Saturday, December 18, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
11-15-10
Mid November 2010. Got our first five inches of snow the other day. They declared a snow emergency and by the third day, the odd side of the street was already melted yet we needed to move our cars so they could plow the dry street.
Still up in the air about politics. Maybe leaving it in the dust. I contacted Farheen Hakeem, the Green Party candidate for Governor in Minnesota, and told her I thought I would be a good ViceGov to her Gov. She wants to meet for coffee. 2012 anyone? I hate the way politics IS right now. The whole thing needs to change. Why do we always go back to the FOUNDING FATHERS way? Do we really admire those founding fathers so much? Egads...they were slave owners, sexists, racists, all white and pompous....
Next week we have Sardine Head from Japan coming to play a show with GJ/Cymatic at the Cabooze. Looking forward to this annual PreTurkey day show we do.
I'm supposed to think about the following questions:
Floating on a raft in the South Pacific, free from danger, with ample provisions (food, h2o, etc) and safe from the elements, I would prefer to be joined by this one (living or not) person, _______________. And during this time of strandedness, I _____________?
Interesting question. If I chose my son, then my wife and daughters get neglected and I would feel like a jerk. Practically would feel like a jerk if I picked one person in favor of all others? Hmm. Will have to think about that more. I'm thinking about "Why it would be wrong to pick one person over someone else?"
JF
Still up in the air about politics. Maybe leaving it in the dust. I contacted Farheen Hakeem, the Green Party candidate for Governor in Minnesota, and told her I thought I would be a good ViceGov to her Gov. She wants to meet for coffee. 2012 anyone? I hate the way politics IS right now. The whole thing needs to change. Why do we always go back to the FOUNDING FATHERS way? Do we really admire those founding fathers so much? Egads...they were slave owners, sexists, racists, all white and pompous....
Next week we have Sardine Head from Japan coming to play a show with GJ/Cymatic at the Cabooze. Looking forward to this annual PreTurkey day show we do.
I'm supposed to think about the following questions:
Floating on a raft in the South Pacific, free from danger, with ample provisions (food, h2o, etc) and safe from the elements, I would prefer to be joined by this one (living or not) person, _______________. And during this time of strandedness, I _____________?
Interesting question. If I chose my son, then my wife and daughters get neglected and I would feel like a jerk. Practically would feel like a jerk if I picked one person in favor of all others? Hmm. Will have to think about that more. I'm thinking about "Why it would be wrong to pick one person over someone else?"
JF
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
letter to Bush
(from a random Iranian-American writing a letter to Bush)
Dear X-prez Bush, if you're reading this, please know that you have the blood of many many Iraqis and Americans on your dirty hands. You are a coward and a lier and the lowest that a human being can be.
You sent your own country's boys to kill others, for yours and your friends profit.
The day of reckoning is yet to come. I'm not sure how a person like you can sleep at night. May be you have some one inducing a delusion of riotousness in you so that you can live with the guilt.
You made the world hate America. I am a dual American /Iranian citizen. You have made it much safer for me to tell people that I am Iranian than an American. You have made heroes out of suicide bombers. You have made Ahmadinejad and any one else that stands up to America a hero the world over.
America and its citizens will for generations pay for your tyranny.
Dear X-prez Bush, if you're reading this, please know that you have the blood of many many Iraqis and Americans on your dirty hands. You are a coward and a lier and the lowest that a human being can be.
You sent your own country's boys to kill others, for yours and your friends profit.
The day of reckoning is yet to come. I'm not sure how a person like you can sleep at night. May be you have some one inducing a delusion of riotousness in you so that you can live with the guilt.
You made the world hate America. I am a dual American /Iranian citizen. You have made it much safer for me to tell people that I am Iranian than an American. You have made heroes out of suicide bombers. You have made Ahmadinejad and any one else that stands up to America a hero the world over.
America and its citizens will for generations pay for your tyranny.
11-3-2010
I am upset with our political system. I think we have no options. I voted Democrat accross the board yesterday and only because I'm voting so people with disabilities can continue to get services they depend on. But I thought about this. I really would like a small government with lots of freedom but I can't buy the Right Wing social agenda that goes along with it....I think the country needs to be much more socially liberal yet have smaller Gov. So guess what, I don't fit the bill for either party. I'm sick of voting for things I don't believe in!
But I think that is right where I'm supposed to be in the eyes of the people who have power. It's time to fight the power and stop being apathetic. Some real change has to happen and fast. I think we're going to see some great artists come out of changing times in America.
Progress is not moving fast enough and people are getting pissed. People who have been diligently working and striving toward peaceful communities and better-ness for people are getting pissed. We are not seeing the "change" fast enough. It's going to be interesting to see where this thing goes.
In the meantime, I'm refreshing my Rage Against the Machine and growing more determined.
(NIck DeLaRocha from RATM) "We played this show at Coachella Pavilion. It was our first show back. I said a few things from the stage, and the next day Fox News ran this whole piece about us saying that the Presidents should be assassinated. But those fascists always get it wrong when they just want to pin a band in the corner for standing up. What we said was that the whole Bush Administration should be put on trial for war crimes and then hung and then shot, that's what we said.
But besides that it made me think about something. It made me think, "what are they so afraid of?" It made me think about what scares them. Is it really four musicians from Los Angeles who've got a point of view? Is it really just this music and these rhythms and these words? Is that what they're scared of? I thought I'd think about it and you know what? My conclusion is this: nah, they ain't scared of us, they're scared of you! They're scared that you might come election time and throw Bush and Cheney and all them fascists out of power! That's what they're scared of!
And let me say this: the Democrats are scared of you too! Because they know that you see through their bullshit too. Because when Bush was wiretapping, spying on citizens, torturing innocent people – they were supposed to be the people to defend us from them, and they didn't do shit! So the Democrats are scared of you too. Why? Because they know they're coming to power and they're taking it all for granted, but they're scared because they know that if they don't start fucking pulling troops from Iraq that you're going to go and burn down every office of every Senator that doesn't do the job.
Well I will say this, that the world is watching us now. The whole world is watching us. The brothers and sisters in South America who are dealing with this imperialist violence have got their eyes on us. Our brothers and sisters in Iraq got their eyes on us. Because we are the ones that are prepared to, and going to, put an end to this nonsense. So Wake Up. Come on, Wake Up! Wake Up!" (Summer 2010)
But I think that is right where I'm supposed to be in the eyes of the people who have power. It's time to fight the power and stop being apathetic. Some real change has to happen and fast. I think we're going to see some great artists come out of changing times in America.
Progress is not moving fast enough and people are getting pissed. People who have been diligently working and striving toward peaceful communities and better-ness for people are getting pissed. We are not seeing the "change" fast enough. It's going to be interesting to see where this thing goes.
In the meantime, I'm refreshing my Rage Against the Machine and growing more determined.
(NIck DeLaRocha from RATM) "We played this show at Coachella Pavilion. It was our first show back. I said a few things from the stage, and the next day Fox News ran this whole piece about us saying that the Presidents should be assassinated. But those fascists always get it wrong when they just want to pin a band in the corner for standing up. What we said was that the whole Bush Administration should be put on trial for war crimes and then hung and then shot, that's what we said.
But besides that it made me think about something. It made me think, "what are they so afraid of?" It made me think about what scares them. Is it really four musicians from Los Angeles who've got a point of view? Is it really just this music and these rhythms and these words? Is that what they're scared of? I thought I'd think about it and you know what? My conclusion is this: nah, they ain't scared of us, they're scared of you! They're scared that you might come election time and throw Bush and Cheney and all them fascists out of power! That's what they're scared of!
And let me say this: the Democrats are scared of you too! Because they know that you see through their bullshit too. Because when Bush was wiretapping, spying on citizens, torturing innocent people – they were supposed to be the people to defend us from them, and they didn't do shit! So the Democrats are scared of you too. Why? Because they know they're coming to power and they're taking it all for granted, but they're scared because they know that if they don't start fucking pulling troops from Iraq that you're going to go and burn down every office of every Senator that doesn't do the job.
