a-cubed

a-cubed http://amyasperin.multiply.com/ my life revolves around john, my family, my friends, work, and the academe (some of my friends call me a nerd...i'd like to think i'm an intellectual instead) * i am fully functional after 5 hours of sleep * chocolate and coffee keep me sane * i'm a paradox--i'm obsessed with having a plan, a schedule; but i'm also a class-act procrastinator * i cry easily, i also laugh hard...who cares if i sound ridiculous?...laughing is good * i love to cook * i could be moody, so watch out * i love music--but it doesn't necessarily love me back... i'm tone deaf...but i can dance * i've known my best(est) friends since we were in 4th grade * i like feel-good movies, self-help books, happy endings, romantic poems, flowers, and all that jazz * i'd like to think i'm an optimist * i could be a smart@$$, mostly when provoked * i could go on...but i'll let you be the judge. enjoy the blog! I'll probably use this site mostly to share photos and videos, but you have to be my contact to view most of it. To check out old posts on my previous life (blog), please go to <a href="http://a-cubed.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"> NOT SO RANDOM THOUGHTS</a>. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:56:57 -0000 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:14:06 -0000 a-cubed http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/logo http://amyasperin.multiply.com 100 100 Closing out the night Bob (the owner) decided to let BG (the guitarist) try out his vintage 1953 Silvertone guitar. I'm not a musician, but that guitar sounded awesome! I wish my cousin Ethan (of 6 Days to Friday / Dejavu) was there to try it out too. He would've been in guitar heaven. haha I caught the second half of the Hey Joe jam (unplanned, unpracticed, totally spontaneous). What a way to end the http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/43/Closing_out_the_night Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:14:06 -0000 American Sugar (the real deal) The owners at Just 1 More Blues Bar requested to hear how American Sugar really sounds on a regular gig. When they played Bloodstained, I don't think the sound system was quite ready for it. hahaha. All that sound from this small kit: a 16"x16" floor tom converted to a kick drum; DW9000 bass pedal, 12"x5" Pork Pie Little Squealer snare drum, 13" Paiste Signature heavy hats, and a 21" Zildjian Sweet ride..and a pair of beat up Promark sticks...hahaha. (Saving the new ones for the next gig. http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/42/American_Sugar_the_real_deal Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:08:31 -0000 American Sugar does the blues II Blues version of They Don't Care... Note for ZHAR and other drummers: John's kit for the night is composed of a 16"x16" floor tom converted to a kick drum; DW9000 bass pedal, 12"x5" Pork Pie Little Squealer snare drum, 13" Paiste Signature heavy hats, and a 21" Zildjian Sweet ride..and a pair of beat up Promark sticks...hahaha. (Saving the new ones for the next gig. http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/41/American_Sugar_does_the_blues_II Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:59:46 -0000 More American Sugar blues Here's Cry for your Country, one of the songs on their album. To hear the original rock version, check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/americansugar">http://www.myspace.com/americansugar</a> (it's the first song on the playlist). Note for ZHAR and other drummers: John's kit for the night is composed of a 16"x16" floor tom converted to a kick drum; DW9000 bass pedal, 12"x5" Pork Pie Little Squealer snare drum, 13" Paiste Signature heavy hats, and a 21" Zildjian Sweet ride..and a pair of beat up Promark sticks...hahaha. (Saving the new ones for the next gig. http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/40/More_American_Sugar_blues Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:54:30 -0000 American Sugar does the blues John's band usually plays pretty heavy rock songs, but since they were invited to play at Just 1 More Blues Bar, they decided to "bluesify" all their songs. Here's Steven Green, one of the songs on their album. To hear the original rock version, check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/americansugar">http://www.myspace.com/americansugar</a> (the title there right now is Mr. Green). We had to enhance the video since it was rather dark. Other videos coming up soon. Note for ZHAR and other drummers: John's kit for the night is composed of a 16"x16" floor tom converted to a kick drum; DW9000 bass pedal, 12"x5" Pork Pie Little Squealer snare drum, 13" Paiste Signature heavy hats, and a 21" Zildjian Sweet ride..and a pair of beat up Promark sticks...hahaha. (Saving the new ones for the next gig. http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/39/American_Sugar_does_the_blues Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:22:51 -0000 you want? <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R-RPvgoKCDIAAG8Z26g1"><img style="width: 246px; height: 