Chapter 190 ~ Chaos. Stop. Breathe. Recover. REPEAT.

Before I get into a proper recap of this week's dilemma, I got a special request for a proper addendum for what I noted originally in Chapter 189 [Between the Goth and the Funeral, Tuesday 11 November]. It ran as such--

One thing more--and kinda saving this for last--Roboter's dad is a veteran. And as today IS Veterans' Day for us American Underground Citizens, I believe a proper moment of salute is in order for those who fought for the sake of our country and the freedom and liberty that we enjoy. So to Roboter's dad, and for those you Veterans who somehow come across this blog, I tip my hat in your direction and thank you for knowing and showing what it took, the sacrifices being made, the courage high when the odds were high enough. Cheers!!

Well, Roboter wanted me to note that, his father, a veteran of the Second World War, is still going strong at age 86. I think there's a quaint sense of pride that Roboter has for his dad, for such a dilemma as such that presented itself, implications and all. I don't know if any of my family members ever served in the military [though I did once see a pic of my Uncle Raul in a sort of military uniform so there is a chance I do have former-military folk in my family]; I may have to ask Grandpa Eddie the next time I see him. In any case, I tip my hat in the direction of Roboter's dad. :-)

Now, that said, I am, at the moment, exhausted--physically [after working AT LEAST 40 hours this week], mentally [given the extra work I needed to get done this week not including preparing for tomorrow], and emotionally [thank you to the stress at work and the thought of tomorrow]. I still have to rework the blue hair dye too, which I'll be doing first thing tomorrow which means that, I might not really get to sleep in that much after all. Not that I sleep in a lot on Saturdays [unless you count sleeping in until 9 A.M.], but still. My only proper soundtrack is the new gothic mix I'm working on, and if that's the only thing that's saving my sanity then... well...

*sigh* I guess there really isn't much else for me to do at this point. Tonight I'll try to numb myself somehow, but I think that'll be to no avail.

I think I've spent hours trying to put into proper words just how I feel about the fact that I'll be attending my fourth funeral this year tomorrow. I just... hell... words fail me. There really isn't much help in trying to find the words at the moment.

I swear, I'll get myself pulled together by Sunday afternoon. Today's not quite a proper day to put words together on such a subject.

EDIT -
P.S. The new playlist is done for the moment.

"The Queen Is Dead" - The Smiths
"American Soviets" [Instrumental Mix] - CCCP
"Fade to Gray" - Visage
"Marian" - Sisters of Mercy
"New York" - Microchip League
"Desperate But Not Serious" - Adam Ant
"Enjoy The Silence" - Depeche Mode
"West End Girls" - Pet Shop Boys
"Bela Lugosi's Dead" - Bauhaus
"Headhunter" - Front 242
"Join In The Chant" - Nitzer Ebb
"Cuts You Up" - Peter Murphy
"Cities In Dust" - Siouxsie and the Banshees
"Every Day Is Halloween" - Ministry

Well... it didn't turn out too gothic now, did it?

Until the next round...

The Sisters of the Tradition...?

...or, welcome to the special Sisters of Mercy edition of the Thursday Tradition, Underground Citizens. Okay okay, so the title of this week's Thursday Tradition isn't the best or most original but, I've been trying to put this blogpost together for at least a freckin' hour now. And I'll admit, it's not an easy task when I don't have a whole lot of SoM in possession. But currently I have the album First and Last and Always, and a few more of their songs, and if this doesn't delve me further into the gothic side of me then I don't know what band will! [Er, other than the Division, the Cure, the Banshees...]

To start off, a song that I gave some quaint showing-off time a couple of days ago...
"Flood II" [from Floodland, 1987]


All I can say is, this song is the ish...
"Body and Soul" [from the EP Body and Soul, 1984]


If you can handle all bloody 10 minutes of this, crank this grand goth anthem up full blast, Citizens...
"This Corrosion" [from Floodland, 1987]


Now while I'm not entirely fond of this song, hey, it's not that bad. [That's what happens when you try to share a bit of everything in this...]
"Alice" [from the EP Alice, 1983]


Another reason why I love that first album by the SoM.
"Possession" [from First and Last and Always, 1985]


Taking another '87 tune, I don't understand how this tune didn't get much playing time. It's a very good song, honest...
"Lucretia My Reflection" [from Floodland, 1987]


Another early something...
"On The Wire" [from the Walk Away 12", 1984]


