It's definitely been a while since I've updated this, and I'm really not even sure how to fill in on everything that's happened since I got back from Nashville. The drive back was pretty much flawless, nothing of real importance happened and in terms of how much stuff there was in that car I'm viewing that as a great thing. Plus, we got to eat lunch in Cincinatti at this place called Melt where I got a Seitan cheesesteak sandwich with Michael's friend from Fredonia. Then when we got into NY I got dinner with one of my best friends Jonell at the Fredonia Taco Bell, which left me with that familiar feeling of stomach ache from the number of times I ate at that Taco Bell.
From there it's really been a whirlwind of working (Memorial Day weekend is the busiest time for Hafner's), practicing, recording, and repeating all of those things. I got to go visit Michael after work yesterday, and then left this afternoon to come back for practice. I really love the fact that he's closer right now, so that even if I have to only go down there for 24 hours, I can. And I can see him once a week. Which totally beats once every 2 months.
It's looking like I'll be working tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday, and practicing in between. Sushi night tomorrow, and Emily's birthday BBQ Sunday. And hopefully boyfriend again on Sunday! :)
I'm most certainly trying to just make the best of my situation, I've accepted at this point in time there is very little I have control over, so I'm just trying to smile in the face of everything else and just trying to be content and happy over what it is that I can do for myself. Like walks, visiting goat farms, car rides with npr, being hugged, and sleeping. Sleep is awesome.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Time to say goodbye for a little while...
So today was our last day in Nashville. We really didn't do too much because we had to pack up the apartment and run some errands, but we did go on a few nice walks. We went down to Hillsboro Village this morning so that Michael could close out his bank account (so I went to Fido and got my coffee), and then we walked back later just to go back to the area. The walk there from his apartment (if you don't go down the main road) is absolutely gorgeous; it borders the University and this church convention center-ish place (we're not too entirely sure what it is), and then eventually you walk through Peabody College. It is SO nice. I'm going to miss this place terribly.
Later on, it was a free-for-all in Michael's kitchen. We had pasta and meatballs and broccoli, leaving only a jar of salsa in the fridge and a couple of yogurts for the morning (go us!) I always kid with him that he just has a thing for carbs, and sure enough our snacks for the ride tomorrow consist of what was left over in his cabinets: cheez-its, oyster crackers, and tortilla chips. Gotta love it.
Oh! And before I forget, we went back to Gigi's one last time, and they had this cupcake that I have always been wishing they'd have on the times I'm visiting and never do. It's called the Sugar Mama or something like that, it's basically a caramel cake with caramel icing with caramel and sugar babies on top. Overload, you may think... but I assure you it was just 100% awesome. It may be a good thing we're heading back to NY tomorrow though, because I have been eating far too many amazing cupcakes. I will be visiting the treadmill often once I return, though we do an awful lot of walking around here.
After dinner we went on one last walk around Music Row. I think the place is even more amazing after dark, with all the studios lit up beautifully, and really the place is quite dead at night. No one around, a few people walking their dogs... I keep reminding myself to take mental pictures of this place. Aghh I'm really going to miss it here.
But I promised myself that I will be back, and I will. Only next time, I'll be working here. Hopefully as a songwriter and artist. I really needed this time here, kind of a kick in the rear if you will, since being out of school. I ended up in a pretty nasty funk for a good while, and I think this is exactly what I needed to get me out. And I already have my list of potential 'reach' apartments, though I will be holding out for the wonderful top floor two-level loft apartments at the Adelicia. One day.
So, tomorrow we depart at 6am. We plan on doing it all in one shot, meeting up with Michael's friend from the English Department in Fredonia who is doing grad work now at the University of Miami in Ohio for lunch. It'll be about 4 hours into the drive, leaving 8 to go, so hopefully we can make a nice stop in Cleveland or Erie along the way, and then finish off the drive to Rochester.
I'm going to go catch up on an episode of 30 rock, then hit the hay. I always hate the day before a move though, empty apartments and rooms can be so lonely feeling. Still, I give Michael serious props for fitting his whole life - and me - in a Camry. I will photograph this feat. It's blue ribbon worthy.
Later on, it was a free-for-all in Michael's kitchen. We had pasta and meatballs and broccoli, leaving only a jar of salsa in the fridge and a couple of yogurts for the morning (go us!) I always kid with him that he just has a thing for carbs, and sure enough our snacks for the ride tomorrow consist of what was left over in his cabinets: cheez-its, oyster crackers, and tortilla chips. Gotta love it.
Oh! And before I forget, we went back to Gigi's one last time, and they had this cupcake that I have always been wishing they'd have on the times I'm visiting and never do. It's called the Sugar Mama or something like that, it's basically a caramel cake with caramel icing with caramel and sugar babies on top. Overload, you may think... but I assure you it was just 100% awesome. It may be a good thing we're heading back to NY tomorrow though, because I have been eating far too many amazing cupcakes. I will be visiting the treadmill often once I return, though we do an awful lot of walking around here.
