100 Resolutions-a reflection of 2011

Last blog post for 2011. Tonight, I'm reflecting on this whirlwind of a year. 2011 was quite interesting. The word, Interesting doesn't really do the year justice. Amazing? Frustrating? enlightening? I could go all night. Here's a look back of the year.

In January, After an amazing show at Linneman's and a heated argument later in the week, Clean Hands went on indefinite hiatus. Our bassist Jason flipped and quit the group. Nick and I treated the stab wounds and put things on hold. With my daughter on the way we figured it was best not to try pick up another bassist and keep the ball rolling. It was a very frustrating time for myself because our group was doing quite well, released an EP in December and were starting to figure out our next move. Since then, Nick's kept busy playing keys in the folk/indie band Conrad Plymouth and they're releasing a full record.

At the end of March, my wife and I became parents and our little angle Mia was born. Parenthood has flipped our lives upside down and we devote 100 percent of our lives raising and loving her. Sappy I know, sorry. I'm missing them both right now since I've been by myself for the last four days. April, I got to see one of my favourite guitar players of all time, Ted Leo, perform PLUS meet him before hand. Hands down one of my favourite shows I've ever been to. My older bro, his wife and I watched him and Maritime guitarist Davey Von Bohlen perform in Madison. What a beautiful night to have a beer and watch a genius at work.

In the Summer, I got to visit Chicago's Shedd Aquarium twice with my wife's family. My first time there, it was a beautiful warm day in one of my favourite cities. I loved taking in all the wonderful animals and such. The 2nd time I'll never forget. My bro in law who interned there hooked my wife and I with tickets for a penguin encounter. Penguins are my favourite animals so it was a great and surreal experience for the both of us. Throughout the rest of the year, I've been figuring out the whole "Dad" thing. Mainly trying to keep her happy and alive. She's a wonderful girl, but face it, a baby is a lot of work and every day is a new adventure.

Favourite Albums of 2011 (In no particular order)

Maritime-Human Hearts

Amazing album from one of Milwaukee's finest groups. The songs and catchy and hooks are fantastic.

Decibully-Decibully

This final record from another Milwaukee group is bittersweet. The band has always been an inspiration for myself, art & music wise but these guys go out in style with this album. It's an art piece in it's own

Less Than Jake-Greetings From Less Than Jake EP

A delightful EP from Florida's greatest punk/ska band. Short but sweet. These guys still and always will have it folks.

Alkaline Trio-Damnesia

Despite this simply being a collection of past songs performed semi-acoustic, it's pretty rad none-the-less. The new songs are both great and fun. It's also nice hearing some of the classic stuff I grew up listening to.

Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room-Hurricane Season

Alkaline Trio bassist Danny performs some amazing songs here well worth listening to. He's always had a knack for writing some of the most heart-filled songs, but with Dan, I'd expect nothing less then fantastic.

Smoking Popes-This Is Only A Test

Not the best thing they've put out, but defiantly a great record. Josh Caterer and Co. decided to write a record from the point of view of a high school kid going through the ups and downs of being a teenager. Some stuff is 'eh' but there's a few rad songs here.

Favourite Songs of 2011

Maritime- Annihilation Eyes & It's Casual

Dan Andriano-It's Gonna Rain All Day

Florence & The Machine-Shake It Out

Smoking Popes-How Dangerous

Less Than Jake-Can't Yell Any Louder

Joy Formidable-A Heavy Abacus (hey, it's catchy)

Alkaline Trio-I Remember a Rooftop

So last year I typed out a list of goals to accomplish. It's a work in progress. I nailed a small amount of them, but keep getting projects that are stacking up. Hopefully by the end of 2012, I'll nail out some more goals. With that, I say thanks for keeping up with my adventures and highs and lows over the years. I've enjoyed using the blog as an outlet to reflect on the day and update anyone interested.

"I've got 100 resolutions, but I've got no solutions.
I've got one song I write 100 times.
And only a dozen or so rhymes." The Lawrence Arms

On a Rope

Survived our first Christmas with a kid. Exciting right? Totally. Visited my parents for Eve. It was a nice quiet evening. Mia slept quite a bit actually do to being off her schedule some during the morning hours. Christmas Day, we opened a few presents from Jill's aunt, and headed down to Illinois for a few days. It's always great seeing Jill's family, because they get super excited when they see Mia. I always feel relieved too, like "okay you guys enjoy your time with her". They need that time with her, being 2 1/2 hours away. Tuesday after a quick visit with Jill's pal Whitney, I packed my stuff and drove back solo for the rest of the week (since I've got to work). Gotta tell ya: driving by yourself for that long isn't that fun. 112 miles can be mind numbing, but I made it back of course. Saturday I'm heading back down again. It's been strange not having to get up real early to walk Remi and start the daily routine we've gotten used to. This morning my body woke up at 7 something, but I decided I didn't need to get up THAT early, especially on my day off. I really miss Jill and Mia. I miss Mia's hugs like crazy and Jill's smile when she wakes up (after a good sleep)

Did some much-needed art tonight and progress on Nick's album. Came to terms on how I want to execute it and I think he'll dig the concept. Still need to start another dog portrait and finish my Mia one. Overwhelming. Very overwhelming. Most importantly, I got to set up my drum set today. Felt a bit rusty, but had a good time. Even busted a blister on my right hand too. Made me miss playing shows. How typical. Tomorrow, maybe some drawing. We'll see how things go.

Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?

Ah, the holidays are getting quite close. Seems strange with all the mild weather we've had lately. I don't mind really. There's plenty of winter left, being that tonight at 11:30pm starts the Winter Solstice. It's an exciting time, Christmas this year. We've got our little Mia who LOVES to rip paper in pieces so opening presents should be a fun time for her. I can't wait to give Jill her little gift I made. In other news, Mia proved to me that she CAN crawl forwards. One hand in front of the other. It totally amused her. Then, she'd go back to her walrus pose with the back arched up and booty on the ground. Something like that. Man, it wasn't long ago she was spitting up on me, now she's trying to stand up on her own. Time sure flies.

Going to have LOTS to do when I'm solo next week. I plan on drumming every day for at least an hour. I need to get some painting done, work on some dusty logo projects I haven't been able to start or finish as well as build my website and work on some other art projects and hang with some friends and family. It'll be weird catching up on sleep again since average I get about 5-6 hours. I'm never one to sleep into noon though. Could never get into that whole thing: sleep all day, then get up and work. Seems quite pointless to waste an entire day like that. I'll be up late on nights creating what I can. 70-80 percent of the time, I'm more productive in the late evenings art-wise. I can concentrate more without an angry child throwing spoons at me.

With that, I'd like to wish everyone happy holidays. Safe traveling if you're heading out of the state, and of course be good to all.

The Suburbs

What's the word, humming birds? Rainy, mild-temperature day today. Mia semi-alright for the most part during my morning/afternoon. Allowed me to get a little drawing in during some short naps. Later in the evening after dinner, she was an absolute barrel of hilariousness. Climbing all over me on the floor and using my stomach as her tool to pick herself up into a STANDING POSITION! It was so so cute. She lit up the bathroom during her bath time with her goofy smiles. Jill put her hair in a mohawk too. Very funny!

Much relieved the holiday schedule is complete at work. I don't know why I sweat out my requested days off. My boss has never said "look Mike, you can't take off the 24th or 25th", but with a good buddy of mine heading to France, and with other workers all wanting off, I didn't know who would get the short straw. So I'm ready for the holidays. Can't wait for Jill to see her present. :) 1st round of X-mas celebrating starts this Saturday with my older bro and his family (since they'll be out in CA for a few weeks) Should be a good time. Hopefully Mia behaves and doesn't scream all day. Back to the much-neglected sketch book. Later kids.

Turnstyles

Not a bad day off friends. The other day we had our end-of-the-year meeting. I've only been to at least 5 or 6 of them in my 14 years at Kwik Trip. My old store, they weren't mandatory and were always in Madison. They've been having them in Waukesha for a while now, so I suppose I should go right? Like usual, it was pretty mind-numbing. Some good facts here and there. Most importantly, I get my bonus. The majority of it goes straight to Mia's medical/hospital bills. Hooray. My iPod touch came in the mail the other day. First nice thing I've bought for myself since my attempt at buying a Roland elec drum kit (that I had to take back, didn't need it that bad) When I got home from work, I excitedly opened it up and tried to sync it up with my iTunes. Got a message that said 'need an updated iTunes to run the touch" or something like that. So I backed up all 8,600 songs on my Mac and finished downloading a newer iTunes. It said my operating system was too old for the updated iTunes. CRAP.

So I woke up frustrated this morning about it. Thankfully I had some back up plans. A gentlemen I went to college with who's a tech wiz told me he'd update my OS for me if needed. Jill took my macbook to work to see if her coworker could fix/update it for me. He's pulling through with it and will hopefully have it complete tomorrow. I couldn't be happier. Apple is a tricky company. They come out with great, amazing products but sometimes they're too far ahead of themselves. I'm not a die-hard "Mac-head" or anything. I learned everything in college on Macs and got real used to them. I used PC's as well in the working world with some of the programs too. Didn't work the same. In fact, they didn't even give me updated programs in the first place. Anyway, I look forward to getting my Macbook up and running and using my new iPod touch.

The Holidays are getting more dangerously close. Seems to be creeping faster and faster every year. Perhaps it's because we're so busy with Mia. It's starting to get harder for me to leave to go to work more often. Mia waves goodbye with a big grin on her face. Weird right? You'd think it'd be "hey stay, Dad." I'm having way more fun with her during the day. Today she wasn't digging the car rides. Brat. This weekend, we're celebrating Jill's Dad's birthday. (which is really today) Should be a good time. They love love love spending time with little Mia. Remi loves it when they visit too. That's all for now. Brain's getting fried.

