Sunday 23 November 2008

Flight to San Fran & Friday Night Lobby Party

Mr Lampert called me at 6am to wake me up so that I didn't wake up late and miss my flight. It was ever so sweet, because I didn't ask him to do it and I couldn't simply go to bed after his call because then I would be letting him down.

So I got up and got ready (I had already packed the night before, and quite well too), and packed the last of my chargers and toiletries and then proceeded to do a little work before I had to go.

I went to Duane Reade and picked up film, gum and batteries and then hailed a cab and took off.

I was so proud of myself for being up early and being on time.

The taxi made me feel quite sick, I hadn't eaten and he was doing that horrible thing where they brake constantly so that you're always going back and forth, back and forth and oh, it was awful. But at least he was quick. I arrived at the airport at 9:30 and my flight didn't leave until 10:50.

I checked in and made sure I entered my Qantas Frequent Flyer number and was very happy to see that my ticket had been stamped 'Sapphire Priority Access'. I didn't know what it would do exactly, but I like Sapphires so I was happy.

When I got to the security line the guy looked at my ticket and told me I could go through Priority Access and I was really happy, because JFK was busy that morning. I did a very quiet, "Muahhahah" as I twisted and turned through the roped lines.

Once out of security, I realized that I could go to Club too, which is my favourite place to go to at airports, mainly because the toilets are so nice...and I like being called, Miss Hill. : P

For once in my life, I just strolled up to gate instead of rushing and panicking...I wasn't carrying anything super heavy and painful, and... I don't know... I know this entry sound stupid, but it just felt nice to be organized and grown up... I was still flying Economy so little things, like nice toilets and quick security make you happy.

The flight was okay, I can never get comfortable in those seats.

I wrote a letter (LLLOONNGG!!!) to my Mum and then Mamma Mia! came on, and I knew I would never rent it on purpose so I decided to watch it. It was nice, cute with lots of energy, but still a little lame and at some points, the quality was super low. I also thought the direction was really poor, especially for the 'Money, Money, Money' song.

The actors (the "oldies") like Meryl Streep and Julie Walters made the film though, their youthful energy and actual good acting made the film better than it might have been without them. And Colin Firth....well, I wont ruin it, but that was a side of him I've never sen before! : P

Wow. This is one of the lamest blog posts ever.

Haight and Ashbury is quieter than it was for February 2007. Lots of joints had closed. It was sort of sad.

I did have a great conversation with Jake at the Peace Cafe though, it's always nice when you just to get talk to someone and learn about their life. I like that.

Amoeba Music is awesome as always, took so many pictures of films I want to rent/buy when I can afford to.

Went to the Hilton and hung out in the Lobby, so many wonderful YouTuber's were there. The energy was great, and I was in the right frame of mind to actually enjoy myself and talk to people (sometimes I get far too awkward and can't relate, but that night was great). Just thinking about it, I get super happy. Everyone was just adorable and so interesting to talk to. It was great to see Dax again, and Rhett and Link, Poykpac, Molly, Olga, SupRicky, Brandon Hardesty was lovely - I was being odd on purpose and decided I had to force him to hug me, but then we had a conversation using only our hands and some weird sort of interpretive dance, and Michael and his Husband were adorable and sweet as always.. gosh, so many people. All I can say, was that everyone was lovely.
I enjoy THOSE gatherings. Where there aren't so many cameras, less talking about yourself, more talking TO other people. I suppose the other gatherings could be like that too, but there is often too much pressure to be something you're not...

Last night was good. Okay. I'm sorry. I guess I am just having a happy moment. Wow, this is going to make me even more lame... but I don't hang out with people very much. I get very nervous in social situations usually, but last night was just perfect.

Oh and thanks to Danny for the Indian Food - awesome.

Oh and the PopTub guys were really nice, I think I freaked one guy out though by commenting about his smile too much - sometimes I should just be quiet and keep my first impressions to myself.

Alrighty, I'm going to do some work before getting ready and get there early... I'm not a tip-top-tuber so I have to fight against all the other crazy people! : )

-The Nervous Blue Blanket and Virgin America Pimp Session. <3

Thursday 20 November 2008

YouTube Live! - MySpace

Current mood: adventurous

Category: Parties and Nightlife

http://www.youtube.com/live

So I'm going to YouTube Live on Saturday, will you be going too? I am very excited about the artists performing and seeing the featured YT guests. I will be busy because I will be there for work, but I do hope to take time to have fun and celebrate YouTube streaming Live. Pretty awesome event to be a part of. Thanks to Damien xoxo

Wednesday 19 November 2008

Ravens And Foxes; An Update

Hello, I'm sorry I missed my Live Show - I was looking forward to being consistent, but the Internet was down and I was dealing with other urgent matters, like paying rent and escaping this whole, '3 Day Notice to Pay or Quit' thing.

Ugh, just give me a week and everything will be fine.

It's not like I'm irresponsible (anymore) or poor, there was just too many deposits in such a short space of time; bad timing, but good in the long run.

I just want to get my deposit back... So much money... MY money. : (

Well, I sold my book (almost, just got to get my paypal details again), so that's great!

I sort of like selling stuff.

I wonder if I should try to create something and put it online? People have been telling me to do that for ages... I think I now have the creative drive to actually go do it. What do you think?

Calli came to stay for Saturday and Sunday night.

