| Merry Christmas to all, and happy wintery stuff to everyone else.
I've been in Nodak now for, oh about four days. Damned y key is being sticky. Don't know what to do 'bout that... Anyway, was going to talk all about my wonderful christmas presents, and all the small town, down home, goings on, but I don't feel like it any more. I'm really kinda hungry. I might have to go hunt down some of that stuffing I shoved in the fridge earlier. And Hawaiian Punch. I love that stuff. mmmmm it's fruity and everything. Tomarrow is going to be a blissful shopping trip, because I have 100 bucks to spend on clothes, and if I'm sneeky, a book or two. I've got plenty of stories to share if I find time later this trip. If I don't, I'm sure I'll journal about them and fill ya in when I get back to school. Speaking of which, grades should be up next week. Oh, the horror. |
Joss Shares Her American Dreams
The highly rated NBC show American Dreams breaks the mold on January 30th. Joss will perform "Right To Be Wrong," from her current CD Mind, Body & Soul. Typically the show features current artists singing “oldies,” but Joss so captivated the producers that they asked her to do her own material!
How neat is that? I think Blake Shelton is the other artist that has sang his own material on the show. Has anyone else?
| I love rumors.
No. Wait. That didn't come out right. I love it when rumors about Keith putting out a Live DVD of his Be Here Tour turn out to be true. Check out what I found out here. URBAN TAPING FOR LIVE DVD Two of Keith Urban's last shows of the year are in Los Angeles, last night and tonight at L.A's legendary Wiltern Theatre. They're spending two nights in the Wiltern to tape a live DVD, that will be worth the price when it's available. KATRINA ELAM opens the evening and has gone from good to awesome, tight show, great vocals, confident, engaging stage performance. The Keith Urban show has become huge, offering his multiple talents as singer, songwriter and master musician. (More on both tomorrow.) ***** I checked again today and they don't have anymore information up, but Keith is on the cover of Country Music Today, Nashville Lifestyles, the new Country Weekley, and Playgirls Most Wanted...so I anyone is looking for christmas presents...I'm expecting that last one. *wink wink* |
| I snitched this from Angel who snitched it from Erin who snitched it from....well, you can see where this is going.
This is my token effort to hold off on the holy Hell that is studying for finals. LAST movie you rented: I don't rent movies perse, I borrow them from the library. Currently, that consists of Hackers, Beyond Borders, Spy Game, Snatch, and The Devil's Own. movie you bought: Overboard, I think song you listened to: Dying to Live by Jonny Lang song that was stuck in your head: Nothing to Lose by Josh Gracin cd you bought: Keith Urban, Be Here cd you listened to: Nelly, Suit person you’ve called: Becky tv show you’ve watched: The Fabulous Life... I'm hooked on those shows person you were thinking of: My mom. I forgot to call her on her birthday, although I did remember the day before... DO you think about suicide: not really. It's not my thing you believe in online dating: No, although my mom has suggested it. Admitting that reflects poorly on my love life huh. you want more piercings: I'd love second holes. It's been my life long dream since I was ten. you do drugs: na-uh you smoke: nope FOR OR AGAINST long distance relationships: can be very tricky... using someone: Bad. Very bad. killing people: Not good. Although it's sometimes needed, and I'm not talking about the death penalty. teenage smoking: Against. Talk about killing people... premarital sex: For sure, or else I wouldn't be here now would I? driving drunk: Who votes yes for this one? gay/lesbian relationships: Go right ahead. Don't forget to knee Mayo boy on you're way out. HAVE YOU… ever cried over a guy: Define cry ever lied to someone: Yes and so has Toshia becase OMISSION IS A FORM OF LYING! ever been arrested: No...cop cars are a whole 'nuther story. NUMBER… of times you have been in love?: What kind of love? Love Love? zilch of times you have had your heart broken: zip. Beaten up and kicked, plenty. Broken, never. Send the Heartbreaker my way when ya see him. of hearts you have broken?: Please don't make me laugh. of drugs taken illegally?: zero, unless sniffing Binaca is taking drugs, but that was for a bet. of people you would classify as true friends: At least a hand, maybe a couple more...I'm lucky that way. of people you consider your enemies?: I don't have any. I'm too annoying of things in your past that you regret?: I regret not putting my foot down in 5th grade when I wanted to play the drums. I mean, me? On a clarinet? No wonder that didn't last. FAVORITE… scent: Cut grass and Ozone before it rains. word: Of all time or at the moment? Damn seems to be the most used... eye color: Oh, I love eyes. I like them soulful, who cares about the color. Soulful, or laughing, or both at the same time flower: Lilacs and Lavender and Black Eyed Susans. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE… pretty: I'm very cute. funny: A regular riot friendly: When I've had sleep amusing: Klutzes are always amusing loveable: Absolutely pessimistic: Only when I'm stressed and spazzing optimistic: Continually caring: Care Bears are so cute sweet: That's me. Toshia calls me Sugar. dorky: Just call me Screech Spell your first name back wards: A S I L (ing) Ha! I could have two names and not know it. DESCRIBE YOUR… Wallet: It's purple. Toothbrush: It's purple too. Jewelery worn daily: Class ring, Silver watch with the "kinda girly" mens wristband the jewlery guy at Walmart picked out, normally 3 friendship bracelets on my ankle, but one fell off, and whatever earrings I slept in. Pillow cover: Right now, there's two sage green ones and a dark purple one. Blanket: Big heavy purple and green monstrosity that one of my Grand-Somebody's made that dented my mom's new washing machine. Coffee cup: Blue. I got it from church. It has some sort of slogan from our stewardship drive. Shoes: I love shoes. My Anwser won't fit here. Handbag: Camel colored vitage faux something. It's falling apart. So I'm hunting for a new one. Favorite shirt: My Be Here Concert T CD in stereo right now: Dierks Bentley, Don't Leave Me In Love What you are wearing now: Grey Grumpy tee and Mr. Clean boxers Hair: Weird browny-blonde tossed up into a very sloppy bun WHO or WHAT (was/is/are) In my mouth: My Teeth, tounge, and some saliva In my head: I hope for brains, but I'm thinking it's hollow. Can you think if you're head is hollow? Wishing: Finals were over....and there was still some of those breadsticks from last night left over After this: I supose I should start on my Final Ed project Talking to: Toshia, who is trying to read a book and getting annoyed with me. Person you wish you were with: I'd love to be with Keith Urban. Ah, the things dreams are made on, of, and about. Something you’re looking forward to in this up coming month: Visiting Nodak and seeing the 'Rents and the Rug Rats and the Animals and Everyone else Something you’re not looking forward to in this up coming month: It's going to be VERY cold. Something that you are deadly afraid of: Not taking my chances when I get them Do you like the taste of blood: Well, it does taste better than Yague Do you believe in love: Absolutely Do you believe in soul mates: Yes, Have you met my parents? Do you believe in love at first sight: I think It's possible to recognise someone you're ment to be with, but that's not exactly love. But yeah, I like to think so. It's a romantic notion. Do you believe in God: Yep, there is defininately a big somebody upstairs, and they have lots of fun laughing at me. What do you want done with your body when you die: I think I want to be stuck in the ground. No feeding the fishies for me. Who is your worst enemy?: The makers of denim jeans. I have NO HIPS people!!! If you could have any animal for a pet: I've always been partial to something big, leggy and fast. Maybe a Liger, if I'm going for exotic. They're very big, very pretty, and very rare. But having horses, or even dogs that listen would be great. |
| I've tried to get this stupid entry about how people take christmas too seriously up three times now. The first time, the computer shut off and the second two, blogger erased by entries.
So here is my damned link I wanted to share with everyone. There. You don't get all my snarky, but cute comments because Blogger erased them and I have two tests to study for. All you get stuck with is the link. And you better check it out because it's really funny. Really. |
Hey Erin, I found someone who agrees with you about how stupid romance novels are. Even though I don't think they're stupid, since I read them so voraciously and all, I still found this site funny. Very funny. Although, I actually own the "cradle robber" book. It's a good thing his titles only have to do with what the cover art is. That would be a horrible title for that story. Man who needs to grow a backbone and tell his daddy off, is a much better title. See, Not so difficult is it. I should make fun of myself more often. It's leaving me in a relatively good mood today, even though I've got a crap load of stuff to do and study for. Pleas tell me who was the genious who came up with a divided finals week? THEY SUCK!!!! |
I just finished reading a thought provoking book. It's probably the first thing that's really gotten me humming this semester. And it wasn't what I expected it to be. I finished reading Jane Pauley's autobiography, Skywriting: A Life Out Of The Blue, in a little under four hours. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I got. I originaly thought I'd give the book a looksee because Jane has Bipolar. My mom has Bipolar, and there's a good chance that me or one of my sisters will have it too. I was in third grade when my mom was hospitalized and diagnosed. I remember my sister bringing home lice, saving all of my money to buy my very own bike, and getting a urinary track infection. I got to visit my mom once during that time. Me and my dad were on our way back from a trip to the doctor. I was jubilant because I managed to fill up one of those urine cups. Not an easy task for a clumsy nine year old. But Jane's story didn't focus on her disease. It focused on a woman who was still on a life journey. I was reading about her striking out on her own, her highschool persona, and saw little pieces of me in there. I feel so restless still. This whole semester has been branded with that word. I feel restless, or I feel tired, or even worse, bored. I guess I'm looking forward to this Christmas break and the new year. I get to start over in some way. I get to gain a year to my age and a couple months to my experiences. But most of all, I get to lookforward and figure out why I've been so restless. |
| It's really amazing how you're past and future and all sorts of weird cosmic things can converge when you least expect it.