Well I will say this, that the world is watching us now. The whole world is watching us. The brothers and sisters in South America who are dealing with this imperialist violence have got their eyes on us. Our brothers and sisters in Iraq got their eyes on us. Because we are the ones that are prepared to, and going to, put an end to this nonsense. So Wake Up. Come on, Wake Up! Wake Up!" (Summer 2010)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Oct 18, 2010
Today was a great day. Huge workout at the YMCA. Drinking these Monster "Hitman" shots before it "hit" the gym. Easily doubles my workout time.
Still no alcohol since May 30th. (minus the Jimmy benefit and our 5th year wedding anniversary). Don't miss it a bit.
Casey is growing up so fast. Now over 13 months. Runs all over the house bumping into things and getting bruised. He definitely likes to rough house a bit. Boys are a little more wild.
Everything is in perfect harmony right now. Mind/Body/Spirit are pretty close to where I'd like them to be.
Would love to get that MBA in Public Policy from The Humphrey. Maybe run for Governor. I dream a lot.
Still no alcohol since May 30th. (minus the Jimmy benefit and our 5th year wedding anniversary). Don't miss it a bit.
Casey is growing up so fast. Now over 13 months. Runs all over the house bumping into things and getting bruised. He definitely likes to rough house a bit. Boys are a little more wild.
Everything is in perfect harmony right now. Mind/Body/Spirit are pretty close to where I'd like them to be.
Would love to get that MBA in Public Policy from The Humphrey. Maybe run for Governor. I dream a lot.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
chi chi booooo by SARDINE HEAD
chi chi booooo by SARDINE HEAD
Happy to report we have Sardine Head flying in from Japan on Wed Nov 24th for a show with God Johnson and Cymatic.
The benefit for Jimmy on Saturday was amazing. So many artists picked up and helped out. Jimmy was very thankful to everyone for the kindess and generousity. It was great to play Waste with Jill and Jimmy's Dad. Highlights were Soap doing Divided Sky and most of the GJ set. Felt great to play with those guys again. I think we'd be suprised if we were to start playing a bit more. This ride goes up and down.
Kristi and I were discussing moving to Colorado in 4-5 years. Depending on a few things. We both have the same employers there. Maybe living in an apartment with Casey for a couple years wouldn't be too bad. Save some money.
Happy to report we have Sardine Head flying in from Japan on Wed Nov 24th for a show with God Johnson and Cymatic.
The benefit for Jimmy on Saturday was amazing. So many artists picked up and helped out. Jimmy was very thankful to everyone for the kindess and generousity. It was great to play Waste with Jill and Jimmy's Dad. Highlights were Soap doing Divided Sky and most of the GJ set. Felt great to play with those guys again. I think we'd be suprised if we were to start playing a bit more. This ride goes up and down.
Kristi and I were discussing moving to Colorado in 4-5 years. Depending on a few things. We both have the same employers there. Maybe living in an apartment with Casey for a couple years wouldn't be too bad. Save some money.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Benefit for Jimmy
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=199385&id=14254253420&ref=mf
Last weekend we had the benefit for Jimmy Rogers at the Cabooze. Had some great performances especially Soap who killed it with their rendition of Divided Sky. Amazing. We ran short on time so we only played YEM, Esther and Free from the Junta project. Mitch called and said we could run it again on Wednesday at Cymatic, so we're planning on it.
Everything is going great. I had an MRI on the back to figure out if anything has changed. Dr. says not much you can do, it's my anatomy...how I'm built. My sister has the same thing, degenerative disc disorder. It's not bad enough to require surgery but bad enough to cause major pain at times. Continue treatment as ordered. Fine.
I continue to go to the gym and not drink. I did however entirely relapse on purpose and fully intentional at the Cabooze on Saturday. The Patron was delicious. Kristi and all the old Wednesday night regulars got together and had some fun. It was a nice escape. My sister had Casey for the night.
The girls have been winding down there summer. We will see them all weekend and doing the annual Wittstock pool party where we reunite with Winona college friends.
All and all life is very balanced and centered. I've got the right combination of family, music, wellness and work.
One thing is for sure, the GJ set on Saturday was a huge treat. Enjoyed all of that.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
7-6-10
Updates...
Have been going on a weight loss wellness kick again. I actually quit drinking. Wow. I haven't had alcohol since May 30. Trying to hit the gym daily. Exercise seems to be the only way to have enough energy for the world at the moment.
We avoided the financial economical meltdown up until now. It's starting to catch up with us. We're understanding the word "scrimp" a little more. Been wondering about getting rid of cable and smartphones and going with only internet access and phones that can text (I really don't like talking on the phone by the way...never have, peoples voices and inflections bug me sometimes. I need to learn to not let things bug me. But things will bug you, how you choose to react to the bugging is the answer. Maybe "blogging" is the best way to deal with the "bugging".
I do enjoy working from home on Monday's and Tuesday's and I'm grateful my employer is flexible. Casey and I usually get up, have breakfast, take a morning 30 minute nap and head to Yolanda at the Blaisdell YMCA.
Lately World Cup Soccer has been on. This is the first year I'm more into the games. Really hoping it's The Dutch vs. The Deutch. It's so easly to rip out an hour on the treadmill when you are watching soccer. You see all those players running like mad. How can you sit on a couch and watch it?
Louis CK is truly hilarious and one of my favorite comics at the moment. Last night he was talking about how he owns an Infinity and every day kids die because he chooses to drive his infinity and not a Ford Focus or something. "Every day I could trade in my Infinity, get 20K back and send it to Africa to feed thousands of kids that would otherwise die"...."and every day I choose the Infinity".
Life is good. Things are motoring along. I like my Thursday night gig with the Saints. No drama. Great friends just playing. I thought not drinking would be a problem but it really hasn't been. I sit back and watch people who are tipsy say the dumb things I would say if I were tipsy. I don't judge. I understand why people need to get bent once in a while. Can't blame em' really.
I think what's going to happen eventually is people will lose interest in the internet and being connected and open all the dang time. I think we are going to see kids who refuse the internet, shun Facebook, hate being "plugged in"....a revolt from all the social media out there... hmm.
What if the rest of our lives we went back to rotary phones, radio, books, outdoors...just give it all up. Seriously, do I really need to watch another episode of LouisCK on cable channel 50 on Comcast for $149.00 a month that bundle and pay?
I don't have an Infinity, but I do have a Comcast bundle package.
How many starving children die because I chose to have premium cable everyday?
Have been going on a weight loss wellness kick again. I actually quit drinking. Wow. I haven't had alcohol since May 30. Trying to hit the gym daily. Exercise seems to be the only way to have enough energy for the world at the moment.
We avoided the financial economical meltdown up until now. It's starting to catch up with us. We're understanding the word "scrimp" a little more. Been wondering about getting rid of cable and smartphones and going with only internet access and phones that can text (I really don't like talking on the phone by the way...never have, peoples voices and inflections bug me sometimes. I need to learn to not let things bug me. But things will bug you, how you choose to react to the bugging is the answer. Maybe "blogging" is the best way to deal with the "bugging".
I do enjoy working from home on Monday's and Tuesday's and I'm grateful my employer is flexible. Casey and I usually get up, have breakfast, take a morning 30 minute nap and head to Yolanda at the Blaisdell YMCA.
Lately World Cup Soccer has been on. This is the first year I'm more into the games. Really hoping it's The Dutch vs. The Deutch. It's so easly to rip out an hour on the treadmill when you are watching soccer. You see all those players running like mad. How can you sit on a couch and watch it?
Louis CK is truly hilarious and one of my favorite comics at the moment. Last night he was talking about how he owns an Infinity and every day kids die because he chooses to drive his infinity and not a Ford Focus or something. "Every day I could trade in my Infinity, get 20K back and send it to Africa to feed thousands of kids that would otherwise die"...."and every day I choose the Infinity".
Life is good. Things are motoring along. I like my Thursday night gig with the Saints. No drama. Great friends just playing. I thought not drinking would be a problem but it really hasn't been. I sit back and watch people who are tipsy say the dumb things I would say if I were tipsy. I don't judge. I understand why people need to get bent once in a while. Can't blame em' really.