Something about this song. Can't put my finger on it.
"Nine While Nine" [from First and Last and Always, 1985]


Kicking up the adrenaline... just a tiny little bit...
"Dominion/Mother Russia" [from Floodland, 1987]


I don't remember what year the original came out, but I definitely like this version better than the original. In any case, the track is class.
"Temple of Love" [1992 remake] [from the compilation Some Girls Wander By Mistake]


For me, I'm sorry, but it's NOT a Sisters of Mercy StarMix without this track. Second only to this week's Song of the Week, it's my favorite SoM tune. It was the tune that introduced me to 'em. I'd heard it so many times while at Indie Bar, but never knew who did that or what the song was. I fcuking love this song.
"More" [from Vision Thing, 1990]


Song of the Week ~ This song's been replaying in my head since Sunday. I now have the album First, Last and Always and, while much of the album if not all is quite the gothique, I haven't really stopped listening to this track...
"Marian" [from First and Last and Always, 1985]


...and there you have it! Yup, between all the hunting and typing and listening to the SoM and catching up... gosh... when did I start putting this together? It's almost 20 after 8 P.M. right now SO... 5:33 P.M.!?

So yes, I spent almost 3 hours on this week's Thursday Tradition. Hopefully it serves the Sisters proud. Or something. I think Roboter will be most humored.

Until the next round...!

Chapter 189 ~ Between the Goth and the Funeral...

For some reason, I seem to have "Marian" by the Sisters of Mercy--yes, the Sisters of Mercy--replaying in my head. After yesterday being exhausting and today just plain irrationally upsetting, I think this might be the proper song of the day. I don't know why... it just, I don't know, it just seems appropriate. Maybe it's the music. Bit in any case, for all I know, it's replaying in my head. That and "Flood II" as well. I think a Sisters of Mercy spotlight might be in order for this week's Thursday Tradition.

Saturday I went to a tea party hosted by my two best friends in the Choir, and it was a quaint four hours of fun, tea and seriously good snacks. And I got to spend time with my two dear pals.

Sunday was the annual Church Fish Fry at the home of the Underhills. [Yes, the family name is Underhill. Don't even start with the jokes!] The Fish Fry was absolute fun, complete with hay rides, horses [thank you trudie for bringing 'em over!], and other surprises. Here are my favorite pics that were taken Sunday afternoon [all of 'em I'd sent to Roboter after I'd taken them, and the album in its entirety with the larger versions will be up tomorrow]...
Lake Daugherty, being the end of the Underhills' backyard!


Homemade vanilla ice cream!!


Trudie with her horse.


A game of badminton.


The boys-vs-girls Tug-o-War... which the girls won, by the way!


Time for a hay ride!!






Returned just in time to catch a pic of Deacon Nana on one of the horses.


And as things dwindled down, all in all a fun time was sure to be had by all.


This week it's all 5 A.M. to 1 P.M., Wednesday evening I have Discipleship class as usual, and Thursday being our favorite day of the week here with the music. But I'll also be busy preparing for what is, unfortunately, my fourth funeral this year. Last Wednesday, Store Manager Joel sent Grill Team member Elena home early so she could help take care of her father, who was very ill.

Sadly, word was received two days afterwards [last Friday] that her father had passed away.

So this Saturday, I'll be joining the funeral-attending team from our Store to be there for Elena at the funeral. I know, I don't really know the deceased, but this is my friend Elena here. She's in her late-20's... maybe early-30's? Still kinda young to lose a father. And I know it's going to be very difficult for me to go through this, but I have to be strong--if anything--for Elena's sake. Sure, I'll be emotionally spent by the time all this is over. Sure, I'm going to get all bent-up and half-past emo. And yes, chances are I'll need a Kleenix. I just don't do funerals very well. Yet I go through 'em anyway, as death is a part of life. But even Saint Paul got it right when he said--and mind you the Choir sang this as our anthem two days ago!!--

If we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so them also who sleep in Jesus,
will God bring with him.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
~ 1 Thessalonians 4: 14, 18
One thing more--and kinda saving this for last--Roboter's dad is a veteran. And as today IS Veterans' Day for us American Underground Citizens, I believe a proper moment of salute is in order for those who fought for the sake of our country and the freedom and liberty that we enjoy. So to Roboter's dad, and for those you Veterans who somehow come across this blog, I tip my hat in your direction and thank you for knowing and showing what it took, the sacrifices being made, the courage high when the odds were high enough. Cheers!!

