A Sample Life: Rockin' Your Christmas Home

Paying homage to beloved holiday classics Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by blending them together with original lyrics and melody, A Sample Life invites you to experience the layers of emotion the season has to offer.



Visit A Sample Life on myspace, facebook, wordpress, and sonicbids and join them December 17 at Martyrs as they hit the stage with Nate and His Kite and Black Umbrella Brigade.

Rock of Ages: A Perfect Getaway

Rock of Ages Rocks.

Shredding guitar solos: check
Journey: Check
Twisted Sister: Check
Quiet Riot: Check
Booze and Sex: Check and double check

Grab a $26.50 lottery ticket or rush ticket the day of the show, and let the crew at New York's Brooks Atkinson Theatre whisk you away to the wasteland of the '80s. By spending about the same amount one may spend on cover and drinks to a good club show, the performance material is placed in that facet of entertainment: Fun and Distraction. Had I spent more than $60.00 a ticket and expected to see a quality story near the likes of, say, Next to Normal, I may have been disappointed that most of the script was filler used to get to the next rockin' tune. Sometimes narrated as if a musical within a musical, and sometimes viewed as a straight up performance, Rock of Ages, is best if approached in the attitude with which it presents itself: Over the Top and an outrageous excuse to sing and dance to nostalgic rock.


Personally, I was a little sad that Amy Spanger had left the show, and due to our last minute decision to drop our names in the lottery, had no idea there was an understudy performing that night. As a singer, Ericka Hunter soars and compliments the stylings of Constantine Maroulis at a chill-evoking level. But the energy level was a little low, leaving much of the audience wondering if she even wanted to be on stage.


Constantine is more than a post-American Idol. He is a well-trained actor with countless performances under his belt even before the Idol hype. He delivered the filler dialogue with much sincerity, and of course, brought his signature, raw need to perform to this role to a happily receiving audience. The rest of the cast is very well rounded with veterans and newcomers alike, with Lauren Molina as the hippie-feminist and Wesley Taylor as the "not gay" but "German" chocolatier.



The live band on stage rocks. The choreography and its delivery really rock. And the fake lighters they hand you at the door to shine and wave during ballads rock even harder.

Oh yes, and so does the seat-side drink service.

This event is Frave approved

State Fairs?

Seeing that we are now into Dog Days of Summer now that it is Labor Day Weekend, I find myself searching for the summer activities that have gone by the wayside this year.

I ran across an interesting headline on the MSN homepage that mentioned state fairs. Being from Iowa, I was excited to read an article that would contain something about our state among other cool states like California and Texas. I mean, what better way for states to bond than by sharing a common summer past time like eating fried food and attending cattle shows?

Alas, I was let down. This article blatantly left out the Iowa State Fair. The State Fair that inspired Rogers and Hammerstein to create a musical. The State Fair that happens in the state about which The Music Man was inspired. The State Fair that brings creatures from all corners of our country's center most state together.

Iowa, I will not leave you out.

Top 10 Reasons the Iowa State Fair ranks highest among all state fairs ever:

10.) The Double Ferris Wheel. Kids are afraid of it. Teenagers are too cool for it. Then when you ride it again as an adult and almost throw-up for either fear or dizziness, you remember why you claimed "too cool" to your middle school friends.




9.) Even our President knew to make an appearance.




8.) The Skyride. What other state fair can bring you and your love, kid brother, parent, or child from the far end of the fair by the Dip 'n Dots stand back to the front gates because your feet are too tired? Also good for people watching. (also good for not yet matured couples to sneak away and kiss)






7.) The Big Slide. Fairs have them. Carnivals have them. But this one is so frickin' huge that even the teenagers too cool for the double ferris wheel will ride. And the little ones know what they have conquered.





6.) The Funnel Cakes by the Big Slide. Honestly, one bite and the euphoric feeling extends from the roof of your mouth down your arms and spine and tingles in your feet. Worried about calories? Share it with two other people. And remember, this is the State Fair - on this day, calories do not count.






5.) The Butter Cow. Or the butter Jackson, or whatever sculpture based on pop culture that year. I don't care how cliche or dated this is - that butter carving takes SKILL!


4.) The Skywheel. I can't ride it without taking a big look at the beautiful land all around me. Maybe that's cheesy. Maybe that's corny, but the moments stuck on top serve as a great reminder that just land all alone can be gorgeous. Sharing a kiss in that sunset may be one of the most romantic ways to celebrate your love in Des Moines.





