Two Decades

This week, I celebrated my 20th birthday.  I cannot believe that I am now two decades old.  No longer a teenager.  But like every birthday, I bring out the kid in me and get so excited about my special day.  My whole family does it, including my 70 year old grandfather who makes it known that his birthday is around the corner every month!  Sadly, I didn't get to spend my birthday the way I wanted to, but I knew that I had friends and family that would have been there to celebrate it with me. 

This year my birthday was on a Monday.  Unfortunately, that is the time that I have my all day school session from 9-8.  It made me so mad because I celebrate my birthday just like every child.  But to make up for it, my family and I went to Georgia to shop and spend time together.  That was a lot of fun.  Bought some new Croc shoes and games, and then my family suprised me with a gift card to my favorite shop, Barnes and Noble.  And then I continued my celebration by feasting at the Outback with Steak, Lobster and rice.  And then later we nibbled on some appetizers from Chili's. 

Then Monday arrived, and I was real cranky because I had to spend it at school.  But you wanna know what got me through the day?  All of the great Facebook Birthday wishes that people posted.  Friends that I spend every day with, and people that I have barely spoken to alike.  It kept a smile on my face all day.  And I guess the shopping spree the day before helped me not notice that it was my birthday at all.  But I sure didn't like the quick Burger King meals that I had to eat in a hurry in between classes. 

But this birthday feels special in it's own way for some reason.  I guess because it is the start in a new decade of my life.  And maybe even a new era.  Parts of my life right now seems to agree with that, with all of the new and great changes going on.  But I think this birthday was also a moment to reflect on all the birthdays before and that many days I have spent on this earth.  I can remember birthdays long ago like when my parents bought me my first gameboy when I was 9, and the one where I spent the whole night with friends at the very place where I work now and the one just last year when I got my iPad. 

It also reminds me of all the things that have went on in the twenty years.  My earliest memory is when my sister was born and I went and held her and the evil nurse took her away from me 18 years ago.  I also remember my grandmothers taking me to McDonalds for ice cream later that day.  I can also remember when my youngest sister was born in 2001.  When the World Trade Centers were attacked later that year.  And then my graduation from High School and the start of my job less than two years ago.  So many memories, good and bad. 

This post probably would have been more memorable to me if it was actually posted on my birthday.  But I feel that even thought I am a little late, it still reflects my emotions of that day, and the days before it.  It's also nice to reflect on what has transpired during these years, the small pieces to the person I am today.  I'll never forget them.  So here is to my 20th birthday, and the many years to come!

-Tyler

Revenge

Every season, viewers look for a show that will prove itself worthy to remain for more seasons.  A lot of shows barely see the light of day before the network pulls the plug on them.  And then there are some that remain forever and is able to live the life that it's creator hoped for.  There is one show that is now on ABC has caught my interest, and has caused me to record it every week and hope that it will never be cancelled.

Revenge was aired on September 21st, and has stunned fans all over the world, including yours truly on it's acting and plot.  It is based on the book The Count of Monte Cristo.  And it has an amazing cast including Emily VanCamp (from Brothers and Sisters) and Madeleine Stowe.  The show also features a cast that I haven't seen before, but is playing very well.  Below is the overview of the show that was provided by Wikipedia:

"Emily Thorne, whose real name is Amanda Clarke, moves back to the Hamptons to take revenge on the people who caused the death of her father David and destroyed her family. When she was a little girl, Amanda's father was arrested on terrorism charges and tried for treason; her life was destroyed. She ended up in juvenile detention and on her 18th birthday inherited the wealth of the company her father invested in. She changed her name to Emily Thorne and decided to take revenge on the people responsible."

So far 5 episodes have been aired, and I am in awe with every one.  Every one deepens the plot and gives us a better understanding of the characters.  While we understand some, the show leaves us unsure about some characters, and where their loyalties lie.  I won't tell you who, because you wouldn't go watch it.  Gotta find out for yourself!

The show has stood strong with the ratings, with the pilot being the most watched in it's timeslot.  And it continues to gain fans after that.  I can testify to that, getting my mom and sister hooked on the show.  Revenge is now our Wed. 10:00 fix.  Others agree with that, with the Hollywood Reporter calling it, "Intriguing and genuinely fun series stars sweet/sexy Emily VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe." and a "nice combo of sweet/sexy and ice-cold."

Emily Vancamp turned me onto the show after watching her for years on Brothers and Sisters.  And I knew with the previews that she wouldn't disappoint.  She plays the part so well, and it turns out that revenge is a nice color on her.  She certainly has alot of faith in the show, constantly promoting it on her Twitter, and proud to announce that it was picked up for a full season.  But she isn't the only one that has impressed me on the show.  Gabriel Mann and Joshua Bowman have also proved worthy of their spot on the show,  also playing nicely with Vancamp's part.  You can follow them all here:  @Emily_VanCamp_ @Gabriel_Mann and @JoshuaTBowman. 

I encourage you all to start watching the show.  Every episode is so good, and you won't regret watching it.  If you haven't watched the show yet, you can always catch up by downloading it on iTunes.  And make sure you start following the Revenge Twitter account for all of the latest news on the show and some sneak peeks!  You can follow it @Revenge

For those who have watched the show, what do you like about it, and what is your favorite episode?  Looking forward to your thoughts and your predictions on what is to come!!

