Microblogging...Less Cool Than Real Blogging.

Zoey, you want a twitter because the people who write twitters are funny. I've been debating getting my own twitter for awhile. I just don't think I can be that amusing. I may get one just so I can follow those amusing twitterers.

http://twitter.com/melaniedumdei

Nick Santino and Thomas Dutton...I blame you.

How many days until the Jonas Brothers concert?
16 days!

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Weightless - All Time Low

Livin' Life, Life In The Fast Lane

Besides blatantly stating that I haven't posted anything here for over a month, we'll just assume everyone noticed my absence. Oh, I've been on the computer plenty since May 11, no need to worry about my general health. I've just completely ignored the blog.

School ended. Obviously. Summer started. I'm working. At camp, you may ask? Oh, no my friends. I didn't willingly head back into that disaster. I'm working at Sanford in nutrition and food service. I deliver food carts, I do dishes, and I get paid for doing a lot of standing around. I just got a shiny $240.39 paycheck on Thursday, so that's always fun. The job's certainly easy, if not disgusting most of the time. If you like playing the game where-does-this-pan-that-looks-exactly-like-the-last-one-I-put-away-but-with-a-slightly-different-shape-go?, then this would be the job for you.

That's about all that's changed in the last month, besides more sleep and free time. And warmth. There's also been a significant increase in size of my CD collection. Let's see, I've gotten a copy of blink-182's Greatest Hits, While The City Sleeps, We Rule The Streets by Cobra Starship, the Jonas Brothers' album which just came out this week, Lines, Vines And Trying Times, The Yippee EP by NeverShoutNever!, and There For Tomorrow's new album A Little Faster which is crazy awesome. I guess not that significant when I type it out like that, but still. It's the buying of things that's important. Jobs are exciting like that. They give you money to buy things you don't necessarily need. Like fish. I bought a fish. His name is Suarez. Like the bassist of Cobra Starship. "He's got that Spanish blood in him! He can enjoy the wine!"

Speaking of which, the Believers Never Die show was freakin' great. 'Nuff said. Plus it was a pretty long time ago for talking about concerts, and I don't think my description would suit the awesomeness of that concert. Jonas Brothers is up next, and with all the preparations and influx of Jonas obsessions, I may be even more excited. We'll go for an immediate update on that. With pictures. And a more successful countdown!

How many days until the Jonas Brothers concert?
17 days!

One day before the Jobros concert, All Time Low releases their new album, Nothing Personal. They've released two singles from that and they're great. Go listen and buy them now. I'm so excited for that CD I don't even comprehend how excited I am. I have my own personal countdown on my whiteboard for that one. 16 days. What a wait.

Blog updated. Check. I promise to at least make an effort here now, so until next time...

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Rumored Nights - The Academy Is...

"Dear Radisson, I don’t know how to work your sleep number beds.. sorry. Love Nick"

Nick Santino makes me think I should get a Twitter.

Danny Stevens, I'm sorry you're kind of hideous-looking, but I still love you.

All Time Low's song is on iTunes now, but thanks for all the funding offers. Pfft.

"Dear people at fast food Japanese places, Your use of chopsticks doesn’t impress me, there are forks right next to them."

We got chocolate in English today from the AP English class. Almost as cool as snow.

Chemistry is owning my social life. Thanks.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Sleep, Everyone... - Powerspace

