Italian Ice Cream

MOVIES

Last night I saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall on the Fox Lot with CJ and Chelsea...  I love seeing movies there for one simple reason... it is FREE!  I do not get to see movies too often here because they are so damn expensive!  So any opportunity I have to see a free movie I take it.   At this price, I am more than willing to see any movie regardless.  I was happy to go, especially because this is a movie I had been wanting to see.  Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the film.  It was a very one dimensional story, that based itself on 2 jokes. 1. Jason Segal crying like a girl, and 2. The awkwardness of being around your ex-girlfriend..  Every joke in the entire movie fell into one of those two categories.  I have come out of a recent relationship myself, and for the most part it was pretty un-relatable.  Nice try though...

LOVE

I spent the majority of the day with this girl...  She was having work done on her car, and I offered to take her out while said job took place.  We began the day with some fine desert at this cool little gelato place in Silverlake.  It was very pleasant eating italian ice cream in the warm California sun.  I enjoyed some good conversation with this girl.  Smile after smile. Afterwards we checked out Giant Robot, an Asian/American art collective type joint.  A very rad place.  We took things back to my place where we played Cadoo!  A really fun ( though  for younger kids) Cranium board game.  It was good to see her smile and laugh and have a good time.  I was kind of getting mixed signals from this girl which was totally taking me for a loop.  I am not really looking to be in any sort of relationship at the moment .  I enjoy everything the way it is.  But, I do like this girl a lot and I LOVE spending time with her.  She makes my heart skip a beat.  Its just a confusing situation I guess, and only time will tell what comes of it.

No Guns, No Pizza, No Boardgames, Perfect Night

I was really anxious/nervous about how last night would turn out.  Kim and I decided that we would be able to hangout with each other without it being weird.  I am not sure if it was more pressure from my side to get together, but none the less she agreed to let me take her out.  I had a great night planned that involved going to a shooting range.  The last time I shot a gun was in cub scouts, and the ammunition was B.B's.  I was really excited about getting to hold a real life "big man's" gun, none the less shoot it for an hour.  Unfortunately due to several circumstances, that was not going to take place.. I was totally bummed, I was really looking forward to it.  So, then, I was going to take Kim to the restaurant I have wanted to take her to before she even moved out here.  Wouldn't you know it, when we finally arrive, it is closed down.  It was a really cool " Out of this world" space themed pizza joint.  Great, another disappointment.  By this time we were both so hungry we wanted to go anywhere that had parking.  I chose the Cheesecake Factory.  I thought it was a great choice, Beautiful atmosphere, yummy bread, huge portions, wet floors...It had it all. After a wait that seemed forever to our empty stomachs, we headed upstairs to eat.  Dinner was great.  It was so good getting to sit with her, and talk to her.  Despite how the relationship ended, she is a really special person to me, and I felt so good being around her.  By the time dinner was over, we were both tired, and I dropped Kim off.  We will have to save the gelato and Caddoo for another night.  Despite the initial disappointments of the evening, which Kim found comical, I could have not asked for a better night. 

A great night!

Work was never ending yesterday.  Not driving around has slowed down time.  But, its fun getting to hang out with the gang at the office more.  After work I met up with Noreen in Venice, where we rode our bikes on the boardwalk a little past Santa Monica.. The weather was great, the ocean was beautiful, very very nice overall.  After our bike ride, we met up with Corree, Trevor,  Nando, and Bernie for a great dinner and good times at a restaurant on the waterfront.. I think it might of even been called Waterfront.  Whatever it was, it had a damn good burger and a GINORMOUS Pretzel ! We stayed for a couple hours, went home, I watched some Simpsons and passed out.  A Hunky-Dory night.

Tonight, I am supposed to do something really fun...I hope all goes as planned!

A Long Day

PROMOTION

Yesterday was a very long day to say the least.  In the morning upon return from one of my many runs as a P.A.  I find a new guy sitting at my desk.  This was a little frightening, seeing how the previous P.A. was fired, and I was the surprise upon his return.  But, it was good news!  It seems I received a waylay promotion, and will no longer be doing the bitch work of a P.A. anymore!  It was ironic however, that my first day of promotion, I had to fill in for the night receptionist and work all night until 10.  I was quite sleepy after yesterday.

