It has been exactly 6 weeks, 6 days, and 7 hours and 47 minutes to finish listening to all my songs on my iPod. All 3,815 songs. It took a very long time, a Boston trip, back and forth to Dave's in Rahway, many hours listening to it a work, approximately 6 hours each day at work. It's finally over, finally. Cause I've been dying to listen to some songs on repeat, I can't wait to start all over again tomorrow. No skip Tuesday turned into a 2 month project, and what have I learned from this? I listen to a shit ton of music that no one else probably would. I like that. With that in mind, I just purchased the Lumineers' vinyl, I'm pretty positive a majority of people out there heard the song, Ho Hey, it's a great album, and I don't know why, but I'm a big fan of the vinyl records. LP is where is at. I also purchased the Jamie Cullum album, The Pursuit.
Anyway, back to the music, so this iPod is over, and now as I continue back to the front, I love the eclectic nature of it. The last handful of songs ranged from country - Deena Carter, rap - Kanye West, Rock - Rush, Progressive Rock - Dream Theater, pop - Katy Perry, Indie - Band of Horses...and more. Awesome good times. It makes the work day go by, and I like listening to that instead of the monotonous sound of keyboards typing away and people complaining about work. Cause seriously I can do that on my own.
The iPod brought back a lot of memories. Especially those from middle school and high school. I miss the early 90s rock/alternative/grunge period. However I do like me my new stuff as well. I can't believe how much hip hop and rap I have as well. It's good times. I don't really have a top ten of songs, there's just way too many. But songs that I've been listening to a lot lately.
10. Lumineers - Ho Hey
9. Taylor Swift - We are Never Ever Getting Back Together
You know what really grinds my gears...sellers on Amazon.com. So this week I just wanted to return some things to the place, however it sucks when the company that you're returning the product to seems to just rip you off. So I paid for my products, however you're telling I have to pay for both shipping and handling both to a back. Seriously? So because I get to have my own soapbox. 4noggin, I loved you're short and unhelpful emails, and I love that I wasn't returned my full price on my product. So once again, 4noggin, you suck, and especially Rich Gottlieb. You stink. I guess I shouldn't complain too much, but you know what I just paid $10 worth of shipping and handling. So yeah, sorry since I expected a better customer service outing instead of short and quick answer. Douche.
So that's my grind my gears moment tonight, however that's not the only thing that has been going on this week. Gotta say, Dave is quite impressive playing BF3. I'm actually quite jealous that Dave flies plane so well and easily. I wanna be able to do that as well. He's so good.
So here we are on a Sunday night. Watching repeats of, "No Reservations," man I love this show. I love the character Anthony Bourdain is. Well not the character, however the person Bourdain is. He's awesome, I trust his foodie nature and more and more I want to become something like that. I would love to travel and eat. I think that's something I got to put into action. I let Anthony tried my pork sandwich, and what makes me feel good? He let his family try it, and it was a hit among them. More and more I'm gaining confidence in my cooking. And not just the Italian chicken parm, but more of my bacon risotto, and my lamb. I feel good about it, and getting approval from family and friends is awesome. I really need to take that step and get it out to the rest of the world. Man, I want to start my restaurant.
Well ladies and gents, live life, and love. Cause it's all too short. You know who is awesome? Kina Grannis, always rolling her dreams, and she is so talented. I aspire to be like her, or at least attempt to do what she does. Here is an interview of her below...she never sold out. That's what makes me happy. I know Dave and Jay joke, but she really never did sell out. I'm glad. Go Team Kina!
Oh my goodness, I don't think you know how nice it is to be writing on my blog. I feel like I've been away from my child forever, and now I'm finally back. He's back folks, that's right, I'm back. I think the last thing I wrote about was all that crazy hype from the lottery. Well, I didn't win, and I'm still working. However, it's all good. I'm happy with the way thing have been going and how they are going. Gotta say, lots of things have been going on. The biggest thing, new chapter in my life is about to begin. However before I get to that. Let me tell you about one of the most amazing weekends recently.
