Ready for 2008 to be over

For the last couple of months, I've been telling people that I'm ready for 2008 to be over.

It's not that it was a bad year per se, just a lot of things happened that were firsts and not necessairly firsts that I wanted to have.

Here are the highlights of the bad stuff:

-I was in a relationship where I loved but wasn't loved back. The first time I fell in love, he fell just as deeply- I want that again.
-I was kissed by a unhappily married man and then a few months later I got wasted and texted some things I shouldn't have- which helped me completely forget about him- good riddance.
-I found someone in Portland that I can't stop thinking about but he's not calling me :(.
-My family is going through an on and off crisis- which is frustrating because I'm powerless to help and I don't live in the same city.
-I walked out on a job. It was the right thing to do but I've never done it before and it was scary and liberating, of course.
-I lost my grandmother but it was a good thing because she had been unhappy for so long- now she gets to boogie with Elvis. I hope the King was waiting for her with open arms.
-I met the wife that my grandfather has hidden for decades
-I had a former boss talk about my sex life at our office work place (now you know one of the reasons I quit)
-And to top it off- I had a very brief (thank god!!)sexual encounter with someone who doesn't know whether or not he has the hiv because he slept with someone who is positive (they used a condom or at least that's what he told me). Although the chances are slim to none- I can't wait to get tested to feel totally secure.

Now for the good:

-Two people I'm close with now live up here
-I found another friend group (this makes two- I'm a lucky girl) that takes as I am despite the fact that I am pretty different than everyone else and I love hanging out with them
-I have a new person that I consider myself to be very close to. I heart C!
-I have a new job that is interesting, I'm learning a lot and I ADORE my co-workers
-I really love being single right now
-I'm making more money than I used to!
-I went to the Bahamas and fulfilled a life long dream of swimming with dolphins!!!
-I'm taking graphic design classes so that I can fill my need to be creative
-My BFFs are up here for NYE!!!!!!!!!!!


I wish everyone a Merry New Year! Be safe and have fun- I know I will!!

xoxo,
Lauren in Seattle

Favorite New Song: Think of You by A Fine Frenzy

Last night I had a gift exchange with friends and my SS (Secret Santa) gave me a burned CD full of new music, so now I have a new favorite song. It's called Think of You by A Fine Frenzy.

I thought I would post the lyrics to share the love:

"Think Of You"

It's one hundred and nine degrees in this crowded room
No room to breathe with walls as cold as a gallery
This is no place for me
Such hard faces in smoke
The smell lingers in my clothes
It's a bad night to be alone
But that's the way it goes

And I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
And you rest your bones
Somewhere far from my house
Yeah, but you still pull me home

I thought I had it figured out in a brand new life
With a great big house
And green initials on the towels
I should be happy now
Well, you got yourself a family
And you planted roots down by the sea
I saw you once on the street
You didn't notice me

But I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
You rest your bones
Somewhere far from my house
Yeah, but you still pull me home

Just to put your mind at ease
You don't owe me anything
You paid me well in memories

And I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
And you rest your bones
Somewhere far from my house
Yeah, but you still pull me home
You still pull me home
You still pull me home

Jokes About Men: It's about damn time- there are enough jokes about women!

1. WHY DO MEN BECOME SMARTER DURING SEX?
(because they are plugged into a genius)


2. WHY DON'T WOMEN BLINK DURING SEX?
(they don't have enough time)


3. WHY DOES IT TAKE 1 MILLION SPERM TO FERTILIZE ONE EGG?
(they don't stop to ask directions)


4. WHY DO MEN SNORE WHEN THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS?
(because their balls fall over their butt-hole and they vapor lock)


5. WHY WERE MEN GIVEN LARGER BRAINS THAN DOGS?
(so they won't hump women's legs at cocktails> parties)


6. WHY DID GOD MAKE MEN BEFORE WOMEN?
(you need a rough draft before you make a final copy)


7. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN?
(don't know.....it never happened)

(C'mon guys, we laugh at your blonde jokes!)


8. WHY DID GOD PUT MEN ON EARTH?
(because a vibrator can't mow the lawn)

Fun New Seattle Internet Findings: Lynne Alexander and Capitol Hill Blog

As this blog is not just about me but also the fabulousness that is Seattle, I thought of a new category: Fun New Seattle Internet Findings because I love to post about cool things I find out about Seattle and so much can be found online.

After I found the below perfect painting, I looked up the artist, Lynne Alexander, and discovered her fabulous website. She's agreed to a payment installment plan (because I am a broke 20 something) and I couldn't be more excited!



Then I found this cool Capitol Hill(my 'hood) blog that anyone can contribute to. Yay for community blogs. I browsed around and it's pretty awesome.

I really want this t-shirt!! But I'll have to wait until after the crazyness of the new year!

Sledging down Bellevue and Denny

The winter freeze that we're having in Seattle has caused a lot of problems, collisions, and bus accidents.

It has also created a sense of community. Last night, Sunday night, I hung out with about 60 strangers (plus my roomie and good friend) and went sledging down Denny at the top of Denny and Bellevue Way.

And a good time was to be had by all . . .

A shot of the crowd as we approached:



Evidence of sledging:











Peeps were using everything and anything to go sledging- couches, sandwich board signs advertising apartments for rent, laundry baskets, real sledges, trash bags, cardboard, couches, kiddie pools. . . you name it people were on it going down hill.

It was AWESOME!

Seattle on MSN: Buses hang over I-5 by Denny Way (This is on my walk to work)

If you head over to MSN.com, Seattle is featured as a top video (linked in on the post title).

Front page on King5.com.

Written about on this blog.

Denny way is completely shut down and I decided to include my own photos (coming) from the scence. News like this is never thisclose to my house.

Rude People

I read Slate Magazine about once a week or less to read their Dear Prudie article.

Today, she said something that I believe to be an absolute truth:

"Dear Out-law
The reason awful people so often get their way is that they are willing to do things decent people wouldn't dream of."

