The Internet

What 5 websites do you visit often, and why?

1. Facebook
Obviously, majority college students have one. Quite honestly, I didn't want an account at first but now I'm glad I did. I've met some awesome people though it that have drastically changed my life, seriously. However it is very drastically.

2. Green Day Community
I've lurked this site since before I had an email account and it wasn't until a couple years back that I finally decided to join. I'm glad I did because I've also met some amazing people and have got some great information on concerts, pre-sales, and so on. I love being involved in a community that's so close knit on a band we all love.

3. Youtube
I've had an account on this website since 2005 and I love watching all kinds of videos. If I can't attend a concert, I know someone will have first hand footage. If I want to relive a memory, I know someone recorded something. :)I've also begun recording concerts I've been to so I enjoy sharing with the rest of the intrawebs.

4. Twitter
I succumbed yet again to a social networking site. I keep in touch with my real close friend like this because of our crazy schedules so it allows us so just communicate here and there. :)

5. That's pretty much it. I don't really visit any other website as much.

Something Lost

I stumbled upon a journal that consists of 80 writing prompts, so from now on I'll be blogging about those unless something super exciting happens that I need to document about it.

1. Name something you lost or gave away that can never be replaced.

Quite honestly, I've never given something away that can't be replaced. The only time I can think of a moment is when I was about 5 or 6 and I was in Mexico visiting a cathedral. Inside there was an area that was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and it said that if you leaved a valuable or a prized possession, that she would repay you with something greater along your lifetime. At the time, I can't recall if I left my headband or a bracelet I loved but the point is I left something along with my cousin, Lina.
Later on that day, we headed to a tia's house where she surprised us with gifts: a teddy bear and my cousin received jewelry. At first it didn't hit us that this was the gift promised to us by the Virgin Mary. We were all astounded and were grateful.

That's all I can remember about that. I was so young back then and I'm surprised I can still remember what happened, but I can't remember what city I was in. Mexico is one complicated place--I can barley remember what street the house is at in Mexico.

That's What You Get When You Let Your Heart Win.

There's this guy in my life that has been hitting on me for quite some time now. We're really close friends and we've recently expressed our feelings for one another. It would be perfect it we just hooked up but it isn't that easy. While we were talking, out of nowhere he got together with his ex girlfriend who broke his heart because she cheated on him with another guy. When I found out, my feelings were seriously hurt. Then he called me up to invite me over to hang out, like we usually do, and like an idiot I went. Stuff happened between us. We shared personal things and we got closer than we ever got before as friends. This only further confused me but my heart didn't want to let him go.

That was a month ago and we're still talking. We talked about the most intimate things together and we have felt comfortable with one another. I've told my close friends about what's going on in details and everything and they think I should let him go because he's only using me but my heart doesn't want to. I've told him straight up that I'm over him but he keeps fighting and comin' back and I can't help but succumb sometimes. :( I hate this feeling. He's supposed to call me tonight.

:(

That's What You Get When You Let Your Heart Win.

Disgusted

Isn't it how crazy events happen so fast? How instantly your life can be turned around? Holy shit. I wish I would have fallen asleep and I would have just woken up to the morning. I am disgusted with myself and completely loath myself.


:(

Jumbled thoughts

I want to blog about so many things I just feel like I have so many other things to do. There's never enough time to do everything one enjoys. Oh vey. Just to remind myself in the near future of what to blog about:
- My loss of respect for myself as a female
- My fascination with eating healthy, starting a food journal, and Baelyn's tumblr
- The UN meeting I attended today
- Hiking at Eaton Canyon
- Long Beach and churches
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer


Just to name a few... if I keep going, I don't think the list will ever end!

Venice Beach

Today was an awesome and fun filled day. I've been wanting to take my mother to this restaurant in Venice Beach called 26 Beach because they have a wide variety of french toast among other foods as well but mainly the french toast because my mother LOVES it. Once we got into the restaurant we were ushered into the garden area which was really cute and vintage-like. There were a lot of knickknacks you'd find at a tea garden party with tea cups, figurines, flowery benches, and so on. I was a bit overwhelmed with the menu because there was so much to choose from I wasn't quite sure what to get. I decided to try their french toast since that's what they're known for and decided on ordering a Tiramisu french toast which consisted of vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and obviously the french toast. It was heaven!

