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So I know I have been MIA for like a month, it's because my wireless adapter is no longer functioning.
But I want to share this with the world.
I know people make fun of hipsters, but  I actually have friends who are quite like the described people in this blog, but I enjoy them quite a bit.
Everyone subscribe to it!
http://hipster-animals.tumblr.com/

Day 28: A Song That Makes Me Feel Guilty

One - this is a stupid category for a song choice...not sure a song really can make you feel guilty? I don't know, I had a hard time thinking of one.
Two - this choice is stretching it a little.
I chose this song because it reminds me of a time I posted it on Facebook in spite of someone who broke up with me.
Our break up was relatively messy considering we had a minor feud online...for everyone to see.
In a way, this song makes me feel guilty because of the way the break up was handled.
Messy, irresponsible, and pretty immature - on both sides.
I thought I was being clever by posting things that made him seem like the bad guy, which I still feel to this day that he did break up with me in an ass hole sort of fashion.
But I should have let it go and moved on.
All I can say is a lessoned learned.

When is it My Turn?

Today I received a wedding invitation to one of my best friend's wedding.
As soon as I opened the envelope, I immediately knew what it was without seeing it.
I was so overjoyed...squealing with glee.
Then after I was done with that, I got really sad.
I realized I need a date.
Well, not so much that I need a date, that I feel like I should probably bring one to the wedding.
It'd be silly of me to go alone, not to mention the fact that I'd feel really insecure going to my best friend's wedding by myself.
I know I won't be alone per se because there will be a lot of my other friends there, but it's the fact that she's my friend...
The first of my really close friends to be getting married...
While I'm single.
Single.
Alone.
Without a boyfriend.
And going to a wedding.
I've been to weddings before but they were for my family and I was a lot younger then.
And now that I am at the age where it seems engagements are popping up everywhere, it's starting to take a toll on my emotions.
I'm happy of her.
So happy for her.
Because she is one of the kindest, sweetest, most genuine people I've ever come to know in my life and she deserves to be as happy as she is now that she is with him.
But I'm just wondering...
When is it my turn?

Day 27: A Song I Wish I Could Play

There are plenty of songs I wish I could play.

Whether it be on a piano, guitar, or whatever.

But most of the time when I think of something that I wish I could play, it'd be on a guitar.

I wish I could play anything on a guitar really.

So here's a classic...which would be ridiculous to play.

PS... I just picked the most outrageous one I could think of.

They Say Time Heals Everything, but I'm Still Waiting

It's been a year today that my heart was broken by someone I thought would never break it again.
Ever again.
And with Band Fest being this weekend, I can't decide if I'm sad because of what happened, or that I can't go.
Honestly, if I went, I feel like my memories would stir up worse than they already have.
It's not that I'm not over him, because I know in my heart he's not what I need to be happy....
It's the fact that I trusted him with my whole heart.
It's the fact that I gave up nearly all of me for him to love me back.
It's the fact that the one who you think is the one turns around and destroys your whole world.
It's the fact that the rejection still hurts sometimes.
A year ago today I cried a flood of tears - probably the most I've ever cried from being broken up with.
I'm still waiting for more time to go by where the sting of his words doesn't bring a tear.
I'm still waiting for more time to go by where I can be okay with being friends with him.
I'm still waiting for more time to go by where HE grows up and learns to be alone.
I'm still waiting for more time to go by where he realizes how much he gave up.
But what I'm waiting for the most is for someone to come along and sweep me off my feet.
I'm waiting to be rescued by someone who will make me realize how wonderful being with the right one really is.
I'm waiting to be healed.

Day 26: A Song I Can Play On An Instrument

When I was younger I used to take piano lessons.

I was really good, and my teachers always told me I have excellent hands for playing.

That was they're way of saying I have large hands for my age...whatever.

But I owned a keyboard that played different songs and pretty much knew how to play all of them just simply by learning them by ear. 

So here is one I know how to play on the piano.

How to Love

“When you love someone, you should treat them the way you feel. Sometimes words aren’t enough.”

I'll probably elaborate on this some more...but for now, this will do.

Day 25: A Song That Makes Me Laugh

Well, pretty much any song The Lonely Island does is hilarious.

