Elsja Down Under

Blast to my Past May 8, 2010

Friday night Andrew and I did something I haven’t done in a REALLY long time. We went and saw a local band play at a small little local band-type venue.  All of the shows I’ve been to in the last few years have primarily been big name, big cost events so it felt like I was walking back in time a bit. I felt a little sad when I first walked in. I used to love going to shows. My friends and I went to them ALL the time. It was a weekly ritual at one stage in our lives. Now I never go to shows. I never see bands period. I realized something yesterday… my concert days are completely OVER now that I moved to Australia. Like EVERYTHING else in this country, tickets to see bands are ridiculously priced and I just can’t justify spending $73 to see a band like Vampire Weekend. As great as it would be to see them, that price is exorbitant.

My nostalgic reminiscing quickly disappeared when the 2nd band came on stage. This is how they sounded…

ROOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWR!

It was horrible. Repulsive. At one stage, the “singer” (is it even legal to call him that?) said “This song is called This is Hell.” I turned to Andrew and smiled excitedly and exclaimed “Kind of like my life right now.” It was a total Blair Waldorf moment.

In the end, the band we actually went to see came on and were quite good. Probably not my number one pick but they weren’t screaming like satan so that was a major step up from the previous band.

The atmosphere overall was really strange. There were so many types of people there. It wasn’t like the good old days of ska shows where all the kids were wearing their checkers and converse (while Jen and I dressed in our cute dresses and high heels). No, it was like this weird alter realm where Glamis, a Rage concert, a Fall Out Boy video and a Tony Hawke game  all came together in one confused universe. I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in in all of that mix. Additionally, I was reminded or made aware of quite a few other things last night:

1.  Shows are loud

2.  My feet and back hurt after standing in one place for 2 hours

3.  I will never understand how it is enjoyable to have sweaty long hair whipping in your face as you headbang

4.  Some girls need to look in the mirror before leaving the house

5.  Screaming is not a talent I ever aspire to master

6. People actually still mosh

In the end it was nice to get out and do something different for a change. It was nice to be whisked back 10 years to my days of seeing local bands. Those were some fun times.

FINALLY! September 21, 2009

Itunes FINALLY created a “wishlist” feature. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. For YEARS I’ve been saying they needed this option. I couldn’t even begin to count the the number of times I’ve been browsing and have come across a song or album I might want to buy- just not right at that moment- and I just wish I could add it to a wishlist. Well now I can! I am so happy. I had been putting off downloading the new version of itunes because it just takes forever to install. So today I went to download the first episode of Gossip Girl and it told me I HAD to install the new version. FIIIINE! But when I did, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Right there in front of me was the very thing I had been wanting for sooo long! It really made my day!

I’ve already added numerous albums to this wonderful new list and as soon as I actually have some spare money, I am going to buy them.  Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make me oh so happy.

Random Thoughts July 7, 2009

After seeing the preview for “My Sister’s Keeper,” I decided to read the book, so I bought it and could barely put it down. I finished it in a few days and then waited patiently for the movie to come out. I went and saw the movie with my mom and sister and it sucked. Well, I shouldn’t say it sucked- it wasn’t a bad movie, it was just terribly depressing and totally different from the book. People bitched about Twilight being different from the book- but that was a heck of a lot closer than this movie was!! I’m glad I read the book but sad the movie did not live up to it AT ALL.  So… after seeing the preview for “Time Traveler’s Wife” I’m hoping it will be a bit better in it’s movie form. Upon seeing the preview, I ran out and bought this book as well and I’m looking forward to reading it after finishing the one I’m currently reading.

I was watching “60 Minutes” the other night with Andrew. There was a special on about kids with Autism and animal therapy. We watched for about 20 minutes and it had this reoccurring background song that played throughout the whole story. Do you know what that song was? It was Bella’s Lullaby from the Twilight soundtrack. Random right? Andrew thought it was pretty strange that I even recognized it, but it’s a really nice song so how would I NOT recognize it?? I didn’t even really want to watch the special that was on, but I couldn’t change the station because the beautiful song hypnotized me

I haven’t gone to bed later than 8:30pm since I got home. With that said, I also haven’t woken up earlier than 8am. That means I’ve averaged about 11-11.5 hours of sleep the last two nights. How am I still tired? I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that I’ve woken up each night at 1:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 to pee and stare at the ceiling for 10 minutes. Luckily I have a great ability to fall back asleep when I wake at odd hours of the night!!

