Guy Time...

"Holy shit, that can't be him." - Me.

Last weekend Jamie and I had a very rare whole Saturday and Sunday to ourselves. With both of our work schedules, we rarely get an entire weekend off together. We had no visitors, no trips, no plans at all for a full 48 hours. We were thrilled. On Friday night we discussed what we would do with all this free time. When we lived in our home in Nashville we always had a project of some kind to complete, but we are renters now, we have no projects to complete. Our van is a tricked out as we want it, so no projects there, we were totally free. We ended up deciding to go down to Disneyland for the night. We are pass holders and haven't gone down in a while, especially to see the fireworks at the end of the night. We made our plans, found a super cheap hotel outside of the park, loaded up the van, and were on our way to our weekend getaway.

We checked into our hotel, which was a total shit show, but never the less, we would not let it ruin our time together. We walked over to the park and Immediately got drinks. To our surprise and merriment, it is Food and Wine Festival at Disneyland right now. We were locked in. We bounced from food cart to food cart enjoying adult beverages, and food from across the world. What more could you ask for?

We got a real meal for dinner and then decided to walk around to see if there were any rides we wanted to jump on before watching the fireworks to end our night. We wondered through California Adventure people watching and enjoying our stroll when I heard him. It stopped me dead in my tracks. "Oh, that's money right there. Welcome to Flavortown!" The words echoed through my soul. I turned slowly to the left and there he was, winner-winner chicken dinner himself, Guy Fieri. I was stunned. Jamie and I are both huge fans. He has a huge cult following. He looked exactly the same as he does on Triple D (Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives for those of you who do not follow the Church of Fieri). He was on stage to a small audience for the Food and Wine Festival. How lucky were we?

I grabbed Jamie's arm and scared the hell out of her. I could barely get out the words and she kept asking me what the hell was wrong with me. I blurted out, "That's gangster!" She just stared at me, "How many beers have you had?" Before I could say another word she looked over my shoulder to see Guy, in all his glory, as he responded to an audience members question saying, "You could put that on a flip flop and I'd eat it." He is incredible.

We watched his entire presentation and could not have been happier. Although we did not get a chance to attend his after parry celebration, he did leave us stunned and excited for the night. We were so floating for the rest of our evening as we discussed our favorite memories from Triple D and life. Just a perfect end to a perfect weekend alone with Jamie.

Guy - Thank you for all the joy you have brought to my wife and me.

-YourFriendMatt

Pixar Pier...

"I think I am going to throw up." - Me.

(After multiple rides on Incredicoaster, Space Mountain, and Guardians of the Galaxy)

Jamie and I are Disney junkies so it would only make sense that we planned our mini-staycation this weekend around the grand opening of Disneyland's newly renovated slice of California Adventure, Pixar Pier. Admittedly, a lot has stayed the same, it is more of a facelift than anything else but that does not take away from the incredible (pun intended) upgrades that this side of the park has gone through. The biggest change is the reimagined roller coaster that fits snuggly against the parks outer rim, Incredicoaster.

Incredicoaster is a redesigned ride that follows the Incredible family on an adventure as they try to keep up with their incredibly powered baby boy, Jack-Jack. Pixar Pier boasts new food stands, shops, and one of my personal favorites - an outside bar on the water, Lamplight Lounge. The Lamplight Lounge has been one of our favorites since we have been pass holders when it was called Cove Bar. The views of the California Adventure are phenomenal, the drinks are delicious, and the people watching is to die for. 

Disney seems to be doing a lot of renovations to California Adventure. Recently the park closed down the beloved Tower of Terror to replace it with an updated ride inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy. It makes me wonder how soon they will rip out Bugs Land and replace it with something more relevant!

-YourFriendMatt

My Future Wife...

Jamie and I are Annual Passholders at Disneyland. It is our getaway from reality. We do not have any family out here in California, so we treat Disney as a second home where we feel welcomed and taken care of. When we are there, you can usually find us bouncing between parks, eating Mickey pretzels, or grabbing Fastpasses on as many rides as we can. We consider ourselves very lucky.

We have visited Disneyland so much that we sometimes come up with new ways to experience the parks. There are entire subcultures of Annual Passholders doing the same. Hidden Mickey searches are one of them. The Hidden Mickey search is awesome, and I have done it a few times. These Hidden Mickey's could be anywhere throughout the park and could be in any shape of the iconic three-circle Mickey silhouette. I have found them in the art in some of the hotels, landscaping, on castmembers, on mailboxes throughout the park, or even on some of the rides hidden somewhere in a dark corner.

This past weekend Jamie decided to spice things up by taking as many photos as possible throughout the park doing her new favorite 90's pose. The result is pretty incredible. See the silly pictures above. 

This is my future wife, and I could not be more in love.

-YourFriendMatt

29...

"Holy shit. It's my 29th birthday." - Me

When I was a kid, I thought my parents were old and wise beyond their years. By the time they were 29, I was 5 or 6. We live in different times now. I feel my generation is spending more time experiencing life and trying to plan a little more. We kind of have to…but that is a whole different conversation.

