Since my last journal entry, a few things have changed. My financial situation is still in the dumps but things may be looking up.

After meeting Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal for the upteenth time back in April, I also met a friend of his who happened to be the frontman/guitarist for another band. Omar Cabral is his name and his band is called Head Lite View. Omar's band consist of himself and his older brothers, Eppie & Leo. HLV would be opening for Eagles of Death Metal for some L.A. shows. We struck up a conversation which has become a friendship.

The next show I attended was Chris Cornell at the Wiltern. I didn't get to meet him after the show but I did manage to sneak into the pit with the help of strangers. I thank those strangers by the way. They did not even know me before that night and they risked getting thrown out of the pit themselves if caught. The show was amazing. Chris Cornell brought his son & daughter on stage with him for a song. They are precious.

NIN - Chula Vista, 5.16.09: I picked up my new camera from Fry's, met up with a fellow NIN fan & carpooled to Chula vista. We got wasted on vodka before the show started so unfortunately, I do not recall the NIN set. I did enjoy Jane's Addiction.
NIN - Irvine, 5.20.09: got to the venue early. It was good I got there early because after that amazing show (front row baby), I heard about the debacle that happened outside the venue for those who thought that getting there 30 minutes early was enough. Nope, many of those missed the NIN set entirely.

Eagles of Death Metal - Pomona, 6.6.09: 3 miles from my apartment. Show could've been free but I don't want to abuse my new founded friendship with Head Lite View. Crazy fun show. I invited an old friend of mine who'd never seen or even heard of the band. By the look on his face, he was entertained. Jesse was lovin' the love from the audience & dancin' his little bootie off. I grabbed me a couple autographes & a hug from Jesse after the show.

Eagles of Death Metal - Pioneertown, 6.7.09: Out in the middle of nothingness. Got on the guest list for this show. Crazy small venue. Head Lite View opened. They're going to hit it big soon. Next was EODM. The guys in the band were noticably inebriated but it barely effected the music, barely. It was Dave's, the bassist's, birthday & the boys were definitely celebrating. I went backstage after the show & hung out with Jesse for little bit. I met his lady friend & got some great video. I even got a kiss on the cheek from Jesse. Jesse took off to Dave's B-day party which I would join later. I met up with Omar from HLV, drank, smoked & general craziness. In route to Dave's party, Omar's truck got stuck in a sand bank. We all chipped in some, even Jesse, to get that truck unstuck. Completely sobered us up so it was good the party had free alcohol & special treats. I ended up sleeping at Dave's...well in his yard.

The heat was coming on early & it woke me. I decided, since I was just a few miles from Joshua Tree National Park, I'd explore the park. I wasn't exactly dressed for hiking but that did not stop me. If you have never visited the park, swing by some time. It's a beautiful park with much to see.

Peaches - Pioneertown, 6.8.09: I was already in town so I figured, Hell! Why not! I wasn't on the guest list nor did I pay to get in. I figure since the staff had seen me there the night before that I was on the crew or something. Peaches rocked it. It was good to see her as the headliner instead of the opener. I love her new hair style. I slept in my car that night & followed up with another trip into Joshua Tree the next day. This had to be the cheapest little vacation I've ever had.
1 tank of gas, water, some snacks...not bad at all.

Through all this fun, I still had to think of my budget & looking for a job. I've started surfing lessons (free), been taking a lot of pictures, gotten a nasty sunburn (me+sun=disaster) and been looking into schools to attend. I have found a season job as a photographer. Hopefully this will lead to bigger & better things. After years of office jobs, I have come full circle back to photography.