YAY...it's allergy season!

Isn't it too early for this to begin? My eyes feel like they are never going to stop running. My throat is feeling constantly parched. Fun times!

I'm still uncertain as to when I'm going to be able to leave for BBR. I would love to be there Monday, but I'm going to wait a few more weeks before making a final decision. I am happy that time seems to be passing rather quickly. I can't believe it's already going to be March.

My sister will be getting married in a dozen days. My other sister and I are going to have a great time with the margarita machine. My mom and dad couldn't be happier; they are extending their stay and taking a trip down south the week following the wedding. My dad's planning to retire this year; we'll see how a week away goes. At one point, he had something like eight weeks of built up vacation/sick leave. He rarely misses a day in the office. He surprised us with a brochure for Disney World this past weekend. He wants us all to go back for a week. I'd much rather do the Alaskan cruise talked about last year, but my nieces are already giddy with anticipation. I'm not sure if this trip is to take place this year or the next. I'm hoping next.

I have absolutely nothing to do this week. Which is good, since next week will be a little crazy. I'm sad to say I'm missing out on Charlie's show tonight, but I don't think sitting in the bar would help much with the way I'm feeling. Maybe next week...

My new favorite cd:

Could You Do Without?

March 24th...Do you think you're capable of staying off the computer for a full day? Since it's a Saturday, I know I can. I'm usually able to stay away from the computer on the weekends unless I've got work to finish up.

Recently, on the Today Show, they aired a segment, "Could You Do Without?" It featured the managing editor of Forbes magazine, Dennis Kneale. Let's just say, it wasn't pretty. You can absolutely see withdrawal sinking in...the bargaining, the rationalizing. I'm amazed at how ingrained cellphones and access to the internet and email have become in our culture. I'm just as guilty as the next person.

I guess the last time I've been completely without was in Idaho, last summer. It was pretty great, actually. I think the television was turned on only a few times, cell service was non-existent, and I think someone would have laughed at us if we'd asked about internet connections. I can go without my cell phone; I do on a regular basis (due to forgetfulness). It doesn't bother me, but it seems to bother the people that call expecting me to be answering their calls. At one of Mike McClure's acoustic shows, he mentioned in passing the ever-present cell phone. He pondered aloud why we felt the need to be forever connected, when just a few years ago, it was not commonplace. I'm not sure what the answer to that question is. I do know that I would never think about taking a roadtrip without my cell, and I would hate to be abandoned in an airport without my cell or ipod.

Here's the interview with Kneale from the Today Show:

I think the dog next door has some sort of weird ability to sense when I'm falling asleep. It feels like the dog is right under my back window. I actually tried to go to sleep last night at 12:30. No such luck. I was awake until around 2. Every time I was about to drift off, something would set the dog off.

Have I mentioned it has the loudest bark in the known universe?
_____________________

More changes to plans for Saturday...I just now realized Ryan James is in town at the BL. For some reason, I thought he wasn't back until next month, I'll probably head out to that show and DVR my PBS show.

My never-ending love for PBS...

I think I figured out what I'll be doing Saturday night. I'll likely be home watching Independent Lens' latest installment, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes.

A night home watching PBS, exciting.

Actually, last night I caught a late-night airing of Soundstage; this week it was a Jewel concert. I can't really say that I'm a devoted fan, but the sound was fantastic. She stripped down some of her more popular songs and performed them solo on the acoustic guitar. It was pretty great. So, when I hit the wall at around 2 this afternoon, I can thank PBS for keeping me up until 3 a.m.

I don't know if this PBS show is regional, state-wide or national but I really do love Storytellers & Music makers. A few weeks ago, Matt Martindale was the guest. They talked about his early beginnings in songwriting, his time with Cooder Graw, his legal career and growing up in this part of Texas. He also played bits of a few songs and discussed the stories behind those songs.

I've also seen Megan Laurie featured on the show. I've seen her a few times around here, since she attended the music school at SPC. She's an Australian girl, now in Texas, that has a good voice and live shows.

A birthday dinner, bachelorette party, show and dinner with my mom and dad made up my weekend.

The birthday dinner was for a stranger; she works with a friend of mine. I knew two people there. I would have rather been home, to tell the truth. The bachelorette party was alot of fun. There were lots of chocolate cake shots, margaritas, blue hawaiians and cosmopolitans. I had a great time and think Becky did, too.

We made it to the Blue Light around 11:30 to see Matt Martindale's new show. It consisted of alot of Cooder Graw material and a few new songs written with the likes of Stoney and Keith Gattis. The intro to the song written with Gattis was interesting...and could have been about any number of girls. The song's about a girl that was a bit 'taken' with Willy Braun, and would travel the state for countless Reckless shows. This girl took the obsession a bit further than most and would regale others with stories about WB leaving tickets for RK shows for her; and saying that she was certain he knew she was 'the one.' She also made the pilgrimage up to Idaho. This is the basis for the song...I gotta say the premise was a bit familiar...besides the unhealthy WB obsession. ;)

We joined Cole and Lezli at the BL for Cole's bday celebration. He had a FABULOUS time...his dancing makes me laugh like no other. (Well, maybe Lezli when she imitates him.)

