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Wednesday, January 30

Music Update!


This is Jason Gatlin.
As you might guess from the picture, he's the mastermind behind all the music I've been doing for the past year. He is a big fan of Starbucks, as you can see from the two Venti Starbucks cups on the desk. (I also had one; it's not pictured here.)
We spend lots of time brainstorming and just trying to get stuff done in the studio, and we did just that last night.


"Where's the heart?"

"Tell it from your gut!"

"One more time.."

"You can do better."

"I need more."

"What the.."

"What do you think?"

"Think just a tad higher; I know you can hit it."

"Put more passion into it - it's all about you!"

"You're the boss."


These are just a few phrases that I hear on a regular basis when I'm recording with Jason. He also frequently says "That was delish.." or "For the love of St. Patrick." That's actually a new one that he came up with yesterday.
But anyways, we're almost done! We're sending the EP off to be mixed/mastered on Friday! And from there we'll get the rest of it done...the EP should be done by the end of February and the rest will soon follow! I'm so excited - God is so good!
If you haven't heard the rough stuff that we have and want to check it out: myspace.com/briannavillines :-)
And as a final note, I absolutely LOVE Psalm 34!
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Tuesday, January 29

A Yo-Yo And A Slurp-uccino

I like Slurpees. I hadn't had one in a while, and found myself craving one, so I stopped at 7-11 today on my home from school. Lo and behold, something new has transpired since my last Slurpee purchase. Indeed, even 7-11 has responded to the coffee sensation that has captured all of our hearts. They have created the Slurp-uccino.

I decided to risk a change in my usually narrowminded, Coke-Slurpee-only habit in order to try this new flavor.

I've decided I personally am not a fan. It's good for a while, but it got a little old for me.


Also, before class today, my Soc prof. decided to reveal a special hobby to the class today. We had a few minutes before class actually began, so she busted out her yo-yo, which she apparently uses often. She was already one of my favorite professors so far, and now I just know she's amazing. The only thing I'm a little uncertain of about her is....she's a reverend. Hm. Anyways, here's a clip of her yo-yo-ing.


Monday, January 28

Rainy Day Adventures

If you didn't know, here in CA it's been raining for the past few days, and it's been amazing.

Yesterday, we were taken a little off-guard...yesterday morning it was bright, sunny, and clear. Then just a few hours later, the clouds appeared and brought yet more rain our way.


Since it was raining steadily, several of us hardcore Ocean Hills people decided to stay dry and relax a little bit...at Disneyland.


Disneyland actually didn't get hit too hard with the rain...except for about a 15-20 min period. And of course, that was the exact time that the Projectionist (Matt McK) decided he wanted to have some fun on Screamin'. It was great..the fastest roller coaster at Disneyland is so great when there's rain pelting your face and you have no way of shielding your eyes. It's exhilirating, really. I hope you can see the joy in our faces. Below is a picture of me (bot left), Carissa (bot right), Bryan (back left), and Billy (top right).
I apologize as the other picture of the rest of our group (Luke and Matt McK, Ryan, and Lindy) is unavailable as it somehow got lost in space, or wherever the Screamin' photos get lost to.

Saturday, January 26

A Series of Events in Los Angeles

I realize this post is rather lengthy; however, it is worth every minute of your precious reading time.
To help you navigate our journey should you choose not to read it all, I have provided subheadings.

THE BEGINNING






Yesterday, Evan, Billy, Kevin and I went to L.A. for the Passion conference at the Nokia Theater. We first arrived at our hotel, which is called Knight's Inn. We arrived at 4pm. The office was closed and locked (yes, at 4pm), but after a while, the owner appeared out of thin air and checked us in. Next we examined the extensive wireless internet network source that was cleverly lined along the wall, attached to the floor by clear packing tape.

Here's an idea of what our rooms entailed. In the guys' room, there was a total of 1 hand towel. They requested an extra bed, and she generously gave them a mattress and said she would be nice and give them some sheets, too. In my room, there was pretty much nothing. BUT outside my sliding glass door, there was a "balcony" of sorts. It was super weird. It was pretty small, and it was like a concrete dungeon with an opening at the top, which was at the roof level. I don't know how else I can describe it. Super weird.







Continuing on...to the THEATER








Yes, that is a limo with a truck bed. Last seen on the road as we were walking to NOKIA.








DINNER


We ate at the Original Pantry something rather...it was alright actually. They took cash only, therefore the cashier was located by the door and was literally behind bars.



We all got steak, which was served with cole slaw. The picture is a little blurry...use your imagination. Watery, slimy, nasty would be three great words to describe it.











