Sunday, February 2, 2014

If loving you's a sin, you are my vice.

Last summer, I took my mom to see the New Kids on the Block (along with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men.) When I was little, maybe 3 or 4, she recorded a New Kids on the Block concert from the Disney channel. I would watch it all the time. I even knew all the choreography to "The Right Stuff." Just a side note, she also recorded the Care Bears movie for me on the same tape. Best mom ever!

But I digress. It was a great concert and a really fun night. Unfortunately, my friend, Kim, had Todd Carey do a house concert the same night. I justified missing it since I would be seeing him the next day. What I didn't realize at the time was that she was having another friend sing a few songs as well. That other artist has quickly become on of my very favorite singers. Thankfully, my amazing friend, Amanda, was there. Since we have similar (awesome) tastes in music, she shared the videos with me from the house show. I was immediately enamored with this guy's voice, and I had to hear more. This guy is Dave Farah.



This brings us back to the present. Over the last couple of months, Amanda and I have done some promoting of Dave's music and his weekly YouTube videos (check them out if you haven't already!!!) Then, on Friday night, I finally had the opportunity to see Dave perform live. He exceeded all of my expectations. He played one song off of his EP, a few songs from his weekly YouTube videos, and then a couple that I have never heard before. If I had to pick a favorite song from his set list, it would have to be "Move with Me." It's probably because I love to dance. Honestly, the only thing that would have made it any better is if he was on longer. That, and if my phone and camera had cooperated and taken video like I wanted them to.

It was also great to see my friend, Julie. We met at the Sam Grow Band/Curtis Peoples/Todd Carey concert/Halloween party a few months ago. So, that was a fun reunion. It's amazing how many friends that I have met at concerts. I'm really glad that I don't have a problem striking up conversations with strangers. Apparently, that is one lesson that I did not learn as a child. Although I did learn to not get into creepy white vans, so I guess that's a small win.



Natalie York played after Dave. It was the second of two CD release shows (the first was in NYC.) I had never heard of her or any of her music, so it was cool starting with a clean slate. Sometimes when you have heard someone's music, but haven't seen them live, they don't always live up to your expectations. Sometimes they are even better live. I would put Dave in the latter category. She had a really cool voice. It kind of reminded me of Natalie Merchant. She had a full band, which I think was a little too full. She had five other people onstage with her, and I think there were times that they overpowered her. All in all, she put on a great show. I ended up buying her new CD, "Promises." I suggest that you check it out as well!



After the show was over, I had a great time hanging out with Amanda. We got a chance to talk with Dave for a bit. During that time, I think I realized the source of his awesomeness. He has one dimple. I could be partial since I, too, only have one dimple. Things got a little awkward the next day when I was telling Amanda what I realized and she thought I said "nipple" instead of "dimple." Anyway, even though I haven't known him very long, I can tell you without a doubt that he is the real deal. He is super nice, extremely personable, and amazingly talented. If you look up "total package" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Dave. Seriously, go see him live if you have the chance!

One dimple :)


The next day, we had plans to go ice skating. Unfortunately, it didn't get to happen. Instead of ice skating for the first time, Amanda threw up in a parking garage for the first time. It wasn't quite the experience that she was hoping to have. We ended up going back to her sister's apartment instead. I watched HGTV with her
sister while she slept. Although it wasn't what we had planned, it was a pretty chill day, other than the whole throwing up in a parking garage thing.

On my way home, my GPS decided that I hadn't spent enough time in DC and made me drive right through it. I didn't realize what she was doing until I saw the Washington Monument. By then, it was a little late to do anything about it. Overall, I got to meet some new people, spend time with some old friends, and I got to do some sight-seeing from my car. Most of it was not what I had planned, but sometimes I think the most worthwhile moments in life are the ones that you aren't expecting.

Kids, don't try this at home. Taking pictures while driving is not safe!

Next month I will be heading to NYC with Amanda for Todd Carey's birthday bash/concert at the Sanctuary Guest Suites. I have a lot of friends that will be there for that, so it should be a good time. Then, in March I will be attending "Off the Record," a sold-out music festival in the Outer Banks. From what I hear, it is going to be legendary. In the mean time, things are pretty crazy at work. I have also started back to school, so I don't have a ton a free time. I really wish I were better about updating this thing.

Until next time...

Sunday, December 1, 2013

We need to learn to just let go

I've been a slacker again, but in my defense, this is the last week of classes and finals are next week. Anyway, I love this song and this artist. I'm super excited that he is going to be at Off the Record next March with a ton of other artists that I adore. If you haven't checked him out yet, you should do that as soon as possible.

Songfession: Song of the Week

Dave Farah - Baby, Go Now

We were twenty-three
Didn't know what "us" would mean
So we kept falling
But that falling brought us to the ground
When it's said and done
This fight has only just begun
You raise your voice and I raise mine
These words are drowning out

And I can't hear a word you say
When you lie to me that way

(Chorus)
I don't want you anymore
This is our last goodbye
Baby, go now
Baby, go now
I shouldn't want you anymore
Couldn't get passed this fight
Baby, go now
Baby, go now

Don't just stand there dear
Heard everything I need to hear
The timing's off
We should be friends
Already been down that road
And I don't need the last word
All I need's piece of mind
Oh, can you give me that this time?

