Yeah, A Bug Crawled Up There

So a few things have been annoying me lately.

Actually more than a few but let's face it, we all have lives so I'll just vent about a few.

First up on my annoyance list are Linked-In whores. Ok, that's not their actual title but it's definitely their description. You receive an invitation to connect on Linked-In so you look at their profile. They don't seem to really have much in common with your line of work, or interests for that matter, but you accept their invitation anyway. Then over the course of the day, and the next and the next, if you happen to check your feed, you see that person has connected with 672 more people. Linked-In Whore. Seriously, the whole point of Linked-In was to connect people you might do business with, or might lead to someone you might do business with. It's not freakin' Twitter where it's all about your followers. Today may have been my fastest unlink ever. Whore.

Next up are names of bands. Now listen up young band people. I covered the CMJ Music Marathon a few weeks back and in researching which bands I wanted to see, I would use the CMJ app and try to coordinate shows with days and times I would be available. Now the easiest way I found to check out the bands was to just go to Youtube and type in their name. It's better than going to the bands websites and navigating pages to find some video. But a problem comes about when bands have names that are really names of other things. Like Fishing, or Northern Lights for example. Punch those babies into Youtube and you know what you get? Videos on How to Fish, and really breathtaking stuff of the Northern Lights. The bands... yeah, didn't find them. So I moved onto the next band. So here's my advice for naming a band: Something original and unusual. Just a thought.

Speaking of music. Publicists, if you're gonna inundate me daily about your clients, when I actually reply and ask you a question about the band... you might want to respond.

Finally, I received a letter from my health insurance company last week telling me to expect a phone call from someone who will be my "health advocate" or some crap like that. They will discuss my present health, how often I visit a doctor, if I got a flu shot, blah, blah, blah. So I get a call yesterday and by the look of the number on caller ID, I figured it was them. And it was... sort of. It was an automated call asking if I was who they were calling. Yes, yes I am. OK, PLEASE HOLD FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE AIDE. Da Fuck? ALL OUR AIDES ARE CURRENTLY ASSISTING OTHER CUSTOMERS, PLEASE HOLD. Are you kidding me? A bot calls me and expects me to hold on while the real people are talking with other people. Here's a novel idea: HAVE A REAL PERSON ACTUALLY CALL ME.

Feeling better. I think that's enough for tonight.

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I Pity the Fool Who Wasted this Day

I did a lot more walking when Hershey was still around.

No matter what the weather, twice a day, at least, I was strolling with the mutt. On the weekends, up at the lake, I was motivated to hike around one of the lakes at least one day of the weekend. Then came the winter of 2013-14. And yes we all agree it sucks. Makes no difference what part of the country you are in, with very few exceptions, all we have done for the past 2 1/2 months is complain about the weather.

And why the hell not? It's been brutal. Last year I think I missed one weekend of walking at the lake, this year I think I walked once. But today was different. Today is a blue sky, breezy, temperature in the high 40s kind of day, and after the past month, it felt good to soak in the sun for an hour.

There's a lot of snow up here. A lot. even with the wide open spaces, you still run out of places to put it. Driveways, our included, are half the width they are normally. Homes with garages have front stairs covered with snow, as people take the easy route of entering their homes through the garage instead of front door. No one has the energy to clean it all, there's just too much.

The community is usually filled with wildlife. On the walk, I saw one herd of deer, all huddled together, a few squirrels and that was it. There is no food for these creatures, and it will be a long time before there is. It's a hard winter for them too.

The plan was to walk around the smaller lake being it's been a while, but I got caught up in the day and blew right past the street where I should have turned. Taking my time, the trek around the big lake wasn't too bad. A light breeze, sun on my face, and music in my ears.

I ended up the walk with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes singing "I Played The Fool." Maybe Johnny, but not me though. The walk was joyous. Can't wait for spring to do it more often.

Hey, It Happens. Just Wish It Didn't Happen To Me

I started this morning with the Temptations song "Ball of Confusion" in my head. That was what my evening was like.

Most times going into New York City and seeing a show works out just fine. The last time there was an evening I chose to forget was well over a year ago. Talked about that in this post "Oy What a Night." Last night was one of those nights where you shake your head and look for the Candid Camera.

