Wednesday, December 29, 2004
How high's the water, mama?
OK, so the blog hasn't stopped just because I got engaged. I've been holed up in Arkasas for Christmas. Everyone's really excited about the upcoming wedding (except maybe Dad, but I can't tell if that's because he still doesn't like Victor and me living together, or if he's worried about how much this shindig will cost). I'm already looking at dresses, of course. We're trying to get through the process of applying to get married at the Catholic church I want in Arkansas. Victor is a member of a church in Mexico, or at least he was once, so that's where the paperwork has to originate. Or something like that. Once everything's worked out, we can pick a date.
We've also solidified our New Year's plans... looks like it's going to be London. Leaving tomorrow, getting back Monday. This will be our last big trip until the honeymoon, I think. Neither of us will have the vacation days or the cash to go anywhere far until then. We're staying at the Stylotel, which looks small but nice and modern. The exchange rate is awful there, so we won't be able to buy or eat anything very expensive.
Time to step out of my self-absorbed shell for just a moment and check in on world news... isn't that tsunami/earthquake disaster going on in Asia just horrific? One of the states that was hit in India is Andhra Pradesh. That's the state where I worked, although Hyderabad is far enough inland to not be affected. I just hope that none of the agents I worked with were vacationing on the beach that day. I'm pretty worried. I emailed my old work to see if anyone was affected but haven't heard back yet. My good friend Andrew is also travelling around India right now, but luckily he had left the coast by the time the tsunamis hit. I finally heard from him today - what a relief. The whole thing is awful, and my heart goes out to the people whose lives were lost or destroyed.
OK, so the blog hasn't stopped just because I got engaged. I've been holed up in Arkasas for Christmas. Everyone's really excited about the upcoming wedding (except maybe Dad, but I can't tell if that's because he still doesn't like Victor and me living together, or if he's worried about how much this shindig will cost). I'm already looking at dresses, of course. We're trying to get through the process of applying to get married at the Catholic church I want in Arkansas. Victor is a member of a church in Mexico, or at least he was once, so that's where the paperwork has to originate. Or something like that. Once everything's worked out, we can pick a date.
We've also solidified our New Year's plans... looks like it's going to be London. Leaving tomorrow, getting back Monday. This will be our last big trip until the honeymoon, I think. Neither of us will have the vacation days or the cash to go anywhere far until then. We're staying at the Stylotel, which looks small but nice and modern. The exchange rate is awful there, so we won't be able to buy or eat anything very expensive.
Time to step out of my self-absorbed shell for just a moment and check in on world news... isn't that tsunami/earthquake disaster going on in Asia just horrific? One of the states that was hit in India is Andhra Pradesh. That's the state where I worked, although Hyderabad is far enough inland to not be affected. I just hope that none of the agents I worked with were vacationing on the beach that day. I'm pretty worried. I emailed my old work to see if anyone was affected but haven't heard back yet. My good friend Andrew is also travelling around India right now, but luckily he had left the coast by the time the tsunamis hit. I finally heard from him today - what a relief. The whole thing is awful, and my heart goes out to the people whose lives were lost or destroyed.
Monday, December 20, 2004
A Nice Story (which is also true)
Once upon a time there was a lonely girl and a lonely boy, and they were introduced to each other. They enjoyed each other's company and shared many good times together. They had a lot in common, both on the surface and deep in their hearts.
They fell in love.
The girl felt so lucky, because she never really believed that someone would love her that much. Sure, she believed in love, but she figured that she would probably end up one of the old ladies with cats. But she felt safe and secure with the boy. They moved together to the big scary city, and they set up house together.
Then, on a cold night in Boston, the boy proposed marriage. She said yes.
Once upon a time there was a lonely girl and a lonely boy, and they were introduced to each other. They enjoyed each other's company and shared many good times together. They had a lot in common, both on the surface and deep in their hearts.
They fell in love.
The girl felt so lucky, because she never really believed that someone would love her that much. Sure, she believed in love, but she figured that she would probably end up one of the old ladies with cats. But she felt safe and secure with the boy. They moved together to the big scary city, and they set up house together.
Then, on a cold night in Boston, the boy proposed marriage. She said yes.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Cold weekend(s) coming up
Victor and I are going to Boston this weekend. We're flying up Saturday morning and flying back home Sunday night. "Why such a short trip?" you may ask. Well, neither of us can take vacation right now, and leaving Friday night would cost us another night in a hotel. So we're doing the up-one-day, down-the-next thing. We're planning on flying first class. Having a boyfriend with a job at the airline is nice.
Check out the hotel where we're staying this weekend. Apparently Victor got some sort of crazy deal on the room, otherwise we'd be staying at the Econolodge or whatever. Usually we stay with his sister when we're in Boston, but she's alreay gone home for Christmas.
