No. 232: the third planet is sure they're being watched

i read a short story today by jean stafford (whose styles i'm still not sure i like). in it, there is a miserly woman, who despite herself cannot help but be cantankerous. she knows this about herself and tries to stop it but the situation always lends itself to her being a grouch.

in a similar vein, in find myself arguing without meaning to. last night i went out with some friends to the Charles to watch the short films that were nominated for the Oscars. afterwards, we gave another friend a ride home and he kept oddly bashing baltimore. i knew that he was from here and yet it didn't click with me that he would be slamming it so hard. i said baltimore was cute, and he got uppity about it and said it was gritty, which it is, but it's also cute in places. he kept saying, "i'm from here, i don't know why you're referencing the place like i don't know it". i couldn't just stop a second and say what i felt later, which was that if we had both grown up in the place, we both had valid opinions and i don't know why mine had any less importance than his did. i wasn't trying to negate his feelings about the city, just trying to assert my perceptions, which i felt equally worthy. i think i offended him without meaning to and it made me feel crummy.

there are people, like greg and my mother, that i can have heated conversations, even debates with and not mortally offend or get so excited that it becomes a fight. there are other people that doesn't hold true for. it's just annoying that i can't calm down enough to not let it be a fight, and i think that it only happens when the person starts to denounce my point of view. two people having a discussion about anything have equally valid opinions because they're collected from personal experiences. i think it's arrogance that leads us to diminish others in debate, and further than that, a narrow mindedness. some opinions are more valid than others, true, but not when it's a question of experiences.

anyway-- i don't like that about myself and i don't like it others yet it seems to be cropping up a lot lately. also christian bale. i can't get away from him. teddy showed greg, carlos and i a HILARIOUS video made from his explosion at the light director. catchy, except for that it's totally obscene.

I've decided I can't subscribe to Descartes. He doesn't go far enough.
Rereading Julius Caesar for class made me oddly miss Sami and Sarah. I was disecting Antony's speech to the crowd at the presentation of Caesar's body for ethos, pathos and logos and I think I'm going to end up writing my paper on it. NERD.

Also: going to finish Season 3 of Sorpanos and stop watching TV shows for a while. I need to be reading more than I am and definitely writing more. It hit me this morning that it's become routine for me, by accident, to watch a show when I have a free minute, whether or not I really want to. Gross.

HS

No. 231: off the record

you've got to know that we will change and keep it off the record...

It's been a strange day. I woke up late, drove to class b/c it's in Olin and sat through the lecture taking notes without really absorbing anything. Section will clear it up on Wednesday so I'm not that worried. I meant to nap but ended up just working through til my next class, a workshop, only tolerable b/c of Hannah. Great names think alike, I suppose? Anyway, afterward, us dissatisfied would be workshopped went to Silk Road and really talked about our stories.

This weekend was oddly nice. Matt was sick so I went home to him for Valentine's day. It was not what I had anticipated but it was extremely enjoyable nonetheless. We made dinner together, ate with his family. It felt a little like the summer after Senior year except Mrs. P was significantly less hostile. I got a lot done this weekend, too, although less than I thought I was doing.

There's a lot more reading this semester than ever before. While that's a little frazzling b/c I don't get to spend as much time with the book as I'd like to, I'm also reading through a lot of excellent novels and things I'd been meaning to read anyway. I've become a believer in Salinger, though I think he makes himself too obvious. Still, I appreciate his love for smokers b/c they provide interesting plot details and kill time. I appreciate his love for italics now, although it initially bothered me. It's just that he gets excessive with it. But for the sake of internal voice, it plays out well. Mrs. Glass is wonderful in Franny & Zooey and it's because of her italics and her worrying and smoking.

God has been gracious to me today regarding school work and timing, etc. I'm near finished with the book I've got to write an essay on, and the due date of the essay itself was moved back a day. The novel I forgot I had to read isn't due until next week and it's much shorter than I thought it was and actually had me engrossed in the first 8 pages. We'll see if it delivers but it will be nice to actually have time to sit and read it as opposed to wing through it.

However, for some reason I've felt sloppy lately, and disconnected, in most things, notably excluding Matt and Mommy. The feeling is a little like being on a floaty raft in the middle of a big lake. You're on something that will not stop floating but you're a long way from shore and the figures you were using to mark you distance are getting kinda fuzzy. If that makes any sense.

