LXII. Pillow talk

Had a lovely dinner with the reunited rackateers and enjoyed some interesting *estrogen-filled* conversation. We've concluded that..

no one dates in Nova because people here aren't fun and adventurous. Guys are crude, rude, and just plain dude. As someone had stated, "Most guys in Nova are douchbags." Ouch, dudes. What did guys do to get such a comment? Explain yourselves, man!

But, also, it is because you have girls like me who have lists for guys that basically just describe ourselves.

For example:

I just want a nice guy who..

loves Jesus.

loves me second :)

cares for people (not just his friends).

strongly appreciates music (creating it is optional).

doesn't mind getting lost.

appreciates other cultures (not just their food..).

appreciates the arts.

reads.

is 5'8" or taller..

lives with honesty and integrity/a person of respect.

has goals and good work ethic.

is adventurous and willing to go out of his comfort zone.

isn't afraid to confront me when I'm stupid.

takes responsibility for his actions.

is manly enough to appreciate his emotional side.

believes that love is the most powerful thing in the world.

Is that too much to ask?? Apparently so.

Actually, these guys do exist and I know because I'm friends with some of them.

I know that once they realize how awesome they are aka Jesus gives them the 'go', they'll grow some and ask a honey out.

As for the rest of you.. I really don't know.

But you know, I do believe that ladies, just as much as gentlemen, have the responsiblity to work on themselves as individuals and cool girls. I'd like to know what a guy's list looks like to see the areas in which we are lacking. It's only fair...

And I'm curious to know my ladyfriend's lists too.

Matchmaking time? :}

LXI. "Recluse"

24..

exhausted, but so blessed

long week, but one worth savoring

got a lot to do

got a lot to look forward to..

(Tried to take out my contacts last night.

It was great.)

I'm glad I saw so many of you

before I become absorbed into the abyss

of what I call "goals".

If I disappeared for a while

would you still be here??

To Do List:

-Write at least 3 songs. (1)(2)(3)

-Record said songs. (1)(2)(3)

-Prepare a manuscript of poetry.

-Attempt to get something published.

-Start and finish a painting.

-Redesign my brother's room.

-Go hiking.

-Go canoeing.

-Read 5 books.(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

and work work work.

ps. I pre-ordered the new Keane

to extend my birthday even longer :}

LX. Et ses yeux disent...

Caprise in Purple and Gold, the Golden Screen

by James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Day 1 after eye surgery and I already feel like

I could conquered the world.

I have to wear these shades inside and out

(much like the Terminator)

which have increased my anticipation

of seeing the world through

my own eyes.

I honestly cannot wait to view a painting

or hike a national park-

to be able to see color palettes and textures

without impediment.

Even to see the details of a person's face,

including my own.

To paint my own piece

or to just sit somewhere and watch people.

I'm just so excited right now

and grateful that things are looking up,

that I am healing.

[To my father, Ralph Puckett: Thank you for the best birthday gift.

I really do appreciate your generosity so much.]

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

post-script: The only down side is that I have to wear these at night :/

LIX. Good thing I'm getting eye surgery

so that I can spend the next few months of my life staring at a computer screen playing with Pro Tools.

I just installed the program today and to keep the momentum going watched some informational videos about how to work the whole mess. I've got most of it covered, but within each lesson there are endless options of ways to do things and sounds to create. It gave me a greater respect for family and friends who have mastered it.

SO, haha, I've decided to edit my "To Do" list. I mean, come on, I know that I'm not actually going to do eeeeverything, so I might as well make it more realistic. Here goes:

Lisa's (Updated) To Do List:

-Write and record at least 3 songs. (1)(2)(3)

-Prepare a manuscript of poetry.

-Submit said manuscript and attempt to get something published.

-Start and finish a painting.

-Redesign my brother's room.

-Go hiking.

-Go canoeing.

-Read 5 books. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

I know I know. I took out a lot of sweet stuff, but now that I have a job/life/etc., I'll have less time on my hands.

However, to add to these, I've made some other general goals:

-Reply to snail mail, e-mails and phone calls within 3 days.

-Drink tea daily.

-Go for walks after dinner.

-Play music daily.

-Read something inspirational daily.

-Thank God daily.

Anyway, this has been a great end to an awesome weekend of adventure, conviction, and growth. I'm so ready for sleep.