Day 24: A Song That I Want to Play at My Funeral

My mother used to sing this song all of the time when I was younger. It reminds me of my childhood having my mother's parents live with us in the apartment in our upstairs.
Best house ever.
Such a nostalgic time.
As morbid as picking a song for my funeral is, there is no doubt I'd want this one.

Day 23: A Song That I Want To Play At My Wedding

Ever since I've seen The Wedding Date, I've loved this song.

Day 22: A Song I Listen to When I'm Sad

Well, I'm going to give two different songs.
The first song is when I feel like staying sad and want to feel sorry for myself.
Because let's be honest, sometimes we all need a good cry.
And just to let you know, how I chose...I have a "Crying Music" playlist on my iPod.
I think everyone should...what?
And I have A LOT on mine....67, actually.
So here's one.



And when I don't want to feel sad...well I listen to a happy song of course!
This one never fails to put me in a good mood.
Never mind the video...it's kind of weird.
But I love love love Florence.

I Just Can't Handle It Anymore

I'll tell you one thing...it still hurts sometimes.

But what hurts even more is to see you repeatedly do this to yourself.

Why? Why do you do it?

I know the answer...I've always known the answer.

You can't stop it. You just can't help yourself.

Learning to be alone is probably one of the hardest things to do.

Trust me. I know. You made me do it.

You made me be alone.

And yes, it still hurts sometimes.

But what hurts even more is to see the evidence of your problem.

And I just can't handle it anymore.

I love you. I love you as a friend.

I want to be there for you.

You say it's frustrating when people don't take your advice.

It's frustrating...so frustrating I know.

I want to help you.

But you keep digging yourself in a hole.

And I can't watch you do it anymore. I just can't.

PS - I was one who never ended it when everyone else did it to you.
What do you make of that?

Day 21: A Song I Listen to When I'm Happy

Well, typically a song makes me even happier than I am when I listen to it...given if it's a happy song.
But when I'm happy, I'm usually down for pretty much anything.
So...here's a song...I guess...

Day 20: A Song I Listen to When I'm Angry

So I just discovered recently that I had A Thousand Suns from Linkin Park on my iPod.
Yeah, I forget I have albums on my iPod sometimes, it's fine.
But one song in particular is great to listen to when I'm angry.
It starts off pretty heavy and very angry.
Then it changes and becomes pretty mellow.
So If you're angry, I definitely recommend this song.
It works you up, to calm you down.
It's great.

Day 19: A Song From My Favorite Album

This was a toughy.
Considering I have many artists that I love, and many full albums to my name, I had no idea where to start.
So I grabbed my iPod and started looking through it.
Then I thought, well how about choosing from albums I like as a whole.
So, that was really easy.
American Idiot by Green Day is great.
Girls and Boys by Ingrid Michaelson is sweet and simple.
The Lady Killer by Cee-Lo Green is just awesome.
RIOT! by Paramore kicks ass.
Heck, I even thought of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye.
And then it came to me without even seeing it.
Continuum by John Mayer - flawless.

Day 18: A Song That I Wish I Heard On The Radio

Uh Easy.
None.
I have an iPod for a reason - so I can listen to good music, and not what's on the radio - not that ALL music on the radio sucks...but
If a song isn't played on the radio and I like it, I don't want it on the radio.
Radio overplays songs, and then I get sick of them.
The End.

Stumbling Leads Me to Great Findings

I did not write this.

"I've learned that..."

• you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
• no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
• it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
• it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
• you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.
• no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
• you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
• we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
• there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
• true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
• just because someone doesnt love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
• maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
• no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
• no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
• just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
• we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
• you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
• there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
• no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
• the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
• although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
• love is not for me to keep, but to pass on to the next person I see.
• there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
• even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
• every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
• I still have a lot to learn......

Day 17: A Song That I Hear Often on the Radio

I'm forced to listen to the radio on my way to work and the studio arts building.
With mainstream radio, it never fails to play a song at least 50 times in one day on every station.
I hear this song at least 5 times in one day.
I'm not kidding.

Day 16: A Song I Used to Love, but Now Hate

Can't say that has ever happened to me, because generally with songs I love, I will always love because of two reasons:
1) Because they're really good songs.
2) They hold a nostalgic affect on me whether they're good or not, and I used to think they or it was good.
But this song I could never hate.
It gives me goosebumps with the first chords.
I used to LOVE this song, and I don't hate it per se...
I just have a hard time listening to it sometimes for personal reasons.
Don't worry, I still love you, John Mayer.

