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Running

Well Loyola... it's been real.

But summer officially begins today for me! I took my last final at 9am (what a doozy it was) and now I begin the moving out process, going home for a bit, then beginning another summer of conference services here on campus. I'm extremely excited for the summer but I'm sad to say goodbye to what has been a fantastic sophomore year.

HALFWAY DONE!? That doesn't register with me yet. It probably won't until fall, actually.

Highlights -
*Friends. Anything and everything I did with my friends and all of the inside jokes we created and the adventures we had - those things are the bones of the college experience.
*Tori Amos concert(s!) - all three amazing, especially the November 6 show.
*Watching the entire Sex and the City series
*Buzzing my hair! I don't think I can go back to gelling it.
*Discovering my love and passion for bleu cheese.
*My classes, which (for the most part... won't name names) were all fantastic in their own way.
*The growing up process... I turned 20 and I actually feel 20.

I won't be blogging over the summer... mostly because I'll be working mostly and while I certainly have some interesting experiences with my job here, I'm not sure if they're blogging material. However, if something worthy happens I'll post it, so periodically check back here if you feel so inclined.

To everyone who read this blog this year or talked to me about it - thanks for reading and I hope you learned or gained something from it. Have a fantastic summer and make some memories!

Next time you hear from me, I'll be in Rome....

TO BE CONTINUED.

Finals, LastFM, Alanis, Oh my!

Long time no blog! Wow, it's been forever since I last updated (Well not FOREVER... but it's been a while based on my blogging habits).

However, I have good reason - this week and last have been utterly insane. Like most students, my classes are drawing to a close and that means final papers, exams, presentations... followed of course, by finals. My finals schedules isn't awful - 1 final test, 1 semi-cumulative exam, 2 cumulative exams (one being in Italian.. eeck), and then a final reflection paper. It could be worse! They're fairly spread out too, which helps my health and sleep.

MUSIC LOVERS, READ:

For this post, I want to share with you a fantastic website a friend told me about a while back. It's called LastFM (www.lastfm.com) and it's bigger in the UK and elsewhere abroad. Still, I'm trying to promote it as much as I can here in the states.

The program runs in the background of your media player of choice (Such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc.) and it electronically documents what you listen to - this includes what songs you listen to, what artists, and your most played of each.

I'm a music nerd and it's intereseting to see what my listening habits yield for each week. Of course, at the top of my most played artist list is Mrs. Amos. Sheryl Crow and Patty Griffin are currently in a heated race for the second slot, and Alanis Moriessette and Madonna fill the rest of the top 5.

Past generating these charts, LastFM also allows you to network with people of similar tastes. Through these people, you can find out about concerts in your area, similar artists to the ones you listen to, and even access free downloads. It's really fun, really easy, and I highly recommend it.

Speaking of Alanis Morissette, I listened to her a lot earlier (you can see if you go to my LastFM profile, http://www.last.fm/user/JMG88/) and it reminded me of how I discovered her. I would call her my first musical obsession... Indulge me while I share this story:

I remember being at a friend's house in California and Alanis' video for "Ironic" playing on MTV... I was in first grade or second grade. I went home and told my mom I wanted the "tape" with "Rain On Your Wedding Day" on it. At the time, her friend was over and said, "Oh yeah, that's Alanis Morissette." My mom asked if a kid could listen to her and I just remember her friend cackling and saying, "Uhh.. doubt it." She told my my mom about "You Oughta Know, " and then wrote out the lyrics to "Ironic" for me (from memory!). So I at least had that.

From that point on, I BEGGED my mom for the Jagged Little Pill tape. She did buy me the "Ironic" Single (on cassette!) but that's all she budged. I played the heck out of it -  I get really nostalgic when I hear it. I remember playing the tape over and over, flipping it to both sides.

