Haddy Birdy, Tiny Kitten.

Today is the birthday of one of my best friends. Her name is Taj, Tiny Kitten, Kitten, etc.
She currently resides in NY and I miss her terribly. Here's a handful (maybe 2 handfuls) of my favorite memories of ours, in honor of her birthday. Happy Birthday, Kitten! I luh you.

I reserve the right to add to this list as I deem necessary.

-The first night we truly bonded: deliriously throwing M&Ms at sleeping Sunnie.
-SUMMER.
-The Beatles.
-Floor-dancing.
-Moulin Rouge.
-Sharing music.
-Taj= Pokemon.
-Painting our faces.
-Our ghetto voices.
-Our phonetic texts.
-Dat haunted house.
-Weekly Battle Plans.
-"Domestic daydream."
-Stealing each other's clothes.
-Using tiny dishes and cutlery.
-Grilled cheeses at the hospital.
-Her glorious eyebrow expressions.
-Bandanas. ALL THE BANDANAS.
-When we'd write each other stories.
-When we played pretend all the time.
-Gifting each other with tiny presents.
-Scouring D.I. and Savers for good books.
-Dressing up as the band Kiss for Halloween.
-Our ambition to be back-up singers for Elvis.
-How freaking adorable Taj looks in an apron.
-Reading peoples' FB comments with varying voices.
-When I made Taj's FB status "I PEE EVERYWHERE."
-Elvis in the car. And all the time and everywhere.
^^ "Just a hunka hunka burnin' love-- WAaaaAAAaahhHH!!"
-Adding money to our "Adventure Fund" (have yet to use it)
-Telling each other fantastical stories before we went to bed.
-"LAMBORGHINI MERCY, YO CHICK SHE SO THIRSTY."
-When she put fake rose petals on my bed on Valentine's Day.
-THAT TIME SHE GAVE ME THE KURT COBAIN POSTER.
-Sitting in the middle of the street in the wee hours of the night.
-When Taj posed as a model for my six-photo series "Death suits you well, darling."
-Meeting Nico Vega, eating the yummiest of sandwiches, and receiving free cookies because the waiter had the hots for Taj.
-When Taj painted beautiful masterpieces as I happily finger-painted like a small child.
-Being there for each other through the crappiest of timez.
-That time when we spent an hour pretending she was dead, and developed our story line accordingly.
-Going on the wrong night to the Area 51 club. And telling ponytail dude we were UVU students with diff names.
-When we would lay in our beds and sing random songs at the top our lungs.
-Sharing a passion for White Oleander, Down With Love, and Moulin Rouge.
-That weird crouching thing she did because she knew it made me feel weird.
-Our Pinterest summer board. Infinitely more awesome than our actual summer. Although summer was great. But nothing comes close to that dang Pinterest board, man.
-That time we wanted to buy kittens, and saw the flier up at Macey's for free kittens, and I saved the phone number in my phone as "cat lady."
-Calling her whenever I was cold and bored, walking home from school, and in need of a story.
-Getting grossed out by overly-affectionate roommates and their respective bfs.
-Discussing our relationship issues and discovering that we are both robots.
-How we always dreamt of having a "gang" like the kids in That 70's Show or Scooby Doo.
-Saying "Yeah, guys. Yeah." as if we had a huge group of friends around us, when it was just us.
-When we created our own new $$ terms: $1= a scoop. $5= a chunk. $10= a wad. $20= a carton.
-That day we went to Salt Lake and visited Matt, who is the best host of them all. We walked away with meaningful gifts and inspiration to fulfill ALL THE LIFE DREAMS.
-The music our white Zimbabwean friends showed us, &the killer dance moves that accompany it.
-Abstaining from desserts//receiving cupcakes//smearing them on our faces since we couldn't eat them.
-When we'd google creative date ideas, but just do the activities together, rather than with dudes.
-When I'd sing "Kitten, I lo-ove you. That's all I have to offer" in the style of that one Saturday's Warrior song.
-Sitting on the floor of the game room with Mike, turning the lights off and letting the mystical color ball entrance us.
-When we were delirious and I'd do that thing where I pushed up her bangs all suddenly and dramatically. And busted up laughing every time.
-The fact that our skull decorations, Henry and Henrietta are in a relationship. (They miss each other right now, and should be reunited soon)


-Getting off the phone with her the other day and fully realizing that she is one of my favorite people on this earth.

