I take it back. I take it all back. I'll blame it on PMS, a bad mood, the wrong atmosphere, undesirable company, bad acoustics, ratty speakers, temporary insanity.....
So, my sincerest apologies to he who was (supposedly) christened Cornelius. I don't know how I ever doubted you.
*spoons in another mouthful of feathers*
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Bad Dreams and Other Stuff
My son has been having bad dreams lately. It's not unusual for him, but this cycle seems particularly worse than others being that he's been up nearly every night for a week crying for me. He's such a sensitive, worrisome little boy that he makes *me* worry for *him*.
The first couple were about being kidnapped. He dreamed that he was playing on our front lawn and that a man pulled up in a white truck so he laid down flat on the grass and tried not to be seen. But the man tried to grab him anyway, so my son kicked him in the (as we Italians like to say) ga-gootz.
You should have seen my son telling me about this dream. Despite his heightened mental state, he tried to remember his diplomacy and only pointed to his privates saying, "I kicked him here, Mom."
I told him he did exactly the right thing, even though it was only a dream.
This dream, or another slightly different version, went on for 2 nights and the last two nights have been about being robbed. He was a bit too out of it during the night to tell me the particulars of the last ones, but I get the gist. The victim of said robbery has twice been his Great Grandpa, who is 90 years old and I'm sure someone that my son, even at his young age, can identify as a "victim" type because of his advanced age. The hero of both dreams has been his Pa, my father, who at 63 years old has the looks, body, physique, and attitude of a man half his age (I hope that didn't sound reverse Oedipal, not meant to be!) and definitely someone my son looks up to as the definition of strong and safe.
The robbery dreams didn't seem to bother him *as much* as the others, but enough to wake him up during the night calling for me. Mommy's work is never done.
I know where the dreams come from. The kidnapping ones stem from seeing news coverage of little Madeline, the baby that was snatched from a hotel room while her negligent parents were out having a good old time. The robbery ones come from an incident here by us recently where a local Old Navy store was robbed at gunpoint.
The whole situation makes me wonder if I am too honest with my kids, if I allow them to see too much. I don't always turn off the news when they're in the room because I believe that sheltering them makes them naive. But I have to wonder, in my quest to keep my children aware of how our world can work, if I'm letting them know too much. Maybe I *should* shelter them a bit more from the harsh realities of life. Maybe I *should* switch the channel when they come into the room. I don't want them to grow up distrustful and leery, I just want them to know what's going on and be smart.
But when my poor son is waking up with bad dreams, I have to wonder if what I'm doing is right.
Anyway, other than that, just wanted to mention that I saw the new Crowded House video for the first release "Don't Stop Now". Brilliant little video, great song and may I just say that Neil Finn looks...HUMMINA.
The first couple were about being kidnapped. He dreamed that he was playing on our front lawn and that a man pulled up in a white truck so he laid down flat on the grass and tried not to be seen. But the man tried to grab him anyway, so my son kicked him in the (as we Italians like to say) ga-gootz.
You should have seen my son telling me about this dream. Despite his heightened mental state, he tried to remember his diplomacy and only pointed to his privates saying, "I kicked him here, Mom."
I told him he did exactly the right thing, even though it was only a dream.
This dream, or another slightly different version, went on for 2 nights and the last two nights have been about being robbed. He was a bit too out of it during the night to tell me the particulars of the last ones, but I get the gist. The victim of said robbery has twice been his Great Grandpa, who is 90 years old and I'm sure someone that my son, even at his young age, can identify as a "victim" type because of his advanced age. The hero of both dreams has been his Pa, my father, who at 63 years old has the looks, body, physique, and attitude of a man half his age (I hope that didn't sound reverse Oedipal, not meant to be!) and definitely someone my son looks up to as the definition of strong and safe.
The robbery dreams didn't seem to bother him *as much* as the others, but enough to wake him up during the night calling for me. Mommy's work is never done.
I know where the dreams come from. The kidnapping ones stem from seeing news coverage of little Madeline, the baby that was snatched from a hotel room while her negligent parents were out having a good old time. The robbery ones come from an incident here by us recently where a local Old Navy store was robbed at gunpoint.
