I Am Legend

So there's this movie coming out in December starring non-other than Will Smith. It is called "I Am Legend" and is your typical, Will Smith saves the universe-type movie. I'm not exactly sure what it's about besides the fact that he is supposed to be the "last man on earth"...but obviously, we know that's not exactly how it's gonna go seeing as the movie would probably get pretty boring that way.

However, besides the fact that I love Will Smith...I am promoting this movie because my friend Joanna is in it. I'm not exactly sure of her role, but what I do know is that she had to shave her head for it. Yep, straight-up Britney Spears style...however, she did it before Britney made it, ummm....cool?

I've been dancing with Joanna for the past 4 years or so. I remember the shock on all our faces when she walked into the studio with a freshly buzzed cut head. The awesome thing is the new "do" looked awesome on her and gave her such edge. She has amazing facial features to pull it off and being half Japanese and half Irish it completed her unique look. She's beautiful.

Anyways, I remember her telling me the story of the day she had to cut it all off...balling her eyes out while all the other girls seemed to remain completely calm. One of the actors even held her hand for it. But hey, when you get to be in a movie with the drool-worthy Will Smith, I suppose it's all worth it. Plus, I'm sure this movie will be a hit with the Fresh Prince, himself, as the star...so when it comes into theatres, be sure to check it out!

Better late than never

Whoa...you guys are fast. I haven't even finished uploading pics, and there's already lots of views! Guess that just goes to show how far behind I was. So sorry for being late. Hope you enjoy the fun that is visible in this album, though.

I'm a liar!

Geez louise, I can't believe what a liar I am. I so did not post pictures yet! I'm awful...and I give you full permission to yell, scream at me, and punch me in the uterus. I am a bad...bad webmistress!

Anyways...I'm lyin in a bed right now that's not my own and Jac is sleeping.





I'm writting to the world letting everyone know how much I am gonna miss Queen Mary Elizabeth and Jacqueline Marie (I don't know if that's her middle name, I just liked the way it sounds). This is their last day in NY and it makes me so sad. Why do friends always have to move and live so far away? Not cool man, not cool. But we've been tryin nothing but making the best of this whole last week. I think I've ate more and drank more this week than I have the whole summer. I'm so exhausted and full.

I get to go home next weekend though and hang with the fam for some birthday celebrations. I'm soooo happy to be seeing their faces again and I can't believe it's almost my birthday. I'm gonna be 25, dangit...25! Somethin just ain't right about that.

Update, update!

Just letting you know.........I am determined!

Pictures will (/should) be posted in about 4 hours? Sayyy....give me a deadline. It's ok...just hit me with it. Ok, by 5:30, we'll say. Is that okay with you guys? I'm way long overdue.

So You Think You Can Dance - Partner Swap

Fear not my dance loving friends...it's another Thursday, and I get to review my favorite TV show of the moment: So You Think You Can Dance.

Last week, I missed an episode, and how sad am I for that! Watching my favorite, Lacey Schwimmer, very closely this season...i may have missed one of my favorite performances of hers. I saw it on youtube today for the first time (but I'm at work with no sound), however....good lord, it looks hott! She was paired with Danny (their first time this season having a different partner), and having him as her partner I think worked great for her. Danny is the most amazing technical dancer on the show. He reminds me of this guy, Rupert, I used to dance with back during my Hartford Ballet days who is now dancing for the American Ballet Theatre. (I'll post a pic later...you'll see the resemblance physically..but it's also there technically).



Anyways, enough jibber jabber last night's show was "eh." I'll post video once I can find it on youtube. They picked new partners again. Lacey was paired with Neil (my favorite male dancer...but prolly cause I just want to pinch his cheeks. He's adorable and has a fabulous character). They got to do 2 pieces last night. Latin Jazz and Contemporary are the two styles given to Lacey & Neil. I liked their first piece, but the judges were right in saying their connectivity as partners were not believable. Their contemporary piece couldn't be put any better by the judges...all technicallity behind, it was the most beautiful piece of the season and tears welled up in everyone's eyes. I balled like a baby. (Don't make fun of me) Seriously, though...it was gorgeous, and Mary (the "Paula" of the judges) could not even speak she was crying so much. Amazing, just amazing.

My current standing favorites in order are:
1) Lacey
2) Sabra
3) Danny
4) Neil

You're a trainwreck...

I can't even begin to explain how we've fully taken on the role of becoming full-time trainwrecks cause quite frankly, I'm not even sure myself…maybe because I've been too drunk to even notice.

With that said, I think it's time for me to stop denying the fact that I am a Sober Sally. Yes, I admit, that once was me (and hopefully it won't get too outta hand), but I've been taken out of my shell and have fallen under the peer pressure. My good friend Mary, whom I met this summer, has been a bad influence on me, and I'm sure she'll gladly take full responsibility. I still tend to stick to my 2 drink maximum, but for some reason, I always end up with a straw in my mouth and a drink in her hand. Not to mention, my friendship with the Curbside Gang has been threatened on more than one occasion (ie. "you can't expect to be friends with us and get away with not drinking"). Thank you, Parker…thank you, Dagley.

Now, seriously, you shouldn't refer to this term in the negative sense. Most people automatically have a view of our soberless sisters Britney Spears or good ol' LiLo Crackhead in their minds, but really, people, you should be thanking us for providing you with such entertainment. We make our lives less ordinary and yours significantly less boring. Maybe, those we refer to as "normal" at the bars will stop wondering why and come to understand why it is you are ignored. Come on...let loose, get emo, provide some mystery, give us something to talk about, and lets us want to lurk you the next day.

All I know is I think I still have alcohol pumping through my viens and msg oozing from my skin. Lots of asian cuisines, tons of dairy related desserts, many sugar injected substances, and the best fake meat one could eat has been happily accepted into our diet (did I mention all while be washed down by L'Ambrusco and Goldschlager?). The past 168 hours has been spent drinking or getting through a hangover all eluding nothing but good ol' fashion summer fun.

I have the cutest new friend

....and I'm kinda obsessed with him.

Rainy Monday

I don't mind

You're someone who ain't mine

But someone that I'll get

And you don't know how

Hard I've tried

To convince myself that I

Can easily forget

But you left this feeling

Here inside me

One that never fails to find me...

On a rainy Monday

...a feeling inside me

Like the days of summer

On a rainy Monday

...I feel it inside me

In the hopes of one day I won't lie

I still can't say that I

Admit we went too far

And you won't see me change my mind

But I really wish that I

Could forget the way you are

But you left this feeling here inside me

The battle in my mind still fights me

I can see that you're not beside me

But I still feel you shine inside of me

Oh, this Rainy Monday

"Oh me, Oh my! What to do, what to do?"

Oh yes, once again...we were THOSE girls last Tuesday night. I'm beginning to see a pattern, and Jiscilla's sober days are slowly drifting away. However, I notice my drinking results in not necessarily volume, but lull, slinty eyes, giggly laughter, dancing "in my own world," and excessive picture-taking. I'm finding I say things that don't make sense (which is normally something I do while I'm talking to someone and falling asleep at the same time), and high-pitch giggling so much to the fact that I can hardly breathe. My friends are hilarious. Enough said.

Well, like usual, Mary fed me half of the drinks she ordered because she doesn't like to be drunk on her own, and before we know it...we're the trainwrecks we always aspire to be. (Please note: There is a fabulous T-shirt in the making that ALL MUST BUY, but I'll explain more details on that when the time comes.) So as none of us planned on drinking, we all definitely got a lil' more intoxicated than planned. I even took a drunk walk home with Mary, Perry, & Josh.

See the following:

yELLEow!

Apparently I am too ugly for ELLE magazine or just looked too much like a banana/blueberry hybrid (for those that "KNOW"...that was a reference/secret shout-out). So yea, my shoot wasn't used for the magazine...bummer. But hey,...my friends were! If you want, you can pick up your own copy of the August issue of ELLE mag with Sarah Jessica Parker on the cover (o rly? how convient!). You can find Miss Jessica Parker and Miss Erica Dagley on page 94 in all their neon glory. Wamp wamp.

"His mom got shot in the forrest and died!"

Tomorrow is this:

Entour-huh?

You see, I have this friend and he goes by the name of Jared...and he was on a recent episode of Entourage and I thought it was cool...that is all. (He's the guy all the way to the left)

So You Think You Can Dance - Week 4

So this is the fourth week in for my newest favorite TV reality (if thats even the right term for it) show. As I've mentioned before in my posts...I'm the biggest Lacey Schwimmer fan! This week I knew one of our (Broadway Dance Center's) very own choreographer, Maria Torres, flew out LA to choreograph for one of the couples...and I was so thrilled when I found out she was choreographing for Lacey & Kameron. Now, I've never taken one of Maria's classes, but I have spent countless hours watching her classes in awe (she usually teaches too early for me to make it to her class on time) through the studio windows...and let me tell you, her Latin Jazz classes are so HOTT! Anyways, this week she choreographed the Hustle for Lacey & Kameron. You got watch their amazing performance:

Neighbors

For those that are semi-curious of what a night at the infamous Angels & Kings looks like or for a montage of what’s it’s like to be on tour, stay tuned in. The boys of The Academy Is… have this new video out called “Neighbors” which includes footage from Pete Wentz’s birthday bash about a month ago where they were whirling around the bar with the camera in Williams face. At the time I assumed it was for TAITV, or just some crazy documentary from their tour (although, in actuality, it is). If you look closely you can catch a cameo of me talking to my Aussie (he, of course, will make another adorable appearance). I actually love this song, so you should probably go download it right now (wink, wink).

“Neighbors” by The Academy Is… of their latest album “Santi” :

Big things

So the other night I was offered free tickets to go see Les Miserable, and instantly it made me think of my roomie. She's way into broadway plays, muiscals, and stuff like that, so I invited her to join me knowing this was her favorite broadway play. We went and got some sushi first, downed our meal as fast as we could, and hurried over to the theatre. We made it in perfect time. Just two minutes after sitting in our seat, the curtains had opened. We had orchestra seats (maybe about 8 rows from the front), and sat in the right-hand section only skewing our view slightly. It was a great show, and the actors were amazing. Of course, the child actors were my favorite because they're just so dang cute, but besides them, I definitely think my favorite characters were Jean Valjean and probably Epinine. A great show...but I think Wicked and Phantom are still my favorite. A lot of people, I hear, are not into Phantom that much...but maybe I like it because the last time I saw it was when I was 13, and it was my first broadway play. All the stage effects amazed me and it had lots of dancers and pretty costumes. I'd love to see it again, and re-evaluate my opinion.

Anyways, after Les Mis...Ash and I tried to get out of there before we started to look like tourists. We had to head through Times Square which we normally try to avoid. It's a NYC habitant's worst nightmare...all those tourists. No one understands the concept of walking. Everyone is looking up instead of what's in front of them. What? You've never seen bright lights and buildings before? Pshhh. Then, as I'm walking by the MTV building, I, of course, decide to look up. To my surprise, there it was...Jeremy's face. Lol. It was so weird to see him blown up the size of these gynormous windows...but cool all at the same time. They are getting so big so fast. I always knew they'd be there one day.

Then I realized as I stopped in my tracks and even took out my sidekick to take a picture...I had become one of those tourists . Oof.

Armor for birthdays!

I was feelin' speedy on this one, but I'm just writing to say I added pics from this past Tuesday's "Trainwreck Tuesdays"/ Armor for Ben's birthday/Welcome home Cobra Starship party. There were all sorts of trainwreckish people there (obviously everyone came prepared), and we all had the usual good time. I'd go on but all the details would either be too embarassing or too funny, "ya had to be there," kinda moments. However, I think the pics do the night justice. Check 'em out for yourself.

And give it up for Erica making, probably, her best flyer yet. Come on...how hilarious is this?

Independence

Happy 4th of July!

I have the day off from work...yesssss...and I'm just spending most of it home, chillin, and recovering from last night's Trainwreck Tuesdays. I don't know why 2 drinks have begun to effect me so much more than they used to...beside, maybe, the fact that Mary was feeding me her Red Bull and vodka all night long. Boy o boy....hahaha. Anyways, last night was the usual fun that AK brings to the table. You'll see from pictures sometime in the near future. Tonight I'm sure we'll be hanging out on rooftops watching fireworks somewhere in the city. And speaking of rooftops, I went home this weekend to spend some QT with the fam. I fully enjoyed my visit. I sometimes forget how much I love just going home and spending time with them. However, my point....I legit went on my rooftop (my parents house) to watch fireworks. The whole crew...me, my mom, dad, bro, & his girlfriend all climbed the ladder and watched the display the high school put on for the first time ever. It was really awesome and the thing lasted forever. It was a gorgeous weekend...we had awesome cookout food, rode bikes (prolly my first time in 10 years), and just hung out the whole time. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as well.

Updation!

So its been a while since I last made a public post (I'm sorry, but I've been resorting to keeping my blogs and LJs private as of lately). I'll try and make updates more often as far as blogs go, though. Annnnd, speaking of updates...do you like the .com makeover??? It's obviously a lot more simple. I decided to tone it down once again. I’ve been feeling more “simple” now-a-days. Maintenance has become very time consuming.

Basically, though, I'm here to tell you I'm still alive!!!!! I'm still out here…in NYC and having fun. A lot has gone on in the past couple months. I decided to give y'all some highlights (if you are one of my LJ friends, this might be slightly repetitive to you...but there a few things I hadn't mentioned). Here you go:

Bamboozle – The girls and I went to boozle for the first time together (you may remember my journal post last year when I went with Jeremy). This is actually where Erica, Jessica, and I met in 2006...well, I had met Jessica once before previously, but now look at us 1 yr later. I can't imagine my life without them. This is like a huge event in the music industry. It's only one weekend long and held once a year in the parking lot of the Giants Stadium in Jersey. Its compared to other festivals like Coachella, SXSW, & CMJ. It has about 8-10 large stages and maybe 60 or so of the top bands you could think of playing from morning until night. You probably already read about my whole review of the weekend in one of my last journals, and if you haven't…you should. With the exception of me being sick this year, we had an awesome time. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Angels & Kings – If you’ve been keeping up with my pictures and my myspace, you’ll notice this is an obvious new favorite of ours. It's new…it’s a bar…and you may have heard about it through the press as being owned by Pete Wentz. False (although partially true)…it has, in fact, 17 owners (yes, I'm serious). It's just a really cool bar we like to go to and hang out, cause our friends DJ there and pretty much any night we want to go, we are sure to see friends (kinda like Cheers!). Actually, it almost reminds me of McCoy's from my college days (my MC crew knows what I’m talking about). It’s small, has two small bathrooms, only two bartenders at work (which I'm not sure it's safe to say they knew us by name and drink by the end of the very first week), and is always packed.

Band In a Bubble – Cartel went into a bubble about a month ago to live the bubble life 24 hours a day with live cameras streaming video straight to the internet. The night they went in, we went Angels & Kings for their "Viewing Party." It was loud, chaotic, and fun. Free drinks all night long…and the highlight for me was an Australian. PS...does anybody have a strange craving for Dr. Pepper, now?

$300 hoodie – Yes, that's right…I bought a $300 hoodie (Billionaire Boys Club to be exact…think Pharrell). It has a white ground with neon pink, blue, & yellow boombox stereos on it. It's a medium, baggy, and bright…just the way I like 'em (ghetto Jiscil’s gotta represent, ya huurd). It looks like I'm wearing my boyfriend’s clothes (well…if I had one). And yea, I've worn it once…so with that said, does anyone want to buy it from me? Lol. It's goes down as one of my top 5 most stupid purchases EVER! This is when I hand over my credit card to my roommate to hide from me.

Monty – The boys were back in town…the boys were back in toooown. They had a show at The Knitting Factory in May and well…I missed their entire set! I totally got lost walking there. Honestly, I've been there more times than I can count on both hands, and I still got lost. One thing my friends know about me…I'm always late, even if I leave early, I always end up being late somehow (such a horrible quality, I know. I’m working on it). I wasn’t the only one that was late, though. Christy got lost, too…er, well, caught in a snow storm. I’m actually not kidding. They were filming a movie a couple blocks over, and I get a phonecall from Christy, “Um, did it snow today?” She was serious…oh how I love this girl. Anyways, so we missed their set, but got to see a new band I think I might like called Melee. They kinda remind me of Jack's Mannequin. They're cool. I might buy their CD…we'll see. We hung out with the Monty boys and whoever else was on the tour at Delancy for all sorts of debauchery. Always a good time when they're in town. Everyone should see them play live.

ELLE Photoshoot – Yep, it’s just like it sounds. I had a photoshoot with ELLE magazine for their August issue. I got pulled aside by one of their photographers working on a fashion assignment (she liked my style), and we did a mini photo shoot for it. It's not guaranteed that I'll be used for the issue, but there's a good chance it could be. Hopefully, it will…and hopefully it won't be an awful shot of me having some sort of lazy eye or some goober face expression like I always do.

Marriage – “Who marries? No really…who marries?” …just a hilarious quote from my friend Mary (you kinda had to be there). But gosh, June has been the month of marriage. Two of my close friends, Holly (& Dave) and Mel (& Rog) have all got married. Can you believe it? My friends are married. I seriously didn’t think these days would ever come. Before you know it…babies will be on the way. Oh boy, let's not go there just yet, but I'm sure it's gonna come faster than we know it. I can’t believe how fast time flies. Both weddings were pretty spectacular, so beautiful, and a ton of fun.

The Dagger is 24 - Gosh, Erica just turned 24 yesterday! You always know when this lady is around because that's always where the fun is. We celebrated Friday at the Stolen Transmission party held at Angels & Kings and DJed by The Tarts of Pleasure. Dance parties were held and we even got our encore for "Discotech" by Young Love. Then yesterday we went birthday style a la BK complete with Wii tennis tournaments, Hpnotiq, cupcakes, and rooftop Scattegories. Holler.

Paramore – Last month I went to the first Paramore show I've been to in a while. It's not even an exaggeration to say I was blown away with their performance. I've obviously seen them countless times, but the amount they've grown and all the passion I saw come from within them was outstanding. Their new album, "RIOT!" came out June 12th which basically means you should already have it in your possession...and if you don't, I seriously don't know what you're waiting for. This album is awesome. Go out and buy it or download it on iTunes. It's worth it, trust me. They've already apparently sold 45,000 albums the first week putting them somewhere in the top 20s on the Billboards...and they guest appeared on TRL last week! Gosh, I am so beyond happy and excited for them. They so deserve this!

Petey Wentz's Birthday – So it wasn't any surprise the birthday bash would be held at any place other than Angels & Kings seeing as Pete and the rest of the bands under crush management have part ownership. Most likely due to the tight guest list they had at the door, the bar about the size of my apartment was only a little more than half-full. As the birthday boy walked in the room with his hot arm candy/girlfriend, Ashlee Simpson, flashbulbs from the paparazzi began to light up the whole room and equally so every time your scene celebrity walked into the room. Members of Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Hereos, The Academy Is… and more were there to celebrate. Even Tila Tequila was there, don't ask why, nobody cared. I met up with a favorite Aussie of mine and was distracted for the rest of the evening leaving this angel on a cloud and the king in the corner on his throne.

Grapefruits – Wow, who writes about grapefruits?...apparently, I do. Anyways, the grapefruit spoons I asked for Christmas have come into great use. I'm addicted. I didn't know one can have an addiction to these, but it's true. I do. I have one, at least, a day. I love them. With some sugar sprinkled on top…mmm, it's delicious. Vitamin C, people…gotta get my vitamin C.

Jesse turned 30 – Seriously sweet 16’s are so 8 years ago…Sweet 30ths are where it’s at! Jesse turned 30 while the rest of us stayed the same age (hahaha, jk). He's actually most likely to be one of the youngest guy I know, though. I mean seriously…he has more toys, sneakers, and fun than most 9 year olds. This also makes him one of the coolest guys I know. Not to mention he plays keyboard for a pretty rockin band you may have heard: Motion City Soundtrack. Also, he's pretty much the honorary 6th Curbside member, so that makes him ahead of the rest already (either that or he’s just got enough dirt on us to keep us close by).

Xander – I really hate to brag, but our newest addition to my family is Xander. He's a silver tabby kitten, and good lord is he gorgeous! You know how there are show dogs…well apparently he comes from a whole family of show cats. He is even related to our older tabby, Maggie. He's so friendly, so lovable, and fits in our family perfectly.

New Job – In the past two months I have moved on to a new job freelancing for American Eagle Outfitters and their higher quality, new line called Martin + Osa. I'm working in design/product development. It's pretty intense and there's a ton more responsibility, but I like it. They treat their employees well, and the atmosphere is so different from what I've been used to. I love the people, too. Then, I have to mention, I just spent $90 at their sample sale (employees only) and got 8 shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, 9 bags, 4 wallets, 13 pairs of underwear, and 8 pieces of jewlery (some of the stuff being from Barney's, Kitson, and more...easily over $1000 worth of merchandise). Score!

So You Think You Can Dance – No, no...don't get the idea. Everyone always comes up to me and asks why I'm not on this show. Trust me, I would LOVE to be...but I'm happy doing what I'm doing right now, and plus, these people are outstanding...Hello! Lacey Schwimmer!?! I have never really watched a full episode of this show before, mainly due to the fact I was actually at dance while this was on. But lately I've had the chance to peak in on it. No one I know is on the show this time, but let me just say this now...I will be America's Next Top Lacey Schwimmer Fan. She's adorable and soooo talented. Her first piece (contemporary) performed with Kameron took my breath away and could have possibly brought a tear to my eye…ok, I'll admit it...it did! I have to say, I can only remember one televised performance ever doing that to me before, so with that being said…go Lacey!

Cartel Has Left The Bubble – Cartel burst their bubble only a week or two ago, and what better of a time for my fellow curbie Erica to make her official DJ debut at their "Coming Out of the Bubble Party" at where else...Angels & Kings, of course (are you sick of me saying it yet?). Under the superb teachings of Rob Hitt…she can now don the DJ title for real. Again, pretty much your average party at AK47, but the air was so hot and muggy. My bangs were matted to my forehead by sweat and a silver headband (gewww) and the air conditioner was pumping so hard, it spit back at us. There was dancing on the benches, people on top of other's shoulders, and shouting of classic rock lyrics…quite the rowdy crowd. Quite the celebration.

Phewwwwwww...that was long. I almost feel out of breath.

Where I'm at...

I feel like every year I step into, I find out more about myself, who I am, or the person I’m trying to become. I’m even beginning to be more comfortable with it, too, and just learning to accept myself. There comes a lot of criticism from the internet world or from people you’ve lost touch with…you almost get sucked in and start to believe what you hear. People tend to judge by the pictures they see, or misinterpret things you write about without knowing what you really meant to get across (I’m a big culprit of this…I totally say one thing, but it never tends to come out the right way). After a while, it becomes so exhausting to watch what u say and watch what you do. I think I’ve learned to just let loose and have fun, make mistakes, and be myself. I may have changed a lot over the past couple years, but there are some things that will always stay the same (if you know what I mean). I still stand for the things I believe in...for the people that really know who I am, you understand this.

It seems weird at the age of 24, I’m beginning to realize all this just now…and not to mention, I think I feel younger and younger by the day (maybe not look it or act like it…but in my sense of freedom). I’m letting go of ways I always hated to be, but didn’t know how to get away from. Wow, I’m growing up!

I’ve made so many new friends that I can’t even explain how grateful I am for. I truly do love meeting people and even just sharing and having a common connection with anyone. I’ve become so intrigued with people in general. I found friends in the city that I completely adore and hate spending any time away from. They are exactly what I needed in my life. I’ve always been so lucky to have such great friends. I’ve had people to hold me up, accept every part of me, and experience the greatest points in our lives together. I think we all compliment each other’s personalities so well…never leaving a dull moment and always having so much fun no matter what it is we do.

I don’t think I’d ever change a thing.

My bamboozle revoozle

Bamboozle was amazing and fun like expected. I'm still so tired and recovering. I don't even know if I could give a complete, full recap, like that of Jessica's or the neatly concise version of Erica's, but I'll try. We were pretty much everywhere I stated we would be in my last journal. We did the Paramore show on Wednesday with a High Voltage party at Sutra afterwards. Aaron Gillespie was DJing but sadly, I wasn't impressed. It may have not been his fault, though...I heard there was another guest DJ on hand. Thursday was the book release party for that emo book everyone's been talking about "Everybody Hurts." We claimed our table in the back of The Annex and just sat back listening to acoustic sets by some of your favorite emo bands. It was a laid back, chill night (for me, at least) and later headed off to Angels & Kings for the afterparty. I was so sleepy, though and knew what was in store for the weekend, so I headed home close to 1:00. Friday is what began the official kick-off to Bamboozle weekend with pre-parties. It became a longer day than had expected so we skipped out on first party at Fontaine's and headed straight to Angels & Kings for the bringing-back of the Stolen Transmission party. It was only my second night there, but I was already developing my opinion on it. A little small for our usual dance party, a little bit too much of a random crowd, but in time I could see it's potential. Once the hype of it all dies down, the bridge-and-tunnel people realize this is no longer their original commuter bar, and they get sound proofing the ceiling and walls, it's all game from here-on out. We met up with friends and met new ones too. Everyone is town for the festival so we met lots of west coasters and friends from the south...all of which we planned to hang with later that weekend at the actual festivities. Saturday came and the place was fully loaded with all sorts of scene and emo kids...something I have grown to be fascinated with since discovering only 2 years back. I almost have this motherly instinct (ok, more like a big, older sisterly instinct) to want to nuture them and help them with all their problems while complimenting them on their piercings and tattoos (something I would never have the guts to get but have always secretly wanted). See...in high school, I never had the opportunity to rebel (too afraid of my parents) or listen to such emotionally satisfying music because well....quite frankly, MTV was blocked from my tv at home, 90210 was forbidden, and I had to be home before 11:00 at night. You can see where that lead my teens years to go. Exactly, I had the reputation of a goodie goodie, one who did her homework, went to basketball practice, ate her dinner at the kitchen table, and then went off to dance rehearsals. Oof...was I born in the 50s?Anyways, back to the boozlistic fun...we saw so many amazing bands (a lot of which I've never seen play live before). PlayRadioPlay!, Paramore, Cartel, Say Anything, Great American Freedom Machine (that Motion City tribute band), The Matches, Powerspace, Monty Are I, and a little bit of Circa Survive. The crowds made for some intensified performances (i.e. almost dying in the crowd to see Max Bemis, I just like saying his name, for the set of Say Anything. Was anyone else a little scared? Maybe I'm just a wuss.) Anyways, PlayRadioPlay! was pretty cool...he's what, 17 yrs old and loves Jesus? Can't get much better than that. Paramore, an obvious favorite. Cartel...ummm, band in a bubble, need we say more? Say Anything...again, Max Bemis, the name. Great American Freedom Machine...best cover band I've ever seen. The Matches...doesn't even need an introduction. Powerspace, I could get into them. And Monty Are I...face-melting, amazing live performance, if you haven't heard of them yet-you best be getting on that, set. So now after reviewing all that we did manage to catch, I'm saddened by the ones we didn't. Due to an awful cold brewing late friday night and saturday morning, my game wasn't up to par and resulted in walking around all weekend with a stuffy nose, watery eyes, sore throat, and what felt like daggers going through my entire body...still, I was trooper. Some bands I really wish I got to see but didn't: Boys Like Girls, Bayside, HelloGoodbye, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Spill Canvas, The Rocket Summer, Meg & Dia, The Almost, Envy on the Coast, Thrice, Brand New, Armor For Sleep, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Taking Back Sunday, Young Love, Relient K, Jack's Mannequin, The Oohlas, RX Bandits, and Sherwood. The problem with these kind of festivals is that the more there is going on, the more there is to miss. *sad face* But while I'm on misery side of Bamboozle...let's get to talking about how Giants Stadium needs to work on their communication towers. There was no service the entire time!!! As you can tell, that really perturbed me. This festival is based around and held specifically for those types of kids who have carpal tunnel due to excessive texting and have sidekick, cell phones, and blackberry imprints in their hands. This just made it nearly impossible to find friends around the premises...a major bummer. Enough huffing and puffing though...the weekend was still amazing and I had so much fun. We made it to Angels & Kings for the afterparty and a third-time appearance (just barely....gunmen & bears jumpin in front of our trainz made it kind of difficult...half joking, half not). We managed to do this after squeezing in a 30 minute nap that felt like heaven. I believe the word used most throughout the night was "delirious." Anyways this year's boozle fest was overall bamtastic, and I believe it could only mean bigger and better things for next year. Do I hear a countdown? Ok, maybe not yet.

Love Love LOVE ARCADE!!!

I am undoubtedly obsessed with this new CD I bought a month ago from a 5-piece band called Love Arcade. I'm telling you, they're something to get into. They're fun, their lyrics are great, and it's totally dance-able. Their sound is pop with a bit of hipster flair, and the lyrics are bittersweet leaving you wanting more. Each track almost sounds like a movie, and I can so easily place myself in each one.

Originally the band began with frontman, Snowhite (yes, that's the name he goes by...I wonder if he knows the dwarfs. Ok, bad joke, I know), where he was the singer, guitarist, bass player, keyboardist, drummer, producer, engineer, mixer, videographer and graphic designer for and since then, has added 4 other guys to the lineup.

Some of my favorite tracks include Party, Open Up, Sweething, & Passenger. Has anyone else indulged in this CD yet? I'm dying to hear what people think. Check out their website complete with flying arcade games and quirky sound effects at http://www.lovearcade.net/ or befriend them on myspace at www.myspace.com/lovearcade.

They just started out on tour with Paramore, The Almost, and This Providence (obviously an amazing tour), so you should go check them out...I know I will.

Pop music is my guilty pleasure

So there's this new artist out there that's starting to get a bit of a buzz...though not being received so well on PerezHilton.com, I think she's quite adorable. Her vocals reminds me a lot of someone who I used to listen to when I was in high school, and I think she's got a little something different to offer the pop genre. Whether or not you agree with me, check her out for yourself at www.katyperry.com and let's discuss...I'm interested to know what other people think.

And oh yea, you might have seen her around...she's the leading lady in the latest Gym Class Heroes video, "Cupid's Chokehold."

Freakum

So they finally released Beyoncé's "Freakum Dress" video, and I have 4 friends of mine in the video, so everyone please vote away on TRL to show some love.

They are all dancers, and I have been dancing with them for the past 4 years or so. Each one of them have influenced my style of dancing immensely. Jonté & Ramone are the two guys in the very beginning of the video. Now...if you think that this is all an act...Oh no, this is Jonté & Ramone every single day...day in, day out! (I added below, one of my favorite performances of theirs to Jonté's song "Makeup." You can see what they're all about...I love these guys (no one can dance in heels better than them)! Then there's Dana who has been dancing for Beyoncé for years...she's in the green dress with the curly blonde wig (yes, it's fake). And Rhapsody (the one always on Beyoncé's left with the dark purple dress on) has been the biggest influence on me. She has been there for me, believed in me, and taught me so much over the years. I love every one of them so much you don't even know...They are so amazing. Annnnd this just goes to show that NYC is making a comeback...LA, watch out!

So here's the deal...

My good friends Jesse and Erica are DJing next week...Wednesday night High Voltage @ Sutra. Anyone and everyone WILL want to be there. Erica's kinda playin sidekick and helpin Jesse out with his set cause she's a playlist genius...anyone who's in town should come out for some good time hangz. We go loco for dance parties! You don't wanna miss this.

PS...Erica's flyer's make you go into epilitic fits...beware.

The Month Of February Comes To An End

So I guess a lot has happened since I last wrote...I'll try and sum it up in the not-so-typical jiscilla fashion.

Let's see...I've been on yet again another hiatus from dance (for personal reasons), but I did return for a couple classes here and there. On my first night returning after about a month with no dancing...of course...Cassie decides to come in and watch a class. For those that don't pay attention to my journal entries, Rhapsody has been her choreographer since day one and I dance with all her backup dancers. She dropped in before the Justin Timberlake concert with a friend (who just-so-happened to be wearing the BAPE hoodie I've been wanting for months now). Yes, she is genuinely as nice as she plays off to be on camera and she is probably even more gorgeous in person. The girl was barely wearing an ounce of makeup and she looked flawless...although, I have to admit, I like her better with dark hair.

Then...there was the Cartel afterparty which was loads of fun...but then again, when are parties at Revolver not any fun? Jessica is going to be in their next video for "Say Anything (Else)" and all I have to say about that is...it is an amazing video and tons of teenboppers will be sure to swoon...okay, and maybe some of us "older, mature" girls, too...lolz. Jessica will be the girl on the phone...look for her, she's supercute!

Ummm...then there's been some numerous dance parties going on...mostly taking place at none other than....okay, pretty much anywhere we go.

We had a Brooklyn Bar Hop the other weekend. My first time being at Royal Oak. I definitely dig, but we didn't spend enough time there to own the party, even though I know we would have if we did. Think gramma's house with fake wall candles and a bar in the living room. We then moved our party to Capone's where we literally invaded the VIP lounge section and completely took over. I almost regret not joining in on the dance party, but our cozy little room was too fun to leave. Oh, and might I add that fact that Brooklyn seems to be big on free pizza when you order a drink? Score! Oh wait...I'm lactose intolerant...still good though, everyone saves me the crust! PS...that night was way too cold and way too icy for my liking. Note to self: I need to stop wearing heels in the winter.

Last Tuesday was The Matches show at Bowery Ballroom. I was kind of in a slump and not feeling so well, so I'm a little sad to say it wasn't as amazing as a night as I had hoped (for me, at least). With The Matches being one of my current favorite bands, I wish I had enjoyed it more, but whatever...there's always next time. They still put on an amazing show.

Wednesday, my brother and his girlfriend came down to visit. It's kinda of an annual thing we have going (which really should be a lot more frequent than that), but the three of us kind of go on a shopping spree together. Last year, between the three of us, we spent over $2,000. Yeah, we tend to do a lot of damage...and believe it or not, my brother is the biggest spender of all. He reins all three years. But, for Christmas, Nate (my brother) had bought Ashley (his girlfriend) and I tickets to go see Wicked. It was a pretty amazing show, and I really loved the whole storyline. The lead of Elphaba had a fantastic voice and was definitely my favorite character (I guess that's typical, though). After the show we went to Alfredo's where my brother's roommate's girlfriend works (confusing, I know), and had an awesome dinner. She gave us a very generous discount, too. I had a salmon dish which seems to my new "regular" when I go out to fancy restaurants. We decided to stay in that night, though, so we could rest up for shopping the next day. We wanted to make sure we were in top condition for what was at hand. We woke early, went to breakfast, and then headed to Soho. Sadly, I had to leave them early than I had wanted (although, I'm sure that was a good thing for me money-wise). I was going to the Gym Class Heroes show later that night at Webster Hall...so I wanted to go home, get ready, and have time to rest.

The show was amazing (do I really use any other words?). I got my first listen of P.O.S. I'm a little curious to check 'em out a little further. Then RX Bandits kinda blew it away...dude, the drum solos! I don't even know if I have the words...but it was pretty dang sweet. Then, of course, Gym Class Heroes had the entire place bouncing off the walls. The girls in the front row were sure to be swooning all night long not only with Travie hovering over them, but with Marc and his supercute dance moves which I have yet to learn from him...not to mention a surprise guest appearance by William Beckett from The Academy Is... I have a video clip of this and you could hear the girls go absolutely wild. The girls, Jesse, and I were up in the balcony, though getting our dance on without having to get squished by screaming fans. I kinda like being able to move...I have a thing with getting pushed around. I don't take to it very well. Yea, moshing and I have never made friends. After that...we moved along to several different locations...all for different purposes. To eat, to drink, to party, to game? Can't say I really made it to the gaming part. Hey, dancing take a lot out of a girl.

Friday night...I accidently passed out on the couch at 8:30 and woke up at 2:30 in the morning. Ooops, I kinda missed the Friday night Revolver dance party.

Saturday, I made up for it. We started our night out in Brooklyn. Alligator Lounge...my first time. Again, a free pizza with every drink you order...yes, a whole pizza (ok, they're kind of "personal" size...but still). It's main purpose was food and drinks...mission accomplished. Jessica & Kelly's friends were in town from Michigan and I have to say I L-O-V-E these two girls. Amber and Allie...sisters and a definite good time. And as we headed out to Manhattan, Allie decides it's a good idea to challenge random late-night riders of the L train to a Chicken Noodle Soup Dance-Off...yes, on the NYC Subway. Please see video below...probably the most hilarious thing I've seen in a while. Allie is my new best friend. You really just have to see it for yourself...and trust me, it's a lot better in person. These other girls took it so seriously. Please note that Allie was at major disadvantage. The girl she challenged had the song playing on her headphones. Notice how Allie backs up in the corner. She'll prolly kill me for this. Other than that, we continued the party at Union Bar. Not particularly my favorite kind of place, but that never matters when Mr. Michael Oppeinheimer and I get on the dance floor. We go full out....no holding back. As a matter of fact, there was literally a crowd surrounding us the entire night, just watching us from the sides...even taking picture after picture of us making a fool of ourselves. We weren't alone...this is the kind of crowd I hang out with. We just dance the night away. I have yet to see our pictures all over the internet. One guy even pull me and Mike aside saying "We're not from New York...will you take a picture with me?" I guess we really represent the New York community! Hmmm, I wonder where that will end up. Then...as 4am rolls around...does the party stop? Of course not! We even exited the bar in full dance mode...I bet they've never seen a crowd like us before...and I'm sure they were glad finally see us leave seeing as we were the last ones there. I'm sure they had no idea that we were completely sober the whole night (yea, I'm not much of a drinker). So what to do at 4am, you ask? Of course, go to another party! In this case...to the SNL after afterparty at Room Service. Yep...they have an "After Afterparty." This party starts at 4am...no joke...and you need a special password to get in. I kind of felt cool when Allie had to whisper it in the bodyguard's ear. I'll admit I only lasted another hour and a half...and with the kind of strobe lighting they had going on, I feared I might have an epilitic fit. It was a little much for 4:00 in the morning...but again, still fun.

All in all...it's been a crazy past month. And of course, I tried to keep it short and sweet...but no, that never happens with me. That is it for now. Hope everyone had a good night...and now it's off to bed for me.

xoxox
Jiscil