final thoughts of 2010

nothing is ever perfect, is it?

happiness is...

i am thankful for 2010. i can't deny, it's been a great year. here's to hoping 2011 is even better.

-annalisa

stressed to the max

i am alive and well, but am beyond crazy busy right now. and timing on certain things probably could have probably come at a better time. but all i can say is i have a mini vacation and then the big bad daddy vacation coming. and for that, i am thankful.

-annalisa

the one, the only

this entry is dedicated to my only blog reader, the wonderful and fabulous laura meade(rs). how much do i love my meaders? let's count the ways:

while i rant on and on about how i hate the gym, how much i love (and embarrassed by my love of) pretty little liars, how i work for a million hours a day, how much shit i eat, miss meaders suffers through and reads on. PLUS little miss meaders is getting married (have you heard? i'm sure you have because laura is the only one reading this!) and i have been given the honor to be in her wedding... and because of this, i just had the BEST weekend in a long long time. i also didn't mention our love of trash tv, cupcakes, wine, seltzer, abc family, harry potter, and themed parties.... ok FINE and twilight... ok??!!

and that is why, my fearless readers, meaders gets a journal entry. well that and because she's totally badass. and one of the most amazing people out there. bring on september 18th!

xoxo,
annalisa

ps. meaders, enjoy this entry. because this is probably it until your wedding... HA!

when i grow up, i want to be...

i really do think i am destined for something big. i really don't know how to say it without sounding pretentious, but yes... i will be famous for something. now here is where the problem lies-- i have no fucking clue for what. once upon a time i thought i was going to be famous for singing. a plus sized pop star with a heart of gold. next i thought it was an oscar winning actress-- one of the few who wins an oscar for a comedy. and then there were all those people that said "you should totally be on snl". right right right... but don't forget the favorite-- the broadway dream. most likely to win a tony in my high school yearbook. i will say this... i DO work on broadway... just not the one that everyone would expect. i keep the famous dreams in my back pocket, but everyday they don't seem as feasible.

so then i moved on to business. i want to make the next big show. the next big toy. the next big craze. zsu zsu pets? seriously, someone is rolling in billions for freaking rats that roll around the floor. i could do that. "you have the talent to be someone big in this industry". um... ok. but lately it has been frustrating and i wonder if this is what i'm supposed to be famous for... next!

people seem to like my writing. i think i write incoherently like james frey, mindless jibberish that i think i can only understand. but remember the live journal craze during college? right. so if jenn lancaster can write books upon books of short stories of her life, why can't i? except when i finally said, ok start wrting, i only filled half a page and then i remembered how trecherous it was in college to write. moving on.

so what about entrepreneurship? cupcakes, burgers, and pizza are the rage in nyc... why can't i do the same. thus was born the idea of a bakery (which hasn't been trademarked, so in fear of all the millions of people who read this blog (hahahahahhahahahha) i will not disclose) that has some legs. could i be the next cupcake craze? however, kelly cutrone (my idol) came to work to talk to us about her life and how she became kelly cutrone. i only wish i had a quarter of her wisdom and strength. but she said to not jump ship into being an entrepreneur unless you absolutely positively sure... and have collateral. do i have either? okkkkkkkkkk thanks.

i could go on. plus sized fashion designer (brought upon by my personal experiences where just because you are above a size 10 doesn't mean that you are a country bumpkin and have to dress like one)? glasses designer (have you met me? i'm the four-eyed queen)? cartoon voiceovers? travel agent (what???)? the biggest loser for those who are chub but not super big (sigh...)? annalisa for president? this could go on all day.

so that's a lot to aspire to. maybe i should get cracking? eh, in the meantime i'll play lotto scratch offs... ooh look, i won $25! $25 closer to notoriety.  history, here i come!

-annalisa

these are the days...

 i'm doing better. the weather is gorgeous and summer is upon the city of new york. i looked at my calendar for the rest of the summer, and it's already ridiculously busy. most exciting is my trip to tokyo in july. i will be reunited with my people. MOSHI MOSHI!

my very first childhood friend got married this weekend. when i hugged her after the wedding, she said "did you ever imagine when we were 2 and playing with my little pony that we would be here now?" it's just absolutely crazy-- and it's crazy that i am almost 26 years old. i feel like i just graduated high school, when in fact i not only graduated high school but college, grad school, and am 2 and a half years into my first job. and yet i still feel very young and learning so much in this world. time will only tell what life brings for this girl.

case in point: despite the fact that i was very proud that i did not get burnt on my face, legs, chest, and arms from the beach today, i have to go nurse a bad burn on the small of my back. way to go kid, way to go...

-annalisa

ahh, look at all the lonley people

i have been a funk in the past few weeks. i think it's a combination of different things. bomb scares. dr appointments. dating. job. friends. weather. money. but it all boils down to this: new york city may be the most exciting city in the world, but unless you have the right people and the right mentality, it will mean absolutely nothing. i will put this out there: i truly am happy... i am surrounded by wonderful people. but it's kind of at the point where am i as happy as i want to be? i am kind of at a cross roads, and i'm not too sure what step to take. i was supposed to be on a 5-10 year plan, but i think a wrench was thrown in. ohhhh what to do what to do. i think i need to see a therapist. or visit a krispy kreme. wait, they are all gone? therapy it is...

next entry: a happy one. i promise.

