Blame Canada!!

Hello again from my home away from home...the van. Well Canada was a blast. Of coarse I mean everything, but the border crossing as that is never fun. Though it was reasonably quick compared to past events, it still took a good portion of time. Once we got through it was another 40 or so miles to our destination "Richards and Richards" in Vancouver. We arrived, promptly unloaded our gear and went on a mission for food. Jim and I got our 15 dollar "buyout" in Canadian Loonies and Toonies and, along with a couple of the fellas from The Expendables, headed into the city to see what we could see. We ended up finding a little sushi resturaunt (the type most are hesitant to eat at) and noticed a sign outside that said "18 rolls for $5.50". Sounded like a smokin' price for sushi (which again would deter most any person with any sort of a intelligence), so we said screw it, let's do it. Didn't end up getting the deal, but did get another special they had. One California Roll (imitation crab and avacado), teriyaki chicken, soup, wantons, and shrimp tempura for only 6 bucks. Couldn't beat it. : ) Anyhow, we gobbled it down and headed back to the venue. The turnout for the show ended up being scarce, but we ripped it up anyhow. I think the sound in that venue was probably the best sound we've had on this tour yet. Long story short, we jammed out, packed up our stuff and headed back to the border again. What a mess that became. We ended up having to go back and forth from the states into Canada, into the states and again into Canada. Finally got everything sorted out with the authorities and were granted access into the U.S. of A. Nothing bad happened, just had to claim our merch. Anyhow, we loaded up this morning and have just arrived at the venue in Seattle "The Crocodile Cafe". Should be fun! Will post more on my journey in Seattle tomorrow. Thanks for stoppin' by!

Jason-

Portland/Canada Aye!!

Good day to all! Well, another show=another early morning and another long drive. Last night we played in Portland, OR at the Hawthorne theatre. The show was off the hook, exept for 2 things. My legs, and my stomach. Let me explain. I have recently started running again in hopes of working toward the Marathon again this year. If for anything else, to at least try and stay in decent shape in the "healthy" world that is touring . Anyhow, for some insane reason I thought it would be a brilliant idea to jog to the venue from the Motel 6 that we were staying at rather than catch a ride with the fellas. The venue ended up being about 2 miles or so away, which was really no big deal, but combines with what happened next I was headed for disaster. As soon as I arrived i walked nextdoor to this Mexican joint that i had eaten at before and let me tell ya, deeeeeelicious. A giant steak and potato burrito layered with onions, peppers galore, spicy mayo sauce and my final topping, a deep fire red pepper hot sauce....all over the burrito. On top of that, i figured, "WHAT THE HECK! MIGHT AS WELL THROW IN SOME NACHOS!!". Anyhow, I proceeded to eat the entire thing only to have Bryan (my rhythm guitarist) enter the restraunt informing me that we were on in about 25-30 minutes....oh shit. Just so happens that filling yourself to the brim with the hottest of hot sauces, steak and potatoes, after running 2 miles doesn't make for the best motivational combination. In fact, after doing so and trying to play a high energy, high intensity no breaks concert, it will actually weigh you down and make you either nautious or bring on the feeling that you're about to crap your pants. : ) Well, the damage was done so I had to suck it up, and tell myself the show must go on. The kids went crazy as they alway do in Portland (God bless em; ) and we proceeded to the bar for a few relaxing coctails. Got a ride back to the motel, got to bed by about 4 and woke up this morning at 7:57 to take the first driving shift en route to Vancouver B.C, Canada. Currently I am sitting literally at the border awaiting entery for tonights show. Should be a blast Aye! Wicked tired so once we get through it's naptime to try and re-energize for tonights festivities. See ya tomorrow, i'll let ya know how it went.

Jason-

New Blog!

Hey everybody! Welcome to my new Blogspot. I've been on tour now for about the past 8 years and have come to the realization that many of you have no idea as to what goes on out here. A few of the guys in the group have recently put together their own blogs and after checkin' em out i figured what the hell! I'll create my own! Seems like a pretty cool idea to keep family and friends updated on my day to day life. I'll try and post a little something daily so if ya get a chance stop on by as much as ya like. Thanks!

Jason-