Category: Entertainment

Posted in Entertainment, Pop Culture

I’ll see you again. When the stars fall from the sky, and the moon has turned red over One Tree Hill.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

Guys, One Tree Hill ends tonight. Even saying that my heart gets sad. I don’t know that I’m emotionally prepared to handle it. Word of advice to anyone in my life, don’t try to talk to me tonight, probably not tomorrow either. There is a strong possibility that I will be in a state of mourning.

I remember when I first watched the show. I thought it was going to be the worse show ever, but I gave it a try because I sort of had a think for Chad Michael Murray (who didn’t back in the day, when he used to get regular haircuts?), and then I became obsessed. Last summer two of my best friends and I traveled from Missouri to Wilmington (by car) just so we could see all these places that mean so much to us. We saw The Rivercourt, Karen’s Café (Formerly Clothes Over Bros), Tric. We saw the 6th Street Bridge. We saw it all. And it was magical. Wilmington really is Tree Hill, there are so many locations that you don’t even really think about until you walk past them.

Feel free to look at more of my pictures here.

I cannot tell you the number of time that I’ve seen every episode, but I assure you that the number is very high. For me, the series ended with season 6. I was always a Lucas fan (not that I don’t also love Nathan), and I just couldn’t see how the show could go on without it’s main protagonist. But, it has, and it has been good. I feel like One Tree Hill is not one of those shows that is mostly filler episodes. You know, has a good one every now and then, but the rest are kind of just there. All the episodes are essential and worth watching.

I was going to make a list of my most memorable moments, and then I started to write things down. That’s when I discovered that there are way too many memorable moments/scenes for me to even begin to mention. And then I was like, ‘oh, maybe I’ll do memorable quotes.’ Yeah, way too many of those, too. So, I just sat down with my pen and started writing down all the things I remembered the most, and now my paper is totally full. Below I’m going to attempt to transpose what is on my paper by way of multiple lists.

Favorite Main Characters:

  1. Lucas Scott: The brooding jock…who is also a writer. My friend Kendall likes to call Lucas an ‘I-love-you-whore.’ I just think he has a big heart. Lucas was the heart and soul of the show for 6 years, and without him, I’m honestly surprised it lasted 3 seasons. I always found myself rooting for Luc, and he will always have a place in my heart.
  2. Haley James-Scott: Haley was the moral center of the show. She always has been. And she’s also always been my favorite character. I feel like Haley and I are very similar. Morally centered, a bit feisty, loyal, and the steadfast person of the group.
  3. Nathan Scott: What a change this guy went through. Nathan was a total jerk at the beginning, and now look at him. I hope to marry a man like Nathan Scott some guy. He has integrity, and he fights for his family and friends, and he loves with his whole heart. Not to mention he’s super handsome and sweet, and perhaps the best dad ever.
  4. Brooke Davis-Baker: Brook is the girl that everybody thought they knew, but really nobody knew. She hides her true self from everyone, she’s very rarely vulnerable, but when those moments happen, they make you love her even more. Brooke has the kindest heart. I can only hope to be as cool as B. Davis one day. (Julian Baker is an honorable mention here, just because I love the way he adores Brooke.)
  5. James Lucas ‘Jamie’ Scott: This kid is the best. He’s just full of wisdom.

Favorite Supporting Characters:

  1. Jake Jagielski: He is my favorite character from the entire series. I. Love. This. Guy. And how could you not? The boy sings. He loves his daughter. He plays basketball. He is/was one of the best guys on the show (not to mention he is incredibly attractive). I would play house with Jake Jagielski any day.
  2. Marvin ‘Mouth’ McFadden:Also one of the best guys on the show. He is kind and sweet. He’s there for his friends, and he appreciates girls.
  3. Antwon ‘Skillz’ Taylor: He is the funniest character on the show. Hands down. Almost every word that came out of that guys mouth had me literally laughing out loud. And thank goodness he’s around, because sometimes the drama got to be too much to handle, so I need him around for comic relief.
  4. Chris Keller: The guy everyone loves to hate. I love him, but I hate him, all at the same time. The way he speaks in third person is hilarious. He is my most beloved villain of all time. I’m so glad they brought him back for season 9.
  5. Chase Adams: Chase is also one of the best guys. I love the way he is with Chuck (even though I HATE that kid). He is just an all-around good guy. The poor thing gets his heart broken so many time, and then he gets kicked out of the air force for doing the right thing, plus people never seem to remember than he is the bar manager. Poor, sweet Chase.

