First Acquantance

An Argument for the Earbud Generation

2010-10-07T14:35:00.001-07:00

The blanched wires protruding from the ears of the 90s generation perforate the sidewalks, classrooms and dinner tables across the country. Until recently, I have found the earbuds and their agent Mp3 players to be used excessively in public arenas. It has been brought to my sudden and alarming attention that the earbuds and the music they transfer may in fact be brining more humanity into the user than the dull social environments they are intruding into.

This is not to say that listening to your iPod during a family get together or in the middle of class is okay; it is rather a defense of why one might want to do so. It seems that the emotional response to one's music selection is far more enlivening than the superficial conversations on sidewalks everywhere. When walking across campus, I usually pick up on last nights debauchery and sexual explorations, or the chatter of who dissed who on whatever town is being featured in the wealthy annoying housewives genre. Yet, while walking across campus with my earbuds inserted, I was far less annoyed, excited by the tones ringing in my ears (an actual emotional response!!!), and was more keen to the wind and sun and how they enhanced my listening experience. Yes, I had a very hippie moment.

So when we encounter those who we feel are anti-social, perhaps they are instead anti-our societal dullness and are instead searching for real emotions, real connection, real humanity. Give the earbud generation a break.

Mid Twenties and Getting back to my school years

2010-06-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you picked up your high school yearbooks? I was thinking about one of the best people I have ever known tonight, Morgan. I was really missing his smile, and reached for my Junior year book. Talk about a blast from the past. Although I am still admirably immature and just beginning my life, I still can't believe how much time has passed and how much has happened from the age of ignorance and bliss. Some amazing people wrote some amazing things about me in this book....and almost everyone wanted to hang out that summer once school was over. I wish I had hung out with a lot of those people, just to put the empty words into memories. Man...yearbooks. I encourage everyone to take a peek at their high school yearbooks this summer. If you recently graduated, relish in the fact that you are starting the next page in your chapter. For those that have been out for a while, take a moment and remember how far you've come, or reconnect with the dreams you had. Who knows, maybe you'll find new inspiration, or thank God that you aren't anything like you were back then.

Didn't Quite Make It

2010-06-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Alas, my Vegan experiment did not last the full 30 days. However, I have tried some amazing new recipes and foods that I absolutely love.

I am now in full summer mode. I am enjoying a few weeks of uninterrupted cessation before commencing an English course for the summer and adopting a new job. Hopefully I will be able to find employment as a server.....those wily tips could really come in handy for text books and the like this fall.

Plans for celebrating our great countries day of independence this year are up in the air, yet will hopefully include amazing company and delightful ear candy. July will be full of reading and working as my bestie Lou will be heading to Guernsey for the month. I guess I can't be too sad about it, but I am allowing myself to be very jealous! International travels for me this year: not likely....unless I come across quite a bit more spending loot!

Oh My Butter!

2010-05-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am about half way through of my 30 day vegan experiment and am really struggling. I am feeling really restricted for some reason, even though I am trying all sorts of wonderful recipes. I am craving cheese pizza and an onion bagel with cream cheese.
Last night I had a spot of butter with my bread, which was worth every bite! I am extremely tempted to say I've had a good run, have learned a lot of healthy eating choices, and will stick with a vegetarian diet (which I have done in the past) once I am through. Man.....the next 2 weeks are going to be a struggle!

Vegan Update

2010-05-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

For those who are wondering, I am still on track. The end of the semester has proven to take over most of my time with papers and projects. I have added a few new things to the diet included vegi-dogs (which are delicious!), Malt-O-Meal and Quinoi! I am loving this journey, although I must admit that I am struggling with the thought of no soft serve ice cream for quite a few more weeks! I have noticed a sharpness in my mind and have felt a lot more energy over the past 9 days. I don't know if it is because of what I'm eating or my positive outlook, but either way it's great!

Days 5 and 6

2010-04-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Walking into the grocery store today, I was surrounded by a pleothera of fresh bakery aromas and enticing pre-packaged snacks. Advice to all, NEVER go shopping when you are starving! I made it out with a bag of quinoi, walnuts and vegetable stock. Whew! It was a close one!

