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Mushi Mushi.
So here I sit. 5:16pm in Shibuya (Tokyo), Japan. 1:16am in San Diego. I am far from home.
After a million hours of travelling, we landed in Tokyo, took a train for an hour to Shibuya. Shibuya is part of Tokyo. It's where Lost In Translation was filmed. We hit up our hotel, showered, and went out for dinner. Had some great Japanese beer, and feasted on fish salad, beer, pizza, fries, sushi, beer, ramen, more beer. It was great. I ate a LOT of raw fish. Yellow Tail, Salmon, Tuna, Scallops, Shrimp. All raw. It was nuts. Thanks to the beer, I had no problem. :)
We slept like rocks.
Today we walked around a ton, ate more great food, saw our album in HMV (we were on a listening station with Waking Ashland, Brighten, Copeland, Bayside...pretty sweet) and Tower Records. Quite exciting if you ask me.
Tonight, in about an hour, we go back to the venue we're playing at, and watch the openers. At the end of the night, we take the stage for our cd release show, and see how japan likes us. Maybe they'll hate us. :) Jonathan from Waking Ashland will join us on stage for 2 songs, then we'll finish our set. Our itinerary clearly states that after the show, we "party" so I guess we do what our label tell us. :)
The photo attached is just a reflection of a building on another building. This city is so photogenic.
Love from Tokyo,
`jonnyups
5.26.2007
5.21.2007
Can Anybody Hear Me?
Photographically, this photo isn't anything special. Your mom with a little point and shoot could have made this happen. That's not the point of this picture. The point of this picture is to post it so I have an excuse to blog.
You see, I ditched my LiveJournal a little while back because I turned myself into the internationally known ".com" that I am now. ;) All joking aside, I am giving you all a follow up to some previous posts.
My dad is still battling cancer. He finished up his intense radiation on Monday, the 14th (aka, my birthday). His next appointment is on May 30th, and I think they'll be discussing chemo options, and if any progress was made with the radiation. This could be a huge turning point in the fight to survive. My dad has the option to accept that the cancer is stealing his life away, and he also has the option to fight it with chemo. I have come to the point of not being angry. He has earned the right to make that decision, either way. I can't be selfish and expect him to fight if the outlook is not in his favor. I love my dad, and he has inspired me, and taught me so many things. So whatever his decision be, I respect him and his love for the family he has taken care of for so many years.
In other areas of my life, things are great. I have had the best week in a long time because I have come to realize that my sad little excuse for depression isn't a part of my life, it's just an intruder. My band is leaving for Tokyo on thursday morning, and we'll spend 5 days there, play 3 shows including an in-store performance at Tower Records, and we'll fly home. I'm excited. I have heard nothing but good comments on the country of Japan, and the people who live there. I am excited to meet them and spend some time with them.
In my joy for life this week, I have been caught off guard with some happy transitions and thoughts. I wish I could say more, but I am still figuring things out. Life is good, and God has made it evident in my life that He is the creator of all, and he can change hearts and change minds. And with that, He has transformed thoughts that were in my head into bits of joy that have caught me off guard. So...joy...keep coming. I enjoy you. And I enjoy the people you bring with you.
I must show my thanks to all of you who read this. Cairo, Egypt ... thank you for reading. China, Japan, the UK, Canada...thanks for reading. I appreciate every brain that takes in the story of my life.
`jonnyups
You see, I ditched my LiveJournal a little while back because I turned myself into the internationally known ".com" that I am now. ;) All joking aside, I am giving you all a follow up to some previous posts.
My dad is still battling cancer. He finished up his intense radiation on Monday, the 14th (aka, my birthday). His next appointment is on May 30th, and I think they'll be discussing chemo options, and if any progress was made with the radiation. This could be a huge turning point in the fight to survive. My dad has the option to accept that the cancer is stealing his life away, and he also has the option to fight it with chemo. I have come to the point of not being angry. He has earned the right to make that decision, either way. I can't be selfish and expect him to fight if the outlook is not in his favor. I love my dad, and he has inspired me, and taught me so many things. So whatever his decision be, I respect him and his love for the family he has taken care of for so many years.
In other areas of my life, things are great. I have had the best week in a long time because I have come to realize that my sad little excuse for depression isn't a part of my life, it's just an intruder. My band is leaving for Tokyo on thursday morning, and we'll spend 5 days there, play 3 shows including an in-store performance at Tower Records, and we'll fly home. I'm excited. I have heard nothing but good comments on the country of Japan, and the people who live there. I am excited to meet them and spend some time with them.
