tried to live forever every day of the year

The wind's feeling real these days.

2011-04-18T13:24:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, a friend brought to my attention a post by a blogger I don't read; boy did it eerily ring with the echoes of my own recent thoughts:

Every time I sit down to write, I am overcome with disappointment with what this blog has become. It used to be a place that I loved, that I was proud of. Not so much, anymore. I feel completely lost in this sea of New Blogging. I am not a brand, I do not have a "story" to sell. It's just me, writing words, telling you stories about my life, about the family that I love. And I wonder if it's worth writing anymore because of how much things have changed. I doubt myself. I doubt my place here. I doubt the value of the words that I type here and publish for the world to read.

I understand completely, and whereas this blogger decided to try to reinvigorate her blogging again, I cannot do the same. A few years into Tried to Live Forever's inception, I tried getting into the swing of New Blogging - not advertising (never!) - but due to a certain opportunity. I just couldn't hack it. And as my audience grew, my censorship did as well. A great many things have happened this past year and I've chosen not to share them because I want to keep them to myself and those involved. And sometimes I'd want to write about them and would draw back because I would begin to guess the popularity (or unpopularity) of the post, and that, my friends, wasn't the point of this place when I started it.

The point? I used this space to have a place for casual writing, but writing to keep me writing somewhere. I wasn't doing it in my job, and after four years studying and writing journalism, I needed to keep the pace. However, last year's NaNoWriMo finally proved to myself that I can write more seriously if I put my mind to it. And after having written more seriously, and now in the stages of editing, my writing quota is going pretty well without blogging too often.

All this said, I'm not giving up on my "internet life." I'll continue posting the briefer updates as I always have on my tumblr and my twitter. Perhaps one day I'll open up a long-form blog again; but for now I don't have the time or drive to keep one up. And so, this will be my last post here.

I do have to thank you all for reading. Sincerely. It started as a place just for my own benefit, but ultimately it was you who I thought of when I wrote. And I found some amazing blogs (which I continue to read!) and even friends through this little spot on the internet. Thank you for reading, and thanks for being wonderful and mostly, positive. You're the best!

X

They got the keys to the city but we got a lot of shakin' in our hips.

2011-02-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

January was a month of trips and projects. Here are the fruits of last week's project: paint the kitchen. We used to have this yellow, as you can see below. The yellow was fine when it was a huge room, but once we built out the second floor of the loft, it made the kitchen feel closed-in and the yellow itself started looking dingy. Cue the bright blue!

The right side is primed, it used to be the same yellow!

The blue is called "Serene Sky." Apt.

I was exhausted last week coming home from work every night to tape, prime, and paint the walls. It was completely worth it though, now that the kitchen is far more welcoming and feels more spacious. And we're not even done with it! Jesse and I pooled our Christmas money earnings to frame all of our posters (well, the three posters I own and the 80 Jesse does. Ha.). The posters collection will now be adorning our heretofore blank 16-foot ceiling walls. Plus, we have one more paint project in us.

Jesse returned yesterday morning from Brazil, around seven in the morning, and I had breakfast waiting for him! Bacon, english muffin, and an Erica-approved egg & spinach quiche! The roommates Sam and birthday boy Jim also got to enjoy, as well as our neighbor Adam. Who knew breakfast hangs could be so popular?

Domesticity is all the rage for 2011.

The city breathing, the people churning.

2011-01-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Hello - happy new year! I recently returned from a fantastic vacation to visit family in Panama. I read a few books, daydreamed in the sun, bodysurfed in the Pacific, and spent time with my wonderful loved ones.

Jesse left for Brazil last night for two weeks and in doing so, left me in charge of his music blog - My Aim is True. I'm over there posting a song a day, which started on Monday and goes through next week. Follow it, add it to your reader, and/or even tell me your thoughts here!

My Top Films of 2010

2010-12-31T18:30:00.001-05:00

It's been a bad year for films: I'll say it. There were far too many rehashes and sequels and wholly uncreative movies out in 2010. Looking back at last year's post of my top films of 2009, I'm astounded at how many more quality movies there were. And that list would have changed, too! I hadn't seen A Single Man or Moon until this year, and they would have garnered spots right up there for sure. (A Serious Man would have been filed under worst, sah-rry).

But back to this year - there were most definitely films that rose above. I believe the top five especially are exemplary of good films that chose in one way or another to feel new or, not redundant. There's a gleam of innovation and creativity there, and for that I love them.

01 Black Swan

Now, there are a lot of themes here that are quite conventional - anorexic ballerina, doubles, mirrors, murderous ambition - but director Darren Aronofsky, lead Natalie Portman, and the sounds of the film formed something beautiful and original as I watched. The rising intensity of the film played like horror, and I relished in seeing a modern, well-made horror film.

02 The Social Network

Because the rhythm of Aaron Sorkin's writing will always rope me in. I don't care at all that this "based on a true story" movie isn't really at all: the writing, David Fincher's dark and moody directing (after Benjamin Button I was getting nervous...), the score, and the surprisingly great young actors were enough for me to watch in glee from the first scene on. Not to mention that as as BU girl, I remember signing up for the first inception of Facebook. Speaking of...

03 Inception

Oh, how daring for a movie to be not only smart and artistic but mainstream. I love movies that continue in your mind long after they're over; seeing this in the theater with friends several times was always fun because of the many conversations that would ensue afterwards. I love movies that create conversations. Not to mention those visuals, that script, and another score for Christopher Nolan - a director my father and I kept our eyes on after seeing Memento in the theater so many years ago. Another film that had us talking for weeks afterwards.

04 The Kids Are All Right

Hilarity at it's best! The only thing that surpassed the perfectly tuned acting of Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, and Josh Hutcherson was the script itself by Stuart Blumberg and Lisa Cholodenko. I appreciate a good comedy because it seems to come along so rarely - well a good comedy that is also non-offensive, I should say.

05 Blue Valentine

On the opposite of comedy is this film, starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. The film is wretchedly uncomfortable and I don't think I could see it again. But there's something to be said for a movie that makes you squeam not because somebody is being bludgeoned to death, but because you see a couple trying to make things right, trying to combine their lives into one and not always succeeding. Those minor details of real life are so often passed over in film, but this one puts them front and center. And juxtaposes them in a "duet" (as the director said at the screening I saw) of a couple's relationship during two different times.

06 Winter's Bone

I saw this movie pretty early on in the year, but it's stuck with me over the months. I think the lead actress, Jennifer Lawrence, along with John Hawkes, are astounding. The movie is slow-paced and eerie; the scenery cold and dank. Scenery like this is usually used in awful horror films; there's a different, far more realistic eerieness residing in this film.

07 The Fighter

I think I loved this film because I went into it expecting a heavy-handed drama about boxing (not exactly my cup of tea) but was pleasantly surprised by a really funny movie. Sure, there's some real dark stuff going on here at times, but the best parts are when Christian Bale is on screen as Dickey, a crack-addicted former boxing champion from Lowell, Massachusetts. At times I thought he overplayed it a bit (not that I minded) - but after seeing real video of the person which his character is based on, he's right on. Christian Bale bordered on funny in American Psycho, but you know, I'm more used to him as the brooding Batman or sickening insomniac in The Machinist. Him, plus the other supporting characters really make the film, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

08 True Grit

I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this film, either. It was a remake (though, thankfully, not of a film that came out in my lifetime). But I always like Coen Brother-directed movies. However, what most blew me away was lead actress (this is NOT a supporting role no matter what the awards are deeming it) Hailee Steinfeld. It's hard to think of a thirteen-year-old actor who's not playing cute or cloying or precocious. The rest was also great, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

09 Scott Pilgrim vs The World

What a love it or hate it film! I loved it. I enjoyed all the risks it took in the visuals and story because, hey, at least I'd never seen it done before. It felt like a ride and it made me grin in its silliness. I had to give it the thumbs up for being so daring. (Also, anybody think Zach Snyder should take more tips from Edgar Wright? Just me?)

10 Toy Story 3

Well, because Pixar. They know good story. Find something non-good or enjoyable in this film. Seriously. I can't. It's great.

And the rest!

Pretty honorable: The King's Speech, Vincere, Micmacs, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Shutter Island, Going the Distance (I'm serious, I love this movie), Easy A, Exit Through the Gift Shop

Pretty fun: Iron Man 2, Kick Ass, The Crazies

Pretty meh: Catfish, Just Wright, Love and Other Drugs, Due Date, Machete, The Runaways

Pretty full of issues for me to like it at all: The Town, I Am Love (I will debate anybody over a cup of coffee and a slice of pie on these two films, oof.)

Movies I've yet to see: 127 Hours, Casino Jack, Another Year, Animal Kingdom, The Ghostwriter, Please Give, Never Let Me Go (ugh, want to see it so badly!)

Whaddya think? What are your faves? Anything I missed?

PS Happy New Year - have an enjoyable evening!

My Top Albums of 2010

2010-12-30T12:18:00.001-05:00

For the past three years, I've ended the year by recounting my top ten albums. However, this year, for the most part, I've oddly gone ghost on music. Nothing really grabbed a hold of me. I tried listening to Mumford and Sons but it just made me want to listen to The Avett Brothers...so I did. I tried listening to Best Coast but it just made me want to listen to She & Him...so I did. I didn't listen to many new albums more than once or twice, and so I feel like I didn't put a lot of effort into music this year.

Of course, you know, I did have a few albums I became obsessed over. And so, I can only give you but five albums I would present as my favourites of 2010.

Motion City Soundtrack / My Dinosaur Life

I can still play this on repeat without getting bored. That's basically what I did for several shows this year to see the husband - each time, so excited to hear all the songs!

$7.99 on Amazon mp3 !

A Great Big Pile of Leaves / Have You Seen My Pre-Frontal Cortex?

I wish exciting new bands like this were more frequent; I honestly can't remember the last time I was so stoked on a new band. Probably not since college. Which was ten years ago, people. Check them out NOW. Also because their album is currently FREE on their site. Exactly.

She & Him / Volume Two

Obsessed. You could probably tell by the fact that this year alone I saw them live four times. Whatever. I could sing along to Zooey and M. Ward forever and ever.

$5.00 on Amazon mp3 !

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals / III/IV

This, I've been listening to for the past few weeks on repeat. It's so much FUN! Sometimes Adams & The Cardinals can be a bit "downer" in sound, which I enjoy too, but I find myself smiling when I listen to this.

$8.99 on Amazon mp3 !

Various / The Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack

Yes, a soundtrack. But a soundtrack that contains diddies by Beck and Metric. And two-second long songs with titles like "We Hate You Please Die." I also totally love Sex Bob-omb's "Garbage Truck."

$9.99 on Amazon mp3 !

Three other albums I remembered I enjoyed for a while:

The National / High Violet (This one actually should probably be above, I love it.)

Jimmy Eat World / Invented

Empires / Bang

And while there were few moments that music really dazzled me this year (but when I love something, you know I LOVE IT A LOT) - I definitely paid attention to film. Tomorrow, stay tuned for my favourite films of 2010.

What were some of your best albums? Anything you think I'd like that I might not have heard? I think AGBPOL totally ruined my palette because now I want every album I listen to to be innovative and creative and fun and awesome. Thanks, dudes.

And the knives up in the kitchen are all too dull to smile.

2010-12-01T12:04:00.002-05:00

Jiscilla snapped this photo of me before our plane took off to Austin.

I am back to post again! November was quite a busy month; I traveled, worked, played, and read! Oh, and I wrote a novel.

Yes! I completed it. That's why you see that pretty little banner in the left column now!

I began writing my novel on November 1st, on a plane from Chicago to New York. I continued writing in my Brooklyn apartment. I wrote it in Providence and on a train racing over Connecticut to take me back to Brooklyn. I wrote it flying to Austin, in Austin between great life moments with my best friends Christy and Jiscilla, and I wrote it flying back from Austin with Jesse sleeping in the seat next to me. I wrote it in Massachusetts with my Mom, Dad, brother, and various pets bustling around me. I wrote from night into mornings. I wrote the final sentence (one of the only sentences I spent a lot of time on) and thus finished 50,211 words at approximately ten o'clock last night.

I am exhausted!

But I feel quite accomplished. I mean, I knew I always had it in me, I just never knew when I'd get around to it. Boom! Done, sitting on my desktop. And that's where it will stay until 2011. I've always been someone superstitious about my "serious" writing, and since this is just a draft, nobody will get a chance to read it until a rigorous editing process takes place. Sorry if you were expecting a link to it here! Not even Jesse is privy to the document!

I can tell you some things that were influential, or, rather, that I had taken in during the process and maybe influenced me a bit.

Run River by Joan Didion - I finished this book right before I started writing; it's structure is the main reason I made my novel's time structure a bit round-about. The book is bleak and beautiful and I love it dearly.

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates - another depressing book about two people's lives that I read at the beginning of November; there were some real mean, gutting, despicable things uttered by some of the characters and it made me think of some of the dialogue between my own novel's characters.

