textually frustrated.

droid does...allow insomnia to persist

2010-07-18T02:38:00.001-04:00

this is crazy to me. while the morning hours creep by, a chow/lab mix breathes against my side, pressing me into the wall as we fight for inches on this twin bed. his toes twitch- my leg aches. some 90s drama talks to itself on my computer. I don't know if I leave it on for the sound or because of the rush I get from hacking my boyfriend's netflix account.

now many would choose to follow the dog, but I? I am pleasantly awake, thumbs jolting around like they're directing an orchestra. but at 2:30 on a Sunday morning, I am doing nothing but blogging on my phone.

I hated my blog because I never had time for it. I hated having to leave my thoughts, and not be able to resume them until I was in front of my computer. now, since I have a handheld computer- with a phone app- I can log on anywhere.

see, I loved my blog because I love writing. I love having people read my writing. I love that people want to write because they read my writing!

maybe you can't tell... but I've been a little bit:
TEXTUALLY.FRUSTRATED

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.7

Metah, Wetah, Itah, Youtah !

2010-02-18T02:15:00.000-05:00

SO its been a hot minute since I said hello to express my frustrations. Well, actually I'm not too frustrated out here in Utah. Of course there's a lot of things that aren't NY or VT aka I'm dying without Dunkin' Donuts iced coffees and breakfast sandwiches, but overall its been a trip.

I think there's a lot that's different, and if someone tells you otherwise, they're lying.

One of the obvious differences, is the mentality of Eastern vs. Western raised skiers. I'm not saying I'm better by ANY means. A prime example of this is that I double ejected in the middle of a run the other week and I have no idea why...

I think the East breeds them a little tougher. It's not that my Western loves are wussies, its just that I don't mind skiing in the fog. I don't mind skiing in the snow. I don't care how cold it is or if it's icy. I'll be there. I feel like there's so many times here where it will be cloudy and people say nahhh to skiing. It's pretty devastating to not be able to find people to go with on account of cloud coverage.

Everyone admits to being spoiled but I don't think you can understand exactly how lucky you are to live here if you haven't skied in some bad weather. The West has it pretty good.

That being said, I think growing up on the East made me a better skier. Maybe I die in powder but I can grip on hidden ice, cruise most areas, and generally, have learned to adapt to any situation. I am not pro, but I feel confident skiing. I have not had formal training but it just feels good.

My boots are old and stomped out, they wiggle and jiggle as I race around the hill. Skis chatter beneath me, varying in speed as sweet spots of wax hit the snow. It's not perfect but it's the best feeling in the world. This is my thing. I'm not good at everything, but this? This, I can do.

I like being able to have the chance to ski here where there's less elements to get in my way. Less time worrying about ice means more time going fast! Which is one of my favorite things in the world. Brinking of the edge of in and out of control is amazing. It's like walking on the edge of a cliff.

I dunno. I'm beat. Out for now!

Two Weeks Notice

2009-12-19T00:35:00.000-05:00

The bus driver waved, and I started crying.

Jim is one of the best people you may ever come across. He smiles, he knows your name and he knows it's your neon coat hustling across campus to make the bus--- and waits.

Today was my last day at school in Vermont. There's a lot of technicalities, but the long and short of it, is that I'm a St. Mike's Alum. The week seemed to be going okay, sauntering by and being gone before I knew it, much like the sunlight on a brisk Burlington day in December. And then it was gone.

I woke up today at 7:27. Right before the alarm, good work Jen. Except I had set the clock for 7:45. Oh well. I stayed in bed, motionless and thinking about things. I was up by 8, eager and dreadfully nervous at the same time.

Everything seemed to go wrong, but I made it to my 9 o'clock final, 5 minutes early. Matty and I bantered a bit, did the damn thing and busted out. I went around campus to return books and leave a few notes to some VIPs, and was off to pack my final bags into the car.

There are some moments that should be kept to the people I had them with. They will always be cherished and they will always mean the world. Always.

But one moment was unexpected, unexplainable and still rattles me.

I was at the light that turns into campus, in the left lane. The bus always rides on the right, waiting for the light to turn so it could swing into campus for the lucky bastards who had a 1pm final. I was creeping up next to the bus, craning my neck up and out the passenger window when I saw the waving hand. It was Jim's. And there was his smiling, sunglassed face, with the same defined look of pure happiness that I won't ever forget.

And then it hit me.

I am sad to leave the place, but most importantly the people. The moments. The professors who passed me based on my efforts and not my tests. The awkwardly cute freshman boy who would always hold the door. The people who I met at orientation- who still said hello and knew my name. The people like Jim who made it all worth my while.

I will miss you.

It's an unexplainable feeling. I am being selfish, but I need to be. I want so badly to do this for myself, but there are so many good things that have brought me to this point. I loved and hated all the hugs. I loathed the words "I'm never going to see you again." I am not dead. I am not sick. I am making a change and it has consequences. It has new rules. It is a new game and I must play it accordingly- with 100% of myself.

So here's to the hugs. The handshakes. The tears that streamed down as I shut the door behind so many of you, slumping against the wall and maintaining the silence.

I carry your hearts with me, I carry them in my heart.

6.5 Billion

2009-12-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

11. I got ELEVEN days left in Vermont, and it's just hitting me. There's so much to do, so much to avoid, and so much to pack! So much to absorb. Whether it's moments or drinks with friends, here's to surviving.

I still have pretty mixed emotions about the event. There are people here that mean the world to me, people who make me laugh on a daily basis, people who pick me up when I fall off of chairs, hide my lul-moments at the Halloween dance, people who push me into randos at parties I don't want to be at. There's people who physically eat my homework, and people who stick Steven's Pass stickers all over my shit. People I go on plutonic dates with, people I survive early morning classes with. These are my people.