Speaking of, I did a little checking on the weather forecast for our respective Christmas trips. There's highs in the 30s with a chance of snow for me. Victor's got highs in the 70s. I bet there will be no snow for him.
In other news, Victor got an iPod last week, and he has given me his old Dell digital jukebox. It's got 20GB storage, and it's not full yet. I can't wait to put the rest of my music on there. Victor and I share a lot of the same taste in music, but of course we both like things that the other doesn't really care for. Anyway, I've been enjoying listening to it at work.
Victor and I are going to Boston this weekend. We're flying up Saturday morning and flying back home Sunday night. "Why such a short trip?" you may ask. Well, neither of us can take vacation right now, and leaving Friday night would cost us another night in a hotel. So we're doing the up-one-day, down-the-next thing. We're planning on flying first class. Having a boyfriend with a job at the airline is nice.
Check out the hotel where we're staying this weekend. Apparently Victor got some sort of crazy deal on the room, otherwise we'd be staying at the Econolodge or whatever. Usually we stay with his sister when we're in Boston, but she's alreay gone home for Christmas.
Speaking of, I did a little checking on the weather forecast for our respective Christmas trips. There's highs in the 30s with a chance of snow for me. Victor's got highs in the 70s. I bet there will be no snow for him.
In other news, Victor got an iPod last week, and he has given me his old Dell digital jukebox. It's got 20GB storage, and it's not full yet. I can't wait to put the rest of my music on there. Victor and I share a lot of the same taste in music, but of course we both like things that the other doesn't really care for. Anyway, I've been enjoying listening to it at work.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
What's your name? Who's your daddy?
So, here's a silly end-of-the-year survey, which I stole from Dan. I like end-of-the-year surveys.
What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Went to South America.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I think I did. I always make vague ones.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
Did anyone close to you die?
My aunt and my uncle.
What countries did you visit?
India, Mexico, Argentina, Belguim, and the Netherlands.
What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
A job that lasts all year long.
What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No particular date, but I guess the beginning of July will be when I left my beloved Austin and moved to my new home of Dallas.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Maybe finally finding a freaking job? Also, finally learning to put contacts in my eyes.
What was your biggest failure?
Did I really have a big failure this year? I can’t think of one.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah, but nothing major… unless you count the ulcer(s) that I think I have from stress.
What was the best thing you bought?
My new computer.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
I don't really have an answer for that one.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
That whole Abu Ghraib thing was pretty awful. Also, all of the beheadings done by extremists.
Where did most of your money go?
Moving expenses. Urrrgh.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Decorating my new apartment.
What song will always remind you of 2004?
This year, we really didn’t have a big song. Maybe something by Avril?
Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder?
Happier, probably.
thinner or fatter?
Thinner.
richer or poorer?
Poorer. Much, much poorer.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercising. Earning an income.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watching TV.
How will you be spending Christmas?
I’ll be in Arkansas with my mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law.
Did you fall in love in 2004?
I was already in love.
What was your favorite TV program?
Tie: Gilmore Girls, Lost, and Arrested Development.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don’t really hate anyone, contrary to what people might think.
What was the best book you read?
Hmmm… The Da Vinci Code was pretty entertaining. I read Running With Scissors, which I also really loved. Oh, and The Adventures of Kavalier and Klay was awesome.
What was your greatest musical discovery of 2004?
Go read my top ten, fools!
What did you want and get?
A job (finally!).
What did you want and not get?
Well, hopefully I’m getting it by the end of the year, so I’m not going to jinx it now.
What was your favorite film of this year? I really liked Sideways and Garden State. There are probably more that I’m forgetting.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We had a slumber party! And I was 27.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not suffering through five months of unemployment.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Better, cuter, classier.
What kept you sane?
Victor. He’s always my link to reality.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Fancy, as in want to jump on? Probably Paul Bettany (and the perennial favorite Jude Law).
What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage.
Who did you miss?
All of my friends in Austin!!!
Who was the best new person you met?
OK, I can’t name just one. Joe Dickson. New friends from the apartment building.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
Don’t let stress run your life.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Hey, you've been used
Write a song, I'll sing along
Are you calm? Settle down
Soon you will know that you are sane
You're on top of the world again
So, here's a silly end-of-the-year survey, which I stole from Dan. I like end-of-the-year surveys.
What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Went to South America.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I think I did. I always make vague ones.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
Did anyone close to you die?
My aunt and my uncle.
What countries did you visit?
India, Mexico, Argentina, Belguim, and the Netherlands.
What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
A job that lasts all year long.
What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No particular date, but I guess the beginning of July will be when I left my beloved Austin and moved to my new home of Dallas.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Maybe finally finding a freaking job? Also, finally learning to put contacts in my eyes.
