"Being a Jazz Fan Sucks…"

So said my little sister while we were watching the Jazz game tonight. Game 4. They really needed to win. But, they didn’t.

My little sister was right: it really does suck being a Jazz fan. I was so hopeful throughout the entire game: the Jazz were winning the majority of the game. Okur even had a couple 3-pointers; Millsap had some great rebounds; Boozer made shots over Yao, but A.K.! C’mon- you can do better. (That’s another drawback about being a Jazz fan. Getting angry, really angry, with the players for not making a clutch shot. Don’t even get me started on Fischer’s performance.)

After the past 2 games, where the Jazz have beat the Rockets no problem, I was confident that we would have a similar success tonight. But, during the 4th quarter, I knew it was bad. (So bad, in fact, I couldn’t even watch.) You know when you want something so bad (Yes, even a Jazz win.) that when it doesn’t happen the disappointment can be overwhelming? I’m turning into this. With the Jazz. Me. I didn’t even watch much of the regular season. What’s happening to me?

I think it started when the Jazz were close to ‘showing us the title.’ I really wanted the Jazz to win. Malone, Stockton, and Sloan deserved a title… They really did. I watched the games and learned about the popular players and teams they played for. (I even had a slight crush on Reggie Miller.) And, there is the possibility that watching basketball could be related to the small, yet very apparent, competitive nature in me. I like victories… who doesn’t?

At any rate, I’m totally wrapped up in this series. (I’ll probably be missing dance on Thursday night just to watch the next game. We have to win.) Mainly because- I know they can do it… at least beat Houston… not sure about Dallas/Golden State.

Jazz- stop having close 4th quarters. You’re giving all of us fans heart attacks by the end of the game… Just win already! Then... being a Jazz fan wouldn’t suck so bad.

Dang!

This is just one example of what I missed at the Coachella Festival this weekend:

Bjork rockin' an amazing outfit to accompany, I'm sure, an amazing set!

And, I'll admit of my jealousy for Scarlett Johansson who got to rock out with the Jesus and Mary Chain! She's one lucky lady.

sunken treasure

Ms. Ali has a way with words: she writes so beautifully and is always aware of amazing lyrics.

With music, I'm usually drawn first towards the melody, the instruments, what's coming next with the beats. And then the lyrics come secondary. Jeff constantly finds me making up my own lyrics to many of my favorite songs, or he'll correct me as to what the lyrics really are.


One song, though, that I've always loved the lyrics to is Wilco's Sunken Treasure. It's such a sad song. But, I love the analogy, and the passion (gotta love Tweety's raspy, strained voice).

There is minimal lyrics in the song, too:

There's rows and rows of house, with windows painted blue.
With the light from the t.v. running parallel to you.
But there is no sunken treasure, rumored to be.
Wrapped inside my ribs in a sea black with ink.
I am so out of tune with you, I am so out of tune with you.
If I had a mountain, I'd try to fold it over.
If I had a boat (or bone), you know I'd probably roll over.
And I leave it on the shore, I'd leave it for somebody.
Surely there's somebody who needs it more than me.
I am so out of tune with you, I am so out of tune with you.
All the leaves will burn and autumn fires then return.
All the fires we burn, all will return.
Music is my savior, and I was maimed by rock and roll.
I was maimed by rock and roll.
I was tamed by rock and roll.
I got my name from rock and roll.

I had to share because I've been anticipating Wilco’s new ablum, Sky Blue Sky, which comes out May 15th. I'm excited.

the smell of spring

I love spring. Today's beautiful weather was just another reminder. I love getting into a warm car after a long day at work, driving home with the windows down, feeling that I still have time left in my day.

Jeffrey re-stained our patio a couple weekends ago, and ever since, I've gotten excited for barbecues (better invest in one), patio furniture (maybe this will be the year we find some), and spending summer evenings reading on the patio.

Also, I can't wait to find fresh Roma Tomatoes and basil growing just steps away from our kitchen: yum.

Can't you smell spring in the air?

Found this quote in my dayplanner this morning:

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."-Maya Angelou

Nice thought for a Thursday.