Traumatic Moments:

  1. With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept (3.16): The school shooting. I can remember being on the edge of my seat during this episode. It’s so traumatic. I was fearful for Uncle Keith. I was fearful for Peyton and Lucas. I was fearful for Haley and Nathan. And I was sad for Jimmy. I recall hating Dan Scott more than ever before (I also recall hating Rachel, because she opened the time capsule). I cried when Jimmy died. And I cried when Keith died. This is one of those ‘must watch episodes,” I know I said they all are, but this one is really essential. It’s just so real. People are bullied everyday. Jimmy Edwards could be anyone.
  2. Nathan jumps in to the river to save Cooper and Rachel (3.22): I felt like Haley in this episode. I was freaking out. And the bracelet floating in the water did not help matters. It was just so bad. Haley in her wedding dress sobbing on the bridge, and Nathan nowhere to be found. (Honorable mention: Haley and Lucas both seemingly dying in the street after the championship game in season 4.)
  3. Darkness at the Edge of Town (8.11): Everything about this episode is traumatic. Stalker Katie comes hunting Quinn down, and they have a showdown. All the while Jamie and Brooke are trapped in the wreckage of a car perched on the edge of a bridge (and did I mention there is a hurricane). I was freaking out the entire episode. And when Julian is carrying a lifeless Brooke down the road I was on the verge of tears. Then Jamie says “Aunt Brooke is dead,” and I totally lost it.
  4. Psycho Derek: Need I say more? Both episodes where he attacks are traumatic. But, I think I would definitely say the prom episode (4.16) is the worst. I mean, Peyton thinks it’s Lucas, and then BAM! Derek turns around. It’s crazy. I think I may be permanently scarred for life. And the whole showdown between Derek, Brook and Peyton is crazy.
  5. Nanny Carrie: Once again, do I really need to elaborate? First she tries to steal Nathan from Haley. Then she kidnaps Jamie from a wedding, and then she abducts Dan and pretends to be a nurse. She is a psychopath. When Haley and Jamie and Nanny Carrie are all running through the cornfield I was in a state of terror (6.05). Seriously traumatic.

Tear-jerking Moments:

  1. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. (6.03): Saddest episode ever. Quintin Fields is shot and killed, and it tears apart the entire cast, but no one more than little Jamie Scott. Haley and Nathan have to explain to him about loss, and then he wants to go to the funeral to say goodbye to his best friend. And then Jamie and Brooke cover Quintin’s casket with the cape that Jamie made for him. I seriously sob through that episode. It is so heartbreaking.
  2. Forever and Almost Always (6.23): The end where Lucas is carrying Peyton into the hospital in her wedding dress covered in blood gets me every time. I had been mentally preparing for Peyton to die, and I thought that was happening. And though I wasn’t that sad (because I never really liked Peyton), I was really sad for Lucas. How was he going to love that little girl if she took Peyton from him?
  3. All of the Sudden I miss everyone (4.21): The end of this episode is what gets me. Where they are all standing on The Rivercourt saying goodbye. There’s nothing really super sad about it, it just makes me very nostalgic and therefore, I am sad. It just one big group of friends, and to me that is beautiful.
  4. This is My House, This is My Home (8.22): Jamie dribbling across the bridge in the Scott Body Shop hoodie. Too much. I can’t handle that. It would have been a great way to end the series.
  5. Danny Boy (9.11): I was going to try to leave season 9 off the list, but I just couldn’t. I cried this entire episode. I never thought I would cry for Dan Scott, but it was so sad. I literally cried the whole time. And then when Keith comes back I wept. It was so perfect. What was Mark Schwahn trying to do to me?! (I even watched for Craig Schaffer’s name in the opening credits so that I could prepare myself for Keith’s return, but it was there, so when he did appear I became incoherent.)