Then decent people feel bad saying no or are unsure how to deal with it properly.

Another Seattle Snow Video- City Bus Stuck

Seattle freaks out when it snows. Literally, everything stops working- especially public transportation.

See video below for further evidence.

Seattle Snow Video @ My Digs

Our courtyard is so pretty!

Seattle Snow Day! Lauren in Seattle Photo Diary: Winter Wonderland Walk to Work

I woke up this morning to see Seattle as a snowglobe and here is my photo diary:

Lauren in Seattle Snowy Walk to Work


This is one of the side streets in my neighborhood:



No one going down Olive Way:



Denny is one of the steepest hills from Cap Hill to Downtown and, again, no one going down:



I made a new friend :). It's this happy dog's first day EVER in the snow:



Another photo of Denny Way:



I-5:



Belltown:



Another photo of Belltown (I'm almost to my office!):

Fat and Broke- Essentially that's Me Right Now

I should be having a really bad day today and in fact, I almost let these external factors (being fat and broke today) really get to me and have a mini-pity feast at my desk.

But instead, I'm in a decent mood. I'm not sure how this is possible.

I felt a little shaky midday but I think it was because I hadn't drunk enough caffeine.

I'm fat because some how, despite not really altering my eating habits and actually going to the gym this year more than I ever have in my LIFE, I don't fit into one pair of jeans and several dresses. My other jeans have holes in them. Brand new holes that may have to do with my weight gain. Aweseome. Not. Beautiful dresses. My boobs especially don't fit in them any more. For most women, that may be a godsend but seeing as my top half is larger than the rest of me- it SUCKS.

Also, I paid for eyeglasses (much needed but extremely expensive), a plane ticket to go home for the holidays, Britney Spears concert tickets, and some other things that essentially have me BROKE. Seriously, I have under $40 in my bank account and I don't get paid until Midnight on Monday. This too, SUCKS.

I'm not quite sure how I'll make it through this weekend because my credit cards are pretty much maxed out as well. Seriously, I think I may have $40 available on each card. How pathetic is this?

I am tempted to just go into a spiral but for whatever reason, I'm not freaking out. I feel like I should be but I'm not.

I am so weird.

Current Playlist Obsession: Rachel Yamagata, Rhett Miller, The Thrills, and Whitley

I always have a playlist entitled, My Current Obsessions and I thought I'd share the playlist for anyone who loves great indie music:

Rachel Yamagata 1963 "I find it to be magical, I feel like I'm loving you in 1963'
Rhett Miller Come Around "I'm remembering the dress you wore when you broke my heart"
Rachel Yamagata Meet Me by the Water "Don't fit anywhere into my life, but that's okay"
The Thrills Saturday Night "Is this what they call love on a Saturday night? Is this what they call sex on a Saturday night?"
Rachel Yamagata Reason Why "But you only wanted me, the way you wanted me"
Whitley A Shot to the Stars "You're my lifeline, under a rest,And you can see it all on my chest,and in a lifetime of beauty and tests"

Ingrid Michaelson @ Nuemos- Be Ok

Ingrid performing her title song, Be OK, at Nuemos in Seattle, WA. The audience was begging for her to sing, so it was to much applause when she obliged.

Ingrid Michaelson Video @ Nuemos- Overboard

This video shows exactly what I meant by An Intimate Audience with Ingrid Michaelson- at the beginning of the video you can hear her joking about the movie Elf and how she wants everyone to say it together in holiday cheer.

Enjoy!

Is Ingrid Michaelson a Lesbian?

I don't normally do this (check my site meter because normally no one reads my blog) but I needed a break from my tedious tasking on working a spread sheet for the company credit card, so I thought I'd check my site meter for my status.

After looking through some referrals- I came across the most interesting one. It is a very personal question in regards to one of my favorite indie songstresses- Is Ms. Michaelson a lesbian?

Would her success or music be perceived differently?

Personally, I have no idea and sort of think it's none of my business BUT I can understand the curiousity. I understand that curiousity because I think it's human nature. Probably one of the first questions that spring to mind after figuring out if one is male or female, then- are they straight or gay?

I actually did this last night. I was out getting drinks with a co-worker and I couldn't tell if our YUMMY server was homo or hetero. In regards to musicians- I'm not sure that one's sexual preference matters in terms of a successful musical career or the meaning behind their lyrics.

Particular musicians that come to mind are Elton John and Ani DiFranco.

What do you think?

Daily Seattle Photo

Throughout the 8 years, I've lived in Seattle, it has snowed every winter. It doesn't usually stick and some times it really does stick. And of course, when it snows here Seattlelites do NOT know what to do with themselves. The city goes a little haywire.

It's just like when it rains in San Diego- it's such an uncommon weather event that no one knows how to handle it. Or maybe they just forget.

I say this because this past Saturday, the 13th, it snowed!!

Our weather went from a beautiful, non-stormy, mild winter to a frigid, snow staying, freezing to the bone wonderland.

It's been gorgeous and sunny but FREEZING:

Ingrid Michaelson Concert @ Nuemos Videos- Breakable

Ingrid Michaelson Concert @ Nuemos Videos- Die Alone

A while ago I blogged about a fantastic show put on by one of my favorite, favorite indie songstresses, Ingrid Michaelson.

I also promised some videos at the time which I haven't put up until now. This is one of my favorite songs, Die Alone.

Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour Videos #3

Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour Videos #2- Vogue

Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour Videos #1- Like a Prayer Clip

I went to the Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour down in San Diego with my sister on one of the most historical days of American history- 11/4/2008.

Here's one of the many videos I took while seeing Her Madgesty perform.

It blows my mind that she is 50.

Winter Song. . . Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles

Winter Song with Ingrid Michaelson


Two of my favorite indie songstresses- Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles are singing in the above video. I think this video is sooo cute and it puts a smile on my face.