Is now a good time to tell you this is an article about deer? Country Star Swoops in to Save Deer I love Montgomery Gentry. They are a wonderful duo of warm, fun loving, hard playing, rocking, partying guys. They are one of my dream concerts to see. Columbia Heights. Man, this is one of my many homes. I used to go sledding on the hill right across the street from Minnesota Water Works. My dad went to the Highschool down the road, and I took swimming lessons there. Good memories. It's just crazy to find stuff like this on my homepage. |
| Filched from here.
Keith Urban, country music star and sex symbol, was once cut loose from a metal rock band: "I was busting out these Ricky Skaggs guitar solos. They fired me." ***Please wait a moment while I laugh. *** ***Still laughing*** I'm okay now. Well, at least I know Erin should get a kick out of this. Really. Some people have no sense of humor. |
Keith's Better Half video is up on AOL. Go. Watch. Then come back and comment on how Yummy he is. |
What is with me and men from Oz? I mean, Keith, Heath, Hugh, they all just keep adding up. Right now, I've been eyeballing Hugh Dancy. Don't know him? That's okay. I didn't know who he was until I saw Ella Enchanted. (Cute movie by the way, but not as good as the book.) Anyhow, while checking out his filmography online, I found out that I've seen many movies with him in it, including King Arthur (which stars the beautifully scrubby Joel Edgerton, another man from Oz) and Black Hawk Down (Josh Hartnet, Orlando Bloom, Gulf War I, ring any bells?). What is wrong with American boys? I want to know why I don't have a thing for any USDA prime hunk. Really. It just kills me. Maybe my whole problem is that I haven't been out of the country. I could go to Canada and go bowling or something. Just to shake this world up a bit. |
| No. I am not having an identity crisis.
Have you ever played one of those mixer games? They're always something stupid where you have to introduce yourself to a group of people you half know, half don't know, and half don't care if you know or ever will see again. With in five yes or no questions, I became the newly wed, eternally bottle blonde, cleavage flaunting, poptart, Mrs. Kevin Federline. I attended this baby shower (complete with duck theme and blue punch) and munched on meatballs with Princess Diana, Henry Ford, Hilary Clinton, Zorro, Thomas the Tank Engine, Mother Teresa, George Washington, Xena the Warrior princess, Cher, Garth Brooks, Mickey Mouse, and Bob Villa. |
| I know the rape case at BSU has had heated debate on all sides, not just those restricted to SweetandSourGoth's blog, but I admit that I was shocked that the case wasn't even going to court when I heard it on the news last week. Then I got cynical. After all, women just cry rape. We ASK for it. And all of those other acid tasting, horrible, politically incorrect phrases that get bandied about when discussing rape flashed in my head and even were spat from my tounge.
