California Dreaming

I'm back in Winchester for Winter break. And I am working at the movie theatre again, which is great because I love it. Things have been going well, Christmas was lovely even though it was cut short because I had to work at 4:00. But this is all going to be worth it when I step off the plane in California where I am certain all of my dreams will come true in a mere six days.

California, you say? I am going to visit a friend who is currently studying at Northridge (CSUN) in California for my Spring Break. I have dreamed about going to California for a really really long time. I used to have a t-shirt that said "California Dreaming" that I would wear like every tag day in high school (Catholic school non-uniform days). And since I am on the fence about pursuing a career in the movie industry which will almost definitely have me moving to California, I am seeing this trip as an investment in my future. It's research.....and fun. Lots of fun.

I'm really enjoying spending time with my work friends and of course with my family and P.A.C.K. and Sarah Belle. They are all such lovely people.

No updates on my AFI top 100 movies....I am currently watching the entire Terminator saga (I only have Salvation left) and then I am attempting to finish up watching every Barbra Streisand movie ever (only about 6 left I think).

AFI's Top 100 Films

I started my goal to watch all 100 Top AFI Films last year, and I have to say I'm not doing so well. I have spurts of times where I do pretty well but I still have a long way to go. So to help me, I am going to list them here and whenever I watch a movie I'll update the list. Could me interesting.

38 out of 100 (12/1/10)

41 out of 100 (12/6/10)

42 out of 100 (1/23/11)

51 out of 100 (2/17/11)

62 out of 100 (2/26/11)

66 out of 100 (4/3/11)

1. Citizen Kane

2. The Godfather

3. Casablanca

4. Raging Bull

5. Singin' in the Rain

6. Gone With the Wind

7. Lawrence of Arabia

8. Schindler's List

9. Vertigo

10. The Wizard of Oz

11. City Lights

12. The Searchers

13. Star Wars

14. Psycho

15. 2001: A Space Odyssey

16. Sunset BLVD.

17. The Graduate

18. The General

19. On the Waterfront

20. It's A Wonderful Life

21. Chinatown

22. Some Like it Hot

23. The Grapes of Weath

24. E.T.

25. To Kill a Mockingbird

26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

27. High Noon

28. All About Eve

29. Double Indemnity

30. Apocalypse Now

31. The Maltese Falcon
32. The Godfather Part II
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest

34. Snow White

35. Annie Hall

36. Bridge on the River Kwai

37. The Best Years of Our Lives

38. Treasure of the Sierra Madre

39. Dr. Strangelove

40. The Sound of Music

41. King Kong

42. Bonnie and Clyde

43. Midnight Cowboy

44. The Philadelphia Story

45. Shane

46. It Happened One Night

47. A Streetcar Named Desire

48. Rear Window

49. Intolerance

50. Lord of the Rings

51. West Side Story

52. Taxi Driver

53. The Deer Hunters

54. M*A*S*H*

55. North by Northwest

56. Jaws

57. Rocky

58. The Gold Rush

59. Nashville

60. Duck Soup

61. Sullivan's Travels

62. American Graffiti

63. Cabaret

64. Network

65. The African Queen

66. Raiders of the Lost Ark

67. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

68. Unforgiven

69. Tootsie

70. A Clockwork Orange

71. Saving Private Ryan

72. The Shawshank Redemption

73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

74. The Silence of the Lambs

75. In the Heat of the Night

76. Forrest Gump

77. All the President's Men

78. Modern Time

79. The Wild Bunch

80. The Apartment

81. Spartacus

82. Sunrise

83. Titanic

84. Easy Rider

85. A Night at the Opera

86. Platoon

87. 12 Angry Men

88. Bringing Up Baby

89. The Sixth Sense

90. Swing Time

91. Sophie's Choice

92. Goodfellas

93. The French Connection

94. Pulp Fiction

95. The Last Picture Show

96. Do the Right Thing

97. Blade Runner

98. Yankee Doodle Dandy

99. Toy Story

100. Ben-Hur

Why I Believe in U.F.O.s

To go along with my new initiative of short blog posts. A quick reason why I believe in U.F.O.s and why you should too:

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

Can it be any clearer than that? There is something in the sky; I don't know what it is; therefore it is a UFO.

It could be a bird, a plane, or Stick Stickly, but if I can't tell even for a second, well for that second, it is a UFO.

That's all there is to it.

That is all,

Alice Shea

Coming Home

I really enjoy coming home for holidays. It's nice to get away from school and do something new for a few days. A few brief days which are both full of scheduling time with friends and with some time on my own to relax. It seems like there is always a really nice balance between making plans and relaxing. It's the ride back to school and the ride home that I dread, although I've gotten really used to them by now, it just angers me that I am stuck for six hours not able to get anything done because of my inability to read or watch things while in moving vehicles. Ugh. Someone needs to figure out teleporation ASAP. I know it would cause tons of issues with stalking/robbing/assassinating/etc. but I need it.

Ooo short blog posts are better. Short and sweet. Maybe I'll blog more if I make them nice and short. Sounds good to me. Let's try it out.

Love as always,

Alice Shea

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

I, along with a gazillion other people, went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for its midnight showing on Thursday the 18th.

