I woke up this morning very early (3 AM) and my cat decided that was good enough time to get up and play and snuggle. So from then until about 6:30 she snuggled, and purred, and licked my face. Sometimes I think she thinks she is a dog. She has never been around dogs. Needless to say, I am a little tired. Its also very very warm here. The temp never really dropped over night, so when I woke up it was 73 degrees already. Humidity is at 93% at least it was at 6:45. I love it. Every bit of it. Oh and the cat? She was going to sleep when I left.

It was a nice Easter weekend here down south. Having the house to oneself is always nice. I sat outside at the park reading for a bit on Friday afternoon....watched a few movies, and then got ready for the Bonerama show. Mark had asked me to be there at 10:30, and they would go on at 11:15. I got there at 10:28 PM as the streetcar was taking its time...and then I had to walk part way. The first band came on right after I got there, I said hi to Bert, Doug, and a few Bonerama fans that I have gotten to know at the gigs. Mark and Kelly came in well I don't know what time it was....I didn't talk to Mark till after the show, although he and Brian waved from the stage when telling people to come see me for the merch. LOL I got to hang with Kelly for a long time, she came back behind the counter and hung out. She told me about her fasination , rather obsession with football. She again had me in hysterics. Too bad Mark wasn't in the mood to play after the show when he called looking for her. Tracey Freeman was in the crowd as well....Kelly pointed him out and after the show he was in the dressing room talking to Craig when we went up. It was a great show....they all did seem a little tired though. I am really looking forward to the French Quarter Fest gig, it should be fun one! Saturday I didn't move until almost 1:30. Then all I did was go grocery shopping, and got caught in a downpour. I didn't even go to Donna's!!! Yesterday I did go out to the Quarter and saw the Easter Parade. Pam who owns Tropical Isle/Funky Pirate was on one of the floats and she threw me some bunny beads and a stuffed bear. And right behind their float was the Storyville Stompers. Nothing like listening to the Stompers on a sunny Sunday afternoon!!

Well I had a adventure during lunch. I had heard a few times from the security guards in my building that there is a table out behind our building. To get to it, you have to go down the stairs in the back. Keep the door propped open because it locks. Today being a wonderful spring day, I decided to have my lunch out there. I found the staircase they had told me about and went down, I get to the "back" door and it has one of those big signs, EMERGENCY ONLY ALARM WILL SOUND. I didn't that it would be a good idea to go out it, so I went back up the stairs, deciding to eat in the kitchen. The door at the top of the stairs is locked. Thats right. LOCKED. I stood there for a second, thought about going out the back door anyway and setting off the alarm. I had luckily just grabbed my cell phone before I walked out, so I called Allison who was covering the front desk for me. After we both finished laughing hyserically, she sent Debra and Erin to come and retrieve me. This back staircase isn't well known....so they did the full circle of the floor until they found it. So I was saved. I think I will stay away from that area from now on!

I am a giddy little girl right now. And a total dork. So my first celebrity crush was on Wil Wheaton. You know from Stand By Me (Gordie),Star Trek: Next Generation, Toy Soldiers, and other various TV/Movie roles. A few years ago, I saw an article in the USA Today that he had a blog. So I went and checked it out, to see what he has been up too. While he still does acting he is mainly an writer now. And a good one. He put out a book called "Dancing Barefoot" which was some expansions on some of the blog entries he had done. Anything from his family life (wife and 2 stepsons) to Star Trek experiences. It was a short book, and I read the whole thing in like an hour. Have read it several times since it came out. I had ordered it off his website, and about 2 days after I received it, I got another copy. So I emailed Wil, mentioning I got 2 copies and only charged for one, would he like me to send it back or charge me for the second copy? Not thinking I would get an answer. Boy was I suprised when I did get one! Hey Stacey, From time to time I screw up and send two books when I mean to send one. It looks like this happened with you. Since it's my fault, you have a bonus book to do with whatever you'd like. :) Thanks for letting me know . . . I *really* need to get that database running, so I can keep track of stuff. W seriously...that rocked. ( I sent the extra copy to Sarah) It was almost as cool as the time I saw him in Disneyland. I was a freshman in HS and my best friend Vanessa and I were spending spring break in So. CA with her parents. It was getting to be the end of night, and we got in line for the Haunted House ride, AGAIN. There was a group of about 4 kids in front of us, 3 guys and 1 girl. 2 of the guys and the girl were paying close attention to one guy, who was listening to a baseball game on a small radio, he was giving them the play by play. It was Wil Wheaton. I about had a fit. I couldn't say anything but hit Vanessa and point and stare. We get up to the ride, and Wil , one of the guys and the girl get in one car and then the operator puts the other guy with Vanessa and I. I don't think I said a word that entire time. After the ride was over, they all went their way and I still stared. I was in mild shock. Anyway, about a year ago he put out another book "Just a Geek" this one was longer and was more of an autobiography. I got through that book pretty quickly as well. He is the kinda writer that tells stories that just kind of capture you. Even the true life kind of stories. And of course he posts pretty regularly on his blog. He recently had an appereance on CSI, a show I never watch, but tuned in to catch him. He posted about that experience, his writing gigs, and some segments he just taped for a VH1 show, lately his posts have been about his sick cats. Today, his post was about the Beat Generation, and he talks about loving Jazz music. (this is were the dork part of me comes in) now from time to time I will post in his comments section, but thats it. Today, I emailed him. I told him to go listen to WWOZ and hear some New Orleans Jazz, I even managed to slip in a mention about Bonerama. He FREAKIN EMAILED ME BACK ALREADY. I didn't expect a reply, cuz my email wasn't really about anything, he gets TONS everyday, and he is a pretty busy guy. Hey Stacey, Thanks for the suggestion! I've got a pile of live Wilco shows to listen to, but as soon as I get through them, I'll tune in to wwoz. Thanks :) Wil Man. Something so simple can put a freakin smile on my face that will last through the day.