My Cat Is Sitting On My Arm Like An Evil James Bond Character's Cat

Don't worry, I really am alive. Although I must say, influenza B sure does take it out of you. And it takes you out of two weeks of school too, which sucks. A lot. So, if you were expecting a lot of detailed postage since I've been tardy, I'm afraid you will be disappointed, because laying immobile on a couch for two weeks does not create a lot of interesting blog material. I can tell you one thing tough; daytime television is awful. There is a reason that people get jobs - other than the fact that one needs to eat - and go to school, and that is because there is absolutely nothing on TV from about 9 until 4. It's positively atrocious. Same as Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester's a total creeper, the book is bizarre, it's assigned reading, which I hate, and it's just all around painful to read. Classic literature, my butt. I've yet to find a redeeming quality. But, we did have a snowball fight in English today, so I guess there's one good thing that has come out of the last few weeks of class. And this snowball fight was not outside like most snowball fights are, this was in the middle of the English wing, in Mrs. Klawonn and Mrs. Harvey's classrooms. I didn't see what the other room looked like, but after the entire AP English class pelleted us with snowballs, the entire floor was covered in snow, along with the whole class. Mrs. Klawonn, on the other hand was hiding in a corner of a room while we took the hits. Very classy. It was all in good fun, though, and it pretty much made my sophomore year. I have pictures on my phone.

Now, some of you may have been left confused by that last paragraph, but you see, we live in South Dakota. We get freak spring snow storms in April. Six inches on April 4? We are not bothered. All of that snow melted on the roads by April 5? Whatevs. It happens.

There's a few new things rocking my world in music these days, and I will grace you all with those because I am a nice person.

All Time Low's new song from the new album Nothing Personal, Weightless.

Clips from two new The Audition songs from the new self-titled album.

Nevershoutnever!'s new song Losing It.

Cobra Starship's new song Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous.

Also, Madina Lake's new album Attics To Eden leaked and I listened to it. If anyone else would like a little preview, just say so and I can show you where to listen. But, can anybody tell me who killed Madina Lake? It's so different. I kind of like it, but Madina Lake was different than everyone else, and they were good. What happened? Does anybody else think The Audition's album should also leak because it sounds like it's going to be freakin' awesome?

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Folkin' Around - Panic At The Disco
P.S. If anybody has the funding to purchase All Time Low's song, feel free to send me a copy.

Favorite Song Of The Week

More like Favorite Song Of The Last Month since I only posted one, but it is FREAKIN' AMAZING. I love it. Reduces me to giggles and sometimes tears. I'm hoping for a song on the new album to be edited like this, with auto-tune or whatever. I would DIE. Alex Gaskarth's voice sounds awesome all techno. More awesome than usual, at that. I also love the lyrics to this song. All around awesome-ness.

Sticks, Stones And Techno
by: All Time Low


You spin your words like a record in motion,
step into the party, step out a commotion,
with stars in your eyes,
and with fire at your fingertips,
burn down this city and everyone in it,
singing, "Oh, we are the dancers!"

Show me the skyline and I'll show you decadence,
a subtle reminder of hearts filled with loneliness,
give me your worst words and I'll bring the sticks and stones,
I'd hate to use them,
you can't shake it with broken bones...

Oh we are the dancers!

Don't complain if you can't win,
its just something we live for,
and we do it well as you'll see by the way that we,
rock and we roll over state-lines and dollar signs...
Oh you dance like its your job.

The Life And Freakin' Times

Well, after being jipped of my All Time Low concert and taken to freakin' Disney World, this just had to happen. The time some decent bands come to Sioux Falls for an event not related to LifeLight, the only band I go to see cancels. I don't blame The Cab. They haven't said anything as far as I know, but bands only cancel if something bad happens, such as an illness, injury or van breakdown, etc. How would they make money otherwise? It's not their fault, it's just my luck.

Life is not looking up, especially after this little incident. After missing a week of school, my grades are suffering. I only have A's in Spanish and Psychology, my easy classes. Everything else is not good. B's in Geometry and English, a D in Chemistry and I am failing Modern Civilization. Seeing as I usually keep straight A's, this is not a good ordeal. My parents get pissed if I have B's, and midterms are coming home this week. Chemistry I completely don't understand, I wouldn't be surprised if that grade just sank lower and lower. Mr. Bechard is frustrating, and he doesn't really teach ANYTHING. We have a multitude of homework today, that I haven't completed due to my lack of understanding of ANY of it. Modern Civ, I'm not worried about, which sound odd. But, I just missed a test and Mr. Pooley entered the grade and mine is listed as missing. I intend to make that up tomorrow afternoon, and then I will have at least a B. I'm fine in that category. After the stupid English project is over, I won't be so stressed over that. There's no hope for Chemistry, but all I can do is pray that I understand it eventually.