Headed into the City a little after five yesterday, traffic wasn't bad, and got to Midtown right at six... when the parking on the street becomes available for the most part. The Other was waiting in a bar on 50th and he saw a parking spot across the street, as I approached. Very cool, grabbed it and proceeded to stick my card into the Muni meter to get the parking receipt. After hitting the button for additional time at least 327 times, I tried to complete my transaction but instead got the dreaded 'card unreadable' message. Damn. Knowing I don't have 632 quarters to reach the time amount needed, I call the Other and he brings his card...again unreadable. OK, time to put the baby in a parking lot.

As the parking lot attendant waves me through to drive down to the next level to park, two cars are coming up the narrow driveway. Sooo, I have to back up the incline and wait for them to pass. Already my aggravation level is going into overdrive. Fine, walk the block to the venue, get my pass for the show, the Other gets his ticket and we wait... outside....in the cold for them to start letting people in. At least a half hour later, they start letting people in a few at a time. Once inside they have to decide where to sit you. It's a lot of long tables and a few scattered individual tables.

Because I had a photo pass, I needed to be close to an end, so we got a table for two on a narrow aisle directly across from another table for two. The aisle was actually a ramp, in direct line of the kitchen. So not only did every bit of food come past us, the wobbly table sat at an angle making it impossible to put a drink on, if you didn't want it in your lap. It also had a tablecloth which under any circumstances would have been too large for this table, add in that the table was in a walkway, well let's just say more than one person dragged it halfway off. Really, I'm not making this shit up.

People who came in ten minutes after us received their drinks before we even saw our waiter. He took our order and that was the last we saw of him for the night... until we hunted him down for the check. Another server brought us our drinks, and the appetizer which we deemed easy enough to eat on a slanted table.

Opening act, intermission, main show... no waiter. Fine, whatever. At the end of the show we find him, get the check and not only is there a charge for the food/drinks but for the show too. I ask him why? Because we didn't give him the cards we were handed when we entered. Ok, the show is sold out... everyone had to have paid to get in. Or even if that wasn't the case, don't you think he might have asked "Do you have a prepaid card?" I explain our situation and yes he remembered I was on a pass and he would fix it but it would take a few minutes.

A half hour later, the Other tracks him down again and the Other comes back with a bill and the handbills for upcoming shows and what the hell is this? Someone's credit card. I look at the name, the check and realize the food on this bill is what the guy sitting in the table next to me had ordered... yeah seating is that close. I ask him, is this yours... yep. Holy Shit, they handed out someone else's credit card.

Again, back to find the waiter, this time we get the correct bill and we finally get to leave. The show was good. Maybe it was a bad night for the venue. Maybe it was just Karma catching up with me.

All in all, it was a night out, a night with music. And that makes everything alright.

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Perseverance

A little over a year ago, I wrote a post about dreams and goals. It centered on the beginning of a dream and possibly coming to the realization that your dream may never come true. The latter part of that statement was written about long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, after she ended her fourth attempt at swimming from Cuba to Key West.

As I write this, Diana Nyad, in her fifth and final attempt, is only ten miles away from achieving her goal. Only ten miles... after swimming for 44 hours. I hope she makes it.

Here's a repost of the story from last year

August 22, 2012

Dreams and Determination

In "The River," Bruce Springsteen wrote

 "Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?" 

Today, I'm looking at both sides of a dream. The promise of what might be, and the realization that the dream is not to be.

This afternoon, I will talk with a musician whose band is on the edge of making their dream come true. Their first CD was released on Monday; now the real work begins. While it's always about the music, creativity is only one piece of the puzzle in this day and age. Gone are the days when record companies offer big contracts and promote your product in every way possible. Now, it is up to the band to do it all. The work is endless: interviews, touring, appearances and the most recent chore...social networking. Having a dream is one thing...having the determination to see it through is another. Breathe deeply, remember what is important, and take that leap of faith.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we look at a dream unfulfilled. For a good portion of my life, Diana Nyad has pushed the envelope in endurance swimming. While at first I thought she was, well a little nuts, I later came to appreciate and admire her mission. In 1975, she swam around the island of Manhattan in under 8 hours. Now, I've lived close to New York City my entire life...there would have been nothing on the face of the earth to get me into those waters in 1975, before they cleaned up the rivers surrounding it.

