Aut, Colleen

Me & Clay

2008-12-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings from Philadelphia

2008-12-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

Whale Penis

2008-12-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

The woman on the microphone then said "and, uh, obviously this is a male Beluga whale". There was a 5 person deep crowd in front of the glass observation window at the Atlanta Aquarium that July day and I managed to squeeze by enough people just in time to gasp in awe with the rest of the lucky visitors. Sadly Kate was not as ambitious as I was and was patiently waiting in the back but tried in vain to see over the other people's heads. By the time she reached the front the elusive Beluga whale penis was gone.

We continued on learning about marine life but for the rest of the day Kate's expression resembled that of this fish:
I believe the guide said this particular species was called fishious grumpyious.

Happy 26th Birthday Timmy!

2008-12-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Oh how young we once were... That was 10 years ago!

Do you know what a dorey is? I do!

2008-12-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

And there were so many other wonderful things I discovered about Nova Scotia when Autumn and I visted in September so I thought I would share a few of the pictures. I would like to extend a special Aut, Colleen thanks to Scott Nixon who was so generous to let us stay at his beautiful new house.

There is a dorey in one of these pictures...

My friend Agata with her recently deceased pet rat Zuza

2008-12-05T12:18:00.001-08:00

So sad and yet so creepy.

I'm back

2008-12-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

It all started to come back to me last night. Ok, so I’ll back the truck up a bit to acknowledge that I essentially stopped posting here altogether. I could say I was busy which I was but I’m always pretty busy. That’s the annoying part; lots of interesting, comedic, embarrassing things have happened to me just as they always seem to do but I lost some momentum that pushes me to post them on this lovely green outlet for all my “crazy”. Observations, thoughts and involvement went in and out of me like cigarette smoke.

Back to last night… I was at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Vine for the much anticipated Annie Leibovitz lecture and book signing. I love a good book event and I like it even better at the FLP because I know the way they run their big events so that I can not only see the lecture but know when to cut out early to get to the front of the book signing line right behind the professional eBayers who have no interest in the author or their talk, just their authentic signature for the auction. The last time I was there was to see Garrison Keillor when Liberty came out a little over a month ago and while chatting with the people around me about how much we don’t like Sarah Palin but love her in the media I managed to offend one of those old ladies that hang out at the library and we got into a very awkward argument about the Bush Doctrine. I won’t go into it further. She started it. Moving on, I again was chatting with the fellow Leibovitz while clutching my book for it was soon be marked by a true icon when I thought of something that made me want to kick myself. I didn’t bring my camera. I am not one to bring cameras to these things but how cool would it have been if when I got to the front of the line I handed her my camera and asked her to take my picture. Nothing fancy, just a snapshot but then I could say I had an Annie Leibovitz portrait of myself! The most famous portrait photographer of all time (forget Diane Arbus) took my photograph. That would be one to show the grandkids. She was so kind and gracious when I finally did get my book signed I was sure she would have done it. Ugh! I could really kick myself.

Although I missed this great opportunity I did get something out of it aside from my personalized autograph. For the first time in quite a while I felt clever. I felt like my old self and next time she puts out a book, or any photographer for that matter I will make sure to pack a camera. Finally I feel the momentum building so next time I breathe in the cigarette smoke of personal experiences I will not neglect to blow it in your faces.

I'm trying to ease back into posting

2008-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRzTfgds0UI

Coming soon...

2008-08-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Atlanta posts! I took a little blog vacation but I'll be adding several posts chronicling my trip to the ATL over the next few days.

Note the bumper sticker. It says "Honk if you love sexy Jesus".

Beep Beep!!

I'm getting a hero's welcome in Atlanta!

2008-07-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

So Thursday I am heading south to Atlanta for the 4th of July to visit my best girlfriends from college (and frequent Aut, Colleen commentators) Kate and Chrystal. We plan to do all sorts of fun stuff like go to the aquarium, Margaret Mitchell house, the new Coca-Cola museum and probably some drinking and general merriment. Well, it turns out they are not the only ones who can't wait to see me! Check it out what K & C had to say about it this morning:

Kate: I think I can safely say without being overly hyperbolic that all of Atlanta is excited for your visit.

Chrystal: That’s true. Why just yesterday I saw someone on the street and they said to me, “Did you hear, Colleen is coming?” And I said, “Yes, in fact she is one of my best friends”. And I could see the jealousy in their eyes as I said that. They wanted to be your friend too. The whole city is abuzz with the news of your invasion. It will be just like when the Beatles invaded America.

Kate: Seriously, yesterday evening when I was sitting in traffic heading home I heard a traffic report on the radio. They were warning to allow a little extra time and patience during the commute over the next couple of days because extra people are on the roads, stocking up on party supplies in anticipation of Colleen. There is definitely an air of excitement in the ATL.

Who knew?

Just for fun check out the video Kate sent me this morning...

http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

SAVE THE DATE

2008-06-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am having a BIRTHDAY PARTY on Saturday, August 16th! This will be the first party I had to celebrate my birthday since my 21st at Juarez, the token Mexican restaurant in Savannah. I decided to deal with my fear of aging like a big girl and grab 28 by the horns! Last year I spent my special day stuck in bed at my parents house watching t.v. with a bag of frozen peas so this year I plan to do it up.

Balloons in front of the house, goody bags, streamers, maybe a face cake...

Details and Evite to follow.

Move over Puss in Boots!

2008-06-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

http://jezebel.com/5015123/pig-in-boots

Thanks Autumn!

Pale is Beautiful

2008-06-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hey kids! Hope you’re staying cool out there and don’t forget your sun block. Prevention is the best medicine and UVA/UVB rays are the #1 cause of premature aging. Listen to your good friend fishbelly when I tell you that summertime isn’t the only time to protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays – I wear SPF 30 year round! Skinceuticals makes a great one, though a tad pricey, it goes on clear so it doesn’t leave that milky white residue and it’s light so I can wear it over my moisturizer and under my makeup. I read in InStyle that J.Lo uses the same kind. She’s a Leo too!

So, speaking of pale I would like to introduce you to the Ghost Lady of Walnut Street (see the picture I took while waiting in line at the fruit salad cart). I am guessing she is probably in her mid 80s and she is white white. Like opaque powder white which she compliments with bright matte coral lipstick, a heavy handed application of blush, and a weeks worth of mascara. She always wears a wide brimmed hat, short skirt, and those ballet flat type Sketchers with the criss cross straps – the kind middle schoolers wear. I first noticed her a couple months ago when she was aimlessly pacing in front of Alma de Cuba and since then this strange behavior has been consistent. She has this lost expression on her face and what she will do is slowly walk down a block, stop on the corner and just stand there for a couple minutes before arbitrarily choosing another direction in which to continue the same process. Each time she always has a shopping bag from a fancy store (you can see that day she was at Tiffany’s) like Burberry, Joan Schepp, Cole Haan, etc.

This woman is an enigma to me. I am fascinated. I want to know her story. Crazy lady with money always makes a good one.

Sorry the picture isn't great but I have been keeping my camera in my purse hoping to snap a better shot of this elusive creature.

Act Now!

2008-05-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

http://reserveaspotinheaven.com/

http://reserveaspotinhell.com/

Graffiti

2008-05-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

I saw this at the pump at the gas station on the corner of Delaware Ave & Spring Garden Tuesday night. I thought it was hilarious. Is it just me?

I got some strange looks taking this picture.

What's new in birth control?

2008-05-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP32G_ENna4

(yeah, I know this picture is soooooooooo wrong)

Way beyond a "Glamour Don't"

2008-05-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

When I hear about all that crazy polygamy stuff that goes on in those parts of the country between New York and LA I feel terrible that with all of my neofeminist values all I can think about is how horrible it must be, not to be subjected to that oppressive misogynistic life but to have to wear those ugly dresses.

I'm not the only one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcN_LbP3QbA

This table was for sale on eBay. How can you tell it is being sold by a man?

2008-05-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Wait is O-V-E-R!

2008-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Grey's Anatomy is finally, after a long hiatus due to the writer's strike, bringing us new episodes. I don't think I could have taken it much longer.

I need Derek Shepard.

Seriously.

55 Days and 2.5hrs till the LSAT

2008-04-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

One step closer to Madame President

2008-04-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you Pennsylvania! Boy, I am in a good mood today.

Happy Passover!

2008-04-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken from one of the many Passover themed emails/forwards I received today. I decided which one to choose while munching on matzah from one of the 3 boxes of it that were delivered to the office this morning.

"i shuddered when i read that thomas kincaid anecdote>who would write a paper in art school re:that?"

2008-04-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

"Just read your blog- very clever, informative, & entertaining. I had never read it before so I read the ENTIRE thing while Giselle was napping. We are in a hotel room in Cleveland-yes Cleveland. Tres boring. Every nite we go out for some sort of world experience dinner>tonite=ethiopian, but alas, the city is still mundane."

