Sorry I missed yesterday - Wife stayed home sick. She arguably had a better day than I did.
It turns out I am not quite the judge of character I had hoped I was. Yesterday morning was a planned road trip for bandmates JD, MG and myself up to Fredericksburg to check out some new gear, upgrading our PA and lights for the upcoming year. JD arrives first, and promptly shows me an email he received from AV, our chick singer. She has flipped out again and quit the band. Second time this month. Glad we aren't playing tonight - not sure what's going on for next week yet.
Now I liked AV, and was arguably one of her strongest supporters when she came into the band, based largely on my perception of her stability and professionalism. Clearly I was mistaken. At the risk of playing armchair psychologist, she seems to have some major insecurity and trust issues, undoubtedly stemming from her recent divorce (at age 28). About 90% of what she has freaked out over is entirely imaginary; the final straw was an ad she saw on craig's list for a band looking for a singer, which she assumed to be us surreptitiously trying to replace her. Obviously, it wasn't; but in her mind it was JD or MG, using a fake name and phone number she didn't recognize - classic conspiracy-theorist paranoia. I know people get crazy around the holidays, particularly fresh divorcees, surrounded by family and memories of what is no more, but this is ridiculous. We had no intention of throwing her under the bus, regardless of whatever overwrought scenario she fabricated for herself.
Bah.
My next task, as the One Stuck In The Middle, is to convince the new bass player not to bolt with her - he had rather become her teammate in the recent Us vs. Them stalemate I mentioned earlier. The biggest challenge in convincing him to stay is, frankly, convincing myself to stay. I am quickly losing patience with these amateur psychos, and not at all looking forward to the prospect of having to audition yet another one.
Enough of this - Happy Friday, have a great weekend, and prospero año nuevo
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
This is teh Suck
Looks like I get a few days off in the kitchen, after deep frying my thumb last night. Wasn't even on the menu ...
On the upside, the new bread turned out decent, and dinner itself was most acceptable - Eastern Shore grilled cheese with bistro fries. This, my attempt to replicate a fave from a local restaurant. The sandwich itself is lump crab meat, sauteed mushrooms and assorted white cheeses; the fries are basic french fries, twice immersed in a mix of canola oil and rendered duck fat with an hour in the fridge between. It was on the second round that the 375°F oil splattered up on me, eliciting an impressive stream of profanity and sending me running for the first aid kit. The subsequent blister is horrifying - I'll spare you the picture. The fries were good, though - I guess it's time to invest in a new deep fryer.
On the upside, the new bread turned out decent, and dinner itself was most acceptable - Eastern Shore grilled cheese with bistro fries. This, my attempt to replicate a fave from a local restaurant. The sandwich itself is lump crab meat, sauteed mushrooms and assorted white cheeses; the fries are basic french fries, twice immersed in a mix of canola oil and rendered duck fat with an hour in the fridge between. It was on the second round that the 375°F oil splattered up on me, eliciting an impressive stream of profanity and sending me running for the first aid kit. The subsequent blister is horrifying - I'll spare you the picture. The fries were good, though - I guess it's time to invest in a new deep fryer.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Rambling
Drawing a blank this morning. I could always blame the NyQuil, I suppose.
Let's see - temps climbing, snow is almost gone. My recovery continues, now to that most unpleasant phase of unproductive coughing fits, where it feels like you are ripping the lining out of your throat and your sternum is about to crack. Joy.
No immediate plans for New Year's Eve. Still pondering my aim for the coming year, probably something along the lines of definition and focus.
Trying a new bread recipe today. Might be a good time for grilled cheese for dinner.
Maybe I should just go back to bed ...
Let's see - temps climbing, snow is almost gone. My recovery continues, now to that most unpleasant phase of unproductive coughing fits, where it feels like you are ripping the lining out of your throat and your sternum is about to crack. Joy.
No immediate plans for New Year's Eve. Still pondering my aim for the coming year, probably something along the lines of definition and focus.
Trying a new bread recipe today. Might be a good time for grilled cheese for dinner.
Maybe I should just go back to bed ...
Monday, December 27, 2010
God Hates the Vikings
As a brief follow up to last week - heat was restored on Friday, but was out just long enough for me to get a cold, as predicted. Christmas day was enjoyable and modest, though the night was dreadful, being unable to either breathe or sleep, which made for a Sunday spent on the couch. Recovery is underway, now entering the brutal expectoration phase - it's going to be another long day.
Sunday on the couch means, of course, football. Last week I made the prediction, privately, that Detroit would win out the season - wish I had done it publicly now. In a story largely ignored because of the bigger playoff picture, the Lions have racked up three wins in a row, including two consecutive road victories, all guided by their second- and third-string quarterbacks. They have a long way to go, and an enormous hole to dig themselves out of, but progress is being made. A victory next week over Minnesota is looking even more likely, with the Vikes being handed a short week.
