Good Christmas

We're up in the snow, by the fire, eating and drinking far too much of everything. It's good to be an American. So blessed. New clothes, books, movies, hard-drives, sewing classes, and gym memberships. We made gifts for people, a dollhouse, masks, art. I'll put photos up soon. Good to be in the mountains. Happy New year.

W'all back yall

We spent Thanksgiving in San Antonio with the wifes family. Twas good times. Listened to some Conway and some Reba, met the Gloyds for some Cracker Barrel bisquits and steak and eggs, explored the Alamo, boated the river, got a Don't Mess With Texas shirt, watched the Dallas game, spent some money at the Super Wal-Mart, and played bingo out in the sticks with some true homegrown Texans. First time I had Bud light with my pumpkin pie. First time I done cooked up a turkey solo. Amber did most of the other fixins and I don't mean to be as full o wind as a corn eatin horse but it was gooder than grits.

Texas forever

We head to the Lone Star State tomorrow. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

Realized

Today I walked through the first thing that has ever been built from something that I somewhat designed and drew. While it's just a duplex of sorts, it was quite an experience to move through the 3D environment that just two months ago was lines and curves on my screen.

Going big friends. Going big.

Pointless

Everybody hates him.

Anyhooooooo, who hath already known of the following?

THE BQE- A Film By Sufjan Stevens from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

If so, why hath thou not been more exciteth and told thee?

I shall vieweth asapeth.

Thoughts?

Like him or hate him, if you can get through this video over here I'd like to hear your thoughts?

I updated The Modern Classic with bits of some more recent design projects, right over here.

?

Is there a such thing as a 1/4 life crisis? Because I'm putting 1/2 and 1/2 on everything. And I mean everything.

Weekend

I saw Bon Iver at the Wiltern Friday night. It was the first show I've been to in a while, and it was good. Here is an encore highlight:



Saturday we scaled the mountain for the Heule Oktoberfest. Lots of good beer, log sawing and stein holding competitions.
Saturday night I attended my ten year reunion. Chad's Place. Big Bear Lake. Pretty amazing.

Yesterday I ripped out an old shower. Today I went to school. Tonight I took a quiz:

Which Friday Night Lights Character Are You?

More on Friday Night Lights. Created by BuddyTV

I didn't cheat, I promise. I answered all the questions honestly.

Broke

As a joke. Looking forward to the day when I can buy a juice-it-up every once in a while, or drive a car with a radio.

On a less whinier note, I've got a 10 year reunion this weekend, as well as an Oktoberfest. Good times.

Yesterday I ate a two day old Reuben.

Today I might eat steak from yesterday.

Update

Brandon and Alex got married last night in downtown Los Angeles. We played a Kinks song for their first dance. It was good.

Mike and Kelly did the same two weeks earlier in Pasadena. Also good.

School is back on. I'm trying to keep my cool. I still have several years to go, and I'm not getting younger. I am, in fact, getting older. It's weird.

I just ate a two day old tuna sandwich. Not feeling so good.

Ah... The great affair is to move, indeed.

Robert Louis Stevenson said that. I only know because I've just looked it up to sound sharp. But it is a fine quote. I partook in the great affair for 12 days earlier this month, and have been wandering around in a cloud since my return. I've caught the fever.

There are too many good tales and great photos to include here, but I've managed to compile a few of both the Mouse's and my own in a quick slide show. The awesome ones are his. Those less awesome are probably mine.



Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up...

Matt Bethancourt and myself drove a Penske moving truck from Los Angeles to New York City by way of the Northern United States of America.
We hiked, sipped, napped, and ate Tri Tip with our fellow campers in Yosemite.
We drove the straits of insanity in Northern Nevada exploring abandoned truck stops and filling out post cards to our better halves back home.
We ate breakfast for dinner at Cactus Pete's in Jackpot, then blasted Built To Spill as the evening turned into Idaho.
We cowboy camped under the stars, talking politics and sharing a handle of Makers Mark.
And wow, lunch at the Silver Horseshoe equals America. Biscuits and gravy covered in bacon, Idaho potatoes, Camels, Buds, coffee, and the husband of our stout waitress playing World of Warcraft on what may have been the only wifi for miles.
We passed through Montana, and passed the Makers whilst doing so.
We soon entered Wyoming and Yellowstone. We saw Old Faithful in the 34 degree wind, watched the sun go down over Lewis Lake, drove around Yellowstone Lake and over the Continental divide.
We camped in Grizzly country without bear lockers, where we were attacked in the middle of the night. Not by bears, oh no. Worse. Osprey. Aka the Devil’s bird. The Mouse slept happily through this. I did not.
We blew a flat just short of South Dekota, and sat for four hours while a guy whose name was most likely Bubba and his girlfriend drove to the next state to find us a tire.
We drove through Deadwood as the sun set again, and pulled into the Mount Rushmore parking area just in time for the lighting ceremony, which was followed immediately by the departure of every soul but the Mouse and I, which was soon followed by epic, nonstop lightning (most of which was captured by Bethancourt's sweet camera skillz) , which was followed by the swiftest gale of wind I’ve ever known, which was followed by the most treacherous hale storm I’ve ever been in, which was followed by thick Black Hills rain and steamy roads. Awesome, then scary. Matty sprung for a double queen smoking room in Rapid City that night.
We drove across the rest of the state, then down through Iowa and Missouri, by way of several Cracker Barrels and several million fire flies.
We ate at Waffle House then pulled into the Harbaugh’s in the wee hours of the morning, slept shortly, ate a lovely breakfast, and hit the streets of St. Louis. The Arch, Citygarden, a free Sheryl Crow show, stuffed pizza and shuffleboard, and some Ricky Gervais netflix.
We drove over five states and stopped to camp in the sort of Appalachians of Pennsylvania. We ate chili and drank some of the park owner’s Southern Comfort.
We drove across the rest of the state, through a bit of New Jersey, and spent several hours trying to get the truck through Manhattan and into Brooklyn, where we unloaded it, and where it got tagged.

Then it was New York City for several days.

So that's the summed up version. Twas a really great time.

Thanks Matt B.

On the road

Please go here for the latest.

Trailer

April 15th 1995 - June 24th 2009



I tried to take it like a man when we took him in, but I failed. With tears in my eyes I just stared at him and said, "I love you, I love you, I love you".

There will never be another like him.

wrote a post

Wednesday night. Came home. Ate a quick dinner with A. Went to Kaveh's. Drank coffee. Worked on early stages of studio final till 7am. Came home. Slept till 10am. Showered. Ate cheerios. Worked more. 12 noon, drove to Kinkos for prints. Went to class. Presented. Skipped next class. Came home. Drank a beer. Ate leftover pizza. Drove to Andy's. Walked to liquor store. Walked to Metro. Rode gold line to Union. Rode red line to downtown. Walked to the Golden Gopher. Drank two beers. Walked to Staples Center. Saw Fleetwood Mac. Caught a drunk lady falling down the stairs. Drank a beer. Snuck down to the floor level. Watched the encore from the foot of the stage. Took crappy cellphone photos. Tried to sneak backstage. Got asked to leave. Grabbed a set list. Got some Brits to give us their stickers. Got into the Lexus Lounge. Drank a beer. Found out the Metro stops at midnight. Called A. Got picked up at 9th and Union. Told stories. Dropped off Andy. Came home. Went to bed. Dreamed of gypsies.

