alexcia in action.

end of august, alexcia playing ball with jimmy [who is not pictured- the guy in the background who is dark is my brother, alexcia's father. this is their place in clearwater.]













she has loved spongebob ever since a little baby- even when she couldn't walk yet and was still crawling. when she lived with me and my parents- i spent a lot of time watching her fave cartoons with her to bond and be with her, and i find these memories are some of my fondest ones. never really watched cartoons til she was born [i mean aside from when i was a child and growing up] so from her i learned new appreciation for cartoons and realized how in ways there is a lot of quirky humor in kid's cartoons that i really 'get' and think very amusing and also that some have real deep meanings behind them with moving stories and often lessons behind it. in ways i think these cartoons can appeal to adults- some seem to be dually for kids and their parents. i really liked that. spongebob was my fave for a long time and when i visit alexcia, if its on, we usually watch it together. i still find it pretty funny and enjoyable. :)

the world is a vampire, sent to drain-

Btw, though it sounds like I complained, the Ruth Eckerd Hall concert was phenomenal and the atmosphere so much more relaxing and enjoyable. I had a good time and all their music was great. Our fave song was Eye off the lost highway soundtrack and other more known songs like: Siva and Bullet with butterflywings. The Batman soundtrack song they did was also haunting and amazing. Also, the Pink Floyd cover they did for 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun' which was about twenty minutes long and intense. I was glad I could sit down for that one. The most interesting thing of this show was that his father came down during the second or third encore to play blues and do a song with the band. It was well received. Not exactly my cup of tea but Jimmy loved it as Billy is his hero!!

The Hard Rock Cafe sound and quality were as good if not even better [although shorter and not many encores or special appearances like Ruth Eckerd] but getting soaked in the rain, having a headache, feeling hungry, and being surrounded by a million people hot and sweaty drunk and loud was very unenjoyable therefore I couldn't enjoy the music no matter how good it sounded just because the atmosphere was too overwhelming for me, too stressful, too much. I can't explain it but I do know it has alot to do with manic depression and anxiety and overstimulation makes me short circuit very quickly. I just cannot handle a lot.

If of interest, this was the setlist at ruth eckerd and it was pretty identical at hard rock as well:

August 20, 2008 - Ruth Eckerd Hall at Clearwater, FL





Click here: Siva : Tour Dates : August 20, 2008 - Ruth Eckerd Hall at Clearwater, FL

Previous Gig - Next Gig

Information : Tickets on sale Friday July 18th at 9AM EST

Main Set :

Tarantula

G.L.O.W

Siva

Eye

Mayonaise

Tonight, Tonight

Speed Kills

Transformer

Superchrist

United States

Once Upon a Time

Again, Again, Again (The Crux)

The Rose March

Today

Bullet with Butterfly Wings

The Beginning is the End is the Beginning

Heavy Metal Machine

Glass' Theme

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun [Pink Floyd]

Encore :

We Only Come Out at Night

In the Summertime [Mungo Jerry]


Smashing Pumpkins At Ruth Eckerd Hall- August 20, 2008

Jimmy and I- I hate how I look here. I look SO tan!!!

Here is a peek at the tour shirts I collected from both shows:

Zero





Red Statue of Liberty Tee

I got a red girly t-shirt to try to soak up all the rain at the hard rock live concert where I got saturated to the core. It looks just like the cover of Zeitgeist album as seen below:



This one was Jimmy's:

His was black with white design with a drawing of something like death. I don't know if I can find a site that has a picture of this. I think it's this one, the Holy War t-shirt.

The world is a vampire, sent to drain

Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames

And what do I get for my pain?

Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game

(chorus)

Even though I know - I suppose I'll show

All my cool and cold-like old job

Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage (2x)

Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved

Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage

Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal

But can you fake it, for just one more show?

And what do you want, I want to change

And what have you got when you feel the same
(chorus)

(chorus 2)

Tell me I'm the only one

Tell me there's no other one

Jesus was an only son

Tell me I'm the chosen one

Jesus was an only son for you

(chorus)

(chorus 2)

Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage

Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved

Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage

And I still believe that I cannot be saved

-Smashing Pumpkins

Billy Corgan's Live Journal

I am a master of a nothing place

wedding looming overhead + flurry of ideas ensue.

We got our florist quote last week and have to finalize that by the end of this month and finish that up, take my mom there to put money down and such as we havent set up the formal contract yet or even reserved the day yet and that must be done by September.

One idea we had- we liked these hanging lights we saw at target made of metal, in a butterfly style, dragonfly and these clear white chinese style little cubes that light up with chinese characters on it [cant describe but if i find a pic on target.com, ill email you it] they are meant for patio decor but we were thinking of for our reception decor at wedding and also considering some chinese lanterns. this is of course dependent upon if we can do this without disturbing the reception halls walls and without breaking their codes and rules. Jimmy said he needs to talk to the lady Janice at the chapel again before we do this or go ahead with that idea. We'd of course like some feedback on what you think on this idea.

