more than a dream - pet shop boys

driving through the night
just you and me
faster than the pale moonlight
something is calling
calling us away
do you believe
heaven is a better place
we'll be there in a heartbeat

Updates Coming!

Updates for the blog are coming! Great stories of Jewel, Indigo Girls, Katy Perry are on the way! As well as some fun stand up comedy adventures and more.

Life has been crazy busy but I'm working on getting everything updated in the next day or two. So please check back soon!

2009

Happy New Year Bitches!

Happy Holidays! Isabella and Miguel meet Santa.

All is fine.
Miguel grows suspicious.

Miguel loses his mind.

Santa goes numb and Isabella is ready for her close up.

Merry Christmas!

Isabella and Santa on Christmas Eve

Will Smith Photos

On December 12, Will Smith was in the studios doing some promotion for his new movie "Seven Pounds". People went apeshit crazy. I haven't seen people lose it like this since I worked at The Rosie O'Donnell Show. Insane. Here are some crowd shots from the lobby of the building.

Am I A Chosen One?

On December 5th, I was eating lunch and had a "low-fat, low-calorie, doesn't really taste like anything pudding cup" for dessert. I put the pudding cup down after eating all it's not-so-delicious contents and I was shocked to see a face staring back at me. Some pudding stuck to the lid and made a face. Clearly, it's a sign. FREAKY! I feel bad for the person who found the Virgin Mary in their grilled cheese and was mocked for it. I swear if I find the face of Jesus in my cottage cheese I will lose it. I am too lazy to be a messenger for the Lord. Then to make things worse, as I was showing everyone the pudding started to melt a little bit and ended up looking like The Joker from "The Dark Knight". Sinister, indeed. A sign from above or below? You decide.

pilgrim

cross the threshold
pilgrim on a journey

the promise
of a new day
stirs the soul
the spirit
awakens

change
difficult at best
crucial
to grow

we all have crosses to carry
the sins of the past
the uncertainty of the future
the doubt of the present
one same as many

those before you
blazed the trail
reap the rewards
of their war
all
their losses
their victories
their wounds
their scars
for you

those behind you
unmet
unknown
unaware
will thank you
when the day breaks
as they begin for themselves
the journey
you are now on
whether you know it or not

the masses will praise you
on a new day

some day

no map
no compass
no star
to guide
your way

only your soul
knows the path
the heart and the brain
wage an eternal war
of what it wants
of what is real
of what it will deny
in the end
the heart will prevail
truth
sets us all free

stumble
fall
cry
rise
over and over and over
find your way

you are not alone
no man is an island
even in the darkness
when all you see
is
loss
misery
pain

others are here
waiting
when the light comes
you will see
you
were
never
alone

see me
hear me
feel me
believe me
trust me

i am here

gather your courage
pin it to your heart
muster your strength
pulse through your body
breathe
leap
soar

daybreak
the darkness
retreats

you are loved

jump

seasons change
winter spring summer fall
back to winter again
the clock ticks
relentless
unforgiving

first snowfall of the season
daybreak covered in white
not unexpected
but always a surprise

a melancholy of sorts
invades the soul

life not from the movies
or tv
false dreams sold with a laugh track
and applause
of how it should be
not how it is

always dreamed of the
gatherings
celebrations
festivities
of the perfect life
a life well lived

surrounded by people
evidence you are loved

a ship at sea
lost
floating
drifting
forgotten

a random moment
changes the course

on the black horizon
light
hope
faith
found

a hand extended
grab and hold

light pierces the darkness
find your way
i am here
you are not alone
you will heal

a connection
long thought lost

you said…
jump in with both feet

as we stand on the edge

maybe this time
it will be
different
seasons change

Natasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield and Me!

It's not a spot on my shirt, just a dumb reflection from the weird lights in studio. And yes, she was looking for a pocket full of sunshine. No lie.

