Must Love Dogs
by Sara on July 30th, 2008
As I sit at a stoplight on the corner of 49th Street and Louise Avenue in Sioux Falls, I hold my breath each time. I can already see the store from where my car is waiting for a green beam of permission to allow me to cross, inching further and further to my latest dream.
The stoplight finally changes to green and I step on the gas, driving east. I hit the gas pedal hard, anxious to experience my daily 30-second crash course in euphoria.
On my right sits a store that signifies the eventual satisfaction of my dream.
It’s a modest building, with an unpretentious sign proclaiming the store’s name: Mini-Critters. Merely driving by this store gets my heart pumping; I’m afraid of what would happen if I dared to go inside.
My latest dream manifests itself in owning a lovable, cuddly dog that yips whenever I walk into or leave a room. A dog who I can carry around in a purse if I want, but who will never pee inside that purse. A dog who is little enough to cuddle with, but big enough so I won’t step on her. A dog who will lovingly lap my cheek with her tongue, but not be smelly or annoying or loud. I want the perfect dog, and I’m going to get her someday.
I think my ideal dog would be a Yorkie. I’ve also decided that I want a girl dog, not a boy dog. I think that a girl dog will enjoy being toted around in a purse much more than a boy dog. Plus, then I can put little feminine ribbons in her hair! As a girly-girl myself, I can’t wait to dress my little pooch up in ribbons and sweaters and show her off around town.
Of course, driving by Mini-Critters isn’t the only thing that gets my heart palpitating to the beat of a dog’s roof. Whenever I see someone walking a dog on the street, I’m reminded of my fanatic desire for a dog. If someone is talking about dogs, my ears perk up just like my canine friends. If I merely see someone who I know owns a dog, my salivary glands begin to wet. I want a dog so badly that, at times, I seem to act like one.
Why don’t I have a dog, you ask? Well, the truth is two-fold: One, apparently dogs are not cheap. I know that dogs require food, regular veterinarian appointments and grooming, but how expensive can that run? My parents tell me it’s too hefty a price for a college student working part-time, and because they’re generally smart about those things, I’ll trust them.
And two, I’m ultimately too picky: like I said above, I want the perfect dog, not just your regular old mutt. Not that mutts aren’t all-together adorable, but I want to find the ideal dog for me, no matter the price tag.
Speaking of price tags, I’ve been contemplating on whether to buy my perfect little canine from a breeder or a pet store. I’m more inclined to buy from a breeder, since I’m after that ideal dog, but at the same time, I understand that breeders run a high price tag for these pedigree pooches. The humanitarian in me would love to adopt a cute little puppy from the Humane Society in Sioux Falls. I see all of those little dogs on the SPCA commercials that have been abused or mistreated, and these animals just break my dog-loving heart.
At this point, I want a dog so badly that I don’t care what I have to do to get one. I would literally give away every pair of jeans that I own to have a dog, and if you know me at all, you know that every time I shop, I come home with a new pair of jeans. Jeans are my thing. So for me to say I’d give up my jean obsession for a puppy…that’s a pretty big deal.
I’m not one of those frou-frou women who names her dog “Princess” or “Muffy.” My perfect dog deserves the perfect name, and I’ll exhaust all resources to find it. Before I recently decided to get a girl dog, I wanted a boy dog because I had a boy dog name picked out. I wanted to name my little pooch Dempsey, after the one and only Patrick Dempsey of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Now that I want a girl dog, I’m still basing my possible dog names after lovable television, film or literary characters. On my short list are Joey, after the enchanting Joey Potter of “Dawson’s Creek”; Belle, from Beauty and the Beast; and Daisy, after the unforgettable Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby. Names tend to work like this: you think you have a name all picked out, and then you see the puppy of your dreams. Of course, that puppy doesn’t look like a “Belle” or a “Daisy”; hence, the name-searching process begins anew.
My ultimate goal is to get my perfect little puppy after I graduate from Augustana next May. As soon as I know where I’m headed, I’ll find a pet-friendly apartment and purchase my treat-loving, affectionate little girl pooch. Until then, I’ll have to be satisfied with merely driving by Mini-Critters.
