Things that make you go awwww......



I miss my sweet little Niece Aubrey!! We had fun together......
She would rather chew on the book that her mom was reading to her....I have a feeling one day she will be a big reader.

Happy Halloween all. Tomorrow starts the blogging everyday. Get ready!! I can't wait!

For Now

I finally got my pictures on a disk. I have pics from all the away at the beginning of August. Including this one of Liza Jane. So until I get them labeled and all that jazz....enjoy her cuteness.

Voo Doo Fest Weekend

I had a great Voo Doo weekend. The weather was just amazing, nice and warm during the day. Cool and clear in the evening. The moon was amazing each nice as it rose. The crazy weekend started on Thursday.

It was a long busy crazy day at work. I ended up working an hour and half longer than normal. I got home in time to change clothes and then it was off to a babysitting job. That kept me busy until about 11:30. We then went out and put out fliers at several clubs for the upcoming Bonerama gig. By the time we got home it was 1 or so. I decided it was the perfect time to go to the Maple Leaf. I caught the 2nd set of the Trio's set which was kickin. I got home around 3:30 or so, slept for a few hours and then my phone rang.

The girls had arrived. It was a few of the girls that work up in Boston offices for Bonerama and PBS. They had drove 27 hours to get down here and were ready to GO! After showers and a yummy breakfast, we headed on out to Voo Doo. The girls took advantage of the massage therapist that was working in the back stage area, and we got ready for the Bonerama gig to start. It was a muddy mess out in front of the stage thanks to the rain that had occurred last Monday. It didn't matter the the hard core fans. We all danced away in the mud. It didn't look like a large crowd, because a lot of people stood back away from the the mud pit. By the end of the weekend there was no way to avoid it. We hung out taking advantage of the free food and drink, I took over "zone defense" so Debbie could also take advantage of the massage therapist. I don't mind, because those boys are just so sweet. Ben told me that he loved me and that I was a good friend. 4 year olds are just so cute!! We did eventually see a few other bands including Lez Zepplin and Kings of Leon. We didn't make it to Rage Against the Machine because a few of the girls were losing steam. We headed back to the house were pizza was consumed and beds made up. Erin, Kristen and I decided to keep it going. We went out to Tipitina's to see Ivan Neville then of course the Maple Leaf to see the band there. We made it back to the house at 2:30 and promptly crashed.

Saturday it was back out the fest early. We caught Jamie Mclean, Kermit Ruffins, the Fleur de Tease, Zydepunks, Big Sam, Ivan Neville, Smashing Pumpkins and of course PBS. It was a nice mud fest once again. Kristen and I took off a bit early as I had to get all the merch items together and wanted to rest for a minute. On the way home we made a pit stop at Walgreens to pick up a few items. We followed an SUV into the lot. Right as Kristen was asking me if she could fit into a spot, I said "they are backing up" and the SUV backed right into us. Kristen just barely had time to honk. Thankfully they didn't back up too fast, however the car sustained damage. We both had to get out of the car fast because the SUV almost drove off. The girl driving tried to say that she didn't back into us....even after we showed her the hood of the car that was slightly crumpled. It wasn't until about 2 other people came up and said that they also saw her do it did she finally say she did. Because it was a private lot, no cops were involved. The SUV wasn't even the girls, and the insurance was expired. So it looks to be a long legal battle ahead.

I ended up getting to Rock-n-Bowl right before the gig started. There was a decent crowd, so the guys turned it up a few notches and played some new tunes and mixed it up with a few older tunes that I haven't heard in awhile. It was an amazing night. For once it went on later than normal gigs at R-n-B. The girls headed on out to Frenchmen Street and I headed on over to the Maple Leaf to hear the rest of Papa Grows Funk. I heard about 30 seconds of the last song. No matter, there were a few people there that I hadn't seen in awhile so we spent a long time chatting.

Yesterday consisted of taking the girls to the 9th Ward, down to the Quarter and back to Voo Doo. And of course watching the end of the World Series. It was a great NOLA weekend.