HAPPY VISIT

Kim was supposed to pick up some of her mail yesterday from the apartment.  I was nervous, because this was pretty much the first time I would have seen her in almost a month.  But, I ended up having to stay  late at work. So, jokingly I said that she could stop by my work, take my keys, pick up the mail, and bring my keys back... I was a little shocked when she agreed to this.  I was not quite sure what to expect when I saw her.  I was definitely nervous and a little excited.  I anticiapted an internal emotional outpour when I saw her.  But, it was less severe than I had thought.  Of course, feelings were there, and she looked beautiful as always...But, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  It seems like we were just all smiles to see each other.  There was no awkwardness, nothing painful, and I think for the most part.. nothing but positive energy.  From yesterday, I do not predict and problems with us socializing on a friendly level.  Although the encounter was fairly brief, it left a mirthful impression.

Tonight I am supposed to ride bikes on the beach with Noreen.  Beach Bike riding is one of my most favorite activities ever!

Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY 

For a day dedicated to the memory of those who have passed away in war, this was a fun memorial day... The best Memorial Day, I can actually remember.  I began the day cleaning up Roxie vomit, and the house in general.  Relaxed a little, then it was time to party.  I made a quick appearance at my buddy Blakes'.  He is a good friend from high school that I don't see as often as I would like.  His house was great, the party was great, overall a good vibe.  Mike called and it was time to head over to meet up with him and Rachel to make our way to a party, a little north of Pasadena.  I wish I could have stayed longer at Blake's, but I knew party II would be fun.   So, I meet up with them and after a very beautiful drive through areas I have never been we arrive at the house.  We passed huge mountains and had a great view of L.A.  I knew I would enjoy this.  After being warned about bears in the neighborhood, we made our way into the house.  There was delicious food, friendly people, raffles, a hot tub, and anything you could ask for on a memorial day BBQ...except for the sun.  But the hot tub felt great in the cool mountain breeze.   We stayed  for a few hours, and afterwards we headed back home.  We saw a huge trash can fire on Silverlake Blvd.  I went home briefly to change, then headed over to Spaceland to check out the monday residency.  I was not impressed with either band I saw, but still, its free live entertainment.  Not much to talk about there.

LOVE

I am extremely jealous of the happy couples I see everywhere I go.  I wonder why I can't keep a happy stable relationship.  I realize I am at fault for the majority of my relationship problems.  I seem to take advantage of being in a "couple", and tend to neglect all the needs of my partner.  I learned a lot from my most recent relationship.  I know what mistakes I have made and how to correct them.  I am just waiting for the next lucky girl. haha.  I feel like I am kind of over the dating scene.  Its boring to me I guess, and I miss the comfort of having someone who is there for you.  I have my friends, and all of them are great, and I am sure would do anything for me.  But, the dependability in a relationship is quite different.  As young as I am, I feel like I am ready to settle down.  I dated a lot through college, and it's not really my thing anymore.  A lot of my friends are getting married, or are already married. It's not that I feel like I need to keep up with then, I just thing I am in that place in my life where I can see myself doing that.  Of course I will have to be with the girl for a few years before I pop the question.. I just want to meet the girl who could one day see themselves marrying me. Future me is a good catch!  I am going to be a successful, good looking, fun dude!  I am already some of those now. haha.  But, you find someone when you least expect it. So rather than rush it, I am going to take this opportunity to better myself.  I am going to focus on my career, my body and my mind.

