somewhat restorative weekend, US Open & Harry Potter

I finally started the 7th book in the Harry Potter series.  The reason I waited a bit between reading the book and seeing the 6th movie was because I had a feeling I would get really sucked in.  And that’s exactly what happened.  I think I started it on Saturday and I’m nearly 3/4 done already.  I just couldn’t put it down.  It was even a weighty decision tonight whether to post something here or dive back in with Harry so close to finding another Horcrux.

That’s what I did all weekend.  Most of it.  Friday night, we ate a nice dinner (I made cashew chicken).  Saturday, we met with a woman who’s helping to promote a show later this month.  After that, I was reading and had the US Open constantly.  How about that Melanie Oudin?  I like that girl.  Good for her.  Saturday night, Han had a gig but I stayed home and continued reading and watching and just being mellow.

Sunday morning, the Acoustic Duo were on a local morning TV show to promote the upcoming San Diego Music Awards (Thursday!).  Both the Acoustic Duo AND the Rock Band are nominated for Best Album (Americana/Country for AD and Rock for RB) for their respective albums that we released earlier this year.  Plus a bunch of folks that Han produced are nominated, too.  It’s usually a fun, kind of weird night.  No one knows whether to take it too seriously or to just blow it off, but I think everyone secretly wants to win, for whatever reason.  I know I wanted to win when I was nominated way back when for Best Local Recording for my first CD (another Han production, his first actually).   Anyway, so Sunday was the TV spot, then it was home for a bit.  I went grocery shopping and Han had a session.  I had loftily thought I would make it up to Escondido to go to my dear friend Robt’s reading, but it was not in the cards.

That evening, I put forth the effort to recreate a recipe that our dear Louisiana friend once made for us: sweet smothered pork chops.  It came out pretty good, so I was pleased with it.

And Monday…a day off.  Slept in a bit, kept reading, more tennis.  Except, another weird health issue, so to speak.  My nose really hurt.  Like I’d been punched in the face (but I hadn’t been).  Tenderness across the bridge of the nose, and very sensitive should I “crinkle” my nose.   Monday was not the first day of this, it’d been like that for a couple days and it’s happened before, but on Monday, the weather changed, and with it came multiple sneezes and lots of congestion for me.  With a tender nose, this was not good times.   I took ibuprofen, I called the doctor (who said to take ibuprofen and an allergy pill).  I even tried the neti pot.  There was some relief but with the nose pain and the congestion, plus I took the one heavy duty allergy pill I had left, I wasn’t doing anything or going anywhere.  We’d been invited to Cathryn’s for a bbq.  Han went with DK.  I stayed on the couch.  I dozed heavily between chapters and matches.

On the one hand, it really sucked to feel laid up a bit.  But on the other hand, I relished it.  I didn’t email, I didn’t work, I didn’t busy myself.  That alone made it a good weekend.  I also tried to be really conscious of what I ate and drank.  Lots of water and single, smaller portions of whatever I was eating.  Han & I also talked about trying to walk every afternoon when I get home from work.  Small steps.

Today was DK’s first day of 7th grade at her new performing arts school.  She was not thrilled with all the rules and regulations that took up all of the class time, but her classes include theater, dance, English, world history, etc.  It’ll be good.

Han is up at another studio tonight working with a client on some piano tracks ’til late tonight.  Rafael Nadal just beat Monfils.  It may be time to get in a chapter or two (or five or six) and then answer some emails and do some other tasks for the music stuff.   Bona nit!

 

feast or famine

Since I posted almost every day in April, I thought that maybe I could not post at all in May…not really, it’s just nearly turned out that way. Sorry. Things have been a little hectic around here, with very little chance of smoothing out any time soon.

Honestly, this month has been very trying for me. Emotionally, financially, and physically.

All month I have felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do. Having a natural tendency toward laziness while at the same time a vigorous work ethic, I have been at odds with myself, spreading myself very thin and some people in my life have suffered the consequences. What’s worse is that I can’t seem to pull myself out of it. I mean I think I know all the ways that are supposed to work, but finding joy seems like a task unto itself. I am loaded on stress, whether it’s my job, the household, the music stuff, there seems to be very little respite. My mood swings have been dazzling and kind of scary.

The downturn in the economy has touched us and that’s never a good feeling. We are doing our best and have received some much appreciated help. I can only try my best to help get the ship righted a bit. See above re: stress.

And physically…I developed bursitis in my right shoulder. I actually went to the doctor (not my first choice usually) and was prescribed some strong anti-inflammatory medication. It seems to be working quite well.

