i don't know why the hours move so slow, babe, when i'm with you, i don't want to know

Well my friends, it has been a while. Sadly, the end of the year is very much upon us. Finals have begun. Luckily, I only have three actual finals and the other two are final papers. Ethics was moved to this past Thursday and CIS was just now. Then accounting... dun dun dunnnn... is next Thursday, which is also my birthday! So that sucks... but hey, at least it'll be over. Now Roommate Erin is disassembling her room so that she can return her loft bed... but it is so weird. Roommate Tiffany moved into her apartment today so her room is completely empty. That is also weird. It's not great, to be honest. It is always sad that at the end of the year you have to pack up your life again and move out of your home that you've had for the past 10 months. This won't be a problem though once we are all snuggled into Copper Beech this summer! Let's go.

The other day, I was waiting for Lee outside of ECL and this is what the sky looked like. Creepy? Absolutely. Cool? Yes, that, too.

Well, then about ten minutes after leaving ECL and arriving at Tank87, the skies opened and there was the beginning of the about three day long string of severe thunderstorms. Sadly, as everyone knows, the same storms that have taken over 220 lives in the South. Interestingly enough, tornadoes frequent my dreams. Normally they are joined with water and also in the Outer Banks. Strangely... my mom said that she had similar dreams when she was in college. She said it has to do with natural disasters and feeling overwhelmed. Or change. Or something like that. Another fun fact of my dream past is that one of the first dreams I ever remember is from when I was like 11 or 12. I always remember that it had just been a hurricane and everything was flooded around the house that we stay at in Southern Shores. Then this time last year, I had a dream that ended where that old one started off. So strange.

Onnnn a lighter note! Augustana's new CD dropped this past Tuesday!!!! HURRAH! It is absolutely perfect. Could not be better. It's a little bit of a different sound than their first albums. A little bit Bruce Springsteen-esque? Very good. Fabulous. Perfect.


While the entire CD is just amazing... here are my highlights.

1. On the Other Side



2. Hurricane



3. Just Stay Here Tonight


4.Counting The Stars


5.Shot in the Dark




The ISAT ducklings have hatched! They are absolutely adorable. It's a bit scary how the mother lets them get so close to us! Roommate Michaela said that the ducklings even came up on their own to her and Jamie. They look so soft! Wouldn't it be great to be able to pet one? Yes. It would.



There is a band from Charlottesville that was a free download about three years ago. They're called Parachute and they're graduates from UVA. Their first CD was good, but their new music is soooo much better. It has a better jazz feel instead of a pop feel. Not sure when the new CD is coming out, or if there is one, but here's what you should listen to:

1. Something to Believe In
2. Kiss Me Slowly (written by Lady Antebellum)
3. She is Love
4. Under Control

I actually just looked up their tour dates and they're gonna be in Richmond tonight. Would love to go to that, but may not be feasible. There is also a show on June 4th in Charlottesville, maybe that will work better. Though, it will be difficult since I won't have a car in DC this summer. Meh.


Well, let's recognize two great facts as of today: I successfully passed my driver's test. What? I'm 19 not 16? Oh right... stupid speeding ticket.

But even better news! As of last night- Osama bin Laden is officially dead! Hurrah! USA USA USA!

Sweet silver angels over the sea, please come down flying low for me

Happy Easter! Hip hop hippity! God Bless! All of the above!

Title of post came from Jesus was a Crossmaker (cover by Rachel Yamagata (sp?))

Easter is always a family filled holiday, full of children in pastel colored clothing fidgeting in church in anticipation of running around their yard in the hopes of finding as many eggs as possibly. Also with their parents hoping for minimal grass stains on the sear-sucker pants of their children. Since, well, forever... a group of parents has gone around the neighborhood stamping down a mixture of paint and chalk onto the pavement in the shape of bunny footprints. They go up the driveways and hop around cars and literally line the ENTIRE neighborhood in these footprints. As a child... it terrified me... I did not realize the Easter Bunny was that big. The footprints are probably a foot long, which means the Bunny is about my height. Or as a child, he would have been taller than me. Scary right? I wanted him to be a cute little baby one... not a human/rabbit combination that could bear hug me. Moving on to the better memories of Easter... As a little child I would venture to my grandparent's house in Fairfax to have an Easter egg hunt in their backyard... oh childhood. Once my Nana moved down to Williamsburg and I had aged a few years... the hunt continued but instead of eggs it just became bags of jelly beans. And the hunt carries on today... here's a bag behind a picture frame. Sneaky, I know. Nana's a stealthy one.
I'm pretty sure the current Western Culture's celebration habits of Easter are absolutely contributing to the childhood obesity that has become such an issue. For example... I have a foodbaby from candy... and I don't hate it. Ask me again in the morning and I may give you a different answer. Long run tomorrow after this weekend's eating habits! This is the final collection of loot after my Easter hunt and my parents just receiving candy. Sadly, 95% of that is mine. Jamie brought her candy from her basket with her back here and there's probably enough candy in here to give a 3rd world diabetes. No, seriously, it's scary.
Among all of the candy were two bags of gummies from Trader Joes (3 bags for Lee). These are the BEST GUMMIES EVER. Their little tummies of the animal they are shaped as have sour stuff in them. I opened this bag below and probably half of them were gone in about 30 minutes so I put them away... and hid them. Photobooth = backwards picture. Seriously, if I could marry gummies, it would be these.


