Since I've been here, I feel like its been sort of a mini vacation. I've gone out bar hopping every night since I've been here. We have finally started making friends here outside of work, which is a really good thing. Let's just say, the type of person I usually hang out isn't a majority out here. Betsy and I have been basically judging people by how they look. Is that bad?
I have a funny story:
Andy, Betsy, and I were at the grocery store just picking up a few item to tide us over before the last intern came into town. This woman approaches us. Let me describe what this creature looked like. She was rather large, wearing a dirty wife beater, and no bra. Her teeth weren't so hot either. Betsy was walking down an aisle, while Andy and I were waiting for her. This lady says to us: "I know this is really awkward, but my friend just moved into town and he is 'hot as hell.' He doesn't have any gay friends and told me to give his number out if I meet anyone at the grocery store or something. Ya'll are gay together, right?" I basically just stood there in shock. We both just quietly said, "No. We are not gay." While she continued to talk about her gay friend, I had to run away because I was weirded out/about to start laughing hysterically. Who says 'are you gay together'? Apparently people in Hot Springs. I guess when you dress well and speak eloquently, you are automatically pinned as gay.
Tomorrow is my first day of work at the park. Andy and I went up there for the day, and it was pretty fun. Some of those rides are not made for adults. I almost didn't fit in one of them.
Hot Springs, AR
My new home for the next three months.
It is almost surreal that I'm here for the long haul, not knowing what to expect. I have a feeling this town will cease to amaze me. I have only been here for three days, but it only took one glance to realize this town is another world compared to Houston and even College Station. I can just sense that the people here know that the other interns and I are not locals. Hell, I had never even been to Arkansas until now. When I first accepted the offer for this internship, the idea of living in the middle of nowhere hadn't even crossed my mind. I just had no idea what I was really getting myself into. Sometimes though, the best learning experiences are the ones you are thrown into with no life vest. You have to work your way back to shore with all your might, and in the end you can say you truly "made it."
As I drove through the wet, winding roads on Thursday night, anxiety started to kick in. I had no idea where I was, it was raining, and I just didn't know what I was doing anymore. I feel a bit more comfortable about things now, but I'm still somewhat apprehensive. I love my boss and the other interns, and I think we are going to get along very well over the summer, but at the moment, I can't help but feel a little bit homesick. There is no one else I can just call and hang out with. I know I'm going to miss all of my friends dearly at times, but overall, I feel a lot better about this whole situation. Some of the townies here might be a bit creepy/trashy, but they seem to be very friendly for the most part. All of the Hot Springers I have met were nice.
Something I honestly can't wait to do while I'm here is explore the nature here. There are lakes, forests, and mountains surrounding us. I don't have the chance to go hiking, boating, and canoing very often, so I want to take advantage of it while I can.
I have gone out the past two nights and both have been surprisingly fun, but experiences nonetheless. On Thursday night, I was drinking out of a paint can at this bar called Long Shots. No, I'm not kidding. I was drinking "Odie Juice" out of a paint can with a straw. It was so ridiculous that it was hilarious. Last night, I went to a couple spots, danced on bars, learned some new dances, listened to a cover of Clarence Carter's Strokin, and had a blast. Andy (one of the other interns) and I have decided that the song of the summer (currently) is Pussy Control. It has come on at least once the past two nights, and I love it.
As far as music goes, I have recently become addicted to the Into the Wild soundtrack. The whole album is by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. For the most part, it is acoustic. I know it is corny, but the movie and album really seem to fit my life at the moment. I just think a lot of it is about not letting anything pass you by. It is important to live life to the fullest. Sometimes you can't be tied down to anyone or anything. Right now, I'm definitely not tied down to anything that's been apart of my life so far. I feel completely detached from my "home" life for the next three months. A part of me is okay with that. Getting too comfortable with your surroundings may not be detrimental, but you have to wonder sometimes...what am I missing out on? Still, I can never not think about what I'm missing out on back in Texas. Its just a bittersweet situation I guess.
My new home for the next three months.
It is almost surreal that I'm here for the long haul, not knowing what to expect. I have a feeling this town will cease to amaze me. I have only been here for three days, but it only took one glance to realize this town is another world compared to Houston and even College Station. I can just sense that the people here know that the other interns and I are not locals. Hell, I had never even been to Arkansas until now. When I first accepted the offer for this internship, the idea of living in the middle of nowhere hadn't even crossed my mind. I just had no idea what I was really getting myself into. Sometimes though, the best learning experiences are the ones you are thrown into with no life vest. You have to work your way back to shore with all your might, and in the end you can say you truly "made it."
As I drove through the wet, winding roads on Thursday night, anxiety started to kick in. I had no idea where I was, it was raining, and I just didn't know what I was doing anymore. I feel a bit more comfortable about things now, but I'm still somewhat apprehensive. I love my boss and the other interns, and I think we are going to get along very well over the summer, but at the moment, I can't help but feel a little bit homesick. There is no one else I can just call and hang out with. I know I'm going to miss all of my friends dearly at times, but overall, I feel a lot better about this whole situation. Some of the townies here might be a bit creepy/trashy, but they seem to be very friendly for the most part. All of the Hot Springers I have met were nice.
