It's been a year and a day since I've talked to you.

I didn't get all the time I wanted to blog about Japan this weekend due to the fact that I have a pinched nerve in my back and since time in front of the computer caused it, blogging would be a bad idea while trying to recover from it. The pain is slowly waning and I'll give it a try tonight!

Besides the back pain, my weekend with my family was spectacular! My parents got a new puppy named Buddy and we had a BBQ with my aunt, uncle and cousin! Also, I watched 500 Days of Summer with my mom, and she's a total Zooey Deschanel hater now. She seems to be a very polarizing celebrity. I, of course, love her.

Also, in things that cracked me up this morning...do we all remember this picture? Well, then I saw this picture. And I laughed a lot. Which happens rarely on Monday mornings when you have debilitating back pain!

Oh! And I got a couple of Formspring questions in my inbox, and I've decided to stop answering them here. So, to whomever sent in those two questions, you can now send them to my Formspring.me page and I'll just answer them there! And any other questions I happen to get - ask me anything!

How was your weekend?!

Pursue the sound and lock the door.

Thanks for all the kind comments regarding my new blog layout! I have had a pile of these formspring questions piling up in my inbox, so here we go -

Hola Jessica! Someone may have asked you this already, but do you ever go out on tour with Jesse? If you do, what's tour life like? - L.B.

Yes, I've flown out to visit Jesse on tour occasionally. Comes with the territory! I've blogged a lot about my time out visiting Jesse in the past - just not in the past year, considering that they didn't tour for most of 2009. The first time I flew out was in 2007, roughly five months into Jesse and I dating. I've gone countless other times, and they're in the ol' archives.

Tour life is fun and funny. And I promise you, it's not glamourous. There's a routine to the day from everybody slowly getting up from their bunks to bus call late at night/early morning. Buses can get cramped; it's easy to get stir-crazy. I'm a pretty deep sleeper, so I rarely had issues falling asleep in my "guest" bunk on a moving bus, but for others it might be hard to get used to. There's not a lot of room to cuddle up in a bunk, so it's not like Jesse and I sleep together. The first time I was on a bus, back in July 2007 I was SO awkward about the bunks and waking up - should I get up? Did Jesse get up? Do I get dressed in my bunk horizontally or make a run for the bathroom? (Don't get me started on the itty bitty bathroom...)

However, other than the BUS, tour life can all depend on where you are. When the bus stops and parks you could be on a Chicago city street, or in Florida's panhandle next to a dilapidated Days Inn for a day off. It's what you make of it, of course. I've been to so many cities since I started dating Jesse, and I love getting to experience all of them - from the beautiful Portland, Oregon to the rural Council Bluffs, Iowa. It's fun for me, since I'm on vacation and I get to spend a lot of time with Jesse.

Oh, and: there's not a lot of the craziness some people associate with tour buses - Motion City does not equal Motley Crue. I'm not going to lie, they are mostly a nerdy bunch and there's rarely alcohol on the bus, and definitely no random ladies.

Hello! Since you live in the city, I was wondering if you ever find the time to go to any Broadway or off-Broadway shows. If so, what are your favorite shows? As a Theatre major I was just interested to see. I also wanted to tell you that your blog has encouraged me to rediscover my joy of reading. Thank you! -Lurker from Jersey
 
Hey! Glad you rediscovered your love of reading! That's awesome. I have been to a few Broadway shows since living in New York, and I love the theater - however, I usually only go if it has a real draw for me. For instance, any time Kevin Spacey is in a play (The Iceman Cometh in 1997 was my first Broadway play ever, and I saw him again a couple of years ago in Moon for the Misbegotten). I think he's brilliant. I also really loved Spamalot and Spring Awakening. And anything Shakespeare.

Fact: for years when I visited New York as a poor college student my friend Kelly and I would try to get the raffle/cheap tickets to Rent and we never won. Kelly definitely made it in once when I wasn't with her, but I have never seen that musical staged. And after seeing the movie version, I don't think I want to.

How amazing was MCS on Jimmy? lol their performance has made me even more excited to see them live next month! lol.
 
Yay! I loved them on Jimmy! Glad you're excited to see them - I think their tour is so awesome this year because they now know all their old songs so they're switching up the set list each night! I think they're having a lot of fun with it, too.

What do you absolutely LOVE?
 
Absolutely, hm? Nice hands, great performances, perfect wordplay, witnessing accomplishment on a grand scale, a song that complements my mood to the tee, acts of kindness, and knowing looks/locking eyes.

I love the key necklace you wear. Where is it from? It reminds me of my grandmother and how when I was little she would buy me and my sister themed gifts. My sister got apples (apple of her eye) and I got keys (key to her heart).

The necklace was a gift from Jesse. He has the lock, and I have the key. I believe he bought the necklaces in Japan. I'm sure you've noticed that I rarely take it off - he doesn't either. They've definitely become an intimate symbol to us in our relationship, and the only time I've taken mine off in the past two and a half years was on our wedding day. Literally, here's a picture of my mom taking it off while I'm about to head to the ceremony. It was promptly back around my neck the following day! I truly love it.

I've always been a fan of keys - and it was due to my grandmother, as well! She had a huge wall in her house that was covered in antique keys. I loved looking at them every time I visited.

Rip scripts, slash, burn up the courage.

Another thing about my job is that it can be pretty easygoing on most days - except for one week out of every month. Which happens to be this week. And when I return to the homestead every evening during these kinds of weeks, the last thing I want to do is look at a computer some more! But I'm hoping to get a post up tonight that's been in the works for a while! Stay tuned.

For now, here's a list of random:

• I get to see Jesse next week!!!!
• Remember back in December, when I went to Chicago for the Motion City Soundtrack shows and posted each night's setlist to my tumblr? Well, since Motion City (re)learned their entire catalog back then, they're switching up their setlists each night of their current tour and Jesse has taken it upon himself to post their setlist each night to their own tumblr! Check it out!
• Their album My Dinosaur Life debuted on the charts at #15 !!! WOOOOOOO!!! Also, it's the only album artwork that doesn't show up on my computer here at work:

And #3 on the Alternative Chart !!!

• Jesse and I are currently in the lead for that wedding photo contest - but please vote for us if you haven't! It ends on Monday, February 1st.
• I get to see Jesse next week!!!!
• Motion City is performing on THE JIMMY FALLON SHOW next week, too! You bet I'll be there!! (And of course, remind you to watch on February 2nd!)
• I got to hang out with my bestie Jiscilla last night, as she's taking off tomorrow to visit our other bestie Christy in Austin, TX. I'm jealous of sweet friend hangs PLUS sweeter weather than the snow/sleet that's going on right now in New York. However, last night was uproarious fun with the gang, and Jiscilla's lovely boyfriend Tyler footed the bill at the end of dinner in a suprise move. Dude rules.
• My friend Jim has the same "break out laugh face" that George Clooney does.
• In (seriously) unrelated news, Robert Downey Jr.'s Golden Globes speech has pushed him into the #1 spot on my own popularity chart, the Top Five. George, after years as king, has been dethroned. Also, in case you hadn't heard, Mark Ruffalo and Joseph Gordon-Levitt replaced Lee Pace and Chris Pine, as well.
• The gym, I'm loving it. Haven't skipped a morning yet!
• And I recieved another FormSpring question yesterday, another one I already answered! Here's the question: thanks for sharing! (i asked what you do for a living) "transponster" i detect a Friends reference! (You are correct!) It seems you live a lifestyle that is desperately desired, did you always imagine your life would turn out this way? If not, how did you imagine it would?  Here's my answer! (It's somewhere there in that list!) Thanks for asking - and for thinking my life is desirable! I'm pretty happy with it!
• Of course, anyone can ask me anything.
• I get to see Jesse next week!!!!

