Home Stretch

As 2009 winds down (thank The Maker!) and we turn our gaze to 2010 and the new adventures it promises I wish you, dear reader, the very best of everything, in such measure that you will never want for anything.

Someone once said, "Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others." Make 2010 a VERY Happy New Year.

* * * * * * * * *

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

"Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment." ~Sydney Smith

"“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~Bill Vaughn

My Grown-up Christmas List

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list

This is my grown up christmas list

I read the news today, oh boy!

Guess who will be joining the ranks of the gainfully employed after the new year's celebration?

Go on, guess!

Hint: It's not Tiger Woods (ooooo, too soon?)

Wednesday - December 16

Hmmmm. Didja ever notice that life tends to get 'interesting' right about the time you think that you've got things all figured out?

As you may have read in earlier posts, I went on a date (or two or three) with a lovely young lady I met recently.

Strangely, right about that time, I received a most untypical spike in messages on the dating website(s) where my profile was posted. I've never been one to casually date, so I'm not planning on replying beyond perhaps a "thanks" type thing. But, to top it all off, my phone rang today and since the number didn't have a name attached to it (which would indicate that it was someone in my address book and thus someone I know/speak with), I didn't answer. However the number seemed vaguely familiar.

I figured if it was anything important, the calling party would leave a message. Moments later my phone chirped telling me that I had a new voice message.

Would anyone care to guess who it was?

Meanwhile... I went over to my friend Mark's house this evening to give him a guitar lesson. We had a grand time. I'm looking forward to the next 'lesson'.

I've been remiss

Choices

Miscellany

* I was talking with a female friend of mine and mentioned how incredibly sexy it is when a woman throws on a man's dress shirt. Not so much the act of doing so, but the resulting visual goodness.

* It's been about five days since my last cigarette.

* I can't seem to shake this miserable, lingering cold of mine. It's not even a proper cold, it's mostly just a run-down feeling and a raspy cough.

* The date went well. The subsequent times spent together have also been enjoyable. We'll call her BNRI (Beautiful New Romantic Interest). She has a 17 year old daughter, a hyperactive dog named Bo and a cat. She also has a dimple on her right cheek when she smiles, a gorgeous mane of brown hair, blue/green eyes, a VERY self-sufficient can-do attitude, and I guess we'll see what happens.

* It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

* Some of you may recall a job I had interviewed for that I was very much hoping to get. I went on three separate interviews, took a couple of online personality and skills tests and was one of two candidates left standing at the end of the whole ordeal. They, of course, went with the other candidate. Well, it turns out that there may be another position opening up and they've contacted me to give me first chance at it!

I hope you're all well and happy, dear readers.

A brief update

1. I've been horrible at keeping up with the eating well and working out. This MUST change

2. Operation 'Quit Smoking' is not the overwhelming success it should be either

3. Band rehearsal this afternoon (YIKES, I should be getting ready)

4. A date this evening! Wish me luck.

Friday - December 4 (1:00 AM)

Hi kids!

I hope you all had an amazing week. Have you finished your Christmas (and/or other religious/secular holiday) shopping yet? Have you even started?

I need ideas for The World's Most Inexpensive Yet Significant gifts for the following:

Mama 'Shot
Papa 'Shot
The Fabulous Spider St. Valentine (Brother 'Shot?)
Adam (son)
Jack a.k.a. The Poohs (godson)

Those of you who've been around know that I've been out of work so money is all but non-existent.

Christmas is my very favorite holiday, mostly for the giving of gifts. I've long been a serious 'perfect gift' hunter, so this year is going to be [expletive deleted]!

In other news, I have a house-guest! It's kind of fun. I even went and got mints for the bed pillow! (I'll be on the couch for the duration).

Shhhh

Job interview tomorrow (Wednesday). Let's not jinx it.

Apropo of ... ?

A Friendly Goodbye
Bowling For Soup

(Freeze Frame)

I could lay it on real thick
'Cause I know how you don't like to get bogged down
With anything 'bout us
And our kick ass true love tale
Sorry I swore just then
Cause I know you hate it
And by the way that cake you baked me really sucked
But I ate it

Cause I loved you
Even more that you could ever imagine
Here's a friendly goodbye
5,6,7

Ain't that a "b" with an itch
Ain't that a mother trucker
You can go to h-e-double hockey sticks
And f yourself
Cause I'm flippin' gosh darn sick
Of all the "s" words you put me through
So f-u
F-u

I can hang it out to dry
Cause I know how you like all your laundry neat
And not just thrown around
Like a chain saw in need of juggling
Sorry I flipped you off cause I know
How you hate it
And that homemade porn I said that I erased
Well, I saved it

