Home Sweet Home

Hello, friends.

We're all aware that I de facto relocated to Southern State for college, and somewhere along the way I fell in love with this damn city. I had every intention of hightailing it back to the Midwest as soon as I walked across the stage (THIS MAY! ZOMG I'M ABOUT TO HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE I STILL OWN A TEDDY BEAR AND HAVE YET TO FILE A TAX.) but like I said, the universe had other plans. So slowly and surely, I've been mentally preparing myself for a life with a 30331 zipcode for the time being, and rather enjoying it. And by "mentally preparing" I mean learning where the nearest Five Guys is and coming up with ways to convince my landlady to let me paint the walls, as opposed to, you know, finding a grad school program or studying for the GED or coming up with ideas on how to pay my own rent.

Priorities, I've got them. Avoidance issues, too.

My mother, predictably, is none too thrilled with her absentminded daughter fending for herself 700 miles away from her maternal, loving touch. My sisters either. Dad's okay with it, though, although he wouldn't turn me away (or, frankly, be surprised) if I showed up on our doorstep a year from now with nothing but a broken spirit and my iPod.

Barring the occurrence of some incredible, handsome Deux Ex Machina and I get married at my graduation party* or something, I'm guessing I'll be in a starter house of some kind for awhile by myself. Nothing excites me more than a place of my own that I can decorate and make my little sanctuary. It would be equal parts beach house, swanky loft, sports bar, and TAKE THAT, MOTHER.

*should I have it in Southern City or go back home? Dilemma!

There would be cheap posters on the walls, mismatched vintage furniture, and a refrigerator chock full of magnets and pictures. Every room would be painted, there would be framed pictures of neat stuff everywhere, candles. It would probably be a little cluttered, lip gloss would be in the kitchen, a collection of flip-flops by every door and mirrors everywhere. Mountains of books, CDs, and DVDs would stay perched on every shelf. Surround sound, duh. Maybe even a hamburger phone! I'd keep sweatshirts and cozy socks in the living room, and I'd have a big TV in my bedroom and an easy chair (the older the better) so I can watch The Office all day. Little Sister got me a Michael Jackson poster for Christmas, so that would have to go someplace prominent, obvs. Mismatched silverware, LOTS of wineglasses, with sunflowers or tulips at the table. All the lovely kitchen decor will distract from the fact that I cannot cook, see.

Every time my mom visits she'll bury her head in her hands and say what is all this junk? What is that writing on the wall above your bed? When's the last time you vacuumed? And I will smile and just be like, it's my house and it's perfect. And then I will win her over with this fellow:

Describe to me your dream house! Virtual housewarming!

'Cause This IS Thriller

I WILL be blasting his music all day.

Since I have a stupid workshop for The Paper all day tomorrow, I'll make this quick.

Happy 51st birthday, Michael Joseph Jackson. I love you. Always have, always will. Your music has been the soundtrack throughout many memorable moments in my life, and I am forever grateful that you shared your remarkable gift with the world. You are the ultimate Thriller!

"But they say/The sky's the limit/And to me that's really true/But my friends you aint seen nothin/Just wait 'til I get through"

If I post nothing else today (and I might because as of yesterday I kinda like this boy) I had to get out one of my legendary birthday tributes to my favorite artist, the late, great, Michael Jackson.

Ch'mon!

Little Moments

Hi, Contentment, I've missed you!

Sitting in my car at the airport, waiting for the rental car for tomorrow's road trip. I'm staring into the sunset over the parking lot, Michael Jackson's on the CD player, and I have some McDonald's sweet tea.

I love looking up and realizing the existence of simple happiness and satisfaction. I love when it comes out of nowhere and I'm cognizant enough to recognize and enjoy it. Like right now. Right now, everything's ok.

Songs By Which to Live and Love

Let the listing continue. I took a loooooonnnggg nap today, which I haven't done in forever, and it did me a world of good. Except now I'm awake.

Top Love Songs

1. So Amazing--Luther Vandross
2. (There Is) No Greater Love--Amy Winehouse
3. I'll Be There--the Jackson 5
4. Lady in My Life--Michael Jackson
5. Just My Imagination--the Temptations



Top Love Lost Songs

1. Love Don't Love Nobody--the Spinners
2. Silly--Denise Williams
3. She's Out of My Life--Michael Jackson
4. Hello, I Need You--Michelle Featherstone
5. Light Years Away--MoZella
6. I'm Gonna Find Another You--John Mayer
7. A House is Not a Home--Luther Vandross



Top "F*ck That A**hole" Songs

1. Before He Cheats--Carrie Underwood
2. Irreplaceable--Beyonce
3. Hate (I Really Don't Like You)
4. U Don't Have To Call--Usher
5. Womanizer--Britney Spears

Five Random Thoughts About Me

Because I'm feeling self-aware:

1. I hate losing things. It grates on my nerves and keeps me up at night when I've misplaced something. I will tear my house/car/dorm upside down, and if I still can't find whatever it is, I will seriously question everybody nonstop until it turns up. Sometimes it works, sometimes I have to suck it up and just buy a new Fall Out Boy CD. Even years later, I'm like, but seriously, I wonder what happened to that sweatshirt/necklace/picture?

