I was introduced to Arcade Fire in 2005. As soon as I purchased Funeral, I listened to the album obsessively for a year. Not only is the album beautiful, but for me listening to it was a very personal experience. It touched me in ways that were unfathomable (I was going through a rough period in my life). Recently their newest album, Neon Bible, was released. I went to buy it immediately, but as I took a quick listen in the store I was sorely disappointed. I put the album down and left the store a very sad girl.
Well, up to date, they are playing in New York this week and I couldn't get tickets. My friend, Vadim, had tickets and fortunately someone who was going backed out. When I got the call last night I did my "I'm going to see Arcade Fire" dance. Theo drove with me into city because we haven't been able to spend much time together. As we were waiting for Vadim a fellow approached and asked if we needed a ticket. I said, "Sure, how much?" He said, "Take it." (Obviously not a New Yorker. My friend Vadim charged me $45.00; now he's a New Yorker.)
Hands down, the best concert I have ever been to. The projection was incredible. The performance was brilliant. The new songs were original and fun. I was glad to actually hear the new album in concert, otherwise I would have always believed the new album to be shit. I will say, I was really hoping that Bowie would come out, but he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps soon enough.
I didn't bring my camera, and my camera phone was dead. I left there picture-less, but happy as could be. I'd love to catch them in concert again, and hopefully next time sit (read: stand/dance) next to Theo.
Needless to say, I highly suggest purchasing both Funeral and Neon Bible if you have not already done so.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Kansas and Missouri
You know, my job isn't particularly interesting. To a deskworker it might sound fun, but in all actuality-- traveling is hard. The fascinating thing about my job is that I do it. For one, I get motion sickness, yet I fly at least once a week. On top of that, the idea of flying freaks me out. Airports I find to be hellish and hotel rooms are germ pools. Car rentals are annoying, and reading directions everywhere you go gets old. I sit in malls everyday, for god's sake.
Whine, whine, whine.
In any event, it's very much true that I hate about 90% of the states in this country. I hated them before I knew anything about them, and I hate them even more when I get there. All this time I was planning on journaling my trips. I did it for the first couple of trips, but stopped soon after. A travel blog might be good, but why do that when I can blab about anything on this blog.
Right now I'm in Kansas City, Missouri. Why the hell is Kansas City in Missouri and not Kansas, you may ask. The answer, of course, I don't know. When I got here I had a million different things to say, but now that the day is over I just want to sleep. That has to be the ultimate reason that my job gets hard. I'm always worn-out.
Well, I had a connection in D.C. The security guard directed me to leave security and go into another gate to get to my connection. I asked him if he was serious and he got very mean. I barely made my connection.
The airport had a new Car Rental facility. This means that many people were confused with change. That was brilliant to witness.
Kansas looks like it's under construction, but not in that bull dozer type of way. There is.....
too tired to keep writing... I'll finish soon.
Whine, whine, whine.
In any event, it's very much true that I hate about 90% of the states in this country. I hated them before I knew anything about them, and I hate them even more when I get there. All this time I was planning on journaling my trips. I did it for the first couple of trips, but stopped soon after. A travel blog might be good, but why do that when I can blab about anything on this blog.
Right now I'm in Kansas City, Missouri. Why the hell is Kansas City in Missouri and not Kansas, you may ask. The answer, of course, I don't know. When I got here I had a million different things to say, but now that the day is over I just want to sleep. That has to be the ultimate reason that my job gets hard. I'm always worn-out.
Well, I had a connection in D.C. The security guard directed me to leave security and go into another gate to get to my connection. I asked him if he was serious and he got very mean. I barely made my connection.
The airport had a new Car Rental facility. This means that many people were confused with change. That was brilliant to witness.
Kansas looks like it's under construction, but not in that bull dozer type of way. There is.....
too tired to keep writing... I'll finish soon.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Namesake
I finished The Namesake: Lahiri. I thoroughly enjoyed this book: it was powerful in a way I was not suspecting, and thrilling in a way that seems impossible after you've read the back.
The book is about an Indian man and woman who get married and move to Boston. It details the struggle that each of them face being away from their families, and more so, living in a world that is unfamiliar to them.
