Hope everyone is having a good holiday season. We've been taking a bit of break during december and i'm looking forward to picking back up in January. JP tells me he's been working on some new tracks, always good (and slightly intimidating- have ya'l noticed he's really good?) news. We're still working on our next gig so you lovely people can enjoy us in the flesh. and by that i mean we'll be playing nude. Please feel free to check us out on Sinfonian Radio (http://www.sinfonianradio.net), we're moving our way up that internet only radio stations rotation and we'd love for you to be part of the action.
If you didn't come here from there, check out our website (http://www.greenecoast.com), we're adding new content at a feverish pace and would love for you to be a part of it. Stay tuned for more rock!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
ya like dags?
Hey all, sorry it took so long to get some dog pics up. I'm bad about these kinds of things. Anyway, enjoy the dags!
oh, merry christmas, ramadan, kwanza, haunakah, solstice or december 25th.
oh, merry christmas, ramadan, kwanza, haunakah, solstice or december 25th.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Midwest band and orchestra
is crazy. i've been in chicago since tuesday night, and i haven't slowed down enough to think yet. quite a time, i'm going to see the CSO brass this afternoon which should rock. it appears our seats are ON stage. i suspect everyone else's are as well, but that's kinda ok. should return to the Field late tommorow night, then on the to the great All Missouri, All driving, all dog taking christmas extravaganza. oh, in other exciting grant news, i was 'interviewed' on the Lunch Break in the Lounge Podcast last week, check it out here. more when i'm back!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Recovery
Man, two snow days in a row, quite a break for an old guy like me. dalton's on his way over, we're going to peruse the house for a moment, when cat gets home from reading her paper, i shall reveal the new hottnes that lives with us... until then, make youself usefull by checking this guy out, the track "Arizona" rocks esp. hard.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
SNOW DAY!
well, ice day really. but this is a very good thing. lots of crazy exciting news coming soon... hopefully later today! there's even a new character on the scene.....
Monday, November 19, 2007
Almost broke
ah, thanksgiving break. one more day. and no, it's not a movie day. we have two performances in the two weeks following the break and i'm kinda freaking out. i mean, hey, it's the first performance for the JH kids (oops), I have to strike a balance between 'look-at-all-the-great-stuff-we've-done-since-august' and 'not-to-much-'cause-there-are-5-bands-playing'.
I thought we'd have a winter guard 'cause i want to work an extra day every week. I think it'll be awesome... if i can keep the cost low and find staff for cheap-as-free.
I'm not really trying to find things to complain about, i'm just tired and would like to be done with tomorrow so I can not feel guilty for staying up late enough to do a few things around the house.
Speaking of the house, I hope to paint it before monday so we can depart this bug infested cesspit of an apartment.
Right. I think I may need more of a theme here, it's not really going as well as i'd like, perhaps we'll take a poll. please feel free to leave your thematic suggestions below.
I thought we'd have a winter guard 'cause i want to work an extra day every week. I think it'll be awesome... if i can keep the cost low and find staff for cheap-as-free.
I'm not really trying to find things to complain about, i'm just tired and would like to be done with tomorrow so I can not feel guilty for staying up late enough to do a few things around the house.
Speaking of the house, I hope to paint it before monday so we can depart this bug infested cesspit of an apartment.
Right. I think I may need more of a theme here, it's not really going as well as i'd like, perhaps we'll take a poll. please feel free to leave your thematic suggestions below.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
gotta love a monday. i'm conducting the community band tonight for a grade, my paperwork is NOT in order for that little bit of sunshine, i'm not really familiar with the piece, i'm kinda freakin out...
i got some new software, it rocks and i recomend it to anyone who needs to move people around a football field in an organized manner that dosen't involve dead swine bits.
the house is closer to being done... but still not done. yup. hopefully i can elucidate more for the masses later this evening... or next month...
i got some new software, it rocks and i recomend it to anyone who needs to move people around a football field in an organized manner that dosen't involve dead swine bits.
the house is closer to being done... but still not done. yup. hopefully i can elucidate more for the masses later this evening... or next month...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The lappys back!
After a super sweet, shan't be described for fear of incrimination hook up, the lappy's back with a huge new HD and 10.4.10! rejoice, ye people, for the metronomic widget shall save america yet.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
almost done with the week, i've got a half day tommorow with no kids (god bless PD days) and a meeting with... well, an army national guard recuriter. promises to be interesting, in all possible directions.
i'm looking forward to heading to GSL on saturday. it'll be nice to be a pure spectator for once.
i think we're about five days from a new place to live... after a month of working on it. we're going to be sorta kinda homeowners, so we might actually be able to have one or two people over by xmas. yes, xmas, i'm bringing it back to irratate the religous right. try it, you'll be surprised how the most innocent, well-behaved child in your classroom will erase it from the board and replace it with a big, fat C-word.
we're going to paint. for the third time since june. does anyone else remember me painting a place i lived in? i sure don't. ever. at all. yet, i'll be putting my third set of coats (and my 3rd slipped disc) on in 5 months. but, if the impeteous is staying there until i replace jerry over at the Quad-B, then a-painting we shall go. i'm already aquiver over the thought of my coming water features.... if i'm not in basic training next summer, that is. well, ya gotta pay for the toys (ornamental fountains AND jet skis somehow.
this blogger widget rocks, i can start, stop, come back, whatever and it keeps everything together... except spell check. you'd think OS X's native spell check would work in the widgets, but it dosen't. maybe next time, apple, maybe next time.
i'm looking forward to heading to GSL on saturday. it'll be nice to be a pure spectator for once.
