Well, I had spent last week purchasing a lot of new music, so I haven't really invested in a lot of time seeking out new music for today's blog. However, I do have a few songs to share today :-)
David Cook "The Last Goodbye"
As soon as I got onto ITunes this morning, I purchased this song (it became available today). My Kansas City boy is back and sounds amazing!!! He wrote this song with Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic). Yes, it's a blend of rock and ear wormy pop, but I can't help but love it. I cannot wait to hear the entire album when it's released this summer!
Jessie J "Nobody's Perfect"
The British pop singer has grown on me. I purchased her album over the weekend after finding this song. She's actually pretty good, but she could be one of those artists who will be appreciated more in Europe than here in the United States. I could be proved wrong about that. I enjoy her music, especially since she has a little bit of an edge over other current female pop artists.
Lady Gaga "Judas"
This song became available on ITunes over the weekend. I've listened to it about 4-5 times and I'm still a little unsure how I feel about it. I know I don't hate it, but I don't LOOOOVE it either." I am getting a little bit of The Who's "Tommy." with the single artwork... which isn't the first time I've made Gaga connections with the rock opera. Then again, Madonna did "Like a Prayer," so it could be a parallel to that. I guess I will have to wait and see what the music video will portray.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Movie Monday: Horror Edition
Ah, horror movies... once I started watching them, I couldn't get enough! Since I had planned to see Scream 4 over the weekend, I figured I would warm myself up with a couple other horror films before opening weekend. Some parts made me jump; others made me realize how some situations (on a realistic point) are truly scary. I warn you, the clips I included might make your heart accelerate...
The Crazies
In the small town of Odgen Marsh, Iowa, the residents experience a toxin that is turning them into zombie-like psychopaths. Before many of them can leave town, the army and national guard seal off the town. Four of the residents, including Sheriff David Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) and his wife Judy (Radha Mitchell), escape and try to get to Cedar Rapids while figuring out why recent events have forever changed their lives.
What I really enjoyed about this movie is how extremely realistic it was... in several ways. For the government to contaminate the water in a small town and see what would happen, then to seal off the town to conduct experiments on those that have been contaminated was executed very well. One of the residents communicated to David about escaping without his wife, who was trapped in one of the guarded buildings. That would really happen in a survival situation. As the experiment was going on, everyone was being tracked by aircraft, which made things more difficult for the escapees. As for the gore factor, it was good. There were several different parts that made the movie visually stimulating. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Turistas
A group of backpackers find themselves stranded in a town in Brazil after their bus goes off road and rolls down a hill. Instead of waiting several hours for new transportation, they decide to look for a place to relax. After finding a secluded area which has a beach and bar, they spend the evening meeting some of the locals. By morning, the group realizes that they have lost everything except the clothes they were wearing and must travel into town. They are lured by one of the locals they befriended and follow him to his uncle's home. However, the local has other plans for the group... which turns the vacation into a survival scenario.
If you are looking for a movie with a lot of horror and not a lot of story, this isn't the movie for you. I was actually disappointed in the lack of action in this film. Other than someone accidentally hitting his head on a rock, the "good stuff" didn't start until an hour into the film (which the movie is only an hour and a half). It seemed like the exposition was way too long, but in a way it needed to be for the audience to grasp exactly what was going to happen to the backpackers. Once the homeowner arrived, with a group of assistants, I started to get scared (I don't want to spoil the movie, but the homeowner is a doctor and his professional skills come in handy). I mean, what happened to the backpackers does happen, and it put a reality check in the film... that's what makes it scary to me. Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Scream 4
10 years after the Woodsboro murders, Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) returns to her hometown while on her book tour. As she is reunited with Dewey (David Arquette) and Gail (Courtney Cox) and family-including her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts)- she finds herself encountering the Ghostface Killer, but with a new, more social-network friendly twist.
Scream was my first real introduction to horror movies... it will always have a special place in my heart (much like how others would credit the original Halloween or A Nightmare on Elm Street). So when I heard of a fourth installment, I was torn. One, the films were made to be set as a trilogy; to add another film would ruin everything. Two, I was curious as to how it would reinvent the series, especially since the original writers teamed up with an *ingenious* story. To my surprise, it exceeded my expectations.
The first film poked fun at past horror films when it came to predictability and stupid decisions made by those trying to escape death. This movie did the same thing, but was making fun of the Stab films for coming up with ridiculous sequels just to make money at the box office (which made the first scene of the movie hilarious and full of gore). I loved that the movie kept me guessing and was completely thrown off as to who was behind the Ghostface Killer mask.
I don't think this movie would have done as well if it wasn't for the blend of comedic timing, extremely gory scenes, and the parallels to the first film (example- Jill's boyfriend would sneak into her room through the window, just like Billy did with Sidney). I also loved all the references to other horror films, like when a couple of the characters were watching Shaun of the Dead (that got a lot of cheering from the audience). I consider this film the second best Scream film to date and was disappointed to hear that it flopped at the box office over the weekend. I hope time changes that since I really enjoyed the film. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I am planning to do more "themed" type of movie blogs... like 80's films, movies and their sequels, etc. If you like the idea of having more Movie Monday blogs with themes, let me know. I always love getting input or new ideas!
The Crazies
In the small town of Odgen Marsh, Iowa, the residents experience a toxin that is turning them into zombie-like psychopaths. Before many of them can leave town, the army and national guard seal off the town. Four of the residents, including Sheriff David Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) and his wife Judy (Radha Mitchell), escape and try to get to Cedar Rapids while figuring out why recent events have forever changed their lives.
What I really enjoyed about this movie is how extremely realistic it was... in several ways. For the government to contaminate the water in a small town and see what would happen, then to seal off the town to conduct experiments on those that have been contaminated was executed very well. One of the residents communicated to David about escaping without his wife, who was trapped in one of the guarded buildings. That would really happen in a survival situation. As the experiment was going on, everyone was being tracked by aircraft, which made things more difficult for the escapees. As for the gore factor, it was good. There were several different parts that made the movie visually stimulating. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Turistas
A group of backpackers find themselves stranded in a town in Brazil after their bus goes off road and rolls down a hill. Instead of waiting several hours for new transportation, they decide to look for a place to relax. After finding a secluded area which has a beach and bar, they spend the evening meeting some of the locals. By morning, the group realizes that they have lost everything except the clothes they were wearing and must travel into town. They are lured by one of the locals they befriended and follow him to his uncle's home. However, the local has other plans for the group... which turns the vacation into a survival scenario.
