Fine Amy L., I will get sappy too.

I'm done venting my frustrations. There is no need to get worked up about things when there are blue skies and sunshine. Life is about this moment, smiles, and simplicity. So amidst the breakups and relationship troubles people are going through there is still music to listen to, songs to be sung, and good times to be spent.
"Sweet springtime is my time is your time is our time for springtime is love time and viva sweet love. "-- e.e. cummings

Morning Sunshine - Christmas Island

There comes a point

I'm so frustrated with people who are refusing to wake up to the reality of their situation. Seriously, how much more does a person have to take before they realize the person they are with is not the right one? Why subject yourself to so much emotional abuse, unhappiness, and fear of if he or she loves you over and over and over again? I am so sick of people who refuse to look at the reality of their life and make a change. If something is consistently not working, it is time for a change. If someone only keeps talking without acting, then it is time for a change. If you keep crying over the same thing, it is time for a change. If you keep hoping and getting disappointed, it is time for a change. Get the heck out of a relationship if you are more unhappy than happy. Get the hell out of a relationship if you are doing all of the giving. People are sick of hearing the same problems caused by the same person over and over and over again. Most of all people get tired of hearing complaints and the sadness and you are not doing anything about it. Find the courage to leave someone who obviously does not care about you. There is more to life than catering to one person. Put yourself first, love yourself first, and find yourself first or you. If you don't you will always be stuck in an unhealthy relationship b/c you will always for the other person because you don't have any idea of your own wants and needs.

Divorce already!

These articles are so annoying. Why? Well in my opinion Ryan has not made good music since he has been happy and off of drugs. I think most of the problem has to do with Mandy Moore. What needs to happen is for Ryan to go through a breakup so he can write another kick ass album like Heartbreaker. Thanks.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/hwood_party_girl/b106429_mandy_moore_home_honeymoon_enough.html

SXSW 2009

HEEEELLLLOOOOO!!!!
So glad to be back in Richmond! So so glad...
Went out to Austin, TX to visit some good friends that live out there and see SXSW. This is my fourth year making the journey and Christine Miller, whom is a good friend of my from high school, made it out too!!!
It is hard to live with three other people for one week in a 600 square one room apartment! But we had tons of fun and saw lots of awesome music. Walked around constantly in the 80 degree sunny weather. Dirtied our feet. Dirtied our bellies. Took LOTS of pictures. We did so much that I am still exhausted!
I feel though, that it is my duty to let you know some of this new music that really struck a cord with me!
Okay so here's a little info and pics on two of my favorites-

Steve Taylor (pic taken on sixth street):
http://www.stevetaylormusic.com/
Folk/rock/gospel
From California. Drove out with his drummer and set up (illegally) on the side of the street and played all day and night. He said a couple of police officers had passed and glanced at him but nobody said a thing. He drew in large crowds and basically knocked our socks off. We came back the next day to see him again and buy his self-produced CD's that had sold out the day before.

Black Joe Lewis & The honeybears (Pic from an in-store at Waterloo records):
www.blackjoelewis.com
Soul music!
An Austin-based band that rocked our fuckin socks off as well! Serious kickin' soul music. You cannot help but dance! Check 'em out if you haven't already.

And here are some more that I really loved Vetiver, The Death Set, King Khan and the Shrines, The Heartless Bastards, Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down, Monotonix.
I spent WAY too much money on music.

(Picture of a not-so-good Japanese rock band)

Oh, and I also bought cowboy boots. Real, genuine, classic Cowboy boots. I will be wearing them constantly. I am wearing them right now.


All my pictures can be found either on my flickr or facebook page.

Maybe I should be a Young Adult Librarian

Because I am feeling like a tween with my bandwagon crush.
Yes ladies, Robert Pattinson can sing too. Do you remember this song from the movie?

