4.30.2007

"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.

4.29.2007

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.

4.26.2007

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.

4.25.2007

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!

4.23.2007

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.)

4.19.2007

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!

4.17.2007

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.

4.16.2007

"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:

4.12.2007

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!

4.10.2007

"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.)

4.09.2007

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.)