As a theme of Easter and Spring... I bring you babies. No, no, no not the human kind. Those cry and drool and look like aliens. By a spring baby I mean a... PUPPY. On Saturday, (after seeing Water for Elephants... but we'll get to that later) I took a drive to Kingsmill to see Winston's new puppy corgy! Her name is Lilly and she is just the sweetest thing ever! She ran and ran that afternoon and chewed on sticks and you know, did puppy things. Absolutely presh.
So on the way out of Williamsburg today to come back to Harrisonburg, we can add another car problem that I had. My father and I stop to get gas and then I drive away, hoping to make it back around 730. Well, that was not in the plan apparently. It felt as though my car was pulling to the left a bit, but I tried to ignore it. Then it became persistent. So, driving down 199, I went over the dip right before the Longhill exit and suddenly it feels like something solid hit the ground. Okay, Kel, it's time to pull over. Sooo pull into the RecCenter and get out and sure enough... I have a flat tire. Lord knows where it came from, but hey- that's what happens. And it wasn't just like oh the air looks low... no, no... it was oh hey your hub cap is actually what is rolling on the ground. As seen below. Thank God it wasn't out on 64 and I had not made it out of Williamsburg, yet. Promptly called my daddy and he and my mother joined me in the empty WJCC parking lot. You know, it's Easter so we had to do things as a family of course. Props to my dad in this situation because I was in a dress and heels and oh also had NO clue how to change a tire! After changing said tire and then having to find the dumb key that goes on one of the lug nuts... I could make it out of Wburg. The whole trip home was a big experiment, though, to see if the untouched-in-ten-years spare tire could make it up the mountain. Que in the traffic and caffeine stop, and then we have arrival of 9 pm. Yes... I left my house at 430. Long. Ass. Evening.

On Saturday, we had a mommy-daughter date to go see Water for Elephants. It was phenomenal. What is even more phenomenal is the book Water for Elephants. If you have not read it, I HIGHLY recommend that you do. It is better than the movie and is probably one of my favorites of all time. The cinematography of the film was perfect though. It completely captured the elaborate and gaudy elements of a circus and also how the whole theme of the book is how everything is just an act and all an illusion- right down to the characters. What is missed in the movies are a lot of details, which is typical of a book turned movie. In the movie, there is a giant focus on the relationships/love triangle that exists between Jacob, Marlena, and August. In the book, the triangle is a big part- but it also discusses the other relationships that Jacob makes as a circus vet. He really becomes part of the family that is the Benzini Bros Circus. Either way, read the book and watch the movie. The post-movie discussion with my mother was interesting, because we attempted to recast the three main characters a bit. We came to the conclusion that August's character- played by Christoph Waltz- could definitely not be replaced. He played that character so on point, it was perfect. Sadly, Marlena, in my opinion, was disappointing. Played by Reese Witherspoon, she just didn't seem to be the same. Of course, Witherspoon is a great actress, but this just did not seem to be the right role for her. For one, there was a massive lack in chemistry between Jacob (RPatz) and Marlena, which was a fault. She had more chemistry with Waltz (August)! RPatz actually did a great job. He nailed the character and he as an actor was a great choice. While he did a great job, my mother made an extremely great point. If this movie had been made 10 years ago... Leonardo DiCaprio would have been the absolute PERFECT Jacob. He would have nailed it so well. While that makes a ton of sense, it was more difficult to find a better Marlena. We were thinking maybe Rachel McAdams if they made her look older. She looks too close to RPatz's age and Marlena is supposed to be an older woman. Not like Graduate type older, but definitely older than a college aged boy (Jacob).

Well Jamie and I are making an early run tomorrow, so it is about time to hit they hay. In light of Easter, though, I believe it would be a good opportunity to recommend some bands that are actually both Christian-based bands, but have become 2 of my favorite bands. As most of you know, Switchfoot is actually a Christian band. Their new CD, though, has a different sound to it. I saw them open this summer for Goo Goo Dolls and they were awesome. I actually got to meet them after, too, which was really sweet. My mom has the signed CD at home. These are my two favorites:

1. Your Love is a Song
2. Enough to Let Me Go

The second band is NeedtoBreathe. While they are a very much Christian band, they are actually one of my favorites... ever. They have a great acoustic feel and are just phenomenal in general. You should listen to everything they have, but here are a few highlights to get your starts.

