Concerts I Must See Live Before I Die:
1. Clapton
2. Springsteen
3. Santana The Ex, April 21, 2008
4. John Mayer (at a small club)
5. John Mayer Trio The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, December 31, 2009
6. Derek Trucks Band The Ex, April 21, 2008
7. Buddy Guy Legends, January 12, 2008
8. Bon Jovi
9. BB King
10. U2
Update: there WILL be a Crossroads in Chicago this year...since I missed London last summer, there's probably no better chance to see Clapton and BB King, as well as JM and Buddy Guy again.
U2 is coming to the Twin Cities this summer, and Bon Jovi has a concert scheduled for next month at the Ex. However, U2 sold out in like 2 minutes and I haven't heard great things about the Jove this time out. We'll see. Seems like I could probably go to the Ex and get a ticket if I felt the need.
As for Mayer at a small club? Fingers crossed for next month in Chicago...that maybe he pops up someplace and plays a few chords.
In other news, David Ryan Harris had to cancel his show at Schuba's earlier this week, so that leaves my Friday night in Chicago open next month. I was recently informed that my high school classmate Matt is in a play with John Mahoney and they have a show that Friday night, so that's a possibility. Either way, a good time will be had, because it's Chicago, and that's just the way Chicago is.
Showing posts with label jmmusic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jmmusic. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, December 7, 2008
On His Own
You'll indulge me a fangirl moment.
Tonight, John played an amazing solo set lasting two hours. Without benefit of a backing band, relief, or anything other than a drum machine, a set of loop pedals and his own guts and wits, he filled the Nokia Theatre in L.A.
The show was livestreamed on his website as well, and since I am great with child and had neither time nor funds to go to L.A. for the real show, I sufficed by listening in and chatting with a bunch of other fanfreaks on teh Webz.
He never ceases to astound me.
Five Grammy nods in a year without a new studio album.
A tour without a new project to support, which came off beautifully and gave the fans something to talk about.
Now this.
Honestly, I don't know where he gets it.
Toward the end of the show, he told a story of when he traveled alone in Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto, and how coming up ten yen short meant he had to give the snack cart lady his peanuts back. It was one of his most humbling moments, because she didn't speak much English, and he doesn't speak much Japanese. In that moment he was just another guy, another gaijin who was ten yen down for a complete lunch. It didn't matter that he was rich or famous or anything. He was ten yen down, and he had to give back the peanuts just like anyone else.
I suppose it's not something I think about much, because I tend to live a rather humble life anyway (for a middle-class American, at least). It's not hard for me to remember that I am, as the song says, everyday people. I think regardless of how much money I might earn or how extravagant my lifestyle has the potential to become, I'll remember that one of these days, I'll still be just another woman who is ten yen short, and maybe I too will have to give back the bag of peanuts.
I hope so, anyway.
Thanks for an awesome concert, John. Happy Holidays!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Too Much Spongebob, or How I Spent John Mayer's 31st Birthday
The Girl has a four-day weekend starting today, and I have no school this weekend! Full of win.
I had a doctor's appointment today. Officially, I'm 28 weeks, and in my third trimester. This pregnancy has flown -- on one hand I feel like I've been pregnant forever, but on the other hand, the past 28 weeks or so have been some of the best of my life. I'm in such a good place right now... school is (mostly) under control, the Girl is thriving in Kindergarten, I'm healthy, and I've dealt with so much crap in the last year that I think it's time to take some time for myself and sit back and enjoy.
Yes, this time of year is rough on me. I have had so many bad things happen during the cycle of Libra, which is really strange considering it is normally a time of balance. Perhaps I'm supposed to get my bad out now, in order to balance the good and Awesome that happened this summer? Karma can be a bitch, if you believe in her I guess.
Anyway, I plan to do some school work this weekend, but I also plan to camp out with the girl, watch too much damned Spongebob, bake some banana bread and catch up on laundry, and generally chill.
Today, we did just that. Except the part where we went to the OB's office. The Girl was thrilled -- she's beyond excited for this new baby and she loved the idea that she could go and hear the baby's heartbeat. I also had to take my glucose challenge test, which should frankly be against the law for its grossness and disgust. (Come in early after fasting 3+ hours, drink 5 oz of nasty flat cola soda without bubbles, go see the OB, come back, get blood drawn and pee in a cup, await result.)
The idea is to see if you have either developed or have the possibility to develop gestational diabetes, which can be bad bad bad if undiagnosed. Ironically enough, I purposely scheduled this appointment on the 16th, because I knew I wouldn't forget it if it was on JM's birthday. Such is the life of a fangirl.
In case anyone's interested, the appointment by the numbers:
Fetal HR: 150 (rock steady at this rate since we first caught it. This kid is nothing if not consistent).
Fundal Height: 32cm (appx 3-4 weeks ahead, again consistent)
BP: 130/65 (top number high most likely because the lab monkeys had their heads up their asses, and it got me riled up)
Weight: +3 since last appt, +10 total pregnancy.
In other news, looks like JM is back with his last girlfriend. I actually think they are pretty good together...they just have to work out a timeline that's good for both of them. I really hope if they decide to have kids together they decide to move someplace quiet -- this latest brouhaha with the police escort in front of his house is just too much to put a kid through. I also hope her ego is strong enough to handle living somewhere like NYC or another place where nobody cares who they are. I do wonder if her ego is feeding some of the crap, but I don't know her personally. He seems to have no problems slipping back and forth between the public and the private, and it's nice to go a few weeks without seeing a picture of him at dinner. I love it when he gets a week of positive publicity for spending time teaching class and mentoring music students at Berklee. If I had a birthday wish for JM this year, it would be to be happy and be in love, but make it all about the music.
Happy Birthday, John.
I had a doctor's appointment today. Officially, I'm 28 weeks, and in my third trimester. This pregnancy has flown -- on one hand I feel like I've been pregnant forever, but on the other hand, the past 28 weeks or so have been some of the best of my life. I'm in such a good place right now... school is (mostly) under control, the Girl is thriving in Kindergarten, I'm healthy, and I've dealt with so much crap in the last year that I think it's time to take some time for myself and sit back and enjoy.
Yes, this time of year is rough on me. I have had so many bad things happen during the cycle of Libra, which is really strange considering it is normally a time of balance. Perhaps I'm supposed to get my bad out now, in order to balance the good and Awesome that happened this summer? Karma can be a bitch, if you believe in her I guess.
Anyway, I plan to do some school work this weekend, but I also plan to camp out with the girl, watch too much damned Spongebob, bake some banana bread and catch up on laundry, and generally chill.
Today, we did just that. Except the part where we went to the OB's office. The Girl was thrilled -- she's beyond excited for this new baby and she loved the idea that she could go and hear the baby's heartbeat. I also had to take my glucose challenge test, which should frankly be against the law for its grossness and disgust. (Come in early after fasting 3+ hours, drink 5 oz of nasty flat cola soda without bubbles, go see the OB, come back, get blood drawn and pee in a cup, await result.)
The idea is to see if you have either developed or have the possibility to develop gestational diabetes, which can be bad bad bad if undiagnosed. Ironically enough, I purposely scheduled this appointment on the 16th, because I knew I wouldn't forget it if it was on JM's birthday. Such is the life of a fangirl.
In case anyone's interested, the appointment by the numbers:
Fetal HR: 150 (rock steady at this rate since we first caught it. This kid is nothing if not consistent).
Fundal Height: 32cm (appx 3-4 weeks ahead, again consistent)
BP: 130/65 (top number high most likely because the lab monkeys had their heads up their asses, and it got me riled up)
Weight: +3 since last appt, +10 total pregnancy.
In other news, looks like JM is back with his last girlfriend. I actually think they are pretty good together...they just have to work out a timeline that's good for both of them. I really hope if they decide to have kids together they decide to move someplace quiet -- this latest brouhaha with the police escort in front of his house is just too much to put a kid through. I also hope her ego is strong enough to handle living somewhere like NYC or another place where nobody cares who they are. I do wonder if her ego is feeding some of the crap, but I don't know her personally. He seems to have no problems slipping back and forth between the public and the private, and it's nice to go a few weeks without seeing a picture of him at dinner. I love it when he gets a week of positive publicity for spending time teaching class and mentoring music students at Berklee. If I had a birthday wish for JM this year, it would be to be happy and be in love, but make it all about the music.
Happy Birthday, John.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Meet and Greet: Milwaukee
This is the true story of the first two John Mayer concerts of the season. Well, we'll get to the shows later. This is the true story of how I met John Mayer.
A round trip of about 1300 miles from the TC to the hometown to St Louis and back. The equipment: one Audi A6, one booster seat, my entire collection of John Mayer CDs (with some Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles, October Project, Vertical Horizon and Matty Nay thrown in for variety), two suitcases, a scooter and helmet for the girl, and a backpack with my laptop and class stuff. Even on summer break, law school waits for no woman.
The girl and I headed out the afternoon of the 2nd - about six hours behind schedule. This didn't bother me so much - I wanted to have some stuff ready for the boy when I left and didn't have enough time to run all my errands and stuff the day before. I will say that I had time to run to Target and buy the special edition of Where The Light Is, and it kept me thoroughly entertained for about half the drive.
Upon arrival at the mom's, I saw that two very important packages arrived: Jen's Minolta camera, and a copy of Continuum on vinyl. Both items went to the concert with me the next day, for a very important purpose:
As the lucky winner of an L-83 meet and greet, I was thrilled and overwhelmed to meet John Mayer. For about a week beforehand, I kept telling myself "he's just a guy." Just a regular guy who happens to be an amazing musician and is beyond gorgeous and... yeah. Right. The only thing I was determined NOT to do was to break down in tears, all NKOTB fanstyle.
