So yesterday was indeed my birthday.  Thank you to everyone who helped make it special by sending me birthday wishes on Facebook, via text, over the phone, in person, or in your heart.  I could feel it all and it helped me have a wonderful day.

Also, special thanks to Julie for putting together the dinner and movie plans: California Pizza Kitchen (yum) and Inception (great movie).

Overall, it was an awesome day. 

This was me in the morning… (sorry I look so sad and/or mean lol… I didn’t feel that way).

My 2010 Birthday Morning

And as a birthday bonus to you… this is a funny spoof on the Old Spice commercials from my Alma Mater.  Thanks to Lyle for sending it my way…

Okay… so two and a half weeks have gone by since I got my second wind for the six pack abs.  If you have followed me over the last 8 months or so, you would know about my goal to get six pack abs, and the efforts I have taken to get there.

I am still working towards the six pack abs, and I am definitely as close as I’ve been since I was probably 15 or 16.

My last post on this mentioned that I’d be keeping you updated with everything I’m doing each day, but I figured most people wouldn’t be interested in exactly what I’m doing so I haven’t been posting each day.  But I will say this…

My diet is mostly healthy.  I throw in a No Carb day every few days just to keep my body guessing (and to burn off extra fat those days…).  I also try to eat as much green vegetables and chicken as I can.  They are in my opinion one of the main secrets of healthy living and getting six pack abs.  (French fries and other fried food, as well as simple carbohydrates are not going to help you or me get a six pack… unfortunately lol… cause I really do like all of those things ).

My workout varies a lot… I try to workout my abs three to four times a week.  I’m also trying to get in four aerobic workouts and four resistance workouts (like weight training) each week.  Sometimes I combine the workouts and make sure my heart rate is in the aerobic or fat burning zone during my weight lifting (thereby getting both workouts in at the same time), and sometimes I workout twice in a day.  It just depends.  I’m also not doing the traditional chest/tri, back/bi, legs workouts… Instead I’m switching it up completely and trying to keep my body guessing.  My thought for doing that is that I will get healthy and strong–even though I may not build as much muscle as I might be able to if it were more structured.

Being healthy, fit, and in shape are my goals (and of course getting six pack abs )

Here are photos I took two weeks ago right after I started working out again.  Remember that I try to flex as hard as I can to get the best picture possible, so I normally would not look like this if you saw me in person (unless I was trying to show you my six pack abs lol).  I’ll have updated photos hopefully later this week…

Okay, and just for kicks I took a photo with different lighting, to see if I could make it look like I had a good six pack.  I of course am close to getting one, but it is not really there yet.  But with the right lighting, you can create the illusion that you are much more in shape than you actually are… or at least than you can normally see in regular light…  enjoy.

How I Felt This Week

Wow these last few months have been rather excruciating for me… and I mean that in the most positive way imaginable.

Does your life ever sometimes just feel like too much to handle?  Mine does.  And recently it’s been overwhelming me a lot.  Luckily this week I think I hit rock bottom and have begun to claw my way out.  Thursday night I got a blessing and yesterday I had a few realizations, as well as some needed conversations, status checks, and heart to hearts.  Sorry to anyone my blueness has affected.

I felt devoid of life… like I was slipping away into blackness.  So, to commemorate the occasion, I got creative.  This is what I came up with:  a visual representation of how I’ve been feeling lately, especially this last week.  I hope you enjoy, and I hope you don’t feel this way.  If you do, listen to some good music and make a decision to knock it off, turn around, and start clawing your way out.

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

Happy Halloween!!!

I know it’s a few days late for Halloween well-wishing, but I wanted to show you all of my costumes.  Yes, I had more than one.  This year I dressed up three times in two days.

At work on Friday the 30th, my sister (who also works with me) wanted to dress up like cheerleaders.  So, I was the stunt partner and she was the cheerleader I dropped.  As you can see from the following pictures, I dropped her multiple times…

Halloween 2009: How to dress like a cheerleader

Halloween 2009: Dressed in a cheerleader costume

And in case you were wondering, those were both of our original high school cheerleading uniforms.  (Hers from her freshman year and mine from my sophomore year–yes we still both fit into them ).  This is not something I normally broadcast, but I was a stunt guy for three months that year (until I dropped the same girl three times and decided it wasn’t for me).

