Vanessa Explains It All

Britney vs Britney

(sorry, this is a Charlie Foxtrot of a post)

There is no way I am the first to make the comparison I am about to make*. Yet, since I haven't heard the same from anyone else, I'm claming this as an original idea...

I'm currently obsessed with Britney Spears' "Til the World Ends." I havent even gotten to the rest of the album cos I love this song so much. Sirius Hits 1 doesn't play it nearly enough. I love that this song is "interactive" if you will. I feel like Britney is right next to me in my car wooah ooohhhing at me. And clapping, oh the clapping! I LOVE clapping in songs. I also like that so many songs are instructing or stating to "get on the floor," I will never protest that. And she seems really sweet and happy in this video. LOVING her finger gloves. (That red outfit is weird, that's my only bug)

Watch it: 

 

"Slave 4 U" circa 2001. The high school girl in me still gets excited over this song/album. Though, I will say, I love "Til the World Ends" way more! Come on, Slave 4 U? How badly did you want to wear your pink panties (re: thong) on the outside of your jeans a la Quail-Man?!

And didn't MTV do a Making of the Video for this song? Golly that show was so fufilling. I always looked forward to new episodes (especially when it was N*SYNC)! I studied up on those making of the video dance moves.

Watch

 

So my comparison? These videos are the damn same. Plus or minus face licking. Do you agree? Whatever, I still love her. Both videos are in some sort of futuristic warehouse, as if that's a thing. I think warehouses will forever look the same. Both videos have thrusting sweaty people, there was probably some sort of baby oil camera trick involved in that. She especially loves to have these sweaty thrusties hoarded around her. Britney is wearing something weird and grungy, yet totally sexy, in both videos. And both have her as the front peak in a dance triangle (well most of her videos have that). Both have dancing in front of a wall of lights...I need to get one of those. Hair flipping, lots of hair flipping. That will never get old. I am sure I am missing a ton but you get the idea and are probably over this already.

Fast forward 10 years from "Slave" and you have "Til the World Ends." I must say, after 2 kids, that weird head shaving bit, a divorce or two, and general celebrity life...Britney looks pretty good.

I did read an interview where Britney said "World Ends" was one of her favorite videos to shoot cos she liked the choreography. Clearly she forgot about "Slave" cos that choreography is better and more hard hitting/bad ass, and also...they are the same video other than the song and the dancing (minor details).

*I am absolutely not the first to compare these two. I did some research.

Now the real question..."Babyyyy... don't you wanna... dance up on me?" Dont answer that. I don't want to know.

Britney vs Britney

There is no way I am the first to make the comparison I am about to make. Yet, since I haven't heard the same from anyone else, I'm claming this as an original idea...

I'm currently obsessed with Britney Spears' "Til the World Ends." I havent even gotten to the rest of the album cos I love this song so much. Sirius Hits 1 doesn't play it nearly enough.

 

Slave for You. Circa 2001. The inner high school girl in me still gets excited over this song/album. Though, I will say, I love "Til the World Ends" way more! Come on, Slave for You? How badly did you want to wear your pink panties (thong) on the outside of your jeans a la Quail Man?! And didn't MTV do a Making of the Video for this song. Golly that show was so fufilling. I always looked forward to new episodes (especially when it was N*SYNC)! I studied up on those making of the video dance moves.

Fast forward 10 years and you have "Til the World Ends." I must say, after 2 kids, that weird head shaving bit, a divorce or two, and general celebrity life...Britney looks pretty good.

So my comparison? These videos are the damn same. Plus or minus face licking. Do you agree. Whatever, I still love her. 

 

Now the real question..."Baby, don't you wanna dance up on me?" Dont answer that. I don't want to know.

100!!

This is my 100th post! I thought I would make it extra special. HA! Who am I kidding, I've been "blogging" for 2+ years and I am just now at 100. What the heck did I ever talk about and how are you still reading!? My intent was to write a really sweet post, which it will be, I just find it adorable that this happens to be number 100.

This is all about 2010 and the people who got me through it. I am not asking for a pity party in any way. 2010 was very much less than stunning for me and I would just like to thank the people who got me through it, whether they know it or not. (this will probably be long)

My heart is exceptionally full for/over these phenomenal people. And for them, I am forever loving and grateful (in no order):

Jen - Is there a description that excels "best friend"?! I feel there just are no words. Partially due to the fact that in 2010 we were going through the exact same thing but moreso for the fact that she just knows me. She kicked me into gear, gave me a dose of reality/advice/support, all exactly when I needed it. And all without my asking and completely selflessly, thats how A+ relationships should be. I could not have done any of 2010 without her, including opening a business.

