Why I need a job: THE LIST MWHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!

I have a lot of things on my list that I need to buy. Yes some needs blend into wants but either way I dont have the cash for it. Im actually writing this for my own benefit. Im also aware I may have already written this list somewhere before. Whatever, I need to write.

1. New computer, mac actually – 1500
2. New desk – 300
3. Real estate license – 400 to 600
4. Money for concert tickets for the spring/summer – 300
5. Money for Puerto Rico – over 1000
6. Money for Houston – about 1000

There are more things I need and want but those are in my head. To be honest the main things I need is the computer and the desk. Of course what I really need is to move out, have a decent apartment in Willyb and the list could go on and on but we could be here forever with that list so I keep it at this current list. My computer is dying and has run out of space for many things. My desk is ready to collapse. It waddles and one day Im afraid its going to fall on top of me. Real estate licenses are really pricey and I know I would be a great realtor. This is my way of making money for myself and being able to get the bigger things I want.

I know concert tickets are ridiculous to NEED but you have to understand, last summer I felt truly left out and really miss going to shows. Plus there are so many I want to go to and one will require going out of state. I want to see Evelyn Evelyn in Boston. It would be so much fun!

I know I have to go to Puerto Rico again this year. I am really pleased with renting an apartment, it was just so much fun. I really enjoyed it.

I want to see my sister too in Houston. Shes even willing to help pay my way there but I want to try traveling by train. It will take longer but train travel has always seemed exciting to me. I want the money for the train and then buying souvenirs and stuff. Plus I wanna give my dad a little something and my sister since I couldnt buy them xmas gifts.

I know there are more things but I am blanking.

I’m no longer apologizing or….

….or making excuses for not updating as much as I used to. I want to update every day but because I hadnt in so long, I just never know what to write.

See, I said I wouldnt make excuses and yet I did. Whatever.

Anyways, things have been going alright. I truly cant complain too much. In fact many great things have been happening concerning music. All my songs are on my hard drive. I know it doesnt sound like much but trust me, Ive lost my song book enough to know i need it somewhere it cant really get too lost.

We (Jay and I) got a residency at Beauty Bar in Bushwick. it was a lot of fun performing this past Thursday. I was feeling miserable (physically) but I didnt care I still was so happy I was there. I cant wait to play again. We will be playing Thursday nights for the month of February.

The main reason I havent updated any critiques is plain and simple: I write for SKORCH Magazine now. So I do my reviews on there. However its only one a month so I will get back to posting them here as well. No worries, when Im ready you will see them.

I’ve been really ill the passed week and a half too. Im gonna be ok but I have an abscess on my thigh. It was infected and really painful. It still hurts like a mofo but I will be seeing a surgeon (yeah its that bad) tomorrow and they will tell me if it needs to be surgically removed or not. I am hoping not. Either way its getting better so no worries everything is going to be just fine.

I have mild cabin fever though. I noticed when I went to the show on Thursday I couldnt shut up for the life of me. I need to socialize more, I always say that, but when Im broke which is most of the time, I really dont like going out. Mix in doctors orders of not moving too much and you got me stuck at home wanting company. Thankfully Jay has been here often since he got back from South Hadley but yeah, my other friends who actually live close by? Yeah… lets not get into that. LOL

I have to call the temp agency I rejoined to remind them I am sans a real job every Monday. Let’s hope they get me something.

I actually do have a lot to say on here. Something tells me you will see a spurt of blogs for a while again.

Yay? I mean, do you guys read? If ya do comment in here. Just so I know its being read. I will still write either way but its just nice to know people are listening.

Music Review: Arcade Fire

Yes Folks, Arcade Fire

I know its been a while but yes I am back with reviews. I can’t believe I am still on A. I am so ashamed of my inconsistency. Ah well, be glad I still enjoy doing these dammit!

Arcade Fire is a band with God knows how many members in it originally from Quebec, Canada. The name of the band stems from an actual historic fire where a bunch of children died in a fire in a filled arcade. Tragic? Yes. Hell of a band name, YES!

