no. 132: we own... a horribly written script

Meredith, Geof and I went up to Baltimore for the St.Patty's day parade and Dad's big shindig. It was most excellent. Lots of food, lots of people, lots of people dressed up in ridiculous green clothing. Glad we made the trip.
Meredith and I watched We Own the Night last night and OH BOY was it awful. It's just hopelessly boring, and it tries to hard to be suspenseful, which just makes it annoying. Dunno. I felt bad for Marky Mark and Jaoquin Phoenix, b/c I like both of them. Eva Mendez is so gorgeous, but her character in that movie is sort of strange and not thought out very well. All in all: disappointing.

A while ago, Carlos introduced me to this guy, and his show, which is AMAZING. I highly recommend wiki-ing him and then beginning to watch all the episodes. Geof, Meredith and I killed about an hour and a half yesterday watching him. 7/31/06 is particularly excellent, in my opinion.

This morning, iGoogle ("Google is our dear and glorious leader") music brought me this Rolling Stone article about Obama. It's pretty well written and actually pretty interesting. I don't really know that I'm for Obama yet. I mean, I'm more for him than any of the other candidates, but I don't know enough about any of them to be gung-ho about it. I used to be really excited about the vote and about this campaign. Not I care in as much as I hope Hilary doesn't win b/c she terrifies me. And she has no idea what to do about war-- which is sort of my big issue anyway. I feel like Obama is a great campaigner, and really accomplished at speaking and being personable. I just have no idea if he'll do anything with the Presidency. Not that I think there's going to be a drastic change either way. This Congress has YET to pass the Farm Bill after two extensions. Meanwhile farmers are being gypped out of money and time and lobbyists, the ones who aren't crooked, are having their souls sucked out of them by maneuvering and in-fighting. Lord love the U.S. government, they take their sweet time.

Anyway-- I forgot to do the 7 yesterday, but it was a busy day so even if I hadn't forgotten, I probably wouldn't have gotten 'round to it anyway.
Today is a BIT slower: reading, writing, watching season 2 of West Wing and possibly hanging out with Nick. I really want to go see the Bank Job or In Bruges, but I don't know if that's going to happen. We'll see. I still have to figure out how Kendall and I are getting to the airport on Wednesday. Rah.

1. "My Lover's Prayer" by Otis Redding: This was featured on the two episodes of Season 2 of the Sopranos were Christopher gets shot and is in ICU. I love Adrianna sitting beside him holding his hand while this plays, especially b/c of their problems in the past few episodes. Very touching, but just a generally gorgeous song.
   
2. "Guns and Cigarettes" by Atmosphere: Uhm, so I know I've already done an Atmosphere song on this playlist, but I was listening to him the other day and realized he's awesome (although Michael likes Sage Francis better-- to each his own). It's the lines "I need ot start writing rhymes about other peoples' problems/ cause the strangers are starting to get worried" that bring this song to List level.
   
3. "Christina" by Patty Griffin: So sad, but SO gorgeous. "Liars can say it all just as well." Patty Griffin's voice is unparalleled and so worth it. I made a great mix of her songs @ Jenny's once and have been listening to it with regularity for the past few weeks. She's great. Also check out "Rain" and "Peter Pan".
   
4. "Fresh Feeling" by Eels: Talked about this song already, last blog. From the Scrubs soundtrack, and really excellent. I'm partial to Eels anyway, though they sometimes tend to be crass, but the musical production is great and his voice is incredibly soothing.
   
5. "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet: I have a great memory of this song from Beach Week, about three or four years ago. Chris Pittman, me, Beth Powell, Brian, Casey Grey (who I randomly saw in the Denver airport when I was there over X-mas break but did not say hi to b/c he intimidates me by being so gorgeous) on the bus coming back from the last beach day. Chris had his acoustic out and we were all singing this song. When we were done we kind of looked at each other Chris says, "That's probably not the best song for church camp." I just laughed and concurred. Man, I miss that kid. Anyway-- this song is great. "He Went to Paris" is another great one, though tragically sad.
   
6. "Books from Boxes" by Maximo Park: I found Maximo initially on the Stranger Than Fiction soundtrack, when "Going Missing" was on there (another great song-- also good is "Girls Who Play Guitars"). This song is the perfect mix of great music and story telling in lyrics. It makes me happy b/c it's got a great driving beat, but his voice and the general gist of the story is kind of melancholy.
   
