Reading

I've been waiting for this sort of day for months.

Laying in bed, drinking cup after cup of coffee, reading a book on my kindle.

Right now I'm reading the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol.

It's moving pretty slowly right now, I am a little more than a third of the way through and hoping it'll pick up soon.

I'm kind of excited to finish and move on to the next book, which will probably be the new Foer book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. After that, who knows!

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Having a kindle is great, but there really is something special about holding a book in your hands, turning the pages, underlining your favorite lines to go back to later, and then lending your favorite books to your friends. Also, one of my favorite things to have happen is to have someone say, "I love this book, I think you will,too," and then they lend you theirs, with the worn in pages and bent spine. As much as I love a new book, it's somehow more special when it's already been read and experienced. There's something magical about it. But of course, kindles are so convenient and the books are often cheaper and you can have like a thousand books with you at a time, pretty excellent for vacations. Yet, I don't really think it would be a good idea to bring a kindle on a beach.

I just hope that the same thing doesn't happen to the book industry that happened to the record industry. It's a legitimate worry of mine.

There's something so beautiful about a stack of books.

And I love bookshops, and when I grow up, I want a humungous library.

I'll stop being a booknerd now and go back to my reading.

(images found on booklover.tumblr.com)

Quote of the Week

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

(photo via tumblr.com)

Christmas is over :(

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Santa brought me a cold, so I've spent a lot of time relaxing and watching movies. I guess it's better to be sick now then at a time where I don't have time to rest and need to get lots done. Besides the fact that I have the sniffles, Christmas was really nice this year. No drama, lots and lots of good food, and some excellent presents. It's really just so amazing to have time to relax for once! I am also getting very excited to graduate and start making plans for the future! While I am home I am going to start re-doing my room (ex. picking paint colors, getting new furniture, etc.) for when I move back in. I don't know how long I will be moving back in for but I figure it's about time, and my parents will have an easier time selling the house once my room isn't a bright teal color anymore.

Now that Christmas is over, I have a lot to get done before returning to school! For example, I HAVE to finish my grad school apps. There are also a few people that I want to get together and catch up with. And also I want to make a lot of progress on my room! I am really excited for the new year, because I always consider it to be a fresh start. This year, I'm really going to pay attention. It's amazing to see the sort of things that can happen in one year's time. 2009 was not really the best year in a lot of ways, but one thing it has awarded me is a better knowledge of myself. I really think I am starting to know who I am, and what direction I am headed in more than ever before. I know there is a lot I have to learn, but I am getting a better idea of what I want out of life.

The pretty winter sun!

Me with the cam

My dad with our dog, Mickey

My cousin Dan and his wife, Kim, with my Grandpa Jim

me and my family by the tree in Rockefeller Center

My pup, Janey, in the kitchen

Our tree

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

Merry Christmas everyone!

No matter your beliefs, I hope you are having a relaxing day with some good food and some good company!

(that's our tree!)

(p.s. This is my 100th post. How perfect!)

A Different Kind of Busy

Hello everyone! I hope you are all getting ready to eat, drink, and be merry tomorrow and Friday! Since I've gotten home, my life has pretty much been one whole Christmas celebration, and I certainly have no complaints about that. Needless to say, I have been very busy, and I will most likely continue to be that way for the next few days, but I'll tell you the sorts of things I have been doing so far.

Friday: Took my last final (grades are pretty good this semester) and drove home and stopped for some Christmas shopping. I was quite tired, so I relaxed a bit, waited for my mom to get home, and then the two of us went out to dinner and watched Julie and Julia and waited for my dad to get home from his business trip.

Saturday: Unpacked all of my stuff, relaxed, etc, then went to my friends house for some drinks. Then I slept at Melina's because she lives nearby and went home the next morning.

Sunday: Went to my aunt's house to spend time with my family that would not be making it to Christmas Eve this year. We spent quite some time eating, laughing, and hanging out. Then we came home, decorated the tree, and had some dinner.

Monday: Got some Christmas shopping done, worked out (kinda) and watched my cousin for a little. Then some of my other family came over for dinner and we hung out till it was my bedtime.

Tuesday: Wrapped presents for my aunt, as it has sort of become an annual tradition and a good way for Mel and I to make money for last minute Christmas gifts. Then came back here, watched Julie and Julia yet again, and then got ready to go out. Went to Michelle's house to do Secret Santa with the girls. Then we all stopped at my friend Kyle's because he was having a little Christmas party, and then went to our friend Pat's to see the boys. From there we all went to the diner, ordered gravy and mozzarella cheese fries (New Jersey thing) and that brought me to about 3:30 in the morning.

