Picture This

So, many of you know how obsessed I am with my camera. I act like I'm about one step away from taking over the popularity of Annie Liebowitz or something.
Seriously, I'm ridiculous.
So, I'm going to start a blog where I try to post a new picture everyday of something/someone I see around me who inspires me. I may have a hard time getting it done everyday, but I'm going to give it my best shot (putting it before other, more pressing, matters, I'm sure...).
Anyway, if you're curious or so inclined, check it out. Maybe you'll be surprised...

The More Things Change

Yesterday I had a bit of a meltdown.
You know how moms seem to know exactly what to say, just what buttons to push to make your blood pressure shoot up, your face turn red, your fists clench and your temper come to life? My mom is very skilled at this exercise; she pulls it out at the most unexpected and often inopportune times, then acts like she didn't know what she was doing.
Please.
This is not my first rodeo, lady.
Anyway, she pulled one of those maneuvers on me yesterday, when I was literally minutes from going upstairs to get ready for Bailey's engagement party. What she said is not important, I don't even think it was anything that huge; it was just one of those things that she knows drives me insane. I think we all have them, and they're probably often unique to each of our lives and our individual relationships with mommy dearest.
So, she pushes my button just enough to get a big reaction out of me, but then she just can't stop. She pushed a little more, and then the dam broke. I totally lost it, fell apart completely. Here comes the crazy part, though: when I got down to the nitty gritty, I realized it wasn't about my mom at all.
Horror of horrors, it was much worse than that.
I've had a hard couple of weeks and haven't been able to get focused on school or get on a regular schedule. I'm tired all the time, but I can't sleep; I don't want to do anything productive. I've been what I guess you could call melancholy, but I finally think I've seen clear of my funk.
When it comes right down to it, I think a lot of this stems from one thing: I'm sad Becca is moving. There, I said it. I know, I know... she's only moving two hours away, I can see her all the time. But here's the thing: since Becca and I met in third grade, we've been best friends, and, more than that, we've never lived more than twenty minutes apart.
I don't really know why her moving has hit me so hard, but I've just had a really hard time getting okay with it. Maybe it's because we've been through so much together in the last fifteen years? We've vacationed with each other's families; we survived junior high dance team together; we lived through high school together, college transitions, pledging different sororities, and graduations; we've been together through hard times in both our families; we've told each other about every crush, every bad date; we've traveled together; we've told and re-told our stories hundreds of times; we've grown up together, and we've told each other everything. Sometimes the sheer magnitude of our friendship overwhelms me.
So, I've admitted that I'm not the biggest proponent of change, and now that I've admitted the real backbone behind what's been wrong with me the last few weeks, I think I'm okay. Although I was on the brink of losing it yesterday, I've got it all in perspective now. You see, it's like this: Becca and I have always said that we function better as a team; for whatever reason, it's just that simple. I know that's not going to change because there's a couple of hours between us; our friendship is just too strong for that.

Play a Simple Song

Right now at violin I'm learning to play Minuet in G. It is also affectionately referred to as A Lover's Concerto, but I prefer the title Bach rightfully gave it.
Call me old-fashioned.
Everytime I'm practicing it or my teacher and I play it together, there is one thing and one thing only that pops into my mind: the episode of Saved by the Bell where "the gang" is playing this song in band. When the teacher is in the room, they play it all slow and off-key, but when he leaves they get all jazzy and start having a great time.
Of course, as in typical Saved by the Bell fashion, the whole "gang" is in the band, and the only other people in the class are people we've never seen before, and we'll probably never see again. Without Slater, Jesse, Zack, Screech, Lisa, and Kelly, the band, like the cheerleading squad, drama club, glee club, track team, football team, student council, volleyball team, homecoming court, school store, and every other student activity at Bayside, would not be able to sustain activity. During this short, five minute scene, Jesse battles some unfounded neuroses; Zack reminds everyone that he's the lovable troublemaker; Slater (wearing a tank top/muscle shirt, of course) makes some wise crack at which no one laughes but himself; Kelly starts a sentence with "Oh, Zack" and follows it with something senseless; Lisa... well, Lisa does nothing, like always; and, Screech holds onto the position of village idiot.
If you don't have any idea which episode I'm talking about (because let's be honest, they're all pretty similar), rest easy. I found a posting of the whole episode, and the specific part I'm talking about starts at 4:21.
And yes, this is, in fact, the most random post ever.

