How I learned to stop worrying and love the blog.

Sophomore Year

2006-11-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

...Is only a few months old. I can hardly make a judgement call yet, can I?

I am just finishing a Shaw play (AD and Sound Design). I am just beginning a production of COMPANY, and an observership on The Onion Cellar at the ART (directed by Marcus Stern and cowritten by the Dresden Dolls... I know... crazy/great). I'm a religion concentrator...no, seriously. I am in need of a working phone and a steadier/better income. I wish I had time for Bikram Yoga... which I hate only when I'm in the room.

I've gotten lots more boring since this summer ended. So, I'm working on changing that. Hope that jaded isn't a permanent thing. Might be the weather.

My nephew is adorable. Literally, the best part of my day.

Go see my sister's show in Chicago. The Goonies, playing at the Cornservatory. and don't subscribe to the Chicago Reader, because they are douche-bags.

I regret not enjoying my summer instead of pondering it all the freaking time. I regret not being more adventurous. And I want to be more of a bad-ass and a self-promoter.

I want to get a fish, and throw away half my stuff and live smartly and plan my day well. I want to take advantage of office hours. I want to consistently sound like I did in rehearsal tonight...

I want never to be an alumnae of this college (alum-hood seems to nostalgic and bleak... ick, not even my favorite people seem to have bounced back from it gracefully)

I want to escape to Europe in hopes that other cities in the U.S. can wait a bit before not being what I expect.

I want to appologize to Cassia for not calling back this summer, and being stupid when we could have enjoyed ourselves.

I want to get inspired radically. Exponentially.

I want to be a little bit smarter. And lose all of my lazy tendencies.

I want to go to bed and magically get 10 hours of sleep, but still wake up at 7am.

goodnight. this degenerated quickly.

~chelly

This summer in some rapid I statements

2006-08-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

I love my nephew.

I love more Madonna albums than I had previously realized.

I love my Frederick's of Hollywood corset.

I love running (?!)

I love my Myers-Brigg personality type (ENFP)

I love giving tours and introducing people to this college, because...

I really do love this college.

I love my new (possibly permanent) field of concentration.

I love being able to sing again.

I love grant-wishes.com

See how it came full circle?

More and more complex sentence structure later...

~rachy

Don't Touch The Shiny Shoe: Confessions of a Harvard Tour Guide

2006-06-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

My summer of (unpaid) theatrical fun comes equipped with quite the day job. 6 days a week, I am your friendly undergraduate admissions tour guide and info session gal at "a school in Boston". :) After a short while on the job, I have to say I adore this gig. I get to meet people from all over, I get to rehash historical anecdotes about the college (I love me some factoidal history), and I get to walk off my one-meal-a-day (ah the life of a college student withuot a mealplan). I do have some interesting stories (none of which I plan to post with any sort of specificity, I can't imagine THAT would end well), but mostly some kind of neat observations about the college search in general, and the idea of "Harvard" in particular.

I remember being so incredibly focused on my college search to the point of lost perspective. Everybody gets to this point (especially parents), and it is not surprising to see this at tours and sessions. It reminds me how glad I am to be on the other side of that particular process. People are usually tired in Boston area admission tours... they've done a dozen of the same stupid session at every college they could think of in the area. (There are, according to my packet o' info, over 80 colleges in the Greater Boston area). Anyway, its a good idea not to lose perspective to the point of rudeness. Do I have any say in if you get in or not? Nope. But, don't be mean.

Also, personal info. Come on, you do NOT need to know my SAT scores. You don't need to know how many hours of community service I did each week in high school. You REALLY don't need to know my ethnic background (I hope you read this, ma'am; that was outta line). Ask me how this place feels. Ask me about the professors (I really HAVE met them :). Something interesting, and unexpected, at least for me, is that people often come to Harvard with something to prove. They don't WANT to hear that this place is a wonderful community filled with passion, and happiness and intersting (not mean/snooty) people. They want to hear that we're mean. That the campus and it environs are terrible. That we don't ever have fun. That we get a subpar education with little academic advising and few opportunities outside of large, faceless lecture halls. Any evidence to the contrary is met, not with surprise or delight, but with disdain and disbelief. They pay me to show you around a campus I care about very deeply. They don't pay me to lie to you. Promise. Stick around, ask students other than me what their experiences are. Stop reading books written by ex so-and-so's at the college (who left for a reason, my dears) about how overrated this place is. Or just stop trying to ruin my day.

I'd have to say a huge majority of the tours are excited, interested prospective students and their families who come with misconceptions and (hopefully) leave with a better understanding of a place that is very different (but equally as wonderful, if not more so) than its formidable reputation. Some, however, display a visceral anger upon hearing my love of the place. Some people just don't want to lose that image in their heads of a WASP-y overrated prep school without any fun. It's cool, I guess. Just remember. I'm 19 years old. I do not sit in on the admissions committee. I don't have any say in what a bunch of (in my humble opinion) idiots harp on in some books or articles. I'm just here as a student. A contented student. And one who wears her crimson with pride. So, please: Come to the yard. Look around. Make yourself at home, and come with an open mind. Please. And also, don't rub the lucky shoe on the John Harvard statue. There ARE reasons the undergrads giggle so much when you do that.

'til next time,
rachy

updating, and things

2006-05-15T21:41:00.001-07:00

Apparently, Tatiana Wilson has become my solo reader. Atta girl, Tats. Keely and PJ have gone the way of the blogging dinosaurs. I've become less funny. you live you learn. Except, that perhaps: I do not learn. It is two night before finals begin. I am not writing my 12 page paper, nor am I studying. I am updating a blog no one reads. I might as well be hitting my head against a wall. Except that, and here is the thing they do not TELL you about college: You will never again be alone enough to shout really loudly, sing really loudly, or feel comfortable enough to bang your head against a wall. Don't let them tell you otherwise. So, here I sit, blogging and not banging.

I'm about to embark upon a ridiculous theatrical whatsit: I've been cast as Claire in The Maids at Harvard Summer Theater. Haven't heard of it? Here is a synopsis: It's violent and scary. and about maids. you're welcome.

I'm scared to be acting in anything where I am so prominently featured. i am worried I will suck. I am fucking terrified and despondent at not spending the summer in the Berkshires. But, more immediately, I am struggling to remain afloat academically. So, finals first, panic second.

In conclusion: Summer, I am so fucking on to your games. Do not test me.

more later. happy studying, cambridge bubble!
~rachy

updating, and things

2006-05-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sing it, Robbie Williams

2006-01-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

I can't help but think that my iTunes shuffle feature is trying to tell me something... why all the brit pop?

I start finals on tuesday... I have never been this stressed or tired in my entire life. I think I may developing ulcers... or a skin condition... why is my face breaking out?

I have studied in 6 of the university's 40-something libraries... utterly ridiculous... I keep telling myself that if I keep moving, I won't get bored.

Untrue.

Um... now 'Like A Prayer' is playing. Sweet. NOW I can do my spanish review... lliiffeee isss aa myssterrryyy...

etcetera.

So I turn 19 soon, and it turns out my twin AND Taloo AND Peej are all coming into town for the blessed event. SO excited, seriously, going to be incredible. Okay, I'm clearly not brilliant or witty anymore (if ever), and I'm gonig to wrap this up by saying

"Innn the middniiight hoour, I caaann feeel youoorr poweeer... juuusttt liiikke a praayyer, you know, iii''lllllll taaakkke you thereee!!"

~rachy

Thematic, no?

2006-01-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

Considering the web address of this blog, it might be time to do an actual post concerning musicals... Mind you, I am four days into Reading Period at my college (13 to go), and am sitting in a library with a neglected spanish book next to me. This has no relevance, save I should be doing something OTHER than posting here. Hee. Ah well.