2. Despite lots of evidence to the contrary (ha), I really think I'd make a good girlfriend, or dare I say, wife? Not for awhile on that second one, but people always say to me, "I honestly don't know why you're single!" Yuk yuk yuk. Irony aside, I like to imagine that I'm the sort of girl you'd want your brother to date. Anyone got a brother???

3. My favorite music video is "Bad" by (surprise, surprise), Michael Jackson. The dancing is intensely impeccable, it's a fun video, and I always thought MJ looked sooo sexy in it, with his all-black, chained-up outfit, and Jheri curl! Second place? Smooth Criminal--the ensemble dance after the chorus is my favorite part. Oh, I could go on and on...



4. I'm terrified of sinkholes. Utterly and completely terrified of them.

5. Most people find tardiness tantamount to the highest level of uncouth behavior, but I don't mind it because I'm always five minutes late myself. Well, I don't mind up til ten minutes. Anything after that without a phone call is, indeed, rude.

Anyone else have random minutia about themselves?

On the Subject of Michael

I watched the Michael Jackson memorial all day** and I'm damn proud of it.

**as best I could, I was at work. But I saw pretty much the whole thing.

I (somewhat) pity the people who let rumors, lies, and con artists help tear this man down. Being the huge superfan that I am, ordinarily I would love the coverage on MJ, but the reason for it makes it the total opposite. I'd completely trade constant coverage if it meant he was around somewhere, hanging out with his kids.

Also not afraid to say that if you talk shit about the King of Pop--now--I like you a teeny bit less. It is what it be.

Sorry I'm on a bit of a rant, it's been a long few weeks. MJ for life.

Firsts

1. Who was your first prom date?

BFF and Sports Fan (and their respective dates)

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?

Um, I still watch the Pistons and listen to Michael Jackson, so yes. The first guy I had a crush on is in jail last I heard. I really know how to pick 'em!

3. What was your first alcoholic drink?

Tequila. Sophomore year in college. The start of a long and beautiful relationship

4. What was your first job?

A Sylvan Learning Center-type deal. My boss was this Chinese lady and our company logo was this weird smiley-face that had more of a frown than an actual smile. Which was so fitting.

5. What was your first car?

Burgundy Honda Accord named Henrietta.

6. Who was the first person to text you today?

Cali Girl in all her craziness.

7. Who is the first person you thought of this morning?

Sex, if that can be a person.

8. Who was your first grade teacher?

Mrs. Merritt

9. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?

Walt Disney World of course! Oh no wait, we went to Atlanta when I was a baby. So I've heard.

10. Who was your first best friend & do you still talk?

The farthest back I can remember is K, from 3rd grade to about 9th grade. Her dad was a local newscaster and her grandpa a famous mayor. She'd be so embarrassed when people made a big deal when he'd be in the audience at our choir concerts and stuff.

11. Where was your first sleep over?

K's house. It was there that I learned what an orgy was.

12. Who was the first person you talked to today?

Little Sister asked me if I wanted to get up this morning. I grunted "no."

13. Whose wedding were you in the first time?

My oldest female cousin's four or five years ago. Well, she sort of stuck me and Middle Sister in as "hostesses." We had to ask "bride or groom?" and pretend to seat people.

14. What was the first thing you did this morning?

Checked my Blackberry.

15. What was the first concert you ever went to?

Lil' Bow Wow's Scream Tour--still have the t-shirts, I think

16. First tattoo?

I don’t have one and I’m deliberating.

17. First piercing?

My ears.

18. First foreign country you went to?

Canada, as foreign as that can be

19. First movie you remember seeing?

Beauty and the Beast in the theaters, methinks, shortly followed by Snow White and the Lion King.

20. When was your first detention?

In like 5th grade, when the school passed this asinine detention policy for 5th grade infractions like tardies and not doing our homework properly. It soon became a party.

22. Who was your first roommate?

Besides Middle Sister? This anal-retentive girl named Brittany.

23. If you had one wish. What would it be?

To get married and start a family (combo)

24. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?