All of this is not to say that I haven’t had some good days and good news this month:
- I spent some great quality time with my mom & dad at the beginning of the month and then just with my mom on Mother’s Day. That was seriously a fabulous day.
- I randomly headed down to Elevated where I witnessed how the little seed I helped to plant in the poetry scene some ten years ago has blossomed. I must say it was the strangest feeling sitting there, listening to these voices and knowing that I helped make it happen, and knowing that almost no one in the room knew who I was. That may sound sad, but it wasn’t. It was cool. And I did talk with a couple of the organizers (Ant Black and Christopher Wilson) who were very kind. I did read, too, and that is always a thrill.
- We pulled off successful back-to-back performances (as well as a show up in LA) to celebrate the release of the Acoustic Duo’s CD . The CD is being very well-received by the masses. They are traveling to Texas this weekend to perform at a huge festival that’s sure to further fuel the fire.
- DK landed a part in the Junior Theater production of Mulan Jr. which is very exciting. The show opens on June 26 and runs until July 12. We already have our tickets for opening and closing night and we’ll probably go to another show in between.
- I’ve kept up my reading (new books updated on my books page)
- We went to see “Angels & Demons” (I’m in serious need of bulking up my Flicks list)

So there’s good stuff. As my sister said, “You’ve got to punch a fun ticket every now and then.” And she’s right.

But what worries me is not seeming to be able to sustain the good mood, the happy attitude. What worries me is that I seem incapable of relaxing. I mean WTF? I mostly feel tired, jagged, coarse. Even when I try to plan relaxing things, I’m telling myself, “Okay, now is the time scheduled for relaxing.” That’s not how it’s supposed to work.

I usually am not this forthcoming about my personal well-being or state of mind on this blog. But I figure, the people I know who read this with any regularity are people who love me and who would want to know what’s going on with me, right?

So what’s ahead?
- Fast approaching is the release of the Rock Band’s CD (June 21) and there is a flurry of activity that accompanies such a thing. Many details that must be attended to.
- I have a reading on the 24th. A publication party for another anthology I was lucky enough to be selected for. It’s in National City which is kind of a drag, but I’ll get to see some friends (Robt!) who I haven’t seen in forever.
- Continued promotion and planning for Acoustic Duo and Rock Band gigs.
- Hopefully a pedicure if I can get the darn thing scheduled.
- and summer…I don’t know if I’ve looked forward to a season more than I am doing this year. I need the sun to soothe this stress and anxiety I have.

Sorry for the period of famine with regard to my posting. Here’s to more feasting.

 

where I’ve been

What was I saying before about the passage of time?  James Taylor sang that the “secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.”  I’m not sure about that, but I’m definitely a master of letting time slip by seemingly unnoticed!  So here’s a re-cap, broken up by subject so you can pick & choose what you’d like to learn about

Han’s Birthday
Han’s birthday was a great success.  In part because of the chocolate peanut butter cake I made from scratch.  Goodness!  I got the recipe here, and all her tips were much appreciated!  During the day, we went down to a club and did a photo shoot for the Rock Band’s album.  It was a fun time and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.  In the evening, we had some friends over at the house for a pre-party kind of thing before heading down to Ocean Beach to hear our friends, Deadline Friday, rock out Winston’s.  They even had Han up on stage on a song.  He got shots of Patron all night from friends and it was just a good time all around.  

Books
On the 8th, I went to book club and opinions were mixed on “Away.”  Now we’re reading “Missing Mom” and I’m not loving it. But I’m sticking with it.  I’m also reading “Water for Elephants” and already finished book 2 in the Harry Potter series.

Rubbing Elbows with…
On Tuesday, 3/10, I got to meet a couple people who are simply remarkable musicians: David Rawlings and Gillian Welch. I’ve been listening to their music for years.  Han and the various groups he plays with cover her songs.  They are responsible for much of the sounds that make up Ryan Adams’ ”Heartbreaker” album, one of my favorites of all-time.  Turns out our friend, Matt, went to high school with Dave and they’ve recently re-connected.  In fact, back in January he took Han up to LA with him to hang out with him.  So Han came home with these amazing stories of people he met and music that was played.  Serious wow.  So, Dave & Gillian are playing the Belly-Up as the Dave Rawlings Machine, and they’re fabulous.  They did his songs for the most part, none of which I knew, but they threw in some covers like “It Ain’t Me Babe” that were just awesome.  Then, they invited their friends, Sean & Sara Watkins to join them.  Those two got huge as part of Nickel Creek.  The 4 of them played some great tunes and it was a great night of music.  So afterward, we hung out.  We were there with Matt & his girlfriend, and some of our other friends who are big fans of this music.  Dave & Gillian both remembered Han and hugged him when they saw him. Then they were introduced to the rest of us and we spent probably a good 30 minutes talking and hanging out.  Very cool. 

Which leads me to Sunday, 3/15.  I had decided to make my way up to LA (Tarzana to be exact) to attend a reading that featured my friend, Mindy Nettifee.  Mindy & I were on the Laguna Beach slam team together way back in ‘99 and I adore her.  I have not seen her nearly enough in these last years and I thought this would be a great opportunity.  I threw the option out there to my folks to join me if they wanted to and my dad took me up on it.  He even offered to drive his super cool SSR.  Awesome.  I drove up to their house, then he & I took off for the reading, after I grabbed some lunch with my mom.  On the way up we talked about all kinds of stuff and I relayed the story above about going to the show and meeting Gillian.  He had heard of her from me, but was also familiar somewhat with her work on “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”  I was so glad he drove, I knew I would have been super tired if I’d driven that whole way.  So we get there and walk into the Tarzana Community Cultural Center and I kid you not, Gillian Welch and Sara Watkins are standing there!  I couldn’t believe it!  Sara was plucking away at a little guitar with a couple people standing around her and Gillian was among them.  I went up to her and said hello and asked if she remembered me from the show the other night.  She said yes and shook my hand (I think she’s incredibly adorable and very striking in person).  She said she was tagging along with Sara for the day and that’s why she was there, and I explained why I was there, certain I was being the biggest dork ever. 