It's been a while since I blogged but that's about all I've got. Back to work. I'll be ready for spring break when it comes, that's for sure.

HS

No. 207: life w/out beef.

It's been a really ridiculous week. Monday was uneventful. Worked out, gave Carlos et al. a ride to their shoot, hung out after, went to bed. . Tuesday was a mad dash up and back from DC. Wednesday I reported for Jury duty. Came home and did some work, hung out. Thursday jury duty, went out with Gayle and her peeps. Friday, jury duty. Worked out, studied. Hung out. Went to bed. Today is studying/breaking with 90s movies. Cog Psych test on Monday after Jury Duty (pray the case is over early). Paper for 18th century lit due date moved to Wedesday (thank you, Lord). 

The songs for this week are early for once. I know I won't do them tomorrow (more studying). 

I'll be so glad when Wednesday rolls around. 

Last week's:

1. Another Round- Foo Fighters
   
2. Novel- Tim Williams: Forgot about him entirely. Found again on shuffle.
3. This Time of Year- Better Than Ezra: It's that time.
4. Burn One Down- Ben Harper
5. Suite No. 1 Prelude- Yo Yo Ma: Pretty.
6. Time Bomb- The Format: I got in a really pop-punk mood for some reason.
7. The Time Warp- RHPS Cast: In honor of Luke.

This weeks:

1. Alison- Elvis Costello: Sometimes you need to listen to one Elvis or another.
2. Down in Mexico- The Coasters: Thank you, Miss Ferlito.
3. Hold Tight- Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mitch & Titch: And the award for Best Song in a Vehicular Homicide Scene goes to....
4. Just Like Heaven- Goldfinger: GREAT ska cover of an 80s song.
5. Love & Appreciate II- Murs: Murs for President is pretty respectable, I won't lie. He matured and I appreciate it. "The Science" is probably a better song, but this one is sweet.
6. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper: For Gayle.
7. What if We Give it All Away- R.E.M.: I have this album on vinyl. It was a morning for records.

Ta-da!

H. 

No. 206: how things go

I know I haven't done the songs yet for last week, but they can wait. I'm serving jury duty for the next few days, so everything is sort of on hold that is more or less trivial. AKA I'm not getting to go to any of my classes that I actually do need to go to. Two papers and a test next week and I don't have time to hear the lectures about the topics the papers are on. Missing the psych class was missing info on my test Monday. So... good luck to me and all your prayers welcome. I'm just saying, though: irony, right? Anyway-- that's our political system and I'm happy to serve. Makes me feel closer to Baltimore, somehow, a little. And this is just one semester's courses-- I got a few left to go. Anyway my point of even entering into this silly world of blog was to say this about people:

They will surprise you. 

I wonder about my friends, where their lives are going to take them. People I've grown up with are getting married and starting lives together. Kids not much older than I am. And others of my friends off jetsetting the globe in travels our parents would never have had available to them. It's interesting. I have to rely a lot on God for the aleviation of this, but a lot of the time thinking about it stresses me out. Our forebearers and then our peers define our cultural norms, and I wonder at the precidents we're all setting for each other. Where are we setting the bar? The things you and your friends are doing are defining our era. It's a little nerve-wracking, I guess.

Possibly I'm experiencing alarmist theories b/c of Snow White, the Barthelme book Glenn assigned our Authors class. It's almost threatening, somehow, the way it's written. Probably sitting in a courthouse for 8 1/2 hours has made me more suseptible to currents like that, I don't know. But in any case-- I'll be excited to read something more calming and familiar (which oddly enough for me is going to be stuff) like Shakespeare, next semester. 

I'll post the songs probably tomorrow night. 

Cheers, hon.

H.

Ooooh P.S. I met Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair Magazine (which I one day hope to emply me). He was lovely, and I giggled like a moron as I skipped away in glee. Lawd, it must have been like watching Saved by the Bell crash into 30 Rock.  In any case, it was awesome (also talked to Andrea Mitchell and nearly knocked down her husband, the incredible Alen Greespan, which was highly embarrasing). 

No. 200: two-hundred

This is my 200th entry. Considering some of the blogs of others I read, that's sort of sad. But for me-- an undertaking. I'm a self-hating blogger, I think. My mom has one, though. She's in Isreal right now, so you should check it out. Plus she's funny. 