Cause I loved you
Even more that you could ever imagine
Here's a friendly goodbye
5,6,7

Ain't that a "b" with an itch
Ain't that a mother trucker
You can go to h-e-double hockey sticks
And f yourself
Cause I'm flippin' gosh darn sick
Of all the "s" words you put me through
So f-u
F-U
F-U
F-U
And the horse you "R"'d in on

I'll send you a post card that says
I'm glad you're not here
I'll buy you a t-shirt
But I'll use it to wipe up the beer
That I spilled
While I was spilling my guts
To my friends about you
And I really don't have anything else nice to say
But F-U
F-U

5,6,7

Ain't that a "b" with an itch
Ain't that a mother trucker
You can go to h-e-double hockey sticks
And f yourself
Cause I'm flippin' gosh darn sick
Of all the "s" words you put me through
So f-u
F-u

Thanksgiving 2009

Today is NOT a day to be stroppy or whinge about things.

Compared to so very many, I have a lot to be thankful for, and I am.

I am especially thankful for YOU (yes You) dear reader.

An open letter to the powers that be

Dear Universe,

While I understand that life is not fair and happiness is not promised to anyone, I would think that if things are arbitrary and indiscriminate that at least SOME good would show up on my radar. I’m beginning to think that you are purposely and deliberately trying to break me.

Now, I’m quite grateful that I have my health (such as it is) and that no ill has befallen any of my loved ones, so don’t think I’m being unappreciative or petty when I say the following…

Quit it!

If you want to hear me say you win, then fine. “You win!”

“You’re the big winner! You’re better than me! You’re great and I suck!”

Happy?

Come on already, turn your attention elsewhere and give me a break for once, will you? You’ve already broken my spirit and my will. I don’t know what else you want from me.

So, in conclusion: You win, I give up. “Uncle!” Kindly cease and desist from you persistent and pernicious behaviour towards me as I have nothing left with which to oppose.

Warm regards,

Me

P.S. If you happen to talk to Santa Claus, would you be kind enough to forward him the following list on my behalf?

Dear Santa,

I don’t know how good I’ve been this year, but all things considered, I’d wager I rank in the top half at least. In light of this, I hope you look favorably on the possibility of granting any and/or all of the below wishes:

1. Please keep my family and friends happy and healthy
2. Please send someone special my way. If I screw it up, so be it, but at least give me the opportunity.
3. Please find me a career, or short of that at least a job that I can hang on to for a while that pays enough for me to meet my expenses and maybe a little left over to give #2 above a fighting chance.
4. You can put this one in the ‘greedy S.O.B.’ department if you’d like, but they say if you don’t ask, you don’t get so… make it so I can feel what happy is again.

Seasons greetings,

Me

Monday, again....(again?)

It seems like it was JUST Monday and yet here we are again.

In my now typically productive manner, I've managed to sleep away the entirety of the few daylight hours. Which means I'll probably be up until the wee hours (which are the "wee hours" anyway?) again, playing useless games on the internet or something equally as unproductive, I'm sure.

So it would seem today's theme is 'productivity'. After a brief perusal of the interweb-thingy for pictures related to today's theme, I've discovered that Productivity should not be confused with Activity. There was even an article called "10 Ways For Productive Procrastination"! Apparently, I'm doing it all wrong.

It is as if my life has been put on pause and I can't find the button to un-pause it.

Suggestions?

Wednesday - November 18

Made it to the gym today. Intermediate workout (Chest, Shoulders, Biceps), but no run.

I applied for about a zillion jobs online. I've stopped bothering to read the job requirements and have simply applied to any job at 'Jobs in Logistics.com' that are geographically convenient.

Not much more to say at the moment.

Tuesday - November 11: Miscellany

The weigh in was a bit disappointing. It seems I've gained back about 5lbs. :( But fear not, as this new push toward fitness will see it melt back off soon enough I'm sure.

The bathroom scale tells me I'm 245lbs, so I want to lose at least 25 more. At that point, I shall reevaluate to see if there's more to lose or if I can move on to the maintenance portion of my fitness regimen. Measurements: Neck 18", Chest 47-1/2", Waist 42" (But I wear size 38 jeans???), Bicep 15-1/2", Thigh 25", Calf 17".

In my dream world, the final measurements should be as follows: Neck 18", Chest 52", Waist 36", Bicep 18", Thigh 27", Calf 18". I remember reading a long time ago, that there was some 'golden ratio' type proportion that the Romans considered "perfect". I can't recall anything other than the bit where it was said that Neck, Bicep and Calf should all be the same. That seems good enough for me.