The musician who sold himself

He knew exactly what he was doing when he chose to wear that slim-fit suit with the bronze jacket, his hair perfectly faded and coiffed.

He knew exactly what he was doing as he upturned one corner of his smile, giving us eyes that said he knew us.

He knew exactly what he was doing as he exploded onstage, with his theatricality and his intimacy and his smirks and his swagger.

Oh, how the lights and sounds electrified us. Their pulse directed our hearts.

The magnet in his voice, drawing us closer.

He knew exactly what he was doing as he gave us no other choice but to fall in love.

Music snobs condemn musicians who choose the "sell-out" path. They criticize the musician's choice with a funereal disapproval. These musicians become dead to the snobs.

Screw the snobs.

I think the sell-out path suits Brendon Urie, frontman of Panic! at the Disco. 

It fits him almost as well as that slim, shimmering suit.

Brendon walks down the sell-out path with style.

He chooses to sell himself. And he's so incredibly talented at it; it's the center of his artistry.

It reminds me of Andy Warhol. Art critics would be crazy for calling Andy Warhol a sell-out, because that was the point. His art was about selling out. He made art that seemed to warn against the harm that fame, money, ubiquity and objectification could bring. 

Some might say he warned against selling out. But there he was, making art that objectified; and selling pieces for as much as 105 million dollars. His own actions added to his commentary on our culture. Andy Warhol's life was a performance piece.

Brendon is no Warhol, but he's a master of his own craft. And, like Warhol, his life is a performance piece.

He sings about Vegas. He sings about selling oneself, figuratively and literally. He smirks at fake displays of intimacy in one song, and praises the thrill of night life in the next. Through his artistry, he examines a culture. He takes his audience on a tour. But he's not one-step removed; he has lived in the thick of it. He knows how it works.

So he does what he knows best, and he sells himself.

And it makes for an astonishing performance.

Please enjoy these tiny videos I took at their recent Salt Lake concert.

A resolution

I usually avoid writing posts which are primarily about me, but I'm going to right now. I need to express this before I lose my momentum, optimism and selfishness.

Fifteen minutes ago, I was walking to the bookstore, listening to "Do It For Me Now" by Angels and Airwaves.

Some songs grant you power. This one, for example, spouts fiercely vulnerable lyrics. However, I have never associated this song with weakness. It's so empowering because it's so honest. And it moves forward with such an unyielding cadence. Here, the artist admits his weakness and vulnerability, but expressly refuses to remain a victim of his circumstances. This song empowers me, and makes me feel selfish, for better or for worse.

But I digress.

As I walked, I reflected. This semester will likely be my busiest ever.

This is the point where I should probably resolve to give up something big. Like good grades, sleep, or spending time with friends.

However, I refuse.

I resolve to have it all this semester: academic success, delicious deep sleep, and an active social life. No boyfriend though. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Why I love Beck and you will too

BECK.

A few minutes ago I began writing a blog post about 5 songs I love right now. I struggled to choose. There are SO MANY artists and songs I want to gush about.

Whilst trying to pick 5 killer songs, I of course considered Beck's "Debra." I revisited an incredible live performance of this song on Youtube, and it all became clear. I am not going to write about just any 5 songs today.

It is my sacred duty to make you, yes you, just an avid Beck fan as I.

Swagger, grit, falsetto, funk. Beck owns it all. And I don't mean "owns" as in he simply possesses them. He OWNS them.

SWAGGER. Beck transcends all bounds of swagger. Yeah, I didn't know swagger had bounds either. It does. Beck's swagger is on a unique plane from all other swagger. You'll see what I mean.

GRIT. He infuses his funk with grit. The result? An edgy, whimsical masterpiece that will blow your mind.

As demonstrated with his gritty funk, Beck's style incorporates a wide range of musical influences (folk, electronic, hip hop, funk, rock, blues-- to name a few). And as Gestalt's theory goes-- the whole is much, much greater than the sum of the parts.

FALSETTO. Oh my goodness his falsetto. It speaks for itself. I have no words to describe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONGS:



1.LOSER (1994)

You've surely heard this one. But here are a few things you might not know about it:
-Beck has always created experimental music, but before this track, folk was his home base.
-Beck worked with a hip-hop record producer to create this.
-This song was simply an experiment; Beck considered it mediocre and did not wish to release it.
-A friend insisted Beck release it, so he did. "Loser" hit the radio and became his instant breakthrough single.
-Major music labels fought like wolves for him.




