Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
All vintage and shit.
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
From The Darkness of a Cinema
This photo of an obscured exit sign turned out well. Angela and I were in the Regency Theater in Pasadena watching the movie Burlesque. The movie is twice as long as it should be.
It's nice to have found another $3 theater though.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Stand up desk
How I Really Did in 2010
So here we go again:
here is my list of 10 things to do in 2010 with updated results:
1. Be Healthy - I want to eat food that at least lives up to my standard of integrity, and I would prefer to only eat because I am hungry. I want to stretch before I exercise, and create a body that feels good to live in. I want to sleep more and party less.
Result: I did. I am healthier now than I was in 2009. I do get more sleep, I party less and I eat a bit better. I have continued to exercise pretty frequently. I could probably still eat less but that is a tough nut for a farm boy to crack. The desire to consume calories seems to be ancestral at this point. I have learned to at least be cognizant of how many calories are contained in the food I eat. A good step in the right direction.
2. Help bring about my most anticipated album of 2010 - Devin is working on a solo album and I can already tell it will be one of my top 5 favorite records of all time. All the elements are there. Any effort I put into helping Devin complete the album will bring about it's release that much faster.
Result: I technically satisfied my requirement on this one, but both devin and I were unsuccessful in making his record "it's never the way you imagine it" come out in 2010. It is now my most anticipated album of 2011. I have been helping though, and I'm just about to wrap up the last Mix I need to do for the album.
3. Carefully revise some of the things I have written, and finish writing "More Possible Than Perfect", "Up and Back", And "Tequila Summer".
Result: I completed the first rewrite of the existing manuscript of "More Possible Than Perfect", but I realize there is somehow a bit more of the story to be told. I have transferred the document to my iPad in hopes that I will finish it someday soon. I didn't even tough "Up and Back" or "Tequila Summer" in 2010. Whoops.
4. Put Effort into "The Ivy Twines"
Result: Not really.
5. Don't talk about things that are none of my business, or at least don't talk about them so much.
Result: I am a gossip. It shames me.
6. Learn More about Computers
Result: I did. I upgraded my recording setup and I added 2 new dvd drives to my PC. Not so exciting. I would like to learn more about networking, since I have to talk about it for my Job.
7. Visit my Sister's new home and puppy.
Result: I did! Yay! Just barely got this one in under the wire in 2010. Love Maddie and I love Oddie's house. Kudos to Kujos.
8. Compose and Record a Song for Angela to Burlesque to.
Result: Really, has this been a year and I didn't do this. The horror.
9. Entice people to collaborate over the Internet on music - This includes but is not limited to you Ronnie!
Result: Ronnie and I did manage to collaborate over the Internet. I suppose I have done an okay job with this, but I could do better.
10. Spend money at my local farmer's market.
Result: Nope. Nada.
So how about this in addition to this, here are 10 things that surprised me in 2010.
1. We got a bunny and I love her. Angie wanted a Bunny and I didn't so much. We have a bunny and I love her. I didn't protest when Angela asked to get the bunny, I knew I would love her, but had it been up to me I would not have taken it upon myself to get a bunny. This is why it is good to live with someone you love and respect. They can make you do things you normally wouldn't do that enhance and improve your daily existence.
2. I got a new Car. I love my vehicle but I didn't expect to be driving a anything except my feet by the end of this year. I was certain the saturn would break and I would be walking to and from the train. Life can be surprising and It's nice.
3. An S no S song makes a live debut. I can't believe this came to pass. Playing Paper Sea live at Cafe Muse was quite the experience. I wasn't ready for it to be the 2nd song in the set. It caught me off guard and I was nervous as hell. I couldn't hardly remember the words. It still feels good though, and I have it recorded. How fortunate I am to have a brother to make me do such things. Thanks Devin.
4. Big Shot. Some days at work I can't believe what I do. I have taken on far more responsibility than I would ever have given myself if I were thinking when it happened. I'm not always happy about this but on certain afternoons, once I press the button to send calls to Voice Mail I find myself feeling proud of what was accomplished.
5. Angie gets her own client. I didn't really have anything to do with this other than being supportive. I do benefit from it though, so I'm happy about it. Also it did surprise me. I wouldn't have expected this to happen until at least this year.
6. Seamonster Rebuild. I am very surprised that one of the often talked about construction projects came to be. It's already been an adventure and seems to be moving right along.
7. Ronnie Lives in California for nearly a month. This was super shocking. Had you told me at the beginning of last year that this was even possible I would have blown up from excitement. It did come to pass though and it was great. He stayed in Malibu and helped K with the construction. It was so nice to have him here, I look forward to seeing the completion of work and to know that when I play music at Seamonster sounds the sound waves are bouncing off wood that my uncle helped put in place.
