My New Album

This is my new album post, inspired by this writing prompt from Twenty Something Writers. This was a lot of fun, click the link to join in.

Inspiration Note, Inside Album Cover:
The premise of this album is about growing up, and changing in the world of being a direction less twenty-something. There are songs of school, friends, and relationships. But there are also songs of hoop earrings, stilettos, and Haagen Dazs. The album's title, in the end everything is a gag was inspired by a quote from the great Charlie Chaplin. Because, really, everything in life is a gag, especially at this time of our lives.

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In Her Shoes

Has anyone read In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner? I started reading it yesterday, and haven't really been able to put it down! I read over 200 pages in one sitting. Oops.



I remember wanting to see the movie, with Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz, but I never did. Now , once I am done reading it tomorrow or Saturday, I am going to have to rent the movie. Yay.

I'm still working on Three Cups of Tea but the book kind of drags. Its hard for me to fully get into. I think what he did is amazing and I love it, but I guess I'd rather not read the day-to-day minuscule details about climbing mountains, and all of the crazy details that worked against him in doing it. I don't know. I think it might just be better as a movie, not a book. I heard they might be doing that. Anyway, that's my progress on my 50 Books in 2009 Goal. I also checked out more books at the Library, since I seem to always get to school too early (amazing, right?) and need something to do, so I've been reading. These are the books that are next:

• V for Vendetta
• Aya
• Watermelon
• The Muslim next door, the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing
• The Bell Jar

The first two are Graphic Novels.. Anyone like those? I can't decide what I think. At first I was like, oh, (disappointed sounding), V for Vendetta is a graphic novel? But then I started looking at it, and I kind of like it. And Aya, is by an author from Côte D'Ivoire, which I have to do a report on, in French for my French class, so I thought it might be interesting. We will see, we will see.

Yup. :) Exciting I know.. I just realized how boring that must be to read about. Oh well, its Thursday:

This must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays.

~ Douglas Adams, British comic

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c h a r i t y : w a t e r

Today is World Water Day, as designated by the United Nations in 1992 - So take some time to visit the website for the charity, c h a r i t y : w a t e r, and maybe give a few dollars, or sign up to Volunteer. It's devastating to me that it seems so simple. Its just water. Water is so easy for us in the Western World to come by, and yet more people die from water-related diseases around the world than there are war casualties, WHAT?! We've got a Time Bomb.. let's do something about it ~~

Some facts from c h a r i t y : w a t e r's website:

• One billion people on the planet don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation, specifically a toilet.
• 1 in 6 people on planet Earth do not have access to clean water. 1 in 6!
  
• 4,500 children die each day due to water related diseases.

Children of a culture born in a water-rich environment, we have never really learned how important water is to us. We understand it, but we do not respect it.

~ William Ashworth, Nor Any Drop to Drink (1982)

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Do you Tweet?

I have heard people talk about twitter, more and more the past few months. They've even gotten on board at CNN, Rick Sanchez checks his Twitter board every afternoon throughout his show (along with facebook, and myspace). I had looked at it before and thought it was kind of lame. However, yesterday I buckled to the pressure - and now I am on twitter too! Follow me at nicoleelkington. I wanted to do "Laugh Outloud" as my username, but nooooooooo, someone else already took it. Don't they know that that's the name of my blog? Damn.

Anyway, are y'all on twitter? Hit me up if you are ;) and if you have any pointers, like a twitter for dummies , I'm all ears.

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AHH Stereotypes, seriously?!

Today as I was tagging purses at work, I noticed that one of my coworkers, that was helping me, was wearing a Chris Brown Concert T-shirt. I couldn't resist. I probably shouldn't have, but I said "whoooa, Chris Brown, really?" and she replied with "yeah yeah yeah I don't care, Rihanna deserved it." I was stunned. I am sure it was written all over my face. For those that don't really know me personally, I am someone where my emotions unapologetically show all over, my face. Especially when it is disgust or surprise. My poker face takes a few seconds to cover up my true feelings, so I'm sure this coworker, and the other one helping us could see how annoyed I was. Now, I do have to say that this Chris Brown loving coworker has already gotten under my skin and bothered me. She's young, she's spoiled, she gets whatever she wants, and she acts like she knows absolutely everything. Talk about annoying.

However, even putting the fact that she already bugs me aside, I couldn't believe it. THEN it got worse, not better. The other coworker decided to join in, and they went on to discuss how most girls (one of them even said especially black girls What the.. ?!), can be really annoying, and that a lot of the times girls that get hit do deserve it. Some of what they said that left me stunned~~~

• She deserved it.
• Rihanna asked for it.
• If a girl gets a guy mad like that she has to expect him to get angry.
• We don't know what she did.