Day 5

Breakfast:
Homemade granola with almond milk

Lunch:
Barley Bake
Spaghetti Squash

Dinner:
Organic whole grain penne with spaghetti sauce
whole grain bread with almond butter

Snacks:
Pumpkin seeds
dehydrated apples

Day 6

Breakfast:
Malt O Meal

Lunch:
Romaine Lettuce
almond butter sandwich

Dinner:
Pumpkin/raisin/flax seed muffin
Yam and leek soup

Snacks:
1/2 avocado
pumpkin seeds

Days 3 and 4

2010-04-26T20:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a bit of a challenge when I joined my sister for brunch. She ordered a vegetarian eggs Benedict dish with fresh asparagus and yummy holandaise sauce. I was salivating when it came out with my Asian salad...but after diving into my salad I didn't feel deprived. I've felt refreshed the past two days, and once I can get my sleep schedule back to normal, I suspect I'll be feeling great!
Day 3
Brunch:
Chips and salsa
Asian chopped salad: greens, cabbage, pineapple, crispy noodles, almonds and ginger vinaigrette.

Snacks:
Pumpkin seeds
1/2 avocado

Dinner:
Spaghetti squash with a drizzle of olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning
Edamame
Home made apple chips

Day 4
Breakfast:
Homemade granola
Almond Milk
Kiwi

Lunch:
Brown rice
spaghetti squash plain
baked beans

Dinner:
Barley and vegi bake with onions, carrots and celery
~Topped with an almond butter/onion/garlic cream sauce

Day 2 and Evening In Denver

2010-04-25T02:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got to go out with my sisters (Em, Linz and Vic) in Denver...which I was a bit concerned about for my dinner plans, yet I was able to uphold my vegan diet! Today I have a lot of energy, and am feeling really great. I'm feeling very clear and centered. So here's what I ate:
Breakfast:

Homemade granola
Almond Milk

Lunch:

Brown Rice
Baked Beans

Dinner:

Seitan teriyaki strips
Celery

I wasn't very hungry today, and haven't looked up my nutritional content. If anyone out there wants to give a little input about how I'm doing I'd love to hear it.

The 30 Day Vegan

2010-04-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of a personal project in which I have decided to commit myself to abstaining from meat and dairy for 30 days. I am adopting a vegan diet (with the exception that I may give in to a bit of honey in my tea) for the next 30 days. This is the culmination of a semester long study and analysis of the United States food system. If anyone wants to learn more about what I'm doing, check in here. I would also love to answer any questions about the food industry, and have some great academic journals I can point you to!
Breakfast:

Homemade granola
Almond milk (yum!!)

Lunch:

Salad/lettuce (no dressing, I just didn't feel like it)
Black beans
1 apple
1 banana

Dinner:

Brown rice
Broccoli (steamed)
Carrots (fresh)

Snack:

Mixed nuts and dried fruit

So far I'm feeling great, I'm committed to this experiment, and am excited to see how my body responds to this change!

Devastation in Haiti

2010-01-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

What will he discover when your extensions are out, your tattooed makeup wares off and your padding pops out? What does the vanity mean if you are mean? Looks will only take you so far, as I’m sure you have all heard, yet have you taken it to heart. In a society where headlines are dominated by a reality star’s new fake hair, are you personally concentrating on you? The stripped down you? I am trying to live with intention, not be default. Not defaulted on what entertainment media advises, and not settled on the easy way out.

Thousands have died in a devastating earthquake in Haiti, I’m sure their hypothetical wealthy threads did no service in the end. Tragedies put reality in perspective. Is your reality splattered on a magazine, or is it centered in being kind and whole? Just some thoughts on a somber day.

Highland goats and gyros

2009-12-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Following hours of discussions with my favorite people, I realize that most of us are in the depths of our quarter life crisis. The prognosis is positive, yet the battle is grim. Uncovering true friends, true intentions and true selves, the quarter life crisis is when you actually think about what to do with your life. College may be closely coming to an end, or your first amazing job turns out to be grunt work from hell. Either way, approaching 25 cosmically forces us to examine our path.
I have taken on painting again, attempting my first stab in chairoscuro featuring a highland goat. I anticipate it to be glorious....or at least a reflection of where my mind is right now. Grappling to finish my degree to start my real career while faking enjoyment at a job that people actually make their career, my thoughts are a little out of sorts. I found myself writing an enthusiastic ode to my sister about a delicious gyro I had for lunch. Really?!! Is that where I must channel my stress? Into Greek lunch sandwiches? I will keep you posted.
P.S.
I thought of an amazing band name. I cannot disclose it, but I am putting it's excellence out into the universe. Self fulfilling prophecy.

