The Modern Handmaid's Tale of the 2016 Election
7 years ago
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Completely Necessary
Friday, August 29, 2008
Continuing Coverage: Summer Comes to an End
Good thing we didn't record the night we drove TO San Fran.
http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=521729547771&subj=13002956
http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=521729547771&subj=13002956
Thursday, August 28, 2008
And just like that...
Natalie (my roommate) just left for her last semester of college in Boston. I keep getting messages from friends that they are arriving at school and here I am, still in LA. Left behind by the summer crowd.
Summer in Los Angeles is hard to describe - probably because it is the only LA I've ever experienced. It's hard to define any of its specific characteristics:
1) Throngs of students return for internships, jobs and the like
2) Afternoon trips to Starbucks, Jamba Juice and The Coffee Bean are spread throughout long trips to Melrose or (if you can afford it) Robertson.
3) Congested streets in the middle of the afternoon (per no. 2)
4) Intermittent trips to the beach (hopefully arriving in a drop-top convertible)
5) Long days
6) June gloom, smog, dry dry dry
7) Hiking
8) Trips to Palm Springs and San Fran
9) Late night trips for frozen yogurt (Yogurt Land, Big Chill ... not Pink Berry)
10) Lying by a pool all afternoon with a $2 bottle of wine from Trader Joe's
11) Visitors from every era of my life (most recently, Gina from Middle School)
Ok, maybe that wasn't too hard, but the list is more specific to my experiences. I'm looking forward to fall in Los Angeles. What will change - what will stay the same? Am I really going to need a sweater like everyone says I will? I don't believe the weather will change that drastically.
I think Natalie leaving for Boston solidified a strange fact - summer is over. My best friends are at school and I'm still working. The further I push into this world of mine, the more important it is to ask myself:
1) Am I balancing my work and personal time?
2) Am I staying in touch with my friends and family?
3) Am I doing at least one thing a day to further my career/life? (Thanks Kelly)
4) Am I happy?
I need to post these somewhere in my bedroom so I'll see them everyday and answer them. I don't even know how to approach the question of whether or not I am happy. That seems so relative; in that, even if I wasn't - maybe today's stresses are for the benefit of my future happiness. Happiness seems so inconsequential? I don't know.
I do know that right now, in this moment, I am happy and content. That might (and probably will ) change in the next week, maybe tomorrow, probably in next few hours. That's part of living I guess; holding on for dear life as I ride the ups and downs and doing my best to enjoy the ride.
That's all anyone can ask of themselves. For now.
Summer in Los Angeles is hard to describe - probably because it is the only LA I've ever experienced. It's hard to define any of its specific characteristics:
1) Throngs of students return for internships, jobs and the like
2) Afternoon trips to Starbucks, Jamba Juice and The Coffee Bean are spread throughout long trips to Melrose or (if you can afford it) Robertson.
3) Congested streets in the middle of the afternoon (per no. 2)
4) Intermittent trips to the beach (hopefully arriving in a drop-top convertible)
5) Long days
6) June gloom, smog, dry dry dry
7) Hiking
8) Trips to Palm Springs and San Fran
9) Late night trips for frozen yogurt (Yogurt Land, Big Chill ... not Pink Berry)
10) Lying by a pool all afternoon with a $2 bottle of wine from Trader Joe's
11) Visitors from every era of my life (most recently, Gina from Middle School)
Ok, maybe that wasn't too hard, but the list is more specific to my experiences. I'm looking forward to fall in Los Angeles. What will change - what will stay the same? Am I really going to need a sweater like everyone says I will? I don't believe the weather will change that drastically.
I think Natalie leaving for Boston solidified a strange fact - summer is over. My best friends are at school and I'm still working. The further I push into this world of mine, the more important it is to ask myself:
1) Am I balancing my work and personal time?
2) Am I staying in touch with my friends and family?
3) Am I doing at least one thing a day to further my career/life? (Thanks Kelly)
4) Am I happy?
I need to post these somewhere in my bedroom so I'll see them everyday and answer them. I don't even know how to approach the question of whether or not I am happy. That seems so relative; in that, even if I wasn't - maybe today's stresses are for the benefit of my future happiness. Happiness seems so inconsequential? I don't know.