My mother ordered a 'french toast' inspired plate that used croissants lathered in syrup, peaches, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. At first my mother was a bit overwhelmed but once she took the first bite she fell in love. She finished 98% of it seeing as it was a lot of bread and a lot of sugar. We were glad we ordered water as our drinks instead of some sugary drink or I doubt we would have been able to eat majority of our french toasts. We were so stuffed afterward.

After our amazing breakfast we headed down to the Venice boardwalk which was filled with all sorts of people. Despite the foggy weather it was still hot and throughout the day it only continued to get hotter. We walked down the boardwalk looking at all the trinkets, art, and shenanigans the street venders were up to. I was tempted in buying a teeshirt but decided against it considering I already have a Venice beach sweater so I was content with that.

Eventually we began watching people skateboard which I have never done (not even seen my own friends!) but it was so much fun! I honestly didn't think I'd be that entertained for so long. I could have stayed there the whole day but I didn't want my mom to get bored. We did stay there for a lengthy period; I'd say maybe two to three hours. There was this dude in particular that was so attractive and I realized why people fancy skaters so much. This man was gorgeous (in my eyes at least!). Not a lot of my friends are fond of men I find attractive. I.E.: Punks, tatted up dudes, greasers, etc. This guy totally tatted up: his chest to his neck to behind his ears to his arms. I know it sounds overdone but this guy definitely pulled it off; it was his style. He had some piercings too which only added to his good looks. ;D I didn't want to be much of a creeper but I recorded a bit of them skateboarding, I especially tried to get some video of him since he was really good. He was the only doing major tricks and landing them. The dude was a beast!

On the other side of the skatepark, people were filming a Spongebob Squarepants promo for Nickelodeon. I'm not really sure what Spongebob has to do with skateboarding but hey, whatever works for their advertisements. The kids that were skateboarding were cute, probably about 10 years young. For being such a major thing being recorded, it was actually pretty boring to watch. I recorded a bit of it just for kicks but it's nothing special. While sitting and watching them record this random dude started talking to me which was awesome! I always love conversing with people and this guy just started a conversation out of nowhere from the recording which eventually lead to schooling, UCs, USC, Texas, the weather, Economics, California being a melting pot, internships, and so on. I forgot the guys name, but now that I think of it I don't think I even asked him for his name. Anyway, he is originally from Texas but applied to USC and got in so he was at Venice just hanging out. It was really fun chatting with him.

Afterward we headed toward the Venice canals which is probably the closest thing to Venice, Italy I'll ever get to in this decade. Seeing the canals and the architecture of houses surrounding it further affirmed my desire to one day get an apartment in Venice Beach. I absolutely love it there so much! My mother and I snapped a couple of photos and then headed back to the boardwalk where we enjoyed two hot dogs and then headed back home to Whittier.

Overall it was a great day that I'm glad I was able to treat my mom to since payed for everything. I know a day isn't much but for not having a job I'm glad I was able to at least treat her to something. I wanted to post about something else too but it's getting late and I have another big day tomorrow.

Driving Test Pt. 2

I PASSED!!!!
I did it! I passed my behind the wheel test with only three errors. :) I'm so proud of myself. I was so nervous last night and this morning. My grandma made me a breakfast burrito but I feeling nauseous and deicded it was best that I shouldn't eat anything. While pulling up to where I wait for my instructor to come in the peak of my nervousness hit. Driving up to the place, my foot hit too fast on the gas pedal without my other foot letting go of the clutch and so my car bunny hopped. :/

I was hoping that my instructor would be a man and thank God it was. I don't really like when women are the ones grading... they seem to be stingy and rude whereas men are more objective. Anyway, the dude was awesome. He sparked up a conversation about stick shift cars and how he totally understood how it feels like to first drive one. We shared our scary moments of when our cars were braked on a hill and how we were terrified how far back the car would roll or if it would hit the car behind us. This made me feel so much better knowing he understood.

