Checking in on 2009′s Resolutions
There’s no other way to put it: 2009 was a year full of growth and learning. It was a beautiful and rough year, but one of the happiest years of my life. I feel like I’m on track, honing my skills and gaining a tighter focus on my vision. I’m also learning a lot about patience!
Ok, so I made 5 resolutions for 2009.
In 2009 I resolve to worry less about the things I can’t control.
In 2009 I resolve to devote more energy to projects that help society.
In 2009 I resolve to spend more time with family.
In 2009 I resolve to become more self sufficient, producing more of the goods I consume and using less.
In 2009 I resolve to be more courageous when pursuing my dreams.
How did I do?
In 2009 I resolve to worry less about the things I can’t control.
Well, I can say that I still worry. Do I worry less? Maybe. I think I worry about different things. This may need to be a resolution for 2010.
In 2009 I resolve to devote more energy to projects that help society.
This one was def met! The whole focus for Republic of Austin is on connecting people in Austin. Molotov Mocktail, the next site, takes what we’ve learned and are learning with Republic of Austin and brings it to a national level to focus on self sufficient and sustainable living.
In 2009 I resolve to spend more time with family.
Before I moved from SF, I spent more time with my older brother and his wife. Miss them so much. My younger brother and his wife moved from Austin to Chicago, BUT my cousin Ben moved to Austin! It’s been great hanging out with him, and I look forward to spending more time with him! Now if only my other cousins and my older brother would move to Austin!
In 2009 I resolve to become more self sufficient, producing more of the goods I consume and using less.
I think I may have failed this one. 
In SF I was really good about composting, recycling and cutting consumption. In Austin, my housemates haven’t been very supportive of those things–and it makes a huge difference. Gonna need to make this a resolution in 2010, fer shure. But Molotov Mocktail should help that!
In 2009 I resolve to be more courageous when pursuing my dreams.
If there was one resolution that sums up my 2009 experience, it’s this one. I left the comfort of San Francisco to move to Texas and work on building a media company. It’s been an amazing experience. 2010 is definitely going to be amazing. I can feel it.
So grateful.
My heart is glowing today. I’m so grateful for what I have. I’m thankful to be alive.
It’s been a year since I was laid off. In that year, I’ve moved to a new city to launch a company. I don’t have much money. I don’t have a lot of material things. But I do have a great team and I’m surrounded by people I love. The future looks so bright.
One of the things about Berlin that I loved was the sense of camaraderie and community that everyone had. Everyone was a struggling something-or-other, and everyone was living their dream. In San Francisco, it kinda felt like everyone was looking out for themselves, like some race to the top. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my colleagues at SHIFT and met tons of amazing people–but on the whole, everyone was really too busy to pursue the things they loved.
Austin reminds me of a level-headed Berlin. In Berlin, the frenzy of the city could get a little crazy. Austin, on the other hand, always feels nice and even keeled–even at its craziest. Whether in tech, music, art or even marketing, this city is full of so many creative people who gather in very active and vibrant communities. You don’t feel alone, and that’s makes a huge difference.
Kinda rambling, but the point is: I’m in a city I love, surrounded by people I love, doing what I love.
My Old Geocities Bio from Feb 2000
SO, um, Geocities is closing tonight. Here’s the bio I wrote for my Geocities site in Feb of 2000. Can you tell I was 1) young and 2) had ADD? It’s funny, I still sorta have the same writing style on the blogs. 10 years ago, I never thought I’d be writing daily!
Not sure if any of the links still work. Click at your own risk.
Bio
My name is Apollo Twelvethirteen….well, not really. The internet is all about chosen identities, so I chose this one.
Apollo comes from the Sun God. He’s awesome! He is the god of music, truth, and healing. He is all about balance in one’s life and he has the body I want. Plus, if you noticed on the opening page, I have a sun tattoo on my chest. I got it when I was 18, and it was my first tattoo. I have a moon with three stars on my torso, in order to balance out the sun. That was tattered on me when I was 19. I considered many different styles for it, but I ultimately modeled the design after the simple moon on the Conan O’Brien show. I love nature and there is something mysterious about the sun and the moon. Night and day, This may sound weird, but it’s something that I think describes me a little. Last summer, I was at the library, and I stumbled on to this book about tattoos and piercings. I quickly turned to a listing of common tattoos and their meanings. It so happens that the sun represents masculinity and the moon represents feminity. I always knew that, but hadn’t thought about it like. I would say that I’m a balance of those aspects. I have a sensitive side, but I’m still tough (or something). Anyway: Both the sun and moon are simple outlines. The stars are in color..the three being blue, green, and purple. I like the simple aspet of the outlines. My third, and final, (for now) tattoo is on my back, shoulder blade area. It’s an equilateral triangle with the Eye of Osiris in the center. It looks similar to the eye of the Illuminati, but it’s not. Osiris is the Egyptian god of enlightenment. Thus, when combined with the equilateral triangle, we have the following theory: a balance of mind, body and spirit equals enlightenment. One of my good friends and I designed and got these tattoos when I was…20? My friend, Skip, also has the eye of osiris, although it’s not stylized like ours are. I don’t know if that balance causes enlightenment, but it does keep me healthy. If you haven’t noticed, I love duality, and threes. Like De La Soul says “3 is the magic number”. Good things come in two’s and threes….(Skip, you know what I’m talkin ’bout, playa! 