I so hate allergies. I had an "attack" last week at this time. And here it comes again. I thought it was just something in Arizona.....it may have been and its something different here. I woke up feeling as though I hadn't slept at all, head all stuffy and achy muscles. The achy muscles are from walking however. I have been walking lately. Friday night I walked for 2 hours...last night only an hour and a half. I took a few asprin and am waiting for them to kick in. I don't have any energy right now, isn't it suppose to be opposite, when working out more,to have more energy? Thats what I thought anyway. I will get through the day with the thought, I don't have to work on Friday, both my roommates are out of town this weekend, and there is a Bonerama show on Friday.

Lets see how was Phoenix? It was fun....I mean how can you NOT have fun sitting in the sun, drinking beer watching baseball? In the middle of the day. The first day, Tuesday was dad's birthday. The day started out early, around 7 AM as my sister got up and started feeding the animals. She has 3 dogs, 2 cats, 5 birds and 3 turtles. Its the vet in her, what can I say. Well that morning she had to go the drs, so the morning ritual started early, and Merlin, the big parrot is NOT quiet in the morning. So we all ended up getting up. I shared a room with Felix, a big drooling cat. yes he drools, but he is soooo loving that you just don't care. My parents had brought their dogs so we had 5 dogs in the house. Later that morning, Lisa and mom had left to go to her appt, then to Costco. Dad left to go have their car looked at since they were having issues with the coolent. I had the lovely job of vacuming up, and taking Cricket the little 7 1/2 old puppy out every 10 mins. She is so tiny and cute!! After everyone got home we headed out to the game. Our seats were even with third base, behind the Mariners dugout. Scott (Lisa's hubby) showed up in about the 5th inning as he had to work till then. The Mariner's won, with a very impressive game by one of my favorite pitchers Jamie Moyer. I took a few pics with dad's camera, which doesn't have zoom, that action shot of Jamie would have been so cool if I had had zoom. We went back to the house after the game and started cooking. We had the BEST dinner..BBQ steaks, mushrooms, corn on the cob, salad, potatos, and of course a birthday cake for dad. Lisa's neighbors came over with their dog, and stayed for dinner, later some more of her friends showed up. The next day it all kind of repeated, we got out to the stadium early so my mom could shop for some new Mariner's shirts. This time our seats were on the opposite side, above the San Fran Giats dug out, but more towards the outfield. I unfortunelty was suffering from some major sinus/allergy thingy which didn't let me enjoy the game to the fullest. The Mariners did win, again with some awesome pitching. Gil Meche started (he is from Louisiana) later there was this awesome guy in....and dang it if I can't remember his name. I know he pitched for the Rainers last year. He was awesome. After the game we headed to Hooters for beer and wings....then back home where dad and I sat out in the sun and read for awhile. And that was about it. I was on the plane at 8 AM on Thursday and at work on Friday. I was a little crazy on Friday and decided to walk home. It was a nice evening and Carrie was at home sick. So I walked...it took 2 hours but boy did it feel good. The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet, Saturday I did some major cleaning and did laundry. Yesterday I watched some movies, slept and read. So exciting...but obviously much needed.