Hey Jealousy

My friends get to do the coolest things.
I mean, seriously, they go on some really cool adventures in this thing called life.
For example, Day headed out yesterday for a five month adventure in... where was it again? Oh, yeah... Germany. Before she arrives in Germany, however, she'll have to stop over and do a little orientation in old Paree. Some people just can't catch a break, huh?
But seriously, this trip Day is going on is going to be so amazing. She's going to get to become thoroughly absorbed in the German culture; she knows enough of the language to somewhat blend in; she's going to be there for long enough that she can travel to some other countries and learn so much about Europe. (I fully intend to live vicariously through her; I've told her to document every step she takes.) Best of all, the reason she's going is to spread the word of God, which is the most awesome reason of all. I cannot wait to hear all that the Lord shows her during her time there.
Becca is in the process of striking out on her own little adventure, as well. Although she won't need a passport for this one, it's still pretty great. She's moving to Jackson and setting up residence in a great house with some really fun girls. Although she doesn't know how she's going to pay the bills yet (I'm really hoping that job at the Gap comes through so I can mooch off that employee discount a time or two...), she's still making a change and doing something different, which is always really awesome in itself.
I can admit that I am jealous of each of these ladies on each of these journeys. I cannot even begin to imagine the amazing things that are going to be told to them, shown to them, seen and heard by them and, most of all, experienced by them as they begin these new phases of their lives, whether short or semi-permanent. I know I will do a lot of vicarious living through pictures, phone calls and emails as I sit in class or at the library, trying desperately to make headway through mounds of new information.
I could not be more excited for them and proud of all that they are doing, taking on something new and embracing change with open arms, whether it be two hours away or halfway around the world.
Furthering the cool factor among my friends is the cross-country road trip that Frances and Patsy are about to embark on. Of this I am truly green with envy, as it is something I have wanted to do my entire life, and I fall asleep at night sometimes wishing I had the freedom from attachments and obligations to be able to do it. They're just getting in the car and driving and seeing where the road (or the lenses of their Nikons) lead them. I cannot wait to hear the amazing stories they are going to have upon their return, not to even mention the fabulous pictures I know they'll have to show off.
See, I told you my friends do some pretty cool things.
And the greatest thing about it is that I know I have some pretty great adventures coming my way, too. Thankfully, I've got people to keep me endlessly entertained in the meantime.

Time to Reflect

Now that we're a few weeks into 2009, I feel like I've had a little time to reflect. I've seen this list of reflective questions on several other blogs and thought I would take a look back at my own 2008, the good and the bad. With that, here goes:
What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Sanded and painted furniture
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions in '08, and have you made some for '09? My resolution for 2008 was to find a job, and seeing that my current status is student, I guess I have to say no. I didn't make any resolutions for 2009; I am strictly living by the Positively 2009 mantra. (If confused, see previous posts...)
Did anyone close to you give birth? You bet... sweet Anne Melton was born January 23, 2008.
Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit? Does New Orleans count as a foreign country...?
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A stamp in my passport and a positive attitude
What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I don't really have any exact dates that stand out, but I certainly have some fabulous memories.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting graduate school, making my first 4.0 ever and starting violin lessons
What was your biggest failure? Wow, this is a hard one. I would probably have to say not finding a job, but that led to one of my biggest successes (graduate school), so I'd say it all worked out for the best.
Did you suffer an illness or injury? I've had a cold since October...
What was the best thing you bought? Furniture for my apartment
Whose behavior merited celebration? All of my incredibly successful, prosperous friends, whose engagements, jobs, professional school acceptances, weddings, and pregnancies abounded this year.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The ignorant, uninformed voters of my generation who spouted their opinions around Mississippi State's campus before and during the Presidential election.
Where did most of your money go? Mississippi State University and Barnes & Noble (I mean, come on... coffee, textbooks, book books... duh.)
What did you get really, really, really excited about? Decorating my apartment, which is incredibly embarrassing...
What song will always remind you of 2008? Where I Stood by Missy Higgins
Compared to this time last year, you are: happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer? happier; thinner (but just barely); poorer (seriously, between tuition and the economy, there's not even a question there)
What do you wish you'd done more of? Travelling, exercising, spending time with my family, talking to God
What do you wish you'd done less of? Looking at the glass half-empty, sleeping the mornings away
How did you spend Christmas? With my family, the best way I can imagine
Did you fall in love in 2008? Seriously? Don't you think you'd already know about it...?
What was your favorite TV program? American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Can you hate someone you don't personally know? I dislike Oprah more everyday...
What was the best book you read? The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
What was your greatest musical discovery? Does that really mean who, or are we talking musical equipment? I'm going to go with who, which would probably be Jon Foreman or Amos Lee.
What did you want and get? Nikon D40
What did you want and not get? My college graduation present from my mom (I graduated in May of 2007; where is my present?)
What was your favorite film of this year? Hmmm... that depends on if the question means released this year or viewed this year. I'll go with viewed, which would have to be Into the Wild or Once.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I rang in my 24th birthday dancing the night away on Bourbon Street in New Orleans; I even made a brief appearance onstage and made some new friends.
What would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Accepting the changes that were taking place as they were happening instead of trying to fight them by attempting to keep things the same.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I'm embarrassed to say that it varied a lot by activity...
What kept you sane? Writing, primarily journaling and blogging
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? For me, it's always been all about Kate and Leo. Period.
What political issue stirred you the most? The election and all of the activity it brought about
Who did you miss? The friends who made my college life what it was.
Who was the best new person you met? My professors
Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2008. You can't recreate the past; all you can do is look back on it fondly and cherish the memories while continuing to make new ones.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "I've tried my best to be guarded, but I'm an open book instead."--Lifehouse, Broken

And the Award Goes to...

