Top 10 Favorite Songs of the Year!

(promise I will get back to some legit posts soon!  I got some favorite people in town for the week!)

1. Nobody Loves Me, Neither Do I - Them Crooked Vultures

2. Sink - Brand New

3. I Can Feel a Hot One - Manchester Orchestra

4. Keep Calm, Carry On - John Nolan

5. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

6. Another Bag of Bones - Kevin Devine

7. Baptized by Fire - Spinnerette

8. Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear

9. Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

10. Everything Must Go - Taking Back Sunday

Honorable Mentions:

Ignorance - Paramore

Don’t Let Her Pull You Down - New Found Glory

Shake It Out - Manchester Orchestra

At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be) - Fun.

1. Brand New - Daisy

Big surprise huh.  Daisy was without a doubt my favorite album of 2009 and my most anticipated of the year.  I’ve read a handful of reviews of this album and all of them say old Brand New fans may fall by the wayside with this album but I think the exact opposite.  I’ve been a Brand New fan for about eight years and with each album they keep surprising me and getting better and better.  Something about this album is super spontaneous and different to me.  The band says in interviews how this album was so random and they would record tracks and be like wait how did we get here?  For so long Your Favorite Weaponwas my favorite BN record but this one is definitely fighting it for first place (YFW, Daisy, Deja, TDAG - for the record, though ask me tomorrow and it will be a different order).  Ugh it’s just so good.  Every week I have a new favorite track off the record.  Songs that I skipped initially became my favorites when I saw them performed live.  Suggested tracks: Vices, Gasoline, Sink, You Stole, Noro, In a Jar, Bought a Bride (I posted a gorgeous acoustic of that song a few weeks back)

The rest:

Paramore - brand new eyes.  I’ve never been a huge Paramore fan but I picked up this album because I really liked the lead single Ignorance and I’ve been totally obsessed with it.  Love Hayley’s voice to death on this record.  Best tracks: Careful, Playing God, Brick by Boring Brick, Looking Up, Where the lines overlap.

Taking Back Sunday - New Again.  As I stated in a previous post, I will forever be sad that John and Shaun aren’t in the band anymore but it’s hard to hate TBS when they keep putting out good records.  I actually started to like Fred too.  I found out a little bit before this album came out that Fred had left and a new gentlemen had come in to do back up vox and guitar.  I gave him the benefit of the doubt.  Truth is he sounds (and looks) like a Jonas Brother.  Not a fan but there are so many favorites on this album I try to forget about it. Best tracks: Swing, Summer Man, Cut Me Up Jenny, Carpathia, Everything Must Go (the last one is my favorite).

Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted. I know I know.  Forgive me that I will sound like a teeny bopper when I say this but so many of the songs on this record are super relatable.  I’m excited Kelly has finally put out a really good album. Best tracks: Don’t Let Me Stop You, I Do Not Hook Up, Long Shot, Already Gone.

New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight.  NOW this album should have been the follow-up to Sticks and Stones.  I am an NFG fan tride and true so I won’t talk shit about those two full-lengths in between - I’m just glad they’ve turned back to their roots with this album.  Looking forward to seeing them with STD in February. Best tracks: RIght Where We Left Off, Don’t Let Her Pull You Down, 47, Tangled Up.

Destry - It Goes On. As soon as I heard Michelle Nolan (Michelle DaRosa!) was starting a new band I knew I would love it.  And surprise surprise I do!  Shaun Cooper (ex TBS current Straylight Run) also joins her in the band and Sam Means from the Format.  This album is unbelievable.  Very reminiscent of Rilo Kiley.  Find them on tour if you can! Best tracks: Big Mouths, Home Isn’t Home, So Far Away, Trouble.

Them Crooked Vultures - Self Titled.  I got tickets to see them after hearing a 30-second teaser they released via the internet (and my love for Dave Grohl).  They are that good and this album is no exception.  Nobody Loves Me and Neither do I is by far my favorite song of the year.  Of the decade maybe.  Ok that’s a little much but seriously it’s that addicting. Best tracks: Nobody Loves Me and Neither Do I, New Fang, Mind Eraser No Chaser, Warsaw.

Spinnerette - Self Titled. This album kills.  I listened to it so much this summer (my iTunes play count can attest) and never got sick of it  I love Brody’s voice in Spinnerette light years more than I did in the Distillers.  They need to tour like yesterday. Best tracks: All Babes Are Wolves, Ghetto Love, Baptized by Fire, Rebellious Palpitations

Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing.  This album is a recent discovery of mine.  I have a friend who is absolutely their number one fan so it was just a matter of days before I caught on :).  This album is beautiful and emotional and makes you want to listen to the next line.  It’s insane.  Andy Hull has a gorgeous, haunting voice.  So yeah this is heavy in my musical rotation right now. Best Tracks: Shake it Out (I’ve been playing it on repeat for days),  I’ve Got Friends, The River, Mean Everything to Nothing, 100 Dollars.

(500) Days of Summer soundtrack - Ok so it’s not persay a new album with new songs but it’s still amazing.  I literally raced to Best Buy after I saw the movie to buy this incredible soundtrack.  There is a bonus track of Joseph Gordon Levitt singing “Here Comes Your Man” kareoke style from the movie and let me tell you that alone is worth picking this record up.  Also my favorite movie of 2009.  Best tracks: Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition, Regina Spektor - Us, Hall and Oates - You Make My Dreams, She and Him - Please Please please.. (Smiths Cover) Mumm-Ra - She’s Got You High

Least favorite albums and dissapointments coming soon!

Seriously.  How crappy is my luck this year..

