I'm still here.

Yikes, I'm back. I forget about cyberspace for a while. Everyone knows that means I've actually been interacting with people-- how novel!

Anyway, I'll now attempt an update on all things I deem relevant to you, faithful readers:

Me:

Well, I've been at the Smithsonian these days. I'm basically saying this so you all don't think I'm sleeping in and sitting at home and still not blogging. In keeping with my Professional Intern status--clearly getting a real full-time job is not yet in the cards for me-- I've been doing this gig with the Asian Pacific American office at the Smithsonian. It's been pretty awesome thus far. We're working on a Vietnamese American Exhibit that will (hopefully) debut at one museum or another in late 2006. In another attempt to make myself feel special and on the "inner circle," I must remain relatively hush-hush about it for now. Just know that I've been given some pretty cool responsibilities and tasks and keeping relatively busy. The people are great, the office is fun, and besides all that, I get to traverse through a series of underground tunnels to get to my office. It's quite fun! I've also been able to get back to some writing, which is always nice...

Linkworthy:

-This may only be of interest to local readers, but the Washington Post reported yesterday that the mysterious "Borf" has been arrested! For those out of the loop, Borf was a graffiti figure that appeared in all sorts of places downtown with random, often nonsensical sayings. Despite the whole "defacing public property" aspect, it was all rather amusing and it's exciting local news to hear that they've finally caught up with him.

-So I just saw the first episode of the new ABC show, "Hooking Up." (Hey-- it's summer, I don't need an excuse to watch embarassing reality TV.) Anyway, I actually found it fairly entertaining and I'll fully admit that I intend to watch it again. I just think it's great that the show is reminding us how common online dating is, despite the fact that no one really talks openly about it, and still others worry about the "loser" or "desperation" stigma associated with it.... yet there are millions of people who do it and almost everyone I know knows a couple who met/dated/married through it. (Clearly this is my way of saying--Umm, don't laugh if I announce one day that I've met my future husband on match.com) Haha- Ok but seriously, if you're flipping channels, check it out (ABC Thurs, 9 pm). At the least, it's better than the Real World and you'll have some laughs at some of these first date encounters...

-I just discovered emusic, this new delightful music downloading site. What makes it delightful, actually, is the free trial they offer which includes 50 free downloads. You test 'er out, and if after 14 days you aren't sold, you just cancel your sign-up and get to keep all the free music you picked. Sounds too good to be true, right? I'll let you know if I get scammed, but so far it seems legit! The site mostly focuses on independent labels (imagine that..) and some other cool stuff, like jazz and blues. The free trial could be a great way to introduce yourself to some new tunes!

-One last thing. To make up for my lag in updates, here's a new musical track for your enjoyment:

Ray Lamontagne :: Trouble
hxxp://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2FZ88QSILK6B601KTH148MSBLD

This is the title track from a quiet fellow with a big voice, whose album Trouble (2004) made my Top 10 of 2004. His raw, sandpapery voice and heartfelt lyrics make this an incredibly soulful, genuine, and honest album. Ray is another guy who you can tell means every word he sings, and as this is only his debut album, I'm sure we can look forward to a lot more where that came from. Other significant info: This album was produced by Ethan Johns, whose name you may recognize from Ryan Adams production fame, as well as some Counting Crows and Rufus Wainwright work. (Who is this Ethan guy, right?? Um.. nice work)

Enjoy!


Current Music: Lullaby, by Starsailor
Current Mood: completely pooped.