i think we're about five days from a new place to live... after a month of working on it. we're going to be sorta kinda homeowners, so we might actually be able to have one or two people over by xmas. yes, xmas, i'm bringing it back to irratate the religous right. try it, you'll be surprised how the most innocent, well-behaved child in your classroom will erase it from the board and replace it with a big, fat C-word.
we're going to paint. for the third time since june. does anyone else remember me painting a place i lived in? i sure don't. ever. at all. yet, i'll be putting my third set of coats (and my 3rd slipped disc) on in 5 months. but, if the impeteous is staying there until i replace jerry over at the Quad-B, then a-painting we shall go. i'm already aquiver over the thought of my coming water features.... if i'm not in basic training next summer, that is. well, ya gotta pay for the toys (ornamental fountains AND jet skis somehow.
this blogger widget rocks, i can start, stop, come back, whatever and it keeps everything together... except spell check. you'd think OS X's native spell check would work in the widgets, but it dosen't. maybe next time, apple, maybe next time.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
New Developments
First and foremost, a big thanks to the six or so of you that read this. I appreciate the ability to communicate some of my life without boring you to death on the phone or interrupting vital drinking binges. a new exercise in futility is ready for your viewing/listening pleasure now at
http://web.mac.com/cgrantmaledy
enjoi, and, as always feel free to comment. i mean it, bill.
http://web.mac.com/cgrantmaledy
enjoi, and, as always feel free to comment. i mean it, bill.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Middle eastern democracy is more important...
than asian, after all. It's worth noting that it appears this group of people might actually want to be 'liberated.' go sanctions, go!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Dear Cigarettes
(sorry for the not so exciting blog, it's part of my Committed Quitters program)
Dear Cigarettes,
Wow, how the time has flown! Just over eight years together, and i can still remember the first time like it was yesterday. On the way to the first Thursday night rehearsal of my senior year of high school, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. My friends had been smoking for years, I knew it was a stupid, nasty, expensive and deadly habit, but hey, I had a lot of time on my hands. And boy, did we ever waste some time! I spent so much time sneaking off for a smoke that fall and in the years to come, I suspect that i spent more time smoking than any other one activity. I certainly spent more time smoking than I did practicing. Becoming frustrated with my playing drove me outside to smoke, which prevented me from getting as much done. I was always gonna head right back in... finally, after six years of putting it off, I just practiced outside so that I could smoke while i practiced. I'm sure the faculty were very proud of me, what an example to underclassmen, an addict so hooked that he couldn't stand the thought of voluntarily not smoking for more than 50 minutes.
Look how much all those years of not hard work payed off! I played a mediocre recital (that my studio teacher didn't even attend) in a poor venue (the recital hall was booked) to a crowd of people that may have been there to see if I could make it through without lighting up (i was smoking in the picture on my recital flyer, after all). Awesome.
Who could forget all the times I went without food or books or even reeds so I could have enough money for cigarettes? Or the way I would be insufferable and beg any stranger for a smoke when I was broke?
The times we spent alone together are the ones I'll miss the most. Just you and me and an album or a book. Occupying my shallowest levels of consciousness actually did allow me to focus on deeper meanings and hey, I obviously didn't have the self-discipline to just collect myself and meditate without the assistance of an addictive carcinogenic drug.
Man, we sure did make a great first impression, didn't we? Remember when Susan said you smelled like meat? At least you were the highest nicotine content of any filtered cig. Rest assured that of all your shitty brothers, you kicked the most ass.
I know leaving you won't be easy, but that's exactly what I'm doing. Leaving you behind. You did your best to lock me in place, preventing me from advancing past you and distracting me from much, much more important things. Like achieving my goals, being someone parents can feel good about sending their kids to and living the fullest, happiest life possible. We may have a fling here and there, just a quick grope in a bar or an undercurrent in a serious conversation, but the time of your hold on me is over. I am ready to drop you like the nasty, smelly, deadly old whore that you are. I've learned a lot and met some great people while i was with you, but you're trying to kill me and I've had enough of crazy people running my life. Goodbye.
g
Dear Cigarettes,
Wow, how the time has flown! Just over eight years together, and i can still remember the first time like it was yesterday. On the way to the first Thursday night rehearsal of my senior year of high school, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. My friends had been smoking for years, I knew it was a stupid, nasty, expensive and deadly habit, but hey, I had a lot of time on my hands. And boy, did we ever waste some time! I spent so much time sneaking off for a smoke that fall and in the years to come, I suspect that i spent more time smoking than any other one activity. I certainly spent more time smoking than I did practicing. Becoming frustrated with my playing drove me outside to smoke, which prevented me from getting as much done. I was always gonna head right back in... finally, after six years of putting it off, I just practiced outside so that I could smoke while i practiced. I'm sure the faculty were very proud of me, what an example to underclassmen, an addict so hooked that he couldn't stand the thought of voluntarily not smoking for more than 50 minutes.
Look how much all those years of not hard work payed off! I played a mediocre recital (that my studio teacher didn't even attend) in a poor venue (the recital hall was booked) to a crowd of people that may have been there to see if I could make it through without lighting up (i was smoking in the picture on my recital flyer, after all). Awesome.
Who could forget all the times I went without food or books or even reeds so I could have enough money for cigarettes? Or the way I would be insufferable and beg any stranger for a smoke when I was broke?
The times we spent alone together are the ones I'll miss the most. Just you and me and an album or a book. Occupying my shallowest levels of consciousness actually did allow me to focus on deeper meanings and hey, I obviously didn't have the self-discipline to just collect myself and meditate without the assistance of an addictive carcinogenic drug.
Man, we sure did make a great first impression, didn't we? Remember when Susan said you smelled like meat? At least you were the highest nicotine content of any filtered cig. Rest assured that of all your shitty brothers, you kicked the most ass.
