on the run

I've moved

2009-07-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

two more weeks

2009-05-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Read all about it here and bookmark accordingly.

Check it - average temps this time of year:

Phoenix: 104
Minneapolis: 83
Kentucky: 83
Atlanta: 87
Dallas: 92

RUN AWAY

2009-05-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

The jumpsuit is back. I've seen these being sold in at least five different places over the last week. Be careful out there, everyone.

all of my old haunts are now all haunting me

2009-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

behold!

2009-04-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Covered Coconut Cream Puffs!

you and me and the mountain

2009-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Don pointed out you can hear me say "Yeah!" at 2:44.

this post brought to you by the po-po

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I went on a roommate date Saturday in the rain. I introduced him to the wonder known as punk rock donuts at Pike Place. (side note - why do people call it Pike's Place? TOURISTS.) During our date we saw: Matt Brown at the bus stop, a busker covering Two Headed Boy in a deserted stairwell, the arrest happening behind me in the photo above, and lots of overpriced clothes in the Urban Outfitters downtown. Hooray for roommate dates!

Pony and I started up our training for the half marathon on Sunday with some hills in Fremont. Hey hips, how you doin? Oh, you're a bit sore, eh? Sorry to hear that. Tonight, I've got a three mile run scheduled at the gym. Wednesday we'll do Greenlake together.

The rest of Sunday was dedicated to spring cleaning. Scrubbed the kitchen floor, washed all the windows, washed, folded and put away all of my laundry, de-pet-haired the couches, dusted, polished the piano, watered the plants, organized my bookshelf, alphabetized my record collection, scrubbed the shower and mopped the bathroom floor. *phew* Now I just need to get to work on my room and come to terms with the idea that half of my closet probably needs to be emptied and sold at our garage sale next weekend.

heart attack city

2009-03-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Too much going on. WAY TOO MUCH.

Thoughts:

* Can't stop listening to Cryptacize's new album "Mythomania." Y'all should buy a copy when it comes out next month. Come see them live in July at Healthy Times.

* Beginning training tonight for another half marathon. I know - seven weeks until the event. Am I crazy? Yes, and so is Pony.

* Baking a birthday cake tonight for boss lady. But I have to buy a bottle of brandy to accomplish it. Guh.

* Two make believe shows happening within two weeks. I am about to lose it - lady from Nectar's gonna come and jump down my throat if I don't have the show poster done like, yesterday. This should have been done AGES ago. This is why I should just get my final show over and done with. I can't handle the responsibility any more.

* Trying for the life of me to get into a regular pattern with cello practice and meal planning. I cannot survive this crash seven week running program without proper nutrition. I cannot survive the rest of this garbage if I show up unprepared to cello lessons. Really, I think the last thing I want to do right now is disappoint my teacher. It's actually a really good feeling to know I have measurable goals in at least one aspect of my life.

* Have to plan for tour. One month out of town. So many things to take care of. So, so, so many things. But check who we're opening for. I am so scared about the size of some of the venues.

* Monsieur Garman reminded me I haven't done a supper club in quite some time. Then, not two days later, Ms. Rachele e-mailed and asked about the very same thing. I guess it's kind of nice to know someone's wondering about something I was hoping I'd get people clamoring for. I mean, two's better than none. I guess. It'll have to wait until April after I get paid again.

* Spring cleaning is in full effect at home. Jonathan's going to make me cry when he moves - and watching him get rid of stuff right now is just a primer for it. I should follow suit, though. I have so much stuff I don't really need.

* Work is on its' way. Now if I could just FOCUS and actually get my (new) work done, it'd probably look better. I mean, considering they just ok'd me to leave for an entire month, I should probably be making an effort.

* Just realized I should probably be utilizing this blog more. It'd probably help collect more thoughts before I feel like exploding. Much like I do right... about... now!

things i saw this week

2009-03-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

pattern and dynabros and maps, oh my!

2009-03-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

So so so many things to say about this tour. Really, though, I can't begin to describe how awesome it was. Really - ask me in person, I won't be able to verbalize anything properly. I'll just beam and say "DUUUUUDE. It was SOOOO MAGICAL."

It broke my heart to fly home on Saturday out of Philly, knowing it'll be a while before I get to experience magic like that again.

I am going on tour

2009-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

In one week, I will get to hang with these two dudes, plus more dudes for an entire week! SO STOKED.

i love deb

2009-02-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

"...I want a life bursting with complex activities and entrancing conversation, not shortcuts and quick-fixes. I actually enjoy the process of cooking as much as the outcome; I think if you get in the mindset that your only goal is to get from Place A to Place B, you miss too much. And I like getting my hands dirty."

saturday morning

2009-02-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

This is from a while ago, but I love this shot done by Rachel at Easy Street a few weeks back.

Team EU, ftw!

2009-02-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Best running team ever!

happy birthday to me

2009-02-01T20:53:00.000-08:00

You dudes win. Thank you to Jonathan, Pony, Matt, Rachele, Brad, Wes, Jenna, Erica, Jesse and everybody that showed up for the surprise. I am so thankful to have good friends. I'd elaborate further, but really - that's all I'm going to say before I get too sappy.

Saddest drain plug EVAR

2009-01-29T11:45:00.001-08:00

the swarm

2009-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this is my 100th post on here. I can't think of anything at the moment that would be better to celebrate with than this photo above. Well, this or winning the lottery. I have to admit though, I kind of feel like we all won the lottery. (click on the picture to see a bigger version - it's pretty amazing. here's the rest of the set)

tattoo idea?