Funny Moments:

  1. Every time Skilz opens his mouth. For real. Funniest character.
  2. Nathan and Chris Keller’s roadtrip (3.09): So funny. All of it. When they’re driving and Nathan stops the car every few feet because Chris Keller has said something else dumb. When they’re trying to escape from the angry poker mob and Nathan tosses Chris Keller’s guitar overboard. When they’re walking through the forest and Nathan keeps punching Chris Keller. “Stop punching Chris Keller.” “Stop kissing my wife.” Definitely one of the funnier episodes.
  3. Haley’s wardrobe from season one.
  4. When Brooke, Haley and Peyton all drive home from the basketball game together (1.06): Brooke is high on some medication and she is hilarious. She decides she doesn’t like the name Haley so she renames her Brooke.  “Well, answer the question, Brooke,” says Brooke to Haley. Pretty funny.
  5. Dan’s donor heart is eaten by a stoned dog (6.18): How outlandish is this? Crazy. But funny. Dan Scott totally deserved that.

*   Honorable mention: When Julian gets punched by Nick Lachey at Peyton and Lucas’s wedding. All the banter between Nick Lachey and Julian is pretty funny.

Important Quotes:

  1. “Your art matters, it’s what got me here.” (1.02/5.02)
  2. “I wanted you to fight for me!” (3.05)
  3. “Don’t say I never gave you anything.” (1.03)
  4. “Zero is not a size.” (7.04)
  5.  “First of all, you don’t know me. Second of all, you don’t know me.”  (1.01)
  6.  “People always leave.”
  7.  “Always and forever.”
  8.  “Clothes over bros.”
  9.  “Every song has a CODA, a final movement. Whether it fades out or crashes away, every song ends. Is that any reason not to enjoy the music?” (3.13)
  10.  “Don’t worry, little brother, you’re my plus one.” (9.11)

Those are just some of my musings about One Tree Hill. Feel free to let me know you’re favorite moments, characters or quotes.

I’m going to miss them all. Lucas. Haley. Nathan. Brooke. Peyton. Julian. Jamie. Skillz. Mouth. Chris Keller. Chase. Dan. Keith. Karen. Jake. Millie. Clay. Whitey. Mia. Nanny Carrie. Bevin. Deb. Jimmy Edwards. Andy. Quinn. Psycho Derek. Fergie and Junk. Victoria. Quintin. Sam. Even that bratty kid, Chuck.

Thank goodness for boxsets.

Posted in Entertainment, Movies, Pop Culture

“Here’s some advice. Stay alive.” -Haymitch Abernathy

Posted on by momentswithmisty

One of the greatest things about living in L.A. is that now the objects of my affection are sometimes within reach. They pop up at malls, and beaches, just to say hi to those of us that adore them. And that was the case yesterday.

In case you don’t actually know me at all, let me inform you now that I am obsessed with The Hunger Games (see previous blog post, my facebook or twitter). And yesterday the cast began their mall tour (a mall tour is where select members of the cast show up at some big malls to sign a few autographs and have a short Q&A session) here in Los Angeles and the Westfield Century City Mall. And you had better believe I was there (um, Josh Hutcherson was there, of course there was no way I was letting him get out of there without seeing me)!

The day began bright and early. Okay, that’s not true, it did begin early, but because it was only 5am, it wasn’t so bright. The sun hadn’t even come out yet. Any time I have to get up before the sun I want to throw up. But, I endured the awfulness because Josh Hutcherson was going to be within my reach (yeah, that’s dedication right there). Please keep in mind that the Q&A session didn’t even start until 6 PM. So, anyways, got up at 5am, and got ready for what had the potential to be an awesome day, and then headed to pick up George.