Oh here are some pix of ideas off target.com in reference to what I mentioned to u above!!

dragonfly lights- ten piece



there were some butterfly ones with a darkened tarnished silver look and a sort of teal color for butterfly stem but i cant find picture of it on target online

also the chinese white cubicle like lights arent to be found online either so i cant show u what i mean!

last, here are some lantern styles but want to look at other stores that sell lanterns before deciding. its an idea anyway :)

We spent Sat at Jimmy's parents for his dad's birthday and Sunday we finally got our Target Bridal Registry done. that was great fun. they had so much more fun, cute things than bed bath and beyond which is so proper and a bit snooty- plus it was a more relaxed experience since people werent hounding us to buy the most expensive brand or following us everywhere we turned to manipulate the choices we made so it was way better!

Also, we did receive the wedding invites via UPS last week so we have to start working on that this week. things are going to be so busy and stressful. I hope we can get everything done in time before the wedding. I am a complete nervous wreck these days and feel upset quite easily- its just been overwhelming lately!

touch aveda salon & spa is the clear winner!

To: Jenni

Subject: we like touch salon & spa and have phone appt on saturday for more info!

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008 2:11 AM

Hi Jenni,

I just wanted to let you know that we've called the top three salon places in the list I sent you earlier. After speaking with Michelle at Touch Salon & Spa, the one you got the flyer info for me, we felt that salon seemed to offer the best and was most attentive, seemed experienced in working with weddings whereas the other ones seemed to not offer much information.

The woman at Touch actually took the time to get some of the basics of our wedding, date of wedding and time we had to be at the chapel on wedding day and all the details such as how many bridesmaids would be there and so on. We explained to her that the bridesmaids only want updos and nothing else. It was suggested I get my hair trimmed, colored and have my brows done a week before the wedding by every salon we called so thats probably what I will do.

They do offer a trial run of makeup and updo which is what I definitely wanted for myself. I think she mentioned it costs extra but for me, its a must that I have a trial run. She said the bridesmaids didnt have to do a trial run and that most didn't but I kind of already knew that. I didn't expect you or Shannon to do that. It was me who wanted that.

Mainly I want the trial run/practice because I dont know what condition my hair is in [i have split ends] and what formal updo would look best with my hair texture and my face shape esp when I am adding a tiara and veil. I think it would be helpful to have a hairstylist who knows what might look best on me, so that is why I wanted a practice before deciding on a style and the same with my makeup- I want a chance to try the makeup colors and makeup looks before deciding on a final look for myself, but I think more than likely I will show them pictures of makeup styles that Ive worn in the past in my own personal pix because I do want to look like myself and pretty much have the makeup styled how I would do it. Mainly what Im paying for in getting the makeup done by a salon is the expert touch of someone doing it for me perfectly and with a steady hand. I just want my eyeliner put on by someone so it doesnt look crooked or all smeared because I'm not the most coordinated or good with straight lines and making my eyes look even. I have a tendency to mess up or not be able to make both eyes match each other perfectly.

And the other huge reason why I've decided to get my makeup professionally done is that I want someone who can make my skin look better, more balanced [i have very blotchy problematic skin and dry patches]. I think a makeup artist could make my skin look flawless and more balanced with the right foundation and concealer and products that I don't really own and are probably more expensive than I can afford. I don't have any good foundation/concealer or what makeup artists use and that is one of the biggest appeals to having my makeup done by a professional.

Anyway, we have arranged a time where we could talk to the woman at Touch Salon further about prices and about putting together a customized wedding pkg for me with a price quote. She would also be able to give a price quote for the bridesmaid updo's. She set up a phone consultation appt for Saturday afternoon , as she said she'd have more time to go over all the information we need to know and answer any other questions we may have as well as give an idea when we should be there on the wedding day [what time] and all other pertinent information and then if we decide to go with this salon, we'd probably have an in-person consultation appt set up in the future.

I will let you know what happens if we do decide to go with this salon. The good thing is that it's near the area you live. I think this might be the salon we choose if it isnt too expensive for us. Jimmy felt like the woman was really helpful too and attentive to our needs, willing to work with us and eager to make everyone happy. [the other salons we called seemed impersonal and less friendly] Hopefully it all works out for the best. Thanks again for suggesting it to me and sending me the information. :)

Love,

April

---

From Jenni:

That would be cool. If Shannon wants to go with them also. I am happy that they are open that day. I am cool, with going there.

The great thing is, if you like them and choose them. That it is by my house, so once we get our hair done, we can come back here and have something to eat, or whatever, and calm down before we have to head out to the church and stuff.