Then.. grandma came to visit...  She said she would buy me something at Wal-Mart and so I told her I wanted the Alanis Morissette tape. She of course said, "Anything you want!" not knowing who she was or that my mom told me I couldn't have it. I went home, ran to my room, and started playing it as fast as I could before my mom could realize what my grandma bought me. During "You Oughta Know," she came in and pressed stop on the player and said, "Jacob! You KNOW I said you couldn't have that tape!" I just kinda looked down. She groaned, pressed play again, and just left the room

From that point on, I played Jagged Little Pill and I consider it the soundtrack of my youth. However, as I went through a huge Spice Girls/pop phase (), I forgot about Alanis and pulled out Jagged Little Pill very rarely. It wasn't until I started buying all my cassettes on CD that I realized Alanis had released a second album. I bought the second record, Supposed Informer Infatuation Junkie when I was in 5th grade? I think?

I've been an avid follower and fan ever since .

She is set to release her fifth studio album entitled Flavors Of Entanglement on June 10. You can download the single, Underneath, at iTunes and also hear clips of a couple of other songs on www.alanis.com

/end Alanis plug.

Everyone, please enjoy your week, take some time to listen to nostalgic music, and relish in the fact that summer is upon us.

Check out Diminuendo's "Rock & Roll" issue (I'm in it!)

If you've noticed the little magazines with a black and white crowd who looks ready to rock, then you need to actually pick one up and open it... and turn to page 20 and you'll find a submission from moi.

When I first hear the words Rock & Roll, I don't think of the typical loud guitars, mosh pits, and sing-a-long anthems. In my opinion, you can be just as loud and make the crowd go just as crazy with a piano ballad and passionate vocals. That is why I believe Tori Amos embodies the characteristics people associate with Rock & Roll.

That's also why I submitted this photo of her to Diminuendo magazine! You can find the magazine in pretty much any building on campus. Check out the index to find my page. It's in black and white in the magazine, but here's a larger, color version:

I also want to congratulate Diminuendo for doing a fantastic job with their Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Afterglow series. Each issue gets better and better! Not to mention, all those who have submitted poetry, art, pictures, and writings - they're all extremely special and valued. I believe art should play a larger role on campus than it does and this magazine is a step in the right direction.

Remember - Be spontaneous!

Yes, what you see is true - I have new pictures on my blog site. The old one just wasn't cutting it, and I wanted to have super snazzy pro-photos like some of the other bloggers.

My friends and I are starting to come to the shocking realization that we have about 4 weeks of classes left before finals, and more importantly, summer! To all you incoming freshmen reading, take my advice - make sure you take the time to enjoy your college experience. I'm already starting to see why people call these days 'the best of your life,' and I'm only two years in! It's absolutely amazing how fast time has gone. It feels like just last week I was moving into Regis and saying goodbye to my Mom, rearranging the room with my roommate, and meeting people that I now call my best friends. Of course you'll have your fair share of stressful work, but allow yourself some spontaneity:

-Go out to eat instead of eating on campus on a random night.
-Do an assignment in advance in order to plan for a night out
-Make some EasyMac in your room and have a movie night with your friends
-Play a board game! They're not just for ages 5 & up.
-EXPLORE THE CITY! <--majorly important.
-Make sure you have a decent camera to document your good times, at all times.

I know, you're thinking "Of course, I'll be doing all of those things." I said the same things before I entered my first year. However, it's easy to get caught up in your work and the stresses of college life, and sometimes hard to sit back and enjoy it. For all you current students reading, I'm sure you can echo my statement. I'm also sure you can look at that list and realize you haven't done enough of those activities, or maybe none?

Some of the best times I've had here and the times I'll remember most when I leave here are the ones where I  received a random phone call from a friend saying, "Hey, let's go eat downtown tonight," or "Want to go to 7-11 for junk food and sit outside?" You'll experience that slight moment of hesitation..."But I have this 5 pager due tomorrow... "

However, you'll find that opportunities like that don't come up all the time. Take advantage when you can.

That's all for me for this week. Friday approaches and I am ready with open arms. *queue song*

The strongest man in the world.

My thoughts are in a million different places right now (how's that for an emo start to a blog?).

But in all seriousness, I just finished reading Michael Cunningham's The Hours. I'm reading it for my Women in Literature class, but this is one of those rare instances in school where I actually enjoyed an assigned reading. Anyway, for those of you into books full of metaphor, drama, and contemplative notions, you should most certainly read it. Two thumbs up from me, that's for sure. However, be warned that it might make you fairly (or very) depressed.