I signed up for the open reading (spot # 2), then my dad & I got some seats in the back row.  It was pretty crowded.  I was observing mostly, seeing a couple other poets I knew from my more prolific performing days.  Soon, the event started and it was kicked off by Sara singing a song, then she had Gillian join her, and they did a couple more songs, including one that I recognized from the show on Tuesday.  Gillian just played guitar and did some backing vocals. When they were finished, it was time for the features.  And just as Mindy was taking the “stage”, Gillian moved in to sit in the seat next to mine!  She didn’t say anything and it was the only seat left in the place, but still!  I found it hard to give Mindy my full attention because I was hyper-alert as to Gillian’s reactions to what she was hearing.  I wanted her to “get” Mindy, and Mindy made it very easy to do.  She’s great, with a very distinct delivery style and content.  I admire her ballsiness about so much and of course, that she’s been able to sustain herself with writing.  After her set, the next feature, Eloise Klein-Healy got up to perform.  She is probably in her late 50s or 60s and quite a character.  I enjoyed her reading very much.  All the while, I noticed small things about Gillian: her fair skin, her funky cowboy boots, the shifting of her weight, her throaty, sincere laughter, her intent ear.  She embodies a coolness that I want to bottle.

As Eloise finished up and they announced the break, I worked up my nerve to ask Gillian if she was staying for the open reading.  She said she didn’t know and that she’d have to check with her ride and pointed toward Sara.  I said something like, “Well, I’m reading…” as if that would hopefully sway the decision.  Big dork.  At the break, I was able to catch up with Mindy as well as say hello to my other friends, Rick Lupert & Brendan Constantine.  Mindy & I went outside to get some air, she’s adorable and it was great to see her. She said she’d be interested in coming down to San Diego if I put a show or something together.  That’s good inspiration!

We headed back inside and I quickly saw that Sara & Gillian were still there.  And actually, Mindy started talking with them as the MC read my name as the first person to read (I had signed up for spot # 2, but no one had signed up for #1).  So I made my way to the mic slowly, hoping they would stop talking and listen.  I began my first poem (Two Beer Buzz) and could still hear their voices in the other room.  Then, about midway through, I saw Mindy sit down and Gillian lean up against the door with her head down, a gesture I’d noticed when she was sitting next to me that made me understand she was listening.  I tried to keep cool, but as I was speaking out loud and trying to “perform” all I could think was ‘Gillian Welch is listening to me read a poem!!’   I am a dork.   My writing of this, I realize, makes me sound a bit obsessed, but I wouldn’t say that.  More fascinated than anything.  Here was someone who I’ve always thought I could/would get along with if we ever met, and then there it is!  I felt somewhat desperate to leap over this first/second meeting awkwardness and get to the being friends part, to know each other.  But, that’s not how it works!

So I read my second poem (When You Go) and felt more in control.  There was the added bit of nerves to be reading in front of these LA poets who know their shit, and who I admire.  But the reception I got was favorable and I was pleased overall.  After a few more readers, the event was over and folks were making their way out.  I made sure to get to Mindy, but then also said goodbye to Gillian (I even called her ‘Gil’) who answered with a ‘good to hear you.’  Very cool.  Even cooler?  Mindy gave me a copy of her book Sleepyhead Assassins.  Sweet! 

Dad & I drove back to his house, and I stayed only a bit and then got back on the road.  And to cap off the great day, it was time for “The Seventh Day” on KLOS (95.5), a program where three albums are played cover to cover, old school style, taking a break after side one.  And on the docket that day was all U2.  So I drove back to San Diego listening to every word of “The Joshua Tree,” another of my all-time favorites.  Quite a successful day!

Weekly Tidbits
The next week included St. Patrick’s Day which saw DK & I head over to Matt & Joey’s house for a small get-together.  Han didn’t join us as he’s working on the Acoustic Duo album.

On Wednesday, we all went to get Han’s birthday present: an iPhone!  He loves it and is finding new apps to use every day.  It’s great, too, for practical reasons.  He can use it in the studio since his equipment is all Mac stuff and he can sync it up and do all kinds of cool things that will assist him with his work. 

On Friday night, Rock Band played a gig at the grand opening of Frankie the Bull’s BBQ restaurant. Frankie the Bull was on the 2nd season of Top Chef.  It was a fun night and the folks seemed to like ‘em.  Hopefully it will turn into some more gigs!