My poor car.  Yesterday I was on the way home from the gym and I had a lovely little day planned.  But some tool had to plow his car right into mine.  I was driving on the road and he was pulling out of the parking lot at this auto place in Quincy.  His excuse “Oh I didn’t even see your car coming.  It’s so small.”  Really?  I wasn’t going very fast but he still ripped off the whole front bumper of my car.  Little sad seeing as that bumper is only just about 6 months old from the last time someone decided to crash into me.

Just one more thing to pile on me right now.  I went on one interview a few weeks ago.  Two actually for the same job but they had "decided to go with someone else."  Which is fine but they kept me hanging forever.  I just feel like I'm getting nowhere on the job front.  I have so much great experience but it means nothing.

I'm really debating moving after my lease runs out in May.  I just feel like there are no jobs in Boston for what I really want to do.  I don't want to settle.  But then I feel like I shouldn't be so picky.  It's a double edged sword this  career thing I swear.  

I've been trying to check out new music and take chances on random bands and it's definitely making me nostalgic of my college days.  I just recently downloaded a good bulk of music by Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine and also giving Straylight Run a second chance.  I adored Straylight when they first came out with their demos.  Being a fan of John Nolan I was overly excited about them.  His vocals, I think made Taking Back Sunday (circa Tell All Your Friends - that's the only album he's on).  I could barely stomach TBS with Fred or the new guy (who sounds and looks like a JoBro).  

Anywho - I saw Straylight at their first show at the Downtown (RIP) and before their album came out a few times and they were amazing.  Then when their album came out and they went on tour it was totally different.  The music became so downer-like and the album was so overproduced.  But I've gotten a hold of their albums after that and even the most recent without Michelle and it's surprisingly good and reminiscent of their demos.  

So yeah.  Music has literally been my best friend these days.  I just feel out of touch with a lot of things lately, but thats the one thing that's made me super happy.

Only good news next time I promise.

xok

Also on my Tumblr.

Brand New’s Homecoming Show was incredible Saturday night.  Kevin Devine was on first and he was really good.  I’ve only seen him acoustic playing with Jesse so it was so exciting seeing him with a full band.

Got the low-down on the acoustic stage (which was a large part of why I really wanted to go to this show - shh) and headed down to catch Vinnie Caruana’s set and Andy Jackson’s set.  After years and years of enjoying Vinnie's music in The Movielife and I Am The Avalanche I finally got to meet him after his set.  He was a super nice guy as I expected.  Apparently I started dancing a little while we were talking *nervous tick*  and totally made an ass of myself (Robyn and Heather said I played it cool - I have my doubts).

We found the super secret VIP bar and camped out there until it was Glassjaw time.  We didn’t get to see Manchester Orchestra or Thrice unfortunately because we were downstairs but we heard they were awesome.

Glassjaw KILLED it last night.  Even more than in Boston.  Seriously.  They lit that place up.  Besides people in the pit and a few people in our section no one was really getting into it.  People were like OMG how can you hear what he’s saying??  Why is he yelling? Ugh. Again, Daryl is the coolest guy I’ve ever known and continues to blow my mind. This was their set list.

Tip Your Bartender
Mu Empire
New Song
Ape Dos Mil
The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports
(You Think You’re) John Fucking Lennon
Pink Roses
Siberian Kiss

Epic.  I could watch them all night.  Brand New time.

Those above pictures are not mine obvi but I love them.  Credit goes to the lovely Aviram/Lerner Photography.

BN came on at around 9:10

• Welcome to Bangkok
• Sink
• Degausser
• You Won’t Know
• Ok I Believe you, but my Tommy Gun Don’t
• Sic Transit Gloria
• Limousine
• Vices
• Gasoline
• Sowing Season
• You Stole
• Luca
• Archers
• Jesus Christ
• Bought a Bride
• At the Bottom
• Play Crack the Sky
• 70x7

People are bitching hardcore about their setlist and how there is only one from Your Favorite Weapon.  But honestly if you don’t know Brand New by now you never will.  Sometimes they even change the setlist as they are up there (Jude Law and Quiet Things were on the original setlist - sorry!).  I don’t know if it’s just because I have such a connection with BN but every time I see them live it’s 100% different than the last time.  I’m always so excited to hear a song even if I’ve seen it played live 60 times.  Jesse mixes shit up to catch people off guard and that’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about BN.

I had such anxiety about seeing them perform in such a big arena but I really don’t think they have ever sounded better.  Every time I see them on this tour I start to love this new album more and more.

The rest of the night was epic.  I have no idea why I’m not sleeping right now

Just occurred me that I made my blog private a few weeks ago.  Why?  I have absolutely no ideaaaaa!  I promise more updates after Slapsgiving and my weekend back to Long Island (or as I affectionately like to call it - Wrong Island).

Also posted this to my Tumblr. Sorry if anyones seeing doubles ;)

So I saw Brand New last night. Incredible show. The best BN has sounded in years. I wish I got some better pictures as I was on the side of the stage but they still turned out shitty. Thanks BBerry.

I know right..

This set-list couldn’t have been any better:

Welcome to Bangkok
Sink
Degausser
You Won’t Know
Tommy Gun
Sic Transit
Jude Law
Seventy Times 7
Limousine
Vices
Gasoline
Sowing Season
You Stole
Luca
Archers
Jesus
Bride
At the Bottom
Play Crack the Sky

Ok that’s a lie. I would have died for Logan, Millstone and Not The Sun - but I’ll take it. Oh and Soco. I’ve already submitted my requests for the Long Island show. Which I have finally been convinced to going to. Can’t wait. Already making a list of places I want to visit while back at my old stomping grounds.