After dinner we went on one last walk around Music Row. I think the place is even more amazing after dark, with all the studios lit up beautifully, and really the place is quite dead at night. No one around, a few people walking their dogs... I keep reminding myself to take mental pictures of this place. Aghh I'm really going to miss it here.
But I promised myself that I will be back, and I will. Only next time, I'll be working here. Hopefully as a songwriter and artist. I really needed this time here, kind of a kick in the rear if you will, since being out of school. I ended up in a pretty nasty funk for a good while, and I think this is exactly what I needed to get me out. And I already have my list of potential 'reach' apartments, though I will be holding out for the wonderful top floor two-level loft apartments at the Adelicia. One day.
So, tomorrow we depart at 6am. We plan on doing it all in one shot, meeting up with Michael's friend from the English Department in Fredonia who is doing grad work now at the University of Miami in Ohio for lunch. It'll be about 4 hours into the drive, leaving 8 to go, so hopefully we can make a nice stop in Cleveland or Erie along the way, and then finish off the drive to Rochester.
I'm going to go catch up on an episode of 30 rock, then hit the hay. I always hate the day before a move though, empty apartments and rooms can be so lonely feeling. Still, I give Michael serious props for fitting his whole life - and me - in a Camry. I will photograph this feat. It's blue ribbon worthy.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Well, I definitely showed off my feminine side today...
In an effort to continue on with our 'list of things to do while still in Nashville,' Michael and I decided to go to Radnor Lake. We've never been, but it sounded really nice; we're both pretty outdoors-ey and we've visited a few state parks together. So we decided to grab a nice sandwich and have a picnic (and I grabbed a morning cup of coffee). We intended from there to drive out to Historic Franklin, just to see the town and all the cute shops, so I donned my comfiest sundress and flip flops, and headed out with my camera.
Little did we know, Radnor Lake really is just a park with hiking trails. So here I am, walking dirt paths (that were soggy from the week of rain Nashville has gotten over the past few days) in gold sequin flip flops, a sundress, a clutch, and a coffee in my hands. I felt like the most ridiculous person on the world, while women dressed in their power-walking best strode past me, and men with their walking sticks just kind of stared in disbelief that someone dressed this way were even out before noon. I am very aware that there are many a 'super sweet 16' kind of girl in this area of TN, but... definitely not me. If I had my sneakers on I would have loved to keep going all day, but of course, after a cup of coffee and about an hour of hiking I really had to pee. With no bathroom in sight and just more trails, I totally thought it was going to be yet another adventure to just hide behind a nice tree or something, but finally we found somewhere. I really enjoyed the park, it was absolutely gorgeous; once I get my laptop back online I'll post a bunch of pictures to illustrate my trip.
After looping the lake and eating, we headed to Franklin. Neither of us had been there before either, and Michael got some 'scenic route' directions so we could drive through Brentwood on the way. Basically those areas are where a TON of country artists live, and the houses we passed were beyond huge and ridiculous. To further make my point, the gargoyles bordering the gates to the driveways of these houses were beyond huge and ridiculous. And just to add to the whole feeling of the afternoon, we listened to Paramore. Hope you understand the need to do so.
Franklin overall was a really cute town. Not too too much to do, as we are normal (lower)middle-class individuals who just graduated and have yet to find a steady job and most of the cute boutiques have cotton tank tops priced at $250 or above, but we still did a lot of window shopping. Michael found a nice bookstore, and I found 2 (yes, 2) cupcake bakeries. Within walking distance of each other. Naturally, we purchased one of each and had our way with them.
The one we got from Ivey Cake was Lemon, I don't remember what it was called but all of the cupcakes here had these amazingly sassy and girly names. So funny. I'll have to check out the website and go into detail about the place, but it was great. The other, from the Curious Gourmet Cupcake Bakery, was absolutely massive. We got a 'worms and dirt' one, with chocolate cake and green frosting (with oreo cookies and a gummy worm). I think our overall thoughts were that the chocolate cake from Curious Gourmet was the most amazing cake we've ever had. Thank goodness we walked all that way before we got to Franklin, because they didn't last 15 minutes.
We went back downtown on our way back to the apartment to check out a few more shops that weren't open the last time we were down there, and then relaxed for a bit. Because it was such a beautiful day, we decided to get falafel from Bellvue (where Michael lived last year), and then head to Love Hill one last time before the move. Basically, for all of you who don't know Nashville too well, Love Hill is a small plot of land on the top of a hill in a residential area. A lot of people don't know about it, but you can see the entire Nashville skyline from the top, and on the other side you can see the sunset over the hills and countryside. It's really an amazing view.