And I'm leaving them.

Sure there are new people to call my friends, and people I have yet to meet, a whole nother 6.5Billion or something if we want to get specific. And I won't know anything about them until I get out and try to meet them.

Regardless, the people on the EC are unlike any other. We're tough, we have to be. We have to have faith in the uncertain.The snow forecast. The Red Sox. The morning commute. We never know when the good will come, but we hold true to the moment when it will.

I never thought of myself as the type who would leave the East. I thought it'd be my place. Ski in the winter, beach in the summer. Sure the West has those things too-- it's just different.

There isn't even a Dunkin' Donuts in Utah.

Call me crazy. I think I might be.

ain't too frustrated.

Secret's Out

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

So as people have been slowly hearing, the rumors are true. This pure-bred east coast girl will be picking up and moving to the 801, also known as Salt Lake City, Utah, starting classes there January 5th. While I've got a little more than a month before I depart, there's still tons to do.

It was a tough choice to make, and is currently still catching people by surprise. It seems like most ECers are either born jonesin' to run, or get their feet stuck in Maine's sand, Vermont's snow or Syracuse's mud. I guess I just seemed like the type who'd stay stuck.

This year I turned twenty and I knew I needed something different. I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but after a trip to Utah with the lovely Adria , I knew that I might be able to get stuck there for a little bit.

I'm scared as hell but stoked as well, as there is so much to explore between here and Syracuse. Just like Moving Mixtapes says, maybe it's time to get up, get out, get SOMETHING. And I'm ready.

I feel extremely bad that I didn't tell people as I made this choice, but it was just something I had to do. When your feet are teetering on the edge, you can't blink before you jump. The scary part isn't the jumping-- it's getting caught.

So before I leave, I need 50 East Coast Things To Do Before I PEACE. Any and all ideas are welcome. I'll start.. but post up some more good ones!

1) Eat at the Dinosaur BBQ.

2) Ski Toggenburg as much as possible.

3) Take pictures with the windmills.

4) Go to a hockey game.

5) Throw some back with the neighbors.

...off to a great start. Just need your help with 45 more!

hey, I'm not as frustrated as normal.

textually yours,

Snap Back to Reality

2009-11-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

Whooop there goes gravity.

Class starts at 10 and I'm blinking a million times to make sure my eyes will stay open. No promises though because any class seems to be sleep-through-worthy these days.

The pre-Thanksgiving countdown has already started, and I'm anticipating the fury that is the few weeks between that and Christmas- the end of the semester.

Flown by? Maybe, but not without refueling a few times, and a lot of turbulence for sure. This semester has left me feeling old and exhausted. With the weekend drink as the only means to wind down, it adds to the circle of death by adding to my continuous drained feeling.

This weekend, school will be hosting it's annual JibFest. I'm stoked for the on-campus rail jam, but there is a lot to do before Friday comes. And that's just for that. Add on homework (yes, I still do most of it) and single-digit hours of sleep, and somehow it'll all get thrown together.

I seem to be the only person I know who can function on little to no sleep. While it makes me pretty miserable, and can't be good for those undereye circles, it just seems like the only option sometimes. Any free time is devoted to homework, errands or cleaning the house- which seems to be the major factor of time consumption lately.

Being adults, you'd think we'd finally realize that there aren't any magic bathroom fairies, but as it turns out, some of us still think that. Apparently people around me still think there are magic cleaning fairies, as our trash sat in the kitchen for over a week, filled to the brim, reeking of sour decomposition of it's contents. While I quietly refused to empty it, there it sat. Amongst all of the homedwellers and visitors, no one said anything, until a Friday at home prompted a friend to take it out- saying she couldn't take it anymore.

It feels like at 21, I'm closer to 31, yet the "kids" I'm picking up after are all officially older than me. But as the old adage goes, I guess age is just a number...

As class draws near, I painfully hope to pound out a few more lines, though my hands are cracked and dry from dishwashing. Dainty? Far from. Many would leave the dishes out til someone else got the hint-- but I guess that doesn't happen.

When are we going to cut the cord? Because I think I can still see it attached to some of my friends. From household to household, there's still a clear matriarch and patriarch, despite our single-sex living environments. I'm pretty exhausted as a Mom though. The nickanme is a compliment, but the banks about broke with the number of family dinners I've had to sponsor, and the nail polish is chipped from the dishes.

Rant? Perhaps, but it's been due for awhile. I sense a professor lingering. Time to slee---learn.

frustratedly yours,
j

to all the haters

2009-11-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

I used to become upset, no no, extremely angered, when my favorite bloggers wouldn't frequently update their pages. I didn't understand why someone would have a blog if they weren't going to update it.

For weeks, I'd refresh the pages of my favorite blogs, and still would be disappointed- but now I'm the one causing frustration.

People have lives. I think we get so caught up in the million things WE'RE doing, that we forget that other people are busy as well. I can't believe it's been so long since I posted, let alone wrote something significant or meaningful to me. Sure I've been busy writing for my school paper, but that isn't anything I'm proud of.

So hopefully I can get back here soon.

Sorry for making everyone else, textually frustrated.

Seeing = Believing?

2009-10-13T01:22:00.000-04:00

So I've stumbled upon something that is frustrating the hell out of me. It's a matter of legitimacy, mixed in with trust and faith, that seems to be lacking in my life right now. Well, maybe not with me in particular, but I sense it and it's driving me crazy.

I don't understand why, in this day in age, we still can't easily comprehend (certain) things, unless we see them with our own eyes. We believe tabloids, we put faith into the e-world via our Blackberrys and iPhones, but we can't process other instances in life without witnessing them.

