Untitled

I think things are worth doing
because they are difficult.
We do things not to achieve
something on the outside but to develop
something on the inside. We must push our
boundaries of what we know
or don't know about the world
and ourselves. I may have not
achieved much at the time of
death, but I have at least lived
a life worth living.

-Marco Joshua Alfonso (1993-2014)

Regrets & Revelations

My dearest four followers,

Not that you actually care about my absence, but I would like to apologize for not keeping my blog(s) up and neglecting to inform you of my every day life. The end of senior year took all my time away, and the throws of summer swept me up and away from my computer... for the most part, at least.

I have also been preparing for college; registering for classes, figuring out what to bring...

I've just been busy in general.

With that and Jason Schwartzman on my mind, I decided that my recent revelation of who he is and how I 'know' him would be an okay way to start back up again.

SO;

Jason Schwartzman.

*swoon*

Looking back at my man crush Monday post, I really should have taken more time and added more men. I just left out a lot of guys that I really think are cool. Jason is, of course, one of them.

This morning I was making some tea and about to do some reading, when "I Am Young" by Coconut Records came on.

I've always loved Coconut Records. Very very much. I've been listening to the band for years.

I was in charge of music for my school's yearbook party, which consisted of taking requests and managing the board. I didn't take very many requests though, because people have horrible taste in music. A girl came up to me and said, "Your music is kind of weird... do you have the song, 'West Coast?' You should play it."

"Yes, I do! I had no idea you liked Coconut Records! I'll play it next."

She looked at me kind of funny, but I brushed it off because a lot of people look at me kind of funny.

So I played the song and half way into the masterpiece she came back to me and said "What is this crap? I thought you were going to play 'West Coast' next."

There was a strong moment of hipster disapproval and it strengthened my hate for my high school.

I still don't even know what song she actually wanted...

ANYWAY...

I also love Wes Anderson. Like... a lot. Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, The Royal Tennenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom, Fantastic Mr. Fox-- okay wait, I'll just end up listing all of his movies and short films. As long as you understand that I love Wes Anderson, we'll be okay.

So this morning, when listening to Coconut Records, I realized one of the greatest things someone could ever think of:

Coconut Records is Jason Schwartzman's band.
Jason Schwartzman is also an actor.
Wes Anderson recognizes and indulges in Jason Schwartzman's acting abilities.
Jason Schwartzman is one of my favorite actors.
Jason Schwartzman was the drummer in a band that I've heard of.
Jason Schwartzman's band is one of my favorite bands.

All these things together can only mean one thing...

I love Jason Schwartzman.

xoxo, Ali

Oops...

xoxo, Ali

PS, I'm sorry that I have neglected you, much like Elian Kohen. I will return shortly, its just... finals.

18 Things You Probably Don't Care About

Don't ask me why the background is Grey because I can't figure it out for the life of me.

1. I Once Yelled At A Grocery Store Cashier...
because he made me pay for a Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Bar twice. I "stole" it, and offended at the accusation (and the insane amount of gibberish he had spewed out of his mouth earlier in my check out), I yelled, "I DID NOT STEAL IT. YOU SCANNED IT THROUGH." He didn't believe me so I had to pay for it again. He had to recheck everything in my cart because there was apparently no other way to do it. He finally printed out my receipt and I put the bar of candy in my teeth (wrapped and all sassy-like) and prepared to rip the paper out of his hands. He goes, "Oh... I'm sorry you were right. You payed for it twice." I took two steps backwards, grabbed another PBJ Chocolate bar, got my bag of other items, peeled the receipt out of his hands and said (all sassy-like), "Have a nice day," then proceeded to walk out of the store (all sassy-like). People started cheering for me, but that might have just been in my head.... Come to find out, later that night, "Call me" and a phone number had been scribbled on the receipt (next to the cashier's name: Austin) that I had accidentally drenched with cuban-style beans. Whoops.

Victory Never Tasted So Good.

2. I Offer Obscure Advice And Encouragement On A Regular Basis...
including the following piece of advice I gave to a friend who broke her knee shortly after I broke my own:

"If you break your legs, you can still have eggs."

Surprisingly, it was great advice, and we had a memorable night. We ate chocolate eggs and bagel bites because she ran out of real eggs and those were the next best things. Always remember, eggs (weather chocolate, bagel, or actual) are always there for you.

So here is this unconventional saying typed out in Helvetica for your personal use.

If you need some advice on letting go, I have a great tea metaphor to share that has worked wonders for me.