1. Haley (Actually their first hit that was played on the radio. I heard it maybe my freshman year in highschool? They've been around a while.)
2. We Could Run Away
3. Shine On
4. Washed by the Water
5. Return
6. More Time (featured on PS I Love You's soundtrack)
7. Something Beautiful
8. Lay Them Down

Okay, I should stop. Can't really just pick a few. It's early bed time now... ONLY TWO DAYS UNTIL AUGY'S CD COMES OUT AHHHH

"With a secret like that, at some point the secret itself becomes irrelevant. The fact that you kept it does not."-Water for Elephants

lend me your eyes- i can change what you see, but your soul you must keep totally free.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. Home for Easter Weekend. I do love being home, but not the biggest fan of how late Easter is this year... we only have 2 weeks left of being at JMU! I wish I was doing Maymester... Oh and shout out to Nick for telling me to move the picture to the left instead of having it down the middle. Your criticism was greatly appreciated!!!! There's so many statuses going up on Facebook saying how "summer needs to come faster!" or "yay only a few more weeks of school!" Am I the only one who doesn't actually want summer to come?

Recently, an interesting subject has come to mind. Is it possible to fall in love with a group of people? As I see it, yes- it is. And that's what I have found to be the case at JMU. It's interesting because when you're in high school, you often are friends with people mostly just because you are around them for years and years... and years. Of course, you do find those friends that you actually connect with and stay friends with forever. But in college it's so much different. You become friends with people because you want to be friends with them. Usually you meet in things such as clubs or sports or class, but then somehow it grows into a friendship and then BOOM... you have new friends. So maybe that's why I don't want to leave JMU so badly. Why would I want to leave from JMU and therefore leave the friends I love so dearly? Of course, it is always nice to go home and see the family, the dog, and the friends that I have kept and touch with and are still close with.

Well, sadly, I left Harrisonburg Thursday evening around 8and then arrived in DC around 11... after having almost everything go wrong. First off, I was waiting at ISAT for a bus to Stonegate to get my car and had about 20 or 30 lbs of stuff with me. Finally, two buses come, the shopper and route 9. Well the shopper stopped... but the bus to Stonegate didn't. Nope... just kept driving by. So I got all huffy on the phone to my mother and then walked to Stonegate. Not the best walk I have ever had, but hey- it got me there. Got in the car, dealt with the Hell that Harrisonburg traffic, and then failed at getting gas at Sheetz due to the one million people there. Parked at nTelos and went to Festival for dinner with Lee. We dined and that was nice and then walked back to my car so we could pack it up. Well, in Festi, I had dropped my keys so Lee picked them up and put them in his pocket. So upon our arrival at my car, he handed me my keys... but somehow it was only the key faab and my house key. And..... commence panic. So we traced steps back to Festi and thank GOOOOOODNESS the girl at the desk had them. *Sigh of relief.* Well somehow between Hburg and Dupont Circle, I managed to get lost three times. If I hear "recalculating" in an electronic British voice, I might cry.

Today (Friday) was much more interesting, though. Woke up around 730 am (gross) and then had an interview for a job this summer at the Hotel Madera. Hopefully that went well. *Knock on wood...* They teased me a couple times for "being shy," but that was sarcasm. Thursday night, I stayed at The Rouge, which is always fun to stay at. Everything is red. EVERYTHING.

Outside the Front Door

(the kitchen area in the room)

(big red bed)

After the interview, I made an adventure down to Georgetown. Caught the Circulator and traveled on over. On the walk to the bus stop, I passed the National Geographic Museum. On the steps of the museum, there was a family waiting to get in. Among this family was a little ginger boy in a fly baseball cap and while he was waiting... he was dancing... a lot. It was the most adorable thing EVER. He even did that Michael Jackson toe stand thing. I had to stop staring because that would have been creepy... Plus he stopped dancing and got all embarrassed when he realized he was in public and others could see him. Upon arriving in Georgetown, I found this cute little Vespa parked outside of Barnes and Noble. Yes, that was dumb.

This was the epitome of the trip Paper Source and Sprinkles. I took the trip to Urban Outfitters but it just wasn't cutting it. Feelin a big stingy with the wallet and not really in the mood to drop $80 on a dress I fell in love with... ouch. Sadly, there was only an hour or so before I had to be back at the Rouge to leave to go home to avoid traffic.

This was the window display for the PaperSource. Adorable right? I could have spent days in this store. Jamie... you will need to join me in this store ASAP.

Here is just a piece of the insanely large selection they have of AWESOME paper. So many prints... how do you choose!?Here we have an owl bank... really I just want this for my birthday so I put it on here because it looks cool...

MOVING ON.


But here is the highlight of the trip. I mean really... look at who you're reading... I love food. Even more so, I love cake... especially in tiny little shapes... such as a cupcake. Jamie told me she was disappointed in me for not going to Georgetown Cupcakes. I apologize. But this place was JUST AS COOL. It's called Sprinkles Cupcakes. Really cute, really small... but absolutely delicious. So here is the Sprinkles experience... via iTouch pictures...