Maybe some of you know the specific instance this has spawned from, while others may not. It doesn't matter, because it happens all the time. When did we lose our faith?

We thrust ourselves into trusting electronics, but can't trust people. We rely on technology, but can't depend on each other.

What. The. Hell.

I wish people could trust me and what I know and what I'm doing. Just because you can't see the process or visualize the outcome, doesn't mean it won't be successful. I put my heart into things and then have people who can't understand it because it isn't tangible to them.

Did none of you watch Peter Pan? Did you not listen to Tinkerbell?

Witnessed or not, we have to resort back to trust. You have to let your stomach sit, and wait out that feeling of unsettlement. The best things in life can come from the biggest surprises-- even if you don't see them coming.

Just because someone can't see something, doesn't make it less real. If you love something, just because you don't see it, doesn't make it less true.

ridiciously, frustrated.

Sugar, Sugar, da da da da da da, oh Honey, Honey

2009-10-08T10:58:00.000-04:00

The easiest comfort food around, is sugar. Alright, so maybe it's more of a spice, ingredient, etc, but it can make most things instantly better-- which is why we've been recently implementing it into more and more things.

Sugar is an essential part to sweet treats, most specifically birthdays. Although we will soon be celebrating Kayla & Meg's days, we just partied it up for Heather's this past weekend. To simply celebrate, we made some J e l l - O.

Prepping.

Lime, Raspberry, Mixed fruit, and Cherry.

Feeling a little awkward putting these in the fridge as Steve & Chris stare us down.

Had to turn to the pie dish with overflow.

Rando girl who insisted on wearing this crown.

Just kidding, it's Heather!

Jell-O went over well on Saturday, but the real hit of the weekend came during, dun dun dahhhh! Sunday night dinner. If you didn't notice, I like cooking, baking, etc etc. Going back to my roots from summers at Kimberly's Ice Cream Factory, I decided to make Heather a birthday cake... made of ice cream. I've only done this in the pink walls of comfort at the shop, and was nervous about the task.

Trying to replicate the way we did things at work, I spent Sunday working on the cake. Considering the fact that I didn't have top-notch equipment or products, I tried my best anyway. The goal was to make a vanilla and chocolate layered cake, with the classic cookie crumb center, decorated in a cute yet classy way for Miss Heather. This is the result.

Happy Birthday Heather!

mmmmm chocolate drizzleeeeeee

Chef Tom eyeing the desserts for the evening. He makes the final call on what's good.

It worked! Epic layers!

Plumber's here to fix the drain.... don't go there....

always

frustrated!

Injuries & Spiders

2009-10-07T19:34:00.000-04:00

INJURIES

I really shouldn't be bitching. I mean, really. I have never had a cavity, any extreme surgeries, or broken bones. While I know I'm lucky, I'm currently suffering from the following:

Went to bed and this eye was a little pinky. Woke up and it was significantly red. Kthx to whoever bare-ass farted on my pillow.

Hard to tell, but that little fleck on my forehead? I found that little guy and wasn't sure where it came from. Then it hit me. Actually, the freezer door hit me. I was squatted down checking on jello shots (story to come) and didn't see the freezer open. Oops.

I know I'm not the only on who's done this. In an effort to squish down the trash, I completely forgot that Meg had thrown a plastic cup that had cracked in there. I palmed the trash, heard the crack, then felt the pain. The pics don't really show it well but they're each a half an inch long and the top's pretty deep. Oh well.

Spiders

In the same nature class that I took my bike class with Kayla, we also talk about animals and bugs. Today, we talked about spiders. Kayla cringed when my professor said we were going to watch a quick video about spiders.

Although I wasn't super stoked on the idea, I was glad that the lights would be dimmed and I could close my eyes. Instead, I watched the whole thing, intriged and loving it. I hope you like it too:

UNTiL THEN
textually frustrated

Hungry

2009-10-05T12:57:00.000-04:00

One of the feats that I always amaze myself with, is the ability to cook. As a junior living in a campus apartment, I have a limited meal plan, thus forcing me to make the majority of my meals. Trying to avoid the Ramen diet, I have gotten in the habit of buying veggies, chicken, and turkey, that I common make sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or wraps with.

This past week I took everything I bought and cooked it up. I thought the week might be hectic so getting ahead couldn't hurt. Two hours later, the masterpiece was finished:

Mushrooms, magical!

Lulz.

Alright, let's just get this straight. Tons of people hate on broccoli, and I used to think so too, but it's actually super dank. Eat it.

Under construction.

Zucchini and summer squash are good when in season because they are stupid cheap, hearty, and hold whatever flavors you add to them, really well. We'll catch up with them agian later.

Since the carrots and broccoli are a little tougher than the other veggies, I put them in the pan first, with some butter and water, so they would simmer and soften in texture.

I was actually looking for a Vidalia onion the day I went shopping because they are a lot sweeter, but the reds were on sale and are good for adding color into a dish.

Rasta Peppers! I commonly say this to refer to the combination of red, green, and yellow peppers. The green are usually significantly cheaper, but if you can get red, yellow (or orange) on sale, totes mcgoats do.

I wouldn't sound like a pseudo-Vermonter without a plug for composting, although I have a grudge against it since the school's designated compost chick didn't answer my emails. Suck it.

Butter, salt, pepper. Count it.

The onions, peppers, and finally, mushrooms have been added. Make sure to add the mushrooms last to prevent them from.... getting mushy.

Roomie Alexsis totally showed me up, in the middle of my dinner-blogging mission, by making roasted red potatoes, sauteed green beans, and lightly buttered shells. Damn her.