8. I was in an honest to goodness real life music video.
This video was amazing to be a part of. There was a real crew and even craft services. The directors were already great people in my book but they have turned out to be even better friends in 2010. Everything about this video makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.
9. We hosted a thanksgiving meal and I cooked a turkey. This shocked me. Didn't ever expect this to happen.
10. I got better. I got better at doing a lot of things, and being a lot of things. I'm happier too. Saying that is like painting a target on my back.
Come and get me 2011.
here is my list of 10 things to do in 2010 with updated results:
1. Be Healthy - I want to eat food that at least lives up to my standard of integrity, and I would prefer to only eat because I am hungry. I want to stretch before I exercise, and create a body that feels good to live in. I want to sleep more and party less.
Result: I did. I am healthier now than I was in 2009. I do get more sleep, I party less and I eat a bit better. I have continued to exercise pretty frequently. I could probably still eat less but that is a tough nut for a farm boy to crack. The desire to consume calories seems to be ancestral at this point. I have learned to at least be cognizant of how many calories are contained in the food I eat. A good step in the right direction.
2. Help bring about my most anticipated album of 2010 - Devin is working on a solo album and I can already tell it will be one of my top 5 favorite records of all time. All the elements are there. Any effort I put into helping Devin complete the album will bring about it's release that much faster.
Result: I technically satisfied my requirement on this one, but both devin and I were unsuccessful in making his record "it's never the way you imagine it" come out in 2010. It is now my most anticipated album of 2011. I have been helping though, and I'm just about to wrap up the last Mix I need to do for the album.
3. Carefully revise some of the things I have written, and finish writing "More Possible Than Perfect", "Up and Back", And "Tequila Summer".
Result: I completed the first rewrite of the existing manuscript of "More Possible Than Perfect", but I realize there is somehow a bit more of the story to be told. I have transferred the document to my iPad in hopes that I will finish it someday soon. I didn't even tough "Up and Back" or "Tequila Summer" in 2010. Whoops.
4. Put Effort into "The Ivy Twines"
Result: Not really.
5. Don't talk about things that are none of my business, or at least don't talk about them so much.
Result: I am a gossip. It shames me.
6. Learn More about Computers
Result: I did. I upgraded my recording setup and I added 2 new dvd drives to my PC. Not so exciting. I would like to learn more about networking, since I have to talk about it for my Job.
7. Visit my Sister's new home and puppy.
Result: I did! Yay! Just barely got this one in under the wire in 2010. Love Maddie and I love Oddie's house. Kudos to Kujos.
8. Compose and Record a Song for Angela to Burlesque to.
Result: Really, has this been a year and I didn't do this. The horror.
9. Entice people to collaborate over the Internet on music - This includes but is not limited to you Ronnie!
Result: Ronnie and I did manage to collaborate over the Internet. I suppose I have done an okay job with this, but I could do better.
10. Spend money at my local farmer's market.
Result: Nope. Nada.
So how about this in addition to this, here are 10 things that surprised me in 2010.
1. We got a bunny and I love her. Angie wanted a Bunny and I didn't so much. We have a bunny and I love her. I didn't protest when Angela asked to get the bunny, I knew I would love her, but had it been up to me I would not have taken it upon myself to get a bunny. This is why it is good to live with someone you love and respect. They can make you do things you normally wouldn't do that enhance and improve your daily existence.
2. I got a new Car. I love my vehicle but I didn't expect to be driving a anything except my feet by the end of this year. I was certain the saturn would break and I would be walking to and from the train. Life can be surprising and It's nice.
3. An S no S song makes a live debut. I can't believe this came to pass. Playing Paper Sea live at Cafe Muse was quite the experience. I wasn't ready for it to be the 2nd song in the set. It caught me off guard and I was nervous as hell. I couldn't hardly remember the words. It still feels good though, and I have it recorded. How fortunate I am to have a brother to make me do such things. Thanks Devin.
4. Big Shot. Some days at work I can't believe what I do. I have taken on far more responsibility than I would ever have given myself if I were thinking when it happened. I'm not always happy about this but on certain afternoons, once I press the button to send calls to Voice Mail I find myself feeling proud of what was accomplished.
5. Angie gets her own client. I didn't really have anything to do with this other than being supportive. I do benefit from it though, so I'm happy about it. Also it did surprise me. I wouldn't have expected this to happen until at least this year.
6. Seamonster Rebuild. I am very surprised that one of the often talked about construction projects came to be. It's already been an adventure and seems to be moving right along.