Apparently I did a good job - my friends have remarked that I look very chill and also that I am "glowing." (It might be the pregnant. I don't know.) It was incredibly cool to meet John - he was gracious, shook everyone's hand and asked our names, and signed autographs for everyone, as well as posed for pictures with each of us. We were together for a good 20 minutes before the door to the green room opened. The first person to walk in was Ken Helie, John's tour manager, and right on his heels was John himself. I'll never forget the first thoughts that ran through my mind: wow, he's a lot more tan in person, he's got bedhead and his voice is a little raspy, wonder if he just got up from a nap, cool shoes, niiiice eyes and tattoos... I've read recounts of prior meet and greets, and a few things came to mind to check out for myself:
1. Yes, he is tall. However, I was not surprised - I would say he's about the same height as my husband, maybe slightly taller. Living with someone who is 6'3 gives you perspective on height, I think.
2. He is NOT rail skinny as most people think. Definitely lithe and healthy, but there is some lovely, muscular meat on that frame. When we posed for the picture, I think my arm went roughly around his waist - his went round my shoulders. I was too busy trying to a)smile nicely, b) not touch his ass, and c) get close but not too close as to inappropriately invade his personal space to really get a good feel...but his arms were very, very nice.
3. His tattoos are beautiful. The tattoo sleeve on his left arm is not nearly as dark as it shows in pictures, and the color work he's had done definitely helps it. The tattoo on his forearm (three squares) struck me as a bit faded - but then again, it's however old (at least six years if not a bit older) and like I said before - boy is much tanner than I thought - so that probably contributes.
4. I can confirm that he smells LOVELY. His shoes and watch were both immaculately cared for. He's got a great smile and overall, he seems like a very busy, but genuine guy.
The show itself was fantastic - more later on that. The autographed album is currently sitting in protective cover, awaiting a frame and a place of honor in my study space. And I think it will remain there when the guest room becomes the bean's room - in all honestly, the Bean was there with me, you can totally tell I'm seriously knocked up in the picture, and it will be a cool story to tell him/her when she/he's older. I joked with my buddies that since I'm going to five Mayer shows this summer, this kid better come out knowing six chords and the correct way to hold a Strat.
Nice to meet you, John. Hope we can do it again sometime.
A round trip of about 1300 miles from the TC to the hometown to St Louis and back. The equipment: one Audi A6, one booster seat, my entire collection of John Mayer CDs (with some Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles, October Project, Vertical Horizon and Matty Nay thrown in for variety), two suitcases, a scooter and helmet for the girl, and a backpack with my laptop and class stuff. Even on summer break, law school waits for no woman.
The girl and I headed out the afternoon of the 2nd - about six hours behind schedule. This didn't bother me so much - I wanted to have some stuff ready for the boy when I left and didn't have enough time to run all my errands and stuff the day before. I will say that I had time to run to Target and buy the special edition of Where The Light Is, and it kept me thoroughly entertained for about half the drive.
Upon arrival at the mom's, I saw that two very important packages arrived: Jen's Minolta camera, and a copy of Continuum on vinyl. Both items went to the concert with me the next day, for a very important purpose:
As the lucky winner of an L-83 meet and greet, I was thrilled and overwhelmed to meet John Mayer. For about a week beforehand, I kept telling myself "he's just a guy." Just a regular guy who happens to be an amazing musician and is beyond gorgeous and... yeah. Right. The only thing I was determined NOT to do was to break down in tears, all NKOTB fanstyle.
Apparently I did a good job - my friends have remarked that I look very chill and also that I am "glowing." (It might be the pregnant. I don't know.) It was incredibly cool to meet John - he was gracious, shook everyone's hand and asked our names, and signed autographs for everyone, as well as posed for pictures with each of us. We were together for a good 20 minutes before the door to the green room opened. The first person to walk in was Ken Helie, John's tour manager, and right on his heels was John himself. I'll never forget the first thoughts that ran through my mind: wow, he's a lot more tan in person, he's got bedhead and his voice is a little raspy, wonder if he just got up from a nap, cool shoes, niiiice eyes and tattoos... I've read recounts of prior meet and greets, and a few things came to mind to check out for myself:
1. Yes, he is tall. However, I was not surprised - I would say he's about the same height as my husband, maybe slightly taller. Living with someone who is 6'3 gives you perspective on height, I think.
2. He is NOT rail skinny as most people think. Definitely lithe and healthy, but there is some lovely, muscular meat on that frame. When we posed for the picture, I think my arm went roughly around his waist - his went round my shoulders. I was too busy trying to a)smile nicely, b) not touch his ass, and c) get close but not too close as to inappropriately invade his personal space to really get a good feel...but his arms were very, very nice.
3. His tattoos are beautiful. The tattoo sleeve on his left arm is not nearly as dark as it shows in pictures, and the color work he's had done definitely helps it. The tattoo on his forearm (three squares) struck me as a bit faded - but then again, it's however old (at least six years if not a bit older) and like I said before - boy is much tanner than I thought - so that probably contributes.
4. I can confirm that he smells LOVELY. His shoes and watch were both immaculately cared for. He's got a great smile and overall, he seems like a very busy, but genuine guy.
The show itself was fantastic - more later on that. The autographed album is currently sitting in protective cover, awaiting a frame and a place of honor in my study space. And I think it will remain there when the guest room becomes the bean's room - in all honestly, the Bean was there with me, you can totally tell I'm seriously knocked up in the picture, and it will be a cool story to tell him/her when she/he's older. I joked with my buddies that since I'm going to five Mayer shows this summer, this kid better come out knowing six chords and the correct way to hold a Strat.
Nice to meet you, John. Hope we can do it again sometime.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Oh, My Gosh... SO Much Awesome
Nashville recap:
1. Nashville was cool. Loved seeing the in-laws, and the FIL continues to make progress - he had back and knee surgeries awhile ago. Not easy to keep working on when your lifestyle is sedentary. But I'm proud of what he's done and how he has kept his spirits up.
2. Got to see Candi - an old coworker, former carpool buddy, and more importantly - a good friend. I'm astounded we've not lost touch, but with friends like Candi, all you have to do is drop a line every now and again and you can pick right back up with life and laughs. We met for lunch at Opry Mills and I brought the girl with me. We even let her ride the carousel in the food court, and got lots of visiting done. Candi was my carpool buddy when I was pregnant with the girl, so she went through all my ups and downs with me - and I was so grateful for her companionship. She's such a great person and I wish we could see more of each other.
3. Played lots of Euchre. (That's YOO-ker for you non Midwesterners.) It's a family tradition - my in-laws played with my husband's grandparents, and we now play with them. I have no doubt we'll teach the girl how to play - and it's a fun, fast paced game. Even better - we always play men v. women, and the women almost never win! Well, this go-round, the women DOMINATED 7-2. Even better - we got to watch them grumble and squirm... which is probably the best part. :)
************
Since Nashville, I've gotten some more cool stuff under my belt. Jen informed me that Matt Nathanson is playing in Milwaukee the night I'm supposed to drive back through after spending the 4th in St. Louis. My JM tix for Milwaukee arrived on Friday, and my STL stickets are sitting at the post office awaiting my pickup (which will happen in a few short moments.) I downloaded the tape from JM's Amsterdam concert last night and... just... guh. I didn't know it was possible for him to sound even better than last summer, but WOW. Amazing. The tape quality is amazing too - so much respect for the fan who got that tape (and posted it so quickly!!)
Hmmm... what else?
Went boating yesterday with the girl, Jon and Julia, on Kate's parents' boat on the St. Croix. It was really fun - and the girl had a huge grin on her face when she sat in front of the boat and Kate opened up the throttle and really let the boat go...she wasn't scared at all. (If this is an indication of the girl's capacity for thrill seeking, I'm doomed.)
AND! A theatre up in Coon Rapids is playing "Where The Light Is" on June 30... theatre-style. So not only do I get to see it before the DVD release...I get to see it ON THE BIG SCREEN and listen to the music in surround sound. Oh man...am I GEEKED!
This week? Academia rears its ugly head as I must work ahead on P.R. and get my Theories paper written by Thursday. However, the payoff will be sweet as next week the girl and I head out on our road trip - Milwaukee, hometown, St. Louis, then home. Fourth of July, here we come!!
1. Nashville was cool. Loved seeing the in-laws, and the FIL continues to make progress - he had back and knee surgeries awhile ago. Not easy to keep working on when your lifestyle is sedentary. But I'm proud of what he's done and how he has kept his spirits up.
2. Got to see Candi - an old coworker, former carpool buddy, and more importantly - a good friend. I'm astounded we've not lost touch, but with friends like Candi, all you have to do is drop a line every now and again and you can pick right back up with life and laughs. We met for lunch at Opry Mills and I brought the girl with me. We even let her ride the carousel in the food court, and got lots of visiting done. Candi was my carpool buddy when I was pregnant with the girl, so she went through all my ups and downs with me - and I was so grateful for her companionship. She's such a great person and I wish we could see more of each other.
3. Played lots of Euchre. (That's YOO-ker for you non Midwesterners.) It's a family tradition - my in-laws played with my husband's grandparents, and we now play with them. I have no doubt we'll teach the girl how to play - and it's a fun, fast paced game. Even better - we always play men v. women, and the women almost never win! Well, this go-round, the women DOMINATED 7-2. Even better - we got to watch them grumble and squirm... which is probably the best part. :)
************
Since Nashville, I've gotten some more cool stuff under my belt. Jen informed me that Matt Nathanson is playing in Milwaukee the night I'm supposed to drive back through after spending the 4th in St. Louis. My JM tix for Milwaukee arrived on Friday, and my STL stickets are sitting at the post office awaiting my pickup (which will happen in a few short moments.) I downloaded the tape from JM's Amsterdam concert last night and... just... guh. I didn't know it was possible for him to sound even better than last summer, but WOW. Amazing. The tape quality is amazing too - so much respect for the fan who got that tape (and posted it so quickly!!)
