What was I thinking??


Someone needs to remind me that, it is never a good idea to skip dinner. Well actually I didn't intend to skip dinner. I wasn't hungry when we left the house to go and see Paul Sanchez at d.b.a. I was figuring I could pick something up at Mona's or 13 at some point, or eat when I got home. I had a few drinks. Can you tell where this is heading? (I didn't get sick no) I ended up not eating. But instead of going home when Paul was done I thought it was a great idea to go with a few friends to Donna's. It had been ages since I last went there. What was the harm in one more drink? Really? That STILL would have been okay. If I went home right after that. But I didn't. I went to the Maple Leaf. Suprised a bunch of people that aren't used to seeing me there on a Thursday. I got a suprise myself when I heard some familiar tones wafting towards me from the stage. I looked around the corner and there was Mr. Craig Klein. Let it be known that I stayed for both sets. I am too old to do this sometimes. I did have a great time. A lot of people I knew were out and about, the music was fantastic, conversations were had.

Bonerama at Rock and Bowl tomorrow night. Come meet some really cool people and hear some great music. I may be awake. :)

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

After all the fun and excitement of yesterday's semi announcement, all I can say is keep em crossed. I should hopefully be getting a phone call today, probably just to chat about what I can do. I am nervous that I have forgotten everything, however I know it will come flooding back once I start talking about it.

So last night I spent cleaning my room. Yes you read that right. Spent the night cleaning my room. I am a slob. I can admit it. I don't pick up after myself in my own room. The common areas? Yes...my room? No. It isn't that big of a space either, but right now it is looking good. Including the tower 'o merch from Bonerama and PBS. It is pretty impressive. There really is no where else to put it in the house but where it is. I took a picture that I didn't upload last night. I got too caught up in the "Biggest Loser" to do much else.

UPDATE

Hotmail has been down pretty much all morning so I can not get the email I need to send the theatre resume to. It is driving me batty. I guess in the long run it is okay since I have to go home and work on it still.

There is only one downside, and really I can get over it. It runs the same weekend as French Quarter Fest. If I can get this? Kristen will have to be the merch girl for the Bones at their FQF set. Which isn't a problem, she can totally handle it.

Come on hotmail!!

Undecided

I received an email forward from a friend yesterday. It excited me to the core, then scared me shitless, then excited me again. I need to decide today if I want to take the chance with it or not. Even if I take the first step with it, it really doesn't mean that I will get to do take part in the whole thing. I am thinking that I may do it. I mean if for some reason I do get it? It would be amazing.

Let me back up and explain. I went to school to study theatre. When I first started out, I thought I wanted to be an actress. I soon realized, with the harsh words of a professor (who also told Holly Hunt she wouldn't amount to anything) that maybe that acting wasn't the best thing for me. Now maybe I am not the best actress, but I am not the worse. I was getting better. I do think the professor didn't like anyone who wasn't perfect in his eye. In a sense, me being overweight wasn't perfect. Anyway I stopped studying the acting and moved on to backstage. I realize now if I really had the passion for acting? I would have fought more. I ended up Assistant Stage Managing a show and fell in love with it. It is the one position in the Theatre where you are with the show from the very beginning to the very bitter (and sometimes sweet) end. You are there at the production meetings, you see the designs coming together, you hear the first visions of the director, you are at auditions, you see the visions coming to light, you see the changes, you hold the course steady once the show is up. It is an amazing experience. After college I moved to Seattle and while working a normal 9-5 type job, I was also stage managing shows in little out of the way theatres (seriously one we performed in a deli, we held that spot for 4 years) in an outdoor natural ampitheatre. A normal theatre. For seven years I worked on show after show after show. Some with just a few weeks break, some with no break. One I had in tech rehearsals the other was just starting rehearsal. By the time the one in Tech had closed? I was going into Tech for the next one. It was mad.

