What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Lets hope, huh?

So...it's May 1st today.  It's weird to think that four months have already happened this year.  And minus getting a new job, and meeting some cool people, this year has kind of sucked.

I've been listening to a lot of new music lately....on one playlist...on repeat.  Go figure.  The last week or so, it's been a lot of female pop/rock artists singing "fuck you, i'm a strong woman, i don't need you" kind of stuff.  Like this song... that I am not ashamed to say... I like the video...makes me want to fist pump and dance in the streets.

 

Oh, and there's also this song....which seems all too fucking real sometimes...which reminds me, I want to write a blog about abandonment-- by friends, lovers, mothers, etc.  I don't have it in me tonight...but hopefully sometime soon.

Like I said, today is May 1st.  Time for a good month.  I'm ready for one.  This month is dedicated to getting my ass back on track, in terms of school, working out, and living life as it should be.  

Oh, and as far as my music goes...if you happen to be on spotify, and have cool playlists, let me know?  I'm always looking to expand my music listening experience.  That....and I think learning what people listen to is a super intimate and beautiful way to know someone.

The Energy of Music

I should be writing about Martin Luther King day, which is today.  But I am not going to.  

I should be getting errands/work done today.  But I am not going to.

I just spent the last several hours working on a mix cd, and no -- it's still not done.  

I swear....if one could only judge me by the time, intent, and outcome of mix cd's I make, I'd be up there with the best people in the world.  You can decide who they are.  (All I could think of was Jesus for some reason... but that's not what I meant.)  My ego is not that big, nor is the comparison any good.

It's crazy how deep music can be.  How it can instantly bring you to a whole different place (in time, in mind, in everything).  I like that about music, and want to start making more of my own.

I posted this (video) on facebook a while back, but as I sit here this afternoon, home alone eating a sandwich and drinking a beer... I'm thinking about all the good people and energy I've come across lately. 

I know that happiness and all that shit is supposed to come from within.  It does, sure, whatever.  But after a weekend filled with super positive, smart, engaging, and goofy women... all I want to do is dance around and keep that energy going.  

Sharing music is one of the most beautiful things in the world to me.  Sharing energy is right up there with it.  I feel lucky to have good music, good energy, and good people in my life.

Florence + The Machine

Last winter I found out about Florence and the Machine.  I then listened to her album "Between Two Lungs" more or less on repeat until the snow melted.  I loved it, and when I hear certain songs from it now, I am brought back to specific moments in time.

A few weeks ago, Florence released a new album called "Ceremonials."  This album is also quite good, but upon googling every song lyric on the disc, I realized it is quite depressing.  Since I went a little overboard last year with Flo, I don't doubt I'll do it again this year.  All this means is I need to find other music to balance out the intense sadness and emotion of this album.

This is my favorite song of hers on "Ceremonials."  I love this video too.  I love her energy, her voice, her passion.  If you haven't heard much of her, I suggest checking her out!

An Average Morning's Thoughts

Woke up too early this morning, and wondered why I was awake.  Oh shoot, I have a dentist appointment at 7:30.  That's why!  

Went to the dentist, and along the way thought about the time my dentist called Adele "the fat chick."  He and I got into it that day, because I of course, had to prove the point that Adele is awesome the way she is...she doesn't need a rail thin body to show off her vocal talent.

Went to Kowalski's to look purchase kale and spinach.  Yesterday I got a new hand held blender.  I want to start making smoothies.  Got to Kowalski's and was surprised to see their produce prices higher than Mississippi Market.  I got some bananas, and 25 dollars worth of other random things (soy milk, a donut, some fresh cod, and the Chinook book.  I bought the Chinook book last year, and didn't use enough coupons to make my money back.  This year will be different.