I think what's going to happen eventually is people will lose interest in the internet and being connected and open all the dang time. I think we are going to see kids who refuse the internet, shun Facebook, hate being "plugged in"....a revolt from all the social media out there... hmm.
What if the rest of our lives we went back to rotary phones, radio, books, outdoors...just give it all up. Seriously, do I really need to watch another episode of LouisCK on cable channel 50 on Comcast for $149.00 a month that bundle and pay?
I don't have an Infinity, but I do have a Comcast bundle package.
How many starving children die because I chose to have premium cable everyday?
7-6-10
Updates...
Have been going on a weight loss wellness kick again. I actually quit drinking. Wow. I haven't had alcohol since May 30. Trying to hit the gym daily. Exercise seems to be the only way to have enough energy for the world at the moment.
We avoided the financial economical meltdown up until now. It's starting to catch up with us. We're understanding the word "scrimp" a little more. Been wondering about getting rid of cable and smartphones and going with only internet access and phones that can text (I really don't like talking on the phone by the way...never have, peoples voices and inflections bug me sometimes. I need to learn to not let things bug me. But things will bug you, how you choose to react to the bugging is the answer.
I do enjoy working from home on Monday's and Tuesday's and I'm grateful my employer is flexible. Casey and I usually get up, have breakfast, take a morning 30 minute nap and head to Yolanda at the Blaisdell YMCA.
Lately World Cup Soccer has been on. This is the first year I'm more into the games. Really hoping it's The Dutch vs. The Deutch. It's so easly to rip out an hour on the treadmill when you are watching soccer. You see all those players running like mad. How can you sit on a couch and watch it?
Louis CK is truly hilarious and one of my favorite comics at the moment. Last night he was talking about how he owns an Infinity and every day kids die because he chooses to drive his infinity and not a Ford Focus or something. "Every day I could trade in my Infinity, get 20K back and send it to Africa to feed thousands of kids that would otherwise die"...."and every day I choose the Infinity".
Life is good. Things are motoring along. I like my Thursday night gig with the Saints. No drama. Great friends just playing. I thought not drinking would be a problem but it really hasn't been. I sit back and watch people who are tipsy say the dumb things I would say if I were tipsy. I don't judge. I understand why people need to get bent once in a while. Can't blame em' really.
I think what's going to happen eventually is people will lose interest in the internet and being connected and open all the dang time. I think we are going to see kids who refuse the internet, shun Facebook, hate being "plugged in"....a revolt from all the social media out there... hmm.
What if the rest of our lives we went back to rotary phones, radio, books, outdoors...just give it all up. Seriously, do I really need to watch another episode of LouisCK on cable channel 50 on Comcast for $149.00 a month that bundle and pay?
I don't have an Infinity, but I do have a Comcast bundle package.
How many starving children die because I chose to have premium cable everyday?
Have been going on a weight loss wellness kick again. I actually quit drinking. Wow. I haven't had alcohol since May 30. Trying to hit the gym daily. Exercise seems to be the only way to have enough energy for the world at the moment.
We avoided the financial economical meltdown up until now. It's starting to catch up with us. We're understanding the word "scrimp" a little more. Been wondering about getting rid of cable and smartphones and going with only internet access and phones that can text (I really don't like talking on the phone by the way...never have, peoples voices and inflections bug me sometimes. I need to learn to not let things bug me. But things will bug you, how you choose to react to the bugging is the answer.
I do enjoy working from home on Monday's and Tuesday's and I'm grateful my employer is flexible. Casey and I usually get up, have breakfast, take a morning 30 minute nap and head to Yolanda at the Blaisdell YMCA.
Lately World Cup Soccer has been on. This is the first year I'm more into the games. Really hoping it's The Dutch vs. The Deutch. It's so easly to rip out an hour on the treadmill when you are watching soccer. You see all those players running like mad. How can you sit on a couch and watch it?
Louis CK is truly hilarious and one of my favorite comics at the moment. Last night he was talking about how he owns an Infinity and every day kids die because he chooses to drive his infinity and not a Ford Focus or something. "Every day I could trade in my Infinity, get 20K back and send it to Africa to feed thousands of kids that would otherwise die"...."and every day I choose the Infinity".
Life is good. Things are motoring along. I like my Thursday night gig with the Saints. No drama. Great friends just playing. I thought not drinking would be a problem but it really hasn't been. I sit back and watch people who are tipsy say the dumb things I would say if I were tipsy. I don't judge. I understand why people need to get bent once in a while. Can't blame em' really.
I think what's going to happen eventually is people will lose interest in the internet and being connected and open all the dang time. I think we are going to see kids who refuse the internet, shun Facebook, hate being "plugged in"....a revolt from all the social media out there... hmm.
What if the rest of our lives we went back to rotary phones, radio, books, outdoors...just give it all up. Seriously, do I really need to watch another episode of LouisCK on cable channel 50 on Comcast for $149.00 a month that bundle and pay?
I don't have an Infinity, but I do have a Comcast bundle package.
How many starving children die because I chose to have premium cable everyday?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
6-1-2010
Hello Summer...
Just got back from a fine vacation out to Rapid City with Kristi and the girls and introducing Casey. Spent a few days on the ranch in Norris SD with Dorothy and Uncle Evan. Girls road horses and did chores. Cared for the sick cows.
Ate at our favorite restaurant the "Alpine Inn" up in Hill City, SD. Easily....easily the best Reuben in the midwest as well as the best ranch dressing. The desserts are sensational. (remember to check out Haute Dish asap!)
So today is the first day of June 2010 and we are going to make a few summer commitments. Calling on 90 days of healthier ways. Gonna give up the booze. Yep, I love my texas teas and shitty beers but it's time. Always trying to improve. Get lazy. Improve. Upgrade the system.
So today I had communion: two boiled eggs, a gallon of water, a piece of dry wheat toast, extra fiber and a scoop of peanut butter. Lunch was carrots. Snack was pretzels. Weighed in at 245lbs and away we go. Wow....never been this huge.
Casey and I took a stroll around Nokomis today and picked up a few things at the grocery store. Tonight we are having veggie fajitas. Monday is fish day.
Stay tuned for futher updates.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
5-11-10
..so i'm on my way back from the State Capitol at around 1pm on a rainy Tuesday...driving along Lake Nokomis on Cedar, and what do I see? Mpls Parks Worker WATERING trees in the rain.
Normally I would just drive by and say, "ah, another lazy city employee".
I went to Japan once. You should see how fast those city workers work. They run to get the job done!
Anyway, I was at the Capitol with 40 other people with disabilities holding up signs, and hoping to convince the legislators to not cut services to people with disabilities (real disabilities...like Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy...stuff you are born with....not the guy sitting on the couch collecting unemployment because he's faking a back injury and just too lazy to work...)
So, here we are trying to save dental services for people with disabilities (because the Gov's teeth are more important right?) and on my way home I see my tax dollars watering trees in the rain.
I thought I would share that story as best I could.
Sometimes it's like pushing a giant marshmallow up a hill.
Monday, May 3, 2010
5-3-10
Monday.
Last weekend was a good one. Got the bricks in the ground and build a 12x9 garden box in the back yard. Transfering 180 bricks was a good workout.
Had a great time at the Tom Mighty T-Bone benefit playing with Pseudoband. Raised about 2K for the victims of the Lake Street fire above McMahon's Pub.
Friday night played a show at the Whiskey Junction with The Saints. Great time playing with Leif the drummer all night. Brad Ray was awesome as usual. "It's not rocket science folks"
Ran in to work today with Casey. I had my performance review last Friday and well, it was great but one issue that came up was I need to be on site more often. June 1st starting some afternoon day care for Casey (Kristi can pick him up after work)...then I can stay well into the evening at my job. This will work.
Anyway today we met our pet therapist Dee Dee and her german shepard "Jager". The Delta Society trains dogs/owners to work with people with disabilities, the elderly and hospitalized...etc. Casey had a great time with Jager. Made me think we should get a dog around here. We have the fence for it.
