Playlist Friday...

This weeks playlist is a mix of new pop-indie bands I have found over the last few weeks. Maybe you have heard of some or maybe you have not...crank up your vintage stereo, grab a Pabst and enjoy the weekend!

Finding Time To Read...

“Man, I have to take a speed reading class or something.” - Me.

It was brought to my attention that the average CEO reads about 4-5 books a month. If someone who runs a company, big or small, can cram hundreds of extra pages into 30 days, I think I can stop scrolling through Instagram to get a few pages in. I figured my goal would be to read at least one book a month this year. I know, not as aggressive as my entrepreneurial counterparts, but you have to start somewhere. So far I have been on track.

I started the year out with what I thought would be an easy read, absolutely biting off more than I could chew, with “Thinking, Fast and Slow” By Daniel Kahneman. This 512 page-turning thrill-ride (sarcasm intended) consumed my January, taking all my mental capabilities. I do not claim to be a smart man so, pretending I could understand the left and right side of the brain as my first read of the year was not smart. I will give it to me Kahneman though; it is written well, and I could tell he was trying his best to put it in layman terms. Once again, I am not a smart man. 

As January turned into February, I wanted to turn to something a little lighter. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki fit the mold. If you have not read this and have any plan of running your finances, life or want to make radical outside-the-box decisions, I would strongly suggest starting here. Even if you do not agree with some ideas throughout “Rich Dad Poor Dad” it will, at least, leave you thinking. And, I think that is a good thing.

My read this month is “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott and was recommended to me by a mentor/peer at work. We were having a conversation about the development of veteran teammate and discussed what would an area they could improve on before taking the next step in their career. I immediately pointed out that I have never seen them have a hard conversation with anyone and boom…a day later this book was in my hand for them to read. Instead of immediately passing it along I figured I would give it a go first to see what I could get out of it. Only a few chapters deep right now and like I said before, even if you do not agree with some ideas throughout the book it will, at least, leave you thinking…and that’s a good thing.

-YourFriendMatt

The Average CEO Reads 4-5 Books Per Month By Refreshed Leadership

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

-YourFriendMatt

Penelope...

Don’t let her adorable demeanor fool you. She is a nightmare.

Recently I came home to this 2 pound fluff ball staring at me. Yes, seriously, 2 pounds. She is the size of a Beanie Baby. I had a feeling we were getting another dog, and I was right. Jamie had been dropping hints and sending me puppy photos. I guess I should have paid more attention. After opening up a Instagram “name our dog” post, we decided to name this new addition, Penelope. For the first few days she was docile and we didn’t even know if she could bark. That quickly wore off and now she is proficient in jumping from our couch to our bed to the floor repeatedly until she passes out…but only for a minute or two and then its back racing in circles like the Indy 500 around our place. Did I mention she found her bark and let’s us know exactly where she is at every moment?

We are on full puppy training mode and I forgot how exhausting it can be. We have our other dog, Piper, effectively trained. She knows our sleep schedule and that barking will not be tolerated when the sun goes down. She has stopped begging at the table when we eat and understand that all poop belongs outside. Penelope on the other hand, is a shit machine doesn't understand, yet, that we need her to do that outside.

-YourFriendMatt

Friday Playlist...

Time for some fresh pop-punk on this glorious Friday! This list I curated were some favorite sugary jams I found this week through Apple Music. Its a short sweet list that keeps the tempo up! Enjoy here!

Becoming my own boss...

“What the hell am I going to do with my life?” - Me.

Over the last year or so I have really focused in on what I want to do with my life, and I am coming up short. And honestly, I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I am just happy to be motivated to change. This year I have committed to reading a least one book a month, replacing any wasted time I have scrolling on my phone checking out my friends photos, to see if I can find an answer. Someone recently told me that the average CEO has roughly 7 forms of income. My plan is to get there. Now...how?

Coming from and still being in the middle class I want to figure out how the wealthy got wealthy and how they continued to stay there. I have turned to multiple books, podcast and am continually doing research about how I can make my money work for me. I am finding myself in a classic ‘Where do I start’ scenario. Do I invest in property? And if so, what does that actually mean and where do I get started? What the hell is a bond and what stocks should I get involved in? Should I open a franchise? Where can I find a mentor to guide me?

Help.

-YourFriendMatt

Friday Playlist...

This one is not out of the usual for me. I love pop rock, pop puck, alternative-indie jams. This playlist has a few of my favorites and even some stuff I haven't heard yet...and better yet it's all about jumping in the car and hitting the road!

Enjoy!

-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

Friday Playlist...

Let's Chill...

This playlist goes out to the end of the week. That time we all have right before we clock out for the weekend and the joy that comes to us as we walk out the doors of the business world and melt into the Friday night.

Grab a wine, a beer, a whiskey and float away...

-YourFriendMatt

The 14th...

"Friggin' Valentine's Day."  - Me

I never really understood or had any respect for Valentine's Day. It just seemed off to me. I had very little patience when I was younger for trying to impress girls. Either we were into each other or not, and It didn't bother me either way. I think the problem was I hadn't found someone worth spending that kind of time and energy on. 