Day 15: A Song that Describes Me

Alright, I thought about many contenders for this one.
I thought about "Man, I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain because I sing that a lot at karaoke.
"I'm Not a Girl Not Yet a Woman" by Britney Spears was far too cheesy.
"Misery Business" by Paramore because that has a lot of meaning to me.
"Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri because that too is my life in a nutshell.
But then I just kept thinking about sad songs that always remind me of things in my life, but I don't want to describe myself as a sad person. 
So I turned on my iTunes and came across this song because when I'm feeling down, I play music.
"Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright."

Day 14: A Song No One Would Expect Me to Love

Ok, this one was really hard to think of because everyone knows I love pretty much everything.
But then I remembered my childhood and listening to this song, and I actually still love this song a lot.
And the video is freakin sweet.
But it's not just the song, I think it's the band people wouldn't expect me to love.
Nostalgia will do that to you I guess.
I want my MTV!

Antique Collecting

So as said in blog post "Antique Room", I am starting to collect antiques.

Though my newest purchase isn't really that old, at least I don't think it is, it is pretty cool.

And it plays music.

PS - you're gonna love the frozen image at the end of the video...oh webcams.

Day 13: A Song That Is A Guilty Pleasure

Let's be honest, anything by the Backstreet Boys is my guilty pleasure.
Let's be even more honest, anything from my childhood is my guilty pleasure.
But I love BSB.
I can't help myself.
First concert ever in 5th grade.
BSB FOREVER!!
I like N*SYNC too.
And 98 degrees.
It's fine.

True Story

If you don't watch "How I Met Your Mother," you should.
Just sayin.

Day 12: A Song From A Band I Hate

Uh, why would I want to post a song by someone I hate?
Honestly, I can't even think of anyone I hate really...it's such a strong word...
I pretty much love everything.
I don't like Justin Bieber.
I don't like Miley Cyrus.
I don't like Jason Derulo or any other of those stupid wannabe Ushers and Michael Jacksons.
I don't like screamo/heavy metal/deathcore/bands that over use the double bass/anything that sounds like this:



They ruined a perfectly good song.
I like Punk Goes Pop but I was so dismayed when I heard this.
No one messes with my JT!
I hate you Alesana for doing this!!

Day 11: A Song By My Favorite Band

Well, I already posted my favorite band when I posted my favorite song, but this will have to do for favorite band I guess.
This is the ONLY song entitled "Somebody to Love" that's actually worth listening to.
Yes, I just dissed Justin Bieber.
Suck on it.
Queen rules.
And Freddie Mercury will be more of a man than Justin Bieber will ever be.

Day 10: A Song That Makes Me Fall Asleep

I've listened to this song so many times while falling asleep that I've conditioned myself to fall asleep by just hearing it.
So relaxing.
And by my second favorite band of all time - next to Queen.
I even had the privilege (no pun intended for you Incubus fans) of seeing them live in 2007.
I will see them again, I promise you.
They're amazing.

Day 9: A Song That I Can Dance To

Alright I can dance to A LOT of songs.
But not everyone can dance to this song.
FYI, there will probably be a lot more songs that remind me of when I was Singers. Definitely 2 years that will be forever, a huge part of my life.

Day 8: A Song I Know All the Words To

Well, I know all the words to hundreds of songs, but this one in particular I remember being the first radio song I knew all the words to.
I was in 2nd or 3rd grade.
I obviously knew all the words to the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and all those children songs, but this one was on the radio, so it was quite the accomplishment back then.
Like I said, in a previous post - I used to listen to country a lot back then...

Day 7: A Song That Reminds Me of a Certain Event

Singing this song during a karaoke contest won me a free trip to Vegas.
Probably one the coolest events in my life.
And I definitely want to do it again.

Day 6: A Song That Reminds Me of Somewhere

Summer 2008.
NIACC Singers cruise.
White Heat Dance Club.
Enough said.

Day 5: A Song That Reminds Me of Someone

Not just someone...but SOMEONES!
Yes, my dear, dear friends from NIACC Singers.
I love you all, and this song brings back SO many great memories!
Ugh, so nostalgic.

