New Music that Needs to Be Heard

As requested by Johnny over at 'Da Hat, here are some thoughts on a few CDs I just can't get enough of right now.

Moon over the Freeway by the Ditty Bops

If you've heard their first album and liked it, then this is a no-brainer. John and I were first introduced to these songs while seeing them in concert, and I was concerned that without the theatrics of the live show something would be lost, but the songs are perfectly captured on this album. It's been playing in my car constantly since I bought it on Tuesday and it's a quirky, toe-tapping, "olde timey" good time.

If you haven't heard their first album - get it now.

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case

This is the one of the best albums of the year so far. I didn't really know what to expect when I randomly decided to buy this album on my birthday as a little gift to myself, and I immediately fell in love with this album. Neko's voice is divine and soulful and the songs are extremely well written. Neko Case reminds me a bit of Sheryl Crow - but less pop and more folky and the harmonies are beautiful. I really cannot recommend this album highly enough. Days after buying this, I ordered Blacklisted, one of Neko's earlier albums, and while I haven't been able to devote as much time to it (since the Ditty Bops are monopolizing my car stereo) it is also an excellent album. If you're looking for something new and different, check her out, you won't be sorry.

The Greatest by Cat Power

I wasn't sure about this album, but I have always heard nothing but good things about Cat Power, and had previously purchased Moon Pix from iTunes. I like this album, it's a little less "depressed" sounding than Moon Pix, but still a very mellow and somewhat gloomy, and definitely worth a listen. (Plus the cover of the album is pink and shiny, and I'm a sucker for pink shiny things...)

Fun Weekend!

Being cute!, originally uploaded by julieverive.

This weekend we went down to Orange County for Captain Joe and Bonnie's wedding! We got all dolled up and partied hard!

It was a beautiful wedding and I with them all the happiness in the world!

The City, She Loves Me

Today, while enjoying a tasty beverage at my local Coffee bean and reading my Angels and Demons, I spotted a familiar face at a table across from me. I thought I knew exactly who it was, hut I didn't want to be caught staring. So I continued with my book until the mystery man took off his sunglasses....

And there he was, the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony Kiedis.

I wanted to come up with something smart to say to him, but came up empty.

The most "grown-up" thing I've ever done...

Other than get married, of course.

In May of 2001, a young Julie and John walked into the Hyundai dealer in San Jose in need of a car. Hours later after much arguing, tearing up a check, and basically getting royally screwed over, the two left the dealership with a brand new Hyundai Accent. A five year loan at a ridiculously high APR was hanging over them. They never thought it would end.

Today, at 4:25pm, I made the last payment on that loan. Pending a final audit of the account in the next ten days, we officially own our little Hyundai!

The Renaissance Faire!

Ye Olde Cute Couple, originally uploaded by julieverive.

We went to the Renaissance Faire out in Irwindale yesterday and it was a BLAST! We both got a little sunburned, but we enjoyed some yummy food, and shopped around and had a great day together!

Another week....

The weeks fly by and I don't even realize!

My Quentin Tarantino birthday party was a big success! Our biggest party since moving down to LA, and almost everyone came in costume! It was great to party with everyone, even my younger brother and his girlfriend drove down from San Jose for the party!

This week, the depressing post-birthday week has been okay. Now is a really slow time at work, so I'm trying to learn how to LOOK busy without actually having something to do..... so if I stare at the computer screen all serious and blog, it actually looks like I'm really busy.......

Tonight we're going to try to catch a show of Mission Impossible 3 - I can't wait to watch Phillip Seymour Hoffman kick Tom Cruise's ass!

Get Out Your 3-D Glasses!


Here is a 3-D picture my dad took of a banana slug! Check it out!

Don't tell me you don't have 3-D glasses!?!

Check out Hindt.com for more cool 3-D photos!

Oh, I Forgot....

I must have had a senior moment... (ha ha)

Today I met Robert Downey Jr. He shook my hand and said it was a pleasure.

My job rocks.

Birthday Excitement!

Any of you who know me at all know that I get STUPIDLY giddy when my birthday approaches. For weeks ahead of time I start counting the days, planning the party, jumping up and down with childish excitement every time I remember just how close my birthday is.

I don't know why it is. One would think as I got older, this excitement about getting older would stop. But every time, as the days pass and my birthday gets closer, I still feel that same excitement!

And today is no different, for tomorrow I am turning 27 years old. When I think about turning 27, it doesn't seem old, but when I say it out loud, suddenly 27 sounds really old.

But it doesn't affect my birthday excitement!! Tomorrow John and I are both taking the day off work and we're going to the LA Zoo, followed by a leisurely lunch, then shopping! Then we are meeting some friends for dinner at the Cat and Fiddle!

Then Saturday is the big party - the "come as your favorite Tarantino movie character"-fest! I personally am going as Elle Driver (Darryl Hannah's character from Kill Bill) in the nurse outfit. I'll surely be posting pictures on Sunday after the inevitable hangover passes....