Ingrid is coming to Seattle again, after an awesome performance at Nuemos. I was going to put a link up to buy tickets but it turns out that it is already sold out.

Perfect Fall/Winter Recipe: Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

i picked up Season's Eatings by Martha Stewart a couple of weeks ago and this dish went over very well at my last dinner party:

The potato recipe:
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes
3 med. Sweet potatoes (1 ½ to 2 lbs) scrubbed well
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
¾ cup of pure maple syrup
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and slice each half into 1 inch thick half moons.
2. Melt butter in a large cast iron or otherwise oven proof skillet (I just transferred from skillet to pan) over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes, toss to coat evenly. Add maple syrup, toss potatoes to coat and bring to a boil.
3. Transfer skillet to oven (or just from dish to dish)- cook, stirring occasionally until potatoes are golden, well glazed, and tender when pierced- about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, season with salt and pepper.


It's the perfect dish for fall/winter because it's a little sweet but is prepared with great fall/winter produce. Sweet potatoes always remind me of the holidays.

Enjoy!

Grey's Making Me Cry

As I type, I'm watching the one show I barely, rarely, ever, ever miss- Grey's Anatomy.

I just watched the screen when the woman who had no voice, says Hi to her husband and I teared up. I tear up whenever I watch this show.

Damn you Shonda Rhimes and all of the wonderful writers of Grey's- making me cry every Thursday.

This episode is all about taking a risk and realizing the value of love in a world where the middle matters and that is why we risk a lot for love. And finally- there are many couples that I'm absolutely rooting for to make it.

Notes:

-I love Cristina and Owen Hunt. After Burke left Yang was all about Mer and clung to her- now she's finally getting her own life and figuring it out. There is something so hot about their chemistry. They seem so different but they aren't and for whatever reason Hunt already gets Yang. Now, that's what I'm after.

-Yay for a healthy and happy relationship for MerDer but I do wish they'd get a little more screen time. How about some lovely, cuddly sex after Derek struggles with losing a 16 year old girl?

-I think Izzie has a brain problem because now they are making it very clear that Denny is in her head.

-Yay for Slexie!! They are a couple with a hell of a lot heat but I'm PRAYING Sloane doesn't hurt her.

-I'm a little confused about Callie- is she now gay? Bi? Which is it?

-Finally a little more about Sadie- I'm really curious who her dad is now and sort of why she's as fucked up as she is. Someone who looks for trouble like she does, does NOT come without baggage.

-George- you are growing and I loved, loved the epi when he was with the little kid (aka a little George- didn't the kid look like he could've been a kid George?), can we see more?

-Alex you are SUCH a good man with Izzie. Please fix Izzie- Alex deserves to be with someone who isn't crazy.

Thank you Grey's because I enjoyed this epi but please don't jump shark and keep on track with the characters.

A Cautionary Tale of a One Night Stand

No one reads this blog and therefore I'm going to talk about my personal life.

Side Note/Fun Fact- I'm having a glass of Tempranillo wine- a gift from a dear friend- while I type this because it feels a little naughty and hell, I have a paid day off of work and it is early afternoon.

This past Monday I felt unusually antsy. In fact, I wanted to go out for the first time in weeks. So I picked up my beat up red Krazr phone and went through its contact list texting and calling a few friends. No one got back to me. Not about to give up my desire to go out, I decided to go to my favorite cozy bar in Cap Hill, 611 Supreme.

611 is one of my favorite bars and one that I only go to when it's Lauren time. I am not a regular but I think I might be memorable.

Anyway, on my way there I get a call from C and I meet up with her and some of her friends at 611. We're hanging out there before we head out to the Baltic Room for their reggae night. We dance, hang out, drink a bit more. One of C's friends of friends, J shows up and I'm on my way to drunk and we're dancing and flirting- practically making out on the uncrowded dance floor. I ask C what J is like and she says that he's nice and it would be no big deal if we hooked up or whatever. It's been a while for me, what the hell?

I ask him if he wants to come over and he says yes.

Little did I know what would happen next.

As we begin to hook up, I'll keep some of the juicy details to my close friends, he asks, "Do you have a condom? Do you have a condom?"

At this point in time, I'm not even to sex.

I say, "I think I do. Just a minute."

I scrounge one up from my roommate and I's emergency stash, I put it on him. I'm on top and he's inside of me, and he slips out. I mention him getting on top he says no and then blurts out (wait for it)-

"I had sex with someone who is HIV positive and I'm not sure if I am."

"What do you mean you don't know if I am?"

"I haven't gotten tested."

"WHY haven't you gotten tested?"

"Because I'm scared. I don't know if I have it."

"Did you use a condom?"

"Yes. I have to go. I'm worried about my car. I have to get up early."

"You can still stay, we don't have to do anything."

"No I have to leave. I can find my way out."

"Okay."

I pass out because well, I'm drunk. The following morning I'm at work attempting to actually work. I give up and spend the rest of the day calling clinics, doctors, and desperately trying to figure out what the hell to do because I might have let someone put their d*ck inside of me, who may or may not be HIV positive.

He freaked out and left so quickly that I didn't get information about how long it went on with this person. When it happened, who this person was, etc. Or anything.

I could be mad, frustrated, angry, upset and honestly- I freaked the f*ck out that afternoon but after talking to all the doctors and clincs it turns out that the likeliness of me contracting HIV would be one in 500 million or something like that. So, I don't have HIV but it is one hell of a lesson to be very, very careful with who you decide to sleep with.

A cautionary tale.

Ingrid & Grey's

This made me cry at work . . .

Things to do, People to see, Music to Listen- Seattle's Weekend Guide

Music- Saturday, 11/15, Hotel Cafe Show @ Chop Suey:

Mongui Presents
HOTEL CAFE TOUR feat.

Rachael Yamagata
Meiko
Thao Nguyen
Kate Havnevik
Lenka
Emily Wells
$15 adv / $17 dos
9:30pm doors // 21+

I'll be there!