I know leaving you won't be easy, but that's exactly what I'm doing. Leaving you behind. You did your best to lock me in place, preventing me from advancing past you and distracting me from much, much more important things. Like achieving my goals, being someone parents can feel good about sending their kids to and living the fullest, happiest life possible. We may have a fling here and there, just a quick grope in a bar or an undercurrent in a serious conversation, but the time of your hold on me is over. I am ready to drop you like the nasty, smelly, deadly old whore that you are. I've learned a lot and met some great people while i was with you, but you're trying to kill me and I've had enough of crazy people running my life. Goodbye.
g
Monday, September 24, 2007
hello...
so, not being able to access most of my web-based shenanigans from eldo prevents me from updating very regularly. however, if the good lords willing and the creeks don't rise, i'll have the lappy back in action soon.
we've set the first two of three songs worth of drill. this is a good thing. you should be excited. i mean it.
i've made the exciting purchase of a USB audio interface, this is exciting because it enables me to play real instruments into garage band. i may actually try to podcast... it'll probably be about grainger, i'm back on that horse.
speaking of livestock, well, kinda, i'm on the wagon. the burning tobacco wagon, that is. thank you commit lozenges, my breath is minty/chalky fresh and my wife may love me more, which is nice. the last bit, that is....
the nice people at commited quitters tell me that i need to take deep breaths and ask for the support of my friends. so, if any of the 23 (probably jilted) readers this month are my friends, please give me your support. 9 years later, the grand experiment draws to a close.
we're going to ozarko and UCM. that is all...
we've set the first two of three songs worth of drill. this is a good thing. you should be excited. i mean it.
i've made the exciting purchase of a USB audio interface, this is exciting because it enables me to play real instruments into garage band. i may actually try to podcast... it'll probably be about grainger, i'm back on that horse.
speaking of livestock, well, kinda, i'm on the wagon. the burning tobacco wagon, that is. thank you commit lozenges, my breath is minty/chalky fresh and my wife may love me more, which is nice. the last bit, that is....
the nice people at commited quitters tell me that i need to take deep breaths and ask for the support of my friends. so, if any of the 23 (probably jilted) readers this month are my friends, please give me your support. 9 years later, the grand experiment draws to a close.
we're going to ozarko and UCM. that is all...
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
back in the action.... sort of
Let me first say that when I discovered that I would be playing second tenor
in Night Jazz, I was a bit underwhelmed. It felt like 1999 all over (except I now have a degree and at least I was in Studio Band). However, I've discovered that I really don't care. I need the credit hour to secure my very necessary student loan (it's funny, 'cause I'm a teacher...~sigh~) and I've pretty much figured out how things are going to be in SGF for me. That's Ok, because this weeks infatuation is:
That's right, Dan has me all worked up about the great white west. Hey, everyone needs a DMA, don't they?
in Night Jazz, I was a bit underwhelmed. It felt like 1999 all over (except I now have a degree and at least I was in Studio Band). However, I've discovered that I really don't care. I need the credit hour to secure my very necessary student loan (it's funny, 'cause I'm a teacher...~sigh~) and I've pretty much figured out how things are going to be in SGF for me. That's Ok, because this weeks infatuation is:
That's right, Dan has me all worked up about the great white west. Hey, everyone needs a DMA, don't they?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
School Looms
First things first, pictures from Becca and christophers wedding!
So, I've decided to work on my masters in conducting at MSU, which creates an interesting set of circumstances. For financial reasons, i need to be full time (which isn't that hard as a graduate student) So i'm taking one class and two ensembles. Night jazz, lookout, you know not what cometh. I'd sure love to hear how you're doing, by the way. Yes, you. do tell....
So, I've decided to work on my masters in conducting at MSU, which creates an interesting set of circumstances. For financial reasons, i need to be full time (which isn't that hard as a graduate student) So i'm taking one class and two ensembles. Night jazz, lookout, you know not what cometh. I'd sure love to hear how you're doing, by the way. Yes, you. do tell....
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
On and Ever Upward
Has it really been a month? could i even put together what i've done? at the risk of falling off into total 'dear diary', lets try.
July was pretty much a blur for me, I'm relatively sure i went to Eldo and back 200 times, I know i went to KC and watched a few royals games (yes, the yankees trounced us, but scott elarton is gone). We found an apartment in springfield, had it broken into by bums who wanted to warn us off their 'turf', broke our lease, found another place, and have been desperately trying to get moved in ever since. I killed my cell phone, got a new one that Nokia dosen't seem to acknowledge(although i now take the internet wherever i have cell service), taught a band camp that went better than expected, and I'm about to leave for california (cat's sister's wedding. i'm sure i messed one of those aphostrophes up. sure.) on thursday night. then we're back in to town tuesday, start school the following week, and no sleep 'till november.
I've found myself strangely drawn to facebook lately, i had totally abandoned it, but when i reactived my .mac membership, it started sending me exciting email again. hopefully soon i'll get over it.
I'll try to post some pics from this extravaganza in the near future (probably after the wedding), but as always, a promise would only ensure that i don't do it.
July was pretty much a blur for me, I'm relatively sure i went to Eldo and back 200 times, I know i went to KC and watched a few royals games (yes, the yankees trounced us, but scott elarton is gone). We found an apartment in springfield, had it broken into by bums who wanted to warn us off their 'turf', broke our lease, found another place, and have been desperately trying to get moved in ever since. I killed my cell phone, got a new one that Nokia dosen't seem to acknowledge(although i now take the internet wherever i have cell service), taught a band camp that went better than expected, and I'm about to leave for california (cat's sister's wedding. i'm sure i messed one of those aphostrophes up. sure.) on thursday night. then we're back in to town tuesday, start school the following week, and no sleep 'till november.