Her greatest completed endurance swim began on her 30th birthday when she covered the distance of 102 miles from North Bimini Island, Bahamas to Juno Beach, Florida in 27 1/2 hours. Just think about that for a minute. Is there anything in your life you can do for 27 1/2 hours straight...even sleep? No. And yet she completed this amazing feat while battling currents, weather and jellyfish.

Her lasting dream was to swim from Cuba to Florida, but it was not to be. At the age of 62, her fourth attempt will most likely be her last. After swimming for sixty (yes, 60) hours she was pulled from the water, when the battle with the jellyfish and mother nature became too serious of an issue.

Failure? I think not. To have the dream and not make the attempt would be failure. Giving your all and coming up a bit short is an incentive to take what you have learned, and use it to create a new dream.

As Diana moves forward toward a new goal, Lucas and Chuck have many steps before they achieve theirs. Reach with both arms outstretched, but enjoy the small steps. Chances are, they will be the ones worth remembering.

Dreams.
Think them, See them. Close your eyes and jump.
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Rain, Wine, Music and Cupcakes... The Evening Begins

Went into the city last night, so there's always a little story to be told.

With a real crappy day of weather, there was a chance the drum-mama wouldn't be able to make it down from northwest Jersey. But apparently Mother Nature knows better than to interfere with these Jersey girls on a mission of music.

The ride into the city at rush hour was not great, but not as bad as it could have been. Had to drive way downtown for this show, a venue I hadn't been to before, but one I'll be going to again next week. Found on-street parking a block and a half away and went to grab a bite to eat.

There aren't a lot of places in the area to eat, it's a lot of commercial buildings, so many food joints are breakfast and lunch only. The show venue offered food but not what we were looking for. I had googled restaurants in the area and there was one called Mae Mae Cafe which was very close. Normally it's a breakfast/lunch place but on Wednesday they are open for dinner, with live music and with a liquor license. Perfect.

Basically a storefront restaurant, the walls were lined with bookcases with books. Yes, real books. And artsy, fartsy things and a bar. Limited menu but interesting. The parent company has an organic farm upstate so the meals have many home-grown ingredients. A delicious glass of wine was a good way to begin the evening.

A two piece band started to set up. A little live jazz before a night of rock & roll. It was an unexpected treat to hear these two musicians, and I can't remember their names, play their hearts out for a tiny audience. There were probably less than twenty people in the place... it's that small.

As we were about to leave, a fancy lady with a big red hat told us we couldn't leave yet. It was her sister's birthday and we had to stay and have cupcakes with them. In New York City, strangers inviting us to share in their birthday celebration... nice. Now I'm a cupcake girl from way back and they looked quite tasty, but it was time to head up the block to see the show. My waistline and cholesterol count are all the better for it.

The City Winery is a decent sized venue, open, with crowded tables. Sat down, ordered a glass of wine and waited for the show to begin. We were seeing an artist I interviewed on Monday, and both the interview and a review of the show are on their way.

The rain held off, my car was still parked where I left it... always a good thing in the City, and the show was wonderful.

I think I'll do it again next week.

The show we were seeing was Marshall Crenshaw. Review to come, but have a look at my interview with him here: Marshall Crenshaw Interview
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End of the Year Bitchin'

It's the end of the year.

Apparently it is not the end of the world, although with the news this morning that Kanye West and some woman named Kim having a baby, it might still be a possibility. Which brings me to my first thing to bitch about for the end of the year.

Celebrities. Or more accurately...people with no talent who for reasons I cannot fathom, are famous. Most of them are barely literate, ridiculously artificially enhanced and so damn annoying. People, people... come to your senses. Get a life, make a life for yourself. If we all ignore them they will go away... think "Jon & Kate Plus 8."

Politics: Where do we start? After over two years of campaigning, while the country went down the shitter, the election is finally over. The first thing Congress needs to deal with..the Fiscal Cliff. And what are they doing...posturing. Do some damn work, get it done and stop trying to save face in front of the American people. Trust me, it's too late for that.