I'm not a dog person really. I think they are too rambunctious and out of control. Cats seem more in control of their situation. I think people who love dogs are often wild and crazy and love a good party and lotsa people to converse with all night long and ride that huge energy wave.... then I think cat people are people who tend to prefer the quieter times. Solitude is okay.
I should post a picture of the backyard. It's time for BBQ PART DEUX.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
4-27-10
I was going to start this blog with a rant about politics and organized religion and my opinions but instead..
I have been getting used to spending a lot of time at home with Casey and really having no plan for the day. Maybe some YMCA...maybe a stroll....maybe work in the back yard...I think about what if everyone in the world didn't have to work. What would we all end up doing with the extra time? They say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one.
Currently listening to some Beethoven "Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-Flat Op 16" with Rudolf Serkin on Piano. Goes well with the spring morning. Sunshine. No clouds. Good day to work in the yard or go for a walk. (forgot for a moment I have a cankle).
A "Cankle" is much like a sprain. I will get the official definition from Potter. He's had many a cankle experience.
I have been getting used to spending a lot of time at home with Casey and really having no plan for the day. Maybe some YMCA...maybe a stroll....maybe work in the back yard...I think about what if everyone in the world didn't have to work. What would we all end up doing with the extra time? They say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one.
Currently listening to some Beethoven "Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-Flat Op 16" with Rudolf Serkin on Piano. Goes well with the spring morning. Sunshine. No clouds. Good day to work in the yard or go for a walk. (forgot for a moment I have a cankle).
A "Cankle" is much like a sprain. I will get the official definition from Potter. He's had many a cankle experience.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
4-25-10
Today we slept in a little later. I love it when Casey crawls into bed in the morning. He's super active and happy early in the morning. We sometimes pretend my mobile phone is a space ship. He's enamored with gadgets like remote controls and phones.
Today is the last Tunes n Toons show and my girls are comin for the finale. The girls came by yetserday and were supposed to bring Avatar for a rainy day movie, but instead we watched some Charlie n the Choc. Factory. That movie is straight boring and the music is not anywhere near as good as the original with Gene Wilder. The ending is absolutely horrible too. Willy reunited with his Dad the dentist? Bah. The only saving thing about that movie is Depp's performace of Willy. I think it's brilliant.
So winding things down at Suburban World. I'm lookin for a venue to manage by the way. Been having a great time playing with the Dead show on Thursday's too. Looks like that may be moving to the Driftwood Char Bar on 44th and Nicollet.
Had a birthday since last blogging. Now 39 and still self absorbed as ever! This last year in my 30s should be fun. I'm not quite sure anything could top the spectacular year I had in 2009, but we are gonna try. I need to get my MA in Social Work. That is my next challenge.
Wellness has been up and down. Last Thursday I stepped in a hole stumbling home from the SubWorld and wound up spraining my ankle pretty good.
I bought an old weight bench and weights and I have it set up in the backyard now.
Oh yeah...and my friend Mitch came over and we put up a big 6ft privacy fence that blocks out the alleyway and the Domino's pizza sign (when seated). Lotsa seedy drifters pass through that alleyway so it's nice to have some privacy.
Had a great BBQ with friends last weekend.
Guitar lessons are going beautifully. My student is progressing nicely. I could get real used to teaching guitar all the time.
I've been getting in to buying one cigar for Sunday smokin' from the Golden Leaf in Uptown. That humidor is amazing you have to check it out. Probably the biggest humidor I've ever seen.
Now I gotta write a song called humidor.
I will try to keep up with my blog more this week. That is a small goal that can be achieved with little effort. Let's do this!
Today is the last Tunes n Toons show and my girls are comin for the finale. The girls came by yetserday and were supposed to bring Avatar for a rainy day movie, but instead we watched some Charlie n the Choc. Factory. That movie is straight boring and the music is not anywhere near as good as the original with Gene Wilder. The ending is absolutely horrible too. Willy reunited with his Dad the dentist? Bah. The only saving thing about that movie is Depp's performace of Willy. I think it's brilliant.
So winding things down at Suburban World. I'm lookin for a venue to manage by the way. Been having a great time playing with the Dead show on Thursday's too. Looks like that may be moving to the Driftwood Char Bar on 44th and Nicollet.
Had a birthday since last blogging. Now 39 and still self absorbed as ever! This last year in my 30s should be fun. I'm not quite sure anything could top the spectacular year I had in 2009, but we are gonna try. I need to get my MA in Social Work. That is my next challenge.
Wellness has been up and down. Last Thursday I stepped in a hole stumbling home from the SubWorld and wound up spraining my ankle pretty good.
I bought an old weight bench and weights and I have it set up in the backyard now.
Oh yeah...and my friend Mitch came over and we put up a big 6ft privacy fence that blocks out the alleyway and the Domino's pizza sign (when seated). Lotsa seedy drifters pass through that alleyway so it's nice to have some privacy.
Had a great BBQ with friends last weekend.
Guitar lessons are going beautifully. My student is progressing nicely. I could get real used to teaching guitar all the time.
I've been getting in to buying one cigar for Sunday smokin' from the Golden Leaf in Uptown. That humidor is amazing you have to check it out. Probably the biggest humidor I've ever seen.
Now I gotta write a song called humidor.
I will try to keep up with my blog more this week. That is a small goal that can be achieved with little effort. Let's do this!
Monday, March 15, 2010
3-15-10
Watched Up In the Air last night with Kristi. What a great movie. Took you on a spin. What's really important in life and what is a "grown up" actually? Highly suggest watching it. I agree with Kristi that it "makes me grateful for my co-pilot". I love that...co-pilot.
They have always been genuinely good to us/me over the years and this year was no exception. I had to return to favor. I gave Jake and Brenden my Ted Vig custom tiger-eye Strat body guitar that we made way back in 1998. Maybe they will use it...maybe they'll use it for a canoe paddle I don't really know...but I felt like doing something. I think they were at the end of their big Spring tour and didn't do much partying after their show. Maybe they have been fooling me all these years with their kindness but really when our backs are turned who knows what they say.
So Umphrey's McGee was in town this weekend. We had our annual Vega Productions birthday bash (5th anniversary) at the Fine Line like last year. I made it over to First Ave earlier because the band signed a guitar and poster for our silent auction. It was good to see those guys.
They have always been genuinely good to us/me over the years and this year was no exception. I had to return to favor. I gave Jake and Brenden my Ted Vig custom tiger-eye Strat body guitar that we made way back in 1998. Maybe they will use it...maybe they'll use it for a canoe paddle I don't really know...but I felt like doing something. I think they were at the end of their big Spring tour and didn't do much partying after their show. Maybe they have been fooling me all these years with their kindness but really when our backs are turned who knows what they say.
It's been so nice out, yesterday we went for a family walk around the lake. Girls, Casey and Kristi and I. Nokomis was packed with people. I think it was Casey's first trip around the lake in a stroller. That was fun. My new New Balance gave me a blister.
Today we'll hit the gym and it's Coastal Seafood's day. However we are going to skip it and go for brown rice and something light tonight. Really need to keep up with the Wellness.
At this point, I'm not sure what is going to happen next musically. I can't decide if I want to keep pursuing the venue manager thing or start a new project...maybe I'll work on a solo record. I really should do that.... cause I'm self absorbed.
Monday, March 8, 2010
3-8-10
Today is fish day at Coastal Seafoods. Getting in the habit of going to the gym on Monday's and then stopping at Coastal for the special of the day. Today it's Opah or walleye. I think one of each.
Had a great weekend. The Tunes and Toons show on Sunday was really fun. Emma had her piano recital on Sunday and did a great job. We had a nice turnout Friday for the GJ show. Everyone played great and AbGruv made some jing back on the equipment they lost in a roll over accident about a month ago.
Getting taxes done today. It will be good to finally get that over with. Checking over all expenses in 2009....reviewing bank statements. I used to not really like this but in recent years I've found it's best to be tidy and neat about your finances. So did my trip to LA with Kristi qualify as an expense because I played at the House of Blues?
The three of us went over to my parents for breakfast on Saturday. Was good to see them back from Kauai.