I did NOT make it to the gym yesterday (Monday), but I did run on the treadmill while watching House M.D., so I'm taking partial credit for the day. In a bit, I'm off to the gym on this rainy Tuesday and shall punish my body accordingly for my poor start.

Updates to follow.

At This Moment

What did you think I would do at this moment
When you're standing before me
With tears in your eyes


Trying to tell me that you have found you another
and you just don't love me no more

What did you think I would say at this moment
When I'm faced with the knowledge
That you just don't love me


Did you think I would curse you
Or say things to hurt you
'cause you just don't love me no more

Did you think I could hate you
Or raise my hands to you
Now come on you know me too well
How could I hurt you when darling I love you

and you know I'd never hurt you-oo-wo-oo-o-o-o...

What do you think I would give at this moment
If you'd stay I'd subtract twenty years from my life
I'd fall down on my knees

and kiss the ground that you walk on
If I could just hold you again

I'd fall down on my knees
and kiss the ground that you walk on baby
If I could just hold you


If I, could just hold you

If I
If I could just hold you...



...again

Sunday - November 11

It's just not possible that after lounging and napping ALL DAY that I'm actually TIRED! Time to make some coffee.

Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a councilor at the local community college to help me determine what course of continuing education classes would be best for me. Since the job hunt has been less than fruitful the last NINE MONTHS, I'm thinking of learning how to be an IT/Network/Security something-or-other. My concern is that although I'm confident that I can learn the skills, without experience I won't fare much better finding work in that field either. I'd love to hear your suggestions and advice for a career change and starting over in the middle of my life (hopefully the middle, eh?)

Meanwhile, I've been quite the slacker at getting to the gym. While I'm quite chuffed (am I using that right?) about the 20 lbs or so that I've lost and kept off, I'd like to lose at least another 20. So, beginning tomorrow, I'm rededicating myself to getting to the gym every weekday and plan to update you all to keep me at my word.

We'll call tomorrow Day One, shall we? I'll weigh myself and take measurements and we'll follow along together until I get to the Jason Statham-like physique I'm hoping for (HA!). I mean, he's only four years younger than me, right?

Friday - November 13

After quite the hiatus, I thought I'd give my blonk another go, perhaps having something noteworthy or at least entertaining to say.

To get you all (all...ha!) up to speed on my time away from the keyboard, I thought I'd summarize 2009 for you to date, but as I began, I noticed the bleak, self-pitying tone and thought better of it.

A commercial for something or other was just on the TV, stating that, "there are few guarantees in life". How very true that is, with happiness NOT being among those spare gifts promised. So I ask you, dear readers, what is the ratio of happiness to non-happiness acceptable to you? How many hours, days, weeks and/or months of loss, dejection, regret, remorse, tears and pain are you willing to accept and for what portion of bliss, joy, rapture and happiness?

I hate my life

I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life.

Marathon Training - Update

So, two weeks into the running and I'm pretty much on track. One more week and the 18 week Hal Higdon Marathon Training Program begins in earnest.

I thought to sign-up too late and the official marathon capacity of 45,000 participants had already been reached (at least as far as sign-ups go), so I scoured the charitable organizations to find one that I could morally and intellectually get behind. I'm pleased to say that I will be running for Rock for Reading.

In addition to the miles and miles I'll be running to get ready for this event, I now need to find $750 in donations (whether or not I run). If you count the $10 I donated myself to "prime the pump", I've managed $60 already!

Sunday - May 10, 2009

Greetings kidlettes,

Today is Mother's Day in the good ole' U.S. of A., so to my very own wonderful Mama, happiest of days to you! And to all mother's out there, well done!

Tomorrow begins the '09 version of my annual 'training for the Chicago Marathon'. This year's edition has already begun, as I've purchased a new pair of running shoes.

The event is in October, so I have plenty of time to get ready. The issue, as always, is whether or not I stay the course and complete the training necessary. As some of you may recall, I've gone on this adventure many times before, but have yet to actually make it very far (no pun intended).

This time around, I'm going to post my training schedule and write regular updates in the hopes that my 'journaling' and your support will be the extra oomph needed to follow through.

The final four contestants on this season's Biggest Looser television show were surprised with a marathon of their own as the final challenge. All four of them completed the 26.2 miles, some running and finishing in under five hours and some walking the entire distance on old and damaged knees, but finishing none-the-less in a mere 13 hours and change.

Wish me luck!

Tomorrow is day one of training. I'll update you with the results.