2009-01-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

This dude is pretty awesome.

lump sum

2009-01-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am totally copying Rachel's last post regarding Bon Iver. However, I don't have much to say other than this: Hey, Beard-o. Come on over to my house for hot cocoa and kissin'.

new shoes

2009-01-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

Half Marathon #2 - here we come.

makeout playlist

2009-01-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

I've been making play lists the last week or so for certain moments, activities and such. Right now, I am coming up with a makeout playlist.

I need more suggestions. I'm coming up blank with my collection - perhaps I am lacking. I think I have more insanely sad stuff instead of sexy-time stuff.
What would you put on your makeout playlist?

So far:

(Untitled) How Does It Feel - D'Angelo (thank you Mr Ward)
Everybody Here Wants You - Jeff Buckley
The Great Salt Lake - Juno
Angel - Massive Attack
Mezzanine - Massive Attack
Ecstasy - PJ Harvey
Undenied - Portishead
Blood Stain - U.N.K.L.E.
I've Been Thinking - Cat Power/Handsome Boy Modeling School (thanks Monsieur Garman)
Talisman - Air
Lucky and Unhappy - Air
Climbing Up the Walls (Fila Brazilia remix) - Radiohead (Again, thanks MG)
All I Need - Radiohead (I think if played loud enough, this song could swallow me whole.)
Bowels of the Beast - The Raveonettes
The Snakepit - The Cure

also

2009-01-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

I might be crazy cat lady. I think I have taken more pictures of Francis in the last two months than anything else. It's ok. He's a star.

oh hello, jacqueline

2009-01-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

Fucking A. Favorite parts roll in around 2:35 - 2:45 and 3:00 - 3:15. And that look and blink into the camera in the last two seconds?

sooooo humbling

2009-01-08T21:13:00.001-08:00

I am learning to play this song right now.

do I take myself too seriously?

2009-01-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

because I'm having a hard time parodying myself in my blog, like pony told me to.

Recent adventure picture
List
List
List
Running!
I am inspired!
Something sad - erase erase erase
Being vague
Hooray for somebody!
Hoping for something good!

I'm terrible at this.

hello 2009

2009-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

See my elbow on the left there? Yeah. I will agree with the man pictured in this photo - 2008 has been a fucking tough and crazy year. Jumping into Lake Washington this morning was like a baptism - washing away 2008 and coming out clean ready for the next year. If the run this morning is any indication, it will be amazing.

Team Awesome for the win.

My butt. Your crotch. Welcome to Seattle.

2008-12-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Attention Pony. I have some instructions for you.

Who Says Booking's a Thankless Job?

2008-12-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

It may be about 3 years late, but hey...

"I believe you're the fine woman who booked my first show.
It was roughly four years ago at the Paradox.
Aqueduct & WHY?
Right after Elephant Eyelash first came out.
I was thinking about it yesterday.
I call it the day I fell in love.
I hunted the Paradox's old website down, and found the myspace.
It brought me here.
:)
I just wanted to say thank you.
So much."

Sakurako Shimizu

2008-12-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not really intending to make this a 'wish list' kind of blog - but really, this idea is amazing, nerdy and beautiful. WANT.

whoa

2008-12-09T16:22:00.001-08:00

Damien Jurado, "Caskets" from Thinklab on Vimeo.

inspiration for the day...

2008-12-08T11:22:00.001-08:00

2008-12-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

This looks beautiful.

And the weather doesn't look so bad, either.

meow meow meow

2008-12-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

2008-12-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Hey-o! I made it. A few thoughts:

Jonathan left me the most awesome drawing on the seat of his car for my drive to the marathon. Unless I get it scanned, it'll probably just remain a mystery to you. Any kind of description does it no justice. Just know it was very inspirational and hilarious - exactly what I needed at 5:30am when I was full of adrenaline.

There were so many people, it took me a good 3 minutes to get up to the start line after they sounded the horn.

Epic moment #1 - entering onto the I-90 entrance ramp and looking up and left at the massive amount of people ahead of me, all running. It looked like a mass exodus of some sort.

Running into the tunnel on I-90 to see one of the first water stations manned by the Seattle Atheist group - with a banner that read "Seattle Atheists - We Believe in You!"

Epic moment #2 - being cheered on by anonymous dude alonside Lake Washington somewhere "Alright #4493! Let's do this! You're lookin' great!"

Ran past Kurt Cobain's old house.

Ran through the Arboretum - totally beautiful.

Hitting mile 10 - realizing it was the farthest I'd ever run. I had a nerdy 'Lord of the Rings' moment - "One more step, and this is the farthest I've ever gone from home." Ha ha, I am a dork.

Getting to mile 12 and realizing my right hand was completely swollen up - sausage fingers!!!

Getting to mile 13 and realizing I could barely feel my feet, then being thankful the last stretch was on turf inside the stadium.

I remembered to smile when I crossed the finish line!

Immediately started tearing up and cried when I was done. Holy crap, I am emotional sometimes.

Things I'm glad I did:

Checked a bag on the marathon grounds - it was so great to have dry clothes to change into, a snack and some ibuprofen.

Brought two different kinds of snacks for the run. The Luna bar didn't sound remotely appetizing when I was ready to refuel - but the tangerine I packed hit the spot for sure.

Stopped to stretch when I needed to. This really made a difference - even if it added on to my finish time. "Toughing it out" just wasn't in the cards.

Ran on my own. This might sound a little lonely to some, but that's what made the experience special. I was out there, by myself, doing exactly what I needed to do to finish.

Plans for next time:

Yes, there WILL be a next time!