In Between Days

Well folks, we survived & Mia survived Thanksgiving. Well, actually it was a Thanksgiving tour. This was the very first year Jill & myself celebrated Thanksgiving together at a house. Usually we just separate & go our own ways. I worked 6am-2pm (quite busy and short handed I might add) then we headed off to Madison for Thanksgiving at my older bro's apartment along with my parents and sister. It was a great time. Everything tasted yummy and we had a wonderful time. The ride home however, was quite painful. Mia was crying and screaming the whole way till we got to Waukesha to pick up my car at KT. She slept the 10 minute ride back to New Berlin. Good grief, kid.

Friday morning we headed off to Illinois for the weekend. My first three-day weekend in a real real long time. Mia was great the whole ride. Usually is when it's daylight on car rides. We had Thanksgiving part II. Once again, great food and throughout the weekend we visited with Jill's friends, her grandma, her family and her aunt. I love going to see my 2nd family because it makes Jill so happy to see all of them. They can't get enough of little Mia. I have to let them have their much-needed & deserved Mia time. Sadly, the weekend went by way too quickly and come Sunday, we headed home. Luckily, I didn't work that night so her family could spend more time with Mia. Jill's mom was so excited friday when I told her we didn't have to leave early in the morning.

Today, like every Wednesday, I was off. The last few nights Mia's been quite angry. Her top teeth are in and hurting like crazy. Today thankfully, she was real great. My bro came over and we hung out for a while. Hit up some Hockey Haven, visited his wife and mine, just driving around and catching up. Before we got married, we used to hang out quite a lot. Used to skateboard/film, he'd stay over by me, play music together etc etc. But since we work odd hours, we rarely get the chance to do much together. So with that, I thoroughly enjoy chilling with my bro when I can. Plus, he enjoys playing with Mia! All and all, had a fantastic day off.

It's December tomorrow which means every weekend will be booked full of things to do and people to see. I better get some art done dudes.

The Routes We Wander

Thanksgiving: Typically, Jill and I separate around this time of the year so she can spend time with her familia and I usually eat an early dinner and work the weekend. This year, it's different. I'm STILL working on Thanksgiving like I have for the last 12 plus years, but in the early morning and we're going to jet over to Madison to eat dinner with my family. Friday, we're heading out to Illinois for the weekend. This is the VERY FIRST year Jill and I are eating Thanksgiving with each other at a house on the actual holiday. Last year, we made an early turkey day mini feast and went on our own separate ways. It's also Mia's first Thanksgiving. Should be interesting. Hopefully she survives the drive down to Illinois.

Today I was off, and it was quite lovely. Spent a little time with my lil bro Andy at his casa. He's doing so much better with Mia. Getting way more comfortable holding her and she's giving him lots of hugs. Maybe it's because we look alike and she sees him as a safe individual to hug? She also pet HIS baby kitten Dex. It was her first time petting a cat. I was slightly nervous at first because I didn't know how Dex would react. The kitten is so docile and didn't mind Mia petting him. Later, I stopped at KT to visit Steph B who baby sat her over the summer while I cut our big yard. She couldn't believe how big Mia has gotten. Neither can I.

Like every Wednesday night, I cooked dinner for Jill and I and we had a very relaxing evening with Mia and got to watch our shows. Mia was uber hyper, but I made her laugh quite a bit and it was super hilarious. You can see those big-ass teeth of hers coming in on top. Very cute.

Before I head off to bed soon, I'd like to give thanks to my fantastic and patient wife Jill, my wonderful and supportive family and friends and my healthy little shark, Mia. It's been a crazy year and I'm thankful every day that we have a healthy little baby.

Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts

Let's talk about tattoos. I LOVE tattoos. I love the whole process of the consultation to getting the work inked on you forever. I even thought about becoming an apprentice and learning the fine art of tattooing, but currently, I don't have the time or energy needed to learn as much as possible. No big deal, I'll design some concepts for friends. It's fun actually.Tattoos are one of those things that if you don't have one, you either A-not into tattoos or B-afraid of needles or what could be painful. When I was 17, I really wanted to get an Alkaline Trio heart tattooed on my forearm. But because KT doesn't like exposed tattoos, I shrugged the idea off for a while. Still in the back of my mind, I really wanted to get tattooed. Jill asked me a few weeks ago "why are you and your brothers so into tattoos...?" Hard to explain at times. My 1/4 was well thought out for a good year. The most important part of getting tattooed is picking the RIGHT guy/girl to do it. I turned to my older brother's wife for anyone she recommended. She sent me a good list of some great artist in and around southeastern WI and Chicago. I really liked John Reiter's work at Solid State in Bay View. His 1/2 sleeve of surreal-inspired clocks sold me that he'd be the guy for my tattoo. The first session felt great. Like a nice massage. It's funny how you think "damn this is gonna hurt" but it really wasn't that bad. It was great having my lil brother and dad along too.

