Yesterday I had my very special phone call with a VERY SPECIAL guy...John Ondrasik! I woke up with a strange sense of calm, considering what was to come. I had a quick bite to eat and exchanged a few emails with friends...other Five For Fighting fans who were anticipating this day along with me. A half hour before the designated time, I had my notes before me...just so I wouldn't forget what I wanted to tell or ask John.
A couple minutes before 2:00 pm, I called the toll-free number that MDA gave me, along with an extension. A pre-recorded voice told me the host...that would be Kelly...was not there yet. I waited...then called back again. This time, Kelly answered, and shortly after, John called in. John and I exchanged our hellos and I told him it was nice to hear his voice again. Immediately, I felt like I was talking to a good friend who I hadn't seen in awhile...which was true! It had been over 7 months since we saw each other at the Beach Bash for Augie's Quest last March.
The first thing I did was tell John the good news about the ALS Registry Act passing the Senate and continuing on to the House for voting, where it is certain to pass, too. One of John's passions is his support for Augie's Quest, an ALS charity. For the next 15 minutes I told him how he changed my life, and talked about his music, band buses and my Five For Fighting groupie exploits. John DID ask how I was doing, too, and I recounted my Bob Dylan pineapple story. As time ran out, Kelly cut in and tried to end things...but, John wasn't quite done yet! He asked Kelly if we could have a few more minutes, and she went away. I managed to get a couple more questions in and razz John about his UCLA Bruins...they're pretty awful this year, but so are my Cougars! We then said our goodbyes...and John was gone. As I hung up the phone, I still experienced some residual euphoria...and a deep sense of happiness.
I hope you understand, I can't reveal most of my conversation with John. It was just too personal, and some stuff, well, must remain secret...at least for now. I CAN tell you that John is STILL working on his songs...he hasn't started recording his album yet. So, the wait continues. No new album OR tour till next year. But, we can wait, right? It will be well WORTH the wait! John told me the new album might be a little longer than the last. Which means more listening pleasure! I can go for that!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
"Hello? How are you?"
Sometimes, the most amazing things can happen in the least expected way. Earlier this month, there was an online auction to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was organized in conjunction with the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. If you've read my previous blogs and visited my websites, you'll know I'm a big supporter of Augie's Quest, which is one of many charities under the MDA umbrella. I try to do anything I can to help out, and the online auction was an interesting way of making a contribution.
I scanned the items up for bid...and there were a lot of them. But, one particular item quickly caught my eye. It said, "A Phone Call From John Ondrasik's Five For Fighting To You!" Now, I've met John in person several times, but those encounters were generally quite fleeting. And, yes, I do email him regularly, but he's usually not able to reply back. This phone call would present a unique opportunity to REALLY talk to John. Still, I didn't bid immediately, mostly because I wanted to gauge other people's interest. The auction was to last for two weeks, and I waited a week to see what would happen. Nothing. No one bid, although I DID see people bidding for another phone call...with the young country singer Billy Gilman. Perhaps most didn't know who John Ondrasik OR Five For Fighting was...so what's new?
I decided then that there was no reason to wait any longer...I placed the minimum bid of $150. Now, I had another week of waiting to see if there would be any other takers. On September 4th...the last day of the auction...I kept checking to see if anyone else would bid. But, there was none. I watched as the last seconds ticked away, and only then did I stop holding my breath. I won the phone call! But, more importantly, my donation of $150 was going to a VERY worthy cause! Within a couple of hours, I got email verification of my winning bid. The following week, I called MDA to find out how the phone call would take place. I was told I would be receiving a certificate via snail mail that would entitle me to the phone call, along with a contact number to arrange a time.
Upon receiving the certificate, I called Shannon at the San Diego MDA office. She asked me when I would be available to talk to John. I gave her my two days off the following week, and she said she would contact John. Shannon later did call me back and asked if I could do the phone call on Thursday, the 25th at 2:00 pm? I told her it would be perfect, and Shannon said she would let John know. When I hung up, my hands were shaking from the adrenaline rush. I would have a week of waiting before the big phone call.
Those days initially went slowly, then sped up as my special day got closer. During that time, I started compiling a list of topics and questions. Things that I had always wanted to tell or ask John, but just never got the chance...or never got an answer. I was curious how long I would actually be able to talk to John. So, I called MDA, and spoke to Kelly, the gal who would be hosting the call. She told me 15 minutes...something about John having other appointments afterwards. That didn't sound right to me...what appointments? But, I didn't say anything. I would just have to prioritize my list to compensate for the limited time with John. But, I had a pretty good idea what I was going to say. Hmm...15 minutes sure didn't seem like much. Well, I would just have to make the most of it...talking to John! To be continued...
I scanned the items up for bid...and there were a lot of them. But, one particular item quickly caught my eye. It said, "A Phone Call From John Ondrasik's Five For Fighting To You!" Now, I've met John in person several times, but those encounters were generally quite fleeting. And, yes, I do email him regularly, but he's usually not able to reply back. This phone call would present a unique opportunity to REALLY talk to John. Still, I didn't bid immediately, mostly because I wanted to gauge other people's interest. The auction was to last for two weeks, and I waited a week to see what would happen. Nothing. No one bid, although I DID see people bidding for another phone call...with the young country singer Billy Gilman. Perhaps most didn't know who John Ondrasik OR Five For Fighting was...so what's new?
I decided then that there was no reason to wait any longer...I placed the minimum bid of $150. Now, I had another week of waiting to see if there would be any other takers. On September 4th...the last day of the auction...I kept checking to see if anyone else would bid. But, there was none. I watched as the last seconds ticked away, and only then did I stop holding my breath. I won the phone call! But, more importantly, my donation of $150 was going to a VERY worthy cause! Within a couple of hours, I got email verification of my winning bid. The following week, I called MDA to find out how the phone call would take place. I was told I would be receiving a certificate via snail mail that would entitle me to the phone call, along with a contact number to arrange a time.
Upon receiving the certificate, I called Shannon at the San Diego MDA office. She asked me when I would be available to talk to John. I gave her my two days off the following week, and she said she would contact John. Shannon later did call me back and asked if I could do the phone call on Thursday, the 25th at 2:00 pm? I told her it would be perfect, and Shannon said she would let John know. When I hung up, my hands were shaking from the adrenaline rush. I would have a week of waiting before the big phone call.
Those days initially went slowly, then sped up as my special day got closer. During that time, I started compiling a list of topics and questions. Things that I had always wanted to tell or ask John, but just never got the chance...or never got an answer. I was curious how long I would actually be able to talk to John. So, I called MDA, and spoke to Kelly, the gal who would be hosting the call. She told me 15 minutes...something about John having other appointments afterwards. That didn't sound right to me...what appointments? But, I didn't say anything. I would just have to prioritize my list to compensate for the limited time with John. But, I had a pretty good idea what I was going to say. Hmm...15 minutes sure didn't seem like much. Well, I would just have to make the most of it...talking to John! To be continued...
Monday, July 21, 2008
Crunching the numbers
Originally posted on MySpace on March 31, 2008.
When I was planning my Great Beach Bash Road Trip, no detail went unturned. I made hotel reservations for every town and city I was staying at ahead of time. Made a list of all the places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do. Calculated about where I would need to fill up gas and kept track of the prices online via AAA. When it was all said and done, pretty much everything happened like clockwork, which can make a long road trip that much easier. I admit, I can be pretty obsessive when it comes to planning...and compiling facts and figures. Like last year’s Five For Fighting groupie road trip, I’ve come up with the numbers. I think you’ll be amazed, maybe a little shocked and even a tad amused. All I can say is...thank goodness for my tax refund and my auto GPS.
Number of road trip days: 17
Total miles driven: 3600
Most miles traveled in one day: 435 (from Reno, NV to Boise, ID, with one gas stop and my Zoo Boise visit thrown in between)
Number of road kill mishaps: 1 (I feel rather badly about it, but I couldn’t avoid the little bird that bounced off my windshield driving Hwy 95 in southeastern Oregon)
Number of gas fill-ups: 14
Total amount spent for gas: $573.45
Cheapest and most expensive gas purchased: $3.25/gal (Boise, ID) and $3.63/gal (Bishop, CA)
Number of times I had to add oil: 0 (unlike my groupie road trip, where Hwy 1 in California did me in)
Number of hotel stays: 9
Total amount spent for those hotel accommodations: $1049.12
Number of times I stayed at Super 8: 4 (hey, when it comes to price and amenities, it was perfect!)
Number of museums visited: 12
Number of zoos visited: 4
Number of animals petted: 9 (4 zoo animals at West Coast Game Park in Oregon, and 4 cats and a dog at my friend Lynne’s house in L.A.)
Most number of places visited in one day: 4 (it would have been 5, but the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce was a victim of the December windstorms along the Oregon coast and is no more)
Number of times I had my Blazer washed: 2
Number of times I was mistaken for someone else: 2 (it still cracks me up)
Number of times my name was mispronounced: 1 (by The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, but she corrected herself immediately)
Number of times John Ondrasik said my name at the Beach Bash, and correctly, I might add: 4 (I think...the night was kind of blur at times)
Number of times I bought food from a national fast food chain restaurant: 8 (I really tried to avoid doing this but it’s hard not to when you’re time constrained)
Number of CDs I took with me: 96 (with the exception of my Five For Fighting CDs, I didn’t play anything more than once!)
Number of photos taken: 1620 (aren’t digital cameras great?)
Of the photos I took, how many of them included John Ondrasik: 14 (sometimes, those candid shots can be golden!)
Road trips are great. Sometimes it’s the only way go, especially if you’re seeking out the unusual and the obscure...places off the beaten track. And, those can be the most fun...take it from me. Next year...the Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip II. This year can’t go by fast enough for me!
When I was planning my Great Beach Bash Road Trip, no detail went unturned. I made hotel reservations for every town and city I was staying at ahead of time. Made a list of all the places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do. Calculated about where I would need to fill up gas and kept track of the prices online via AAA. When it was all said and done, pretty much everything happened like clockwork, which can make a long road trip that much easier. I admit, I can be pretty obsessive when it comes to planning...and compiling facts and figures. Like last year’s Five For Fighting groupie road trip, I’ve come up with the numbers. I think you’ll be amazed, maybe a little shocked and even a tad amused. All I can say is...thank goodness for my tax refund and my auto GPS.
Number of road trip days: 17
Total miles driven: 3600
Most miles traveled in one day: 435 (from Reno, NV to Boise, ID, with one gas stop and my Zoo Boise visit thrown in between)
Number of road kill mishaps: 1 (I feel rather badly about it, but I couldn’t avoid the little bird that bounced off my windshield driving Hwy 95 in southeastern Oregon)
Number of gas fill-ups: 14
Total amount spent for gas: $573.45
Cheapest and most expensive gas purchased: $3.25/gal (Boise, ID) and $3.63/gal (Bishop, CA)
Number of times I had to add oil: 0 (unlike my groupie road trip, where Hwy 1 in California did me in)
Number of hotel stays: 9
Total amount spent for those hotel accommodations: $1049.12
Number of times I stayed at Super 8: 4 (hey, when it comes to price and amenities, it was perfect!)
Number of museums visited: 12
Number of zoos visited: 4
Number of animals petted: 9 (4 zoo animals at West Coast Game Park in Oregon, and 4 cats and a dog at my friend Lynne’s house in L.A.)
