If Not Now, When?

I'm starting something. However it ends, whether I choose to end it, quit or fail, I am gonna continue to start this something. Because this procrastination is taking me nowhere, fast.
I constantly go back to reading and searching blogs, books, articles whatever on the subject and I've found people who do think like me doing amazing things with what they have. My question is, "Can a person like me, in my situation, with my economic background, country, and upbringing be able to go through long term travel?" Imagine to be away 3-4 months at a time when I have never been away from home for more than 2 weeks? The ultimate goal is though, can I change myself and my life, for the better through my actions. To be more open minded, calm, considerate, effectionate, more confident and less shy.

Perhaps I may ask myself down the road why through travel? There are many other ways, signing up for a 3D MAX course or taking up a writing class (which i will do eventually), and to answer myself, it's probably the most drastic way to jolt me out of my comfort zone. Perhaps a shock to the system will get me out of my funk, a big project and ultimate goal to work towards. Also it's a chance to get something much more out of something I truly love to do.

I am very boxed in with my upbringing and the idea that we can't be more than just one thing at a time. To pursue 10,000 hours of a skill to master it. Though I belive in it I don't want to just dedicate 10,000 hours to just one thing. With this experiment, I am testing my flexibility and powers of adaptation. I will have to learn new ways of seeing things expecially how I think about money and ways of making and saving it.

These people who are doing this are a lot smarter than me, more capable, more disciplined, extremely intelegent and definitely more fluent with what they have to say but hey I gotta give this a shot or it'll always be, "What if?" and when I was 25 going through my quarter life crisis, I said to myself I don't want to be the same person 5 years from now. It's been 2 years, where am I now?

David, Meet Goliath

As a family member of someone fighting this desease, its a constant uphill battle. When even going to the doctor is a behemoth of a challenge. The Goliath has yet to be beaten.

Ironic

After thinking our van was almost gonna crash into something (goat, motorcycle, car, jeep van, lorry, human) the whole time we were in India. I come home to crash my car into another right here, back home. Oh the irony.

Backpacking

I've never been backpacking. I've travelled, to here and there. Would my Taiwan trip be considered backpacking? 6 destinations in 8 days. I keep noticing that word when I research travel. I want to try this backpacking. My feet are getting itchy.

INCUBUS MEET AND GREET!

A meet and greet session with your favorite band is a double edged sword. For me at least. On the one hand, I just want to admire them from afar and just listen to their music and not shatter any kinds of illusions I have of the band or to make a fool of myself in front of the band, which is kind of inevitable really. On the other, it's a chance to MEET THE BAND! of course you'd take it, even if it's just to shake their hands and thanking them for all the good music they've produced. Even just to hear them say "Nice to meet you".

Mikey was very friendly, speaking conversationally. Like, real casual.

I asked some redundant, run-of-the-mill question "soo…this will be your third time in Malaysia?" of which I already know the answer to. Duh, I was there.

I don't remember the exact words used but what I got from the conversation with Mike Einziger was something to the tune of:

For them, it almost feels like coming for the first time, or starting over (since it's been a while since they've performed new tracks live in Malaysia, since 2004 to be exact). As well as this would probably be among the first few times the new songs from If Not Now, When? will be performed in front of an audience at a full scale concert as previously they've only performed the new songs at smaller venues around the US. So this is their time to see how a big crowd reacts to the new material.

Mikey sounded like he was answering questions for an interview. Speaking so earnestly, it was endearing to say the least :) Kilmore was nice as well, getting up every time someone brought a t-shirt to sign and signing it on their backs. The other guys were very friendly as well, albeit a bit bored and tired from the transit here. Still suffering from jet-lag, having come all the way from the other side of the world, its an amazing feat they can perform with so much energy as they do on stage.




(managed to sneak in a few pics)

It is a great treat to be amongst the first places to appreciate the new songs live. People tend to forget that to truly appreciate Incubus comes in 2 parts. The album and the actual physical live performances. The charisma and energy on stage just blows you away and with these live renditions, some of the seemingly lackluster songs from the new album just explodes to life. There's more dimension, every instrument can be heard loud and clear. Thats when the music shines. The guitar more energetic and melodic, the drums are more in focus, the electronic keyboard, scratch-disks and sound samples more amped up, the base is lustier and the vocal was flawless. Brandon can really belt it out, no doubt, as apparent in the song Adolescents. Another good song from the new album to hear live is In The Company of Wolves. The second part of this 7min song is just so cool and way sexier live. Glad they chose to include Thieves into the mix of new songs performed as well.

