You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.

I watched Fight Club last night. This is one of my favorite movies, yet it still makes me squeamish. Especially the part where Ed Norton is fighting Jared Leto and he mangles his face by smashing it into the ground. I always have to turn away. And the sounds of the punches can get to me too. But I guess that's how I know it's a great movie, the fact that it still affects me like that even though I've seen it a dozen times. And I also like to look at Brad Pitt without a shirt on.

So I ended up getting a tattoo Thur. I actually got the first idea I wanted, which is a design I drew on my Spirograph. Do you remember these? I used to play with one at my Pop's house when I was little for literally hours. I'd have Spirograph designs all over the house. He had all these different pens and colored pencils and I would have a heyday. So that's why I picked it, nostalgia and beauty. It's magenta and on the back of my neck. If I ever get computer savvy enough to figure out how to put pictures up on here I'll do that, but don't hold your breath.

I am the Walrus. Goo goo g'joob.

I'm reading this book called The Walrus Was Paul: The Great Beatle Death Clues. It's by R. Gary Patterson and if you ever happen upon a copy I highly recommend you pick it up. And then read it. I found it years ago on the bargain table at Waldenbooks. You know the one, mostly crap, lots of art books and occasionally a rare find like this. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about referring to the Beatles death clues, there was this big hoax that Paul was dead, which I'm sure you all know about, and the Bealtes played it up by planting "clues" in their music. Every album from Sgt Pepper on is said to have clues proving that Paul was in fact dead and an imposter had taken his place. Most people have heard this story, but this book brings to light some clues that not everyone knew about. It's really very interesting and I actually read it years ago, but it's a fun re-read. You definately need a copy of Sgt. Pepper when reading this book. There are so many clues on that cover I can't even go into it. I remember when I first bought the cd, at Mad Hatter in BG when I was in high school, back when cd's came in the big long cardboard sleeves (for lack of a better word). Do ya'll know what I'm talkig about? Anyway, it had cut-outs on the back and I tried to save them all. I actually had one on my locker when I worked at Camelot, but I digress. I remember buying it and coming home and spending that entire evening looking at the artwork and listening to the album over and over. Good times.

So tomorrow I'm going to Studio 14 with Lynzie while she gets a tattoo. I might be getting one as well, but my one idea I'm sure they would have to draw up ahead of time, so I couldn't get it tomorrow. But I have other ideas and it's just going to be a matter of if I can find a picture there that I love or can change it a little to something I love. I can't believe that I'm saying that, because I've always said you should know what you're going to get when you walk in, but I'm also fine with not getting one and waiting a few weeks to get the one I want. It's really hard to watch someone get a tattoo and not get to go next. But don't worry, I wouldn't get something stupid just to get one. I always have backup ideas that I've been thinking of for years. Maybe I'll get a Beatles one. I've always wanted to, but never been able to think of a design. I've always thought I might get an apple. That wouldn't be too obvious. If you don't know how an apple fits in with the Beatles, well then that just proves my point. Ok, this is getting wicked long, so I'll leave you with this:

"With every broken heart we should become more adventurous" -Rilo Kiley, and another idea for a tattoo

Cedar Point makes me feel old

And that's where I'm going tomorrow, to feel old. I've been going there for about 22 years, give or take, and I can't take it like I used to. The heat, the rides, the food, I guarentee at some point during the day I will feel sick. Probably more than once. But it's still fun and the kids love it. I like talking to them about it and seeing how excited they are to go, because I can remember getting just as geeked when I was a kid. I've got a horrible memory, but I can remember being like 8ish and getting up really early, like right around sunrise, to get ready to go to Cedar Point. It's so clear in my mind, I can picture exactly what my room looked like with the early morning sun peaking in and how tired, but excited I was. By the time we got there we were jumping off the walls, and we always got there so early the rides weren't even running yet. Damn we were ambitious, or at least my parent were. Us, not so much. If I get up before 8:30 it'll be a miricle. But it should be fun and at least I don't have to work. Peace.

