Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Stuff from the weekend...
The last concert of the symphony season was Saturday night. Verdi's "Requiem". Probably our best performed concert of the year. And fitting under the circumstances (the musicians killed in the plane crash). That's why I've been away for the past couple of days--the dreaded "symphony week". Now I've got a couple of weeks off before worrying about mid-July!
In a humorous turn (sort of) I took a header off of some stairs after tearing down the stage set-up. Short story--dark; I missed the last step; saved Michelle!; landed directly on both knees; no blood/scratches; could barely walk on Sunday; still hurt today from that whole whiplash effect. I'm finally feeling my age!
Hadn't planned on going to any concerts this summer, thanks to the gas prices, but Chicago will be playing in Bozeman in August. Scored 10 tickets (all in Row 2) at about $81.15 each. Five are spoken for. Anyone want the others?
I had hoped to work on the Graduation Picture contest yesterday, but it didn't happen yet. SO...there's still time to send in your picture if you want to supply one. The contest will open up on Thursday! Send them to hntanon@gmail.com And while you're sending pics that way....
Mom and Dad returned from their Alaskan cruise late last night. This morning I'm greeted with an email that says "details provided upon request".
I've put in the request for details, though I think Mom might have finally cracked after 50+ years of marriage!
Well, I saw Dad this afternoon. He's a klutz. He tripped while in the buffet line on Wednesday, when this picture was taken. He landed on his left knee (swollen and bloody), hurt his bad right arm, bruised his left arm, and his current facial bruise now goes from above his eyebrow, down to the corner of his mouth. Not as strikingly colorful, but still a mighty bruise. Just can't seem to take him anywhere anymore!
In a humorous turn (sort of) I took a header off of some stairs after tearing down the stage set-up. Short story--dark; I missed the last step; saved Michelle!; landed directly on both knees; no blood/scratches; could barely walk on Sunday; still hurt today from that whole whiplash effect. I'm finally feeling my age!
Hadn't planned on going to any concerts this summer, thanks to the gas prices, but Chicago will be playing in Bozeman in August. Scored 10 tickets (all in Row 2) at about $81.15 each. Five are spoken for. Anyone want the others?
I had hoped to work on the Graduation Picture contest yesterday, but it didn't happen yet. SO...there's still time to send in your picture if you want to supply one. The contest will open up on Thursday! Send them to hntanon@gmail.com And while you're sending pics that way....
Mom and Dad returned from their Alaskan cruise late last night. This morning I'm greeted with an email that says "details provided upon request".
I've put in the request for details, though I think Mom might have finally cracked after 50+ years of marriage!
Well, I saw Dad this afternoon. He's a klutz. He tripped while in the buffet line on Wednesday, when this picture was taken. He landed on his left knee (swollen and bloody), hurt his bad right arm, bruised his left arm, and his current facial bruise now goes from above his eyebrow, down to the corner of his mouth. Not as strikingly colorful, but still a mighty bruise. Just can't seem to take him anywhere anymore!
Friday, May 18, 2007
It Was 27 Years Ago Today...
These images were captured by a camper about 10 miles
to the northeast of the mountain.
Check this post for a nice love story....
And last call is tomorrow for those senior/graduation pictures!!!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
HNT 2nd Anniversary!
had a wonderful feature called "Half-Naked Thursdays",
where the author would post pictures of her bare shoulders,
her kids' behinds, her husband's belly, lots of arms, etc.
Nothing remotely graphic, but maybe a little suggestive.
I think all of you should do that too."
And so it began... That was posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005. On the following Thursday, the 19th, HNT was launched into existence. It's now two years later. I would estimate that close to 800 people have joined in during that time. Some have been regulars. Others have only done it once. Many have quit blogging altogether. Some are just getting started. A year ago, I never anticipated celebrating a 1st anniversary. The fact that we've come to the 2nd anniversary is just beyond belief.
So why is it that HNT has lasted so long? Two years in the fast-paced environment of the internet is an eternity! I've given it some thought, and I came up with three elements that I don't think we really consider: marketing, communication and community.
MARKETING--Madison Ave. has long known that sex sells. Everything. In our case, that initial "I'm up!" is the signal that you've taken the step to put a picture up that represents yourself in some state of half-nekkidness. And people stop by to check it out. Of course, marketing only takes you so far... If the product isn't any good, or if it's not what people want, people won't come back. For those who say that blogs are personal, and they don't write for an audience, I contend that there's at least a minimal desire for people to come check us out and like us. And while HNT might have gotten us there, it's up to the individual to keep us coming back.
COMMUNICATION--I think that we have all increased our communicative skills on some level. We've even come up with our own acronym--HHNT (which, by the way, I don't believe I have ever used...)! Most of us have emailed or called people that we never knew existed. Many of us have gone as far as mailing gifts or packages or CDs or flowers to strangers that we may never meet in person. Some of us have hit the jackpot in being able to actually meet these strangers and interact with them on a whole new level beyond the internet. We are the lucky ones!
COMMUNITY--Perhaps the most important aspect of HNT. We ARE a community. And like all communities, there's little cliques scattered around. Most of us find that we have alot in common with others out here, and friendships are born. REAL friendships. And that is a wonderful thing. As a community, we cried when we heard of the death of one of our own. As a community, we rally around those who experience tragedy in their off-line lives. As a community, we watch babies getting born, friends getting married, love blooming, love dying. We share the loves of family. We learn secrets that their families will never know.
HNT has gone through alot of changes in two years. I don't think it will again hit the numbers that it had a year ago. And that's OK. HNT has always been user-driven, and I don't see that changing. Will it last another year? I hope it does. I said the same thing last year. If you want to see the 1st anniversary post, go here. Funny--I just checked it out and find that most of what I've just said, I said a year ago, too!
I voted against getting a cake, but I was hoping for a cherry cream pie. Had to settle for banana cream, which is equally as good. And the tongue was a suggestion from a chat this afternoon. Anyway--this isn't an anniversary for me, as much as it's an anniversary for US. Let us continue to share our half-nekkidness, in whatever form we desire, for a long time to come! HHNT!!
This week's Mystery Guest comes to us from another country. Not from the Land Down Under, but the Great White North. She's been participating in HNT since late 2005, and is well known for her dumb stories. This cowgirl promises to reveal herself Thursday afternoon, but if you know her, feel free to stop by and say hi!This week's MG is none other than CowGirl from My Dumb Stories! Go on over and say "howdy!"
"...the Other HNT" is a bit light this week, but the testosterone is flowing. NSFW, of course!