Now, I haven't paid that much attention over the years, but I don't recall any games being rescheduled because of weather - aside from Hurricane Katrina, of course - and this is the second one this year. Granted, the first one was more weather-related that the weather itself, but still. And both times it has happened to Minnesota. Coincidence? One has to wonder.
I lived in Indiana long enough to become a legitimate Colts fan, and remain so, but the truth is I am a Lions man by birth. It hasn't been easy, lord knows, but they didn't always suck - they were as good as anyone else in the early 70's. It's time for their star to rise once more, and I am committing now. I believe. Next week they finish 6-10 at home, and build from there.
Sunday on the couch means, of course, football. Last week I made the prediction, privately, that Detroit would win out the season - wish I had done it publicly now. In a story largely ignored because of the bigger playoff picture, the Lions have racked up three wins in a row, including two consecutive road victories, all guided by their second- and third-string quarterbacks. They have a long way to go, and an enormous hole to dig themselves out of, but progress is being made. A victory next week over Minnesota is looking even more likely, with the Vikes being handed a short week.
Now, I haven't paid that much attention over the years, but I don't recall any games being rescheduled because of weather - aside from Hurricane Katrina, of course - and this is the second one this year. Granted, the first one was more weather-related that the weather itself, but still. And both times it has happened to Minnesota. Coincidence? One has to wonder.
I lived in Indiana long enough to become a legitimate Colts fan, and remain so, but the truth is I am a Lions man by birth. It hasn't been easy, lord knows, but they didn't always suck - they were as good as anyone else in the early 70's. It's time for their star to rise once more, and I am committing now. I believe. Next week they finish 6-10 at home, and build from there.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Jeebus, Not Again
The last three months or so have been quiet, and nearly enjoyable, in the wake of ousting a pair of band members who were at the hub of an inordinate amount of drama and b.s. Their respective replacements were more talented and, most importantly, more psychologically stable - or at least as stable as one can be in this line of work.
Sadly, this was not to last, and in the last few weeks a whole new season of soap opera has manifested. At the root of it all, in addition to the usual stubbornness and overreaction of most parties involved, is our 16-year-old sound guy, who has been in contact with one of the ex-members. Now, I understand that this isn't entirely intentional; he is a kid, after all, and like most Kids These Days, has no concept whatsoever of privacy or discretion. His entire world is a three-inch screen, and he seems to think that everybody wants to know every single minute detail of his life, down to what he reads while wanking in the bathroom. He has, in fact, just posted his new phone number on FB. You get the idea - everything is fair game for publication, including band meetings. Immediately this alerts our ex-Drama Queen, who begins asking him questions, which he happily answers; she, in turn, begins texting and emailing all of us, stirring the pot even further. Sigh ...
I can honestly see this whole thing imploding soon. And, honestly, I don't much care at this point. The aforementioned band meeting was a complete waste of time, as band meetings usually are - everybody complains, nobody listens, and two hours later nothing has changed. The worst part is it seems to be devolving into an Us vs. Them scenario, between the two founding members and the two new members, with me stuck in the middle. I can guarantee that this is the quickest way to lose my interest and support for the project.
On the upside, a Performance Challenge. I have a gig this afternoon. A total pick-up group playing at a company Christmas party. Drummer JD knows a guy at his dayjob who is in another band, and somebody got the bright idea of having them play. Being short a few bodies, JD called me to sit in. I don't know anybody else, we've never practiced, and I just got the song list last night - it's mostly old R 'n' B. So, we're going in pretty much completely cold. Should be fun :D
Sadly, this was not to last, and in the last few weeks a whole new season of soap opera has manifested. At the root of it all, in addition to the usual stubbornness and overreaction of most parties involved, is our 16-year-old sound guy, who has been in contact with one of the ex-members. Now, I understand that this isn't entirely intentional; he is a kid, after all, and like most Kids These Days, has no concept whatsoever of privacy or discretion. His entire world is a three-inch screen, and he seems to think that everybody wants to know every single minute detail of his life, down to what he reads while wanking in the bathroom. He has, in fact, just posted his new phone number on FB. You get the idea - everything is fair game for publication, including band meetings. Immediately this alerts our ex-Drama Queen, who begins asking him questions, which he happily answers; she, in turn, begins texting and emailing all of us, stirring the pot even further. Sigh ...
I can honestly see this whole thing imploding soon. And, honestly, I don't much care at this point. The aforementioned band meeting was a complete waste of time, as band meetings usually are - everybody complains, nobody listens, and two hours later nothing has changed. The worst part is it seems to be devolving into an Us vs. Them scenario, between the two founding members and the two new members, with me stuck in the middle. I can guarantee that this is the quickest way to lose my interest and support for the project.
On the upside, a Performance Challenge. I have a gig this afternoon. A total pick-up group playing at a company Christmas party. Drummer JD knows a guy at his dayjob who is in another band, and somebody got the bright idea of having them play. Being short a few bodies, JD called me to sit in. I don't know anybody else, we've never practiced, and I just got the song list last night - it's mostly old R 'n' B. So, we're going in pretty much completely cold. Should be fun :D
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Decisions
Morning earworm: Give Blood, Pete Townshend. Just did over the weekend, but that has nothing to do with it. I've always dug this song; David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) on second guitar.
