Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Back from D.C.
As you know, I spent some time this weekend in Washington, D.C. (AKA, "The City of Angels"). Everything was fine, and I had a busy but good time. I'll let these pics speak for themselves, except to say that there was a pretty cool moment in there. As we were leaving the Washington Monument on Friday night, the police came by and insisted that we move. As we moved, a foam truck from the airport raced across the street with lights on and sat by the side of the road in wait. Our tour guide told us that this only happens when the president is coming back to the White House.
Minutes later, we were touring the Jefferson Memorial and heard helicopters approaching. We looked up, and two marine copters raced across the tidal basin, to the left of the Washington Monument (from our perspective), and sat themselves down on the South Lawn of the White House in plain view to all of our students. Seconds later, one of the helicopters rose and headed away. About two minutes later, the second one did the same. You know what it was, and so did we. It was a very surreal experience, and a very cool thing for them to see.
Here are some moderately well-taken pictures.
A nice photo of Arlington.
A sobering photo of Arlington (click to enlarge).
An important marker (though his body was not buried there).
The city from the top of the hill.
The changing of the guard being witnessed by wounded service personnel from Walter Reed.
The bugle upon which the Kennedy Note was played. BlogPong, if you ever miss a note at a gig again, don't feel too bad.
Brett in front of some house. Tony would not have his hands in his pocket.
Time lapse of the monument.
A photo that only gets about 1/3 of the WWII Memorial in the shot. You have to see this in person to get it.
Happy belated birthday to BlogPong. Sorry I missed it, man. I hope you had a great day.
Minutes later, we were touring the Jefferson Memorial and heard helicopters approaching. We looked up, and two marine copters raced across the tidal basin, to the left of the Washington Monument (from our perspective), and sat themselves down on the South Lawn of the White House in plain view to all of our students. Seconds later, one of the helicopters rose and headed away. About two minutes later, the second one did the same. You know what it was, and so did we. It was a very surreal experience, and a very cool thing for them to see.
Here are some moderately well-taken pictures.
A nice photo of Arlington.
A sobering photo of Arlington (click to enlarge).
An important marker (though his body was not buried there).
The city from the top of the hill.
The changing of the guard being witnessed by wounded service personnel from Walter Reed.
The bugle upon which the Kennedy Note was played. BlogPong, if you ever miss a note at a gig again, don't feel too bad.
Brett in front of some house. Tony would not have his hands in his pocket.
Time lapse of the monument.
A photo that only gets about 1/3 of the WWII Memorial in the shot. You have to see this in person to get it.
Happy belated birthday to BlogPong. Sorry I missed it, man. I hope you had a great day.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
A moment on the row
I had a co-write on the row today. Most of the time when I write with someone it’s at my house or theirs. In spite of the fact that I don’t have a publishing deal, sometimes it’s just more convenient to meet somewhere around 16th or 17th Avenue.
Over the seven-and-a-half months since I have been doing this here, going to the row has become less and less of a novelty. When I first moved, being there was like traversing the hall on your first day of high school. There were new things and people to see, new places to focus your attention, and a general feeling of not being able to believe you are where you are. Gradually, the new becomes standard and the fascination turns into a memory of when you were “so young and green.” It eventually becomes cool to act unimpressed by your new surroundings and to speak about the uniquenesses (not a word!) as the long-since-forgotten whatevers (also not a word!) of your environment.
As I walked out of the building that houses the Nashville S0ngwriters Ass0ciation Internati0nal with my co-writer in tow heading to the Atlanta Bread Company for lunch, I took a picture with my brain. Upon hitting the pavement, he immediately began verbally examining the reasoning of the character in the song and asking questions about the logical flow of the events of the tune. No hi. No Great to see you! No What’s up? Just, “If he ‘was broken’ in the bridge, then we have to go back to the first verse and make sure that the lapse in time is believable.”
Before answering in my nonchalant sort of “Man I’m a sophomore… none of this stuff is cool” sort of way, I took a second as we crossed Division Street. I realized how good this feels when I get to do this… to work and play in the mind of a person that doesn’t exist… to concern myself with the appropriateness of a melodic turn or a harmonic twist for his story… to tweak and whittle the words that tell his tale… and to do it here.