Day 4: A Song That Makes Me Sad

I used to be really into country when I was younger.
This song came out right about the time my Grandma H. died and I was around 9 years old.
It made me cry then.
It makes me cry now too, especially since I lost my Grandma K almost a year ago.
But this song always gets me no matter what is going on in my life.
And it is definitely one that has a lot of meaning to me.

Day 3: A Song That Makes Me Happy

There are a lot of songs that make me happy but this is probably one of the firsts that actually makes me smile.
Great memories.
Great times with a great friend.
This song will probably always make me happy.
Oh nostalgia...

Day 2: My Least Favorite Song

I came across this song on last.fm under my recommended playlist.
Uck. This is the worst song in the history of the world.
Terrible lyrics.
Terrible singing.
Not too mention the video is ridiculously awful.
JC...What the hell were you thinking?

PS - "Birthday Sex" is also a song I can't stand.

Day 1: My Favorite Song

How can you not like this song?
It has so many dynamic elements and it's by one of my favorite bands ever.
I love Queen.
And Freddie Mercury is a beautiful man.

30 Day Song Challenge

Saw this idea on facebook from my friend Andrew and could not NOT do it.

Here are the rules:

day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy 
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event 
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep 
day 11 - a song from your favorite band 
day 12 - a song from a band you hate 
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure 
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love 
day 15 - a song that describes you 
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate 
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry 
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood 
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

The Waiting Room...WTF

Ever wish your crush was single?
Sick of continuously stalking their profile to see if they're single yet?
No problem! You don't have to anymore! A new Facebook app stalks them for you!!
Seriously, Facebook, why are you allowing this low of all lows be on Facebook.

click to enlarge

Anonymously "wait out." What the hell? Why would you want to wait out for someone who is in a relationship with someone who is not you? Are they seriously worth it? And if they are, they'll probably be in a long term with whoever they're with and therefore if they break up, why would you want to be a rebound. And if you happen to be a rebound, they're probably not that great of a person if they're rebounding so quickly after being in a long term relationship, or just have a problem with being alone.


I would like to point out the paragraph that reads "Confidence To Be Single."
So, this means the confidence to be single means knowing there is someone you can rebound to if you get dumped or dump someone else.
Whatever happened to, I don't know...enjoying not being tied down to someone?
If you're afraid of being single, you're probably really insecure and therefore should work on yourself before reeling someone in to be with you and your insecurities.
I don't understand the people that ALWAYS have to be in a relationship.
Being single is awesome most of the time.
Yeah, I complain about being single, but then I think about the freedom I have.
The freedom to do whatever I want without someone freaking out on me that I went out without them.
I have plenty of time to find someone to be with, and plenty of options to do what I want.

Let me point out the next paragraph "It's Real."
What's real about telling someone in secret that you like them?
Whatever happened to telling someone TO THEIR FACE that you like them instead of hiding it from them and making them guess who has a crush on them.
When did being on Facebook turn into being a 12 year old?
Oh yeah, I guess 12-year-olds have Facebooks now, my bad.


Now let's take a look at the next hypothetical screenshot.

click to enlarge

"You will be able to see who is waiting after you become single."
Can you say desperate?
This application just make the desperate people seem more desperate than they already are.
If you're seriously using this application, it's time for a wake up call.
Get off of Facebook, and focus on REALITY.
Find someone who is single to be with, because more than likely they're going to be a better fit for you than someone who just broke up with their boy/girlfriend and aren't just looking for a rebound.

Am I the only one who think this app is just absolutely ridiculous?

You probably don't care about this...I'm just filling space

Autumn Composition by Tony Fitzpatrick

Review by Kacie Krominga

Five color etching with aquatint on German Etch paper

6” x 5”, 2001

Most likely done on a metal or glass plate, etching refers to creating an image on a plate with acid and then transferred onto paper, otherwise known as a form of printmaking. A lot of artists tend to do this process to create black and white images.

This image done by Fitzpatrick seems to have started off with creating an image in solely black, then color was added to it later.