GlassJAw opened and they were also incredible as always Haven’t seen GlassJAw since Aug 2003 but I’ve gotten the pleasure to see Daryl’s side band Head Automatica quite a bit - so it was great to see at the GJ guys together again.

Here was their incredible set list.

John Lennon
Tip Your Bartender
Mu Empire
Ape Dos Mil
Cavalcade
Pink Roses
Jesus
Glue
Two Tabs of Mescaline
Siberian Kiss
Babe

They had a super random stage set up and had almost no lights so again with the no pictures thing. There was a guy in the very front who kept professing his love for Daryl and every time he did Daryl would just stop and laugh. He was super in love. And the best part was that he looked like a total “dude” guy.

Again. Can’t wait till November 28 to see them again in Long Island. Along with CIS, GlassJAw and BN - Thrice, Manchester Orchestra, Andy Jackson solo and Vinnie Caruana solo will be performing too. Hello 2002-2003

Happppppy Halloween!

This past weekend marked our first official big time party in our apartment. I know I know we've totally lived here for 7 months (WOW) and finally had our first party. It was so fun and lots of great people showed up - and we're still cleaning. I was Bee Girl from Blind Melon fame. See below in my photo vomit.

Miss Lynch and I - clearly up to no good.

Wolverine, Pauly Bleeker, Juno and Suzie (aka misc slut as Pat put it)

Can you tell he raided my closet?

Some random Prisoner stopped by.

I think I made a bad ass bee girl :)

xo

Tumblr!

Ok I haven't been here in a while and I have not ditched blogspot - however I have started a Tumblr too. It's a little bit easier for me to keep up with and has some cool features. And I'm spazzy.

So check my shit out.

Blah blah blah. I can't believe it's September!

Wedding #2 was last weekend and as expected it was fun on epic proportions. I know so many people who barf at the thought of going to weddings but me - I LOVE THEM! You get to whoop it up with great people and celebrate. Anywho. I went on the hunt of dress hunts for this wedding. I was so positive I would find an awesome dress because of the score I got when I got a dress for my mom's wedding. However lightning only strikes once a year apparently. I couldn't find a thing. Tons of dresses online but we all know how I feel about buying crap online.

Last resort was Burlington Coat Factory. I have previously hated this place but I found it actually not so bad. I ended up finding a few dresses I loved all under $10. Yes ALL UNDER $10. They weren't the best dresses but they'd pass. So I ended up buying one for $6.99. Like I would have been dumb not to. I was super psyched about it and then come Saturday I put it on again and realized I hated it. Like I had it on until like 10 minutes before P Dunn came to pick me up. With the shoes and sweater it just felt really tent-like so I ended up wearing this cute Old Navy dress that I got last year. Dispite it being a little see-through - it worked.

The wedding was gorgeous and the reception was so nice. We danced it up, drank too much wine and laughed till our faces hurt. The DJ told the groom he's never seen any group dance so much at a wedding. We ended up staying over and leaving super early (it was at the classy Quincy Marriott). Though the details of what happened after the reception are still foggy and that I was still drunk in morning - I would do it over the same way.

Jenn, Me and Dawn

Pat, Justin and Me

Me and a sexy groomsman ;)

One month exactly until Annie's wedding. Super excited about it. Should be a good time.

Tuesday night Pat and I went to see the live show of The Nightman Cometh by the cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia at the House of Blues in Boston. The House of Blues is definitely a shitty venue because its like 3 times the size of Avalon and if you're on the Upper section it's nearly impossible to see anything. Especially if it's a play/musical. Like I'm sure bands aren't bad in there because you don't necessarily need to "see" them. We had a sweet spot for a second and then we got kicked out because it was being saved for the "waitress" from It's Always Sunny. We ended up leaving a little early because it was such a bummer.

Going back there Oct 11 to see These Crooked Vultures so we'll see how it goes then.

xok

I can't believe the summer is almost over.  It was definitely a good one.  Even though I was mostly jobless - it was probably one of the best summers I have had in a while.  I got to take a lot of beach days and got to hang out with my favorite people every weekend.  

I am however pretty glad to see the Fall come.  It holds my birthday and some weddings I'm looking forward to.  Speaking of weddings I picked up my bridesmaids dress last weekend from the bridal shop.  I loved it when we picked it out and I love it even more now.  

When they sized me I went a size down than they recommended because it always lights a fire under my ass.  I did good for a while but for the past few weeks I've kind of fell off the wagon.  To my surprise the dress is still too big!  Weee.  I'm definitely not going to pay to get it altered so I'm going to use some safety pins and "Tim Gunn it" and make it work.  I'm so crafty.  And who's going to be taking pictures of my back.

The same night I picked my dress up P. Dunn and I went to this place called the Waterclub for one of his friends birthdays.  Seriously don't look at the site it's misleading.  All I have heard is that it's douche bag central and boy was I right.  We walked around Marina Bay for a bit searching for an ATM.  When we walked by we both kind of looked at each other and said "I don't think I want to go in."  But alas we went against our better judgement and went in.  No more than 20 minutes in we decided to peaceee out.    Think of Ed Hardy just throwing up everywhere and that's it.  Lame.  We left and had to run back to the car cause it was all of a sudden like a stage 4 hurricane outside.  Eff you Bob.

Today I had to go into Boston to appeal the surcharge to my insurance after the accident.  Even though it appeared to be my fault I stood by the fact that I would have had plenty of time to stop as I was far away from the car and going way under the speed limit, but the snow made it impossible.  I think it went really well.  After my recorded interview with the attorney for the state, he looked at me and was like I can't say on record until the letter goes out but this will be cleared up and not to worry.  