I assume the church/chapel has a place to get dressed, but if you wanted to get dressed here, we could do that. And, head over in the truck. Or take the dresses and get dressed there. I hope that made sense. Anyway, if we all go to the same salon, that would be convenient. Since Shannon doesn’t live here, it is probably easier for her to go wherever we go.

- Jenni

---

Secured appts with Touch Spa & salon, all details and reply to ur email!

Jenni, I did have the phone consultation with Michelle at Touch salon and spa on saturday. she didnt ask for any deposits and gave discounts for each thing i am doing and for everyone else involved so it worked out nicely and the dates are booked. Just thought I'd give you a heads up. this is what we came up with [some of this info isnt relevant for you, my appts with the salon are more involved than yours becos of being the bride but i still thought id share with you what pkg deal ive worked out for myself with them :D

so this will be it: November 15th saturday- consulation with anna about cut and color and tentative updo for wedding. will have cut, color, and brow waxing that day at 3:30pm. it will cost approx. $160 for all that i need to get done that day but she will give me twenty dollars off so it will be about 140. I feel its reasonable but its mostly because I never go to salons or treat myself to a professional cut or color ever and its been over ten yrs since I have so I feel I deserve this. also jimmy gets his hair cut every month and though its cheap where he goes, it still adds up. he spends more on his hair than i ever do. it isnt over-the-top in price because i feel i do not do anything luxurious for myself and havent in this entire relationship. jimmy felt the price was good enough and was ok with it - i think he knows its once in a lifetime and not anymore expensive than the other four salons we investigated.

November 22nd- saturday- at 3pm, I will have my trial run of the actual wedding updo where u bring your tiara to have a practice session and also do a trial on wedding day makeup. that costs $135 but she is giving me twenty dollars off on that as well so in total it will be $115 after discount. Neither of these two appts I shared with you involve you but I just thought Id share with you and give you an idea what they are charging me for being the bride and all the services that are included.

And then finally, on the wedding day, November 28th Friday - she recommends we have our appts [me the bride, you the matron of honor and shannon bridesmaid] at approx. 1pm. she says we only need about 2 to 2 and half hours to do everything and to be able to leave by 3:30pm and make it to the church by four pm.

So, anyway for a simple updo the Touch salon woman Michelle said these cost $65 [it is 105 if u get your makeup done with the Updo and she offered twenty dollars off of that price for both you and shannon BUT I told her that you and shannon didnt want that and would do your own makeup. So the price is a little less without.] She will give both you and shannon 20 dollars off the 65 charge for the Updo.

Note that we need to be at the chapel by four pm at the latest accdg to Jimmy. As far as we know the photographer recommends we are ready for photographs by 5pm, if it changes I will let you know. the photographer we hired recommended pix around 5pm because we want pix before sunset when there is still sunlight and our ceremony isnt til 6:30pm when it will be dark out already since its Fall and at the end of Nov.!

The photographer also said he will take us to the beach nearby for some scenic type pix before sunset since we both wanted something sort of romantic. I dont know if this is the main wedding party or just bride/groom. But both Jimmy and love the idea and saw some of their work where they did this in the past, their beach photography and we agree we think it would be beautiful and special so we've elected to do this.

We can discuss next time we are in person more of these details and if you want to stop at your house after the salon before the chapel, IF you think we have enough time to make it to palm harbor and all.

I plan to get dressed at the chapel as my dress is very very formal and I don't want it wrinkled or the discomfort of having to wear it during the long drive to the chapel, id just rather get dressed at the church and have you and shannon help me get the dress on as it's not a dress I can put on by myself esp the top part of it. I need someone to help lace up the back, it is intricate and fix the train and all that for me :)

Btw, when given a tour of the palm harbor chapel, we were taken to a huge room within the chapel, its either in the back or upstairs but its a huge room for the entire bridal party to get dressed with mirrors and adequate place to get ready. It looks just like a bride room and very nice. Trust me, u may want to get ready there and do all final touches in the dressing room at the church :)

Anyway this is all for now, I just wanted to get you up to date on the salon!! Hope you are great.

Love and hugs,

April

project runway blurbs and sheer genius -

two fave project runway blurbs from michael kors judge

"it looked like a handywipe gone wrong"

"it looked like toilet paper caught in a windstorm"

also blayne- the tanorexia guy and the faces he makes, his strangely shaped funny eyes

and stella the trashbag motorcycle biker prostitute designer with her tough ny accent and rough look " lethhh-ah"

other fave bravo reality tv show-

sheer genius- hairstylists competing-

kim vo with his smirky lip smile and scrunched squinty eyes from smiling so hard at everyone.