So, end of the month (3 days after my last final), I'm heading to NY to see Sweeney Todd (Patti LuPone, can I get a what what?). Also, as many $20 and under last minute tix I can find. For a university with no performance major (yes, i know, I'm an idiot... shut up), this place has definitely broadened my knowledge of musicals and non-musicals in the past few months. I'm in the midst of declaring a concentration (a major at any other college), and that kind of opens up the broader question of what I intend to do after college. After I get my (supposedly) pretentiously huge degree, what am I supposed to do? I would NOT have predicted it, after I chose my college and what I wanted to study... but I really can't see myself pursuing anything but singing. The classes I take here are seeming more and more incidental... as if my academics are for extra-curricular, and my other activities are for career training. But, is musical theater a fulfilling enough career for anyone? So much crap, so much industry, even other theater people mock it. But, its what I do. It's what I love to do. Hell, it's all I'm good at.

But I love it here. At this we-got-no-performance-major, liberal arts, hoity-toity Ivy. Love it. I've never had this much fun in my life. But, I am studying things that have no practical application towards singing, whatsoever. In fact, singing has taken a back-seat to EVERYTHING here.

So, I am left with the question which I have no doubt my parents are dealing with. Namely, if all I want to do is sing, what the hell am I doing here?

hmm. And to think I was going to use this musical blog to defend Sondheim's 'Assasins'... next tim, I suppose, when anxiety and exhaustion hasn't driven me to introspection.

In the grand tradition...

2005-12-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

of my favorite blog posts. It's time for another "Random Shuffle of Music that is soundtracking my semester"

1) Don't Lie- The Blackeyed Peas

Well worth the illegal download (suck it, University wireless services) this song wins "Catchiest Hook of My Fall Term". (no no no no baby, no no no no, don't liiieee). Try walking down the street to this song and NOT doing a little 'rocking out/looking hot/dance/walk thing. You can't do it. No one can. This also wins song I listen to when I wish I was not on campus (not often) because I have yet to hear anyone here listening to it, and thus, it has no personal connotations... yet. This is going to change, It's a damn catchy song.

2) Gavin's Song- Marc Broussard

Oy. A song that punched me in the stomach the first time I heard it. And the second. A friend of mine from school played it for me very late at night in the middle of a study session, but it would have been intense in the middle of a weekday. This guy (the one with the tone quality that makes you melt a little) sings a song he wrote for his son (Gavin) in case anything ever happens to him. If you don't get a catch in your throat at the lines "Be good for your mama, she'll need a hand to hold. Boy, she loves you, more than you'll ever know.", then you have no heart. Download immediately.

3) Destiny- Zero Seven

The band that brought you "Waiting Line" from the Garden State soundtrack (also worthy of a nod, though that on reminds me of high school). This song is beautiful, and makes you feel as if you are the star of your own personal edgy art film. It also happened to play on repeat for the entirety of my trip to and from Harvard-Yale weekend. Harvard-Yale weekend was the type of insta-memory that I might write some sort of book/magazine article/shitty coming-of-age film one day. And this will be the trailer song. :)

4) Sweet Baby James- James Taylor

My favorite song ever written. Because somedays, you wake up and miss the Berkshires, and being little at Tanglewood. And your sisters, and your parents. And this song is the only one that makes it okay. The second verse is a shoutout to my one true love. :) "Now, the first of December was covered in snow, Yes and so was the Turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston..."

5) Hung Up- Madonna

Because, since I entered the Harvard bubble, I have managed to miss -The World Series, -The Grammys, -every movie ever, -the bombing of major countries etcetera. But I did not miss the release of this kick-ass album. Also the inspiration for my favorite Shaun comment of the year. "Oh man! The new Madonna single is so good!....*embarrassed pause*... how did I get this gay?". But seriously, go dance to this song. You need to.

6) Meaning- Gavin Degraw

The one song I am happy the Opportunes got stuck in my head. The boy can write lyrics, and the stripped version of this song (as Barry said 'THAT'S the only version I listen to...heh) is worth a dl and several listens. Includes a particularly amazing line that always catches my breath a little, "Mounting the trail, but you've got it in sight. Sometimes the only way is jumping, I hope you're not afraid of heights."

7) What Would I do If I Could Feel- The Wiz

Because I didn't see the Wiz 'til I got to college. Because it was the first song I heard my friend Barry sing. Because it is a terrible recording, and not worth the downlaod, but I still cannot get it out of my head. Because, when played as an oveerlay over a slideshow, it looks like we all died :) Also, because I WILL get Barry to record this song before next semester.

*This update stalled due to an awesome lunch at the Signet*

8) Rather Go Blind- Etta James

Etta James is the reason I sing. Well, I mean. I do it for the chicks, but also for Etta. This song is one of a few that play with alarming frequency on my iTunes. I had a car named Etta. Did I tell you about her? Black and spunky. My first car. Pink fuzzy dice on the dash. Hula dancer in the back. Rear-ended while at a stoplight by an over-sexed 16 year old. Seriously.
But, still an amazing song that I particularly like to sing with heart-wrenching feeling and riffs...into my mirror, when no one can here me :)

9)Ballad Of A Well Known Gun- Elton John

Thanks to my Dad, I was introduced early to the best Elton John album of all time (Tumbleweed Connection). This was back when he was just some bad-ass Brit playing skanky piano bars across the country, and freaking people out with his creepy amount of soul. My personal favorite song of the album (Although I wouldn't say no to a little "Burn Down The Mission"). The song has tiemly significance because Shaun has recently discovered its awesomeness. Our first Mass Pike trip together included not a little belting of this song. As Phylicia Rashad might say "mmmmm... Oh, yessss". quite awesome.

10) Time Warp- The Rocky Horror Show (Harvard Cast)

Or, How I spent my fall semester. My favorite musical experience to date. This song is a distillation of the entire show for me. I danced to it with some of my best friends here, while wearing a black corset, vinyl capris and enough makeup and aquanet to make swimming in natural bodies of water an environmental risk. Honestly, this song, and musical will probably always remind me of freshman year. And thanks to Shaun and his illegal recording of our show, I can listen to my friends do it, rather than the Revival Cast or some other clearly un-hot group of actors/singers.

Sure, I've missed a few (there ain't no "The Last Five Years" on here, or any crazy dance hits (more common in my day-to-day life than I would have previously anticipated), but there you go. Fall semester is a blog-shaped nutshell. A blogshell. Whatev. Off to launder things and do schoolwork. Hah.

~rachy

T minus 4 days

2005-12-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

'til "Rachel Takes Chicago 2" hits theaters. :)

Very excited. Need to find a valid form of ID so as to be able to get on the plane. All y'all should visit hrdctheater.com and harvardopportunes.com. The performing arts are alive and well at Harvard, I swear.

This place is wonderful, and things are going really well right now. Minus Justice class. Ew. Justice.

But seriously, folks. I have very little to report ,short of running out of money and lots of auditioning. And, let's be honest, if this blog was about auditioning and budgeting, you could just visit taloo's blog. Oh wait, no you couldn't. Because she hasn't written anything since March. Way to drop the ball there, sis.

much love to mari and pj and nat, who are the only people who still read this increasing banal journal.

More interesting stories after I get my life back in January.

xoxo,

Rachy

Fuck Yale... i guess

2005-10-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

That's right. I have hit month two of Harvard.

And it's actually pretty wonderful :)
I'm still not feeling the anti-Yale thing (I mean, anymore than usual because New Haven sucks)... maybe that happens after the football game... the football game which I can't afford to travel to.

So what has changed? Well, I do work now. I met a burrito that I enjoy (oh, felipe's, my love for you is like an ocean)... and I find that I do my best studying after midnight in the 4th floor of a reeeaaallly big library.

People: awesome, classes:great, weather: I haven't seen the sun in 6 days. But hell, I'm from New England, I can deal with that.

I paritcipate in college a capella (hah!), and I'm in a production of Rocky Horror.

I think the only lasting "oh my god"-ness that has stayed with me in terms of "I can't belive I'm here" is when random famous people show up to class or just hang around with undergrads. It's bizarre to sit next to Sen. Kennedy in Justice class. And I totally got to eat dinner with Yo Yo Ma, but its the random stuff (almost spilling my coffee on the Times' Adam Nagourney this morning) that freaks me out.