That's what I've got.

And now we've realigned the edges.

Hola! I remembered I have a couple of FormSpring questions to attend to!

You mentioned your parents had a love story similar to the Colin Firth (Jamie)/Lucia Moniz (Aurelia) storyline from Love Actually. Do Tell!

OH DEAR. Okay, I wrote it out once, about four years ago, but only spent about ten minutes on it. I was about to copy/paste it here but wow, it's embarassing writing. I plan on one day really carving out the story, but I have no time to do so at the moment. I will give you the gist!

My dad, James, was in the US Army stationed in Panama in 1981, when he met my mother, Maria (a local Panamanian), one night at the Officer's Club. They danced and tried to communicate - but my dad didn't know Spanish and my mother didn't know English. However, three days later, he proposed to her. Four months later, they were married in Panama! Oh, and they were both engaged to other people when they met...

They've been together coming on 28 years now (and learned each other's languages!) and they are still as happy as can be - anybody who has met them can attest to that!

Here they are dancing the night away last August at the rehearsal dinner (photo by Jiscilla!) --

I really enjoy reading your blog, for no other reason than you just seem like such a sweetheart and an interesting person. but I actually do have a real question, what do you do for a living?

Thank you! I tend to keep my job on the down low here, but that was the first question I got! Read my response HERE! The only thing that has changed is that my team moved from the Footwear & Accessories floor.

I'm including this here, as I continue to make myself accountable for my gym-frequenting through this blog - Ang asked me if I made it to the gym this morning --

YES! I'm still waking up at 5:45 every morning before work, and I have since Thursday the 14th. I'm feeling grand! Thanks for the all the music suggestions, too! Um, why didn't I think of Garbage before?! And Thrice?! Liz has posted her own stellar work-out playlist, and I was surprised to see that Alexa reads while she's on the elliptical! VERY INTERESTING! I may try this - though we all know I do plenty of reading on my commute! Expect another playlist this Friday, and I'm heeding all your comments, for sure. Thank you for the input!

And finally, I'd just like to mention (as I did via my Twitter) that my wonderful wedding photographer - you all remember Channing Johnson?! - is hosting a contest on his blog regarding the best wedding photos of 2009 and Jesse and I are up for this photo of me walking down the stairs past all my family photos --

All of his photos are lovely, and I couldn't be happier with the photos Channing took of our wedding day! Check him out if you happen to be in the market for a truly superb wedding photographer. And, if you get a chance, vote! Thank you so very much!

And my heart is pounding brightly.

I know you said that your job really has nothing to do with your degree/ major do you ever wish you were doing something more related to them? Do you plan on finding something more directly related in the future?

Ohio Lurker

I often think about this - the fact that I feel like I'm letting that journalism degree rust away. However, at the same time I'm definitely happy in my job (satisfied, fulfilled, etc.) and it's not exactly the best time to be looking for a new job, especially one in a different industry - and one that's dying. When I first started this job I freelance wrote and edited for a women's website, but that site failed and I didn't have any leads on other freelance jobs I could take while keeping my 9-5. I do hope to broaden the scope of my writing beyond this blog, and yes, I have a plan for it.

Jessica - this is not a question, but more of a...story? Something Like that. The way I found your blog is weird and I thought you should hear about it. In early 2007 I was clicking around on buzznet, looking for MCS pictures, when I found your account. I saw pictures of Jesse, I don't think you had been dating at that point, but as time went on I would go back and look at your pictures. What I'm saying is, I watched your relationship with Jesse grow and would read your blogs and live vicariously through your words. Then you got married. I felt so lucky to watch this relationship grow, even though you have no idea who I am and I don't know you in person either. I love your blogs still, I check back in every once in a while. It's awesome. Keep going!

Ohhhhh MAN! I just did a quick glance at my Buzznet - I check in every once in a while, but it doesn't work too well on my work computer. But I found some of those pictures you probably saw! Taken with my way-awful Sidekick3 camera ----

We were not dating here. But this is the night I called second dibs.

I believe this one was taken the first week we were officially dating.

Thanks for following along, dear reader! I remember I got my Sidekick3 the week before I started hanging out with Jesse, so snippets of our burgeoning relationship was catalogued, which is kind of cool. It's fun to learn people have been following along on the ride!

Random question, how tall are you?

I'm between 5'5'' and 5'6''!

Ask my anything.

Total calamity, the choices I have made.

Hey Jessica I was wondering if you would be willing to review the new Motion City Soundtrack cd? I'd really appreciate it, I've lost contact with all my friends who are MCS fans and would love to hear another fans take on it. If you don't want to I understand.

Thanks for having a blog that always makes me smile,

*hugs*

Lurker from Ohio
 
Hi! I'm working on a track-by-track review of My Dinosaur Life to post next Tuesday on release day! Keep an eye out for it, and leave a comment with your own thoughts! (You can even do that now if you want.)
 
I'm bummed to hear that you don't have any one to flip out with to MCS! I hope this doesn't deter you from going to shows - you should probably pass along a little MCS mix to a friend who may not have heard them! Also, one great thing about the internet is now you can find people who love a band or movie or whatever as much as you - for MCS fans I'd definitely check out the official boards on their website, and if you want some reviews from fans, I'd start with Anna on tumblr, who inspired me to write my own review! MCS fans are super awesome!
 
Can we follow you on twitter too?

MOST DEF: http://www.twitter.com/jessicaxmaria

Um, you know how I wrote about my hobbies and "researching obscure facts"? Well, I was watching the first season of Ally McBeal on DVD the other night - I got the entire series for Christmas (thanks, bro!) - and I noticed somebody Ally was gawking at in a bar was none other than Jon Hamm! And I imdb'd it, and his no-lines-character wasn't even credited. But, it's definitely him in the 1997 episode. Also, I realized the casting director's name for the episode was "Judith Weiner" and I was like, "Could she be related in any way to Matthew WEINER who created Mad Men?!?!" But after some thorough research, I came to find that Judith died a few years ago and there were no Google-able connections between Judith and Matthew. I twittered the gist of THAT, and here's the pic I grabbed while it was on pause:

Have fun following my crazy!

Haha. I too, watched "Ke$ha" on Conan. I didn't see what the big deal was. In fact, I had to change the channel midway through the song. I don't mean to bash on her, but it's just not my style of music. Although where I'm from, lots of people seem to like her a lot. So I get roasted for not liking "what's cool" lol. Is there any other artist you find depressing?

Not everybody has to like what's considered cool! Music is your own deal.

My own deal? Ke$ha was embarassing to watch. And then bringing out presents for Conan afterwards? I don't think he was into it, either. I think I would have a lot more to be depressed about if I actually listened to the radio, but in those moments where radio is all I've got, what I've heard pretty much sucks. Plus, looking at any type of iTunes or Billboard chart is no fun. In my super-humble opinion, here are some acts that make me sour: Owl City, Black Eyed Peas, Boys Like Girls, and Miley Cyrus. That's what I can think of from the top of my head.

I mean, I know music is one's own thing for the most part, but to see what the majority chooses to listen to and pay for is depressing. Especially when you're married to someone in the music industry! Of course, when you see certain acts climbing the charts and doing well - like Paramore - there's glimmers of hope. I'm hoping for the future!