Every time I've been down here we take a picture from the top of the hill, and sadly this time my camera's batteries died. So bummed, but we still had a really nice dinner, and then went back to the apartment before going on a short walk around Music Row. We found out that SESAC had a Grammy Party going on down the street, with live music and such (though I don't understand the timing entirely), and although I didn't know of any of the groups performing, I just love how this place is about live music. You couldn't get into the party without an invitation, but you could see the stage from the street.
Overall, it was another great day. Tomorrow we run some errands (returning the cable box, closing bank accounts, etc), and pack up Cameron (Michael's Camry has a name). I hope to walk around Hillsboro one more time, and take some more pictures if my rechargeable batteries can make it one more day (I didn't realize they can die...like die die). Aggghhh I'm not ready to give this place up yet!!
Little did we know, Radnor Lake really is just a park with hiking trails. So here I am, walking dirt paths (that were soggy from the week of rain Nashville has gotten over the past few days) in gold sequin flip flops, a sundress, a clutch, and a coffee in my hands. I felt like the most ridiculous person on the world, while women dressed in their power-walking best strode past me, and men with their walking sticks just kind of stared in disbelief that someone dressed this way were even out before noon. I am very aware that there are many a 'super sweet 16' kind of girl in this area of TN, but... definitely not me. If I had my sneakers on I would have loved to keep going all day, but of course, after a cup of coffee and about an hour of hiking I really had to pee. With no bathroom in sight and just more trails, I totally thought it was going to be yet another adventure to just hide behind a nice tree or something, but finally we found somewhere. I really enjoyed the park, it was absolutely gorgeous; once I get my laptop back online I'll post a bunch of pictures to illustrate my trip.
After looping the lake and eating, we headed to Franklin. Neither of us had been there before either, and Michael got some 'scenic route' directions so we could drive through Brentwood on the way. Basically those areas are where a TON of country artists live, and the houses we passed were beyond huge and ridiculous. To further make my point, the gargoyles bordering the gates to the driveways of these houses were beyond huge and ridiculous. And just to add to the whole feeling of the afternoon, we listened to Paramore. Hope you understand the need to do so.
Franklin overall was a really cute town. Not too too much to do, as we are normal (lower)middle-class individuals who just graduated and have yet to find a steady job and most of the cute boutiques have cotton tank tops priced at $250 or above, but we still did a lot of window shopping. Michael found a nice bookstore, and I found 2 (yes, 2) cupcake bakeries. Within walking distance of each other. Naturally, we purchased one of each and had our way with them.
The one we got from Ivey Cake was Lemon, I don't remember what it was called but all of the cupcakes here had these amazingly sassy and girly names. So funny. I'll have to check out the website and go into detail about the place, but it was great. The other, from the Curious Gourmet Cupcake Bakery, was absolutely massive. We got a 'worms and dirt' one, with chocolate cake and green frosting (with oreo cookies and a gummy worm). I think our overall thoughts were that the chocolate cake from Curious Gourmet was the most amazing cake we've ever had. Thank goodness we walked all that way before we got to Franklin, because they didn't last 15 minutes.
We went back downtown on our way back to the apartment to check out a few more shops that weren't open the last time we were down there, and then relaxed for a bit. Because it was such a beautiful day, we decided to get falafel from Bellvue (where Michael lived last year), and then head to Love Hill one last time before the move. Basically, for all of you who don't know Nashville too well, Love Hill is a small plot of land on the top of a hill in a residential area. A lot of people don't know about it, but you can see the entire Nashville skyline from the top, and on the other side you can see the sunset over the hills and countryside. It's really an amazing view.
Every time I've been down here we take a picture from the top of the hill, and sadly this time my camera's batteries died. So bummed, but we still had a really nice dinner, and then went back to the apartment before going on a short walk around Music Row. We found out that SESAC had a Grammy Party going on down the street, with live music and such (though I don't understand the timing entirely), and although I didn't know of any of the groups performing, I just love how this place is about live music. You couldn't get into the party without an invitation, but you could see the stage from the street.
Overall, it was another great day. Tomorrow we run some errands (returning the cable box, closing bank accounts, etc), and pack up Cameron (Michael's Camry has a name). I hope to walk around Hillsboro one more time, and take some more pictures if my rechargeable batteries can make it one more day (I didn't realize they can die...like die die). Aggghhh I'm not ready to give this place up yet!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
I have internet! For the moment!
Today, I will fill you in on a bit more of my time in Nashville, as well as our objectives for the rest of our time here. Things will be a bit sporadic, but stay with me.