It has been such a long time since I've seen her, but she is still as adorable and charming as ever. If you don't know her she is known as TheSlyestFox, she is also in a band: Beasts and SuperBeasts, and she is also the creator of HotForNerds - but at the moment, most of the girls are failing at posting...well, I know I am : /

Calli was visiting her cool friends and my roommate, but it was still lovely to see her again and get some tips about what kind of facial cleansers I should use - yay for girls!

The great thing about FINALLY caring about money is that I make more meals for myself or at least buy products that turn into an 'Instant Meal'. The only problem with cooking when you have only studied one year of Food Technology is that you end up cooking yourself French Toast for dinner...because it's easy...

Oh, and then you end up creating a Fog in you're own "house."

Well done, Caitlin. Your Mother would be very proud of you.

Funny, but it made me think of fire safety... if that was just from the Gas being on too high, then the chances of me waking in time to notice a Fire before I died from smoke inhalation first would be very low.

*shudder*

Looks like this is more of a "journal entry" than an entry about one thing (thanks very much for enjoying my Chocolate article too), so I guess the only thing to report is how odd it is that Raven's seem to follow me everywhere these days.

Not only did there happen to be a White-Necked African Raven (in a cage, *sad face*) at the National Arts Club the other day, but I just received a beautiful letter in the post from a Mr. Nathan Armfield who sent me an original piece of artwork entitled, "Raven Overlooking the Destruction of Time in the Valley of the Vision".

I felt really lucky to have this piece and I was also confused as I can't really connect how Mr Armfield knows me or how I know him. If we have met, it will only take one clue for me to suddenly remember, but for now, I'm at a loss.

Fox Lampert says that the Raven is my Totem. Maybe it is. I just find it funny that I've always felt this pull towards any black bird, but it is only now, that Ravens follow me everywhere. I enjoy the mystery of it all very much.

Before I fly away on thoughts of fancy...

I want to sit on stone staircases and ready dusty tomes.

What am I listening to, right now?

Thomas Simmons: 2002 Lecture at Stanford #2 - Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies - available on iTunes

I am preparing to work on these Request Videos, there are many, so forgive me, but I really want to do this as best as I can. I think I may get the first Request Videos (the one for people who forgot to request anything) out tonight!

-The Unforgotten Ticking and Stick filled with Sabon Aroma 'Paradise'.

Saturday 8 November 2008

Even More Places For Depressed People In New York City


The 11th Annual Chocolate Show has returned to New York City, nestling down at Pier 94 for a few days after having visited Tokyo in January and Paris last month.

The show kicked off last night with a tantalizing Fashion Show and will stick around until the 9th.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at $28 an Adult, Children under 12 get in free, unless you have more than 2, then each addition child costs $8 – way to make the youngest child feel guilty for being the ‘extra one’.

A large list of exhibits from comfy home style brownies to exquisite, exotic works of chocolate-y goodness are on display, but don’t expect to get your grubby palms on any of these chocolate refineries, but do prepare yourself and bring a bucket for the amount of saliva you will produce while walking through the exhibits.

And if you and your sweetie-pie, your sweetie-pie being your tongue, want to escape from the kids for a few hours, or days, you can leave the kids at the ever-original KidZone (where kids have so much fun due to the capital Z!!), which “provides fun, creative and education activities for children related to chocolate…”

Educational? Really? I never would have considered learning how to make a person out of Smores educational. The closest they will get to education is counting how many times they increase their risk of developing diabetes when they are 60.

Still, the Fashion looks fascinating, all the designers seemed to be heavily influenced by Asian culture, with some taking on a more Spanish vibe, while others were heavily influenced by Africa, Native Americans and, of course, The Spartans. Ever since those 300 sweaty gay men poured onto our IMAX screens, fashion designers haven’t been able to leave their “style” alone.

What do Spartans have to do with chocolate, I hear you ask?

Well, 300 Spartans are still probably delectable enough to get your mouth-watering, never mind whom they decide to “celebrate” with after a bloody battle.

Anyway, now that my mind is full of the glory that is David Wenham, be sure to visit the site to investigate the cooking shows and competitions, and the book signings happening at Barnes and Noble.

As much as I'm fascinated, I'm sure I'll just end up with a good ol' Cadbury Bar.

-The Chili Peppered Hot Chocolate and The 100th Viewing of Chocolat

Wednesday 5 November 2008

America - We Love You

I don't belong to this country and I never will. That's just the way it has to be for some travelers.
I do know that I am extremely proud of the people who DO belong to this country, who do make up the fine country that is the United States of America.

You will now realize, America, that the world doesn't hate you. We don't want to. We want to appreciate all you've done for us and all you have given the world. And we will. We will follow that bright beacon now that a true, honest leader is lighting the way.

Of course, times will be tough. Every move will be scrutinized. Not all of our dreams will come true. Money will be lost. Wars will not end immediately. And not all damage, to your fellow people, your allies, your enemies, and your country will be undone.

Maybe we can now believe in our planet. Maybe now we will look beyond our computers and towards a bright, shiny new day. We'll step out onto the fresh earth and plant a tree, ride a bike, support our leader, stay informed, let our voices be heard.

As Gandhi said, be the change you want to see in the world. We are the change. We are humans. The most advanced species on this earth. We have so much power and we have come so far, we can go further and we can do it in a natural, safe way and give our children a healthier, safer future.

This is the step that we needed to take. Obama is not the solution, he is the inspiration. It truly is up to us.

They say the president is nothing more than a CEO. But CEO's can be influenced by their people. While the government may still be working in an inefficient, if not, corrupt way, they will never change unless they hear our protests; hear our voices.

And Obama told us he was listening. So stand up and say something now, while everything is just getting started.

Totals