So - last night's band meeting was pretty much all I expected, and less. Band meetings are, traditionally, miserable and wretched affairs that most people look forward to with as much enthusiasm as a hot coffee enema. A lot of talking, opinions offered, suggestions made, and nothing productive accomplished. I can see this not lasting much longer. I can also see it devolving into an Us vs. Them scenario between MG / JD and AV / JB, with me stuck in the middle. Whatever.
Another decision which rather snuck up on me regards what we refer to around here as the Other Site. There are about a dozen or so people I had hoped to keep in touch with when I left previously, and that really hasn't happened. The break was necessary, for numerous reasons, but I think it may be time to return, albeit on a more limited basis. I believe that I have my head straightened out sufficiently to do this without it becoming the albatross it had grown into previously. I recognize that part of this may well be ego, having apparently only one person follow me here, but in truth I do miss trolling their blogs as well. So, we'll see how it goes.
Act in private as if your behaviour were known in public.
So - last night's band meeting was pretty much all I expected, and less. Band meetings are, traditionally, miserable and wretched affairs that most people look forward to with as much enthusiasm as a hot coffee enema. A lot of talking, opinions offered, suggestions made, and nothing productive accomplished. I can see this not lasting much longer. I can also see it devolving into an Us vs. Them scenario between MG / JD and AV / JB, with me stuck in the middle. Whatever.
Another decision which rather snuck up on me regards what we refer to around here as the Other Site. There are about a dozen or so people I had hoped to keep in touch with when I left previously, and that really hasn't happened. The break was necessary, for numerous reasons, but I think it may be time to return, albeit on a more limited basis. I believe that I have my head straightened out sufficiently to do this without it becoming the albatross it had grown into previously. I recognize that part of this may well be ego, having apparently only one person follow me here, but in truth I do miss trolling their blogs as well. So, we'll see how it goes.
Act in private as if your behaviour were known in public.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Cliffhanger
Morning earworm: Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow, Jethro Tull. Probably my favorite Christmas song - lol.
Quite a bit going on here lately, in terms of pondering the future. Amid all of this, my other blog ended yesterday. It will resume after a couple weeks off, just as a break and reset sort of thing. Traditionally, this particular practice of journaling (properly not blogging) is undertaken as, among other things, an exercise in commitment, for a period of 1,000 days. I think it is safe to say, after eight and a half years, my commitment is reasonably established; indeed, it has arguably become more habit than discipline. So, a few weeks off before the next undertaking, to begin on New Year's Day (1.1.11) - a quick estimate will bring the new cycle to a close on or about 26 Sept 2013.
This document will remain, at least as long as I stay interested, during the hiatus. I noted in the final entry last night that with all of my contemplation on the future, my continued involvement with the band and Guitar Craft (or not) it was something of a cliffhanger ending to this cycle. Truth be told, it came to me in the real Morning Pages today that most of these decisions had already been made, possibly before the questions were even asked. This is not uncommon - A beginning is invisible, as we say.
Somewhat unrelated, it also came to me that the new year properly begins tomorrow, with the Winter Solstice (23:38 GMT). There are any number of arbitrary points by which we may mark our laps around the sun, but this one seems more appropriate to me, as a physical actuality as well as a symbolic point of reference.
Speaking of blogs / journals, the Saturday performance in NYC has been posted by the performer.
Local events have global repercussions.
Quite a bit going on here lately, in terms of pondering the future. Amid all of this, my other blog ended yesterday. It will resume after a couple weeks off, just as a break and reset sort of thing. Traditionally, this particular practice of journaling (properly not blogging) is undertaken as, among other things, an exercise in commitment, for a period of 1,000 days. I think it is safe to say, after eight and a half years, my commitment is reasonably established; indeed, it has arguably become more habit than discipline. So, a few weeks off before the next undertaking, to begin on New Year's Day (1.1.11) - a quick estimate will bring the new cycle to a close on or about 26 Sept 2013.
This document will remain, at least as long as I stay interested, during the hiatus. I noted in the final entry last night that with all of my contemplation on the future, my continued involvement with the band and Guitar Craft (or not) it was something of a cliffhanger ending to this cycle. Truth be told, it came to me in the real Morning Pages today that most of these decisions had already been made, possibly before the questions were even asked. This is not uncommon - A beginning is invisible, as we say.
Somewhat unrelated, it also came to me that the new year properly begins tomorrow, with the Winter Solstice (23:38 GMT). There are any number of arbitrary points by which we may mark our laps around the sun, but this one seems more appropriate to me, as a physical actuality as well as a symbolic point of reference.
Speaking of blogs / journals, the Saturday performance in NYC has been posted by the performer.
Local events have global repercussions.
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