All I want for Xmas!

Golly! Christmas is on Thursday! I know this is my first blog of December but I will make it up to you in the new year. Things in life, as you all know, can be a bit crazy. That is what things have been like. Amongst the business of school and trying to catch up with myself I kind of lost my head a bit. I am back and feeling very good again!
I recently started using Genius on iTunes! It is amazing quite frankly! You probably already know this but I never paid it any mind. Now I actually know what's good on my iTunes! Yeah!
Sadly, I am not in the Christmas spirit but I'm sure as the day slowly approaches I will be. I wont be home to see the joy in my little sister's eyes when she opens her gifts. I will be working. I think Santa is giving me hours at my job for Christmas. That's all I want, and The Office Season 4 on DVD. See, I don't ask for much! I didn't buy any gifts this year...hold on, hold on...I will give you the reasons.

1. Times are hard.
2. I buy gifts every other year and this one year, I'm just not doing it.

Those are the only reasons. I will figure some other things out and let you know what I come up with. No, seriously I'm trying to save money. Everyone should understand that, and Christmas didn't make the cut this year. Next year will be much much better. I'm sure!

Christmas Lights

I hope everyone had a tasty Thanksgiving as I did, along with Birthday Cake. Many laughs, and many friends...isn't that what life is all about. Enjoying where you are. I know I said I am eager to travel, but in the same respect maybe I haven't given where I am enough credit. I need to appreciate my place on earth. I am very fortunate to have what I have.

The winter is starting to depress me, and the fact that I can feel it coming helps me to be a little happier. I get like this every year. There has to be something wrong with my life, even if there isn't really. I think I'll be okay.

I'm going to cling to the beautiful Christmas lights I see everyday, everywhere I go. I know that there are people who are actually excited for this time of year. Maybe I should hang Christmas lights. It could cheer me up. Let me just put this out in the universe: I need to travel somewhere...or I will crawl out of my skin! okay glad that's out! Don't worry people I'm still smiling. Buy me a great gift for Christmas or burn me a CD! C'mon, I'll burn you one too.

Grow! Grow! Go!

Opening my eyes finally! I had two really great moments today! On my way home on the train, I realized how important it is for me to see the world. I ride the same train almost every day in the same direction and that doesn't really sit too well with me. It was almost like I could feel the days of my life being wasted away on the same railroad track, with the same people, and the same scenery.
I've seen a lot of unfortunate things in myself and other people over the years and I feel like it is time to go out and make changes.

That was one realization!

Also, working at the hotel today, a woman came up to the front desk and asked me are there any local bingo spots. I think to myself...hmmm...no I have no idea. I haven't even heard the mention of Bingo in at least a year, but I looked it up for her on the Internet. I searched through Google Maps, Google, Yellow Pages, and a number of other search engines. I found a place and called to check their hours for her. A very petite woman with an awesome black furry hat and shiny baggy black pants waited patiently for the results. I gave her the hours and I apologized for the wait. She replied to me "Oh, It was worth the wait, I think I'll go tomorrow. Thank You!"

Yes, that's the entire story BUT if you would have heard the tone of her voice and the happiness she felt after I had done all of that bingo research you would have been just as touched as I am right now. It was a feeling I wont forget!



Fires are beautiful, they glow, and grow, and release warmth until they die. Balloons are beautiful, they are colorful and light up faces, floating higher and higher swaying this way and that way until they pop!

I refuse to not glow, grow, float, sway, give off warmth, light up faces, and reach my full potential...

How quickly we forget...

Sometimes it rains, wets the leaves, and I get sad.