7. "Sleep Tonight [Junior Boys Remix]" by Stars: Uhhhm, if you haven't heard of either the Junior Boys or Stars, you need to get on that immediately. I've loved the Stars for a LONG time, and was maxi excited when In Our Bedroom After the War came out. I found this remix on hype.com a while back and listened to it again today. Turns out it's off an album called Do You Trust Your Friends, in which the premise is Stars turned over Set Yourself on Fire to their rockstar friends and told them to remake the album. It's amazing. This is my favorite though.
   

That's all for today, kids, unless something fun and exciting happens.
This is the palindrome, inanely blogging so you don't have to.

H.

PS. Apparently my roommates hate me. This came as sort of a discomforting shock. Makes me even more centered that I'm living in the Marylander next year by myself. Apparently I cannot keep friends I live with.

no. 117: Mee-Yow!

Hullo, you faithful few.

The show was EXCELLENT. My roomies all hate me for ratting them out on their V-cards, but that's okay. It was a blasty blast. I had forgotten how ridiculous it all is. Anyway-- the photos are posted... and hilARious.

Finally finished writing the stupid evil Plato essay. Now I have to finish reading the Phaedo, finish reading Education of Henry Adams and start writing my Expos essay on The Iliad. Meh. But I don't have class Tuesday, and I'm only working from 2:30-6. BTW-- come visit me!! Everyone's thrilled Carma's is open til 9 now. It's going to be good times. And anyway, us junkies will have somewhere to go for a decent fix after 4, now.

Enough blather. It's Sunday and you know what that means:

7 More Songs to Live to:

1. "Don't Ever Question That" by Atmosphere: This song was a little violent. Obviously not in its content, but in general. The chorus is startling. However, it reminds me of relationships I've had myself, where the feeling is a little raw and difficult to express adequately so it comes out wrong. Anyway-- the lyrics of the verse are amazing and poetic. I mean: " for every eclipse that stares at me from the other side of a paper cup of espresso.
   I light a match beneath a kettle/ and for ever set of lips that become attached and equipped/ with that program to seek success/ i bleed my ethics out a slow drip."
2. "We're From Barcelona" by I'm From Barcelona: I love this band. They crack me up, but are really musically interesting. Put this on Mike's Valentine's Day mix b/c he was the one who introduced them to me. Good song and the album as a whole is pretty solid.
   
3. "The Softest Voice" by Animal Collective: This so is so beautiful and so soothing. But-- there is a sort of whimsicality in a lot of what Animal Collective does, and this song isn't devoid of that. Carlos and I were talking about it the other day and we both agreed that if you listen carefully, in the background, there is a noise that sounds suspiciously like someone hitting a bong.
   
4. "Stand By Me" by John Lennon: I love his version of the song. The original is much more harmonious, but honestly, I think the rockier, more edgy version is more thematically appropriate. When the night gets dark, you want someone tough.
   
5. "A Sunday Smile" by Beirut: I think this is the third or fourth Beirut song I have on this list, which I was honestly trying to avoid. But while making a full catalog of the weekly 7, I decided to screw it. I love this band. The lead singer, I've recently been informed, is only 21, which is sort of cool. Anyway-- What song by them doesn't sound like it'd be good to waltz to? This is a lovely song, and friendly, while still retaining their characteristic melancholy sound.
6. "Bury Me With It" by Modest Mouse: This is just on here 1) B/c it's a great song and 2) b/c a friend was singin' it the other day and it got stuck in my head and 3) b/c I hadn't listened to them in a LONG time and I felt I should remind everyone that Modest Mouse is still able to rock your face.
7. "Panda Panda Panda" by Deerhoof: I haven't listened to them for a long time, because I just couldn't hear it w/out also hearing Senior Psycho singing along in my head. But the other day it came on randomly and just made me giggle instead of furious. Oh, crazy San Francisco noise rock band. Their lead singer is this incredibly vivacious Japanese girl who sounds like the only thing she ever eats are daisies and gummy bears, the heads of which she viciously bites off. Or maybe that's just me.
   

Til the next time I get bored and waste time blogging superfluously--

H.

no. 116: tell me

Sometimes, things pour all together.

Girls etc., and I are going for the show at Arrellano Theater tonight, which should be a blasty blast. But first I have to read a TON of Plato and plan out my essay for Moral Philosophy, which is only four pages and shouldn't take me very long, but I'm not really jazzed to work on b/c I want to take a nap instead. So I think I'm going to for like, an hour, and then really work. Suppose to go with Carlos to get his film developed at some point today, but hey-- the boy can bus it. ;)

Tomorrow, more reading, maybe breakfast w/Daddy, and then Brian is coming to visit! I'm excited. I haven't seen or heard from him in a week plus and it's awful. Geof posted some incredible photos on The book this morning, one of which is a really cool one of B's eyes in the rearview of my car and I got all homesick for mis amigos. There was an incredible photo of El Muchacho Psycho, as I've taken to calling him. It elicited a weird feeling, a mixture of utter dislike and complete aesthetic appreciation. Sheez. Sigh.