Mom - She is the most fantastic woman I have ever known. Always making me laugh without knowing (the BEST kind of laughter). And she aways knew just what to say...so much so that I quickly ended many a phone-call with her cos I was more than misty over her supportive and encouraging words.

Dad - I always strive to make him proud of me. And the fact that I do make him proud has shone through this past year more than it ever has. He's a golfer, and I went to his club and his friends houses a couple of times in 2010. He always introduced me to his friends and was so excited when he did. I have always had a good relationship with him and to hear him say he is proud of me makes me misty just thinking about it.

My brother, Justin - in 2010 he was in Iraq/Afghanistan with the Airforce (I honestly forgot cos I was trying not to think about it) for 6 months. Now he is in South Korea. This kid. There are few people who know he and I and actually understand our relationship or just the fact that we are even related. But those who do, i hope, completely understand it. I love him. And I am so proud of what he is doing. He encourages me to give a shit about a lot of things. And his ridiculous words of wisdom at the end of our Skype dates are amazing.

Krissy - She got married in 2010, and we all know how I love a good wedding. I love her, and hers was a nice distraction from unemployment. I really enjoyed making her wedding special on a crafty budget. And to be her Maid of Honor (alongside the Matron of Honor, Jen) was truly an honor. I would not accept the position if I wasn't honored to have it. Honor honor honor. She is really one of the sweetest people I know and I love her for not getting sick of me (and other reasons, of course).

Christen - This beautiful girl was a new friendship for me in 2010. And I recently told her I was shocked she wanted anything to do with me cos I disliked 2010 so much. But she is amazing. Our weekly dates were something I really looked forward too. I especially love that she embraced my lame trivia name "Team Team." And we had many a long talk about life, nonsense and crafty things.

Mandi - My crafty soulmate. I fear we have drifted apart in the last 6 months or so but I still love her as much as ever. I visited her (6 hrs away) in one of my most vulnerable times. I needed her and she was there, despite how pathetic and annoying I was. She introduced me to red lipstick, I still fit into and rocked my super skinny jeans and she made me feel fearless. We danced our asses off with her cute husband and miscellaneous boys. And then a few months later, she came to visit me (with a new friend, HI CANCAM!) and even though I felt I was an awful hostess, she/they had a great time. We drank, danced, crafted, took pictures, ate chili, and it was just what I needed. And then in August, when I felt all hope was lost, she didn't even flinch when I said I was going to visit for a week. (a few days before (and after) we had an incredible weekend including several unbelievably awesome ladies...you know who you are, especially if you've read this far).

Joe - I was terrified that after he and I broke up (after 3 years together) that I would lose him in my life. Fortunately, after a 6+ month break in January 2010, we became friends again. And we are truly better off as friends. I would NEVER recommend this unless you were GOOD friends for longer than you dated. Otherwise, forget it. Anyway, Joe Joe remains my favorite person to go to shows with (I adore him for other reasons as well). Loud as the show may be, I can shoot him a look and he knows exactly what I have nicknamed the annoying person in front of me. He also keeps me modest and honest. And I love that. And he drinks and plays Golf, the card game, with me.

GOLF -  the card game The BEST card game in the world.

Katie and Steven (and P!) - This was the worst 2 years to get to know me. But they both still love me. For me to go to their house and frantically clean is not even giving back a fraction of what they have done for me for 1.5 years. I am SHOCKED that they even like me at all after I mysteriously clean and kinda boss them (and their 3 yr old) around. They make me laugh at myself and I love it. Not to mention, I don't personally know any other couple who is more creative and appreciative (techgeek counts as creative, Steven!). They also appreciate my story-telling, which is a quality of myself I have always striven to excel.

Micah - For encouraging my spontaneity. That afternoon we got drunk and rafted down a river will forever remain one of my favorite summer afternoons. Also laying on my roof (which you have to go upstairs, through my super creepy attic to get to the roof) watching random fireworks and talking for hours. And loads of thanks to him for loving me but never making a move on me. A long time friend for sure, and even weirder that I've known him since he was 16-17. haha

KT - A fearless, gorgeous woman. We haven't always been in constant contact but we have always been there for eachother. And then she up and moves to Australia and I miss her terribly. Can't wait to talk to her next and can't wait until she is home.