So I decided to shop around while I had a whole day in Boston to myself.  Newbury Street is ALWAYS bad news for me and Marc by Marc Jacobs is even worse.  After spending forever in there talking to the wicked awesome sales dude I left with this gorgeous lady:

Except for it's purple instead of pink but the M by MJ website didn't have an image of the purple.  So. cute. Also left with a cute purple change purse.  I like it.  A lot. 

Also bought two new books: Dead After Dark the first novel of the Sookie Stackhouse series (I LOVE TRUE BLOOD) and Sloppy Firsts which I have been hearing nothing but good things about.

Word.

xok

So I just got back from seeing maybe my new favorite movie of all time.

(500) Days of Summer

Incredible.  And the soundtrack is just as equally awesome.  I actually went and saw it by myself, something I've recently realized I have to get used to if I like random movies.  And I'm not working freelance right now so I have my days free.

Anywho. I LOVE this movie.  LOVE it.  It had all the makings of a great movie.  Great cast (my love Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds - Fig 1 see below), amazing music and a good story.  I don't want to giveaway too much but right after I left the theatre I decided I hated the ending.  But then after thinking about it - I realized how good it was.  How much sense it made and how it pulled the movie all together.  The whole movie just made me smile.  Even the sad parts.  And I love love love the music (email me at KZemeitus@gmail.com if you want me to send it to you).  I listened to the soundtrack to and from the theatre and it made me super psyched.

Fig 1. My love Matthew Gray Gubler aka Paul aka Reid in Criminal Minds (and apparently the voice of Simon from Alvin and the Chipmunks).   He plays Tom's (Joseph Gordon Levitts character) friend in the movie.  Obsessed.  I first laid my eyes on him when my roommate got me into Criminal Minds.  Ready to see this movie again - esp for him.

And just so you know - I believe every movie now needs a choreographed dance sequence to Hall and Oates:

Oh and kareoke to the Pixies - this movie COULDN'T get any better.  

Long story short - who wants to come with me when I see it again!?

xok

Whattt a weekend!  Friday I went to the beach with my friend Jen, her sister Julie and their crazy cousin Andrew.  Fun was had and I finally went into the ocean for the first time this summer.  It's finally tolerable (but only after like 10 minutes of feeling frostbitten).  We had a grand time.  Their cousin was only 16 but whooped it up with us anyways.  We went to a fancy ice cream parlour in Duxbury and acted inappropriate and all the housewives were throwing us dirty looks.

I met the gang at Chili's for dinner.  It was lovely.  I met Pat, Jen and her husband Justin after at the Cabbyshack in Plymouth and more fun was had.  I drank more and laughed at people.  There was an old lady who was dancing but she looked like a fake old lady - kind of like the old Six Flags guy.  I enjoy that place a lot.  Plymouth used to be so lame but it's totally the summer version of Quincy but still fun.  Every outside bar looks out into the ocean and if you're lucky you'll see a fake palm tree.  I tried taking pictures but it did not work.

Saturday I went back down to the southern parts to float around with Pat in his sweet ass pool.  We floated, drank and talked crap about people and repeat.  Oh and this happened.

Pat tried to get in with style and grace but ended up going for a fall.  The typical hammock snafu.  Don't worry he was ok - I checked before I told him to not move so I could take a picture.  Twas funny.  Thanks for letting me put this on the internet for all to see.

I had to haul ass back to Abington so I could hit the supermarket for my guac ingredients for Nicole's Bachelorette party.  She already had one in Ft Lauderdale so this was one was going to be apps, alcohol and silly games.  Jen and I got there about 7.  The bride was late  so we chatted with her sisters and her mom and her awesome bridesmaids.  We played pin the macho on the man (the mans face was Ron's - her fiance so we all had a good laugh).  We all got to pick certain "units" as the package (no pun intended) instructed.  I've always been a fan of eggs and bacon.

(Don't mind my sloppy nails).  I did not win the contest.  I placed the eggs and bacon no where near goods.

We chatted a bit more and decided to go to Blue 22 - a nice little place in Quincy Center.  The Local Locals (can't find a site for them but they're really really good) were playing and they were nice enough to buy us all shots - they called it the Local Local shot and it tasted something like a grape crush.  Twas yummy.  Nice little bar.  Not too crowded - it was literally the band, the bachelorette party and the people who worked there.  Of course I took a ton of pictures.

Mrs Ewell and myself.  I've known Jen the least amount of time out of all of my girlfriends but I swear we must have known each other in a previous life.  We're such kindred spirits and are constantly finishing each others sentences and laughing till our faces are red.  I adore this girl and her awesome husband (who has my dead MacBook in his work room in 1 million little pieces - sad).

Anywhosit.  We went back to Jill's sweet townhouse and gabbed till about 330 when we decided it was probably time to go home (and ok for us to drive lol).

I woke up the next day to an text from Pat requesting my presence for pooling and boozing.  I wasn't feeling much up to booze but I did so anyways.  Nikki also joined and we had a grand old time.  Nikki confirmed some suspicions I had about certain people - but there is so much good shit in this blog I will not bring it down my negative people.  Pat cooked and it twas good.  His roommate and his family came over and more fun was had - and this happened.

Pat just started slinking off his chair.  

Speaking of Pat - he linked me tonight to his infamous blurty for an example of why he does NOT like the beach and I got caught up in reading 4 years of Pat madness.  I've read them before but they're funny every single time.  I'm begging him to publish them ala I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell.  Checcck it.

I'm going to quit drinking till the weekend.

Woo!  Welcome to the first blog post from my new MacBook Pro!