If you are looking for a movie with a lot of horror and not a lot of story, this isn't the movie for you. I was actually disappointed in the lack of action in this film. Other than someone accidentally hitting his head on a rock, the "good stuff" didn't start until an hour into the film (which the movie is only an hour and a half). It seemed like the exposition was way too long, but in a way it needed to be for the audience to grasp exactly what was going to happen to the backpackers. Once the homeowner arrived, with a group of assistants, I started to get scared (I don't want to spoil the movie, but the homeowner is a doctor and his professional skills come in handy). I mean, what happened to the backpackers does happen, and it put a reality check in the film... that's what makes it scary to me. Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Scream 4
10 years after the Woodsboro murders, Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) returns to her hometown while on her book tour. As she is reunited with Dewey (David Arquette) and Gail (Courtney Cox) and family-including her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts)- she finds herself encountering the Ghostface Killer, but with a new, more social-network friendly twist.
Scream was my first real introduction to horror movies... it will always have a special place in my heart (much like how others would credit the original Halloween or A Nightmare on Elm Street). So when I heard of a fourth installment, I was torn. One, the films were made to be set as a trilogy; to add another film would ruin everything. Two, I was curious as to how it would reinvent the series, especially since the original writers teamed up with an *ingenious* story. To my surprise, it exceeded my expectations.
The first film poked fun at past horror films when it came to predictability and stupid decisions made by those trying to escape death. This movie did the same thing, but was making fun of the Stab films for coming up with ridiculous sequels just to make money at the box office (which made the first scene of the movie hilarious and full of gore). I loved that the movie kept me guessing and was completely thrown off as to who was behind the Ghostface Killer mask.
I don't think this movie would have done as well if it wasn't for the blend of comedic timing, extremely gory scenes, and the parallels to the first film (example- Jill's boyfriend would sneak into her room through the window, just like Billy did with Sidney). I also loved all the references to other horror films, like when a couple of the characters were watching Shaun of the Dead (that got a lot of cheering from the audience). I consider this film the second best Scream film to date and was disappointed to hear that it flopped at the box office over the weekend. I hope time changes that since I really enjoyed the film. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I am planning to do more "themed" type of movie blogs... like 80's films, movies and their sequels, etc. If you like the idea of having more Movie Monday blogs with themes, let me know. I always love getting input or new ideas!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Xanga Diaries: Part IV
For this edition of the Xanga Diaries... I am presenting a handful of posts I wrote spring and summer 2005. The first entry was a rant over a friend of mine, who has since gotten out of the "fakeness" that I described. The others are short entries, but I give a few shout outs to some of my high school classmates who have found themselves in the public spotlight.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Fake Friends
One of the challenges in social life is finding real friends. Some people you grow up with and remain friends after the school years have ended. Some you make in high school and occasionally talk to. Others are just there to make drama in your life.
I have come to the realization that a person (and I'm not surprised by it at all) never really liked me, but seems to be interested in my life because of other people's lives.
Let's start with the one that I really never had a friendship with... S. I first knew who she was because she was making out with a guy that one of my close friends was dating. A year later, my best friend introduced me to her and we hung out with the same people.
Then, junior and senior year, it seemed like there was some sort of unspoken competition between her and I... and it involved the male sex. If a guy were to pay more attention to me (for dating or not... Ben, Kress, Brandon, Hosmann), she would try to get in the way so she could steal the attention. And half the time, it resulted in a pattern of friends to enemies to friends, etc.
But after high school, it kept on going. A few months ago, S had contacted me wanting to make amends completely and just be friends. I didn't buy the story, so I just let it go and went on with my life.
Then, two weeks ago, I talked to one of my girlfriends on the phone. The next day, I got a call from S. All she did was ask about my friend. At that moment, I was cooking and wasn't really reading into it. I realized that all she was doing was using what I knew to get dirt on people she likes to gossip about.
I'm sorry, but aren't friendships supposed to be about trust, honesty, and having fun? I know that some things get in the way, like college, military, and babies, but why do those things somehow become "good dirt" on people? Why can't someone just be happy with their man and their family without someone trying to create drama for nothing? It makes me wonder if S is jealous of my girlfriends and I for having hubby's/fiances and babies....
But I do know one thing... I cannot find a guy that knows or dated S that actually cares about her, let alone likes her (except her most recent ex, unless it was that bad of a breakup, she dumped him). And, to me, she will always be a backstabber that cannot be trusted.
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Sunday, May 08, 2005
My monitor fried..... so if you don't see me updating, that's why.
I hope I get a new one soon, since I am paying for DSL....
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Friday, June 03, 2005
Mindi Emanuel is in a reality show on the WB.
It is called Beauty and the Geek... don't know what day of the week that it is on.
It's just surprising to see one of your classmates on TV, but honestly, I didn't think Mindi would be on reality tv. I thought she would have done something like that movie she was in during my senior year.
I figured I would share that with my friends and old classmates :^D
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Tuesday, June 07, 2005
I knew Nick Webber was on the CMSU baseball team and that they did excellent this season.
What I just saw on the news is that the St. Louis Cardinals have recruited him.
I think it would be awesome if he started playing for them in the next couple seasons.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Fake Friends
One of the challenges in social life is finding real friends. Some people you grow up with and remain friends after the school years have ended. Some you make in high school and occasionally talk to. Others are just there to make drama in your life.
I have come to the realization that a person (and I'm not surprised by it at all) never really liked me, but seems to be interested in my life because of other people's lives.
Let's start with the one that I really never had a friendship with... S. I first knew who she was because she was making out with a guy that one of my close friends was dating. A year later, my best friend introduced me to her and we hung out with the same people.
Then, junior and senior year, it seemed like there was some sort of unspoken competition between her and I... and it involved the male sex. If a guy were to pay more attention to me (for dating or not... Ben, Kress, Brandon, Hosmann), she would try to get in the way so she could steal the attention. And half the time, it resulted in a pattern of friends to enemies to friends, etc.
But after high school, it kept on going. A few months ago, S had contacted me wanting to make amends completely and just be friends. I didn't buy the story, so I just let it go and went on with my life.
Then, two weeks ago, I talked to one of my girlfriends on the phone. The next day, I got a call from S. All she did was ask about my friend. At that moment, I was cooking and wasn't really reading into it. I realized that all she was doing was using what I knew to get dirt on people she likes to gossip about.