Jamie and I have been through a lot. After knowing each other since high school, probably grade school, you learn how to make each other happy...as well as learn how to make each other more mad than you ever thought humanly possible...which can be highly entertaining. We challenge each other, support each other and try not to end the day in an argument. Communication is key and we have learn (and are still learning) how to be humble enough to admit you were wrong, forgive and move on stronger than before.

Jamie - Thanks for supporting me, laughing at me, being a sounding board and holding my hand when I had a rough day. I know I am a dickhead, can be a stubborn prick and often act like a jerk off. I was born that way, but I'm working on it. I look forward to today because you are apart of it. Let's go jump in the van and see where today takes us.

I love you.

-Matt

Playlist Friday...

Looking for some easy-listening, relaxing...but exciting soundtrack this Friday? Boom. Found it. I needed something chill and motivating to get me to work this morning and from the energetic Matt and Kim to the overly chill My Morning Jacket this list does the trick for a TGIF kind of end to your week.

Enjoy!

-YourFriendMatt

Namm 2016...

“Hey, is it cool if I hit these $10,000 drums?” - Me

Noise cancelling cymbals...Sure...Why not?

I recently attended Namm for the first time. My friends tone company SoloDallas was in town to showcase and discuss their 2016 product line. Me, having never attended name before was super excited to come and be part of what they were doing. Since I was there kind of as a guest, but also kind of there to do whatever I wanted, I explored the 4 show rooms floors throughout the Anaheim Convention Center with my friend Ry. And what do you know? Of course they had multiple bars with craft beer for all the musicians of the world to partake in!

Them - Hey! Want your picture taken? Me - Yep.

It was awesome to see all the innovations going on in the worlds of music, recording and playing…not to mention to try it all out.

Saw some guitars that cost more than houses...

Running a bi-coastal media company, BrokenSoundMedia, with my partners, who knows, maybe we will pick up one of the 360 degrees keyboard for some reason.

What the hell is this thing?

-YourFriendMatt

Drumming...

Zach Lind has been teaching me to play drums for as long as I can remember. I hope I did a quarter of a good enough job on this video to compare. Jimmy Eat World's 'Clarity' changed my life and how I sing through drums.

The Stache...

“Sweet mustache.” - Some dude on the street.

I went to shave my mustache after Movember. Right as I was about to clear my upper lip of the joke that is my facial hair I heard a faint, “Don’t shave it, I kind of like it” from Jamie across the room. I looked at myself in the mirror, shrugged with an agreeing smile and put the razor down. I have learned about my mustache over the last few weeks. The left side likes to play ball and stay styled, while right side on the other hand does whatever it wants. I have to give him a pep talk every morning.

I am noticing more and more there is a unspoken bond between gentlemen who take their beards and staches seriously. It’s like how you let someone merge into your lane if you have the same car and shoot them a wave as they pass. Just this week alone I have been complimented by 3 to 4 total strangers with similar staches. I even got a thumbs up/finger gun/wink combo from a random on the street who had an obvious obsession with his stach.

Having something that smells this good under my nose all day is a godsend...

It has been 2 months now and it is getting out of control, I had to do something so I started looking into products that could possibly tame this beast and make me look more gentlemanly. Luckily, Christmas was right around the corner and Jamie hooked it up with some sweet stache accessories to keep me looking fly.

Products I am currently using: Can You HandleBar Wax, Pugilist Beard Balm and my trusty Stache Comb. The trick is you use the comb to straighten it out, apply some balm to the middle and work through and put wax on the ends for hold. Never. Ever. Trim. Just train it.

Thanks for being apart of my first attempt and manly facial hair!

-YourFriendMatt

2016...

“What should we do today?” - Me

We started the year off waking up in Anaheim at Disneyland, me with a slight headache, Jamie with a slight caffeine deficiency. We had spent the night before at Disneyland frolicing like 4 year olds one last time in 2015…but not before splitting a bottle of champagne in our hotel room first…and by splitting I mean she has a glass and I drank the rest…towards the end…straight from the bottle.

We got up - sort of - I found us coffees and a plate of cheap hotel pancakes and we were off to re-enter Disneyland for the first time in 2016, technically the second time in 2016, but who’s counting. We bounced back and forth between the 2 parks and that’s when I received a call. Over the last few months Jamie and I have been looking for an adventure mobile. Something we can cruise in, party in and make memories. The problem was, we are broke, so trying to find something within the $0 to $10 category that wasn’t a used Power-Wheel was becoming an issue. 

See my Instagram for a short video about this ride...@MattBates

Luckily for us, I am a Craigslist guru and have been told I should write a book or open an consulting agency about how to used Craigslist effectively. After searching through, negotiating and losing all hope we found a real diamond in the rough. One of those posts that is almost too good to be true, but we put in an offer 2 days earlier and they accepted. Boom. Win. I got off the phone and we left Disney as fast as we could to go meet up with them before they changed their minds.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present, Big Red...

