Florida and Football
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this thing. And like I’ve said before, it seems a lot easier to update my Twitter account. But anyways, here’s the quick 411 of what’s been going on.
My dad had a business trip lay over on Thursday 8/21 so we grabbed dinner and had some killer conversation time. It was great to see him. I went to another Sounds game with Sara and some kids she watches. Again, the fireworks were awesome. The next day we took a trip to Murfreesboro and met up with Tobin to see Abandon Kansas play. They definitely impressed me and though I don’t think their album matches up with the energy they have live, I look forward to keeping any eye on them.
I got see the mighty Stone Temple Pilots for the first time when they rocked out the Grand Ole Opry on 8/24. It was amazing. I was just glad Weiland showed up. He is by far one of the best modern day frontmen you will ever see. I felt like I was transported back to 1994 when they opened up with “Big Empty”. It was a kick ass show.
I went to yet another Sounds game with Sara, Derek, and Danny but this time it was Thirsty Thursday (ie, $1 beer). The tickets were free and the beer was cheap so obviously you can’t turn down entertainment like that plus the people watching is great.
I took a trip Labor Day weekend with my bros Phil and Tobin to St. Augustine, FL. It was the first time I could remember I took a “guys” trip. We stayed on a boat called the Flip Side (owned by the former drummer of Creed and now Alter Bridge) and lived it up large for 4 nights / 3 days. We probably drank way too many Goombay Smashes on Reggae Sunday at the Conch House. But the drinks were free and the hang time was killer. It was a very historic town and a very chill environment. Their tourist slogan was “A quaint little fishing village with a huge drinking problem”. Thanks to Richard, Roli, the McClelland family, and the rest of the SSB guys for the hospitality and great times. I had never been to St. Augustine before and always wanted to go, so I’m really glad I did and that I made a trip with some good dudes who have become great friends this past year. Here are some pics.
Once I got back to TN Sara and I grabbed dinner with the Boer family. Debb sure does know how to cook a killer meal and not just cause I hadn’t had a home cooked meal in a while. Then on the weekend Sara and I had dinner with Beth and Devan at City House in the Germantown area of Nashville. It was my first time eating there and I freakin’ loved it. We followed that up by hittin’ up 3 Crow for Emmy’s and Derek’s birthdays. A lot of friends came out and it was great time seeing everyone and catching up.
I went to my first Tennessee Titans game yesterday. My bro JR had free tickets and I of course took the opportunity to go. I have never been to a pro football game before and it was killer to go to game 1. Not only did the Titans pull out a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars but Penn State alumni quarterback Kerry Collins came in and drove the team down the field for the game clinching touchdown win. As one of my favorite ESPN commentators says, “He was as cool as the other side of the pillow”.
Penn State football has started and so far we’re 2-0. I think we’ll have a really good season and I can’t wait to go home to PA at the end of the month for the Illinois game which is also the WHITE OUT game. And in case you don’t know what that is then click HERE.
Anyways, that’s the latest.
Lake-ation, keeping it off, and other random thoughts
So this past weekend was lake-ation. I hit the road with Sara, Emmy, and their friend Laurie for Loudon, TN. Laurie’s family has a house on Lake Tellico. We arrived to a home cooked southern dinner, which was something I haven’t had in a long time, and a family that was extremely hospitable. We closed out the evening in the hot tub and boy was that relaxing because I don’t even feel stressed right now in life. I took it easy on Saturday by enjoying my conversations with Sara on the dock. It was so peaceful at the lake so we just chilled. Sunday was time for water sports and some of Laurie’s friends and her brother came down from Knoxville as well. Needless to say I got my ass thrashed while tubing and got the red face from chillin’ in the sun on the boat and on a raft in the lake. But totally worth it. I should have taken more pics but I was having way too much fun. Laurie’s family was super nice and hopefully I’ll get to go back sometime.
On a side note, I finally weighed myself the other weekend at a Restoration Hardware in AL. I clocked in at 157.2lbs. Not too bad. If you knew me a year and a half ago I was over 200lbs. But I lost a lot of weight real quick when shit hit the fan last year. I was worried that once I started working in March and actually had some money in my pocket that I would start eating more and put the weight back on. But I haven’t. I have been diligent with refusing to eat the junk food and other stuff that was the cause of the weight going on in the first place. Not to mention I’m trying lots of new and healthier foods like salads. So yeah, I just feel healthier overall and it feels great. Now I just need to get toned up. I have been looking at getting a YMCA membership now that I’m settled into a place and a routine and even more so since there’s one right across the street from my new place. So yes, if you know me, than all of this might sound weird. But I have learned that when one area of your life changes many other areas of your life will change as well and hopefully all for the good, which I believe in my case they are. It’s not to say that I was a bad person before or an extremely overweight person but I have decided to take what has happened to me and create as many good and positive things out of it as I can.