First off, Michael had to go to the Post Office this morning to pick up the graduation present I sent to him (only showed up... a few days late), so I tagged along because it was in Hillsboro Village. I think that this area of Nashville is my all time favorite location in the whole city, full of cute shops, a coffee shop, and just a nice, artsy feel. It is also the outdoor location to this music video:
So anyways, I went with and stopped by Fido (the coffee shop there) to get some caffeine in the old veins. The place is called Fido because I believe it used to be a pet shop, and they kept the neon sign on the outside of the store and everything. It's a sweet place, and friends of Michael's have seen Ben Folds there, and when I took Leena and Shane I was informed one of Big and Rich's 'posse' was there, but I didn't recognize him so I don't think it counts. Regardless, I got a white chocolate raspberry latte (called a pink poodle), and while I was waiting the guy next to me struck up a conversation about Vanderbilt Football (...to which I just played along with, I have no idea what he was talking about, but hey, everyone here is just so nice I can hardly stand it). Once he left, the guy behind the counter looked at me, smiled, and responded "I'm just guessing, but I don't think you are too big a follower of football, are you?" I must say, I really enjoy how happy people out here are, on a daily basis. It took quite a while to get my drink, but when it was served by the guy behind the counter I found he gave me a larger size and since I requested no whipped cream, there was LATTE ART in it's place. Way to make my day, I've always been wanting to go somewhere where that was done.
I guess there was a line at the Post Office, so I went and did some shopping at Pangaea. I really love that store, it's a bit high-end but I vowed to myself I would get something there during this visit so I did, and when I returned Michael was all set. We came back to the apartment, went downtown for a bit, just going to the shops and such, and then came back and made lunch. Then we went for a walk down to the Nashville Clothing Company (another place I love), walked around, and made a few more stops along the way. Now we're back at the apt, hanging out for a bit, making dinner here, and then I think going to the Flying Saucer with a few of Michael's friends. At 9pm there is a free show at the Mercy Lounge with the Mean Tambourines, a local band that Michael turned me on to, so I think we're going to check that out as well.
Okay, so the list. This is what we're working with:
Food:
1. The Loveless Cafe (check, ate their Saturday with his family)
2. The Pancake Pantry (check)
3. Gigi's Cupcakes (check... will be re-checked again on Wednesday)
4. Fido (check)
5. Las Paletas (check)
6. Frank's Greek Food (sounds sketchy... tastes delicious)
7. Mellow Mushroom (optional, but it's reliable and awesome)
8. Pie In The Sky (just for dessert)
9. The Frothy Monkey (coffeeshop... sounds interesting)
Places/Shops:
1. Radner Lake (I think we'll be going tomorrow)
2. Hillsboro Village (check)
3. Elliston Place (I want a milkshake at a diner down there)
4. Katy K's Ranch Dressing (It's a western shop.. but wow, what a name)
5. Downtown (check)
6. FireFinch - Hillsboro (check)
7. Pangaea - Hillsboro (check)
8. Nashville Clothing Company - West End (check)
So we're doing pretty well, I must say.
Oh, and here's some work from Duy Huynh that we saw in that gallery:
I was unfamiliar with his work prior to seeing it listed online at the gallery, but I'm so happy that we went out to it.
First off, Michael had to go to the Post Office this morning to pick up the graduation present I sent to him (only showed up... a few days late), so I tagged along because it was in Hillsboro Village. I think that this area of Nashville is my all time favorite location in the whole city, full of cute shops, a coffee shop, and just a nice, artsy feel. It is also the outdoor location to this music video:
So anyways, I went with and stopped by Fido (the coffee shop there) to get some caffeine in the old veins. The place is called Fido because I believe it used to be a pet shop, and they kept the neon sign on the outside of the store and everything. It's a sweet place, and friends of Michael's have seen Ben Folds there, and when I took Leena and Shane I was informed one of Big and Rich's 'posse' was there, but I didn't recognize him so I don't think it counts. Regardless, I got a white chocolate raspberry latte (called a pink poodle), and while I was waiting the guy next to me struck up a conversation about Vanderbilt Football (...to which I just played along with, I have no idea what he was talking about, but hey, everyone here is just so nice I can hardly stand it). Once he left, the guy behind the counter looked at me, smiled, and responded "I'm just guessing, but I don't think you are too big a follower of football, are you?" I must say, I really enjoy how happy people out here are, on a daily basis. It took quite a while to get my drink, but when it was served by the guy behind the counter I found he gave me a larger size and since I requested no whipped cream, there was LATTE ART in it's place. Way to make my day, I've always been wanting to go somewhere where that was done.
I guess there was a line at the Post Office, so I went and did some shopping at Pangaea. I really love that store, it's a bit high-end but I vowed to myself I would get something there during this visit so I did, and when I returned Michael was all set. We came back to the apartment, went downtown for a bit, just going to the shops and such, and then came back and made lunch. Then we went for a walk down to the Nashville Clothing Company (another place I love), walked around, and made a few more stops along the way. Now we're back at the apt, hanging out for a bit, making dinner here, and then I think going to the Flying Saucer with a few of Michael's friends. At 9pm there is a free show at the Mercy Lounge with the Mean Tambourines, a local band that Michael turned me on to, so I think we're going to check that out as well.