So before I moved down here to NOLA, I did contact a few theatres. Sent out my resume and the what not. I didn't hear from one of them. Which is fine. Because I needed a break. I forgot what it was like to have a social life. To not be on a schedule. Sometimes I feel like maybe that my passion for the theatre is dying out a bit. Then I got the above mentioned email. See coming this April there is going to be a big show down here, in the New Orleans Arena. You know the one I am talking about right? Vagina Monologues. They are looking for Assistant Stage Managers. They are looking for women. Preferabley with Theatre experience. And a knowledge of one more thing...which I don't know, but hell. I learn things really fast. I have run a sound board for a show once or twice. I may forget in between, but I pick it up. But to be able to say I have worked with some of the ladies that will be starring in it? I think I would be insanely stupid NOT to get my theatre resume polished up and sent out today. Wouldn't I?

First Time

Last night I was standing at the door to the Maple Leaf chatting with Pete. A bunch people were leaving and one of them stops and asks if I wrote the blog Randomness. That was a first time that some one I didn't know brought up my blog and recognized me because of it. So hello L! (I know not everyone wants their name on blogs) and come and say hi at the next Bonerama gig. Speaking of, next Saturday there will be one. Rock-n-Bowl. Come out and bring lots of people. It is going to be a lot of fun. The boys will be going on the road just about to festival time so come and see them.

The sun is shining and I feel the need to go out and pull some weeds. Hopefully everyone is enjoying their day off!!

Lovely Afternoon

After a slightly hectic start to the day, which involved a frantic run around the house to get ready and to an almost keystone cop scene for a car ride, I made it to out to the new baseball stadium for the block party. There was a huge stage set up right outside the entrance. At first there were not a whole lot of people there. The air was filled with the scent of burgers, beer and crawfish. The sun was shining with just a hint of a breeze. By the end of the set, there was a much much bigger crowd. I witnessed all ages out there dancing to and enjoying the sounds of Bonerama. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Drip Drop Drip Drop

I am in quite a foul mood already today. It is raining. Again. Under tornado warnings/watches. Again. My head still hurts. I have to go to the dentist. If I hear my boss clear his throat one more time I am going to go gouge his eyes out. I am so bored with my job I want to gouge my own eyes out. What it all amounts to? I would so much rather be at home still asleep. Wake up in time to watch Ellen, then pop in a movie and doze off while it is playing. Then read a book. Snuggle with the kitties. Be anywhere but here. However that isn't going to happen so onward and upward I guess.

Happy Birthday Leroy!!

One of my dear friends before I even moved to New Orleans is having a birthday today. Not only is he one of the most sweetest and loving people you will ever meet, he also plays a pretty mean trumpet. Since moving here, both he and his wife have been like a big part of my NOLA family. I hope you have the BEST birthday today Leroy!! I can't wait for the celebration.

Moving on.

Several things to say. None of huge importance, so its comin' atcha bullet style

• For those of you who have asked to see the pics of Taylor Hicks onstage with Papa Grows Funk, don't hold your breath to see them anytime soon. See my housemate who took the pictures? She has an old school camera. With film. We will be lucky to see the pictures before next Christmas. It is just the way it is.
• French Quarter Fest will be announcing its lineup for musicians and food vendors today. I don't know honestly which one is more exciting. FOOD! MUSIC! 3 days, and it is all free! Okay the music is free. The food isn't. April 11-13th get your dancing shoes ready.
• I hit my head last night. Actually the car door slammed into my head. It still hurts. I wouldn't be suprised if I had a slight concussion. At least I didn't have a swearing fit when in happened.
• Bonerama is playing a really fun gig this weekend so if you are in town and want to check them out for yourself? This is a good one. The new field for Tulane baseball is opening up this weekend and they are having a weekend long celebration, as well as some games. Saturday at 12 noon they are having a block party in which Bonerama will perform and then they are playing the National Anthem. Feb. 29th they will be playing the National Anthem for the Hornets game.

Night Two.

Taylor Hicks must have loved the Leaf because he came back last night. This time he sat in for a song with Papa Grows Funk.

As we were walking up John was getting some things out of his van. We said hello and made idle chit-chat. As we started walking off we asked if there was anything we could do to help. You know carry something in. He stops and says, "wanna sell merch tonight?" Usually Rick or someone working the door will sell cds for him. Last night he brought in Tshirts as well. So I manned the table and pretty soon Kristen comes back to the table and says "American Idol in the house" He wandered around for a bit, enjoying the music. A few times he went right up front and grooved to the tunes.