What was your biggest failure?
Did I really have a big failure this year? I can’t think of one.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah, but nothing major… unless you count the ulcer(s) that I think I have from stress.
What was the best thing you bought?
My new computer.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
I don't really have an answer for that one.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
That whole Abu Ghraib thing was pretty awful. Also, all of the beheadings done by extremists.
Where did most of your money go?
Moving expenses. Urrrgh.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Decorating my new apartment.
What song will always remind you of 2004?
This year, we really didn’t have a big song. Maybe something by Avril?
Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder?
Happier, probably.
thinner or fatter?
Thinner.
richer or poorer?
Poorer. Much, much poorer.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercising. Earning an income.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watching TV.
How will you be spending Christmas?
I’ll be in Arkansas with my mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law.
Did you fall in love in 2004?
I was already in love.
What was your favorite TV program?
Tie: Gilmore Girls, Lost, and Arrested Development.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don’t really hate anyone, contrary to what people might think.
What was the best book you read?
Hmmm… The Da Vinci Code was pretty entertaining. I read Running With Scissors, which I also really loved. Oh, and The Adventures of Kavalier and Klay was awesome.
What was your greatest musical discovery of 2004?
Go read my top ten, fools!
What did you want and get?
A job (finally!).
What did you want and not get?
Well, hopefully I’m getting it by the end of the year, so I’m not going to jinx it now.
What was your favorite film of this year? I really liked Sideways and Garden State. There are probably more that I’m forgetting.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We had a slumber party! And I was 27.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not suffering through five months of unemployment.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Better, cuter, classier.
What kept you sane?
Victor. He’s always my link to reality.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Fancy, as in want to jump on? Probably Paul Bettany (and the perennial favorite Jude Law).
What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage.
Who did you miss?
All of my friends in Austin!!!
Who was the best new person you met?
OK, I can’t name just one. Joe Dickson. New friends from the apartment building.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
Don’t let stress run your life.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Hey, you've been used
Write a song, I'll sing along
Are you calm? Settle down
Soon you will know that you are sane
You're on top of the world again
Monday, December 13, 2004
Lovin’ it up till I hit the ground
Last Friday, I was heading back to the fifth floor (where my desk is located) from the first floor training rooms. Our office building has a beautiful open center area with three glass elevators. I got in the elevator with nine of my students. I was a little worried, because the elevator was carrying a lot of weight… Well, between the third and fourth floors, the elevator jumped a little and then stopped.
For thirty minutes.
We used the emergency phone to call 911, and they contacted the elevator company, who sent a repair man. He opened the doors manually, and we all climbed out of the elevator. I held it together while we were trapped, even letting people use my cell phone to make day care arrangements and stuff (it was near the end of the day, and we had no idea how long we would be stuck there). It was pretty terrifying though. Being trapped in a glass elevator when you are scared of heights is not that much fun. Even though we were stuck between the third and fourth floors, we were pretty far off of the ground. The ceilings here are pretty high. We could see the cables suspending the elevator through the glass walls, and I kept watching them to check for breakage. Every time anyone moved, the elevator would sway a bit. Happy new job, Mandy.
Luckily, the rest of the day went well… Ryan and Mark drove up from Austin for our Christmas gift exchange (I loved all of my presents), and Joe joined us on Saturday for more fun. The guys took off yesterday afternoon. Victor and I spent the rest of the day vegging on the couch, watching TV and playing video games.
Last Friday, I was heading back to the fifth floor (where my desk is located) from the first floor training rooms. Our office building has a beautiful open center area with three glass elevators. I got in the elevator with nine of my students. I was a little worried, because the elevator was carrying a lot of weight… Well, between the third and fourth floors, the elevator jumped a little and then stopped.
For thirty minutes.
We used the emergency phone to call 911, and they contacted the elevator company, who sent a repair man. He opened the doors manually, and we all climbed out of the elevator. I held it together while we were trapped, even letting people use my cell phone to make day care arrangements and stuff (it was near the end of the day, and we had no idea how long we would be stuck there). It was pretty terrifying though. Being trapped in a glass elevator when you are scared of heights is not that much fun. Even though we were stuck between the third and fourth floors, we were pretty far off of the ground. The ceilings here are pretty high. We could see the cables suspending the elevator through the glass walls, and I kept watching them to check for breakage. Every time anyone moved, the elevator would sway a bit. Happy new job, Mandy.