Natasha Bedingfield was just in the studios to do a meet and greet with a few contest winners and I got to go in and listen to her sing a few of her hit songs. She is not only adorable but is also really funny. You would know her songs if you heard them. Some of her hit songs include “Love Like This”, “Unwritten”, “These Words”, “Pocket Full Of Sunshine”, and the new single “Angel”.

After the performance, which was great, I walked to up get a photo and for some reason I stood on the opposite side of her than everyone else had, then I wondered if I should switch sides. Not sure what to do, I just blurted out…

ME: (standing on her right side) Oh sorry, do you have a good side for the picture?
NATASHA: No, do you?
ME: Actually yes. (I switch sides with her. I’m now on her left side.)
NATASHA: Well, aren’t you just like Mariah Carey.
ME: You have no idea.
(She gets really close to me. REALLY CLOSE. Photo is taken.)
ME: (looking at her, pretending to be shocked and stepping back) Natasha did you just get frisky with me?
NATASHA: (laughing) Yes, I did.
ME: Oh yeah…I thought I felt your hand slip. I’ll see you up at the front desk.
NATASHA: You know…I used to be a receptionist.
ME: Really? So I can look forward to being an international rock star some day?
NATASHA: Yes. When I was a receptionist I was known to be the office flirt.
(People laugh and do the whole “Oh yeah” thing.)
ME: Same here.
NATASHA: You too?
ME: Oh yeah. I’m always “accidently” dropping pens…
BARB: Jason! GO! NOW!
ME: Thanks Natasha. It was great to meet you.
NATASHA: You too, Jason. Bye.

I’m pretty sure I was just hit on by an international pop star. I love my job.

(This post was written on October 21. And, yes, I am wearing a different colored polo shirt that the one in the Metro Station picture. Just looks the same due to the weird lights.)

Metro Station

Metro Station and Me!

Dirty hot mess.

I just met the members of the band Metro Station. Now, again, my inner 13 year old girl has surfaced much to my embarrassment. I love their song “Shake It.” I bought it off iTunes when it was released. I have the CD. I usually throw it on to every CD mix that I burn. I L-O-V-E IT!

So naturally when I heard they were coming in…I was rather pumped. Heck ya. Awesome.

Well…all I can say is this. G to the R to the O to the S to the S. GROSS! Like make me vomit in my mouth type of gross.

First off they looked dirty. As in filthy dirty. As in critters crawling on them dirty. Ugh. Second they are completely unable to communicate other than in some weird grunts and groans. Third all they care about is the dirty hair. It was almost like a bizarre obsessive compulsive behavior. They kept pulling their hair down into their face over and over and over. Odd to say the least.

So I go back to do a photo and one of them shakes my hand. Ish. Then I get in the middle and we do a photo and I’m trying to make small talk with them and they just can’t really speak well. I told them how a lot of the fans that just left were really excited for the show tonight and things like that and they just slowly blinked at me. Then I said something about the girl who just left who’s world was rocked because her scarf matched one of the guy’s shirts. Turns it out was Trace Cyrus (yes, Miley Cyrus’ half brother) and I made a joke about it. No laughs. Nothing. I grabbed my camera and left.

I was back at my desk when they came through to leave. Then one by one they had to use the bathroom, so they lingered at my desk for awhile. I tried to do some more small talk but once again, nothing. Just more hair flipping and pulling and smoothing over their faces.

Then as they are walking out. Trace Cyrus walks past my desk and says “Nice to meet you brother.” What the hell? I tell you that Cyrus family is one hot mess. No two ways about that.

Shake it? No thanks. I’ll never “shake it” again.

(This was written on October 20.)

KATHY GRIFFIN

Kathy Griffin and Me!

Tom is lurking in the background. Hilarious!

Kathy Griffin as she is talking to me. Great shot Jenn!

The Orpheum Theatre!

When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies
When I grow up
I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have groupies
When I grow up
Be on TV
People know me
Be on magazines
When I grow up

It’s no secret I love Kathy Griffin. I never miss one of her appearances on TV. I have recorded every single episode of all four seasons of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List”. I obsess over her interviews on TV or in print. I buy her DVD’s and CD’s. I love everything about her.