3.) All the free concerts! Dude, we saw Survivor play two years ago - and got to sing and dance to Eye of the Tiger in front of everyone.

2.) The State Fair Singers and Jazz Band, now called the Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band. These high schoolers work hard all summer long, touring the state like professional show choir/theatre company and feeling like celebrities. My favorite memory was sitting next to my sister and watching during the year they included an 80s theme. I'll never forget that "Uptown Girls" sequence.






1.) The Baby Pigs. Everyone lines up to see them. Sometimes a cool 4H guy is sitting there and will let you hold one. One year, when I was about 8 or 9, we were busy running around the fair all day and finally made it to the pigs just after sundown. A sow decided that was time to give birth. I stood with my parents and sister and watched baby pigs being born. Yes, the Iowa State Fair has even taught me the miracle of birth and life.




This list is just my Top 10 right now. That is not to say that each year I attended the fair with my family does not contain its own top 10 best (or worst) memories (like my sister riding in a broken bumper boat and everyone yelling directions at her thinking she just didn't know how to work it). The Fair, for me, holds tremendous nostalgic value and reminds me of who I am and where I'm from. Now I long for the days when everything was a bit simpler (when you could hop on the SkyRide without fear of the Blackberry falling out of your pocket), and summer was just a bit longer.

What's your Top 10?

A Look Into Breakers Broken: Reset

Back after a "guerrilla warfare" recording session, Breakers Broken charts new territory with their second release, Reset. After testing out the chosen songs in front of live audiences, brothers Tim and Herf Yamaya with drummer Neal Wehman knocked out a highly-esteemed and collectively produced EP in record (pardon the pun) time.


Now at my second hard listen, I am caught in a vat of musical irony. Electro-rock trio Breakers Broken has me groovin' happily down the street with headphones on full volume until I pay attention to what is actually being said. I call this the Ben Folds approach (melancholy/poignant lyrics set to warm, dance-friendly music a la "The Bitch Went Nuts"). That element alone will propel this second release from Breakers Broken to the forefront of different markets outside of their previous Chicago-teen niche into fun drum and guitar driven dance beats to a audience that could consider themselves "smart musicians." The song structures stick to a pop layout for the most part, but are filled with such dense musicality that if delivered any other way, the message posed by the talent in the group would be lost.

Reset opens with a track entitled "Last Man on the Planet," and, is in essence is the perfect introduction to this EP. Beginning with a quiet synthesizer melody and growing as each phrase introduces a new instrument, building tension until drummer Neal Wehman drops into the snare and the listener is greeted by the release of Tim Yamaya's soothing yet aggressive voice. The audience is able to hear all of the pieces of Breakers Broken come together before they set out on the trip they're about to take with this newly matured and revamped band. Careful, ladies (or should I warn Tim?), as this song may leave you wondering "Who is Nina?" and contemplating a name change.


"How Novel", an instrumental track, gives the pop ladies a chance to mull over that name change while providing a moment for fellow musicians and instrumentalists to appreciate the merge of acoustic instruments and electronically produced sound. It is almost as if Wehman laid down lyrics in the form of drumming, as his intense sound appears to tell quite a story. If there is one thing this band does right, it is that there is a definite arc to all of their songs, and "How Novel" is a perfect display that the narrator doesn't always have to be the vocalist.

Transition to single-friendly "When She Needs Me" and you'll be ooo-ing and oh-ing along with the perfected vocal blend between brothers Tim and Herf. As the younger of the two, Herf shines in his ability to seamlessly attach his voice to each piece with an uncanny sense of ease. Musical irony jumps out of this song as you may find yourself dancing along until you hear Tim confess he's "feeling cold as snow / this world feels like / livin' on a cannonball / with both hands tied / screaming with your body and soul..."

Perhaps my favorite track on Reset is "Failing System," because it is both perplexing and intriguing. The format is such that you may feel as though you're eavesdropping on something you shouldn't be hearing. But again, Wehman sets the tone with a dance-inducing beat so that by the time Tim's sweet falsetto takes over, your mind and body have already been lost in the atmosphere created by the sensory-encompassing instrumentation and melody. Sing along to "You give me oh-oh-oh" and enjoy the smart production behind the vocal layering, and distortion effects the drive intensity through the chorus and beyond the song's end.

Welcome back the '80s with throwback tune "Girl Behind the Bar" featuring emcee ADD. Tim and Herf's vocals are highly reminiscent of "King of Wishful Thinking" (Go West) throughout the hook until the verse displays a more intent vocal line more prevalent in today's music. Your ears will be saying thank you to the short, sexy, and shredding guitar solo so intelligently inserted before the confident percussion/vocal breakdown. Confidence, hopefulness, and an almost disguised vulnerability drive this song while providing a happy nostalgia.