Only a couple of days left to send in a graduation/senior picture (see post below). There was a little confusion--everyone can play! I just need pictures to use for the contest!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Graduation Picture Contest--NEWER POSTS BELOW
The famous "Sunscreen" speech that was popular from the 90s seems to be appropriate for the musical part of this post. We're talkin' about Graduation! Or, "Grad-jee-a-shun" for those in the appropriate parts of the country (can't WAIT for all the "congradulation" misspellings that always occur at this time of year!).
OK--the contest and "rules":
- Send me your high school senior picture. The one that was in your yearbook. If you don't have one, then a picture in your cap/gown or whatever you dressed in. Around the 20th of May, I'll post all the pictures in a collage, and you, the readers, will email me your guesses as to whom everyone is. The one with the most correct answers will win some sort of monumental prize from me.
- Send your pictures to: hntanon@gmail.com
- Please include your year of graduation. It might somehow be used as part of a tie-breaker.
- I'm not interested in pictures from your high school days. I want the official graduation picture.
- Most important--if we've never seen your face, I'm afraid that you can't play! Not that we don't like you. It's just that if we don't know what we're looking for, your senior picture isn't going to help us any!
- I will provide a list of those participating (with maybe an extra name or two, just to make it interesting...)
- At this point, all I need are pictures. Go dig yours out and get it scanned!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Bits and Pieces
You've only got a couple of days left to send in your senior picture for the Graduation Picture contest! Go here to catch all the details.
As alluded to in the past post, this is symphony week, so I'll be in and out, but don't plan to hear much from me from Thursday through Saturday. Two of the best Montana friends of those killed in the accident will be playing with us on Saturday. I think that's going to be difficult, especially for them. We will be performing Verdi's "Requiem" (that's the Mass for the dead), which is coincidentally appropriate.
I have what I think is disturbing news regarding the original OsShirt. I should have realized it earlier, but it hit me over the weekend. I showed you the plates/napkins from the Dallas trip,
but then I received this in my email on Saturday...
Apparently the original OsShirt was stolen in NYC, and pieces of it are being sold all over the place (Lord knows there's enough to go around...).
As mentioned in my Mother's Day post, I ate my cold Chinese take-out on Sunday afternoon. What I hadn't bargained for was the bony chips that I felt floating in a bite of fried rice. Short story--my left lower molar is disintegrating. No pain, no blood. Just a couple of pieces that fell off like an iceberg breaking into the ocean. Still no pain, but I'm not going to count on that forever. So now I have to find me a cheap dentist. Damn.
I was tagged with memes from Tish and Lee Ann. I'll get to them as soon as I can. Lee Ann's will be fun and easy. Tish's, not so much.
As alluded to in the past post, this is symphony week, so I'll be in and out, but don't plan to hear much from me from Thursday through Saturday. Two of the best Montana friends of those killed in the accident will be playing with us on Saturday. I think that's going to be difficult, especially for them. We will be performing Verdi's "Requiem" (that's the Mass for the dead), which is coincidentally appropriate.
I have what I think is disturbing news regarding the original OsShirt. I should have realized it earlier, but it hit me over the weekend. I showed you the plates/napkins from the Dallas trip,
but then I received this in my email on Saturday...
Apparently the original OsShirt was stolen in NYC, and pieces of it are being sold all over the place (Lord knows there's enough to go around...).
As mentioned in my Mother's Day post, I ate my cold Chinese take-out on Sunday afternoon. What I hadn't bargained for was the bony chips that I felt floating in a bite of fried rice. Short story--my left lower molar is disintegrating. No pain, no blood. Just a couple of pieces that fell off like an iceberg breaking into the ocean. Still no pain, but I'm not going to count on that forever. So now I have to find me a cheap dentist. Damn.
I was tagged with memes from Tish and Lee Ann. I'll get to them as soon as I can. Lee Ann's will be fun and easy. Tish's, not so much.
Monday, May 14, 2007
FATE
My first email this morning was from a staff person with the symphony. It's symphony week this week (last concert of the season--yay!), so I wasn't overly concerned about what this particular person might be emailing. She tends to go overboard on that sort of stuff. This one was different, though. She asked if any of us had seen this morning's paper. I hadn't, so I went online. There, I read that a plane crash on Saturday in NW Montana killed a pilot, two skydiving instructors and two students who were going to tandem jump with the instructors.
The two students were symphony musicians from Great Falls and frequent players with our orchestra. Two outstanding musicians, both in their mid-20s, engaged to be married at the end of the summer. They were leaving Montana at the end of May--he was to go to Calgary to play french horn up there; she was heading to Michigan (I believe) to work on a doctorate degree in oboe performance. This was their last fun Montana adventure before they left.
In a state with a small population such as Montana, chances are good that you know someone who knows someone who is involved in things like this. Add to the mix that most of the orchestral musicians in the state at least know of everyone else, and this one is a bitter pill to swallow. And devestating for the Great Falls music community, in particular. Godspeed to you both, Jenny and Kyle...
And the FATE part? Most of you know Rachel, she of the currently blank blog... I knew that she had planned on going up there to do the same thing herself this month. I talked with her this morning. As FATE would have it, she had originally booked THE EXACT SAME FLIGHT/TIME/COMPANY, but decided to postpone it for a week. As you can imagine, she's postponing the idea for awhile now.
FATE--it's a fickle thing...
The two students were symphony musicians from Great Falls and frequent players with our orchestra. Two outstanding musicians, both in their mid-20s, engaged to be married at the end of the summer. They were leaving Montana at the end of May--he was to go to Calgary to play french horn up there; she was heading to Michigan (I believe) to work on a doctorate degree in oboe performance. This was their last fun Montana adventure before they left.
In a state with a small population such as Montana, chances are good that you know someone who knows someone who is involved in things like this. Add to the mix that most of the orchestral musicians in the state at least know of everyone else, and this one is a bitter pill to swallow. And devestating for the Great Falls music community, in particular. Godspeed to you both, Jenny and Kyle...
And the FATE part? Most of you know Rachel, she of the currently blank blog... I knew that she had planned on going up there to do the same thing herself this month. I talked with her this morning. As FATE would have it, she had originally booked THE EXACT SAME FLIGHT/TIME/COMPANY, but decided to postpone it for a week. As you can imagine, she's postponing the idea for awhile now.
FATE--it's a fickle thing...
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day!