In my joy for life this week, I have been caught off guard with some happy transitions and thoughts. I wish I could say more, but I am still figuring things out. Life is good, and God has made it evident in my life that He is the creator of all, and he can change hearts and change minds. And with that, He has transformed thoughts that were in my head into bits of joy that have caught me off guard. So...joy...keep coming. I enjoy you. And I enjoy the people you bring with you.
I must show my thanks to all of you who read this. Cairo, Egypt ... thank you for reading. China, Japan, the UK, Canada...thanks for reading. I appreciate every brain that takes in the story of my life.
`jonnyups
5.19.2007
_MG_7988.jpg
This post is for my own records.
Today P.O.D. posted a bulletin on myspace about my band. Shortly thereafter, we had pages of friend requests, and 800 plays. The picture posted with this post is from Noah's (owner of rescue records/father of P.O.D. drummer (Wuv), and uncle of frontman Sonny) home.
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: P.O.D.
Date: May 18, 2007 6:13 PM
Check out one of our new top friends.. This is the most recent Release from our Old Home.. Rescue Records.
P.O.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------
PARKER THEORY BIO:
A theory can be described as "a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based,” but, in the case of Parker Theory, it is more like a collection of songs that reflect an on-going journey through life … always moving forward, never satisfied to stay in one place, determined to experience life to the fullest. Almost like musical Polaroid snapshots through the window of a moving vehicle.
“It’s as if I had all these pictures, experiences and emotions in my mind and wanted to bring them to life through music,” says Jesse Pruett, lead singer and guitarist. “I had been writing songs at home and knew it was time for a new beginning musically. I decided to start the band because I wanted it to be something I could believe in and be passionate about.”
Pruett asked his good friend Jeff Forrest, who owns Doubletime Studio, to jump in on drums, and brought in two other friends for guitar and bass.
Interest in the independent pop-rock band began shortly after Pruett formed it in the summer of 2000. Their first recording, a self-titled EP, impressed Steven Harwell, the lead singer of Smash Mouth and opened the door for the band to begin playing some of the “cool venues” in California with the novelty rock band, including Ventura Theatre, Coors Amphitheatre, and Biola University. This immediately exposed the band’s infectious melodies to a wide audience.
After a few years of growing recognition in San Diego, playing many shows and enthusiastic local radio station airplay, Parker Theory returned to the studio and recorded their debut album Can Anybody Hear Me in late 2003. “We had a lot of songs written at the time, so we decided to go into the studio and record a full length album” says Pruett, who describes Can Anybody Hear Me as “full of life experiences and relationships.” After finishing the album, Pruett asked Jeff to move to keyboards and step in to sing more harmonies. “You don’t see keyboards too often at shows in our genre,” he says.
The album quickly gained attention from radio, labels and fans, and was nominated in the Orange County music awards, and the San Diego music awards alongside some of the biggest names in the San Diego music scene—Switchfoot, Unwritten Law, Jason Mraz, and Slightly Stoopid. The first track “She Said” topped mp3.com’s pop rock chart and led to Fabtone Records releasing a twenty-song, two-disc recording in Japan, which included Can Anybody Hear Me and songs from the band’s following EP, One Purpose, One Destination, which they wrote and recorded in 2005. “She Said” was also the top pick in a University of Columbia research project featured in the National geographic news where 14,000 participants chose their favorite song without knowing who the bands were.
The following year Pruett decided to write a new album at home on acoustic guitar. “I wanted to try and just write what was coming out naturally and what I was feeling or thinking about at the time and focus on the basics,” he says. After months of writing, he got back together with Forrest and his bass player Jon Upson, and asked his friends—drummer Jarrod Alexander, and guitarists Nick Maybury of Future of Forestry and Rob Fikse—to play on the album. The album was produced by Pruett and recorded at Doubletime Studio with Forrest (Blink 182, As I Lay Dying, Incubus).
Leaving California is a package of cleverly penned alt-pop-rock songs. With strong melodies ala Crowded House, it sonically covers ground somewhere between Jimmy eat World and Snow Patrol. The strong singles on the album, “In the End,” “Shoe Song,” “I Believe,” and “Build You a House,” would not be amiss on movie soundtracks, advertisements, and television shows such as WB’s Smallville, Grey’s Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. “I think musically we have a lot of different feels on this new record,” says Pruett. “I like so many different styles of music that I think that comes out in the record.”
The stories, experiences, and passions on Parker Theory’s eclectic sophomore release share the universal laughter, sadness, joy and hope of the adventure of life. Pruett says he hopes “people find strength, healing, vision for their life, and happiness” in listening to the album. “I feel like there is so much out there to experience. That is why I decided to name it “Leaving California.” We are on a journey and I don’t want to stay in one place. This goes for all aspects of my life. I want to always be moving forward and enjoying life to the fullest.”