Yup, it's that time of year again, and my celebrity crush/idol had come to town. I'm not even going to front and say that I'm on a different level with this fandom of mine. I know for a fact I have an infatuation. However, it's a good and healthy one. I don't know what it is, I'm just crazy about this girl. I can't help if she is a drop dead gorgeous woman, and that she's uber talented, and she has a voice of an angel. Cause she is definitely all those things. However, I don't know what it is. I never met a celebrity that was this kind, and knew that she was lucky because of all her fans. It just makes me proud that I was able to enjoy her music right from the beginning. I don't know. I guess, I'm proud of the fact that I chose to idolize a singer that is deserving to be idolized. If you ever get a chance go to one of her concerts. It's totally worth it.
Oh shout out to the Shirley-nator, Jorge, and Christoph for seeing their first Kina concert. I'm converting fans, one Kinerd at a time. Well, let me stop gushing here and move on to the next order of things.
So lets see what else has been going on in my life? Well work for one thing. It has been a hectic time. Also one of the main reasons why I haven't been on here as much. However things are changing slowly but surely. I'll be back on here soon enough. If it isn't work, then it'll definitely be Battle Field 3 on PS3. George has gotten me hooked, and I'm bit. That and the guitar. I'm getting back into the swing of things again. It feels good to just lock myself away, and continue playing. Even if it is only a hour a week. It feels like I'm getting my shit back together you know.
What else, what else? Well Jay's birthday has past, so has Steffie's. Birthday shout outs to both of them...HEYY!! Life has been pretty hectic. Still running for RTK and still training for this 5K, up $500 in my donations received. I feel awesome about the whole thing. I'm glad I got great family, friends, and supporters. GO RUN TEAM KINA. Check out my site and leave a donation if you like. Only two more days to go. Then I wait for the big run in June...ugh...I'm freaking out because of that.
Hmm...I know I'm missing a ton of stuff, but this is just a quick run down of things lately. A couple of more days, and I'm going to have a ton of stuff to say. So keep posted ladies and gents. I'm going to make things very very very interesting. Until then, enjoy a little Kina of course. ^___^ courtesy of me and the Kina concert on 4/21/12.
Celebrities, what is is about them we are so gosh darn attracted to? Beauty, grace, talent, kindness, and oh so much more. I don't know, we all have our celebrity crushes. So as a fun little idea that George gave me, I would like to do a top ten of my celebrity crushes...(I know this is dumb, but it's my blog, so shove off.)
So let the games begin...
10. Jessica Biel
Ahhh...with an everlasting beauty and talent, Ms. 7th bursted onto the scene as a girl next door, however as an adult, she filled out nicely, and is known to be one of the nicest and funniest people in Hollywood, she keeps to herself, and never reveals too much about her love life. Ms. Biel seems to be a sweetheart. Go you...and for some odd reason, I quote Homer Simpson, "You got a butt that won't quit." ^___^
9. Emma Stone
I got chills, they're multiplying...ughh, sorry. Seriously, the new rising star. We all know she does comedy well, from Superbad, to Easy A. However with her new upcoming role as Gwen Stacy in the Amazing Spider-Man, will miss Bubbly pull it off. Yup, she definitely has the chops for it. In her own right, she's pretty amazing and talented. Let's see her pull off some drama. Go Emma Go!
8 - 6. Eisley Sisters
Kinda going to cheat here, but the next three are quasi-celebs. The Eisley sisters, singers in an awesome band. I don't know...I'm a sucker for girls that play instruments and sing. You think girls get hot and bothered watching guys play a guitar...yeah, well it's the same way for me when a girl does it, I also get extremely jealous, and want to pick up my guitar more often.
