About Me...(with a side of pop culture)

So I just went back and looked at my last 2 blogs. And I feel like they possibly couldn't be more different. One was all about my ministry and my commitment to showing high school friends the love of Jesus...and the other was about this pop star that most people that are on board with the whole Jesus thing don't necessarily see the appeal of. Yet, I love Jesus...and I love Lady Gaga (for those of you that are starting to question my Jesus loving, let me clarify that the love I have for Jesus is a lot different and realistic to me). I also love the David Crowder Band....and Britney Spears.

I'm just kind of like that though. If you're wanting the type of person you could easily put in a box...you might as well slide on by me. That's why I really hate those "about me" sections on anything. I mean, is it normal for people to feel comfortable putting into a few words what it is that defines them? Because for me, I just feel like there's so many different layers of who I am...that come out in so many different ways at different times...and then there's the things about me that I feel like have to come out in everything...no matter who I am. Such as my relationship with Jesus...its so much a part of me that I feel like it has to affect every part of my life. And then there's the fact that I tend to be a brat...unfortunately that also comes out in many parts of my life....you'd think I would grow out of that...but who knows. I also like to categorize myself as a hippie, nerd, redneck, thug, with a little bit of prep mixed in. How's that for a combo?

This is a rambling post...I'm aware...so if you're reading it and wondering why you're still reading...well....to be honest, I'm wondering why I'm still typing...but so it goes.

In other news, the whole Tiger Woods thing really upsets me...not that I don't feel the need to have grace for him...but just that it happened. It reminds me how stupid it is to put people on a pedestal...but at the same time, its hard for me to thing that I don't want to admire anybody...so where is the balance there? I'm easily disillusioned with the world...which I guess is a good thing...because to be satisfied with this world would be a bad thing...but it makes me sad.

Random thought #67686: I'm currently addicted to the TV show Gossip Girl...its ridiculous. If thats really how life is on the Upper East Side in NY than I really hope they have a strong YoungLife program there :).

Last thing: I recently gave in and downloaded the first episode of Glee...I hope I hate it because I'm really trying not to be that person that just loves whatever is popular...but its inevitable that I'll probably become a fan. Gotta love being a pop culture sellout.

The Lady Gaga Phenomenon and Why I am a Monster!

I have a weird obsession with celebrities. I admit its pretty immature. But I really love music and artists. I purposefully stay very connected to the popular music scene- spending so much more money on itunes than necessary. So recently, when Lady Gaga started to become well known, I was naturally intrigued. At first she really kind of freaked me out. Her videos are insane and her live performances are so incredibly out there...but as I began to listen to her music, I found myself really feeling drawn to it. I will say, I think I partially liked her because she reminds me of Madonna (and I love Madonna). Before leaving for Augusta last week I bought her latest album The Fame Monster and made a GagaSwizzlePick (Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler- crazy combo I know but amazing nonetheless) playlist for my drive. By the time I arrived in Augusta, I was in love with Lady Gaga...and I'm still not sure why.

I think I'm most drawn to her passion. Her "Monster Ball" (name of her concert) is a truly artistic masterpiece. As is every single one of her videos. Lady Gaga isn't just making videos that she thinks will be popular- she is obviously very focused on the artistry of it and I respect that. So, I wonder, how long will she be around? I don't know...but this I do know, she is created a loyal fan base. Her "monsters" (what she refers to her fans as) are most important to her and she is true to them. She even sent food to a group of fans waiting for her for a signing at Best Buy. Lady Gaga has been quoted many times saying that she's not in it for the fame and you can tell. She is a straight shooter. She'll never be a sell out...and that's why I think people like her. Yes, her music is catchy and risque....but its meaningful. As people continue to follow her, I think she is doing a lot for the true art of popular music. Her "musical theater" take on her videos and live performances are introducing people to an art form that they've (myself included) never really gotten to experience by listening to the top 40. So, I know this is random, but if you're not easily offended...or even if you're just interested in knowing what is popular in culture today- check out a Lady Gaga video. Watch it to appreciate the art of it. Just like you're not offended by the nakedness of the Statue of David...try to observe from a cultural perspective and I think we could all really learn to appreciate something we're not necessarily used to.

Props to you Lady Gaga-- for being original, for never selling out, and for taking me from being a creeped out observer of your music to one that has learned to appreciate that art that you create onstage.