Music Geek Part 1

These are the adventures of Music Geek. A mild-mannered man who by day is an advertising paper pusher but at night... I guess is still the same thing. Anyway, he likes music a lot and geeks out on it whenever he has a chance.

Today we find him wondering the wimpy music section of his local Target when he sees a woman in musical distress. This looks like a job for Music Geek!

Helpless Customer: "Excuse me, do you have any CD's by um... I believe his name is Oz?""

Target Employee (stocking music section un-enthusiastically and looking confused at the question): "Huh?"

Helpless Customer: "I'm looking for a CD, I think the artist's name is Oz? He is Hawaiian..."

Target Employee: "Huh?"

Helpless Customer: "I heard him the other night. What's his name... Oz I believe. He plays Hawaiian music."

Target Employee: "Huh?"

Helpless Customer: "I'm not really sure of his name but I know he plays Hawaiian music. I would know him if I saw a picture of him. Maybe you could point me towards where you would keep that type of music..."

Target Employee: "Huh?"

Music Geek could no longer witness the injustice and swoops in to save the day...

Music Geek: "I believe you are looking for a Hawaiian singer named Iz..."

Helpless Customer: "That's him!"

Music Geek: "He does an amazing version of Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World."

Helpless Customer: "Yes!"

Music Geek: "Anyway, his name is Iz. I-Z. I forgot how to pronounce his last name but I know it starts with a K. Unfortunately, Target does not carry his CDs. You can try going to the Borders or Barnes and Noble around the corner and look in the World section but your best bet would be to go to Amazon.com."

Helpless Customer and Target Employee: "Thanks!"

Music Geek: "Don't mention it."

Entry written while listening to "Exile on Main Street - Rarities Edition." A CD I picked up while walking the aisles of Target's wimpy music section.

How I Found Out

It was a typical Thursday night. I arrived to an empty apartment because the missus - once again - was staying late at work. So I kept myself busy by cleaning up around the house mostly because if left to my own devises... things could go south right quick.

Hours passed and I found myself on the couch trying to figure out the owner manual to the new car when the missus burst into the house. She dropped her bags, kissed me and off she went jibbering-jabbering about something. I said OK and went back to my reading. Minutes passed and she came back into the room, still jibbering-jabbering, with a big smile and holding some type of plastic thermometer-looking item that she placed inches away from my face.

My brain replayed and attempted to decipher the earlier jibbering-jabbering while focusing on the little plastic thing inches from my face when I noticed that the little monochrome screen displayed the word "PREGNANT."

My mind began racing at a turtle pace and I flashed my famous "surprised" look as I put one and one together and realized what was happening. I looked up at my smiling wife's face and exclaimed in a pitchy voice (another thing I'm famous for) and said "Really Sweetie?" She nodded and we were happy.

And off we went on our newest adventure together. My little family is growing, and that is good.

Yay 2009!

This past Sunday - the first Sunday of the new year - the priest at morning mass was going on during his sermon on how happy he was to say good-bye to 2009 and starting a new year and new decade. And he wasn't alone because every one cheered and clapped and were way oh-so happy to say good-bye to 2009, which at this point has become the running joke.

As I sat there listening to all the cheers and woot-woots, I thought to myself, "Self, yes 2009 was a rough year overall but it wasn't all that bad was it?" So while I sat in the pew, I started making a mental checklist of all the good things that happened to me in 2009 and I came up with the following:

My newest niece and nephew were born.

I Spent quality time alone with the missus on a road trip up and down the coast visiting a friend in San Francisco, relaxing in Portland, and stopping in several small towns in between.

I spent more quality time with missus celebrating our birthday's and our 2nd wedding anniversary at Disneyland (which I got in for free) and downtown Los Angeles.

Saw some great concerts including Chris Isaak (in Las Vegas... where I won about $100 playing a polar bear themed slot machine), Tom Jones and U2.

Spent time with my extended family (although my goal for this year is to spend more time with them.)

Traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, with my family to honor my grandfather (dad's dad) who passed away many, many years ago but has never been forgotten.

Traveled to Ensenada, Mexico, with my mom's family for the wedding of a cousin. And before we left, stopped to visit my grandmother (mom's mom) who passed away 10 year ago.

The basics (and sometimes the most important) - the missus and I still had jobs, a roof over our heads, our health, our family, our friends and each other.

From the looks of things, my 2009 wasn't all that bad. So here is bidding 2009 adios and hello to 2010. May it be a fun one.