Following the success of the band’s first album in Japan, Fabtone Records also released Leaving California in Japan in early April, and the band toured there for the first time in May.
Parker Theory released Leaving California in the U.S. on May 15 through Rescue Records (Mri/Sony Red Distribution), which is owned by Noah Bernardo—the father of Noah “Wuv” Bernardo Jnr. of San Diego-based band P.O.D, and the uncle of Sonny Sandoval, the band’s front man.
May 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Add THEM: www.myspace.com/parkertheory
Today P.O.D. posted a bulletin on myspace about my band. Shortly thereafter, we had pages of friend requests, and 800 plays. The picture posted with this post is from Noah's (owner of rescue records/father of P.O.D. drummer (Wuv), and uncle of frontman Sonny) home.
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: P.O.D.
Date: May 18, 2007 6:13 PM
Check out one of our new top friends.. This is the most recent Release from our Old Home.. Rescue Records.
P.O.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------
PARKER THEORY BIO:
A theory can be described as "a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based,” but, in the case of Parker Theory, it is more like a collection of songs that reflect an on-going journey through life … always moving forward, never satisfied to stay in one place, determined to experience life to the fullest. Almost like musical Polaroid snapshots through the window of a moving vehicle.
“It’s as if I had all these pictures, experiences and emotions in my mind and wanted to bring them to life through music,” says Jesse Pruett, lead singer and guitarist. “I had been writing songs at home and knew it was time for a new beginning musically. I decided to start the band because I wanted it to be something I could believe in and be passionate about.”
Pruett asked his good friend Jeff Forrest, who owns Doubletime Studio, to jump in on drums, and brought in two other friends for guitar and bass.
Interest in the independent pop-rock band began shortly after Pruett formed it in the summer of 2000. Their first recording, a self-titled EP, impressed Steven Harwell, the lead singer of Smash Mouth and opened the door for the band to begin playing some of the “cool venues” in California with the novelty rock band, including Ventura Theatre, Coors Amphitheatre, and Biola University. This immediately exposed the band’s infectious melodies to a wide audience.
After a few years of growing recognition in San Diego, playing many shows and enthusiastic local radio station airplay, Parker Theory returned to the studio and recorded their debut album Can Anybody Hear Me in late 2003. “We had a lot of songs written at the time, so we decided to go into the studio and record a full length album” says Pruett, who describes Can Anybody Hear Me as “full of life experiences and relationships.” After finishing the album, Pruett asked Jeff to move to keyboards and step in to sing more harmonies. “You don’t see keyboards too often at shows in our genre,” he says.
The album quickly gained attention from radio, labels and fans, and was nominated in the Orange County music awards, and the San Diego music awards alongside some of the biggest names in the San Diego music scene—Switchfoot, Unwritten Law, Jason Mraz, and Slightly Stoopid. The first track “She Said” topped mp3.com’s pop rock chart and led to Fabtone Records releasing a twenty-song, two-disc recording in Japan, which included Can Anybody Hear Me and songs from the band’s following EP, One Purpose, One Destination, which they wrote and recorded in 2005. “She Said” was also the top pick in a University of Columbia research project featured in the National geographic news where 14,000 participants chose their favorite song without knowing who the bands were.
The following year Pruett decided to write a new album at home on acoustic guitar. “I wanted to try and just write what was coming out naturally and what I was feeling or thinking about at the time and focus on the basics,” he says. After months of writing, he got back together with Forrest and his bass player Jon Upson, and asked his friends—drummer Jarrod Alexander, and guitarists Nick Maybury of Future of Forestry and Rob Fikse—to play on the album. The album was produced by Pruett and recorded at Doubletime Studio with Forrest (Blink 182, As I Lay Dying, Incubus).
Leaving California is a package of cleverly penned alt-pop-rock songs. With strong melodies ala Crowded House, it sonically covers ground somewhere between Jimmy eat World and Snow Patrol. The strong singles on the album, “In the End,” “Shoe Song,” “I Believe,” and “Build You a House,” would not be amiss on movie soundtracks, advertisements, and television shows such as WB’s Smallville, Grey’s Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. “I think musically we have a lot of different feels on this new record,” says Pruett. “I like so many different styles of music that I think that comes out in the record.”
The stories, experiences, and passions on Parker Theory’s eclectic sophomore release share the universal laughter, sadness, joy and hope of the adventure of life. Pruett says he hopes “people find strength, healing, vision for their life, and happiness” in listening to the album. “I feel like there is so much out there to experience. That is why I decided to name it “Leaving California.” We are on a journey and I don’t want to stay in one place. This goes for all aspects of my life. I want to always be moving forward and enjoying life to the fullest.”