Americans...#BigRed...

This has been one of the biggest impulse buys and most unplanned thing I have even done, which is not my style, but this thing is too good, we had to jump on it. This year is even more about just jumping, taking risks and continuing to focus on what makes us happy. This van might look like a silly old van no one wants but to us, this is our coast cruiser, the party machine and something that will be worth the story. (Plus, for what we bought it for, we can sell it and make a profit *Thumbs Up*).

Not a bad start to the new year, a day at Disney, cocktails with some great folks and a new addition to the fleet. 

2016, you are shaping up...

-YourFriendMatt

Anyways...

I haven't done a full song drum cover in a bit and this new single from The Starting Line rules. Looking forward to their new release this year, even if it is only 3 songs! Check them out, per-order or support if you want and get nostalgic.

Thanks for watching, give feedback, share and enjoy!

-YourFriendMatt

UFO...

I shot this in Nashville on a long weekend adventure. I love The X Files but this is a little weird.

Follow the light from the upper left of the screen to the center.

UFO? What do you think?

-YourFriendMatt

Nashville Adventure...

“Holy hell. This place is amazing.”

On a recent get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angles to Nashville, Jamie and I adventured around the ENTIRE city in 4 days. I think we got our moneys worth of what the place has to offer.

We had a layover in Chicago after jumping on the last red-eye from LA. We touched down at 3am, found our next terminal after drowsily running through O’Hare with our carry-ons. We made it to our gate, boarded and then…sat. Yep, stuck in the airport again. It’s not all bad, I’d rather the plane break on the ground than in the air. Evidently the windshield broke and it isn’t a quick fix.

O'Hare - 3am - Who knows what is going on...

2 hours later, and a new plane, we finally landed in Music City. And what did we do first? That’s right, we got hot chicken. If you do not know what hot chicken is, don’t worry you don’t have to use your imagination too much. It is just extremely spicy chicken on thick, toasted white bread. Yep, Nashville gets to the point. We visited Zagot rated and televised famous Princes Hot Chicken. We ate and then immediately feel into a food coma from barely any sleep, and the bread-battered, deep-fried goodness that filled our stomachs.

Act like you don't want this meal right now...

We found our hotel after lunch, got a few hotel cocktails and then passed out until 9pm, essentially forfeiting the afternoon. I guess the mix of southern fried delicacies and alcohol can have an effect on your sleep patterns.

…and you thought it was spicy going in…

-YourFriendMatt

Still Standing...

New single posted by these gentlemen this week. 'Still Standing' shows the bands hard-rock side. Starting off with a wall of crunching guitars and vocalists screaming the lyrics we lead to a huge, catchy chorus. I would suggest listening to this to get ready for a fight, going into a meeting or if you just want to win the day. Enjoy!

Getting Our Money's Worth...Part 2...

“Weren’t you here yesterday?” - any random Disneyland cast member.

I have done it. I have spent one month of my life this year visiting Disneyland. I like to think of myself as the reason they raised the prices. We bought our passes on my birthday in January on a whim. Jamie and I do not have any family out here so holidays were a little depressing. Since we had already visited twice over a year (at $300 bucks for tickets for the both of us each time) we figured we would spend our entertainment budget on annual passes to help cheer us up on birthday and special occasions…and since then we have become addicted. 

Taken on my birthday when we got the passes!

We figured even if we went 6 times in a year they would pay for themselves easily. So we got the best passes we could afford, with no blackout dates, percentages off food and merchandise and parking included. I mean when it’s that easy to visit, why not? Going somewhere and knowing you have parking is incentive enough living here. Parking in Los Angeles has become a new level of hell I never thought imaginable. If I can go somewhere and know I have a guaranteed spot and not worry about being towed or ticketed for a small fortune…I am in. Plus, I mean, it’s friggin Disneyland, do you need an incentive to go? It’s the happiest place on Earth.

Taken when my Mom and Sister came out for a visit...and we started drinking...

We have had a year of unforgettable holidays, special occasions, birthdays and random weekends wandering through. I make it a point to yell “Happy Birthday” at anyone wearing a “It’s My Birthday” Disney pin. I have gone on solo trips to experience the park by myself and it is still incredible. It is a bummer they raised the prices so we don’t know if we will be able to renew. It would be a bummer not to have access to it, this was always a dream, like “Oh, they go to Disney a lot, they must be rich.” But, I’m broke and we made it happen. 

Taken from our most recent visit when we dressed up like Burt and Mary...

Glad we got them this year and who knows what next year will bring. I think I got my money’s worth.

Think I can I make it 40 trips?!

-YourFriendMatt

Black Friday...

For the first time in almost a decade...I am off on Black Friday. Having spent my entire career in the mall, it feels incredible to work for an employer that values work-life balance. I was able to drink on Thanksgiving and enjoy time with family and friends last night without worrying about getting up at the ass-crack of dawn, or earlier, to help contribute to mindless American consumerism. The sky is blue, the sun is warm and I plan on going nowhere near a mall.