Reprise (dir. by Joachim Trier) - This was probably the most motivating factor in writing a novel. Of course, for me, it came from a film. It's a Norwegian film about two novelist best friends and it's fresh but bleak, and I got caught up in it right before November started, and I've watched it twice since the first time. There's a scene in which one of them writes until dawn, and there's a scene where a character shuts herself in the bathroom after a stark realization, and these were especially motivating to me.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers - I'm in the middle of this southern novel right now, and I find myself thinking in a drawl sometimes, and I so happened to make one of my minor characters originally from the South. It's another bleak novel (really hitting up that tone this month, huh?), but the theme of loneliness pulls at my heart strings every time I read it. Not to mention, the author - she wrote this impressive novel when she was only twenty-three. Mark that as more motivation.

And finally, music. I found myself sometimes walking the streets of Manhattan alone (and once in Chicago, too), listening to my iPod and thinking of my story, my characters. I listened mainly to soft, sad music - Ryan Adams (but I always turn to him when the weather gets cold anyway), Aimee Mann, The Avett Brothers and some Cardigans. But when it actually came to writing, I could only listen to solo piano music, a genre station on Pandora. I found some really great music, and it was part inspired by the fact that I also played this piano cover of the Pixies' "Where is My Mind?" on repeat for much of my writing as well.

I'm excited to not feel like I have a second job. I would go to work, come home, eat, and delve right into the writing on most days. I'm excited for all that December has in store. At the same time, it's a little strange to realize I have a real attachment to my story and the characters. They started coming to me in my dreams, and I was thinking about the plot whenever I had a free moment. I know I'll see them again in January, though.

Where do you look for inspiration for projects? Any body else become a NaNoWriMo winner this year?

Everything was melon and orange.

2010-11-09T11:39:00.001-05:00

I've hit 100 followers! THANKS READERS!

Here are three photos of Jesse and I - well, actually it's the same photo, but an example of running it through some iPhone filters via CameraBag. The first is the original, the second is using the 1974 filter, and the last demonic version is the 1962 filter. We were watching the Patriots game versus the Browns, so perhaps it was just unveiling my inner frustration? There's an app for that!

Nothing breathes here in the cold.

2010-11-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

The view from our hotel in Chicago last week.

As you may have noticed, NaNoWriMo has most certainly taken over most of my writing time! I'm currently a little behind schedule even in that, but it's all going very well. I visited Jesse and The Tour this past weekend in New Jersey and Providence, and he sweeps back into town tomorrow for their New York show.

I can say without question that this tour has been the best one I've been able to visit - the other people in the crew and bands are all fun, nice, and surprisingly grounded. I mean, on Saturday night when I was hanging out by the stage door waiting for a friend, Chris Conley passed me, then stopped to introduce himself to me. I mean, what? The guy who wrote one of my top ten albums of all time is saying hi to ME? Unreal. I suppose it was warranted given the many times we'd been part of the same conversation in dressing rooms and stage areas the past few days. But still. The people who make up Valencia, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Saves the Day, and Say Anything are rad - and if you don't have a chance of checking out the live show, buy all their music (with Motion City Soundtrack's own included, of course!) and make an equally rad playlist. Given all the crap skeezball dudes and crap scenes I've witnessed over the years, it's refreshing to see a good group of talented people go out there and have fun.

November's already become a whirlwind of activity, and though I'm enjoying it, I'm already exhausted. I'll try to check in more often here (by the way, I'm at a 98 count of Google readers there on the sidebar - which two of you would like to turn that into 100??) but, as always, you can find me posting on the go via Tumblr or Twitter. And, my Formspring's still up and running, too - and since now I have an iPhone app to help me out, your questions can be more readily answered. I actually have a post to show off some Gap black pants I love, pictures have been taken and everything, so stay tuned for that!

If you've been wondering about my pop culture intake lately, here are some things I've immediately loved recently: the novel Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates (even more soul-crushing than the film - but invigorating), the British series Skins (on Netflix Instant! I told Say Anything's Jake he reminded me of Tony aka Nicolas Hoult), and I finally own the film In The Loop (and you should watch it if you like witty comedy! The next time I meet my NaNo day-quota, I'm treating myself to a viewing). Oh, and this song, constantly.

CONTEST: Owl Earrings!

2010-10-28T12:27:00.001-04:00

Okay I have a contest for you all! My rad friend Kaleigh runs an Etsy shop called Unexpected Expectancy. She's given me reign to give away two pairs of OWL EARRINGS to two of you lucky readers. Given how trendy owls are these days - I mean, have you seen Hungover Owls? that owl movie? heard that crap owl-named band that I can't even post about here? - it seems pretty apt to start wearing some self-adornments. I myself already own an owl ring purchased in Chicago last year, and how sweet are these in brass and gunmetal:

I was going to join my love of film and owls together into the contest, but had trouble coming up with very many "owl scenes" in movies myself. (But how good is the owl scene in Dumb & Dumber - how good???) So the contest is this: link me to a picture of either the cutest owl(s) ever or the most hungover owl(s) ever. First two people to do this AS WELL AS leave their e-mail address gets to snazz up their wardrobe with the brassy or gunmetaly version of the earrings!

Also, you should check out the other creative jewelry she sells, too - I love this brass key necklace (keys, duh), this librarian glasses necklace (again, duh, right?), and this really beautiful bronze feather ring! The other great thing about Unexpected Expectancy is that each month, Kaleigh gives 10% of every sale to a different charity. For the month of October, 10% will be donated to the Animal Protective League.

Full-disclosure-wise, Kaleigh came to me as a friend about this contest, but after I'd already agreed to it, she said she'd be sending me a little surprise. Totally would have done it for nothing!

I feel like dudes should totally get in on this if you're reading to - the holidays are on the way and if you have a sister or girlfriend or even mom that would totally love these, get in on it!

Post me some owl pics, now!

EDIT: We have our winners Liz & Cupcake! Thanks for all the awesome owl photos, I love owl photos!

'Cause you're the storm that I've been needing.

2010-10-27T13:08:00.001-04:00

A picture from the fun times in Coney Island this summer; the weather's since turned cooler.

This week marks the calm before the storm. A good storm, mind you.

On Friday, Jesse flies in from the Best Tour Ever for an evening at Pee Wee Herman's live Broadway show. He was lovely enough to get us front row tickets!

Saturday morning we jet to Chicago for two evenings of the Best Tour Ever, as well as hang time for me and some of my favourite friends! Not to mention the husband, who has been truckin' away on this tour for a good three weeks. I can't wait to see some Valencia, Say Anything, and Saves the Day - and Motion City Soundtrack!! Given that it's the Halloween show and Chicago contains some of their most awesome fans, there will be some traditional MCS dressing up, though I've not been privy to the plans yet. I do have a costume of my own I'll be packing...

I'll be back in time for the work week on Monday, but Monday also signifies the beginning of November. And I've got BIG PLANS this November! I'll be participating in my first ever NaNoWriMo - which means "National Novel Writing Month." I'll be writing nearly 1700 words every single day in the hopes of reaching at least 50,000 words by November 30th...50,000 words of a NOVEL. If you're embarking on this quest as well, feel free to friend me on the website, my username (as always) is jessicaxmaria.

You could be hearing right now a gleam of the near future's SENSATION! The top of the bestseller lists! The instant-classic yet to be written! Or, not. Most likely not. But at least I'll have something to work with after November. Something malleable, something to edit. I'm quite excited and motivated.

My blog posts in the month of November may be short and sweet, as you can probably understand. Though I may do plenty of updates from the road - updates from the Best Tour Ever - as I'll be sure to have my computer handy for plane and train writing! I wish I had a light, sleek MacBook Air just for this month! But, it cannot be at the moment. No worries, my November means traveling, seeing my dude, hanging with friends, and writing - four of the best things in my life.

I aim to have an adventurous month! Anybody goes to the MCS shows? Participating in NaNoWriMo?

PS Stay tuned tomorrow for a fun contest with prizes!!

Way it goes.

2010-10-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

It was a particularly emotionally draining weekend. However, through all the somberness, there was the light that breaks through when friends gather for one another. There was laughter and silly jokes and memorable stories. There were many, many hugs. I can only hope that my friend's pain continues to be eased as the days pass. For now, I look for the positivity in all things. The brighter spots in life. And I wish to one day own the same amount of strength and poise my friend does.

2010-10-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

We are imperfect mortal beings, aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so wired that when we mourn our losses we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves. As we were. As we are no longer. As we will one day not be at all.

-- Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking

It's hard to sit here at work when my best friend is in pain and grieving hundreds of miles away. It's all I can do for now. Feeling helpless. But I sit here and mentally send my love. I can see it whirring through the winds now, reaching for her and her family. It's all I can do for now.

And you'll ask yourself.

2010-10-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

I am never really alone. I enjoy constantly being surrounded by my friends, the city, the noises, the smells. Of course, there's always room for alone time when needed, but sometimes after a scary movie, you're at home by yourself having just said goodbye to your friends and you grab the cat as you head to bed and you're lying there with the lights off and trying not to think of things like Bloody Mary because you catch a glint of the mirror in the room - sometimes then alone time isn't all that fun.

But let's not talk about my Saturday night.

On Friday, Erica, Kelly, and Amber joined Sam and I for a Ladies Evening (also known as "Girls Night"). We cooked, we feasted, we wined. The conversation grew louder and the theme of the night quickly became "fake gagging," as we told each other gross-out stories and pulled up grotesque pictures on our phones. Like we ladies do.

My weekend also included a book club meeting and debating opinions as we are halfway through this book, as well as getting a new countertop thanks to Jim's parents (total kitchen makeover coming soon!), many couch-movies, a bit of football with fun friends (some from far away), and a five-mile walk through Central Park for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Donation is still open if you'd like to give to the team! I also walked and donated a couple of weeks ago for my employer's breast cancer walk, and it's been nice to see all the awareness being raised in the media and nearly everywhere I look this month.

How was your weekend?

PS [Edit] allusions I made previously to a contest have been deleted because I don't think I'll be able to hold it tomorrow, something came up. Perhaps later this week or next. Thank you.

Back then our bones wouldn't break.

2010-10-15T13:53:00.002-04:00

A myriad of activities kept me busy the past few weeks. Really, I thought when summer winded down I would have a great lot of time to spend writing. However, plans are just a list of things that don't happen, right?

Now I can divulge in a few of the details; the changes in life that have brought me to where I stand today. I'm happy, slightly more scatterbrained than usual, and constantly trying to organize my surroundings even when it seems there's not enough time in the world. New York continues to take hold of my life every day - no, it never slows down. And I enjoy every minute of it. The friends that fill my life are the best, and I'm finding that I wouldn't trade a slowed-down life for them any day of the year. I'm now 27, and I see no reason why aging seemingly relates to having any less fun.

Surely, my life when I first moved to New York was different - I lived at 120 miles per hour, so to speak. I reveled in watching the dawn break over the skyscrapers and dancing for hours though my feet protested. Since then things have evolved as time makes us do. I got a fabulous job, married the man who surprised me over and over again, and I tend to see the dawn in the hours when I wake up and not when I go to sleep. The pace remains high, but with different avenues to race down. I assume it's what living in New York is for everyone, and though my rent is higher than other places, I understand I pay extra for living in the greatest city in the world. And I'm surrounded by the best people in my world, right here in this little island and its burroughs.

Back in September, the girl I drove a u-haul with in 2006 moved from our apartment in Brooklyn to a new, beautiful neighborhood in Queens. Erica, my virtual sister and companion in exploring the city, the nightlife, the shows, the stores, the subway... has moved away - no longer a whisper-yell of "hermana" across our rooms (whether we had walls or not) - but still a ventricle in my heart that beats across the burroughs. New York connects us all, with places easily traveled, and "activities" that keep us together. Though locations have changed, nothing in our friendship has deteriorated, in fact probably just the opposite has happened.

And in the apartment, Jesse and I have welcomed two wonderful individuals, Samantha (Sam) and Jim. Yes, we live with another couple! Sam and Jim are two fantastic people we've met over the last few years that have become damn great friends. Sam may be the most positive, loving person I've ever met. She works at an animal hospital, and I think those assets just come naturally to people who decide to work with animals all day (see also: nurses). Speaking of, she also brings along her cocker spaniel pup Melly, who is adorable, and to which Pee Wee still casts a condescending eye, but for the most part they get along splendidly. I am currently working on a "Melly and Pee Wee" photoset to share soon. Jim takes improv classes and fights the good fight of a desk job through sarcasm and wit - you should probably read his tumblr and follow him so that he starts writing more funny stuff, because at this point he just thinks nobody reads! He's hilarious on stage at the Upright Citizen's Brigade theater and just as a friend to talk to. Sam and Jim have been great fun to have at #410, and I know I'll have more stories to share about the apartment in the future.

In more news updates, Jesse just recently left for his Best Tour Ever. I'll be meeting up with him a few times on the road, namely in Chicago, the East Coast, and Austin. I'm especially excited for Austin - not just because it's the last date of the tour and I get my husband back - but also because I am flying there with Jiscilla and we are visiting our best friend Christy. It's been a couple of years now since Christy left Manhattan for Austin, and I'm excited to visit her in her own personal Great City.

Finally, I should give you the last big update, and another reason I've been unable to really pay attention to this little spot on the internet lately: I got a promotion. I'm now a business manager as opposed to just an analyst (or "transponster" as my friends knew my previous title). It's something I'm quite proud to have accomplished, and it's reinvigorated my career-thinking.

