momentswithmisty

Malibu Monday

Posted on February 25, 2012February 25, 2012 by momentswithmisty

George and I declared this past Monday (President’s Day) Malibu Monday. We got up early-ish, packed a picnic, and then headed off. When I got up in the morning I was pretty cranky, partly because I had to wake up at 8:30am, but mostly because it was cold (well, that’s relative, it was like 60 degrees) and cloudy. Not exactly how I was picturing the day should be. I was thinking more along the lines of sunny with a high of 75. I even wore sweatpants on the drive. I was not happy.

But the closer we got to Malibu, the better the weather got. I guess since Malibu is so wealthy they can afford to pay for extra sunshine. The drive to Malibu was not a bad one to say the least. We drove up the PCH (that’s code for Pacific Coastal Highway), which runs, as you would imagine, right along the pacific coast. The scenery was fantastic. Rolling waves, rock bluff, plus some pretty spectacular houses; Malibu would not be a bad place to live. While I’m looking at these houses, I ‘m just wondering who all could possibly live in them. It could be anyone. Tons of celebrities live in Malibu mansions; I could have been looking at George Clooney’s house! I have decided that one day I’m going to buy a home in Malibu, and then invite all my friends to live there with me, unless I’m married, in which case, y’all are on your own. Two years. I will have my Malibu home in two years, that’s my goal. Wish me luck!

The beach we chose was completely empty (I’m not going to mention the name of the beach in hopes of keeping it empty). We were the only ones there, and it was awesome. When we got there the tide was still pretty high, meaning that there wasn’t much room on the actual shoreline beach, so we set up camp on a bluff overlooking the beach. Which, in my opinion, was way cooler anyway. After we set up camp, we went down to explore. I have never been to a beach where there was no one else. We had free reign to run and scream and frolic. There were rock formations and a cave (which of course made me think of The Hunger Games), and after the tide went down there were a few tide pools. It’s definitely not the best place to swim, you know since all the rocks could be potentially dangerous, not to mention the sea lion we saw swimming like 10 feet off shore, but it was still the best beach ever.

Starfish are kind of gross in real-life.

It’s a cave! Peeta and Katniss could have lived in here!

Jumping pictures are still a work-in-progress.

Below you will find my Malibu Monday playlist:

1. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson In Between Dreams

“When the whole world fits inside of your arms, don’t really need to pay attention to the alarm.”

2. I Want You– Savage Garden Savage Garden

“Oooh, I want you. I don’t know if I need you but, oooh, I’d die to find out.”

3. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen Call Me Maybe – Single

“Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe?”

4. The Yacht Club – Owl City All Things Bring and Beautiful

“I wish we could sail all our sad days away, forever, in deep blue seas of paper mache.”

5. Bottom of the Sea – Matt Nathanson Modern Love

“If the morning light ever calls you backward, just don’t be gone too long. And don’t leave me here alone.”

6. Impatient Girl – Kate Voegele Gravity Happens

“Oh, I ain’t built like this, the way you’re taking your time’s got me jumpin’ ship. And I won’t lie, let’s call this what it is, an impatient girl waiting on an empty wish.”

7. Fallin’ For You – Colbie Calliat 2010 Grammy Nominees

“I’ve been spending all my time just thinking ‘bout you. I don’t know what to do. I think I’m fallin’ for you.”

8. Apple – Joe Brooks Constellation Me

“Feel like a before and after photo. How I’ve lived without you I don’t know.”

9. Music Sounds Better With You – Big Time Rush Elevate

“It feels like the music sounds better with you.”

10. California Sunshine– Christa Black God Loves Ugly

“California sunshine’s callin’ my name. Lay me by the ocean, I won’t complain. Don’t call it a vacation, don’t think I ever want to leave.”

11. Catch Your Wave – The Click Five Greetings from Imrie House

“Well, every princess has her knight, and I’m still in it for the fight.”

12. Count on Me – Bruno Mars Doo-Whops and Hooligans

“If you find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea, I’ll sail the world to find. If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can’t see, I’ll be the light to guide you.

13. ***Safe & Sound– Taylor Swift The Hunger Games Soundtrack ***

“Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You’ll be alright, no on can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I’ll be safe and sound.”

14. Favorite Girl – Katelyn Tarver A Little More Free

“I wanna be the one you think of when you’re driving all alone. And you would see you can call me on the phone just so you can say “Hey, you’re my favorite girl.”

15. Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard Ocean Avenue

“When I sleep, I dream and it gets me by. I can make believe that you’re here tonight.”

16. Hmmm – Bryan Greenberg Hmmm-Single

‘The hardest part of parting, is never saying goodbye.”

17. You’re Not Thinking – Drake Bell A Reminder

“So please, please, please. You gotta let me go. You, you, you, you don’t even know that you’re not thinking, you’re not thinking about me.”

18. Kokomo – The Beach Boys Sounds of Summer

“Aruba, Jamacia, oooh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama. Key Largo, Montego baby why don’t we go down to Kokomo.”

19. She Says – Howie Day Stop All the World

“And when she says she wants somebody else, I hope you know she doesn’t mean you.”

20. Runaway Run – Hanson This Time Around

“Just a picture and a feeling and your face. How could I forget your touch, your warm embrace?”

21. Waterfalls – TLC CrazySexyCool

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. ”

22. Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines

“Somebody’s sweet little farmer’s child, she’s got it in her blood to get a little wild. Ponytail and a pretty smile.”

Listen to the playlist here.

Entertainment, Movies, Pop Culture

May the odds be ever in your favor

Posted on February 22, 2012 by momentswithmisty

The Hunger Games. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last several months, those three words probably register somewhere in your brain. Maybe you haven’t read the books, and maybe you haven’t paid any attention to the movie trailers, and maybe you often times wonder who those three kids are that the media is always talking about…but even if you aren’t obsessed with The Hunger Games, I can almost guarantee that you know someone who is. Like me, for example.