I am not a huge fan of the movies, I am a huge fan of the books, and I find the movies lacking in many regards. They can be enjoyable, but the biggest problem I have with them is that they can't stand alone as movies. I believe that when a movie is based off of a book or a TV show that they are separate entities that should be able to be enjoyed separately. People should be able to be fans of one without being fans of the other, but the new entity should also contain elements of the original so as to not piss off the die hard fans of the original. With that being said here is a list of the top five things I think Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part 1 should have included in it from the book:

1. The Invisibility Cloak

I understand that it's difficult to film an invisible person. But HELLO! The invisibility cloak IS A DEATHLY HALLOW and it was not once mentioned nor used in the film. And it's the most useful thing Harry and his friends have while on the run and hiding from the Death Eaters. In the book, Harry, Hermione, and Ron are all very intelligent and use it on every occasion and even sometimes in addition to polyjuice potion. This is not an overkill when you are being hunted by Death Eaters. So in the movie, they are just being idiots by not using one of their greatest assets. To use my favorite term to mean stupid: BAKA! (aka idiot in Japanese).

2. Potterwatch

It's not the most vital aspect of the book or story line, but I really think the Wizard Radio station "Potterwatch" was such a bright part of the book it should have been included in the movie. The plot is very dark and grim, and Harry hearing "Potterwatch" provided him with such hope in the book it would have been both nice and fun to hear his friends (Lupin, Lee Jordan, Kingsley, and George) talking to the Wizarding world. It's good to hear and see that Harry Potter isn't the only one fighting the good fight, and the movie, at time, makes it seem like he and Hermione and Ron are the only ones.

3. Kreacher bonding time

Kreacher is super annoying; at least he was in the earlier books, but in Deathly Hallows, he befriends Harry, Hermione and Ron and works alongside them. He was included in the movie, but they didn't spend nearly enough time with him to show how their relationship changes. Kreacher becomes a great asset and there's no background to why from what they showed in part 1.

4. The Godric's Hallow Statue

When Harry and Hermione go to Godric's Hallow they pass by a statue of Harry, James, and Lily. By the statue there is a plaque saying what happened on October 31st and how Harry is the boy who lived. On the plaque are messages from people who've come to see where Harry once defeated the Dark Lord. Very touching. It could have been a great opportunity for Daniel Radcliffe to show off his dark yet hopeful eyes that the directors love having him make. Anyway it was quite touching in the book and I liked it.

5. Dean Thomas

He doesn't play a vital role at all and the film was basically fine without him. But I love me some Dean Thomas. Would it have been so difficult to give him some screen time? Luna and Ollivander got their time, Dean was with them in the book. What is there not a big enough budget or something? Just saying.

Things from the movies that were amazing:

1. Harry sticking it to Umbridge

Harry using Umbridge's "Don't tell lies" mantra against her was epic and very enjoyable. Kudos to the writers for including that.

2. Harry/Hermione dance scene

Incredibly cheesy and corny, but Harry being super awkward was funny. And it was a bright spot in a rather lackluster and upsetting series of scenes.

That's it for now. The movie was really good and I can't wait for Part 2.

Rambling Post

I've tried to have actual things to write about when I post on here, but alas that takes too much effort so here are some random things about my life as of late.

I am interning at Penguin Group and I abso-fruitly love it. The people are really nice and the work is interesting. I only have a week and a half left and it is so sad. No good.

The CMAs are on television right now. Miranda Lambert was nominated for nine awards and already won one and performed. I remember watching one year (of CMAs or AMAs I don't remember) when she FINALLY won one award. I literally FELL OFF MY CHAIR. Because it was such a long time coming for her and she had deserved to win so much more.

Jennifer Nettles is sitting next to Taylor Swift and that makes me happy.

School has been okay, just finished midterms which I am glad about. Finals shouldn't be bad, it's the projects in between that are going to be annoying.

I am getting excited for the new Harry Potter movie which we are going to see at midnight on the 18th. Technically the 19th, obviously. I don't actually enjoy the HP movies much but I am stoked anyway.

Best friend Sarah came to visit last Friday and it was adorable and epic! We had a girls night in with MayMay, Dan, Kristin, and Alison. We played pink poker, had sundaes, and watched Jane Austen Book Club. A completely sensational evening if I do say so myself.

Alicia came over on Saturday and us birds had a grand old time at Turtle Bay in Manhattan. We also got $.99 pizza at the end of the night which was wondrous.

I should probably go get guest passes for the people who are coming over this weekend.

Good day sir!

Rah, Rah, Rah

Alice Shea

New York Comic Con

Okay. So this was a few weeks ago, but I haven't updated my blog in awhile. Columbus day weekend was Comic Con and some super awesome people from home came to visit!

And one of my biggest dreams came true, kind of. KEVIN WILLIAMSON was there! And if you don't know who he is, shame on you. Shame on you. He is the crea

tor of Dawson's Creek, a producer of The Vampire Diaries, and an all-around perfect American fellow. He was there with the cast of The Vampire Diaries for a panel and I maneuvered my way all the way to the front row. Quite amazing. There's Kevin along with the Zach Roerig (Matt Donavan) and Sara Canning (Jenna Sommers). Bonnie (Katerina Graham), Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) and producer Julie Plec were also there. Greatness.

Because I wanted to get a good seat for The Vampire Diaries panel I got there early and had a chance to see the Nikita panel. The actors and producer were hilarious and even though the clip they showed us looked pretty bad and too much like Alias and Dark Angel, I ended up watching the show anyway. And of course I loved it. I guess I miss Alias and Dark Angel more than I thought.

Oh right, Shane West is in the show. So that was cool. Maggie Q is probably one of my new favorite people, she was hilarious at the panel.

And the rest of Comic Con was fabulous as well. Some interesting costumes and people were there. We actually ran into two friends from high school which was fun. I really enjoyed the artists' alley where different comic book/graphic novel artists were sitting and we could talk to them and look at their work. I really enjoyed the work and artists, Tim Smith (3), Richard Kane Ferguson, and Christopher Uminga.

