Things I want

I have been bored lately to say the least. School barely starts next Monday, and I guess the lack of classes/camps have made me a boring person. So I've been online shopping everywhere. FENDI, Calvin Klein,Target, Forever 21, Ray Ban, Channel, Dior, Express, Macy's, Dillard's, Apple, Cache.

Before you start thinking that I'm the most spoiled girl in the world, I would like to mention that I'm not really going to make my parents get me things (Like I could afford them). These are just things I would enjoy owning. We can all dream.

First up!

The iPad. It's small and easy to carry around your house. Or on a road trip, or a plane, or anywhere else because it's so dang tiny! Not to mention it quadruples as a laptop, iPod, iTouch, and Kindle!!!! Now, you may be asking why not just get an iPod touch instead of an iPod nano? The answer is: I already have a nano, so I would need an iPod touch for the games and apps. So, if you think about it, an iPad is a practical investment! Let's do the math shall we?

 One Ipod Nano - $149+tax

 One MacBook Pro-$999+ tax (that's going to be a lot of tax)

 One Ipod touch - $199
+One Kindle- $189

That adds up to a nice $1,536!

Why not just add $200 in tax?

So, considering that an iPad starts at $499, I think its a pretty good deal. I'm actually starting to take my day dreaming seriously. I really want one now. Good thing my B-day's coming up!

Next on my list is: Suri Cruise. I may look a little creepy that a little girl is on my list of things I want, but I don't actually want to steal her or something. This is my dream little sister (Don't freak out Ximena you're my dream twin) so I should probably rename this list as People and Things I would Like to Have in My Presence.

This little angel is the most adorable child ever. She has great style, she's always smiling, and she has really nice parents! Who wouldn't like to go shopping with her?  I mean, I could just picture myself taking her out for yogurt at Swirl or Orange Cup. You know, both of us walking with our frozen yogurt at an outlet mall. Me spending all my money on cute polka dot dresses and toddler heels at Gymboree for her! Ahh..... that would be the life. Not that I'm not happy with mine. But, Katie, I would love to babysit her sometime. I'm good with kids, I'd take good care of her!

This is probably the most realistic thing on my list. Cheese cake. I don't think I have to explain that so I'm going to just move on.

A Jaguar. Again TOTALLY unrealistic.

A pink Scooter. That, and a home in Malibu, and a Yorkshire Terrier, and I would be 100% preppy. That would be the day Maria Teresa would die. It shall remain a dream.

This Burberry outfit in every color. I mean look at that amazing draping?!?! I would love to own this.

This is one outfit I want for fashion week. Unfortunately, I'm not 10ft tall and my legs are not that lean (to say the least).  In fact, I'm like 5'4" so there's no way that's happening.

There it is! Almost every unrealistic thing I want. Yet, don't really need, (except maybe an iPad) which is a bummer.

Maybe next time I'll post a less selfish (Frankly, wanting Suri as a sister would benefit us both) list of things I want. Like world peace, or an end to  hunger, or religious tolerance. But for now, there is my list of unreasonable and completely selfish things (and humans) that would be very fun to have in my presence.

Thank you,

Sophia

Day 20

I really never thought this day would come. :(

Tuesday, departure.

I had to leave for the airport at 4:30, and I didn't start packing until 2:00.

But somehow, it took a lot less time then I expected. I had time to kill afterwards.

Luckily, my suitcase didn't weigh over the max of 50 pounds. (Our biggest nightmare)

I really don't know why anyone would care to hear about this.

Anyways, my plane was on time, and actually landed 10 minutes early.

I think I had this little feeling that maybe they would have to delay it until tomorrow or something.

Tiny, evil little prayer. haha

Well now I'm home. Still can't hear in my left hear.

And now, just waiting for school to come around.

Best time of my life.

Day 19

Monday,

Today I woke up at 1.

Very nice.

I attempted to play a bowling night with some friends and my cousin.

It was pretty fun!

My first time ever really bowling without bumpers haha.

Let's not talk about how awful I was.

Really, we all were. hehe

Also, the first time I ever tried Popeye's. Just stole some fries. They were actually really good. Hehe.

Many first common restaurants on this trip.

How depressing, one day left.

I haven't even started packing. Oh well.

Day 18

Sunday,

I really didn't do anything today.