Is anyone as excited as I am for November? Oak Oak Okay has two shows next weekend...awesome! My birthday, DeDe Marie's birthday (baby sis), Thanksgiving, black friday, I just can't wait for all this action! There's nothing better. I've been gone for a little while, busy about town. Now I'm back and curious as to how everyone else is feeling this time around? I hope noone gets depressed because of the time of year, or the early darkness (drives me nuts). Give me sunshine, or give me death.
Boy has this been an interesting year. It's so remarkable how quickly you can lose someone and things can change. It's really funny because you think if someone died or left you, you wouldn't know what to do. Once they're gone you can do nothing but move on. That's what saddens me most. How easily we forget. it could either be a blessing or a curse. I dont know. What do you think? There's really no need for us to get upset with each other because 5 minutes later you will just forgive them...Why even waste the time. Forgive and Forget. For real.

Today I was in a cranky kind of mood. I have to memorize a scene from a play tonight for my acting class and it's not looking too good. Maybe I will get some weird stares on the train tomorrow while I am rehearsing...but who cares? I have plenty of things to be grateful for in this here month of November...Just counting my blessings!

YES WE CAN!

Congratulations to Barack Obama!

I am at a loss for words, and to answer your question, yes I cried.

I voted for change!

So much is happening! Today I casted my vote for the first time in a presidential election. Of course, I voted for change because that's what we so desperately and clearly need. I got an automated phone call last night from John McCain, about fighting bushes policies. I find that hard to believe when he said he supported Bush 90% of the time. I'm thinking I made the right decision at 8 AM this morning when I voted for Obama. Lets just think awesome democratic thoughts and pray he gets this! Just get out and vote because, because, because the polls close at 8 PM in most places. Even if you are in line at 8 you have the right to vote. So exercise that right people.

Oh yeah, and thank god the Phillies won because I couldn't take any more impatient fans, unsure of the turn out. Rest assured the Phillies are awesome!

There's a really cool photostream on City Papers website today! Do check it out!
Citypaper.net

Reformation Station

What's all the commotion? So right now I have been thinking about what's new in my life...All the new things the universe has provided me with. The sweet sweet universe. I've been receiving new music, writing new songs, Maura the Oak Oak Okay keyboardist got a new keyboard, my friend Tokiea has new hair (or lack there of teehee), Im voting for a new president...and I'm sure there are other new things. This new weather ugh...I think my sister kind of brought this weather upon us...

Sharky: "It hasn't rained in a while."
Tia: "Wait, you want it to rain?"
Sharky: "I want to wear my new rain boots"

Stupid galoshes! Well, she got to wear them for the first time today and it sure did rain alright. It even snowed. In OCTOBER! Not to mention, it's October 28th and I still haven't had any candy corn. That could be good and bad. When will I be in Candy Corn Nation? That will be my new blog. he he
I will surely have some before this month is over. No doubt...The time is ticking!!

So, I have this new attitude! I'm always happy with my occasional off days, but I recently had a huge weight lifted from my shoulders and now I feel free again. My birthday is in 1 month exactly, so you know what that means...BIRTHDAY CAKE! Oh yeah, do that dance, do that dance. *Does a ridiculous dance* C'mon people what could be more important in Birthday Cake Nation? So I have a new year to look forward to, with new adventures, and a new outlook. I could use a new boyfriend, did I say that out loud. Oh, I think I did... *Raises eyebrows twice*

Winter I can feel you, I can feel you in my bones. Renew my heart, renew my soul!

I love you guys! Also the election is quickly approaching so if you havent done your early voting or have to wait until Tuesday, Barack the Vote!

Peace

Something Extraordinary

*ROAR* 7AM is early! Gosh it's really early. I often question why that time of day even exists. It's really uneccessary. I want to skip right over that time so I can not ever wake up in the middle of my great dream and get freaked out by my silly alarm clock...It goes "Again and Again and Again and Again...Do it Again do it Again" I hear that over and over! Remind me again why I purchased that ringtone. Great song...bad wake up call. *YAWN*