A month later, I went in for my 2nd session, super excited for the finished product. This time Jill came along. First hour, felt great. He was working on the green bushes on the coast part of the skyline. When he started working on the bone, it started to hurt some, and when he added some colour shading on the inside of my arm, that's when some pain was really felt. There was never a moment where I said "I can't do this anymore" because the tattoo meant way too much to me. Getting the Milwaukee skyline with the Chicago skyline in the water reflection (with sunset) turned out amazing. But like most people, it just made me want more.

In time, maybe 4-5 years from now, I'd like to get a Mia-inspired tattoo on my right arm. Not a portrait however. I'm not a fan of portraits. I want something creative and very colourful. So, I'm thinking of getting a shark with various fish and aquatic animals. I've loved sharks for quite a while, and to me, Mia sort of acts like one. She scared the crap out of us when they said her cord was wrapped around her neck, but when all was said in done, she was perfect. Even though I thought about some penguin-inspired tattoos, I think it'd probably be too predictable if it was penguin-related.

Like I said, I've got 4-5 years to think about it. Could the idea change again? Maybe. That's the point of THINKING the tattoo through. I respect those who go and get some ink on a whim, but I'd prefer to think about it real hard. Currently, I'm digging the idea of getting my tattoos family-themed. In the end, they're the most important part of your life. I knew immediately when we had Mia, that I had to get something. Why 4-5 years you say? I want Mia to be able to watch and see me get tattooed for her. She may not get the reason why I'm doing it, but it'll be a special moment. I remember when Jill came for my second session. It meant so much to me that she could see how much I love her. When I get my Mia tattoo, she'll also see just how much I love her.

Fine

It's gonna rain like this for days,
I'm gonna drown in my old ways,
But I'm fine.
I'm fine.

It's gonna hurt like hell
When you pull back the hammer and fire,
But I'm fine
I'm fine.

You see a storm knocked out my super power,
Now I sleep through thundershowers.
Wake me when you learn to be cool.
If I'm the captain of this boat then on my ship may talk fools.
And all the the stars in the world couldn't help me steer my way out of this kiddie pool.

I'm gonna wake up from these dreams
With nightmares lined up on my street,
But I'm fine.
I'm fine.

Needed a hand to keep my head up
So you put hooks in both my ears,
And I'm fine.
I'm fine.

Yeah there's a chronic pain in my ass but know it's not a burden.
It's ironic that I drink to make my insides stop hurting.
And it's love that gives me heartburn,
It's a song that makes my stomach turn,
And I wouldn't trade my hand for all the aces in the deck.

'Cause I'm fine
'Cause I'm fine

Been finding myself relating to this song more and more lately. Earlier in the week, I was feeling downright depressed about my so-called career. Just felt beyond beaten about my job. Here's the scoop on the daily routine at the Mike & Jill Manor. We get up at 6am, I take Remi for a walk when Jill feeds Mia. I come home from my walk/run with Remi, feed him, the guinea pigs and we have breakfast. Jill has a little more Mia-Time before heading off to work till 5ish. I'm home with Mia till 1:30 before my mom comes over to watch and I go to work till 10. As much as I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to go and apply/interview for another job, there's a few dense roadblocks in my way. The fact that I have Mia during the day time leaves me sort of limited on interviews, Mia and Jill are both covered under my insurance at Kwik Trip so if I was to hypothetically pick up a full-time job, there's that lovely 3-month probation period before getting insurance (if they offer it) I don't know if Kwik Trip would keep me on their insurance or if they'd drop me immediately if I went to part time or quit. AND finally, we don't have money to pay for daycare for Mia, so the current situation (no matter how much it sucks at times) is working. We're saving a boat, if not a yaht-load of money from daycare, from which I am always grateful for my mom for babysitting my little Mia.

I know I look pathetic to most of the younger guys at Kwik Trip, especially because my degree is getting dusty, but I can't be the risk-taking father I wish I was. I have to be the responsible father. I probably should have taken more risks when I was going through jobs. What would be great is if Cascio Interstate Music was hiring and that i worked there on weekends. Being around music and drums would be so great. They rarely hire though. Rats. I know I've posted a few times about this inner struggle with myself about my career and work etc etc, but this week really had my pounding my head against the wall, so to speak. I hate having to rely on Jill to get me out of this rut. She has to be getting tired of telling me "Mike, it's not the job that's important, it's that you are there for Mia, that's what really matters". If that's the case, why did I go to school for 4 years? Why am I paying student loans? I really don't know what the "cure" for my blues. Is it Mia giggling with that goofy smile of hers? Is it a much-needed hug? Is it quietly working on art late in the evening? Or is it the music that I've relied on to get me through some of the roughest days? Only time will tell.