Also, if you are ever on a tour of Harvard Yard, DO NOT f-ing take my picture, or anybody else's. We are late for spanish, we are tired and we don't care if you think we're endearing. Jeezz...

okay, less whiny, and self-involved after my paper is turned in...

lates, y'all.

~rachy

Yeah, and I would say that college can't compare to when I cured polio...

2005-08-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

All, I have to say is, if this isn't a spoof, then I think entire new political groups need to be created to establish an anti-Tom Cruise lobby that will be effective against the nutso himself, and any supporters that he may have brainwashed- err... tempted into his freakish cult-like existence.

http://toronto.fashion-monitor.com/news.php/Celebrity_Style/2005082202tom_cruise

So, this is what it sounds like when doves cry...

huh.

lates y'all,
rachy

Therapy via iTunes...

2005-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my new iPod mini (hereafter: pinky ipody). I have started spending an exhorbitant amount of time on iTunes. (I'm still not paying for any of it, don't be absurd). Seriously, it is almost rivalling the time and life sucking abyss that is facebook.

Though limewire remains my drug of choice for shamelessly screwing recording artists and their conglomerate owners into the ground, I find myself surfing iTunes for new music, then switching windows and stealing said music rapidly and without feeling, as is my right as a greedy American.

So, I've been finding new artists, new songs from old artists, and had teh shortest love affair possible with the podcast revolution. Interesting fact : podcasts are intriguing, varied, FREE, and available in an almost overwhelming fashion. Other note: It quickly becomes apparent that most podcasts are just like music on your iPod, except that they are so boring you want to kill yourself after a matter of minutes.

Anyway, it was worth the occasional boredom of podcast shopping to subscribe to al franken, mugglecast (sweet! if occasionally reminiscent of trekkie-dom), and the president's sunday morning radio address. (oh, shut up, just because I'm a democrat doesn't mean I can't listen to harmless political dross every Sunday).

But, although I'm coming reeeaallly late to the table, I DO have a more lasting love-affair that is (full circle topic alert!) connected to iTunes and my hot li'l mini.

When you visit the iPod music store, you can browse by celebrity playlist. *pauses for effect* Why wasn't I informed of this 7 months ago?! You're telling me I can now chose music based on the whims of my favorite soap opera/movie/mtv/triple-threat-disney-machine-teen-role-model???!!!

Needless to say I have been poring over the 260 some playlists with alarming interest. It's been less of a "new music" venture for me than an opportunity to measure myself by the only yardstick that matters: what celebrity shares my taste in music.

It's been a fascinating trip. Certain celebs dissapoint in their tastes (wouldn't you expect Nicole Kidman to have some funky underground alt-funk as opposed to... that's right, Gwen fucking Stefani's "hollaback girl" ?). Others astound (that blonde chick from 'Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'? She's a Postal Service fan.)

The sheer across-the-board nature of the celebrities chosen begs a read-through of their playlists. Each member of the Queer Eye boys has a fantastic rock-based playlist complete with write-ups of why each song appears (with the possible exception of Jai Rodriguez, whose J-Lo party megamix left me a little let down, and Carson Kressley, whose singers and standards playlist was nothing if not predictable). Edward Norton (le sigh) took the opportunity to introduce the world to two of his favorite indi artists, which is both very cool and slightly dissapointing. (I just wanted to know what he listened to on transit!)

But, much the way that knowing you prefer insta-pudding to creme brulee, its good to know where you stand on par to (obviously) standard-bearing celebs. I am content with the fact that I do not have as cool a playlist as Dr. John, or even (and this one hurt) Kelly Clarkson. But I am thrilled to know that I don't have any Avril Levigne on my playlist ( I'm looking at YOU, Andre Lloyd "Sk8er Boi" Webber), and could quite possibly chill at a party with America Ferrera or (if she kicks her top 20 habit) Nicole Kidman (or more accurately list-master Bella).

All that being said, it is such a phenomenal time-sucking activity... nothing makes people feel more territorial than musical tastes. This may be base, or unfeeling, but it is A BLAST to mercilessly make fun of celebs and their playlists. All the while knowing full well that, somewhere, deep in the recesses of my iPod full of rock, classical, funk, hip-hop and the blues, there is enough Ashlee Simpson to content every 13 year old in the continetal U.S.

lates y'all,
~rachy

On a clear day you can see Indiana...

2005-08-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hee. Back from a spectacular week at the Cape, and an even better extended weekend in Chicago.

If you're in the area, go see "Psycho Beach Party" at the Bailywick theater (although try several variations on the spelling while searching).

Flew back with Taloo, and got to see Chicago and my first great lake. Had a ridiculous amount of fun. Got to meet Taloo's awesomely cool friends, and chill out constantly with one mr. PJP.

I'm at work, so I will write a better, wittier and mroe extensive thinger later. All I have to say now is:

"I hope you're made of splenda 'cause I am on the South BEACH!"

or maybe

"You so sweet, you must be a stick of suga!"

or even

"I am just driving here in my car, and you ARE SEXY!"

admit it, you'd holla at that.

~rachy

Who's Got Extra Love?

2005-07-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ah. Another beautiful Saturday at Tanglewood. It is a tribute to how numb we get here to classical music that, on busy days, I've actually caught myself thinking, "Jesus, could the Boston Symphony be ANY louder?... f*ing Yo-Yo Ma is cutting in to my quiet lunch time."

But then we slap ourselves and get back to ignoring Brahms symphonies No. 2 and 4. It isn't busy today, though, faithful readers. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, little birds are twittering in the correct key signature, and the humidity has dropped back down to manageable levels. All this optimism is having a drug-like effect :)

Not to mention I'm finding myself in a little bit of love... hee. awesome.

So, my governor doesn't know how much it costs to ride the T in Boston. Now, I live in Massachusetts. But I live, literally, as far away from Boston as you can get without being in New York or Vermont, and I know that the T costs a dollar twenty-five.

It's astounding to me that we elected Mitt Romney to the highest state-position possible (excluding, of course, GM to the Sox). Has he ever even lived here? That's a question I don't recall comnig up in the election. How do you get to govern an entire population of people whose views and opinions differ so vastly from your own? It is, without exageration, the symmetrical equivalent of Ted Kennedy being elected as governor of Texas. It just wouldn't happen.

Say what you will of Republicans, if there is one thing that they can unite about as a party (other than say... the evils of reproductive rights) it is that they as a whole would NEVER elect a liberal. It's just basic common sense. Democrats are so god-forsakenly outspoken about their "accepting" behaviors, that they've begun to elect outside their belief system. Hello? There is already a key demographic electing Republicans to higher office... They're called Republicans! For once, Massachusetts has gone too far. In being so accepting and so gosh darn liberal, we elected a conservative as governor JUST TO SHOW THAT AT LEAST ONE CONSERVATIVE LIVES HERE!

Well, I'm going to lunch, to read my (according to msn.com) terrorism-centric allegorical Harry Potter novel. Whatever, shut up, Gates.

lates y'all,

~rachy

If I had 60 cents everytime I had a dollar...

2005-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'd be Canada.

Hah, get it? Gee, thanks 'Toothpaste for Dinner" (high quality online surreal-comic) I'd link it, but... well stop being so lazy and just google the damn thing.

Geez, some people are so demanding.

I'm currently at my desk... alllmostt at the 7 hour mark of an 8 hour day. Ever notice how the last two hours last about three decades? Yea, they do.

So, last night Shaun and I went to see Equus at Berkshire Theater festival. This was exciting for both of us. One of us was thrilled just to not be at Tanglewood for a while (me), and one of us was thrilled to see Randy Harrison naked (Shaun).

Yes, that's right. Randy Harrison, of "Queer As Folk" (or depending on who you ask, "Wicked" fame)

imdb.com <-- there you are, knock yourselves out. You can type his name in yourself, I've decided not to let you get lazy on account of me :)

It was an intense show... really well directed and performed. I have to say that it was one of those shows where the scenic design almost became a character in and of itself. The visual set-up was certainly as disturbing as the content.

The crowd simply adored it (although, I could wish, as I do sometimes around here, that the audience for once could be comprised of people other than REALLY rich, elderly caucasian couples.) I partially got my wish, as about 15% of the house was also comprised of young gay males panting after the leading actor and his lack of clothing.

le sigh.

