2007: A Year In Review
It's kind of hard to believe that 2007 is almost over. I feel like it wasn't that long ago I was with Jeannie and Brittany, ringing in the new year. Twelve months have since past, and I don't feel that much more head in life. Now here we are, and it's Christmas time once again. This is my favorite time of year, and no matter how stressed I get from the hectic holiday shopping, the ridiculous lines at the airport, and never having the perfect gift for my mother, I cannot help to be giddy. I can't wait to watch Carly and Bryce as they open their Christmas presents and to hear their shrills of excitement, or to see how happy my parents will be serving Christmas dinner to their friends and family.
Overall, this has been a great year, and I will be sad to see it come to an end. I can only hope that 2008 treats me as well as 2007 did. Below are just a few reasons I have to be thankful for this year. Anddddd, to make it at least somewhat interesting, I added pictures.
On with the show.....
1. Natale L. Olsen
This year, like many before, has been bumpy for us. I mean, really.... who else could spend a night at various gay bars in Alphabet City with very flamey gay men and turn out to be the two biggest bitches of the night? Natale and I fight like sisters. It would almost be pathetic if it wasn't so funny. But at the end of the day, she's the person I call when I want to complain, she's the person I call when I want advice, and she's the person I call when I want to cry. She understands the long term mental issues that living in a town that celebrates Rodeo Day can do to a person, and the screen play of our lives is just as hilarious as the years we spent in K-Town (it's going straight to DVD, I can promise you that.) So here’s to the ridiculous amounts of time she and I spent getting coffee this year, making travel arrangements, bitching, arguing, and countless hours spent laughing together.
2. Italy
I never get tired of spending time in the vineyards of Florence. The air just seems so crisp, and the smell of fresh fruit always lingers about. If I could up and move, I'd not even have time to say goodbye. This is a shot from the train as we arrived in Florence from Rome. It's right about here that I start to get the feeling that I could spend the rest of my life looking at this view.
3. Adam Orth
Adam is the ONLY person I know who watches the shuttle launches, and is in awe of them as much as I am, and he's the only person who has not told me I'm a loser for loving the space program, for that alone I love him. He has provided me with excellent conversation over the past year, which is a fleeting quality in the general population of human life. He calls me out me when I'm being silly, but he never complains when I'm ridiculously over dramatic, and I appreciate that. He's my other half of team No Gallbladder. Adam gets me. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but it is what it is. Although chances are good that he'll hate me for posting this picture, he means the world to me. This past year, I have been very lucky enough and very thankful to have him around.
4. Carly and Bryce
How these two beautiful and smart children were sprung from my family's bloodline, I will never know, but they own my heart.
5. Steven graduating.
So, my little brother finished grad school before me... while slightly embarrassing, I was more proud of him than I ever was of myself. This is from his graduation party. Bryce helped him open his presents. He didn’t’ understand why everyone kept giving him "gweeeen paper"
6. New York.
This is the view off of the rooftop of the apartment Natale and I stayed at, off Mulberry in Little Italy.
It may have been a short trip, but I got to see Liv, Mikey and Neil while I was there, thus making is successful.
7. Sydney White - Starring Amanda Bynes
This was the first movie I got to work on while at Full Sail. I spent many days with little sleep, planning and executing the perfect time line to have this all booked and done within the time restraints. It wrapped with little to no issues with the set and soundstage. I was relieved to have had it go so well. I actually never went to watch the movie once it came out, but rumor has it that there's a scene in which you can see myself and Scott in the background. Lovely.
8. Erik Spradling.
He adheres to the guidelines of being a Scissor Squad member. It's all I can ask for. That, and just rolls his eyes when I’m rude.
9. Family.
The people in which I would be nothing without.
10. Beach Party.
The unfortunate circumstances that brought us all together once again for a single night, was heartbreaking. But it was great to have everyone together for old times sake. Nicci was down from Jersey, Jigga actually took a day off work, and Diana came up from Naples. It was the summer crew of 2004, complete with Kristin, Kelly and Rique. It had been 3 years since we all were at the same place at the same time. The day was filled with tears, but we made the best of it that night. Seeing Nicci drunk, after years of her protesting the booze, was hilarious. Between her and Kelly, the house was broken... and although no damage was done, the words "Samamnatha, imma swrorry i bwroke ta hose" will forever ring in my mind when I think of this night.