So, George and I are driving to Beverly Hills, and just kind of talking about how the day is going to go, when we notice that something is different. And strange. There is no traffic. None at all. I have never experienced anything like this since I got here. All five lanes were basically empty. I took the no traffic as a good sign for the day. Then we got to the mall…

The event doesn’t even start until 6pm and there are already like 275 people in line. Whaaaaat? The rules of the event state that no one is permitted to line up until 8am, and yet, here is this line at 6:45 am. Clearly that has backfired. I feel like the mall underestimated the will of crazy girls. So, now I’m a little bit frustrated. The parking garage doesn’t open until 7am, so George and I go to The Coffee Bean down the road so we can formulate what our next step will be. We can either: go home and admit defeat; go get in line to be one of the 1000 people let in to the Q&A; or go back and take our chances and try to be one of the 100 people who get to meet the cast.

I haven’t quite given up hope. I have on my lucky dress (hey, I had to look good for Josh), and I woke up too early to give in to defeat this easily. So we hang out at The Coffee Bean until like 6:55am, then we head back to the parking garage. Naturally, there is a line of cars. And people are not being polite, or even doing legal things. Apparently the thought of getting to meet the cast of The Hunger Games is enough to turn people crazy. So, it takes us like 10 minutes to park. When we get out of the my car, we wander up the steps and end up right outside of the Microsoft Store (this is the place where you’re suppose to line up to be one of the 100 people who get to meet the cast). There is a barricade, some security and a group of about 15 people already waiting there.

There is one particularly loud girl there. She’s complaining about how their official rules say that you can’t line up before 8am and how it’s not fair that she can’t get a wristband for the meet and greet. She’s complaining about the 275 people who have lined up on the bridge, and how they shouldn’t be rewarded for breaking the rules (come to find she’s been there since 11pm the night before, talk about breaking the rules). The staff of the mall is in crisis mode. They clearly didn’t anticipate all of this chaos. So, they spring into action. George and I wait there for like five minutes, all the while the loud girl has begun to cry and spread her sob story. Her dad just had surgery and she left him for this, she had to drive soooo far, blah blah blah…until finally a member of the event staff comes back.

She explains to us that because the line on the bridge wasn’t official that they are going to spread out the meet and greet passes to the multiple lines. She instructs us to get in line. George and I scramble into the line and wait. They begin handing out passes…and guess who gets the last two?

George and I. We get passes numbers 99 and 100! How freaking ridiculously is that?! We were so close to not getting to meet them! But, we are ushered to the Microsoft Store to wait in line with the other 98 lucky people. While we’re waiting in line, it starts to dawn on me just how lucky we are. I’m listening to these people who are talking about how they’ve been here since 2am, or since the night before. And how they had to fight for their place in line and all the drama that they seem to have experienced. Um, we just walked up like 10 minutes ago? We decide not to tell anyone that. We don’t want to get on the bad side of these people.

The crying girl from before got in, and she’s a little inappropriate. She’s a potty mouth, which is definitely not okay seeing as there are younger kids around, and she’s saying some vulgar things about Josh. Dude, he is just 19-years-old. I am not under the impression that he is completely innocent, but I’m pretty sure the things you’re saying would make him blush, and not in a good way. She is just totally offensive. But, apparently we have all formed this bond now. So I guess we’re friends? As offensive as I find her, I’d rather have her on my side than the other way around.

While we’re waiting in line we start to read some of the posts on Westfield’s facebook page. People are mad. I was a little concerned that there was going to be a riot. While reading the comments, I am beginning to feel really fortunate that I got a wristband…and avoided the chaos from the infamous bridge.

Once we have traded our cards for wristbands we are free to go do whatever until 2:30pm, when we have to be back at the Microsoft Store to get back in line to actually meet the cast. When we leave, George and I wander down to the area where the Q&A is taking place. It basically a big pin that people are forced to sit in. Once you get inside it, only a few people are allowed to leave at one time. So you’re basically trapped. You have to have a lanyard pass thing to leave, and I guess those are in short supply. Orrrrr, if you’re lucky, you have a really cool wristband and can come and go as you please.