My favorite song of the moment is “Sometime Around Midnight” by The Airborne Toxic Event. I had heard the song a bunch of times but finally decided to actually listen to the words one day and it’s really sad!!  I went and downloaded some other songs by the band and they’re pretty good- but I do have to say that I like their slower/deeper stuff more than the fun happy sounding stuff. Maybe that’s just the type of mood I’m in lately.

I don’t like it when it is 48 degrees outside. It is much too cold. Currently it’s 53 degrees and raining and my nose is frozen. Not fun.

I DO like my new Ugg boots. I totally see why people wear them everywhere even though they look retarded. They are super comfy and warm and when I have to leave the house and put on actual real shoes I get kinda sad that my feet have to be cold for a few moments and I have to go through the effort of putting on socks and tying laces. So today I decided to walk all the way to the bank in my Uggs. I’m sure I looked dreadful but my feet were happy.

Ok… those are my random thoughts for the night- now time to take off my Uggs so I can go sit in a hot bath in hopes of defrosting my nose while reading another book that might be a lot better than the movie (The Kite Runner). I’ll get out just in time to hit the sack at 8:30 on the dot.

UGH May 7, 2008

I had a whole Idol review typed out last night. Hit post and then went on my merry way. Well this morning it has disappeared. Damnit! All that work for nothing. SO here’s my revised SHORT review.

David Cook: Song 1 was fine, song 2 was good. He’s still the leader I think.

Syesha: She has really stepped up! So much personality and a great voice! I really like her now, but her second song was still quite boring to me.

Jason: BLEW tonight. Song 1, SUCKED. Song 2 was better but still wasn’t good. He needs to get out of his cloud of pot smoke and get his act together. I’ve accepted that he won’t win, but I still hope he makes it in the music world- I’d like to hear more of him.

David A.: Song 1- GREAT. I loved it! Song 2- boring as shit. But he still has a great voice, especially for a kid! He’s come around and I’m starting to like him again, I still don’t think he has enough personality to be a real star though.

Predictions:

Syesha and Jason will be in the bottom 2. Jason will be out for 2 reasons. 1. He blew tonight. 2. Syesha is always in the bottom 2 but she never loses, so I’m sure it will be the same tonight.

I Love Neil Diamond April 30, 2008

Maybe it is just because they are what I listened to when I was a kid (or what I was exposed to via parents)… but something about Neil Diamond songs makes me happy and it makes me even happier to watch the American Idol top 5 them. Ok maybe not, but I am glad they aren’t singing any more Mariah Carey! A whole night devoted to good ol’ Neil. 10 whole songs… and that means 10 whole reviews from Moi.

So here are my thoughts on tonight’s performances:

Jason- Forever in Blue Jeans: Didn’t wow me, but I did like the version. I pretty much like any of Jason’s versions of anything. He just has that style that I like.

David C.- I’m Alive: Sounds like all the other David Cook songs, raspy, raw and growly… but it was fine. Not my fave.

Brooke -  I’m a Believer: This was shit… just sounded like she was singing the annoying Shrek song. Sounded shaky and blah. And WHAT is she wearing? She just needs to go.

David A. – Sweet Caroline: Wow… he finally had some personality and livened up a bit. Maybe someone gave him the 411 that he’s usually boring as shit… it was kinda cheesy, but he sounded good and I give him props for actually moving and smiling for once.

Syesha – Hello Again: Kinda boring version- but I’m not sure you really CAN make this song un-boring. I do like Neil’s version much better though. Ok but to give her some credit she’s really good. I feel bad she’s been in the bottom so often. I know I said I wanted the girls all booted, but she has a good voice- she’s just nothing new to me.

And WTF is wrong with paula abdul? She’s losing it.

OK round two.

Jason- September Morn: Mmm his voice makes me melty. Me likey. I can see why people think he’s “just ok” but he’s only been “just ok” in the last few weeks. What happened to him? Wheres the hallelujah/over the rainbow singing Jason we once knew and loved? I’d still buy his album over anyone else.

David C. – All I Really Need is You: Why did he have to go and pick the 2 songs most people don’t know? It’s like he had to just be original and different…whatev! Ok I admit it… he’s the best. Ugh. I don’t like to say that- but he’s just been putting Jason to shame these last 2 weeks.

Brooke – I Am I Said: I think she redeemed herself on this one. I actually liked her for once. I give her credit for not only learning to sing the song, but also learning it on piano as well!

David A.- America: Except for the voice crack- it was good. Didn’t give me the chills, but it was good. He’s back in the running for me.

Syesha- Thank the Lord for the Nighttime: She definitely has the most personality but I didn’t like this song. Sounded like a gospal choir. Over it.

SO there you have it… my professional opinon.