((Outside Sprinkles))

((Inside Sprinkles and the selection of cupcakes. They had a few flavors- Such as lemon coconut, red velvet, black and white, vanilla, carrot cake, chai latte, etc)((The final product at home.))

((Inside of the box! NOM NOM NOM! In the box includes a red velvet, vanilla, carrot cake, and black&white))

((Inside the bag was Cody's wittle baybay cupcake! Which he consumed in about 1.2 seconds... as seen below.))

The other day when I was watching One Tree Hill, it was Haley's turn to have another baby. Yes, I'm sure that doesn't really make much sense to most of you, but that's alright. The best part was that two new Augustana songs were featured on the show! YA-HOO. They also said a quote that really stuck out to me...

"Every child comes with a message that God is not yet discouraged with us."

And I will leave you with that. Tomorrow: Water for Elephants with the madre! Happy Weekend!

Oh also, if you have ever watched the show Community, then you will understand why the last two minutes of the show is my favorite part. Usually Troy (played by Donald Glover... loveee) and Abed do some sort of short funny piece. Last week's has to be one of my favorites:

Also, Troy and Abed's spanish rap is always a classic:



And finally... Abed's Batman speech. It's not from the last 2 minutes, but still equally hilarious.






And with that... happy halloween.

i celebrate the differences, celebrate the songs you sing.

What a weekend. The coolest thing- so apparently you could stream Coachella (this SICK music festival in California that was this past weekend) live on YouTube. Once it is over you can still watch video archives here. We watched some of at Brooke's on Friday but we didn't have much time to stop and stare. Seeing as California is 3 hours behind us Virginians, the performances start at 4 or 430 out there but not until 7 or 730 here! Hence why The Strokes started at 850 out there, but almost midnight here. Either way... this festival is so, so, so, so awesome. They had a nasty lineup this year, including Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Cold War Kids, Flogging Molly, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB (we'll get to them at a later date), Wiz Khalifa, Jack's Mannequin, Animal Collective Kanye, and The Strokes. I can only imagine what next year's will be- nothing but amazing, that is. Mumford and Sons is tearing it up right now, as well as The Strokes- I have to keep going back between the two. Honestly, Mumford is just blowing my mind. Their CD is absolutely amazing, so if you, for some God unknown reason haven't, need to download it (legally). Personal faves are The Cave, White Blank Page, and Awake My Soul. Earlier I watched the tail-end of Jack's Mannequin's performance, which was, of course, absolutely amazing. Just in time for Dark Blue and Made for Each Other. Once that was done, tuned to channel 1 just in time for Wiz's Black and Yellow. That was awesome to watch. He's insanely talented. Sadly, I was busy last night and forgot to watch Two Door Cinema Club (one of these days, boys, one of these days).

Speaking of being legal... the concept of downloading music has been brought up quite a bit recently. It's so difficult sometimes, especially when there are so many ways that one can easily download without having to pay. And there's always the concept of "well the music industry makes so much money, why does it matter if I download this one song?" The problem is that one turns into... hundreds... and it's not just you that's doing it. It's a ton of people- leading to millions of dollars wrongfully taken from artists who put their lives into make the music we listen to everyday. Okay... okay, I will stop lecturing. I just personally am saying that I, as an individual, am going to make a valiant effort in downloading legally.

Friday was Brooke's birthday, so we celebrated the passing of her into adulthood and said goodbye to her teenage years. Sad, sad, it's true... we're all getting old (is that a WRINKLE!?). Friday was beautiful weather, so after enjoying a nice lunch at Green's and then going to class (where there was probably about a third of the class present), I took a stroll. I went home and changed quickly, and walked from White Hall down Cantrell to South Main St. It was just gorgeous out and so sunny. Once on South Main, continued down the road, enjoying the nice view of Downtown Harrisonburg and met Brooke at the public library. Yes yes, it was a beautiful day so I went to get a new book to read. It's something that cannot be hidden- nerd status. Rereading the book The Tea Rose. Guilty pleasure. Once we were done at the library, we went to the Yellow Button (a boutique in downtown Harrisonburg) to browse among things that I had no ability to buy. Wallet's not big enough for that store, unless it's some sort of a splurge. After that, we went to look at the cat's in Cat's Cradle (cat rescue downtown). Personally, not the biggest cat person... but it was Brooke's birthday after all and she is obsessed with "kitties." After Cradle, we found this new cupcake shop that had opened just off of S. Main St! It was cute, somewhat amateur looking, but still it worked well enough! Brooke got a pink lemonade cupcake and I got a Rocky Rd one. Both were absolutely delicious. A medium sized group of us went to Beyond (Asian restaurant downtown) for dinner and then back to Brooke's before going to Richard's for the night. All and all, it was quite an eventful night and hopefully we can say that Brooke had a fabulous 20th birthday :)

(birthday girl)

(view from window on Thursday)

(clouds during a break in the enormous storms on Saturday)

Saturday, we woke up at a fairly normal hour (maybe 12?) and the rain had already started. It was just miserable outside. Lee and I went to eHall with Ricky and Jamie (double brunch date!!!), where we luckily got to witness Ricky shove a cupcake into Jamie's face. Jamie was not happy to have icing all over her face, but the rest of us were definitely amused. (Wow if anyone was just wondering, I just spelled definitely correctly in the first try for the first time. LET'SGO). Alright... it is 130 am and that means I should probably go to bed. As should Erin because she has an 8am... but I also will be arising at 745 because at 8, the College of Business will be opening themselves for overrides- for which I desperately need one for the Wednesday 630-920 Management class. And for that- goodnight for now. This will continue manana.