LVIII. Korea's Ageless Popstar: Hyori... and Lisa.

Juuuust kidding.

Ok, so first I should say that I am now employed, which is really great! My first paycheck will be celebrated by me placing that money into an untouchable savings account. Can't wait.

Second, I'm fiiinally going hiking tomorrow with Jessie, Rashaad, and David at Great Falls and I'm testing out my new camera. Anyone is welcome to join. Also really great.

Thirdly, Korea is still pumping out ridiculous videos. This was just released two days ago by the infamous Hyori (who doesn't look a day over 20, now in her 30s). I'm so glad I have Korea in my genes...

Here's another really sassy one. The song is very fun, but the 18+ video's a bit much, eh? I mean, really. A cat lady?

Ok, I've about had enough excitement. I'm going to bed.

(For those of you who actually read this garbage, thanks for bearing with me.)

Goodnight!

LVII. As usual it's mine

I was afraid of my birthday, but so far, things are looking up... ;]

This is the full set that I bought from my friend Christina

as an early bday present to myself:

Minolta SRT 202 circa 1975

Electronic Flash

50mm lens

28mm lens

300mm lens

Teleconverter

-My Mbox Mini came in today!

-I have an eye appointment for Lasik surgery tomorrow!

So, even though it's not the 22nd,

I've already been blessed so much

and I'm extremely thankful.

But first I need to clean.

Then the real fun begins :]

LVI. Give her the fruit of her hands.

As many of us in this generation, I find my job-hunts fruitless

and the responsibility to grow up daunting.

"Maybe I'm not so great or useful after all."

It's easy to think like this, but fortunately,

I usually take the hard way.

The job hunt continues. And I reject idleness. Ironically,

I complained for a year about how I didn't have time to do the things that I loved.

The good Lord must have given me the time that I wanted-

to show me that neither of those situations are good for me...

I can't survive on work and money,

but I can't live for pure creativity, either.

I need a good mix of brute work and creative outlets.

I guess at some point everyone comes to this wisdom

and now's my time.

Until I find work, I've made some goals for myself.

I'll expose them to you all

to keep myself accountable.

The final results may vary, but I've decided

that as long as I attempt to do them,

it's good.

Lisa's To Do List:

-Write and record at least 3 songs.

-Prepare a manuscript of poetry.

-Submit said manuscript and attempt to get something published.

-Start and finish a painting.

-Redesign my brother's room.

-Make a book.

-Go hiking.

-Go canoeing.

-Join or start a Bible study.

-Get a band together and play my music at a live show.

-Read 5 more books and blog about them.

These aren't in necessarily any particular order,

and I might add a few things a long the way,

but I'll keep y'all updated on how they go.

If you have any encouragement or advice,

I'm all ears.

Wish me luck!

LV. Post-Easter ideas.

"A pinnacle point in your relationship with God

is if you believe 100% in his resurrection."

Since we've been on the topic of resurrection...

I've been thinking a lot about that lately.

It's pretty fantastical when someone dead

comes to life, right?

Then why hasn't the goodness sunk in?

Why am I so full of doubt??

I think I'm desensitized

and my heart needs a zap. Or nap.

The two Easter cards I received this year:

Mom's:

Alicen's:

Happy Easter!!

LIV. These Roman Numerals are wack.

If you saw Soil & the Sun at MacRock then you'd agreed that they were mind blowing. I was lucky that my friend Ben Mills has such excellent taste in music and recommended that I watch them.

I got luckier when I discovered that they're playing in VA.. twice.

I highly recommend going to see them. Seriously one of the best live indie shows I've seen. You know where I'll be.

VA shows:

April 5 8PM at Crittenden House

1408 Crittenden St. NW, Washington, Washington DC

April 7 6PM at Shoes Cup & Cork Club w/ Brother’s Pony (my good friend, Matt Bryce)

17 North King Street, Leesburg, Virginia

LIII. Girl from Ipanema

It's such a nice day and I've been practicing for a while, so I thought I'd share my progress on this Brazilian jazz song that I've fallen in love with.

I haven't sung in a while, and at times I sound immature, but I'm happy that I've been improving and I hope I can keep it up.

On top of that, I may be singing jazz with one of my dad's bands.. but.. we'll see about an initial practice first :]

I hope you enjoy the vid! Please let me know what you think!