Last Thursday night I attended a show featuring the lead singers of a few of my favorite bands.  Anthony Raneri, lead singer of my beloved Bayside kicked things off.  Even though I think the band has sold out (over produced recent album, t-shirts in Hot Topic!?, obnoxious scenesters that attend their shows, maybe I’m just old…), I thought Anthony’s performance was awesome.  His voice is one of a kind.  When Anthony sings, the sound waves in the room convert to a form of purity unlike any other.  Not to mention, this was at the Troubador, which is my favorite venue in Los Angeles.

Following Mr. Bayside was Chris Conley.   Saves the Day anyone?  The last time I saw Saves the Day I was at Waterstreet Music Hall in Rochester, NY with my best friend Jen.  Unfortunately, we had to leave early because I had to be back in my room by 12am so I could email a scholarship application for Japan.  It was a great show from what I saw, and yes…I got the scholarship.  A great show, and 5 grand for Japan.  Sadly, Thursday’s performance wasn’t as good.  Ah well, the memories.

Third was Matt Pryor.  Last year, my friend introduced me to his solo work.  What a gem.  Pryor was a bit nervous (and drunk), but put together a nice set.  He mixed in some Get Up Kids and New Amsterdams, along with most of his solo stuff. His set included the fitting track, “Totally New Year.”

The New Year.  Such an interesting time.  It seems most of us just couldn’t wait to get 2009 behind us.  It also seems we say that every year.  It is a great time, though.  Everyone seems so rejuvenated, reinvigorated, and prophesizing big things to come. I personally jumped on that train this time.  I’ve started working out more.   I’m on Day 10 and still sticking with it.  Baby steps!  Baby steps!  Additionally, I’ve made it a resolution to ride my bike more.  I want to be able to do a century ride (100 miles), or a time-trial, or something.  I’m bummed to hear they cancelled the bike tour that usually happens before the LA Marathon this year.  So now I’m looking for another race.  Also, I’m trying to get in better shape so I can do a little mountain biking.  The bike shop where I bought my bike, Cynergy Cycles, sponsors a mountain bike ride every Sunday morning and provides the bikes.  Trying to get fit enough to join them!

Additionally, I made the decision to switch from nights to days.  Nights are comforting.  Not too many people around, I am my own boss, and I am independent.  It also enables me to shadow assistant editors, which will hopefully help my career and promotion.  However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and switch to days.  I’m a bit nervous, but I think I will adjust.  I’ve been out in LA a year and half now, most of which has been working nights.  Hopefully I will be more social and meet some new people outside of work and actually have the evenings free to pursue such relationships.  I’m still looking for Mr. Darcy, wherever he is, so maybe this is the year.

You know that life won’t wait,
You’ll have to make your move
The choices you make, every awful mistake,
Will try to define you
This will be a totally new year.

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