The weekend was a blast. And I am dead tired to prove it. I have a feeling I will be sleeping a lot on the plane tonight. Perhaps I will stay awake long enough to finish my book....its really good, but everytime I would try to read yesterday, I would doze off. Tried watching a movie, I would doze off. All that dozing I should be awake today right? Nope. I would fall asleep for anywhere from 2 mins to 10 mins. Just enough to make me even more tired. However it was allllll worth it.
Friday started with a few drinks at work, the beer delivery came around 4:30, along with the oreos I requested. Around 5:30, I headed out to see where Jay and Brandi were. I decided that it had been awhile since I had seen my favorite bartender, Eric, so I was gonna stop by Papa Joe's (the new TI) Well he wasn't there. The last time I had seen him was MG, and a few weeks ago, Marti had asked if I had seen him lately. So I wasn't sure if he was even working. So I got a beer and headed on my way down Bourbon. As I passed by the big TI, I saw Eric outside on the balcony working. It seemed odd to go in there since I have never been in that one, so I didn't go in. I called Jay to say I was on the way and would be there in a few. He said that they were on the balconly at Margaritaville, and Craig was standing below them with his trombone. I didn't know that Craig was doing the St.Patty's day parade, so it was nice to see him. I think he thought it was odd, when I was talking to him and I said, "I am here to meet Jay and Brandi, we haven't officially met yet, Jay's on connick.com" We watched the parade...all 5 horse drawn carriges and the Storyville Stompers pass by. By then Jay and Brandi had come down to the street. We proceeded to wander the quarter stopping for beer along the way, and their cute little apartment that they were renting for the trip. By the time we left there, the parade was just finishing, right at the beginning. We chatted with Craig a bit more, then headed out for food and some drinks. Of course I suggested Papa Joe's. When we walked in, Pam the owner was there so we chatted for a bit. And in walked Eric. It was a nice suprise. He then took me down to the Funky Pirate to see "something trippy" That would be Jason. He is now bartending there. I couldn't stop laughing, it was kinda funny to see him there behind the bar and not at the door. It was an early night...I was home by 1:30. I spent the day outside reading and relaxing. Then headed out to Donna's to see Leroy play. Jay and Brandi were there for the first set...when they left I went over to where Carol and Katja were sitting. We got to experience a lovely NOLA moment together. This guy came in during the second set, already drunk and high, he was there to sketch the band. He knocked over two beers, and ran out of money. He kept shouting and yelling after the songs and the solos. And his sketches...well I could have done what he did. He kept asking us "where are you from" and "let me introduce myself" over and over again. He even drew in the men's bathroom. He left right before the last few songs...which made everyone applaud. Mark Braud showed up and played with them on the last song, he was in a tux and looked mighty mighty nice. Although his drink for the night was cosmos. Katja and I had a good laugh over that. I didn't get home till late that night....or was it early yesterday morning. I think I will have to go with morning.....it was around 4:30 when I got home. Now just a few more hours of work and then I am off to Phoenix.

My dear dear friends Tom and Kristina welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world on Sunday March 6th at 8:20 PM. They have named him Riley Patrick. It was a pretty mad dash from what I was told. Kristina's water broke while she was home alone. Luckily her neighbor was home and was able to drive her to the ferry, where they had a spot held on a VERY full boat. Tom was across the water already in Everett getting their oldest son Jack. They got to the hospital around 6:00 PM where Tom was waiting. Just over two hours later...there was Riley. Easy compared to Jack's birth which was somewhere around 20 hours. I am so so so happy for them...and the pics of him are adorable. I hope that I can see them again soon before both boys get too much bigger. I know it will take me visiting Seattle for me to see them. I really don't see them venturing this way anytime soon...and when they do come...for some reason I don't see them bringing the boys.

I am getting ready to go and spend a few days with mom, dad, my sister and bro-in-law in Phoenix. Can't wait to take in a few spring training games. Have to get my Mariner's baseball anyway I can. On that sports note....the Montana Grizzlies made it to the big dance!! They find out on Sunday who they are playing in the first round, however basketball is NOT our strong sport. For any of the Big Sky teams. I think Weber State has been the only team to advance to the sweet 16. At least I think that's how far they got. Usually the Big Sky teams are beaten in the first round, usually pitted against a top 1 or 2 seeded team. Maybe with the new coach, Larry Krystkowiak, they may be able to make it a bit further. I remember seeing him play when I was young. That was back oh man....I don't remember. We moved when I was 10, but it was before then when we used to watch him play. He even made it to the NBA for awhile...eventually knee problems knocked him out of the game. So I am gonna keep my fingers crossed that they do well. The fact that I get to rub into my bro-in-law that the Griz beat the Cats (Montana State) to make it here after losing the first 2 meetings will be awesome.