Moments

Last week I talked about those NOLA moments that you can have. I had several yesterday. I was sitting at a coffee shop killing some time before having to go and do some flyer-ing for the upcoming Bonerama gig. I figured there was no better place than the Wednesday in the Square, considering that Bonerama had played there the week before. I pulled out the new addition of Chris Roses' "One Dead in Attic" My sister had sent it to me for my birthday. I hadn't read the first addition in almost 2 years, and this one had about 47 more stories in it. I was just finishing up the introduction when someone walked up to me...
"Is that a new version"
"Yup it sure is"
"Wow...more stories?"
"About 47 more"
"That is great"

I continue on reading and having my coffee. I am reliving some of the first days after the thing through Chris's stories. I remembered how I felt the first time I read them online. Remembering the despair. Someone else walks up.
"I am in that book, page 247"
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, they call me Peace Among the Ruins"
"Very cool"

Later the same gentleman came over and told me of a art gallery opening for Chris Rose on Nov. 2nd and that he would be doing a book signing as well, if I wanted my book signed. I told him since the first addition was signed, I might as well get the new one signed as well.

I continued reading on until it was time to get to start flyer-ing. I realized at one point that almost 2 years ago? We didn't think there would ever be this problem again....but here we are, 2 years and a few months after the thing, there is so much going on this weekend that people are going to be overwhelmed with the opportunities this weekend. It is actually a really good problem to have.

Becoming one of the Proud

I have caved. I do not know if I have something to say for 30 days, but we shall see here. If you are also participating please add me as a friend!! I am friendless. :)

Okay I give up...I was trying to post a badge on my site for NaBloPoMo, yet it is not copying correctly or something....I am getting error after error and it is now frustrating me. So yeah....check it out.

It is Finally Fall

After the torrential downpours that we had on Monday, it is now cool here. As I was getting ready to head to work this morning, it was 48 degrees outside. Yesterday the AC was switched off. It hadn't run in probably a day or two as it was. We have some little heaters that were given to us from some friends last winter and last night was the first time to break them out at the new house. I had to step out last night for a bit (flyering for an upcoming gig) and when I walked inside it was nice and cozy in the house. Only Kristen's heater was turned on. It heated that tiny house up just nice. In fact I didn't even turn my on last night at all. Now if work would just realize that it was cold outside and turn off the frickin AC!

Brick Wall Meet my Head


The weekend flew by in a flash. Between music, football and running around there didn't seem to be any spare minutes. On Sunday evening I finally sat down with my computer and was able to add on some of the applications my co-worker didn't put on for me. He mainly go the operations systems back up and running. All looked good.

Last night, I sat down and cruised around a bit on the internet nothing beyond the ordinary. I was getting ready to upload my pictures from my camera. A message kept popping up saying there was new windows updates and my computer needed to restart. I ignored it for awhile, finally before starting the pictures I restarted my computer. I got up to do a few things in my room, came back to the message "Error loading operating system" Yet again, the computer has died. This time it didn't last a week. Seriously am I destined to never own a computer that actually works?? What is the deal??? Don't suggest Macs, because I am the only person in the world who can and has crashed Macs as well. They work no better for me. So I don't want to hear that crap.

A Moment like This.....

I tend to talk to people down here about the perfect NOLA moments that seem to happen. Random things will happen, and you will look at someone and say "that is a NOLA moment" several happened last night. I took my weekly jaunt to d.b.a to see Paul Sanchez who was playing his last Thursday night gig there until next year. During one of his songs (I forget which one) a bottle fell in perfect strum with him. He even had to stop to mention it. Later right as he was playing one of his last songs, a parade went by. Seriously there were people on stilts, costumes, music and just having a fantastic time. All we knew is it was a parade in NOLA. That was definetly a moment. We had laughs the entire night. Paul was just happy and having a good time, the song requests were coming out of left field and we heard some pretty interesting ones. Back in March when Paul started the first round of Thursday night gigs, it was a rainy and stormy night. There was lighting flashing everywhere. Last night? The same thing. I thought it was poetic, starting and ending with the same type of weather. To me that was a great moment. Always remember those kind of moments, NOLA ones or not.

Computer Update

I haven't really touched the laptop since I got it back yesterday. I put on the internet security, and then work consumed the rest of the day. After the Wednesday in the Square gig, I collapsed. I won't be able to really get into the nitty gritty until most likely Saturday. I don't have plans until that evening so I will be able to just get everything organized and get that some pics up finally!! :)

Flattering????

Last night I was having a conversation with a trombone player that I have known for years now...in a conversation he tried to pull the "you're so young" thing again. Now it doesn't matter how many times we have had this conversation....nor shall we forget the time I turned 30 and he really made fun of me then....last night he was thinking I was...oh about 5 years younger than I really am. Which is good in one direction, that I look younger than I am. Will enjoy that in a few years I am sure. However maybe it meant that I ACT younger than I am. Which could be a good thing or bad thing. You really are as old as you feel. Today? I feel about 89.

