Rando Post

I really don't have any big things to talk about but I did commit to this so...

As I lie in bed bundled up in an over-sized sweatshirt while listening to My Bloody Valentine in the dark (did I mention that I am very emo?), the first thing that comes to mind is this: it's way too cold in Nashville right now. And to make matters worse, we have warm days like last Sunday where you can have a picnic in the park. Then of course Sunday is followed by rainy Monday which is followed by snowy Tuesday, etc etc. Basically, warm Sundays, you are a TEASE. To all you skeptics, it is officially confirmed: GLOBAL WARMING EXISTS.

On another note, I had an interesting week, to say the least. The highlight of it happened on Wednesday though, when I went to a great comedy show that raised money for Haiti. Anyways, my friend and I became BFF with this "comedy troupe" and went out with them to Nash Trash bars. Yeah... that happened. And it was awesome. You should try this some time.

The other cool thing this week involved another event raising money for Haiti too. The dude who started TOMS shoes came to speak at Vandy- he talked about how the company started, where its going, etc, etc. Really cool talk. And he's sexy too.

I'm tired.

Anyways. Since this is such a random post, I am going to make it even more random with other random music stuff:

1. I'm really into "shoegaze" music right now ("nu-gaze" if you will).This explains the My Bloody Valentine emo moment. Some cool bands: M83, The Radio Dept (new kick ass single after like fifteen years: "Heaven's on Fire") and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (in a very poppy, indie, "we live in Williamsburg and like wearing nerdy/artsy glasses" kind of way)

2. I really wish I had listened to The Antlers earlier on. The whole album, Hospice, is freaking awesome!!

3. I will continue to spread the word about Yeasayer's stellar new album - Odd Blood. LISTEN TO IT NOW.

4. Other cool bands (thanks Lucas): Phantogram, The Local Natives, Broken Bells

5. Oh and if you haven't heard about this, you'll die. I joined a Facebook group last week: there's a picture of a pickle and it says: "Can this pickle get more fans than Nickelback?" Well. As of two nights ago, THE PICKLE IS WINNING.

That's all I got. LYLAS.

Below: photos by kcook of our picnic in the park! and a cool passion pit pic i saw on spin.com

The two I missed...

It's been two weeks! I could say that I have been SO busy with GRE prep (Yup, taking that again) and job applications (It's already February?), but that would be a lie. There have been some things that have kept me busy though: 1/2 marathon training (Oh yeah! It's happening!), an internship (Preview of "real world" - not to shabby), classes/thesis, and MOST importantly, raising money for Haiti by selling lots of 'lil love pins (Gotta sneak in some advertising: $5, in honor of Valentine's Day month - "United We Love Haiti"...P.S. let me know if you want one!!!! Please help!). Ermmm ok, enough parenthetical references.

The past two weekends have been pretty insane. Two weekends ago BFF, Ms. Navia, came for a much appreciated visit to Vandy. And we had a blast. We kind of went all out, high school style. But who cares? It was wonderful to party, cuddle and just hang out with her. I took her to Vandy faves Cabana and Sunset for dinner and then introduced her to the great new "hot" spot Red Rooster (they give you sombreros to wear and have a bar to dance one, which I keep on doing by myself, HA). We also went to an awesome of Montreal concert. I only know a few of their songs but decided to go because 1) I'm a concert junkie 2)I heard they put on a crazy show -- and they did. Just picture a David Bowie protégé, lots of sexually ambiguous performers, slightly kinky dances, neon in all forms, and people on maaaaaad drugs. So much fun. An added plus: I was able to interview one of the band members, Jamey Huggins, about his new solo project, James Husband. It was really cool. And it made me realize that I really want to be a music journalist. Like, really really! Why does my life plan change everyday?? Here's the review if you wanna check it out: http://www.insidevandy.com/drupal/node/12851. Look out for the full interview in this week's Versus.

This past weekend was... wait for it... MARDI GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS. And it was as ridiculous/epic/shitshow/*insert college phrase here* as you can imagine. I went to Mardi Gras my sophomore year and can say that two years later, after ehem "maturing" in the party department, I was still blown away and am STILL recovering (even after passing out a tad bit too early post hotel soirée Saturday night... sorry for partying?). Basically, Mardi Gras is like an alcoholic's Disney Land, where flashing strangers (no), inappropriately-named shots (yes), open container (def yes) and public fondling (mebe) is all VERY acceptable. Overall though, New Orleans is such an incredible city that should be appreciated for the city itself. I was able to stay this past Sunday until the late afternoon, just walking around, hanging out and NOT drinking, and must say that I feel in love with NOLA -- the culture, the architecture, the vibe, everything about it. I need to go back. Actually, I AM going back. JAZZFEST!!!! It's the weekend after Rites. I will be done with school. Pearl Jam (plus many other amazing bands, of course) will be there. MUSIC FESTIVAL OVERLOAD.

...and speaking of Rites. Okay. Am I the only one that is SO excited about this?! I don't really listen to the headliners, Ben Harper or Drake. But PHOENIX, PASSION PIT, and COLD WAR KIDS!? Eek!!! When I found out, I screamed. I think the rest of my suite yawned. I'm definitely going to be one of "those" people at the concert dancing around by myself/screaming like a legit groupie. Whatevaaaaa.

Hope you enjoyed my two week wrap up. I've missed writing in my blog. So, I will be back next week.

P.S. couple of photos from of Montreal as well as some from "Pardi" Gras (NOLA pix courtesy of fantastic photog Ms. Kelley Cook!).