I've found myself strangely drawn to facebook lately, i had totally abandoned it, but when i reactived my .mac membership, it started sending me exciting email again. hopefully soon i'll get over it.
I'll try to post some pics from this extravaganza in the near future (probably after the wedding), but as always, a promise would only ensure that i don't do it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Movin' on
we started painting the new/old apartment tonight... our choice of green was not what we thought it'd be. tommorow, we return to lowes to try again. hopefully, we can complete painting by wednesday or thursday, thus allowing us to begin the very, very, in-depth process of cleaning the shit out of the place. cat has a few concerns about the security, which is fair, but i think we'll be able to secure it to her liking pretty easily. it's a lot like the scariest place you've ever lived (or anywhere you visited me when i was single), but with way better colors on the walls. toffee crunch is the best paint name ever. i'll try to get some pictures up shortly, i know you're dying to see the revamp.
in lieu of an actual school sanctioned server that i can access to create a webpage for the kids, i've started one on page creator. please feel free to take a look at it, understand that still haven't met most of these kids, much less taken their picture. hopefully, i'll be able to round that one out some more soon.
i've been experimenting with google analytics, and i think i've tracked down a few of you lurkers... if you're not who i think you are, then i've suddenly developed an inexplicable following in cleveland. also, georgia and alabama, who are you? you've stumped me. any and all of you are encouraged to drop a comment, i'd love to connect a few dots.
in other pseudo news, we went to the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend. we got to hang out some of my favorite people, their dogs, and the johnsons. brandon has essentially sworn to never return, although he seemed to enjoy party cove quite a bit. i may have found another project to work on while there, driving drew and brandon even crazier. see pics below to experience the fury of my soon to be operational free boat.
in lieu of an actual school sanctioned server that i can access to create a webpage for the kids, i've started one on page creator. please feel free to take a look at it, understand that still haven't met most of these kids, much less taken their picture. hopefully, i'll be able to round that one out some more soon.
i've been experimenting with google analytics, and i think i've tracked down a few of you lurkers... if you're not who i think you are, then i've suddenly developed an inexplicable following in cleveland. also, georgia and alabama, who are you? you've stumped me. any and all of you are encouraged to drop a comment, i'd love to connect a few dots.
in other pseudo news, we went to the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend. we got to hang out some of my favorite people, their dogs, and the johnsons. brandon has essentially sworn to never return, although he seemed to enjoy party cove quite a bit. i may have found another project to work on while there, driving drew and brandon even crazier. see pics below to experience the fury of my soon to be operational free boat.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Run around/ the honeymoon is over
after an awesome honeymoon in lovely arkansas (pics soon), i spent a day on the lake (no pics, but it rained) and then headed to the new job to get some work done. well, i forgot that i live 2 hours and 15 minutes away from there, drove to the next town over and slept in the car. fun times. got up today and went back to work, stayed for twelve hours.... and still didn't get finished. all manner of crap to do.... it looks like tommorow is a springfield and back apartment hunting blitz. yay. then i need to go back north... and make some more copies.
by the way, i'm so freakin glad i'm married. seriously. no sarcasm, it kicks ass. if you were at my wedding (pics soon... if i can pay for them) thanks for coming, hope you didn't get to sweaty (esp. at the end).
sleep then drive then work then drive then sleep then drive then....
by the way, i'm so freakin glad i'm married. seriously. no sarcasm, it kicks ass. if you were at my wedding (pics soon... if i can pay for them) thanks for coming, hope you didn't get to sweaty (esp. at the end).
sleep then drive then work then drive then sleep then drive then....
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Changes
Christ, it gets passe. Let's see if i can keep my head together long enough to do a way overdue update here:
I took a job in El Dorado Springs, teaching yet again. I had pretty much ecided i wasn't going to teach this year.... then I changed my mind. So there. More about this, I'm quite sure.
Here, as Promised, are the pics from the royals game i went to
you know, in the heat of this wedding gift frenzy, it's pretty easy to get overexcited. our new glassware is going to ruin my life (via the liver). However, when a true rockstar presents itself, one must observe and enjoy: The Kitchen Aid Artisan in Cobalt Blue. I am a very happy boy. Sorry about the sideways picture.
catherine and i went camping, here are those pictures. more camping coming soon...
after camping, we went to jakes wedding!
and, last but not least, dogs on a jet ski
worst post ever.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
2.5 to go
After a whirlwind weekend in a variety of places (see below), i return to the last 2 and a half days of my first year of teaching. Huzzah.
Friday night I went to Fayetteville, AR to play with Jalopy, a good time was had by all and I finally got to see the Fayetteville Funk Ensemble! Jeff Grey is the man, man. Then we went camping at Lake Wedington near Fayettville, it was great, nice cheap lake view site with a shower that might have been cleaner than the one at my house.... gotta take care of that....
The next day we went to my friend Jakes wedding, it was very nice, and it's only kind of weird to watch my friends get married now that the final hour approacheth.
After the reception we headed for KC and the one the only Royals loss to the mariners. i'll try to get a web album up at lunch for some of this, the pictures tell the tale.
It was nice to see the man in action for the first time. He's dreamy.
We spent some time hanging out in KC on monday (a bit longer than we had planned) and ended up staying up all night catching up on the things we'd slacked being gone for 4 days. and now we're at 2.5 days of school... hopefully i'll know what i'm doing with my life sometime this week, the potential employer has assured me that they're almost done interviewing....
Friday night I went to Fayetteville, AR to play with Jalopy, a good time was had by all and I finally got to see the Fayetteville Funk Ensemble! Jeff Grey is the man, man. Then we went camping at Lake Wedington near Fayettville, it was great, nice cheap lake view site with a shower that might have been cleaner than the one at my house.... gotta take care of that....