More cross training

Pack a camera

Run all of it (I walked the hills this time around)

I don't think I would do any 'day of' stuff differently - everything went according to plan. Thank you for coming, D - it was nice to have a familiar face there, and some support - even if I didn't know about it until after I was finished.

playlist for tomorrow

2008-11-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's in backwards alphabetical order by song title. For some reason, this actually works out with timing and whatnot.

2:44.666 - Jherek Bischoff
13,000 Times Bigger Than The Earth - The Evil Tambourines
KC Accidential - Broken Social Scene
X-Polynation - Q And Not U
Way You Walk - Papas Fritas
Touch the Sky - Kanye West
Stay Don't Go - Spoon
Songs for Ghosts To Haunt To - Maps and Atlases
Running, Returning - Akron/Family
Running - Menomena
The Revolutionary Politics of Dance - An Albatross
Rebellion (Lies) - Arcade Fire
Raging in the Plague Age - Les Savy Fav
Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
Proxy and Dominion - 31 Knots
Play Your Part - Girl Talk
Partman Parthorse - Partman Parthorse
Over and Over - Hot Chip
Oh Yoko! - John Lennon
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) - Arcade Fire
Mondrian Was a Liar - Botch
Mirror In The Bathroom - The English Beat
Mathltics - Foals
Idioteque - Radiohead
Give It Up - LCD Soundsystem
The Enemy Guns - Devotchka
Disco Infiltrator - LCD Soundsystem
Different Sound - Teddybears
Date With The Night - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Cobrastyle - Teddybears
The Bones of You - Elbow
Black Tongue - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Black and White Town - Doves
Bird - Pattern is Movement
Big Bopper Anthems - Maps and Atlases
Believe in Me - Sloan
Balloons - Foals
Bad Idea - Ben Folds Five
All the Love in the World - Nine Inch Nails
Ain't No Easy Way - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Age of Consent - New Order

Warm Up & Cool Down: Gustavo Santaolalla's Ronroco

insert Europe song title here

2008-11-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

I've got exactly a week left before my life may possibly flash before my eyes. Ok, really, I'm being a bit dramatic about it. Think about this: less than 8 months ago, I'd never run more than half a mile straight in my entire life. I'm going to be running 13.1 of them here next Sunday. It's unfortunate that the fam won't be able to make it out to see it. Anyone want to wait at the finish line with a space blanket for me?

Also: You're pretty awesome yourself, Pony.

2008-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow! I'm outta here and on my way to NYC! I am struggling so hard with not making plans. The plan is to make no plans - or at least, not extensively plan down to the minute like I normally do. Here we go - let's try and make this casual.

Inspiration for the day....

2008-10-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Inspiration for the day....

2008-10-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Beauty is Pain

2008-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have blisters on both feet thanks to my genius idea of wearing high heeled boots and deciding to walk instead of taking the bus. Yes, folks - 1.2 miles of walking in high heeled boots.

I'm back from internet vacation. It wasn't much of one - but it at least afforded me a small amount of time away from the soul-sucking vortex of blog reading, endless e-mail/myspace communication (with people who live within a 5 mile radius of me), and the general feeling of malaise that washes over me with extended computer use.

In the time since my last post, the following events have transpired:

9/26: Hosted one of the best shows I've booked in the history of make believe. Smiled so hard my face hurt, ate pancakes with two awesome bearded dudes, came to the realization that I will have to be involved in music in some way for the rest of my life. Even if it's every once in a while.

9/27: Met Francis and fell in love. Played Arrested Development trivia and had absolutely NOTHING to contribute. I need to watch all the episodes over again.

9/28: Rocked out with the Hot Keyz crew.

9/29: Was told for the 1,000th time that I have beautiful teeth. Thank you, Dr. Friedrich.

9/30: Brought Francis home! Snuggling party for winter '08 has begun.

10/2: Cello lesson #2: electric boogaloo. My teacher still rocks.

10/3: Made some terrible terrible banana bread. Went out for drinks at Smith for the first time.

10/4: Ate lunch out by myself, people watched, bought cello books and made some terrible terrible decisions in regards to drinking. Dancing is fun, puking out your roommates' car door and crying for no reason are not. Also, I feel like I got punched in the cheek. I also remember at some point getting a hot dog, and losing it along the way. Wha happen? There will be no more drinking until Halloween. That is final.

I know I'm supposed to be on internet vacation...

2008-10-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

but I had to introduce you to Francis.

2008-09-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on: two more days left until internet vacation. I can't decide how long I should stay away from here. I'm just really looking forward to it.

Best text message of the week:
"your crotch, my butt, welcome to seattle"

Do you remember sending this to me?

you thought you had it in you

2008-09-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

6.2 miles

2008-09-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

I did it. I ran 6.2 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes.

on the fritz

2008-08-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like a lot of things are breaking these days; literally and figuratively. I have no new photos to post because my computer is on the fritz (I guess that will teach me to watch streaming video from Japan of Weeds episodes on random weird websites). My knee is still bothering me (although the ice/hot/ice/hot thing seems to be helping a bit). Plus, there's a bit of roommate drama brewing, just to add a little spice into my daily life.

Things that are going well? Craft night was so nice last night, I was really looking forward to it, and it delivered exactly what I was looking for: a little relaxation, a little conversation, some baking, some knitting and some record listening. Good stuff.

Also:

- Plans for a Halloween Party - I'm trying to hold in my excitement about all the fun things I'm thinking of cooking for this, since I'm in the Treats Committee. I'm almost ready to let summer go, if only for the small amount of fall we experience here before it turns into full blown gross wet nastiness.

- Taking time off for my birthday to travel to San Francisco. Does anyone want to join in and just drive down in a rental car for 5 days?