I grinned real big for a second while looking at the ground, continued to walk with him, put my poker face back on, and said, “Yes, Dave. I was just thinking the same thing.”
Over the seven-and-a-half months since I have been doing this here, going to the row has become less and less of a novelty. When I first moved, being there was like traversing the hall on your first day of high school. There were new things and people to see, new places to focus your attention, and a general feeling of not being able to believe you are where you are. Gradually, the new becomes standard and the fascination turns into a memory of when you were “so young and green.” It eventually becomes cool to act unimpressed by your new surroundings and to speak about the uniquenesses (not a word!) as the long-since-forgotten whatevers (also not a word!) of your environment.
As I walked out of the building that houses the Nashville S0ngwriters Ass0ciation Internati0nal with my co-writer in tow heading to the Atlanta Bread Company for lunch, I took a picture with my brain. Upon hitting the pavement, he immediately began verbally examining the reasoning of the character in the song and asking questions about the logical flow of the events of the tune. No hi. No Great to see you! No What’s up? Just, “If he ‘was broken’ in the bridge, then we have to go back to the first verse and make sure that the lapse in time is believable.”
Before answering in my nonchalant sort of “Man I’m a sophomore… none of this stuff is cool” sort of way, I took a second as we crossed Division Street. I realized how good this feels when I get to do this… to work and play in the mind of a person that doesn’t exist… to concern myself with the appropriateness of a melodic turn or a harmonic twist for his story… to tweak and whittle the words that tell his tale… and to do it here.
I grinned real big for a second while looking at the ground, continued to walk with him, put my poker face back on, and said, “Yes, Dave. I was just thinking the same thing.”
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Idol Chatter 3/21
I didn't see the whole thing, but I was pleasantly pleased that Elliot pulled off what is one of my favorite all-time tunes. I also don't know that I will be able to stomach the whole show until Bucky or Kevin or both are gone. Nashville Star discussion is above.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Note the name of the apartment complex in this story. If you've been to my place, you probably recognize it.
Russell's Retreat
Blog Pong (or whatever the hell his name is) came up for the weekend. We had a blast between watching hoops here (I worked when he decided to take a nap), a little heads up poker, more basketball, a movie, a trip to a local dive, and more poker. It was quite good.
Since then I've been working on Erik Part 2, and making some preparations to travel a bit for the next few days. I'll be in Washington, DC this Thursday through Sunday, then in Chicago next week. I don't know what my bloglihood will be during those trips.
• In other news, I have been having a very pleasant conversation with a person online. Unfortunately, the emails are getting so long that it is taking 3-4 hours to write them. There must be a change.
• There will be a Nashville Star discussion group beginning tomorrow night, though I don't know how heavily I will participate.
• Newsradio Season 3 comes in tomorrow. Yay.
• I have been revisiting the tune "Automatic" by the P0inter Sisters. This may be bad, but I kinda like it (except not right now... the synthesizer solo is making me giggle). When I did basketball band, I always wanted to have two tunes ready for time outs before late game free throws:
- "Automatic" when we were shooting,
- "Pressure" (Billy Joel) when the other guys were.
I departed having never been prepared for that possibility.
Since then I've been working on Erik Part 2, and making some preparations to travel a bit for the next few days. I'll be in Washington, DC this Thursday through Sunday, then in Chicago next week. I don't know what my bloglihood will be during those trips.
• In other news, I have been having a very pleasant conversation with a person online. Unfortunately, the emails are getting so long that it is taking 3-4 hours to write them. There must be a change.
• There will be a Nashville Star discussion group beginning tomorrow night, though I don't know how heavily I will participate.
• Newsradio Season 3 comes in tomorrow. Yay.
• I have been revisiting the tune "Automatic" by the P0inter Sisters. This may be bad, but I kinda like it (except not right now... the synthesizer solo is making me giggle). When I did basketball band, I always wanted to have two tunes ready for time outs before late game free throws:
- "Automatic" when we were shooting,
- "Pressure" (Billy Joel) when the other guys were.
