Recently, a few weeks ago, I did a photoshoot of my friend Tim in around Encino and Lake Balboa. I met him on Twitter around two years ago and then in person a year later at Primitive Shoes and Apparel, which we both have the same interest there among other things like women and sneakers. Its been a while since I did a legit photosession.
The only difference with this session and my previous ones is that these photos were taken with my iPhone 5, because due to my busy schedule, I didn't have time to drive down to Samy's Camera or any other photography store to by some rolls of film for my Nikon N70 camera, which I was originally going to use for this. Anyway, the photos turned out great and it was also great working with Tim on capturing these images of him.
So Kate Middleton gives birth to a boy (overhyped without disrespect) and Dennis Farina dies at the same day (with all due respect).
Just wanted to get that out of the way. Again another busy ass month of July for myself. Today was one of the many rare day offs from work I had after a half-decent weekend which I'll explain later. I really wish that I didn't have to share my day off with my pops today, out of all the other days of the week. Here's a PSA message kids: stay in school, get your degree, land a job and move out of your parents' crib once you start receiving those paychexs.
Never thought that I would land myself in a heated dispute with the man of the house yesterday morning for some small unnecessary petty reason. That shit got me riled up, and I haven't event drank my Iced Coffee yet. In the 25 years I endured Sunday mornings without the NFL season, that one had to be the lowest of the lowest. Eventually, it took me a while to get over it through out the day thanks to some group of Russians that I picked up from Universal Citywalk and took them all the way to a hotel in Torrance. That long drive started to ease off the mood. The Del Amo Fashoin Center was right across from the hotel, and so I went there to check it out since I've never been there, as well as to get something to eat.
That place is large and it looks outdated, although they are doing some renovation near the Macy's wing. Hell, even the food court looks boring. Maybe is cause I'm already used to the nicer, remodeled ones at The Topanga Mall and the Fox Hills Mall. They had a lot of stores and an AMC movie theater. The only thing I did there was I just ate a late lunch at the Sbarro pizza. I almost copped a Kelly Kapowski T-shirt at this big ass Urban Outfitters there next to the AMC Theater before I left, but I'll keep that in mind next time.
I didn't really want to bring up about that dispute from that Sunday Morning on here. I remember talking about that type of shit four years ago when my pops got re-married and the constant arguments between us around late 2008 - early 2009. Remember, I was unemployed for a brief time until I got that security gig later that summer and the recession was at its peak with very high unemployment rates plus constant layoffs and hiring freezes. I lived away from home to a place in Sylmar from late 2010 until just last May, and I moved out because of the taxicab gig I was doing and also there were alot of shady politics between the housemates at my old place in Sylmar. Once I makeup some decent cash, I'll try to find a place of my home without any assistance and shit. Again, I really didn't want to express all of that stuff. Its normal in several families and it shows that while you're at your best in your life, you can expect the worse scenarios from out of nowhere.
Alright, now that I got that shit out of the way, let's get into some tight stuff. First off, I got me a new taxicab. Now, originally, I was driving a Ford Crown Victoria when I first started this job back in February. I liked it at first since it was the same whip that the LAPD drives (mines isn't the Police Interceptor version) but I got really bored and tired of it. That car had so many fucking problems while I was driving it: from getting one of the rear tires blown off in the 405 southbound freeway to the car stopping all of a sudden while in motion every so often and the endless trips to the mechanic's shop every week for it. It was alot of hell with the Crown Victoria, until I finally was able to get it exchanged last week for a Toyota Prius as my new taxicab.
This car right here... just fucking, damn. Its smooth, very chill and it REALLY does save on gas as everyone has been saying. Now before this, I was in a Toyota Prius twice (both the second and third generation) The last time I was in one was when I was test driving the third generation versions in Valencia back in 2010 (one of the worst test drive events that I've ever been to) and I got a fucking free movie ticket for driving that shit. I can't complain, it a really good car. So many people in Los Angeles is driving a Prius every now and then. Here's a photo of the Crown Victoria manual from my old cab.
and here a photo of the Toyota Prius manual for the new taxicab, along with the key.