- Recording last week was great. Yeah, I haven't said anything about it yet. I am so happy these boys asked me to play a little. The record will be ready for you to hear hopefully this winter.

- Also, September 26th. I don't care what you are doing, you are going to mark this date on your calendar as a night to remember, because I have booked a show that is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to get hugs from these dudes. Just be there.

let's do this

2008-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

After reading an inspirational post today, I am ready to kick some ass. Now if only my knee would stop hurting, then I could kick ass running as well. CRAP.

getting fat, pt II

2008-08-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

"Yes, hi! I'd like to order one large heart attack on a platter, please."

Before the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' effect happened - this cake absolutely HAS to be refridgerated before serving. I will remember this for next time. Because oh yes, there WILL be a next time for this cake. I'm taking preorders right now for Sour Cream-Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze. There's a total of 7 1/2 cups of various sugars in this.

i'm saving some for you, brad

2008-08-10T01:35:00.001-07:00

power bars for Sunday's trip to the Ape Caves. Lava tube, here we come!

I thought it was pronounced "Mc Lee-od?" Nope, it's "Mc Lowd"

2008-08-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Last night consisted of drinking far too much, stealing someone's jacket, dumping half a pbr into my purse (hey TMobile! Want some more money? I thought so!), throwing a patio table into Puget Sound and having one of the best nights I've had all summer. Now I'm paying for it, literally and figuratively. I am now the proud owner of the ugliest cell phone alive, and also the largest headache ever imaginable.

getting fat

2008-08-08T20:46:00.001-07:00

It's going to happen, you know, if I continue to eat everything I cook. This nectarine tart didn't last too long - thankfully I had some people willing to take most of it off my hands once it was completed. I'm thinking about starting up a separate event apart from Supper Club just for dessert. Could this be the West Coast version of DTL's Treats Club? Well, except, I actually MAKE the treats? Who's in? I have been eyeing a recipe for pistachio ice cream cake with chocolate ganache. I am not kidding.

Running tomorrow! 5 miles for marathon class. Ape caves on Sunday!

2008-08-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

I need a bathtub. Even Matt Brown says so:

"After all you've done for all-ages live music in Seattle, with and without Liz, perhaps it's time for all of us to throw a big kickass benefit show to buy you a long, deep claw-foot tub... I've learned to avoid organizing shows like an incurable STD, but I'd be more than happy to help muscle the tub into your house when the time comes."

back to baking

2008-08-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Raspberries were on sale today, so I couldn't resist buying half a flat, consuming half and then using the remainder for these crumble bars. I'm looking forward to having one for breakfast tomorrow!

I pushed Jonathan into running with me today for 30 minutes, after harassing him for the last three weeks about not getting out to run with me. I hope he doesn't take the fat jokes to heart.

Supper Club #2 is being planned, ape caves are happening this weekend, Batman will (FINALLY) be seen this Thursday, and I've got another long run ahead of me this Saturday for 5 miles with the marathon class.

tooting my own horn

2008-08-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the incredibly disappointing irregularity of the Seattle Metro transit system, I waited and waited and... waited some more for a bus that never came this morning. I was on time, ready to rock the 6 mile run scheduled to today's marathon class. I had to walk back home instead, regroup and go out on a run all by myself. And you know what? It wasn't so bad.

Despite the small inconveniences in not having the appropriate attire (an ipod armband and a waistband bottle holder are on my shopping this for this week. Plus, shorts that don't ride up - hello? Anyone out there have some suggestions on this?) - the run went excellent. I started out from home and ran around the entire length of Lake Union. Really.

I ate a stack of homemade buttermilk blueberry pancakes as a reward when I got home. I couldn't get my camera out fast enough to take a picture before they all went in my stomach.

unloading, tidying up and moving forward

2008-07-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Things have become a bit stagnant around here. Not necessarily my social life - I think that's what's leading to the stagnation in all other aspects of me including this blog. Huh.

In the last week, I attended a wonderful show - Shearwater, Johanna Kunin and Grand Hallway all played at Nectar. I had an "A-ha!" moment during Johanna Kunin's set. Ever since, I've kind of been in zen mode. Something about some song she was playing at that exact moment hit me and I realized that really, regardless of anything coming my way, things are going to be a-okay. I'm surviving - heck, I'm MORE than surviving. I've made a bunch of new awesome friends and had some great adventures these last few months. I feel good. Things are great.

I need to pick up the pace in the running department - I skimped last week and only did two runs (I should be doing at least 3 if not 4 to cover all the training runs Seattle Fit recommends for the marathon). Yoga will be back in effect next week, since I found a class to fit my schedule finally.

The summer's almost out - only a month left, really - and I want to make this one count. Ape caves, road trips, camping, more outdoor movies and more supper clubs are in the works. Let's do this.

on vacation

2008-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Vegas is the weirdest place on earth. I attempted to find (in the whole 36 hours I spent there) one redeeming factor about the place. Honestly? Vegas is gross. I count the time I spent there worthwhile, only because I got to spend a good amount of time with friends who I don't see often enough - and was lucky enough to celebrate Dan & Amberly's wedding with only a handful of others. The city itself? Not so much. I'm willing to overlook the blazing heat if there's something cool there - but all I saw were tons of sad sad people. Yes, I am passing judgment! I don't know any of those people, but that's what I gathered from the masses walking the strip like zombies. What is up with all the kids in Vegas, by the way? I lost count of how many tourists there had a teen, kid or even a baby in tow while walking around the strip - at night no less! Really, I don't think this city (as hard as you may want to rationalize) is meant for children. Oh, and hey lady? Yeah, you? The one I saw walking down the street with your 13 year old daughter in tow? I don't think the "Fuck Milk. Where's the beer?" t-shirt is really a great choice for you. Get a clue!