and other stylist with his "hi-hi"'s

oshun -

no longer on the show, let go on the first episode but his persona was so hilarious that mmy and i always refer to him - repeating lines he said because he made us laugh a lot. with his: oshun. i've got the potion and the motion...my name is ohhh--shun and i'm deep" he enjoyed bragging about how he had a few emmy awards for doing famous celebs hairstyles. we knew it couldn't be true. i had never heard of him and both jimmy and i looked at each other laughing, saying to each other, is he FOR REAL? lol apparently many of the other contestants and his closest peers thought the same of him. saying oshun was something of a bullshit artist or something to that effect. we believed them!

currently, charlie and daniel are most amusing and seem to have great talent in hair.

charlie is the artsy cynical arrogant one with blk glasses- he loves to talk behind everyones back and is very sarcastic- i know he can be mean but i find him very amusing and hilarious.

daniel's boyish exuberance and overexcitedness about everything is highly amusing and entertaining to me- he actually exclaimed how he wet his pants when the orange county housewives were on the show as a haircut challenge for the show. daniel spoke of how he had a party for the orange county housewives trash reality show's finale cos he just loves them so much. most distinctive about him-- his texas drawl and love of hair spray, big hair etc.

year zero + trent reznor + HBO???

Trent Reznor In Talks To Bring "Year Zero" Series To HBO

Artist: Nine Inch Nails

Last week brought news of HBO's negotiations with Kanye West for a new reality series, now we can officially add Trent Reznor into the mix.

Year Zero, which is Reznors vision of a worldwide chaos and nuclear war could very well turn into an HBO series, according to The Los Angeles Times.

"It's the most exciting thing on the horizon, [and] it's the thing that, when I wake up in the morning, it makes me say, 'God, it would be cool if that happened,' " Reznor told the Times. "This is my grand ambition. Will it happen? I don't know. It was fun sitting and telling [the HBO] guys and watching them shake their heads and having writers on board and producers that are into it. It's been a fun thing."

Reznor has always said that he wanted to expand upon the Year Zero idea, and there have been talks to bring it onto our screens in the past, but this opportunity seems to be more promising than the others. If HBO eventually givees the green light on this project, it could very well mean a new NIN album.

"We would have a second ARG tying into the second album and [that] ties into the series, and they all happen together with a budget needed to pull that all off. There would be a tour down the road," Reznor said. "The record completes the story — the ending that no one knows. I know what happens. I knew when I started it. And it's not what people think."

MTV News

Posted on 08/12/2008

olympics crazy!! (not me!!)

[i wrote this earlier in august, during the constant coverage and obsession that some americans had over the olympics via television. for the record, i find things like olympics overhyped and overrated. it's not really my cup of tea although i do enjoy gymnastics and some diving]

August 12.2008

Has anyone watched the olympics? Jimmy is a fanatic about it and about american teams. and thats all his family watched 24/7 when we visited last Saturday. after hrs of it, I decided to go into the guest bedroom and watch a real tv show I liked by myself alone and then went to sleep there. I was so bored. they spent all day watching olympics and then all nite baseball. then olympics after I woke up from the nap and I had to argue just to get him to leave the tv so we could make our drive home.

I dont mind the olympics a little [like once or twice a week or at least spread out so its not everyday] but not every single day. however jimmy is not the same. he would like to watch it every single nite and day but has RECENTLY tried to compromise because of me [well see how long that lasts] but only because i got angry on Tuesday and pissed off after 4 or more days of constant sport coverage and olympics and not having a say in watching something NON olympics when it is my place too and I live here. i couldnt take it and it gave me a headache/migraine strength.

I just couldnt imagine 17 days, day and nite of olympics which is originally what Jimmy intended and planned on doing/ watching it every nite til he went to bed and nothing else. meaning he didnt care if i wanted to watch something else other than sports and if i was stuck watching olympics the entire nite everyday until the olympics ends, it would not bother him at all. I found it highly selfish. and immature. I believe in taking turns and sharing but like a typical male, that concept is hard for him to fathom or practice with me.


I just couldnt tolerate this. i want some variety on the tv and to be able to watch some things that we both like and that are relaxing. sports is noisy and involves a lot of yelling/cheering. i cannot even read a book or do anything relaxing when that racket is on and everything i enjoy doing is in the living room not in the back bedroom. I felt he was being very unfair and man-like, one sided, reminded me of dad and having no say in my own house.


Anyway after i blew up earlier this week, he took a break from the olympics but he has recorded it everyday and that is about 3-5 hrs of sports to watch and since he wants to be caught up everyday on olympics, it means that I have ended up watching it more than i even cared for or intended to.

When we fought earlier in the week, he told me he had never seen anyone NOT into the olympics [i looked at his parents and family friends and knew exactly why. all of them are sports fanatics and remind me of the jocks/cheerleaders i hated in hschl who NEVER understood me and looked down on me for not being athletic or liking athletics. they bullied me, made fun of me, and ridiculed me for being nerdy and NONathletic in highschool. his family attitude reminds me of the people who made me ashamed of who i was and who never truly accepted me for being different and who also judged me harshly and were very superficial mean spirited people. I have never been into sports and never will be. they need to learn to realize im not them, i am myself and to accept who i am. everyone is different and just because i dont like sports doesnt make me a bad person or abnormal or lower than them.]