The next day we went to my friend Jakes wedding, it was very nice, and it's only kind of weird to watch my friends get married now that the final hour approacheth.
After the reception we headed for KC and the one the only Royals loss to the mariners. i'll try to get a web album up at lunch for some of this, the pictures tell the tale.
It was nice to see the man in action for the first time. He's dreamy.
We spent some time hanging out in KC on monday (a bit longer than we had planned) and ended up staying up all night catching up on the things we'd slacked being gone for 4 days. and now we're at 2.5 days of school... hopefully i'll know what i'm doing with my life sometime this week, the potential employer has assured me that they're almost done interviewing....
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thinkin' Bout...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Hunt
well, after the two of us interviewed this week, we have no further assurances. it's nice, you finish your degree, go get some applied experience and then you can't register for grad classes without advisor permission. awesome. i wish he'd call back, so i could, you know, get registered for classes. it'd rock.
while we worry about weather or not we'll have our degrees paid for, we apartment hunt. our last place was a very nice loft smack in the middle of downtown. we both wanted to live somewhere nice for a change. it was great. and not cheap.
so, we've been searching for the perfect cheap apartment that is the correct proximity to MSU and downtown. we think we've found it. it is not that nice. it is, however, the right price. we'll probably sign a contract tommorow.
in unrelated news, the royals are not sucking as much, and the place that i hang out instead of myspace is getting some national recognition.
while we worry about weather or not we'll have our degrees paid for, we apartment hunt. our last place was a very nice loft smack in the middle of downtown. we both wanted to live somewhere nice for a change. it was great. and not cheap.
so, we've been searching for the perfect cheap apartment that is the correct proximity to MSU and downtown. we think we've found it. it is not that nice. it is, however, the right price. we'll probably sign a contract tommorow.
in unrelated news, the royals are not sucking as much, and the place that i hang out instead of myspace is getting some national recognition.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Already Gone
As you may have guessed from the title, A change of lifestyle is a' comin. I have resigned from my position in B-Town to make the return to the plateau. I'm trying to get resituated into the institution of higher learning i so recently departed from. that shit is like the womb, you spend a while trying to get out and then the rest of your life trying to get back in......
sigh.
leaving is hard, but the opportunity to work with the lady would be fabulous. also, i wouldn't mind the scheduling flexibility, it is much missed. time will tell, but one thing is for certain, 17-3 is not the kind of score we need to see from KC. thank god jason larue is injured.
sigh.
leaving is hard, but the opportunity to work with the lady would be fabulous. also, i wouldn't mind the scheduling flexibility, it is much missed. time will tell, but one thing is for certain, 17-3 is not the kind of score we need to see from KC. thank god jason larue is injured.
Monday, April 23, 2007
30 days in the hole
Well, we've got less than 30 days of class left this school year. That's a good thing, I think 3 months of relatively light responsibility might fix what ails me. with the school count at thirty days, the wedding is just under 60 and we're entering the full out sprint for the finish. With my next year still kinda up in the air, it's a bit hectic on the employment front. Playing 'should i stay or should i go' the real game is interesting and all....
the royals are in danger of having a winning streak... by that i mean they could win two games in a row. scarry, i know. try to stay calm.
i miss playing quite a bit, but i don't necessarily miss the whole constantly-in-a-bar-always-either-hung-over-or-drunk-in-danger-of-diabieties-from-fast-food-perpetually-sick kind of state of being that i always ended up in. i do like remembering what happened without video evidence (ok, that's a bit of an exageration, i really do tend to remember. i meant it, dammit!), but i miss the general atmosphere of fun and lack of worries (Aside from when/how one was to eat) that i experienced. Now, I either have to step back towards that life or further into the teaching side of things. while i enjoy parts of the day, i still hate getting up early and trying to convince people that they like music. it's a bit ridiculous. i know your as tired reading about it (i guess someones reading?) as i am typing/thinking about it, but if i type what i'm thinking, then this has to be part of it.
a few thoughts on modern concert band:
i may be deaf. seriously, i'm pretty sure that i need to have an audiologist look at my shit, it's getting pretty foul.
playing the classic literature is hard because everyone knows it. that's why so few successful directors do it. get it?
I don't like having more high brass than low brass. did you see that period? i meant it.
seeing henry and company this weekend was very nice, it's always good to remember that i used to be coola nd hang out with people that are sarcastic, smart and good looking. i'mgetting married to one so that i can preserve the past, but it's nice to see the rest of them once in awhile. even though i didn't see them until after i drove to KC and back and hung out at worlds of fun all day.
Those coasters aren't playing. the maba goes like 75 miles an hour, the patriot does shit that an F-16 might have trouble with, it's really quite a blast. i suppose in my sad old age i'm really starting to come around on lame 'family' entertainment. huzzah. although the monsoon was the lamest thing ever! boat goes up, boat comes down. splash! end of story. what, no thematic moments? no mindless trip around and up? i guess it's kinda like KC in general, get it out there and get it done.
the royals are in danger of having a winning streak... by that i mean they could win two games in a row. scarry, i know. try to stay calm.
i miss playing quite a bit, but i don't necessarily miss the whole constantly-in-a-bar-always-either-hung-over-or-drunk-in-danger-of-diabieties-from-fast-food-perpetually-sick kind of state of being that i always ended up in. i do like remembering what happened without video evidence (ok, that's a bit of an exageration, i really do tend to remember. i meant it, dammit!), but i miss the general atmosphere of fun and lack of worries (Aside from when/how one was to eat) that i experienced. Now, I either have to step back towards that life or further into the teaching side of things. while i enjoy parts of the day, i still hate getting up early and trying to convince people that they like music. it's a bit ridiculous. i know your as tired reading about it (i guess someones reading?) as i am typing/thinking about it, but if i type what i'm thinking, then this has to be part of it.
a few thoughts on modern concert band:
i may be deaf. seriously, i'm pretty sure that i need to have an audiologist look at my shit, it's getting pretty foul.
playing the classic literature is hard because everyone knows it. that's why so few successful directors do it. get it?