The Final Countdown
by Sara on July 28th, 2008
It’s almost the first of August, which only means one thing: summer is almost over.
As sad as this may be for some of you, I for one am ridiculously excited for the end of summer.
The end of summer = the beginning of a new life experience.
You may (or may not) know that I am enrolled in a program this fall entitled “Writing for Social Change.” The program is offered through HECUA, or the Higher Education Consortium of Urban Affairs. I will be based in the Twin Cities area, and in roughly three weeks (!!), I’ll be departing my comfortable SD existence for the glamour and glitz of the “big city.”
Glamour and glitz are not really accurate terms. More like thought-provoking and life-changing.
I won’t be basking in the life of champagne, Prada and cocktails with [insert socialite here]. While in the Twin Cities, my time will be spent photographing the slums, as they’re often called. Instead of schmoozing with corporate bigwigs, I’ll be chronicling the stories of the poverty-stricken. Instead of working for an A, I hope to inspire others to strive for social change by telling the often untold story: by offering a behind-the-scenes look at poverty today.
Needless to say, I haven’t necessarily felt the relaxation that summer almost requires. I’ve spent the first half of my summer reading books on the connection between poverty, welfare, and women.
Despite my lack of bronze skin (or, in my case, tomato-red skin), this summer has been, by far, the most educational summer of my college career. And interestingly enough, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I’m ready for my eye-opening life to begin.
Motion City Soundtrack
by Sara on July 23rd, 2008
In honor of the concert I’m seeing tonight (Motion City Soundtrack + The Spill Canvas), I’ve posted a review I wrote on Motion City’s album, Even If It Kills Me. Enjoy :)
The devoted music addict may expect a song entitled “Feel in Love Without You” to be a horribly dated ballad played in scenes of a television show full of teen angst.
But this song by Motion City Soundtrack, much like the others on its newest album Even If It Kills Me, is poppy punk, lyrically astounding music that permeates itself into the recesses of the brain reserved for expressionistic, unforgettable tunes.
Motion City Soundtrack seems like your regular garage band that made it big. Yet, with their lyrical prowess, Motion City asserts its arrival with every simple strum of the guitar. While the music supporting the lyrics on this album is void of flashy guitar riffs or impressive musical innovation, the lyrics alone make Even If It Kills Me worth more hype than yesterday’s version of Relient K.
The band’s first single from this album is entitled “This is for Real,” a song that avows one’s commitment to another person despite a crippling addiction, promising that this time their love is indeed “for real.” Producer Ric Ocasek (Cars, Weezer) helps to make this track a strong first single, which employs rhythmic “one-and” guitar and emphasizes the band’s lyrical talent for first-time listeners and MCS fans alike.
“Hello Helicopter” is a stinging (but correct) commentary on the world’s events as of late: “Swimming through the garbage dump that fills the air/In several more years no one will care/They’ll be rich and dead/So let somebody else devise a cure for it.” A political statement, but as Motion City asserts, it’s “not saying anything you haven’t heard before.” Taking risks in music is admirable when achieved musically and lyrically, and Motion City doesn’t fall short.
The title song of the album, “Even If It Kills Me,” is a vow to swear off making lists of tasks that remain incomplete, boxes that stay packed, and dreams that linger unanswered. Definitely an appropriate ending to this lyrical journey.
With the echo of piano chords resonating in the background, “The Conversation” details the devastating process of a break-up with no-joke lyrics that don’t hesitate to vocally bring their full force of emotion. The vocal talent of Motion City is evident here, as the only sound available to hide any slight imperfection are the despondent piano chords. This song is the album’s highest achievement. The emotion that the piano conveys is unachievable with any other instrument, and the listener imagines the band seated around a grand piano, singing the difficult words of “I had a pocketful of dreams/but I gave them all to you/Now I think I want them back.” A short song at 2:50, the song captivates with the fusion of piano and lyric. The last lines of the song leave an impression of sorrow upon the listener and Motion City alike: “Don’t ever change/the way you are/I’ve never loved anyone more.”