Andy Dick is a Hack

Last night I went to El Cid for the last Mount Righteous show in L.A.  El Cid is a really cool mexican restaurant with a stage behind a big red velvet curtain.  The vibe was almost cabaret-esque, or a dinner theatre where the entertainment is a, little above average, magic act.  Everyone was really into the band. The audience stepped away from their tables and danced in what I assume is a designated dance space.  They played 2 sets in between bands.  The second band was led by one of the new members of the re-formed Rentals.  They were pretty good, but nothing to write home about.  The last performance came from a man that I can only describe as a modern day yacht rock enthusiast.  Apparently he was friends with Andy Dick.  So,  Andy Dick was there boozing up with what I can only assume as a homosexual posse.  In a drunken haze, Andy Dick rushed the stage a couple of times to perform some songs with the artist.  The small audience found it amusing, but I don't know if it was necessarily funny. Anyways, I said my good byes to the band after the show as they head off to Denver.  It was really great having them in town.  After they left, Mike and I decided to drown our sorrows in a less than mediocre Burrito from the Burrito King.  Happy Memorial Day?

Mount Righteous Weekend

Tonight will end my Mount Righteous weekend.  I am a little sad to see it go.  I have had a jam packed/exhausting weekend o' fun with my friends from back home. I shall regale you with said activities.

COMEDY:

Friday night I went to a local comic book store, where they hold a free comedy show on the third Friday of every month.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I heard from CJ and Chelsea that the comedians were really funny last time, and I could only hope for the same this Friday.  It is held in a little art gallery/ performance space in the back of the shop.  I have to admit, that I was pleasantly surprised by the talent.  One of the highlights of the evening was the last comic Dragon Boy Suede.  You will be seeing me again, Meltdown Comics, on the third friday in June!

TACO BELL:

After the comedy show I decided to hit up Taco Bell on the way home.  I have heard so much about their new 79 and 89 cent menu...I just had to check it out for myself.  I got the 79 cent nachos and a 89 cent Beef and Cheese Burrito.  Both were quite tasty.  Then I order my usual Beef and Potato burrito...and to my surprise, they had jacked up the price of everything on the 99 cent menu!  I could not believe the audacity of these folks.  I hope Mr. Bell is spinning in his taco tomb.  Well,  I guess you have to give up a little to get a little.

BIKE AROUND TOWN:

Saturday I decided to get on my bike and ride over to one of the libraries I have yet to visit.  I was really happy to see their awesome collection of Movies for me to burn.  I was disappointed to see their lack of music for me to rip.  So, I rode on over to Amoeba and scavenged their $1.00 clearance albums.  I got a few good CDs and rode home.

MOUNT RIGHTEOUS BBQ:

Later in the afternoon I headed over to Rachel's house for the BBQ.  Mike was cooking up some salmon, and everything was delicious.   The band played on the back porch area, and it was was beautiful!  Rachel's place is on a high hill that overlooks Silverlake, it was almost a breathtaking sight seeing the band play in such a pretty local.  Neighbors complained after their first set and we took things indoors where it turned into an awesome Mount Righteous Dance Party!  Balloons and Good Vibrations floated throughout the living room.

MOUNT RIGHTEOUS IN HOLLYWOOD:

After the BBQ I took some of the band to the Hollywood strip so they could see the landmarks.  It was a pleasant/exhausting walk, and we were far beyond ready to pass out afterwards.

MALIBU:

This Morning I went with some of the M.R. gang to Malibu.  Lee has a friend of the family who lives there, and offered us lunch.  At first the stereotype was pegged. Multi million dollar home with dimwitted folks at the helm.  Here is a "fact" from the homeowners, "About 15 percent of Los Angeles are smokers, and most of them are Mexicans."  With this kind of ignorance, I was a little appalled.  But, overall they ended up being really friendly and hospitable.  We got to check out their private beach which was awe-inspiring ! (See Picture Above).  Afterwards, we were taken on a tour of all the Celebrity homes in the neighborhood. Highlights include, Kenny G, Cher, Julia Roberts, Anthony Hopkins, Maguyever (who lives across the street), Martin Sheen, Craig T. Nelson, Gary Sinese, and some others.  I felt like I was worth millions of dollars just by being there.

So, tonight the band leaves to go to Denver.  I am fixing to get ready to go to their last L.A. show of this tour.  It was warming to get to see them.  They are a very talented band and will be HUGE (they already are literarily).  Mount Righteous, I had a more than an exceptional time with you over the past few days! 