Monday...again

Hello kidlettes.

Here we are, back to Monday. They seem to come around almost every week! This would be the day that I'd be 'back to work' after a weekend of R&R (both rest and relaxation AND rock and roll) if I we part of the working world. I wonder if that means that I'm not part of the Working Class. Have I been expelled from class?

Since I am still sans-employment, Monday means that I have another long, boring, slow week ahead before any plans to occupy my time (rehearsals and/or shows, getting together with others for a meal or a drink).

I SHOULD be treading the mill and tidying the casa and catching up on my reading and...and...and... but I just can't find the 'want to' to do much of anything.

Well, it's 2:00 PM so I'm off to breakfast (yes, you read that correctly).

Easter 2009

Hi kidlettes.

As you may or may not know, I was laid off from work about a month and a half ago. There's not much out there right now in my field or in my salary range, but keep your fingers crossed that something comes up soon.

Meanwhile, I've been feeling pretty lousy as of late. (If you're not interested in reading my griping and whinging, please skip ahead to the *** now).

About two weeks ago, I caught some sort of bug that left me with a very mild sore throat (mostly when I swallowed) and that burning eyes feeling one has when one is ill. That lingered for about a week and then turned into something of a sinus headache and hung around for another week. I do think I'm past the worst of it all in that department and am almost back to 'normal' as far as this particular ailment goes.

On top if that, I had a panic attack whilst on the way to a Jerry's Basement show. Luckilly it was quite near Mama & Papa 'Shot's place, so I detoured there and waited for the worst of it to pass. Quite scary stuff! I haven't had a full-on panic attack in ages and it knocked me for a loop.

So these days, I've been feeling on edge almost all the time. If I get engrossed in something and am not moving about too much, I can just about distract myself from it. But when I can't, I have trouble focusing/concentrating and I think I may be going crazy. It's not a happy time for ol' uncle Rimshot.

I know this sounds like a big "Woe is me", and I'm sorry for that. I just don't know what to do anymore.

Anyway...

*** Happy Easter everyone. I hope yours was a great one filled with family, friends, good food and good times.

Chocolate

Well, that settles it. Green & Black's Organic Milk Chocolate is my favorite.

More details and pictures later.

Awesomeworld

Saturday - March 7
Dinner plans with friends

The players

Stacy: The ever-bubbly, glass half-full one. Mother of two, her ex-husband used to be part of the second circle back in the day. (not pictured as someone had to snap the photo)

Helena: 4'11" of piss and vinegar. Single mom who works 6 days a week slinging drinks.

Traci: Once upon a time, the other half of "Stacy and Traci" (or the reverse order as well, there was no hierarchy). Now a Mrs. and mom to three.

Carlos: Once, the other half of "Carlos and Stacy". In a bizarre turn, now the other half of "Carlos and Traci". Father of three.

Rich: Long-time member of the inner circle. Has really come into his own since marriage and fatherhood (triplets! YIKES) The sole inhabitant of Awesomeworld, where everything just seems to work out. Thanks to Mark for the nomenclature. (not pictured as he had not arrived yet)

Mark: Long-time member of the second circle. A tragic hero.

And me, your humble narrator.

Traci and Carlos live up in Wisconsin, about an hour or so North. Stacy and Helena live about 45 minutes south. Rich and Mark are both about 45 minutes West.

Since the previous outing was near my neck of the woods (do woods have necks?), this adventure took place out West.

Stacy and Helena were carpooling, and I was picked up on their way as their route took them past Chez Moi. Rich and Mark were unable to attend dinner but met up with us after for drinks.

Dinner was at "Cheeseburger in Paradise", which was surprisingly busy for having such mediocre fare. I opted against margaritas, preferring my tequila sans sweeteners and lime.

For cocktails we relocated to a place called the Bad Monkey (which is trying hard to be Coyote Ugly, complete with the barmaids dancing on the bar). They had karaoke! (Honest, we didn't know) So, of course, I had to have a go, singing Jenny: 867-5309.

Then, for reasons unknown to me, the group relocated yet again to Boogie Nights, where the ladies danced and the men alternated between chatting and stomping on the dance floor like so many of Frankenstein's monsters.

All in all, a good time was had.

Post script: the coffers are bare and the job search begins in earnest tomorrow.

Like the tide

Well, I suppose it was darn near inevitable, wasn't it?

Less than a month away from my one year anniversary at work, I've been laid off.

Are you SURE there aren't paid napping jobs out there?