Other than that, I have to get a lot of work done this week on top of five days of YMCA. So best get to it.
Time to tidy up.
Had a great weekend. The Tunes and Toons show on Sunday was really fun. Emma had her piano recital on Sunday and did a great job. We had a nice turnout Friday for the GJ show. Everyone played great and AbGruv made some jing back on the equipment they lost in a roll over accident about a month ago.
Getting taxes done today. It will be good to finally get that over with. Checking over all expenses in 2009....reviewing bank statements. I used to not really like this but in recent years I've found it's best to be tidy and neat about your finances. So did my trip to LA with Kristi qualify as an expense because I played at the House of Blues?
The three of us went over to my parents for breakfast on Saturday. Was good to see them back from Kauai.
Other than that, I have to get a lot of work done this week on top of five days of YMCA. So best get to it.
Time to tidy up.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
3-2-10
Today we got up and Kristi took a day off. She's been working hard at the Red Cross and needed a personal day with Casey.
I had a ARRM Day at the Capitol today. Met with Rep. Masin from our Burnsville district. Talked about how unfair it is to take away welfare money from people with disabilities. I really like going up to the Capitol and doing something on behalf of other people. I always have considered people with disabilities more interesting that most of the able bodied people I know. All the pompous jack ass wanna be rockstars out there trying to be something they ain't. People will disabilities are so real and precious and like diamonds in a giant bag of Kingsford charcoal. Seriously, you can't fake it. You are wayyyy different. After working serving people with disabilities for going on 16 years at various non-profit organizations, I hate calling these incredible individuals "People with disabilities". Drives me nuts. Because the truth is these people had no clue they had "disabilities" until someone told them they had "disabilities". Over and over again people drilling it into your head over the years. From Case Managers to doctors to family members to their places of worship to the "sheltered workshops" where they work with other people with "disabilities". I mean, what if everyone I ran into every day of my life told me that I was "________"....yer gonna finally get it engrained.
I'd love to write a movie about that. About a person with disabilities who grows up in a town of 200 of the most accepting people in the world. Lives there until he's 18 and nobody tells him he has disabilities. Everyone just tells him how amazing he is. Then, he moves to filthy LA where one after the other people tell him he's got disabilities, but he never believe no matter the stressors he's subjected to...he's not...gonna...believe it....til in the very end there is no escaping the label as hard as he tries. Maybe this movie's been made.
This is a crazy week. Tonight was girls night with dinner at the table, homework, piano lessons. I like this Tuesday in my life and very grateful for it. Emma keeps getting older. Both the kids look great and seem very happy. Best thing you can give your kids is a happy childhood.
You are your kids perception of the world.
Monday, March 1, 2010
3-1-10
Enjoying this journey while it lasts...
March came in like a lamb today. Very nice day. Woke up and headed straight to the gym for some hardcore cardio. Casey stayed with Yolanda and her crew. After the cardio, I picked him up and he was with Juan, one of Yolanda's staff. When I had dropped off Casey earlier, the nursery was jam packed with kids so I said, 'You guys need a tip jar here, you do quite a bit of work for people". He said he was paid enough and that this gives him a deeper appreciation for what his mother and father had to endure. Wow.
Casey and I then drove to Coastal Seafoods as it's Monday and Monday is usually fish of some sort day. Today I got talked (easily) into the Chilean Sea Bass as it was on sale.
On Saturday there was a huge earthquake in Chile. My parents were vacationing in Hawaii and were supposed to leave that night. The news said that a huge 15 foot Tsunami was going to hit. My parents and the Hawaians got evacuated to higher ground. All these people up on the cliffs loooking down at the destruction abouto happen. All the news stations had reporters on site to witness the devestation that was about to happne. FOX just hoping and praying there are casualities so their ratings go up and more people tune in. Salavating over some peril.
Couple foot swell. Hawaiians surfing out there as FOX reported the killer Tsunami approaching. Dude, these are gonna be some gnarly waves.
Ridiculous, but at least we know that if it ever did happen we are really prepared right? Eh. The way things are going in catastrophic world disaster department these days, maybe it's well off we did have a test run in Hawaii, while my parents were on vacation. I wonder what they were thinking on higher ground?
So Chilean Sea Bass it was and I soon found out from the fishguy it's one of the fattiest fishes in all the land. It's so fat that you don't need any oil. Just throw it in the oven pretty much. Fish is good. Eat more fish. Ya.
Judge Judy is on here, so I will run. I leave on the classical station all day until 4pm. Then we watch Judge Judy. She is the boss.
Tomorrow is ARRM Day at the Capitol. I'm thinking of bringing Casey to meet with our legislators. Just put him face foward in the baby bjorn. Maybe he'll learn to shake hands.
March came in like a lamb today. Very nice day. Woke up and headed straight to the gym for some hardcore cardio. Casey stayed with Yolanda and her crew. After the cardio, I picked him up and he was with Juan, one of Yolanda's staff. When I had dropped off Casey earlier, the nursery was jam packed with kids so I said, 'You guys need a tip jar here, you do quite a bit of work for people". He said he was paid enough and that this gives him a deeper appreciation for what his mother and father had to endure. Wow.
Casey and I then drove to Coastal Seafoods as it's Monday and Monday is usually fish of some sort day. Today I got talked (easily) into the Chilean Sea Bass as it was on sale.
On Saturday there was a huge earthquake in Chile. My parents were vacationing in Hawaii and were supposed to leave that night. The news said that a huge 15 foot Tsunami was going to hit. My parents and the Hawaians got evacuated to higher ground. All these people up on the cliffs loooking down at the destruction abouto happen. All the news stations had reporters on site to witness the devestation that was about to happne. FOX just hoping and praying there are casualities so their ratings go up and more people tune in. Salavating over some peril.
Couple foot swell. Hawaiians surfing out there as FOX reported the killer Tsunami approaching. Dude, these are gonna be some gnarly waves.
Ridiculous, but at least we know that if it ever did happen we are really prepared right? Eh. The way things are going in catastrophic world disaster department these days, maybe it's well off we did have a test run in Hawaii, while my parents were on vacation. I wonder what they were thinking on higher ground?
So Chilean Sea Bass it was and I soon found out from the fishguy it's one of the fattiest fishes in all the land. It's so fat that you don't need any oil. Just throw it in the oven pretty much. Fish is good. Eat more fish. Ya.
Judge Judy is on here, so I will run. I leave on the classical station all day until 4pm. Then we watch Judge Judy. She is the boss.
Tomorrow is ARRM Day at the Capitol. I'm thinking of bringing Casey to meet with our legislators. Just put him face foward in the baby bjorn. Maybe he'll learn to shake hands.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2-24-10
Last night Talia, Casey, Kristi and I went to Khan's Mongolian BBQ to celebrate Talia's 10th birthday. 10 is a extra special birthday because you are in to double figures. Next special birthday is 13 for Talia. Emma will be driving me around, figuring out how to use a vehicle.
I was thinking the other day about self-absorption. Are all these great tools for connecting to people, online open diaries like blogs, and sharing of information in a split splat second. Are these tools making us more self-absorbed? Immediate gratification. Immediate transfer. Download feels good doesn't it. When it's done and that little alarm goes off.
I'm starting to recognize Chopin all the time. I'll look up from the computer and yep, Chopin. I've learned Alfred Brendel is a Beethoven master and Artur Rubenstein is the man for Cho-pan.
The gym is going good so blogs are dropping.
Back to self-absorption. This is something that over the years I have wrestled with in my head. It think it's helpful to go back and pay attention to what your close friends over the years say about yourself. Some people think critical self examination only distracts you. Maybe it's more of a process upgrade. I always like the correlations between computers and human beings. How's your hard drive? How much RAM do you have left? You seem to be experiencing a system error.
Just to be a little self absorbed for a minute... I have a lyric in one of my tuns that goes: "I got a virus that's eating a file".
Thank you for tolerating that moment of self indulgent self absorption.
I used to be more aware of this and therefore really "tried" not to appear self indulgent. I think in doing so, I ended up being perceived as more self-indulgent. Because I was quiet, maybe didn't have much of an opinion either way about things. But it's fine to have an opinion. It's good if you like who you are and what you have to say. You only grow and become a better person from the experiences.
