the capermobile is not working

It's been a little more than 24 hours since some dude with a bunch of head tattoos took my automobile away on a flatbed.  My trusty old steed wouldn't start and I'm hoping it's not the biggest deal ever so that I can once again take to the open road.  Ironically, as of late, I've been thinking about how great it would be to live a car-free life.  While I think Cleveland's mass transit leaves something to be desired, I think there are some pretty cool options on the horizon for the city.

My favorite option is called City Wheels, a local car sharing program which allows urbanites to rent cars by the hour.  How cool is that? I could definitely get down with not having to pay for insurance, maintenance, car payments, geez, owning a car is a money suck!  Anyway, I think business such as City Wheels are the wave of the urban future.  Depending on how things go with my iron horse, I may be a customer soon!

HELP ME HELP MY FRIEND! spread the word!!!

Last week, my co-worker Chey discovered her fiance dead in the bathroom. Tragic beyond all measure.  I want to give her time to grieve and adjust to life without her love, so I am working her shifts for her and giving her ALL of the tips.  I can't imagine trying to cope with a major loss and worrying where rent is coming from at the same time.  So come to Sweet Melissa's in Rocky River, ask for moi (Emily) and leave me super huge tips to give to my friend!

Pass this along to anyone you know who likes to eat and likes to help!

islands in motor city

My lovely friend Jeannie invited me to go with her daughter and daughter's friend to see Islands.  I'd never eard their music, but knew I was going to the show with their two biggest fans: Zoe and Gabby.  

After a three hour car ride, we made it to Detroit or Pontiac rather (my first time there) and decided to grab a quick bite to eat as the girls wanted to be at the venue when the doors opened for prime band photog opportunities.  Our food took forever, so when it finally arrived, we choked down our meals and quickly made our way over to Clutch Cargo's for the show.  The venue is a converted church, which makes for a great backdrop to any live show.  The girls were excited because when they first walked in they saw Nick, the lead singer behind the merchandise table (evidently, this is rare) so they got to talk with him for a while and he remembered them from a show in Toronto and told them they were VIP and that next time they should tell him when they are going to be at a show and he will "put them on the list." I don't think I've ever seen two more excited people ever.

Shortly thereafter the bad took the stage and the girls ensured that we were in the front row (although it wasn't a problem as most people were there to see the two bands that followed).  Not knowing anything about the band or their music, I really enjoyed the show and was bummed that it had to be so short.  They have a synth-pop sound and all of their songs held my attention (I normally have the attention span of a gnat) and got my foot tapping.  I particularly enjoyed the song, "Vapours."  I can definitely endorse Islands and say if they ever pass through the 216 you should check them out!

Here are some pics from the show:

love, loss and life

We're all familiar with the lesson: "Don't go to bed angry."  It seems like a no-brainer as it is always best to resolve problems before going to sleep so you an start fresh the next day.  That doesn't always happen in my world.  I am stubborn and at times, childish in arguments (some that are so petty to begin with) with the boyf and I have ever gone to bed with a chip on my shoulder.  I've never thought it was such a big deal until yesterday.

Yesterday, my co-worker woke up and her boyfriend was dead.  I found out right before I was taking drinks to a table.  I was shocked, saddened and most of all, I was thinking about what she must be going through.  Although the details of his death are still a mystery to me, I was told she was most upset because they had argued before going to sleep and both went to bed angry.  So, on top of coping with the loss of the man she loves, she has to live with the fact that the last things they said to one another were not said out of love.

I could help but try to put myself in her situation.  Simply waking up to my boyfriend, dead would have been horrific enough; I don't think I would ever outlive the regret of going to bed angry and having my last encounter with the man I love be a negative one.  Can you?  

Although I always knew that it's never good to leave arguments unresolved, my co-worker's horrible ordeal and tragic loss has mad me realize how unexpected life can be.  Ultimately, there is no guarantee that there will be a tomorrow to kiss and make up.  Every conversation counts.  Every word counts.  Life is too short to spend it angry and holding grudges.  This is my wake-up call.  

Before you turn out the lights tonight smooch the one you love, it will make the morning that much sweeter:)

autumnal obsessions

As the cold weather creeps in (more like slaps us in the face!) I find myself "obsessed" with many new and interesting finds.  I am actually impressed by how impressed I've been lately.  In honor of my awe, I've decided to compile a list of my latest and greatest discoveries:

1. The Avett Brothers new album: I and Love and You - if you are not familiar with these dudes, you need to be.  This album is my favorite so far; it is both musically and lyrically striking.  I am particularly fond of the title track as well as "Ten Thousand Words."  You can check out more about the Avett Brothers on this dude's blog.  I've been listening to the AB for several years now.  Here is an old school pic of me with the band playing at my cousin's wedding:

i'm so classy.

2. The show, Vampire Diaries - I know, I know, teenage vampire love stories are getting a little played out.  I can't help myself! The guys are cute and evidently every person in high school now wears a teeny leather jacket and boots...everyday.  So, if you're like me and long for the days of Felicity on the good ol' WB, look no further!

3.  The show, Glee - (evidently I watch a lot of TV!) This little gem allows me to quench my inner drama geek; I'm proud to say I was vice president of the Drama Club in HS...seriously, I have a fuzzy varsity letter with the comedy/tragedy masks on it.  This show is not only chock full 'o' musical numbers, it's funny too! An added bonus is the lead actress Lea Michele who originated the role of Wendla in Spring Awakening.  

4. Hulu - Thank you Alec Baldwin and all of your alien friends for this amazing website.  Ironically, my last two favorites were TV shows and I work nights, so thanks to Hulu I can get caught up in the morning.  It's also really indulgent to watch several episodes back to back!

5.  Chai cupcakes from Grandma Freda's - go to the Westside Market and get one, now! They are deliciously sweet and moist and taste exactly like Chai! It's a perfect seasonal treat!

6.  Bubble Tea - I just can't get enough of the stuff!  Anyone else? I feel like a little kid sucking up the tapioca pearls up the big straw.  My favorite favor so far is cantaloupe; I like it so much, I've stopped trying other flavors.  I go all the way to Thai Spice in Westlake to get mine.  They have great food too, I just wish they were closer.

7.  Bust Magazine - ever since my beloved Jane went defunct, Bust has been my go-to for all things fashion, craft, and music.  My only wish is that the issues were thicker and that they came every month.  This magazine is perfect for reading while snuggling under a warm blanket!

8.  Candy Corn! Need I say more?

9.  Halloween costumes! I know what I'm going to be, but it's a secret.  Do you have your costume all ready to go?

Last year Maxwell was a bumble bee, this year he's thinking about being a shark.

10.  Handmade, knit things - I love a good chunky wool hat or scarf and lately, I've been obsessed with fingerless gloves.  My friend Jeannie makes some that kick ass!

11. Boots - I can't get enough of them! Since I have huge, man feet, and am broke I don't own a pair yet, but I engage in a great deal of shoe porn online here, here, and here.  Oh, a girl can dream... 

Anyone have any obsessions as of late?