My summer musical spectacular!

"Life lines and suicide crimes, you left me in a state, grabbed my purse and hitched a ride with Mrs. Jesus." I love Tori Amos. And hopefully I'll be going to see her this summer. She's playing at Meadowbrook (I think) in August, only $25 for lawn seats. That's cheap. I'm starting to get a pretty good summer concert schedule going. The only problem is they're all in August. But I guess that's not so far away. The first show is Aug 11th in Columbus, Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright and Ben Lee, called "The Odd Men Out Tour", next is Tori the last Sunday in Aug at Meadowbrook (again, I think) and last is Coldplay and Rilo Kiley back in Columbus Aug 31st. I should really ask off for these at work before I forget, mental note. Can't wait, it should be a fun few weeks.

I got the new Harry Potter book yesterday and of course already started reading it. I think this is the first one that's come out that I haven't re-read all of the previous books in the months before the release. It's just getting to be too many times that I've read them. Or at least the first few. I'll do it when the 7th one comes out since it'll be the last. I think this book is going to be pretty dark. I know I'm a huge dork, and if you read the books then you understand, but if you don't you really need to. It really is the best series I've ever read and I don't care if they're technically "kids books". I dare anyone to read the first one and not have to read the second, and so on. It hooks you, man.

"I'm not asking you to believe in me, boy I think you're confused, I'm not the symphony" -Tori Amos

It's either that or shave my head

I've been having hair issues lately. It's been too long since I've had a new hairstyle and I can't stand having it the same for so long. I get my hair cut and colored tomorrow, but I had a radical idea last night, and it's not shaving my head, I had that idea last week. I think I might try dread locks. I've always been intrigued by them and I went online last night to see how to make them and found this great site called dreadheadhq.com. At first it's kind of alot of maintence, but when I think about how much time I spend on doing my hair now, it's probably no more than that. But I want my hair to be a little bit longer, so I'm thinking maybe this winter I'll do it. I'd have to find someone to help me do it though. I'm sure Shane would be in and maybe Lynzie if I pay her. I'm kind of excited about the prospect of it, maybe I won't wait until winter. Everytime I have an idea of something new to do to my hair I want it instantly. This would be a long process and I think that would be good for me. Zen like. Either that or I'll end up shaving it after all.

So Andrea said she'd go with me to Rilo Kiley and Coldplay, thanks Dre! I can always count on you to accompany me to a concert. Have you downloaded and R.K.? I would make you a cd, but I don't think you play those anymore since you got your I-Pod. If you want me to though, I will. We'll talk soon. Peace out in the hood.

"Don't fool yourself into thinking you're more than a man" -RK

Who needs $2565 worth of pens?

Apparently the kids who stole them. I work at Michaels and last night about 15 minutes after I got there these 4 punk ass kids came in a stole a bunch of Sharpies. They took them out of the packages and stuffed them in their pockets and ditched the packages. But the kicker is they came back in about 45 minutes later and did it again, only this time they stole a bunch of gel pens too, which is where I caught them. I walked down the aisle they were in and startled them, but the little bastards stole them anyway. By the time I called my manager to tell her they were back they had ran out of the store. Now let me tell you the stupid part, as a Michaels employee I cannot approach anyone who I think is stealing. If I see them put something in their bag or on their person, I'm still not aloud to say anything. They could come in, grab some stuff and walk out and I can't do anything. How utterly ridiculous is that? It's Michaels policy trying to keep employees safe from vicious criminals, but I think I can handle four 14 yr old kids. I bet I could make them cry. Oh, what I wouldn't give to try. It's alright though, I'm sure they'll be back in soon, I've seen them in there before. At least it gave the night a little excitment.

In unrelated news, I'm looking for someone to go to the Coldplay concert in Columbus in Aug. It's at Germaine Amp. and it's on a Wed. The great Rilo Kiley is opening, and then you get to see Coldplay to boot. So any of my Columbus friends (or anyone who wants to travel there) who are interested write me back. It'll be a hoot. Ok, I gotta go to work. Peace out.