Shopping- Saturday and Sunday, 11/15 & 16, Goodwill Glitter Sale

9:00am - 6:00pm

Seattle Goodwill's Dearborn St. Store
1400 South Lane Street

Eating- Friday, 11/14, Pearl in Bellevue

Pearl's Grand Opening is tomorrow and the restaurant is full of fancy fare.

Lincon Square
700 Bellevue Way
Suite 50 98004

Walk- Friday, 11/14, Bell Town Art Walk

7:00P – 10:00P. Enjoy wine, art and a nice walk that includes 10 other salons, shops and galleries in bell town.

I'm Not Obsessed Audition Post

Afternoon Links








Don't call Hayden Lindsay Lohan- Lainey Gossip.

Is Ali Later's ruffled purple gown fug or fab? You Vote Go Fug Yourself

The new Bond, Quantum of Solace rakes in $160M internationally in 10 days- Nikki Finke

Jennifer Aniston clarifies her "uncool" comment about Angelina Jolie on Oprah. And if you remember 3 or 4 years when Aniston and Pitt called it quits, Oprah used her show to try to get the two back together. O does get in on the gossip :)- MSN Gossip

Kanye West still hating on the VMAs- MollyGood

Madonna is the new face of LV- I'm Not Obsessed

Rumors of Madonna and A Rod hooking up keep surfacing . . . where there's smoke, there's usually fire- Celeb Warship

An Intimate Audience Show with Ingrid Michaelson

Monday night, I went with two of my girlfriends to go see the endearingly quirky Ingrid Michaelson at Nuemos in Cap Hill.

I discovered Ingrid via her "The Way I Am" song that enchantingly played on last year's Old Navy's holiday commerical that featured sweaters. I found out that she sang the song and quickly downloaded that song and others from iTunes. I wrote about her upcoming show before and although I was tired because I didn't sleep well on Sunday, I perked up during her show and was so happy to take part in what was a very intimate audience with Ms. Michaelson.

She talked with the audience, played audience requested songs that were not on the play list plate (it was literally a paper or styrofoam plate), made jokes, had us raise the roof on a song, thanked us repeatedly, and invited Mike back to the tour bus.

When she sang and played, it was reverence. Silence reigned as she sang away.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the show because the first two songs she sang are my favorites: Die Alone and Breakable.

She also played The Way I Am as her last song, besides the encore, which I always enjoy ending a show with a hit song.

She also sang (not listed in order): Lady in Spain, Starting Now (which was AWE-some), Be Ok, a beautiful rendition of Can't Help Falling in Love, Over the Rainbow, You and I (audience request), Overboard, Keep Breathing, Giving Up, and Corner of Your Heart.

This show was so different than most I've been to. I felt like I got a chance to just hang out with Ingrid and she decided to sing, too.

She seems like she'd be awesome to grab a beer with. Or maybe a glass of wine.

I'll post video later this week.

Space Needle Event!! Lighting of the Tree!!

I recently subscribed to the Seattle Space Needle newsletter and I get all sorts of interesting news about events and here's the latest:

One of those days

I am having one of those days.

There are a lot of different types of "one of those days":

A)I should have never gotten out of bed because so many things are going wrong.
B)I am just plain grouchy and irritable and moody therefore should be around NO ONE.
C)Everything keeps piling up.
D)Nothing is getting done.

I'm having a combination of C and D. Little annoyances and frustrations are abound at work and in life therefore I feel as if I'm getting nothing done.

UGH!!!!!!

Throw on top of the fact that it's back to the gray here in Seattle, I'm suddenly leaving for home so suddenly I have so much to do, I feel stressed.

From Blue to Gray

I always tell people that the weather in Seattle is the most mercurial nature. One minute, it will be raining then snowing, and sudden sunbursts with rain again. For 6 days straight we had gorgeous, crisp, blue clear skies weather and now the fog rolls in.

As long as I'm not driving in it, I thoroughly enjoy the eerieness and cloaking nature of fog.

It makes the city seem as if it was sleeping soundly.

Sun for 6 Days Straight!!!!

These gorgeous photos were taken just a mo' ago.

Stunning.

To Me- this is heaven. I think that to make up for the crappy September weather we had here in SeaTown, we got this beautiful, sunny, clear blue sky week in October :). And it's amazing.

Almost pretty enough to make me forget about the family/personal troubles that are luking beyond the sun. Almost.

HP and HBP Trailer (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince)

I am SO excited. I am truly obsessed with Harry Potter and watching this trailer makes me so excited. A little bummed as well because if they had stuck with the original release date, I would be seeing the movie in just under a month.

This is Nuts and Kind of Awesome. Revenge in the Virtual World: Woman Kills Ex-Husband's Online Avatar

I don't play in the virtual world and to be honest, I don't really understand it.

But this I can understand: You get pissed off because you're getting a divorce, what feels like out of the blue, so you break into your now ex-husband's online account and kill off his online avatar on Second Life.

Although, the Japanese woman who comitted virtual murder went to jail for illegal access to a computer and manipulating electronic data, this is still kind of awesome.

It sounds like she wouldn't dare plan or execute a murder in real life but hey why not get your anger out in some way shape/form and stick it to his online avatar. I think it is kind of awesome.

Not that I could ever break into someone's computer or would ever manipulate electronic data (computers and I have a friendly loving relationship but not too deep; this is kind of bad ass and awesome.

For the people I know it would be like deleting their MySpace or Facebook account but not really as good as a story or entering. I like it being his whole avatar, a representation of him.

Read the full article here.

Still Sunny!

It makes me so happy!!

More Sun! Yay!

Day 2!

Sun!

Fairy Tales. . . She's got a crush on the guy at the liquor store

My favorite part is her assertion that she's a feminist- I am too, and that's why I love this song.

Because (as I once said to my roommate), these goddamn motherfucking fairytales have really screwed with us (us being young women who grew up on Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel . . .)