Luckily, the rest of the day went well… Ryan and Mark drove up from Austin for our Christmas gift exchange (I loved all of my presents), and Joe joined us on Saturday for more fun. The guys took off yesterday afternoon. Victor and I spent the rest of the day vegging on the couch, watching TV and playing video games.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Work is a four-letter word
Or in this case, it really isn't. I started my new job on Monday, and I don't hate it yet! So far, I really enjoy everyone on the training team, and I think I'll catch on to all of the accounts and computer systems pretty quickly. We are bringing a new client on board at the end of January, and I'll be responsible for the training aspect of that account. I've already done some research, and I am excited to sink my teeth into it.
In other news, I have some other folk's top tens to put up, and I'll do it as soon as possible. I've been pretty exhausted this week, since I'm not used to working all day instead of just lounging around. Ryan and Mark are coming up tomorrow for our annual Christmas gift exchange, and Joe's arriving on Saturday to join the fun. I think we'll have a good weekend. I just have to finish all of my shopping tonight. And clean the house.
Or in this case, it really isn't. I started my new job on Monday, and I don't hate it yet! So far, I really enjoy everyone on the training team, and I think I'll catch on to all of the accounts and computer systems pretty quickly. We are bringing a new client on board at the end of January, and I'll be responsible for the training aspect of that account. I've already done some research, and I am excited to sink my teeth into it.
In other news, I have some other folk's top tens to put up, and I'll do it as soon as possible. I've been pretty exhausted this week, since I'm not used to working all day instead of just lounging around. Ryan and Mark are coming up tomorrow for our annual Christmas gift exchange, and Joe's arriving on Saturday to join the fun. I think we'll have a good weekend. I just have to finish all of my shopping tonight. And clean the house.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Top Ten 2004!!!
It's that time of year again. This year, I had a really hard time making the list. There were a lot of albums that I liked, but not so many that I loved. I guess this was a pretty weird year for me. You would think being unemployed for months would have provided me plenty of time to listen to music, just like a couple of months in an Indian hotel would have done. However, bad old Mr. TV got in the way. I didn't listen nearly as much as I should have. So I felt really unprepared to do the list this year. But while I was writing, I found that it became a lot easier than I thought it would be. These albums must have found a way into my heart all on their own. Anyway, without further ado, here is this year's list:
10. The Killers – Hot Fuss Every year deserves a good party album. Fusing their love for 80s pop and the neon lights of sin city, the Killers have produced a great one. This is a dancing album.
09. Interpol – Antics This one’s a grower for sure. Interpol’s first album, Turn on the Bright Lights, was an instant classic. It grabbed you and held on tightly. Antics takes a few more listens before it creeps its way into your heart.
08. Brian Wilson – SMiLE So, there’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. The secret album, previously bootlegged by fans around the world, has finally seen the light of day. Such sweeter harmonies were never heard.
07. Morrissey – You Are the Quarry I really wanted this to be the album of the year. I had such high hopes for it. Over all, it’s a strong album, but there are too many slow moments, and there are some songs that sound the same (the beginnings of “America is Not the World” and “I’m Not Sorry” are almost identical). However, the strong tracks confidently carry the album. “Irish Blood, English Heart” and “First of the Gang to Die” are instant Morrissey classics. Morrissey is as tongue-in-cheek melodramatic as ever, and he’s finally letting us in on the joke.
06. Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans Could this be a Christian’s love letter to God? Sufjan Stevens unabashedly recorded an entire album about his faith, and our ears are better for it. These quiet songs, featuring banjo, angelic backing voices, and Stevens’ confessional voice, slowly lift you up to the final blazing crescendo, album closer “The Transfiguration.” And the best part about it is that it isn’t preachy. He’s not trying to witness to you; he is simply expressing his personal love.
05. The Divine Comedy – Absent Friends After one album trying to function as an actual group, the Divine Comedy has gone back to its roots; namely, Neil Hannon. After parting ways with his band, Hannon returned to the helm to write an amazing album. The album opens with the incredibly strong title track, and makes very few hiccups on its journey to the very personal closer (written for Hannon’s daughter). The highpoint of the album is undoubtedly the melodramatic “Our Mutual Friend,” which tells the tale of a three-way love affair gone monstrously wrong. Hannon was always a good storyteller, and he doesn’t disappoint here.
04. The Arcade Fire – Funeral You know when you have a piece of fruit that is so ripe that it is starting to decay? You know that you can get so much goodness from the fruit if you can only cut out or eat around the brown parts. That is what this album sounds like… a band that is influenced by the darkness in the world, but is determined to squeeze out the happiness that is there. These songs are haunting, triumphant, and beautiful.
03. Kings of Convenience – Riot on an Empty Street On their second album, the Kings of Convenience sound more assured and free to let loose a bit. While most of the songs retain their signature slow and quiet sound, there are others which are more uptempo and (gasp!) possibly danceable. The final song, with its haunting refrain by guest singer Feist, is a fitting ending to this beautiful album. This duo has definitely grown, and it will be interesting to see what their next album will contain.