This is an excerpt of an email from Nicole who was my good friend, fellow SCAD grad, and co-worker at The Olde Pink House in Savannah (pictured above). You know the saying “two heads are better than one”? The opposite is true when Nicole and I are together. Case in point: late one evening while it took us an absurdly long time to realize the man with the long blond hair who reserved his table under the name “Allman” might just be Greg Allman who lives about 30 minutes outside Savannah. Aha! It was.

She now lives in Michigan now with her man and beautiful baby girl Giselle. The Savannah years were defining for both of us and she and I spent many evenings sitting on the porch of her house right off Forsythe Park drinking and exploring all the "how did I get here? What am I trying to do - what did I expect to find here? Will it ever make sense for us?" and of course we talked about art and being broke. She had a palm tree in her front yard which was something neither of us could get over. We would drink the $2.50 bottles of wine you could get at the Kroger and one time her weird pot head neighbor tried to give us this HUGE bag full of kine bud but for some reason Nicole wouldn’t let me/us except. It was like $400 worth of serious weed. We were both poor and could have sold it! Or smoked it. I wanted to give some to my Savannah obsession, Craig, who worked with us at the OPH. Hadass, gets it. She worked with him at Seasons and she had a crush on him but I was full blown in love. I could (and did) literally talk about him for hours at a time. I was 20 so my infatuation was kind of adorable and just a little bit pathetic.

Nicole and I were held up at gunpoint one night after we hit up Goth Night (also bottomless cup night!) at Club One. We were so scared we ran into what we though was a small corner pub but turned out to be gay leather bar. Another time we were on Tybee Island for her birthday where we got drunk on Margaritas at Skipper’s, then played in the ocean fully dressed. What happened next is still kind of fuzzy but I think we lost the person who drove us there and we had to walk from one end of the island to the lighthouse where my friend Maime lived so she could drive us back to the mainland. I remember we got lost wandering around an arboretum… Our bizarre misadventures are countless and we are in talks to taking on Thailand next year.

Nicole rocks. She is an amazing photographer and a kind, sensitive, complex woman. Best of all, she is raising a second generation Aut, Colleen reader. Welcome Nicole!

Happy Birthday Aut! Love, Colleen

2008-04-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

My sister Autumn was born on April 14th, 1978 in the City of Philadelphia to Jeanne and Dennis.

You know what that means...

She's the big 3-0!

Happy birthday old lady! You're almost as old as those pyramids!

Keith's His Name and Movies are His Game

2008-04-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder to check out my good friend Keith's movie blog to for all his funny and insightful reviews of the films showing at the Philadelphia Film Festival. If you don't know, Keith takes the week off work at highly stressful job at UArts to watch as many films as humanly possible - he doesn't mess around. This year he is a judge which is super exciting!

http://keithsmovies.blogspot.com/

Some of you might remember that around this time last year I ran into Paul Rudd at Starbucks when he was in town for the festival. (Smile and sigh...)

Quack

2008-04-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

This brought a tear to my eye.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ducklings10apr10,1,2641110.story

Enter Spring

2008-04-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

This mix is about as easy breezy (beautiful covergirl) as I get but still has the balance between fast and slow, mixing local bands, old favorites, and new finds. As always, ask and ye shall receive.

1. It's A Fine Day - Jane

2. Radio Nowhere - Bruce Springsteen

"Magic" is one of the best albums of the past year and with this song the Boss still proves that he is, well, the Boss. It has a powerful repetition of lyrics that reminds me of one of my other all time favorite songs, Unsatisfied by The Replacements. I play this song REALLY loud with the windows down in my car on nice days.

3.Lake Michigan - Rough Wave

4. Ok, It's Alright With Me - Eric Hutchinson

Get up and dance!

5. The General Specific - Band of Horses

Band of Horses is one of my favorites so it was hard for me to pick just one song off their latest album "Cease to Begin". I saw them at the TLA a couple months back and they blew my mind. The whole experience was transcendental and left me walking on air for the next few days.

6. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She and Him

My Dad recently purchased their album "Volume 1" so I've been listening to it a lot at work. It makes me smile.

7. Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin

This song is like a warm breeze blowing across a green meadow under a cloudless blue sky...

8. The Pilgiming Vine - Basia Bulat

I have a post about her show at the Tin Angel that I haven't gotten around to finishing. She and I got into a lengthy discussion about Daniel Johnston (who I had seen at the Troc the week earlier) and Lou Reed. I will try to get that one up soon. She is cute as a button

9. My Eyes - Travis

My beloved band Travis delivers once again.

10. Waiting for My Real Life to Begin - Colin Hay

11.Angels Hung Around - Rilo Kiley

Jenny Lewis has a voice as sweet and smooth as strawberry ice cream. In this song she makes peace with her past.

"And I feared the best and loved the worst

And insisted that I go first

And watch your eyes as they poured

And I never really loved you more."

12. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

It doesn't get more light hearted and optimistic than this.

13. The Emergency - Gileah & The Ghost Train

14. Cheer My Up Thank You - New Buffalo
15. Sunny Road - Emiliana Torrini

At this point I am so impressed that I can put together such a sunny CD that I still identify with.

16. My Own Worst Enemy - George Stanford

17. Walt Whitman Bridge - Marah

A local band who has had oodles of critical praise but not the commercial success to match. I think they are amazing and so does Nick Hornby. Another place and another time I think he and I could have really been something.

18. Just Like That - Dar Williams and Patty Larkin

If songs could hug...

If I forgot to...

2008-04-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Invite you to my latest soirée either I'm not that crazy about you or I don't have your email or you live too far away or I forgot so please let me know.

GreenReaper, I'm talking to you!

Arctic Splash!

2008-04-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ah, Arctic Splash. It’s as essential to Fishtown as pajamas as outerwear or Newports... But, we do have an abundance of hipsters. On occasion they will do something moderately amusing such as organizing costume bike rides where they get about 15-20 people to dress up in crazy costumes and ride around the neighborhood. Fishtown is basically divided into two main groups: the hipsters and the old school Fishtowners who can’t understand why people would spend mucho dough for a newly renovated row home or environmentally friendly condo and have an apparent addiction to a sugary ice tea-esq beverage called Arctic Splash. (I am the exception as I fall into neither category.)

This addition to F-town’s official website is clearly the work of those of the Johnny Brenda loving persuasion and Timmy and I got a good laugh out of the hipster's take on our hamlet's beloved drink. (http://www.johnnybrendas.com/) . Check it out:

http://fishtown.us/image/tid/53
http://fishtown.us/image/tid/55

this picture was taken right outside my house.

No, not that kind of Cat Lady

2008-04-07T09:53:00.001-07:00

I like cats. Sure, I do. I even have one. One. One cat. A woman I work with has 13, in a one bedroom apartment in West Philly. Hmm. Well, I guess its better than having 20 beavers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A58357-2000Dec12&notFound=true

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23612118/

Whatever. Make fun of me. I don't care.

2008-04-03T12:40:00.001-07:00

I played with Barbies till I was in 6th grade. Sad, I know but if you knew me in middle school I was a pretty sad character in general. I had full braces, brassy unkempt hair, and a fashion sense that was a little too edgy for Cinnaminson Middle School. Think Clarissa Explains it All but not quite daring and I sure as hell didn’t have the confidence to pull off the look. At least I had clear skin…

In general I would prefer to clear my mind of any memory of 1990 through 1994. Ah, but the 80’s. That is when I really shined. I held court daily in the Rush Elementary School Playground. I danced to The Clash & Michael Jackson records with my mom and spent my days playing with Autumn and Timmy in the back yard. Life was good and best of all I had my Chrystal Barbie. I was devastated when I found out my mother threw away/donated all my Barbies as soon as went to college. So today I decided to go to hit up ebay and bid on Chrystal Barbie.

I am currently the high bidder.

I’ll keep you posted on the status of the auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280214611793&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:1123

Do any of you long for a childhood toy you no longer have. Glow Worm, Weebles, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony? Perhaps a Pound Puppy?

Buster is the feline David Mach

2008-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Mach

My cat vomits a lot. A lot. It has gotten worse with age (he is 6) and cannot eat anything except for dry cat food. I took him to the cat doctor and they said that this is a common problem and the best I can do is make sure that his food and water are fresh, bowls are cleaned daily, etc… Now, B-bud has always been a very special cat known for his impressive vertical jumps, keen mole hunting skills, and his proclivity for taking people’s socks and scattering them around the house when he is upset or anxious. On more than one I have woken up with him in my bed surrounded by several of Clay’s socks or come home to socks (sometimes underpants), well, everywhere.

He is a sensitive creature and his formative years were spent surrounded by art students in a Savannah apartment that was painted as a color theory installation (I got an A). So it has come as no surprise to me that my little guy is articulating his physical pain through his art. Kinda like Frieda Kahlo but instead of injuries sustained in a bus accident, he has a upset stomach and he chose art installations as his medium. I don't let him near my paints.