Throughout the drive I kept telling myself, "Check your mirrors. Check your mirrors. Check your mirrors. Don't go to fast--what's the speed limit?" And holy crap at one point the car was about to turn off on me but luckily I was quick enough to realize this and react by stepping on the clutch. SAVED MY LIFE! OMG. Scariest moment of my test. There was this one part where I accidently turned into a bike lane and it was later he hinted that it wasn't the right lane and I immediately switched lanes and apologized. It was then that he started directing me back to the DMV and I thought, 'That's it. I'm done. I didn't pass.' Inside I was dying of disappointment in myself but I tried to end it with grace and didn't show my disappointment.

Once I parked and he reviewed one of my errors (I got three in total) he told me, "Congratulations! You passed. Good job." I coudln't even think at that point I just wanted to run out of the car and tell my mom but I had to think: lock the car, gather my papers, and head back to the office.

It feels good finally earning that 'seal' of approval saying I can drive. :)

Now I end with some awesome DJing skills from badass Yulia.

Driving Test

The big day is tomorrow! Ahhh! I'm incredibly nervous it's ridiculous. I've been practicing since school let out in June and I've done pretty well so far. The fact that my car is stick shift made it difficult for me. I love saying that I can drive stick shift and honestly, it really is a lot of fun. I've also driven an automatic and it isn't the same; it's rather boring. Despite the fact that it's taken me a bit longer to gain confidence on the road, I love driving stick shift!

Today I drove around the area where I'd be driving tomorrow morning and we practiced for about two hours; I hope it'll help ease my nerves. Aye. I really, really hope I pass tomorrow morning. My mother said it was fine if I didn't and I do understand her reasoning why but it would just be better if I do pass on the first try. I just need to remember to stay calm and over dramatize everything. I'm off to review for a bit and then I'll probably watch some reruns of Whose Line Is It Anyway?

I'll post an update sometime later tomorrow or in the week to write whether I passed or not. Good luck to me! :)

Another one of those music entries...

You know the feeling of when you discover some really awesome band that you automatically connect with immediately claim how much you love them? Yeah, that's me too. There's phases I go through when I really get into a new band or artist. It's usually listening to them non-stop, trying to learn everything and anything possible of the band, and seeing if they're worth seeing live. It's a couple weeks later or months that I step back and come across another band or retreat to my usual playlist I listen to. However, I always do become surprised when I realize three years forward and I'm still listening to them with the same amount of admiration I had for them the first time I came across them. It's that feeling that always gets to me. I'm always intrigued at how much music has shaped my life and how it's always been in my life.

Have you ever had such an urge to write that once you put that pen to paper your thoughts immediately become jumbled? Or for my case once I set my fingers on the keys, my thoughts scan through my head so quick and it's difficult to try and type it out in a way that's understandable.

I usually write here because it's much quicker to get my thoughts down than when I write in my notebook but it's always fun commemorating memories the old fashion way.

Incubus at Jimmy Kimmel Live

This past Wednesday I was fortunate enough to get tickets to see Incubus play live for Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. I invited my two good friends Danielle and Michael. The latter is a die hard Incubus fan and we always said that we would see Incubus together since our early high school years.

Knowing it would be for Jimmy Kimmel I knew it would be a short gig, I was thinking maybe 2 to 3 songs but I was hoping they would play an hour long set like they did for David Letterman. Anyways I didn't want to think about that for too long and rather I just enjoyed the thought of finally having the opportunity to see Incubus live and in the flesh.

By the time we arrived the line wasn't too bad. I had no idea there would be two lines-- general and VIP. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough in getting my tickets to get VIP but I was content that I got any in the first place. As we got in line we could hear Incubus during soundcheck practicing Adolescents and Promises, Promises. I must confess that I wasn't a big fan of their new album when I first heard it but it has definitely grown on me and I'm lovin' majority of tracks. Hearing Promises, Promises was absolutely beautiful; Brandon's voice does wonders to ballads.

By the time we got let in to the Jimmy Kimmel stage my friends and I were way in the back. I knew this would happen considering VIP ticker holders got let in first but I tried to stay positive. I had never been to a Kimmel performance so it was definitely an experience. Eventually a security guard instructed some instructions on how they would be recording us walking to the barrier so there was to be no pushing and if he saw anyone push, they would immediately be kicked out. I was relieved knowing there was still room to head forward and that my friends and I wouldn't be stuck in the back the whole night. I had done this before at concerts so I knew we had a chance of being closer. Once the crowd starting shuffling forward I slipped through spaces and was about 3 feet away from the barrier. Success and happiness washed over my friends and I. Thankfully my friends quickly followed suit or we would have been separated. My mother was there with us so she knew to quickly follow along and not get stuck behind other people.