I listened to the radio while driving this morning.  Lots of talk about "Black Friday," the biggest shopping day of the year.  Many places are opening at midnight (shortly after many Americans will finish watching football and eating their thanksgiving dinners).  It made me think about what the holidays are all about.  First of all, Thanksgiving is probably the dumbest holiday ever... aside from Columbus day.  I think it's important to be thankful for what we have... but I also think it's important to remember the genocide of an entire people/culture/nation.  Second of all...this whole Black Friday thing bugs me.  I got an email this morning from the "Gap" saying "Black Friday starts today."  Hmph... I'm sorry but I could have sworn today was Wednesday.  You can't start Black Friday two days early.  C'mon!  

After my disappointing trip to Kowalskis (which...don't get me wrong, I like it there, the people are nice, the food selection is good.. it just didn't do it for me today), I went to Mississippi Market.  There I spoke with the produce dude about what kind of kale I need for a smoothie.  We talked for a while, he gave me some good recipe ideas (I didn't mention anything about the donut I ate on my way there), and he inquired about my ethnic background.  When I told him my name was Asha, he said "Ah yes, hope."  Indeed, in Sanskrit my name means hope.  It was a good trip.  I came home with beets, kale, ginger, avocado, salt, pepper, and flax seed. 

Driving home from the co-op, I waited as this HUGE truck was getting situated along the side of the road.  I started to think, "what if I was in a hurry right now?"  Knowing I wasn't in a hurry, I was able to think...is it really the trucks fault if I ran late?  Why wouldn't I just leave early?  It got me thinking about how cranky people can be when they drive.  If you are really in that big of a rush... leave earlier.  And when you think about it...what's more important... getting somewhere 30 seconds sooner?  Or driving respectfully and safely.  For some, I don't know there is a certain answer.  As I drove by the huge truck, I noticed it said "Mayflower" on it.  That seems appropriate, I thought, being Thanksgiving is tomorrow.  I then began to think of what it must have been like to be Columbus on the ship coming to Indian...err... America.   

Last night I went to see "Still Black Still Proud" at the Ordway.  It was incredible.  The musicians (Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis, Vusi Mahlasela) were amazing.  There was so much talent on the stage.  Furthermore...and possibly my most favorite part of the show was that young and old people got up and danced.  It was beautiful.  Brown, black, white folks... a bunch of people were dancing.  And aside from weddings, it's a rare sight to see young kids and old folks dancing/sharing the same space.  It was heart warming.  (Side note: If you've never heard Vusi Mahlasela sing...check him out). 

My mind has been racing today (and I've left out several things).  Oh, one thing I should note is that last week I challenged myself to eat only non-processed foods.  That meant no butter, milk, yogurt, candy, ice cream, soda, etc.  I did drink (plenty of) beer, and "cheated" a few times (one egg roll at a staff meeting, one tiny piece of fudge while talking to my 88 year old friend who endorsed it, and on Sunday night-- the last night of the challenge I ate a string cheese and a morningstar veggie burger-- because I had a big interview the next morning and needed the duel).  It was certainly a challenge, and I did get sick of eating bananas and peanut butter all the time.  The first few days were cool, because I was actively cooking meat (in unprocessed coconut oil), and I made time to plan and prepare meals, but by the end, I was really just trying to make it through the week.  I'm glad I did the challenge though.  It was a good test of discipline.  

I am off to meet a friend for coffee.  Before I do, I feel as though I should share what I am thankful for.  In no order of importance, I am thankful for: my one skinny ankle, the positive people in my life, the lessons i have learned in the last year, my new job, my old job, music, and that i have enough food to eat everyday.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  

People on my List to Meet..

Stevie Wonder...

who sings songs like this, that make me want to dance, cry, and sing.  

It's funny when you hear a song that hits a little too close to home.  If you're a musician, musically inclined, or even just musically curious... well, i guess if you're in this mindstate, it means more to you than it would otherwise.

Can't wait to meet you, Stevie!  Thank you for all that you have done.  

The Non-Religious Nun

If being a nun is anything like it is in "Sister Act Two" I'd love to be a nun.  