The PS3 is finally hooked up. I'm working out the router/wireless kinks. Does anyone know how to get the IPs not to compete? I want to be able to use my computer's wireless and the Triple's at the same time. Let me know, if you know. And also my UPnP is freaking out, but I'm still downloading. Anyway. 

Sittingin 18th century lit. I have a paper due Friday. I looked at the topics this morning and like none of them. This is going to be a sad 6-8 pages, man. But I'll knock it out tonight and tomorrow and it'll be done. The next paper will rock. Mostly b/c this one will suck and I actually want to perform well in this class. Plus my TA rocks and should have something interesting to read if he has to read it anyway, yeah?

I didn't do songs for Sunday, but I can do them now, if you like. Couldn't find the first song on the playlist, but here they are. 

Come get breakfast at Carma's tomorrow (8:30-12:30), and say hullo.

1. No One's Gonna Love You by Band of Horses- Ccease to Begin is a phenomenal album and I'm totally in love with it. His voice is so gorgeous and they've got these jangly haunting guitars. The whole thing is good. This one especially and then "Is There a Ghost". 
2. Voice On Tape (Robot Explosion Mix) by Jenny Owen Youngs: Heard this by accident and I can't remember where. I love her, b /c she's cute and a little horrible, too. Like, the softer voiced version of Joanna Newsom, or a less dark version of PJ Harvey.
3. Hang Me Up to Dry by Cold War Kids: I did not buy into them until I heard this song on WTMD at work the other day. The album is great. They feel a little like if you smashed Kings of Leon and Cartel together, with the attitude of We Are Scientists. They're going for Elbow, but not quite making it. It's still good, though. The guitarist isn't exactly inspired, but there's some great original sound there.
4. Bixby Canyon Bridge by Death Cab for Cutie: I had thought I was done with them. I really did. But then I had to download the album, just to check it out, and was expected to be as disappointed with it as I was with Plans. But it's not bad, man. And this song is GORGEOUS and it almost made me cry the first time I heard it. 
5. Summer Wind by Madeleine Peyroux: My favorite cover of a Sinatra song thus far. I like his version better, but hers is so great, and her voice is incredible. Try out her cover of Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go", too. Also "I'll Look Around" and "I'm Alright". 
6. In the Morning of the Magicians by The Flaming Lips: I rediscovered them, and good LORD am I glad. This is such a fun song, and it's good music for this kind of weather, although Carlos thinks they're more of a summer band. Whatever, man. Wayne  Coyne is a man for all seasons.
7. MMM, MMM, MMM, MMM by Crash Test Dummies: Good for a slightly morbid sing-a-long on the way back from Poe's grave with a bunch of people. I missed them. Downloading the album b/c I actually have been chased down by "Two Knights and Maidens". I think it has something to do with the Renn Fest. Anyway-- I can't get over how deep this guys voice is. It's good.

Cheers.

H.

No. 183b: Bad numbers

Okay, so I'm a moron and can't number my blog posts. Whatever.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous!!! Jo and I took Nick to class yesterday and then drove around the Mesa/West Beach area looking for apartments for him. It was a good time. We picked him up, walked around shopping (I got a hat from this all hemp store... amazing). Then ate at this great Italian restaurant. Nick and I walked around town for a while and I found a fro-yo shop that had comparable fro yo to that which we had in London. Happiness is sugar-free fro-yo. Came back and fell asleep while Nick watched Iron Man. This morning we went to breakfast and Staples and now we're going to search for apartments and take Nick to class again. I'm contemplating joining him, just because... well... it's Santa Barbara City College. The campus is on the shore (literally overlooking the ocean), and everyone is gorgeous and I really miss school. I'm so glad to be going back next week, which is something I never thought I'd say.

Taking the train to San Diego tomorrow to meet up with Dad. Have no idea what hotel we're staying in, and when he gets off of work, so I don't really know the whole situation. But I'm sure I'll figure it out by the time I need to. Right now, I'm just so jazzed to be here. Jo and I are going to lay by the pool a good portion of today, I think. Nice! I feel like I NEED to go to the gym at least once while I'm here, but it's so difficult to feel motivated on my one week of vacation. Ah well.

Jo has me addicted to Starbuck's again. I'd broken the habit and now I'm back. It used to be the dirty chais that got me. Now I crave the Venti green tea lemonade. My own American affluent attitude is depressing, but for Pete's sake, I'm on vacation in Santa Barbara! You should see our bathroom. I could swim in the tub. All I can say is thank God. And thanks for this place, too! Ocean on one side, gorgeous mountains on the other. Hasn't been hotter than 80 the entire time we've been here, 65-70 at night, and the most wonderfully pretty skies. I'm moving to California. It's decided.