Right now it is 749 in the morning. Erin was kind enough to wake me up so that I can get in this override right at 8am. I don't know if getting it in early will make a difference, but if so- then we are set! So while I wait 10 more minutes, we can continue with the weekend- because I know you guys actually really, really, really want to know what I did this weekend. Eff! It's 8am and the site will not open! Maybe at 801... nope it's 802 and still won't let me in. GAH. 815 and NOTHING. HELP. Gross, now I am awake. Go back to sleep for a little maybe? Another hour?

Well Saturday afternoon rolled around and it was date night with Lee. We took a trip the grocery store and bought the ingredients to make a scrumptious dinner: Bow tie pasta with Alfredo -pesto sauce and salmon! It was so, so, so good. It also helped that we were both starving so once the meal was ready, we were ready as well to down that food. After enjoying dinner, we watched a few minutes of Get Smart... but then we found that Just Friends was on. That movie is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. Hello... Joyce? Wow... could probably quote the entire movie, but that would take a while (you know, approx 2ish hours). But that was just super exciting to watch. Hilarious. All and all, a wonderful date night.
We also did a craft... kind of (hah!). For Gabe's 21st birthday, Lee bought him a bottle of Belvidere vodka (which apparently is like $60 for a bottle...). Over the past few years of being at college, they have collected a very large amount of tabs from cans, in hopes of the rumor that you can get a free keg from collecting a gallon is actually true... we no longer believe that it is a fact. Well instead, we put them in the empty Belvidere bottle! It looked really cool actually. Ironic, in a way- mixing classy (Belvy) with cheap (can tabs), but it was still very cool.
Sunday was somewhat boring. We tried holding a tennis clinic for club tennis but it did not go super well... long story- not worth getting into. Now onto my favorite part- music. Maybe I should put this at the beginning so you (hopefully) listen to it whilst you read. Next time, next time. So going with the same theme as last time (soundtracks), let us discuss Elizabethtown.



Never heard of the movie? Not surprising- it didn't get much hype. That's probably because it got TERRIBLE reviews and the majority of the people who I have chatted with about it have given it a mediocre rating, as well. It has Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom in it, but it just was not super popular. I personally love the movie... but that is due to the absolutely beautiful soundtrack that comes with it. Also probably because of the amazing road trip that she makes for him, as you see in the trailer above. It is such a good soundtrack that it actually takes up TWO CDs. TWO OF THEM. It is the perfect mix of Americana tunes- created with Tom Petty, Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams, Elton John, Cathleen Edwards, and so many others. Actually, if you have not listened to Ryan Adams or Tom Petty... then that needs to change. We'll get to that after this rant. While it is literally almost impossible to pick only a few, I will. You really just need a copy of it from me, but this will suffice.

From Elizabethtown Vol.1:
1. My Father's Gun- Elton John
2. Come Pick Me Up- Ryan Adams
3. Long Ride Home- Patty Griffin
4. Hard Times- eastmountainsouth
5. It'll All Work Out- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
6. Don't I Hold You- Wheat
7. Io (This Time Around)- Hellen Stellar







Now from Elizabethtown Vol.2:
1. Learning to Fly- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (personal fav)
2. English Girls Approximately- Ryan Adams (other personal fav)
3. Jesus was a Crossmaker- Rachael Yamagata
4. Same in Any Language- Ruckus
5. I Can't Get Next to You- The Temptations





That seems like a good amount of music for now... don't want to overwhelm. Alright. Already up... so might as well stay up now. Nap later?

Quote to leave you with:

"Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone with one hand waving free." -Elizabethtown

if i could hold this moment in my hands i'd stop the world from moving, i'd stop the clocks from turning

Today's weather has been absolutely abysmal! Do you like the constant weather update? Good because it'll probably keep happening. On the television right now is Cupcake Wars, which I have attempted to watch before but always got distracted away. Hopefully this time will go better. There is a massive thunderstorm outside with lightning all over the place. But really, it's okay because thunderstorms are always the best kind of background noise. It's even better when it's time to sleep. Thinking of a summer thunderstorm right now is just torture! Imagine time:

Sitting on the deck of a beach house, watching a thunderstorm roll up (either over the Atlantic or up the North Carolina coast) and you can feel the temperature drop from that warm air to the cool breeze. In the distance you can see the lightning and it's far away enough that you don't hear the thunder. Some Frank Sinatra or Louis Armstrong in the background, perhaps? Ah, summer evenings.