I'd love to be in an environment where I can give back to my community, sing with Lauryn Hill, not have to pay rent, and not have to worry about relationships.

That would be rad.  Just sayin'. 

I believe in higher powers.  I have to...I've lost too many people in my life to not believe that things don't happen for a reason/power bigger than me.  

I just don't know about the whole Jesus/God thing.  If you do, and are willing to share your story/experience, I'd love to listen/talk.  If you don't believe, or are like me and are questioning/trying to make sense....lets please also talk.

#GleeGotNothingOnThis

Driving Music

I was driving somewhere the other day, listening to the radio, when halfway through the song I had an "oh shit" moment.  That moment continued as a listened more intently to the lyrics, and quick grabbed my phone so I could "shazam" what song it was. 

Today I shazamed another song, and was reminded of the one I heard in the car the other day.  I youtubed it (among other things then, of course), and was surprised by the video, as it was not at all as I had imagined.  Regardless of the violence, I still kind of dig the song. 

PS-- Shout out to those who do not hold it against me for turning iphone/internet applications into verbs.

Love's in Need of Love (ASAP)

I try to steer away from "song of the day" because I feel lazy when I post someone else's video, rather than writing about what's on my mind and in my heart with my own words.

"Love's in Need of Love" by Stevie Wonder was my SOTD yesterday afternoon.  After Troy Davis got executed last night, it seemed even more appropriate.  Have a listen.  And then go hug somebody.  

There's a lot going on in this world, and it's easy to overlook things, forget or ignore people, and keep on "moving forward" without really paying attention.  A good hug can go a long way.  Trust me.

What Happens when I get on Youtube

I look up a bunch of things.... today went from Erin McCarley to Colbie Caillat to Whitney Houston to Too Short to Eve to Feist to U2...  

I might have missed a few too....but it is what it is.  

Song of the day: It's Not Right But It's Okay (before Whitney became too stoned to function).  

Now that is one woman I would not want to mess with.  She's fierce!

Ani Difranco Makes Me Want To Die

Seriously.  And that's why I don't listen to her music very often.  I mean, I love her music and her words-- she is a brilliant poet.  But damn...her music hits deep sometimes. 

I went to the gym this morning and had a so-so run and a good lifting circuit.  In my headphones were songs like "Love Save the Empty," "When I'm Alone," "Someone Like you," "Where I stood," "Giving Up," and so on....  

NO FUCKING SHIT I'M FEELING SAD!!!  

I read a kids' essay earlier this summer, in which he said that listening to happy music will make you do good things, and listening to angry music will make you angry.  "It's not that simple" I thought to myself.  Guess what...in a way, it is.  Now, I don't agree with the politicians who say that listening to rap music will make you do drugs and kill people.  I do however think that listening to sad music all the time is a way to subconsciously (or quite obviously) not feel better.

While at the gym today, I thought about what songs I could play that are happy.  Hmph.  On my new iPod nano that I just bought yesterday (I've now gone through 5 total...this is my 6th), I have the following playlists... 

"6.7.2011" -- mostly sad stuff i've been listening to this summer

"Erin McCarley- Love Save the Empty"-- her full album

"Fuck It"-- similar to 6.7.2011 but faster

"Fuck You"  -- and old playlist full of pissed off songs.

"Long Jump Fast"-- some fast stuff, some angry stuff, plus a song i wrote that's super angry

"Long Jump Slow"-- some sad stuff, some calming/soothing stuff

"Meat 2005"-- bday gift for chris, mostly rock

"Meat 2006"-- see above

"Mix Tape- Asha Feb 11"-- Music J sent me via email/gchat

"SI Photo Shoot"-- an upbeat mix I used when doing a photo shoot

I suppose the SI Photo Shoot would have been a good (i.e. my only) option for some positive music.  Seriously, I'm not doing anyone any favors by listening to this sad stuff all the time.  It's a cycle though-- if I'm not feeling super giddy, I'll probably listen to something more akin to how I feel.  And if I listen to sad stuff, I'll probably feel sad.  See the problem in this?