184px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R-RPvgoKCDIAAG8Z26g1/Image000.jpg?et=GyJFOR7pIEnpIzfwAX%2C9Wg&nmid=&nmid=89352663" border="0"></a>I bought the basic dessert shell that is sold pre-made at Walmart then topped it with a wine-berry reduction. Basically I cooked the berries in orange juice and Australian Shiraz. I crushed the berries, let the sauce thicken a bit, then I filled the cake cup with the pulpy portion. Topped it with low-fat, slow-churned vanilla bean ice cream. Then poured the rest of the sauce. hehehehe. It was delish! Even better with a cup of coffee...hmmm. I should do this again. Maybe write the measurements for the ingredients next time. http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/65/you_want Thu, 3 Apr 2008 03:32:33 -0000 Pineapple Mango Salsa and Wonton Chips Pineapple Mango Salsa <a href="http://amyasperin.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8pLEgoKCDIAAEHRJBk1"><img style="width: 171px; height: 128px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8pLEgoKCDIAAEHRJBk1/Image%28147%29.jpg?et=uMqpNkGKz418pfd2ZyKbyg&nmid=&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668" border="0"></a> Mix the following ingredients: 1.  6 pc roma tomatoes, diced 2.  1/2 green bell pepper, diced 3.  1/2 yellow onion, diced [or 1/4 red onion, diced] 4.  about a handful of fresh cilantro (maybe about 20 sprigs), chopped [or 1 tsp dried cilantro] 5.  1 fresh jalapeno pepper, diced [or about 10 slices of the pickled jalapeno sold in a jar] 6.  1 fresh, ripe mango, diced 7.  1 can pineapple chunks, juice included [john loves pineapples so i usually use the 20 oz can] 8.  1 clove garlic, chopped (or 1 tsp of the bottled chopped garlic) 9.  1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for more heat) 10.  1/4 tsp basil 11.  1 tsp sugar 12.  3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 13.  2 Tbsp lemon juice 14.  1 Tbsp olive oil 15.  salt and pepper to taste Wonton Chips (Thanks for the recipe, Holly!) <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R8pKtQoKCDIAADxUCvM1"><img style="width: 162px; height: 121px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8pKtQoKCDIAADxUCvM1/Image%28146%29.jpg?et=vK%2Bkr6KXSisachHkXF9Fkg&nmid=&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668&nmid=84432668" border="0"></a> 1.  On a baking sheet, spread about 9 pcs of square wonton wrappers per batch 2.  Lightly spray with baking oil (pam or t... http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/64/Pineapple_Mango_Salsa_and_Wonton_Chips Sun, 2 Mar 2008 06:44:05 -0000 Recipe series #2 These are some recipes/experiments I've recently passed on to my best friends.  A couple of them have tried too and it's confirmed--the recipes are do-able and fool proof:) hhahahaha.  I'm basically doing a copy-and-paste from emails, so hope you understand the recipe narratives for some instead of the usual standard recipes.  hahaha Sorry no pics this time! [update:  as my friends try the recipes out, I will upload pics that they take] BANANA BREAD (this has been in my notebook and I don't know where I got it) 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1/3 cup melted butter 3/4 cup brown sugar (the original recipe called for 1 cup white sugar) 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp vanilla (I use McCormick pure vanilla extract) 1 tsp baking soda 1 pinch salt 1 1/2 cup flour 1.  mix melted butter into mashed bananas. 2.  add sugar, egg, and vanilla.  mix until well blended. 3.  sprinkle baking soda, salt 4. add flour and mix (I just used a fork for all of this!!!  no need for mixer!) <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R0ETiwoKCqwAAChfB-g1"><img style="width: 170px; height: 129px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R0ETiwoKCqwAAChfB-g1/PB180039.JPG?et=fwZ1Q02RyoLWyxZYxu7ZuA" border="0"></a>Pour into... http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/57/Recipe_series_2 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:14:25 -0000 WOOOHOOOO! So apparently, the past three years have been worth it!  (click <a href="http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/52/this_just_in">here</a> for related post) There are no words to describe what I feel right now, so suffice it to say...The DOCTOR is in the house!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!! http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/54/WOOOHOOOO Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:19:58 -0000 StumbleUpon I was reading a <a href="http://perishables.blogspot.com/">friend</a>'s <a href="http://perishables.blogspot.com/2007/08/thursday-thirteen-13-stumbled-upon.html">post</a> and I got curious, so I clicked on the link to <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon</a>.  Jenni's right!  This site is a trip--not that I don't already have enough distractions!   Give it a click:)  You might find something that tickles your fancy:) Oh, and the <a href="http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/bells.htm">Winterbells</a> game she talks about IS addictive!  