Overly self indulgent in your self awareness are you?
Tonight is the return of Dead Night at the Suburban World Theatre. Looking forward to seeing my friends on stage and having the time of their lives. Thinking about it a little more I think Tuesday is the better night with all the music out there to support in town.
Casey is waking up from nap. We're heading to the YMCA.
Enough about me and my self indulgent, self centered behavior. Maybe to counteract this illness I will need to step up energy towards services to others.
Either way it's self indulgent.
I was thinking the other day about self-absorption. Are all these great tools for connecting to people, online open diaries like blogs, and sharing of information in a split splat second. Are these tools making us more self-absorbed? Immediate gratification. Immediate transfer. Download feels good doesn't it. When it's done and that little alarm goes off.
I'm starting to recognize Chopin all the time. I'll look up from the computer and yep, Chopin. I've learned Alfred Brendel is a Beethoven master and Artur Rubenstein is the man for Cho-pan.
The gym is going good so blogs are dropping.
Back to self-absorption. This is something that over the years I have wrestled with in my head. It think it's helpful to go back and pay attention to what your close friends over the years say about yourself. Some people think critical self examination only distracts you. Maybe it's more of a process upgrade. I always like the correlations between computers and human beings. How's your hard drive? How much RAM do you have left? You seem to be experiencing a system error.
Just to be a little self absorbed for a minute... I have a lyric in one of my tuns that goes: "I got a virus that's eating a file".
Thank you for tolerating that moment of self indulgent self absorption.
I used to be more aware of this and therefore really "tried" not to appear self indulgent. I think in doing so, I ended up being perceived as more self-indulgent. Because I was quiet, maybe didn't have much of an opinion either way about things. But it's fine to have an opinion. It's good if you like who you are and what you have to say. You only grow and become a better person from the experiences.
Overly self indulgent in your self awareness are you?
Tonight is the return of Dead Night at the Suburban World Theatre. Looking forward to seeing my friends on stage and having the time of their lives. Thinking about it a little more I think Tuesday is the better night with all the music out there to support in town.
Casey is waking up from nap. We're heading to the YMCA.
Enough about me and my self indulgent, self centered behavior. Maybe to counteract this illness I will need to step up energy towards services to others.
Either way it's self indulgent.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2-23-10
Hey look at me not blogging.
Isn't funny how you start something thinking it's gonna be great...winds up being almost therapeutic, then you get bored with it? Blogging and going to the gym are two things you should do routinely and often, even though it's work.
Going to Day 3 at Ymca today. Casey and I are motivated again and coincidentally back to the blog. More exercise=more blogging. I see.
In the last few weeks a few things have happened. Emma and Talia both had birthdays. Casey reached 5+ months and can now sit up and roll over a bit. My parents are in Hawaii for their annual Feb. escape. Jealous.
Nick and I have been doing the brunchtime sets at the Suburban World Theatre in Uptown. Going really well. People keep comin out and bringing their kids. The kids will dance in the front and run around the theatre. We think they are staring at us and so engulfed in the music but really they are staring at a 15 ft cartoon Bugs Bunny. The huge movie screen shows classic Looney Tunes (these are when cartoons were actually good...Bugs Bunny, WildECoyote, Tom and Jerry's...you know, not Transforminators or Chuckle Brothers or Rugrats) So, that has been a fun to do. Great bloody mary. Pretty good breakfast (ask for hash well done).
Played a Sir Paul set of music at the Cabooze with Tom Collins, John Heinen, and Mitch singing leads. Really dug the Yesterday and the Band on the Run. Always wanted to play that song. Kudos to all the players who really studied the material.
Finished up an albums worth of material from TC and need to get it downloaded to disc.
Other than that...don't stop till you get enough.
Isn't funny how you start something thinking it's gonna be great...winds up being almost therapeutic, then you get bored with it? Blogging and going to the gym are two things you should do routinely and often, even though it's work.
Going to Day 3 at Ymca today. Casey and I are motivated again and coincidentally back to the blog. More exercise=more blogging. I see.
In the last few weeks a few things have happened. Emma and Talia both had birthdays. Casey reached 5+ months and can now sit up and roll over a bit. My parents are in Hawaii for their annual Feb. escape. Jealous.
Nick and I have been doing the brunchtime sets at the Suburban World Theatre in Uptown. Going really well. People keep comin out and bringing their kids. The kids will dance in the front and run around the theatre. We think they are staring at us and so engulfed in the music but really they are staring at a 15 ft cartoon Bugs Bunny. The huge movie screen shows classic Looney Tunes (these are when cartoons were actually good...Bugs Bunny, WildECoyote, Tom and Jerry's...you know, not Transforminators or Chuckle Brothers or Rugrats) So, that has been a fun to do. Great bloody mary. Pretty good breakfast (ask for hash well done).
Played a Sir Paul set of music at the Cabooze with Tom Collins, John Heinen, and Mitch singing leads. Really dug the Yesterday and the Band on the Run. Always wanted to play that song. Kudos to all the players who really studied the material.
Finished up an albums worth of material from TC and need to get it downloaded to disc.
Other than that...don't stop till you get enough.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2-4-10
Just got back from Crave and contact lenses with Emma.
I had such a great time hanging with my 12 year old. I have to admit my daughters are the greatest. Emma got contacts and we had sushi for dinner.
Catching up, I just got back from the BWCA winter dogsled adventure. I do this every year with DCI. We bring a bunch of people up north to Camp Menogyn on Bear Skin Lake.
This year I pulled a ten pound lake trout out of the ice. My first time ice fishing. We brought it back to camp and baked it in the oven with lemon and salt/pepper. It was fabulous.
This weekend I have a show at SWT. Haiti benefit show. I'm scrambling to find mics and mic cables, but thanks to my good friends in Absolut Gruv I think we got it covered.
SWT. I'm not sure what to say about that right now. Still in flux.
I'm back on the health kick. The dogsled weekend was a good kick start to wellness. My good bass player buddy Tony Franklin is inspiring me to live clean and healthy. It's the only way. I always say Mind Body Spirit...and we often forget the body part. Need to take care of yourself. One more year and I turn forty. Hello old man.
I have a new Toshiba laptop now. We took in our computer we got back in 2007. It would cost about 500+ to get it repaired, put in a new battery, and get all the bugs out of it, so for 100 bucks more we upgraded. Big screen. Windows 7. Just transferring all the data from the other computer is going to take some time.
It was nice to be up in the BWCA but it's twice as nice to be home with Kristi and Casey. Casey is amazing. He has the coolest hair. I just got mine chopped by Kristi's friend Heather. Pretty short. These days I just say "#4 clippers all around". I've had way too many hairstyles over the years. My cousins can attest.
Next weekend we are doing our annual GJ Valentine's show and this time doing some Paul McCartney music with singers Mitch, John Heinen, and Tom Collins. Just rehearsed "Jet" today with Tom. Looking forward to the night. I need a good night of ragin some tunes at the Cabooze. I tried to think of how many shows I've played at that venue over the years and I can't even tell you. Someday, maybe they'll dedicate the green room to me. Bah.
At this moment, I can't think of a time in my life where more things are happening all at once.
My friend Nicholas Mrozinski and I have been playing every Sunday at the SWT from 11-2pm. Great breakfast, brunch and bloody marys.
Full steam ahead. Family. Health. Making it happen.
I had such a great time hanging with my 12 year old. I have to admit my daughters are the greatest. Emma got contacts and we had sushi for dinner.
Catching up, I just got back from the BWCA winter dogsled adventure. I do this every year with DCI. We bring a bunch of people up north to Camp Menogyn on Bear Skin Lake.
This year I pulled a ten pound lake trout out of the ice. My first time ice fishing. We brought it back to camp and baked it in the oven with lemon and salt/pepper. It was fabulous.
This weekend I have a show at SWT. Haiti benefit show. I'm scrambling to find mics and mic cables, but thanks to my good friends in Absolut Gruv I think we got it covered.