I do know that right now, in this moment, I am happy and content. That might (and probably will ) change in the next week, maybe tomorrow, probably in next few hours. That's part of living I guess; holding on for dear life as I ride the ups and downs and doing my best to enjoy the ride.
That's all anyone can ask of themselves. For now.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
"Baby to get by, you just need to let go..."
Yesterday was no fun. No fun for no one. At least the part where I was at work and returning from work.
I don't know if this is a cycle that will eventually work its way out of my system the longer I settle in Los Angeles or if it's just a part of life; but there are days when I wake up and all I want to do is throw in the towel. I want to pack up and go back East. Nothing seems satisfactory. Nothing seems fulfilling. It sounds so pessimistic, but there are those other days too. The days where I drive down the street and the sun makes me smile. The trees seem to line the street more neatly than usually. Where sitting outside with a cup of a coffee and a friend makes this city so worth while. Like I said: it's cyclical. There are good days and bad days. Yesterday just happened to be the latter.
After a day filled with busy work and blank stares, I was finally able to go home. It was early! Things were looking up. It ended up taking another two hours to get home - mostly because of my own stupidity and a serious lack of focus.
The good thing about bad days is that they end. They are short-lived. The light at the end of the tunnel is my bed, pillow and comforter. I just sleep it off. Wake up and try again. In the mean time, I try to find the good in all the bad that sems to cloud my momentary judgement. Whether thats a song on a the radio or treating myself to some food that I love. Luckily, I got both before bedtime.
2 things really helped me chill out yesterday. Here is information and a link to both:
1) Listening to "Let Go" by Mahriami.
Yes, she's my former roommate/best friend/sister/a multitude of other things, but if you haven't given her music some serious attention yet ... you're foolish. I've always said that Mahri has a way of appealing to everyone's sensibility through her lyrics. I don't know what it is or how she does it, but her insight is so spot on. Last night, this song cooled me down as I pounded my steering wheel and screamed at passing cars.
www.myspace.com/mahriami
2) Stuffing my face at Yogurt-land (La Brea and 3rd)
Self-serve. Frozen Yogurt. 20 flavor choices + 20 topping choices = a lot of choices. $.30 an ounce. Just go already.
http://www.yogurt-land.com/
I don't know if this is a cycle that will eventually work its way out of my system the longer I settle in Los Angeles or if it's just a part of life; but there are days when I wake up and all I want to do is throw in the towel. I want to pack up and go back East. Nothing seems satisfactory. Nothing seems fulfilling. It sounds so pessimistic, but there are those other days too. The days where I drive down the street and the sun makes me smile. The trees seem to line the street more neatly than usually. Where sitting outside with a cup of a coffee and a friend makes this city so worth while. Like I said: it's cyclical. There are good days and bad days. Yesterday just happened to be the latter.
After a day filled with busy work and blank stares, I was finally able to go home. It was early! Things were looking up. It ended up taking another two hours to get home - mostly because of my own stupidity and a serious lack of focus.
The good thing about bad days is that they end. They are short-lived. The light at the end of the tunnel is my bed, pillow and comforter. I just sleep it off. Wake up and try again. In the mean time, I try to find the good in all the bad that sems to cloud my momentary judgement. Whether thats a song on a the radio or treating myself to some food that I love. Luckily, I got both before bedtime.
2 things really helped me chill out yesterday. Here is information and a link to both:
1) Listening to "Let Go" by Mahriami.
Yes, she's my former roommate/best friend/sister/a multitude of other things, but if you haven't given her music some serious attention yet ... you're foolish. I've always said that Mahri has a way of appealing to everyone's sensibility through her lyrics. I don't know what it is or how she does it, but her insight is so spot on. Last night, this song cooled me down as I pounded my steering wheel and screamed at passing cars.
www.myspace.com/mahriami
2) Stuffing my face at Yogurt-land (La Brea and 3rd)
Self-serve. Frozen Yogurt. 20 flavor choices + 20 topping choices = a lot of choices. $.30 an ounce. Just go already.
http://www.yogurt-land.com/
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Just a feeling I had...
The world feels huge huge huge.
I need to chill out.
The tenser I get - the more confined I'll feel.