(Ask away.)

The years were flying by, they soared.

Got a few more questions sent to my formspring! -

I love the fact that you love to read, sorry if this has been asked. I've been searching for new books to read...what books would you recommend to read?

I am usually asked this by friends who want to know what to pick up next; I size up their tastes and favourite genres and base my recommendation on that. Since I don't know you, here are the best books I read this year and books I'd recommend  to anyone and everyone (i.e., 2666 simply isn't a book I'd recommend to everyone!) --

The Road, Cormac McCarthy
Fun Home, Alison Bechdel
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
The Sound of My Voice, Ron Butlin
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Joan Didion
The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The World in Half, Cristina Henriquez

Hope that helps!


Also, New York is an amazing place! I'm here on vacation, it's wonderful. Love the vibe you get from here. Different from the west coast where I'm from. Anyways, what do you do during your free time in NY?

My free time in New York is mostly spent with friends. During the week I do a lot of running errands, grabbing after-work dinners or drinks with friends, and occasionally go to a bar if something is especially enticing. Lately, the weekends have been me trying to catch up on household stuff or relaxing due to my sickness (ugh!) but before the holidays I would try to fill my weekends up with stuff that really interests me - a bookstore I read about online, an independent movie getting good reviews and only playing in one theater, a small art gallery I heard about, a vintage store I eye on a walk through SoHo, any restaurant Kells wants to try out (that's been real fun!), and whatever else my friends suggest that interest me, etc. In any other season besides winter I love walking around with no aim, and just finding whatever the streets have in store.

And believe you me, I'm still not done exploring New York. I have future trips to certain museums and galleries and restaurants planned for upcoming winter weekends!

You probably hear this a lot but you are super pretty! I always love your hair and makeup!! :)

Aw, thanks! Secret: I legitimately can't do make-up. I try! I TRY! (And apparently succeed sometimes!) But I really have no idea about how to apply eye shadow, blush, etc. The only thing I really have down is liquid eyeliner and red lipstick. Otherwise, I beg my friend Jiscilla to let me in on her secrets.

I totally see the resemblance with both Lea and Idina. Can you say, Triplets? This isnt a question but I just want to tell you how much I love love love reading your blog and your tumblr. I've been reading your blog ever since you started and may have left you a comment or two on some of your posts. You've inspired me to read more and get my nails done more often (LOL). - Lurker from Seattle :)

Awesome! Thank you, lurker! Glad you're hitting the books. Ha. Also, I just started becoming obsessed with getting myself manicured since moving to New York. Only had had one professional manicure before moving here when I was 23. And ever since finding a couple of cheaper manicure salons, it's become quite a little ritual (especially with my friend Amber). I'm becoming accustomed to nail files - something I wouldn't let near me a year ago. (Seriously, they make me shudder.) Of course, I also spend a lot of time just doing it myself, too!

See what the jukebox knows.

The past few days have been a bit busy - Jesse left for tour yesterday so on Tuesday night we had a date night and went to our favourite restaurant, Sweet Emily's. Then the staff told us that they were hoping we'd come in, as we're regulars, because...the restaurant is closing next week. I nearly CRIED at the table. I'm not kidding. Anyway, then we came home and watched Funny People which I'm going to add to my worst films of 2009 list. However, it was a lovely night all the same, as I have so much fun the husband.

On Wednesday night we played a long poker game in which I came in second (my streak continues!) and then yesterday morning I had to say bye - just as I felt the inklings of a cold coming on. I got home from work and got down to laundry and cleaning out my closet (ps I tend to do a lot of errands when Jesse first leaves for tour...) and by the end of the night I was coughing and sneezing all over the place. Today, I fare no better. The good thing is that I haven't been sick in about a year, perhaps more. I blame this cold on all the non-stop fun I've been having!

And now, to the questions I recieved the past couple of days (ask me anything here!) --

what are the chances of you coming to australia when mcs tour in feb? i have been a loyal reader of your blog (and tumblr - i'm mynameisjenna --i think you follow me--) for just over a year i think, maybe even longer and i honestly think if we met, we'd totally hit it off, as i always seem to be nodding my head whilst reading cause i seem to agree with a lot you say. yeah, we'd defs be buddies. so you should try come out, just for the week, just make sure you hit up melbourne.

Ah! Jenna! Unfortunately, I won't be in Australia this year, though I'd love, love, love to visit! It's definitely a destination for the future, and I'll be sure to include Melbourne. Glad we're of the same mind, too. Ha. Thanks for being such a loyal reader - your tumblr is lovely! (And I think you're actual tumblr is jennacampbell, right?)

What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime?

Write a novel. What an accomplishment that would be. And, I'm actively working towards it.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?

Japan. I've been fascinated with Japan since college and I believe no matter how much I learn about the country, I still wouldn't be able to imagine what it's really like. I have so many Japanese trinkets and t-shirts from friends, family, and Jesse over the years that I am constantly reminded of how much I'd love to visit!

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading, writing, watching movies, watching movies I love with people who haven't seen them yet, watching really bad tv shows and making fun of them, milling about in a used book store, discussing and debating books music film, hiking, researching obscure facts, going to shows.

If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

Hm. Tough.

Joan Didion in her late twenties, Marilyn Monroe when she was married to Arthur Miller, Audrey Hepburn when she was sixty years old, Bette Davis after filming All About Eve.

Hey Jessica! It's Kaleigh (aliceintumblerland). I am almost done reading White Teeth...it took me a while to get into it, but I'm liking it more now. It's a different style of writing that's new to me, so maybe that's what threw me a bit. I wish we could meet and drink coffee and talk about books all day! anyways, hope you're staying warm and not buried in snow. Have a lovely day! Thanks again for the book suggestions...I just bought 3 new ones. I'm trying to read some of the classics I never have before. I got Walden/Civil Disobedience, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Jungle. Your book reading has really inspired me to start reading like I used to!

White Teeth is not the easiest book to read, but I'm glad you like it! And I love getting together and discussing books - would totally be up for that if we lived in the same town! I haven't read any of your three choices, though I hope to some day. That's awesome that you're reading more! Yay!

Hey Jessica! I was wondering if you know who Idina Menzel is...because I think you two kind of look alike...:D

Idina Menzel is the person I get compared to the most - it's totally the square jawline! But, more so when I had long hair, I think. Also, since Spring Awakening opened a couple of years ago on Broadway, I've been out at bars and twice been mistaken for Idina-lookalike Lea Michele (who is now on Glee). Very, very complimentary to be compared to these two lovely Broadway stars (one of whom is married to Taye Diggs!).

Idina

Lea

And me with long hair:

Short hair, not so much?

We have similar jaws/coloring. What do you think? I've heard rumors that Idina Menzel will be guest appearing on an episode or two of Glee, as well!

Apparently Jiscilla and I went from total princesses to goths in a year.

Question 43-56 (All the Rest of Them Edition)

I know you're a Pushing Daisies fan, but that might not make you biased towards this question. Cake or pie?

UNF. These questions can get real TOUGH. When I watched Pushing Daisies, I would crave pie SO MUCH. Ask Christy, we searched all of Brooklyn for a good slice after watching a couple of episodes and couldn't come up with one. And I've never done that with cake (hm, maybe ice cream cake?), so I will say PIE!

First off, your cats are adorable and your wedding looked amazing. What are some of your favorite tumblrs?