My prediction for the loser tomorrow is Syesha or Brooke. I base this on the fact that they are always in the bottom 2/3. I still think if I had to pick, I’d get rid of Brooke. Gotta keep the guys in the top 3 like planned. Well, my plan at least

And YAY… Neil Diamond will be back AW DAMNIT… I JUST REALIZED I WONT BE HOME TO WATCH IT. damnit damnit. nobody spoil it for me. I’ll have to watch the repeat when it shows again on Friday.

Idol April 13, 2008

I love American Idol this season. It’s the only season I’ve ever fully watched. Is anyone else really sad that the Aussie got voted off? Awww poor Aussie boy. I’m watching the results show now (because I missed it the first time). I don’t think I can watch when he gets cut, it may just bring me to tears, or not. He was really damn good, one of my faves. Then again, I had 4 faves, so now I still have 3. The girls all blow. Ok, they don’t…but I’m just over them. The girls should all get axed so the boys can be in the top 3.

Jason Castro is my absolute fave. David H. is really really good as well… but Jason is just more my style. He’s pretty unique and picks some awesome songs- like Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley) and Over the Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo). I noticed that after Jason sang these songs, they jumped into the top 10 downloads on itunes. (Yeah, I’m a geek who notices these types of things). None of the other idols had songs that did that (that I noticed).

David A. is one of my faves too… but he has fallen to number 3. Sorry dude, maybe next week you can change my mind and jump back to number 2.

Soooo… Jason gets my vote. Not really I guess, I don’t actually vote. But in my head, he’s the winner to me. Plus, he’s cute.

PS. It’s POOOOURRRING rain.

AGAIN.

My “Expert” Concert Review October 20, 2007

Since I like music but am by no means any sort of expert, I’ll write this review with one disclaimer: this is my OPINION

Last night, Andrew, Kate, Muzza and I all went to the Linkin Park concert. I know some of you are already thinking to yourselves… “WHY?” Well, in addition to being a hot pilot, Andrew also works for a radio station called Nova and he decided to work a shift at the concert. So he got paid for the night AND we all got free tickets. Can’t really pass that up.

Chris Cornell opened and while I think he has an awesome voice, he was boring as shit. I enjoyed listening to the 3 songs I knew… and wanted to fall asleep during the rest. Not discrediting him or anything- but it just didn’t do it for me. Plus he looked depressed and CRACKED out. Maybe that was just the rockstar look he was going for.

Linkin Park on the othe hand put on a really good show. Now, this doesn’t mean I actually enjoyed it all, but I still can appreciate that it was really good. They had a cool stage and lights (we all know I love me some light shows at a concert) but seriously, no matter how hard I try… I just CANNOT appreciate screaming. Ok, I take that back… andrew will freak at me if I say that. I CAN appreciate how hard it would be to scream like that and then also sing nicely without sounding like you just smoked 8 packs of cigs… but again, I can appreciate- but me still no likey. They played some songs I knew of course… the overplayed KROQ singles, but they played a lot of songs I didn’t know. Two of them were really nice slow songs and I really did enjoy those- I kept waiting for screaming to come ruin it… but it didnt…they just were nice the whole time. But one song- my personal fave included a piece where Chester screamed over and over “put me out of my misery…”

I knew JUST how he felt!

I think I enjoyed a few things about this show that I don’t normally see/hear in the US.

1. The guy on crack/E/too much redbull next to me who literally was dancing and jumping around like a maniac. No rhythm, no structure to his excitement. Just waved his arms around and jumped up and down looking like a monkey. I was just waiting for him to hit me on accident so I could give him the evil eye. I felt REALLY embarassed for his girlfriend. I just don’t see that in the US because I don’t typically go to shows like Linkin Park where the fans are cracked out nutheads.

2. I thought it was great when the whole crowed started cheering and chanting… “Kickin paw, kickin paw, kickin paw.” HUH???  Ummmm yeah turns out they were saying “Linkin Park” but it took my Aussie boyfriend to translate because to me- PARK has an R in the word…to Australians- it’ doesnt. Just sounded like Pawk.

3. The Wave. Do people actually still do the wave? Well in Australia, yes… they do. I love the wave. While I didn’t participate- Andrew and I had a chuckle for about 30 seconds while the wave went around the crowd about 4 times before people finally got over it. I’ve seen quite a few waves in my time at sporting events- but never at concerts.

Overall, I wasn’t totally miserable, but I can’t say it was the best thing ever. I’m glad Andrew really enjoyed himself and I could be with him- but again, the screaming just gave me a headache. Literally- I still have a really bad headache even now. When the encor came, I really felt for the true fans. I thought that they must be really sad knowing that this show, the one they were excited about for weeks, the one they spent $100 bucks on, was about to come to an end. I didn’t mind though, I was tired.