I have finally saved up enough money from my freelancing job to buy a new Mac.  I don't know how I lasted so long without a computer of my own.  It was ok using my mom's when she was on vaca.  But super lame.

I was going to get the same computer I'd had (white MacBook) but I decided after much deliberation (yes I took it as seriously as America's Next Top Model) I opted on the MacBook Pro.  I love it.  LOVE IT.

Had a busy weekend.  Friday night I went out for John's birthday to the Abington Ale House.  So SO many people that I hadn't seen in a while (Andrea and Josh!!) and it was a good time.  I kept telling myself that I had to go home to cook (for Annie's bridal shower the next morning) and I couldn't stay out late.  Of course that didn't happen.  After AAH Gary talked me into going with him to Bella's in Rockland to meet a friend of ours.  Fun times were had and more drinks were drank.  Nicole's friend Kim made us "special" drinks and I swear they were on a time release.  I drank it and didn't feel it until I got home and got into bed.  Going to bed with the spins = not a good time.  

Annie's bridal shower was amazing.  She got awesome gifts and she enjoyed herself.  We ended up renting a hall for cheap and bringing/making all the food.  I probably would not do that again. But hey half of us are jobless so it worked well.  It was just a lot of work.  After I helped Annie and James bring all their new presents home I went back to the apt.  

I got like two hours of sleep the night before because I stayed up feeling sick most of the night so I wanted to pass out.  But I was going to see Incubus with Missy and some of her friends.  We had a great time and Incubus exceeded my expectations big time.  

Sunday was Nicole's wedding shower where I had a blassst!  I won the center piece and it's gorg.  Also the favors were these mini shakers full of hershey's kisses.  So cute.  Later that night I headed to Annie's to help her address her wedding invitations.  Needless to say I'm wedding-ed out.  

This weekend I have Nicole's Bachelorette which should be fun.  I hope she gets a stripper.

xok

I'm back!

Ok I still don't have a computer but I can see it in my near future. I've been working on a freelance PR project that's been keeping me pretty busy (and at my mom's house to use her PC). Luckily the sun has FINALLY decided to show it's face this summer so I've also been able to work on my tan. I think it's because I went to the Dominican at the beginning of the summer but I am tanning like a crazy person this summer. I could stand out in the sun for 10 minutes and when I get in I'm nearly another nationality. It's kind of awesome but reminds me that in the fall I'll go back to looking my yucky self.

The fourth was amazing. I went to my family's cabin in New Hampshire for a surprise party for my cousin Lisa. I don't think she was very surprised when she saw all of us up there but hey she pretended. My mom and I played beer pong together which was hilarious and I wish someone taped it. We actually won like three games before my cousin Chris came in and killed us all. I made an incredible buffalo chicken dip and some fourth of July themed cupcakes. Color me domesticated yo.

I've been working out a ton and trying to eat well. No more snacks in the apt (except for the runs to Cresent Ridge this amazing ice cream joint near my apt) and I'm really really trying to stay away from the carbs (I had a piece of bread on sat night!). I've been doing Zumba two-three times a week now and I can totally see a difference. Along with Zumba I have also been trying to go to my Boot Camp class at the other gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have lost just about 15 pounds (ok 13 but it will be 15 by the time I finish this post!). I see it in my face and arms the most and when I wear my jeans they nearly fall off me. So yay! I have two weddings (one in Sept and one in Oct) one that I am in so I'd like to at least look presentable.

A little bit of sad news. My enV kind of died. I'd wanted to get a new phone anyways so I was kind of excited about it. So I went to Verizon and found out that I could get the BlackBerry Curve for free pretty much (I paid $70 but then got a $70 rebate). I love it. Like if I could marry this phone I would. It's helped SO much while I do not have a computer at my disposal at all times. I will pay a little bit more a month but I think it's totally worth it. Oh and it takes greatt photos (see below).

This past weekend we went out for Pat's friend Ron's birthday. It was fun. We went to East Bay Grille in Plymouth. They have a really fun outside bar that we pretty much camped ourselves at after dinner. The place was filled with dbags and sluts but we made it happen anyways.



The best part of this picture is one of the dbags that was talking to us told us he was a photographer and he could take one for us. The one he took was not good. it was mostly of our boobs. Go figure. This is the one I took via my brand new phone.

Ok I'm finally going to post this as I've been working on it for two weeks.

xo
k

True story. I have not died. I'm still alive. And it's not that I'm busy or anything - I just have no energy to blog about my bad luck.

Vacation was amazing. Couldn't have been better actually. We stayed at the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana. It was so incredible. It only rained like three times and it was all when we were already done with the sun for the day. We did water aerobics and bingo everyday. Call us the old folks. My tan is still kicking it too.

I have no pictures however because my camera is no longer working. I tested it the night before we left and nothing. It turns on - and then off. Very random. I swear I can't touch anything remotely valuable without it breaking. My computer is still a no show. Justin took it and fooled around with it and said it's got non dairy creamer caked all over the middle. Seriously folks - MacBooks are thirsty - do not quench their thirsts while checking your email on a Sunday morning. My options are:

A. Get a new logic board ($350)
B. Buy a used one from Ebay ($475-700)
C. Buy a new one

Currently I have no where near any of those amounts thanks to Massachusetts Unemployment - so I'm using my rents computer which is I'm sure just what hell is like. It's like moving back in. But not. It's awful.

However there is a silver lining in my bad luck year. I got a freelance job doing PR and media relations for a cool clothing brand. I don't know when I'll get paid for my work because it's all a little confusing right now but when I do - I'm buying myself a new MacBook. I damn near cried over one in the Apple store in the mall the other day.