The whole situation makes me wonder if I am too honest with my kids, if I allow them to see too much. I don't always turn off the news when they're in the room because I believe that sheltering them makes them naive. But I have to wonder, in my quest to keep my children aware of how our world can work, if I'm letting them know too much. Maybe I *should* shelter them a bit more from the harsh realities of life. Maybe I *should* switch the channel when they come into the room. I don't want them to grow up distrustful and leery, I just want them to know what's going on and be smart.
But when my poor son is waking up with bad dreams, I have to wonder if what I'm doing is right.
Anyway, other than that, just wanted to mention that I saw the new Crowded House video for the first release "Don't Stop Now". Brilliant little video, great song and may I just say that Neil Finn looks...HUMMINA.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
O.M.G.
Dear God, I'm loathe to say how much this sucks so far. Sucks. Serious suckage. Cringeworthy suckage.
I CANNOT be thinking this way, but ..but....but....
blech blah
I CANNOT be thinking this way, but ..but....but....
blech blah
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Self Indulgent Stuff
Borrowing this from my friend Lisa's blog. Thought it would be fun.
YOU ARE FEELING RANDY. LIST TWO SONGS YOU PLAY TO GET IN THE MOOD:
1. You Can Touch-Crowded House
2. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)-Def Leppard
MAKE UP THREE CREATIVE NAMES FOR A NEW ROCK BAND:
1. The Hissy Fits
2. Mild Entrophy
3. Linoleum Chicklet
LIST FOUR SENTENCES RELATING TO MUSIC THAT YOU’VE NEVER SAID BEFORE:
1. Disco is SO cool.
2. Neil Diamond is the best!
3. Nah, I really don't want to listen to Neil Finn.
4. Let's Bust A Move!
LIST FIVE SONG TITLES THAT DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE FELT THIS WEEK:
1. Manic Monday-The Bangles
2. Patience-Guns N Roses
3. Oblivious-Aztec Camera
4. All Apologies-Nirvana
5. Looking For Space-John Denver
IMAGINE YOU’RE HAVING THE IDEAL PERFECT DAY. WHAT SIX THINGS WOULD YOU BE DOING AND WHAT SOUNDTRACK WOULD UNDERSCORE THE ACTIVITY?
1 sitting at the beach (underscored by Together Alone)
2. eating an Awesome dinner (underscored by some nice Jerry Vale)
3. playing with my kids (underscored by John Denver's Farewell Andromeda)
4. spending time with hubby (underscored by Everyone Is Here)
5. spending some computer time chatting w/friends (underscored by Make Believe by Weezer)
6. enjoying an Iced Caramel Macchiato while chilling out (throw on some Beatles here)
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET TO GO BACK IN TIME AND ENSURE THAT SEVEN SONGS
WERE NEVER WRITTEN, THUS SPARING HUMANITY FROM EVER HAVING TO HEAR
THEM. WHAT WOULD GET THE AXE?
1. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo-Rick Derringer (Die Hoochie Koo! Die!)
2. I'm Too Sexy-Right Said Fred (No, you weren't too sexy actually)
3. Anything by Neil Diamond (seriously...puke)
4. anything by Steve Miller (so bad even his name makes me cringe)
5. Blinded By the Light-the Bruce Springsteen AND the Manfred Mann version (curses to Bruce for writing this one)
6. the entire Metallica "St. Anger" album (OMG. What a horrible downfall)
7. Disco Duck by Rick Dees (obviously he was on Heroin when he wrote this)
TOO MANY MUSICIANS DIE PREMATURELY. LIST EIGHT THAT YOU MISS AND FEEL WOULD HAVE WENT ON TO EVEN MORE MUSICAL GREATNESS:
1. Kurt Cobain
2. John Denver
3. John Lennon
4. Paul Hester
5. Richie Valens
6. Jimi Hendrix
7. Randy Rhodes
8. Frank Zappa
STICK WITH ME, WE’RE ALMOST DONE. LIST THE TOP NINE ARTISTS CURRENTLY IN HEAVIEST ROTATION ON YOUR PLAYLIST:
1. Neil Finn
2. Crowded House
3. Weezer
4. Roddy Frame
5. White Stripes
6. The Beatles
7. Def Leppard
8. Split Enz
9. Missy Higgins
FINALLY! EVERYONE HAS SONGS THEY RELATE TO. LIST 10 THAT ARE PERSONAL TO YOU:
1. My Legs Are Gone-Crowded House
2. I Want You I Need You I Love You-Elvis Presley
3. Looking For Space-John Denver
4. Faster Than Light-Neil Finn
5. Collide-Howie Day
6. It's Only Love-The Beatles
7. The Flame-Cheap Trick
8. To Make You Feel My Love-Garth Brooks
9. Won't Give In-Finn Brothers
10.Waiting-Green Day
YOU ARE FEELING RANDY. LIST TWO SONGS YOU PLAY TO GET IN THE MOOD:
1. You Can Touch-Crowded House
2. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)-Def Leppard
MAKE UP THREE CREATIVE NAMES FOR A NEW ROCK BAND:
1. The Hissy Fits
2. Mild Entrophy
3. Linoleum Chicklet
LIST FOUR SENTENCES RELATING TO MUSIC THAT YOU’VE NEVER SAID BEFORE:
1. Disco is SO cool.
2. Neil Diamond is the best!
3. Nah, I really don't want to listen to Neil Finn.
4. Let's Bust A Move!
LIST FIVE SONG TITLES THAT DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE FELT THIS WEEK:
1. Manic Monday-The Bangles
2. Patience-Guns N Roses
3. Oblivious-Aztec Camera
4. All Apologies-Nirvana
5. Looking For Space-John Denver
IMAGINE YOU’RE HAVING THE IDEAL PERFECT DAY. WHAT SIX THINGS WOULD YOU BE DOING AND WHAT SOUNDTRACK WOULD UNDERSCORE THE ACTIVITY?
1 sitting at the beach (underscored by Together Alone)
2. eating an Awesome dinner (underscored by some nice Jerry Vale)
3. playing with my kids (underscored by John Denver's Farewell Andromeda)
4. spending time with hubby (underscored by Everyone Is Here)
5. spending some computer time chatting w/friends (underscored by Make Believe by Weezer)
6. enjoying an Iced Caramel Macchiato while chilling out (throw on some Beatles here)
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET TO GO BACK IN TIME AND ENSURE THAT SEVEN SONGS
WERE NEVER WRITTEN, THUS SPARING HUMANITY FROM EVER HAVING TO HEAR
THEM. WHAT WOULD GET THE AXE?
1. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo-Rick Derringer (Die Hoochie Koo! Die!)
2. I'm Too Sexy-Right Said Fred (No, you weren't too sexy actually)
3. Anything by Neil Diamond (seriously...puke)
4. anything by Steve Miller (so bad even his name makes me cringe)
5. Blinded By the Light-the Bruce Springsteen AND the Manfred Mann version (curses to Bruce for writing this one)
6. the entire Metallica "St. Anger" album (OMG. What a horrible downfall)
7. Disco Duck by Rick Dees (obviously he was on Heroin when he wrote this)
TOO MANY MUSICIANS DIE PREMATURELY. LIST EIGHT THAT YOU MISS AND FEEL WOULD HAVE WENT ON TO EVEN MORE MUSICAL GREATNESS:
1. Kurt Cobain
2. John Denver
3. John Lennon
4. Paul Hester
5. Richie Valens
6. Jimi Hendrix
7. Randy Rhodes
8. Frank Zappa
STICK WITH ME, WE’RE ALMOST DONE. LIST THE TOP NINE ARTISTS CURRENTLY IN HEAVIEST ROTATION ON YOUR PLAYLIST:
1. Neil Finn
2. Crowded House
3. Weezer
4. Roddy Frame
5. White Stripes
6. The Beatles
7. Def Leppard
8. Split Enz
9. Missy Higgins
FINALLY! EVERYONE HAS SONGS THEY RELATE TO. LIST 10 THAT ARE PERSONAL TO YOU:
1. My Legs Are Gone-Crowded House
2. I Want You I Need You I Love You-Elvis Presley
3. Looking For Space-John Denver
4. Faster Than Light-Neil Finn
5. Collide-Howie Day
6. It's Only Love-The Beatles
7. The Flame-Cheap Trick
8. To Make You Feel My Love-Garth Brooks
9. Won't Give In-Finn Brothers
10.Waiting-Green Day
Monday, May 21, 2007
Birthdays
Yesterday was my Mothers 65th birthday. *Random fact* My mother is 30 years older than me and I am 30 years older than my daughter. In all, there is 60 years separating 3 generations of women. I'll turn 35 this year, my daughter, 5. It wasn't planned that way, but it's cool, nonetheless.