It's going to be a beautiful day today.  I need to get ready to head into work.  A friend and I were talking the other day about the power of music.  I'm often "brought back to a place" when I hear a particular song.  (i.e. "Power of Love" by Luther Vandross reminds me of camping in the backyard at my moms old house-- me and my sister had the cassette tape and played it on repeat till the batteries ran out.  "Hurricane Drunk" by Florence + The Machine reminds me of running in uptown one slushy winter evening this year.  "Little Potato" by Metamora reminds me of when I was a little kid and my mom would request on MPR that they would play it for my birthday). 

Music is a powerful thing.  It can lift us up, it can keep us down, or it can do something in between.

What's on your playlist?

Do you have a moment?

Do you have a moment for starving children?  "No, I don't" I say, walking past the folks with clipboards at the co-op.  The truth is, I do have a moment for starving kids, women's rights, and the trees getting cut down... I don't however have extra money to give to the cause.  Not at the moment anyway.

A friend of mine was ripping on blogs (in general) the other day.  "Who would want to read someone's blog, it's like reading a diary, I don't want to read your diary, you're not that important."  I didn't mention to her that I have a blog (although I know she's read it in the past).  So, what's the point of a blog?  I'm not really sure.  The point of mine?  To inspire?  Sometimes.  To question?  Occasionally.  To be heard?  Yes, I think so.

Sometimes... I just need someone to listen.  Whether it's a friend or someone I've never met who lives a thousand miles away (or just around the corner), it's comforting to know that maybe someone is listening.

I'm going to time this blog...because I can't spend much time writing.  I have a lot of work to do today.  

I've been running lately.  I spent too much money on a watch (an impulse purchase, no doubt), and it tracks my distance, calories, heart rate (once I buy the strap for it), and maps my runs using GPS.  It's pretty cool...but totally unnecessary.  

I was running a few days ago, and things were going okay.   Nothing out of the ordinary, really.  I went 2 miles out, turned around and headed home.  On my way back (less than a mile from home), I saw a woman I haven't seen for a few years.  We met in New Orleans back in 2006, and she used to live here (in Minnesota), but has since moved to the west coast.  I was surprised and happy to see her.  How random, I thought!

We chatted for a bit...she was in town for a spoken word event.  As we were standing there talking... I started to feel really weird.  "I don't feel so well" I told her.  All of a sudden, my vision went black.  And then it went black with some blue spots (like a migraine).  And then just black.  My hearing cut out too.  "Well this is weird" I said (or something like that).  My friend encouraged me to sit down, and gave me some of her water.  I told her this had never happened before.  I mean sure,  I get lightheaded sometimes when I'm at the gym...but never where I can't see for an extended period of time.  

A few (5?) minutes later I stood up.  "I think I'm okay" I told her.  I spoke too soon.  Again, my vision went black.  WTF?  Not cool....at all.  It was kind of scary, but I also felt so blessed that my friend was with me.  How lucky am I?  Had I been alone, I probably would have tried to "shake it off" and get myself home...only to pass out somewhere along the way.  Serendipity-- that's what I think.  It was so great to see my friend, and then to have my body get all funky like I did...dang, I am one lucky lady to have had her with me.  

I worked out this morning... I went for a short run, then to the gym to lift and do an ab workout.  I've been trying to find good foods to keep me fueled.  I think my favorite as of late is watermelon...because it's great to keep me hydrated.  I've been wearing a amethyst necklace from Donna Menne Designs, which has been helping me stay balanced.  (Funny story-- I took it off to play softball a couple weeks ago, and when I was up to bat, I swung, hit the ball, and fell over.  I should have worn the necklace).