11. Sonata Arctica show.
There is nothing better than seeing you favorite band in an intimate setting.
Enough said.
I was to excited and busy singing along to take any pictures.
12. Philadelphia and The Jersey Shore.
There's something special about visiting your hometown and seeing your extended family. I don't go to Philadelphia often, but when I do, I try to spend as much quality time with not just my family, but the city itself. This year we took a two day trip out to the Jersey Shore, which I haven't been since I was a child. I wish Florida hard boardwalks the way Jersey does. There’s something nostalgic about Salt Water Taffy and Water Ice.
13. San Diego.
Also on the list of short trips made this year, but by far the best. Spending time with my brother and the kids always makes me happy. And Jake.... seeing Jake was good as well. This is the view from Sunset Cliffs on Point Loma where my brother lives. Natale, and I (as well as an unmentionable) stood there just starring for a hot second. We don't have cliffs in Florida... just sand. So it was nice change of atmosphere.
14. My Birthday.
My birthday consisted of a few days. Folsom and Fight Like Hell were on tour, and played the day before. Stu and Joey sang me a beautiful rendition of happy birthday, which warmed my heart just enough to give in to letting 12 gross, sweaty, and smell dudes stay my place. The next morning, I was surprised with breakfast and a cake. Who says a bunch of dirty hardcore boys can’t be mushy? Then on my actual birthday, Borealis played a show. Jim did three Bolting Like Michael songs, which made me cry. The day after my birthday, my parents and I went to dinner, along with Natale and Lindsey. Although it didn't top my 23rd birthday party, it’s ranked up there pretty high.
15. Quitting FS.
Best decision I made all year. No picture needed.
And here is my annual posting of my top albums of this year:
Broken Iris - Eyes of Tomorrow
Broken Iris is a relatively new band just starting to play shows after they self released their first album, Eyes of Tomorrow. They randomly added me on Myspace earlier this year. Usually I wont even give a band a listen if I dont like their name or their picture is retarded. 9.9/10 times the band is awful, so I feel no shame. But something intrigued me about them so I gave it a listen. The first song I heard on their Myspace was "Unfolding Time". I swear I listened to it a good 4 times before I even went to the next.
These guys have a very powerful, melodic...straight up epic sound. They are a full band with a cello and piano added to the mix. They utilize acoustic and electric guitars blended perfectly and a strong rhythm section to accompany. The vocalist is top notch with great range and melody writing abilities. These guys are hard to compare to others, so just give it a listen. I foresee them getting pretty large, so get'em early!
Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre
Never heard anyone in a genre like this release. What I would consider an "epic" album. In Defense of the Genre is like Homer's Odyssey of pop-punk. It is about 3 different albums mixed perfectly into one. Get into it and see them live if you get a chance.
Circa Survive - On Letting Go
I was watching a commercial for this album on Fuse and it caught my ear. I heard the vocalist and thought "what the hell kind of voice is that?" But I listened further and started to realize that these guys have one hell of an original sound that is quite pleasing. Very spacey and progressive, sorta like Dredg but a little more out there. Great solo night time highway driving music for when you need to space out.
Viatrophy - Chronicles
Fantastic dual vocal pop-punk. Styled with hardcore influenced guitars and drums to give it a powerful sound similar to Set Your Goals, but unique enough to warrant a listen.
Ensiferum - Victory Songs
A vast improvement over Dragonheads. The Finns are growing their fanbase and will definitely be seeing some larger tours and festivals offered. Perhaps even a states tour!
Panda Bear - Person Pitch
This is Noah Lexxon's second solo album that he has put out while still being a member of Animal Collective. It's toe-tapping electro pop at it's best. With the grainyness of a home recording, looped over with melodic harmonies, how can you go wrong?
Hardingrock - Grimen
Not much happened in terms of folk this year for me. But newly formed Hardingrock came out with an interesting album I suggest if you are into this type of stuff. Emperor's Ihsahn has collaborated with a few others to come out with their version of traditional Nordic folk mixed with modern neo-folk and black metal elements. Great for a cold rainy day.