Already a week since I first got it and I'm used to it so far. I had to take it to Keyes Toyota in Van Nuys Boulevard last Wednesday for them to change the water pumps in the Prius. While they were doing that, they asked if I can stay in the waiting room for three hours or that I can have a shuttle take me somewhere and bring me back. I didn't want to wait with a bunch of strangers for three hours and the farthest I can go with a shuttle express is at the most 7 miles and I don't like riding in shuttles anymore. So I asked if its possible if they have a loaner car I could use for a while and they told me that only Keyes Lexus does that next door, but I have an option to rent from Enterprise. The sales manager then called a representative from Enterprise to come pick me up and take them to their offices not to far from the Toyota dealership.
I thought that I was gonna be declined or rejected or unqualified to rent a car since I've never rented one before, but fortunately, after they ran my credit card, I was approved. Then the rep and I went to the lot to see which car I would like to choose. I then saw a 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe in front of the office and I asked if it was available to rent or if it belongs to one of their employers. She then told me that the Altima Coupe is available to rent and without hesitation, I WENT FOR IT. That was the only good car that was in their inventory since the rest were all Fords, Kias, and Chryslers. After they gave me the keys, I went nuts with it for the next three hours.
The last time I drove a Nissan Altima Coupe was back in 2009 when I was doing security at a Walgreens in Newbury Park. On my way home I stopped by the Nissan dealership in Thousand Oaks just for the hell of it and they let me test drive a top of the line, full package Nissan Altima Coupe, with the Navigation, BOSE speakers, leather seats and a V6 engine among other things (the one I was renting had an inline-4 cylinder engine). Since that day, I always wanted to experience that car without a dealer in the passenger seat trying to sell this to me, and I was 21 at the time with no fucking credit and shit. I had a lot of fun with the Altima Coupe that I rented. I drove it to the bank first near Universal City, then I dipped all the way to Amoeba Music in Hollywood to buy some CDs to play in this whip and then the climax of being in this ride was cruising it on Mulholland Drive, which was just awesome. Finally, with more time remaining, I went to this Starbucks in Beverly Glen and Mulholland and that my first time going there. This hidden lowkey Starbucks was the same place where Britney Spears used to go to every morning during her bi-polar conceited days in 2007 and the paparazzi would be on her ass constantly from there all the way to her then residence at The Summit gated community just east on Muholland Drive. Probably one of the quieter Starbucks that I've gone to so far. A few minutes later, the dealership called me and told me that the taxicab is ready to be picked up. So I went back to Enterprise to return the Altima Coupe and then the Enterprise representative who helped me earlier took me back to Keyes Toyota with her driving the Altima Coupe. Here's a quick startup video of the Altima coupe I took at Mulholland Drive, with some Ultraista playing in the background.
As for the rest of the week, I managed to the best use of it aside from working. I'm still enjoying the photography off the iPhone 5. There are some recent photos I took using that camera.
Some roses in the Knollwood Country Club
Patiently waiting for some pizza at Pizza Antica in the Santa Monica Place
The 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe that I rented with Universal CIty and the east San Fernando Valley in the background.
Full moon over the Pacific Ocean on midnight at Hermosa Beach
A little makeshift memorial for journalist Michael Hastings.
A 100 Miles and still a lot of gasoline running (that was an NWA reference)
My friends from Aftergloam putting on a hell of a performance in North Hollywood on Saturday Night.
I even got some video of their performance. Super great, especially that instrumental piece that they did. I'm glad that I went that night.
There's alot more stuff that I wanted to blog on here, but I'll save it for the next post. Thanks for your time reading this.
About two weeks ago, I decided to make a visit to my cousin's University in Playa Vista next to LAX Airport. He attends Loyola Marymount University and he just completed his second year there. I was working at LAX that day and since I was in the area, I figured I paid him a visit since I've never been inside there before.
It took me a while to find a parking spot there. Then later I met up with him and he showed me around the campus. This place is very nice. Its just as big as UCLA and it all the way on top of a hill over looking Mairna Del Rey and Playa Del Rey, in the same sense as Dodger Stadium is at the top of Chavez Ravine. Also, the university is high tech. My cousin told me that you have to enter your phone number at the parking lot ticket machine so that you'll be sent a text message telling you about the remaining time left at the parking lot that you paid for. I've never seen that before.
