Hello Blog, How Are You?

Sorry it's been a long time since I blogged. And there's so much I need to update you on, so we'll see how far I get through today. Fortunately, things have slowed down in the office and my boss is at a conference today, so that leaves me w/ some time to reflect on the past. Let me start off by telling you that my Inner Circle has changed. For those that don't know, my Inner Circle is a small group of friends I hold near and dear to my heart for whatever reason. Some come and go, and not because I've kicked them out or whatever. Circumstances change and things happen. But I'm still glad to have these peeps in my life:

• Lauren (my Mutzie): even though I don't speak to her as much as I used to, we're still fairly tight and I can lean on her whenever I need advice on something.
• Lesley (my drinking buddy/brunch partner/Glee Recap buddy): thank God I can rely on someone that just wants to hang out and have a few drinks w/ me, and all I have to do is text her
• Jenna (my Muffin): whoda thunk a chance encounter on a late Sunday afternoon would bloom into a great bartender/patron relationship? I've followed her into a 3rd bar this week, and I love how we can just talk about anything over a few beers and some whiskey.
• Katie (my Sunday night drinking buddy): another person I can rely on to help me de-stress from my Sunday afternoon ritual.
• Claire (my sidekick): she may have moved to Dallas, but we'll reunite on The Rock Boat, and all will be back to normal.

So I've been on a social tear as of late. So much of a tear that I rarely get nights of sobriety. For my Rock Boat friends, yes, I have begun my training! Night in and night out, I'm always out and about doing something, whether it's a show or I'm de-stressing or God knows what. And I'm doing more of my hanging out on the Lower East Side and East Village now...and staying put at Lucky Jack's, only 10 mins. away from my shoebox apartment...

Speaking of which, I had the place to myself last week! Momma went on vacation, which meant party in my place! Well...not really. But it was good to have the place to myself for a change.

Oh! Did I mention I went on a date lately? Went well, not gonna lay out the details and such, but yeah, I'm putting myself back out there!

And don't worry, I'm still going to shows, like a good concert whore would! October has been filled with shows. Let's see: Tyrone Wells, Erin McCarley, Will Hoge, Alternate Routes, JT Spangler, Nina Storey, Michael Tolcher, Hanson, Marc Broussard, Ernie Halter....it just keeps going!

Other than that, I'm prepped for my Rock Boat trip, which I can't wait for (as always!). And if I have any more stories to tell, I'll make sure to blog about it.

oh wow, half of 2009 is just about OVER.

Wow, it has been quite a year thus far, and we haven't gone through Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! I feel as though The Riz Experience took off on a much different level since The Rock Boat Niner. So, let's recap.

The Rock Boat Niner was an amazing getaway from my reality. A concert whore's dream. Being stuck on a boat w/ 30+ acts, rocking out and getting crazy at all hours of the day...I mean, really, it can't get better than that! And to be w/ other music lovers makes it better! I made some awesome new friends, and hopefully they'll all be back for Rock Boat X!

Another major highlight was the one thing I couldn't stop talking about, and I think it made my friends puke. And that was the fact that I entered into a relationship. For anyone that's known me over the years, when I fall in love, I fall HARD. I met an amazing girl the night of my birthday, and after trying to find ways to see each other, we took the plunge in the back of a cab after a night of drinking and said we were dating. For a little over a month she was an amazing girlfriend, and believe me, I cherished each and every single day we were together. I know she's happier in her current relationship right now, and all I can do is wish her all the happiness she desires. As for me, I'll be alright. I can go back to being the troublemaker that I am. Or be that guy that makes things happen. And yes, I'm still getting into my share of trouble.

One highlight from the year thus far that should also be noted is that I've expanded my Inner Circle of friends. The people in my Inner Circle are those I trust my life with and talk to about anything. And thanks to them, I'm becoming much more of a social butterfly now than I have been in the past. My social calendar gets filled up rather quickly, and it's not just shows now (even though the shows thus far have been AMAZING, and yes, I still take that damn Bolt Bus to DC and back). It's also my Tuesday Sessions, my Saturday Sessions, my LES Sessions, and it goes on and on.

Oh yeah, I love Citi Field. LET'S GO METS!