5. Mya
Yup, that Mya, she sings so beautifully, I just love it. I don't know, didn't I already say up top, I like singers/songwriters, and any sort of musicians. Mya, just seems awesome, and being nice factors into a lot of things. Listen to her songs, they're amazing, and she does have a voice on her.
4. Stacy Dash
I don't know about you, but I fell in love with Ms. Dash when the movie Clueless came out. And like fine wine, she just got better with age. At the age of 45, Stacy is still stunning to this day, acting and still being awesome, she did great in Kanye's video in "All Falls Down," she is just plain old awesome.
3. Zooey Deschanel
Ahhh...I don't know, she's awesome. Everything about her is chic, and she looks like the sweetest girl on earth. I (heart) Ms. Zooey. Adorable and offbeat, she's bubbly sweet, and soooo super talented, 500 Days of Summer, to her band She and Him. She's just a groovy girl...I said groovy. Nothing more I can say really, I'm gushing over here. :D
2. Scarlett Johansson
An old school beauty, from the days of old Hollywood, she is timeless and and classic girl. Stunning all around, and extremely talented. My all time favorite will always be her in, "Lost in Translation." However she does have an eclectic movie list. She is just gorgeous and a humanitarian. ScarJo is awesome...live with it.
And my number one is......
1. KINA GRANNIS
Seriously?!! Did you not see this coming? She's young, talented, beautiful, stunning, and amazingly nice. She takes the time out to greet all her fans, no matter how tired or busy she is. She puts up with a lot of us and not only that she knows it. She's all around fantastic and great. Kina is the best, and no matter what, she's not leaving this position for me anytime soon. Great Great Great. I heart Kina...end of story. I guess I can't really praise her anymore, however, I'm just saying. She's pretty awesome. Even after winning and MTV O Award, who does she thank for her win, us her fans. And she claims it isn't her win but our win. Go figure, Kina is the best.
My taste in music has always been different. I remember the first son I have ever heard. It was an 80's song, and I was still a wee little boy, my sisters and brother were all about the 80s especially CL. I think it was Tiffany's, "I Think We're Alone Now." Thank god that did not shape the way I listened to music. However since that day I was hook. What is it about melodies, harmonies, and rhythm of music? I don't know what it is however it's lovely. Back in my day I listened to things that had no meaning, just your regular bubblegum pop. I still love it, however music has more meaning to me now.
Country music, my very first foray into the land of music. I would listen to Garth Brooks and, "The Thunder Roll," for hours on end. It made me happy knowing that I had, "Friends in Low Places." Life was good, and I was naive, country music would not last long, I realized it got very similar very fast, but it was always comforting. I think it was the mid 90's and on that really got me hooked.
Ahh...grunge, alternative, rock! Rock when it was making its resurgence. It was good fun listening to the pains in life, it all hurts. But to get over it you would rock out. Better than Ezra, Stone Temple Pilots, Reel Big Fish, and way too much to list. It was a crazy time. You can't imagine it. However, you will never realize that the music touched my soul. I guess I got the bite, I guess I should have picked up an instrument at this point. Why didn't I do it? I don't know why? However life could have been really different if I had just done it.
Yes, I have a rap stage. It's odd isn't it? No of course not, lyrics and rhyme, the beat of the music. It was all good. I learn to enjoy Biggie, Tupac, Dr. Dre, and of course my all time favorites Kanye West and Jay-Z. Awesome. They are good, really good. However, my musical taste didn't end there. It is actually just the beginning.
Here I am now. A little older, a little wiser. And my taste in musical stylings have certainly changed. Kina, yes her name is popping up again. She has inspired me into so much. Imogen Heap, Bon Iver, and others. However, she not only opened my eyes to different music, but she also introduced me to one of the most important things in my life. The freedom to play an instrument. She gave me the idea and chance to pick up the guitar. She is my inspiration, and even though I may not play it perfectly, with more practice and time, it can only get better. Thanks Kina, you are a real inspiration, thank you for introducing me to music I usually wouldn't listen to, and now love. I listen to a lot of indie stuff, and I even enjoy my occasional emo music. However guess what, I listen to everything, and my taste in music has become very eclectic. What do you enjoy? What do you like? Any suggestions for me?