I spent only about a hour there and he was showing me majority of the campus. I checked out his dorm room and his roomates in there, and then he showed me the library which was MASSIVE. It had like four or five floors. The place is really up to date with its buildings and its landscaping. Here are some of the photos I took at LMU:
Here's also a panoramic photo I took from the iPhone which shows most of Playa Del Rey and Marina Del Rey further upwards.
Just wanted to make this quick post to keep this site relevant. I'm glad Fourth Of July weekend is already in the past. Went to my homegirl Amber's place and just chilled there with her family on that day, which was the only part I liked on Independence Day. I didn't see any fucking fireworks show, and not to sound cynical, but every year there's always a mishap or something gone wrong in every fireworks show. There was an awful one that just happened in Simi Valley last Thursday, and then there was a major fireworks show that went bad in San Diego last year. Hell, the last fireworks show I was at during Independence Day was 7 years ago in Nevada, and that shit ended early cause there explosives were malfunctioning. The part that sucked was that all the family who came to have a good time didn't get to see the fireworks on that day. Like I always say, I fucking hate holidays. Next one is Labor Day which is one of the only few holidays that makes sense to certain people that bust their ass every day making some sort of income. Thanks for your time reading this.
ALSO, HERE ARE SOME SHAMLESS PLUGS TO STAY ON TOP OF MY PHOTOGRAPHY WORK. I got several photos I'm still currently working on and they'll be uploaded on here and my Facebook later this summer.
It felt like I was just at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood 2 days ago to support and photograph my homies William and Ginger Galvez's daughters and other elementary school kids performing there on behalf of the Rockstar Music Education program that was running the event there. Well, it actually took place this past Sunday morning. William and Ginger have been inviting me for the past two years to attend this annual event that being held every June, yet, I was never available during those times. But since they told me that it was their oldest daughter's final performance with the Rockstar Music Education since she's going to middle school in the fall, I had to cancel everything just so that I can finally check it out.
Prior to this, I have never stepped inside the House of Blues. I've passed by there all the time and have heard so much about the venue. So I carpooled with the Galvez family to the place and when we got there, I saw a grip of kids and their families waiting in line and paying admission fees to get inside. I even saw some kids getting their hair sprayed with different colors for that "rock star" appeal. When I got inside (there was a dude at the door rockin' the Google Glass eyewear piece. Looks futuristic) I though the House of Blues was gonna be a large-scale venue with seats, but without disrespect, the place looks like a club to me. It was also packed with parents screaming and cheering on the kids that were performing on House of Blues stage. Majority of them photographing and taking videos of the show with DSLR cameras and their iPads. The theme of the place reminded me of the old Wild Bills venue that used to be in Buena Park back in the 1990's, but without the western stuff.
Watching the little kids performing and covering rock songs that came out back in the day was very awesome to witness. There were no intermissions since there was a different group of kids going up on stage every four to five minutes per set. They had real instruments and several of them can actually play, including the drummers for each set. THESE KIDS CAN PLAY THE DRUMS. They can even sing too. I can assume these youngsters have been on every talent show since birth, or one of them must've been on TV or something. Speaking of which, one of the blokes from the Disney Channel show Shake It Up was one of the three or four guest judges of the event that day. I wouldn't picture this event from a competitive standpoint, it just a bunch of talented young kids having fun on stage and enjoying their parents. I wish I didn't have to miss out on this for the past two years, and as those kids got older, they look back in their lives and tell their kids that they performed at the House Of Blues stage in Hollywood.
After the show, we went to Cabo Cantina on Hollywood Boulevard for lunch and stayed there for a bit. I had their Quesadillas and it was unique cause I ate some Quesos earlier that day for breakfast at the Denny's next to the Burbank Airport. The Quesos at Cabo Cantina were much larger than the ones I had earlier. Then afterwards, we went back to their place and chilled for a few minutes. The homie Ginger even showed me this Hammock they had that came straight from Honduras. I tired it out since I've never been on a Hammock and damn, it was it was comfortable. I wanted to take an instagram photo of myself resting on it, but my phone was out of power by then. I can't wait till I get the Morphie Juice battery pack later on in future, which gives my iPhone more extra power like battery pack on DSLRs. Many thanks again to the Galvez family for making that Sunday like how every Sunday should be. Here's some of the pictures from that day taken from my mobile device.