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Twelvethirteen is from my birthday. I was born on December 13th, XXXX [REDACTED] in Dallas, Texas. I went to school, played sports, partied, did my photgraphy and art, and graduated High School in 19XX [REDACTED] in the top 5%. I’m not a super dork. I partied all throughout High School. Now, when I say party, I don’t mean your average house party. Well, it is a house party, house being the music played (also my favorite), but what is referred to commercially as a “rave”. I started partying when I was 15, and I still party 8 years later. The rave culture raised me. Many people would like to toss it off as a place where people take illegal drugs and stuff, but it really is more than that. Partying taught me about unity, respect, love and spirituality. People of all walks of life getting together and just dancing it all off. It’s not an open act of rebellion, like the hippie movement. It’s just us doing our thing. Nothing more, nothing less. Our thing happens to be something that our culture has lacked for so long: the idea that music connects and heals. House music is pure happiness. Dancing is like meditation in motion. Well, all the idealism aside, it’s also a great place to hangout with your friends, and it’s not as trashy as clubs.
I go to the University of Texas at Austin. I’m a fifth year senior. I major in Anthropology and Spanish. I love both of them so much. Yes, anthropologists dig up bones and talk about evolution, but I don’t do that aspect of anthropology. I study evolution, in a way, but evolution of the mind and society. In technical words: social or cultural anthropology. I love social theory. My big three theorists are: Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, and Raymond Williams. Look them up at the library. They can be really complex, but it’s stuff that you probably are already aware of, so hang in there!! Look for a whole page devoted to Social theory, soon! (WOW!!) The other love of my life is Spanish. This language is so beautiful. Well, I love language in general. Learning a new language is like opening a gateway to a whole new world! I have learned Japanese, Italian, and a little French. My native language is English, but, living in Texas, Spanish is my second. My daily babysitter spoke spanish all the time when I was a kid, and so did the other children. I love Spanish! Mexico is such a place rich with culture! Imagine: thousand year old pyramids in the heart of one of the most urban cities in the world! Boggles the mind…well, at least in America! My number one writer is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. One Hundred Years of Solitude is the best book ever. I love Spanish American Literature (especially modern lit!). I’m also getting into Spanish Literature.
I love music, reading, dancing, art…well, I love Life! I love all my friends and family. I do have my moments, of sadness, but they roll away. You can read about my likes on their own pages!! Yes, soon!!
After graduation: Well…not sure yet. I do want to go to graduate school, but I NEEED a break. Plus, I’m not really sure in what. Anthropologists can really do a lot ranging from marketing to teaching. I want to incorporate my Spanish into my job. Art will always be in my life. I also write. I have won contests for my photgraphy. Some stuff has even been published. I do sketches, acrylics, collages, everything. I write poetry and short stories. I think I’m a good writer. Since this is MY webpage, look for a showcase of my works, SOON! I want to move to…hmmm…New York, Italy, or Spain. Two of my good friends, as well as a wonderful cousin, aunt, and uncle all live in NYC. I can’t wait…Bright lights, big city. New york, new york, big city of dreams. My grandparents moved OUT of NYC many years ago. When I told them I wanted to move there, they asked”Why?” My reply was: “I want to go back to my roots!” Honestly, I think New York is probably the center of the world. I know that pretty nationalistic, but it’s what I feel. My aunt would laugh and say “It’s really not all that”. Well, she wouldn’t use THOSE words, but that would be my translation.