When I came home the other day I found this (see pictures) on the rug in my living room. He had vomited and then (I’m not sure of the order) methodically scratched (etched?) the rug half way around the pile of vomit (the photograph does not show all of the etching due to the angle the picture was taken and the flash). He topped it off with one of Clay’s wool socks. I took pictures and studied this for a while before I finally got some paper towels and carpet cleaner spray.

I have analyzed the meaning and motivational force behind this living room art installation but I would like to hear what you – the Aut, Colleen, reader thinks Buster is trying to covey in this, his most recent work.

I think it is a very powerful piece.

Canada Sucks

2008-03-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in Orlando to hang with my science nerd sister. We hit up Epcot.

What does "pure" even mean anymore?

2008-02-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

"On a quiet Friday morning in a dressing room at Madison Square Garden, the Jonas Brothers hold out their hands to show off their purity rings. Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas—the teen-pop trio who stand, at this very moment, on the brink of hugeness—wear the metal bands on their fingers to symbolize, as Joe puts it, "promises to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure till marriage." Joe is 18. His ring is silver and adorned with a cross. "It actually ripped apart a little bit, just on the bottom, here, but I didn't want to get a new one, because this one means so much to me," he says. Nick, who is 15, says, "I got mine made at Disney World. It's pretty awesome." Kevin, at 20, is the oldest of the three, and while a punk-rock purity ring from Tiffany might represent the ultimate oxymoron, that's exactly what he's going for. His silver vow of abstinence is covered with studs. "It's pretty rock and roll," Kevin says. "It's getting banged up a little bit because of the guitar."

Ok, so I don’t think God really cares much about who and how many people you knock boots with but more if you a good person or not. I guess it doesn't matter to me since I am not being married off with a dowry so I just don't understand. Personally, I just think it's stupid. Maybe I should come out with “I promise to not smoke crack” rings or “I promise to not commit white collar crime” or how about “I promise not to fail out of college my freshman year” rings. I know my parents would have bought one of those for me at my high school graduation!

I think if people wore rings showing commitment to living an environmentally friendly lifestyle it would be a lot less ridiculous than purity rings. Another thing that I can’t understand is why at such a young age someone would publicize a very private decision. And to wear it on their left ring finger! You aren't going to get too many dates if people think you are married my friends, and if you explain to them that you are not married and why you have the ring then you will probably get fewer. Nobody likes a Jesus freak.

Whatev. And the oldest brother is 20? Eek. Its cute at 16 but at 20... I don’t care how many studs are on his ring, vows of celibacy are only cool when it’s Morrissey.

Let's hear some of your predictions of how this whole thing is going to go for the Jonas Brothers!

It may work out. May I remind you that all of the Hanson boys are married!

Monster Hands

2008-02-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most have you saw The Hills villain Heidi Montag's horrific music video by now. Well, if you thought that wasn't unintentionally funny enough on it's own check out The Soups' spoof of the making of it.

http://entertainment.msn.com/video/playerN?pid=J0FXn_v_oW5YnZMn185zW2vBi0Al_eA5

So, I tried to find an embarrassing picture of Heidi and this is the best I could come up with. Love her or hate her the girl cannot take a bad picture.

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Herb Lottier!

2008-02-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

I just ordered a ticket for the Frieda Kahlo exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum or Art with my real “blacklisted” name. Maybe I’ll hang out on the main stairs under the Calder mobile, eat lunch in the cafeteria, and flaunt my complete lack or regard for their imposed and poorly enforced ban. Herb, I called your bluff – now suck on it!

Filling Every Hour of Every Day

2008-02-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

I have been busy with real estate school and my ongoing Operation Organization (guided by the good people at the HGTV and Style Channel's Clean House) so my posting has been less frequent. Also, since I have a lot going on these days I haven't had much time to sit around and let my mind become preoccupied with random bullshit that I used to post. So, if you have any topics that you think I could create a fun post about send it my way.

In the meantime those who know me know I like Scrubs and cats so here are some funny YouTube clips that I like to watch when I need a quick pick me up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cuq-Wnov40

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fbn75LITtlc

Did I ever post the Hearding Cats commercial? If not check it out below.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

This Just In!

2008-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from my friend at my favorite bookstore, Joseph Fox Bookshop, about an In-Store Reading and Signing!

On June 3rd Little Brown will publish Indefinite Leave to Remain - a new book by David Sedaris. On June 7th David Sedaris will be in the shop signing books. Watch for details...

Aut, Colleen Officially Endorses Hillary Clinton

2008-02-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it might take another Clinton to clean up after this Bush.

-Hillary Clinton

In the Criminal Justice system...

2008-01-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

My former Art Museum co-worker Monique Smith recently died of something called sarcoidosis which affects the lungs. She used to cough a lot but I never knew she had this disease. Monique was a very unique (it rhymes!) person and wonderful artist in her own right. From time to time she would give me little postcard sized paintings of hers. I will always remember how she would randomly break out into song from the other side of our cubicle wall.

I do not have a picture of her so I posted a picture of Jesse L. Martin from Law&Order who she once told me she thought he was a "stone fox". I agreed though I personally thought Jerry Orbach was pretty attractive for an older man as well. I think she thought I was challenging her so I quickly added "but of course Jesse L. Martin is much more handsome."

She peaced out too young and she will be missed.

Part 2

2008-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here it is my loves:

1. Nora - Richard Shindell

I love this song so much. He is one of the premier songwriters in the contemporary folk scene today. His music is melodic and smart. It is from this song that I formed a fascination with the letters written between Heloise and Abalard who's legendary romance was plagued with great pain and misfortune. If you like this song you should buy his compilation with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky; Cry Cry Cry. Or ask me to burn it for you.

2. Some Surprise - Lisa Hannigan & Paul Noonan

Lisa Hannigan is famous for lending vocals to the Damian Rice albums and Paul Noonan is the front man for Bell 1X.

3. Blood and Peanut Butter - B.C. Camplight

A local band who I hear is big in Europe. I cannot confirm this but they did draw a decent crowd when the played at Johnny Brendas.

4. We Get On - Kate Nash

The lyrics are like a poorly written diary entry that somehow really work when set to music. Perez loves this chick.

5. Eve, The Apple of My Eye - Bell 1X

Yup, I like this band.

6. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out - Bessie Smith

Gerry & The Jeepsters opened with this song while performing at a sports bar in Rhode Island. I got so drunk that night that I asked my brother-in-law for cash to buy their home made album (I didn't) and loudly proclaimed that if I ever got married I would hire them to play at my reception. There was also a man there with the biggest face tattoo I have ever seen. He caught me staring and I made no attempt to be subtle about it. I think if you are going to get your face tattooed you should expect drunk girls to stare at it when you are out in public.

7. If I Ever Leave This Wold Alive - Flogging Molly

An Irish band I should have saved for my St. Patty's day mix. It's off the P.S. I Love You soundtrack. I will probably rent it when the DVD comes out.

8. Things We Don't Need Anymore - Jenny Owens Young

I listened to this on Perez. Autumn and I loved it. This song describes how I felt Chistmas 2006.

9. Graduation Day - Chis Isaac

10. What's a Girl to Do - Bat for Lashes

11. Lost Count - Ebba Foresberg

This was my anthem for a quite a while a few years back.

12. Sorry - Maria Mena

I am ending this mix on a sad note.

*This is the earliest painting of Heloise and Abalard and art historians say that they are holding an invisible bible. I like to think about why the artist chose to do that.

Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex

2008-01-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

I’m sure you notice that I have been not been posting with that 2007 zeal lately and I apologize. Well, not really. I don’t give a shit – deal with it. I only post when I feel compelled to so if you want to read something while you are wasting time at work I suggest Perez Hilton, the Onion, or my favorite; online shopping at Amazon (mostly books), Anthropologie (clothes), Zappos (shoes), ebay (clothes and shoes). Only on sale – Colleen loves a deal! Today I spent my lunch trying to get my hands on a bottle of absinthe which proved to be quite difficult with Pennsy’s draconian state controlled liquor distribution. To Hell with them for throwing a wrench in my plan to ritualistically prepare a nice hallucinogenic cocktail after a long day at the office and unwind. It's my God given right!

Also, I have been busy with broker school and since we are selling one of our properties my boss has me preparing all the due diligence documents. Once you get over 20 million $$ offers, getting ready for settlement becomes quite a task. A task I have no experience doing. Baptism by fire I guess.

So, the here I present Aut, Colleen soundtrack Vol. 5: Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex. Usually I create play lists with an audience in mind but this one is probably the closest one to what my personal mixes are like. It is a motley crue of genres and I hope you enjoy it. If not, again I don’t give shit.

Disc 1
1. Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex – CSS
If you had to, what would you give up; music or sex? This is if baby making is not part of the equation (there are other ways to conceive) and you could never listen to any music again.

2. San Jose – Joe Purdy
Joe Purdy is a wonderful singer/songwriter and this new song is his best to date. For me this song satisfies my craving for intense music.