Maybe I'm old fashioned. These girls are at least 4 years younger than me, but I don't understand. I was so stunned something that doesn't usually happen to me occurred: I was silent, I had no idea what to say or how to make sure all the words that came out of my mouth were work appropriate, so I just stared at the purses. I suddenly got very interested in the new shipment. Then, as they kept on, for what seemed like forever, I had to say something. I should have said more, but what I did say I think totally surprised them, they acted like I was the bad person. It was crazy! I said something like, "I'm sorry but none of us were there, we don't know what happened. But we do know what she looked like, and what the doctors have said about her injuries. No one should be beat up like that, especially since he supposedly loves her." My small rant didn't do much to stop their talking, but I'm glad I said something.

For the record, I am annoyed that Rihanna went back to Brown after he did what he did to her. However, it is very very common to go back to your abuser when you're in an abusive relationship. You feel trapped, and ashamed, and there are strange stigmas surrounding abuse, such as what happened at my work today. I was amazed. Especially because it was coming from girls! I don't think abuse like that is okay, by anyone, no matter their gender! BUT what bothers me most is that girls are already put down a lot by society, where people don't believe a girl when she says someone raped her, or in this instance, where the girl had to have done something to provoke the abuser. Abuse is never okay. Girls need to stick together, we should all be fighting abuse, not questioning the victims.

Ew. This article also proves the point, guess the girls at my work aren't the only ones. Click here to read the Guardian (UK) article: Survey: Half of Boston teens blame Rihanna for Chris Brown beating. Here's a snippet or two:

The survey of 200 Boston youths age 12 to 19 found that 51% said Brown bore responsibility, 46% said Rihanna was responsible, and 52% said both were to blame for the incident. In addition, 52% said the media were treating Brown unfairly, and "a significant number of males and females" surveyed said Rihanna was destroying Brown's career.

This is beyond disturbing. Somehow our children have learned that violence is an acceptable and appropriate response to a domestic disagreement. This is what children learn from media messages like this cover of broad-circulating supermarket tabloid Star, which purports to reveal "What made Chris snap". As if Rihanna could have said something to which the brutal attack of which Brown is accused was an understandable reaction. As if she stepped over the line and the vicious blows that bloodied her nose and mouth and swelled her eyes and forehead were justified.

Click here for the official link to the survey done in Boston.

What's your opinion?

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Three Cheers for President Obama

Major General J. Scott Gration a retired major general that visited the Darfur region of the Sudan with (then Senator) Obama in 2006, has now been appointed as the United States' special envoy to Sudan. Can everybody say yippee!?!? Remember how I discussed this in this post, about how I was excited George Clooney was pressuring President Obama into sending a special envoy to Darfur? Yep, well seems that the pressure worked - I'm glad I signed a few of those petitions. Not that I think it was just me and George.. but man, oh man, I'm excited. I know that it won't make everything better. And, everyone won't just wake up tomorrow and the world will be better. But I really think it is awesome, and a move in the right direction.

However.. it isn't all roses, and frankly Major General Gration has a lot of work ahead of him. Quoting from the Save Darfur Coalition:

The Sudanese government's recent decision to expel 13 international aid agencies has left about 1.1 million civilians without food aid, 1.5 million without health care and over a million without potable water—threatening starvation and disease on a massive scale.

General Gration has his work cut out for him. He will need to hit the ground running and spearhead an urgent and sustained diplomatic push to establish unimpeded humanitarian access in Darfur, as well as sustainable peace in all of Sudan. And we'll need your help again in the days and weeks to come.

But at least many people actually know where Darfur is. (at least they can say Africa.. right?) I remember wearing my Save Darfur t-shirt way back when people would stare at me and be like "Who's Darfur?"

In other Obamaness, the Obama administration also announced today that they are going to start phasing out stop losses. This also makes me very happy. Stop losses are the military practice of holding troops past end of enlistments. According to the Defense Secretary, the military will now be using more incentive-based programs if enlistments need to be extended.

My last cheer for President Obama is his funny-ness. Among a big Senator Dodd / AIG / Stupid bonuses scandal, where many are pushing for Secretary Timothy Geitner to step down, the President instead was full of humor and jokes at the California Town Hall Meeting tonight. Yay for President Obama. His administration isn't perfect... but I think he's doing AWESOME in the things that count.

PS! Obama is going to be on Jay Leno tomorrow night. In case any of you are interested.