And now, I'm just spewing it all out. Well, I'd tell you to expect more frequent updates, and I'd honestly mean it and intend to, but I never know where I'll end up tomorrow or next week or next month; what might spring up and take hold of me and bring me joy or sadness or something inbetween; the leaky faucet of my fingers today may get clogged with a writing (or sharing?) block next week. But for now, you should know that I'm happy in this fast-paced world of love I live in.

You know, you'd like to think you're both in all this pain.

2010-10-06T16:47:00.000-04:00

An anecdote from a moment in my life the past week --

A couple of nights ago, I curled up in bed with my cat. The husband was out meeting friends, and I excitedly turned on Netflix and settled in for a movie called Broken English. The film has been on my radar for a long time because Netflix said I would enjoy it, it had something to do with France, and it stars two actors I really like - Justin Theroux and Parker Posey.

And I was enjoying it - I really was. It opens in New York and I recognized so many blocks I've walked, eateries and bars I'd been to, and a movie theater (of course). Parker Posey's character was developing well and I laughed and sympathized with her. We would be friends, I'm sure of it, I told Pee Wee as he watched on with me. Posey's suitor in the film, a French dude, was a bit too-good-to-be-true, but I let that slide (I often do for romantic comedies, so why not in this indie romance?).

The story moves to Paris, and like most films that involve Paris, I was whisked into the romantic-whimsical feelings of that place I've never visited. I enjoyed the moments Posey's character had with her married best friend and travel companion, played by Drea de Matteo, and I relished in her solo experiences in a foreign city.

AND THEN.

And then the ending hit, a few minutes after a moment of true revelation to Posey's character, and I almost threw the remote control at my television. Firstly, because it should have ended at said revelatous moment (I'm so angry I'm making up WORDS! And, also, I don't want to be spoilery.) and secondly, BECAUSE IT STOLE ONE OF MY FAVOURTIE FILM'S ENDING.

Literally, the last two lines of Broken English (2007) are NEAR EXACT to the last two lines in Before Sunset (2004). Those last two lines are perhaps my favourite ending lines in any movie, ever. Richard Linklater's closing scene is beautifully filmed, and I remember the cuts, the slow zoom-in, the looks on the actors' faces. The Oscar-nominated script for Before Sunset was written by those actors Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, as well as director Linklater. Those last two lines run through my head at least ONCE a week.

You know when you have those moments where you get so frustrated and you just want to drop everything, run outside and scream, or let go of all communications to anyone and run away, or just set out somewhere with no idea why - just that you want an adventure because your life seems so far from adventurous right then? In the aftermath of those moments, that's when I repeat those last two lines because they embody some sort of calming beauty to me. (I realize it may be just me.)

The last ten minutes of Broken English indeed left me incredulous, especially since every minute leading up to those last were pretty good. Not great, but good. That ending ruined it. And it ruined it in a much sadder way than The Town's ending ruined the whole (...I pondered to myself after calmly turning off the tv, setting down my remote, and turning off the light to sleep). I thought, perhaps, regarding The Town, I had been too harsh the first time around. But then I watched the movie again. Only to find more examples of craptitude, and I sadly must dismiss that movie's story/writing as well.

Back to me laying in bed on Monday night, eyes wide open, still angry. I rarely read movie reviews before seeing a film, so as not to cloud my head with expectations, and so on Monday night I grabbed my iPhone in the dark and quickly searched "Ebert - Broken English." And I skimmed it for the most part, but here, too, I rested on his last two lines:

There is a very good movie named Before Sunset that begins more or less where this one ends. Which tells you something right there.

Ebert knows.

I believe I can forgive most of Broken English because it was good to a point, and it was only the debut effort of director/writer Zoe Cassavetes (yes, of those Cassavetes). Though I truly have no desire to see it again. And! I can only recommend to any one who wants to see it to NOT waste their time and just watch Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. I forgive Netflix, too, because what else do you suggest to the American girl who has either seen or queued every single French movie you have to offer?

In similar news, if you like Louis CK, go see Hilarious. If the internet, psychology, and making BFFs on the internet are in any way interesting to you, see Catfish (though personally I'd have waited for DVD). If you like comedies that are smart, funny, not corny, and not afraid to be risque, I'd recommend the good jokes in Easy A. And finally, if you enjoy not-of-this-world (but delicious) dialogue, dark and hypnotic directing, and can get past the fact that the story revolves around the very website you may have come to this post from - I'd recommend The Social Network. But, for the most part, just don't see Broken English.

So, how was your week?

I like the way you move.

2010-09-29T12:24:00.000-04:00

Facts about my birthday and how awesome my friends are...

Jesse took me out to dinner at Lil' Frankies and he bought a Ben Sherman shirt for the evening that he hoped "would match my nails" (it did!)
Jesse then led me to a "dessert place" that was actually the bar Hi-Fi and a ton of my friends were there which was incredible and great and I felt very loved.
Erica picked out IRON MAN 2 as my theme, see photo above. That pin's ribbon says "Birthday Hero."
As well as the other Curbside ladies, Amber and Kells, getting me Magnolia cupcakes and cards with kittens on them!
All the online love! Thanks, people!
At Jonah's birthday hang out on Monday night, Fred Armisen and Abby Elliot showed up (because his awesome, talented, extremely nice sister Vanessa is a featured player on SNL this season!) and he proceeded to make a joke about "have SNL actors ever come to your birthday party?" He mentioned this not only on Monday night, but AT my birthday last night. It was okay, because guess what? Brandon Flowers has been to one of mine! Boom.
Unfortunately, Robert Downey Jr. could not make my birthday party.
Came home to a cute scarf and earrings from my new roommates Sam & Jim! (I'm wearing the scarf today!)
As part of his birthday gift, Jesse and I are going to see American Idiot on Broadway tonight - and Green Day's lead singer Billy Joe is making a special appearance!
Pee Wee said happy birthday by spooning with me as I went to sleep. He's a cuddler.

It was a truly memorable birthday and I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends!

And the sky was made of amethyst.

2010-09-22T16:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks to That Ain't Kosher, I had to make a list of seven things - anything. Her own list was quite off-the-wall interesting, and I'll be honest: she's much more creative than I am in discovering what seven things she should cover. However, most of the thoughts on my list are thought about on a daily basis. I present...

Seven Things I Wish I Could Do

01 Dye my hair lavender.

In college, I tried many times to dye my hair purple. It never took because I refused to bleach my hair. And my hair is near-black. With my current position in the corporate world, I don't think having lavender hair would help my professionally, and I'd like to be taken seriously. Also? I highly doubt I could even pull off lighter hair, at all. But I truly lust after a lavender similar to Kelly Osbourne's former shades:

02 Cook intuitively.

I can follow a recipe - I'm good at directions. But understanding food, cooking, baking, measurements, and taste is just out of my scope. I wish I could "whip up dinner" without it being a lengthy process of should I do this or that? Can I do without this one ingredient I don't have? Of course, I overanalyze nearly everything, and meals I cook are not safe!

03 Whistle.

Seriously, I can't whistle. In elementary school (prime whistle-learnin' times) we were banned from doing so, and nobody ever taught me. I look a fool if I even try.

04 Wear socks and heels.

I used to harbor hate for this look secretly because I can't ever do it. Personally I think it's pretty impossible to look the "cute" way it's supposed to unless you have skinny legs. I have shapely legs, and socks with heels would cut me off in severely unflattering ways.

05 Not feel guilty if I ever dressed badly for a couple of weeks and taped myself solely to convince What Not to Wear producers that I deserve a $5,000 shopping spree.

I've given this a lot of thought. But I know there are more deserving people of such sprees than me. I'd feel guilty every time I donned a piece from what would ultimately be called the "Shameful Selfish Shopping Spree Full of Deceit."

06 Related: wear the stylish ensembles created by J.Crew's stylists for their catalogs and not look like a crazy person.

I know I would look ridiculous. But also? Affordability is an issue here.

Sequined shorts + bowtie thing? Couldn't do it right.

So many layers on me would look bulky, not effortless.

These textures look lovely here, but probably monster-like on me. (See also #4)

Okay, OKAY, some of them are actually NOT styled that well, but you get my point.

07 A month-long vacation once a year for me to spend living somewhere around the globe.

Going somewhere for one week or one weekend can sometimes be exhausting for all the planning and activities packed into it. I'd like leisurely vacations in foreign places to explore at my will and take in my surroundings - with my husband, of course! Basically, I want my summer vacations back. (You know, before summer jobs were a requirement.) Places I'd stay? South of France, Buenos Aires, Vienna, George Clooney's Italian Villa (I'm sure I could make that happen), Japan, Spain, etc., etc., etc.!

Jesse and I would simply call up George for the keys.

Come take my pulse.

2010-09-14T13:03:00.000-04:00

Over the last couple of weeks, I've hardly had enough time to see as many movies in theaters as I usually do. I've only seen three in the span of three weeks I believe. This is STRANGE for a woman like me.. Just this week alone I plan to see three! But here are my thoughts on the three past:

I Am Love

I'm a sucker for anything SWINTON. She's one of those scene-stealing actresses on whom you involuntarily concentrate your gaze at all times she's in view. Therefore, I was excited for this Italian-language film starring and produced by her.

For a moment upon it's opening I thought I Am Love was set in the 1960s due to the exquisite Milan mansion's decor, the classically styled costuming, and the haze of the actual filmstock. Obviously intentional, for a story about a priveleged family entrenched in the old, traditional way of The Family Business into a new, global economy. Similarly, Swinton's character Emma has an "awakening" about her rich but routine life and embarks on breaking free from the matriarchal role she's been designated.

Swinton's superb, per usual, but Emma isn't the most likable character. She may be the least likable character in the whole film, and you follow her closely throughout. The other characters aren't terribly thought-out or given much depth, but they serve their purpose. The directing is interesting, at times sweeping and other times confusing but interesting. I let the movie settle with me for a couple of weeks before finalizing my opinion on the film, all due to what I thought of the ending. It's an erratic culmination - gigantic music, rampant reaction shots of each of the characters, and the worst costume decision in a movie filled with impeccable ones (if they were going for juxtaposition, I don't buy it - not in that outfit). I sadly have to say that while it was a pretty and captivating movie for the most part, I didn't enjoy it all.

Bottom line: C; ambitious but falls short - though Swinton may get some deserved recognition this awards season.

Going the Distance

Rom-coms are usually enjoyable, but I sit through them having to cringe, wince, and ultimately ignore many lines or character stereotypes in order to not walk out of the theater. Much like a horror movie, I want to scream out things at the characters who are acting completely inplausibly. Luckily, Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, and the ace supporting cast of Going the Distance saved me from such a dilemma.

The story revolves around Erin and Garrett, two people who meet one night in a New York bar under not too out-there or gaggingly meet-cute circumstances. She's a 31-year-old intern at a newspaper, and he works A&R at a music label. Grad school calls Erin back to San Francisco and the two lovebirds decide they like each other too much to break up, and so: the funny trials and tribulations of a long distance relationship!

And while these trials and tribulations are not unexpected, they're actually believable. I don't think I've witnessed a more "real" rom-com, and it's not just because I've done long distance relationships. The openness of the friendships and dialogue strikes true, as well. The film is rated R, mostly due to raunchy lines and sexual situations - there are plenty of dick jokes, semi-nudity, and crass interchanges. But um, I realize that that's similar to how my friends and I interact as well. Our dialogue and e-mails would most likely be more on the rated R side of things, and my husband and I have made plenty of similar jokes to those between Erin and Garrett. To be sure, the raunchy comedy is light (it's never "sick"), and it's delivered superbly by the leads as well as Christina Applegate, Jason Sudeikis, Jim Gaffigan and Charlie Day. I haven't laughed that hard in a movie theater in years.

The best thing about the humor in Going the Distance? I wasn't offended. Like I've said, I think every rom-com I've seen cracks a joke that makes me cringe as a woman (see: every Katherine Heigl movie ever). But the writer of Going the Distance (male) was an equal opportunist - there are dick jokes, but vagina jokes too; where there's two dudes talking about sex, we get two women discussing it as well. I didn't get squeamish in my seat, I didn't roll my eyes, and the characters were likable to acted truthfully!

Bottom line: A+ for a rom-com, B overall; hilarious, sweet, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Machete

Oh, Robert Rodriguez. As a Latina, I appreciate his consistent casting of Hispanic actors and Latino-influenced/-set storylines, but I don't think I've ever quite come around to actually liking him. I always like parts, but never the whole.

I can take movies that are supposed to veer "B-movie" with ridiculous action and incredibly bad line delivery, sometimes at the camera. I know it's all in fun, and I do laugh and enjoy it if done well. The constant gore and male-gaze nudity: less so. It's redundant, uninspired, and where I thought he'd be more similar to his friend Quentin Tarantino, he just keeps turning out more like the directorial efforts of their other friend Eli Roth (vomit).

Danny Trejo plays what I can only now assume is actually Danny Trejo, since it's the same intimidating ex-con persona role I've always seen him in. He fits, of course, and I went along with his character and all the hilarious implausibilities. I really liked Michelle Rodriguez' character, though she also gets typecast as your typical Latina tough girl, I suppose. Along with some turns by Robert DeNiro, Jeff Fahey, and Steven Seagal, plus a hammering-over-the-head story about politics and illegal immigration - you've got at least something watchable.