Oh, I almost forgot...I'm getting back into hockey!!  A relatively new friend has encouraged me to join her team.  I went and skated with some of them last week!  I hadn't skated competitively for 10 years...and let's just say...watching a lot of hockey does not make you a hockey player.  I've got some catching up to do!!  It was fun to be back on the ice (although my ankles are not hockey ankles anymore).  I'm excited for this fall/winter to start playing more often.  Seems like a cool group of women to skate with!!  

I better go.  I've got a lot of work to get done today, plus a softball game this afternoon.  Hope all are well, and many thanks for reading this blog.  It's not always happy or witty or insightful....sometimes its just random thoughts, but I appreciate you reading it nonetheless.  

Song of the Day

Nuff said.  Happy Tuesday, y'all.  Let your light shine bright and your heart be open.

youtube is my crack cocaine

I don't do drugs.  I do wikipedia and youtube.  

I was sent the name of a song earlier, so I looked it up when I got home.  That lead to me looking up a few dozen other songs.  Somehow, I landed on Jonny Lang's "Lie to Me." 

It brings me back to junior high....when kid Jonny Lang was no longer a kid, and our whole band (the Sugar Divas) absolutely loved him!  Ridic....but also a really talented musician. 

What I like about "Lie to Me" is twofold.  First off...I appreciate his hair.  It's like every boy I went to school with in Junior High.  Secondly, I appreciate his heart...you know, putting his heart into his music... you can see it in his guitar playing, hear it in his voice, etc.  We don't see that as much now days....with things like auto-tune and whatnot.

I don't know what I'll listen to tomorrow.  Everyday is another toss up, if you want to know the truth.  Lately I've been listening to "God Save the Empty" by some lady (I forget her name).  In the meantime...thank you Jonny Lang for putting out good music many years ago.  You bring me back in time with a push of a (play) button.  Xoxo.

Side note....I've been running/working out more lately.  It's been SO good.  I feel good when I run, I feel good when I'm active (mentally and physically).  I'll write more about all that sooner than later. 

Peace out y'all.  And for the love of whoever, go hug somebody.  They might need it.

Song of the Day (and other ramblings)

Woke up at 5am today.  Was at the gym by 5:35.  Got in a short run and a good lift.  Home now.

Song of my day...

I saw Lauryn Hill perform this January.  She puts on a good show.  A real good show.

I saw Sia perform for the 3rd time (in my life) last Friday.  She is hilarious.  I want to hang out with people like her...funny people, who ask for gifts, and shove them down their pants once they get them.

I don't have much to say.  I need to shower and get to work. 

Oh...I entered in the lottery for the Twin Cities 10 mile race this fall, and I got in!  That's great...gives me something to look forward to and work towards.  I don't remember my time from last year's 10 mile...it was something like 81 minutes, or close to it.  My goal was to run faster than 80.  I did stop for a mimosa at mile 8, which I honestly don't think slowed me down.  If anything, the extra carbs helped get me to the end quicker!  My goal this year is the same...to run a sub 8 pace.  I think I can do it, if I continue to train and stay semi-disciplined. 

My neighbor saw me running on Summit the other day, and said I run like a gazelle.  I had to laugh, because when I ran at Central, my friend's dad said I ran like a deer, to which my friend replied, "You run like a deer that's been hit by a car."  That is because when I ran, my left wrist was limp (probably because I wasn't very strong).  I suppose I did look like a wounded deer.... skinny legs, big belly, and antlers coming out of my head.

Holy smokes....I'm tired, and rambling.  Time to shower, eat, and gitter done.  

To those who read this blog, enjoy life.  We've only got one chance.  Happy Tuesday.

My morning soundtrack....and weekend plans

Woke up, took a shower, and this song was in my head....

Which I thought was funny....because I feel much more like this....

 

Sad day.  So what else could be on my soundtrack for today? 

 

Better...I guess.

