Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tudors or Tutors?


So I do plan to update here sometime. Really. It's coming. Maybe this weekend. Don't hold your breath though, I would feel quite guilty. :)

For now, I leave you with my highly sophisticated review of The Tudors, which james & I just started and are highly enjoying (while I clack away on my laptop):


"dude... that Henry VIII is a dooouche".


I know. My eloquence must floor you all! You might be equally impressed by my realization of "so that's where the semi-hot guy from Dead Like Me went". Brain=Mush. I might need professional tutoring when life slows down just to get it back to normal.

Here's to better observations next time I write ;)


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

30 x 30 : June check-in




Sweet Lordy, I need to post other than these updates! I love how full life is right now, but man I want to chill and write out my thoughts. Buuut in the meantime... here is the update.

A few changes are actually being made to my list.

1. I have realized that my ankle can't even handle light jogging right
now, so the 5k goal was not doing much for my health. I have decided that my new goal is to get to my pre-surgery weight, which would put me back at a healthy BMI. I joined a gym so I can cycle, swim with the girls, and use my wii fit. I feel much better about having a realistic fitness goal... though I'm sad every time I see people running.
2. I set the camping goal at Harbor Islands just because I wanted to make sure to go camping, and those islands were them most easily accessible. However, James & I decided to do one better, and will spending 3 days on a lake in Maine next week. :) Books, kayaks, food, James. Ahhhhh bliss. I can't wait to decompress.

I'm happy to say that I got to pull off my own surprise. :) I have always associated Paul Simon with my dad, so when I found out Paul was playing live in Boston, I knew I had to try to go. The show was sold out, but I found someone who online who was selling them, and traded them for portraits of her adorable dog... great trade! The show... was... phenomenal! Paul is a true musician, and it was so special to surprise my dad in such a meaningful way.


I have checked off another coffeeshop. The girls love coffee/chocolate milk dates, and we had time to spare, so we headed over to Equal Exchange Cafe. Their London Fog is divine. :)


Lastly, I got my TOMS finally. :) I've been torn because I wanted yellow ones (yellow shoes are the best). I also wanted a pair of boat shoes, but couldn't afford those as well as TOMS. The, they put out their new spring line... which included yellow boat style shoes. Holla!!!


My fantabulous friend Bonny is visiting next week. I'm hoping she will be open to checking off a Boston walk or 2... particularly the North End Pastry Walk. Mmmmm. Yum.


1. Purchase a pair Warby Parker Glasses
2. Drink a cold Sam Adams while looking at a"cold" Sam Adams
3. Go to Wilmington and take cheesy photos :)
4. Take the trolley to Doyle's
5. Attend an author signing
6. Skate at
Frog Pond
7. Work through my french text book
8. Attend one of Boston's quirky brunch options
9. Check a new state off the list (virginia beach)
10. Complete the
Independent coffeeshops of Boston list (9 down, 4 to go)
11. Hug James as much as possible!
12. Decide my next career path
13. See Grace Potter & the Nocturnals in concert
14. Get to my pre-surgery weight/BMI
15. Photograph the Polar plunge
16. Send more letters and cards
17. Own a pair of
TOMS
18. Cook Julia Childs Poulet au Porto with Artichokes & hollandaise sauce (successfully)
19. Sing along with Carols by Candlelight at Trinity church
20. Watch the Godfather trilogy

21. Surprise someone
22. Take the girls to the Zoo (it keeps eluding us)
23. Enjoy a trip with James that does not involve work, school, or anybody we know!
24. Learn how to whistle loudly
25. Make good use of my library card
26. Swim in
Walden Pond
27. Spot a classic Boston celebrity
28. Camp @
Rangeley Lake (Maine)

29. Complete the
Walks of Greater Boston list (one more completed, a few to go).
30. Be tumor free!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