We're studying stress in Psych these days, and I can't help but think of myself. Mr. Aukerman even found some stress tests specifically for me. I didn't take them, but the message was clear. It's not just me feeling I'm stressed out. It's obviously noticable. I don't seem to sleep enough every night, I always feel exhausted and brain-dead during school. That mindless feeling does not help me concentrate in the least bit, and I wonder why I'm bombing things and getting bad grades in classes.

Oh, yeah. I missed a freakin' week for the Happiest Place On Earth. Looking back, it wasn't magical. It only caused pain now.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: The Unwinding Cable Car - Anberlin
P.S. I'll post some Disney World pics on Facebook eventually. After I get out of this hellhole.
P.S.S. 3 days

I've Got Plenty Of Time To Waste

That statement is actually false...

I have a list of things I SHOULD be doing. But I'm not. Because I'm here. With nothing to talk about. So really, something more accurate would be "I'm Not Doing What I'm Supposed To And Doing Something I Don't Even Have Anything To Talk About On." But that would just be too long...

(That title is actually lyrics to a song. Just FYI.)

Well for those of you who live under a rock, or who are not on my cell phone's contact list, I'm going to Disney World next week. Being forced to Disney World, more or less. Leaving Sunday, coming back Saturday. What I would RATHER be doing would be going to the All Time Low concert. But no, everyone just loves ruin Melanie's life, so why not take advantage of ruining her sweet sixteen present? I know! I would too! But I'm sure most of you are sick of my venting all this out, so we won't linger on this topic.

I got the Twilight Soundtrack last night! Edward Cullen poster and all! Not that I'd hang it up...it's slightly creepy. But it was worth it! It's pretty cool. Maybe I was biased at the listening party, 'cause I luffles it now. Guess what I'm listening to! Yup! Speaking of which...

How many days until Twilight?
16 days

That was kind of a failure of a countdown, but whatever. You know how much I love countdowns!

Oh, what else is there to talk about? Well, if you live under a boulder you probably wouldn't have heard that the United States of America now has its first African-American President, which is muy emocionante as our Hispanic friends would say. I can also say I saw the first African-American President in person, which is also muy emocionante. I didn't stay up to see the results, but I heard Barack Obama's acceptance speech was really good.

Well, that should last you a good few weeks.

In a month...

Melanie.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Decode - Paramore

I Can't Prove That This Makes Any Sense

So, to be organized here, we'll go in order...in order of time, not of importance:

This weekend, as most of you know (if you can read), I was in Arkansas for "spring break." It was a long drive, a.k.a. 9 hours one way. A good 22 hours in the car altogether. Good times visiting my family up there (down there?), though. We hadn't seen them for awhile, and a lot of things changed. It's funny how you forget how funny your relatives are when you haven't seen them in awhile...

On our way there, we stopped in Kansas City to hit an American Apparel store, and I FINALLY got an American Apparel hoodie like I've been wanting. A nice addition to the trip.

In Arkansas we did a bit of shopping too, especially at the A to Z stores, i.e. several warehouses full of everything you know you don't need but buy anyway. We brought back gifts back for most of you (you know who you are...). We also gambled...I lost. And on a more exciting note, we got to go 4-wheeling through the open plains of Arkansas. Between the everyone's properties, we had a lot of acres to 4-wheel through. So that was pretty fun and frightening, and other F words I do and don't know!

Next up, I'm hoping most of you know of the big event that was yesterday. All I can say is

WELCOME TO THE SOUND OF PRETTY. ODD.