Visit from Mom & Dad & a show
On Saturday, my mom & dad came down to visit and we went out to lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, the Bay Park Fish Co. I thought it was pretty good.  Then we brought back Extraordinary Desserts (where we also ran into Barb & Rosa from my book club!)  It was a very nice visit.  The folks left around 4ish and then I lounged.  I think I overloaded on sugar and my body was not pleased with me.  So I just took it easy until it was time to head out for the Acoustic Duo show.  Once there, I still wasn’t feeling great, but I rallied and it was fine.  The show went well.  With the downturn in the economy, fewer people are coming out to shows, but the crowd was great and the guys had a good time playing some brand new songs for the good people.

Kitchen Capers
An update on some of the culinary treats I’ve created lately… 
- steak salad
- fiery “fried” chicken
- Swedish meatballs
- cheese enchiladas
- breaded pork
- shrimp quesadillas
Yum!

Looking forward to:
- Acoustic Duo heading to LA to master their record, coordinating the effort to get said record off to manufacturing!
- Rock Band playing two gigs on Saturday (IndieFest and Cheers in Ramona)!
- preparing for the opening of the next incarnation of Java Joe’s!
- more kitchen experiments!
- National Poetry Month!
- baseball!

Some Fantastic “Mommy Blogs”
Although I have never given birth, have never dreamed of it, and have no plans to do so,  I have been captivated by the stories I’ve read on some of my favorite blogs about their journeys into and of motherhood.  Whether it’s the irreverent dooce describing her 2nd pregnancy just as her new book is released (written about the experience the first time around), the lovely Boho Girl discovering a boundless love with her adopted son, the sassy Schmoopy reaping the quiet happy moments with her little darling daughter, or my own sister detailing her life as a working mom of a great 11 year old boy, these women are inspirations simply in putting their words out there.  But more than anyone, Christina has written some of the most beautiful posts about her experience in these days (a month now!) since her 2nd child was born.  I’ve been a fan of her writing in general since I discovered her blog, but there is an extra edge, an extra vibrancy to these “Sprout” posts that are truly remarkable.  Thank you, ladies!

Hope to write again sooner than later!  Thanks for your attention if you made it all the way to the end!

 

updates

Books and Flicks pages have been updated.  New post coming soon!

 

birthday eve

Happy day before your birthday, Han!

Keeping a blog can sure remind you of the passage of time.  Lots of other things, too, but when you come back here and you realize your last post was February 12th, you just can’t believe it.  And I was going along so well with my every other day routine.  And I was writing some good stuff (I thought).

I wish I could tell you that after that last post, I had rushed to my desk and written 5 new amazing poems.  But that didn’t happen. So what have I been doing since February 12th?

In two words, cooking & reading.  There’s been other stuff in between, but those are the two things that first come to mind. When Han & I were first living together, he was repeatedly astonished at my lack of culinary skill.  That’s not to say he expected me to be in the kitchen to make sure his supper was ready on time, but in my single days, I just didn’t really cook much.  It was a lot of pasta and real simple stuff.  Stuff that he didn’t love.  He loves to cook but doesn’t have a lot of time for it.  Since we’ve moved in to this house (almost a year ago already!), I’ve made it a goal of mine to take on a lot more of the cooking and meal planning.  With DK a vegetarian again, that throws a curve into it all, too, but it all seems to be going okay.  I rely heavily on the internet, but Han recently had the idea to ask our family and friends to give us 5 recipes each.  So, there it is: if you’re reading this, please send me 5 of your favorite recipes, or recipes from your homeland (Mom, Mia) so we can expand our evening meals.  That said, our friend, John (of the gumbo-making) is in the kitchen right now making his sweet & smothered pork chops.  He told us that he didn’t have recipes written down but that he’d come over and make it and tell us what he was doing as he went along.   Yum.

Here’s a short list of some of the more interesting things I’ve made over the last 3 weeks:
- chicken stroganoff
- cashew chicken
- shrimp burritos
- chicken parmesan
- fish vera cruz

Tomorrow I plan to bake a cake for Han.  A chocolate peanut butter cake.  From scratch.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

On the reading front, I finished two books and will probably finish my other two by Sunday. [I've been keeping my Books page updated.] I try to read every spare minute, even when I’m waiting at traffic lights!  I’ve found it quite easy to keep up with all of the different stories.  This Sunday is my book club meeting (to discuss Away) and we’ll select a new book.  I’ll probably pick up a couple additional ones, too.  I’m loving the library!!

What else?  Han’s Acoustic Duo played a Valentine’s Day house concert, which went very well.   I had a day off for President’s Day.  I was part of a reading to celebrate the publication of an anthology I’m published in (more on that in another post to come).  And my parents celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary!

Speaking of parent, on the 21st, I drove up to LA to and spent the night at my folks house while my sister, her husband and her son were there for the day before they got on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera the next day.  We had a really great time.  We went out to lunch (MT & I had sushi), then my mom, sister & I went to see “He’s Just Not That Into You” (not bad).  I hadn’t planned to spend the night, but they applied heavy family pressure (not usual!) and we were having a great time, so I stayed.  We had In ‘n’ Out for dinner, then Red, Mom & I played Scrabble.  For the first time in quite a while, my mom did not win.  Red won the first game (with really awesome words!) and I somehow managed to win the second game.   In the morning, Dad made chocolate chip waffles (nostalgic!), eggs, bacon and sausage.  We hung out a bit and then I hit the road.  A very awesome visit!