The last year of my 20's, and I am excited. I use to care about getting older. When I turned 23 or 24 I thought my life was over. I broke down in a diner 3 miles from my childhood home at 2am. I just stared at my Liberty Bell shaped waffle, “I am so old, what have I done with my life.” What the hell was I thinking? 

As I get older now I realize I don't feel any different. I mean, sometimes, I think 2007 was last year and I haven't felt older than 16 for as long as I can remember. I feel I am more mature now, well sometimes, dick and fart jokes will never go out of style. I feel I have learned lessons and know how valuable a dollar is now more than ever (thanks LA…you have taught me you can change anyone for anything at anytime.).

I woke up on my 29th birthday surrounded by loved ones 3,000 miles where we all met. It is a great feeling. Waking up in Anaheim...about to hit Disneyland...this is a great day.

-YourFriendMatt

Year 2...

"Holy shit, I moved across the country 2 years ago today." - Me.

This week, 2 years ago, Jamie and I woke up to what would be any other typical sunny California morning to an empty apartment. Except on this morning we could not have felt more out of place. We slept on a air mattress, had no idea where anything was and the pressure of getting it figured out quickly was upon us. What else were we do to do? Go get coffee.

This was the first photo I took as a Santa Monica citizen...

From there we decided to go max out my credit card on buying a bed and max out her Target card buying all the stupid shit you need for a home...such as tupperware, bath room rugs, extension cords, cleaning supplies etc. Such a bummer to see how much all it cost and realize you are an adult. There was nothing fun on this receipt...but I do love having tupperware for left overs.

But, that was year one. This year was all about figuring out who we are and exploring our surrounding. We kicked the year off celebrating with friends and getting too drunk to remember! We drove up the coast to San Fransisco and it took forever! Someone broke in, I got promoted and we saw the Phillies lose to the Dodgers. I got stuck in the airport for 2 days, we found Randy’s donuts and stayed in an airstream in the middle of Malibu.

I was able to start recording with bands and play shows in historic venues like Whiskey A Go-Go, The Mint and The Viper Room. We found Marty McFly’s house and hung out at the Pawnee Municipal building…its in Pasadena…not Indiana. We became Disneyland Passholders and have gone as often as possible…celebrating most holidays and birthdays there. I even spent Back to the Future day there and then watched all three movies back to back. 

We have explored museums, found Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach. We almost died on a mountain and found some of our favorite restaurants. We were able to catch Back to the Future on the big screen at The Hollywood Bowl with a full orchestra. My mom and sister came for a visit and Jamie and Liv got piercings in Venice…that then got infected and neither of them currently have them in. Met Travis Barker our from of their show at the Roxy. I was able to shoot a music video with a band and I even got to see The Movielife in Ponoma for their reunion show. 

We have made a lot of memories this year, while experiencing the up’s, downs and b-sides of what life has to offer. I look forward to seeing where we are next year…and how many more memories we can make.

-YourFriendMatt

Bedazzled...

It is rare that Jamie and I get time to hang with our schedules being so hectic but we recently had a chance to do an overnight at Disneyland. We were having a cocktail before heading to the park and I guess Disneyland liked the photo I posted and tweeted it back to me with a little Pixie Dust.

I'd like to think Walt would approve of this.

Thanks Tink! 

California Screamin'

"Man, that noise did not sound good." I thought to myself right before my coaster came to a screeching halt.

Yesterday Jamie and I went to Disneyland. If you follow my Instagram (@MattBates) this probably comes as no surprise. We are first time annual pass-holders and since we purchased the passes we have already be to Disneyland 12 times...in 10 weeks. That's roughly about $2,000 if we would have purchased regular tickets every time instead of getting annual passes...I think we're getting our money's worth.

We grabbed a beer as we walked through the park after eating a quick burrito dinner. I am getting good at reading the crowds of zombie-like, fatigued out-of-state vacationers trying to cram in as much as the park can offer on their yearly vacation. We strolled passed California Screamin'. Although it looked packed and would take an hour to get on the ride; it was just the crowd traffic around the area. The real wait time to get on the ride was only 10 minutes. This is very unusual for a Saturday where ride lines can take up to an hour and a half. I turned to Jamie excitedly, "We have to get on! You almost done your beer!" As it turned out she didn't want to get on a roller coaster 15 minutes after eating a burrito...followed up by a beer. I could see her point, but I have an iron stomach. She encouraged me to go my as a solo rider and we would meet up after. Taking advantage of the opportunity I kissed her forehead, downed my beer and ran off like a 5-year-old flailing my limbs around jumping for joy.

I quickly got through the line and when the cast member asked me how many were in my party so he could get me on the ride I told him I was a single rider. I also told him I would be willing to wait until the next ride went if I could sit in the front which he didn't mind. The ride I was suppose to be on shot off and I was next to sit front seat for this roller coaster. The coaster pulled in and the riders filed off. I shot Jamie a quick text before stepping on the ride to let her know I was about to go if she wanted to see me off. My phone back in my pocket I stepped on the ride, pulled down the safety bar and waited to be launched.