I'm sorry, but aren't friendships supposed to be about trust, honesty, and having fun? I know that some things get in the way, like college, military, and babies, but why do those things somehow become "good dirt" on people? Why can't someone just be happy with their man and their family without someone trying to create drama for nothing? It makes me wonder if S is jealous of my girlfriends and I for having hubby's/fiances and babies....
But I do know one thing... I cannot find a guy that knows or dated S that actually cares about her, let alone likes her (except her most recent ex, unless it was that bad of a breakup, she dumped him). And, to me, she will always be a backstabber that cannot be trusted.
----------------------------------------------------
Sunday, May 08, 2005
My monitor fried..... so if you don't see me updating, that's why.
I hope I get a new one soon, since I am paying for DSL....
----------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 03, 2005
Mindi Emanuel is in a reality show on the WB.
It is called Beauty and the Geek... don't know what day of the week that it is on.
It's just surprising to see one of your classmates on TV, but honestly, I didn't think Mindi would be on reality tv. I thought she would have done something like that movie she was in during my senior year.
I figured I would share that with my friends and old classmates :^D
---------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
I knew Nick Webber was on the CMSU baseball team and that they did excellent this season.
What I just saw on the news is that the St. Louis Cardinals have recruited him.
I think it would be awesome if he started playing for them in the next couple seasons.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Xanga Diaries: Part III
From this point on, you will see multiple postings in my Xanga Diaries blogs. I have a couple posted below. One has a lot of shout-outs to friends from high school (before the days where we all got Facebook accounts) and the other is a rant over something that I saw on television. Enjoy!
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Saturday, March 12, 2005
Reunions
There are a few times a year where I get to see a lot of people from high school back in Lee's Summit. One of these times is now... Spring Break. Every year that I'm reunited with old friends and acquaintances, there are drastic changes. It makes me curious about how our class of 2002 high school reunion (5 years) will be in a couple years, and then again at our 10 year reunion.
Like I've mentioned before... a lot of my friends have babies. But I've realized that there's a whole lot more that do. And for one friend, who just gave birth to her second daughter last week. Another friend of mine (Katrina), married and with a baby, almost got divorced because her husband left her for a few weeks. It's scary that before the first reunion, someone can get married, have a kid, and be divorced. But fortunately, they are back to living together.
Someone won't even make it to our high school reunion because he passed away a few months ago from alcohol poisoning. My best friend Maria went to his funeral. It was way too unbelievable for her.
A group of kids from high school have been on television already, one of them was Jothan Schiller. Last time I saw him, he was renting Finding Nemo from me (when I worked at Blockbuster) and we had a great conversation. I heard that he and his friends were on one of those daytime court shows over something... don't know what though.
I'm just waiting to hear about someone at the reunion about a really great job and having huge success. My prediction is that it will be Blake Hern, who I heard that is following in his father's steps in the business field.
I'm just in the mood to find a bunch of my classmates and catch up, whether I was friends with them, acquaintances (like Andria Rentie and Genevieve Valle), or just people I would talk to every so often in whatever class I was in.
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Thursday, March 31, 2005
Stereotypes
I just saw a commercial on television that has offended me, even though it wasn't directed at my race.
The commercial was for truth.com, a program that is supposed to give people a reality check on what is in drugs and alcohol.
This commercial was in an office setting, with a bunch of executive people that work for a cigarette company. They were trying to find ways to make their product reach target audiences.
When they got to discussion blacks/African Americans (I must point out that all these executives are white men), they said "Why don't we make them in packs of ten since blacks don't have as much money?" All the men agreed and then the slogan "It would have been funnier if we knew that it wasn't the truth."
I was extremely offended by this commercial. The program is basically saying that all blacks are poor and can't afford an entire pack of cigarettes. I'm not a smoker, but I'm appalled at the stereotype. And I know that there are others who are just as offended. This company is treating all blacks like they are all poor, when I know for a fact that it isn't true.
Things like this just piss me off. These people need to grow up and look at reality for once. I wouldn't even be stupid enough to attempt to release something like this to the general public, especially during the Noon news.
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Saturday, March 12, 2005
Reunions
There are a few times a year where I get to see a lot of people from high school back in Lee's Summit. One of these times is now... Spring Break. Every year that I'm reunited with old friends and acquaintances, there are drastic changes. It makes me curious about how our class of 2002 high school reunion (5 years) will be in a couple years, and then again at our 10 year reunion.
Like I've mentioned before... a lot of my friends have babies. But I've realized that there's a whole lot more that do. And for one friend, who just gave birth to her second daughter last week. Another friend of mine (Katrina), married and with a baby, almost got divorced because her husband left her for a few weeks. It's scary that before the first reunion, someone can get married, have a kid, and be divorced. But fortunately, they are back to living together.
Someone won't even make it to our high school reunion because he passed away a few months ago from alcohol poisoning. My best friend Maria went to his funeral. It was way too unbelievable for her.
A group of kids from high school have been on television already, one of them was Jothan Schiller. Last time I saw him, he was renting Finding Nemo from me (when I worked at Blockbuster) and we had a great conversation. I heard that he and his friends were on one of those daytime court shows over something... don't know what though.
I'm just waiting to hear about someone at the reunion about a really great job and having huge success. My prediction is that it will be Blake Hern, who I heard that is following in his father's steps in the business field.
I'm just in the mood to find a bunch of my classmates and catch up, whether I was friends with them, acquaintances (like Andria Rentie and Genevieve Valle), or just people I would talk to every so often in whatever class I was in.
-----------------------------------------
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Stereotypes
I just saw a commercial on television that has offended me, even though it wasn't directed at my race.
The commercial was for truth.com, a program that is supposed to give people a reality check on what is in drugs and alcohol.
This commercial was in an office setting, with a bunch of executive people that work for a cigarette company. They were trying to find ways to make their product reach target audiences.
When they got to discussion blacks/African Americans (I must point out that all these executives are white men), they said "Why don't we make them in packs of ten since blacks don't have as much money?" All the men agreed and then the slogan "It would have been funnier if we knew that it wasn't the truth."
I was extremely offended by this commercial. The program is basically saying that all blacks are poor and can't afford an entire pack of cigarettes. I'm not a smoker, but I'm appalled at the stereotype. And I know that there are others who are just as offended. This company is treating all blacks like they are all poor, when I know for a fact that it isn't true.
Things like this just piss me off. These people need to grow up and look at reality for once. I wouldn't even be stupid enough to attempt to release something like this to the general public, especially during the Noon news.