That Sunday was the Oscars and Han & I watched them.  We thought they were great, including Hugh Jackman.  I read some blogs on the Monday following the show that just panned them, but I thought they were lovely.  Hooray for Kate Winslet.  I’d like to drink a pint with her.

From there, it was your basic week, except it was Marcia’s birthday! She was playing a gig with Barbara downtown so we went down to help her celebrate.  Before we arrived though, we made a stop at another place, which I can’t name yet, as it’s not opened.  But it’s the return of an establishment where I spent many many hours and where I met many of the people currently in my life.  The new location is downtown and the owners were working on some demolition to prepare for the opening (they’re shooting for early April).  They even let me do some demo of my own.  It was curiously satisfying to put a hammer through some drywall and do some damage!   After that, we made it to the bar, where we ended up hanging out for a long time.  Han actually sat in with Barbara & her band so it’s not like I could just leave (and not that I wanted to!).  It was a fun evening.  The night after that (the 27th for those keeping track), Han’s Rock Band had a gig which is always a good time.   

And then it was March!  This week marked the official start of the recording for the Acoustic Duo’s next album.  It will be a quick project, they have a mastering date set for the end of the month.  We want to have them ready for a festival they’re on in May in Texas.  I’m really looking forward to the record and all the hoopla that goes with it. 

Also, the Rock Band’s record is also progressing now.  Han is laying down his vocal tracks this week (sandwiched in between his various other projects).  Both these records will be coming out around the same time which should be interesting promotion-wise.  We’ll have to plan our attacks strategically so we don’t cannibalize the projects and the relatively limited availability of promoting avenues.

What else?  Han’s birthday is tomorrow!  The day is starting with a Rock Band photo shoot for the record.  I’ll make the cake and probably some other food.  We’ll have some people over then head to OB to catch our friends playing down at Winston’s.  Later that week, we’ll head to the Belly-Up to catch David Rawlings Machine (and Gillian will be there, too).  I plan to drive up to Tarzana the weekend after to see my old friend, Mindy, at a reading.  My nephew’s birthday is coming up too so I gotta get something in the mail for him.  A few Rock Band gigs.  An Acoustic Duo gig. And then I’m looking at April.  Somewhere in there, I have to also prepare my taxes (easy) and work on the ones for Han and his multiple businesses (hard), schedule my spa session, ship some stuff, set up my external hard drive, catch up on my Late Night with Jimmy Fallon shows as well as the U2 performances on Letterman, upload my photos to flickr, and of course, cook and read

 

beginnings of unwritten blog posts in my head

- DK’s room is finished and I must give her credit on the color selection.  Han & I thought it would too dark, but it totally works.  I’ll post before & after pics soon.

- Had a fun time at the house concert.  This guy always has such a great spread in the green room. Lamb/beef meatballs, shrimp, salmon, lots of wine & beer, veggies, brie, so much good stuff.  Han plays percussion with this performer and these shows are always fun.  The performer is getting ready to head back to his “other job” up in SF, so getting to hang with him while we can is good.

- The family gathering has come & gone and it was, by all accounts, a rousing success.  My parents finally met Han’s (well, one half of them anyway).  I found out later that Han’s dad asked my dad when Han & I would be getting married.  I think my dad handled it well (‘they seem to be doing just fine…’) and later Han’s dad & stepmom hinted at wanting more grandkids to which we firmly told them to not expect them from us.
The gumbo that John made was spectacular, and bonus, we bought a rice cooker for the occasion and now we have that in our kitchen arsenal. Overall, it was a good time and I think everyone was glad they could be there.

- Obama’s inauguration was splendid.  We watched it at work, which was cool.  When I got home from work, I watched the speech again since Han had recorded it.  Awesome.

- C came over for an Acoustic Duo meeting.  Work has begun for their 5th record.

- Got a letter from Mary and wrote her back for her birthday.  Forgot to tell her that “yes!” I want another quilt.

- Last show of the music season in Fallbrook.  Thought of maybe going up to Long Beach to see some old poetry friends but decided to close out the season with these good music friends.

- Sitting in the audience of the “Year in Ink” publication party, I couldn’t help but contemplate the many people I still know in the poetry world of San Diego.  And how comfortable I feel in it.  I almost want my hair to be more dissheveled and haphazard because I’m a poet and it makes me look more like one. Some good readers, some okay, some new faces, some happily familiar ones.  It feels good to be published in this fine book, only 30 poems out of 400 submissions made it in.

- Han is sick.  Things are unbalanced.  I realize that I often feel quite uninspired.

- Have been watching the Australian Open.  Love tennis.

- Stayed home while Han’s Rock Band had a gig.  I began to compile a catalog of all of my poems, which ones have been published, and where.  For those that I didn’t have a copy of saved to my computer, I typed out and saved them.  It was quite the journey to return to some of those past poems and recall the girl/woman/dreamer who first wrote them.   Is she still here?

- Fun Superbowl party at Cathryn & Jonny’s.  Han won $50 on some pool.  Lots of munchies and the return of the best eggrolls in the world.