Sara B's Encore Performance of Gravity

This is truly one of her songs that signs straight to my heart. She sang it for her encore performance because, "People tend to get mad if I don't play it."

Sara B Concert Photos

Daily Seattle Photo

It's gray and rainy today but I thought I would post this picture as a reminder of how beautiful it can be when the sun is out and it's cold.

Sara B sings tonight at the Moore!

I'm so excited because I get to see Sara Barielles tonight!

F-ing Economy

I am so sad right now.

Up until today, I felt secure about my job.

We had hired quite a few employees, sales were still coming through (although not nearly as much as we need), we were watching our budget, our board of directors still has our back.

Then I found out that my dear, smart, great, fantastic boss is being let go.

There will be more lay offs on Monday. The majority of the office doesn't know yet. Everyone will have a nice weekend only to come in and possibly be laid off. Our entire office culture/attitude/vibe will change. I'm praying that some of my friends aren't included in this round up/lay off. I am so nervous.

F-ing economy.

Citizen Cope- Acoustic Tour!!!

I've always bragged that one of the very best things in Seattle is our music scene.

And my pretty city proves itself once more because Citizen Cope is coming to Seattle in two weeks from today!!

He was here a few months but I didn't get a chance to go see the show but I'm not going to miss this round; 'specially because it's acoustic tour.

He'll be at Benaroya Hall in two weeks from today on the 27th of October, doors open at 7 pm, starts at 8 pm, tickets are $32.50 or $35.

Lately, Sideways has been stuck in my head and I cannot wait to see the show live. Because I've heard such good things about his live performance.

This has been one hell of a year of fantastic shows for me. I cannot WAIT.

You know it ain't easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There's no words to describe it
In French or in English
Well, diamonds they fade
And flowers they bloom
And I'm telling you
These feelings won't go away
They've been knockin' me sideways
They've been knockin' me out lately
Whenever you come around me
These feelings won't go away
They've been knockin' me sideways
I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away
But these feelings won't go away

A Case of the Mondays

Today I'm having a case of the Mondays.

Why?

Because:
-I woke up at 8 am, oh wait, I'm supposed to already BE at work.
-I waited too long to go to Cherry St. and they didn't have any more plain bagels left :(. I should have gone earlier, so it's my own damn fault. But I really wanted a toasted bagel with butter this morning!!!! It's my breakfast.
-I finally decided that although it was a bit of splurge, I had to have a dress that I found online at Anthropologie . It was on sale and simply stunning. It would be great for work, a wedding, I could dress it down, etc. I decide to buy it first thing this morning and it's gone. Again, I waited too long and it's prolly gone forever.

Boooo! I don't like today.

Good Quotes

When I was in high school, I was obsessed with quotations.

I wrote them all over my notebooks, pondered what they meant, how they would apply to my life . . . (on and on).

I don't really search for quotations any more nor do I live my life by them as I used but I still can't resist writing down two damn good ones. I read/heard them in the past 24 hours:

Halle Berry was recently named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine and in her acceptance speech, she wrote, "[Sexy is-] It's about loving yourself even in your most unlovable moments. I know a little bit about that."

I know a lot about that; I think Halle does too.

The second quote comes from my all time favorite television show, Grey's Anatomy. I heard it last night when I watched the second episode of the 5th season and read it today on the writer's blog.

Meredith's therapist tells her that she still needs therapy because "And happiness in the face of horrible is not the goal. Feeling the horrible stuff and knowing that you’re not gonna die from the feelings? That’s goal."

That's one damn good therapist.

Obama vs. McCain

I may not be the most educated voter because I tend to base my decision on the following items:

-Whether or not the candidate is a democrat
-Pro-Choice and supports abortion rights
-Supports gay marriage rights
-Health care

I decided a long time ago that I would be voting for Obama and after reading the following comparisions on the issues, I feel ever more strongly about that choice.


Abortion
McCain: Opposes abortion rights. Has voted for abortion restrictions permissible under Roe v. Wade, and now says he would seek to overturn that guarantee of abortion rights while being open to a running mate who supports abortion rights. Would not seek constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

Obama: Favors abortion rights.

Death penalty
McCain: Has supported expansion of the federal death penalty and limits on appeals.

Obama: Supports death penalty for crimes for which the "community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage." As Illinois lawmaker, wrote bill mandating videotaping of interrogations and confessions in capital cases and sought other changes in system that had produced wrongful convictions

Education
McCain: Favors parental choice of schools, including vouchers for private schools when approved by local officials, and right of parents to choose home schooling. More money for community college education.

Obama: Encourage but not require universal pre-kindergarten programs, expand teacher-mentoring programs and reward teachers with higher pay not tied to standardized test scores, in $18 billion plan to be paid for in part by delaying elements of moon and Mars missions. Change No Child Left Behind law "so that we're not just teaching to a test and Crowding out programs like art and music." Tax credit to pay up to $4,000 of college expenses for students who perform 100 hours of community service a year. (Yay for more for teachers!! NOT based on test scores).

Gay marriage
McCain: Opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Says same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legal agreements for insurance and similar benefits, and states should decide about marriage.

Obama: Opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Supports civil unions, says states should decide about marriage.

Health care
McCain: $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals, $5,000 for families, to make health insurance more affordable. No mandate for universal coverage. In gaining the tax credit, workers could not deduct the portion of their workplace health insurance paid by their employers.

Obama: Mandatory coverage for children, no mandate for adults. Aim for universal coverage by requiring employers to share costs of insuring workers and by offering coverage similar to that in plan for federal employees. Says package would cost up to $65 billion a year after unspecified savings from making system more efficient. Raise taxes on wealthier families to pay the cost.

Iraq
McCain: Opposes scheduling a troop withdrawal, saying latest strategy is succeeding. Supported decision to go to war, but was early critic of the manner in which administration prosecuted it. Was key backer of the troop increase. Willing to have permanent U.S. peacekeeping forces in Iraq.