3. Run - Snow Patrol

4. Colleen – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Because I admit it, I am a little vain.

5. My Love For You is Real – Ryan Adams
He’s my baby. This would be a really good wedding song.

6. All the Right Friends – R.E.M
Maybe you noticed that I like very early R.E.M. – Life’s Rich Pageant is one of my all time favorite albums. Not only is R.E.M. a great band but I feel that they are also a very important one. For anyone who will listen, I make an excellent case that the “Seattle sound” was born in Athens, Georgia. You have to listen to the early albums before they transitioned into a more palatable/radio friendly pop band in the 90’s. To really understand my point you must try to listen to the music set apart from Michael’s Stipe’s vocals which are what people will do and associate it with that alterna-pop for which they are most known. Note: this is not the original recording.

7. Eternal Flame – Joan as Policewoman

8. Band of Gold (Remix) – Kimberly Locke
This one goes out to all you American Idol fans.

9. England 2 Columbia 0 – Kirsty MacColl
My dad’s pick.

10. Moonlight Mile – The Rolling Stones
Have you every thought to yourself “I wonder what Colleen’s favorite Stones song is…” Well here it is off Sticky Fingers.

11. Non je ne regrette rien (I regret nothing)– Edith Piaf
I just saw her bio pic La Vie en Rose for which she is nominated for an Oscar this year. I highly recommend it. For all you philistines out there I must warn you: this film is subtitled.

Enough for now. Disc Two list will follow shortly.

Comming Soon!

2008-01-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

New Aut, Colleen music mix! I'll post the track list probably sometime tomorrow.

Babies aren't just for taping breakup notes to anymore...

2008-01-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

They can be political props too! I find it almost impossible to dislike any candidate when they are holding a sweet little baby.

This is one of the best things I have seen all week.
http://slate.com/id/2181495/?GT1=10837
Make sure you check out the slide show.

Who doesn't love babies?

For bonus cuteness check out
http://wetcats.blogspot.com/

Where's Andrae?

2008-01-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Clay and I love fashion so both of us watch Project Runway. Tim Gunn is without a doubt, the best part of the show. He's fantastic. You can't watch at least one show without developing your own Tim Gunn impression in your head. Apparently Santino (season 2) was no different.

Even if you don't watch the show I think you will enjoy these YouTube clips I was checking out at lunch today.

The first link is a trailer spoof to get those out of the loop familiar with Tim & Andrae's very special relationship.
After that are the brilliant Santino does Tim Gunn clips.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MDmoQCrCUvQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8V05OSMdOE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj33t1Fbc-A&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emFimFKfUkY&NR=1
The confrontation:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PuLvfeQj4IA

Hello. My name is Colleen and I am a Britney Spears addict.

2008-01-04T06:04:00.001-08:00

I love the Briney drama - no, LOVE it! It all started with the Britney/Justin break up (did she cheat on him with that choreographer guy? How did Justin find out? Was it really like that Cry Me a River song of his?)

From then on I was hooked and it just keeps getting better and better.

What a hot mess...

installing and setting solid steel pillars in concrete

2008-01-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

I'm still alive

2007-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

I am on a little Christmas hiatus but will be back with tons of posts for the new year.

Happy Christmas my loves!

Hope you hang out in your PJs all day like I do on Chistmas.

Move over Ringo...

2007-12-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

I just found out that Amy Adams, my favorite actress these days, and I share the same birthday (August 20th)! She is a few years older than me but I still find this to be very cool.

This begs the question, should I dye my hair red like my fellow Leo? I wonder if I have the skin tone for it… I am quite pale too.

Did you see her Junebug? She’s fantastic! I can’t wait to see Enchanted.

p.s. sorry I haven’t been posting – I have been terribly busy with work and other various grown-up stuff.

What do you think?

2007-12-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

"It was a little sexist. It paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys." — Katherine Heigl, on last summer's smash comedy "Knocked Up"

I really enjoyed Knocked Up but I think she is right. Your thoughts?

Hanukkah: The Jewish Christmas

2007-12-04T12:29:00.001-08:00

I want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to God's chosen people!

"The DJ that speaks to my insomnia and laughs at all I have to fear"

2007-11-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

I am often asked “Colleen, how can one woman be so apprised in the music sphere? You blow my mind with your erudition and thought provoking insights.” Well, my little coterie, it doesn’t happen overnight. I wasn’t born with this but I was born with an intense personality that helps facilitate my insatiable need for music that helps my life make sense.

Also, I have YRock on XPN. I listen to it all day at work, in my car, and at home. http://www.yrockonxpn.org/

Their focus is on contemporary alternative music but they will often play artists who influenced said music so if you stick with the program you will develop a familiarity with the roots of alternative, punk, and rock. Plus you get to listen to marvelous new music and wonderful DJs who really know their stuff.

Program Director Jim McGuinn (see picture with him hanging with Iggy Pop and with an autographed guitar – I think he looks like Sting) is my musical guru and I am his devoted disciple. He understands that music isn’t just music. It is emotive and visceral to people like he and I. It’s life blood and like life it is a learning process.

Go forth with this knowledge and touch lives.

Title is from the Dar Williams' song "Are you out there"

Maybe If Camping Looked Like This...

2007-11-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Always had a roof above me

Always paid the rent

but I've never set foot inside a tent

Can't build a fire to save my life

I lied about being the outdoor type

I've never slept out underneath the stars,

the closest that I came to that was one time my car

broke down for an hour in the suburbs at night

I lied about being the outdoor type.

Too scared to let you know

you knew what you were looking for

I lied until I fit the bill

God bless the great indoors

I've never owned a sleeping bag never rode a mountain bike

I lied about being the outdoor type

I can't go away with you on a rock climbing weekend

What if somethings on TV and its never shown again?

Its just as well I'm not invited I'm afraid of heights

I lied about being the outdoor type

Never learned to swim
can't grow a beard or even fight

I lied about being the outdoor type

-Evan Dando's The Outdoor Type from the Lemonhead's Car, Button, Cloth album

I didn’t lie about it and now I think a certain manboy doesn’t like me because of that. So what? It’s not like I’m a shut-in. It is just so typical because guys will roll their eyes at large salon bills or make up clutter then proceed to talk about how they want a woman that will be "cool" enough to sit around watching football drinking beer and eating hot dogs. Yet, they don’t want a woman who looks like she sits around drinking beer and eating hot dogs all the time. They want some mythical There’s Something About Mary-type woman who wakes up with an airbrush perfect face and Breck girl hair.

Sure, I would not be compatible with someone who’s only idea of vacation is camping or likes to hunt or climb mountains in the winter and icky stuff like that. I get it, but for someone with a generally active interest in something that I am not inclined to enjoy, it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t expect some guy to share my passion for gossip magazines or be a music know-it-all like I am. I would not make someone feel bad that I have to attend an avant garde installation exhibit with lecture solo. I would prefer to enjoy it without worrying about that person being bored and be able to linger as long as I want.

Why can't people celebrate the differences? To each her/his own.

I am what I is. I don’t false advertise. Take it or leave it.

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/38308

Where is Amnesty International?

2007-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/11/30/sudan.bears/index.html

No mention of Amnesty yet. I send them $50 a year so do you think that is enough of a contribution to complain about their lack of involvement in this poor woman's defense? This story had me really upset since I first read about it. Especially since Autumn is in an Islamic country at the moment.

Lashings? Execution? Imprisonment? Are you angry too?

Ugh.

2007-11-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been posting with the same zeal as I have in the past. It is just that I have been super busy at work lately. So much going on here. I have a few ideas for posts and I am hoping to get them up here soon. I am also working on my Holiday Mix for everyone.

Removal

2007-11-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

I removed the last post because it was not only innapropriate but also insensitive. It is never funny when someone dies. David Letterman said that when asked why he refused to joke about the OJ Simpson case. He is a classy guy. I guess I thought it was ok since I truly believe that she had nothing to do with his death. I just got caught up in the excitment of personally knowing someone involved in such a sensational story. Still, that is no excuse. I'm sorry.

It is kinda sad that I have a "Sorry" post label.

The World Spins Madly On

2007-11-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1419604348

I have been working feverishly to get my Christmas CD done so that I can have it out to you in the mail by Black Friday. You don't have to request this time; I will send them out to all of you. This will again be a double disc and it will be a blended album with some of my favorite Holiday songs along with a sampling of new music I have been listening to. Probably something from the new Band of Horses album as well a song from The Weepies (check out the sweet claymation video for "The World Spins Madly On") and of course some surprises. I strive for balance when creating these things. I don't just throw these things together haphazardly!

Like Rob said in Nick Hornby's wonderful book High Fidelity - when if comes to making mix tapes (CDs) "There are a lot of rules."

Best haircut. Ever.

2007-11-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

I guess he is supposed to be The Edge?

This cut is very different from mine but part of wished I didn't cut it.

You know what they say about hair... it grows back.