I'm in a unique situation today. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that mine is a close-knit family. Which means we get together for just about any reason that we can come up with. Mother's Day usually means heading out to the golf course with my mom and my sisters, and their kids. Then the requisite BBQ at my parent's house. Well, not this year. S2's kids are out of town, BIL2 has to work, S3's family is away for one of the kid's softball tournaments, I think, and the kicker--Mom is on an Alaskan cruise with Dad. I'll fill my afternoon with a staff meeting, then have some day-old Chinese take-out (cold, of course).So for Mother's Day this year, I want to reflect on my favorite blogger moms. Some moms keep their kids out of their blogs, while others talk about their kids more than anything else. We've seen pics of some of them, and others are left to our imagination. There's alot of moms out there who are single-handedly raising their children, and I find I admire them the most. Many are still in school. Some are fighting health issues. Some are young, some are young at heart. A couple are fighting custody battles. There's been a few births in our "community" since this time last year. First-timers and old-timers. Some are in less-than-ideal situations at home. The common thread among all of them? They love their kids. More than anything else in life. While that seems like the way it should be, it often isn't.
I debated about actually listing my favorite moms, but instead of names, I'll just describe them:
- The single mom who works full-time, goes to school, brags about her kid at every opportunity, and deals with her own challenges.
- The unofficial HNT mom, who has helped out many a blogger, and a few real-life people as well.
- The young mom who is raising her newborn twins and their sister after their dad walked out the door and turned into a freak.
- The mom who has been fighting for custody, as well as some other real-life issues.
- The mom who sews dozens of costumes a year for her daughters cheerleading team.
- The mom whose husband is military, and has spent more time away than together. Truly an incredibly strong woman.
- The mom who's been regaling us with stories of her kids, including her newest one with the mammary obsession.
- The mom whom I someday hope to get to refer to as "Mom" ;-)
- The mom that most of you don't necessarily know as a mom, and who doesn't look anywhere near old enough to be the grandmother that she actually is!
- The mom who seems to have a good custody arrangement, a daughter who looks like a clone, and a son who sports one of the greatest mohawks around.
- The mom who shares her son's love of drums, Sinatra and Daft Punk, and isn't afraid to show the world her goofy dancing with him.
- The mom who is remodeling her childhood home, returning to her pre-baby weight, and graces us with lots of pictures of her new boy.
- The mom whose newest son will be raised in a loving, if a bit unique, family atmosphere with his other brothers and sisters.
- The mom whose daughter had her first chance at motherhood taken away.
- The mom with the genius daughter.
- The mom who feels like she's riding a bike and going nowhere, but "volunteered" to lead her daughter's scout group.
- The mom who doesn't really mention her kids much, but does occasionally share a hammock with them.
- The young mom whose own mom passed away recently, and still feels and shares her pain.
You also know that I couldn't let it go by without posting a picture of MY mom. Yeah, I used it last month, but it's still a good one! Hope you're having fun in Alaska, Mom!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Oops...
Imagine my surprise this afternoon when I found out that we have a gig tonight! How'd that happen?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Morning Has Broken HNT
Before I get started, did you realize that the pianist in this song was none other than the great Rick Wakeman, phenomenal keyboardist of YES during their greatest line-up? Ah, I digress...
If you read my post from the weekend, you'd know that I didn't make very good use of it. What has transpired since is that I've made the decision to get up with the sun this summer. Unless I've got a gig the night before. In which case I might not make it HOME until sunrise. What I've found already is that there's a great deal of work that I can get done before 9AM! You guys generally don't update your sites in the early morning, so there's no pressure to get around to check things out. Early morning TV is really bad. I might as well work!
So to celebrate the breaking of a new day and a new attitude, here I am at around 6:10 this morning. Is it time for a nap yet...?
Ah, this week's Mystery Guest.
You need to click to take a peek...
Due to a communications problem, the scheduled Mystery Guest didn't get pictures in, and I don't have anyone in reserve. Sorry about that!
"...the Other HNT" has a few more submissions this week, and is NSFW. Be sure to stop by and show some love!
The Graduation Picture Contest is fast approaching! A number of you have said you'd send pictures in, but I've only gotten about 10. I'd like to get at least 2 dozen. Time to dig them out! Check out the post below for more explanation!
Bonus points for anyone who knows what next week is!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Sudden, Severe, Explosive Headache
No, not a sudden, severe, explosive headache.
Not a hangover headache.
Not a migraine headache.
Just one of those nagging, slept-on-my-neck-wrong headaches.
Alternated between TV and napping all day yesterday.
Finally decided to go to bed at 6:00.
Up for an hour between 11 and midnight.
Back to bed until 6:45 this morning.
Weird dreams.
Could take a nap right now if given the chance.
What a waste of a weekend.
Apparently, during my incapacitation, the green leaf fairy came and worked her magic. Almost all the trees in town have bloomed. That's nice. Hope it's a sign of bigger and better things!
EDIT: Between the time I went to work and the time I was driving home, the let's-fuck-him-up-the-ass-by-raising-gas-prices fairy worked his magic too. From $2.97 to $3.08, and it's not even close to Memorial Day (I'm guessing $3.25 by then...).
Sunday, May 06, 2007
May 6, 1970
I knew that MG's birthday was Sunday, which meant that if I wanted to send her a card or flowers or something special like that, I'd have to send them Friday to her workplace. Knowing that I'd stalk the hell out of her if she told me that information, she politely declined. So this is the next best thing I could do. (besides, if she thinks she's getting the OsShirt....)
She loves her Patron. She loves her hats. She loves her Cadbury's Eggs. She loves her kids. She loves her hammock. She loves her middle finger (especially when she means it!). She loves her HNT.
Sorry--I lost the comments when I transferred this...
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Tagged
7 Habits/7 Songs
Tagged by the lovely Lady Roxanne. Not sure what the correlation is between the two, but it's been awhile, so what the heck....
7 Habits
Tagged by the lovely Lady Roxanne. Not sure what the correlation is between the two, but it's been awhile, so what the heck....
7 Habits
- I let things pile up. Dishes, laundry, bills--if it can be piled, I'll pile it!
- I make rude or sarcastic comments to people who don't quite know my humor yet. They feel belittled, when that wasn't the intent at all.
- I drink gallons of Diet Coke w/Lime more than I should per week. Literally.
- I only wear a seat belt when I'm out of town on the highway. Never while in town.
- While I enjoy performing around town, I am rarely an audience member for my fellow musicians in town. If I weren't a member of the symphony, I doubt I'd go to the concerts. I need to be actively involved, not passively involved.
- I correct typos while chatting. I hate misspellings. If one slips past me, I correct it in my next comment.
- I get a little perturbed when an otherwise bright and intelligent person misuses common words in writing, such as then/than or loose/lose. I won't say anything, but will feel a sense of superiority.