Most number of places visited in one day: 4 (it would have been 5, but the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce was a victim of the December windstorms along the Oregon coast and is no more)
Number of times I had my Blazer washed: 2
Number of times I was mistaken for someone else: 2 (it still cracks me up)
Number of times my name was mispronounced: 1 (by The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, but she corrected herself immediately)
Number of times John Ondrasik said my name at the Beach Bash, and correctly, I might add: 4 (I think...the night was kind of blur at times)
Number of times I bought food from a national fast food chain restaurant: 8 (I really tried to avoid doing this but it’s hard not to when you’re time constrained)
Number of CDs I took with me: 96 (with the exception of my Five For Fighting CDs, I didn’t play anything more than once!)
Number of photos taken: 1620 (aren’t digital cameras great?)
Of the photos I took, how many of them included John Ondrasik: 14 (sometimes, those candid shots can be golden!)
Road trips are great. Sometimes it’s the only way go, especially if you’re seeking out the unusual and the obscure...places off the beaten track. And, those can be the most fun...take it from me. Next year...the Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip II. This year can’t go by fast enough for me!
Looking back
Originally posted on MySpace on March 25, 2008.
It’s been about a week since my amazing road trip came to a reluctant but necessary end. Since then, I’ve spent some time reminiscing the good times...and bad...spent during those 17 days putting miles on the odometer of my beloved groupie mobile. Some things I’ll never forget, while others, I’d LIKE to forget!
Best meal with a Food Network influence: Willie Bird’s Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA. Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives sold me when he had their turkey dinner. As Rachel Ray would say, "Yummo!"
Coolest animal encounter: Playing with Solo, the 5-week-old cougar kitten at West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR. It’s one of those moments that I’ll always remember and cherish forever.
Most humorous experience: Being mistaken for someone else not once but TWICE in the span of two weeks. Everyone supposedly has a twin somewhere in the world, but I seem to have two of them...or, the same person was scouting ahead of me!
Most inspirational moment: Meeting Augie Nieto at the Beach Bash for Augie’s Quest. By presenting a human face to ALS, he teaches us all that there is always hope, and to never give up. I, for one, am proud to be in his corner in this very real fight.
Greatest source of frustration: My auto GPS. It was great when it worked right, but it was aggravating when it didn’t. No, one cannot drive on a footpath or over a median to turn left. I never got truly lost, though, because it would ultimately ALWAYS point me in the right direction!
Biggest "what am I doing?" incident: Backing my Blazer into a wall at my San Luis Obispo hotel. I misjudged the distance and gouged my rear bumper a bit. It’s a good thing I wasn’t going very fast...and that I have a hard bumper!
Pissed off to the max moment: Checking into my hotel in Newport, OR, only to be told that all room internet service was out-of-order. And, MAYBE the wireless access MIGHT work in the hotel office area. MOST unacceptable! I got a refund and got a room at the adjacent hotel...with WORKING internet!
Best unexpected surprise filling my tank: Finding a gas station in the tiny town of Selma, OR with prices CHEAPER than the bigger town I just left. AND, the nice man working there cleaned my windshield, too. Note: you can’t pump your own gas in Oregon.
Nicest surprise at a hotel: Free chocolate chip cookies at the Best Western in Astoria, OR. And, we’re talking about the warm, fresh-baked, delectable kind!
Most disgusting place encountered on my road trip: Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, CA. It sounded interesting when I heard about it, but in reality...it was gross. And, no, I didn’t leave my own contribution to its walls.
Tastiest repeat food destination: Neptune’s Net in Malibu, CA. Hot, fresh and oh, so delicious! Might I suggest the fried scallops and shrimp basket? There is good reason John eats there and included this local landmark in his song California Justice!
Most disappointing repeat food destination: Okay, maybe it was the particular location, but I sure wasn’t impressed by my burger from the Northridge, CA In N Out. I’ve had better at In N Out’s in Hesperia and Las Vegas. Sorry, John, but this In N Out was down and out for the count!
Craziest (and most humorous) road signs: The speed limit signs at the Borax Visitor’s Center in Boron, CA. When you’re used to seeing the standard signs, but then encounter 14, 23...and 37 1/2, you can’t help but laugh, and applaud the company’s ingenuity.
Most interesting museum visited: A tie between the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. and the National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV. I don’t know what it is about cars, but between the special exhibits on low riders at the former and the Great 1908 N.Y. to Paris Race at the latter, and the early automobiles, these museums captivated me. They just don’t make cars like they used to...form AND function brought together to create truly beautiful machines.
Coolest moment during the Warner Brothers Studio VIP Tour: Seeing the trailer of actor Danny Pino, who plays the character Scotty Valens on the TV series Cold Case...one of my fav shows! He was somewhere on the lot...maybe even INSIDE that trailer...but, I never saw him, unfortunately. He is HOT! (sorry, John! lol)
Nicest planned encounter: Meeting not one but TWO MySpace friends during my road trip. I attended the Beach Bash for Augie’s Quest with Johnny, and my first NHL hockey game with Lynne, And, they were both as wonderful in person as they are on MySpace, not to mention BIG Five For Fighting fans, too.
And, last but not least...most rewarding and memorable moment. Of course, it would have to be getting up close (and somewhat personal) with John Ondrasik at the Beach Bash. He was SO NICE, and just reaffirmed what I always knew...he truly IS one-of-a-kind. I...we...are SO fortunate to have been touched by his music and his ideals. His is one bandwagon I’ll certainly never get off of. And...that was one GREAT hug!
It’s been about a week since my amazing road trip came to a reluctant but necessary end. Since then, I’ve spent some time reminiscing the good times...and bad...spent during those 17 days putting miles on the odometer of my beloved groupie mobile. Some things I’ll never forget, while others, I’d LIKE to forget!
Best meal with a Food Network influence: Willie Bird’s Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA. Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives sold me when he had their turkey dinner. As Rachel Ray would say, "Yummo!"
Coolest animal encounter: Playing with Solo, the 5-week-old cougar kitten at West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR. It’s one of those moments that I’ll always remember and cherish forever.
Most humorous experience: Being mistaken for someone else not once but TWICE in the span of two weeks. Everyone supposedly has a twin somewhere in the world, but I seem to have two of them...or, the same person was scouting ahead of me!
Most inspirational moment: Meeting Augie Nieto at the Beach Bash for Augie’s Quest. By presenting a human face to ALS, he teaches us all that there is always hope, and to never give up. I, for one, am proud to be in his corner in this very real fight.
Greatest source of frustration: My auto GPS. It was great when it worked right, but it was aggravating when it didn’t. No, one cannot drive on a footpath or over a median to turn left. I never got truly lost, though, because it would ultimately ALWAYS point me in the right direction!
Biggest "what am I doing?" incident: Backing my Blazer into a wall at my San Luis Obispo hotel. I misjudged the distance and gouged my rear bumper a bit. It’s a good thing I wasn’t going very fast...and that I have a hard bumper!
Pissed off to the max moment: Checking into my hotel in Newport, OR, only to be told that all room internet service was out-of-order. And, MAYBE the wireless access MIGHT work in the hotel office area. MOST unacceptable! I got a refund and got a room at the adjacent hotel...with WORKING internet!
Best unexpected surprise filling my tank: Finding a gas station in the tiny town of Selma, OR with prices CHEAPER than the bigger town I just left. AND, the nice man working there cleaned my windshield, too. Note: you can’t pump your own gas in Oregon.
Nicest surprise at a hotel: Free chocolate chip cookies at the Best Western in Astoria, OR. And, we’re talking about the warm, fresh-baked, delectable kind!
Most disgusting place encountered on my road trip: Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, CA. It sounded interesting when I heard about it, but in reality...it was gross. And, no, I didn’t leave my own contribution to its walls.
Tastiest repeat food destination: Neptune’s Net in Malibu, CA. Hot, fresh and oh, so delicious! Might I suggest the fried scallops and shrimp basket? There is good reason John eats there and included this local landmark in his song California Justice!
Most disappointing repeat food destination: Okay, maybe it was the particular location, but I sure wasn’t impressed by my burger from the Northridge, CA In N Out. I’ve had better at In N Out’s in Hesperia and Las Vegas. Sorry, John, but this In N Out was down and out for the count!
Craziest (and most humorous) road signs: The speed limit signs at the Borax Visitor’s Center in Boron, CA. When you’re used to seeing the standard signs, but then encounter 14, 23...and 37 1/2, you can’t help but laugh, and applaud the company’s ingenuity.
Most interesting museum visited: A tie between the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. and the National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV. I don’t know what it is about cars, but between the special exhibits on low riders at the former and the Great 1908 N.Y. to Paris Race at the latter, and the early automobiles, these museums captivated me. They just don’t make cars like they used to...form AND function brought together to create truly beautiful machines.
Coolest moment during the Warner Brothers Studio VIP Tour: Seeing the trailer of actor Danny Pino, who plays the character Scotty Valens on the TV series Cold Case...one of my fav shows! He was somewhere on the lot...maybe even INSIDE that trailer...but, I never saw him, unfortunately. He is HOT! (sorry, John! lol)
Nicest planned encounter: Meeting not one but TWO MySpace friends during my road trip. I attended the Beach Bash for Augie’s Quest with Johnny, and my first NHL hockey game with Lynne, And, they were both as wonderful in person as they are on MySpace, not to mention BIG Five For Fighting fans, too.
And, last but not least...most rewarding and memorable moment. Of course, it would have to be getting up close (and somewhat personal) with John Ondrasik at the Beach Bash. He was SO NICE, and just reaffirmed what I always knew...he truly IS one-of-a-kind. I...we...are SO fortunate to have been touched by his music and his ideals. His is one bandwagon I’ll certainly never get off of. And...that was one GREAT hug!
Home, sweet, second home!
Originally posted on MySpace on March 17, 2008.
I left Boise, ID a little later than I wanted, even knowing I would gain an hour traveling from Mountain to Pacific time. I got the best sleep of my whole road trip last night, and also for the first time in the past 17 days…the clock radio woke me up. I must have been dead tired…road tripping will do that to you and it finally caught up to me. After a bagel with cream cheese…some continental breakfasts are better than others…I headed west. But, after just a couple of hours, I was hungry. My stomach would not be denied. I stopped in Baker City, OR for a quick bite at Taco Time…one of my fast food favorites.
Unfortunately, my unplanned detour threw off my schedule even further. By the time I reached Pendleton…after 3 hours of driving…it was almost 12:30 pm. I wanted to visit the famous Underground Tours, but found out that their next tour was at 1:30. With the tour itself being 90 minutes long, and with an additional 2 ½ hours of driving to go, I decided I just couldn’t hang around that long. There was one other place in town that I wanted to check out…a place called the Popcorn Factory. But, I discovered that place was closed on Mondays. So, my trip to Pendleton was a washout. After filling up my gas tank, I left town.
