getting in the winter mood

So, the sun is shining here in Austin. And I wore flippie floppies to run errands earlier. But, I have hope that when the sun sets, a chill will come over the city. The night time is the right time, know what I mean?

Anyway, I'm trying to get into the winter mood regardless of what the actual weather is showing me. So I dug up some stuff that makes me feel ok about having a Christmas tree up and the ceiling fan on.

This song was released in 1964 and written by one of the greats, Berry Gordy. TRIVIA: The Temptations are singing the background vocals on this. Also, this is a lady's anthem for real. MOVE ON UP, GURL.

Dig on some old-school Marvin.

sxsw day 1

Wednesday, March 18

The beginning of SXSW is here! Hard to believe just a year ago I was sneaking into things and covering my arms with long sleeves so no one would notice I didn't have a wristband. MY, HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

Anywayz, I started the first day off right with Wax Fang. If you don't know this amazing band from Louisville, then you should start doing your research. I first saw Wax Fang open for My Morning Jacket in 2006 and I totally loved their live show. You know it's going to be a good time when a lion head is attached to the drum kit and there is a pony with pink hair on stage. The lead singer Scott Carney also uses a theremin sometimes, which makes my world go round. Honestly, it's experimental and crazy and awesome but they still know how to rock your face off. You are never bored. The best part of this show was when a guy behind me told his friend, "Damn, are we at The Who?" Tight. The other best part is that the show was at Spiro's. LOL. I kept waiting for the band to break into a Ne-Yo song or something.

I had some time to kill, so I stopped by the Museum of the Weird. Who even knew this existed? I sure didn't. And yes, I really did this. Basically, if you are interested in plasters of Bigfoot feet and some shrunken heads, then this is the place for you. Oh, and you will certainly get your fill of two-headed calves at this place. Still on the fence if it was worth it, but it makes for a good story!

After my museum experience, I headed to see Dan Auerbach at the Parish. Dan is half of The Black Keys. I saw The Black Keys once at ACL right before a terrible dust storm started. I just remember wondering if my face could melt anymore from Dan's guitar solos and then I had to run out of there because I was choking on dirt. Anyway, I love love love the Parish for shows so I was super pumped he was playing there. This was such a great show. His band sounded amazing. The sound is totally timeless. Like, some of it sounds like a dusty group of dudes in overalls on a porch could be singing it. Other times, it's simply straight rock. I also felt like some of the songs were totally old-school blues. I really enjoyed it and am glad I stopped by this one.

I took a pedi-cab to my next stop. Look, y'all, my dogs were barking. This is the first time I've ever done this. And I was alone! It was totally crazy because I talked to the dude some and he kept turning around and I was like, should we be talking or should he be watching the road?

I decided to pop in and see an old favorite, The Grant Ewing Band. They are from San Marcos, but hopefully will keep playing more and more shows in Austin. I was so impressed with this show. I think it's the best set I've ever seen them do. They had a horn section that added so much to the songs. Straight-up soul. Basically, I thought I was going to pee my pants because I was so excited. The crowd seemed to be really digging it, which was awesome. They sounded super tight. And tight as in, the way I usually mean it and the musically awesome togetherness way.

I fell into bed with a mind full of happy sounds and ringing ears. Yes, I'm the total dumbass that never ever remembers ear plugs. Hopefully hitting up a few day shows today to get my soul fix. Will be blogging tomorrow about today!

Stay cool and hydrated and try to find all the free BBQ you can, kittens!

successful party down the drain

Well, my 25th has come and gone. I've been 25 almost as long as Obama has been prez. Tight. So far, 25 feels pretty good. It's strange to know that I'm right in the middle between 20 and 30. Oprah always says it gets really good in your 30s, so I'm ok with things heading that way. Anyway, enough about me, let me talk some more about me!

Our birthday party was a success. I know I had a blast and I hope all readers that attended did as well. I was reminded never to hang streamers for any party ever again. I think I will find pieces of streamer in this house when I move out. I want to give a giant shout out to the fellow birthday gal Les, who did a great job rocking those glasses while I drank out of my wine glasses ALL NIGHT. Also, big shout out to Chaps for providing a cookie cake ordered all the way from the East Coast, y'all. Look at that sonuva! The horse is a bit fem.

And finally, please enjoy this video of the greatest gift of all time - the wine spectacles. This may not be on the internet that long, so get it while it's hot.

here we go!

It seems totally bananas to me that we are days away from 2009. I just can't believe another year has passed. Time is flying around. When I was 15, I just COULD NOT WAIT to be 16 so I could drive and it seemed like it literally took forever for my birthday to come. Now, I whip through birthdays like nobody's business. How did this happen?

I am going on the vacation of a lifetime to see My Morning Jacket at Madison Square Garden on New Year's Eve. Ridic. I won't be around to blog and wish you all a very happy new year, so I'm going to do it now. I hope that your first moments of 2009 are filled with merriment and joy. I love the new year for a few reasons, but mostly because it feels like you get a new chance and a new start. Leave all that other shit behind! Feel the waves of "Auld Lang Syne" wash over you. Make some resolutions that you can break in two weeks! I'm just being real.

Seriously, thanks for reading this blog for eight months and making me feel good about writing out of my butt. I wish we could all go to New York together and then party in a hot tub. Here's a little something from me to you. Enjoy this song by The Notations. A new day, a new year, NEW BEGINNING. See you next year. Love you.

The Notations - A New Day