She has a baby. This moment is so magical in the book. For the first time in my life I understand how important family will be during this time in a woman's life. I also saw a glimpse of what it means to loose yourself to gain a new self. All in Lahiri's pages are details of this experience, of how one woman copes and, sometimes, does not cope.
As the eldest kid grows up in an Indian family surrounded by other Indian families, he is faced feeling deeply disconnected after going to school and entertaining American life. Eventually the young boy changes his name-- a moment in the book that is too powerful to write about and too deeply emotional to highlight.
The book has many marvelous themes. Any reader can relate to Lahiri's words because we've all felt alone, different, disconnected, or insecure. I had a hard time putting the book down, and when I was done reading I was left wanting to hear more from Lahiri. She is a brilliant wordsmith and I'm glad that I've been introduced to her work.
Read this book. Next stop, see the movie. (I've heard that it's not nearly as good as the book).
The book is about an Indian man and woman who get married and move to Boston. It details the struggle that each of them face being away from their families, and more so, living in a world that is unfamiliar to them.
She has a baby. This moment is so magical in the book. For the first time in my life I understand how important family will be during this time in a woman's life. I also saw a glimpse of what it means to loose yourself to gain a new self. All in Lahiri's pages are details of this experience, of how one woman copes and, sometimes, does not cope.
As the eldest kid grows up in an Indian family surrounded by other Indian families, he is faced feeling deeply disconnected after going to school and entertaining American life. Eventually the young boy changes his name-- a moment in the book that is too powerful to write about and too deeply emotional to highlight.
The book has many marvelous themes. Any reader can relate to Lahiri's words because we've all felt alone, different, disconnected, or insecure. I had a hard time putting the book down, and when I was done reading I was left wanting to hear more from Lahiri. She is a brilliant wordsmith and I'm glad that I've been introduced to her work.
Read this book. Next stop, see the movie. (I've heard that it's not nearly as good as the book).
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Other People's Writing
Being on an airplane at least twice a week lends me some nice, solid reading-time. It seems that every time I'm at the airport I purchase a new book.
Dry: Augusten Burroughs
I really enjoyed this book. If you've read anything by Burroughs, you have to expect to go through a certain roller coaster of emotions. First you laugh and then you cry, but usually you're just shocked. I read Running With Scissors and Possible Side Effects, so I read this book as an expert.
Burroughs always shocks me-- not just because he tells me amazing stories, but also because he has basically no formal education and writes much smarter than me. I found Dry to be particularly moving because fighting addiction is terribly difficult. Burroughs is a sincere writer and Dry was a surprisingly fresh look at addiction.
If you haven't read any Burroughs, I recommend picking up any of his work immediately.
Magical Thinking: Burroughs
So what? I read two Burroughs books in one month. There is something about his voice that makes me feel connected. This book made me laugh so loudly that fellow passengers gave me dirty looks. Magical Thinking, eh? I can relate to that. Or, maybe I wish I could relate to that. Who knows.
A Man Without a Country: Vonnegut
Well, he's dead. I picked up this book surprised that I didn't buy it earlier. Vonnegut will always have a special place in my heart. He taught me that I like to read. He taught me that ice can be scary. He taught me that chapters are allowed to be short and paragraphs don't have to have three sentences.
I really enjoyed this book. It's pretty close to a memoir, and if you're a fan of Vonnegut, this is a nice commute book. Pick it up and bring it on your next subway ride. While the guy next to you is listening to his music too loudly, you can giggle loudly with Vonnegut instead of shooting that guy looks that could kill.
I finished this book on one quick plane ride. I didn't get off the plane until it was practically unloaded and I was in the third row. I had to finish it before I could get up. He's always been that writer for me.
The Namesake: Lahiri
Holy shit! I'm not even done with this book and I know that it will change me forever. I'm at the half-way point and I've cried three times. In all actuality, I have no idea why I cried. Lahiri writes like a goddess and moves me to the core. I feel at home with Lahiri's words. Buy this book immediately.
Diary: Palahniuk
Palahniuk is a unique writer. Each of his books are bizarre in their own right. Diary is no different than the others. This book is as brilliant as it is frightening. If you haven't read any Palahniuk, I wouldn't start with Diary. If you have read some Palahniuk and enjoyed his bizarre stories, this one rates well. Pick it up.