SWT. I'm not sure what to say about that right now. Still in flux.
I'm back on the health kick. The dogsled weekend was a good kick start to wellness. My good bass player buddy Tony Franklin is inspiring me to live clean and healthy. It's the only way. I always say Mind Body Spirit...and we often forget the body part. Need to take care of yourself. One more year and I turn forty. Hello old man.
I have a new Toshiba laptop now. We took in our computer we got back in 2007. It would cost about 500+ to get it repaired, put in a new battery, and get all the bugs out of it, so for 100 bucks more we upgraded. Big screen. Windows 7. Just transferring all the data from the other computer is going to take some time.
It was nice to be up in the BWCA but it's twice as nice to be home with Kristi and Casey. Casey is amazing. He has the coolest hair. I just got mine chopped by Kristi's friend Heather. Pretty short. These days I just say "#4 clippers all around". I've had way too many hairstyles over the years. My cousins can attest.
Next weekend we are doing our annual GJ Valentine's show and this time doing some Paul McCartney music with singers Mitch, John Heinen, and Tom Collins. Just rehearsed "Jet" today with Tom. Looking forward to the night. I need a good night of ragin some tunes at the Cabooze. I tried to think of how many shows I've played at that venue over the years and I can't even tell you. Someday, maybe they'll dedicate the green room to me. Bah.
At this moment, I can't think of a time in my life where more things are happening all at once.
My friend Nicholas Mrozinski and I have been playing every Sunday at the SWT from 11-2pm. Great breakfast, brunch and bloody marys.
Full steam ahead. Family. Health. Making it happen.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
1-21-10
Today my website launched: http://www.jasonfladager.com
Check it out.
I'm sorry to Marie and the three other people who read up on my blog, but seriously this month is sooo busy between working at the theatre and working with Vega, trying to be a good stay at home Dad, and balance it all with a full time job. I need some serious organization. Missed a couple appointments and had to reschedule this week. Must slow this ride down!
I am looking forward to the Dogsled trip to Camp Menogyn in the BWCA. Leaving a week from Sunday for four days. Need to hit the reset button and get geared up for all the work in February.
Check it out.
I'm sorry to Marie and the three other people who read up on my blog, but seriously this month is sooo busy between working at the theatre and working with Vega, trying to be a good stay at home Dad, and balance it all with a full time job. I need some serious organization. Missed a couple appointments and had to reschedule this week. Must slow this ride down!
I am looking forward to the Dogsled trip to Camp Menogyn in the BWCA. Leaving a week from Sunday for four days. Need to hit the reset button and get geared up for all the work in February.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1-12-10
Casey is beginning to figure out how to grasp things and "feel" things now.
My mind has been in overdrive today. Marie told me that I have been a straight slacker on the blog and at the gym.
Unfortunately she's right. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's mid January and we're in the peak of bleak. Funny, I don't feel bleak.
Quite the contrary actually, I think I feel so good about things in general that I often choose to forget to do that things that help me enjoy this ride a little more. Namely, the gym...the diet.
Also, I just got off a great 2010 trip to Lusten with Casey and Kristi. If we could have just had the girls come along it would have been perfect.
I love bands. Bands have life and dynamic. A band seems like an old fashioned idea. The dynamic that occurs between a few unique individuals representing various tones on a scale and what they are able to collectively join forces in creative process. These days you can make a band in your basement on your laptop with a few tracks. Couple days later you have an album that you played every instrument on and you sang every harmony on and played every bass line. Constructive yes. (this actually may be a worthwhile project....Spend one month in the basement writing an entire album of music playing every part. Seeing what happens. Maybe get people all riled up about the band "CAT BATON". Have it come time for the CD release and it's just me on my computer. Do it.)
Hey it's January in Minnesota. It's time eat hotdish and stay indoors where its warum doncha know.
Had an interesting concept for reducing overtime at our organization. Something about flex schedules.
The girls came over tonight and we had steak fajitas. Man they are getting big. We stopped at the store for sour cream, lettuce, and black olives and they just ran in, got the items and came back to the car. Amazing they grow up and can do that all by themselves. I guess I must be easily amazed.
Without a doubt.
My mind has been in overdrive today. Marie told me that I have been a straight slacker on the blog and at the gym.
Unfortunately she's right. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's mid January and we're in the peak of bleak. Funny, I don't feel bleak.
Quite the contrary actually, I think I feel so good about things in general that I often choose to forget to do that things that help me enjoy this ride a little more. Namely, the gym...the diet.
Also, I just got off a great 2010 trip to Lusten with Casey and Kristi. If we could have just had the girls come along it would have been perfect.
I love bands. Bands have life and dynamic. A band seems like an old fashioned idea. The dynamic that occurs between a few unique individuals representing various tones on a scale and what they are able to collectively join forces in creative process. These days you can make a band in your basement on your laptop with a few tracks. Couple days later you have an album that you played every instrument on and you sang every harmony on and played every bass line. Constructive yes. (this actually may be a worthwhile project....Spend one month in the basement writing an entire album of music playing every part. Seeing what happens. Maybe get people all riled up about the band "CAT BATON". Have it come time for the CD release and it's just me on my computer. Do it.)
Hey it's January in Minnesota. It's time eat hotdish and stay indoors where its warum doncha know.
Had an interesting concept for reducing overtime at our organization. Something about flex schedules.
The girls came over tonight and we had steak fajitas. Man they are getting big. We stopped at the store for sour cream, lettuce, and black olives and they just ran in, got the items and came back to the car. Amazing they grow up and can do that all by themselves. I guess I must be easily amazed.
Without a doubt.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
1-10-10
01-10-10
Casey woke up to 4 months old on the shores of Lake Superior.
We spent the last three days relaxing at Bluefin Bay, getting massages, playing rockshows, and eating and drinking merrily. We have gone to Lusten every year for years and years now and we always have a great time. This year I chose no skiing and instead hung close to the fire and the family. We got in several hours of "TPIR" on Wii. Watched some football. Ate some fabulous Soup.
Destiny Rock makes the best soup in all the land. I swear by it. Mrs. Rock's Soups of Destiny.com will be around soon enough. This year she made a nice Minnestrone. The carrots just perfect and the broth not spicy at all. Before she has made Tortilla Lime soup that was awesome.
Good to be back home.
Casey woke up to 4 months old on the shores of Lake Superior.
We spent the last three days relaxing at Bluefin Bay, getting massages, playing rockshows, and eating and drinking merrily. We have gone to Lusten every year for years and years now and we always have a great time. This year I chose no skiing and instead hung close to the fire and the family. We got in several hours of "TPIR" on Wii. Watched some football. Ate some fabulous Soup.
Destiny Rock makes the best soup in all the land. I swear by it. Mrs. Rock's Soups of Destiny.com will be around soon enough. This year she made a nice Minnestrone. The carrots just perfect and the broth not spicy at all. Before she has made Tortilla Lime soup that was awesome.
Good to be back home.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
"I'm selfish, impatient, and insecure. I am out of control sometimes, hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best!" -Marilyn Monroe
Love that quote. So true.
Well we are about to embark (I love the word embark) on the annual Lusten getaway and man...I'm ready. Ready for four days of nothing but relaxing and spending time on the shores, in the hot tubs, by the fires, and on the stage. Did some rehersing with Tim last night and the other guys last week. Yeah...good times. Wish Jimmy could join us but he is still recovering from this condition in his forearms/hands.
Wow, so many things are happening right now I don't know where to begin.
Met with Steve McClellen (former talent buyer at First Avenue for 25 years) at Dulano's the other day. Brought Casey along. Steve did most of the talking so Casey was just starin at him and laughing. Just getting some advice on how to run a successful venue.
Anyway, vacation is calling. Must....wax.....skis.
Love that quote. So true.
Well we are about to embark (I love the word embark) on the annual Lusten getaway and man...I'm ready. Ready for four days of nothing but relaxing and spending time on the shores, in the hot tubs, by the fires, and on the stage. Did some rehersing with Tim last night and the other guys last week. Yeah...good times. Wish Jimmy could join us but he is still recovering from this condition in his forearms/hands.
