Good Times

It always amazes me how much inspiration can result from a 3-day getaway. Brandon knows me well enough that he actually mentioned that some of the things planned were to further my goal of living and not existing. Those plans consisted of biking through the suburbs, taking a train to the city, then biking around downtown. Hitting such spots as The Grassy Knoll and the Dallas World Aquarium. Later we would hit up a Mute Math concert that was even better than the last one I attended. Again, you have got to check out The Cinematics! (Click on image above to see video of the concert).

And that was just Friday. I also met some really cool people. I could easily jump right in with that crowd. It sort of reminded me of my days at Harding.

A great thing to do when you’re on vacation is to check out different places to eat. This trip did not fail me whatsoever in that regard. While not a complete list, here are the shining stars from the weekend:

The Cadillac Bar — I recommend the Fish Taco’s.
(Blackened, grilled or fried fish in soft corn tortillas, topped with roasted chile mayo, jicama, cilantro, red cabbage and tomatoes.)

Texadelphia — I recommend the Founders Favorite Cheesesteak.
(A Black Angus cheesesteak with grilled onions, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and jalapenos. Topped with our famous Mustard Blend.)

Pappasito’s Cantina — I recommend the Fajita Famosas.
(Sizzling chicken, beef or shrimp, fresh flour tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo & guacamole.)

Wrapping up the new experiences was sitting down to a back-to-back showing of some Wes Anderson films. Having already seen and loved Bottle Rocket, I finally had a chance to check out Rushmore and Life Aquatic. Both were fun, but I think I liked Rushmore the best. I still have to check out The Royal Tenenbaums soon.

I already miss Texas, but man am I happy to be home with my family! My thanks to the DeLoach family for putting me up for a few days. You were the perfect hosts.

Filed under: Dallas, Mute Math, Restaurants, The Cinematics, Wes Anderson

Planes, Mute Math, & American Idol

I couldn’t be more stoked over my trip to Dallas. For starters, it’s Dallas. Secondly I’m heading to see my boy Brandon. Thirdly, we have some serious plans in store…

Thursday — Arrive at 9:30pm, head straight to a sports bar to watch Game 6 of the Dallas/Golden State series.

Friday — Bike riding, and train riding, around town are on the agenda. Museums and Brandons work will be visited. For the evening we’re going to catch a Mute Math concert.

Saturday — Cinco de Mayo. I’ve heard you can have a good time in Dallas around Cinco De Mayo. We will also be doing everything in our power to get into Game 7, should the Mavs make it out of Golden State.

Sunday — Check out Brandon’s church, have a nice meal and chill, then fly back, hopefully finishing up one of the books in my sidebar.

I don’t imagine much posting during this time. There will be a new Mud & Steel up tonight or tomorrow. We’re filming today since we’re both off tomorrow. (And I’ll be out of state).

For my parting thoughts, I thought it would be cool to give my Top Five American Idol Performances of All Time. Inspired by the most recent performance by Blake Lewis.

1. Shout to the Heart – Blake Lewis
(Dude is my hero. Best performance on AI ever)

2. Love is a Battlefiled – Carrie Underwood
(Threw me for a loop with a very un-country performance)

3. Hemorrhage – Chris Daughtry
(Better than Fuel? IMHO)

4. I Believe – Fantasia Barrino
(If this doesn’t bring you to tears…)

5. A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
(First AI performance I ever saw. Very raw and emotional)

Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Dallas, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Mute Math, Vacation, YouTube