It takes a lot for me to crawl out of bed every morning and smile. I've been struggling with my own idea's of self discipline. I tried this experiment where I deprived myself of all of my old jams and forced myself to listen to music that I usually pass up. To my surprise I did okay...No shaking or crying involved. I thought this would help me gain a lot of self discipline and not rely so much on comfort. Throughout this journey, a friend reminded me that self discipline has nothing to do with depriving yourself of something, or taking a vow of silence, or depriving yourself of food.. It's about will. The will to get up every morning at 5AM for a class, or to feed the baby. The will to take care of your sick grandmother when noone else wants to. The list goes on. At that moment I realized how much self discipline I already posses. I also know that all my hard work will eventually pay off. Although I have my daily struggles, life is actually really swell! I most certainly appluad the little things that people have the will to do to make this world go 'round. It makes me want to cry. *Wipes Tears, Blows Nose*

So, on my way to the train I happened to pass women on the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. It kind of hit home for me. These women, adorned with pink, passed by me with the will to walk for a cause. Took the time out of their busy lives to help the life of another! GEESE LOUISE!! That's where we see beautiful character in everyday people.

If you want to learn more about this extraordinary cause check it out!!!!!:
www.the3day.org

What I want to do right now is write a song, full of la's and da's because I am extraordinary!! woohoo...

Are you gonna eat that?

GREETINGS!
Where have I been? I know…I know. I went to New York this weekend. Trying to get away. Most necessary!
New York helped me to realize that there is life outside of my daily hustle and bustle. It was indeed a breath of fresh air, first of all to see family, second to see the city and the wonder of life outside of Philadelphia. As much as I love Philly, I yearn to travel as much as possible. Most of the time, traveling gets me thinking about the endless possibilities and how far one can go if they just step out of the box and out of the ordinary every once in a while (or more).
Everyone has an excuse as to why they aren't doing this and doing that. If we actually spend more time getting there rather than worrying about why we can't get there we would probably be there already. Yeah?
I will no longer be afraid of wanting what I want and dreaming. If we don’t ask for anything we will never get anything. I sort of wish more people realized that. See the world, after all, it's yours.

Life is like a bowl of fruit. If you only like apple's and you constantly eat the apples, you leave the possibility of other sweet helpings for others to grab.

so...EAT UP!

Leaves and Music! What could be better?

FALL! I can't fathom your beauty!!

Wow it's been forever! I have been day in and day out working hard! What is all of this about? It's a good thing that you don't need your voice to type blogs because my voice is gone. I'm on the road of recovery as we speak. I have to say, I kind of like my raspy voice. Its gives me edge! HA!

So I recently went to see Fleet Foxes at Starlight Ballroom and Damien Jarudo at The First Unitarian Church. I must say that they both were really amazing. Fleet Foxes put on a fantastic show. My favorite part, I'll have to say, was the harmonizing. OF COURSE! They are masters! The music in itself was seriously quality and if they come to Philly again...IM THERE!!!! Frank Fairfield opened for them and he is a skilled musician. I promise this! He really got into it and demanded attention. This guy played a different instrument for every song and made it sound amazing! Definitely check out his music if you like!

www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

www.myspace.com/frankfairfield

The Damien Jurado show was just as explosive! No...not so much explosive because it was really low key and perfect. The music was seriously mellow but it made me want to cry, run out of there and buy the album. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, thanks to the most amazing friend of my life Tokiea Fitzgerald. We almost didn't get in but fortunately for us we did because it was most worth it. I had never heard of this music before but it had a sort of ambient feel to it which sounded great!

Do check it out...I recommend...As I shall purchase the CD soon enough!!

www.myspace.com/damienjurado

Well folks I'm through reporting. I hope this music cures your daily woes and aches, music is the best cure for anything... That may only be in my case! Ciao for now!

