I Can Feel Your Pain

Unless you are Mark, Israel, or Seth I can understand how you feel. You are probably sitting at your computer at work or at home reading this; all the while the four of us are embarking on a journey to shape the inner-core of our beings…well that might be a little over dramatic. In any event, we are on our way to Chicago for Lollapalooza. I cannot help but contain my excitement, I am literally shaking.

It’s trips like this that make me realize the importance of many things. Already I’ve encountered the kindness of a stranger. The flight attendant reached my seat with the offer of a drink, but also to tell me that they were out of all food except a turkey sandwich. She apologized and then disappeared. About 15min. later as I began to listen to music and write this blog I felt a tap on my shoulder. She returned and handed me a warm bagel with cream cheese and a jelly, for free. She broke a rule and got me some food from first class. Whatever else happens today she has won my gratitude.

Now with a little something in my stomach I dream of what I will see with my own two eyes in the coming days. I hope to start and end each day with a blog about what is to come and what actually happened. All of my blog titles for this trip will something in common. The first person to figure it out with receive beer at The Roosevelt on my tab.

My goals for the day are to make my way to downtown Chi-town and find food and start to explore all that is Chicago. Once the rest of group arrives later today I’m sure we will began our bonding time with some local fare and some local brews. So, here’s to the unknown, here’s something new, and most of all, here’s to spending time with new and old friends…Cheers!

Dance Monkey, Dance!

My day began with me getting some much needed sleep-in time. I woke around 9:45 in the am and felt great. I then grabbed some grub, threw on a horrible movie, and began the process of urging my mother to leave for the airport on time.

Once she finally left, I gathered my thoughts and started to work toward my goal of the day; apply for my passport. So I search the web for where to get my picture taken, called ahead; check. Found where to turn in the application and was on my way.

With two copies of my face plastered between some folded card I drove to the US Post Office and waited in line for 15min...up until now I was pleased with how smoothly my day was going...but then I heard the awful word,"We haven't done these here for two months, and that is the wrong application." What!?! "Your web site stated the hours that you accept passport applicants" said I. "Yup," says the all knowing postman.

So I drive to another government building. When I get there I not only have the wrong application, but I need a money order or a check, which I have neither. So I drive across town to my bank, attain the necessary documents and head back. Well they begin to staple my birth-certificate in with my application, when I question it, they say I'll have it back in 3 weeks. "We'll I need it because I'm going to Mexico, and they won't let me back in without it or a passport." They tell me to comeback next week then, and that I have to redo half of the application because she had already began to write on it.

I went from a relaxing laid back day where I could just get some nonsense outta the way, to, having one of the most frustrating days of my life. I feel that bureaucracy really fought against me today. I was reminded of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and was able to laugh, and then enjoy some beers with some old and new friends. Now I'm off to see the Dark Knight.

You Could Be Anything

Today, for the first time every, I embarked on a journey...I search for myself on YouTube.

I was surprised to find myself singing an aria in an opera. I find that I am quite the accomplished opera singer.

There is also a video of me wearing a cape while riding a bike into a swamp. I found this special, because apparently I love swimming in swampy water.

There are a host of videos of me doing random things, like:
- Wrestling a big yellow donut
- Boxing some tough opponents
- Practicing for my Major League Debut
- Displaying my cat like reflexes
- Playing songs of freedom with my new band
and
- Trying to rid the world of armpit sweat Oh Joy!

Of course none of these videos are actually of me. But it's good to know that there are guys with my name who are super intelligent. If you spent more time searching, you'd find dumb asses jumping out of trees, licking more things, and eating a piece of paper. It's good to know that I'm in good company

But, there are actually two videos that I endorse, because I'm actually in them. Both of them were made by my friend Matt. The first is the short film that he made entitled, A Foreign Film. It is a movie about relationships, and it features my old band's music. Second is a PSA that he made for school, and is being used by Phoenix Copper Bike. I highly suggest at least checking out the ones that I'm actually in. Matt did a great job on both. If you wanna laugh then check out my doppelgangers.