Got a new blog in the works.

WHISKEY!

Padres won last night. Close call. Good game.

Just spent a half hour reading old entries. I hate the way I write.

Packing up to go swim and hang with friends at a Hilton.

On Spring break.

The Beatles breath in through their teeth when they sing Girl.

WHISKEY!

This is funny

Part trois

Study after study over the past several decades has shown how countries that spend more produce less, while nations that tax less produce more. Obama is doing it wrong on both counts.

Here is another good article... less angry... less "President Robin Hood"... more educational.

The budget that President Obama proposed on Thursday is nothing less than an attempt to end a three-decade era of economic policy dominated by the ideas of Ronald Reagan and his supporters.

Thoughts?

Better days

Politics part deux

Couldn't pass this up.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has approved adding about 17,000 U.S. troops for the flagging war in Afghanistan, administration, defense and congressional officials said Tuesday.

8,000 Marines, then 9,000 Army... After that 5,000 protesters will hit the streets in Berkeley, 7,000 in San Francisco, 8,000 in New York, 4,000 in... wait what? Really? They're not?

Reagan did it better

Didn't Obama say that he wouldn't sign a bill until the people have had a chance to read it, then comment? That wasn't too long ago right? The members haven't even read it, which makes me think that our chances of understanding what's in this thing by Monday are slim. For now, I guess we can try.

Washington is currently not bi-partisan. Not even close. And the majority seem to support ideas that do not reach down and "stimulate" the poor, struggling, lower class. They punish the successful. What's the point of embracing the opportunity that is America, only to get hurt, when I can collect checks for sitting on my front porch and eating flaming hot Cheetos and downloading new ring tones?

Four Score and Seven if by Sea is Well on the Western Front

We are currently up in the snow. We came up the other night to visit family, and help out in the office. Last night we played Wii, then played cards and chatted into the night with Keith and Karen and Mom and Dad. I do love the mountains. I would like to get into some serious mountains, seriously soon. Somewhere like this. That is a photo of a peak called Bear Creek Spire, east of Bishop Ca. in the High Sierra. I've been there as a child. We backpacked up a series of five lakes for a couple days, until we reached to foot of the Spire. There was a lake that was so fresh, one could stick one's face right in and slurp up the icy water. That's where I'd like to go soon. I always assumed that as a young, married man, I would camp and backpack and hike a lot. But I don't. Why is this? We have the gear. We live near some of the worlds most beautiful terrain. So why don't we go? This, my friends, is the question... Wait... I've just had an apostrophe! Lightning has just struck my brain! This is just coming to me now, literally as I type. None of this preplanned - "I'm going to blog about this this afternoon" - stuff. What if I began hiking? Start small. Realistic. Say every other weekend. Start local. There is a beautiful hike up the Arroyo Seco watershed, literally out my front door. It goes up to the Rose Bowl, underneath the Colorado Bridge. That's it. That's where I begin. When? Saturday Feb. 21st. Late morning. I have shows both Fri and Sat night, but I think I can make it work. So late in the morning on Saturday the 21st, I will pack a lunch and walk out my front door, up the Arroyo, and back. Does anyone want to join me? If so, let me know. And on this hike we will plan the next one. Good.

In other news:

Last week my boss and I presented a project to the 136th wealthiest man in America. It was big time. The presentation consisted of a few of my designs and renderings, as well as others. It was as real world as I've ever seen.

Last week I pulled into our driveway, and when I got out to open the gate and pull the rest of the way in, I realized that my truck was still in gear. Just like a scene in a movie, it rolled, by itself, through the gate, busting the lock and slamming it open, while I'm running for the brake pedal between the truck and the trees. I stopped it before it went into the garage, but was shaken nonetheless. It's funny now.

Shepard Fairey, of the Obey brand fame, is a moron. I heard him on NPR the other night talking about how he was arrested for putting up the now famous, communist-ish Obama Hope poster on private property. He said the police were treating him inhumanely because he couldn't get comfortable in the back of the cruiser.

School starts in two weeks. I'm 50% excited, 50% dreading it. All-nighters... bring the pain.

Ten points to the first one to get the Hook quote.

Still alive

I swear. We still exist. One (blogger) would not think it but we do. Many things to catch up on, with more time preferably. But for now: new job, two weeks in, architectural firm, office, presentations, meetings, pro-clothes, the whole bit. Good times. Hung out with Bob Dylan's (and a gazillion others) ex drummer the other night. Dude came out to our ramble, and was as down to earth as could be. Watched classic Tom Petty footage with the Cassidys. Watched LOST with the Gloyds. The times they are-a-still-a-goin. Ski trip soon. Who's in?

Mountain top

Yesterday, we stood at the top of a mountain. Then we went down it, over and over again.

Happy '09 again. Every New Year, my wife and I toast each other saying,
"If the rest is as good
as the path we've known,
Here's Hail!
To the end of the road."

There's that, and this. The planet - a model.

The North Wind Blew South from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

Oh Nine

I very well may have gained fifteen or twenty over this holiday. Maybe even just within the last couple days. My dad has had non-stop mole going in the crock pot. Non-stop! In all of it's ground peanut and chili goodness. There is beer and wine flowing from my ears. There is fire in the fireplaces of my family, and snow just outside. It is good times.

To update: The semester ended well. Great reviews and great grades. Christmas went well. San Diego with the wife's family. Fun times and fun gifts including books on Anthony Bourdain's recipes and architecture, dvd's on Planet Earth, salt and pepper shakers and underwear and M. Ward tickets. We made the trek up the mountain on the 26th for a Pool Christmas and New Year, and here we are. We've done Pong's Thai, Maggio's Pizza, Nottinghams Beer and Prime Rib, Teddy Bear's Coffee. We will shred the slopes. Then we will leave.

Faze

I go through phases. Some where I love Los Angeles and some where I hate it. Last night I went through a quick phase of loving Los Angeles, but I'm not quite sure what spawned it. I had just finished a successful Arch 14 final presentation. Amber and Obrien came out. Afterward the group and us went out for a few celebratory PBR's. Later I was driving to Trader Joe's to pick up some coffee for the morning. I was listening to Mississippi from Dylan's Love and Theft. Listen to it. Everyone I ran into said "Merry Christmas". It was a nice evening. Besides the stress of final projects, it's actually been a nice week. A long awaited Rio Bravo session at the barn finally happened, including a few beers and a few Willie covers. The wife and I went out with Derek and his lady to take part in the Christmas insanity at The Grove. The wife and I, while broke, still manage to eat good, sleep good, and be in love good. God is good.

Now I'm off to yet another study model building sesh.