The story of Reset continues with "The Climb," as each member again takes a term serving as narrator with guitar, keys, and drums tracked over synth. I find Herf's repetitive piano melody haunting as its melodic build somehow reaches inside and confronts the soul.

I am perpetually haunted by the chorus of ending track "Fools and Gold." Wehman's delicate yet aggressive intro adds to the shock at the emotional level in which the vocals enter. "People share stories of fools and gold / time will find people mean so much more." As a heavier rock ballad, "Fools and Gold" may provide some insight as to where these three musicians are now, and how far they've come.

Thanks to the popular convention of bonus tracking, listeners get to hop out of the EP on a happier note with an extended version of "When She Needs Me."

And I'm back to skipping down the street, headphones on full volume, "ooo-ing" and "oh-ing" along with my new iTunes top song.

***Catch Breakers Broken LIVE at Martyrs for their EP release party on Saturday, June 25 2009. It should be a rockin' good time as this band live is an experience all its own.***

The Next American Star Showcase at House of Blues

To follow-up my mention of Powerspace at the House of Blue's Wednesday, June 24, it is only fair to give full props to all of the performing bands competing in the Next American Star. I walked into the venue just in time to catch Everlife, a Nashville-based band consisting of three sisters, a violinist, and a drummer. The two older sisters play guitar and supply backing vocals to the youngest sister's very well-trained lead voice. There is nothing like putting similar genetics into live harmonies that all sound like the same voice. With a soulful violinist and a very organic, simplistic drummer, the experience of Everlife is musically fulfilling in the sense that your ears will be receiving an honest, well-rehearsed sound. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this group in a couple of years, should their demographic of Hannah Montana fans (and their parents) grow older. I'm all about chicks that rock, and since they cited The Who and Lynyrd Synyrd as influences, a small tap into that musicality could be exciting in the future.

The next showcased (and female-fronted) band was twin sisters Sammy and Sasha. Backed by Chicago music veterans Damon Ranger, Greg Potter, Tim Maeder, and Edmer Abante, the wall of sound produced was all too invigorating. The first snare hit gave away Potter's talent, and the chemistry between Ranger and Abante almost stole the show. The girls have great voices and an obvious knack for performing, as they seemed right at home onstage. It is unclear what genre of music they may be shooting for, as the audience heard some power distortion in the guitars with some songs, floor-pumping bass with others, and a rap breakdown in another. At 17, experimenting with sound is exactly what Sammy and Sasha should be doing. Hopefully we'll get to see them joined by equally as talented instrumentalists closer to their age in the near future.


Awake in Reno entertained us with their first ever performance of catchy cover tunes such as "Take on Me," "King of Wishful Thinking," and "I Just Can't Stop." These dudes have fun and they're not afraid to show it. Hopefully, as they gain performance experience, they'll gain some songwriting to throw out as well.


A band that deserves special props, and one that I certainly hope wins this contest (if it's still going?) is Asteria. They brought great original songs, astounding energy, and some pitch-perfect attitude to the stage. I intend to keep a strong eye on this band from Crown Point, Indiana. They are what it's all about. They work hard, travel hard, and play even harder. Falling under the genre of what I've been calling "happy rock" lately, any fan of power pop/progressive pop, or pop/alt rock may like them. I'm excited to hear what they've been working on lately, and will most likely do a hard listen and post an album review soon.



All in all, the full experience at House of Blues was a lot of fun. I think it was my first time ever parading around a floor of dancing 10 year olds, partying 25 year olds, and drunk dads who appeared to know a lot about Cobra Starship. As far as The Next American Star goes, I think it's an interesing concept that's worth learning more about. So yes, anothe Frave Stamp of Approval is to be had.

Powerspace: Prepare for a Takeover

“Showdown in Central Park...” An unforgettable bass line and a sexy groove capped with a hot atmosphere started the Powerspace set at House of Blues Wednesday night. Sift together teaser lights, a pinch of anxiety, loads of confidence and all-encompassing passion, and you’ll have the perfect combination of onstage “bring it” elements. Performing as headliners for The Next American Star’s Midwest showcase with Local 101, Powerspace showed some of the younger and/or newer bands how a few years of experience and countless hours in a studio can set one band apart from the next.