Lucky, lucky me.

What-a-day! After a long day at work, I came home to find this in my mailbox:

(We live in a community of Town homes, and Ben Davis is the street in front of us, so we too were affected by the water line break.)


But, then! I found a package on my doorstep with this inside:

Beautiful, huh?


Jill gave me some of the prettiest, sweetest green things:

In my package, I found a green notepad, sweet mint gum, a fuzzy bubble-bath ball, an 'L' notepad, a Mellow+Yellow Mix (great minds think alike), green iced cookies, and one of my favorite items:

Hand-made, stitched cards... aren't they adorable?

This package couldn't have come on a better day... it made my day. Thanks, Jill!

In Casting News...

Another guilty pleasure of mine? "The Time Traveller's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. I probably read this book 3 years ago, but its still a favorite.

Rumors had been swirling that they were going to make this into a movie (just like everything else). As to how they were going to depict Henry, the main character, who time travels naked, was beyond me. But, we'll soon find out, as they are, indeed, adapting this book into a movie!

They've announced that Rachel McAdams is playing Clare and Eric Bana is playing Henry.

I'm actually satisfied with the choices. As for the adaption of the screenplay, that will be an entirely different story... One worth reading, not viewing, if you already haven't.

my dad.

My dad gave my siblings and me a tour of the Conference Center downtown. He's been a missionary there for 6 years. The Conference Center is beautiful, and my dad helped show-off what an amazing building it is.

If you haven't taken a tour recently or at all, I highly recommend it. (And, ask for Jim- he gives tours on Friday nights.)

Check.

(Thanks Ali for this idea; the list was actually helpful! {Would've forgotten SPF without it!})

Indecisiveness.

Jeff and I have been wanting to re-paint our walls for awhile now. The yellow we picked is just far too yellow. In contrast to our furniture, we feel like the yellow is swallowing us up. (Yes, I have read "The Yellow Wallpaper," but we're not at that point yet.)


As you can see, we're having troubles finding the right color:

The top "white" (which was supposed to be Hazelnut) didn't turn out how we thought, and then the "grey" was supposed to be a lot lighter with a tint of brown.

This is how 2 of our walls look right now, and I'm getting antsy to find the right color. Hopefully, we can find it- soon!

Ms. Feist

Remember how I said Emily Haines could be the next “It” girl of Indie Rock? Well… I was wrong; it’s clearly Leslie Feist, especially after watching not one but two of her new videos:

First up- ‘My Moon Man.’ Think Ok Go’s treadmill video, except on a flat airport elevator. (She’s so cute and petite.)




Second up- ‘1234.’ Wow. Choreography! Jumpsuits! Human-Domino-like-effects! And, Banjo!



Truly, I love them both… Her voice: dreamy.

New album due May 1st.

Good For a Laugh...

Cracked.com posted some of the more bizarre and hilarious movie posters in years past, two of my favorites:

Browse more strange posters here.

"Stranger Than Fiction"'

Finally, we found time (and OnDemand now has it) to watch ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ last night. And, I had to blog about it because I really, really liked it. Who knew Mr. Ferrell could handle such a dramatic role?

I also loved that Britt Daniel (Spoon’s leading man) produced the entire soundtrack. And, I have a new favorite song: Wreckless Eric’s ‘Whole Wide World.’ (A song he wrote in 1978!!! Why haven’t I ever discovered this track before?)

Also, Maggie Gylenhaal is adorable.

Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

sweet elli

Lucky Elli was the only niece or nephew at my Dad's birthday party Friday night. She's just too irresistible not to take pictures of:

I've ALWAYS Wanted to go to Lollapalooza!

(I had to take me rocking out at Lollapalooza down... The music was sorta getting old. But, don't forget, you can make your own here. )

Hook Me Up

It's been far too long since I've browsed
Urban‘s Home Décor:

Love these hooks.

I Want to be a Runner

1 month exactly.

I have one month to get ready for the Race for the Cure. Yesterday, I ran for 35 minutes on the treadmill, and I was able to run just over 2 miles. So, it is doable. I can do this. My goal is to run a 5K under 30 minutes, so I’d need to run a 9 minute mile to make my goal.