I am going up north tomorrow morning.  To my grandparents cabin, actually!!  I'm really excited.  I haven't been up there for years!  Andy Wilbourn and I are going...which is great to go camping with someone who knows what they're doing in the woods.  (Yes...we are camping at the cabin...that way we don't mess anything up).  We had hoped to camp at a state park, but low and behold, the Minnesota State Government has shut down.

Regardless, I'm excited to fish off the dock, go explore the woods, check out the other lake my family owns (I remember going there only one time, so there's lots of learning to do).  I'm pumped to walk the trail that my gramma loved to walk.  

I was talking to a coworker yesterday, and said that if there was any one place I felt the most close to my grandparents, I think it would be the cabin.  

We leave Saturday morning, and return Monday early afternoon so I can get to my moms 4th of July Party (which for her is more important than xmas, not because she's super patriotic, but because it's when our family used to always get together-- when my grandparents were alive-- and go to Saint Anthony Park for the parade and BBQ).  It's an important day for my mom, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Our summer program at work starts on Tuesday, which means we've been working hard to get everything ready.  I'm excited to get going on things!  I'm hoping it will be a good summer...it's been a (personal) challenge so far (I was sick for a month)... so anything really is better.

Things I need this summer: cool friends to hang out with (especially ones who like to run, meditate, practice yoga, and don't spend a lot of time/money/energy around booze).  Oh, I also like to BBQ so I want to find more folks who are into that too.  And people to go to coffee shops with, and sit around at a park and read books or watch my pathetic attempts at drawing.  Oh yes, and photographers.  I know my new friend Tom has been wanting to do a night shoot...I need to take him up on it!  Oh yes...and I want a fishing buddy.  Duh.

I realize I can do all of this stuff on my own...but life sure seems more fun with it's enjoyed with other people.  I've done a poor job of reaching out to friends so far this summer (except in the last week), and it's something I want to do more of-- not reach out because shit hits the fan, but reach out because there are people in this world who I love (and I think love me) that we could grow together as friends and do positive things in, with, and for our community...or something like that.

Happy holiday weekend y'all.  Be safe!

DMB

When I was 13, listening to Dave Matthews Band was the cool thing to do.  I did it occasionally.

When I was 16, I went to Alpine Valley with my friend Kathyrn to see Dave Matthews.  It was a trip, literally.

When I hear Dave Matthews now, I'm brought back to a time 10+ years ago. 

I had a 6am gym date this morning.  As I drove home, I heard "Everyday" by DMB. 

Song of the day, right here.  Or at least of the moment.  That's all we're really guaranteed anyway.  This moment.

Where to start

Wow.  I have no idea where to start. 

I haven't been writing much, publicly (or personally) in quite a while.

My hair has grown-- like that old dude, the one who fell asleep for a long time-- rapunsel?  Hmm.... I think I'm confusing my stories.

I thought tonight, I could write about how effing long my hair has gotten (cuz clearly there's not a whole lot more going on here....ahem, yes there is).

I googled "world's longest hair."  Apparently it's about 18 feet long.  Damn, I'm nowhere close.  My "goal" was to get to 10 inches so I could donate it....but as it keeps growing (it's probably 9.5 with my luck), I start wanting to challenge myself to keep it going.  If I grew it down to my booty--wow-- that would be cool-- but also a huge tangle and quite frankly nothing i'm interested in.

Things I should do: write every day.  And if that doesn't happen-- at least post a video of the moment.  I usually wake up with a song in my head-- I ought to post it.  At least then y'all get fair warning of where it started.

Cheerio,

asha.

Second Choice Blog

A lot has happened lately, I don’t really know where to start. I just wrote a long ass blog about a car accident I was in a week ago—but realized I can’t post it until I take care of some legal things first.

So…here’s an update on the rest of the happenings in my life.

1. I spilled half a beer on my laptop a week or two ago. It shut down. Since then, it has been worked on, halfway fixed, and will now turn on and run some programs. Half of the buttons don’t work, so when I type it looks like this “e, t’s asa. do ou ant to go ae a drn wt e?” Talk about frustrating! I need to get it all the way fixed—and soon!

