The View from Dexter

Having a break between classes from 3 to 4 in the afternoon isn't such a bad thing. Especially when you get to lounge on the green grass and bask in the warm September sun on Dexter lawn for an hour. Eat some food, listen to music... Hey, I'm not complaining.

You know what else goes great with all this? The Tom Petty station on Pandora! To be blunt, I'm OBSESSED. How can you listen to those Heartbreakers, the Stones, the Beatles, and Springsteen and NOT be mellow and content with your life? That's what I thought. 

So if you're a fan of classic rock, check out that channel! I know Pandora is a bit phased out, but I promise, this will be worth a listen. And if you're not a fan of classic rock, you're not a human. Because 60s and 70s rock is the absolutely shit. You better believe it, baby.

<3 Syd 

Jazzy Hump Day

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!! (Even though it's not technically hump day anymore...)

With absolutely nothing to do on Wednesdays besides class from 6 - 8 at night, I spent a good part of my morning and afternoon today runnin' around downtown SLO on the hunt for a new job! It was somewhat exhausting, but I'm feeling confident and I'm crossing my fingers for a successful outcome.

On another note (no pun intended hee hee), tomorrow I will be auditioning to accompany the Cal Poly Jazz band(s) as a vocalist!! I am SO excited, jazz music is a somewhat hidden interest of mine; I went to every single one of the CP University Jazz Bands' concerts last year, and I highly encourage you guys to check them out this year! Even if you think you might not be into it, I guarantee you'll find your feet tapping along with the beat at the very least.

So the song I have to sing for my audition tomorrow is called "It's a Great, Great Pleasure" by Jordan Luis.  I had never heard it before until a few days ago when I began rehearsing, but it's super fun and catchy! Instantly puts you in a happy, jazzy mood.  It's a classic for sure, and has been covered/re-recorded by many jazz artists including the great BB King.

I also thought I'd share one of my favorite jazz songs: "Pennies From Heaven"  by Louis Prima.  (It's the song that's played in the movie "Elf" when Buddy is walking the streets of New York and eating old gum.) It's a dandy song, if you ever want to start your day off on a guaranteed good note, I definitely recommend this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pELxwTp7gk



<3 Syd

Why Can't I Melt Your Cold, Cold Heart?

Greetings, everyone.  Sorry I've been M.I.A. for such a long time, I didn't realize how long it had been! I've been readjusting to life on my own these past couple weeks; I moved back to SLO to begin my second year at Cal Poly (WOOOO!!!!!).

I will be living in my sorority house this year: the Pink Palace containing 18 lovely ladies who love to be cray cray.  And who love food.  It's literally so hard for me to stay awake long enough for me to write this right now because of all the unbelievably massive amounts of utterly delicious food I consumed this fine evening. Christ.

Despite having looked forward to coming back home to SLO literally all summer long, I can't help but feel a bit lonely lately.  It still feels like there's something missing, but I have no idea what.  It's barely been three weeks, but already I feel like I've been through so much! I turned 20 (help), caught up with my friends, made some new friends, started my old job at a new location, and began my Fall quarter classes yesterday.  YIKES.

Right now I am listening to the entire Norah Jones album "Come Away With Me," which is always a good idea.  Always.  It never fails to relax me or create serenity when I'm feeling a little rough after a long or weird day.  I've been going through this thing lately where I find myself really, really wishing I had a boyfriend.  Or at least someone to tell me I'm beautiful, to make me laugh, to hold me in his arms and all the rest of that wonderful cliche shit.  As much as I tell myself I'm totally and completely happy with my girls and my life the way it is, I know me... I definitely want a man in my life.  (Come on ladies, don't pretend you don't feel the same haha)

So anyhoo, Norah seems to be both sympathizing with these feelings how wonderful a man could be, yet also managing to remind me of how many times guys have let me go.  My two favorites are "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Lonestar." While Cold, Cold Heart reflects the feeling of having a man's pain from a former flame projected onto yourself, Lonestar sounds more hopeful, and perhaps reminiscent.

Perhaps the biggest challenge when it comes to relationships is that we sometimes struggle to acknowledge the fact that at some point, we have to accept that we cannot change a person, no matter how much we convince ourselves otherwise.  Just because something worked in the past does not mean it will ever work again, and that can be an extremely hard fact to accept without wincing a little from the pain it causes.

But, the good news is, good things happen when we least expect them.  So I'll carry on and keep busy, and maybe Mr. Wonderful will sweep you off your feet in the middle of Psychology class or something totally unrealistic like that.

