Talk about a winter "break." If a break from school means traveling to the opposite side of the country to perform with the New England Youth Ensemble, play 3 billion concerts, sleep in California mansions, and eat at In-n-Out Burger, then I had one heck of break.
On this trip, I noticed something: I'm becoming increasingly picky about my flight arrangements. We flew United and when you compare this great American airline with ANA (Japan's super efficient airline) it doesn't even come close! I spent 5 hours crushed in a tiny seat with my knees up to my chin begging the stuartist for a second pack of peanuts and a cup of water. The movie selection was terrible...for some reason the Jane Austin Book Club didn't interest me too much and watching The Rock flex his muscles in the Game Plan was as exciting as watching a Thomas' English muffin in my toaster oven. Sheesh.
But, besides the flight, Southern California, again, left me wanting more when it was time to go. The orchestra played several concerts over a week in about 5 or 6 different cities - most of which were about 45 minutes from Los Angeles. The last two days were spent in sunny San Diego - what a freakin' gorgeous city. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time for sight seeing, but just being out in the weather was a reward in itself. Standing on line at Cha-Cha's with the warm sun beaming down, and snow covered mountains all around, and the palm trees, and the ultra-chill people...it was great! The amount of money in Southern Cal is remarkable. We stayed with one family who provided us with a "modest home" - only worth about 1 million. Their "modest" '95 Mercedes had a more humble look on the road next to the BMW's and high rollers.
Besides the jaw-dropping scenery and real estate, I was supposed to meet John D'Aquino on a movie set (he is the guy who does sound for the Super Trooper guys). But, our schedules conflicted and couldn't work anything out this time. We'll see in the future.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bring On the New Year
Well, here it is. My first blog entry of 2008 and probably the only entry of 2008. These internet things are wonderful wastes of time, but can keep me occupied from the stressful activities of day to day life. Welcome, friend!
I suppose the purpose of this blogspot is to keep my friends and family updated with all the crazy shananagans that I find myself in. Mostly, it will probably be about my music adventures as I attempt to actually finish school, play gigs, and travel as much as humanly possible, making some duckets in between. I find that in this industry, one meets a multitude of interesting people which would make interesting stories to tell here.
Also...
Once I figure out how to use a digital camera and dispose of my disposable ones, I will put up some pictures to make things easier and more entertaining for you, dear reader. So, here we are in '08 and, after a difficult end to 2007, I am looking forward to new opportunities and making every interaction a meaningful one, whether it be in cyberspace or in...whatever the opposite of cyberspace is, meatspace.
I still don't own an ipod. Anyone have an old one they can give me?
Cheers everyone!
A look at 2007 real fast to get you up to speed:
Jan. skiied...alot. dropped out of UMd after a lousy audition
Feb. started working full at a music gear pawn shop
Mar. got a local gig on DCTV writing music (AWESOME!)
Apr. Jack says, "You want to go to Japan?"
May. I say, "Yes, hai."
Jun. Jack and John backpack from Sata Miyasaki to Oita, Kyshu
Jul. applied to a new school in DC, flew to LA for my boy Mike's wedding
Aug. still worked at pawn shop, auditioned, got a scholarship
Sep. new school, new potential, left DCTV
Oct. wrote pages music, New England tour
Nov. practiced, Michigan tour
Dec. went to Thailand, Grandpa lost cancer battle, but lives, held my dog as he was put to sleep for kidney failure
I suppose the purpose of this blogspot is to keep my friends and family updated with all the crazy shananagans that I find myself in. Mostly, it will probably be about my music adventures as I attempt to actually finish school, play gigs, and travel as much as humanly possible, making some duckets in between. I find that in this industry, one meets a multitude of interesting people which would make interesting stories to tell here.
Also...
Once I figure out how to use a digital camera and dispose of my disposable ones, I will put up some pictures to make things easier and more entertaining for you, dear reader. So, here we are in '08 and, after a difficult end to 2007, I am looking forward to new opportunities and making every interaction a meaningful one, whether it be in cyberspace or in...whatever the opposite of cyberspace is, meatspace.
I still don't own an ipod. Anyone have an old one they can give me?
Cheers everyone!
A look at 2007 real fast to get you up to speed:
Jan. skiied...alot. dropped out of UMd after a lousy audition
Feb. started working full at a music gear pawn shop
Mar. got a local gig on DCTV writing music (AWESOME!)
Apr. Jack says, "You want to go to Japan?"
May. I say, "Yes, hai."
Jun. Jack and John backpack from Sata Miyasaki to Oita, Kyshu
Jul. applied to a new school in DC, flew to LA for my boy Mike's wedding
Aug. still worked at pawn shop, auditioned, got a scholarship
Sep. new school, new potential, left DCTV
Oct. wrote pages music, New England tour
Nov. practiced, Michigan tour
Dec. went to Thailand, Grandpa lost cancer battle, but lives, held my dog as he was put to sleep for kidney failure
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