Moving on...

The music rant for the day is all about... Twilight. Ah yes, yes, same reaction as yesterday? Yes, yes, I know the movie is poorly written and the books are even more poorly written... but the soundtracks are absolutely genius. That's really what I look forward to when the movies come out. The first soundtrack was solid, but the second one is just pure gold. The third one is also amazing, but the second is probably the best (at least in my opinion). What is great is that the songs chosen are often by bands that no one really listens to. It's also great because it allows these bands to get their music and their name out there. There aren't many big names on the soundtracks, except for Muse, Paramore, and The Killers. There's some mediumly known bands, too, such as- Vampire Weekend, OKGO, The Bravery, and MuteMath. Here are the highlights (my highlights)

Twilight:
1.Full Moon- The Black Ghosts
2.Spotlight- MuteMath
3.Flightless Bird, American Mouth- Iron&Wine
4.Eyes On Fire- Blue Foundation

New Moon: it's essentially impossible to pick favorites, but I tried hard
1.White Demon Love Song- The Killers
2.Friends- Band of Skulls
3. Slow Life- Grizzly Bear
4.Monsters- Hurricane Bells
5. Shooting the Moon- OKGO
6.Done All Wrong- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Eclipse:
1. Life on Earth: Band of Horses
2. Chop and Change: The Black Keys
3. Ours: The Bravery
4. Heavy in Your Arms: Florence and the Machine
5. What Part of Forever: Cee Lo Green

Basically... it's all a bunch of alt music that is so chill and so good. Band of Skulls is a good band, as they were also mentioned in the last post. While you may recognize those two songs (the one from New Moon and the one from No Strings Attached) , you will also recognize their song called Light of the Morning. It's in this THIS Ford Mustang commercial! Hah-za!

A lot of the music from the Twilight soundtracks really remind me of being out West. Probably because of the Arizona scenery in the first movie and from then on it just stuck. Speaking of being out West... my mom found this printing press in Tennessee that is really sick. Yessss I know what you're thinking: "what? Kelly... Tennessee is not West." But once you see these pieces that they do, then you will understand my correlation. They are called YeeHaw Press and can be found here: http://www.yeehawindustries.com/home.html . I want the My Grass is Blue poster, the Jack Daniels poster, as well as the Cupcakes poster. Okay, okay... maybe they're not Western-esque... but they are Americana and that's awesome.

(found here)
(found here)(found here)

Speaking of blue grass. If you haven't listened to Dierks Bentley's newest stuff, it's fantastic. It's got a blue grass feel and it's awesome! It's not too much blue grass to freak out those who just want to scratch the blue grass surface. For those who would like to dive deeper, get at me for the "Sounds of Appalachia" CD... as well as any of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. But back to Dierks!

1. Up On the Ridge
2. Draw Me a Map
3. Bad Angel (feat Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson) ((personnel faveee)
4. Fallin For You (that's only a sample)

flip flop, no stop, i got the whit that my enemies lack.

Sitting in CIS right now... paying attention... and writing here. The day outside is once again beautiful (high of 88, what?). So sitting in class is not exactly my first choice right now, but, hey, someone's paying for me to go to class (thank you mother and father). Some things are on my mind that I would like to address. Hypocrisy, double standards, and high pedestal syndome. Now... here's a fact that most people would probably like to ignore: 99% of humans are hypocrites. Interestingly enough, hypocrisy has to be one of my biggest pet peeves, I guess you could say, that people do.Though it does happen... really... it's an honest mistake that many people make. What really grinds my gears is when people partake in it willingly. Ironically, by saying and believing that, it makes me a hypocrite. But... this brings in the concept of double standards. They go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, this weekend I partook in both of these. In high school, it was absolutely frustrating when one of my friends would get a boyfriend and then essentially disappear off the face of the Earth. It was infuriating because it felt like you were just a sub until they could find something better. Also, who is going to be there for you if/when the relationship doesn't work out? Your friends. Who was there before the relationship even was a thought in your head? Your friends. So it always blew my mind that someone could so easily disregard their friends once they got involved in a relationship. Well, I ate my own words- especially this weekend. It makes much more sense now that I am in the other boat! You cannot help but want to spend copious amounts of time with the person you love. It's unreal how hours and hours go by and suddenly it's mid or late afternoon and you haven't been back to your own apartment/dorm since hours before- which coincidentally means that you have neglected to be a friend, instead of just a girlfriend/boyfriend. I used to find pride in the fact that I had a relationship but also was able to keep a healthy balance between friends and boyfriend. Recently? Not as well done as before. So after this ramble, basically I am admitting to being a hypocrite and I cannot state how much that frustrates me that I did this.