I don’t even know where to begin. I should have written this post right after I finished the last book, back when I was all fired up about it. But, like always, procrastination won out.

The Hunger Games is a book trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. There are three books in the series: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. They take place in a post-United States North America and are narrated by 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen. The series has been adapted for film, with the first movie in the franchise set to release March 23 of this year.

I was late to the party on this one. Usually I am ahead of the game when it comes to things that take over the world, but not this one. I always knew what the books were, and I had always planned on reading them, I just never got around to it. And by the time I did, it was too late. It had already blown up. And there is nothing I hate more than a bandwagon fan, so I postponed reading them so that people wouldn’t think that’s what I was. But, recently I caved. I’m honestly glad I waited this long. There is no way I could have handled the cliffhangers, so it’s good that I could read them all at once. Plus, I only have about a month to sit in agony and wait for the first movie to come out, as opposed to roughly two years.

I just finished all three books a few days ago, and I’m still trying to process it all. It was like information overload for me. I literally could not stop reading. I read them all in 2.5 days. That is less at one day per book. It was ridiculous. I completely forgot I lived in the real world. All I could ever think about was Panem, and what was going to happen to my beloved characters. And now I don’t know what to do with myself. It’s weird because I get so engrossed in the lives of the characters of any book that I read that once it’s over, I feel like I have lost someone close to me. They aren’t just characters to me, they are friends. I would literally just sit in my room and read for hours. How lame is it that I live in California, where there are so many exciting things I could be doing, and yet, all I want to do is read?

Anyway, once I started The Hunger Games, I could not stop. It took me a day to read it. Then I went crazy tying to find Catching Fire. I don’t condone this, but I read it online (please don’t do this, the only reason I did was because I had no other options at the time. And I intend on buying them once I have a real job that pays me in real money and not “I owe yous”). So I found Catching Fire and read in less time than it took me to read The Hunger Games. Literally, like 7 hours and I was done. I think it might be my favorite, but I’m not sure. It’s a toss up between the first two. It may be hard to pick my favorite, but’s definitely not hard to choose my least favorite. I had the hardest time reading Mockingjay. I just felt like it moved too slow. But, I probably just didn’t like it as much because it didn’t really feature Peeta as much (and most of the time when he was around, it wasn’t really him, and that did not make me happy), and he’s my favorite character. I just had to push through it though because I had to know what was going to happen. The only major complaints I have about the books is that in Catching Fire and Mockingjay, I feel like Suzanne Collins just kind of fuzzes over the action at the end. In both books she knocks Katniss out and we don’t get to see the major action that goes on. They just felt kind of rushed. Not that they weren’t good, just that they were rushed.

And now, because I’m not ready to let them go and move on quite yet, and I’m still fascinated by the story, I’m reading the books all over again, but slower. I raced through them the first time because I needed to know what was going to happen, but now I’m going to just kind of meander through them so that I can catch all the details I might have missed (I’ll let you know how that goes).

So let me just throw this one out there…why do guys like Peeta Mellark not actually exist? No boy I’ve ever met has been that all-around good. Not that I haven’t met some great guys, just none that are quite on par with Peeta. He’s kind, funny, thoughtful, charming and he loves unconditionally. He is essentially perfect. I think I may be in love with him. And yes, my brain realizes he is a fictional character, but that doesn’t seem to matter to my heart. I was always rooting for Peeta, because how could you not, who doesn’t want the good guy to win (not that Gale’s a bad guy, he’s just not as good as Peeta)? I was genuinely mad at Katniss during Catching Fire when she was complaining of not wanting to marry him (I was angry…and jealous). Thankfully Peeta comes away victorious, and I was overjoyed. Nice guys do finish first sometimes!

I’ve read so many interviews with everyone involved in the movie (because now I’m obsessed) and every single one of them says that Josh Hutcherson does not just play Peeta, he is Peeta. They say that he is that character, which of course makes me love Josh Hutcherson. I don’t know the guy, but because I know Peeta, I feel like I do. And now he’s been added to my list of potential suitors. My love for Peeta has superimposed itself on to Josh Hutcherson. I don’t even care that he’s only 19-years-old; if his personality really is that similar to Peeta’s then he’s no typically 19-year-old boy. Plus, I’m a sucker for southern charm (Josh is from Kentucky). Yes, I think I’m in love with him. So Josh Hutcherson, if you’re reading this: call me, maybe?

Also, throughout all my research, I discovered that The Hunger Games filmed in North Carolina last summer, which in and of itself isn’t really that big a deal to me. What makes it a big deal is that I WAS THERE. I was right there in Ashville, North Carolina and the surrounding area last summer. While they were filming. I probably drove right past their headquarters and didn’t even know it (or care)! I could have run into any of them and not have noticed. If I last summer was this summer, I’d be all over that set. But now they will have to find a new location because the forests of NC won’t work for the new arena, maybe they’ll film right here in California, in which case, I will take notice.

But, there is a ray of hope. They just announced that the cast and crew will be doing a mall tour. And guess what, it kicks off in LA. And guess who will be there? This girl. It’s so new and exciting for me to get to go these events because nobody ever came to the Midwest. Even if I have to hideaway in Sears, or sleep in the parking lot, I will be inside that mall.

What is is with me and allowing fictional characters/stories/place to run my life? Needless to say, I am now counting down the days (there’s 29, just fyi) until March 23. The world will be watching (…and so will I).