My car also decided to be shitty on me. Last week my exhaust snapped in half leaving me with a car that's sound probably could break the sound barrier. I hid it from my rents for a few days and finally my step-dad found out. So my mom gave me some money to get that fixed - which wasn't a lot - but I HATE borrowing money!

Ok no more of this awful crap. My mom got married!!! it was a lovely little ceremony/reception. My mom looked GORGEOUS!!! So did my step-dad. They both looked very dapper. I was obsessed with my dress. My mom took me dress shopping and I moaned and groaned the whole way (seriously I am a thrill to be around) and the first dress I picked up was the winner. See in photos below!

Me and Bff's. It wasn't as poofy as it looks in that pic. It's was a little windy. Pretty much the most comfy dress on earth.

My sisters and I with Aunt Claire.

The whole gang.

More pictures are up on my FaceBook. Thanks to those who took pictures and printed them out for me :)

After the reception we went back to the rents place for the after after party. Jess and Missy came and picked up Robyn, Hill and I and we headed to No Doubt!! AMAZING. We had SO much fun even though it was raining and we were on the lawn. Well actually it didn't rain TOO bad. But once the music started it didn't even matter. Just made it THAT more epic. We were all trying to get good pictures of Gwen's abs for inspiration. Seriously. That woman is INCREDIBLE!

Hillary, Meghan and I.

We had too much fun.

I'm HOPING and praying to get tickets for the Killers in Sept before they sell out because that would pretty much make my life.

Hope everyone is doing well!! I promise to keep up with my blog now even though I'm sure I've lost a few of my 4 readers lol.

xok

Computer is still out of commission. When I recieve my severance I'm going to bring it to an independent computer fixer upper. I've already done some research on some in the area and I'm suprised by how many do not know their way around a Mac. Of course my nerdy PC friends are like "Told you not to buy a Mac." Whatever.

In the meantime I have to give serious props to my amazing roomate and my mom for letting me use their computers. Both PC's.

Friday night, the ladies and I went to see Angels and Demons. I loved it. I haven't read the book yet but I wanted to see the movie badly. It made me want to go to Rome. Badly. Or at least made me wish I had studied Art History in college. We went back to Hillary's apt and hung out and got pysched about our vacation (which is 12 days away!). I can't wait. I feel so useless not doing anything. At least when I'm on vacation I'll feel like I'm doing something.

Another bummer about my computer being out of commission is the fact that my resume is on it. So I just dragged out a hard copy and I'm going to go to my moms house tomorrow and re do the whole thing. It's a great resume and it would be impossible to re create off the top of my head.

Speaking of which I feel like I may be getting dumber. I've been saying really dumb things. I think my brain is tired and not used to being unstimulated all day every day. I mean really there are only so many Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Maury's that I can watch. So I've been playing Puzzle Quest and Sudoku like it's my job (could it be my job??).

Saturday Hillary's hubby came over and pimped our apt (attached our Wii and hid our wires - yeah we were so lazy). I went over to Greg's for a bit and hung out with him and his mom and new nephew who is so so so cute. Rest of the weekend was a bust. I've drank an insane amount of coffee and took like 6 naps. I neeeeeed some good news in my life.

Also, I woke up with the itchiest foot EVER!!! Like I wanted to stick it into a fan because it probably would have done the trick. Someone told me it meant I'm coming into money. Then someone else pissed on my parade and told me it may mean I'm going to get into a fight.

Please let it be money.


xok

In my string of bad luck I literally threw a cup of coffee on my MacBook. It wasn't even a lot. But since it was hot - I screwed myself. The screen was working and loading per usual but the mouse pad and the keys weren't registering.

I brought it right to the Apple store at the South Shore Plaza. One of my best customer service stories is from Apple so I had high hopes - sadly the woman that helped me pretty much laughed in my face and told there was nothing I could do - just wait until it dried out. She didn't listen to me and kept interuppting when I wanted to tell her what happened. She kept talking to me like I was an idiot. Which added to my frustration even more.

Sunday was the same deal. Everyone was telling me to take the battery out and turn it over. So I did. Praying Monday it would be better - I put the battery back in to find my computer with no life at all. Mom and I headed for lunch at out favorite place, the Rustic Kitchen at Derby Street so I brought my computer because there is also an apple store there.

The guy there was slightly nicer - the kicker is - he told me if the person in Braintree would have un screwed the back (which he did) and taken the RAM out it probably would have been a very easy problem to fix. But since she didn't right away - my computer is pretty much fried. Oh and is probably going to cost $800 to fix. I have a few people who are going to look at it but I have little hope.

Another thing that drives me crazy is that Apple Care DOES not cover liquid damage. I bought it because I was told if anything happens to it my Apple Care will cover it. It wasn't everything except for a, b and c. So I pretty much paid for Apple Care in case something within the computer - that is out of my hands - goes wrong with it.

So sad. I'm heartbroken over this. This is worse than being laid off.

Also have thought of selling some of my nice handbags online. I do NOT want to - but being laid off - without a job, I really have no choice. My resume and cover letter are on there so naturally I need it badly. But can't get to it. Thankfully my roommate is letting me use her computer :) She's a damn saint.

Oh and I'm not getting my severance pay - which I need badly - until my last expense report is paid. Another thing that is out of my hands. I sent it in the day I got laid off. So because accounting hasn't got to it yet - I don't get my severance. The card is under my name - do they really think I'm just not going to pay it when it's my credit at stake?? Not going to happen. That call is what started my day.