 

Music Makes all the Difference May 31, 2007

So I finally put some new music on my ipod… not tons, but about 5-6 songs that I could add to my gymjam playlist. Seriously, I was so bored at the gym every day listening to the same 40 songs over and over… well really it ended up being the same 10 songs over and over because I was ALREADY sick of the 30 others on that list. I would go to the gym, but my motivation to actually work hard had kinda blown out the window because all they play on the stupid TVs are ESPN and CNN. World news and sports that I have no interest in (including the SPELLING BEE they played on ESPN yesterday) do not get me excited to sweat.

Anyways, it’s amazing what just one little song can do! Yes I know I added 5 or 6- but really, theres just one that pumps me up It’s my new (old) favorite song. I say new (old) because I’ve liked the song forever, but I’ve never actually had it on my ipod until now. It’s the Underworld song from Trainspotting (born slippy). That is seriously the best song ever to get me in the mood to work out. I just play it over and over and I can run forever. Well… not forever. Hopefully it will be awhile before I get sick of that song too.

It’s a good thing I have my newfound motivation to work harder at the gym, especially since this is what we spent the day doing on Monday:

Now, I don’t even really like cake all that much, let alone chocolate cake. I know, I’m weird. But, these little adorable bite size pieces of heaven are just delicious! I think it’s that yummy glaze stuff that appeals to me. You can just pop a cute little flower in your mouth… and then another… so quick, so easy… so dangerous!!!

So we spent a lot of the day Monday making these (that’s my pink one up there) and then I’ve spent a lot of the rest of the week eating them. And one box of cake mix makes about 23487234 of these things! I wish they would disappear into someone else’s belly before I eat them all!!

Beat It April 11, 2007

One Week Down March 15, 2007

Well I’ve officially been here exactly a week now. I can’t decide if the week went by fast or slow. I think it’s weird to think I’ve been here that long- but it doesn’t seem that it’s gone by too quickly so that’s good. And the best part is that i still have over 2 weeks left. 

Tuesday Andrew worked for Nova, the radio station his brother Paul is a DJ for. They had this outdoor broadcast down at Manly beach. I got to tag along. Basically they had a band come and do a short interview and then play 2 songs. The band was Hinder. Not sure if you know who they are- but if you listen to the radio I’m sure you’ve heard their one hit- “Lips of an Angel” Ok let me reiterate- ONE hit. These guys thought they were the BIGGEST rockstars! HAHA.  I know their song is number one and all but seriously guys- you aren’t big famous rockstars yet. I mean geez- they’re from Oklahoma, most people haven’t even heard of them. Well, I take that back- according to their myspace page 453,313 people have. 

I must say though- they did sound pretty good. I can’t say they are my preferred choice of music- but they are good for the genre that they fit into. I think I may have grew to like them if they didnt have such big egos. It was funny to hear them talk about drinking and partying all the time and meeting hot  girls every night. Oh and the fact that the one guy set himself on fire and then jumped in the bathtub… that was really cool. He said he wants to be on jackass. I say stick to music. 

I thought it was very fitting when the DJ -Jaba asked if any of them were gay. Such a perfect question to ask!

Here’s a short video for you to all enjoy  

Hinder Nova OB

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In addition, it was interesting to see all the freaks and weirdos at Manly. There was the old drunk guy that told the Nova crew that he just got out of jail for murdering his 2 brothers. Not to mention he just robbed a liquor store which was why he had about 5 bottles of alcohol in his backpack. 

There was the fat bearded lady. I’m not joking. This lady was fat and had a beard. Not a few straggly hairs- she was pushing a goatee.  Then there was the other old drunk sufer guy from california who came up and started asking me if I had ANY free stuff to give away. He too was drunk… hanging out with his kid and his friends. His 16 year old kid who was smoking and his hoodlum friends who spent about 5 hours just loitering near the beach. He then proceeded to describe the weirdos at Manly- not realizing he was one of them. 

It was an interesting afternoon. But I got to meet a bunch of cool people from Nova and I had fun- even though Andrew kept thinking I was bored   Š

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Near Tragedy November 17, 2006

Last night I opened itunes to add some new music I got from Jen and I freaked… where was my music?? There was no music. My itunes was completely empty. Not ONE of my songs was in my library!!! Where did it all go you ask??? Beats me, I’d like to know too! I do know my computer has been doing some peculiar things lately… but my computer has never acted up so much that it would do something so tragic! This could have been disastrous… but luckily I have all my music saved in separate files on my hard drive. It was somewhat of a pain transferring it all back into itunes… but I did it and that’s what matters. My playlists on the other hand, those were lost forever- so i had to kinda recreate a few of my favorites. I guess it also gives me a good reason to create some new fabulous playlists. Good to change things up every now and then.  