I talked with Charlie for a bit after the show. The new cd has finally arrived and he'll have them in his hands Monday. I can't wait! They are having a cd release party Friday night at the BL. I guess I'm going to split the night between that and Brandon Rhyder's show across town. He said he was feeling better but poor Drew had to leave the stage at one point in the show. I hope they get better soon.

This weekend brought about change for a good friend. I am happy for him, and send nothing but best wishes out to him. I'm way too cautious to take that leap right now myself. Curtis moved into his own law office this weekend. He opens up tomorrow morning. I can't even begin to imagine what he must be thinking about tonight.

Should be a good week:

Thursday: Adam Hood @ BL
Friday: CSB cd release @ BL/BR @ Jake's
Saturday: not quite sure yet...

I've been in the office since about 9 this morning. Things are very slow today, probably due to the snow/ice from the past two nights. Since the caseload's been a bit light, I've been listening to espnradio.com all morning.

Apparently, things blew up after Tim Hardaway commented to Dan LeBatard as to how he would interact with a gay teammate. This past weekend, we saw John Amaechi's interview on ESPN Sunday while having lunch. Since then, it's inevitable that an NBA player will be asked their thoughts on the situation.

Here's an excerpt from the LeBatard column from the Miami Herald:

How do you deal with a gay teammate?

"First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team," former Miami Heat star Tim Hardaway said Wednesday. "Second of all, if he was on my team, I'd really distance myself from him. I don't think he should be in the locker room when we are in the locker room. I wouldn't even be a part of that. . . . I'd ask for him to get traded. Something has to give. The majority of the players would ask for him to be traded, or they would want to get traded. Or just buy him out of his contract and let him go."

But, Tim, you realize that's bigotry and homophobia?

"I hate gay people," Hardaway said in an interview on 790 The Ticket. "I let it be known. I don't like gay people. I don't like to be around gay people. I'm homophobic. I don't like it. There shouldn't be a world for that or [a place] in the United States for it. I don't like it."

I've got to say I'm not really surprised by his opinion, but more so of his use of the word "hate." Colin Cowherd's had numerous people call in, from both sides of the fence. There are those that blast Hardaway, and those that completely agree with his views. The most interesting, I thought, was from a youth minister. He said that although he didn't believe homosexuality was right; he realized that it goes on, yet intolerance and hate towards others was not an acceptable resolution.

I've thought about it, and it's absolutely the word hate that's the most jarring to me. It just conjures up such vitriolic thoughts in my mind. Maybe that's just me. The context and the venom with which the words came out of his mouth (I've heard the radio interview numerous times now, not just read the column) is pretty disturbing.
There's a difference between saying, "I hate Mondays," and hearing him say "I hate gay people." I don't know how to describe it, you have to listen to the emotion and passion in his voice when he spews his opinion.

I am absolutely all for his right to hold such an opinion, however. I am absolutely dead set against such an opinion, and have every right to such. I do not, however, believe that his dismissal by the NBA from doing public appearances is an overreaction.

The right to speak out on an issue is absolute; the freedom from the consequences after exercising that right is not.

Sick or not...

Charlie made my day. He was feeling a bit under the weather tonight, so he couldn't sing everything he wanted to. He needed to be home and in bed, but he played through the pain.

Tonight, we discovered we share the same birthday. I can't believe I've known this boy for about 5 years and this is the first year we've figured this out. Although, he is a very young 22...I have a few years on him. Drew was in town for the bday celebration. It was great to see him. He's a kind soul, and I love talking with him.

All in all, it was a great birthday. I got to see some friends and we laughed until our sides hurt. At one point, I was sure Jess was going to fall out of her barstool. As a bonus, Dusty got up and did his rendition of 50 Cent's In Da Club...one word: priceless. I wish I'd had the foresight to take a video camera. It's a rare treat to see him on stage, guitar upside down and free-versing. This is where the majority of the laughing came in.

Now, I'm watching 24 and can't get over what a weasel Chad Lowe's character is...

Movies and mayhem...

One of the local theaters finally starting showing Notes On A Scandal. I went immediately after work Friday to catch the show. I loved it...Judi Dench plays a fuh-reak! Next, I hope to see The Last King of Scotland. I've been in a movie-going mood lately.

A blog was brought to my attention recently that a past acquaintance has been writing on Myspace. Oh. My. Gosh. She's stark-raving mad. I don't know why I'm amazed anymore at what she says or does. Just when I think my distaste for her could grow no more...ta-dah! It does. She's spitting in the face of everyone that has been civil to her in the past; and is, inadvertently or not, hurting those that helped her out. Her opinions on feminism make my stomach turn.

I am still mad at "the women who came before [me] and paved the way for my professional career". Seriously, I hardly call that a favor. I do; however, have a job that I love and wouldn't trade it for anything...except staying home, dropping off dry cleaning, running errands, etc. I am a terrible cook, but a great organizer and planner. I love, love, love to plan events and often entertain my friends and family with all the things I don't know (for the record, Tsunami totally sounds like the name of a country).