There were moments of complete synchronization between guitarists Tom Scheiter and Max Perenchio where, even on opposite sides of the stage, distinguishing between choreographed and complete musical connection was impossible. Max’s energy was so pure and contagious that it was hard to believe the front row of the audience wasn’t chanting his name. Swing that arm one more time, man, and you would have created a screaming little girl out of me.

Not to mention the high performance quality from lead vocalist Alec Cyganowski. This guy has either studied the motions of every classic rockstar front-man or he simply just has it in him. The way he works the mic stand, makes eye contact with the audience, and bends backward lower than a break-dancer more than impresses the audience - it brings them to his world. That world that consists of hot bass lines and blood-pumping drums (provided by Jake Serek and Kevin Kane, respectively). If everyone could turn around and have those two at their backbone, it may just be a perfect world. Every bass kick could be felt through the floor and all the way up the body, syncing the heart rates of the entire room. Because of this higher-than-reality world created onstage, it was easy to forget the floor beneath my feet and any previous knowledge of music and just say “Ok, take me with you” to the songs. Even their old friend “Right On, Right Now” was delivered with a harder clarity and more focused musicality. "Don't Stop" created a believer out of my skeptical partner in crime that night. Incorporating voice-doubling in octaves, and bringing tight harmonies to a chorus not only shows off muli-talented band members, but also reminds the audience that real musicians are at work here.


While locked away in the studio finishing up their new album American Machine, Powerspace is also honing their craft. Studio time can often turn groups into vampires stuck in their own creation of reality. Luckily, all five members appear to have never ending sources of positive energy and anxiety (to show off their hard work!) channeling into those hours that every live performance has proven them a better, tighter, and more mature band.
Powerspace is telling a story behind their lyrics and surprising (yet appropriate) breakdowns. A believable, honest-to-the-gods-of-rock story. Open your ears and let them sing it to you.
A Work In Progress 2

Strong Like You

12 hours in high heels at the theatre with a very good friend of mine inspired this new song. This is a rough jam, and we're definitely going to go back in and refine things (mainly mix vocals and add real hits places). This is also a different style of all the other things Adam and I have been working on, so I suppose that's why I'm doubly excited. So here it is!

Top 5 Nothings to Do When All You Want to Do Is Nothing

Chicago can be a funny place if one is available to simply walk the streets with eyes and ears open, willing to observe an accept all of the happening surroundings. I find humour in the fact that, while only having been a resident since August 2008, I am already tired of tourist season and complaining about a never ending winter. Yet something about walking down Milwaukee Avenue at 7:15am on a weekday morning makes me smile. Something about walking out onto Clark and Monroe at 6:30pm puts an extra bounce in my step.

There is a vibrancy and pulse to this city that while indescribable, is unmatched to that of New York and certainly to that of Miami. Perhaps it is the smiling couples of Wicker Park seeking out the best brunch to review on Yelp. Perhaps it’s all the Mercs leaving the Loop on the Brown Line to Roscoe Village. And maybe - just maybe it could be that I have fallen in love with some part of this city. Or, rather, at least have allowed the heart of this Midwest drainage line enter my soul as an acceptable place in which to always be on the go.

With these recent thoughts about my loathe/love relationship with Sinatra’s kind of town, I have compiled a top 5 list of things to do when everything inside is just telling you to do nothing.

#1.) Go to Best Buy (or any other store that thrives on one-to-one sales pitches). Say hello to the salesperson that approaches you, and tell them why you are there. Chances are, even if you’re not in the market for a top-of-the-line HD adapter for your out-of-date TV, you’ll end up engaging in conversation with a computer geek who may be just as unhappy as you in that moment. And by computer geek, I admiringly mean someone who can crack jokes about building monster machines and how a certain female might be able to fit one in a bag with three other pairs of shoes and a curling iron.

#2.) Go to Double Door. It doesn’t matter what band is playing or what night of the week it is. Throw away the cover charge, throw away the $5 for whatever vodka special they have at the bar, and release yourself into a crowd of people that really aren’t as intimidating or hipster-ish as they seem.

#3.) Walk, run, bike, skip, roll - whatever - up and down the path on Lakeshore Drive. Start at North Avenue Beach and work your way up, then when you have to turn around to go back from whence you came, the skyline that greets your cardio-weary gaze will serve as a surprising reminder that yes, you do live in a cool city. And yes, those buildings are real. Even the one from Adventures in Babysitting that resembles a certain feminine……… ________.

#4.) Experience the ridiculousness of one of the summer festivals. All they really are is an excuse to drink and walk around in public. But maybe you’ll find that special old guy who dances alone to laugh at. Or admire. Or join during the Macarena on the grass.