Obama: Spoke against war at start, opposed troop increase. Voted against one major military spending bill in May 2007; otherwise voted in favor of money to support the war. Says his plan would complete withdrawal of combat troops in 16 months. Initially had said a timetable for completing withdrawal would be irresponsible without knowing what facts he'd face in office.

The Decemberists

I think that every person I date, that I care about, always teaches me something, enlightens me about something I never knew before. In the case of my last Ex, I'll call him D, he introduce me to music I had never heard of before.

Despite, that we're no longer together and he acted like a real jerk in the end, I will always be grateful that he introduced me to The Decemberists. Their sound fits right into my roster of favorite bands- beautiful lyrics, a unique lead voice, and a melody that strikes right to the heart.

That's why I am SO excited that they are coming to The Moore Theater this November.

Deets: November 30th, The Moore Theater, 8 pm, $30 advance, $33 at the door. Click here for tickets.

I subscribe to the fabulous Seattle Weekly and receive two emails from them a week. One for the news and one for music. As I was "working" today, I read through the articles online and I saw this article . I got immediately excited. Of course, the first person I thought of was D and that it would be great to go to the show with him. Then I remembered as much as I wanted to remain friends, I don't think he does (he wrote a pretty bitchy email two days after he dumped me). I'll go to the show anyway because it'll be amazing.

Maybe even with a new beau (I have a little crush on a co-worker).

For another fabulous article on The Decemberists, click here .

Just One Frickin' Day

I love getting emails in my inbox every day.

I know that for most people, it's just spam but I love to find new deals, new websites, companies, charities, etc. I truly enjoy discovering new things via the fabu internet. When I get my daily emails from Daily Sugar and Daily Candy, I'm always excited to hear about the next best thing.

I was particularly excited to read about these t-shirts.

Designed by some the most "It" names in the industry they are available in a limited quantity (only 100 of each were manufactured) and benefit a very worthy cause- The Burundi Solar Project.

It's a project that is fundraising to build the first solar powered hospital in Kigutu, a village 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the capital Bujumbura (Burundi).

This hospital has the potential to change the lives of 8 million Burundi residents.

Plus, I love it when fashion and good deeds come together to support a worthy cause.

You can purchase the t-shirts here and view each designer's style here.

It's Back to the Gray

Although it rains more in Paris than Seattle, my 'hood is the one that gets the bad rap. Most of the time I defend my beautiful city by stating the following facts:

-I live in the Emerald City because the rain makes everything green :).
-There is a lack of smog because it rains frequently.
-Where there is rain at sea level, there is snow in the mountains for skiing and snowboarding (I heart skiing).

But right now, at the END of August, when it is usually hot and sunny, it's cold, again.

It's making me bummed out, I'm having a hard time getting up early in the morning for work, and of course, it makes want to drink red wine instead of going to the gym. That's healthy.

This upcoming weekend is Labor Day Weekend and I'm bummed because I won't be spending it outside in the sun like other years. I'll probably be holed up at home instead.

Boo!

Indie Songstresses Coming to Seattle!

In many ways, I'm a girl's girl. The foil to a man's man. This includes my taste in music.

Since moving to Seattle seven years ago, I have become rapidly more in love with indie music; especially certain songstresses. The two artists that I have been listening to over and over are Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. My particular favorites are Die Alone from Ms. Ingrid and City by Sara B. Although, you might know them because Ingrid is famous for her Sweater song that appeared in Old Navy commericals a few months ago and Sara is famous for Love Song.

Imagine my excitement, because I get REALLY excited about good shows, when I found out that they are both coming to MY town, SeaTown.

Ingrid is coming to town on November 10th. She'll be playing at Neumo's located in my 'hood of Capitol Hill.

Sara B will be performing at the Moore Theater in Downtown/Belltown on October 15th.

I'll see you there. . . I'll be the one singing along to every song.

I'm not gonna write you a love song
’cause you asked for it
’cause you need one, you see
I'm not gonna write you a love song
’cause you tell me it's
make or breaking this

Writing Abound

Like most bloggers, I have a desire to one day get published. In some form or another.

Whether it's winning a writing contest, getting a short in a compliation book, or a novel, I would love to have something I, Lauren in Seattle, has written. Since, I have such a curiosity about writing, how to get published, what sells, etc. I thought I would share a few interesting articles I read today while I was supposed to be, ahem, working.

This opinoin article states that although it's the 21st century, You Still Can't Write About Muhammad .

I found this article interesting because it's about censorship and the fact that even this day and age, books are sometimes viewed as weapons of evil and mass destruction instead of tools that inspire and educate. I was particularly interested because the book in question was written by a Washington resident, Sherry Jones.

Here's an excerpt from the article, "Starting in 2002, Spokane, Wash., journalist Sherry Jones toiled weekends on a racy historical novel about Aisha, the young wife of the prophet Muhammad. Ms. Jones learned Arabic, studied scholarly works about Aisha's life, and came to admire her protagonist as a woman of courage. When Random House bought her novel last year in a $100,000, two-book deal, she was ecstatic. This past spring, she began plans for an eight-city book tour after the Aug. 12 publication date of "The Jewel of Medina" -- a tale of lust, love and intrigue in the prophet's harem."

The article appears on The Wall Street Journal. For more articles, you can google Jewel of Medina.

The other article I read today while I've been working is about the Ten Dirty Words that an agent will use to take note during the reading a submitted manuscript.

It was an enlighting article on how NOT to describe your writing work. I found the adjectives interesting as well as the explanation.

My favorite?

1. PRETENTIOUS.

Hindsight is 20/20

I recently got dumped (which in the end, is a good thing) and I came across this article today, that I thought was worth blogging about.

Signs that He's Into You:

While my Ex did do this but. . .

He rarely mentions his ex. A guy who has no interest in making a fling the real thing will constantly bring up his ex ... in a good or bad light. However, if he leaves her where she belongs — in the past — save for a few necessary dating-history details, the path is clear for you.

towards the end, he definitely did not do this.