In closing, and before I forget, and as a minor little preview for this week's Thursday Tradition, yes. One of the songs I heard on Sunday Night Vinyl [it was a special Sisters of Mercy edition], and probably the Song of the Week if I can't find "Marian"...
"Flood II" - Sisters of Mercy


*sigh* I suppose dinner is in order. I haven't eaten since breakfast, and I'm going to need it after a very long day spent in near-hell. Something to that effect. I can't be so entirely sure at the moment.

Until the next round...

Life, Liberty, and the Thursday Tradition!

Welcome to the post-Election-Day version of the Thursday Tradition! For one, let me just say, quaintly, that Tuesday was nothing short of fantastic! I voted after work and then, after stopping by the Obama HQ in town, accompanied Kit to the polls. But not before having a pic with an Obama look-alike!

The collage of Election Day [also known as my Facebook pic. lol!]
*clicky thumbnail!!*


And on that note, yes, I do believe that it's right about time for our regularly-scheduled whim of the week...

The Starian Union Radio Random 20 for today, Thursday 6 November 2008
1] "Finish Line" - Michael
2] "Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
3] "You Don't Know Me" - Ben Folds featuring Regina Spektor
4] "White Riot" - The Clash
5] "Sub-Culture" - New Order
6] "Little Thoughts" - Bloc Party
7] "Always On The Run" - Lenny Kravitz
8] "She's Lost Control" - Joy Division
9] "Another Morning Stoner" - Trail of Dead
10] "Lost In The Supermarket" - The Clash
11] "$20" - M.I.A.
12] "Setting Sun" - The Chemical Brothers
13] "Who's Your Daddy?" - Benny Benassi
14] "Halo" - Depeche Mode
15] "Every Day Is Halloween" - Ministry
16] "Streets of Philadelphia" - Bruce Springsteen
17] "The Back of Love" - Echo and the Bunnymen
18] "I Want You" - Marvin Gaye
19] "Hip Hop Be Bop" [12" version] - Man Parrish
20] "The Damned Don't Cry" - Visage

*Song of the Week* ~ When I heard this tune earlier this morning I went, OH HELL YEAH!! This is my all-time favorite song by him and, while I'm not quite the biggest fan of his he does have some very good stuff. And this is one of 'em. And it's also a Song of the Week, from the Indie Intelligence files.
"Always On The Run" - Lenny Kravitz


From the Old-School Alternation for the Song of the Week, I heard this tune at work today and sang along to it. It felt very good to hear a song like this at work. Because believe me, that does NOT happen very often, or even at all. Almost as rare as hearing the full 10-minute "Disco Inferno" or [even more rare] "Do You Wanna Dance?" by the Ramones...

I think you get the idea...
"[Don't You] Forget About Me" - Simple Minds


And speaking of... hee hee...
"Disco Inferno" [the full 10-minute version!] - The Trammps


Don't worry--next week it'll get even more random, just y'all watch!!

Until the next round...

Election Eve ~ Chapter 188

"Obama's grandmother just passed. Vaya con Dios."
~ just in from Roboter, 4:47 P.M.

It's rather disheartening when I hear of someone passing away, but it hurts just a bit more when when it happens to someone else. Like in this case, Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic Presidential Candidate. So, today, this post is for her.

Earlier this afternoon I visited the Old Courthouse, now our new Office of Elections, for the first time. For a lack of better words, yeah, it's absolutely amazing.

To view the larger versions and for more info, go here: Quaint Antiquity: The Facebook version.

In the meantime, here are the sized-to-fit-in-this-blog version of the pictures...






























And saving the favorite for last...


And, while I'm still on the theme of Election tomorrow, I don't care who you're voting for. If you're registered to vote and you have already done your early voting, GOOD!! You've made your voice heard! :-)

Now, if you're registered, and have NOT voted, then tomorrow you need to get your ass out there and vote. Because if you don't do so, if you think this government isn't worth your voice, I don't want to hear you bitching about why you don't like the new government in 4 years.

In other words, SHOW UP OR SHUT UP.

In closing, a fairly political song by M.I.A., who I think is made of awesome:
"$20" - M.I.A.


By the way, for those curious, I'm voting for Obama.

Chapter 187 ~ Twisted. Somewhat.

