5 Random Things

In lieu of sleep, I present 5 random things that have nothing to do with the 11 week recap I previously mentioned...

1. Do you ever wonder how things would be now if you hadn't broken up with your ex? Every now and then I wonder. It's only just a thought, not a "OMG what did I do?!?!" type of thing... granted, it's been years, but it's curious to think what paths I would've taken had we lasted longer than we did (which was only a few months).

2. Why have I still not seen "E.T." or any of the Indiana Jones movies yet? This would be an easy goal to remedy. I'll make this #12 on my "365" list.

3. I think one weekend I should just drive out to the Grand Canyon. Just because. Never seen it. Think it'd be fun to do so. And it is right there... kinda.

4. I'm really glad that there are some selections of sushi that I can actually enjoy now, since my friends like it. Mmm, crunchy roll! Maybe that's what I feel like for lunch tomorrow...

5. Aaaaaaand per Kristina's request, here's a link to the music video to "One Day", that I previously blogged about.

11 Weeks Later

I think I'm going to be doing a little "Lost" like story-telling with this here blog, as over the next few entries I think I wanna go over some of the happenings over the last 11 weeks... since it's been 11 weeks since my last blog. Quite a long time. I'm a bad busy little blogger, but there has been some awesome things since I last updated that I feel should be discussed/ranted/raved, etc... and much like "Lost", I'll probably be jumping back and forth in the timeline.

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 4, 2009

I see a lot of concerts, but this night was definitely one of my favorites. I went down to the House of Blues to see Boyz II Men! Kinda old school, right? I was only 7 years old when they first came on the scene with that fun song "Motown Philly", so I mean it's not like I was their target demographic in those days. By the time "I'll Make Love to You" was released when I was 10, I was old enough to enjoy the music of it, and yet feel slightly uncomfortable hearing it on the radio with my parents in the car. But songs like "Water Runs Dry", "On Bended Knee", "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday", those were the ones where I knew all the words.

When I heard they were still touring last year, I was pretty surprised, considering they aren't really popular anymore. And they're old - I mean, imagine if NSync were out on tour in 2017. Strange idea, right? But some friends and I were excited to go see them, since they were part of our childhood.

I was initially supposed to go with Kasey, Tiff, and Sarah... and all three couldn't go for different reasons. So I debated not going, until I found out Colleen was going and she could rally three of her friends to go... so I went down with them, and they were all big fans too, so it was awesome. They sang all their hits, and we were singing along, watching them do all the Motown-style dance moves.

At one point during the show, I wondered if they would sing "One Sweet Day", which was their hit collaboration with Mariah Carey. Considering it was really her song and she wasn't there, I quickly brought myself back down to earth. But when the show was finally over and the house lights came on, the house started playing the song over the sound system. And as the audience started to slowly filter out, you could hear people singing along to the very first lyric - "Sorry I never told you..." And then more people started singing it, until soon it felt like everyone was singing along. Our group kept was about to head up the stairs to exit the concert hall, but then we turned back and saw that people were back on the dance floor, slow dancing! So we went back and joined them... definitely a fantastic experience.

"One Day"

Earlier this week, I got an email from the college pastor at my church Flood, as he was looking for volunteers to be part of a music video that they would be filming for an upcoming service. I was intrigued by the idea of being part of it, but didn't think I could fit it in my schedule.

On the day of filming, I saw a message from him seeking a few more volunteers. This time I responded and said that I could make it out. He replied to meet the crew down in Mission Beach, over at Canes, and that I would be playing the role of a boyfriend who is having a fight with his girl. And with just that little bit of info, I made my way down to the beach.

I like being in these quick little video shoots. I did a few with my old roommate Ben, some of which can be found online, but it's been awhile since I've "acted"... today's shoot didn't really require much acting, but it was fun to be out there and part of the process.

The video is set to the song "One Day" by Matisyahu. The concept behind it is that the camera follows this figure from behind, walking down the boardwalk. Filmed in one continuous shot, we come across four "scenes", if you will. Each scene represents an emotion discussed in the song, and I'm in the first one: anger. In our 26 second part of the video, my fake girlfriend is angry and yelling at me, and I'm angry in return, until the figure comes up to us and we realize our fighting is trivial and peace is restored to the relationship. The figure walking down the boardwalk is (if you haven't kinda figured it out) Jesus, and he comes across a few other people representing moments of loneliness and despair.

The above description probably doesn't do the video justice, but I think it will be rad when it plays out on screen. The neat part is that while the video is playing on the speakers, there will be a dance performed on the stage that pairs up with the music and the scenes. If you've ever seen a video/dance at Flood in the past, you'll know how creative and cool these moments can be.

It was funny while we were filming too, because I was paired up with a girl I hadn't met before, who also got recruited at the last minute. As this was a music video and we're not the singers, it didn't matter what we were fighting about, as long as our body language represented anger. While the finished product will be one long flowing shot without cuts, we did need to do a few takes for it to all work out right. So she was yelling at me for funny things, and I was trying not to bust up laughing. A few tidbits:

"I called you 1 and a half minutes ago, and you're just now showing up two minutes later?! How dare you!"

"Why would you not decorate using concentric circles? I hate squares!"

"I told you not to wear blue!"

"You made me lactose intolerant!"

Anyways... the dance and video will be performed/aired at Flood on Sunday the 27th. And I wouldn't be surprised if the video of both are uploaded somewhere, as Flood does have previous videos/dances available for viewing on their Vimeo page. I will post a link when it's available.

Sayonara!

Simple Saturdays

Song of the moment: "Heartbeats", by Jose Gonzalez... very soothing and mellow.

The last two Saturdays have been relatively peaceful, which has been good... Various thoughts have been weighing heavily on my mind during the last two weeks and while I'm able to enjoy some nights out (dinners with some friends or concerts) as good distractions, I think I've needed the one day to keep mostly to myself and rest. Like taking afternoon naps in the quiet of my parent's house. Not that my apartment is bustling on the weekend, but I just need to get away and be still somewhere else. I could've gone to the racetrack tonight with some of the guys and enjoyed yet another concert (a free one, too) but I'm glad I took the quieter route today.

Quick highpoints of the week though: two straight nights of awesome rocking concerts at Viejas Arena (which will be discussed in length in another blog entry) and my first time having Korean BBQ. I went with some coworkers and it was a fun experience. They give you the raw meat and there's a little grill in the center of your table! We also enjoyed some soju and Sapporo, haha... Here's a snapshot of the meal's remnants...