- The beginning of February and another opportunity to start over with the goals for the year.  How will they manifest themselves this month?  And how well did I do in January?

- Made some updates to the blog.  Added some new pages, updated the Flicks & Books pages.  Contemplating how to incorporate my old house concert stuff here.

 

what’s in store

I’ve made a couple updates to two of my other pages.  I changed “Reading…” to “Books” and changed “Listening to…” to “Flicks.”   Check ‘em out if you’re so inclined.

I’ve also taken some time to put together a few lists.  Like my sister, I’m a big list-maker.   So I have a 2009 Goals list, a Mondo Beyondo list of sorts and a Mondo Beyondo travel list.

I didn’t make an MB list last year, though I thought about it.  And the one I created this year may be somewhat tame but I can always revise, add, delete etc.  I give myself permission to let it evolve over time : )  I did feel that I had to split it into two lists, one for overall dreams and one for travel.  The travel one incorporates places that Han has expressed interest in visiting too so it’s a combined list. Now that I think about it, I’ll probably make the MB lists have their very own page.

But first for 2009.  These range from the tangible to the ephemeral. Some may overlap here and there. Stay with me.  I’ll try to elaborate somewhat on the ways in which I would consider the less concrete ones to be successful.

1. Be active and healthy.
It’s no secret that getting up and moving your body makes you feel better.  I’m sad to say that my latest bout of inactivity (all of 2008 pretty much) causes the activity I do engage in to be more painful than pleasant and I’m tired of it.  I can make myself more aware of my body and do the things (big & small) to make it feel better:  walk, drink more water, eat more fruits & veggies, minimize portions, reduce sodas & sweets, stretch.  I’m allowing this goal to be far-reaching in its scope without pigeon-holing it into one specific success point (like a weight loss goal or to join a gym).  If those things come about due to this goal, great.  If not, I am counting on myself to find other ways to support it.

2. Focus on self-care.
Here’s the first instance of overlap.  Self-care goes hand in hand with being healthy.  But for me, this is more than just a health point. In the past, I’ve felt guilty if I took time to read some pages from a book.  I would beat myself up because I thought I should be doing something more productive.  My goal is to move beyond that self-criticism and acknowledge that hey, I love to read.  It soothes me, inspires me and can help change my mood. That’s some important shit!  And ultimately, not only helps me but everyone in my world.  If I’m happier overall, I’m much more likely to be pleasant to be around.  So that’s the point of self-care.  And as I referred to in an earlier post, I want to try to make it less about blocking time for “me” time, but simply incorporating the things that make me smile into the course of my day so it feels more natural and not forced.

3. Read 25 books.
Again with the overlap.  But you see how it fits in.  I would also like that list of 25 to include the entire Harry Potter series since I’ve not read any of them and I’m ready to take them on.

4. Travel.
Han will be going to Texas this spring with his Acoustic Duo and I would love to go along.  I’ve also talked with my sister about possibly meeting up somewhere in the US to take in a ballgame.  And who knows what else?  But this goal is always going to be on my list.

5. Get published outside of San Diego.
Here’s one with some specificity but still broad.  This goal will require some research and some discipline.  I’ve been published outside of SD before but I’m interested in organizing myself to a point where I can easily see that publication list and what poems are off the possibility list.  I’m interested in seeing what’s out there right now.  And I will also say that I will submit for both online & print but for me, print still seems more legitimate, as far as poetry standards.  Maybe that’s just me.

6. Find magic in each day.
Right.  What? This is my attempt to re-connect with my power of observation.  Something that once seemed so keen but has dulled.  This one is very subjective obviously.  It’s a reminder to myself to not get all hung up on the routine of daily living and to notice what’s going on around me.

7. Write.
Simple enough, right? Blog.  Journal.  Poems.  Letters.  Songs.  Emails. I’ve got plenty of words at my disposal.  I want to get familiar with them again.

8. Music business management & growth.
The Acoustic Duo, Rock Band and Studio will all need continued attention this year.  The AC and RB are both releasing albums this year so that will entail a lot of PR work.  The Studio will be launching its revamped website soon, too, and we’ll do some PR around that as well.  Should make for an exciting year!

9. New direction for Meeting Grace.
Since I’m no longer hosting house concerts, my website for the series has languished with inactivity since April.  I don’t want to give up the domain name (it’s up for renewal this month), but I’m not sure what to do with the site.  This goal is probably the one that needs the most immediate attention and the one I have the least idea about.  Any suggestions?

10. See 52 movies I’ve never seen before.
Thus the new “Flicks” page.  I love movies.  Especially good ones.  Since I don’t get much opportunity to actually go out to movies, I’ll rely on cable and the DVR for a majority of this one.  I should stipulate that this means that I watch the whole movie, preferably unedited, from start to finish.  That’s one movie a week.  I think I can do it

That’s it for 2009.  I’m excited about it!

And since this post has gotten long, I’ll just link to the new Mondo Beyondo page for you to check out my big dreams!

 

goodbye 2008

So this year sucked in a lot of ways. Every year always has its ups and downs but this year seemed like every time there was an up, the down was like a swift kick in the gut followed by a pummeling that left me exhausted for weeks.