It was the slowing down of my trip.

I guess better than a halting stop.

I went to church, said goodbye to all my Jersey friends. Went home. Yada yada.

Day 17

Saturday,

Best day ever!!!!

Sooo, I walked in Times Square. Love it, but extremely crowded with tourists. hehe

Then......I SAW THE LION KING ON BROADWAY!!!!!!!!!
It was fantastic, beautiful, wonderful.

And it was the first time I have ever seen it. Haha I know, I know.

Then, I ate really good Mexican food in New York. Who knew?

And then, to top it all off, you know that 10 story high, first ever Macy's store where the Thanksgiving Parade ends?
Yes, I shopped in it.

Best. Day. Ever.

I think I've had 5 NY hot dogs since I've been here. There is just something about them that is way better than normal, packaged ones. Hehe

Day 16

Friday,

I finally saw Despicable Me with my oldest cousin.
I'm not a fan of cartoons and animations but this movie was good!!!
It was really funny and cute. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Then I came home and got ready for the church youth meeting.
It was really nice, I like the youth here.

After words we all went to Taco Bell.

It was actually my first time ever going there. Not too shabby.


Tomorrow tomorrow

Day 15

Thursday,

This is really depressing. Like, beyond belief.
I want to cry.
I got o go to New York again today.
I visited Canal Street and did a lot of sopping in China Town.
My God it is crazy there!
I'm not much of a haggler and thank The Lord for my wonderful, powerful aunt.
And all together, the entire day, I think I took a total of eight Subways and trains.

The text conversation between my mother and I:

Me: You know what I miss the most about being home?

Mom: Other than torturing me?

Me: Yes.

Mom: What?

Me: Being able to sing freely. I AM ITCHING TO BURST INTO SONG.

This entire statement is true.

Day 14

Wednesday,

Today I went on a campus tour of Penn State.
Very nice school, obviously it's one of the top in the country.
Strange area though.
I also celebrated my uncles birthday.

It was my last day on that side of Jersey so my other uncle and cousin came to pick me up.
The 60 miles took us two hours to get home.
The Turn Pike was under construction so the traffic was unbelievable.
Anyways, I got home.

I already miss my cute little cousins.

Day 13

Tuesday,

Today I went to one of the biggest malls in the world.
Seven times of he size of La Canterra. Minimum.
I got lost just trying to find a starbucks, because there is two.
And you know what I bought in this huge mall? A pair of jeans and shirt from American Eagle. I know, I know.

It was also my second day on the other side of New Jersey.

Quite, quite fun.

Indie Artist of the Week: Rebel Bran

First of all, thank God for Josette. I spent the last week in art camp and this one struggling to get an extra honors credit.  If it were not for her keeping up the blog, I would have a a nervous meltdown and died.  Really. 

Anyways, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Serbian singer-songwriter Rebel Bran last Saturday.  The same day I though I could just skip taking my ADD meds (I'm just adorable sometimes).  I do hope my random topics aren't too confusing. 

Enjoy!

M: You're from Serbia, correct? Can you give us some of your history?

RB: Yes, I was born in a small town south of the capital Belgrade in central Serbia.

M: How do you feel your childhood in Belgrade shaped you musically?

RB: Belgrade has a special place in my heart. All my best memories are pretty much connected to that city, especially from the time when I was at the university. The best time of my life - lots of late night working, but even more partying with friends and my band.

M: Yup, sounds like college

RB: For sure.

M: Did you always think you would be a musician?

RB: Pretty much. I always new I will be doing something creative. I started with art very early through my school, but as soon as I managed to get a guitar, I knew it will be a life long love!

M: Was there anyone or anything that influenced you to pursue music? Sometimes, it's a dream, of course, but we need someone to give us that push in order to actually be proactive about it.

RB: It was more than anything a stranger! My mum was singing beautifully and she instilled that love in both my sister and me, but the crucial moment was when Srecko (Lucky) became our family friend. He had a profound influence on me, not only with his voice, but as a male figure in my life.

M: Can you elaborate?

RB: He was our neighbor for a while, and very quickly he was attracted buy our constant singing. So he joined us and we would spend hours and hours singing around our dining table. He had a voice that was out of this earth! As my father left us very early, I started looking up to him and very soon I decided I want to try to sing like him one day. I don't think I ever got that good

M: Well, you do a pretty impressive job anyway.  Any other musicians that inspired you?