Anyways - tomorrow morning is the StayClassy.org Fire Run. It's a 4 mile run/walk from La Jolla to PB, and I'm running it. Or some mix of jogging and walking. I'm taking the Barney Stinson approach to training though.

Step 1: Start running... and there is no step 2. ;)

Glee / Fray Tuesday

Currently listening to: "Look After You", by The Fray

Lyrical highlight:

There now, steady love, so few come and don't go

Will you, won't you be the one I'll always know?

When I'm losing my control, the cities spin around

You're the only who knows, you slow it down

Thoughts: This was their first encore song on Tuesday, and it was the song that me and Colleen's friend Ashley were most dying to hear all night. It's definitely a sappy love song, and I remember loving that particular verse when I first heard it. Hmmm, this song might have to go in my 3hree 6ixty 5ive book...

So, the story of Tuesday actually starts out on the previous Friday night. I was reading at a Borders bookstore when I got a text message from my good friend Jess. She had won a pair of passes to watch a musical performance taping of our new favorite fall TV show, "Glee", and that it was taking place Tuesday morning in Glendale.

Considering this was "Glee" and that this was another opportunity to perhaps, just maybe, meet (and woo) the amazingly talented and beautiful Lea Michele, I was so stoked that Jess asked me to join her. I got the approval to take the day off, and we started making our plans.

We needed to be in Glendale by 8am, and since that was a two hour drive, we left San Diego at 5am to allow for traffic. We were a little tired, but made it up safely, only to be informed that because they had a long shoot on the previous day, they pushed Tuesday's start time to 10am. So the large group of us waited around, got some Starbucks and relaxed. Jess and I made a new friend, Michelle, who also happens to be a huge Spring Awakening fan! She even posts on The Guilty Ones, and hoped to meet Lea and Jenna.

Once 10am hit, we were finally let inside the nice theatre and led up to the balcony. We managed to snag front row up there, so we could peer downstairs into all the commotion. The cast and crew were down there getting ready to rehearse. Having worked on a TV set a good deal before, I knew that it was kinda like watching paint dry, waiting for the crew to set up everything before starting to shoot. But it was all worth it to see them. Lea sang a solo, "Don't Rain on My Parade", and then the Glee club joined her on stage to sing a song that I really don't know...

Jess and I left at 2pm, but we later heard that they kept shooting until past 9pm. We could've stayed until then, but Jess needed to work on a paper and I had The Fray concert to attend. I met up with Colleen and her group and we caravaned down to Cricket Wireless.

I really wish I had my camera so I could've taken a picture of the lights/staging for The Fray, it was one of my favorite that I've ever seen. There was a nice backdrop of lights that could display screensaver-ish backgrounds that fit the mood of the song, but above that was a film-strip looking bar made up of four black and white screens, that focused on each member of the band. The band sounded great, played their hits, and we all left feeling quite jovial.

Once I finally got home after midnight, I passed out. It was a long day, but a good one.

Catching Up

Currently listening to: "Wild Wild Horses", from Atmosphere's new CD: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold. I'm not a big rap guy, but I wanted to check this one out after hearing his name for the past few years... I dig.

I haven't kept up well with writing on here this month... between work and going out to various things (mostly concerts) and there being no more real coffeehouse outings, there just hasn't been a good time to sit and write my thoughts out.

But guess where I am... a coffeehouse! On a chill Wednesday evening. Initially I was supposed to hit up Flood's bonfire with Mindy, but I wanted some time to myself. Us introverts need that time to relax. So here I sit at The Living Room, and perhaps heading for a drink later with Weez.

July is about over, and it's been a good one.

The final tally of concerts/shows:

• Incubus
• Dirty Sweet / Get Back Loretta
• 311 / Ziggy Marley
• Ray LaMontagne
• Coldplay
• StayClassy Tailgate (w/ Cage the Elephant)
• William Fitzsimmons
• Demetri Martin
• The Fray / Jack's Mannequin
• Bedouin Soundclash

And now to plan ahead for more concerts this year... seeing The Fray live last night solidified my love of going to all these concerts. It can be tiring, for sure. But it is so exhilarating to see a band/artist that you love perform songs that you love with music/lyrics that resonate with you. To be in that audience, to bask in all the lights and the staging and all the cellphones swaying in the air with certain songs... for me it's a rush. And I'm glad to be getting my highs from all of that than from other sources. And I'll be sure to keep enjoying them while I still can.

Halftime

Current status: Sitting at the dining table, having just finished the dishes, while that infectious song of Beyonce's plays on my laptop. Darn you, Beyonce, and your catchy tune ("Halo") that make me sing along. (Although, I kinda feel that I like this song more since it's going to be featured on "Glee" this fall... can't wait!)

It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I'm in total relaxation mode right now. I'm currently in the middle of Summer Concert Fun, the 2009 Edition. Here's a quick recap of the first two concerts of the weekend...

Thursday night

Chris, Jordan, Johannah and I were supposed to go another of those free Hornblower concert cruise events (courtesy of KPRI) to see Andrew Bird (an amazing artist that blew Chris and I saw perform earlier this year). Then a short series of unfortunate events happened that led to none of us going on the boat, and I ended up taking a coworker's offer for cheap tickets to see Incubus, who I've never seen but always wanted... so I took my friend Ria and met up with Ann (coworker) and her friends down at Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre in Chula Vista. My cousin also happened to be there with her boyfriend, so we chatted with them for a bit. Incubus put on a good show - not much in terms of stage intricacies, but they sounded fantastic and opened with some of my favorite songs. Two personal highlights: the audience all singing along to their uber-hit, "Drive", and then once Incubus left the stage and the PA system started playing Journey's "Don't Stop Believing", the audience started singing along as we all left the ampitheatre. Good times.

Friday night

After visiting my parents and then my cousins for the evening, I journeyed out to rock the Casbah and see Dirty Sweet. I went by myself to this one, and almost didn't go because I'd be flying solo and I was already tired and this was going to be a late show (as it always goes at the Casbah). But I'm so glad I came out! I was initially disappointed that Get Back Loretta (another local SD band) was opening, because I've seen them before and have never been impressed. But they completely won me over tonight with their energy and melodies. They've really polished up their live show and looked like they were having fun. During their set, there was this trio of cute blondes right in front of me, drinking their Pabst Blue Ribbon and posing for plenty of pictures. I laughed to myself thinking, "I'm sure Andy would've made some new friends tonight." LOL.

