FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE

SONG OF THE DAY #421
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Hello My Treacherous Friends
by Ok Go

FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTEEN

SONG OF THE DAY #418
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Rebellion (Lies)
by Arcade Fire

FOUR HUNDRED SEVEN

SONG OF THE DAY #407
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mansard Roof
by Vampire Weekend

FOUR HUNDRED ONE

SONG OF THE DAY #401
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Half Moon
by Iron & Wine

Woke up my first morning in Prague at 8:15, after ten hours of sleep and two alarms. Eventually (at around 9:30), we went to eat breakfast with the rest of the group at the Petr lobby. We started our first walking tour of the city-- something that would a little over 6 hours and spawn countless moments of subtle hilarity and pure awe. After the tour we relaxed for a while and missed the 20-to-6 meeting time downstairs. Guided by detailed text message, Francisco and I made our way to the restaurant across town for our inaugural dinner. We welcome Shelby and Jessica and have ourselves a time. We sit, we talk, we eat. It was all very French. After the restaurant, we head over to the Tesco to buy some essentials (a shit ton of water [zat's garbage; sin gas?], forgetting ziploc bags), and then come home. We gather in my room to tell of our misadventures, and miss a game of Spades downstairs in 33. 58, baby. 58.

THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE

SONG OF THE DAY #363
Monday, May 16th, 2011
Open Book
by Cake

Got up at 11:00. Called Financial Aid, showered, and ate some pita chips and pumpkin muffins. Went to the bank, eager to test my planned blunt delivery.
"Hi. I need a loan."
I walked out with no loan, but rather a credit card that is of no use to me. Came home and kept editing, after eating a homemade hamburger, so goood.. but went to Itito's for a bit before going on. Came home, paid for my credits with an e-Check, and continued editing, watching clips of Austin Powers in Goldmember while rendering. Stopped a little later to eat some ropa vieja with P-B rice (acereee), and then again to go to Suanay's solo recital. Came back home to more editing, more Austin, and an urge (from Mileini) to update the Sound. Simple day.

THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE

SONG OF THE DAY #361
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend to Dance
by Black Kids

Went to work, got out at 4:30, came home, watched the Bieber movie with Jessie. Asked her to go watch Thor, but she refused. Took Ruth instead-- we needed to catch up. Went to Borders to wait in the meantime, for the 2 hours before the movie started. Took her home afterwards and came home once again, mind-set to work in the morning.

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE

SONG OF THE DAY #359
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Move Along
by The All-American Rejects

It was a morning song-- no more, no less. And since I think Blindsided by Bon Iver is too meaningful for a day like today (and is taken, possibly), it fits. I woke up at around 12:30 and did few things I was supposed to. Let me present a list of ways I failed this morning:
1. I woke up late.
2. I didn't finish the video.
3. I didn't finish weed-eating.
4. I didn't bathe the dog.
Now, slightly meaningful redemptive events:
1. I withdrew a payment from the bank, went to Navarro to make it into a money order, and
2. Paid it to the OEA.
3. I went to my Doctor's office to pick up test results, and
4. Showed them to my FIU Doctor, at an *appointment* (what up) which I showed up to *on time* (what up).
5. I ate lunch.

After this string of events I went in to Weitz's and hung out for a little while, before heading to the Study Abroad meeting at 5. Helped carry over some materials and stayed until around 8, at which point I gtfo Paris and came home. Watched American Idol and wrote the Sound's entry. Sup.

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE

SONG OF THE DAY #351
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
It's All Over
by The Broken Family Band

I'm repeating this song. I've become an originality fail.

I told Crys to pack a bathing suit and a towel, ordered a Sarussi, got dressed, and went to pick her up. We headed to the Venetian Pool. Swam around a bit, explored the waterfalls and the caves, and laid in the cascade pool. The whole experience could have been a montage to this song. I cracked open the sandwich, and she brought out the brownie cupcakes-- and we taught each other. The morning was perfect for something like this.
We picked up Jessie a little while later, at 1:50, and then went home to gather some things and head to Itita's. Dropped Crystal off at home, and sat in Itito's backyard for a few hours, waiting for them to get home. Had some more brownie-cakes, and took a look at Jessie's yearbook, hangin' out with Luis. Came home, took a long bath, and wrote the half of today's memoir I could.
A few hours passed and before I knew it, it was time to see Crystal again. I drove over to her house on this lovely May 4th night, with The Holiday and a few Argentinean delicacies, and had dinner over some sparkling conversation. Insisting to not watch television and help clean up instead, she kept me busy and away from the kitchen with some photos from the trip. After dinner she changed into a knockout red and black dress I don't think I'll ever forget, and we sat down to watch The Holiday. The rest I leave to memory.