As we walked out afterwards, the aforementioned 15% of the house was surrounding what looked to be a pleasant, but quickly tiring Randy Harrison. Poor kid. Can't even hang out with BTF apprentices without getting mobbed by Yankee teens with a love of all things Showtime.

Shaun commented that he was probably going to go get high, which was not offensive as we decided that we would REQUIRE some sort of mind-altering substance if we had to deal with that every night.

Poor guy, yet again.

But the real purpose of this entry is to suggest to you all that you go out to the nearest Friendly's and get their new Cotton Candy ice cream. It has pop-rocks in it.

Aw, hell yeah.

'til later y'all...

~rachy

How I learned to stop worrying and love the blog.

2005-07-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

So, I am aware that its been almost a month, but I do not feel particularly abashed... if I was going to start feeling guilt over my procrastination (not likely), it wouldn't start with my blog updates. It might, however, start with my laundry.

I have discovered (much later than most of the world) postsecret.blogspot.com

I highly recommend it. If only for the shock value.

I am currently at work with an hour 50 to go, but there is no work to be done. Hence, this blog entry.

School starts in about a month and a half and I am alternately excited out of my mind and so nervous and anxiety-ridden I feel like I'm back in middle school. Unfortunately, the latter sensation is more frequent (and more debilitating)

Thoughts of unsurity concerning my school choice, my major options, my friends... basically unsurity about everything are starting to wear me down. I think I'd like to get one more crack at high school and just say fuck it. As a friend of mine told me the other day. " no one really goes to Harvard... I mean, maybe in movies, but no one is really THERE."

Maybe that gives me an out of sorts. If no one really goes there, then I don't have to either. Or I could just sell out and go on American Idol to skip college for another year 'til I grow a back-bone...

Enough about this anxious crap. A little over a month 'til I go to Chicago. I'm so psyched I can hardly stand it. It'll be a nice week of calm air (without lectures or diatribes) before I leave for school. I trust that Nat, taloo and PJP will show me a good time. :) I mean, they're rock stars, how could they not?

Enough for now, 'cause I'm reading this back to myself and it is neither entertaining nor endearing. It's mostly just whiny and boring. Ah well, ya can't turn it on all the time ;)

lates y'all,
rachy

Give it up, Hawaii

2005-06-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

Rachy the blogger, ace reporter, writing from her first day in Corporate America (always to be spelled with capital letters).

No, really, it's fine. I'm working at a summer music festival for the summer. (Think Maryland's wolftrap, or Massachusetts Tanglewood). I have, thus far copied, sorted, coalated, and stuffed envelopes. I even took a lunch break. Neat! (When you work at theater companies evry summer, you cherish a schedule break for food)...(also, the ability to afford office supplies)

So, back to the matter at hand. Christmas Tree bills in the senate, and why today, the normally cool state of Hawaii earns this blog's "dumb of the week" distinction. On Thursday of this past week, the Senate introduced-

oh man! my job calls!

back to hawaii and ethanol amendments later...

rachy

Did you know?...

2005-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

There was supposed to be another state named Jefferson? True that. Now its a part of tennessee. (but don't worry, you're still the only Ten I see :)

Anywho, I am currently on a post-graduation trip to Washington DC. Its so beautiful here. I really love this city and it is a shame that going to school here didn't work out. At least I will still be able to intern here. I know how awkward it sounds, but politics still holds the same hopeful and passionate allure for me as theater and music.

This'll be quick as I don't want to waste my only vacation this summer. But I'll post when I'm back north and fill e'rybody in on prom and graduation and (gasp) american idol. I know you're waiting with bated breath (except maybe the "gal" who left me that sweet and loving comment on my last entry... which I am totally leaving up because I quoted "I Got rhythym" and was accused of having an illicit online affair. Alright, you caught me, I hooked up with Irving Berlin on match.com. But not before checking with my momma.

lates y'all

rachy

No, I don't think I WILL save a horse by riding a cowboy

2005-05-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

...although thank-you for your suggestion, Monsieurs Big and Rich. I don't particularly care for horses, and I've never met a democrat in a 10 gallon hat, (although, I'm sure they exist so please don't send me pictures).

That song currently plays whenever my cell phone rings... Tee! Hee!. It replaces the late and lamented "Feelings" (wooo, wooo wooo, feelinggsss), because everytime THAT one played I would collapse in a fit of giggles, thereby rendering me unable to answer my cell phone. Not a useful or desireable reaction.

Anywho, I am reeling and wheeling and... other rhyme-y things. I have a week of school left, I have a fun summer ahead, I met a boy that is just de-lovely... I got rhythym, I got my man, who could ask for anything- Well, yea, and so on.

My English class has entirely departed from any sort of curriculae involving... you know... linguistics? We are currently on our 3rd movie, Fight Club, Star Wars, and Pulp Fiction. 90% of the AP English classes had not seen Pulp Fiction (!), so I feel that this is more of a service to them than a deviation from, well, academics. Or, as my English teacher put it: "Damn! Bruce Willis is fucking hot."

I skipped a class for the first time in 4 years today. :) I got in my car with some friends and went to a Dairy Cone, which I felt was the most appropriate location for my "fuck you" to "The Man". It was fun. And liberating. And I got cookie dough out of the deal.

I'm going to go watch "The West Wing" marathon that has been declared on Bravo all week. It isn't too much West Wing, its just how I like it. Whenever I get free time, I SHOULD be able to go to my tv and see a West Wing rerun.

Life is SO good.

lates y'all,

rachy

Senior Year manifesto

2005-05-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have exactly ten days left in high school At the end of ten days, my locker will be cleaned out, my last research paper will be handed in ("Homoerotic Elements present in the movie 'Fight Club'"), and all those people who cut me in the lunch line or steal all the cool googles in raquetball will be the stuff of memory.

Or, at the very least, the stuff of screenplay fodder. Because it is here, on the eve of high-school-apocalpyse that I am officially declaring all acts of high school fair game. Every observance, incidence, judgement... emotion... kept behind my teeth for the past several years is in-bounds. I will not forget my high schol experience, because I am going to document it. In journals, in screenplays... wherever I am able. Fall festival when I was 13? Meet the public. That unfortunate crush I had on alex hayes during freshman year? Welcome to the limelight. For more than four years now, I have been laboring under the misconception that journalistic integrity relied upon my glossing over the inherent elements of my life. Details could be pushed under the rug, for the sake of my own dignity, if nothing else.

But it is this misconstruction of the facts that has led to their dispersion and distortion. I want to look back on high school, on pittsfield, on growing up, and remember more than just the good stuff. I want to remember how fun Fall Fest. was sure. But I also want to remember how tired and pissed I was, how miscast or lonely I felt, how much I wished I wasn't always that underclassman who sang a lot.

'Cause what would memories of high school be without the memory of your first really terrible hang-over (mine: for clarity and honesty's sake was in a hotel room in new jersey, as shaun held back my hair. Thanks, beautiful :) Or that April break where I was pretty certain I was in love for the first time. How totally wrong I was. How much it hurt to realize that some adults in your life can really hurt you, more than anyone else. How gorgeous my first car was, rust and fuzzy dice and all. My first experience with just about everything. So, while I won't betray confidences or let anyone elses secrets fly, mine are free-for-all as of now. I have nothing left to lose on 'em, and I'm going to miss 'em when they're gone...

Thanks for letting me meander and blather for a bit. I'm feeling contented and nostalgic. more later,

Rachel

And I'd make Edward Norton my love interest...

2005-05-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am filling out another form-blog-post. Shutup. If I wanted criticism I could just post my private thoughts for public consumption. oh. wait.