I begin to feel a little bit superior with my wristband. I’m a VIP. I can basically do whatever I want, and I’m getting to meet the cast, can you blame me? I also feel a little bit like a target. People with lanyards do not like the people with wristbands. So, I try to avoid them as much as possible. And I try to hide my wristband whenever possible. It also seems that those 100 people with the wristbands have formed this strange alliance. It’s like we’re all friends now. Apparently surviving mass pandemonium will bond anybody. People I don’t know wave and say hi to me, just because I have a wristband.

So, as the day goes by I’m internally panicking while trying to decide what I’m going to say to Josh Hutcherson. What do you say to someone you’re pretty sure you’re going to marry? But seriously…what do I say? I have all these scenarios in my head of how things could go down. They’re not all totally ridiculous, some of them could actually occur (they won’t, but they could). I mean, surely they notice people who they meet, don’t they? I’m sure most of it goes by in a blur, but they have to notice some people. He’s a young guy; he is hardwired to notice girls. How do make him remember me? So this is what’s bouncing around in my head all day (not that any of my planning matters, Miriam ruins everything).

There is a lot of waiting, but finally we are inside the Microsoft Store, and there he is (yeah, Jennifer and Liam are there too), just sitting there being his usual adorable and charming self. And that’s when Misty makes her exit, and is replaced by Miriam.

Miriam is painfully shy and awkward. She can’t talk to regular people, and she most certainly can’t talk to celebrities. Where Misty is a little bit charming herself, Miriam is just awkward; where Misty is witty, Miriam is awkward; and where Misty can speak in full sentences, Miriam can barely string together simple words. Unfortunately, this is the girl that replaces Misty during celebrity encounters.

For some dumb reason we weren’t allowed to take cameras in to meet them (they say it’s because of contractual issues, but I’m pretty sure the store just hates us), so there is no actual proof I met Liam, Jennifer or Josh, but I promise I did. When we got to the front of the line we were rushed through with our own personal security member.

Liam was up first at the table, so Miriam talked to him first:

“Hi, how are you?” Miriam says.

“I’m good, how about you?” says Liam (in his very attractive Australian accent).

“I’m good, too” says Miriam.

Liam was nice. He signed my store provided poster and we shook hands (he shakes hands like of like a girl though, especially to be so huge). And he is very handsome, the screen doesn’t even do him justice. Miley Cyrus is a very lucky girl.

Next was Jennifer:

“Hi, how are you?” Miriam asked.

“Hi, I’m good,” answers Jennifer as she signs my poster. Then she offers her hand out for a handshake. “We can shake hands, but they are kind of fussy about hugs,” she says with a laugh. (George had just asked to for a hug, and security said no).

Um, she is a babe. She’s currently my girl crush (her and Zooey Deschanel). She is absolutely beautiful, and so funny! I’m pretty sure we could be friends (she and Misty could be friends, not Miriam).

Finally, the moment has arrive, Josh is sitting right in front of me. I think I’m going to say something witty, something cute, something that’ll make him remember me (in a good way). Instead, this happens:

“Hi Josh, how are you?” sputters Miriam.

“Well, hi. I’m doing great. Thank you. And how are you?” Josh responds after he signs my poster. He looks up and maintains eye contact the whole time, which of course only manages to fluster Miriam even more.

“I’m fantastic,” Miriam manages to blurt out while her face turns what I’m sure is an awful shade of red. He holds his hand out to me and I shake his hand. He holds on a little longer than I’m anticipating and he says “that’s great. Thank you for coming.” And I am ushered away.

Josh is seriously the nicest guy ever. And he’s so adorable. He’s like miniature, but totally adorable. If only he could have met Misty and not Miriam, then he would have definitely asked for my number.