THREE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE

SONG OF THE DAY #345
Thursday, April 28th, 2011
Stolen
by Dashboard Confessional

Woke up and told Mileini I'd meet her at the FIU, only to stay in my pajamas and watch American Idol. I think I cracked my foot last night. After taking a shower and getting dressed, I went to the Park to meet Crystal. We set up a blanket and talked, and then went to the swings and did the same... Together we ran through the sprinklers in the soccer field. Very metaphorical. Soaked, we said goodbye.

The rest of the day was a blur.

THREE HUNDRED FORTY-THREE

SONG OF THE DAY #343
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Stormy Weather
by Ethel Waters

This morning I woke up early to get to Myth; my final was today. I finished my extra credit essay, emailed Angela, and went to class. As it turns out, half the test was out of the chapters I didn't read. Brilliant! Finished in a cinch. As soon as I got out, Crystal tells me she just finished hers, and she's headed to work. Since my celebratory lunch plans would have to wait, I took Jaif up on her offer to watch Due Date, which ended up being a tidbit better than I expected. Put on The Luyas and cleaned up my desk, Jaif holding the trash.
She left, and hesitated. And after walking into the middle of the road with my hands on my head as something complicated drove away in front of me. I sat on the sidewalk for about 10 minutes watching my life become more and more tangled, until I finally went inside and took to writing. In it, I made my decision. I wrote for an hour and then sought approval from the one woman that would understand these matters of the heart.
This will go down in history as the craziest day of my life.
I went to Itita's house; she wasn't there. I went to la peluquería to find her, and I told her what was happening. The ladies found out as well. After reading my letter to them and getting some feedback, I decided my heart's words were good enough and started transcribing. Itito's office. Now I'd wait. I'd wait for three hours until I asked for whereabouts. And then I'd wait some more. I gave up, and I was about to go home at around 7:45, she sent a message. I was at her house 5 minutes later, dropping off the letter. And as soon as I left, I got nervous again. I came home. I came home, I waited for the speaker until 8:45. I told my mom what had happened. I told her what I wrote. She cried. She gave me advice. She sent me on my way. At this point I was almost hyperventilating. I'd never let out that much emotion, ever. That letter is the most heartfelt thing I've ever written, and I couldn't believe I just left my heart hanging and delivered it to someone. I didn't think I was even capable of something like that. I couldn't explain it if I tried. I felt like I was gonna throw up for most of the afternoon, knowing what I was about to do, and then really heavily once it hit me what I had done. I got in the car with the speaker and 17 cords and drove to Crystal's. Despejándome Un poco, I gave her salsa lesson #2, and then we started watching Pi. I got home and before going inside, followed Jaife's instructions: "check your mailbox when you get a chance." Oh.
Oh my God.



Take a breath.



Keep reading.



What?



Now?



How could I not--?



This isn't happening.



This cannot be happening.



Is this real?



I come inside. I get a grueling pain in parts I didn't even know one could sprain. It's half past midnight, around 40 minutes since I've been home, and I still haven't figured out if it was Crystal's couch or Jaife's words that are physically weakening me. I feel like life just kicked me in the nuts for being such a schmuck. So I took two extra-strength caplets of Western Medecine and tried sleeping for a change.

THE DAY'S PLAYLIST
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Caring is Creepy
by The Shins

Stormy Weather

by Ethel Waters

The Weakness in Me
by Joan Armatrading

This Year's Love
by David Gray

THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

SONG OF THE DAY #342
Monday, April 25, 2011
All Over Town
by The Kooks

This morning I got up to finish several things: It's my last day before the end of the semester. My last final's tomorrow: Myth, Ritual, & Mysticism in the morning. I decided there were a few things I had to do today: finish my essay for Ecology (the Final Draft, due at 5), study for Mysticism, and not do much else. Plans change. Mileini came over while I still hadn't even changed out of my paJams, to pick up the Tao of Pooh, Un Rey en La Habana (after hearing Crys and I gabbing about it over some masitas de puerco), and An American In Paris. She left, and soon after, with a house full of my confused entire family sitting around (había comelata de Arroz con Pollo), Jaife came over. We ate together after everyone else, and then, after my grandparents left, we went to my room to kill some time. I finished my essay while she snooped in my books and ticket case, and after a brilliant quick finish at 4:45, we spent the rest of the afternoon listening to good music and talking. Of course, ambiguously looking into each other's eyes and showing her the map consumed the down time. When she left, I stayed awe-struck at how situations like these in my life can be so difficultly discernable as either friendly and not. I continue to surprise myself thinking about how complicated human relationships are. I dedicate this song to a sentiment: doubt.