Here's what's not ever watchable: Jessica Alba. I tried with all my might to dig the beautiful "actress," because I like to support the notion of more Latina actresses on screen. However, she's not an actress. She can't even act badly as all the characters in Machete do. She is, quite plainly, The Worst. I've never wanted a character to die so badly than hers in Machete. I just wanted her off screen, to save me from constantly cringing and making my skin more susceptible to wrinkles in my future. If I keep seeing her in films, I'm going to have to name a future wrinkle after her.

Bottom line: D; it's funny in its ridiculousness, but was not worthy of my money, if you ask me.

Have you seen any of these movies? Thoughts?! Let's discuss in the comments!

We're so close to something better left unknown.

2010-09-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

I actually ventured into Fashion Week events on Friday with the celebrations of Fashion's Night Out. Who can turn down the free stuff? I catalogued most of of it on Tumblr for "10on10" - an endeavor organized by Caitlin in which you take ten pictures over the course of the day of the 10th. But the details of Friday include this -

How hot does my Zoya Julieanne manicure look? Amber, Erica and I all decided to get painted the same color! I love how it's basically a deep black with shades of purple shimmer. Three days later and I'm still staring into my nails every few hours. Even better - I got to take home this color plus three others from Zoya's Fall 2010 Wicked & Wonderful line. I have a new fave polish brand, I think!

Friday night was also highlighted by an acoustic performance by Metric at the Juicy Couture store. Sure, I've never stepped into a Juicy store before (and probably never will again...) but it was worth all the pink sweatpants and "bling" to check out Emily Haines' belting out songs acoustically. I've had "Gimme Sympathy" in my head ever since. She has a hauntingly beautiful quality - both in her voice and appearance. A definite girl crush...

A couple of hours later Erica and I were in Brooklyn at a bar with a bunch of friends, and upon checking Twitter, I realized that I missed another girl crush, Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men) who happened to show up at Juicy mere minutes after we had rushed out of there. Instant sadface upon my realization.

After my one fashionable night wrapped up, Jesse and I spent Saturday hanging out together and planned a little date night of Thai food on St. Marks coupled with the film Machete (review forthcoming). A nice quiet evening after a fluttering couple of weeks of travel (him), work (me), and organizing (me). We left the movie theater to find out that Diaz was a few blocks away, so we headed to see him and friends. Ending up at Hi-Fi, our night was suddenly joined by more friends in the form of Adam and Kelly and Jon Cheese - who spotted us in the window. The night stretched into the morning, and I haven't seen the hour of 4am since probably the first year of dating Jesse. We referred to it as "just like the old days!" (Three years ago.)

Jesse heads out to Los Angeles next weekend for Tony Thaxton's Analog Playset Custom Toy Show & Auction. He'll be displaying his own version of the toy, along with the likes of Joe Ledbetter, Sherri Dupree-Bemis, and many others. If you live in Los Angeles, I'd check it out next weekend, too! Jesse is working diligently on his piece. And yes, you read this poster right, Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin will be performing!

On Sunday we ventured to Queens to hang out with Erica and Diaz at a sports bar for all the Fantasy Football fun. I'll refrain from bogging this place down with Fantasy talk and perhaps keep that to Tumblr. I must say that my team performed pretty well this week, despite my previous misgivings about my roster.

Now I'm back to the grind - which you may have caught a glimpse of on Friday's 10on10 - and staring at my manicure for the most part. How was your weekend?

Say Happy Birthday to Andrew, via charity:water !

2010-09-07T12:04:00.000-04:00

My friend Andrew, also known simply by his last name Keller, has decided to do something very charitable and selfless to celebrate his 25th birthday on September 25th. He's donating his birthday to charity:water. The non-profit organization brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations, and allows people such as Andrew to set up a personalized page to gather donations in the name of their birthday or weddings or what have you. In Andrew's own words:

i've recently started talking to the wonderful people at charity:water and have become inspired by the work that they do, and how little it takes to help so many people for so long.

i'm turning 25 years old on september 25th and wish to know that because of my friends, my family, and even total strangers a difference is being made in the lives of those that really need it.

i grew up in new york city, with amazing access to museums, theater, music, and food. there are people who are growing up without access to clean water.

feel free to make a donation of any amount, and certainly if you're so moved, forward it along to your friends and family.

(http://mycharitywater.org/andrewdkeller)

This is me passing along his cause to my friends. My birthday happens to be a mere three days after Andrew's, and if you were thinking of gifting me in any way, I'm going to pass you along to Andrew's page to donate. I'd start my own campaign, but I'd like to work towards Andrew meeting his goal! (Plus, we've joint-birthday'd in the past, so it's not a new idea, right?)

I just donated, and maybe you'd like to donate a small amount towards Andrew's cause as well. 100% of the donations go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations.The charity:water homepage describes the water crisis:

Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all disease and kill more people than all forms of violence, including war. We're working to change that.

Thanks for listening, and I know that Andrew's good soul appreciates your attention as well!

DONATE HERE!

Echoes and silence, patience and grace.

2010-09-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

I've been obsessed with oversized cateye sunglasses for a while. Specifically, I fell in love with them last summer in LA when I tried on a pair of Ditas:

I couldn't afford them. And I still couldn't afford the gorgeous Chloé brand sunglasses that came out in January - oh how I lusted for them!

But last week, wonderful designer sale site Ideeli had a Chloé sunglasses sale and in the preview photo were The Sunglasses. Technically, they're named the Tilia sunglasses. Marked down by $200, and with some credits, I now have The Sunglasses!!

I'm totally in love with them. The retro design, the oversized-ness, the star bolt in the corner. Though summer is nearly done, I'm hoping for many a sunny day walk through Manhattan in the next couple of months. What do you think?! Do you have an Ideeli invite? If not, here it is! Do you have a pair of sunglasses or other accessory you've been coveting? Do share!

My friends, in fact, rule.

2010-09-01T16:56:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well, it's already September! Add in a cliche about time moving so quickly, and that will have to suffice for how busy I've been. Two important matters to broach today, however:

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BESTIE AMBER!

We've been friends since the 8th grade! We're two similarly-minded ladies who grew up in the military and as of last year, live in the same city together again - something which I cherish and never take for granted. Especially when I want to watch French movies or go to a book swap: she's always there! Three cheers to beauty splurges, bacon arms, and many more years of friendship!

Secondly, it's the end of an era! Erica and I moved into our Brooklyn apartment together FOUR years ago! As of yesterday, she's resettled a borough north in Queens and her new places sounds fabulous. We're both stoked on everything right now - neither of us are those "scared of change" type people. Congratulations to Erica and her new digs, as well as a toast in commemoration of our first years of navigating New York together!

My friends are the best and I am - every day - so honored to have them in my life!

I'll send you my love on a wire.

2010-08-24T13:07:00.001-04:00

That was my view for most of the weekend on Fire Island. Add that a great group of friends - Amber, Jaime, Kelly, Cara, Jon Cheese, and Jesse - and I think you know how fun my weekend was. I'd love to go into the details, but after uploading these photos, I think I'll let them speak for themselves.

Yeah, I think that's about right. Perhaps more details later. How was your weekend?

Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.

2010-08-19T10:28:00.001-04:00

Last night after work Jesse, Diaz, Erica, Jim, Adam and I traveled to Coney Island to take in a Brooklyn Cyclones versus Staten Island Yankees baseball game. Going to Coney Island for baseball has been one of our favourite summer activities since we since moved to New York. Even though the Cyclones lost, last night was no exception to our usual funtimes.

I'm taking a three-day weekend starting tomorrow and we're heading to a little house on Fire Island for some beach and sun! Ever been to Coney Island or Fire Island? What are you doing this weekend?

Happy (Belated) Birthday Jiscilla!

2010-08-18T14:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I thought a post went up regarding my dear Jiscilla's birthday. IT NEVER SHOWED. And then she herself made a cute post on her blog of the pictures I took of her when Tyler gave her The Gift. Check out the adorableness!

As this is belated, you'll be happy to know that Jiscilla indeed had a glorious birthday. Since she was miles away in Connecticut, I celebrated personally last night by joining her boyfriend, my husband, and two hooligans (Jim and Ben) with some happy hour sushi & sake. I missed Jiscilla.

Jiscilla, she who takes fabulous photos and looks like the third Zooey Deschanel/Katy Perry doppleganger, is the sweetest unicorn you will ever meet. She's the ultimate Celebrities player, perfect party pixie, and she has the greatest dance moves I've ever witnessed. When I met her at a show in Providence five years ago, I definitely had no clue she would one day be celebrating my wedding next to me as a bridesmaids. In a word, she's wonderful.

Happy Birthday, Jiscilla!

An easy girl to miss when you're gone.

2010-08-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

You can rest assured I had a fabulous weekend, what with all that incessant blogging on Friday. Could you tell I just couldn't wait?! Well, I couldn't.

I went to Connecticut, to the lovely home of the Lester family - the place where my friend Jim grew up (if you can call what he does adult, with such post titles like this...). I usually post at the tumblr when traveling, so there are some pics up from the weekend. His parents, sister, and grandparents are the SWEETEST and treated us city hooligans with every nicety. Along with Jesse, Kelly, Amber, Jiscilla, Sam and Tyler - we lounged by the pool, played bocce ball, made margaritas, and ate lots and lots of grilled food and potato salad.

Amber and I began eating the potato salad around two in the afternoon and managed to consume the giant bowl in full by one am eastern standard time. We lamented eating it all after wanting more the next day.

The Lester family also initiated Jesse into a softball game and I love them dearly for they fashioned him just so for the activity:

Luckily, he didn't shame our good Johnson name and he did three very good things that included hitting a ball far and coming to home plate.

Tyler also made a great to-do about Jiscilla's impending birthday (TOMORROW! IT'S. TOMORROW.) and presented her, in a giant box layered with red and yellow tissue paper, A PLANE TICKET. To Austin! In November! WITH ME! Jiscilla and I shall be a'travelin' maids (what?) to visit our DEAREST friend CHRISTY!

Upon which I said, "Now you're like Kate."

Christy moved down south a couple of years ago, and while Jiscilla has had the good fortune to visit her, now I get to tag along as well! Oh, and we're topping off our Austin BFF Extravaganza Weekend (working title) with a rock show - aka the end of the Most Awesome Tour Ever (named that myself just now right here). Our dudes will be descending on Austin for the last date of their tour together, and if you haven't guessed yet, it's going to be so much fun!

I mean, you've heard A Great Big Pile of Leaves already, RIGHT? Thought so.

In other weekend news, Jim, Jesse, and Lisa (Jim's mom) pulled off a successful "Triple Scare" on Amber (and the rest of us, but mostly Amber) on Saturday night in which they hid behind trees or kitchen doors and jumped out at Amber (and us). There was a lot of screaming! Mostly by Amber.

Tonight I plan on extending my Jason Schwartzman Day by geeking out again with some friends to Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Also, SIDENOTE, two of my best friends have boyfs getting back from tours tonight, and I can't help but get all vicariously happy for them - I know how thrilling those days are! So congratulations to Erica and Kelly!!

PS If you liked that gray dress I sported last weekend, I bought it at Delia's and it's available online! (Though in-store I got a discount.)

How was your weekend?!

Oh I know you have to go, yes I know you have to go.

2010-08-13T12:12:00.002-04:00

Oh, hi again. I suppose I'm just makin' up for the lack of updates this week by sitting here and banging some more posts out.

I'd like to present to you some of my recent purchases.

On Gilt, I bought some L.A.M.B. sandals and I'm wearing them right now, and I've worn them for the past week, and I love them.

They have sweet buckles on the side, too:

Gilt has some great sales! If you need an invite - HERE IT IS! I'd been eyeing these sandals all summer on Piperlime, and when I saw them on Gilt docked down so much, I didn't even hesitate.

Last weekend while Jesse and I were staying at the Westin in Providence, I woke up early and did some shopping, seeing as how the hotel is connected to the monument of commerce that is Providence Place Mall. I bought a cute, simple gray dress - what do you think?

That night we went to a delicious dinner in Newport, me in my gray dress and L.A.M.B. sandals, and Jesse in his new plaid shirt. I remember having two glasses of wine and then discussing Jason Schwartzman for a bit.

And now for that which I wish I could buy. These pieces by Lauren Moffat are gorgeous and I want them. I want to be able to afford them. As well as the sunglasses the model is wearing, too. Of course!

I'd also like this dress that Emmy Rossum wore. And the sunglasses.

And finally, could this girl be any more adorable? By that I mean, if I tried to pull of that hair, that outfit, that pose, it'd come out something horrible - something TRAGIC, even.

(via this amazing fashion blog)

Coveting anything lately? Inspired by any sweet fashion blogs? (Pass them along!)

I think this may conclude my blogging for the day. Maybe.

But I know you can't and I know you wouldn't anyway.

2010-08-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't it be good if you could stay?

2010-08-13T10:04:00.000-04:00

I've unofficially deemed today Jason Schwartzman Day. I listened to Coconut Records on the way into work, because hey, those songs are fun and I like Jason Schwartzman. If you like Jason Schwartzman you should probably go see Scott Pilgrim vs The World this weekend because he's hilarious as an evil-ex and it's definitely the most fun thing you will see this summer.