Play the drums

25. Did you marry the first person to ask for your hand in marriage?

I have never been honestly asked.

26. What was the first sport that you were involved in?

Cheerleading, and dancing before that, if dancing counts.

27. What were the first lessons you ever took?

Ballet, tap, and jazz

28. What is the first thing you do when you get home?

Change into my sweats and pee. And get a snack.

Transformers 2: A Study

I'm still sad. But it's a happy sad. A "sing along to 'The Way You Make Me Feel' through my tears" kind of sad. Before I lost my Favorite Entertainer of All Time, Little Sister and I went to see the midnight premiere of Transformers 2. The theater was hot, and it was long (and a little racist!) but it was a great entertainment. I decided (during a lull in the 2.5 hours of action) that T2 was a combination of movies. SPOILER ALERT.

Harry Potter 7: Optimus Prime dying and whatnot reminded me of Dumbledore's untimely demise. I think I was the only one in the theater who caught the funny part when the mom looks around the college and goes "ooh this is like Hogwarts!"

Also, the Decepticon informed the world that someone must bring forth Sam Witwicky in order to spare the world from destruction. Very Voldemort-esque!!!

War of the Worlds: I myself was exhausted after watching both of these movies.

The Mummy: they were in Egypt a lot, ok?

The Matrix: after every single plot twist and turn, the thing that could save Optimus Pride, and, conveniently, the world, was a doodad called...the matrix. Of all things. Wha? 15 years later, world-saving technology is still limited to the matrix. I shook my head.

I did enjoy it, though, even with Megan Fox's boobies all up in my face and everyone constantly looking perfectly sweaty and dirt-smudged.

Up next in the technically bad but I will probably love it category: GI Joe. Then The Ugly Truth and then, joy of joys! Harry Potter the Sixth. I am so ready.

The Way He Made Me Feel

I can't.

You're telling me that the King of Pop, is gone?

That my favorite artist in the entire world, is no longer with us?

I don't believe you.

My parents' generation has John Lennon. They heard it on the radio. I saw it on CNN. Fucking TMZ.

I was glued to the TV, until it flashed across the screen. Had to close my eyes. Broke down in tears. Never met the man, physically, duh. Don't give a fuck. Still numb. Cried already. Will probably cry again.

The vultures are gonna come. As if they hadn't already. Oh, are you reporting that the stress of media hounding took its toll? No shit.

Listening to Smooth Criminal as we speak. Talking heads on the news getting on my nerves.

When I'm nervous I ask myself, what would Dirty Diana do? I belted "Rock With You" just yesterday. Oh, God, "Rock With You." Cue the tears. "The Way You..." I can't even type it.

I always imagined that was the song I would fall in love to. Never told anyone that before. But I always thought that if I ever needed to know if I was in love, the song "Rock With You" would come on, and he would look into my eyes, smile, and sing along, and I'd know he was The One, because he got it.

Did you know that, Michael? You were supposed to be there when I fell in love. You will be. You said you wanted your music to make you immortal. It will. It has.

Keep looking at the screen, not really watching, still can't believe it. Next time I blast "Streetwalker" in my car, will I cry?

What the hell, Michael? Why, Michael? At the very least, you weren't supposed to die before I saw you in concert! I thought I'd be older when you went. I knew I'd cry though.

This isn't real. Two seconds of "Don't Stop til You Get Enough."

Just cried again.

Update: I saw both my mom and dad shed a tear when they thought I wasn't looking. It's real.

Basketball and Campy TV

All is well al momento. Ms. Politics and I actually ended up going to the game. Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff, shimmy shimmy OWW!

Never mind that I had to practically chase Ad Guy around campus and it took three--count them: me, Music Lover, and Top Chef--to execute this search-and-rescue mission for those damn tickets. Never mind.

After a day of shopping with Dr. Argentina and Cali Girl, Ms. P and I drove our arses downtown and took in the basketball game, people-watched (a specialty of mine), theorized about life, took pictures, got lost...you know, the usual.

Great Saturday. And Al and I are as deeply in love as ever, thanks for asking.

Am now indulging in my show du jour, The OC.** I know, right? Similar to the storied allegiances to either Prince or Michael Jackson or Nas or Jay-Z, TV watchers usually fall into one of two camps: One Tree Hill vs. The OC. (Except for Cali Girl, she likes both. But she [is a loser who] also entertains shows like The Gastineau Girls and that one about the Kardashians). As for me, Lucas, Peyton, and Naley rule my heart, until CG made me borrow her Season 1 DVD of the OC, which I reluctantly watched.

**Does anyone else watch?

Horror of horrors, my heart now belongs to Seth Cohen. He's quirky, smart, and he loves the holidays like I love the holidays. Which is a lot.

In the same vein, I hate that skinny heifer Marissa Cooper. I usually loathe blonde leading ladies on TV: Peyton Sawyer (sometimes), Serena van der Woodsen, and don't get me started on that whiny-ass Meredith Grey. YICK. Marissa is no different. I hate her.

But anyway.

The first season has held my interest for the last two weeks, hopefully the next season won't disappoint. If it does, I'm so going back to One Tree Hill.

Things I Like

There are
A lot of things
That I like
I like Pink. Yellow. Green. Gold. Purple. Lions, Tigers, and Bears. Hershey's Chocolate Bars. Amaretto Sour. Blackberry Curves. Madea. Long hair. Short hair. Betsey Johnson! Laptops. Michael Jackson. The LA Dodgers. Yoga. William Sledd. Fuzzy socks. Spooning. Skirts. Hoop earrings. Swimming pools! Honda Accords. My sisters. Scarves. Laughter. Kisses. Writing. Candy! Ponytails. Lingerie. Black t-shirts. Pepsi. Lip gloss. Rainbow flags. Make up. Crushes. Being happy. Ballet. Amy Winehouse. Wikipedia. Rihanna. Blue jeans. The idea of sex. Escalades. DListed. Cupcakes! Purses. Dirty Diana. The idea of love. Babylon Sisters. Kimora Lee Simmons. Carol's Daughter. Hugs. Dogs. My daddy. The Pistons. Big beds. Gap ads. Broad shoulders. Precious the dog. Louis Vuitton. Titanic. My Ipod. Sexual innuendo. Rainstorms. Hooded sweatshirts. Boys with tattoos. Waffles. Perfume. Weddings. Chocolate! Converse sneakers. Glamour Magazine. Air Jordans. Little girls. Amethysts. Ugg boots. Dairy Queen Blizzards. Writing about lust. My mommy. Tulips. Christmas. Victoria's Secret. Princess Diana. Being called "cutie-pie." Infinity on High. Road trips. Pink Panties. Pink panties. Blankets. Facebook. Pearls. Sunflowers. Four-leaf clovers. T-shirts. Pet names. Blogs. Sunglasses. Gofugyouself. Bamboos. Being half-dressed. Flip-flops. Croissants. Hats. TV. Get Me Bodied. Fancy pens. Post Secret. Bikinis! Verysmartbrothas. Nail polish. Men's shirts. Margaritas. Flirting. Sparkly stuff. Legally Blonde. Singing. Black people. Showers. Songs about sex. Songs About Jane. Peacoats. Diamonds. Cake.
Before I go
I just thought
I'd tell you
Some things
I like
You?

You Sent Me Flying

MEME Rules:
1. Put Your itunes/ music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT
After you’ve answered all of the questions, tag 5 other people and then let them know they’ve been tagged to do the meme themselves!

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
"Streetwalker" by Michael Jackson

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" by Fall Out Boy

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Umbrella (remix)" by Rihanna feat. Chris Brown

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"SOS" by Rihanna

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
"Leave Me Alone" by Michael Jackson (!!!)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Poppin' Bottles" by Birdman feat. Lil' Wayne

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Letterbomb" by Green Day

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Summer Love/Set the Mood" by Justin Timberlake

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
"Me, Myself, and I" by Beyonce (cryptic, but very telling!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"The Carpal Tunnel of Love" by Fall Out Boy

WHAT IS 2+2?
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by Amy Winehouse (to be fair, what's with this question?)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"69" by T-Pain (LMFAO...I get it, though, don't ask!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Last Request" by Paolo Nutini (I may have pressed "shuffle" on this one...the first time I got "Flashing Lights" and I was curious, ok?)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"I Will" by MoZella (eh, makes sense, sort of)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Lesson Learned" by Alicia Keys feat. John Mayer

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Like You'll Never See Me Again" by Alicia Keys

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Burn" by Usher (I hope not!)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill (WHAT!?!)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"This Love" by Maroon 5

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"It's the Falling in Love" by Michael Jackson (so true!)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"In Repair" by John Mayer (this is FREAKY!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Gimme Whatcha Got" by Chris Brown feat. Lil' Wayne (um, ok)

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
"You Sent Me Flying" by Amy Winehouse

Frantic!

Earlier I tried to post from my phone, in the midst of the onset of a networking-induced panic attack, but I couldn't figure out how. So I had to settle for cowering in the corner of the ladies room (on a chair, duh), listening to "Dirty Diana" before I could compose myself enough to enter the job fair.