Hmmm... what else?
Went boating yesterday with the girl, Jon and Julia, on Kate's parents' boat on the St. Croix. It was really fun - and the girl had a huge grin on her face when she sat in front of the boat and Kate opened up the throttle and really let the boat go...she wasn't scared at all. (If this is an indication of the girl's capacity for thrill seeking, I'm doomed.)
AND! A theatre up in Coon Rapids is playing "Where The Light Is" on June 30... theatre-style. So not only do I get to see it before the DVD release...I get to see it ON THE BIG SCREEN and listen to the music in surround sound. Oh man...am I GEEKED!
This week? Academia rears its ugly head as I must work ahead on P.R. and get my Theories paper written by Thursday. However, the payoff will be sweet as next week the girl and I head out on our road trip - Milwaukee, hometown, St. Louis, then home. Fourth of July, here we come!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Since Last We Spoke...
...I survived my finals. Nowhere near a knock-out-of-the-ballpark, but I feel somewhat better about them than I did last semester. And now begins the waiting game - horrible to feel that uneasy queasiness in your feeling, for a good month.
...I am officially a rising 2L. That feels SO good. There is no station lowlier in life (beyond that of "freshman" in any circumstance) than that of a 1L. We hear all the time how life gets easier second year, and yet, we also hear how we will yearn for the easy days of Contracts and Torts. I don't think I will ever yearn for Contracts - sorry, Professor B.
...I turned 31. I had a fantastic birthday, courtesy of the boy and my law school besties. My SIL got me two tabloids with JM on the cover and a book. Yay for printed reading material!! We celebrated with a bowling party - something I've always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. Jon (and the lovely and talented Julia), Sooz, Kate, Derek, SIL, the boy and the girl all came out and rolled like The Big Lebowski. Good thing it wasn't Shabbos. Derek even ordered a White Russian in honor of the evening's theme.
...I celebrated Mother's Day. The girl was wonderful enough to wish me a very happy one, and the boy was kind enough to wrangle her so I could have a (relatively) peaceful morning before heading off to school for our last study session and final. It was a lovely spring Minnesota morning - just a touch of chill in the early morning air, but the sun was high and warm, and I had a smile on my face. Not much better than that.
After my final, most of the kids went on the party bus that had been rented for our after-1L debauchery. However, Kate and I chose to stay behind and head back to Casa Thompson for some pizza, R&R and Rock Band. It was all good.
...The girl had her preschool spring program. She was the narrator for her class, and she stood, dressed in one of her finest spring frocks, at the lecturn in the church, spoke clearly and slowly into the microphone and read The Very Hungry Caterpillar whilst her classmates acted out the book's actions. It was terribly cute and I was so amazingly proud of her - she's had her daddy's shy streak for ages and this was the first inclination I've had that she's got a touch of the outgoing. She basically memorized the book but she did it without any prompting from her teacher.
...JM got himself a new girlfriend. This one probably has the highest profile of all of them - and this is new territory because he is 9 years younger than she. He's always dated younger women, and by appearances, always seemed to be the more dominant personality in the relationship. Not that the women he's dated are wet noodles by any means - but this one is older, more experienced, and seems to know exactly what she wants. I think this might be what he needs - he's young and coltish, but he's been very public about his desire for a wife and family, and given his background, it's no surprise. I think if he falls hard enough, she might be the one to kick his ass and get him to settle down. I also think that if it's going to happen, it'll happen pretty quickly since she doesn't have kids and when you're 39, I'm told you can feel your ovaries shriveling.
...The Summer of Awesome has officially kicked off. As I write this, I am sitting at my mother's house in the hometown, the girl has had breakfast and I'm headed up to take a shower, and then go shopping. We arrived last night and I got to see Jordana for a bit, and I'm just relaxing. I think I'm going to head down to the lake today for some rejuvenation, and then the girl and I are going to just do some serious goofing off. We'll head home after the weekend - I have a feeling I will miss the boy too much if I stay any longer.
Next up? Phoenix, then Theories of Conflict for four days. In the meantime, spring cleaning the house - I'm going to try and reclaim another couple areas of the house. I'm also going to go through all the girl's clothes and thin the herd. (And trust me, it's a herd worth thinning. The child has more clothes than the law allows, and has since before she was born.)
...I am officially a rising 2L. That feels SO good. There is no station lowlier in life (beyond that of "freshman" in any circumstance) than that of a 1L. We hear all the time how life gets easier second year, and yet, we also hear how we will yearn for the easy days of Contracts and Torts. I don't think I will ever yearn for Contracts - sorry, Professor B.
...I turned 31. I had a fantastic birthday, courtesy of the boy and my law school besties. My SIL got me two tabloids with JM on the cover and a book. Yay for printed reading material!! We celebrated with a bowling party - something I've always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. Jon (and the lovely and talented Julia), Sooz, Kate, Derek, SIL, the boy and the girl all came out and rolled like The Big Lebowski. Good thing it wasn't Shabbos. Derek even ordered a White Russian in honor of the evening's theme.
...I celebrated Mother's Day. The girl was wonderful enough to wish me a very happy one, and the boy was kind enough to wrangle her so I could have a (relatively) peaceful morning before heading off to school for our last study session and final. It was a lovely spring Minnesota morning - just a touch of chill in the early morning air, but the sun was high and warm, and I had a smile on my face. Not much better than that.
After my final, most of the kids went on the party bus that had been rented for our after-1L debauchery. However, Kate and I chose to stay behind and head back to Casa Thompson for some pizza, R&R and Rock Band. It was all good.
...The girl had her preschool spring program. She was the narrator for her class, and she stood, dressed in one of her finest spring frocks, at the lecturn in the church, spoke clearly and slowly into the microphone and read The Very Hungry Caterpillar whilst her classmates acted out the book's actions. It was terribly cute and I was so amazingly proud of her - she's had her daddy's shy streak for ages and this was the first inclination I've had that she's got a touch of the outgoing. She basically memorized the book but she did it without any prompting from her teacher.
...JM got himself a new girlfriend. This one probably has the highest profile of all of them - and this is new territory because he is 9 years younger than she. He's always dated younger women, and by appearances, always seemed to be the more dominant personality in the relationship. Not that the women he's dated are wet noodles by any means - but this one is older, more experienced, and seems to know exactly what she wants. I think this might be what he needs - he's young and coltish, but he's been very public about his desire for a wife and family, and given his background, it's no surprise. I think if he falls hard enough, she might be the one to kick his ass and get him to settle down. I also think that if it's going to happen, it'll happen pretty quickly since she doesn't have kids and when you're 39, I'm told you can feel your ovaries shriveling.
...The Summer of Awesome has officially kicked off. As I write this, I am sitting at my mother's house in the hometown, the girl has had breakfast and I'm headed up to take a shower, and then go shopping. We arrived last night and I got to see Jordana for a bit, and I'm just relaxing. I think I'm going to head down to the lake today for some rejuvenation, and then the girl and I are going to just do some serious goofing off. We'll head home after the weekend - I have a feeling I will miss the boy too much if I stay any longer.
Next up? Phoenix, then Theories of Conflict for four days. In the meantime, spring cleaning the house - I'm going to try and reclaim another couple areas of the house. I'm also going to go through all the girl's clothes and thin the herd. (And trust me, it's a herd worth thinning. The child has more clothes than the law allows, and has since before she was born.)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Summer of Awesome
I hereby declare the upcoming season, colloquially known as summer, lasting generally from Memorial Day Weekend (commencing on or about May 24, 2008) through Labor Day Weekend (ending on or about September 1, 2008) to be the Summer of Awesome.
The Summer of Awesome shall involve the following events:
1. A visit from Jordana and Todd
2. A trip to Phoenix with Kate, the girl, the mom and the sister for four days' respite, sleep, pool lounging, spa pampering, shopping and general laziness in order to shake off the rigors of a year of law school and the Most Stupidest Winter Ever.
3. A quick bout of summer school, ending on or about June 5.
4. A visit to Tennessee to see the in-laws.
5. A roadtrip to Summerfest with the sister in law to see AKeys on 7/1 and JM 7/2.
6. Continuation of said roadtrip to the S-T-L to party with the sister, see JM 7/3, and watch the fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi from Gateway Park.
7. A quick return home, then a roadtrip to Danskin Chicagoland with Sooz 7/12-7/13.
8. A quick return home, then yet another roadtrip to Chicago to meet up with girls from all over the nation, flying in to meet up in the Windy City for JM 7/18, and a girls' weekend downtown to follow.
9. My first Olympic tri on 8/2 - 8/3 in Duluth.
10. My 2L year starting on 8/9.
11. Y camp for the girl at a drastically reduced rate (and only when we need it!) approximately three days a week, and getting to keep her at home with me twice a week to do fun mom/daughter stuff.
12. Campaigning for Franken, hopefully for a bit of law school credit.
13. Minnesota State Fair the last weekend of August, winding up on Labor Day.
The official end of the Summer of Awesome shall occur on or about September 2, 2008, when I send the girl off for her first day of kindergarten. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I do know that she will know how to write her name, will likely wear a dress, she will be carrying a pink Hello Kitty backpack, will hopefully have her hair arranged in some semblance of order, and will pose for a picture outside our house.
Three weeks til finals can't pass soon enough. I'm ready to be done with being a 1L.
(And yes, you did count that correctly: I am going to three JM shows this summer.)