Another post about Rilo Kiley

I still can't write "blog", oh look, I just did! Seriously, it's a ridiculous word. Anyway, more on my Rilo Kiley obsession. This morning at work I listened to The Execution of All Things, which is their second album. This one I've only listened to a handful of times and it was usually background music, but man, it's so good I can hardly stand it. Is it weird that I get so excited about songs? I can't put my head around how amazing this album is. After a few more spins I'm thinking it might take the spot for my favorite, but really there isn't a bad song on all three cds. Some are better than other's, of course, but they're all good in their own rite. How is that so? It's the mystery of Rilo Kiley. And it was so random that I even came across them and started listening to them in the first place. I read somewhere that they were good and I felt like buying a new cd. That's pretty much how I start listening to everything. I either read about it or someone tells me about it. Everything is word of mouth, because I don't listen to FM radio. Hardly ever. It's all shit. I've gotten off my point. Special songs: With Arms Outstretched, Spectacular Views, The Execution of All Things, A Better Son/Daughter just to name a few. Peace out.

"I think I'll go out and embarrass myself by getting drunk and falling down in the street" -Rilo Kiley (duh)

There's a Stalker Book?!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was on HBO last night. I have the DVD, but isn't so much nicer when you don't have to get up off the couch? So I figured I might as well watch it since there's never anything else on the 200 channels I have. In fact, I might very well have over 200 channels, but I'll never know. There's about 10-15 channels I check to see what's on, and if nothing catches my attention I check HBO and then turn it off and listen to music. Needless to say I watch far less television than I used to and I have memorized almost every cd in my collection. It's ridiculous the shit that is on tv. If I see one more ad for a reality show I'll kill myself. I don't even care what it's about, because, really, aren't they all the same? The same stupid single minded people doing something stupid for money. Why has no one come up with the next Seinfeld? There are no big sitcoms right now. Are there? Am I just out of the loop? I know there's none as good as Seinfeld. They could have a 24 hour Seinfeld channel, and I know people who would miss work to sit and watch it all day, myself included. Funny stuff, we need more shows like that.

So back to the point, I watched Eternal Sunshine. I've seen this movie too many times to count and I don't think I'll ever get sick of it. If you haven't seen it, please, do yourself a favor, go buy it, not rent, buy and watch it tonight. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, then you are stupid and can go back to watching your reality tv. But seriously, Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) is a genius and I'll see any movie that he has anything to do with. Have a super day.

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd. -Alexander Pope

Why did I tell my boss I'd be in at 5 am today? I think I have a problem saying "no" to people. 5-1:30, and she wanted me to stay longer. At around 12 I knew I wouldn't be able to funtion much longer, I was begining to feel delirius. I have no idea if that's how you spell that and I don't care. It's now almost 8pm and I've taken a nap, which only succeeded in making me feel hungover and gave me heartburn. The yoga I was so looking forward to doing tonight will have to be postponed until the morning. There's no way I can balance right now. I haven't been this tired since...well, probably last week, but it's a different kind of feeling when you have to get up really early as opposed to staying up really late. It must have to do with the sun. I was at work for 2 hours before the sun started to come up and that's just unnatural. It messed with my ceratonin levels.

Enough about sleep or lack there of. I forgot my cds this morning and only had 1 in my car, so I listened to it over and over on my headphones at work. It was Rilo Kiley's "Take Offs And Landings" and to say I've heard it before would be an understatement, but it never had the same bite as "More Adventurous", until today. I've said this for a long time and I stand by it. If you want to get really familiar with a cd you must listen to it repeatedly with headphones on. It helps even more if you smoke some pot. You're forced to listen and pay attention to things you might not have heard on a stereo. Jenny Lewis' voice is so perfect in an un-perfect way. I love hearing little imperfections in my favorite artists. It makes them human and the music beautiful and unique. I can't explain exactly what I mean, you just have to hear it to appriciate it. So heres a summer homework assignment. Get a copy of Take Offs and Landings, it may be a little hard to find. Try a big independant record store, like Finder's in BG (hands down the best record store in Northwest Ohio. They've had everything I've ever went there to look for), or you go online, but I will beat you with a stick if you download and don't pay (Andrea!). Anyway, get a copy somewhere, put on the headphones, smoke 'em if you got 'em, and enjoy. Special attention to...the whole damn thing. I'm looking at the titles, and I kid you not, I can't figure out which is my favorite. It's like picking between your kids. Peace out.