Something I honestly can't wait to do while I'm here is explore the nature here. There are lakes, forests, and mountains surrounding us. I don't have the chance to go hiking, boating, and canoing very often, so I want to take advantage of it while I can.
I have gone out the past two nights and both have been surprisingly fun, but experiences nonetheless. On Thursday night, I was drinking out of a paint can at this bar called Long Shots. No, I'm not kidding. I was drinking "Odie Juice" out of a paint can with a straw. It was so ridiculous that it was hilarious. Last night, I went to a couple spots, danced on bars, learned some new dances, listened to a cover of Clarence Carter's Strokin, and had a blast. Andy (one of the other interns) and I have decided that the song of the summer (currently) is Pussy Control. It has come on at least once the past two nights, and I love it.
As far as music goes, I have recently become addicted to the Into the Wild soundtrack. The whole album is by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. For the most part, it is acoustic. I know it is corny, but the movie and album really seem to fit my life at the moment. I just think a lot of it is about not letting anything pass you by. It is important to live life to the fullest. Sometimes you can't be tied down to anyone or anything. Right now, I'm definitely not tied down to anything that's been apart of my life so far. I feel completely detached from my "home" life for the next three months. A part of me is okay with that. Getting too comfortable with your surroundings may not be detrimental, but you have to wonder sometimes...what am I missing out on? Still, I can never not think about what I'm missing out on back in Texas. Its just a bittersweet situation I guess.
This past Saturday evening was pure bliss....
Star filled skies
The moon occasionally tucking itself away under the sparse clouds
Cool breezes
The live sounds of Radiohead slowly putting me into a musical trance
Seeing Radiohead perform live is something I never want to forget. Music that can truly move me emotionally and physically shouldn't be taken for granted. With all of the meaningless lyrics that we may be surrounded by today, music like this is something special.
One of my favorite songs that he performed is called Street Spirit (Fade Out). I'm not going to lie, I teared up a little bit during this song, Videotape, and Nude. After reading about the meaning of the song and the effect it has on Thom Yorke, I was surprised/impressed that he sang it that night. Most Radiohead songs have somewhat of a resolution, but this is one of the few that doesn't. Basically its saying that in the end, the devil will get the last laugh, no matter what you do to avoid it. Now that is just depressing. Typically, when they perform this song, Yorke has a mental breakdown and can't finish the song without crying to himself. He can't understand how people can listen to it and not feel the same way, as if they are braver than he is. All-in-all, this portrays Radiohead's true musical genius. For someone to be able to write words that can still have such a strong, personal impact after so many years is courageous and greatly respectable. I mean, I don't have to sit here and say how amazing Radiohead is because if you are reading this, you probably already know that.
My friends and I bought our tickets for this concert over three months ago, and sort of put it at the back of our minds for the time being. I don't think it really hit me that I was actually going to see Radiohead perform live until I walked through the black gates of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. Who knows when Radiohead is going to come back to Texas, or even the United States. I'm glad I got to share the experience with some of the most important people in my life before I begin my next life journey to Hot Springs, AR.
Star filled skies
The moon occasionally tucking itself away under the sparse clouds
Cool breezes
The live sounds of Radiohead slowly putting me into a musical trance
Seeing Radiohead perform live is something I never want to forget. Music that can truly move me emotionally and physically shouldn't be taken for granted. With all of the meaningless lyrics that we may be surrounded by today, music like this is something special.
One of my favorite songs that he performed is called Street Spirit (Fade Out). I'm not going to lie, I teared up a little bit during this song, Videotape, and Nude. After reading about the meaning of the song and the effect it has on Thom Yorke, I was surprised/impressed that he sang it that night. Most Radiohead songs have somewhat of a resolution, but this is one of the few that doesn't. Basically its saying that in the end, the devil will get the last laugh, no matter what you do to avoid it. Now that is just depressing. Typically, when they perform this song, Yorke has a mental breakdown and can't finish the song without crying to himself. He can't understand how people can listen to it and not feel the same way, as if they are braver than he is. All-in-all, this portrays Radiohead's true musical genius. For someone to be able to write words that can still have such a strong, personal impact after so many years is courageous and greatly respectable. I mean, I don't have to sit here and say how amazing Radiohead is because if you are reading this, you probably already know that.
My friends and I bought our tickets for this concert over three months ago, and sort of put it at the back of our minds for the time being. I don't think it really hit me that I was actually going to see Radiohead perform live until I walked through the black gates of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. Who knows when Radiohead is going to come back to Texas, or even the United States. I'm glad I got to share the experience with some of the most important people in my life before I begin my next life journey to Hot Springs, AR.