Anyways, the first song I ever heard was Neighborhood #1 from their Funeral album. Very very odd sounding to me. I cant pinpoint it. I wasnt crazy about the lead singer’s voice. There wasnt a lot of unity in the harmonies. It was kinda all over the place. Yet… yeah, thats ACTUALLY what made the song awesome. You felt the intense emotion from the lead singer, Win Butler. He has this shaky, trembling voice almost like he cant control the notes he hits its just a reflex action that comes out. The main female harmony is made by his wife, Régine Chassagne, however there are a bunch of people singing and performing on this song. It just sounds like a crowd of people singing you a story in their own way and time. It makes it so impactful. The video is also an abstract cartoon that is melancholy, morbid, yet colorful and bright. That one song got me.

I got the album. It pretty much all sounds like that one song to me. Thats not a bad thing at all. It keeps the momentum going. However I admittedly cant remember many of the others ones from that album… except for Power Out, Wake Up, and the song that makes me cry (if you remember, making me cry in a song is almost always a great thing) In the Backseat.

In the Backseat is sung by Regine. Its like hearing a little child sing a very very sad song but initially is really shy. You can sense the apprehension and timidness at the beginning. As the music gets stronger and the song progresses, she gets bolder and louder. Shes still innocent sounding but she is determined to express herself. Towards the end, she is “aaaahh”ing and “oooh”ing like her life depends on it. Its so touching, so strong, its like standing in a room naked just to make your point known. You cry because you know shes trying to make sure you feel what shes feeling. I cry every time I hear it. Its that good. If you love Bjork, you’ll love this song.

Wake Up is an awesome song. Powerful beginning. David Bowie loves this band. So much so he actually has sang this song with them live. This song was used in the movie, Where The Wild Things Are. When I heard it in the trailer, I thought it was the most clever usage of a song for a film. It belongs in that film.

So to me, the Funeral album was awesome but the band just seemed so chaotic. Neon Bible came out after and that album did well but honestly, I have never seen the band live and I know THATS where the magic is, Ive seen footage of them performing live and it shows WHY they are so seen by others. They put on a great show and its a show to be experienced. I didnt get into Neon Bible. It didnt sound bad but I dont remember any of the songs except for My Body is a Cage which is awesome. The all were good. Just not memorable to me.

I look forward to seeing them live just to get me more motivated to enjoy them as they should be enjoyed. A new album is in the works for this year but hell if I know the title of that or the exact release date. I highly suggest checking them out though.

Video: The video that started it all for me, so so so weird but awesome. I love the artwork and I love the flow. Its the video for Laika (Neighborhood #1)

Sorry Im late 2010…..

I’ve had probably the best time this holiday season. I haven’t posted in a while because Ive had it all swirling around in my head. So much has happened that the idea of posting it up on here has been a bit of dread not because I didnt want to but because even at this point, I have no idea to begin. Sooooo….ahh I know Coquito!

So prior to Christmas, I spent 2 Saturdays making my holiday Puerto Rican version of Egg Nog, Coquito. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment so I couldnt fit too many people in my apartment all at once so I split it in half… the 12th, and the 19th…..

Now before I go on I need to emphasize that over 10 people were the ones INSISTING I throw this party. I wouldnt have split it up if I knew how many people would just not come out.

Ive had some rough times in my life having parties specifically here in Queens. From having invited 20 people and only having 2 show up, cancelling, and even one time my mother trying to throw me a surprise party and having me wait at my grandmothers for HOURS only to begrudgingly tell me to come home and see her crying on the sofa with birthday decorations, balloons, a huge hero and a huge birthday cake telling me how sorry she was, she invited as many people as possible and no one showed up. Yeah when youre 23 that sucks ass. Its Rego Park therefore its difficult for people to trek out. I totally get it. Granted, whenever I would be invited to trek out to see OTHERS I would do it because I am their friends and I make the effort however sometimes NOT all the time, its not reciprocated.

Sorry needed to make the point. Im over it.

