Sarah + Music + Books = Happy

I've decided recently that I've spent enough time just thinking about work. I spend way too much time thinking and worrying about what goes on at work. So, I've embarked on a massive music and book aquiring spree. Ok, maybe it's not a spree, but I've purchased a lot more books and music recently than I usually do. So, let me give you a quick run-down of my purchases.

Books:
Wicked by Gregory Macguire: About the Wicked Witch of the West's life. Mr. Macguire talks a lot about evil and the origins of evil and whether evil actually exists or not. I wasn't really ready for how serious and adult this book was. When I picked it up, I expected it to be kind of a fun, easy read, and while it was fun, to a certain extent, and it was an easy read, the subject matter was definately not for children. I might also add that this as been turned into a Broadway musical, which makes me wonder how that musical is, because after reading it, I'm not entirely sure that it's musical material. Who knows.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote: Marvin's older sister, Tina, suggested that I get this book, so I decided to pick it up. I'm not finished with it yet, but it's a true crime novel about a quadruple homicide that happened in a small town in Kansas in the 50's. (Or maybe it's the early 60's, I don't know). So far, so good with this one. It was described to me as being very visceral, but really, I don't get that very much. As far as the homicides go, they thankfully didn't go into too much detail. It's got more to do with the lives of the two killers and the detectives trying to apprehend them. So far, I'm pretty into it.

Music:
De Stijl by the White Stripes: I've had one of their disks for a while (Get Behind Me Satan), and I absolutely love it, so I decided to give another White Stripes disk a shot. I was absolutely not disappointed. The White Stripes follow through with some dirty guitar riffs, some great melodies, some simple compositions and sheer brilliance all the way through. Jack and Meg White are quickly becoming my favorite musicians. So, really not only do I reccomend this disk, but anything of theirs that you feel inspired to pick up.

Late Registration by Kanye West: This one isn't really mine. Marvin picked it up a while ago, and I've been listening to it recently. Now, I have to say, that I've really been hesitant about this disk, just because of the huge gigantic ego that this guy has. I have a hard time liking anyone who is so open about the fact that they think that their poo don't stink. The music really doesn't match up to the size of Mr. West's ego. The beginning is pretty good, and the end is ok, but there is definately a middle-of-the-album lull for four or five songs. I really don't think it measures up to all the hype.

Live on St. Patricks Day by the Dropkick Murphys: Just pure Irish punk fun. This album was recorded in Boston on St. Patricks Day at a Murphys' concert. It's crazy fun. For one: the Murphys' are an Irish Boston band. Just fun to pop in and rock out to.

Anyways, that's enough for now. I've got a couple other disks to listen to. Keep posted for my thoughts on the Kaiser Cheifs and the Decemberists.

Building emotional muscle

So, I have all these deep philosophical thoughts about growing up and becoming more emotionally mature, but it seems like it's too much to organize and write down in a blog post. Suffice it to say, that my fellow unmarried 20-somethings and I are probably all in the same, very insecure, boat. Trying to figure out life is HARD!!! Especially because we're living life much differently than how our parents did. I mean, I'm 22 years old, turning 23 in May. My mom was already married by this age. Many of my friends' parents already had a kid by this age. Some of my old high school classmates are already married and have kids. I feel too young for that!! How can I possibly make a marriage work and be an effective parent when I'm still trying to figure out who I am?? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy doing what I'm doing and being where I am, but I feel like this is an explorative time for me. Not a time for me to settle down and be satsified. So anyways, I just wanted to let my friends/fellow bloggers who are in the same boat as me (ahem...Becky, Laura, I know you're reading this and I know that you feel the same way!!!) that I'm there with you!

In other news, my little kleptomaniac has one week left at the Ark, and then he's moving on to a foster family!! Hooray!!! What a relief for him and for us.

I'm feeling more and more at home here in the Springs. I think a big part of that has to do with the fact that I FINALLY have friends of my own. The people I work with at the Ark are SO great. I've never been totally comfortable with mainstream, conforming people, because I've never been completely mainstream. At the Ark, we are all a little off center. You have to be to survive a work environment like that. But I have two female friends at the Ark that I connect with really well. In fact, I think tonight, I'm going to go to a coffee shop with Cameron and crochet and have tea and pretend to be an old lady. :) I'm totally excited.

I was thinking the other day about how lucky I am to have the people that I have in my life. I know I talk about this so much, but honestly, I am so blessed. My family is so wonderful. They are always there to back me up no matter what I decide and I know that I always have a loving place to go if I need it. And I feel the same way about my friends. I think about all the people that I've met throughout the years, and I have some WONDERFUL amazing people that I know are there for me.

Anyways, enough deep thinking for now. On a lighter note, I found a CD from a band called Danger Doom. If anyone out there still watches Adult Swim on Cartoon Network at all, you'd love this. These are the guys who do the intro for Aqua Teen Hunger Force. They've put out a whole album, and it includes quotes from Cartoon Network Adult Swim characters. It's GREAT!

Stay tuned for more music and media news!