Thanks! Here's a list of some of my faves (I have all my tumblrs listed in my Google Reader bc I just can't deal with the tumblr dashboard sometimes, but these are the tumblrs I check pretty immediately when I sign into the reader because I love 'em):

Dance to the Radio
F--- Yeah Motion City Soundtrack!
Goldenfiddlr
Jordan Reid
Movies in Frames
Theo is Jonesing
The Vie Society
Alice in Tumblrland
Whiskey & Goats Milk

Also, my friends' tumblrs are rad (linked on my blogroll!)

My absolute favourite because she's hilarious and AWESOME: Sparkle Neely Sparkle!!!

Traveling - where did you go so far?

Where I've lived: Panama, Georgia, Virginia, D.C., Rhode Island, Kansas, Hawaii, Kentucky/Tennessee, Massachusetts, New Hampshire (summers), New York, Pennsylvania (and some of these places I've lived in more than once, years apart)

Where I've only visited: Orlando, Coconut Beach FL, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Austin, Houston, Des Moines, Kansas City, Madison, St. Louis, Maine, Rochester, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, ARUBA...I'm probably missing some places, but that's the gist!

And there's a big international trip coming up here in March. You'll hear about it soon. I've been waiting and hoping and wishing for this trip for quite some time!! I want to squeal just thinking about it!!

Whats your most silly thing to do?

This blog? Just kidding. If you want to see me at my silliest, just see me with my best friend Amber. Seriously, the amount of shenanigans we get into is ridiculous from playing dead at parties or the faces we make at each other.

Who is the final boss of the internet, and, did you beat him or her?

I'm not sure, but I know I haven't beaten that person.

Your husband has a ton of tattoos - do you have any of your own?

I'm surprised I don't get asked this more often; I don't have any tattoos. Yet. I have one planned, and I'm pretty sure I know where (as in what shop) and when I'll be getting it.

To the one question that was asked and I cannot reprint here - yes.


Did you picture yourself to be where you are at this age? Married to a musician, living in New York, writing this blog, and working in fashion?
 
Absolutely not. When I was in middle school I was pretty sure I'd be living in New York, acting, and definitely single. When I was in high school, I thought I'd be living in New York, working as a forensic pathologist, and definitely single. For a time, my parents thought I would never get married. At least not until I was 40. When I hit college, I knew I wanted to live in New York (theme!), and I thought I'd be working at a magazine. And married by now? Pfft. No way. But I am where I am now, and I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm very much a "no regrets" person.

Do you fight the crowds and jump around in the pit at MCS shows or watch from backstage?

I was never a pit-jumper. (Okay, only once at Warped Tour in like 2002!) I would jump around and dance at the outer edges of the crowd. I still do. Being backstage/sidestage is kind of a bumout when you're watching somebody you really want to see because it doesn't sound that great and it's a little conspicious -it's harder to jump around by yourself! So, I find a spot where it sounds good, looks good, and I have room to have fun. In Chicago, that was on the balcony. At the Blender Theater in New York, I was at the back of the crowd with all my friends. Ocassionally when I'm visiting Jesse on tour and I don't know anybody at the show, I'll be sidestage rather than traverse a crowd and stand around by myself.

I am moving to New York City in a few days. I graduated college in May and all of my friends friends from school moved back to their respective hometowns and I'm a little worried it will be hard to make new friends in New York. Any suggestions on non-creepy ways to meet people?

New York is all about meeting people! I had some built in friends when I moved here, but from moving around all over the place, I can tell you making friends is usually tied to going out to places you like or finding people with similar interests and striking up conversation. I mean, that's just how I do it. What's the worst that can happen? A brush-off? Not that bad! If you see someone (who's around your age) on the subway reading a book you've read and loved, tell them that. (It's happened to me!) Check out indie movie screenings or book readings or art gallery parties or open bar parties, if that's your thing. There's always something happening in New York! Strike up a conversation with somebody you think you might get along with. Meet friends of friends or acquaintances and keep going. I knew maybe five people when I moved to New York, but now I know a zillion because I met friends of friends at social gatherings.

There's also meeting people at work who you common interests with, or taking up a class (like cooking or art or yoga) and meeting people through that venue. I hope you find some awesome friends!

I'm moving to Brooklyn in January. What's one of your favourite local hidden gems?

Hm, I don't know if it's exactly hidden, but Life Cafe off the L is great food and fun. Battleship Tuesdays = they have a giant battleship board, you guess a number with your drink, and if you hit a battleship, the second drink is on the house. Also, great (& cheap) brunch!

Others off the L: The Levee (bar), Alligator Lounge (A FREE PIZZA with every beer you order), Brooklyn Bowl (best on-the-rocks margarita I've had in this area - great food, bowling, and also a live music VENUE), and Wild Ginger (delicious vegetarian).

I lovee your blog. I read both your Tumblr and your Blogspot. What do you think about moving to New York? Is it amazing? I really want to move there one day.

Thank you! The first time I came to visit New York in middle school I knew, I just KNEW, I had to live here someday. Sometimes when I get an idea, I really can't let it go. I knew I had to move to a place that wouldn't bore me as easily as some other places did growing up. There's just always something to do!

Do you track who visits your blog on google analytics? Does your map look crazy because of lurkers?

Yes, I use Google Analytics, but mainly just to have stats ready if needed. Like, when the Brand About Town sponsor reached out to me about the Gap opportunity, I needed to have those stats on hand to be considered - like how many unique visitors I have a month and whatnot. I don't use the blog for any reasons than my own; I never want to use visual ads and I've never had the ambition to make money off this personal site - but getting a free pair of jeans and getting to spread that around to my friends and blog readers is pretty damn fun!

My visitor map does surprise me sometimes when I see a bunch of people here internationally! (Hola! Bonjour! Konichiwa!) And I suppose lurkers are simply those that have never left a comment: no big deal. My readers are awesome, just the same. Plus, I got this sent to my formspring and it's nice to know there are lurkers out there thinking as such -

Just wanted to say you are so inspiring in so many ways. Thank you for your blog. From, A Lurker

That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and I'm happy to have my own little spot on the internet that other people can read if they want to.

That concludes all the questions I have in my in inbox! If you have any more, I promise to answer them in a far more timely manner now that all the holidays and craziness are over! Thanks for all the people who reached out to me!

Ask my anything!

Questions 38-42 (That Dude and His Band Edition)

Ah, the questions about Jesse! These were pretty hard to answer. I feel like I could go on and on and on, but I won't!

Were you hesitant to start dating (no less marry) a guy in a band that tours often? How do you deal with his frequent absence from home?

When I first started dating Jesse he was in town recording an album and would be off to Europe for tour within a month. I knew all this but I also knew it was worth a try, given how much I liked him. And there were definitely moments in the beginning that I hesitated diving into it, as he could have been like certain other touring guys out there who aren't particularly great or loyal when they're out of sight. My fears were swiftly squashed as we got to know each other, and I knew that we were on the same page before he left. Since the beginning, we've kept everything very much on the surface - there were no dating games.

Of course, dating and marrying somebody that is on tour is a challenge; but every relationship has challenges and him traveling is pretty routine at this point. I miss him a lot, of course, but I wouldn't change anything about how our relationship has evolved in the past three years. I've developed some pretty good communication skills having moved around all my life and keeping up a lot of long distance friendships and Jesse's the same way. It's almost a non-issue because touring is his job - and I'm obviously supportive of his career, as he would be if I was the one that traveled the world while he worked from an office. We miss each other a lot when he's gone though, that's for sure! And I get the added benefit of visiting him on the road, to cities and places I've never been and we get to explore them together.