Don't say I didn't warn you! While browsing, I found <a href="http://www.petercallesen.com/index/A4PAPERCUT_000.htm">this</a> site too and <a href="http://www.petercallesen.com/">Peter Callesen</a>, the artist, is awesome!  He cuts A4 paper (among others) and sculpts with it...amazing!!! <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/RsFL8QoKCqwAACFSNi41"><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/RsFL8QoKCqwAACFSNi41/angel.jpg?et=tXzi3x9hkROdg0tkHZgS1g" border="0"> </a><a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/RsFMPAoKCqwAACOEV9o1"><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/RsFMPAoKCqwAACOEV9o1/Angel2.jpg?et=M53AmTlHR8dm7yTGRz9Zwg" border="0"> </a>Angel, 2006 (Acid free A4 115 gsm paper and glue) My favorite, however, would have to be <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/">TasteSpotting</a>.  For those who know me, it's really not hard to understand why:)  Check it out! <a href="http://amyasperin.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/RsFQewoKCqwAAGogdY01"><img class="alignmiddle" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/RsFQewoKCqwAAGogdY01/Screenshot.png?et=VzoARW3SMwzdXdslTDCADQ" border="0"></a> http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/53/StumbleUpon Tue, 14 Aug 2007 06:27:41 -0000 Fast food junkies I have come to realize that another side effect of writing [cramming] your dissertation is that you become a fast food junkie.  My poor hubby has not eaten a gourmet meal prepared by yours truly in ummm...over two weeks!  I swear!  I've lost track of time (and space, and whatever else!) over the past few days that we've resorted to take out. hahaha.  Thank God for Papa John's, Chinese Chef, Chipotle, and other heart-attack-in-a-paper-bag restos.  I promised John I will cook him a proper meal once this dissertation is done! hehehe Oh, and I also need to hit the gym (or something!) after I finish.  Gotta get rid of the side effects of being a fast food junkie, too! *** I see the light at the end of the tunnel...2 more weeeeeeeks!!!!  <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png"> http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/51/Fast_food_junkies Sun, 5 Aug 2007 08:51:51 -0000 Reminiscing the UP days I normally don't do the surveys and tags that come my way.  But I did this one some time ago just because I had fun reading what other people wrote and I thought it would be nice to reminisce about my UP days. hahaha.  I received another tag similar to this, so I thought of just re-posting my previous answers (tamad ba? hahaha).  1. ANO'NG STUDENT NUMBER MO? :: yoko nga ibigay! hehehehehe 2. NAKAPASA KA BA OR WAITLISTED? :: Nakapasa siempre! 3. PAANO MO NALAMAN ANG ENTRANCE EXAM RESULT? :: Pumunta ako sa UP Baguio para i-check ang pila-pilang blackboard ng mga nakapasa! 4. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE? :: Computer Science 5. SECOND CHOICE? :: Wala akong second choice! hahahaha 6. ANO COURSE MO NA NATAPOS? :: Hotel and Restaurant Administration...ang layo diba? 7. NAG-SHIFT KA BA? :: Obviously 8. NONG ESTUDYANTE KA PA MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SA IKOT/TOKI? :: 1.75 yata nung Freshman ako. I think umabot ng 2.50 pag-graduate ko. 9. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA? :: ... http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/50/Reminiscing_the_UP_days Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:02:30 -0000 Malt Liquor The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). Thanks to my friend Eunju for the full clip. This features John and Daniel's drum off:) I think this is the group's only instrumental piece, also an http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/35/Malt_Liquor Tue, 3 Jul 2007 03:19:36 -0000 Band Intro The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). Didn't quite get it all, but the band is composed of Matt Hubbel (lead vocals and trombone), Jeff Brown (trumpet and vocals--he also writes most of the music), Robby Avila (backing vocals, trombone, and sax), Rylan Ortiz (guitar), Chris Maxwell (bass), Chris Martinez (backing vocals and trumpet), Daniel Aguilar (auxiliary percussion), and of course, John who rocked out on the http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/34/Band_Intro Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:31:38 -0000 Drum and Percussion Solos John and Daniel's drum http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/33/Drum_and_Percussion_Solos Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:30:09 -0000 When The Ska Bands Play The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). A great ending to a great concert! This is my favorite track on their album...and yes, it's an original composition too:) http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/32/When_The_Ska_Bands_Play Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:17:54 -0000 Dry Cereal The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). This one's an original composition included in the group's Get Serious album. Because it was a public concert, there were a lot of kids there and the guys had to be on their best