Knock on Wood

People. This is important. HUGELY important. My co-worker thinks he has my laptop working. He said this time it was that the operating system was corrupt. He doesn't think that I need a new hard drive. So....keep your fingers and toes crossed, do the voodoo that you do, pray to the computer gods (did you know there was a saint for the internet???) whatever....that it actually holds out longer than a month this time. A few years would actually be good!!! You know what this means now??? That I can get some pictures up online!! I haven't uploaded any since August!! I have been taking them....WHEEE!!! Will have some more tonight to add to the collection. Bonerama is playing Wednesday at the Park!!! Beatin Path opens up. They start at 5, Bonerama hits the stage at 6. Come on down!!!

Elvira

I dyed my hair black on Friday night. I haven't had this color since oh I don't know...high school. I had been doing my hair in a lighter brown, or with reds. Lately it hadn't been looking that great, I am pretty sure there were three different colors in there. My natural color (dark brown) at the roots and a good 2 inches or more of that, the red from the last time and then this weird red/blond/brown combo on the ends where it was just dead and gross. So black seemed to be the most logical choice to me. It covered it all up. I actually really like it right now. Tonight I am getting it cut for the first time since April and am looking forward to it. The lady that cuts my hair was the only person to really notice the color on Friday night. First words out of her mouth were "when did you color your hair???" It is a nice change......

Don't know where to Start!!


I have been on this crazy train and feel like I barely have time to breath. It has been so much fun, and there is still so much more fun to be had. I think I get to slow down and breath a bit next Monday and Tuesday.

Being on the radio the first night was a bit nerve racking, however Dean was fantastic and he made it easy to talk to him. It is odd to think about how many people could be listening to you at that moment not only in NOLA but across the nation, make that around the world. So I tend not to think about that. I just talk to Dean and to the few people that I know are listening. A few people, including my parents didn't think it was me. Apparently I sound much different and more "professional" or some crap like that. Some people thought it would be fun to make fun of me via text message. *coughmullinscough* While my friend Rick thought it would be nice to come by to say hi and maybe talk about his gig that night. Too bad the security guard had a stick up her butt and wouldn't let him up. Tonight it is my last shift at the station. On the air at least. I will still be going in to help out with the music library and whatever else Freddy has me doing. 4-7 CST if you want to hear me. www.wwoz.org

Bonerama had a great night Friday night at the Maple Leaf. The crowd was a bit smaller, and there were some new faces. I even met a girl from St. Louis. She had missed them there and all her friends had told her she had better come and see them here. So she did. The staff was glad to have the Bones in the house as well. I love it when they play there. Wednesday should be a ton of fun at the Wednesday at the Square series. Beatin Path opens up!! Yeah it is going to be a rockin good time...come out if you are here in town!!

Today is the day


I had been hoping to get some rest last night. I knew it was going to be tough since I was selling Merch for Paul Sanchez, Shamarr Allen, Ivan Neville, and Sonia Tetlow at the Wednesday at the Park concert. However it ends by 7-7:30ish. An early night. It doesn't happen that way. I ended up going out and hanging out with a friend. It still didn't end up being a really late night, but still I am dragging a bit right now.

I need to be alert and wake this afternoon however. I am going to be on the radio at 4. Listen to hear me make a fool out of myself!! It will be fun and exciting!! www.wwoz.org After I am done with that it is off to d.b.a for Paul's set and then the Tin Men's. Good thing I love music!!

Let the Countdown Begin

Kristen and I have decided to participate in the Mardi Gras Marathon on Feb 24th, 2008. By placing this information here, I am hoping it will force me to continue and to actually make it to the marathon and to complete it. We will either be doing the 5k, running the whole time or the half marathon in a run/walk manner. We will figure that out after a few weeks training. We started training last night. We did 1.7 miles in a run/walk combo. I frickin hurt today. I think I am too old for this....

Wow...It's Monday???


It was long, fun, and crazy. The weekend.....

