slight buzzing of the dampened power lines, the low rumbling in the distance... All these sounds, which independently would not be as beautiful, slip through my window with great ease. I absolutely love storms. I could sit for hours and just soak it all in. I remember a few years ago, how I would play in the rain. My roommates and I - no inhibitions, no cares at all - would take off, full force and just run through the rain. I can honestly say, those nights were some of my favorites. Nothing mattered. It was as if the rain had some sort of magic, some sort of shield to anyone and anything that might interfer with our night of rain dancing. I miss those days. But for now, I'll simply enjoy the beginning of spring nights, which only promise more storms to come.
3.28.2005
ben, nik, jon & james...
and the soundtrack of life. That was the FULL title of my blog, but it didn't all fit on the subject line.
Ben. He's my Film & Literature professor. His 5 year old daughter has spring break this week so he brought her to class. Mya. He kept smiling and winking at her. He introduced her to the class. He helped her get a drink from the water fountain, and walked hand in hand with her down the hall. If I thought he was cool before, this just solidified it for me.
Nik. He's my environmental geography professor. Even on the first day of class, he impressed me with his humor. I'm a sucker for humor. I love the fact that while he has a very definite stance on issues (he's a tree hugger, for sure), he presents both cases, and gives viable reasons for each side of the story. He never forces his beliefs on anyone, and likes to ask questions, leaving things unanswered... And every now and then, he'll point at some poor victim, say, "Yes... You!" in hopes they'll give him an answer, even though they weren't raising their hand. Hasn't worked yet.
Jon. What a nutty professor. He's always a bit discombobulated when he comes to class. Always has his iPod going - I wonder what he listens to? But he's kind of a crazy guy... He's my civil disobedience professor, and is SUPER creative in his assignments. We wrote an intellectual dialogues paper in which I wrote a conversation between MLK Jr., Gandhi, and Thoreau. We created "protest posters" and our final project is actually generating a protest campaign. Way to make things interesting, ProfK! He's cool.
James. They don't get any more interesting than James. He's gotta have a millions stories. I'm serious... This guy has probably seen so many things in his lifetime. Fitzgerald and Hemmingway is what he teaches, and he's in total awe of these writers. He's a writer himself - short fiction I think. But when was the last time you got to visit your local Harry W. Schwartz, listen to a guy who's in his early sixties, wearing a red flannel shirt and a pair of jeans, reading Jack Kerouac's "On The Road" while his buddy amazes everyone on the saxaphone? I like James... He's make a cool grandfather.
The soundtrack of life... I had a weird moment today. I was walking on campus with my iPod plugged into my ears. Now, I listen to music all the time, but this was different. As I walked around on campus, songs would come on and I felt as though I had a soundtrack. Have you ever had those moments that you thought, "This song would be perfect to be playing in that background." Well, that's what happened today, and I wasn't even trying! It was kind of creepy actually... I'd be walking around thinking about something and a song would come on that related. I was journaling at one point too, when another song came on that was perfectly fitting. CREEPY. But slick none the less...
Good profs. Good music.
These were the thoughts of the day.
Ben. He's my Film & Literature professor. His 5 year old daughter has spring break this week so he brought her to class. Mya. He kept smiling and winking at her. He introduced her to the class. He helped her get a drink from the water fountain, and walked hand in hand with her down the hall. If I thought he was cool before, this just solidified it for me.
Nik. He's my environmental geography professor. Even on the first day of class, he impressed me with his humor. I'm a sucker for humor. I love the fact that while he has a very definite stance on issues (he's a tree hugger, for sure), he presents both cases, and gives viable reasons for each side of the story. He never forces his beliefs on anyone, and likes to ask questions, leaving things unanswered... And every now and then, he'll point at some poor victim, say, "Yes... You!" in hopes they'll give him an answer, even though they weren't raising their hand. Hasn't worked yet.
Jon. What a nutty professor. He's always a bit discombobulated when he comes to class. Always has his iPod going - I wonder what he listens to? But he's kind of a crazy guy... He's my civil disobedience professor, and is SUPER creative in his assignments. We wrote an intellectual dialogues paper in which I wrote a conversation between MLK Jr., Gandhi, and Thoreau. We created "protest posters" and our final project is actually generating a protest campaign. Way to make things interesting, ProfK! He's cool.