The last 150 miles went by quickly. In no time, I was home. I was eager to see my cat Kimi…but, the feeling was not mutual. As soon as my parents started bringing some of my stuff in from the car…she disappeared! Kimi thought it was time for her to leave…she hates car rides! I found her huddled behind the dining room drapes. When I picked her up, she was limp…Kimi had resigned herself to the fact we were leaving. I tried to reassure her that this was not the case, but as soon as I put her down, she ran downstairs. A little while later, my mom called Kimi for her treat. She warily came back upstairs, but when Kimi saw me…she actually hissed! Now, that was not the Kimi I knew! Later on, I found her downstairs sitting by her food dish...and she greeted me like nothing happened! She’s pretty much back to normal again…for now. On Thursday, we really DO make the trip back to our real home in Bellingham. I’m going to try not to clue her in, but I have a feeling she’ll figure it out. After all, Kimi is one smart cat. I just wish sometimes she wouldn’t think so much!
I left Boise, ID a little later than I wanted, even knowing I would gain an hour traveling from Mountain to Pacific time. I got the best sleep of my whole road trip last night, and also for the first time in the past 17 days…the clock radio woke me up. I must have been dead tired…road tripping will do that to you and it finally caught up to me. After a bagel with cream cheese…some continental breakfasts are better than others…I headed west. But, after just a couple of hours, I was hungry. My stomach would not be denied. I stopped in Baker City, OR for a quick bite at Taco Time…one of my fast food favorites.
Unfortunately, my unplanned detour threw off my schedule even further. By the time I reached Pendleton…after 3 hours of driving…it was almost 12:30 pm. I wanted to visit the famous Underground Tours, but found out that their next tour was at 1:30. With the tour itself being 90 minutes long, and with an additional 2 ½ hours of driving to go, I decided I just couldn’t hang around that long. There was one other place in town that I wanted to check out…a place called the Popcorn Factory. But, I discovered that place was closed on Mondays. So, my trip to Pendleton was a washout. After filling up my gas tank, I left town.
The last 150 miles went by quickly. In no time, I was home. I was eager to see my cat Kimi…but, the feeling was not mutual. As soon as my parents started bringing some of my stuff in from the car…she disappeared! Kimi thought it was time for her to leave…she hates car rides! I found her huddled behind the dining room drapes. When I picked her up, she was limp…Kimi had resigned herself to the fact we were leaving. I tried to reassure her that this was not the case, but as soon as I put her down, she ran downstairs. A little while later, my mom called Kimi for her treat. She warily came back upstairs, but when Kimi saw me…she actually hissed! Now, that was not the Kimi I knew! Later on, I found her downstairs sitting by her food dish...and she greeted me like nothing happened! She’s pretty much back to normal again…for now. On Thursday, we really DO make the trip back to our real home in Bellingham. I’m going to try not to clue her in, but I have a feeling she’ll figure it out. After all, Kimi is one smart cat. I just wish sometimes she wouldn’t think so much!
Pain at the pump
Originally posted on MySpace on March 16, 2008.
Well, just as I suspected would happen…it snowed in Reno overnight. Just about an inch, but enough to make work for me. I spent about 10 minutes this morning cleaning off the Blazer, both snow and ice on the windows. And, yes, I was prepared…I brought my combo broom/ice scraper with me! I left town early…just before 7:00 am. I had a 7-hour drive ahead of me plus I would be losing an hour due to Mountain time.
As I initially headed east on I-80/US 95, the speed limit went from 70 mph to 75. I don’t know about you, but 75 is plenty fast for me. Besides, I was expending fuel fast enough as it was, thank you. In Winnemucca, I refilled my tank. Because of the high altitude, regular gas is only 85 octane…I stuck with the 87, but only paid $3.38/gal. I continued north on Hwy 95, with the speed limit at 65. But, as soon as I crossed the border into Oregon, the speed limit dropped to 55. That might not seem that bad except the roads in that area are VERY straight, VERY flat and VERY, VERY boring! It seemed to take forever! I was relieved when I came to Idaho and the speed limit went back up to 65. Strangely…or maybe not so…everyone was passing me on the Oregon stretch, even though I was going 5 mph over the speed limit!
When I reached Boise, I was relying on my GPS to take me to the zoo there. But, when I reached my destination, I was directed to a one-way driveway…in the wrong direction! I tried going around the block, but that didn’t help. I ended up asking someone, which finally got me to my destination…or at least the general vicinity. I had to ask for directions a second time before I finally found the place. Boise has a lot of one way streets around the Boise State campus, which can be confusing. And, I never did see a sign for Zoo Boise anywhere either!
The zoo was small, but nice. They have a really impressive cat population for a zoo its size…tiger, snow leopard, amur leopard, serval, lynx, bobcat. I like felines, big and small! On my way to my hotel, I decided to fill my tank again. I spotted a Shell station and glanced at the gas price…$3.25/gal for regular! I couldn’t believe it! The last time I’ve seen gas that cheap was maybe January, at least where I live in Washington. And, I paid $3.63/gal in Bishop, CA a few days ago! Needless to say, I filled up at that Shell. Even more surprising, their regular was 89 octane! There WAS no 87 available! Weird!
Well, tomorrow is the homestretch…my last day on the road. In a way, I’m kinda glad. I’m tired. And, I’m ready to go back to the real world. It will be interesting to see how much this road trip has cost me. But, sometimes, you need to make sacrifices to have fun! At least, continental breakfasts are free!
As I initially headed east on I-80/US 95, the speed limit went from 70 mph to 75. I don’t know about you, but 75 is plenty fast for me. Besides, I was expending fuel fast enough as it was, thank you. In Winnemucca, I refilled my tank. Because of the high altitude, regular gas is only 85 octane…I stuck with the 87, but only paid $3.38/gal. I continued north on Hwy 95, with the speed limit at 65. But, as soon as I crossed the border into Oregon, the speed limit dropped to 55. That might not seem that bad except the roads in that area are VERY straight, VERY flat and VERY, VERY boring! It seemed to take forever! I was relieved when I came to Idaho and the speed limit went back up to 65. Strangely…or maybe not so…everyone was passing me on the Oregon stretch, even though I was going 5 mph over the speed limit!
When I reached Boise, I was relying on my GPS to take me to the zoo there. But, when I reached my destination, I was directed to a one-way driveway…in the wrong direction! I tried going around the block, but that didn’t help. I ended up asking someone, which finally got me to my destination…or at least the general vicinity. I had to ask for directions a second time before I finally found the place. Boise has a lot of one way streets around the Boise State campus, which can be confusing. And, I never did see a sign for Zoo Boise anywhere either!
The zoo was small, but nice. They have a really impressive cat population for a zoo its size…tiger, snow leopard, amur leopard, serval, lynx, bobcat. I like felines, big and small! On my way to my hotel, I decided to fill my tank again. I spotted a Shell station and glanced at the gas price…$3.25/gal for regular! I couldn’t believe it! The last time I’ve seen gas that cheap was maybe January, at least where I live in Washington. And, I paid $3.63/gal in Bishop, CA a few days ago! Needless to say, I filled up at that Shell. Even more surprising, their regular was 89 octane! There WAS no 87 available! Weird!
Well, tomorrow is the homestretch…my last day on the road. In a way, I’m kinda glad. I’m tired. And, I’m ready to go back to the real world. It will be interesting to see how much this road trip has cost me. But, sometimes, you need to make sacrifices to have fun! At least, continental breakfasts are free!
Stouffer's...nothing comes closer to home
Originally posted on MySpace on March 15, 2008.
I woke up to another cold day…it was the low 30s according to my Blazer’s thermometer. I drove downtown to see the famous arch…you know, the one that proclaims Reno to be "The Biggest Little City In The World." Actually, the sign currently located on Reno’s "strip" is the newer one. The old sign is a couple of blocks east on a parallel street.
Adjacent to the old Reno arch is a building that houses the National Auto Museum. I already saw a car museum in L.A., but I wanted to check this one out also. I wasn’t disappointed. The majority of the vehicles on display are pre-1940’s, and part of Harrah’s private collection. And, these automobiles are in mint condition. In addition, there was an interesting exhibit on the 1908 U.S. to Paris Cup race. Before I realized it, I had spent two hours there…it’s amazing how engrossing it can be, at least to me. I would have stayed longer, but I was getting hungry, so I starting skimming over the informational signs. I had a craving for comfort food, so I went to the nearby Harrah’s Hotel and
Casino and ate lunch at the Lucky Noodle Bar…beef stew and rice noodle soup. Maybe not everyone’s idea of comfort food but it really hit the spot.
I went to yet another museum in the afternoon…are you sensing a pattern yet? The Nevada Historical Society Museum has displays and exhibits on the history of northern Nevada, including the native Americans, the Comstock lode silver mine and the building of the first railroads in the area. I’m sure learning a lot on this road trip…it’s good to keep the mind stimulated when you’re getting old! I had another museum on my agenda but the park where it was located was closed, so that was pretty much my day. I was driving back to my hotel when something caught my eye...a car wash! My ride badly needed one after Lake Tahoe’s messy roads. Minutes later, voila! My Blazer was back to fighting form...as in Five For Fighting form!
Tomorrow, I have a day’s worth of driving and one sightseeing spot on my schedule. Only two days left on my road trip! I’m getting tired of eating out. Can I really be missing my frozen microwave dinners?
Adjacent to the old Reno arch is a building that houses the National Auto Museum. I already saw a car museum in L.A., but I wanted to check this one out also. I wasn’t disappointed. The majority of the vehicles on display are pre-1940’s, and part of Harrah’s private collection. And, these automobiles are in mint condition. In addition, there was an interesting exhibit on the 1908 U.S. to Paris Cup race. Before I realized it, I had spent two hours there…it’s amazing how engrossing it can be, at least to me. I would have stayed longer, but I was getting hungry, so I starting skimming over the informational signs. I had a craving for comfort food, so I went to the nearby Harrah’s Hotel and
Casino and ate lunch at the Lucky Noodle Bar…beef stew and rice noodle soup. Maybe not everyone’s idea of comfort food but it really hit the spot.
I went to yet another museum in the afternoon…are you sensing a pattern yet? The Nevada Historical Society Museum has displays and exhibits on the history of northern Nevada, including the native Americans, the Comstock lode silver mine and the building of the first railroads in the area. I’m sure learning a lot on this road trip…it’s good to keep the mind stimulated when you’re getting old! I had another museum on my agenda but the park where it was located was closed, so that was pretty much my day. I was driving back to my hotel when something caught my eye...a car wash! My ride badly needed one after Lake Tahoe’s messy roads. Minutes later, voila! My Blazer was back to fighting form...as in Five For Fighting form!
Tomorrow, I have a day’s worth of driving and one sightseeing spot on my schedule. Only two days left on my road trip! I’m getting tired of eating out. Can I really be missing my frozen microwave dinners?
Geez, it's cold!
Originally posted on MySpace on March 13, 2008.It was pretty chilly when I left Bishop, CA this morning. The near freezing temperatures continued as I traveled north to Lake Tahoe via Hwy 395…about 50 degrees colder than what I had been experiencing in L.A. for the past several days! But, like I said, I was too hot down there and I’m enjoying being cool again. Last night, I slept on my first pillow top mattress of my road trip, which reminded me of my own bed. It also reminded me that my road trip is rapidly nearing an end. Only 3 more days to go!