Never Think - Rob Pattinson

A Flamenco weekend

Amanda, Emily, and I went to the Flamenco Festival at VCU Saturday night and it was amazing. The dancers were breathtaking and the musicians were incredible. I felt so lucky taking in this beautiful performance and applaud the VCU music department for hosting such a great festival. I wish I could describe how magical of an eveing that was but it's hard to put into words. I would suggest checking out the music to get an idea. Then on Sunday at work we had 2 Flamenco guitarist play during brunch at Aziza's. The musicians at Aziza's were not related to anything that was going on at VCU this weekend, which was ironic. Anyways, these 2 impressive guitarist will be coming back this Sunday so you all should come check out some great music and food.

What not to do at the Doctor's office

Listen up folks, not only do servers get annoyed by people but so do doctor office coordinators!
This heads up is from my lovely friend Desiree:

Things patients do that annoy me:
1) call three-four times asking for directions....WRITE it down the first time or mapquest it
2) back up into the parking spot...you waste time doing that and you look stupid
3) show up 20 minutes late and expect you are going to get in RIGHT away
4)calll in for a refill but don't know what pharmacy you want it called into...if you want i will just make up my own pharmacy and you can find it on your own
5) act stupid
6) reach over my desk and grab something off of it
7)call me and demand to talk to the doctor...im sorry but the doctor is busy and i can leave a message for her to call you but i will not interrupt an appointment so she can get on the phone with you for you to tell her that you need a prescription refill when I can certainly do that for you!

I do appreciate a very happy cheerful patient! or at least a considerate patient that realizes I am one person sooo please stop calling me and interrupting my day bc you didnt write down the address the first 3 times I gave it to you and now you are lost.

I forgot about this song!

I like it when you hear a song that brings you back...

Dreams - The Cranberries

The people on this show

have not gotten any saner over the years. But imagine having to go Pee really bad while on national television.

You really should check out this band

Oh Sally how you make me laugh

Have you ever been in a staff meeting and see something that makes you come so close to losing it. Last week at our monthly staff meeting the director is talking about signing the employee evaluation forms and Sally who is sitting next to me whips her head around and gives me this "oh no" look and I about lost it. It took everything I had not to bust out laughing due to the look Sally gave me...I'm still giggling about it. Then today I left my travel mug on the kitchen counter while waiting for the hot water to boil. Sally comes busting into my cubicle saying, "What a ditz I am". She told me she started drinking out of my travel mug, thought she had put coffee in it, looks down, and realizes she was drinking out of my mug and not hers. She informed me she washed to top but I might want to wash it more and for some reason I can't stop laughing over this. I don't know what it is about her but I think it has a lot to do with her facial expressions and statements that makes me laugh so much! I <3 spastic people.

Veronica Schlitz (and the Broken Hearted Others)

For some reason I am trying to make people think, via my facebook status, that I am in a band going to SXSW in Austin, TX. I am actually headed on there on Wednesday...but not actually in a band...of course...BUT WOULDN'T IT BE COOOOOOOOL???
I am Veronica Schlitz and the Broken Hearted Others. I am the bad ass singer.
Play along if you would like. I will keep up with this all week long and try to get pictures of me singing on stage to confuse people even more.
HA!

Why I dislike chain restaurants

Restaurants like Applebee's, Friday's, Olive Garden, etc. Have made it to where people have this mentality that they can change a menu anyway they see fit. This could be a substitution, a deletion, an addition, or asking for something that is not even on the menu. Also, many people expect all of these demands, because they are certainly not requesting these changes, without any additional charge. So when people who typically eat at these chain restaurants venture outside of their suburban homes to a small privately owned restaurant and expect to make the same changes it is not the people I get annoyed with (although I really do) it is the freaking chain restaurants who have made it so accommodating to these ignorant people! PEOPLE, chefs who own and/or operate small restaurants like The White Dog, Mezzanine, Edo's, Aziza's, etc. create menus specific to what is in season and specific towards what flavors and textures go well with each other, and because they know how to create a damn good dish from there own skills! So to order something off the menu and want to change it all around is so stupid to me because you are basically insulting a chef's knowledge and expertise. Cook your own meal if you know what you like and are craving. Also, please don't ever be as ignorant as asking if a chef can make something that is NOT on the menu. God bless the ignorant woman who came into Aziza's on Saturday and asked for French Toast (which Billy made) and then said we should have french toast and waffles added to our menu. Please let that woman forever stay away and forever go to Cracker Barrel.