I had a really fun time last night and I thought finally maybe things would be looking up. My roommate and I went into town with two of her guy friends for some Italian food and good times. We had a blast. One of the guys we went with is like the mayor of the North End. I wish I could remember the place we had dinner at (this was before the wine - promise. I just don't remember!). It was incredible and after this I will probably enjoy my leftovers. After, we went to Cafe Vittoria for coffee and snacks and then went downstairs which was a cigar bar. People were smoking cigars, hooka, everything in there. So bizarre. The secrets that place must hold. It was all older men in three piece suits discussing business. One of those places you only see in the movies. I wanted to take pictures but figured I'd have the mafia on my door step the next morning if I did - so I refrained.

Best thing about the cigar bar is that they played the most random music. Chumawumba, late 90's Britney Spears, Jodeci and All Saints. Yeah. We had a good time.

That's really as exciting as my life gets these days. I feel so useless sometimes. The only thing I'm looking forward to is my vacation! Then after that I'm not sure what to do. I need a job like yesterday.

Time to get back to Lost! Hope all my blog friends are doing well!

xok

Last week was definitely a huge bummer.  Well most of it was grand.  Never saw it coming.

I got laid off from my job on Thursday.  It's funny how things work like that.  I had a huge revelation on Wednesday night.  I was feeling super positive and  was really hitting all my marks and getting really great feedback.  

Then Thursday morning the head of my office walked in and shut the door and I was like - eh.  I knew it wasn't going to be good.  Eight of us got laid off that day.  They have been laying people off since October.  I guess they were banking on scoring a few pieces of new business - but because they didn't - they had to make the decision to get rid of some people.  

There is a lot I would have changed about the experience (besides the whole not having a job thing).  I really loved my job - but more I liked the people.  I'll really miss working everyday with Bethany and Kathleen.  I'll miss the routine.  I already have gotten up at 7:30 and started to get ready - to only remember that I don't have a job.  Just sad.

Anyways.  This weekend definitely made up for my shitty week.  Friday night, I went out to this place Hanabi in Marshfield with my favorites.  REALLY good food and they have one of those tepanyaki tables where they cook the food in front of you.  We opted to sit in the main dining room.  Super cute.  We then met more folks in the bar area for some drinks and dancing.  This band Six Foot Sunday was playing and they were pretty sweet.

Saturday I woke up bright and early for the trip to New Jersey for Bamboozle.  I picked up Robyn and we were on our way.  I was a little hungover but as soon as we loaded up on some Dunks we were good to go.  I love driving down there.  Reminds me of college.  So many random memories on 95 South lol.  We made it down there around 12:30.  We killed some time and then headed down to Meadowlands.

Bamboozle is now like an two day Warped Tour.  I miss it being at Asbury a little.  JUST a little.  First band we wanted to see was the Bloodhound Gang.  Also one of the bands that convinced me to actually make the trek down.  They were awesome.  They played Ballad of Chasey Laine, F.U.C.K., Uhn Tiss, Three Point One Four, Bad Touch and Fire Water Burn.  I love Jimmy Pop.  The crowd watching them was really cool too.  No 14 year olds.  This was the best picture of them I got.

We also watched New Found Glory, and Ace Enders and a Million Different People.  Ace was great.  Made me miss TEN a little bit.  We killed some time before Third Eye Blind.  Right before Third Eye Blind there was supposed to be a "Special Guest".  Circa 2004 at Skate and Surf in Asbury we were also promised a special guest.  It was Joan Jett.  This year - it was Journey.  YES.  Like Don't Stop Believing Journey.  I also learned the next day that the lead singer was NOT Steve Perry.  It looked just like him.  We were far away.

Third Eye Blind was AMAZING.  They played all the goodies and again the crowd watching them was really cool.  Met some fun dudes who enjoyed them as much as we did.  We peaced out after that as we didn't really want to see Fall Out Boy and we were starving.  Thanks to VZ Navigator we found a Taco Bell REALLY close to our hotel.  Roads in Jersey are totally screwy so we got lost of course.  When we finally got back to the hotel we scarved and passed out. The hotel wasn't bad for the $90 we paid and the people who worked there were super sweet.  

Next day I picked out a cute outfit (yeah whatever) to only find out it was pouring.  Again, giving props to my VZ Navigator, I decided we should search "diner" and go to a legit Jersey diner for brunch.  We picked the Gotham City Diner in Ridgefield NJ because we liked the name.  Duh.  It was amazing and super affordable.  I got some glares and dirty looks with my red sox hoodie (with ended up coming with me for the rest of the day - smart).

When we left it was still crazy downpouring.  So again with the trusty navigator we found a Borders and killed some time.  I seriously could kill a day in Borders (and probably will with my current state of non-employment).  

We headed to the venue again.  It was probably the grossest place I've ever been (next to Warped Tour 2005 in Northhampton MA).  It had been raining all day and they didn't clean up from the day before.  So use your imagination.  It was insane.  We actually got to catch this really cool band from Florida called Versaemerge.  They were playing on one of the smaller stages.  There were a ton of carnival rides at the venue.  We didn't check them out because we thought you had to pay for them (we're that poor - did I mention hot dogs were $5 and beer was almost $9).  Well the second day we checked it out and road the ferris wheel.  SO cool.  Wish the weather could have been a little better.

That was our view of the venue from the top.  Cool that you can see the New York skyline in the back.

We then watched Demi Lovato (who was adorable and seriously bad ass for holding her own up there) and The Used (who I used to LOVE but they are really not good anymore).  Bert is WAY less crazy and both him and the instruments were really hard to hear.  After that we went to dry out inside Giants Stadium and sit.  They actually let us sit in the stands.  It was cool.  This is also the time that Robyn and I enjoyed an Arepa.  I don't know the background of these amazing works of food but - they are two flat cakes of cornbread and in the middle is mozzarella cheese.  AND it was really good.  We had some laughs about how random it was.