That's all.

OMG

I was just watching some stuff from Digital Kitchen, and happened upon THIS little gem. It's good. Good because it's from the studio that does the Dexter opening, which is insane. And good because it uses a sweet song from an old spaghetti western that my dad and brother and grandpa and I would watch, called My Name Is Nobody.

TAFN.

Architecture stuffs

A couple people have asked to see some more of my school work, so I put up a few projects over at Modern Classic. Good times. I am again up far too late doing stupid time wasting things like this and watching Dexter and previews and listening to music. Our Christmas tree is great.

While kind of on the subject of school, meet Mitch, fellow student-mate from Indiana. Dude's cool. Dude's also a studio ahead of me.

Goodnight.

BEZBALL

If Peavy goes to the Cubs, I will walk onto the 110 freeway.

Not really.

There is a dog barking that will not stop. I might kill it.

Why am I still awake?

Hair fun

Before:


The Walt:


That's the end.

Thanksgiving

It's Saturday. Thanksgiving weekend. We're in the mountains, sitting by the fire, working on a project and watching some John Wayne. We got a little snow, played a bunch of cards, and have not stopped eating the entire time. It is good. I am thankful to be an American, and to have the family and friends that I do.

Wall-e

Amber and I went to a free screening of it last night in Hollywood. This was my third time viewing Wall-e, and while I rarely ever cry, I again came close last night. It was released on dvd yesterday, which would explain the timing. It was followed by a Q and A session with Andrew Stanton. THE Andrew Stanton. The one who wrote and directed Wall-e, as well as Finding Nemo, and so on. The one in this preview. It was great. He was great. On the way home we were talking about how exciting these times are for writing, and film, especially in regards to Disney-Pixar. While it would be blasphemy to call anyone "the next Walt", he is in a position to mimic what Walt did. Bring animation back to the masses. Young and old. And the fellas over at Pixer are doing a fine job. It was good times. And inspiring. I'll leave you with something he said, as well as a link to a preview of Up.

- "What really interested me was the idea of the most human thing in the universe being a machine because it has more interest in finding out what the point of living is than actual people. The greatest commandment Christ gives us is to love, but that's not always our priority. So I came up with this premise that could demonstrate what I was trying to say—that irrational love defeats the world's programming. You've got these two robots that are trying to go above their basest directives, literally their programming, to experience love..."

Up (2009)!

It's late

I just finished a topo model.
I'm tired. I should be in bed. I'm going.

How appropriate

I saw Trail of Dead the other night with Ryan. I spilled beer all over my lap, very much like the days of old when I regularly listened to Trail of Dead. It made sense. Good show though.

In other news, school is good. I'm rounding third and heading home. The problem is that this home stretch is no 90 feet. Nope. This is a desolate expanse of land extending as far as the eye can see. And it's in flames, because the devil licked it. So we'll see how that turns out.
We're good. House is good. Cars are, well, getting by. The city is fine right now, but I will say this, if I see one more Toyota Prius with a "War Is Not The Answer" sticker on it, my brains will explode. How do you think you're sitting in an f-ing Prius to begin with? You think Japan has always been this way?

That's about it.

The Rusty Nail, or...

A reason for Drambuie.

2 oz Scotch Whisky
1/2 oz Drambuie

Serve over ice in a rocks glass.

Yes please, times four.

Why am I still awake? And why am I burping up pepper? It's the worst taste in the stratosphere, ever in all of time and space. I'm tired but cannot sleep. This is my life. I will sleep until almost noon tomorrow, while I get up at seven and shower and go to Kinkos and then school. I will do all of this asleep. It will be dangerous because I am cursed. I can see the Matrix now, and guess what... everything is architectural!

I made this:



Then I turned it into this:



One day I will finish school, and get a job at Tommy Burger.
Goodnight.

Back to reality

I went sport fishing in Mexico this weekend with my dad and brother. It was a quick, but much needed get-away from school and the city. We left San Diego at ten Saturday night, drank coffee and played cards in the galley, and then bundled into the sleeping quarters for the night as the boat tossed about. I was up at five. The cook had bacon on for breakfast burritos, and then our lines went in at first light. My number one sardine of the trip took a bite that sent my rod smoking, and ten minutes later I was standing in a pool of blood next to my beautiful Yellowtail. We fished the day silly. Beers. Hamburgers. My brother and I simultaneously hooked some Skipjack while trolling. Later we rolled them up, ate some sashimi that was alive a half hour before, took naps, and headed home.

It was refreshing to get out for a bit, with nothing but the sea in every direction, and remember how small my problems actually are. It's difficult to protect this state of mind as I return to reality. If I need a reminder, I just have to stick my head in my freezer and take in a nice whiff of my catch.

Seared tuna with wasabi butter sauce. Who's coming?

1925 - 2008

"Sometimes nothing can be a pretty cool hand."

-Paul Newman, Cool Hand Luke, 1967

One of the all time greats has sailed off into the setting sun. Here's to him.

In other news:
I'm at school. I'm rendering a 3D Rhino model in Maxwell. I'm preparing a laser cut template. I'm about to pin these up for the class. It's raining outside. I'm wearing one of my favorite shirts. And I am going to squeeze in a beer before the crit. Good times.

I am a design student

I don't eat.
I don't sleep.
I don't play.
I don't laugh.
I don't exist.

Thoughts

Last night I awoke to somewhere between eight and ten gun shots, followed by a helicopter for about an hour. While it sounds cheesy, it's normal to wonder where God is in all of this, right? Or to wonder where I am in all of this? Why am I in all of this? That last question is growing increasingly more difficult to explain. We have great friends. That remains constant. I'm in a great program. That becomes more apparent daily. But when my schooling is finished I am going to take my little wife by the hand, and we are going to run from this place with our hair on fire.

To keep from going insane I will take advantage of, and utilize the following:
School, ball games, shows, parks, trains (which will be safer now than ever), museums, buildings, case studies, restaurants, and so on.

I will look forward to:
Children in a hand built home on a large tract of land covered with dogs and trees and vegetables and guns (that are not owned by gang members) and sunrises, and one pretty little wife.

Poolitics

"...but you know you can, you can put, uh, sausage in a pancake. It's still a pig in a blanket."

- Matt Pool

Politics

"...but you know you can, you can put, uh, lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig."

- Barrack Obama

It seems that politicians and presidential/v.p. hopefuls will ignore the opposition when they don't deem them a threat. Seem the case here? Thoughts?

Food

I usually eat everything on that list like ten times daily. Breakfast, lunch, and supper dog. Ain't no thang.

AIM

Does anyone aim instant message?
If so, is it worth it?
If so, should I do it?
If so, what are your secret aim names?

If not, just send me a letter, and I'll send one back. Remember those days?

Best, worst birthday ever

Thanks so much to everyone who came to help me ring in my 28th year. The cocktail party was more than I could have asked for. The drinks, the menu, the hors d'oeuvres, everything was great.