Thankful

I'm thankful for many things and I give thanks everyday, but today I'll give thanks out loud for these gifts.

I give thanks for my wife and the little home that we build each day with plenty of love and laughter. I give thanks for my mother and father who even though I'm in my 36th year of life, still see me through loving eyes as their first born. I give thanks for my sister and brothers who grew up with me and share my history. I give thanks for the babies that are the next generation of our family - watching them being their own person with a little hint of their relatives mixed in for good measure. I give thanks for all my relatives who have always been there and remind me of where I come from. I give thanks for my friends who chose to be a part of my life. I give thanks for me being me with all my quirks, my talents and my passions. I give thanks for all this.

What Took You So Long?

The official waiting began on Tuesday when my sister-in-law posted on Facebook that her morning visit to the doctor resulted in her being asked back on Thursday so they can induce labor. Wednesday flew by without a peep and Thursday arrived quietly. No urgent call to my cell phone, no leaving work early - nothing. My brother indicated in the afternoon status call that they did this and they did that but ultimately, the this and the that had to run it's course so maybe by Friday there would be a new baby. So I went home looking forward to a quiet night.

Friday morning came and in the morning status call, I was told that the this and the that was still doing it's thing but were looking at a late-Friday or some time Saturday baby arrival. I decided to wait it out at work. Around 5PM, I get a call from my brother that finally the this and that was working its magic but no need to rush because it will still be several hours before the baby arrived. I said thanks for the heads up, thought for a second and decided to pack my stuff and off I went like a heard of turtles to The Valley in Friday night traffic.

An hour and forty-five minutes later, inching along the 405 traffic and still about twenty minutes away form the hospital, I received a call from my other brother. "It's a boy!" he professed proudly. And me, alone in my car and trying to slowly get onto the 101, cheered loudly and happily smiled. The freeway instantly opened up and after waiting for few hours with the rest of the family, I met my newest nephew.

Welcome baby - keeper of my grandfather's name - to the world from your Tio who is saving you a seat on the couch the next time we see Star Wars.

No Estar Gwars for Mexico?

I was perusing the newest gear at Star Wars Shop, when I saw this brand new X-Wing Pilot inspired hoodie (available November 2009.) The the hoodie looks pretty cool - not for me though. I'd look like that chubby X-Wing pilot that blew up like a punk in Episode IV. Anyway, what struck me as odd (beyond the price actually that was more like seriously?) was the shipping policy - "Ships Worldwide. Except Mexico."

What @#$% Lucas? What did Mexico ever do to you?

Hmmm, definitely Mexico's year it is not.

5:11 AM Phone Call

The appointment was scheduled for Monday, June 22nd at 8:30 AM so you can imagine my surprise when I heard "The Cantina Song" from Star Wars not as part of another Star Wars-related dream but blasting from my cell phone. It was my sister who was calling in between contractions to say that they were on the way to the hospital.

This being the fourth baby being born to our family, we have come to learn a few things about waiting. I arrived at the hospital a few hours later to find the family there. My Dad was waiting anxiously to meet his newest grandchild while my Mom ran around with the youngest (at the time) grandchild. My sister in-law was in the corner reading a book to my very entertained nieces. My brothers were in the other corner being my brothers and my brother-in-law's parents were fielding calls from relatives hoping for updates. It was a good sight.

Although it made me happy to see everyone there, that was not best part of the day. The best part of the day was a few hours later when my brother in-law strolled down the hallway towards us, with a big smile on his face only a proud papa can have. The video camera was rolling as everyone gathered around and heard him say "It's a girl!"

And that is how my newest niece came into this world. Welcome little baby. From your Tio.

My New Old Pants

Today I decided to wear a pair of pants that I have not worn in a very long time. Not because I do not like them or they no longer fit - it was just a choice. Now that the work day is almost over, here is a recap of the first outing of my new old pants... I have lost a button and spilled chocolate shake with whip cream (that I did not want in the first place - the whip cream not the chocolate shake) on them.

Maybe they were better off in my drawer.

Sold My Soul...

But sometimes it is a necessary evil. For years, I have railed against the evil empire that I have come to despise - Ticketmaster. And for sometime now, I've always made it a point to purchase my tickets at a venue box office and never through Ticketmaster. No matter the location.