I departed having never been prepared for that possibility.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
I love March Madness, and I am realizing today how much I missed it being on the road with tournaments and not getting to watch a lot on tv over the last ten years or so. It does tear me up, however, (and I'm sure it does the same to many of you) in that I reeeaaaalllly want that gift certificate for my bracket. But damn... when Tennessee is facing an upset loss to a 15-seed late, you've got to pull for the dog even though your bracket says Vol.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Idol Chatter 3/14-15
If you want, go for it... I've got nothing since I didn't see it, except to say that Ace's near exit would have been the second most shocking thing I have seen on the show (when I have watched), second only to the unfortunate exit of LaToya London in Season 3, resulting in the worst final two ever.
And I suppose an off-road vehicle is completely out of the question...
I joined the Memphians and family at this establishment to hear a concert by the finalists of this show, followed by a community viewing of the premiere, and a post-show concert.
Two very strange things happened.
1. Though the taping had been completed a week ago, the word wasn't really out on which contestant was removed from the show by the judges. In order to maintain some level of secrecy or anticipation or whatever, all of the finalists performed before the premiere... including the one who had already been eliminated. We later realized that we should have recognized who was eliminated during the live show, as she removed her shirt Brandi Chastain style as she left the stage.
After the premiere, she was pretty much very wasted, very horny, or very both. We know this because, in the middle of a tune featuring all of the contestants, she proceeded to sit in the lap of the drummer in a style reminiscent of every male's best Cinemax fantasy (Think about it males... playing drums in a band, drinking a beer, and... well - all at once). Somehow, he never missed a beat (no pun intended) and managed to stay right in the pocket with no vision and very limited maneuvering room.
2. We must have been the only people to hear this because our table was the only one that I heard laugh hysterically. How this made the nationally televised show I don't know, but one of the female contestants' taped interview included the question, "What will you do if you win?"
She responded with some of the typical ya ya about "balance" and so on, then made an honest but very whoops kind of statement. After mentioning the money that comes along with a record deal (or so many people think) she said something very similar to, "... though my husband fantasizes about getting a Hummer."
I am still giggling in a very sixth grade sort of way... poor guy.
Two very strange things happened.
1. Though the taping had been completed a week ago, the word wasn't really out on which contestant was removed from the show by the judges. In order to maintain some level of secrecy or anticipation or whatever, all of the finalists performed before the premiere... including the one who had already been eliminated. We later realized that we should have recognized who was eliminated during the live show, as she removed her shirt Brandi Chastain style as she left the stage.
After the premiere, she was pretty much very wasted, very horny, or very both. We know this because, in the middle of a tune featuring all of the contestants, she proceeded to sit in the lap of the drummer in a style reminiscent of every male's best Cinemax fantasy (Think about it males... playing drums in a band, drinking a beer, and... well - all at once). Somehow, he never missed a beat (no pun intended) and managed to stay right in the pocket with no vision and very limited maneuvering room.
2. We must have been the only people to hear this because our table was the only one that I heard laugh hysterically. How this made the nationally televised show I don't know, but one of the female contestants' taped interview included the question, "What will you do if you win?"
She responded with some of the typical ya ya about "balance" and so on, then made an honest but very whoops kind of statement. After mentioning the money that comes along with a record deal (or so many people think) she said something very similar to, "... though my husband fantasizes about getting a Hummer."
I am still giggling in a very sixth grade sort of way... poor guy.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Numbers over Brentwood
It’s evident before I begin this entry that it is going nowhere. So, those of you looking for substance should just go ahead and go to the Onion or something.
1. I’m feeling restless. This is never good, and has gotten me into more trouble than I can count, er, name, er whatever.