Anyway.

It's Friday and I'm frazzled from the week and all of its activities. This post will make little to no sense. Ready?

Okay. Last night I met up with Awesome Blogger Zan and we concluded the following things:

1. While some people may differ on whether they liked Inception or not, the fact remains: everybody has had a conversation about it after they've seen it. Some people are still talking about it (like us!) and I think that's enough for it to be deemed worthwhile.

2. Friday Night Lights is the best television show. Season 4 just ended, and Zan and I agree it was the best season yet. It feels like its own little world, a neighborhood you live in occasionally. Zan and I SHARE the memories of Coach, Saracen, Julie, Tami, Riggins, etc. They are our friends. I mean...anybody who watches that show feels the same way, right?

3. At the other end of the stick, Entourage is still on television and also, do people still watch it?! It's THE WORST. Zan caught a minute or two of this season and shared her horrifying experience with me. If you still watch Entourage, tell me WHY. I can't fathom why anyone would still think that show is worthwhile or watchable, and I used to love it.

Here is Awesome Blogger Zan and her lovely eyelashes:

She doesn't use this mascara product.

After three Shanghai cocktails, I headed downtown to meet up with the husband and a couple of friends to see Chris Hardwick, he of Web Soup and Singled Out fame, do some stand up comedy. True to form, it was hilarious, and because Jesse has met Chris before, we talked to him for a while after the show. About many nerdy things. And I told him I'd need a picture with him, and after three he finally approved this one (celebrities!) -

If you live in New York, or anywhere, you should check out his stand-up (& Nerdist podcast!). It gave me stomach pains, in a good way. And I yelled "Singled Out!" when he mentioned he got stopped on the street in the 90s. Dude, I don't think I missed an episode of Singled Out. Also, I totally remember how it was used in Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion when they were trying to get boyfriends and they were too old for MTV. File under: things that shouldn't take up room in my brain but they DO.

Then we ended the night at another bar where there were a bunch of Frenchies, a Japanese guy, a French guy that looked like Daniel Faraday from LOST and a bartender that looked like Sayid. No lie. Amber, Kelly, Tyler were there - the best ones, the normies. Oh, and these people.

All in all it was quite a night, and while some of the guys were "talking shop" I got another level to three stars on Angry Birds. Slowly but surely all those levels will have three stars.

And now my final question: who else loves Jason Schwartzman?

C'mon boys, make some noise!

2010-08-10T23:07:00.001-04:00

Jesse and I spent a wonderful weekend in Rhode Island with baseball, a wedding, and our one year wedding anniversary. More details when I get to them (you wouldn't believe how tiring having fun is!), but for now, enjoy this playlist that Liz and I put together! I just downloaded the mix myself, and it RULES!

Liz, amazing music blogger that she is, always posts mixtapes on Mondays. They are all awesome. (You should really start reading her if you love music, too!) The last time I was in Philadelphia, we discussed music with her roommate, Pogo. He said he loved music that crescendo'd or spanned from soft to hard and back and whatnot. We present you: Build Ups & Break Downs.

Sign No More - Mumford & Sons
I Can Barely Breathe - Manchester Orchestra
Out Of My Way - Damone
Road to Joy - Bright Eyes
Up In Arms - Foo Fighters
Blood - The Middle East
Cosmic Love - Florence & the Machine
Welcome To The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
Konstantine - Something Corporate
Living Room - Tegan & Sara
Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World
Even If It Kills Me - Motion City Soundtrack
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
Dog Problems - The Format
Bend & Not Break - Dashboard Confessional
Transatlanticism - Death Cab for Cutie
Terrible Love - The National
Be Calm - fun.
Innocence - The Airborne Toxic Event
Learn To Share - A Great Big Pile of Leaves
Heroes - David Bowie
Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
Motorcycle Drive By - Third Eye Blind
Me Vs. Madonna Vs. Elvis - Brand New
Exit Music (For a Film) - Radiohead

Download here!

But instead you went to floor.

2010-08-04T13:49:00.001-04:00

Do you ever walk out of a movie and feel like your perspective suddenly takes on traits of the film? As if, what you are seeing and doing is being shown through the lens of that specific director, writer, cinematographer, etc.? I do occasionally.

This week, that happened to me twice - though both are wildly different from each other. And both are quite wild in their own ways.

On Monday night, Erica was able to snag us a couple of seats at a screening for the upcoming film Scott Pilgrim vs The World (official release date is August 13th). I went into the film intrigued by the comic book feel of the trailer - though the last time that happened to me I ended up with the slow-mo fest and tragedy that was Watchmen. However, Edgar Wright (he who directed Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead previously) is no Zack Snyder. And I've never read the Scott Pilgrim comics.

The movie, about a young musician (Michael Cera) trying to date the (literal) girl of his dreams by defeating her seven evil exes, is hilarious and fun. The music: Beck, Broken Social Scene & co. put up some good stuff for this movie - I'm considering checking out the soundtrack for the Sex Bob-Omb songs (that's Scott Pilgrim's band). The writing: laugh-out-loud witticisms that had me doubled in my seat at times. The acting: as precisely over-the-top as I think it's supposed to be. Cera does his job in the lead role as Pilgrim's bass-playin', clumsily girl-crazy, slightly insecure character. The other actors are great as well - especially Ellen Wong's Knives Chau, Kieran Culkin as Pilgrim's gay roommate, Chris Evans, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, etc. Oh, and great cameos! A well-cast movie, if you ask me.

And now to the directing... there's no mistaking Wright's original take on a comic-book film. But I would almost call it more of a video game film. The unending references to video games, comic books, music, and geek culture will satisfy every nerd out there. Others might feel confused and bombarded. Not to mention how much is going on on the screen at once - from the words "POW" popping out with each Pilgrim punch, to the quick-chop action shots, split screens, and a myriad of loud sounds simultaneously. They all add to the fun inherent in Pilgrim; it seems like it never stops - like I was on a ride. I also felt like I had ADD. However, I'm not sure some of the audience out there over a certain age will "get it" or have patience for such a set-up; I can see some people walking right out of the theater.

After the movie, Erica and I were totally in that "swish swish" cut angle 1 to 2, frittered, video game-inundated state. Moving fast, talking fast. Erica said she spotted "that guy from The Hangover who dates MK Olsen" and I replied, "Justin Bartha?" as we saw him a few feet in front of us on the escalator. Then we looked at each other once we confirmed it was him, high-fived, and said "1UP!" This film may have the very ability to turn anybody into a NERD. Fair warning.

That was Monday night.

Last night, Jesse and I caught the French film, Micmacs. The movie was released back in May in the US, but I had forgotten about it until this weekend. It's the first film in five years for director Jean Pierre Jeunet, who also helmed Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, and Amelie. He's also one of Jesse's favourite directors, so I bought us some tickets at the last theater it was showing at in Manhattan.

If you've seen any of Jeunet's previous films, you know his vision is a bit saturated, kitschy, and almost "out of time." (I also think he may like the color green as much as director Alfonso Cuaron.) That said, I believe Micmacs is somewhat of a departure from his earlier works in its lightheartedness and modernity. The story is about a boy who loses his father to a landmine, and thirty years later, survives a bullet getting lodged in his brain as an innocent bystander. He then stumbles upon not only a motley crew of funny eccentrics, but the two armament companies responsible for said landmine and bullet. And thus begins a journey of vengeance for Bazil, the main character, against the warmonger CEOs of both companies.

It's sometimes strange to see the juxtaposition of regular Jeunet visuals like an old jalopy truck stuck in a traffic jam with sleek and modern BMWs. Strange, but interesting. As the rest of the movie is - there are many little machinations at work on the screen in any given frame, and I almost want to see it again just to fully realize all of them (similar to Pilgrim). One of my favourite parts was a wink at the characters in Delicatessen (PS that movie's on Netflix Instant Watch right now!).

After, Jesse and I walked out of the movie laughing, and down a tiny hallway to the restrooms. We stood between two open doors, obviously restrooms, and looked left, right, right left trying to figure out which was male and female. We leaned forward simultaneously, to read the writing on the doors left ajar - again, I felt like that little moment was straight out of Jeunet. Our eyes would be wide in confusion, and fall into a smile and chuckle when we figured it out.

It all seems so miniscule, but I like movies with a vision that extends beyond the screening. There's some sort of power in that kind of directing and cinematography. Even the acting, at times. Has a movie ever made you look at your world differently afterwards? Even for just a moment, a night, or a week? What movie?

I can let you in, if you can let me like.

2010-08-02T14:04:00.002-04:00

What a bumout when the weekend ends, huh? I had quite a splendid one, which began on Friday night with Amber, two bottles of red wine, and three French films (all great!). On Saturday I had a delicious brunch with Jaime, Andrew, Lucas, and Amber - then, Amber and I swapped some books at Brooklyn's Word shop, went by the Farmer's Market, and ran some necessary shopping errands.

The evening was spent doing laundry and cleaning the apartment; no complaints here as I enjoy solitude every once in a while. (Jesse and Erica were both out of town!) On Sunday Jesse returned, and I made him some delicious pepperjack, chicken, and peach quesadillas. He loved them! Me too! I'm no cook, but they were super easy and I'd recommend it to anyone!

This evening I'll be attending a screening of Scott Pilgrim vs The World, so expect a review!

Oh - by the way - this weekend, I also bought some plane tickets to Chicago this fall...

But the point of this post is that I heard from my Gap contest winner Michele about collecting on her winnings, and the e-mail was so thoughtful and eloquent I decided to post it verbatim here, along with the photo of her new jeans (which are perfectly combined with some hot platform wedges!) -

I got the card in the mail the other day and went shopping for them during my break yesterday. I ended up getting their new legging jean in true black, which is ridiculous.

I specialize in premium denim at a swanky department store that shall remain nameless, so I'm used to pitching jeans that are twice as much as these to customers, based on the idea that these vendors actually put a lot more thought about cut and fit and fabrication into their final product. I've got hips and a little waist, so it's a rarity to be able to walk into any old chain store and come out with something that fits, flawlessly. That said, I'm totally impressed with these.

These are nice and thin, so the fit is fantastic, but, still, they're not so flimsy that you feel like they're going to dissolve in the wash after two or three wearings. The extra stretch also makes these super resilient, so they'll give just enough while you're wearing them to be comfortable, but'll go right back in the dryer.

The rise is also perfect--just a nip higher than usual and contoured, so it'll sit on your hips without constantly sliding down or gaping in the back, something that's typically a HUGE problem for me. I could really see these working on any number of different body types, which is vaguely miraculous in the denim world.

I'm kind of obsessed with these--honestly couldn't recommend them more highly.

See, aren't Michele's wedges way cuter than those peep-toe clogs on the Gap site?!

Like I mentioned before, I think I'm in need of some more Gap jeans for this fall...Michele looks RAD in these. So, I know one of my readers got a pair of jeans, how was your weekend?!

Maybe I'm just bad news.

2010-07-29T13:46:00.000-04:00

I present to you, an abrupt list of no discernable theme:

Jezebel's own non-trashy beach reads for your summer! (Though Zan warns against reading Possession while basking in the sun's glow...)
Aileen tried out this sweet nail paintin' trick I shared from the ALU blog - I hope to try this out soon myself! Aileen's nails looks awesome!
Here's a thoughtful, intellectual criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times of Inception in which the writer acknowledges what he thinks are the film's flaws; let's compare this to the worst example of "professional film criticism" I've ever read over at Eclipse Magazine.
Speaking of Inception: Tom Hardy is the breakout star here, right? If you were as intrigued you should definitely check out his turn in Layer Cake and especially his acclaimed performance in Bronson (it's currently on Netflix Instant Watch!!).

I'm not exactly up to snuff on the Avengers lore, but I've learned this week that at some point Spider Woman was a part of the gang, and lo and behold, her real name is Jessica (seems like a positive representation at this point!) - so why can't the upcoming Avengers movie, which is being preceded by single-hero installments like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, feature more female heroes and maybe, perhaps, please even a female-centered prequel? It may be too late now, but if Scarlett Johansson in tight black leather is all they're offering for female avengers, I'll be quite disappointed.
But, also, my not-very-deep research into the Avengers tells me that at some point Wolverine was in it. Meaning - given Hulk's Bruce Banner role has recently been filled by Mark Ruffalo - that there is a chance my entire top five could come together in a movie. The only hold out is Joseph Gordon Levitt; unfortunately, he's on the DC side of things at the moment with rumors of him being cast as The Riddler in Nolan's next Batman film. Tony Stark (RDJ), Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) could meet on screen together someday. And maybe they could get a real Jessica to play Spider Woman? Like, oh, I don't know, me, for instance...I'm sure I'd hold my own amongst those characters...for sure...
I'm totally in love with Orbit Pina Colada gum.
My favourite blog to read out loud.
And, finally, yesterday while wearing my Gap denim jacket, I realized it had POCKETS. This makes everything better, am I right? Also: it has INSIDE POCKETS. True, I didn't realize any of this the first week I had the jacket, nor the first time I wore it. You think I'd be better at noticing the details! (My feeble demonstration of pocket below - paired with sundress and yellow wedge heels!)

Bridge the Gap: Win a Free Pair of Jeans!