Unlike my groupie road trip last year, this time around I was able to get some photos of Lake Tahoe. One place I wanted to see was a particular restaurant in Carnelian Bay called the Gar Woods. I had mentioned it in a Five For Fighting Question of the Week on my MySpace page. This eatery was the location of John Ondrasik’s Easy Tonight "oldie" story. Conveniently, it turned out a public pier was adjacent to the restaurant, so I was able to take some nice pictures of the lake. I froze my ass off but the cold, fresh air was refreshing after the dusty winds of southern California. I opted not to dine at the Gar Woods…they only had a limited lunch menu anyway…and ate last night’s leftover sushi instead.
Afterwards, I drove to Truckee to visit the Emigrant Trail Museum at Donner Memorial State Park. Last year, I arrived too late in the day to see the museum and just took pics of the Donner Memorial Statue outside. The museum had a video on the Donner Party story. As I started watching it, I knew immediately that it wasn’t a very recent film. It consisted of only still photos and narration, and actually seemed rather dated. When I asked the lady working there when the movie was made, she said sometime in the 80s. I knew it! I took photos of the Donner Memorial Statue again. The only difference this time…there was about 10 inches of snow on the ground around it!
Well, I’m in Reno…the Biggest Little City in the World, or so they say. I’m going to take a photo of that sign tomorrow. It’s been about 40 years since I’ve last visited Reno. You can bet it has changed A LOT! I don’t plan on doing any gambling, though…I always lose my money. Besides, I need it all to pay for this road trip, not that I’m thinking about the cost. I’m thinking more about how much fun I’m having. In the end, that’s all that matters!
Unlike my groupie road trip last year, this time around I was able to get some photos of Lake Tahoe. One place I wanted to see was a particular restaurant in Carnelian Bay called the Gar Woods. I had mentioned it in a Five For Fighting Question of the Week on my MySpace page. This eatery was the location of John Ondrasik’s Easy Tonight "oldie" story. Conveniently, it turned out a public pier was adjacent to the restaurant, so I was able to take some nice pictures of the lake. I froze my ass off but the cold, fresh air was refreshing after the dusty winds of southern California. I opted not to dine at the Gar Woods…they only had a limited lunch menu anyway…and ate last night’s leftover sushi instead.
Afterwards, I drove to Truckee to visit the Emigrant Trail Museum at Donner Memorial State Park. Last year, I arrived too late in the day to see the museum and just took pics of the Donner Memorial Statue outside. The museum had a video on the Donner Party story. As I started watching it, I knew immediately that it wasn’t a very recent film. It consisted of only still photos and narration, and actually seemed rather dated. When I asked the lady working there when the movie was made, she said sometime in the 80s. I knew it! I took photos of the Donner Memorial Statue again. The only difference this time…there was about 10 inches of snow on the ground around it!
Well, I’m in Reno…the Biggest Little City in the World, or so they say. I’m going to take a photo of that sign tomorrow. It’s been about 40 years since I’ve last visited Reno. You can bet it has changed A LOT! I don’t plan on doing any gambling, though…I always lose my money. Besides, I need it all to pay for this road trip, not that I’m thinking about the cost. I’m thinking more about how much fun I’m having. In the end, that’s all that matters!
Took off in the Blazer for the 395...
Originally posted on MySpace on March 13, 2008.I left Los Angeles and southern California this morning, starting my slow journey back to Washington. I met a lot of nice people and saw a lot of great places in the past week. But, it was time to get on the road again. My first stop of the day was barely out of town… Vasquez Rocks. This rugged park has been used as a location for many TV shows and movies. On my way there, I was following the signs to the park when I spotted another sign. I stopped abruptly...it’s a good thing there was no one following! There, in front of me, was a sign marking the entrance to Agua Dulce Movie Ranch. This is where Five For Fighting’s music video The Riddle was filmed! The gate was closed and I really couldn’t see anything from the road, but it was kinda neat knowing what was on the other side of the fence.
After taking some photos of the rocks and boulders, I continued on to Mojave for lunch…no, I didn’t have a double double with me. About 30 miles up the road, was my second destination of the day…the borax plant in Boron, CA. Now, you’re probably wondering, why would I want to visit THIS place? Hmm…because it’s there? Actually, I thought it would be interesting and they have a visitor’s center. Borax is the final product of refined borate salts. A LOT of products use borax…from glass (Pyrex), to face products (Oxy), to insecticides (boric acid), fertilizer, fiberglas, and yes, detergent ( 20 Mule Team Borax). And, a whole lot more! I was given a free sample of polished ulexite…that’s the mineral they mine at the facility. By the way, I got a laugh as I approached the gate and as I drove to the visitor’s center. They had some kooky speed limit signs…37 ½ , 14, 23. Probably someone’s attempt at humor.
It was pretty windy in Boron, and it got worse as I traveled up Hwy 395. In fact, the highway patrol was stopping north bound vehicles like semis and RVs in the tiny town of Pearsonville, and making them park there due to the high wind danger. I encountered the same thing further on in Lone Pine…the southbound tall vehicles were camped out there, too. I took the left at Lone Pine and drove west toward Mt. Whitney. I only went about 5 miles up the road, taking pictures along the way. I expected a whole lot more snow on the mountains, but it didn’t diminish their majesty. As I gazed at Mt Whitney, I tried to imagine John Ondrasik being way up there…he made it to the top last spring. That’s 14,500 ft up…impressive. I wonder if it was one of the things he’s always wanted to do. I achieved a few of my own on this trip. And, I’m not done yet…at least in my lifetime.
After taking some photos of the rocks and boulders, I continued on to Mojave for lunch…no, I didn’t have a double double with me. About 30 miles up the road, was my second destination of the day…the borax plant in Boron, CA. Now, you’re probably wondering, why would I want to visit THIS place? Hmm…because it’s there? Actually, I thought it would be interesting and they have a visitor’s center. Borax is the final product of refined borate salts. A LOT of products use borax…from glass (Pyrex), to face products (Oxy), to insecticides (boric acid), fertilizer, fiberglas, and yes, detergent ( 20 Mule Team Borax). And, a whole lot more! I was given a free sample of polished ulexite…that’s the mineral they mine at the facility. By the way, I got a laugh as I approached the gate and as I drove to the visitor’s center. They had some kooky speed limit signs…37 ½ , 14, 23. Probably someone’s attempt at humor.
It was pretty windy in Boron, and it got worse as I traveled up Hwy 395. In fact, the highway patrol was stopping north bound vehicles like semis and RVs in the tiny town of Pearsonville, and making them park there due to the high wind danger. I encountered the same thing further on in Lone Pine…the southbound tall vehicles were camped out there, too. I took the left at Lone Pine and drove west toward Mt. Whitney. I only went about 5 miles up the road, taking pictures along the way. I expected a whole lot more snow on the mountains, but it didn’t diminish their majesty. As I gazed at Mt Whitney, I tried to imagine John Ondrasik being way up there…he made it to the top last spring. That’s 14,500 ft up…impressive. I wonder if it was one of the things he’s always wanted to do. I achieved a few of my own on this trip. And, I’m not done yet…at least in my lifetime.
A fitting end
Originally posted on MySpace on March 12, 2008.Well, I had a wonderful day at Warner Brothers Studios today. I went on the deluxe behind-the-scenes VIP tour. After the initial video introductory presentation, our group of 12 was divided up into two. To my delight, we only had 3 people in our group…which made for a more personal experience. Later, a couple more joined us, but it was still an enjoyable situation.
Our tour guide, Thom, was great…very knowledgeable and pleasant. We rode extended tour carts around the back lots. Thom pointed out street sets and buildings used in filming. We got to see a dubbing in progress…that’s adding sound to a completed project. In this case, it was an episode of How I Met Your Mother. After a couple of hours of interesting stuff, it was time for lunch. As part of the deluxe tour, we had the privilege of eating in the fine dining commissary, usually reserved for producers and other higher ups. Cast and crew on filming sets have food catered to them, while the remaining employees can eat in the regular commissary. I passed on the appetizer, and ordered my entrée…rosemary roasted chicken, mashed sweet potatoes with gouda cheese and sautéed vegetables. For dessert, bread pudding. It was very nice and the best part was…it was FREE, or rather, included in the price of the tour.
Afterwards, we were shown some filming sets including the emergency entrance of the TV series ER. They weren’t filming there today, but they WERE in one of the sound stages. Also filming today, two of my favorite drama series…Without A Trace and Cold Case. I didn’t get to see any of the actors, but I DID see a few of the Cold Case dressing room trailers, including Scotty Valens’ trailer…he’s HOT! We also saw sets inside sound stages, such as Two And A Half Men, and Pushing Daisies. Then, there were the departments in charge of props, set dressing and construction…yeah, there are a lot of people who contribute to the success of the studio. Oh, and they were filming a Rascal Flatts music video on the back lot…I didn’t see them, though. The final part of the tour was a visit to the studio museum. It had exhibits of props and costumes from past Warner Brothers productions, and a special section on the Harry Potter movies. We were given two cool mementos of our visit…a digital blue-screen photo and a traditional key to the studio. If you’ve never taken this tour, I highly recommend it. It’s WAY better than the commercialized Universal Studios tour.
So, my last day in Los Angeles was a fun one. I have to admit, I’m ready to get on the road again. Besides, it’s too hot here for my taste. I actually got a tan without even trying. By the way, there was one of those police pursuits just down the road from me last night. They had live footage on TV…an SUV going up and down the street on the rims. It finally ended like it almost always does…they got caught. I just hope I make it out of town before I encounter something like that. The last thing I need is my ride smashed up by some idiot. I’m outta here!
Our tour guide, Thom, was great…very knowledgeable and pleasant. We rode extended tour carts around the back lots. Thom pointed out street sets and buildings used in filming. We got to see a dubbing in progress…that’s adding sound to a completed project. In this case, it was an episode of How I Met Your Mother. After a couple of hours of interesting stuff, it was time for lunch. As part of the deluxe tour, we had the privilege of eating in the fine dining commissary, usually reserved for producers and other higher ups. Cast and crew on filming sets have food catered to them, while the remaining employees can eat in the regular commissary. I passed on the appetizer, and ordered my entrée…rosemary roasted chicken, mashed sweet potatoes with gouda cheese and sautéed vegetables. For dessert, bread pudding. It was very nice and the best part was…it was FREE, or rather, included in the price of the tour.
Afterwards, we were shown some filming sets including the emergency entrance of the TV series ER. They weren’t filming there today, but they WERE in one of the sound stages. Also filming today, two of my favorite drama series…Without A Trace and Cold Case. I didn’t get to see any of the actors, but I DID see a few of the Cold Case dressing room trailers, including Scotty Valens’ trailer…he’s HOT! We also saw sets inside sound stages, such as Two And A Half Men, and Pushing Daisies. Then, there were the departments in charge of props, set dressing and construction…yeah, there are a lot of people who contribute to the success of the studio. Oh, and they were filming a Rascal Flatts music video on the back lot…I didn’t see them, though. The final part of the tour was a visit to the studio museum. It had exhibits of props and costumes from past Warner Brothers productions, and a special section on the Harry Potter movies. We were given two cool mementos of our visit…a digital blue-screen photo and a traditional key to the studio. If you’ve never taken this tour, I highly recommend it. It’s WAY better than the commercialized Universal Studios tour.
So, my last day in Los Angeles was a fun one. I have to admit, I’m ready to get on the road again. Besides, it’s too hot here for my taste. I actually got a tan without even trying. By the way, there was one of those police pursuits just down the road from me last night. They had live footage on TV…an SUV going up and down the street on the rims. It finally ended like it almost always does…they got caught. I just hope I make it out of town before I encounter something like that. The last thing I need is my ride smashed up by some idiot. I’m outta here!