He sticks to his word. Guys are infamous for saying they'll call you tomorrow or take you to meet their buds ... and then conveniently forgetting all about it. So, if your new squeeze delivers on his word, it means he doesn't want to burn a bridge with you. In fact, he probably wants to build one.

His paws said long term but. . .

He touches you the right way. You don't need to be a body-language expert to know the difference between the hands-on attention of a guy looking for booty (think breast skim) and the sweet stud with commitment on his mind (think hair stroking). So, what are his paws doing?

I had no access. No key card for Lauren in Seattle.

He grants you access. A surefire sign that a man wants the bond to blossom? He doesn't shut you out when he's out of sorts. If he sucked at his ball game or had a crappy day at work, an emotionally invested babe will — mostly — let you be part of the ups and the downs.

But no relationship is without a learning curve, so on to the next.

Hindsight is Always 20/20.

Ways You Might be Ruining Your Credit Score

Although this isn't about Seattle, I thought I'd share what I consider the most simple, straightforward, and informative article I've found in regards to creating a good credit score. While I was purusing the internet today, I came across this article about how you might be ruining your credit score.

I'm a twenty-something and deathly afraid that I'm trashing my credit and that when it comes time to purchase a house or car or a boat (in my fantasies!) I won't be able to.

I have credit card debit and I want to know how to best handle it in order to improve my credit. So whenever I see links to articles about credit, I always click.

Then I read it and feel more lost than ever. I get lost in the garagon or there is a disclaimer stating, "well, there are differing views on . . . " Which doesn't help me.

That's why I was so excited about this article- it made perfect sense to me!

My quick intrepretation of the article (to keep it brief):

1.Be willing to try to change what the credit card company's rules. An example from the article- Had one late payment? If your record is squeaky clean, ask them nicely to remove the blemish from your credit history (which, remember, could cost you up to 100 points on your credit score).

2.If the company ups your limit beware of spending more.

3.Don't transfer balances! Lower debts look better for you.

And here's more on the author's Marie Clare blog.

Hope this helps!

V Weekend Reviewed

As I blogged about on Friday, I saw V Weekend at the block party and the show was everything I'd hoped it to be.

Despite, a couple of peeps not exhibiting concert friendly behavior- my friend's bf (who is usually pretty relaxed) almost got into a fight because they were being THAT rude- it was a great show!

As a surprise- our governor, Christine Gregoire, got onstage with her daughter and gave Seattle a welcome and introduced the band. And they did not disappoint.

Ezra's voice sounds even better live than on the CD, which is a rare thing indeed. The crowd got pleasantly into the music and I had a blast.

They played a new song, which is always a treat for the fans, and played everything that I wanted to hear.

I left the block party's main stage with

"Is your bed made?
Is your sweater on?
Do you want to
Like you know I do"

pleasantly replaying on repeat in my head . . .

V Weekend- My New Favorite Band!

In honor of Seattle's Block Party this weekend (I only get to attend one day of it because tomorrow I'm flying to Vegas for a dear friend's 30th birthday), I decided to listen to Vampire Weekend (V Weekend)because they are playing tonight at the Cobra Stage at 10:45 pm (if they go on at the scheduled time).

I've been listening to their one and only album for the last couple of days and I'm completely addicted. Mostly because their lyrics fanscinate me.

As most peeps who know me, I'm big on lyrics. I may not recongize a badass guitar rip being played on the C string BUT if I love a band or a musical artist you BET YOUR ASS I'll know all of the words to their songs.

One particulary catchy tune, Oxford Comma, has really got me thinking because I don't entirely understand the song. So today, while I'm on my company's dollar, I decided to google "vampire weeekend interviews" and found
this interview.

My favorite part?

'"So," I ask, "in the couple of months between now and the release of your LP, what is the fourth thing you would like journalists to focus in on?" It's not an easy question, I'll admit, but for my own piece of mind, I'd like to pretend that I'm offering Koenig some kind of journalistic reprieve. "I guess I'd like to hear people ask more specific questions about what inspired a song, either lyrically or musically . . .'

Why?

I'm DYING to know what inspires their song lyrics.

Best surprise?

' . . .I wanted to talk about: Lil Jon -- the king of crunk named-checked on "Oxford Comma," the last and best song on the band's first EP. "I love him," Koenig answers. "Well, I specifically like ["Get Low"] a lot. I like the dance where you point your hands to the window and to the wall. I don't dance a lot, but I did have a couple of experiences dancing to it." '

Why?

I love indie-rock/emo as much as the next hipster but I also love rap- sometimes I get a hipster nose/music snob nose turned up at me for saying that. And I, too, have had a couple of experiences dancing to "Get Low".

And the Lil' Jon inspired lyrics to read for yourself:

First the window, then it's to the wall
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

Show your paintings
At the united nations
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

For more about V Weekend, read here, here, and here. And a great article by The Badger Herald.

Gay Pride Weekend in SeaTown

It doesn't get better than this!

Fun Seattle Weekend Plans :)

Cheap Beer in Seattle and Woodinville! Sign ME up!

July 24, 2008
WEEKEND PLANS

ROCK OUT- I'LL BE THERE :)
Capitol Hill Block Party
What: More than 50 bands — including Vampire Weekend, Chromeo, and The Hold Steady — provide the soundtrack to Seattle’s hippest summer scene with proceeds benefiting Home Alive and The Vera Project.
Why: It's in my 'hood.
When: Fri. & Sat. Schedule online.
Where: E. Pike St., b/t Broadway & 12th Ave. Tickets online at thestranger.com and available without a fee at Urban Outfitters locations.

WOO HOO!
H&M Grand Opening
What: The trendy yet affordable store finally hits our neck of the woods. Show up with open arms — to grab every tank, tee, and trouser in sight.
Why: It's about damn time.
When: Opens Fri.
Where: Westfield Southcenter (206-246-0019).