Your second question I can answer along with the next one...

How does it feel to be married and have your beau on the road fairly often? How do you cope?

Well, the best thing about the whirlwind that was this year is that I am extremely busy; there's always something going on, some errand to run, some movie I must catch. And my friends are amazing in this city that never sleeps, so I never feel too lonely when he's gone.

Keeping myself busy is key, as well as keeping in touch with him while he's out there. Best thing ever: video chat! Seriously, forget texting, email, and the phone...we have the best conversations when we can see each other while we talk. We make time for each other and put in the effort, because, in case you hadn't noticed, you know, we like each other and we're in love. (Barf.)

That's all I've got: communication is most important, and be clear: it's not a medium in which you can play any guessing games. You've already got tons of white noise going on with the distance and when and how you communicate, it's not wise to waste each other's time dancing around subjects or not telling each other how you feel. And, of course, it's about that word we always hear - trust. Does that make sense? Hope so.

What is the hardest part of having a boyfriend/husband/"other" on tour all the time? How does it feel to be married to one of the members of Motion City Soundtrack? Did you fall in love with his amazing handstand on the moog?

The hardest part, to me, is missing out on something great that he's experiencing, or when I'm having a great time and he can't be right by my side. Like the holiday party - I had a blast, and I only wish Jesse had been there to share it! We have plenty of years and fun times together ahead of us, though.

It feels great to be married! And to a member of one of my favourite bands is cool I guess, but it's weird how I didn't really think about it that much when we started dating. The band stuff kind of all melted away when we began hanging out and getting deep in conversation and having tons of fun. We connected on a personal level that wasn't tied to the band; as much as people are skeptical about guys in bands, some dudes in bands are skeptical on the reason a girl is with him. I don't think Jesse would have proposed if he thought I was in it for free tickets to MCS shows!

His moogstand is quite amazing, but definitely not the reason I fell in love with him!

I have 2 questions! haha

(1) How did you & Jesse meet?

Yay! Easy! I've already written all that out here: PART I & PART II.
(2) Do you ever find it hard to date (and now be married to - congrats btw!) to a guy in a band? I just recently started dating a guy in a band and I'm worried about how it will work when he's on tour and I'm still in school! 

I think I answered this above; I hope it helps a little. Any long distance takes some time to find a rhythm in which you're both comfortable!

Yeah, man. What a jerk that Matt Taylor is! Once I was in the front row and am sure I looked absolutely ridiculous since my life was being completed and all, but that dude had the nerve to actually laugh at me!

And I just wanted to say it makes me REALLY happy that you were a fan of the band before meeting Jesse.

And a question: the other day I was mentioning to a fellow MCS fan how I follow Jesse's wifes's blog and she asked your name. I of course wanted to say Jessica but then I was like, could it really be Jesse and Jessica? And how had I not noticed? Were you called Jessie growing up? Is it ever strange?
 
Ha, great to find this one in my inbox! Yeah, I never hid it, I've always been a fan of the music and the shows. I just wasn't a personal fan of Jesse until much later!

I was not called Jessie growing up by anybody except a relative or two; I don't like the nickname! It's not really "strange" that our names are similar, it's actually just funny. Especially when we're with our parents who have always shortened our names to "Jess" and we both look up. It's been a couple of years but it still happens!

That's what I've got! A couple more question posts are in draft mode right now. And hopefully tonight I'll post my Top Ten Albums of 2009! Got any more questions?

Questions 24-29 (Material Girl Edition)

Hey Jessica, you have such awesome style, what are some of your favorite brands and stores?

Thank you! I think it's pretty obvious I'm a huge fan of Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line, and her own personal style. And there are many brands I love that I can't afford. So, for the most part, I shop everywhere. There's usually something I like in every store - Urban Outfitters, H&M, Macy's, Gap, vintage stores in New York, Target, TJ Maxx, etc., etc., etc. I'm also obsessed with online shopping: daily Sale Mails (to let me know of sales across the internets, e-mail me if you want an invite!), high-end sales on Hautelook, ideeli, and Gilt Groupe (e-mail me if you want invites), and also if I'm in the market for something specific I love ShopStyle.com.

However, for work I've fallen absolutely in love with J.Crew. Such a surprise to me, since I wouldn't have been caught dead in that brand in high school or college. It's moved elegantly from preppy sporty bro to "librarian chic" (my term). Also, I re-discovered the brand when I was online shopping for honeymoon clothes. I tell you what: they have the cutest swimsuits and coverups (I got a retro navy with white polkadots bikini and several soft pullover coverups). Also, they have the only shorts I deign to wear (why do stores think I want daisy duke booty shorts? J.Crew's five-inchers are my faves.) It's still a bit on the expensive side, but their online sales are AMAZING.

I have the skirt above in that pink and also a dark purple/red. I bought them full price - that's how much I LOVE this skirt. (As seen in this post! - also sporting a J.Crew cardigan there.) It's wooly and I match them with so many odd colors to pull a look together. Especially great in the winter with bright-color tights.

Also for work and play I've been into the Gap - re-discovered back in July when Brand About Town PR reached out to me about hosting a Gap party for their Born to Fit jeans launch in return for blog coverage re: truthful opinions of the jeans. (That covers all I need it to for the full disclosure thing, right? I don't get anything else free for this blog besides whatever Gap sends me, FYI.) Also, I like more than just Gap's jeans! They have some real nice fitting khaki work pants, adorable sweaters, and tights!

And finally, I really love Ralph Lauren's Rugby line. Again, expensive, but I get a great discount and there are some really sweet pieces! Their oxfords fit me perfect and next on my list is one of their amazing blazers.

Any hair tips? I love how you blow-dry your hair. Two, do you ever go curly/wavy?

Hm, I'm one to always be asking for hair tips and buying whatever my stylist just used in my hair to create the same look. I'd say my most treasured hair product is my blowdryer. I always get one with an ionic/ceramic setting on it. It helps with frizz! I'm also an expert blowdryer at this point in my life, with my kind of hair.

And yes, ocassionally I do go curly/wavy! My hair is naturally wavy, so during the summer when my hair was long I wouldn't want to stand in the bathroom and blowdry my hair, so I'd let it air-dry. Sometimes I'd split my hair into two sections when it was wet and twist them and pin them to my head to sleep on. The next day I'd have really nice curls. With my short hair I also let it airdry sometimes but I usually use some anti-frizz product so my head isn't a big poofball. I also curled my short hair for the holiday party, which you can see in a post below! (More pictures to come of that night, lo prometo.)

Also, I found another Jessica - Jessica Stroup, who stars as Silver on 90210. She also cut her hair from last season into something akin to my own cut, and she also styled her hair curly for HER holiday dance (on the show):

I think I'm inclined to like her! Add her to the list. (Also, my apologies to people that think this is in poor taste, but how good is this 90210 redux?? I take back my apology - it's that good. Runner up to Parks & Recreation for most improved show in its second season.)

What are your best features?

Um, I really like my wrists. And fingernails?

What do you think of boys wearing nail polish?

Since I used to date a guy that would wear my black nail polish on his pinky finger sometimes, I would say it's not necessarily a dealbreaker. It IS a dealbreaker when you're Jared Leto.

Give me your personal rundown of top five food you actually crave right now.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Sweet Emily's cheesecake empanadas, my mom's flank steak, mango curry thai food with mock dock, and La Palapa's quesadillas.

