Sho' Nuff XX

My concert week continued with The Black Crowes playing two nights close to me. I was so excited I would get this big grin on my face whenever I thought about it. I even took Friday off to really enjoy my time.

The first show was in Upper Darby at the Tower Theater. I've been to the venue many times in the last 20 years. Coincidentally, this tour celebrates 20 years of the Crowes music but it was not the first place I saw them.

My preference is to attend these shows alone because of previous bad experiences. I took a chance this time and agreed to go with my friend Tofu Girl. She's a fan but hadn't seen the band live in 15 years. Thankfully we both had a good time. She had to leave before the end to get home but I texted her the last songs in the set. Ain't technology great?

I also knew a couple other people there and was able to chat with a former coworker. He's doing well although the job market blows. We were able to commiserate and I enjoyed catching up with him.

Back to the show! They began with an acoustic set. No opening band meant it was 3 hours of pure enjoyment for me. The set list was great because they played songs I haven't heard in long time. The sound was not as good unfortunately. We were also a bit far away. I left quite satisfied and happy to see them the next night.

The next show was in Atlantic City at the Borgata. Because I had two tickets for the first show, I bought a second for the next show. I knew I was pressing my luck but I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes. I offered the ticket to a few folks but no one was able to make the show. Yay!  I even sold the ticket just before showtime and get most of my money for it.  Double yay!

The Borgata holds less people so the space is more intimate. I was eight rows back with a great view. The sound was amazing. I was directly in front of the stack which meant Rich's guitar was coming right at me. (remember, guitar whore here) This set had no acoustic and was only 2 hours. They ended exactly and almost hurriedly at 11pm. The focus was on just playing the hits. Again a good night but made better by seeing both shows.

I look forward to seeing them again whenever they get back around. Too much is never enough!

I should mention that although I did see the show alone, I did not make the trip alone. Crabby joined me for the ride so she could gamble. The Borgata is her favorite place in AC and she was quite excited to be going. I picked her up in the afternoon to be sure we had time to make a few wagers. Unfortunately neither one of us came out ahead. I don't know what she lost but I was out $100. I should have quit while I was ahead. Craps was good to me... until it wasn't.

Heavymetal poisoning

This is a fun week of entertainment for me.  Three concerts in four days.  Third concert wasn't planned but was a fortunate reading of an email.  Devin Townsend was booked just a short drive away at The Note in West Chester, Bam Margera's club.  In case you don't know, Bam is part of the Jackass crew and Devin is... well... just Devin.

I had not been to The Note before last night.  It's a decent place but small.  The crowd was good and full of characters.  I know I got more than a few looks for not only my age but conservative dress.  The drinks and ticket were cheap so I only spent $21 on the evening.  Yes, I went alone.  It occurred to me at the show, I don't mind being alone because I listen to the music by myself.  It would be almost weird to have someone there other than strangers because I don't know many who have my taste.  I doubt this post will create any new fans.

Periphery was the second of two openers.  I missed TesseracT.  Now I am a self professed guitar whore but even I was a little concerned seeing three guitarists on stage.  This is not chamber music people, it's heavy.  Then one of the guys said it would be an instrumental night because the singer was sick.  Let the trashing begin.  And it did.  A mini mosh pit appeared up front on more than a few tunes.  The kids weren't bad and they played really well together.  The bass was totally lacking but I didn't know if that was the mix or the acoustics.  Their music was good but was missing the lyrics.  Not a bad start.

After the set change, the man of the evening came out.  Devin is quite tall with a shaved head and dressed in a shiny, purple suit.  He called out and pointed to his 'nerds' in the crowd.  He said you know they're nerds if they have jobs.  Then during a pause in his first song, he said 'let's go play Dungeons and Dragons."

My phone camera doesn't do so well in low light but you get the idea.  Devin is famous for creating a wall of sound.  It's what my mother would call noise.  Within that cacophony is a passion and playfulness you don't often find.  He was playful on stage and interacted with the crowd.  He also gets this look on his face at times that's down right scary.  There was no holding back and he played songs from his entire collection.  I'm so glad I went and I'd happily see him again.