In case I forgot to say, I'm at a journalism convention in Chicago to schmooze, network, and accept my scholarship (not in that order). A convention, at which, I must say, the esteemed Barack Obama will be speaking tomorrow. So there!

Anyway, the fair wasn't the vomit-inducing, kill or be killed circus I thought it would be. And by that I mean no one was overly rude and there are hot guys here. I had to scribble tally-marks on my left hand (not the handshake hand!) count all the booths I stopped by. But still, I was glad when the day was over and my dad, my godfather, and I could go to Giorzano's for authentic Chicago deep dish. I must say, I'm a little disappointed in myself. Usually I'm good for three slices of pizza, no matter what kind, but honey, after one slice of that cheesy goodness and I was laid out! I couldn't go out like that; I did manage to go back and attempt a second slice (attempt being the key word).

Tomorrow I accept my award. My picture's in the program and everything. My dad got a kick out of that. So if you need me tomorrow evening, I might be busy enjoying my 15 minutes of fame and probably still trying not to faint.

PS-I heard from the Runner today, via Facebook. And a few days ago, Science Guy. *blank stare*

Listen and Learn

And now, for another music-related list! I present, in no particular order,

Ten Albums That Changed My Life*

1. John Mayer, "Room for Squares"
2. Michael Jackson, "Dangerous"
3. Various Artists, the mix CD I made in high school
4. Shakira, "Laundry Service"
5. Fall Out Boy, "From Under the Cork Tree"
6. Maroon 5, "Songs About Jane"
7. Michael Jackson, "Bad"
8. Michael Jackson, "Off the Wall"
9. Various Artists, the soundtrack to "Waiting to Exhale"
10. TLC, "Crazy Sexy Cool"
11. The Spice Girls, "Spice"
12. Amy Winehouse, "Back to Black"
13. Amy Winehouse, "Frank"

*or at least had an incredibly profound impact/represent significant moments in said life.

First in a Series of Music-Related Posts

If I had to describe myself as a culmination of songs, I think it'd a plucky mix of these little ditties:

"She's a Rebel" (Green Day)
She sings a revolution
The dawning of our lives
She brings a liberation
That I just can't define

"Dirty Diana" (Michael Jackson)
She likes the boys in the band
She knows when they come to town
Every musician's fan
After the curtain comes down

"Hey There Delilah" (The Plain White T's)
Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But girl tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do,
Times Square can't shine as bright as you

"Comfortable" (John Mayer)
I love your
Gray sweatpants
No makeup
So perfect

"City Love" (John Mayer)
I've got city love
I found it in [Lucky]
And I can't remember
Life before her name

I could go on and on, into categories like "what Lucky's like in love," or "how Lucky lives her life." Hell, I could do a whole section dedicated to Michael Jackson alone (Girl/when you dance/there's a magic/that must be love). But for now I'll start with these. And of course, no song list describing Princess Lucky cannot be complete without this:

"Shawty right there is a 10."
LOL. What song describes you?

What Do You Believe In?

Today was rather eventful. I'll tell y'all about it later. First, read about these t-shirts.

Awhile ago, I ran across this website that lets you put an "I Believe" statement on a t-shirt and gives the money to the charity of your choice. At the risk of sounding maudlin, I've been thinking about concepts like purpose, accountability, self, and ways to save the environment :) lately, and I've decided that I really want a t-shirt, even if it is $35. Problem is, I don't know what to put on it; I have so many beliefs to choose from! For example, I believe:

-that most people are inherently good
-in the restorative power of laughter and good music
-that professional athletes have more heart than people give them credit for
-in different strokes for different folks
-that Crocs don't look good on anyone
-that every NFL team should play each other every season
-that dogs are almost as good as boyfriends
-in turning off the light when you leave a room
-in the 5-second rule
-in brightly-colored toenails
-that Michael Jackson is the greatest artist of all time
-in the intimacy and comfort of a bear hug
-that rudeness never gets anyone anywhere
-in having odd tastes in food
-that high-fives are underrated
-in believing
-in songs that make you cry

That's just my starting list. What do you believe in?

Hey Pretty Baby With Your High Heels On...

"...you give me fever like I've never, ever known/You're just the product of loveliness/I like the move of your/Walk, your talk, your dress..."

And with that, I gladly present my:

5 Favorite Michael Jackson Songs
1. (Tie) "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Rock With You"
2. "Dirty Diana"
3. "Pretty Young Thing"
4. "Speechless"
5. "Who Is It?"

Honorable Mention:
-"Streetwalker"
-"Girlfriend"