Motion City Soundtrack’s Even If It Kills Me is a lyrically accomplished album that flexes the genres of pop and punk music to offer the music of the future: a lyrically gifted sound that echoes a fusion of genres.
Spaghetti Tuesday
by Sara on July 22nd, 2008
I think that this event is my new favorite tradition. :)
My Jordan *usually* has every Tuesday off from work. And, given the fact that his apartment is a mere two minutes away from my office, I eat lunch at his apartment whenever he’s home.
But on Tuesdays, my lunch goes from sandwiches or salad, which is what I normally eat for lunch, to something truly amazing: Jordan’s homemade spaghetti.
It’s delicious, let me tell you.
This yummy meal has occurred nearly every Tuesday since the beginning of summer, and it’s my most favorite part of the day. It’s recently garnered the beloved name of “Spaghetti Tuesday.”
I always get the plate with the “mooses” on it :) Plus, Jordan always eats with the straight-edged fork, since he doesn’t have curves, and I eat with the curved-edge fork, since I do! :)
Jordan makes his own spaghetti sauce that I swear we could sell one day and be millionaires.
It’s that good.
Countdown to spaghetti time: 2 hours, 40 minutes and counting…
Heath Ledger = Baller
by Sara on July 21st, 2008
Baller = A person, event, feeling, etc. that is distinctly and exclusively awesome. In comparison to other things of the same kind, this thing surpasses all competition and manifests the definition of talent, goodness, greatness, excellence, etc.
Saw The Dark Knight this weekend.
BALLER. That’s the only word I can think of.
I have never seen any of the Batman movies…I’ve never really had interest in them.
But let me tell you this: see this movie just for Heath Ledger’s performance.
I want to see it again. And again.
Heath Ledger’s interpretation of The Joker demands attention. Ledger twists his face and alters his voice to convey countless transitions of emotion. The paint on his face may be enough to up the creep factor for some, but as soon as he opens his mouth, my freak-out meter skyrocketed. From the way he interprets The Joker’s walk (staggered, almost stiff movements) to the method he applies to The Joker’s laugh (you’ll never laugh the same again), Ledger should seriously get the Oscar for this one. Insane talent that man had. What a huge loss for the film industry. But man, did he ever provide one hell of a performance to be remembered by.
No matter how many sequels there are to the Batman series, no one will ever pull off The Joker like Ledger.
WOOO!
by Sara on July 18th, 2008
It’s almost the weekend!
My life this weekend:
-My brother, Brian, has a baseball tournament, so I’ll be popping sunflower seeds in the lovely South Dakota sunshine :)
-Gotta finish book #5 for my research on poverty…only 5 to go after this one! :/
-Jazz Fest?!
-Car wash. I need one.
-Cuddle with my Josie kitty, of course!
Next week I work Mon-Thurs; taking Friday off to go to the OMAHA ZOO with my Jordan!! I’m so excited :) I love zoos. And I love penguins. Woo!
I leave for Minneapolis in 5, count ‘em FIVE, weeks. WOOOOOOO! I can’t wait!
This is random. Hmm.
I’m listening to the Backstreet Boys, and am getting SO EXCITED to see them in concert for the THIRD time this August!!! Totally pumped.
Going to see Motion City Soundtrack and The Spill Canvas in concert next week; should be a pretty good show.
When I go anywhere, as I’m walking in the door of wherever I’m going, I always have to say, “I hope I don’t see anyone stupid.” If I don’t say this, I WILL see someone stupid. It’s a proven fact. I’m not going into it here, but let me just tell you. It’s no lie.
I think that’s it. Yay for Fridays, for weekends, for sunshine, and for lemonade :)
“Unbreakable”
by Sara on July 17th, 2008
I have a confession to make.
I am, like, the hugest Backstreet Boys (BSB) fan that there will ever be.
