Ticking Clocks

Time is such an elusive marker of life vanishing before our eyes. The last year of my life has been so full of transitions and changes that it feels like 10 years have passed since last summer. I’m not sure if I’ve been racing towards things so much as I’ve been running away from things. Either way, I’ve still felt bound to the unceasing rhythm of a treadmill. It’s like Fitzgerald wrote, in one of the most profound pieces of literature I’ve ever read:

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter–tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…And then one fine morning–So we beat on, boats against the current, drawn back ceaselessly into the past.”

The DMB concerts this week were bittersweet. The band members were obviously torn up over the death of saxophonist LeRoi Moore, but played on with immense passion in his honor and memory. These were my third and fourth shows, and night two was absolutely amazing. I finally got to see #41 live, and it was worth the wait in every single way. I fell even more in love with the lyrics, and sang my heart out. Other highlights:

Night One:

-Proudest Monkey
-Loving Wings
-Crash
-Ants Marching
-Sister
-Two Step

Night Two:

-Seek Up
-Crush
-Pantala Naga Pampa -> Rapunzel
-So Much To Say
-Stay (Wasting Time)

I’m already looking forward to next summer!

Paradise Found

Today, I found a little spot of heaven in Malibu. I drove 10 or so miles further north than I typically do, but those extra moments were more than worth it. I found myself on a serene beach in the Colony, empty save for a few couples walking and several skimboarders taking advantage of the low tide.

I tanned and devoured The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes, all the while wishing that I could lay in the warm sunshine forever. Eventually, I gathered my things and made the trek back to Hollywood. However, the afternoon was so perfect that I’m seriously considering returning to paradise again tomorrow.

Love You Oh So Well

My dad works harder than anyone I know. He’s a winemaker, and it’s currently harvest, so he sees both sunrise and sunset during his incredibly long work days. I just called to say hi/vent about life’s frustrations. Even though I could hear the exhaustion in his voice (he’s still at the office), he patiently took time to listen and advise me. As I hung up the phone, a wave of helplessness passed over me. I wish I wasn’t five hours away because all that I want to do right now is bring him dinner and thank him for working as hard as he does so that I can do what I love.

A few weeks ago, he called while I was at work simply to tell me that he loves me. I don’t typically save voicemails, but I’m storing that one for as long as the iPhone allows.

Indeed

From a Radar article on Angelenos in Manhattan:

“You really have to commit to where you’re headed in L.A., verses stumbling around NYC and doing things on a whim.”

DMB Dream List

I picked up my DMB tickets from FedEx today. I’m so excited for August 19 and 20, and to see the band for a third and fourth time. I love live music, so this two-night stand at Staples Center is sure to be the highlight of my summer.

Songs I hope to see:

#41 (The odds are in my favor!)
Two Step (Though last year’s amazing jam will be hard to beat…)
Let You Down (No way I will see this – they haven’t played it since June 20, 1997)
Seek Up (One of my new favorites)
Sister (I’ve seen it twice, but it will always be close to my heart)
Mother Father (Highly unlikely – they haven’t played it since August 26, 2001)
The Song That Jane Likes (Such a touching song)
Pantala Naga Pampa -> Rapunzel (Upbeat and fun…this combo opened my first show!)
Lie in Our Graves (Must see live in my lifetime. Period)
American Baby (Quintessential summer jam)
The Best Of What’s Around (I can’t get enough of this classic)
Sugar Will (Clearly I’m a fan)

“The position is unpaid…

but serves as a great opportunity to get experience.”

If I see that phrase in one more journalism-related job listing, I might have to throw the MacBook Pro out the window. Perhaps I should have stuck with a major in business and a concentration in marketing…I would at least be financially independent of my parents by now.

Blogs, How I Love ‘Em

Blogs are funny, funny things. I could waste entire days reading them, and I have wasted hours. Case in point: I discovered Smitten Kitchen about an hour ago, and have been sucked in with delicious sounding recipes and exquisite food photography ever since. If only my kitchen had more than four square feet of counter space….I’d cook a whole lot more. I currently subscribe to 35 blogs via Google Reader, and check up on at least 15 more than that throughout the day at work (all fashion related, so research, right?!). Anyhow, blogs are addictive. Tearing myself away now to run underneath the stars; I’ve met my computer quota for the day.