The Summer of Awesome shall involve the following events:
1. A visit from Jordana and Todd
2. A trip to Phoenix with Kate, the girl, the mom and the sister for four days' respite, sleep, pool lounging, spa pampering, shopping and general laziness in order to shake off the rigors of a year of law school and the Most Stupidest Winter Ever.
3. A quick bout of summer school, ending on or about June 5.
4. A visit to Tennessee to see the in-laws.
5. A roadtrip to Summerfest with the sister in law to see AKeys on 7/1 and JM 7/2.
6. Continuation of said roadtrip to the S-T-L to party with the sister, see JM 7/3, and watch the fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi from Gateway Park.
7. A quick return home, then a roadtrip to Danskin Chicagoland with Sooz 7/12-7/13.
8. A quick return home, then yet another roadtrip to Chicago to meet up with girls from all over the nation, flying in to meet up in the Windy City for JM 7/18, and a girls' weekend downtown to follow.
9. My first Olympic tri on 8/2 - 8/3 in Duluth.
10. My 2L year starting on 8/9.
11. Y camp for the girl at a drastically reduced rate (and only when we need it!) approximately three days a week, and getting to keep her at home with me twice a week to do fun mom/daughter stuff.
12. Campaigning for Franken, hopefully for a bit of law school credit.
13. Minnesota State Fair the last weekend of August, winding up on Labor Day.
The official end of the Summer of Awesome shall occur on or about September 2, 2008, when I send the girl off for her first day of kindergarten. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I do know that she will know how to write her name, will likely wear a dress, she will be carrying a pink Hello Kitty backpack, will hopefully have her hair arranged in some semblance of order, and will pose for a picture outside our house.
Three weeks til finals can't pass soon enough. I'm ready to be done with being a 1L.
(And yes, you did count that correctly: I am going to three JM shows this summer.)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Kids No More
Wow.
If they sound as good as they look... I will be buying my first New Kids CD. Ever.
(Oh yeah. Cassette tapes, baby.)
In other news, JM is partying it up under the sakura in Tokyo, and it's a time for new beginnings. The cherry blossoms represent self-reflection and renewal, and the Japanese take the time to walk in the park and watch the full blooms come in.
What a beautiful tradition...taking time to renew oneself and reflect upon the events since the last time the blossoms were in full bloom.
Friday, March 28, 2008
From The Heart...
Among the many reasons I have a deep-seated appreciation for John Mayer is his ability to articulate so much of what goes on in his head. When I read his words, I often find myself relating so well to him; there's a kinship there that is unexplainable.
I wish I could just have him over to my house for dinner one night. I'd probably serve something Italian (lasagna maybe, or baked ziti, green beans and garlic bread) and we'd pop open a bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel. I'd pause the conversation only to offer dessert and tuck my daughter into bed. I would hope that even though dinner was at six, we'd talk until 3AM because we'd relate that well, and I'd pick his brain about everything from songwriting to politics to neuroses large and small.
By the time we looked at the clock, it would be too late for him to drive home, so I'd offer him our guest room and fresh towels, set the coffeepot for the next morning, and retire to my own room to sleep next to my husband.
It's what any self-respecting member of JM's housewife contingent would do.
Excerpts from his latest blog:
This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic.
This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right.
We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing.
And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not... It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right.
What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.
Root for others.
Give more and expect the same in return, but over time.
Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that.
And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you.
JM's in Japan, clearing his head. I'm in the T.C., trying to think of a way to get myself through the next six weeks. Six weeks until the end of my first year in law school. Damn, that was fast.
I wish I could just have him over to my house for dinner one night. I'd probably serve something Italian (lasagna maybe, or baked ziti, green beans and garlic bread) and we'd pop open a bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel. I'd pause the conversation only to offer dessert and tuck my daughter into bed. I would hope that even though dinner was at six, we'd talk until 3AM because we'd relate that well, and I'd pick his brain about everything from songwriting to politics to neuroses large and small.
By the time we looked at the clock, it would be too late for him to drive home, so I'd offer him our guest room and fresh towels, set the coffeepot for the next morning, and retire to my own room to sleep next to my husband.
It's what any self-respecting member of JM's housewife contingent would do.
Excerpts from his latest blog:
This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic.
This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right.
We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing.
And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not... It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right.
What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.
Root for others.
Give more and expect the same in return, but over time.
Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that.
And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you.
JM's in Japan, clearing his head. I'm in the T.C., trying to think of a way to get myself through the next six weeks. Six weeks until the end of my first year in law school. Damn, that was fast.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Pure Moments
I must admit to completely ganking this from JM's Honeyee blog entry for today. It's 5AM in Japan right now...I hope when he wakes up, he doesn't mind that he inspired one fangirl to a bit of introspection. Not that he knows this blog exists, at all - so really? Moot point I suppose. Karmically speaking though, good to give credit where credit is due.
Interspersed with lovely photos from Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan, JM writes these lovely words:
When was the last time you had a truly pure moment? The simple order of you, the enjoyment, the happiness, the end.
Without that nagging arithmetic of what the moment must look like to others, what it might read like tomorrow, and if it bears any significance in the long term...
When was the last time you heard the voice in your head over all the noise?
Simple happiness is at a premium... and I can't think of anything more valuable I want to own right now...
Self consciousness is toxic... And it's everywhere...I have not learned anything from fame and success that I wouldn't have wanted life to teach me without it...
Truth be told; I had a small glimmer of one of these moments yesterday. I was sitting at my dining room table, outlining Torts. (Outlining is a torturous process by which a law student boils down notes, prep materials, case briefs, and supplementals into a 25 page summary of everything learned in a class. It is then memorized, rehashed, beaten into a bloody pulp, torn apart, put back together and stomped upon over the last two weeks of the semester, and then forgotten forever. Or at at least until bar review time. I digress.) Sooz was sitting next to me, and Beethoven was on the stereo. We worked for four hours, lazily trading anecdotes from the readings, asking each other the pertinence of certain words and cases, and for once, I felt like a law student. I felt right; I felt like I was nearly enjoying myself.
Perhaps it was the Beethoven.
Pure moments:
When I'm saddled up and in the middle of a 20 mile training ride.
When I'm in the middle of a 1000 yard swim.
When I'm standing at the shore of Lake Michigan, on any given day, in any given season, and have nothing but the crashing waves in my ears and the rising sun in my face.
When I hear my daughter's laugh, or watch her sleep peacefully, for just a moment before I start thinking about all that she means to me and why she is growing up too damned fast.
When I'm behind the wheel of my car, driving.
When I kneel in a deserted church, adhering to the admonition be still, and know that I am God.
I'm relearning my definition of happiness, and I'm learning that it is self-determined. A quiet church, or a Japanese castle, or Beethoven, or even a sleeping child can effect a temporal euphoria; but in order to maintain true happiness (particularly the even keel that those of us with depression fight so desperately to maintain), it has to originate internally. External stimuli can give us the right feelings, but the internal condition is what makes that sunrise, that laughter, that prayer and that castle turn into that which pulls your mind and heart through the deepest of winters and the darkest of days.
It reminds you that spring is on its way.
Interspersed with lovely photos from Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan, JM writes these lovely words:
When was the last time you had a truly pure moment? The simple order of you, the enjoyment, the happiness, the end.
Without that nagging arithmetic of what the moment must look like to others, what it might read like tomorrow, and if it bears any significance in the long term...
When was the last time you heard the voice in your head over all the noise?
Simple happiness is at a premium... and I can't think of anything more valuable I want to own right now...
Self consciousness is toxic... And it's everywhere...I have not learned anything from fame and success that I wouldn't have wanted life to teach me without it...
Truth be told; I had a small glimmer of one of these moments yesterday. I was sitting at my dining room table, outlining Torts. (Outlining is a torturous process by which a law student boils down notes, prep materials, case briefs, and supplementals into a 25 page summary of everything learned in a class. It is then memorized, rehashed, beaten into a bloody pulp, torn apart, put back together and stomped upon over the last two weeks of the semester, and then forgotten forever. Or at at least until bar review time. I digress.) Sooz was sitting next to me, and Beethoven was on the stereo. We worked for four hours, lazily trading anecdotes from the readings, asking each other the pertinence of certain words and cases, and for once, I felt like a law student. I felt right; I felt like I was nearly enjoying myself.
Perhaps it was the Beethoven.
Pure moments:
When I'm saddled up and in the middle of a 20 mile training ride.
When I'm in the middle of a 1000 yard swim.
When I'm standing at the shore of Lake Michigan, on any given day, in any given season, and have nothing but the crashing waves in my ears and the rising sun in my face.
When I hear my daughter's laugh, or watch her sleep peacefully, for just a moment before I start thinking about all that she means to me and why she is growing up too damned fast.
When I'm behind the wheel of my car, driving.
When I kneel in a deserted church, adhering to the admonition be still, and know that I am God.
I'm relearning my definition of happiness, and I'm learning that it is self-determined. A quiet church, or a Japanese castle, or Beethoven, or even a sleeping child can effect a temporal euphoria; but in order to maintain true happiness (particularly the even keel that those of us with depression fight so desperately to maintain), it has to originate internally. External stimuli can give us the right feelings, but the internal condition is what makes that sunrise, that laughter, that prayer and that castle turn into that which pulls your mind and heart through the deepest of winters and the darkest of days.
It reminds you that spring is on its way.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Feminism, Or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Club Music
Feminist political activists have been concerned with issues such as a woman's right of contract and property, a woman's right to bodily integrity and autonomy (especially on matters such as reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, access to contraception and quality prenatal care); for protection from domestic violence; against sexual harassment and rape; for workplace rights, including maternity leave and equal pay; and against other forms of discrimination.
-Wikipedia
I was looking over there at my list. You know the one - up in the top corner. Starts off "woman, wife, mother..." These are the labels I apply to my life. A few of them I was born with or was given without option. Others I chose to apply to myself. Some of them are as much a part of me as my name; others are more fluid, likely to change.