I almost left after GBL's set, because it was already 11 and my feet hurt and I just wanted to go to bed. Just can't hack it like I used to! But I was resolved to see the band that I came out for, even though I really didn't know a single lick of their music. I thought I'd seen them before (way back in 2004), but it must not have been the same band because the frontman I remember seeing was a pretty-boy blonde. When this band came out, I thought "hmmm, definitely not the same guy." Long brown hair, tattoos, and kinda grunge-y. But once they started rocking out, I was like everyone else in the small crowded room - banging my head with the music and having a good time. I almost had beer spilled on me, as the guy next to me was dancing along with a 3/4 full pint glass in his hand that was held up too high for my liking, but thankfully I was spared. Another drunk guy bumped into me a few times - I didn't drink anything there and was getting annoyed but kept my cool the whole time - and towards the end, when he bumped into me again, he put his arm around me and slurred something about how he was sorry for everything but that I was such a good sport. He said quite a bit more than that, but it was really loud and dark, so I just tried to smile and nod along and say "yeah it's all good, man." I did catch that he claimed to have been on the road with the band before and has known them for four years, and he was excited for them and thought that they're on the verge of blowing up. I hope they do - and now I'm glad to be able to say that I saw them "way back when." The concert finally finished up at 1am. Tired as I was, they were just so great that I didn't want to miss a single moment of it - and I think that's the mark of a truly great concert.

The "I Do Not Want to Sleep Right Now" Blog

I really don't. I should. But once I fall asleep, that means waking up follows shortly thereafter. Maybe not in real time, but it feels like once you fall asleep, before you know it, morning is here and it's time to start another work day. And I don't want to think about that yet.

So I sit here with my laptop on the dining table, with the two cakes that I have baked for work tomorrow. One is the Black Russian Cake, that Mike asked me to make for Ann's birthday. I've got that one down. The other is the Lemon Rum Cake - which I've tried baking before and it's always been fine, but I wanted to mix up the recipe quite a bit and see how this new variation would turn out. So now I'm curious to taste it. But I'll wait until tomorrow, when Kasey will likely be the first to step up and request -- nay, demand a slice, since it is his favorite cake of mine.

And yes, they're both liquor cakes. Hey, I just give the people what they want.

For now though, I'm counting down until Thursday, when the concert insanity starts up again. The game plan thus far -

• Thursday: Andrew Bird
• Friday: Dirty Sweet
• Saturday: 311 with Ziggy Marley
• Sunday: Ray LaMontagne with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and Jenny Lewis
• Thursday (16th): Coldplay
• Saturday (18th): Stay Classy Tailgate, with Del the Funky Homosapien and Cage the Elephant
• Friday (24th): William Fitzsimmons

Recaps of those concerts should be posted as they commence! Game on, July.

For now... I still don't want to sleep. So I'll start reading the ICD-9 document and prepping my work. (Yes, this is for work in the morning. But at least I can do it from the comfort of home, with my grooves playing in the background.)

The ___ Days of My Birthday

On the seventh day of my birthday, my friends did give to me

• Firepits at the Lei Lounge (7th)
• Wings with the Toms (6th)
• TACO TUESDAY!!! (5th)
• Pizookie with my parents (4th)
• Shamu and the dolphins (3rd)
• Switchfoot at the Bro-Am (2nd)
• And a "Lost" themed surprise party (1st)

It's been such fun times this whole week, man. I already blogged about last Friday. The fun continued on Saturday, when Andy and I went to Moonlight Beach for some fun in the sun and the awesome music of Tristan Prettyman (who I haven't seen in ages, it feels) and Switchfoot. This latest show of theirs totally erased the bitter taste that came from the last time I saw them (full band style) at X-Fest a few years ago. They brought a saxophonist too that added such depth to some of their hits, like "This Is Your Life".

Sunday - After a good message and meaningful worship at Flood, the OSF couple and I had some pho and fro-yo before heading down to Sea World. Both of them got annual passes, so we can have fun down there on a regular basis. And they revamped the sea lion and otter show, which has always been my favorite because they poke fun at Sea World and pop culture.

Monday - My parents wanted to take me to dinner on my actual bday, but I proposed moving it a day earlier, which was fine with them. They'd never been to BJs before, but they are fans now. Totally grooving on the appetizer platter and their salmon and salad. I had the Irish root beer (with whiskey, Baileys, and schnapps - that's how I roll) - and we shared a pizookie. Fantastic!

Tuesday - The actual birthday. #25... Started off the morning at work with a fantastic gift from Kasey/Tiff - "True Blood" on Blu-Ray! Can't wait to start watching that... after a chill work day, met up with Weezy and the OSF couple for happy hour drinks at Chevys and a round of Mario Party on the Wii back at the apartment.

Wednesday - After baking my popular cake (Black Russian) to bring to work the next day, I headed out to San Diego Brewing Company. Johannah and Jared wanted to meet up with me since they couldn't make it to the "Lost" party, so I proposed SD Brew Co to have some blueberry beer. Wednesdays are also 40 cent wing night, so we went to town. I loved spending time with them, and I hope Jared will be around with us more when he returns from deployment. And I'm glad that Johannah is amped to figure out summer road trip plans with me too. Fingers crossed that it all works out!

Thursday - Melodi was raving about the Lei Lounge in University Heights, so we went there with a few other coworkers. The place was down the street from Twiggs - the old coffeehouse that we used to check out regularly for acoustic concerts. The Lei Lounge was a very nice atmosphere and I loved the food. The crab macaroni and cheese tasted delicious, and I tried Kobe burgers for the first time. It was a bit pricey (yeahhhhh), but now we know what days they have specials, so I can't wait to head back. We even got to eat our dinner around a little firepit too! So great. It was a downtown vibe without being downtown.

Next up for tomorrow, which will be Day #8: Downtown fun at The Yardhouse and possibly bowling? I thought it was awesome when they proposed heading down there, so I can't wait...

AND! [TM Zack Morris and the TGO] I got my new driver's license in the mail today. My picture is much better than my previous one. It's the little things. :)

The Morning After

"Holy crap."

That's what was running through my head when I opened the door to my apartment around 7:45pm yesterday to find the place completely decked out in "Lost" paraphernalia and my closest friends and cousins there yelling out "surprise!!!"

Damn right, was I surprised.

Let me back track a little bit. A "Lost"-like flashback, if you will. Earlier in the week, I was informed (or rather, lied to) by Chris that he had planned out something on Saturday for my birthday. This was borne out of a conversation he and I had where I was trying to figure out if I wanted to do something and what/where that could possibly be. And since I hate all that planning stuff, he told me not to worry about it or ask any questions because he'd figure all the details for me.

"Agreed", I said.

So I marched through the work week looking forward to whatever surprise he and my friends had in mind for Saturday. I kept thinking "just make it to Saturday", and "Saturday is just around the corner." I was told that we'd go up to Switchfoot's Bro-Am for the first part of the day, and then that I'd need to be comfortably/casually dressed for downtown in the evening.

