HBS Chapel

Last night we went to the HBS Chapel for an awesome a capella concert. Two of Eric's classmates are in the all-male group called Heard on the Street (HOTS), and they were amazing. Like now-I-want-autographs good.

The Harvard Opportunes (the undergrad mixed a capella group) opened the show, and they were fantastic. Next, HBS' all-female group, the She-E-Os, performed. And then the boys came out and, like I said, they were just stunning.

Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me; I didn't have a great view from my seat anyway. BUT, it was my first time in the Chapel and I just had to whip out my Blackberry to get a shot of the greenhouse and waterfall that were in the entrance!

Wow, what a building! I mean, it's interesting from the outside (it's cylindrical), but the inside is a beautiful sanctuary.

Anyway, great concert. Wish you were all there.

Happy weekend!

Ingrid Michaelson In Concert

Last night was wonderful. My sister and I went to see Ingrid Michaelson, and she was fantastic (as expected). Since I broke my new camera, I busted out the old Minolta. I was glad to have it, but remembered why we got a new one. And the battery (and the 3 back-ups I brought) completely died at one point. But I did get a few halfway decent pictures during the show.

The show was sold out, but I got tickets about 5 minutes after they went on sale, so we didn't have to worry.

We were so happy to be there. The only downside was that we stood next to the most annoying girls on Earth. You can see one of them chugging her beer. Yes, I'm pointing her out - that's how obnoxious she was. In order to get away from them we had to move to a space where we couldn't see much, but at least we could enjoy the music without some freak hollering in our ears.

Greg Holden, a musician from the UK, opened for Ingrid. He was good, and he sang the best (only?) cover of "Walking On Sunshine" that I've ever heard. Check out his website to find his music.

After the show we waited around while the crowd was clearing and we saw a guy bringing something backstage to have it signed for a fan, so we ran over and asked if he could get our tickets signed for us. HE DID!

Then we went to the merchandise area to buy one of Greg's CDs (we bought Ingrid t-shirts before the show and I already have all of her albums). We got to talk to him and we shook his hand and got his autograph (she signed the real-looking ticket - which I found on the floor after the show - and he signed the paper ticket I printed at home).

And then we saw her sitting there, signing things. Oh. My. God. It's the most startstruck I've ever been. We talked to her and told her how much we love her and that she's our favorite. I probably sounded like a fool, but I don't even care because it was awesome. (I took a few pictures on Emma's camera, and I hope she posts them on her blog.) The show was part of (RED)Nights and they were giving away free posters signed by Ingrid, so we grabbed those too.

AHHHH! It was a supreme adventure (as Emma would say). We walked home in the rain and in total awe.

A NJ Surprise Party

My grandparents (on my mom's side) turn 80 this summer. Their 5 kids threw a surprise part for them this past Saturday, and quite a few people showed up!

The party was in New Jersey, so Eric and I drove down Friday morning. We arrived at my other gramma's house around 2:30, and spent some time with her before heading to a friend's apartment in Weehawken for the night. When spent a wonderful evening (into the early morning) just chatting with our friends and eating homemade pizza and brownies. At one point we walked a couple of blocks to Hamilton Park to see the grogeous view of New York City (click the picture for a larger view, as always).

Saturday was party day, and my parents and brother arrived in NJ around lunchtime. We went to the restaurant early to decorate and prepare for the big surprise.

I didn't get pictures of every guest, but as you can see it was well attended! The birthday boy and girl are in the top left corner (click for larger view). A delicious dinner was served, and then my family broke out the musical instuments and microphone for a little entertainment. What happened next brings these R. Kelly lyrics to mind:

Crystall poppin in the stretch Navigator
We got food every where
As if the party was catored
We got fellas to my left
Hunnies on my right
We bring em both together we got junkin all night
Then after the show its the (after party)
And after the party its the (hotel lobby)
And round about 4 you gotta (clear the lobby)

The party was supposed to end at 7:30. After 8:00, it was announed that it had been extended to 9:00. Good thing, since cake was just being served! Then there was an announcement that we had the restaurant until 10:00. We didn't leave the parking lot until 10:45, when a bunch of us headed over to the hotel to continue the fun. We stayed there until well after 1:00. Hahaha. We didn't get back to my Gramma Horty's until after 2:00.

So we had 2 very late nights after a crazy-busy week in San Francisco and a red-eye flight, but it was worth it! Eric got to meet my cousins and some uncles he'd never met before, and I got to see people that I usually only see at Thanksgiving. I only wish my sister had been there.

Sunday, it took us 6 1/2 hours to get back to Boston. Ugh. That was the worst, and it was completely draining. But we made it, and I think we've finally recovered from all of the activity.

Today is Thursday, and Lost In Thoughts is inspired by black & white this week. I've also featured a photo of my cousin Rachel singing at the party, so check it out here.

Stop Motion Animation - Bold As Love

I made this fun little video in October 2006, while I was living with my gramma and working in New York City. At the time, I was listening to Continuum incessantly. When I listened to Bold As Love (track 9), I could imagine a short animation. I ordered the toys online and drew up a rough storyborad while I waited from them to be delivered. Once they arrived, I spent a day shooting and editing. It's not perfect, but I really like the outcome. 

Not many people have seen it, and I just redeiscovered it today so I thought I'd share! It was my first (and so far, my only) attempt at stop motion animation. The "actors" are stikfas. The music is John Mayer's cover of Bold As Love, originally by Jimi Hendrix. Here's my storyboard:

Nutcracker

This seems appropriate for a Christmas Eve post, no? The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas fairy tale; even if you're not a fan of ballet, the music is beautiful (and instantly recognizable). 

Technology

About a month ago, I took advantage of a beautiful Saturday afternoon and took my review books to the park to study for the GMAT. I also had to bring my personal cell phone because seriously, does anybody leave their house without their phone these days? Of course I needed my iPod to help me tune out environmental distractions. And I couldn't leave my new work-issued iPhone at home either (it enables my email-checking addiction). Oh, I had my camera with me too. 

I've gotten so used to having technology with me at all times that it feels funny to shut down and log-out. Ten years ago the internet was just catching on and most people didn't have cell phones. Seven years ago the hottest MP3 players were 32 MB (that's about 8 songs people!). Three years ago digital cameras were becoming popular and the iPhone was just some genius' crazy idea. Now we can't imagine living without these things. How quickly we change.

Side note: The Schwarz and I took the GMAT on Saturday and it's finally over! We're officially done with data sufficiency problems and reading comprehension. Woo hoo!

First Dance

I don't know if they practiced their dance or if they stepped on each other's feet because I couldn't take my eyes off of their faces. They smiled all night long. 

It was a wonderful start to a happy life together. 

For The Love Of Guitar

This was an amazingly lucky shot. I saw this guy riding his bike while I was on the train, but I didn't have my camera out. Somehow I was able to snap a shot a few minutes later. 

It's hard to tell what's so great about this picture, but let me explain. It rained most of the day yesterday. When I took this photo the rain had stopped but the clouds still looked threatening. This green-pants-bike-riding-guy was fully prepared for another storm (and jam session). Yes, that's a guitar on his back, and it is totally wearing a poncho for rain protection! 

Clearly, his guitar is very important to him. I like his innovative thinking. 

P.S. If you like this blog, you can now become a follower! We just added the new gadget - check it out on the right. 

What Do You Hear?

I think this sticker is really interesting. Presumably it's a bit of marketing for a band, but it really makes me think of the neurologically-based sensation called synesthesia. People who experience this phenomenon can literally "taste, feel and hear color."