We also made capes which was extremely enjoyable to wear. Hopefully I'll get to go again next year.

You Again?

A little advice from an experienced movie-goer: Always go into a movie with low expectations. It almost always allows for a nice experience. Not always though, some movies are just too horrendous there is no hope.

I didn't expect much from You Again? Even though it includes numerous of my favorite people. Kristen Bell, Victor Garber, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, and Betty White. Even Patrick Duffy (aka Frank Lambert from Step by Step) was in there for a hot second. It seemed silly and as if it would be stupid. It was kind of both, but it made me laugh and the acting was for most of the actors very good.

For what it was, it was fabulous. Kristen Bell was very entertaining, probably one of her best roles yet. I didn't even once think I was watching Veronica Mars in a different situation. That is my true test of an actor, if I don't feel as if they are still another character, specially a character like Veronica Mars which I absolutely adore. So kudos to you my dear Kristen.

And Victor! Oh Victor! He was stunning, and I am so glad he got a comedic role because he is so truly comical and most of his roles have totally inhibited that side of his personality. Specially as Jack Bristow on Alias.

Jamie Lee Curtis is who she is. Her acting is typically the same but I am fond of her and her ability to be light yet deep. Odd.

Avatar made me love Sigourney Weaver in a way I never saw coming. I loved her in both Heartbreakers and in Holes yet I never thought of her until Avatar. So now she is a well liked actress by me.

I fell in love with Betty White during the dancing scene with Sandra Bullock in The Proposal. She was eh in this movie. Nothing too special, but she did her part as best as possible. Mostly it was just too similar to her character in The Proposal which at the time seemed so fun and refreshing.

Oh! I forgot "The Rock" was in it at the beginning! He was good and that part was funny. "Bullies are like terrorists, just emotional terrorists" One of my favorite parts was when Kristen (Marni) was yelling at someone on why she wasn't over the girl who bullied her in high school and she just yelled "She's an emotional terrorist" I don't know why that made me giggle, but it did.

Here's the trailer

Birthday!

So I turned 22 this past Wednesday. Woo. I had a lovely dinner and movie night (and cake that Maryanne made!). And it was Homecoming weekend this past weekend so of course it really was just one big birthday bash for me. Friday night was the President's Ball which was pretty cool. And then Saturday I met up with Kristin and her family to go to the football game against Assumption College. It was a good game, we lost, but it was so close and we almost had it. Now we are 2-2. I might actually follow Fordham football this year, maybe. After the game I went over to Kristin's house where we exchanged birthday gifts (her birthday was on Sunday).

The 504 reunited! It was great, just like old times. We got ready together and had birthday cake! Then we went to see Rob's band 3WB perform at the Alphabet Lounge. They were great as per usual. After the show we went out around Manhattan with everyone. It was a great adventure and when the clock struck midnight I literally screamed HAPPY BIRTHDAY at Kristin. I think she enjoyed it. Here is 3WB rocking out!


And then Walsh 504 about to leave for the concert. One day we will all live together again in a sweet apartment in Manhattan. I wonder if I will still call us "Walsh 504" when we live in some random apartment 6D or what not.

What's Up Doc?

I've recently started watching Barbra Streisand films. Well apparently I used to watch (and LOVE them) when I was little, but I don't have any memories of that. So last night, Maryanne and I watched "What's Up Doc?" and it was quite fantastic. I am not usually a fan of comedies (I know I'm odd, right?) but this one was really entertaining. It made absolutely no sense at many times, and Howard/Steve (the lead male) became a completely different character at one point (though Maryanne believes this happened because he no longer had to deal with his horrible fiance, Eunice.)



Anyway, Barbra was amazing as per usual. As I was watching the movie I was getting upset that she hadn't sung anything yet, but she did end up singing part of a song at one point. It was lovely of course. Before "What's Up Doc?" I watched "Funny Girl" and I am currently playing the title track on repeat on my ipod (My brand new iPod which I have dubbed "Inman" (ten points to anyone who knows what that is a reference to) so obviously I loved "Funny Girl")

So next in my series of Barbra Streisand films is going to be "The Way We Were" which was suggested by my mother and was also mentioned in an episode of 90120 I was just watching. I bet it's going to be amazing, especially since it's a Barbra/Robert Redford rocking double time.

The 5 Year Plan

Like all college students I am not a fan of when people ask me what I am going to do after college. If someone actually knows what they want to do and has this so called "Five year plan" good for them. I hope it works out. But for the majority of us, we have no clue. The only major decision we have made thus far is what college we attended, and for some that decision turned out to be a giant flop or not that big of a decision anyway. As Zac Bissonnette says in his book "Debt-Free: U" college is really what you make of it. So in actuality, the big decision we made when we chose what school to attend was not a "big decision" rather the culmination of all the little things we did to make our school fit us was the more important decision and action. So what about the future? What about this "big decision" of what we are going to do for our career, where we want to live, and how we plan on getting our lives together? Not as big a decision as it seems. Okay, it is a big decision, it is a big part of who we are going to be, but really things change, companies go out of business, people get married and relocate. It's not an end all. It's just a job, and you can decide which one to pick and then you can decide to make it be what you want (to a certain extent). If the first job you get out of college has nothing to with want you want to do, it's okay. It's okay because once you know what you want and when you figure out how you can get there, it will happen. It'll happen because you got that first job and you hated it and you learned what you didn't want. Learning what you don't want is a huge factor in figuring out what you do want.