One label that I've put upon myself is that of "feminist." It's up there - right between "liberal" and "Democrat."
The word "feminist" conjures different images for different people. My mother might tell me a feminist was a woman who read W Magazine, worshipped Gloria Steinem and burned her bra. I think "feminist," for me, simply means supporting women's rights, responsibilities and endeavours. I think it's entirely too politicized; just because I call myself a feminist doesn't mean I burn Phyllis Schlafly in effigy (though it's tempting...) and please, don't get me started on Ann Coulter. (Revoke women's right to vote? Are you nuts??)
However, the reason I'm writing about this particular label, or issue, is because I fell in love with a song. It was innocent enough; I was flipping channels and I heard a snippet on VH1 of a video by Flo Rida and T-Pain. The song is called "Low."
Confession time: I'm a dancer. Not really...I love to go to a club and dance my ass off. Give me a few appletinis and some diggety grooves, and you have Fun Kate. Toss a pair of boot cut jeans on my hips, a cute top that accentuates the twins, and a pair of fun shoes (high heel boots in the winter, party heels or sparkly flip flops in the summer) and you have Club Girl Kate. CGKate only comes out to play every now and again; Real World Kate has a kid and a husband, and so she only lets CGKate loose on rare occasions. About once a year, usually.
Now - it's been a long long LONG time since I last went out on the town (it was actually last summer for Jordana's bachelorette party - and maaaaaaan was that a fun night...) So...this particular song, paired with the pix from the Mayercraft Carrier of JM buying Patron shots for a couple dozen lucky fans at the ship disco... makes me wanna go out!
So what do these things have to do with each other?
Rap and hip-hop music have often spoken of women in negative images; they are very often unnecessarily vulgar and misogynistic. I am a sucker for a catchy beat though, and can put up with a certain limit without feeling like I'm betraying my grrrls. I think rappers are generally concerned with putting out product people will buy. From what I've been told, the hip-hop crowd is fickle, and today's #1 is tomorrow's has-been. You make your money and move on.
So. "Low." The beat hooked me - the song's got a serious club groove. The other thing I love about it is there's no swear words. Plenty of urban-speak, but that's expected. However, I looked up the lyrics, then went to the Urban Dictionary and started looking up some of the terms...and decided some analysis was in order.
In the song, Flo and T talk about a "shawty," or woman, who is wearing Apple Bottom jeans and fur-trimmed boots, doing a booty-slapping dance and getting "low." In rap-speak, "gettin' low" means one of two things: getting low to the ground, as in a serious bump-n-grind, or having sex with multiple partners. From the rest of the lyrics, it sounds like she's holding herself out as a stripper/prostitute, and Flo pays for her services, and is satisfied.
So...is it anti-feminist of me to get my groove on to a song that celebrates prostitution? I don't know - I don't think so. Ultimately, if a woman isn't a sex slave, or actively chooses to engage in the behavior described in the song, the song isn't necessarily misogynistic. I've certainly gotten down on the dance floor, and while I have no personal experience or interest in prostitution, I know that when I'm dancing in a club, under the dark lights and a bass beat ripping through my chest, slightly hazy on alcohol and a hundred sweaty bodies moving every which way around me, I feel sexy. And there's nothing more feminist than a sexy and empowered woman.
Despite some of the lyrics, I'm going to chalk it up to a good club/workout song, and visualize myself on the Mayercraft next year in a pair of size 14 Apple Bottoms, shooting Patron and dancing my ass off til sunrise.
Check it out, and choose for yourself.
Shawty had them Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
I ain't never seen nuthin' that'll make me go this crazy all night spendin my dough
Had a million dollar vibe and a bottle to go
Dem birthday cakes, they stole the show
So sexual, she was flexible, professional, drinkin X and O
Hold up wait a minute, do i see what I think I whoa
Did I think I seen shorty get low
Ain't the same when it's up that close
Make it rain, I'm makin it snow
Work the pole, I got the bank roll
Imma say that I prefer them no clothes
I'm into that, I love women exposed
She threw it back at me, I gave her more
Cash ain't a problem, I know where it goes
Hey, Shawty what I gotta do to get you home
My jeans full of gwap and they ready for Shones
Cadillacs Maybachs for the sexy groan
Patron on the rocks that'll make you moan
One stack (come on), two stacks (come on)
Three stacks (come on, now that's three grand)
What you think I'm playin baby girl
I'm the man, I'll bend the rubber bands
That's what I told her, her legs on my shoulder
I knew it was ova, that Henny and Cola got me like a soldier
She ready for Rover, I couldn't control her
So lucky me, I was just like a clover, Shorty was hot like a toaster
Sorry but I had to fold her, like a pornography poster she showed her
Whoa shawty, yea she was worth the money
Lil mama took my cash, and I ain't want it back
The way she bit that rag, got her them paper stacks
Tattoo of bubba cray, I had to handle that
I was on it, sexy woman, let me showin
They be want it two in the mornin
I'm zonin in them rose' bottles foamin
She wouldn't stop, made it drop Shawty did that pop and lock,
Had to break her off that gwap, it was fly just like my glock
Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
C'mon
-Wikipedia
I was looking over there at my list. You know the one - up in the top corner. Starts off "woman, wife, mother..." These are the labels I apply to my life. A few of them I was born with or was given without option. Others I chose to apply to myself. Some of them are as much a part of me as my name; others are more fluid, likely to change.
One label that I've put upon myself is that of "feminist." It's up there - right between "liberal" and "Democrat."
The word "feminist" conjures different images for different people. My mother might tell me a feminist was a woman who read W Magazine, worshipped Gloria Steinem and burned her bra. I think "feminist," for me, simply means supporting women's rights, responsibilities and endeavours. I think it's entirely too politicized; just because I call myself a feminist doesn't mean I burn Phyllis Schlafly in effigy (though it's tempting...) and please, don't get me started on Ann Coulter. (Revoke women's right to vote? Are you nuts??)
However, the reason I'm writing about this particular label, or issue, is because I fell in love with a song. It was innocent enough; I was flipping channels and I heard a snippet on VH1 of a video by Flo Rida and T-Pain. The song is called "Low."
Confession time: I'm a dancer. Not really...I love to go to a club and dance my ass off. Give me a few appletinis and some diggety grooves, and you have Fun Kate. Toss a pair of boot cut jeans on my hips, a cute top that accentuates the twins, and a pair of fun shoes (high heel boots in the winter, party heels or sparkly flip flops in the summer) and you have Club Girl Kate. CGKate only comes out to play every now and again; Real World Kate has a kid and a husband, and so she only lets CGKate loose on rare occasions. About once a year, usually.
Now - it's been a long long LONG time since I last went out on the town (it was actually last summer for Jordana's bachelorette party - and maaaaaaan was that a fun night...) So...this particular song, paired with the pix from the Mayercraft Carrier of JM buying Patron shots for a couple dozen lucky fans at the ship disco... makes me wanna go out!
So what do these things have to do with each other?
Rap and hip-hop music have often spoken of women in negative images; they are very often unnecessarily vulgar and misogynistic. I am a sucker for a catchy beat though, and can put up with a certain limit without feeling like I'm betraying my grrrls. I think rappers are generally concerned with putting out product people will buy. From what I've been told, the hip-hop crowd is fickle, and today's #1 is tomorrow's has-been. You make your money and move on.
So. "Low." The beat hooked me - the song's got a serious club groove. The other thing I love about it is there's no swear words. Plenty of urban-speak, but that's expected. However, I looked up the lyrics, then went to the Urban Dictionary and started looking up some of the terms...and decided some analysis was in order.
In the song, Flo and T talk about a "shawty," or woman, who is wearing Apple Bottom jeans and fur-trimmed boots, doing a booty-slapping dance and getting "low." In rap-speak, "gettin' low" means one of two things: getting low to the ground, as in a serious bump-n-grind, or having sex with multiple partners. From the rest of the lyrics, it sounds like she's holding herself out as a stripper/prostitute, and Flo pays for her services, and is satisfied.
So...is it anti-feminist of me to get my groove on to a song that celebrates prostitution? I don't know - I don't think so. Ultimately, if a woman isn't a sex slave, or actively chooses to engage in the behavior described in the song, the song isn't necessarily misogynistic. I've certainly gotten down on the dance floor, and while I have no personal experience or interest in prostitution, I know that when I'm dancing in a club, under the dark lights and a bass beat ripping through my chest, slightly hazy on alcohol and a hundred sweaty bodies moving every which way around me, I feel sexy. And there's nothing more feminist than a sexy and empowered woman.
Despite some of the lyrics, I'm going to chalk it up to a good club/workout song, and visualize myself on the Mayercraft next year in a pair of size 14 Apple Bottoms, shooting Patron and dancing my ass off til sunrise.
Check it out, and choose for yourself.