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A St Patrick's Day short story

Once upon a time, in a land not so far from here - okay, so the same city - there was a little girl named Nicole. Her auntie Julie babysat her each day. Little Nicole was the curious type, and one day asked her aunt about finding the end of the Rainbow. Can you ever find it? Is there really a pot of gold at the end? she asked. Her aunt simply replied, Yes, but some people have gone to look for it, and since the Leprechauns move the gold so often, they are never able to find it. She explained that the people get lost forever, so Nicole decided she didn't want to look for the gold at the end of the Rainbow anymore. She didn't want to get lost.

I'm not really sure when I realized it wasn't true, or maybe it is true?

Happy St Patrick's Day!

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Mixed Fortunes

I have always really liked fortune cookies. I know that they can be cheesy, and I know that they are used over and over and over again at many places ~ especially where I most often go, Panda Express. But, I still like them. I think they are fun, and really, you can find meaning in the same fortune at different times, where it applies to you. Maybe its my way of getting some sort of forecast while I enjoy my Mandarin Chicken. Yum.


I've received these two fortunes in the last few months, and being a crazy that I am, have held on to them in my wallet. I really like them, maybe they're my version of Inspiration.

It has been nice the past week working at the Rack. Obviously, it is not my most favorite thing to do, and being that I have to go back to work tomorrow, and work everyday until Saturday, its not going to stay exciting for very long. However, it is nice to feel productive, and to know that my hard work will bring me some money. Because, unfortunately, I have yet to get the fortune cookie that says Plant this seed and a money tree will grow. I have merchandised some pretty awesome things at The Rack so far. I really want to buy everything . But I won't. Maybe just one or two small things. There's this cute bright green wallet that I want, that is only like $12, probably much more in my price range than the $230 Juicy Couture handbag that I covet. I should really buy more scarves, belts, and vests though, since we have to wear 3-piece outfits. Still not completely sure what that means. Guess I will find out when the store opens.

I have decided not to goto school this upcoming semester. Bummer, I know. I might be able to sign up for the one Statistics class that I need to take, but I am not sure. I really wanted to be able to get my Associates this August, but now I am thinking maybe I don't need to get the Associates, and I can just keep working towards my Bachelors. It makes more sense money wise to work full time this summer, and take more classes in the fall. We'll just have to see what exactly happens I guess. I should still be able to get my Bachelors either by December 2010, or May 2011. Which, sounds sooo far away, but one step at a time, right?*

I am slowly plodding towards my goal of reading 50 books in 2009. I just finished Holly Would Dream, by Karen Quinn, it was a fun book. The author, and the main character, are very obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. The book had something like 127 Audrey-inspired happenings. Which, was fun because I think I recognized quite a few of them, thanks to my own Audrey obsession, but even I got a little annoyed sometimes. Anyway, I felt like I needed to read a book that was going to be a light, fun read, instead of some of the harder books I have been reading. I tried to read the Poisonwood Bible, but sadly, I couldn't really get into it, it was so boring! Now I am reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I have wanted to read this for a long time, and kept almost buying it at Target, but now I finally got it from the Library. I also just heard about a book called, The Muslim next door, the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing, by Sumbul Ali-Karamali, I am going to go get this new book from the Draper Library today, and it is next on my list.

* Unless there is some Millionaire out there, reading my very entertaining blog that wants to loan me some money (although, I accept cash presents as well).

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Pet Peeves

A lot of things bother me. I will admit it. I can get really irritable over stupid little things very easily. It is just part of what makes me, me. However here are a few things that irritate me even more than normal lately.

1. I hate when people do a U-Turn when the intersection has a left-hand turn sign and a "NO U-TURN SIGN"!! That is why the sign for no U-Turns is there. There isn't enough time for you to whip your car around! It is not fair for everyone that has waited just as long as you, that are behind you! ARGH ( especially in Sandy turning into Barnes N Noble on State Street.. you know who you are.. ~ wink, wink ~ )
   
2. Another are people that are supposed to be in charge, that don't take the initiative.. and don't know what they're doing. So you end up doing things multiple times because someone else, that knows what's up points out to them that it is being done wrong. I hate doing things more than once when its pointless.
   
3. Today at work, the bathrooms really bothered me. Not because they were dirty or anything, they better not be, we haven't even officially opened! But because the paper towels SUCKED. They were the kind that you can't even pull down out of the dispenser without them falling apart because they were so cheap. Yuck.
4. Fourth, people who stare through you as you talk to someone that you both know. Like they are scared you're talking about them or something. Or they want to be involved in the conversation? Or maybe they are just super annoying and don't have anything interesting to think about on their own. Drives. Me. Crazy.
5. And last but not least.... LOUD freaking annoying people in my classes that don't think about anything and just blurt out "wait, what?" or "I don't get it.. " every few minutes. Damn idiots. ;)
   

Alright.. whew. That was actually pretty cathartic. What has been bothering you lately?