Dune: Herbert
You'd think that a nerd like me would have read this book long ago. I started reading Dune about six months ago. Theo bought me a used paperback and within a few weeks the spine broke. I have read all but the last 75 pages, which is many, many pages. I've heard many people name this book as a favorite and I can understand why. It starts out miserably slow, but by the middle of the book it all makes sense. Reading this book reminds me of how I felt reading The Lighthouse: Woolf. "It's too slow to enjoy.... It's incredible." The switch isn't immediate, but when you realize it's beauty, you forgive and understand the slow start.
I've been reading. In between books I watch many movies. I want to talk about some of them here, but you have to give me some time. When I've read too many books to talk about any of them in full, I'll do a book post again.
Any questions?
Dry: Augusten Burroughs
I really enjoyed this book. If you've read anything by Burroughs, you have to expect to go through a certain roller coaster of emotions. First you laugh and then you cry, but usually you're just shocked. I read Running With Scissors and Possible Side Effects, so I read this book as an expert.
Burroughs always shocks me-- not just because he tells me amazing stories, but also because he has basically no formal education and writes much smarter than me. I found Dry to be particularly moving because fighting addiction is terribly difficult. Burroughs is a sincere writer and Dry was a surprisingly fresh look at addiction.
If you haven't read any Burroughs, I recommend picking up any of his work immediately.
Magical Thinking: Burroughs
So what? I read two Burroughs books in one month. There is something about his voice that makes me feel connected. This book made me laugh so loudly that fellow passengers gave me dirty looks. Magical Thinking, eh? I can relate to that. Or, maybe I wish I could relate to that. Who knows.
A Man Without a Country: Vonnegut
Well, he's dead. I picked up this book surprised that I didn't buy it earlier. Vonnegut will always have a special place in my heart. He taught me that I like to read. He taught me that ice can be scary. He taught me that chapters are allowed to be short and paragraphs don't have to have three sentences.
I really enjoyed this book. It's pretty close to a memoir, and if you're a fan of Vonnegut, this is a nice commute book. Pick it up and bring it on your next subway ride. While the guy next to you is listening to his music too loudly, you can giggle loudly with Vonnegut instead of shooting that guy looks that could kill.
I finished this book on one quick plane ride. I didn't get off the plane until it was practically unloaded and I was in the third row. I had to finish it before I could get up. He's always been that writer for me.
The Namesake: Lahiri
Holy shit! I'm not even done with this book and I know that it will change me forever. I'm at the half-way point and I've cried three times. In all actuality, I have no idea why I cried. Lahiri writes like a goddess and moves me to the core. I feel at home with Lahiri's words. Buy this book immediately.
Diary: Palahniuk
Palahniuk is a unique writer. Each of his books are bizarre in their own right. Diary is no different than the others. This book is as brilliant as it is frightening. If you haven't read any Palahniuk, I wouldn't start with Diary. If you have read some Palahniuk and enjoyed his bizarre stories, this one rates well. Pick it up.
Dune: Herbert
You'd think that a nerd like me would have read this book long ago. I started reading Dune about six months ago. Theo bought me a used paperback and within a few weeks the spine broke. I have read all but the last 75 pages, which is many, many pages. I've heard many people name this book as a favorite and I can understand why. It starts out miserably slow, but by the middle of the book it all makes sense. Reading this book reminds me of how I felt reading The Lighthouse: Woolf. "It's too slow to enjoy.... It's incredible." The switch isn't immediate, but when you realize it's beauty, you forgive and understand the slow start.
I've been reading. In between books I watch many movies. I want to talk about some of them here, but you have to give me some time. When I've read too many books to talk about any of them in full, I'll do a book post again.
Any questions?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I want to be a writer.
I've been itching to write again, but the more I read the more I think I don't have anything to say. There's been so many things already said by writers who are much more elequont than me. My writing style is not unique and I do not have a voice of my own.
I've sat down with a blank screen and a blank piece of paper a few times now: each time I've just stared. It's amazing how small and insignificant I feel everytime I get an urge to just write. I feel like everything inside is stuck and there is no way to get it out on paper.
