This is a test.

This is a test.

This is a test.

This is a test of the Airbag Radio Broadcast System.

Do not be alarmed.

Repeat.

Do not be alarmed.

Remain calm.

Take a deep breath.

Wait for further instruction.

This is your captain speaking.

Repeat.

This is your captain speaking.

I have just been informed that we currently rest in the midst of great divide. On one side of this divide is who we once were. On the other side of the divide is who we will be someday. And right here, right now, in the middle of our past and future, well, this is just us. I have been advised that we are in no danger at the moment, provided that we continue to move forward across the divided. In the event that we should cease forward progress, we must by no means consider returning to what lies behind us. To do so would jeopardize everything that awaits us on the other side of the divide. Remain calm. Your captain will guide you.

Hearing Aid

Good Morning.  Just checking in from my morning shuffle from train to train.  Today I am accompanied by the subtle sounds of Youth Lagoon‘s Year of Hibernation.  And hibernation is right.  These songs fits nicely between my waking narrative and the noises of the subway.  Perfect for the day ahead and the sleep behind.  Thanks to Big D for turning me onto this.

HELLO 2012!

Here we are!  2011 is over as is Day 1 of 2012.  What a long strange trip it’s been.  Looking back at all the changes of the past year, I can barely find the words to describe the experience.  (Perhaps that’s part of the reason why I’ve been so mute on this here weblog.)

My New Year’s resolution for 2011 was to either go back to school for my teaching credential, move to New York, start a family, or do all three.  At the time the only one I seriously thought was feasible was going back to school.  Fast forward to August and I’m buying a one way ticket to New York to begin a teaching credential program.  No kids yet, but two out of three ain’t bad.

I have no idea what the year ahead will bring but I am confident that it will be an adventure and I hope to find more time for moments like this with you.  Cheers!

It’s that time of year again…

Bing+Bowie=Christmas

Sleigh Bells, I Love You.

(Video)

New Album Coming Soon…

One Month.

Saturday morning. New York. Sun breaks through rear window. Beginning to feel home. Reflect on all I’ve taken in in the month since my arrival. Look ahead but not too far. Feel the cool fall air that joined us here yesterday.

Dear Sacramento,

This is it, Sacramento.  This is where you and I part ways.  I am sitting in your airport terminal, the old one, the terminal that I’ve visited oh so many times over the years.  A lifetime of memories are stored here.  And not just here, but every little bit of your town.  A childhood spent at Gunther’s, visits to Fairytale Town, adventures through the foothills.  I’ve left, I’ve returned.  I’ve made friends in coffee shops.  I’ve found love in English class.  I have praised this city and I have cursed this city.  Above all, this city has made me who I am.  And now, I go out, into the unknown.  Although I won’t be here with you, you will be there with me.

James

Sacramentan

Leaving Sacramento, Part I

I am sitting on the patio of Naked Lounge, one of my favorite neighborhood haunts, listening to the Cuban sounds of Omara Portuondo.  I have frequented this coffee shop on a sometimes daily but at least weekly basis for the past 5 1/2 years.  It is, in fact, one of the amenities that first drew me to the Fremont Park ‘hood.

Over the years, I have paid my dues in shitty customer service to finally arrive at a place of subtle acknowledgement from the Naked Lounge staff, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  Personally, I prefer my coffee with a side of ‘Fuck you.‘

Tomorrow I will pay my final visit to Naked Lounge.  Well, hopefully not my final final visit, but at least my final visit for some time.  In less than 48 hours I will no longer be a resident of this neighborhood or city or state.  Saturday morning at approximately 8:10AM Eastern Time, I will arrive at JFK International Airport and make my first steps as a New Yorker.

Finder’s Keepers

via Phono Select.

It’s Coming…

July 31st, 9PM

Stay out of the deep end!