Wednesday: Now I am up. And tired, and apparently a bit congested. I think it's a combination of allergies, staying up late, and just plain old being run down. Even so, today is going to be a big day! Me and the fam are going to Les Halles, Anthony Bourdain's french restaurant in NYC, and then to the MoMa to see the Tim Burton exhibit I posted about before, and then hopefully to see the tree! There will be pictures.

These pictures I have put up are from decorating the tree. we had a little fun with some net lights and I only had my iphone handy so apologies for the poor camera quality.

mom

jess and chris

chris

jess

me with no eyes! ( i was told this photo is frightening, my apologies.)

Quote of the Week

"It is a luxury to be understood."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just a little somethin'

On Friday, I will be done, and you will be hearing more from me, but I thought I'd post a little something that made my day a little brighter today as I study for my finals.

On A Cup Of Jo, Joanna Goddard posted the cutest puppy pictures I have ever seen. And of course, I saved them to my computer to cherish forever.

Enjoy!

Come Look at the Tree!

This is hilarious. Especially if you're from New Jersey and can relate to this from personal experience. I'm so excited for Christmas!

Quote of the Week

I believe that in each life there is a spiritual line, an upward curve, and all that adhered to and strengthens this line is our real life- the rest is but a chaff falling from us as our souls progress. Such a spiritual line is my Art.
Isadora Duncan My Life

(photo via papertissue.tumblr.com)

Whoopie Pies!

Today, I made Whoopie Pies!
They are delicious.

here is the recipe.



(photo taken with my iphone ShakeIt app).

Just noticed...

It's kind of ridiculous how much the lead singer of Owl City wants to be Conor Oberst.
Observe:

Conor Oberst...

Owl City guy...

REALLY!!?

Does this amuse anyone else?
p.s. Conor Oberst pictures were taken years ago.

Hey, Soul Sister

I have been a fan of Train for a very long time, but I have to admit I lost track of them for a while. This song, "Hey, Soul Sister" reminds me how awesome they are. And it kinda feels like a fun summery song that makes me feel a bit warmer and sunnier on these cold December days. Enjoy!

Get Well Soon Rivers!

I was supposed to go to a Weezer, Jacks Mannequin, and Manchester Orchestra concert tonight.
But then this horrible thing happened!
On the way to Boston to give us a spectacular concert, the ice on the road caused Rivers Cuomo's tourbus to fishtail and crash into a ditch.
He and his assistant were injured, both with broken ribs and Rivers with some internal injuries, too.
Although I am really bummed, ( I was supposed to go backstage and meet Andrew McMahon, lead singer of Jack's Mannequin, before the show. And we all know how much I love him!) I just hope Rivers gets better soon and then can deliver the amazing show that I know he'll be capable of once he heals.
Love you Rivers, my nerd hero! And Andrew, there's always next time!
They are supposed to be rescheduling all the December shows they had to cancel, so when I finally do get to meet Andrew I will DEFINITELY be letting you know, and posting pictures!

Everyone listen to Pinkerton today, maybe all the love will heal him more quickly.

Quote of the Week

"It is a strange fact that when parting from a loved one, although we may be torn by the most terrible grief, we experience at the same time a curious sensation of liberation."
Isadora Duncan My Life

(photo via girlinlondon.tumblr.com)

A Piece of Me in December 2009

This month....
I like: that in less than two weeks I will be home for the holidays and will FINALLY get a break from all of this homework!

I don't like: that November just flew by. I am excited for Christmas and December and the Holidays and all, but I hate when time goes by and I don't know where it went. I feel like life is too short to let that happen, and I let it happen.

I want you to know: that I am hardly posting any blogs lately because I have about a million pages of final papers to write within the next couple weeks, and I have exams. ughh. then I'll be done for a while and you'll be hearing more from me. Right now I can't even begin to take time to think about a good blog post. Luckily this one was all planned out for me and I only have to fill in the blanks!

I've planned: to stop eating cheese, but I'm sure that won't last very long. I've also planned to go back to my original plan of avoiding mixed drinks. I'm not even hung over today, but I have an awful stomachache from the all the juice and sugar that goes into the punch I was drinking last night. It's really slowing me down.