Scott - I love him and hate him all at once. It's weird when we don't text for a few days cos I feel we are the same person, just different sexes. I would love and hate myself if I texted me everyday. I feel we keep each other in line. And his antics this past year have really amused me. He was born a day before me, I feel that is enough to explain the likenesses.

Kevin - He never gave up or naysayed my and Jen's dream/goal of opening a coffee shop. He is a true, genuine person who's sense of humor I can always relate to and laugh with. For the rest of forever I will strive to surprise Rick Roll him. If we are tallying points, I think I'm winning!

Jeremy - for driving umpteen hours from Canada to visit me, whom he'd never met, and surprise Katie and Steven for their baby shower. He and I have always related to each other on the internet and it was so incredible for him to visit, even though I felt I was a horrible hostess. I miss him, and I enjoy our random Twitter chatter.

And to random friends/family, Laura (gf), Kevin (HS bf), Michelle, Godfather Al, Ian, Miranda, TIA Ashley,  Josh, Liz/Matt, AJ, Kira/Matt/Willa, Alex (OUTWARDBOUND!), Uncle Jim/Trudi, Shilvoski, Chez, MandyKay, Dorie, Kathy, JenRenee, Cococricketsmama, Steph W. I love you all so much. Thank you for being there for me in ways you may not have even known.

I told you this would be a long one. And if you are a person I love, then I am sure you have read this far. And I don't even mind if you read all of it just to see if you were mentioned. I'll allow it. I love you anyway. 

Bottom Line: HOORAY 2011!!! I am very excited about it. (ps, I am NOT on my death bed...this is just a lovefest farewell to 2010)

This was not expected to be read completely, this was mostly for me. You know, writing this stuff down is important. Thank you for reading this far, I love you too! LOVE LOVE LOVE

XOXO

(all CAPS cos I mean it!)

A Baby Shower!

(not for me. yeesh!)

So three MONTHS ago...yikes I'm a bad blogger...I threw a surprise baby shower for Katie(cupcake). Her husband, the delightful and ever so sweet Steven, asked me in April/May (?) if I would help plan and throw a shower for Katie. Let me say that I love this family. I met them in person August 2009. I don't think I was very good company that weekend, due to personal/work related things, but they were so sweet. I feel that a bond was instantly created and I knew that we would continue to be great friends. I don't know if I ever properly thanked them for that weekend and distracting/supporting me, someone they just met. But it really meant a lot to me. So glad they liked me too! I get really nervous about that, I feel I am pretty realistic online, but you never know.

So I sent out a TON of emails to people Steven and I knew were Katie's friends online just asking for a card or something and I was pleasantly surprised how many friends sent cards and gifts for our friend! 

To make things even more exciting Jeremy drove down from Canada to be here for the shower!! He arrived Friday evening and we got right to work making a garland and decorating. I've known Jeremy online for a few years but we have never met in person until then. So it was very exciting for me to have him there. What a great friend! And we determined that I was the first internet friend he met in real life (right? or did I make that up?). Good thing I am not a psycho. Cos you have to be pretty brave to drive 12 hours to spend a few days with someone you only know online. But he is a sweetie and we had a lot of laughs! A little on the shy first, but that may be cos I get really chatty when I'm excited. I probably spooked him a bit.

Saturday morning we picked up a cake that Steven had ordered from a local bakery and then we set up a ton of food and waited for The Haddox family to arrive! Steven and I had told Katie that we were going to the fair and I was excited for them to see my apartment cos they never have! So it was a great cover up, and would have worked out that way surprise or not!

Now for pictures...Katie was completely surprise. And I found her reaction to Jeremy hilarious. Like "oh hey, what are you doing here!?" I'm sure it was sensory overload!  

I made the pennant banner with Riley's name on it and then Jeremy and I made the paper garland behind it out of paint chip samples in the baby room colors. I love it so much, it's still hanging in my living room. I gave the banner to Katie and Steven.

The cake. From Brown's. SO GOOD! And fit the decorations perfectly!

The food! I tried to get foods Katie was craving, but she really wasn't craving that much. Frozen grapes would have been a pathetic spread so I added a few things I thought everyone would like. I know Steven liked hummus and that Paisley loves those crackers. And I made artichoke dip. YUM! The "table cloth" Is just scrapbooking paper/cardstock in their baby colors. (You can see some of my scrap stash in the background)

The gifts and cards! Thanks friends! Do you spot yours?! So fun!