- Clea - Matrix IX
- The Rodeo Song - Gary Lee and Showdown
- Bellavia - Chuck Mangione
- Amie - Pure Prairie League
- South City Midnight Lady - Doobie Brothers
- Mas Que Nada - Sergio Mendes
- September - Earth Wind & Fire
Thursday, May 03, 2007
OsShirt and HNT
Sometimes you come up against the deadline for HNT, and you wrack your brains for an idea, and wonder what you'll possibly be able to do. And then something drops conveniently in your lap. The new OsShirt came back to me rather than going directly to its next stop. Someone had mentioned that they hadn't seen me wearing this one, whereas there were plenty of pictures of me and the old one. So before sending it off again, I figured I'd better take a picture wearing it. Authenticating it, as it were. The saucy, open-collar look isn't quite my style, but that button is missing already! Stealth? Tara? Mom? Anyone know anything about that??
I've sung the praises of the built-in camera of the iMac G5 that I use at work. I had to try out some of the other effects that come with it (without having to use extra software). So you get another 4 shots. Hope you like them (I don't know what's up with the bug-eyes...)!
I'm not sure how much of a mystery this week's Mystery Guest will be. Joining us in spirit this week is Shumpy, who was a wonderful and gracious host for our first night of the 50th birthday celebration in Dallas. If you can't read the button, I suggest you maybe click on the young lady's tush. You might get the answer! I'll be revealing her identity tomorrow afternoon, for those who haven't figured out who it is!
I'm getting bad about doing this in a timely manner... Shumpy's fan is the lovely, leggy No One In Particular. Go check her out in all of her baseball fanatic goodness!
"...the Other HNT" returns to more of its NSFW style, after a tame week last week. Be sure to check out your fellow HNTers, and leave a comment this week!
FYI--May 5th is "World Naked Gardening Day". Last year, we used that as a HNT theme (note my profile pic). This year it snuck up on me, so no official theme. But if you want to change pictures quick, feel free! Go check out the official website here! Thanks, Tara, for bringing it to my attention!
Be sure to check out the contest rules for the Graduation Picture Contest running here this month! The explanation is one post down...
I've sung the praises of the built-in camera of the iMac G5 that I use at work. I had to try out some of the other effects that come with it (without having to use extra software). So you get another 4 shots. Hope you like them (I don't know what's up with the bug-eyes...)!
I'm not sure how much of a mystery this week's Mystery Guest will be. Joining us in spirit this week is Shumpy, who was a wonderful and gracious host for our first night of the 50th birthday celebration in Dallas. If you can't read the button, I suggest you maybe click on the young lady's tush. You might get the answer! I'll be revealing her identity tomorrow afternoon, for those who haven't figured out who it is!I'm getting bad about doing this in a timely manner... Shumpy's fan is the lovely, leggy No One In Particular. Go check her out in all of her baseball fanatic goodness!
"...the Other HNT" returns to more of its NSFW style, after a tame week last week. Be sure to check out your fellow HNTers, and leave a comment this week!
FYI--May 5th is "World Naked Gardening Day". Last year, we used that as a HNT theme (note my profile pic). This year it snuck up on me, so no official theme. But if you want to change pictures quick, feel free! Go check out the official website here! Thanks, Tara, for bringing it to my attention!
Be sure to check out the contest rules for the Graduation Picture Contest running here this month! The explanation is one post down...
Monday, April 30, 2007
OsShirt Returns!
Among the numerous highlights of my birthday celebration in Dallas, one that hasn't really been mentioned yet is the return of the OsShirt. Sort of. For those who haven't been in the loop (which would be most of you), the original OsShirt appears to be MIA (oh, the private joke that only one or two people can figure out here...). It was mailed to a major hotel in NYC just before Thanksgiving, hoping to get seen at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And all the other NYC Christmas sights. Well, after almost five months of checking with the hotel, it appears that it truly is lost. No one's fault really, other than the USPS. Everyone can now bow their heads for a moment of silence...
Fortunately, a replacement shirt has been found. Not quite as colorful, but equally tacky. It made its first public appearance as the new OsShirt at the Friday night function at Shumpy's. And while it was worn by a couple of people (even slept in, I believe...), the lovely Tara Tainton provided the official debut of the shirt. Sort of like seeing the white smoke at the Vatican. You can see the official debut picture on her site here. She even took it to the Grand Canyon, and had her mother get in on the action as well! And just to show you that it's an equal opportunity shirt, here's Mom, Code and Shumpy in the OsShirt. Sort of in a test run! Click 'em to big 'em!
The good news--the OsShirt will return to its previous itinerary, criss-crossing the continent to spread joy and good will to all that it meets! Look forward to OsShirt sightings, and for updates to the OsShirt site!
Fortunately, a replacement shirt has been found. Not quite as colorful, but equally tacky. It made its first public appearance as the new OsShirt at the Friday night function at Shumpy's. And while it was worn by a couple of people (even slept in, I believe...), the lovely Tara Tainton provided the official debut of the shirt. Sort of like seeing the white smoke at the Vatican. You can see the official debut picture on her site here. She even took it to the Grand Canyon, and had her mother get in on the action as well! And just to show you that it's an equal opportunity shirt, here's Mom, Code and Shumpy in the OsShirt. Sort of in a test run! Click 'em to big 'em!
The good news--the OsShirt will return to its previous itinerary, criss-crossing the continent to spread joy and good will to all that it meets! Look forward to OsShirt sightings, and for updates to the OsShirt site!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
I’m a bass player...
This may be long—hope you can follow it…
I was watching some sort of jam band in concert on TV last night. Standard rock-type instrumentation: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. And something that I’d given some thought to a number of years ago came to the foreground. How personality traits and musical instruments go somewhat hand in hand, and how my own choices seem to confirm that thought. Let me try to explain….
My primary instrument in high school was the bass guitar. I basically taught myself to play, got into a rock band that actually played paying gigs in high school (!), and for years felt more comfortable playing bass than any other instrument. I remember something a jazz clinician told my HS jazz band that has stuck with me throughout the years. He was discussing the roles of the instruments in the rhythm section in any ensemble. The guitars pull double duty—providing harmonic color, and occasionally soloing. Sometimes they’re split between a rhythm guitar and lead guitar. The lead guitarist is usually full of ego—they need to be. The rhythm guitar is sort of a throw-away role, unless there’s no keyboard. The keyboard player constantly pulls double duty—providing the same things, but usually at the same time. They’re always busy. The drummer’s primary duty isn’t to keep time, but to dictate the style. It doesn’t matter what the rest of the section is doing—if the drummer changes from a swing beat to a latin beat, the entire group will sound like it’s playing latin.
That leaves the bass player. Nothing flashy about the bass player. He keeps the time. He is the one who dictates the harmonic progression. He is the foundation. He is the one that the rest of the ensemble builds on. The bass sets up the entire tonal spectrum. If you’re not in tune with the bass, you’re out of tune. The bass rarely plays the melody, but doesn’t care. Bass players generally aren’t flashy—they aren’t interested in that. Sure, there are some phenomenal bass soloists, but that’s when they’re out of their element. A majority of the time, they’re in the background, setting it all up for the rest of the band.