Following the success of the band’s first album in Japan, Fabtone Records also released Leaving California in Japan in early April, and the band toured there for the first time in May.
Parker Theory released Leaving California in the U.S. on May 15 through Rescue Records (Mri/Sony Red Distribution), which is owned by Noah Bernardo—the father of Noah “Wuv” Bernardo Jnr. of San Diego-based band P.O.D, and the uncle of Sonny Sandoval, the band’s front man.
May 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Add THEM: www.myspace.com/parkertheory
5.16.2007
So this past weekend, I had a good conversation with one of my friends. He basically talked to me about things he's been struggling with, and what he's learned from it. One of the things he said was this,
"Don't let depression define who you are. You'll find yourself comfortable with it, and you'll then convince yourself that you are a person who is depressed. Even if that's not the case at all."
For some reason, this just hit me. This weekend turned me into a new person. For now at least. I have been in the best mood, and that's cause for celebration.
Also cause for celebration, my band (Parker Theory) released our album today in America. At least in California it's in Best Buy. You can find it on all the .com stores I think. Target, Circuit City, Best Buy, Amazon...all the usuals. Please buy it if you love me. Here's a taste of it, just click:
Thanks for reading. If you came directly to the blog, then check out my real website:
www.JonnyUps.com
There, you'll find a directory to my photos, blog (here), myspace, and contact info. It's new, so if you haven't seen it, go check it. Also, if you link to me, change the link to go directly to the website, not the blog. Then peeps can see all that is me. :) Love you all, thanks for the birthday wishes (it was monday, May 14th). Happy Wednesday!
`jonnyups
"Don't let depression define who you are. You'll find yourself comfortable with it, and you'll then convince yourself that you are a person who is depressed. Even if that's not the case at all."
For some reason, this just hit me. This weekend turned me into a new person. For now at least. I have been in the best mood, and that's cause for celebration.
Also cause for celebration, my band (Parker Theory) released our album today in America. At least in California it's in Best Buy. You can find it on all the .com stores I think. Target, Circuit City, Best Buy, Amazon...all the usuals. Please buy it if you love me. Here's a taste of it, just click:
Thanks for reading. If you came directly to the blog, then check out my real website:
www.JonnyUps.com
There, you'll find a directory to my photos, blog (here), myspace, and contact info. It's new, so if you haven't seen it, go check it. Also, if you link to me, change the link to go directly to the website, not the blog. Then peeps can see all that is me. :) Love you all, thanks for the birthday wishes (it was monday, May 14th). Happy Wednesday!
`jonnyups
5.08.2007
I have a sinking feeling you wrote about me today. You don't even read this blog.
I'm fine. In a sincere way, I'm fine. I'm not ok, at all. My heart is feeling more pain these days than ever before. But I'm fine, and I honestly appreciate you thinking enough to write. Even if it wasn't aimed in my direction. ps. I'm not afraid of you saying hi.
In other news...
The picture associated with this post is one I took this last Saturday on a photo excursion with some friends. When I first started taking pictures of this faucet, I only saw a faucet. There was dripping water, some rust, the usual. So this picture is to remind us of something. It's to remind us that there are things in life that are obvious. The funny thing is, the obvious in this case, was the little creature that I didn't see. How did I not see the obvious? Has life grown to such a speed that I can't look down and see what's in front of me?
Here we are before You, we're falling on our knees
Crying out for a savior, we're crying out for You to see.
Here we are, we're crippled and we're failing
Here we are, we're falling, can You see...
That You're the only one who came for me
So rescue me, I'm desperate for You, my broken heart is calling for You
'Cause You're the only one who can save me
So save me I'm in desperation, save me I've been waiting for You, Lord.
(listen to "Rescue Me" by Joel Hosler)
`jonnyups
I'm fine. In a sincere way, I'm fine. I'm not ok, at all. My heart is feeling more pain these days than ever before. But I'm fine, and I honestly appreciate you thinking enough to write. Even if it wasn't aimed in my direction. ps. I'm not afraid of you saying hi.
In other news...
The picture associated with this post is one I took this last Saturday on a photo excursion with some friends. When I first started taking pictures of this faucet, I only saw a faucet. There was dripping water, some rust, the usual. So this picture is to remind us of something. It's to remind us that there are things in life that are obvious. The funny thing is, the obvious in this case, was the little creature that I didn't see. How did I not see the obvious? Has life grown to such a speed that I can't look down and see what's in front of me?
Here we are before You, we're falling on our knees
Crying out for a savior, we're crying out for You to see.
Here we are, we're crippled and we're failing
Here we are, we're falling, can You see...