Sonata Arctica - Unia
Some over the top powermetal fans feel that Sonata kind of pussed out with this album, I beg to differ.
Suicide Silence - The Cleansing
Mosh metal album of the year.
5000
Overall, this has been a great year, and I will be sad to see it come to an end. I can only hope that 2008 treats me as well as 2007 did. Below are just a few reasons I have to be thankful for this year. Anddddd, to make it at least somewhat interesting, I added pictures.
On with the show.....
1. Natale L. Olsen
This year, like many before, has been bumpy for us. I mean, really.... who else could spend a night at various gay bars in Alphabet City with very flamey gay men and turn out to be the two biggest bitches of the night? Natale and I fight like sisters. It would almost be pathetic if it wasn't so funny. But at the end of the day, she's the person I call when I want to complain, she's the person I call when I want advice, and she's the person I call when I want to cry. She understands the long term mental issues that living in a town that celebrates Rodeo Day can do to a person, and the screen play of our lives is just as hilarious as the years we spent in K-Town (it's going straight to DVD, I can promise you that.) So here’s to the ridiculous amounts of time she and I spent getting coffee this year, making travel arrangements, bitching, arguing, and countless hours spent laughing together.
2. Italy
I never get tired of spending time in the vineyards of Florence. The air just seems so crisp, and the smell of fresh fruit always lingers about. If I could up and move, I'd not even have time to say goodbye. This is a shot from the train as we arrived in Florence from Rome. It's right about here that I start to get the feeling that I could spend the rest of my life looking at this view.
3. Adam Orth
Adam is the ONLY person I know who watches the shuttle launches, and is in awe of them as much as I am, and he's the only person who has not told me I'm a loser for loving the space program, for that alone I love him. He has provided me with excellent conversation over the past year, which is a fleeting quality in the general population of human life. He calls me out me when I'm being silly, but he never complains when I'm ridiculously over dramatic, and I appreciate that. He's my other half of team No Gallbladder. Adam gets me. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but it is what it is. Although chances are good that he'll hate me for posting this picture, he means the world to me. This past year, I have been very lucky enough and very thankful to have him around.
4. Carly and Bryce
How these two beautiful and smart children were sprung from my family's bloodline, I will never know, but they own my heart.
5. Steven graduating.
So, my little brother finished grad school before me... while slightly embarrassing, I was more proud of him than I ever was of myself. This is from his graduation party. Bryce helped him open his presents. He didn’t’ understand why everyone kept giving him "gweeeen paper"
6. New York.
This is the view off of the rooftop of the apartment Natale and I stayed at, off Mulberry in Little Italy.
It may have been a short trip, but I got to see Liv, Mikey and Neil while I was there, thus making is successful.
7. Sydney White - Starring Amanda Bynes
This was the first movie I got to work on while at Full Sail. I spent many days with little sleep, planning and executing the perfect time line to have this all booked and done within the time restraints. It wrapped with little to no issues with the set and soundstage. I was relieved to have had it go so well. I actually never went to watch the movie once it came out, but rumor has it that there's a scene in which you can see myself and Scott in the background. Lovely.
8. Erik Spradling.
He adheres to the guidelines of being a Scissor Squad member. It's all I can ask for. That, and just rolls his eyes when I’m rude.
9. Family.
The people in which I would be nothing without.
10. Beach Party.
The unfortunate circumstances that brought us all together once again for a single night, was heartbreaking. But it was great to have everyone together for old times sake. Nicci was down from Jersey, Jigga actually took a day off work, and Diana came up from Naples. It was the summer crew of 2004, complete with Kristin, Kelly and Rique. It had been 3 years since we all were at the same place at the same time. The day was filled with tears, but we made the best of it that night. Seeing Nicci drunk, after years of her protesting the booze, was hilarious. Between her and Kelly, the house was broken... and although no damage was done, the words "Samamnatha, imma swrorry i bwroke ta hose" will forever ring in my mind when I think of this night.
11. Sonata Arctica show.
There is nothing better than seeing you favorite band in an intimate setting.
Enough said.