I often thought that I was different than that. I always thought of myself as the egotistical type. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve changed that opinion. I AM the one that isn’t flashy. I’m much more interested in doing my job than making a lot of money. I’m not concerned about being out in front, with the spotlights on me. I’m very much a person who is more comfortable being part of the group. Being consistent. Keeping the tempo.
I’ve also found that with my brass playing. I’ve played them all. I settled on the bass trombone. The second lowest brass instrument. The same roles hold true here. The tuba and trombones don’t play that often in the orchestra, especially when you compare to the violins or any of the woodwinds. But when we do, it’s often at tempo changes, and often at the climactic parts of the composition. I have looked at what string players have to play during a concert. More notes than I can possibly imagine. But that’s idiosyncratic to the strings. They have the ability to play things like that. Bass instruments generally don’t. I used to think that meant I was lazy. Now I think of it as being secure on the limitations of the instrument, and playing to the best of my ability.
So last night I’m watching this band. And in the 15 minutes or so that I watched, the camera moved in on the bass player twice. Twice. Sure, you could see him in the background, doing his thing, with a smile on his face. He was filling his role in the band. And was happy doing it. He probably didn’t care that he wasn’t on-screen much. And that was OK with him.
All of us who blog fit one of the rhythm instruments. Some write about their sexual escapades—definite lead guitar material. Others switch from memes, to daily life, to political ranting—switching styles like the drummer. One of us sets up HNT and anons, does the occasional Musical Monday and Da Count, chats with a lot of others, and generally tries not to make waves or bring a lot of attention to himself (unless he’s turning 50). Hi. My name is Os. I’m a bass player.
I was watching some sort of jam band in concert on TV last night. Standard rock-type instrumentation: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. And something that I’d given some thought to a number of years ago came to the foreground. How personality traits and musical instruments go somewhat hand in hand, and how my own choices seem to confirm that thought. Let me try to explain….
My primary instrument in high school was the bass guitar. I basically taught myself to play, got into a rock band that actually played paying gigs in high school (!), and for years felt more comfortable playing bass than any other instrument. I remember something a jazz clinician told my HS jazz band that has stuck with me throughout the years. He was discussing the roles of the instruments in the rhythm section in any ensemble. The guitars pull double duty—providing harmonic color, and occasionally soloing. Sometimes they’re split between a rhythm guitar and lead guitar. The lead guitarist is usually full of ego—they need to be. The rhythm guitar is sort of a throw-away role, unless there’s no keyboard. The keyboard player constantly pulls double duty—providing the same things, but usually at the same time. They’re always busy. The drummer’s primary duty isn’t to keep time, but to dictate the style. It doesn’t matter what the rest of the section is doing—if the drummer changes from a swing beat to a latin beat, the entire group will sound like it’s playing latin.
That leaves the bass player. Nothing flashy about the bass player. He keeps the time. He is the one who dictates the harmonic progression. He is the foundation. He is the one that the rest of the ensemble builds on. The bass sets up the entire tonal spectrum. If you’re not in tune with the bass, you’re out of tune. The bass rarely plays the melody, but doesn’t care. Bass players generally aren’t flashy—they aren’t interested in that. Sure, there are some phenomenal bass soloists, but that’s when they’re out of their element. A majority of the time, they’re in the background, setting it all up for the rest of the band.
I often thought that I was different than that. I always thought of myself as the egotistical type. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve changed that opinion. I AM the one that isn’t flashy. I’m much more interested in doing my job than making a lot of money. I’m not concerned about being out in front, with the spotlights on me. I’m very much a person who is more comfortable being part of the group. Being consistent. Keeping the tempo.
I’ve also found that with my brass playing. I’ve played them all. I settled on the bass trombone. The second lowest brass instrument. The same roles hold true here. The tuba and trombones don’t play that often in the orchestra, especially when you compare to the violins or any of the woodwinds. But when we do, it’s often at tempo changes, and often at the climactic parts of the composition. I have looked at what string players have to play during a concert. More notes than I can possibly imagine. But that’s idiosyncratic to the strings. They have the ability to play things like that. Bass instruments generally don’t. I used to think that meant I was lazy. Now I think of it as being secure on the limitations of the instrument, and playing to the best of my ability.
So last night I’m watching this band. And in the 15 minutes or so that I watched, the camera moved in on the bass player twice. Twice. Sure, you could see him in the background, doing his thing, with a smile on his face. He was filling his role in the band. And was happy doing it. He probably didn’t care that he wasn’t on-screen much. And that was OK with him.
All of us who blog fit one of the rhythm instruments. Some write about their sexual escapades—definite lead guitar material. Others switch from memes, to daily life, to political ranting—switching styles like the drummer. One of us sets up HNT and anons, does the occasional Musical Monday and Da Count, chats with a lot of others, and generally tries not to make waves or bring a lot of attention to himself (unless he’s turning 50). Hi. My name is Os. I’m a bass player.
I'm Jonesin' Here....
I am currently sans computer. I have the shakes. And a cold sweat. I am finally replacing my "temporary" 20G hard drive (from when things went sour last fall) with an 80G drive. The drive is in place, but there's been a hiccup in transferring files. My friend the computer guy has to come back in the morning to finish it up, so I've been without my baby since 10AM Friday morning, and probably won't get it back before noon on Saturday. I'm posting this from his shop before we call it a night. I'm not sure what I'll do in the morning. There is that sinkload of dishes....
Many thanks for the kind response about Stacie. I didn't quite expect it, since I mentioned that we really weren't friends, and hadn't seen much of her since high school. But you guys are just too damned kind-hearted!
I had planned on posting the official "contest" post tonight, but that obviously fell through. I've got a gig Saturday night, so I won't get to it before Sunday at the earliest. Good news, though! I've already gotten the first submission! Gotta LOVE the 80s hair! If you missed what I'm talking about, check out the bottom of this week's HNT...
Many thanks for the kind response about Stacie. I didn't quite expect it, since I mentioned that we really weren't friends, and hadn't seen much of her since high school. But you guys are just too damned kind-hearted!
I had planned on posting the official "contest" post tonight, but that obviously fell through. I've got a gig Saturday night, so I won't get to it before Sunday at the earliest. Good news, though! I've already gotten the first submission! Gotta LOVE the 80s hair! If you missed what I'm talking about, check out the bottom of this week's HNT...