New Music Tuesday: Maroon 5 and An Explosion of Boy Bands and Pop Princesses
Happy New Music Tuesday! I tried to find a variety of new songs to share, but somehow I only found pop and dance music. Other than the limited music selection, I hope everyone finds something enjoyable (I'm definitely not lacking in the amount of new discoveries).
Maroon 5 "Runaway"
I think Maroon 5 wants to push this as the song for summertime beach fun. I mean, the video is all about beaches, surfing, and love. Whether that was the intention or not, I enjoy it :-)
Fefe Dobson feat. Orianthi "Can't Breathe"
Fefe Dobson has been around the music business for a few years now, but (to my observation) has yet to make a big enough impact. I hope this song turns all that around. I have always like her Janet Jackson type of persona. This song is on the soft side, but has an awesome guitar solo, thanks to Orianthi!
Jordin Sparks "The World I Knew" (for DisneyNature's "African Cats")
Jordin Sparks has always been the squeaky clean, but vocally powerful American Idol winner. To have her perform a song for a Disney flick is no surprise to me. It's gentle and family friendly. And look at all the baby leopards and lions!! Awwww.....
NKOTBSB "Dont Turn Out the Lights"
First, New Kids on the Block go on tour. Then, they collaborate with the Backstreet Boys for a performance at the American Music Awards, which was when they announced they will tour together. Naturally, a single by all nine gentlemen was the next step. I've only listened to it a couple times and I have not warmed up to it. By the time the concert makes it to Kansas City in July, I'll probably know all the words. Damn boy bands, LOL
Britney Spears "Till the World Ends"
Who knew that the end of the world involved a big dance party led by Miss Spears? I know the song is called "Till the World Ends" but did she really have to hone in on December 21, 2012? That just bugs the hell out of me. However, I do like the color scheme and the choreography. The song is growing on me... I can't help that one of my guilty pleasures is dance/club pop music!
Rihanna feat. Britney Spears "S&M (Remix)"
Britney NEVER collaborates with other artist beyond her own songs... so to have her join in on Rihanna's hot and dirrty song is impressive. I like the new lyrics added to the remix, but I still have trouble believing that Britney is that kind of girl... her voice sounds too innocent (which one of my friends commented that that was actually the autotune setting). I'm half hoping there will be a music video to accompany this version (which Rihanna already said she would love to).
Okay, now that we've covered new songs, it's time to switch gears. Ke$ha made a couple music videos for some of her older songs. I came across them on her YouTube page, just hours after they were uploaded.
Ke$ha "Animal"
Well, now I know that Ke$ha can make a somewhat normal video. I loved the color scheme throughout the video and how there was a little interpretive dance with the people in masks. Not too bad, visually.
Ke$ha "Stephen"
When I first heard this song, the word "creeper" came to mind. Now that I saw the video, I can add "stalker," "obsessive," and "desperate." Oh, and when the mannequin popped up, I immediately thought of A Very Brady Sequel.
Well, enough pop explosion... here's hoping that I'll find some variety by next Tuesday!!!
Maroon 5 "Runaway"
I think Maroon 5 wants to push this as the song for summertime beach fun. I mean, the video is all about beaches, surfing, and love. Whether that was the intention or not, I enjoy it :-)
Fefe Dobson feat. Orianthi "Can't Breathe"
Fefe Dobson has been around the music business for a few years now, but (to my observation) has yet to make a big enough impact. I hope this song turns all that around. I have always like her Janet Jackson type of persona. This song is on the soft side, but has an awesome guitar solo, thanks to Orianthi!
Jordin Sparks "The World I Knew" (for DisneyNature's "African Cats")
Jordin Sparks has always been the squeaky clean, but vocally powerful American Idol winner. To have her perform a song for a Disney flick is no surprise to me. It's gentle and family friendly. And look at all the baby leopards and lions!! Awwww.....
NKOTBSB "Dont Turn Out the Lights"
First, New Kids on the Block go on tour. Then, they collaborate with the Backstreet Boys for a performance at the American Music Awards, which was when they announced they will tour together. Naturally, a single by all nine gentlemen was the next step. I've only listened to it a couple times and I have not warmed up to it. By the time the concert makes it to Kansas City in July, I'll probably know all the words. Damn boy bands, LOL
Britney Spears "Till the World Ends"
Who knew that the end of the world involved a big dance party led by Miss Spears? I know the song is called "Till the World Ends" but did she really have to hone in on December 21, 2012? That just bugs the hell out of me. However, I do like the color scheme and the choreography. The song is growing on me... I can't help that one of my guilty pleasures is dance/club pop music!
Rihanna feat. Britney Spears "S&M (Remix)"
Britney NEVER collaborates with other artist beyond her own songs... so to have her join in on Rihanna's hot and dirrty song is impressive. I like the new lyrics added to the remix, but I still have trouble believing that Britney is that kind of girl... her voice sounds too innocent (which one of my friends commented that that was actually the autotune setting). I'm half hoping there will be a music video to accompany this version (which Rihanna already said she would love to).
Okay, now that we've covered new songs, it's time to switch gears. Ke$ha made a couple music videos for some of her older songs. I came across them on her YouTube page, just hours after they were uploaded.
Ke$ha "Animal"
Well, now I know that Ke$ha can make a somewhat normal video. I loved the color scheme throughout the video and how there was a little interpretive dance with the people in masks. Not too bad, visually.
Ke$ha "Stephen"
When I first heard this song, the word "creeper" came to mind. Now that I saw the video, I can add "stalker," "obsessive," and "desperate." Oh, and when the mannequin popped up, I immediately thought of A Very Brady Sequel.
Well, enough pop explosion... here's hoping that I'll find some variety by next Tuesday!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Movie Monday: Dead Poets, A 1986 Flashback, and Crazy Rockstar Lifestyles
Hello movie watchers! I hope you are experiencing a beautiful April day like me. I've been taking advantage of the outdoors a lot the past couple weeks (and have the tan to prove it). But, for the days where I relaxed indoors, I enjoyed a few films. Enjoy my reviews for the week!
Dead Poets Society
At the Welton Academy for boys, a group of students start a new year with a speech from the Headmaster about the academy's four pillars: Tradition, Honor, Discipline and Excellence. However, English professor Mr. Keating (Robin Williams) has returned to his alma mater to show the boys that they are extraordinary individuals and begins to teach them a new way of thinking and self expression. Some of the students reinstate Dead Poets Society, a club started by Mr. Keating dedicated to reading poetry inside a cave close to the academy. As the school year goes forward, the students learn to appreciate the beauty of self expression, despite what some of the other professors and their parents believe.