But today, today in order to get tickets before they go on sale to the public, I sold my soul (just a little bit) and I purchased two tickets through Ticketmaster.com, and incurred the dreaded convenience fee that I have avoided for so long. I'm not going to lie, it hurt. But the tickets were purchased.

What were the tickets you ask? They were for U2 at The Rose Bowl on Sunday, October 25th. Section 13-L, Row 40, Seats 13 and 14. In case you wanted to say hello.

This entry written while listening to U2's newest album "No Line on the Horizon."

Mi Abuelito

I was playing with my godson who is 5-years old this morning at my in-laws house, his grandparents. In between pretending to shooting laser cannons at each other and blowing up the neighborhood, we some how got on the subject of grandparents. I asked him something about a fountain that he played in as a toddler and he happily answered with a big smile on his face "It's my grandpa's!" He then looked at me and asked me where my grandpa was?

For the very first time in my life, I stumbled for the answer. My heart hurt at this innocent question. The truth is that I never met my grandpas. They both passed away when my parents were single-digit age. The happiness in his question reminded me how much I wished I would have known them - especially my dad's dad. I could not tell him that last week, I was in Guadalajara with my family at El Cemeterio Viejo de Mezquitan, dedicating a tomb long over due. A final tribute from my father who still misses his father. I did not want to say out loud that they passed away.

I saw the happiness when he spoke about his grandpa. I see the happiness that over comes my nieces and nephew at the mere sight of their grandparents. I wish I knew that.

So I looked at him and said "He is not here, he is in Mexico" all the while my heart was aching. He said OK, and ran off while shooting me with his laser cannon.

Curiosity

I have been know, on occasions, to be a bit curious. Sometimes, a little to curious for my own good.

This morning, I was standing in line at the Torrance Post Office waiting to mail a few items that I sold on e-bay. The woman next to me was also waiting to mail out a few items - small boxes and bills/letters. She was probably in her late 40's and shorter than me. She wore glasses and had long, straight brownish hair with streaks of white that was parted in the middle. She had a blue long-sleeve button down shirt, black jeans and comfortable shoes on.

Of the various packages and letters she had in her hands, the one that caught my attention was a standard white envelope addressed in nice penmanship to:

Her Majesty The Queen

Buckingham Palace

London, England

United Kingdom

A few hours have past and I'm still wondering what she had to say or send to The Queen?

Yes We Can

In an effort of full disclosure, I did vote for him.

The realist in me knows full well that he is not the messiah that many seem to make him out and that he will not fix everything that is currently wrong (or perceived wrong) with our country. In fact, there is a good chance that he might finish his term (or terms) not completing or even starting some of his campaign promises.

But the dreamer in me knows, that if nothing else, we proved to ourselves and to the world that the American dream is still possible. It may be much harder to obtain, but it is still possible. And as my Father always told me, anything worth having is worth working for.

So, to the new president, members of his administration and all politicians who hopefully went into public service to give back to a country that has given so much - good luck.  

This entry written while listening to "America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles and "A Change is Going to Come" by Sam Cooke.

Comfort Food

The above picture is of a tasty dish called Chicken with Rice in Cream of Mushroom (pretty straight forward.) This is a dish my mom has made for me since I can remember and is one of my favorite things to eat (excluding any of the traditional Mexican dishes she is known for).

But there is something different about this particular dish. What is different about the above dish and my mom's version is that I made it myself. Apparently I can cook. So after 15 months of being out of my parents home, I felt confident enough in my cooking skills to attempt this oh so sacred dish (at least for me). And not just because it was me, but it came out good. I would even go as far as saying it was pretty good. Granted, it did not taste like my mom's version for various reasons but it will do.

Counting this dish, I have a total of 3 dishes that I can cook. Baby steps people.

Happy New Year!

I'm not sure what happened or when it happened. I was doing so well writing. A story here, an observation there. The prose was flowing nicely and then suddenly - POOF! All gone. Well, maybe not so much POOF but like a slow braking motion. Either way, the main point is I'm no longer writing.

But now that the new year is upon us, it is time to turn over a new leaf. So I'm committing to virtual paper that I will write again - and often. Both on this here blog - The Dark Monkey Chronicles - and the old fashion way, on paper in my journal. Not to mention some of the stories that I've started but never finished.

This is only one of my new year resolutions. I don't have to many but a few. Hope to keep many of them and help become a better me for 2009.

Happy Birthday Mickey!