If you missed out on the Golden Globes tonight, fret not... there's loads of observations and opinions coming your way. For the most part, I stay away from celebrity news and gossip, but even I can't ignore awards season. The following is not meant to offend or madden, it's just the things I observed or questioned as I watched the arrivals on the red carpet and the awards show. Feel free to add or contradict anything you think I missed...

Could Eva Mendes be anymore stunning?

Hotel for Dogs star Don Cheadle? Pretty sure he wants to die now.

Ricky Gervais drank a beer onstage during his presenting. How does one get to be that free of the influence of authority?

Why was Johnny Depp so unbelievably awkward and what was up with his hair?

How could this bumbling, blubbering moron beat Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson? She can't even form a sentence.

Has something burrowed in Drew Barrymore's hair? And what's so funny about saying "good evening"?

No Golden Globes (or other awards ceremony, for that matter) is complete without Tom Hanks winning an award for something.

Demi Moore telling daughter Rumer not to hunch: good call.

Is it possible that Tom Hanks was wearing his deceased grandmother's spectacles...?

I love seeing the tables that look totally bored and aren't talking to anyone during the commerical breaks.

Tom Brokaw: I love you, but perhaps you should stick to the news?

Colin Farrell pokes fun at himself about his former cocaine addiction... too close to call.

Maggie Gyllenhaal's stylist deserves a raise; she is great at her job.

I wish I could be friends with Laura Linney, and her gold dress was to-die-for.

What a wonderful thought: looking back on the present state of the Middle East as "an ancient videogame that has nothing to do with their lives whatsoever."

Why does Alec Baldwin look so sour every time the camera's on him? Also, even though no one in the audience laughed at his juice box comment, I laughed out loud on my couch...

Everytime they show Kiefer Sutherland, he's clapping boredly and seems to be scanning the room for anyone he's ever seen before...

Renee Zellweger looks to be having an off night. Which is worse, the hair or the dress?

Paul Giamatti is so cool. Granted, he looks like a whacko, but he seems like he would be so fun to hang out with.

Glenn Close, who picked that pantsuit for you? Whoever it was, you should fire him/her.

Who would have thought that we would have ever seen Jay-Z sitting up smiling in a tux at the Golden Globe Awards?

Christina Applegate's necklace is out-of-this-world gorgeous.

Tina Fey never gets old.

I live for a photo montage, and I teared up during Spielberg's.

Sandra Bullock: apparently only funny with a script.

Colin Farrell wins for In Bruges? Um... what?

Who knew Sasha Baron Cohen was so funny??

Are there any Americans working in the film industry anymore?

Two things I have never heard of: Mickey Rourke and Slumdog Millionaire.

Micky Rourke thanking his dogs: a new all-time low for America.

And finally,

I heart Kate and Leo 4 eva.

From the first time I saw them spitting off the side of the Titanic, I have loved them like they were my own friends, and seeing them together tonight just made me love them even more. (I know how ridiculous that sounds, blah blah blah...) They sat beside each other, she thanked him during her acceptance speech, they are best friends in real life; I love them. I'm not too proud to admit that I got more than a little teary-eyed when she thanked him during her acceptance speech. (If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it. She's never looked better, and I would bet money that Leo's eyes get a little teary, as well...)

Photo Ops

It has been raining here for what feels like years, but last night I didn't even notice. I wasn't at a movie; I wasn't at the bar; class hasn't started yet, so I wasn't at the library...

Where was I, you ask?

Oh, you know... just playing novice photographer at my apartment, taking pictures of anything and everything that caught my eye or my fancy.

I love my new camera so much, and I am so excited about all the beautiful things I'm going to discover looking through that lens. Who knew random household items could be so, well, interesting and cool?

Lookin' good, 2009...

One for Routine

Well, it's official... Hope and Don are Mr. and Mrs.

Friday night we hung out for awhile after their rehearsal dinner at Woody's, but I didn't stay out too late. (The mom had me cleaning out the garage all day Friday, so I was pretty worn out. She seems to think I have an untapped love for domestic tasks...)

They tied the knot, kissed the bride, danced that first dance, and cut the cake. The whole thing was absolutely beautiful, and Hope was like a vision. (In fact, I think I told her that several times at the reception...)

I had a great time hanging out with some of my favorite people in the world, dancing the night away and taking tons of pictures, of course. (This excessive picture taking gets on some people's nerves...ahem, Summer... but I continue to believe that it will be appreciated some day. Maybe.)

Today was spent packing to return back to Starkville, which I was really excited about. It was a different type of excitement than the type I had when I was an undergrad, when I couldn't wait to get back to the sorority house and go out every night of the first week of school. This excitement is more about returning to my routine and to my own independence. I had a wonderful time at home over the holidays, some great talks with my mom and hang-time with my friends, but I was eager to return to my life and my schedule.

The weekend was a wonderful finish to a great holiday, and now I'm eager to dive into another semester of school. To quote Becca, "I'm worthless without a routine."

I second that.

Here's to Positively 2009.