And thanks to those who stuck around long enough to take me to the hospital. As the night continued, the classiness settled a bit, and the plethora of mixed drinks led to rapid jogging in place, which then led to me blowing out the brake light of my truck with my face, which then led to five hours in the E.R. and a handful of stitches.

The stitches are out, the swelling has subsided, and the forehead is healing. While at the doctors office, the nurse told me that I weighed ten pounds more than I thought I did, and that my blood pressure was a "tad" high. I have since been very unenthusiastic about getting older.

I will buy a bike, or start running with my wife, and see what I can do about all of this.

Thats all for now.

It's a lovely evening

I'm sitting outside Silverlake Coffee Co. after a days work. The wife is with friends. The sky is pink with the setting sun. The breeze is warm. I will work on school applications now, then go to Cha Cha. After that I will work some more, then go see the Dodgers. After that I will turn 28.

Birthday Month

Home

"One belongs to New York instantly, as much in five minutes as in five years." Thomas Wolfe said that, and I think he was on to something. The city was wonderful; however, the experience would not have been nearly what it was without Matt and Lisa.



They were the loveliest hosts and they showed us an unforgettable time. While it is nice to be home, we could have easily stayed for a long, long time. But, sadly, it is over for now, as if it were a dream. The crowds are gone and the last train has vanished.




But before we left more great times were had. We went to Central Park a couple of times where we strolled about enjoying the weather and sat by the water with some fancy beers.






We saw Rockefeller Center. We had hamburgers at The Shake Shack, then walked through FAO Schwartz and Tiffany Jewelery. We saw the Flatiron Building and Anthony Bourdain's old place.




We saw Ground Zero where we had a moment of silence. It was quite an amazing site and almost eerie. We walked through the night talking, then met Matt at Mario Batali's Otto for a late dinner and bottle of wine. We had even later nights, every night, to a cocktail on the roof where we could enjoy the NY skyline, conversation, and the old lady herself- Empire State. We even made our way up to her top one evening where the views were indescribable. The buzz of the city at half volume, the romance, the vertigo, and the billion bat sized moths circling the Art Deco antenna overhead. Matty and I visited the schools and caught a few beers at Bar Spain. I had a couple hours to myself to cruise around Greenwich Village while the ladies had a massage. We visited The Museum of Natural History. We read books and napped by the East River. We met with Nate and Ryan for bingo at the Black Rabbit and then burritos, then free $35 shots at Nate's place, then more at Ryan's place. We ate Papaya Dog, and Grimaldi's Pizza, and Zabars, and Mr. Softee.









We had drinks at Matt's work, Clover Club. We went to church, then toured the church. We had a long brunch, just out of the rain, at Matt's old work, Public. We did so many millions of things that I never want to forget about, and then we spent our "last" day getting bumped from all of our flights, resulting in a surprise extra night with our hosts.

Our first trip to New York City was remarkable, unforgettable, and immaculate to say the least. Good times.

More times

Yesterday was a fine, fine day. We awoke late in the morning to coffee and some chit-chatting. We caught the subway into the city for Matt's favorite lunch break falafel pita. Tasty times. We then walked to soho, for truffles at Dean and Deluca. My favorites were the blueberry and the basil olive oil. Yup, basil olive oil dark chocolate truffle. A little milk. Party in my mouth. Then some shopping, and it was off to The Bronx where we saw the Yankees give it to Minnesota, 8 to 2. The stadium was insane. The craziest, yet most peaceful and even patriotic ball game I've attended. Later in the evening we arrived in Time Square. It was great to see in person, having seen it in the movies my entire life. Yet after a few moments the place became overwhelming. So it was off to the East Village for another favorite of Matt's, Crif Dogs. We stepped down into a Zach's Shack-esque hot dog joint and began reading the menu when, I kid you not, Matt stepped into a phone booth against the wall, picked up the receiver, and spoke briefly. Almost immediately the wall behind the booth opened, and we stepped into PDT. Check it. Probably my favorite time, and my favorite drinks. Unreal.
Today was nice, and a bit more mellow. We hit Choice Market down the street for coffees and pastries and omelets. Then the subway to Central Park to cruise around. Then Empire State, which was a bit of a heart-breaker, as its lobby was caked in scaffolding and plastic posters. Part of a beautiful restoration, but bad timing. We may go up top later in the week. After that we met up with Brent and his fiancé for some beers at Rodeo Bar. Now we sit on the couch with snacks, gin old fashionds, Miles Davis, cats, rain and thunder outside the window, and extensive blog entries.

Some photos, and more later.

Cocktail Wizard

He vanishes into his chamber. You can hear the breeze from his movement. You can see light flashing. And before long you are partaking in one truly magical beverage.

Last night we caught the subway to Manhattan, where we picked up some snackys and made our way to Bryant Park, where we sat and ate and drank and watched Arsenic and Old Lace. Twas nice. Straight outa Felicity.

We have arrived

After a long day of airports and peanuts and complimentary cranberry juices, we have arrived in Brooklyn. It's great. Matt and Lisa are great. The city is great. Manhanttans on the roof during sunset... unreal. I am thus far impressed.

More to come.

I had a dream that went something like...

Since last we met

Item #1. We had a lovely afternoon at Griffith Park in celebration of my dear wife's birthday. Though it was warm, there was a breeze, and we managed to find a delightful little spot underneath a few large trees. We enjoyed ham sandwiches, watermelon, champagnes and lambruscos and seasonal beers, bocce ball, and beach boys. Thank you to those who joined us.

Item #2. Later that very same day we joined Brandon for a quick birthday dip in the pool just up the street. There, along with Alex, Tim, and Shauna, we soaked up the rays and the cool water behind sunglasses and a couple Cuba Libres.

Item #3. Later still we made our way to one of the renowned Patterson barbecues to visit three Idahoians, the lovely Hamilton family, and many other friends. Good times.

Item #4. I finally made my way down to Long Beach to spend time with two of my best friends, Derek and Tim. Together we rode fixed gears to the market for meats and charcoals and beers. Upon returning home our conversation was briefly interrupted by an annoying neighbor, but the night as a whole turned out to be pleasant. Again soon boys.

Item #5. I got into the studio again with my brother, which is always good times and great music. We were joined by the aforementioned two, as well as our old friend Luke. Good times again.

Item #6. My great friend Curtis, of Palm Springs fame, made his way out to our place a few weeks back. Together we sipped some brews on the front porch and caught up. We then caught the metro to the subway to the bus to the Hollywood Bowl with some spiked lemonade, some smokes, and some tickets to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This was good times indeed. I might even say one of my all time favorite shows, for a few reasons. 1. We got in with booze (not allowed on this particular night). 2. We sat a considerable amount of rows closer than our tickets described. 3. As we were leaving, some folks slapped a couple back stage passes on us, to which we briefly glanced at each other, and then headed up to the party to partake in free foods and spirits and to, wait for it... chit chat with some of the Heartbreakers. No Tom, but good times nonetheless.