Everyday Happenings, Music, Playlists

Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs

Posted on February 15, 2012February 15, 2012 by momentswithmisty

As a general rule, I hate Valentine’s Day. Not because I hate love, I actually love love (when it’s really love—but that’s a whole different story). What I don’t love is the fact that people seem to think that they must designate a specific day to show their loved ones that the love them. Why can’t we do that everyday? If you love your someone why not just do special things for them everyday? I think that would make it a lot more special than doing it on Valentine’s Day when it’s so cliché.

Another thing I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is that people seem to feel the need to always be talking about it. “Do you have a valentine?” “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?” “My boyfriend and I are *insert cheesy plans*. “ And people are overly affectionate, and it makes me want to throw up. I mean, maybe someday when I’m in some kind of relationship I won’t be so bitter at these things, but right now, they annoy me to no end. Like really? If you’re date is sooooo special, why not keep it special between you and your boy/girlfriend? And I don’t really have anything against basic PDA; I think it can be fine. Hug, hold hands, whatever. But I do not need to see you guys all over each other. Keep that to yourselves.

But, you know what I love about Valentine’s Day? Love songs. There are so many great love songs out there. And the best thing about love songs is that they can be fast, or they can be slow; they can be serious, or the can be light-hearted; they can be passionate, or they can sweet. There is an endless pool of how a love song can unfold. Also, love songs are so subjective. You may be attracted to one particular song because of a memory that’s tied to it, or you may be attracted to a love song because of the emotional state you’re in. Or at least that’s how it is for me. My list of favorite love songs is always changing. And I love that. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, here is my list of my favorite love songs (at this time, remember, subjective).

Happy (late) Valentine’s Day! I love you (you all know who you are).

1. Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley Elvis 30 #1 Hits

“Like a river flows so surely to the sea, Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be. So take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.”

2. If I Ain’t Got You — Alicia Keys The Diary of Alicia Keys

“Some people want diamond rings, some just want everything. But everything means nothing, if I ain’t got you.”

3. Cover Girl — Big Time Rush Elevate

“I don’t know why you always get so insecure. I wish you could see what I see when you’re looking in the mirror. And why won’t you believe me when I say, that to me you get more beautiful everyday.”

4. Deeper — Hanson Underneath

“Every simple notion is poetry in motion. Can’t you see it’s pushing me over the edge. This wrecking ball you’re holding, could crush the heart you’ve stolen. I give my devotion all over again.”

5. Just the Way You Are — Bruno Mars Doo-Wops and Hooligans

“You know, you know, you know I’d never ask you to change. If perfect’s what you’re searching for than just stay the same.”

6. When Did You Fall — Chris Rice Amusing

“You’re all smiles and silly conversations. As if this sunny day came just for you. You twist your hair, you smile and you turn your eyes away. Come on, tell me what’s right with you.”

7. Catch Me — Demi Lovato Here We Go Again

“But you’re so hypnotizing, you’ve got me laughing while I sing,  you’ve got me smiling in my sleep.  And I can see this unraveling, and your love is where I’m falling,  but please don’t catch me.”

8. Makes Me Happy — Drake Bell It’s Only Time

“Hello, let’s go. Everybody must know love’s in my heart like a bomb. It’s blowing a song inside I’m singing. The sunshine that you’re bring now, and makes me happy.”

9. Wonderful Tonight — Eric Claption Cream of Clapton

“I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes. And the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize how much I love you.”

10. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing — Aerosmith Devil’s Got a New Disguise

“Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do. I’d still miss you babe, and I don’t want to miss a thing.”

11. God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You — *NSYNC *NSYNC

“Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep. Your soul is like a secret that I never could keep. When I look into your eyes, I know that it’s true, God must have spent a little more time on you.”

12. Faithfully — Journey Greatest Hits

“I’m yours forever, faithfully.”

13. Hello Beautiful — Jonas Brothers Jonas Brothers

“Cause I could go across the world, and see everything and never be satisfied. If I couldn’t see those eyes.”

14. Songbird (Originally Fleetwood Mac) – Naya Rivera Glee: The Music, Vol. 6

“And the songbirds are singing like they know the score. And I love you, I love you, I love you like never before.”

15. I’ll Be — Edwin McCain Misguided Roses

“Tell me that we belong together, dress it up with the trappings of love. I’ll be captivated, I’ll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.”

16. Maybe I’m Amazed — Jem Music from The O.C. Mix, Vol. 2

“Maybe I’m amazed at the way you help me sing my song, and right me when I’m wrong. Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you.”

17. I Want to Hold Your Hand — The Beatles Number Ones

“Yeah you, got that something, I think you’ll understand. When I say that something, I wanna hold your hand.”

18. Kiss Me — Sixpence None The Richer Sixpence None the Richer

“Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight. Lead me out on the moonlit floor. Lift your open hand, strike up the band, and make the fireflies dance. Silvermoon’s sparkling, so kiss me.”

19. She Will Be Loved — Maroon 5 Songs About Jane

“Tap on my window, knock on my door, I want to make you feel beautiful.”

20. The Way You Make Me Feel — Michael Jackson Number Ones

“Just kiss me baby and tell me twice that you’re the one for me.”

21. As Long As You Love Me—Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys

“I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did as long as you love me.”

22. Truly Madly Deeply — Savage Garden Savage Garden

“I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy. I’ll be your, I’ll be your love, be everything that you need.”

23. A Whole New World — Aladdin

“I’ll chase them anywhere, there’s time to spare. Let me share this whole new world with you.”

Listen to the playlist here.

Music, Pop Culture

And when melodies are gone, in You I hear a song

Posted on February 12, 2012 by momentswithmisty

I am so saddened by the passing of Whitney Houston. It shocks me just how sad I am about the whole thing, seeing as how I never got to meet her, let alone know her. It always amazes me how attached I get to celebrities (yeah, I’m aware that that makes me a little crazy).