If My Life Was A Movie (shamelessly ripped from mari's livejournal)

opening credits: Loser- Beck

waking-up scene:Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes- Paul Simon

average-day scene: Beautiful World- Coldplay

best-friend scene: Muppets- Whatever Lola Wants- Damn Yankees (mwhaha, he's gonna kill me)

first-date scene: Greatest Mistake of our Lives- Sam and Josh

falling-in-love scene: Can't Take My Eyes off of You- Lauryn Hill

after-first-date happy scene: wicked little high- Bird York

second-date-sex scene: Desire- Ryan Adams

love scene: The Way You Look Tonight- Harry Connick Jr.

fight-with-friend scene: The Stupid Song- that guy taloo knows

jealousy scene: Yellow Moon- Aaron Neville

break-up scene: Jude Law and a Semester Abroad- Brand New

get-back-together scene: Book of Love- Peter Gabriel

"life's okay" scene: Hollywood Nights- Bob Seger

heartbreak scene: Could We Start Again Please?- Jesus Christ Superstar

recovery scene: Lovely Thing- Bird York

mental-breakdown scene: I Don't Like Mondays- The Boomtown Rats (or Tori Amos ;)

driving scene: Grey Seal- Elton John

lesson-learning scene: Hiding Under Water- Beth Hart

deep-thought scene: While My Guitar Gently Weeps- The Beatles

hanging out with friends scene: In The Waiting Line- Zero Seven

flashback scene: Barenaked Ladies, Light Up My Room

party scene: Bombs Over Baghdad- Outkast

happy dance scene: Let Me Entertain You- Robbie Williams

regret scene: Leather- Tori Amos

standing-in-the rain scene: Who Killed Tangerine- Tears For Fears

death scene: Cello Suite No. 1 in G major- Bach

closing credits: Brothers In Arms- Dire Straits

did I really have Bob Seger in here? Sweet.

lates y'all,

~rachy

alllllmmooossst summer...

2005-04-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

I think April break is a stupid idea. It is like prep-work for real summer. And then you have to go back and be all studious for another month.

Thas DUMB...

But umm.. I'm going to Harvard, so maybe I should get used to academics, like all the time.
Wow, these people were stupid to let me in. I am convinced I'm going to get there and they're going to be like "umm, there's been, sort of... sort of a mistake..."

Annd I got a job, as an assistant for the summer. So, yeah that's going to be interesting...

On, the plus side, I get to go to CHICAGO FINALLY!!!!

!!!!

okay bye,

~rachy

what'd YOU do on pre-frosh weekend?

2005-04-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

I went to two accepted students(pre-frosh) overnights this week.

Two. Williams v. Harvard.
My head is starting to feel like Celebrity Death Match...without all that entertaining claymation (although I WOULD love to see Pres. Shapiro and Summers duke it out, playdough style)

On my Williams overnight, I stayed on a plastic futon, after attending a dance where they handed out plastic glow-necklaces. Needless to say, it was the coolest thing ever. :) No. Seriously.

But, and let me be clear, I KNOW that my Harvard overnight is NO indication of true undergrad life.
Because, I, on my pre-frosh overnight to Harvard, met Allison Kraus, James Taylor and Steven f*ing Tyler.

I KNOW!

My Harvard host, (to wrap up a rather long and odd story into a neat summary), is related to a techie on the Union Station Tour, so we sat in the crew section, next to Jimmy T and Liv Tyler Sr.

heehee, I totally should have called them that.

But yes, so that was amazing and completely took me away from the task at hand. Namely, figuring out how the fuck I'm supposed to know where to spend the next for fairly crucial years of my life. Luckily, it turns out I'm going to be dumber than the stupidest brick at either institution and will most likely maintain a GPA of... say.. banana.

So at least I don't have to worry about which place I'll do well at (read: Because I'm going to be a complete idiot at BOTH!)

Also, met a guy, invited him to come over. We watched The Boondock Saints. So, clearly I'm stupider than most inanimate objects. Note to self: Movies reminiscent of Tarantino NOT conducive to cheerful getting-to-know-you evenings.

Next time (hah!) we'll watch Legally Blonde. If I go to Harvard, I'll be sort of like her, only lacking all that charm and Ryan Phillippe spousal status. So, mostly I just mean I'll be stupid and disliked. Sweet. I think I'm going to bed. Hopefully, I'll wake up and be an eighth grader with a stupid haircut again... Dude, those were the days...

~rachy

all better, no fo' shizzle...

2005-04-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

whheeee again...

Very tired, but all my work is doen. My GPA is locked, i can no longer fail high school even if I stop showing up entirely. Sweeet..

Also, on two week vacation!!!

wheeee!!!!

lates,
rachy

here goes...

2005-04-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

And now,

it is the night before grades close on my high school transcript.
I have NEVER pulled an all-nighter in any year of high-school.

But, in typical stupid ass-hole fashion, I need to tonight. I have... oh about 4 major papers that were due weeks ago.

Fuck this shit, Apparently, I never learn. Ever.

just trying to screw my courage up. I'll let you all know how this turns out in the morning...

~rachy

wheeeeeeeeeeeee

2005-03-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

harvard.edu

wheeeeeeee

In other news, I got a job. And I have a future. One thst doesn't involve forced prostitution of any kind.

Not that I was too concerned, but a girl does have to have options.

Oh, screw it, I should have stopped at the wheee... So, in conclusion...

wheeeeeeeeeee

~rachy

4 kb. worth of conversation...

2005-03-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Which is, incindentally, the amount of space the average IM conversation takes up. Just something to think about, as I steal a blog topic from Seth's rather wonderful blog

A - Age you got your first kiss: 8
B - Band listening to right now: The Postal Service
C - Crush: that boy from all-state
D - Dad's name: Dave
E - Easiest person to talk to: Shaun or Keely
F - Favorite bands at the moment: Counting Crows, Nickel Creek
G - Gummy worms or gummy bears?: gummy worms, either sour or straight up...
H - Hometown: Pittsfield (holla back)
I - Instruments: piano, 9 years to be exact (and I am terrible)
J- Junior High: Reid Mizziddle School
K - Kids: yes? that isnt a question really...
L - Longest car ride ever: From Pittsfield to DC when I was 6... it was awesome
M - Mom's name: Deb
N - Nicknames:Chelly or Chelly laine, unless you are Nat, in which case, I am the ninja.
P - Phobia[s]: bolshievikophobia... I don't suffer from it, its just my favorite.
Q - Quote: "When women are but young and fair, They have the gift to know it."
R - Reason to smile:It's a Wednesday! It's beautiful out AND there's a new West Wing.
S - Song you sang last: 'holla, holla, holla' by that guy...
T - Time you woke up [today]: 4:16, i know, I'm out of my mind.
U - Unknown fact about me: I watch CSPAN when I'm home in the afternoon. Yes. Yes, I know.
V - Vegetable you hate: Brussel sprouts, I've tried covering them in cheese, which works for pretty much everything else, but, um they still taste like grass.
W - Worst habit(s): Procrastination and the inability to commit, and the over-ability to obfuscate.
X - X-rays you've had: For my wrist, For my knee and that badass one for my head. Good times.
Y - Yummy food: lobster and steamers at Legal Seafoods by the wharfs in Boston. (I know, I'm an expensive date ;) But also, pointe break pizza at Bettys.
Z - Zodiac sign: Pisces. We're sensitive. holla.

whooops...

2005-03-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

im a taadd bit drizunk on easter wine...

hmmm...

In other news, everyone is going back to college AND I got into Georgetown yesterday.. HAH! who knew?

I'm going to finish this up, as its becoming more like an actual journal. I had on of those once. Two, a livejournal and a paper one... how vintage. Alright, so I still have the paper one. Lay off.

Can't get the garden state soundtrack out of my head, which could, definitely be worse.

lates,

rachy

A quick one, more worth it than can be described

2005-03-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

Gizoogle

For all you beotches who want to find shiznit.

And that's their REAL slogan.

!!!!!!

It translates every website into ebonics. And I am in love.

rachy

signs of intelligent life

2005-03-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

brilliance

Well, I for one think it is intelligent life. People need to laugh more. Screw people. I need to laugh more. And that guy singin' numa numa does the trick... As was once said on (yes, i know, shut up) The West Wing, "That is how I like my irony served, my friend."

Other things that can be seen as useless but that I consider essential to the continuance of society and humanity?