7. Ronnie Lives in California for nearly a month. This was super shocking. Had you told me at the beginning of last year that this was even possible I would have blown up from excitement. It did come to pass though and it was great. He stayed in Malibu and helped K with the construction. It was so nice to have him here, I look forward to seeing the completion of work and to know that when I play music at Seamonster sounds the sound waves are bouncing off wood that my uncle helped put in place.
8. I was in an honest to goodness real life music video.
This video was amazing to be a part of. There was a real crew and even craft services. The directors were already great people in my book but they have turned out to be even better friends in 2010. Everything about this video makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.
9. We hosted a thanksgiving meal and I cooked a turkey. This shocked me. Didn't ever expect this to happen.
10. I got better. I got better at doing a lot of things, and being a lot of things. I'm happier too. Saying that is like painting a target on my back.
Come and get me 2011.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Warming up the Semaphore
Allow Me by S no S
Sunday after I got bloopy, squelchy and bleepy with "The Last Time That You Die" I decided I needed to get a bit human again. So I pulled out a song I have been working on for 10 years or so. This song was originally called "Oh Me", and i was never happy with it. My great friend Jason helped me with the lyrics in the verses and really tightened them up for me. So as I was strumming it yesterday and thinking about it I just started to change the lyric from "Oh Me" to "Allow Me" and all the sudden it made more sense, then rather than getting quieter in the chorus section as I had before it allowed me to build up a bit. Simple change, better result. I ad libbed the last section, the it is best left remembered part, which is why it's sort of awkward. I'm not sure why I do that. After I have been recording an entire continuous take, to try and add more words to the end is a bit wreckless... Usually it just ends in me hitting stop, delete and doing it again. This time I guess it worked a bit so I kept it. Perhaps thats why I do it, just in case I can sneak up on a moment and snare it.
Sunday after I got bloopy, squelchy and bleepy with "The Last Time That You Die" I decided I needed to get a bit human again. So I pulled out a song I have been working on for 10 years or so. This song was originally called "Oh Me", and i was never happy with it. My great friend Jason helped me with the lyrics in the verses and really tightened them up for me. So as I was strumming it yesterday and thinking about it I just started to change the lyric from "Oh Me" to "Allow Me" and all the sudden it made more sense, then rather than getting quieter in the chorus section as I had before it allowed me to build up a bit. Simple change, better result. I ad libbed the last section, the it is best left remembered part, which is why it's sort of awkward. I'm not sure why I do that. After I have been recording an entire continuous take, to try and add more words to the end is a bit wreckless... Usually it just ends in me hitting stop, delete and doing it again. This time I guess it worked a bit so I kept it. Perhaps thats why I do it, just in case I can sneak up on a moment and snare it.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Last Transmission from the 10
I doubt very much that I will blog again from 2010. It's been a fine transitory year, but other than the "fine" part I could call any year transitory. I will take a look back at my new years predictions next week and report how I did. Reporting live from the 30th of December though I can say that I'm pleased with my personal progress. I can say with certainty that I am a better person than when I started the year, I have had experiences and I have incorporated them into myself in a worth while manner.
It wasn't always easy, it wasn't always fair...
I get down on myself for not getting done with everything I want to get done, and it's really silly to do that, but I can't help myself at times. Trying to balance happiness with accomplishment is a trick indeed. Enough about that, lets talk about Yuletide in Kansas.
Last Wednesday evening I rushed home from work at 5pm and started doing laundry and helping Angie clean. We wanted to leave a clean place for our bunny sitters to relax in. In addition to Devin and Dylan our old roommate Adrienne stayed at our place and looked after our pets, this was very sweet of them. We returned to super happy, sane and relaxed pets. The absence of mommy Angie can be tough on them but this time our sitters really came through.
We finished the grueling job of packing and cleaning just after 10pm and loaded up my truck to drive to Devin and Dylan's. Since D&D live close to the airport and inside the city of West Hollywood we planned to sleep there and then take a flat rate taxi to the airport. Instead, and once again Proving that having a brother is worth all the trouble Devin offered to wake up at 4:30 am and drive us.
We watched the always sunny in philly xmas special with the boys before going to bed a bit on the late side. After some banging around from our hosts the house fell silent just after 1am. I feared I would not sleep before the flight. My alarm bleated me awake with enough force to let me know that I had slept.
While making coffee in the kitchen to rouse Angela I was shocked to see Devin walk in. Devin has never been one to wake up with out a fight, and he is much less inclined to do so at 4:30 am. Amazingly though he came through.
Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:55 and we got to the airport at just after 5am. As everyone I know does when leaving LAX before the rooster makes a peep we had breakfast at the airport McDonalds, some how it feels less sinful to eat that crap before a flight. We boarded our plane to find that there were no two open seats together, it would be a long companion-less flight. Once the plain achieved flight i felt the pull of sleep. I dozed off and on for the entire trip, waking up just in time to read a bit before decent. I was trying to read Ulysses, it really wasn't working.