Shawty had them Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
I ain't never seen nuthin' that'll make me go this crazy all night spendin my dough
Had a million dollar vibe and a bottle to go
Dem birthday cakes, they stole the show
So sexual, she was flexible, professional, drinkin X and O
Hold up wait a minute, do i see what I think I whoa
Did I think I seen shorty get low
Ain't the same when it's up that close
Make it rain, I'm makin it snow
Work the pole, I got the bank roll
Imma say that I prefer them no clothes
I'm into that, I love women exposed
She threw it back at me, I gave her more
Cash ain't a problem, I know where it goes
Hey, Shawty what I gotta do to get you home
My jeans full of gwap and they ready for Shones
Cadillacs Maybachs for the sexy groan
Patron on the rocks that'll make you moan
One stack (come on), two stacks (come on)
Three stacks (come on, now that's three grand)
What you think I'm playin baby girl
I'm the man, I'll bend the rubber bands
That's what I told her, her legs on my shoulder
I knew it was ova, that Henny and Cola got me like a soldier
She ready for Rover, I couldn't control her
So lucky me, I was just like a clover, Shorty was hot like a toaster
Sorry but I had to fold her, like a pornography poster she showed her
Whoa shawty, yea she was worth the money
Lil mama took my cash, and I ain't want it back
The way she bit that rag, got her them paper stacks
Tattoo of bubba cray, I had to handle that
I was on it, sexy woman, let me showin
They be want it two in the mornin
I'm zonin in them rose' bottles foamin
She wouldn't stop, made it drop Shawty did that pop and lock,
Had to break her off that gwap, it was fly just like my glock
Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
C'mon
Friday, February 1, 2008
Perspective
I found this old blog kernel from a couple months ago, and I think it's one that will ring true for awhile.
I was at my (now former) part-time job, and one of my coworkers was talking about taking her family on a cruise next winter as a family vacation. Our boss piped up that he'd once won a cruise and he had the worst time on it; interior cabin, bottom of the boat, no stabilizers, etc. etc.
I'm not poor, by any means. Money is tight, sure...we don't eat out as often as we used to, and when I'm done with school, we'll be facing a mountain of debt equivalent to our first mortgage. We're probably about as middle class as you get. Midwest, middle of the road house, middle-aged cars, above median income. Some months, we're fine. Some months we struggle. Stuff comes up.
At the end of the day though, we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, power to light and heat the place, cars in the driveway and access to services and education. Which is a damn sight more than a lot of people in a lot of places in the world (including the U.S.).
My reaction to this particular discussion was to look my boss in the face and say, "You know, you're in a really good position in life when you can complain about your cruise line."
Bon voyage, Mayercraft Carrier...maybe next year...
I was at my (now former) part-time job, and one of my coworkers was talking about taking her family on a cruise next winter as a family vacation. Our boss piped up that he'd once won a cruise and he had the worst time on it; interior cabin, bottom of the boat, no stabilizers, etc. etc.
I'm not poor, by any means. Money is tight, sure...we don't eat out as often as we used to, and when I'm done with school, we'll be facing a mountain of debt equivalent to our first mortgage. We're probably about as middle class as you get. Midwest, middle of the road house, middle-aged cars, above median income. Some months, we're fine. Some months we struggle. Stuff comes up.
At the end of the day though, we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, power to light and heat the place, cars in the driveway and access to services and education. Which is a damn sight more than a lot of people in a lot of places in the world (including the U.S.).
My reaction to this particular discussion was to look my boss in the face and say, "You know, you're in a really good position in life when you can complain about your cruise line."
Bon voyage, Mayercraft Carrier...maybe next year...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Guitar Heroes
Concerts I Must See Live Before I Die:
1. Clapton
2. Springsteen
3. Santana The Ex, April 21, 2008
4. John Mayer (at a small club)
5. John Mayer Trio
6. Derek Trucks Band The Ex, April 21, 2008
7. Buddy Guy Legends, January 12, 2008
8. Bon Jovi
9. BB King
10. U2
I should probably just break down and go to the next Crossroads festival - wherever it might be, because it would knock off about 3/4 of this list, plus a whole bunch more. However, I'm liking the pick-and-choose of the individual gigs. I saw JM last summer at an amphitheatre (with a-may-zing seats) but I have yet to see the Trio, and I would love to see JM someplace like First Ave in Minneapolis, or even better, Eddie's Attic in the ATL. I doubt there will ever be shows at Eddie's like he did in December 2005, but I would seriously buy a plane ticket for a show like that.
Which leads me to my birthday wish for this year...
Saturday, June 28, 2008. Hyde Park, London.
Clapton headlines, Crow and Mayer support, plus I'm sure a ton of other support acts during the day.
Would I fly to London to check Clapton off my list? Maybe.
Would I fly to London to check Clapton off my list if JM is also playing? Youbetchersweetbippy I would!!!
Especially since something like this would not likely pass without some sort of encore or collab or on-stage appearance involving JM and EC together...and since Steve Jordan often plays with Clapton...let's just say that little gig is RIFE with possibility.
The downside to this is that JM will be in London during prime touring season this summer - not to say that there won't be a full-scale tour again, but perhaps it's going to start later than most of us anticipated. Hoping this means there's a record coming this fall...and a fall/winter tour to support it.
And that will be worth the wait.
Last note: #3 and #6 on the list - check as of this morning. 12th row at the Ex in St. Paul. DTB is opening for Senor Carlos.
Oye como va!
1. Clapton
2. Springsteen
3. Santana The Ex, April 21, 2008
4. John Mayer (at a small club)
5. John Mayer Trio
6. Derek Trucks Band The Ex, April 21, 2008
7. Buddy Guy Legends, January 12, 2008
8. Bon Jovi
9. BB King
10. U2
I should probably just break down and go to the next Crossroads festival - wherever it might be, because it would knock off about 3/4 of this list, plus a whole bunch more. However, I'm liking the pick-and-choose of the individual gigs. I saw JM last summer at an amphitheatre (with a-may-zing seats) but I have yet to see the Trio, and I would love to see JM someplace like First Ave in Minneapolis, or even better, Eddie's Attic in the ATL. I doubt there will ever be shows at Eddie's like he did in December 2005, but I would seriously buy a plane ticket for a show like that.
Which leads me to my birthday wish for this year...
Saturday, June 28, 2008. Hyde Park, London.
Clapton headlines, Crow and Mayer support, plus I'm sure a ton of other support acts during the day.
Would I fly to London to check Clapton off my list? Maybe.
Would I fly to London to check Clapton off my list if JM is also playing? Youbetchersweetbippy I would!!!
Especially since something like this would not likely pass without some sort of encore or collab or on-stage appearance involving JM and EC together...and since Steve Jordan often plays with Clapton...let's just say that little gig is RIFE with possibility.
The downside to this is that JM will be in London during prime touring season this summer - not to say that there won't be a full-scale tour again, but perhaps it's going to start later than most of us anticipated. Hoping this means there's a record coming this fall...and a fall/winter tour to support it.
And that will be worth the wait.
Last note: #3 and #6 on the list - check as of this morning. 12th row at the Ex in St. Paul. DTB is opening for Senor Carlos.
Oye como va!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dashing and Dapper
Clean shirt, new shoes, and I don't know where I am goin' to.
Silk suit, black tie, I don't need a reason why.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.
Gold watch, diamond ring, I ain't missin' a single thing.
And cufflinks, stick pin, when I step out I'm gonna do you in.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.
-Sharp-Dressed Man, ZZ Top
Mock interviews were held at school over the lunch break today.
I chose not to partake; I have enough to worry about right now without thinking about interviews. From the feedback I heard, they were mostly beneficial for the kids who haven't ever gone through a professional interview. (Not me.)
Anyway, for those who participated, business dress was required. It was quite interesting to see the boys in class show up in ties and suit coats; it made quite a difference from the usual sweatshirts and jeans we are all prone to wearing. We have quite a few non-traditional students in my section, and thus, we had a few gentlemen who are quite experienced at suit-wearing.
I don't know the exact evolution of male businesswear; though I am a Delta Nu at heart, I did not major in fashion merchandising and could not tell you when exactly the current uniform of jacket and pants, coupled with a long tie and dress shirt, came to become a standard. There are many permutations of style in a man's suit - everything from the width and hem of the pants, to the number of buttons on the jacket, the type of cuffs on the shirt sleeve. Indeed, the suit seems a relatively easy thing to wear - the most common and complicated element is likely the tie. Add a pocket square and French cuffs (complete with cufflinks) and you have just taken the suit up a notch - ready for an evening out after a day at the office.
I will be honest and say that one of my major turn-ons is a well-dressed man. I love the easy jeans-and-sweater days, but when a man is wearing a well-cut pair of trousers and a crisp shirt, I definitely sit up and take notice. Add a perfectly tailored jacket, a coordinating tie and a good pair of shoes (seriously, polished and hard soled, Allen-Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, Kenneth Cole) and I am in heaven. There is nothing quite like slipping your arms around the waist of a man, underneath a suit jacket - to me, it's intoxicating to feel how his body moves, just a little warmer than usual...like discovering a secret.
This is, of course, to say nothing of a man in a tux...
So today, sitting in class, I had the rather pleasurable experience of seeing a gaggle of my male classmates dressed to the nines. I imagined a few years down the line, when a suit and tie might become a daily uniform for some of them. A few of them looked uncomfortable (notably the younger ones, likely to have worn a suit about six times in their lives thus far). I've never seen a few of them in anything but casual clothing; it almost seems incongruous to see them dressed up. I wonder if it took effort to shine their shoes, or if they needed a girlfriend's (or mother's, or roommate's) help to get the proper knot in their ties. Rather like seeing someone who usually looks like this:
turn himself out like this:
or possibly this:
for the first time.
I think a suit separates the men from the boys, and today's distinction clearly belonged to the true gentlemen in the crowd, those who knew what they were doing and made it look easy from head to toe. A well turned-out man is a thing of beauty.
Trust me when I say that today was a very good day in law school, and it passed entirely too quickly.
Silk suit, black tie, I don't need a reason why.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.
Gold watch, diamond ring, I ain't missin' a single thing.
And cufflinks, stick pin, when I step out I'm gonna do you in.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.
-Sharp-Dressed Man, ZZ Top
Mock interviews were held at school over the lunch break today.
I chose not to partake; I have enough to worry about right now without thinking about interviews. From the feedback I heard, they were mostly beneficial for the kids who haven't ever gone through a professional interview. (Not me.)