3. Here are some things I love:
French fries
Jack Daniel’s and Dr. Pepper
Great songs that I didn’t love the first time I heard them
Birkenstocks that aren’t worn out
Baseball
Sprrrrrrrring
The clothes that Ln helped me buy
Air conditioning that works
5. Here are some things that piss me off:
Chins
Interrupted naps
Check-raises
Traffic
Raspberry
Even numbers
Air conditioning that doesn’t work
I-24 west after the mountain
The name “Elvis” (excluding Presley and Costello, but not excluding Grbac)
The words “nonchalant” and “sacrifice” (the latter especially in a metal tune)
The following alternate spellings of names:
Natalee
Jayson
Stacie
Kristopher
Mychal
Rachael
Lara
Bret
Kristyn
Tre
Brion
(Note: I am borderline on “Erik” but I am going to go with it for now, just for the Big E)
1. I’m feeling restless. This is never good, and has gotten me into more trouble than I can count, er, name, er whatever.
3. Here are some things I love:
French fries
Jack Daniel’s and Dr. Pepper
Great songs that I didn’t love the first time I heard them
Birkenstocks that aren’t worn out
Baseball
Sprrrrrrrring
The clothes that Ln helped me buy
Air conditioning that works
5. Here are some things that piss me off:
Chins
Interrupted naps
Check-raises
Traffic
Raspberry
Even numbers
Air conditioning that doesn’t work
I-24 west after the mountain
The name “Elvis” (excluding Presley and Costello, but not excluding Grbac)
The words “nonchalant” and “sacrifice” (the latter especially in a metal tune)
The following alternate spellings of names:
Natalee
Jayson
Stacie
Kristopher
Mychal
Rachael
Lara
Bret
Kristyn
Tre
Brion
(Note: I am borderline on “Erik” but I am going to go with it for now, just for the Big E)
Sunday, March 12, 2006
oh... and here's news about the Dick See Chix
Lots of questions are in the air about how the new album will be marketed, distributed, etc (It's due out in May). In spite of some early indications that it would be a rock album, an interesting thing happened the other day (password required, but it won't hurt you... you can even listen to a clip of the first single). I personally want them back. I think they're good for business, though there is more to the story, which I ain't talking about.
This will only take a second
The trip to Atlanta which was originally slated to last 16 hours wound up lasting some 75 hours, and for reasons which were good.
I originally planned the trip just to make a 6pm meeting on Wednesday. I decided I would stick around for a little trivia after it was over, where I got to see Rob and Galarza in addition to others who will be mentioned later. I had managed to make some appointments in Atlanta for Thursday, which made the trip make more sense, so I decided to stick around for a day. This also made a trip to Gainesville to see Night One of Special K's Broadway Show. I'm really glad I was able to go and witness an educator thinking independently about the best way to educate, along with the very cool results.
Upon returning to Mayretta on Thursday night, I became aware that a couple of old friends that I don't see very often were going to be in town Friday night. Knowing it would be at least six months before I would have a chance to see them again, I stuck around to see the Maley's, along with Kip (who I do get to see every now and then) and Am0s's friend from school. We had a great time catching up and hanging out.
Today, Ln took me clothes shopping in vintage stores. I wound up getting six shirts for a shade over 30 USD.
Lots of work coming up, along with a visit from the Memphians and then Blog This, or whatever the hell his name is now.
I originally planned the trip just to make a 6pm meeting on Wednesday. I decided I would stick around for a little trivia after it was over, where I got to see Rob and Galarza in addition to others who will be mentioned later. I had managed to make some appointments in Atlanta for Thursday, which made the trip make more sense, so I decided to stick around for a day. This also made a trip to Gainesville to see Night One of Special K's Broadway Show. I'm really glad I was able to go and witness an educator thinking independently about the best way to educate, along with the very cool results.
Upon returning to Mayretta on Thursday night, I became aware that a couple of old friends that I don't see very often were going to be in town Friday night. Knowing it would be at least six months before I would have a chance to see them again, I stuck around to see the Maley's, along with Kip (who I do get to see every now and then) and Am0s's friend from school. We had a great time catching up and hanging out.
Today, Ln took me clothes shopping in vintage stores. I wound up getting six shirts for a shade over 30 USD.
