It's the Weekend!

Hi my friends!

It's the weekend again! Thank goodness. After what seemed like a long week, I was so happy to sleep in this morning! The sun is shining, so I'm anxious to get outside and enjoy the day. But I wanted to write a little something...

All week I have been feeling a complete lack of creativity...which is driving me nuts! Not only have I been stressed about what to post on here for you, my dear friends...but I've been tasked with coming up with several presentations at work. Pressure! And I love public speaking, but for some reason - my brain was not helping me out this week! So, rather than fear the blank page...I'm just going to start writing. Something will come out of my rambling notes, right? Well, I hold out hope... (new goal...again!)

This week has provided lots of inspiration, despite my ability to use it. A new friend, Michaela, had a gig on Wednesday night at the infamous Madame JoJo's. It's one thing to get in front of colleagues or peers and give a presentation. But I can't imagine singing! And Michaela not only sings, but she writes her own music, too... Talk about opening up your heart on stage?! She was amazing! I was so impressed. Check out her MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/thisismichaela

Well, I hope you are all having a fabulous day! I'm out to enjoy the sunshine! :)

xoxo

Officially Calling Myself a Nerd

I came across this video while doing some honest-to-goodness research for a presentation at work.

Who really has the time to do this:



Here's what the culprit had to say for his production:
Please note no effects or sampling was used. What you see is what you hear (does that even make sense?)
- Atari 800XL was used for the lead piano/organ sound
- Texas Instruments TI-99/4a as lead guitar
- 8 Inch Floppy Disk as Bass
- 3.5 inch Harddrive as the gong
- HP ScanJet 3C was used for all vocals.
Please note I had to record the HP scanner 4 seperate times for each voice. I tried to buy 4 HP scanners but for some reason sellers on E-Bay expect you to pay $80-$100, I got mine for $30.

(originally found at: http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/technology_internetcritic/)

Hope you're having a fab day - and remember, everything matters to me!! :)

A Couple Firsts

So, last night was my first "official" home cooked meal night in the new flat! Exciting times, right? After a month of eating soup and sandwiches...this is a pretty big deal!

After a couple trips around town to various shops and venues, I have finally collected the bare minimum supplies required to cook (not just microwave) a meal. Keep in mind, I have to carry everything around...so no Super Shopping Trips for me. If I can't carry it in a hand basket, I can't carry it home...so that makes for multiple trips and small pieces! FYI - I am now the proud own of not 1 but 2 pots (!), 2 spatulas, and a can opener! Still working on getting saute pans and some other appliances... All in due time...

Now I recognize that this was no gourmet meal...a meager pasta and tomato sauce with meatballs...but I considered it quite a feat! And I now know how to use my oven without burning the house down...something I'm sure my neighbors would love to know, but I'm rather glad they don't!

So, the other "first" was a walk in the pouring rain to the train station this morning. I've made it a month exactly without a rainy commute! It's been misty, but this was just downright rain today. I was a trooper, though. Slick red raincoat and Nicole Miller umbrella and I was off to the train, although not quite singing...more listening to my iPod. :)

I only wish I looked this good walking in the rain....

(photo: Rain with Love by =widjita)

J'aime Barcelona!

Ok...so that's French...but my Spanish did not improve this weekend. But God, do I love the city of Barcelona! It's absolutely beautiful. The weather was awful...but even with cold rain every day - I had a blast (sangria probably helps!).

Here are few snapshots from my weekend there with Amy Chason. Muy beuno!

(Mom is always there for me, whether or not even she knows it!)

(On the mosaic terrace of Parc Güell, created by Gaudi - Barcelona's favorite son.)

(Enjoying a frozen margarita shot...Like my new friend behind me? Creepy!)

(Barcelona has an Arc de Triomphe as well!)

(Amy and I are done with the rain and are enjoying the city from above in the Telefèric de Montjuïc Gondolas.)

A quick update

So, I caught the coolest show last night on the BBC. Okay, maybe cool isn't the best word...but I loved it! It's called The Speaker. Teenagers from around the UK audition to be the best public speaker. Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/speaker/

I mean, I'm not knocking American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the rest of those shows...they are great! Singers and performers are important...but what about showcasing the importance of public speaking skills and well-thought out & logical speeches? The next generation (gosh, I sound old!) needs polished, professional, intelligent leaders. What a great start!! Ok, so public speaking is something I'm passionate about...but I won't get on my soap box!

I'll just say this...my favorite line from last night's episode: "The geek shall inherit the earth."

Well, I'm off today to Barcelona for the Easter weekend. Very excited! I promise to take lots of pictures and post them for your viewing pleasure!

Happy Easter!

Family Ties and SSPU

Mom and Aunt Dorothy are coming to visit me! The revolving door at my flat has begun!

Actually (thankfully) they are staying in a hotel. My place, as I’ve mentioned before, is charming...but 3 Armstrong women under one little roof is a mess! Plus, what I call charming, Mom will call old, dingy and small.

Semantics.

In addition to having the ladies visit, I’m THRILLED that Silversun Pickups are playing in London this weekend. I missed them in Charleston 2 years ago and have been kicking myself ever since. It’s funny – they are too big for Charleston, yet they are opening for some band I’ve never heard of here. Must be a different continent thing...

If you haven’t heard of Silversun Pickups...don’t tell me...just download these songs and fall in love: Common Reactor, Lazy Eye, and Well Thought Out Twinkles.

(http://www.silversunpickups.com/)

Anyway, they are playing at some place called KoKo on Friday. I’ll just have to tuck Mom and Aunt D in bed early and head out. Not going to let this opportunity pass me again.

SO EXCITED!