best of 2010.

It's that time of year again! Year end reviews and lists!

I don't know about you, but I was not too impressed with 2010. No extraordinary music or movies, no huge events in my personal life. The daily grind wasted this year away. I hope to change things up in 2011 - be more creative, take on more hobbies and activities, become a better runner. All good goals to aim for.


The Best of 2010
In my very opinionated fashion.

Albums

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
2. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
3. Minus the Bear - OMNI
4. Phantogram - Eyelid Movies
5. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
6. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
7. Vampire Weekend - Contra
8. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
9. The National - High Violet
10. Beach House - Zebra

Movies

1. Toy Story 3
2. Going the Distance
3. Hot Tub Time Machine
4. Temple Grandin
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Books

1. Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield (1997)
2. Eight White Nights by Andre Aciman (2010)
3. Talking to Girls About Duran Duran by Rob Sheffield (2010)
4. Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson (2010)
5. On the Road by Jack Kerouac (1957)

Live Performances
(Ended up all being bands, saw a couple musicals that made me continue to hate musicals)

1. Local Natives (Beachland Ballroom)
2. Phantogram (Musica - Akron)
3. Minus the Bear (House of Blues)
4. Sufjan Stevens (Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI)
5. Aloha (Grog Shop)

and finally, my 10 favorite moments/adventures/experiences of 2010...

• Spending my birthday/New Years in Chicago. Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright homes and churches, drooling over my favorite architect.
• Getting hooked on Mad Men. Looooove.
• Visiting Whole Foods and farmers' markets. Learning all about food, nutrition, and cooking in a technical sense.
• Spending evenings in the Metroparks biking or running.
• Fun summer/fall weddings with friends.
• Traipsing around the art museum at 2am during the Summer Solstice Party.
• Running the Cleveland Turkey Trot. Overcame body/leg issues to finish the race strong.
• Experiencing Cleveland and learning how great it really is.
• Welcoming my new nephew into the world.
• Having my dad's bum heart fixed. One of the scariest things I've been through, but extremely thankful and happy all is well again.

here's to a happy and healthy new year.