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Goodbye HNT and a Contest
Remember back to some of your high school classmates? The ones that you weren't necessarily good friends with, but you might have taken a class or two with them, or at least could say hi to in the hallways? I was that way with most of my classmates. Even though I was the band/chorus/drama geek, I had friends in most of the other cliques in school. One that has always stood out was Stacie. She was very much a tomboy in high school. But one of those really good-looking ones. Always greeted you with a smile. Never seemed like she had a care in the world. I think we were very much alike in alot of ways. Both members of the National Honor Society. Both had friends throughout the wide spectrum of students. Both always looking at the bright side of things. Both went to Catholic grade school together. Both had our First Communion together!
After high school, I ran off to study chemical engineering, then music, at Montana State. She ran off to the University of Montana to study forestry. I didn't see much of her after high school. Maybe a half dozen times in 30+ years. But still with the big smile, the laugh, and the twinkle in her eyes. We were similar, but different. Neither of us ever married. She stayed close to the Missoula area; I hopscotched around the region. There was a sort of "comfort" knowing that she was in Missoula if I ever needed to get in touch with her (though I don't know why I would).
Stacie was killed in the early evening last Thursday. She was riding her bike home from some friends' house when a 23 year old jackass, driving with a blood alcohol level of .185, intentionally swerved to hit her (according to eyewitnesses). I'm going to miss her.
It is merely a coincidence that the candle comes into play with both of our pictures. This week's Mystery Guest is a popular HNTer. How popular? How about over 1,000,000 visits popular? Not many of us can claim that!
Her site regularly features of herself, but this picture is a bit of departure from the pictures normally found on her site. She has alot of friends, all with the same interests as her. In fact, I believe she's even hosted a blogger party or two in the past! Not bad for a shy girl from the Great White North!
We'll be revealing her on Thursday afternoon, but you can certainly go by and ask her if she's the MG before then. The princess awaits her court!
Well, shoot. Forgot to do this on Thursday... The Mystery Guest this week is that Star Wars-lovin' Padme! Stop by and leave her a little spank!
"...the Other HNT" is fairly tame this week, and a bit on the sparse side. Be sure you stop by to check things out!
I told you a couple of weeks ago about a contest I was going to run. I'll do another post dedicated to it, but here's the basics: May/June is the time for graduations, both high school and college. For the next 3-4 weeks, I want you to send me a scan of your HIGH SCHOOL graduation picture. The official one. Not a picture of you from high school, but that dorky, posed, fake smile, big hair, peach fuzz-faced that ended up in your yearbook. I'll post the ones I get. Sometime towards the end of May, you'll have a week to figure out who is whom. I'll post a list of contributors, so you won't be totally in the dark. The one who correctly gets the most right, wins the prize (whatever it might be...). Of course, this means that we need to have seen your face on your site. If we never have, then it's going to make it difficult to place your younger face! Send the pics to hntanon@gmail.com
As I said, a more detailed post will be coming soon!
After high school, I ran off to study chemical engineering, then music, at Montana State. She ran off to the University of Montana to study forestry. I didn't see much of her after high school. Maybe a half dozen times in 30+ years. But still with the big smile, the laugh, and the twinkle in her eyes. We were similar, but different. Neither of us ever married. She stayed close to the Missoula area; I hopscotched around the region. There was a sort of "comfort" knowing that she was in Missoula if I ever needed to get in touch with her (though I don't know why I would).
Stacie was killed in the early evening last Thursday. She was riding her bike home from some friends' house when a 23 year old jackass, driving with a blood alcohol level of .185, intentionally swerved to hit her (according to eyewitnesses). I'm going to miss her.
It is merely a coincidence that the candle comes into play with both of our pictures. This week's Mystery Guest is a popular HNTer. How popular? How about over 1,000,000 visits popular? Not many of us can claim that!
Her site regularly features of herself, but this picture is a bit of departure from the pictures normally found on her site. She has alot of friends, all with the same interests as her. In fact, I believe she's even hosted a blogger party or two in the past! Not bad for a shy girl from the Great White North!
We'll be revealing her on Thursday afternoon, but you can certainly go by and ask her if she's the MG before then. The princess awaits her court!
Well, shoot. Forgot to do this on Thursday... The Mystery Guest this week is that Star Wars-lovin' Padme! Stop by and leave her a little spank!
"...the Other HNT" is fairly tame this week, and a bit on the sparse side. Be sure you stop by to check things out!
I told you a couple of weeks ago about a contest I was going to run. I'll do another post dedicated to it, but here's the basics: May/June is the time for graduations, both high school and college. For the next 3-4 weeks, I want you to send me a scan of your HIGH SCHOOL graduation picture. The official one. Not a picture of you from high school, but that dorky, posed, fake smile, big hair, peach fuzz-faced that ended up in your yearbook. I'll post the ones I get. Sometime towards the end of May, you'll have a week to figure out who is whom. I'll post a list of contributors, so you won't be totally in the dark. The one who correctly gets the most right, wins the prize (whatever it might be...). Of course, this means that we need to have seen your face on your site. If we never have, then it's going to make it difficult to place your younger face! Send the pics to hntanon@gmail.com
As I said, a more detailed post will be coming soon!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
In case you missed it...
This is a little something for everyone, especially my friends in Tennessee!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Musical Monday #17
It's been a hectic 10 days. Parties and no sleep in Dallas. Symphony week. Concert and tear-down Saturday night. It was brought to my attention that I actually had some gchats that I had no recollection of having. I've been a total zombie. But I should be able to get some rest this week.
One of the things that sometimes happens after a concert like we had Saturday night is that my mind gets totally cluttered. Still thinking about the music. Wondering if I could have performed better. Running certain phrases over and over in my head. Add that to the clutter from the weekend before. What I need is a mind cleanse. Get something else into my head. I usually look for something fairly acoustic and slow. Soothing. Something I don't need to think about or analyze. Something that sounds nice. My favorite one to listen to is "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young. Couldn't find that one, but Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" is also a favorite. So here's my mind cleansing music from the weekend. Have a great week!
One of the things that sometimes happens after a concert like we had Saturday night is that my mind gets totally cluttered. Still thinking about the music. Wondering if I could have performed better. Running certain phrases over and over in my head. Add that to the clutter from the weekend before. What I need is a mind cleanse. Get something else into my head. I usually look for something fairly acoustic and slow. Soothing. Something I don't need to think about or analyze. Something that sounds nice. My favorite one to listen to is "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young. Couldn't find that one, but Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" is also a favorite. So here's my mind cleansing music from the weekend. Have a great week!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Happy Birthday Biscuit!!
Every once in awhile you meet a blogger online that you just "click" with. From the instant you land on their site, you just know that this is someone that you're going to get to know better. Biscuit is one of those.I first heard of her when I somehow ended up reading about Klineapalooza in the fall of 2005. A fun-loving bunch of women, that group! When the Klineapalooza girls meet up, no telling what might happen! The whole OsShirt concept was born from one of their parties! I think the picture at the top left is one of the first ones I ever saw of Biscuit. It might be the impression I get of her most of the time--taking a break in the action to observe what's going on around her. Plotting her next move...