My church life, you ask? Well, someone called me out for my outside activities, which prompted a meeting, which prompted me to actually take a sabbatical from everything. That was fine. I was free to enter and leave as I pleased. I did somewhat come back, but I still do my vanishing act once Sunday Service is over. I've taken a liking to NOT LEAVING THE CITY.

Work? Well, I still have a job. Thank God.

I think that's the first half of 2009 in a nutshell. Where did the time go, really?

Blogging fron 36,000 feet above sea level.

If you can't tell, I love Virgin America already.

RIght now, I'm flying over Lafayette, Indiana, en route non-stop from NYC to San Francisco via Virgin America. Let's stop right there for a moment.

Why am I going to San Francisco? Originally, it was to have some fun w/ a friend on her bday weekend. Unfortunately, she's a tad bit under the weather, so the celebration has been limited to one day, and that'll be on my last full day on Sunday. So, for the most part, I'll be a solo tourist, doing the fun SF stuff (again) and going out for a run or two w/ all the hills SF can throw at me.

Ok, back to the real reason why I'm blogging this.

I LOVE VIRGIN AMERICA.

First off, when I was looking around for direct flights to SF, Virgin America was offering flights for 99 bucks each way. That is WAY LESS than taking an Acela Express train from NYC to DC, and WAY MORE LESS than taking a shuttle flight from NYC to DC. So there.

Second, they're trying to save on resources efficiently. For example, my boarding pass is no bigger than a standard 3x5 postcard, maybe smaller perhaps. That goes a long way in saving trees.

Ok, the flight itself. I'm listening to Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" on the in-flight entertainment system (which also has some TV channels, video games, and seat-to-seat instant messaging, along w/ a map of the flight path thus far [we're flying over Illinois right now in a bit of turbulence]), and my macbook is connected via WiFi (which costs 12.95 per flight). Oh yeah, and there's an outlet for my macbook to remain juiced. The internet connection is AWESOME. I IM'd a few people, no problems. I also uploaded a few Photo Booth pics onto Facebook w/ very little waiting.

Well, that's my quick and dirty review from high above the ground. I'll be blogging from San Francisco this weekend.

Thanks Mom for everything

My mom and I don't see eye-to-eye on a number of things. Sure, we may have similar beliefs when it comes to Christianity, but I take a more liberal approach to it than my mom does. Yeah, we're both outgoing, but her social circle is her church, while my social circle is...well...my social circle consists of many different circles. My mom has her view of who I should marry, while I already have my idea of "the one" would be for me (if you must know, Momma wants me to marry an Indonesian girl, but all of you know what I prefer). And yeah, we argue about all the stupid basic beliefs we each hold.

But regardless of the differences, my mom has always supported me. She hated the fact that I went to DC for college, but she let me do it. And when things went south down there, she told me to head back home up north so she could offer her own bailout package, and she did bail me out. Recently I told her about my last relationship, and she kinda objected to it, but she let me go ahead w/ it only because I was truly happy. For the most part, she supports me and we get along in our own unique way.

In all earnestness, without her, I dunno where I would end up today. So happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Making 4 hours go by seamlessly.

I love it when there are shows I can go to away from NYC on a Saturday. Just so long as I can get back to the City by Sunday afternoon. And as of late, I've been hitting up quite a few shows in the place I once called my Second Home for a few years. DC was where I honed my concert whoring skills and thus deepened my appreciation for good music. Music that I could connect with. Music that could end up being the soundtrack to my life.

The only hassle about doing these DC trips is all the travelling! Get to/from DC can sometime drag me down physically. Let's list all the ways I've gotten to and from DC.

--Amtrak. Expensive as all hell. But sometimes I need to get back to the city uber early (mainly to take care of church obligations), so I'll take the 3:15am train from DC, which gets me back to NYC around 7am. I once did an Honor By August show on a Saturday night, got on the Amtrak at 3:15am, made it to NYC around 7am only to take a disco nap and then get ready to lead a worship service by 4pm (w/ rehearsal at 11am). Never again.

--Ghetto Greyhound. At the time I did this, it was a bit cheap, but not as cheap as the Chinatown buses. Sure, Greyhound was relatively clean, but almost every bus was crowded and filled w/ people I wouldn't trust my life with. Those 4 hour rides seemed like an eternity. Oh yeah, doesn't help that the Greyhound terminal in DC was in a sketchy part of town. Never again.