Okay, so the list. This is what we're working with:
Food:
1. The Loveless Cafe (check, ate their Saturday with his family)
2. The Pancake Pantry (check)
3. Gigi's Cupcakes (check... will be re-checked again on Wednesday)
4. Fido (check)
5. Las Paletas (check)
6. Frank's Greek Food (sounds sketchy... tastes delicious)
7. Mellow Mushroom (optional, but it's reliable and awesome)
8. Pie In The Sky (just for dessert)
9. The Frothy Monkey (coffeeshop... sounds interesting)
Places/Shops:
1. Radner Lake (I think we'll be going tomorrow)
2. Hillsboro Village (check)
3. Elliston Place (I want a milkshake at a diner down there)
4. Katy K's Ranch Dressing (It's a western shop.. but wow, what a name)
5. Downtown (check)
6. FireFinch - Hillsboro (check)
7. Pangaea - Hillsboro (check)
8. Nashville Clothing Company - West End (check)
So we're doing pretty well, I must say.
Oh, and here's some work from Duy Huynh that we saw in that gallery:
I was unfamiliar with his work prior to seeing it listed online at the gallery, but I'm so happy that we went out to it.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Nashville... I don't want to leave you.
I know I really haven't been keeping up with updates lately, and I think it mostly has to do with the fact that I haven't had internet since Thursday. I wrote up a little something to post about the SUNY Canton show in the Detroit airport only to find that the internet connection failed, and from then once I got to Nashville my computer once again won't work in Michael's apartment.
The past 3 days have really been a whirlwind; I got in Thursday afternoon and met Michael at the airport, went to an English get-together for a bit at Vanderbilt, and then went to pick up his oldest brother, Steven, from the airport. From there we went to Las Paletas (we didn't waste any time crossing of things on our list of things to see before we left), which is an AMAZING specialty popsicle shop. I got a plum one, and it still had the skin in it... it was listerally like someone just ground up a dozen plums and froze it on a stick. Soooo good. His parents and middle brother Chris arrived later in the evening, so we met them for dinner and then showed them around downtown a bit. I didn't realize how much I've learned about this city, and I'm pretty impressed that I really do kind of know my way around.
Friday was Michael's graduation. It was a very interesting setup, everyone went into the basketball stadium (it was supposed to be outside but there were some severe weather warnings), and we sat and listened to the chancellor for an hour and a half or so, and then we split up for the various graduation ceremonies (undergrads stayed, certain schools went to different places). Michael's was the Masters and Ph.D graduation, and although awesome to see, it was definitely a 5 hour ordeal. I'm so proud of him though, and as I've visited throughout the couple of years he's been here I've gotten to know and meet just about everyone in his class (there are only 6 of them), and his professors, and they seem like amazing people. We went to the Pancake Pantry after that (cross that off), and relaxed/did some walking around before we went out for a fancy dinner that night. We intended on showing them the Pedestrian bridge downtown where you can see the whole skyline, but thunder and lighting kind of cancelled that one.
Saturday is kind of a blur, just a lot of tourist-ing for his family, going to all the 'spots' in Nashville, and then going to a party at one of his friend's houses who graduated from the fiction side of the program. Coincidentally her and her husband are moving to Ithaca in the coming weeks so that her husband can finish up his Ph.D work at Cornell, so they won't be too far. I also got to speak with Michael's main professor and his wife, and by talking to these people it's no wonder why he enjoyed his time here. The area itself is so inspiring, but to have people that share that same desire to create and be inspired by everything around them is very refreshing, and you don't see too much of that in Syracuse.
Today his family left and we kind of regrouped and figured out a list of everything we want to see and do. We went out to East Nashville early to see this amazing art gallery featuring artist Duy Huynh. His work is absolutely amazing, and going there was one of those experiences where you just want to run home and start painting again. We also went out to Opry Mills for a bit (I wanted to check out the mall... I know, that's kind of lame, but it was rather cloudy so it put a damper on enjoying the outdoors). After that we grabbed some groceries and called it a night. It's definitely been an exhausting weekend, so we're taking it easy. We have a very busy few days ahead of us before the big drive back on Thursday.