"Judging from picture books apparently Heaven is a partly cloudy place" -Rilo Kiley (of course)

Happy Fireworks Day! I know, I know, we should be celebrating our independance, but from what? The British? That's old news. When we can celebrate our independance from the Bush administration, or better yet from the Republican party, then you'll see me at Old Navy buying up the ever popular American flag shirt to wear proudly at the fireworks display. Lately though, I'm finding little to be patriotic about. It's difficult to have pride in your country when you don't agree with how it's being run. So for now, let's enjoy the fireworks.

This is one of my favorite parts about the summer, and please excuse me while I wax nostalgic for a bit. We used to go to Ft. Meigs with the Hood family, but we'd get there really early, like 6 pm, when there's still parking available. We knew by doing this that it would take us over an hour to get home, but we had the best spot. We would bring frisbees and footballs and baseballs and mits and play all evening until it got dark. Then we would eat shoestring potatos while stretched out on a blanket, oohing and ahhing watching fireworks, always hoping they would last a little bit longer than last year. They could have gone on for hours and we would have been elated. It's nice that some of the simple pleasures of youth transends to adulthood. So, wherever you are tonight, go out and enjoy some fireworks and feel like a kid. And remember, oooh is for the pretty colors, and ahhh is for the loud bang. Peace out.

"I saw fireworks from the freeway..." -Jason Mraz

What a serendipitous evening. Is that even a word? It is now, because that's the only way I can describe it. I love when random, right-place-at-the-right-time things happen. Last night was weird and full of them. Firstly Shane, who is always busy doing something else, came out with Dave, Andrea came up from Columbus, Lynzie came out after work, but here's where the weirdness starts. This guy Joe, who Lynzie went to high school with, came up to say hi to here and realized he had crashed at Andrea's place in Columbus last weekend after ComFest. Pretty random. Then I saw my friend Kristen from Gap Kids, who was there to see the opening band, who's lead singer is the daughter of the woman who owns the Happy Badger who Kate and Alison grew up with. Maybe it was the beer, but last night all of these facts lined up seemed like fate. The best part is Kristen said she doesn't have anyone to go to shows with and if there's any concerts I want to go to give her a call. That's great, because with Keith in MI and Andrea in Columbus and no other friends who appriciate music the way I do, I don't really have anyone to go to shows with either. Until now. Let the line ups begin. So many shows I want to see this summer. Thank God for credit cards.

"If you wrote me off I'd understand it, 'cause I've been on some other planet, so come pick me up, I've landed" -Ben Folds

"That's a pretty fucking good milkshake. I don't know if it's worth $5, but it's pretty fucking good." My favorite line from Pulp Fiction, which I watched last night. Or at least most of it. I had to turn it off when they brought out the gimp because I was so tired, but I'm really looking forward to finishing it. I love "The Bonnie Situation". Harvey Keitel is superb.

So I'm going downtown to Mickey Finn's tonight to see A Modest Proposal. My friend Kate is the lead singer, but she's moving to Brooklyn at the end of the summer, so this is probably my last Modest show. I'm kind of bummed about that, they're really good. But I'm happy for Kate and I'm glad she's going. I know few people who have followed their dreams head on and that's a shame. Everyone, stop what you're doing and go do what you've always dreamed of. Or, at least, begin the process of doing what you've always dreamed of. I think if everyone in the world did what was in their hearts everyone would be alot happier. Or if everyone smoked pot. That makes people happy with alot less work.

"What I want is what I've got and what I need is all around me." -Dave Matthews Band