behaviour--meaning no funky linggo that they would normally use in their spiels at the bar. So if they were introducing this any other time, the segue would have been much (!) http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/31/Dry_Cereal Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:08:51 -0000 Brad Idea The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). Here's the story behind this one: They had a "friend" named Brad who thought that all of his ideas were great--but really weren't...So everytime someone in the group shares a not-so-brilliant idea, they say, "Yeah, right...that's a really Brad idea" hence, the birth of the http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/30/Brad_Idea Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:03:18 -0000 No Future The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). This one's an original composition included in the group's Get Serious http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/29/No_Future Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:21:46 -0000 Hell The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/28/Hell Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:18:18 -0000 The Ruckus! <img style="width: 159px; height: 209px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.amyasperin.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/RoA84goKCqwAABERIpI1/arts.jpg?et=%2CC3tgYptO%2BzDYVdt%2CZxbaw" border="0">Saturday was a big night for John.  He was able to play with <a href="http://myspace.com/theruckusska">The Ruckus</a>, a popular local punk ska band (composed of K-State students).  Fortunately, the weather was great for an outdoor concert and I was able to get some videos.  I was way back on the bleachers so some are hazy, but you can still enjoy the Ruckus rockin' it out <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/shade.png"> Thanks to our friends (you know who you are) who came out to support John and the band.  We hope you guys had as much fun as we did! Below are the videos I took.  Most of the songs they performed are original compositions.  I think it's amazing how productive they are as a band.  (Thank you, Rylan, for getting John hooked up with the band!) She's Got a Girlfriend Now The song is a cover from <a href="http://www.reelbigfish.com/">The Reel Big Fish</a>.  Funny, funny song! Sometimes This one's an original composition included in the group's Get Serious album. Hell not sure if this is a cover...will update when I get the info:) No Future ...another original.... http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/47/The_Ruckus Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:17:12 -0000 Sometimes The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). This one's an original composition included in the group's Get Serious http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/27/Sometimes Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:43:56 -0000 She's Got a Girlfriend Now The Ruckus live at the Arts in the Park Concert Series (Manhattan, KS). The song is a cover from The Reel Big Fish (http://www.reelbigfish.com/). This is such a funny http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/26/Shes_Got_a_Girlfriend_Now Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:42:15 -0000 para kay bogie Know that you are not alone and that many others have endured what you are going through--some better [and more gracefully] than others.  I was going to leave these as comments on your page, but I think I've flooded your comment box enough for one day...I could PM them to you, but I think maybe some other people down on their luck might benefit as well... There are no magic words that could erase the pain and the heartache, but these are close enough <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png">.  Knowing how you so love quotes, I'll send my message through some of the best that have gotten me through. "We are often troubled, but not crushed.  Sometimes in doubt, but never in despair.  There are many enemies, but we are never without a friend.  And although badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed."  --2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  it goes on."  --Robert Frost "God will always heal the one whose heart is open to Him; but we must allow Hi... http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/44/para_kay_bogie Thu, 24 May 2007 04:54:51 -0000 John's Gigs It's been a pretty busy past couple of weeks for John. I'm just glad he's had the chance to play with different local musicians. If you're into jazz... And if you're into rock... So proud of the hubby:) http://amyasperin.multiply.com/journal/item/38/Johns_Gigs Tue, 8 May 2007 09:17:40 -0000 For Eternity This was taken during the CD launching at St. Isidore's. Although you can't see John, you can hear him naman eh:) Several Filipinos are in the choir too. Roderick does one of the solos for <a href=http://judydizon.multiply.com/video/item/9>On Eagle's Wings</a>. Chris (on flute) was awesome http://amyasperin.multiply.com/video/item/25/For_Eternity Tue, 8 May 2007 08:54:20 -0000