The Polyphonic Spree- Man, those people are just about the awesomest musical cult since the Partridge Family bought a bus. Weird? Sure. Too self-assured? To be certain (hence the choir robes). But c'mon they're so bad that you want to be a member, admit it. Do it.

The Tv guide channel- These people have 24 hour programming about... programming! Not even CNN can pull that shit off. And they have their own little staff of "personalities" that ask the tough questions (espn or espn2?) and interview the Important celebrities... like that chick from popular... and John Stamos before people thought he was all cool again... which brings us to...

John Stamos- C'mon! He was fucking Uncle Jesse! I was reading an interview where he discussed enjoying working with Mary-Kate more, because she had a crush on him and, thus, was more expressive. Umm, ew... but whatev... Remember when Jesse and his band (The Rippers) were trying to produce a music video?! and it was mad cheesy?! and in the end he decided to be true to himself and his music, and the resultant video involved a lot of candles, and I think rosepetals and a bathtub?! THAT WAS SO COOL YOU COULDN'T EVEN TAKE IT!!! Did 98 degrees totally gank that video from Jesse and the Rippers for that wedding video? Should they sue? Have you even seen John Stamos's new show? Can you believe people find him bad-ass again? Because, we totally never forgot Uncle J.

That girl from school who mistook an article on George Stephanopoulos on one concerning Sesame Street's Snuffleupagus... - I believed I've mentioned her before, but I think she deserves a nod tonight, because I am enamored with that kind of sureity in oneself to be fairly certain that you've just been told they gave Snuffleupagus a new show on Sunday mornings discussing domestic policy.

The people who keep sending porn to my e-mail account addressed to "M. Law"- I'm not sure how it started, I've been told I am registered at a gay porn site online, and that I visit frequently. And that my name is M. Law. NOTE- this is not spam, it seems to be an actual account set up at an (im hopeful) extremely tasteful website for those interested in homosexual pornography. I think the important thing to remember is, while I may be slightly befuddled at all this mail, somewhere, a Matt or a Michael Law is all pissed off because no one sent him his porn. And that's awesome.

On that note, feel free to leave other things that just make you smile with their necessary ridiculousness-osity :)

lates all,

rachy

high school in g minor...

2005-03-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

I am writing this as an ode to the coolest kid I know.

Well, I don't really know him that well, but how about the coolest kid I see day to day.

He's known as run-kid. He goes to my school and wears a backpack roughly the size of a small country (forthe sake of clarity, let's call it guam). So this kid...well runs. everywhere, in school, down hallways, through the cafeteria. Not a non-chalant jog or a brisk walk. A run. The kind of messy, tripping over things run you'd do if, say, you were being chased by overlarge rodents, while lugging Guam on your back.

I found out this morning that... wait for it... he runs to get out of sunlight... because (wait for it) he thinks he's a vampire.

I think I'm in love. Let's also establish that run-kid is also known as sweatpants kid. And mullet kid. There is just no getting better than that. This is why he is my current favorite student.

Because, everyone in this school, any high school, has their quirks. The girl with too much concealer, and the kid who doesn't let his friends know he's in the salsa club. Hell, I watch Cspan when I'm watching dinner 'cause there isnt anything on NPR. Everyone's a dork in high school... but run-kid has embraced his view of the world. So, while kids might laugh when he runs by, knocking them over with Guam. I sure as hell wish I coul run through the hallway KNOWING that I was a vampire. 'Cause that is bad-ass, and you know it.

Okay, off to 4th period...because this is what my day has become... pointless blogs, and very little academia... sweet :)

almost-18-rachy

the best weekend since cereal was invented

2005-03-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

no, truly.

I had an incredible weekend! This is notable, as my weekends normally consist of...welol, avoiding the passage of time toward monday...

It deserves note that I did sing at a mall yetserday in a gold lamee top... while belting out kelly clarkson... I just kept repeating to myself "its for charity"... this did not help...

still. I deserve props for the outfit if nothing else, and I'd like to think I get bonus points for spunk as well.

oh. and to be political and not funny, but still worthwhile: the following is paid for by the comittee to elect pam malumphy

www.pammalumphy.com

go. do it.

ahh, 'nother week, 'nother dollar.

and also, six days until my legal birthday. I know how you're waiting with bated breath. It's okay, you can soon relax. :)

lates

~rachy-who-is-six-days-short-of-being-freaking-18-years-old

whew.

hiding under my bed... fallout will do that to you...

2005-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

I have been accepted to Brandeis University as a L.P. Brandeis Scholar. They're going to pay for the whole thing...

And I am extraordinarily worried that I am now a target for the aggressions of some rejected honors student who actually practices judaism...

But it's a snowday so I'm reasonably certain I can just will all my troubles away with the comforting thought that it isn't going to warm up above freezing here for another month.

hah. what lovely dayyyyeee, you said it bill withers...

lates all

rachy

'allo, you want air? 2 euro.

2005-02-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

I'm officially back from Europe (pronounced "YURP") and boy are my arms-... well you get the idea.

Interestingly and ironically (both at the same time, even) Italy was wet and cold and Paris was absolutely amazing. and the people were friendly, too.

who woulda guessed. Anyways, I'm still more jetlagged than I thought possible... whoever told me that coming back was easier deserves to be hit in the face a little.

The campaign is...going... I would love for us to win the primary. She is just so good for this community. But voter turnout is going to be a bitch to pull up.. ah well... itll all work out.

A more witty, stylistic and elegantly phrased entrty once I can figure out how to spell "stylistic" without powerful thoguht going into it. Also, I love this country with its free public rest rooms.

~rachy

At least they give you cookies after...

2005-02-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

NOTE: This blog entry is not for squeamish girly girls...

I gave blood today... according to the sticker that is currently decorating my lapel (or rather, hoodie), you should be nice to me. Because of the blood i have given. As good a reason as any to be nice to me... But the woman, upon sticking a needle into my arm, remarked "whoops"

whoops?! No, no lady... don't they teach you anything in blood collecting school? that has GOT to be on a list of proscribed post-stick phrases list.

Anyway, the blood has been given, the whoops resulted in a rather bad-ass bruise on my right arm (good as a war story for another 3 days... AND they gave me fresh.oatmeal.cookies.

because good samaritans get the warm cookies.

ANYways... I am desperately fighting off a case of senioritis (I havent done any work in a few weeks, but I'm confident I'll finish it before the semester ends). and I go to Europe in 10 days!!!!

!!!

I'll leave you with my awesome karmic moment of the day...

While in line for a nutritious lunch of a giant pretzel with cheese, I, and a number of other pretzel fans, were cut off by a rather hefty sophomore who has a major profanity problem, or a minor case of tourettes (I suspect the former). It was rude, but as usual, no one said anything, because it is sort of a hassle to start shit in a lunch line. Whatev, I was feeling sassy. So I tapped him on the shoulder and rather loudly remarked that there wasn't a damn person in line who didn't see what he was doing, and why didn't he go to the back like any mature 6 year old. He responded with a rather snappy... "bitch".

well. I began a nice, rapid discourse on how I hoped the remainder of his lunch period would progress, including his food being spit upon, dropped, and then stepped on by a bunch of freshmen who also took the time to insult his mother.

He did not respond, but went about his way with his pretzel.

A few minutes go by, and just as a group of us, myself included, reach the front of the line, he steps through to ask for another cheese. He was all "It fell on the ground, with my pretzel". blah blah sheepish-cakes. The lunch-server (my new buddy), having witnessed the entire thing, informed him that he would need more money to buy another pretzel, and they didn't give the cheese away for free...

WHEE! justice is done, and everybody knows, they don't give that cheese away for free... :)

lates,

rachy

this is so not your night, cowboy

2005-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Taloo's blog... because it is funnier than mine, and yours... its okay, face it.

But that isn't really why I'm posting. I'm posting because I feel as if I am standing in a room full of clowns and everyone else is all "hey, whatev.. they're clowns" whereas I'm more like "there are fucking CLOWNS in the room?! hello??!!"

okay, its sorta like that... clearly my explication needs some work tonight.