We had a nice party for her at my brothers house. He has the happening house now, great location, gorgeous dining room, in ground pool (although too early to use it) the works. I'm glad to see them so happy and settled and the kids thriving and doing so well. Does my heart good.
Anyway, the party turned out nice. The food was fantastic if I do say so myself. Sometimes, I amaze even myself that my food always comes out as good as it does. I made Penne Alla Vodka, a relatively simple dish, but I rocked it up with some nice Proscuitto in the sauce. Also whipped up some Broccoli Rabe and sausage, which for me, is what I could easily live on the rest of my life and never grow tired of it.
I don't mind cooking to help people out. My brother and sister in law are at best, mediocre cooks. The last time we were there for a barbeque, they beat some poor, helpless chicken into submission. I try to give as many helpful hints as I can when they cook, but I don't want to seem butt-in'y, so mostly I just watch and cringe. That chicken was barbequed to within an inch of MY life. Good thing they had lots of soda and beer to swallow it with or I'm not sure I could have choked it down.
Anyway, back on topic, my Mother loved her gifts (got her an Italian cookbook, Giada DiLaurentis' Everyday Italian and my husband happily scanned the book for pictures--lecherous little shit--and an Elvis DVD, right up her alley) loved the dinner, loved her cake, cried some of those Grandma tears when she saw all the homemade cards the kids made her. She deserves it, all of it. She's been a loving and wonderful mother to me and I can't ask for a better "Grammy" for my kids. They adore her. So do I.
So, in a couple months, I'll be turning 35 and a couple months after that, my daughter will turn 5. The 30 year cycle continues and flourishes. Hopefully, I'll have a 65 party someday, and my daughter will cook for me (or not. I've told her she doesn't have to learn to cook. She can do whatever she wants to, although, she's too much like me for me to believe she WON'T cook) and my mother, at the ripe old age of 95, will celebrate with us too.
One can only hope.
We had a nice party for her at my brothers house. He has the happening house now, great location, gorgeous dining room, in ground pool (although too early to use it) the works. I'm glad to see them so happy and settled and the kids thriving and doing so well. Does my heart good.
Anyway, the party turned out nice. The food was fantastic if I do say so myself. Sometimes, I amaze even myself that my food always comes out as good as it does. I made Penne Alla Vodka, a relatively simple dish, but I rocked it up with some nice Proscuitto in the sauce. Also whipped up some Broccoli Rabe and sausage, which for me, is what I could easily live on the rest of my life and never grow tired of it.
I don't mind cooking to help people out. My brother and sister in law are at best, mediocre cooks. The last time we were there for a barbeque, they beat some poor, helpless chicken into submission. I try to give as many helpful hints as I can when they cook, but I don't want to seem butt-in'y, so mostly I just watch and cringe. That chicken was barbequed to within an inch of MY life. Good thing they had lots of soda and beer to swallow it with or I'm not sure I could have choked it down.
Anyway, back on topic, my Mother loved her gifts (got her an Italian cookbook, Giada DiLaurentis' Everyday Italian and my husband happily scanned the book for pictures--lecherous little shit--and an Elvis DVD, right up her alley) loved the dinner, loved her cake, cried some of those Grandma tears when she saw all the homemade cards the kids made her. She deserves it, all of it. She's been a loving and wonderful mother to me and I can't ask for a better "Grammy" for my kids. They adore her. So do I.
So, in a couple months, I'll be turning 35 and a couple months after that, my daughter will turn 5. The 30 year cycle continues and flourishes. Hopefully, I'll have a 65 party someday, and my daughter will cook for me (or not. I've told her she doesn't have to learn to cook. She can do whatever she wants to, although, she's too much like me for me to believe she WON'T cook) and my mother, at the ripe old age of 95, will celebrate with us too.