The artwork information reveals that it was a five color etching, although at first glance, there appears to be six colors – blue, orange, pink, green, yellow and red; although the orange or pink was most likely used to make the reddish color in the image. Different shades of each color were used to create darker or lighter versions of the original color – especially with the pink and orange, there is more contrast with those two colors.

The image itself is more in juxtaposition to the title of the piece. “Autumn Composition” displays nothing of what one thinks when he or she thinks of Autumn. No rich oranges, reds, yellows or even browns are used in this piece. Instead the colors are bright and almost neon and in your face.

The green, thorny vine throughout the image is broken up by what seem to be clouds and give the image a dark undertone as opposed to what an image with such bright colors should portray. There are also a few sporadic bits of black that look like tiny tumbleweeds or tornadoes which also add to the dark undertone of the piece. The word composition means one of several things in the piece. Composition meaning a work of art, obviously, but it also means an arrangement of parts.

Three individual images within the piece appear to look like an atom or proton science fair project, where one can infer the “composition” of Autumn comes from. It may very well represent the composition of Autumn, but that still doesn’t explain the bright colors.

Some parts of the image seem to be melting or raining, which again, gives the image a sadder feeling even though the colors scream alive, happy and fun.

This image could represent what one feels during the transition of Summer to Winter. The bright colors represent the happiness of Summer, and the drips and black swirls represent the hatred of Winter coming. What is in between Summer and Winter? Autumn. Fitzpatrick just might have a hatred for Autumn, who knows.

The image as a whole is very surreal, confusing but interesting to look at. The bright colors draw the audience in, the focal point of the piece is in direct center but the green, thorny vine keeps the eye wandering to make one continue to look at the piece.

The rest of the piece is filled with small etchings that don’t really add anything to the piece except fill space.

FTR: I Still Like Lady Gaga A Lot

John Mason once said, “You were born an original, don’t die a copy.” So far in Lady Gaga’s career, she’s been nothing but an original.

From wearing raw meat dresses to award shows, or singing a song that implies she’s thinking of a woman while she’s having sex with a man – or so the rumors say about “Poker Face” – she continues to awe audiences with her originality.

However, it’s been lately that she’s been heavily compared to Britney Spears because of one reason being, they both released their latest singles – Britney with “Hold it Against Me” and Gaga with “Born This Way” within weeks of each other.

Both releases were hyped up in the media, especially via Twitter with #Bornthiswayfriday for the release of “Born This Way” and #FEMMEFATAL being the title of Britney’s soon to be released album, which also happened to be the longest running Trending Topic Twitter has ever seen in the United States alone.

But for some, it is hard to compare Britney and Gaga because of their differences. Britney’s been around for more than a decade so she’s said to have more credibility, more faithful fans, etc. But Gaga’s been called a pioneer because her uniqueness in music, lyrics and not to mention her fashion sense.

Although both ladies’ newest singles were released in the same month, they are not the ones that should be compared to each other right now.

It’s Lady Gaga and Madonna that should be compared.

Madonna has been around longer than Britney, longer than Gaga, and definitely longer than their diehard fans.

When Britney started, it was she who was compared to the Madge herself. It’s true, every generation has its Madonna, its Britney, whatever.

But as soon as “Born This Way” hit the airwaves, a couple things came to mind, but the most controversial issue that came up was it sound way too similar to Madonna’s “Express Yourself.”

“Born This Way” starts off like how most songs of Gaga tend to sound – upbeat, danceable and filled with synthesized beats. However, after a short monologue, the music warps into a poppy, techno sounding song that is similar to what one would hear from the late 80’s or early 90’s.

The first thing similar about this song to “Express Yourself” comes right away – both have a monologue that starts of the song; all Gaga is missing is a cow bell in the background.

But it’s the melodies that are way too similar.

The lyrics “Ooh there ain’t no other way, baby I was born this way, baby I was born this way,” the second “baby I was born this way” not only sounds similar to Madonna’s song, it’s practically note for note from “big strong hand to lift you to your higher ground.”

If that doesn’t do it for people, just speed up the beats per minute in “Express Yourself.” Though “Born This Way” is at 124 bpm, and “Express Yourself” is at 116 bpm, speed it up to match the tempos, and they’re practically the same song with different lyrics.

An artist can have a mentor and they can have someone they look up to, but they can only go so far as to imitate, someone they’re influenced by. Usher and Justin Timberlake have their influences from Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears have Madonna.