While waiting we were able to watch the actual recording of the Jimmy Kimmel show on plasmas that were surrounding the stage. I don't always watch Jimmey Kimmel, usually only for band performances but I did enjoy this episode. :)

Finally someone instructed us on how the recording would be. The crowd would first have to cheer and clap for thirty seconds which would be used between commercial breaks before Incubus would hit the stage. Once instructed, the crowd went wild and cheered and chanted Incubus. It was awesome! Then finally came the moment where Jimmy would be introducing Incubus and the band would play Promises, Promises first and then Adolescents but the latter would be aired first. It was a bit confusing but the point is that we were soon going to experience Incubus live. Holy crap. Excitement!

DJ Killmore walked on stage and crowd went nuts. DJ was followed by Mike, Ben, and lastly Brandon. Oh my god, there they were in the flesh. Wow. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing them after so many years! Promises, Promises was beautiful to see. I only knew a bit of the lyrics to this number so I couldn't sing along (not many people did--bummer!) but sometimes it's nice just focusing on the band. Adolescents was next and people including me seemed to know this song better and quite a few people around me started singing along with Brandon. One thing I noticed was that live I could definitely hear Ben's backup vocals than on their CD it isn't as obvious. I loved hearing Ben and Brandon's harmonies-- such an amazing duo.

It was after those two songs that the real excitement began. I listened intently and the band started up their intro for Megalomaniac and I seriously lost it. I swear I was the only one who knew what was coming up. I looked over at my friend Michael and started jumping up and down squeezing his wrist and smiling of utter joy. My friend only laughed and responded with a huge grin and quite honestly I don't think he even knew what was happening but then Mike's guitar kicked in and the crowd went WILD. As the energy built up, Jose pounded his drum kit and kicked off the crowd into singing along and head bopping. Everyone was singing this track and I must say we sounded amazing. The chorus of this song felt so liberating to sing:

Hey megalomaniac
You're not Jesus
Yeah, you're no fucking Elvis
Special, as you know yourself, maniac
Step down
Step down

It took me a while to realize what song was next until I realized it was Consequence once Brandon sang the first line. I heard this girl behind me ask what song they were playing but I was too engrossed with watching the band to answer her. I absolutely love watching Brandon perform because he does odd movements throughout songs, lol. His vocals were spot on though, absolutely perfect! I don't listen to the Make Yourself album much (it's too much rock for me) so I didn't know all the lyrics to this track but it was still great hearing this rare little number live.

Unfortunately, it was after that track that Brandon told the crowd that they had one more for us. Some booed, some cheered, I was somewhere in between. I was disappointed the set was so short but was so thankful they performed five great songs for free.

I forgot to mention that early on that day when my friend Michael came over to my house he was telling me how Pardon Me came on the radio right before he left and he knew it was a sign-- a good one. It was then that the band started into Pardon Me and everyone sang along again. My friend turned to look at me and have me a smile, a knowing smile and we both knew what we were thinking about-- it definitely was a sign. I sang my heart out to this song knowing this would be the last song they would perform and the last time I would see them until hopefully next year.

The band said their goodbyes and left the stage as we all cheered them on. I was in ecstasy and still couldn't believe I finally saw them live in person. Holy crap. A huge appeared on my face as I looked to see my friends and mother. I was basking in happiness and sweat. My mom was surprised I was sweating during such a short set and hell, even I was surprised since there wasn't a pit. I must say the crowd was very calm. There was hardly anyone jumping or fist pumping; definitely my first experience with such a calm crowd.

As we were heading back I also was lucky enough to run into their manager, Steve Rennie who I took a picture with. I swear, he is thee best manager a band could have and such a cool dude. I thanked him for all he does for the fans and how he gets us involved with the band.

Two days later I'm still in utter bliss that I finally got to see Incubus live, the band that has inspired my writing, my persona, and my view in life. I'm hoping they come back next year and tour in North America so I can fully experience their concerts live.