Yours Truly,

Attia

Nostalgic Dancing Queen

Photo by Eugene Richards, New York Times

Is it just me or does anyone else just want to go dancing?! I have a few new moves that need to be seen and I have been known to knock out the competition with my serious dance skills. This is all courtesy of my imagination. I am a horrific dancer and I probably should never set foot on any ones dance floor unless they want sore toes. Seriously, I really do enjoy dancing. I think it is the ultimate stress reliever, even if you don't really know how. I guarantee if you're alone you will appreciate the glorious feeling of grooving to your favorite upbeat song. Trust me, you will love that feeling. I usually pretend there's a disco ball on my ceiling when I listen to "Dancing Queen" by ABBA!

I've been doing some past blasting and have been thinking about those silly things I used to dream up when I was younger. The way I thought life worked was priceless because I now know that its nothing in comparison to what I had in mind. Here are some of the things that filled my universe:

1. I thought that when I was in a room, nothing outside of that room existed or moved. (Time stood still)

2. I thought that every dinner and trip to the medicine cabinet was a TV show. (reality TV didn't even exist back then..I think)

3. I thought my dance moves were the best dance moves. (I still think that)

4. The characters on Barney were like family who I would one day meet and love forever.

5. There's one day when we all die and we all float up to heaven. (Including the furniture)

6. I thought I'd only ever have one boyfriend in which I would marry and live happily ever after. (Seriously?)

7. There was no better place to be than in front of the TV (The Smurfs) and eating waffles.

8. Cigarettes were the worst things to ever do, worst than anything in the world.

9. You can tell your sister that she's not your sister and she wasn't.

10. My whole life would be simple.

I am pretty sure that I was just a teeny bit crazy but I know you all had even crazier stories and beliefs as children so hey what can I say... I want that same feeling I got when I would sit in front of the TV and watch cartoons for hours. That was incredible. Now I can't even bare 3 minutes of the stuff. What is that?? I guess I'm just nostalgic. Who can blame me?

So...I came across this really neat and interesting photographer named Eugene Richards. He traveled around the world to different mental institutions and photographed inhumane treatment and conditions that more than often go unnoticed. I must warn you that it's not pretty so if you are squeamish I advise you not to view. The photographs are stunning yet illuminates this harsh reality! See for yourself...

Newsweek

Shocking Therapy:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/159114

Much Love!

Debates and Headaches

*Cough Cough* I'm reporting from my sick bed on this dreary day. I can't believe how drained I'm feeling. I drank tea but I think I'm going to holler at a cup of Theraflu before this takes a turn for the worst. Fall, I love you but sometimes you make me sick! LITERALLY! Considering yesterday I misjudged the weather and went out with a tiny little sweater on. Cute sweater, just not cute enough to guard me against the wind. This is all my fault. Maybe I just wasn't ready! At least we can look forward to the beautiful leaves and the awesome scarves I will knit for you (or promise to knit for you). I'm really liking forest green these days

...Or RED AND BLUE!

Dear People,
The presidential debate is tonight. I have my popcorn (Advil) and my soda (tea) ready!! I'm looking forward to listening and judging where these two guys are coming from! See how they handle the pressure of debate! I'm sure they are ready, considering how many challenging questions people shoot at them daily. This is my first election so I'm going to dig deep and figure out whats going on inside of their big ol' brains. Oh Boy, this should be interesting and you know it. I hope you plan on watching, I hope even more that you are registered to vote. Are ya? huh huh? Get it together... This is the President we're talking about! Not just some random guy!

Watch it here tonight at 9PM:

http://www.cnn.com/live/

Happy watching, and pray for my good health because I think I just coughed up a lung!

Oh GOODNESS!

The Electric Maid Benefit show was insane! In a good way...believe me. It was quite amazing. I had a lot of fun and felt really good up there (On stage I mean). There was a lot of energy and all around goodness! How often do we say that word anymore GOODNESS! Pure goodness. As I mentioned in a previous post A Born Idler and Club Scout were just as awesome as I expected them to be or more. Be sure to check out their music and see for yourself!

www.myspace.com/abornidler
www.myspace.com/clubscoutmusic

and us...

www.myspace.com/oakoakokay

The Electric Maid is an awesome space that deserves to live...I'm just saying! So I'm glad we could help out. Plus, I got this really awesome shirt...I will model it in the near future.