Anyways despite the smaller group of people they were in fact the BEST holiday parties I have ever thrown. The first Saturday I had 4 people over: Huston, Scottie, Chantell, and Jay. It was small but sooo much fun. People really came to learn how to make coquito. We talked about everything and it was intimate and lovely. I was so happy that people were happy. It was cuddly. I loved it

The second Saturday was just as fun! It was wilder and crazier but just as intimate and fun. It was Mike, Wendi, Jay, and Iris. Still only 4 people but you need to keep in mind it was a blizzard and to expect ANYONE to come out was a bit too much. I was honored that they came because I knew the weather was not something anyone would trek out it. Iris was molesting the life sized Santa Claus. Wendi was drunk after two cups of coquito , mounting Jay and both toppling over onto the floor. Mike was teaching Iris and Wendi how to fight. It was a blast! So yeah total, 8 people. Probably could have had them all in one night but you know what? In retrospect, I wouldnt have had it any other way. I had two fantastic Saturdays!

It also really emphasized friendship. I was genuinely honored and proud to have friends. I always am. I love my friends like family but I was feeling it. I know many friends who hate the holidays but I love them BECAUSE of what I experienced this holiday season. Like, what I had from my friends is what I want out of a holiday: Fun times with friends and memories I will cherish. Fuck the presents. I love buying presents when I have money but this just proved to me whether you have money or not, you can still enjoy the holiday season and I truly did as I know my friends who participated did. I felt it and it made me happy. I am still glowing just thinking about it and to those of you who were able to come out, I deeply sincerely thank you and am honored to have you in my lives.

Christmas Eve and Day were not as eventful but they were ok. Pretty laid back. Now, New Years Eve?…. theres another story…

New Year’s Eve didnt really have set plans until the last minute. We decided that we would go to Spike Hill to see a band perform and then to a rooftop party in Williamsburg. Mom was excited to go cuz she never really goes out for new Years except for a few years ago when Jay performed with A Black Tie Affair at Desmond’s Tavern. Since then my mom had been looking forward to going out for New Years. Jay then realized that MSG was selling 20 buck tickets for Mariah Carey at the last minute and would try to get those instead. We didn’t get them but hey despite not being a fan of Ms. Carey, come on, New Years? MSG? that would have been awesome.

Anways we planned on going and then the weather decided to be cold, slushy and treacherous. I was determined to go out but mom didnt look as happy as she did a few hours before. I went to the store to buy food and came home to see mom sitting on the sofa looking a bit melancholy. We ended up having a long talk. She told me she didnt want to go out but knew that it would be really heart breaking for me to stay home. We had NEVER spent a New Years apart. I dont think many people understand that.

In our family, holidays like Christmas and New Years are family holidays. You do your best to spend it with your family. We have always done that. This was the first time we were gonna be apart. Mom WANTED to go out but she DIDNT want to deal with the weather. She cried. I cried cuz she cried. I thought she was crying because she was sad that she would be alone. Well, she was but it wasnt just that. She was actually happy. It was a milestone. She was able to let go a little more and she was happy about that. I felt horrible initially. I mean I was soooooo ecstatic to finally be able to go out by myself for New Years and have fun with my friends but I felt so bad that she was by herself. This was a big deal for her and Im really proud. She even said, its time for me to let go a little. You can do this by yourself now I just wish I had something to do. Awww. Next year, ma, next year.

So, I take the bus to Williamsburg. It was awesome. Everyone is in an awesome mood. I go and see some really great bands. Everyone there is feeling the joy you get when you are all celebrating in unison the end of a decade. Martin showed up as did his friend Patrick. Jay is celebrating the moment I see him and he is the happiest I had seen him in a while. We had touching and lovely talks about our futures and we were really happy to have Martin be a part of those conversations. When the Nightmare River Band is done with their extremely fun set, we take off. We eat a slice at Anna Maria’s pizza and then head on out to first Seth’s party. We were literally racing the clock. We were down the street when we heard people going “10! 9! 8! 7!” and we BOOOKED!!! We ran and got into the apartment right when the clock struck 12! I will never forget that moment. It was the happiest moment. I just remember as we were rushing to the apartment how Martin and Patrick were worried about not getting there in time and I thought to myself: Even if we didnt get there on time, I would love the idea of the clock striking 12 while we are in the street. I know how special that moment would be and know I would never forget it. Either way, we did get there in time and I did remember that moment. It was awesome. It would have been perfect to get a good New Year’s Eve Kiss but hey, it was such an awesome night, I dont miss it too much, haha.