On Friday night I went to a huge dance called Midnightmare.  It was pretty awesome and a ton of fun.  This time I decided to dress up like a skater.  It wasn’t that glamorous but it was fun.  I wore a friends clothes; he is a skater and helped me dress exactly the way a skater would.

I didn’t realize all that went into dressing like a skater.  I had to do the following:  the shoes had to be tied exactly right, not all the way to the top so the tongue of the shoe is exposed; the pants have to be behind the tongue of the shoe (so it can be seen) but can’t drag on the floor; you have to be able to see the back of the shoe, and if the pants are too long you can roll them up one small time; you have to sag your pants so your boxers can be seen; you have to tie a shoelace around your waste for a belt and let the two loose ends hang so they can be seen beneath your x-large shirt with the tall tee underneath it.  On my head I wore a Dirty Ghetto Kids hat with cool new white headphones that had to cross the hat perfectly above the button on the top.  Here is what I looked like as a skater:

Halloween 2009: Ty is the INnOut guy, Aaron is the Injun, I am the Skater

How to dress like a skater

And of course I have to include a picture of me tearing up the dance floor at Midnightmare…

Halloween 2009: How to dress and dance like a skater

On Saturday the 31st I dressed up as a goth.  For this one my friend Jenny helped me out.  I basically just did what she told me:  I wore all black with a black studded belt, painted my fingernails black, and put on light foundation on my face, some type of powder, and then eyeliner around my eyes… Boy was the eyeliner hard to remove at the end of the night.  Anyway, here are the pictures…

Halloween 2009: Me as a goth

with the trenchcoat

At the Pandemonium Circus Barn Party I went to Halloween

So these were my three costumes this year.  Pretty exciting…

I decided that my new album will represent the pinnacle of my artistic expression to this point in my life.

Since starting to write lyrics and music for the album, I have realized a few things. I decided that for it to really be as good as I want it to be I have to have a clearly defined concept. I need to know what I’m saying and craft my expression carefully.

I’ve realized recently that art is all about making decisions.  I used to think that decisions limited my artistic expression.  I have since realized that making choices provides clarity and freedom.  Once you know what is beneath the surface of the stone, it is so much easier to release it.

My original concept was light and dark.  I love the idea of the contrast between the two.  I still may try to include a little of this in my album (maybe as the theme of one of the songs) but this will not be the overarching concept.

Instead, I have decided to write about life.

There is a book that I recently read.  The point of the book was how beautiful life (and human life specifically) can be.  There was a phrase that I think I got from the book.  It is ‘choosing life in all its glory.’

That is what I want to write about.  Life.  I think life is beautiful.  I am so glad I am alive, and I want to share the joy and the pain of life.  Without one we would never understand the other.

This album will be a portrait of life the only way I have seen it–through my own eyes.

I recently went to New York City to help my sister move apartments.  While not my first time there, it definitely had some of my most memorable New York City moments.  Carrying mattresses, desks, and other random household items through the financial district (by Wall Street and Broadway) was definitely one of them.  The others however all had to do with the historic sites I was able to visit.

First things first, I visited my sister at work.  She’s an Associate Producer with National Geographic.  Here we are in her office:

Me and My Sis at her Work (National Geographic TV)

The first historic place I visited was the World Trade Center plaza.  The big empty space behind me is where the twin towers used to stand.  It’s crazy to think that only two buildings took up that entire space, and that they fell…

Where the Twin Towers used to stand

The following morning my sister and I went to Liberty Island.  While on the way, I came across this monument titled “The Sphere.”  I cried.

The Sphere Monument in NYC Battery Park

It was originally a monument to World Peace at the World Trade Center plaza.  The remains of this monument were salvaged and placed in Battery Park.  Below is the plaque that describes the monument.  There was also a flame in front of the monument that isn’t pictured.

The Sphere Monument Description in New York City Battery Park

When we arrived to buy tickets to Liberty Island, there was no one in line.  It was 8 am on a Friday morning–the perfect time to buy tickets to and visit the Statue of Liberty.  We were early enough to avoid the huge line, but not too early to stand in line with the early birds (who were all already waiting inside to get on the ferry).  We got on the first ferry out to the island.  I took a lot of pictures.