30x30: May check-in

Greetings! I finally come with my good news. :) I must start by saying that I have been abundantly blessed over the last few weeks. It's like God has said "hey, yeah, sorry about the past 10 months or so. Let me make it up to you". I know this fabulous streak will not last forever, but I'm riding it out for as long as possible and savoring every moment of it! Yesterday was so ridiculously over the top great, I joked that I was "Reaganing". Much of what happened is not fit for the blog (too difficult to explain, or just better told in person), but I can say work was great, opportunities popped up, plans came together, attitudes were warm and helpful, and to top it all off, just before heading to bed, the lovely Jill bought me a book I had been drooling over (many many squealing/shocked thank you's). I never thought I would say this, but it is a very good thing I didn't see an adorable puppy yesterday. My head would have exploded. In a good way.

The biggest piece if news is that James has been accepted to the PhD program here, at Brandeis. He is fully funded for 5 years. For James, this means that he finally gets to take the last step in his education, that will end with him having an opportunity to pursue teaching, which has been his dream/plan for years. For us, this means we know where we will be for an extended period time, so we can settle into life. Also, we now will stop giving money to school, and start getting it. :) Yay for the chance to pay down our student loans! For me, this means I can finally look at my personal & professional goals, and begin to shape those. Sticking around and having more financial stability is allowing me to take my own steps toward my dreams. With that, I'll begin an update on my 30x30:

Decide my next career path:
Weeeeeee! As I said before, with the funding from the program, we will be a bit more financially stable next year. Because of this, I have the freedom to do something I have wanted to do for a long time: pursue photography! I will still work as a nanny, but only part-time. This will free up much of my week to build the business and see if I have what it takes. I have also been interested in a nursing program, but I know that this is the best time in my life to push my photography, and if I never try, I will always wonder. I have decided to take one year really trying to get business off the ground. This time next year, I can re-evaluate. If things are picking up, I can continue with my business and pull back a bit more from my other job. If I have not had enough success to continue confidently, I will know I have tried, bring it back to hobby/freelance, and begin looking into nursing. I am very excited about this opportunity and I can't wait to see how this year shapes up. In addition to that, I may have an opportunity to coordinate a limited amount of events. The Mad Hatter Tea Party that I coordinated for Kate's 7th birthday was a huge hit. Multiple parents have told me I need to market myself to do this on the side, and I am receiving a lot of support from others. I am not sure how all of this will pan out, but I love and miss event planning, so I look forward to the potential of an additional creative & lucrative outlet. :)

Surprise someone:
This one was vague, and I hope to find other ways to pleasantly surprise people, buuuuut... I'm happy to officially check it off. I had a fortunate stroke of serendipity, and the timing of my recent trip to CA overlapped with my dear old friends surprise birthday party. :) That was enjoyable.

Spot a classic Boston celebrity:
I saw Mark Wahlberg! :) He is filming a new comedy in town, and I came across information for where they were filming, so my friend Mary & I had a good goofy wander past the set before we headed to brunch. I really wanted to ask him to say hi to his mutha for me. Sadly, I do not have a picture of Marky Mark, as I didn't want to be one of those obnoxious people who go all paparazzi, but I do have a picture from outside the set that I may post later. This was the goal I thought would be the least likely, so I was super giddy. Of course, now that I have 5 more years, my fingers are still crossed for Affleck. ;)

Ok, now a quick opinion needed. Due to my ankle being stubborn, there is a chance that I won't be able to accomplish my goal of running a full 5k. I'm speaking to my Dr about it at my next appt. My ankle is looking good, but it may never fully bounce back, so attempting to be a runner may not be the wisest idea. Should my Doctor agree, I am curious... do I stick with the 5k idea and walk jog the best I can? Or do I set a new and more realistic fitness goal? I would LOVE some ideas. Seriously. If I make adjustments, I should try soon!

I look forward to checking in next month. My TOMS will likely be purchased next week, I have coffeeshop plans, and summer is looking prime for wrapping this thing up! :) Also, my bday plans are forming... but that's for another day, another post. Until then... thanks for caring enough to read & respond, I hope you all are equally blessed!

