The past few weeks have flown by, as the start of summer always seems to.
I've been to a few improv comedy shows at The Hideout. I tried to attend the Republic of Texas Biker Rally but had to leave due to the heat. I've been to the doctor twice for persistent heat-rash and other heat related issues. I went to Karaoke and was convinced (under influence of alcohol) to sing half a song. And I finally went to the Barton Springs Pool, and I am sure to return.
A bit frustrated at my own time management skills, I am, as always, losing the battle to balance socializing, working, writing, and learning new things. The newest addition to my days is jogging, which I swore I'd never do. It is a quick way to stay fit so it's either jog or cut down on the candy. Do the math: no jogging = less candy, jogging = candy stability, more jogging = more candy.
Note: I am always playing motivator for other people, telling them what they can do to improve this or that. My best intentions usually fail and annoy the ones I mean to help. I want to see the potential in everyone, but then I get ticked when I don't see them living up to that alleged potential. Caught in my own web, my brother Jon is to blame for telling me to jog, telling me to do it just so he could tell me to do something that I have the potential to do. I do not like the taste of my own medicine.
The biggest news is that the non-profit my friend Lizz so ably established is running in high-speed. My next career move (fall 2010) will be a three month stint in South Africa/Zimbabwe setting up a beekeeping farm. Not just a cause I believe in, this move supports a friend I believe in. Not to mention all the fun I'm having when I announce to friends my plans to become a bee rancher (or apiculturist, for the science-inclined).
My goal to do something or meet someone new every day is being reignited by the bee developments. To those who aren't sure what they are doing with their lives: I can only say to treat every day as the beginning of a journey. Corny enough, I wrote this on a post-it on my bathroom mirror. I am never bored, lost, or disappointed on the first day of a journey - and by constantly recognizing something new in my life, I am content to evolve into the person I am meant to be, one day at a time.
Showing posts with label Hideout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hideout. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SXSW Music bonanza
Last week was South by Southwest, an insane ten days that starts with a film fest, a game convention, and a music festival. 1800 bands storming a city is best described as an industry conference. The musicians are here to learn from each other, meet agents, get signed, and get publicity.
Every day I got a good taste of music at lunch, which I spent popping in and out of bars to see what free line-up they had. At night, it was much of the same. More places charged admittance so I spent much of my time at the Blind Pig Pub. On top of the music, it was St. Patrick's Day. Though there are no parades like Chicago, I went to Fado for a U2 tribute band followed by a legitimate Irish band.
The week of music was capped by two shows. I stumbled upon a secret warm-up concert of Metallica. Me and a half-dozen bystanders watched them unload from their SUVs into a tour bus, then start rehearsals. One guy on the street ran over and brought us all signed guitar picks. Then I was front row for Erykah Badu at Auditorium Shores. Though she was an hour late and only played a few songs, it was great.
Monday I had gone to an improv show at Spider House, of people from local Cold Town Improv. It was followed by a very impressive, very funny show from two Chicago dudes, TJ and Dave. The documentary about them premeired at SXSW. Because my improv teacher Tom is their pal, I got to rub elbows with them and many other comedians after the show. Though I often feel like an outsider, Tom was the key to introducing me to a ton of people. I think he has unknowingly become one of my Texas ambassadors.
I tried to see one of Tom's improv shows, and that of another guy I met on Monday. Alas, it was cancelled. But Ellen, the Houstonite from work, and I stayed at the Hideout. The improvers were conversing in peak form. I'd give details, but most of the jokes were dirty and involved props.
Which leads to this week. Tom's roommate, who I met at the TJ and Dave show, invited me over for a dinner party. I thought about not going, but after several requests, I gave in. By the end of the night me, Tom, and another funny guy were sitting around playing accordions.
When everyone is a stranger, it leaves lots of room for recreating yourself. I find myself jumping into the unusual with little hesitation. Needless to say, playing in the accordion trio is the strangest moment I've had this year, so far.
Every day I got a good taste of music at lunch, which I spent popping in and out of bars to see what free line-up they had. At night, it was much of the same. More places charged admittance so I spent much of my time at the Blind Pig Pub. On top of the music, it was St. Patrick's Day. Though there are no parades like Chicago, I went to Fado for a U2 tribute band followed by a legitimate Irish band.
The week of music was capped by two shows. I stumbled upon a secret warm-up concert of Metallica. Me and a half-dozen bystanders watched them unload from their SUVs into a tour bus, then start rehearsals. One guy on the street ran over and brought us all signed guitar picks. Then I was front row for Erykah Badu at Auditorium Shores. Though she was an hour late and only played a few songs, it was great.
Monday I had gone to an improv show at Spider House, of people from local Cold Town Improv. It was followed by a very impressive, very funny show from two Chicago dudes, TJ and Dave. The documentary about them premeired at SXSW. Because my improv teacher Tom is their pal, I got to rub elbows with them and many other comedians after the show. Though I often feel like an outsider, Tom was the key to introducing me to a ton of people. I think he has unknowingly become one of my Texas ambassadors.
I tried to see one of Tom's improv shows, and that of another guy I met on Monday. Alas, it was cancelled. But Ellen, the Houstonite from work, and I stayed at the Hideout. The improvers were conversing in peak form. I'd give details, but most of the jokes were dirty and involved props.
Which leads to this week. Tom's roommate, who I met at the TJ and Dave show, invited me over for a dinner party. I thought about not going, but after several requests, I gave in. By the end of the night me, Tom, and another funny guy were sitting around playing accordions.
When everyone is a stranger, it leaves lots of room for recreating yourself. I find myself jumping into the unusual with little hesitation. Needless to say, playing in the accordion trio is the strangest moment I've had this year, so far.
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