I can't hear a word you say
When you lie to me that way

(Chorus)

We need to learn to just let go
These pages are turning on their own
We need to learn to just let go
These pages are turning on their own
We need to learn to just let go
These pages are turning on their own
We need to learn to just let go
These pages are turning on their own
And we can't do this anymore


(Chorus)

Friday, November 22, 2013

Round and round, what comes around goes around.

Let me preface this by saying that if I had written this blog 24 hours ago, it would have a very different tone. Between school and work, I've been pretty swamped. This isn't the hardest semester that I've encountered during my scholastic career, but it definitely has been a challenging one. One of my classes has been particularly difficult, not because of the subject matter, but because of the professor. In fact, I had a class almost identical to this particular one at WVU and got an 'A.' If it were not for extra credit in this class, I would be lucky to have a 'C.'

My issue with this professor is that he or she grades based on personal preference. For example, this type of conversation has taken place more than once in the classroom:

Professor: Someone give me an example of a type of car.

Student: A Toyota Matrix.

Professor: No, that isn't what I'm thinking of.

I am not now, nor have I ever been a mind reader. I don't know what you want me to say on presentations or in papers. If what I'm saying is grammatically correct and factual and answers the questions that were asked, I don't understand how you can give me a bad grade for it. (I swear this whole thing isn't going to be a rant...)

This brings me to yesterday. I got the grade for a group presentation that I took part in earlier this week. Don't even get me started on how I feel about group projects. Anyway, we had to change our entire project last Thursday (because the professor didn't like it,) and redid the entire thing over the weekend in order to present on Tuesday. I am my own harshest critic, and I thought we actually did a good job. So to say that I was disappointed in receiving a very low 'B' on the project is putting things mildly. I couldn't sleep last night. I was angry. I felt like I had been treated unfairly.

Then tonight, something just sort of clicked in my brain. I don't know how many times I said, "it's not fair!" growing up, to which I almost always heard the response of, "life isn't fair." As much as I hated hearing it, and as much as I hate to admit it, it's the truth. Life isn't always fair. You don't always get the grade/bonus/recognition that you want and/or deserve. It sucks, but then you move on. In 5 years, I know I will have forgotten all about this class and how angry it made me. But it's these kind of moments that can help you become a better person. I am a firm believer that if you work hard, you will get ahead in life eventually. There are some people that you will never please, no matter how hard you try. But, things will work out in the end. I will not spend another sleepless night worrying about something that has already happened and that I have no control over. I will try harder next time and do better. Upward and Onward! And let's be honest, a 'B' really isn't that bad.

In closing, in another class this week, we were talking about injustice in the workplace, and what it does on a psychological level when you see someone getting paid more than you to do the same job as you. I know that I have encountered this in the past, and it became another one of those teachable moments that I hated as it was happening. Anyway, here is a video showing that it isn't only humans that react negatively to this type of injustice...


That's all I have for tonight. Sorry that this post wasn't about music or anything else entertaining. I just needed to do some self-analyzing. But, you did get to see a video of a monkey throwing a cucumber in a fit of rage. :)

Monday, November 11, 2013

Don't lie to me, I know you felt it, too.

Songfession: Video Edition

Jared McCloud - 11:11

This video is from a house show he did for my friend, Steph. I really wanted to wait until 11:11 to post this, but I'm just too tired. Plus, I have a 16 hour day tomorrow, so I really need to hit the hay. Feel free to wait until 11:11 to watch this. Either that, or just keep watching it over and over until 11:11. Better yet, go download the song/album on iTunes and then tell your friends about it. 


Friday, November 8, 2013

You light me up like Simon even when the cards are down

Songfession: Video Edition


Todd Carey - Nintendo

I realize that this was already the song of the week, but you have to see the song performed live to really understand how amazing Todd Carey is. This is from the Wilmington, DE show, and he has the Seths (aka Seth by Sethwest and Let's Talk About Seths) with him. It's a fun song, and you can buy it on i-Tunes to give to all of your friends and family for Christmas. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Everybody wants to rule the world

I know that pretty much all of my posts have revolved around music, but I have to take a second and tell the world how much I love Lush Cosmetics. They sell fresh, handmade cosmetics, and they are fantastic!! I just got done using a Twilight bath bomb, and I could not be more relaxed. Their stuff is a little bit pricey, but definitely worth it. I will be ordering more of their products online in the near future.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Sorry, I'm not sorry

Songfession: Song of the Week

Demi Lovato - Shouldn't Come Back

See you calling again
I don't wanna pick up, no, oh
I've been laying in bed
Probably thinking too much, oh, oh

Sorry I'm not sorry for the times
I don't reply, you know the reason why

Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
Tired of being so sad,
Tired of getting so mad, baby
Stop right now,
You'll only let me down, oh, oh
Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me

Trying not to forget,
Should be easier than this oh, oh
And all the birthdays you've missed
I was only a kid oh, oh

Sorry I'm not sorry for the times
I don't reply, you know the reason why

Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
Tired of being so sad,
Tired of getting so mad, baby
Stop right now,
You'll only let me down, oh, oh
Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
To me

Sorry I'm not sorry for the times

Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
Tired of being so sad,
I'm tired of getting so mad, baby
Stop right now,
You'll only let me down, oh, oh
Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me