Spring

Spring is finally coming to the Midwest and it is wonderful. I can't wait for planting a garden, kite flying, picnics, basketball, skateboarding, reading outside, tennis, chalk drawings, trips to the lake (Missouri and Wisconsin), bike riding, and visits from friends who want to enjoy this beautiful weather (even if it's sunny in L.A.).

I am currently cleaning, recycling and listening to the New Pornographers (live at Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club, All Things Considered).

This weekend was centered around family. My sisters were home from Minnesota, and yesterday was my brother's birthday, so there was a lot of family hanging out time. It was a lot of fun. We played Catchphrase, Rock Band and ate a lot (more ice cream cake leftovers to look forward to).

On Saturday I saw Kimya Dawson, who was pretty awesome. It's great when you personally respect the artists that you like and think they are really grounded, cool people with solid beliefs. It doesn't always have to be that way, but it's really cool when it works out that way.

Also last Wednesday, I saw some great bands at the Slowdown: Honeybee, Pomegranates and Capgun Coup. Honeybee sounded great. Melissa's vocals were super crisp and amazing and they played a song I haven't heard live that I really liked a lot. I liked Pomegranates too. Hadn't heard much by them, and it was poppy and good. The singer's voice is super high, and he looked a little like Ethan Embry. Awesome reviews, huh? It was my first time actually seeing Capgun Coup live. I always seemed to miss them before, and then they went on tour for awhile. They sounded good live, and they played some new, promising stuff.

Oh, and my new excitement/mini-obsession is calligraphy. I got a little intro set, and I'm loving it. Maybe I'll post a sample. I'm still developing as a calligraphist, but it's super fun.