As the plane taxied towards the terminal I texted everyone to let them know we had arrived.
We were nearly the last people out of the plane by the time we deboarded. Mom and dad met us with warm hugs and big smiles. Dad had been at the airport waiting so long that he'd even grown a beard.
Travelling back to Mom and Dad's house in Olathe, I kept trying to read Angies face to see what she thought of my beloved Kansas, her face didn't tell me much.
When we reached mom and dad's house I rushed in too hug my sister and say hello to my Dog/Brother Royal. Adrienne's dog Maddie came right up to me and gave me a sniff. I had never met Maddie, so seeing her black little face was a nice feeling.
Adrienne had been cooking while mom and dad went to retrieve us. we sat down to a beautiful meas of Butternut Squash Ravioli and Wine. An excellent meal to start our visit. After lunch we unpacked in what would be our bedroom for the extent of the visit and then sat down in the family room to relax.
My friend Jason called to let me know that they would be changing their plans due to the impending weather and would be leaving sooner than they had thought. I really wanted to see Jason on this visit so I convinced Angela and Adrienne to come with me to Jason and Ginger's house.
We had a short but nice visit with Jason and Ginger and their cats. Bee bop being the star of the show.
Jason and Ginger needed to get on the Road so we left them and went to a liquor store, which happened to be next door to a thrift store I used to shop at when I lived in KC. Angie loves a thrift store more than anyone so we decided to pop in. Not much had changed since I had last shopped there 8 years ago, in fact I think I recognized some of the shirts.
While Angie shopped Adrienne and I went to buy Sparks from the store next door. The two clerks were certainly strange and most likely drunk.
Angie bought a little sweater and we headed over to my sisters new house, another things that I had yet to see.
I was so proud of my little sister when we pulled into her Driveway. She's certainly grown up, being the first of us tree kids to have the type of life that allows her to own her own home. Her neighborhood is adorable and her house fits right in. We drank our sparks and waited for mom and dad to join us. I was glad to see that the classical guitar which I had given Adrienne long ago sat proudly in the living room with a pick. Adrienne has been learning to play and she sounds like she has what it takes to be rather good.
Mom and dad arrived just as my sparks was waking me up and blurring the edges. We were treated to a drive around Kansas City, to look at lights and other sites but the day of travel and lack of sleep rapidly got a hold of both Angie and myself.
We stopped at a new place called smashburger on the way home and got food to go back to mom and dads.
Shortly after we returned home people started to go to bed. I was the last to lay down, sometime after midnight, and honey dipped sleep came over me for the next 10 hours.
Dad cooked breakfast for us this morning. His famous Spicy Elmo sandwiches were this time converted to wraps with sausage. They were wonderful, dad has his recipe down.
After breakfast Angela and I got a nice treat, Snow~! There was no accumulation but some nice big flakes did fall. We went out front to take pictures and play until we got cold, that took about 5 minutes.
Being that it was yuletide eve I knew that I needed to get out and purchase the gift I wanted to get mom and dad. They don't need much, but I know that they don't spend money on going out to dinner without a bit of a push so Adrienne drove us to a nice place to buy them a gift certificate. We chose a place called "Bonefish" which Adrienne said they had been to once and really enjoyed.
Next we went to a Costco since Angela needed to get new glasses before the end of the year. We had searched all over LA to find frames she would like to no avail. This time we lucked out and she bought a really cute pair.
When we returned home mom had snacks set out and all of us dug in. After the snacks we played some mario cart on the wii and worked up a new apatite for yuletide eve dinner.
The Strecker family traditional yuletide eve meal is Oyster Stew, it dates back to before my Grandpa even I believe. Somehow, despite how gross they could have seemed to us children we have always loved Oyster Stew. This year dad really perked up the recipe and it was enjoyed by all. Angela doesn't care for the oysters but she loved the broth. Adrienne and I were kind enough to take the oysters from her.
After the meal I retired to the back patio to smoke a cigar with my dad. As always we had a nice conversation. It's never too cold outside to smoke with dad and hear what everyone in the family is up to.
After dinner we played a bit more mario cart, this time mom and dad joined in the tournament. Dad must have been practicing because he some how beat everyone.
When we grew tired of mario cart dad flicked on the DVR to play a program he had recorded. It was a biography of Warren Buffet which dad had wanted to watch with me. Dad knows that he and I share a deep admiration for the Oracle of Omaha. We all watched the program and enjoyed it. Angie was very impressed with Warren which made me quite happy for some reason.