2.WHERE IT'S AT (1997)

I'll show you another of Beck's milder pieces. I believe Beck can appeal to a wide audience, depending on which song you're listening to. I'd wager that this song has wide appeal.

This song introduces you to some key elements of Beck's style: simple melodies, large variety of instruments, repetition, gritty texture, both spoken word and singing, and retro vibes beautifully blended with electronic influence. All hail Beck, king of sampling.

3.GET REAL PAID (1999)

Most of the time when I show this song to friends, they question my sanity. I'm OK with that.

"Get Real Paid" appeals to more of a niche audience. An audience which I am certainly included in. I freakin' love this musical style. Beck's album Midnite Vultures (which this song is on) did not gather a large following.

It's not a bad thing to have a niche audience as an artist. It's actually imperative. You're doing something wrong if EVERYBODY likes what you're creating.

I respect an artist who does what they want, without feeling compelled to defend or reshape it at the first, second or third voice of disapproval. Beck knows what he's doing!





4.E-PRO (2005)

E-Pro is found on Beck's album "Guero." Ironically enough, Beck and his producers went to great measures to give this album a laid-back lo-fi sound and feel.

Another song I love from this album is "Go It Alone." Both E-Pro and Go It Alone move forward with mysterious momentum. They feel like water boiling, heating, swelling, but never quite spilling over.

5.DEBRA (1999)

In my opinion, this song is Beck's ultimate masterpiece.

LYRICS. Beck recites his hilarious tongue-in-cheek lyrics with the utmost seriousness and quirky romantic swagger.
STYLE. Here, psychedelic funk, big band sound, R&B and soul combine to create something truly unique.
FALSETTO. Can we just talk about that for a minute. He's incredible. No matter how strange you find Beck, there is no denying that his talent is endless as you hear his falsetto soar.

The album version of this song has about 2% more polished vocals, but this live performance has so much character. You must watch it.

Death suits you well, darling.

A 6-photo story starring Taj Sivertsen, Jordan Geyerman and Henry the skull.

Life lessons from fellow journalism majors:

During my time thus far in the BYU newsroom, I've collected many golden nuggets of knowledge. Here are a few I found most notable*:

1. Beyonce reigns supreme.
2. Everything is "THE WORST."
3. On a similar note, superlatives are THE BEST.
4. "Hot mess" is a phrase acceptable to describe any and all situations.
5. Broadcast and print journalists are not meant to mix romantically.
6. Moderate stalking behaviors are sometimes necessary, because: JOURNALISM.
7. You can just add "JOURNALISM." to the end of any phrase to validate it.
8. Justin Timberlake. Mmmm. I think we're all in agreement on that.
9. Sometimes you just need to look at pictures of cats.
10. BYU's newsroom is divided almost equally when it comes to opinions on NCMO's.
11. The best kind of people are those who share your taste in music documentaries.
12. In the words of Vampire Weekend-- Who gives a *bleep* about an oxford comma?
13. Channing Tatum's face resembles a variety of potatoes.
14. When you have conversations about your love life in the newsroom, everyone's listening. Whether they're acting like it or not.
15. If you say something witty whilst in the newsroom, it will appear on Twitter immediately.
16. Sometimes relationships reach the point where you just need to go to Guru's.
17. You don't need a Dr. Pepper emotionally. You need a burrito emotionally.
18. You can measure how much you like something by asking yourself whether you'd be in a cult about it or not.
19. Buzzfeed. Enough said.


* I reserve the right to add to this list as I deem necessary.

YOU'VE CHANGED

I love street art. I love street art that is both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually meaningful.

The other day when I was walking to campus I stumbled upon the street art pictured in this photo. I stopped and stared. When a piece of art arrests my attention to the point that I stop and stare, I consider it good art. If the work of art causes me to keep thinking about it after I've left it, I consider it great art. This was great art.

"YOU'VE CHANGED." When I saw these words spray-painted on the sidewalk, I had no choice but to enter self-reflection mode. The bold and anonymous assertion cut me to the core. YOU'VE CHANGED. The negative ways that I've changed flooded my mind. My filters of rationalization became temporarily disabled, and I saw my whole self. Not just a leg or an ear or an arm, but everything that I am. I've changed. I can't deny it.