Villages

2009-08-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about social networking sites, their use in society, and where they may lead us. I like to take the approach that people, in general, very much enjoy the sense of small community. The mindless chatter that accompanies the daily gossip. The ability to keep an eye on every sudden move of the town fool. Thus the inception and success of sites such as MySpace and Facebook. It is no secret that we have a fascination with everyone but ourselves. I feel that a large part of that is due to the need to stay in a sort of pack....much like the chihuahua, husky and apparently all of America.
We stay in tune with every one around us, and do not feel ashamed of being in the know. If we were just an anonymous face in the growing disconnect of physical interaction, where would we feel the love? As the great John Lennon and Paul McCartney stated, "all we need is love". A love that allows us to worry about everyone else, since we are often so unsatisfied with our own lives. But hey, it's alright, those people we are worrying about are our neighbors.....or friends.....or tally rather in a virtual world.

Countdown to Success

2009-05-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

As is apparent in the lapse since my last entry, I have been experiencing a lack of inspiration. I think things were going really well in my life, and joy is no often inspiring for the soul licking sarcasm that is usually accompanied in times of stress and confusion. Not to say that I am not grateful for my life right now, yet no one has ever said life is easy. If someone chooses to make the mistake in stating that life is easy, it is probably because they have never had to work a day in their life, and have therefore not really lived.
Forks, crossroads, sporks....they all have distinct decisions revolving around them. When is it exactly appropriate to use a spork? And why are they only available in a dispensable variety? The decisions we must face are never easy, and are seldom settling. Thoughts for a currently uneasy mind I suppose.

Fall in Colorado

2008-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have felt a complete lack of words lately, a sort of bloggers block if you will. Although my life has been nothing but a bundle of change, the small events that have unraveled in the last two months are hard to put into one confined story. So, instead of updating with small anecdotes of life back in Colorado, I am going to profess my deep adoration for fall time in the Rocky Mountains.
Last Tuesday I woke to find that the leaves all changed color overnight. I knew the day was coming....the building of the cool evenings, the crisp fresh fall air, yet without warning, my neighborhood was flooded with drifting squash yellow leaves, and red tipped branches. Frost is settling on the browning grass in the early morning, yet the air is thawing to a perfect 65 degrees with perfect blue skies by midday.
I challenge anyone to find a more perfect place than Colorado in the fall. Sighing with complete content, I don't think anyone could find more perfection than this state, and this exact moment.

2008-07-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today, as my final day in Los Angeles, I can't help but feel a little bit of nostalgia as I say goodbye. I will no longer be able to weigh in on the cloudy air, trying to figure out if it is a smoggy day, or perhaps just a marine layer. I will no longer be able to analyze life while going 10 mph on the 405, and I will no longer be forced to collect every small belonging from my car in fear that it will be stolen. Ahhh, Los Angeles. Such great times we've shared. Nights at the pub, nights on the Sunset Strip, and more recently, nights at home because I can barely afford a gallon of gas. I will truly miss the palm trees, and some of the amazing people who, bless them, will continue fighting the good battle here in LA.
For those keeping track, Phoenix was the original plan, yet unforeseeable circumstances, fate, and empty pockets have led me back to Colorado. Tomorrow as I leave, with a sigh of relief, I will take with me some incredible memories. I look forward to this crazy journey, and can't wait to see where I'll end up.

Taking the Offensive Position

2008-06-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a lot going on these past couple of weeks, oh where do I begin.....
I was able to visit Colorado and Phoenix courtesy of HURT about a week and a half ago. They were so kind to allow me to ride their bus from the Springs back to LA as they had a few shows in between. I had a few interviews, looked at a place to live, lost my mind in Coachella Valley....alright so I didn't quite loose my mind, yet I am fairly certain I was on the brink.
The bus broke down in the middle of what can only be described as the entrance to hell with no air conditioning, limited cold water and a lovely 125 degrees of unfiltered solar heat. It was cooler outside, so to get a break from the baking bus we would step out into a 1 MPH breeze of dust filled sun. Once we began moving, our only solution was to essentially hang out the window and pour water over ourselves. This inspired singing and dancing among us girls, and for the guys witnessing the frail edges of our minds, they certainly must have thought they already lost theirs. The six hour-ish drive from Phoenix to LA took a reasonable 13 hours.
Packing for the move has since commenced, and I am living in a fort of boxes. While this situation may seem titillating for those who have spent hours perfecting their box forts in imaginative youth, I have realized that living in the perfected fort is not quite as fun when your legs are obscenely long. The tender area surrounding my knee caps seems to be perpetually bruised as I swim through the battle field that is my living room before I even make it to the safe haven of my heavily armed fort. I have stock piled DVD's, small knick-knacks, and I am starting to suspect that the co-inhabitants of my fortress have stowed away a perishable item or two as a soft odor has been wafting through the walls these past couple of days. I assume they are hording the items until a complete famish has set in.
This evening I am to assault the infamous wax incident. I have prepared myself with numerous minutes of research, and am confident that I can remedy the situation without having to replace the carpet at the scene.
In another set of circumstances that have no relation to the previous events, a few projects that I have been working on have just released:
www.mitfleisan.com
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PvGkz6hsolo