Ten VERY RANDOM questions

You know the drill. Answer the questions and then post on your blog to expose yourself to ridicule. If you don’t post this within 48 hours of receiving a tag, for the rest of your life, more than two thirds of every breath you take will be nitrogen.

1. If I were to engage in sexual activity with three members of the sex to which I am currently not attracted, I would choose:

2. Of the following list:
Pedagogue
Bodewash
Vicissitude
Anthropophagy
Callipygian
Steatopygic
Defenestrate
… my favorite is:

3. You’re in a desert walking along in the sand when all of the sudden you look down, and you see a tortoise, it’s crawling toward you. You reach down; you flip the tortoise over on its back. The tortoise lies on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, beating its legs trying to turn itself over, but it can’t, not without your help. But you’re not helping. Why is that?

4. Rank the following from 1 to 5 (1 being the best):
Tri-cut Manila Folders
Q-Tip Brand Cotton Swabs
A highball glass full of tepid drinking water
Three assorted length drywall screws

5. Describe in single words, only the good things that come into your mind about your mother.

6. How many States can you name from memory?

7. If you were to rename yourself (First, Middle and Last), what would you choose?

8. Which of the following does not belong:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing
Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

9. Pick one:
Matthew McConaughey
Josh Lucas
David Beckham

10. Pick one:
Eva Mendes
Vanessa Marcil
Eva Longoria

FOUR

DIRECTIONS: Now, here's what you're supposed to do (if you want to). Copy and paste this into a new note on your Notes page (under your profile tab). Erase my answers and type in your own answers.

The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about those who know you.

Four names that people called you:
1. Rainer
2. Rimshot
3. Mr. Hachenberg
4. Asshat

Four jobs I have had:
1. Architectural Rendering/Animation – Project Manager
2. Stock/bag boy
3. YMCA of the USA – Buildings and Facilities Services – Architectural Graphics
4. Draftsman

Four movies I would watch more than once:
1. Saving Private Ryan
2. Hero
3. Shawn of the Dead
4. Anchorman

Four places I have lived:
1. Koeln, Germany
2. Des Plaines, IL
3. Prospect Heights, IL
4. Bloomingdale, IL

Four places I have been:
1. Janesville, WI
2. South Bend, IN
3. Nashville, TN
4. Santa Monica, CA

Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. UK National Lottery
2. Deposed Nigerian Leader
3. Hot sexy lesbian on camera Right Now!
4. Free Viagra

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Rouladen
2. Goulash soup
3. Granny Smith Apples
4. Spree

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Fabulous Las Vegas, NV
2. Koeln, Germany
3. 1986
4. Anyplace but here

Four things I am looking forward to this year:
1. March 7th - Fun with friends
2. March 27th – Jerry’s Basement @ Famous Freddie’s, Mt Prospect
3. March 28th – Jerry’s Basement @ The Chicago Loop, Streamwood
4. May 8th – Queensryche @ Chicago HOB

Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Big Bang Theory
2. House
3. Bones
4. um…..

Tune for the day (with link)

GREEN TINTED SIXTIES MIND

She just woke up, but she's still tired
Is that the telephone ringing?
The curtains can't hold back the light
That's reaching into her dreams
Down in her heart
If it had fingers, it'd be tearing it apart

You be lookin' groovy
In a sixties movie
Maybe tell the press you died
Little legend baby
Try your very best to hide
A green-tinted sixties mind

She keeps some memories locked away
But they are always escaping
neglect won't make them fade away
They're reaching into her dreams
Down in her heart
Don't need fingers to be tearing it apart

Gotta face the day
There is no other way
To clear the fog inside your mind
Fill it up with dreams
But all that you can seem to find
A green-tinted sixties mind

Hangin' out with Janis
Movin' to Atlantis
Could've made it if you tried
What's the point of force
It's easy as a horse to ride
A green-tinted sixties mind

You be looking groovy
In a sixties movie
Maybe tell the press you died
Little legend baby
Try your very best to hide
A green-tinted sixties mind
-U can't hide-

Odi et amo. Quare id faciam fortasse requiris.
Nescio, sed fieri sentio, et excrucior.