It was amazing, because I got my Deluxe Edition copy yesterday in the mail, so I didn't have to wait for three weeks like I thought I would. I've semi-listened to the whole thing as of now, and I'm really excited (funny, iTunes keeps playing all the Pretty. Odd. songs. And it's playing my whole 405-song playlist. Odd. PRETTY odd. Hehheheh. I've been doing that a lot...). It's a lot different, less techno-dancey with !'s, and more laid-back, folky and Beatles-ey with .'s. I'm hoping to get a chance to listen to it all closely tonight, following along with the lyrics and all. I'm so happy Ryan Ross (guitarist) gets to sing, as well! We all knew he had a good voice, so it's good he gets a little mic time, along with Spencer and Jon. In other Panic news, my mom got the tickets for the Council Bluffs concert yesterday. Lots of Panic love on the 25th...

Oh, and I got my Powerspace T-shirt, too. Hopefully it will be washed by tomorrow and I'll be sporting it around. It kinda got lost in the Pretty. Odd. excitement.

Well, due to lack of sleep, I feel that I've been rambling and adding details where they don't need to be added. Can't. Concentrate.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low
P.S. Kait and Liss went to a Three Days Grace concert last night. Check out their blogs for more details...I'm sure it was great!
P.S.S. I'll be uploading the Arkansas pictures soon, too. Stay tuned!

Favorite Song of the Week

MY FAVORITE SONG THIS WEEK IS...

Thank You Ending
by: Number One Gun

They're so into themselves.
People have ups and downs.
It's not who they're against,
it's who they're acting for.
If you're so insecure,
then why didn't you lock the door?
And why the hell did you ask if I'm what heaven's hoping for.

Tell me, maybe,
what you want with the ending of this life.
Soon you'll be something more.
But you're so tired of trying.

I know it's not a lot.
But I'll show you what I've got.
It doesn't seem to take,
take away from what it's not.
I know I'll be there soon.
You say that every time.
Look what I'm up against.
I won't forget about you.

Tell me, maybe,
what you want with the ending of this life.
Soon you'll be something more.
But you're so tired of trying.

You hide in places all alone.
You know it, you know it.
Your bleeding face,
oh how it shows.
You show it, oh you show it.
Your bleeding face,
oh how it shows.
You show it, oh you show it.
Go burn this down, go burn this down.

Tell me, maybe,
what you want with the ending of this life.
Soon you'll be something more.
But you're so tired of trying.

Take your matches.
Burn this down.
So help me.
I'm trying, I'm not perfect, forgive me.
All I want is a beginning of something more than what I have.
I'm trying.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Get Ready (Hot Machete) - Jonezetta,
Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low,
Secret, Secret - Nihilio

Fancy Guitar Chugga-Chuggas

Why have I not been posting as of late? The real question is WHY DON'T I HAVE PANIC TICKETS?!? I'm gonna be SOOOOO pissed when they're sold out without a nice seat/floor space for Melanie. Beyond the fact that everyone will be going to two concerts that weekend, I will be alone - possibly not even going to one. At least I'll have Alissa to pout with. Let's all cross our fingers that she'll be able to join the rave in Council Bluffs, minus the electronic dance music and ecstasy. (Well, I could be surprised at what Pretty. Odd. will sound like...or what designer drugs are used in Iowa.)

It's been a pretty good week. I finished my English project and gave the presentation of said English project...AND DIDN'T FAIL! Which is always good. I also didn't have to give a speech or write one this weekend. I had no homework, therefore allowing me to have a social life again. Too bad me and the little satan were home alone all weekend, thus limiting above-mentioned social life. Oh, and she had a child. What does that make me, an aunt? Ick.

I've driven a few times since we last...read. I almost killed me and my mom and the groceries on our driveway. That would be why there's a giant Prius-shaped indentation in our snowbank - going UP the hill. Who put that snow there anyway?

I really need to watch more movies. I'm thinking DVR. Free movies On Demand = hours of entertainment. And they're cheaper than buzzing out to see what's playing locally. Since they're free.

More random thoughts next time...

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Shameless - All Time Low
P.S. Ryanguy thinks I'm cute. E for EMO!

Really? Tell me more!

It makes me upset when you don't clean your room after I've told you more than once.
guess who's playing in the background?!? even though you couldn't see anything, knowing that alex was there and that music made me happy.

I'm angry when you ignore me when you're other friends are around.
i command you all to weave "snipes" into your daily conversation.


What is Melanie listening to right now?: Prologue: Adam Beckett - Powerspace

P.S. Guess who's going for Band Shirt/Skinny Jeans all this week!?

"We're So Sorry We've Been Gone"

These posts with the title "We're So Sorry We've Been Gone" will be dedicated to the ongoing mystery of Panic! at the Disco's new album. Here's what's new:

It's really no longer a mystery... The Panic website has been changed many times over the last 24 hours, so if you weren't checking up on it regularly (*cough*) you might not have seen what's been going down. Wikipedia is always a great resource for the thing's you've missed. So far, they've now unveiled the album name (Pretty. Odd.), dropped the "!" from the band name (Panic at the Disco just doesn't even look right. I was near tears...), and have announced they will be headlining the 2008 Honda Civic Tour. That's what the site's set at right now, an image with a new, !-less Panic logo and the Tour logo. There are also no hidden links or encrypted notes in the page source. These "We're So Sorry We've Been Gone" posts might just end here...

This most recent band picture is all around the web now.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Break Out! Break Out! - All Time Low

New Poll!

Yes, I know it is kind of an eyesore, but it was too big to put anywhere else. Hopefully we'll have more votes with this one, the last poll was a bit of a downer. If any of the lyrics really speak to you, I have posted all the info about them, just for you. See how nice I am? Oh, and congratulations to 30 Seconds to Mars for winning Fuse's Best of 2007! I voted for you!

Song #1: The Beach // All Time Low // So Wrong, It's Right

Song #2: Shameless // All Time Low // So Wrong, It's Right

Song #3: You're Ever So Inviting // Underoath // Define the Great Line

Song #4: Everything We Had // The Academy Is... // Santi

Song #5: Bulls In Brooklyn // The Academy Is... // Santi

Song #6: Time To Dance // Panic! at the Disco // A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Song #7: The Unwinding Cable Car // Anberlin // Cities

Song #8: (*Fin) // Anberlin // Cities

Song #9: Disenchanted // My Chemical Romance // The Black Parade

Song #10: Sleep // My Chemical Romance // The Black Parade

Song #11: R-Evolve // 30 Seconds to Mars // A Beautiful Lie

Don't choose your answer based on your favorite band, please.

What is Melanie listening to right now?: The Tale of the Dragon's Defeat - Wavorly

Put Down the Camera, Choke on the Drama

I got a kick out of this. I hope you all can read it.

I suppose that I should delve into how my B-day party went, but most of you who were there read this blog, so I'll just forget it. But I did get amazing gifts! Thank you guys! The Hot Topic gift card has been well-spent on Put Up or Shut Up and an MCR shirt (my mom endured a good long time in there, I'm proud). I'm pretty much jamming out to So Wrong, It's Right, and have been obsessive-compulsively looking at All Time Low pictures for the past several hours. My Magic Band Book is sitting open while I wait for a good song to buy with my iTunes gift card. Good times, but you guys really need to learn how to shut up. Hard-core Sardines and hide-and-go-seek are annual birthday games. I can stop talking about my birthday now, since both parties have been fulfilled. Tomorrow's our Jon party at my aunt's house. Yay, white elephant gifts! So I'll have more to talk about after that. And then of course our Christmas presents lingering under the Jon tree (I have 9, by the way. Me and my sister just counted).

I found this amazing blog while looking for pictures (don't ask), and it made mine look like a piece of junk that a hobo would wipe his butt with. And that's bad. I'll close for now, I don't feel like writing any more...

What is Melanie listening to right now?: Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last For a Night) - All Time Low

P.S. Alex Gaskarth = LOVE