What?!! Not again!!!
Originally posted on MySpace on March 11, 2008.I had another enjoyable day...two more museums! I started things out, though, with brunch at Pink's. This famous hot dog stand has been around for 67 years and is a celebrity destination. I settled on their speciality...the chili dog with mustard and onions. Well, the stars are right...it was one delectable hot dog, and the reason Pink's has been around for so long!
My next stop was the Petersen Automotive Museum, one of the largest of its type in the world. I walked through displays of vintage vehicles, race cars, historic automobiles and Hollywood wheels. There was also a special exhibit on the lowrider culture, complete with many examples of such custom creations. It was all so interesting, I found myself reading almost all of the descriptive signs. Before I realized it, three hours had passed!
On a more personal level for me, the other museum was the Japanese American National Museum. As a third-generation Japanese American or sansei, I'm always interested in learning as much as I can about my ancestry and culture. As I stepped into the building and approached the admissions desk, little did I know what awaited me. You'll never guess. The guy sitting there looked at me and said, "Oh, hi, again." Huh? "Oh, I thought you were someone else." Not again! I can't believe it...I have ANOTHER twin? The guy laughed and said something about everyone having a doppelganger...as in EVIL TWIN! I had to laugh, too, even though he had no idea what I was thinking. The museum WAS extremely informative, starting from the immigrants of the late 1800s-early 1900s to the present. The largest exhibit was devoted to the injustice that was the Japanese internment camps in this country during World War II. The U.S. Constitution was trampled on back then, and if we aren't vigilant, it can happen again. As the saying goes, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Speaking of repeating...how many more of me are out there? WILL I meet up with one of them before this road trip is over? It's almost a scary thought, especially if she IS evil. But, I guess there IS one way the rest of you can find out. If you see "me," ask her a Five For Fighting question and see what happens. I can bet you she wouldn't have a clue. There can only be ONE fanatic who looks like me! :)
Food for thought
Originally posted on MySpace on March 10, 2008.When I started out on my full day of activities this morning, right off the bat my GPS earned its keep. Like usual, traffic was slow on the freeway. I asked my GPS for an alternate route, not to include that freeway...and it showed me the way in seconds! Let's see a human navigator do THAT well!
In my quest for the unusual, I sought out a building in the city of Tarzana...yes, it's named after Tarzan...that looks like the front of a Cadillac. I found it without much trouble, and it sure did look like a car! Next, since all I had for breakfast was an English muffin, I decided to take an early lunch. I made the trek to the famous Philippe The Original in Los Angeles. This L.A. institution specializes in french dipped sandwiches...beef, pork, lamb, ham and turkey. I went with the beef, and my selection didn't let me down. The sandwich was delicious, as was the cole slaw...sweet and creamy!
My stomach full, I took in the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History. Now, I went to this museum when I was attending elementary school in Riverside, CA. As I walked through, looking at the exhibits, I especially remembered the animal displays. I'm pretty sure it's what got me interesting in animals in the first place. Nowadays, I prefer to see animals alive, not dead. I also did a quick walkthrough of the nearby California Science Center Air & Space exhibits.
My final museum of the day was the Los Angeles Police Museum. It was pretty small, but it DID have one interesting room. There was a special display to tell the story of the famous North Hollywood bank robbery. Two gunmen robbed the Bank of America and proceeded to go on a shooting spree, wounding police officers and civilians alike who got in their way. When it was all over, both gunmen were dead, and thankfully, no one else was killed.
By now, I was ready for something less intellectually stimulating. I attended my first NHL hockey game with my friend Lynne...Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings. We drove to Staples Center to take in the game, and I had a blast! The action was fast and furious, although no goals were being scored. It wasn't until the 3rd period that the Kings drew first blood. The Canucks answered with one of their own, and the score remained deadlocked at 1-1 when time expired. It wasn't even a minute into overtime that Vancouver broke the tie, and won the game. Boy, the Kings sure suck this year...poor John. The Kings are his team, and he'll stick with them through thick and thin. But, I'm sure he's tired of L.A. dwelling in the league cellar year after year. At least his UCLA Bruins basketball team is kicking ass! I'm just hoping my WSU Cougars will do a little better in this year's NCAA tournament. Go Cougs!
Sunday...a day of rest
Originally posted on MySpace on March 9, 2008.
I had been going pretty much non-stop since my road trip started on March 1. Every day scheduled with sightseeing excursions and long distance driving. Every night heavy with computer activity, quick bites to eat and not enough sleep. Something had to give. Today, I decided to give things a rest and take it easy.
I left San Diego at mid-morning. I bid my newest friends, Johnny and Rick, goodbye. It was SO NICE to meet them, especially Johnny, who I had previously communicated with only through MySpace. I hope to see them again someday soon when my travels take me to the East Coast. I drove the 2 hours or so to Los Angeles, and visited yet another MySpace friend Lynne. Like Johnny, I had never met HER before either. And, also likewise, Lynne is a big FFF fan. I went to her house and was introduced to her family...all wonderful people. Lynne showed me her rose farm and invited me to have dinner with her, which I gladly accepted!
I'm going to get a good night's sleep, then tomorrow, back to the fun! I'm at the halfway point of my road trip and it's all downhill from here. Take a deep breath...here we go!
I had been going pretty much non-stop since my road trip started on March 1. Every day scheduled with sightseeing excursions and long distance driving. Every night heavy with computer activity, quick bites to eat and not enough sleep. Something had to give. Today, I decided to give things a rest and take it easy.
I left San Diego at mid-morning. I bid my newest friends, Johnny and Rick, goodbye. It was SO NICE to meet them, especially Johnny, who I had previously communicated with only through MySpace. I hope to see them again someday soon when my travels take me to the East Coast. I drove the 2 hours or so to Los Angeles, and visited yet another MySpace friend Lynne. Like Johnny, I had never met HER before either. And, also likewise, Lynne is a big FFF fan. I went to her house and was introduced to her family...all wonderful people. Lynne showed me her rose farm and invited me to have dinner with her, which I gladly accepted!
I'm going to get a good night's sleep, then tomorrow, back to the fun! I'm at the halfway point of my road trip and it's all downhill from here. Take a deep breath...here we go!
Did I forget something?
Originally posted on MySpace on March 9, 2008.Just as my head was hitting the pillow last night, I realized I forgot to write my blog! It was understandable, though, considering after the Beach Bash, I didn't get to bed until 4:00 am! And, I got up 4 hours later! So, I was rather tired last night and lost an hour to boot...you DID all remember to move your clocks forward? Then, as I concentrated all my efforts on trying to think up a Question of the Week...it's kind of hard when I don't have all my resources at my disposal...the blog slipped my mind.
My day was not THAT exciting, unless you've never seen a giant panda. My friend Johnny and I went to the San Diego Zoo. If you have been keeping track, this is the third zoo I've visited on my trip. Like I said before, I LIKE animals! This particular zoo is a big one, and it took about 4 hours for us to see everything. The main draw is the giant pandas. The San Diego Zoo has the largest population in one place outside of China. There are four: Gao Gao (the male), Bai Yun (the female), 2-year-old female Su Lin, and the newest addition, 3-month-old female cub Zhen Zhen.
Later in the evening, myself and the guys went to San Diego's Little Italy district for dinner...Italian food! I had something called penne norma...eggplant, ricotta and marinara on penne pasta. It was good...I like eggplant! So, that was basically my day yesterday. Almost boring compared to the excitement of the Beach Bash. I'm still floating up there on Cloud Nine, I had such a good time! I'll be putting out another blog later this evening about today's activities. Let's just say...I'm not in San Diego anymore!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A heavenly night!
As posted on MySpace on March 7, 2008.So, you wanna know what happened at the Beach Bash for Augie's Quest? Let's just say everything...and then some! It was truly the best night ever! Just how good was it? Well, read on.
I arrived at the Marriott Hotel a little before 6:00 pm, accompanied by John Wing...MySpace friend and Five For Fighting group member...and his friend Rick. Like myself, they had made a long trip just to attend the Bash. We checked in at the registration desk, and were directed to the cocktail party area outside. It was rather chilly but I was too excited to really feel the cold. The silent auction items were also there, but I didn't see anything I was interested in bidding on, not even a John Ondrasik signed guitar...as if I don't have enough of those! They had free hors d'oeuvres provided by Panda Express, but I opted to wait for dinner. All the while, I kept my eye on the building doors, awaiting John Ondrasik's arrival.
At about 7:15, John showed up with family in tow. I walked up to them, and when his wife Carla saw me, I asked her if she remembered me...she did! John said "Hi" to me, and introduced his kids...I said "Hi" to Johnny and Olivia. John asked how I was doing, and I replied everything was fine. He said he would talk to us later, and his attention was soon diverted to a virtual reality surfing computer game. Olivia tried it once, but she was cold, so Carla took her inside. John then hopped on and tried out his surfing skills, which wasn't too good. Johnny was much better and soon achieved a credible score...much more skilled than his dad.
After awhile, John made his way inside to the lobby in front of the grand ballroom...where the Beach Bash dinner would be held. Augie Nieto was there, holding court. People were saying their hellos and photographers were doing their thing. John took his kids up to Augie and greeted his good friend. As other folks continued to talk to Augie and his wife Lynne, John Wing and I were trying to figure out how to get our chance. John then came to us and asked if we had met Augie yet. We said "No," and John took it upon himself to introduce us to Augie. He called us "his friends" and told Augie that I was a big FFF supporter, and was now an Augie's Quest supporter. I explained to Augie that John Wing and I had traveled long distances just to attend the Bash, and also mentioned my unsuccessful attempt to sponsor a table. I offered Augie a FFF 100 Years promo button, telliing him it represented our FFF group. John accepted it on Augie's behalf, and put it in Augie's shirt pocket. I tried to offer one to John, too, but he declined, adding he could get them...of course! While this was going on, I THINK a photographer was taking photos of us with Augie. I sure hope so, because I didn't get a chance to take my own pics. We thanked John for being so nice, then talked a bit with Augie's wife Lynne. I gave HER a button, too.
At that point, they opened the doors to the ballroom, and everyone filed inside. I had noticed Olivia wearing a VIP pass...it said "John"...so it was obvious the Ondrasiks would be sitting up front. Our little group on the other hand...table 91 out of 104. The nosebleed seats, so to speak. At least they had two big screens so we could still see what was going on up on the stage. As we dug into our salads, emcee Natalie Morales of The Today Show kicked off the festivities. She did some small talk, then introduced guest speaker Ronnie Lott. After a few more presentations, there was a live auction, then dinner was served. Shrimp, filet mignon, steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes...VERY tasty! I thought John wasn't going to perform this evening, but he did...in a way. They showed a video of Augie, accompanied by a brand new song that John wrote, called Augie Nieto. It was classic John Ondrasik...in other words, poignant and brilliant! What a treat! Dessert was a fancy plate with a centerpiece of chocolate mousse...tasty! Then, it was time for Pat Monahan of Train to take the stage. He did several songs from his new solo album, as well as Train hits, Drops of Jupiter and Calling All Angels.