We went out for a short walk around 9pm, and I wanted to walk past this studio that I knew Taylor Swift had recorded a few songs at for her new album ("Breathe" I am certain was recorded there, not sure of any others). I absolutely love this city with all my heart, but it was almost discouraging, facing this gigantic building with wrought-iron fences and call buttons to get in. It's wrong to say I want this (to make it as a musician), more than anything I've ever wanted, because I've really never wanted anything else. I grew up playing music, I've sang and played music since I learned to talk. I'm trying to turn that into a driving force to write more, to submit to every person on a list of possible clients for Cherry Lane, to keep writing, both for tse and for myself, pop or indie or country or anything. It's become an ache that I just... need. I feel like I need this city for it too. I need to walk past those big buildings with their congratulatory banners for Keith Urban and Taylor Swift and other songwriters and artists, and I need to see myself being one of them one day. It's just so hard, being so small. I'm hoping to take that back with me, because I don't know when I'll be coming back here. I think already this visit has been boot camp for my creativity. Michael's professors kept saying to him, "If it's one thing you do, just don't stop writing." He's trying to get his manuscript published, but with all of that going on, they just don't want him to stop. I feel like that message, from his peers and professors to all the buildings that border this tiny apartment has been drilled into my skull and I know that it's the same for me.
This place is so awe-inspiring that it will get you, both down and up to where you don't know whether to smile or cry or do both. All I know is a smile hasn't left my face since I got off the airplane.
The past 3 days have really been a whirlwind; I got in Thursday afternoon and met Michael at the airport, went to an English get-together for a bit at Vanderbilt, and then went to pick up his oldest brother, Steven, from the airport. From there we went to Las Paletas (we didn't waste any time crossing of things on our list of things to see before we left), which is an AMAZING specialty popsicle shop. I got a plum one, and it still had the skin in it... it was listerally like someone just ground up a dozen plums and froze it on a stick. Soooo good. His parents and middle brother Chris arrived later in the evening, so we met them for dinner and then showed them around downtown a bit. I didn't realize how much I've learned about this city, and I'm pretty impressed that I really do kind of know my way around.
Friday was Michael's graduation. It was a very interesting setup, everyone went into the basketball stadium (it was supposed to be outside but there were some severe weather warnings), and we sat and listened to the chancellor for an hour and a half or so, and then we split up for the various graduation ceremonies (undergrads stayed, certain schools went to different places). Michael's was the Masters and Ph.D graduation, and although awesome to see, it was definitely a 5 hour ordeal. I'm so proud of him though, and as I've visited throughout the couple of years he's been here I've gotten to know and meet just about everyone in his class (there are only 6 of them), and his professors, and they seem like amazing people. We went to the Pancake Pantry after that (cross that off), and relaxed/did some walking around before we went out for a fancy dinner that night. We intended on showing them the Pedestrian bridge downtown where you can see the whole skyline, but thunder and lighting kind of cancelled that one.
Saturday is kind of a blur, just a lot of tourist-ing for his family, going to all the 'spots' in Nashville, and then going to a party at one of his friend's houses who graduated from the fiction side of the program. Coincidentally her and her husband are moving to Ithaca in the coming weeks so that her husband can finish up his Ph.D work at Cornell, so they won't be too far. I also got to speak with Michael's main professor and his wife, and by talking to these people it's no wonder why he enjoyed his time here. The area itself is so inspiring, but to have people that share that same desire to create and be inspired by everything around them is very refreshing, and you don't see too much of that in Syracuse.
Today his family left and we kind of regrouped and figured out a list of everything we want to see and do. We went out to East Nashville early to see this amazing art gallery featuring artist Duy Huynh. His work is absolutely amazing, and going there was one of those experiences where you just want to run home and start painting again. We also went out to Opry Mills for a bit (I wanted to check out the mall... I know, that's kind of lame, but it was rather cloudy so it put a damper on enjoying the outdoors). After that we grabbed some groceries and called it a night. It's definitely been an exhausting weekend, so we're taking it easy. We have a very busy few days ahead of us before the big drive back on Thursday.
We went out for a short walk around 9pm, and I wanted to walk past this studio that I knew Taylor Swift had recorded a few songs at for her new album ("Breathe" I am certain was recorded there, not sure of any others). I absolutely love this city with all my heart, but it was almost discouraging, facing this gigantic building with wrought-iron fences and call buttons to get in. It's wrong to say I want this (to make it as a musician), more than anything I've ever wanted, because I've really never wanted anything else. I grew up playing music, I've sang and played music since I learned to talk. I'm trying to turn that into a driving force to write more, to submit to every person on a list of possible clients for Cherry Lane, to keep writing, both for tse and for myself, pop or indie or country or anything. It's become an ache that I just... need. I feel like I need this city for it too. I need to walk past those big buildings with their congratulatory banners for Keith Urban and Taylor Swift and other songwriters and artists, and I need to see myself being one of them one day. It's just so hard, being so small. I'm hoping to take that back with me, because I don't know when I'll be coming back here. I think already this visit has been boot camp for my creativity. Michael's professors kept saying to him, "If it's one thing you do, just don't stop writing." He's trying to get his manuscript published, but with all of that going on, they just don't want him to stop. I feel like that message, from his peers and professors to all the buildings that border this tiny apartment has been drilled into my skull and I know that it's the same for me.