On to more positive things... Roommate #2 got my camera fixed - for free no less! Here's to a summer full of pictures - if I can only remember to buy and develop the film. I'm really not ready to invest in a fancy digital. I'll stick with my point and shoot digital until I realize that I'm wasting precious resources getting my film developed. I'm not ready to let go yet.

Went on a 15 mile bike ride Sunday evening to Magnuson Park with two boys I love spending time with. They gave me a run for my money - and I thought it was going to be easy, since one of them showed up on a bmx. Not so.

Running is back on track. Jenn and I went around Greenlake last night - and I pooped out at about the 2 mile mark. I ran/walked to catch up to her at the boathouse, then felt guilty enough to push myself around the lake again - this time doing 1 minute sprints, with 30 second walk breaks.

This week I am off to mom's for her birthday. I am very much looking forward to driving by myself over the mountains and spending quality time in the middle of nowhere. Plans are being made for: trying to make the carrot cake again for mom's birthday cake, going to a u-pick for strawberries and raspberries, taking mom's dog to the river to swim, reading, sitting in the sun, and hopefully wowing everyone with the new recipes I've gathered for this trip. It's pretty tough to win over people whose idea of a good meal is fried chicken, boiled potatoes and some frozen corn. It's really tough to explain that "Yes! You CAN have a meal with no meat in it and still be satisfied!" I have to be fair, though - they do at least humor me and try everything once.

Food ideas:
Mock Potato Salad
Mango Cobbler
Carrot Cake
Grilled Rosemary Potatoes
Jicama, Corn & Cucumber salad, with lime vinaigrette

it could make your heart stop...

2008-05-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

These guys played the Sunset on Saturday. Yet another fabulous show. I spent all day cooking to feed them and the other bands, and it was definitely well worth it. In somewhat broken English, I was told that the cookies I made were the best they'd ever had. Two of the guys in the band are brothers - and their father was along for the entire tour with them - so he could see the US for the first (and possibly only) time. It was so amazing.

taking care of business

2008-05-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

(photo by Kelly O)

Sunday night was the first show in a slew of them that I have coming up. I guess I really can't complain - if things go the same for these shows coming up as they did on Sunday, I'll be psyched. We had 111 paid at the Comet, plus a boat load of guest list spots that were filled (probably about 25) - so all in all, a spectacular turnout. Dark Meat were insane, and a total blast to watch. Everyone had a great time, I think - and the bands were all super easy to work with. I guess I'll say it (because I say it every time after a show): I am reminded - yet again - why I plan these things. Just to see everyone smiling and dancing their butts off and generally FREAKING OUT at this show made my night.

Oh great...

2008-04-11T14:25:00.001-07:00

I don't know how, but I just managed to book 5 shows all falling within one month. Right this second, I'm very excited about them. We'll see how I feel come May 4th.

On my new home

2008-03-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

This guy greets me when I arrive at home to my new apartment. This is the first time I've lived in an apartment - but really, it's just the top level of a house... so, same difference. Both roommates are very nice and I don't forsee us having any weird roommate issues. This guy, however, may become the bane of my existence. He's terribly persistent, likes to bite you for attention and cannot be left alone with anything he can easily pack off to chew on. I hope between the three of us at the house we can break him of these bad habits. In the meantime, I know not to turn my back on him while I'm cooking and to leave my bedroom door shut at all times (I've already lost my chapstick to his jaws, plus my knit ipod cozy, a skein of yarn & pomade have all made their way out of my bedroom in his mouth. Thankfully they were all spared gruesome deaths.)

Looking out my bedroom window. The street noise is more than I've ever dealt with before (with the exception of my stay in Boston one summer) but I like the hustle and bustle. It gives me the feeling that I, too, should be out doing things.

The list of current projects:

Learning to hold my bow correctly
Sewing a laundry bag
Knitting a baby cardigan for a friend's newborn
Making a laptop cozy
Trying to remember that things will get easier

last of the photos

2007-05-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Okay - I'm not quite ready to fill in with captions and stories and blah blah blah.... but here's the last of the photos!

DC, Oberlin

2007-04-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

The boys didn't wake up until 1pm when we were supposed to leave NYC for Washington. I got lost driving out of Brooklyn to Manhattan, which made me an hour late. Then, when I arrived to load the van, the boys took 2 hours to get all their stuff together (of course it wasn't packed ahead of time!) and down into the van. Then we had to drive elsewhere to pick up a guitar amp from (weird) the keyboard player for Interpol (?!?!) to borrow for the Wolfmother tour.

By this time, it was about 4:30pm and we were attempting to get out of town. Nearly impossible. We sat in traffic in Manhattan for about an hour and a half and arrived at the Black Cat in DC just in time for the staff to stop canceling the show.

Sore Thumbs opened the show, and we ended up staying with Hugh from the band. I think he has to be the most awesome host we've had so far. Incredibly nice, witty, well read, etc, etc. Ian MacKaye came to the show and chatted with us for a while, then invited us over to the Dischord house the next day before we were to leave for Oberlin.

We got to check out the new office area across the street from the house (in the basement of the 7-11), do a little record shopping, chat with Alec and borrow a second guitar amp. Ian gave us a tour of the house, including the practice space in the basement (I could barely stand up straight, it's so short down there!) It was a little surreal. The house was incredibly cute - totally lived in and homey feeling. Ian even offered to make tea for us, but we had to speed out to Oberlin.