Anyway, for those who participated, business dress was required. It was quite interesting to see the boys in class show up in ties and suit coats; it made quite a difference from the usual sweatshirts and jeans we are all prone to wearing. We have quite a few non-traditional students in my section, and thus, we had a few gentlemen who are quite experienced at suit-wearing.
I don't know the exact evolution of male businesswear; though I am a Delta Nu at heart, I did not major in fashion merchandising and could not tell you when exactly the current uniform of jacket and pants, coupled with a long tie and dress shirt, came to become a standard. There are many permutations of style in a man's suit - everything from the width and hem of the pants, to the number of buttons on the jacket, the type of cuffs on the shirt sleeve. Indeed, the suit seems a relatively easy thing to wear - the most common and complicated element is likely the tie. Add a pocket square and French cuffs (complete with cufflinks) and you have just taken the suit up a notch - ready for an evening out after a day at the office.
I will be honest and say that one of my major turn-ons is a well-dressed man. I love the easy jeans-and-sweater days, but when a man is wearing a well-cut pair of trousers and a crisp shirt, I definitely sit up and take notice. Add a perfectly tailored jacket, a coordinating tie and a good pair of shoes (seriously, polished and hard soled, Allen-Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, Kenneth Cole) and I am in heaven. There is nothing quite like slipping your arms around the waist of a man, underneath a suit jacket - to me, it's intoxicating to feel how his body moves, just a little warmer than usual...like discovering a secret.
This is, of course, to say nothing of a man in a tux...
So today, sitting in class, I had the rather pleasurable experience of seeing a gaggle of my male classmates dressed to the nines. I imagined a few years down the line, when a suit and tie might become a daily uniform for some of them. A few of them looked uncomfortable (notably the younger ones, likely to have worn a suit about six times in their lives thus far). I've never seen a few of them in anything but casual clothing; it almost seems incongruous to see them dressed up. I wonder if it took effort to shine their shoes, or if they needed a girlfriend's (or mother's, or roommate's) help to get the proper knot in their ties. Rather like seeing someone who usually looks like this:
turn himself out like this:
or possibly this:
for the first time.
I think a suit separates the men from the boys, and today's distinction clearly belonged to the true gentlemen in the crowd, those who knew what they were doing and made it look easy from head to toe. A well turned-out man is a thing of beauty.
Trust me when I say that today was a very good day in law school, and it passed entirely too quickly.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Message In a Myspace Bottle
Rarely do I post twice in one day. But I found this on tryjm.com:
If you know, you know.
If I gotta explain, you wouldn't understand.
No doubt in my mind that this is real.
Expect great things this summer...
If you know, you know.
If I gotta explain, you wouldn't understand.
No doubt in my mind that this is real.
Expect great things this summer...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Movie Review: The Bucket List
On our recent trip to Chicago, Kate, Sooz and I stopped off in the hometown to spend a (free!) Friday night at my mom's house. Since there's not a ton to do in the hometown, and I recently discovered an unused gift card for the cinema there (which we do not have here in the T.C.), we availed ourselves. Worth noting: the movie cost the three of us a total of $1.75 after the gift card. This followed a theme throughout the weekend (which I will blog more about in about....20 minutes.)
I've been looking forward to this movie since I heard a certain favorite singer of mine
was adding a song to the soundtrack.
I forewarned the girls that my butt would be in the seat until the end of "Say" and I would not rise until a moment sooner. I had a feeling it would be a closing credit song, and I was right. The song itself couldn't have been more perfect for the movie - a good buddy movie with two formidable actors in the lead roles (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman).
The movie was sad in a way, but probably about as uplifting as a movie about death can be. The point of the movie wasn't necessarily to exploit death, so much as it was to celebrate life, and really - shouldn't we all grab what we've got while we've got it to grab?
It's harder advice to put into practice than you might imagine...but good advice nonetheless.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Many Loves of John Clayton Mayer
It's been a while since we had a quality John Mayer Fest around these parts, and damn if I'm about to let my fangirl responsibilities slide!
It's been all quiet on the Mayer front since after Christmas- no scary New Year's blogs or tales of drunken Mayers hanging with Perez. It looks like we're avoiding Stop This Trainwreck 2008, as JM is currently courting the lovely, talented, seemingly normal and seemingly un-psycho Minka Kelly. JM has long said his taste in women runs to the brunette, and in every picture I've ever seen of the two of them, they look happy, relaxed and unbothered.
I also have to give Minka big props. I shall explain. Bear with me.
As is my wont, I grabbed the tabloid rags as diversion whilst combing the aisles of the grocery store this evening. I do this so I don't actually buy them. Today's selection: US Weekly, Star, InTouch and People.
USWeekly had a lovely article on one Miss Pop Tart (see above re: Stop This Trainwreck Tour 2007) regarding her desperation in the love arena. Apparently the girl has designs on the current starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, has rented a house in Dallas to be close to him, has shown up at his games with decidedly negative results, and has contemplated moving to Dallas permanently to "work on her country album." Her father, manager, and ruiner of her life, Joe Tart, apparently approves of this latest beau, as he initially approved of JM. Joe has allegedly offered Mr. QB a small roll in Pop's next movie. (If you've been off the radar screen, the last two were ridiculous, low budgeted, self financed and complete failures.)
The point of the article was this: Miss Tart has a tendency to mold herself to fit the image of the woman she thinks her man wants. The sidebar had a case in point: Miss Tart with JM. When they started seeing each other, Pop had blonde tresses and dressed in her normal fashion. Toward the middle of her tryst with JM, she started dressing in black and dyed her hair a lovely auburn-brown. She adopted his trademark aviator sunglasses. She followed him around without remorse- as if she had nothing better to do than be with him.
Correct me if I'm wrong but this is a woman who is supposed to be a star in her own right. She's a singer, yes? A former reality star? A fashion and shoe designer? So...doesn't that beg the question...why isn't she working?
I do feel a tish bit of pity for the girl- she's obviously got a hero complex where her father is concerned, and he's obviously mis-managing her. She doesn't know he's a Svengali, and that's pretty sad. If I were her, I would ditch the dad and concentrate on the one thing that is actually working in her career: the fashion line. The boys, the music? Back burner, honey. Get your act together and give dear ol'dad the big Texas stomp.
As for any of JM's other former flames, let's do a quick rundown, shall we?
Miss Jennifer Love Hewitt recently announced her engagement to a Scottish actor whose name I have forgotten. They were on vacation when the whole "she's a size 2 and she has FLAB" flap came up. Props to JLH for standing up for the girls on that one. Common lore has it that JM wrote "Wonderland" about JLH, but as any serious fan knows...JLH was his muse for an unreleased fan favorite song called "In Your Atmosphere (L.A. song)". The charity review concert happened a couple weeks after JLH's announcement, and JM blogged that he was going to attempt IYA at the concert. He did, in fact play it.
Draw your own conclusions, but methinks the Mayer might have been pining a bit. Miss Kelly was in the audience that night, and it's my humble opinion that he's either over JLH completely, and was wishing her a final farewell, or he has balls of steel to play a song about an old girlfriend in front of a current one. Either that or Minka doesn't know the story, or he's written a song for her that's better.
Cameron Diaz: no photos, no proof. No relationship as far as I'm concerned.
Mandy Moore: another brunette. Good friends. I believe this- I'm certain she's got her qualities but she doesn't seem like the type to put up with some of his bullshit.
And...we circle back to my original point: as I was pacing the aisles of the local supermarket, I came across another article in Star Magazine, regarding Miss Minka Kelly. Apparently, Minka is taking Japanese lessons, both in a class and by private tutor. Minka continues to work on her series, and she and JM seem to be doing the bicoastal relationship thing, with some Austin thrown in whilst she's on-set for Friday Night Lights. This is a healthy thing. I think she's far more confident with herself, by the simple fact that he's come to her, rather than her following him around all the time. Likewise, she's giving one of his passions a try: JM loves all things Japanese, and he speaks the language (as Ryan Seacrest found out on live TV last year at the Grammys. Pwned, Seacrest!)
To me, this is the sign of a good relationship. She's exploring something that he likes. She's not changing herself or hanging on him- and learning a little Japanese is certainly an endearment, not an obsession. I'm thinking he'll try some of her things too- and I hope they are safe with each other til long past St. Patrick's Day.
So big props to Minka for expanding her horizons...big props to JM for dating a good woman, and even bigger props to them both for having the grace to let it play out in good humor in the press. I hope they are both currently holed up together, cuddling under a quilt and watching bad movies. That's where I'd be if I was young, famous and in love.
Hell, it's where I'll be later tonight after the girl goes to bed. Bring on the popcorn!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Friends, Part II
NB: If you are here from Holidailies, please leave me a comment...I don't have a site tracker and love feedback.
We're pushing on, we're passing through
It won't be long til I walk with you
Tonight I'm down, I'm inside out
Staring at the pictures in the album you forgot about
Isn't it a shame, times have changed
But isn't it strange...lifelines stay the same
Round and round...can't believe my heart is waiting this long
All along we've been children in a cold world where wonder was lost everyday
If love was a compass
Oh I've lost my way
JM- Lifelines
This is my best friend. Her name is Jordana. This is what 18 years of friendship looks like.
We met in junior high- she was a year ahead of me, and all I remember is that one random winter day, we ended up on the same public bus home, and we figured out that we lived about three blocks away from each other.
From that point on, we were practically inseparable, save for the usual junior high drama that happens between two female best friends. We shared everything- extracurricular activities, New Kids on the Block tapes, boyfriends (yeah, plural. Twice- one went better for her and one went better for me, but neither of them ended up marrying either of us so, whatever. Besides, in junior high, at least for us, anything beyond second base was absolutely incomprehensible.)