Violence: Nothing throughout this year can compare with the tragedy at Newtown. We can only hope some progress is finally made in the name of mental health and controlling instruments of mass and easy killing.

Music: For the first time in a bunch of years, there's hope. Ok, so not yet on commercial radio, but there are some real good new bands out there. The grumbling from the past several years is actually starting to create a few changes with radio programming. Now if we can just get rid of the faux celebrity singers from the reality shows, and get some air time for the bands that have worked their asses off for years...then we might just see major improvement. Until then, I will keep the Music blog going and try to showcase as much good stuff as I can find.

Family: Even if they aren't related, family is all that matters at the end of the day, the year or your life. Never take them for granted, never miss a chance to show how you feel, and remember all the little things that make them the best part of your life.

A New Year is ahead, a clean slate. Try not to screw it up.

Happy New Year.

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Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

I'm not in a good mood.

Actually, it's more than a mood. I am not in a good place. It comes and goes, and though band-aids do cover up the wounds, there are always reminders left behind. Emotionally this has been a hard year, my father's illness and death topping the list.

It's also been a year of new adventures. Sometimes you can learn a lot about yourself as you jump into unknown waters. Getting older makes taking those leaps a little more difficult, but much more rewarding. Let's just say I have learned a lot about myself. Some things I like, some I don't.

We are now in the middle of November, getting close to the holidays. The time of the year for a life retrospective. The time of the year to look ahead and decide which adventures are worth pursuing and which ones have become obsolete.

As for the present, a night out in the City tonight. A night of music. Nothing else rights my world more than listening to live music. So look for a decidedly lighter tone in tomorrow's blog.

And maybe a walk in the sunshine today, always a good way to blow out the dark spaces...

and breathe.

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Shoop, Shoop...What?

If you've read my Life blog with any frequency, you would know that we usually go to the weekend house on Friday afternoons. You might also know I do some shopping for supplies before we leave. At Shop-Rite. Where I have many issues...starting with the cashiers, the protocol and sometimes, the other shoppers.

The one thing I do not have an issue with is their choice of music. But first, a little background. Our friend, "the uncle" usually shows up at the house most weekends as well. More often than not, he drives in from the city and we end up meeting in Shop-Rite. Things are just cheaper in Jersey than in New York, so he does his weekly shopping and we co-ordinate cooking choices for the weekend. Our meeting kind of just happened once or twice, though now we try to time it that way.

Anyway, back to the music thing. On more than one occasion we have talked about the music being played in Shop-Rite and how we have both been known to a) sing while pushing the cart, b) dance down the aisle or c) a combination of the two (which really isn't very pretty).

Yesterday I was in Shop-Rite first. My phone rang and my response was Aisle 14, by the meat. Soon I spied "the uncle" pushing his cart in my direction...just as "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" came over the speaker system. Well I don't know about you, but there's no way I can listen to any of those 60's girl group songs without singing or dancing.

I look at "the uncle," he looks at me...he starts to dance, I start to lip sync and do my best hand expressions and...that's when it got real crowded and people started looking at us...what? All of a sudden there was a crowd of people pushing their carts between us and giving us the side eye...what?

I'm sorry people of Shop-Rite, but life is too freakin' short and no way I will suppress joy, especially if there is music involved. Let the child within you reach out. All I know is while 30 or so people looked pathetically at two middle-aged people enjoying the mundane task of food shopping, we were getting our groove on for the weekend.

Did we look ridiculous...probably. Do I care...not for a minute. I had a reason to smile yesterday, hope I do everyday.

shoop, shoop.

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Over The River...

There is something so life-renewing about spending the evening in New York City.

While I will eternally consider myself a Jersey Girl (thank you Tom Waits and Bruce), I have spent quite a lot of time in NYC.  First as a kid, when mom would take me to Broadway shows, then later as a early teenager sneaking into the city for nothing more exciting than to walk the streets and be intoxicated by the dynamic which surrounds you.

Later, there was school, work and living in the city. But the one thing which drew me into New York more than anything else was the music. The venues, both large and small offered an overflowing bounty of sounds from every genre. It still does.

Last night I was able to spend another night in the city with the end game seeing a new band. But as always, getting there is half the fun.