My wire wall, more scrapbooking paper and our garland! And a little coffee print from Amy! (Thanks, love!)

The gang! My cute friends. And the only picture of people. Pathetic!

And then We went to the York Fair! I had to attempt the inevetable fair pictures.

My first sun flare! I was so excited!

And then some very nice man gave Steven his gigantic prize. Paisley loved it. But we "accidentally" let it on a bench. Don't tell P! That thing was hilariously massive!

It was a really great day with great friends. I hope my party planning lived up to Steven's expectations and they Katie was surprised and had a good time! We had dinner at a local restaurant and then had to say goodbye.

Jeremy and I drank wine, snacked on party food, and played card games that evening. Perfect!

There it is! Long LONG over due, but posted nonetheless. I love you friends!

I am available for all of your shower throwing needs. This was my third in 2 years! I love it. I'll never throw a party for myself though, cos I have a great fear that no one will come to a party I throw unless it's for someone else.

What's your favorite part of host/hostessing?

Hey There

(sorry this post has no pictures)   

 I haven't blogged in 2+ months. I'm not going to make excuses, I just don't think I really like blogging. I was never a diary keeping kind of girl and I feel like I am much more interesting in real life. But alas, here I am. And what has sparked the interest for me to blog at the moment? Things that are annoying me. Nothing like welcoming myself back with a grumpster of a post. Actually, I think you will find that you can relate to some of the things on my list. Or at least I hope so, or else everyone will just disown me as a friend.

    I guess I should further explain that a few of these things I did used to like. So I'm not a total hate monster.

    So here we go, things that are currently annoying me:

• Four Loko. Really? You'd think there was some kind of apocalypse in the works the way people are obsessed with this stuff. I don't get it.
• Calling and tracking people/companies down to find out if they are doing what they are supposed to be doing aka THEIR JOB!! I have found, most people are on their own time regardless of any time line stated. And that's ok, just let me know and then I can plan things accordingly.
• Being on hold/waiting.
• Girl Talk. Love the new album. But anxious for everyone to move on.
• Spiders. There is one in my bathroom. Black and hairy. Enough said.
• Saying "nom" or "om nom." What are we? Japanese cartoon villains? (I tried to find a picture of one, but I am clueless and kept getting large breasted cartoon ladies)
• Bananas. Just thought I'd throw that in there, cos I still dislike them. Though, I did get a face mask from Lush that has bananas, oatmeal, and vanilla in it. It is lovely. And I even tasted it...just to see. Not too bad!
• Limp handshakes. I think completely differently of a person if they have a weak handshake. And that's my nice way of saying: "I judge you."
• The word "boosh." Just stop.
• Cupcakes. Over it. Now cupcake lattes? Different story. 
• And lastly. The Cee Lo Green song I blogged about a few months ago. WOW is that over played. Of course I really don't mind the original version. But the two radio edits? Annoying city!

I hope that you agree with a few of these things or maybe even take note. The world could be a better place because of this blog/post. HAHA. Just kidding. Perhaps I will be back with a more positive post. But whenever I promise a post it rarely happens, so don't hold your breath! Oh. that was kind of mean. I didn't mean it that way. I love you friends! Thanks for reading. I miss you.

What is getting your goat these days?     

To Redeem Myself

To redeem myself for not blogging forever we all know my routine....I just throw at you a random list of tweets I never tweeted. Included in these is some transcribes from a few audio clips I took on my roadtrip home from Ohio. Enjoy, I know you do.

• How long has this The XX song been playing? It's awful. And too long.
• If I had just an ounce of Christina Hendricks' sex appeal I would have been married 10 years ago. That, or I would have guys lined out the door.
• 
  
  
• Got side tracked and re-found this video. I love space stuff (wow I guess not many people know that). She is so interesting in this. Totally different than in Mad Men, which means she is a great actress. It's not all about the curves people.  
    
• Eggs are so simple, yet so complex.
• 7. Number of miscellaneous pens and pencils I found on (and in) my bed.
• (this one cracks me up cos I must have had a few) Dear eyebrow hair, I tried to give you the chance to fall in, but you haven't. It's been weeks and I'm afraid I have to let you go.
• Crunchwrap Supremes are the best. Hands down.
• Let's not talk about how embarrassed I am that THREE of my top 25 songs on iTunes are Justin Beiber. What can I say? I like the dance beats? (two of them are top ten. I realize I should just not show my face in public. I'm a grown ass woman)
• 
  
  

So that should catch you up. Wow. If you are still reading than you must be a really great friend! You probably read most of it and then when I mentioned the Beiber you exed out this window real fast! Sad to see you go.