A Little Ditty for the Kiddies: Be Careful What You Rhyme For

2008-06-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Make Sense of Sensible Sensories
Silly slugs slung into your destiny
Protruding poppies perched along dank memories
Providing proper personal penitentiaries

Qualms with quails quiet your questioning
Whilst compositions of catatonic curious casualties
Seem quaint by queer happenings
Cozied in clashing coherencies

Bland barbarians barred by blunt biocentricity
Thrust through thoughts so thoughtlessly
Brash burdens based on baroque brandishing
Tripping on Tylenols and tranquility

__________________________________________________________________

Also, I like these creatures, they are albino pygmy marmosets:

2008-05-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

After what will be a year and a half in Los Angeles, I will be moving to Phoenix in August. The average temperature that time of year is 103, slightly cooler than July, yet significantly hotter than any other place I could ever imagine living. I have yet to surrender to this journey I call my 20s, yet acknowledge the fact that Los Angeles is indeed the city of angels, the kind of angels that suck your soul, and leave you floundering beneath movie premiers, hellish traffic and outrages milk prices.
Here are a few pictures of things I've been working on. Usually these are a result of temporary insomnia, fueled by a sudden creative adrenaline rush, immediately followed by and anxiety ridden need to do something with myself other than watch reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Music on the 405...I am too numb from this experience for a better title

2008-04-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

There will be a day when music will save my life. I know this as much as I know my 5's times tables. Yet, right now, it is clouded by benign timings and loose lyrics that constantly refer to casual sex with the use of poor metaphors. While driving up the 405, enjoying the end of what could have been the most beautiful day yet in California (had it not been for my obligation to my soul-sucking job) I was attempting to consider the blessing that is life, how random and beautiful every turn is, when suddenly all I could think about was that damn new Madonna song with Justin Timberlake. Until just a moment ago, I could have sworn the lyrics were "It only takes 4 minutes to save the world"...I know understand the genius chorus is actually telling me...oh wait, that is exactly what they are saying. I am going to insert a huge WTF right here (and trust me, its purely for censorship purposes only). Now we all know it takes at least an hour and a half to save the world, I've seen Armageddon a time or two. Secondly, after additional research into the song that rudely interrupted my drive-home musings, I have become increasingly more depressed that the catchy rythm has infiltrated my thoughts. One final thought, perhaps this would have never occurred in the first place had my stereo not been stolen...twice.

Activity/rest ratio

2008-03-21T02:04:00.000-07:00

Well after sleeping for a week straight I am currently experiencing a bout of insomnia. That may be one of the tricky parts of being sick. Although I can do nothing but lay pathetically on my couch and watch Style network, I should try to keep in mind the activity/rest ratio. This ratio comes into play only when you are on the upside of recovery, have received a very sufficient amount of rest, have stored the rest, and now have no where to displace that rest in the form of activity at 2 am.
Today was a very conflicted day. I received an official judgment from the Superior Court of the State of California in my favor for the unpaid wages when I had first moved to LA. I really wish I would have just been paid in the first place, now my former employer will have to pay me twice the amount she originally owed in fees and interest. I am not particularly complaining considering we all know that living off credit cards while I was not getting paid is still hurting me, but I know that she isn't going to be happy. Ah-well, lessons learned. Maybe next time she will pony up the dough for the individuals she has decided to invite to work for her little, unfortunate company (no I'm not bitter, just purposefully sarcastic).
Although I was happy about justice being served, I need to take a moment to send my condolences to Lindsey and Shane. Shane's father passed away today, I am so sorry you are dealing with this. My prayers are with you, and I love you and miss you guys so very much. xoxoxo, Porn (for sister face, she'll appreciate it).