The whole thing only lasts about 60 seconds, if that. All that waiting for 60 seconds of interaction. But, it was totally worth it and I’d definitely do it all over again in a heartbeat. I (well, Miriam) got to meet Josh Hutcherson. How cool is that??

After that we were corralled inside the VIP section of the Q&A. We were like 4 feet from the stage. It was pretty cool. But what was not cool was having to stand like sardines with a bunch of crazy girls. One girl who was just on the other side of the VIP section was literally sobbing because she didn’t get to meet them. I may have morphed into awkward Miriam, but at least I wasn’t that girl. I actually felt bad for her. For the next hour the crowd begins to grow, and to get excited and to scream more. Until finally the moment all these people have been waiting for all day arrives.

Out walks Liam first. Then Josh. And finally, Jennifer. It pushes people to hysteria.

They wave, and wave, and smile. And finally the crowd settles down enough for them to talk. Questions are asked, but I’m only halfway paying attention. Number one because Josh Hutcherson is mere feet from me, and number two because I can basically tell you verbatim what their answers are going to be (I’m obsessed, I’ve watched a lot of interviews). They receive several marriage proposals, one of them coming from George (Jennifer did agree to marry him. I expect to be invited to this wedding). She had no choice but to notice him when he yelled because a.) he was one of like 3 guys there b.) we were right in front of her and c.) he was taller than everyone else. So her eyes fell on him a lot.

I (and Miriam) played on a different strategy to get Josh’s attention. I played the normal card. In a sea full of crazy, screaming girls, I was the isle of sanity. And it totally worked! He looked at me pretty regularly and we made eye contact a lot. And it’s not one of those crazy wishful thinking things, we really did. I think he might be in love with me (that might be a little bit of wishful thinking).

The Q&A lasted roughly 17 minutes, and then they were done. Throughout the night I found myself pinning their character’s traits on them, and they seemed to match up pretty close. Well, except for Jennifer. She was much funnier than I imagine Katniss to be, she was also a lot more outgoing. Liam was kind of quite, like Gale. He wasn’t cold, or rude, he was charming like the rest of them, just quite.  And then there was Josh, who is Peeta. He is charming, charismatic, funny and slightly self-depreciating. He truly is Peeta, which only solidifies my love for him.

Finally it was time to leave. It was a long day, and unfortunately the drive home wasn’t as easy as the drive there had been, but that’s okay, I was still in a pleasant state. It was the longest day ever, but I would do it all again.

The odds were ever in my favor.

Posted in Entertainment, Movies, Pop Culture

May the odds be ever in your favor

Posted on 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).

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Pop Culture

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

Posted on 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.

Tyler Hilton, last song of the night- "Loaded Gun." Be sure to check out his new album out in April!

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.

Posted in Entertainment, Music, Playlists

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

Posted on 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.)

That's me and Taylor!

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:

  1. Thinking of You (Middle of Nowhere)
  2. Mmmbop (Middle of Nowhere)
  3. Where’s the Love (Middle of Nowhere)
  4. With You in Your Dreams (Middle of Nowhere)
  5. If Only (This Time Around)
  6. This Time Around (This Time Around)
  7. Runaway Run (This Time Around)
  8. Wish That I Was There (This Time Around)
  9. Sure About It (This Time Around)
  10. Penny & Me (Underneath)
  11. Lost Without Each Other (Underneath)
  12. When You’re Gone (Underneath)
  13. Get Up and Go (Underneath)
  14. Crazy Beautiful (Underneath)
  15. Great Divide (The Walk)
  16. Been There Before (The Walk)
  17. Georgia (The Walk)
  18. Running Man (The Walk)
  19. Go (The Walk)
  20. Tearing It Down (The Walk)
  21. Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’ (Shout It Out)
  22. Kiss Me When You Come Home (Shout It Out)
  23. Use Me Up (Shout It Out)
  24. Musical Ride (Shout It Out)
  25. Me Myself and I (Shout It Out)

 

Listen to the playlist here.