Last night Kathy completed a record breaking five show run at the Orpheum Theatre here in Minneapolis. Five shows! Amazing. And, I went to all five. Yes, that’s right. I think that definitely qualifies me as a “super fan”.

Here is the exciting break down of events!

Friday evening there are two shows back to back. I hauled ass to the theatre right after work and began “Operation Meet and Greet with Kathy Griffin”. I hung out in the parking lot for a few hours. Becca joined me shortly after six pm. Completely and totally unsuccessful. I knew that Kathy wouldn’t leave between shows so I didn’t bother hanging out at the stage door after the first show. My friend and co-worker Amy attended the second show with me. I knew Kathy would bail from the theatre the minute she walked off stage and I was right. So Amy and I left the show a few minutes early to try and catch Kathy as she left the theatre. Again no luck. The only vehicle that left the stage door area was a little Honda with three people in it. We saw the Honda when we came out, it was running and has it’s flashers on but was waiting by a different door at the loading dock. Turns out it was a bait and switch! The three people in the car was none other than one of the theatre’s employees (the driver), Tom (Kathy’s tour manager), and Kathy. DAMN IT.

Saturday was the Alanis Morisette concert. Kathy did a show down in Iowa.

Sunday is show number three. I go back down to the theatre and I stake out a new spot in the parking lot. I am positioned with a clear line of vision for both doors. Not going to run the risk tonight of missing her. It is cold and damp out. As it gets darker it just gets colder. I wait, and wait, and wait. I look over to my right as I’m sitting on this dirty curb and I see a few pairs of underwear. Apparently the Alanis concert must have been quite a night for some people. I wait and wait and wait some more. I feel like Linus sitting out in pumpkin patch waiting for The Great Pumpkin to arrive. I am miserable and cold. Then I see this African American woman walk past me. She gives me the dirtiest look I’ve seen in years. She is wearing old jeans and a red sweatshirt with a red jacket tied around her waist. I would have mistaken her for a homeless woman except she has really expensive looking red framed eyeglasses and her hair is impeccable. I think she might be working with the theatre or something. More waiting followed by even more waiting. All of a sudden a huge black SUV with tinted windows pulls up and Kathy Griffin has arrived. The “homeless” woman runs down the ramp to the stage door in front of the SUV. I run over and I see Kathy Griffin getting out the vehicle and quickly moving into the theatre. Then I see the “homeless” woman video taping Kathy. Kathy waves, I hear her say “hi” and it’s over. Insane. After the show, I go back out the stage door and the SUV is parked there and it’s running. There is one other woman there, waiting with a camera. She comes over to talk to me and I’m trying to shake her because she seems really crazy to me. All of a sudden the stage door opens and Kathy is jumping into the SUV. I’ve never seen anyone more so quick! So the SUV drives past us as it comes up the ramp. The woman next to me starts to pound on the car window and is yelling “KATHY! I LOVE YOU KATHY! “The SUV drives across the parking lot and she is running still screaming, arms flailing, camera flashing. She tries to get in front of the SUV to block them but they end up peeling out of the parking lot out onto Hennepin Avenue and they are gone into the dark of night. C-R-A-Z-Y!

Monday is the fourth sold out show. I have two shows left to meet Kath Griffin. Only two left! The first three have been a total bust. Sure…the nights have been adventurous with the whole lunatic pounding on the car, the nasty looks from the “homeless” woman, and the dirty underwear…but my Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D:List DVD is still unsigned!