Oh yeah, I'm excited!

On another note, well life seems to be still busybusybusy... That has become one word. Can someone tell me the last time they had a day off...yep still waiting...so...
Halloween is around the corner and I think I want to be a person asleep!

No seriously I'm dying to go to a Halloween party this year...

1.There shall be pumpkins!
2....and candy corn (I wont mention my addiction)
3. "Cool" people dressed up like Cool people!
4. Kids getting turned down at my door because I forgot to buy candy.
5. Anything else spooky you can ponder!! MUAHAHA

So maybe its too early to think about Halloween but what else is there...? What can I say? I just love to be someone else at times!

Sleeping Lessons

Sooo...Sleep! Who needs it??

I know I do. This week has been positively crazy if I can complain for just that one second. I have had barely any sleep and Im almost positive everyone else has that same problem. Im running on coffee...and maybe like a dusty paperclip...and I dont know the carbs from dinner two nights ago? Well school work is school work, and work is just work, and everything else makes you want to strangle something! Wheres the love people? Wheres the balance?

I've been thinking...and wondering WHY ARE WE SO STUFFY?! I mean life could be like ten times worst and Im being a dork for complaining. We definitely need to take it easier and laugh at those little things that would normally make us go off the handles. Like "OMG I havent watched TV in weeks and now the remote is missing!!" (I usually burst into tears during those moments...Im just saying) or "Where in the world will I find the time to type these two papers and study?". Well, after all of those things are done, life will go on! If we go on like this we will look like 50 at age 30! Seriously...Get some sleep because ummm...I dont know... you need it!

Look at it this way my cat sleeps like a baby, even when theres no food or water in his bowl...for more than 2, 3, or 4 days. (Just kidding, or maybe not. Look, times are hard!)

Put down the pen and get that cognitive ball a'rollen! All the surgery in the world can't shave off 30 years! mmmkay

Life Outside of my Head (phones)!

Today I realized that I spend way too much time listening to music rather than my immediate surroundings. I finally decided to take off my headphones while I walk home from the train and surprisingly the outside noise isn't so bad afterall. At one point I didnt even know if I had passed my street because I noticed new things that I have never seen before on the way! WOW!! We all probably need to just spend more time listening and realizing what we have right in front of us. Our world is much more beautiful than we give it credit for. Some things I noticed:
1. The train is loud!
2. Theres an awesome tree on my street that is just dying to be photographed.
3. People probably greet me all the time, I just never notice.
4. My mom says unneccessary things to me (which can be a downside to this hehe)

So as much as I am loving PJ Harvey today...she can be placed on pause because the things that happen around me are only going to happen just that one second or nanosecond.

Gosh...Im starting to tear up!

Gosh, You Universe! I Love You!

Hello There,

So Im trying this thing where everyday I wake up and say "today is going to be a great day!" I used to do it occassionally but now I feel its neccessary to do this every day! It makes a lot of difference. Even if it ends up being a crazy day you still wont fret at the end of it because theres anther great day tomorrow! Got it...No...I guess Im alone on this one.

My band Oak Oak Okay is going to DC on Saturday which makes me extremely happy and excited and my usual silly self. We're playing with A Born Idler (myspace.com/abornidler) and Club Scout (myspace.com/clubscout) who just recently got one of their shows reviewed which is pretty darn awesome.

Check it out here: http://dcist.com/2008/09/04/click_click_pash_at_iota_club_and_c.php
They are both amazing bands who shall have everything in the world if they asked for it. It makes me so happy, these things happening around me! Gosh, you universe I really do love you.

Going to see Fleet Foxes on October 2nd at Starlight Ballroom. I couldn't be more excited about that because frankly they are damn amazing. Just to hear them play "He Doesn't Know Why" will probably make me melt...Im just saying! There I go again... Well folks life is pretty awesome...email me if you want to make music...I'll just sing and bang on pots and pans!