Well, it is different, but it's what I like. Enjoy the song tonight everyone. It's a good one.
Today is the day, I get to see Kina one more time today. Soooo excited. Stinks though, because Jay is sick. I was hoping to visit some more places in the city, however I don't want to push Jay too hard, kid deserves some rest. He is leaving tomorrow and everything. This makes me super sad, can't believe he's leaving already, and I'm already 3 days into my trip already.
It seems like my sleep schedule is adjusted accordingly. I'm really glad I didn't sleep that first day, and I pushed myself as hard as I did. However what sucks is that, even though I'm in another country, my brain still isn't. So I still have the repeated dreams, and the whole entire waking up at 3:00 - 3:30 process. Quite interesting. I guess all that means is I have to do more things to get it off my mind. I don't know what that would be, but I'll think of something here. I hope Jay is up for doing a little absinthe tonight. I really wanted to try it at least once, that or at least going to some sort of torture museum. That sounds exciting, and if not even that, I think I would be just as excited to continue getting lost in the city. I think that's what's going to happen. Once again, I don't want to push Jay...
So the baseball season is over, am I surprised? Yes, of course I am, I hate the fact that we are no longer in it, there shouldn't be any reason. However, I guess we got beaten by the best...but Wei, they're just the Cardinals...WE...were...beaten...by the best, boy.
Anyway, not much else for now since the day is just beginning, however I will be sure to take a ton of pics for tonight, and obviously get myself even more hyped for Kina.
"If I ruled the world. Every man would see the world was his friend. Yeah, there'd be happiness that no man could end, no my friend, not if I ruled the world." - Jamie Cullum
Thought a Kina vid would be appropriate as well...
Well it's Friday night...I probably should be heading towards AC to celebrate Dan's 21st. However my heart isn't really in it, and I am heading to Europe on Wednesday. So I decided, this will be my packing/getting things ready weekend. I don't know, I guess I'm finally getting excited that this is happening. Not really...well a little I guess. Seriously? I'm actually grateful of this getaway. For a little bit, I'm going to forget everything and finally be on vacation. No staycation, a real vacation. Honestly, I don't know what to expect, and by frankly, I don't care. I want to have a blasty blast and that is what's going to happen.
Oh so let's throw this in here, I have been to a few dealerships this week. I hate it, I hate dealing with car salesmen, and I hate the whole buying process. The games we have to play to get a good deal. I extremely hate the fact I have to be a douchebag to a guy that is trying to make a living selling vehicles. Now I know what you're thinking, "Wei, you're always a douchebag." And technically yes, that is correct, but I have to add 10x's more to that doucheyness...ugh...it just sucks. Anyway my sis is getting a car, she looked at Hyundais today, I think tomorrow it will be back to Hondas. Honestly, I love my Honda, but I'm beginning to think all cars are just a p.i.t.a. (pain in the ass). Anyway, so that's the game plan.
I've been trying to keep things on a lighter note lately. I don't know though if I'm doing such a great job though. Ever been in a slump, and feel like you just can't get out of it. Yeah, I'm in one of those. Lately I've been having these awfully weird dreams, and it's the same thing over and over and over again. Not good really. I can't say it's a nightmare, cause It's about good people, it's just that even though I'm beginning to dream about something else, it reverts back to that dream again. This has to be bad right? Hmm...I think I'm going to have to get a book on that. Either that, or I'm going to have to start thinking about other things. I think I'll pick up my guitar after this post, get my mind off of things. Paul taught me a killer chord, and I really want to practice playing it before my trip. So it has come to this on a Friday night...I think I'm in love with it. I guess it's not bad to keep to myself every once in a while. By frankly, I quite enjoy it. It's very soothing and relaxing, however I do miss Dave, George, Ant, and Jay. I can't wait till we are all together again, maybe a guys night out. That would be quite epic actually, maybe for my birthday. ^___^
So I think I'm going to end on a positive note tonight, I read this ad today, and since I was in a hurry, I tried taking a picture of it. Didn't come out great, however I do have the verbiage to it. And here it is...