I don't like having more high brass than low brass. did you see that period? i meant it.
seeing henry and company this weekend was very nice, it's always good to remember that i used to be coola nd hang out with people that are sarcastic, smart and good looking. i'mgetting married to one so that i can preserve the past, but it's nice to see the rest of them once in awhile. even though i didn't see them until after i drove to KC and back and hung out at worlds of fun all day.
 |
| jh WOF trip |
Those coasters aren't playing. the maba goes like 75 miles an hour, the patriot does shit that an F-16 might have trouble with, it's really quite a blast. i suppose in my sad old age i'm really starting to come around on lame 'family' entertainment. huzzah. although the monsoon was the lamest thing ever! boat goes up, boat comes down. splash! end of story. what, no thematic moments? no mindless trip around and up? i guess it's kinda like KC in general, get it out there and get it done.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
a show and a movie
well, it seems like as a good a time as any to catch ya'll up on my last few days (that does assume some readers...hmm).
friday night i drove to Oklahoma City with Jared to play with Jah Roots. Had fun, drove home after the show (kinda... slept in a mcdonalds parking lot... if they're gonna take this much of my money, they should house me occasionaly) kissed the girl, drove to Hot Springs, had a blast, slept in a tent, got yelled at by a park ranger, drove the home the scenic way (AR 7, amazing) did my taxes, went to school, taught, conducted a concert, came home watched blood diamond.
ok, so the concert went well. it was not my initial reaction to say that, but all parties seem to think we've improved dramatically since january, so i'll take what i can get. with several 'surprise' absences, i was quite nervous about the way it'd turn out. i'll probably have more on that tommorow after i listen to the recordings. by tommorow, i mean in 4 hours.
the reason i'm up so late (Aside from the whole can't-unwind-rapidly-christ-i'm-not healthy) is because i enjoyed this fine Leo film, Blood Diamond. i really do enjoy having the social commentary side notes on my action flicks.
it was great to be back with the boys for a few shows, it's really cool to see the way two venues and towns i'd never played before treated them.
let me know how you like th google calendar option up there on the right, i'm hoping it helps everone... um... er... not call and ask what i'm doing? no, maybe it's just because i found the HTML for a button.. either way, call or check as you desire. all hail ical's easy export feature.
friday night i drove to Oklahoma City with Jared to play with Jah Roots. Had fun, drove home after the show (kinda... slept in a mcdonalds parking lot... if they're gonna take this much of my money, they should house me occasionaly) kissed the girl, drove to Hot Springs, had a blast, slept in a tent, got yelled at by a park ranger, drove the home the scenic way (AR 7, amazing) did my taxes, went to school, taught, conducted a concert, came home watched blood diamond.
ok, so the concert went well. it was not my initial reaction to say that, but all parties seem to think we've improved dramatically since january, so i'll take what i can get. with several 'surprise' absences, i was quite nervous about the way it'd turn out. i'll probably have more on that tommorow after i listen to the recordings. by tommorow, i mean in 4 hours.
the reason i'm up so late (Aside from the whole can't-unwind-rapidly-christ-i'm-not healthy) is because i enjoyed this fine Leo film, Blood Diamond. i really do enjoy having the social commentary side notes on my action flicks.
it was great to be back with the boys for a few shows, it's really cool to see the way two venues and towns i'd never played before treated them.
let me know how you like th google calendar option up there on the right, i'm hoping it helps everone... um... er... not call and ask what i'm doing? no, maybe it's just because i found the HTML for a button.. either way, call or check as you desire. all hail ical's easy export feature.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Another Day in Paradise
The new mac mini is rocking my world. I finally caved and paid for mlb.com radio so i can listen to the Games, only to listen to Wellemeyer load the bases and blow the game. Buddy Bell helped by leaving him to do it.... but so it goes. if he pulled it out, we'd be praising Bells vision.
in not-totally-baseball-realted-news, (but kinda... hard to define) i've opted to not blow more money on another gadget i don't really need by not buying satellite radio. maybe this summer. only if i get a deal. only if i can listen to jam bands AND baseball. i mean it. really. dammit.
I got a call about doing a gig friday and saturday night, which i suppose i may do... i dunno, it's not like i'm gonna sleep anyway.
The weather is killing me, cold and rainy = limited time on the water. goo.
the new 'puter has some sweet bells and whistles, i'm working on my very first podcast. hopefully i'll have a product for ya'll next week (i may do a wedding one, sems like a good way to say hello to a bunch of people she's related to that i don't know.
in not-totally-baseball-realted-news, (but kinda... hard to define) i've opted to not blow more money on another gadget i don't really need by not buying satellite radio. maybe this summer. only if i get a deal. only if i can listen to jam bands AND baseball. i mean it. really. dammit.
I got a call about doing a gig friday and saturday night, which i suppose i may do... i dunno, it's not like i'm gonna sleep anyway.
The weather is killing me, cold and rainy = limited time on the water. goo.
the new 'puter has some sweet bells and whistles, i'm working on my very first podcast. hopefully i'll have a product for ya'll next week (i may do a wedding one, sems like a good way to say hello to a bunch of people she's related to that i don't know.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
The New Hotness...