Jenn meets me for the show and we are hanging out in the parking lot. I’ve giving her the rundown of the previous nights and we are hatching out plan of attack. As we wait in the parking lot I look across the street and I see Kathy’s SUV parked in the alley between the Chambers Hotel and a parking ramp. I stand there for a second and think…Kathy is staying at the Chamber’s Hotel. Literally across the street from the theatre. Not down the block, or around the corner…but across the street! ACROSS THE STREET! Then I see the driver come around the vehicle and it’s the same guy who drove Kathy the night before. So I quick look up to the penthouse level of the hotel. It’s really easy to see since the hotel is only five stories high and all the lights are on. Then I see a man walking around by the windows. A few minutes later I see a woman with huge hair near the windows. It’s Kathy and Tom! I cannot believe it. We are shocked! This is insane. Then we see Tom upstairs get on the phone and then the driver gets on the phone. They are talking to each other! After they are done the theatre employee who waiting by the stage door gets on his phone and we hear him say “ok, great. I’m waiting at the door. See you in a minute.” It’s almost time! Then we look back across the street and see the driver opening the door of the SUV and a few seconds later the side door of the Hotel opens and out steps Kathy Griffin and Tom and they get in and it drives off. No one has noticed. NO ONE! I am feeling like Angela Lansbury on “Murder She Wrote” only without a crime to solve. I am a genius. I cannot believe I have figured it all out and no one is aware. The theatre is sold out. 2,500 fans and she is literally across the street and everyone is clueless.

So we get the camera ready and I grab the DVD and sharpie marker. I go up to the guy working at the stage door and I tell him that I just have a DVD and camera and that it’s cool. He is fine with it and is actually really nice. I told him that I just wanted to make sure since the crazy woman pounded on the car last night that there won’t be any problems. He then tells me that CJ was there the night before videotaping Kathy as she arrived. The woman that I thought was homeless and crusty is actually CJ, the gossip reporter for the Star Tribune. Whoops!

A few minutes later the SUV pulls up and Jenn and I run down the ramp behind it. As the door opens and Kathy is getting out I say “Kathy will you sign your DVD?” She says sure and takes it and starts to autograph it. Then she asks me if I want to take a picture. Hell yeah! So Jenn takes a picture of Kathy and I and then Kathy asks Jenn if she wants a picture, so I take a picture of them. Then some other woman wants a picture so I take her camera and take the picture. All the while I’m talking non-stop to Kathy. I told her that I’m going to all five shows and that I loved the fact that she changes the material every night. She thanks me for going to all five shows and says that she has to change it up or else she would never get through it. More chit chat follows. It’s all a blur. Then she says and I quote “Well, since you are going to all the shows you better go in. After all I clearly can’t start the show without you.”

How awesome is that?

I didn’t go back to the stage door for the last show. It was cold and rainy and to be honest…my experience with her was great. I didn’t want to be disappointed and have the whole experience be ruined. I got her picture, I got her autograph, and I got to talk to her. I was a happy camper. She was so gracious and kind. She’s won two Emmy’s, is a comedy Icon, and has a hit TV show and she asks me if I want a picture. Unreal.

There it is. My third Kathy Griffin adventure. Each one more memorable than the last. Oh, almost forgot. I was recognized twice by people that have seen me perform. That was nice. They have seen me do stand up comedy and improv around town. It was on two different nights. Always surprises me when that happens. Hopefully I’m doing something right!

Suck it haters!

Be careful what you wish for
'cause you just might get it
You just might get it
You just might get it

(This post was written on October 8th, but just published today.)

Meeting Jewel

Jewel and Me!

Yes, I am wearing a western shirt. I did it for Jewel.

Last Friday Becca and I headed to the Minnesota State Fair to see Jewel perform at the Grand Stand. The very moment I set foot on the fairgrounds I was done. Too many people, too much crap everywhere, too little room to move. The State Fair is over excessive in every sense of the word. Becca loves it. I hate it.

My awesome co-worker Mary arranged for us to get a Meet & Greet Pass to go backstage before the show and meet Jewel. This is my second time meeting her. The first time I met Jewel was a few months ago back at the K102 radio station. She came in to do some promotion for her new CD that was about to be released.