I'm happy. I'm fine. I'm here.
And that's ok. It's gotta be ok.
The world feels small small small.
People are tearing each other apart.
That's universal.
Pain is universal.
I'm happy. I'm fine.
I'm figuring it out.
Through thought.
Through speech.
Through wires and speakers.
Through my smile. Through my teeth.
Through my tears.
I'm not fine.
I'm not happy.
I'm overjoyed.
Each day gets harder.
Each day, the world gets smaller.
Each day, my footprints get larger.
The world feels like it should.
I miss you guys.
I need to chill out.
The tenser I get - the more confined I'll feel.
I'm happy. I'm fine. I'm here.
And that's ok. It's gotta be ok.
The world feels small small small.
People are tearing each other apart.
That's universal.
Pain is universal.
I'm happy. I'm fine.
I'm figuring it out.
Through thought.
Through speech.
Through wires and speakers.
Through my smile. Through my teeth.
Through my tears.
I'm not fine.
I'm not happy.
I'm overjoyed.
Each day gets harder.
Each day, the world gets smaller.
Each day, my footprints get larger.
The world feels like it should.
I miss you guys.
Monday, August 18, 2008
It's the simple pleasures
Things that made me smile this weekend...
1. Driving to San Fran late into the night and still talking about how scenic the drive was
1a. Singing the entire way
1b. Not feeling bad about eating BK and getting starbucks after 10 pm
2. Enjoying the fact that it was cold, cloudy and wet outside
3. Walking to walk and take public transportation all over the city
4. Getting two pairs of sick sneakers for 58 bucks
5. Eating Italian and having a cappuccino while sitting outside
6. Having the highlight of my night be getting drunk and dancing with a new friends
7. Watching my best friend sleep off the worst hangover she's ever had while I drive home
7a. Laughing about 1-7 when she woke up.
Things that made me smile today...
1. Waking up from a 10 hour sleep
2. Listening to Mahri's new track at work
3. Listening to Feist's "1,2,3,4" a la Sesame Street in the car
4. Job security
I think I'm starting to break through that "thresh hold of pain" I wrote about a few weeks ago. I'm starting to find pleasures in the day to day stuff. The honeymoon in LA is definitely over, but my life has certainly begun.
1. Driving to San Fran late into the night and still talking about how scenic the drive was
1a. Singing the entire way
1b. Not feeling bad about eating BK and getting starbucks after 10 pm
2. Enjoying the fact that it was cold, cloudy and wet outside
3. Walking to walk and take public transportation all over the city
4. Getting two pairs of sick sneakers for 58 bucks
5. Eating Italian and having a cappuccino while sitting outside
6. Having the highlight of my night be getting drunk and dancing with a new friends
7. Watching my best friend sleep off the worst hangover she's ever had while I drive home
7a. Laughing about 1-7 when she woke up.
Things that made me smile today...
1. Waking up from a 10 hour sleep
2. Listening to Mahri's new track at work
3. Listening to Feist's "1,2,3,4" a la Sesame Street in the car
4. Job security
I think I'm starting to break through that "thresh hold of pain" I wrote about a few weeks ago. I'm starting to find pleasures in the day to day stuff. The honeymoon in LA is definitely over, but my life has certainly begun.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
List No. 1
I'm starting a list.
Things that bring Los Angeles to a Grinding Halt:
1) Earthquakes
I'm on AIM and suddenly the ground beneath me is shifting around ... every person in LA asks every other person in LA, "are you feeling this?!"
2) Paris Hilton going to jail.
On my way to work last summer and my Starbucks run is severely derailed. Why? Because traffic in LA is at a standstill. Paris is being arrested and there are enough paparazzi, police and helicopters (I counted 6 hovering over my Starbucks on Sunset - she lives up the street) to clog a newborn's artery.
3) Rain.
It started raining a moment ago... very lightly. Suddenly, coworkers are standing outside neglecting tasks and standing in awe over the fact that it's raining in August, let alone at all!!
I simply smiled and opened the windows near my desk wide open indulging in the smell of wet earth. This makes me miss the East Coast so much. Thunder storms! Rain! All of these things that we come to hate on the East Coast because they happen so often are actually cathartic, healing ... emotional? Believe it!