#5.) Find a neighborhood coffee shop and befriend the barista at work during your first visit. Then go back at a different time and say, “oh, _____ isn’t here today?” And the current barista will perk up, realizing that you may be part of the local family, and therefore safe to genuinely smile at or even strike up conversation with. It seems everyone in this city is lonely. Making someone else smile will most likely lift your own spirits and therefore serve as a reminder that there is sensitivity left in humanity. And even though it feels like December in June, we’re all in the same boat. So let’s decorate it with sparkles, offer each other coffee discounts, and take plenty of pictures.

Home is where the heart is. Just find your heart and you’re there.

eeE PC

This is my first post from my new little computer that is perfect for the girl on the go. Welcome, eee PC!!! In perfect fashion, I am initiating this new machine by stopping at a friend's house and sitting down to write.

Bad sentence.

Fun dudes who are making fun of how little this is.

"If that computer were a shoe, I could borrow your shoe."

Our reaction to the size and fun provided by tiny things...

....I must also take a moment to give props to Jim, the amazing Best Buy man who assisted me through my purchasing adventure. He seriously brightened my day and shed some light on a recent event that made me question the popular human culture.

Do You Believe In Rock and Roll?

Clothing lines claim it on t-shirts. DJs claim it on the air. Scenesters claim it on the dance floor. Rock and roll is dead. But Friday, May 29, I was transported to the life of a college kid in 1978, watching the future legends of Aerosmith pull off the Draw the Line Tour. Of course, the band I was experiencing was not Aerosmith, but rather Powerspace, whose efforts to stay true to their classic influences and the sound within their souls have succeeded in creating a rock sound that audiences of 2009 can enjoy. Powerspace bared all and laid it down on the line with their fresh-from-the-studio new set as the opening act for Kill Hannah. Asking the audience if they "Believe in rock 'n roll," this band rose to the challenge and proved their ability to channel classics while bringing their energized and raw sound to the stage.

Anyone can pick up a guitar, add some distortion and copy an old solo from their parents' old KISS album. Thanks to the tight groove and colorful arrangements understandably provided by guitarist Tom Schleiter, Powerspace truly rocked. If happiness could be defined by sound, its song would be sung by these guys. Not only did their groove and full harmonies create happy soundwaves, but the guys were happy to be up there. Kevin Kane was a smiling little Ringo on the drums, and bass player Jake Serek was radiant with onstage bliss. I received an apology for a tired set due to studio time when I spoke with guitarist Max Perenchio afterward. But their delivery from beginning to end was anything but tired. New songs like "Red, White and Bruised," "Don't Stop" and another even more rocking tune of which I can't recall the title especially brought an excitement (and even harmonica! Alec Cyganowski channeled Steven Tyler on point throughout this number). Since the title has been lost from my own memory, here is a video to enjoy.

With streaming guitar solos (and well thought out solis, to be exact), Tom and Max's background harmonies add a beautiful warmth to Cyganowski's edgy lead. It really is unfair to single out any member without it leading to a strength provided by another because they all work so well together. The energy onstage creates an atmosphere between the five of them that displays what their hard work and hours spent together can achieve. They all want to be up there, and it shows through the focus I viewed as each member carefully set up, tuned, and checked sound. One may think that after touring as extensively as they have, the guys in Powerspace would be setting up for a show at Double Door like it was no big deal. I admire the technique and dedication that drives this band. It comes through in their passionate (and sweaty) performances.

Check the guitar soli at the end of "Red, White, and Bruised." What fun!

And that is what Friday, May 29 was. Fun. Being transported to a world where hard work and smart musical minds can not only be appreciated but celebrated was a magical and inspiring experience. I give this the Fravel stamp of approval with much pride.

Concert Preview

Native Chicago band Kill Hannah will be headlining Double Door's 15th Anniversary party tonight. Excitement has been building up all week because I had heard talk of this band since my arrival in Chicago in August. By the time I had caught up to the hearsay and chatter, the band was already on a fully fledged European tour (with Powerspace's Tom Schleiter subbing in for Jon Radtke). Since learning of this show from the Powerspace website, I decided to really dig deep and decipher some of the mystique behind this band. Every band has its fans, but what I found behind Kill Hannah was an entire community that not only loves the music but supports each other in that love. Thanks to the blog of lead singer Mat Devine, I've been able to learn a lot of what has gone into their most recent record as well as how this band survives in their daily lives. I'm anxious to see how that will transfer onstage this evening.
From the recordings I've been exposed to so far, the standouts have been Lips Like Morphine (powerfully sexy, intense and haunting tune), Kennedy, and Wrap Myself Around You (for me, this tune showcases the unspoken emotions behind spoken physical desires). It will be interesting to see how their recorded intensity and almost industrial sound will transfer live. Hopefully it'll be a nice blend between this great acoustic version and the stellar headphone mix of the EP.