While Pat was rocking the ballroom, many people had already left, including everyone else at our table. Just the three of us remained! So, in a manner of speaking...I had my FFF table! Feeling playful, I tore the photo out of the event program of John and Augie, and clipped it to our table number holder. We now had our FFF group designation for all to see! I took a photo for posterity. John Wing and I then made our way up to the stage, where the majority of attendees were situated to see Pat better. I noticed John at his table talking to Natalie Morales. I decided, this might be my only chance to talk to him again and get a pic. When there was a pause in their conversation, I asked John...over the loud music...if he could sign a couple of things for friends. He said "Sure," and I gave him two CD liners. He graciously personalized them...I had nothing for myself because, honestly, I have enough autographs. I DID want a photo with John, to which he cheerfully obliged. John Wing took the pic, and I must say...it's ALWAYS nice being with John!
Pat finished his performance, and it was time to announce the final donation tally of the night. Augie was there as John, Natalie and other ALS/MDA personnel presented a check to Augie for $1,504,675! They had surpassed last year's Bash total! Earlier, they asked everyone for additional pledge donations, which I was all to happy to give. As pledge sheets were collected, Natalie and a gentleman read them over the PA. I waited with baited breath for what was going to come. As expected, Natalie stumbled over the pronunciation of my first name, then said it right. If there's anything John and I have in common, it's people mispronouncing our names.
The night was over, but John Wing and I weren't quite done with John. We wanted to say our final goodbyes. We had a VERY nice few minutes of conversation with him. John was SO appreciative of all the work I had been doing supporting him, which was music to my ears! I asked him how he was doing with the new album. He said he was 1/4 done...as in 1/4 of the songs WRITTEN for the album! John hasn't even started recording yet! Which means, folks...no touring till 2009! You heard it first right here, straight from John's mouth! John was also very sorry that he hasn't had the time to answer everyone's emails, including my own. It's understandable...he's a busy guy! John then wished me a safe drive home, and that's when I asked him...can I have a hug? Sure, he replied, and I got my long awaited hug. Am I silly, or what? Hey, it felt GOOD! We then wished him good night...and then, the Beach Bash was over. Oh, one more thing...on the way out of the ballroom, we were each given a free copy of Augie Nieto's inspirational book. Cool!
So, my Beach Bash has come to a satisfying end. It was an inspirational, exciting and magical night. Once again, John proved to be the sweetest, most generous guy on the face of the earth. Every reunion with him has been memorable and rewarding. I will always consider John Ondrasik a friend, and I hope he feels likewise...I think he does.
Yum...scallops!
As posted on MySpace on March 6, 2008.Before leaving San Luis Obispo this morning, I had two places I needed to go. First, and most important...my FFF groupie ride was a mess. My last day on the Oregon coast was rainy and that, coupled with the wet pavement coated my Blazer in a dirty film. This was unacceptable for my arrival into San Diego. What if by some chance John sees my wheels...it had to look presentable! I found a hand wash car wash and decided to splurge. When it was done, it looked great! My second assignment... Bubblegum Alley. This local landmark is the only one of its kind in the U.S., and probably the world. The walls of this 70 foot pedestrian alley is covered with used, discarded gum. Some may consider it an eyesore, others a work of art, but as gross as it is, I think everyone would agree that it has put San Luis Obispo on the map!
My one tourist destination of the day was the Santa Barbara Zoo. I like animals and zoos give me a chance to see the most unusual species. I majored in wildlife biology in college, so my interest in flora and fauna is understandable. The zoo was small, but nice. It didn't take me too long to see all the animals which was convenient because I had an hour drive to Malibu. I decided my visit to southern California just would not be complete without a return visit to the seafood restaurant mentioned in the Five For Fighting song California Justice... Neptune's Net! I knew exactly what I wanted...the scallop and clam basket! And, it was worth the little side trip...I enjoyed every bite!
Afterwards, I was not looking forward to driving the 150 miles to San Diego because I knew what was going to happen. Sure enough, as soon as I got on the 405 south...traffic was crawling! Everytime cars merged on or off the freeway, the ripple effect traveled from the right lane across all the other lanes! At times, traffic came to a stop! Why? Vehicles changing lanes and holding things up while they did so. It was infuriating and frustrating. I know the locals are used to it, but that doesn't make it any easier. About every 5 miles from Santa Monica to Long Beach...moving, then stopping. My brakes got a workout and my gas mileage plummeted. Think about all the fuel wasted from all those vehicles stuck in traffic every weekday, of every year. It took me an extra half hour to reach San Diego, which I guess isn't so bad...it could have been worse.
So, tomorrow is the big night...The Beach Bash for Augie's Quest! The Today Show's Natalie Morales will emcee the event, and there will be a celebrity guest speaker, NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. In addition, the musical entertainment will be provided by Pat Monahan of Train...a big function such as this requires a top performer! Of course, I would have preferred John do the entertaining, but he deserves to relax every now and then. And, he WILL be enjoying the night along with the rest of us. Are you ready? I sure am!
Ghosts of the past
As recalled on March 5, 2008.I was able to sleep in a bit this morning because my first destination of the day...the USS Hornet Museum...didn't open till 10:00 am. Last night in Santa Rosa, I had dinner from a place I saw on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Upon host Guy Fieri's recommendation, I went to Willie Bird's for their turkey dinner. They get their turkey from locally grown birds, and it was worth the visit...delish!
The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, CA is a floating landmark...onboard the aircraft carrier of the same name. The Hornet is a remnant of past wars...World War II and Vietnam...and was an active participant in the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. My visit there was an interesting and informative experience. As I walked through the bowels of the ship, onto the flight deck and up on The Island, I found myself reliving its history through exhibits, narratives by volunteers who offered up insightful tidbits of info, and the ship itself. The Hornet was the flagship of the early Apollo moon missions, and the quarantine facility that housed the astronauts when they returned to Earth was located there. Like my trip had been so far, there were hardly any other people around. It's just so much enjoyable that way...I hate crowds!
I grabbed a quick sushi lunch nearby, then drove down to San Jose and the Winchester Mystery House. I'm sure a lot of you have heard of this place. They've done stories about it on TV, like on Discovery and Travel Channels and A & E. The house was once owned by the heiress of the Winchester Rifle Company, and is purported to be haunted. History claims that in order to placate the ghosts of those who died from Winchester rifles, the widow had construction done on her house. Thirty-eight years and 160 rooms later, the Winchester House currently stands as a testament to her legacy...and her obsession. With hidden rooms, doors that go to nowhere, staircases that end at the ceiling and windows on the floors, the mansion is quirky as it is mysterious. Myself and 8 others were led through the house by a witty and gregarious tour guide named Wayne. I had always wanted to visit this place and it was well-worth the price of the deluxe tour.
Before leaving San Jose, I took a quick look at the World's Biggest Monopoly Board. Located in a park, it's an exact replica of the famous board game. In fact, if you go to Google Maps, you can see an aerial view of it. My pitstop for the night was San Luis Obispo, and I was under the mistaken impression it was only a couple of hours down the road. Boy, was I wrong! It turned out to be another FOUR hours drive time! Now, one thing I try to avoid when on road trips, it's driving in the dark. I don't want to take the chance of car trouble and having to deal with the danger that increases after the sun goes down. So, after an exhausting...and nervous...four hours, I finally reached my destination at 7:00 pm. There was a minor moment of confusion when I was looking for an EconoLodge, when I SHOULD have been searching for Super 8. So much for my meticulous planning! First, I get my driving itinerary mixed up, then my hotels wrong. To top it all off, when I was backing out of my parking space to get some dinner, I hit a wall! Luckily, I was only crawling, and there was just a small scratch on my thankfully hard bumper. Still, it ticked me off that I injured my beloved groupie mobile! On a high note...one more day until the Beach Bash! I'm in the homestretch...I can't wait!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The trees ARE mysterious!
As recalled on March 4, 2008.This morning, I left Grants Pass, OR, my second visit to this pleasant town. Last year, if you recall, I couldn't say enough nice things about the place. As I drove south, I peered through the fog, searching for a particular 76 gas station I had marked for a fill up. Before I realized it, I found myself leaving the city limits...I missed it! Oh, well, I should have enough in my tank to reach Crescent City, CA without triggering the low fuel light. I traveled on U.S. 199...better known as Redwood Highway. When I reached the tiny town of Selma, OR, I kept my eye out for gas stations, just on the off chance there might be an opportunity to fill my tank before Crescent City. To my surprise, there was a two-pump 76 station with the gas 6 cents cheaper than what I would have paid in Grants Pass! The older man working there was very friendly, and even cleaned my windshield without me asking.
After a brief stop in Crescent City to buy a Subway sandwich...my lunch options were almost nil where I was going...I arrived at my only fun destination of the day. Trees of Mystery, located in Klamath, fits the perfect definition of tourist attraction. From the big signs beckoning travelers to stop and check it out. The equally huge replicas of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe, who for some "mysterious" reason, was missing its head. The colorful names for the strangely shaped trees that called the park their home. Even the free big bumper stickers encouraging people to visit the Trees of Mystery! You've seen those stickers, haven't you? Well, I had and I got sucked in...I wanted to see those mysterious trees!
Since March is really the off season when it comes to vacations, the park was almost deserted. Which was really a good thing. It allowed me to enjoy the serenity of the redwoods, and examine the most unusual denizens at my leisure. The Cathedral Tree, a semi-circle of trunks resembling a...cathedral. The Brotherhood Tree...an especially large specimen that seemed almost sacred. The Candelabra Tree that had three trees growing vertically from a single trunk. A nice bonus was a tram that took you to the top of the park's highest point and allowed you to view the surrounding area.
I ate my lunch quickly because I had a long drive to my pitstop for the night. I continued on Redwood Hwy. south, admiring the beautiful forests along the way. At one point, the highway became an incline. As I coasted down, I noticed a bus pulling a trailer traveling up in the opposite direction. By the looks of it, it had to be a band tour bus. Watching it pass by, I found myself reminiscing last year's Five For Fighting groupie road trip. Sigh! I can't wait till the next album release...I wanna be a groupie again!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rain...then, a little spot of sunshine!
As recalled on March 3, 2008.I woke up to overcast skies...and rain! I guess it's to expected, being on the Oregon coast. I can only cross my fingers that my whole trip won't be like this! My first stop of the day was Sea Lion Caves. The nice thing about it was because it was a CAVE, it was at least dry inside! I was lucky...there were a LOT of sea lions to see, which I'm told is not always the case. Cool! The rain tapered off long enough for me to get a quick look at the pitcher plants at Darlingtonia State Natural Site just down the road.
I had my heart set on an Italian beef sandwich for lunch, but to my disappointment, the establishment was closed. Hungry, I settled on Taco Bell. I know, I know...fast food. But, it was an emergency, and besides, it was fairly nutritious. Worried that the lousy weather might affect me visiting my highlight of the day... West Coast Game Park...I gave them a call. Yes, we're open, was the answer. To my relief, by the time I reached the zoo, the rain had stopped. I was looking forward to this place because they advertised being a wildlife petting zoo. There were only a handful of visitors other than myself there, which would later prove to be advantageous for me. The game park was small, but they had a really nice collection of animals, especially the big cats.