Calling All Skeletons

Well, Mia survived her very FIRST trick-or-treating. I worked a very early 6am-2pm shift at KT. Mind-numbing and busy all day. The whole shift I kept my eyes peeled on the weather like a kid hoping for a sunny day for recess. All I wanted was to be able to walk around the neighborhood with my kid, Jill and my family that stopped over. It was on-and-off raining. Rats. My nephew didn't mind the weather at all. He tore New Berlin a new one looking for candy. We just wanted to take her out as Nemo just to say she went "out" on Halloween. Next year, she'll be running all over the place. Seeing all the kids out made me excited for next year. Watching Mia run up and down the driveways.

Still working hard on my Mia picture. Haven't been the last few days, but plan to put some good hours in it this week. Did a little work today in between her naps. I love my Wednesdays off. Jill especially does because we get to spend the evening together which is pretty rare. Mia couldn't have been happier with us BOTH home. It's pretty amazing to see her just super excited shrieking and laughing. Any bad day can be lifted by hearing her giggle. This weekend, we're heading to Illinois for a day to visit with Jill's parents. Her Dad is due for some serious Mia time since he doesn't get to see her often. Remi will be excited too. He loves loves loves Jill's dad and running all around their house. I feel bad for him that we can't always give him all the attention he'd like. He was our 'first born' and got used to lots of play time with his 3 walk minimum. Today, the rain kept him from going out for a #2. It'll be an early run Thursday morning for sure.

Lets Here It For Love

Hello ghouls and zombies. Halloween is here. Typically, my favourite holiday. Why? Because I always enjoyed the fun of trick or treating around good ol Wales when I was younger. Then as I got older, I took out my lil bro on our skateboards. Got to houses a lot faster and could hit up some of the farther streets. I think last year was the first time Jill and I didn't do anything at all. Used to hit up parties (sometimes my buddy's when we lived in our apartment) This is the VERY first time in...well a LONG time I get to take my own kid out on Halloween. That is, if the weather stays good. I'm working 6am-2pm, then around 4, my family is coming out to visit and take out Mia and her cousin Alex trick or treating. She's not really going to get any candy, but we're gonna walk around the neighborhood. Should be a good time if it doesn't rain. It's amazing how you go from drinking PBR's with your friends to taking out your kid dressed for success.

In other news, I've been diligently working on a picture of Mia. I've been drawing the picture of Mia with my Maple Leafs hat on. I love her eyes and the lighting and shadows. HAD to draw it. So far, it's coming along quite nicely. Can't wait to finish it. I keep putting other art on hold so I can get this done. It's not even for anyone. I'm just happy to be putting forward all my passion in this beautiful picture of the kid who makes me the happiest.

Usually by Friday night I'm ready to explode at work. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

Skips A Beat (Over You)

Hello dudes and dudettes. Art Update-So I've been working here and there on my Milhouse drawing. Nailed the outline and layout of everything. The other night I started dropping some colour into it. Made some rather unpleasant mistakes and currently, am scrapping it for now. I dropped the colour a LITTLE too thick for the picture. Too much all at once. Not happy with it at all. Next attempt (when I get the chance) I'm going much lighter. For now, I'm putting the drawing on the side and plan on working hard on Nick's album (which I've been saying for weeks and weeks and weeks) Thankfully, he's freakin' patient. Has to be for all the different people we've played with over the years.

Oh, do I miss the nights of staying up real late and drawing or painting into the wee hours of the morning drinking bottle after bottle of Guinness and listening to beautiful music. But at the same time, I need to sleep at night. 6 a.m. comes too early, and even though I'm writing this at 11:19pm, I'm still sorta wired from the usual hectic day of work. No big deal. Nothing new. Speaking of art, you ever look outside in the fall and notice how unbelievably gorgeous the trees are lined with amazing bright colours? It's like a piece of art. Hell, it IS art. THAT's why I like Fall, folks. It's beautiful scenery all around. Don't get me wrong. Wisconsin has great scenery most of the year. Winter has it's moments. One time, Jill and I were driving back from her parent's house in Illinois, and she looks at me and says "hey that barn looks amazing can we stop and shoot some pics of it?" So of course we did. Sometimes even in our hectic days of work, we need to stop, and enjoy the scenery. Take it all in and breath.

Keep posted for new art. Hopefully in the near future.

Alert The Audience!

So I stumbled upon a movie coming out in November that I REALLY hope comes to the South Eastern WI area. The Other F-Word is a documentary (directed by Morgan Spurlock who did Supersize Me) about punk rock/rock musicians (and Tony Hawk for some reason) dealing/handling with fatherhood along with playing music. Sounds pretty similar to myself, except these guys are much older and have been playing and touring for many years. I find myself relating to them because even though I haven't played on countless albums and toured the world, I know balancing is pretty tough, but the rewards of fatherhood is beyond amazing. Flea (from the Chili Peppers) tears up in the trailer about how his kids gave him life. Bingo. Sometimes the simple life is preferred for these fine musicians and your family will always be there for you.