Today however, I read an Opinion from my school paper that made me realize that I'm not the only one who see this crap as filth. I filched the article from the Universtiy Chronicle. Injustice at BSU serves as example Published: Thursday, December 9, 2004 Bemidji State University holds a very special place in my heart. It was where I met some of my best friends. It was where I learned how to be better then I was, it was where I got to party with my little brother because he went to school there two years after I started. Most importantly, it was the place where I met my future wife. On Thursday, December 2, 2004, the 10 o'clock news came on telling the world that three men who attended Bemidji State University were not going to trial for a rape that occurred the previous fall. Was this a case of not having all the evidence like they say, or was it a way for an athlete and a deputy to get off without a scratch? I am sure it was the first one, since all people are good, especially in Bemidji. When was the last time a study was done in Bemidji about how many rape cases are reported a year, and of those cases, how many make it to court? After I graduated BSU I went two hours south to SCSU to further my education and climb up to the next level of money-making, because as we are all told, more education means more money (yeah, right). I have been here for over a year now, and when this story broke out it got so big that the women on my new campus held a rally for the young woman going through this ordeal. It is a sad day in the world when a person says he or she was raped and there is nothing that comes of it. Some say there was lying, some say the bad people are walking free, the point that is being lost here is that women are still not being treated equally. That night, when I was watching the news on television, I had the opportunity to witness two different newscasts on the same story. KARE 11 simply said there was not evidence to charge the three men, however, KSTP the lovely ABC affiliate, put a spin on the story that attacked the rape victim in this case. Just a few more non-guilty boys getting to sleep soundly in their beds tonight. Once again the people of the world are reinforced with the idea that women are below men, that they are not equal. Oh, there is another woman lying about being raped, how awful for those boys. There are a few things in this world that need to change as I see it. First, men have to stop raping women, or should I say people need to stop raping people. The news media need to allow for their reporters to work towards a better objective way of reporting, where was the side of the victim in this story? Education needs to expand and teach something useful, enough of these elementary children learning how the white man triumphed over the Native Americans; it didn't happen like that. If these things were to happen, it would be a start in the right direction. However, until this does happen, we are going to have rape, murder and drugs all around and it could be my family going through this next time. Ryan Lowe Graduate Student Mass Communications |
filched from Star Trib Review: Urban shows his stuff as legend in the making Jim Meyer, Special To The Star Tribune
Appearing in his trademark tattered blue jeans and a fading black T-shirt (and no hat), Urban pulls off the "anti-star" look that seems so forced on other performers. Despite the Male Vocalist honors, his guitar prowess is the key to his brand of hooked-filled country rock. And it really powers his live show as he proved throughout the night and right from the start on the opener, "Days Go By" a live-for-today rouser.
Though soft-spoken, Urban is just enough of a showman. On "Where the Blacktop Ends," he entered the crowd and circled the auditorium (without a follow spotlight). Rather than a crowd-pleasing gimmick, it seemed more like his way of bringing the crowd a little closer. And this crowd definitely wanted to get closer. Women strolled the aisles all night for a closer look and better camera angle.
For many artists, the "unplugged" break seems like an obligatory breather, but for Urban it was a seven-song showstopper. He opened with a song by his old band, the Ranch, and included an effective duet with opening act Katrina Elam. That set the stage for the highlight piece, "Making Memories of Us" by Rodney Crowell. Urban, resembling Isaak somewhat, showed that the Male Vocalist award was fully deserved, even if it was unexpected. He picked up the pace with "Jeans On" and "She's Gotta Be," a brooding song that built to a rocking symphonic swirl. From there it was a seamless segue back into the electric set with the inspiring "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," ending with a few bars of U2's "Beautiful Day." For an encore he performed "Tonight I Wanna Cry" alone at the electric piano, showing yet another of his talents.
Urban is a spiritual man who puts his hope and faith into his music and Christian values into his unglamorous style. When he exits, he says, "God bless you, and be true to yourselves," and plays a recording of Bob Marley's "One Love" as spectators exit. In small but important ways, Urban dares to be a little different, and that counts for a lot. A youthful 37, Urban has learned how to construct a thoroughly impressive and pleasing set. But he also seems just to be hitting stride. Maybe there's a Lifetime Achievement Award waiting out there, too.
In another classy move, Urban came out with opening act Elam, reprising his role on her single "No End in Sight." Elam is a proud Oklahoma girl (and Reba lover) who wowed the Northrop crowd with her hyperspeed country yodeling just before Urban appeared on her closing number.
Jim Meyer is a freelance writer based in St. Louis Park. |
| We finally have snow. Well, enough snow that I shouldn't gallivant around in my sandals. I even managed to bring most of my flip-flops to BL so I wouldn't be tempted by them. I kept two pairs here, my nice silver prom ones and my scrubby blue Old Navy ones. I also kept by brown three inch heels and my wedged brownish ones. Other than that, I have three pairs of tennis shoes in various shades of white.
**Does a double take of that sentence** I wear darkish colors. Grey being a favorite, although, now that I have my new KU concert tee, I think black may be making a major comeback. Otherwise, I stick with jeweled tone things, dark purples and greens. And I look good in brown which I find strange. So Why the hell do I have white shoes? *shakes head* |
Speaking of things. I may need to find new winter boots. I don't think duct tape is going to hold them together. I guess that's what happens when you steal your dad's million year old boots and then go sledding in them. They implode. Maybe I can talk him into buying new boots. His are WAY too big for me, but they are so warm and comfy. Besides, I don't wear 'em all that often.
**goes off to scheme myself some new boots*
| Cocaine adicts and crackwhores have nothing on me.