I really thought I had seen this before, like when I was in high school. I'm happy I caught this at the very beginning. I've seen other films similar to it (Renaissance Man, Mona Lisa Smile, Dangerous Minds) but this one was the predecessor. I loved how Mr. Keating realized the gifts of these students before he began to teach them and how he pushed them to express themselves as individuals. Even though the movie ended on a sad note, I appreciate how these students fought for what they wanted, good or bad. This is one of those films that I would recommend as a must watch for any high school student. Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Hot Tub Time Machine
Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry) all find themselves at a crossroads in life and decide to take a weekend trip, to their favorite winter resort from their adolescent days. Along with Adam's nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), they spend their first evening getting drunk and enjoying time inside a hot tub. The next day, they find themselves in the year 1986, on a weekend that was vital to every one of them. The friends realize that they have two options: change their fate or relive the weekend as they experienced it over 20 years ago.
The first thing I fell in love with about this movie? The music. Poison, Motley Crue, and many other great 80's songs. There were also a few recent songs that made the film entertaining. I loved Nick and Lou... they were the reason why this movie was so funny! For anyone that wants a guilty pleasure/ blast from the past kind of film, give this one a try! Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
Get Him to the Greek
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) is in need of a comeback after a breakup and horrible album. With the 10 year anniversary of one of Snow's concerts coming up, a Los Angeles record company wants him to come out and perform. Intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) has been recruited to go to London and bring Aldous to the United States. Between several delays out of London, random encounters with drugs and alcohol, and drama between exes (for both of them), they find themselves in a rush to get to the concert on time.
Wow... the rockstar life and all the craziness it ensues. As I expected, I got several laughs out of this film. But, like all other movies made by Judd Apatow and Jason Segel, I always get surprised about the more heartfelt moments, like the interactions between Aldous and his ex girlfriend Jackie (Rose Byrne). I loved all the celebrity cameos (Kurt Loder, Lars Ulrich, & more). This is one of those movies where it gets quoted a lot. If I watch it a couple more times, I'll be able to join in on quote wars with some of my coworkers. Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
As of today, I am planning on going to see Scream 4 on Thursday night for the Midnight showing. So there's a possible hint of what to expect next week!!!
Dead Poets Society
At the Welton Academy for boys, a group of students start a new year with a speech from the Headmaster about the academy's four pillars: Tradition, Honor, Discipline and Excellence. However, English professor Mr. Keating (Robin Williams) has returned to his alma mater to show the boys that they are extraordinary individuals and begins to teach them a new way of thinking and self expression. Some of the students reinstate Dead Poets Society, a club started by Mr. Keating dedicated to reading poetry inside a cave close to the academy. As the school year goes forward, the students learn to appreciate the beauty of self expression, despite what some of the other professors and their parents believe.
I really thought I had seen this before, like when I was in high school. I'm happy I caught this at the very beginning. I've seen other films similar to it (Renaissance Man, Mona Lisa Smile, Dangerous Minds) but this one was the predecessor. I loved how Mr. Keating realized the gifts of these students before he began to teach them and how he pushed them to express themselves as individuals. Even though the movie ended on a sad note, I appreciate how these students fought for what they wanted, good or bad. This is one of those films that I would recommend as a must watch for any high school student. Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Hot Tub Time Machine
Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry) all find themselves at a crossroads in life and decide to take a weekend trip, to their favorite winter resort from their adolescent days. Along with Adam's nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), they spend their first evening getting drunk and enjoying time inside a hot tub. The next day, they find themselves in the year 1986, on a weekend that was vital to every one of them. The friends realize that they have two options: change their fate or relive the weekend as they experienced it over 20 years ago.
The first thing I fell in love with about this movie? The music. Poison, Motley Crue, and many other great 80's songs. There were also a few recent songs that made the film entertaining. I loved Nick and Lou... they were the reason why this movie was so funny! For anyone that wants a guilty pleasure/ blast from the past kind of film, give this one a try! Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
Get Him to the Greek
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) is in need of a comeback after a breakup and horrible album. With the 10 year anniversary of one of Snow's concerts coming up, a Los Angeles record company wants him to come out and perform. Intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) has been recruited to go to London and bring Aldous to the United States. Between several delays out of London, random encounters with drugs and alcohol, and drama between exes (for both of them), they find themselves in a rush to get to the concert on time.
Wow... the rockstar life and all the craziness it ensues. As I expected, I got several laughs out of this film. But, like all other movies made by Judd Apatow and Jason Segel, I always get surprised about the more heartfelt moments, like the interactions between Aldous and his ex girlfriend Jackie (Rose Byrne). I loved all the celebrity cameos (Kurt Loder, Lars Ulrich, & more). This is one of those movies where it gets quoted a lot. If I watch it a couple more times, I'll be able to join in on quote wars with some of my coworkers. Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
As of today, I am planning on going to see Scream 4 on Thursday night for the Midnight showing. So there's a possible hint of what to expect next week!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Xanga Diaries: Part II
When I created my Xanga account, I wanted to pay homage to my favorite show at the time, Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) had her own column in a paper about sex and dating/ relationships. Since I aspired to have a column of my own, I thought that writing would help me establish a younger, Midwestern version of Sex and the City. I named my Xanga account The Next Carrie Bradshaw.
As I read the following post, I realized that I wrote this five days before I got married to my ex-husband. Interesting. I can't remember if we had obtained the marriage license yet, but the marriage was hidden from my family for a long time (not proud about that, by the way).
So anyway, enjoy this blast from the past (which the format totally resembles a college term paper... at least it did to me when reading it, lol).
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Monday, January 03, 2005
Changes
In a lifetime, there are many major milestones (or changes) that one can experience. After one of these milestones happen, there are an unlimited amount of things that can also happen. Depending on how that person handles these situations determines if they believe that they can still reach their goals in life. Why is it that no matter what happens in life, it somehow gets compared to how things were like when we were in high school?
Something that usually is compared first is relationships. When anyone first starts to date, they notice things that they like or dislike about a person. Anytime that a new person comes into the picture, they are automatically compared to that first person, sometimes setting new likes and dislikes. This eventually becomes a pattern and starts a new pattern, dating the same kind of people. For me, I tended to go for guys who played football in high school or firefighters. Unfortunately, for someone who has had dysfunctional relationships, another pattern can develop, comparing the exes to each other by slandering them. One of my exes, I've noticed, is doing that to his most recent ex-girlfriend. He's starting to grow very pessimistic about relationships because of her and because of the girl that he dated right after me. No matter what happens in a relationship, it always is compared to previous relationships.