That You're the only one who came for me
So rescue me, I'm desperate for You, my broken heart is calling for You
'Cause You're the only one who can save me
So save me I'm in desperation, save me I've been waiting for You, Lord.
(listen to "Rescue Me" by Joel Hosler)
`jonnyups
4.29.2007
So a lot of my entries have been sad. Things in my life have been tough. Real tough. I'll be the first to admit that I don't know what I'm doing. I have so many things going on that I am lost in my own mind and have definitely had trouble finding my way out. I think I'm just about there. At least for a couple days.
My dad has begun radiation on his pelvic bone and lungs. Both have been attacked by cancer. Pray for a miracle. Those are hard to come by, but that makes them more spectacular.
Last night I stayed up late talking to my roomie, Brandon. About 3:30 am I went to bed. Came online to check my e-mail, and fell asleep. At my computer. 4:45 am rolls around and I wake up, close my computer and stand up to go to bed. I get up, and immediately fall flat on my face, no hands to stop me. My legs were asleep and I didn't realize it. So there I lay on the floor, at almost 5:00 am, unable to move. I finally get myself up, rub my face for a few minutes in pain, and hop into bed. I need more sleep.
Britney Spears is doing a secret show at the House Of Blues in San Diego on May 1st. My buddy Rob and I bought tickets. Then we scheduled band practice that night. So I just listed, and sold our $35 tickets on craigslist for $300. We each just made $100 profit on those bad boys.
The picture in this post is a strong symbol of how my life will be very soon. This flower used to be yellow, or white, sitting there by itself amongst some grass. One day it started to change. That's me. I'm ready for a change. I think I need a wife. :) Specifically a hot one. And one with a good job, because in southern California, I can't support 2 people on my income alone. And if you can sing, that's even better. So, Kelly Clarkson, you win. :) Lucky girl you.
This entry has been more personal than normal. I will try and have something or someone to promote for the next entry. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by. I've been getting hits on this site from all over the world (Spain, England, China, Japan, etc) and would like to see that trend continue. Say hi once in a while.
`jonnyups
ps. Be sure to use BLINGO.com instead of Google.com (it's powered by Google) because you can win stuff. My friend CorRi searched using Blingo, and won a movie ticket...and that got me one too. Free stuff rules my world. So use it, and rule. Click this cute little picture to use it.
My dad has begun radiation on his pelvic bone and lungs. Both have been attacked by cancer. Pray for a miracle. Those are hard to come by, but that makes them more spectacular.
Last night I stayed up late talking to my roomie, Brandon. About 3:30 am I went to bed. Came online to check my e-mail, and fell asleep. At my computer. 4:45 am rolls around and I wake up, close my computer and stand up to go to bed. I get up, and immediately fall flat on my face, no hands to stop me. My legs were asleep and I didn't realize it. So there I lay on the floor, at almost 5:00 am, unable to move. I finally get myself up, rub my face for a few minutes in pain, and hop into bed. I need more sleep.
Britney Spears is doing a secret show at the House Of Blues in San Diego on May 1st. My buddy Rob and I bought tickets. Then we scheduled band practice that night. So I just listed, and sold our $35 tickets on craigslist for $300. We each just made $100 profit on those bad boys.
The picture in this post is a strong symbol of how my life will be very soon. This flower used to be yellow, or white, sitting there by itself amongst some grass. One day it started to change. That's me. I'm ready for a change. I think I need a wife. :) Specifically a hot one. And one with a good job, because in southern California, I can't support 2 people on my income alone. And if you can sing, that's even better. So, Kelly Clarkson, you win. :) Lucky girl you.
This entry has been more personal than normal. I will try and have something or someone to promote for the next entry. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by. I've been getting hits on this site from all over the world (Spain, England, China, Japan, etc) and would like to see that trend continue. Say hi once in a while.
`jonnyups
ps. Be sure to use BLINGO.com instead of Google.com (it's powered by Google) because you can win stuff. My friend CorRi searched using Blingo, and won a movie ticket...and that got me one too. Free stuff rules my world. So use it, and rule. Click this cute little picture to use it.
4.18.2007
Depth Of Field 2
I bought a new lens. An expensive lens. A Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS USM. That means nothing to anybody, so I'll just post this picture showing the deptch of field, and the bokeh, which also means nothing to anybody. Enjoy. It's a beautiful lens.
4.17.2007
Make Lemonade
So today we got the results of my dad's lung biopsy. We have been waiting a few weeks to have some sort of idea what's going on. They tell us it's cancer, they tell us they aren't sure, they tell us he needs more tests.
Today they told us.