What's weird is that every time I'm in a writing phase, it has something to do with love or pain. When I'm not there I hear Rilke telling me to stay away from the subject of love. I wonder why I don't hear him when I'm in that stage. Perhaps because it's my vice, my addiction. It's been awhile though. The last time I was able to write more than one poem in a sitting was more than two years ago. I used to write because I had to: there was no way around it. I was blogging and poeming everyday. Those were not particularly good times.
And, so, when I say that I want to start writing again, I scare myself. I don't want to write because I'm depressed, and I don't want to be depressed to write. I've been in both places, and I strongly believe that real work is beyond that stuff. The real work comes many years later, after the pain, and it isn't because you have a wound, but maybe because you have a scar, or even a memory. And, in the end, the work shouldn't really be about the memory. The work really should just use those things to say substantial things, ever-lasting things.
I guess I'm not there yet because I still don't know what I want to say. I just know that I need to say something real. I want to be moved when I write it and I want the reader to be moved to read it. I want to grow up, but I'm better off letting it happen to me.
I'm sure that you feel the same way. Thanks for the ear.
I've sat down with a blank screen and a blank piece of paper a few times now: each time I've just stared. It's amazing how small and insignificant I feel everytime I get an urge to just write. I feel like everything inside is stuck and there is no way to get it out on paper.
What's weird is that every time I'm in a writing phase, it has something to do with love or pain. When I'm not there I hear Rilke telling me to stay away from the subject of love. I wonder why I don't hear him when I'm in that stage. Perhaps because it's my vice, my addiction. It's been awhile though. The last time I was able to write more than one poem in a sitting was more than two years ago. I used to write because I had to: there was no way around it. I was blogging and poeming everyday. Those were not particularly good times.
And, so, when I say that I want to start writing again, I scare myself. I don't want to write because I'm depressed, and I don't want to be depressed to write. I've been in both places, and I strongly believe that real work is beyond that stuff. The real work comes many years later, after the pain, and it isn't because you have a wound, but maybe because you have a scar, or even a memory. And, in the end, the work shouldn't really be about the memory. The work really should just use those things to say substantial things, ever-lasting things.
I guess I'm not there yet because I still don't know what I want to say. I just know that I need to say something real. I want to be moved when I write it and I want the reader to be moved to read it. I want to grow up, but I'm better off letting it happen to me.
I'm sure that you feel the same way. Thanks for the ear.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
"Hello, my name is Kimberly and I'm a workaholic."
I have the great pleasure to be in an airport at least once a week. This week I have been to four different airports (and today is Wednesday). Without fail, one thought enters my mind every time I am in one of these god-awful places, "Who designed these restroom doors?!"
The handicap stall is always equipped with a door that opens toward the restroom-goer. This is the same in nearly every restroom I have ever seen. It makes perfect sense: in order to fit a wheel chair, the door must open in this manner. This same logic is not used for carry-on luggage. Every other stall in the restroom has a door that opens toward the toilet. This brilliant concept annoys me every time I think about going to the restroom at the airport. When I walk into the stall with my wheeled, carry-on luggage, I have to stand next to the toilet (with the fear of touching the toilet before using a toilet seat cover) and roll my luggage inside where it always has to touch the toilet for the door to close. The same problem arises when I leave the stall.
If the designers have the common sense to design the handicap stalls with logic, why did they fail so horribly with the rest of the stalls?! And, of course, I've never mentioned this bit of annoyance with anyone before now. I bet every female who travels for work thinks about this same shit. I bet flight attendants hate it. Oh man, tomorrow when I'm at the airport, I'm going to say something to the person next to me at the sink. I am excited!
Another annoying tid-bit of traveling is that you become accustom to delays, rude people, dumb policies, and rushing around. With that in mind, it kills me that Car Rental Companies do not always tell their customers where the nearest gas station is located. Every time I'm on my way back to the airport I have to search for gas for about 10-30 minutes. What horrible customer service!
I'm sure that you have no idea what I'm talking about. You probably think I'm crazy for thinking about these things. You're wrong. I'm crazy for traveling as much as I do. And, worse, I'm crazy for not having "Elite Status" with all Airlines. I bet they have special restrooms that have doors that open toward to restroom-goer and they laugh at all the people who have to use the "normal" restrooms. Those asshats.