FASHION
Diane Kappa Trunk Show
What: Local textile designer’s luxurious fabrics; cheery, crisp graphics; and vibrant colors embolden any room.
Why: Paper napkins are trash.
When: Thurs., 4-6 p.m.
Where: Inside Out, 115 Ave. A, Snohomish (360-563-0767).


MOVIE
Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
What: Documentarian Marina Zenovich breaks down the trials (literally) and tribulations of the most controversial director of our time.
Why: It’s perfectly legal.
When: Thru July 31. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2 & 8 p.m.
Where: SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St. (206-633-7151).

CONCERT
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
What: The first lady of funk and soul croons her way into your heart and out through your hips at this savage outdoor concert.
Why: You’re an an-i-mal on the dance floor.
When: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, N. 59th St. & Evanston Ave. (206-548-2500). Tickets at Metropolitan Market, 5250 40th Ave. NE (206-938-6600).

And it's SUNNY!!!

WOO HOO!

And as long as it stays this way for my birthday weekend. . .

And . . .

the rain goes . . .















ON :(

Still Sucking. . .

And I'm starting to get depressed . . . it's been almost a full week in June and it's COLD outside; and raining.

I can deal with the rain but the fact that it's still so cold outside really sucks. I mean it's not February or March or even April showers!!

BOOOOO!

Mr. Big aka Canada's Scary Sting It-Could-Happen-to-You Operation

Last night was another rainy June evening in Seattle (so many things wrong with that sentence), when the BF and I decided to go see one of SIFF's documentaries.

The BF loves this kind of material and I had to see this film after I read this article that was in Seattle Weekly.

This documentary is a critical examination of RCMP's Mr.Big sting operation, focusing on the trial and conviction of Atif Rafay and Sebastian Burns.

Mr. Big is a Canadian police sting operation that has been perfected by the RCMP over the years. When the RCMP has a suspect(s) in mind for a crime, any kind of crime, they start the slow, long, and costly process of getting a confession of the suspect by playing the part of mafia criminals.

Regardless of whether or not any evidence actually points to their chosen suspect.

Regardless if the confession is the truth.

The fake mafiaosas slowly gain the suspect's trust through small interactions. For example- giving him $200 to drop off a package at a specific location. The undercover cops continue this charade until it gets to the point that the suspect believes that they are capable of hurting and/or killing his family and loved ones. So again and again false confessions are obtained.

Because you don't want to lie to Mr.Big.

In 1994, there was the horrific murder of Atif's family- his father, mother, and sister at their home in Bellevue, Washington. Rafay and Burns were convicted of murder after the RCMP's Mr.Big sting operation targeted the two teenagers and got a confession out of them.

That confession, considered entrapment if it had been conducted by American police, was allowed in court because the boys are Canadian citizens although expert witnesses for the defense were not.

Tiffany Burns, the writer, producer, and director of the film and former newscaster, is Sebastian's sister, making her passionate advocate of both her brother and his friend with an obvious bias to the film but she did a great job of making this film about the expose of the Mr.Big sting operation, not a campaign to free Atif and Sebastian.

Overall, I think this movie did an excellent job of portraying what's wrong with the Canada Mounties's Mr.Big sting operation and why it shouldn't exist. It also looked at the operation at a higher level- not just the cops but who's controlling these situations.

At times, I felt like certain points were repeated a little too often but maybe if those had been made apparent in the trial Atif and Sebastian may not have been convicted.

I think that there is enough reasonable doubt, that the boys shouldn't be convicted and I think that they didn't commit these murders. More so because of the evidence or lack thereof than anything else.

Regardless, you should go see this film for education if nothing else.

To make up your own mind, here are some links:

Here's what 48 hours reported.

The Seattle Times article from 2004.

For more information on the movie and what you can do to help, click here.

For information about injustices click here.

For information about their appeal click here.

This Sucks!

It's the 4th of June and it's raining. STILL.

Kiss the Bride aka The Gay Version of My Best Friend's Wedding

This past Thursday, I went and saw a SIFF film, Kiss the Bride with a couple of my girlfriends.

For those who don't know what SIFF is, it's a Seattle based film festival that hosts hundreds of international and national films. It lasts about 25 days with multiple screenings of each film. All different genres of films are present and a lot of directors come too. Essentially- a film connoisseur's wet dream.

It's a Seattle event not to be missed.

But back to the movie review at hand- Kiss the Bride is an independent film that is basically a gay version of My Best Friend's Wedding, in fact there are multiple Julia Roberts referencing throughout the film. Which, to me, really endears the film to its audience because I am a big fan of movies that make fun of themselves a little bit. Shrek, Enchanted, and America's Sweethearts come to mind.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked Kiss the Bride. It follows the story of Matt, a successful gay magazine editor living in San Francisco, who decides to go back to his Podunk home town when he receives his former best friend's, Ryan, (and first gay lover- "he taught me what it was like to kiss a man . . . and that thing with his tongue") wedding invitation to a WOMAN named Alex.

Matt flies home after being gone for the past decade because it's a humanitarian mission to tell Ryan that he doesn't have to do this. He doesn't have to conform. Matt also happens to possibly still be in love with Ryan because none of his boyfriends since him have measured up; possibly "The One Who Got Away".

Matt is the new Julia Roberts.

When Matt arrives he meets the wife-to-be, Alex played by Tori Spelling, in an awkward stripper scene (look out for a cameo of Spelling's husband) and finds her to be charming, cute, and well, "terrific." Alex and Matt instantly take a friendly liking to each other and so the love triangle begins before Ryan even knows that Matt's in town.

As the countdown to the wedding continues, there are moments of great comedic timing, over-the-top cheesiness yet unexpected scenarios to keep it interesting, lessons about love and commitment, and some well-written lines.

If you like rom-coms and like a little twist thrown in, my recommendation is to GO SEE IT!