In other news: Found some awesome hipster junk @ the Hot Zone yesterday. Cool new plaid shirt, leopard print framed glasses, peacock feather earrings-- it was bliss.

Also: I miss Mom a lot. And Fred. And Tess (SO much). I wonder how GWG + wife are doing. Meh, can't wait to go home next weekend, although in truth, the Hop has significantly grown on me.

H.

No. 80: Work all night if you have to

Finished the first essay for History of Africa. The fact that I finished the whole thing today and also got some Psych studying in is bringing me hope. Psych is going to be disastrous though. Ah well.
Trying to decide whether to go back to school on Saturday or Sunday, or to go to Nick's Friday night or Saturday morning, or to stay home til Sunday after church. Blech.

Oh, really quick: a shout out to Baked Ziti and McShane. It's ever so strange that you read this, but the other night was completely off the hook (G-spot, you looked so sharp).

Trying to decide which ink I want next, how much it's going to cost, and when I should get it. Christmas gift to myself? I think so.

Tomorrow is going to either be wonderful or incredibly stressful. Have to:

• Go grocery shopping so I have something to eat. I'm dying for soup, whilst battling this stupid, extremely poorly timed cold.
• Go to Target and get mom's silly fake Christmas tree for her.
• Plan/write the second essay
• Study Psych
• Watch kung fu movies with Givens
• Trifecta.
  
• Not get sicker

Been listening to Mountain goats and cello music all day. Forgot how much I love the Mountain Goats. Just make me think about when I saw them (him) live at Sonar. Which makes me think about Mike. Meh. I know it's stupid, but I miss him. 705s keep saying it'll be okay soon. Being friends with Diamond and WKC still is awesome, but it makes me miss the tall kid more, sometimes. Why do people even allow me to get into relationships? Seriously. I'm such a disaster.

Had breakfast with Tess the other morning @ Saxby's. Deliriously happy to hang out with her. We had a candy buying adventure of epic proportions. I've missed her so much. Can't wait til Kathryn comes home. Things will feel saner and safer then, I think.

I've been sleeping on and off all day, and now I get to go in for a solid eight hours. Am inordinately excited.

As an aside: facebook Texas Hold 'Em may be an emissary of the evil.

H.

No. 70: Good points, some bad points

"Think of Baltimore. Small city."

I've officially started the application to Mason.
I know this is going to draw a lot of flack, but it's my decision so you all can deal with it.
There are so many reasons why, it's a bit overwhelming. Coming to Mason, financially makes way more sense. Even if I don't live at home, either live in a Mason dorm or find a place for myself, it's about 4 times cheaper for me to go school in VA. But likely, I'd live at home, which would be free, making it 5 times cheaper. I would also probably go insane, so I'd like to find a place to live in with Tess or someone. Other reasons include the fact that while I love Hopkins and think I'm getting a pretty good education, I can write anywhere. No, no Glen Blakes or Alice McDermott's at Mason, but still-- I'll get writing instruction. And probably be able to actually write a lot more. Downsides include: having to take stupid requirements involving quantitative math (ick), the majority of Mason people, the enormity of it. But there's a way bigger art scene, I'm closer to my best friends and MBC, and I'll have more money for after school, where I'll probably either travel or go to a culinary arts school and get a degree as a chef.

It's a bit of a mess right now. We'll see if I get into Mason first, and then go from there. Right now, it's just an application. I'm def. finishing the year out at Hopkins. It'll take that long to convince the 705s not to hate me for leaving.

Today was filled with excessive amounts of food. And I'm so tired now!!! Absolute food coma. My aunt is going to have a baby this week. Is that insane? It is! New family. Exciting.
Although this whole birthing thing (and watching Knocked Up) has totally put me off having children forever. Meh.

Trifecta outings later. And Eva. And Tess. It's gonna be a good weekend. Only have to do one reading, write some more of my (lame) short story, and finish Sonny Liston was a Friend of Mine, which is really wonderful thus far.

Started reading Breakfast of Champions this morning. Vonnegut was amazing. Irreverent. But amazing. I don't think I bought this book though, a fact I realized after I started writing my notes in the margins. I'm pretty sure it's Sam's, and I'm pretty sure he's gonna stab me. Meh.

- hannah

NO. 52: Why I've decided not to speak any more

Blech.

To room mates: I'm really sorry. I don't know what else to say than that. I'm really sorry. I'm my own person too, and we've all got our own things going on. I'm indelicate and you all know that. I'm sorry.

Got a lot of reading to do. I don't really want to do any of it.
My Intro. to Fiction class was miserable today. Really truly unenjoyable. Mary and I discussed how this is such a bummer after last year. I agree. I was looking for a stretch. This isn't even exciting.

Michael and I went to a nice dinner at Gertrude's last night. Our first "going out to dinner" date. It was actually quite lovely. He looks like an extra from Igby Goes Down when he wears a suit jacket. I love it. I swear, if that woman messes up his hair this weekend, I will drive to New Jersey and perform harsh acts upon her with cutting shears.

I'm going home for the first time this weekend. There are so many people I want to see, and so many people I won't see. But I'll do my best b/c it's been a WHILE. I'm so excited to see Tess, it's silly. And it turns out Kendall's coming home at the same time. Which could be excellent. Or awkward. We'll see.

In other news, In Rainbows came out this morning. The listening party tonight should be a blast! Working at Carma's tomorrow and Friday from 10-5 so you should all come see me. I hear there are some crazy hipster kids having brunch there on Thursday morning. So that' should be fun to be around!

H.

No. 50: Inauspicious Blog Post

I love grocery shopping. Is that weird? Probably.

Andrew Bird was AMAZING!!!!! Mimi and I squee-ed like fangirls. It was delicious. He played all of my favorite songs. The intro to "Fake Palindromes" being my personal favorite. But dancing to "Plasticities" in my Frye boots and floral little girl dress in the middle of Sonar, WATCHING Andrew Bird is now included in the top 15 best moments of my life.

Went to Whole Foods with Michael and Nicci and bought a huge amount of yummy groceries, and then we made veggie stir-fry and cat fish. Delish! I love cooking with the women. It's all very family oriented, my dorm life.

Had a tidy little break down this morning. Lasted about two and a half minutes and then I recovered. Natalie's right in saying that I just sort of need to stop worrying about things. Vague, I know, but it's my right.

And now I must away to church.
This post was largely useless.

I have so much reading to do tonight! Don't want to do any of it.

.H.

Entry No. 40

Yesterday I made a journey back up to the Hop. Helped Dan move in, went to lunch with his mom and dad and Affan. Nivia moved in and I got the stuff from Jenny's and moved that in.
I am pleasantly surprised about our digs. They're pretty nice. Larger than I thought, although extremely poor spacial planning in my room has all the power sockets in the side of the room that it makes sense to put the bed on. The bed covers all the power sockets. Frustrating. I might just extension cord the hell out of it and duct tape the cords against the base board. We'll see how it works on Sunday.

Going back up on Friday to take some more crap up and help French move in. We're an interesting bunch, is 705. "Frenchie", "Red", "Nivs", and "Banana". I'm actually sort of excited about this year. Although why I decided taking two history classes would be a good idea, I don't know. I'm going to try to get into a museums class. I don't know why I think I'll be able to swing a museum job if writing falls through the roof, but I'm clinging to that hope. God's going to end up sending me to a missionary job in like, the Ukraine or something and my ridiculous 40K a year education will be completely stupid... just you watch.

I'm thinking about transferring next year anyway. Probably Mary-Washington. Although, I'll tell you something: the idea of filling out one more flaming college application gives me the hebee jebees. Blech.

Yesterday I had some time to kill at the Hop between when Nivs and all the S/O As went to their meeting and dinner with Jenny (AWESOME sushi... good God, it'd been a while). Went to B&N and got a few magazines and sat there writing. Pretty sure I was two tables down from Andrew Palmer, but had no idea how to start a conversation w/out it being completely awkward. Read one of the magazines last night: Juxtapoz. It's an art and culture magazine I'd never seen before. BEST new art stuff. Got a lot of tattoo design ideas as well as a lot of wall collage ideas. One side of my room in 705 is going to be completely covered with collage, I've decided. In the shape of a giant 'H'. I think. Or an arrow. Anyway--- Mike Giant = <3.

The other magazine was Poets & Writers. Started reading it about twenty minutes ago and realized there was an interview/article on Stephen Dixon. Which is extremely cool. (Does anyone notice how many fragments I use when I write? Good God!) So anyway-- go pick up Poets & Writers.

Today I'm going to Target. It will be the first time I've ever bought a microwave.

I have too much to pack and I'm a little overwhelmed. Meh!

H.