02. The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free Mike Skinner here presents his version of the concept album. We journey through a pretty bad day with the protagonist. He fails to fulfill his obligations, loses his girlfriend, fights with his friends, and, to top it all off, loses a bunch of cash. Sounds simple, right? However, during the course of these hellish events, we learn a lot about this guy, and by the end we are totally pulling for him. Is it any wonder that things kinda turn out OK? More polished than the Streets’ debut, this album is a must-hear.
01. Sondre Lerche – Two Way Monologue He may be young, but this guy sure knows how to write melodic pop songs. This is undoubtedly one of the catchiest albums of the year. Lerche’s songwriting, which was always strong, has aged and matured like a fine wine; the flavors are now much more robust and fleshed-out. Lerche has been compared to artists such as Elvis Costello, Serge Gainsbourg, and Beck, but he has created a unique sound for himself. In a year where there were plenty of things to get me down (moving away from my friends, homesickness while abroad, fights with my parents, and months of unemployment), this album never failed to put a huge grin on my face. For that, Sondre Lerche, I salute you.
On the Cusp:
Rilo Kiley – More Adventurous
Seachange – Lay of the Land
The Walkmen – Bows and Arrows
Single of the Year (tie):
Linkin Park – “Breaking the Habit” (such a guilty pleasure)
Scissor Sisters – “Take Your Mama” (see above)
Top Three Concerts
03. Franz Ferdinand – Dallas (I like them live much better than recorded)
02. The Decemberists – Austin (Bass drums! Costumes!)
01. Morrissey – Fort Worth (Best concert ever.)
It's that time of year again. This year, I had a really hard time making the list. There were a lot of albums that I liked, but not so many that I loved. I guess this was a pretty weird year for me. You would think being unemployed for months would have provided me plenty of time to listen to music, just like a couple of months in an Indian hotel would have done. However, bad old Mr. TV got in the way. I didn't listen nearly as much as I should have. So I felt really unprepared to do the list this year. But while I was writing, I found that it became a lot easier than I thought it would be. These albums must have found a way into my heart all on their own. Anyway, without further ado, here is this year's list:
10. The Killers – Hot Fuss Every year deserves a good party album. Fusing their love for 80s pop and the neon lights of sin city, the Killers have produced a great one. This is a dancing album.
09. Interpol – Antics This one’s a grower for sure. Interpol’s first album, Turn on the Bright Lights, was an instant classic. It grabbed you and held on tightly. Antics takes a few more listens before it creeps its way into your heart.
08. Brian Wilson – SMiLE So, there’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. The secret album, previously bootlegged by fans around the world, has finally seen the light of day. Such sweeter harmonies were never heard.
07. Morrissey – You Are the Quarry I really wanted this to be the album of the year. I had such high hopes for it. Over all, it’s a strong album, but there are too many slow moments, and there are some songs that sound the same (the beginnings of “America is Not the World” and “I’m Not Sorry” are almost identical). However, the strong tracks confidently carry the album. “Irish Blood, English Heart” and “First of the Gang to Die” are instant Morrissey classics. Morrissey is as tongue-in-cheek melodramatic as ever, and he’s finally letting us in on the joke.
06. Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans Could this be a Christian’s love letter to God? Sufjan Stevens unabashedly recorded an entire album about his faith, and our ears are better for it. These quiet songs, featuring banjo, angelic backing voices, and Stevens’ confessional voice, slowly lift you up to the final blazing crescendo, album closer “The Transfiguration.” And the best part about it is that it isn’t preachy. He’s not trying to witness to you; he is simply expressing his personal love.
05. The Divine Comedy – Absent Friends After one album trying to function as an actual group, the Divine Comedy has gone back to its roots; namely, Neil Hannon. After parting ways with his band, Hannon returned to the helm to write an amazing album. The album opens with the incredibly strong title track, and makes very few hiccups on its journey to the very personal closer (written for Hannon’s daughter). The highpoint of the album is undoubtedly the melodramatic “Our Mutual Friend,” which tells the tale of a three-way love affair gone monstrously wrong. Hannon was always a good storyteller, and he doesn’t disappoint here.
04. The Arcade Fire – Funeral You know when you have a piece of fruit that is so ripe that it is starting to decay? You know that you can get so much goodness from the fruit if you can only cut out or eat around the brown parts. That is what this album sounds like… a band that is influenced by the darkness in the world, but is determined to squeeze out the happiness that is there. These songs are haunting, triumphant, and beautiful.
03. Kings of Convenience – Riot on an Empty Street On their second album, the Kings of Convenience sound more assured and free to let loose a bit. While most of the songs retain their signature slow and quiet sound, there are others which are more uptempo and (gasp!) possibly danceable. The final song, with its haunting refrain by guest singer Feist, is a fitting ending to this beautiful album. This duo has definitely grown, and it will be interesting to see what their next album will contain.