My cell phone rang this morning at a little before 6AM. It was my Dad. He had a smile/laughter in his voice as he called me to let me know he was wishing Mickey Mouse a happy 81st birthday. I laughed and thanked him for reminding me.

Now my dad is not a Mickey Mouse fan. He read that little piece of trivia in a newspaper article that morning. But he found it important enough to call me about it because when I was a little kid, I loved Mickey Mouse. Knowing that it was Mickey's birthday reminded him of his first born and the times when the most important thing in his son's life was tucking in the various Mickey Mouse toys before going to sleep.

It's the little things that continue to reminds us of those who love us very much.

Item #260257433381

The other night, I was watching "The Big Bang Theory" (a sitcom on CBS) with my wife. The show's premise is about four friends who are on the high end of the intelligent scale (I believe most people would call them nerds) and for recreational purposes, they follow all things sci-fi and comic books. In this particular episode, one of the geniuses accidentally purchased a time machine prop from the 1970's cult film "Time Machine" on E-bay for the low, low price of $800. It was a pretty funny scenario.

All though we both found this funny, my wife looked at me with a semi-serious face and asked, "If you had the money, would you buy something like that on E-bay?" I looked at her and without thinking twice said, "Not for anything Time Machine related, but for Star Wars... oh yeah! With out a doubt!" I then began to provide specific items that I would bid on, why and most importantly, how much extra money would have to be lying around before I would throw caution to the wind and begin a bidding frenzy on E-bay.

She is SO lucky that I do not have money lying around because the very next day, I found out that the original T.I.E. Fighter (model) was on sale on E-bay. And it's not just any ol' T.I.E. Fighter but the one that crashed into Darth Vader's Fighter in the original Star Wars. It has the the crash marks and every thing. Take a look for yourself.

Is she a beauty or what? Anyway, it was at the bargain-basement starting price of $17,000. But since it is E-bay, there were a few other bids - a total of nine - and it eventually sold for $350,000.

Yeah, that we have been a nice addition. Maybe next time.

Impulse Buying

I've never liked shopping. There has always been something about the shopping experience that has always rubbed me the wrong way. So, as you would expect, I try and avoid it as much as possible.

But on the rare occasion that I am shopping, I have been known to be an impulsive buyer. That type of buying that is done at the spare of the moment, with out any previous planning or thought. You see an item and think, "Yes, I do need this." And if it's at a good price, even better.

Now, the whole "I hate shopping" has an exception. And it is a pretty big exception. That exception is that... wait for it... I love Costco. I know that is a strange statement from someone who supposedly hates shopping but it's true - I love Costco. There is something about going that huge warehouse and roaming the wide aisles filled with multi-pack items at low, low prices that gets me all happy inside. Plus you have that great return policy and $1.50 hot dog and soda, what more can you ask for.

If you ask my wife, restrain would be good.

Because she does not share my enthusiasm, I take the bi-monthly trips on my own. And as you can imagine, nothing good ever comes when I'm left to my own devises so more often than not, I come home with items that were not on my shopping list.

Case in point, this past Monday I went to the local Costco with the following items on my shopping list - chicken, sponges, chewing gum and water. All these items were purchased... along with these additional items - a 3-pack of spiral notebooks (which I just so happen to use for work), a pair of cargo shorts (because you can never have too many) and a watch (no excuse for this one.)

I think the worst or oddest purchase I've made at Costco was the time I went in to purchase milk and water and came home with those items plus a new 4-person Coleman tent. Even though I had a perfectly good 2-person tent at home... which was free... and had only used once in the six years that I had the tent.

I do like my new watch though.

The entry posted while listening to disc 4 of The Led Zeppelin Box Set which just happens to be an impulse buy from Costco.

The Bat Signal

Oh yeah, I see the Bat Signal. Boy howdy do I see the Bat Signal. Especially since today is opening day for a much anticipated film to say the least. But unlike many other Bat fans, I will not be seeing it today.

OK, I'll give you a second to gather yourself after that last statement. Don't worry - I'll see the film in due time. Why the wait? Partly because in being 34 years of age, I feel that I'm way too old to be seeing a movie at a midnight screening. Although this has been done in the past for such films as Return of the Jedi and Star Wars Episode 1 (don't get me started on this film.)

But mostly because of my 34 years of age, I've become increasingly crotchety. Which turns out to make it disagreeable for me to watch a highly anticipated film in an extremely crowded mega-plex where people are pushy and loud and over all annoying.