Hey Jessica, it's aliceintumblerland. can we trade nail polish like we're in the 6th grade? I've been looking for that light blue shade everywhere, and all i find is metallic junk. thanks.

Hey Kaleigh! I was on the search for that light blue forever as well! Until I stumbled into a nail joint that had the Essie brand color - I forget it's name though! :( However, Essie has plenty of lovely blue-hued non-metallic colors! The best ones can be found at nail salons (though I still check the Duane Reade around the corner every day for cool Essie colors) - check the Essie site for exactly where in your city or town! I guess, for the record, Essie is my favourite nail polish brand. And they usually have my favourite names. I'm currently keeping my eye out for their Mint Candy Apple color. Desperately wanting!

Got any more questions?! Still more answers on the way...

Question 23 (Movies Edition)

These questions were all from one person! And we all know I love movies.

First of all, I just want to say that for about a year I've adored your blog and tumblr. I'm in college now and it's nice to see someone who has the same kind of outlook and interests doing so well in the "adult world". Hope that isn't weird!

Thanks - and I've come to understand so far that there really isn't an "adult world" in terms of outlook and interests. You don't have to drop liking teen novels just because you're no longer a teen. You can still believe in romantic love after you've graduated college. I know I'm part idealist; it hasn't hampered me in the least. Even when it comes to the actual "adult world" concerning responsibilities and accountability, that's where the so-called "growing up" comes into play. I'm maneuvering myself into a comfortable spot within that realm.

Anyway, I have a few movie related questions!

What is your favorite Robert Downey Jr. movie?

Difficult question - but I really loved Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It's because I'm also a sucker for modern noir films. If I had to say my favourite character, it'd be his character Larry on Ally McBeal. I remember that being the only reason I tuned into that show.

What are your favorite foreign films?

I love foreign films! My favourites are probably Almodovar's Volver and Todo Sobre Mi Madre.  But I can't forget Amelie. I also really loved The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Most anticipated movies of 2010?

Hm, I'm trying to think of previews I've seen recently...well, I did see a picture in a magazine of RDJ filming his new movie with Zach Galifianakis and the creators of The Hangover; I'm interested! Because obviously those guys do comedy well, but add RDJ into the mix?! Sold. Movie is called: Due Date.

Some others: Salt (sometimes I like a kickass action movie!), Date Night (I will see anything Tina Fey is in), I Love You Phillip Morris (Ewan MacGregor and Jim Carrey as gay lovers in a movie produced by Luc Besson? I am all curiosity), and while it doesn't exactly look great, I'm always up for watching Joseph Gordon-Levitt run around New York in Uncertainty.

I TOTALLY FORGOT: IRON MAN 2! Definitely my #1 movie I'm looking forward to in 2010.

Least looking forward to: Valentine's Day. A re-hash of He's Just Not That Into You, I really can't stand by and pretend to want to see something that is based on probably the worst movie I saw this year. Even if my fave Jennifer Garner stars. And so does Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel - NEED I SAY MORE? I will: their mere-seconds performances in the trailer were easily the worst of the whole thing (really? alone on Valentine's Day? We're going to base our movie on that? Have Biel eating chocolate and crying to her boss about it?!?!?!?!?!) --- that is, except for Ashton Kutcher. Stab my eyes out now, please. Thanks!

RAGE RAGE RAGE/endrage. Thanks for letting me vent.

If you had to choose between the two, would you rather see Sherlock Holmes or Nine with Daniel Day Lewis (AND Marion Colltiard! LOVE HER.)


Oh you clever, clever anon! MUST I CHOOSE?! I will go with Sherlock Holmes simply because Nine is brought down by the fact that it co-stars Fergie, Kate Hudson (um, she sings?), and the ridiculous non-dancer Nicole Kidman. I give Kidman props, but have you seen Moulin Rouge? It's one of my favourite movies ever (yeah, I said it), but she's the stiffest person in the joint. She has no grace and I'm sorry, her vocals are shrill. However, yes, I will see it because how am I to resist the rest of the cast? Penelope Cruz and Sofia Loren and Marion Cotilliard and yes, oh yes, Daniel Day Lewis.

And how good does Sherlock Holmes look? I think it could really boost Guy Ritchie's flailing career. Hurrah!

Thank you, anon, for your movie questions! Anybody have any more? You know where to ask!

Here's some of my favourite recent RDJ pics, how can these not make you smile? You could totally LOLcat caption them, too.

Question 21-22 (From Other Jessicas Edition)

I really slacked on answering questions this weekend - hopefully to be taken care of today and tomorrow! It was an incredibly busy weekend, however, and FUN FUN FUN. Here's a summary to later be expanded on: Friday night Dashboard Confessional with Kells & Colleen, Saturday night was our apartment's FOURTH Annual Holiday Party and another rousing success, and Sunday was a day of clean-up, rest, and seeing The Road with Amber! But now to the questions....

My name is Jessica too, and maybe because it's so common, I can hardly stand it. My family rarely calls me Jessica too, so i have all sorts of nicknames. And maybe it's just me, but a lot of characters named Jessica in movies are really annoying. Guess I'm just weird. Anyway, how do you feel about the name?

THIS MAY BE MY FAVOURITE QUESTION. Because, yes, I totally understand where you're coming from - I've struggled with my name. (Not a depressive, inner struggle, mind you - more like, "man, that blows, but it's also kinda funny, anyway..." struggle). I depise nicknames for Jessica. I forbade my parents to ever call me "Jessie" and only allowed such an atrocity to my name be used by my grandmother who also called me "Heart" (way cooler, btw, and she's the only one that made Jessie sound cool). I give allowance for "Jess," but still, hardly anybody calls me that because I prefer all three syllables of my name to be pronounced.

"Jessie" is so grating that once in 1st grade the bus had to be pulled over because I erupted into screams at a boy who had been nagging from the seat behind me, telling me I was most likely a boy because there was a boy on our bus named Jesse and my name was also Jessie. Bus driver Bob told me to sit down and shut up and that memory is still as clear as day to me.

And yeah, Jessicas in fictional portrayal are the worst! It's the reason I'm so scared to watch the movie with my own namesake - Logan's Run. My father named me after a character named "Jessica Six" and it's a sci-fi movie so I'm sure it's super-nerdy and her whole name sounds cool, but given all the other examples of Jessica in film, I feel it's a risk.

When Erica and I started watching Heroes in its first season and Ali Larter's character Nikki has an evil alterego, CONVENIENTLY NAMED JESSICA, I was like "This is no surprise, OF COURSE her evil side goes by JESSICA. Of course!"

Fictional Jessicas:

Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) - Because when the movie came out when I was five years old, I really wanted to be associated with the sexpot?

Jessica Wakefield - she was the mean twin! She always got into trouble, and Elizabeth always looked like the angel compared to her. But I was always on her side because of her name. She was like bad-girl-cool from my perspective (though most other people thought she sucked.)

Jessica Sanders (Heroes) - see above.

Jessica (Twilight) - oh, the annoying, dumb friend that is just so shallow and doesn't get Bella because she's so vapid (and another generation is ingrained with dismal Jessica connotations!)

Jessica (Sleepless in Seattle) - played by Gaby Hoffman, this little girl connived to get her friend Sam a cross-country plane ticket even though he was only like eight years old. I personally give the character props for her computer and manipulating skills at such a young age. However, again, manipulative.