A fallback to going through a major change is the feeling that you'll deeply miss "the good old days" where everyone was together and had a great time. This happens especially after high school graduation and after college graduation. When a person moves away from their family to pursue their dreams and goals, returning home (either visiting or staying) seems less and less enjoyable. Some no longer feel welcome in their hometown and others develop new (and harmful) habits to try to cope with the change. Some of these habits can be drugs, alcohol, sex, or even crime. This path can lead to be very dangerous to a person, and as long as they have people who care about them, they WILL have the power to get out of these habits (and counseling or medications are not always the answer, I see them as a very last resort type of thing.. and I'd rather not be codependent on either thing to get on with life).
Moving away is another change that definitely gets compared to with the high school days. When somebody moves out and starts to live on their own (or with a roommate or spouse), the "real world" seems to kick them in the ass. All of a sudden, a person has to deal with bills and keeping a job to pay for the bills, budgeting, buying groceries, and (for some) having a family and children. None of these things were issues in high school; the biggest issues used to be boyfriend/girlfriend related or finding money (or begging the parents for some) to hang out with your friends.
No matter what life seems to throw at us, eventually we all have to change. My best advice is just to go with the flow and accept the changes with as much optimism as you can. Unless you enjoy being a pessimist, I don't recommend being one because life seems to get worse and worse if you think that way. And as far as high school goes, it is in the past and you can't change what happened then. But you CAN change what happens in your future...
As I read the following post, I realized that I wrote this five days before I got married to my ex-husband. Interesting. I can't remember if we had obtained the marriage license yet, but the marriage was hidden from my family for a long time (not proud about that, by the way).
So anyway, enjoy this blast from the past (which the format totally resembles a college term paper... at least it did to me when reading it, lol).
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Monday, January 03, 2005
Changes
In a lifetime, there are many major milestones (or changes) that one can experience. After one of these milestones happen, there are an unlimited amount of things that can also happen. Depending on how that person handles these situations determines if they believe that they can still reach their goals in life. Why is it that no matter what happens in life, it somehow gets compared to how things were like when we were in high school?
Something that usually is compared first is relationships. When anyone first starts to date, they notice things that they like or dislike about a person. Anytime that a new person comes into the picture, they are automatically compared to that first person, sometimes setting new likes and dislikes. This eventually becomes a pattern and starts a new pattern, dating the same kind of people. For me, I tended to go for guys who played football in high school or firefighters. Unfortunately, for someone who has had dysfunctional relationships, another pattern can develop, comparing the exes to each other by slandering them. One of my exes, I've noticed, is doing that to his most recent ex-girlfriend. He's starting to grow very pessimistic about relationships because of her and because of the girl that he dated right after me. No matter what happens in a relationship, it always is compared to previous relationships.
A fallback to going through a major change is the feeling that you'll deeply miss "the good old days" where everyone was together and had a great time. This happens especially after high school graduation and after college graduation. When a person moves away from their family to pursue their dreams and goals, returning home (either visiting or staying) seems less and less enjoyable. Some no longer feel welcome in their hometown and others develop new (and harmful) habits to try to cope with the change. Some of these habits can be drugs, alcohol, sex, or even crime. This path can lead to be very dangerous to a person, and as long as they have people who care about them, they WILL have the power to get out of these habits (and counseling or medications are not always the answer, I see them as a very last resort type of thing.. and I'd rather not be codependent on either thing to get on with life).
Moving away is another change that definitely gets compared to with the high school days. When somebody moves out and starts to live on their own (or with a roommate or spouse), the "real world" seems to kick them in the ass. All of a sudden, a person has to deal with bills and keeping a job to pay for the bills, budgeting, buying groceries, and (for some) having a family and children. None of these things were issues in high school; the biggest issues used to be boyfriend/girlfriend related or finding money (or begging the parents for some) to hang out with your friends.
No matter what life seems to throw at us, eventually we all have to change. My best advice is just to go with the flow and accept the changes with as much optimism as you can. Unless you enjoy being a pessimist, I don't recommend being one because life seems to get worse and worse if you think that way. And as far as high school goes, it is in the past and you can't change what happened then. But you CAN change what happens in your future...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
New Music Tuesday: Alien Abductions, A Nostalgic Nickelodeon Game Show and Several Other Videos!
I think I hit the jackpot this week. I got so excited finding several of the following songs that I couldn't wait for today to come to share them with you guys!!! Get ready for a music video explosion... some out of this world (pun intended).
Katy Perry feat. Kanye West "E.T."
I have always been a fan of Floria Sigsimondi's work (other credits include Marilyn Manson's "The Beautiful People," Christina Aguilera's "Fighter"). While the video was visually beautiful, the concept was way over hyped. I expected more out of it. I did find it a little amusing seeing Kanye in one of those spheres that you normally put hamsters in (to run around on the floor).
Porcelain Black feat. Lil Wayne "This is What Rock and Roll Looks Like (Explicit version)"
A pop song with a rock edge... I have found my new guilty pleasure!!! While researching newcomer Porcelain Black (actual name Alaina Beaton), I discovered that her producer is RedOne... just like Lady Gaga. She credits Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, and Britney Spears as her three major music influences (sweet!) and knows that people will think of her rock/pop persona as cheesy. I really love the combo.. maybe too much, LOL. I am very interested to see more of her in the future.
And wow... she deep throated that microphone!!!
Good Charlotte "Last Night"
Good Charlotte (and FunnyorDie.com)... thank you for reminding me why I wanted to be on Family Double Dare when I was a kid!!! I'll admit that the first time I watched this video I wasn't listening to the song, LOL. Once I actually listened to the song, I enjoyed it (although it made the video funnier, since the video has nothing to do with the song). Oh, and where can I get my own Double Dare t-shirt???
Raphael Saadiq "Stone Rollin"
Ooh... a jazzy, Motown song! I already like Raphael Saadiq's style! If his entire album sounds like this, I'm investing in it.
Bruno Mars feat. Damian Marley "Liquor Store Blues"
I was a little disappointed that Bruno's newest single wasn't "The Lazy Song." But, his Doo Wops and Hooligan's album is the first one this year that I enjoy every single track. This song has a very reggae feel to it, especially with Damian Marley featured in it. It's a very laid back song :-)
Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow "Collide"
Well, well well. Look who decided to collaborate for another song! I like this so much better than "Picture" (and not just because this song is new, or not overplayed at every bar across the country). I thought it was adorable to see them play a couple on a first date in the video. I know that they are acting, but it still makes me curious if they would make a good couple or not (outside of their careers). Maybe we might witness some developments while they tour together this summer...