Something that has come to my attention lately is this. There is a beauty in the spiritual. I don’t feel this was something I could have said years ago. I can only associate this awareness with attaching myself to Him as deeply as I have tried this past year. And because of that I have taken notice of a new beauty in people that align themselves with Him as well. It’s a beauty I have never seen before. It’s extremely exciting, humbling, and challenging all at the same time.
Anyways, that’s the latest. Be blessed and be well.
A killer weekend
Killer. I know I use that word a lot. But I truly had a killer weekend.
I have lived in Nashville for 8 years now and I have never gone to a baseball game for some reason. So Friday evening my friend Sara and I went to a Nashville Sounds game. The weather was amazing and the stadium was packed for “Pure Faith Night”. I grabbed a hot dog and a cold one and enjoyed the game. People watchin’ was a must as there was an eclectic crowd. The Sounds lost but we were treated to an incredible fireworks show at the end of the game. I was really blown away by how good it was. To be honest, the whole evening was better and cheaper than a movie. Bill was there too and came up to our seats to say hello. We talked for a while and ended up being the last 3 to leave. It felt great to do something I have never done before. Fun times indeed. Oh yeah, Bill loves his iPhone and grabbed this pic.
On Saturday Sara and I took a road trip to Auburn, AL. Why Auburn? Well one of the bands I signed to Mono Vs Stereo in 2003, Chasing Victory, broke up last year right before everything went down in my personal life. They reunited this summer for a few reunion-farewell shows and Saturday evening was the last. I couldn’t miss it. These were some of my most favorite people to work with and one of my most proudest accomplishments in music. It was an emotional evening seeing them perform their songs for the last time. I invested a lot into these guys and they always gave back. We got some killer hang time with them before and after the show that proved our relationship goes way beyond business. These are guys I consider friends and I know I will stay in contact with for years to come.
On Sunday we headed back to TN but made a stop in Birmingham to grab brunch at The Village Tavern and do some shopping at the Summit. Be warned, they serve their Jamacian coffee with a kick...of brandy and rum that is...and it was killer. When we got back in TN we grabbed dinner at the new Boscos in Cool Springs. I find myself enjoying the simpler pleasures of life even more now. Conversations outside on a beautiful evening can’t be beat.
Yesterday the mighty Underoath came through town. I made sure to watch my bro Ryan Rado and his new band, Ill Patriot, open up the show before heading over to Virago for sushi with Sara. Also, like I said earlier, I have lived in Nashville for 8 years and surprisingly I have never been to Bongo Java. So Sara and I hit that up too. Again, beautiful weather outside and great conversation. We then headed back to Rcktwn for the Oath and enjoyed a killer set. Their last album “Define The Great Line” was one of those albums that helped me get through this past year. These guys are huge and not just because of their great music. Their hearts are in the right place.
So in all, it was a KILLER past 4 days. It’s like I said in the last post, I am enjoying my time with my friends, appreciating great conversations, and enjoying new experiences. Life is good.
How many times did I say killer?
Been A While
So things have been nuts to say the least and thus the reason I haven’t updated this thing in a while. So this might be a little longer than usual, but again, you don’t have to read it. Plus I find myself enjoying Twitter/Facebook updates because it’s quicker and shorter. Yes, you read that correctly. I have rejoined the social networking community, but you won’t see me on MySpace, screw that thing. And yeah, I do think I may need to switch my blog over to WordPress or something so I can update it easier. I love using iWeb but sometimes it’s a drag to use.
Anyways, I threw a massive house party on the 19th. A lot of people showed up. Old friends and new ones. We went through 105 be...beverages. We danced on the patio to Girl Talk and then swam till 4am. It was a killer way to end my time in Willlowsprings. It was the kind of party I had always thought about having. I especially had a good time, haha. The next day I got to see The Dark Knight with Eddy, Benton, JJ, and Chad. Needless to say I will be surprised if it’s not the numero uno film of ’08 for me. It was everything I was hoping it’d be and more. Heath was incredible and Christopher Nolan did an amazing job. Seriously, it kicked so much ass. I can’t wait to see it again.
My brother flew in the next weekend to help me move. He flew in early Friday morning and set up shop next to me in my office so he could work too. It was killer to have him here for a few days. JJ and Eddy helped out as well on Saturday for the “move” too. And after 2 trips, a lot of Vitamin “Energy” Water, lunch at Stroud’s, and a drop off at the Boer’s, the move was complete. New furniture arrived too in the form of a bed and a couch. In the evening we met up with Sara, Tobin, Jamie, and Mr. Steve Weaver at the Saucer. It was a good time. On the drive to and from we jammed out Limp Bizkit’s “Significant Other”. Damn, I forgot how catchy that album is. It was great to have Brandon at Grace Center with me the next day. We grabbed lunch at Blue Coast with Sara, Beth, and Emmy before spending the afternoon just chilling at the new place. In the evening we grabbed Sara and went Target shopping for things I needed. I had no idea what color towels, shower curtain, etc to get so I let them decide. We grabbed some dinner at Dan McG to close out the evening. Good people, good times.