I miss the rain and the smell of the earth... maybe even the East Coast summer. Well, I don't miss 95% humidity on a hot day.... yea, not really.
Things that bring Los Angeles to a Grinding Halt:
1) Earthquakes
I'm on AIM and suddenly the ground beneath me is shifting around ... every person in LA asks every other person in LA, "are you feeling this?!"
2) Paris Hilton going to jail.
On my way to work last summer and my Starbucks run is severely derailed. Why? Because traffic in LA is at a standstill. Paris is being arrested and there are enough paparazzi, police and helicopters (I counted 6 hovering over my Starbucks on Sunset - she lives up the street) to clog a newborn's artery.
3) Rain.
It started raining a moment ago... very lightly. Suddenly, coworkers are standing outside neglecting tasks and standing in awe over the fact that it's raining in August, let alone at all!!
I simply smiled and opened the windows near my desk wide open indulging in the smell of wet earth. This makes me miss the East Coast so much. Thunder storms! Rain! All of these things that we come to hate on the East Coast because they happen so often are actually cathartic, healing ... emotional? Believe it!
I miss the rain and the smell of the earth... maybe even the East Coast summer. Well, I don't miss 95% humidity on a hot day.... yea, not really.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Global Responsibility
The past week has been one of triumph and anguish for the global community. The 2008 Olympics in Beijing are an event that many never thought they would live to see - that is, the Olympics in China. This alone shows how much we have grown as a global community. Still, greater responsibility must be accompanied by an increasing sense of world citizenship.
As the world focuses on unity and the accomplishments of humanity, Russia is attacking the Democratic Republic of Georgia. A beacon of democracy in the east, Georgia has spent the past week being ravaged mercilessly by Russia's vast, overwhelming army. My college roommate and best friend is from Georgia. Her family immigrated to America in the early 90's. I have spoken with her in various ways over the past week about what is going on in her country and its heartbreaking to hear about how brutally the modest country is being hit. She sent out an email with her concerns and message to her circle of friends. I though that is was important for everyone to hear.
Please read the following. For more information on the history of these two nations and their conflict check out the following link. I think it does a good job summarizing the incident.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/weekinreview/10traub.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Friends,
May it be sadly expressed that as a concerned American citizen, but furthermore, a born and native Georgian, the events of this past week have been, horrific to say the least, shocking, unacceptable and deemed disproportionate by almost EVERY single political figurehead except for the ruthless Russian criminals who have strategically
planned a HORRIBLE attack on my country. Luckily no one in my family has been injured or killed, nor has my house been bombed (yet) but I cannot say what nightmares it gives me to know that innconent Georgian civilians are being killed for completely UNPROVOKED reasons and that my family members anxiously await explosions and occupation in central Tbilisi.
May it be brought to your attention and to the general International community that these actions are just ludicrous, and that Russia's superpowers will only further motivate fear, loss of respect and the loss of a healthy political relationship with the rest of the world for Russia. May it be also known that although there has been
relatively accurate coverage on this war, some WRONG information is being depicted, as Russia says that Georgia "brought it on to themselves". The Georgians are a meager 2,000 soldiers against hundreds of Russian tanks and thousands upon thousands of military units and aircrafts. Its makes me nauseous to even think about how
badly they could just annihilate my country, and trust, that word was even used to by the Russian motivation, as they want to "annihilate" and "liquidate" our Government. This is the 21st century, that is just plain crazy!!!!
So because America REALLY cannot afford another War, or even military intervention, the moral support of Americans and the awareness is what REALLLLY counts!!! They are trying to now overthrow our president, a wonderful and intelligent Democratic leader who has pretty much reformed our entire political system in 4 years time and advanced
Georgia to the Western European front. This CANNOT HAPPEN! Please please please I urge you to do anything you can in your powers to inform your local community that Georgia terribly suffers, and that if Russia is not stopped in their brutal murder of innocent civilians, there could be dramatic consequences for the greater International
Community, as Russians have literally lost all rationality in these circumstances and are saying that they want to rebuild the Soviet Union Empire and occupy Georgia! They are saying that Ukraine may be next, then the Baltics, then Central Asia...are you KIDDING ME!!!???