One can only hope.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Tim Finn at Joe's Pub, NYC-5-12-07
**I posted this elsewhere, but am bringing it here for posterity....and 'cause I want to.**
I said this on one of the forums, but I'm going to repeat it here. If you ever, in your life, get the chance to see Tim Finn, especially if it's an acoustic gig, take it. See it. Seize the day. It's worth every penny you spend and every second of your time.
I couldn't have asked for a better seat, which I owe to my friend Jodi. It was so great to meet you my friend. You're just as wonderful as I thought you'd be!
Tim was literally hovering above me, mere inches from me, so close that a few times I thought I'd be sweat on (and believe me, the man can sweat!). There's nothing like craning your neck up to find one of your heroes standing there, pouring his heart out through music, manic and intimate, engaging and soulful.
Tim kicked the show off with Couldn't Be Done, a solid, rock driven number that promises to set the crowd roaring approval and followed with My Mistake, an old Split Enz number that I was very pleasantly surprised to hear. More wonderful tunes followed: Salt To the Sea, (lovingly dedicated to Paul Hester. Tim had a noticeable softeness in his voice when he said Hessies name. At least I thought so.) and other offerings from his latest solo CD "Imaginary Kingdom" including Astounding Moon, Midnight Coma, Still the Song, So Precious and Unsinkable, all performed with a measure of zeal and earnest that portrays just how much Tim believes in his latest solo effort. As well he should.
Peppered into the set were some loveable favorites. Six Months In A Leaky Boat, complete with extra whistling practice, the always beautiful Persuasion, the funky Dirty Creature, and a rather tame version of I See Red. I'd hoped for the all out manic version, but stage restrictions, time restrictions and instrumental restrictions as well only allowed for a stripped back performance. It's okay though. Accompanied by Tim's facial expressions, which range from slightly imbalanced to concentrated to profound, it was everything I could have hoped for.
The encore included a gorgeous version of Parihaka, a song which I previously have NOT counted among one of my favorites due to the album version, which I just don't like. Live and acoustic, it becomes an intensely emotional number, beautifully melodic and dulcet. This is how I wish it was on the album. It's a completely new song without all that dated 80's overproduction.
Tim ended with Poor Boy, which was my one hope for the evening, and it didn't disappoint. It's my favorite Enz song, and I couldn't have asked for a better set ender. I was completely wow'ed.
Tim's voice is spectacular live, clear and distinct, easy to listen to. Don't ever let anyone tell you that Tim has lost it, because it was clear to me Saturday night that he's FAR from losing it. He sounds as good as he ever did. Only now, he operates with a measure of maturity, confidence and naturalness that some seasoned performers lack. There's a brashness about him, too. Couple that with his gentle talent and it's a show I never want to miss.
I said this on one of the forums, but I'm going to repeat it here. If you ever, in your life, get the chance to see Tim Finn, especially if it's an acoustic gig, take it. See it. Seize the day. It's worth every penny you spend and every second of your time.
I couldn't have asked for a better seat, which I owe to my friend Jodi. It was so great to meet you my friend. You're just as wonderful as I thought you'd be!
Tim was literally hovering above me, mere inches from me, so close that a few times I thought I'd be sweat on (and believe me, the man can sweat!). There's nothing like craning your neck up to find one of your heroes standing there, pouring his heart out through music, manic and intimate, engaging and soulful.
Tim kicked the show off with Couldn't Be Done, a solid, rock driven number that promises to set the crowd roaring approval and followed with My Mistake, an old Split Enz number that I was very pleasantly surprised to hear. More wonderful tunes followed: Salt To the Sea, (lovingly dedicated to Paul Hester. Tim had a noticeable softeness in his voice when he said Hessies name. At least I thought so.) and other offerings from his latest solo CD "Imaginary Kingdom" including Astounding Moon, Midnight Coma, Still the Song, So Precious and Unsinkable, all performed with a measure of zeal and earnest that portrays just how much Tim believes in his latest solo effort. As well he should.