A laugh on a blue Monday

This is why we drink wine once a month at work

People I work with have started a blog about wine. I was invited to join and would like for others to follow! So if you want to read about wine and food check it out: http://wineisfordinner.blogspot.com/

Oh hell, I'll take all 4 thanks.

Mmm...and I'll take you too

My new boyfriend

Why have I not Google image you before?
I have always liked your music and never thought twice about checking out what you really look like. My God what was I thinking?

It started with a little pear and ended with....

ps. We like to entertain each other with picture text messages and not work.

Something to think about

Obama’s Council on Women and Girls
By Lisa Belkin

President Obama has just signed an executive order establishing the “White House Council on Women and Girls.” The purpose of the new group “is to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy,” he said at the signing. “Our progress in these areas is an important measure of whether we are truly fulfilling the promise of our democracy for all our people.” He defined those areas as economic security, a balance between work and family, violence against women and women’s health.

In part the council will be a switching station for the existing bureaucracy, getting all Federal agencies to focus on “the challenges confronted by women and girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families,” the White House said. But if it goes beyond that, and creates rather than simply coordinates change, what exactly should that change be? What are the issues and policies today that affect “women and girls” to the exclusion of, or more dramatically than, “men and boys”?

There is no one more vocal than I about the fact that women and men experience the realms of family and work differently (you can find some examples of my thoughts here and here.) But I think that too many of the problems women and girls have in the world stem from the fact that the problems are considered “their” problems — “women’s problems” — rather than problems that both genders share.

Let’s review just a few:

Unequal Pay. This was the first to be tackled by the new administration with the signing of the Ledbetter Act. And certainly this is a concern for women, who still earn less, on average, than men (though the gap has narrowed sharply, and much of the difference is due to different career paths men and women take — more on that below — than on overt discrimination.) Yet to call this a “woman’s problem” is to glide over the fact that the pay difference hurts more than just women. Pay discrimination is a family issue. In a two-parent family, it reduces the income of the entire household, and is often a determinative factor in tipping a single parent family from stable to impoverished.

Maternity leave. By definition this is on a woman’s radar. And the United States lags woefully behind most of the rest of the western world in the amount of time mothers get to take off after giving birth. But we also lag woefully behind in paternity leave, too. And to compartmentalize this as a need only of women, is to leave out nearly half of all parents. Studies show that men already feel stigmatized about taking the minimal leave available to them, and that reluctance hurts who? Among others, women.

Childcare. There is no greater evidence that society still considers children the responsibility of mothers, rather than of parents, than the fact that we call childcare a woman’s issue. It is. Because that’s the way the world currently works. But if the White House council’s only role in this area is to increase child care options for women — rather than also prodding social norms so that it targets more than just women — then it will only have done part of the job.

Work/Life Balance. Today’s workplace is built for a man — requiring the fiercest hours and attention in the early years if you are going to make it up that ladder. Fine for a 1950s man with a wife at home. Tolerable for a 2000s man with a working spouse. Not really okay for a working woman, who, biology dictates, has to use those same early years if she wants to have children.

What women need is a system that allows stepping out and stepping back in without penalty. And for those of us who can’t afford to leave — and that means most of us — we need a system that allows for flexibility and control over our lives. That system must factor in periods of great ambition and achievement, mixed with periods of slow but steady work, all with the understanding that ups and downs make a career, and don’t automatically knock you off the track.

While women have had the more visible juggling act in the past few decades, and have led the demands for change, all they are really asking is to be able to earn a living and care for their children in a ratio that isn’t perfect, but is less lopsided than the status quo. Giving them that means giving it to girls AND boys, too — and to the women AND men they will grow up to be. And a system like that will change men’s lives as well.

What do you think the White House Council on Women and Girls should put on its agenda? Does it matter what the council is called? Or is it only important that they tackle broadly and wisely?

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Thanks Amy L.!

I love the fact that Amy L. put this song a mix she gave me. "Rich Girl" makes me dance and sing.

This made me laugh today

Light it up

Last night started the first cookout for the Spring/Summer.