I always think it’s so strange when we lose a icon. Like, who will take that person’s place? No one. No one can. Like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston was game-changer. She inspired vocalists (men and women) everywhere. She gave them a greatness to aspire to. Sure, there were strong female vocalists before her, but none quite as great as her. Think about all the great songs you know by female vocalists…do you have them in your head? Now, tell me that Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” isn’t on that list. It’s universally known and loved. People all over the world know that song. They’ve probably been known to randomly burst into that song (just like me, and probably you, too) at some point in their lives. Without Whitney, there is a strong possibility that a lot of the people I love today wouldn’t be around (they’d still be on the planet, I just wouldn’t know them…or love them). She inspired so many people with her magnificent voice. People will always talk, and say bad things, but no one can deny that she was gifted. She was such a major part of music history.

When I think about losing music industry legends, it always makes me wonder what kind of legacy my generation is leaving. I mean, the generations before us did a pretty bang-up job. Along with Miss Whitney they gave us The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, U2, Stevie Wonder…this list could literally go on forever; they gave us so many legendary people. Who will people remember from our generation? Who will people look back and say, “Wow! So-and-so really made an impact.” Who are the icons going to be? You have to remember that everyday we are making history. The things we experience today are the things that people will remember (or not remember…) years from now. What kind of musical legacy are we leaving? [People who read this—I’d like to hear who you think will be the “new” legends.]

I was brought up in a musical household (thanks Mom and Dad!), so I have very early memories tied to music (in fact most of my memories are tied to music). And it’s thanks to those days spent listening to oldies that I have such a deep-rooted love of music, and why music is such a big part of my life. I have an appreciation for the oldies. Not that I don’t listen to and enjoy today’s music, because I do, it’s just that they don’t quite make them like they used to. Every once in a while you find true talent, but mostly it’s manufactured and, in my opinion, it’s not quite as golden as it used to be. There was a golden age in music, and it began in the 60s and reached until probably about the mid-90s…and I just feel like everything after that has been sort of downhill. Don’t get me wrong, you have bright spots here and there (i.e. Adele, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, etc., you know who they are) but I feel mostly it’s been about the fame and the shock value, and not about the music. And that is truly sad.

Generation Y, we need to get our act together!

Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture

Maybe someday you will ask for me by name, just not today.

Posted on February 5, 2012 by momentswithmisty

Tyler Hilton (some of you may know him as Chris Keller from One Tree Hill) was playing a show at Los Angeles’ The Hotel Café, and I was excited to go. You see, usually all the random people that I like end up playing these small venues in places like LA or NYC, and I never got to go because I was in Missouri (and nobody plays cool little shows there). But that’s all changed! Now I can go to my cool little indie shows and be happy.

Tyler was awesome. He sounded awesome, and he definitely looked awesome. Through all the technical difficulties, Tyler stayed smooth. In true performer fashion, he just went with it. He really enjoys music and enjoys playing live for people, and that’s really evident in his performance. And I think that’s something that the industry is missing. Nowadays, people are only in for the fame, or fortune. There aren’t that many artists out there who are in it just for the joy of music.

Also, last night I had my first celebrity encounter. It was great and awful all at the same time.

Here’s how it happened: I was walking down the sidewalk on my way to The Hotel Café (after it took me like 30 minutes to find it and park), and this cab is stopped on the side of the road. As I walk by none other than Chelsea Kane and Stephen Colletti get out onto the sidewalk next to me. WHAT!?

I remember Chelsea from my Jonas Brother days (when she was known as Chelsea Staub). She played Stella Malone on their short-lived Disney Channel show JONAS. (It was totally normal to hear anyone in my family randomly shout STELLLLLLA, at any mention of the Jonas Brothers during this time.) And I was also Team Chelsea when she was Mark Ballas’ partner on Dancing with the Stars. It’s the only time I’ve ever watched, or cared, about that show. (Side note: I still think she got robbed. She was clearly the best dancer. It just goes to show that even when you’re a famous celebrity, winning is still not based on skill, but a on popularity. I mean seriously, I love Kirstie Alley, but Chelsea was definitely better than her.) And now, of course she has also joined the cast of my beloved One Tree Hill as the evil Tara.

And Stephen I’ve always known as Chase Adams, bartender extraordinaire, from One Tree Hill. Yes, I know he was on Laguna Beach, but I never watched that show, so I never had a pre-Tree Hill opinion about him. And as far as I’m concerned he is Chase Adams.

Anyways, they got out of the cab and were walking right in from of me. And then, I ended up in line right behind them (yes, they waited in line to get in just like everyone else – no special treatment). They and their friend were talking amongst themselves and I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt them, so I just kind of stood there, all awkwardly. Then Chase – eh, um, Stephen – walked off to check something…and that was my opportunity. I tapped Chelsea on the shoulder and asked her if I could get a picture. She was very gracious. I tried to take the first picture, but it turned out blurry, so we had someone else take the second one. She was super nice and totally adorable. Then Stephen came back, and once again they kind of kept to themselves (which I’m not saying as a bad thing, I’m just pointing out that it made it kind of hard for me to attempt to talk to them).

That's me and the very adorable Chelsea Kane.

The whole time I’m texting people (Kendall and my friend Sam mostly because I know they will appreciate the situation most, and they are awake…plus my mom, since she’s a huge One Tree Hill fan now) and trying to figure out a way to talk to Chase/Stephen without being rude. And then, by some stroke of luck, this other group walked up, like 4 or 5 people that they knew, and then they all became a bit more open. Chelsea and Stephen stepped back towards me a little and opened up a little more, and that was my chance! I told Stephen that I didn’t want to be rude, but that I was sort of a big One Tree Hill fan (awkward!), and I asked him if we could get a picture and he said absolutely! He was very nice about the whole thing. Chelsea took the picture for us and then that was that. They were both very nice, I think we were probably friends in a past life.