Finally John called him up on stage. I can't remember right now what song they did, but everyone loved it. Kristen took a few pics, hopefully. After the song was over Taylor wandered into the back area to cool down. He spent a little time more in the bar. As he was getting ready to leave he came back to the merch table and chatted for a few minutes. We joked around. He is such a sweet guy.

Continuing On

Last night I had to really drag myself down to the Leaf. I was really wanting to stay curled up in bed and snuggle with the kitties. However I did want to see some of my friends so I made the 2 block walk. As I am approaching, I see a limo parked at the corner. I knew there was a slight possibility of some celeb showing up, apparently it happens, however never when I am there (and I am there A LOT). If you are not aware it is the NBA All Star weekend down here in the Big Easy, which is why I knew it was possible. Of course I was thinking more along the line of basketball players. I gut up to the door at the Leaf and Allen says "we have an American Idol in the house tonight, that Taylor guy" We proceeded to chat a few minutes and then I wandered away. I went up to the bar to say hi to Jeff and casually glance around. Nope, didn't see Taylor any where. The band is already playing and they were alright, I have seen them before and I usually don't pay attention to them. They aren't bad, just not that great. I get my drink, and have a small chat with Jeff. Then it was time to go towards the back to say hi to Rick ,who works sound. As I am walking down the hallway I can see through to the back bar and leaning up against the pool table was Taylor talking on his phone. I stop and say hi to Rick when Taylor comes wandering by. I stop him with something totally un-music related. See last time he played here in town, I bought the book he wrote. In the book he talks about this family that he was really close to. I know them. They work with my company and I talk with several of them on a daily basis. So as he was walking by I said "I know Robert" he started laughing and said "how do you know him? how do you know about that??" I told him the connection, and that I read his book. He then says "hi I am Taylor, and shakes my hand" He proceeds to talk to Rick and I for like ten minutes. We talked about him playing with George Porter Jr, Bonerama on Letterman and the massive bass sound that was coming off the stage. He then went back to his friends and they all stuck around for a long time. Enjoying the atmosphere and the night. He seemed to be having a really nice time and he was very sweet. So there was a brush with another celeb.

Celeb Run In

I knew it was a matter of time. Apparently the Leaf is a good place for Celebs to hang out. I just recently missed Drew Barrymore and Justin Long there....they left right before I got there. Tonight? It was someone I really enjoy....and I am about to re-reveal a shameful like for this person....but Taylor Hicks was there tonight. He was really sweet. :) more tomorrow.

Kinda Quiet

Honestly? I wanted to keep the youtube post up on top for as long as possible. I am awfully proud of my boys. I know that they were riding high that night and most likely still are. They are in Little Rock, AR tonight playing a gig and my Aunt Tonie is heading out to see them. I haven't seen her since my sister's wedding in Vegas. 11 years ago....tomorrow. So yeah...Happy Anniversary Lisa and Scott!! (send me pictures of my niece please) ;) Anyway I contacted my Aunt this week and let her know the boys were coming to town. We had a nice long chat yesterday and today she called me to tell me that she was going. I hope she has a lot of fun, she was listening to them online and seemed to enjoy it!! :)

Second reason for not posting most of the week? Well I haven't done much. I have been laying low and trying to rest. However, when you really really just want to relax and sleep, it doesn't seem to happen. I haven't gotten to bed before midnight all week. Again that alarm clock goes off awfully early when you have to work at 6:30 and you didn't go to sleep until after 12. Last night I did journey on out to d.b.a to see Paul Sanchez do his weekly Feb gig there. He had Susan Cowsill sitting in with him and it was another fantastic night of music. They have SO much fun with each other and love each other's music that it just feeds out to everyone. I did have to say it was a first when hearing Paul's Neil Diamond impression. So after a nice hour and half nap I am getting ready to head to home away from home. Honestly? If I didn't feel like I was avoiding my friend and Friday night bartender Jeff? I wouldn't be going tonight and would be sound asleep.

David Letterman-OKGO-Bonearama-Feb-11-2008

In case you missed my boys rockin Letterman!!

I could burst.