Now I have to admit at the first listen I thought the new album was good but not WOW. I have to admit I had some preconcieved ideas of wanting the album to blow me away at first listen but most of the time it doesn't work that way. The album is still very incubus albeit a more mature, mellow, atmospheric, soft rockin' Incubus. After a few listens though it grows on you and sticks with you for the longest time like most Incubus songs do for me. Some of my most favourite Incubus songs didn't knock me off my feet at first listen either but after listening long enough to the complex melodies and understanding the relevance of the lyrics, I feel excited everytime I hear it. It takes a while to understand and truly appreciate good music whaaat. ;)

With this concert, I find myself going back and listening to If Not Now, When? with new ears.

Incubus 2011 Tour Dates:

06/14 – London, UK @ HMV Forum

06/18 – Scheessel, DE @ Hurricane Festival

06/19 – Neuhausen, DE @ Southside Festival

07/15 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl

07/23 – Kuala Lumpur, MY @ Stadium Negara

07/26 – Jakarta, ID @ Istora Senayan

07/28 – Manila, PH @ Araneta Coliseum

07/30 – Niigata Prefecture, JP @ Fuji Rock

07/31 – Jisan Valley, KR @ Jisan Valley Rock Festival

08/05 – Honolulu, HI @ Kaka’ako Waterfront Park

08/17 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

08/19 – Kansas City, KS @ Livestrong Sporting Park

08/20 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Verizon Wireless Ampitheater

08/21 – Chicago, IL @ Charer One Pavilion

08/23 – Indianaplis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center

08/24 – Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre

08/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavillion at Nautica

08/27 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

08/28 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Ampitheater

08/30 – Columbus, OH @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion

08/31 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

09/01 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

09/03 – Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Theater

09/04 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

09/07 – Hartford, CT @ Mohegan Sun

09/09 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center

09/10 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

09/11 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

09/13 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Virginia Beach Amphitheatre

09/16 – Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Ampitheater

09/17 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless at Encore Park

09/18 – Tampa, FL @ 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

09/20 – Miami, FL @ Bayfront Park

09/29 – Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

09/30 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

10/01 – Austin, TX @ The Backyard

10/05 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater

10/07 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

10/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint

10/09 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Ampitheater

A great quote by the legendary Bob Dylan: You can please all of the people some of the time, you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

At times I feel like there are so many things I want to do, so much so that I feel I may explode. At other times I've felt so discouraged that I don't want to do anything, and the cycle goes on. Seeing other peoples amazing work with interesting context and designs makes me so depressed. I wonder if my work has ever been or will ever be as good as the designers and illustrators I admire.

It started with a Djembe

I am currently reading the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and just reached the chapter entitled "Being Serious About Play". In that chapter resides the sub-chapter called "Start A Collection". In it the author writes about the joys of collecting and described how she came about starting a collection and it made me realize that I have somewhat created a collection of sorts for myself. Though I don't consciously set out to collect anything, I find myself, when traveling, attracted to buying small musical instruments, or even at one point not so small musical instrument.

I am not a particularly musical person, I don't play music, I'm content to just listen. Yet I bought these mini musical instruments whenever I came across them. These instruments don't necessary have to be native to the country or have any significant history. The fact is I bought it there, therefore it reminds me of it.

It started with a Djembe. Found in Ubud, a small town renowned for its woodcarving, in Bali, Indonesia. Now the significance of it I am not quite sure, but I just know that when I saw it I wanted it. Maybe I just wanted to bang my frustrations away at that time or maybe I was fresh from an event where I joined a drum circle and wanted to feel again that electric coursing through my soul. Whatever it was I had to have it, plus it had amazing dragons carved into the base and it was cheap!

From then on, it was pan flutes in Sarawak, Malaysia. In Sydney, Australia, An aboriginal instrument type thing, like a tube with beans or beads in it. Which makes a soothing sound like light rain hitting metal roofs every time you flip it over. I suppose it's a percussion instrument like maracas. When I went to Taiwan, it's this hand painted porcelain tribal flute shaped like a duck. Cute.

Riight...with the exception of Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Hangzhou (Ok, thats alot of places I missed, but I would've bought musical instruments from there if I came across any!) I've bought instruments in almost every place I've traveled to! =P

I see the start of a common thread here.

Best advice ever: Do more of what makes you happy =)

Make It Mine

Now that the shop is open. What next?
For the past few months, I've been working with my current company in opening a new fangled concept and lifetyle shop. Working on the website and a little bit of the products, having a hand in the set-up and planning of the project from the beggining, even having a small vote in the pricing of products has definitely been a rewarding experience.