A little bit later we headed out to the rooftop party, saw Kate, hung out for a bit and we headed back to Seth’s friend’s party. I really was tired and wanted to head on home but I knew I needed to do something. I needed to say something that was incredibly important to me. I knew I needed to tell Seth. I didnt meet him until that night… Well,… actually no, he opened for us last April at the Delancey but I didnt get to talk to him really. I knew I needed to talk to him tonight.

How can I explain Seth? Seth is a guy that when you meet him or feel his energy in a room you feel like you are taking a nice, cleansing breath. Jay had been staying with him for about a month or two and it was a time where Jay was the happiest I had ever seen him when it came to his creative energy and just being at peace with himself. I knew sooo much of this had to do with Seth and I was soooo thankful this was the person that was with him up in Mass. I knew I had to tell Seth. I was not going to start this year off without making sure this guy knew how thankful I was that he existed. So I did. It made me happy doing so. I met him and just looking at his face you felt so happy to be in his presence. Seth, you rock dude! Im glad I started my year telling you that.

This is a year that I know will be great. Whether I accomplish a lot of things or minimal things, my outlook on life is anticipation and optimistic. I know that there will be rough times, its the nature of the beast. However I am thankful for the friends I have. I am thankful for the opportunities that are there. I am thankful for the decisions I am making with my life. I am thankful for the decisions I am making on my own. I look forward to sooo much and to those who support me and want to be along for the ride, hop on. For those who really cant make the effort, well… Im sorry but this train is an express haha. Make an effort to be at the designated stops and then we will talk haha.

This is my own personal note to jot down….

Im posting it in my blog just because…

Ok, here are neighborhoods in Queens I would considering moving to:

Astoria
Briarwood
Forest Hills
Jackson Heights
Kew Gardens
Long Island City

Areas in Brooklyn I would move to:(this list is bigger)
Boerum Hill
Carrol Gardens
Cobble Hill
Downtown Brooklyn
DUMBO
Park Slope
Red Hook
Windsor Terrace
Williamsburg
Greenpoint
Kensington
Midwood
Bay Ridge
Brighton Beach
Coney Island

Areas in Manhattan I would move to:
Washington Heights
Inwood
Tribeca
Murray Hill

I would live elsewhere in the city more than likely but those are pretty much the main ones.

If I WERE to move

Growing up I always figured I would leave New York. Now that I have this new determination to stay longer than I had always planned, its fun to think about all the places I would go when I finally feel accomplished and strong enough. Here’s the list of the many places that popped into my head through the years…