So this morning I am in the shower thinking the usual, "I don't want to get up, I don't want to be showering, and I don't WANT to go to my stupid job." Then it hit me. It is February 11th, 2008. It is a Monday. Hmmmm what could be going on that would perk me up in .05 seconds and then make me a nervous mess in .02 seconds? Yes that is right. My boys of Bonerama are making their primetime debute tonight on David Letterman. Excuse me a moment while I have a small panic attack for them. Actually, I am more excited than anything. I thought I would cry this weekend if one more person asked me one of the following variations "Are you going to New York? " "How come you aren't selling merch at Letterman? sell it outside?" "You going to Letterman?" I got this picture this morning from one of my boys and know that if I was there I would have been dancing under the marquee. It could be better that I am not there. ;) Don't forget to watch!!

Mardi Gras~The Aftermath


Let me start by saying that, well I am beat. I know a lot of people here who are worn out from the constant flow of fun. I think I counted how many parades I went to. I lost count after ten. Some people may ask what are you doing going to so many parades? What are you going to do with all those beads, cups and stuffed animals and other trinkets? I have no IDEA!! They are all piled up around the house. My niece Aubrey will get a nice little package, other than that I am not sure. Of course there are a few special ones that I will be keeping, the rest could be up for grabs.
However it just isn't about the parades, it is about spending time with friends. Eating lots of food, drinking a lot, laughing and dancing. I got to hang out with some of my good friends on an almost daily basis for 2 weeks, I got to meet some really cool new people as well.
I am totally and officially Mardi Gras'd out. I was actually quite happy to see Fat Tuesday come to a close so I could finally rest my weary body. Which I will be doing on Saturday. All day. With the phone off. Maybe this 3 month illness will finally go away.

Only 3 more days until Bonerama is on Letterman!! Oh to have a way to get to NYC......anyone have miles? I will sleep on the street. ;)

Just a few of my favorite shots....

The week that has just passed has blurred into one long party with friends and family, drink and food, beads and cups. Here are a few of the few hundred pics I took...these are some of my favorites:

Cup being tossed from a float on Friday night, can't remember which parade....I missed the cup.
One of the floats in the Mid-City parade, I love how they do all their floats in the tinfoil.
Frenchy doing his thing at the Maple Leaf on Friday night, painting the merriment going on during the Krewe of Oak "ball".
My gang of peeps that I hung out with on Mardi Gras day, we were breaking during St. Anne.
My most favorite shot of all Mardi Gras, the ribbons fluttering in the wind during St. Anne.

A Short Commercial Break

It came out yesterday, it is for a wonderful and fantastic cause and well the music is something that you need to hear if you love some rock and roll with some killin trombones.



Exclusively on itunes, all proceeds go to Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and Sweet Home New Orleans, it is a 5 song EP, for $3.49. Seriously you can't beat that. I am lovin the hell out of the music right now and am once again amazed that I am amazed with my boys.

Might Just Make it Through Alive

I walked so much yesterday it isn't even funny. We left the car by my place of work in the Warehouse district then proceeded to walk down St. Charles to just past Lousiana where we caught the 4 day parades. (Sorry NOLA and Pete that I didn't make it down....my feet are failing me). After the parades rolled, we walked up past Jackson on Magazine before we finally caught the bus to bring us back down by the car. We then hightailed it to our friend's hotel so we could (read Kristen) watch the Super Bowl. We usually watch Bacchus down by Mulates, but we stuck with Po's crazy family, it was a TON of fun hanging out with them.

Right now I am at work, crazy no? I am doing a half day today then it is off for the final leg of Carnival season. Tonight immediatly following Orpheus, we will be at the Howlin Wolf where Bonerama is playing with Jon Cleary. Then it is a short nap followed by St. Anne's.

See ya on the flip side.

Right in the Thick of it

I am awake right now because I came home to take a short nap before going to see Morning 40 Federation, and I just now awoke. Oops.

Cough still present, but doing better. Parades taken in? A ton. Throws caught, doing okay. Drinks consumed? waaaaaay too many.

Tonight is a big night, Bacchus is one of my favs so I am looking forward to it. We bailed on Endymion last night, it is my least favorite, being too long, prone to breakdowns, a ton of breakdowns, riders are always stingy on the throws and no one has fun because of the excess of drunk people because of said breakdowns. We will be all raring to go for tonight!

As for the Super Bowl? I know I went to high school with Tedy Bruschi....but I can not stand Randy Moss, and well Eli is from here.....so GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!