Clouds, Clouds, Clouds

It is a cloudy rainy day.  That is a rear occurrence in southern California.  Maybe that means that something out of the norm will happen today.  But with the foreboding clouds, I can't assume it will be something positive.  But, I admit, I do like the clouds. As long as rain is not falling out of them, they can stick around.  I don't mind your company, clouds.  When it does rain, its always drizzle.  I can't even recall the sound of thunder since I have moved here.

WORK

I hate driving.  All day yesterday, I drove and I drove and I drove.  I had to work late, causing me to miss the Adam Green performance I was looking forward to.  I am ready for it to die down. Once these shows clear out, hopefully, I will be able to relax a little bit.  I don't have much to say about work at the moment, other than I am ready to move on...

FACT OR FICTION

Getting home late, cost me my bike ride.  I was so stressed all day, and really was in need of some good ol' fashion bike riding.  But, the night was saved when I got to spend some quality time with my friend Summer.  Summer is a really rad girl I met when I first moved here.  I went over to her place with the intent on playing the hit board game, Fact or Fiction.  We talked for a while, and caught up on what was going on in our lives.  I always love talking to different people and getting their views on life.  She had a lot of good advice on love and work.  We didn't so much play Fact or Fiction, but read the cards to each-other, while our minds swelled with all sorts of useless facts.  Did you know that the first Balloon ride in Europe was made by a duck, a rooster, and a sheep?

Tonight, I believe there is a free comedy show over at Meltdown Comics, which is a cool comic book store off Sunset.  I assume that is where I will be this evening... I love good, live comedy... I don't know if it will be good, but I do know it will be live.  I am really looking forward to seeing "The Full House Reunion" again over at the UCB theatre on Sunday. Now THAT is comedy!

That Feeling (Part 2)

LOVE:

Well, "the feeling" I mentioned in the previous post has already sustained.  I have been running around for work all day.  When I spend a lot of time in my car there is not much to do but think.  I hate thinking, because at the moment I am only thinking of one thing.  It feels as if it is near impossible to give up and move on.  I know things would be different.  I think thats what makes it the hardest.  I try to push out the images and thoughts in my head, and replace them with pretty much anything.. I find myself making up stories about people in the car next to me , or someone walking down the street.  I do this to keep my mind occupied.  If for any one moment, my brain clears out, it quickly fills right back up again with those damn thoughts. I feel that I am on the road to recovery, but unfortunately I have to make another pit stop.  There is so much I want to say, but it will only fall on deaf ears.   

SUPER POWERS:

"If you could have any super power, what would it be?"  Well, at the moment, it is mind control.  Yeah,  you may think its one of the lamer of the super powers, but you are all wrong.  Trust me.. although un-ethical, it will make you happy... at least for a little while, until you realize you should have chosen invisibility, or the ability to fly.

TIM ALLEN:

Anyways, I saw Tim Allen at Best Buy about an hour ago... I wonder why all celebrities wear sunglasses indoors... I think when you wear sunglasses indoors you draw more attention to yourself, because everyone is wondering "Who is that douche wearing sunglasses indoors?"

That Feeling....

Have you ever had that feeling that everything is fixing to go your way?  I have felt that all this week.  I have been very positive lately.  Even though work has been stressful, It does not bring me down.  I talked to my Mom for a long time ... we haven't talked on the phone like that in a while.  It was really good to talk to her and get different perspectives on what's going on in my life.  Everything is turning into roses and I feel good!

MUSIC:

Last night my friends from High School, Mount Righteous, played their first of many shows in L.A.  It was really great to see them, and they were SO good!  Its nice having them in town. Afterwards, Mason, Lee, and Allison crashed at my place, it was nice getting to hang out with everyone, it brings back good memories... the band is so big they have to divide themselves over 3 homes.  Tonight, after work I am going to ride my little bike over to catch the Adam Green instore at Amoeba.  This is something I am really looking forward to!  Thank you Amoeba for always providing free entertainment.

L.A.

