Simply

photo by Huy Lam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLIVGuc1Hu4

The 1st performance at my Birthday BBQ Concert. Much thanks to Winson and Adrian for backing me up and to Huy for filming.

For Apo.

Simply
by James Y. Shih

The Band-
Guitar/Vocals: James Y. Shih
Guitar/BG Vocals: Winson Duong
Percussion: Adrian Sangalang

Cinematography-
Huy Lam

Lyrics-
It's a sunny Californian day
And I wanted to say that I miss you girl
Cuz it seems so cold
When I'm not with you
And if I could hold you,
That would make it better
I know that these times are rough
But I gotta get with you my love
Keep it simple

Simply

Simply you and me

Its almost the end of the day
And Ill reiterate that I miss you girl
Cuz when the sun sets
Thats when Im the loneliest
This bed was specially made
For you to be right next to me
As I lay down my head
I remember what a wise man said:
Keep it simple

Simply

Simply you and me

The Radio Dept. - Strange Things Will Happen

Today was a pretty day

No disappointments
No expectations on your whereabouts
And oh, did I let you go?
Did it finally show that strange things will happen if you let them?

Today I didn't even try to hide
I'll stay here and never push things to the side
You can't reach me cause I'm way beyond you today

Today was a pretty day
Autumn comes with
These slight surprises where your life might twist and turn
Hope to unlearn
Strange things will happen
If you let them come around and stick around

Today I didn't even try to hide
I'll stay here and never push things to the side

Today I didn't even look to find
Something to put me in that peace of mind
You can't touch me cause I'm way beyond you today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw3b6sfbv6g

Happy Birthday to Me

When I was younger than I am today, I felt as if the future was vague, frightening, and infinite. It was like looking out at a great expanse of ocean from the shore at night, the possibilities seemed endless yet so overwhelming.

I could take my time with reaching my goals, they were out there floating in the waters. I would just content myself making sand castles on the shore.

---

As a child at family get togethers, relatives and family friends would remark on how cute I was and ask, "How old are you?"

Now, they remark on how tall I've become and ask, "How much do you make a year?"

---

I find myself swimming now and I can make out the other side. I didn't see it at first, but it has always been there. It's a darkness that is deeper than the holes in the sky, no matter which way I swim, it moves closer and closer.

I'm still terrified, but it is no longer a fear of the infinite it's a fear of the finite.

---

I saw my friend's son right when he was born. He was so tiny. I couldn't believe that one day he could be as big as me or bigger. I couldn't believe that one day, his grandma is going to ask him, "How much you make a year?"

I can't leave sand castles for him and my own son/daughter and all their friends. I have to leave something that can withstand the waves, something that touches the infinite in this finite time that I have.

What is it?