An easy drive over the George Washington Bridge, as well as non-existent traffic down the west side, put me in one fine mood. And the view of the sun going down over Jersey as you ride parallel to the Hudson River, always puts a smile on my face.

Getting across town can get pretty dicey sometimes, especially when the POTUS is in town. Thankfully, I missed him by one day and, even getting from one river to the river on the other side of the island, was smooth. Finding a parking space not too far from the venue was even smoother.

Meeting up with the rest of the crew, a great dive bar with $3 beers was the first destination. And the great thing about this place is they don't serve food, but you can order some in. So that's what we did...ordered delivery from a Korean restaurant, and drank our $3 beers. For those not from the area, a $3 beer in NYC is something like the T-Rex....extinct. Double that is the going rate...I know it sounds crazy, unless you've paid $17 bucks for a Cosmopolitan or fancy Martini. That's when a $6 beer seems like a bargain. But I digress.

With the temperature as close to perfect as you can get, the walk from the bar to the venue, Webster Hall, was easy and enjoyable. Now it was time to breathe in new music. Worthwhile...definitely, but more about that later.

Heading back to Jersey was pretty easy as well. Passed through the Meadowlands before the traffic from the Springsteen concert at the stadium let out. I hear Bruce was rockin' it pretty good last night too.

All in all, a good night. When it includes music, they usually are.

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A Solo For The Drummer

I don't have kids...my choice. I'm not exactly a "people person" so there was no way I was gonna take a chance with having a child. I don't like the responsibility of taking care of myself everyday...having a dog is pretty much my tolerance level, so having someone who actually needs me for 18 years or so...uh, no. But I digress.

This week, all over the country, recent high school graduates are packing up and going off to college. The Drum Mamma's son is one of them. How the hell the eighteen years since I first held him in my arms could have passed so quickly, is one of life's cruel jokes. Days drag on forever, years fly by.

This past year was pretty damn exciting for the Drummer Boy. His band rose to some lofty heights, playing alongside some well-known artists and receiving both honors and critical acclaim. Shows, recording, networking...learning the business through lots of hard work.

Everything changes today. While the band is still together, they are all smart enough to realize making it in a band is less than a sure thing. It's time to learn everything possible about the business end. Just be sure to make a little music everyday...because the music is the one constant in bringing peace and contentment to your life.

So today, as the Drum Mamma tries not to cry, and Big G smiles with pride as he gives one last look in the rear-view mirror...a new chapter begins. But you're a rocker Mike and it's your story, so tear out the pages and write your own.

Big drum finish...rock on.

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Dreams and Determination

In "The River," Bruce Springsteen wrote

 "Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?" 

Today, I'm looking at both sides of a dream. The promise of what might be, and the realization that the dream is not to be.

This afternoon, I will talk with a musician whose band is on the edge of making their dream come true. Their first CD was released on Monday; now the real work begins. While it's always about the music, creativity is only one piece of the puzzle in this day and age. Gone are the days when record companies offer big contracts and promote your product in every way possible. Now, it is up to the band to do it all. The work is endless: interviews, touring, appearances and the most recent chore...social networking. Having a dream is one thing...having the determination to see it through is another. Breathe deeply, remember what is important, and take that leap of faith.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we look at a dream unfulfilled. For a good portion of my life, Diana Nyad has pushed the envelope in endurance swimming. While at first I thought she was, well a little nuts, I later came to appreciate and admire her mission. In 1975, she swam around the island of Manhattan in under 8 hours. Now, I've lived close to New York City my entire life...there would have been nothing on the face of the earth to get me into those waters in 1975, before they cleaned up the rivers surrounding it.

Her greatest completed endurance swim began on her 30th birthday when she covered the distance of 102 miles from North Bimini Island, Bahamas to Juno Beach, Florida in 27 1/2 hours. Just think about that for a minute. Is there anything in your life you can do for 27 1/2 hours straight...even sleep? No. And yet she completed this amazing feat while battling currents, weather and jellyfish.

Her lasting dream was to swim from Cuba to Florida, but it was not to be. At the age of 62, her fourth attempt will most likely be her last. After swimming for sixty (yes, 60) hours she was pulled from the water, when the battle with the jellyfish and mother nature became too serious of an issue.