Below you will find the website for US Foreign Policy Senators, there is contact info if you feel the need say something, it would mean so much to me and my family, for if this escalates, we could literally lose our country, our homes and families!
Thanks for reading this guys!
love, Mariami
Global responsibility is something I think everyone needs to be aware of. We are all responsible to one another to keep this world a safe and desirable place to live. Easier said than done right? The first step to solving any problem is speaking up. Already protests have popped up here in Los Angeles and around the world. We can all take this step together. Spread the word, contract your government leaders and most of all, pray (in whatever fashion you adhere to) for the safety and resolution of those involved.
As the world focuses on unity and the accomplishments of humanity, Russia is attacking the Democratic Republic of Georgia. A beacon of democracy in the east, Georgia has spent the past week being ravaged mercilessly by Russia's vast, overwhelming army. My college roommate and best friend is from Georgia. Her family immigrated to America in the early 90's. I have spoken with her in various ways over the past week about what is going on in her country and its heartbreaking to hear about how brutally the modest country is being hit. She sent out an email with her concerns and message to her circle of friends. I though that is was important for everyone to hear.
Please read the following. For more information on the history of these two nations and their conflict check out the following link. I think it does a good job summarizing the incident.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/weekinreview/10traub.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Friends,
May it be sadly expressed that as a concerned American citizen, but furthermore, a born and native Georgian, the events of this past week have been, horrific to say the least, shocking, unacceptable and deemed disproportionate by almost EVERY single political figurehead except for the ruthless Russian criminals who have strategically
planned a HORRIBLE attack on my country. Luckily no one in my family has been injured or killed, nor has my house been bombed (yet) but I cannot say what nightmares it gives me to know that innconent Georgian civilians are being killed for completely UNPROVOKED reasons and that my family members anxiously await explosions and occupation in central Tbilisi.
May it be brought to your attention and to the general International community that these actions are just ludicrous, and that Russia's superpowers will only further motivate fear, loss of respect and the loss of a healthy political relationship with the rest of the world for Russia. May it be also known that although there has been
relatively accurate coverage on this war, some WRONG information is being depicted, as Russia says that Georgia "brought it on to themselves". The Georgians are a meager 2,000 soldiers against hundreds of Russian tanks and thousands upon thousands of military units and aircrafts. Its makes me nauseous to even think about how
badly they could just annihilate my country, and trust, that word was even used to by the Russian motivation, as they want to "annihilate" and "liquidate" our Government. This is the 21st century, that is just plain crazy!!!!
So because America REALLY cannot afford another War, or even military intervention, the moral support of Americans and the awareness is what REALLLLY counts!!! They are trying to now overthrow our president, a wonderful and intelligent Democratic leader who has pretty much reformed our entire political system in 4 years time and advanced
Georgia to the Western European front. This CANNOT HAPPEN! Please please please I urge you to do anything you can in your powers to inform your local community that Georgia terribly suffers, and that if Russia is not stopped in their brutal murder of innocent civilians, there could be dramatic consequences for the greater International
Community, as Russians have literally lost all rationality in these circumstances and are saying that they want to rebuild the Soviet Union Empire and occupy Georgia! They are saying that Ukraine may be next, then the Baltics, then Central Asia...are you KIDDING ME!!!???
Below you will find the website for US Foreign Policy Senators, there is contact info if you feel the need say something, it would mean so much to me and my family, for if this escalates, we could literally lose our country, our homes and families!
Thanks for reading this guys!
love, Mariami
Global responsibility is something I think everyone needs to be aware of. We are all responsible to one another to keep this world a safe and desirable place to live. Easier said than done right? The first step to solving any problem is speaking up. Already protests have popped up here in Los Angeles and around the world. We can all take this step together. Spread the word, contract your government leaders and most of all, pray (in whatever fashion you adhere to) for the safety and resolution of those involved.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Clear the air
New car. New apartment. New Job. Check, check, check.
I find it hard to believe that things came together as they did - almost exactly as I said they would to those who wondered why in the hell I'd be moving to Los Angeles. It's like when you graduate high school or college and everyone asks you (at least once per conversation) where you are going to school or what you're going to do next; you rattle off your strategic 5-year plan of attack over and over and over again. Well, it's no surprise that after a while you start to believe it. Well, I did and I guess rounding the three month mark here in LA, I'm a little awestruck at how things fell into place for me.