I need a vacation.
The handicap stall is always equipped with a door that opens toward the restroom-goer. This is the same in nearly every restroom I have ever seen. It makes perfect sense: in order to fit a wheel chair, the door must open in this manner. This same logic is not used for carry-on luggage. Every other stall in the restroom has a door that opens toward the toilet. This brilliant concept annoys me every time I think about going to the restroom at the airport. When I walk into the stall with my wheeled, carry-on luggage, I have to stand next to the toilet (with the fear of touching the toilet before using a toilet seat cover) and roll my luggage inside where it always has to touch the toilet for the door to close. The same problem arises when I leave the stall.
If the designers have the common sense to design the handicap stalls with logic, why did they fail so horribly with the rest of the stalls?! And, of course, I've never mentioned this bit of annoyance with anyone before now. I bet every female who travels for work thinks about this same shit. I bet flight attendants hate it. Oh man, tomorrow when I'm at the airport, I'm going to say something to the person next to me at the sink. I am excited!
Another annoying tid-bit of traveling is that you become accustom to delays, rude people, dumb policies, and rushing around. With that in mind, it kills me that Car Rental Companies do not always tell their customers where the nearest gas station is located. Every time I'm on my way back to the airport I have to search for gas for about 10-30 minutes. What horrible customer service!
I'm sure that you have no idea what I'm talking about. You probably think I'm crazy for thinking about these things. You're wrong. I'm crazy for traveling as much as I do. And, worse, I'm crazy for not having "Elite Status" with all Airlines. I bet they have special restrooms that have doors that open toward to restroom-goer and they laugh at all the people who have to use the "normal" restrooms. Those asshats.
I need a vacation.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Updates
I've been thinking about posting lately. Thinking about it.
Work has kept me pretty busy. The down-time is over, and I'm working long hours again. I'm happy, despite it all. The job has suddenly become challenging, as I've been learning new things and taking on new responsibilities. I recently discovered that managing a Department while living 3000 miles away from the Office is difficult. I'm ready for the move.
We've decided to push back the move date to April 1st due to several circumstances. The original plan, to live with Adam and Jackson, is starting to fall through. It seems that Theo and I will end up getting a place with just Jackson. I am sad that Adam and I will not have this opportunity to live together, but I do think that he is doing what's best for himself and I'm proud of him.
I have two audits in Las Vegas next week and Theo is joining me. Luckily it will be right after payday, so I'm going to do some gambling. Hopefully I'll win.
Recently Theo and I took a trip to the San Francisco area so that he could see his family. I got medical problems our first night there, but I'm OK now. I had a difficult time there, as I felt pretty damn uncomfortable for most of the visit. I'm glad I went.
Tonight we are making sushi and drinking sake. Fun!
Happy Valentines Day, friends and family! :)
I promise, I'm going to post a few entries about books I've read, movies I've seen, and television I don't watch. They are all waiting to be written.
Work has kept me pretty busy. The down-time is over, and I'm working long hours again. I'm happy, despite it all. The job has suddenly become challenging, as I've been learning new things and taking on new responsibilities. I recently discovered that managing a Department while living 3000 miles away from the Office is difficult. I'm ready for the move.
We've decided to push back the move date to April 1st due to several circumstances. The original plan, to live with Adam and Jackson, is starting to fall through. It seems that Theo and I will end up getting a place with just Jackson. I am sad that Adam and I will not have this opportunity to live together, but I do think that he is doing what's best for himself and I'm proud of him.
I have two audits in Las Vegas next week and Theo is joining me. Luckily it will be right after payday, so I'm going to do some gambling. Hopefully I'll win.
Recently Theo and I took a trip to the San Francisco area so that he could see his family. I got medical problems our first night there, but I'm OK now. I had a difficult time there, as I felt pretty damn uncomfortable for most of the visit. I'm glad I went.
Tonight we are making sushi and drinking sake. Fun!
Happy Valentines Day, friends and family! :)
I promise, I'm going to post a few entries about books I've read, movies I've seen, and television I don't watch. They are all waiting to be written.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)