Shortly after the program people began to drop off to their respective beds. Angie and Adrienne and I stayed up last watching a horrid movie who's name I can't remember. Soon we were all in bed.
Yuletide morning came and presents were passed out. I was told I had ot open mine in a particular order. The first present I opened nearly made me faint. Angela had gone in with my parents to get me an Ipad. I must admit that when it comes to new technology I am in love with material things, and this material thing took the taco. I really did not expect to receive such a gift, and It has yet to be more than 15 feet away from me since I received it. For my part I had showered Angela with clothing and accessories from an online wishlist she had created. There were many more gifts given and much love spread around.
After the gift giving we had breakfast, adreinne had prepared it, and it was good, but sadly I don't recall the name of it.
After the meal people went their separate ways to enjoy their new gifts. I played some Wii with dad and then initialized the Ipad.
We lazed around throughout the day and then had a gourmet meal prepared by Adrienne, Dad and Mom. It was the same meal we had in 2008, and it was even better this time. The best part was a gravy Adrienne prepared with Wine and Whiskey and other fun stuffs.
We lingered at the table and had many bottles of wine. We talked of yuletide past and future. When dad and I stepped out to smoke Angela joined us, though she grew cold faster than we did.
We played a game of cranium next, parents vs. kids. We kids did win. There is a section in Cranium where you have to hum or whistle a melody and get your team mates to guess it. We enjoyed that section so much that on the spot we adapted it into it's own game. Surprisingly Dad and I were the last two still in the game and I narrowly squeezed him out, losing to dad at a game that requires musical skill would have been too much to handle.
It was out last night in town and so Adrienne and Angie and I gave our best effort to get drunk. Sadly it was not in the cards. Drinking for too long in the day can do that. Eventually we all gave up and laid down to sleep for Angie and I's last night.
I woke up as early as I could the next day and played with the Ipad while having coffee. When Angie woke up she was kind enough to pack for us.
We loaded up around 11:30 and drove to houlihan's to have one last meal. It was good food but already I found myself a bit blue to be leaving my family so soon.
Mom and dad dropped us off at the airport and Angie and I sat down to wait for the plane. As we boarded the plane I found myself a but bluer than usual. This was perhaps the hardest it has ever been for me to leave my family.
I'm not back at my work desk, about to put this year of work to bed.
I'll see you next year.
It wasn't always easy, it wasn't always fair...
I get down on myself for not getting done with everything I want to get done, and it's really silly to do that, but I can't help myself at times. Trying to balance happiness with accomplishment is a trick indeed. Enough about that, lets talk about Yuletide in Kansas.
Last Wednesday evening I rushed home from work at 5pm and started doing laundry and helping Angie clean. We wanted to leave a clean place for our bunny sitters to relax in. In addition to Devin and Dylan our old roommate Adrienne stayed at our place and looked after our pets, this was very sweet of them. We returned to super happy, sane and relaxed pets. The absence of mommy Angie can be tough on them but this time our sitters really came through.
We finished the grueling job of packing and cleaning just after 10pm and loaded up my truck to drive to Devin and Dylan's. Since D&D live close to the airport and inside the city of West Hollywood we planned to sleep there and then take a flat rate taxi to the airport. Instead, and once again Proving that having a brother is worth all the trouble Devin offered to wake up at 4:30 am and drive us.
We watched the always sunny in philly xmas special with the boys before going to bed a bit on the late side. After some banging around from our hosts the house fell silent just after 1am. I feared I would not sleep before the flight. My alarm bleated me awake with enough force to let me know that I had slept.
While making coffee in the kitchen to rouse Angela I was shocked to see Devin walk in. Devin has never been one to wake up with out a fight, and he is much less inclined to do so at 4:30 am. Amazingly though he came through.
Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:55 and we got to the airport at just after 5am. As everyone I know does when leaving LAX before the rooster makes a peep we had breakfast at the airport McDonalds, some how it feels less sinful to eat that crap before a flight. We boarded our plane to find that there were no two open seats together, it would be a long companion-less flight. Once the plain achieved flight i felt the pull of sleep. I dozed off and on for the entire trip, waking up just in time to read a bit before decent. I was trying to read Ulysses, it really wasn't working.
As the plane taxied towards the terminal I texted everyone to let them know we had arrived.
We were nearly the last people out of the plane by the time we deboarded. Mom and dad met us with warm hugs and big smiles. Dad had been at the airport waiting so long that he'd even grown a beard.
Travelling back to Mom and Dad's house in Olathe, I kept trying to read Angies face to see what she thought of my beloved Kansas, her face didn't tell me much.