1. Purchase a pair Warby Parker Glasses
2. Drink a cold Sam Adams while looking at a "cold" Sam Adams
3. Go to Wilmington and take cheesy photos :)
4. Take the trolley to Doyle's
5. Attend an author signing
6. Skate at
Frog Pond
7. Work through my french text book
8. Attend one of Boston's quirky brunch options
9. Check a new state off the list (virginia beach)
10. Complete the
Independent coffeeshops of Boston list (8 down, 5 to go)
11. Hug James as much as possible!
12. Decide my next career path
13. See Grace Potter & the Nocturnals in concert
14. Run a full 5k
15. Photograph the Polar plunge
16. Send more letters and cards
17. Own a pair of
TOMS
18. Cook Julia Childs Poulet au Porto with Artichokes & hollandaise sauce (successfully)
19. Sing along with Carols by Candlelight at Trinity church
20. Watch the Godfather trilogy

21. Surprise someone
22. Take the girls to the Zoo (it keeps eluding us)
23. Enjoy a trip with James that does not involve work, school, or anybody we know!
24. Learn how to whistle loudly
25. Make good use of my library card
26. Swim in
Walden Pond
27. Spot a classic Boston celebrity
28. Camp @
Boston Harbor Islands
29. Complete the
Walks of Greater Boston list (one more completed, a few to go).
30. Be tumor free!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Gopnik Wisdom



I take a brief moment from my blissful day of rest to share with you these words from the consistently brilliant Adam Gopnik. I will share more about his work in the future, because his writing makes my heart soar. These words were so perfect for my morning, I figured that a few of you could connect with this as well. These were taken from his book Through the Children's Gate, which I have underlined so heavily I may never be able to loan it out. :)


Monday, May 2, 2011

A mixed bag of emotions

I was speechless last night. For those who know me personally, you know how rare that is. As per usual, my shock upon hearing the news of OBL's death caused me to crack a quick, lame, slightly inappropriate joke. In my defense, I can't hear the word America without at least quietly sining "fuck yeah!"... it's a curse. Moments later, the news sunk in. I couldn't speak. I couldn't sort out how to feel. I didn't celebrate. I didn't cheer. I thought of waking up on my birthday nearly 10 years ago and spending it in a haze of confusion and heartache. I remembered visiting Ground Zero just 3 months after, the teddy bear of a missing girl resting against the fence, a visual seared forever into my memory. I sat quietly and thought of the stories my former co-workers shared about their experiences living in Manhattan on 9/11. I reflected on that pain that our country has suffered at the hand of this man. The fear we all have lived in, relationships damaged by political bickering, the innocent Muslims mistreated due to ignorance, and of course, families and friends torn apart because of the deaths of those fighting in this war. I let all of this flood my mind, not knowing how to feel. At last, I merely sank into the relief that I no longer had to think about this man. I have no idea if this is related, but last night was the best I have slept in months.

I knew I was taking a risk when I opened my laptop this morning. I wanted to read more. I wanted to become a part of the community who was celebrating. I hoped that my community would, if only for a day, be able to focus on relief and joy . This war is not over, but, for a short time, we have reason to feel peace. We have reason to put everything else aside and share in each others relief. In President Obama's speech last night, he spoke of how we came together as a country during great tragedy:


We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community, and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we pray to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.


Was I naive to hope that just as we can unite within our suffering, we can also unite within our relief? I suppose I was. I knew that the reactions to this news would be varying and strong. Within moments of signing on to Facebook and Twitter, my heart began to hurt, and my speech returned to me.