• Friday night I went over to Ms. Grace's house for a party. It had fun mix of people and was a nice way to start out the evening. I had to leave kinda early because I had to organize the Merch for the gig that night. Bonerama finally played at home again after 4 months. Never, ever do I hope that they are away that long again. While I understand the need for them to go out and hit the road, the Trombone Gods of New Orleans are greatly missed in the city. However the sound they produced on Friday? You could tell they were happy to be home. It was really a bone rattling sound. The new songs are fantastic and the crowd really dug them. The evening was capped off with some fun at the Maple Leaf.
• Saturday found some sleep happening but not much. I had a meeting at WWOZ in the afternoon. I am going to be co-producing the membership drive for a few hours. If you want to hear me on the radio listen in on Thursday the 11th @ 4, Saturday the 13th @ 2 and Monday the 15th @ 4. www.wwoz.org I may make a fool of myself and have NO clue why Fred would want me to do this...but I am. Later that night we were going to sell Merch for 101 Runners however they decided since there were so much going on that night (birthday's, wedding parties) that everyone was just going to have fun. And we did. Almost too much fun.
• Sunday we had some amazing and awesome seats for the Saints game. Sadly the boys lost, but damn was it a nail biter. It was a hard game to be part of....although the crowd energy in the dome is just incredible. We left the game with 3 minutes to go so we did miss the heartbreak kick. We made our way to Gretna in time for Bonerama's afternoon set at the fest. Interesting crowd.....they really dug the bone however!!
• Rest tonight and tomorrow and it all starts up again on Wed!!

Music Overload

As most people know, I love music. No I mean LOVE music. Early this week I made a few cds for a co-worker. He is, I guess you could say a freelancer. He lives in a different state, and spends anywhere from one to two weeks here. He will be going to Voodoo Fest later this month and wanted to get more of a feel on the NOLA music scene that will be playing. I of course was happy to oblige. Yesterday he brought down this external hard drive of a friend of his....there is more than 3000 songs on this thing. This is like a DJs private stash of music. This is incredible. I have been putting some things on the work computer, to eventually be transferred to my own laptop. (when I get it up and running) I am so frickin excited about the amount of music on this hard drive. I want to take it home and snuggle with it. I am getting everything from Judy Garland to Ozzy Osborne. You name it, it may be on here. There is no Harry Connick Jr. however. That is okay, I have everything he has done...that is available to the public anyway. (stupid 35 sitting on a self somewhere) I must go now...time to delve into the 80s-90s mixes.....

Comin on Home

Lately the posts have been lacking in the Bonerama aspect. Mainly because the boys have been on the road pretty much all summer long. They were scheduled to play back here in August, but they cancelled those shows. They needed some down time. Which is no wonder, like I said they have been criss crossing the US. They played what seems just about every area of the US even hitting Canada. I have a feeling this was just the very tip top of the touring iceberg for them. I know it gets hard for all of them, since their families are here, however they are musicians and this is what they really really want to do.

Gladly the month of October has Bonerama playing back in NOLA. Friday night they will be at Tipitina's. Sunday they are playing at the Gretna Heritage Fest. On the 12th they are playing my home away from home the Maple Leaf. The 17th has them playing at the Wednesday in the Square fall series. Voodoo Fest starts on the 26th and the boys play that day. It all rounds up on the 27th at Rock-n-Bowl.

Yes, it can be said that I have a month full of Bone to look forward too.

Ch-ch-changes



There is something I need to try to understand. Why are some people afraid of changes? Big or small, they tend to freak out. I tend to get tired of "well we used to do it this way" or "it hasn't been done that way". I am not just talking about work, but in general life as well.

I do admit change is scary, I get that. It is a part of life however. I am always looking for ways to change my life, hopefully in a better vein. I sometimes crave for change. Obviously it isn't a huge issue, since I made the trek across the United States with no job and no where to live. Yes I wasn't happy about moving recently. It wasn't because of the change aspect of it. It was of the physical "I have to move".

I feel like a change needs to be made soon again. I don't know what. No I will not consider moving out of New Orleans, this is my home. Whatever it is I am sure I will embrace it.

Baby Let down

Aubrey Rose left yesterday afternoon and headed on back to Phoenix with her parents. She is a very sweet and loving baby. She loves to smile and now loves to blow razzberries. I wonder who taught her that??? Actually she loves to copy people. Herself included. She will sneeze, and then right after that? She will do a fake sneeze. We all know it is fake, she even smiles after it, she is so proud of herself. She will do a fake cough. I was blowing razzberries at her and she was just watching me. Next thing my sister and I know....she is trying to do it back. Of course there were lots of spit bubbles involved as well as she did it.....and she does it alot now. But she almost has it down. She loves to watch football....that catches her attention more than anything else on the TV. Maybe that is because her grandfather watches it with her all the time. For a 5 month old she is pretty darn mellow.

I am now on the baby let down....no sweet baby to snuggle with, listen to giggle, smell that sweet baby smell. I miss em. Hopefully one day I will get to have my own.