Thanks for all the good holiday wishes, people. Riss and I are in Colorado visiting my Mom and stepdad. They live in this really great house on the edge of the forest with a beautiful view. I didn't grow up here, my Mom's company moved her out here a few years ago. I only get to see her once or twice a year at holidays, but getting to come out to the snow and quiet is a nice bonus. Colorado is a complete 180 degree shift from Los Angeles life. Since moving here, my Mom has gotten into cooking and holiday decorating with a passion, so Riss and I are stoked - we get to pig out on her crazy good cinnamon rolls for the weekend. Historically, with all this damn peace and quiet, I get musically inspired on Colorado trips, so hopefully I can get an idea or two down while I am here. Have my trusty sketchbooks, tape recorder and iPod just in case the ideas come. They have an acoustic they keep here just in case.

Been listening to the new Rufus Wainwright CD "Want Two" for the past few days. "Want One" was my favorite CD of last year, so I have been looking forward to this one. His record company went out of business between records, so it was looking a little grim concerning the release of this new one, but it looks like Geffen picked him up and everything is going to be okay. As with all of his records, I love it, but have already heard most of my favorite songs as they were put on an EP called "Waiting for a Want" that came out a few months ago when the full album's release was looking shaky. Favorite tracks: "The Art Teacher", "Angus Dei", "Gay Messiah". It's not for everybody, but if you are into full on songwriting and singing of singular caliber, then it is definitely for you. Elton John called him "The greatest living songwriter on the planet", and I completely agree.

Halo 2 is proving to be a much longer game than I has previously thought. That walkthrough I had consulted was incomplete. I have been digging into it for a few solid days now, and am still in the thick of it. It's a great game, but like I said, it's really just and extension of the first one, not much new ground is covered except the levels where you play as one of the covenant. Before my Xbox was stolen, it was broken for months (take that you fuckin robbers) so it's been great playing some games again.

Thanksgiving is a holiday where you are supposed to gather up with friends and family and be aware of what you have to be grateful for. I am lucky enough to be in a beautiful mountain town with my Mom, stepdad, and girlfriend and I have so much to be thankful for. I have some friends I truly love, and I am lucky to spend my days working on this band and making music with Dave, Stephen, and Chris, what has been an unbelievable experience so far. I am also thankful to all of you who read and post to this site, having you guys in my life has been one of these unforeseen pleasures. I wish you all the best.