For those not familiar (probably the majority), here's the lyrics to a song he played titled "Life".

My life is all that I've known
And it's all that keeps me here
My time is all that I own
So I won't let it slip away...

How long can this life go on
Who we are, what we are...
I'll see you on the other side

Wouldn't you rather live it on your own
Even when it bends you over
So when it comes time to go home
You don't let them fade away...

How long can this all go on?
How long till it's over?
And how long till it all comes down?

[spoken]

In death, not only are the mightiest and the most humble brought down to the same level, but we're no different from any other organism.

Slicing Squash

I really enjoy carving pumpkins this time of year.  Don't ask me why because it seems pointless.  They don't last very long especially in this warmer weather.  I guess it's just a creative outlet for me.

Crabby invited me to her sister's pumpkin carving party.  Last year was fun so I was happy to go again.  They have good food, all the pumpkins you can carve and a hayride.  Last time I carved two pumpkins but cleaned out four or five.  No one likes touching the gooey bits.  I don't mind gooey things and I really like toasting the seeds.

Let the slashing begin!

I chose to do a single but more complex pumpkin this year.  The carving kits out there make this much easier than using a kitchen knife.  I was able to do all that detail work without swearing in front of the kids or cutting my own limbs off.  (limbs of others beware)  It did take a couple hours to complete but I was well fed the entire time.  We had dogs, chili, finger foods, pulled pork, melted caramel over apples and hot cider.  Plenty of sugary treats for afterwards too.

Because they live out in the country, we could actually do a hayride through the fields.  Ok so not actually in the fields but right beside them.  All aboard!  And don't forget to grab a beer.

Nifty setup huh?  We needed coats and blankets because the day was cooling off.  This was the second hayride of the day.  I was busy earlier as you can see above.  Off we went across the country side.  The tractor gave a couple fits as we went but all seemed well.  We got to enjoy the fresh air and see homes decorated for the season.

Night began to fall and a beautiful moon rose in the sky.  My phone camera is limited so just trust me that it was beautiful.  As we admired the scenery, we noticed that we weren't moving fast if at all.  The tractor seemed to have trouble going up hills and eventually it stopped going altogether.  We'd make it about 50 feet and then the engine sounded like it would stop.  A thinking man in our group (not me) used his GPS app to find out we were 2 miles from home if we had to walk.  The driver was doing his best but ended up calling for help.  Crabby's sister showed up to save the night with a pickup which could pull the wagon.  By then, full night had fallen and it was a very cold drive back.  At least we didn't have to walk!  I should have brought more beers because one just didn't cut it.

Even with the tractor problems, a good time was had by all.  My pumpkin even made it home in one piece.  Here's hoping it lasts until Halloween!

Bicycle

I know it's October but we've actually been getting some nice weather.  Working outside has been enjoyable.  I know it will be getting cold soon but this good weather has been great.  After doing my regular clean up outside, I really felt like riding my bike.  The Cheerleader told me she's been enjoying the Chester Valley Trail.  It's paved and fairly level.  Currently there's about 4 miles of trail but they have plans to make it longer.

It would have been safer to stop and take the picture.  With my helmet on I was pretty safe if the action shot didn't work.  Texting and riding probably isn't smart either but I did it.  No children or animals were hurt during this production.

I was a bit rushed because of the fading daylight.  I did make it to the 'end' which is right across from the new Wegman's.  It's too bad the weather and light are fading, I'd like to do this again.

Cuz Yer My Breast Friend

A good friend of mine was an Eagles cheerleader at one point in her life.  This year her pom pom skills were needed again.  Not to cheer on the boys but to raise money for boobs.  Boys like boobs so it all works together.  Sort of the brassiere of life.  Ok, enough with the bad jokes.  Have a look at what five decades of cheerleaders can do in the link below.