But, I just returned from my THIRD O.C. party. It's like a drug, I swear, this is warner-brothers produced crack. And I am a slave to the habit. :) no, not really, I mostly show up for the snacks... and to laugh at some of the dialogue... but It makes for a fun thursday night

'specially when they cancel the West Wing on wednesday, in order to announce the privatization of Social Security... unbelievable... there are CLOWNS in the room! hello?!

Plus, no college will take me because I may have inadvertently set up a student walk-out tomorrow to protest the denial of teacher contract re-negotiations...

I didn't mean to! They were upset, so I wrote an editorial... and umm... now there's gonig to b e a walkout... I'm sorry! I really was just trying to get out of doing statistics work... so I wrote a manifesto instead... on lined paper no less.

The State Of The Union. The Pope in the hospital. Lesbians on the O.C. and an accidental student protest.

THERE ARE CLOWNS IN THE ROOM...I CANNOT BE ALL ALONE HERE!

so I'm going to bed...

goodnight,

rachy

when in doubt, copy blog topics!

2005-01-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

If I were ever to adopt a motto, that just might be it...
However, for the moment what it refers to is my uncermonious ganking of a blog topic du jour. (ganked from taloo's blog, who apparently alos ripped it from yet another blog)

So, here it is, the 'party shuffle' of my itunes... My entire existence boiled down to ten songs. I think this should actually be part of the college admissions process, right after extracurricular activities...

10) Dream Life Of Rand McNally- Jason Mraz

A great song by, (in my humble opinion), a truly fucking great artist. A nice ten minute live version, featuring several scat solos, as well as the incredible line "but I gotta leave town, mister 'nally, just as scary spice was about to go down on me." Any song in which Jason Mraz travels the globe is o.k. in my book. Its like carmen sandiego the musical. only better.

9) God Only Knows- Mandy Moore and Michael Stipe

Okay, so obvious points off for having ANY mandy moore on the list at all, but I feel that it is at least partially tempered by the presence of everyone's favorite REM frontman. I really love this song for its existence within the movie "SAVED!". A great movie that, for some reason, both young christians AND the people who hate them can watch together. Really. Also, the intensive and standard English classes at my high school just finished watching it, and they. all. liked. it... these are kids that despised the Matrix when it was assigned. for seriously. In other news, Mary-Louise Parker. End of story.

8) Wrong Way- Sublime

Not my favorite Sublime song (that'd be Santeria), and not even as offensively grand as 'date rape', but still, its Sublime, so word. This song always reminds me of "Taylor" by Jack Johnson, if the johnson song were ever really, really drunk. hee.

7) Scenes From An Italian Restaurant- Billy Joel

Yes. I do have this on my itunes. Shutup. This is one of my favorite hits that billy joel ever had... I'm more of an underground track kinda girl. But my oldest sister and I can do a mean air piano version of this song, which culminates in our favorite lyric: "That's all we heard about Brenda and Eddie, Can't tell you more 'cause I told you already." LYRICIST GOLD, my friend.

6) 99 problems- DJ Danger Mouse edit

I love Jay-Z. I love the Beatles. This song puts 'em together, which is akin to the musical invention of celery and peanut butter. Or even celery and cream cheese, making the dj the sprinkle of peprika. I love peprika. Also, I can rap the entire second verse VERY well, for a little middle-eastern girl.

5) All At Sea- Jamie Cullum

I could not get this song out of my head for most of last summer. Which is okay. It holds the dubious distinction of most plays on my list. I wish I could watch him in concert without being reminded of the hobbit folk. But I am willing to put this aside, in honor of my love for pianos, and the men who rock them.

4) California Dreaming- Guster

A Guster cover of my favorite Mamas and Papas song. Ever. And there is some rather fierce competition. This song is my favorite to play while digging out my car, or waiting for it to defrost in a parking lot. I just get a kick out of all that irony.

3) Changes- David Bowie

(The second you read that, didn't your head automatically go : ch-ch-ch-changes! ?)I don't know why this is on here. I apologize. I DO have a swell version of Bowie's cover of "Nature Boy", but it is not on the shuffle list. Alas. Not a really huge david bowie fan. Although I do pride myself in redeeming my generation of female volcalists by BEING ABLE TO PRONOUNCE HIS NAME. suck it, avril.

2) Red Neck Woman- Gretchen Wilson

Hey, democrats can like country, too! Also, bluegrass. And guns. Well, no, not guns. But this song always makes me sing along, and I do like talkin' 'bout sitting in my front porch with a baby on my hip. I'm not sure why. I just do.

1) Amy Hit the Atmosphere- Counting Crows

A song I suggest lots of people download, immediately. A beautiful song by a band that knows how to write 'em. Also, I can't really listen to colorblind, without breaking down into a sobbing mess, so this is a slightly less intense alternative. Only just as cool. I enjoy singing "Rachy" in place of Amy in the song. Try it with your own name. If it doesn't work, try "Mary-anne" from their song butterfly in reverse. Which incidentally! was written for Mary-Louise Parker.

See how I came full circle. Yeah, I'm good like that.
lates,
Rachy

swellll.... (me and mark twain)

2005-01-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

As if I don't have enough problems with people analyzing my personality... I have taken a test at the behest of Gangsta Nat. Said test has apparently diagnosed me as a nutcase. No. well, sort of. See for yourself.

I am a(n?) ENFP

The Portrait of the Champion Idealist (eNFp)

RATIONAL

ARTISAN

IDEALIST

GUARDIAN

The Champion Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and extraverted when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. Champions are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.

Champions consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which Champions possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, Champions strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, Champions fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.

So there you go. Actually, as online quizzes go, its a bit too on-base for me to crack jokes... I'm too busy googling the word "ENFP"

night all, and next time I might even write my OWN words...

~rachy

i'm just a bill... yes I'm only a bill.. and i'm sittin' here on capitol hill...

2005-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

'allo... It is a Friday, and my, but I looove the weekend. I've never really been as pro-weekend as everyone... or at least i've never been quite so anti-weekday... I suppose that studying Statistics will do that to just about anyone.

I leave for Rome in less than a month. Nice. I'm really really really hoping that I enjoy overseas travel, because let.me.tell.you. working for the State Department is gonna suck if I dont.

I am going to kill. myself. if. i dont. hear. back. from. colleges. soon.

GAH!

love,
rachy, the li'l ray of sunshine who is lacking in the wit department currently, but cut her some slack 'cause she had a tough week.

p.s.- www.jibjab.com brand new cartoon. Second term. BAH!

Dear Inauguration Day: Suck It.

2005-01-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

No, I'm lying. I just wish I could be there (even if it is freakin george w.) ... or at the very least, be able to watch instead of taking yet another midterm... watching the west wing (it is a wednesday night, after all), so this will have to be quick (see, I DO know how to prioritize).

I just wanted to say that I resent and disagree with statements alluding to a need to change the color scheme of my bloggyblog. And as a result, I will be changing the color scheme as soon as I get a free sec. Taloo and company think I've been watching too much OC; I agree, but cant a girl like pink?

my oh, my... this show is not displaying the writing that once attracted me to it... I told these people in my careful worded fan-mail, if they'd just hire me... ( i am joking when I do this :) )

Anyway, just a quick thing to let y'all know that pink does not a ninja (such as myself) unmake, and if I were to ever go on American Idol, I'd end up running off to elope with the chick in the tomato costume... night to all y'all

~rachy

oh, these kids today with the long hair and the clothes...

2005-01-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

So, I felt that I owed it to myself to come clean on this, my favorite blog. The first step is, of course, admitting you have a problem. So here goes.

I watched an episode of the O.C.