That'e me and Chase – eh – Stephen Colletti.

So that was the good part. There are three bad-ish parts to this story.

#1: Sophia Bush was there and I didn’t see her. I didn’t even know she was there until I got home and she had tweeted about the show and posted a photo. And, based on her picture, she had to be standing like 3 feet away from me. So that kind of sucks. I didn’t even know she was in LA. It would have been awesome to meet her! Plus, if she was there who knows who else could have been there…if James Lafferty was there and I ever find out I missed him, I will go throw myself off a bridge. No questions asked.

#2: I know that Bryan Greenberg is in town, and he’s like my favorite! Seriously, I adore this guy. He said he was in LA, and yet, he wasn’t at the show (as far as I know. But trust me, if he had been there, I would have known). I’m sure somewhere down the road he will (hopefully) play some shows in LA and I’ll get to go, but I was just really hoping to see him play with Tyler last night. I was hoping for a recreation of Wonderwall (like last fall in NYC), but no such luck!

#3: It was one of those awkward fan encounters I never wanted to be! One night I sat for like 4 hours and watched Youtube videos of celebrity-fan encounters, and there seemed to be two extremes. The crazy fan-girl: sobbing, screaming, being pushy—no body likes that girl. And then there is the awkward fan, and that one is pretty self-explanatory, the fan is just super awkward – every one feels sorry for that girl. And I feel like that was me last night. I hope that it didn’t come across that way to them (it probably did), but I felt really awkward. I just don’t know how to function when I meet famous people (probably because I’m from Missouri and we don’t have famous people there). I never want to be rude to them or like, invade their privacy, but at the same time, I know that I would be so mad at myself when I got home if I didn’t say something. So there is the dilemma. I don’t want to be rude, but I also don’t want to hate myself either. Hopefully, with time I will to be a bit more comfortable and the awkwardness will be gone, but until then it looks like I have become my worst nightmare.

The awkward fan.

Everyday Happenings

I’m just a girl, trying to find a place in this world

Posted on February 2, 2012 by momentswithmisty

I’ve been slacking off on my blog responsibilities, but that’s only because I’ve been trying to be a responsible adult. And find a place to live. And find a job. One down, one to go.

As I get settled in (hopefully), I’ll try to be more frequent about posting. I won’t make any promises, because sometimes I just don’t feel like I have anything important or witty to say. But I will try. I’ll also try to make things less list-y.

Apartment Life

I did find a place to live! Praise Jesus! I wandered up and down streets for hours trying to find a place. I would literally just pick a place and park my car and then walk up and down roads. I started out in Burbank and then tried NoHo (that’s North Hollywood, for those of you not as cool as me), but I couldn’t find anywhere. They were all either too expensive (let’s be honest, when you have no job, everything is expensive, but some were a little outrageous), or they were ridiculously small (and expensive), or they wanted me to sign a year lease (and were expensive). So I had absolutely no luck for 2 days. I was beginning to get frustrated.

So I started looking on Craigslist (against the advice of my mother…and almost everyone I know). I found an ad where the person seemed pretty normal, and I replied. We talked a little, and then we set up a time to meet and for me to see the apartment. And everything went great. It is a two-bedroom apartment in Burbank. We share a bathroom (and all other living quarters). My roommate’s name is Jeni (there are also two kitties that live here, CJ and Pricilla) and she’s the nicest person. She’s older than me, but I feel like she and I are very much alike. She’s kind, generous, funny, and she works in the entertainment business. She’s been in the business for 10 years, and she has a ton of great contacts (there is more to all of this, but I’m not going to post it all here, text me). So we have a lot in common, which is cool.

It seems a little odd to say it out loud, but I almost feel like this was predestined.

When she makes dinner at night, she makes enough for me (Look Mom! I won’t starve), and we eat dinner together. It’s cool. However, she is a vegetarian, which is fine, I don’t have anything against that…except for that I hate mushrooms, onions and most other cooked vegetables. But, I eat whatever she makes (mostly because I think it would be rude to say no, and partly because what else would I have to eat?). In honor of the big move (and the fact that the opportunity presented itself to me), I think I’ll try the whole vegetarian thing. I mean, who knows how long it will last, but it doesn’t hurt to try, right?

Personalize your own free photo collage

(I’m trying to use this collage app because I just really don’t want to go into Photoshop and make my own. So forgive me if it doesn’t work correctly.)

Traffic

Every time I get in my car I want to drive off a bridge. Traffic is ridiculous. There are five lanes going one direction, and not a single one of them is moving. How is this even possible? I just don’t understand. Surely one of the lanes could be moving.

Plus, everyone is always so angry. Horns honking, people yelling all the time. Nobody else seems to pay much attention to it, so I guess it’s a typical thing here, but to me, when I hear a car horn honk, my automatic reaction is to stop because obviously something is wrong. Yeah, they don’t like it when you stop (even if it’s at a stop sign).

And, there is no way I will ever be able to navigate this place without a GPS. They don’t build their roads is a normal grid-like pattern. No. They build them this way, and that way and diagonally. It’s like a freaking labyrinth just trying to get to Target. And usually my GPS wants to take me on a freeway, because it thinks it will be quicker to go that way…but I don’t always want to drive on the freeway. I would rather just drive on regular roads. But JackJack (my GPS) doesn’t understand that. So I try to find my own way. And I end up lost, and usually on a freeway (because I’m pretty sure every road eventually turns into a freeway). Don’t even get me started on Downtown LA. It’s all a freaking nightmare.