I never expected to feel elated over the news, as I have never been able to celebrate death. For me, thinking of 9/11 is sobering. Bin Laden's death is merely a reminder of what led to this day. To quote a Huffington Post article a friend posted as I type this: "His death is satisfying not only because of what he did, but because it prevents him from doing any more violence in the future in the name of religion". I believe that his death or capture was necessary, but I do not revel in death. I do not rejoice in the fall. Having said that, I am sympathetic to those who genuinely feel joy and closure. Then I see it... "Welcome to Hell, Bin Laden". Jubilee that "we got his sons too". In this moment, my heart broke for our country. Again. I have thrown out every expletive in the book, but I never have told someone to go to hell. As a person of faith, I take this seriously. I know EVERYONE is capable of evil. I always hope for redemption, though I know that often it never comes. I agree that justice needs to be served, but when it must be served in this manner, it still breaks my heart. Because Osama deserves to be there does not make it a joyous truth. I will never acknowledge someone being in hell with anything but heartbreak; for the reasons they are there, for the pain inflicted on others, and also for the brokenness that led a person to live a life where that sentence is considered justice. There is nothing joyous about that. I will never witness those around me gleefully welcoming a man and his family to hell without feeling sorrow and disgust. When I see that, I see our own ugliness and evil. It may be what is necessary, but it is tragic all the same.


What I am encountering the most is people using this to bicker. We have become so divided as a nation, so offensive in our communication, so egocentric in our world views, that instead of letting this information sink in, people comment on Bin Ladens death and then insult their opposing political party in the next breath. People are arguing over which President should get what percentage of "the win". They ignore Obama thanking the tireless efforts of our military, and quoting Bush in his speech, and claim he gives nobody credit but himself. Frankly, I think drawing attention to those arguments is insulting to those in the military. If a person wants to give credit that strongly, let them be all that is discussed. Why not simply shine the spotlight on those who served, instead of using their service as a way to get people to take a side? I'm watching comment threads fill with conspiracy theories (some new, some terribly threadbare). Status updates are filled with people managing to take this news and use it as a platform for every political issue that they always gripe about. How is this helpful? How is this necessary? What does it say about our minds and souls if our first instinct if to use this information to promote our own motives? I believe these times bring out what is truly at our core, and I'm brought to tears by what I am observing today.


No matter your feelings towards the news, this is a time where everybody should be able to sit in peace, if just for a moment. To celebrate, perhaps not celebrate death and destruction, but the fact we can hope to at least be a step closer to ending this horrible chapter of our nations history. This morning, I am filled with grief again. I have seen how torn apart we really are. I have seen how selfishly we still prioritize. I have sat here heartbroken, taken in the vitriol, and wondered how long we will continue on this way. Extremism brought this tragedy to our country, and now we let our own extremism continue to keep us at war with each other. It is my naive hope that we can try to unite as a country. I feel that until we can learn to respect, to consider, to love each other, we will never win.


I close with a quote from the same article mentioned before. Here is the link for those who want to read the post in its entirety: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/celebrating-a-death_b_856124.html


"So, let us mute our celebrations. Let any satisfaction be grim and grounded in the foundation of justice for all who have suffered at bin Laden's bloody hands. And also justice for crimes against God -- for using God as an instrument of terror and and promoting distrust between peoples of different religions and nations. Let us put bin Laden's body in the ground, and in doing so bury his disastrous and blasphemous religious legacy."

Sunday, April 24, 2011

30x30: April check-in




I haven't posted in over a month! I need to give a little more attention to my blog because I know I will regret being so remiss in the future. I grew tired of posting when most of what I had to say was a bit depressing. However, I'm happy to say that I have good news to share... in a few weeks. :) We are currently working out details for the future, but for once there is joy to report, and soon. That feels so good to say.

As far as my list, here is what's up!

Trolley to Doyles:


I finally headed over to Doyle's on the party trolley! James & I took Stephanie to Sam Adams, and we had a good laugh during the trolley ride. The driver has the greatest Boston accent, and played classic rock. It was also a rare beautifully warm March day, so we enjoyed the fresh air. We left with a belly full of Boston Brick Red, & new *free* Sam Adams glasses in hand.

Quirky Boston Brunch & Coffeeshops:


Alison came to visit us a FOURTH time (she has definitely earn
ed her visitor medal), and we headed to The Beehive for a delicious jazz brunch. The highlight for me was the brunch cocktail: The Persian Kitty. Champagne with pomegranate & ginger liquor. That'll make anyone purr.

