Groovin, On A Tuesday Afternoon

All is peace and tranquility around our apartment. Aine is looking out the window at the courtyard, I am taking care of a little business over a glass of wine, and life seems pretty good. Light work week from the night job, but much to do with opening night fast approaching for The Colored Museum, for which I am the sound designer.

I just went to grab the mail, and I must say that I do like our living arrangement here in San Jose. We loved our apartment in Chicago, but we always said that it was only inside our walls that we felt comfortable. That is hard to take after awhile. Getting the mail, shopping, even walking from our car was discomforting endeavor. We had to be so on top of our toes constantly. Not just crime, even though that was a factor too. We hated our noisy neighbors (with the exception of a couple that lived on the top floor who cat-sat for us once), we hated the neighborhood, and we hated the weather.

Here, we have neighbors we hang with or at least can coexist with quite well. Nominal petty crime is around, but it is hardly a problem. Rent is higher, but we have so much more room. Don't get me wrong, much love to CB... our old landlord. Guy rocked. But we are just more... "ahhhh" here.

It isn't just our new digs, but being home with family... friends... and purpose. I am teaching. Grading papers. Cultivating young minds again. I love it. Life is good. I can't complain. I love my home, my wife, my mom and dad, my siblings, our close friends both old and new, my school and the vibe I have going. Not much more to say than that. Peace...

Happy Hour

There is something altogether civilized about having a true happy hour with the sound of a cocktail shaker punctuating the end of a hard days work for husband and wife. People may disregard this as a ritual of those with a fixation on imbibing spirits as a point of habit. I look at it as an ode to an age gone by when the sound of ice against glass or the stainless steel of a shaker was a indicator of the end of the hours of obligation, and beginning to hours of jubilation and relaxation as the night came on and a man and woman could relax knowing they had earned their nightcap.

So drink up everyone. You have earned a trip to the bar. I am pouring. Peace...

Surrounded By Art

Being back at SJSU has been like jumping back into the pool after sitting it out in the jacuzzi for an hour. It's shocking, invigorating, and all encompassing. I missed being involved in the arts more than I can express. I had my pinky toe in the deep end so-to-speak when I was in Chicago, but I never really got the chance to dive in with how much was demanded of me when I was there. Sure I did some workshops, auditioned a bit, and saw a play or two. But I couldn't get "in" like I am here. Big reason Nicole and I came back.

So here I am, back in the department that granted me my B.A., and will grant me my M.A. in short turn. It is 9am, and here is the day I have in front of me.

Emailing and working on sound design for "The Colored Museum", followed by my office hours, then Grad Assistant for Theatre Appreciation, grading papers and staff meetings, Graduate Seminar, then off to see Dave perform downtown. Literally, I am surrounded by art. I had myself a very satisfying jam session the other night with the guys. Also ran into an old friend/artist at the jam. Mara McWilliams is a local artist with major world scope. I won't detract from her by slating her work too much. Just go take a looksie. Good stuff.

Well, I have much to do and less time to do it in. Hope all of you are getting your dose of art where you can. If not, you know where you can find me. Peace...

My Love Hate Relationship With Caffeine

In recent years, my life has taken some dramatic twists and turns that have not only affected what my daily routine entails, but how I approach it completely. I used to be the quintessential morning person. Up by 7am, ready and raring to go soon after. I never needed coffee, even when I worked 4am shifts at Starbucks after long nights out carousing till the wee hours of the morning.Now, wether it is age or necessity, nature has forced an evolutionary change in me...

Here I sit in the green room, lappy in hand, answering emails and handling logistics for the day. I have been up since 7:30, but still feel like I am in that walking dream state. I need a boost badly. I need me a cup'o'joe.

Late nights of theatre and work, plus the rigors of married life have made it plum necessary for me to get a daily jolt of something resembling coffee. Monster Irish Blend has been my fave as of late.



Tastes like an Irish Car Bomb. Yum. Might go get me some now. I just hope I don't get the Strong Sad CaffOverdrive effect.



Caffyjibblies suck. Peace...