As you can see, she was an up-and-coming HNTer even as a little girl. Now that she's older, she's given us plenty to look at in her HNTs, but this one is one of my favorites. Beyond that, she gives us a look at her daily life, her passion for spinning, her love for her family, and the quirky little things that she deals with each week.
Today, Biscuit turned 40 years old. I had planned to post one of her sorority pictures, but quite frankly, she's looking a whole lot better now than she did then! Stop by and wish her a happy 40th! And check out why her crotch hurts!HAVE A GREAT ONE!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Good Thoughts for Leela
This is Leela. She was born about 6 weeks ago. Laughing, giggling, making those cute baby sounds and those stinky baby smells. Foxglove (her mommy) just wrote to let me know that she had a temperature of 103.6 yesterday, and is now in the hospital. They've determined that she's got a UTI, and will be there for at least a week with IV antibiotics. Please stop by Foxglove's site and leave some get well wishes for Leela. Couldn't hurt to say a prayer, too, if you're into that sort of thing (and even if you're not....).
Da Count #19
Da Count this week (yeah, I know--it's been awhile....) is all about friends. My family was confused and questioned my sanity when I told them I was running off to Dallas for my birthday, rather than staying around here. How do you explain to non-bloggers that the people I was meeting are friends, not just some random usernames? So these are the friends that helped me celebrate. And my impressions (in alphabetical order).
If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...
- Avery's Mom - She brought Avery (my new gf), her little brother and Batman. I am SO glad to have met them! She's a knockout! Even with 2 kids needing constant attention, she was able to multi-task. Motherhood looks difficult. They only showed up on Sunday night, so I didn't get a great deal of time to talk with her, but Avery and I hit it off great! Sorta makes me wonder, what if....?
BTExpress and Lori - These guys were there to party! BTE was pretty much what I expected, and was the oldest one there--taking the pressure off of me! I had no idea what to expect of Lori, but she's a fun-loving woman who has found happiness with her man. These two were made for each other! Thanks for the scrapbook, guys!
Cold Hands - She is one of my very first bloggerfriends from way back when. She's gone through a couple of name changes since that time, most recently as Princess Stephanie. She's the one who brought Pixel along (see below), as well as The Boy! Her knowledge of strip clubs in the area was particularly helpful on Saturday night!
No One In Particular - NOIP has been a good friend for a long time (I saw her face before any of you!). She took the bull by the horns and organized most of the weekend. I cannot truly express my appreciation to her for that. Unfortunately, she and her husband weren't able to join us on Sunday. She's a wonderful person with a huge smile, and a huge heart. Thanks for your work, NOIP!
Pixel - Pixel isn't a blogger anymore. She used to be. I believe she might have done a handful of HNTs. Many of her exploits can be found on someone else's blog. It was good to see her. There might have been some flashing going on with some other guests, but I'm not going to say, one way or the other.... She was also in charge of the Jaeger shots. Oh, dear!
Shumpy - I've wanted to meet this man for a long time. Possibly the little brother I never had. We had the BBQ at his place on Friday and was a truly gracious host. Even when most of us were more than fashionably late trying to avoid tornados and hail. The guy goes non-stop during the week. I'm glad we got to meet both him and his super secret, but really cute girlfriend!
Stealth - Hard to say enough about Stealth. She picked me up at the airport, and delivered me back, in spite of her fear of driving there alone (may I say this right now--the Dallas area is not an easy place to drive around...). The striking thing I noticed at first was the smile. She doesn't do that much on her site. She really should. She's quite attractive! I spent a good deal of time with her--she was my unofficial escort for the weekend. And much better than a Yahoo map. Most of the time.... She also gave me one of the most personal gifts I've ever received (get your minds outta the gutter, people...). Thank you for that, and for a wonderful time, babe!
Tara Tainton - Sexy, stunning, sweet, shy. All these describe Tara. I really didn't know what to expect here. Those of you who have seen her site--she's 10 times more beautiful! She brought her lover/partner/soulmate along as well, who was a kick in the pants, too! The two of them graced me with a few gifts--some naughty, some not (aarrggh!). Still waiting for that ftp info! She was as excited to meet us as we were to meet her! Something tells me that we'll be meeting again!
If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Post-Party HNT
PROBLEM WITH UPLOADING PICS TONIGHT...
My butt's a-draggin'...
I turned 50 on Sunday, and I partied like I was in my 30s. I'm feeling it now. My lack of sleep has been compounded by the fact that this is symphony week. Compounded again by the fact that my stage crew has flaked out on me at the last minute. Leaving me to load a truck by myself. In the snowy rain. Under a drippy roof. Ah, that's why I make the big bucks.
Got music?
Wasn't sure if I'd get a Mystery Guest this week, but she came in just under the bell. I've considered this week's MG as a relative newcomer, but I went back and checked her HNTs, and she's been around for well over a year! She's got a unique style of writing. Finding questions and humor in her job and everyday life. And her best friend. She's too shy to reveal herself, but not too shy to join us here!"...the Other HNT" is a little on the light side this week, but certainly acceptable! And guess what? It's NSFW!
I promised that I'd let you in on the contest I'll be running, but it'll have to wait a week. Until after this weekend, at least. It's gonna be fun!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Random Thoughts About My Trip To Texas
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Days 3/4: Os' New Girlfriend/Strip Search
After the night's activities to usher in my new old age, it was about 4AM again before I got to bed. I had hoped to see Lindsey, who was coming up from Houston, for lunch, but she had to bail on me. With the afternoon free, I went back to doing the relaxation thing. Dinner was going to be happening soon enough. We had booked reservations at the Magic Time Machine for late afternoon. Of course, most of us were late...
The Magic Time Machine is a funky, theme-based family restaurant. Food is served by professional actors and improv comedians, dressed in a variety of characters--the Big Bad Wolf, the Tooth Fairy, Snow White, and everyone's favorite, Cap'n Jack Sparrow. Each room is themed differently. We were taken to the school bus. Or, as Stealth noted, the short bus. Waldo (as in, "Where's Waldo?) was our waiter. Totally irreverent (as most of them are), but very consistent in keeping our adult beverage requirements taken care of in a timely manner. He brought his buddy Joe Dirt by to meet us, too!
Most of us ordered the same meal--the "Roman Orgy". Primarily, nothing more than meat. And lots of it! And drinks consumed, and presents presented--sense a theme here?
We had new people join us this night. Avery's Mom came with her husband and the two kids. Immediately, I grabbed Avery (my new girlfriend), Tara grabbed her little bro, and the maternal hormones filled the bus!