Lies, all of it.

The first twist came in the form of Beth inviting me to the Stone Brewing Company for a Friday after-work outing with some of her coworkers. Having never been there but being a fan of beer, I said I was game. I met up with her and her friend Marla at their work, and we drove up to San Marcos, which is where they're headquartered. If you've never been out there, it's pretty fantastic. The dining/bar area was really nice - it was very open, lots of natural light coming in, they had a nice selection of their beer and some interesting dishes to eat. I had the blonde ale (really nice and light), and Beth and I had these mashed potatoes that were rolled into balls, dipped in a beer batter, fried, and served with a beer-based BBQ sauce. It was fantastic! They even had this outdoor park-like setting where you could bring your food and beer, walk a little trail... I feel that this place would make for an awesome picture day. If only I had brought mine with me... we ended up not taking a tour of the actual brewery, so I'm definitely itching to go again.

Anyways, so I thought that after the brewery that I'd be able to just chill for the night and rest up for a fun busy Saturday. However, Beth concocted this story that she left her jacket at my apartment and asked if she could come over and get it. That sounded fine by me, so she followed me back down the freeway. Arriving at the apartment, I noticed Andy's car was parked, which was unexpected since I thought he'd be out with family, and when I got to the door, it wasn't completely shut. A little curious, but I was still clueless as to what would happen next. So I pushed the door open and all of a sudden -

"Surprise!"

There were "Lost" posters (including one that Chris printed that had me on it), island-themed drinks, "Lost" season three playing on DVD, it all felt very "Lost" and tropical. They set up a photo station, Brit made her famous strawberry ice cream as well as two kinds of cake, and they came up with a photo scavenger hunt for me, where I'd hunt down "Lost" snapshots printed and scattered throughout the apartment. Even the beer and water bottles had custom Dharma Initiative labeling taped on them. I was so stoked that my cousins came over too. I'm glad this was something that they could be part of (since not all are 21 yet). Though hopefully reports of "Happy Ryan" don't get to my parents... (Eh, I'm sure it will, but that's okay.)

It was very well planned and executed, and I still feel completely floored and thankful that my friends did this for me. You guys are the best!

Pictures to come in another blog, when I get a chance to see them.

Guess I got the mid-20s Blues

Sigh.

-- Post From My iPhone

Song of the Moment

"Let It Be Me", by Ray LaMontagne

Recently, I was looking at upcoming concert listings and noticed that Ray LaMontagne is playing at the Hollywood Bowl in July. [A concert that I'm currently trying to figure out plans to go. Haven't seen him perform in so long!]

I've loved Ray since his first CD came out in 2004. I remember hearing that he was playing at this tiny little joint in Hollywood called the Hotel Cafe (which has since blown up, even though it's still a tiny venue). And when I got out of class on the day of the show (this was during my time at UCSD), I decided to make what ended up being my first of a few random spontaneous trips to LA for a concert. I went there all by my lonesome, managed to find a spot in the back (as the place was packed), and just stood there and soaked it all in. He was a scraggly looking fella (someone once described him as looking kinda homeless), but he projected this beautiful rich voice and lyrics that made my heart melt.

So when I heard about his upcoming concert, I started listening to his music again. The song "Let It Be Me" is off his third/latest album, Gossip in the Grain. And I just find it so sweet. I'm in love with the lyrics; I think everyone at some point can relate to the sentiment of the song, where life's starting to break you and you can use a shoulder to lean on, an ear that will listen... someone who honestly says "I want to be there for you, if you'll just let me." So in a non-gay way, I just want him to sing this song to me. Just to let me know that he's got my back. LSTM.

(LSTM = Laugh Silently to Myself)

Anyways, here's the audio on YouTube, if you have not heard it but would like to listen and enjoy. I know I will. :P

There may come a time
A time in everyones life
Where nothin seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right

There may come a time,
You just can't seem to find your place
For every door open
Seems like you get two slammed in your face

That's when you need someone

Someone that you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Feels like you're always coming up last
Pockets full of nothin, ain't got no cash
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
You reach out for something and they slap your hand

Now I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything
For just a little place you can call your own

That's when you need someone

Someone that you can call
And when all your faith is gone
Feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Touch me...

Touch me

Just like that

And that, oh yeah

Now that's heaven

Now that I like

God, that's so nice...

But not lower down, where the figs lie. (Heh heh heh.)

I can now check off my new thing for month, as I had my very first massage this morning. It wasn't on my agenda for the weekend, but I'm so glad it went down. It all started on Friday afternoon when Jordan and I were trying to see if Brit wanted to join us at Chevy's later that day for happy hour. Brit said she couldn't hang until much later, after her massage, and she was like "do you guys want to get massages too?"

Cue me and Jordan singing a line from "Grease": Tell me more, tell me more, like... Well, everything about it, really. We'd never gotten massages before. So Brit gave us the deets, which were agreeable to us TGOs, and she called up the place to see if they had any extra openings that evening. Sadly, they didn't, but Brit booked three sessions for us on Sunday morning. Brit ended up cancelling her spot, but we still wanted ours.

So Jordan and I arrived to The Knot Spot, located in a nice little shopping center in Hillcrest. It was a very clean Zen-like place. The waiting area had this little neat little water stand that had cucumber slices floating in it, and we joked that I should get one of those for the apartment. We filled out the necessary paperwork, and then went off with our different masseurs.

Emily was nice, but I probably could've said to use a little more pressure (I checked off "moderate" on the forms, to play it safe). It was relaxing enough - the time moved fast, and I'm glad I wasn't as ticklish as I thought I would be. Especially when it came to my feet. I liked the upper back/shoulders/neck portion the most, so I think I'll request more time on those areas next time. Definitely down to go back again. Maybe make it a monthly thing. So I also figure I should keep working out and making my muscles sore - and then heading back here to get my relaxation on.

Go Lakers!

So I never really watched the NBA this season, but I watched Game 1 of the Lakers/Magic faceoff in the NBA finals, and it was a good game. The Lakers blew out the Magic by 25 points, Kobe scored 40 points - it was rad. I think I want to watch the rest of the series... and I should pay attention more next season, it's exciting... baseball is so slow, and football is alright... but I can hang with basketball...

And then we had mixed drinks and played Mario Party, and it was good.

Now to finish off the week with a mystery outing at work tomorrow! Cue the spooky music.

