Thursday, February 14, 2008

Best. Valentine’s Day. Ever.

Earlier this week Radiohead released some of their North American tour dates. They all were in the month of May and mainly in the South! The list was still there that had other cities listed, including Chicago, with a big TBD by them. I was total sad face until I saw they would be doing a show in Northern Virginia…and it was going to be on a Sunday! Score!

My friend Tobias was kind enough to send me a link that offered a pre-sale and I immediately e-mailed my ultimate concert buddy Brie to give her the 411. The thing is there was no time listed on the page when the pre-sale would begin, but we knew the date of the pre-sale being today. Tobias was going to try and get tickets for the St. Louis show, and he was planning to stay up all night incase the pre-sale started. I asked him to text me once it went live, regardless of the time.

I woke up this morning and refreshed the page every 30 minutes as I was getting ready. I wanted to arrive at work early as well so I could keep checking. Around 7:50am, I decided to head to work, thinking that the pre-sale would begin at 10am EST. As I was sitting on the train Tobias texted and said the link was live, tickets were on sale, and that he had gotten tickets. “Crap!” I thought and immediately texted Brie. I heard no response.

As soon as I ran in the office I turned my computer on and went to the site. My heart sunk, “SOLD OUT.” My next hope was the general sale on Saturday. I was not defeated, but a little deflated.

Then this afternoon Brie sent me an e-mail saying “SUCCESS!” She had secured 3 tickets, and she of course offered the third one to me! HOORAY!!! She was smart enough to keep refreshing the page all day and ta-dah! She was able to get tickets.

So this is by far the best Valentine’s Day I have ever had. Radiohead has been number one on my list of acts to see, and I missed them while I was living in DC and NYC. I have been patiently waiting for this show. I couldn’t be happier. Of course I will still try to see them when they come to Chicago. But I will not see them if they are part of the Lollapalooza line up…which is a rumor around here. In any case I am on cloud nine.

I hope your day was just as good…

xoxo,
Stefania

One of my all time favorite Radiohead songs: “True Love Waits”

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Side One/Side Two

It’s a few days away from Valentine’s Day, and I’m still 1) not a fan of the holiday and 2) single. I mean even after the personal ad I created last year: http://meltyourfaceoff.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html Maybe I was too unrealistic in what I was looking for. But I truly thought the offer of a Green Card would be enticing. Guess not. But that’s okay. I’m still happy being fabulous and single, than just being with someone for the sake of having a relationship. I do, however, have some good news to report. Brie is no longer single. Sorry boys, someone beat you to her.

So this year instead of creating another witty ad, I’m just going to put it out there. Have you heard of music? You win! I’m yours! KIDDING! I know myself well enough that the man I end up with will have a few more hoops to jump through. Oh and some hot coals to walk on and broken glass to eat. Yes, I’m looking for a carnival freak. Again, kidding…unless you are a really good looking carnival freak who has heard of music…

But this post is not about me looking for love. Who wants to read about that? Not me. Instead I have been holding off on giving my glowing review of a book I read last year. Me, read a book? I know, I know…crazy! As much as I make fun of myself for not reading, I do read more than one would think. However, I still love the TV. Love it more than anyone really should. But I digress. The book I read last year is perfect for not only this lovey-dovey upcoming holiday, but it’s a good read at any time of the year. It called Love Is A Mix Tape and it’s by Rolling Stone editor/writer Rob Sheffield.
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This book is awesome. As someone who made mixed tapes (in junior high, high school and part of college) and now mixed CDs, it just hit close to home. I must have looked like a bobble head reading this book, because I was nodding in agreement so much. So what’s it about? I would love to describe it to you, but the best place to learn more about this book is on the official website where you can read an excerpt, read the synopsis, go through reviews, and hear Rob’s voice reading some passages.
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/mixtape/

But for those of you who want to know, it follows the true story of Rob and how he fell in love with a gal named Renée. It also is a story about the power of music and how moments of our lives are defined by certain songs. And it also covers the art of making a mixed tape for someone or some occasion.

One reason I still make mixed tapes (actually CDs) is to continue my education and awareness of good music for my family and friends. I love putting together mixes and then waiting to hear back from the person I gave it to. What did you like? What did you not? What will end up being the song that leads you to buy an album? One thing that Rob does is explain the kinds of mixed tapes one could make. I loved this part in chapter 2. Probably because at one point in time I have made each of these mixes. Even the really embarrassing “You Broke My Heart and Made Me Cry and Here Are Twenty or Thirty Songs About It” mix. I will say from experience never actually give the mix to that person, and if you do be sure not to include a 4 paged typed letter about how you feel. Bad news bears!

But it’s true. There are songs that remind you of a year, a person, a moment in time, etc. If you think about it, we each have our own unique soundtrack. If you were to make a mix of those things you’d have a musical biography.

If you are looking for a moving, funny, and touching book then I highly recommend Love Is A Mix Tape. It’s a short, quick read (at least it was for me since I couldn’t put it down) and a great gift for any music lover.

xoxo,
Stefania

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