Future

If you've kept up with this blog you know how much I like making lists. I think it helps me get my thoughts in order and make educated decisions. Its also a lot of fun to make lists of your favorite books, music or whatever. The list I posted below is of potential cities to move to and spend an extended amount of time in. I've spent the last few years touring all over US as well as the UK and Europe and I feel like I have a pretty good hold on what cities appeal to me and my life. I made this list around January 17 but never really did much with it. I figured I'd post it and maybe edit things a little. Lets begin:

- Los Angeles, California: I hated LA when I was living there but as I spent time leaving, revisiting and thinking back on the 10 months or so I lived there, I realized that it was the quickest moving 10 months of my life. I worked hard, I hung out hard, made wonderful friends and spent time doing some crazy things in some great weather. I think at some point in the near future this may be called "home", again.

- Seattle, Washington: If you have ever spent time in Seattle you will know why this city is on my list. It really doesn't get much better. Beautiful scenery, good food, good bars, good record stores, good venues, good vibe, very liberal, modern and last but not least, filled with some of my favorite people on the planet. Some of my best friends, hands down. One of my favorite cities I've ever visited. So many wonderful memories and evenings spent in Seattle.

- Brooklyn, New York: There is something about Brooklyn that really interests me. Its intimidating in a weird way. I've had some amazing nights out with the guys as well as exploring restaurants and shops during the day. So much history to a place like this. Its very intriguing. I'd love to spend more than a month within New York City.

- Austin, Texas: I never would have thought an city within Texas would have made any sort of list. I really dislike Texas (sorry friends who live there or grew up there. I still love you). I always dread those 4 days on tour and that long west Texas, back road drives going out to New Mexico or Arizona. This being said, I love Austin. Fairly laid back, always warm, great music scene and amazing food. One of those cities I'm always excited to hit. Remember seeing Vinnie Paul from Pantera hanging out at the club? I do. Remember when Tim could barely put together words and almost got his ass kicked outside of Beauty Bar? There is always a story when we leave Austin. I live for these stories.

- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: So many friends, so much history. That pretty much sums it up. I want to go down to Lorenzo's and grab my favorite piece of pizza.

- Atlanta, Georgia: Every year when I was growing up my family and I would drive down to Atlanta to visit my grandparents who fled the Chicago winter. I hated this trip. I'd be smashed in the back seat with my sister who, to this day, I still don't get along with for around 14 hours and I would spend most of the trip indoors dealing with family and the boring suburbs outside of the city. When I started touring more often every trip to Atlanta became more interesting. After spending time in Atlanta with the Coathangers ladies, I realized what a great scene they have. They showed me how cool ATL indeed is. The music is thriving and people seem happy. It almost seems like more people should be moving here. It feels like a misplaced northern city. No idea if that makes any sense.

- San Francisco, California: Have you ever been here? Its beautiful. Everyone should spend time here. Top 3 American cities no doubt about it.

- London, England: I decided I want to spend a few months living here. I've spent a total of 3 days in and around London and another 6 or so touring the rest of UK. I think its something most people should do. Leave your comfort zone and dive into something like this. I have a few friends who have spent time living out in the UK and said they'd do it over again in heart beat. With all the work I've been doing with UK based bands, press, agents and friends, I'd love to dive in head first and learn as much as I can about how things work on the other side of the pound.

- Chicago, Illinois: This city will always be home. A place I can come back to and feel comfortable, familiar with. I was born here, I grew up here and spent 21 out of 23 years here. Everything from the music to the weather has had impact on me as a person. I may need a few more years to realize this fully but I think Chicago will be the place I go to settle down. I have this attachment. Its not the place for me at this moment but that doesn't mean it wont be in the future.

- Amsterdam, Netherlands: This is a place I want to spend time alone living in. Spending time with myself and my thoughts. There was something about those two days of exploring this city all by my lonesome that got me thinking. As everyone else split off and enjoyed each other's company, I went off solo. I was clear headed, comfortable, happy. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a little outdoor cafe while people watching. I enjoyed my walks along side the canals. It was just a great overall experience. During this tour I was feeling very down, sick and depressed. These two days pulled me out of that hole and I ended up enjoying the following 12 days so much more than the prior 10. I can't wait to go back in June. I may never come back from that next walk around Amsterdam.

- Gainesville, Florida: I deleted what this originally said. Out of all the cities I've posted this is only one I can't truely describe to anyone. I always enjoyed my trips there but will never again. I know I should have excluded this from my list but for the past month or so its been a city on my mind and has really intrigued me more than any other. Yes, it is the current US mecca of punk rock, thats for damn sure but thats not the reason why it made this list.


Currently Listening: The National - Boxer