Item #7. We soon returned to the Bowl for the celebration of the Dodgers first fifty years in L.A. This time food and drink were completely allowed, and the good times rolled. Sandwiches, cheeses, nuts, candies, wines, and coffees. The philharmonic, fireworks, and, wait for it... Mr. Randy Newman himself, and let me tell you, he is one classy dude.

Item #8. We broke in Jesse's new garage with a long awaited Gentleman's Jam. Talk about some good times. Country numbers, blues, disco, rock and roll, and even a little new wave-ish stuff making its way in. Supreme times were had.

Item #9. We saw Wall-e on its opening weekend at the El Capitan theater, with the Staffords and the Gloyds. In my opinion the best Pixar picture yet. My high expectations were not only met, but largely surpassed. A great plot, great love story, perfect graphics, mature humor, and more. A real heart-breaker. Please do yourself a favor if you haven't already and go see it. I have twice now, and I can't wait to go again.

Item #10. The soon-to-be-non-bachelor, Mr. Bush, made his way out from the east side. First a barbecue at the Gloyds pad, then a massive voyage up the mighty mountain for the classiest of classy bachelor parties. Steaks, wines, baseball (on a real diamond), hold 'em, and great company made it quite a memorable weekend.

That's the majority of it. What did I forget? I am remodeling the Gloyds new house. That is going well, as they are a wonderful family to work for. I am registering for school which is half super exciting, half super sad. And the coup de grâce of the summer, wait for it... New York City. In four days we will be there with two very lovely people. Goods times will surely be had, and we will do our best to document our exodus into the wild unknown.

Oh, and a new blog. Respect it.

Saw the greatest show ever tonight

B-day times

(original design by J.T.)

Please call us or someone with questions, and tell your friends.

Hmmm

So I headed over to the blog of the billionaire himself today and said to myself, "Oh, holy cow. He liked the video I put up for him so much that, well, he went ahead and put it up on his page as well. Cool." I then took a gander at the date of his post, to which I said, "I'm dumb."

You know sometimes I feel just a bit behind, a bit unoriginal if you will. But not after today. I've got a great idea for an online collaborative music project that we can all be a part of. Not sure what to call it yet. Maybe something with the words Old, Deluder, Satan, and Law in it. That should be cool. So keep an eye out for that post next.

Sweet.

Two Short Pictures from Brandon

This one is for Matt B. if he hasn't already seen it, and for everyone.




This one is for everyone as well.



In other news, I've a pin-up for a jury today. I'll try to post it here some time soon. Bid me well.

Man oh man

So much to catch up on kiddies.
The brain is chock-a-block with many a doodad:

Rhinoceros
Section Axonometric
Walt Disney
Buzz Lightyear
Drums
Tiles
Fishes
Cardboard
Group Presentations
Pin-ups
Date night
Remodel
New York
Boris
Birthdays
Rent

Until School is out...

Friends, and friends of friends!

We sent out a pretty massive last minute text, if it failed to reach you we apologize, but here is a reminder.

Memorial Day weekend Sunday Bbq hang time!
This Sunday - tomorrow.
Our house - 222 San Pascual Ave. Los Angeles CA 90042
We'll go from about 2pm on. And on.
Brings drinks, meats, and anything else you wish.
We'll have a couple grills going.
Bring peoples.
Brings smiles.

Thats it.

Updated

Got home from class.
Eating Reese's Pieces.
Drinking Rialto.
Listening to Blonde Beards and Black Panthers.

Learned a lot of AutoCAD operations.
Love AutoCAD.
Worked in Big Bear again.
Got huge rocks with Scott's Caterpillar.
Rode a motercycle.
Dug a river with Dad's Bobcat.
Landscaped the river with said huge rocks.
Landscaped around river with mulch/decomposed granite.
Came home, went to a Gladden garden party.
Danced, drank, ate, drank.
Went to Disneyland with the Moms.
Got L-4 on Buzz.
Got soaked on Splash Mountain.
Saw upgraded Fantasmic. GOOOOD.
Had pin-up at School.
Saw We Barbarians at the Spacelands.
Saw Tims and Lukes and Gloyds and Cold Wars and hipsters.
Got local work.
Blogged.
Went to the Gene Autry with Jack and Jesse.
Sitting here (see beginning).

Going to Ventura.
Playing benefit.
Schooling.
Going back to Disneyland.
Going to Big Bear for vacations.
Finishing school.
Going to San Diego.
Going to New York.
Coming home.
Having kids.
Going to kids high school graduation.
Retiring.
Dying.

Workin'

So I had some local work get pushed around last week, and ended up having to go to Big Bear to make some money. I was pretty bummed, as we had made some plans for the weekend, and it would have been nice to stay in town, but the bills weren't gonna pay themselves. I figured I would try something different on this trip, to distract me and to give me an excuse to try my Windows Movie Maker out when I got home. So it's some pretty shaky video, snakin' drains and puttin' in heaters and maintainin' and the like.



Also, a new Modern Classic.

Saw these two last week

Petty was playing with Mudcrutch at the Ventura Theater, and it was beyond radical. I might even say one of the best shows I've seen, and from pretty close up too.


Sly doesn't look like this anymore. He's old and hunched and pretty nuts. Still amazing to see the father of the funk. He was throwing hundred dollar bills out at one point, and kept taking piss breaks until he eventually just never came back out and the band gave up. Good show though.

We've been well. Stupid busy, but well. I'm falling in love. No it's not another women. My wife rules too hard. No it's not a puppy though I wish it was, or a beer by the name of Rialto, which I'm already pretty twitterpated with (thanks to R.). It's a little piece of software by the name of Auto CAD. We have finally been introduced, and I must say, it's beautiful. We get to hang out some more tonight. Can't wait.

I've finally seen all the "Westerns" I've been needing to see. I'd put them in this order, from best to still awesome: #1. No Country, #2. Jesse James, and tied for #3. There will be Blood and 3:10 to Yuma.

That's it for now.

Music makin' man

I'm at Sage and Sound with my brother. We cut four new tracks that are a lot of fun. One's pretty Wilco meets Petty meets Springsteen meets pop. One's pretty Fleetwood Mac. One's pretty straight forward "GoCountry 105.1" country. One's pretty 90's. I've also been in the barn with Andy cutting Rio Bravo jams. Twelve new tracks that are all good timing down home ditties. My favorite is pretty Beach Boys meets Arcade Fire meets the Summer time meets bikinis. So theres that. There is also this movie, which is pretty genius meets exciting. Am I right?