The Quesos and pancakes I had for breakfast that Sunday at Denny's.
First time ever at the House Of Blues. Alot of great acts were on that stage: past, present and future.
One of the many young, talent kids putting on some shows.
My friend's WIlliam and Ginger's daughter on center stage. Who else do you know that can be at that fortunate position?
Interior of Cabo Cantina in Hollywood.
The most legit Beer Pong table I've ever seen.
These Quesadillas are for reals.
Here are some more random-ass iPhone 5 photos from this past week that you've might've seen on my instagram, but without the filters. (@justforsneaks07)
Brunch at The Habit in Glendale.
My latest purchase of Primitive Apparel's Summer '13 collection (thanks Ashley and Nicky)
One of my customers gave me this as a tip, but he paid the fare though.
Just like In-N-Out, The Habit also has a truck for events as well. A potential future birthday party idea.
This channel is meaningless until the Kobe Bryant returns to the court.
Yesterday's traffic on the 405 freeway at 12PM since the President made an unnanounced visit to Santa Monica for three hours.
THESE. ARE. EVERYWHERE.
My life everyday for the past four months, including the Starbucks.
Anyway, that's it for now. I have a wedding to cover today in Fullerton and Christine Mendoza is making a rare Valley appearance in my town tomorrow. I can't miss that. Thanks for your time reading this.
I've said this almost 4 years ago on MySpace as well as on here a few times and I'll say it again. Everyone is very busy nowadays.
I'm not tripping, but seriously, everyone I know is either doing stuff that take up so much of their time and their schedules are even booked up a few weeks in advance. Its not just everyone that's busy, but I'm even way more busier than before, which is why I haven't been updating this blogsite in the past month. Not that I haven't lost interest in typing, but its just I haven't found the time to work on this.
Its been already three months since I've been driving taxicabs around the San Fernando Valley. Everyday, I've been doing it for 12 hours a day, driving an average of 100 miles at least for seven days a week, and getting paid everyday. Then I get about 8 hours of sleep and two hours doing stuff with the family, so there for I have about two hours of free time, which is mostly spent on checking on Facebook, instagram and my Bank accounts. Typing on this site for me requires some energy and thought, but for losing 20 hours of your time day after day, you just don't feel like spilling out some words like I used to, cause I wasn't working as much then as I am now. My favorite blogger/celebrity jeweler Ben Baller has to put his blog on the brakes last week cause he has to focus on his wife Nicolette Lacson and his son as well as other personal business. At first I was upset cause I would always look forward to reading his blogs for inspiration and amusement for the past 5 years, but in all seriousness, I respect his decision to no longer updating on his personal life and wish him the best in his life.
Like I said in the past, May is one of the busiest months of the year. Alot has happened and it's not done yet. One of my cousins (the youngest in my immediate family) will be graduating from Loyola High School in Los Angeles next week and my homeboy Eric will be linking his life with his fiancee Jessica in their wedding ceremony this Saturday. Also, my good friend Katie Galvez gave birth to a wonderful newborn girl a two and a half weeks ago. I was there to visit her 24 hours after her new daughter was born and that was a very unique, interesting moment on that Saturday. It was the first time since my youngest was born 19 years ago that I've ever seen a fresh young baby just straight out her mothers stomach. It made me think alot of life and how precious and fragile it is. I give my absolute best to Katie and Rudy for their new addition to their lives.
So yeah, I just thought I spill a little update on what's been going on with me so far. Even though not too many people keep up with their blogs cause of other important matters in their lives, I'll still continue to write on here and upload some photography for those who like to read this shit whenever I get the chance Finally, I copped the iPhone 5 yesterday (wasn't cheap, but whatever). Was impressed with my cousins iPhone 4s when I was with him last week so it made me go out and get one for my self, but only the latest model. Its gonna take a while to get adjusted to it for expect your news feeds on Twitter and instagram to be flodded with photos and random statues that get tossed around in my mind. I didn't take that many photos yet, but here's two I took so far.
Lastly, here is my current lock screen capture featuring Lisa Ann (who I've met last year). The Hundreds isn't the only thing that's Huge.
Anyway, thanks for your time reading this. I'll have some interesting stuff in the works, so stay in touch with me on instagram @justforsneaks07.