Something else that's weird, almost existential, is now and again I have these - I don't know what to call them - moments? feelings? realizations? that this is my life. I wake up everyday and go to work. I go until 6 or 7, come home, eat and pass out and then I wake up and do it all over again. I do love my job and I'm excited to see what steps will come later in life, but each day that passes, it becomes glaringly obvious that I need a creative outlet. By creative outlet, I mean that I need to stay proactive about pursuing acting professionally.
It's going to become really easy to fall into this pattern that I've worked so hard to set up for myself the past few months. A rut does not sound appealing and completely loosing sight of why I cam out here in the first sounds even worse. Fortunately, I have side projects (like everyone else in this town it seems) that keep me sane. Currently, I'm line-producing a short film/musical entitled "Door-to-Door." I'll explain more about that later. We had one of our first production meetings this week and everyone has their concerns. I have my concerns. The difference between the two, is that I have to (at least) pretend like I'm not worried - I got it under control - unload all your worries on me and I'll fix it.
Usually, I love being that guy, but I just can't seem to get past the exhaustion that comes from going to work everyday and then coming home - and expecting myself to be productive. Where did the switch happen? How was I able to go to class everyday in college, do homework and then drink heavily for 4/7 days of the week in college (well ... freshman year anyway). Now, I can barely stay awake after going to work. I'm waiting for my body to adjust to adult life and everything to click. I can't see that happening anytime soon though...
I find it hard to believe that things came together as they did - almost exactly as I said they would to those who wondered why in the hell I'd be moving to Los Angeles. It's like when you graduate high school or college and everyone asks you (at least once per conversation) where you are going to school or what you're going to do next; you rattle off your strategic 5-year plan of attack over and over and over again. Well, it's no surprise that after a while you start to believe it. Well, I did and I guess rounding the three month mark here in LA, I'm a little awestruck at how things fell into place for me.
Something else that's weird, almost existential, is now and again I have these - I don't know what to call them - moments? feelings? realizations? that this is my life. I wake up everyday and go to work. I go until 6 or 7, come home, eat and pass out and then I wake up and do it all over again. I do love my job and I'm excited to see what steps will come later in life, but each day that passes, it becomes glaringly obvious that I need a creative outlet. By creative outlet, I mean that I need to stay proactive about pursuing acting professionally.
It's going to become really easy to fall into this pattern that I've worked so hard to set up for myself the past few months. A rut does not sound appealing and completely loosing sight of why I cam out here in the first sounds even worse. Fortunately, I have side projects (like everyone else in this town it seems) that keep me sane. Currently, I'm line-producing a short film/musical entitled "Door-to-Door." I'll explain more about that later. We had one of our first production meetings this week and everyone has their concerns. I have my concerns. The difference between the two, is that I have to (at least) pretend like I'm not worried - I got it under control - unload all your worries on me and I'll fix it.
Usually, I love being that guy, but I just can't seem to get past the exhaustion that comes from going to work everyday and then coming home - and expecting myself to be productive. Where did the switch happen? How was I able to go to class everyday in college, do homework and then drink heavily for 4/7 days of the week in college (well ... freshman year anyway). Now, I can barely stay awake after going to work. I'm waiting for my body to adjust to adult life and everything to click. I can't see that happening anytime soon though...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
How much change is too much change?
When I was in high school (saying that keeps getting weirder) I was a member of Upper Merion High School's Varsity crew. Crew... that's, um, rowing a boat..ah...competitively. Really, though, crew was one of the staples of my high school experience. To this day, I still use the lessons learned from those four, extremely difficult seasons.One of the things coaches talk about while training for races is "the threshold of pain" and how to deal with it. In so many words, your threshold of pain is the point where your brain tells you to stop because your body cannot sustain itself physically anymore. An athlete's goal is to recognize this point as merely a mental, and not physical, boundary. If you learn how to will yourself to continue and go even harder - the pain stops. You become invincible.