Alfredo (parmesan cream) sauce from scratch. Super easy as long as you pay attention to it do it doesn't thicken wrong. Because then it will look like baby puke and it's freakin' gross.

BUTONI!!!! Definitely didn't make my own pasta. Upgraded the reg. tortellini to spinach to be jazzy.

Everything flooded together, but it's: Cheese-filled spinach tortellini with carrots, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and broccoli in an alfredo cream sauce with sauteed zucchini and summer squash.

Maybe this wasn't the most exciting blog post... but next: Jello shots and Ice cream cake!

UNTiL THEN

textually frustrated

On a Bicycle Built for Two

2009-10-01T22:28:00.001-04:00

The mystical song always used to seem so fun and cute, illustrating the young love a man has for a girl named Daisy. In case you don't know or don't remember...

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do,

I'm half crazy all for the love of you.

It won't be a stylish marriage -

I can't afford a carriage,

But you'd look sweet upon the seat

Of a bicycle built for two.

Okay I recently rode a bicycle built for two.....
..it sucked.

This semester I signed up for a course entitled, "Feature Writing- Nature/Outdoors." Hoping to become a ski journalist, I thought this class would help me write about my experiences on and around the snow.

It's not exactly what I expected.

This past Wednesday, my professor took our class to Local Motion, on the waterfront of Lake Champlain in downtown Burlington. This non-profit group works hard to promote healthy lifestyles and eco-friendly choices. Our afternoon started off with conversation with Chapin Spencer who works tirelessly for the organization. After he gave us a bunch of information, we got suited up with helmets and assigned bikes, headed out to the Colchester Causway by way of the Burlington Bike Path. My good friend Kayla and I decided to rent one of the two tandem bicycles.

Let the fun begin.

My helmet didn't fit. It was cold. I refused to take of my uni hat because it was cold. We tried reaaaally hard to look cute regardless! Ugh

Little pit stop that "bridges" Burlington and Colchester.

I recognized this from LJ jumping off of it at the end of one of the Meathead movies.

A little break before we turned around. This was a strip with water on either side. We swapped the tandem with some eager (ha) classmates at this point.

Artsy.

Trying to be artsy, ride my bike, and take pictures. Fail.

KAYLA!

SCARY!

I really suck at this photog thing.

Wheel.

Sun shining on New York across the lake.

Again.

I really love when the sun streaks through in selective areas.

Some cool art that I sat and appreicated after surviving a TEN mile bike ride!

If you're ever in Burlington, come check Local Motion out!

I have to go ice my butt and legs some more.

Until then I'm (more than usual)

textually frustrated.

I Do It For The LULZ

2009-09-30T09:33:00.001-04:00

There isn't much to say today other than I have a major case of Suckzor going on in my life. At least I got homework for one class, done in another class, all the while making the prof in the first class love me. Don't ask me how I do it, because I couldn't even begin to tell you.

As for hump day, we might as well make this humorous, seeing as how I am extremely grouchy over the fact that my Utah and Colorado friends will be getting snow this week, during the same time that I bask in the puke-initiating dwelling known as my apartment. (It's not the smell, it's the heat. Waking up with your sheets and clothes stuck to you, along with major cotton mouth on account of +75 degree temps in your bedroom is NOT amusing.)

SO ANYWAY-- The point. Let's get to it,

This is not my car. This is not my park-job. But it amused the hell out of me, even though I was frustrated that I had to park further away from classes Tuesday. Shit happens. And then you die.

Besides....

I DID IT FOR THE LULZ.

Until then, I'm still

textually frustrated

American Pie

2009-09-28T18:35:00.000-04:00

Let's get one thing straight: I suck at all things American. Contrary to my friend Mike Rogge who dominates every skill associated with "Amurrrcca" (i.e. beer drinking, babseball, and he probably is a forced to be reckoned with at the grill,), I love all things Canadian; my friends, hockey, and french fry creations. But I will tell you one thing, I make a mean apple pie.

The apple fest in our apartment started after various conversations between the roomies about being more Vermonty this year. Three years in the Green Mountain State and we can't reall say much as far as our outdoor adventures go. So times are changing readers. This past Saturday we went to Chapin's Apple Orchard for a nostalgic hour or two, in hopes of bringing home some ruby reds.

As you are aware if you actually read this blog on a regular basis, (Adria and roomies, that's you) we do family dinners every Sunday. Fitting perfectly well into our assignment on the schedule of making dessert, the apple excursion led to the second half of the most epic family dinner ever. And so it begins.

For those of you who aren't aware, apple pie and apple crisp are not easy tasks. Apples too mushy resemble sauce and apples too crisp don't soak up all of the cinnamon love juice. It is not for the faint of heart.

Kayla Norris, being the doll that she is, peeled at least a half peck of apples while Heather, Meaghan and I scooted to the library for some Sunday homework junk. Within the half hour or so of us being gone, Kayla had all of these babies peeled and sliced, ready for layering in my pie and Meg's crisp.

Victims of Kayla's apple massacre.

These two desserts come in number of varieties, and it seems like it's like people's taste in beer-- sure they'll all fill you up and get you drunk, but it's all a matter of what suites you. With two different family recipes in hand, Meg and I opted to make the two different dishes, thus coaxing our other fear of running out.

Meg prepping the crisp and Kay helping me out by coating the apples for the pie.

With rumors that the guys could be popping over for dinner at any moment (they seem to be mastering their degrees in being vague rather than their actual majors), we threw the goodies in the oven and hoped for the best. I wanted to eat the crumble tops off of both dishes, but knew they'd be especially epic when crunchy and cooked.

Cinnamon, brown sugar, and lots of delicious noise.

The waiting game begins! 50 minutes to ecstatsy!