Got to Oberlin just in time for sound check, and had lots of free beer at the college while waiting for the show to start. The Narrator opened the show, who were great. We went out for drinks afterward (probably not a smart idea - I drank way too much alcohol for my little body to process) with the college kids, and now we're hanging out today for our day off. It's 70 degrees, sunny and beautiful out.

We walked to the park and had a bagel picnic.

And now I'm sitting in the front yard of someone's house (I don't even know who they are, but we're staying with them) writing this in the sunshine.

Knoxville again tomorrow - we start the Wolfmother tour.

Austin, OKC, Knoxville, NYC

2007-04-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

We arrived good and zombified the next day in Austin just in time to load the gear into Emo's. Then, we drove just outside of the city to Naomi's house. She'd made friends with the boys when they were in Austin last for SXSW, and offered up her house for us to stay at. She and her fiance took good care of us - made dinner, breakfast and bought us drinks that night. We played in the lounge (IV) section of Emo's to a smallish crowd.

Then headed out the next morning for Oklahoma City. What a bizarre town. The venue's bathroom had to be the single most disgusting bathroom I've ever seen. One toilet was leaking, so the entire room smelled like raw sewage. Holes in the walls & stall doors, and the entire floor was covered in... I don't even want to ask. I'm pretty sure it wasn't fresh water.

The bands playing that night brought out a lot of people - the headliner; Burden Brothers, is apparently some kind of super group so to speak. The singer was the frontman for the Toadies, the drummer has played for Reverend Horton Heat and one of the guitarists was in Local H. No kidding. Too bad their new band totally blows.

Michael says "Quit being artsy and get in the fucking car! We need to go to Guitar Center!" Guitar Center ended up being closed when we arrived.

Some random girl gave us the keys to her apartment and let us stay the night, while she slept over at her boyfriend's house. Incredibly trusting. Really.

We got in the van early early in the morning heading towards Knoxville.

9 hours later, we got to the Tennessee border and tried to speed the rest of the way through the state towards the east side. No amount of speeding could have saved us from being as late as we were when we arrived at the Pilot Light. We got lost in downtown Knoxville because of massive construction, and managed to load in about 20 minutes after the band's set was supposed to happen. Thankfully there was a really good turnout and people stuck around for the set.

The Pilot Light totally rules. It's owned by Jason, who books the shows there, and is staffed by volunteers. There really isn't much of a music scene to speak of, so I can imagine it's difficult to keep the venue afloat.

We stayed with a lovely Australian woman named Claudia right outside of Knoxville, then drove up to NYC to stay for the next couple of days before our Washington, DC show. This is where my batteries died in my camera. So.... no fun NYC pictures this time around.

Just know that I was well taken care of by Travis yet again, and got to sleep in, eat some awesome breakfast, then space out on the couch knitting and watching movies. Watched Boogie Nights for the first time. I love Mark Wahlberg.

dead

2007-04-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

My camera is dead & my laptop is almost dead. No batteries for the camera & I've managed to leave my charger in New York at Travis' house.

Hopefully I'll be back by tomorrow night with lots and lots of pictures from Austin, OKC & Knoxville.

Last of Los Angeles

2007-04-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

After posing with palm trees & fighting with Rocky at Dave's house (DDD's potential manager and nice dude who lived in Pasadena) we got a flat on the highway to Spaceland.

George put the spare on like a champ.

And we limped our way to the venue for the last show in LA.

Andrew warmed up his rock face a little bit beforehand.

We had to stop at the Burbank Budget rental office the next day to see what we should do about the tire. Four hours later, after finding out none of their vehicles would be big enough to replace our mini-van (imagine that - even the SUV's didn't have enough room), we were sent down the road to the mechanic to get the tire changed. The mechanic didn't have the right kind of tire.

Someone from Budget corporate was there and managed to make some phone calls and find us a new van. The van arrived at the garage, we looked it over and packed it all up - excited to find that there was a DVD player in the vehicle! Just as we were about to roll out of the lot, the mechanic noticed.... a huge chunk of plastic in the front wheel (same place as the last van's flat tire) and we had to pull back in, have the tire taken off and patched before we could finally leave.

The new van!

Lachlan was stoked for the 22 hour drive to Austin.

Sacramento, San Francisco..... LA

2007-04-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

So the Sacramento show turned out to be not all bad. We got lost finding the place (hooray for suburbia!), but eventually managed to land in the right spot. The local bands playing were very supportive, making sure everyone knew that we were from far away & needed to sell some merch.

I think Andrew has a tendency to attract strange people, because he ended up meeting this 50-something dude Brian, who offered to let us stay at his place for the night in Orangevale.

Brian is recently divorced. He got the house - but the kids are with their mother. Without going into too much detail, I'll just say this: Brian really needed some company, and I think the band staying there totally made his week. He was so excited to talk with them about music and play some DVD's for them. We left Brian's place to head towards San Francisco for the show at the Hemlock Tavern.

There was a decent turnout and some guys even came out who had seen DDD's set at SXSW this year. Little Claw headlined the show - they're from Detroit and are super awesome. That makes two good bands that we get to play with twice on tour!

We also met up with Matt from S.A.F. (their record label in the US) & drove out to Santa Cruz to stay at his place & have some dinner.

We ate at the Saturn Cafe & I had some awesome vegetables with peanut sauce. I think the guys scared the shit out of our waiter - as he rang them up early before they could try and buy any more beer - then when they asked to order some more, he asked if we had a "DD" and that they were all tapped out on "alky" after he gave them their 3rd pitcher of beer. Poor kid.