So. Five year plan? There is no answer for me. Most things are up in the air and that's okay (for now). One major decision I am currently being faced with is WHERE I want to live and work. But once again, if I decide to live in one place, it doesn't mean I am going to live there my entire life. I could move and work in California for five years and come back to the East coast where maybe my real career will be. But I don't know. Not knowing is pretty scary, but it's the situation most college students and recent graduates are in. It's okay. I am just going to relax and follow every lead that crosses my path and those that I seek out myself. That's all I've got, because as I've mentioned, I have no idea, but it's okay.

LIAM!

I can't believe it's already August. What happened to the summer? Not enough time, but yet too long till I go back to school! So confusing. And since it's already August, that means July has passed and that means..... some fabulous news! My friends Mary and Pat had their first child! Liam James Spencer was born at 11:23 on July 31st. I have decided to only speak to him in a British accent so he will have one, and then when Voldemort comes in a year, unfortunately Mary and Pat will be killed, but baby Liam will triumph and destroy the dark wizard.

Y'er a wizard Liam......

(for those of you who are foolish, July 31st is Harry Potter's birthday, I'm not a complete fool)

So here he is in his eternal cuteness yawning away!

And here is baby with his mommy

And finally with Auntie Alice! I would say I'll be his favorite aunt, but I'll give

that honor to his actual aunts.

So it's been a whirlwind of a couple days, first waiting in the hospital to hear what sex he would be, and then unfortunately not being able to meet him since he was born so late and he had to go to the NICU and Mary to recovery. But we all got to meet him on Sunday and he was absolutely wonderful, and very well behaved!

And now it's another week, with my internship's conference Women2Women until next Tuesday. I'll probably write a few posts about that since it is sure to be a grand 'ole time full of lack of sleep and fun packed learning.

Stars and people look upon you and hope you smile, with

Eternal Peace.

Alice Shea

Martha's Vineyard

I had a lovely weekend. Well I had a lovely Saturday because I worked both Friday and Sunday. But on Saturday I woke up real early and I took multiple modes of transportation (car, commuter rail, trolley, subway, bus, ferry, car) and then I ended up in Martha's Vineyard with Alicia! Woo.We went to the beach and the waves were super big! (For New England waves anyway) And my bathing suit was not conducive to them. But I enjoyed it nonetheless and I thoroughly enjoyed pretending I was a surfer/part of the coast guard.

I found my camera and charger this past week as well! So I got to take lots of pretty pictures and here are some of my favorites:

BTW, the first one is a nude beach! We actually walked through one, though not this one, that one was below a ledge that we went on to see the light house. I didn't know it was another nude beach until Alicia zoomed in on her super awesome camera and could see haha. But I can cross off going to a nude beach from my list, though being nude on a nude beach isn't on my list. Not for me.

We also went to a Portuguese-American festival in the night time. It was a cute little party thing with music and dancing and alcohol and weird friend dough and games for the kids to play (Alicia's younger cousins and their friends were there). Alicia's family is pretty darn cool. I especially liked her aunt Kim who called me a brat because Alicia is a brat and we are the same person. But she still said I had some redeeming qualities.

Now another exciting week of work and internships. Hip, Hip. And hopefully some fun and adventure mixed in. I like that.

AVEC FORMAGE little monsters....?

Alice Shea

First Real Summer Post

I guess I haven't updated people on my summer as of yet. Summer has been okay. I definitely miss last summer, but what can you do? Things change.

I've been working at the movie theatre on nights, and on Monday and Tuesday I intern at The Rendon Group where I do fun stuff like helping make phone calls, put in information in excel sheets, make up scavenger hunts, try to get food donated. Not too bad, except they don't always have things for me to do, so I feel bad just sitting there. It's not like they are paying me, but they all seem so frazzled with all the work they have to do, but there's not a lot I can help out with. They are hosting a conference in August called Women2Women and it's really cool. There's over 100 girls coming from over 20

countries and 15 states. There get to stay at Lesley University and participate in different leadership activities (including above mentioned scavenger hunt), so I am excited to help out with that.

On Wednesdays I get the day off! They are wonderful. I clean my room and be lazy and sometimes have to work at night, but sometimes not! Super cool!

And on Thursdays I intern at Boston Brand Group

where I call production offices, read scripts, review movies, and fun stuff like that. The work is pretty cool, I just wish I could see some of the work I have put in actually make something happen. It won't be unt

il after my internship is over that the movies I worked with will come out and I can see if any of our products were placed in them (oh yeah, that's what BBG is, product placement company for the most part). And on Fridays I work for BBG from home. I don't like working from home, I don't have a proper desk or phone so I don't get much done.

So yeah. Summer has been interning and working

with a few splashes of fun with people like Sarah, P.A.C.K. and work people. The most fun I have is at work with all the sweet people there. Below is me being awesome and selling a water (a $4.25 water) to a customer. AKA that is another employee posing with me pretending we actually use carts with decorations. We don't. Well we have like twice.

One great adventure during the summer so far was AJ's graduation dinner with P.A.C.K. it was super fun and a great reunion for us! We danced the night away and were the center of it all! Mr. Cote took some videos of us and I cannot wait to see what kind of fools we look like in it. Apparently Marc's girlfriend said we looked like four pixies dancing around a mother tree. I can totally see it. If AJ counts as a mother tree....