But it’s one thing to be inspired by someone, and another thing to copy.

Sorry Gaga, but if copying work that’s already been is what you do because you were born this way, it’s time to find another career – we don’t want you to die a copy.

Soul Mates

You Should Probably Listen to Her

Everything you thought about me is wrong

I'm not loud.
I'm actually really shy...get me around people that I love, and my personality shines.
My heart isn't open to everyone.
I keep myself very closed because I don't like feeling vulnerable. I'm only open to people I trust with things I want them to know. Like who I am, what I'm about, and the things I think you should know.
I'm not needy.
But I may seem like it when I want someone I care about to give me the things I need, and not the things I want, but what I need and think I deserve in a relationship. If I seem needy, it's probably because you're not making me happy but I'm trying to get you to.
I don't take my anger out on the wrong people.
If I take my anger out on you, it's probably because I'm unhappy and you're not filling my heart with the love I want.
I'm not annoying.
I'm goofy, weird, and say things that I think are funny. If you think that's annoying, you're probably too uptight.
I'm not a pushover.
I'm trusting when you first meet me, I'm forgiving if you screw up, but I'm always guarded. You can't get your way with me if you hurt my feelings, and I won't let you be in control of my life. I know what is best for me, and if you think you're what's best for me, you're probably wrong.

But I am caring.
I am affectionate.
I do have a big heart.
And it's easy to break it because of my caring nature.
I just want someone who knows how to treat it.
I just want someone to be right about me for once.

I think I want to be committed

I just want to be locked away somewhere for awhile and avoid all human contact.
Maybe it won't hurt so bad if I'm just alone for awhile.
Writing won't keep me from going clinically insane this time because I'm seriously on the verge of it.
How many times do I have to open myself up to someone and let them stab me in the heart?
God, give me the strength to live my life with optimism because I know you have someone amazing for me.
Why do you test me?
Why must I go through this heartache so often?
Why does it hurt so bad?
I just want to be alone.
I don't want human contact from anyone.
I just want to lock myself in my room until I'm able to go confidently in my stride again.

The People's Key - Bright Eyes, my review.

So I'm not a hardcore fan of Bright Eyes but I own 3 albums of theirs and like them. I had to write a review for a class about their latest album, The People's Key. Please don't slaughter me, because I know there are people who know way more about them than I do, and this very well may sound like I don't know what I'm talking about. It was just an assignment.

Listen to the new album before it's released.

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It’s hard to believe Bright Eye’s front man Conor Oberst is only 30 years old considering the band has been around since the mid-90s. And on February 15, the indie/folk band will be releasing their latest dish, The People’s Key, their tenth studio album.

Bright Eyes hasn’t come out with an album since 2007 when they released Cassadaga, so fans have been on edge since the announcement of a new album.

So what does the new album entail?

Well, fans can definitely expect to hear the same haunting vocals of Oberst they’re used to, backed up by a clean sounding set of melodies.

But although the vocals on this album are familiar and stay true to the sound of Bright Eyes, the album set-up itself tends to be a little lack luster.

The monologue at the beginning of the set of songs is very similar to how Cassadaga started – beginning the album with some sort of monologue that tries to tell a story about the album. And although Cassadaga had more of a country spin to a lot the songs, The People’s Key tends to sound very similar to the melodies of its previous counterpart.

“A Machine Spiritual” (The People’s Key) and “Hot Knives” (Cassadaga) have similar melodies. But I’ll give it them, being around for more than a decade, it’s hard not to have some songs sound like ones of the past.

And with this being said, one should hope that with any artist that has been around the block once or twice, they’d bring something to the table to make their sound feel fresh – and they did.

Some tracks like “Firewall” bring familiar, yet refreshing elements of earlier albums. While “Haile Selassie” makes the album feel more modern.

But it’s the mix of songs that stay true to Bright Eye’s fragmented compilations of the past.

The People’s Court has no real flowy transition between songs but the spoken words in the beginning as well as throughout, tie the album together to be inferred as a journey to enlightenment and almost has a spiritual feel - talking about the future and progressing, and lyrics like “We are starting over…” (“A Machine Spiritual").