God, I just read that sentence. Ew. Sorry guys I'm gonna stop now.  But go listen to some Norah Jones and let her sing you to sleep, and I promise, you'll feel better in the morning.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5K5HPlAbPY&list=PL84F1D4373E06FD97



<3 Syd

New Artist: Terraplane Sun

Helloooo everybody!

My apologies for not posting for a whole eight days (gasp!!!), this week I found myself unexpectedly -- but wonderfully -- BUSY! Hope everyone had a fun week, and more importantly a fun weekend!

This past Friday, I got to explore the highly interesting place that is Venice Beach for the first time! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can definitely say that Venice, also (apparently) known as the weed capital of California, definitely has everything: bongs, sunglasses, self-proclaimed "green doctors," street performers, homeless people, talented artists, muscle men, food galore, and people from literally every culture and country imaginable.  I must have heard 8 different accents and/or languages while I was there, so cool! Not to mention, I got to witness the filming of a surfing movie called Ride, starring Luke Wilson and Helen Hunt! (Yes, of course I had to have the classic 15 minutes of being starstruck.  No, unfortunately I did not get a picture with Luke. :( )

Anyway, being in Venice on Friday reminded me of a band I saw perform at a brewery this past January in San Luis Obispo, where I go to school.  The band, Terraplane Sun, opened for Shwayze during his tour along the California coast this year, and I had the unbelievable privilege to actually meet and talk with the guitarist and lead singer! Terraplane Sun originated from Venice Beach, and in my opinion, their unique and mellow sound perfectly reflects the relaxed, beachy vibe, the "California Cool," that exudes out of Southern California.

One of TS's catchiest tracks, "Get Me Golden," particularly captures the vision of taking a stroll down the boardwalk wearing hipster shades and basking in the California sunshine; it's a happy-go-lucky sort of song that puts the listener's mind at ease and creates a carefree attitude.  Frontman Ben Rothbard radiates hipster-cool, and his unique vocals are something you won't forget easily!

Terraplane Sun has become one of my favorite bands, and they are especially fun to listen to right now during summertime, or any time you're yearnin' for some Cali sunshine and the big blue Pacific.  I hope you check them out and enjoy what you find!

Get Me Golden: Demo Version - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv23cxus3Hs
                            New Version/Official Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRnbfqx1ZWo

Terraplane Sun: https://www.facebook.com/terraplanesun

Happy Sunday!

<3 Syd

Check Out This Artist: Portugal. The Man

Hey y'alllll!

Yes, I am in fact posting to this blog at 8:45 on a Saturday night... No comment, I'm on vaca in beautiful Newport Beach!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to share with you real quick about a band I have loved for quite a few years now: Portugal. The Man.  They've been around for a little while, but their 7th and most recent album, Evil Friends, was just released this past June.  PTM has a funky but laid back sound, they're definitely the epitome of alternative rock.  Their songs are easy to listen to, and their lyrics are wholly original and fresh.  I highly suggest you check them out, especially if that's the kind of vibe you look for in music!

Evil Friends is fantastic, I'm newly addicted and thus listening to it on repeat.... But don't hesitate to check out their older releases! My personal favorite album is The Satanic Satanist; really great stuff on there.



Happy listening, and here's to hoping you're out having a crazy Saturday night instead of reading my blog! ;)






https://play.spotify.com/artist/4kI8Ie27vjvonwaB2ePh8T

<3 Syd

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

Guess who's officially seeing Two Door Cinema Club this October in Oakland?!???!!! ME!!! And I'm only a teeeeeeeny bit excited, if you couldn't tell!!!

Two Door Cinema Club is a phenomenal band, and one of my absolute favorites! If you've never listened to any of their music or if you want to hear more of their stuff, look 'em up! They rock, AND I hear they're fantastic live!

Can't wait for the concert!

https://play.spotify.com/artist/536BYVgOnRky0xjsPT96zl ---> Two Door Cinema Club on Spotify

<3 Syd

Blessed

Today I am feeling especially grateful, for no specific reason.  I sat outside in the sun today while house sitting for my cousins, peacefully reading a book while the dog entertained himself in the yard, and I felt perfectly content and completely blessed to just be alive and able to enjoy this beautiful place we live in.

Yes, it sounds very cheesy, but I just thought I'd share with you my moment of simple appreciation and bliss today.  And for some reason I cannot explain, Ode to LRC by Band of Horses remained stuck in my head all day after listening to it this morning while walking the dog.  I never really listened to the lyrics before, but they are truly exquisite, thoughtful, and beautiful; I think they are a good reminder to us of what is important in life.

So don't sweat the small stuff, and when you start to feel exasperated or overwhelmed in your life, take a deep breath and truly take in all the positive things that surround you, and how privileged and blessed you are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nP88E2pMk8



<3 Syd