3. (Known Fact) I Hate My High School...

a lot. Before moving back to California, I went to a university model school, which is also considered homeschooling. I also was a part of a really awesome School of the Arts that I love with all my heart. Needless to say, any school after that wouldn't meet my standards. When choosing a school to finish out high school in, I intentionally turned down the idea of returning to homeschooling for SAT and ACT purposes. Worst. Decision. Ever. I love the people I used to go to homeschool group with (& Co.)! They're my kind of people. I wish I would have gone back, but I didn't and I reap what I've sown every day. (Except Thursdays. I'm in their band... Which is pretty cool). And let us all remember, there are a few really cool exceptions to my distaste. My friends are awesome.

4. I'm Home Alone A Lot...

and I always take full advantage of my time. I begin by warming up my voice with the help of my grandmother's piano that she gave to me for free (love you, grandma). Next, I sing praise to my God with some self-accompaniment, which actually means plunking out chords. Then, I move onto some more professional assistance: YouTube. My usual routine begins with Part Of Your World, Colors Of The Wind, and Reflection. Disney always is a great place to start because it gives you time to find your inner diva. Directly following that, I transition into the real deal. Girl In 14G, I Dreamed A Dream, Think Of Me, Phantom Of The Opera, and so on. And I dive in deep to my character. Then I begin creating my own arrangements of various songs and create melodies with no theme at all. Around 10:30, I turn on the hot water and pull it all together. It's showtime.

5. I'm A Mass-Text Queen...

however, I suck at replying. Mine and Katherine's hashtag for this disability: #alihastextingissues.

6. I Design A Lot Of Things...

for free. Without recognition. And with a lot of confrontation. Last year, I had to make a poster and flyer for a Broadway Dinner Show at my very conservative Christian school. No big deal, it took me about 15 minutes to make a night scene influenced by various shows and add a woman in an evening gown I drew up. Sent it in. Next day, I go to the school office to pick up the copies, and my poster has changed. There is no woman. Instead, there's a clown. And it's not even a good clown. My woman was a white silhouette and it looked classy and-- well, broadway. This clown was full-color clipart. CLIPART. Needless to say I scheduled a meeting with the people responsible and got the posters reprinted my way. I also designed the logo for my class' senior apparel. Once completing the design, I showed it to a girl in my class to see what she thought. "Why can't it just say 'One More Year' with the E as a 1 and the A as a 4? I think your design looks bad; nobody will like it." Meanwhile, I wear my senior sweatshirt to Chipotle and the guy making my burrito bowl compliments me on looking super fly and makes sure to tell me that the designer of my hoodie did a good job of capturing modern-hip-nature and keeping it "swaggy."

Some Seniors Enjoying Their Swaggy Sweatshirts

7. I Make Events Out Of Ordinary Outings...

and give them titles using alliteration... Sushi & Stripes, Potato Party, Brits & Berries.

8. I Am Deathly Afraid Of Getting My Hair Cut...

I hate it more than anything. I cut my own hair for 4 and a half years because of it, before my mom made me go back to salons. I have always had bad experiences with trained cosmetologists. I was cursed with hair that people love to play with, and as a result, no matter how many times I say "Just a trim, up to my collar bone please," I end up with a bob and bright blonde highlights. Or black hair and bangs. I was even asked to be a hair model for a salon, but upon hearing that I had to go there and get my hair cut, dyed and styled regularly, I respectfully declined and ran to my car screaming.

9. (Known Fact) I Am A Dork...

and proud. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, British Television. All right up my alley.

10. I Have A Daily Schedule I Stick To Religiously...

on neopets. If you ever decide to join in, ask me for some secrets, I'm happy to help you get rich and have healthy pets!

11. I Love Getting Cards...

I once had a friend who gave me a well-written card and drawing almost every day she saw me (three days a week). I kept them all, and they are being used in my Bible as bookmarks, or they're in Ali's Box of Memories. I love them, and I loved getting them so much. As interesting and obscure her messages may have been, they were so filled with thought and totally adorable. I want to be more like her in that way-- writing people cards just because you care about them. I think that's a great habit to pick up and spread joy with. Plus, making and giving cards is SO much fun.

A Few Of My Favorites

12. I Make The Best Artichokes You'll Ever Have...
however, I'm really more of a baker. I rock French Macarons. I also dabble in various flavored tarts.

13. I Love Iris Lin...
This segment is brought to you by Iris Lin herself. Thank you for taking up a slot, Iris.

14. I'm An Active Member Of A Jazz Band...
I don't know, I guess not many people can say that so it makes me mildly interesting.

15. I Listen To Really Obscure Music...
and this isn't me trying to be all, "I listened to this, before it was cool." I genuinely listen to the weirdest music. I have a collection of normal favorites (Spoon, Band Of Horses, Coconut Records, etc.), but for the most part, a normal person would not be able to navigate my iTunes. Once, Monica came over to my house to make flower crowns. We decided, as all teenaged girls do, to put on some music so that when talking ceased it wouldn't be awkward. I really hate choosing music when I have guests, so I always let my friends choose what we listen to. Unfortunately, much like myself, Monica doesn't do well with making small-scale decisions. She just put my library on shuffle and the first song that played was an Indian dance song.... She was even more astonished when I knew all the words.