On that note- high pedestal syndrome. GJ Hart (CEO of Texas Roadhouse) introduced me to the concept last Thursday, but it actually is a valid point. The more and more people esteem you (or a company in GJ's case), the harder the fall will/might be. It's really an interesting concept to look at... Though, it does not mean that one should sit around and have no expectations... but it is crucial to remember that we're all human and we all make mistakes. It almost seems ironic, doesn't it? It's like because someone does so well for a long time, that if a fault is found or made, then it almost looks worse! In life, it is always important to remember that we're all mortal and that means we all screw up sometimes. Hopefully your forgiveness and patience will later be reciprocated to you when you need it most.

I may have accidentally given myself a caffeine addiction. I don't even drink Diet Dr Pepper or coffee for the caffeine! Only for the flavor! But today, I felt myself getting tired around 230 and I had yet had any source of caffeine that day (ie- tea, coffee, or ddp). So what do I do? Give it up all together? That may have to happen... Really do not want the addiction to it... So it comes down to giving it up... OR investing in some caffeine free diet dr pepper. Hmm... decisions, decisions.


Time for more important things... aka music.

In the last post, there wasn't much music listed. Perhaps some of you were like "oh thank God! why does she ramble about it so??" But I can't help it! It's a problem. Could go on for hours + hours... as I'm sure anyone who interacts with me on a semi-regular basis could vouch for. It is now the evening. I enjoy making this an entire day project instead of a sit down thing.



Well to begin, I would like to give credit to Brooke for this one. Upon our many short drives from the tennis courts to Festi (for post-practice dinner), a CD has been playing among the heavy metal (gag... sorry Brooke) that has caught my ears' attention. Get some of this band: Bombay Bicycle Club. They're awesome, awesome. They actually had a song in the third Twilight movie (which yessss I know the movies are terrible and sappy but Alexandra Patsavas is a compilation GENIUS). Back to B.B.C. (not the radio station): It's great music. Good for things such as tanning/laying out, napping, reading, straight chillllinnn, and things of the sort. Right now I only have the song from the Eclipse soundtrack and their newest CD: I Had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose. Right now I have not chosen a favorite because, honestly, they are all so good. Just keep the whole CD on and you'll be set for almost an hour (maybe more if you keep it on repeat like me and Brooke :) ). These next few are my current faves. Check it out:

I Had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose:

1. Open House
2. Curl Up Like a Dead Leaf and Go Where the Wind Blows
3. The Giantess

Eclipse Soundtrack:

4. How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep


Speaking of soundtracks (which are probably my favorite things ever)... The other day Brooke and I went to see the movie No Strings Attached at Grafton Theater. Hollerrrr only $2 for a movieee!!! For one- the movie, while predictable, was actually very entertaining. Typical chick-flick... butttt I didn't hate it. Of course, it takes a lot for me to dislike a movie. I officially have a giant girl-crush on Natalie Portman. I won't hide it, no I will not. But what made the movie just evennn better was the soundtrack. To begin, the trailer (which, in case you've been living under a rock, you can watch via the link above) has two fabulous, fabulous songs that were already in my iTunes. Ironically, the song at the end is also a selection from the Eclipse soundtrack (again, ah-hah!)! It's by The Bravery (wow throw backkk) and it is called Ours. It is a really great song. For sure. The song at the beginning, while you cannot hear any of the lyrics, is actually taken from the intro of the Band of Skull's song I Know What I Am. Also, a REALLY good song. Ever in the mood to just jam out with drums? This would be a great option. Well that is just a great start and we're only at the trailer! Once you divulge into the movie, it only gets better. I was floored when Phoenix's Girlfriend came on and then it just kept getting better. Here are the highlights of the soundtrack that you should definitely check out:

No Strings Attached Soundtrack highlights

1. Ours- The Bravery
2. I Know What I Am- Band of Skulls
3. Girlfriend- Phoenix
4. Bleeding Love- Leona Lewis (ooohh pop ballads yesss)
5. Boy- Ra Ra Riot
6. Rhythm of Love- Plain White T's
7. Love Lost- The Temper Trap
8. Click, Click, Click, Click- Bishop Allen
9. 99 Problems- Hugo (sooooo excited to see him in this movie!!! he's so great!)


Oh and this is for next weekend when it is time to dance: On the Floor- Jennifer Lopez. Quite catchy, so take a listen. It will make you shake your derriere.

Can we get a Scrubs quote!? Yes... it is that time: "I think the easiest way to lose something is to want it too badly."