All of this is to say that after three months in Los Angeles, I am approaching my threshold of pain. I've come to LA to work between school semesters for the past 3 years and every time I get to the third month, I start going stir crazy. These feelings are creeping up on me; closer and closer. I miss the East Coast, I miss my family, my friends. I miss the rain.
So what do I do in response to this feeling? I start planning a trip home of course. Only, I can't find the prices that work, the times, etc.. I'm not planning around class anymore. I have a job and responsibilities. I can't make it work.
I think that I need to take a cue from my high school athletic training (that sounds ridiculous...) and learn to move past this threshold. Can I even apply this idea to my life at this point? Will it all click all of the sudden? I have to keep pushing ahead - School isn't starting up again. This is my life. I'll have to suck it up for now until I learn if this LA threshold actually exists.
Pineapple Depressed
Quick Update:
I just drove to Crenshaw (that's south of Jefferson for all you Valley kids(who am I kidding, there's no one reading this)) to see Pineapple Express. My immediate reaction is underwhelmed. There certainly were some funny, uncomfortable moments; however, the overall impact seemed to require an outside "influence" to enjoy this movie to its full extent. Maybe it's because they have been promoting this movie for nearly a year. For whatever reason, it didn't seem as strong as I anticipated.
First thoughts on the Crabapple Express
I just drove to Crenshaw (that's south of Jefferson for all you Valley kids(who am I kidding, there's no one reading this)) to see Pineapple Express. My immediate reaction is underwhelmed. There certainly were some funny, uncomfortable moments; however, the overall impact seemed to require an outside "influence" to enjoy this movie to its full extent. Maybe it's because they have been promoting this movie for nearly a year. For whatever reason, it didn't seem as strong as I anticipated.
First thoughts on the Crabapple Express
Monday, August 4, 2008
Is the "short term" enough?
My friend just posted an article on my Facebook wall regarding Obama's plans (short and long term) for alleviating the oil crisis while finding alternative energy sources. Check out the CNN article and see what you think.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/04/news/economy/obama_energy/index.htm?cnn=yes
Here's my wall post response:
"The short term sounds simple and relatively effective (off-shore drilling a big plus). The long term is (like the article says) ambiguous. I fear sweeping immediate changes without thought for the long term effect. It's easy to say "we've changed" but what is the reality of what is feasibly possible to sustain, you know? Already, Obama's platform is changing (the article sites that). While McCain's recent ads (comparing Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears) were childish and inane - I do not think the message was completely off base... there's an evident arrogance beginning to peak through the shiny Obama exterior. It's really unsettling. For all of our sakes - I hope he ISN'T all talk and no game."
My friend and I often butt heads about Obama. Not because I am pro-McCain - I'm pro-neither at this point to be honest - however, I question Obama's platform and, like many Americans, his experience.
More than anything, I am scared that Obama is a trend - like everything in our brand obsessed society - Obama has become the spokesperson for change. He is an idea more than anything. Europe loves him because he isn't the white, hegemonic male typically synonymous with American politics. He's the anti-politician, unscathed yet by the corruption of Washington. I fear that so many people are blinded by the idea of Obama that regardless of his qualifications or, if he IS the right choice for the next American President (which he very well may be), American voters will gladly cast their ballot in exchange for an Urban Outfitter tee donning his now-signature smile and a quippy response to the Republican epidemic.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/04/news/economy/obama_energy/index.htm?cnn=yes
Here's my wall post response:
"The short term sounds simple and relatively effective (off-shore drilling a big plus). The long term is (like the article says) ambiguous. I fear sweeping immediate changes without thought for the long term effect. It's easy to say "we've changed" but what is the reality of what is feasibly possible to sustain, you know? Already, Obama's platform is changing (the article sites that). While McCain's recent ads (comparing Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears) were childish and inane - I do not think the message was completely off base... there's an evident arrogance beginning to peak through the shiny Obama exterior. It's really unsettling. For all of our sakes - I hope he ISN'T all talk and no game."
My friend and I often butt heads about Obama. Not because I am pro-McCain - I'm pro-neither at this point to be honest - however, I question Obama's platform and, like many Americans, his experience.