They told us that it's "a bad cancer" and "too extensive for surgery" and that it has reached his connecting lymphnodes. Also that it may have affected his liver. I'm not sure, this was all a blur when my mom read it to me. They see a specialist this next week. I believe they've said he needs chemotherapy, and radiation. I don't know what he'll do. It's his choice, and I respect whatever choice he makes. If he decides that chemo will ruin his quality of life, then I will respect that. I want him to live a happy life, for however long he is here.
Thanks for your prayers, keep them coming. His name is Ron.
`jonnyups
Today they told us.
They told us that it's "a bad cancer" and "too extensive for surgery" and that it has reached his connecting lymphnodes. Also that it may have affected his liver. I'm not sure, this was all a blur when my mom read it to me. They see a specialist this next week. I believe they've said he needs chemotherapy, and radiation. I don't know what he'll do. It's his choice, and I respect whatever choice he makes. If he decides that chemo will ruin his quality of life, then I will respect that. I want him to live a happy life, for however long he is here.
Thanks for your prayers, keep them coming. His name is Ron.
`jonnyups
4.14.2007
So all this week I have been dog sitting. Ironically, I am dog sitting (house sitting also) at the same place where I work. It's a home office. Needless to say, I've been going nuts this week. I wake up, walk down the hall to work, then I work, then I walk back into the house where I eventually fall asleep just to do the same the next morning. The bummer being that the dog I am watching is so spoiled that it needs a lot of attention. I'll live I suppose.
Also, for an update on my pops. He had a full body scan this past week to see if he has any bone cancer. The doctor said they may have found a small amount, but that they will be able to take care of it if that's what it is. He also had a lung biopsy on friday morning. We should find out the details on tuesday or wednesday. This is the news we've been waiting for. I don't know what to expect, and I know I'll be ok with whatever I find out, but the anticipation is terrible.
I'm not going to lie, life has been difficult lately.
Also, for an update on my pops. He had a full body scan this past week to see if he has any bone cancer. The doctor said they may have found a small amount, but that they will be able to take care of it if that's what it is. He also had a lung biopsy on friday morning. We should find out the details on tuesday or wednesday. This is the news we've been waiting for. I don't know what to expect, and I know I'll be ok with whatever I find out, but the anticipation is terrible.
I'm not going to lie, life has been difficult lately.
4.11.2007
This is a search engine, Powered by GOOGLE, that gives away stuff when you use it. Stuff like amazon.com gift cards, itunes cards, cars, and cash. This is me talking, not some spam ad. :) I just want to win stuff.
AND...if I invite you, and you win, I win too! So now you see my motive. If you win a car, they give me one too. I'm not gonna lie, that's pretty sweet. So yeah, go. Do this. Win me stuff.
`jonnyups
4.03.2007
Today is the day that my band's new album, "Leaving California" is released in Japan under the Fabtone Records label. The picture in this entry is the photo I took that ended up being the cover of the new album. Japan Release only, of course.
If you want to see the album cover, or even buy the album, look here:
Parker Theory - Leaving California
If anybody from Japan is reading this, thanks for stopping by.
We get to go to Tokyo on May 24th to support this album. Hopefully it will sell well!
This ends my official post on my band.
`jonnyups
If you want to see the album cover, or even buy the album, look here:
Parker Theory - Leaving California
If anybody from Japan is reading this, thanks for stopping by.
We get to go to Tokyo on May 24th to support this album. Hopefully it will sell well!
This ends my official post on my band.
`jonnyups
4.01.2007
3.27.2007
So this "Life Changing" news I posted about earlier...
A week ago Sunday, my dad had finally had enough of his neck pain, so he went to the Urgent Care place we always go to if we need it. They took an x-ray and found that his arthritis had returned...but they also found a questionable mass in his lungs. So they went to get a cat-scan to see if it was cancer or pneumonia. It ended up being a lump, presumably cancerous. I thought we would find out today what it was, but not quite yet. This week they will do some bronchialslidfaslkdjflas something or other test to see if they can determine what it is, then they'll biopsy it.
This whole situation makes you love someone in a different way. I have always been close with my parents, but it's different now. I don't know. I just want this all to be over with so I can know a little more what to expect.
Prayers are definitely welcome!
`jonnyups
A week ago Sunday, my dad had finally had enough of his neck pain, so he went to the Urgent Care place we always go to if we need it. They took an x-ray and found that his arthritis had returned...but they also found a questionable mass in his lungs. So they went to get a cat-scan to see if it was cancer or pneumonia. It ended up being a lump, presumably cancerous. I thought we would find out today what it was, but not quite yet. This week they will do some bronchialslidfaslkdjflas something or other test to see if they can determine what it is, then they'll biopsy it.