Now the website is live, facebook page is up and twitter account made. I find myself asking what next? Sure if you think about it there's so much more things that need to be done. The marketing of the shop and products, promotions and creating new series of products for our in-house brand. My concern is the lack of experience I have in marketing and promotions. I do collaterals for branding and identity design, designing and executing websites and user interface, okay, but marketing and promotions. This is very new territory. We'll just have to reserach, charge on and try our best, like how one learns to do any new thing, and hope for the best. It may not always work immediately but you'll always learn something from it.

At this moment two great Alanis Morissette songs come to mind "Hand in My Pocket" and "You Learn". "You Learn" is my favourite, with that one line that captures perfectly one of the main resonating mottos that I have held on to: "I, recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone...". I totally agree.

At the risk of sounding like a crazed Jason Mraz fan, which I am. No doubt. Every morning I wake up to this song:

http://youtu.be/4xoUHC9uRHM

The lyrics say it all.

On a side note, I was thinking on the way back from Taiwan. I'd really love to make a travel list of places I've been to maybe add a little featurette on where I went and want to go to. For the sake of posterity and because my short memory span will surely not help me remember much. Hmm we'll see, if time and energy permits.



That said, on to something completely unrelated. I've gotten into crochet and knitting recently. Just starting is quite a challenge and knitting is a surprisingly technical craft. But I love the idea of making something out of practically nothing, just yarn a couple of knitting needles and a pattern. Crafty stuff apeals to me. Also the look and feel of the different types of yarn are just endless! The colours are delicious and the options unlimited. I'm in looove!

Quote of the day : "Singing & Songwriting is no different than journaling or blogging. You just have to let go, quiet your mind and move your pencil or tongue up and down a lot. Bobby McFerrin said improvisation is the result of not stopping. In my opinion, all inspiration begins with improvisation." - Jason Mraz, from his blog.

Practice Gratitude

I felt completely sucky today. The most ill at ease with myself in a long while. I've always compared myself with other people, a habit I developed perhaps from not feeling like I "belonged" anywhere and being pitted against other kids at school, but thats life. The only time I ever felt good about being anywhere perhaps was in art school. Now all the feelings of insecurity and social inability comes back to haunt me. Thus I get angry, the worst part of it being that I let it out on the people that matters most, my family.

Then I re-discovered a great blog from a really amazing artist. Jason Mraz just seems to practice gratitude everyday, he sings about it and practically lives it. Reading his posts on gratitude just resonated with me. It always calms me down, clears my head a little and makes me go "yeah, that's true, I can do something about this".

I haven't been particularly grateful. Not the type of grateful your parents guilt trip you into by saying things like "I brought you into this world and I can take you out" or something to the effect of "I walked 10 miles in the snow to bring you into this world" (the feel is along those lines, we live in a tropical country btw) but real gratitude. The type that makes you realize you're lucky to have parents to nag at you or a sibling to share things with and roll your eyes at (or with). Also, I am grateful that I have a talent that I want to keep honing and perfecting, something that I am able to still work at.

Learn to be grateful and open towards the experiences received and someday, maybe I'll even be grateful for everything that has happened and is happening, in my life.

Gratitude needs practice.

So this is a note to myself to try to practice gratitude, whenever I can think clearly. It may lower my blood pressure. Or else continue to keep visiting sites like freshnessfactorfivethousand or this one: GratitudeLog. Perhaps we all need a little help from time to time in the gratitude department.

Quote from a smart dude: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."
- Henry David Thoreau

Love this song: Deb Talan of the Weepies - How Will He Find Me

*Edit : Another good quote: The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.

Friedrich Nietzsche (just got it from my quote of the day panel)

Come right on in 2011, not that you need an invitation.

This was what went through my mind on remembering the last day of 2010:

"What a way to spend the last day of the year. With a neck ache and a high chance of getting scorched by falling debris, BUT standing directly under a shower of HUGE fireworks was totally worth it. Magical even. Wave after wave of amazingly beautiful colored chemicals exploding right in front of our eyes, so close you'd think you could almost touch it and some did apparently cause I did hear a few screeches followed by some people madly stamping about. I didn't want it to end. "

Honestly it was a nice way to spend the night. What I initially wanted was to hide at home, watch a DVD or some new years special or something and avoid the crowds. But I'm the type to just go with the flow, so when I was asked to join some friends to go to The Curve to see the fireworks, what else, I said ok lah. It ended up pretty cool too.

Quote of the moment: Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.- Albert Einstein

Song of the moment: Simon & Garfunkle - The Only Living Boy in New York

I am rehashing this place. Lets talk about travel, design, art, music, good books, pretty pictures and beautiful words. All the good stuff that matters.