I know I have ripped on the guys in previous posts on what they have literally brought to the table for our last few meals, but their main courses have really blown me away. Tom Keefe is a man who knows his meat. Take that as you will, but Tom made amazing steak tips about two weeks ago, and didn't let us down this week. Cruising in our door a little after 8pm were two bacon and jalepeno topped meatloaves, (not the scary elementary school cafeteria kind) along with a bowl of peas and perfectly seasoned hand-mashed potatoes.

Wish you were here!

Within fifteen or so minutes, twelve of us polished off all of the dishes pictured above. I was nervous that no one was going to have room for our pies, but miraculously, we all made room. And thank god, because dessert was beyond delicious.

The McGinty Family Crisp.

The Keans' Family Pie.

Coming up on 24-hours later, I think it's safe to say we've finally digested. With a few servings of crisp and slice of pie in the fridge, it's safe to say it was a successful night in the land of family dinners. I have to admit that I didn't know if they would stay strong, but I'm sure glad they did because if the food didn't draw you over, the conversation still would've.

Latina Princess.

UNTiL THEN,

textually frustrated.

IF3rd

2009-09-24T22:27:00.001-04:00

Snot sliding down my throat, I sit on the living room couch, also known as my little brother's former love pad, and watch.... oh shit what am I watching? Word, It's on BET right now and thaaaaaaaat isn't gonna happen (because I'm not Alexsis' dad...) so hold up a sec and let me find something legit for background noise. Ha ha ha Eight Crazy Nights on Comedy Central and it's just barely 11am. Love it.

This past week has been full of tissues, DayQuil, and non-alcoholic liquids, courtesy of the 2009 installment of the International Freeskiing Film Festival, or as it is commonly called, IF3. A week ago at 5pm, Colleen and I bolted up I89, hopped the border, and entered the city of Montreal, which I tragically haven't visited since the same weekend in '08.

For those of you who are nodding along like you know what I'm talking about, LISTEN UP. You're missing out! Since September 2007, IF3 has been rocking Montreal annually, bringing the best stars in the ski world from today, yesterday, and tomorrow to the city for the kick-off event of the season. While most events take years to become successful, this is NOT the case with IF3. Hitting the ground running the first year, they've remained strong, bringing an unforgettable weekend to pros, filmers, industry folk, and your every day riders like myself. In 3 fast-paced days, those in attendance get to see the 08/09 movies, plus learn what it's like to be sorry for partying.

Although everybody who's anybody made it to the event, I'll give you a run down of my favorite movies and moments for those of you who embarrassingly have to admit that you weren't there.

MOVIES:

Refresh -- Level 1 Productions

Level 1 - Refresh Teaser from Level 1 on Vimeo.

While L1P didn't win movie of the year, I will undoubtedly argue that this is the movie to see. Preorder it. Skip class. Tell your girlfriend your Great Uncle Alfred kicked it. Do what you have to do to see this film. With knockout performances from the best riders around, Berman rasies the bar even further into the stratosphere.

Amidst current dispute over the use of Warren Miller's suprise voice-over, resulting in legal action from the Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) group, which is not directly associated with Warren anymore, L1P is still holding strong, premiering an amazing film in countless cities. Many are wondering what to do about the situation, but the BEST thing you can do is support L1P by seeing their movie and telling all of your friends! I haven't been so stoked on a movie in such a long time, and PROMISE you won't be disappointed either.

So Far, So Hood -- 4bi9 Media

So Far So Hood Trailer from 4BI9 Media on Vimeo.

As if it wasn't already known, 4bi9 is as legit as they come. After previously winning Am Film of the Year at IF3, the 4biCrew won the honor of showing within the Pro category at the 2009 event-- and rightfully so. AJ didn't cut any corners in this years film, which was evident in the opening shots. I'm really stoked on this movie after swinging by their house during the trip I took to Utah a month ago. These guys are some of the nicest around, offering up some fresh'n'free iced coffee at their place.

I love this movie because it's got the tight-knit feel of an Am movie, but it's got every other factor that keeps it running with the big dogs. The urban that is presented by the guys is unbelievable, and I'm positive that the bonus features in this film won't let you down. Everyone knows that these guys put out some ridiculous edits, and the stoke factor carries right on over to a feature length film. Cop this while you can. Or else. Blatta Blatt.

------------

Other notable performances include that of LJ Strenio in Rage Films' Pretty Good, along with Charley Ager in Poor Boyz Productions' Everyday is a Saturday. So many films this year had amazing segments, that I'm sure you can find something you enjoy in any number of films from the 08/09 crop

MOMENTS:

It goes without saying (but let's say it anyway) that there's a number of great people at moments that happen during IF3. Some of my favorite are:

-Matt Harvey formally renaming me 'Blondie'. "Cos it's cool."
-Multiple high-fives with Zilla, who didn't even remember meeting me a month ago at first. But regardless, he hooked me up with a shirt so I hooked him up with a beer.

-Being hit on by cab drivers. Happens.
-Wondering where Christian was, it was a 24-hour a day job.

-Late night pizza before hitting the clubs/movies with Bri-con and Mirdur:

--Seeing the moment that Dan Brown (Kapitol Photography) and Dan Brown (gangster) met was a moment in history thanks to Matt Stauble

--Mike Rogge using the word epic in every way possible in reference to the Meathead's next film.

--The Drama Llama was an epic addition, until someone ruined Doug Bishop's night by stealing it.

--Shea Flynn decided to get in on the photo-op last minute...

Today the school shuttle driver got a laugh after seeing how I am still not functioning at 100%. I'm never sorry for partying, but I'm not stoked that I have 8:05 and 8:30am classes everyday. Hopefully during class tomorrow, MattyB will nudge me if I fall asleep.