Even though I miss playing music so so much, I still can't believe I'm a father. Mia's even giving hugs now. Seriously!! Ask my Mom or Jill. Hugs them too. Today she was looking out the window, turns around and gives me a hug, then turns around to check outside again. She knows what makes her happy and it's having two loving parents in her life. I hope she can see me perform some day. It'd be so fun to ask her "so how did Daddy perform?" Even when I'd play in some packed places (rare) I'd be way more interested in what Jill thought. She's more blunt and honest. Thankfully, she rarely could tell if I missed something for some reason. :P

Working more and more on my Milhouse drawing. Hopefully finish it in the next few days or at least before Monday.

Annihilation Eyes

Beautiful day out. The kind of weather that helps you forget all the problems you have. Well, at least that's what I'm thinking for the time being. Anyways, recently my friend Micaela and I were discussing our favourite art mediums we use. Here's my thoughts on the different traditional mediums I've used.

I typically use pencil/graphite the most because it's the most comfortable for the subject or object I'm drawing. I tend to do mostly portraits, tattoos, some nature work in pencil.

Water colour used to be my number one enemy going through HS and college. It's real tough, with having to let go of some some of the control when painting. But luckily the last few things I've done, I've had great success including that tree picture I posted a while back and the Hawaii one I did. So it's a medium I've enjoyed exploring over the years.

Oil painting surprisingly, I really enjoy doing. It's a pain in the ass for a lot of people, including myself, but I LOVE the finished product in the end. I've got a few good pieces, but I know I can do something epic. I've got a sad unfinished piece sitting in my studio/2nd bedroom. Every time I look at it, I think "ahh some day I'll complete you". I first worked on it last winter in the wee hours of the night/morning. Just layers and layers and I hope to work on it again.

Charcoal I've used a handful of times. Like water colour, you have to sorta let go of some control, or at least try. You have to let the charcoal dance across the page in smooth strokes and hope to execute the vision. I've got two portraits I did of Remi hanging in my living room. One I really like, the other one 'eh'. The 2nd one I did with some graphite for a little detail. I really like charcoal and hope to do some more work with it in the future.

Pen/ink/marker I could probably play with more. During my 28 days of Art series, I did a portrait of Van Gogh in some markers and ink that turned out pretty rad. It's sorta tough, because unlike pencil, you're laying down permanent strokes on the page, so you have to make it count. Unless you're doing something less detailed and more abstract. I enjoy it, and probably should do more of it.

Colour pencil like graphite, I do sorta more often then the other ones. Jill REALLY likes my attention to detail and colours when I work with colour pencil. I treat colour pencil like I'm painting. I use lots of layering techniques to get sort of a brush stroke feel.

Acrylic I've used quite a bit, but I'm not the biggest fan of. At least at the moment. I think the paint dries to fast for my liking. I like going back and working and mixing in some of the colours and it just doesn't work for me half the time. I'll get better at it more and more I hope.

Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key

It seems like it's getting harder to type my inner and outer thoughts of the day. Especially since my darling Mia (who's currently asleep) has had some rough nights. Teething sucks. There should be many shirts sold with that statement. We did however, get a shirt with a shark on it from my bro in law that said "teething bites" so yeah...that works too. I'm not sure if Mia's got some coming in on her upper mouth, or if maybe the tooth next to her right one was fully emerging but whatever the case, she's been a monster lately. Sunday I worked 6am-2pm, and when Jill was making a delicious vat of dinner/lunch we'll eat throughout the week, Mia was turning into some sort of possessed creature that I couldn't for the life of me settle down. Jill had to eventually take her up stairs to feed in our dark room and I finished dinner. Yesterday too, she wasn't very happy, but today she's a lot better. Smiling more, and exploring the world as much as she can.

We played on my bongos today as well. Something I really really look forward to when she gets a little older is teaching her music and art. Music and art are such big parts of both Jill's and my life and it'll be beyond amazing if she picks up an instrument. Yes, I'm biased that I'd like her to play drums, but I'll let her pick anything. When you're younger in elementary school you pick something (orchestra/band/choir) and a lot of kids don't stick with it very long, but I am very happy I did because it brings me all happiness in the world to pound the drums with every ounce of passion. I can only hope for the same experience for Mia.