1. New York – well duh, Im here but we need a starting off point. I used to want to move upstate though in a small town. There is something about small towns that just seem so communal and beautiful. Like you would know everyone in town and go to town picnics. It just sounded happy.
2. Boston… yeah I know.
3. Florida – when youre a little kid, living by a bunch of amusement parks sounds like heaven.
4. California – when you realize your goal in life is to be an actress, you automatically just think Hollywood.
5. Mexico – I speak spanish, I listen to a lot of latin rock and there was a time when I actually thought I could get a job as an actress in latin soap operas. Shut up, you know I would have been able to pull it off.
6. Toronto – I used to watch Much Music (now Fuse) back then (early to late 90s) it was a pretty cool channel and it made me think Toronto was really cool but then…
7. Montreal – I realized in Canada, Montreal seemed like more fun.
8. England – I think deep down I always wanted to live there but knowing how far it is when you are a little girl scares the crap out of you. However I still longed for it. Still do.
9. Puerto Rico – I love going down there. I love the beauty, the people, the lifestyle, the food, its just so laid back and fun.
10. New Zealand – Dude, I saw Lord of the Rings and when I learned that every single landscape was found in the SAME country! I thought it was awesome. I also love how far a dollar goes there! Jeez its so cheap! I could afford a house down there if I really wanted to. Damn its soo farrr though!
11. Scotland – Scottish boys are sexin’! Scotland also seems like an awesome party country.
12. Spain – Everytime I see a Pedro Almodovar film I wish I was there. I love how you can be in a big city but feel this strong traditional family unit even between people who arent related. I cant explain it, just the culture and it being so reminiscent of my own but with of course a more Euro flair. Plus, it looks fabulous, its not as expensive as most of Europe and I can totally speak the language!
13. France – Omg, I see pics of the architecture and go crazy. I love the lifestyle and the ideas of owning a flat in Paris while acting in some french films is pretty awesome. If only my french was better.
14. Norway – I saw the documentary Sicko and in the special features they talked about Norway. It just seems soooo awesome!

It makes me happy knowing I always dreamed of all these places. It means I can find happiness and success anywhere I am.

Need to say this to get it off my chest…. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods...yeah

Ok before I say anything let me just make this very very clear. I don’t condone his actions nor am I a fan of the tool. However there are certain issues that I need to vent about.

Look, this is an athlete who cheats on his wife. Yeah. Thats really all this is. Why is this such a huge fucking deal?

Like, yeah ok its Tiger fucking Woods so what? Im getting so fucking annoyed with people who are in utter shock when they find out a man has cheated on their wife. Like “OMG this NEVER happens!” Give me a break.

I get it. He was the Golden Boy. The first black guy to be at the top in golf. Is that why this is a big deal? Like really?

People argue its because of how many women and how this whole drama is unfolding. It just amazes me how crashing his car led to all this coming out of the woodworks.

What is upsetting me is now that this all came out, hes actually feeling the need to stop doing his job and hes losing sponsors.

Really? He did what plenty of men do and yet HES the one that is suffering? The dork who plays golf? The dork that if he wasnt famous wouldnt be lucky enough to even get close to the amount of ass he gets now? Does that seem fair?

Im not one of those “hes being mistreated because hes black” people. I wont lie though and say it didnt cross my mind though. However, I had to remind myself about allllll the basketball, football, baseball players that come in all of Gods beautiful colors that are baby daddies to a number of women.

Look, this is what Im getting at. Yes, he is a total tool. Yes its fucked up he cheated soooo much. Yes its fucked up that he actually paid off his wife to stay with him (or so they say). However if you actually believed she didnt know about it youre insane and shes the insane one for even staying at this point. This is a fucked up relationship and he should be ashamed of himself. HOWEVER I find it sickening that there are soooooooo many people out there who do this on a daily basis yet its evident to us all that it has NOTHING to do with our careers yet for some unknown fucked up reason this dude is going to lose it all. I do think he needs to be punished but he has kids people. Hes a dude that thinks with his dinger and he fucked up. He needs to learn from his mistakes but losing everything he worked so hard to accomplished because he cant keep his cock in his golf shorts really seems to be going too far dont you think?

I know a lot of people out there disagree with me and say “No he needs to suffer! He’s a sleazy man!” Whatever, I just personally dont believe what happens off the golf course should have anything to do with your job. Hes lost endorsements cuz of his reputation being tarnished. Im just saying fine, if you are going to tarnish HIS reputation tarnish everyone else’s who have done the SAME DAMN THING. It just doesnt make any sense to make HIM pay. Its not like he beat any of them. He didnt cause damage physically. As far as mentally, any women who is either aware or unaware that their husband is getting that much extra ass on the side and still stays with them I question their sanity should they be totally against it. I say “should they be totally against it” because there are in fact relationships that shockingly enough allow extramarital activities. Is this one of them? I dunno, I doubt it but hey something is going on there that honestly is none of our business.