Peppered into the set were some loveable favorites. Six Months In A Leaky Boat, complete with extra whistling practice, the always beautiful Persuasion, the funky Dirty Creature, and a rather tame version of I See Red. I'd hoped for the all out manic version, but stage restrictions, time restrictions and instrumental restrictions as well only allowed for a stripped back performance. It's okay though. Accompanied by Tim's facial expressions, which range from slightly imbalanced to concentrated to profound, it was everything I could have hoped for.
The encore included a gorgeous version of Parihaka, a song which I previously have NOT counted among one of my favorites due to the album version, which I just don't like. Live and acoustic, it becomes an intensely emotional number, beautifully melodic and dulcet. This is how I wish it was on the album. It's a completely new song without all that dated 80's overproduction.
Tim ended with Poor Boy, which was my one hope for the evening, and it didn't disappoint. It's my favorite Enz song, and I couldn't have asked for a better set ender. I was completely wow'ed.
Tim's voice is spectacular live, clear and distinct, easy to listen to. Don't ever let anyone tell you that Tim has lost it, because it was clear to me Saturday night that he's FAR from losing it. He sounds as good as he ever did. Only now, he operates with a measure of maturity, confidence and naturalness that some seasoned performers lack. There's a brashness about him, too. Couple that with his gentle talent and it's a show I never want to miss.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
My condition is hard to define...
You know, some days, I feel like I should be doing more with my life than sitting here in my house, playing ponies and princesses and cooking dinners and folding clothes. Some days, I wish I could go back to school and have a career and make my own money to do whatever I want with.
It's funny, but when I was working after I got married, I remember salivating for the day that I got pregnant and could quit work. It wasn't an option. We decided early on that I'd stay home with the kids and I just couldn't wait for that day.
Now, 2 kids and 6 years later, I want the exact opposite. I'm waiting for the day that I can go on to something useful to ME once the kids are off to school on the bus. I don't know what that is yet. School, a job, my own thing...who knows. All I know is that it's time for me to become a whole person again. Not just wife, not just Mommy. I love being those things, but they can't be ALL that I am anymore.
It makes me feel bad sometimes, though. I struggle with those feelings. On one hand, I've wanted to be one of those women who is satisfied with being defined by those terms...wife, mother...and are happy and fulfilled by such. On the other hand, I know I have the brain to be more, to do more. I squandered college the first time. Maybe the second time I could make a go of it.
Been thinking a lot lately about something I used to want to do. At one time, my ambition in life was to be a Professor of American History. History is my passion, next to music, and since I'm realistic enough to know I don't have the chops to be a professional musician, history is the next best thing. I'd love to teach it and relate the excitement I feel when I learn and educate myself. I think that would be fun. A lot of hard work, but fun. I could do it if I wanted to.
I really could.
Today, I played doggies and ponies. We painted. We played outside. We talked about school and little league. I loved it. I truly did. I wouldn't miss any of it for the world. They need me. I need them. We need each other.
It's funny, but when I was working after I got married, I remember salivating for the day that I got pregnant and could quit work. It wasn't an option. We decided early on that I'd stay home with the kids and I just couldn't wait for that day.
Now, 2 kids and 6 years later, I want the exact opposite. I'm waiting for the day that I can go on to something useful to ME once the kids are off to school on the bus. I don't know what that is yet. School, a job, my own thing...who knows. All I know is that it's time for me to become a whole person again. Not just wife, not just Mommy. I love being those things, but they can't be ALL that I am anymore.
It makes me feel bad sometimes, though. I struggle with those feelings. On one hand, I've wanted to be one of those women who is satisfied with being defined by those terms...wife, mother...and are happy and fulfilled by such. On the other hand, I know I have the brain to be more, to do more. I squandered college the first time. Maybe the second time I could make a go of it.
Been thinking a lot lately about something I used to want to do. At one time, my ambition in life was to be a Professor of American History. History is my passion, next to music, and since I'm realistic enough to know I don't have the chops to be a professional musician, history is the next best thing. I'd love to teach it and relate the excitement I feel when I learn and educate myself. I think that would be fun. A lot of hard work, but fun. I could do it if I wanted to.
I really could.
Today, I played doggies and ponies. We painted. We played outside. We talked about school and little league. I loved it. I truly did. I wouldn't miss any of it for the world. They need me. I need them. We need each other.
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