The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out

So currently, any 'free time' that I have that I'm not changing/playing with/feeding/rocking Mia, I'm brainstorming and researching ideas for Nick Berg's solo record; The Lesson & The Bandage. It's been tough and stressful, despite there is no rush on it. I always put the heaviest of pressure on myself in anything I do. Whether it be playing a show, when I recorded with Clean Hands, or simply any and every art project I do. It's just who I am. I think any great creative person tends to do that, otherwise we'd just settle on doing things half-assed. When I have to draw up a sign with some old-ass markers at work in between customers at the counter, I unfortunately have to settle most of the time, despite wanting perfection. So I've got about 7 different drafts and ideas I did in Photoshop, with probably 5 or 6 more to do. I want my boy Nick to be real happy with the finished product. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the Clean Hands cover EP. Mainly because the bassist demanded we use his friend's photography as the focal point. It looks fine, but I'm not sure it was GREAT, you know?

When we played shows every weekend, I was constantly going over my drum parts on the way home thinking "could I have done this fill better?" or "Did I rush this song?". Same thing when we recorded. I did a handful of takes and on the way back from the studio I kept thinking how I could have done a better job. Blah. Oh well. As Salvador Dali put it Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.

On The Way To Your Hotel

Been a busy week. Thankfully, I've been off the last few days and will be off Friday and Saturday for a wedding in Fond Du Lac. I think this is my first time there, and obviously Mia's. Jill's parents are coming up to keep an eye on her at the hotel, as Jill and I attend the evening.

Yesterday, my good buddy Jay came over and installed a new side garage door. It fell on top of me I believe last summer and since then, we had a ghetto tarp cover the hole and it was starting to look real real sad. Jay's been doing construction and carpentery for a very long time and could have probably done this with his eyes closed. Then he noticed something sketchy.

When we had our garage doors and the openers installed, the guy who did the left side didn't raise the top steel part as high as he could have, and when we picked up the side door, it would swing IN and hit the metal frame. CRAP! Luckily, Jay could take the door frame apart, and re-do the side door to make it work. Such a genius. Hole=closed. Door installed. everything looks great. In the future, we'll get him to rip up and put in new bathroom tile. The man loves what he does, and it's real inspiring to see this guy so proud after a great job. You aught to see his bathroom he worked on in his own house. While he was working, we caught up with what was going on in each others lives, talked about music, etc etc while Mia slept most of the time. When she was awake, she was cracking up Uncle Jay. Today, I stopped on my way to my parent's house by his place to drop off some beer and a gas gift card for a great job he did. I could easily recommend Jay to anyone needing anything done on their house.

Tomorrow, it's off to Julie (Jill's co-worker)'s wedding. Hopefully Mia behaves.

(NOTE) the picture in the corner was from when Mia was napping outside as Jay worked on the door. Cute eh?

The Window Is The Door

Well, this weekend was choked full of coughing and sneezing and stuffed noses and amazing times. My recent illness (which I'm pretty over with now) spread to my darling Mia and my better half. Luckily, they're both doing better but Thursday evening Mia was super stuffed up with hardcore crying from the teething and Friday night, Jill was sick. After some much needed sleep this weekend, we're all doing much better. Mia's dealing with teething on her own terms. I've got stacks of art projects coming. 1/4 sleeve for a co-worker, Marine tattoo for another, I've got a fun sketch I'm planning on doing this week of every one's favourite punch-line, Milhouse from the Simpsons, an Arcade Anonymous logo for etsy, and of course Nick's solo album. A lot of these projects aren't major do-or-die things. Just art projects. While we're on the subject of art, it reminds me of why I do it in the first place.

Art, is one's expression when words won't do. Words can sometimes confuse and over-step a feeling, but art is something for the mind and the heart. I love love love going to art galleries and shows with Jill. Every place we've ever traveled, we always stop somewhere and look at art. Most of the time, we buy something. In New York through a small art sale, we picked up a neat piece. In Hawaii, we met the nicest local painter that sold us three beautiful pieces that was super friendly to talk to. In California (I think Monterrey) we looked at some expensive galleries (obviously, we didn't buy anything) Looking at other's art, inspires me in so many ways. I may not paint that day, or week, but I know every time I look at it'll spark up some creativity down the road. The creative mind never dies, and I hope mine can stay sharp for as long as I live.

Spotlights

Running on fumes as I type this late night blog post. The last few days I've been feeling ill. Tuesday night at work I felt like my throat was dragged across a cactus. Wednesday was my day off and I didn't feel much better; more stuffed up and congested. Which sucks because I had the entire day with Mia and she's the LAST one I want to get sick. So last night I spent the night in our guest bedroom. Jill told me that if I cough once I'm otta there and I'm not mad about it. I don't want to wake anybody up, nor get them sick. Mia's got TWO teeth coming in now. Twice the angry cries. Yesterday she was so freakin upset when she ate. She didn't even want a bottle anymore. Just something for the pain. Hopefully she can pull through it and we can move on to the next few teeth.