--Aeroplane. I once flew from DC to NYC for a Michelle Branch show, and then took a Greyhound back afterwards. At the time I did this, it was some time after 9/11 and people were still afraid to fly. Airfares were uber cheap (yes, even cheaper than Amtrak!), so I took advantage and made it home in less than an hour. Holla! But in this economy, never again, unless it's an emergency.

--Chinatown bus. I did this ONCE. The bus smelled, and again, filled w/ people that I couldn't trust or were downright annoying. NEVER AGAIN.

--Megabus. It's probably the cheapest of the lot, but everyone takes it now and the wifi didn't really work. I rode their double-decker one time, that was interesting.

So yeah, basically all these methods of transportation to get to my weekend getaway destination just wasn't doing it for me. At least until Bolt Bus came around. It's relatively cheap and has fairly reliable wifi. On my way to DC yesterday (Will Hoge was playing in Annapolis, MD), I rode the Bolt Bus down and didn't even realize I was on the bus for 4 hours. I didn't pay much attention to the road, as I was facebook and twitter stalking. It's a comfy ride and the service is pretty darn good. The people that ride Bolt are friendly people that I could have convos with or whatever; mainly they're like me, facebook/twitter stalking along w/ me on their laptops and macbooks.

Anyway, I'm heading home now on Bolt. Back to facebook/twitter stalking. I'm in Baltimore as I'm writing this.

Quick updates time!
--Won almost $200 on the Kentucky Derby!
--Happy Birthday Emma!
--Julie, here's to closure!
--And I'm still working hard and playing harder! This weekend: three nights up, three nights down. Last weekend: same deal. Karaoke included. Yes my friends, please welcome back The Fabulous Life of Riz!

Back to Basics.

Lord knows you deserve better
But she deserves no less than the best that you can offer up
You deserve better
But what becomes of you when the best has left and gone and slipped away
--"Better," Honor By August

I finally decided I needed to seek closure and move on from what I consider a really awesome relationship. She's happy where's she at right now, and I can't stay stuck at neutral. Life has to continue, one way or another. So I've decided to go back to doing what I've been doing all along, and that is to lead The Fabulous Life of Riz. There are some adjustments that I've made in terms of what I believe and how I approach things post-relationship, but most of the aspects are pretty much the same as it has been all these years. So here we go. Time to restructure my life!

I will always be about working hard and playing harder. I keep doing what do best on the job, and when the opportunities present themselves, I'll keep having as much fun as possible. I still love how I'll intend to hang out for a couple of hours and end up staying at the same place until about 4 in the morning.

As of recently, I now have two home bars. The Cubbyhole will always be my main home bar, and I will continue to go there (yes, we need to work on bringing back those Saturday Sessions again!) on a regular basis. But I figured I needed another place to hang out at that's closer to home. Saves me some cash on those cab rides and such. Plus, I've become buddies w/ one of the bartenders there and I've started getting to know a few of the regulars. So yeah, two home bars!

When it comes down to love, I'm gonna stick to what works for me: True Love Waits. The best friendships and relationships I've had were ones that just came out of nowhere. Those were the ones where fate plays a crucial role. My last relationship is a perfect example of that. Neither of us expected to be dating each other when we first met, but it clicked, and it worked (at least while it lasted). And every time I chased after someone, it never ends up the way I wanted things to end up. Mostly it'd be some hookup and that would be it. So I'm going back to my no expectations approach to love and let the chips fall where they may! And if my last relationship was any indicator of anything, it goes to show that there is definitely someone out there who will come out of the blue to steal my heart and take my breath away. And when that happens, I'll be just as happy, or even happier, than the last time.

So raise your glasses w/ me and help me toast to the comeback of The Riz Experience!

kicking ass, taking names, making things happen

SInce going back to the single life, my psyche has ultimately changed back to what it's always been. Kicking ass, taking names, making things happen, rocking it out, working it out. That's the pure essence of The Riz Experience.

I was being way more productive at work this week. I finally figured out some issues I needed to have worked out earlier this month. I was lining trades up for execution and BAM! Done. Things needed to be processed? BAM! Done. I was shooting down things to do like a row of ducks in a pond swimming across.