Eventually, it was time to go. We were fully gorged on the "Orgy" and drinks. But it wasn't the loud (well, sometimes), obnoxious evening like the prior two. This was much more laid back, which was a nice way to be ending the weekend.
Even though I had to get up at an ungodly hour to attempt to get home, I still hadn't seen the city of Dallas! So Stealth and I headed down, just to see the skyline and say that I'd made it there. We ended up in the West End--the older part of downtown and home to the artsier side of Dallas. Even on a Sunday night, there were people milling around and restaurants open. A little music heard from the rooftops, nice evening temps, and a definite calm, compared to the hectic activities of the weekend. We left the area and inadvertently found ourselves driving past the grassy knoll! That was sort of weird, but cool. No spotlights, or "X marks the spot" or anything like that. But it definitely had a deja vu sort of feeling!
The next morning was filled with all sorts of anxiety. With the numerous changes to
my prior flights, I wasn't at all sure that I had a ticket for home! I was quite pleased to find out that all was well. To a degree... I got as far as the TSA guys, and as I was walking through, the nice gentleman (and he really was--sense of humor at 5:00AM is a rare commodity, especially in their job!) informed me that I was tagged for the "big" search. The one they reserve for the really suspicious ones. No, not the strip search--that would have been the icing on the cake. But the one where they check every article in my carry-on stuff to sniff out bomb-making residues. I did get patted down by a large black man. I suppose it was better there than out on the streets. The reason for the VIP treatment was, of course, because I had so many changes to my ticket. Apparently terrorists change their tickets to cover their tracks...
From that point on, the trip home was fairly bland. I have to admit that the plane from DFW to Denver was quite nice--lots of leg room, seats that accomodate those of us who are a bit on the large side, and an incredibly smooth flight. The rest of the trip was on schedule and hassle-free.
The bad part now--it's symphony week. I'm going to be pretty busy, but I'll try to catch up with all that I've missed.
The Magic Time Machine is a funky, theme-based family restaurant. Food is served by professional actors and improv comedians, dressed in a variety of characters--the Big Bad Wolf, the Tooth Fairy, Snow White, and everyone's favorite, Cap'n Jack Sparrow. Each room is themed differently. We were taken to the school bus. Or, as Stealth noted, the short bus. Waldo (as in, "Where's Waldo?) was our waiter. Totally irreverent (as most of them are), but very consistent in keeping our adult beverage requirements taken care of in a timely manner. He brought his buddy Joe Dirt by to meet us, too!
Most of us ordered the same meal--the "Roman Orgy". Primarily, nothing more than meat. And lots of it! And drinks consumed, and presents presented--sense a theme here? We had new people join us this night. Avery's Mom came with her husband and the two kids. Immediately, I grabbed Avery (my new girlfriend), Tara grabbed her little bro, and the maternal hormones filled the bus!
Eventually, it was time to go. We were fully gorged on the "Orgy" and drinks. But it wasn't the loud (well, sometimes), obnoxious evening like the prior two. This was much more laid back, which was a nice way to be ending the weekend.
Even though I had to get up at an ungodly hour to attempt to get home, I still hadn't seen the city of Dallas! So Stealth and I headed down, just to see the skyline and say that I'd made it there. We ended up in the West End--the older part of downtown and home to the artsier side of Dallas. Even on a Sunday night, there were people milling around and restaurants open. A little music heard from the rooftops, nice evening temps, and a definite calm, compared to the hectic activities of the weekend. We left the area and inadvertently found ourselves driving past the grassy knoll! That was sort of weird, but cool. No spotlights, or "X marks the spot" or anything like that. But it definitely had a deja vu sort of feeling!
The next morning was filled with all sorts of anxiety. With the numerous changes to
my prior flights, I wasn't at all sure that I had a ticket for home! I was quite pleased to find out that all was well. To a degree... I got as far as the TSA guys, and as I was walking through, the nice gentleman (and he really was--sense of humor at 5:00AM is a rare commodity, especially in their job!) informed me that I was tagged for the "big" search. The one they reserve for the really suspicious ones. No, not the strip search--that would have been the icing on the cake. But the one where they check every article in my carry-on stuff to sniff out bomb-making residues. I did get patted down by a large black man. I suppose it was better there than out on the streets. The reason for the VIP treatment was, of course, because I had so many changes to my ticket. Apparently terrorists change their tickets to cover their tracks...
From that point on, the trip home was fairly bland. I have to admit that the plane from DFW to Denver was quite nice--lots of leg room, seats that accomodate those of us who are a bit on the large side, and an incredibly smooth flight. The rest of the trip was on schedule and hassle-free.
The bad part now--it's symphony week. I'm going to be pretty busy, but I'll try to catch up with all that I've missed.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Day 2: Debbie Does Os
Not many of us got up before noon on Saturday. Including myself. Too much fun from the night before. I haven't seen anything of Dallas yet. It's been too cold (well, Texas-type cold), too windy (tornados), and this area is HUGE! I looked on Google maps to see how close everything was. It's a lie. Nothing is close to anything around here!
We started out last night at Stealth's. Actually, at the clubhouse of the condos where she lives. Gifts and cards were given, food and drink, and everyone generally had a good time.
Again, we had those "you're 50, you're old, that must suck...) party things. Including these suckers.
No, not those suckers. The grape-flavored lollipop kind...
Eventually it was decided that I needed to be taken to a strip club. Reluctantly, I went, along with most of us to Baby Dolls, a nice family establishment. Well, maybe not family. But we certainly helped out the local college kids! Of course, no pictures. There may have been a lap dance. Or two. We got back a little earlier than the night before. A few more gifts, and then I spent my first night as a 50-yr. old man.
Today we'll have an early dinner, and then maybe a little drive around "town". I have to go to bed early, too. My flight leaves at 6:45 AM tomorrow. Maybe...
We started out last night at Stealth's. Actually, at the clubhouse of the condos where she lives. Gifts and cards were given, food and drink, and everyone generally had a good time.
Again, we had those "you're 50, you're old, that must suck...) party things. Including these suckers.
No, not those suckers. The grape-flavored lollipop kind...
Eventually it was decided that I needed to be taken to a strip club. Reluctantly, I went, along with most of us to Baby Dolls, a nice family establishment. Well, maybe not family. But we certainly helped out the local college kids! Of course, no pictures. There may have been a lap dance. Or two. We got back a little earlier than the night before. A few more gifts, and then I spent my first night as a 50-yr. old man.
Today we'll have an early dinner, and then maybe a little drive around "town". I have to go to bed early, too. My flight leaves at 6:45 AM tomorrow. Maybe...
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