Lounge of Tomorrow – Aside from the obvious, putting this site together has created a number of great memories for me starting with the people who encouraged me to do it, the adrenaline filled day when it all came together, the nadir of the April Fool’s Day fiasco, the attraction of old friends and the making of new ones. Moreover, I love the opportunity it’s given to me and my friends to be creative and play.
Coachella – We went last year for a day, but did the whole weekend this year and had GD and CP to share it with. We saw some great performances by Bauhaus, Arcade Fire, Chemical Brothers, Dresden Dolls, Gram Rabbit, Jem, some of whom we got to see again later in the year.
Cemetery Screenings – This summer we finally got out to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to join the fun of
Cinespia. I had no idea this would become such an integral part of the Summer, but I had a blast at all of the screenings and it was so great to have a bunch of you join us for the various shows.
Tokyo – It’s always great to go somewhere you’ve never been before, this year it was Tokyo. As much as I love to travel, I couldn’t believe we actually pulled this one off and it wasn’t until we actually arrived did I believe we were there. It was great to have Mousepod and his wife meet us and share the research and expertise they had, and also great to link up with my friend Carl who was able to show us a part of the city we’d never see on our own. Of course the Disney Parks were spectacular, but I take away memories of the Ghibli Museum, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. I love that on my last tday there I was able to navigate the trains on my own, pick up a mocha in a station coffee shop while waiting for a store to open and get safely home. This trip was an adventure and a Joy.
Disneyland’s 50th – As CP mentioned this significantly marked the year. The birthday weekend was a blast, overnighting at DCA, being welcomed by the CM, and abundance of cup cakes. But the 50th also marked the celebrations of May 5th, our first preview of the things to cut with all the anticipation, excitement and even disappointment. I guess with the 50th also came the post-50th blues, not so welcome but a very real funk that came on after the festivities were done and the crowds arrived.
Halloween Haunt – I had never been despite turning down an opportunity to go to the first so many years ago. But had a great time with CoasterMatt and Rose as tour guides. We saw all the mazes, the hanging, and just had an all around spectacular time.
The Dity Bops – A tip off from Eliza and two shows this year, a fun folky and witty band that are just a delight to see, especially in the small fun clubs they play right now. Brought back memories of touring the clubs and enjoying music that I had done long ago. This was a nice juxtaposition for the festival of Coachella, to once again see music in such venues. Of course they sold out the last show I wanted to see, so these intimate moments may well be stuck only in memory, but I’m hoping 2006 will bring some opportunities to relive this experience.
Mink Stole, Gram Rabbit, & the Abby – A wild night out with my friend and workmate, Melissa who took me to a signing for a friend’s DVD release, introducing me to Mink Stole. Our goal was to see Gram Rabbit at the Toubador and they put on a great show. It was fun to see them in such a small stage after Coachella. But we left part way through the headliner’s set, and I was introduced to the Gay Swank of the Abby where we shared huge cocktails and delicious appies, while she teased me about being checked out by other bears. Melissa and her partner joined us for one of the cemetery screenings and fit right in despite the fuzzy water – votive candle volcano. She’s moving to a different department in 2006 and I will miss her company, though I hope we can come up with an excursion or two.
Riding the Metro – When gas hit $3 a gallon I realized I was spending over a couple hundred dollars a month, just to go to work. I’ve always like the Metro, but always thought it too inconvenient to use, but I gave it a try back in August and found despite the pain of getting up early, I really loved commuting this way. IN may ways this has spurred a love affair I’m having with the City of LA, locked in my car I’ve missed so much, but wandering the city I’ve reveled in the architecture and sudden surprises of hidden public spaces. To be sure, my travels take me through some of the worst part of the city, but my commute has become one of my muses, it engages me and inspires me daily. I’m also reading more and enjoying music more. I’ll be keeping on with this despite the drop in gas prices.
Reading Murakami – This year in preparation for our Tokyo trip we stumbled across
Haruki Murakmi, billed as the new Mishima, I expected something good but was blown away with what I got. I only started reading him after we got back from Japan but once I read one of his books, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, I had to have them all. Now I’m rationing them lest I read them through to quickly. I love his blending of the real and dream world, his matter-of-fact delivery and subtle eroticism. I am just amazed it took me so long to discover him.