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.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Yes, my friends, that is Ghandi; not the cute, scattered, ADHD persuasion from Clone High - the real one.
By reading this header you're probably going to think, "Oh, great. Here goes Bob with the preaching of Peace, etc." No, jerk, I'm not. I simply brought up this quote because it seems to summarize my mentality, as of late.
Everything this year has flown by so quickly. I moved to NYC on January 9th of 2008, with only a suitcase and a box or two, shipped to me from FedEx. I had no job, not much money after the move, and about as many friends as square feet to my room - i.e., none.
Keiko was the best thing, helping me find a job, get on my two feet and gently bring me into the "city life." When I arrived I had a fever and was bed bound for about a week, leaving me with nothing to do. I got tired of that and took a couple job interviews, going into the city by myself, and ever since I've been too glad of that moment in time. Sure, I would have left sooner or later, but I was getting so comfortable waiting for her to want to leave.
Everything has been nothing but driven and linearly forward since January, and I've been lucky, or more aptly put, I've worked my butt off to make my luck.
Where do I see myself in another two or five years? I don't know. I am in love with this city, even when it's not so great. I love the people, the atmosphere, the food (Jesus, the food) and the simple opportunity! I cannot viably opine my thoughts on the West Coast because I haven't spent even a fraction of time there to do such a thing. But I think it's safe for me to believe that I am an Eastern Coast guy.
So, going back to my previous thought: I could be homeless, bitter, swollen or dead. Not everything can be controlled, but the things that you want to control, you can, even if you have to change something in your life. Be the change to make it happen all around you, I promise.
-Bobbert.

Beach Buddies

F.A.Q. Re: Kim & Drew



Where are you two from?
Originally, we are from opposite coasts. I was born in San Diego, California while Kim was born in Manhattan, New York. We've moved around a bit since.

When did you two become West Coasters?
Kim & I both moved to LA from Orlando, Florida in the summer of 2006. So 2 years ago.

Did you know each other in Orlando?
No. We lived in the same town, went to the same school (University of Central Florida) and had mutual friends (Keiko Lynn) but never met or interacted.

How did you two meet?
Keiko Lynn put us in contact after we both landed in LA. We spoke via telephone, then had a blind meeting one weekday afternoon when my roommate and I picked her up in Santa Monica to go to the beach.

Wasn't that weird?
Why would that be weird?

I don't know. You'd never met before. Two guys show up in a car, claiming to be friends of Keiko, and she just hops inside and hopes for the best?
We're very respectable gents. What the hell is your point?

....
Next question.

So you were beach buddies for a while?
Yes. We would hit up Santa Monica beach together like every other weekend. Sometimes my buddy Matt would come along, sometimes her amiga Meghan. Good times. Good tans.

Then what happened?
Summer ended. Fall began. I'm sad to say we drifted.

Oh.
Yeah. I think we last spoke while Keiko was in town to visit, then we sort of just fell off each other's radar for a while.

She's a tough girl to track down?
Kim likes to go to church, karaoke, rock shows and various gigs to pay her bills. This makes her no fun and a pain to try to hang out with.

How do you do it?
A subtle blend of wit and effortless charm.

What is the point of this FAQ???
To announce that for the first time in like 2 years, Kim and I returned to the beach this past weekend!!!

How was it?
The student has become the master. I've been hitting up Venice and Santa Monica Beach quite frequently this summer, so when Kim joined me, I knew she would also need to experience the innocent rush of boogie boarding.

Boogie boarding?
That's what I said.

Hmm. Boogie boarding.
It's like surfing, but much easier and requiring even less of a learning curve. Have you tried it?

Me? No. No, I don't go to the beach much.
Well you should. It's awesome! And riding breaking waves all the way to shore is nothing but good, clean, wholesome fun for the entire family!!!

How did Kim do?
She was discouraged at first. Her timing was off. Not to mention her bathing suit, which she had trouble keeping on among the "fierce" waves.

But?
But the moment she caught her first wave and rode it nearly all the way to the shoreline, she was hooked! I converted her.


So you guys basically had a ridiculously awesome time?
No question. Then we met up with my buddy Matt for lunch in Abbot Kinney and the greatest of all rewards...Pinkberry.

Pinkberry? What is that? Is that slang?
It's simply the most delicious frozen yogurt you've ever tasted. You can get it in plain, green tea, or coffee flavors, with your choice of toppings including fruit, chocolate, candy, granola, etc.

What do you get?
A small plain with NO TOPPINGS.

Boring, no?
Wrong. Adding fruit toppings or any toppings whatsoever overwhelms the flavor of the Pinkberry. All you're tasting is the fruit! I made Kimberly taste it my way and she immediately ordered the same.

You do have all the answers.
I used to write an advice column. Don't fuck with me.

Best day ever?
It's up there. West Coast Represent!