Lots of work coming up, along with a visit from the Memphians and then Blog This, or whatever the hell his name is now.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Wow. I kinda stumbled onto this little set of interviews of the Blast percussionists. Kinda neat to see that. For those of you who don't know, Drew and Lance are from UGA and worked/played with several who read this.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Idol Chatter 3/7 and 3/8
I have to make a quick day-and-a-half run to Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, so I will let this entry serve as the discussion string for AI tonight and tomorrow. Go.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Money, the Blue Bar, and my not returning to Athens
I'm tired of bullets, but this will be random anyway.
I think having to fairly aggressively earn every dollar I make (rather than getting a guaranteed paycheck every month) has made me appreciate my money quite a bit more than I did before I moved. I have started to notice a change in my spending habits, and that I tend to try to find ways to spend my money that might offer me a potential return, rather than spending it on something that will depreciate. This has got me thinking... I won't say about what yet, but I am thinking, and that can be dangerous.
I went to a show tonight and met this guy, who happens to be a cousin of the guy at the top of this page. Cool. I also ran into this guy, who I heard on my XM radio just the other day. I think I found my new favorite hangout.
Lastly, I am not sure how many people have heard this, but I feel the need to address it. There is a nasty rumor that says that I will return to my old job in Athens this fall. While I miss Athens very badly, and the people moreso, I have moved on and love Nashville. There has been and will be no discussion of my returning to UGA in the foreseeable future. The only circumstances under which I would return are 20-30 years away and involve entirely different conditions and responsibilities than were present when I was there. So... tell your friends, your enemies, and even those you don't know.
You can't go home again. It kinda sucks, but it kinda doesn't.
I think having to fairly aggressively earn every dollar I make (rather than getting a guaranteed paycheck every month) has made me appreciate my money quite a bit more than I did before I moved. I have started to notice a change in my spending habits, and that I tend to try to find ways to spend my money that might offer me a potential return, rather than spending it on something that will depreciate. This has got me thinking... I won't say about what yet, but I am thinking, and that can be dangerous.
I went to a show tonight and met this guy, who happens to be a cousin of the guy at the top of this page. Cool. I also ran into this guy, who I heard on my XM radio just the other day. I think I found my new favorite hangout.
Lastly, I am not sure how many people have heard this, but I feel the need to address it. There is a nasty rumor that says that I will return to my old job in Athens this fall. While I miss Athens very badly, and the people moreso, I have moved on and love Nashville. There has been and will be no discussion of my returning to UGA in the foreseeable future. The only circumstances under which I would return are 20-30 years away and involve entirely different conditions and responsibilities than were present when I was there. So... tell your friends, your enemies, and even those you don't know.
You can't go home again. It kinda sucks, but it kinda doesn't.
Sometimes you get a call on your cell, you look at the caller’s name, and you just know – KNOW – that you shouldn’t pick up the phone. Well, dumbass me picked up the phone. As a result, I will be playing band director for forty-seven minutes tomorrow morning at 8:24 am. I am not happy about this.
All else is fine.
All else is fine.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Vintage Nothing
This will, yet again, be somewhat random. So, why not… here are some bullets for you.
• The trip to the ‘loosa was fine, in spite of my waking up late. There’s something new. For the record, the old silly joke was:
Q: “What do you get when you cross Tuscaloosa with Tallapoosa?
A: “Loosa Poosa.”
Whatever.
• Oh. On my night there, I did walk over to the nearby Hooter’s and have a few wings. At some point, the waitresses began throwing Twizzlers at each other, which was just charming. Apparently, some poor frat guy got the worst of it.
• Here’s another picture I found while cleaning out the images on my phone. This was from the WVU sideline at pregame before the Sugar Bowl. Please note that, if this gentleman’s shorts did have pockets, his pocket was not where his hand was. And it presumably isn't over his heart, where I am told it is supposed to be.
• I am very very excited about Gunner’s Haiku Contest 2006, and have already begun preparing.
• I will be performing a fairly quick drive-by the ATL next Wed. and Thurs. in spite of my better judgment.
• Fashion expert females: To save money, I am considering buying new clothes only at vintage clothing stores, as this is where I have found all of my favorite clothes ever. Is this a good idea, and if so, who’s going with me.
Damn, I sound like a woman who has to pee.