The Setlist
1. Promises, Promises
2. Adolescents
3. Megalomaniac
4. Consequence
5. Pardon Me

Too much is too much

My senior year has been extremely stressful. I just got rejected by a second school so that leaves me with three left to go.
CSULB - Accepted
CSUF - Accepted
UCLA - Denied
UCSB - Denied
BU - Still pending
USC - Still pending
UCB - Still pending

Quite honestly, it didn't hurt when I got rejected by UCLA mainly because they don't have journalism as a major and because my heart isn't there. UCSB did hurt a bit... not because I want to go there but because if UCSB doesn't accept me than there's no way I'm getting to my dream school of USC. That's what terrifies me, rejection of USC. It really kills my heart beacuse I can see myself there and my heart is there. :'(

Senior year is supposed to be a fantastic year and so far it's been one of my most stressful, most frustrating, and most chaotic. I seriously just want to crawl under a rock and never come out--or rather move to a different city far from where I am now. Hell, I just want to leave my house. I'm so over high school and I'm excited to start my new chapter in life. If anything I think I'm content with going to CSULB but only if I'm able to dorm. If I can't then I seriously don't even care about college anymore. I love my family and my mother but I want to become INDEPENDENT.

It's not only college letters that are pushing me over the edge it's just that it's so fucking crazy for me right now. People have such high standards for me and it pushes me over the edge because they don't understand how difficult it is for me to try and meet them. Fuck, man. Fuck this, I'm done.

Sonamburo

I had the wildest dream while taking a nap. I woke up and was a bit appalled at what I remembered. It's a bit difficult to explain but throughout the dream I remember being super content at what was going on. As I woke up, half of me wished what I dreamt was real and not only a fantasy. Wow, I just realized how dirty the previous sentence sounds. Haha, it's totally not like that. Let me clarify: I dreamt that I became friends with my tutor and we had exchanged IM addresses and we began video chatting. Throughout our chat, we said that we would always keep it on in case we needed something from one another. If I can recall correctly we talked about Toy Story, mathematics, college life, and life in general. Yep. Pretty erotic, right? Haha.

Sometimes I think what will become of my tutor and I. Are we considered friends? Or are we just associated with one another because he's my tutor. I suppose time will tell.

I would like to find my other half, or at least I'd like to date someone. I've come across men whose company I enjoy, but unfortunately they are far older than me. I've noticed that a lot of the guys I'm into are older than me and I don't fancy many who are the same age as me. I've also noticed that a lot of them are in bands or are incredibly smart. Blah.
I just really wish I'd find the guy for me one day. I know I've got a long way ahead of me but I'd really appreciate it someone by my side.

I think I just need to drive and get away. I'd like my independence now. Or I need to find myself a new hobby. Shite.

I feel like dookie. I'm hating life right now. I hate everything. Sometimes I just want to QUIT everything. Sometimes I wish I just didn't care about school so much, getting good grades, or even being involved. I'm pretty sure majority of the UC's I applied to aren't going to accept me so what's the point of getting so worked up about it? I hate this shit. I think today I've reached the breaking point. I took my damn exam in math and I worked my ass of studying, stressing myself over it when I could've been studying for other classes. And just my luck, I still get a fucking F! I'm pissed. This is such bullshit. I'm seriously on my breaking point.

Sometimes I just want to quit EVERYTHING. I wonder why I worry so much about things because really, does it really matter in the long run?

Then I come to an upset mother because of a change of plans that I didn't have control over. I feel like I'm always ruining my Mom's plans and I feel terrible about it. I feel like it's my fault for causing such a burden on her and I'm not letting her enjoy her life. I hate that I'm terrified of driving. I have my permit already, but just seeing cars on the road freaks me out. Fuck. Sometimes I just feel like taking off and just being on my own. I despise having to rely on other people to take me places. I just want to get up and go sometimes without anyone hassling me about it or any bullshit.

I just fuckin' hate life right now. Fuck all this shit!