What is your current guilty pleasure?

 

 

September Jack

Hey Hey! So I just posted September's Jack over at ScrapJacked. And I really love the page (and person) we chose to Jack!

 Here is my take on it. I like it, but the page I picked was certainly a hard act to follow!

That's my pup!

I hope you play along with this ScrapJacked...we are "giving away" a guest spot for October!

Stay tuned for a Baby Shower (for @katecupcake) Blog later today or tomorrow! 

This Post Has a Bad Word

Got your attention? Who here loves typography?! Well I do that's for sure. It is very important to me, even though I can't do diddly in the graphic design or even photoshop department. So I have two typographical (is that a word? or is that about maps?) treats for you.

First?

(source)

Isn't this incredible!? Girlfriend made this using lyrics from 10 of her favorite Daft Punk songs. It took her over 100 hours. Now I love the Daft but she takes the cake! (hopefully not the cake I made last night, cos that's delicious!)

And the second? This is where the bad word comes in. This is NOT the clean version of the song and thusly NSFW.

(I've tried everything and I can't get the videos to come up. Typepad tried to make it simple to do but now it's just impossible. This is a problem. Maybe it's cos I have a Mac? Do they work for you? Please follow the links if the videos aren't up, even though I know that's a pain)

Cee Lo Green - "F**k You" 

This song is fantastic. This song makes it okay that the lawyer that lives/works below me slams his doors late at night cos I have probably been playing this too loud to hear him anyway. It's a shame "California Girls" ever existed cos this should have been the song of the summer. Good work Cee Lo, you got kinda totally annoying with Gnarles Barkley but this is my jam. I see a musical redemption. ALSO, the point to this post, how about that type work and the colors!? Awesome.

And a surprise third bit-o-fun...Let's round it out with this great song by an awesome band with an incredible record.

 

 

The Morning Benders - "All Day Day Light"

Can you tell I just love videos where the words pop up all fun and sans serif!? Also, their current album, Big Echo, is one of the best so far of 2010. So there ya have it.

What type/font related things are geeking you out right now?

"From There to Here"

I know you all have been waiting with baited breath (what's that saying?!) for my next mix. I try to make a new one every season. Little did I know, people actually like them and request them! It takes me weeks and many drafts to make a mix. It has to be perfect, flow well, and not have any songs that I skip. I also like to maximize the space on a disc so I try to add as many songs as I can.

This mix is a good driving or dance party mix. Or perhaps while cleaning, or boozing. Or cleaning AND boozing. There are also a few songs that I think would be lovely to make-out to...but what do I know? So take a listen to "From Here to There, Summer 2010" and PLEASE let me know what you think. Don't lie! Like that time I made stuffed peppers last weekend and everyone liked them. LIARS!! They were edible but totally tasteless. Also, if you like one song don't be afraid to check the band out or say "Hey Vanessa, I'm picking up what you're putting down."

Ya dig? Enjoy!!!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I added this mix to the side bar ------> You can still catch my spring mix (unlike the salad) on my Facebook page.

Jammin?

Hi!

Remember me? I have loads of wannabe post about my crafty fantastic weekend and plenty of stories and antics about how I embarrass myself in public.

Let's start with this one...

I went to a focus group thing last night for a developing community in downtown York. I introduced myself to someone and she said, "Oh, so is your husband on his way?" Or something of that matter. Everyone was listening, I have no shame, and I am pretty loud so I said, 

"Oh I heard that there is another family in York with the same last name as myself, but no, I am not related or married to them." 

I could have ended my comment there but I went a step further and said (totally awkwardly)...

..."WHY? is this a set up? Are you all (strangers) trying to set me up?!"

    (laughter amongst 20-25 people)

"Is this a; Vanessa-you've-been-single-for-too-long Intervention?!" 

    (more laughter cos I am so embarrassingly hilarious).

I sit down and a few minutes later we all have to introduce ourselves. My turn comes and of course my introduction to my introduction is "My name is Vanessa...we all know my dating status..." (more roaring laughter). The End.

To add to the awkwardness that I am completely oblivious of...I make another comment in the evening and say "BOOP" as an action verb, WITH hand gestures. I am pretty sure I will never live that down with a few of my friends who were also there.

 

What are you gonna do!?