Though the album may have similar sounds of past albums, for better and worse, Bright Eyes stays true to who they are, which is the most fans could ask for.

The Desire to Love

About 2 years ago, I turned to my mother for advice on my love life.
She told me I have a good heart and a caring nature.
She said God wouldn't have made the desire in my heart to love another so strong without creating someone to share that love with.
And I believe it.
If I didn't have the strong desire, God would have made me differently.
And sometimes I feel like I care too much for people, more specifically boys and some past friends too, I will admit.
But it's not that I care too much.
It's just that others never cared enough.
I have the desire to love another because God put that passion in my heart.
He knows the great I can bring to someone who can appreciate it.
I want to be there for someone.
I want to be someone that someone else can turn to.
Because I know I am that person.
I know how to care for and love another.
I'm just waiting for God to tell me when it's my turn to show it.

I'm no narcissist but...

Is it just me, or do I get better looking the longer I'm single?
Just saying.
I look so good without you.
And I hope you miss me.
Because you lost a good thing.
You lost a great thing...
And I hope you're happy with her, I truly do.
But she'll never love you more than I did, and no one ever will.

Sometimes I feel like giving up....

But I know I can't because I'm not a quitter.
I know it's easy to want to give up on believing someone is out there is looking for me too because we haven't crossed paths yet.
And I know it's easy to want to give up hope.
And I mustn't because giving up means I have faced defeat.
And defeat means I'm failing myself.
I'd be telling myself that there is no one and I know there is.
How do I know? Because I have faith.
I've crossed paths with many guys that have all taught me a lesson about myself and what I'm looking for.
I know what I want and I'm waiting until I find someone who can fulfill everything on my perfect man list.
I'm not giving up.
Giving up means there is no hope, and there is no one.
But I know there is.
He's the one who won't give up either.

I Wish I Wrote This

Worth Fighting For

I don't want something that's just convenient, I want something that's worth fighting for...

It's easy to be in a relationship with someone who has time to see you.
It's easy to be in a relationship with someone who's cute and has a few similar interests.
It's easy to settle to with someone who likes you that you think is alright.
Because it's convenient.
Because it's easy.
And maybe it really does work out.
But maybe I don't want something convenient.
Maybe I don't want something that's easy.
I want something worth fighting for.
I want someone who wants to be with me as bad as I want to be with them.
I want someone who won't settle for mediocre.
I don't think I'm mediocre.
I think I'm worth fighting for.
I want someone who will fight for me.
I don't care if he lives miles away.
I don't care if I can't see him everyday.
I care that he's there for me emotionally and mentally as much as I am there for him.
Because I'm the kind of person who will be there for him.
I'm the kind of person who cares.
When I want something, I put my whole heart into it.
I am worth fighting for.
And I don't settle for less than I deserve.
I've done that, I'm over that.
I'm ready to fight for what I want.
Are you?

It's oh so quiet, shh...shh...shh

I like the quiet

I like being able to hear my own thoughts

I like being able to hear my heart beat

I like to hear the sound of my breath with every inhale, every exhale

I like to sit outside in the quiet

I like to hear the noises of nature surrounding me

Like the wind whistling through the trees

Or the occasional bird chirp

Or slight cracking of a branch as a squirrel pounces across

I stood outside in the still of night a couple nights ago

It was cold and the frost of winter started to numb my face

But I listened to the wind briefly 

It was quiet

I listened as the frozen rain on some everlasting leaves clinked together like hollow bones on a witch doctor's necklace

That's the only way to describe the sound

You rarely hear the sound of leaves covered in ice in the dead of a winter night
It was quiet and that's all that was heard
I like to sit in the quiet while taking a hot bath
The sound of the water lightly splashing with every small movement
The hollow sounds that echo off the bathroom walls
Or the small crackling noises of bubbles dissolving on top of the water
I like the quiet
Peaceful
Quiet
Shh...

I'm a Dreamer, Not a Schemer

School started and already I can't wait for it to be over

I sit in class all day not really paying attention to anything because most of my classes are second levels of something I've already taken, so it's all junk I've already heard

Sometimes I just start daydreaming

Of things I'd much rather be doing

Of places I'd rather be

Of the summer after I finally have my Bachelor's Degree... OK I just squealed a little...

