Friday Top 5

If you know me at all, you know I love to dance. I am a new contributor to Austin Town Hall and posted Top 5 Songs That Make You Dance. You should check it out, and browse around the rest of the site. That ATH crew has awesome taste in music and you can download all the tracks they post.

Graphic by: Reagan Ray of ATH

Rarities

I was digging through some old boxes in my Mother's closet and found a few amazing things that I am going to use!

An amazing 14 K gold ring; it's a little big but could possibly fit on my pointer or thumb...must have been my Dad's from the 70s. A beautiful oriental pedant; not sure what it's made of, but it's backed by a gold fitting. Lastly, gold baby beads that spell out my name! The gold chain has a broken clasp, but I can't wait to find something to lace them on when I get home.


Also, I found my Mom's external flash! I have been searching online for one for an upcoming event photography gig, and now I don't have to buy one! Came across this 35 mm Civica camera to add to my "used to be my Mom's camera, now it's mine" collection. So happy my Mother hangs on to beautiful things.

Music Video Monday

Let's face it, music videos aren't top priority to musicians anymore. But don't we still love them? Well, I do. I love coming across a funky music video that have the ability to connect the music with visuals. On Mondays I am going to share music videos that are wacky and cool. Here are a few to get your week started.

Michael Cera trips out to Islands "No You Don't"


Matt Pond PA "People Have a Way"


Miike Snow "Animal"


Tegan and Sara "Hell"

Came across video on Better Than Fine, reminds me of my Grandparent's fun relationship. This is a video of an elderly couple, Fran and Marlo, who walked into the lobby of a clinic for a checkup and starting playing on this piano. They have been married for 62 years, and Marlo is 90 years old. Love this.

My motto.

via papertissue

My New Goals

10 Goals for 2010!

1. Organize my weekdays so I am more productive & earn a 4.0 this semester
2. Read a classic romance novel
3. Excel in my freelance job
4. Learn more about my camera + photography
5. Involve myself with more outdoor activities & camping & hiking & kayaking
6. Be more spontaneous when I'm bored
7. Spend less money dining out & cook on my own (I need the practice)
8. Take that scuba diving class
9. Ride my bike more
10. GET IN SHAPE!

Okay, losing weight is rated as one of the top resolutions on every list...but I am still including it. I am not a picky eater and I am grateful that I have a metabolism that allows me to eat like three grown men and still stay a decent weight. However, I need to have an exercise routine like I used to. I miss working out on a regular basis. I miss that accomplished and relaxed feeling. I have always been thin but I need to be healthier. In high school I was active as half cheerleader/half band dork, and as an undergrad I treated the gym like a class I was enrolled in. I don't like sports; I don't do sports. I like to run, lift weights and do pilates...but I've lost my drive.

As a grad student with classes occurring at odd hours of 6:30-9:30 and spending the day researching and writing, it can be hard to find the energy to fix a healthy meal and make a trip to the gym. While reading a new blog I came across Selective Potential, and I was inspired by the young lady's experience of getting fit as a past new year's goal. You can read it here. Therefore, this year I am going to use Teika's advice and use her PDF food diary she provided in her post. I want to tone up and get fit...and I will. I think if I publicly post it on here then it will help me stick to it. Please check out her post and get inspired yourself!

NYE Recap

My New Year's Eve was spectacular. I had high expectations for the night to be as great as last year's celebration, and it turned out wonderfully. I rang in the new year at the Seaholm Power Plant in Austin that has been converted into a live music venue by Rare Magazine. 2010: Uncorked was a smashing success and was a beautiful setting to celebrate the last night in 2009. Car Stereo (Wars) and Flosstradamus played lively DJ sets, both of which we have played on my radio show. Here are some photos I took from the evening.

We helped this girl on stage. She was amazing.

Flosstradamus

Car Stereo (Wars)

The disco ball was amazing, and the light reflected off of it perfectly.

After the Power Plant show, my friend and I headed over to the Knuckle Rumbler Crumple Blunder house party, then danced until 5 a.m. at another friend's house. Overall, I had a great night with good friends and cannot wait until the next celebration. You can view the rest of my photos here.

Since it was a blue moon that night, Chris from Republic of Austin dressed like a werewolf!

Tips for a successful New Year's Eve night?

Have fun.

Call ahead for a cab.

Be open to any midnight kiss.

Don't worry about looking too fancy.

Don't set your expectations too high.

Don't try to get all of your friends at the same party. It's not gonna happen.

Flashing lights don't have to be involved. Make the most of whatever situation you are in.