On to LA - we took the wrong highway to get over onto I-5. It was a two lane, out in the middle of nowhere, hilly & windy road for about 75 miles. Everyone was a little pissed off and carsick by the time we finally hit the freeway - but there wasn't much we could do.

I actually lowered myself to drinking one of these nasty-ass things. I couldn't even finish it, there was so much sugar in it. It tasted more like chocolate milk than anything else. Shame on me.

We got into town just in time to load in at the Echo - where we got to play with Little Claw yet again. Then, stayed at Mitch's house (fabulous apartment - I am totally jealous) for a couple of days. The boys drank well into the morning, while George and I actually got some rest. While the guys slept during the day, we headed out to explore the city.

I am officially in California. This sun every day thing is freaking me out. It's wrong somehow. Where's my gloomy Seattle weather?

George and I did some driving around for touristy stuff. The first thing he thought of was the 'Elliott Smith wall' as he called it. Hokey sayings & some of his lyrics are scrawled across the wall - it's almost entirely covered now.

We drove down the road to do some shopping at Amoeba Records where I spent way too much, but got some awesome stuff. John Cage, a Cocteau Twins BBC Collection, field recordings of music from the Shona tribe & finally got something of Leonard Cohen's after not owning anything of his (why have I waited this long? I've always liked his stuff.)

Then on to more touristy stuff....

Santa Monica Pier

Venice Beach

While walking along the beach, we saw a movie being filmed - and none other than Dennis Rodman playing basketball with.... a bunch of midgets?! The guy who plays Mini-Me was there - and apparently, they're filming for a movie called "Mini's." I am not joking. One entire basketball team are midgets with Dennis Rodman on their side. This sounds like a fucking blockbuster in the making.

Our second show in town was at the Silverlake Lounge. It was a little sloppy - we managed to forget all of Lachlan's pedals at Mitch's house. George and I had to speed all the way there to pick them up and bring them back only to find them 3/4 of the way through their set (the show was running late already.)

Got to watch Maps & Atlases again - it was a treat.

Salvation, indeed.

One more day in LA - we've got a show at Spaceland for a party held by NME, then we're off to Austin.

Lincoln, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, oh jeeze

2007-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

We headed out from Erin's house to make the short drive to Lincoln, Nebraska. On the way, we stopped in Omaha for lunch & record shopping.

Interestingly enough, I got an e-mail a couple days later from someone at Saddle Creek asking if I'd like to take a talent buyer position at a new club they're opening in Omaha. WEIRD. I'm still not sure whether I should consider it - but I asked him for more information, nonetheless.

The Chatterbox was a little strange - located almost under the freeway overpass. The crowd was decent sized, and we sold a good amount of CD's. One guy even gave me $20 for one CD - he said it was worth it (we only sell them for $10).

Stayed the night at Ted's house from Ideal Cleaners (the local headliner) and got to visit with a huge golden lab named Zeus. Then, we made our way to Denver.

This is what Andrew does most of the time on the drives. Playing Tetris - NERD.

We played at the High Dive in Denver - the staff were great, and we had an awesome meal at the restaurant next door called Sputnik. I couldn't help but get a little homesick looking at all the bands playing the week or two after us - Menomena (ok, they're not really from Seattle, but good buddies nonetheless), Aqueduct, etc, etc.

After the show, we drunkenly made our way up the pass into the mountains towards Andrew's uncle's house. This is a vacation house for the family, so random people stop in and use it during the year. I didn't really know what to expect - and when we finally got there, I thought we might be in heaven. Four bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, cathedral ceilings in the living rooms, an absolutely huge kitchen, a wrap-around deck & hot tub outside.

The kitchen was to die for - two ovens, a five burner gas stove, plus a warming drawer?!?!

We could have fit at least 10 people at that table.

The boys went skiing the next day (season passes for all available at the house!), and I stuck around and watched television and knitted. We stayed for another night, then made our way towards Seattle the next morning. A 20 hour drive landed us in Seattle at around 8:30am on Wednesday.

I can't believe how much I missed Seattle - not necessarily for friends or anything like that - mostly just the scenery. I was so proud to hear all the boys "ooooh" and "aaaah" as we were driving into town. The whole band are big Nirvana fans, so I drove them past Kurt Cobain's old house near Lake Washington on our way out of town. They played to a small crowd at the Funhouse - but it was good nonetheless. Partman Parhorse opened the show and were a lot of fun to watch. Got to see Don for about 12 hours (6 of which were spent sleeping) - so that was kind of sad. It was nice to be in my own bed, even if it was only for one night.

Thursday, we played in Portland. We ate some terrible Mexican food - both Andrew and Michael got sick immediately after we finished dinner. Come to find out, the restaurant had just been under some major scrutiny by the health department and had been fined for terrible conditions. They must have not learned their lesson.

Towne Lounge was a nice, intimate venue. Maps & Atlases played, and I was totally blown away. They are incredible musicians - and of the few that I met, they seem super nice as well. I'm looking forward to seeing them again, as they're playing with us at the Silverlake Lounge tomorrow night in LA.

We spent the night at Brian's house - he seemed to be the only one really there to hear DDD. He actually made a request during their set!

The next morning, we stopped at a nice cafe and had some great Stumptown Coffee, then searched around town for the Burnside Skatepark.

Then we drove to Sacramento....

Took a rest in the grass for a little while.

And saw Mt. Shasta on the way.

Cleveland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Des Moines

2007-03-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd be a little better about updating this - apparently not.