But don't worry, I'll be catching The Dark Knight next week. A few times even. Once with the missus and once with my brothers. Each time with a medium Coke and plethora of pop-corn.

In the mean time, I think I'm going to check out Space Chimps. One of the other films opening today. Monkeys in space! That's a whole of funny.

This entry written while listening to "The Best of The Monkees."

Free at Last

This post was originally written on June 13, 2008

Ten official days later (which spanned over a period of four weeks,) I was finally released from Jury Duty. And since I've been released and a verdict has been passed, I'm free to speak about the case - but I won't.

It was a complicated affair with a lot of in's and out's. But suffice it to say - it seemed that neither side was telling the truth. In this particular civil case, the plaintiff accused the defendant of assault and battery... at a wedding... three years ago. An even though it was documented on several occasions that there were any where from 150 to 600 guests at said wedding, no one saw the defendant assault or batter the plaintiff. And even though there is a good chance that the defendant got a shot in, because of the lack of actual evidence, we all agreed that the defendant was not guilty.

So that is that. In the end, the one thing I noticed was that the Los Angeles courts (or at least the ones in Glendale) do not look as nice as the courts in "Law & Order."

This post written while listening to Muddy Waters "Muddy Waters at Newport 1960."

$71.80

Granted, I was on echale. Echale - as in the point when you're gas gauge dial is twitching pass the E. That point where that little light-shaped gas pump is flashing feverishly reminding you that yes, you do need gas.

So there I was. Watching the gas pump dial turn and turn. I purchased 15 gallons of gas today and paid a grand total of $71.80. Jimmny Christmas! That's just not right. I remember when I bought my car in 2001 and I was paying about $25 to fill up my tank.This thing is getting out of hand.

And the worse thing about all this - there is nothing we can do about this.

Too grim?

Jury Duty

While most people were going about their daily lives, I spent Tuesday and Wednesday sitting in the gallery of a court room in Glendale waiting to see if I would become a - tan tan tan - juror.

And as I waited in the hopes of full filling my civic duty, I was entertained by the plethora of irate potential jurors that went in and then out of the juror's box. Each of them thoroughly bothered by the mere thought that the city of Los Angeles would even consider them to serve on this particular civil case. They lectured the plaintiff and then the defendant and then their lawyers for even bringing their case this far and waisting tax payers money but mostly their time.

Some claimed they already knew who they were siding with, even before hearing any piece of evidence. Some claimed that they would not side with any one. Some decided that they wouldn't award any monetary compensation. Some did not trust lawyers or doctors or police officers or any of the witnesses much less the plaintiff and defendant. A couple people claimed that they did not believe in a "trial by your peers" which pissed of a retired lawyer (a potential juror) and the seemingly mild-mannered judge. One person claimed that they were biased against certain ethnic groups.

After many reprimands were doled out by the judge to the surly jury pool, people were sent home. And in the end, I'm am Alternative Juror #1 serving on a civil case for 8-10 days.

Side Bar: Unlike most people, I was actually looking forward to jury duty. I don't see it as a burden but more like a mini-vacation. Because for 8-10 days, I'll get to disappear into a court room and do something different from my daily routine.

This entry posted while listening to "I Fought the Law" by The Clash.

Celebrating May the Fouth (on May 14th)

So some of you may be wondering why May the Fourth (Star Wars Day) has come and gone without a peep from me. The truth is, I wanted to commemorate the glorious day but I was a tad busy at work and with my terrible time management skills, it kind of slipped away from me.

So to make amends, I'm posting my May the Fourth post today... on the fourteenth. And here is what I want to say. Well actually, no, not what I really want to say. Because what I really want to say is "What the FUDGE Lucas?" Have you seen his latest money-making scheme - Star Wars: The Clone Wars?!?! He is basically tagging Star Wars on anything that he can to make a buck (like he needs it?) And this led me to my deep-seated conspiracy theory that I had long ago but only until recently have I started to speak of it.

STAR WARS is probably one of the greatest films ever made, but why is it that in the end, when the Rebels are celebrating the destruction of the Death Star and heroes were being recognized - Chewbacca did not get a medal. What's up with that?!?! Luke got a medal. Han Solo got a medal. Even R2-D2 and C-3PO got hooked up with a fancy-shmancy detail job. And Chewbacca - nothing. He walked down the aisle with his tattered old bag and watched Luke and Han get their medals and him - nothing. What, a Wookie can't get a medal?