Thoughts

"The only thing consistent is change, change, change." -Trevor Davis

I hate change. I'll roll with it, because what else can I do, but if this were Facebook, I would not be a fan of "change". I would not add it as a friend. I would not click the "like" button. I might want to utilize SuperPoke and hadouken it... but I'd still hate it.

But more changes in life and stuff happening around me looms on the horizon, including Andy leaving and me needing to figure out this whole living situation again... not sure what that will look like. New roommate here at the current apartment? Me moving to another place? Getting a condo? Finding a place with the cousins? It will definitely not involve me moving back home, that's for sure. I might look into this opening at a place that I found through Flood connections... but I know that whatever happens, my 25th year is going to start off having to welcome change.

At least for tonight though, I got to rest in the current state of things: me and Andy at our apartment, having beer and pizza while finally watching the season finale of "24" and also the movie "Nothing But the Truth" (with the hot Kate Beckinsale). We haven't really gotten to do those kind of things much as roomies, I feel... there's always been something going on, or people over, or he's been in and out due to work trips. So I appreciated that this evening was just us, getting to hang out for a mellow night. And maybe the beer played a part in this, but we got to talk about honest life stuff, and just listen to the other... and it was nice. I won't speak for him, but I know I needed that time to just be real again... I'm really going to miss living with the guy, and having my best friend around. Even if I've been frustrated at things, he's been like the older brother I never had. (I don't mind saying that here, since he's not a blog reader... and even if he does come across this... well... dammit, you know I'm an awkward and sensitive sap, Andy.)

So anyways, change is brewing, and I'll deal, and try to put on a smile... Like the Carolina Liar lyric goes:

I lie, I pretend 'til I'm almost certain it's a beautiful world...

Show me what I'm looking for...

Last week, during Coffeeshop Tuesday, I was sitting at the Starbucks as per usual and checking my email on my phone, when I noticed another email from radio station KPRI. And as soon as I saw the headline, I think I may have "squeeed" like a fanboy just a little bit... because Carolina Liar was having a show on the Hornblower!

I can't remember exactly how I got into this band... but I'm pretty sure Kasey told me to check them out a few months ago. And I was sucked in, thought they were rad. They're the type of rock music I'd normally like. So when the chance came to see them for free, I jumped out of my seat and drove like a maniac to try to score my free tickets.

And I did. Made it in the nick of time before the store closed!

I told Kasey about the concert the next day, since I figured both he and Tiff would be down to see them. We went on our lunch break to score more passes. I checked with Janice to see if she was going to get her passes too, and she did. Each pass covers two people to get on the boat.

I've been on these radio station boat concerts plenty of times before, but I don't think I've ever been so stoked. It ended up being Melodi and me, Kasey and Tiff, and the OSF heading down there. When we got to the boat, we were almost pushed away when the bodyguard was trying to say that there was no more room on the boat. We almost walked off but decided to wait a little bit longer, and then he let those of us waiting on the side onto the boat. It was crowded, and full of people who didn't really know the band but were just there for the free boat ride. But we found a nice spot where could still see the band and could sing along.

Only two of the band members were there - the lead singer, and another guitarist - so it was more of an acoustic set. They came across as really friendly and it was cool to hear them talk about the songs before playing them. They didn't play many of their songs, but they did play my two faves ("I'm Not Over" and "Show Me What I'm Looking For").

Tiff really wanted to meet them, and really so did I, so as the boat kept cruising around, we eventually found them signing pics and taking pictures on the 2nd level of the boat. Tiff pushed her way up there and I took a pic, and she had a little poster signed. We walked away, thinking we were content with that, and then Kasey and I caved in and made our way back up to the guys. Talked to the guitarist for a bit and he was very cool. I guess the band has played at the House of Blues down here before, so I'm bummed that I didn't get into them sooner. But they might go back on a full band tour later this summer. If so, I'm there!

Nemesised

Look what I found waiting for me when I got home.



Could that be a tasty delectable treat in that brown paper bag? Like a frozen yogurt? Or possibly a red vine? Noooooooo. No such happiness awaited inside the darkness of that bag.

It's a dark I know well.



Green sauce from Wahoo's Fish Tacos. Green like kryptonite!

-- Post From My iPhone

"Rara"

Since I was a little kid, I've been known to my cousins as "Rara".

Sidenote: Typically, when I refer to my "cousins", I'm talking about a group of five that technically are not even my first cousins. All of those real first cousins are in the Philippines and I've never met them. These "cousins" are the ones I grew up with and while we really are family, I'm technically on the same family tree level with their mom (as second cousins, I believe). But her kids and I have always considered each other cousins since we're in the same age group (me being the oldest).

Anyways, I guess when the first of them (Johnny) was old enough to give me a name, that name was "Rara". We're only three years apart, he and I. Which back when we were kids, at least to me, seemed like a huge difference. My nickname for him was "Sas-See". I have no freaking clue how that came about. That name had a short life (thankfully for him), but the name "Rara" kept living on with each of the four siblings that followed. At least that name made sense, right? It's easier for a little kid to say "Rara" than to say "Ryan".

Well, I'm a month away from my 25th birthday, and I'm still Rara. All of them still call me that - although the older ones have shortened it to just "Ra." (A few of my friends who learned of this nickname have started calling me that too sometimes.) It's funny when I'm visiting their house and they have a friend over and the friend comes to think "Ra" is actually my real name. Sometimes they'll correct them... I don't mind. It's funny. And it's a nice part of my childhood, of a much simpler innocent time.

The youngest of them, Tia, will graduate high school in 7 years. She'll be 18, and I'll be 31 when she does. It's crazy to think about that. But I bet I'll still be called Ra... and I know I'll be thankful for that.

Success and Juevos

So Chris and I are sitting here at the Broken Yolk Cafe in PB after Kristen's graduation at SDSU (congrats Kristen!) and we've been looking for cool apps for our phones. And lo and behold, there's this great little app to blog from the iPhone! So this is my test. If this works, I'll probably be more apt to update, like when I'm out and about.

I have stuff to say about last night's outing that wasn't but became something else, and blogs that I need to read and comment on (I'm so behind on the times) but I'll do that at the comfort of my home and laptop. For now, I look forward to the California breakfast burrito. Mmmmmm...




-- Post From My iPhone

Saturdays with a Twist

Also known as "SWAT"...

Saturday was going to be another fun symphony outing. The only ones committed to going were me and Melodi. Kasey claimed he was a maybe - and though he really wants to see the symphony, his love for the NBA (and the Lakers) is much greater, and there was a game on Saturday evening (more on that later). The plan was to head down to the Yardhouse for dinner and drinks, watching a little bit of the game, and then go on over to Copley Symphony Hall to listen to some Rachmaninoff.

