Thank Goodness For the Good Souls

A few weeks ago, my concert-going soulmate flew to LA from NYC to see Starsailor perform at the Troubadour two nights in a row. Hanging out with her reminded me of how much I miss going to shows with a fellow girlfriend. Fortunately for me, T and I share the same music interests, but it's not the same because it's no fun gushing over the boys on stage with your live-in boyfriend. Plus, I am hardcore when it comes to getting hard-to-find tickets, arriving hours early to claim the best spot at a general admission show, and sneaking in digital cameras to videotape performances. Not a lot of people have the patience or determination to do all of this but I do this for almost every single show/concert/performance I go to. It's an addiction and my concert-going soulmate understands because she's an addict, too.

It's hard to believe that it has been two years since I went to a show/concert with her. Starsailor at the Troubadour was the perfect show for us to reunite again since she was the one who had introduced me to their music when they debuted their album Love Is Here in 2001. James, the lead singer, was only 20 years old when we first saw them perform at Irving Plaza in NYC. Now, he is married with a 4 year-old baby girl! Amazing how some people grow up so fast.

Their set list for both nights included the following songs:

In My Blood
Counterfeit
Poor Misguided Fool
Alcoholic
This Time
Fever
Get Out While You Can
Love Is Here
In the Crossfire
4 to the Floor
4 to the Floor (Remix)
Tie Up My Hands
Keep Us Together
Good Souls
Silence Is Easy (Encore)
Walk the Line Cover (Encore for 2nd night with special guest vocals by Ed Harcourt)

Needless to say, the band's performance was stronger than ever. James really knows how to work the crowd... And the camera.

Starsailor at the Troubadour - September 29, 2006 (taken with my friend's point-and-shoot digital camera):


Starsailor at the Troubadour - September 30, 2006 (taken with my Nikon D50):





Now, if only I could find a way to get paid to do this crap.

I Heart Giant Robot

A couple of weekends ago, we went to a signing at GR2, Giant Robot's sister store, for the debut of the new Kramer's Ergot 6. Normally, I dread going to these social events because I am so shy and awkward around people I don't really know, especially those whose works I admire. However, I love going to Giant Robot because the people there are always so warm and friendly. Of course, I'm speaking of Eric and Martin, the masterminds behind the Giant Robot empire. Unfortunately, they were not there this time around so I was feeling extra awkward. It's okay. I had T by my side who had no problems mingling with Martin, Ron, and Johnny. It's nice to be with someone who can talk to just about anyone. It allows me to do what I do best: hang back and observe.


GR2: the best store/gallery in LA.

The events at GR2 tend to end a little earlier than most social gatherings because, let's face it, we are all getting old. As always, I was starving, so we decided to go next door to have a late dinner at Gr/eats, Giant Robot's own little restaurant/cafe. So convenient!



Gr/eats has unusual hours. They are almost always closed whenever I want to eat there. It's helpful to know that they are open Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 12-3pm and 5:30-10pm. Their menu is incredibly affordable, vegetarian friendly, and super delicious. Here is a sample of what we ordered:



I always start off with a glass of iced green tea (unsweetened). Note the small packages of simple syrup on the side. Why doesn't every restaurant have this?



1. Our meal began with a small cup of lentil soup which comes with every dinner entree.
2. Then came our appetizer: Fried Oysters. They were crisp on the outside and super juicy on the inside. A perfect way to wet the appetite.
3. Dinner entree of choice: Angus Beef Meat Ball Don. If you like meat, this is the way to go. The portions are huge and only costs $7.75!
4. I always leave room for dessert, especially for their Almond Jello. Definitely an acquired taste. It's mildly sweet with a hint of almond essence. A very refreshing way to end a meal.

Other dishes I have tried include their Fried Rice dishes, Seared Tuna Salad, Chicken Katsu Don, and Okra Rolls. All are highly recommended.

Gr/eats is a hidden gem. It's tiny and intimate. It makes a perfect setting for your first, second, third, and fourth date.

Never Enough Time

I know it's been a while since I've updated my blog. I've been preoccupied with trying to figure out what to do with my life. I think this is why I haven't been able to sleep all this year. There's too much activity in my brain, too much stress, too many things I want to do, and places I want to go. I have two more years until I am 30 and already I feel like time is running out. It's hard to feel productive when you are unemployed, broke, and living in a huge city where you know absolutely no one.

LA is a strange place. Time slows down dramatically here, so you feel like you have all the time in the world to do the things you want to do. Over the last two years, I've been living on little to no income. Still, I can afford to buy organic foods at Trader Joe's, go to Disneyland (thanks to the So-Cal Select Annual Passport), see movies at the Drive-In, and complete my stop-motion films.

My goal for the end of the year is to complete at least four shorts. I already have one down and you can see it here:


I am currently finishing up my second animated short entitled "Frogs, Toads & Love" written and co-directed by Barbara Parks in NY, a friend whom I have never met in person. The internet is amazing that way.

After that, I will be finishing up two music videos for my friend Imelda de la Cruz; the first is live action for "Do or Die" and the second will be animated for "Stay".

I guess this is why I like it here. For the first time in my life I feel like I can stop to enjoy the good things in life and know that I can still pursue my dreams.