As I prepare to leave this 78 degree, San Diego weather in exchange for the 23 degree, snowy, icy, chilly weather of Lakewood, NY --> I turn my attention, not to work, but to this...
2004 year in review...
VH1 did it. People Mag did it. Rolling Stone always does it. hell, even Comedy Central is doing it. So now it's my turn. The "Shamma Lama big-in-year-that-was-best-of-2004 awards"! Yippee!!
Album: The Postal Service - Give Up
Yes, it's true that this album was actually released in February 2003, However, I did not discover it until January 2004 and thus, it became a staple in my year. Which leads me to the next category...
Best cover song of 2004: Against All Odds - The Postal Service
Movie: Duh. That should be my only statement... But for those that may still be wondering, movie of the year goes to Garden State. Love, love, LUV that movie. Clark and I both left the movie in silence for a few moments before agreeing that neither of us had ever seen a movie like that before. That rarely happens anymore with the carbon copy flicks now showing at a multi-plex near you. Not even a close second...but second nonetheless...would go to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Book: Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman. So funny. The best beach read since People magazine...which may or may not sell someone on reading it, but it's hilarious. If you've ever watched Saved By The Bell, the Real World, listened to Coldplay, seen a John Cusack flick, or lost a sock in the dryer...definitely read this book.
Best concert of 2004: There was no competition in this category. Although "concert" may not be the right term for this 2004 moment. The day, Tuesday January 6th. The place, Java Joe's Pub. The man, Jason Mraz. It's not often that one suddenly gets the opportunity to see their favorite singer/songwriter/entertainer/future author(hopefully) perform at the smallest of venues to a crowd of 20 or less. The day could also probably win in the 'Most Random Night' category as well, but I'll leave it at this one. Not only did I get to chat and photograph with Mr. Mraz, but I also got to hear him perform my favorite song in the world, 'Unfold', along with a few others. I still have a lot of apologizing to do to those who I called as I left Java Joe's at 2:30am to tell them of my adventure. Also, I will say that if there was a second place - which there's not, but if there was... - it would go to the Beastie Boys show at Cox Arena on September 11th. Maybe it was the day, maybe it was the company, maybe it was the showmanship of the fab-three, maybe it was just finally hearing the music that I grew up with live, but that was a fantastic and memorable show as well.
Best discovery of 2004: Blogger.com! :-) Thanks once again to the sexy-trendsetter-blogger, Miss Britt Trozzi! (insert applause here...)
Best dining out experience of 2004: Pacifica Del Mar - Clark and I visited Pacifica Del Mar on June 30th. Best table, best sunset, best crème brule, and the best date. Plus, eating with Clark is always great cuz I get extra veggies.
Best beach day of 2004: I can't remember the exact day but it involved Zack and Julie, Clark, Pat, Cousin Kevin, Al, Wilson - sadly Luke was out of town... and I missed him. But that was a great day nonetheless. Perfect weather. Not too hot. Not too windy. Zach took a great pic of Jules and I. Had to have been August-ish. It was a good day. I probably ate Chipotle afterwards, which definitely would have made it even better.
Best Kodak moment of 2004: my favorite picture of 2004 that I took is probably the picture of 'The Boys' on my birthday. Pat is almost smiling, Clark has a full beard, Luke is tilting his head and showing off the smile he's know for, and Kevin is, of course, looking sophisticated as usual. If I had to choose my favorite pic of the year that I didn't take myself though...It would be the photo strip of Jules and I from the fair in June. That is great.
Best use of my camera phone in 2004: Well, I'll just say the recipe looks something like this: 1 part Shama Lama, 1 part Britt, a pinch of radio contest luck, a hop, skip and a jump to Casbah, mixed with a little G love and please don't forget the special sauce. Had I not joined the 21st and opted for the camera phone, I wouldn't have the pic of adorable (if not somewhat "grabby") GLove with, of course, the lovely Britt and myself.
Best San Diego moment of 2004: Yea, I could say my second run in with Mr Mraz AND the Padres opening day win of April 8th...or I could say the day at Law street beach that Clark and I ran in to each other by chance- (which single handedly changed the direction of our relationship)...or maybe I could even award a wild night out downtown that I thought would never end...but the award in this category goes to July 22 at Balboa Park for movie in the park night with Clark. I showed Clark Balboa Park for the first time, we got sandwiches, a pretty dog ate my sandwich, we curled up in a blanket, shared a bottle of wine with strangers and watched 'It Happened One Night' on the museum wall.
Best of out town moment of 2004: I was able to break the ties that came up with most items on this list, but this one will have to stick as a tie. The first came on March 17, 2004 when I flew to Seattle, caught a ride from the Sea/Tac airport then snuck into the first floor of my sisters lakeside house and like clockwork, her husband lead her downstairs where I jumped out to surprise her for her birthday. A few tears and screams and hugs later, we were in downtown Seattle having sushi. My sister and I even enjoyed a happy birthday "Jem" theme song serenade via cell phone call from SanDiego. That night ended with me listening to a great cd sitting on the balcony overlooking Lake Washington. Good times. As I mentioned this category is a tie. The next best out of town moment of 2004 came on August 22 when Clark, myself and Mr and Mrs Anderson were enjoying a cool summer day in Lakewood, NY. Sitting on the Anderson's patio after a great breakfast, enjoying the company and scenery is something I've often thought about since August. However, I still have some visiting to do before 2005 hits, so a new favorite moment may be just days or even hours away..stay tuned...
XO Smile...like you mean it XO
