I've Always Wanted to Wash Out With the Rain...

2008 was a strange year. It wasn't necessarily good, it wasn't necessarily bad, it was just a year.

I graduated from high school and started college.
I released some more CDs.
I set up some shows, most of which were poorly attended (thanks).
I started a new band.
I started writing a zine.
I made some new friends, while others walked out of my life still holding on to some piece of me.
I let people walk all over me.

Basically, I accomplished nothing in 2008. Here's to hoping my life won't lack meaning in 2009.

So what are my plans for the new year?

Live in Atlanta this summer (come see me).
Record a CD and go on at least a short tour of some kind.
Probably still let people walk all over me.
Get rid of all of the instruments I don't play anymore.
Participate in at least one critical mass in Atlanta.
Help with Food Not Bombs when I can.
Vegan by summer.
Find something that makes me happy and hold on to it.

Any reflections on 2008? Any plans for the new year? Post away!

I Didn't Believe You When You Said That Life Is Easy...

...I can guarantee you that these winter blues are real."
~Arkansas?

Well, another month is almost down the drain. What's been happening?

I made Dean's List. 6 As, 3 Bs. Woo.

I've decided that as soon as I can I'm going to probably transfer to UGA. Rome, Georgia just isn't doing it for me. Unfortunately, since Berry is a private school, I'll probably have to wait until Spring of next year to do so, due to some of my credits not transfering. Yargh. I really don't want to leave the few friends that I've made behind, but I really feel like I'm limiting myself at Berry. It feels like college jr.; at Berry they baby you through everything. Oh, and it's hella expensive. On top of the ridiculous tuition, they nickel and dime you every chance they get.

Stoked: The Band played two shows this month. Well, technically, one (because I played one of them solo), but whatever. The first one was at WonderRoot in Atlanta, and it went decently. For once it wasn't me screwing up the songs; Luke messed up a lot. It was fun, but I think we sounded like crap. The second one was the next day in Hayesville. It was a lot of fun, but not many people showed up. Basically, I had a venue 3 weeks prior, but they bailed 2 days before. It was fun, though, and I think Allison, AJ, and Dylan made at least gas money. I hope. I don't care about crowds for me, just other people.

I just got back from a week in Chicago. It was in the negative degrees like half the time I was there. I was starting to get used to it, though; one night I was out in 25 degree weather with just a t-shirt and felt fine. This was one of the best trips so far. I got to spend a couple days with some of my best friends, listen to some great music, Finish up last minute Christmas shopping, and play a role in pretty much reuniting / rekindling good relations with the stepsister and stepdad. Woo!

Now I'm stuck in Blairsville until January 14th, when it's time to go back to good ol' Berry College. Great. I started writing a zine a couple days ago, so that should keep me busy for awhile. It's gonna come with a CD. And it'll probably be freeeeeee. Woo.

So, Christmas came and went. It seems like everyone liked what I gave them, and I know, for the most part I liked what I received. The most amazing thing I got was a vintage Stratocaster. It was a gift from my uncle. I don't know where he found it, or how he got the money for it, but it really means something to me. And it plays awesomely! Other than that I got a plucked psaltery, an acoustic-electric mandolin, a new kalimba, clothes I'll never wear, and a ton of giftcards. Woohoo. Hope your holidays went swell.

For the past few days I've been hanging out with Trey and Bethany. It's been awesome, and I really miss them.

As always, for more up-to-date / interesting posts, go to dakotafloyd.com

That will be where I post demos from the Stoked: The Band album!

I say that like you care.