Crisis averted! 

 

What a bore!! October 1, 2006

My life is utterly, completely and disgustingly boring lately. I have spent the last 2 weeks (since I returned from Sydney) sitting on my couch… or bed… watching TV. Literally, that’s all I do! Tuesday-Thursday I worked, and last weekend I did have some social contact at my sister’s b-day party… but other than that and going to the gym, I have done nothing but watch obscene amounts of TV. While watching TV, I have also managed to update my itunes, clean out some old files and order pictures.. oh and the highlight of the last two weeks… I went to Target. The strange thing about all of this??? I am actually choosing this life. I prefer to sit at home and be lazy and miserable. Why?? Who knows?? This weekend I did want to go to a movie or something but unfortunately that did not happen. One good thing has come out of this television marathon madness… I discovered a new CD that I like. I heard a song on a show, and so I googled the lyrics and found out it was KT Tunstall, who I have heard, but never really paid much attention to. Anyways, I love this song… mostly because it applies to my life at the moment. Sadly, I could not find a link to the video for the song, but it’s called “Throw Me a Rope.”  I’ve listened to a few clips from other songs on a different album by her and I think I will buy it- or get it for free from Jen. Oooh and as I write this, there’s ANOTHER nice song on this show. It’s got a good soundtrack. I can’t wait til the end of the show when they say “tonight’s episode contained music from…” Ahhh the joys of sitting on my ass at home 24/7!!

Rainy Dashboard Nights September 6, 2006

So we made it to the Dashboad concert last night and it was nice You could definitely see, or hear rather the effects of jet lag on poor Chris Carraba. They seemed a little tired and played some pretty slow, mellow songs- but they were still great. The venue wasnt huge, standing room mostly, but luckily for me- not too crowded. An Aussie band called Antiskeptic opened and they were pretty good. Jen- remember the beautiful set with shooting stars and all the cell phones in the crowd that looked like stars? Well, he attempted that here… didn’t go over so well. He even called the people in the back lazy cause they didn’t get their phones out. HEHE.

Well anyways, the most interesting part of the night was definitely not the band. I’ll backtrack a little. It all started when we walked out the front door to get in the car and it was drizzling… we still get in the car. As we start driving I ask Andrew, “do you have an umbrella?” His reply was “no I’m a boy” hmm ok. Anyways, I said- “What happens if it starts pouring down rain and you have to walk really far to your car because you have to park far from everything in this city?” His reply was “that’s NEVER happened to me.”

hmm.. oh really?

Well so anyways… get to the concert… evertyhing’s wonderful… fun times… then we walk outside when its over…

it’s POURING

So what could we do? Well, like everyone else around us, we just said “1…2…3…” and then RAN for it. (Oh I also took of my shoes and ran barefoot because with thongs on I probably would have just ate it since they are so slippery)

This is what my pants looked like by the time we got to the parking lot so you can imagine how the rest of me was. It actually was Kind of fun running through the rain, but it sucked sitting in wet clothes in the car for 35 minutes before we even got out of the parking lot (yes lot, 1 of 2 I’ve seen this entire trip).

 

 

The thunder and lighting were cool last night. Perfect cuddle weather. The thunder stopped after we went to bed, but like all of Australia’s natural glories, we were woken up by a LOUD thunderclap at 6:00am. That’s all. Just 1. Just a random bit of thunder that said… “hmmm I think I’ll scare the crap out of everyone who is sleeping peacefully in their beds at the moment!” Took the place of all the birds since they were probably taking cover from the rain.

Lucky Me! September 5, 2006

Guess who I get to go see tonight in Sydney of all places??

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Yippeee I’m so happy. Thanks to Paul for hookin us up! It’s just so wonderful that of all the times they could come to Sydney,  they chose the same time as me. It’s like they just KNEW I would be here. It’s wonderful.

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FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS August 31, 2006

I got it. Who wants it? Well, maybe you already have it but if not… let me know. I can’t say I really enjoy it much because it’s mostly R&B which I hate… but looks like there are a few fun songs. Maybe you’ll like it if you like Usher, I however freaking hate Usher soooo its not so much my style. I’m sure some of the songs will grow on me! Thanks to my myspace friend Nick for passing it along.