HELLO: September 2007

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Across the Universe

I finally went to see Across the Universe (about a week ago). It was a bit wacky, but definitely my kind of movie. Visual complexities were intertwined with quite possibly the best Beatles cover songs to date. And Jim Sturgess is out-of-control yummy. It's not often that a British accent comes through during song, but his accent is so bloody thick that it makes the music so melodically enchanting. Very Noel Gallagher-ish. I've already bought the deluxe edition soundtrack on iTunes, and have officially played out tracks 3, 4, and 7 on disc 1. Jim Sturgess, you have tugged at my heartstrings, and are officially... my new obsession.

Photo: Jim Sturgess

Photo: Promotional poster.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Darjeeling Countdown

Updated 09/19/2007 9:11pm:
Hotel Chevalier (starring Natalie Portman), the 12 minute short-film/prequel to The Darjeeling Limited, is now available via iTunes. She's amazing. (Thanks for the heads-up Kathy!)

Original Post 09/18/2007 6:47pm:
Darjeeling Limited, the much anticipated new flick by Wes Anderson, is almost out in theaters. Get excited! Below is a promo pic of Hotel Chevalier, and another of Natty P. with her new model/yummy boyfriend, Nate.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Sierra Madre

My good friends Eva and Lisa (both avid hikers) were so kind as to invite me to join them on a good/fun/easy hike. Seven ungodly miles later, I was convinced they were on a mission to kill me. I was sweating out of pores my body never knew it had. Two days later, my muscles still pinch in thanks of all the boulders I climbed, the tree stumps I crawled across. If you don't want an ounce of fat on your body, take a hike, seriously. I can't believe I've agreed to make this a monthly ritual. I must have been dehydrated when they asked me.

There are pictures... but I look so to' up, you'll never see them.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Will Finish Task

Work continues to overwhelm, and I'm definitely overdue for a new undertaking. I can't even begin to describe the whirlwind of emotions I've experienced within the past several weeks (months). I'm burned out and exhausted - mind, body, and spirit.

A lot has been going on in my life away from work; only to be overshadowed by the weakness I've embodied as a result of being overworked. And while I've promised myself that I will finish all of the tasks that have been set before me, I cannot promise that I won't exhaust all of my composure by the time I reach that point.

It is said that 57% of Americans would take a pay cut to have a less stressful job. Ugh, money.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Music Brings

I attach a person to every good song I hear.
I always wonder why it didn't work out.

Monday, September 3, 2007

August Highlights - Continued

1. I finally finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Best book of the series, by far. I jumped right into this book and couldn't put it down. Rowling's imagination is mind numbingly out of control - and for a so called "children's book" - it did one heck of a job keeping my eyes glued to its pages. The first 3/4 of the book has you on a wild goose chase, slowly exposing the... (continue reading my review at goodreads).

2. So You Think You Can Dance names its winner.

My reality TV show of choice wrapped up its 3rd season, naming Sabra as it's first female winner! And while I was secretly hoping that Lacey Schwimmer would win (solely for the fact that she's from the I.E.), Sabra totally deserved it! Here is clip of my all-time favorite routine performed on the show. Neil Haskell is a total babe.

August Highlights - My 24th Birthday

I'm not quite sure why people dread the steadfast approach of aging. I suppose I've learned to appreciate life in all its stages (either that, or the peace of mind that comes with knowing that my parents look 15 years younger than they actually are). It seems as though every birthday celebration gets better with every passing year; and if that's an omen to how the next year will turn out, then I sure have a lot of good things to look forward to. There are always new friends to invite into my life, and new beginnings to undertake. I've always taken my birthday as the point of year in which to reflect, re-evaluate, and re-charge. After all, it is "my" new year. With that said, I've already mentally listed my resolutions and goals for this new year of life.

My actual birth 'day' (August 24th) was a blast. After all, I only turn 24 on the 24th once in this lifetime. Ayana and I took the day off from work - which was a gift all in itself. She treated me to a very entertaining morning/afternoon at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. The amenities were "okay" - but we agreed that the entire experience is highly overrated. But we still had a blast.

Then came an interesting dinner with my closest friends. See, I lead a very compartmentalized life. Each segment containing a handful of friends - all of whom I never intermingle on a consistent basis. See, I like my segmented life... and the only time the worlds intertwine is on my birthday. It's interesting to see how everyone interacts with one another. What topics they choose to chat about, or what stories they highlight in order to introduce themselves. They're an amazing, and very good bunch of people. I am so lucky to have such endearing friends.

Thanks to everyone who called/texted/e-mailed me on my birthday. A special thank you to my family and friends who actually celebrated the day with me. I love you guys! And now, a picture overload!