I want to say to someone special: Best friend, I can't believe you're turning 21 on Tuesday. Where did the time go? I don't know how I would have survived without you!

(photo via Tumblr).

50 People One Question: What's your secret?

Remember...

yes, you.

(photo via papertissue.tumblr.com)

Oh Hello, December!

December, I can not believe that you are already here.
Of course, I am always happy to see you.
And here's why:

Christmas!
Hot Chocolate
The first snow
Fireplaces
Reindeer (and regular deer)
ear muffs
crocheted hats
warm blankets
snuggling!
The end of the semester
Christmas music
Wintery music (not the same as Christmas music)
the 25 days of Christmas on ABC family
having a legitimate excuse to watch Elf over and over again
quoting Elf
watching other holiday movies, such as "The Family Stone"
Christmas time in the city! (New York City, that is.)
decorating the tree
Christmas cookies!
Gingerbread and Eggnog Lattes

Well, I hope that list got you excited.

ps. I am apologizing in advance for my even larger lack of updates coming up. It's finals season here at Boston University, and I intentionally did not add this to the list.

pps. if you're struggling to find me a christmas gift, you really can't go wrong with a large coffee mug

Quote of the Week

"People make their armor from their smartness, their anger, or their quiet, or their fear, or their being busy, or their being nice. Some people make it from a big show, always talking. Some make it by being very important. Many people do not make it, though, and those people can begin to see the world as it is."
Ronald Merullo Breakfast With Buddha

(photo via tumblr)

A Little Holiday Update

"I'm coming home from my hardest year, I'm making plans not to make plans while I'm here."

This week has still been crazy, albeit for different reasons.
I came down to New Jersey on Sunday, went back up on Wednesday, had Thanksgiving up there on Thursday, and then drove back down here yesterday morning, and then I'll be driving back up to Boston on Monday.
Though the point of it has been to get home more to relax, it's been relatively contradictory.
I absolutely love it here, but sometimes it feels different than others.
Other than completing some assignments, including the one I just remembered that was due on Tuesday ( I usually never forget!), I am going to take it easy.
It's gotten to the point where I find many of my assignments, and the process of doing homework, to be pretty therapeutic. That is, if I invest an interest in what I am doing, be it a Flash project or a research paper.

I didn't have my computer with me when I was in Boston for the holiday, but here's a little list of things I am thankful for the make up for it:

1. My mind- Though I've always known how to use it, I love noticing how my articulation changes and my growing ability to form solid opinions on so many things. I am amazed every day by the mind's capabilities. Learning keeps me sane.

2. My body- I am healthy (knock on wood), I can run, I can jump, I can walk. I'm breathing. I have all my hair, fingers, toes, and appendages. That's something people take for granted all too often. People forget how lucky they are not to be limited by their own bodies, and how amazing it is to simply be alive.

3. My family- We drive each other crazy, but we could be a lot worse off. Some people don't even talk to their family members, some people don't have any family members. I do, and I'm very thankful for that.


I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

(photo via tumblr)

New Jersey

This week, I am home in New Jersey.
When I come home, I always watch all the of the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episodes that my family keeps on Tivo- something wonderful that I do not have in my apartment in Boston. Coincidentally, I watched an episode about New Jersey. Anthony Bourdain is from Leonia, New Jersey. Though Leonia is in the same county as my town, it is a place I don't venture to often, and Bourdain's take on New Jersey really proves to me how different everyone's experience of New Jersey can be. Leonia is not much like the little town I grew up in. He addresses the stereotypes, all of which are somewhat true, but most of which that don't apply to my own general experience. When I drive around, I rarely see chemical waste plants, unless I am on my way into New York City or down to the shore. He mentions everyone's fascination with the Soprano's, and the fact that you judge the quality of the New Jersey business based on whether or not there's a signed Soprano's photo on the wall. Though the Soprano's also took place in my county, it still seems so different. Yes, maybe I used to be great friends with the daughter of the owner of "Satin Dolls" strip club, but that was never really a huge part of my life.
To me, New Jersey is home. It's my family and my friends. It's having all four seasons at their finest. It's beautiful, it's about pride, it's about balancing between being a native and a tourist in New York City. It's about driving around on weekend nights with your friends and stopping into a diner at 2 am for gravy and mozzarella fries. Its... a lot like Anthony Bourdain's experience, now that I really think about it. And maybe I see that one of the Soprano's cast members has been to the same pizza place, and maybe I know that Reverend Run is a lousy tipper and uses the same car wash as me, but none of that really makes any difference. I love this place, and I've never seen a single episode of the Sopranos.