2. I was in a car accident one week ago. On a very surface level, here’s what it looked like: I was hit. She fled. I chased. I stopped. I was harassed by the police. FUCK YOU TOO.

3.  I’m meeting a ton of cool kids/teenagers doing some amazing work. Jr High/High School kids can be real inspiring—if you just listen/watch/participate/learn/share.

4. I was entering student names/emails into a database today, and some of the entries were really….well, I’m not sure what to call them. Not professional? Sure. But these are kids—when I was a kid, I wasn’t thinking about asha.shoffner@gmail.com. I was more along the lines of absolut_rockstar@yahoo.com. Which one should be put on a resume? The first one, obviously. As I was entering contact information this morning, I started thinking about our responsibility as educators, mentors, parents, friends, neighbors, youth workers, etc. What is our responsibility to young people today? When I see an email address like ferrethugger@whateveritwas.com I want to say to the kid “Please tell me you have an alternative email address on your resume.” But then what?

I’ve been in conversations where kids talk about stereotypes and how they are unfairly represented and treated…I get that. I’ve been on both sides of the conversation (and continue to be on both sides). But then you have to do something about it. You (the one being pigeon-holed, put in a box, stereotyped), you have to give them (individuals, society, anyone and everyone) some other way to see you.

When people look at me, more often than not, they will see a brown female. (For those who say you don’t see color… you’re lying and doing yourself and your world a disservice). If I’m dressed down and talking shit, people may think I’m poor and uneducated. If I’m dressed up and articulating myself well, people may still think I’m poor and uneducated—and that’s a risk that will always be there, but it doesn’t hurt to hold yourself in high regard anyway. I know I’m not the best at it; that I have many areas I can improve—and frankly, it will probably always be that way. If I reach a point where I can no longer improve, it means I’ve sold myself short, given up, and shouldn’t bother living another day.

5. Speaking of living another day—I’ve been in a funk lately, some days worse than others. Imagine that. Daylights savings time switches in about a week, and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am. It doesn’t seem to matter how many Vitamin D capsules I take each morning… winter seems to kick my ass by February or March year after year. I’m looking forward to more sun and more light in just 8 days. I know it won’t solve all of my problems, but it may lessen a few.

6. The “Celebration of Winter” was snowed out. Literally. Over a foot of snow fell that night; meaning only a small number of people were able to attend. I’m really appreciative of those who did come, but I’d also like to say that I will be having it again. Perhaps next Sunday would be a good time (as it is the change in daylight savings time). That would seem appropriate. I’ll have to call Costello’s to confirm. I will post something here, on Facebook, in a mass e-mail and likely a mass text message with details.

That’s probably it for now. I spent this morning working from home. I will go for a run later this afternoon. I’ve been cooking a lot, and have photos I should post soon… (having a working computer would speed up this process). I’m glad winter is over, or is going to be over soon. I’m excited for warm weather, more daylight, less ice and no more below zero wind chills. I’m ready to plant my garden, learn how to look cute on my skateboard, show off my ankles, and really embrace spring. I’m ready.

This is not a music blog

1. A few days ago, I discussed turning ashamarie.com into a food or music blog.  

2. I tried the food thing and failed miserably.  

3.  Lately, it's been more music. 

4. I don't want to turn it into a music blog however, because I have more to say that someone else's music.

5. A few weeks ago, a friend turned me on to "Florence and the Machine."

6.  Holy shit.  Awesome.  Watch this.  

6a.  Totally not my kind of woman, but this video is totally hot.  

7.  I'm planning on writing up a lil review about the Lauryn Hill concert I went to last night.  

7a. It was bangin.

7b. I should probably write about it soon.

8. Life is good.  And frustrating.  And sometimes sad.  But in the long run... I think it's worth it.

A (Very) Close Second

Behind my birth parents, Stevie Wonder is next in line for people I want to meet.