Indie Music and Baseball

- We went to the Patterson's last week for Guinness Floats. Great friends and great beverages. Whilst there Ryan loaded me up with piles of new tunes, an indie music Christmas if you will. Now, I have avoided a lot of this music over the past year or so. I'm not sure why. Some times I feel like most of the new hipstery stuff is just that, hipstery. It's bands with super clever names, super fuzzed out guitars, super compressed drums, and super out of tune vocals, and most of the time that's about it. But having taken the time to listen to what Ryan so generously bestowed upon me, I must say I have come around, at least 90% of the way. It's good. It's basically a continuation of what I used to listen to. I don't know where I quit listening to indie music. Maybe when I ran out of money, and walked into record stores to just look around. Maybe when I got distracted by life, and therefore put my money elsewhere. Maybe when I started listening to country for free on the radio. Not sure. All that to say... it's good stuff (90% of it). I've been particularly enjoying the following: Animal Collective, Atlas Sound, Beach House, Black Mountain, Bon Iver, F*** Buttons, Health, Jens Lekman, Panda Bear, Stars of the Lid, Times New Viking, Vampire Weekend, Yeasayer, among others.

- The Gloyd family, also very generous, included me on a trip to the L.A. Coliseum to celebrate the Dodgers 50th anniversary in Los Angeles. This was a great time. We were part of the largest baseball audience in history, along with 115,294 other fans. A good time indeed, though the home team lost.



New Modern Classic.

Escuela

I'm in the lab listening to Boris very loud. I'm not really working. I'm looking around at other students. There is a guy with baggy pants and a hat on backwards. The hat still has the sticker on it. He is looking at myspace when suddenly he shakes a little, then his head pops, spraying blood and brains on the wall and on the heavy set girl next to him. She just keeps working. Everyone does. His body slumps forward. His neck stub smears the computer screen. Seconds later a girl across the room jumps up to scream, but before she makes a squeak her head explodes. This time everyone looks up, surprised when, seconds apart like pop corn, everyone's heads blows apart and there body's fall slowly left and right. I sit still for a moment. While pink mist settles around me, on my face and arms, I pick up my bloody ipod and change it to Flower Travlin' Band. The dead bodies quiver, begin to move, then slither. Before long the bodies are on their feet doing the skeleton dance around me while I bounce up and down on the table playing air harmonica. I slip on a piece of skull on the keyboard and fall off the table. The bodies continue dancing. Some step on me. Then more, jumping on me until I die.

Concerts

While taking a break between homework and grocery store, I thought it would be fun to try and remember the shows I've been to in my life. This may be a bad idea, as it could take a long time but it's something I've been wanting to do. Let's see.

Early Days (mostly christian shows)
Joel Weldon (4 times)
Steve Mills (3)
DC Talk
Whiteheart (2)
PFR (Pray for Rain)
Gaurdian
Bryan Duncan
Phil Keaggy
Steve Camp
Newsboys
Audio Adrenaline
I want to say Violet Burning at Knotts Berry Farm (unsure)
Dakota Motor Company
Sixpence None the Richer
The Prayer Chain (2)
Plankeye (3)
Joy Electric (3 unfortunately)
Starflyer 59 (3, opened for 1 time, right Josh?)
MXPX (4)
Danielson Famile (currently on Secretly Canadian)
Project 86 (2)
The Supertones (3)
Dogwood (2, opened for 1)
Value Pac (4, opened for 2)
Five Iron Frenzy
Ninety Pound Wuss
Upside Down Room
Driver Eight
Fanmail
Ghoti Hook
Slick Shoes (3)
Havalina
Pedro the Lion

Middle Days
Bad Religion (2)
NOFX (2)
Rancid (2)
Reverend Horton Heat
Aquabats (2 in Big Bear)
Green Day (1 and 1/2, I tried to sneak into one)
Less Than Jake
Bouncing Souls
Pennywise
Blink 182 (2)
Deftones
Unwritten Law
Lagwagon
Suicidal Tendencies
Anti Flag
The Toasters
Face to Face
The Vandals (2)
Weezer
Jurassic 5 (2)
Eminem
Ice T
CKY
Flogging Molly
Papa Roach

Latter Days
Jimmy Eat World (6)
OneLineDrawing (Far)
The Anniversary
Thursday
Cursive (2)
Dashboard Confessional (unfortunately)
Elliott (2)
Further Seems Forever
Bright Eyes (3)
The Jealous Sound (2)
MeWithoutYou
Owen
Mock Orange (2)
No Knife
Yellowcard (retard-ed)
Pop Unknown (opened)
Hellogoodbye (opened)
The Promise Ring
Death Cab For Cutie (11)
The Postal Service
The Velvet Teen (2)
Dismemberment Plan

Now it's after class and a few beers with Andy.

Minus The Bear
The Walkmen
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Ian McCulloch (Echo and teh Bunnymen)
Ian Brown (The Stone Roses)
Tears For Fears
Billy Idol
Franz Ferdinand
Berlin
The Cure (2)
Eisley
The Flaming Lips (2)
Wilco (2)
Coldplay
Built To Spill (2)
Dinosaur Jr.
Interpol
Muse
Air
The Killers
Bow Wow Wow
Duran Duran
Hot Hot Heat
Violent Femmes (2)
Psychedelic Furs
General Public
Devo
Jason Mraz (Douche)
Liz Phair (A-Hole)
Neko Case
Modest Mouse
Sonic Youth
Foo Fighters
Trent Reznor
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Pearl Jam
Ben Harper
Tony Bennett
Paul McCartney (this...)
Brian Wilson (and this are tied for all time greatest)
Dick Dale
Dave Matthews
Bill Cosby (does that count?)
Gillian Welch
Devendra Banhart
Neil Young (2)
Jon Brion (2)
The Darkness
Boris (2)
Comets on Fire
Jesu
Mammatus
Sunn 0)))
Acid Mothers Temple
No Age (2)
Liars
Belle and Sebastian
The Pixies (over the phone, doesn't count)
Radiohead
The Sword
Six Organs of Admittance
The Decemberists
Andrew Bird
Richard Swift
Band of Horses
Om

I'm forgetting a few, but I'm tired and I hate this idea (3/18).

Now it's 3/19 and I'm editing.
How about bands that I've been in or been friends with, thus played with and seen.

Been in
Warriors for Christ
Barefeet
Myrrh
Puppet Van
The Wet Willies
The Aardvarks
Norpain
Dal Madar
Songbird
Broken Red Vinyl
The Comfortable Low
Ann Lynn
Rio Bravo
slings

Amigos
UNI
Plan 9
3 Days Out
Overrated
Metaphor is Audio
The Colour
We Barbarians
Cold War Kids
Old War Shirt
Mouse and the Billionaire
Bodies of Water
DMH (Genius. I have yet to see live. Please.)
Jambo Land
The World Record

Who Else?

Yup Yup Yup

I simply can't wait.

New posts on Modern Classic and Good Tile. Check em out! I'm a dork!

Sandwich

I rode twelve miles today. Whilst doing so I conquered my fear of intersections. I became a vehicle, using turning lanes and the like. Whilst doing so I had a female yell from her window that she wanted to eat me, to which I almost crashed trying to flash the ring. Looking back, I was probably just flattering myself. I'll bet I really look like a sandwich today.

(Turn and face camera 2)
"In other news,"

School is mutha f-ing demanding.

(Back to camera 1)

The neighbors/landlords have just moved their daughter and two kids into the upstairs bedroom of their unit. The one thats right on top of us. To cover up the annoying romping around in the afternoons, I've taken to playing loud music. It reminds me of being younger. When did I stop listening to my music loud? It's so much better that way.