This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching T.V. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Life is simple. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. LIFE IS SHORT. LIVE YOUR DREAM AND SHARE YOUR PASSION.
I don't know where the above is from, but I loved every word of it. Lately I have become very cynical, jaded, and a lot of other bad words. However, I still believe there is good to everything, and every situation. I want to believe things happen for a reason, if they were meant to be, well they were meant to be. Even though I want a different answer, I will never push it, I will never negate what is there, however I feel if you really care about something, if you got to let it go for a little, you have to let it go, and if it comes back, then it will.
Lately I have been considering going to a medium with Jay. I've finally realized though, I don't think I want to go anymore. Life is what you make, why do I want to know my life's path? I think I want to be surprised along the way, I want to hit every bump and pot hole, I want to feel pain, and go through anguish. I want to enjoy love, and relish in it. I want it all. I want to run the gamut of emotions...I want to live it all. That's what I want. I think if I go to a medium, I'll be cheating myself the surprise. So medium is off, whatever happens from this point on, it will just happen, and I'll like it. Good and the bad, that's how that go. ^___^
Tonight I leave a video, of course it's Kina...and David Choi, both epic singers. Enjoy.
So a quick mini go around for this morning. I just wanted to say how amazing the voice of Kina Grannis is. Honestly, these have been very frustrating and rough times for me these last few days, however they have been filled with her lovely, lovely voice and my own guitar playing. I guess the main reason why I'm going to Amsterdam really stemmed from her. If you didn't know already, I may slightly adore this woman, she has truly changed my life. I have always wanted to play a guitar, I took the steps when I began listening to her at the age of 23. It just became a part of me, and even though, I'm not the greatest, I feel if I can just keep practicing, I'll be where I need to be.
Amsterdam for Kina? Yeah, that's how I roll, it was either that or pay $20,000 for a private show. Truthfully speaking, I was just going to pay the out of pocket $20,000 for my own concert. The only problem was I couldn't find a venue where I could put it at, so instead I think I'll just pay for the plane ride over and the concert ticket prices...fanatical? Yeah probably. Obsessive...duh. So you now know why I'm heading over there.
Let me just promote her just a little more. Go to a concert, she will be the sweetest, bubbly, eccentric, and most entertaining person you have ever met. She does a meet and greet after ever show, and she couldn't be kinder. She seems like you're everyday girl, and you think you would have a chance...but you never will. She's a star on the rise, and if you get the opportunity to at least see her live once before she hits it big...do it. Do it now. You will see for yourself the amazingness that is Kina. I can't wait for her third part of the "World in Front of Me," tour, and to be part of it. Yay me...if you are still interested at this point, here are a few songs that you should probably listen to: "Stars Falling Down," "Highlighted in Green," "Don't Cry," "Jenaveve," "Cambridge," "Message from Your Heart," Some of my most cherished songs.
I have been a fan and supporter since the "Crash the Superbowl," she deserves it. Honestly, I never wanted to root for someone more...well I have, but that's another story...buy her CDs, merch, everything. You will not be disappointed. Thanks Kina, thanks for getting me through some shitty stuff with you're amazing voice, songs, covers, and everything in between. You're a life changer, and when I need a pick me up, and to smile a little...I listen to you're CDs, and watch your vids. Thank you.
"I think that the stars would have waited for us. Hanging onto the night, watching down below. Until we were hand in hand, together waiting for them. So when I open my eyes, I saw it too. Stars falling down, when I fell for you" - Kina Grannis