As so many other blogs are doing (and why wouldn’t they), there are various re-caps, summing ups and favorites lists to send 2008 on its way. I will not deviate from that much, but I’ll first give my thoughts on some things I’m thinking about as the new year is but hours away for me.

My sister already has her “resolutions” in place. I put that word in quotations only because it’s become such a cliche. They are goals, things to look forward to, simple accomplishments and major ideas. As she said, “I have everything from “Eat at the Red Iguana” to “end the year lighter than I started it.”” I have not yet committed anything to paper or planner or blog, but the overall sense I have for 2009 in relation to making it a good year is self care. (did you see that, Mom?) I want to be more aware of the ways I can take care of myself so that I can be more joyous, more free, more loving, etc. These things, like so much in life, are big and small. A pedicure, a walk, a guilt-free day of reading, a movie, health…

There are other thoughts I have for ‘09 but that is the one that has been resonating the most these last few days. And the more I think about it, the more I realize that I have not fully committed to that concept this year, as much as I thought I was at some points. I need to find a way to integrate it into my daily life so that it’s not just about “me” time, but a shift in how I tackle all of my tasks. This realization has been slow-coming but, if successful, will help align a lot of things that frequently seem out of whack.

So on to the ‘08 re-cap. And speaking of “resolutions”, let’s look back at what I envisioned for this year:

1. Reduce my impact on the earth.
2. Read 20-25 books.
3. Get back to my poetry roots.
4. Better prepare for the holidays.
5. Take a couple trips.
6. Release “Best of Meeting Grace” volume 2
7. Acoustic Duo goals:
- book and route tours of TX, NoCal, Northwest and midwest
- book locally
- help coordinate recording of 5th studio album

8. Rock band goals:
- work to increase visibility of band
- help coordinate recording of 1st album
- book locally and potentially regionally

9. Studio goals:
- develop word of mouth campaign to attract new clients

# 1 (Reduce my impact on the earth.) was not as successful as I’d hoped. I do remember to take my own bags to the grocery stores if I’m planning a shopping trip, but the impromptu trips after work were not as “green” as I’d hoped. I also did not lose any weight, but instead probably gained some.

I got very close to accomplishing goal # 2 (Read 20-25 books.) I read 19 books this year which I’m thrilled about. I finished both books I was reading (The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and The Almost Moon) on Monday and thought I could speed-read one more to make my goal but it’s not going to happen. Still, I loved this reading goal and it will make a return appearance for ‘09.

Goal # 3 (Get back to my poetry roots.) started out strong. I had some readings this year, I wrote some new work, and I was published a couple times. All of that in itself is really great and I’m proud of it, but I guess compared to my more prolific “early” years, I may have been a bit too far-reaching in this goal. I need to understand that my place in and my stamina for the poetry scene I once flourished in is a journey that’s come to a close. That is not to say my writing is finished or anything, but I just need to shape it into something else. Maybe it’s not about attending readings, maybe it’s about being published more and finding a new connection to other poets who are out there. I have some ideas about this one as well for ‘09. Stay tuned.

I think I did pretty good with goal # 4 (Better prepare for the holidays.) Throughout the year I kept a list of gift ideas and a wish list (sometimes they overlapped). I also completed a homemade poem-a-month calendar (limited edition) for my immediate family which had been a goal of mine in ‘07 that crashed & burned. The CD we did for our family and friends was also really fun and very well-received. My shopping was done by early December and I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I will admit that I never felt the Christmas spirit and I’m sad about that. That is not to say I was unhappy or ungrateful, but there is just something in the season that I usually always feel and this year it did not shine through. This was another good goal and I bet I can improve on it for ‘09.

# 5 (Take a couple trips.) was accomplished. I heart traveling and wish I had the disposable income to back it up as much as I would like. And although some of the trips we thought we’d take at the beginning of the year didn’t actually happen, the fates still played roles in taking me (and sometimes Han & DK) to some interesting locations. Places I went in 2008:

- Las Vegas (June)
- Julian (June)
- Mansfield, Missouri (July)
- Clinton, Iowa (October)
- Redding, CA (November)
- Chico, CA (November)
- San Francisco, CA (November)
- various trips to LA over the year

It looks like there will be Texas, at least, in 2009, and maybe (hopefully) more.

# 6 (Release “Best of Meeting Grace” volume 2) was accomplished and with it came the close of Meeting Grace itself, the house concert series I had started in 2000. I miss it in some ways, but don’t in a lot of others. The compilation CD is awesome and I’m so glad to have the memories that each performance brings.

The Acoustic Duo goals for # 7 were mostly accomplished. They toured in the midwest and NorCal and made appearances at conferences in Texas and Arizona that will help boost their schedule in ‘09. Their local bookings all were great and they are still at work on that 5th album. It will be a high priority in early ‘09.

The Rock Band goals for # 8 were general and thus more “easy.” They played regularly in town, but LA is still a tough nut to crack. They are also still in the process of recording that first album which will make ‘09 a year for release parties and hopefully some good press.