Of Autumn when I finally don't live in IC anymore

Of finally living in the same town with the majority of my friends

But most of the time I daydream about him

Of how sweet he is

Of how frustrated it makes me I can't be near him

Of how funny he is

Alright, I daydream about him a lot

I daydream about how I hope it will work out when I move

If we're even still interested in each other when I do move

I haven't been this giddy in a long time and I really hope it works out

Can school just be over?

Can I just move right now?

Dreaming is all I have right now

Find Out for Yourself

I'll admit, I have judged people based on what other people have said about them.
I've judged a book by its cover.
Yeah, when I was young and stupid.
But if you're a college aged adult or older and still judging people by what other people say or judging someone by what the look like...aka not getting to know someone for yourself...
....It's time to grow up.
I'm always finding myself saying..."That's just what I heard...I'm not one to judge because I don't know them."
Seriously, I say that.
Even when a hint of me feels like gossiping about someone, I'm always taken back when I don't know the person.
And I'm saying this because I've done it, but I've also been a victim of it numerous times, and it's not fun.
It's hurtful.
And it really messes with your head.

Treat others with respect.
You know who you are.
Your best friends and family know who you are because they've gotten to know you.
They don't judge you.
They don't care what others say because they're the ones who know you.
Not him.
Not her.
Not the chick 3 doors down who you've spoken to twice.
Don't judge someone because of what you heard or because a first impression failed.
If you seriously need gossip in your life, though try not to use that as an excuse, find out about that person for yourself.
They may turn out to be someone you really get along with.

Is This Real Life?

Seriously.
I feel like I'm living on soap opera right now.
I'd go into detail about what is happening, but that's way too personal.
Even for this girl's blog.
But some of you know what is going on and are great support systems for me.
But seriously, am I dreaming right now?
Is this real life?

Do you think the animal world sees color?

When Things Don't Go Your Way

When you think about it, things never really go the way you want them to or expect them to.
You may get into the college you want, but the classes are harder than you expected.
...or your schedule screws up your graduation date.
You may find a job that fits your schedule and helps you pay bills but you can't stand the work and someone you work with hates your guts.
You get the only copy of a movie you want to see at a rental place but it's scratched up.
You find a cheap place to live but your new roommate drives you up a wall.
You're picked first for a team, but you end up losing the game.
You find your soul mate but they end up being taken by someone else.
You finally find a guy that likes you but then you're torn between him and another one.
You find the perfect recipe for your favorite dish but don't have any money for the ingredients.
You get offered your dream job but it's 20,000 miles away from nowhere.
You win the lottery but so many taxes are taken out that you only have enough money to pay your debts.
Someone tells you they're interested in you but suddenly falls off the face of the earth .

You get my point...
There are things in life that seem so wonderful the instant they happen, but then for whatever reason, how you wished it panned out, is suddenly diminished and you're left with an empty heart and a huge headache.
It's hard to get past the negative things that come in life, especially when you try so hard to try and make things go the way you want them to.
And I know it sucks.
You're left confused.
You're wondering how you could have changed the course.
You try to think of other ways to get what you want.
But sometimes, getting what you want really doesn't happen.
Sometimes you need to look at what you need and see if it's right in front of you nose.
Chances are it probably is, you just choose to be oblivious because it's not what you want.

If You Didn't Know...

This is just a little reminder that December has new blogs...I finally have all of my blogs for 25 Blogs to Christmas posted.
At last.
Yeah I only have 17, but I found it very difficult to write everyday.
And I found it very difficult to come up with things to write about.
You'd think being in journalism for 7 years I'd be better at stuff like that.
Yeah, nope.

Just Because It's Wednesday

Can I just have a guy who will show up randomly at my door with a bouquet of flowers?
Who says, "Put on a nice outfit, I'm taking you out."
And takes me on a romantic dinner date.
Followed by a movie on the couch.
Or a walk in the park.
Or on the docks by the lake under the stars.
Or even to a playground and swing on the swings for awhile.
Followed by laughs and great conversations.
And a goodnight kiss that leaves you breathless.
That makes you wish it didn't end.
Can I have that?
Just once.
Or twice.
Or a reoccurring yearly thing.
Can he just show up at my door unexpected and give me a fairy tale?
That would be wonderful.