This week has been a mess of homework, planning, socializing, and everything else that occupies us in the hours before (and during) sleep. We're getting into the last few weeks of the year; I think we have about 5 left? Maybe a little more or less? This time of year always feels jumbled. People rush to finish things but also try and enjoy the end of another important chapter of their education, and their lives.

One chapter I can certainly close is the one on Tea Time With Two Loons For Tea. Planning the event took up much of my thought space and time since I began the planning process in late January. It was stressful up until the first note was played by the band. Only then could I begin to breathe and bask in the success of the event. Sure, we didn't have as many people as I wanted (we had about 35, I wanted triple that). However, we raised money for the GLBTQA scholarship, and also exposed people to some amazing music.

The band arrived around 2pm and began setting up, during which we served tea and cookies in Bremner Lounge. People socialized and it was exactly as I envisioned. 

Then, the female half of the band, Sarah, alerted me that there was no sound man to manage the band's soundboard. I thought the student union workers were capable, but they didn't have the knowledge to manage something as complicated as what the band had. For that moment, I panicked. I tried not to let it show, although I'm sure my deep sighs and closed eyes gave me away.

Randomly, an Advocate member named Dan said he had some experience managing soundboards similar to the one the band provided. When he sat in front of it, the flash of "oh no.. this is not what I'm used to" darted across his eyes for a second, but he soldiered on. After a 45 minute delay, with help from union workers and random patrons, he got the sound levels even. The show went on.

The band took the stage around 6:15 and played for about an hour. As I sat in the audience, watching people nod their heads to the beat and eagerly clap at the close of the songs, I felt a sense of pride. I felt regretful about the sound issues, but all that mattered now was that moment of people enjoying the event for its intentions - relaxed atmosphere, fantastic music, and promoting awareness of an important cause. Not to mention, at  that point I could enjoy the  show as a fan. After all, I have been a fan of Two Loons For Tea since I was a junior in high school (maybe prior, actually) and I had never seen them live until they played here at Loyola. I mouthed the words and tapped my foot to the beat, completely lost in the exchange.

Jonathan, Sarah, and the rest of the band graciously thanked us, as we did them, and stayed around to chat with the audience after their set. They were both as friendly and humble as I imagined. They even said they'd love to come back  again.

Once they do, we'll have the sound problems fixed beforehand.
And now, for the pictures...

Here is the banner I threw together a half hour before set-up.

The band feeling the groove (Jonathan on the left, Sarah on the right)

And another! The band performed songs from all 3 of their studio albums, which are all equally amazing. The highlight for me was "The Strongest Man In The World," and also a new song never recorded, called, "See You Around."

I had to get a pic with the band! Oh, and they didn't smile, I know. That's just their thing. They were plenty happy to see me... honest.

Everyone go listen to at least one Two Loons song at www.twoloons.com, and enjoy your weekend.

Tea Time with Two Loons For Tea THIS SATURDAY!

Hello Blog Readers -

I just want to advertise to you all real quick that Advocate is hosting a FREE concert in the student union THIS SATURDAY!

Tea Time With Two Loons For Tea will feature High Tea served at 4pm, with tea and cookies, and then at 5pm, Seattled-based band Two Loons For Tea will play a 90 minute set of music. You can sample their amazing mix of rock, pop, jazz, classical, and other genres by going to www.twoloons.com - or, by showing up at the concert!

It is a free show, however, we are asking for a suggested donation of $5.00. All money raised will go toward a Loyola GLBTQA scholarship that Advocate is attempting to start.

I realize it's Easter break, but if you're sticking around, PLEASE come! I want CFSU packed with bodies to enjoy good music for a good cause.

JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!

Last week, I did what every decent Chicagoan has done:

I was an audience member of the Jerry Springer show.

When I tell people this, their reactions range from, "OH wow! Awesome!" or, "Uh, why?" and my favorite, "Was their mud-wrestling between a trailer park family?"

Was it awesome? Not really. I expected much more than I got, to be honest. To say it was unscripted would be like saying Jerry Springer features intelligent, moral content - both are extreme lies. Before the show began, Jerry came out and greeted the audience and did a small stand-up routine, basically. His humor reminds me of those dad's that your friends have; The dads that tell the most obnoxious and lame jokes but since they're your friend's dad and you feel the need to be polite, you act like you've never heard anything more funny when they tell them. He made puns and corny jabs that did bring on a few chuckles, but nothing side-splitting.

The topic for the show I saw was "Revenge" and featured three different story lines. The first was the story of a lesbian woman that caught her girlfriend cheating on her with the girlfriend's ex-boyfriend and the father of the girlfriend's child (still with me?). For payback, the woman beat up the ex-boyfriend's car with a baseball bat and painted random phrases all over it. She then brought out her girlfriend and made her beg for forgiveness, and act like a dog (which she did). When they brought out the ex-boyfriend, the woman said he wasn't man enough for her girlfriend and that's why she left him for her. He then proceeded to claim that he was 'plenty man enough' and stripped down to his - yes his - bra and panties. It was... a sight.

The next story featured a woman who caught her boyfriend cheating on her with the woman down the street (they used a more negative term) and then recorded it. She finds the video featuring the couple as well as scuba-diving equipment, football pads, and everyone's favorite, a potato. The woman called out the cheating boyfriend and his mistress. After a shouting match, the woman and the mistress got into a famous Springer catfight, which drew cheers at the command of the producer.

The final storyline was that of a small, southern family. The father wanted his daughter's lazy boyfriend to move out of their house. His wife, the girl's mother, thought he was being too harsh. The boyfriend thought the father was ruining their lives and decided to tackle him, which lead to a fist fight in which the father actually bled (which was probably the most real aspect of the whole show).

During all three stories, the audience was under the command of the producer. He told us when and what to cheer, when to boo, when to sit, and when to stand. After an hour, being treated like the girlfriend from the first storyline got old. It got to the point where my friends and I mouthed even the famous, "JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!" chant.

So to answer the "Uh, why?" question, I mostly went because my friends had an extra ticket and begged me. I also thought it would at least be an experience and something I can tell people I did. Who knows? Maybe I'll get lucky and someone will see me chanting and screaming furiously and decide that I should have MY own talk show? If so, I can assure you it won't be anything like Jerry's show.

Some people (as in Sia) are REAL artists.

Haven't heard of Sia?

Maybe you have but you just don't know it. Her song Breathe Me was played on the season finale of the TV show Six Feet Under. Previously, she had been an underground success. Now, she is selling out venues, much like she did last night at Chicago's Park West, and garnering legions of dedicated fans.

I am most certainly among these adoring fans, and have been so for a couple of years now. After a friend played Breathe Me while we were doing our homework together, I've been hooked. Her voice is hypnotic and can go from a delicate whisper to a powerful, vibrato belt.

She just released her third album, Some People Have REAL Problems, and is currently supporting it on tour. I was lucky enough to catch her on tour this past fall and was overjoyed to have the chance to see her again not one night, but two nights in a row.

The first night of Sia's Chicago adventure was a performance and signing at Borders on Michigan Avenue. I was joined by my friends Clare and Jacob. We kept each other entertained during the wait, having good laughs over a photographer who was wearing a shirt three times LESS his size, as well as just talking about random things going on at school.

Finally, at 7pm, Sia entered the stage preceeded by her band. She played six songs to a packed third level of the store and signed CDs for fans afterwards. I got my CD signed, and also snagged a somewhat decent picture.

Last night, Sia played to a full house at Park West. The energy was infectious; Sia commanded the stage not only with her amazing band and her almost alien voice, but also her sense of humor. She continually addressed the audience, even accepting gifts from people near the stage. She played her more well-known songs like the current single, Day Too Soon, the breakthrough hit Breathe Me, the Zero 7 collaborations Destiny and Somersault, and also played a brand new song. The highlight was a performance of an older, rare song called Broken Biscuit which she dedicated to a fan. The power in her voice sent chills up and down my arms through the song's duration. The thing that amazes me the most about Sia is her effortlessness. She hits every note and does it like it takes nothing. To witness that kind of natural talent is truly awe-inspiring.

