Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

So despite the scrooge-like neighbor texts and stool theft, I would say my and Chelsea's Christmas party was a success. It is rare you can get that many good friends in one room. I'm glad we made it happen. Here are a few glimpses of the evening, courtesy of Chelsea's Nikon. Also a few Christmasy shots I took recently.

my lovlies.

so glad atta ann could make it home in time!

Christmas apartment.

It's all in the music.

I was inspired by my friend De'mar, to make a list of my top ten albums of the year. I thought about how daunting of a task this would be and then I remembered the easiest and most honest way to figure it out, play count on Itunes! Turns out that didn't really help either..So here we go kids.

In no particular order...

The Snake the Cross the Crown- Cotton Teeth
So, this album was actually released in 2007 which probably means it should be nowhere near this list but it was probably my single most listened to album this year.
When the album was originally released, I heard of it from a friend and gave it a brief listen but really didn't think too much about it. This year however, I revisited the record, I don't know what didn't register before but my lord is it excellent music. It is one of those records where every song is your new favorite song, and no matter how many times you listen, you still want to hear it just as much the next time.

Dear and the Headlights- Drunk Like Bible Times
Awesome band, awesome album. The bands album, Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, was an incredible debut release, so needless to say I was extremely nervous about the release of this album I really didn't want to be let down, and I am so happy to say I was not.

Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue
Now I know this was actually released at the end of 08, but the majority of listening happened in 09 so I think it's fair game. My dearest Lexi welcomed me to world of Jenny Lewis a few years ago, it is now our tradition to go see her together whenever she is in town. This music is nothing like what you might know from her Rilo Kiley days. If you are ready to embrace your folky, campfire sing along side, I recommend you listen to this record.

James Morrison- Songs For You, Truths For Me
Ditto about the 08 release of this album. What a sexy voice this man has though. My sister introduced me to this album, thank you sister. JM does this very appealing modern soul sound on this album.

Britney Spears- Circus
Make fun, I don't care. I am a Britney fan til the end. It's fun music. It's good music. It makes me happy, I don't think I need to defend that. Hell, I will even admit to paying $300 to see the show. It was totally worth it.

Cold War Kids- Loyalty to Loyalty
Okay, this is turning into a list of September 08 releases. Excellent album. I can't wait til their new EP, Behave Yourself, is released next month...or leaks sooner. Saw them live earlier this year, excellent performers.

As Tall As Lions- You Can't Take It With You
Okay so they are friends of mine, but didn't mean this album had to be included. It definitely deserves to be. I really, really love this record. These guys are excellent musicians, there is no denying that. This album showcases a lot of different sounds and styles, all executed extremely well. I do think this album requires a lot more commitment than their self-titled album, but I promise you won't regret putting a ring on it.

Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
A friend introduced me to this album earlier in the year. It definitely was not love at first listen, but something made me want to dedicate some listening time to this record. I am glad I did. I am also glad it inspired Solange Knowles cover of "Stillness is the Move," so good.

Blakroc Self-Titled
This album, for me, was a breath of fresh air. I really like the Black Keys, so I had high hopes for this record. For anyone with a fondess for rock/hiphop, you're really going to like this record. The Ludacris/ODB track is amazing. I mean it's Ludacris and ODB, how could it not be?

Alberta Cross- Broken Side of Time
After 2 years of listening to their 2007 EP, The Thief and The Heartbreaker, some new material was long over due. This guy has such a unique vocal style, I think you either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. This album is a little...heavier.. than the EP, but is great none the less.

You've got me.

Let's try this again.
Oh, my on and off relationship with blogging. I always have the best intentions, I really do. Sometimes though, when you're being educated 3 days a week, and you're being a pseudo mommy to 3 year old twins 3 days a week, blogging isn't really at the top of the priorities list.
Now however, I have a lovely month long break from the daily school grind. So I figure I can dedicate a little time to this bad boy.

So many good things are going on right now, I really feel blessed.
2009 has had it's ups and downs, that is for sure, but it seems to be closing on an excellent note which I am very thankful for.

I finally feel like past two and a half years at Columbia are starting to pay off. I am meeting some excellent people, taking advantage of opportunities and hopefully forging the way for a career I truly love. Securing a spot at Columbia's label AEMMP Records is one thing I'm really, really excited about. I also just found out that I will be traveling with them to SXSW this March, and hopefully networking my ass off and meeting some people who can be awesome resources (not to mention visiting my lovely Atta Ann!)

I've been working a steady job (what!?) for a few months now, which also feels great. I cannot lie, sometimes I don't want to work 8-6 on Saturdays, but it does feel so good to be able to look at my savings account and not feel embarrassed, or scared.

Per usual, photography gets pushed to the back burner when things get busy, but I've been making a conscious effort to use $2,000 camera I had to have this summer. The material may not be the most inspired, but it feels good to be at least shooting a little bit. I want to work on some more portraits. I loved doing Gracie's senior photos this summer. They turned out so beautifully, it really made me want to do more.

I'm sorry but, could the girl be any more beautiful?

In two days I'll be traveling to Michigan for a week long visit. I am so excited, I really can't even express. Things have been so crazy in Chicago for these past couple months, being at home, spending time with family and old friends will be a really really nice change of pace.

Having no complaints right now feels really good. It's rare that we can really say that, so I'm going to enjoy it as much as humanly possible. Hope everyone else is doing as well.