Manners

I am fairly certain that they do not teach children manners here, and they haven’t been for over 30 years, because the adults do not have manners either. Coming from a small (southern-ish) town, where everyone tends to be very kind and polite, it’s kind of overwhelming. It’s not that everyone is rude (some people are); it’s just that people don’t go out of their way to help others. It makes me appreciate my upbringing so much more.

Job Hunt

All I want to do is go on tour. With anyone. I mean, sure I have my list of people that I want to go with, but in all reality, I’d be happy to go with anyone. But, I have no idea even where to start. It’s rough when you know what you want to do, but have no idea how to get there. I literally send out like 40 resumes a day. And I have been for the last week, and I hear nothing back. And it’s so frustrating and discouraging.

It’s frustrating because I don’t even know if people are reading my cover letter or looking at my resume because everything is done electronically. For all I know it’s being sent out into cyberspace and no one is even seeing it. I wish there was a way to physically put it in the right peoples’ hands. Like, walk up to record labels (or Ellen) and hand them my resume. It’s discouraging because I am an instant gratification type of person. And because I don’t immediately hear back from these people asking me to set up an interview, I automatically feel like a failure.

The truly terrible thing is that out here, in the field that I want to work in, it’s not even about your skills. It’s all about who you know. And I unfortunately know no one. And I have no idea how to meet the right people.

But, I will figure it out. Somehow. Even if I have to go sit outside labels for endless hours, that is what I will do.

P.s. I met two Warblers. Yeah, be jealous.

Uncategorized

Out of Goodbyes

Posted on January 19, 2012 by momentswithmisty

Saying goodbye is so much harder when you were never prepared to feel sad.

I’m leaving for California tomorrow night. Not for a visit, to live. Forever (maybe). I’ve been doing a lot of lasts this week, and it’s been strangely sad for me. I’ve been pumped about this trip since the first day I decided it was really going to happen. But, that was in August, now that it’s actually happening…I feel sad. Am I still excited? Yes, of course. But I also have this overwhelming sadness inside.

How do I even prepare myself to say goodbye to the place that built me. As much as I joke about wanting to get out, Bolivar has always been (and probably always will be) home to me. My whole life is here. Seventy-five percent of my memories are here. My childhood playgrounds, my high school and the major moments it represents, and the people who love me.

It’s a curse and a blessing to grow up in a smalltown. It’s a curse because you can’t do anything without everyone knowing about. All your mistakes play out in public. It’s a bit like being a celebrity. And because you never really change from who you were in high school, it’s a lifelong brand. The jocks are always the jocks; the prom queens are always the prom queens. In a sense, no one ever really grows up. But, in that sense I feel like I got lucky. I liked who I was in high school. Sure, maybe I had some fashion issues, but other than that, I’m pretty pleased with my past self. And maybe I wasn’t the most “prom queen” in school, but people knew me, and I was friends with everyone. I also feel like I got to grow up with some of the best people. My best friends from high school are still some of my best friends now. I am truly thankful that I grew up in the atmosphere that I did. It has made me who I am. I’m going to miss the safe feeling of home. It’s nice to know people wherever I go. It’s nice to go to a church where they’ve known me since I was little. It’s nice to go to the bank and know everyone. And as much as I complain about it, I’m going to miss seeing all those familiar faces while grocery shopping. I’m going to miss all my families. I have been so blessed to have been given multiple families (you know who you are). I’m just going to miss being well loved. For those who didn’t grow up in a smalltown, you missed out.

The worst part is leaving my family. My whole family is here; my parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephew. They’re all here. And we’re all pretty tight knit. Once again, to those of you who didn’t grow up with a tight knit family, you missed out. Some people only see their families on holidays, or other special occasions; I see mine at least once a week, at Sunday Lunch at my Granny’s house. My Granny passed away this summer, but we’ve kept her spirit of love alive and close to us. We spend every Sunday with each other. It’s a strange feeling knowing that I’m not apart of that anymore. And how do I even begin to express how much I’m going to miss The Children (as I lovingly refer to them)? They are the hardest to say goodbye to. They don’t really get it, why I have to leave and why they’re not going to get to see me anymore. They might not even remember me the next time I see them. The baby, she’s just over a year old, is definitely not going to know me when I come back to visit. And that’s the hardest part. Knowing that I can’t be there for them. Not for choir concerts, not for spelling bees, not for first steps, not for anything anymore. I’m going to be “that aunt in California.” I know how that is, I have aunts and uncles that I never see; and now that’s going to be me. Nothing breaks my heart more. Milestones will happen without me. And as selfish as this makes me, I wish they wouldn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for this new adventure in my life, but I’m having a hard time letting go. I want to be successful and I want to make my parents and family proud of me, but starting over is a scary concept for this smalltown girl.

(Of course there’s a playlist.)

1. Smile – Glee Cast Glee: The Music, Vol. 2

“Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though it’s breaking.”

2. Distance – Evan and Jaron Evan & Jaron

“I still believe my feelings, but sometimes I feel too much. I make believe you’re close to me, but it ain’t close enough.”

3. Wherever I Go – Miley Cyrus Hannah Montana Forever

“I’ve always got the memories while I’m finding out who I’m gonna be. We might be apart but I hope you always know, you’ll be with me wherever I go.”

4. Say Goodnight – The Click Five Greetings from Imrie House

“There’s no easy way to say goodbye, so just baby say goodnight.”

5. Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift Speak Now

“Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room. Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home. Remember the footstep, remember the words said.”

6. This Ain’t Goodbye – Train Save Me San Francisco

“As long as we’ve got time, this ain’t goodbye.”

7. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins Tarzan Soundtrack

“When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you’ve got to hold on.”

8. With You in Your Dreams – Hanson Middle of Nowhere

“If I’m gone when you wake up, it’s not goodbye. Don’t look back at this time as a time of heartbreak and distress. Remember me, remember me, ‘cause I’ll be with you in your dreams.”