Grilled marinated chicken
Grilled fruits and veggies to make a salsa for the chicken: red onion, pineapple, tomato, and jalapenos
Sauteed okra
Black beans

Small party of 5 (+ Bailey), outside, candles, soft breeze, perfect temperature, drinks, and conversation.

Looking forward to more nights just like that.

Attention Winos!! Watch this movie

Bottle Shock

This movie in a way teaches you a lot about how California wine became so popular. I have normally been against buying U.S. made wine because I like to support other countries not so big. I like to buy a Malbec from Argentina or Vinho Verde from Portugal and so on. After watching this movie I now have more interest in trying and buying wines from Napa Valley. This is what I love about drinking wine which is getting excited about and trying different wines from various regions. So this movie now makes me want to start buying California wines but only from smaller vineyards of course...still don't like to support the big "wine corporations".

Iron Chef America

So last night I watched Iron Chef America and it was crazy interesting. I was hooked on the show awhile back but stopped watching it. However, I'm in this cooking phase and am again interested in watching the Food Network. Last night I watched San Francisco based Chef Mourad Lahlou compete against Chef Cat Cora. The secret ingredient was Red Snapper but the different ways the Chefs cooked this ingredient was amazing.

First thing I have never heard of was fried ketchup. Ketchup was put in a batter, vacuum sealed, and then fried. I think that is how it went...but any case this ketchup was served with a "fish and chips basket".

Next ingredient was black garlic! I loooove me some garlic and I have never heard of black garlic. So I looked it up online and came across this link http://www.ideasinfood.com/ideas_in_food/2008/04/black-garlic.html

and for an image it doesn't look appetizing but it would be neat to cook with maybe one time.

In any case this was a great Iron Chef episode and if you can catch a repeat I would suggest tuning in for some unique cooking techniques and ingredients. Oh! There was also some F bombs that were dropped so a little bit of drama in the kitchen also makes for some interesting viewing.

What the hell?

Seriously what's up with this Moretta shit! WEIIIIIRRRRDDDDDDDDD!!!
Follow link
http://www.delpiano.com/carnival/html/moretta.html

Moretta

Curtis was telling me about his old dog named Loretta. I thought he said Moretta....
...thought it sounded like a pretty girls name. Googled it. Found this.

Note to self: Don't name kid Moretta.
Follow link for description.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1240101954136089223

Librarians Love Obama for this

Vivek Kundra will be the Federal Chief Technology Officer.

President Obama today announced that Vivek Kundra, chief technology officer for the District, will be the federal chief information officer.

It’s a job that did not exist in previous administrations; Obama, who leveraged social networks, text messages and other Internet tools on the campaign trail, promised to create a technology czar with the aim of helping the government operate more efficiently.

The newly created federal position will operate under the auspices of the White House. Kundra, 34, is expected to oversee how government agencies purchase and use information technology and will be in charge of all federal technology spending. He also will be responsible for making sure agencies’ networks and systems work together and share information while maintaining security and privacy standards.

White House Press Release:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Names-Vivek-Kundra-Chief-Information-Officer

Resource:
Libraries as the Future of Culture and History. ISSN 1932-8559

Jury duty!

Today was my first day ever being summoned for jury duty. It was less annoying then I thought it was going to be. I felt proud to be a part of the justice system (no matter how good/bad it might actually be) and happy to have a day off of work.
I can not talk anymore about my experience though, they might kill me (big brother is watching).
On another note, I am going to be going to Richmond camera today and have some of my (artsy) photos printed. I am going to start selling them/putting a show together. Slowly but surely.
Peace home dogs!

2 years on March 7th

Songs for Charles:
Songs we sang together
Songs I sang by myself
Songs I sing by myself

Friday: Edo's for you

Saturday: A visit to your tree and flowers for you

Sunday: Going on another year with loss but acceptance.

Everyday: No longer bitter, moving on, remembering, letting go, holding on, accepting, shedding a tear, and smiling.