When we reached mom and dad's house I rushed in too hug my sister and say hello to my Dog/Brother Royal. Adrienne's dog Maddie came right up to me and gave me a sniff. I had never met Maddie, so seeing her black little face was a nice feeling.
Adrienne had been cooking while mom and dad went to retrieve us. we sat down to a beautiful meas of Butternut Squash Ravioli and Wine. An excellent meal to start our visit. After lunch we unpacked in what would be our bedroom for the extent of the visit and then sat down in the family room to relax.
My friend Jason called to let me know that they would be changing their plans due to the impending weather and would be leaving sooner than they had thought. I really wanted to see Jason on this visit so I convinced Angela and Adrienne to come with me to Jason and Ginger's house.
We had a short but nice visit with Jason and Ginger and their cats. Bee bop being the star of the show.
Jason and Ginger needed to get on the Road so we left them and went to a liquor store, which happened to be next door to a thrift store I used to shop at when I lived in KC. Angie loves a thrift store more than anyone so we decided to pop in. Not much had changed since I had last shopped there 8 years ago, in fact I think I recognized some of the shirts.
While Angie shopped Adrienne and I went to buy Sparks from the store next door. The two clerks were certainly strange and most likely drunk.
Angie bought a little sweater and we headed over to my sisters new house, another things that I had yet to see.
I was so proud of my little sister when we pulled into her Driveway. She's certainly grown up, being the first of us tree kids to have the type of life that allows her to own her own home. Her neighborhood is adorable and her house fits right in. We drank our sparks and waited for mom and dad to join us. I was glad to see that the classical guitar which I had given Adrienne long ago sat proudly in the living room with a pick. Adrienne has been learning to play and she sounds like she has what it takes to be rather good.
Mom and dad arrived just as my sparks was waking me up and blurring the edges. We were treated to a drive around Kansas City, to look at lights and other sites but the day of travel and lack of sleep rapidly got a hold of both Angie and myself.
We stopped at a new place called smashburger on the way home and got food to go back to mom and dads.
Shortly after we returned home people started to go to bed. I was the last to lay down, sometime after midnight, and honey dipped sleep came over me for the next 10 hours.
Dad cooked breakfast for us this morning. His famous Spicy Elmo sandwiches were this time converted to wraps with sausage. They were wonderful, dad has his recipe down.
After breakfast Angela and I got a nice treat, Snow~! There was no accumulation but some nice big flakes did fall. We went out front to take pictures and play until we got cold, that took about 5 minutes.
Being that it was yuletide eve I knew that I needed to get out and purchase the gift I wanted to get mom and dad. They don't need much, but I know that they don't spend money on going out to dinner without a bit of a push so Adrienne drove us to a nice place to buy them a gift certificate. We chose a place called "Bonefish" which Adrienne said they had been to once and really enjoyed.
Next we went to a Costco since Angela needed to get new glasses before the end of the year. We had searched all over LA to find frames she would like to no avail. This time we lucked out and she bought a really cute pair.
When we returned home mom had snacks set out and all of us dug in. After the snacks we played some mario cart on the wii and worked up a new apatite for yuletide eve dinner.
The Strecker family traditional yuletide eve meal is Oyster Stew, it dates back to before my Grandpa even I believe. Somehow, despite how gross they could have seemed to us children we have always loved Oyster Stew. This year dad really perked up the recipe and it was enjoyed by all. Angela doesn't care for the oysters but she loved the broth. Adrienne and I were kind enough to take the oysters from her.
After the meal I retired to the back patio to smoke a cigar with my dad. As always we had a nice conversation. It's never too cold outside to smoke with dad and hear what everyone in the family is up to.
After dinner we played a bit more mario cart, this time mom and dad joined in the tournament. Dad must have been practicing because he some how beat everyone.
When we grew tired of mario cart dad flicked on the DVR to play a program he had recorded. It was a biography of Warren Buffet which dad had wanted to watch with me. Dad knows that he and I share a deep admiration for the Oracle of Omaha. We all watched the program and enjoyed it. Angie was very impressed with Warren which made me quite happy for some reason.
Shortly after the program people began to drop off to their respective beds. Angie and Adrienne and I stayed up last watching a horrid movie who's name I can't remember. Soon we were all in bed.
Yuletide morning came and presents were passed out. I was told I had ot open mine in a particular order. The first present I opened nearly made me faint. Angela had gone in with my parents to get me an Ipad. I must admit that when it comes to new technology I am in love with material things, and this material thing took the taco. I really did not expect to receive such a gift, and It has yet to be more than 15 feet away from me since I received it. For my part I had showered Angela with clothing and accessories from an online wishlist she had created. There were many more gifts given and much love spread around.
After the gift giving we had breakfast, adreinne had prepared it, and it was good, but sadly I don't recall the name of it.