At the moment, I seriously wish I could just teleport the boyfriend over here. Particularly for the sake that he doesn't freeze to Kingdom-Come. My mind's kinda in a somewhat-warped state. In other words, and I usually don't admit the following on this blog, like, EVER, but, I'm feeling a rather bit frisky!

Yeah. There. I said it. *lol*

So I think that, for the proper ocassion, I'm going to post some tunage. Some of 'em you've heard before. Others, you might not on here.

Evidence that yes, I do have some very strange tastes in what I consider to be, musically, sexy [but HEY! when you're goth/punk-rock girl thriving on indie and alternative...]. But there ya go.

*I still remember when I first heard this song. Was over at my friend Engeki-chan's apartment two years ago. The album was Mezzanine and, I think I still have my copy of that album somewhere in my apartment...
"Angel" - Massive Attack


Now before anyone starts b!tching, consider some of the lyrics here, m'kay? [Just my random thought on the matter.]
"Desperate But Not Serious" - Adam Ant


I don't know what it is about this song... maybe I am becoming addicted to it. Seriously. I've had it stuck in my head the past 2 days now.
"The Damned Don't Cry" - Visage


And I'm sure Roboter would probably consider me so wonderful to post THIS classic, though it isn't entirely up my alley. Not that I don't like the song--I do like the song. But it's not like I like to hear it all the time. Just every once in a while is sufficient enough, thank you very much! ;-)
"I Want You" - Marvin Gaye


This song is the reason I have two red dresses, one kinda cutesy and the other that I should preferably wear for the boyfriend only. And that song is always making me lean more towards that second red dress. I will say no further on that.
"Lights Go Out" - Client


Another tune off the album Mezzanine--if you're screaming "HEY! that's the song from House, damnit!!" you might wanna give yourself a cookie to calm down. Seriously. This is an almost-entirely sexy blogpost. No House references here. That said, massage and a make-out session is in order.
"Teardrop" - Massive Attack


I don't think this song needs an intro now, does it?
"Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon


And I can't find words for this tune either. This one speaks for itself. Crank it to eleven at your own peril!
"Closer" - Nine Inch Nails


There are two versions to this tune, and the other version in my opinion just doesn't do justice. This however is proper and, uhm... between the beats and the lyrics, and the way Miss Shirley Manson vocally delivers, yeah. This could almost turn up the temperature in a room. Almost.
"#1 Crush" *from the Romeo+Juliet soundtrack* - Garbage


Finally, two proper songs from one of England's finest. First, a tune that in my opinion could start up a make-out session...
"Enjoy The Silence" - Depeche Mode


...and second, a tune that could nudge towards something further on...!
"Stripped" [The Highland Remix] *from the But Not Tonight 12" single* - Depeche Mode


...wow. Not a bad playlist in my opinion. Even with the Marvin Gaye in it. *shrug* Way to go me-under-a-minor-case-of-UST: Unresolved Sexual Tension. Seriously though, I think this is the first blogpost I've ever done here with that random whim of sexuality sewn into it. It's almost liberating. Almost.

One final memo before I forget--to our fellow American Underground Citizens, PLEASE set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed tonight. Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Thank you! ^_^

And on that note, I have a funny feeling the boyfriend's gonna wanna call me after he reads and hears some of this. And no, I don't think it's gonna be anything bad either. But at the moment, maybe a walk for the sake of fresh air before I get reclusive in my quaint apartment which could definitely use his company.

7-hour phone conversation, anyone?

All Saints' Day ~ Chapter 186

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessèd saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The Collect for All Saints Day.

Hymn ~ For all the saints who from their labours rest
Words: William How,
Tune: Sine Nomine - Ralph Vaughn Williams

For all the saints, who from their labor rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might:
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, the one true Light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia, alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, alleluia!

Hymn ~ Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Words: John A. L. Riley,
Tune: Lasst Uns Er­freu­en, Ralph Vaughn Williams

Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
Bright seraphs, cherubim and thrones,
Raise the glad strain, Alleluia!
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, powers,
Virtues, archangels, angels’ choirs:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

O higher than the cherubim,
More glorious than the seraphim,
Lead their praises, Alleluia!
Thou bearer of th’eternal Word,
Most gracious, magnify the Lord.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
Ye patriarchs and prophets blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong,
All saints triumphant, raise the song.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

There really isn't much else I can say other than, To the saints and martyrs that did proper justice to the King of Heaven, in the past and the here-and-now, my hat is tipped in your direction. Cheers!

Until the next round...