Talking to the band last night about L.A., makes me realize how truly great it is living here.. There is everything you could ever want... Beach, Mountains, City, Skiing, Desert, Forrest.  Its all at your fingertips.  I can't understand why anyone would not love it here... maybe because of smog, traffic, and cost of living...but those are all sacrifices I am willing to make. The payoff is much greater!  And, there is always something fun and free to do.  I have been constantly entertained for the past few weeks, every single day.

FILMMAKING

I am past ready to start working on personal film projects again.  Lauren promises me that when she gets back from Texas, we will get to work on some projects.  I plan to start writing again.  It is good practice, relieves stress, and helps time fly by at work.  I promise you will be seeing new work from me really soon!

For now, I hold a smile on my face. I am relaxed. I am golden.

My First Entry

So, I begin a new chapter... From this day forth, I will be documenting my life, every single day. So when I am an old man on my death bed, I can request my great great grandson  ( I will be really old) bring forth my macbook, so i can read my Blog, and know it is truly time for me to depart.  There will not be much backstory.  I guess past details of my life will show up in different entries.  For now, I am going to divide the blog into 2 categories.  Life and Love... At the moment I feel my love life, or lack of, is important enough to have its own category... This may change over time, haha. Actually, I will just divide into any categories I feel I want to include..wether it is life, love, music, work, movies, food, etc.  It is my Blog dammit and I can type whatever I want.  So since this is my first blog, there may be a lot to read.

First we have, LIFE:

I guess the only place to begin, is now.  My current interest occupying my life is the Bicycle.  I was into bikes as a kid, as everyone is.  I really had no desire to ride them at any other point in my life until the past couple weeks.  I realize that I really need to get in shape, and stop huffing and puffing my way through life.  I already quit smoking, for the most part...everyone slips up every now and then.  I was surprised how easy it was to quit smoking.  I was a heavy smoker for almost 7 years.  Towards the beginning of this year, I developed some sort of panic disorder...This is the main reason for bettering myself. I figure once I get my life on track and get healthy, my panic attacks will sustain. Anyways, back to bikes.  So I got myself a bike about a week and a half ago, and I ride it everyday, no less than an hour.  This pass Saturday, I went on a AWESOME Bike ride called CRANK MOB... words cannot describe it, so here is a link to a video ( CRANK MOB ).  I doubt that video will work in the future..but it does for now!  So, basically bikes and fitness are taking over my life at the moment... "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Huge Success"... That is a personal quote, feel free to use it.

MUSIC:

So on Monday night, I spent a night out by myself, I rode my bike for  couple hours, then decided to check out a free show in Silverlake.  To my surprise I was blown away by this incredible soul band from Boston.  They are called Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the Loved Ones .  It takes a lot to wow me when it comes to music...but WOW.  I was so impressed, I checked them out again last night at an Amoeba in-store.  They just put me in a good mood, which I can always use, especially now...

which leads us into, LOVE:

I am a recent victim of a harsh break up with a girl that I thought I would be with forever.  It has been really hard, and I have been on a roller-coaster of highs and lows.  Currently I am feeling ok.  It truly is comparable to the grieving process of death.  I don't think I have gone through all the phases yet, but I am on the road to recovery.  I just have to remember, that this is a common occurrence.  People break up all the time... but you cant help but feel alone in it sometimes, even though thousands of people on earth are probably experiencing  the exact same emotions every moment.  But I do not care to go on and on about it.. I am sure I could fill a book, but now is not the time.

TODAY:

I am currently at work anticipating lunch.  I am finally starting to eat again.  After the break up, I kind of went on a little fast, and it shrunk my stomach down to the size of a pea.  Well, thats the image in my head.  Everyone keeps telling me how skinny I look .. its weird.  But now, I am slowly recovering from it.  Anyways, after work I am heading over to Target to get one of those exercise balls so I can tone up.. I think I will even replace my work chair with it.  Then a bike ride.. then my friends, Mount Righteous,  arrive in town tonight, and are playing a show in Silverlake... I am excited to see them! They will be in town until Sunday which is really awesome!

So this concludes my first entry... My plan is to write in this sucker everyday...maybe even more than once a day!  you know, if I am feeling crazy....I think this journal will be very therapeutic for me.

-Skip