16. I Am In The NASCAR 1998 Video Game Credits...
for no reason at all. Regardless, I'm on a Double Platinum Plaque hanging in the EA offices. I am also a self-proclaimed pro at Nascar kart racing on Wii. Come at me.

17. I Read Insanely Irrelevant But Incredibly Interesting Articles...
about aliens. Those types of things. I am aware that it's all completely false, but it's so fun to learn about. I have absolutely no idea what's happening in the real world, but if you want to know anything about Alpha Centaurians, I'm your girl.

18. I Can Kind Of Play 3 Instruments...
but not really... Ukelele, piano, guitar; in descending order of skill level. I mainly sing, because let's face it, that's easiest.

xoxo, Ali

Special Thanks to Monica and Iris who helped me come up with things about myself when I couldn't think of anymore after 4.

Martin

In honor of Monica's recent blog post, I have decided to do my own man crush Monday post.

I have never done a man crush Monday. I will never do one again. I simply don't have the time or brainpower to give my Mondays to men.

There is, however, one exception.

Martin. Freeman.

I love him. With all my heart. Everything in me just wants to be his best friend.

And as we all know, according to modern teen literature, best friends become more than best friends. 

More.

Like.... More, more.

I may, or may not, be in love with the idea of marrying this man.

Call me whatever you will, but I have no shame in the fact that he's in his forties. Martin's worth it. I mean, look at his face. Look at it. But don't look too long, he's mine.

And, of course, one of the greatest perks of marrying Martin (aside from waking up and drinking tea with this man on a daily basis) is the fact that Benedict will surely be in the picture.

And Benedict SHERLOCK is also a lovely man. (Not in any way as lovely as Martin).

But seriously, does this not look like the greatest friendship to be a part of? I love it. I love them... Oh my gosh, I love Martin.

xoxo, Ali

Other Man Crushes (but not for Mondays):

Harrison Ford

Jim Sturgess

Benedict Cumberbatch

Joe Anderson

Various Promotions

A few mornings ago, I took an odd picture of my brother and a peanut butter sandwich. I, at first, just wanted to capture the fact that I had accidentally eaten my sandwich upside down, but then I thought "Hey, why not add Ian's head?"

Ian and I thought it was the weirdest picture ever, but we had mutual appreciation.

My brother writes/produces music, and after a little bit of editing, he had the idea to also use this picture for his newest album cover "Origin," and I was pleased to help him!

I let Ian take the reigns, only helping with placement, kerning and font choice when asked.

Together, we came up with this:

A sister could not be more proud:

He left the negative space alone.(:

Listen to Ian's Origin EP Teaser here.

In Other News,

My dear friend, Monica, has just written the first post on her blog, Lissa Monica Vs. The World.

(My man crush Monday? Check back next week)

Please encourage her to continue, firstly because I love her, and secondly because I really like that my blogging friend world is growing.(:

xoxo, Ali

PS

Please pray for Monica and her family as they go through this difficult time of loss.

My heart goes with you through your struggle, Monica.

Isaiah 41:10

The Chronicles of Unfortunate Customs: Part Two

Read Part One Here

Three syllables:

knee. oh. pets.

neopets.

NEOPETS.

Since I haven't really played since I was 7, I started anew a few days ago. I am, once again, hooked. I can't even tell you why. I just love it.

My favorite type of pet is the Blumaroo, and I like naming them interesting names. This is my current neopet, Elian Kohen; I love him very much!

My favorite game is Hannah and the Ice Caves. It is my forever favorite. Like, forever.

 

Unfortunately, I lost a lot of skill in the past decade (give or take a few years), and you can't make neopoints with lousy skill.

Therefore, I have resorted to Meepit vs Feepit, because that is obviously the next best thing.



My brother captured this when I was powning some noobs. (I think I used that vernacular correctly).

I am proud to say that an hour after this Vine was taken, I was added to the leaderboard for this game. 2nd place. I'm basically a pro. I have a developed strategy and everything.

And let us not forget the excitement I felt when I found out there's a Neopian Stock Market. Needless to say, I bought all the shares I could. I'm down to 25 neopoints. I've never been this poor.

But that's the great thing about investing; eventually, you get your money back, plus some more.

All in all: it's another bad habit.
I have lost hours. and hours. and hours of sleep for this.

However, this is a bad habit I will openly request you join in on. It'd be really cool to have some neofriends because right now, I'm just alone. If I get 4 or 5 neofriends, I will throw a neoparty. We will play neopets, listen to Aaron Carter, and reminisce on the good old days of the 2000's.
There will be food.

xoxo, Ali
(images property of Neopets)