After the meal people went their separate ways to enjoy their new gifts. I played some Wii with dad and then initialized the Ipad.
We lazed around throughout the day and then had a gourmet meal prepared by Adrienne, Dad and Mom. It was the same meal we had in 2008, and it was even better this time. The best part was a gravy Adrienne prepared with Wine and Whiskey and other fun stuffs.
We lingered at the table and had many bottles of wine. We talked of yuletide past and future. When dad and I stepped out to smoke Angela joined us, though she grew cold faster than we did.
We played a game of cranium next, parents vs. kids. We kids did win. There is a section in Cranium where you have to hum or whistle a melody and get your team mates to guess it. We enjoyed that section so much that on the spot we adapted it into it's own game. Surprisingly Dad and I were the last two still in the game and I narrowly squeezed him out, losing to dad at a game that requires musical skill would have been too much to handle.
It was out last night in town and so Adrienne and Angie and I gave our best effort to get drunk. Sadly it was not in the cards. Drinking for too long in the day can do that. Eventually we all gave up and laid down to sleep for Angie and I's last night.
I woke up as early as I could the next day and played with the Ipad while having coffee. When Angie woke up she was kind enough to pack for us.
We loaded up around 11:30 and drove to houlihan's to have one last meal. It was good food but already I found myself a bit blue to be leaving my family so soon.
Mom and dad dropped us off at the airport and Angie and I sat down to wait for the plane. As we boarded the plane I found myself a but bluer than usual. This was perhaps the hardest it has ever been for me to leave my family.
I'm not back at my work desk, about to put this year of work to bed.
I'll see you next year.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Days of rain
This rain has been impressive.
The street by my work is now a river!
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Dead Ringer
Dead man Rambling (sample plate) by S no S
Go ahead and click play on the clip while you read along. It sounds a little muffled and you can tell it was recorded on a tape. This is an exerpt from a half hour of guitar driven ambient experimentation that I made when I was 19. It's loose and ruff and pretty silly, but I had fun with making it, then I had more fun getting stoned and listening to it in the dark. I had the tape for years and used to listen to it more than it deserved but I've always liked strange noises. I found it a while back and wanted to digitize it so I did.
I've been pretty busy. We had an acoustic holiday show for Devin Tait and the Traitors, I enjoyed that. There will be some media on the web from that soon I would imagine.
Okay fine... have one now.
Paper Sea(Live @ Cafe Muse) by S no S
So there it is, the very first time I have ever played an S no S live in an official capacity. I fucked up a bit and the recording quality is not perfect, but I really had fun doing it. My brother Devin has always been a fan of this song and he forced me to do it live as a part of his show. I can't thank him enough for that. Also to Elene for playing the piano and Angie for all the support. It was momentous.
I've been running a fair amount this month. I'm always happier when I do that.
This time next week I will be in Kansas City. How wonderful that will be.
Work is pretty crazy for me lately. I'm busier than I would like to be and it's stressful.
I like sitting in the hot tub in the evenings during the "winter". It's funny how it's too cold for most people that live in our apartment complex to consider doing that.
Anyway, enjoy the songs and I'll try and blog more. I've been sort of quiet lately internally. I have not felt much like writing about myself, even though there have been things that have happened that I will want to remember. Perhaps I'll fill in some gaps next week.
oh, here are the lyrics to paper sea.
crazy in the dark, at a loss about a name, finishing the start of the friendlier remains, and I wonder for your thoughts, about the peace i had in mind, paying for the winter dreams, hiding from sunshine
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in the land of make believe
than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home
Stubborn forcing reason and plastic set in glass, waiting for the future but hoping it's the past, hoping that the light blinks or maybe a change in tone, looking for a new view through the things you own
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in a land of make believe, than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home.
hoo hooo hoo ooo
hoo hooo hoo ooo
Silly worth protecting, cranky comes of age, born again construction, buried treasure in the grave,
set your watch and time sinks while bigger grows the hole, measuring the reasons with a bandage on your soul
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in a land of make believe, than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home.
hoo hooo hoo ooo
hoo hooo hoo ooo
Go ahead and click play on the clip while you read along. It sounds a little muffled and you can tell it was recorded on a tape. This is an exerpt from a half hour of guitar driven ambient experimentation that I made when I was 19. It's loose and ruff and pretty silly, but I had fun with making it, then I had more fun getting stoned and listening to it in the dark. I had the tape for years and used to listen to it more than it deserved but I've always liked strange noises. I found it a while back and wanted to digitize it so I did.
I've been pretty busy. We had an acoustic holiday show for Devin Tait and the Traitors, I enjoyed that. There will be some media on the web from that soon I would imagine.