I’ve seen my beloved BSB in concert twice and have finally secured tickets for their next tour as I write this review. I have the trivia game, the Burger King action figures, the CDs, the posters. I have it all.
I have had a love affair with singer Brian Littrell for much of my natural existence, and still believe that we’re destined to be together. He just hasn’t told his wife and young son that yet.
The release of Backstreet’s new album Unbreakable on Oct. 30 had me running to the local Wal-Mart, pushing last-minute Halloween costume shoppers out of my way so I could get to my Boys.
The Backstreet Boys’ first album in two years has me screaming like a little girl.
The funny thing is, I’m almost 21 years old. And totally unashamed. Proud, even.
Backstreet is indeed back, this time armed with musically grown-up songs that’ll have BSB fans screaming for more. The Boys don’t forget their largely female fan base, bringing back the band’s typical love ballads that promise that the band is indeed ‘unbreakable.’
The band’s first single, “Inconsolable,” reminds the listener of the 2005 ballad “Incomplete” in the best ways possible. With band members A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell sharing the lead vocals, the ballad sings the old harmony of BSB while creating musical tension with each bridge, each line.
When long-time band member and Littrell’s cousin Kevin Richardson announced his retirement from BSB last year, Backstreet took the fresh start with resolve, restructuring the vocal breakdown of harmony and redistributing the lead vocals of the new songs. Unbreakable, though different, sounds better than ever. McLean finally gets the show time he’s long deserved, and his sultry, aching voice exudes the sexy, tattooed A.J. that fans have missed.
“Everything But Mine” is the album’s most musically strong, accomplished track on the release. The tantalizing “oh, oh, oh” echoing in each chorus drives the song to a catchy pop/rock tune that reminds the listener of Backstreet days past with “Everybody” and “Larger than Life.” I can just see the Boys dancing and the fans screaming now. Nick Carter finally sounds like an adult on this album, replacing the whiny, immature vocals of Millennium with established, disciplined efforts that will make Carter fans weak.
Backstreet combines their writing talents for four songs on the album, including unfortunately one of the album’s weakest tracks: “Treat Me Right,” which McLean co-wrote with former *NSYNC band member JC Chasez. The rivalry between *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys has been submerged since the two boy bands battled over their mutual manager Lou Pearlman, album sales and sold-out concerts. The addition of Chasez’s writing skills on the song brings this battle back to the forefront, and obviously, the band that’s still making beautiful music reigns supreme. From now on, Backstreet should just stick to their own talent, and stop throwing bones to washed-up ‘talent’ of yesterday.
Backstreet reaffirms their musicality through “Something That I Already Know,” singing the pain of an unsalvageable relationship through the leads of McLean and Carter. These vocals, combined with talented and soothing support from Dorough and Littrell, sing vulnerability through McLean while Carter displays strength in the chorus. McLean croons the pain and finality of these lyrics: “Here we are, seven days/and seven nights of empty tries/this ritual’s, habitual/but it’s never gonna work this time.”
Track 14, entitled “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon,” combines the tonality of Maroon 5 with the smooth melodies of Death Cab for Cutie. With Littrell crooning the lead, BSB’s traditional emotionality is conveyed with each word uttered, perfectly on pitch. When Carter comes in gently with his verse, the music softly crescendos, drawing the listener into the harmonies of BSB once more. The lyrics McLean sultrily purrs at the end hearken back to Millennium’s hit “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.”
The deluxe edition of Unbreakable also includes two bonus tracks entitled “Downpour” and “In Pieces.” Howie fans finally get their dose of Dorough exposure on these two tracks, and Dorough, like Carter, sounds light years better on this album. While the bonus tracks certainly will not be radio singles, they offer something extra to the devoted BSB fan.
Even though I’m a huge BSB fan, and will be for the rest of my life, Unbreakable is an album worthy of attention. Backstreet proves they’re ‘unbreakable’ with this sexy release, shedding the boy band stereotype while staying true to their roots. That’s a feat that both fans and music lovers alike will find impossible to ignore.
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