9. Don’t Forget to Remember Me – Carrie Underwood Some Hearts

“Yeah, I still feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be, but don’t forget to remember me.”

10. The Hardest Part – Coldplay X & Y

“And the hardest part was letting go, not taking part.”

11. I See the Moon – Chris Rice Amusing

“I see the moon, the moon sees me, the moon sees the one that I want to see.  God bless the moon, and God bless me.  And God bless the one I’m longing to see.”

Listen to the playlist here.

Entertainment, Music, Playlists

It started at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere…

Posted on December 28, 2011 by momentswithmisty

Quick, someone name that song.

Hanson is one of the greatest bands ever. Am I’m being serious about this. It’s not just like they are my favorite band (which, of course they are), it’s that they really are a fantastic band. Don’t get me wrong; I love the Backstreet Boys as much as the next person, but I’m not going to call them one of the greatest bands ever.

The boys – eh, men – write all of their own music. Every lyric comes from them. Which, (on a side note) I want to know how that works out. How do these three happily married guys with young families write such heartbreaking songs? Or how do they write those “done-me-wrong” songs? They write them, and sing them with such heart, soul and emotion, and I just don’t understand it. I just don’t understand how they can be so convincingly sad or angry about something that is clearly not happening to them. I guess it’s just the mark of a good artist? Also, when they record a new album, they record it as a band; all the instruments in one room, being played at the same time. In case this seems like something that would be common practice to you, let me assure you that it’s not. Most bands record each instrument and vocal separately and then mix them together. But with a Hanson recording, they are all one. Yes, they do dub some things over, but everything is initially recorded together. That is talent.

Hanson has been making music together for over 15 years now. Sure, they only have 5 albums (not counting the Christmas album and the indie recordings album), and lots of bands have more than that, but their albums are full of real music. Real…and different music. No two of their albums sound the same. Sure they all have a “Hanson sound” to them, but they all have a different feel. You have Middle of Nowhere that is very much a pop album. Then you have This Time Around, which has an edgier, almost rock, but still pop sound to it. Their third album, Underneath, is bluegrass-y and roots-y. The Walk (my favorite album) is a rock and roll album. Their latest album, Shout It Out, has a distinct throwback sound to it. It is very R&B, not the R&B that we associate with acts like Usher, but true rhythm and blues, with a big band sound to it. They are always changing.

I got to see them live for the first time (definitely not the last) last October. And it was definitely one of the best shows that I have ever seen. They do this rare thing where they play live…and sound good. Who knew that was even still possible? Let’s not forget that they aged well, they went from being three cute little boys to being three very handsome men, so that definitely doesn’t hurt from a live perspective. They play their instruments and sing, and they engage the crowd. To be as spectacular as they are, they have sort of a cult following (which is truly sad when less talented people get nominated for Grammys on a regular basis), so their shows, while packed, tend to be at pretty small venues. This means they can be more engaging and intimate with their audiences, which is cool. Seriously. Greatest. Show. Ever. Everyday it takes everything I have to not become a Hanson groupie and go to every single show. It was that good.

(Also, I got to meet Taylor. The 8-year-old inside of me freaked out. It was all I could do to stay cool.)

It makes me sad to think that there will never be another Hanson. Never. There is no band out there that could mimic their sound. It’s not like a boyband where once they grow up, some other boyband will come and take their place. Nobody will ever be able to take their place. They are the band that nurtures my love of music. They are the band that began it all. They are the reason I love music the way I do. Just like my dad had The Beatles, I have Hanson. They are my Beatles.

Below I have created a playlist containing songs from each Hanson album. These songs may give you a feel for the album, but mostly they are there because they are some of my favorites

(I have too many favorites to fit on to one CD, so I suggest you go listen to all of their albums).

Crash course in Hanson:

Thinking of You (Middle of Nowhere)
Mmmbop (Middle of Nowhere)
Where’s the Love (Middle of Nowhere)
With You in Your Dreams (Middle of Nowhere)
If Only (This Time Around)
This Time Around (This Time Around)
Runaway Run (This Time Around)
Wish That I Was There (This Time Around)
Sure About It (This Time Around)
Penny & Me (Underneath)
Lost Without Each Other (Underneath)
When You’re Gone (Underneath)
Get Up and Go (Underneath)
Crazy Beautiful (Underneath)
Great Divide (The Walk)
Been There Before (The Walk)
Georgia (The Walk)
Running Man (The Walk)
Go (The Walk)
Tearing It Down (The Walk)
Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’ (Shout It Out)
Kiss Me When You Come Home (Shout It Out)
Use Me Up (Shout It Out)
Musical Ride (Shout It Out)
Me Myself and I (Shout It Out)

Listen to the playlist here.

Uncategorized

“Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” -Emily Brontë

Posted on November 7, 2011November 8, 2011 by momentswithmisty

I have a theory about soulmates. I do think they exist, but I’m not sure how common they really are. I think that God has created someone who is absolutely perfect for each person (whether or not you believe in God or not). I think that every human being has his or her one other half. But, I also know that human being are prone to making mistakes.

I think that soulmates don’t usually end up together (maybe 50% of the time), for a number of different reasons. Maybe your soulmate was born on another continent or in a different country (I know that seems terribly unfair, but thus is life), or maybe they were in a tragic accident and died, or they got married before you even had a chance to meet them (cough*Zac/Taylor Hanson*cough). But, why would your soulmate marry someone else if it was “meant to be?” Humans don’t always understand true love. We think we love someone, but often time it’s just a type of infatuation. Or maybe it really is love, but not a soulmate love. But because they didn’t know that their soulmate was out there, they didn’t know they could love anyone else anymore (does that make sense?). Or maybe it was some kind of mistake (that’s a bit harsh, but I can’t think of a less harsh word to get the same point across).