James. They don't get any more interesting than James. He's gotta have a millions stories. I'm serious... This guy has probably seen so many things in his lifetime. Fitzgerald and Hemmingway is what he teaches, and he's in total awe of these writers. He's a writer himself - short fiction I think. But when was the last time you got to visit your local Harry W. Schwartz, listen to a guy who's in his early sixties, wearing a red flannel shirt and a pair of jeans, reading Jack Kerouac's "On The Road" while his buddy amazes everyone on the saxaphone? I like James... He's make a cool grandfather.
The soundtrack of life... I had a weird moment today. I was walking on campus with my iPod plugged into my ears. Now, I listen to music all the time, but this was different. As I walked around on campus, songs would come on and I felt as though I had a soundtrack. Have you ever had those moments that you thought, "This song would be perfect to be playing in that background." Well, that's what happened today, and I wasn't even trying! It was kind of creepy actually... I'd be walking around thinking about something and a song would come on that related. I was journaling at one point too, when another song came on that was perfectly fitting. CREEPY. But slick none the less...
Good profs. Good music.
These were the thoughts of the day.
3.19.2005
relevant
Just thought I'd let you all know that I got a writing internship with Relevant Magazine. I'm pretty stoked about it. I start April 1st, so I can't really tell you how it's going yet. But it looks as though I'll be working on the "Progressive Culture" section, and doing a fair amount of editing, some writing, and interviewing (who, I'm not sure).
So that's pretty cool... I'm excited. You can check out the website at www.relevantmagazine.com. They will be launching a new website in a little less than two weeks, and will also have new merch available as of March 25. So check it out. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.
Later.
3.06.2005
missed
I didn't know her. I don't have to know her, I guess. I've learned a lot from those who DID know her, and are now battling their sense of loss, missing her. They're expressing her kindness, her love for people, her love for God... I didn't know her. But do I need to know her? She was a sister in Christ, whether I knew her or not, and today I join the many others in mourning her loss: her family and friends, my brother and sister in law, the band who lead worship at a conference I was at, and one of my brother's closest friends - a best friend of this girl. I can't pretend that my mourning is the same. It's not. I have no idea the pain and hurt they are experiencing right now. But I mourn the loss of another young person who felt they had no other option. I mourn for her family, her fiancee, and her friends who now have to do life without her. I didn't know her, but I feel like I did. Everytime I walk past my friends who have a huge smiles on their faces, but have so much pain inside... Everytime I see a friend of mine, journaling their inner most thoughts... Everytime I ask the question, "Is life worth living?" I didn't know her... but I'm sure she will be missed. May God bless Laurie's friends and family. You will all be in my prayers.
2.27.2005
leland
Do you ever have those moments, those times in life that meet you where you're at, and speak volumes to you without even expecting it, or knowing how to react towards it? That is kind fo what happened to me this evening. I just finished watching "The United States of Leland" and I can't even put into words how the movie made me feel. This movie is so sad - in an "American Beauty" sort of way, yet for whatever reason, I resonated with it so much. I wish I could describe it to you, but the words just won't come. If you have a tolerance for language, I would highly recommend watching it. However, if you're in a funk, it probably won't squelch that funk but rather encourage it. If you do end up watching it, let me know... I'd love someone else to process it with.
checkers
she peered down at the pieces before her. red. black. round.
they each had their place.
some had already been eliminated, having exited the game earlier.
they were jumped.
robbed of their opportunity to succeed.
but that's how the game's played, isn't it?
she continued to stare at the pieces.
some of them crowned.
those were the pieces that knew what they were doing.
going somewhere. becoming something.
kings.
others hid in the corners of the board
unsure of their next move, and unable to be jumped.
cowards.
she looked at the pieces in the middle of the board.
plenty of potential, and no protection.
they were out there, exposed
but at least they were playing the game
they were moving forward
there was a goal ahead of them
they were determined
fearless
everything had its place.
then, the board was flipped.
he took his right foot, raised it quickly,
and kicked the board.
bastard.