PS~ One last annoyance: Chris Brown and Rihanna. What the hell Rihanna? Are you really that stupid? I can't believe that she took him back. But I really can't believe that they are now recording a duet about how hard relationships are. Guess that's another pet peeve. Girls that are so super stupid.

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Fabulous Blog Award

I received the Fabulous Blog Award today,


so it is my turn to pass it on. I hereby bequeath the Fabulous Blog Award to my sister Ashley. Her blog is awesome. All ya'll should check it out.

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Je pense..

Bullets. I like bullets. As long as they are on a computer screen.. Guns are bad - but we will leave that for another time. On to some bulleted ramblings.

• On Friday piece of shit Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir kicked out THIRTEEN HUMANITARIAN AID GROUPS OUT OF SUDAN. because he was so pissed off about his arrest warrant being issued by the ICC a few days prior (see blog post here). I am so mad! If you want to sign the International Rescue Committee's petition to the United Nations about al-Bashir's actions, click here: http://ga3.org/campaign/aid_sud.
• Then as if that wasn't enough, he toured the city of El Fashir, the capital of Sudan's Darfur region... He makes my blood boil!
  
• Proposition 8 is being re-thought about in the California State Supreme Court. They are attempting to overturn the ridiculous proposition that barely passed last November. The argument is one I agree with: The Majority should never be allowed to take rights away from the Minority and call it "democracy."
• I finally watched the Oliver Stone movie W this week. Josh Brolin did such an awesome job at playing President George W. Bush! The movie was good, the plot was interesting ~but I really think my favorite part was how they were able to imitate all those famous faces so well! My favorite was definitely "dubya" but after that Condie Rice and Cheney were pretty good too.
  
• Speaking of Mr. awful former Vice President Cheney, he is on CNN this weekend on State of the Union with John King. Should be very interesting.
• I know it has been said a lot.. and my opinion is probably obvious to everyone who knows me, but all I have to say is Rush. Limbaugh. Seriously?!?!? He makes me SOOO nauseous!
• I also watched Body of Lies this weekend. It was really good. I love me some Leonardo DiCaprio. Russell Crowe.. not so much. But I guess that is why I was so suspicious of his character during the entire movie. It was very interesting though. That, and Eagle Eye, remind me of each other. Sometimes I'm like WOW we really have that much surveillance? That is actually kind of neat. And then I think of 1984, which I just read a few weeks ago and think.. Oh no..

In happier news. I am so excited for American Idol's Top 13 tonight!

* Je pense = "I think" in French*

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Travel Wish: Rio de Janeiro

I never had really wanted to go to Brazil until I watched the Travel Channel's Samantha Brown in Passport to Latin America, and the 1000 Places to See Before You Die show that they also aired. I loved it. I want to go see the Christ The Redeemer Statue, at the highest point above the city, and go hang gliding off of Sugar Loaf Mountain! They also have the Ipanema Hippie Fair, where there's a lot of SHOPPING.

... AND Rio has 23 amazing Beaches! How could you pass that up?

Awe man, I love the Beach. Look how pretty the water is

Christ The Redeemer looking over Rio

Sunset over Sugar Loaf Mountain

Ipanema Hippie Fair ~ I love to shop

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Arrest Omar al-Bashir!

Sigh.. I wish it was that easy. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for his arrest. However, he won't be arrested unless he leaves his country of Sudan. Maybe I should call George Clooney,
somehow I'm sure me and him could lure him into a plane and drop him off at the Hague. For more info on the ICC, see my post from last year here; and my post here, about al-Bashir's indictment last July.

Man, it can be so depressing.. I started learning and talking about the problem in Darfur in 2005. Four years ago ... We gotta do something! And, I've showed this cartoon before.. but I really really think it is true, and I really really think that we should all listen to its message.


Sorry to be such a downer. I just really care .

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My Guilty Pleasure

I. Love. The. Hills.

I'm not sure what that says about me at my Mature 25 year old state.. but I do. I can't help it. My blogger friend Pam posted information today about the upcoming season and I got so giddy! Thanks Pam for sharing! For anyone who cares, this is going to be the last season of The Hills and it seems like Heidi is finally going to wise up a little and kick some Spencer ass. Love it. Although, I think Stephanie is super annoying, and I hope that she also gets what's coming to her because she drives me nuts. She's definitely not innocent.

So, for anyone who cares, here is the trailer for the new season, starting March 23rd! *it is from MTV, so you have to sit through The Haunting In Connecticut movie clip first, but it is worth the wait!* if you can't see the trailer below, click here for the Trailer on MTV's website.

The Hills - MTV Shows

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