Realizations

2008-03-12T00:46:00.001-07:00

Pollen danger in California is a lot worse than in Colorado. I can literally feel pollen spores and their fuzzy little ends tickling my throat in jest. My eyes are swollen shut in the morning, and only halfway open by the end of the day, as though I have presumably been partaking in illegal activities. I therefore look like crap, cannot put my contacts in, and am going crazy. Hurray for hay fever and mother nature's little kick in the knee for using too much oil during the winter.
The 405, 101, 5.....actually any road in general that will lead you in and out of west Los Angeles is a cruel government experiment. Let's see what will happen when we align people bumper to bumper on a curvy freeway, going no more than 10 miles an hour, for at least 20 miles, at the most inopportune time of day; the sun is always in your eyes. Plus, it allows for ample time for pollen to blow through your vents. Perfect.
My new sweet stereo system (battery operated computer speakers wedged into my empty dash that used to hold my literal sweet system that was stolen along with every other imaginable thing in my car), sounds exactly like my phone when it is ringing. While listening to a tune (it does not matter what kind of music mind you), I will inevitably check my cell phone at least twice, 90% of the time it is a false alarm. The situation becomes increasingly worse when I roll my windows down, although with the bleak outlook on pollen inhalation and its results, I am attempting not to descend the windows unless absolutely necessary (like during rush hour traffic when I am sitting on the 405 for an hour, the sun beating through my windshield, blinding me, and making my non A/C equipped car hotter than Cancun on spring break)

Never use a candle warmer on carpet

2008-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have been encouraged to share an incident that occurred several nights ago. In a sudden burst of inspiration, I felt it would be nice to re-arrange my bed-quarters. As I was plotting the position of my furniture, I was caught off balance and slightly bumped my bedside table. Although most would think nothing of this cautionary tale to this point, I will warn you that what is to come next is not pretty.
The small bump led to a huge catastrophe. Instantly I screamed in vain, and leaped out of the way (all the while trying to catch my balance) as the very large burnt orange, forest scented candle that was melting on my candle warmer came toppling to a gruesome splat on the white carpet. **Insert all sorts of unpleasant words of frustration here**
Seeping into the carpet, I could do nothing but watch the wax dry and examine the situation. It appeared as though I had murdered a small animal....wax, which now looked blood red against the white carpet, was everywhere. Ruining both pairs of fuzzy slippers, multiple magazines, and plenty of assorted papers.
Attempts at wax removal were somewhat successful, yet the dyes in the candle have stained the carpet. Room repositioning was then subject to murderous carpet space. The bed is covering the blunder for the moment. I will be replacing the carpet before I move. Dang.

February

2008-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

My birthday turned out to be absolutely wonderful! I was pretty bummed that I was so far from everyone this year, yet Amber and Anet (Evan's mom), treated me to a wonderful girls day. We had pedicures done, and got henna. Andy (Evan's pop) made homemade chicken pot pie, as us girls baked cup cakes and pineapple upside down cake.
Alyssa had been out of town that weekend, so on Valentine's day we celebrated my birthday and each other's friendship with sushi!!! Yum!!!
Last weekend I went up to Solvang to see Carol, and fell in love with the Santa Ynez valley. It looks like Tuscany, and the entire feel is so European. I took the train into Santa Barbara where Carol picked me up. I felt like I was on Harry Potter, too fun! I had a great time and can't wait to go back.
Still no definite word on my job situation. I can potentially be going on tour in April, yet nothing has been officially offered as of yet.

Best Weekend Ever

2008-01-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Thus the official title of my weekend in Arizona. It was absolutely amazing seeing Lindsey and Shane. I am so proud of them, they have done insanely well for themselves. Plus I was fortunate enough to welcome in their new puppy Penny!

I'm actually keeping up with this

2008-01-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

I would have liked to post all the happenings of my day yesterday, yet for the sake of my reader's boredom I have decided to update everyone today. The call has been put in to the tour manager and I am patiently waiting the verdict. My amazing roommates have been so incredible, supporting my goals right now. I am truly fortunate to have a family in LA, I would be lost with out them. Tomorrow Evan is playing a show in Hollywood, and then we are off to Arizona to visit SISTER!!!! I will have plenty of pictures to show you guys next week. xoxo

Introduction

2008-01-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to stop forcing my family and friends to indulge in my life, I will now allow them to vicariously live through me on a voluntary basis....thus the creation of this blog. I will put up new writings, let you know what's going on in my world, put up pics, etc.
I am going to be calling for a P.A. job tomorrow, everyone send me good vibes please, I can use all the positivity I can get at this point. I was feeling stuck in a sense with my current position at work and in my social circle, and have decided to get rid of the toxicity in my life and start making things happen. "To live by intention, not by default"