I ordered Toshia's Christmas present online a couple of weeks ago. It annoyed the crap out of her because I had it sent here instead of to my other adresses. In fact, I believe I strutted my hypocritical boasting here on my blog about how wonderful I was at keeping Toshia's Christmas secret. Toshia has been battering Anthony about how unfair it is that she can't pick up my packages. She whined to Kristen when she picked up my package slip out of the mailbox. She complained about it when she vehemently tossed the slip at me while I was being lazy this morning reading Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell. I waited until I finished the book. (Loved it like crazy. It's joining some of the other Elizabeth Lowell books on my to buy and own list. I just wish she's write some more about those Yummy Donovan Brothers.) Then I got up. Got dressed in my scrubby, I don't feel like showering clothes, and ran barefoot down stairs to the front desk ducking the police guy (still haven't figured out if he's campus or city) to get my packaged. I then ran up the stairs and threw it at her practically begging her to open it. Not a proud moment let me tell you. |
Caved like there was no self control. *shakes head miserably.*
| Last night me and my Cousin Sandy went and saw Keith Urban again. Well, it's an again for me anywhos.
The night started with us trying to find the East River Road parking ramp, since neither of us has ever actually been to the Northrop. We did make it though, and in one piece, while jamming to the blue album. We then proceded, sans coat and in sandals, to the Northrop. I'd never been there, but I did know it was where they put on plays and such. I was expecting something like we have on campus. Why, I'm not sure. But the Northrop is this beautiful old building with Classical collums and beautiful hard wood doors. I got my Concert T-shirt finally. The concert was absolutely fab. I'm sure you don't want to know all the glorious, sweaty, head banging, hair flipping, guitar soloing, details. All I will say, is that I was fabulous. He was fabulous. And Toshia is so wrong about the age thing. |
| I know. I am not a badass because I'm crazy about Willie Nelson. The man is like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, or Kris Kristopherson. (Dummy me. The Highwaymen. Love them like, well, things that I shouldn't mention, or at least not admit to loving. No it's not boy bands, but it could be classic Power Rangers. ) But they are beyond the country genere. They are pure American Music.
Anyway. He has his new album out now. It's wonderful. Exactly what you'd expect from this crazy, amazing, life living man. My favorite track on the album is Big Booty. Even if you don't give a rats ass about listening to the whole album. Go here and click on the track. It's a song that should be put in radio rotations, but I'm sure won't get any airplay because of the Clean Channel choke hold on popular radio. Different rant. Different time. Go Listen. |
Or else, there is a wolf someone missed crying. Or perhaps, I walked towards the wrong light.
All I know, is that this strange, weird, completely psychotic burst of cleaning energy I had this evening is beyond the pail (or is it pale? Or is there a completely differently spelled, uh, pail.)
I was being my normal lazy self. I took myself up on my offer and read The Year My Life Went Down The Loo, by Katie Maxwell (aka Katie MacAlister, aka KatieMac, aka the Monday Dishy Guy finder wonder, aka one of the most hilarious authors ever.)
I'm not quite sure how I feel about the book yet. I find it hilariously wonderful, but she seems so naive that it bugs me sometimes. I fondly remember sixteen, and my life was not nearly exciting in the guy department. And she keeps slaming all the history junk in England. But cute and entertaining. It is afterall, a YA novel.
But that is WAY off topic.
As I was saying, I was feeding my reading habit when all of a sudden, I get out of bed, turn on the "telly" (did I mention the book's set in England?) (Back with the bad puns!!!) to GAC and started CLEANING!!!
Did you read that?
Me.
Cleaning.
Our room.
I mean, It was mostly my mess. But still. Me. And my room. It boggles the mind. I didn't even pause when Tosh and Anna came home to see me frantically (and fanatically) cleaning off the coffee table. I'm sure they were wondering what sickness I had contracted, what ghoulish otherwordly thingy invaded my body, or else was thinking I was snorting the fuzz lining my coat pockets.
Personally, I think an alien invaded my brain. The reality prolly is a cross between all of those and the haltage of the cloggers.
| I don't feel like doing much because of them. So I'm listening to Keith's Be Here album and read The Year My Life Went Down the Loo by Katie Maxwell.
Otherwise, I could watch Walking Tall with the Rock (not A Rock). And Joey should be on tonight. And we're having pizza later. And Tosh and Anna made cookies for their band class so I can steal some of those. But I think I'm just going to take the easy way out. Spend some quality time with Keith in bed. That sounds excellent to me. Absolutely perfect for now. |