02. The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free Mike Skinner here presents his version of the concept album. We journey through a pretty bad day with the protagonist. He fails to fulfill his obligations, loses his girlfriend, fights with his friends, and, to top it all off, loses a bunch of cash. Sounds simple, right? However, during the course of these hellish events, we learn a lot about this guy, and by the end we are totally pulling for him. Is it any wonder that things kinda turn out OK? More polished than the Streets’ debut, this album is a must-hear.
01. Sondre Lerche – Two Way Monologue He may be young, but this guy sure knows how to write melodic pop songs. This is undoubtedly one of the catchiest albums of the year. Lerche’s songwriting, which was always strong, has aged and matured like a fine wine; the flavors are now much more robust and fleshed-out. Lerche has been compared to artists such as Elvis Costello, Serge Gainsbourg, and Beck, but he has created a unique sound for himself. In a year where there were plenty of things to get me down (moving away from my friends, homesickness while abroad, fights with my parents, and months of unemployment), this album never failed to put a huge grin on my face. For that, Sondre Lerche, I salute you.
On the Cusp:
Rilo Kiley – More Adventurous
Seachange – Lay of the Land
The Walkmen – Bows and Arrows
Single of the Year (tie):
Linkin Park – “Breaking the Habit” (such a guilty pleasure)
Scissor Sisters – “Take Your Mama” (see above)
Top Three Concerts
03. Franz Ferdinand – Dallas (I like them live much better than recorded)
02. The Decemberists – Austin (Bass drums! Costumes!)
01. Morrissey – Fort Worth (Best concert ever.)
Friday, December 03, 2004
Just whistle while you work!
As promised, we went to the Loft Tour last night. Wow. Some of the people living there have really put some time and effort into their homes. Some of the lofts had 30 ft. ceilings, second stories, cubbyholes accessible by ladders... they were really cool. Very spacious. The neighborhood, however, isn't that great, and that's what kept us from moving there.
We got inspired to clean and fix up our place even more. It's already pretty cute anyway, and I usually keep it clean, but we've been pretty busy lately, and I've been loafing around (enjoying my last few days as a non-worker). So today I'm cleaning. I've already reorganized my closet and have two garbage bags full of clothes I don't need anymore and plastic hangers (I've switched to the more space-conserving metal ones). I'm going to steam and/or iron anything that could be used for work, so that I'm all ready for Monday.
In other news, it's cold here. I actually had to turn on the heat yesterday. I love cold weather, and Dallas gets more of it than Austin. We're using the down comforter now, and it's so snuggly, especially with our new mattress. However, since coming back from Europe, I'm waking up around 6:15am instead of my usual 9:30-10:30. I guess my body is still adjusted a little to Europe time. It's good though, because I have to start waking up early come Monday.
Oh, also for you Dallas folks, if you get a chance, you should go see the downtown Neiman Marcus. They've gone hogwild decorating it for Christmas. It's beautiful.
As promised, we went to the Loft Tour last night. Wow. Some of the people living there have really put some time and effort into their homes. Some of the lofts had 30 ft. ceilings, second stories, cubbyholes accessible by ladders... they were really cool. Very spacious. The neighborhood, however, isn't that great, and that's what kept us from moving there.
We got inspired to clean and fix up our place even more. It's already pretty cute anyway, and I usually keep it clean, but we've been pretty busy lately, and I've been loafing around (enjoying my last few days as a non-worker). So today I'm cleaning. I've already reorganized my closet and have two garbage bags full of clothes I don't need anymore and plastic hangers (I've switched to the more space-conserving metal ones). I'm going to steam and/or iron anything that could be used for work, so that I'm all ready for Monday.
In other news, it's cold here. I actually had to turn on the heat yesterday. I love cold weather, and Dallas gets more of it than Austin. We're using the down comforter now, and it's so snuggly, especially with our new mattress. However, since coming back from Europe, I'm waking up around 6:15am instead of my usual 9:30-10:30. I guess my body is still adjusted a little to Europe time. It's good though, because I have to start waking up early come Monday.
Oh, also for you Dallas folks, if you get a chance, you should go see the downtown Neiman Marcus. They've gone hogwild decorating it for Christmas. It's beautiful.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
For Dallasites (Dallasans? Dallasonians? DFWers?)
What do you call people that live in Dallas anyway? Well, if you do happen to live in the Dallas area, tonight is the annual Loft Tour at our sister building, The American Beauty Mill. Victor and I almost lived there before deciding on the Wilson Building instead.