In any case-

I got myself over to the Dunkin' Donuts by Crystal's later that night. Study date. Moved it back to her house when we couldn't get internet, and amidst the books, managed to get to know each other better. Also, the new mint oreos and the chocolate cafecito were fantastic. Killed some bugs, looked through some books, and teased her romantic collection. A truly humble abode of films and literature, hehe. It was the night I went back to the gate. The second time seeing her, and it felt better than the first.

I lie... The first was... the first.

THREE HUNDRED FORTY

SONG OF THE DAY #340
Saturday, April 23, 2011
La Tuba
by Elvis Manuel

&

New Kind of Love
by Plants and Animals

This morning started calmly. I got up early and on time and went to the Egg Hunt! ^.^ 8:17 I got out of the car. Scheduled at 8:30. It was fantastic timing. The Hunt was great! I hung out with Kira and Carlos and everyone in the church, Megan and The Hef included. She worked on Posada Carriles' case as co-council! No ways!! After the Hunt, which included Kira, Carlos and I hurriedly placing eggs all over the field in the midst of chaos, talking to Kira about movies, and getting le best craft ever-- a wish jar-- I went to Georgine's House to help out with Netflix. As it turns out, we have crazy similar History interests! It is awesome. She's read all these cool books and loves the Revolutionary and Civil Wars! Though she's die hard south, she's a pretty neat lady. The bee's knees, if you will.

I came home, chilled for a while, talked to Mileini, nappt, and then got ready to head out to Borscht. Picked up Crystal and went to get Mileini, and then we headed out to the Arscht. After parking in a sketchy garage and taking the last spot, we made our way to the line outside, which wrapped halfway around Miami. Took up two sides of the building. Two whole sides! It was crazeh. When they were at capacity, Crystal, Mileini and I decided to take to Bongos, down the street. Stayed there for a few hours, eating masitas de puerco y croqueticas. When it was club time, I softened up the security guard and got a wristband, on the condition that I'd try not to drink, and have a safe time. Taught Crystal some basics, danced up a storm, and had a great time. Jaife graced us with her presence sometime later that night, and the four of us hit it up! Then, of course, she and Mileini were attacked by strange club bears and, after rescuing them I led everyone outside, and we left the club at around 2:30. Jaif and Mileini went home together, and I took Crystal back to her place. A kiss at the door melted me. She closed the door behind her and I barely made it back to my car. I melted all over the sidewalk. Literally spinned and weakened, and leaned against the car for support. Oh, Jesus. Then, on my way home, she told me I should've stayed to watch That 70s Show, and that 30 minutes wouldn't kill me... Of course I turned the hell around and we finished watching the episode, followed by Three's Company. We only watched about half the show. I came home, un mango maduro, at around 3:30. Me tiré en la cama, sobre la cual no dormí el resto de la noche.

THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX

SONG OF THE DAY #336
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The High Road
by Broken Bells

Got up early by way of Itito, went to Myth, signed up for the clean-up committee, talked to Angela, and donated $5 to the Food Committee. Got out of there and went to the Honors College to thank Rachelle, ended up spending like an hour and then some, maybe, just talking garbage. Went over to the library and met up with Anaís on a whim while waiting for Jaife at Starbucks. She came down, and we went over to Jamba Juice. Dropped some tunes with Anaís in good faith. Tried the Peach Pleasure... heheh. It was pretty damn delicious. Walked Jaif to French and saw Mileini coming out of Spanish on the same floor. Walked to class. In reacting, we had a huge love fest, giving suggestions on what we could have or couldn't have done differently, and spreading revolutionary cheer. It was the day we found out of our fates in the game. After class I headed back home to watch the West Wing. The last episode was brilliant!! Into the night I worked on the slideshow for Ecology, and watched the beginning of Arthur with Dudley Moore. Went to bed at around 2 or something, and got up a few hours later for class...

