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At a particularly low point in my job search, I decided to up and quit my job at Bristol Recording Studios. I was feeling sorry for myself and truly troubled. I knew that I needed a break from the vicious mind cycles, and Libby was taking a trip to KC for work.

I decided to go somewhere where I wouldn't have my usual distractions but that would still be fun for me. I decided to go to LA for a five-day trip. My friend, Rick Bolander, was gracious enough to host me on my short-notice self-invitation :-)

Rick is a friend from the USAFA days and has been working on his professional music career as an exceptional songwriter, singer, guitarist and bandleader. We have kept in touch since school and have sort of fueled each other's musical fires here and there. I was hoping to see what he was up to, catch a few rays and enjoy the ocean during the week.

When I spoke to Rick beforehand, he said, "Cool. I have a show on Thursday." I was stoked to get to finally see his band, Cerulean, in action. A day later, he suggested that maybe I could play rhythm guitar on one song. Again, I'm getting giddy.

I arrived on Wednesday. We ate a couple meals and went to the last rehearsal before the gig. Again, I was happy just to be involved. Once the rehearsal began, though, I got really excited. I was TRYING to figure out a way to contribute on each song. At some point in the midst, Rick suggested that if I was comfortable with it, I might as well play on any song that I could. What a generous artist!

Oh, what fun! The gig was at an art house in downtown LA. We ate excellent sushi (courtesy of the drummer, Mike McCabe) in China(Japan?)town prior to the show. Then, we played some rock and roll. I joined Cerulean for five of seven songs. Rick writes great songs, and the band plays with intensity and energy. Admittedly, I was mostly trying to keep up. However, there were a couple moments that are the reason I picked up the guitar in the first place and the reason I still do so everyday. Thanks, Rick.

The rest of the trip was mellow and fun. By the time I returned home, my mind was crystal clear AND I had three job opportunities knocking at my door. Life's pretty fun if you don't try too hard...I guess.