If you're in the area, it's from 7-9pm (I know, sorry, short notice!) at 2400 South Ervay. At least 10 lofts will be available to tour (the invitation reads "Come and see the individual taste and style of the many different residents at this historic building"), and there will be free food and drink. We'll be there. Not like that's any kind of paparazzi moment or whatever.
What do you call people that live in Dallas anyway? Well, if you do happen to live in the Dallas area, tonight is the annual Loft Tour at our sister building, The American Beauty Mill. Victor and I almost lived there before deciding on the Wilson Building instead.
If you're in the area, it's from 7-9pm (I know, sorry, short notice!) at 2400 South Ervay. At least 10 lofts will be available to tour (the invitation reads "Come and see the individual taste and style of the many different residents at this historic building"), and there will be free food and drink. We'll be there. Not like that's any kind of paparazzi moment or whatever.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
European Vacation
We're back! Two very exhausted travellers got home last night around 6:30. We had a lot of fun, so I'll try to recap as much as I can.
We left Thursday morning and flew to Chicago after only standing by through a couple of flights. We were able to get business class for our flight to Brussels. American has improved their business class since the last time I flew. The seats recline more, you get a personal book light attached to your seat, and everyone gets a portable DVD player with a bunch of movies. We watched some movies and tried to sleep. I hadn't been able to sleep Wednesday night, so I wanted to sleep a lot on the flight, but I only got about an hour of sleep. We got to Brussels and caught a train to Amsterdam. I think I may have slept about an hour or so on the train. Still, I was working on about three or four hours sleep (total) in the last two nights, so I was feeling pretty jet-lagged and awful when we got to Amsterdam.
We got to our B&B, which was really just a room in a family's house. We had our own shower and bathroom, which were located in the hallway outside the room. The room itself was really cute. We took a much-needed nap and showered, then headed to the Anne Frank House, which is a museum in the house where Anne, her family, and some friends hid during WWII. It was pretty sobering. It was amazing how much I had remembered of the story, since I haven't read her diary in years. We found a Dutch restaurant for dinner, which was very warm and hearty.
Saturday, we were able to see some of Amsterdam during the day. We strolled through the Albert Cuypmarkt, a market in our neighborhood selling clothes, shoes, cheese, seafood... well, just about everything. We walked over to Museumplein, which is where the major museums are located, and toured the Rijksmuseum. We also did a lot of shopping that afternoon.
Sunday, we wandered around some more, did some more shopping, and walked around the Red Light District. Needless to say, we saw a lot of prostitutes. In the mornings, the prostitutes seem to be rather older and more plump than the hotter hookers available in the evenings. Amsterdam is full of sleazy sex shops, selling vibraters, porno, and various other aids. The Red Light District also has a lot of sex shows to offer. We thought about going, but they were pretty expensive. Of course, Amsterdam is also full of coffeehouses, which are establishments where you can buy marijuana leagally. The term "coffeehouse," to me, conjures up a nice image of people sipping coffee, reading books, and doing the crossword... while enjoying a joint. In reality, they're really tacky. It's all Bob Marley posters, giant neon pot leaves, pumping reggae music... generally awful. As Victor said, "It's a gorgeous and very old city; however, you'll have this beautiful 15th century building and right next to it, you'll have Smokey's Coffeeshop with a big neon pot leaf and posters of Bob Marley or Jim Morrison. The coffeeshops really ugly up the city." All of the prostitutes and pot also bring really annoying tourists... we saw big gangs of guys roaming around, checking out hookers, clearly stoned... at 11am! Wake and bake, I guess.
So obviously I'm not into the whole pot scene, especially the reggae/Phish/stoner vibe that was going on in Amsterdam. However, we did manage to do something there that is illegal in the US. We had some absinthe. There is a bar in Amsterdam, conveniently called Absinthe, where it is legal to buy and drink it. We didn't have much, so the only real effect was a feeling of lethargy (in the body) accompanied by an energy rush (in the mind). Absinthe really makes you chatty. I'd like to try it again... if we ever make it to Prague, where it is readily available, I think I'll experiment some more.
The food in Amsterdam was very good... we had Dutch, Indian, Surinamese, and French. Also, there are a lot of french fry vendors around, probably to cater to those with the munchies after going to a coffeehouse. The fries there were SO GOOD. They use a thick, yummy mayo on top that tastes really nice. Victor was so enamored that he bought a special bottle of "fritessaus" to take home. We also walked around Albert Heijn, the major grocery store chain there. It was chock full of deliciousness.
Monday we took a train back to Brussels. We got there when it was almost dark, so we didn't get any pictures. Our hotel, Catalonia Forum Art Hotel, was really cheap, newly renovated, and super cute. The room was pretty modern looking, and the shower was amazing. We headed down to the main shopping district, ate a Belgian waffle from a street vendor (amazing!!), and found a super cute restaurant, the Living Room. We have decided that we want to properly see Brussels sometime, so we will probably head back in the next year or so. We left early Tuesday morning and luckily got business class seats again. More movies, more sleep.