Here is the fabulous four outside of the dinner

(which really became a dance party because of us)

I've also been somewhat thinking about looking into joining the Coast Guard Reserve. I have many things holding me back from making this decision the main one being that for all intents and purposes it is still a military branch and in wartime they are under Naval command. But all I want to do is clean up waters and stop drug trade. I would never be able to even touch a gun, let alone learn how to shoot it. I need more information, but it's in the back of my mind. And while I think about it, I'm training LOL. AKA I am working out and making sure I can fulfill all the physical requirements. Which I think I can do all of them already because they are pretty simple. Anyway, that's just a tid bit, nothing serious as of yet. I always think of weird things like this that I want to do with my life and then decide I don't. My mind wanders and I make new decisions. It happens.

Goodbye and good luck for every day is another chance,

Alice Shea

I am because you are

Remember that random night when a group of us went to Revere Beach by Kelly's and we ran around the sand in our bare feet? We all stood at the edge of the ocean, our feet sinking into the wet sand, as we stared out at the black water meeting the black sky? It was so silent except for the passing cars and the small waves. We all just stood there being silent, letting the time pass. I hope you do remember, because I do; I remember it as one of my favorite memories because it was so simple, so content, and so free. I remember thinking, "How did I get to be here with these friends who I didn't grow up with?" It's a strange thought because I've known you all for a few years now, but for the rest of my friends and my family, they were always there. They were seemingly placed in my life without my say so. They were always there and I have known no life without them.

While with you and our group of friends; we picked each other, and we found each other. We all became connected in different ways and those connections brought us all together. I know the dynamic of our group isn't always that beautiful, tight-nit, nor movie-like, but I always look back at that moment on the beach where we were all thinking about our future and reminiscing about our past individually. We were each individually in our own thoughts, but we were together. I remember being completely scared about the future and wishful for the present at the same time. While I was there I felt that all of you were thinking similar thoughts and I felt safer because I knew you were all there with me feeling and experiencing the same uncertainties and similar emotions.

I guess now, what I want is to share a bit of the strength you gave to me that night and give it back to you now. I hope it can help you as it helped me during these past few years.

I am not an articulate person, nor do I do well in talking about problems or discussing my emotions, but I hope in some way you can understand how much I love you and how much we all care about you. No matter where we all end up in this life, whether together or far apart, I will forever love you and be there with a smile and a hug.

You are so very special to me and to everyone who knows you. You have been a wonderful friend, always ready with a hearty laugh and a goodnight hug. I am because you are. Please never forget that. Forever and always,

Alice

Climate Rally!

April 22nd was Earth Day. To me everyday was Earth Day, but I quite enjoy the festivities that others put on during this time. On Sunday April 25th I along with two buses of NYC students and residents drove five hours to attend the Climate Change Rally in Washington D.C.

We woke up at 6:00 am in order to get to the bus at Penn Station by 8:00. We ended up leaving at 8:45 and arriving around 1:00. Once we got to the Rally we walked on the National Mall in the direction of the White House. There was a giant stage on in the distance after a parade of tents and booths housing various environmental organizations; profit and non-profit.

By the time we weaseled our way to about fifteen feet from the stage, many speakers had started. Most were interesting, but the noise of the surrounding crowd kept it from getting too educational. The most prominent and effective speech was made by one young woman who shouted "Green for All, All for Green" From the Green For All foundation. Green for All is a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Check them out here: Green For All

I had prepared for rain, and as a very pale person who despises getting sunburns, I left the middle of the crowd for safer ground underneath the shade. After enjoying some great music from Passion Pit (a band from my home of BOSTON!) I got extremely distracted by all the history around me and got up to explore the Mall. I hadn't been to D.C. since 8th grade (7 years ago!) I remember it as my favorite trip and have been desperate to get back there ever since. I walked alone to the Sculpted Art Garden and decided I wanted to live in D.C. at some point of my life.

I headed back to the Rally area and met back up with my friends and we went on our own much longer tour of the National Mall. We trekked up towards the Washington Monument, past the new World War II memorial, along the Reflecting Pool and up the stairs to the Lincoln Memorial. There I took a picture of the view that MLK Jr. had when he gave his famous "I have a dream" speech. Something I am pretty sure I did not do in 8th grade, nor had no idea what it really meant.

We went back to the Rally and listened to some more speakers, explored the tents and booths (we got our picture taken in Pandora via green screen). And signed up for a ton of different organizations' newsletters.

James Cameron, director of Avatar, was giving his speech when we returned and urged all 200,000 of us there to convince 10 people that Climate Change is real and to do something about it.

We jammed out to some more music and headed out before it ended (there was a tornado warning?!?!)

Overall it was a good time, and a good way to spend my Earth Day Weekend. Although I was seriously exhausted, sun burnt, and in pain from walking so long; totally worth it. Hopefully the Obama administration will think it's worth it and start actually making legislation that gets us back to 350.

P.A.C.K.

If you don't know, now you know. Well not yet, but almost! They are called "P.A.C.K." and they are comprised of four of the greatest human beings on this lovely Earth.

Palange

Alderson

Cote

Kronenberg

Each of them, unique in their own way has gone off into this world and has created a life of their own. But before they went on separate paths, they were separate beforehand. At this beginning, they met at Matignon High School in Cambridge, MA and became friends. At Cote's birthday party at Cracker Barrel during the three elder girls' sophomore year, they came up with the acronym P.A.C.K. to label themselves a group of friends. There was no turning back after that.

The four girls have had many adventures; too many to count. Each adventure brought them closer together, and to this day, the girls experience life together through visits, the internet, and with phone calls. Here is a brief introduction to each of the four girls.