I wish it was like it was years ago when we didnt know all of this bullshit going on in the personal lives of celebrities. When you didnt know about all the bullshit until they wrote a tell all and you would be shocked out of your pants. How did the world NOT know Rock Hudson was gay? Mainly because he was that good an actor and his life was THAT private. The amazing thing about that is, EVERYONE IN THE INDUSTRY knew he was gay. That to me means, there was a time when someones privacy was respected. What happened to that.

We all want to know everything yet if they were just some random person on the street we would know damn well it wasnt our business. We need to get back to that so I can stop writing these rants on celebs lol.

Negative and Angry Rant with a Very Positive Outlook!!

If I Could Make it There, I'd Make it ANYWHERE!

Ugh Im so angry at you New York! You have made it very very clear that you want the poor to suffer and just leave the city. How dare you! Youre supposed to be the city of opportunity and give people hope for success. You are disappointing me. Youve done nothing but pick on people.

So you put the ban on gay marriage, whatever, there will come a time when you will hang your biased discriminatory head in shame for that one.

You raised the price of transportation yet made the service even worse.

Now you are cutting trains, bus routes, and making students all over the city pay for their transportation being fully aware most students in the city are from low income housing, most likely the hopeful to be the first to go to college who cant afford the expensive metrocards and rely on the free passes just to get to school in the first place. You cut that I guarantee there will be more kids NOT going to school, not getting an education, a rise in gang and drug related crime, and theft since they wont have an education to get a decent job.

Not only that but you’re closing about 20 schools in the tri state area. What the hell?!?!?!

Now I hear in the news that you are trying to stop those people who sit on the corners with a table and those large empty water bottles asking for money to help feed the homeless. You are putting a ban on them too?

So, what are you trying to say New York? That you are so overwhelmed with the problems of the poor that youre move is to just get rid of them? Make them end up in prison, move out of the city, or just die?

Look the gentrification of a lot of areas in the city is nice in the sense that it makes the area safer and more cultural diffusion and cool places to hang out but what about the working class minorities that live there? You let the rent go up to a point that they can no longer live there?

*sigh* I dunno New York. You have really let me down. I hang my head in shame of the things you are doing. I refuse to let it get me though. I will bitch you out until the end.

You can be such an awesome city. I have so much fun here a lot of the time but I know despite the influx of people coming from different cities across the US, hell… across the WORLD who are trying to make a name for themselves. There are those who have struggled living here for a while who have no choice but to leave. I know so many who have moved to South Carolina, Jersey, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Puerto Rico, I can go on.

And yes, maybe more people come here than leave but those that come here with high hopes are smacked in the face with the reality check of how screwed up our economy is here. They realize its not easy living in New York City and just end up working as hard as they can just to get by. Out of all of those who come here and realize that, only the lucky can stay. The lucky arent as much as it seems.

THAT ALL BEING SAID!! I have been thinking a lot about the silver lining and the adventure of the chase that I am determined to put myself on.

So this all had been bumming me out. Being 34 living at home with my mom in a one bedroom apartment practically jobless trying to have a career in the arts really doesnt help you feel like you are “making it”.

Then, a friend from h.s who is a friend on Facebook, Kristine quoted a line from Sinatra’s “New York, New York”.

“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”.

It hit me.

All this time. I’ve been truly confused on where to go with my life. I know I dont want to live here forever but where to go? Puerto Rico? England? Which one? Or, which one first? I’ve been so adamant to leave because of my anger and disappointment in lack of success here that I just want to go away.

Then it dawned on me after seeing that line. Yeah, I can move but my fear is always “What if I move and I fuck it up?” “What if its all a mistake?” “What if I cant do it and my life long dreams of living elsewhere just fall?” It would destroy me.

Then I thought, wait. Ive been without a decent job for years now. I am still singing, writing, acting, doing what I love despite all the bullshit here in New York. I am struggling in one of the TOUGHEST FUCKING CITIES IN THE WORLD AND IM STILL HERE DAMMIT!

