The (Second) Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I had been neglecting this blog for some time. But then something was coming up that made me feel inclined to begin posting here again: NaNoWriMo.

For those who don't know, NaNoWriMo is "National Novel Writing Month." For the entirety of November, participants are suppose to write 50,000 words of a novel. It can seem both daunting at times and easy at times. But it's a ton of fun all of the time.

If you wanted ever wanted to be a writer (or just want to write), then I invite you to sign up and join me!

I've participated the last two years, and I am looking forward to this upcoming one. I've also decided to invite each of you to follow my journey here on this blog! Each day, I will update you where I am in word count, a little information of what I like or dislike about my story at that moment, and a brief snippet of what I've written. If you are participating, I'd love to see your responses and updates in return!

I've transferred my posts about the last two years from another blog and added them here. You can view them simply by scrolling back, or by looking at the NaNoWriMo tag. Feel free to check it out!

To all my fellow participants: Good luck in the upcoming month!

The "Avengers: Age of Ultron" Trailer is Missing Something Important...

So I (excitedly) watched the Age of Ultron trailer that had been supposedly leaked (but not really).

Check it out here:

(Or Here, to see it larger)

I've been excited for this movie, and eager for any glimpse of it. Upon seeing the trailer, I noticed something was missing, and it left me with one question:

Where is The Vision??

I mean, sure they're probably keeping him secret because A) he's going to be some sort of big reveal within the movie, or 2) they haven't finished his effects quite yet. 

And yes, we've seen glimpses of what he'll look like through concept art:

Source

A sketch-based movie poster: 

Source

And this picture that leaves people going, "Is this Paul Bettany as The Vision or isn't it?"

Source

But I was really eager to see him in the trailer. See him in motion! In action! I was eager for a glimpse of him in this trailer, and it didn't happen. Perhaps they're just trying to build my anticipation for the actual film by making me wait. I guess, in a sense, it's working. But is half a second of a glimpse going to kill them? I would love for even that much. 

But I guess other than that it was pretty good. (Though "I've got no strings" will always remind me of my first Nsync concert back in 2000, so that's a little strange for me.) It's a surprisingly long trailer - 2 minutes - given that it's called a "teaser." It's got interesting shots of characters that aren't The Vision. Things happening with Hulk definitely intrigues me. It was also nice to see each of the main guys (and girls) from the original film highlighted pretty nicely. Ultron definitely seems like he'll make an interesting villain. So I guess the trailer still looks promising - even if it's missing The Vision.

That Time I Met Paul Bettany

Not everyone knows who he is, but I've known of and adored him for many, many years. He is talented, tall, and attractive. He is Paul Bettany, but most people these days probably know him as Jarvis, the voice of Iron Man's computer companion. (Though soon they will know him as the Vision, and I am so. freaking. excited. You have no idea!)

I considered sharing the story of how I met him in a vlog. Maybe I will someday, but in the meantime, I decided to write down my story and tell you about it here. Though some of the details are getting fuzzy, it remainss one of my fondest memories.

In 2004, I had an opportunity to walk over to him and say hello. But, being a shy teenager at the time, I chickened out. The moment passed, and I was left with a lingering twinge of regret.

Fast forward 6 years. It's 2010, and my mom informs me that she got me an opportunity to meet him while he is promoting the film, "Legion." I'm tired and emotional that morning, but I'm incredibly excited.
I wait in line for the signing session to start, and for my turn to enter the room in which he sits. I hear the people around me trying to remember what he is from, and I am disappointed in each of them when I hear the murmur of "Firewall" from either side of me. Still, my excitement builds as I get closer to the doorway, closer to seeing him in real life for the first time in years. Closer to my chance to meet him.
I enter through the doorway. I see him sitting there, at a table at the other end of my line - and I lose it. The joy, the giddiness of the moment overwhelms me and rushes to the surface. Tears flow freely down my cheeks, and I have no control to stop it. I work hard to compose myself before reaching the table to meet him, and only succeed in stopping the tears. Their marks and shakiness are still completely evident.
As I get closer to the front of the line, I observe that gorgeous man. Each person compliments him briefly, and he looks up and gives a quick and polite "thank you," then continues on to the next. I swear I hear a few saying things like, "you were great in Firewall," but maybe it's my imagination.