I did a $2 Margarita Tuesday Session @ The Cubbyhole flying solo for the first time in however many weeks. And I partied it up and rocked it out, in pure Riz fashion! And I stirred a bit of trouble when it was time for bodyshots!

After work today, I started training up for a 3.5 miler I'm doing in June. Right now, I'm 2 minutes slower than my time last year, but if I stick to a constant training schedule, I think I can go sub-35 this year. It helps that I still think about a certain someone when I go hit the treadmill for my run.

Ok, I'll admit. She still motivates me in some way. We texted each other the last couple of days and somehow she always finds that way to make me smile and steal my heart for only a few moments. She wants me to keep that green promise bracelet for the moment. So maybe there is hope.

I was talking to my close friend Julie about all this Sunday night, and she said to look back on the relationship and find the good that came out of it, especially when it's hard for people like Julie and me to find love because we march to the beat of our own drummer. So here's the good that came out of my relationship w/ D: there actually is someone out there who loves me for me, and doesn't care about my inflated ego or my rockstar status or any of that stuff. I know that there is someone like D out there, where I don't have to pull out all the stops to have her heart. And I know that eventually I will find that one person.

Anyway, I'm glad I have many awesome friends who have helped to get me back on my feet since I fully convinced myself that I really am single again. The moment I updated my facebook status Sunday night, there were many people that left me encouraging comments and such. Some of them even commented on my Song O' The Moment - I'm Gonna Find Another You by John Mayer. So if you're reading this friends, thank you.

I've let go.

It was an awesome run, but it had to end. Dana and I could no longer be in a relationship. Last night, we decided we were better off as friends.

She was my everything. And she found someone she can be whole with. I remember her telling me time and again that she wishes we could have that one element that could really make us whole. But sadly, it wasn't gonna happen.

I'm gonna miss all those times where I can get lost in her arms. I'm gonna miss all the times where we can just be ourselves around each other and it was just ok. I'm gonna miss all those times where we would hold hands at a restaurant and just talk about random things. I'm gonna miss all the times where we talked about long-term plans. I'm gonna miss having my heart stolen.

But I have to move on.

The silver lining is that we're gonna remain buddies and we're gonna continue getting into our brand of trouble. Until I find someone who I can really be emotionally attached to, at least I'll still have Dana to lean on as a cherished close friend.

Thanks for making me a happy person the last 2 months. I still say you're the greatest birthday gift ever. I had no idea how much of an impact you would make in my life when I first met you. So thank you.

it's April.

I sent this pic to Dana this morning, only about an hour after I woke up.

It's a new month, and somewhat of a new beginning for me. I'll explain that in a bit.

Anyway, to explain the pic above: I'm pointing at the green bracelet because that's the bracelet that Dana told me to always wear. This was when we were having breakfast food late at night at my diner on the Lower East Side. She asked me which of her bracelets I wanted to wear, and I told her to surprise me. So she gave me the one bracelet that stood out, her green rubber bracelet. She placed it around my left wrist and told me to never ever take it off.

I'll admit it, I took it off for a day and a half. And now for the explanation.

My relationship status says "It's Complicated." And it's true. Right now, I'm allowing Dana to do her thing for the moment. I didn't want her to, and I didn't think there was anything wrong w/ me or us. But I guess Dana and I need a breather and really try to slow things down. Our relationship was emotionally deep and intense that if we really left each other, it would be devastating. For a moment, I freaked out (upon returning from a DC trip) and thought Dana and I were over. So I took off the bracelet and left it at home. But after a bit of a clarification and a reassurance that there is still that strong emotional attachment that fuels our love for each other, I put the bracelet back on the next day.

I say it's somewhat of a new beginning only because I don't want to find someone else. I mean, sure, if someone comes along my way, and I start developing feelings for that person, then yeah, I can move on. But right now, I would rather wait on Dana to be with me again, with an open door and open arms. And I know when it does happen, we'll have a much more meaningful relationship. I know that I just have to be patient. (funny thing, I just told a friend of mine to be patient w/ this guy that she wants to be with.)

Oh yeah, I don't mind just going on dates at this point. At least something to pass the time. :P

In the meantime, I'm basically gonna miss spending all that quality time with Dana. I still think about that time where we were practically inseparable, and how a couple of hours can seem like an eternity. I miss holding her hand. I miss all those talks about how Dana/Riz just works. I miss the moments of intimacy that leave me on Cloud 9. ok ok, I just miss Dana and how she stole my heart and took my breath away.

Let's see...what else has been happening???

Last weekend, I spent some time in DC for the Honor By August CD Release Show. And it was probably the best HBA headlining show I've been to to date. The 3 openers were amazing (Melodime, The Ruse, The Alternate Routes). And Honor By August simply rocked it like no other. Probably their best stuff to date, and it can only get better from there. Anyway, here's some footage from that show:

And just to prove that I was in typical Concert Riz fashion, some pics, courtesy of Erin Snapp @ SnappShot Photography (see the guy in The Red Hat? that's me!).

Work has been work. It's been busy. But at least I still have a job and I'm getting paid so that I can live and do the things that I wanna do.

Well, that's it for now. I know, I have to work on getting that TRB Series completed. I'll eventually get it done.

so many things happening all at once.

In the last week, it seemed like everything was just about right with the world. I have an awesome girlfriend who I can chill with and be around with and fall in love with over and over again. Last Tuesday I reunited w/ Sami, someone who I haven't seen or spoken to in MONTHS, and became good friends w/ Sami's best friend Liz. Liz is awesome, and I'm glad Sami and I are talking again. And, even though this may sound a tad bit negative, I finally let go of someone who I couldn't be friends with anymore. Sure, there was drama behind it, but the deed had to be done. I couldn't waste my time and energy on this person anymore.

And even today, it seemed like everything was right. Rock and Roll Revival Rehearsal went well, the actual worship service itself went well w/ me at the helm, leading the congregation in church. But then I got questioned on some things...

In a private church meeting w/ a few individuals, I was confronted about my dual lifestyle. You know, the holy roller inside the church, the rockstar outside the church. Yep, word came up to church leadership that I haven't been so godly. And that this would be an embarrassment to everyone involved if my church leadership was affected by the way I lead my life outside of it. So, I was asked on the spot to wake up and fully recommit. I said I honestly couldn't do it at this time. They suggest I take a break and sort things out...even though I was hoping they force me to resign (that would be a much better option). Problem is, they can't afford to lose me as a member.

Anyway, I tell my mom about this. She isn't too happy, but she told me to also take a break and lay low. So...

I sent out an email to some of the church folk, telling them I was basically stepping down from my church leadership positions for personal reasons.

To be honest, I'm glad that everything is out in the open. I knew this was gonna eventually happen. Just goes to show I'm just a human being, and not some super utility guy, like I was expected to be.

BTW, I still think I have my life in order.

Catching up.

Good morning everyone! I woke up this morning to my girlfriend's text messages, and I couldn't go back to bed since. So I'm up and at em, not being cognizant of the fact that the clocks changed. No worries, I slept through it. Thanks Boo for getting me to bed early Saturday night.

Here's how last week went.

Monday was apparently a snow day...for schools and colleges, not for the financial markets. I schlepped it to work in the snow and slush and all that wintry jazz. I even schlepped it to lunch w/ Dana, even though she was still way too full from our Tex-Mex dinner the night before. The salads were yum-o! After work, I hit the gym to burn off some of the excessive calories consumed during the Foodie Weekend w/ Danaboo.

Tuesday, Dana and I took advantage of the $2 margaritas at the Cubbyhole after work. Holla!

Wednesday, Dana and I separated to do our own thing (shocker!). I went to Highline Ballroom to catch Keaton Simons, Pat McGee and Tyrone Wells. All three of them are accomplished musicians and songwriters and know how to put on a show. And while it sucked that there were tables on the GA floor, it was great to catch up w/ some of the concert crew and update them on my life, all the while rocking out front and center! Once the show ended, I bolted out to meet up w/ a couple of other friends who was at a Green River Ordinance show. Afterwards, I was entertained by some drunk girl who apparently lost just about every essential item she needed.

Thursday, Dana and I hit up the Cubbyhole and then we lucked out in getting seats to the Watchmen. Unfortunately, Dana couldn't follow the plot all too well, and so it was an early exit for us and we hit up my usual "stumbling home" diner.

Friday, Dana went home and I went to see Justin Nozuka. Made some new friends, and enjoyed yet another great set from a singer/songwriter who knows how to infuse acoustic folk w/ soul and elements of rock.

Anyway, yeah. Dana and I are inseparable. :)

The Weekend Review!

I'm sure Dana's heart has plenty of color and such. I was in a bit of a rush, so it's a rather crude drawing. Sorry Boo.

Basically, it was a Dana/Riz kinda weekend, and I couldn't have asked for anything else, and I couldn't have asked for a better person to be around (we all know that by now). If we had to isolate any of the moments from the weekend, it would be those moments where we gained weight and became foodies (thanks Boo, I now have to hit the treadmill on Monday). But just to give you an idea of what we did...

Friday night, we hit up Room Service, a place in Chelsea I've come to know and love. Dana took my lead w/ the food and fell in love instantly. We both shared the coconut calamari tempura and then we each had the Room Service Pad Thai, which is not your basic run-of-the-mill Pad Thai (which apparently got Americanized). Yes, it has noodles and has those same tasty spices that would normally be in a Pad Thai, but it's overloaded w/ seafood, like shrimp, scallops, calamari, and even oysters. But here's what makes the Room Service Pad Thai very unique...it's all wrapped in an egg white. Yep, an egg white. Sooooooooooo yummy!

(this is where we wished we whipped out the camera for that dish)

Saturday night, Dana didn't wanna walk too far from the Cubbyhole, so we hit up a tiny bistro across the street called Cafe Cluny. Little did either of us know at the time how good the food would be. We both started off with the Organic Salmon Tartare, which was TO DIE FOR...

From there, Dana had the Coq Au Vin, which I thought was divine when I had her one bite (she fell in love with and was taken aback).

And I had the Braised Short Ribs w/ Foie Gras (for those not too familiar, foie gras = duck liver). I basically deconstructed the dish, first going after the foie gras, which melted in my mouth, and then picked away on the short rib, which also melted in my mouth. both parts of the dish were full of flavor and exploded in my mouth like it was the 4th of July (or my birthday weekend, I'm sure Dana would vote for my birthday weekend). Dana also fell in love w/ my dish when she took a bite of both parts of the dish, and was taken aback even more.

We both had our dinners w/ a Cote du Rhone, a nice red wine that's both bold and sweet, but neither attribute overpowering the other. A nice balance.

Anyhoo, for dinner, Dana went after the Dark Chocolate Torte w/ mascarpone, which is really good if you love love love chocolate...

I went for the Brown Butter Pecan Tart w/ Maple Bourbon Ice Cream. It reminded Dana of a cookie her mom made, just only WAY BETTER.

So far 2 for 2.

Sunday night, we simplified it w/ some tex-mex goodness at Blockheads in Midtown East. Burritos and margaritas seemed to be the perfect way to end an awesome weekend. Oh yeah, and this drink.

Of course, I'll just keep it short about this, but yes. Dana and I are starting to get serious. I've told my friends; she's told her friends. And I don't think we're gonna let go anytime soon.

February is over.

Every rockstar has shades! It was about time I got a pair!

So the month has been fun and adventurous. It's official, my life is one big celebration. I guess that's what happens when you're a Rock Boater, a rockstar, etc. Always looking for a good time wherever and whenever.

So to round out this rather short month, I did the work thing (except for Wednesday) and I did the play thing. Fat Tuesday was earlier this week, and the night started out in chillaxed mode w/ my boo and went into full on party mode w/out my boo by the time I was done. Thus the reason why I didn't do the Wednesday work thing. And I did get my chops busted for that one ("you were updating your facebook status with 'I'm hungover' at 10am, weren't you?").

My friend Casey was in town this week, as she had to get her visa in order to gain entry into China (reason #2 I didn't do the Wednesday work thing). Yep, she's in Shanghai for a good week or so. Anyhoo, we caught up on old times and showed her more bits of the city before she had to fly outta the country.

Last night, I had dinner and drinks w/ my boo. It was just a nice change of pace to just chill w/ the one person I wanted to be with for that one moment. I honestly didn't want last night to end. Like, ever.

Ok, so some of you are wondering how I met my boo, Dana. Well, here's the story, quick and dirty.

It was the birthday weekend. Better yet, it was I'm at my bar, taking down shots at the rate I was taking down bottles of miller lite on The Rock Boat. She came my way, grabbed some water, and the next thing ya know, we had a quick 5-minute conversation, which ended in an exchange of phone numbers. Next thing ya know, we're having a huge texting exchange and BAM, the friendship has deepened. We started dating about a week ago tonight, and neither of us could be any happier at this point.

So there. That's the story.

Time to finish off February in style!

The Rock Boat Niner Blog #4 - Day 2 Action

A few hours after Day 1 was in the books, it was time to get ready for Day 2. The Boat wasn't swaying. Rather, we docked in the Bahamas, which means it was time to get up and walk around.

The cabinmates and I grabbed breakfast up on Lido and then got out of the ship to go walking around Nassau in the Bahamas. I don't do the excursions (costs money) and I don't veer off to far from the ship (the cabbies seem more sketchy down there than back home), so we found a beach and just chilled. It wasn't too sunny of a day, so our time outdoors was short.

  

Upon returning to the ship, we found a Starbucks. Yes, a Starbucks. Of course, I ordered NYC style and the natives working there just shook their heads. Though I did get my drink nonetheless...after they were done making all the frappucinos for those that didn't know any better. But I digress...

BACK TO THE BOAT!

I spent the afternoon up on Lido editing pics and hanging out with Jill, Kristen, Jen, Magan, Rick, Juliana, and Jess before the Tonic set.

(say, isn't that MY RED HAT???)

The Boat then leaves the Bahamas just in time for REUNION OF TONIC!!!!

On a random day, I get a phone call from some random 866 or 877 number. I leave my desk and find an empty breakout office to take the call, and it's a recorded message from not only Emerson Hart (a Rock Boat favorite), but all the other members of Tonic as well. And they were REUNITING FOR THE ROCK BOAT! Probably the most exciting moment since Hanson was announced to be on The Rock Boat.

Tonic basically took me back to the late 90s and early 2000s when they were blaring through the airwaves into my ears. Of course, I remembered "If You Could Only See," a song I still put on the jukebox at my bar to this day. But it was as if the group never broke up to begin with. They played just as the sun was setting, and thus would begin another night of rocking on the high seas.

Once Emerson Hart got the audience singing the rest of "If You Could Only See" (reminiscent of TRB-VIII, when he went solo and did that song), I had to bolt down to the Criterion Lounge for Ernie Halter's second set, a more electric set. Over the past 24 hours, Ernie put himself on gag order to conserve his voice. Heck, he even used his phone late last night to communicate w/ me. But I guess the gag ordered paid off dividends, as he stepped it up several notches from his acoustic set.

After a formal dining break, it was back up to Lido to chill w/ some of my friends and take in some of The Kin (they can throw a Lido party) before heading back to Criterion to see Sam Thacker do his first set. Sam Thacker is definitely no stranger to The Rock Boat and it was refreshing to see him come back with a more rocking electric performance (not that his intimate acoustic sets on TRB-VIII was bad). And after Sam Thacker, it was off to Palladium to do more jumping around to COWBOY MOUTH:

Once the Cowboy Mouth set ended, it was off to the Casino Stage to see Michael Tolcher do his thing...

Four years ago, in my Gavin DeGraw whoring era, Michael Tolcher was always the opening/setup act for him. And it took me however many shows to appreciate his songwriting and his stage presence, and when I started appreciating that, I started to appreciate the person that he was.

Prior to his first set, I ran into him however many times on The Boat and we caught up on old times, since it had been over a year or so since we last talked, and that was awesome. But yeah, The Tolch didn't skip a beat (even with a band that he's only practiced with ONCE), as he whipped out his arsenal of old and new favorites, as we were going into the Late Night Session:

He certainly had a crowd going by the casino, but it was a night filled with big Rock Boat acts doing their thing. Zac Brown brought his Chicken Fried goodness to round out the Palladium sets, Wideawake got everyone in Criterion going, and delivering the late night Lido Party was Hanson, loaded with fans, superfans, and those that were curious to see and hear what Hanson was all about. So wherever you went on this night, you could not lose!

And as, always, the night for me concluded w/ loads of late night partying at the casino stage, and I even took in a sunrise up on Lido before going back to bed for my nap.

TO BE CONTINUED...

So, um...I'm no longer single.

Yes friends, believe the relationship status on my facebook and myspace.

Oh, this is the start of something good, don't you agree? - Gavin DeGraw, Follow Through

The Rock Boat Niner Blog #3 - Day 1: It's Time to Set Sail!

Day 1 starts rather early. I check out of the hotel around 9:30am to avoid the Rock Boater checkout rush, as is always the case at the Rock Boat Host Hotel. Claire breaks out the getaway SUV, and Miriam and I get on board to grab some breakfast and coffee (good thing Einstein Bros. was right next door to Starbucks ["Riz, you and your NYC orders!"]) and then head over to the airport to grab Manda before dropping the vehicle off and heading over to the port to board.

Boarding is a mix of anticipation and fun all at once. Once you drop your bags off w/ the porter, you pose for Will Byington's (The Rock Boat Official Photographer) camera and then you step inside the port and you wait in line. But that's ok, you get to look around and see musicians mixed in with fans who are wearing custom-made t-shirts, all of who are dying to get on that Boat.

Once all four of us got through the lines and we activate our Sign and Sail cards, we finally got on board. I was home.

And we didn't waste any time in getting our first drink on the Boat. The four of us got up to the Lido Deck to meet up w/ friends and we got our Hurricanes (First Drink: Hurricanes was something that my concert partner-in-crime Julie and I first instituted that on our very first Rock Boat, and it's something that we'll continue to do on every Rock Boat we do.)

Oh yeah, my friend Rachel decides she wants to deliver something to me from the Lido Deck:

Around 4pm was the Mustard, I mean Muster, Drill. It's where you go to your emergency station and put on your lifejackets. It's always a spectacle to see every passenger put on one of these things and lineup real tight within the station. In my station, Stephen Kellogg passed by and everyone applauded for him wearing a lifejacket and being safe!

Once the Muster Drill was over, it was back up to the Lido Deck for the Sail Away Set, and the NAME OF THE BAND IS COWBOY MOUTH. They are from Louisiana and led by a drummer, yes, a drummer, named Fred Le Blanc. Their live sets are full of energy and they want their audience pepped up on every song they deliver. They are no strangers to The Rock Boat, and it was fitting for them to deliver the energy just as the Boat left the dock (after all the other boats took off before us):

Right after the Cowboy Mouth set, it was off to the Criterion Lounge to catch Ernie Halter's first set on The Rock Boat. It was Ernie's first Rock Boat, and he fit in very well all throughout. His first set was acoustic, and he delivered his songs with the same passion at sea as he has on land in the few years I've gone to his shows:

Soon after that, I took all my cabinmates to the first formal dining session of The Rock Boat. And while the food was kickass, formal dining is all about one thing...

WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE! Every veteran Rock Boater knows you can't finish formal dining without this decadent dessert!

Ok, back to the action.

The first set at the main Palladium stage belonged to David Ryan Harris, also no stranger to The Rock Boat. David Ryan Harris has played guitar for John Mayer on tour and has co-written a lot of songs with a number of singer/songwriters, and thus is a fan favorite and industry favorite. He always delivers every set w/ the precision only he could bring, and it never fades with every succeeding Rock Boat:

Soon after, it was back up to Lido for Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers' first set. I honestly never get tired of them. They know how to get an audience going. They know how to make you smile, laugh and cry all at once. They have provided some of the most beautiful moments of The Rock Boat. And in their second Rock Boat, they showed that they were essentially the heart beat that keeps The Rock Boat going strong.

Well, the night would've ended there, but it didn't! There was plenty of action going on late at night in the casino area. Everyone's gambling, drinking and rocking out to covers and originals by random artists who also wanted to keep the party going. And late night #1 was going strong. Real strong. If I can recall, Zac Brown led the way with others on that small stage. And the late night kept going for me until about 6am, as the Boat was approaching the Bahamas...

TO BE CONTINUED.