Open Up Your Eyes

Isn't it amazing how listening to specific music/artists can totally brighten up your day? I've been listening to Suburban Legends since I last saw them last year. Their music is so upbeat and diverse--I love it! I'm really bummed that I didn't find out about them earlier because I just LOVE their presence onstage and I can't wait until I get the chance to see them again. I'm bummed I didn't get their EP at the Ska Luau but I didn't want to leave the barricade 'cause after all I had been there for Starpool. I didn't expect any band to leave me in awe but apparently all of the bands that night did!
If you've got the chance to see Suburban Legends, do it. They've got some great tunes, awesome stage presence, and some awesome dance moves.



Just needed to get this outta my system. I've got a killer poetry final tomorrow for my English class and I gotta get back to studying.

Golden

My two friends have been having issues since their wedding. I have no idea what is actually going on with their life but from what the picture I just saw on Facebook I'm hurt and disappointed with my friend. I know it isn't my right to judge from what I saw since I don't have the whole story but it still hurts me to know that something might be going on with another women that isn't his wife.

He's told me that he's been having issues with his wife and his wife has told me the same. The thing that worries me is that his wife has been pregnant and is due soon in a month and he's still not making mends. I'm worried for their future and their baby girl. I now it shouldn't be my concern but my friend is like my brother and I got close to his wife as well. It hurts me as a friend knowing that he's "cheating" on his wife and it hurts me objectively as a female.

He's told me that he'd eventually fill me in but I just don't know how I feel anymore. I'm a mixture of emotions: hurt, disappointed, and annoyed. I wonder where it went wrong . . .

Concert List

2005
'AMERICAN IDIOT Tour' @ Home Depot Center in Carson 9/9/05
Green Day
Jimmy Eat World
Flogging Molly

2006
'WARPED TOUR '06' @ L.A Dodger Stadium Parking Lot 7/12/06
UnderOATH
Helmet
The Living End
The Casualties
The Academy Is
Senses Fail
Rise Against

2007
'TASTE OF CHAOS' @ Long Beach Arena 2/22/07
Evaline
Aiden
Senses Fail
The Used
30 Sec. To Mars
SAOSIN
Chiodos

'INWARD SCREAM Tour' @ The Avalon, Hollywood 2/24/07
Bleed the Dream
Fair To Midland
Dir en grey

'DIR EN GREY SUMMER TOUR' @ the Gibson Amphitheater 6/18/07
Fall of Troy
Dir en grey

'Aiden Headlining Tour' @ El Rey Theater 10/9/07
1969
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Art of Chaos
Aiden

'PMX Convention' @ LAX, Los Angeles 11/10/07
Met Tomo of Echoscream
Thee Out Mods
LiN CLOVER

2008
JUDO CHOP Vol. 10 @ 2nd St. Jazz Bar 1/11/08
Motion Drive
The Power Cords
Quan Chinese Takeouts
Cloud Highland
Thee Out Mods

JUDO CHOP Vol. 11 @ 2nd. St. Jazz Bar 2/1/08
2nd Hand Justice
The Deepsea Goes
Running on Fumes
The Stitched Lips
Thee Out Mods

JUDO CHOP Vol. 13 @ 2nd. St. Jazz Bar 4/12/08
Lemon Drop Kick
Thee Out Mods

JUDO CHOP Vol. 16 @ 2nd St. Jazz Bar 6/6/08
DFT
Tadahisa Yoshida
Random Ninjas
Thee Out Mods
Kureha
Dig Jelly

Super Estrella's REVENTON! @ The Home Deopt Carson Center 8/9/08
Alejandro Fernandez
Juanes
Don Omar
Julieta Venegas
Beto Cuevas
(Among others which I can't remember at the moment.)


Tokio Hotel's U.S Tour @ The Anaheim House of Blues 8/20/08
Tokio Hotel

2009
Detour Tour @ House of Blues
On Parade
A Ska Band
A Long Beach local

'21st Breakdown Tour' @ Inglewood at The Forum 8/25/09
Franz Ferdinand
Green Day

'Carson Daly's New Years Eve' taping @ The Nokia Plaza 11/23/09
Green Day

2010
One Day As A Lion's US Debut Shows @ The Community Culture Center 7/18/10
Holloys
One Day As A Lion

Superestrella's Reventon @ The Staples Center 7/24/10
Belinda
Reik
Beto Cuevas
Maria Jose
Nelly Furtado
Ramon Ayala
Daddy Yankee
Enrique Iglesias
Ivy Queen
Alejandra Guzman
Chino & Nacho

'21st Century Breakdown Tour' @ The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 08/31/2010
A.F.I.
Green Day

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino present: The English Beat @ House of Blues 10/29/2010
Starpool
The English Beat

The First Annual Ska Luau @ The House of Blues 12/30/10
Stupid Flanders
La Banda Skalavera
Chase Long Beach
Suburban Legends
Starpool

2011
Japan Daisuke Relief Concert @ Chain Reaction 4/04/11
Kid Finnish
Phlying Saucer
Melee
Suburban Legends

Suburban Legends @ Tomorrowland Terrance in Disneyland 5/12/11
Suburban Legends

Starpool @ The House of Blues 6/9/11
We Are the Arsenal
Save the Swim Team
HB Surround Sound
Suburban Legends
Starpool

Incubus @ Jimmy Kimmel Live in Hollywood 08/10/11
Incubus

I can't believe what you do to me...

It's been forever since I last posted on my blog mostly due to the insane amount of stress and work I've had with college applications. However today it is FINALLY all finished. I just submitted my final application for BU and all I have to do now is submit transcripts.

Anyways, last year on the 30th of December I went to a show with my friend Derek. We went to the first Ska Luau starring: Stupid Flanders, La Banda Skalavera, Chase Long Beach, Suburban Legends, and Starpool.



I must say that I've been enjoying ska shows a lot lately and I'm tempted to say that it's better than a punk atmosphere...

The evening started out nice. Derek and I were able to get out tickets at the box office before they sold out and we got a nice spot close in front. We walked in right when Stupid Flanders were playing and they were alright, not really my cup of tea. There was a huge skank pit though, and people got really rowdy. I love skanking, but I'm quite terrified when there's HUGE people in there and I know I'm going to get killed.

La Banda Skalavera was a mix of ska with salsa and cumbia. It was definitely an interesting mix. They had some good songs, but I felt like too many of them were too slow for the night. Some started off well but it went downhill afterward. The saxophonist was really cute though and it made me wonder where he's from. Columbiano? It was during this time that these two chicks rudely pushed their way up to the front; it was annoying as hell. They were recording the whole time and just being completely RUDE. The people around me ended up pushing 'em out though, THANK GOD, 'cause I would've been pissed if they stayed there the whole night.



By the time Chase Long Beach got on stage I knew it was going to get wild. They're a really well known ska band and they've got amazing tracks to skank to! I always love when there's a female in the band, it's the feminist in me that gets happy, lol.


Suburban Legends were next and by this time I had already reached the barricade (yeah!) and this chick I'd made acquaintances with was right next to me. She was really chill-- she came from Pasadena so that was cool. Surprisingly Suburban Legends were a lot of fun. My Asian fascination kicked it when I realized the singer was Asian haha. I think one of the main thing that makes this band fun and stand out is that they have audience interaction. I've attended a handful of concerts and I've noticed that those that involve the crowd during their performance make a stronger impact than those that create a bridge.

They covered "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King and it was totally great! I felt my childhood memories sinking in, and surprisingly I knew majority of the lyrics. :) They had some cool choreographed dance moves too.

It was during this band that I realized this creeper had been creeping on me. I don't think I've ever been so terrified in my life, especially at a show! Fortunately for me I had met amazing people that protected me from his creeperness. That bastard. I don't think I would've enjoyed the show if it wasn't for those amazing people I met.

Starpool went on next and they were SUPERB as always! I can't remember the set list but it was loads of fun. They played some new songs I hadn't heard before and it was nice just relaxing a bit and watching them perform. Their encore song was 'Shout' by the Isley Brothers and while I prefer Green Day's version of the song, they did justice and it was still great fun. It was a great feeling knowing that all the people on the barricade were rockin' out for Starpool. This had been their first sold out show and headlining gig.

T-Bone Willy gave me a Dum Dum and I ended up catching another as well along with a luau thingy. I don't know what it's called but it's this:


Overall the night was spectacular. ♥ I really can't wait to start driving (I got my permit last Wednesday!) so I can just follow their gigs around California. And now that it's the New year I wonder what will be my first concert of 2011; I can't wait to see what the world has in store for me academically, socially, and musically.