The List - Version 1.0

Song Title - Artist (Notes)
1. I Saw Her Standing There - Beatles, The
2. Can't Get Enough - Bad Company
3. Rock 'N' Roll Hoochie Koo - Rick Derringer
4. Stay In Time - Off Broadway
5. No Matter What - Badfinger
6. Up Around the Bend - Credence Clearwater Revival (Hanoi Rocks)
7. Hey Baby - Ted Nugent
8. Slither - Velvet Revolver (Drop D)
9. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World (Drop D)
10. Everlong - Foo Fighters (Drop D)
11. Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
12. I Want You To Want Me - Cheap Trick
13. Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison (Van Halen)
14. She Talks To Angels - Black Crowes, The (Alternate Tuning)
15. Love Me Two Times - Doors, The

- B R E A K -

16. Show Me The Way - Peter Frampton
17. Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms
18. No More Mr. Nice Guy - Alice Cooper (Vocals: SPidER)
19. The Cowboy Song - Thin Lizzy
20. The Boys Are Back - Thin Lizzy
21. Come Together - Beatles, The
22. Full Moon (Turn My Head Around) - Off Broadway (Vocals: Dan / Bass: Rainer)
23. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
24. Young Lust - Pink Floyd
25. Tie Your Mother Down - Queen (Vocals: SPidER)
26. Gimme Three Steps - Lynard Skynard (Vocals: Dan)
27. California Man - Cheap Trick
28. Bad Moon - Credence Clearwater Revival
29. Learn To Fly - Foo Fighters
30. Stray Cat Strut - Stray Cats, The
31. Star Baby - Guess Who, The
32. That Thing You Do - Wonders, The (Vocals: Dan)
33. LaGrange - ZZ Top
34. Surrender - Cheap Trick

Of course, this is subject to change, and I'm 85% certain it will change at least twice

Band Practice

Ah, I love it when live gives you a pleasant little surprise.

Today, like most every Sunday, was rehearsal day. This would be the last day of working on new songs before three weeks of tweaking and re-tweaking the set list for the show March 14th at the J&J Lounge in Chicago.

I'd expected things to go poorly. We've been at it for long enough now where the pace of 4 or 5 new songs per week was starting to stretch the limits of some of our (ok, I'll be immodest...THEIR) abilities.

It turns out I was very wrong. After a sort of rough first number, rehearsal went swimmingly. We tore through the new material and massaged it into our own style (SPidER calls this process "dragging it through the basement") and I called of several songs that we haven't messed with in months.

The background and harmony vocals were outstanding today, and spirits grew ever higher as success after success was the result of song after song.

So, next week it is time to work on 'The List'.

A Life in Six Words x 6

Found this HERE. Thought I'd have a go at it.

1. Could anyone know better than me?

2. It appears the answer is ‘yes’.

3. So we start again, and again…

4. …and again. Tedious, is it not?

5. Perhaps contentment can take happiness’s place.

6. It’s a thought, we shall see.

Now it's your turn. Go, write...and let me know so I can be a literary voyeur.

Tag - you're it.

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE...

...WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?

1. Open your music library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc.)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For the first question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button TWICE
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool... just type it in man!
7. Tag people


OPENING CREDITS:
Save Yourself - Jonny Lang

WAKING UP
Come Dancing - The Kinks

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Mr. Brownstone - Guns 'N' Roses

FALLING IN LOVE
With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker

FIRST TIME
Wild Flower - The Cult

FIGHT SONG
One Way Or Another - Blondie

BREAKING UP
Dying To Live - Jonny Lang

PROM
Right To Be Wrong - Joss Stone

LIFE
Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin' On Me) Pt.1 - Joss Stone

MENTAL BREAKDOWN
C-Lebrity - Queen + Paul Rogers

DRIVING
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer - John Lee Hooker

FLASHBACK
Highway To Hell - AC/DC

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
To Love Again - Jonny Lang

WEDDING
Ode to Billy Joe - Bobbie Gentry

BIRTH OF A CHILD
Goodie Two Shoes - Adam and the Ants

FINAL BATTLE
Plenty of Music - New York Dolls

DEATH SCENE
Glorified G - Pearl Jam

FUNERAL SONG
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

END CREDITS
Bang a Gong (Get it On) - Marc Bolan & T.Rex

Interview

Do you plan in advance
Can one plan in retrospect?

What makes you laugh?
Activation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex

What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
Who is he?

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Celebrating the fifth year anniversary of this question

Do you own any pets, and if so what do you have?
My greyhound Molly

Do you have any tattoos, and if so what and where?
Yes, on my left shoulder

How do you feel?
With my hands, mostly

What size shoes do you wear?
10.5 (US)

Water or 100% Juice?
Water

Would you rather be hot or cold?
Cold

Favorite Place to Eat?
Mom's

Opera, Musical, Concert, Play, Performance, or Other?
Concert

What is your favorite clothing brand?
Armani

If you had to pick one car, which would it be?
Other

Your favorite Disney Films?
I dunno

What was your last thought?
Other

Juice and crackers or milk and cookies?
milk = yuk

Favorite fruit?
Why must I have favorites of arbitrary things? Oh, and granny smith apples

Are you a cat or a dog person?
dog

Would you rather be blind or deaf?
blind

Define yourself in three words.
Waste of sperm

Do you eat cold cereal at night?
No, not that I wouldn't, but I don't buy cereal or milk.

