I'm thinking very seriously about getting a cat. I need a little critter in my life.
Seeing my cats Vladimir and Clifford 3 times a year isn't cutting it.
I need my own feline friend.

If you know of one needing rescuing, let me know.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great Light..."

I keep coming back to those words.
Its been a difficult season, and oftentimes I feel like I'm trudging alone through the darkness.
But the lovely thing about Christmas is that I'm constantly surrounded by reminders of God's grace and salvation. With every nativity scene that I see, I can't help but think about the great Light that came into this sad and dark world. And, despite my best efforts to remain sullen and depressed, the realization of the Christmas story changes everything. There IS hope in the darkness. And this is a good thing to remember.

As for me, I'm home in Portland with the fam and it feels good just to be quiet (and bake. I've been doing a lot of baking...). The world always seems right when I'm with my family. Tomorrow, we'll open presents (we'll be joined by Danielle's boyfriend and Reichle), I'll attempt a gourmet Christmas dinner, we may see the new Ben Stiller flick, and we'll deliver presents to the Somalis. I'm looking forward to it. I truly love Christmas in Portland.

So, to all of you, wherever you may be -- I wish you the merriest of Christmases.

2006 pictoral history (aka my recap).

1. This might be my favorite photo of the entire year. Chris and Jules wedding, Sept 16th. Paul and I, shining brightly. Honestly, we look like we're glowing. I'm not sure why, but we do. He's a good friend, and he left for New York today. I will miss him dearly.



2. The 2nd (?) annual White Trash party. Its not really about watching the races, but who can get the most ridiculous costume and throw watermelon rinds in the streets. Honestly, its one of the better theme parties we do. And I must say, my character (Stella) was pretty hot this year. She's a blackjack dealer in Vegas...



3. Halloween. I was Queen Frostine (Candyland), and Amanda was Max from Where the Wild things are. There are a lot of good pics from Halloween, but I like this one for some strange reason. Mainly because it looks like we're in a magical war.



4. I actually really hate this picture of myself. But, if I am recapping 06, I suppose this pic is relevant. I was pretty preoccupied with this fellow for the early part of 06, and he's become a good friend. So, I'll include him here. Plus, this day was really fun. We got to go to Disneyland FOR FREE. And he'd never been (he's from Israel, you know...) and I geek out over getting to take newbies to D-land.



5. Myste's famous Queen Mary birthday bash. Amanda somehow captured a near perfect moment, as Katie yells lord-knows-what, and I struck a showboat pose. Twas a good night, and this might be my favorite photo from the event.



6. So many nights @ the Troubadour. Walking back to the secret parking spot. Brandon, TMG Intern (which I referred to him as long after he was interning for us). He's a good kid. Again, not a great picture of myself, but slightly entertaining.



7. This night started a number of amazing excursions with Camerica and Myste. We took scads of literary-ish photos (our only inspiration being the boat). We drank cocktails on the Queen Mary, sang along with Elvis impersonators -- and birthed the idea for Myste's grand birthday bash. I honestly have no idea what spawned these photos (there is a whole series) but I adore them.



8. Becca's 25th birthday party @ The Red Lion. She was adorably tipsy and Darren got her a myriad of fun toys (see the toy I am holding). I can't tell you how many birthday's we've celebrated at the Red Lion. I love that place.



9. the Ericam (aka Americam or Camerica) wedding. Beautiful people, beautiful wedding. And the first marriage liscence I ever signed. woo hoo!



10. The perfect day (#1) in NYC with Summer and Shaina. We looked at dinosaur bones, we got in for free, we pranced about the city, drank good coffee, and made new friends. I'm pretty sure a hefty discount at American Apparell was part of the magic as well.



11. There aren't many photos of Linda in my album this year, and that's because she doesn't live here anymore. But, I do love this photo. And I loved this night (..."Can I just say, guys?"). Linna, you are truly missed.

merry christmas to me.

I finally got it.
This is my third trip to Fingerprints this week for the express purpose of purchasing the sufjan Christmas discs. Every single time they've been out of the CD(s). I had resided myself to the fact that this was not going to be the year for "SOngs for Christmas" and I would simply have to wait until next year.

But, thanks to Star (she's one of my favorite employees at Fingerprints, if not my favorite...) -- she found the last copy (of the third shipment) and now its all mine. I only had to trade in 5 promos to get it (not Militia promos, mind you. CD's from other labels that I didn't want. I just had to clarify. I don't go selling the new Copeland every time I want a new CD...)

I feel glandess. and warmth.
5 discs of warm and fuzzy holiday Sufjan goodness.
I just had to share that with you all.
Side note: its comes with 5 discs, 2 booklets, and STICKERS. yes, stickers. you need to own this.

A Very Militia Christmas (aka "I love my job")

I stayed home from work today, due the toothace from hell.
The ache started about 48 hours ago, and no amount of advil will ease the pain. I didn't sleep much last night and I woke up feeling lousy. So, I called in sick. I hate calling in sick. Really, I do.

But, I needed to take a day and rest. So I did.

This is what I did with my sick day:
* Watched 1 episode of Big Love
* read 2 chapters of A Horse and His Boy
* Called my mom
* Caught up on a few work-related emails, one work phone call
* Called Danielle, and had a particularly great talk. I timed the phone call well, and was glad to give some sisterly advice.
* Watched "The Devil and Daniel Johnston"
* Ate lunch
* Drank mint tea
* Went to Target (the only outing of the day) to finish up gifts for Roommate Christmas.
* Baked shortbread cookies (and dipped them in chocolate)
* Wrapped Christmas gifts
* Watched 3 episodes of the OC with Camerica

Overall, I am feeling pretty good. And accomplished. I rested, but wasn't a total slug. I got things done, but didn't over-exert myself. And now, I'm just waiting for the Tylenol PM to kick in.

This Thursday; YES. YOU!

So my co-worker Mikey started an indie/80's dance night @ Que Sera.
This Thursday is the 2nd EVER Call Sick on Fridays.
And...its extra special because its also a goodbye party for Paul, as he's moving to NY next week.
So, come dance with me.
Come say goodbye to Paul.
and then call sick on Friday. :)

Top 10 albums of 2006

I've been thinking it over, and here's what I've come up with (in no particular order):

1. Thom Yorke "The Eraser"
2. Cold War Kids "Robbers and Cowards"
3. The Appleseed Cast "Peregrine"
4. Amy Millan "Honey from the Tombs"
5. Johnny Cash "American V: A hundred Highways"
6. Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"
7. Illinois "LP in Progress"
8. Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
9. The Decemberists "The Crane WIfe"
10. Band of Horses "Everything All the Time"

Honorable mentions:
Bob Dylan "Modern Times"
Tahiti 80 "Fosbury"
Danielson "Ships"
Destroyer "Rubies"
Grizzly Bear "Yellow House"
The Format "Dog Problems"
Jeremy Enigk "World Waits"
mewithoutyou "Brother, Sister"
Howlin Rain "Howlin Rain"
Magnolia Electric Co "Fading Trials"
My Brightest Diamond "Bring Me the Workhorse"
Regina Spektor "Begin to Hope"
Midlake "The Trials of Van Occupanter"

(I know I'm forgetting a million, so don't crucify me. )

Albums I don't have yet, but the few songs I've heard are brilliant:
1. White Magic
2. Joanna Newsom
3. Beirut
4. Tom Waits - Orphans, etc.
5. Annuals

CHRISTMAS LIST 06

(* NOTE: I post this for the good of Becca, my sisters, and my mom. I know I'm terribly hard to buy for, so I write down all the random things I can think of and hope it helps. )

1. an iPod
2. A feather bed
3. Burts bees tinted moisturizer (medium tint)
4. Pajama pants
5. any book by Jonathan Safran Foer
6. Joanna Newsom "YS" CD
7. Everything is Illumniated DVD
8. Wilco Documentary ("I am Trying to Break Your Heart")
9. Lip gloss. Aveda, bath and Body Works, you know...
10. records/vinyl. any. we have a functioning record player.
11. long, dangly gold necklaces
12. other CD's I want: White Magic, Beirut, M. Ward, Mountain Goats, etc.
13. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo
14. Vintage christmas ornaments
15. Perfume (Lacoste or Elizabeth Arden Green Tea)
16. Socks, Scarves, beanies. I have none.
17. A functioning Blackberry. ha!

Jetta Wagon Hatchback door + Amber's sheer force + Lindsay's Head =

this makes me smile.

Becca emailed this to me yesterday, and I think its all kinds of wonderful.

"well skin me alive and call me luggage."

(sorry for the slightly offensive title. its a quote from "Tiny Toons: How I spent my summer vacation" which was a childhood favorite. I think we (my sisters and I) checked it out from the Quincy Video Store every week for an entire summer. I'm not exaggerating, we watched it incessantly.)

1. Apology: the lack of "real" and readable posts. the survey is far from acceptable, but a space filler during the holiday.

2. I am preparing for the Militia Group retreat to Big Bear this next weekend. Usually we go on a cruise, this year it was left to ME to plan the festivites. So, The Sleepy Forest Cottages it is. I can't tell if this will be the best time of my life, or if I will be bored out of my skull. Either way, I am looking forward to a weekend in the moutains. Paul wont be there, which is my only complaint. He's moving to New York on the 1st of January (I think, or sooner...?). With Brandon gone, and now Paul-- I must admit, there is a large, gaping hole in my life. I love those two very very much.

3. i saw the Gray Kid perform tonight. he's incredible. really, he is.

4. and now I am here. writing to whomever may listen and/or read. thanks for stopping by. its been a weird week. I've most likely avoided writing, because I've been emotional. And, as I say -- this is a "painfully self-aware" blog. I can't get too vulnerable. Its the world wide web, people! I'll share more. All in good time...

11 LAYERS OF YOU

LAYER ONE: ON THE OUTSIDE
Name: lindsay strannigan
Birth date: aug 16
Current Location: long beach
Eye Color: blue
Hair Color: strawberry blonde-brown
Righty or Lefty: righty
Zodiac Sign: leo

LAYER TWO: ON THE INSIDE
Your heritage: scottish, irish, english. a lil bit o' cherokee indian.
Your fears: bills.
Your weakness: eggnogg lattes
Your perfect pizza: pineapple and loads of crushed red peppers.
Goal you'd like to achieve: being debt-free

LAYER THREE: YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW:
Your thoughts first waking up: i have to pee
Your best physical feature: calves
Your bedtime: between 12 and 1
Your most missed memory: how do you miss a memory? maybe my parents tucking me in every night.

LAYER FOUR: YOUR PICK:
Pepsi or Coke: coke
McDonald's or Burger King: Hole Mole
Single or group dates: thank you, no. ok kidding. a nice mix of both.
Adidas or Nike: I wear boots
Lipton Tea or Nestea: Peets
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or coffee: both. all day. every day.

LAYER FIVE: DO YOU?
Take a shower: every other day
Have a crush? sure
Think you've been in love: yes
Want to get married? eventually
Believe in yourself: most days
Think you're a health freak: mostly. tho, lately I've been craving french fries, dangit.

LAYER SIX: IN THE PAST MONTH
Gone to the mall: I dont think so
Been on stage: maybe helping load a band or to hang up a banner
Been dumped: nope
Gone skating: nope
Dyed your hair: its been ages. the addiction is gone.

LAYER SEVEN: HAVE YOU EVER
Played a stripping game: no
Gotten beaten up: no
Changed who you were to fit in: eh, probably a million times. in wyoming, I wore cowboy boots.

LAYER EIGHT: GETTING OLD
Age your hoping to be married: good grief, I don't know. 29 ? 31 ?
Age you wanna have kids: 3-5 years after marriage

LAYER NINE: IN A GIRL/GUY
Best eye color: green-ish
Best hair color: dark. curly is generally good, too.
Short or long hair: both. long-ish.

LAYER TEN: WHAT WERE YOU DOING
1 MINUTE AGO: looking @ facebook pics
1 HOUR AGO: trying to get a christmas tree (and failing)
1 YEAR AGO: working for sidecho, living in LA

LAYER 11:FINISH THE SENTENCE
I LOVE: my fam, my job, the jeans Linda gave me.
I FEEL: like a nomad
I HATE: geese, bananas
I HIDE: from my emotions
I MISS: my fam, linda, reichle, dave price, jamie.
I NEED: a benefactor. :) or someone to at least pay for a summer's worth of traveling the globe.

Claymation Christmas!

This is the quintessential Strannigan Christmas flick. So bad that its terrific. Please, watch and understand.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BESTY.

I can't get over how perfect this picture is for the occasion.
:)

Happy Birthday, Linna. May 25 treat you well.

this one goes out to Brandon...

the little brother I never wanted, but somehow acquired this summer.
he moves back to Missouri this weekend.
and, I hate to admit it, but I am gonna miss the lil guy. He's become somewhat of a fixture at my house and I can already tell that its gonna be quiet around here without him.

So, here's to Brandon (and 3rd of July parties, and pop-ups, and pouring water in our hair, and "googling" the address, and Neil Young on the beach, and mermaids, and stir fry nights, etc...). May you absolutely HATE Missouri and come back here soon. :)

oh, and these pics were taken of us after the Everybody Else show @ The Troub and are pretty terrible, but funny.

I need you so much closer.

"Will you promise me that you'll still love what you loved when you left?" - Denison WItmer

(I've been listening to obscene amounts of Denison Witmer. You can go to www.happybirthdaydenison.com and get 30 free songs. its his present to YOU for his 30th birthday. i love it.)

Well, folks, its been a whirlwind.
New York was a nightmarish version of planes, trains, and automobiles. But with less trains and more taxi cabs -- and a lost cell phone, a lot of late nights, too many shows, one cute boy, and a silly hotel that wouldn't let me check in. So i slept in the lobby for a couple hours (I SHOWED THEM!! HA!). That was the real low point of the trip.

There are a lot of stories from New York. If you have the time, we will have coffee and I will tell you these stories. Needless to say, the trip was harrowing (at best). But I am alive -- with the sniffles -- and in California.

I came home to an empty apartment. Kristin is traversing the country in the Cold War Kids can and Amanada is visiting her brother in Virginia. I must admit, for the amount of socialization (and overstimulization) I've had in the last couple weeks, a lonesome and quiet apartment is welcomed. Its so rare these days that I find a little time to myself. I made lists, I made promises -- I had every intention of fostering friendships. And then the music industry ate me up. I went to New York and I bled myself dry. I came back from New York and went to shows on Tuesday, Weds, Thurs, and Friday. I caught a nasty cold, but I put my head down and powered through.

I'm not sure how or when or if things will change. I know I'm only young once and I can have some assurance in knowing that I'm doing what I set out to do. I don't know what's next, but I hope its a bit slower-paced.

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and this means rest. And family. And food. I think that is just what the doctor ordered.

So, I am sorry for the strain of seemingly depressing and unrelated depressing tidbits of information. I'm Ok, I really am. Its 11:11 on a saturday night and I am left with my thoughts and a bottle of Chuck Shaw. Make a wish, eh?

And yes, Danielle, the title is for you. I need you so much closer. You know what I mean.

costume # 1 vs. costume # 2?

#1 Princess Leia


#2 Queen Frostine

a series of NY Photos

Club "BED", New York City. Nov 1.
Photo credits: www.iamawalkingdisaster.com

well friends,

Happy Halloween.
For Halloween, I will be jumping on a plane @ 7 AM to head to the Big Apple.
Its gonna be a busy week - I am not necessarily looking forward to it.
I'll be dressed as Princess Leia tomorrow (white dress rendition, not Bikini Jabba the Hut version) - and Paul will be Han Solo.

anyway, I apologize for the lack of writing last week.
and I will apologize in advance for the lack of writing this week.

and I must say, I am REALLY looking forward to thanksgiving. I am counting the days till I get to stuff my face with fellow Strannigans. I miss them all dearly.

check that one off the dream chart.

yeah, I finally get to see him tonight.
I AM SO EXCITED!

way to go, boys.

the science of sleep (not the movie).

There are some days when the light at the end of the tunnel is very dim.
Other days, that light may shine brightly.
And, then, there are pockets of time -- months, weeks, etc -- where there is no light at all.
I think that now is one of those times.
For the last month, I've begun to hit snooze on my alarm clock. Just 7 more minutes of sleep, dammit! Never before have I been a "snooze" person. I've also started excercising, which supposedly makes one feel better, healthy, energetic, etc. I am going to have to disagree completely and say that exercise furthers my exhaustion.
I'm up to 4 cups of coffee a day or so. Never less than two.
I want to go to bed at 9 every night (tho, I never do. someone or something always coerces me against my better judgement to stay up way past my bedtime).
Danielle told me she's been feeling the same way. She went to a doctor and he told her to take vast amounds of Vitamin C, Vitamin B and an Immune booster. I'm a sucker of a daily dose of "Emergen-C" but apparently this is not enough to undo whatever it is I've 'done' to myself.

And on a day like today -- where I spent 12 hours of my day immersed in terrible pop music, schmoozing with the greats of the music biz, and selling discounted CD's to mindless children -- that I feel especially tired. And the tunnel feels especially long and dark.

And, as I dozed in Brandons car on the way home from the sad little city of Pomona, with the sweet sounds of Switchfoot (yes, Switchfoot) serenading my ears, I knew one thing to be true: sleep would come quickly to me tonight. And it will feel good.

But if I were a betting woman, I'd wager that my snooze button gets some love tomorrow morning. Because 7:30 comes awful early on a Sunday.

The Great Pumpkin / The Big Apple

I got my plane tickets to New York today, for the CMJ Music Festival.

So, its official. I will be spending Halloween in New York City.

Paul wants me to dress as a stewardess. He's going to be an airplane. And Matt Maust is supposedly going to be an air traffic controller (complete with those lit up cone-type things they hold in their hands to direct).

It frightens me a little, the great pumpkin in the big apple.

but then, I thought about it. Summer is there. Paul will be there. Nick is there. The Cold War Kids will be there. Sherwood will be there. And, maybe Nate Rose, Kristin, and Melissa?

This could be shaping up to be a very excellent holiday.

CWK, my parents house, Body Magic.

for some strange reason.

Today I decided to Wikipedia my birthday (Aug 16). I hadn't done it before, and it seemed like a good thing to do.

I already knew Elvis died on my birthday.
I found out that Steve Carrell and I have the same birthday (and Vanessa Carlton and Madonna).

But, then I found out about a lot of wretched things that happened on my birthday. Funny enough, there seems to be a theme. A lot of people arrested on my birthday, a lot of plane crashes, and a lot of Wars.

strange...

1928 - Murderer Carl Panzram is arrested in Washington, DC after killing 20 people.

1930 - The first color sound cartoon, called Fiddlesticks, is made by Ub Iwerks.

1942 - World War II: The two-person crew of the U.S. naval blimp L-8 disappears without a trace on a routine anti-submarine patrol over the Pacific Ocean. The blimp drifts without her crew and crash-lands in Daly City, California.

1946 - The Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, is established, and Ichirō Ishikawa is appointed its representative.

1960 - Joseph Kittinger parachutes from a balloon over New Mexico at 102,800 feet (31,330 m), setting three records that still stand today: High-altitude jump, free-fall, and fastest speed by a human without an aircraft.

1966 - Vietnam War: The House Un-American Activities Committee begins investigations of Americans who have aided the Viet Cong. The committee intends to introduce legislation making these activities illegal. Anti-war demonstrators disrupt the meeting and 50 people are arrested.

1969 - Police raid on Spahn Ranch; Charles Manson arrested.

1975 - Serial killer Ted Bundy originally arrested for suspicion of burglary, only to later escape twice.

1984 - Carmaker John De Lorean is acquitted of all eight counts of possessing and distributing cocaine.

1987 - A McDonnell Douglas MD-82 carrying Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashes on take-off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, killing 155 passengers and crew. The sole survivor is four-year-old Cecelia Cichan.

2003 - U.S. Representative from South Dakota Bill Janklow hits and kills a motorcyclist with his car at a rural intersection near Trent, South Dakota; he will eventually be convicted of manslaughter and will resign from Congress.

2005 - West Caribbean Airways Flight 708 crashes near Machiques, Venezuela, killing the 160 aboard.

little blips

its been 3 months since I've smoked a cigarette.
Beck was slightly dissapointing.
Season 3 of LOST starts on Weds. I am stupidly excited.
Jamie got kicked out of the USA.
Linda arrived back in the USA today.
I've had to cancel multiple tours in the last few weeks. it makes me sick to my stomach.
I went to Sacramento last weekend.
Wine tasting with the 'rents at Apple Hill was just what my lil soul needed.
I found THE PERFECT PUMPKIN (you don't believe me? come to my house and see it).
I saw my friend from high school (Emily) and we realized we hadn't seen each other in 7 years. since I left high school. that made me feel old.
I want to ride bikes more often.
I want to buy a bike.
Got some good hits at the thrift stores this weekend.
I am VERY proud of my friends, the Cold War Kids (Cover of the OC Weekly this week, sold out show @ Detroit Bar).
I like having the CWK in Long Beach
I am going to start working with the Sound and Worship teams @ my church.
Beth Balmer is a newfound hero of mine.
I discovered how to get free music of myspace. revolutionary.
I got new jeans. not terribly excited about them.
I met some nice women who work in the music industry and we are going to have "women in the industry" dinner nights. no joke. it wasn't my idea.
I miss my family.
I drank 5 cups of coffee yesterday, simply because it was overcast.

Someone (a good friend) told me yesterday that my voice is their favorite voice to hear in the entire world.
And they meant it.
I think that's one of the nicer things someone has ever said to me.

tonight, baby, its just you and me.

yeah. me n' Beck. Chillin at Element Restaurant in Hollywod tonight. good times.

Everyone should make videos like this with their mom.

thankful for the clouds

This last week has been hard.
And there's nothing more that I hate than a gloomy outlook on life when the sun is shining and its 85 degrees outside.
Finally, the weather suits my mood.

tomorrow!

some great bellies ache with many bumble bees

in lieu of all the 'end of summer' posts, I feel prompted to give my own reflections about the changing of seasons.

In May and June I underwent a significant amount of changes. Paul moved to New York. Wyatt got a divorce. Jeremy came back from Europe unexpectedly. Erica and Cameron got married. I moved into a new apartment with Amanda and Kristin. Jamie went to Europe. I hung out with with Sam. Jamie got back from Europe. I stopped hanging out with Sam. I kept busy, I went to ridiculous amounts of shows. June came and went, a flurry of wedding activity and moving trucks. July and August came and went. I was hardly here. I flew to new York, I drove to Phoenix. I went to Portland. I came back to Long Beach and didn't know what to think. It didn't really feel like coming home.

And for the first time, I can see why. I haven't invested here. I have pulled away from the the people that know me best. I keep busy, too busy. I work a lot. and when I am not working I am at shows. which is still working (sortof).

BUT...I miss relationship. I miss people that know me and have known me for years. the ones who don't always need to know the backstory before a story...they just know.

so I made a list. a list of the people I want to invest in. a list of people I want to spend time with.
and I started spending time with them.
and its been great.
yeah, I still went to 3 shows this week. But I also had breakfast at Two Umbrellas with Erica and Cameron. And I had Margaritas with Myste and Katie and Melissa and Kristin and Amanda and Ericam. And there was lots of Project Runway. and The Warriors. its been glorious.

Its funny how something so simple can make a person feel sane again. I like it.
and Becca flew in yesterday. hooray!

So, I agree with Danielle. It just wasn't my summer. I spent a lot of time working towards worthless things. I spent a lot of time looking backwards. I've missed the old days. But now I look forward. I have a lot.

In the excellent words of John Cusak in "High Fidelity":

"I've been thinking with my gut alot lately. And I've come to the conclusion that my guts have shit for brains."

Its true on so many levels.

Thank you, John.

I PROPOSE...

that we have 3 day weekends once a month.
really, I think it necessary for one's sanity.
you all with me on this?

big plans for the weekend.

yes.
my plans for the weekend are as follows:



and thats about it.

OK. so I lied.
I am going to see Bob Dylan.

HALLELUJIAH.

How did that all work out, you wonder? well, you're gonna have to ask me.

ug, I feel sick to my stomach.
I have a chance to get pre-sale Bob Dylan tickets tomorrow morning.
Somehow I feel this is my last chance to see him.
But I said no.
Because they are $90.
Not only can I not justify it, I just don't have it (money).
ug ug ug ug ug ug ug

Why Bob?
Why do you have such inflated ticket prices?

On a positive note: I am eating Honey BBQ Fritos and they have to be one of the most delicious mid-afternoon snacks imaginable. Full of awful things (and MSG!) but I'm not afraid.

nerderie

I was on Jimmy Kimmel last week (because one of our bands, Cartel, was performing)

You can watch the video here (you have to click on "Cartel's Honestly") : http://abc.go.com/primetime/jimmykimmel/garage.html

I'm in the front row, singing along like a nerd.

my other 2/3's

Becca and Linda just called me from Vienna, Austria.
Gosh, I love those girls.
Sometimes I wonder if it will ever be us three again. You know, like the good old days.
Probably in little snippets. Not 4 straight years of roommate-ness.
I guess that's all part of growing up.
Really, I just think I am grateful to have friends like them.
I know, I know, I am getting all sentimental.
But Linda and Becca are really, truly, the best.
My sisters and I had the discussion while I was home -- that no one really gets the Strannigan sisters until we are together. And then everyone sort of marvels. All our oddities and expressions and inside jokes somehow make sense in light of each other.

I feel the same way about the Triniti. We just get each other. They understand my obsessive-compulsive need for communication and the way I relate most life experiences through text messages ("And then he texted me this. and then I texted him this..."). I get that Linda is a zombie for the first 15 minutes of being awake (and this is accompanied by STOMPING). And I get Becca's obsessive-compulsive need to worry (and her occasional bouts of road rage).

I hope that you (oh person reading this) have someone(s) that relate to you on this level.
It really is a lovely thing.

SNAKES! (Or, more accurately titled: SOME PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS)

Recently, I had the thought that it might be fun to go watch Snakes on a Plane and bring a rubber snake or two with me into the theater. Then, at the opportune moment (i.e. a particularly stressful scene in the film), I would throw the snake into the crowd - and mayhem would ensue.

So, in my head, this was a funny idea.
I knew I'd never actually do it. But it was fun to think about.

Well, then some morons in Arizona thought it'd be fun to release REAL LIVE RATTLESNAKES into the theater during the movie.

YES, GO HERE TO READ ABOUT THE MORONS..

I just had to share.

its official:

I can rent a car now without paying 'young driver' fees.
Oh the perks of being 25.
Is there anything else cool that comes with turning 25? I can't think of anything.

its good to be back

Its been 8 months since I've been in Portland. I'm nearly 24 hours into my week-long stay and already I feel better.

I sometimes wonder if there will always be this struggle. The friends in California vs. the family in Portland. The job in CA vs. the quality of life in Portland. There are so many other pros and cons -- the list goes on...

Truthfully, I think that either place will always hold a little bit of my heart.

I just don't know which place will win out in the end.

For now, its California. But, Portland is calling. I know I will be back someday. I just don't know when.

I think my caffeine intake is really becoming a problem.

owch.

Cold War Kids
“Hospital Beds”
[2006]

Like so many Facebook profiles, this Californian four-piece probably likes just about anything but country. Recently signed to Downtown Records, they cite an exhausting list of influences-- everything from Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and U2, to, several paragraphs later, Belle and Sebastian and Nirvana. In particular, frontman Nathan Willett needs to realize he can't be every singer he idolizes at once, because no matter how good the rest of the band sounds, his pompous delivery makes every song sound like a Jeff Buckley cover band playing a wedding while drunk. Here, what could've been a nice mixtape number snuggled in between humble Voxtrot and Antony and the Johnsons ballads blows a gasket, at times stretching for soulful Black Crowes heights à la "She Talks to Angels". I suppose hidden somewhere in between Dylan and Cobain there was a Crowes shout-out, but they could at least have paid homage to their heroes by writing a damn chorus.

- Pitchfork Media

* Lindsay's side note: Pitchfork sucks, I love this song. Sorry to my friends in CWK.

august is a busy month

Happy birthday to (in no particular order)
ME
Darren Harbaugh
Zach Kleyn
Chris Donohue
Mikey Bernard
Amanda Paganini
Matt Maust
Shant Abadjian
Josh Pardy
Matt Pool
Chad Pearson

I am sure I am forgetting MANY of them.
Just too many Leo's in my life. :)

At the request of Becca:

A birthday "wish" list.

1. Post Secret book (#1 or #2)
2. Millions DVD
3. The newest Johnny Cash disc
4. any of the Scrubs DVD's
5. Underwear (I need it!)
6. Keith Green CD's
7. DIG! DVD
8. Instructional videos on Krumping
9. Mermaid Ave Vol 1 or 2 (I dont own the physical copies unfortunately)
10. A ticket to see Talladega nights (or a ticket to see Snakes on a Plane)

Today, some very good friends of mine flew back home to Israel.

And, today, Hezbollah shot a record number of missiles into Israel.

I'm not going to lie to you -- this information did not help my already stressful day.

Read more about it here.

lots of blogging to come. I've been working up a literary gem about my trip to phoenix. it was pretty crazy.

soon and very soon you will have something to read.

descending into hell

see you kids.
I am off to AZ.
wish me luck, its gonna be HOT.

always the bridesmaid...

What do you get when you cross a Sufjan Stevens sample, an empowering feminist message, and 5-12 year-old rapping children?

You get THIS.

Happy Friday, everyone.
So weird.

a photo from the perfect dino day.

summer in the city.

Today was a nearly perfect day.
I woke up late, took a long shower and hopped on the subway with Paul and Summer. We met Nick and Shaina in Soho at Cafe Habana for a (late) breakfast. The coffee is fantastic and a dollar. Paul and I split the famous corn (which is to die for...) and I indulge in Huevos a la mexicana.

It was overcast, slightly muggy and we got rained on. I didn' even care. I was wearing my yellow peacock dress and my oversized sunglasses (that I purchased here for four dollars).

After breakfast, the boys parted ways with us. Shaina, Summer and I proceed to wander abut the city. We got iced espressos and visited Nick at American Apparel. Nick gave us a heaping discount and allowed us to buy things that we would never be able to afford.

Then, we mozied over to the Natural History Museum. Summer has an American Museum membership so admission for us was FREE. I saw lions and tigers and bears and koodoos and zebras and YES The Squid and the Whale. I agree with the kid in the movie, it is slightly terrifying.

We took silly pictures in front of dinosaurs and tigers and pretended they were eating our heads. We stayed until the museum closed and they made us leave.

Summer and I took a bus back to her (AMAZING) house on the upper east side. We bought a few groceries and returned home to make a spinach salad and home-made mac n'cheese.

And, here I am. In Summer's gorgeous NY apartment, listening to Tom Petty, waiting for my mac and cheese to be done. I am tired and I am happy.

I love NYC

big. important. things.

1. I have a "Blackberry". i.e. a cell phone with email on it. yes, I am truly a modern woman.

2. I fly to New York tonight. got some concerts and meetings and various big, important things to attend to. I will be back on sunday. in the meantime, you can email me on my CELLULAR TELEPHONE.

3. I was in a music video awhile back. Then some crazy girls copied me: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vUy31zbO2Yo&search=brandtson%20dance

thank you, thank you. good night and good luck.
enjoy the video, my children.

disclaimer

I didn't realize the Snakes on a Plane video had the Samuel Jackson quote at the beginning of it.
I apologize if the language offends anyone.
Mostly, I like this video because I met the tall skinny dude last week and he was nice. And because its Snakes on a Plane. Seriously. Snakes on a Plane.

so kiss me goodbye.

there are so many reasons why I love this video.

so, I made up my mind. I'm going.

"i know you're probably used to being alone"

Invitation to understanding by MxPx.
Off of Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo. I want to say 1998 ? 99 ? lets go with 98.
Granted, Slick Shoes was my favorite band at this point of my life. But, MxPx was a close second.

and guess what kids?
I get VIP backstage passes to see them on the 31st of this month.
Don't cheapen this for me.
So I haven't listened to their last 3 or 4 albums... WHO CARES?!?! Its MxPx and I will go and sing my little heart out and have one heck of a time. Rumor has it that they are playing mostlyold material this summer, anyway.

Thank you, Mike Herrera. You made my teenage years so muchmore exciting.
And, now, I'm going on 25...
and I still sort of love you. :)

take a look-see.

the 'besty'





ericas last stand. with turbo the cat.





3 weeks, no carbs, and the dress aint all that bad.





the ladies of the house, in the west wing.

I still look back to my Tanglewood days.

I went downstairs to put my laundry in the dryer.
We had been in the living room for awhile. Old friends, homemade burritos, and Sangria. There were a lot of puns being made. a few songs were even sung.
I walked downstairs for a minute.
Then back up the stairs. I opened the door and looked at my friends.
In a picture perfect (movie-esque) way i looked at them right as Billy Bragg began to sing his tune.
Way over yonder in the minor key.
and I remembered the old days. My tanglewood days. There are so many days and nights and things I have associated with this song. And I started to think about them.
And Amanda turned and looked at me. I stood akwardly in the doorway, staring at my friends with the backdrop of Bragg and Tweedy.
and she asked me "Do you have a memory with this song?"
And as I was hit with thoughts of mixed Cd's and Matt Maust my sisters' band and Jamie being an alt country star and driving out to Las Vegas...and the only answer I could conjour up was "yes. a lot."
To which she said, "Lets make a new one"
And I replied, "Ok. Tell me about this new memory"
And she proceeded to list off the events of the evening. Sangria, burritos, old friends, and a lot of general silliness.
And, I must say, I like the new take on the song. And the next time I hear the song, I will think about this. Maybe I will be lucky enough to be standing akwardly in the doorway in the presence of friends and I can think back to right now - because right now I am happy.

I am in love with Regina Spektor.
I don't even have the record, I just listen to 4 songs on myspace.
but I love it. love love love it.

At this particular moment, there are any number of things I could choose to be irritated about.

1. The severe lack of communication skills that I find most men have today.

2. The severe lack of vacation I have had in the last 6 months.

3. The severe lack of caboyhydrates and sugar I have eaten in the past two weeks (thank you, stupid bridesmaid dress)

4. My inability to pay my bills on time (or at all)

5. My piss poor choices in relationships

6. The incessant stream of bums in the alley behind my apartment (directly beneath my bedroom window) that root through dumpsters in hopes of finding bottles and cans.

Today, I let the bums win.
Today, they are my source of aggravation.
Today, I will blame them.
Really, they NEVER stop. I can't hardly sleep in this room because I battle the sound of clanking bottles and the stomping of cans. If I am really lucky, they heave the cans and bottles into metal truck beds with with fervor. How many cans and bottles could these bums possibly find in my alley, one might ask? Lord only knows -- but they sure find a lot. and they find them every night.

I've heard that a diet lacking in starch and carbs can lead to heightened emotions and listlessness?
Maybe that is my problem.

But really, all fingers point to the can stomping bums. I cant sleep with this racket.

i need a vacation

I have spent too much time living in my head recently.
there is a lot going on, and I just don't have the energy to expel on this here keyboard.

So I apologize for the uninspiring posts and surveys. Really, I know they are silly. I apologize to your eyes for seeing them.

I will be back (with dramatic reverb) soon enough.

I just want to get away for awhile. Arrowhead, San Luis, San Diego - Alaska, Europe, Cornerstone, whatever. If I have to go on tour in a smelly van - then so be it. Its just that Orange County steals your soul after awhile. And I want it back.

come on you little web surfers...

I am changing a lot of Militia Group's web marketing -- and am trying to get a gauge on what web sites you people visit. So tell me. I want a BIG FAT LIST. so feel free to share lots.

personally, I go to:
Pitchforkmmedia.com
Pollstar Online
Myspace
Absolutepunk.net (yes, for work. don't make fun)
You Tube
The Onion
Boing Boing
and sometimes Synthesis.net

fridays are for surveys. or something like that.

FiRST real best friend: Laura Steel, followed by Abbie Roe.

FiRST school: if you count pre-school, then that. Otherwise, it was Forest Lake Christian High Scool (yes, I was homeschooled itll high school).

FiRST funeral: My brother's. But I don't remember it.

FiRST pet: Bruce Springsteen (the cat) or Chelsea (a big black dog)

FiRST big trip: When my family (and I) moved to Alaska when I was 8.

FiRST flight : same as above? or maybe to Orlando/Disneyworld when I was 7?

FiRST celebrity crush: Zach Morris

FiRST time out of the country?: Mexico when I was 8 (with my dad and his church youth group).

FiRST job: American Express Financial Advisors. I filed things. (I started babysitting when I was 9, however)

FiRST myspace friend: Other than tom? Careen / Drew.


Now everyone has had their LASTS


LAST person you hugged: Becca. for her 25th birthday.

LAST car ride: to work

LAST time you cried?: after I hung up the phone with a boy couple weeks ago.

LAST movie you watched: Everything is Illuminated

LAST food you ate: apples n peanut butter

LAST item you bought: gasoline for my car. ick.

LAST shirt worn: um the Dysinger Dragon sweatshirt I am wearing now?

LAST phone call: Josh from the Midwest Music Summit

LAST text message: Erica, about the shower tonight.

LAST thing you touched: my cell phone

LAST funeral: I honestly can't remember. its been a long time.

LAST time at the mall: The main place mall the other day for Mongolian BBQ. but no shopping was involved.

LAST time you were excited for something: I am excited to go dancing tomorrow night! woot!

LAST person you saw: amanda and kristin, before we went to bed last night.

LAST thing you drank: Airborne

LAST person who broke your heart: same person who made me cry on the phone.

LAST time you were honestly happy?: right now. (my myself with a cup of coffee, its raining outside, and I am listening to sigur ros).

PROCESSING...

a lot to tell.
not a lot of time to tell it.

vegas was ok.
got a nail in my tire.
work is busy.
my work email is down so i can get anything done.
i had a lot of bands staying at my house.
i haven't been sleeping well.
but i've been thinking about about where I've been and who I am now.
and I think I am in a good place.

my fave this week:

the next television addiction?

Now that LOST and America's Next Top Model are over for a few months - I need a new addiction.

Suggestions?

I was thinking:
24 (tho I've seen the first season already)
Scrubs
Alias
Entourage

what else?
c'mon people. I need to fill the void.

I'm lost without him.

my my my. what a clever play on words we have here.
you see, tonight is is Season Finale of LOST.
tonight, I have to part with my dear jack Shepard for awhile.
yes, i know he can be hot headed and irrational and sometimes he's downright terrible.
but I still love him.
all you Locke-lovers can continue on being 'men of faith'.
but, as for me -- I'll stick with my man of science. I strangely find myself identifying with him and his Saviour complex.
does that make me completely nuts?
probably.
all of that aside...
two hours of quality television programming: HERE I COME.

More Important Than Music.

Hey, so I just added a link (yes, yes right over there --->) to a site that a few of my friends started called "More Important Than Music". Its a place where the music community can come together and talk about things that are more important than music (i.e. poverty, the current crisis in Darfur, etc) and offer practical solutions and a place to discuss these issues.

I am quite proud of my friends for taking the time to do something impactful. Being a slave to the music biz myself, its very easy to get wrapped up in talk of albums, tours, etc. Its nice to see people who care about the state of our world.

so, check it out. they have banners and such for your myspace profiles if you so desire. or, you can just link it on your blog.

www.moreimportantthanmusic.blogspot.com

tell everyone you know. :)

THREE REALLY GOOD THINGS

1. I got my health insurance card in the mail yesterday. Holy smokes, that feels good. Welcome to being an adult, Lindsay.

2. I got an emphatic email from Jon from Man Alive yesterday - thanking me for my work and all the shows I've booked for them. I'd copy and paste it here, but it has a few 'unsavory' words in it -- but he essentially told me that I rule. And that was really nice.

3. Tonight is my first night in the new apartment! MY OWN ROOM! ME! BY MYSELF! TONIGHT! NEW PLACE!

yes, life is good.

albums I am listening to a lot of right now:

1. Mogwai - Mr. Beast
2. Sherwood - Summer EP
3. Van Morisson - Tupelo Honey
4. Weakerthans - Left and Leaving
5. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
6. Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?
7. BRMC - Howl Sessions (the B sides)
8. Cold War Kids - all 3 of their EP's
9. Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
10. Starflyer 59 - Everybody Makes Mistakes

Albums I really really want to hear/buy/steal/etc:

1. Danielson - Ships
2. Gnarls Barkley
3. Mates of State (I don't even know what the new one is called, just curious what they sound like nowadays)
4. Joni Mitchell - Blue (I don't know how I don't have this. its stupid.)
5. The Raconteurs (Probably is terrible? But is Jack White and I am curious)
6. Neil Young - Living with War (thoughts? anyone heard it yet?)
7. Mountain Goats

pictoral history of the last few months.

So, I haven't done much picture taking in the last few months.
But the pictures I do have are pretty fun.
so I figured I might as well share them with you. here goes.





my white trash alter-ego





jamie and I at D land.





the infamous music video





rachel and josh's wedding. the 'black sheep bridesmaid'.





erica, me, and the bride to be (this was in january. i just take a long time with photo blogging)

so there you have it.
a physical representation of a few things I've been up to.