UNTIL THEN....

textually frustrated.

MTV Cribs: Burlington Style

2009-09-14T17:35:00.002-04:00

This is the true story, of four girls, who chose to live together for junior year.

This is their story.

These are their tales...

I just realized that I combined the Real World into Cribs. Oh well, it happens.

This is going to be a mostly picture/video based, as I haven't done much of that, but no worries.

Rolling up to my new house for the year, I was excited to see what I was in for. Upon first looking at the house, I notice broken windows in the stairwell. If this wasn't a big enough hint, I already knew from personal experience: People who live here, Party here.

Facing our front door, you meet our construction paper name tag that clearly doesn't do us or our personalities. Bent and falling off on one corner, it hangs limpless. I took the liberty of adding a door cling that I've picked up in my travels. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

After being met with these friendly faces, you enter our lavish kitchen, fully equipped with linoleum flooring and faux wood counter tops! There are many cupboards around the kitchen but noting my 5'2'' stature, it makes it pretty hard for these to be functional.

It's nice to have a full sized fridge this year to accomodate our full-sized lifestyle. Oh lookie who we found here!

As you throw a peace sign to the kitchen, you meet the family room. I got to say, I absolutely love this aspect of the apartment. It's awesome to have a veg spot. We have 2 uncomfy chairs and a couch thanks to our learning establishment, but we also have a futon thanks to Dees and a couch thanks to Steve & Jim. I don't have pictures to show you these lavish items, but enjoy our entertainment system, kindly assembled by Jim himself.

In another effort to be more homey around here, I bought some corkboards to hang quotes, pictures, or other roomie-affiliated things. It's a little bare right now, but I'm sure we will accumulate things as time goes on.

My boughts of domestic diva-dom don't end there. Heading into the bathroom, you might want to put your snorkle on. As a group, we decided on a shower curtain, and from there I went a little buck wild. Sorry for decorating.

OH. And I brought this super dope sign from home. Seemed fitting. Can't wait til a confused freshman gets drunk and thinks we have a men's room somewhere else in the house...

Insert "Under the Sea" lyrics here....

Plus what would a bathroom tour be without a myspace shot?

The definition of attractive.

After that, we hit up my room to check out what's going on. Of course I brought my tie-dye back, because what is a college living space without tie-dye? Let's not kid ourselves.

It has since fallen down. OH WELL.

Looking up into the ozone layer, we find my bed. You'd think it'd be cold like the top of Everest, but no no noooo this is not the case. In fact, there is a rainforest effect of sorts, which makes the air hot and sticky, even if the window's open.

I'm super stoked on my pillows and pillowtop, though it shifts weird at the height. I also am glad to have the sunflowers and candles in their own places, it helps in making it feel more homey. I'm a big fan of pictures so I hung a bunch up because this dead space was just going to go to waste anyway.

Trying to overtake the Utah brown with some green! I hope I don't kill this thing-- I'm really amped to have it. Though I'm in the mountains of the east, but I love this pic from out west so I threw it on the desk.

ANDDD NOWWWW What you've all been waiting for: ROOMIE SNIPPETS!

MCGiNTY, MEAGHAN

Age: 20

Occupation: In-House Mom and Everyday Source of Amusement

Hobbies: Being harrassed by me, having bought of loudness, and epic moments of ghettofabulousness

Ever Kissed a Frog?: Does Justin Count?

If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Preppy in Pink

Childhood Play-Name: "I feel like I always wanted to be called Lacey cause on of my friends had a cool older cousin named lacey but now I consider that a hooker name..."

Coolest Thing You Did This Week: Bought 75 Glowsticks.

Use One Word to Describe Jen: Jypsy

REGAN, ALEXSiS

Age: 21

Occupation: In-House Beer Expert, Sports Consultant, and AIDs Activist

Hobbies: Keeping me inline, being awake for late night tv/talk seshes, and general insight.

Ever Kissed a Frog?: Naw ...not my style

If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Gingeritis

Childhood Play-Name: "I didn't have one? Should I?"
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: The weekend starts soon and the Pats play on Monday
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Inappropriate

MOORE, COLLEEN

Age: 20
Occupation: Household Pet, Collector of Candy, Master of Selective Hearing
Hobbies: Distinguished 'ruit partner, tester of baking techniques for frozen pizzas, and La Bamda fanatic.
Ever Kissed a Frog?: Literally no, figuratively yes.
If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Awesome
Childhood Play-Name: "Colleen Cauliflower...there used to be stuffed vegtables in the grocery store and my brothers took a liking to that one."
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: Got my old job back even after blatantly not working a single day second semester last year to ski. I was broke but I think I made the right decision. Didn't think they were going to give it back.
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Ridiculous.

PSEUDO-ROOMiE
NORRiS, KAYLA

Age: 20
Occupation: Being adorable, Mutual Friend in the Assoc. of Well-Endowedness. , and Vermont Local.
Hobbies: Being adorable, going along with our epic plans, and being overly apologetic for no reason.
Ever Kissed a Frog?: "Can't say that I have."
If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Tickle Me Pink
Childhood Play-Name: "I didn't have one either Alexsis, at least that I can remember."
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: I got a new job at the Burlington Free Press!
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Amazing

Coming up... One on One roomie interviews!
UNTIL NEXT TIME......
textually frustrated.

Family Matters

2009-09-07T12:00:00.070-04:00

My Sundays are usually panic-filled on account of my procrastinatory ways. Of course this is a self-fueled problem, but I can solve it some other time. This particular Sunday was following my first full weekend up at school, which turned out to be the biggest letdown since the Segway. After laying in bed til 11:30 because of my lack of motivation to climb down from Mt. Everest, aka my lofted bed, we filled up my car and headed to the elusive land of Wal-Mart.