Cheers.
H.

No. 150: Half Way Through

Last Tuesday I finished my Sophomore year. I will probably end with a 3.08, or some such B+ nonsense. Next semester, I think, will be more productive and I an step it up with Writing Sems. I'm going to have to for Glen Blake and Jean McGarry.

Moving into the Marylander in June, which should be nice.
Leave for London for three weeks of study abroad on Saturday. I'm really excited, but it's also going to be kind of nerve wracking. My first time in a foreign country without any real adult presence. It'll be an experience, that's for sure. Natalie and I keep sending each other facebook message that equate to: "Blah blah blah ENGLAND blah blah blah EXCITED!" It's gonna be a good time.

Things are so weird right now. And I took Tums before I went to bed so I have HORRIBLE aftertaste morning breath, which you didn't need to know, but I felt like sharing.

Today I'm having lunch with Tess and then probably hanging out in Arlington, then having dinner with Fred @ Faccia Luna. Tomorrow I MUST clean my car before I go hang out with Travis. It's pretty grode right now.

Anyway--- that's what's up right now. Without further ado, here's this week's 7, late as usual.

1. Love You Madly// Cake: Found this on a mix I made Freshman year. It reminds me of Money Mac who I miss desperately and is St. Lucia in the 80 degree, sunny weather. Merr. Great song, though.
   
2. The Crunge// Led Zeppelin: One of Zeppelin's greatest. I was cruising to it in the sun a few days ago and it just worked. Houses of the Holy is an incredible album anyway, so that makes sense.
   
3. Work It (Remix)//Missy Elliot: This is only on here b/c of a saying that goes in our group that comes from this song. If you're being a little slow or stupid, for whatever reason, and you have a moment wherein speaking is harder that it should be, someone who catches you basically just goes, "Why you act all like errrr, duhh?" So that stupid phrase got stuck in my head and now this song (which is actually pretty sweet)is on here.
   
4. Party for the Fight to Write// Atmosphere: People (like Carlos) tend not to like Atmosphere. Mike likes him, but likes Safe Francis more. I personally love Atmosphere, I don't know why. Not all his music is super deep, but almost all of it is really nicely written, lyrically, and the beats are quite good. I mean, why not? It's a great song anyway. Have a listen.
   
5. Better Days// Citizen King: Watched the Malcolm in the Middle finally on My 20 a few days ago. You find out they've always destined Malcolm to become the working man's president. I like that. They played this song and then we all remembered liking it when it first came out. Then it got stuck in my head and was ruined for me. But here it's on the list, b/c it's actually a pretty good song.
   
6. Now That You Got It//Gwen Stefani: I don't really like her new direction. I got as much of a novelty kick out of "Hollaback Girl" as the next person, but then she kept going! and now I'm sort of ready for Ska Gwen again. Anyway-- I wanted to hear "Rich Girl" and "Wind It Up" yesterday, so I cut the album on. This song came on when it was on shuffle and I actually think the beat is one of the best beats I've heard all year. Check it.
   
7. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition my Condition was in)// Kenny Rogers: Three words: The Big Lewbowski. End of story.
   

Aaaaaand, the end.

H.

to circle the earth

She's gorgeous, isn't she? Look at the curve of her arm and the way she brings the fan over. I love the movement of the photograph. Her name is Maria Osende, and she's a flamenco dancer for a professional dance company. The dress does it, too, and the line of her neck. I used to wish I could move like that. I was talking to Mimi today and she was saying how she wanted to get back into dance classes. I think I'd like that. As a kid, I was way too gawky for ballet. I didn't have the body for it, even though I've got alright feet. Flamenco dancers are seriously shaped women. I like that about them. Plus there's so much stillness and then snap to their movements, as opposed to ballet which is a little more fluid, some how. I don't know. Maybe I'm just babbling.
Dancing like that is one of the reasons I believe in God. There's something too definitely poetic about dancing and the beauty of the complexity of emotion that moves dancers for it to be accidental.

If it seems like I'm babbling, it's because I am. I'm three or four paragraphs away from being done with my last Expos essay. I don't want to finish it because then I have to work on my Nonfiction essay, which is weighing on my soul. I've actually really enjoyed doing the work and research for the Expos one, though. It's a great topic (funerals in Homeric society), and the flow came really well for this paper. The Nonfiction essay feels a lot like getting my wisdom teeth surgically removed with no anesthesia. Never ever again will I be in a Non Fiction class. Not my thing, and the English department is taking it over anyway.

Tomorrow I'm going to Red Maple with Mimi and maybe Carlos to have tapas and watch flamenco. Then Wednesday at 1 I'm going to the BTM to talk to Josh Griffin about making the graceful Miss Osende a permanent art piece. We'll see what he says.

I believe I'm coming home Friday or so. Need to work out the moving situation. Have to come back for a Passport appointment on Friday in any case. Blech. At least it will be over and I can stop worrying about it and just enjoy London. Packing is going to be hellish, though. London chique is a pain. Ah well. If an essay and packing for a cross-continental adventure are the biggest of my worries, life's pretty good.

H.

No. 147: Yeah, that should do it.

"'A real man makes his own luck.' Billy Zane. Titatanic." - Dwight, the Office


So... I love The Office so much. It's up there with Arrested Development and Weeds.
Here are the songs, because I'm late again.

1. Volare// The Gipsy Kings: Beautiful, good fun.
   
2. Una Musica Brutal// The Gotan Project: They're amazing. Mellow, good to study to, great to drive to.
   
3. Honey and the Moon//Joseph Arthur: Blast from the past. Still a gorgeous song, though.
   
4. Beautiful Way// Beck: The chillest song I can think of.
   
5. Breathe In// Frou Frou: Felt like hearing this last night and remembered how awesome Guy and Imogen were together.
   
6. Kids with Guns (Heat Under the Baby Seat) // Lupe Fiasco: Couldn't find this on playlist.com, but it's on Hype Machine and I STRONGLY suggest you go check it out.
   
7. With A Little Help From My Friends // Joe Cocker: Because sometimes you need a little Joe Cocker.

I have two essays to write. One, five pages long, by Tomorrow night, one is supposed to be 12 pages and is due by Wednesday at 5. It's going to be a long 48 hours.

H.

No. 138: Honey, here's a quarter.

Right off: 7 More 2008 Songs to Live To:

1. "Undercover" by Pete Yorn: Brian and I love this song. I used to like "Crystal Village" more, but due to reasons of Stupid and other occurrences, it sort of depresses me now, despite being a great song. This song is amazing, and especially the line "If you take me to the cop car/I won't go". It just leaves you thinking-- Wha?!
2. "Moondance" by Van Morrison: I've started doing opening shifts at Carma's instead of the closing ones. Tuesday, I opened with Emily, Carma and Adam. My first time working with him. This horrible smooth jazz station was playing and they were passing off a miserable saxophone rendition of this song as music. Anyway-- Adam started whistling along and it got stuck in my head.
   
3. "One (Blake's Got a New Face)" by Vampire Weekend: Honestly, I just got this stuck in my head b/c it's what my arlam chose to wake me up with on Wednesday morning and I would've put Matt Diamond's "Errata" on here, but it's not an MP3 yet. When there is, it'll be up here. Anywho-- this is a fun song and sort of embodies how preppy these guys are. If you have something to say about this band, (Joe) you can save it. I know.
4. "Cannonball" by The Breeders: There was a used cd vendor in Levering quad that drew me in. I ended up buying 4 cds for $20 and while I may not eat for the rest of the week, I got some good stuff. I love this song. Classically kick @$$.
   
5. "Those to Come" by The Shins: I love this song. In big serious ways. It reminds me of the best parts of my junior summer and the best parts of my senior year. It reminds me of Chris Pittman before he went M.I.A. and then mean, and it reminds me of when I had positive feelings of falling in love and it reminds me most of all, way before the rest, of discovering the Shins (before the effin Garden State soundtrack). This song is slow and pretty and has a certain poetry. For me, anyway. *gag* (they didn't have this on project playlist-- you should have it anyway and if not, tough it out)
6. "You! Me! Dancing!" by Los Campesinos!: Michael put this on a mix for me. It's pretty incredible and very us appropriate, considering how our entire relationship began with and was strengthened by dancing. It's an incredibly infectious song and great for dancing. Los Campesinos! remind me of a more artistic Art Brut. Like Art Brut plus I'm From Barcelona. Dunno.
   
7. "Panda Panda Panda" by Deerhoof: Some silly experimental noise rock from me to you. I love the bit where she goes, "I like... PANDA PANDA PANDA". It's adorable. Mike has this ancient panda hoodie that a woman in the office he used to work in commented on the other day. She then showed him a video of a panda sneezing. Apparently it's hilarious. I have a history with this song. It doesn't haunt me, it just makes me laugh. This song, like a panda sneezing, is hilarious. And it should put you in a good mood. That or annoy the crap out of you. Either way.
   

Okay-- so that's over.
I finished the STUPID essay I had to write for Expos, so now my life is 30% better than it was before. I still have to go turn the thing into class tomorrow, and then work from 2-6:30. But no big. 4 1/2 hours, followed by the Mary Jo Salter and Brad Leithauser reading at B&N and then intensive Spanish studying for the test Wednesday. I feel a lot better about Spanish now after the review in class today. I can sight things a lot better. MMm confidence. After Wednesday, my life will be easy. Except for the second half the Spanish exam Friday. Okay, so after this week is over, life will be somewhat easier. Until next week.
Circuitous, life.

H.

PS. I keep finding out all these horribly interesting things about my friends that are either horrible or interesting. It's been a startling couple of days. Also, Charleton Heston died. Tchheez.

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. 105: Seven (More) Songs to Live To and This Week

Hello boys and girls.
We'll start with the 7.

1. "Our Swords" by Band of Horses: My favorite song right now. It's just got a great beat, his voice is all haunting and gorgeous, and I love the line, "Count on us all/to fall on our own swords tonight". Because... you know... it's beautiful.
   
2. "Carousels" by Beirut: People know them for "Elephant Gun" which is a great song, but I'm over it. This one is still upbeat and pretty but with a different kind of theme.
   
3. "Death of Me" by Buck 65: Michael introduced me to him, and I didn't really get into his music until about a week ago, aside from "Hot Lunch" and "Blood of a Young Wolf". This song is brilliant and sad but has a killer beat and I love his rhymes. So there.
   
4. "Your Favorite Music" by Clem Snide: A purposefully sad song. Great idea, in my opinion. But it's also a love song. Eef Barzelay= my ideal man. The giggling girl at the end makes my heart hurt it's so pretty. Why for not me?!
   
5. "So Sorry" by Feist: I hadn't listened to Let it Die in SO long. It came up when I put the Pod on shuffle. I had never paid attention to this song when I was big into her, but after a second or third listen today and yesterday, it's really really beautiful. And oddly applicable to my life right now.
   
6. "When They Come" by Devendra Banhart: I seriously forgot how much I loved him and his sort of strange voice and lyrical style. This song is so melancholy, it makes me feel peaceful in warlike times. It's nice that there's music that does that, still.
   
7. "You Don't Send Me" by Belle & Sebastian: Another rediscovery. I used to like them a lot last year, but I kind of stopped caring over the summer, trading the folky indie-lounge sound for the loudness of Stereophonics and TV on the Radio and Wolf Parade, etc. But I need to start listening to more St. Vincent, and Kings of Convenience again, now that I think of it. Anyway-- Juno made me remember them and how much I like them. So here is this song, also oddly life applicable.
   

Classes start tomorrow. Blech. But ah well. Meeting the J.E.M. in the morning to purchase books. Going over there after a nap to hang out with her and the puppies. I think I'm going to just live there next week before going to NC. Don't feel like dealing with my car. I feel like I've figured out a lot about myself over break. About my relations with people and how I deal with things. Feeling much healthier, if not a little self irritated. But whatever. That too shall pass. It will be good to get into a groove again. A healthy groove. A groove of running and not smoking and reading a lot and WRITING and health. Good.

I need to figure out if I'm coming back next year. Living arrangements and such. Why are transcripts such a pain to order? And application fees?! Seriously-- I was done. Why the revisitation? Foolishness. We'll see if a new semester is a changer of mind. Give us a sign, ey, God?

H.

PS. Dear self, Do NOT forget to get Greg a wedding gift. -self.

No. 73: The Gut Grappling Haha Demon

Credit goes to the lovely and talented Jess Begans for the title of this blog.

Listening to Diamond's remix of Faces of the Earth by the D plan. It's gorgeous.

Despite loads and loads of reading to do, I went to the undergrad reading. Am so glad I did.
I felt like I actually could because of the following:

I freaked out a lot this morning when I realized that the paper for Art History was due tomorrow and I hadn't see either of the images I was supposed to write about. I talked to my art history professor after class, and without so much as batting an eyelash when she heard why I hadn't been to the museums yet (which was true and it was a stupid series of events that prevented me from doing so), granted me an extension until Friday. So then I was excited because that meant I could just go after Spanish to the Walters and look at the stuff I needed to and if I had to miss a few minutes of History of Africa, no worries. But it turns out the Walters is closed Monday and Tuesday. So I'm screwed because Wednesdays mean Fiction which I can't miss. So I talked to my Spanish professor after class and she told me it was no big deal if I was late or didn't show for Spanish since I'd already turned in my composition. In short: I'm going to get the images for the paper, have more than enough time to write it, and not be penalized for Spanish. Baller.

Anyway-- the reading. Beautiful poetry, some in French (there was no girl in that room who didn't want to sleep with that guy). Then Jess read some incredible short fiction-- funny, a little twisted, totally unexpected-- and Diamond closed with this gorgeous snippet from the perspective of someone with OCD. I have a copy in my possession for rainy and sad days. Totally mad about his stuff. Diamond, you have in me a fangirl. Sad, I know.

Greg is picking up Savannah from BWI tomorrow. I'm nervous about meeting her. The fiancee of one of the eight-- it's like I want to make a good impression, despite everything. I'm such a terrible Hop student, considering I'm never here. Class, work and then straight back to NoVa for Trifecta and Tess and Rika or to Jenny's for couch potato inaction and puppies. Gas is costing me a fortune. Ah well.

So tomorrow's plan is BMA, Psych, Walter's, Spanish (if I can make it), Carma's for the daily coffee fix, then Fiction for two hours. Come back go for a jog possibly, then homework for a while, bed. Carma's all day on Thursday. Work on Spanish, possibly some devicing with 705s, work all day on Friday, drive home. Poker. YES!

Third ink in two or three weeks (depending on the paycheck). Excited. By then the 2nd should be almost healed. Met a girl with gorgeous ink tonight at the reading. Didn't catch her name, have to ask Will.

Still thinking about Mason. Thinking about other things, too. Like London this summer, and California, and Pittsburgh, and either Maine or Montreal with Dad. And things like denial and calm. The weather is making me wistful. Sigh.

Finally: The Dismemberment Plan. Amazing. Not kidding. Listen.

H.

No.68: Ugg- a vestment of the foot and a gutteral sound

I wore Uggs today. And leggings. And felt preppy and self conscious about it. Changed immediately after class into something appropriately "hipster" and went to see Josh about some ink. Took the red head with me, which was nice. All went well and I'm pleased. The car ride home was a bit ridiculous A) because traffic was horrific on 83 and B) because there was a creepy pale spider on Lauren's window and she would periodically freak out about it and I would follow suit. Because spiders, no matter how good they are for the consumption of nasty bugs, are gross and terrible. I have a giant welt on my foot-- evidence of the common spider bite. I'm just glad it wasn't a brown recluse and my flesh is now falling off, or something. Doesn't that happen? I should wiki that.

Mike and I broke up last night, officially. This is in no way awesome. But it's for the best, 9 out of 10 friends and family agree. I'm not exactly a stable table for fine china. No good. But I think eventually we'll be alright. He's a good guy.

Also, thankfully, (though right now it's more one less concern than a real comfort) I think Diamond, Will and possibly also John (though I think he's, sort of surreally, more indignant than the rest), as well as Nicci (thank God) are alright with me. Not that I deserve it. But I'm thankful, b/c they're good people.

I'm going home tomorrow. Only two classes (noticed an hour ago that Drigotas canceled psych!) and then home. That'll be nice. I have to find a way to copy the stupid African History reading, though. Or just not do it. But I think that would set me up to fail pretty hard for the final. Blah.

I haven't been writing a lot, but there's been a general flow. I've got two stories going at the same time, three if you count the one I started this summer, but nothing looks particularly promising or appealing right now. I could follow the one I feel strongest about, but the characters are a little close to home, and it could be a while before I get some distance and perspective on them. Joe and I talked once about how eventually in a story, most of my characters tend to start looking like people I know. With the exception of the stripper story. I have NO idea where those people came from. Bad movie stereotypes is my general reflection.

Exhausted. Ready for a break.
Happy Turkey Day.

-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.