I might have a job. Cross them fangers.

And... if you have money, come see some live music. Rio Bravo double feature in Ventura on April 5th. If anything come max out on the beach with some guitars and ice cream. Just do it. I will also be joining some old friends at Spaceland on Thursday night. Seriously, do it.

Out... of..... shape.

I rode Centurion up to the Colorado Street Bridge and back today. About six miles. Which is about nothing, but by entire body almost exploded. This sensation was a bit frustrating and even saddening, however it was also inspiring. I'm 27 years old. I'm supposed to be in the best shape of my life, and it's quite the opposite. I tell you this... not anymore. Not any damn more. I vow to be on that, or any bike three times a week. Next ride will be to the Rose Bowl. Eight and a half miles. Then maybe Art Center. Eleven miles. And I will continue this, until the amount of miles I ride match up with the amount of pounds I weigh. And so on, until I am riding a hundred and eighty miles a day and I weigh six pounds.

An ode to Bath and Body Works

Oh Coconut Lime Verbena.
Oh Eucalyptus Spearmint.
Your scent meets my nostrils,
in a flash of reflection.
Carry me back to that island
of sex and macadamia nut pancakes,
of snorkel masks and rental cars,
of tube tops and flip flops.

Real Draft

Well, the real draft in the not-so-real, not-so-expensive, not-so-keeper league. I think I did ehh. The Little Buttercups, as of now, look something like:

C - Ivan Rodriguez - Det
1B - Travis Hafner - Cle
2B - Ian Kinsler - Tex, Dustin Pedroia - Bos, Tadahito Iguchi - SD
3B - David Wright - NYM, Kevin Kouzmanoff - SD
SS - Edgar Renteria - Det, Khalil Greene - SD
OF - Magglio Ordonez - Det, Hunter Pence - Hou, Brad Hawpe - Col, Gary Matthews Jr. - LAA
P - Jake Peavy - SD, Rich Hill - ChC, John Maine - NYM, Jeremy Bonderman - Det, Curt Schilling - Bos, Mark Buehrle - CWS
RP - Trevor Hoffman - SD, Takashi Saito - LAD

Should be good times.

I just got out of Arch 12A, Visual Communications. It is a cool class. We are currently going over Euclidean geometric constructions, and playing around with our new drafting tools. It's great to finally be a part of the architecture program, rather than the general education program. I made a friend who has a psychologist wife, like I do, a pearl export, like I do, is a christian, like I am, is working and going to school, like I am, and was a humongous Tooth and Nail fan back in the day, like I was. That makes things fun.

On a more serious note, we would like to honor, in whatever way possible (this being a lousy blog), Amber's Grandpa Lee. After a long struggle with parkinson's and alzheimer's, he has gone. I did not know him well, but what I did know I enjoyed completely. He was a very funny, very curious, and very accommodating man. He was always busy, always on his feet working on something, which I respected. He had this perfect "old man voice" that he was always pulling your leg with. He was a good man, so if you think to, say a prayer for the family, and for Grandma Rita.

Mock Draft

I'm doing a mock draft in about fifteen minutes. Why do the other people who do these suck? Their names suck and their comments suck. I will try not to suck.

First night of school was tonight. I'm looking forward to this semester. Assignments that excite me so far are reading Upton Sinclair and going to the Gene Autry museum. Sweet.

Also sweet, is this article, entitled Disney Will Go Back To The Future.

Goodnight.

Presidents Day

It's presidents day, and all I want is one that I can be proud of.
I just hung up with Matty. We miss them. We will travel to New York City this summer and do many things. It will be fantastic.
Pauly and his lovely wife Jen came through the other night. We rode bikes and ate sandwiches and drank wine and drank beer and talked of days gone by. It's so great to see old friends, and to be reminded that they are just as wonderful as they were. Paul temporarily left behind Centurion.

On it I will attempt to hone my fixed gear skills. I might die.
I was wrong, school starts tomorrow. I am thrilled. Seriously.
I will finish playing backgammon with my wife now. I will go apply for jobs. Then I will go record more drums. Then we will go to a birthday party.

Feliz Dia De San Valentin

I got up at five this morning to have pancakes with my wife before she was off to work. It was nice.
My truck got robbed a while back. I lost $300.00 in tools. I hate the people who thought that they could take my stuff. Their brains are small and their faces are probably stupid.
I had my first Geo Cache adventure with Mr. Sycz the other day. As dorky as it may seem, it is loads of fun. Who doesn't want to treasure hunt?
I recorded some drums.
I went to the docter.
I'm still looking for a job.
Feliz Dia De San Valentin.

From Room 505:

On Wednesday we got a phone call from Amber's brother, who told her that their dad had a heart attack, and was in the hospital. He called again to tell us that things were looking ok, and that he would go in for surgery. We were thankful for the news, and were making plans to head out for the weekend to be with him during his recovery. Amber then received another call that he had suffered another heart attack, and that things were not looking good, to which we hit the road, and pulled into a Vegas hospital around mid-night. Today is Friday, and we thank God that we can say everything is ok. Charlie is recovering well, and on his second life, as the nurse tells us. We are sitting next to his bed as I type, chit-chatting and catching up. The nurse just commented on Charlie's mustache, and called it a "handsome cowboy cookie duster". Now I want one.

We want to say THANK YOU to everyone who said a prayer. We have been feeling very blessed by you, our friends, and consider ourselves lucky to be among such thoughtful and considerate people.

In other news:
- We saw Citizen Kane in the theater, and it was great.
- I did another big remodel in Big Bear. While I was there Amber came up and we shredded the slopes for one run, on what was probably the worst day of the season.
- Tom Petty won the Superbowl.
- School starts on Monday.

LOST

matt just left to go to big bear. i am very sad.
he will be gone all week. this is sad to me for many reasons, one of them being that he will not be here to watch the season premiere of LOST. i am really excited to watch it but i need one of you nice friends to please invite me over to watch it with you. i promise not to talk during the whole thing or ask you what is going to happen or to scream or anything along those lines. i will bring a treat of your choosing. i will owe you. ok, enough begging. call me!

we are going to see citizen kane at the beverly cinema. it is showing tonight through saturday. we'll probably go either friday night or saturday afternoon. it's only six bucks! if you want to go then give me a call or let me know in the comments section. see ya!

I Love CA... sometimes.

I'm tired.