Jessica (True Blood) - how annoying was the new vampire in the beginning? Ugh. Now she's kind of better, and I'm definitely rooting for her. Save the name?

And the variations: Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell (aggressive, speed-taker who was always protrayed as way uptight and not as cool as Lisa Turtle, Kelly Kapowski, and even Tory) and Jessi Ramsey (Babysitter's Club JUNIOR member - so lame, reading those books I didn't want to be associated with a junior member! However, Jessi was not lamer than Mallory, let's be honest.)

And here's a bevy of famous Jessicas that tarnish the name: Jessica Simpson, Jessica Biel, Jessica Seinfeld (plagiarized her last book), Jessica Alba, Jessica Sierra (jailed American Idol contestant), ETC.

Jezebel even wrote an article called "Jessicas Are All Pretty Bitches." This, I believe, has to do with the fact that there are simply SO many Jessicas and when you have a giant population, there are the bad apples, and those are the ones with lasting impressions, no? It was a top baby name in the 80s and holy crap if there wasn't at least another Jessica in all of my classes growing up. Pretty much every guy I've dated has dated another Jessica.

However, I still like my name. It's still MINE. And people who know me know that I'm no manipulative crazyperson. AND, lemme tell you, there are some awesome Jessicas:

Jessica Stein (character from Kissing Jessica Stein) - she was uber-neurotic but she was also funny, written three-dimensional, and sweet.

Jessica Joffe - model, sometimes writer, girl-about-town, and former Ryan Adams girlfriend (the one he attributes to helping him kick drinking)

Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote) - DUH. Angela Lansbury is awesome; the only Jessica I liked growing up.

Also, Shakespeare invented the name "Jessica" for his play The Merchant of Venice - and that's a fact I absolutely LOVE about my name.

One more thing: my maiden name. Parker. Jessica Parker. Thus, with my marriage, I abolished having to hear every cashier, office receptionist, customer service representative, or work colleague reference Sarah Jessica Parker and/or Sex & The City. For one regular week I decided to count how many call outs I got regarding my name from strangers - average of one per day! (May be upped from the fact that I live in New York City, too.) Now that's all done, and it makes me just a little bit happier.

Anybody else have "Jessica" examples in pop culture? I'm obviously invested in this topic.

[Sidenote: Mom & Dad - I really do love my name, do not worry about this venting!]

Hey Jessica! I am just a mcs super fan here. I like to read your blog hoping to catch any mcs news, but also realized you are a really awesome person, in the process. Anyway, I remember reading somewhere (amidst my lurkings) that you once lived in Carlisle, PA? Are you familiar with Shippensburg, PA? That is where I grew up, and still visit family there, frequently. I currently live in Reading, PA though. I was just wondering about your experiences there. Also, do you know of Visual Addiction tattoo shop, in Carlisle? That is where I get all of my work done. Have a great day! -Jessica (that's my name too)

Jessica, thanks for reading!! Yes, I lived in Carlisle, PA for about ten months. My family and I moved there for my senior year of high school. And yes, I'm familiar with Shippensberg!

Well, my experiences in Carlisle are definitely some of the best or most memorable of my life: though I knew Amber beforehand we only became best friends when I moved to Carlisle, I met my best friends Kelly and Christy (both of whom grew up there), I had my first real relationship (and while absolutely horrible, I have to credit it for teaching me about relationships), I got my drivers license (um, yes it was late but you try dealing with "the system" and moving nearly every year of high school), and I graduated high school! I really liked Carlisle, compared to the other places I'd gone to high school. It was definitely a "turning point" year in my life! The places I remember most from Carlisle, besides the high school, are Mandy's (which I'm not sure is there anymore - but my friends and I always went to the open mic nights) and Letort Park.

Unfortunately, I don't know Visual Addiction - me, and most of my friends, were under 18 when I lived there so I didn't seek out any tattoo shops! Hope you're having a good Monday, yourself!

So I've got some more questions to answer...but you can also keep them coming!

Question 15-20 (Travel Edition)

Okay, the questions I'm getting are awesome - for real. I get excited when I see one pop up in my inbox! I'm still making my way through the questions, trying to group them as best I can. Keep tuning in for more posts - I'll try to finish them out by the end of the weekend! The questions have really inspired me - letting me know that people actually read this little corner of the internet and it reignited my fervor for blogging!

So, now, I take on questions regarding places, locations and travels! This is fitting as I am in the midst of planning perhaps the biggest trip of my life so far for next year - details to come as they're all firmed up!

What should I check out in Williamsburg?

I don't hang out in Williamsburg regularly, but there are some fun things I like to do there, such as - see shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (I've seen OkGo and Against Me! there), eat at delicious places like Wild Ginger or Sea, have crazy late night times at a bar called The Levee (board games + beer = Jesse's favourite bar), drinking at the Brooklyn Brewery, and my new favourite place: Brooklyn Bowl. Oddly enough, this alley-slash-restaurant-slash-venue has the best margaritas I've had in New York. No lie!

What do you think of Manhattan, in general, as the metropolitan human being you are?

Like every city, there's something to love and something to hate. For now, I focus on the love: you're never bored here. If you say you are, it's because you've decided to stay indoors. There's a million things going on in this city every night. Also, I love love love that there's always something new opening or an undiscovered secret restaurant or bar. The food is amazing; there are so many great places to eat. And I would eat out more often if I could afford it!

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to?

Definitely Panama. You can't beat seing your family and staying in the tropics where $200 will usually last you a month. My favourite place was a secluded beach where my family, Jesse, and I rented cabanas for $10/night. We stayed outside all day, swam in the warm but refreshing Pacific Ocean, bodysurfed, grilled, made a fire, watched the sun set, watched the moon rise, watched the tide go low...at least half a mile out, where we walked with the brightest full moon I've ever seen as our guide. It was, quite simply, our own little paradise for the time. I think about those days often.

Other notes, now that I'm on it:

In the United States, the three cities I've visited when Jesse was on tour and really love - Portland, San Diego, and Austin! I'm planning a trip to Austin in 2010, too.

City I was suprised to not like: San Francisco.

City I was surprised to like: Detroit.

If I were coming to New York for a long weekend...say Thursday-Mondayish...with C, what are some of the top things we need to see/do, eat, watch, etc??

Secret: I am the worst tourist. I have yet to visit the Statue of Liberty. I've seen it...once...from a moving car. When people come visit, I try to show them the nightlife and the people - I'm not exactly one for bus tours. Here's what I would do: 1) See a show - any kind of show - there's always one going on! - whether it be an indie band at a dive bar, Ricky Gervais at Carnegie Hall, a broadway play (you know Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig are doing that, right?) or an independent film at the Angelika Theater. The venues, to me, are part of the show, and are part of the New York experience. 2) Hit up a museum - right now there's a Tim Burton retrospective at the MoMA and I desperately want to go sometime soon (it runs through April I believe). 3) Eat, eat, eat. DON'T GO TO A CHAIN IN NEW YORK! Though we all enjoy a Chipotle here or there, if you're coming to New York, the food is part of the experience, and the city has LOTS of choices. 4) Walk around a lot - everywhere. New York streets are a grid; it's nearly impossible to get lost. You'll find so many interesting stores, see a lot of people, and if you look up, you'll see some neat architecture. (Neat? Hahaha)

That's all I've got for right now. I wouldn't be the best at writing a straight-up travel guide. My favourite thing about being somewhere else with another person is experiencing it together. I'm not one to experience a city with a checklist of must-see places: let's get there and see what happens.

