:: Life on Planet Dan-E ::

:: South Beach Life ::

I've been keeping a journal of sorts the last few days trying to keep track of what's been happening here while I've been Internet access deprived so here's what I have so far:

Saturday 27, 2003. 7:46pm

I’ve had the (mis)fortune of experiencing the very tropical nature of Miami Beach’s climate firsthand the last couple of days. There’s a runnning joke among the locals that you know what time it is by when the rain hits. It’s not just the precipitation, it’s that it occurs while it’s still hot and humid. A cloudburst during an afternoon of 88 degree heat with 80% humidity isn’t uncommon here. It’s already happened a couple of times and I’ve been caught in the rain twice. Don’t ask me how but I did actually have the foresight to bring an umbrella with me from LA just in case, but I’ve yet to carry it with me at the appropriate time.

Having said that, South Beach is just beautiful, weather permitting. Even during the rains, it’s pretty here. I’ve witnessed the far too rare occurrences of rain while the sun is still shining, one of my favorite types of weather. The hardest thing to get used to in this place isn’t really the heat or the humidity. One has to get used to the fact that the temperature variances are very slight. Humidity will always remain in the 80s and up, but while the noon temperature might be 90, at midnight it’s drops down to a brisk 84 or so. I go through t-shirts here like Madonna goes through bedmates.


Sunday 28, 2003 4:15pm

My first taste of the South Beach Nightlife was, rather... vigorous? Everyone knows that I’m not into clubbing. Give me a quiet coffee house or a sports/dive bar anyday but since I’m here, I might as well at some point or another get a sample of the famed South Beach Nightlife. I just didn’t think it’d happen so soon.

The evening starteed at TGI Friday’s for an informal dinner to meet other Ad School students. They seemed like a nice enough bunch and afterwards we decided to hang out a little more at this bar called Wet Willy’s, where they seem to specialize in blended (read: chick) drinks.

Once that place got old, we trekked over to a Coyote Ugly-style place called Automatic Slims. Upon walking through the door, I’m treated to a sight of four young, female, midriff-clad bartenders dancing on top of the bar to classic rock music (at least it wasn’t country). Again, not my type of place but at least the place did have a TV and we stayed long enough to so that I could watch SportsCenter (I don’t have a TV at my place yet and I’ve been going through a rather severe SportsCenter withdraw). Slims was having a promotion where they gave out free t-shirts if you bought a Miller Lite so I figured what the hell, I need more shirts and I was thirsty. That, by the way, was the first and last time drinking Miller LIte. That crap is almost as bad a Corona.

The next place was a Salsa club called Bash. I wasn’t allowed in initially since my attire didn’t fit their dress code (since when were board shorts and sneakers inappropriate club attire?!?!). It wasn’t too far from my place so I went home and changed into something more fitting for the atmosphere (if you could only feel the discontent as I typed out that last sentence). Anyway, it was a fairly decent place with overwhelmingly loud music. Actually, all three places (and most clubs, really) have overwhelmingly loud music. Not that I have anything against loud music, as long as it’s in a controlled environment. Controlled meaning my car or apartment and I’m the only one there. I’m not necessarily claustrophobic but being sardined into a space with a bunch of strangers is a bit too much for my senses.

It’s rare that I go to a club in a year but three in a single night? Ugh. Not to say I didn’t have fun but it was all a bit much to take in at once. My clubbing quota is beyond met and I think I’m good until, I don’t know, 2008.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 3:42 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: Good Morning Miami ::

I just flew in about 5:30 last night and got to my new place around 7:00 or so. I spent part of this morning exploring my surroundings and I gotta tell ya, it's great. I just came from the beach, where at 9:00 in the morning, I saw the sunrise over the water while enjoying high 80s temperature and dipping my toes in 82 degree water. Of course, things will change once school starts and I won't have time to enjoy such things but it's nice to know that's out there.

I'm at an Internet cafe a few blocks down from my place so I have to keep this brief but I'll update again as soon as I get my computer.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 10:12 AM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: Good Bye, Good Night. ::

Today was my last day of work, and without any real irony, I spent most of the day doing other stuff. Apartment hunting occupied most of my morning, then a long lunch with a friend, and then a few minutes of updating my blog when I came back. I did get some work in but it there wasn't much to do so spent the rest of the afternoon gathering my stuff. I'm actually going to have to come in over the weekend just to take all my stuff home. It's mostly CDs too. I didn't realize I brought so many CDs to work. I have to tell you, I'm not gonna miss this place.

Speaking of apartment hunting I finally have a place to live! And get this, it's only one block away from school according to the rental agent. Thank you God! Being car-less, distance was a very high priority, next to affordability and this place is only $600 a month. Not bad for a "spacious" (agent's word) studio that's mere blocks away from the ocean. Though saying it's "spacious" for a studio is akin to saying a 4Runner is "fuel efficient" for an SUV. Not that I'm complaining. All I'm taking is clothes, my baseball glove, and my guitar. You know, just the essentials. I won't have enough stuff to fill a closet so it's not like I'll be lacking in space.

It's amazing to me how - for lack of a better word - easy this most of this has been. (Though I may be jinxing the whole thing just by typing that previous sentence.) I actually got accepted on my first attempt, my ticket fare is reasonably priced, registration has been painless, my parents have been incredibly supportive and now I find an affordable place a short distance from campus. The more I keep moving forward, the more I'm convinced that this is the path I'm supposed to follow. Yes there was still a small part of me that had doubts, cynical bastard that I am. This is clearly God's way of telling me "see what happens when you trust me? I'm God, this stuff is a cakewalk for me. All you have to do is ask. By the way, consider this is a preview because once you're buried under the typical art student workload, not only will you be praying to me, you're gonna be crying, begging and pleading for my intervention. And yes, Jesus still loves you."

And odd as it may seem, I'm looking forward to those days. I've had to deal with juggling school and work before but this is far beyond what I'm used to, and I'm eager to test the limits of my intestinal fortitude. That is why I'm doing this. I really don't need to go art school to forge a career in commercial arts. I have to test myself. I need to be scared s***less. I need to get my butt kicked. Hard. I need to learn to swallow my pride and reach out for help when I'm down. As a firm believe in the idiom "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" I need to be challenged. Not that I have a limp noodle for a backbone. Far from it, but it just seems like it's been a while since I've ventured beyond my comfort zone. I need to face these trials, look it in the eye and have the strength - be it my own or from a higher source, most likely the latter - to say, "I am NOT your bitch!" Unlike say, the other night at Pink's when I almost succumbed to my third Polish dog.

But that's different ;)

And to be completely honest, I much prefer to deal with the pressures of completing multiple projects while facing a looming deadline as opposed the pressure of finding a roof over my head. I mean seriously, they have hurricanes over there!

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 1:53 AM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: Places to Go, People to Miss. ::

Heading into my last weekend in Los Angeles, my brain is just inundated with various thoughts, though oddly enough, the main one seems to be "I really need to practice my guitar for Sunday." I'm still trying to figure out why I'm not more excited/anxious/freaked out and the best thing I can come up with is that since I've been planning for this for the last year or so, now that it’s here... I guess I'm just better prepared for it.

I've spent the last two weeks getting together with some close friends just to hang out and visit my favorite food spots one last time.

A couple of weeks ago, I was treated to dinner at Hennessy's Tavern in Redondo Beach by my friend Brian. It's bar/restaurant with great sandwiches and a really good corned beef dinner. And they serve an exceptionally well-poured glass of Guinness. A week later I took him out for his birthday and after watching "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" (very entertaining) we headed up to Pink's Hotdogs. Being his birthday, I made him eat a little more than he can typically handle. It would cause hims some abdominal discomfort and in turn, him cursing my name and the day he met me on drive home. I’m sure he was cursing even more the next morning while sitting on the toilet. Something that naturally, brings a smile to my face. Happy birthday buddy =)

Last Wednesday, high school pal Neil and I drove up to the Original Tommy's for my last bite of these gloriously unhealthy chili burgers. If you've never been, I can describe it in two words: worthwhile diarrhea. It's that good. This guy is the one who's been the biggest supporter of this move and having vacationed in Miami last year, has been especially generous with his advice on what to expect. He's also the guy who shared my steak dinner and Vegas experiences, by the way.

I spent Saturday evening with Joo, who’s also moving to the east coast. New Jersey in her case. It was again in Redondo but this time dinner was at a little French place called Aimee's. My blue collar tastes don't always allow me to appreciate stuffy French places but this one is actually quite nice. Not only is the food great but the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious (accordion music aside). Afterwards was dessert at ColdStone's, then coffee at my favorite coffee house called Coffee Cartel. It's similar to Central Perk of "Friends" fame in that the so-called dining area not only has tables, but sofas and couches to lounge on. Very homey.

Actually, if there's one part of L.A. that I'm going to miss is that little corner of Redondo. So many of my favorite hang outs and restaurants are there. The aforementioned Aimee's and Hennessy’s Tavern. Coffee Cartel is there, right next to one of my favorite restaurants; Redondo Beach Brewing Company. For many reasons that night was particularly enjoyable, not just because I managed to visit two spots but the company was great as well. Nothing against Brian but that place just seemed nicer when it's shared with an attractive, engaging woman who's capable of fun, intelligent conversation. Come to think of it, most things are nicer when shared with an attractive, engaging woman who's capable of fun, intelligent conversation.

This afternoon I had lunch at Wahoo’s with Kathy. I have no idea if Florida has fish tacos, being a product of Mexico and all and as far as I know, Cuban cuisine doesn’t have fish tacos on their menus. Again, while I've been to Wahoo's many times before, it just seemed nicer this time. If you have to ask why, simply refer to the last sentence of the previous paragraph.

I have a few more "appointments" this coming weekend, all of which I'm looking forward to. As much as I'll miss the only place I've ever called home, I'm aware that it's the people that make it what it is. In that sense, my definition of "home" is similar to the Biblical definition of "Church." For that matter I'm really going to miss NewSong. I know that Miami and South Beach are saturated with quaint little places that I would no doubt like but the cynic in me thinks that the people I meet just won't be the same. Then again I hear that if you can make friends in LA, you can make friends anywhere.

Stay tuned.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 7:30 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: God Rest your Soul Johnny Cash ::

I can't believe Johnny Cash passed away this morning. It's not unexpected for someone of his age having to endure the six years of various medical complications. Yet, thanks to his renowned resilience he remained prolific, recording several well regarded albums during that time. It's not like he died a glorious Rock Star’s Death of overdosing on drugs or asphyxiating on their own vomit but fittingly enough for him, died of natural causes due to complications from diabetes.

I'm not a country and western music fan but I've always had enormous respect for the Man in Black. The guy earned every lyric that he sang, and his voice could arguably be declared a national treasure. That massive baritone of his just has tremendous presence. People these days might wax poetic about the voice of the guy from Creed but he’s a helium-inhaling Billy Barty compared to Cash. As for his songs, few can match his passion and reach into the American Spirit the way he can. His music embodied the sometimes torturous journey of achieving the American Dream and how it can exorcise those demons through art.

Since many, if not most, of the great musicians and rock stars are thriving in Hell, it's good to know that Heaven has another great voice to augment its Choir of Angels. God rest your soul Johnny Cash. Your presence on earth will be missed but your soul and voice will always endure.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 9:32 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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Geez. This is really happening. Everything is happening. Things are falling into place like they should be. I remember praying for some sort of direction - any sort of direction - regarding my future and to close whatever doors that I'm not supposed to go through. And here... so far things seem to be going well and all signs declare that this path is indeed my... fate? Destiny? My financial aid for the quarter set, the first tuition check is mailed out, and I purchased my plane ticket (non-refundable), all today. Everything went smoothly. I wonder if this is the calm before the storm.

It occurred to me earlier that other than a few of my close friends, not many people know I'm leaving. One friend who I told insisted on throwing some type of farewell get-together, an idea I rather vehemently objected to. Not that I didn't appreciate the gesture but I hate being the center of attention in that manner, so much so that I don't even want friends throwing me birthday parties. That and I'm absolutely certain that hordes of people will attend this gathering only too rhapsodic with exultation to see me off. What's that quote? "Give the people what they want..." ;-)

What's going to happen is a few quiet dinners with said close friends in the next couple of weeks just to hang out, one on one, and travel down nostalgia road one last time. Fortunately, no one seems to have taken this particularly hard since the ones who know me know that I’m not going to lose touch. If anything, most reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

Someone posed the question of my "legacy" or how I want people to remember me. First off, don't you actually have to be someone of great importance to even think about leaving a "legacy?" Anyway, favorite Subaru is the WRX, not the Legacy. *rimshot* Second... well... to be honest... I don't care. I never really gave much thought to what "people" thought of me. What I care about is the few "persons" that have been a large, important part of my life. Those few people, whether they've known me three years or thirteen years (the two guys who’ve known me for over a decade deserve effusive acclamation for putting up with my crap all that time) are the ones I'm going to miss because they've made an impact on my life. Whether it's because they were there to lean on during my struggles, or simply there to share a raucous laugh or three. The fact that they've been so supportive of this, I'm forever grateful.

That and some of them know that they're going to have a free place to crash should they ever decide to vacation in Florida. That's what it is. They’re just taking advantage of my munificence.

Bastards =)

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 2:54 AM [+] :: | 0 comments
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If everything goes well (and things rarely do with me) I should be flying out to Miami in about two weeks. "Everything goes well" entailing getting my financial aid in order, securing an apartment, and having enough luggage to take whatever it is I need. I supposed purchasing a plane ticket would help too, no? =P I have no idea what it's like for 18 year olds to be leaving the nest moving on to college life, being as it I went to a local community college, but I'm guessing it's supposed to be a lot more stressful than it is for me right now. Maybe it's because I have an extra 10 years of life experience and maturity to lean on. Don't laugh. Mentally at least, as far as I'm concerned the hardest part – getting accepted to the damn school in the first place – is over. But thinking about everything I have to do and the money required to get anything done, it's just something I accepted as part of the plan so as of yet, I'm not freaking out. Now, I’m not the type to really freak out over anything, but there's a voice in the back of my head telling me that I really don't have any business being this calm. Let's just see how I’m feeling a week from now.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 2:35 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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I just got a package from Miami Ad School this morning. It looks like I'll be finishing out this year in Miami Beach =)

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 6:26 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: Where has the Time Gone? ::

I can't believe it's September already. Geez. It just doesn't feel like that many months have passed since the Bucs won the Super Bowl, or the baseball season started. It wasn't that long ago California's political future wasn't the laughing stock of the nation, or NewSong existed only in Irvine. It doesn't seem that long ago that I wasn in Boston beeming with pride as I watched my kid brother graduate from Bah-ston Cah-llege. For that matter, it doesn't seem that long ago that there was still the possiblity (albeit miniscule) that I might receive a degree before he did. Is it truly age that makes the time seem to faster? If so, just how fast are the next few years gonna fly by? Will I achieve all that I want to? Accomplish all my goals? Meet the people I want to meet? Make the time to *shudder* get married? See all the things I want to see? Who's going to be there with me as I travel this winding road, whether it be by my side or from a distance? Are any of these sentences even grammatically correct? ;) So many questions, thoughts, mysteries, and even problems that I'm faced with and some of these I haven't slightest clue as to how they will be answered, if at all. I guess that's why it's called "life."

By the way, this why I tell my "normal" friends that they should be lucky that they don't have my "artist's" mentality. They have real, tangible problems. They couldn't handle dealing with my crap because my problems are *existential.* Hell, they barely know what to make of it hearing it from me. Why yes, as a matter or fact, I do sometimes roll my eyes at myself when I listen to myself speak.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 8:20 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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