... is a a burning pain in my ass. The 3.5 year old iBook G4 is in a bad, bad way. i had to take it into the shop and we're hoping to have it fixed (at an outrageous hourly rate) in about two weeks.
now, i know that some of you might be able to remember what you did with yourself before you had internet access at your fingertips, in fact, you might not even check your email/blogs/etc everyday. and i think that's cute. really, endearing. for the rest of us that are living in the current century, you understand the emergency in hollister.
i've ordered a quick fix to this problem. i know it may seem a bit rash to even the least Luddite amongst you, but we don't have a frickin' tv, man. radio weather leaves a bit to be desired. hopefully it'll be here but wednesday and we won't have to hang out at work on sunday to get our fix. On the subject of fixes, here's today's overzealous enthusiasm:
Satellite Radio: I want to hear Royals baseball for every game this season. i don't get any stations (FM or AM) clearly enough to do this, and i'm not buying a television and some kind of crazy not-so-free-programming package that still won't let me watch 'blackout' games. seriously, not doing it. this bring us to satellite radio, the wacky fun of a two horse race that seems to be ending in a draw. Sirius has an amazing jam band schedule that plays a wide and exciting variety of music i like. They have more rock channels, Jimmy Buffets Radio Margaritaville, the Grateful Dead Hour and it's own liberal talk radio channel. XM has Air America and Royals Baseball. This wig just ain't gonna cut it.
now, i know that some of you might be able to remember what you did with yourself before you had internet access at your fingertips, in fact, you might not even check your email/blogs/etc everyday. and i think that's cute. really, endearing. for the rest of us that are living in the current century, you understand the emergency in hollister.
i've ordered a quick fix to this problem. i know it may seem a bit rash to even the least Luddite amongst you, but we don't have a frickin' tv, man. radio weather leaves a bit to be desired. hopefully it'll be here but wednesday and we won't have to hang out at work on sunday to get our fix. On the subject of fixes, here's today's overzealous enthusiasm:
Satellite Radio: I want to hear Royals baseball for every game this season. i don't get any stations (FM or AM) clearly enough to do this, and i'm not buying a television and some kind of crazy not-so-free-programming package that still won't let me watch 'blackout' games. seriously, not doing it. this bring us to satellite radio, the wacky fun of a two horse race that seems to be ending in a draw. Sirius has an amazing jam band schedule that plays a wide and exciting variety of music i like. They have more rock channels, Jimmy Buffets Radio Margaritaville, the Grateful Dead Hour and it's own liberal talk radio channel. XM has Air America and Royals Baseball. This wig just ain't gonna cut it.
Come on, merger! lets get this shit knocked out! how can i help you smack the SEC around?
I need Baseball, I need Jam Bands.
Ok, so my other dirty pleasure is Flixster. some like to make friends, some like the quiz, i like to rate every damn movie i can. good luck catchin' up, sucker, you can keep track of my owning you at my profile.
Monday, April 2, 2007
ROYALS WIN!
no, i know. a 7-1 win over Boston on opening day does not a 100 win season make. however, it's hard not to get excited.
I mean, seriously, they were the most successful team in baseball from 1976 to 1985...when they took the redbirds to task... but since The Brett left, we've been a bit lacking. in all areas. some writers are even less optomistic than me.
anyway, winter guard is over, the ladies finished 7th place (not bad considering we went into finals in 12th place) and i'm hopefull that we can address some of the attitude problems in the fall that held us back this winter. I'd love to get this guard to Dayton for the big show someday. and i liked our tarp better than anyone elses (i swear i didn't pick out the colors)
This is my 'art of the day' from my google homepage.
Scourging the Moneychangers from the Temple by El Greco.
also,
There are moments when one feels free from one's own identification with human limitations and inadequacies. At such moments one imagines that one stands on some spot of a small planet, gazing in amazement at the cold yet profoundly moving beauty of the eternal, the unfathomable; life and death flow into one, and there is neither evolution nor destiny; only Being. - Albert Einstein ...
more on this later. after i weed eat my lawn.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
After an evening searching for information about solar power, i accidentaly found myself reading about The Rolling Stones and U2's tax shelters. Since i was contemplaing the tax benifits i would be receiving myself, it seemed relevant.
The process of buying a home is frustrating to say the least. when you're 18 years old, and that dude offers you a t-shirt that'll put off laundry for at least a week, you don't think about the road you're heading down, how difficult it'll be to make monthly payments and how hard it'll be to get a home loan with jacked credit. You just think, 'sweet, free shirt'. then, 4 weeks later (after you've ruined/lost/cleaned with the shirt) the shiny new card comes in the mail. You're broke, know you'll make that much money in the summer to pay it off and max that bad boy out on mcdonalds, music and other non-equity generating endavors. (if this didn't happen to you, retense for 'I' and use your imagination). Thank god i didn't have to put all of college on credit.
I keep forgetting to take my blood pressure medication. that's right, i'm 25 years old and on BP meds. i'm sure quitting smoking, adopting a diet that dosen't make 'Super Size Me' look healthy and occasionly engaging in some kind of aerobic work out might help, but my doctor says it's genetic and i just need the meds. hmmm.... i hate to second guess professionals....
I watched Borat the other night, it's painfull to watch but great commentary on the american people. While Kazakhstan may find his characterizations offensive, he may be right about Uzbeks.
The Blogger interface is way more enjoyable than i had thought it would be. coming back to a pure blog from a 'social networking' (read: self promoting) site is nice. I'm also relatively sure no one will accidentally find this one. friggn' insomnia is getting to be a bit much this week, i'm sure my doctor will hook me up with some sweet lunestra. sleep driving, here i come!