I was sitting at my desk working (well, let’s be honest…I was surfing the net and blogging) when Jewel arrived. She walked off the elevator and Mary introduced us. There is a huge awards case behind my desk. Jewel said that there are a lot of awards. I looked at her and said “Yes, there are. I’m a pretty good receptionist.”. So we talked for a few moments and she went off to a meeting. A little while later I went back to the performance space to watch her perform for the show. It was awesome. She sang a few songs, told some hilarious stories, and gave a great interview. It was a riot. Then she did an autograph signing and took some photos. While in line I was mistaken yet again for being Crisco. Apparently to the entire world Crisco and I could be twins. I don’t see it. But, I think for as long as I work here I will be mistaken for him. Oh well. It’s like we are the overweight male version of the Olson Twins. But, I’m the cute one. So would that make me Mary Kate or Ashley? Hummmm….anyway.

So I get up to Jewel and I have all of her CD’s in my bag. I crack open my bag and Mary looks at me and says, in front of Jewel….

MARY: Jason no! You can’t have her sign all your CD’s.
ME: I know Mary! I just want her to sign her favorite one.
JEWEL: (just looks at me. Wide eyed.)
ME: Hi Jewel. So which CD is your favorite?
JEWEL: Well, I like them all.
ME: (I move “Goodbye Alice In Wonderland” to the top of the pile and hand it to her.) Wow. That’s my favorite one as well.
JEWEL: (laughs) Well, how about every time I come to the station I sign a CD for you.
ME: Yeah…that would be awesome.
JEWEL: It might take us seven years, but we will do it.
ME: I will hold you to it.

Then we take a photo and I grab the CD’s and head back to my desk.

On her way out she passes by my desk and says goodbye and makes a joke about how we are best friends forever. I love my job.

So now standing backstage at the meet and greet I’m trying to think of something to say so she remembers me. There’s maybe twenty of us in line. I’ve got nothing. My wit is failing me big time.

Her management makes an announcement that Jewel has already signed pictures for us and that she won’t be signing anything else because they are running short on time, so it will be pictures only. Damn! I, of course, had all of her CD’s in my bag hoping she would sign one. Oh well, maybe next time. Jewel comes in and everyone smiles and waves. They start cranking through people like crazy. Walk up, pose, snap picture and you are done.

I’m nervous and still trying to think of something to say. Nothing. Ahhhh, my moment is about to slip away.

I walk up to her. Jewel smiles. I smile.

JEWEL: Hi. How are you?
ME: Great. How are you?
JEWEL: Good. Did you bring a CD for me to sign?
ME: Clearly you remember your favorite receptionist ever.
JEWEL: Of course.
ME: They said you’re not signing anything else.
JEWEL: I’ll sign it. Just wait for me over there and I’ll do when I’m done here.
ME: Awesome. So are you going to sing “Thump Thump” tonight.
JEWEL: No, they crowd doesn’t always get into it. It’s hard…
ME: Jewel! It’s my favorite song on the album!
JEWEL: How about the next time I come into the station I’ll sing it for you.
ME: Ok, but you know that I’ll hold you to it.
JEWEL: I have no doubt you will.
*take picture*

Then I grab my stuff and I go over to the side with Becca. Completely surreal. Jewel remembered me!

So she finishes up the meet and greet and I’m talking to Becca. She stops over to where we are standing and I give her the new CD to sign. Then Jewel says….

JEWEL: You should have brought them all. I would have signed them.
ME: Funny you should say that…because I did!
JEWEL: Well, let’s do it.

So I open my bag and grab the rest of the CD’s. Now, it was supposed to rain so I had the CD’s in a giant gallon Ziploc bag. Jewel and her manager are looking at me like I’m a nutcase. I feel stupid. Becca is laughing. So I then say…

ME: It was supposed to rain. I didn’t want you to get wet.
JEWEL: (laughing) Well, thanks. I appreciate it.

I open the CD’s, Jewel signs them, her manager closes them and puts them back in my bag, and Becca is busy taking photos.

