...play it!



Familiar Faces

So I've been going through this insomniatic period lately, and last night was no exception. I didn't feel like reading or doing work in the wee hours of the morning, so I turned on the television. It was about 2 a.m. and there was a movie called 'Something New'. I was interested because it was about interracial relationships....and it starred Sanaa Lathan!

The movie was not very good. I thought the directing and editing were kinda bad (choppy). But I continued to watch in hopes that it would help me fall asleep. Then, all of a sudden, I see a face I think I recognize. It's none other than Rose Rollins....the actress who plays Tasha on the L Word. She has a very small part in the movie, but she's beautiful!

Also, there's a new Dove commercial on television (and myspace). It was a competition where people submitted their own commercials. The winner was Lindsay Miller, who I went to college with. She did an awesome job! I really like the Dove 'Campaign for Real Beauty' marketing strategy. Check it out!

Last Monday was my birthday...not a big deal. I'm not really into celebrating birthdays and stuff. The gf came up, but ended up being sick all week. So I took care of her and had a good time staying in. It's nice to do that every once in a while.

Well...hope that you are all doing well. Have a wonderful week!

posted by em @ 2:52 PM,




HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ok....so it's not until tomorrow, but Happy New Year!!!

This marks the lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. 2007 is the year of the Boar...my year! If you're near a Chinatown or something of that sort, go out there and view the parade. I didn't have the chance to go last year, but I plan on going this year. It should be tons of fun. Plus, good Chinese food!

The lunar new year is a fun time, especially for children. All you have to do is bow and say 'Happy New Year' to an adult, and you'll receive an envelope full of money. Plus, you get all these tasty, sweet treats during this time. Of course, I only came to learn of these traditions when I was in high school. By that time, I had become too old to receive gifts. ::sigh:: Oh well...it's still fun to celebrate! So, enjoy!


posted by em @ 1:35 PM,




Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I'm not much of stickler for celebrating Valentine's Day. You know when you were kids, and you brought your little valentines to school to hand out to people....well, I wasn't one to do that. Sure, I did it a few years in elementary school, but I quickly realized it was a commercial ploy to boost up sales of useless things to end the slump after the winter gift-giving season. Therefore, I was never one to buy gifts for this holiday where you're supposed to proclaim your love (I wasn't bitter...I just never saw the point).

Well, even though I am in a relationship now, I don't really see the point. Why spend money on flowers and chocolates for this one day in February? Why not tell your partner that you love her/him every day! Make your own special days, give unexpected gifts. Being in a long-distance relationship makes it important to celebrate the days you are together. But I feel like a jerk, since the girlfriend kind of appreciates the sappiness of this day. I guess I'll have to really make it up to her when she comes up next week.

Maybe it's ok to fall into the masses and conform on certain occassions? Hmmm...I dunno. This experience has given me a lot to ponder today. I'm also trying to figure out HOW to make it up to her. Any suggestions?

Nevertheless, Happy Valentine's Day to you all. If you enjoy such things, have fun celebrating your love with your partner. And if you are not with anyone at the moment, do not fret, for love is in the air for all. I send you all my love, and wish you all the best!

posted by em @ 1:22 PM,




First Performance

My first performance in front of a crowd (except for the loyal kelkians!) went well. There weren't many people at the bar that night, probably because it was freezing, but it was really nice. The headlining performer was a no-show, so we decided to do a round-robin sort of thing with everyone who wanted to perform.

Mara started off (www.maralevi.com), my friend went up and did some poetry reading, some random straight guy sang some song (just for fun), another duo played bass guitar and sang, and then I went up. We went around 3 times (except the guy didn't sing again...thank buddha!).

So I sang "Other Side of the World" by KT Tunstall, "You Belong to Me" as sung by Jason Wade, and "Happy" by Brandi Carlile.

My heart was pounding out of my chest before I went on the stage. But when I got up there, it was fine. I had fun and did a decent job.

It was a great experience and definitely a departure from my old, shy self. People were telling me I should do it again some time and play at other open mics. I don't know if I'll go that far, but it's a possibility. I'll keep you updated.

posted by em @ 12:21 PM,




Plants

Some of my friends complained that my apartment is dull and boring. They said it needed more life. So I finally gave in and got a plant (one step away from a fish!). I got my first plant around Thanksgiving, a nice narcissus. The gf and I named it Lilly (for some odd reason), and I took very care of her. But a narcissus is a bulb (a type of daffodil), so it doesn't last too long. But that sucker grew to almost 2 feet! Here's a picture of Lilly:



Winter rolled around, and we decided to get another plant. We ended up getting a daffodil since it was so pretty. This time, we named her Daphne (possibly a more suitable name). Daphne was in a shallow pot so she didn't last very long (and didn't have as many flowers as Lilly did...not that I have a first-child preference or anything. Lilly was just more vibrant). So here's an early pic of our second child, Daphne:



Now, I think it's time to make a bigger commitment. A plant that lasts more than a couple of months may be the next step. Any recommendations? I was thinking...cactus (but that may be copping out).

posted by em @ 1:51 PM,




Session 17

Thank you, and farewell!

An all new podcast is up on the MusiCast Sessions page. Check it out!

posted by em @ 3:10 AM,