The process of buying a home is frustrating to say the least. when you're 18 years old, and that dude offers you a t-shirt that'll put off laundry for at least a week, you don't think about the road you're heading down, how difficult it'll be to make monthly payments and how hard it'll be to get a home loan with jacked credit. You just think, 'sweet, free shirt'. then, 4 weeks later (after you've ruined/lost/cleaned with the shirt) the shiny new card comes in the mail. You're broke, know you'll make that much money in the summer to pay it off and max that bad boy out on mcdonalds, music and other non-equity generating endavors. (if this didn't happen to you, retense for 'I' and use your imagination). Thank god i didn't have to put all of college on credit.
I keep forgetting to take my blood pressure m
edication. that's right, i'm 25 years old and on BP meds. i'm sure quitting smoking, adopting a diet that dosen't make 'Super Size Me' look healthy and occasionly engaging in some kind of aerobic work out might help, but my doctor says it's genetic and i just need the meds. hmmm.... i hate to second guess professionals....I watched Borat the other night, it's painfull to watch but great commentary on the american people. While Kazakhstan may find his characterizations offensive, he may be right about Uzbeks.
The Blogger interface is way more enjoyable than i had thought it would be. coming back to a pure blog from a 'social networking' (read: self promoting) site is nice. I'm also relatively sure no one will accidentally find this one. friggn' insomnia is getting to be a bit much this week, i'm sure my doctor will hook me up with some sweet lunestra. sleep driving, here i come!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Searching for the sound
I read Phil Lesh's book a few months ago, it's pretty sweet. probably not a good choice for someone who thinks about running back out on the road some days, but good reading all the same. I've been playing a lot lately (see a few posts back) but i'm starting to kinda find my favorite place to be on stage these days. i feel like i kinda have to be picky, my time is limited and my chances fewer and fewer, so when a group of musicians lets me hang out as long and loud as i want to, it's quite fabulous.
work always seems so easy... during a break from it. when we get back to work, it's always pretty obvious who has and hasn't practiced over the last week... and sometimes it lets you know who cares and who doesn't as well. as we get ready for the run up to contest (1 month from today) it takes a lot of will power for me to do what must be done. as a kid in the chair, i hated, hated, hated stopping. man, all i wanted to do was play, i practiced, knew my part, showed up on time and was ready to go. so when we had to stop and start to make needed repairs and corrections, it was traumatic for me. it got better during college when a mean old man forced me to learn how to practice correctly and not just run through stuff (practicing mistakes isn't really practicing...).
i think i might actually have insomnia. it's getting worse.
work always seems so easy... during a break from it. when we get back to work, it's always pretty obvious who has and hasn't practiced over the last week... and sometimes it lets you know who cares and who doesn't as well. as we get ready for the run up to contest (1 month from today) it takes a lot of will power for me to do what must be done. as a kid in the chair, i hated, hated, hated stopping. man, all i wanted to do was play, i practiced, knew my part, showed up on time and was ready to go. so when we had to stop and start to make needed repairs and corrections, it was traumatic for me. it got better during college when a mean old man forced me to learn how to practice correctly and not just run through stuff (practicing mistakes isn't really practicing...).
i think i might actually have insomnia. it's getting worse.
moving pictures with sound
So here's a little video from christmas time, the boys were back in town and kind enough to let me play a few tunes. it's a bit rough to watch me dance, i know, but it's worth checking out. if you like bad dancing, that is.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Spring Broken
Spring Break hasn't really been much of one. I took Tuesday off... completely. i didn't even go in to the building.... we spent days and days ensuring that we had all of the right music for district solo and ensemble on Saturday. i seriously spend more time on the phone as a band director then i did at the worst job i ever had. all of my private lessons cancelled this week so funding for my spring break assault on the white river was on a kinda shoestring budget. and it was really, really cold. anyway, i get asked about what i'm up to frequently and i provide the stock answer, "same ol' same ol'" or some other mindless rot. here's what i've been doing:
Winter Guard
i teach winter guard as well as band (although i bring in other staff to the point that i'm mostly a DJ/Secretary/Enabler) and we're nearing the end of the competitive season. we have two more performances and six more rehearsals. not that anyone's counting. the girls are getting used to me (thats a mixed bag kinda thing) and they are spinning well.
Concert Band
the other focus this time of year is concert band. we have state large ensemble coming up in about a month and we are preparing our contest selections. while not always the most exciting part of musical development, we are at the crucial stage of cleaning where we work on small portions of music for long periods of time. if nothing else, we are learning about patience. fun! i've also been updating the band website. this extensive web portal has been mostly neglected for the last 3 or 4 years so it's taking quite some time. the jazz and winter guard sections are most up to date, hopefully the rest will follow soon. we're working on the marching show for next year, more on that later.
Wedding Planning
the real love of my life (aside from the beautiful women i'm marrying) is table cloth. i mean, finding just the right shade of cloth for tables, napkins, drink stations and buffets is what gets me out of bed in the morning. usually at a dead run... anyway, this fantastic event in the middle of june is coming together...if we could just decide on an officiant...
Playing
i'm still in springfield a few times a month to play music. very, very nice people that have managed to book real gigs allow me to blunder on stage and stumble around inside their arrangements. in the last month i've played with Jah Roots, Jalopy, Fairweather Foe, Eddie Gumucio, The Moonshakers, The Eckles brothers, The guys at Ernie Biggs and probably a few more that i'm forgetting. Great folks that leave the mic on for ya, please support them if you have time. i'm to lazy to link all of those people, i assure you they have myspace.
whatever you may have heard, from me or someone who looks like me, i am going to stay for at least one more year. i think i owe it to myself to see this thing out a bit further (and for christs sake, it can't get any harder).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