Tomorrow (despite the fact that we don't really celebrate it because we're married) would mark our 7 year anniversary when we started dating. 7 years is a long long time, but it's totally gone by so fast. One minute we're studying for an accounting test, the next we're giving Mia a bath. It's pretty nuts. I can't imagine my life with anyone else. When I hear from other guys how great it is being single and how they can do whatever they want (or whomever they want), with no one to answer to, it just sounds like a shallow meaningless life. I, however enjoy coming home to my family at night. Waking up with a happy baby, and spending my off nights just simply relaxing with Jill and Mia. Walking with Remi in the morning is the ultimate way to relax before starting my day. I miss playing shows every weekend, but I can't wait till Mia's older and can watch me play music live or paint in my studio. When I see how curious and interested she gets in everything, it just makes myself and Jill smile, and that's what really matters.

Landed

So this weekend was pretty busy. We had Jill's parents visit over the weekend. My one day off on Saturday, it rained all day so that was of course absolutely amazing right? Poor Remi (our dog) spent the storm trying to find a good hiding place. Today, they headed back home, which of course made Jill cry. She always tears up when they leave. Even though I was at work before they left, I knew on my drive to work it would be a tearful goodbye. Every time we either leave for WI, or see them head back to IL, It's always a hard goodbye, and every time I always feel bad for my wife. After college, she stuck got hired full time in Wisconsin instead of going back home and of course, we moved in together. I sometimes wonder if it would have been better to have moved to Illinois so she could be closer with her family...but she reassures me that she is quite happier in Wisconsin and doesn't regret the decision on staying here. I defiantly love being close to my family, but I think I could have lived with living 2 1/2 hours away. It would have been tough for my parents being far from Mia, but I know it's tough for Jill's parents as well. They have told me in 5 years, they'd like to move up here, which would be great. They are without a doubt, some of the nicest people I've ever met. Her Dad let me marry is only daughter for crying out loud! Her brother is a witty, creative and a caring guy that I will always treat as another brother. Of course her mother gives unconditional love and support only a mother could.

My parents came over today for a Labor Day brunch we kinda threw together. I always love it when they're all here in one place; getting the chance to hang with Mia and visit. Well, enough of all that seriousness for now. Fall seems to be coming quicker then usual. Which means that dreaded Winter will be here before we know it. Good grief.

Endless Miles

Well, Mia's asleep which is good because she hasn't slept much today. We tried rice cereal again today and she wasn't having it. Maybe swallowed the tiniest bit, but that's it, really. I love off days. I can't stress that enough. Even when Mia was real little and cried 90 percent of my wednesday off, I still would rather be here then anywhere. Work drains me every day. It still leaves me in disbelief that I'm at Kwik Trip still after 14 years of employment. Some days I wish I had taken more risks with other jobs in my field (the few that there were) but I just never felt good about certain job postings I saw. The few graphic design jobs I did take ended up being pretty awful in the end. So now, I'm left to doing art of all kinds freelance. It's just what's possible for me. Currently, I've got some album art, a logo for an Etsy store and a 1/4 sleeve tattoo on my plate so in any spare time I'm not feeding/changing/playing/rocking Mia, I will work on that pile.

The Rice Cereal Experimentation

So This blog originally was my canvas to talk about my art and music. Well, since I haven't been able to do much art in the last 5 months since my daughter Mia was born, I'd like to open up the blog to include all the adventures regarding parenthood and the pursuit of happiness.

Saturday, we tried rice cereal with Mia. We knew we were in for a messy experience but hey, that's okay right? I mean, she craps and drools everywhere so what's a little rice cereal all over herself? First attempt went pretty well for the most part. It appeared that she ate some of the mushy stuff, even though most of it wound up on her face and hair. This morning, we tried it again and she didn't care for it. She was rather cranky and wanted nothing to do with eating the smelly stuff. We'll try it again maybe tomorrow when she's in a better mood.

2011 Goals

Hey all! It's going to be a busy year for myself. In March this year, I'll become a father. (no not some sort of priest) My wife and I are expecting our first child and we couldn't be more excited. With that in mind, I've got a lot of goals and achievements I'd like to accomplish this year.

1) Finish an oil painting I started in 2010.

2) Design a popular shirt for Threadless T-Shirts

3) Design a new shirt for my band

4) Feb 1st, I'd like to start an art piece a day series where I draw/paint every day start to finish for a month. It's going to be super difficult because it takes a lot of time to come up with something THEN to finish it. ALL in one day. I think I can do it.

5) I'd like to finish my website for Thrill Factory. I started working on it quite a while ago, but it hit a dead end.

6) Re-learn the art of acrylic painting. I haven't touched acrylics in a long long time and have been ignoring it. I bought some small canvases on sale last year in December so I'd like to get some work going on those.

7) Design some new TFD logos.

8) Take some amazing photographs. It's been a while since I actually did some photography. Actually since probably my Hawaii trip last March. I need to take advantage of our newly-fixed SLR camera and capture some beauty.

With a kid on the way, these are ambitious but possible. With hard work and determination, I can accomplish them.