Not to leave out opening act Powerspace, whom I mentioned in just last week. I am excited to see the sorts of energy they'll exude after being cooped up inside a studio for the past few weeks.

Expect a full write-up of the experience in the next couple of days. Until then, I'll be residing in the fear that a blonde girl who wears pink and purple will be shunned at a show like this!

Why Is My Mind Consumed By Powerspace?

Shortly after moving to Chicago in August 2008, I was treated to a concert at the Metro. The headlining band was Cute Is What We Aim For (of whom I had never heard), and the opening acts were Danger Radio, Ace Enders and Powerspace. I had actually never heard of any of these bands, so had no idea of the excitement that would ensue in the hours to come. While I'm not reviewing that show, I will mention that I have almost but forgotten the headliners, and have fallen for the talents behind Ace Enders and Danger Radio, and the mystique that is Powerspace.

Signed by Fueled By Ramen, almost entirely from Illinois (minus drummer Kevin Kane, who hails from Ohio), and almost too smart for their own good, Powerspace has weaseled their way into my mind. I did not want to like this band. During their performance in August, I was impressed by their passion and drive toward a strong performance (though the lead vocals were pitchy at times). All of the members bring an identifiably raw energy to the stage as an extreme compliment to tremendous instrumental talents. Just watch guitarist Tom Schleiter shred this solo. I mean...fuck. Not only is this guy a smart musician but there is talent on the other side of the board as well, as all of their demos were produced by him.



Also, I never noticed a drummer walk onto the stage, but my jaw dropped the moment the first beat fell. Kevin Kane commands the drums with such ease that one would be hard pressed to believe he sleeps behind that throne.


Perhaps I didn't want to like Powerspace simply because I was jealous. I've listened closely to many of their songs from The Kicks of Passion, trying to scrutinize elements of songwriting and production - but have fallen trap to admiration instead. I must admit that I am now anxiously awaiting a leak or even some sort of tease from their second studio album on which they are hard at work with Jonny K.

Maybe the Chicago music scene has created a fan girl out of me. Maybe a new interest in songwriting has led me to follow what those in my age group have already achieved.
Maybe I should just shut up and enjoy my new love of power pop.

Maybe I'll find myself at their show at Double Door on May 29.

Just A Guitar

Since our world of popular music has turned to "techtronica" and auto-tune, I find myself as an artist getting mentally stuck in the jumble. Call it writers' block, call it fear, call it what you will - but I am confused and have turned to other songwriters for inspiration.

So thank you, Ace Enders for your musical honesty and integrity. I've had the pleasure of seeing this musician play twice (the following video from August at the Metro included), and each time I've been somewhat haunted by what he brings to the stage. His lyrics appear to rise right out of his soul, cutting the air with such poignance and emotional sincerity that I found it quite difficult to resist being mesmerized and wanting to know more.

So instead of getting caught up with Reason and Logic and headphone tricks, I took a moment to get back to basics and enjoyed the raw, intense and simple ride that a person with a guitar can take us on.

Inspired Again!

After days and weeks of thinking of ideas and running around from job to job to rehearsals to events to friends to more than friends to run-on sentences at the beginning of a blog that I'm finally excited to write...I've found inspiration.

This article, found on MSN's homepage, provided 7 endearing stories by higher profile female writers about the 7 types of friends all women need. When I first saw the headline, I thought "7 female friends? That's A LOT! Now someone's telling me that I NEED them? Don't think so..." But the stories that followed (author Jennifer Weiner's description of her crazy girl friend I found particularly endearing), reminded me of what I already have in my life.



#1.) The Sister.
Not everyone is blessed enough to have been provided a best girl friend in their lives. For those that have, I hope they cherish theirs as much as I cherish mine. We've gone from riding down the stairs in the same laundry basket to fighting over my bad boyfriend to dancing at her wedding. She's been there through my moves across the country (all 3 times), and is still my favorite person to call whenever I hold the dreaded cell phone to my cheek. My sister tells the truth. I used to get upset when I heard the things she knew I needed to hear, but because of the things I've learned from my other friends and the maturity gained from those truths, I've grown to want to pry that honesty out of her.