Once again, it is almost 1am and bedtime. ¡¡Adios!!

you were changin' colors like the leaves in fall

Well it has been a while since the last post. 5 days? Molly was right, it's not easy to keep up with this as often as you'd always like. Well over the past few days, a few eventful things have happened. For one- a trip back to Williamsburg was made! Yay home! I did not have class on Friday due to a mandatory lecture that I attended on Thursday night from 5-6. It was the CEO of Texas Road House and his name is GJ Hart. He is actually from Harrisonburg and went to JMU (then known as Madison College). If that's not really cool, then I don't know what is. Leonard and I made our way to the 757 around 730 and after picking up Gabe's sports jackets and getting food and such, we arrived in casa de ashley way around 11. (Oh, a reason to love my boyfriend: as dj of my ipod for the trip, at one point he chose Backstreet Boys's Larger than Life... #heart).The next day, we went to Pierce's with friend-Kevin, which was absolutely delicious. For those of you who have not lived... I mean not had Pierce's, then I strongly suggest you high-tail it down to Lightfoot, Virginia and get off at Exit 234 and amble your way into Pierce's BBQ Pitt. Known up and down the coast, it has got to be some of the best Virginian BBQ out there. ((Fun fact: VA BBQ is tomato based and NC BBQ is vinegar based)). That was tastay-tastay! You can get either chicken or pork, but what is absolutely necessary is getting the fries with it and a cookie. Once you obtain the goods, you sit down in the busy atmosphere and enjoy. Of course, you also get a good amount of Pierce's BBQ sauce to dip and coat your meal. Once again: if you haven't been to Pierce's- take a road trip with me and we will change that ASAP...

We returned back to the house and I signed my taxes, as well as renewed my driver's license and then Lee chose his pick for his Streak for the Cash group. Upon that decision, we packed things back up, stopped for gas, and made a much needed trip to Berrybody. Hallelujah it was mango! One of my personal top 3 flaves of Bbody. We stopped at Zuzas in Charlottesville for dinner that night. If you have not heard of it (which I can safely assume most people have not) it is a mixture of California Tortilla and Chipotle. Fabulous combo, right?! Oh! A moment of silence for the CaliTort that closed in Williamsburg. Where will I get my once-a-year massive burrito that takes me 3 days to eat!?!? Okay, let's be real... it only takes 2... sittings. Possibly one day, but that could be a stretch. Bus really... where is the closest California Tortilla??? Because I want some-a-dat.

Saturday was also a wonderful day. Tim turned 21 and it was Madipalooza! What is Madipalooza, you might ask? Well I'll tell you. It's JMU's newest tradition (...what? is that an oxymoron?)!!!!! In lieu of the Springfest of 2010 (Wanna complain about riots? Don't get me started. Piss off. Anyone who wants to criticize JMU about it? Get at me.), JMU was determined to deter students away from partaking in any sort of daydrinking-blockparty-rioting-type of activities. So they put on a big block party themselves and I must say, I was very much impressed. Lots of free JMU food, eating contests, bouncy things, and among all- musical performances. Among the performers was Eric Hutchinson. If you have not heard of him yet, then now you can. Mostly known for his song Rock n Roll, my favorite is actually called Ok, It's Alright With Me. Take a listen. Also- Brenton Duvall (a DJ from DC, who is sick I might add) and The Movement (a reggae band who was very impressive) also made and appearance. For some local talent, there was a band called Lights in the Fog who did a fabulous remake of Gaga's Bad Romance. Well done, all very impressive.

So for this past Valentine's Day, my father got my mother an ice cream machine! It is actually like the coolest thing ever. Lee and I were supposed to make some, but our arrival was much too late for that. So these are the pictures- step by step- of the ice cream made by mama and me from the one day I was home over Spring Break. It is coconut cherry... which may sound like an odd combination, but in reality is scrumptious! Here we go...

step uno: empty ice cream containerstep dos: pouring in the mixture
step tres: putting all the pieces together
step quatro: turn on the machine to mix!
step cinco: finished ice cream!
step siete: finished product!!!!! coconut-cherry ice cream topped with thin mints :)

For once, it is 1230 am and I am not hungry. This may be because of the copious amounts of food that I have eaten today. Upon waking up, we took a trip to Jack Brown's... which is just a great and greasy way to start your Sunday. Jack Brown's is actually a really sweet establishment. It is mainly a bar, consisting of one table inside, a big bar, and a few tables outside. The menu consists of over a hundred different types of beer and about 6 or 7 different food options: grilled cheese, french fries, sweet potato fries, cheeseburger, hamburger, and the two different specials of the day. Each day they have two different specials that are variations of a burger. Such as today (Sunday) was the Chiflet: "a bacon, egg, and cheese burger- a cure for what 'ales' you." There is also the option of getting the Chiflet with the bun replaced with a donut. Yes, that may make you want to vom right now, but obviously someone likes it. Other funky options are the Elvis, which has peanut butter, smoked bacon, mayo, and cheese on it. While this may seem like a ver-ver strange combination... oh wait it is... it apparently is tasty! Gabe had that this morning and enjoyed that sucker. After JB's we took a trip to Kline's and ate cake batter ice cream. Did my arteries clog and I suffered from a heart attack? Not yet, but the night is still young. Just kidding, I should be going to bed soon. Shall we continue this in the morning? Tomorrow's weather forecast is sunny with a heavy chance of gorgeous. 86 as the high and only a few clouds. Running and tennis will all be in the itinerary, as well as laying out to (hopefully) get some color back (au revoir, blinding paleness!). Well my friends... until the morning. Tomorrow's post will hopefully be as meaty as this one, if not more. Goodnight, Moon.