Failure? I think not. To have the dream and not make the attempt would be failure. Giving your all and coming up a bit short is an incentive to take what you have learned, and use it to create a new dream.

As Diana moves forward toward a new goal, Lucas and Chuck have many steps before they achieve theirs. Reach with both arms outstretched, but enjoy the small steps. Chances are, they will be the ones worth remembering.

Dreams.
Think them, See them. Close your eyes and jump.

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An Animal Tale

Friday...getaway day. But not so fast. First had to take my mother to the oncologist...things seem to be good in that department, do banking for another cousin who is hospitalized, Shop Rite, bread store, gas, vegetable store and... a quick pop into CVS.

I really only needed some Advils for my ever present stress headache, but let's see what else is on sale. Now if I had remembered when I was in Shop Rite this excursion would be unnecessary, however let's face it, my brain is on overdrive these days.  Add in all those brain cells I've killed along the way...well, what was I saying?

Anyway, I ended up in the snack aisle...who doesn't? Now it's lunchtime, I know I have nothing in the house to eat, the food for the weekend is on ice in the car...just grab a bag of pretzels or something.  Passing the cookies, I see the old familiar box of Nabisco Animal Crackers. You know the one that looks like a circus car and has the string handle. Gee, I haven't had animal crackers in a really long time, why not.

Then I saw the price. Are you kidding me? $2.57 for a box of animal crackers. Shit, on sale in Shop Rite I can buy a whole bag of Oreo's (the most perfect cookie ever invented) for $2.50. Has the world really gone this insane? Of course, they are on a shelf which is low enough so every little kid that passes it will ask mommy to buy it. At $2.57. Crazy.

Needless to say, I bought some honey wheat pretzels and went on my way. As I am writing this. that bag of pretzels is getting empty. I just looked at the number of servings in this bag...3.5 oops my bad. Probably not the best lunchtime choice, but who the hell cares.

It's Friday, heading out to the lake and the mountain, a music night tomorrow and a chance to recharge those  brain cells that are only damaged..

I think I ate too many pretzels.

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Road Trip: The Weather Strikes Back

Back from the overnight road trip. Karma may be a bitch, but Mother Nature is even a bigger one.

The ride to my second assault on Danville was uneventful. The choice of hotel proved to be a good one and we anticipated a fun night of food, friends and music. Well, two out of three ain't bad. An outdoor event is always a bit iffy and last night, just at the time the show was scheduled to begin...it looked like the world was about to end.

We actually arrived to hear the second half of the last song during soundcheck. Hell, that sounds great. Ten minutes later the band was covering up anything which couldn't be removed easily. We grabbed some food and sat on the outdoor deck under table umbrellas. As the rain began slowly at first, we all continued to sit there, a little wet,  but hey it's only water. It was nice to catch up with the band and a few people I had met on my first trip down. The skies continued to grow more threatening and as the guy sitting next to be pulled up doplar radar on this phone (don't you just love technology), it was plain to see what was predicted to be scattered T-Storms was now a full-fledged weather front.

As the skies opened, the thunder and lightning which had been in the distance were now right over us. Might be the time to bring this party inside the bar.  Which is what we did, and is where we continued to talk, laugh and raise a few glasses. What can you do? The show wasn't gonna happen.  Later we heard on the news that a town not too far away received 3.5" of rain in 45 minutes. That is not good.

All in all, it was a night out, a chance to reconnect, and a road trip. Thanks to Hybrid Ice for almost kicking ass the whole night. Rick, Bob, Jason, Rusty and Chris... maybe Lock Haven in July. Can you say rain check?

I'll just say....Road Trip.

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Cooking With Kat: Cook Today, Eat All Week

I like to cook. I just don't like to cook during the week. Even though I work at home, I hate walking away from my computer to do any cooking during the week. So, time permitting I try to get a few dishes prepared on the weekend. Leftovers...the gift that keeps on giving.

Some people hate leftovers...my brother is one. Like feeding him something that the dog threw up. Some meals taste better after they have sat a day or so and the flavors blend...some don't taste quite as good. Luck of the draw, but if I don't need to stand in front of the stove M-F...I'm all in.

