It's my last day of being 26 - my birthday is tomorrow. I'm sitting alone in A Latte Cafe in downtown Norfolk, working on what will hopefully be my first novel (nine pages so far!) and waiting for 8:00 to roll around, so I can head over to The NorVa to see Ben Folds with Michelle. A new friend of mine asked when my birthday was the other night while we were at dinner, and I told him I'd rather not say. He keeps texting me every night, "Happy Birthday? Maybe today?" because I wouldn't tell him the exact day - only that it was this week. Turning 27 as a single girl with two cats and half a condo seems a little traumatic. I think it's official. I'm getting old.

Tags: birthdays, books/music/movies/tv, concerts
This crazy trip has got me feelin': artistic
And I'm singin' along to: Better Together - Ben Folds

If you've been keeping up with me for the past four years, you might remember when I first discovered the brilliance that is Streetlight Manifesto. Since then, I've been lucky enough to see them in concert two or three times.

Anyway, Tomas Kalnoky is my hero. He's an awesome writer.

Streetlight Manifesto finally released a new album - Somewhere in the Between - this past November. And, apparently, they've created their first official video! Check it out!

Tags: books/music/movies/tv, hot lead singers of bands
This crazy trip has got me feelin': chipper
And I'm singin' along to: We Will Fall Together - Streetlight Manifesto

Shark Week is cool.

Tags: books/music/movies/tv
This crazy trip has got me feelin': content
And I'm singin' along to: Fins - Jimmy Buffett

Have you heard the new Reel Big Fish song? Supposedly, "Party Down" has been playing on the radio sporadically on the West Coast. I say, skavoovie. Their new CD comes out July 10, and they're touring with Less Than Jake and Streetlight Manifesto. If I have it my way, I'll see them live three times this summer - Baltimore, Norfolk and Richmond. I can't wait!

I'm sick of emo music. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone else is, too. It could be the beginning of the fourth wave! I'm talking two-tone belts and skanking in the streets! Think about it - no more mushy, whiney crap on my iPod!

Here are the signs:
1. BOTAR is auditioning new musicians (including an oboe player...hmmm) and supposedly releasing a full-length album.
2. LTJ just released a new CD.
3. Streetlight Manifesto is supposed to release one soon.
4. RBF finally broke away from Jive records and is ready to have some fun.
5. The Pietasters and Buck-O-Nine are both releasing new albums in August!



Ska kids unite! Bring on the fourth wave!

(If you have no clue what a ska kid or a fourth wave is, please see the video below.)

Tags: books/music/movies/tv, concerts, fashion statements, fourth wave, lists
This crazy trip has got me feelin': excited
And I'm singin' along to: 9mm And A Three Piece Suit - Catch 22

I'm just hanging out at my desk, mourning the death of my favorite author - Kurt Vonnegut. The guy was brilliant. Hilarious. In honor of him, I am going to collect all of his books - or at least read them all. (I kind of planned on doing that anyway, but...) 

Anyway, Mr. V., you had a good run. 85 years, and more than a dozen humorous novels. Thanks for those. My favorite so far is Breakfast of Champions. Peace out, and don't forget, "The 2 prime movers in the Universe are Time and Luck." Someday I'll name a pet after you.

Tags: books/music/movies/tv
This crazy trip has got me feelin': thankful
And I'm singin' along to: The War - Angels and Airwaves