We also ended up accidentally checking another coffeeshop off of my list. We happened to wander past the Boston Common Coffee Co. The atmosphere wasn't spectacular, but the tea was delicious, and it happened to be across the street from my new favorite used book store, the Brattle Book Shop. I have walked just 1 street away from this store countless times for over a year. It was a good lesson in the benefits of wandering!

Decide my next career path:
I'm not 100% sure how I will execute it, but part of our good news is that it has helped shape my future plans and opportunities. I'll be able to share this in more detail soon. :)

Tumor update:
I had my 6 month check-in, and my x-rays looked perfect! I still have a few more appt's this year, but to be tumor free at this point is a really good sign. I'm on my way to my most important goal. Phew.


I'm happy to say that I already have plans for a few more of these goals to be accomplished in May, so I look forward to checking in at the end of next month. :) But I'll try to post more between now and then... life has been full and I need to share it.

Time to go catch up on all your posts... :)





1. Purchase a pair Warby Parker Glasses
2. Drink a cold Sam Adams while looking at a "cold" Sam Adams
3. Go to Wilmington and take cheesy photos :)
4. Take the trolley to
Doyle's
5. Attend an author signing
6. Skate at
Frog Pond
7. Work through my french text book
8. Attend one of Boston's
quirky brunch options
9. Check a new state off the list (virginia beach)
10. Complete the
Independent coffeeshops of Boston list (8 down, 5 to go)
11. Hug James as much as possible!
12. Decide my next career path
13. See Grace Potter & the Nocturnals in concert
14. Run a full 5k
15. Photograph the Polar plunge
16. Send more letters and cards
17. Own a pair of
TOMS
18. Cook Julia Childs Poulet au Porto with Artichokes & hollandaise sauce (successfully)
19. Sing along with Carols by Candlelight at Trinity church
20. Watch the Godfather trilogy

21. Surprise someone
22. Take the girls to the Zoo (it keeps eluding us)
23. Enjoy a trip with James that does not involve work, school, or anybody we know!
24. Learn how to whistle loudly
25. Make good use of my library card
26. Swim in
Walden Pond
27. Spot a classic Boston celebrity
28. Camp @
Boston Harbor Islands
29. Complete the
Walks of Greater Boston list (one more completed, a few to go).
30. Be tumor free!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Music Monday

I have not posted one here in awhile, so I'll share a favorite cover song with y'all.



I would love to curl up with this album, for a quiet week, in a quaint cabin on a secluded body of water. My Doctor is pushing me to plan more vacations, perhaps this should be my next one.

Alive & well (relatively)

I have not felt like updating much. It is hard some days to find that balance necessary to write something blog-worthy. Often times, I know mine are not, but up they go anyways! I have been chugging along on my goals, and have had visitors, but it feels strange to post on those things right now... almost lacking in authenticity, for though they happened, they do not accurately describe life in the bigger picture at this time. There have been moments of confusion, pain, and an overall slap in the face by the unfairness of life, but again, that doesn't tell the whole story (and I'm tired of complaining).

Life is sharp and overwhelming. That same cold & crisp air that refreshes me is also unpleasantly piercing my lungs when I push myself (or more frequently, am pushed by circumstance) a bit too far. To quote one of my favorite recent reads, "What I need is the dandelion in the spring". Hope. All that jazz. Trust, that I am growing, that there is something deeper underneath all of this. Something that I can't quite place, and maybe I never will.


I'm purposely a bit vague here. My prayers and desires have been a bit muddled, but as they become more clear, I am wary to share them publicly. I'm growing more protective of myself. To my benefit, or to my detriment? That I will have to wait and see.




Monday, March 7, 2011

Support System (?)

