Vote for James!

Hello all.

One of my dearest friends, James, is competing for his own talk show on Oprah's new network "OWN".  James is absolutely wonderful -- generous, kind, silly, talented, and absolutely hysterical -- all of the adjectives which make up a really fantastic person.  I think anyway.

If you'd like, click on this link: http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=2222&promo_id=1 to watch James' cute little audition tape, as well as to vote for him (as many times as you wish!).

                                                               Mai, James, & yours truly.

How wouldn't you want to see that face on TV?!  Maybe he'd even have me on for an interview... :)

Cheers!

Song du Moment: "Black Hearted Love" by PJ Harvey & John Parish

An Education

Just finished the film An Education.  

What an incredible film.  Peter Sarsgaard + Carey Mulligan were even better than I had anticipated.

 

. . .

"Go home and do your homework.  

And don't hang out with dodgy blokes at dodgy cafés and dog races.  

Go to University!"

A Graduate (!)

So, I'm graduated!  Finally!

As much as I will miss this city after five years of calling it home, I am beyond excited to find out where life has to take me.  All I know is this for certain:  life will be taking me to HAWAII for at least awhile!  R.M., one of his brothers, J, and I will be going to Hawaii to stay with R.M.'s cousin and husband in Honolulu.  I simply cannot wait to lay on the beach and just exist.  I will finish out (most) of my lease at this flat and bartend for the time being.  Then fly out for Honolulu sometime in late June.  (!!!)

Yay for life post-graduation :) !

Track du Moment: "Shannon Rhodes" by Damien Jurado

8

This makes me want to cry:

THE END

TODAY is the FINAL day of my undergraduate experience here at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Wow. I am truly speechless (or, um, wordless).  I will go return all of my textbooks for the very last time and hand in a paper I have been working on for a YEAR.  Then graduation tomorrow?  Really?  Surreal.

All I can muster up is that this American Spirit I'm smoking this morning and this cup of coffee I'm drinking have never tasted so damn good.

Cheers!

So Many Allies

Peel all of your layers off
I want to eat your artichoke heart
No more leaky holes in your brain
And no false starts

 Track du Moment: "Atoms For Peace" by Thom Yorke

...each movement refined

I feel so out of the blogging loop!  My last semester of school balanced with volunteering at the Eco Park, bartending, and my extensive social life has become absolutely consuming!  But in a good way I guess.  I really have been enjoying myself.  PLUS, my college career is quickly approaching an end.  I graduate May 15th.  So exciting.  I was talking to a friend a few days ago about how strange it will be to not be a student anymore.  We (meaning anyone who has been in school for 18+ years) have been labeled as "student" for so long.  It's bizarre to think that the label we have adorned for nearly a lifetime will soon change.
I can't help but wonder... what's next?

Track du Moment: "Martha" by Rufus Wainwright

a Must Listen: FRAGILE

Hi all.

So I guess this is somewhat of a plug I'm posting for a friend's band, Fragile.  But whatever, even if they weren't fabulous people and friends, I would still publish this post.  They are an incredibly talented group of guys who will release their debut album "This Land Will Be Civilized" in May (which is fantastic, by the way).

Side note: I'm going to see them perform at First Ave in Minneapolis tomorrow night and simply cannot wait.

So everyone! Check them out at www.fragilemusic.com or www.myspace.com/fragilewi
...or at least just admire how good looking they are.  Either way.

& enjoy this:

___________________________________

Album du Moment: "This Land Will Be Civilized" by Fragile

Love.

Harmless Sparks

Well, the Bazan show was incredible.  Just incredible.  Great performance by the entire band (+ Dave of course).  He played a lot of old Pedro The Lion tracks which R.M. and I were thrilled with.  And the Turf Club turned out to be a very cool venue.  We were accompanied by great friends, and the night was just a beautiful success!

Image via www.davidbazan.com

Although the Monday night extravaganza left me a bit tired -- I ended up missing both of my classes on Tuesday and napping instead.  And even this morning, I embarrassed myself pretty bad in pilates class.  Oh well.  Well worth it.

Okay.  That's enough already.  I am rambling on...... and on.  Happy Wednesday evening, all.

Track du Moment: "I Do" by Pedro The Lion

Everything In Its Right Place

Things I look forward to:

1.  Closing the bar tonight with two of my favorite co-workers.  (This means free Ketel One and sodas, American Spirits, giggles, and a fair amount of complaining.)

2.  Celebrating Easter tomorrow with the family +1 handsome boyfriend (hopefully).

3.  Seeing David Bazan + Headlights Monday night at the Turf Club with beautiful people.

4.  Saturday night in Minneapolis with dear friends who are scattered about the Midwest (!).

"Have you ever seen a mini with such large hands?"

Let's have T-F fly by, please.

Track du Moment: "Magazine" by Pedro The Lion

Untitled II

BABES

Since when did my friends start getting pregnant?!  Does this mean that I really am getting old?  Kidding.  I am but 22 ....but seriously.

A wonderful friend from middle school (and so on) is expecting near the end of May!  How exciting it must be to be a pregnant woman.  I mean, despite your vagina being on display regularly at doctor appointments, the fact that you are carrying a living being in your own bod (!), the whole water breaking when you aren't expecting it thing, the strange cravings you endure (I had a friend crave styrofoam, and another sidewalk chalk!) -- BUT, despite those few things, it truly is a beautiful thing.  I mean it.  Pregnant women are gorgeous creatures.

The beautifully pregnant Rochelle had her baby shower this past Sunday.  It was wonderful to be surrounded by old friends and especially the old friend that has gained over 40 pounds in her stomach ONLY.  Hehe, don't kill me for this, Ro ....photos:

James, me (must stop weird head cocking thing in photographs), and the pregnant lady (with Baby Harlow)!

James, Whitney, me, a severed deer head.

Look at this gorgeous mother-to-be holding up her favorite gift of the day. ;) Which was obviously from me.  "The Hippie Aunt".  How adorable though?  A silk embroidered dress with little baby mocosain-like sandals.  I was seriously scouring the other side of Gap for this outfit in my size ...to no avail.

James, me, love.

___________________________________

Speaking of exciting baby news .....I am going to be an aunt again!  Have I mentioned that on this blog yet?  Hmmm ...My sister, Kim, found out just this morning that she is having a little baby girl.  I am beyond thrilled and absolutely cannot wait until August 27 (her due date).  

What a blessed whirlwind this life can be.

Track du Moment: "Lost Someone" by Cat Power

Oh just dah-ling

I have had such a wonderful week.  Great friends visited La Crosse and fun times were had by all.  I have such beautiful/creepy friends.  A perfect combination.  See here:

Lovely, eh?

Have a fabulous weekend everybody!

Track du Moment: "Zebra" by Beach House

Bizarre-oh

I had the strangest dreams last night.  Maybe it was the PBR.  Maybe it was the embarrassing numbers of hours spent dancing like an idiot to bad karaoke at a bad bar.  I guess no one will ever really know.

Either way, the following creatures were involved:

Bizarre, no?

So.  I think I may be a little out of my head this afternoon.  Must nap before dinner with the girls.  Jesus.

Happy Thursday, all.

Track du Moment: "Lost My Shape" by David Bazan