More than anything, I am scared that Obama is a trend - like everything in our brand obsessed society - Obama has become the spokesperson for change. He is an idea more than anything. Europe loves him because he isn't the white, hegemonic male typically synonymous with American politics. He's the anti-politician, unscathed yet by the corruption of Washington. I fear that so many people are blinded by the idea of Obama that regardless of his qualifications or, if he IS the right choice for the next American President (which he very well may be), American voters will gladly cast their ballot in exchange for an Urban Outfitter tee donning his now-signature smile and a quippy response to the Republican epidemic.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Gentrification
Looked out the window - neighborhood kids playing football on our lawn. Pitching throws to kids across the street. Some palms swaying to the beat of new music on Natalie's pod.
I just got back from a trip to Palm Springs. The same ol' time: booze, bubbles in the hot tub, topped off with some hung over IHOP. Sounds pretty juvenile, but worth the 2ish hour trip for a relaxing, time honored tradition. Why is it that getting out of LA, even for a day, feels like a breath of fresh air? (well...aside from the smog index...) A simple change of surroundings and 110 degrees later and I'm good to go.
It's strange though. I really enjoy coming home to my apartment after work. It's becoming a sanctuary. I wasn't sure I was going to find one here. I'm still trying to find the day-to-day moments that reaffirm this feeling.
Here's a great new track to check out; courtesy of a friend of a friend: Broadcast 2000: Building Blocks. "Get Up and Go"
Read the review and check out the song at http://bwank.com/?p=219
I just got back from a trip to Palm Springs. The same ol' time: booze, bubbles in the hot tub, topped off with some hung over IHOP. Sounds pretty juvenile, but worth the 2ish hour trip for a relaxing, time honored tradition. Why is it that getting out of LA, even for a day, feels like a breath of fresh air? (well...aside from the smog index...) A simple change of surroundings and 110 degrees later and I'm good to go.
It's strange though. I really enjoy coming home to my apartment after work. It's becoming a sanctuary. I wasn't sure I was going to find one here. I'm still trying to find the day-to-day moments that reaffirm this feeling.
Here's a great new track to check out; courtesy of a friend of a friend: Broadcast 2000: Building Blocks. "Get Up and Go"
Read the review and check out the song at http://bwank.com/?p=219
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Really?
I just finished watching some stupid TV show. One of the characters, their best friend's mother died. They were in their 30's.
I started crying with the characters. I kinda hit myself because this is television. But after a moment I realized that at the ripe ol' age of 22, I just spent my last semester of college going through the same thing. Whether anyone really admitted or not, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I love my 3 best friends. "The Final Four" sounds rather middle school-esque; however, having moved the West, I can't help to be sad. The East Coast branch of this stupid club is sorely missed.
It's one of those moments when you ask yourself... when did we become adults? We're stronger for it. That's also something I don't forget.
I started crying with the characters. I kinda hit myself because this is television. But after a moment I realized that at the ripe ol' age of 22, I just spent my last semester of college going through the same thing. Whether anyone really admitted or not, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I love my 3 best friends. "The Final Four" sounds rather middle school-esque; however, having moved the West, I can't help to be sad. The East Coast branch of this stupid club is sorely missed.
It's one of those moments when you ask yourself... when did we become adults? We're stronger for it. That's also something I don't forget.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Uprooted
I was born and raised in the East. East Coast that is. Outside Philly in a little town called King of Prussia. There's a mall - sometimes you'll see the name in tandem with Paris - Milan - London in fashion spreads. Stop laughing. You think I'm kidding?
I just graduated from Emerson College and have spent the last few months doing what millions of tired, overeager, in-debt 20-somethings do: move to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams. What dream is that? I think financial stability would be the first thing in mind. Still, a career in the entertainment industry doesn't exactly put me in the vicinity of money anytime soon.
Long story short: I've been uprooted again. Thinking all the grey (gray?), hazy questions in my life would vanish with the clouds as I traveled above the earth was a big mistake. Things are just as confusing and difficult as they were in high school, college and now, in what the masses commonly refer to as "real life."
So now: Finished my last class a week ago. Working for a music video and commerical production company (how'd that happen?) and living with one of my best friends from college - who subsequently came out here on a whim to work as well. Couldn't have done it without her.
I miss the East Coast now and again. Why won't it rain here?
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