This place is so awe-inspiring that it will get you, both down and up to where you don't know whether to smile or cry or do both. All I know is a smile hasn't left my face since I got off the airplane.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Oh, and one more thing!!
Hey guys, I forgot one thing...
It came to our attention that "The Way We Used To Be" was played on MTV's "Making the Band 4." I'm not an avid watcher of that program, but if any of you are and you are familiar with our music, or think you know what episode it was on, we would really appreciate a tip-off. We have absolutely no idea what date it originally aired, when in the episode, or where to look for it. My mother has been resting after a minor surgery, and tried to start watching all of the available episodes online, and hasn't come up with any luck. If anyone knows, please get in touch, we would really appreciate it! We are super excited at another placement, but we just wish we could find it! Thanks!!
It came to our attention that "The Way We Used To Be" was played on MTV's "Making the Band 4." I'm not an avid watcher of that program, but if any of you are and you are familiar with our music, or think you know what episode it was on, we would really appreciate a tip-off. We have absolutely no idea what date it originally aired, when in the episode, or where to look for it. My mother has been resting after a minor surgery, and tried to start watching all of the available episodes online, and hasn't come up with any luck. If anyone knows, please get in touch, we would really appreciate it! We are super excited at another placement, but we just wish we could find it! Thanks!!
Got 5 bucks? It can literally feed you for a week.
I haven't updated in a while, so here, to bombard you with more random plinky-ness, is some useless knowledge about me and my poor eating habits whilst at college. I'm not there anymore, but it's not to say I won't make this fantastic dish every so often once I move out on my own once again.
Prepping up stir-fry brown rice with broccoli
Brown rice with frozen broccoli. Throw some butter and fresh garlic, maybe sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on it... it's practically a gourmet dish. Only not. Not at all.
The Old Stomping Grounds
So, first and foremost I quickly want to touch on how AMAZING our show was with Good Old War in SUNY Oswego on Friday. Everything about it was perfect; the venue (Sheldon Ballroom) was absolutely gorgeous, complete with chandeliers and high ceilings and a great stage, and Good Old War was phenomenal. If you aren't aware of them yet, you need to become familiar. They're going on tour with The Gaslight Anthem starting May 5th, and then joining up with Straylight Run shortly thereafter. What a great show, and everyone that came out had the nicest things to say to us, and even GOW was so incredibly kind and amazing to us. Huge, huge thanks to Jazz (coincidentally Jonell's twin sister) for setting it all up. Even the flier... ugh, original artwork, you kill me every time:
This weekend is Fredonia's spring concert (Fredfest), and Kaleena's boyfriend is running the whole thing, so we decided to head out and see all the alumni and friends that will be in town. Kaleena was in charge of the concert last year, and we have both been members of the student group that puts it on every year, so this was our first Fredfest that didn't include any stress whatsoever (and we also played the festival twice over the past 4 years). O.A.R was headlining, and they sold 5,600 tickets, which is HUGE at our school. Overall the concert was a huge success, and I'm so happy for Shane and Spectrum for making the whole thing run pretty flawlessly (at least that's how it appeared). I also met up with a few friends throughout the day, and it was awesome getting to see so many people again after a year of being away from Fredonia.
Two things about this weekend though:
1) It really isn't the same place I remember... at all. I remember coming out for the winter concert, and still feeling an emotional connection to the college, the dorm halls, my old house, etc. But this time, I almost got a pit in my stomach. There's definitely a lot of ghosts in this place, and I think the only reason I enjoyed and loved and even hated this place was because of the people that I had around me, and without them it's just a desolate college town with a severe alcohol addiction. and
2), building off of that addiction, I think Kaleena put it best when she tried to drive downtown last night, calling me and saying "Seriously... it's like a zombie apocalypse of drunk people. They're in the roads, they're everywhere. And there are no parking spaces." What a mess the place was. Driving to and from Jonell's was absolutely terrifying, you actually felt the need to drive slow when there were people walking on the sidewalk because you weren't sure if they were planning on doing a mad rush across the street at that given moment. I actually had to stop on a busy road for a dude looking UPWARDS crossing the street. Forget looking both ways, he wasn't even looking ahead of him. We did manage to get a lot of great drunken feedback, however. Someone came up to me and Jonell, just gave us this big high-five "you guys ROCK!" (at least he was a positive, happy drunk), and I also had quite a few people come up to me "KALEEEEENAAAAAA I'VE MISSED YOU HOW ARE YOU DOING?!" To which I put on my best smile and responded and played along with it (It happens. And there's no point in explaining to someone who is drunk that you're not the person they think you are because that will just confuse them and then inevitably lead to the 20 minute apology when all I want to do is get the heck out of the bar I'm in). But alas, I managed to find some amazing people I didn't think I'd see, some old friends I was hoping I'd run into, and luckily, no one I didn't particularly want to see.