THE ACTUAL EVENT



The event was awesome. As a side note, Garth Brooks was having a concert right next to us, so there were plenty of hick-looking people around us as we walked through the crowded streets. The first session was amazing - it's always awesome to be in a place where 4,000 people are all worshiping the Lord. It's probably one of the greatest events that can ever take place on earth...and heaven is going to be even better. (I can't wait!) Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, and Christy Nockels all did some worship stuff; Louie Giglio and Francis Chan spoke. The worship was incredible, like I already said. The messages were equally powerful. Overall, the event was all about God receiving the glory for everything we do. Themes of surrender, the pwoer of the Holy Spirit, and giving God glory filled the messages of both guys, and it was just amazing. The Lord really showed me that He just wants me to rest in Him and to find freedom in giving Him all the glory. I don't need to worry about taking care of all He has given me - He's in control!



God is so good!







MISCELLANEOUS


We took an adventurous trip around L.A. We drove down Sunset Blvd, almost went to Hollywood, and realized that we couldn't escape the 101. We literally got on and off the 101 probably....4 times last night? Hm.


Evan also purchased Mentos and Diet Coke.




POLICE ACTIVITY

We got back to our hotel only to find that about 10 police cars were located at the intersection across the street from our block. The surrounding residential streets were also blocked of with police units, so we decided they must have set up a perimeter. Of course, the chopper circling above shining its light on the neighborhood was a great hint.



So the guys decided we should go outside and observe the action. I naturally went along. We stood out there, watched the chopper continue to circle...nothing really happened for a while, until a fleet of cops walked up the street and went into a building.
They left after a little while, only to return minutes later. Fifteen cops walked all the way up a residential street, out of our eyeshot, armed with shotguns and other such artillery. It was crazy. But still nothing happened. I was getting a little bored, and we were just about to leave...when suddenly, all the police units got called away. To where? Don't know. But it was awesome! About 25 (the exact number is unknown, but we settled on 25 as a good estimate) units sped off, some of them burning out, and literally hauled out of there to an unknown location. That was exciting. If you ask one of the guys about the story, they'll give you a much better, much more detailed version.




MENTOS
Yes, we tried the age-old Mentos and Diet Coke trick. Where? In the dungeon attached to my room. It went really high. I have no idea how many feet, but it was the best I've seen. Evan is a genius.
We went to bed at 2am.





TODAY
Kelly met up with us today at the first session....it was all so good! It is such a blessing and privelege to worship the Lord and just to hear from His heart.
I'm stoked to see what He has in store!

Wednesday, January 23

Invasion


Apparently the original Skittles flavors just aren't enough anymore! Chocolate Mix Skittles have arrived!

New flavors include: S'mores, Vanilla, Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Pudding, and Brownie Batter

Sunday, January 20

Guitar Whimp


Steven Huggins is an odd fellow. Our friendship mostly consists of him telling me what's happening in his life...generally what he's eating, what he's watching, or what he's feeling. I naturally respond with sarcasm and I often make fun of him. It's become one of my favorite pastimes, really - he takes it well and we both laugh about it.

Anyways, tonight after Brandon's study, I made an epic attempt to overturn my habitual ways of teasing him, only to have it backfire in my face. I boldly proclaimed to all present that Steven was pretty good at Guitar Hero, and that he could play on expert on a few songs, which...he can. Or so I thought. Brandon proceeded to demand a presentation of said skills, to which Steven bashfully declined. After some coaxing, however, Steven took hold of the guitar as the legendary Dragonforce song began. And he played.... 0 notes. Zero.

Of course, Brandon then proceeded to shove a massive score of 79% on the medium level in his face and proclaimed himself as a far greater guitarist than Steven, even to the point of calling Steven names like, "Guitar Whimp." Steven was given multiple chances and continued to fail. To ultimately prove that he was superior, Brandon played the same Dragonforce song on Expert and dominated. Yes, he was only in the practice zone, but managed to complete...roughly 6% more than Steven.

As seen in the blurry photo above, Brandon is clearly the Guitar Hero of the two.

Monday, January 14

Back to School?


Let's be honest here. I know some people think that wasting time isn't possible, but I certainly do. Take the first day of the semester, for instance. What could be less interesting and less productive than reading through a printed syllabus? The professor took time to type it, organize it, edit it, print it, and hand it out. Why do we have to all read it together? College students are certainly capable of reading it themselves, right?


All that to say...the new semester is here! And I've got a lot of work ahead of me!

Thursday, January 10

I feel that I have just taken my first step to greatness. What could be better than being able to post whatever I want whenever I want! After reading the tales of legendary bloggers such as Eric Melzer, who I believe has completely mastered the art, I feel prepared to begin my own.