The New Queen of Mean

2007-11-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

You can cut the tension in this office with a machete today for which I am partly responsible. Long story short I told the office manager to “Chill the fuck out” yesterday. Not my finest moment, I know. Not terribly classy or diplomatic either. Those words did not just fly out of my mouth unexpectedly in a way that would cause me to clasp my hand over my mouth in shock either. No, those words were deliberate and clearly enunciated – forced out after wrestling and losing to my better judgment and leaving my frontal lobe in a frozen panic from the impending verbal faux pas.

The argument that spurred my inappropriate language was one where I was in the right. Sadly, my position lost a measurable amount of credibility when I dropped the F-bomb. I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew what I was dealing with (Keith once said “you can’t fight crazy”) and yet instead of diffusing the situation I provoked it for the cheap thrill of winding someone up. This is not to say that I wasn’t legitimately pissed off but to exhibit behavior which can only be described as petulant was not in anyone’s best interest. Because the rest of the office knows that the scary bitch in me has woken I was not adequately reprimanded. I was told, as a side note, to keep the vulgar language in check later by my boss.

Which brings us to today… I have not apologized for my poor choice in words and acting like a total asshole in general - yet. I think I should but I would have to find out how to and still make it clear that I was not in the wrong. I did this. I am responsible for upsetting things.

Maybe I will write it in a note card with cute kittens on the cover. That might be a good idea. She like cats. She has 12.

( the pic is of Leona Helmsley and the dog she left her millions too. she is famous for being a massive bitch)

So there I was . . . just relaxing in front of the T.V. when the kids yelled, "Hey Dad, come see the kittens."

2007-11-06T11:16:00.001-08:00

Someday I'll finish "The Executioners Song" and maybe then I will understand

2007-11-02T06:55:00.001-07:00

I’ve always thought Ted Bundy was kind of dreamy. He went to Temple at the same time as my mom and dad did.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/62172?GT1=10450

I’m here all alone in my office bored so I’ve been doing some putzing around on news sites.

You can find me in St. Louis rollin on dubs

2007-11-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

Seems like everywhere she goes somebody wants to know what Kate Ryan thinks about art and architecture these days. Nobody gives a shit what I think but that doesn’t stop me from talking and talking and talking about it. Maybe they can tell just by looking at her that she has her Masters from SCAD. Not me.
Nope. Not me.

Anywho, she emailed this to me this morning:

I was in St. Louis last weekend. It was a really, really cool town. We went to the Arch on Saturday (see link, turn on caption). We were also photographed at the 10th anniversary of the City Museum on Friday. This is one of the coolest museums I've been to. It has an aquarium in it, and a whole bunch of reclaimed architectural elements, from bank vaults to building facades to gargoyles, and a indoor carnival/circus, and a thrift store. And, it has this whole big maze of plastic and metal tubes and slides running throughout its many levels, kinda like a hamster cage. Anyway, We were interviewed and photographed, like, 4 times at different places we went to. I guess the arch picture was the only one that was used. It was nuts. They must be familiar with my American Folk Art Museum interview.

http://www.stltoday.com/mds/news/html/643

They Egged Every House on My Street Last Night - Including Mine.

2007-10-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

Asshole kids. Washing egg off brick is a kick in the pants.

Rosebud

2007-10-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Union Forever

It can't be love

for there is no true love

It can't be love

for there is no true love

Sure I'm C.F.K.

but you gotta love me

the cost no man can say

but you gotta love me

Well I'm sorry but I'm not

interested in gold mines, oil wells, shipping or real estate

what would I liked to have been?

everything you hate

cause It can't be love

for there is no true love

It can't be love

for there is no true love

There is a man

a certain man

and for the poor you may be sure

that he'll do all he can

who is this one
who's favourite son
just by his action has the traction
magnets on the run
who likes to smoke
enjoys a joke
and wouldn't get a bit
upset if he were really broke
with wealth and fame
he's still the same
I'll bet you five you're not alive

If you don't know his name

You said the union forever

You said the union forever
You cried the union forever
but that was untrue girl
cause It can't be love
for there is no true love

It can't be love
for there is no true love

Last night I finally watched Citizen Kane for the first time. It’s phenomenal (of course) but the most enjoyable part for me was discovering that the lyrics from the White Stripes song “The Union Forever” are taken from the movie. I have previously expressed my deep affection for that band and especially for the White Blood Cells album so I was quite tickled to realize that the song I would sing along to in college was actually about Charles Foster Kane/Orson Wells/William Randolph Hearst. The bulk is taken from the song the showgirls sing (see picture) but there are lines picked up from different places in the movie. Neat.

You learn something new everyday.

Calling all Troups

2007-10-26T07:41:00.001-07:00

I haven’t been able to think of anything to write about these past couple months. More accurately I haven’t tried to think of anything because I usually don’t have to. Last night Keith was over to help me carve pumpkins and listen to me kvetch about this unfortunate block. He said that the post about my candle of the month was one of his favorites and that actually came out of a facetious off handed suggestion. “Wow Colleen. Your candle shopping process is so fascinating. You should blog about it.” Blog about it I did! And what a glowing success! (No candle pun intended)

This is where you come in. I need your suggestions.
Many of you know me well so pick a topic or story I can really run with.

-For some reason the idea of Lance Bass having a book deal upsets me greatly. Out of Sync, Really? I feel sorry for the editor (ghostwriter) who had to pen this piece of shit. Just look at the cover shot! What a fag.

This is What Sad Looks Like

2007-10-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I have not been posting but I have been pretty busy and preoccupied lately. Hopefully I'll think of something to post soon. BTW, the last two posts were taken down cos they were only ment to be temporary for venting.

Hadass sent me this picture. This speaks volumes to anyone who has ever tried to wash a cat. Not an easy job.

As you know I am unapologetic when it comes to my love of felines. I think they are hilarious.

Kate is the new Sister Wendy. Remember her? No? Ok.

2007-10-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

You all know my good friend Kate Ryan from her witty bon mot comments here on Aut, Colleen or you may remember her as the helpful sales associate at the nautical themed children’s clothing retailer Kids Ahoy! several years ago in Savannah. Well, now you can all see her being accosted by a roving camera crew and coercing her to articulate her feelings about the Museum of American Folk Art in New York. What a daunting task! Especially for someone with their MFA. Click on the link and she is Kate R (obviously) and as an added bonus click on Mike R and you can see one of the fabulous Ryan boys in action.

http://nwhyc.com/reviews.php?catID=4&vid=99

Sadly, Sheila the butt sex girl was not in attendance and therefore could not be interviewed.

Speaking of butt sex, I am reading Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer and it is SO dirty! Like Marquis de Sade dirty. Its really good though...

whatever. etc.

2007-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up unexpectedly on my couch – again. Lately I have been sleepwalking which is a significant manifestation of cumulative stress or general abnormal preoccupation that comes and goes in me. This peculiar way of waking pretty much sets the tone for the rest of my day that follows – or more accurately, falters - thereafter: I am a girl who can’t concentrate lately and so my posting has been less frequent and lacking of, well, me.

I like to make my postings consistent to keep interest consistent otherwise my friends and family would stop checking daily like I am constantly flattered they do. As a result I would have to be sending out emails saying “hey guys! I wrote something witty and worth reading! Check it out. Love me again!” To keep that desperate situation at bay I will post some brief thought evoking or at least pleasant (exempli gratia: the cute kids and the pigeon thing) item. So, to buy me some time I offer you this:

Who do you like more, Maureen Dowd or Arianna Huffington (Dowd is the Jessica Rabbit looking redhead)? I check out the Huffington Post daily and just finished Dowd’s tongue in cheek book "Are Men Necessary?" and try to read her twice weekly New York Times op-ed column.

They are both heroes of mine for their intelligence and uncompromised femininity in the male dominated world of American politics. If you are not familiar with either you can just decide who you think is hotter which is a valid judgment of character in my warped superficial opinion.

Cute Kid Time

2007-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Send me pictures of your favorite babies!

Fly with me lesbian seagull

2007-09-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kqy9hxhUxK0

I like how she speeds up for her getaway.

The title is an Englebert Humperdink song. You may recognize it from the classic film Bevis and Butthead do America.

Halloween Head

2007-09-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Some old and some new make up my Halloween Head double disc mix to get you in the mood for my favorite season. Apple cidar, pumpkins, leaves changing colors, cozy sweaters… Ahh. I know I have been bad getting the last few out to some of you but this time it’s different, I swear. I am going to be sending them with stolen postage from work so email your requests with your addy to my ASI email.