• The trip to the ‘loosa was fine, in spite of my waking up late. There’s something new. For the record, the old silly joke was:
Q: “What do you get when you cross Tuscaloosa with Tallapoosa?
A: “Loosa Poosa.”
Whatever.
• Oh. On my night there, I did walk over to the nearby Hooter’s and have a few wings. At some point, the waitresses began throwing Twizzlers at each other, which was just charming. Apparently, some poor frat guy got the worst of it.
• Here’s another picture I found while cleaning out the images on my phone. This was from the WVU sideline at pregame before the Sugar Bowl. Please note that, if this gentleman’s shorts did have pockets, his pocket was not where his hand was. And it presumably isn't over his heart, where I am told it is supposed to be.
• I am very very excited about Gunner’s Haiku Contest 2006, and have already begun preparing.
• I will be performing a fairly quick drive-by the ATL next Wed. and Thurs. in spite of my better judgment.
• Fashion expert females: To save money, I am considering buying new clothes only at vintage clothing stores, as this is where I have found all of my favorite clothes ever. Is this a good idea, and if so, who’s going with me.
Damn, I sound like a woman who has to pee.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Sad News
I can only think of, at most, two or three of you who may have encountered this gentleman, but I'll post it for everyone. If you ever worked with the SEC (the conference, not the commission... I'm thinking Knight, Scott, Big Oob, maybe Trina) you probably had some contact with Brad D., who passed away yesterday.
Ok
I am a pretty bad blog slacker at this point, but I guess I have an excuse. I haven’t been near a computer when I was free to at least point out some pointless piece of random something. I hope that’s enough. But if it’s not, I guess (as we used to say) that’s just tough. I love that phrase in weak sort of way, and I used to think of it when I wore Toughskins, which I don’t guess they make anymore. I am apparently too lazy (or more likely too sleepy) to accept this as a research project.
As of this typing, I have no idea where this is going. If this statement is still here when it makes the blog, you will know that I continued to not have any idea where this was going when I was finished. So. Here we go.
I went to Athens on Friday. When I left Nashville, the weather made it apparent that God was shamelessly showing off. It was the kind of day on which you would choose to have your wedding, your funeral, your Bar Mitzvah, your first house closing, or your vasectomy. Take your pick…
The ride down was awesome. I left the radio off, partially because I have blown one speaker, partially because it was 66 and mostly sunny, and partially because I wanted to have one of those conversations with myself that I have been known to have. I was quite engaging.
Drinks and philosophy with Trina ensued upon my arrival in the Classic City.
Saturday I read, and met Gunner and the Diva for dinner. I had a great time, and I think things are and will be going very well for him and his family.
Sunday, I had a great lunch at Five Star Day with Leslie, then went to a basketball game and became reacquainted with the Stegosaurus. I then drove for an hour, then met Sarah for dinner. She is calm, resolved, and happy. This is very good.
Monday, I met with Skip (who some of you don’t know). We had a good discussion about my June in Athens. I then trekked to Snellville to meet Lauressandro Moates. We handled what we needed to handle for their fall, and things are looking good. I saw their winter guard show, which caused me to settle on my new favorite song: “Oh What a World,” by Rufus W@inwright. Repetitive lyric, which isn’t uncommon… but a great melody, a really great instrumentation, and an enviable patience for the payoff (Ignore all of that if you aren’t me). Upon arriving back in Athens, I got the worst song evaluation I have ever received. I stewed on it for a couple of hours, and damn near let it ruin my night. Then I salvaged the night.
Tuesday, I made it back into what once was “the office” and said hello to a few folks, then made my way to Dacula to meet Doug H. (who only, um, five or so of you know) to discuss his fall. I continued to see my brother, sister-in-law, and two of my three nephews. Next was Robin, Erin, and Dory’s recital, which was great. This was followed by Cub, Trina, and my joining in the first night of the restaurant which is replacing Mi@ Madonn@ in Athens. It was just lovely, but I wish I appreciated really good food more than I do.
The next morning, I was up early. I went and saw my parents for a couple of hours. This was really cool.
