["Celebratin' 10 years."]
Went to the Matix 10 year Book Signing with Emily last Thursday. Matix released a book celebrating its 10 years in the biz with contributions from various riders and friends that have made the brand what it is. There was a book signing and mixer of sorts at Hennessey & Ingalls in Hollywood. The Red Bull bus was there as well.
There was an after party at Fordbrady later in the evening in Chinatown. Pretty neat place, old theater converted into a live/work place. Paul Park, one of the contributors and an amazing photographer, was on hand getting photos of the guests. Here is ours.
["Emily and I. Photo by Paul Park"]
It was a great turnout. I had the privilege of meeting one of my early skate heroes Rodney Mullen. The dude doesn’t go out into the public eye much, but he made an appearance. I’ve been looking forward to meeting that dude since I started with the company 4 years ago.
["1st Disney trip"]
I found this picture the other day. My mom had it out to put into one of our albums. It’s from our first trip to Disneyland. I remember that day pretty well. I think it still goes down as one of the happiest days of my life. Growing up, we didn’t really get to go to many places, so the prospect of a trip to Disneyland was incredible. We wouldn’t be able to sleep. I mention that to people every now and then and I get this whole “are you serious?” response with a surprised look. Mostly it’s from people who went quite often. I’m thankful for the economic hardship we experienced as kids in that aspect. It made the few trips out there so incredible and enjoyable.
I bring this up because as early as I could remember Disneyland having annual passports, I’ve wished to have one. I still love the damn place. It’s instant happiness. Thankfully this year, my two friends Angie and Alex, got me started on an annual pass. I’m so ridiculously psyched! I can go whenever the fuck I want (barring a few black-out dates), and the idea alone takes me back to that first time I went. We went down the other day in the rain. We had to poncho up it was raining so bad, but it didn’t matter.
First stop was over to the “City Hall” to get my passport photo taking. It has to be by far, the worst photo ever taken of me. I look like some Charles Manson, pedophiley, quasi-caveman. Brace yourself…
Continue reading ‘Disney Passport’
["Oh the joy! It's palpable!"]
Happy Birthday to me! 26 years old. Go ahead, ask me. “Danny it’s your birthday, you’ve just turned 26, what are you going to do next?” I’m going to Disneyland! For free! You can’t not cash in on the opportunity to get into the park free. Had to do it.
["A badge so that everyone knows."]
It was quite the day actually. I popped out of bed at 7:00 A.M. and decided to go for a walk. It was pretty damn refreshing. I made my way down the block and decided to start the day with an overpriced cup of coffee. Got to explore the neighborhood in the process which is always good.
The plan was to head out to Disneyland with Dave and Britt by 10. I had dinner reservations with one of my favorite people, Emily, and wanted to get a decent chunk of Disney before I had to head back.
["Pre-Disney face joy!"]
Dave had the ingenious idea of documenting the life-suck that can occur when one is overjoyed. So amped on coffee and life, we snapped this first shot and got going.
I got a birthday badge at the park. Pretty much a beacon for staff to wish you a Happy Birthday at every ride. It adds to the feeling special on you birthday vibe Disney was pushing. It was quite nice. Not much to really say about Disneyland. It’s a fun fucking place. Can’t really be bummed there. I do however have some issues with the bastardization of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. STOP IT! Just STOP.
["Sitting in a pink cup...yippee."]
We went on all the favorite rides. Lines were surprisingly long, but fastpass is an awesome idea and definitely makes a difference. We did Indiana Jones and had profound discussions about the reality of asian tourists throwing peace signs in pictures. It’s a very genuine, yet meaningless thing, and so very interesting to watch. We then went on Thunder Mt. and noticed the massive decrease in speed since the accidents. We then had $6 dollar slices of pizza and made our way to splash mountain.
At Splash Mountain we made the decision to try and be as serious as we could be at the drop. Let me tell you, that shit is damn near impossible. It takes a great deal of energy to conjure up some of the most depressing shit you can imagine after seeing a bunch of fluffy animals talk about getting high at some place called the “laughing place”, but I think I nailed it. (see 1st photo).
["Our faces reeked of fun. "]
It slowly got closer to being time to depart. Dave and I made our way to Space Mountain. We got in line, zipped off into space, and made our way out of the park. It was an awesome way to spend the day. I get all these flashback to the first time I went. It’s one of the blessings of growing up poor. The very mention of “Disneyland” would make life an incredible thing, and that feeling never wears off. Every time feels like a big treat. I would hate to be one of those jaded kids who bitches about being at Disneyland. Those kids needs to get elbowed in the face.
["As quickly as it begun, it was over."]
Disneyland was done but the night was far from over for me. We hurried back home so that I can go to dinner with Emily. She had made reservations at Taylor’s steakhouse. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like a steak dinner on your birfday. That shit just hits the spot, and when the company is as aweesome as my friend Emily, you can’t go wrong. It was great. We talked about life, guns, tattoos, and ate some incredible food.
After dinner, we headed over to Borders to browse some books. I got a call from grandma and family to wish me a happy birthday, and then almost got nailed by a drunk driver on the way back home. My parents stopped by late at night and gave me a few gifts, wished me a happy birthday, and watched a Bigfoot documentary with me. It was a perfect day.
Thanks again for the amazing dinner and company Emily. Britty and Dave, thanks for enriching my inner child with me, and Fedorah thanks for the gum drops. And a special thanks to all for the birthday wishes.