-annalisa

WHO ARE YOU?

who is reading this blog? seriously-- i honestly thought the only person was meaders. but there are more of you coming to read nothingness.

i wish i had exciting things to post about, which would then be cause for constant checking, but alas i lead a pretty dull life. what did i do today? i woke up, ate some multigrain cheerios, watched the birdcage, went to the gym, did an hour of yoga, ate subway, waited for two separate cable guys to come to my apartment, ordered salad and pizza for dinner, watched some more TV, listened to some music, and read people magazine. is that at all exciting?? is it worth checking? i mean, seriously, that is what twitter is for.

now i am going to lie in bed and watch snl. what a fabulous life. be incredibly jealous.

-annalisa

brighter and lighter

things i am into lately:
- one republic's "waking up" lp
- seltzer
- florence and the machine's "dog days are over"
- lost
- peanuts
- beats by dr dre
- warm weather
- hidden mystery games
- moccasins
- pret-a-manger
- planning trips
- modern family
- leggings
- kelly cutrone's book "if you have to cry, go outside"
- teenage mutant ninja turtles
- bright pastel nail polish
- american eagle and aerie
- ugly betty
- betty white
- new york city

things i am not into:
- rain
- chub
- 16 hour days
- money
- homesickness (minimal... but there)
- the lack of new good music
- big love season 4
- flaky people
- chocolate pinkberry
- not enough time
- dating
- lack of time off
- holes in down coats
- nostalgia
- ticketmaster
- jesse james
- getting older

things i am neutral on:
- lady gaga's telephone video
- a plan for the future

until next time.

-annalisa

i've been a long time gone now...

yesterday was the worst day i have had since living here (well, maybe not worst, but top 5). and for the first time since may 2008, made me feel very very alone. the human race continues to confuse and disappoint me. and i continue to question what exactly i am doing.

well, back to reality.

-annalisa

ps. i am addicted to lost. that keeps me company.

february 2010

oh haiiiiiiiiiiii

it's almost february. and it's really freaking cold. i think that might be all that's going on...

-annalisa

what dreams may come

sometimes i think that this is all a dream and i am going to wake up and start over. still hasn't happened. i'll keep dreaming.
happy 2010.

-annalisa

top 10's 2009

ok, i lied... top 10's for 2009? here we go...

music
10. green day- 21st century breakdown. not as good as 'american idiot' but still amazing none the less
9. hair- revival cast album. best show i have seen in year. so much engery.
8. shakira- she wolf. her best album in YEARS
7. kings of leon- only by night. late... but better late than never
6. leona lewis- echo. 1st album she had to do what she had to do. this album is MUCH better.
5. kelly clarkson- all i ever wanted. not my favorite, but i can't dislike kelly
4. marie digby- breathing underwater. i'm generally not one for youtube artists, but LOVED this ep.
3. (500) days of summer soundtrack. played over. and over. and over.
2. lily allen- it's not me, it's you. much much MUCH better than her 1st. wish she wouldn't retire.
1. lady gaga- fame monster. so i got on the lady gaga bandwagon a little late (but before she got SUPER huge), and now i am totally obsessed. i look forward to more of her in 2010

movies
i still have to see the princess and the frog, sherlock homles, nine, and up in the air so i will leave this as a top 5. ps. i HATED avatar, so it will not be making the list.
5. up. depressing but brilliant
4. the hangover. unexpectedly the funniest movie of the year.
3. harry potter and the half blood prince. not the best potter, but almost was (way to ruin it last 20 minutes!!!)
2. it's complicated. baldwin + steep = brilliance
1. (500) days of summer. i can't say enough.

tv
10. gossip girl. this is slipping, but still a delight
9. 30 rock. needs to pick up, but i still laugh out loud every time
8. true blood. SOOOO ridiculous. but i can't stop watching
7. curb your enthusiasm. BEST.SEASON.EVER.
6. 90210. this is shocking, but it's actually really good. i KNOW!
5. desperate housewives. season IMPROVED amazingly.
4. parks and recreation. the award for most improved is this one. amy poehler is gold
3. chuck. if people don't get on this bandwagon, i will cut you
2. ugly betty. has ANYONE watched this season??!
1. glee. i can't help it. this show was made for theater dorks like me
honorable mention goes to the following reality shows: real housewives of nyc, atl, nj; jersey shore; the city

ok 2010, bring it on.
-annalisa

so long 2009. it's been real.

so, i am still troubled by the housing situation. i walked off the subway tonight, and just stared at the amazingness of the park and thought whether or not it is worth not having money for this location and the wonderfulness of my apartment. time will only tell.