But then the question is: what do you do if your soulmate marries someone else before they even meet you? Or what if you marry someone else before you meet your soulmate? Then is that other person doomed to live alone? I don’t think so. I think that there are, for lack of a better word, back-ups. God has created this perfect person for you out there, and in His perfect plan you would end up with them. But, since we only see in part, we can’t see that plan and often time we miss steps and miss turns along the way. And yes, we usually end up in the right destination, but what if we were suppose to meet our soulmate at one of those turns that we skipped?

That is where the back-up comes in. God knows good and well that we make mistakes, and He understands that, and forgives us of that. So, He created a back-up. A back-up is someone that you can be happy with. They are not the person who was specifically created for you, but they were created with you in mind, because you were always a potential for them. God knew from the beginning that based on free will that that person could end up with you.

And I don’t think you will even know that you are with a back-up. Sometimes, in certain circumstances, when things just become too clear, one might find out that they aren’t with their soulmate. But in most cases you won’t even know. Because it’s that case of what you don’t know can’t hurt you. If you don’t know that you’re not with your soulmate you won’t know what you could potentially be missing.

I know that it’s all a bit confusing and a bit odd, plus I’m not the most eloquent person. But that is my theory. I think that soulmates are real, and that everyone has one, but more often than not, people do not end up with their soulmate. They end up with a back-up, which makes they just as happy because they don’t know what they’re missing.

Music, Playlists

Fall 2011 Playlist

Posted on October 18, 2011 by momentswithmisty

I like to make playlists; it’s how I deal with everything. From events in my life, road trips, to changing seasons; I have a playlist for everything. I’ll be sharing them with you when I have time (slash remember). I think, most of the time my choices will probably be from artists that people are familiar with, but sometimes the artists may be a bit off the beaten path. Just roll with it.

Fall 2011

1. The Real World – Owl City All Things Bright and Beautiful

“Reality is a lovely place, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”

2. Talkin’ Smooth – Kate Voegele A Fine Mess

“Every good girl has a real goo reason to believe in breakin’ all the rules sometimes. I’m that girl and, baby, you’re that reason.”

3. Running Man – Hanson The Walk

“He’s playing you for a fool. He’s foolin’ ‘round on you. And I just lost my cool. Feeling so sad.”

I tend to put my favorite song of the moment as song number three. This is my current favorite song. I don’t know why, there’s just something about it. Zac Hanson; the fun piano; my undying love of Hanson, it all just works.

4. Just A Feeling – Maroon 5 Hands All Over

“Obsessed, depressed at the same time, I can’t even walk in a straight line.”

5. Somewhere With You – Kenny Chesney Hemingway’s Whiskey

“It’s just a temporary high, cause when I close my eyes I’m somewhere with you.”

6. It Will Rain – Bruno Mars

I have been waiting for a new song from this guy for forever.

7. Modern Love – Matt Nathanson Modern Love

“They sing me love songs with store-bought words. They make promises like politicians. So we stumble and disconnect over and over again.”

8. Texas Was You – Jason Aldean My Kinda Party

Yeah, this one only made the list because it reminds me of Friday Night Lights: The Series (which I’m watching in honor of it being high school football season). Texas forever!

9. I Find the Light In You – Joe Brooks A Reason to Swim

“I don’t think there’s a sun that’s ever shone brighter than the radiance of you. And I wouldn’t want one to.”

I have been a fan of this guy for a long time, and this song has always been one of my favorites. I’ve been listening to it on rough-cut tracks forever, so, naturally I was thrilled when I learned that it would be included on his new EP. It’s beautiful and sweet, and I hope one day that (future) Husby will think of me this way. Joe may not be someone people are familiar with, but they should be. Go check him out on www.joebrooks.com!

10. Best Day of My Life – Jesse McCartney The Beautiful Soul Tour Live

I fell in love with this song when I heard it A Cinderella Story (Don’t hate, I love that movie). I’m pretty sure this song belongs to someone else originally, but I have a soft spot for J-Mac, so his version wins out.

11. Wonderwall – Oasis (What’s the Story) Morning Glory

“Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you’re my wonderwall.”

12. Love Song – Hanson This Time Around

“In this love song, you can love long. But if you love wrong it doesn’t mean the loves gone. I wish someone would of told me before.”

13. You Can’t Do That – The Beatles The Beatles Second Album

14. And I Waited – Hanson Shout It Out

Yeah, there’s quite a bit of Hanson of this playlist, but I like them. A lot. And they have a lot of seriously good music. (I’m not going to get into it all now, because there will be a future Hanson post, stay tuned.)

15. Calling All Angels – Train My Private Nation

“In a world where what we want is only what we want until it’s ours.”

16. You’re Not Thinking – Drake Bell A Reminder

‘So please, please, please. You got to let me go. You, you, you, you don’t even know that you’re not thinking, you’re not thinking about me.”

17. The Last Goodbye – David Cook This Loud Morning

“I know somebody out there will love you. They’ll be the forever we never were, ‘cause we were everything that’s right at the wrong time.”

18. When You’re Gone – Hanson Underneath

“Well I just can’t seem to pity, ‘cause my heart’s too numb to feel. And the smile does all the talking, though the pain is all that’s real.”

19. Busy Bee – Bryan Greenberg Waiting for Now

Thank you One Tree Hill. Jake Jagielski has always been my favorite OTH character, and then I discovered that he was also a musician. I love him. I love his laid back style, and his under-produced sound (under-produced in a good way).

20. Fine By Me – Andy Grammer Andy Grammer

“I’m just sayin’ it’s fine by me, if you never leave. And we could love like this forever, it’s fine by me.”

Listen to the playlist here.