-Tyler

New Season

Fall finally seems to be setting in.  And I love it!  I always enjoy the balanced temperature and the rumors of snow on the way and the leaves falling off by the dozen every day.  I can definately tell when this time arrives because my birthday only follows a few days away from today.  I'll be lucky to observe any of this right now...

If you couldn't tell from the lack of posts, I have been extremely busy.  Right now I only seem to be posting big things that seem to be popping in my head, if any at all.  But right now a lot of ideas are flowing through, and I cannot wait to share them with you all.  Throughout my absence, I have come across some great, new things, and I feel that you would all agree on them! 

School, like always, appears to be a thorn in my side.  While I like the majority of my classes, the amount of classes and the difficulty of some have seemed to overwhelm me.  Statistics for example.  Why I need it other than understanding the basic parts of political polls, I don't know. 

And I also hate when I spend my Mondays at school from when the sun comes up to way after the sun goes down.  I barely have time to chow down on a late night meal before getting ready for the next day.  11 hours of school in one day can burn you out.  But on the plus side, Spanish is going so much better for me right now.  I think I have an A, and I feel confident enough to spend a little bit of time playing games while in there.  Don't Tell!

In the mix of school is work.  And a lot is going on there.  Not so long ago, I was offered a part-time management position.  I was shocked that they offered it to me, considering that I have only been there close to two years.  But people have come and gone, leaving me as one of the longest working employees still there.  So I have spent extra time training, which seems to overwhelm me at some point during the day.  That, and I just seem to be working more now due to so many people coming to town for the leaves changing. 

And to complete my busy schedule, I still maintain the title of Student Ambassador for my college for the second year.  A major honor for me.  And lately I have been asked to appear at events such Orientation and Freshmen Night and give tours, as well as induct future students into programs.  This opprotunity is something that I am so proud of because the title of Ambassador of over 3,000 students is so honorable.  Sometimes I wonder how blessed I am with wonderful chances like these. 

With all of these things going on, I am a full time person doing everything, usually spending whatever free time on homework.  But tonight I felt like it was a great moment to sit down and write my thoughts and catch everyone up on the last few months.  And I promise not to make my absences long.  I have many more posts in the works, excited to have you read them.  Talk to you all soon!

-Tyler

Fastlife

I love it when a ton of songs, albums and artists catch my eye.  And during this season, we usually see alot of new things come up.  But right now three artists have my attention and has compelled me to share them with you.  Introducing Joe Jonas with his debut album "Fastlife," Tori Amos' 12th album "Night of Hunters," and Blake McGrath's solo album "Time To Move." 

Let's start with Joe's debut album.  I was super excited when I heard the song "See No More," proving to me that he was able to break away from the Jonas Brothers kid style.  And I also enjoyed his new single "Just In Love."  His new album arrived today with some mixed reviews and criticized for a Parent Advisory that is on the album.  According to the Associated Press, "Fastlife is lifeless."  They also go to say that "He lacks energy when he sings, and even he doesn't seem interested in what he's singing about... Jonas doesn't add much to the mediocre tracks throughout the album, and on some songs he even sounds robotic." 

I actually seem to be enjoying the album.  The problem I have with it was he had to get someone like Lil Wayne to remix a good song and use such foul language the song is now labeled Explicit.  Can't anybody sing a song without having to cuss.  That warning label could hurt sales as parents will turn their kids away, Jonas' key demographic.  But I'll let you be the judge on that.  You can buy it online here and can follow him here. 

Tori Amos released her 12th album, "Night of Hunters" close to a month ago...and I love it!  I have been a fan of her for years with her hit songs such as "Winter" and "A Sorta Fairytale."  Now she goes down the classical road with themes centuries old.  The single of the album, "Carry," is a favorite of mine so far, and creates all the emotions that you would expect from Amos.  The album recieved mostly positive reviews, with most reviewers giving her 4/5 stars.  Some said that the album "contains the power, dynamics and splendor of her very best material...a sumptuous sounding work, with the piano to the fore...and rich sonic tapestry, with strings and woodwinds swelling underneath Amos' always virtuoso piano performances."

I have never been disappointed by any of Amos' work, and this album is no exception.  This was an experiment that suceeded with raves from her fans.  I can only expect many more great things from her in her future works.  You can buy the album here and follow her here. 

Blake McGrath is no stranger to music, but this is the first time that I have noticed his music and said "Wow."  Releasing his solo album, "Time To Move" earlier this year, it has given me plenty of time to listen to some of his great songs.  While the album has failed to chart in the U.S, the album has been popular in Canada, Blake's home country, reaching the top 40 spot.  Many of his good songs include "The Night," "Relax," and his recent single "Burn the Floor."  And after working with some top celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears, it is hard not to notice him.  Even though there isn't much more to say about Blake like the other two, doesn't mean he isn't going to be big.  He is currently performing and says that more things are on the way.  You can buy his album here and follow him here. 

So what do you think about these artists and their albums?  Have you heard of them and if not, did you like what you heard?  Post your comments and spread the word!

-Tyler