That brings me to my family. I had a mom and dad…for a few months. Then something happened, and my mom was alone with me. She is a lawyer. She then married my step-dad when I was..4ish. She also had my little brother shortly there after. It was hard growing up. We didn’t like each other that much. Now, however, he is my best-friend. I love my brother more than anyone. He is a lot like me, but with a twist. He likes math. Well, “like” is the wrong word. He LOVES math. He probably knows almost everything about me, which I think is hard for anyone to say. It scares me sometimes, since who wants someone to know EVERYTHING about you (Mikey, notice I said “almost”). But it’s also awesome, since I know he’s always there for me, and I will be there for him. He also sleeps A LOT. But he is a growing boy. 19 is pretty tough. He goes to my school, the University of Texas @ Austin. I know this is going to sound so Texan, but: It’s the best and biggest school. SIZE DOES MATTER!! We have great academics and sports (Hook ‘em Horns!).
My Grandparents are 2 of the most important people in my life. I love them so much. They have given me guidance throughout my life. They are truly wonderful people with beautiful souls. My grandfather is a strong figure. He has helped me understand control and respect. He has given me all kinds of advice on jobs, money, sports, you name it! My grandmother has helped me understand spirituality, beauty, love, and acceptance. Plus, they are very beautiful and healthy, and I’m glad I’ve got great genes!! I hope I look that good when I’m older!!
My aunts (and all their husbands, my uncles) have been very supportive of me. They all have their own personalities that have added so much to my life. I love seeing them the 2 or 3 times a year we all get together. They’re all witty and fun. There is no other family I’d rather be in! Mimi, John, Sally, Christos, Judy, and Bob you guys rock!! (Sally, these aren’t in any particular order!)
And finally, the three points of light that are seriously THE raddest kids in the world, my cousins: Eleni, Ben and Natty. Eleni is the beautiful, delicate, sophisticated New York Flower who can still survive tough broken bones. She’s gonna be a great athlete and, of course, a very smart woman soon! Well, not THAT soon, but she is VERY lady-like! Ben is the rugged, pensive, creative, action-packed space robot that lives in DC AND he speaks Spanish. Natty is the loving barbie doll angelic brittney spears who also plays soccer in Galveston. I keep their pics on my fridge.
Well, what else? Oh, I have my own apartment (woo hoo)! It’s full of toys (like KID’S toys, nothing else…this is the internet so I KNOW there is at least one perv thinking I meant something else)! I have a TV. My stereo is the center piece of my life. The floors are hard wood, and I dance all the time. It’s ALWAYS a mess, but I do clean it (then mysterious elves mess it up). Someone once told me that they act like they are surprised it is messy when they come over (like every other day) and I say “I’m sorry my apartment is so messy.”
My friends rock! I’d list all of them, but there’d be fighting that would seriously cause the next world war. They know who they are. They know I love them. They know I’m difficult (Mr. Bowlofsnax, Skippence). It’s hard being a superstar (Jacinda). Seriously, hopefully they all understand <wink, wink, nudge, nudge> that I may not call, but I’m thinking about them. I’m lazy. Dialing the phone can be so hard(Pablo, Matt, Max,Paige, Marin)! E-mail can sometimes be too much.(Adam, Angie, Dana, Ms. Jamie B). Shouts out to the EMO crew (keepin it real for the year 2000!) the whole 21st St crew, all my boys that have been down since day one, 626 soul, Hazy Daze, and anyone who has touched me with their presence. And thank you Mr. Derrick Carter for spinnin the grooves that make it easier to keep smilin!
If you want to know anything else, just ask me! I’m always full of stories about my life (as if you couldn’t tell!)
Hip Hop Gave Me Dreams.
Hip Hop gave me dreams. Grunge couldn’t. That’s why I was def more rap. Dreams.
Thanx and <3 to Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G. Biggie’s “Juicy” has kept me moving up since I was little. That song always makes me cry. On the realz.
It was all a dream/ I used to read Word Up magazine/ Salt’n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine/ Hangin’ pictures on my wall/Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl/ I let my tape rock ’til my tape popped/Smokin’ weed and bamboo, sippin’ on private stock/ Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack/ With the hat to match/ Remember Rappin’ Duke, duh-ha, duh-ha/ You never thought that hip hop would take it this far/ Now I’m in the limelight ’cause I rhyme tight/ Time to get paid, blow up like the World Trade/ Born sinner, the opposite of a winner/ Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner/ Peace to Ron G, Brucey B, Kid Capri Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starsky/ I’m blowin’ up like you thought I would/ Call the crib, same number same hood It’s all good
[Chorus]
You know very well who you are/ Don’t let em hold you down, reach for the stars/ You had a goal, but not that many/ cause you’re the only one I’ll give you good and plenty
How to Care for Introverts
Found this scan over at Austin Kleon. Many of the important people in my life are introverts and I’m an extra-extrovert (mostly). I need to remind myself of these things.