Palange, Victoria

The youngest of the group; Victoria, was born and raised in Cambridge, MA. She has a younger sister, Isabella, and a mother and father (Susan and Stephen respectively). She entered Matignon High School in the Fall of 2004. At Matingon, Victoria was on the track team where she did long jump and ran the 200 meter. She was president and often the star of the drama club. She was co-founder and vice-president of the Photography Club, as well as a member of the National Honor Society, Art Club, Choir, and Asian Cultural Society. After graduating as Valedictorian and senior class president, Victoria enrolled at Harvard undecided. She is currently a sophomore there, where she studies French literature and works at Harvard's Dorm Crew as a Captain. Watch out for this spitfire!

Alderson, Rachel

Rachel was born in Woburn, MA to Elizabeth and Harry Alderson. She is the third of four children of the Aldersons. She has a brother, Michael, and two sisters, Laura and Gillian. Rachel attended St. Charles school in Woburn where she played basketball. In the fall of 2003 she entered Matingon High School, following in the footsteps of her two older siblings. At Matignon she was active in the Art Club, the Asian Cultural Society, and Photography Club. Rachel works full time in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Cote, Nicole

Nicole is the second of three children to Mirabel and Anthony Cote. Her oldest brother is A.J. and her younger brother is Marc. Nicole and the Cote clan live in Medford, MA. Nicole (called Cote) went to St. Ray's school in Medford where she played basketball and soccer. When she entered Matignon she played varsity soccer for four years and lacrosse for one year. She was also a member of the Photography Club, the Asian Cultural Society, the Art Club, National Honor Society, and was in the Drama Club for a year. Cote enrolled in UMass Boston's prestigious Nursing program, but later switched to Computer Science. Nicole works at a doctor's office. She wants to work as a video game designer and will be going on an exchange program to study in California in the Fall of 2010.

Kronenberg, Alice

Alice is the oldest of the group, and was born and raised in Winchester, MA. She has two older brothers, John and David. Her parents include: mother, Alice (Bonnie), and father, Dennis. Alice attended Muraco Elementary and McCall Middle School before she entered Matignon High School. There she played varsity soccer for four years, track and field for one, and lacrosse for one year. She was co-founder and president of the Photography Club, secretary of the Drama Club, and secretary of the National Honor Society. She was also an active member of the Art Club, and the Asian Cultural Society. Alice currently attends Fordham Univeristy's College of Business Administration where she is studying Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in Communications and Media studies. She works part time at a movie theatre.

More information on these lovely girls will follow! Their adventures will be told as their lives unfold!

Peace and Prosperity,

Alice Shea

Gone With the Wind

Untouchable like a distant diamond sky. I'm reaching out and I just can't tell you why.

Today is Friday. The first official day of Spring Break since I don't have any class or any responsibilities! I am free, and currently organizing myself to prepare for my trip back home to Boston. Alicia and Maryanne will be coming up for a few days so graciously Alicia is driving! I love not having to take the bus, but poor Maryanne has to miss a day and has to take the bus because of her internship. But the party/event thing she has to work sounds pretty cool, I hope she has a good time.

We have lots of fun things planned for break. Friday will most likely begin with a low key visit to some Boston bars. I haven't been to any because I turned 21 while I was in NYC and just haven't gotten around to it yet. I say low key because I am not in the mood to go crazy and I bet we will be tired when we finally get home: specially Alicia since she will have to drive the entire way. Saturday will culminate with MayMay's arrival and an epic battle in Laser Tag, I am going to go all out and wear black and face paint. I am stoked. I'm thinking movies on Sunday afternoon so MayMay and Awishwa can see my place of occupation which I love and rave about so much. And Sunday night will be mass (at least for me, if they don't want to come I guess I can leave them at home lol) and Sunday night trivia at Uno's with the Dinner and Beach Crew! :)

We are also going to attempt to make a "Trailer Trash" video about our escapades in the spy business. It is an exciting tale that has a hidden comment on life. Indeed. Also on the agenda is a viewing of Crossroads and A Little Princess. I also want to take them to Frannie's and maybe a nice tour in Boston. I don't know if we have time for all of this but, alas, we shall attempt to make it work.

On another note, I just finished watching "Gone With the Wind" it was a lot better than I expected and I would watch it again. I don't like Scarlet O'Hara and I didn't like the ending. For a movie that was four hours long, you think they would have an actual ending with a resolution. And oh how terrible! Everyone dies! And leaves and is sad. I know it was the post-civil war south, but what the flop!? I much prefer Cold Mountain; depressing but just the right amount, not everyone dies. Anyway, with my completion of "Gone With the Wind" I have officially watched 33 movies of the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films list (their most recent one). Which is basically a third of the way done! I hope to be finished by the end of the calendar year. Hopefully sooner, but that is my deadline.

I need to go get my laundry and finish packing. I want to get a little WoW in before we have to leave, I don't know if this is possible. But I shall try.

You're beautiful, every little piece love,

Love & Sanity,

Alice Shea

Darius Goes West

I love documentaries. I also love film making, and enjoying life as much as possible. Darius Goes West is just that: it's an enjoyment of life.

A group of young men decided to take their friend, Darius Weems, across the country to California where they would attempt to get his wheelchair "Pimped out" on the MTV hit show Pimp my Ride. Darius, 15 at the time, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and had never left home before. His brother had died of the disease when he was 19 years old. Along their journey, Darius sees the ocean for the first time, his friends bring his wheelchair all the way down to the shore and he gets in the water and floats first in the Atlantic Ocean, and gets to do it again in the Pacific Ocean when they reach California.