Further North

I'm up in the snow workin for a couple days. I'm building a wet bar in a cabin. It's pretty fun. I had CMT on in the background today and the old movie Pure Country with George Strait was playin. It made me want to go back to Nashville, or anywhere out in "country" country, you know? Someday, again.
Amber and I have spent most of the last few days watching Heroes. That show is gooooood. I have a big crush on my wife. I have a little one on Claire Bennet. Is that weird? Babe is that weird?
My dad and I went to a hockey game at the Honda Center. We had tickets to sit in Bob Iger's suite, and it was sweet. As you probably agree, hockey is no good on tv, but live it's pretty bitchen.
I've been pulling out my old sketch books in search of a little inspiration to start again. It's working a little bit. Now I just need to pull out some time.
We got our Disneyland passes the other day, and I puked a bit in my mouth with excitement. Walt is wearing a ring with Mickey on it at their statue in the hub. Check it next time. It's really fun.
At the moment I'm sonically digging Johnathan Rice, Levon Helm, Mel Tillis, Waylon, and mother flippin Om, who I will see with Ryan very soon.
I am going to drink rice wine with my brother.

2008

A good time was had rolling into the new one. I however regret that I rolled a little too hard into the new one, and as a result missed out on some of the later mentioned highlights. I find this funny as I would like to spend 2008 rolling just a little bit softer. There is still plenty of time. All that to say, it was great seeing the people that we got to see, and hearing from the people who were doing the same thing all around the world.

Some new Christmas times and New Year times on the flickr.

This weekend we do Anaheim, with some Ducks on Friday and some Disneyland on Sunday.

2007

Wow. We should be fired from the blogging community for this kind of behavior. Needless to say we've been busy. But who hasn't?

Highlights:

Being busy.
Our road trip to Portland.
Moving down to the big city.
Going back to school.
Owen discovering the drums.
Being re-introduced to the genius of country music.
Remaining happily hitched.

This coming year we look forward to:

Getting rich.
Getting smart.
Maybe getting pregnant.

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice."
- T.S. Eliot

Here's to 2008!

nobody knows me, by lyle lovett, might just be the most beautiful song i've ever heard.

What are you looking at?

"Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn, the clean cool chill of the holiday air, and an asshole in his bathrobe, emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer."

I am thankful for Thanksgiving. It was cold in Big Bear, but warm by the fire with the sound of Vince Guaraldi, the heavenly scent of turkey and pumpkin bread pudding, and the company of family with our old yeller dog. We came home a bit early to take part in some vip actions at The Wiltern, where we were fortunate enough to see two good good bands. We made a lovely breakfast at home Saturday morning, took care of some business, then made our way to the Long Beach for some games at said band's abode, chicken pot pies with Davey and Donia, and some stimulating conversation with Tim and Shauna until 5am. I don't think we've been awake that late in a long time, and I now remember why. All in good fun nonetheless. Last night Amber broke out the china, and we did foods and wines with the Smiths, joined by whiskeys with the Gloyds, and here we are at Monday. The house is getting all Christmas'd up, and I am excited for the season, bringing celebrations of the birth of our King, eggnog, and some special visitors from a big city far away.

By the way, I invented a dream recorder that plugs into my head when I sleep. This one is from last night.

Moca

When we went downtown, we saw the work of Takashi Murakami.
It was great. Go look at it. Online or in person.

We are going to the Smith's. Then we will walk to the Metro and ride it into downtown to look at some arts and eat some foods. Why? Because it's the opposite of sucky.

No Age

Tonight I got out of class around 9-ish, drove down to Echo Park, met the Patty, got some beer in, and saw these guys. Good good show. Listen to Everybody's Down. We had a nice chat about living in Los Angeles, how there are plenty of things that suck about this town, as well as plenty of things that are really great when taken advantage of. Good timing.

The Sierra

Yosemite was magnifique! So peaceful and beautiful and therapeutic. We met up with Ryan and Jen at 3am, drove north, and arrived in the park by 8am, in time for breakfast at The Ahwahnee. The wedding was great. The food and the open bar and the music were great. The weather and the hiking were lovely. Thus the drive home was a bit of a bummer. But tel est la vie. This photo, among others, is the work of Bradley. Our battery died for a good portion of the trip. We want to go back in the spring, when the water is running, and hike the Dome. Who's down?

Friends!

I had to start a new flickr account because awhile back flickr merged with yahoo and so when I tried to get in as an "old skool member" it wanted a yahoo password which I gave them to which they said it wouldn't work because it was already tied to another account. Anyway, I started a new one, so if anybody wants to be photo friends, it's here.

11:57

Tonight I stayed after class to study minerals, thus my brain burns, like southern California, with all of their different names. Pyrite. Augite. Biotite Mica. Plagioclase Feldspar. It actually feels like my brain is turning into said minerals and eroding into sediment that will flow down through my head and body and settle in my feet. That will suck.

The other night the wife and I made our way over to Hollywood's Arclight Theater to see The Darjeeling Limited. The Arclight was both great and crappy. It was nice looking inside, and it had great sound. It also cost $14.00 a person, and there was popcorn all over our seats. The Darjeeling Limited, in our collective opinion, was fantastic. Wes Anderson at his second best (only to them Tenenbaums). Beautiful imagery, classic style, and great characters partaking in hilarious dialogue. I would recommend it. I do. There is a sort of supplementary short film called Hotel Chevalier available for free on itunes that would work both before or after seeing The Darjeeling Limited. It was a little shocking, mainly the whole Natalie Portman naked bit.

Yosemite in one week. I am excite!

Goodnight.

This is funny

Run-on sentence

Tonight I got out of class a bit early so I hauled my ass over to The Echo where I didn't have any cash which led the door-man to feel sorry for me and give me a free ticket that allowed me to meet up with the Pattersons inside and enjoy an awesomely loud Boris show. It was great!

Cedar in a wood stove

Some people in Simi Valley got up this morning, got dressed, and then got killed. All before 8am. And I spend some days sitting around, not calling friends or riding bikes with my wife; not hiking in the mountains or going fishing in the ocean. I get upset over a parking ticket and the rest of my day has no chance.
There is still so much I want to do and see and experience. I don't want to die yet. I want to enjoy everyday to it's fullest. Why is it so easy to get distracted? Why is it so easy to forget that this can all go away?
We are going to Big Bear this weekend, where my dad will turn fifty, where the air is cool and clean, where one can see that it's autumn by looking at the trees and the sky, rather than just the calender. I want to soak it all in, so much that when we get back to Los Angeles some of it will evaporate out and turn a few leaves red, or fill the room with the scent of cedar in a wood stove.

Breakfast Club

We would like to have a breakfast club because breakfast is the best! This is our idea:
A different person/people will host said breakfast club at their home on Sunday, some time after church. The host will set the menu and provide the main course, while the guests bring any necessary extras. All are invited, and welcome! If you are unable to participate every Sunday, it's fine - come when you can. Obviously, the more we get together, "the happier we'll be"! However we understand that a lot of us are busy; there is no reason this should feel like another commitment. Matt and I will get it started. So this Sunday, October 7th, Breakfast Club will be at our place around, say, 1-ish. Please spread the word. Give us a comment, a call, or a text so we can know what to prepare, and so we can let you know what to bring. Thanks!

Danzig shreds?

High and Low

Every once in a while, when the day is drawing to a close, Amber and I like to exchange a high of the day and a low of the day. On Sunday we agreed that our high was walking in, and our low was walking out.

What a heartbreaker.