My Sister and me in front of the Statue of Liberty

As we got closer to the Statue of Liberty, my sis took a picture of me and Lady Liberty.

Me and the Statue of Liberty

She is such a beautiful statue.  I seriously took about 100 pictures of her.  Here are some of my favorites…

Lady Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

My Favorite Picture of The Statue of Liberty

After climbing up into the Statue of Liberty and all around the base and taking a bazillion photos, we hopped back onto the ferry and headed back to NYC.  I can see why the idea of The Statue of Liberty had such an amazing effect on the people coming to America.  Below is one of the quotes I saw in the museum of someone who had recently arrived in New York early last century.

Quote Inside the Statue Of Liberty Museum

Overall this trip was a lot of fun.  I was really glad to be able to see my sister and also many of the historic sites in New York City.  As a final picture, this was one I took somewhere on 6th Avenue (I think).  I put the camera on a mailbox and had it take the picture of us.  My sister kept telling me the camera would get stolen, but I had faith in the good people of New York City that they wouldn’t take it.  Plus I figured I could run as fast as any of them.

My Sis, Me, and Lyle somewhere in NYC

This evening I decided to take a walk through the city.  I think it’s supposed to rain again tomorrow so I figured this would be my best opportunity.  I brought my camera with me and decided it would be fun to document my walk.

Here I am at the beginning of my walk, still in the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown.  I’m about to get on the elevator.

Here I am about to enter the elevator

From right outside the hotel I had a beautiful view of the Chicago River, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and these two historic buildings.  The one on the left is the Wrigley Building.  The one on the right is the Tribune Tower.

The Wrigley Building (on the left) and the Chicago Tribune Tower (on the right)

When I reached the side of the bridge, I noticed some stairs that went down.  As I descended I found my first spot for a self-portrait.  You’ll notice I found lots of these spots…

My First Chicago Self Portrait

Right around the corner from here (directly under the bridge) I found my second spot for a self-portrait.  Keep in mind that I’m here in this city by myself.  I wanted to be in pictures to remind me of where I was (plus pictures are much more exciting with people in them).

Under the Michigan Avenue Bridge

After I crossed under the bridge and tried a few more self-portraits, I went back up top and crossed over the bridge.  On my way I took a blurry picture of the Chicago River and the buildings on each side of it (it was really pretty but the picture didn’t turn out).  Then there was a guy playing a drum and singing.  Another guy was taking a picture, so I took a picture of him taking a picture (not shown here).  Then I walked down Michigan Avenue, also known as “The Magnificent Mile” at this point because of all the shopping etc.  Here is a picture of me and the Magnificent Mile

Me on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)

You may have noticed by now that I haven’t been smiling.  It’s funny how you don’t often think of smiling when you’re taking a picture of yourself.  I didn’t really notice till after that all of the pictures were so serious.  I actually had a great time and lots of fun.

While looking for more cool spots for self-portraits, I ran into Mike.  He was from somewhere near the slums and wanted to share some Positive Poetry with me.  It was pretty cool.  After I asked if I could take a picture with him.  I liked his glasses.

Me and Mike after he shared his Positive Poetry

After wandering for another 15 minutes or so, I eventually found myself at a bus stop.  Here I am waiting…

Here I am waiting for the bus

While there I noticed the advertisement at the bus stop echoed the sentiments I was feeling for my friends and family.

Join me out here

After waiting for the bus (which never showed up), I decided to continue my walk.  I found myself in a beautiful garden with a bunch of yellow lights.  It was really cool.  The lights were very dim and created a surreal ambience.  It was very calming, so of course I decided to take a picture…

Me in the Garden of Light

When in such as a place as the Garden of Light, you can’t help but begin to think of the mysteries of the universe…  I got so caught up in one those mysteries that I had to take a moment to contemplate.  So I parked myself on this bench and began to consider:  why are these the only lights that are out?

Me contemplating the lights

At this point, I’m getting tired of my walk through town.  I’ve taken a bunch of pictures, and am satisfied with what I’ve seen. Chicago is a beautiful city, and I have enjoyed visiting her each time I’ve had the opportunity.  Luckily, my path took me in a big circle and I was nearing my hotel.  As I was about to arrive, I found a final self-portrait location.  It was another Garden of Lights, though this time it was hanging   After waiting for tons of people to clear out (so I could get a good shot), I finally took my favorite photo of the evening.