#2.) The Soul Sister.
Have you ever sat across the table from one of your friends and looked her in the eyes and knew she was feeling your feelings at that exact moment? Or reacted the same way to a situation and giggled together over your "jinx buy me a coke" moment? Or have moved away and know that whenever you pick up the phone, you'll talk like no time has passed? Or the thought of missing them brings tears to your eyes? I don't know what it is that connects me to these 2 astounding women, but I am lucky enough to have 2 soul sisters in my life. One is in Miami, and one is in LA. And both would welcome me with open arms should I ever come knocking.




#3.) The Friend That Doesn't Let You Slip Away
When everything is crazy and you think you've pushed as much away as you can, this friend is ready to visit, hug you, support you, and laugh with you. And also ask questions from only the perspective she can have. This friend holds part of your heart because she's seen you give it away to so many people. And yes, she is always up to be crazy with you but still call you the crazy one.

#4.) The Mentor
Should this force in my life read this blog entry, she'll know who she is. For the fact this is public domain and I want to respect this person's privacy, I still want to point out the fact that my relationship with her is very influential. I met __________ while she was in constume, as much of the world sees her. I am fortunate enough to know her outside of costume and so very gracious she has let me into that part of her life. This woman holds nothing back, and her fearlessness is inspiring. The goals she has met and continues to set provide me with an example of how I hope to be living. When she knew that is was my 4th day of work, I knew she was special. Her hugs are cleansing, and her voice is soothing. She is someone who has been there, done that, and isn't afraid to offer advice to ones whom she cares. I am truly grateful for her appearance in, and ongoing presence in my daily life.

#5.) The New Friend
I am lucky enough to have finally met influential women who not only care to be a part of my life, but care enough to include me in theirs. I feel bad that I am lumping 2 VERY different people into 1 category, but following recent conversations, events, and situations, I think they would understand why I consider it new. And plus, "I just moved here..." The New Friend is someone who starts out inviting you to events going on and reaching out. I owe a lot of my happiness in Chicago to these 2 girls for reaching out to me. Put together by chance, vicinity, or choice - I love them and and grateful for their presence. When I thought I'd lost my staying power and worth, one of them hugged me with sympathetic tears, the other said "Bullshit. You know better than that." I only hope I return them with as much as they have provided me thus far in this adventure!


I spend a lot of thinking time wondering "How come I don't have friends like the ladies in Lipstick Jungle do?" Or, "I want my own cast of FRIENDS in real life." And sometimes even "I want to work in a place like Empire Records. They're all friends and they have so much fun." As my boss reminded me the other day, I already do. "That's called family." That was a big wake up call, and hit pretty hard. Sometimes you really do just have to open your eyes, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and bloom where you are planted. And for gods' sakes, stop concerning yourself with bringing TV to real life. Reality is so much cooler.

Top 5 Reasons Stephanie Should Not Move Again

Whilst perusing the DC pictures my parents sent me, I realized something.

Top 5 Reasons I Should Not Move Again


#1.) I don't think there are that many cities where you can act like a tourist at the same attractions time, after time, after time (and sometimes for free).

#2.) I have great jobs set up with good companies (though 2 are local but great references, 1 is highly transferable, and another is pretty dead-end "servant class).


#3.) What other city would have you simultaneously run on a treadmill and gaze at this?


#4.) I came to Chicago with the dream of being able to grow more as an artist and collaborate artistically in a city that wasn't as commercial as NYC and wouldn't be as easy to feel as though I were falling flat on my face. Finally, after 8 months of residence, I'm collaborating with someone who not only understands me artistically, but inspires my growth, work ethic, and optimistic point of view for live in general.



#5.) And lastly, this may seem a little odd, but I honestly don't want to pose in front of another state at the WWII memorial again.

Monday Inspiration

Happy Spring! (well if you live in Chicago, at least Happy Sunny Monday at a nice 37 degrees) To celebrate the sun and the oncoming warmer months, I'm reliving my old days in Miami when I could stop by the campus Starbucks and buy my favorite drink, a Green Tea no-whip Frapuccino.