State of The Nation

I think I have been living inside my head for far too long. Theres noone in the entire world who has made themselves more comfortable inside their own self conscious as I have. I don't mean comfortable to where nothing gets to me. I mean comfortable like Im not leaving this spot. This kind of leaves me fearful of other people trying to get in. Maybe this is something we all do. I'm not sure if its something of human nature but its extremely depressing...hmmm.
On a better note I am starting to feel a little more in tune with other people. I actually don't find it as hard as I used to, to hold a conversation with someone and not feel like a first grader talking to their distant uncle. You know, what do they have in common? Maybe I have my job to blame for this miraculous happening. Its actually apart of my job to be personable and inquisitive about their lives. Working at a hotel has it's birthday cake moments!
I'm reading "The Bell Jar" right now by Sylvia Plath. Its apparently a "modern classic" according to Barnes and Noble. I have to agree with whatever that means. They compared it to "The Catcher in the Rye" and just reading it to Chapter three I can definitely understand that. I can relate to these characters because I feel like they both live inside their heads and watch the world from the eyes of desperation. I admire Plaths work in numerous ways. I mean she's just extremely talented because these words come out of her without a second thought. Its like when someone is just a natural at a piano. They dont even need theory. They can play by ear. Her work is incredible! I mean that. I wish she was still alive today but you know, it was those experiences and feelings that lead to suicide that sadly made her work so remarkable--so Im kind of saying it may have been neccessary... Everything happens for a reason right?
She is remarkable. I mean how many people in this world are that talented and the world gets to know about it. I mean even though she didnt want this book released in America, it still managed to get in our hands and we are better for it. By we I mean Americans. I highly reccommend this book, even though I myself have not finished it. I also highly reccommend reading her poetry if you feel anywhere like I feel. Living inside my head.
Lets just live our lives...gosh its only life afterall...Why are we all so afraid! Or maybe just me?

-Attia

Remaining Crumbs

Today in Birthday Cake Nation, things went rather smooth. How is it possible to have such an exciting fun filled day and then at the end of it feel so down. Hmmm... Not cool! I think it was mainly filled with productive Attia filled excitement. Band practice, meetings about internships, dinner and waterice with friend! I think the universe wants me to understand that no matter how much busy work you do during the day no matter what it is...what matters is what you feel at the end of that day. Folks, I feel like complete crap.

The worst part is The Cupcaker (My mom) ate all of the birthday cake. That really hit a soft spot. That says a lot.
Considering that today was my only day off for at least another 5 days makes me feel happy that it was productive. Much better than sitting at home, watching reality tv, and eating Lucky Charms from a cup. Not my cup of tea. mmmm tea.
The birthday cake issue put the cherry on top of a perfect day. She didnt even clean up the remining crumbs... : (
Seeing Philly is always awesome, even if you've been there about a million times I still think the view from the Art Museum to City Hall is pretty awesome... Thats just me!
In the mean time, I will listen to Brooklyn Stars by Matt Pond Pa and sweetly slumber!

In Birthday Cake Nation

Birthday Cake is awesome in any way shape or form. Icing, no icing, powder, ice cream cake, marble cake, gluton free cake...I think we all just want to eat cake.

"have your cake and eat it too!".

Everyone has a birthday and even if you cant eat cake Im sure you want it one way or another, hmmm I know I do.

My sisters birthday is today and it's perfect timing because all I could think about in this last month or so was how much I wanted to cut into a delicious piece of bakery fresh cake. The universe heard my weeping because when I got home from work, I completely forgot it was her birthday and my eyes lasered in on a beautiful white box on the kitchen table. Jumping around screaming birthday cake for about 10 seconds, and realizing that the universe does work in mysterious ways. I think I will blog about that fact! Furthermore, we are in birthday cake nation!