Sam's Blog

Link: http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/black_sheep_2_/artist.jhtml

So I heard that song last night for the first time in forever. Then they played Tribe and I was vibing. It made me realize how much I miss good hip-hop and good music in general. My musical tastes have kinda morphed into a more eclectic sound, I guess. But I can't stand that all of the good music that I am listening to is slow and sad all of the time. Especially if I go out dancing or drinking.

I envy my brother for being the perfect age when all of the good music was out...rap, hip-hop, electronic, alternative, etc. I was a bit too young to appreciate it, but I did listen to it at that time and now. I credit my brother for getting me into rap/hip-hop/r & b music. My sisters, for new wave, 80's, and "international" music...like Enrique and Shakira before they made their US debut and many various Chinese artists. Roni was the person that got me mainly into alternative. Brenna and Erica for punk/metal, Radiohead and the loves of my life...the Beastie Boys. Brian mainly for Tori Amos and Nine Inch Nails (though Jason Berryhill was the one that first got me into NIN). Jamie got me into electronic/drum n bass/trip-hop/industrial/house/trance or whatever you want to call them, which was such an awesome experience to share with her. I miss raves. Josh and Nate are huge influences on me...usually along the lines of indie rock, emo, and of course, Josh got me listening to Tool. I’ve always liked classical music and musicals and the occasional cheesy 80’s lovesong. I can’t help it of I have a weakness to “Careless Whisper” and “Eternal Flame,” I just gotta listen to them every so often.

That said, I have been really disappointed with music these past few years. There are exceptions, but they are very few and far between. It sucks that ‘pop’ is taking over and people like Ashlee Simpson and Lindsay Lohan can get a record out when people like Sara Bareilles, who can actually sing and is pretty hot, cannot. Go figure. So I haven’t been listening to the radio much except for KCRW and NPR. Am I getting old or something?

Anyway, so I hear “The Choice Is Yours” at Busby’s, a bar in Santa Monica. Strange. If you’ve ever been there, you would know why I said that. It’s a kinda sportsbar/restaurant/lounge. I mean, I liked that they were playing the song, but the demographics seemed to not appreciate it. But anyway, I had an interesting time balancing engagements last night. It was weird because these past few weeks (probably since Halloween) have been crazy for me as far as my social life. A lot of people’s birthdays, my birthday, parties, people coming into town, etc. So I’ve been a bit exhausted and perhaps a bit irritable at times. But this has been so unusual for me and my “life.” I am not used to it. I am having fun, but it’s arduous at the same time.

I met up with Kate and Alexis at El Cholo for dinner. Kate had just flown in from New York and I was so excited to see her. I hadn’t seen her in like, 4 months! She showed us pictures of her new place, her new friends in her program and we caught up. It was really elucidating in a way because I was finally able to have a long, in-depth conversation with her. I miss our chats.

I then hopped over to Busby’s for Lindsay’s quarter of a century celebration. It was a lot of fun. I finally saw Michelle Chung after a few months of not seeing her. She seems really happy and I am glad that she has found a great guy. My old bosses were there, Purdy, Isy, Jesse, and Ivy. They are always a fun bunch. I ran into “the girls” on my way out because I wanted to meet up with Kate, Alexis, and Kuros at The Arsenal. I had never been there and it’s a pretty cool place. They have an enclosed patio area where people can smoke and it has warm heat lamps. It was cozy. I kinda craved a cigarette sitting there, inhaling the secondhand smoke that people were emitting from their mouths. It’s sad that I miss it, but I do, especially when I drink or when it’s really cold outside.

[On a sidenote, I find that people are a lot more forthright and honest in their conversations when they occur while you have “a smoke” with them. I figured this out my first year of college. I had the best conversations with people on balconies, patios, “smoking areas,” etc. I don’t know, maybe it’s something about the bond you have knowing that what you are doing is harmful to your body, but at least there’s someone there to do it with you and share the moment. Or maybe I am reading too much into this theory.]

I was tempted to go to Barney’s Beanery in Hollywood because Nate and the gang were there, but I couldn’t. It was late already and I had to work today. And I only slept a maximum of 5 hours a night all week. I was so tired this morning and could hardly get up. I am so jealous that Josh is on winter break and is relaxing right now, even though he should be doing his thesis [ahem]. But I am off for a few days and it’s sooo nice to think that I can sleep in tomorrow. Yay!!

I had lunch with Lisa and Vanessa today. Lisa’s new job is actually right next to the AVCO and so we met up at Acapulco’s. Twas a very nice and pleasant lunch. Lisa was telling us about her job and I remembered how much I do not like “the industry.” I’m glad that I am being constantly reminded of that. I also love Vanessa’s stories. They’re the best and I know that I NEED to hang out with her more.

It was a long day at work, but it was filled with love. Patients, doctors, and staff all came by and gave us gifts (mainly chocolate) and it was so sweet. The patients are so pleasant and generous (well, a majority of them) and I cannot imagine how hard it is for them to get through the holidays in their condition. Their positive attitudes fascinate me and I am always in awe of their happy spirits. And one patient brought fried chicken because they knew that all we were getting were sweets and another brought empanadas. They are awesome.

Went to happy hour with Josh and Shahab and did last minute shopping. (Customer service was not very stellar, but I can’t imagine working and dealing with all of the crazy nutjobs during this time of year. I commend them.) Anyway, I will be in Ventura for the next few days, but I am hoping to be able to post there. I am sure that it will be a enjoyable visit.