2010-07-28T12:00:00.003-04:00

Today I have the lucky opportunity of holding another contest for my readers. If you've been around for previous contests, you know I make you work for it. Whether it was making you connect Mandy Moore to Kevin Spacey a la the Six Degrees game, or making you write a haiku the last time around for Gap - it's never just a luck of the draw!

And today, in honor of my way-old feature "If They Mated" (viva la Coco!), I've made one more mash-up of two famous ladies I love (both of whom have been featured in Gap print ads during their careers!):

So the first person to comment with the name of the two actresses mashed up and their e-mail address (so I can contact you!) wins a coupon to get a free pair of Gap jeans at any Gap, GapKids, or BabyGap!!! The coupon is only viable in the United States, however - sorry international readers!

As you may have read on this site previously, ever since Gap revamped the fundamentals of their jeans last year, they've been my go-to store for any denim shopping I may need. I've got three pairs now myself, and they sit on my hips so nice. Truly "Born to Fit"! Looking at some of their newer styles, I think it's time for me to go in for a new pair for the fall...

Comment away! I'll try to be vigilant of the comments and edit this post as soon as someone has won! Good luck!

EDIT - WE HAVE A WINNER!! - my blog readers are so savvy. Michele, first commenter, FOUR MINUTES after posting the contest, guessed correctly with Liv Tyler & Jennifer Garner. I think the If They Mated kind of looks like Denise Richards, no? THANKS FOR THE GUESSES!!

Watch out for the Gap.

2010-07-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Last week, I came home from work to a great package from Gap! Just when I was in the market for a new, cool denim jacket - Gap came through. You may remember the Born to Fit parties and contest I posted about last year - well, here's more awesome design out of Gap.

It's got that trendy faded thing going on and it's thin enough for (most) summer days. The jacket totally adds some casual style points to a summer dress...

Ever since I received the jacket, I'd been dying to use it in an outfit - all outfits! - since I do love layering. However, New York has been ridiculously humid and hot. To the point that I would have a slick of sweat on me the moment I stepped outside. I know. Gross.

Luckily, yesterday the humidity had lifted, I came home from work to find a non-sweating husband, and we decided to celebrate by getting sushi and semi-stalking the movie filming on our street (it stars Zooey Deschanel and Paul Rudd, go figure!). It was also the first time that I could wear my new Gap denim jacket! I was very excited. Jesse obligingly caught me in the act of my sartorial happiness, and I didn't crack a sweat!

It's cute, am I right? I like scrunching the sleeves up a little. What do you think?

I also heard about an iPad app for Gap called 1969 Stream, and after making Jesse download it to his own marvelous device, I was stoked to see that my first blog post about Born to Fit Jeans was featured on the main page! SEE:

It's a free app that allows you to check out a bunch of celebs in Gap, other Born to Fit bloggers, Tweets about Gap, a Gap locator, and probably the most dangerous feature: you can shop directly. Looking through the clothes so easily was pretty tempting! I know where to turn for future retail therapy via the couch!

Finally, tomorrow I'll be throwing a little contest for one of you readers to get yourself some Gap denim for free! Check back tomorrow for details and how to win!

(Full disclosure: they sent me this bit of sweetness for free, but it's not like I had to blog about it, or, rave about it, OR hold a contest so that one of my readers could win some of their own denim!)

With brilliant luck and sometimes a bright idea.

2010-07-26T16:32:00.002-04:00

You know how I keep blogging about that small band A Great Big Pile of Leaves? How, yeah, the drummer Tyler is my friend, but I also love his band's music? How stellar their newest album is?? How amazing they are live? How, I may or may not have tagged one of my posts, "trust me you'll want to know who AGBPOL is very soon"?

Today, a fall tour was announced.

YES! Motion City Soundtrack & Say Anything & Saves the Day! The lads who brought you Commit This To Memory, ...Is a Real Boy, Through Being Cool! The band Valencia will be opening the first half of the tour dates!

And? On the second half of tour dates? A GREAT BIG PILE OF LEAVES!!!

So, if you haven't, you should REALLY check them out now. Right? Right. I mean, they are GIVING AWAY their latest, bestest album Have You Seen My Pre-Frontal Cortex? FOR FREE RIGHT NOW! Listen, love, and then rock out at the shows!

Here are the official tour dates:

October (with support from Valencia)
14th Soma San Diego, CA
15th Avalon Los Angeles, CA
16th House of Blues Anaheim, CA
17th Regency San Francisco, CA
19th Sodo Seattle, WA
20th Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
22nd Avalon Salt Lake City, UT
23rd Summit Denver, CO
24th Sokol Auditorium Omaha, NE
26th Pageant St. Louis, MO
27th The Rave Milwaukee, WI
28th First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
30th House of Blues Chicago, IL
31st House of Blues Chicago, IL

November (with support from A Great Big Pile of Leaves)
1st Bogarts Cincinnati, OH
3rd Fillmore Detroit, MI
4th Sound Academy Toronto, ON
5th Starland Sayreville, NJ
6th Lupo’s Providence, RI
8th House Of Blues Boston, MA
9th Nokia New York, NY
10th Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
12th Sonar Baltimore, MD
13th Amo’s Charlotte, NC
14th Variety Theater Atlanta, GA
16th Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, FL
17th House Of Blues Orlando, FL
19th Palladium Dallas, TX
20th Warehouse Live Houston, TX
21st Stubb’s Austin, TX

I'll definitely be at a few of them (remember, my husband's in that one band...), let me know if you will be attending as well! Who will be screaming along with me? WHO'S EXCITED?!

Walk fast, talk fast.

2010-07-22T15:50:00.001-04:00

I think I've figured out a surefire way to meet new people. I mean, besides just walking up to a stranger and saying hello; it's a perfect segue to conversation. My secret is reading.

Let me digress for a minute: lately, on the internet and in talks with friends, I've been discussing thoughtful pieces on cultivating lasting friendships, meeting new people (friend- or dating-wise) without using the somewhat soulless staging of the internet, and making friends after you're done with the naturally social setting of school. As someone who was the perpetual New Girl growing up, I've been through all sorts of trials and tribulations in making friends - but practice makes perfect, right? So, I've dashed away any shyness when it comes to meeting new people. But there's something about making friends with strangers you know you already share at least one mutual interest - without even speaking to them yet.

All of this led up to today's morning commute. I was making my usual transfer from one train to another, and made my way to the door, where a fashionably dressed girl with bright red lipstick stood aside for me to get off. As I passed her with all the other bustling passengers, I noticed she was reading Christopher Pike's The Lost Mind. I paused for a millisecond before I had to continue on, lest I hold up the train and the other gruff commuters - but if I had the time to stop, I would have inquired as to why she was reading the book, and if it was because she had liked Pike books so much as an adolescent like me, or maybe after reading the trite Twilight series she was in need of trying out more substantial young-adult fare?

The point is: I would have said something and that may have led to a conversation, and maybe she wears red lipstick like me because she digs vintage 40s pinups and also Gwen Stefani, or maybe we go to the same bars sometimes and never ran into each other. Or, she could just smile and nod at me, totally nonplussed by my surprise that a 20-something was reading Pike on the subway.

And yes, I'm a total book nerd, and we're not all book nerds, but it's that one segue you need to spark a conversation between yourself and a stranger. It's happened to me several times while living in New York, and it's always: books.

With other areas of interests, it's not as easy to gather the pertinent information. Nobody talks during movies, and unless you're at a special screening of a classic you love or you see someone wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with a line from your favourite movie of all time - you don't have an easy way to say "Hey." It's slightly easier with music - you could meet someone at a concert, though everyone's usually there with other people and, you know, it's loud. But there could be a quiet moment near the bar or in line on the way in. Forget that scene from 500 Days of Summer where Summer hears Tom listening to The Smiths on the elevator and starts talking to him: 1) music being blasted so loud in someone's ears that those nearby can hear it is super obnoxious and 2) there's no easy way to see what people are listening to without being the creep staring really hard at their iPod display.

But reading.

A lot of people might think reading is an especially private endeavor - unless you're being read to, you don't read the same thing with anyone else at the same time, right? But public reading is a different story. You can gather what others are reading displayed on the covers - whether in a Starbucks, at Barnes and Noble, at the library (though you have to remain quiet!), or, as most often in my case: on the subway.

Three years ago, I was reading Tom Robbins' Still Life With Woodpecker on the F train heading to meet someone for dinner. I was flipping the pages, reading contentedly, when the young man sitting next to me said, "Tom Robbins?" I looked up and saw a very nice face (I would even say model-nice) as he continued - "I can tell because of the illustrations between sections," pointing at the open book. "Yeah, it's my first Tom Robbins - I really like it." He smiled and said, "I love his stuff, you should definitely check out more." Then it was my stop, and maybe if I wasn't already intensely into the man I'd been dating for a month at the time - the man who told me to read Still Life - then maybe I'd've passed along my e-mail or stayed an extra stop to continue talking.

Another time, I peered over at the girl next to me as she opened a new book, and I read along with her the first few sentences of The Time Traveler's Wife - and those few sentences were enough for me to go out and get the book the next time I went to the bookstore. I wish I could thank that girl now!

Just last week there was a girl sitting across from me reading the totally awesome and yes, very fantasy, novel A Game of Thrones. When I was getting off the train, I got her attention and said "I love that series!" and gave her a thumbs up and a wave (nerd-style) and she smiled back enthusiastically. I've done this many a time - for those books where I think I'm the only person reading it. I think I've mostly gotten these types of exclamations in return when I read comic books - I've just started reading Runaways, so we'll see what the next few days bring.

When my book club was reading War and Peace earlier this year, I'm 99.9% sure fellow member Jaime got a shout-out on Missed Connections because of it. The ad described a tall, blonde woman who had been reading the giant novel War and Peace and that he would've said hi, but he didn't want to distract her. I sent it to Jaime and asked her if she'd been on the specific train at that time the night before, and she confirmed it.

I know it's easy to read on the subway every day, and that it's harder without a metro nearby to just go out in public and read amongst others - but I think it's definitely a way to instantly know one very small thing about someone else. And with that, making an attempt at conversation is far easier than without. Though I haven't exactly made any best friends out of my fellow subway readers, that's mostly because I don't really have time to cultivate new friendships - what with having a husband, six bestest friends, and many other friends and activities. But when ever Jesse and I leave New York and move to a new place, you bet I'll be reading in public, hoping for a stranger to pop up reading 2666 or maybe a Didion collection.

Have you ever stopped someone because of what they were reading? Have you ever been been stopped? Tell me your stories!

They come here to be woken up.

2010-07-19T15:43:00.002-04:00

I spent the last two days at Warped Tour, and this morning I'm feeling - wait for it - totally warped. More on that tomorrow. For today: how's about those movies I saw last week? I'll forewarn you when I might get into spoilery territory...

The Girl Who Played with Fire

I was severely disappointed in this adaptation of the novel, considering how well the first novel was translated for screen. I enjoyed the sequel novel much more than the first book because it was focused on titular character Lisbeth Salander, and we delved deeper into her past. Plus, she got to demonstrate just how intelligent she is, despite her anti-social tendencies. In the film, the suspenseful and dark directing and cinematography of the first film was dashed away (because of a new director's vision, I suppose) and replaced with a bland eye and trite music. In the first scene of the film, we get a see-through computer screen superimposed over Lisbeth's face as she works. What is this, Hackers? To be sure: Noomi Rapace still accomplished the daring feat of embodying Lisbeth, but they watered the character down a bit for the film. The adapted screenplay missed many a mark from the novel. Here is where I detail some things that confused me - spoilers!

First, there are two things that I was glad they didn't include from the novel.

1. The entire first part of Lisbeth in the Carribean wherein she saves a woman during a hurricane from her murderous husband (who then gets swept away in said hurricane winds).

While I enjoyed reading about Lisbeth's time post-Vanger/Wennestrom scandal from the first book, I can easily understand why it didn't add to the rest of Played with Fire's plot. Plus, Carribean film shoots and the special effects necessary to re-create a hurricane scene seem easy to do away with considering a budget. Well done - I would have made the same decision, script-writer.

2. Lisbeth Salander gets a breast augmentation.

Lisbeth Salander?! Ultimate rebel who doesn't give two bits what anyone thinks of her?! In the book, Stieg Larsson emphatically tries to convince the reader that her decision makes total sense and that she is super happy with her bigger breasts since she was flat as a board before. It was completely unnecessary amidst the unfolding events to mention this, and it was continuously awkward whenever he did so. When she comes back to Sweden, there was always a line about her old friends noticing she'd been stuffing her bra or her breasts looked larger for some odd reason. I am baffled as to why it was even included. I'm all for a woman getting something done to make herself feel better, but it was jarring in the book to be reading about murder! scandal! torture! and then interject with a thought about how happy Lisbeth is with her newly sized breasts. And in the film, as demonstrated by a sex scene, Lisbeth Salander remains as she always was. I was imagining how awkward it was going to be film-wise, considering how awkward it was in the text. Point to you, film.