Almost as soon as I entered, I was greeted by a gorgeous white tiger cub. He was running back and forth in his pen, as if he wanted me to play with him. When he realized I couldn't, he settled for his ball. The adult white tiger was also beautiful, as were the regular tigers, lion, lynx, cougar and black panther. There were goats, deer and a donkey walking around freely among the visitors. Then, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker that there were a couple of animals available for petting. Everyone converged on the petting area to get a look at a baby coatimundi and a young caracal or desert lynx. I pet both of them on their backs...the only area we were allowed to pet them. Some were a bit leery with the caracal...I guess they were afraid it might turn around and scratch them?
Later on, there was another opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. This time, though, I found myself alone. It appeared the other visitors had already met the two animals being presented. The female keeper first brought out the white tiger cub...the same playful one I saw earlier. Simba was his name, and he was one handsome fellow. His fur felt soft and springy. I got some really nice photos of him. Then, the lady brought out the cutest thing I'd ever seen...a five-week-old cougar kitten. Her name was Solo, and she was simply beautiful! She had pretty blue eyes, and her fur was so soft! The lady then surprised me by asking...would I like to play with Solo? Would I! I was given a plastic PVC pipe with a towel tied to the end, and I proceeded to wiggle it back and forth in front of her. Now, playing with a cougar kitten is really no different than a regular housecat. All cats love to play, especially the young ones. For about five minutes, I was in heaven! It had to be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my entire life! Solo was just SO precious, batting the towel and running around the enclosure. She was having fun! But, all good things must come to an end...likewise my time with Solo. And, so ended another fantastic day of my wonderful road trip journey!
GPS blues
As recalled on March 2, 2008.After a pleasant stay at the Best Western Lincoln Inn in Astoria...warm chocolate chip cookies, free breakfast!...I drove to Fort Stevens State Park. Right off the bat, my GPS started pointing me in the most questionable directions. First, it wanted me to turn into a private drive going nowhere, then another. I resorted to following the informational street signs for the park, ignoring my GPS as its female voice kept telling me to turn where I didn't want to go. Finally, it gave up and pointed me in the right way. Later on, while I was leaving the park, it told me to turn...onto a pedestrian footpath! Oh, brother!
Anyway, I was amazed to find throughout the park, downed trees and branches all along the sides of the roads. This was the aftermath of a huge windstorm that hit both the Washington and Oregon coasts this past December. And, here is was, March, and it still hadn't been cleaned up. It was a testament to the destructive capabilities of Mother Nature. I checked out some WWII era bunkers and crashing waves along the park jetty...impressive! I wanted to see the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck on the beach, but because of high tide, it was inaccessible. Oh, well!
Next, I drove down the road to Fort Clatsop National Memorial. This was the winter encampment of Lewis & Clark when they completed their Corps of Discovery in 1806. I find it so interesting to learn the local history of places I visit, and this was enlightening. It was when I was traveling to my next destination, the Tillamook Cheese Factory, that my GPS let me down again. Maybe it was because the address I inputted was not accurate, but when I reached my objective...I found myself in a rural area. Hey, where's the cheese factory? Something definitely was not right! I backtracked to the main highway, and opted to keep going, hoping the factory was nearby. Sure enough, about a mile down the road, I found it...it was hard to miss. It was a huge building with the words "Tillamook Cheese" on the front. I had lunch there, a patty melt with...you guessed it, Tillamook cheese. With time running short, at the other end of town, I visited the Tillamook Air Museum. Of course, my day would not be complete without my GPS trying to confuse me yet again! But, it was hard to miss the humongous blimp hanger with "Air Museum" spelling out in equally huge letters on its side. I love air museums, especially those with old WWII warbirds. And, this museum had a really nice collection.
After such an eventful day, I was ready to call it quits. I checked into the Days Inn in Newport, then asked the manager about internet access. He replied that it was wired...but, out-of-order due to the windstorms. What, you mean the December windstorms? Oh, no, no, no! I just HAD to have internet! The manager could tell I was upset, especially when I mumbled something about complaining to AAA. He hastily added that I could access the wireless in the office...maybe. Now, I was really pissed! Couldn't he have mentioned his internet being kaput BEFORE I checked in? I got a refund and went to the EconoLodge next door. The nice lady gave me a rate only $7 over what I would have gotten at Days Inn, AND her internet was working! At least SOMETHING went right for a change! It can only get better from now...I hope.
It's not easy to be me
As recalled on March 1, 2008.If today was any indication of how the rest of my road trip will be, I'm in for a most interesting experience. Right off the bat, I had a disagreement with my GPS. I wanted to go one way...my more familiar route...and, it wanted me to go another way. It said it was faster. Hmm...OK, I'll go for it. It had been years since I took this other direction, but I had to admit it WAS more picturesque! Before I knew it, I was crossing over the Cascade Mountains toward the interstate, which would take me to Oregon. After a surprise snow at White Pass...which was full of happy skiers...I reached the other side. Unfortunately, my shiny Blazer was now a muddy mess...oh, well. I had a quick lunch at Burgerville USA in Kelso, WA, one of the few times on my road trip I planned to eat fast food. I AM looking forward to In 'N' Out Burger when I reach California, though!
A short hour drive later, I found myself in historic Astoria, OR and the first sightseeing stop of my trip...the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This museum features exhibits and displays depicting life at the mouth of the Northwest's greatest river. Early settlers and explorers, fisherman and fish canneries, shipwrecks and ship rescues, and the U.S. Coast Guard...it was all so fascinating! I was especially impressed by the stories of the bar pilots...the brave and skilled individuals who guide ships over the Columbia River bar, where the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River meet. And, those are treacherous waters indeed, even on calm days. Hundreds of boats and ships have fallen victim to that most unforgiving spot!
After two hours of mind-stimulating education, I traveled to the highest point in town to see the famous Astoria Column. Completed in 1926, the bas-relief artwork on the 125 ft. column illustrates historical events that occurred between St. Paul, MN and Astoria. When I arrived, I noted a sign in the parking area stating there was a $1 parking fee. I walked to the gift shop/visitor's center to pay my fee. As I entered the small building, the lady behind the counter looked up and me and said "Hello! Glad to see you again." Huh? After quickly recovering from my surprise, I told her that it was my first visit to the column. Now, it was HER turn to be confused. It appears I have a twin...someone who looks just like me! That's the first time I've ever had THAT happen to me. Everyone is supposed to have a twin somewhere in the world, or so they say. I guess it's true.
Rules of the road
As recalled on February 29, 2008.Tomorrow is the big day...the start of my road trip! I've spent the last couple days at my parents' house. Like last year, they'll be taking care of my cat Kimi while I'm gone. It's a second home for her, so I'll know she'll be fine. Since Kimi is an indoor cat, she won't be venturing outside at all...not that she would want to. My parents' cats Tino and Pepé are out there and Kimi hates them...hates ALL cats in fact! Everytime she sees them through the windows, she growls and hisses...what a crabby kitty!
I spent the afternoon going over my road trip route for the next day. I have a AAA TripTik all printed out, but my main navigation will be my auto GPS. I used it on the drive from my home to my folks' house, and it worked like a dream. I programmed my route itinerary into the GPS. I have high hopes it will get me to where I want to go every day of my road trip. No getting lost this time around!
One thing I decided to replicate from last year's road trip...keeping track of gas prices along my route. Call me a stickler, a penny pincher, or just plain anal, but I hate to pay for more than I have to for anything. And, that includes gas. So, using AAA's helpful online gas price feature, I made a note of the lowest prices along tomorrow's route. It's something I plan to do throughout the duration of my trip. Sometimes, it can make a HUGE difference just where you decide to fill up. Common sense dictates you would pay WAY more at a tiny, remote town as opposed to a city along an interstate highway. I'll be keeping track of prices, and mark the most promising gas stations along the way. You can be sure I'll fill up where it's cheapest...well, maybe not in Oregon. Someone else will do the filling for me...state law, after all!
Final preparations
As recalled from February 27, 2008.I've spent the past couple of days getting things together for my road trip. Since I'll be on the road for more than two weeks and I don't plan on doing any laundry, I'm packing enough clothes to take with me. It's amazing that I actually HAVE enough of everything to do that! Being so early in the year, I'll be taking some warm clothes. On the other hand, I'll be about a week in southern California, so I'll be dressing accordingly there.
I worked on getting my Blazer all spiffy and ready for the road. Got it washed and windows cleaned. I made sure my tires were inflated properly...don't forget the spare! As I loaded it up, I was surprised how much stuff I had. But, I like to be prepared for anything, and that includes the right clothes, auto supplies, some emergency food, enough water and Mt. Dew so I won't have to buy any. Then, there's the important stuff...CDs for music, ice cooler, auto GPS and my laptop computer. Like my Five For Fighting groupie road trip, I'm planning to blog every evening so everyone will know what adventures I'll be experiencing as I take the slow route to San Diego and the Beach Bash, and back again. I'm so excited, not only because this will be a fun trip, but I'm also SO looking forward to seeing John Ondrasik again! And, even better, he'll be there with his family...it will be nice to meet them!
My Blazer still sports the radio station stickers from last year. To make things a little more special this time around, I added two additional Five For Fighting stickers. I don't think there's any doubt who I'm supporting...it's only fitting. California, here I come!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Road trip fever
Originally posted on MySpace on February 23, 2008.Once one has been on a road trip...you gotta do it again. For me, it's easy to get that itch. Working at the U.S./Canada border as an agriculture inspector, I see people traveling on a daily basis. For many, it's just a quick jaunt for milk and gas...or shopping. For others, it's pure road trip. Just seeing those vehicles, loaded down with the accoutrements of travel...luggage, snack food, and DVD players to keep the kids occupied while on the road. It's easy to get me wanting to do it again myself.
Last November, I first got wind of the Beach Bash for Augie's Quest. The Bash has been an annual fund-raising event for Augie's Quest, an ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) charity, part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) umbrella. ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, strikes over 5000 people every year, with about 30,000 afflicted at every given time. It's a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that proves inevitably fatal in most cases. Augie's Quest was established by Augie Nieto, who contracted ALS back in 2005, and has made it his life mission to find a cure for this dreadful disease.
In February 2007, John Ondrasik provided the musical entertainment for the Black & Blue Bash for Augie's Quest. Since that event, John has been a huge supporter of Augie and his charity. Being a fan of John and his music, it's not hard to get caught up in his enthusiasm for his causes, both charitable and otherwise. When I became familiar with the details behind this year's Beach Bash, there was very little hesitation on my part...I wanted to get involved. I initally envisioned getting together a bunch of Five For Fighting fans to reserve a sponsor table at the event. I soon learned, easier said than done. After a couple of months of starts and stops, and utter frustration, my dream of that sponsor table went down the tubes. But, I never gave up my desire to attend the Bash myself. I WILL be there, AND with two others who stuck with me from the get go.
When I made my decision to attend the Beach Bash, I always knew I would be driving down to San Diego for the event. I had SO much fun during last year's Five For Fighting groupie road trip...if you haven't yet read about my exploits, check out my blog archive. Unfortunately, I was so busy trying to get from one show to another, I didn't have much time for much else. This time around, I'll be taking the slow route southward, seeing the sights along the way. Likewise, when I reach the southern California area, I'll spend additional time doing the touristy thing. Of course, I'll be blogging everyday of my trip, so you'll all share the experience with me.
A couple of days ago, I called the MDA office down in Los Angeles to get some additional info about Bash night. They were rooting for me when I was trying to get my sponsor table filled, and were equally disappointed when things fell through. I had heard early on that John wouldn't be the musical guest this year. On the other hand, I was curious to find out if he would be at least be attending the event, knowing the charity is so near and dear to his heart. Well, I got great news...it appears John WILL be there, AND with his family!
I'm looking forward to seeing John again. It's been a long time, almost a year since my groupie road trip. I know, that doesn't seem very long, but for a diehard Five For Fighting fan, it's an eternity. Besides, I need something to keep me sane while waiting for John's new album release. Once a groupie, always a groupie.
The best year ever!
Originally posted on MySpace on December 31, 2007.
Didn't I say that last year...the best year ever? If I did, little did I know that 2007 would prove to be an even BIGGER year full of surprises, unexpected encounters and memorable experiences. Is it no wonder that all of the above were somehow connected with John Ondrasik and Five For Fighting?
Of course, the big event of the year for me was my groupie road trip. I made preparations for that by getting personalized license plates for my wheels...FFF FAN. What better way to display my loyalty for my favorite music guy? I got my hands on a John Ondrasik autographed guitar, which came with me on the trip to be personalized. Playing the groupie was the most rewarding experience of my life. Bakersfield, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City...5 concerts in 7 days. It was exciting and exhilarating...beyond my wildest dreams. Yes, the shows were the best ever...and John CAN put on quite a show!
But, I have to say the experience was made so much better by all the nice people I met along the way. The radio station personnel, who I visited to pick up the stickers that adorned my groupie ride. The strangers I rubbed shoulders with at the Five For Fighting concerts...John's music brings together the most incredible fans! The MySpace friends I met, both planned and unplanned, and also those who became my friends, who I later found out were at the same shows I attended. To the friendly residents of Grants Pass, Oregon...I was made welcome throughout my brief stay in their fair city. And, most of all, the wonderful folks associated with the Five For Fighting spring tour. The band and the stage crew, who put up with my groupie antics. I missed Randy Cooke, though...I hope to rectify that omission this year! The tremendous pleasure of meeting John's wife Carla in Bakersfield...he wouldn't be where he is now without her tenacity and support! The surprise encounter with John's aunt before the San Diego show...such a sweet lady! Last, but not least, the incredible John Ondrasik himself. Once you've gone to a Five For Fighting concert, you want to go again...and again and again and again! I KNOW I'm not the only fan who feels that way. I have so many wonderful memories from my groupie road trip, and I cannot thank John enough for being the biggest part of it. I will never forget meeting him before the shows...I still cherish those brief moments.
The rest of the year, while not as thrilling as my road trip, was still fantastic. John released his Back Country Live CD/DVD, which gave all of us something to keep us occupied till his next album and tour. We all watched with admiration as John went on his USO tour of the Pacific, and showed his support for the troops with his CD For The Troops. We also must not forget his WhatKindOfWorldDoYouWant.com charity site...keep watching those videos to earn money for some great causes! As for myself, I've continued to make new friends through MySpace, some of which I'll be looking forward to meeting in the new year. Oh, and I picked up another prize along the way...former Five For Fighting band member Curt Schneider's bass guitar.
2008 will be another big year...I KNOW it! I've gotten involved with one of John's favorite charities, Augie's Quest. For this year's big fund raising event, The Beach Bash for Augie's Quest, I've reserved a sponsor table for my Five For Fighting group. I'm in the process of filling it with my Five For Fighting friends...we're all looking forward to an enjoyable and inspirational night. And, I'm planning another road trip around the Bash...not exactly the Five For Fighting kind, but you never know what might happen. Life is full of surprises.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Exhibit No. 8: The Bass Guitar
Originally posted on MySpace on October 18, 2007.Up to this point, most of the focus of my page and even my blogs has been on John Ondrasik. Yes, John IS Five For Fighting, but he has always relied on others to help him get the job done...a terrific bunch of musicians who have toured with him and recorded in the studio with John to put out those masterful albums. Probably the one guy who has been with John the longest and has contributed the most in both capacities is Curt Schneider. John's trusted friend and bass player has rocked with him since 2001. In my view, Five For Fighting just wouldn't be what it is today without Curt. With the exception of a couple of vintage autographed t-shirts, I didn't have anything in my Five For Fighting memorabilia collection from Curt. I needed to rectify that somehow.
Well, last July, I was Googling when I stumbled across a guitar store website. For sale were two bass guitars, both supposedly played by Five For Fighting. Now, we all know John doesn't play bass, so I knew they HAD to be Curt Schneider's guitars. I phoned the guitar store, and was told that one bass had already been sold. The other was no longer available because it seemed Curt had a change of heart. I gave the store employee my contact information should Curt reconsider and decide to sell the bass again. In the meantime, I discovered Curt had a MySpace page and thought, what the heck...why don't I ask him about the bass and let him know I was interested in it. To my delight, he got back to me and confirmed he decided to hold on to it...for now. He DID agree to let me know when he was ready to sell it again.
Now, you're probably thinking, why would I want to spend so much money to buy another guitar, especially one that wasn't even John's? Well, one look at the photo of the bass at the guitar store website sold me. This particular bass had a history. Back in 2001, Five For Fighting was slowly gaining steam on the airwaves, and in people's hearts and minds. John was touring and doing personal appearances non-stop, from January through to December. It was sometime around fall that Curt joined the band as bass player. Perhaps wanting to enjoy the fruits of his burgeoning success, John bought a new guitar, a Gibson L-140 acoustic-electric. Curt also decided to upgrade, and purchased a Gibson Les Paul bass. Both guitars soon made their appearances on stage as John, Curt and the rest of the band played on into 2002. It was truly a wild ride for everyone involved.
So, knowing the origins of this particular bass, I felt it was something well worth going for...IF Curt would sell it to me. In my initial email to him, I DID let it be known that the bass would be part of my collection...probably never to be played again. Would that matter to him? Well, I kind of forgot about it until I got a surprise email from Curt last month. He said he was thinking of selling the bass again and wanted to know if I was still interested in it. Was I ever! I emailed him back, and in the following weeks, exchanged correspondences as Curt shopped for his replacement bass. After a couple of weeks, Curt was ready to sell, and money exchanged hands. I won't tell you how much I paid for it, but let's just say it was more than what I shelled out for John's guitar.
Curt was shipping the bass to me himself, so I experienced a slight delay as he waited for his new bass to arrive...he needed the box it came in to use it to ship mine. Finally, this Monday, the box with the bass arrived via UPS. I was so excited as I opened the box, revealing the gig bag containing the coveted guitar. I carefully unzipped the bag, and pulled out the bass...it was BEAUTIFUL! It was obvious Curt had taken good care of it over the years. Despite the fact that he had used it on tour, TV appearances and in the studio, it was it great condition. The Gibson Les Paul standard bass with sunburst design is a top-of-the-line guitar. I had asked Curt to autograph it for me and it was, complete with his signature and the obligatory "FFF" added on.
And, so, two guitars have been reunited again...check them out on my pic page! John hadn't played his Gibson acoustic since 2004, and I obtained it myself in May 2006. The last time Curt performed with John was September 2006. In fact, the Les Paul bass probably made it's last public appearance at Toronto's Beachfest that month. Curt is no longer officially part of Five For Fighting. He's gone on to do his own projects, both producing and playing other gigs. That's not to say he won't connect with John again sometime in the future...let's hope he does! In the meantime, I've done my little part to help preserve Five For Fighting history. Curt's bass will soon join John's guitar on my wall. Hmm...I'm going to have to move that baby Taylor to make room. One can never have too many guitars...
Exhibit No. 7: The Road Trip Guitar
Originally posted on MySpace on July 10, 2007.Up to now, you've been introduced to my first two guitars, both unique in their own ways. Well, there's a third...the Ibanez PF-104. Back in February, the radio station 94.7 WMAS in Springfield, MA had an eBay auction for a John Ondrasik autographed guitar to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Even though I had a lot of Five For Fighting signed items, guitars are always nicer. And, the opening bid of $39.95 was an additional enticement. I decided to go for it, later setting my high bid...the most I was willing to pay for it. Well, I ended up losing the auction, as someone outbid me. I was OK with that...I still had my two guitars.
A month later, I was surprised to see the radio station auctioning off another FFF signed guitar for the same charity. When at first you don't succeed, try, try again...and, I did try again. This time around, I came out the winner...and, I actually paid about $400 less than the previous guitar went for, which was sweet. A very quick four days later, my new guitar was delivered. The Ibanez is a Dreadnought style acoustic guitar, and it came in a soft side gig bag. It didn't look brand new...there were some light scratches on the pick guard...but it was beautiful nonetheless, especially with John's signature on it. Since I had no paperwork for it, I wrote the company, submitting the model and serial numbers. From that, I was told that the guitar was manufactured in 2004, so I was right about it not being brand new.
Around this time, my groupie road trip plans were in full swing. I had already bought my concert tickets, made my hotel reservations and plotted out my route. I was very determined to meet John at some point, and I had been thinking about what I could take with me for him to autograph. A few days after I got the guitar, I made my decision...I would take the guitar with me on the trip and have John personalize it. I had lots of room in my Blazer, and it would be the perfect opportunity to make a great guitar even more special.
As I traveled south from Washington to Bakersfield, CA, I quickly set up a routine each time I stopped for the night. I unloaded the bare necessities from my car, and toted them to my motel room. Included in the mix...the guitar. No way was I taking any chances leaving it in my vehicle overnight...it was precious cargo.
On the day of the Bakersfield show, I drove to the Fox Theater with high expectations. I knew this first venue was probably my best chance of meeting John, since I had so much time beforehand to wait it out. Well, if you read my previous blog, you know my encounter with John went better than I could ever hope. After I got my photo with John, I asked him if I could have a couple more minutes of his time. John mentioned still having to do his soundchecks, but asked what I wanted. I told him if it wasn't too much trouble, I had a couple of things I brought for him to sign. John thought for a second, then told me it was better to do it then rather than later. I rushed to my Blazer to retrieve the guitar. As I pulled it out of the gig bag, I explained to John how I obtained it. Since we were in the alley behind the theater, the only handy place to lay the guitar was on a garbage dumpster. John asked what I wanted him to put on it, and I suggested something related to my groupie road trip. He ended up writing "You're our number one fan! Thank you!"
After that, I presented John with the other item...a poster I had brought for him to sign for a friend, who was also a huge FFF fan, and who John knew from email correspondences. The poster was a two-sided promo deal, and John signed the side showing him sitting inside his beloved Mustang. Right after he finished doing that, he looked at me and exclaimed "I want to draw on my face!" I was laughing inside, but pretty controlled on the outside, considering the request. I did some quick thinking, and suggested to John that he do his art work on the flip side, which showed his Two Lights album cover. John then proceeded to draw glasses, a goatee and devil horns on his head. It was a perfect example of John's sense of humor and not wanting to take himself too seriously.
The Ibanez is now in a display case over my front door...yet another amazing guitar in my collection. As for the poster, it was delivered to my friend...she loved it! There probably aren't a lot of people who have some of John Ondrasik's impromptu art...that's pretty special. Who knows, maybe someday those little squiggles might be worth something. OK, I'm laughing on the outside now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)