The entire trip was funded by private donations from family members and friends and along the road Darius Weems becomes a legend as their journey was covered by news stations and newspapers. During their trip, the wanted to showcase the different places that were handicapped accessible and those that were not and those news stations helped them do just that.

You can actually watch the entire movie online DARIUS GOES WEST but if you purchase the DVD proceeds go to Charley's Fund a charity for DMD.

I would definitely recommend watching this film, it's beautiful and joyful. Darius doesn't see his disease as an obstacle or as a struggle, and doesn't allow it to stop him from doing any of the things he's wanted to do.

Mr. M

Last week, on Friday February 12th, my good friend Paul Maguire passed away. I spent an enormous amount of time at St. Eulalia's Parish in Winchester, MA when I was growing up and Mr. M-as the kids called him-was the director of the Youth Group and was the one who brought us kids together and created the Youth Center.

We painted the Youth Center together, a nice white. We got donated furniture and games to fill the center up. There was a bar called the E Street Bar, and we even started a dance team. Mr. M helped out with the annual "Welcome the Child" christmas play we put on as well as "Way of the Cross", a Good Friday play. We did the Relay for Life together. So many things, I can't even remember them all. So many great memories, and Mr. M the unifier and shining light that made us a group.

He was always at the entrance to the church whenever we came to mass with a hug and a kiss on the head. Even after I moved away to college, it always felt like I never left when I would come to mass during breaks. He'd ask me about school and our brief exchanges were always ones that would fill my heart.

Thinking about it, I don't know much about Mr. M's life, I knew his mother had passed away a few years before. We visited the nursing home she was in and spent time with the other residents there. I know he was great friends with my mom, and though I am sad in my own missing of him; it hurts more to know that my mother lost one of her greatest friends. She was on her way to Egypt with my father when she found out, and I know it must have been so hard for her that she missed the funeral.

I wasn't able to go to the funeral either, because of NACA, I can't remember the last time I saw Mr. M. Some random Sunday during the winter break if that. I didn't see him much since I worked Sunday nights during the break. The last concrete memory was of Mary and Pat's wedding. The only picture I have of him with me at school, since all the others are in the Youth Center or in some box at home.

This picture was taken in the Youth Center, our hand prints on those white walls we painted together. I will not be able to walk into mass through those front doors without thinking of him. He was a great soul, and a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.

Rise above the unimaginable,

Alice Shea

Boston

As I mentioned before, NACA was in Boston this year and as I am from the Boston area, it was great to be near home! We actually had a fair amount of free time in which we explored the city. A few of the students hadn't been to Boston before! We went to Quincy Market, Newbury Street, the North End, and we looked out onto the Boston Harbor. My favorite part was definitely the North End, it is such a pretty neighborhood. And I had a lovely cannoli at Maria's Bakery.

This was the view from our hotel room in the Boston Marriot Copley Hotel which is connected to the Hynes Convention Center and the Prudential Tower. What a good time!

I regret not knowing Boston that well. Even though I grew up only about 15 minutes away by car, and a short train ride away, I don't know much about the city. Maybe this coming summer I will make more of an effort to explore the city. I have been trying to do that with NYC, I feel like I know it better than I know Boston, but NYC is so big and I am not good with directions! I'll keep working on it.

We had a great time wandering around Boston Harbor even though it was pretty cold outside.I remember going on the Boston Harbor boat tour with Victoria and her parents. There was a tour guide who was explaining all the different landmarks and facts, but Victoria and I were so distracted by the planes flying overhead. Every time a plane would fly by, we would follow it until it landed at Logan. Quite enjoyable. This story makes it sound like we were about six, but we were more like 16.

Always stay young at heart,

Alice Shea

NACA 2010

So I am a few days delayed in writing about NACA, but alas I am doing so now!

The National Association of Campus Activities annual national conference was in Boston, MA this year. About 15 of us from Fordham went, most of us from the Campus Activities Board, but also a few delegates from the Residence Hall Association, and the Commuter Students Association.

It was a blast! There were a lot of great performers, speakers, musicians, and even comedians! (I say even comedians because I rarely find myself laughing at stand-up comedians). I'll focus on a few of my favorites in some other posts.

I met Mike from the Real World D.C. He is a really nice guy, and is my favorite on the show, so I was super excited when I walked past him in the marketplace. He is visiting campuses and speaking about human rights issues. He works for the Human Rights Campaign focusing on Gay and Lesbian rights (He himself is Bi-sexual and comes out to his family on the show). Hopefully Fordham will be able to bring him to campus for orientation next semester. (And I will sneak in so I can watch!) Here we are with other students from Fordham. The marketplace at NACA is basically a big fair with booths of different agencies and companies giving out information and free things. I also got the chance to meet Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS shoes. A for-profit business that has the policy ONE for ONE. Every time a customer buys a pair of TOMS shoes, the company donates a pair to a child in a third world country. You can find our more about TOMS here: TOMS Mission

Blake was in one of the lecture showcases and talked about his business for about 15 minutes. In that 15 minutes I remembered why I was in business school. Business can be for profit and still change and improve the world. Business is the foundation of America and by changing how people view business and what they think can be done with it, we can find new ways of finding solutions. So cheers to Blake for his brilliant business model and service to humanity!

I had to add this picture because it was just added to Facebook. This is all of the students on our way to Quincy Market! :)

I have so much more to write about NACA 2010, but I'll split it up into different posts so it's not too confusing! I was in the middle of doing some reading for my Public Relations class and the chapter was on blogging and it got me in the mood. Too bad I stopped reading to do it though. At this rate I'll be an expert blogger but not have done my reading assignments!