I always have mixed feelings when I go to that store, because I know it is based on corporate greed and underpaid wages, yet at the same time it's hard for a college student to pass up prices that are at least $2-3 less than other places. Regardless of money, Wal-Mart is always interesting to people watch at because of it's variety of patrons.

After Wal-Mart, we scooted over to the local Hannafords to grocery shop for the week, but it also was to prepare for a new occurrence: Family Dinners.

Coined by our good friend Tom, Family Dinners would be happening every Sunday, bouncing between the girls' and guys' apartments every other week. It seemed harmless enough as we began to pull things together, but as time went on, I knew that it would probably be more fitting to address these gatherings as Dysfunctional Family Dinners.

My house (consisting of Meaghan, Alexsis, Colleen and pseudo-roomie Kayla) had spent most of the day on preparations for that night. We went for the classics by making spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, along with garlic bread. Since the only pre-made thing we bought was the meatballs, the afternoon was overrun with kitchen drama, including a few dancing and singing jam sessions, all the while cutting green beans.

The rule made by Tom, was that the host house cooked dinner and the guest house brought dessert. I was really hoping that the boys house (which last night's guest list included Tom, his friend from Boston, Steve, Mark, Chris, James, and Heather) would be bringing brownies or ice cream after hearing that they were in charge of one item, but as they all walked through the door empty handed, I realized that I might just want to put a few extra beans on my plate.

In all fairness, Chris did bring over some cookies, which would've worked out well if there was actually enough for everyone. Seeing everything we did, they know that we do dinner with intense gamefaces, so next week they better be prepared. (Author's note-- I've since learned that Tom & Mark feel horrendously bad about their contribution, but no worries, I have faith in their promise for a delicious meal in the coming week!)

Regardless of the food situation, it was something new to be cooking and eating together with friends this week. Since coming to school, I have prepared all of my own meals (which has been beneficial to my healthy eating kick,) but it lacks the lustre that a gathering has. Is my independence lacking that homey feeling that we all sometimes need?

The answer is yes. Although I get some sort of mature high from shopping and cooking for all of my meals, the atmosphere in the room last night was something I haven't had in awhile. Even at home, my meals round out to 2-3 people MAX per meal. Seeing every spot on our 2 chairs, 2 couches, and futon being filled, I would say it was an epic success for the first night.

It's at the point where we're slowly admitting we aren't kids anymore. Drinks can be consumed over dinner without the words "CHUG!" slurring through the air. As much as we are college students, we are upper classmen, who don't get bug-eyed at the opportunity to have a drink. Watching the dynamic of last night, it was fun to sit around with friends, shoot the shit, and just enjoy having people to eat with. That's the killer for most kids at college; the subtle times you are alone that never occurred during your 18 years at home. Between cafeterias and at home, there was always a chance that someone would be around, but at college that all changes. I've had countless meals in the dining hall alone.

This isn't to say that I can't function without others, but the conversational presence of another during a meal is a moment that is all too overlooked. The solemn moment of consumption by yourself seems drawn out and pathetic, forced to contemplate your own thoughts or turn to a television. Especially at this day in age, I am bound to be more entertained by the company of my friends, than the programs following the 6 o'clock news.

Regardless of the meal, people, or place, I'm glad that buddy boy Tom voiced the idea to the 2 apartments. While our schedules remain busy, it will be nice to have one common thing a week to concentrate on and look forward to.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Going Solo: The Anti-Red Cup Brigade

2009-09-02T09:52:00.001-04:00

Waking up today, I knew things weren't going to be easy. Fittingly called Hump Day, my Wednesday is exactly that; the cumulative high point of my week, consisting of 2 back to back morning classes starting at 8:30am, and a 3 hour afternoon class. After finding out that the school's shuttle bus was out of service this morning, I was ready for the weekend.

Regardless of your age, you are probably aware that college is the ideal scene to kick back and relax, most effectively with some sort of beverage. With these beverages comes the necessity of housewares to hold = liquids in, most specifically Solo cup brand-esque containers that are typically red in nature and hold around 16 fl oz. Purchased in packages of 100, and usually fairly cheap, they are a great way to avoid stolen or broken glassware in your college dorm or apartment. I also find them to be extremely helpful on rushed mornings, by throwing orange juice or cereal and a spoon into them on my way to class. A staple on campuses everywhere, they are helpful as much as they are "classy" (by co-ed definitions.) When you think college, you think John Belushi, partying, escaping the cops, and of course, of these convienent canisters.

Oh, and I guess trying to make it to your 8:30 Monday morning class too.

It has recently come to my attention that my educational institution is no longer supporting the use of Solo cups, especially on Thrusdays through early Sunday mornings. The school has voiced concerns that these little red guys are TOO closely associated with partying, binge drinking, and drinking games. While I understand the college wanting to keep ragers at bay, I don't believe that the no-tolerance attitude toward a cup to be the answer.

From what I have been told (official updates to come later), Solo cups, and similar looking products, will be reason enough for campus security and res.life to question you, enter your living space, or discard of your beverage. All of these tread on the grounds of fines or stains to your personal record with the school, which is never something people want to deal with.
It's one thing for people to be walking around with their 6-tiered wizard staff's of keystone or pbr cans, but it's another thing to assume that such a generic product means underage drinking. I don't feel like it's my job to supply friends who are coming over, for a variety of reasons, with glassware. I'll be surprised to see how this goes this semester, but if you plan on coming to Vermont, BYOC(up).