I don't know much about Rachmaninoff, except for one composition that Michelle Kwan used for one of her classic figure skating programs.

Confession #1 - Before there was Lea Michele, and before Mandy Moore, there was Michelle Kwan. My celebrity crush. My sole reason for watching figure skating. The way she moved on the ice was so beautiful. In the same way I'd download a song after seeing someone use it on "So You Think You Can Dance", I'd download whatever music she used... she was just the complete package. But I digress...

Back to the symphony outing... it ended up just being Mel and I going downtown. We really should've had plenty of time, but we were just enjoying our food and drinks. I even tried something with lobster for the time time, which for me is a big deal since I don't try things that have been in the ocean. It was tasty, I'll admit. But then we looked at our phones and saw there was no way we'd make it to the symphony... so instead of rushing through our meal, we enjoyed it while watching the Lakers beat the Nuggets (in a really close exciting game).

Missing the symphony was disappointing, but there's always another one coming up, so I'll be sure to plan another outing. With our original plans dashed, Mel and I tried to see if anyone else might be heading downtown for some nightclub action. No one was, but we got a hold of Suzy and decided to join her and her roomies down in Pacific Beach. Specifically, Typhoon Saloon.

Confession #2 - Johannah and I ditched church one time to head to PB. Not like we got up in the middle of the Sunday night service, but the plan was to go to Flood that evening and join our friends like we did every Sunday. Well at the last minute, the two of us decided to play hooky and head over to what was then known as Big Bertha's to see my friend Pete Thurston. He was playing a show at the bar, and we decided to check it out. Not being PB goers, we were a little lost and hesitant, but it ended up being a nice little excursion and cool to see Pete and Cass (as always). Oh those days of "Jack and Jen's" random outings... I miss them a lot. "Jack and Jen" being a reference to Dawson's Creek, btw. I was Jack (minus the gay) and she was Jen (minus the baby).

Typhoon Saloon wasn't that busy at first, but by the time 11pm hit, the place was packed. People weren't dressed as nicely as they would at the Gaslamp. This was the first time I really paid attention to how other people get down at these places. You have your group of girls dancing with their drinks and then you have the group of guys just standing with their drinks looking around for hot girls. And on the dance floor, guys will just walk up to a girl and start dancing with her... and she'll be okay with that and then they'll start grinding. And then maybe they'll face each other, decide the other is decent-looking enough, and start making out. It's all very interesting. Which leads me to...

Confession #3 - I actually like going out clubbing. I know the idea of paying money to go out dancing in loud dark rooms with strobe lights and paying even more for drinks is ridiculous, but I find the atmosphere fun. Not to go looking for someone to hook up with (as if that's how I roll), but I like the different types of music (hip-hop, 80s, techno, pop, for example) and nice beats and getting a little dressed up. But I'd only feel comfortable going in a group of close friends. Except none of mine are into any of that stuff, so I'll take what I can get when the offer comes up from other friends.

So it wasn't the symphony, but it was still a good night out... no hangover either, which was muy importante since I wasn't going to get much sleep before waking for Kristen's graduation the next morning. Phew!

Don't Stop Believing!

Just a little video post for now :)

35 Days Later

Location: My bedroom, while people are playing Halo outside in the living room

The Date/Time: Cinco De Mayo 2009

Miscellaneous: listening to the new Mat Kearney song "Closer to Love"... and I'm in love. I see myself and Weez at one of his concerts enjoying this song, potentially in the near future...

I find myself not wanting to sleep just yet. I'm in one of those moods where I really just want to bust out in song. Like when I'm doing dishes, and I have my laptop out on the table, spinning a playlist, and I'm just going for those notes as I scrub the dried food off that plate. It makes the arduous task of dishwashing a lot more tolerable, if not even enjoyable for me...

But I can't just bust out into Jason Mraz's "Unfold" right now, as that'd just be weird. I can see it now...

Andy: Do you guys hear something?

OSF #1: It sounds like singing...

Me [singing from my room]: "My hands are hiiiiiiiiiiiigh... and I'm holding on..."

OSF #2: Is Ry singing in his room?

Random guest of Andy's: Who's Ry again? You mean that Asian kid?

Okay, so maybe not quite like that...

But instead of singing, I'm channeling that energy into my fingers and typing out my thoughts on working out for the last 35 consecutive days. And you know what, it feels freaking fantastic, actually.

It was a goal for both Chris and I to be more consistent with hitting the gym this year, and in late March I started going intermittently. And to be honest, it sucked. I hadn't worked out in awhile, and when I did go, I only did cardio. Last year, I used to hit the weights with Kasey, and we'd go pretty consistently after work, but that was back in the graveyard shift days. But since I moved to daytime hours in May 2008, I think I'd barely go once a month. It was hard getting motivated, especially as my various gym partners were never consistent either.

But I remember trying on some of my jeans/pants (around early March), and they were just not fitting well anymore. If at all. And I said "this is not going to work." All that sitting around in the office and eating out for lunch was not doing me any favors. And so there was my motivation for hitting the gym again.

Getting back into the routine was hard, but I eased into it. It was never an official goal to make it through the entire month of April without missing a beat, but it happened. I was adding weight lifting days eventually to the point where I lift every other day (and now I'm slowly increasing the weight too)... upping the difficulty (resistance) on the elliptical (I already could do incline at the max)... and being more conscientious about my eating habits. And so now it's been 35 straight days of hitting the gym, and it's weird to think that I might miss a workout... so I guess until further notice, the streak continues! And I'll read up on different exercises to mix things up...

I'll worry about gaining lean muscle mass with time (and my cousin's help/training, since he used to train hard for his hockey playing days), but for now my stomach is getting slimmer, and I dig it. :D

Romans 8:15

In contrast to the question from "Glee" character Rachel Berry -

"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call him, 'Abba, Father'." -Romans 8:15 (NLT)

"I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run it is in His pleasure." - Eric Liddell (men's 400 meter gold medalist, 1924 Summer Olympics)

Glee

I don't think I've ever been this amped with anticipation for a TV show before, but thinking about and watching previews for Fox's new show "Glee" fills me with such... well, glee.

I can't watch a promo and not smile. They always seem to air the "Glee" commercials during "American Idol", and while we always fast-forward through the commercials (thanks DVR!), if I ever spy a promo for the new show I have to rewind and watch. I even downloaded the extended promo (over 4 minutes long) and will watch it a few times while doing my cardio workouts at the gym. Andy called me a nerd, and that's totally right. The show's become more to me than getting to watch Lea Michele (the beautiful and amazingly talented star from a certain Broadway musical that I love) on my TV on a weekly basis, although she was my main draw. But it's taken me back to my junior high (and part of high school) days when I was a musical theatre nerd.