The ride released and we moved forward. California Screamin' stops right around the first corner so you can see the first incline you'll be flung over. This also gives you family members a good photo opportunity. Jamie stood looking over as I waved or gave her a thumbs up for the front row. The countdown started and I heard an awful metal screeching sound followed by a booming thud. Not normal. And not what you want to hear right before your roller coaster takes off. "Okay Screamers! Ready in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go!" Echoed over the sound system as our coaster stayed stationary. I looked over to Jamie and shrugged. "Okay Screamers! Ready in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go!" Again over the sound system and nothing. I started to look around as if I was being punked. "Okay Screamers! Ready in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go!" Nothing again but more horrible metal grinding sounds. On-lookers stared at us on the ride as we all tried to play it off like we weren't kind of scared in a Final Destination kind of way. This was starting to worry me but we all remained in good spirits. The suspense was started in the build. In my head I started to think what if this thing really is broke? How the hell are we going to get out of here? I mean, I am sure we will be fine right? This is Disney. They know what they are doing? Right? Besides, I am kind of like Macgyver, I can fix this. 

Although it was probably a routine maintenance problem for Disneyland it scared the crap out of me. We probably only sat for a few moments before the ride finally released but it felt like an eternity. I did enjoy the ride when it took off and will continue to go on it...repeatedly. But if I am being honest, I held on for dear life this time around. Even still, through a brief moment of uncertainty...you can't pass up giving the camera on the coaster a goofy face if you know where it is.

Kid behind me was not as pumped as I was...

Ever get stuck on a ride at an amusement park?

-YourFriendMatt

One Year in Santa Monica...

...and we moved...

I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead like a do every morning. The sound of plastic against skin of our deflating air mattress echoed through the barren apartment. I got up to lift the shades and let the warmth of the sun in. She stirred and sat up. I turned to look back to see the nothingness and sterile white walls of our new place as she said "Well, what do we do now?" The excitement of driving across country faded quickly and the realization had set in as I looked back through the window at a palm tree swaying in the cloudless blue sky. 

One year ago today we moved from Delaware County, PA to California.

Home Sweet Home...

We arrived late in the night. I took a deep breath as we made the final turn on our adventure across North America. I have been listening to the GPS for 5 days and now it was time to turn it off. Wild. A journey of a thousand miles (or 3,000 miles) begins with a single step. And we were on our last step. 

Our landlords were waiting on the curb with their 3 boys who, luckily for us, were eager to meet us and help move a few boxes. I can't help but admit there was a moment of complete terror pulling up to the address that was discussed on the phone a world behind us now. After all the searching we did on multiple real estate sites for living arrangements we found this place on Craigslist. I was praying it wasn't a scam. I had promised Jamie’s family I would take care of her, make sure she was safe and took her away with me. (And they also promised to kill me if I messed up in anyway…and they made sure to tell me multiple times, so I believe them). We had no back up plan. And now here we were. All the prep work of getting out truck ready for a cross-country trip, packing, parties, good bye's, teary nights over beers with friends, and all the help we had led to this moment. "Please, don't let this be a scam." I begged over and over again silently in my head as I shot Jamie a suave-confident smile as we pulled into our new driveway. "Thank you." Releasing with a sigh praising the spirits watching over us. It wasn't a scam. We are home. And there are 3 kids here to help us move in. "Thank you." 

Thanksgiving 2014 on the beach...

We have learned a lot about ourselves over the course of the last year. To pseudo-celebrate our year mark in Santa Monica Jamie and I took a walk to the first place we went the day we woke up in our new home this time last year, our local coffee shop. We reminisced about how we bought a bed from the first place we saw selling them. We discussed finding a Target and battling LA traffic to get there…and purchase things we never thought off…like a shower curtain…or ya know, towels…or light bulbs. 

I am Space Ranger 2...

Over the last year we have gone through a lot and accomplished a lot. Like this for example, our truck died a month into us getting settle. We were carless and broke in a new city. Luckily, we have awesome friends, Greg and Rick, who were willing to drive my car I left in Pennsylvania all the way out here so we didn’t have to buy another. Thanks guys! Jamie worked as a visual designer, floral designer and now works for a real estate broker. Go Jamie! I got promoted. We adopted a dog. We stayed in Joshua Tree, went to Disneyland for Christmas and then went again in the summer (why not!), we have hosted her family twice and had more people stay over than I can count…and we loved every single one of you who came out to stay with us! We made it to San Diego, we have hiked all over the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu, I started this blog, we flew home twice for weddings and to play on the radio 104.5 with my friends, we have watched my nephew grow up and learn to walk over FaceTime, I made it to vegas to make a short film, I saw the Phillies beat the piss out of the Dodgers in their own stadium, we made it to Catalina (not for a wine mixer), and made some incredible, lifelong new friends.

Love...

It’s been a hell of a year and I look forward on what’s to come. I am truly blessed and lucky. Thank you everyone who has been apart of our lives, especially over this last year. And thank you to anyone who has supported us in any way during these crazy times. We love and thank you for everything.

See you soon!

-YourFriendMatt