Quote of the Week

"She felt very young; at the same time unspeakably aged. She sliced like a knife through everything; at the same time was outside, looking on...far out to sea and alone; she always had the feeling that it was very, very dangerous to live even one day."
Virginia Woolf Mrs. Dalloway

London Files- Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the most amazing park I have ever been to.
When I was there, the weather was perfect every day.
Everyone is happy.
It's extremely clean.
There's beautiful sculptures and statues everywhere.
People are having picnics left and right.
Kensington Palace is there.
On one side you have Kensington High Street
and on the other you have Notting Hill.
Doesn't get much better than that.

plus there's a lake and the hugest swans I've ever seen.

This Week is a Mess.

So many awful, stressful things have been happening the past couple of days.
I am physically and emotionally and mentally exhausted.
Because of this, I remembered something I wrote about in a previous post.
Remember to do something good for yourself at least once a day.
Today, I made grocery shopping a priority over homework, because I have been scrounging in my cabinets for the last bit of decent food for the past few days.
I also had time to pick up one of those new Caramel Brulee lattes from Starbucks.

Then tomorrow, I have scheduled a massage!
Oh, how I need it.
I have the back of an 85 year old woman right now from being hunched over studying a majority of my waking hours.
Thanksgiving, where are you???

(photo found via Tumblr).

Quote of the Week

"There is just this for consolation: an hour here or there, when our lives seem, against all odds and expectations, to burst open and give us everything we've ever imagined, though everyone but children (and perhaps even they) knows these hours will inevitably be followed by others, far darker and more difficult. Still, we cherish the city, the morning, we hope, more than anything, for more. Heaven only knows why we love it so."
-Michael Cunningham The Hours

Tripp Vanderbilt

So I know Sunday night is a silly time for a post,
but I finally got around to watching last Monday's Gossip Girl.
I can't believe it took me so long to realize that Tripp Vanderbilt is an absolute babe.
Something about the shape of his face I think, very classic features like you'd see in a black and white movie star, don't you think?
ps. his real name is Aaron Tveit

Enjoy the eye candy :)

Found Objects

Whenever I find pictures and such around the web that make me smile, I like to save them in a little folder on my desktop. I'm mostly saving them to go with real entries, but sometimes its nice to have a little post created simply for the purpose of smiling, right?

If you think I got one of these from a post of yours, send me a post and I'll give you credit where credit is due! I've been saving them for a while so I can't remember where all of them are from, but it's mostly a combination of tumblr and blogger posts.

Sleep No More

The title of this post is so appropriate considering I woke up at 7 am for no reason, but no, Sleep No More is actually the name of a play that I went to see last night.
If you can even call it a play.
The website describes it as "an immersive production inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, told through the lens of a Hitchcock thriller."
I hadn't thought of the Hitchcock thing before I went, but now that makes a lot of sense. This "play" was like nothing I'd ever experienced. It was a sort of immersion theater where you walk around this huge building, decorated to the nines, and follow the characters around. It's EXTREMELY dark, and they make everyone that isn't a character wear these really ridiculous alien masks, and you follow whatever characters you want around to different scenes. You end up seeing the play in your own unique way. No one experience can really be the same since everyone sees everything from a different perspective.
I met up with a couple of people from my "Performing Gender" class, but we immediately lost each other because the point of the play is to have your own experience, so I was quickly separated from whoever I knew, and then even if I was around them after that, it was hard to tell because it was dark and everyone was wearing masks.
At first I felt like I was in a horror film, they gave us all some time to walk around and see the setting, but then events began to happen one by one until it got to the point where you were literally running after characters to see where they were going! I never thought I would break a sweat at a theatrical production.

Heres the video on their site, but I must say it does not do the best in explaining. I guess that's the thrill of it though- you really have no idea what you're getting yourself into, so everything is that much more surprising!

Zooey Deschanel style

seriously i want every article of clothing she owns.
or doesn't own- get's photographed in, whatever.
She's become the poster girl for amazing vintage-esque dresses.
If I could have anyone's entire wardrobe it would obviously be hers.

(all photos via zooeydeschanel.tumblr.com)