What is your favorite TV show?
Of all time or current run?

Kill the spider or let it out?
depends

Do you shower every single day?
nope

Walking past a beggar, spare change or ignore?
I need more info before I can make a determination

Where do you want to travel next?
England

What would you do if Michael Jackson asked you out?
On a romantic date or just to hang out?

What is your favorite food?
I don't have a favorite food, but goulash soup is quite tasty, as is steak.

Do you read Harry Potter books?
No

What is your favorite place?
sleepy-town

If you could have one super human power what would you choose?
The Scarlet Witch's powers...google it

Have you had a beer in the last week?
Yes

Vitamin Water or Gatorade?
Gatorade

Flip flops or sandles?
Really? I'm not sure what sandles are, but if they're anything like sandals, I
suppose I'll pick them, I'm not a big fan of the flip-floppy sound.

What do you do on Fridays?
Work

What is your favorite song of all time?
I don't have a favorite song of all time, but "Don't Stop Me Now" is right up there

Do you like bananas?
I can take 'em or leave 'em.

Good Company

USING ONLY ONE WORD

It's not as easy as you might think!

Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to tag the person you received it from!

1. Where is your cell phone? . . . . . . . . . . Desk
2. Your significant other? . . . . . . . . . . . Imaginary
3. Your hair? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory
4. Your mother? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martyr
5. Your father? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saint
6. Your favorite? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sleep
7. Your dream last night? . . . . . . . . . . . None
8. Your favorite drink? . . . . . . . . . . . . Sparkley
9. Your dream/goal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lotto
11. Your hobby? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sleep
12. Your fear? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? . . . . Gone
14. Where were you last night? . . . . . . . . . Treadmill
15. Something that you aren't? . . . . . . . . . Happy
16. Muffins? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
17. Wish list item? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34”
18. Where you grew up? . . . . . . . . . . . . . ‘Burbs
19. Last thing you did? . . . . . . . . . . . . Sighed
20. What are you wearing? . . . . . . . . . . . Clothes
21. Your TV? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unremarkable
22. Your pets? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly
23. Friends? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distant
24. Your life? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irrelevant
25. Your mood? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medicated
26. Missing someone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
27. Car? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Piece
28. Something you're not wearing? . . . . . . . Panties
29. Your favorite store? . . . . . . . . . . . . Amazon
30. Your favorite color? . . . . . . . . . . . . Grey
33. When is the last time you laughed? . . . . . Saturday
34. Last time you cried? . . . . . . . . . . . . Dunno
35. Who will resend this? . . . . . . . . . . . Dunno
36. One place that I go to over and over? . . . Sleepytown
37. One person who emails me regularly? . . . . View
38. My favorite place to eat? . . . . . . . . . Undecided

I won't "tag" anyone, but if you take it upon yourself to do your own list, please let me know so I can check it out.

Peace and Love

Outright stealing a (good) idea...the letter Z

Ok, these might not be things I LOVE, but I do enjoy them in their own way and would rather they exist than not exist and really isn't that all anyone can ask?

1. Zucchini (a.k.a. courgette) - A small summer squash that lends itself readily to yummy things that make me happy such as breaded or battered fried zucchini. Even the flowers of the zucchini plant are edible. The fruit (it is, indeed a fruit, though for culinary purposes it is treated as a vegetable) can be prepared in oh-so-many ways: steamed, boiled, grilled, stuffed and baked, barbecued and, as previously mentioned, fried. It can also be incorporated into a bread. I suggest whipping up a simple tempura batter, dipping the flower in and giving them a quick fry.

2. Zeros, The -(specifically the album "4-3-2-1...The Zeros"). Sammy Serious et al were a purple, glam rock treat.

3. ZIP Codes - (Zone Improvement Plan)...I mean, c'mon... someone from the farthest reaches of the country, or even the planet can drop a letter in a nearby mailbox and, assuming the proper postage has been affixed, the letter will somehow find it's way to my mailbox. You can't beat that!

4. Zinc - Not only does this metal mix with coopper to make brass, it is an essential mineral that is necessary to sustain all life. Ironically, too much zinc intake is possible, leading to lots of bad things, so don't swallow any pennies (post 1982).