I got this song, after months of searching, from watching the Rabbit Hole trailer late last night. I couldn't believe my ears. It was a Eureka moment.

THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR

SONG OF THE DAY #334
Sunday April 17, 2011
Merrymake It With Me
by The Republic Tigers

Woke up at 10, got out of bed at 11. It was a strange and fascinating day...

When Ititos got here I put on El secreto de sus ojos, which was one of the best movies I've seen in a while.

Meanwhile, as my mom was getting progressively more sick, with a fever that would just NOT go down, Duck confit cooked all day in the kitchen. We ate a little after the movie, following it up by a fruit tart that was ridiculously delicious. Itita told me of a happier time, when she was forced to collect shit from her outhouse so that her mom could fertilize the land. Ah, my grandmother's childhood. Took a crazy nap and woke up a while later. Watched Ellen, then ate some more of the tart when Gallego showed up out of the blue. It's now 12 hours after I woke up, and I'm still in my pajamas watching Hot Tub Time Machine and updating the Sound. I should've woken up more motivated today, but after the heavy conversation last night I wasn't really feeling up for anything. It's no one's fault.

THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE

SONG OF THE DAY #333
Saturday April 16, 2011
I Go Away
by MNDR

Today was a little heavy. Worked in the AM, and the first indication that it would turn out strange was that Victor wasn't scheduled. It was strange... I stayed in gaming the whole day, occasionally moving to a swamped DI and relieving Ferd from MP3. Got out and went straight to Itita's house for a BBQ, where surprisingly Tia Brenda was! She came with Elio, Anthony and Amanda and hung out for a few hours. Watched half of Inside Job, and after eating hung out with the kids on the old tracks in the back. At around 6:45 she went home and soon after, so did I. Took Mom to Dolphin Mall to return something while I work-stalked Ruth, and then we headed to Borders to look for the Tao of Pooh, copies of which they didn't have. Came home grumpy and had a long conversation about things that are weighing me down. Ah, Jesus. It's going to be a long life.

THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE

SONG OF THE DAY #325
Friday, April 8th, 2011
Dropped
by Phantom Planet

I got up today at around 11. I put some clothes on and went over to the kitchen, where I found Titico having a beer outside and Pops dando lija en el comedór. I ate something, and when Titico left we got on the roof to fix the leaks. Chapapote que tú conoces. Got down, put up with some displaced frustration, and vacuumed the left side of the house. Tested out my speaker, which I'm going to return for being not-too-powerful and expensive as shit, with WORK, and got to taking a shower soon after. Offered Mileini a movie, and got ready to pick her up at 3 for The Last Metro at 3:30. Of course I left the house at 3:05, I got to hers at 3:25, and we got to the movie at 3:45. Haha... ah, kids.

-I'm late.
-I hope you're not pregnant
-Fingers crossed

After the movie I discovered that the quiz I thought closed Saturday had closed today, and after realizing I couldn't do anything about it, I built a bridge and decided to go return the C-Pass to my co-intern on the Venetian. We traveled by two murals that *someone* hadn't ever seen... *pats self on back* and by the Symphony park by Lincoln Road, with its 80-foot screen and quad projectors, also a novelty. We parked by Old City Hall and toured the building, checking out the elevator, 8th floor staircases, and the new Miami Beach Cinematheque. C'est fantastique! Walked over to the Wolfsonian and saw Regina Bailey! Toured the museum and the gift shop and walked over to Uncle Sam's for some musical enlightenment--- discovered a Phantom Planet used CD for $5! I can't believe I haven't put Phantom Planet on The Sound before... I guess I'm growing up. Dropped the lady off and headed back to the g-pa's' house, where I killed some pizza and stole some Crystal Light, which tasted like diet tea (maybe because it is diet tea). Convinced Itito to watch Inside Job and came home a passenger soon after. Hanging out with Dad on the way home I was tricked into a strange subject that should have died with doctor-patent confidentiality-- one that I was waiting to come bite me soon enough.. And, also, the word spread awkwardly. Put on The West Wing at home, and paused to have a chat with Ma about psychology and heaven. President Bartlet has MS! :O CJ finally hit that. After the show ended, everyone declared their bed plans in unison, and I retired to my humble abode, le blog.

THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO

SONG OF THE DAY #322
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
by Arcade Fire

Today I woke up at 8 ready to go to class at 9:30, but decided to stay in bed until 10:30, effectively missing yet another Myth, Ritual class. ¡Ayayay! Got ready and went to class at 12:30. Evaluations, then Assembly. Made the Announcement from Les Justes about the boycott, and then was removed from the Presidency by popular vote and replaced with Georges Danton. Joined the regions at the front and booed at everything inside. Nominated Gabriel for President. Kirk got about 8 things passed today. Woohoo! The Professors didn't let us secede because there would've been no time for crowd reaction, and so I decided to go take a walk and visit Davies after class. First, though, took Mileini to the clinic and made an appt. for myself. In Davies' office, we talked about the plan and about letter-writing and other such entanglements, and shared our disappointments with the crowd and the Faillants. I told him of my plan to murder the Abbe, and he seemed fine with it. Came home, ate a sandwich, took a nap, and woke up to a Madrina visit! It was the greatest ever!! They left at around 10:30, and for 2 hours after that I did nothing but justify these past few days online and avoid reading for Ecology... I'm testing myself and I'm going to fail.

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN

SONG OF THE DAY #317
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Shortly Before the End
by OK GO

This song is for the Assembly, at which the King was sentenced to 15 years in prison without the need to renounce the Bourbon line or his alliance to the Pope, and for the resulting news bulletin, when we found out that the King was whacked by one of Susan's lackeys. Dead and gone. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking to everyone on fb about the crazy assembly, and watching the west wing.

MIDNIGHT BONUS TRACK:
The Heart of Life (Live)
by John Mayer

In the evening I became disappointed with my poor, unknowing sister, and went to clear the frustration one block up, where I taught myself to bike with my hands behind my back.
I came back and worked on my wrap report until around 5 A.M., at which point I finished up and knocked out by 5:30.

This is a rare live recording of The Heart of Life by John Mayer. It's strangely the only version of the song I can relate to. All the others I've heard, even the one that appears in Where the Light Is, comes across as too processed for some reason... This one is perfect. It's essential.

TRECIENTOS DIECISÉIS

CANCIÓN DEL DÍA #316
miércoles 30 de marzo de 2011
Leave Your Boyfriends Behind
por Leona Naess

Me levanté hoy a las ocho y media, y me fui para la escuela, llegando a tiempo a mi clase de ecología urbana. Fue el último discurso antes de el comienzo de las presentaciones orales. Regresé a la casa y comenzé a escribir mi tarea del festival. Llegué a tres páginas completas, y me falta terminar el triple mañana. Hablé con la peliroja, y quedamos para salir el viernes a la fiesta de Jackie... No sé lo que estoy haciendo, pero no puede ser lo peor.. Bueno, eso espero. Alomejor así me gano el ojo de una de ellas. No sé si lo tengo de la que verdaderamente me interesaría... Pero bueno, sólo el tiempo dictará la verdad, y quizás este viernes sienta algo distinto a lo que pienso que sea. El resto de la tarde me la pasé viendo The West Wing, el programa de Aaron Sorkin, un escritor que se está lentamente convirtiéndose en mi predilecto. La primera temporada ya la tengo por los primeros 6 episodios. Siguiente a eso me puse a revisar las leyes de los Artes Franceses con Andrew, y la propuse, aligual con el segundo artículo de la constitución Francesa, en el bureau presidencial. Mileini me atreve a hablar Español para ayudarla a estudiar - ¿o fuí yo? - y eso hago. Me ha movilizado. Y ahora son las doce, y caeré en la cama, precísamente... ahora.
Hasta mañana, Luna.

THREE HUNDRED FIFTEEN

SONG OF THE DAY #315
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
Thrills
by Cake

Woke up at 11:30, an hour before Reacting, two hours after Myth, and half an hour after my doctor's appt. My habits disappoint me sometimes. Went to class for the King's trial, where Octavio and the rest of them laid shit down. The defense was solid, but the King was found guilty over a measly 28 votes. It was nuts. Came home, wrote something up about my character, then ate and went back to school at 5:30 to meet up with Sam and company, talking to Mileini about my plans on the way, for some fro-yo. Bitches got some drama going on. Came back home, watched Castle, then wasted away slowly on the computer, doing nothing particularly productive. Need to finish my wrap report tomorrow before 1, meaning that right after class I have to sit somewhere around campus and get to working on it. Wish me luck. Also, I'm going for Door #2. Choosing any other route would just be foolish. Any closer and I'll start hearing Joan Armatrading everywhere I go. And I love Joan, but I can't let her kill me again.