On I continued back here to the ‘twood for unpacking and a co-write. Since, I have been working on a side project for Special K and thinking about some as yet unspecified things for the Big E.
Today, I had a conversation with an old friend of Steve’s who has recently moved to town from L.A. for the same reason I did. He’s kinda where I am in terms of figuring the town out, but has a lot of years of wisdom on me. We will meet soon.
I’m off to Tuscaloosa (one half of a really bad joke that I won’t tell) tomorrow to teach, then back here to work for a few days on Saturday.
I had written some thoughts down here, but I removed them just in case…
Long story short: Life is good. I don’t have to live in the middle of all the bullshit that is going on in Athens. I’m here, doing what I want to do. I get to leave when I want and stay when I want.
I guess I don’t have much to bitch about… I think that’s the first time this has been true since I started this blog.
Ok.
As of this typing, I have no idea where this is going. If this statement is still here when it makes the blog, you will know that I continued to not have any idea where this was going when I was finished. So. Here we go.
I went to Athens on Friday. When I left Nashville, the weather made it apparent that God was shamelessly showing off. It was the kind of day on which you would choose to have your wedding, your funeral, your Bar Mitzvah, your first house closing, or your vasectomy. Take your pick…
The ride down was awesome. I left the radio off, partially because I have blown one speaker, partially because it was 66 and mostly sunny, and partially because I wanted to have one of those conversations with myself that I have been known to have. I was quite engaging.
Drinks and philosophy with Trina ensued upon my arrival in the Classic City.
Saturday I read, and met Gunner and the Diva for dinner. I had a great time, and I think things are and will be going very well for him and his family.
Sunday, I had a great lunch at Five Star Day with Leslie, then went to a basketball game and became reacquainted with the Stegosaurus. I then drove for an hour, then met Sarah for dinner. She is calm, resolved, and happy. This is very good.
Monday, I met with Skip (who some of you don’t know). We had a good discussion about my June in Athens. I then trekked to Snellville to meet Lauressandro Moates. We handled what we needed to handle for their fall, and things are looking good. I saw their winter guard show, which caused me to settle on my new favorite song: “Oh What a World,” by Rufus W@inwright. Repetitive lyric, which isn’t uncommon… but a great melody, a really great instrumentation, and an enviable patience for the payoff (Ignore all of that if you aren’t me). Upon arriving back in Athens, I got the worst song evaluation I have ever received. I stewed on it for a couple of hours, and damn near let it ruin my night. Then I salvaged the night.
Tuesday, I made it back into what once was “the office” and said hello to a few folks, then made my way to Dacula to meet Doug H. (who only, um, five or so of you know) to discuss his fall. I continued to see my brother, sister-in-law, and two of my three nephews. Next was Robin, Erin, and Dory’s recital, which was great. This was followed by Cub, Trina, and my joining in the first night of the restaurant which is replacing Mi@ Madonn@ in Athens. It was just lovely, but I wish I appreciated really good food more than I do.
The next morning, I was up early. I went and saw my parents for a couple of hours. This was really cool.
On I continued back here to the ‘twood for unpacking and a co-write. Since, I have been working on a side project for Special K and thinking about some as yet unspecified things for the Big E.
Today, I had a conversation with an old friend of Steve’s who has recently moved to town from L.A. for the same reason I did. He’s kinda where I am in terms of figuring the town out, but has a lot of years of wisdom on me. We will meet soon.
I’m off to Tuscaloosa (one half of a really bad joke that I won’t tell) tomorrow to teach, then back here to work for a few days on Saturday.
I had written some thoughts down here, but I removed them just in case…
Long story short: Life is good. I don’t have to live in the middle of all the bullshit that is going on in Athens. I’m here, doing what I want to do. I get to leave when I want and stay when I want.
I guess I don’t have much to bitch about… I think that’s the first time this has been true since I started this blog.
Ok.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Idol Chatter 2/28 and 3/1
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry... I was gone! Speak, and know that Carrie U. makes her triumphant return tonight. Update on the weekend when I get to it.
When did I become busy again, and was this part of the bargain?
When did I become busy again, and was this part of the bargain?
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