A Perfect Thursday Night

My LA existence has increased in quality by leaps and bounds in the past week. Sometimes all it takes is a little attention...from multiple sources and factions to really make your life feel riddled with countless possibilities.

After a day of hard work in the blazing Burbank sun, I shirked my gym duties (I've been training with an expert/friend for a few weeks now,) to instead go see a free Greg Laswell show in Hollywood with my friend Piper (Kimberly had prior American-Idol-fanatic engagements, hmph.)

It was an outdoor performance in front of Fresh & Easy, next to The Knitting factory, sponsored by my favorite radio station, Indie 103.1. The crisp night air fit perfectly with Greg's music, a wounded blend of subtle vocals with infectious, plaintive melodies. I think what I love about Greg's stuff is that his songs always seem to capture a moment of clarity in the face of unimaginable pain, that sensation of self-discovery amidst disaster. It's a poignant sound and a solid career in the making.

Between two thirty minute sets, I bought Greg's new album, Three Flights from Alto Lido, which Greg was nice enough to sign ("Thank you, Drew".) He was polite, gracious and accessible, the perfect combination for any interaction with an up and coming artist you admire.

Then the unthinkable happened: I realized I forgot to set my DVR to record the season premiere of my favorite show on TV; THE OFFICE.

I had promised my roommate I'd record it. What had I done? I called him to warn him of the impending doom. NO ANSWER.

Piper and I made a hasty exit before the end of Greg's second set and RACED back to the west side. I dropped her off at my place, knowing she is fully equipped to operate the brand new DVR device with expert efficiency, while I continued on to grab a healthy dinner, to go.

I got back to find her and my roommate waiting, the recording in full swing and operating properly.

I checked emails, then facebook, to find a flurry of activity; responses, comments (thanks Keiks,) messages and friend requests. Specifically from some of my international friends I'd not seen in several years. Hooray for reconnecting via technology.

Then I saw some REAL mail my roommate had dropped in my room.

A care package from a beautiful girl in England, perfectly packaged with UK Customs stamps and personal handwriting.

I practically cackled with euphoric glee at the sight of it. Not to mention what was inside; cards, gifts and plenty of inspiration.

How much better could this night get?

Oh yeah. The Office. BRILLIANT. A spectacular return to form for my favorite show. A wonderful reunion with characters and relationships that have kept me riveted for four years now.

Finalized some plans for the weekend and then drifted off to sleep.

I feel like I'm embracing a new phase, a period of bolder living. Pursuing what intrigues me without worry or fear. Enjoying what comes.

And embracing possibilities, both romantic and creative.

Damn good Thursday night. Now onto the weekend...

West Coast Love.