Then out of the blue I say…

ME: Becca is thinking of moving to Alaska. (Becca looks at me horrified.)
JEWEL: (looks up and seems confused) Why?
BECCA: My friend lives there and I could teach.
ME: I keep telling her she shouldn’t go.
JEWEL: Where at?
BECCA: (says the name of the place, I don’t remember it to be honest.)
JEWEL: Is that one of the villages?
BECCA: Yes.

Then there is some more discussion about Alaska and the show. I don’t remember exactly what was all said. I’ll have to ask Becca for more details.

Jewel finishes signing the CD’s. My collection is complete. I got some fun photos. And most importantly Jewel did not approve of Becca moving to Alaska. Awesome!

The show is a lot of fun. Jewel is an outstanding talent and if you ever get a chance to see her…go do it!

(This post was from August 2008. Just published today.)

Sunday at the Zoo

Isabella, Miguel, and Me at the Russian Bear Exhibit.

Miguel and Me in our hoodie sweatshirts. We could be twins. I spent the day with everyone calling me Miguel.

Isabella and a bear statue. So brave when it's not a real bear.

Isabella with a real bear swimming right infront of her. A few years ago while riding in the car Isabella looked over at me and said "You know...I don't like bears or alligators." and then she went back to watching her dvd. Random moment but it still makes me laugh...especially when she sees a bear.

Miguel in his carseat. Now that is one happy baby. And cute!

Sunday in the Park

the year of nineteen hundred ninety-seven

tonight watching tv
cold case
used the songs of
sarah mclachlan circa 1997
whom i adore
for the story
of a murdered homeless mother and her two daughters left behind

the soundtrack to my life
in 1997 was
surfacing by ms. mclachlan

1997
the year…
i graduated college
directed grease the musical
moved to new york
worked at the rosie o’donnell show
did stand up comedy for the first time ever

1997
a fish out of water
small town boy in the big city
never felt so free
yet
so alone
in my entire life

1997
saw with my own eyes
the power of celebrity
how the other half lives

1997
madonna
in the flesh
on the red carpet
for the vma awards
the other side of the velvet rope
ray of light
the renaissance approaching
behold i am coming soon

1997
a year of goodbyes
a year of hellos
endings
beginnings
hope rising
fear creeping in
devastating in so many ways
chasing the dream
so close yet so far
story of my life

1997
on a bus
leaving the city nightly
for home
a mattress
on my sister’s living room floor
listening to
surfacing by sarah mclachlan
on my headphones
comfort from a stranger
hoping it would all be worth it
in the end

1997
a year that changed my life
for better or worse
forever



And fate has led you through it
You do what you have to do
And fate has led you through it
You do what you have to do

I have the sense to recognize
That I don’t know how to let you go…

"Do What You Have To Do" by Sarah McLachlan

Confession of the Day!

Today I was at the urinal about to start doing my business and a co-worker walked up and started to use the urinal next to me. Dammit. Granted there are only two urinals and it's not like I expected him to use the sink or anything like that...but still...it still made me uncomfortable. After a few seconds I zipped up and left and waited to use the bathroom after he was done. I had to go so bad. Seriously. I wandered around the office with my legs crossed. It wasn't pretty, I almost had an accident.

I hate community bathrooms. I hate them almost as much as centipedes and onions.

Confession of the Day!

I am a total procrastinator. I’m in denial about that fact that I’m a procrastinator. I have no one else to blame about my lack of a career in stand up comedy other than myself. Do I have the talent to do it? Yes. The question is…am I motivated enough to do it? I need to get my ass in gear. Big time.

Confession of the Day!

I used to hate country music more than anything else in this world. But, now I enjoy it quite a bit. Granted, I don't like all of it. But, the majority of it I can at least listen to and most of it I dig.

Country roads...take me home....

Confession of the Day!

I don't like all my friends. Sometimes I feel like I only talk to them out of obligation rather than an actual desire to be friends. Maybe it's me. Maybe it's them. Maybe I'll feel differently in an hour or so. But, right now, this very second...I don't like some of my friends at all.