Last weekend was the big road trip, so no cooking. Pizza, take out and something already cooked from the freezer got me through. So yesterday, the corned beef that didn't get cooked for St. Patty's was on the menu. Enough for an extra meal during the week, as well as a meal-on-wheels to my parents. nice.

Today,with tunes inspiring me, already rockin' some breaded boneless chicken thighs in the oven, some veggies, and just finished sauteing some peppers and onions to go with the chicken pieces now browning. Add a little fresh tomato sauce...yeah baby, eating good all week.

Besides food, got a lot cooking this week. Heavy research, lots of correspondence to get through and as always, hanging out in tweetville.

Feeling good about the next few days. Will I have six numbers in the Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday...probably not. But I will have had a decent weekend in the rear view mirror...and some food on the table. Throw on some music, add a glass of wine and a quiet night at home..it makes it all worthwhile.

Six numbers would make it epic. Just saying.

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It's Not The Normal Noise In Here

Yes indeed, the weather has been great. Past few days... get in the truck, roll down the windows, open up the sunroof...man it's just wonderful. That is, until I actually start driving. You see, the truck is in its final days. And this baby ain't exactly purring.

In a previous post called "Driving a Boat on Dry Land.", I talked about getting rid of my 87 year-old father's 1985 Buick Regal. Well, the apples in my family don't fall far from the tree. I do believe that my brother still has his 1996 Caddy, my mom has a 1998 Chevy and I'm driving a 1997 4-Runner with over 170K miles on it. Apparently we feel the need to get our money's worth.

Now that 4-Runner was very sweet in her early years, but time has taken a toll, and well the old girl is a bit creaky. Last year she started to squeak. She sounds like somebody is having a grand old time on an old spring mattress. I just turned up the music. See, we just wanted to get through the winter with her. Oh yeah winter, well there wasn't one, so the time is getting near to ditch the bitch.

And did I happen to mention about the tailpipe? Yeah, the one that's just about rotted off. I no longer hear the squeaks because the noise from the lack of tailpipe is so freakin' loud. I just turn up the music a bit louder. The problem now, is with the weather so nice, I have windows down, sunroof opened and it's so damn loud I can no longer hear the music.

I'm thinking it's time we got our act together and started making a conscious effort to look for some new wheels. Preferably something with bells and whistles...but nothing that sounds like a large boat in dense fog.

Doesn't the volume go up any higher?

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On The Road Again: Next Stop Danville

To say I'm looking forward to this weekend is an understatement of global proportions.

It's been a while since I've gone on a 'girl's night out' road trip. And this trip gets the team back on the road... together. AKA Mona and Sylvia (a private joke where the names have been changed to protect our relatives). Pack up the car with the a bag of essentials, some snacks, booze and this time around...instead of a boombox, an Iphone and speakers. Nice.

So, along with spending what is for us, an unusually large block of time together, I am also looking forward to meeting some people with whom I have a new type of friendship...an online one, cultivated through mutual interests. It is one of those interests which is the reason for the road trip. A rock concert...yes indeed.

Now my friend, the drum-mamma and I are veterans of the rock and roll concert scene. It was music that first formed the bond between these two Jersey Girls back when Springsteen's band was just him and the boys. No retreat, no surrender.


The who, what and where of the show have previously been mentioned in tweets and in blogs, but those facts are not what is important. The events will play out in days to come on both this blog and the music blog. I shudder to think of the possible things I will be writing about.

But this Saturday, four people coming from three directions will arrive at an unfamiliar destination, wildly contemplating whether the evening will live up to expectations. With the chance to share the night with similarly crazy people all feeling the fire of rock and roll in their hearts..I think we've got a good shot.

Fill up the tank drum-mamma...you know us Jersey Girls don't pump gas.

Road Trip...maybe one for the ages.

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So I'm In A Good Mood. What's It To You?

As unlikely as it is, I'm in a really good mood today and I can't figure out why.  Other than it being an exceptional day weather-wise...I have no reason why my attitude is...well not bad. To tell you the truth, it's a little unsettling for me.