# 9’s studio goals was solitary as it is a work in progress. The name changed and a new website is in the works. Clients have been steady and should only continue as Han continues to produce amazing sounding records. All of the music business goals will remain in place with hopes to be more strategic and prepare sooner for 2010, especially with regard to the Acoustic Duo.

And that’s that. Of course, aside from the goals I set for myself, there were some other happenings (minor & major) of 2008 in my small world.

- we staged two large Acoustic Duo shows with 350+ at each (February & August)
- I volunteered as a community reader at an elementary school in Chula Vista (February)
- hosted last Meeting Grace show (March)
- we moved (April)
- Rob & Paulette’s wedding (April)
- new babies for Laurel & Lee (April), Devon & Anna (July) & Rob & Paulette (September)
- hosted a fundraiser benefit show for Eric Lowen of Lowen & Navarro who has ALS that raised over $2,000 (April)
- all the family (including Mia) visit (April)
- Junior Theatre performances with DK : Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (crew – May) and CATS (pit singer – November)
- meeting many of Han’s close friends from high school at a memorial for his friend Paul (May)
- Jonny & Cathryn’s wedding (June)
- Robert Plant & Allison Kraus concert (June)
- Jenny & Brad’s wedding (July)
- Han getting Amy Tan’s autograph for me (September)
- visiting Alcatraz and seeing Lucinda at the Fillmore (November)
- Disneyland twice while it’s decorated for the holidays, once with S, T, Han & DK and again with just Han (November & December)

And in the larger world we share, the economic fall-out has been the story of the year, but I’d rather focus on the jubilation of electing Barack Obama as the next president of the United States and look forward to 1-20-09 when he is inaugurated.

Finally, I can’t possibly sum up this year without speaking about the deaths of family and friends, acquaintances and others that all happened this year. As of today, the count is 11 as another soul left us yesterday. Julie was a close friend of DK’s mom and a very special person to DK herself having known her since she was a small girl. I had met Julie a couple times when we had gatherings for DK’s birthday in the past. May she rest in peace along with:

Paul Lowry
Craig Yerkes
“Papa” Herman Light
Brendan Moran
Dan Ely
Wanda Light
Scott Zensen
Lorna “Doone” Hamilton
Cindy’s mom
Dave “Smitty” Smith

This ended up being a very long post but hey, I’m re-capping a whole year! Here’s wishing you (and me!) a more prosperous, more health-filled, more life-affirming, more positive, more productive, more rockin’, more loving, more blissful new year and may it all start right away!

 

December mornings

With NaBloPoMo wrapped up (I think I missed just a couple days), the question is whether the daily posting will continue.  I will say like I’ve always said.  I will try to post more regularly but I doubt it will be every day.

The final weekend of November and of the Thanksgiving holiday saw the return of the book club.  Barb had invited a couple new women so we are now back to a festive 6 which should engage in some great discussions.  The book that was selected is “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” which I have yet to acquire.  It is hardcover and has been given the nod from Oprah so it’s impossible to find at any library.  I may have to bite the bullet and just buy this one.  I am told I won’t regret it.

Our holiday plans are coming together, which is nice.  Han & I will travel to see my parents on Christmas Eve.  My dad’s sisters and brother will also join us there.  It will be good to spend that time with them.  Last year was the first time I hadn’t spent the holiday with my family and it was a little sad for me, though I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Florida and Georgia to see Han’s mom and her family.  Plus Jeff was able to see his grandpa and I know that meant a lot to him.

We will also be making a trip to Disneyland with DK.  That will most likely be our main “gift” to each other.  Two days in the Magic Kingdom will be awesome.

This week (Thursday) is my company’s holiday party.  Han is going with me this year.  It is still supposed to be formal, but with 2200 people there, I doubt they will be monitoring wardrobe at the door.  It’s one of those obligatory things you have to do when your employer asks it of you.  It’s certainly not my favorite thing.  The bonus though is that I will get Friday off, which I will not complain about.

Happy December!

 

another relaxing day

I could get used to this!  Got up relatively early to go grocery shopping.  It was a beautiful morning, sun shining but a small bite to the air.  I did realize today that I prefer my local Vons to my local Ralphs, but I had some coupons to Ralphs so that’s why I went there.  Probably won’t do that again though.

After that, I hung out at home and did some of that cleaning I’ve been threatening to do.  Bathroom, kitchen, living room.  Han helped by doing the vacuuming which I don’t love to do.  Then we watched “Fiddler on the Roof” which I had never seen.  I made it through most of it, only dozing a couple times.

And now we are about ready to head out to a gig that Han is playing, not with Acoustic Band or Rock Band but as percussionist and guitarist for another act.  It’ll be fun.  It’s the first of two nights at this same venue, so we’ll be doing the same thing again tomorrow.

But also tomorrow, it’s the return of Book Club!  It’s been quite a while since we last met so I’m excited if only to hang out with Heather and Barb again.

Tomorrow is also the last day of NaBloPoMo.  I’m pretty proud of myself for doing as well as I did!  And there are still several blog posts floating around in my head that I want to get to, so we’ll see how December goes.