In junior high, I was in our school's small choir that every spring went to this annual competition in Santa Maria that some school's from the GSACS (Golden State Association of Christian Schools) participated in. We'd compete in the fine arts (like music and drama) and also in academic subjects. I think in 4th grade I won in the writing category, and from 7th-9th grade I won the spelling competition -- fun times, those were. Anyways, our choir was awesome back in junior high, I remember our choir won when I was in 7th grade. That same year I was also in the boys ensemble. It was 5 of us, and I was the #2 tenor (#1 being the choir director's son) and my voice was able to reach those high notes. We sang "How Majestic Is Your Name" (I think I can still remember the words), and we won 1st place too. The readers theatre group I was in also won, so it was good times for our school. I didn't do sports, so this provided the thrill of competition for me.

Later in the spring, we also had a concert at the school, which was a much less formal affair than the earlier competition (where we had to dress up - guys in ties, etc). But the spring concert was fun. We sang this song our director wrote called "Lazy Summer Days", where we got to wear t-shirts and sunglasses and I wore a hat backwards for probably the first time in my life - it even had light choreography too. I miss those days so much now...

Anyways, like Lea Michele's character says in the "Glee" promo - "Being a part of something special makes you special, right?" And her question resonates with me, because being in choir and drama gave me that rush and it was nice to not feel so anonymous and boring but to be part of a special team - it was exciting. Singing, acting, choreography... I need to get back into that.

Happy Songs

I'm in a cranky mood right now because of UPS. I now refuse to ship anything through them, and if I can help it, I will try to choose alternative shipping options if I'm receiving a package.

So to curb my frustration, I'm listening to my happy song of the month. I was thinking about it, and I've had a different happy song each month. It's always a poppy song that I listen to over and over, that really has no solid meaning to me or any lyrical insight, but for whatever reason (the beat?) I get entranced by it. And I get happy. Not two beers happy, but it's good enough.

They're all guilty pleasures. January's song was especially guilty. "Anonymous Sex", performed by Phoebe Strole and Skylar Astin. Two original Broadway cast members of "Spring Awakening". I found it on YouTube, and thought it was fun. Not something I'd be singing in front of my parents, and clearly (hopefully) not something I believe in, but it was catchy. Although I'm sure the fact that it was SA related played a part.

February's song was "Go Your Own Way", as performed by David Cook and Carrie Underwood. Another YouTube find (although TWOP led me to this, really), the duo of American Idol winners performed the duet of this Fleetwood Mac song at the opening of Walt Disney World's "American Idol Experience". I really wish I was there because it looked like they were having so much fun in the video, and their vocals were great. Just like January's song, I'd sing this one on the way to work too... made the dread of another work day a little more bearable.

Which brings me to March's song: "Just Dance" by Lady GaGa. (Yes, I like pop music.) I'd heard of her before but paid no attention to what she sang. I also heard the song on the radio but didn't pay attention to it and treated it as background noise without knowing who sang it. But then this week, Suzy mentioned the song and the artist and how bummed she was that Lady GaGa's concert at HOB was sold out. And then she and some of the other girls from work started singing it, and I had that moment of "ohhhh that song!" At which point, because I really wanted to listen to it, I immediately bought the song on my iPhone (which went online to iTunes) and started rocking it... that was three days ago. I really have no idea what she's singing, but it makes me want to dance. So I guess Lady GaGa's mission has been accomplished...

Anyways - now I sit and wait for everyone else to get here so we can caravan down to that park just south of Cricket Wireless so that we can steal the Rascal Flatts concert. More on that later.

All the cool kids are doing it.

I remember telling Chris and Jordan on one of our Coffee Tuesday outings that because "photography" was # 3 on the 3hree 6ixty 5ive list that I would treat myself to a nice new digital SLR camera when I started my new position at work.

Well, I started the new position at work this week (technically last week, at least on payroll)... and with the Disneyland trip coming up this Sunday as well, I thought now was a good time to pull the trigger.

And I did. While watching American Idol, I logged onto Amazon.com and ordered the Canon Rebel XS. It should be here Friday, so I may get to log my first photos at the Rascal Flatts outing.

I'm excited. :)

In other news, I've now finally seen two out of three "Lord of the Rings" movies... and I think I can handle walking around the office a little better tomorrow. I didn't exactly follow the directions given to me by Dr. Andrew and Dr. Mercedes (from work), but the ankle feels much better than last night. Many thanks to Andy and Jordan for helping me through that.

I also have a short amount of time to possibly prepare an audition piece... I keep checking this site and the La Jolla Playhouse is having general auditions. I may just give it a go - I have nothing to lose anyway, and it'd be a fun way to get my feet wet. Musical theatre has become a new "happy place" lately... Watching "Grease" on Sunday made me jealous all over again, wanting to get back on the stage (oh those high school days), and I know I'll get that exact same feeling when we see "Rent" this weekend... I've seen "Rent" before, and the production is SO much better than the movie. Now if only I could see "Spring Awakening" next week, somehow...

Music, theatre and Disney... this weekend's gonna be awesome, I feel.

Things that make me cranky

- having to drive to UCSD

- not being able to find parking at UCSD

- dealing with long lines at the box office at UCSD

- UCSD in general

- not having a washer and dryer, thus being forced to walk across the street to the laundromat

- spending $1.50 to wash a load (whatever happened to 75 cents)

- carrying two baskets of laundry home stacked on top of each other, and then tripping on the bloody sidewalk

- having a sprained/twisted/hurt ankle because of that aforementioned fall

- not being able to hit the gym because of said ankle

Bollocks. I'm going to listening to Track 15 now.

"Can you still feel the butterflies?"

Imagine a time before Melchi... before Wendla... before Moritz and Ilse... before tracks 4 and 15...

Before all things "Spring Awakening" had captured my attention, there was Jimmy Eat World's "Clarity".

It was a CD that came out in 1999, but I never knew of it's sheer awesomeness until 2001, when I was a freshman in college. It was a time when I was just finding out about music beyond what I heard in church and from the pop radio that you couldn't escape. Much like my love for "Spring Awakening", I didn't immediately fall in love with this CD. I already really enjoyed their 2001 CD "Bleed American" (which the musical snob in me wants to add that I was diggin' before "The Middle" became popular). I browsed the band's message boards and everyone there was raving about their previous CD, "Clarity". So I bought it, gave it a spin, and sadly didn't fastly appreciate this gem that I had bought.