i can't even begin to tell you how much i love new york. there is seriously no other place i would rather be in this time of my life. sure, i miss suburbia at times. i miss driving and fresh air and huge grocery stores... but what i get in return just outweighs everything. tonight i went to the premiere of 'did you hear about the morgans'. awful awful movie, but i got to see sarah jessica parker, hugh grant, kim cattrall, ted danson, and cynthia nixon (AND HER TROLL GIRLFRIEND!!!!!! AHHHHH) all in one night. and i really couldn't do that anywhere else. i had brunch yesterday and had unlimited sangria's and just rolled on home without worrying about finding a dd. i mean, sure i can't find a date in this city, but that's fine as i am continuing my love affair with new york. ahhhh concrete jungle where dreams are made of...

well, i'm pretty sure i am signing off until after the holiday's. 2009, you've been great. the decade has been full of HUGE events in my life. let's see what the next decade holds. and until then, i bid you adieu.

xoxo,
annalisa

look how easy i got you OUT. OF. MY. HEAD.

oh, and i would like to add that i am OBSESSED* with the following songs (in no particular order):
+ did it again- shakira featuring kid cudi
+ telephone- lady gaga featuring beyonce
+ outta my head- leona lewis
+ teeth- lady gaga
+ bad romance- lady gaga

*clarification- obsessed means that any one of these songs will be on loop in my head. all day. every day.

thank you and goodnight.

-annalisa

ps. in case you were hanging at the edge of your seat from the last post, i did try the new chocolate flavor at pinkberry. not bad. not my fav, but not bad. i mean, nothing bad comes out of that establishment.

mid life crisis in the form of a housing dilemma

i have recently had a reality check. i calculated how much i have spent on rent during the last 2 years that i have lived in nyc. to my horror, i realized with the amount that i've spent i could have purchased a luxary vehicle or put a down payment on a house in buffalo. this little wakeup call has put me in this downward spiral of what the hell am i going to do within the next few months when my lease is up. here are some of the ramblings going through my head:
-apartments are decently priced right now. my coworker recently moved to midtown east and negotiated down $500 on an asking price for a one bedroom with patio. plus, whilst trolling craigslist, i noticed that prices are a good 200-500 less than what i am paying now
-unfortunately, not many of these said apartments are in my neighboorhood. and i am totally willing to switch hoods, but i am head over heels in love with my neighborhood.
-which brings me to lastly that i am also obsessed with my apartment. but it is really worth paying this much? or further more, is it really worth the extra $200-$400 a month?
-why haven't i tried the new chocolate pinkberry flavor... oh wait... apartment dilemma... right, focus...

these, my friends, are the thoughts constantly going through my mind. and it's making me go insane. eventually the voices in my head will have to stop, and i can go back to worrying about frozen yogurt. until then...

-annalisa

everybody's changing and i don't feel the same

it's weird. i never expected to feel any differently after turning 25... but i do. i am evaluating some of my relationships that i have... some that i have had for a long long time. and now i am seeing how i have either changed or everyone else has. so if by turning 25 it made me more of a grownup, then so be it. i can't help be sad when people start to grow apart. but it's also really hard to go into a room with someone you have known for over a decade and not know what to say. other than maybe it's time to move on.

the sun is out, i haven't left the apartment today... and i think i am going to go get some fresh air.

-annalisa

ps. fear not my fearless readers, i am not talking about any of you :) it's just a trend i have been noticing lately
pps. my birthday was marvelous. yes, i may feel more like a grownup, but i also enjoyed regressing for just a little bit...

quarterlife crisis

i have been pretty busy lately. concerts, dinners, shows, work... it's just been ridiculously time consuming. not that i am having fun (well, most of the time... i don't really consider work to be all that fun), but sometime i just need a day to "veggie out" as my mother puts it-- her attempt is rather cute, so i never correct her on that one. with that being said, i had my first night tonight of "veggieing out" and enjoyed thoroughly. i caught up on tv, ate dinner (a salad after what i fondly call this past weekend as the "armageddon food tour") and just collapsed on the couch, only to move to get some water. whatever, i deserve it after last week's crazed work week paired with two concerts and a sinus infection. did i also mention i was in new jersey twice?

anyway, the reason for this blog is to discuss the fact that it is october 13, and time is moving way too fucking fast. honestly, i remember when it was this time last year and i was excited for high school musical 3 and coldplay (those two really don't belong in the same sentence together. what can i say, i have eclectic taste). i am also in major major denial that i am turning 25 in 13 days. there is no way that i am turning a quarter century. and to prove this point, i decided to celebrate my birthday in the most kidtastic place i could-- disney world. that's right world, my name is annalisa, i am turning 25 years old, and i am celebrating it at disney world. so in conclusion, all of the above things i was complaining about-- work, bills, diet, not being home enough, not enough hours in the day, are essentially canceled out because i am celebrating my 25th birthday like a 5 year old.

and with that, i say goodnight moon.

-annalisa

and one last thing...

i leave you with a little game... i spy with my little eye something that is red.

enjoy.

-annalisa

ps. i HATE you

i just tortured myself by watching ps. i love you. ohhhhh, why do i do these things to myself?
-annalisa