That’s right! I am not backing off.

Ive made my decision.

I know I said I would move to Puerto Rico and England, and I will but Im not leaving yet.

If I can make it here, I KNOW I will make it anywhere. If I can break New York and at LEAST get to a point where I can live comfortably here, then I know I can do this ANYWHERE else.

Yes, England is more expensive but if New York cant break me then I know I will be tough enough to work in England.

Puerto Rico is a great place and beautiful, when I go down there, I feel like a million bucks. the comparison of stress is different. I know I can be successful there as well.

So Im not leaving New York! You cant make me! I know I want to live elsewhere in the future but its when IM good and ready and when I feel like it. When I know I have proven myself here, I know its time to move on!

This outlook will help me more so now to figure out what to me is successful. Is it getting a job that pays the bills? Renting an apartment? Or buying one? I think that will be for another blog.

Some positive news and some awesome links….

So if you have not yet heard from me, I had a pretty good week already and its already Thursday. There was one thing that was sad though which I will get out of the way at this very moment.

My grandpa (dad’s dad) passed away a few days ago. He was 96. Very sweet man. I never met him but talked to him on the phone a few times once my dad reconnected with us again when I was 28. Loved our talks but he developed dementia and stopped talking on the phone because it scared him. I wasnt close clearly and wish I could have visited but according to family he died peacefully and he and the rest of my family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Despite this tragedy, I actually did have a pretty great week. I feel a bit guilty being so happy about it considering however I need to cherish the joy when it comes my way! Lets go along the list:

1. My best friend Jay got an apartment! Woohoo! He now lives in Bed Stuy. You know it is the ghetto but the misconception is that all of the ghetto is horrible. Its NOT. I actually like his street and area. He lives in a brownstone and the apartment is fucking gorgeous! He gets a backyard, a block away from the park and yay! He actually lives closer to me! My train ride will only be less than an hour instead of an hour and a half. Sure I may have to take 3 trains but its still quick! I cant wait for him to get furniture and stuff its gonna be sweet!!!
2. Jay also got a gig this week. That may be just a joy for him however I sing back up on a few songs so woohoo! I get to perform.
3. I actually sang last night at the gig. It was at The Delancey in Manhattan. It went remarkably well. Friends came out, it was a free show and fun was had by all!
4. Biggest news… I am officially a music editor for Skorch Magazine. Skorch Magazine is this great magazine that is reminiscent of Elle, Vogue, In Style but it caters to women that are not a size zero. Its an online magazine that will soon have distribution so yes, I don’t get paid but hey, I gotta start somewhere no?

Im uber excited about it. I will discuss things pretty much like I do on here, in fact expect some rehashing of already blogged artists. I already submitted my column for January. I also hope I get to go to more local shows, check out artists that are unknown, up and coming, plus size is always a plus, and would love to do interviews, concert reviews, etc. I truly am glad I started doing music reviews on here. Its what got me the job!

Oh check out the magazine: http://skorchmagazine.com/ there is a free preview of it but if you want to actually become a reader its only a buck a month on pay pal.

Now while I was in the process of getting set up as the music editor, Cali from Skorch asked me to join and make a profile with Polyvore.com. If you are someone who LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVEESS style and clothes and really really wants to check out the coolest outfits and websites that sell it, I highly suggest joining this site.

Skorch is a fashion magazine afterall I mean just cuz Im the music editor doesnt mean I have nothing to do with fashion and style. On the Polyvore site, you make a profile and then you can create a look that is all yours through pics and stuff. Its totally free. You click on articles of clothing and whatnot and make a collage of your style picks. Its really cool. I already did mine. Check out that site too. I KNOW I will become addicted to it.

So far its been a good week, there is more yet to come. I am having one of my TWO Coquito Parties ( I have a small apartment) this Saturday. It should be fun to see friends I havent seen in a while.

Music Review: Aqua

Yes, I am seriously reviewing the band, Aqua

Don’t even try to pretend that you don’t remember this band! You SOOOOOO do! No! I will not even hear of it! You do SO! Stifle!!