In the same above fight, Jimmy told me I was abnormal for not being into the olympics. he also said its abnormal i never watched it much before him. the times i did watch it was like one or two nites out of the entire summer and only the competitions i liked like the gymnastic dances and the diving. so it wasnt like i was forced to watch the parts i felt were boring and i certainly didnt have to watch it every waking moment i was alive. When someone is forced to like something or forced without any choice to do or watch something- its only human nature that you become turned off to it and begin to hate it and eventually despise/resent whatever is being forced on you.

Jimmy also had to watch the entire olympic chinese opening ceremony last Friday. i was so bored, and lonely that nite. I was mostly was on the computer, outside smoking or fell asleep during the nearly five hrs of coverage.


a lot of the olympics is incredibly boring- like volleyball and canoeing and stuff like that. but jimmy LOVES it all. even the boring sports.


tonite, we were watching the gymnastics portion and this was the only time I enjoyed watching the olympics since it started last week, I have to admit.


I liked this series better because i find it more exciting/challenging when its more than just floor exercises as it can be a little boring and tediuous to watch for hours. and i also think watching the men perform is more exciting than the women and the beginning focused mainly on the men gymnasts on balance beam and on the trapeze thing.


I preferred the balance beam competitions in the men and women's divisions that we saw tonite. i could not watch it for days in a row though like jimmy.


Also I tend to like the NON american teams- like the russians and the chinese and he is the type who puts down anyone who isnt american and makes annoying rude comments while they are performing, like yelling screw up to that chinese girl who is actually one of my faves after watching her tonite along with the russian girls who I think really have a natural grace and agility to perform more than the american girls do !!


I hate people like that, who will only cheer for americans and will BOO anyone from any other country in the USA. i think its stupid, immature and almost catty/childish, snobby. superficial judgemental. closeminded.


That's probably why i hate sports and jocks/ sport-fanatics because they are only for one team or one state or one country and arent interested in seeing others and like to make put-down rude sarcastic remarks towards anyone not on the team they love [whether it be USA or the state of FL].

i like to watch performers and make my own decision that isnt always dependent on IF they are american or not. i tend to like the european performers best.


jimmy would prob be annoyed if he knew i was saying this. but i just do NOT get what the big deal is about olympics or why anyone would be that obsessed!! I really dont care. I would not care if I missed it at all and it wouldnt change my life but the way he acts, he cant live without seeing the olympics every single day it is aired and if he does, its like he might have a heart attack because he has to be watching it so he can talk to everyone around him since it seems everyone he associates with in life are all sport fanatics. everyone except for me!! I simply dont get it or understand why he even wanted someone like me if sports and being into sports is such an important priority for him and for the girl he spends his time with.


Jimmy's mom calls everyday and when he isnt watching a sport game or prob the olympics, she quizzes him and acts like there is something wrong if he isn't because she is!!! I feel like if he isnt watching it that she secretly believes I am manipulating him into not watching sports and that she resents me and blames things on me since she knows Im not into sports and I know by her past reactions, she thinks its weird and abnormal that I am not and taht Jimmy picked a girl who isn't sporty or into that kind of thing.


His mom as usual made some sarcastic comments about the fact that I do not cook, towards me. Her along with her two female friends ganged up on me - making sarcastic comments how they cant believe I am not into cooking as if every woman is. and also how they think I should love to cook and his mom again insulted me with her: "Well you just have to learn to LOVE it. I DID because I had to, I was forced to. Thats what you have to and need to do." I didnt respond much but I wasnt going to let her manipulate/pressure me with that and said simply, Its not for me and when they kept pushing, I made sure to say things in a tone that they could tell I was going to get very angry if they kept pushing my buttons.

I nearly blew up. i told them i found food uninteresting and boring and didnt really care about eating much or food, it didnt excite me. I was sarcastic back towards them and I believe they noticed it. I was sarcastic because they were telling me how i should feel and very rude, putting me on the spot and trying to belittle me, scrutinize who I am in front of everyone and in the pool. It felt very humiliating and I feel she does it on purpose. Its NOT the first time.


I overheard her critiquing jimmy yesterday that i dont cook and he does and that its wrong and he is quote, "too easy". [in other words she thinks he lets me get away with murder and taht I dont treat him right. which means she feels I am not good enough for her son. I always feel she thinks that about me and I know its not my imagination. I am annoyed over this still. I could never handle living in the same vicinity as her or having to be in her home for more than a few days. I would go insane. She is controlling and constantly critical, judgemental of others. she may not realize it but its the sort of energy I do not want around me. I cant stand people who make me feel like I am lower than they are and that no matter what you do, its not impressive enough. No wonder Jimmy has so many issues of self doubt and lacks confidence in himself, never thinks he is good enough or successful enough. I feel sad for him that this is what makes him that way.


His mom was also trying to insist i need to go to a tanning salon for my wedding day to have tan skin since i got sort of burned. and she said if i wanted to be perfect, id want to go tanning once. i dont want to be tan and i tried to tell them all i hate tanning esp fake tanning and dont think it looks good, think it looks fake [ugly, leathery like lizard] they told me i was weird. i know why they said this. its cos they look like the ones i think look horrible, overly tanned, leathery and aging from being overly in the sun. i bit my lip but i felt like i was going to blow up.


+++


I got this VSL that seems to echo my sentiment about the olympics, that its truly OVERrated and that there are actually some normal intelligent people who are NOT into olympics and whose lives do not revolve around silly sports!! HA- I sent it to Jimmy during his crazed obsessive days with cramming as much olympic activity into our days/nites as he could!

Why we’d rather watch the Olympics in Britain

WEB VIDEO: "BBC Sport’s Olympics Monkey"

Tonight’s the big kickoff for the Olympics. But before you’re sick of NBC’s whole theme-songed, video-packaged enterprise (the network plans 36,000 Hilton-Coke-ExxonMobil-sponsored multiplatform hours of coverage, the equivalent of four years of 24/7 broadcasting), check out this brief and fetchingly odd Web-video alternative.

Created as a promo for BBC Sport’s Olympics coverage, “Monkey” is the brainchild of Damon Albarn (lead singer of the band Blur) and Jamie Hewlett, the pair behind the virtual art-pop supergroup Gorillaz. The wryly animated video is based on the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West as well as the alt-rock opera Monkey: Journey to the West, another Albarn-Hewlett collaboration. It follows Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy as they travel to Beijing. Along the way they must battle various foes by using their skills in (naturally) swimming, javelin-tossing, running, pole-vaulting, and hurdle-jumping.

If we were giving out medals for network promos, there’d be no competition: BBC Sport’s Monkey would get the gold.

“BBC Sport’s Olympics Monkey”

The New Yorker’s profile on Damon Albarn

Ask.com for more information about “BBC Sport’s Olympics Monkey”

to a friend

the VeryShortList.com archive

choosing the best aveda salon for my wedding. (the options)

We will be calling the salon tonite and/or tomorrow to get information and price pkgs for wedding day. All the salons I am considering only use AVEDA products/makeup and they kind of specialize in the relaxology/aromatherapy experience in a salon so ive heard it is very calming and some even give a massage as part of the service.

We are going to go with one of the five AVEDA salons below but won't know which one til we call and weigh pros/cons to pick the best one for my wedding day needs. Whichever one we choose will enable a practice trial run of makeup and updo in addition to wedding, that way I will get a chance to know what styles are good or best for my hair type and facial type/personality. It will also minimize mistakes happening on wedding day or being stuck with a style that does not suit me or look good. I am anxious over that so having a trial run makes me feel better.

The pricing is pretty reasonable and Jimmy agreed, its not too expensive considering what it is for. Some of these salons are called 'concept' salons and 'lifestyle'- lifestyle we figured out means flagship store and concept is a store that branched out of the flagship but is prob more independent from aveda and doesnt practice everything the flagship store might. I am assuming that is how it is.

So here are the main ones we are looking at with price ranges:

[note that the ones starred are the ones both jimmy and i feel have the best potential and look really good based on reviews we saw online and their websites!]

** 1- Whole Salon & Spa [concept salon]

Oldsmar, FL- 813-854-4455
Hours: M-F 9am-9pm; Sat-9am-7pm; Sun-10am-5pm

Service Menu + Prices Online:

Haircut- $25-75 [i am only getting a basic trim and my hair is one length so id hope any of these salons would charge me the lowest end of the price scale!]
Single Process Hair Color- $40-85
Wedding Package for Updo and Makeup: $190 includes trial run of bridal hairstyle UPDO / Makeup and for day of wedding! great deal/price.
Brow- approx $20


* 2- Level Salon- [lifestyle aveda salon]

by USF on Bearss Ave. in Tampa, FL 813-972-0404
Hours: open til 8pm on most days, at least on M-F; Weekend hrs may close a little earlier.

Service Menu + Prices Online:

Haircut- starting at $25
Haircolor- starting at $50
Bridal Makeup- $80 [inc. trial run and day of wedding]
Updo- Prices not listed, suggests a phonecall to find out price or any wedding pkg deals.
Brow- $15


* 3- Touch Salon & Spa [lifestyle aveda salon]
Citrus Park/West Chase area. 814-1390
Hours: ??? Not listed, must call for days/times open for business.

Service Menu + Prices Online:
Haircut-$45
Haircolor-$65
Updo-$55
Brow-$20
Bridal Makeup [don't know if it includes trial run, need trial and day of] $60
Wedding Pkgs- suggests call to find out any pkg deals


4- Rituals Salon [concept salon]

by Clearwater Mall 727-797-2800
Hours:


Service Menu + Prices Online:
Haircut-$25-50
Haircolor-$40-50
Updo-$35-50 - must find out if extra charge for bridal/tiara/veil updo and if they have pkgs that do trial run of hair/makeup and on wedding day etc.
Bridal Makeup- $40
Brow-$20

-I won't consider this salon unless it has a good wedding pkg and has experience in doing bridal and wedding events. Won't know til we call and investigate more later in wkend.


5- Dillard's Dept Sotre in Citrus Park Mall

Phone Number: 926-4545
No Information on website. Must call for hours and prices and any pkgs, and ask if they even do wedding events etc.

upcoming weekend + randomness in pictures.

Stay tuned for following entries to be more catch-up related entries.

I am planning to do a series of pictorial entries based on our July two day trip to Sarasota. We got some really pretty pix, some cool ones and I've been really eager to share this with everyone ever since we got back from that trip but life has been so crazy and non-stop that I just haven't had the time til now.

I'll try to post and share the Sarasota trip in segments but it will be either tonite or later in the weekend that I start on that. I only have about an hour left to write in here before Jimmy gets home and our wkend begins so I have to be quick...

By the way, it is gonna be a busy weekend again. We head out to Jimmy's parents in Inverness tomorrow to see them and his dad for his birthday. JOY!

I hope I will not have to hear her [his mother's] incessant harping and criticizing otherwise I might burst.

I really mean it- she sometimes has a way of pushing me that makes me feel I might explode on her and in front of everyone there. It has gotten close in the past and I try to keep my cool but I am always on the edge of losing it. I admit.

Nothing grates on my nerves more than someone harping and telling someone how they should run their lives and making that person feel small and tiny and worthless. It fucking PISSES me off.

I also do not enjoy it over there since the tvs are always on in the living room, huge surround sound one and outside by the pool. I feel they are at times dominated by TV and have nothing better to do. they arent interested in other things, interactive things, games, reading, talking, doing other things besides tv.

The worst part of it is the tv is always turned on to ESPN sport channels and nothing else and I am stuck watching or ignoring something on the screen that bores me to tears, makes me wish I could go home, and I don't find it relaxing, fun or exciting. I don't get it and its impossible to read with a loud hoot and hollering crowded game going on. I just cant so often I will nap or sleep while they spend hrs watching.

He has remarked sarcastically that I always sleep when I'm there well its cos we are there for one or two days and I am stuck bored out of my mind because the only thing they do is watch tv and watch the thing i hate and am bored by the most in the world, sports.

If anyone was forced to watch tv the entire time they were visiting someone and could only watch a channel or show that bored them or they hated, I think they would give in to sleeping to escape as well. It's just logical natural human reaction. I don't look forward to visiting his parents because there's very little to find excitement over. Maybe if we actually watched movies or things I liked my attitude would change but everything revolves around what the father wants and the mother caters to it all. thats why I get frustrated at times with Jimmy.

I sometimes feel he expects me to be like his mother, voiceless, unassertive, does only what father likes, forgets about her own ideals/likes/wants - puts husband over herself, has no self identity. I absolutely REFUSE to be that sort of woman. Most of our fights are really about my fear of being oppressed as a woman. I am feisty yes, but I am feisty because growing up I had to be.

I hope our time at Jimmy's parents goes fast without incident. He hasn't stated if we are spending the nite. Often he likes to do that if possible and I absolutely hate it, hate being in someone elses place with someone elses things and someone elses rules. I am not comfortable, can never sleep or feel relaxed. I hate it. They only live an hour and a half away , driving so there isn't any reason why we need to spend the nite other than Jimmy is very close to his family and also his parents nag him when he is not spending the nite and make him feel guilty. yes they are controlling in my eyes but he'd probably say that this means they are loving. I kind of see it differently but I don't say a word.

Oh and some very RANDOM pix before I end this one!

Some pix of my cutie kitty noelle in my closet in the office room :D

..and Jimmy bought these funny snacks over at Walgreens last weekend. I found them really hilarious and amusing so I took a few pix of them to share with everyone :D

And...Jimmy taking a load off on our futon couch last weekend.



I mainly took this picture to show off our new futon cover which I love - the softness, and color/pattern- it fits so perfectly with a lot of the colors we already have in our place..its brown/champagne yellow/bluegreen/ sage green shades in stripes. we got this cover on sale and with ten dollars off at Bed, Bath and Beyond last month. I find it so so cute :D

More Misc. Random Pix:




Really happy and excited to get these stackable bins in one of my fave colors in clear plastic at Target on sale last weekend. the top was so cute and was meant for a dorm, stackable plastic little bins that looks like a makeup kit when its all put together.