I'll be in Freddy until tomorrow, and I'm staying with one of my bests Jonell at her place in Dunkirk; it's a little far from downtown Fredonia so we had every intention of either going downtown for an hour or so, or going to the grocery store, picking up some bulk candy, and going to blockbuster (I love her; we are such 'stay-in' people. It's awesome). We amazingly did it all, and I managed to snag 2 movies for 9 bucks (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day). Right now I'm sitting on the couch which she works on a couple self portraits she has due for her drawing class, and Atticus is keeping me company :)
This week is going to be crazy for me, as I return home tomorrow, record, work Tuesday, record, have a great show in SUNY Canton on Wednesday, and then head out to Nashville on Thursday morning. It's going to be busy, but I am so happy. With all the recording and the slow pace of progress in the studio, shows are basically necessary to keep our morale up. They absolutely make everything we're doing worth it. Seeing everyone in Fredonia ask us how we're doing, and telling us they're following us online... you guys are amazing. And again, to everyone who came out on Friday, and to anyone who plans on coming out Wednesday, we love you. Really.
This weekend is Fredonia's spring concert (Fredfest), and Kaleena's boyfriend is running the whole thing, so we decided to head out and see all the alumni and friends that will be in town. Kaleena was in charge of the concert last year, and we have both been members of the student group that puts it on every year, so this was our first Fredfest that didn't include any stress whatsoever (and we also played the festival twice over the past 4 years). O.A.R was headlining, and they sold 5,600 tickets, which is HUGE at our school. Overall the concert was a huge success, and I'm so happy for Shane and Spectrum for making the whole thing run pretty flawlessly (at least that's how it appeared). I also met up with a few friends throughout the day, and it was awesome getting to see so many people again after a year of being away from Fredonia.
Two things about this weekend though:
1) It really isn't the same place I remember... at all. I remember coming out for the winter concert, and still feeling an emotional connection to the college, the dorm halls, my old house, etc. But this time, I almost got a pit in my stomach. There's definitely a lot of ghosts in this place, and I think the only reason I enjoyed and loved and even hated this place was because of the people that I had around me, and without them it's just a desolate college town with a severe alcohol addiction. and
2), building off of that addiction, I think Kaleena put it best when she tried to drive downtown last night, calling me and saying "Seriously... it's like a zombie apocalypse of drunk people. They're in the roads, they're everywhere. And there are no parking spaces." What a mess the place was. Driving to and from Jonell's was absolutely terrifying, you actually felt the need to drive slow when there were people walking on the sidewalk because you weren't sure if they were planning on doing a mad rush across the street at that given moment. I actually had to stop on a busy road for a dude looking UPWARDS crossing the street. Forget looking both ways, he wasn't even looking ahead of him. We did manage to get a lot of great drunken feedback, however. Someone came up to me and Jonell, just gave us this big high-five "you guys ROCK!" (at least he was a positive, happy drunk), and I also had quite a few people come up to me "KALEEEEENAAAAAA I'VE MISSED YOU HOW ARE YOU DOING?!" To which I put on my best smile and responded and played along with it (It happens. And there's no point in explaining to someone who is drunk that you're not the person they think you are because that will just confuse them and then inevitably lead to the 20 minute apology when all I want to do is get the heck out of the bar I'm in). But alas, I managed to find some amazing people I didn't think I'd see, some old friends I was hoping I'd run into, and luckily, no one I didn't particularly want to see.
I'll be in Freddy until tomorrow, and I'm staying with one of my bests Jonell at her place in Dunkirk; it's a little far from downtown Fredonia so we had every intention of either going downtown for an hour or so, or going to the grocery store, picking up some bulk candy, and going to blockbuster (I love her; we are such 'stay-in' people. It's awesome). We amazingly did it all, and I managed to snag 2 movies for 9 bucks (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day). Right now I'm sitting on the couch which she works on a couple self portraits she has due for her drawing class, and Atticus is keeping me company :)
This week is going to be crazy for me, as I return home tomorrow, record, work Tuesday, record, have a great show in SUNY Canton on Wednesday, and then head out to Nashville on Thursday morning. It's going to be busy, but I am so happy. With all the recording and the slow pace of progress in the studio, shows are basically necessary to keep our morale up. They absolutely make everything we're doing worth it. Seeing everyone in Fredonia ask us how we're doing, and telling us they're following us online... you guys are amazing. And again, to everyone who came out on Friday, and to anyone who plans on coming out Wednesday, we love you. Really.
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