I'm ashamed to say she graduated from the same law school I did. However, from the first day we met, I knew her intention was to land a guy that came from a wealthy family...she made no secret about this. The stories these guys tell about her failed attempts make me laugh to no end. Pile all this on a heap of crazy and you'll begin to understand this girl somewhat...

I usually try to just take everything she says with a grain of salt, or at least avoid running into her. However, she somehow makes it impossible to avoid any contact. Just last week, I found in my inbox an email from her. I couldn't delete it fast enough.


Anyhow, off the crazy train...does anyone remember that John Michael Montgomery song, I Love the Way You Love Me? Random, it's on the office radio right now. I'd completely forgotten about it.

so sleepy...

I cannot wait for these last two hours to pass. I am longing to go back to bed. I had to work through lunch to make sure that they were sent out to the correct parties before the last mail pick-up. I am now reading the most boring black letter law, looking for some sort of argument to present in a brief I have that needs to be sent off next week. The reading material isn't interesting in the least.

I got about 4 hours of sleep last night. I sped back from my parents' house to catch Ryan Bingham at Bash Riprock's. For those of you who've never been, Bash's is probably the oldest bar near the university. It has been described as a shit-hole in the past. I, however, love it for its 2 cent pints on Monday, and its small back room with folding tables to watch bands. There's nothing fancy about the setup, the stage is about 4 inches off the ground. The sound isn't stellar, but I've heard worse.

I was expecting a poor turnout. I was wrong. Every seat in the place was gone. I grabbed a spare chair from the game room and dragged it back there, to a spot against the wall. They'd just begun playing when I arrived. I stayed until the end, and am paying the price now.

Brandon, Wade & MMC

Talk about a good weekend. In addition to the great movie, I got to see 3 great shows this weekend. Brandon Rhyder played down in Midland at a restaurant/bar. The show was great, but the sound could have been better. It was nice to see people gradually get into the show. He had them standing at the front of the stage by night's end, singing along.

Wade played in town, but we hit the Irish Pub before heading over to see them. It's different from where I usually go; but they make a great kamikaze. I was also flagged down by Lezli from 1/2 a block away. She and Cole were at the Blue Light and saw me walking down the sidewalk. I'm sorry I missed out on her birthday celebration, but I'm not really into the band that was playing there that night. She's great, though, and completely understood.

We got to Wild West just as Wade and the guys were pulling in. Ended up hanging at the bar with them for a while; making requests and amendments to the setlist. Thank God Wade indulges me. I got to hear 16 Days, Atlantic City, All Over Town and 3 new songs. Brooks said, well you got 16 Days...we don't do that for just anyone. HA, sure you don't. I'm glad they are working on a new cd, the new stuff was great. They had a rough outing the night before...it can be summed up in one word: Amarillo. They seemed to be having a good time for the most part...but the crowd could have been a little more attentive. At one point there was some impromptu dancing by Wade and Casey...hilarious! Anyhow, it was good to see them since I left the Steamboat show early.

Sunday, I did a whole lotta nothing before leaving for the Motorcars' show. We ended up buying margarita mix for the show. Yummy, but I stopped at two. I had to get back last night so I could make it into work this morning. The show was tons of fun and Micky was in a chatty mood. When introducing the guitarist, who has long brown hair, he said, "And on lead guitar, he finally got those hair plugs to take...Joseph Deeb! No, really, this is Darren Locke." He cracked himself up. There was a group of guys celebrating a 21st bday...to say they were enthusiastic would be an understatement. Definition of man-crush. They ended right about midnight; we stuck around long enough to talk with them and hear about the wedding they played in Santa Fe the day before. They're definitely one of my favorites...all-around.

Has a movie ever left you breathless?

I finally got out to see Pan's Labyrinth. It was such a tragic, beautiful movie. I won't lie and say that everyone will love it. There are some pretty gruesome things that happen; at times, I had to avert my eyes. However, the story of that little girl, Ofelia, intertwined with the plight of the guerillas in the Spanish Civil War was so good. Straight off, the antagonist of the story is at the forefront. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. It has touches of Chronicles of Narnia/Lord of the Rings/even movies like The Never-ending story; but it is definitely NOT for children. It's a fairy tale in the sense of the Brothers Grimm...

The movie's in Spanish, but it didn't deter people from coming out for it. I was expecting to be able to have my pick of seats. Yeah, it was a packed house. It's 6 Academy Award Nominations are well-deserved.

I found .50 hours of ethics...only a few more to go! I watched an online presentation about what makes you a "professional." It was given by a man who's been a member of the bar for something like forty years. He may not have been the most captivating speaker I'd ever heard, but you could tell that every bit of it was genuine. I really enjoyed it. I hope I can say the same for the 6.75 hour seminar I have coming up next week. Here's a quote from his presentation:

Cherish your visions and your dreams,
as they are the children of your soul
and the architect of your ultimate achievement.