They need to reach a goal of 1 million views of this video and United Healthcare will donate $100,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, so please click often and spread the link.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfRSDbV8Adw

 

Go Team Ra-Ras!

The 3-Day for the Cure is happening in Philadelphia this weekend if you are interested in doing more than just clicking a link.

Tricksy Hobbitses

When comparing New York City to the backdrop of Lord of the Rings, the place seems more like Mordor than any other location in Middle Earth.  Not that anyone does this but me. (wink)  Tolkien did model Mordor on the London of his times.

Why do I even bring this up?  Because the Colonel invited me to NYC to see The Two Towers at Radio City Music Hall.  The second movie of the trilogy would be shown on the screen while a full orchestra and chorus provided all the music.  The sound doesn't get much better than that.  Forget your 5.1 or 7.2 surround systems.  This was live and done wonderfully.  I got so into the movie this way I had to keep reminding myself that I was hearing it live.  I'm not saying I have the score memorized but I have lost count of the number of times I've watched the movie.

That's a huge amount of people on stage for a movie.  It gives you some idea of the amount of work spent on this movie score.

Our journey to the city was almost like traveling to Mordor. (just go with me on this)  We didn't have orcs on our tail but the minutes were ticking away.  Our sense of dread growing as showtime approached and we still were not in our seats.  Leaving our state wasn't bad.  Once we crossed into the wilds of Jersey, our challenges began.  The traffic grew more than we anticipated.  The simple act of stopping for fuel brought on delay.  Why did I have to choose Jersey with it's full service pumps?  The Colonel brought us new provisions and we set off again.

Fighting our way through traffic and another toll booth, we were suddenly brought down from three lanes to two.  Thankfully my choice to change lanes may have saved our quest.  The outer lane was closed ahead.  As we waited I was commenting on the lack of notice for the roadwork when I saw a gray pickup coming up fast in the outer lane.  I no sooner said something to the Colonel when the driver noticed we were all stopped and slammed on his brakes.  White smoke bellowed forth and I failed my fear saving throw.  The pickup looked like it was going to lose control and then he decided to move onto the median as he flew by us.  Again he was in danger of flipping over while we held our breath.  Thankfully no one was hurt and we could continue on our way.  I needed to buy new shorts once we hit the city.

Our plan was to stay in Jersey next to the Lincoln Tunnel and catch a taxi across.  Finding the tiny path to the parking area was a challenge but we succeeded.  The city was within our sight; no taxis were there however.  The Colonel asked a passerby and she recommended the ferry.  I can't imagine how long it would have taken a taxi to get through all the traffic in the tunnel.  We didn't have enough time for that.

A quick sail across the river brought us to shore safely.  We hailed a taxi and were quickly stuck in another line of traffic.  The Colonel was able to speak some Russian to our driver and get him moving again.  We left the cab in the traffic about a block away from Radio City.  With just enough time to grab a slice and eat it as we moved.  No time to buy those new shorts either.  The Colonel went to relieve himself and I got in line for a drink.  Soon I found out they decided not to serve any alcohol at this show. (due to all ages?)  I walked away with some sweets and tried to chat up a tattooed redhead.  She apparently considered me too beastly so I moved along.

Our quest complete, we sat back and enjoyed the show.  No, we didn't get to fly on eagles for our journey back.  The trip home was much less eventful.

Tired but Wiser For the Time (10-10-10)

The time leading up to this date was much sadder than I expected.  I've been through my closure and got the answers I was looking for even if I had to do that on my own.  Now the proposed date has come and I hope I can stop thinking about all this crap.  I'm much better off without having a false person around.

(I'm just going to ramble so feel free to move on.  This post is more for me than you dear reader.)

Looking back I can see the red flags that paved the way to get to this point.  I can also see where I comprised once again.  I know relationships have compromise to work but there are some important areas to which this doesn't apply.  Compromise in these areas will lead to the relationship falling apart.  Doesn't matter how much love you have in your heart.