the pieces scattered.
some hit the floor
some rolled away, never to be found.
the pieces no longer had their place
those that had become kings lost their status
joining the rest of the low-lives on the floor
the game was over
pieces scattered
and a new game would have to begin
as soon as she picked up the pieces.
they each had their place.
some had already been eliminated, having exited the game earlier.
they were jumped.
robbed of their opportunity to succeed.
but that's how the game's played, isn't it?
she continued to stare at the pieces.
some of them crowned.
those were the pieces that knew what they were doing.
going somewhere. becoming something.
kings.
others hid in the corners of the board
unsure of their next move, and unable to be jumped.
cowards.
she looked at the pieces in the middle of the board.
plenty of potential, and no protection.
they were out there, exposed
but at least they were playing the game
they were moving forward
there was a goal ahead of them
they were determined
fearless
everything had its place.
then, the board was flipped.
he took his right foot, raised it quickly,
and kicked the board.
bastard.
the pieces scattered.
some hit the floor
some rolled away, never to be found.
the pieces no longer had their place
those that had become kings lost their status
joining the rest of the low-lives on the floor
the game was over
pieces scattered
and a new game would have to begin
as soon as she picked up the pieces.
2.25.2005
the shadowlands
I'm sitting here listening to a beautiful song by Ryan Adams. It's called "The Shadowlands". The first line is, "God please bring the rain, yeah bring it soon." Such a beautiful song. A friend of mine has totally been getting into music and asked me to give him a list of the things I had been listening to lately. I decided to do some song searching of my own, and here's what I found that I think is worth checking out...
The Shadowlands - Ryan Adams
Snow Day - Matt Pond PA
Even If I Feel Better - Phoenix
Dig the Lightning - Robbers on High Street
Eleanor - Low Millions
Why Is My Sleeping Bag A Ghetto Muppet - Chin Up Chin Up
The last one has the GREATEST name for a song. But it's kind of fun. These are the few songs that I found that I'm digging right now. You should check them out, for sure. So great.
I hope to write some of my thoughts on here in the next few days, but I've been trying to process a lot lately and it's all kind of muddled up in my head. I can't seem to think straight.
But for now, enjoy some new tunes.
The Shadowlands - Ryan Adams
Snow Day - Matt Pond PA
Even If I Feel Better - Phoenix
Dig the Lightning - Robbers on High Street
Eleanor - Low Millions
Why Is My Sleeping Bag A Ghetto Muppet - Chin Up Chin Up
The last one has the GREATEST name for a song. But it's kind of fun. These are the few songs that I found that I'm digging right now. You should check them out, for sure. So great.
I hope to write some of my thoughts on here in the next few days, but I've been trying to process a lot lately and it's all kind of muddled up in my head. I can't seem to think straight.
But for now, enjoy some new tunes.
2.17.2005
in the middle
Ok. I realize that I often attribute what I'm feeling, and also express how I'm feeling through music. Dunno why... Music just, well, works... I wish I had more profound thoughts for you this evening. Maybe some more will come to me later on. But I was driving home tonight, when this song came on the radio. Now, I'm a huge Jimmy Eat World fan. Love em. However, the song "In The Middle" drove me nuts when it first came out - mostly because it was so overplayed. Well, I hadn't heard it in a really long time, and it came on the radio as I was driving home, and it was so cool because it was the best song for me to hear at that moment. You know, I never payed attention to the lyrics, but they're kinda cool... Well, at least tonight they were kinda cool... Encouraging to me anyway... So I thought I'd share a little bit of them with you all...
Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now, yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright (alright).
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
It just takes some time,
little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now, yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright (alright).
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
It just takes some time,
little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright alright.
2.16.2005
block
You'd think that as an English major, writing papers would come naturally. Well, typically, for me that writing does come naturally! I can usually sit down at a computer and whip out a 3-4 page paper, no problem. Well, this semester has kicked me in the pants as far as papers are concerned. I don't know if it's total writer's block, not understanding the material enough, not being focused... Whatever the case is, I'm doggie paddling through these papers. No idea what I'm doing.
