It has been a long while since I’ve made an update, and life has made some large turns: We have packed up our stuff in Bucharest, hopped on a one-way plane (with the dog) to NYC, and are now taking two months to slowly make our way to Hawaii for a year off. We don’t really have any other plans than that; exciting!

I remember the first time I ever touched a bass guitar was my second year in college. A friend, Ana, asked me to play in her band for a youth outreach program. I’d only been playing guitar for a year so I thought I knew everything. I am sure we were horrible – the blisters on my fingers certainly were.

15 years later, I’ve again been asked to play bass. This time for the “Johny Casino Band.” We play lots of blues covers but on this particular night we played a few jazz numbers with our friend Millie singing. Most of the pictures taken during the jazz set show me hunched over the chord charts trying to keep up with all the quick changes. Thanks to the band for being supportive and patient with me. Jeanette, thanks for showing up and pretending not to hate it.

Client E. (aka Eddie Alzamora) wrote some good music reviews for a small publication in Shanghai a few years ago. At the time, we both thought that we had ears for good music. He has since moved to Portand where he gets to use those good ears to hear a lot of great music. On the other hand, I’m in Bucharest — turn on the radio and you’ll hear either Robbie Williams or Pet Shop Boys. Which is worse?

It’s been a long crazy year. Thus, we are greatly enjoying our lazy holiday here in Bucharest. We have a tree, and there is snow on the ground. The heaters work well (unlike Germany), and the shutters block out all of the late morning sun (again, unlike Germany).

Although we are staying up late and sleeping in even later, we do have some projects to keep us busy. Brady is writing a graduate paper and practicing bass guitar for an upcoming concert with a blues band he is a casual member of, and Jeanette is reading, knitting, cooking, and (shutter) getting a head start on her report card writing.

Most importantly we are trying to decide what to do next year. We must notify our school by Jan 4 of our intentions. It’s either stay, find another school, or take a year off in Hawaii. Your comments as to why the third choice is the only logical one are very welcome.

Be sure to check out the Christmas photo album in the photos section.

Merry Christmas!

We decided to spend Christmas here in Bucharest. We made the place cozy with a tree, candles, and stuff, so it seemed to be appropriate to take a few photos.

I’m not a great fan of Christmas music, but I found a great internet radio station that plays “Chilled” versions of seasonal favorites. Check it @ SomaFM or in iTunes radio browser.

Here’s a map of the places I’ve travelled to. I probably left a few out. I thought I had travelled a lot until I saw that I’ve only been to 13% of the world’s countries. I’m way past 13% of my life, so I better get busy.