So, needless to say I have been unpacking and getting settled ever since. My new place is a lot smaller, but it’s just that, it’s MY place and I do see it as only temporary.
The day after Brandon left I joined up with Sara, Emmy, and Tobin for a road trip to Cincy for Warped Tour. We stopped in Louisville for a evening on the way. We grabbed dinner at Bluegrass Brewing Company. The sampler there was awesome. For dinner I ordered a salad. Yes, you read that correctly. It was the first salad I have ever ordered. It just sounded good. And it was. And now I am hooked. It’s opened up a whole new world. We then had a killer time on 4th Street at Sully’s Saloon. Sara managed to grab a deal on a place to stay, a renovated Hyatt Place, which was insanely nice. Check ‘em out. We tried to go swimming in the wee morning but it was too cold so wrapped things up at Waffle House. Warped the next day was hot. It was “scene” hell but it was great to see my bros in Relient K and catch a few other bands sets. I hadn’t seen The Almighty Norma Jean in a long time and though it wasn’t quite the same, their new song “Robots 3 Humans 0” was killer. On the way back we stopped in Louisville again, this time at Lucky Strike. And yes, that's me and Tobin with the Miller Lite girls below.
I spent Friday night with a trio of lovely ladies for happy hour at Jonathan’s, dinner at PM (my first time), and then some hang time at a house in an insanely “rich” neighborhood of Belle Meade. And when I say “rich” I mean “rich” because the house across the street from us was Vince Gill and Amy Grant’s. I finally got coffee at Crema Saturday morning. Everyone has been raving about it and I must say that the Iced Cuban is really really good. It was great chatting with Sara and Skwid. In the evening was a 30th MOD party for the wonderful Anne Marie. It was a packed house and a ton of fun. I got to catch up with Tony and Rado and did my best to avoid the junk food.
Grace Center was awesome as always on Sunday. The worship team played “How He Loves” for the first time. It was a sobering moment for me and much needed. Jeff’s sermon ended on “unresolved anger becoming bitterness” and again, it was something I needed to hear. I grabbed lunch with Sara at Calypso before heading back to that house in Belle Meade to sneak in some loads of laundry. I feel as if I have been on tour for over a year since I am always doing laundry wherever I can. I got dinner with some of the guys at Jonathan’s and yes, I ordered another salad. Again, I’m hooked. Can you believe it?
Last night was Phil’s 30th’s birthday party at Saffire. Yes, another 30th. And I think there’s a few more on the horizon. It was a time of fellowship, great food, and over priced drinks. Phil’s been through hell (which I can relate to) but has come through it and for that I am really happy for him. It shows me that there is light at the end of the tunnel and I know I am on my way towards it. Plus I have really enjoyed getting to know him better this past year. He’s been a a good friend and a great listener because he is the closest friend I have that can relate.
Honestly I feel really really good right now. Someone even mentioned to me last night that it’s the best they have seen me in over a year. And I must agree. I am enjoying my time with others and I love the conversations I am having. I have been blessed with some amazing friendships, a family that loves me, a job that pays me to work with bands, and an understanding that above all God loves me. I feel that if I can get through that shit of the past year, I can get through anything. So here I am, ready to tackle what’s next, hoping to maybe one day find another person to share my life with, but at the same time I am happy and content to be just me right now, Mr. Brad Moist, living life and doing my best to live it to the fullest.
Four Days of Fun Fourth of July 08
Last year’s 4th of July sucked for me. This year I got to spend it with family. And it was a killer time. Brandon and Sam, plus the dogs Texas and Tenne, came down and stayed with me for 4 days starting on Thursday. Their friends Veronica and Johannah came too. It was amazing coming home to dogs at the house for the first time in over a year. I loved watching them run around inside and outside in the yard. Even thought Tenne is only 8lbs she’s got the heart and energy of a dog atleast twice her size. I spent the first day mostly poolside with a PBR in hand. The result was getting some serious redness on my shoulders. But before that started I did secure a new place to live. It’s gonna be weird going from the house to a 1 bedroom apartment. Anyways, we then headed down to the Saucer in the evening and enjoyed a few rounds. Friday was the 4th so we spent more time poolside, though Brandon and I had to take some shelter due to the redness the day before, and then cooked out some brats on my camping stove. I’m used to cooking them on the grill but in a skillet on a camping stove wasn’t too bad. We then headed to downtown Franklin for their festivities. We met up with Sara and Emmy and grabbed some pints at McCreary’s and then watched the fireworks from the top of a parking garage. Since Brandon was in town we just had to go to Pancake Pantry Saturday morning for breakfast. Caribbean pancakes are the way to go. In the evening we met up with the Boer’s and Jackson’s for dinner at Wild Wasabi followed by some fancy mojitos at Lime. Sunday was time for worship at Grace Center followed by an afternoon of Guitar Hero 3 for Brandon and I. We ended the evening with pints and appetizers at Jonathan’s. In all, it was a GREAT time. I only wish Brandon and Sam lived down here. Here’s to hoping.
