Authors I Love: Charles Bukowski

So I'm probably not really qualified to write an entire blog on Bukowski. I honestly don't know that much about the fellow. My Bukowski experiences are limited to two. The first involves me being rather liquored up, on my friend Kile's mattress in his uber-bohemian place, while he read me Bukowski and we listened to Connor Oberst. The second, culminates as of yesterday with my completion of Ham on Rye .

It didn't take me long to finish Ham on Rye and I think that's what I liked about it. It may also have been that it was a rather easy break from pages and pages of Palahniuk that can get a bit complex at times. Bukowski is pretty straight forward, no sugar coating necessary, and at least in this instance, he takes on a rather masculine tone, which I seem to handle better then reading the Bronte sisters. Romantic, I am not.

I also loved the ability to read Bukowski on the train and not have to stop in the middle of a chapter when I reached my stop. In fact, I'm considering buying a Bukowski novel for a poet friend of mine for Christmas, who doesn't like to read because he claims that books cannot hold his attention span long enough for him to finish them. Either way, I think that I'll read Bukowski again in the future, though I may need a slight break from all that craziness.

One Day Our Kids Will Mock Us

Dear Vanessa Hudgens,

I think you're pretty adorable, and even though you were young, and stupid, and maybe a little naive to jeopardize your career at Disney to gain the attention of a boy by sending him naked pictures, I'm still on your side. As someone on your side, let me ask you this, have you looked at pictures of your mom from the 80s? I've spent many a days in my youth mocking my mom's uber-80s style, and although I at times recreate those same styles, I avoid having my picture taken (let alone being plastered all over the pages of Us Weekly and People) when I'm wearing said styles.

That being said, this is a bit ridiculous and over the top dontcha think?

Authors I Love: Bret Easton Ellis

I go through a lot of phases. I go through phases of intense exercises, phases of eating peanut butter obsessively, and phases of reading every book by one author. This summer that phase was Bret Easton Ellis. The author of Less Than Zero , The Rules of Attraction, and American Psycho , I couldn't put any of his books down. Sure, they're a bit bizarre, and somewhat graphic (okay, I'm sure American Psycho is super graphic, but I haven't read that one yet, it's happening soon, I promise). I just can't help but love everything about the ease of reading his working, and the attitude of the super privileged.

I'm sure many people have seen the movie versions of his books. I remember watching Rules of Attraction in the days of my youth, but I now have a much bigger appreciation for the film, even if it does star James Van Der Beek (excuse the capitalization and spelling, I don't care enough to look it up). However, if you've seen the 80's classic Less Than Zero starring Andrew McCarthy and a very young and delicious Robert Downey Jr., don't let that be a deciding factor of B.E.E., the movie is a horrible interpretation of the book (in my opinion). The good news is that B.E.E. is supposedly writing a sequel to this book due out in 2010.

I am not a literary critic or genius, but I know what I like, know that I love these books, and all I can do is pass them on. So seriously, go out there and pick one up, I suggest starting with Less Than Zero his first novel, still written when he was a college student on an meth binge. How could you not want to read something like that?

Cool New Thing To Try: Aerial Silks

I work for a yoga/athletic wear company and one of the many perks of my job is that I get the opportunity to try almost any class in the city for free. Usually I would stick to yoga classes, or maybe a class at Physique 57, but this also means I can try really bizarre classes as long as they are physically active. A coworker of mine was taking an aerial silks class, and decided to sign me up, knowing that would force me to go.

I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Within minutes I was climbing up long strands of silk attached to the ceiling, inverting myself, doing upside straddles, half crows nests, and making an attempt at inverting myself while already in the air. By halfway through the class I could feel the burn, and by the end of the class I was already starting to get sore. I woke up this morning with a limited range of motion in my tender arms and abs that haven't really been worked in a month.

Another really amazing thing about the class was that while I was a beginner taking it, there were many advanced people also there. When I wasn't attempting new tricks myself, I was mesmerized by the amazing and beautiful things my peers were doing. I'll admit, I'm totally hooked, and can't wait for my next class. Cirque du Soleil, here I come!

Perez Hilton is Ruining Everything I Love About Subculture

Okay, I love to read Perez Hilton. I love all the crappy celebrity gossip, I'm a bit addicted, I'm not going to lie. However, I HATE when Perez claims to have "discovered" new things. The first time this happened was with the Canadian Indie band "Said the Whale." Okay, this one isn't fair because I know one of the band members, so of course I knew who they were, and I will admit it was super cool to see my friends band being advertised on Perez Hilton, because they are amazing. The next time this happened was with Agyness Dean. Perez claimed that she was the next upcoming supermodel. Well for those of us that were fashion followers, we knew Agyness had been huge for a long time in the fashion world, and the minute Perez began a following was the minute us fashion followers jumped off the Agyness bandwagon.

Today was my last straw. Perez posted about the Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini. I've been listening to Torrini for years. Literally, since like 1999 or whenever that horrible Kirsten Dunst "Crazy/Beautiful" movie came out. I've even went so far as to introduce Torrini to every boyfriend/friend I've ever had, and the first song I ever publicly performed was Sunny Road by Torrini. It is no secret that I like to covet certain musicians and bands, and Torrini was one of them. I want to see bands succeed and making a living doing what they love, but I have a huge problem with them becoming flash in the pan trends. And Perez, I think you have the possibility of making a high musician turnover rate.

Okay, this rant is over. Until next time...

So You Wanna Be An Indie Kid? Brooklyn Edition

The other night I attended the Sunset Rubdown concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Not only was it my first official New York concert, it was my first official time in the real Williamsburg (not East Williamsburg a.k.a. Bushwick). Needless to say, I was thrilled. Here I was, getting to see one of my favorite bands, in a place that is know for it's 20-something indie scene.

Unfortunately, indie kids disappoint me. In both towns I lived in before, the indie kids were easy to spot because they looked different. Here, there was a room full of people who all looked the same. Not to say that they are any less indie for that, but it makes me want to be the iconoclast I am and change the way I look. So if you wanna be an indie kid there are some very easy things I noticed that you can do.

Guys:
Grow a beard. Not a goatee, but a full on scraggly beard. And if you don't have that ability, at least try.
Don't cut your hair for a while. Unless you have a beard. Short hair and a beard work, long hair and a beard even better, but clean cut is a definite no-no.
Build a collection of vintage t-shirts/concert tees/clever and witty tees. Make sure that they aren't too big, not too small. They have to fit just right.
Borrow your girlfriends jeans. If you can't fit into her jeans, make sure you invest in a pair of tight jeans that look like the belong to your girlfriend.
Travel back to 1992, and stock up on plaid shirts. Oh, if only indie kids knew what a role Marc Jacobs had in all this.
If your eyesight is poor, get yourself some Rivers Cuomo glasses.

Gals:
Give up your heels. Unless of course, they are attached to knee high worn-in, vintage boots.
Start buying vintage. Dresses and tees specifically. Also boots. Boots in various colors as long as they come to your mid-calf or higher and are flat.
Run to your nearest American Apparel and buy up everything in your sight. T-shirts, dresses, leggings, hoodies, everything American Apparel will work.
Channel Jenny Lewis or Irina Lazareanu with your hairstyle. Thick heavy bangs, long straight locks, or slightly wavy.
Invest in a big slouchy cloth bag. The indie scene is not somewhere you will see Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Coach bags. Unless of course, they're vintage.
Start drinking beer. There seem to be an alarming shortage of girly drinks in the indie scene.

There you have it. The easiest and surest way to fit into the indie scene in Brooklyn. I also suggest a "I don't give a fuck attitude" for good measure. The sad thing, is that I used to feel slightly original with my indie-ness. Of course, I lived in a town clad in Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle. Wearing vintage was weird and original. I'll be spending the next couple weeks trying to figure out a way to reinvent my style.

Event to Try: The Poetry Brothel

I've been in the city less then a week. I'm still living with my friend, desperately searching out a place and job hunting like crazy. However, I'm still making time to have fun and explore all the glorious things the city has to offer.

That being said, last night my dear friend dragged me to a "Poetry Brothel" in Brooklyn. I didn't know what to expect, but whatever it was, this event was not what I expected. The first thing I have to remember is that spaces in NYC are SMALL. I expected it to be more of an open warehouse type thing, but it was a small apartment building. It was crowded, hot, and sticky. But that can't ruin your night. There are various "whores" that you can pay to read you poetry (you get a free reading with your $10 cover charge). They come out and do excerpts at the beginning (most in costume). It is such a diverse group of talented poets it becomes tough to decide which whore you're going to take. You can choose from poems on beastiality, snails (my personal favorite), or rigor mortis erections.

If getting a poetry reading isn't your thing, then maybe the live music, ever present absinthe, or just the company will get you there. Either way, next time you're looking for something to do and the poetry brothel is going on, head down at least for a little while, you'll be glad you did. http://www.thepoetrybrothel.com

Poser Girl in the City: Day 1

So I got to New York last night without any problems, except the fact that I don't have a place to live, and they didn't have my luggage. Yeah, American Airlines lost my luggage. Apparently it got in today and was going to be delivered between 12 and 2, which would've been great, aside from the fact that I had orientation on the other side of Manhattan at 1. So 12-2, didn't really work so well for me. Now I'm simply waiting on it from 6-10 last night, real small window there, thanks guys. I just hope my luggage comes closer to 6 rather then 10.

In other news, I'm frantically looking for an apartment, but my friend and her roommates have been so awesome, they are completely welcoming and understanding. But, me being me, I feel like a huge burden so of course I'm trying to get out of their hair as quickly as possible.

I had my registration at Lee Strasberg today. I'm excited, but the school is not at all what I expected it to be. I guess I'll just have to go and see what it's like. Prior to registration I ate at a cafe next door, it was really yummy, but unfortunately it wasn't a ton of food (not that I need a ton), but now I'm left with a rumbling in my stomach and I have no clue where to eat.*

I got in a fight with the ex-boyfriend today. It's really hard to be away from someone you care about, but it makes it even harder when you don't cope with that the same way. My way of coping is trying to stay close, supporting him, talking, greiving, and realizing it is what it is. His way is to party it out of his system. I guess I just have trust issues and him partying makes me feel like he's celebrating my departure instead of mourning it. Oh well, it is what it is. I'm going to have a nap.

*Reason #472 for wanting a place to call home: So I can buy groceries!

The Big Move: Night Before

It's officially the night before the big move. In 8 hours I will be on a plane to New York (well, with some stops on the way). And I am terrified. I got scammed, bad, for my housing and now I'm moving to New York without a place to live. Essentially, I'm homeless. Which is the scariest thing I think I've ever had to tell myself. Before, moving wasn't THAT scary. I was going to be okay, I was going to deal, and I was going to succeed. Now, part of me feels as though I've already failed, and what's going to stop me from continuing to fail?

Luckily, I have a friend in the city who I can stay with. I've also sent out probably 12-15 e-mails to various craigslisters, roommate seekers, and the like. I've already heard back from two, give it time, more will come.

What upsets me more then anything, is that I don't have a home to go to when I get to the city. I'm most likely going to have to kill time in the airport until my friend gets off work and can meet me at her apartment. It's almost embarrassing, and definitely makes me really sad. Maybe it's just that I'm sad in general. I can't imagine leaving my boyfriend, I know we have our problems, but god, it's just really hard to leave someone you care about and are actually comfortable with.

Anyway, I still have a bit more packing to do and I should probably get some sleep. Wish me luck and look for more updates on how the move goes!

SCAM

WARNING:

I was scammed out of money for my apartment in New York. They used a scanned passport from a girl they had previously scammed. If anyone tries to rent an apartment with the name Alexandra Steinmetz, it's a fake. I repeat, it's fake, don't send them any money, they're clearly very good at their job.

Out of Touch With Reality: The Skinny Issue

Last night, my boyfriend and I were watching the MTV awards (which I found absolutely awful) and during Rihanna's second performance, my boyfriend made the comment, "I bet it's pretty hard to sing like that when you're a size triple 0." I turned to him and said "She's not really that skinny."

Wow. I think I've lost my mind. Yes, Rihanna is not an emaciated former concentration camp victim like the women we call "super-skinny" in the celebrity world are. She looks relatively healthy, and strong. But let's face, she is really skinny. Then I realized why I was just so out of touch with reality.



Yes, that's right! It's fashion week. Of course Rihanna doesn't look that skinny next to a runway full of models. I suppose I need to live in a little more in reality, because let's face it, Rihanna has a gorgeous body that she clearly works hard for, and she is NOT the norm.

The Case of Heidi's Missing Dog

Okay, there has been something on my mind for months, and I'm surprised it hasn't become something more talked about in the celebrity world. In the first season of the Hills, before it blew up and became the spectacle we all love today, there was a very special Christmas episode. This was the episode where Lauren received her black quilted Chanel bag from Jason (before she decided to forgo Paris to stay with him....idiot!). Anyway, in this very special episode, Heidi was whining at her boyfriend (who will remain unnamed, mostly because I don't remember the poor schmauks identity) to get her a dog. Well, anyone that watches The Hills will know that he got her a stuffed, toy dog, and boy was she mad. However, seconds later he opens up the door and brings in a new puppy for Heidi. Well, this puppy, Bella, has long since disappeared from the face of The Hills. I understand that people get rid of dogs all the time, but I can't believe that MTV hasn't said anything nor have any celebrity bloggers.

PETA, you might want to get on this one. Lord knows what Heidi used Bella for.

Fashion Week Favorite 2008: Nicole Miller

I like to pretend that I am a fashionista. I am not. It is true that I can tell you whether or not a Louis Vuitton is real, I can distinguish between Christian Dior and Christian Louboutin, and I know the significance of Marc Jacobs on my generation. But let's face it, I'm in Kalispell, Montana. Our definition of high fashion is high-end jeans that we buy at overpriced tourist destinations, and second rate Dooney and Bourke purses from TJ Maxx.

However, through all my posing as a fashionista, I have gained quite an interest in actual fashion, and this includes scanning the daily updates on style.com during fashion week. A lot of high fashion I don't quite understand. A lot of it I can't see myself or anyone that doesn't look like a model wearing, and I definitely can't see a lot of people shelling out hundreds of dollars for the pieces. But today there was one collection that I would sell my second rate Dooney and Bourke purses for. Nicole Miller.

With Spring collections you can almost always expect bright colors and florals, rebirth, growth, and all those metaphors. But Nicole Miller's bright stripes paired with suit pieces, brought a new revival to what I expect from Spring collections. I was also pleasantly surprised by the abundance of black used in this collection. Usually designers stray away from dark colors after wearing them nonstop during the winter. What I loved more then anything about this collection was the bright patterned dresses. Not only do they look fun and festive (for some reason I was brought back to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I was reliving my childhood), but they look wearable. Even for us non-models. Pair them with the chunky necklaces Miller used and I was salivating over the collection.

Anyway, it's late, and I have to figure out how to get 5 pairs of boots, two pairs of platforms, and various other shoes into my suitcases tomorrow. Wish me luck and check out Miller's collection on style.com

The Art of Packing

Okay, it is no secret that I have a lot of stuff. I mean A LOT of stuff. I recently gave away three bags of clothing and still had a full closet....and two laundry baskets full of clothes. I have enough dresses to wear one a day for a month without repeating, enough skirts to go a couple weeks, the same goes for pants, and too many tops to even begin to count. With the impending doom of my move to New York, not only do I need less stuff, but I also need to fit it all into a couple suitcases and maybe a carry on.*

I began packing a couple days ago, mostly my dressy clothes and pants, stuff I knew I wouldn't be wearing before I left. I had my big suitcase full (though the cat seemed to think it was a new bed for her), and realized that I hadn't begun packing most of my jeans (though there aren't many, I'm much more of a dress person), many of my vintage dresses still hung in the closet, and a have far too many coats to fit into one small suitcase. Oh, I also have a full basket of random clothes that need a home.

At this point of panic I did what I always do. Broke out Google Search and began pouring over forums as to the best way to pack. A majority of the posts suggested rolling your clothes (though there were a few vehemently opposed to this practice). I emptied out the large case and began rolling. Although it is just as full as it was before, I did manage to fit in another sweater, a couple more shirts, and a few odds and ends. Though there wasn't a huge difference, I am definitely a convert to the school of rolling. It doesn't work super well for things like jeans and a lot of my fuller vintage dresses, but I can definitely use it for a majority of my clothes.

However, I still have a few vintage dresses, my wonderful sequin tops (not good for rolling), and all my coats to pack. I'm beginning to think I may just need a vacuum sealer. I wonder if my boyfriends OCD step-mother has one...



* Though, on the plus side, I'm taking the train, so in theory I can take three checked bags, two carry-ons and a purse. Much nicer then traveling by air!

Current Playlist: Paolo Nutini

Whenever I discover a new band or artist, I become quickly obsessed and very possessive. While I know that most of my obsessions are well-known in many other musical circles, in my social circle, I am usually the deliverer of musical gospel.

A few nights ago I was flipping through four hundred channels of completely useless reality tv, b-rate movies, and overrated cop/law drama. I stumbled upon an old recording of the Glastonbury festival. Immediately, the catchy guitar riffs, danceable beats, and the oh-so-adorable indie boy on stage, I was hooked. So began my love of Paolo Nutini. Shortly afterward I checked concert listings, wikipedia, and his own site for information on him.

I've been slow on sharing this discovery, I have a few friends I know would love him. But I fear having too many friends share my musical interests. Perhaps it's my iconoclast nature, or maybe I'm just being a bit selfish, but am I alone in this? Does anyone else covet music/film/books for fear that if they become too popular they will soon get tossed to the wayside like so many other overnight sensations?

For more information on Paolo Nutini, check out: http://www.paolonutini.com/

On My Wishlist: Leather Pants

As I gear up for my thrilling/exciting/terrifying (circle one) move to New York, I can't help but picture what I will be wearing as a I strut up and down the streets of the city. Considering nearly all of my NYC fantasies include me at a cafe reading a book, or perhaps taking in a concert (ridiculous, yes?), or perhaps running into Ed Westwick (it COULD happen), in every one of my fantasies I happen to be fabulously dressed.

Although I wear bold clothing now (sequins, fur, bright colors, not your Montana style), my NYC wardrobe has to be that much MORE wonderful. And the one thing that keeps showing up in my NYC dreams (besides my brown leather jacket that was tragically stolen) is a pair of leather pants. Not a pair of leather biker pants, and not the leather flared pant that was oh-so-popular when I was in junior high (of course those were all pleather). No, what I really want is a pair of super-tight, super-skinny leather pants that I can wear with towering heels, my red velvet boots, and maybe even a sequin or two if I'm feeling daring. Of course, without the hundreds of dollars to wear the same brands as celebrities, I am coming up short on just where to get such leather pants. I suppose this is the dream the big city holds for me. Art, celebrity, culture, music, and a land full of opportunities and leather. Preferably black pants and a replacement brown coat.

So tell me? Are leather pants wearable in day-to-day life, or are they best left to the celebrities?

The Death of My Candidate

Today, John Edwards backed out of the race for Democratic presidential candidate. Can we all just take a moment of silence to mourn the loss of this leader? Okay, thanks. The loss of John Edwards does not come as a shock to most Democrats, who have sternly divided themselves into either the Hilary or Obama camp. With Edwards out of the picture, I too will stop rooting for any Democratic nominees.

I understand the excitement behind these two camps. America is far behind the rest of the world when it comes to choosing leaders of diversity. I mean, if places like India (which we still offensively consider "Third World"), and Israel can have female leaders, then it should come as no challenge for the United States to do the same. The same excitement can be felt with the prospects of having a "minority" leader as well. However, will so much controversy around the sex and race of the candidates I think we are truly forgetting what is really important in a presidential campaign. Simply put, who would make the best candidate?

This is why my money was on Edwards. Yes, he was more of the same in the sex and race departments, but there was something that took him apart from the rest of the candidates. Edwards did not accept corporate sponsorship. Edwards campaign focused on the ending of "two Americas," one for the common man and the other for the elite powerful. This has not been widely reported on because (surprise, surprise) corporate money funds everything in this country, which was something Edwards was desperate to stop. Barack and Hilary have both accepted generous donations from corporate America.

Let me just say, I'm not saying that all of corporate America is inherently evil. I just believe that regardless of which party wins, as long as corporate interests are kept in mind by the candidates, corporate interests will continue to have a hand in the decision of new laws and legislature.

Keeping that in mind, there is another reason that I believe keeping Hilary or Obama in the race is a mistake. I simply have no faith in the American public. While I would absolutely LOVE to see a female or a minority leader (and regardless of who wins I will probably cast my absentee ballot for the Democratic party), I just do not believe that this can happen with the present make-up of the American people. I believe that electing either of these leaders will bring Republican's out in droves in order to not vote for their party, but rather to vote against the Democratic party.

I do not want to live in a country where we are so disappointed by all our leaders that we vote only to prevent other leaders from getting in power. I'm an idealist in every sense of the word, and I hope I'm wrong. But come on America, this is NOT the time to be playing games with our candidates, this is not the time to be idealist, this is a time to be realistic. This is a time to change the face of the nation, and I don't mean the physical face. There's more to a leader then what they look like, there's the message they send. And I have a hard time believing that the messages of Obama or Hilary are any different from the messages of any other Democratic candidates.

So enjoy your future leader America, I'll be working on getting my visa for anywhere outside of North America.

FASHION AVAILABILITY: WHEN IS LUXURY MERELY A CONVENIENCE?

Recently, in the article “Fakes are Never in Fashion,” on Styledash.com, the book Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it’s Luster, was referenced. Although I have not yet read the book, from the reviews I gather that it is a piece of muckraking journalism (I use this as a term of endearment) on the luxury goods market.

Although I agree with the fact that counterfeit accessories will help lead to the decline of the luxury goods market, other sources of “luxury” leave me questioning the future of the market. Mainly, big box stores like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less that offer brand name luxury at a low, low price.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bargain as much as the next person, but when I step into one of these stores no longer do I find brand name luxury at a low price, I find brand name luxury being brought to trend followers in small towns. For example, after the Dooney and Bourke Charm bags became a huge hit, TJ Maxx started carrying the bags in a variety of styles…about a year later. I do not have a problem with bags being from a former season, or bags being available to those in small towns. What leaves me feeling uneasy after a trip to a luxury box store, is the legions of 13 and 14 year old girls who spend their allowance on the bags.

After seeing tweens strutting through the malls complete in their Abercrombie and Fitch denim skirts, UGG boots, topped off with a D&B or Coach bag, it makes me want to abandon my previous love of the status symbol bag.* I guess my question is whether or not I am alone in this? With the availability of “high-fashion” status available to tween girls around the country, does it lose it’s appeal for those of us who truly love high fashion?


* Personal Anecdote: After hearing “I LOVE YOUR BAG” in response to my Vuitton classic canvas bag by a 12-year-old girl in my mom’s office, I have nearly abandoned carrying it. A tragic tale, but I can’t bring myself to carry a bag that even a tween worships.

The Art of Collecting LP's

Growing up, my parents had thousands upon thousands of albums. Although it instilled a love of music in me from a very young age, I didn't quite understand why they would continually collect albums when they were being replaced by bigger and better technology such as cassettes and cd's. Growing older, getting away from home, becoming an avid music lover, and watching cassettes make way for cd's which have made way to the computer download era, I finally understand the appeal of albums.

Yes, they take up far more room, and they are harder to find, but there are three reasons why albums will continue to rock my world long after cd's have made home at garage sales and thrift stores.

The first reason is that the sound quality is better. Ask anyone who is an avid collecter of all types of music, and if you have the correct system hookup for a record player you will get a much richer and fuller sound.

Reason number 2: When you buy an album you get all sorts of fun extras. When you get a cd you get a little fold-out booklet with lyrics and a few pictures. I recently bought an album at a show in Victoria, BC, and in addition to getting larger scale album artwork, I got an original poster and an additional printout of the song list. Brilliant.

The 3rd and final reason: there is a certain nostalgia behind owning albums. Having a giant piece of vinyl that hadn't changed much in decades reminds us of "simpler times." With the rising trend in vintage clothing, 60s counter-culture, it is only a matter of time that collecting LP's will also become a frontrunner on the trend forefront.

Of course, the rise in technology is largely a reason why collecting LP's has gotten so much easier. With record players that convert albums to your computer, you can justify buying albums instead of cd's. With online auction sites like Ebay, you can get new albums from bands you love even in places like Kalispell, MT (which hasn't sold a new LP since 1982 I'm guessing).

Overall, starting an LP collection will not only create a lasting collection you can pass on to your children (even though they won't appreciate it as much), but it will secure your place as one of the cool counter-culture kids. I secretly have a dream of having a small studio apartment with white walls, wood floors, a mattress in the corner and stacks of albums and books. Of course, right now I'd be listening to four albums on repeat because that's all I own.

Suffering in the Snow

So I've recently moved back to Kalispell, MT after finishing a three and a half year stint at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. While in my first few years of university, the prospect of returning to this valley that I called home for so many years seemed wonderfully inviting. However, now forced with the idea of living here (in vain) for the next few months until I decide what direction my life should take, I am left feeling utterly destroyed and miserable. Don't worry, I'm not about to put on some MCR and find a dark corner to cry in, I am, however, going to figure out any and every way in which I may be able to leave this desolate place in search of something bigger and better.

I finally realize why so many people around here get married and start families at the tender age of 20. There is simply nothing better to do. Unless you are a nurse, or perhaps an accountant, there is no real job market here. We don't have exciting events coming through town, hell, our theater hasn't even gotten Sweeney Todd yet. The most exciting thing for a young person to do is go to the local watering hole and get lubricated (maybe things aren't so different from Victoria after all). Granted, the difference between Kalispell and a college town is that when you go out here, it's like a high school reunion. At least if I continue visiting the bars here I won't have to worry about returning to my high school years from now to see everyone.