Wow, so many things are happening right now I don't know where to begin.
Met with Steve McClellen (former talent buyer at First Avenue for 25 years) at Dulano's the other day. Brought Casey along. Steve did most of the talking so Casey was just starin at him and laughing. Just getting some advice on how to run a successful venue.
Anyway, vacation is calling. Must....wax.....skis.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
1-04-09
Chopin "Nocturne No. 8 in D-Flat. Op.27 No.2
I love Casey. I haven't been keeping up with my blog. Isn't that how it always works? You get all hyped up and rarin' to go and then you lilt.
No more lilting in 2010.
Casey prefers me to walk around the house while he eats. Usually we sit down in the comfy chair and he messes with the nipple on the bottle and fusses and so on...so we get up and walk around and then he eats fine.
When we are walking around I imagine myself the big ape with a little chimp. Probably feels safer to keep moving.
Casey is getting very good at taking naps in his bassinette. We used to have to rock him to sleep for a while, but now we lay him down when groggy and he relaxes...and sleeps.
...and keeping moving we are.
Last night I watched a Nostrodomos special on History channel about 2012 predictions. They talked about how there will be "galactic alignment" in which the sun and the center of the universe will line up exactly with Earth. Apparently....never mind I'll just clip the entire definition of what it is:
Galactic alignment
In the mid-1990s, John Major Jenkins asserted that the ancient Maya intended to tie the end of their calendar to the winter solstice in 2012, which falls on December 21. This date was in line with an idea he terms the galactic alignment.[42]
In the Solar System, the planets and the Sun share roughly the same plane of orbit, known as the plane of the ecliptic. From our perspective on Earth, the Zodiacal constellations move along or near the ecliptic, and over time, appear to recede counterclockwise by one degree every 72 years. This movement is attributed to a slight wobble in the Earth's axis as it spins.[43] As a result, approximately every 2160 years, the constellation visible on the early morning of the spring equinox changes. In Western astrological traditions, this signals the end of one astrological age (currently the Age of Pisces) and the beginning of another (Age of Aquarius). Over the course of 26,000 years, the precession of the equinoxes makes one full circuit around the ecliptic.[43]
Just as the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere is currently in the constellation of Pisces, so the winter solstice is currently in the constellation of Sagittarius, which happens to be the constellation intersected by the galactic equator.[44] Every year for the last 1000 years or so, on the winter solstice, the Earth, Sun and the galactic equator come into alignment, and every year, precession pushes the Sun's position a little way further through the Milky Way's band.
The Milky Way near Cygnus showing the lane of the Dark Rift, which the Maya called the Xibalba be or "Black Road"
Jenkins suggests that the Maya based their calendar on observations of the Great Rift, a band of dark dust clouds in the Milky Way, which the Maya called the Xibalba be or "Black Road."[45] Jenkins claims that the Maya were aware of where the ecliptic intersected the Black Road and gave this position in the sky a special significance in their cosmology.[3] According to the hypothesis, the Sun precisely aligns with this intersection point at the winter solstice of 2012.[3] Jenkins claimed that the classical Mayans anticipated this conjunction and celebrated it as the harbinger of a profound spiritual transition for mankind.[46] New Age proponents of the galactic alignment hypothesis argue that, just as astrology uses the positions of stars and planets to make claims of future events, the Mayans plotted their calendars with the objective of preparing for significant world events.[47] Jenkins attributes the insights of ancient Maya shamans about the galactic center to their use of psilocybin mushrooms, psychoactive toads, and other psychedelics.[48] Jenkins also associates the Xibalba be with a "world tree", drawing on studies of contemporary (not ancient) Maya cosmology.[8]
The alignment in question is not exclusive to 2012 but takes place over a 36-year period, corresponding to the diameter of the Sun, with the most precise convergence having already occurred in 1998.[49] Also, Jenkins himself notes that there is no concrete evidence that the Maya were aware of precession.[42] While some Mayan scholars, such as Barbara MacLeod, have suggested that some Mayan holy dates were timed to precessional cycles, scholarly opinion on the subject is divided.[22] There is also little evidence, archaeological or historical, that the Maya placed any importance on solstices or equinoxes.[22][50]
Wow. How about that for mystical speculations?
Looking forward to the annual ski trip to Lutsen. Will be fun to get away for a few days and leave the world behind.
I love Casey. I haven't been keeping up with my blog. Isn't that how it always works? You get all hyped up and rarin' to go and then you lilt.
No more lilting in 2010.
Casey prefers me to walk around the house while he eats. Usually we sit down in the comfy chair and he messes with the nipple on the bottle and fusses and so on...so we get up and walk around and then he eats fine.
When we are walking around I imagine myself the big ape with a little chimp. Probably feels safer to keep moving.
Casey is getting very good at taking naps in his bassinette. We used to have to rock him to sleep for a while, but now we lay him down when groggy and he relaxes...and sleeps.
...and keeping moving we are.
Last night I watched a Nostrodomos special on History channel about 2012 predictions. They talked about how there will be "galactic alignment" in which the sun and the center of the universe will line up exactly with Earth. Apparently....never mind I'll just clip the entire definition of what it is:
Galactic alignment
In the mid-1990s, John Major Jenkins asserted that the ancient Maya intended to tie the end of their calendar to the winter solstice in 2012, which falls on December 21. This date was in line with an idea he terms the galactic alignment.[42]
In the Solar System, the planets and the Sun share roughly the same plane of orbit, known as the plane of the ecliptic. From our perspective on Earth, the Zodiacal constellations move along or near the ecliptic, and over time, appear to recede counterclockwise by one degree every 72 years. This movement is attributed to a slight wobble in the Earth's axis as it spins.[43] As a result, approximately every 2160 years, the constellation visible on the early morning of the spring equinox changes. In Western astrological traditions, this signals the end of one astrological age (currently the Age of Pisces) and the beginning of another (Age of Aquarius). Over the course of 26,000 years, the precession of the equinoxes makes one full circuit around the ecliptic.[43]
Just as the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere is currently in the constellation of Pisces, so the winter solstice is currently in the constellation of Sagittarius, which happens to be the constellation intersected by the galactic equator.[44] Every year for the last 1000 years or so, on the winter solstice, the Earth, Sun and the galactic equator come into alignment, and every year, precession pushes the Sun's position a little way further through the Milky Way's band.
The Milky Way near Cygnus showing the lane of the Dark Rift, which the Maya called the Xibalba be or "Black Road"
Jenkins suggests that the Maya based their calendar on observations of the Great Rift, a band of dark dust clouds in the Milky Way, which the Maya called the Xibalba be or "Black Road."[45] Jenkins claims that the Maya were aware of where the ecliptic intersected the Black Road and gave this position in the sky a special significance in their cosmology.[3] According to the hypothesis, the Sun precisely aligns with this intersection point at the winter solstice of 2012.[3] Jenkins claimed that the classical Mayans anticipated this conjunction and celebrated it as the harbinger of a profound spiritual transition for mankind.[46] New Age proponents of the galactic alignment hypothesis argue that, just as astrology uses the positions of stars and planets to make claims of future events, the Mayans plotted their calendars with the objective of preparing for significant world events.[47] Jenkins attributes the insights of ancient Maya shamans about the galactic center to their use of psilocybin mushrooms, psychoactive toads, and other psychedelics.[48] Jenkins also associates the Xibalba be with a "world tree", drawing on studies of contemporary (not ancient) Maya cosmology.[8]
The alignment in question is not exclusive to 2012 but takes place over a 36-year period, corresponding to the diameter of the Sun, with the most precise convergence having already occurred in 1998.[49] Also, Jenkins himself notes that there is no concrete evidence that the Maya were aware of precession.[42] While some Mayan scholars, such as Barbara MacLeod, have suggested that some Mayan holy dates were timed to precessional cycles, scholarly opinion on the subject is divided.[22] There is also little evidence, archaeological or historical, that the Maya placed any importance on solstices or equinoxes.[22][50]
Wow. How about that for mystical speculations?
Looking forward to the annual ski trip to Lutsen. Will be fun to get away for a few days and leave the world behind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)