I recently paid a visit to my Dr after a few weeks of migraines (which I have never had), and the return of many of my thyroid symptom. My blood work results are pending, but the biggest concern from my Doctor was a bit of a surprise. She was concerned about my "heart". I freaked out momentarily, then she clarified that she meant my emotions. She was worried that within the season I am in, I simply didn't (and I guess, still don't) have the support that I needed. The bloodwork was a precaution, but she is mostly curious how I'm functioning emotionally. Considering this, she won't be surprised to hear that a vacation, time spent just enjoying life with a sweet husband, helped exponentially. However, this also addresses another concern... that as supportive as he is, James is not enough. At this point, I didn't have much of a response, nor a solution to offer. The little consistent support I do have comes at a distance. They do what they can over the internet, but sadly, that can only go so far, especially when coming from so few. I know that not everyone is geared to make an effort, but sometimes I feel like that is an excuse for laziness & selfishness between friends. When only 4 of the 25 people I asked to show some support by posting on my photo blog/FB... it's a bit pathetic. Answering the same question or sharing the same piece of information about James's school plans/goals month after month grows tiring. Knowing friends read blogs I have posted about going through a bit of a depression and then purposely avoiding it in conversation is simultaneously insulting and laughable. Having friends stay with you and witness your hardships yet ignore them (or make them worse)... that's hard to recover from.

It sounds conceited, but at times where I need active support, I wish that I could clone myself. Or at least teach a seminar to my loved ones. It sucks when you pass on their info, help them network, plan for them, or simply take the time to research something big in their life in case they need help... and find others rarely able to click a "like" button on my business FB page, (forget clicking share)... because that's too hard. I know I can be a lot to handle. But, in these simple needs that the distance asks for, or the small requests for support/encouragement after very difficult back to back seasons, I just don't think a little effort is asking too much.

I have felt exhausted socially many times in life. That's nothing new. I'm just not used to it getting so bad that my Dr. notices it's effect on my heatlh. I do not really know where to go from here. I know I don't have much left to give right now, and am at a point in life where I'm not struck down by guilt giving my time where it is not needed. I guess I just wish the support would swing this way for once, in a tangible way.

But that is life isn't it?


Saturday, February 26, 2011

30x30: February check-in



February has been quite a month!
Here is a brief update of goals that I have reached:

* Skating at Frog Pond. My friend Mary and I took the lil girls to the pond during their vacation. Thankfully, we got to go in the afternoon, so the crowd was half the size as normal! I have never been much of an ice skater, and I could feel just how weak my left foot still is with every push of the skate. Kate and Allie were little rock stars on the ice... oh to be that young and light. Their lack of awareness of the people around them caused a few rather entertaining accidents, the poor people they kept cutting off had sitcom worthy falls.


* Author signings! I have attended my 2nd author signing. The author was Conor Grennan, who wrote the book Little Princes, which I will be reviewing in another post. It was a truly perfect event. Great crowd, the author was funny, honest, and personable. The Brookline Booksmith is one of my favorite places in the city now. Yay.

* Sending more cards and letters. This is something I plan to continue, but I feel I have already managed to accomplish this. I have averaged at least one card or letter to friends since last September. I am particularly proud of this because I am HORRIBLE at sending mail. I find that this makes it hard not to spend money though. I'm always tempted to snag cute cards from the store. I need to remember that just a simple piece of paper can bring just as much joy as a cute card. Or perhaps I should add my own sketches. hehe.

*Make good use of my library card. This too will continue, but if I had to move today,
I could confidently say that I accomplished this. In addition to books,
I have fully taken advantage of the discounted
museum passes that I can check out through the library. It's pretty wonderful!

*Take a trip with James: check!!! Ok, thisis the one I am the most excited about.
We spent a lovely 2 nights in Portsmouth, NH. This was the first trip James and I have taken without friends/family/work/school fighting for our attention since our honeymoon!



The Ale house Inn was even better than I had hoped for. It was so adorably designed that I wanted to move right in. We spent many hours in their lobby, chatting,drinking whiskey, drooling over the special touches.



We have only been to Portsmouth for lunch, so it was great to have a chance to explore the area. We ate a ton of good food, drank great beer, and wandered to our hearts content.