What a weekend!! The Bonerama show on Friday was amazing, of course. They sounded just fantastic....love it when everyone is there. Got to chat a bit with the ever hilarious Kelly Mullins. She had me in stitches!! It is always nice to see her. I was up for 24 hours....and couldn't even tell!! Although when I woke up the next morning...or rather later that morning...I was not feeling up to par. I finally got moving around noon, although I had been up at 10:30. I got on the streetcar and made it to Craig's solo gig around 2:10....they had already started playing and the place was PACKED. I was happy and suprised to see Leroy there, and of course Doug Belote. Doug had a wisdom tooth out and was still in pain....he said he was glad that the new drummer was able to sit in for Bonerama the night before cuz he wasn't able to do it.....he was also really nervous to be playing with Leroy. Both Leroy and Craig were full of praise for him afterwards and Leroy said he would most likely give him a call to play with him at some point. Leroy invited me out to Donna's later that night....told me to come by after the CM show..."no matter what time" however I was tooo dang tired after the CM show to go. Roger Ingram was in town doing some gigs...and he was gonna stop by Donna's. I will just have to go this weekend. Yesterday I just went to the grocery store and watched movies all day. I couldn't even read....I had no energy!!

I just booked my flight to Phoenix!!! I can't wait now to see my parents, sister and BIL. It is gonna be a super quick trip as I can't take too much time off right now. I am getting there late on Monday the 14th and leave first thing on the 17th. So really just 2 full days. I get to see 2 Seattle Mariners spring training games, which I am of course excited about.

Liza is doing well. She didn't have her surgery until 3:00 yesterday afternoon. As a result, when I went to pick her up, she was still pretty drugged up. Getting her out of the carrier became quite a task as she had her butt up against one side so all she could get out was her head. Liz and I had to take the carrier apart to get her out. She stayed pretty drugged the rest of the night. She did give me a few growls at one point when she tried to move and I was petting her. She slept until 2:30 AM, when she was feeling better. She made her way to the kitty box and did her business. I couldn't get her to eat or drink anything. Well thats not true. She ate 2 pieces of food. I had her on the floor in her fluffy little bed, and being the worry wart I am...I slept on the floor next to her. At one point after her venture to the kitty box she curled up next to me and purred for a bit and kneeded my face. She fell asleep again around 3:30...I however could not fall back asleep. :( This morning when I got up to shower, Liza was alert...laying in her bed. She didn't want me to go to work....she climbed up on my lap ( I was again on the floor) and kept licking my face and purring.....her stiches look good, although I am worried about her pulling on them. She is cleaning alot in that area. Liz called a little while ago and said she was doing good and purring alot. So that is a good sign. I am hoping she will let me take a nap when I get home. Otherwise its gonna be a long one.

First and foremost....Happy Anniversary to my mom and dad who today are celebrating 32 years of marriage. Thats a loooong time to be with someone, and to still be happy and in love? Heck that is something I am not sure I will ever experience. They have been through a lot together, and are still pretty darn young. As a matter of fact, Dad will be 51 on the 15th of this month and mom will be 49 in May. What? How is it possible for them to have two daughters that are 31 and 29? Well...my sister will be 32 in September...thats 6 months away. And she was not born early. Mom was 16 when they got married, and 17 when she had my sister. 2 years later...I came along. To get married that young, have kids and survive?? It explains why they like to play alot now, and why both my sister and I get along with them so well. I should be seeing the whole fam for Dad's birthday. I had planned on going to Phoenix at some point this spring to see a few of the Seattle Mariner's spring training games...visit Lisa and Scott and just chill. Mom and Dad thought that sounded like a good idea. I just have to get my butt on the ball and book my ticket.

Now for my freakout, nervousness today. Liza is getting "fixed" today. No baby kitties for the baby!! I know she will be fine, but I am still nervous. She is also getting her nails clipped. I had to have her over at Carrie and Adam's first thing this morning as Carrie was dropping off her two kitties (Liza's sisters) as well. I have to be to work at 8:15, and her job is a bit more flexible on arrival times. We can call at 3 this afternoon to check on them, and will pick the babies up on our way home. I will spend the evening pampering Liza....and then worry about her all day tomorrow. I haven't yet decided if I am going to keep her in my room all day, that way she doesn't get to rough with Rudy, or the other way around. Rudy is my new roommates cat. They get along fine, just roughhouse alot. Just my nervous nelly coming out.