I think we maybe grew apart a bit in high school, but we were still friends. There was never a time when I didn't consider her a friend. Perhaps the late night brownies and sleepovers cooled a bit, but we were both still there for each other when we needed it.
We both ended up in Texas for various periods of time, and managed to stay in contact- she visited me at school a couple times and we had a great time. After we both moved back to the hometown, we had some contact and she helped me out with my wedding. We stayed close, then I became a mom and we grew apart, mostly because of the demands of a small child on my life. She also had joined a new church, and had a new bevy of friends, none of whom I knew very well. We temporarily lost each other, even though we were only a phone call away.
Circle around to a couple years ago, and the long and short of it is that Jordana needed a friend. And the first person she called was me. We got her through her what needed getting through, and we rebonded. It's sad when it takes a catharsis to make you realize what was gone in the first place- I won't pretend to have been the best person for the job, but I was there for her, and I know she'd be there for me if I needed her.
We did our first triathlon together- something I practically dragooned her into doing. Training time was a great time to get lots of talking done, and we often talked the way we had while spending nights at each others' houses. Somehow, despite the years passing, the charm of girlhood has never left the two of us- we are still the same girls we always were. We can often tell what the other is thinking- our tastes are incredibly divergent, anything from clothing to music to reading material. She knows me better than anyone else, save possibly my parents and husband- and our motto as regards our significant others is simple: I know you love her, and you can have her now, but she was mine first.
A few months ago, I had the privilege of serving as her maid of honor, and I can only hope that she and her husband find as much joy in their life together as the boy and I have. She's still in the hometown, and though I'm in Minnesota exile, I'm planning to get down home after finals, and I hope to get together for a day of scrapbooking, gabbing and bonding. There's always catching up to do.
We're pushing on, we're passing through
It won't be long til I walk with you
Tonight I'm down, I'm inside out
Staring at the pictures in the album you forgot about
Isn't it a shame, times have changed
But isn't it strange...lifelines stay the same
Round and round...can't believe my heart is waiting this long
All along we've been children in a cold world where wonder was lost everyday
If love was a compass
Oh I've lost my way
JM- Lifelines
This is my best friend. Her name is Jordana. This is what 18 years of friendship looks like.
We met in junior high- she was a year ahead of me, and all I remember is that one random winter day, we ended up on the same public bus home, and we figured out that we lived about three blocks away from each other.
From that point on, we were practically inseparable, save for the usual junior high drama that happens between two female best friends. We shared everything- extracurricular activities, New Kids on the Block tapes, boyfriends (yeah, plural. Twice- one went better for her and one went better for me, but neither of them ended up marrying either of us so, whatever. Besides, in junior high, at least for us, anything beyond second base was absolutely incomprehensible.)
I think we maybe grew apart a bit in high school, but we were still friends. There was never a time when I didn't consider her a friend. Perhaps the late night brownies and sleepovers cooled a bit, but we were both still there for each other when we needed it.
We both ended up in Texas for various periods of time, and managed to stay in contact- she visited me at school a couple times and we had a great time. After we both moved back to the hometown, we had some contact and she helped me out with my wedding. We stayed close, then I became a mom and we grew apart, mostly because of the demands of a small child on my life. She also had joined a new church, and had a new bevy of friends, none of whom I knew very well. We temporarily lost each other, even though we were only a phone call away.
Circle around to a couple years ago, and the long and short of it is that Jordana needed a friend. And the first person she called was me. We got her through her what needed getting through, and we rebonded. It's sad when it takes a catharsis to make you realize what was gone in the first place- I won't pretend to have been the best person for the job, but I was there for her, and I know she'd be there for me if I needed her.
We did our first triathlon together- something I practically dragooned her into doing. Training time was a great time to get lots of talking done, and we often talked the way we had while spending nights at each others' houses. Somehow, despite the years passing, the charm of girlhood has never left the two of us- we are still the same girls we always were. We can often tell what the other is thinking- our tastes are incredibly divergent, anything from clothing to music to reading material. She knows me better than anyone else, save possibly my parents and husband- and our motto as regards our significant others is simple: I know you love her, and you can have her now, but she was mine first.
A few months ago, I had the privilege of serving as her maid of honor, and I can only hope that she and her husband find as much joy in their life together as the boy and I have. She's still in the hometown, and though I'm in Minnesota exile, I'm planning to get down home after finals, and I hope to get together for a day of scrapbooking, gabbing and bonding. There's always catching up to do.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Holiday Goodies
NB: If you are here from Holidailies, please leave me a comment...I don't have a site tracker and love feedback.
Two quick notes before I proceed to today's writing prompt:
Congratulations to JM. Nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Male Pop Vocal - Belief. The thing I love about this is that, not only is it a great song, and one of my favorites...but this particular version comes from a little album called "The Village Sessions" which JM put out very quietly last year. BMPV seems to be John's category- he's won three of his five Grammys in this category, and this year he's up against people he's been up against (and won against) before. This version of Belief is quite different from the Continuum version. JM can go to the studio, record for a day, put out an EP, and get a Grammy nod...just a walk in the park for this guy. Tremendous honor, tremendous talent.
Second: My exam is in 32 hours. Send good vibes toward Minnesota, for me and the lovely friends I wrote about yesterday. We need them.
Now, on to the writing prompt!
Write your own version of those holiday newsletters that people send to friends and relatives at this time of year.
Dear Everyone,
The move went well and the house finally sold, so we are settled into life in Minnesota. I suppose grousing about the abundance of early snow is uncalled for, as I hear that our old hometown got it just as badly as we did here. C'est la vie.
I started law school this past August- a dream of mine since high school. I am here only because of the unending support of my husband and family. I've made tremendous new friends and am slowly wrapping my head around the fact that I really am in law school. (As if the 40 pound backpack weren't evidence enough).
The boy has found a job he loves at BigCorp, Inc. He's been contracting but a permanent offer is on its way, we're assured, by Christmas.
The girl is in her final year of preschool and we are looking into schools for her- so far we've narrowed it down to a local magnet school, St. Swithen's, and Expensive Progressive School. Of these, EPS is our favorite, but it's also the most costly, so we're working on a budget for that, and praying they'll take my own school situation into consideration when awarding financial aid.
I don't know how you write about this sort of thing in a Christmas letter...but my parents are getting divorced after 33 years of marriage. In a lot of ways, it's a good thing, but it's still a shock to the system, so I guess that's all I'll say about that for now.
Some of this year's highlights beyond the big move included attending my first John Mayer concert, completing three triathlons (including traveling to Austin for one!) and assisting my tri coach with a few clinics. He says I have the talent to become a coach, and I'm still contemplating that.
We hope this letter finds you all healthy and safe, and you have our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year!
Love and Blessings,
Kate and Family
I was going to try and bring the snark, but I just don't have it in me right now. Talk to me after finals are done...
Two quick notes before I proceed to today's writing prompt:
Congratulations to JM. Nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Male Pop Vocal - Belief. The thing I love about this is that, not only is it a great song, and one of my favorites...but this particular version comes from a little album called "The Village Sessions" which JM put out very quietly last year. BMPV seems to be John's category- he's won three of his five Grammys in this category, and this year he's up against people he's been up against (and won against) before. This version of Belief is quite different from the Continuum version. JM can go to the studio, record for a day, put out an EP, and get a Grammy nod...just a walk in the park for this guy. Tremendous honor, tremendous talent.
Second: My exam is in 32 hours. Send good vibes toward Minnesota, for me and the lovely friends I wrote about yesterday. We need them.
Now, on to the writing prompt!
Write your own version of those holiday newsletters that people send to friends and relatives at this time of year.
Dear Everyone,
The move went well and the house finally sold, so we are settled into life in Minnesota. I suppose grousing about the abundance of early snow is uncalled for, as I hear that our old hometown got it just as badly as we did here. C'est la vie.
I started law school this past August- a dream of mine since high school. I am here only because of the unending support of my husband and family. I've made tremendous new friends and am slowly wrapping my head around the fact that I really am in law school. (As if the 40 pound backpack weren't evidence enough).
The boy has found a job he loves at BigCorp, Inc. He's been contracting but a permanent offer is on its way, we're assured, by Christmas.
The girl is in her final year of preschool and we are looking into schools for her- so far we've narrowed it down to a local magnet school, St. Swithen's, and Expensive Progressive School. Of these, EPS is our favorite, but it's also the most costly, so we're working on a budget for that, and praying they'll take my own school situation into consideration when awarding financial aid.
I don't know how you write about this sort of thing in a Christmas letter...but my parents are getting divorced after 33 years of marriage. In a lot of ways, it's a good thing, but it's still a shock to the system, so I guess that's all I'll say about that for now.
Some of this year's highlights beyond the big move included attending my first John Mayer concert, completing three triathlons (including traveling to Austin for one!) and assisting my tri coach with a few clinics. He says I have the talent to become a coach, and I'm still contemplating that.
We hope this letter finds you all healthy and safe, and you have our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year!
Love and Blessings,
Kate and Family
I was going to try and bring the snark, but I just don't have it in me right now. Talk to me after finals are done...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
John Mayer Radio Stalking Incident #9
Time: 11:19AM
Station: Cities 97
Song: Stitched Up, JM w/Herbie Hancock
Location: Heading to Roseville to study with a law school buddy.
Turned on car at this lyric: Herbie's piano solo, right before the last chorus.
Stitched Up twice in what, 10 days? I think Cities has a DJ who has a crush on this song...
Station: Cities 97
Song: Stitched Up, JM w/Herbie Hancock
Location: Heading to Roseville to study with a law school buddy.
Turned on car at this lyric: Herbie's piano solo, right before the last chorus.
Stitched Up twice in what, 10 days? I think Cities has a DJ who has a crush on this song...
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