Breaking Up – Rilo Kiley
Wonderful Scar – Now its Overhead
September - Earth, Wind, & Fire
Gabriel and the Vagabond – Foy Vance
Halloween Head – Ryan Adams
Graceland – Paul Simon
Worked Up So Sexual – The Faint
My Moon My Man - Feist
Ah, my girl Feist… My Dad and I are totally diggin’ her new album.
Colleen – Half Japanese
This song was written for me. At least I like to pretend it was.
Back Where I Was – The Hereafter
People Have Parties - Sorry About Dresden
Explosions – The Mary Onettes
November - Azure Ray
Otherwise – Morcheeba
Hey Eugene! – Pink Martini
I let my dad pick out this song for the mix.
Girl in the War – Josh Ritter
Old Whore’s Diet – Rufus Wainwright
The gay Messiah is coming y’all. To The Mann that is and I missed it. It broke my heart to give up that ticket. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Its over so lets move on.
Maggie May- Rod Stewart
Brighter Discontent – The Submarines
Life in Disguise – The Slip
These Photographs - Joshua Radin
Dead Leaves On the Dirty Ground – The White Stripes
Oh, Canada Girls - Dar Williams
Pumpkin Soup – Kate Nash
Breakable – Ingrid Michaelson
Swan Swan H. – R.E.M
Mississippi – Dixie Chicks
Don’t throw stones at me but I like this version better than the original by Bob Dylan.
The Scientist – Aimee Mann
Smile – Madeline Peyroux or Lyle Lovett or Nat King Cole
I am letting you pick which version you want to cap off your new favorite compilation.

Cruise, Cruise, Baby

2007-09-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say about this YouTube video my sister's science nerd friends made. You just have to watch it. Autty is about 3 minutes in and its an overhead shot of her doing something sciencey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjTbPtv88sI

That is Stephen Hawking floating there just in case you didn't recognize him out of his computer wheelchair.

Get a room please

2007-09-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

For the longest time I just assumed that my discomfort with touchy feely PDA it was my problem to deal with. Mind you, I am not talking about casual hand holding, hugs, or brief kisses though I personally think hand holding is cheesy and awkward but it doesn’t bother me to see others do it. I actually find those things to be very endearing and necessary. It's the other stuff and you know what I mean.

Although I come from an extremely close and loving family we are not couch spooners or neck nuzzlers with spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends. Part of my distaste for it is because I just find it downright tacky as well as lacking a certain amount of class. Have you ever seen a picture of Jackie Kennedy sucking on John’s neck? Have you ever seen one of Britney doing that (or something even more cringe worthy) to K-Fed? Exactly. Like private parts, private acts should be kept, well, private.

Those things should be done when only the participants are present no matter how close you may be to the unfortunate third party. It was my sister who validated my feelings when she agreed with me describing that behavior as “alienating”. One of my favorite married couples, Corey and Leslie, joke about how they were one of those annoyingly saccharine couples when they first began dating back in college. Leslie pointed out that the closer she and Corey cuddled on the couch the farther away their friends went. I met these two years later and have never known them to act like this which I guess is why I love to hang out with them. In that same vein, I am not afraid this post will offend any of my friends who may read this as I don't know any of them to act this way.

A couple nights ago I was at XPN Live to see Suzanne Vega where I encountered the grossest display of “affection” I have seen in a long time. After the opener I got myself a beer at the bar I sauntered over to the balcony to find a spot with an unobstructed view of the stage. I could not believe my luck when I found one right up front! What luck, though how odd that people were not moving forward into the closer spot? I soon found out why. This couple… this couple… The man was leaning on the railing and she was leaning into him in full embrace. As if this wasn’t enough to make me barf the guy was constantly rubbing this girl’s back and arms while she was kissing his face and neck. What am I to do? Should I give up this great spot or see if I can endure this? I was torn until their hummus plate arrived and I couldn’t take it anymore. They opted not to sit at the bar or at a table but have him hold the plate while she loaded up the warm pita slices and hand fed him each bite following them up with a kiss. Hell, why doesn’t she just smear the hummus on her neck so he can lick it off?

Once I moved I was able to relax and enjoy the show though I was still bothered by the lack of regard this couple had for the people around them. Did they think that we would be jealous or think “wow, they are so in love” instead of “wow; those two are really behaving inappropriately”? Sure, some would agree with me that often times the reason rooted in insecurity where they feel as though they need to have people see that someone does care for them and or find them attractive to make the relationship more real. But, does that make me cynical? And some could argue that I am jealous though I would point out that I was in a medium sized music venue full of couples of all ages only annoyed by these two people. This is something Dr. Klenk and I have discussed when I thought that I must have some emotional issues that are causing me to react this way and then subsequently how I always assume that the something is wrong with me. She assured me that there is not.

Your thoughts on this?

note: I chose this picture in hopes to entice my furry fan friends. I like to think they still read Aut, Colleen.

If you are bored at work today give Jean a visit

2007-09-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Woody (http://www.luckiestmanonearth.com/) hasn't been doing too much updating over the past year which makes me blue.

Luckily (not luckiest woman on earth lucky) I found Jean Teasdale's site of her very own: http://hometowns.cyber-net-village.com/Orlando/7302/Rick/sportzone/misc/folders/Jean/

Sure, its not real and most of you are already familiar with her but it still made me laugh so hard I peed a little. Then I start to think that maybe that I will end up like Jean in 15 or so years. I like cats, fiction, and around the holidays Thomas Kinkade things are somewhat charming...

This guy in my Art After 1945 class did a presentation on Thomas Kinkade. I swear to God! I wish I could have captured the expressions on the other student's faces. The kicker? He got the same grade as I did on my presentation (with slide show) on Issey Miyake A-POC fashion installations. Ridiculous huh? Keep in mind that this was that class with the English bitch.

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

2007-09-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

So, a security guard for one of our buildings called me today to tell me Patti LaBelle was in to go to see my friend Johnathan at Metro Laser... He has a strict confidentially policy and can't and won't reveal his clients names (how Heidi Fleiss of him) but he will say that he does see her florist. Think about it.

-Oh, and I have short hair now! It was liberating to cut it all off. I really like it and a homeless man called me "hot stuff" this morning and that is all the validation I need.

Come on, don't be shy. You have such a pretty face.

2007-09-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking that Perez puts pictures up of people who read his blog and so should I. My blog just as popular as his. So send me some pictures that have you in them and I will post it along with a personalized story about how this one time we got drunk and something funny happened. If you are friends with me there most likely is one.

More Feedback Requested

2007-09-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

I feel restless and need a change.

Do you think I should cut my hair short? Above the shoulders short.

I would go this blond if I took the plunge.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2007-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Question for Discussion:

Should you date someone your friends dislike?

Please do not include anything about me and my unfortunate track record when posting your answers.

- Maybe I shouldn't use the word unfortunate since with most of the guys I dated I stayed friends.

Cheers Candace!

2007-09-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Lately one of my favorite neighbors is getting quite a bit of overdue press. Without the hot pink glow of her gallery sign it would be much more difficult for people to find my street. She also has the best gallery shows ever with lots to eat and drink!

Its great to see my friends start to get the credit they deserve for being so amazing!
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/16/candace-karch

http://www.bambiproject.com/

Let us examine my literary bed sores

2007-09-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Obviously I have been reading a lot more than usual lately so I am going to just include two or three books in my famous book review posts at a time as to not overwhelm you. I have been putting off doing a book post for a while because I am a bit overwhelmed myself. Over the past month or so I have blazed through a staggering eleven, yes eleven, books. It is a personal record that I doubt I will ever beat. Geez, I hope I don’t ever have another opportunity to beat it. Anywho, lets get started shall we?

Everyman – Philip Roth
“Yet, what he learned was nothing when measured against the inevitable onslaught that is the end of life. Had he been aware of the mortal suffering of every man and woman he happened to have known during all his years of professional life, of each one’s painful story of regret and loss and stoicism, of fear and panic and isolation and dread, had he learned of every last thing they had parted with that had once been vitally theirs and of how, systematically, they were being destroyed, he would have had to stay on the phone through day and into the night, making another hundred calls at least. Old age isn’t a battle; old age is a massacre.”

This is the first Philip Roth novel for me. I knew that he was some brilliant, widely quoted, Pulitzer Prize winning writer, and from what I read off the book’s cover, a recipient of a Penn/Faulkner award, but I avoided reading him because I got the impression he was all doom and gloom. As you can tell from that little sample, he sure is. This novel is about an average man, an everyman if you will, struggling with his own mortality while looking back over his life and measuring his failures against the good that may have come from his unextraordinary life. Despite that fact that I am not an old Jewish man approaching death I connected with this book. There seemed to be this detached panic that comes from knowing and accepting death will triumph and that idea sinking in while knowing you are completely powerless against it that seemed pliable enough to relate to any difficult situation where you know eventually you just have to bite the bullet. Maybe that’s just me. Regardless, after some time passes and I start to forget about this book and my reevaluated thoughts on death subside when my attention is given to the new fall TV lineups, I think the following quote will remain with me as enduring and poignant:
“There is no remaking reality. Just take it as it comes. Hold your ground and take it as it comes.”