Anyway. Now I could continue on this rant and probably go even further (Don't get me started on the supposed Episode I, II and III) until I truly give into my Dark Side but I decided to take it down a bit. I took a breather listened to some Otis Redding and searched the web for something warm and fuzzy. And what can be more warm and fuzzy than an Ewok. So click here to see a video for another unsung hero.

Happy May the Fourth... on May Fourteenth.

Crazy Love

So the other day, I was driving to the office from LAX after doing a bit of work related travel when I heard for the first time on the radio since my wedding, my or our (as in my wife and I) "first dance" song. It was very exciting to hear the song after a little over seven months of marriage. I quickly forgot the reality of the moment and only remembered that first dance. Dancing so close to her, knowing that it was right and was I happy. I started to sing along passionately to the song as a crooked smile began to grow across my face. The moment was good...

Until I was interrupted by a pesky question from my co-worker who was sitting next to me. Basically ruining the moment. What a shame.

This post written while listening to "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison which happens to be our first dance song in question.

Viva Record Store Day!

As you can see, I did my part to support Record Store Day. I celebrated by visiting a small record shop on the west side that I've been wanting to check out for sometime but never got around to it. So Record Store Day seemed like the perfect day to come a calling. The place is a true record shop, selling mostly vinyl with some other formats here and there. I came home with a few CDs that would replace the cassette versions I currently own, a few Disney albums which were reminders of childhood for the misuss and me, a Los Lobos album - just because they are my favorite band - and the piece de resistance, a promo copy of the Monterey International Pop Festival Box Set. Although it was a cassette version, the reason I picked it up is because I couldn't pass up on hearing some live Otis Redding blowing away "the Love crowd" as he called the concert goers. Throw in some Janis Joplin doing her thing with Big Brother & The Holding Company, Booker T and the MGs, The Who and Jimi Hendrix, you just couldn't beat the price. Plus - and more importantly - I was doing my part to support Record Store Day.

Can't wait until the next celebration. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything.

This post written while listening to music saved on my iTunes.

Music Lovers Unite!

This Saturday, April 19th, has been designated as RECORD STORE DAY. (Insert cricket sounds here.)

Don't tell me you haven't heard about Record Store Day? Well let me kick down some knowledge to you. On this day, independent record stores (and by independent I mean the opposite of the large, chain stores such as Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart) around the country will come together and celebrate the beauty, culture and uniqueness that is the local record shop. Participating stores will have special promotions, give-aways and in-store performances through out the day. Ask yourself, when was the last time you visited a record store? And as you scratch your head and jog your memory, click here for more information and participating stores.

That was the informative portion of this entry. Here are my thoughts on why I will (and you should too) visit a record shop this Saturday. But before I begin, let me make a few things clear to you young whipper-snappers. Yes, I know that records shops (the local and chain store variety) rarely if ever sell records, they sell CDs. Yes, it is easier to go to the local chain store to get new music and even easier and faster to purchase music on any of the various music sites. And Yes, it is cheaper to purchase music at the chain stores or on music web sites. But where is the fun in that?

Tower Records was my local record shop. Unfortunately, it is closed now (as I have lamented in a few past post.) I'd visit on new music Tuesdays or any day that I had some time to spare. I'd open the doors and be greeted by a blast of music playing from the store's speakers as well as the carnival of employees wandering the store talking to customers. I'd walk the wide aisles, storming through like a heard of turtles. Bouncing from section to section, checking out the new music and the old. Picking up albums one by one and examining them wondering if I would find my next favorite album. By the time I was done, I had a handful of records (or CDs if you will) and then I'd begin the game of putting back items that I could hold off on and only take the necessary. But for me - everything was necessary. My love affair with the record store grew stronger when I moonlighted at a record shop for almost 2 years while I held a regular 9 to 5 job in corporate America. I was on the other side now, helping customers find their new favorite album an spinning what I wanted to listen to on the store speakers. I still dream of owning my own record shop even though it is much harder to do but still, someday.

But for now we have the few remaining records stores. I visit Amoeba when I have a chance but it is not local and is always crowded. Maybe I am getting on in age and acting like a grandpa longing for the good ol' days. But visiting the local record shop were good days. So if you can, visit a local record shop on Saturday, April 19th. Remember the good ol' days or visit for the first time.

This post written while listening to "Kiko" by Los Lobos... one of my favorite albums ever and an album the I happen to discover at my local record store.