The one paper I'm currently working on is actually really interesting, and I wish I had more time to develop it and be more creative. I have to write an intellectual dialogue between Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, and H.D. Thoreau where we are discussing civil disobedience in some way shape or form. Like I said, the topic and type of paper really interests me, but I'm getting my butt kicked as far as how to go about doing this!
Anyway, this was my brief little public service announcement for the morning. Actually, I'm just really distracted and not focused, and hoping some sort of ephiphany as to what I should write will come. So, we'll see what becomes of my papers.
The one paper I'm currently working on is actually really interesting, and I wish I had more time to develop it and be more creative. I have to write an intellectual dialogue between Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, and H.D. Thoreau where we are discussing civil disobedience in some way shape or form. Like I said, the topic and type of paper really interests me, but I'm getting my butt kicked as far as how to go about doing this!
Anyway, this was my brief little public service announcement for the morning. Actually, I'm just really distracted and not focused, and hoping some sort of ephiphany as to what I should write will come. So, we'll see what becomes of my papers.
2.14.2005
z.b.
In honor of this horrible, er, I mean, most wonderful day, I thought I would take the time to honor Zach Braff. Could there be a greater man to celebrate? I know, all my married friends are out there saying, "I could make an arguement for that..." Well, here is my "behold" for the day. Behold the greatness that is Zach Braff. Behold the man with amazing musical taste. Behold the man with the talent to not only act, but to write and direct. Behold the man who can make us laugh one minute, and cry the next. Behold the man that makes me melt! :)
I know, I'm giddy like a school girl. But hey, I've got nothing else to do on this wretched, I mean, great day.
Hehehe...
Ah, Zach Braff...
2.13.2005
from the past
I had a bit of an odd occurence last night - but a good odd occurence. A friend and I decided to go check out this "young adult" type church that's on the east side of Milwaukee. We thought that a friend of ours was doing worship for it (found out he wasn't) and, well, we just thought it'd be pretty cool to check out. It was a church that was started because of a bunch of small groups. There were a lot of small groups that were meeting, and then, they just decided to start a church from that. Kind of cool.
Anyway, so my friend Jerica and I walk into the building, and needless to say, it was a little awkward. Now, I can be outgoing at times, and I can also be really shy. At that moment, I was super shy. So, Jerica and I just stood there talking. A few minutes later, this girl named Mel approached us, introduced herself, and started a conversation with us. We weren't a minute into the conversation when all of a sudden I heard "TORY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" I look to see who's shouting my name, only to see my roommate from Judson College who I haven't seen in about 3 or 4 years. CRAZINESS! Her name is Emily, and she was one of the first friends I made at Judson, and was also my roommate my sophomore year. Now, it's not all THAT odd because she is from the Racine area. However, it's just odd that of all the places to run into her, I would run into her there. So, we chatted a bit... As we did, I was like, "Hey, I went to high school with him... and with her." And then Emily was like, "Yeah, we found out about this place because of Chad." Now, oddly, I've known quite a few Chads in my time. I racked my brain through the Chads we would have both known... Finally found a match, and again, someone I had not seen in a couple years. He meandered in later in the night, and I was able to talk to him for a bit. He's always been one of the artsy folk, and I've known him to have long hair, but it's out of control now! hahaha... long and dreaded he is! It was really cool to see him though. What a blast from the past last night!
It's so crazy though because when I experience stuff like that, I can't seem to get it off the brain. For instance, I woke up this morning, and one of my first thoughts was "I can't believe I saw Emily and Chad last night!" It was so exciting and cool to see them. They are definitely people I wouldn't mind having back in my life. Just crazy though to have run into them. Weird how things like that happen.
Anyway, so my friend Jerica and I walk into the building, and needless to say, it was a little awkward. Now, I can be outgoing at times, and I can also be really shy. At that moment, I was super shy. So, Jerica and I just stood there talking. A few minutes later, this girl named Mel approached us, introduced herself, and started a conversation with us. We weren't a minute into the conversation when all of a sudden I heard "TORY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" I look to see who's shouting my name, only to see my roommate from Judson College who I haven't seen in about 3 or 4 years. CRAZINESS! Her name is Emily, and she was one of the first friends I made at Judson, and was also my roommate my sophomore year. Now, it's not all THAT odd because she is from the Racine area. However, it's just odd that of all the places to run into her, I would run into her there. So, we chatted a bit... As we did, I was like, "Hey, I went to high school with him... and with her." And then Emily was like, "Yeah, we found out about this place because of Chad." Now, oddly, I've known quite a few Chads in my time. I racked my brain through the Chads we would have both known... Finally found a match, and again, someone I had not seen in a couple years. He meandered in later in the night, and I was able to talk to him for a bit. He's always been one of the artsy folk, and I've known him to have long hair, but it's out of control now! hahaha... long and dreaded he is! It was really cool to see him though. What a blast from the past last night!
It's so crazy though because when I experience stuff like that, I can't seem to get it off the brain. For instance, I woke up this morning, and one of my first thoughts was "I can't believe I saw Emily and Chad last night!" It was so exciting and cool to see them. They are definitely people I wouldn't mind having back in my life. Just crazy though to have run into them. Weird how things like that happen.
2.11.2005
possible, but not probable
Breaking News! Ok, so it's not really all that exciting... But, check it out one and all... Blogger has changed their methods to commenting. Now, you no longer have to post as Anonymous, or have an account with Blogger. Simply select "Post Comment" and where it asks you who you want to post as, select "Other" and it will allow you to type in your name, and if you have a website, you can list that as well. This makes the commenting world on Blogger so much easier!
So now my friends, commenting has become much more possible. More than likely though, not more probable...
So now my friends, commenting has become much more possible. More than likely though, not more probable...
2.09.2005
randomness
my blog has no direction today. just a whole lot of randomness. bare with me. no caps today either.
i was reading through some of the other blogs i frequent on a semi-regular basis, and realized, they have a lot more comments than i do. this brought me to a few different thoughts:
a) very few, if any (other than my mom - bless her loyal soul) read my blog.
b) i don't post anything of any importance to anyone else (things only i find interesting)
c) people are vindictive and mean and don't want me to know that secretly they're reading my blog, taking ideas from it and making millions off of it while i sit here wallowing in school loans or
d) the commenting feature on this blog is too frustrating and it's easier to just read
i somehow think c is probably out, because honestly, my blog's not that fantastic. i would like to believe that b isn't the case because i have had conversations with those of you out there, and i know that some of my thoughts are your thoughts as well. maybe i go a little overboard on the music thing, but well, hey... what can i say. that leaves me with a or d. now, knowing that you have to either register or post annonymously, i'm thinking that's kind of annoying to most of you. so, i'm going with d. how's that for process of elimination?
i'm home sick today (will this darn cough never end?), hence the reason of my random thinking. somehow being sick and thinking random thoughts go hand in hand. maybe it's because when you're sick, you have all this time to think. eventually, you've thought about all the normal stuff so much, that you eventually have to start thinking about random things, or you'd be thinking about nothing at all. just a thought.
i have no clue what to do with my life. any suggestions?
side note for everyone to be aware of: i'm a terrible game player. i've always known this about myself, but there were four witnesses of my wrath this past sunday as i played a brutal game of uno. yes, uno. you know it's bad when you begin to swear at people in hebrew. all apologies to jen... i know she doesn't read this, but she gave me one too many "draw fours" and "draw twos" and seemed to keep laying down colors i didn't have... lets just say lots of yelling and name calling happened.
alright. that's enough randomness for the day. maybe i'll write a more pointed entry later.
i was reading through some of the other blogs i frequent on a semi-regular basis, and realized, they have a lot more comments than i do. this brought me to a few different thoughts:
a) very few, if any (other than my mom - bless her loyal soul) read my blog.
b) i don't post anything of any importance to anyone else (things only i find interesting)
c) people are vindictive and mean and don't want me to know that secretly they're reading my blog, taking ideas from it and making millions off of it while i sit here wallowing in school loans or
d) the commenting feature on this blog is too frustrating and it's easier to just read
i somehow think c is probably out, because honestly, my blog's not that fantastic. i would like to believe that b isn't the case because i have had conversations with those of you out there, and i know that some of my thoughts are your thoughts as well. maybe i go a little overboard on the music thing, but well, hey... what can i say. that leaves me with a or d. now, knowing that you have to either register or post annonymously, i'm thinking that's kind of annoying to most of you. so, i'm going with d. how's that for process of elimination?
i'm home sick today (will this darn cough never end?), hence the reason of my random thinking. somehow being sick and thinking random thoughts go hand in hand. maybe it's because when you're sick, you have all this time to think. eventually, you've thought about all the normal stuff so much, that you eventually have to start thinking about random things, or you'd be thinking about nothing at all. just a thought.
i have no clue what to do with my life. any suggestions?
side note for everyone to be aware of: i'm a terrible game player. i've always known this about myself, but there were four witnesses of my wrath this past sunday as i played a brutal game of uno. yes, uno. you know it's bad when you begin to swear at people in hebrew. all apologies to jen... i know she doesn't read this, but she gave me one too many "draw fours" and "draw twos" and seemed to keep laying down colors i didn't have... lets just say lots of yelling and name calling happened.
alright. that's enough randomness for the day. maybe i'll write a more pointed entry later.
2.06.2005
O.C. confuses emotion
Ok, so I'm not a fan of the O.C. I don't really have anything against the show, per se, but I don't ever watch it. However, can I tell you about my confused emotion towards the show. On the one hand, I love the fact that they are taking up and coming artists, and giving them air time. There are some AMAZING artists that have been played on the show, and have shown up on the soundtracks (which by the way, their on #4 - due out in March I believe). So, while I'm happy that they're taking unknowns and making them known, I'm also sad because now I feel like any time I come upon an artist that I REALLY dig, they have been a part of the O.C. music line up, and for that, I feel dumb. I mean, who wants to say, "So, I really like the band Keane." and some high school student who is obsessed with the O.C. says, "Yeah, that song by them was played when so and so kissed so and so!" I mean, I just don't want to have that kind of association either. You know? Many of my current favorite artists appear have had air time on the O.C. including: The Album Leaf, Turin Brakes, Ben Kweller, Jem, Jimmy Eat World, Keane, The Dandy Warhols, Death Cab for Cutie, and more...
My current music pick would be Flunk's album "Morning Star", which I just learned will have a song appearing on the O.C. #4 mix. This is SUCH a great CD. I was wandering through the store "Anthropology" when this song came on that just stuck in my head. I loved it! The song, I later found out, was "Blind My Mind". Well, because things are slow getting to the midwest, I learned that song has already been pretty big elsewhere, but I felt like I had stumbled upon something no on was aware of yet. Anyway, I still dig the CD... Check it out if you get a chance. It kind of makes me think of Mazzy Star, but with some funkier beats. Very cool. My favorite track thus far I think is "Spring To Kingdom Come" - however, that is subject to change the more I listen to the album.
Anyway, I guess this was just kind of a "thanks" to the O.C. for giving unknowns a chance, but also a "HEY! STOP IT!' to them as well - let us find our artists on our own! :) Hehehe... Acutally, I'm kind of grateful because I've found a lot I really dig because of them (Album Leaf being the most recent one).
But check out Flunk. Good stuff my friends, good stuff.
My current music pick would be Flunk's album "Morning Star", which I just learned will have a song appearing on the O.C. #4 mix. This is SUCH a great CD. I was wandering through the store "Anthropology" when this song came on that just stuck in my head. I loved it! The song, I later found out, was "Blind My Mind". Well, because things are slow getting to the midwest, I learned that song has already been pretty big elsewhere, but I felt like I had stumbled upon something no on was aware of yet. Anyway, I still dig the CD... Check it out if you get a chance. It kind of makes me think of Mazzy Star, but with some funkier beats. Very cool. My favorite track thus far I think is "Spring To Kingdom Come" - however, that is subject to change the more I listen to the album.
Anyway, I guess this was just kind of a "thanks" to the O.C. for giving unknowns a chance, but also a "HEY! STOP IT!' to them as well - let us find our artists on our own! :) Hehehe... Acutally, I'm kind of grateful because I've found a lot I really dig because of them (Album Leaf being the most recent one).
But check out Flunk. Good stuff my friends, good stuff.
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