Artist: The Knux
Song: Cappuccino
Location: Rachel Ray party - SXSW 2008 (yes, Rachel Ray was there)
Yet another artist I found at SXSW this year. And yes, that is me and my boys Gilbert and Mike gettin' all up in that shit. And no, this video was not filmed by anyone we know. We wouldn't let one single person get even close to The Knux. This was definitely one of my highlight experiences of the week. Plus, unlimited mojitos and delicious food are never something to pass up.
It's refreshing to meet an artist that is sincere and humble, and truly appreciates those who see their talent. I was humming this song, Cappuccino, for a long time after their show. Catchy, isn't it? Its one of those songs that just makes you want to, "Break yo neck." Like I said before, more hip hop shows need to come to Texas. I know too many people who associate all "rap and hip hop" with performers such as Soulja Boy and 50 Cent. I like to call that type of music crap rap. Shit rap can work as well. If this is your view on hip hop, you need to broaden your horizon. Seriously. It' s not all about bitches, ass, and titties.
This is one of the reasons I want to get into the music business. I know I'm not going to be showered with benjamins, but just the thought of helping an up-and-coming, well-deserving artist on the way to achieving their goals would be enough for a fulfilling career. That's sort of how I treat life in general. I will do anything for my friends and family to help them along the way. As corny as it may sound, it makes me feel like a better person when I know I've done something good for others. In the same sense, I'm slowly learning to ask for help.
The road to my future is going to be a rugged one, with twists and turns that I may not see until they are right in front of my face. The way I look at it now, I'm prepared for it. I can't see myself doing anything else with my life. Still, I try to keep things in perspective/occasionally have a mini reality check. Things don't always work out as planned, but I'm a firm believer in that the "shit hits the fan" for a reason sometimes.
Kanye West "Glow In The Dark Tour" Ticket: $40
T-Shirt: $35
Beers: $8 each
Corn Dogs: $5 each
Witnessing a Kanye West diva moment first hand: Priceless
He was in the middle of his first song, "I Wonder," and the projectors wouldn't work. The funny thing is, they worked for all the other acts. I bet the staff of the venue got hell for this.
My wife (Amy) took me to the Kanye West concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion last Friday as a birthday present. Amazing show. Just amazing. Not only was the music great, the lights and technical aspects were awesome as well. The whole performance was based on a narrative, and each song was a different part of the story. I must say, at times, the acting was a tad corny, but nonetheless cool. He did a good mix of old and new songs. Jesus Walks, All Falls Down, Spaceship, Flashing Lights, and of course, Stronger.
The openers were Lupe Fiasco, N*E*R*D, and Rihanna (or RiRi as we like to call her). N*E*R*D's new album should be coming out this June and I am ridiculously excited about it. During their performance, Pharrell just had to tell the whole audience to come down to the front, and of course, hundreds of people obliged him. I'm pretty sure the staff and security were not happy about that. A girl behind us was so tempted to run up there all the way from the lawn.
Kanye West may be a cocky son of a bitch, but you got to love him for it. During the show, he just had to point out is "Kanye West original " Nikes. Still, his music is pretty badass and that can't be denied.
More hip hop shows need to come to Texas. period.
Next week, I'll be back in The Woodlands to see RADIO mother fuckin HEAD. I'm can't wait. Seriously. At least 20 or 30 people I know are going to be out there on the lawn, jammin' the fuck out. Its going to be pure bliss I tell you. Then a few days after that, its off to Hot Springs I go. I probably won't be ready for Arkansas until I actually get there.
T-Shirt: $35
Beers: $8 each
Corn Dogs: $5 each
Witnessing a Kanye West diva moment first hand: Priceless
He was in the middle of his first song, "I Wonder," and the projectors wouldn't work. The funny thing is, they worked for all the other acts. I bet the staff of the venue got hell for this.
My wife (Amy) took me to the Kanye West concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion last Friday as a birthday present. Amazing show. Just amazing. Not only was the music great, the lights and technical aspects were awesome as well. The whole performance was based on a narrative, and each song was a different part of the story. I must say, at times, the acting was a tad corny, but nonetheless cool. He did a good mix of old and new songs. Jesus Walks, All Falls Down, Spaceship, Flashing Lights, and of course, Stronger.
The openers were Lupe Fiasco, N*E*R*D, and Rihanna (or RiRi as we like to call her). N*E*R*D's new album should be coming out this June and I am ridiculously excited about it. During their performance, Pharrell just had to tell the whole audience to come down to the front, and of course, hundreds of people obliged him. I'm pretty sure the staff and security were not happy about that. A girl behind us was so tempted to run up there all the way from the lawn.
Kanye West may be a cocky son of a bitch, but you got to love him for it. During the show, he just had to point out is "Kanye West original " Nikes. Still, his music is pretty badass and that can't be denied.
More hip hop shows need to come to Texas. period.
Next week, I'll be back in The Woodlands to see RADIO mother fuckin HEAD. I'm can't wait. Seriously. At least 20 or 30 people I know are going to be out there on the lawn, jammin' the fuck out. Its going to be pure bliss I tell you. Then a few days after that, its off to Hot Springs I go. I probably won't be ready for Arkansas until I actually get there.