And now...how much I despised some of the choices made my the filmmakers. (Continued spoilers)

1. The new characters cast. I didn't come to like the new journalist and his doctorate-writing girlfriend as much as I had in the book. When they were murdered, it didn't have the impact it did in the novel.
2. Harriet Vanger not on the Millenium board. What a great wink/tie-in it would have been to the first film.
3. Lisbeth Salander NOT actually being at the scene of the crime. In the novel, she shows up at the victims place to help them with a missing piece of their research, and leaves. Moments later, they are murdered, but the police have Salander's DNA on a tea cup she was sipping from while there. It undoubtedly places her at the scene of the crime, which makes the ensuing chase for her more dramatic, and it also showed how she was always a step ahead of everyone else. However, in the film she's surprised the cops are looking for her, and it was all because of the dumb mistake of touching Bjurman's gun (the murder weapon) a few days before when she threatened him in his own apartment. Don't try to base the narrative on such a simple mistake: it doesn't hold as much drama. In the book, while you read, you almost questioned if Lisbeth really did it or not. In the film, you don't at all, and you lose all that great suspense!
4. The police story being mostly eradicated, with little screen time given to Armansky and his team.
5. Bjurman being "caught up" in somebody else's vendetta, when in the novel, he was the one seeking a way to destroy Lisbeth. He gets murdered as in the novel, but it was much less satisfying a fact to find out since he was just a dumbass in the film. In the book: he was a conniving jerk who was continuing to make things harder for Lisbeth.

I can't even go on - it's gone too long already, hasn't it?

Bottom line: C; if you read the book, the film won't do it for you. If you haven't read the book, the film is still worth the action and drama, but the moody directing of the first film is sadly missing here.

The Kids Are All Right

Simply, this may be the best comedy-drama that comes out this year. Everything about the film is quality: the writing, the directing, and superb acting. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening play a married lesbian couple with two children they concieved through an anonymous sperm donor; their kids want to find out who that donor is, and thus Mark Ruffalo's character enters into their lives. There is nothing cliche or political about The Kids Are All Right - but it definitely makes you think. There are lines that had me doubled over in laughter, they were so funny. And while I laughed, there's also recognition of a family's (any family's) relationships and all the familiar, universal truths residing within this incredibly satisfying story.

Bottom line: A; I highly recommend it, and hope that come awards season, the wholly original film and those who were involved in creating it will be recognized accordingly.

Inception

I feel lucky to have seen two smart, mature films two days in a row. While Inception is radically different from The Kids Are All Right, I also have to acknowledge that when Pixar is providing the best quality filmmaking out there, I get excited for a theater without children in it (I can only remember two other films this year that were of good quality in adult subject matter - Crazy Heart and Shutter Island).

All that said, director Christopher Nolan has achieved another great mind-bending drama, just as intricate as Memento - but easier to follow. The film looks amazing, the actors are all convincing, and Hans Zimmer's score adds to the film perfectly (think in the same way that Jonny Greenwood's score added to There Will Be Blood). There's something about Nolan and the way he directs with grandeur though his stories are usually about the human mind and the way it works - its strengths, its weaknesses, and above all, feelings of regret and guilt. Inception is no different; while a visually stunning thriller with a sci-fi edge, its power lies in the characters and basic human emotion. In this way, it actually reminds me of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I don't believe I want to say much more about the film; Jesse hasn't seen it, so we're seeing it together this week, and it's something you most definitely must see to understand.

Bottom line: A; see this in theaters, see it now. (And please see Nolan's Memento if you haven't seen it either!)

Anybody seen these films? Read the Stieg Larsson novels as well? Fall totally in love with Mark Ruffalo in The Kids Are All Right? Have creepy dreams after seeing Inception?

Gonna have some great fun.

2010-07-16T16:27:00.002-04:00

It's already Friday! The week's gone by pretty quickly since last Sunday's Warped Tour! Perhaps because work's been busy? It's been too hot to notice? Or the fact that by midnight tonight I will have gone to the theaters three times this week? Yes: on Tuesday I saw The Girl Who Played with Fire, last night I saw The Kids Are All Right, and tonight I will see Inception. (That's right: these films contain performances from two of my Top Fives) Expect a triple review coming your way soon.

Or maybe...it all comes down to the fact that I'll be seeing Jesse tomorrow and Sunday! There's two more days of Warped Tour left for him, and then he's back to being all mine as soon as we drive home from New Jersey on Sunday night. Of course...he has some other shows he must leave for in the ensuing weeks, but we'll choose to savor the spurts of time he's home for now!

In other news: A GREAT BIG PILE OF LEAVES is performing tomorrow night at the South Paw in Brooklyn! I'm so excited to see them perform. They've been practicing their butts off and I believe this is their first show since the stellar album Have You Seen My Pre-Frontal Cortex? was released! If you're around, CHECK IT OUT:

And apparently AGBPOL isn't playing until 11:30pm, so prepare for a late night! BUT! Get there early enough (starts at 8pm) in order to get a free copy of HYSMPFC? - that's the prize for the first 50 people there! Anybody else coming?! It's going to be a great night!
What's up with your weekend?

I maybe perhaps sometimes write like.

2010-07-14T23:11:00.001-04:00

Is it humid where you are? It's humid here. I rarely use the "Effects" on Photobooth, but then I explored, and I saw "Thermal Camera" and it seemed appropriate. So I've included one of my efforts, since people don't like posts without pictures, right? Right.

The humidity does not agree with me.

On to the show - yesterday a friend sent me the link to this site: I Write Like. As someone with a long-running blog, I decided to test a few of my posts. Surprisingly, this little gadget says I write most like James Joyce, an author I've never read. Ocassionally I'd get Vladimir Nobokov. For this post, apparently I wrote most like Stephen King - but I wonder if that's because it was about Fenway Park?

I have no idea how scientific this site is - is it based on sentence structure? Sentence length? Subject matter? - but, I will mention that when I input Keanu's letters, poor dude got Dan Brown. It almost doesn't make sense, because Keanu probably doesn't know what symbols like "+" "&" or "#" mean. Perhaps he knows "$." That's probably all he needs to know.

Which famous author does your writing resemble?

There is no reasoning, it’s quite a silly thing.

2010-07-13T19:11:00.002-04:00

A lot of people ask me for reading suggestions - given the fact that last year I read over 52 books, I'm part of a book club, and my penchant for daily commute reading. Last week a friend was planning their impending summer vacation, and asked for some "summer suggestions."

I decided to bring some to you, too. And I've categorized them! Since summer reading can go many a way. Generally I think you can read whatever genre, whenever you want, but let's go with the theme - this ain't time to read the frigid, despairing pages of Cormac McCarthy! You're on a beach! By a pool! Lounging in the sun or relaxing in air conditioning!

The Good Ol' Blockbuster

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (& sequels) by Stieg Larsson

The books, the Swedish films, the rumors for the American film versions - this series is legitimately everywhere! And you know what? They're good! You can believe in the hype. At least - for now. I just finished the second book, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and I believe it's a vast improvement on the first. Perhaps because we get more of kick-ass rebel Lisbeth Salander? Or maybe because the translation's just better! I can't wait to read the third, and ALERT: the wonderful Swedish film adaptation is currently available on Netflix Instant Watch! The sequel was just released in theaters, and that's what I'm seeing tonight!

The Season of Passage by Christopher Pike

This one's an oldie. If you've been reading, you probably know that as a pre-teen and teenager, I was obsessed with Pike's eerie novels. However, this was one of his adult novels, and it's a wee bit sci-fi, a wee bit vampiric - and a total page-turner. It's been a few years since I last read it, I may have to delve in again!

For a Laugh

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler

Last year, Are You There Vodka, It's Me Chelsea cracked me up. This year's choice had me laughing out loud on the plane to San Diego in June. If she wasn't so funny about her practical jokes, she could be a sadistic pathological liar. Good thing she's hilarious!

Hot Mess: Summer in the City by Julie Kraut and Shallon Lester

I read this a few summers ago, and the emo references and teen language were great for a light, funny read. Also, if you've ever seen MTV's Downtown Girls, its star, Shallon, co-wrote this!

Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis

Though definitely a dark comedy (the usual Ellis satirical stuffs) I am fully convinced that whoever wrote the plot to Zoolander definitely read this book. It's about the 90s, supermodels, and terrorism: I'm JUST saying. (It's also really violent and sexual, not for the faint of heart!)

Thought-Provoking Fiction

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

You may have recently heard of this novel because Kiera Knightley, Carey Mulligan, and Andrew Garfield (the newest Spiderman) are starring in a film version. Read it before you see it! I love this novel wholeheartedly, and unlike Dragon Tattoo, I'm pretty sure the movie cannot live up to the written word.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

I read this last summer on the honeymoon - it was perfect to read on the beach with the warm Aruban winds lifting the corner of the pages every so often. It's a saga in the way of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, set in South America and following a family through tragedies and a nation's militant uprising. Allende's settings and characters come to life instantaneously with her gorgeous and illustrative writing.

Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe by Jenny Hollowell

I contemplated grouping this with the comedies, but it made me think - think at what exactly I was laughing at. It's funny, to be sure, but in an almost sad, depressive way. Want to take a look into the seedy business of Hollywood? Go ahead.

Evening by Susan Minot

I read this novel for a class in college, but it still sticks with me long after. The writing uses so many flash-forward, flash-backward plot devices and descriptions that make you think; and it makes you emotional (was it just me?). You'll think of your own memories (many of them summer memories) and your first loves, lost loves, and even regrets.

Perfect for Short Summer Attention Spans

Runaway (Stories) by Alice Munro

Munro makes so much plot in so little words. Her stories could be ten pages long and you'd finish feeling like you knew those characters; her descriptions are succinct, plain, and perfect. I just read this last month, my first by Munro, and I can't wait to read more of her works.

Nine Stories by JD Salinger

I indeed despise Catcher in the Rye - but I truly love this tiny book. In fact, a friend "handed it down" to me last year for the bridal shower, and it was filled with little notes and ticket stubs from all over the world. I recently passed it on to another friend, and told her to leave her mark and pass it on as well. It's writing you can get attached to, but want to share with everyone else.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion

I don't think I can even write about how much I love this collection of essays and articles. Ever since I read it last summer, I can't stop thinking about certain moments in this book, and in her writing. I've already reread a few of these essays, and can claim Didion as one of my favourite writers of all time.

A Classic for a Time Escape

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

If someone were to ask me my favourite novel of all time, I'd say this one. I read it one summer many years ago when visiting my family in Panama. I was under a mosquito net, the jungle outside my window, the humidity on every inch of my skin - and I relished in how I remembered everything even more clearly that summer because of this book. Also set in a deep South American jungle, the writing, though translated, is the best. One day I intend to read it in the original Spanish.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

And now to France! This novel made me laugh many times, but like Hollowell's novel, there's an underlying sadness and desperateness throughout the text. Wonderful read.

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

For my final suggestion, a return to old New York. I still can't get Newland Archer's character out of my head - Wharton writes in an exacting, witty way and she gets across a lot in few words. If you enjoy Jane Austen and her musings on courtship, Wharton does the same in a much more biting manner. I'm currently reading The House of Mirth by her, and I'm glad to recognize her clever writing again.

* * *

Do not, under any circumstances, pick up Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I couldn't even finish it; what a self-indulgent snooze-fest. And I absolutely love her magazine writing! I was super disappointed. Okay, okay - I know a lot of people love it, and maybe you hate one of my own suggestions. To each their own! Let me know if you love/hate/can't wait to read what's listed! Any suggestions of your own?

Summer time, the nights are so long.

2010-07-12T21:13:00.000-04:00

Warped Tour was THE BEST! And yet - how many bands did I watch? One and a half. I arrived in the midst of Motion City's (always stellar) set, and watched the All-American Rejects later in the day. But the music wasn't the main event for me yesterday. I hadn't seen Jesse in three weeks (!!!), and thus I was elated to finally embrace him.

Apparently in the middle of the MCS set he told his tech to check if I'd arrived. Ha! I had, with empanadas for everyone, courtesy of my Mom (she makes amazing empanadas, fact). And after he got off stage, we were pretty much inseparable. Well, until he had to do a signing. But then he was back!

A great big bunch of friends were there, and after Jesse and I had a nice time catching up over delicious Mexican food, the activities began. Whether it was watching a crap movie on the bus, sitting outside the bus under their tent, or playing wiffle ball in the parking lot with some random ladies and some dudes from The Swellers (we won!). I love reuniting with Jesse - nothing feels so good than to be back in his presence, taking in all the little things I missed so much.

We were so busy having so much fun, this is the only picture that came out of the stellar day:

Me up at bat!

Alas, I had to say goodbye. He'll back back home in a week, but after only a few hours of seeing him, I miss him even more now.

Also, thanks for all the Warped memories! Loved my own memory being jogged by some of the comments, and seeing pictures! Got any more? How was your weekend?

She thinks that she can fly and she might.

2010-07-09T16:11:00.002-04:00

Here's the deal: it's been a busy week. You could say it's been too hot to post. It's true. Next week I'll be back, but until then - I'll be relaxing at my parent's home in Massachusetts, and getting to see Jesse this Sunday at Warped Tour. And Warped Tour, my friends, is always good for a laugh. Take, for instance, this picture I scanned from the 2002 Warped Tour:

That's me in the middle, wearing one arm warmer (in the humid DC summer, I mean, c'mon, Jessica) and enthusiastically posing with the band Something Corporate (when I was totally in love with Leaving Through The Window - not many songs incorporate my name into the lyrics, this album did it once!). On that day, I remember Alkaline Trio were the first band to play, and after that I planted myself at the Drive-Thru stage. I saw RX Bandits, The Starting Line, Finch there, stayed near the front for the moshing, and got covered in dirt. My friends and I ended the extravaganza by bouncing around to New Found Glory. I had had "the best day ever." And that's what's fun about Warped Tour: you get to see a bunch of your most favouritest bands play all in one day and jump around and be surrounded by other people who are into it in just the same way.