(blah blah blah)

As funny as it sounds, this was the best relationship I've had.  I really enjoyed being together and the things that we did.  I am happy with the way I conducted myself.  I put up with quite a bit including OCD issues, sense of entitlement, and lack of forgiveness.  She'd be happy to tell you I'd be paying for Valentine's day every year after our first one.  I thought she was doing something nice for us but found out she thought I should have offered to pay part of it.  Not that this was mentioned until much later.  It's crazy to think she held onto this after all I did for her and paid for throughout our time together. 

It would have been nice to get a heads up that she wasn't as happy.  But I've come to understand that women swing from tree to tree. (does this prove evolution?)  She wasn't going to leave this one until the next one was lined up.  If she shook the tree by telling the truth, she might have fallen out of it.  Of course I'm not the only one left out, she hasn't told her family or most of her 'friends' either.  I wonder when she'll tell them she's shacked up with grandpa?

So after all this I'm not even left with a friendship which is quite disappointing.  That was the final disrespect paid to me.  I am mature enough to handle going our separate ways and I could enjoy her finding happiness.  My wishes for her now are less than gallant.

(are you done yet?)

Yes, I am dating again and I remember what fun I had being single.  Meeting new people, seeing if there's any interest and then seeing how things progress.  Putting down the red flags as they show up and deciding if it's worth continuing.  I used to think this was too much trouble but I kind of enjoy it.  There's always hope of finding some good.  Meanwhile the rest of my social life has really picked up which has been fun and interesting.  I'll be probably be documenting it here.

(Finally!  Now let's see what tomorrow brings.  Right, now who's up for marching up the down the square?*)


*kudos and geek badge for those who get the reference

Hit Me With Your Best... OW!

Getting up at dawn, driving for almost two hours, running around in the woods all day and paying for the privilege to do so.  Yes, I do enjoy paintball enough to do this twice a year.

I was introduced to a guy who organizes a large group to go to Skirmish in the Spring and Fall.  This is the third year I've been going and it's always a good time.  Here's a pic of my paintball gun.  It's not the fanciest out there but it's consistent and takes a beating.

 

I do expect to be tired and sore when I'm done for the day.  And I usually have a few perfectly round bruises in many places.  Hopefully I've taken out one or two people along the way.  Unfortunately during my most recent game, I got hit in the neck.  This is one of the more painful shots and I took it on my bare skin.  It drew blood.

The picture was from the next day after I had a chance to clean it up.  At the time I just kept playing.  What?  I still had air and paint enough for another round.  Besides, chicks dig scars.

Party like it's 1699

Every year the Colonel has a themed party at his place.  It began as a Medival Feast but this year he decided the theme would be American colonial.  I must admit to not being one to go in costume to these sorts of things but they got me into a toga earlier this year so.... WTH.

Jekyll was going to hook me up with some duds because this isn't the sort of thing I have lying around.  The Colonel went and had his coat custom made which shows you how behind the curve I am.  But I was happy for the offer.  Unfortunately, Jekyll got so into theme that he decided to catch the Consumption just before the feast.  So we dug through the Colonel's extras and came up with a ninja outfit and a kilt.  The kilt wasn't completely unperiod so I went with that.  Although I still want to be a ninja.  Anyone remember the show The Master with Lee Van Cleef?

Here's the Colonel with his smashing new coat and the Jack-o-Knives being the pirate he is at heart.

Not everyone dressed up but you don't have to.

We were able to do some axe throwing once the target was fixed.  No, we did not use duct tape thought it was offered.

Father and son doing a little boff sword fighting.  Don't call the cops, this is all in fun.

We ended the night in front of a fire.  I changed out of the kilt by then because it got rather chilly.

Only one person asked what was going on under my kilt.  I think he just couldn't help himself.  No one else asked because they really didn't want to know.  And that's a good thing because a gentleman never tells what's is or isn't under his kilt.  Of course I'm not really a gentleman.... thus no one asked.