To each day that comes, let it not pass by,

Alice Shea

Ahh Suke Suke

Life is good. My life is always good, and I've always appreciated how good it is, I just like to say it out loud/type it on occasion. Last night was so much fun, Rose came to visit Maryanne and we had a Ke$ha mess of a night with our hair and make up did. We tore up the town. Aka the Bronx. Which is not a town. Anyway, it was a grand time.

School has been going really well, I got my books late so I am currently trying to catch up on reading. Might not happen, at least I am giving it a go. It's already getting to be mid February. Crazy! NACA is this weekend! I am really excited, it's in Boston (My home!) It should be a fun time. Unfortunately Dana Alexandra won't be performing there :( She's a great singer/song writer and I want to hear more from her, but she only has one album that I know of. My friend Julie is going to NACA with her school too, so hopefully I will get to give her a big bear hug. AKA tackle her with all my might.

I am currently in my PJs watching "The Sweetest Thing" I can't even say how many times I've seen this movie. Most of those times I watched it with my best friend Sarah. We were obsessed with it and we often say "FREAKKAAAY" and "Ahhhh SUKE SUKE" to each other. Anyway, it brings back some great memories and I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen it. But alas, I am watching it now and that is great.

Tomorrow is the super bowl. Walsh 504 (aka me and my roommates) are hosting a small party so we will be preparing all day by making food and such. Should be a good time. Hopefully I'll be able to get my reading done at some point.

The movie is almost over, I am going to finish it and go to bed. Last night made me exhausted and anyway I love sleep. Sleep is great.

Reach beyond what you believe,

Alice Shea

See I've forgotten if they're green, or if they're blue.

I thought I enjoyed blogging, apparently not so much since I haven't found much time for it lately. Once I start it's fun, I just don't think about it much. But, alas, that is me. When I was younger I had multiple diaries, none of them full, only a few pages at the beginning are ever filled and then I get distracted. But oh how I love finding old diaries and reading the entries. I was such an interesting little person.

Last night was the Grammy's. I have to say, that might have been my favorite awards show in all of the award shows history. Lady GaGa opened the show with Elton John. Their performance was spectacular and I am currently listening to it on my itunes. I can't believe they started singing Your Song. It's one of my faves, actually I don't have Elton John's version. That's lame. I only have the Moulin Rouge one sung by Ewan McGregor. I should get on that, I love it and I love Elton John's voice.

GaGa won two awards and I am very happy for her. She's a legitimate artist so maybe people will start taking her more seriously. Or maybe not, probably not. Anyway, one thing I am going to comment specifically about the Grammy's is TAYLOR SWIFT. I love her, and I love her music. And she's not undeserving of best album of the year, FEARLESS was quite good. However, it was not the best album THE FAME was. And I should know, because Taylor was one of my top artists (like #2) for a long time and I loved her a lot longer than most people because she originally started out as a country singer. And then came GAGA. And GaGa took over everything and all my #1 spots in all my lists. Anyway, my main thing is, Taylor Swift needs to stop pretending she is a country singer. She stopped being one after she released Teardrops on My Guitar, pop version to pop radio. Now all of her songs are pop. There is nothing wrong with being a pop singer, but her saying she is doing it for Nashville, and she is just "a country singer" when no country singer ever wins big awards like that, is a lie. And it makes me angry.

The end with that.

School is going well. I like my classes so far, and I am keeping busy, but not too busy that my mind is going to explode. I am now on the executive board of the Student Culinary Council and I like it. I kind of want to be a chef sometimes. HaHa. Maybe when I have money to spare I can take some cooking classes on the side. Who knows, I could be the next Julia Child. :)

I am getting upset with myself that I am waking up so late everyday. See, either my first thing to do is at 1:00 or 2:30 everyday. So I've been waking up at like 11:00 everyday. And I've always liked that I wake up early like 9:00 or 10:00. I feel so productive even if I just sit around after getting dressed. Hopefully I will fix this. I like feeling productive.

oo Dancing in the Street with Mick Jagger and David Bowie just came on my itunes. That's fun.

I have nothing to say right now, so I am going to go. I have class in an hour so I am going to read. Very nice!

Warmest wishes and salutations to you and yours,

Alice Shea

Dormitory

It's been awhile. Life is good, I am keeping busy with work but also finding time to spend some time with some friends. Happy New Year everyone!

Cote and Victoria are gone (Cote in California, and Victoria in Michigan). New Year's Eve was spent at Jay's house watching the first two LOTR extended editions with Tricia, Mary*Kate, and Rocco. Twas quite enjoyable. Specially since I brought beads, hats, Martinelli's, and a giant 2010 cookie. And we had pizza. I am ready for a new year full of fun and learning! Seriously though, I am pumped.

I thought I could embed a video via Youtube, but I guess I can't. Last year I worked on a short film with the Film and Television Production club with conjunction with the Contemporary Science Fiction club called "Dormitory" it premiered before a speech by author Max Brooks. He writes about surviving a Zombie attack. So check it out, my name is in the credits under "Lighting Tech #1" but I am also one of the extra zombie hands at one point. Pretty exciting. Here is the link: Dormitory

Enjoy!

I am going to play WoW, I worked nine hours today after sleeping very little after the New Year's festivities. I am only somewhat tired, alas life goes one wether I am tired or not. After WoW I believe I am going to see a movie, not sure which one yet. Hopefully whatever it is is good.

Peace, Love, and GaGa,

Alice Shea