We then headed back down and decided we wanted one more ride on the Ferris Wheel.  We got paired up with two really cool dudes.  We bonded over the fact that we were all over 25.  LOL.  Nerds.  After the Ferris Wheel we went to go check out Taking Back Sunday.  Before TBS we stopped at the Gen79 tent to meet one of my favorite blogger gals, Jessica, over at tried to live forever everyday of the year.  She is SOOO super sweet and was rocking the LAMB like myself.  We chatted for a bit and then met up again to watch No Doubt.  We watched TBS from the No Doubt stage because we really wanted to get a good spot for ND.  TBS were good and I think I'll try to see them again when they come to Boston.

No Doubt was incredible.  Speechless.  I got the chills when they came out and opened right into Spiderwebs.  I was wet and cold and tired but I danced and jumped my booty off.  Amazing.  We left about three songs early to make the 15 minute walk to the car, so we did "hear" the rest.  Finally got back to my apartment at 3am and I was showered, hydrated and snoozing by 3:15.  Good times.  Good times.  

Cinco De Mayo celebration tomorrow night!!!! 

xok

I give this weekend a B.

Friday night was fun as it always is when P. Dunn and I do the Chilis thing. They have a sweet happy hour menu from 9pm-midnight where all these apps and burger/sandwich combos are $3.99 each. I got a grilled chicken sandwich and french fries (I know. I couldn't resist). But we all know the real reason I like to go there on Friday's - Nikki makes me the best dirty martinis. The best. I have been in this sordid love affair with dirty martinis for the past year or so. But I will only drink it at certain places and I would probably never dare to make one on my own - but I love them - especially if the establishment stuffs the olives with blue cheese (ie. Cheesecake Factory, Not Your Average Joe's). I always get the most attention when I drink them as well - men will come and be like "That's a serious martini" then I will do my best to act flirty - but we all know I'm as smooth as Liz Lemon, so instead I ramble on about a story on how much I love salt which makes it the perfect drink for me.

I'm a classy broad. All that talk really makes me want a DM now.

I digress. Pat has a friend named Norm who we like to mess around with after a few drinks. We send him (ok Pat does - but I provide content) random Friends synopsises' and see if he gets them - he generally doesn't but usually takes it in stride. He used to think it was really funny but this Friday night he was NOT amused. He send Pat back very mean text's and a scathing voice mail. Ohh Norm.

Saturday I woke up early and cleaned and I promised my long lost best friend Mrs. Hillary that I would go up to North Shore and visit her. They live on the beach in Winthrop - so I put on a little sundress ready to get some color. Little do I know Hillary and the hub are decked out beach style in bathing suits and stuff. Little serious for April you think? When we were getting some sun, our friend Jess mentions she's never been to Hooter's. In my very PR way I tell her why it's so awesome and not because boobs are awesome. I've always had a really fun time at Hooter's. First time I ever went in like 2000 this douche bag was harrassing our waitress so in my 17 year old glory I totally yelled at this guy - I don't know exactly what I said but it wasn't nice - sorry dude - but she was a sweetie. She was so appreciative she bought my friends and I a round of beer. Beer? Yeah I was a late bloomer and all I drank at 17 was like two sips of Zima and some watered down white russians (thanks Roger!). So I asked for the only beer I knew at that time - Bud Light. God we were so cool. We took like 18 pictures of our beers and couldn't wait to show our friends at school on Monday.

I digress again - I just think the gals there are the sweetest and the food is good. So we cleaned up and headed to the new Hooter's on Route 1. Obvs we had a blast and watched the Red Sox OWN the Yankees. It was cool because you didn't feel weird jumping out your seat and cheering for the game - because everyone was. We weren't that one LOUD table as we always are. So fun. SO many families there too. Like lots of little kids. Do you think recently breast fed kids try to reach out for the gals boobies?

And think Hooter's is only for boobs and games. Don't count Hooter's out when you're planning your next date.

Hilarious. This kept me entertained for a few minutes. Get your wings and your champagne.

After the game I was just going to head home but ended up meeting up with some pals for a Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Twas fun. The band was really bad but the drinks and the company were good. I tried not being in any pictures because I looked gross ( being on the beach all day can do that to you) but alas - I got caught.

Cute!

Sunday I lounged around all day and it was glorious. Yep. Last night after work the roomie and I decided to catch a movie. We saw "I Love You Man" and it was incredible. SO FUNNY. I love Jason Segel - my love just grows and grows for him. Legit. Funny movie. Totes McGotes.

Did I mention I'm getting ridiculously psyched for this weekend and Bamboozle. Can't wait.

Zumba tonight!!

xok

Wow. Three posts in one week. Color me shocked. I have been inspired by the lovely Jessica at tried to live forever every day of the year. She does a Friday playlist every Friday and I have decided to make my own.

I have also been asked by a journalist who came to the event last week if I could make her a running mix (apparently along with my talents she also thinks I have good taste in music - yeah I don't know what she's thinking). I have mixes on the brain.

Here are my songs that are currently getting me through this workday:

1. Dire Straights - Money For Nothing
2. Peter, Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About
3. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
4. Demi Lovato - Get Back
5. Kings of Leon - Four Kicks
6. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
7. Letters to Cleo - Find You Dead
8. Iggy Pop - Candy
9. New Found Glory - 47
10. Lily Allen - Everyone's At It
11. Weezer - It's Easy
12. The Raconteurs - Old Enough
13. MGMT - Electric Feel
14. Motion City Soundtrack - It Had to be You
15. The Killers - Neon Tiger

Happy Friday!

xok