This whole situation makes you love someone in a different way. I have always been close with my parents, but it's different now. I don't know. I just want this all to be over with so I can know a little more what to expect.
Prayers are definitely welcome!
`jonnyups
3.21.2007
3.18.2007
"you can fly, I will never die. you can do anything you want to if you try.
I am a robot, and you're an alien. I've been lying to you.
But you believed it. Yeah you believed it.
I've been listening A LOT to the new Brighten album. As of now, it's only available at shows (they just finished up with "Cute Is What We Aim For" and will most likely be hitting the road in May with "Hawthorne Heights") and I guarantee you, it's worth the price of admission.
That quote above, at the beginning of the post, speaks loudly the pleasure of deception. The acceptance of it. The normalcy that deception is to most people. People lie to us, people deceive us. And we believe it. We glady believe it because you tell us what we want to hear. All we want is to believe, to believe is something greater. For me, greater is God. It's music. It's photography. It's friendships and it's love. I don't know what love is. I am clueless when it comes to photography. Music is so subjective. and friendships are fake. I know who God is, but do I let Him know me?
I have a negative outlook on life because I have never been given reason to see things positively. Actually, I have. But I am an artist and small speedbumps get me down. On the whole, things are great. I just allow my mind to beat myself up quicly, over little things. Anybody relate to that?
if you could make the oceans, and live above the skies.
wake the sun for morning, and light the moon at night...
then why oh, why can't I?
then why oh, why can't I?
3.15.2007
I love this picture. It's not a fantastic picture by any means, but it has special meaning to me. Special because it's one of the few photos I have of my acoustic guitar. Sadly, I'm not in the shot with it, but that's ok. I like the vintage couch. The blue on brown, the beige, the soft lighting.
This photo was taken quite a while ago. My friend Tracy Johnson (www.myspace.com/tracyjohnson) asked me to take promotional shots for her. So naturally I said yes. When she saw them, she wasn't a huge fan, and hasn't used any of them. I still love her. I didn't post them at her request, but I haven't seen her in a while so here they are. I own the rights anyways.
Last night, one of her songs (co-written by the singer in my band) was played on Mtv's "The Real World: Denver" and so I am posting this photo because I am proud of her!
I am getting a new external hard drive in a couple days, so I can start posting photos again. Photos with stories. Don't forget about me, bookmark this place and come back often. Thanks Friends!
`jonnyups
This photo was taken quite a while ago. My friend Tracy Johnson (www.myspace.com/tracyjohnson) asked me to take promotional shots for her. So naturally I said yes. When she saw them, she wasn't a huge fan, and hasn't used any of them. I still love her. I didn't post them at her request, but I haven't seen her in a while so here they are. I own the rights anyways.
Last night, one of her songs (co-written by the singer in my band) was played on Mtv's "The Real World: Denver" and so I am posting this photo because I am proud of her!
I am getting a new external hard drive in a couple days, so I can start posting photos again. Photos with stories. Don't forget about me, bookmark this place and come back often. Thanks Friends!
`jonnyups
3.10.2007
In this life, I have few loves. My Canon camera, and my Apple (MacBook Pro) laptop. Some other loves are my Taylor 414ce acoustic guitar, my Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray bass guitar and my friends.
I know 4 out of the 5 of those are objects you can buy. I consider my family as part of the friends group. I love my family.
I'm not a very material person. I mean, I am because I enjoy buying things that are awesome (such as cameras, computers, instruments), but I enjoy moments in life, experiences, and people far more than anything you could buy at a store.
With my instruments, I've had the chance to have some amazing experiences. I've traveled to Germany/Switzerland/France because of music. I've played in front of thousands of people in one night. And soon I will be going to Japan to play music. I've gotten to record with amazing artists, I've gotten to learn more about myself by teaching myself an instrument. I've had some great times, and I've allowed myself to look deeper while holding an instrument.
With my camera I've been able to meet and photograph some amazing bands. I've been able to stretch myself by doing portraits, weddings, parties, and other things I would have never imagined attending or trying. I've learned the value of a dollar, and when I want to buy something for my camera, I know it's important to save about two thousand of those valuable dollars. And because of photography, I have now become a "Professional Photographer" for my job. It's full time, and I get to work with kids and love people in a way I could have never imagined.
With my computer, I have become a ".com" and have people from all over the world reading useless ramblings of a dumb guy in San Diego, California.