Now it's not that I'm usually in a bad mood, far from it. I am a glass-half full kind of girl...just with a bad attitude. But just now I took a walk and actually said hello to people on the street. THIS IS JERSEY. Trust me, that sort of thing is frowned upon. I guess it's something in the air, because people actually said hello back.

Listened to some great music today, always good for the soul, as well as the mood. Tweeted, talked and IM'ed with those that matter...and it's only early afternoon. We are supposed to get some rain later tonight, but tomorrow is Friday...weekend baby. So today I have nothing to bitch about...kinda leaves me speechless.

Enjoy it while it's here,cause just like that first robin of spring...this good mood will be gone, gone, gone. And unless I hit the lottery...that mood ain't coming back any time soon.

Life IS good.
But it could always be better.
hmmm...feeling more like myself already.

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Oy, What A Night

So we will start out here on the Theory of Life blog and finish up on the Theory of Music blog for the second half of the night.  But the run-up to the show was so priceless...well here we go.

Heading into Manhattan. Traffic at the Lincoln Tunnel, so went straight for the GW Bridge, fine by me, love driving down the West Side Highway. Couple of cruise ships docked at the piers, all the party lights on, adds a nice festive touch to the start of the evening. Picked up the 'other' at work and headed way downtown to The Bowery Ballroom.

We've all heard the expression, "you can't get there from here," well add in the fact that the president is in town and I'm driving cross-town and downtown...let me tell you.."the joy is most definitely NOT in the ride."   Finally arrive, find parking on the street, always nice when that happens, look for a place to grab a quick bite before the show.

Now, we know of one restaurant very close to the venue. Sammy's Roumanian Steak House. Not your usual steak house. Sammy's is a blast out of the old Catskills Borscht Belt. It was not where I wanted to end up. But I did. oy.  It's a small place with low ceilings and old tattered photographs glued to the walls. It's a place with history..and more old fashioned Jewish food than you thought really existed. And really, all I wanted was a burger or slice of pizza. 

Then there was the entertainment at the restaurant...this keyboardist/singer. oy.  I can't even tell you how loud, bad and annoying he was.  And he didn't stop. I was ready to throw a $20 in the tip jar to have him shut up. A nice bowl of mushroom barley soup..quick, easy and we can get the hell out of here.  And still ...he sang.  When he started to sing Sinatra's "Summer Wind,"  all I was thinking was.. please god, don't let him sing "The Way You Look Tonight,"...I may cry. Next song,  oh yes indeed.

As I wiped the tears out of my eyes, the 'other's' food arrived. Now he had ordered an appetizer which needed to be cooked. I ordered soup. Yet his dish arrived a full 5 minutes before mine. Seems picking up a ladle and pouring the contents into a bowl is a little harder than I thought.  And still...he sang.

As we left, I remember thinking...just around the corner there's gonna be another restaurant which would have been a better choice...and there was. Oh well, chalk it up to another memorable life experience. Good music is sure to await me as we head into the Ballroom.

Yes, an old dance hall, with a bar on every level. Feelin' more at home every minute.
Time to rock.

To be continued on Kat's Theory Of Music.

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Moving Into Tweetville

So, if you've been reading my blogs you might remember that I've just started tweeting.  Now I get it. It can be very addictive, especially to someone who works from home and sits in front of a computer screen all day.  Following people you didn't know before and making new friends along the way. And people who actually know me can tell you, I am not the most people person.

So far, a shared interest in music and sports are what's making my life in tweetville entertaining. Finding people with shared life experiences who live in other states and countries is really a kick. Right now there's a few of us looking forward to the summer concert circuit...who, what and where.   I think it's gonna be great!  Being in touch with the bands and waiting on every detail of the music and tour dates. And while I won't be able to make all the shows I'd like to, I'm sure one of my twitter friends will give me a full blow-by-blow playback of what I missed. Not quite like being there, but a good enough fix, to be sure.

And just now I've realized the baseball season will have a new rivalry.  Who says girls can't talk trash? As a woman who lives and breathes derek-jeter-in-a-baseball-uniform, I can't wait for the boys to get back on the field.

All this and it's only been two weeks.  Looking forward to what other directions this tweet thing sends me.
All in 140 characters. Amazing.