Far East Movement feat. Snoop Dogg "If I Was You (OMG)"
I'm not that big of a fan of Far East Movement. To me, the songs are more annoying than enjoyable. This song isn't that bad compared to "Like a G6," and I like Snoop Dogg's contribution. I was attracted to the bar in this video, with the multi colored lights on the ceiling and how some parts of the video had that really gorgeous orange hue to it. I like bars with a lot of color and lights (but not overly busy, like the one in this video). It makes dancing with friends (and random guys) more enjoyable, LOL
You guys aren't overwhelmed with this explosion of music, are you???? Until next week... enjoy these songs!
Katy Perry feat. Kanye West "E.T."
I have always been a fan of Floria Sigsimondi's work (other credits include Marilyn Manson's "The Beautiful People," Christina Aguilera's "Fighter"). While the video was visually beautiful, the concept was way over hyped. I expected more out of it. I did find it a little amusing seeing Kanye in one of those spheres that you normally put hamsters in (to run around on the floor).
Porcelain Black feat. Lil Wayne "This is What Rock and Roll Looks Like (Explicit version)"
A pop song with a rock edge... I have found my new guilty pleasure!!! While researching newcomer Porcelain Black (actual name Alaina Beaton), I discovered that her producer is RedOne... just like Lady Gaga. She credits Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, and Britney Spears as her three major music influences (sweet!) and knows that people will think of her rock/pop persona as cheesy. I really love the combo.. maybe too much, LOL. I am very interested to see more of her in the future.
And wow... she deep throated that microphone!!!
Good Charlotte "Last Night"
Good Charlotte (and FunnyorDie.com)... thank you for reminding me why I wanted to be on Family Double Dare when I was a kid!!! I'll admit that the first time I watched this video I wasn't listening to the song, LOL. Once I actually listened to the song, I enjoyed it (although it made the video funnier, since the video has nothing to do with the song). Oh, and where can I get my own Double Dare t-shirt???
Raphael Saadiq "Stone Rollin"
Ooh... a jazzy, Motown song! I already like Raphael Saadiq's style! If his entire album sounds like this, I'm investing in it.
Bruno Mars feat. Damian Marley "Liquor Store Blues"
I was a little disappointed that Bruno's newest single wasn't "The Lazy Song." But, his Doo Wops and Hooligan's album is the first one this year that I enjoy every single track. This song has a very reggae feel to it, especially with Damian Marley featured in it. It's a very laid back song :-)
Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow "Collide"
Well, well well. Look who decided to collaborate for another song! I like this so much better than "Picture" (and not just because this song is new, or not overplayed at every bar across the country). I thought it was adorable to see them play a couple on a first date in the video. I know that they are acting, but it still makes me curious if they would make a good couple or not (outside of their careers). Maybe we might witness some developments while they tour together this summer...
Far East Movement feat. Snoop Dogg "If I Was You (OMG)"
I'm not that big of a fan of Far East Movement. To me, the songs are more annoying than enjoyable. This song isn't that bad compared to "Like a G6," and I like Snoop Dogg's contribution. I was attracted to the bar in this video, with the multi colored lights on the ceiling and how some parts of the video had that really gorgeous orange hue to it. I like bars with a lot of color and lights (but not overly busy, like the one in this video). It makes dancing with friends (and random guys) more enjoyable, LOL
You guys aren't overwhelmed with this explosion of music, are you???? Until next week... enjoy these songs!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Movie Monday: A White Swan Goes to the Dark Side
Last week, I was in a new music mood, so movies took a backseat. However, when shopping at Best Buy last Wednesday evening, I couldn't resist investing $15 for a just released Oscar winning film. I watched it the next morning... and really wished I had gone to see it in theaters.
Black Swan
Prima ballerina Beth Macintyre (Winona Ryder) is "retiring" from a New York City ballet company, opening up a lead role in Thomas Leroy's (Vincent Cassel) production of Swan Lake. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) accurately portrays the White Swan but struggles to show her dark side as the Black Swan. She gets the part. As she works on the show Nina finds herself competing with Lily (Mila Kunis), a dancer recently transferred from San Francisco, who is the epitome of the Black Swan. The two begin a strange, twisted friendship that slowly turns Nina's life in a direction that gives her the edge she needs to perform as the Black Swan.
For anyone that thinks this is a chick flick about ballet, you are sorely mistaken. Yes, ballet is a part of it, but it's mostly about getting so enthralled in a role that, in the end, you find yourself changed. Nina has always been a White Swan, between her discipline as a ballet dancer and her (extremely) overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey). Before she landed the role in the production, Nina was already exemplifying self destructive behavior, by scratching herself and the incident in Thomas' office.
The friendship with Lily brought new experiences to Nina's life, also contributing to self destructive behavior. It's very easy to tell that Nina's mother had sheltered her daughter from a lot of things, like what to watch out for in social situations in nightclubs. Then there is the infamous scene between Lily and Nina... a scene that would be embarrassing to watch on a first date, or with your parents. Add the relationship with the director, the breakdown of Beth's career, and the beautiful dancing, this movie was absolutely brilliant. I'm glad I made the impulse purchase. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Black Swan
Prima ballerina Beth Macintyre (Winona Ryder) is "retiring" from a New York City ballet company, opening up a lead role in Thomas Leroy's (Vincent Cassel) production of Swan Lake. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) accurately portrays the White Swan but struggles to show her dark side as the Black Swan. She gets the part. As she works on the show Nina finds herself competing with Lily (Mila Kunis), a dancer recently transferred from San Francisco, who is the epitome of the Black Swan. The two begin a strange, twisted friendship that slowly turns Nina's life in a direction that gives her the edge she needs to perform as the Black Swan.
For anyone that thinks this is a chick flick about ballet, you are sorely mistaken. Yes, ballet is a part of it, but it's mostly about getting so enthralled in a role that, in the end, you find yourself changed. Nina has always been a White Swan, between her discipline as a ballet dancer and her (extremely) overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey). Before she landed the role in the production, Nina was already exemplifying self destructive behavior, by scratching herself and the incident in Thomas' office.