Because of money, I have been able to buy happiness. DO NOT, for a moment, think that money can buy happiness. Money can be the root of all evil. You just have to use what you have, in a positive way. Years ago, I decided that I was going to live my life in a way that made me happy. I think that if you have a job that you're not happy with, you need to do something to change it. I have had jobs I enjoy, but I am constantly changing in the area of what I enjoy. I have come to a place where I love what I do. My free time is filled with photography, or music, or traveling, or friendships. Not to pull a Dr. Phil on you, but when you click out of this page and go elsewhere on the net, don't forget this. Don't forget that YOU are responsible for yourself. You have the power to make yourself happy. Just look at life a little differently.
"In this life you're the flower and the thorn... -jon foreman
`jonnyups
I know 4 out of the 5 of those are objects you can buy. I consider my family as part of the friends group. I love my family.
I'm not a very material person. I mean, I am because I enjoy buying things that are awesome (such as cameras, computers, instruments), but I enjoy moments in life, experiences, and people far more than anything you could buy at a store.
With my instruments, I've had the chance to have some amazing experiences. I've traveled to Germany/Switzerland/France because of music. I've played in front of thousands of people in one night. And soon I will be going to Japan to play music. I've gotten to record with amazing artists, I've gotten to learn more about myself by teaching myself an instrument. I've had some great times, and I've allowed myself to look deeper while holding an instrument.
With my camera I've been able to meet and photograph some amazing bands. I've been able to stretch myself by doing portraits, weddings, parties, and other things I would have never imagined attending or trying. I've learned the value of a dollar, and when I want to buy something for my camera, I know it's important to save about two thousand of those valuable dollars. And because of photography, I have now become a "Professional Photographer" for my job. It's full time, and I get to work with kids and love people in a way I could have never imagined.
With my computer, I have become a ".com" and have people from all over the world reading useless ramblings of a dumb guy in San Diego, California.
Because of money, I have been able to buy happiness. DO NOT, for a moment, think that money can buy happiness. Money can be the root of all evil. You just have to use what you have, in a positive way. Years ago, I decided that I was going to live my life in a way that made me happy. I think that if you have a job that you're not happy with, you need to do something to change it. I have had jobs I enjoy, but I am constantly changing in the area of what I enjoy. I have come to a place where I love what I do. My free time is filled with photography, or music, or traveling, or friendships. Not to pull a Dr. Phil on you, but when you click out of this page and go elsewhere on the net, don't forget this. Don't forget that YOU are responsible for yourself. You have the power to make yourself happy. Just look at life a little differently.
"In this life you're the flower and the thorn... -jon foreman
`jonnyups
3.07.2007
Back in December, I had the chance to record some bass tracks for a pal's solo project. The drummer on the project is Joe from the band Sherwood.
Anyways, my point being this:
Sherwood is releasing a new album on March 13th, it is called "A Different Light" and it is worth the money. If you head over to myspace.com/sherwood and look around, you can get the album for under $10, or the album AND a shirt for $16. Please do youself a favor and get this album, it is very solid from start to finish.
The least you can do is go to their myspace and listen to a few songs. Then come back here and tell me what you think.
`jonnyups
Anyways, my point being this:
Sherwood is releasing a new album on March 13th, it is called "A Different Light" and it is worth the money. If you head over to myspace.com/sherwood and look around, you can get the album for under $10, or the album AND a shirt for $16. Please do youself a favor and get this album, it is very solid from start to finish.
The least you can do is go to their myspace and listen to a few songs. Then come back here and tell me what you think.
`jonnyups
3.06.2007
This was a door near an antique shop in Fremont (Seattle). I like to travel, and see the world. Seattle is one of my favorite places. I would like to live there, but I would also like to stay here in San Diego.
Not everything is black and white.
Speaking of travel. I just found out this week that my bands record label in Japan is bring us out to Tokyo in May. We're going to be opening for our friends in Waking Ashland for at least 3 shows. I love Waking Ashland, and they are from right here where I live, so it will be great to travel across the world with them. I am excited to see Japan, and know what the culture is like. My friend Jordan (from As I Lay Dying) has told me that Japan has the best fans in the world, and I look forward to finding out for myself. You can expect pictures, for sure!!!
I love music, I love photography, I love sleeping, I love God, and I love my life. I am thankful for ALL of the awesome things I get to do.
`jonnyups
Not everything is black and white.
Speaking of travel. I just found out this week that my bands record label in Japan is bring us out to Tokyo in May. We're going to be opening for our friends in Waking Ashland for at least 3 shows. I love Waking Ashland, and they are from right here where I live, so it will be great to travel across the world with them. I am excited to see Japan, and know what the culture is like. My friend Jordan (from As I Lay Dying) has told me that Japan has the best fans in the world, and I look forward to finding out for myself. You can expect pictures, for sure!!!
I love music, I love photography, I love sleeping, I love God, and I love my life. I am thankful for ALL of the awesome things I get to do.
`jonnyups
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