Bolt of Blue

Insanity.

All these bands I used to go and see in smaller venues are starting to play bigger and bigger venues. And it’s weird. Like Franz Ferdinand* are playing two nights at the Greek Theatre. Two nights! The capacity of that venue is 5700! WTF!?! And Interpol is also playing shows there next month. What is going on?

Of course, I’m happy that these bands have gotten so successful and are doing well…

But my beef is when bands I like are playing such big venues, tickets prices will double or even triple. And they aren’t general admission. At least with GA, you can guarantee hardcore fans will be at the front. But with seats, the chances of getting anything decent or being around your kind of peeps are zip. Radio stations and VIPs pick up most of the good seats. It sucks. At least some bands like Coldplay have good presales for their fans. Otherwise, I would not be seeing them this Saturday at an 18,000 capacity venue from the 15th row.

Sigh. I’m spoiled. I readily admit this. I’m used to seeing these bands up close and in intimate settings. I’d rather not go see Coldplay if I’m going to be in the boonies and they look like ants and I end up watching the video screen the whole time. No thank you.

But if I really love a band and their music, I’ll find a way. I mean, I did manage to get 7th row when Duran played the Staples Center. I was not going to give up on that. And it’s worth it when that magic happens – the music is filling you up, the crowd all around you is singing along, the band in front of you is full of smiles and energy, and you’re alive and in the moment and happiness envelopes your whole being.

*The new Franz Ferdinand single was on the radio the other day. I knew it was them right away. Very much their style and oh so danceable. Very catchy and fun. Love it!

Wow. Finally. News on Fiona’s new album.

It’s due out October 4th.

They redid her website with all the news and you can listen to some tracks.

The album was remixed and has a new producer. Will be interesting to compare the two versions.

I’ve been meaning to post this for a while but I haven’t had a chance to download the photos from my camera.

Time is flying. I’ve been working a lot as we get closer to ELF. I’m taking 4 days off so I have to make sure all my projects get done or are up to speed before I leave for Orlando.

Then there was my birthday.

I have…
the best husband in the world.

On my actual birthday, we went out to one of my favorite restaurants, the Fish Company in Santa Monica. I had Dungeness Crab, which was incredible. I couldn’t get over how good it was. Great wine and food and spending alone time with my boy… It was a perfect evening.

The next night, the 6th, we had some friends over to hang out. Of course, our AC is still not working (it’s been out since the fire) so it got pretty hot in our small place with so many people filling it out.

Remi had been making me a cake for the past 3 days. I wasn’t allowed to even peek at his creation. That night I finally got to see and taste it. He made me a chocolate and vanilla ice cream cake. He made both ice creams himself and also made the fudge filling too. It was amazing! It tasted great but also looked so good. I can’t believe how much work he put into it. He took my Yoshi stuffed animal and from there made a cake design out of it. See below. It was so sweet and I was touched that he went to all that trouble for me.

This Saturday, Remi and I are going to see Coldplay. Next week we head to Orlando with our friend Autumn for ELF. And before we know it, September will be here. Man, this month has been going by fast.

Busy, busy, busy.

We went yesterday for the change of status interview to get Remi’s conditional permanent resident card. It was nerve wracking. We were told that we didn’t have enough proof showing that we are a viable married couple who live together. It’s not like we’ve ever done this before! We were given 4 hours to bring photos back to the officer. We went back with an album full of wedding and honeymoon photos. He took it along with Remi’s passport and went into this office behind closed doors. Minutes ticked by until he reemerged and gave us the good news. Remi was so pale and nervous that after we left the room, he broke down with relief. This one officer had total control over our futures and it was scary.

We got more photos from friends and our professional photographer that we hired. We LOVE how they turned out. They did an amazing job.

Here’s a few to show some details from our incredible day.
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