RB: Thank you.  Well, I was lucky enough that my step father was a multi-instrumentalist and when I managed to buy my first guitar he was the one who taught me my first chords. He was also an art teacher, so he had a great way of teaching you how to start playing songs very quickly so you don't get bored, as most kids do. So in about 6 months time I already started composing! It was an amazing feeling. One of my very first songs I ever composed is actually on my CD. It's called Old Story, and it's about 30 years old almost!

M: Lucky. My parents turned out to be the musically-impaired ones in their family.

RB: That's too bad

M: Eh, they make up for it.

RB: I'm sure they did, all comes with a reason!

M: And we (my siblings and I) found inspiration elsewhere. Nobody's perfect.

RB: As long as they support and encourage, they are great!

M: Exactly. And they have.

RB: Great

M: Do you prefer to sing/write in Serbian or English?

RB: I have been writing in English for a few years already. Too much hassle to rewrite them. I am becoming more comfortable in English, but I do both. All depends on the feeling and the moment. It's kind of funny but I think you can actually feel things in two languages

M: Oh, certainly.  My first language is Spanish and I think or feel "bilingually" all the time.  It can get a little confusing, though

RB: Yes, I know exactly what you mean

Are you from Mexico originally or from Europe? Sorry, perhaps some other latin american country...

M: Oh, I'm from the U.S., but my mom is from Mexico, and she would only speak to me in Spanish.

RB: Trying to preserve their roots

M: Yes. Or just a rebel. She didn't want to send me to school either.

RB: Oh, interesting! I like rebels

M: Yes, I learned a lot from her.  Anyways, back on topic. What's your songwriting process?

RB: When I get into the mood it feels the best. I know something good will come out. I do have an idea what I want to express. Usually I look for some unusual chord combinations that fit the mood, then comes a theme phrase, than the melody and the lyrics go side by side.  With the right inspiration a whole song can be done in a couple hours.

Sometimes though, I like to force myself to create a feeling. It's very exciting seeing the progress when the emotion was not initially there, but you create it

M: Yes, it's amazing to see what you can accomplish if you focus on that goal. But it is hard for us artists to work while uninspired, right? I bet life would be a lot easier if I were born an accountant.

RB: Yes it is much harder, but I have learned that you can create the inspiration yourself, and then it all starts unrolling as if you were in the right mood to begin with.  It's quite exhilarating

M: That is cool.

  

What are your next plans?

RB: I have so many plans... Over the years I have accumulated over 60-70 songs, so I sorted them all out and started practicing for my next CD

M: That's a lot of songs.

RB: There are 5 more waiting to be finished. See, if the things went the regular way in my life, it would have all been done now. Who knows, maybe it's even better this way. I am also working on my new all instrumental CD, I have about 7 songs ready

M: I haven't been alive too long, but I'm starting to learn that things don't usually go the way we planned. I figure that as long as you try your best, and not compromise yourself in the process, you're doing a pretty good job.

RB: That is the way to think, I believe it's very true. I have no regrets, it was the way it was. I believe that I have a much deeper outlook on life and my own experience from this perspective, so the final creative product should be even better. I hope people will be able to identify with it and that it will touch them in some way

M: I agree with that.

Okay last question from my sister and co-blogger, Sofia:

If you were on stage, and the world was watching, and the world could only hear one more song, what would you sing?

RB: Should I ask: of my own songs or songs in general?

M: Whichever

RB: That's tough… It's weird, but the only song that comes to mind as the last song ever that the world should here would be "Amazing Grace". I would love to sing it only with a piano.

M: That would be fitting.

RB: I guess

M: Well, thank you so much for your time, and I'm sure this won't be the last time we hear from you!

RB: Thank you so much, this was fun! All the best with your blog, I will be checking it regularly!

As always, friend Rebel Bran on MySpace, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

Day 12

Monday,

Woke up early (at 11), and went shopping.
Today I came across a new kind of forever 21 called XXI forever.

It is by far the nicest, largest, most organized, and best quality forever 21 I have ever been in. It was amazing.

It even had a dude's section. Haha.

I'm kind of depressed I finished my book.

Now I'm reading Stargirl. Not nearly as good.