5. Zoo, The - In particular, I like the Brookfield Zoo. It was the first American zoo to have a giant panda on display, the location of the first entirely-indoor dolphin habitat and the first indoor rain forest habitat (which at the time of it's opening, was the largest indoor zoo exhibit in the world. Brookfield Zoo also had the first captivitive birth of an okapi in the world.

6. Zoe - My parents' dog, a miniature short-haired dachshund. The best weiner-dog anyone could want, if one wanted a small, yapper type dog.

7. Zorro - I remember watching the old, black and white feature with Tyrone Power (not along side of him, he wasn't around me when I was watching, he played the lead character in the film) and the repeats of the 1950s TV series starring Guy Williams. They'd run on Saturday or Sunday mornings along with The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. I even had collectible Zorro trading cards that, had the old garage not collapsed under the weight of massive amounts of snow, would probably be worth a great deal today.

8. Zero 13 - Superstition demolition. Reverse the curse.

9. Ziploc Bags - Keeping school-childrens' sandwiches together and 'safe' for over 40 years.

10. (This space intentionally left blank)

January 23, 2009

Hey kidlettes! I hope you're staying warm and behaving yourselves. I've missed you.

To catch you up on me:

I made it 2.5 miles on the treadmill yesterday and I've lost about 8 lbs so far since Project: BABR started (2009)

I'm now the singer for Jerry's Basement (http://jerrysbasement.com/blog)

I'm bored, which I suppose means that this exercise thing must be doing something other than making my legs hurt and making it neigh impossible to get out of bed in the mornings. Perhaps the little neurons are starting to fire?

I get the feeling that I'll soon be out of a job. Let's see if I can make it to one full year before the axe falls, shall we?

I think I might be ready to be done with winter.

I'll be older very soon.

So, that's what's been going on Chez Moi, what about you?

January 15, 2009

Hi boys and girls! I hope you're having a super-duper January!

I wanted to give you all an update on Project: Build A Better Rimshot (BABR). I've been treading the mill weekdays, with the exception of yesterday, but I shan't let that become a regular occurrence. I've started looking for software that will help me learn French (and I've started to make sarcastic remarks about Americans).

I've been a bit busier than expected, this rock-star thing is more time-consuming than I recall, but I won't let it interfere with the big picture. (It really is a part of the big picture, isn't it?)

Look for pictures from our last show (or at least a link to pictures) to be posted here soon!

I love you all, and I would love to hear from you.

Your pal,

Rimshot

JERRY’S BASEMENT (COMPLETE WITH SPIDER) TRIUMPHS IN SCHAUMBURG, IL

For immediate release:

Chicago City Limits
Schaumburg, IL
January 9, 2008

On a cold, snowy Friday evening in Schaumburg, IL, Jerry’s Basement managed to heat up the night with their eclectic mix of rock and roll classics and almost forgotten musical gems. The band, cobbled together from such historic Chicago-land bands as The Nobody’s, Bangkok Shock and Mama’s Dirty Secret, consists of Rimshot’s vocals, the guitar duo of Cujo, a.k.a. Jerry (presumably the bands namesake) and Spider St. Valentine, with the rhythm section of "The Colonel" Dan on bass and Danny's metronomic drums rounding out the quintet.

If you’re hoping for another rendition of Mustang Sally or the latest Nickleback release, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The band has woven together a set of covers that are instantly recognizable and utterly enjoyable, including such rarely heard nuggets as: “Can’t Get Enough” by Bad Company, Off Broadway’s “Stay in Time” and Thin Lizzy’s “The Cowboy Song”, complete with harmonica and cowboy hat. The harmony guitar solos added a unique and well executed twist; Phil Lynott would be proud.

To those searching Chicago for something a bit different in their live music entertainment experience, Jerry’s Basement is a must see. Look for them to be playing at a venue near you soon, and be sure to make it out regardless of the weather.

###

Friday - January 9, 2009

The big show is tonight and I feel like ass. I've been fighting some sort of head cold / flu / bubonic plague thing for the past three days. MEGA-dosing Vitamin C, taking Zinc supplements, eating lots of fruit and veg, apparently, the tiny invaders into my biology thrive on Vitamin C and Zinc because they're not going away.

On the up side, it's snowing (they're claiming we're to get 6") which means that not many people will be at the show anyway.

More later.

Home again?

Hey kidlettes!

Since my blog (not this one, that other one) doesn't seem to want to work, I'm back here at my very first blog.

I've been busy treading on my mill, eating sensibly (mostly) and mega-dosing on Vitamin C.

So, look for more here soon!

Word to your mother.