Ok so yeah I am reviewing this band. I will sit here and tell you quite honestly. I like this band. I really do. As I have said about other bands, I dont LOVE them, I like them.

We all know about the song Barbie Girl. Its instilled in our heads. We cant shake it out even after all of these years.

Btw, mini rant before I go any further: How fucked up is it that when this song came out Mattel actually got all fucking high and mighty and sewed the band Aqua for using the name Barbie meanwhile recently they have used THE VERY SONG in their campaign ads for the bimbo doll???? Like seriously they changed a few words around but its still the same fucking song. What douchebags!

Anyways, Aqua is a band formed in Denmark. They got famous in the late 90s in Europe first with songs like Roses are Red and My Oh My. Very bubblegum eurodancy but fun as hell. I mean if you wanna work out and dance to some songs, I highly suggest them.

Im sorry but Barbie Girl is one of my LEAST favorite songs. Yes, you heard right, I actually like OTHER songs from Aqua. See fellow Americans, you gotta stop that big ole “One Hit Wonder” mentality sometimes. We forget, the US isnt the only country that plays the music haha. Aqua released 2 albums before they split up in 2001. There was of course, Aquarium and then Aquarius…. yeah I know, how original.

Now I know many people are thinking, “Natalia, really? What on earth made you like this band??”

OMG, you HAVE to listen to the lyrics. These types of bands always got me for the sheer silliness of their music. Im not even talking the sound. Im talking the actual songs. I mean lets be honest, that dance beat will make TONS of people dance. Whether they like the song or not. I laughed the very first time I heard Roses Are Red because I honestly thought Aqua was a parody band. Like I thought this band was just a bunch of actors imitating the sound of eurodance music ala Spinal Tap with Metal. Imagine my surprise when I realized this was a REAL band!!

Lene: “Roses are red and violets are blue, honey is sweet but not as sweet as you, roses are red and violets are blyue, mmya neena nefgjwrgowreiowefiljweif dum dee da dee dum dum dee da dee dum dum dee da dee dum..”

Rene: COME PICK MY ROSES!!!

I swear thats how the song starts! I almost peed myself. So so so funny! How can I not like their stuff its just a good old time and makes me happy. If you are ever feeling down put on an Aqua song. It will brighten up your day.

Oh but dont put Goodbye to the Circus from their second album. It actually made me cry. I think its cuz I pictured the video and they are all circus performers in the bedroom of a little boy who is dreaming and its time for him to wake up and they are telling him goodbye and they will always be with him and hes crying.

What? I have an amazing imagination and I made myself cry. Shut up.

Ok so I cant pronounce or even spell half the names of the band members cuz I dont think my computer types them, but I will get close: The girl lead vocalist is Lene Nystrom (there should be a slash in the o but I dunno how to do that), The bald guy that sings like a gym rat given a mic is Rene Dif, The guy with the blonde spikey hair is Soren Rasted and the other dude is Claus Noreen…. that was actually exhausting.

Ok so the way the band started was actually by the two guys that never freaggin sang! Soren and Claus would write music and then they met a prostitute named Rene. Yes the big burly bald dude was a prostitute in Denmark… how fucking awesome is that!?!?! They formed a band and called each other Joyspeed and release an album and then Rene met Lene on a ferry where she was singing and got her in the band. They actually dated for a long while and then Lene cheated on him with Soren and eventually married him. (Omg Danish Drama!!!) They would all say that the split was amicable and what not but no one believed it especially after Lene gave an interview in 2004 admitted she cheated on Rene before they broke up he vowed he would never forgive her……

…. yeah so they reunited hahahaha! Yeah they reunited in like 2007 and they put out a greatest hits album and are working on a new album for 2010.

This band made a bunch of videos. Most are down right ridic! However funny as hell cuz they are so lame and weird. However, I needed proof of the Roses are Red lyrics so here is the video. Old as hell but omg, please, just pick Rene’s roses: