New things.

I figured it's about time for an update on my life in the ATX. Lately I've been getting up to work at the Observatory from 9:30-12:30 then heading to beautiful downtown to intern with C3 Presents from 1-6. It's been a real trip, honestly, to be working in such a great place - the folks there are wonderful, creative and driven. The downfall: I'm an intern. It'll be nice (yes, I'm actually saying and admitting this) to have a job someday where I don't come home to homework, projects, tests, portfolio madness, etc. However, this does not discount my love for school - I still enjoy every living second of my studies. It'll just be nice someday, that's all.

So, at C3 I'm working in the management department, working on the indie side of things. I'm helping manage Ben Kweller, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Sparklehorse, Heartless Bastards and finally, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears. I help with tour marketing, designing ad mats (the posters you see up for shows), finding flights for BK, thinking of new ways to market our guys, designing merch, which has become my favorite task as of the past day or so. I also did Milwaukee's vinyl layout. The artwork is from their album, but I arranged it on the vinyl layout and added credits and other important things. Fun! Here's a shirt I did for Milwaukee (with inspiration from a friend, Demus):




It's been really fun being at C3 and I hope I can still help out this coming school semester, since I'm only taking 9 hours (yes, that's still full-time) and TAing. I think I can do it because I love having a full plate - I'm way more productive that way.

Ben Kweller is releasing his new album "Changing Horses" soon, and let me say that I love it! It's quite different from his old stuff, but the new phase/change/face is great. To those of you who are fans, prepare yourselves. It's great. The rough edits cd my boss gave me makes me giddy.

On to other news. My seeester, Kelly Andrea Grober, is ENGAGED!!! I got to travel back to Oklahoma this past week to be there after the big engagement. Carl asked her at their new house and brought her to the restaurant where we were waiting - Kel had NO idea we were there. Mom and I were "in Dallas shopping" for the weekend...muahaha! So, to say the least she was so happy and surprised to see us there to celebrate! The ring is gorgeous - three fancy diamonds, two of which are from Carl's g-ma and great g-ma...very, very special. Now we get to plan a wedding and I get to design the invites, programs, etc. I'm ready! Cheers, Kel and Carlo! And a word to Carl - our family is nuts, so prepare yourself for some craziness. On the contrary, we are full of love, support, and all sorts of other good things to counter-balance the weird side. Welcome to the fam!

Tonight my buddies and I are going to the Blues on the Green at Zilker Park. This is a summer show that happens every other Wednesday in the summer where the Parks Foundation brings in a different artist to play for free out at Zilker...two weeks ago we say Asleep at the Wheel, which was DARLING! We had a great time, but tonight will be great because we're going to have a little picnic with chicken, side dishes, beers, etc. I'm excited to hang outdoors down here...in the evenings it's just sublime.

I'm still working on wedding things for lady friends of mine. Lindsay Zuck let me do her invites a while ago and I had the pleasure of making her wedding programs, and if I may say so, turned out so charming! I'm still working on a Web site to post all my work so brides can check out what I'm capable of. By the end of summer I'm hoping it'll be up and running - we'll see! Here's Zucky's program:





OK, back to life! Happy Hump Day, everyone!