Charles

Poor Little Index Finger

Poor little index finger is not broken and is in full recover mode. My middle finger wishes little index finger speedy recover b/c it is tired of doing most of the typing, lifting, touching, and pointing. You are a trooper middle finger. To all of my fingers, I promise to watch what I am doing when I am closing my car door. Love Amy O.

The bad, the sad, and yet the good

1st part-I usually take Grove to and from work and the past 2 days have invoked a couple of different emotions in me while driving. Yesterday, on my way to work I was annoyed that UofR was not delayed and I had to drive on roads that were obviously not plowed very well. So I'm doing the best I can driving (and you all know how bad of a driver I am anyways) and I start to approach a big Ford (150?) that is in the left hand lane AND the right hand lane. So I decide to pass him in the right hand lane and he honks at me! WTF! I was trying to get around his big honker of a truck which was taking up both lanes b/c he didn't want to get close to the snow in the left hand lane (is my guess). Anyways, so I just ignore him although I'm fuming and then he proceeds about a 1/2 mile up later to speed up and cut me off to FINALLY get in the right hand lane and make a right turn....asshole.

2nd part of my day driving down Grove. I was on my way home and there is a dog that crosses the road without an owner in site. I see it start trotting down the sidewalk and I can't let it go alone in this cold...so I turn around. I find the dog who has a collar on with tags and pull over. Open my back door and yell for the dog to "come on" "come on puppy" but it doesn't even look at me and just keeps doing its own thing down the sidewalk. I decided it knew where it was going and I didn't want to go chasing after it on icy conditions so I moved on...although I did feel guilty and sad. I hope the pup is okay.

3rd Part-Then today going down Grove I see this old little lady with a cane trying to climb over all of this shoveled up snow that is right by the bus stop. She was trying to get over the snow to make her way across the street. What was so nice is that I see a runner stop and help this lady with a cane try to get over the piled up snow and make her way across the street. This somewhat made me think there are kind and considerate people in this world.

Classic

Sometimes I like to just listen to classic rock. It reminds me of high school when I was really into The Doors, Hendrix, The Beatles....did we all go through that phase? I have to admit I don't listen to those incredible artists as much anymore but when I do it sure does give a good,nostalgic feeling.

If There Is Something (1999 Digital Remaster) - Roxy Music

My finger hurts.

Today I went to the doctor's. I have smashed muscle tissue and ligaments. I have a slight infection in my finger. See the white ring at the base of my nail? That was the puss that was drained out of my finger. Now have a splint and am on antibiotics. I'm sick of the pain and I'm really sick of the snow that I can not play in b/c of my finger.

My snow picture.

I should have just stayed inside.

Bridget and I had a great Sunday night. We bought some wine and played Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. I must add that I do not recommend this game. The instructions don't make sense and it is overall lame. Anyways, after one game we went on to play Rummy. Then we just ended up talking, talking, talking. We both just had a lot to share since we hardly see each other and have not caught up in awhile. During this time the power goes out so we are conversing by candle light and drinking wine. So lovely. Next thing we know the bottles are empty. This was unacceptable and we decided to remedy the situation by going to Delux to buy more wine due to it being after midnight. We get to Delux and I slam my finger in the car door. Go into Delux take 2 shots of tequila and buy 2 bottles of wine. I then proceeded to drink in order to forget about my throbbing finger. Oh and the power came on at 2:30 am.

Snow.

So, so nice.

Aziza's

I started working Saturday and Sunday's at this Lebanese restaurant that my roommate Bridget works at Mon-Fri and I love it. The food is great,  the people are awesome, and it is really just a lot of fun to work there on the weekends. I would HIGHLY recommend the food so come see me on the weekends and eat some delicious food. The bloody mary's are the best in this city hands down. The hummus is to die for (just think jalapeno hummus, so good!). The atmosphere is comforting and bright. The music is great. Hmmmm...I could go on. In any case if I have to wait tables I'm super happy I am doing it at Aziza's. 

2110 Main Street

Located between 21st and 22nd

Parking in the back

The Animal Party...

Was a hit!



-Great costumes.
-Favorite animal drawing station.
-Pin the tail on the donkey.
-Wii sports and mario cart.
-Good friends.