This was the scene at Mocha Dreams Cafe outside of Cleveland. The blur you see is Jeremy, the booker and our host for the evening. The show itself was almost hilarious - all the bands before us were acoustic "coffeehouse" type acts, and then the boys ripped into their set with a whopping 4 people in attendance.

After the show, we headed to Jeremy's house. I really don't know whether I'd like to expand on what this Jeremy character was like - there's so much to tell. The kid is 25 years old (I could have sworn he was maybe 17) and lives on his own in a basement apartment. The entire apartment is full of back issues of zines, random cassette tapes (everything from Simon & Garfunkel to the 70's & 80's music collections you find at convenience stores off the highway). The place smelled absolutely terrible, and at one point, Lachlan was afraid there might be a rat in the apartment, scurrying by him while he was laying on the floor. That's really all I can say at this point, I am still flabbergasted by this whole experience.

We got on the road the next morning for Chicago. Beat Kitchen was great - the staff were very nice. We got free food (ate a totally amazing portabella mushroom burger) and played to a strange crowd of mid-30 somethings who were there for the opening act. The drummer in the band actually plays for The Romantics (can you name their one top hit?).

The overnight stay in Chicago was much better - we spent the night at this loft house on the other side of the city. I spent about an hour in the bathroom, since I couldn't stomach being in Jeremy's bathroom for more than a few minutes & opted not to take a shower.

On the road again to Minneapolis to play at the Triple Rock. We loaded in a little later than we were supposed to, but were again greeted with an awesome venue staff, free food (3/4 of their menu was vegetarian/vegan) and a decent audience who actually bought a bunch of merch.

VEGAN MEATLOAF & MASHED POTATOES!!!

Went out to the bar afterward and had a few drinks...

And some more drinks

And some more....

Then, we stayed at another party (read: smelly) house for the night.
Headed out for Des Moines...

Stopped at another diner....

MORE CLAW MACHINES!!!

And then played Vaudeville Mews to a small crowd - but almost everyone bought a CD, so it made up for the small payout at the door.

We got lucky with the house stay tonight & are out in Ankeny at a really really nice house.

Heading to Lincoln tomorrow in hopes of a bigger crowd.

2007-03-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Stopped at the grocery store for food on the way out Boston. Gefilte! From top to bottom on an entire row of shelves!

Drove to Providence in about an hour an half (ha! beat that, dude from AS220! You said it was going to be atleast 3 hours in traffic!) This venue was lovely. Cafe, bar, art space & venue all in one! They're non-profit and have been around for about 10 years (from what I could see on their old flyers posted in the hallway.

If you can't see it very well (sorry, my photo editing software is terrible - vive la ms paint!) it says "ASCAP - BMI - SESAC Boycott in effect" We were told under no circumstances were we to play any covers. I understand the reasoning behind it - they don't have licenses with any of the above companies, and if they get nabbed, they have to pay a crapload of money for it. I guess the dude from Panther got in trouble for it that night, since he had a sample of something on his music. Huh.

Stayed at a nice boy's house in Providence for the night (he's had a lot of bands stay at his place - apparently his place even survived a stay from An Albatross, if you can believe it.) Then, we headed out this morning for Cleveland. A 10 hour drive - and we stopped in at a random diner in the middle of New York.

THE CLAW MACHINE!!!!

It looks like this for most of the trip. Bleak and dreary. There was some pretty scenery - mostly with snow or ice covering it. We finally made it to Cleveland in one piece... at a coffee shop. I think we're going to scare away half of the people that are here right now. Every other band that has played is pretty mellow....

boston - great scott

2007-03-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Left for Boston this afternoon. We paid about $7 in tolls to get from NYC to Boston. (A $1.25 of which was my fault, because I took the wrong exit, and we had to get back on the Mass. Turnpike. Whoops.)

Great Scott was fairly empty tonight. Okay... extremely empty. The geniuses in the local opening band played a FREE show the night before at their college.... so... I wonder why none of their fans showed tonight with a $9 door charge?

Met up with Gleni - she's brave/gracious enough to let us stay at her house for the night. We went to the opening band's house down the road from the venue & hung out for a while. It had to be the dirtiest place I'd seen in a long time.

Gleni kept me company while the boys did some drinking & hanging out. Now I'm showered and sleeping on a nice air mattress. (Really! Gleni! You rule!)

Tomorrow is Providence.

what if there were no tomorrow?

2007-03-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Went to the Union Pool last night to meet the band and got to see this amazing painting in the process. Wow. Really.

Met the boys and some friends of Travis' as well. Looks like everyone is going to be really easy to get along with.

Some more nerdery on the subway...

Went out for breakfast, watched dogs in the offleash area of the park & spotted David Cross walking around.

I hate it when people use quotes incorrectly.

packing up / nyc

2007-03-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for New York, we had a make believe show at Atlas. The turnout was fantastic, and all the bands were pretty awesome.

It was great seeing Jason Anderson again, he has to be one of the nicest people I've ever met. Crayonsmith was a delight to meet & I'm glad he made the trek for the show (all the way from Ireland!). Phil (Mt. Eerie) was fabulous as always, and Casiotone! AWESOME!

(view from the door)

I went straight home from the show and started packing for tour. I decided it was best to stay up all night, since I had to leave for the airport at 4am. YUCK.

(the wolf followed me all the way across the damn country)

Travis met me at the airport, then we headed out to see a show:

I went to the bathroom at the cake shop:

(i swear there wasn't really any gay sex going on while I was in there)

Then, we watched Ladyhawk. The place was packed, and everyone was singing along. It was spectacular.

Tonight, I meet up with Die!Die!Die! at the Union Pool, and tour officially starts tomorrow.