The friendship with Lily brought new experiences to Nina's life, also contributing to self destructive behavior. It's very easy to tell that Nina's mother had sheltered her daughter from a lot of things, like what to watch out for in social situations in nightclubs. Then there is the infamous scene between Lily and Nina... a scene that would be embarrassing to watch on a first date, or with your parents. Add the relationship with the director, the breakdown of Beth's career, and the beautiful dancing, this movie was absolutely brilliant. I'm glad I made the impulse purchase. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Xanga Diaries: Part I
One night in March, I was bored and decided to see if my Xanga account was still active. To my surprise, it was, even though I had gone through the steps to have it deleted a long time ago. As I read all the entries from when I was 21-23 years old, I realized that some of my entries were hinting on angst (this was also the time where I was a new mom and was married to my ex-husband... so some of my entries about my ex were not revealing what was really going on behind closed doors).
After I read all the entries, I decided that I'm going to share them. I have separated the entries into seven blogs, which will be randomly dispersed this month.
To my close girlfriends who may or may not read these... I'm going to apologize now if any of these entries hurt your feelings. This time of my life had a lot of darkness in it... as you guys might remember.
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Friday, December 31, 2004
Four Women, Four Long-Term Relationships, and Four Babies
Three years ago, six close girlfriends spend time together during their senior year of high school. Throughout the year, two of them would always be against each other, either about spreading rumors or about a guy or even about not spending time with each other. Once high school ended, they all went their separate ways to live their dreams. But for four of these girls, life threw them something they never expected to have before their five year reunion... babies. Each had their own unique qualities that made them known to people in high school and now they all are experiencing what parenthood is all about. Even though life can change with a pregnancy test, can a person still be the same after having a baby?
Lets start with the first one to have a baby. In high school, she was the purest of the group and always loyal to her friends. She did not have her first long-term boyfriend until the end of senior year. He later became her fiance and moved in with her and her family. She got pregnant in fall 2003 and had a son in May 2004. She currently works full time, takes care of her son, and is still planning on her dream of opening her own daycare center. She and her fiance are planning to get married in the next year or two and eventually move out to a place of their own.
Then there is number two. She was the wildest of the group and had an on-again, off-again boyfriend for four years (2 years high school, 2 years after). She was the first one to get a place of her own after graduation and all she did was work, party, and spent time with whoever she dated at the time. She also got pregnant in fall 2003, but got married to the father in April 2004. Two months later, she gave birth to a girl six weeks early, creating a little stress on her and hubby. She isn't working so she spends all the time with the baby. She might go back to work, but she isn't sure.
The third one to have a baby is me. If i could describe myself in high school, I was the hopeless romantic who knew she wanted to be a writer. After high school, I went to one college in St. Louis, then came back home to go to the community college. One day, after finishing my finals in 2003, I met a guy at the drive in. By October, we were engaged, living together the next month, and I was pregnant in February 2004. We had Truman in November. I wasn't planning on returning to work, but ended up due to unexpected bills. I'm still going to college, but I'm limited to doing night and weekend classes.
The last of the four women is still pregnant. She was the one that was all talk and no action, but was always there to defend her friends. A few months before graduation, her family moved an hour away, forcing her to graduate without her close friends. She soon after moved in with her grandparents and met a great guy. As time went on, the guy and her would fight, leading to him abusing her mentally, then physically. After one of the girls and I (and our men) tried to help her get out of the situation, she still ended up back with him and stopped defending us when he would threaten to hurt her friends. She is now pregnant with his son and has to deal with some rejection and disappointment from her close friends.
These women have gone through many life changes in the past three years, and we all compare how we were and how we are. It seems like we are all generally the same, but we all have little bundles of joy to care for and love, as well as the men who got us pregnant.
After I read all the entries, I decided that I'm going to share them. I have separated the entries into seven blogs, which will be randomly dispersed this month.
To my close girlfriends who may or may not read these... I'm going to apologize now if any of these entries hurt your feelings. This time of my life had a lot of darkness in it... as you guys might remember.
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Friday, December 31, 2004
Four Women, Four Long-Term Relationships, and Four Babies
Three years ago, six close girlfriends spend time together during their senior year of high school. Throughout the year, two of them would always be against each other, either about spreading rumors or about a guy or even about not spending time with each other. Once high school ended, they all went their separate ways to live their dreams. But for four of these girls, life threw them something they never expected to have before their five year reunion... babies. Each had their own unique qualities that made them known to people in high school and now they all are experiencing what parenthood is all about. Even though life can change with a pregnancy test, can a person still be the same after having a baby?
Lets start with the first one to have a baby. In high school, she was the purest of the group and always loyal to her friends. She did not have her first long-term boyfriend until the end of senior year. He later became her fiance and moved in with her and her family. She got pregnant in fall 2003 and had a son in May 2004. She currently works full time, takes care of her son, and is still planning on her dream of opening her own daycare center. She and her fiance are planning to get married in the next year or two and eventually move out to a place of their own.
Then there is number two. She was the wildest of the group and had an on-again, off-again boyfriend for four years (2 years high school, 2 years after). She was the first one to get a place of her own after graduation and all she did was work, party, and spent time with whoever she dated at the time. She also got pregnant in fall 2003, but got married to the father in April 2004. Two months later, she gave birth to a girl six weeks early, creating a little stress on her and hubby. She isn't working so she spends all the time with the baby. She might go back to work, but she isn't sure.
The third one to have a baby is me. If i could describe myself in high school, I was the hopeless romantic who knew she wanted to be a writer. After high school, I went to one college in St. Louis, then came back home to go to the community college. One day, after finishing my finals in 2003, I met a guy at the drive in. By October, we were engaged, living together the next month, and I was pregnant in February 2004. We had Truman in November. I wasn't planning on returning to work, but ended up due to unexpected bills. I'm still going to college, but I'm limited to doing night and weekend classes.
The last of the four women is still pregnant. She was the one that was all talk and no action, but was always there to defend her friends. A few months before graduation, her family moved an hour away, forcing her to graduate without her close friends. She soon after moved in with her grandparents and met a great guy. As time went on, the guy and her would fight, leading to him abusing her mentally, then physically. After one of the girls and I (and our men) tried to help her get out of the situation, she still ended up back with him and stopped defending us when he would threaten to hurt her friends. She is now pregnant with his son and has to deal with some rejection and disappointment from her close friends.
These women have gone through many life changes in the past three years, and we all compare how we were and how we are. It seems like we are all generally the same, but we all have little bundles of joy to care for and love, as well as the men who got us pregnant.
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