If you'd like to experience the amazing artistry of Sia, check her myspace at www.myspace.com/siamusic or her official website www.siamusic.net

Or, buy the album! You won't regret it.

New Hair and New Beginnings

There are two things I'm having trouble accepting at the moment of this post.

1) I have half the hair I had a week ago.

2) There will be no more Amanda Dipman-Worthington at Loyola.

First, let's go back to Saturday. It was time for my monthly haircut, so I hopped the train to Belmont and went to Gabby's, my favorite quaint, but high in quality hair cuttery. The wait was nearly an hour and fifteen moments but I was willing to wait for the friendly and fast service, as well as the cheap price of $14. As I sat waiting, I thought of the past couple of days  and how they'd been fairly rough in terms of my personal and academic life. I was emotionally drained, to say the least, and there was a need within me to not only change circumstances in various areas, but also change myself. Subconsciously, perhaps it was me hoping to change other things by changing myself. Whatever the case, the idea kicked me in the head and said, "Get rid of it, get rid of it all."

So when my name was called, I sat in the chair and stared at my head full of hair. I didn't realize how long it had gotten until that moment. When asked what I wanted to do this time by my red Mohawk-ed stylist, I just blurted out, "I think I want to buzz it." He looked surprised, as he had cut my hair at least four other times before and it had always been the same cut. He felt my head for any bumps or irregularities that would make me look like some kind of bumpy melon and did some other mental measurements. He looked at me confidently and said, "let's do it."

By the time he was done, I couldn't believe what I saw. I've never buzzed my hair, not even when it was cool to do in elementary school. I rubbed my hands over it and was still in disbelief. It was an adjustment - but now I'm extremely satisfied. I don't think I've ever gotten more compliments on a haircut in my life. People tell me it makes me look older, or as the security guard at the Mertz Hall desk said, like Justin Timberlake. I don't think I hold a candle to JT's looks, but flattery is always nice. Not to mention, not having to worry about styling it with loads of hair glue and hairspray definitely cuts my morning routine down by 20 minutes or so.

This leap to do something different and new had been brewing, and I'm glad it finally happened. I'm not sure if it changed me the way I was hoping, but it provided a confidence boost. Judge for yourself:

I'm not the only one trying something new.

I recall my first introduction to Loyola. No, not the pamphlets we all got in the mail. I'm talking about the first Loyola living and breathing creature. This woman definitely lived and breathed Loyola, and wherever she goes in life, she'll always carry the Jesuit values and education she received here with her. Her energy was infectious, her voice inviting, and her public speaking skills impeccable. Her name is Amanda Dipman, now Worthington thanks to one Joel Worthington.

I didn't see her again until I interviewed for the coveted student ambassador job. She and two other students sized me up to see if I'd be a good addition to the SA team. In the end, I guess they thought I would be as I am now in my second year as a student ambassador.

Last year and this year, I've had the absolute pleasure of learning from and laughing with Amanda. She's remained one of my favorite faculty members and I will never forget her influence on my college experience. I know I speak for the other student ambassadors when I say she was our 'Mama' at Loyola, filling that maternal void we sometimes feel being away from home. She was always there to offer us advice on school stuff, life stuff, and sometimes to show off new Banana Republic purchases. We even share a love of Kathy Griffin, which makes her cool for life.

Today, I stopped by her office on her last day here at Loyola. She also got a new haircut to signify her own new beginning (which looks fantastic, by the way). I stared at the picture all of the student ambassadors took last week and smiled at how far all of us have come. Although I felt like I was losing something, I knew it wouldn't be the last time I saw her or talked to her. I won't lie and say my eyes didn't water as I walked out of the Sullivan center, but I definitely had a smile on.

Amanda, if you're reading, I just want to say a cyber thank you for providing me with a stepping stone to many other great opportunities here at Loyola, and also for being a friend. I wish you the best of luck and lots of success in the future. I know you'll be a rock star.

Oh, and the next time Kathy Griffin comes here, we're going. No questions asked.