I’ve always wanted to be a runner. I’ve always wanted the physical strength to go for a 3 mile run, no problem. Running is such an amazing workout; it feels so freeing- that wind blowing through my hair, while a steady beat blares through my iPod into my ear- Running makes me feel like a 7 year old kid again.

But, I’ll be honest: I am not a good runner. My face gets bright red after I run 30 minutes, my legs ache, my left ankle hurts, and my breathing gets all messed up, and I get side aches.

Regardless… My coworkers and I might (that is the keyword) be doing a half-marathon in August. And, I really want to do it.

In the meantime, I’m going to first see how I do with a physically-possible 5K at the Race For the Cure May 12. Plus! This run is for an amazing cause.

More info here.

Let me know if any of you are thinking about it!

"Project Catwalk"

My absolute favorite reality television show is Bravo's "Project Runway." Since the show's been on hiatus for far too long, and many rumors have been swirling regarding the show's fate (Yes, Tim Gunn will be back, but word is they're having a difficult time finding good designers.), I've been dying for its return.

In the meantime, YouTube has posted 2 seasons of the U.K.'s version of "Project Runway," aptly called "Project Catwalk," available to watch on their website. Granted, it takes a lot of time to devote to these two seasons (Season 1 is hosted by Elizabeth Hurley, and Season 2 is hosted by Kelly Osbourne.), but I have a feeling it'll be worth it.

Start with part of episode 1:

Hopefully it'll find just as many Jays, Chloes, and Jeffries, and all other campy characters, along the way.

Entire series of links via YouTube viewable here. (One of my new favorite blogs.)

I Like Music

The upcoming Spiderman 3 movie is already previewing part of its soundtrack, which features the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Walkmen, and a new Snowpatrol song. Interesting mix of sounds, but each are worthy of a listen.

You can also download a new Feist song (it's beautiful) by providing some contact information, which could earn you a chance of seeing her play live in London... One can only wish!

Also, Blonde Redhead is coming out with a new album, and their new video is viewable here.

Plus, a new Metric video! I love Emily Haines. (Is she becoming the new "it" girl of Indie Rock? Jenny Lewis beware.)

Some Bunny Loves Me

I love Easter. Not only because of the amazing candy (Cadbury candy is the absolute best. I love the mini-eggs and the Cadbury eggs with the sugary filling.), but also because of the chance to begin new traditions in a new family.

Jeff and I hid Easter baskets for each other, and once I found mine, I was in heaven. Not only was my basket filled to the brim with to-die-for candy, but I also had 2 CDs, that I’ve wanted for far too long, sitting pretty in my basket.

Spring and egg hunts were in the air, and I’m happily reminded why I love Easter so much.

Here’s to next year!

PS. I’m going to have another niece or nephew! Polly, Justin, and Elli shared their happy, happy news yesterday. I’m sooo excited for them. (For me too.)

April: National Poetry Month

Did you know this month is National Poetry Month? To celebrate, I signed up to receive a poem a day from Poets.org. My favorite so far:

Language

by: W. S. Merwin

Certain words now in our knowledge we will not use again, and we will never forget them. We need them. Like the back of the picture. Like our marrow, and the color in our veins. We shine the lantern of our sleep on them, to make sure, and there they are, trembling already for the day of witness. They will be buried with us, and rise with the rest.

If you'd also like to have a poem sent to your inbox everyday, sign-up here.

"The Hills"

Speaking of guilty pleasures, I just read some news that will keep you "Hills" fans (you know who you are!) happy...

"The Hills" will be back for a third season. So, I guess we'll see if Heidi and Spencer really last, if Whitney got her dream job in L.A., and if LC will end up going back to Teen Vogue for her internship... (These privileges probably will continue as long as MTV has a hand in it... Sheesh... If only I could be handed so many amazing opportunities.)

What mostly surprised me: "The Hills" is MTVs #1 show... And yes, I too contribute to the 60 million! people who watch. The Real World's going down (one can only wish), and Intern babes are on the rise.