But then my mind turned to the leaps and bounds I have made. I have consciously changed destructive aspects of who I am, and every day I work actively to maintain those improvements.

I have changed for the better.

I don't know what the ratios are for how much I've changed for the worse vs. better, but I can confidently say that I have changed for the better. And it felt good to acknowledge that.

It's OK to admit to yourself that you are making progress. Self-reflection need not just be a rebuking and punishing of self. It is essential to admit to yourself where you have changed for the better so you can maintain that progress.

I loved the physical placement of this message "YOU'VE CHANGED." It lies on the sidewalk that people tread every day, a path they travel mindlessly on their way somewhere else. I find it fascinating that the demand for introspection lay on a travelling path, rather than at a destination. 

I think we often choose to have our most significant self-reflecting moments when we reach a destination. Destinations can be expected or unexpected. When we graduate school. When someone close to us dies. When we are somewhere beautiful. When a relationship ends. When huge opportunities fall in our lap. It's times like these that we sit ourselves down and make assessments.

However, it is so important to look inwardly and make small necessary changes as we go. While we're on our way to our destinations. If we do not make assessments of how we've changed as we go, then we will often come to harsh realizations when we reach landmarks. We will see our leg and our ear and our arm for what they are, and we may not be pleased with what we see. So think about it now. YOU'VE CHANGED. How have you changed?

The lady at Walmart thinks I'm artsy

This story is true. I'm not sure if it's a social commentary on the culture of the people of Walmart, or if it's just a piece of prose I wrote to amuse myself. In any case, I feel obligated to memorialize it. If not for your sake, then mine.

The other day I felt the need to print some photos I took. So I ordered photo prints online through Walmart. Unfortunately, my photos usually end up over-saturated when I print them there. This dampens my spirits momentarily. But then I remember how inexpensive they are and I cope because I am a poor college student.

I also felt the need to purchase a book I've desperately wanted to read for quite some time now. I was surprised to find that Walmart sold it online, and through its Site to Store Pick-Up, I could buy it for a cheaper price than anywhere else. So I did.

On a Saturday afternoon, I traversed to this magical place to collect my treasures. I quickly bought some groceries so I could sooner start the fun part: retrieving my photos and new book. Bananas, strawberries, avocados, wheat pasta, almond milk, guilty pleasure chocolate protein shake. Check.

I hurried to retrieve my book from the Site to Store Pick-up section of Walmart, where a tall brunette man materialized from a back room. I revealed my intentions of picking up the book. His eyes reflected subtle surprise, and he informed me that people hardly ever order books at Walmart. He gladly gave me my book, I gladly received it, and I was on my way to the photo department.

The Lady sat. The Lady sat in her apathy. The Lady sat in her apathy until she mustered the will to ask, "Can I help you?"

I smiled and said, "Yes! I'm here to pick up some photos under the name of Kristina Smith."

The Lady found my photos amongst her files. She pulled two of my photos from their sleeve and asked "where I got them." I told her I photographed the images, because I did. She gave me a pointed look that undoubtedly carried the subtext: "AND I'M THE QUEEN OF SHEBA." The Lady returned the photos to their sleeve without a word, acting like she'd let me slide on this one.

I asked The Lady why she questioned the origin of my photos. She replied, "Well. they look kinda like...artsy. So if you got them online [here she paused and gave me accusing eyes], they're probably copyrighted or something, and you're not supposed to print them without permission."

I reiterated the fact that I took the photos. I even told her the shots' locations. A smirk sat, fastened indefinitely to her face.

The Lady clung to her opinion like a tiny starfish on an artificial boulder. However, as she married her opinion, she also entertained her apathy. Drenched in her indifference, she ultimately permitted me to print photos which she presumed I stole from the Internet.

As I walked away from this strange scenario, I was mildly ruffled because of my inability to penetrate The Lady's mind with truth. However, feelings of amusement and even gratification prevailed.

I don't how much fulfillment a human being is supposed to feel when a Walmart employee deems their photography to be professional in quality. And I don't know what it says about a person when they feel flattered in such a scenario. But for a good five minutes, I felt pretty good about myself.

The lady at Walmart doesn't know it, but she thinks I'm artsy.