The Painted Word – Tom Wolfe
This I picked up in the Art Theory section of the National Gallery’s bookstore in DC. I took my bad mood and sulked over to this book and away from my mother who was picking out Kandinsky prints for her
classroom. What a fantastic little book! I loved it. The idea of the book is based on the following:

“Realism does not lack its partisans, but it does rather conspicuously lack a persuasive theory. And given the nature of our intellectual commerce with works of art, to lack a persuasive theory is to lack something crucial – the means by which our experience of the individual works is joined to our understanding of the values they signify.”

I know what you are thinking : YIKES! Forget that because he breaks it down in this funny social criticism where he uses his enthusiastic voice to sift through all the art world rhetoric. Though Wolfe is an expert on contemporary art theory, he writes as if he is an outsider or an anthropologist of the art world which he refers to as le monde. Best of all, this book is just over a hundred pages. All books on art should be so concise.

"You're Like a Whitney Houston Song and I'm Like Whitney Houston After Everything Went Wrong"

2007-09-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

That is a lyric off the hereafters' self titled album which I think is pretty great.

I also think this picture is pretty amazing. I don't know who these kids are or where I found this online or if whoever took it realized its subliminal brilliance but maybe that is part of what makes it so interesting to me. The colors, the composition, the emotion carried between the indoor and outdoor space with the child at the window creating three distinct planes... I could easily write an essay on this picture. I won't, but I could.

I wonder if this would qualify as "found art".

Put your feet up and scoot your tush closer to me

2007-08-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Meet my gynecologist Dr. X. (I am witholding his identity because I had a dream he found this blog and then dropped me as a patient. I don't think I could handle that kind of rejection/embarrassment right now. But, if you want you can click on the link to his book if you are really curious.)

He is ranked one of the top 10 ob/gyns in the country! Only the best for me. I have a huge crush on him even though I am well aware that may not be healthy (although I am told it is not uncommon) and I know it is bad of me to I think he gives me the best breast exams I have ever had (he warms up his hands first and is very thorough ). Even sadder, I read his book. http://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Desire-Keys-Finding-Libido/dp/1579546838/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-0004655-0360456?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188503259&sr=8-2
Yes, it seems he really understands a woman’s needs. His wife is a very lucky woman.

Isn’t he handsome? He always gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek after the exam and once he told me I was "a cutie". He also gave me his cell phone number if I ever have any concerns or problems. Does your gyno do that?

So at this point I'm completely outing myself as a total loser but I did fail to mention that Dr. X was a concert promoter in the 80s (when he was in college) for big acts like Ray Charles, Run DMC, and 10,000 Maniacs. How amazing is he?

Guess Who's Getting A Kitchen Aid Mixer?

2007-08-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

Its my Villanova roommate Carolyn who just got engaged to one fine looking Aussie accountant. Congratulations!

2007-08-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Flowers in the Attic

2007-08-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Did you ever see that movie? It was one of the most popular made-for-TV movies of all time and my sister and I loved it. It was taken from one of those cheesy cut out cover horror novels you can find in drug stores alongside the regular old bodice rippers and big sellers like She’s Come Undone, Lovely Bones, The Secret, and whatever new Tom Clancy/John Grisham vehicle the publishing houses are pushing. I thought the book was riveting with its adult subject matter and curse words since I must have been around 12 at the time. It was something about these kids who lost their father and were left penniless so they and their mother moved back into her parent’s house. The kids were kept hidden in the attic by their sociopath grandmother who tells them that (I am not exactly sure about this part) that their parents were half-uncle and niece so the shame of their existence was kept hidden from their mother’s dying father. This is because if they were found out by dying grandfather then their mother wouldn’t get her inheritance and they would remain poor. So, they are locked in the attic for several years while their mother is manipulated by their grandmother who slowly tries to kill them by sprinkling little bits of arsenic on their donuts. Oh, and the two oldest children, after years of isolation and reaching adolescence, form an incestuous relationship kinda like Brooke Shields and that guy with the blond curly haired guy did in The Blue Lagoon. Good stuff.

So I got a little carried away with that but… where was I going with this… oh, yeah, this is going to be my last post for 3 weeks or so since I will confined to the second floor of my parents house similar to that book/movie. I doubt it will be as bad. My parents have a lovely deck off their bedroom upstairs so I can be outside (and maybe get a little tan), they have cable in my old bedroom and my dad said he will put a mini fridge in my room too. Neato! The only thing is since I won’t be downstairs to get to the computer and have two days of work left and I have a lot to do to get all my ducks in a row. Feel free to call me and chat on your lunch breaks since that will probably when I will be the most bored. My dad will be at work and my mom got some scholarship to this artistic education camp where she is taking some strange sculpture class where she is building an alter and gluing buttons on trees. She is also taking an interpretive movement/dance class. That woman sure keeps herself busy…

So have fun and I’ll see you when I see you!

Don't worry about me, I will stay away from any donuts my parents bring me.

Oh, and I just found out that after a long arduous battle with my insurance provider I was approved for my out of network care! Just goes to show you crying will get you anything you need.

--wait, I will have one more post I will put up tomorrow of my new playlist/song recommendations. Its so good it will make your heart stop.

The empty bottle – it misses you and I’m the one it’s talkin to

2007-08-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ryan Adams has released nine albums since 2000, although Adams said he's actually made 15.

“…the sheer volume of his output means listeners need to sift through a lot of less remarkable songs to find the special moments, and many simply don't have the patience. He released three albums in 2005 alone, and one of them had two discs.” - AP

I have the patience. I am not a “favorites” person but Ryan is my favorite and he probably always will be, even more than Dar and Morrissey. A few weeks ago I went to see him play with his band The Cardinals at the TLA. Although I never know what to expect that doesn’t matter because he’s my baby. That night there was no opening act and no encore which I considered a fair trade off. The “Dear Chicago” requesting former frat boys and their generic looking dates bitched and moaned on the way out about how they didn’t recognize any of the songs and how come he sat all the way on the side of the stage. Me? I left elated. This was one of the best of his I had seen, and I have some seen some of his worst drunken nightmare shows. But again, I have the patience. When you love something you just kind of have to stick it out and have faith it will get better and sure enough it did.

Ryan Adams is clean and sober these days and just put out “Easy Tiger” which is amazing.

Of course it is.

Be smart and listen.

I'm hot, sticky sweet, from my head to my feet

2007-08-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

http://sugarhousecasino.com/home/

This is big issue in Fishtown now. Some are happy and some are not. I am not a fancy casino girl so I doubt I would go that often when it is completed anyway. It is technically in Fishtown but it is about as close to my house as it is to Old City.

All I really care about is what it will do to the value of my house which is more of an investment to me than a “home”. I mean, I’m not going to live there forever. What about property taxes? This house is my nest egg. This is what I will bring to the table financially if I ever get married. Well that and the piece of land and two cows my daddy will give.

With me it all comes down to the money, honey.

Do you have any thoughts about casinos in this city? Will it be like a Scores or something? I am not crazy about prostitutes hookin around Delaware and Frankford Avenue.

I shouldn't have to tell you the title is a Def Leppard lyric.

My Baby He Wrote Me A Letter...

2007-07-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Stephen Sheller Esq. of Sheller, Ludwig, & Badey P.C. sent me a large dead cockroach in a manila envelope through the United States Postal Service today.

This is a first for me.

He must know about my birthday.

Yep, that's him.

I always wondered who listened to them.

2007-07-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

That is what my sister said to me when she saw the Babyshambles CD in my car. Well, I loved The Libertines' first album and although nothing else that they or Pete Doherty put out after delivered the same way I continued to check them out. Sex, drugs, rock & roll gang. He is like our generation's Keith Moon but unfortunately with the press everywhere there is no mystery here. When I listen to bands like Pantera or Metallica (May at WYSP FM 94.1 is Maytallica month) I like to imagine how cool it must be to be a rock star. I dream about being back stage taking in the smell of stale cigarettes and sweat, the floor sticky from spilled Jack Daniels, and the sound of squealing groupies with their feathered hair and cut off tanks. Seeing these guys pasty and disoriented with their shirts stained with their own vomit being hauled off to rehab ruins it for me. Sure, this kind of music is not my primary listening but I get it. It is an escape into another world, like playing with Barbies. Actually seeing the total mess these men turn their lives into brings it down to that hard cold reality I don’t want to think about when I am lying on my bed zoning out to my music. Their life has to be cooler than mine, right? I don't want to hear, let alone see proof that it isn't. So it’s a shame that Pete’s antics have now made him a joke with people who never listened to The Libertines and with what we have all seen, that label is valid. He crossed the line which is even thinner now in the YouTube/gossip blog era. Sad, I know.

The upside – Perez posted this quote from Pete Doherty made about his ex beau Kate Moss that I find very amusing.

- “She rang last night and left a drunken answerphone message, singing Moon River. She’s ripped my heart out. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Moon River? Who knew she was a Johnny Mercer/Henry Mancini fan?

Me too!!!

Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin!

2007-07-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am going out for yet and another birthday dinner and cocktail thing. This time it is for my MMB counterpart Agata! Happy Birthday!