Anyhow... LC will be back. (Hopefully we'll see more of Whitney, as she seems to be the real deal.)

guilty pleasure #7: cheesy novels

I've been trying to finish “Atlas Shrugged“ for far too long. I can't even remember when I started reading it, but it's definitely the longest I've gone without finishing a book once I've started. It is an 1100 paged book, (I'm only on page 521.) and has amazing dialogue, character development, and not to mention all the philosophical overtones overlapped into the story.

I also really enjoy the characters, and the story. Truly. I will finish this book. I will.

In the meantime, I picked up a book my mom let me borrow. (My mom goes through at least 3 books a week.) And, on Monday night I decided to pick it up, rather than 'Atlas,' to give my brain a rest. (Which, probably doesn't need any additional relaxation.)

So, I’m currently reading a book about life-long best friends (Alex and Rosie) who maintain a relentless friendship through marriages, divorces, births, professional triumphs, and other life altering experiences in “Rosie Dunne.“ The book is written entirely in correspondence form between each character- so, the dialogue is in letters, email messages, instant messages, and the like. Right... I know... It does get old, but I'm on my way to a quick finish. (I'm already to page 150.)

The funny thing is- I already know how this book is going to end. Totally predictable, totally cheesy, totally eye-rolling writing, and yet, I'm hooked.

I like to throw an easy read into the mix every now and again, because that's what it is... easy. Too easy at times, but what can I say... I am a hopeless romantic. (Yes, I do enjoy the love triangle between Rearden+Dagny+Francisco in 'Atlas' too.) Books like these are straightforward and simple to finish.

I even read this author’s (who is only 23 by the way) other work 'P.S. I Love You...' (Yes, even with that title I read it.) But, I cannot, for the life of me, remember what it was about... Wait. I remember. It was sad. Wife looses husband- husband leaves notes for wife after his death- wife is able to cope with his death. Yep, finished that one without any problem as well.

Admittedly, I am one who is easily entertained with a silly, light-hearted, never-will-be-a-classic, or an 'Oprah' book club selection. But, the true guilt that accompanies this guilty pleasure is the desperate need I feel to read a classic after I've finished something so easy...

So, I'm hoping once I finish this book, it'll be just the motivation I need to finish the remaining 583 pages of 'Atlas Shrugged.'

Ayn Rand... I'm coming for you.

Tea Time

I got to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday at the Beehive Tea Room today... We arrived for the Afternoon Tea complete with Peppermint tea, cucumber and tomato cream-cheese sandwiches, scones, and German chocolate cake. Not to mention how amazing and endearing the company was, this was one afternoon I'll never forget.

If you haven't made it to the Beehive Tea Room for low or high tea, I highly recommend it. I went with my sisters and aunts, and we even wore our finest shoes. We felt like real ladies.

Pulease...

Frustrated with Ashley fake-no-face Simpson? Well, if you like the The Cure’s front man, Robert Smith, you’re not going to like this new collaboration one bit.

This girl’s got no cred in the music industry, yet people are giving her these crazy, unexplainable opportunities. Yuck.

Okay. I’m done… for now.

I wouldn't call this a comeback...

Although a parody, the video is awful- which, I know, is the point. But, I do think the cover itself is refreshing. (And, I'll admit that I did have a mild obsession with Alanis in 10th grade.) I do, however, think Alanis has got to come up with something more than this cover of 'My Humps' to get noticed:



But, good for her for trying!

happy birthday, mom!

It's my mom's birthday today, and my lovely grandma's birthday tomorrow.

My mom is one of my bestest friends, and I am so happy we get to celebrate her today.

My grandma is also one of my best friends who I've shared so many unforgettable memories with.

I feel so lucky to have such amazing, talented, beautiful, witty, kind-hearted, smart women in my life. I look up to them more than they know.

Happy, happy day, indeed.

(Time to celebrate!)

girl talk, talk

Nothing like spending a night talking about this and that and that and this with sweet girlfriends.

(It also doesn't hurt that their husbands are easily entertained with big tvs, Mt. Dews, and Xbox soccer.)