I was to excited and busy singing along to take any pictures.
12. Philadelphia and The Jersey Shore.
There's something special about visiting your hometown and seeing your extended family. I don't go to Philadelphia often, but when I do, I try to spend as much quality time with not just my family, but the city itself. This year we took a two day trip out to the Jersey Shore, which I haven't been since I was a child. I wish Florida hard boardwalks the way Jersey does. There’s something nostalgic about Salt Water Taffy and Water Ice.
13. San Diego.
Also on the list of short trips made this year, but by far the best. Spending time with my brother and the kids always makes me happy. And Jake.... seeing Jake was good as well. This is the view from Sunset Cliffs on Point Loma where my brother lives. Natale, and I (as well as an unmentionable) stood there just starring for a hot second. We don't have cliffs in Florida... just sand. So it was nice change of atmosphere.
14. My Birthday.
My birthday consisted of a few days. Folsom and Fight Like Hell were on tour, and played the day before. Stu and Joey sang me a beautiful rendition of happy birthday, which warmed my heart just enough to give in to letting 12 gross, sweaty, and smell dudes stay my place. The next morning, I was surprised with breakfast and a cake. Who says a bunch of dirty hardcore boys can’t be mushy? Then on my actual birthday, Borealis played a show. Jim did three Bolting Like Michael songs, which made me cry. The day after my birthday, my parents and I went to dinner, along with Natale and Lindsey. Although it didn't top my 23rd birthday party, it’s ranked up there pretty high.
15. Quitting FS.
Best decision I made all year. No picture needed.
And here is my annual posting of my top albums of this year:
Broken Iris - Eyes of Tomorrow
Broken Iris is a relatively new band just starting to play shows after they self released their first album, Eyes of Tomorrow. They randomly added me on Myspace earlier this year. Usually I wont even give a band a listen if I dont like their name or their picture is retarded. 9.9/10 times the band is awful, so I feel no shame. But something intrigued me about them so I gave it a listen. The first song I heard on their Myspace was "Unfolding Time". I swear I listened to it a good 4 times before I even went to the next.
These guys have a very powerful, melodic...straight up epic sound. They are a full band with a cello and piano added to the mix. They utilize acoustic and electric guitars blended perfectly and a strong rhythm section to accompany. The vocalist is top notch with great range and melody writing abilities. These guys are hard to compare to others, so just give it a listen. I foresee them getting pretty large, so get'em early!
Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre
Never heard anyone in a genre like this release. What I would consider an "epic" album. In Defense of the Genre is like Homer's Odyssey of pop-punk. It is about 3 different albums mixed perfectly into one. Get into it and see them live if you get a chance.
Circa Survive - On Letting Go
I was watching a commercial for this album on Fuse and it caught my ear. I heard the vocalist and thought "what the hell kind of voice is that?" But I listened further and started to realize that these guys have one hell of an original sound that is quite pleasing. Very spacey and progressive, sorta like Dredg but a little more out there. Great solo night time highway driving music for when you need to space out.
Viatrophy - Chronicles
Fantastic dual vocal pop-punk. Styled with hardcore influenced guitars and drums to give it a powerful sound similar to Set Your Goals, but unique enough to warrant a listen.
Ensiferum - Victory Songs
A vast improvement over Dragonheads. The Finns are growing their fanbase and will definitely be seeing some larger tours and festivals offered. Perhaps even a states tour!
Panda Bear - Person Pitch
This is Noah Lexxon's second solo album that he has put out while still being a member of Animal Collective. It's toe-tapping electro pop at it's best. With the grainyness of a home recording, looped over with melodic harmonies, how can you go wrong?
Hardingrock - Grimen
Not much happened in terms of folk this year for me. But newly formed Hardingrock came out with an interesting album I suggest if you are into this type of stuff. Emperor's Ihsahn has collaborated with a few others to come out with their version of traditional Nordic folk mixed with modern neo-folk and black metal elements. Great for a cold rainy day.
Sonata Arctica - Unia
Some over the top powermetal fans feel that Sonata kind of pussed out with this album, I beg to differ.
Suicide Silence - The Cleansing
Mosh metal album of the year.
5000