Of course, this year, there's no act I'm more excited to see than my husband and his arms hugging me.

Do you have any Warped Tour memories? Are you going this year? Let's all share the good stuff - who'd you get your picture taken with? Best Warped act you've seen? A funny memory? A horrible memory? I know you're out there! Let's discuss.

You really got a hold on me.

2010-07-06T09:00:00.016-04:00

A followup! Did Liz and Jessica have a great Independence Day weekend? Did She & Him satiate their need for swoon-worthy guitar playing and hip-shaking live music? Did their Liz & Jessica In the Sun Tour 2010 live up to all the hype?

YES. YES. YES.

I took a quick Amtrak train to Philadelphia on Friday afternoon in time to meet Liz, grab some dinner and then head to River Stage. I loved coming upon the venue - it's a smallish amphitheater with the Delaware River as it's background. Liz, two of her friends, and I had a great view at the top ridge of the stone steps and had enough room to bop around to the music.

The show! The show was fantastic - with a long setlist that I'm pretty sure covered nearly their entire two albums, along with three or four other covers in the mix. I squealed when they started playing "Home" - my favourite track on Volume Two, and Liz got excited to hear the duet "Ridin' in My Car." Both, like all the songs, incredible. We danced, we sang, we did that thing where we clutched our chest when we heard M. Ward sing his first notes.

For some reason, many people I've encountered believe Zooey Deschanel's voice is nothing to get excited over. I've never understood this; I enjoy her singing on the albums. However, live? She'll blow you away. She hits every note and she knows how to belt it out. Of course, she looks ridiculously adorable while doing it!

Also, I just found and bought this signed & numbered poster for Friday's show:

After the show, we went out in Philadelphia for a bit of dancing, avoiding the weirdos, and then Liz and I winded up at her apartment playing songs on her friend's iPod and discussing certain musicians and songs one-on-one. That's the thing with Liz - I'm pretty sure we could discuss music for hours. I think I knew that when I first discovered her blog a couple of years ago, though.

Friends, River Stage, Massive French Toast, Liz - On Our Way to NY!

On Saturday, Liz and I made it to New York and decided it was the right night for a Williamsburg DANCE PARTY. So we gathered up the usual suspects (aka my amazing friends), gussied ourselves up, and headed to The Woods! Unfortunately, the DJ couldn't decide between good music and horrible music, so every other song was abysmal. No worries, though, as we danced it up anyway in good fun!

Erica, Kells, Liz, Amber!

On Sunday morning, Amber, Liz, and I got up early, grabbed some bagels, and headed to Governor's Island for the 4th of July free She & Him show! The line for the ferry was perhaps the longest line I'd ever seen - and we showed up three hours before the show was supposed to start. Also? It was 95 degrees, blinding sun. At any rate, we made it to the quaint little island (which I hope to explore more of in the future!) and settled into the heat to await She & Him.

That's Matt Ward and band soundchecking!

Me. SPF 70. The only beer I had that day because I spent my money on water.

Amber & Liz.

Our view of Manhattan and the BK Bridge.

On to the show, right? (All these pics are from Gothamist or Brooklyn Vegan!)

M. Ward's crooning, Zooey's 4th of July outfit.

She always coordinates with her backup singers! Love it.

Their shows have a great deal of energy, too.

Please check out this pic I found and photoshopped! And laugh.

The show, again, did not disappoint! Zooey and her backup singers sang a little patriotic diddy in the encore, the duets were beautiful, and even the heat couldn't hold back everyone from dancing to their last song, a cover of "Roll Over Beethoven." However, after the show was over, we were covered in dirt, dust and sand that stuck to our sunscreen and sweat: we were ready to go home. We got back on the quick ferry, and said bye to Liz who had to head back to Philadelphia.

And so: the weekend was a BLAST!!! Great friends and live music - how could you go wrong?

How did you spend the holiday?!

PS Um, just in case this post didn't inform you about how in love I am with this band - tonight...I'm going to see them perform at Terminal 5. Yes. Commence questioning my sanity.

And he can't sing like I can sing, oh baby, it's so hard.

2010-07-02T09:00:00.009-04:00

Alert! Alert! This holiday weekend I shall be in two cities, seeing the same band, with fellow blogger and female extraordinaire LIZ!! And, if you haven't guessed yet: we're seeing She & Him. The band that we are both semi-obsessed with. Just kidding, we're full-on obsessed. We girl crush Zooey. We think M. Ward is so cool. The music rules! (I mean remember how fangirly this post about seeing them was?? Okay, every post I write about them is fangirly - let it continue!)

Today I'm getting on an Amtrak train to meet up with Liz in her home base of Philadelphia and we'll grab some dinner, catch up about "real life" as opposed to "blog life" (yes, there are unblogged exclusives, HA - I said "exclusives") and go to the show where we will surely sing, dance, and be super awesome fools. Afterwards: apparently things are planned. Excitement Are I.

Then we'll head back to New York on Saturday for more shenanigans and then on Sunday, another She & Him show! At Governor's Island! It's free! I can't stop exclaiming, it's true!

And now, I shall close my post with a collage of She & Him pictures, since I have a legitimate reason to post their enviable prettiness:

What are you doing this long weekend?!

I was ready to set the world on fire.

2010-07-01T12:36:00.001-04:00

Today I'm revving up and getting ready for what is panning out to be a great holiday weekend. More details on that tomorrow, but for now: got any questions for me? Amid my furious working and later, cleaning and packing, I'll answer them on my Formspring!

Here's a list of things I've been super-digging:

My commenters' Top Five Girl Crushes lists. I almost made a Honorable Mention list. Almost.
Liz at Dance to the Radio's Monday Mixtapes
We all know I'm a huge Dashboard Confessional fan. Total geek. I love this new tumblr dedicated to the band, but with a mocking tone. I'm all for the die hard "I love you" fans, but I also know how easy it is to make fun of their emo reputation and, it's true, everybody takes a bad picture sometimes! It seems all in good fun. The best is their Dashboard Confessional show etiquette post - I quote - "7) DON’T yell for hands down every other song. I SWEAR TO YOU, IT WILL BE A COLD DAY IN HELL BEFORE THAT SONG IS NOT ON A SETLIST."
A Great Big Pile of Leaves' new album getting a 93% rating on AbsolutePunk.net!
This recipe for Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Wedges - delicious summertime snack
How I realized I'm actually interested in The City's storylines about branding your fashion line and working at a magazine. Boys, schmoys - I like seeing them work!
The Best American Magazine Writing 2009 - great, sometimes emotional, but always eye-opening reads
And finally, a picture of really cute cheetah cub, the best animal in the entire world:

Rock rock rock and roll.

2010-06-30T09:30:00.004-04:00

This post has been a long time coming! Though I sent out thank you cards after the wedding last August, I wanted to publicly thank four amazing ladies for their very special wedding gift to us.

Aileen, Gaby, Katie, and Perry all pooled together to get famed illustrator Rob Dobi to create a framed illustration of me & Jesse! In fact, of Jesse proposing to me!

You may be familiar with Rob Dobi's name from his site Your Scene Sucks. He also provided the illustrations for Trevor Kelley & Leslie Simon's fab book Everybody Hurts! Apparently, you can get illustrated yourself or commission Mr. Dobi to illustrate someone else, a la my four fab friends! Check out how here at Please Draw Me, where he also displays us along other couples he's illustrated:

When Jesse and I opened the gift, I immediately recognized Dobi's hand. I couldn't believe these girls did it! They worked with him to create all the minute details, too! (From my yellow bridal shower dress, my Harajuku Lovers heels, Jesse's Nikes, Jesse's Ben Sherman shirt, Jesse's tattoos!) And now we have a lovely (and crazy accurate) illustration of Jesse and me to memorialize the beginning of our lives together. My friends rule! So, again to Aileen, Gaby, Katie, and Perry - who all have lovely blogs of their own - THANK YOU!!

My Top Five Girl Crushes.

2010-06-29T11:34:00.004-04:00

I've enumerated many a time my Top Five. However, I've never enumerated my Top Five Girl Crushes. These are ladies I want to befriend and converse with. I want to steal all their clothes, or simply go shopping with them. I want to pick their brains. I want to get hair and make-up tips. I want them to tell me their secrets to their confidence. These women, in my mind, rule.

I present to you, in no particular order, my Top Five Girl Crushes:

Gwen Stefani

No surprises here, right? I mean, she's been the inspiration to my LIFE since 1995. Through her music, honest lyrics (from a female point of view), fashion, classiness, business sense, and the way she seems to own at her own life - there's no one I'm more afraid of ever meeting, as well as hoping to become best friends with. If I could choose any one in this world to be a "mentor" in my own life, it'd be Gwen.

Penelope Cruz

I would be Penelope's frenemy in real life because I'd constantly be jealous of her beauty. And her talent. And her fiance. Just kidding about that last one! Kinda. She's simply mesmerizing - from Volver to Broken Embraces - and I want to figure out how to embody that hypnotizing quality. I wouldn't mind the sexiness, either.

Julie Delpy

Have you SEEN Before Sunrise and Before Sunset? Two of my favourite films of all time? You may remember me discussing how they are amazingly realistic romantic stories?? Because if you do, tell me how Julie Delpy manages to be ethereally beautiful throughout the films (and her career) with constant pre-makeover hair and little to no make-up. When my hair was long, it would look similar to Delpy's in it's frizziness and spontaneous waves. Yet, I was never so damn cool. Couple her effortless beauty with the loveliest French accent I've ever heard, and I'm smitten. Plus, she writes, directs, produces, sings, and gets nominated for Oscars for writing.

Zooey Deschanel

She's the reason I spent 2007 with bangs - the year I met Jesse. I want to steal her cute dresses and, sure, I'll take those gargantuan blue eyes, too. I remembered her very clearly from her bit part in Almost Famous. I followed most of her career since then through Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Weeds and 500 Days of Summer, and found her endearing and, suprisingly, not annoying. Then she co-founded She & Him. If you don't know yet, I basically think someone created that modern band with a 60s sound straight out of my head. And as someone close to my age that is also married to a musician (mine's cuter!), I feel like we could really bond if we ever met.

Tilda Swinton

If I could learn "badassery" from anyone, it'd be Tilda. She seems like she does whatever she prefers concerning fashion, the red carpet and her personal life - and all with a certain strength, confidence, and aplomb. Plus, she's strikingly gorgeous. If Zooey rustles up the girliness in me, Tilda (with a splash of Gwen) inspires the ties, the menswear, and any androgynous fashion I may wear on occasion. I once saw her walking out of a movie theater I was entering - I swiveled dramatically, in awe of catching a glimpse. As with all the ladies on this list, she's supremely talented. Sigh.

What are your top five girl crushes?!

I wander aimless, leering at strangers.

2010-06-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

It's about that time again. Yes, we're a week and one day into my separation from Jesse, and no, the stagnant heated arms of the obliterating humidity aren't replacing Jesse's as I fall asleep. It happens this way. There's much to do, but my mind wanders like it sees a bright, shiny object to the west, and that would be my husband. So I drift into silences sometimes, staring out a window like I'm in a Sofia Coppola movie - pensive muteness, great soundtrack - and I think about him. We'll be together soon, but it's kind of one of those recurring and familiar feelings when he's gone away. It's not horrible, but I find myself sighing a lot.

The swell part is that he's there when I reach out for him - not physically, of course, but somewhere there. Invisible lines stretching until our voices or words connect. He's always there.

Under the Influence.

2010-06-25T10:11:00.002-04:00

Dear Jessica,

Hey girl. Hey woman. I've just discovered that your blog still exists two years in the future, and this is good because it has brought me some EVIDENCE.

I know this is about the time that you have probably been getting a lot of that SAD KEANU meme thrown at you. I don't know what exactly a "meme" is or means, but that's what it seems to be called. Dude. You know me. I am not a sad dude. I am mother effin' KEANU REEVES. MY NAME IS KEANU. C'MON. But also, I make awesome movies with awesome stuff in them and make awesome money and read awesome books and I am friends with Jon Hamm and the point is SOMETIMES I LIKE TO HANG OUT ON A BENCH.

Your blog posts of letters from me is EVIDENCE to that.

I just like benches. They are perfect for taking in a book, a drink, a sandwich, and yes, even sometimes to think about life. I abwhore tables. (Is that the right word? That's the word of the day on my toilet paper, I've been repeating it all day and I think that's how it's spelled: abwhore.) At that moment I was not sad, I was thoughtful. Thinking mainly about how good that sandwich I just ate was. All those layers, man. That's what sandwiches are made of. Layers. Like me.

But yeah, so just to let you and your readers know: I am Keanu Reeves, and I am not sad. WHY WOULD I BE.

Regards,

Keanu

PS Please stop telling me my beard is disgusting. Way harsh, bro. I think it looks cool.