My final Chicago self-portrait under the Hanging Garden of Lights

After this I was home free and only about 100 feet from my final destination… my hotel.  I hope you have enjoyed My Photographic Walk Through Chicago.  I know I did   As a final goodbye, I leave you with a bonus photo.  Enjoy!

Photographic Art by Jon Pinney

On Saturday Paul and I got together and recorded for a few hours.  It was all piano/vocal arrangements.  I will hopefully have at least one of the songs up by the end of this week (if Paul is able to mix it).  One of the songs we did was an accoustic version of Rendezvous.  I think that’s the one I was most excited about.  It’s a little different than the version on the album.  Hopefully you will like it.

This was during our recording session Saturday. We recorded at my parent's house on the baby grand piano I learned on.

Just as we were about to record Rendezvous

I had two conversations tonight that touched on being picky.  Why is it that “picky” has such a negative connotation?

I found this picture of me being picky.

Picky is a word that many people have used to describe me (including myself).  And it is most often used when talking about members of the opposite sex.

I am told I shouldn’t be so picky; that I need to lower my standards; that I’ll never find someone because my expectations are unreal.

To all those people who think picky is a four letter word, I’d like to give you my opinion of why picky is not only okay, it’s the perfect way to be.

Here I am being picky again.

What does picky mean? According to Merriam-Webster, picky is “fussy, or choosy.”  Choosy means “fastidiously selective” or “particular,”  and one of the multiple definitions of fussy is “requiring or giving close attention to details.”  When looking for a mate, both of these are qualities worth having.

I expect my future companion to stimulate me on many levels.  The first of these is physical attraction.  I must be attracted physically, and it needs to be a strong attraction.  If this attraction is not there, the likelihood I’ll try looking for the other levels of attraction is not very good.

The second is intellectual attraction.  If she is boring, you can’t expect me to pursue her.

Wow I am so picky

The third is emotional attraction.  If she doesn’t have any emotions (or has too many), you can’t expect me to be interested.

The fourth (and possibly the most important) is spiritual attraction.  Not only must she have similar beliefs as me, they must also be important to her as mine are to me.  If we don’t match in this area, a future is likely impossible.

I normally sum all of these up by saying I have two requirements: (1) that she be attractive (2) that I want to spend time with her.  It is not my fault that I can’t find girls that match these criteria.  But I hope you can understand why I feel a future companion should.

I'm even picky when I'm on my phone

In my mind, being picky is recognizing the options that are out there, evaluating them against what you are looking for, and dismissing the options that do not fit your criteria.  If this is picky, then I wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm embrace my pickiness.

I don’t think it would be fair to be with someone I didn’t adore–or to feel like I’ve settled.  It wouldn’t be fair to me, and it would definitely not be fair to her.

This post may sound harsh to some.  It is not my intent to be harsh, only to tell the truth as I see it–the truth as I feel it.

Happy Labor Day!

Today was an awesome day.  I slept in.

Then I got up and headed over to my parent’s house to go swimming.  I invited some friends over, and we had a nice enjoyable day by the pool.

The best part was when one of them pulled out the camera… We started taking a ton of crazy pictures.  I’ve included some of my favorites here.  I hope you enjoy.

Our Best Group Jump

Pep Talk: Getting Ready to Do Tricks

My First Trick: Going Vertical

Oh ow, ah hot hot... Should I go in or not?

Second Trick 1st Attempt: Superman

Trick 2 Success: Superman!

And finally the women attacked us.

At this point, we decided it was time to do something else.  We went and ate at Quizno’s (I got the Turkey Bacon Guacamole… yum) and then headed to my place for smoothies, a movie, and a nap.  The movie we chose:  Far and Away–with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.  I have to say that’s one of my favorite movies, though it is really long.  We thought we’d take a nap while watching the movie (there were 8 of us) though I don’t think anyone ever fell asleep.

My favorite line and moment from the movie…  Joseph (Tom Cruise) says to Stephen (Thomas Gibson) right after he throws him from his horse into the river:  “We’re not in Ireland anymore, you arrogant bastard.”