Here is the full list. I'm almost half way done!

1. Purchase a pair Warby Parker Glasses
2. Drink a cold Sam Adams while looking at a "cold" Sam Adams
3. Go to Wilmington and take cheesy photos :)
4. Take the trolley to
Doyle's
5. Attend an author signing
6. Skate at
Frog Pond
7. Work through my french text book
8. Attend one of Boston's
quirky brunch options
9. Check a new state off the list (virginia beach)
10. Complete the
Independent coffeeshops of Boston list (7 down, 6 to go)
11. Hug James as much as possible!
12. Decide my next career path
13. See Grace Potter & the Nocturnals in concert
14. Run a full 5k
15. Photograph the Polar plunge
16. Send more letters and cards
17. Own a pair of
TOMS
18. Cook Julia Childs Poulet au Porto with Artichokes & hollandaise sauce (successfully)
19. Sing along with Carols by Candlelight at Trinity church
20. Watch the Godfather trilogy

21. Surprise someone
22. Take the girls to the Zoo (it keeps eluding us)
23. Enjoy a trip with James that does not involve work, school, or anybody we know!
24. Learn how to whistle loudly
25. Make good use of my library card
26. Swim in
Walden Pond
27. Spot a classic Boston celebrity
28. Camp @
Boston Harbor Islands
29. Complete the
Walks of Greater Boston list (one more completed, a few to go).
30. Be tumor free!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Remiss... yet again

I have been neglecting this blog due to my new baby blog. What can I say, it takes up a lot of my attention these days. I'm sorry older blog. I will play with you this week, I promise :)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Music Monday link

Check out the new song over on the photo blog, and leave me a comment :)

http://brianamoore.tumblr.com/

Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Website is Live! (hip hip!)


Drum roll please...

www.briana-moore.com

Pretty please visit the site, peruse a bit, add me to FB & twitter, and connect with me on my blog. I might be so bold as to say bookmark my blog, as I plan to split my time between here and there. :)

Thanks everybody!!!

Monday, January 31, 2011

MM... are moving!

I will now be posting my music monday choices to my photography blog:

www.brianamoore.tumblr.com

See you there, starting next monday!

Monday, January 24, 2011

MM- Dance with me

I admittedly have a deep dislike for reality tv, but I was sucked into So You Think You Can Dance. I love dancers. I won't try to be eloquent and describe why, or how they make me feel. It would take too much time. However, if there is dance involved in something, I will like it more. :)

This song became a hit after being used on SYTYCD, and they were smart enough to use the same choreographer for the video. Enjoy the beauty.

I am a wasteland

At times I picture my goals like little singing birds, flying over my head, reminding me of what I have set forth to accomplish. Most of the time their song is beautiful and brings excitement... other times (typically if I let them sing too long) they get hoarse and squawk most deplorably. Either way, I have a loud reminder to get up, get out, and get something done. This week, I effectively killed 2 birds with one stone. That said, I wish I had a better metaphor so the birds didn't have to die. Hmmm. I'll work on that...

I have finished Zombie Spaceship Wasteland, by Patton Oswalt. I have checked off my 3rd book of 30 for the year, and it was non-fiction to boot! The book itself was an easy read, amusing, and (as a good comedian should) it succeeded in recognizing the awkwardness and absurdity of our culture. I highly recommend it to anybody who enjoy a good laugh. (and knows how to get one without resorting solely to dick & fart jokes).

Saturday, I was able to attend my first author event, featuring... Patton Oswalt and the above mentioned book! :) Wee. The booksmith could not contain all the fans, so the event took place at the Coolidge Corner theater, which is quickly becoming one of my happiest places in Boston. Hearing my favorite chapters again, but with the impeccable timing and playful intonations used by Oswalt, made this event a real treat. I look forward to more events through the Booksmith.


Coming up for the rest of January:
Bookshelf: Jane Eyre
30x30: Start work on my French textbook.