The security guard at the front of the line smiles at me like I'm something precious, possibly because my eyes are still wet and so are my cheeks. When I'm motioned to meet the rest of the crew and cast at the signing, they smile, too. I honestly don't remember much of what I say to them, though I do recall confessing how excited I am to meet Paul. They seem fine with this, still smiling - almost excited for me. I may look like a red-faced fool, but at least I made everyone happy.

The moment comes. I'm in front of Paul. It's my chance to say something to him, so everything decides to come out at once.
"I loved you in a Knights Tale, and Wimbledon, and Firewall, and Inkheart, and a Beautiful Mind..." I go on to list everything I've ever seen him in (though I later realize I missed one). He looks at me so sweetly, listening the whole time and then gives me a sincere thank you.

How I'm still conscious is beyond me

The order of things next is a little fuzzy to me, since adrenaline is surging through me on overdrive. I know he asks for my name, I give it, and he says that it's nice to meet me. He says my name, and I determine no one else says my name as well as he does. 

I believe I say something else to him at this time, but I don't even remember what anymore. All I know is the response I receive.

Now, it is important to know that we are not allowed to ask for pictures or hugs or anything of that sort. I am obedient and did not ask for either. So what happens next truly shocks me in the most wonderful of ways: He reaches out to hug me. 

WHAT IS AIR

I cannot believe this is a real moment. It must be fiction, or some sort of work of my imagination. 

The moment passes, and I am suppose to move on to the next person in the signing line. But to leave Paul Bettany is so difficult. 

The next person is Tyrese Gibson. Now, prior to this time, I had a rather neutral opinion of Tyrese. It seems that he tries (and succeeds) to change that, for when I am in between him and Paul at the table, he stops signing his posters. "They can't make you move if I'm not signing," he says to me and the people in front of him. I know I said something about how "this is good," but the exact words are unclear. 

I know I have to take this opportunity to say something else to Paul, but I cannot think of what. There are so many things to say, and none seem to be surfacing enough to escape my lips. Finally, one comes out in what I'm sure what an excessive rush: I tell him the story of 2004, how I had the opportunity, missed it, and then got this. I tell him this to explain what a big deal this is for me. How it is fulfilling a goal that was left unchecked on my list of life.

I do not remember his response, but I remember the sweet look on his face. Sincere, genuine, and kind. In that moment, he probably thinks I'm fourteen or something, but I don't care. If it gets him to look at me like that, he could think I'm however old he wants. 

The moment passes, and I must leave the room. I don't know how the day could get any better. (And, though it is a good day, I don't think it does). 

I can still feel the rush of this moment, the joy. And though I don't cry upon thinking about it, I still know exactly why I did at the time. I've met him a second time since then. I still adore Paul Bettany, and am excited for what the future of his career holds. His larger role in Avengers will make it more difficult, but, given the opportunity, I'd love to meet him again. 

Songs You Probably Haven't Heard, But Should

I feel like a hipster if I mention an artist or a song and realize that the person to whom I'm talking has probably never heard the song. But there's a major difference: I want you to know the song. I want these songs to be popular, to be loved by all, to be possibly overplayed on the radio. These songs are so good it's a shame that more people haven't heard them.
So, in no particular order, I decided to list some songs that you maybe should hear, but likely have not heard yet. (Some are so unknown that there was no youtube version of the song to be found, and I had to make my own.) They are of all different varieties of sound, so give them each a try. You may find you like one or two - if not all!

Start listening here:

Tim Urban - "Someday"

If you don't know this song, I'm a little embarrassed. I made a lyric video for this song and broadcasted that thing everywhere, so I hope you saw it. But still, an unfortunate amount of people have not heard it.

This is a cute love song. I feel it accurately portrays the nervous anticipation of declarations of love, and the excitement of a future full of romance. It is sweet, hopeful, and optimistic. The only reason I can think of why you might not like this song is if you've had a recent break up.

It seems this song is no longer available for purchase. Shame. 

Beecake - "The Clown"

This song is very different from the previous song. The one preceding this was sweet in nature and light-hearted in spirit. The kind of song fit for summer and spring. Not so with this one. This song is ominous. There's a hint of fear and hope, and something being a little bit...off...  It's very haunting, and very good.