Where did you originate from, and if it wasn't New York how did you end up there?

I was born in Panama City, Panama. My father is from New Hampshire and he met my mother in Panama, where she grew up. My father was military, so I grew up moving around, oh, every two years. It was more fun than it sounds like and I wouldn't give it up for anything: I don't have a hometown and I don't care! It's easy for me to make myself home wherever I go; that's what I learned to do. So for now: New York is home. After going to college in Boston, I spent a year in Rhode Island saving up to move to New York where my best friend Kelly was already living. I've been in love with New York since some trips growing up; I also spent my sophomore year of high school's spring break traveling from Kentucky to see Kevin Spacey in the broadway run of The Iceman Cometh. That trip pretty much solidfied the fact that I someday HAD to live in this city. And so, when the time was right, I did it.

What inspired you to move to New York? Did it start out just you and Erica or did all of your friends move at the same time?

I've been itching to move to New York since high school. I'd been inspired by the many trips I'd taken there; I knew I was attracted to cities more than suburbia and I also thought that because of all my moving around growing up that I would need to live somewhere that didn't bore me, somewhere that I wouldn't want to move away from after a year. Like I said, New York is not boring. I applied to a college in New York, but decided I liked Boston University's campus better. However, I spent most of my college Spring Breaks in New York with Kelly and Amber. (We did stuff like wait outside of SNL and meet Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey, measure the width of our tiny hotel room which was the length of my arm span, and eat the $1 hot dogs for every meal because we were poor, poor college students.) My friends and I had always planned to all live in New York at some point; Kelly, Christy, and Jiscilla were already living here. (Though Curbside's first gathering was in Rhode Island!) Erica was living in Rhode Island at the same time as me, and we had both separate plans to move to NY at some point, but as our friendship grew, our plans converged and we did it together!

Got any more questions?!

What are your plans for the weekend? Tonight I'm seeing DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL acoustic at Highline Ballroom! I am ultra-emo excited.

Question 11-14 (Books Edition)

To celebrate the fact that I finished my 51st book of the year last night, George Orwell's 1984, and also because I started reading my 52nd book in my FIFTY TWO BOOKS challenge - Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary - I'm going to address some of the book questions I've gotten!

(Sidenote: yes, I'm did a happy dance last night in my living room by myself.)

If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Are they the same books that you'd recommend someone rush out and buy right now?

These questions where I only get to pick five are really hard! The good thing about books is that I love re-reading.

01 Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice

Though Austen wrote the book a couple hundred years ago, her themes are still relevant, she's funny, and she wrote the first fictional man I ever fell in love with. I've read this book several times, and will read it several times more in my lifetime.

02 Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude

This was the first book I read by Garcia Marquez, and my first foray into magical realism. It's also the ultimate example of that type of writing, and I could read this book forever because of all the ways it makes me smile in its characters and narrative. I also would love to someday attempt to read it in Spanish.

03 Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

I love, love, love this book! I didn't know I was going to love it so much when I picked up the damn heavy thing, but the story, the characters, and the impressive translation (most recent, award-winning) kept me turning the pages in a fever to reach the end. And I already knew the end because it is so prevalant and cited in culture, but that didn't make me enjoy this any less.

04 Joan Didion, Slouching Towards Bethlehem

Umph, to write like Joan Didion. This book of essays from her earlier days as a journalist was so eye-opening, I couldn't believe I hadn't read her yet. Her prose is impeccable and I've read about people carrying around copies of "On Keeping a Notebook" or "Goodbye to All That" in their back pockets to read whenever they'd like. I may very well turn into one of those people.

05 Roberto Bolano, 2666

This book is massive. When I finished the novel, I felt almost out of breath and I wanted to start it all over again. There are many intricacies in the novel only realized in retrospect; I already can't wait to re-read it to connect them all.I do think all these books are worth reading, though some are quite hefty endeavors (that went into my reasoning for some of these books - there's enough pages to be discovering even more about the story...). I wouldn't rush out to get 2666 unless you are totally commited to it; the book takes a lot of willpower, ha.

Jessica, I decided I'm going to try doing the 52 books in a year. Any tips? Suggestions? Amazing books you read?

Awesome - glad you're trying it out!

Tips: set aside some time every day to read. I did this pretty well except for the weekends sometimes. The great thing about using the subway for me is that every day I have about 30-45 minutes to read back and forth from work. I actually began noticing how many pages I could get done in a day, and it usually was around 50 pages just from my commute. Also, this is not a challenge to get lazy with - it really does require a lot of effort; a lot more than I had anticipated. That's not to say that it wasn't enjoyable. I tackled some books I've always wanted to read and most of these novels are incredibly inspiring to a writer-type like myself.

Suggestions: read simultaneously. I found when I was reading a super-long book (Anna Karenina, 2666, etc.) I would read a short book or comic book when I needed a breather for a reading session. Also, there are some great short books out there (Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Sound of my Voice) that are just as fulfilling as the long ones. It's all about balance. The challenge, of course, is about reading one book per week - but some books take three days to read, and others take three months. I tried setting a goal for when I would finish a book; I think most books are around 300 pages, so I designated those books for one-week of reading time. Shorter books got less time, longer books got more. And I always kept track of my reading - Goodreads.com is really great for that and I love looking back at my list of books I read this year! (Be my friend!)

Amazing books: well, I plan to do a whole year-end recap with various estimations of my fifty books later on, but for now I can tell you the best books I read this year:

The Road, Cormac McCarthy
Fun Home, Alison Bechdel
Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
2666, Roberto Bolano
The Sound of My Voice, Ron Butlin
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Joan Didion
The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende
White Teeth, Zadie Smith
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Come Together, Fall Apart, Cristina Henriquez

It was my first time reading most of these authors, and I can't wait to find more of their works because these books were so great.

Your book challenge has inspired me to take on the same feat!! (Just wanted to share that with you) My question: If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which would you choose.

Wow, I'm so flattered I've inspired a few to read more often and try the 52 book challenge! Yay!

And now I have to narrow my list down?! Hahaha, MAN! Okay, I would choose One Hundred Years of Solitude. I am completely in love with the writing...I could study a sentence of it every day...or, something.

You've totally inspired me to start reading more. How do you make your book selections (when PeeWee isn't there to help)? Do you arrange your bookshelf in any special way (I recently started sorting mine by the color of the binding)?

I make my book selections a number of ways - I read The Time Traveler's Wife because I read over someone's shoulder on the subway. I read the first sentence and had to read it - and now I love that book. I peruse in the bookstore. Any books that I've heard of before in terms of classics always catch my eye (I hate Nathaniel Hawthorne with a passion, though).

This year, for the most part I've used lists! There are tons of lists on the internet that I found useful for material - I'm making my way through Jezebel's 75 Books Every Woman Should Read and the Guardian has a list of 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read, split my genre. All these year-end lists help, as well, because when I see a description of a book that sounds interesting I just pop over to Goodreads and add it as a "to-read" so I can just bring up the list on my iPhone the next time I'm perusing in a bookstore.

I used to arrange my books alphabetically, by author's last name. Since I have so many more books now, and a giant bookshelf as our bed's headboard, I made the asthetically-pleasing decision to also arrange the books by the color of their binding! I posted this pic a couple months ago -

Good luck to everyone with the book challenge! Friend me on Goodreads; it's another way I find new books as I see people update on what they're reading!

More answers to come - you can keep asking, too!