I like to compartmentalize everything I have and enjoy organizing and obsessively reorganizing things in general [kinda ocd but not really, jsut relaxes me. I know I'm strange] and thought this was so cool for when we do go on little trips like visiting jimmy's parents and I need my beauty products and shower stuff with me- perfect for travel and it was only 5.99.

The other two storage I plan to use for my sentimental journals, mementos and to put away clothing im not wearing right now in my closet to make more space. I love anything that promotes space saving. im always looking for new and innovative space saving furniture everytime we visit target or bed bath and beyond.





I LOVE my new converse manilla colored canvas tote bag which I bought last weekend. That was my impulsive buy of the month for 19.99. I think its so cute and cool looking and quite different than anything I own currently- that is why I wanted it plus perfect for the pool, beach, traveling, and the list goes on.

I love bags that can be used in many versatile ways and are practical enough to be used in many different life situations! Plus I gravitate towards the brands and styles related to surf and skateboarders alike! Love other brands like roxy, billabong, + the like! :)

I most love the snaps on the bag with outer pockets and also the star symbol log on the snaps itself. If anyone hasn't guessed, very into fashion and design.

One of Jimmy and I's most favorite shows we watch every single week is Project Runway. Ive been a fashion junkie since a teenager and collect fashion mags and have files of stuff and binders of favorite fashion photography from the past 10 or so years.

In highschool, and early college, I was gravitating towards going into the career of Fashion Merchandizing and being a Fashion Buyer but due to antisocial personality and lack of business sense, that dream was quickly diverted into psychology and then into writing. All there are still strong interests and desires and talents of mine.

I still am fascinated most by fashion illustration, fashion editing and fashion photography. It'd be my dream to delve into any of those subjects. I'd love to put together a magazine. that may even dabble into graphic design but I feel technically- I suck and without a photo or graphic design degree- it is nothing more than a mere dream.

My brother allister in cali is a graphic designer and also has a dual degree in photography and is an artistic gifted person. I always wish I were more like him. I think he takes amazing pix and he just shared with us the other day all his pix and videos from his trip to Japan, it was both interesting and entertaining and the architecure design and detail of the buildings was exquisitely beautiful in craftmanship and design.

I think both Jimmy and I dream of going there one day, Jimmy even more so who is a big sushi lover [ps I hate sushi, it makes me want to vomit LOL but i am interested in japan for its beautiful visuals, technology, and artistic buildings and architecture. the food, unless cooked, i have minor interest in LOL]

+++

New Journals I bought mostly from Borders last month and elsewhere [ps Im a journal junkie too, I collect and use them for various projects, words, thoughts, feelings and things of inspiration. Ive been this way ever since a child. I am and have always been truly a writer and recorder of memories, experiences, and influences all around me in pop culture, media, fashion, film, music/songs/lyrics and literature/symbolism/metaphors and dreams- whatever is going on at that time can always be found in my personal at home journals. I am one of those nostalgic people that is very attached to everything I experience and thrives on remembering past and present- often. especially past. whether good or bad. I thrive on feelings and memories. Its what keeps me and brings me truly ALIVE.



a borders journal above i found on clearance at borders in july. its spacey and out of this world, so it appealed to me :D


Some pages from my new notebook which I've designated for my scrapbooking project of styles I love in terms of haircuts, color, and makeup/beauty as well as fashion. i just began creating this last week.


below is the first page of the section for haircuts i love for myself, the second one after this is of a makeup style that i tend to be drawn towards. i like the sultry smokey eyed look with natural or mauve colored toned down lips. that is what i am gravitating towards for my wedding day. its an evening look that i think is very flattering on my coloring and representative of my personal style when i am made up. i most prefer the black eyeliner cat-eye or french lined look whether natural or made-up.i also am inclined towards the gothic cleopatra style black lined eyes with a lot of black mascara. i love dramatic looks!




In the past ive always had my hair in bob cut styles that angle towards the chin, and they flattered my facial features and shape. however now that ive gained weight, i dont think i could pull it off. ive had long hair for several years and most of my life have oscillated b/t short cuts like above and my long sorta natural wavy styled hair. most of the time i have it up in a scrunchie mainly for convenience and because its always hot here weather wise. But lately because I think I look fat if my hair is down. I feel it overemphasizes how round and heavy my face really is now that ive put on pounds and feel very unconfident to wear it down nowadays. my hair is pretty close to as long as it was in previous entry but not quite. If i don't cut it til the wedding, it would prob be as long as the 2006 picture i posted last nite if not longer than that. i think i will trim it up an inch or maybe a few inches prior to the wedding though!





Other Journals I got:






[the end--- for now!!]