Sto lat, sto lat, sto lat, niech zyje zyje nam

Sto lat, sto lat, niech zyje zyje nam

Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz, niech zyje, zyje nam

Niech zyje nam!

Enough with the Goddamn birthdays already! This is the last one before mine that I will acknowledge. Wait, Chrystal's birthday is coming up... Forget her, she got married last year and got enough attention then. Plus she is going to Cancun soon so I don't feel bad about not caring about her birthday.

Hey Chrystal - Deal with it!

Time to Cleanse the Palate...

2007-07-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

With cute baby pictures! This cuttie pie is my friend from college, Nicole's baby Giselle. She is a photographer (obviously) out in Michigan.Feel free to send me pictures of your favorite babies and I will be sure to post them!

Happy Birthday Corey!

2007-07-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Ugly Moose in Manayunk we are celebrating our good friend Corey’s 27th birthday!

Next up is the much anticipated Colleen & Ringo’s Birthday Extravaganza 2007!!!

I keep trying to plan for it but my friends keep trying to hush me up saying they have too many other things to think about right now. Assholes… Don't they realize how special it is that he and I were born on the exact same day? How can they blow us (me) off like that when Ringo and I are always in attendance at our group's famous birthday dinners. They should know better than to fuck with Leos!

Enjoy your special day Corey!

Oscar the cat doesn't like to be put out in the hall when a patient is dying.

2007-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

My Rhode Island based sister sent me this:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/25/death.cat.ap/index.html

After reading this I realize that I have simply not paid close enough attention to my cat when it came to finding and developing his own unique talents. I found out the hard way that he has no interests in the fine arts (and have the scratches to prove it) but I never thought about an inclination towards the medical field. Maybe Buster can detect early pregnancy or autism in toddlers?

Forget About Waxing Your Back...

2007-07-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ugh! I can’t find this webpage I found back when I was working at the Art Museum. I thought it would be fun to have Where’s Waldo desktop background so I Google image searched it and found a drawing of a sexy lizard by some weird middle aged guy in a fishing vest who lived in his father’s basement. After making the sexy lizard picture Andy’s background when he was at lunch, Keith, Andy, and me were fascinated by this underground world of furries/plushies. None of us had any idea such a thing existed!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furry_fandom

I completely forgot all about that until I stumbled up on this picture (don’t look if you are easily weirded out) http://www.arclight.net/~pdb/prints-design/come-in-or-go-print.jpeg

Is this healthy fantasy or just plain creepy? It seems to me that you are either into this shit or you're not; there is no “well only sometimes my wife and I like open a bottle of wine, light some candles, pop in a Sade CD, put on animal costumes and make love”. I don’t think it is like satin handcuffs or edible panties. I am all for having fun with sex and sexuality in healthy safe ways so I don’t judge these people but apparently some do.

http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur_Furry_Central

vs.

http://www.godhatesfurries.com/index.php

p.s. make sure you check out the gallery on the God Hates Furries site. Its pretty great.

Rock and Roll Saved My Life

2007-07-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

I really believe that. Ok, maybe not in a literal sense but I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through anything without music. My bedroom and living rooms are littered with issues of Paste, No Depression, Spin, and various music magazines as well as CityPaper and other local rags reporting on great local acts. Seeing bands live is way beyond a social event for me; it is my favorite pastime. At least once a month I can be found at one of this city’s great live venues such as Tin Angel, Northstar Bar, World Café, the Khyber, Circle Thrift, Mroom, and most recently Johnny Brendas.

So, I guess you can imagine how very excited I was when I heard that Rachael Yamagata is now officially a Philadelphian! She has a new album coming out that she is in the final stages of putting together. She is doing her residency at Johnny Brendas performing there for three consecutive Tuesday nights. Luckily I can walk to JB and have been able to see her first two shows (this picture was taken right outside of Johnny Brendas) where she was trying out new material as well as playing some of the tracks off her last album. She’s great. She is intelligent, funny, and she has the kind of hair I always wanted that just casually falls perfectly into place without doing a thing. Anywho, this is such a thrill for a music dork such as me to feel like the feedback that myself and her other 25 fans in Philadelphia are giving her is helping shape the new album. She has this one really good sad song about elephants or some bullshit that I know is going to hit my top 25 song list for the fall. The atmosphere there is cozy and comfortable (also hot) so I am actually getting to talk to her. Apparently she is not a lesbian at all. I guess I just assumed since there were a lot of lezzies at the show I went to a couple years ago. Not only that she was not using any clear masculine pronouns in her songs, plus she went to Vassar! Made sense to me... Maybe I was just hoping she was since she has the dreamiest drummer with tousled hair and bedroom eyes and I am a tad jealous…

She isn’t the only townie that I dig right now. Below are a couple of other bands I am into that are starting to get some much needed recognition that I suggest you check out:

http://www.drdogmusic.com/
http://papertrigger.com/

Please feel free to send any suggestions to broaden my musical horizons my way!

The Biggest Threat to Our Nation's Snowpeople

2007-07-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

I watched the very entertaining CNN/YouTube debate last night and I would have to say the following video was my favorite part.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-0BPnnvI47Q

Side note: The topic of Hilary Clinton’s jacket came up and I actually thought it was pretty cute. It was a nice departure from her grey and blue androgynous power suits. It was a good color for her. Your thoughts?

Cause I Can Thrill You More Than Any Ghost Would Dare to Try

2007-07-24T06:28:00.001-07:00

When I was really little I would tell people that I was going to marry Michael Jackson.

During that time I also told many people (and believed it to be true) that I was born in Disney World.

Enjoy this fresh take on the Gloved One's classic Thriller as interpreted by the inmates at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnk7lh9M3o&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epoetv%2Ecom%2Fvideo%2Ephp%3Fvid%3D19841

Thanks Autumn!

Its Good To See You Rocking Out and Having Fun

2007-07-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

More good news!

Just adding to my “can’t bring me down” happy disposition these days it seems that the good little things just keep adding up. I think I found someone to take my couch! I can’t wait to get that thing out and check that off my list of things to get done in my house before I stay at my parents.

I can’t wait. Three weeks (2 at Jeanne & Dennis’s house and at least one more at mine) of doing three things I love: watching T.V., reading, and renting movies. I will be forced to relax and hopefully regroup for a fresh start this fall (my favorite season). I started a few books lately and everyone is starting out so good I put it aside for my bed rest as something to look forward to. I am going to watch DVDs of all those tv shows that looked so good but I never watched. There were a few years I didn't have HBO so I have like 4 seasons to watch. Good thing I didn't watch them because now I am in for a treat! I am also stocking up on the food I can’t live without that I don’t want my mom to look for. For instance, I like to eat either All Bran with unsweetened chocolate soymilk or Amy’s scrambled tofu pockets for breakfast. I have edemame, tofutti cuties, Trader Joe’s spicy Thai chili lime peanuts, almond stuffed olives, and Utz cheese doodles (Aidan likes cheese doodles too – these pics are from yesterday when we had Michael over for dinner with the baby at my parent’s house). Basically, I don’t want my mom to have to go out searching for this weird stuff when she will already be doing so much for me.

My brother and cousins and Philly friends promised to come visit me so I won’t be lonely. My cat will be around so what else do I need?

Not a thing. I am one lucky girl! Nothing can bring me down these days and people around me have noticed. Good stuff.

Again, I promise that soon I will come up with something funny to write about.

I saw Knocked Up last night with Autumn and it was wonderful. It is not only funny but really sweet. I recommend you all check it out.

This title is a lyric taken from a song by The Kinks in case you were wondering. Maybe I should explain my titles more often.

I've Had it With You, and Mexico Can Fucking Wait

2007-07-23T09:28:00.001-07:00

Friday I purchased two Rilo Kiley tickets for September 25th at the Troc. I was just going to get one but I think it might be fun to attend with another fan. I haven't seen a show with someone else in a while so If you are interested let me know.

People who aren't familiar with the band at all need not apply.

In other news there is no real news. I had a wonderful low key relaxing weekend, Clay came home last night, and I have been trying to get rid of my old couch so if you know someone... Downside is I haven't really thought of anything interesting to write about but don't worry, I will think of something soon. Probably because I have been happily cutting the stressful fat out and feel a bit lighter. Like when you get a haircut. The only thing that has me bummed is how I am going to miss Rufus and Neko on the 17th. I was thinking maybe Leslie could wheel me in on a gurney to try to get backstage pretending it is some adult Make a Wish Foundation shit.

Hey, it could happen.

How cute is this vintage Jenny Lewis picture?

Smooch the Pooch

2007-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with getting all my ducks in a row before I take my time off. I have also been trying to generate some moolah with some side deals with brokers which has been taking up a lot of my usual down time here.

My mind has been preoccupied with personal business, my hair, the new fall fashions so it has been hard for me to really sit down and put something together.

I will get something up for you soon I promise!

This is me kissing my cousin Reenie's adorable new puppy.