So that's pretty much it. Oh, here are a couple of pictures:
Victor on a canal bridge:
Me in the Museumplein:
A canal with St. Nicholas's Church in the background:
Victor in front of a sex show:
We're back! Two very exhausted travellers got home last night around 6:30. We had a lot of fun, so I'll try to recap as much as I can.
We left Thursday morning and flew to Chicago after only standing by through a couple of flights. We were able to get business class for our flight to Brussels. American has improved their business class since the last time I flew. The seats recline more, you get a personal book light attached to your seat, and everyone gets a portable DVD player with a bunch of movies. We watched some movies and tried to sleep. I hadn't been able to sleep Wednesday night, so I wanted to sleep a lot on the flight, but I only got about an hour of sleep. We got to Brussels and caught a train to Amsterdam. I think I may have slept about an hour or so on the train. Still, I was working on about three or four hours sleep (total) in the last two nights, so I was feeling pretty jet-lagged and awful when we got to Amsterdam.
We got to our B&B, which was really just a room in a family's house. We had our own shower and bathroom, which were located in the hallway outside the room. The room itself was really cute. We took a much-needed nap and showered, then headed to the Anne Frank House, which is a museum in the house where Anne, her family, and some friends hid during WWII. It was pretty sobering. It was amazing how much I had remembered of the story, since I haven't read her diary in years. We found a Dutch restaurant for dinner, which was very warm and hearty.
Saturday, we were able to see some of Amsterdam during the day. We strolled through the Albert Cuypmarkt, a market in our neighborhood selling clothes, shoes, cheese, seafood... well, just about everything. We walked over to Museumplein, which is where the major museums are located, and toured the Rijksmuseum. We also did a lot of shopping that afternoon.
Sunday, we wandered around some more, did some more shopping, and walked around the Red Light District. Needless to say, we saw a lot of prostitutes. In the mornings, the prostitutes seem to be rather older and more plump than the hotter hookers available in the evenings. Amsterdam is full of sleazy sex shops, selling vibraters, porno, and various other aids. The Red Light District also has a lot of sex shows to offer. We thought about going, but they were pretty expensive. Of course, Amsterdam is also full of coffeehouses, which are establishments where you can buy marijuana leagally. The term "coffeehouse," to me, conjures up a nice image of people sipping coffee, reading books, and doing the crossword... while enjoying a joint. In reality, they're really tacky. It's all Bob Marley posters, giant neon pot leaves, pumping reggae music... generally awful. As Victor said, "It's a gorgeous and very old city; however, you'll have this beautiful 15th century building and right next to it, you'll have Smokey's Coffeeshop with a big neon pot leaf and posters of Bob Marley or Jim Morrison. The coffeeshops really ugly up the city." All of the prostitutes and pot also bring really annoying tourists... we saw big gangs of guys roaming around, checking out hookers, clearly stoned... at 11am! Wake and bake, I guess.
So obviously I'm not into the whole pot scene, especially the reggae/Phish/stoner vibe that was going on in Amsterdam. However, we did manage to do something there that is illegal in the US. We had some absinthe. There is a bar in Amsterdam, conveniently called Absinthe, where it is legal to buy and drink it. We didn't have much, so the only real effect was a feeling of lethargy (in the body) accompanied by an energy rush (in the mind). Absinthe really makes you chatty. I'd like to try it again... if we ever make it to Prague, where it is readily available, I think I'll experiment some more.
The food in Amsterdam was very good... we had Dutch, Indian, Surinamese, and French. Also, there are a lot of french fry vendors around, probably to cater to those with the munchies after going to a coffeehouse. The fries there were SO GOOD. They use a thick, yummy mayo on top that tastes really nice. Victor was so enamored that he bought a special bottle of "fritessaus" to take home. We also walked around Albert Heijn, the major grocery store chain there. It was chock full of deliciousness.
Monday we took a train back to Brussels. We got there when it was almost dark, so we didn't get any pictures. Our hotel, Catalonia Forum Art Hotel, was really cheap, newly renovated, and super cute. The room was pretty modern looking, and the shower was amazing. We headed down to the main shopping district, ate a Belgian waffle from a street vendor (amazing!!), and found a super cute restaurant, the Living Room. We have decided that we want to properly see Brussels sometime, so we will probably head back in the next year or so. We left early Tuesday morning and luckily got business class seats again. More movies, more sleep.
So that's pretty much it. Oh, here are a couple of pictures:
Victor on a canal bridge:
Me in the Museumplein:
A canal with St. Nicholas's Church in the background:
Victor in front of a sex show:
