I'm a Maine-iac!

We're on the road this weekend.

We played in Plaistow, NH last night with a bunch of bands from Rhode Island. After the show we and about 12 other people stormed the local Taco Bell for fourthmeal, which the folks behind the counter didn't seem too happy about. I got what is more than likely the greatest fast food meal available: two Cheesy Gordita Crunches, sub rice instead of meat. HEAVENLY...

After that we drove to Old Orchard Beach for sweet hangs and copious Miller Lites. 

We're playing in Portland today, which has quickly become our home-away-from-home. The kids up here are absolutely stellar, and we've never been disappointed. Plus, Maine is gorgeous in the summer. I love Rhode Island and all, but I certainly don't mind spending my weekends up here.

For The First Time In A Long Time...

I can say that I want to try... to get back in to shape.

YESTERDAY'S RUNNING RECORD: Even If It Kills Me

I ran 5 miles yesterday. I haven't had the motivation to run in a few weeks. But I hate feeling indolent. I did 1.5 miles up the bike path, then a mile in to Colt State Park. Then back. It felt really good. My quadriceps are killing me today. But it's a good hurt. I eat well 95% of the time, but I've never had that whole "desire to get in to shape" or "motivation to exercise" thing going for me. But it feels good. I'm going to try to keep it up even though I almost always fall back on the excuse "I don't have enough time." Malarkey. I ran for 45 minutes and still had time to do everything I wanted to last night.

In fact, after I got finished, I went back out to my "front yard" and messed around with Jen's camera for a while. I'm trying to learn all about shutter speeds and apertures and exposure times... It's kind of a process, but it's something I'd like to improve upon. We'll see how it goes - one picture at a time.

full photostream on my FLICKR

You Said This Time Would Be The Last...

THEREFORE I AM SIGNS TO EQUAL VISION RECORDS!

I'd be hard pressed to find a band who has worked harder over the past few years than the guys in Therefore I Am. These guys have spent innumerable amounts of their own time and money to keep bringing music to their fans throughout the country, and I can't think of anyone who deserves to be signed more than these guys do. Their live show is absolutely electrifying, their songs are incredibly crafted, and they are super nice guys to boot.

We first met them while we were in the studio with Mike Poorman last September recording our EP. They had just finished tracking the instruments for Escape, and had come in to hear some of the rough mixes Mike had done before they began vocal tracking. We all instantly formed a bond with them, and now a year and several shows later, they are some of our closest friends.

Congrats guys, you've more than earned it.

Better Be Prepared...

I start school in two weeks. Well, two weeks and a day. I can't say I'm nervous or excited... it's a feeling I can't really find an appropriate adjective for. I've thought about going back for years now, but I've always found an excuse to put it off. But now here I am, two weeks away, and I kind of feel the way I did before I took the stage at Warped Tour or Lupo's for the first time - a sorted mix of excitement, confidence, and happiness with a touch of unwarranted insecurity.

Let's chalk it up to nerves.

I bought a MacBook this weekend. I love it. At the same time, I bought Jen an iPod touch. SUPER JEALZ. It makes my iPod look lame. I'll deal.

Next up is the purchasing of the books. NOT looking forward to it. Nor is my wallet.

The new Valencia record is streaming on their MySpace. I'm on my second listen this morning. There shall be several more. It's been a long time since I've been excited about a new record. (Probably since Chase This Light last fall.) Music has sucked so bad lately. It feels good to be psyched about something new.