Okay fine... have one now.
Paper Sea(Live @ Cafe Muse) by S no S
So there it is, the very first time I have ever played an S no S live in an official capacity. I fucked up a bit and the recording quality is not perfect, but I really had fun doing it. My brother Devin has always been a fan of this song and he forced me to do it live as a part of his show. I can't thank him enough for that. Also to Elene for playing the piano and Angie for all the support. It was momentous.
I've been running a fair amount this month. I'm always happier when I do that.
This time next week I will be in Kansas City. How wonderful that will be.
Work is pretty crazy for me lately. I'm busier than I would like to be and it's stressful.
I like sitting in the hot tub in the evenings during the "winter". It's funny how it's too cold for most people that live in our apartment complex to consider doing that.
Anyway, enjoy the songs and I'll try and blog more. I've been sort of quiet lately internally. I have not felt much like writing about myself, even though there have been things that have happened that I will want to remember. Perhaps I'll fill in some gaps next week.
oh, here are the lyrics to paper sea.
crazy in the dark, at a loss about a name, finishing the start of the friendlier remains, and I wonder for your thoughts, about the peace i had in mind, paying for the winter dreams, hiding from sunshine
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in the land of make believe
than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home
Stubborn forcing reason and plastic set in glass, waiting for the future but hoping it's the past, hoping that the light blinks or maybe a change in tone, looking for a new view through the things you own
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in a land of make believe, than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home.
hoo hooo hoo ooo
hoo hooo hoo ooo
Silly worth protecting, cranky comes of age, born again construction, buried treasure in the grave,
set your watch and time sinks while bigger grows the hole, measuring the reasons with a bandage on your soul
I'd rather be floating in a warm paper sea, spreading rumors of trouble in a land of make believe, than lying to the tv, on a disconnected phone, a formula for living, while never leaving home.
hoo hooo hoo ooo
hoo hooo hoo ooo
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Ronnie at the red lion.
This is Ronnie's last night in town. He was kind enough to take Angela and I out to dinner to celebrate. We went to the Red Lion in Silver Lake and had a grand time. It's fun to go to a German place with Ronnie, it's like a second home for him. We had a nice dinner, I made Ronnie tell a lot of his stories to Angie which is always fun for me. After dinner we went back to our place and had a bit of a party. Devin and Dylan came over and we all soaked in the hot tub.
At 5am I woke up to see Ronnie off. It was wonderful having him out in Malibu with the Seamonster. Much work was done and much fun was had.
I have more and better pictures from the last night I should share soon.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
When a job gets frustrating
Since I began work at 16 I've always had days at work that I were awful. I have always hated working in a pretty big way. I see it's value, but some days the value seems to be hiding and the bullshit is all that makes itself known. On those days I've always had a little place where I could go to shut off for a second and get away from it. Here is a brief list of those places over the years.
1. Dillon's Grocery store in Hays, KS - I used to go in the employee bathroom in the back room and turn off all the lights. There were no windows there so I would then shut my eyes and pretend I was floating in space. That was fun. There was also a small 4 inch square window in the loading dock door where I would peak out. I would look at a far off grove of trees and pretend to be pick nicking there.
2. Ralph's Grocery Store in Chattsworth, CA - I would sit on a bench in the parking lot and stare at a hotel across the street. I would pretend it was years in the future and I had come back to rent a room in the hotel and that from the hotel I would stare at the bench where I was sitting and that my future self would realize that it had all worked out okay. I still need to go rent that stupid room and keep that promise to myself.
3. Good Sam Center for the old people in Olathe, KS - I would walk to a door at the end of one of the units and stare outside at nothing in particular and just try to remember that I was getting older every moment and if I were lucky one day I'd be stressing out an activities assistant.
4. The picture above. I stare at the grove of trees and picture sitting in a hammock thinking about nothing. It's nice.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Peacock treetop
So my new blogging method, of snapping a picture and commenting on it could be an evolution in my personal journalism. I notice that some times it's easier to speak in pictures, but later the words do come. There will never be a set method, but I like to think about the act on occasion. I decided that before the end of the year I will again undertake the task of re-reading my entire blog. Perhaps I will come to a startling revelation of the self. Perhaps I will just bore me.
Peacock so crazy
When I couldn't sleep as a child I used to go and lay on the couch in the living room when our tree was up. I would turn on the lights and feel fuzzy.
Dolly decorations
I had no idea but Ms. Dolly Dagger had a pretty impressive collection of Yuletide decorations. I guess I don't look in cabinets very often. I always find it nice when single people living alone will get a tree and decorate it, as Dolly would do nearly every year. Now I get to reap the benefits of her collections.
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