I know! I know! I've caved! My principles have gone the way of the dinosaurs, and "Freaks and Geeks" reruns. and blahdeeblahyaa fishcakes. I'll admit, my twin sister (henceforth: Emmy) has certainly gotten me intrigued. She watches it religiously, packed into a living room with, I am not kidding, 25 other high school seniors. Every Thursday. I thought to myself (no, for realness) "If so many of peers enjoy this show, maybe it IS worth watching. Maybe there's something redeeming, a sparkling humor, non-stereotypical characterizations, actual honest-to-god teenagers".

yea. See, this was probably my first mistake. Was I on crack? So many of my peers enjoying one thing? Does this justify the popularity of The REal World/Road Rules Challenge"? How about Pimp My Ride. (dear viewers, wanna pimp your ride? get a fucking air freshener). But now I'm being harsh. Who wouldn't want to see a bunch of sheltered, naive 20 somethings compete against each other for prizes while testing the romantic waters? Who doesn't want their car pimped? If they want to pimp my ride, that'd be swell, but I've heard tell that 94 corrollas are unable to be pimped... such as they are.

Anyway, No it wasn't terrible. The actors are all much too old for high school. It was the similar feeling I got when watching old episodes of "popular" (which in my opinion was quality :) ). I am supposed to be two years older than the actors on these shows? Would they like actual pictures of high school students. I have some, pictures, that is. We won't get started on the acting... because apart from one "kid", it.. well. sucked. sucked and blew. sucked, blew and bit it. ah well.

But so, I've entered my generation. I've watch the O.C. I can pick Mischa Barton out of a lineup. (which, incidentally, is where I think she should be for calling herself an actress.) Next up, I suppose I'll have to watch TRL. Which, apparently Carson Daly isnt on anymore? When did they change these things? I must have been doing something else that day.

But I'm not going to watch it again. Because it got me into a very deep discussion the next day with a girl whom ( I swear to god) once, in conversation, confused George Stephanopoulos with Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street. And I cant do that to myself. It makes me sad.

On an even better note which I will leave you on, the following conversation was overheard in my gym class the other day. Enjoy.

(spoken with one of my favorite accents, 'the white girl tryin' to be latina ghetto')

"damn... ooookayy, so I went to the openin of "Freddy versus Jason" this one time and that shit was crazy packed! The line was, like, halfway to China-Max!"

I started laughing very hard, and thankfully I wasn't alone. But then the girl glared at me and I tried to explain about how when people are describing distance, they sometimes use the phrase 'halfway to china'... and she rolled her eyes and said 'yuh-uh,daammmmnn... I said China-Max? its a restaurant?' and she laughed and left.

maybe she had to watch the O.C.

perhaps we should have made a flowchart...

2005-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

With the risk of revealing my specific location (or at the very least, my congressional district), I have a special award to give out this week. I'm going to call it the "maybe this should have been better thought out" award. I will not have it engraved, as it is a stupid name for a stupid award.

On this, the eve of inaugural parties and addresses and moving into office days, most politicians are settling into their newly-won politcal homes. Not so in the section of my state that I call home. Just six days after the beginning of his second term, State Representative Peter Larkin has resigned, citing a move to work in the public sector. I'm sorry, what? You got a new job?! Six days ago you began the old one!

So let's establish: You've headed a politcal campaign, asking people for significant amounts of money to enable you to become a chosen representative to your state legislature. Youv'e spent months convincing those around you that you are the man for the job, that you care for their interests, their futures, their children's futures. You've asked people to give one of their most important gifts as citizens, their votes, to you. And you won. You're telling me that six days after you realize this dream you move on? Now, this man is a graduate of my high school, and from all accounts a decent person. But I am having difficulty imagining that whatever job offer he may have been.. offered, occurred in the last two weeks. He did not consider the move to the private sector before the election? During it? EVER?

As a result of this resignation, a special election needs to be held. In an area that is as heartily sick of elections as the rest of the nation (more so even, considering the incredible majority of Democrats), we get another one. Oh boy. It will be time-consuming, costly and complicated for all involved. Candidates will emerge to fill a seat that many feel has lost considerable clout in the legislature. Debates will ensue, and attacks will occur. Most of it fueled by tax dollars. Truly this candidate was not thinking about your interests, or mine, at all.

So step up, and here's your award. You even get a gift certificate to the Berkshire Mall, which I'm sure you can spend quite a bit more time at now that you will be back in the area permanently.

And today, I'd like to step up on my soap box and announce my candidacy for State Representative to the 1st Congressional District of Massachusetts. Vote for me, I'll be around longer than a week.

decisions and essays

2005-01-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

This isn't going to be the blog entry with springy wit that you've come to enjoy... heh. But when I'm feeling better, I'm going to enjoy pontificating on the adjective "springy".

I'm currently applying for undergraduate scholarships to facilitate next fall. One of these is the Daniel Pearl Scholarship.

And I can't stop reading biographies on his life, and start filling out the application.

This man was a journalist. A musician. A few months short of being a father. He wasn't part of any government. Not a soldier. He was finding out about sotries that affected the world at large, and writing about them.

And he was killed, as an example to Americans, by people whose story he wished to share with the world.

Now, I have some fairly intense and conflicting opinions about the war in Iraq, terrorism at large, and the current administration... as do most Americans...

A lot of these stem from being half-middle eastern (myself, not the current administration... though wouldn't that be swell). I consider myself patriotic and well-informed (though I'm sure I could find some Young Republicans to dispute that). But, it worries me how often it is that dialogues concerning terrorism seem to cyclically travel back to the contrast of middle eastern life and Americanism. It is difficult to stomach well-meaning peers discuss the horrors of middle eastern culture (hey, whoa man... we gave you pita bread.. and hummus).

Yes, It sickens me to see a nation so abjectly downtrodden that terrorism is a "justifiable" option, and an honorable one at that. Imagine a society whose past has created such a situation. Now imagine a region of countries like this. It just makes me cry, and continue to scan websites devoted to the memory of Daniel Pearl. So many Americans have lost their lives to terrorism. So many people.

I apologize for the break in "blog thematics" but I assure you, I'll be back sometime this week... discussing "springy"... and hummus, now that I think about it...

rachy

I don't like Mondays...

2004-12-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

I don't like Mondays My goodness... I am aware that everyone else discovered this song two decades ago... but how incredibly sad. I'm in Limewire repeat tangent mode... meaning pretty soon, I'll be suicidal from listening to this song... Not the original, the Tori Amos version. For reasons surpassing my understanding, the original version contains a nutso piano-bar solo thing... 'Cause apparently nothing says school shooting like a nutso... oh nevermind.

Online music is a funny thing. If nothing else, it truly shows me what a nutcase I am. I'm 8 seconds away from all-out weeping about "I Don't Like Mondays" when, luckily, "Wagner's 'Flight Of The Valkyries' strikes up... This begs several questions, not the least of which is, when the fuck did I download 'Flight Of The Valkyries'?... And before I can ponder that and move on to further questions about my Wagner penchant... that song from "Love Actually" comes on... I feeeeeelll it in my fingaas, I feeel it in mah toooeeesss... feel free to sing along.

wuss. you never sing along, do you?

Oh good, now we've moved on to the Talking Heads. I better wrap up this entry... appaarently I'm taking them to the River...

until 2005, y'all

p.s.- don't know why i love ya like I do-oo...

quite the best chrismahunakwa... oh... screw it

2004-12-31T01:51:00.000-08:00

Because it was a funny phrase until it was on a virgin mobile commercial... And even that wasn't quite as bad as being forced to share the funny with 'The O.C.' I'm not THAT hard up for entertaining catchphrases.

Almost the New Year... Promos for 'Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year' are popping up, and that's how I can tell. Hosted by Regis Philbin... because what we truly need is more airtime invaded by the man who introduced us to Kelly Ripa. I do like that they haven't changed the name of the show... I envision Mr. Clark in a hospital bed with a little mind zapper for each time a promo-monkey at ABC suggests a change. This makes me smile, even as it reassures me that I am going to hell.

Speaking of people who require mind zappers, I passed an Anne Coulter book in Barnes & Noble today and actually heard myself growl... however, I also noticed that she has an excellent wardrobe, for an anti-christ. At least she's good at what she does (making liberals shake with anger)... it has been an awful long time since I unihibitedly growled... Perhaps I miss Bill O'Reilly... hee. yea.

I'm off to bed now. More fun to be wrung out of 2004! and only 23 hours left to do so! Sto Lat, 2005!

rachy