UNTIL NEXT TIMEEEEEE

textually frustrated

First Day O' Junior Year

2009-08-31T09:29:00.003-04:00

So the 5 hour drive yesterday seemed a lot longer than the 40 hour one I recently completeled with my blonde buddy, Adria. I don't know if it was the fact that I wasn't stoked on being back in the real world, or that I was alone, but it just seemed like the road was never-ending. (Which is weird to say after driving through states like Nebraska and Wyoming. Turst me, you don't know the open road until you've driven I-80 for 2,000 miles.)

A highlight of the trip occurred when I saw a Geek Squad car being pulled over. Not so smart now, eh?
An extreme low of the trip was following a "Pick Your Own Sunflowers" sign off of Irish Hill Road in Vermont, only to be met with a patch of scraggly, dead excuses for flowers. Noting my love of sunflowers, it was a disappointing detour.

I'm living with girls I've known since freshman year: Alexsis, Colleen and Meaghan, specifically rooming with Colleen. I think if she survived last year, she can survive anything. Everything lately has been feeling extremely adult-y. Who's idea was that? As if waving good-bye to my teens wasn't hard enough, now I'm flying alone, living in an apartment, and making 5-year-plans in the first class on the first day of my junior year. The only thing that's missing is the ability to legally drink so I can handle it all.

The 5-year-plan is what really killed me. While Mattyb and I laughed about our goals, we were a little stunned to be forced into thinking about it seriously. It's no surprise that we both had skiing and westward expansion on the list, but then I realized that when this plan comes full circle, I'll be 25. Sure I have good friends in their late twenties and early thirties, but it's still weird to hear initially.

-------

Today went surprisingly well. With my classes being over by 11:30 today, I hopped back to my apartment and did a bunch of responsible things. My epic grocery store run turned into an amazing dinner of a wheat wrap with cheese, red/orange/green peppers, onions, cukes, carrots, and chicken, and then a romaine salad with feta and balsalmic, and leftovers that fell out of the wrap. It was so good. Last time I cooked was at the Clown House two weeks ago. Those lucky punks got some fresh chicken parm. I am down for cooking, so I hope it works out. No Ramen for this college student!

Dirt! from Evan Heath on Vimeo.

The most epic part of the day was when Dan Brown of Kapitol Photography gave me a shout in regards to Poor Boyz Productions and their 2009 movie Everyday is a Saturday which is touring around the country. Dan is headed to Boston to expand his professional photography business. Being the awesome friend he is, he dumped a bunch of food off to us which of course is never something you can have excess of in college. Thanks Dan!

Tomorrow is an 8:05am class, which hopefully can be survived with my purchase of Dunkin' Dounuts French Vanilla ground coffee that I've pre-made for ice coffee will get me through!

Until next time,
FRUSTRATED!

Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back

2009-08-30T01:20:00.000-04:00

So I guess I decided that I was really beginning to fail as a journalism student with my lack of reading and writing that didn't pertain to Facebook or Newschoolers . As much as I love bopping around on there, even my blog on there wasn't up-to-date or up-to-par for that matter.

Because of this, I think it's time I start regularly posting from here to update you on all the interesting things from the skiing and non-skiing world that I live in. Entering my junior year of collegiate studies, it's about time I become more oragnized.

I'd love to ramble about a variety of things right now; nostalgic crap about a tree in my front yard, my recent trip to Utah, or the fact that I have nothing packed for the 5 hour drive I have in a few hours, but not now. Soon though, soon.

Until then, I'm still....

textually frustrated.

there's sour milk in my nalogene

2007-11-09T00:16:00.000-05:00

i don't think it gets any worse than that. sour milk, we all hate it, unless it's done properly. the more i think about it, my day has been alot like sour milk.

it was bound to be a bad day no matter what. it was thursday. though thursday has some okay tv shows, and preludes to the infamous third day of the weekend; friday.

the reason the day directly correlated to sour milk is simple. if by chance sour milk goes the right way, you can end up with a concoction like yogurt or cheeses and the like. but the other 90% of the time, it's just this disgusting unwanted turn out.

fabulous. my life is currently sour milk. unwanted. unintentional. reeks.

the culmination of all of this was the fact that my bed, that has risers, fell down. I was making it, pissed off at the fact that the sheets were mangled everywhere, and it just fell.

added to that, was the fact that i'm not in the one place i want to be.

as seen above, montreal.

mehhh crap i've been distracted... we'll continue this later.

answering my question on why the cape sucks-- " it's like iceland... in the winter."a.reg

textually frusterated,

pho[tog]rapher

Name-Brand

2007-11-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

alright. so when you're little, your parents try to trick you into buying store-brand products. mac & cheese, cereal, bread. but for some reason, your 5 year old mind can't handle it. we can't tear ourselves away from the blue box that we know as kraft. well, at least i couldn't. i constantly ate the fake-orange concoction and don't really know why i was so fascinated with it. some of us realize that the name brands are just as good as the store brands, only they cost more.

it's taken me 18 years to realize this.

after my first grocery shopping experience, i was able to conclude this. i'm not saying that i've never shopped alone before. but my friend and i had our first experience of shopping for groceries for ourselves at college. we had to foot the bill, compare prices, and decide what we truly wanted, and what we truly needed. it was some kind of moment.

last night i was stuck under the trance of my computer, until 4 in the morning, working on a paper. in the midst of my horrfying night, i found comfort in a bowl of apple jacks. the thing is, these weren't really apple jacks, rather 'apple dapples'- the local store's brand. from being a blue-box-brand loving kid, i realized that these dapples met up to the match that are the jacks. i'm addicted to them, and i saved at least 30cents, which in the college world, is a lot.

alright, sorry for the lamest first post ever.
meeting time.

until then, textually frusterated,
pho[tog]rapher