the musings of a wannabe star

Friday Flicks: My favorite films

2012-02-17T09:27:00.000-06:00

This week I started a second job and have been neglecting my blog while I try to get into a routine with my new schedule. I didn't have much time to watch movies, so I've decided to write about three of my favorite movies. And they are...

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DIRTY DANCING

I sincerely think that this is the greatest chick flick of all time. Baby is such a great character; while she is obviously a romantic, she also has a strong head on her shoulders and a a hell of a lot of determination. The dancing is phenomenal, the soundtracks are perfect (I have both) and who doesn't love a little Patrick Swayze? If you didn't get in a chick flick this week (it was Valentine's Day) then I suggest you try this one this weekend. This is a movie that you can enjoy by yourself just as much as with a group of your girls. Either way, you'll have the time of your life!

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DAZED AND CONFUSED

I have loved this film since the first time I've watched it. It helps that the intro of the movie shows American muscle cars (my favorite) driving to Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" (hey, my favorite band!) Once again, the soundtracks are perfect (I have both) if you love 70s classic rock. And even though I was definitely nowhere near being alive in the 70s, I can appreciate all the retro in this 90s film and the young Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck. Good tunes, cool cars, and an all around groovy movie!

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PRETTY IN PINK

Alright, judging by my three favorite movies, it's easy to see that I was definitely born at the wrong time. This is my favorite Molly Ringwald movie, no contest. The love triangle between Blane, Andie and Ducky has more depth than Twilight could ever dream of, and you have to love how quirky Molly Ringwald's character was in this movie. The perfect 80s high school movie, and one of my favorite movies of all time. Isn't she pretty in pink?

I guess my criteria for a good movie is great music, good romance, and a retro vibe. What's on your list of favorite movies, and do you watch your favorite movie often?

Music Monday: What are the "Lady Marmalade" ladies up to?

2012-02-13T04:59:00.000-06:00

When this song was released in 2002, I was obsessed. I was constantly listening to it on the radio or watching the music video on television. I was crazy about Christina and Pink, and Lil' Kim and Mya were it at that time! Can't forget Missy Elliott's part...love her!

Ten years later, things have really changed. While Christina is still involved in music (she's a judge on the music show The Voice) she has also dabbled in acting while singing in Burlesque. She's also featured in one of the catchiest songs on the radio right now: Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger." Christina has definitely evolved over the last ten years; remember the Moulin Rouge phase she went through after this song was a hit?

Pink has started a family, and she continues to be cool. Pink's music career never really seemed to take a break, as it seems like she is always on the radio. She tweets regularly, but seems to have adapted well to the family life.

Apparently, Lil' Kim has been in a feud with Nicki Minaj, as Kim is a little worried about being replaced in the hip hop world by Nicki. Lil' Kim even made a song to put Nicki in her place. Say what you will about Lil' Kim now, but at the time of "Lady Marmalade," she was a hit. I guess we can let the world decide who the Queen of Hip Hop actually is.

As for Mya? If you Google "What happened to Mya?" you can find that tons of other people were asking the same question...six years ago. While there doesn't seem to be an official answer, men and drugs appear to be on the rumor list, but what do we know?

As Missy's Twitter bio states: "I have written or produced for All Ya Favorite Singers!" She's a talented lady, and she has definitely been keeping herself busy, even if she isn't always in the limelight these days.

Can you believe it has been ten years since "Lady Marmalade" was first released? Who was your favorite lady from this super collab?

Valentine's Day: covered! Ideas for everyone, every situation

2012-02-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

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Valentine's Day 2012 is here, and whether you love it or hate it, we have to deal with it. I've come up with ideas for everyone in every situation for this holiday. Read below!

This is your millionth V-Day together and it's becoming routine.

Try something different! Try and plan a day that you spend exactly ZERO dollars on. Read to each other, visit that free kids museum downtown, go for a walk in the park, go on a long drive with no destination in mind. Spontaneity is the key to keeping things fresh.

You're single.

Spend this day with your other single friends: bash the holiday or daydream together about next year. Go see a chick flick like The Vow or a movie with hot guys and NO romance like Safe House. Go to the mall, go out for drinks, have a sleepover. (You're never too old for an old school sleepover!) If you don't feel like going out, spend the night at home painting your nails and watching a movie like Dirty Dancing or The Breakfast Club.

Literally just out of a relationship? Don't sweat it! Be happy knowing you won't be fretting over "just another day" and have some fun! Today could also be a good day to remind yourself why it didn't work out and get rid of his stuff.

You're working and you have to see all the happy couples.

If you're like me, you're going to be spending your holiday at work, watching all the other happy couples on a date. There are many different ways to deal with this. First of all, just think of the fact that you're getting paid and they're not. (And you're not spending all that cash!) If you're more of a romantic, try coming up with stories in your head about how they met, and daydream up some fun stories for yourself! If you're more of a cynic, mentally create the couples' downfall. (What? It helps!)

This is your first V-Day with that new someone.

If this is your first love day together, or you literally just started dating, there's a lot of pressure on both parties. But don't sweat it! There is no pressure of it being better than last time, so just have fun. Make it a memorable first by being creative. Make your own cards, make a mix CD, do something silly.

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You have more than one possible Valentine.

Oo, you go girl! You could always listen to that old 70s song by Mary McGregor, "Torn Between Two Lovers" and sing it out, or you could just choose. Better yet, leave them both wondering until February 15! Is having a Valentine really that important, anyway?

Your plans fall through at the last minute.

As said above, get creative! Just because it's Valentine's Day, doesn't mean you have to be fancy. Visit every fast food place around, getting fries from your favorite place, burgers from another, and shakes from the ice cream place. Pick up cheap, cheesy DVDs from the bargain bin and stock up on Dollar Store candy. Read Shakespeare sonnets out loud in silly voices or have a karaoke party. Buy some of those velvet posters and jumbo markers! Create each other a masterpiece. There are millions of choices, whether you're with someone on this day or not!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year?

Friday Flicks: a whale of a tale, telekinetic teens, and a girl with a gun.

2012-02-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

This week I spent a lot of time at the movies. I saw three new flicks, two I loved and one I didn't really care for. Did you go to the movies this week?

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BIG MIRACLE

Yes, this looks like a cheesy kids movie at first glance. But with a cast that included Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, I couldn't turn it down. Besides, Krasinski plays a journalist, and I'm a sucker for a movie that features someone is in my dream field. He's a reporter in Alaska who discovers three whales trapped under the ice. It becomes the story heard round the world as countless people get involved to save the whales. I love that this is based on a true story, so actual news footage is used from the 80s. It is a very moving story and I would definitely watch it again!

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CHRONICLE

I watched this movie with a dude, and that's what I expected it to be - -a dude movie. But after three teens get telekinetic powers, their triumphs and struggles play out so well that you can't help but be interested. The characters are sad, smart, funny...and believable. It's interesting to see how three teen boys handle such powerful stuff, and you really do care about them. The movie is a little Spider-Man, a little 80s high school flick, and all good.

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ONE FOR THE MONEY

Katherine Heigl is gorgeous. That's why I watched this movie. I haven't read the book series, but I have only heard raving reviews about the books from friends and from anyone seeing this movie. While I wasn't crazy about the film, it did have some fun moments and I would give the first book a try.

NEED TO SEE THIS COMING WEEK:

I am dying to see The Vow and Safe House (hot guys!) this coming week. I also used up a gift card and bought two movies I've never seen before: Never Been Kissed and Anything Else.

What are you planning to see?

Play that country! The playlist

2012-02-09T23:31:00.001-06:00

I've been on a country kick lately. When I'm not playing old school Garth or one of the Georges I've been jamming on some newer country music. (I was surprised to find out that not all new country is bad!) Here's a playlist if you want to get down with your hillbilly side.

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1. Baggage Claim - Miranda Lambert

2. So Sorry Mama - Whitney Duncan

3. You and Tequila - Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter

4. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not - Thompson Square

5. Honey Bee - Blake Shelton

6. Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean

7. Country Girl (Shake it For Me) - Luke Bryan

8. Drink in My Hand - Eric Church

9. She's Country - Jason Aldean

10. Red Solo Cup - Toby Keith

11. Fake I.D. - Big & Rich feat. Gretchen Wilson

12. Hillbilly Bone - Blake Shelton feat. Trace Adkins

13. Big Green Tractor - Jason Aldean

14. Last Name - Carrie Underwood

15. A Little More Country Than That - Easton Corbin

16. Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean feat. Kelly Clarkson

17. Hell on Heels - Pistol Annies

18. Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland

19. I Don't Want This Night to End - Luke Bryan

20. God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton

21. Somethin' 'Bout a Truck -Kip Moore

22. Bait a Hook - Justin Moore

23. Crazy Girl - Eli Young Band

24. I Run to You - Lady Antebellum

25. A Little Bit Stronger - Sara Evans

Adam Lambert and Queen. . .?

2012-02-08T12:23:00.000-06:00

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Rumors are buzzing...Adam Lambert to be the new singer for Queen? Wait, no he's not. Well, maybe for a show or one festival. Nope, nothing has been signed yet! This story has been from for sure to not at all.

But either way, can you truly put a new lead singer in front of a band like Queen...a band that had the perfect lead singer? Freddie Mercury is one of the most iconic and important vocalists the world has ever seen. The Queen songs were his songs. So can we even try to imagine someone doing those songs for him, with his band?

Well, there was that Paul Rodgers stint...yes, remember that? The guy known for both bands Bad Company and Free was Queen's lead singer for quite a while in the 2000s. While it was obviously enough of a success that they lasted a while together, it just didn't feel right. Rodgers' gruff voice just couldn't do those Freddie notes. But now Adam Lambert is in the picture, and if you know Lambert as a musician, you know he can do those notes.

Adam Lambert performed with Queen for the first time on American Idol (with the guy who beat him on the show, uhh, what's-his-name...) and although Lambert didn't win that night, he obviously performed much better. In the time that has passed since the show, Lambert's voice has just become better and better. Honestly, Lambert might have the chops to attempt to be Queen's new frontman. He will obviously never replace Freddie, but he could make quite the tribute.

Here's that video of him performing with Queen on Idol. (Try to ignore the guy who went on to win - he ruins the song.)

Here are my pros and cons to Lambert taking on this honor (if he actually does.)

PROS:

Lambert has a great voice. He can definitely hit the notes, and do them with style.

He has great on-stage presence. He's exciting, full of life, and entertaining, much like Mercury was.

He obviously clicks well with the band. Here's video of him performing with Queen at the EMA's.

CONS:

While he has vocal chops, he's obviously nowhere near Freddie.

You can't replace Freddie Mercury. Even though we should trust Brian May's judgment, we all know that Freddie can't be replaced and that a lot of people will simply not like this arrangement.

He's young. Is he truly "qualified" enough to take on this role, when he truly doesn't have that much experience in the vocal world? He hasn't even made a big enough name for himself yet.

Either way that it goes, I think it will work out well for both parties. I think it would be an interesting journey to watch happen, while some of my friends think otherwise.

"I like Lambert but Queen ended in 91," said one of my friends who is an enthusiastic Queen and Lambert fan.

I say go for it. What do they have to lose?

What do you think? Could Lambert be the next face and voice of Queen? Or do you think Queen should just drop it?

Myth #9: Every girl wants a bad boy (and a Dirty Dancing rant.)

2012-02-07T03:53:00.000-06:00

Last week I blogged about the myth that no girl wants a nice guy. (Yes, we do!) This week I'm here to prove my point some more because some guys still aren't getting it. This week's myth? Not EVERY girl wants a bad boy.

For some reason, there is a myth as old as time that women want bad boys. While we may want someone who is wrong for us at times, most of us don't actively pursue a dude that screams trouble. Sometimes we like to play it safe. We are smart cookies; we know that good is good for us sometimes, too. While it may seem that we all go through the bad boy phase at some point or another, it usually doesn't become a trend. And if it does become a trend, well, someone is simply trying to shake up her boring life. Just saying...

Dirty Dancing is my absolute favorite movie. Of all time. I swoon over Johnny Castle just as much as anyone who enjoyed it the first time around in the 80s, even though I wasn't even alive to experience that myself. I think that Swayze is a hunk and I love his tough exterior in that movie. He's a bad boy, and they play that role well through him. If I was at that camp that summer and a guy was looking that good, you know I'd carry a watermelon for him. But at the same time, I have to admit something that I've never admitted to anyone before.

What a charmer. Photo via

As much as I may be swooning over Johnny that summer, I know that I would end up with the dorky smart guy. That's right, that summer I'd be chasing Neil Kellerman, the grandson of the owner. Why? Because even though he was dorky, cocky and a little annoying, he is the kind of guy that some of us girls would like to end up with. I mean, I love Dirty Dancing more than anyone else, but you can't help but think at the end of the movie that Baby and Johnny didn't last more than a few weeks after that. They had nothing in common. She wanted to go and change the world...and he couldn't get over the fact that he had it tough. Well guess what? Neil would totally be a good sidekick while Baby changed the world.

So even though we go through the phase of a bad guy, we want the nice one. We don't all want a bad boy, so nice guys, listen up! We realize bad boys are bad for us (I mean, we call them bad boys, don't we) and it may just take us a minute to realize what we really need (even though we probably knew it all along.)

Not every girl wants a bad boy. Every time, Mr. Nice is Mr. Right.

Do you think girls look for bad boys?

Music Monday: Kelly Clarkson, Queen of Gettin' Over It

2012-02-06T03:00:00.000-06:00

Miss Kelly Clarkson has been an idol of mine (no pun intended) for years. During her time in the spotlight, she has been a fierce Miss Independent (no pun intended) and I've always admired her. What a good role model! I'd like to dub her the Queen of Gettin' Over It. For years she has shown us how to be strong and get over that no-good guy. Here are my top picks of her gettin' over it songs. I think these songs showcase how tough this lady is. (Side note: can you believe that "Since U Been Gone" is a whopping 8 years old?!)

What's your favorite Miss Clarkson song?

Friday Flicks: an artist, an iron lady and one of the guys...

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am the girl who refuses to see Star Wars and didn't know who Clint Eastwood was until recently. I just don't watch movies...until about a month ago or so. So now, once a week I'd like to post about a few movies I've seen that week. Maybe I can even challenge myself to watch some classics... Let me know what you think!

This week I was fortunate enough to be able to get out of town and see a couple of movies that we don't have around here. I also watched a movie from the 80s for the first time.

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THE ARTIST

My first silent movie! It was brilliant. I loved the black and white, the romance, the characters, the story... I loved absolutely everything about this film. I loved it so much in fact, that the next day I purchased the soundtrack. If you're looking for good writing music, this soundtrack is it. And if you're looking for a funny, charming, intriguing film, this is it!

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THE IRON LADY

I watched this movie because I love Meryl Streep to pieces. I think she is an astounding actress, and that makes her my favorite. Although I went in knowing just the history class basics about Margaret Thatcher, I walked out with respect and interest in her as a person. Thank you Meryl, for blowing me away once again.

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JUST ONE OF THE GUYS

An 80s movie that was recommended to me because of how much it is like my own life...to an extent. A high school girl who wants to be a journalist? Sounds like me a few years ago! Her article isn't chosen for a contest and she believes it is because she is a girl. So what does she do? She dresses as a guy and attends a different school! This movie is hilarious in that cheesy 80s way. This is definitely going in my collection between Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink.

What movie did you watch this week?

Anti-Valentine's Day? Happy February!

2012-02-01T05:31:00.000-06:00

February has just started and that means that Valentine's Day has been in your local stores for about three weeks. Last year I celebrated Valentine's Day on the blog with four different music playlists embracing love. The playlists were songs about love and kissing, power ballads, and country classics. (You can see them here, here, here, and here.) While you can expect more of the same this year, I've also decided to play up the flip side of the coin...let's embrace some anti-Valentine's Day as well! So this month, expect the best of both worlds when it comes to love and this holiday.

That being said, I'm looking for guest posts. I want to hear a story about your best (or worst!) Valentine's Day. You can email me at jhaish09@gmail.com. I can't wait to hear from you, and if I like your story, you may see it on The Musings sometime this month!

To kick this lovey-dovey month off, let's try a song that might fit your situation at the moment... "You love her, but she loves him. And he loves somebody else...you just can't win." Are you in this state of mind right now? (And if you are anti-Valentine's this year, you'll love Rodney's playlist...check it out here.)

Myth #8: Fate will take care of it.

2012-01-31T12:48:00.000-06:00

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Fate, coincidence...what's the difference? Something happens without an apparent reason or cause, but it makes sense. Somehow the distance between point A and point B become zero and something happens. But is it fate or is it merely coincidence?

When it comes to love, there is this myth that two star-crossed lovers were drawn together thanks to fate. They met because of fate, they happened to glance at each other at the same time because it was destined. Is that really something to rely on or is the chance meeting more of a coincidence? I mean, it could have been anyone...right?

If fate exists at all, I think it should be more appropriately labeled as coincidence. I do not believe that there is some greater force that we have to rely on and later thank for doing something for us. I firmly believe that if you want to make something happen, you have to do it yourself. Don't spend your life waiting for fate to find you, don't stick around waiting for destiny to call. More likely than not, you're waiting for nothing, and you'll be waiting a long time.

Fate is an idea we have the hopeless romantics to thank for. The ones that truly believe in fate because of some grand scenario that happened to them or someone they know? Honey, they are called the exceptions. There's an exception to every rule, and those people are it. Fate does not exist, and if you and Prince Charming board the same train by chance, the train you don't normally take? Look around...there's a lot of duds nearby that you could have met as well. Thank coincidence for that bout of luck...or thank yourself for waking up early that day.

What do you think of fate? Or are you a believer in mere coincidence?

Music Monday: Let's compare love to music, shall we?

2012-01-30T04:34:00.000-06:00

Music has plenty of songs about love, but what about the songs about love being like music? (Those are some of my favorites.) Here's three videos of newer songs about love being like music...which tunes would you add?

"I love you like a love song baby, and I keep hittin' repeat..."

"My heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close..."

"Shawty's like a melody in my head..."

Those weird guys that show you good music.

2012-01-26T14:58:00.001-06:00

Sometimes we meet someone that isn't right for us but gives us something to walk away with. Maybe we learned more about ourselves, life, or relationships. But sometimes, Mr. Wrong just shows you a really cool band, and it totally makes up for how much the two of you didn't work out.

This weird one was lovingly dubbed the Date from Hell in a blog post. It truly was a Date from Hell, even though he seemed like such a cool guy the couple of times we had hung out before. The thing that really captured my interest about him? He had an amazing music collection, and he played musical instruments.

My heart melted, then hardened when I realized he was sort of a tool. But before we stopped talking, I remember him playing a CD for me in his car. It was a band I had heard of but had never listened to before. The first song he played for me was "Kiss Off" and as soon as I got home that night, I made sure I owned that song. From then on, I just kept adding to my collection...my Violent Femmes collection.

And although it didn't work out between the two of us, I can still look back on those couple of weeks fondly, because he was a cool dude...at least when it came to music.

Do you have a Mr. Wrong to thank for your musical taste?

Archie, my first ginger love.

2012-01-25T00:31:00.000-06:00

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I really have a thing for ginger men. I've even blogged about my fascination, I love them so much. Something about their hair color, skin tone, maybe the fact that they are rare...I love them. And after some thinking I was able to trace back my ginger-loving roots...all the way to the first ginger I had a crush on.

Archie Andrews.

I started reading the Archie comic books in elementary school; every time my mother and I would go to the grocery store I would beg her to let me get one. Over the years I acquired quite a collection. The first time I ever used Ebay I purchased Archie toys. In high school art classes I recreated scenes from the comic books. I wanted to be like Betty when I grew up. And much like my idol Betty (and Veronica) I couldn't get enough of that ginger teenager.

Archie Andrews is probably the most suave ginger there ever was (I mean, he did have two girlfriends!) He seemed to lead such a fun life, I know I wish that I had a friend like Jughead. The gang was so cool, and I'd like to thank Archie for being such a cute ginger. Thanks to him, I loved reading even more and the comics also captured my appreciation for art. What a cute little ginger he is.

I would definitely move to Riverdale and fight Betty and Veronica for him. Right now.

Did you read the Archie comic books? Do you love this ginger as much as I do?

Myth #7: No more nice guys!

2012-01-24T03:29:00.000-06:00

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The rumor as old as time is that women don't want nice guys. Well, we say we do but we always go for the bad boys, then complain to the good guys in our life about the bad ones. Well, that's how it goes, doesn't it?

We think we want the bad boys, and maybe for a while that's what we do want. We almost...look for them. We are walking into a catastrophe, but deep down inside, we know that we want and need a nice guy. But unfortunately we all go through the bad boy stage at some point. Don't worry, we will outgrow it someday.

So why aren't we wanting that nice guy, the one we always rely on? Because believe it or not, there are some qualities the nicest guy could pick up from the bad guys. Confidence, excitement, and just a tiny bit of drama are what's most intriguing about the bad boys. Not so much what they do, but who they are when it comes to their personality. Maybe you could learn something, boys?

But just because we aren't chasing the nice guy right now doesn't mean that we never will. There's a time and place for everything, and we all know that we do want a nice guy. I hate that there's a myth that women don't want the good ones. I mean, they are called the good ones for a reason, right? I think there should be more good guys in the world, but if there weren't any bad boys, then we wouldn't realize what's good for us once we find him.

What do you think about the rumor that women don't want the nice guys? Is being a nice guy really that bad?

Music Monday: What music video do you wish you were in?

2012-01-23T01:05:00.000-06:00

Music videos are just another way to appreciate good music -- especially if the video caters to your interest. But have you ever loved a music video so much that you wish you were in it? These are my top three picks for music videos that I wish I had a part in.

Call me crazy, but I wish I was the chick in this video.

My favorite band, an awesome video. Try and tell me you wouldn't want to hang out with Liv and Alicia!

Janet Jackson. Paula Abdul. This song is funky and so is this 80s-licious video! I want in!

I could make this list go on and on! (My honorable mention goes to Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield.")

If you could be in any music video, what would you choose?

we will always love you, etta

2012-01-20T13:31:00.000-06:00

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This blog is more about music than anything else, and what would music be without Etta James? She passed away early this morning due to complications from leukemia. Etta James left her mark on the music world, she truly touched people with her gorgeous and unique sound. Not only has she moved avid listeners, but major stars and singers alike. She was and always will be an angel, and a voice that will be remembered for ages and ages to come. Rest in peace, Etta. You will always be an angel and we will always love you.

What did Etta James mean to you?

Finding Baby Spice on Twitter. . .& other 90s nostalgia I've felt this week.

2012-01-19T11:56:00.000-06:00

There I was, tweeting another pointless yet so relevant quote, when Twitter spoke to me. There, on the side of the screen, Twitter was suggesting people that I should follow. I rarely pay attention to this section, but the blue check mark of a verified account caught my eye. That's when I saw it....Twitter was suggesting that I follow my childhood hero. Emma Bunton, a.k.a. BABY SPICE is tweeting. And Twitter knew enough to tell me so. My giddiness made me feel like I was back in the 2nd grade, toting around my Spice Girls Collector's Manual, or Guide to the Girls or whatever it was. Back in the day, we would always play "Spice Girls" on the playground. I would always boss everyone around until I was able to be Baby Spice, even though with my brunette hair I looked nothing like her. My friend with long, blonde pigtails would obviously make a better Scary Spice, anyway.

This seems to be the week for 90s throwback. At least for myself, that is. I saw Beauty and the Beast in 3D. I got dressed up and stuck a Belle pin through the front of my dress to show my pride. I have an obsession with this movie, after all, it is my favorite Disney and third favorite movie of all time. If you like this movie at all, you need to go see it in 3D. I think I was scaring some of the kids in the auditorium with my still-in-my-seat dance moves.

Speaking of movies, I've been watching tons of movies that I've never seen before...all from the 90s! The last week alone, I've watched Titanic, Empire Records and 10 Things I Hate About You... all for the first time! I know, I know, I'm ashamed. As a friend tweeted to me about watching 10 Things for the first time...

"um, you just saw it for the first time?? 90s kid fail."

But I'm working on it! After all, when most of the movies came out, I was between the ages of 5 and 10. Although I loved all the romance in these movies, I don't really think they would have spoken to me then like they do now.

To top off all the 90s nostalgia I've been experiencing, I decided to make a random 90s playlist, which I'm going to include for your enjoyment. I've made a couple of copies for friends because this is awesome! I mean, helloooooo Hootie & the Blowfish!

RANDOM 90s PLAYLIST

1) Wannabe - Spice Girls
2) Tearin' Up My Heart - 'N Sync
3) I Want it That Way - Backstreet Boys
4) The Sign - Ace of Base
5) Doctor Jones - Aqua
6) What's My Age Again? - Blink 182
7) ...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
8) What a Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera
9) Out of My Head - Fastball
10) When I Come Around - Green Day
11) MMMBop - Hanson
12) Hold My Hand - Hootie & the Blowfish
13) Save Tonight - Eagle-Eye Cherry
14) Summer Girls - LFO
15) Cowboy - Kid Rock
16) Bitch - Meredith Brooks
17) Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
18) I Want You - Savage Garden
19) Jumper - Third Eye Blind
20) She's So High - Tal Bachman
21) Waterfalls - TLC

Have you been feeling the 90s love lately?

Myth #6: What about the "one that got away?"

2012-01-17T13:17:00.000-06:00

Every Tuesday I'm bringing you a dating or relationship-related myth, story or article and I'll weigh in on the issue then turn the table to you guys. You can reply in the comments or on your own blog - but I want to hear your stories and what you think about the subject! Make sure you check back here on Tuesdays for more about love!

The other day I saw a guy that asked me out way in the beginning - before I even had my driver's license. I was 15, he was 16 and I didn't even know he existed. But he had his friend pass me a note with his phone number on it and after some deliberation, I made up a lie that I wasn't allowed to date and turned him down. It's not that I wasn't interested, it was that the idea of dating terrified me.

I saw him the other day, almost six years after he had stopped constantly pursuing me, and he was cute. Happy, too. He seemed like a genuinely good guy, and that's something that I am currently convinced does not exist. Does this classify him as "the one who got away?" I don't know. I think the idea of the one who got away is absolutely ridiculous. Yeah, I said ridiculous, Katy Perry.

And here's a super crazy, ridiculous video about the one who got away.

Why do we get upset over a person that things didn't work out with, even way after the fact? I believe that if for some reason they "got away" then they were supposed to. You let him go, he didn't get away, remember?! I know that I personally reflect on the past a lot, but I'm also realizing that wishful thinking is not the route to take. If you sit down and start naming off all the people you had missed connections with, people that you lost after one wrong turn, you're not going to be happy. It's toxic to fantasize about what could have been.

I say, let's stop focusing on what got away and think about what we have yet to find.

What do you think about the ones who got away?

Music Monday: Songs about Me

2012-01-16T14:41:00.001-06:00

Isn't it the coolest thing when your name is in a song? When I was younger, my mom would play Carly Simon's "Jesse" and I still know the words to this day. Why? Because even though the song is about a bad boy ex, I've always related to that song because she was obviously singing my name. I've loved that song since I was a kid and I can't help but grin when I hear it on the radio.

Then of course, there's Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl." Yes, this song is referring to a dude as well. But in high school, someone on the newspaper staff I worked on started singing the chorus to me whenever I would walk into the room and it just caught on. Besides, it's an awesome song, and a badass video. I can't complain!

Sure, if my name was Jessica, I'd have a few more, probably more appropriate song options, but these two songs have really meant a lot to me over the years.

Do you have any cool songs that you share a name with?

14 Random Funky Songs. . . the playlist

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

photo via

I made this mix for one of my best friends the other day. I wanted something funky and fun, and I think this mix did the trick! Do you like any of these songs?

1) Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes

2) 99 Red Balloons - Nena

3) Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie

4) You Wreck Me - Tom Petty

5) All the Young Dudes - Mott the Hoople

6) Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol

7) Rip Her to Shreds - Blondie

8) Lovefool - The Cardigans

9) Keep Your Head - The Ting Tings

10) Short Skirt/Long Jacket - Cake

11) Friday I'm in Love - The Cure

12) Kool Thing - Sonic Youth

13) Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People

14) Stereo Hearts - Gym Class Heroes (feat. Adam Levine)

Chick flicks are ruining my life. Kind of.

2012-01-12T14:01:00.000-06:00

photo via

I've been watching a lot of movies lately, mostly chick flicks. I've always watched them, drooled over them, memorized every line.

Even though I was raised on princess stories and romantic comedies, I've never really fallen to what they deliver. Damsel in distress? Not me. Preaching about fate and destiny and finding a soul mate? Not me either. I've never even daydreamed about my wedding. So why do I melt when I watch yet another movie where John Cusack talks straight to me, or...err, the camera? Why are my favorite movies Dirty Dancing and Pretty in Pink if I don't live this stuff in my everyday life?

Maybe it's because I like the "escape." I know that it's not going to happen for me. I didn't spend my night after high school graduation chasing down a guy I loved for four years, only to find out he felt the same way. I haven't randomly boarded a train only to meet someone I was destined to spend the rest of my life with. I haven't met a John Cusack type, and that's about the only thing I want from these crazy stories I wrap myself up in. I just can't get enough of that man in black.

So why do we do it? Why do we watch these movies, knowing that it can't and most likely won't happen for us? Why torture yourself? We know that The Notebook doesn't happen every day. Yet we read the books tens of times before they become a movie and when they do, we buy the movie tickets in advance. It's our grown-up version of those princess fairy tales we read as little girls.

I may not be one of "those girls," drowning in the movie and expecting it in real life. But it's a nice fantasy, and maybe it's what we crave in the back of our heads.

What do you think? Why do you watch chick flicks and romantic comedies? What kind of effect do they have on you? As for me, I'm going to watch another John/Joan movie...

How to be alone

2012-01-10T13:48:00.000-06:00

Instead of talking about a dating or relationship myth this week, let's ponder being alone. A friend recently showed me this video, and it really meant a lot to me. Most of the time, being alone is underrated, and the myth is that being alone is not okay. However, I think this video truly challenges that myth. Just look at all of the things you can do and accomplish...just by being alone. "Cause if you're happy in your head then solitude is blessed and alone is okay."

What do you think about being alone?

Music Monday: Movin' On Songs

2012-01-09T12:40:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you hit that point in your life when you think: enough is enough. Enough of the games, enough of the drama, enough is enough. It's time to move on. Thankfully, music has plenty of songs to express exactly how you feel and help get you through it. Here are two of my top picks for "movin' on songs."

"You better call your momma when ya get to town cuz I aint gonna be hanging around
At the baggage claim, you got a lot of luggage in your name

When you hit the ground check the lost and found cuz it aint my problem now"

"Wave goodbye to me, I won't say I'm sorry, I'll be alright once I find the other side of someday"

I think that these songs prove that moving on doesn't have to be dark and sad. It can be full of empowerment, like Miranda sings about or even *gasp* happy and hopeful - like Sara shows us. So what's your movin' on song?

When's the last time you took your parents' advice?

2012-01-07T22:42:00.001-06:00

Sometimes Mother and Father know best...even when you didn't ask for help.

I've been going back and forth on a decision that I've been attempting to make for the past few weeks. I'm nervous, I'm worried, I'm antsy, I'm insecure. Then one night, my parents let me know how they really feel, and it changed everything.

But I didn't even talk to them about it.

There I was at home, still struggling to make the same decision I've been fighting with for what feels like an eternity My parents walked up to me and apparently had a lot to say. They just laid it all on the line, telling me in a brutally honest way, how they felt about what I was deliberating with. I wish I could specifically remember the things that they said, but all I can remember is the way it made me feel. The way they made me feel.

Then I woke up. It was all a dream!

I felt like I had finally come to a conclusion, that I could resolve things in my life. I have no idea what they said to me, but it must have made sense, because I made my decision, and I don't regret it one bit. The way I woke up that morning: feeling motivated, determined, and just...sure. I knew that they had pointed me in the right direction, without doing anything at all but everything at the same time. A crazy dream that felt like it kicked me in the ass, a crazy dream one night changed everything.

So when's the last time you took your parents' advice?