Seeing that I work in a health/fitness profession every day of the week, I decided that Mondays should be devoted to inspirational stories and advice that may help the week flow more easily. I love this story that was featured in the HungryGirl newsletter this morning. Residents of the itty-bitty town of Fossil, OR, have joined forces to help each other lose weight in what they're calling the "Biggest Loser" campaign, despite facing a whole lot of obstacles. With no fitness centers for miles, participants gather at the local grade-school gym for workouts, where their "equipment" is as bare bones as it gets. Before ordering cheapie resistance bands off the Internet, they improvised by using water bottles filled with sand for hand weights. Instead of hopping on stair-climbers, they climb actual stairs. A local restaurant offers lightened up versions of its usual menu items and provides calorie counts, and the only grocery store in town is adding healthier stuff to its shelves. At weekly weigh-ins, everyone cheers each other on. And unlike the $250, 000 grand prize offered by TV's The Biggest Loser, these people are competing for six hundred bucks and a fake pound of fat to signify the accomplishment. Residents are shedding pounds, getting healthier, and coming together as a community. How awesome and inspirational are they?!

In terms of relating this to the economy and hearing things like "I can't afford a gym" or "I need a good excuse to warrant buying a membership." Consider this: "We started out the first week or two with my husband buying 500 pounds of sand, and people brought water bottles," Boettner explains. "We filled them up with sand … and depending on the size of the water bottles, you had either a 2- or a 3- or a 4-pound weight."

Boettner also notes that the group has no stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines or stair-climbers.

"When we climb stairs, they're actual stairs and we climb them," she says, laughing. "We do it the old-fashioned way."

This story brings inspiration and hope to my often thought about topic of what brings people together.

Maybe the rest of the week I can find out what, besides calorie-counting and sweating, brings people together.

P.S. A much lighter and calorie-friendly version of my favorite Green Tea Frapuccino can bemade using this recipe. Come over for my birthday this month and we'll have pitchers upon

pitchers of them!!

And remember....Happy Monday!!

Where Did I Go?

I have been a bad blogger (so bad that I just referred to myself as a blogger) this month. I meant to take a week off while visiting my lovely parents in Manassas, VA, but then never jumped back on as my return from vacation somewhat smacked me in the face.

Having never been to DC before, I took a day that I had all to myself and sauntered over to the Smithsonian, where I assumed the identity of "Who's that girl?" while perusing the Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History. An idea for my "How Expensive Is It, Really?" column came to mind as I spent a whole day in our nation's capital hardly spending any money. As I force myself to get more on task, I'll write about that day. I promise, I will! For now, here is one of my favorite photos from the day.



Yep, it's the Hope Diamond as taken from the camera on my cell phone. My imagination took flight upon seeing that jewel...imagine how a string of diamonds would feel hanging upon one's neck!



One of the best realizations of my trip was that maybe I should consider another medium of performance. While sitting across from my dad at lunch, I recounted my 'idea' for the infomercial that would replace the Shamwow. That of course being my new aerobic dance video, entitled "Faux Hop: Hip Hop fo da Folk." My dad, who always listens with an educated, encouraging ear, cracked up and said, "You know maybe you should think about going to stand up open mics or something. Your honesty is too funny." So I sit here thinking "Why have I not?" And it's most definitely because I'm scared. We often ignore the things we're good at but are new to simply because they're new. Can I envision myself standing onstage making people laugh? Hell yes - that's not new to me. But learning how to exploit material from my life and the people in it in a captivating, hilarious and fast-paced manner is new. And hard. And intimidating.

My return to Chicago left my spirits down. I remember closing the door of my father's car and all of a sudden my eyes filled with tears. Perhaps it was because I wasn't ready to leave these guys behind.










But when I got off the plane and it was sunny, warm, and inviting, I knew I'd be ok. I wasn't returning to the monster of real life. I was just returning to a place where I have yet to find people that love me unconditionally. But really - who, besides my parents and my sister does? I think the expectation of having a family away from family is what always leaves me disappointed. So when I stepped off the jet bridge and into O'Hare, I once again assumed my "Who's that girl?" persona and walked away with confidence and glamour. (Special thanks to the person who took me out for a refreshing salad at Earwax. You rock and you know it).

I wanted to bury myself in a mound of work last week, and ended up coming up with a couple things - but mostly ended up getting back into the swing of teaching my classes and rehearsing for my first show with Adam (we've decided we're going to be called A Sample Life).


I had a special visitor from my chidhood visit just in time to catch our first set at the Red Line Tap. Another refreshing welcome back to the city that's supposed to have become mine by now.


We got pedicures at Amy's Nails in Wicker Park to simultaneously and belatedly celebrate her birthday and my future status as achiever of Album of the Year.

Equinox, Flirty Girl, and Wicker Park Fitness have all been great to me since I returned as well. I'm glad to be back on track with an almost refreshed mind and a more grounded sense of self.

Isn't it funny what a little time away does for the soul?