Day 11

Sunday,

Woke up and went to church. Came home, and got ready to leave for my other aunts house.

I earned the title of "worst packer in America" today.

My aunt and two of my three younger cousins came to pick me up.
I got to meet my youngest cousin.

All of my cousins are awesome.

I FINALLY FINISHED EAST OF EDEN AND IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Day 10

Is it really already double digits?
Am I really half way through with this trip? :(
Well it's Saturday.

I woke up early and went to church.
Then went home and took a nap. (No way no way!)

Then I went to a graduation party for one of the kids at church.

Twas a good day.

Day 9

Friday,

Today I went on a campus tour of Rutgers in New Jersey with my oldest cousin.
I really, really love that college.

Then I went home, and got ready for a church youth meeting.
I really like the church here. Everyone is really nice.
We watched a movie called Time Changer. Which, actually wasn't that bad.

And now I am three fourths done with East of Eden!

Day 8

Thursday,
How sad.

I'm beginning t realize how quickly time really moves.
It seems like yesterday I had a year.
Yet, looking back on the second day, it seems like it was so long ago.
Time is a wicked, wicked thing.

Today I woke up at 1.
I finally got to play Poker with my cousins and learn Texas Hold 'em.
Then I took another nap. Hehe
I'm sleeping away my vacation.

Anyways, I can't seem to put down East of Eden. It is really excellent.
I'm learning so much from it while being entertained all at the same time.

I intend to watch an episode of 'Hannah Montana Forever' at midnight.
I think this is going to be so weird. And I don't know why I want to watch it so much. Just to laugh at her maybe? I still wonder what changed her mind. She was so dead set on leaving. Haha.

Day 7

Wednesday. Already :(
Today was yet again a fantastic day.
Went shopping at Woodbridge Mall with my new friend Noreen. aka Judas.
I believe she is the one that instituted the nickname "Texas."

Fun fact: Did you know that there is no tax EVER on ANY clothes in New Jersey???

HOW FANTASTIC!!!!!

But yes, everything is so cool here. Even the shopping is better.

And now I am almost half way done with East of Eden. It is so good!!!!!

Day 6

Tuesday,
Today I lived.
Had to wake up at 9. Ride two trains and a subway.
I shot some pool (very poorly) with my cousin.
Had a real New York hot dog off the street.
When on a campus tour of New York University.
Refused to buy a shirt from them for $20
Had real New York Pizza.
And then took some more trains and subways home.

Oh and I did a lot of walking.
Well, according to my cousin not a lot. Haha
I believe it.
And then I cam home and had a nice long nap.

Good exciting day!

Manhattan is really everything everyone cuts it out to be.

Day 5

Monday,
So, you ask, "what did you do today?"
So I answer, "Absolutely nothing."

I caught up on my sleep after being beaten up at the retreat.
I read some more of East of Eden.

Oh and I attempted to decide which Broadway shows to see.

Tell me, how is one supposed to pick between Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked, West Side Story, and Mary Poppins?

Tell me! How?


I promise these posts will eventually get more entertaining.
Going into New York tomorrow! Visiting some colleges.

Day 4

Sunday,
Slept in until 8:30 woop woop.
Was forced to go on a morning walk, yet again on the boardwalk. It was long but still nice.
We had another lecture. Which was also good.
Then I played cards for a long, long time.
I learned a new game, Kent.
I pretty much 'beasted' at it with my partner.
Then we had dinner on the beach and left.

I slept in the car. I love naps.


And I'm writing this really poorly on account that these last 3 posts are pretty late...
Sorry, no internet there.

Day 3

Saturday,we
Woke up at 6 a.m. Yippy.
We produced a full mass in the house. I was impressed. Then around noon we learned some hymns and I fell asleep. So they sent me to take a four hour nap. He he
I got the nickname "Texas".
We had a really good lecture.
Then we went on the Boardwalk again at night.

We stayed up until 3:30 just talking. (I managed with the nap.)



I'm sure really no one cares about this stuff. But I already made a promise and since I'm not really writing down elsewhere what I'm doing...
It's for me too.

Day 2

Very interesting. (Not really)
Woke up at noon. Slept again from 2-5. Then packed to go to a retreat in a beach house on Long branch. we got there at night. And we went on a walk on the Boardwalk.
I met my first 'weirdo' here.
'Nuf said.