You can purchase it on iTunes here. 

Tom Felton - "If You Could Be Anywhere"

Back for a contrast, this song is just simple fun. There's little discernible meaning in most of the lyrics*, but this song is still catchy and pleasant. I love this song, and it remains I have a hard time skipping when my iPod's on shuffle. In particular, it's a perfect summer song.  

Please download it on iTunes here. 

Will Makar & the Red Line - "Love Cliché"

Another adorably romantic song, "Love Cliche" also has the benefit of being catchy. It's easy to find yourself humming this song's melodic chorus after one listen. 

Fortunately, this song is available on iTunes. 

Ryan Gosling - "Put Me In a Car"

This little tune is surprisingly pleasant. It's almost half-talking, and yet still remains wonderful to hear. Not really sure exactly what it's saying, but that's not really the point of this song. If you can imagine by its title, it's a perfect song to listen to whilst on a relaxed car ride.
It's not available to purchase. :(

Bidwell - "Hold Up (Make You Move)"

I had the privilege of seeing them live at the CD release for a different amazing artist. I thought they had an enjoyable live presence, though this song did not stick out. Afterwards, they gave me (for free!) their EP.
I gave it a listen and fell in love with this song. It's not one to which I listen lyrically to much, but it is musically fun. The line, "this is a promise to make you move," most accurately depicts this song.  It is just an all-out good jam.
Currently, I'm not sure where you can buy it.

Blake Lewis - "Heartbreak on Vinyl"

This is a song I feel you are more likely to have heard. This is one of my favorite artists pretty much ever. He's got a wonderful dance pop sound is both reminiscent of the past while remaining extremely modern. I listen to this song quite often and it never tires. It's fun for dancing, but has more depth than most dance songs as well. 

Available on itunes. 

Lisa Tucker - "Love Is"

Simply put, this is an incredibly adorable love song. In some ways, the love described is childlike and incredibly innocent. Yet, the sentiments behind the statements feel real. There's a sweetness to it that makes this song, in its own, adorably romantic. 

It's a shame that it's not available to purchase anywhere.

Matt Morris - "Live Forever"

Matt Morris is best known for singing "Hallelujah" with Justin Timberlake, but I feel like he should be known for this masterpiece. What to say about this song? It's beautiful. This is another one that contains a lot of emotion and a feeling of contemplation. It's not too complex musically or lyrically, but this simplicity helps carry all of its feelings.  

Buy it from iTunes, from his album, When Everything Breaks Open.

Emma Wallace - "A Reason To Stay Up All Night"

You need a particular taste in music to enjoy this song, but if you have that taste, this is a gem. It has a simplistic but very pleasant melody. However, most of its weight is carried by the clever lyrics. It has creative ideas and scenarios while still conveying a strong feeling and meaning of longing to not be alone.
You can buy this one on iTunes.

For a little bit sillier songs... 

Rob Cantor - "Shia Labeouf"

This song is hilarious. It's basically a scary movie in song form - starring Shia Labeouf as the villain. There's no sense to the song at all, but that's what makes it beautiful. (Note: Probably not the best to hear if you're not a fan of descriptions of grim violence)

It's available at Rob Cantor's website.

The Guild - "I'm the One That's Cool"

This is the nerd/geek** anthem. It's not quite as silly as the songs surrounding it, but it's got some humor that leaves you giggling. It is fun, it is proud, and it is too good to ever skip. It's got a bit of language (but nothing that you don't hear on TV), but still - it's an anthem. 

It's available on itunes!



"Call Me Loki"

This is by far my favorite parody song in existence. I feel like it accurately depicts Loki's mindset, while being incredibly hilarious at the same time. I did not like "Call Me Maybe," but this song parody has made me enjoy its unfortunate level of catchiness. This has turned what was otherwise a "meh" song into one of my favorites of the year. Seriously, you are missing out if you do not give this song a listen. 

Unfortunately, you can't buy it. 

*I absolutely love the ambiguity of the lines, "If you could be anywhere, then where would you be?/If you could be anywhere, would you be there with me?
** I personally feel like the terms can be used interchangeably, since each person I talk to has a different definition of each, and sometimes they just switch roles.