But I'd walk around campus from class to class with my Sony discman (a time before the prevalence of iPods) and I'd pop this CD inside. And pretty soon, I'd start to notice little things. I don't speak in musical terms, but I'd come across an arrangement that would make me go "ooooooh, niiiiiice". Or I'd suddenly hear an instrument that I hadn't noticed before in one of the songs. And I'd nod my head in agreement, thinking "Wow, Jimmy Eat World - that was a rad moment in that song right there." Until I realized that every freaking moment in that CD was amazing.

And just like my favorite musical, I was wanting to quote the album in my every day life. I'd find new meaning in a lyric, and there were so many that I loved... in fact, I feel like quoting something from each song...

"Not asking of me anything, saying nothing about what it means, without anybody telling me what I should feel."

"You're not bigger than this, not better, why can't you learn?"

"I'll miss you when you're just like them."

"What you ignore is priceless to me."

"What you wish for won't come true - live with that."

"Didn't mean to leave you hanging on."

"I can't bring myself to say it; it's my own advice I need." / "Could you look in my eyes and blame no one?"

"If I don't let myself be happy now, then when?" / "You can lose yourself in your courage." / "Can you still feel the butterflies?"

"When the world caves in, what are you gonna do for me?"

"Wait for something better, will I know when it can be us?"

"So full of faith yet full of doubt, I ask again... I shall ask you this once again, he said 'I am but one small instrument', do you remember that?"

Yup. I'm a lyric lover. This was the CD that once I was head over heels for, I listened to at least some portion of it every day. I sang in the car at the top of my lungs, it cheered me up when I was having a bad day and it my good times even better... I even had to buy the album on vinyl from eBay even though I didn't have a record player... "Clarity" had become my favorite CD, hands-down.

Fast forward to 2009, when Jimmy Eat World went on tour to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the CD. As soon as it was announced on their blog, I knew there was no way I could miss this concert. They were going to play the entire CD, from start to finish. I'd seen them many times before already and was never disappointed... but this time - to hear freaking "Table for Glasses" live?!?!? (That's track one, btw.) I was going.

So after walking with the No on Prop 8 march for about 8 seconds just to get to the box office, Chris and I bought our tickets, and then we marched back up against the same rally for another 8 seconds. (I've always found this story amusing.) Months passed (because the tickets went on sale in November, right after the election) and we kept our tickets securely until the day finally came to break them out... March 6, 2009.

My friend Kasey was going to go, but since his family was in town, he was unable. So at the last minute, I was able to find a replacement in another friend, Suzy, and we drove down to the HOB and met up with Chris and Cody. Ate some dinner, had some drinks, sat in the lounge for a bit, and then the show began. No Knife came out as the opener, and I've loved them since '01 as well. They broke up in 2005, and reunited for the tour because they're good friends with JEW. So I was super stoked to hear them play again.

But once it came time for JEW to take the stage, and I could see Tom walk out... it was on. And to me, it was legendary. Just like they promised, they performed the entire CD. And I was proudly geeking out the whole time: singing along, tapping my feet and bopping my head... I miss innocent things like that. Getting lost in something you love and not giving a rat's ass about what anyone else thinks.

When it came down to the album's last song, which is normally 16 minutes long, the band played a slightly different arrangement from how they've done it live in the past. Previously they would cut it down to about 5 minutes live. Tonight's rendition was definitely longer than that, but not quite 16... but still fantastic. Having completely played their masterpiece, the band left the stage for a few moments. Then they came back out to the crowd's roaring approval and played some of their other great songs - and not necessarily the hits either, which was great. Hearing "What I Would Say To You Now" was my personal fave of the encore set, definitely... the encore was pretty lengthy, about 6 songs, I think... they finally closed out the show with two of their biggest hits, "The Middle" (of course) and "Sweetness". Then sadly, it was all over.

We may not have walked away with pictures or signed album covers, 'cause that would've been [Barney voice]awwwwwwesooooooome![/Barney voice]... But it was still a night I will always remember. "Clarity", you are still my favorite CD.

:)

Quick Blog Before Work

- It's my last day as a team lead! Which is a good thing, because I'm moving up to something different/better... but that's for another blog entry, I feel.

- Apparently I'm a happy and feisty drunk who enunciates his words.

- I really think TABS should be recognized by the AMA. TABS = Tiny Asian Bladder Syndrome and AMA = American Medical Association. But I really only get TABS after drinking.

- Cannot wait for the Jimmy Eat World concert tonight! Kasey was unable to go, so Suzy stepped in as a last minute replacement.

- I really wish we had a dishwasher here. It would make the aftermath of TV Thursday so much more bearable. Or maybe we'll just switch to paper plates, plastic utensils... hmmmm...

- And that's all for now, since I need to shower. There's more to write about later... I feel.

Offline Blogging

...but to be posted online soon. I'm at Starbucks, per our usual Coffee Tuesday outings, and currently unable to go online because Wi-Fi isn't really free at Starbucks. They want you to buy something at least once a month using a Starbucks card, and doing so grants you two free hours of Wi-Fi access.

It's been more than a month since my last purchase, apparently.

But it's okay. I can still type this out on my word processor and upload it whenever I get the chance. That'll work just fine, I feel. And I need to take my mind off work and this "how to" book for Microsoft Access...

Random musings:

1. Three amazing concerts last week: (a) Loney Dear and Andrew Bird, (b) Duncan Sheik and Lauren Pritchard, (c) Tonic and Gin Blossoms. "B" of course being the most legendary, if you didn't know... I haven't had a week like that in awhile, when I used to go to shows with a greater frequency. I even found my old list from 2004, when I kept track of every show I saw, even the small coffeehouse ones.

2. I wish I had the keen eye that Jordan and Brit have when it comes to photography. Our photo outing last Saturday at the Mission San Diego de Alcala produced some pretty great shots. Picture days are some of my favorite days in recent memory - Old Town/Seaport Village, Gap Day, Julian... I really want to start taking pictures on my own, but (a) need a good camera and (b) don't know if I have that skill to find a good shot in any given environment.

3. I keep listening to this one song called "Lead Me to the Cross". It's originally by Hillsong United, but I have a (stealthily taped) live recording of The Gate Called Beautiful performing it at Flood last year. They choose songs that fit with Matt's message, and the combination of her voice, their music, and the song's lyrics... it's often very moving (to me). I was at The Rock this last Sunday, and worship has been an important part of church for me and theirs just wasn't working (among a few other reasons that have nothing to do with this point). I really do need to be more consistent with where I'm going though.

4. I'm ready for March 9 to get here already. Come on, March 9...