(via AUSTIN KLEON : TUMBLELOG).
Lady Gaga is Exactly What Creative Kids Need
This quote gives me hope that creative kids won’t be forced to be spoon fed Britney and N-Sync cookie cutter blech. 
“My fashion is about the urban woman in the year 3000, when there is a ton of pollution and we all need to protect our bodies and cover up, because the air outside will acidize our skin,” the singer (shopping in London in April) has said of her eccentric ensembles. “I think about obscure, weird …
via Photos – Lady Gaga’s Wacky Wardrobe – Futuristic Fashionista – UsMagazine.com.
TV Kills Your Dreams
From 2000 to 2007 I lived without a television. Over the last two years, however, I’ve lived in houses that have included a TV. In my current house, the TV is the centerpiece of the living area. It’s wall sized and massive. Suffice to say, I watch a lot of TV now.
Shows I religiously watch include True Blood, Entourage, Real Housewives, Lost, SNL and a few others. Thanks to DVR, I can watch these shows whenever, but I still watch about 8 hours of TV a week. The story telling in these shows is good, so I don’t mind the hours lost. What bothers me, however, is the way that TV makes you feel like you have free will and opportunity, when you really don’t.
A lot of people never fulfill their personal goals. Or for those without entrepreneurial aspirations, they never get a chance to work in a place that satisfies them. They want to make changes in their lives, but it just never seems to happen. I have a strong feeling that TV pacifies their passions and keeps them from living their dreams.
Here’s how it works: I go home and click on Entourage. Vinnie Chase and the boys go live the Hollywood life. I feel like I’m a part of that life. I feel satisfied. I know that if I push myself, I might be able to have that as my life. BUT I DON’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!
It presents opportunities and possibilities to you, but it also leaves you satisfied. It’s the feeling of contentment coupled with the fake sense of choice that make TV so dangerous. Instead of doing things, we leave others to do them–in a fake or highly edited world.
I think I’m gonna start switching off the TV again. It doesn’t feed my head the things I need to move forward, and it takes 8 hours of my time a week.
What are your thoughts about Television? Does it kill dreams?
Outtake: The Squirrel Lady of Town Lake
Chris chats it up with the Squirrel Lady of Town Lake
The Reverend Julie Gallagher, aka the Squirrel Lady of Town Lake, was one of the most interesting people we’ve encountered on South Congress. Her art, fun photos of squirrels, promotes peace. We couldn’t include all of our interview in August’s First Thursday video, so I’ve posted the full, unedited version here.
In the video, she explains the peace banner, talks a little about Mayan cosmology, and tells us about her favorite squirrel (a refugee from Hurricane Katrina).
Check it out!
Outtake: Mambo Berry Owners Talk About Austin’s Healthiest Frozen Yogurt
At Republic of Austin, I meet so many great artists, musicians and business owners, but not all the footage makes the final cut. I like to post some of the out takes on here so that readers can see some of the raw footage.
This video [Click here to see the final post and video about First Thursday on Republic of Austin] features Erin and Jacob Boone, newlyweds and owners of my favorite food trailer on South Congress, Mambo Berry. Jasmine and I have also dubbed them one of the hottest couples in Austin. Their both super sweet and smart, too. They also both make some kick-a frozen yogurt.
In the video, Erin and Jacob explain why their Frozen Yogurt is different than the other shops around the city. Since they use local yogurt and add probiotics, it’snot only healthier, but it’s better for the environment and our local economy. Oh, and it tastes like yogurt, not ice cream!
Revisited: “This Is How We Walk on the Moon” by Arthur Russell
Here’s an excerpt from an email I sent to a friend in Berlin describing my reaction to Arthur Russel’s “This is how we walk on the moon.” It’s a little more lucid than my previous post on the song.
Heard this song a few nights ago and started crying. It’s about taking small steps until you finally get to the moon. The instruments (a cello, some horns), his voice and the lyrics are so powerful. By the time the song was over, I was sobbing.
When I got home, I looked him up. Found out the song is from the 80s. He wrote it after he discovered he was HIV positive. You know I’m a big softie, so of course I started crying again.
There is something sad yet inspirational about the song. It’s haunting. I downloaded more music from his discography and it’s set me on this creative, insomniac spin.
It also made me realize that true art–that is, art that is an authentic and real expression of the human condition–can affect, influence and inspire people. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to follow the rules to have an impact; no matter how avant garde or unknown you are, if you are real, you’ll always connect with someone.
And here’s the song, again:
