The Short of It: U2 at Invesco Field was amazing...

So yeah, last night F took me to see U2. It's been over 20 years since I last saw them live.  And it was pretty amazing.  Not just for the spectacular-ness of the show production but being there in a stadium with over 70,000 people all there for the same thing was really pretty amazing. 

It was a good set filled with deeper catalouge hits and just a few of the newer songs that I had never heard.  The last record that I bought from U2 was the Joshua Tree, so hearing everything I hoped to was really great. 

F treated me to an amazing show and I am lucky enough to be part of seeing alot of shows and this was absolutely spectacular. There is some grumbling out there that it was more about the production, but I will say to those folks saying it was just fair to suck it up and realize that this was a great spectacular and everything was put out there for our entertainment and it worked!  I was entertained and can actually say that thanks to F I am a renewed fan!

I will wrap it up again with some other pictures on Blathercakes but I want to just make it of note: U2 was really pretty amazing!

I have to admit, late night dinners of grilled cheese with F and my hipstamatic could possibly make for the nearly perfect evening.

So the holiday season is upon us.

Photo from Last Year at Mezcal

Hanukah is in a week, Christmas at the Vaughans tonite and for the rest of the world seemingly in a few weeks. New Years then Winter. It's all a little overwhelming I have to admit. I am stuck in this world of crappy gift giving because I dont' have much money, there is some job security but after the last four months I am not so sure (although the problem in our office has gone away, but that doesn't mean anything...really) so I am trying to play it low key, but with low key comes crappy gifts.

Keep those expectations LOW my friends and family because this year the magic ain't happening.

But I do really enjoy seeing the Christmas Tree lots popping up all over the place and people driving cars with trees tied to the roofs and wreaths placed on the grills (that really is my favorite, which is weird, but it does make me smile...broadly).

I have had an exhausting few weeks. But everything is better now. Much better. I skype'd with my niece which was all sorts of adorable and very exciting since this lady hadn't ever actually done it before. I was brave and spoke my mind about something that was bothering me and everything was ok in the end. I survived some serious sad insanity at work and walked away feeling much more pity than the anger that most people feel about the situation. I didn't go out much the last few weeks because I wasn't just "feeling" it and to force myself to be out at shows wasn't my idea of fun. I did see my friend's band play two weeks ago but it was so crowded all the pictures I got were blurry and not good. I ordered a couple of lenses for my camera so hopefully I can get inspired again.

The good news, the very good news, is that I am seriously surrounded (some close by and some further away) by the most amazing and interesting and consistently creative people I have been since I was in college. And some of those people from college still are around which is so neat. I have an amazing family. I have a really great boyfriend. I find myself wanting to yell how lucky I am but I can't because I don't want to be a braggart about any of it. I don't take it at all for granted. Not for one single minute.

Yikes has it really been over a month... oops. I guess that real life business of not having much to share has gotten in the way with posting online. Lets see...

Started to read The Death of Bunny Munro then got freaked out when I was reading it that I would hear it as in fact Nick Cave was reading it to me in my head. It was a little disconcerting to go through that before I would go to bed so I put it down a couple of weeks ago and haven't picked it up again. Perhaps I will get to it soon, it wasn't bad, not great but certainly worth finishing.

I saw my very first Fellini movie in a theater. Wait that is confusing. I saw a Fellini movie in a theater, which is the first time seeing a Fellini movie on a screen larger than 42". Ok that makes better sense. It was early on a Saturday night and we were thinking of something to do. I was thinking about dinner and a movie but it turned out just to be Amaracord. In true Fellini fashion it was beautiful, disconjointed and delightful. I really can say it was better on a theater screen. One of the trailers before the movie was for the TV show "Modern Family" (which I am finding delightful to watch by the way)... there was an older gentleman in the theater that very loudly said "that looks like a comedy, I am not going to watch it". It was so funny. We giggled about it all night.

Later that night we went to Karaoke. Yep. I swear my little mind was blown. I just can only say F can sing... daymn. He got some ladies to clear the dance floor of tables and dance. It was amazing to see. Didn't know about this skill of his. Just thinking about it makes me smile a little. Ok... OK... alot.

I got over some of my issues with Jack White freaking me out after seeing "It Might Get Loud". He still creeps me out a little bit but after watching this movie about the three guitar giants play and talk about playing I respect the begebus out of the guy. And it was cool to see a little closer up than I ever have or will the set up that The Edge uses. Technology is is friend and it's neat to know a little bit more about how he makes his sound so uniquely his.

Finally placed an order for one of the many jars in the Vices Jar Collection from Jonathan Adler. It was such a disappointing mess that the delivery took nearly two weeks to arrive that sadly I don't think I will ever go to the effort to order again. I adore (no j'adore) the aesthetic that Mr. Adler has there is something truly lovely about the 60's Hollywoodchic design style but I am done. NOW... that being said they did me right, by crediting the shipping charges and offered me a discount on any future purchase, but sorry. The Prozac Jar will have to be my stopping point.

Got a miserable cold that lasted for a couple weeks. Cracked a tooth, possibly from grinding my teeth and am in the starting process of getting it fixed (part one of the initial root canal is done... and I can finally close my mouth completely and chew... its fantastic).

I met a lovely little girl that makes my bro and sister parents and me an aunt. This was the highlight of September I have to admit.

Memorable shows include: The Flaming Lips at Red Rocks,the Happy Mondays and the Physchedlic Furs at the Boulder Theater, Jen Korte and the Loss at the Walnut Room, David Cross book signing at the Tattered Cover (for a couple reasons....F was there, it's all I can say) and then the standup at the Paramount (even though because of my tooth and the ensuing bone infection, oh I didn't mention that above? Yeah... I was miserable), Aenka in a parking lot and Derby on the Rocks Western Regional Championships.

It has been a great month hope that it has been for you too.

(thank you Blessed Are the Forgetful (and Charlie Kaufman ultimately)

Friday night when we are chilling out at the hotel we decided to try and watch the movie on Netflix Instant View. Unfortunately our internet connection wasn't fast enough and it kept stopping and starting which was frustrating. I have a copy of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind buried somewhere and what is really crazy is that F loaned me a copy too. I remember the first time that I watched the movie I thought about him and how much I wanted to have the re-meet without the baggage.

Funny that it happened in a way. I certainly remember our relationship before but it is so much better now. So much better and honestly I will cherish this every moment because I am lucky to have this wonderful guy in my life.

At this work thing there were a couple of funny situations and he handled it like a pro.

I love that this is one of his favorite movies because it always was one of mine. I am glad that I haven't seen it with him ever actually. But the fact that we tried says everything.

so ... first things first...

Freak Train... finally went (after years and years of wanting to and never going) and am so glad that I did I am glad that I have friends that would.  The cold and frigid weather might have kept some people away but since I committed myself internally to going, first of the year, first show of the year, first time for everything... had to. 

We went to Patsy's across the street for dinner, before hand which was really nice.  Except I nearly collapsed because I was overcome with nausea for some reason, I think I was just jammed too close to the wall for comfort and felt really boxed in, but felt immediately better when I stood up and got out of the booth, so I am sure that is what the is.  It was no one's fault but my own for getting in first and but wow, I thought I was going to pass out.  But I got to see the stick figure gondola magic and that was totally worth it. 

The nights line up included an interpretive dance with sausage, a belly dance, some jokes, some magic, some songs, a bed time story about a duck, the time warp,  some poetry and good friends.  F gave me his door prize ticket and we won tickets to a show on Saturday night... we are winners!  And for the record, I don't think I will be able to look at the juice in canned corn the same for a while... thank you F. 

On the drive home I got a little turned around in the neighborhood and ended up sorta but not really driving around aimlessly for about 15 minutes. I knew where I needed to go, but it was so quiet and absolutely gorgeous out (albiet a little cold).  It was starting to snow a little bit and actually was really peaceful.  Ended up taking some pictures at a Catholic Church that was so amazing I nearly passed out again (well not really but I when I drove by my breath was taken away for a minute and I had to stop right there in the middle of the street and take pictures) You can see them on flickr later tonite or tomorrow.  Probably tomorrow.

Barely got out of bed this morning, it was way too comfy cozy to get up but I had to, I had some I.T. worker bee coming over to work on our Director's computer and stuff so I had to be here.  Go me the little worker bee too.  And Yay for being a worker bee for sure.  Grateful beyond all belief that I can since I know people who unfortunately are unable to say the same right now. 

Tonite is the last jammer mcjammie at the Meadowlark the way it has been, it is still happening on-going on Tuesdays but with a different host, not Dave K so I am planning to go down there after later tonite so bid adieu.  I am looking forward to a chill evening of improvisational jam.  I do love watching F play.  Have to boldly go there and put it out there in the world.  It is so true.

I am very much looking forward to G-love moving back to D-Town soon.  I am seriously planning a big soiree' of Welcome Back at Casa Bonita.   The last time we went we seriously had so much fun, now with some of the peeps I know now ... so much funner and insane, because... we didn't drink the last time but will this time for sure.  And go on a Friday night when it is batshit birthday party central.  That is all I am sayin.

Stayed clear of the crack today (facebook for those of you in the know) and am super proud. I am only allowing myself like 1 hour which is enough to accept my requests and the like and catch up on the status updates of my peeps.  I have to do better with my time for sure.

I want cake for the record but don't have any.  Fail.

Movie-rama for the day...

Woke up and discussed our favorite movies... you know top 10 stuff... I really couldn't come up with ones that were my favorites but know that meant that I had to watch some movies today to determine if in fact any would be my favorite...

The Savages
The Puffy Chair
The Hawk is Dying
The Tunnel Dwellers of New York
Le Cirque: A table in Heaven

not a movie but watched none the less

The first three episodes of Damages from this season so far
some Robot Chicken
CSI from last week


Not really any of my favorites but certainly really good in their own ways.  This is why I can't pick favorites. 

I am planning on doing a little baking tonite I think, F wants cupcakes, I am ok with that and I can take the extras to Freak Train tomorrow night.  I also want to make some cheese straws and something for lunches for the week. 

I also have to call my Oprah.

So apparently the week has ended well for everyone, but was tough all the way around for most of the people that I spoke with last night.  I am glad so very glad that its turned the corner for so many of the people I spoke with.  This is good. 

Went out last night to the Hi-Dive and then over to 3 Kings with F.  We had fun.  I have to say the Denver music scene is so amazing right now.  Our musicians are scorchingly full of talent it is crazy.  I am blown away by it sometimes.  Last night was no exception.  I really enjoyed myself.

Came home and talked a little philosophy and went to sleep. 

This morning woke up later even than later is for us and then went to Lucilles for breakfast (and look they sell a biscuit mix now... holy all that is good batman... I do have an extra from this morning, but I gladly will buy the mix the next time we are there. Breakfast was so good.  I don't know what it is but their grits are better than any others that I have had in so long. Ran into some friends there.  It is an amazing thing going on in my life right now, and I am grateful beyond all measure.  I wish I knew more about Southern style cooking.  I am learning though... I have Cheese Straws down, but would love to expand.  I am getting to it.

Tonite we are going to Stand by Your Band at the Hi-Dive which is a mash up of the local bands playing covers and originals and is so much fun, at least the last time I went it was fun.  I look forward to getting my ya yas out, taking some pictures, having some big fun and making some points along the way.  I did a good job I think last night but know tonite is the clincher for me.  Valentine... it is time.  NO hesitation, NO belaboring it, NO bullshit.

I have to go and get dressed for a birthday party and I don't have a clue what I am going to wear...gack.  Ok off for the evening... happy weekend ya'll

Here is this week's list of my weekend MovieRama!

Friends with Money
Syriana
Babel
Capote
Charlies Angels
Fierce People
Girl Interrupted
The Fountain
Talk to Me
Timecode


and say goodbye to jpgmag.com. (the link may or may not work past Jan 5, hard to tell since there are some savethejpgmag sites out there, unlikely though). I actually used to submit to the site before I found my footing on flickr.  Once things changed with the "management" and founders I let my subscription that Valentine bought for me expire and stopped regularly visiting.  I will say that I am sorry it couldn't survive in print format and online (think about how expensive it really must be to host all those photos for free and publish... wowza!) because it really was a great concept, perhaps they should have stayed quarterly, self published and not gone "national" but big dreams sometimes don't always work out.  And it is a shame.  Sure there is speculation on the horizon it might not shutter but it still is a statement on the publishing industry as a whole for sure.  I just hope for personal reasons of course that the local free paper stays around and keeps F employed.

F and I went to some friends for dinner last night and I have been obsessing about the cheese straws ever since I let the first buttery sharp cheddary spicy bite hit my tongue.  I have found a couple of recipes and being that F and I probably aren't doing anything tonite outside... I probably will run to the market in a little bit and buy the fixings and give it a shot.  All the recipes that I have found are mostly the same basic recipe so I am super excited. I only hope I can duplicate the deliciousness that I had last night.  It was amazing to go and have dinner and be a couple.  Nuts that I say it but it was really nice.
~~~
Just finished baking.  They turned out pretty damn good if I must say so myself.  Not as spicy as last night but that is fixable in the next batch.  For sure.  Next batch I will bump up the spice.  But honestly what was the most amazing part of the whole thing was using my Grandma Dorothy's cookie press.  I didn't ever think that I would use it and packed it away but tonite when I pulled it out (because amazingly enough I knew just where I packed it away) and made my recipe I have to say I got a little twinge, a twinge of sad that I couldn't call her and thank her for giving it to me because it was PERFECT  and a twinge of pride that I will use it often now that I have something great to use it for.  Melancholy joy for sure. 

I am totally obsessing about shoes too.  Next week I might have to pull the trigger on these.

I was given a writing assignment this morning to write an "article/blog post" of 1200 words on cute boys with beards. I actually did it, and it was pretty good, but I am not posting it because seriously I can sum the whole thing up in five words:

My Boy F is dope.

That is all.

mike tee vee

So I have this "thing".  Call it my David Cross "thing" it's all about cute bald funny boys in glasses... bonus...what can I say.  The only thing is, I see pictures of David Cross and I think... huh... yeah... make me your bitch David Cross.  Then I forget about it.  Then this weekend I was watching cable and I am watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and I think... really? Now do NOT get me wrong, I appreciate the producers hiring him because Zoe got the eye candy yesterday, Mr. Cross maybe made a buck or two for a residual yesterday on top of whatever he made signing on and it was nice since F wasn't over... but still... wow.  I know Mr. Cross got ALOT of flack for doing the movie, but why didn't Jason Lee, he was the f'n "star" and it was awful....huh? Where are the Jason Lee haters, why just dump on my not so super secret bald boy friend eye candy boy?  Either way... I will admit it, I watched most of (and certainly not all of) the movie yesterday afternoon.  I feel better.

I also watched Greys Anatomy from like three weeks ago and I am almost thinking that its over for me.  Sorry Shonda Rhimes but you are beginning to lose me and Steevoh.  I will wait out the rest of the season but I think its a done deal. 

I ate an entire can of pringles today too and now I am just so bizarrely thirsty ... thank you msg.

I am riding my email like a pony ride outside of KMart too today.  This is NOT a good thing. I am feeling super paranoid and beyond appalacigic about the whole thing too.  The email that I am expecting is not coming and it is frustrating the crap out of me.  I mean really.  Come on.... give me the goods damnit...email me already.  GRRRRR. You are making Miss Zoe absolutely batshit. 

And maybe because I just saw Jersey Boys on Saturday (which was really terrific and worth the accolades), but seeing the House Party ad the other night... I just clicked on who the original was... nevermind you get to see Russell Simmons, Rev Run, Missy AND Beckham all in one video:



I do like the ad alot,makes me want to have a party minus the spray paint, it made me want to go and buy a pair too, I never had any Adiddas.  See I can't even spell it how can I have enough cred to own a pair of shell toes...

and here is the full remix video (thanks to the popup action on the ad on youtubes because I wouldn't have known who did the remix to bring it to you here):



Haven't really worked too hard today as you can tell.

With the windchill factored in to tonite's weather... 36 below zero. That is mightily cold. And I have been out and about in this tonite. But its 10:15 and I am home, cozy in the house. I have moved the plants away from their original location near the patio doors, it is just freakin' cold and they shouldn't suffer either. It is going to be VERY difficult to get up and motivated tomorrow morning I can already tell. But I will be honest, I have my coffee ready for tomorrow morning.

I have a couple things going on this week which is good to keep me motivated.

Had a funny conversation about WalMart Friday night. I am going to say this one thing... I thought it was just me, but I am so very glad that it isn't. Phew. Speaking of Friday night, had a great time the whole evening. Was privy to a really nice conversation and liked having the Denver Local Music Scene Braintrust Overlords in my car, that was great. Later, the Red Bull and Vodka liquid courage ALMOST got me in trouble and I am glad Andrew pulled me outside to calm me the fuck down because Zoe was about to go a little silly and inappropirate, and yes, the cigarette helped. Thank you Andrew, Zoe has learned her lesson. Thank you F for not ridiculing me and beating me home as well. I do think that my interested is piqued... I might have to go to American Apparel as well by the way.

Had a really pretty nice weekend. Didn't bake like I wanted to today but I think that since I don't have much on deck I have to get into holiday gear. I am really truely just NOT feeling it at all. Not in a bah humbug kind of way, just not in a wooo hoooo big time holiday feeling. Seriously. Just not feeling it this year. And talking to J he wasn't either so again... phew... glad I am not the only one.

Ok this is a pretty sucky entry. I know this. So its done. Sorry you wasted the few minutes perusing... more when I am feelin' it.

Things are good...

So the gift giving season is officially upon me.  Yesterday I was completely freaking out because I totally thought Chanukah was on the 12th this year.   Then when the holiday didn't show up on my Google Calendar I was really whiggin'. But I am a goofball... Oops totally looking at 2009's calendar. So PHEW, I didn't totally under estimate how much time I had to shop, but now I am actually totally on schedule, I am actually far more ahead of the game than I usually am.  I have only one more, no wait, three more stops to make. 

I have a couple more gift cards to get, one stop at the mall and one other stop (look at me being all vague, but I don't really know who reads this and can't give my secret shopping joy away).  So I am totally way ahead of my game. 

Went to dinner last night at the original Pasquini's on Broadway.  It was so delicious and I have to admit the pizzetta was delicious this morning for breakfast even though I wanted it for lunch, breakfast was so much better.  I thank you F for treating me. I haven't been back at that location because it was the first place I went after WH died and I think I always associated it with that really bummer of a memory.  But you (F) made me remember Wilco and then I realized I need to break out those files and listen again because they are really good and I know that.  Then just as I sent him the links for the Colbert Report appearance he was watching it.  Funny. 

Oh and I shopped off list at Target last night and only forgot one thing. My dishwasher is not functioning (meaning the latch won't close, it isnt' worth spending 185 dollars to pay someone to come and fix it when I can get something that uses less water, makes less noise and is more energy efficient if I save for a couple of months and buy a new one).  So a 9 dollar dish rack isn't a bad investment but certainly not something that I absolutely need and I think that is why I didn't remember it, but it is on the list.  Pleanty of people survive with out a dishwasher, I can too for a little while.  F reminds me he survived with one bowl for years.  UM that totally freaks me out, but I can live without a dishwasher. 

I got some great work to do at the office today too.  I feel like I am making myself known for quality and dependability and that is what I want.  After so many years of feeling invisible and scared that I wasn't valued at the other places I worked (The Island and The Firm... for those of you following along all these years), I feel better finally about my job.  I actually very much like going to work and know how completely lucky I am that I am able to say that I am going to work daily.  This is a great company and really a pretty great group of people.  Lucky Lucky Lucky. 

I have turned on the fireplace because it is friskily cold outside.  It is really comforting.  And so is the result I just got from my Magic 8 ball. 

So Thanksgiving is coming up and there are alot of things that I have to be thankful for of course, it has been well documented how good things are and I am grateful for every little nuance and minutia seriously.

But today... today I am sitting here at my desk honestly getting paid for doing not much. I lament that I don't feel guilty about it either. I am not by any stretch of the imagination working hard on most days. There are people out there in the world busting their proverbial humps daily and I commend them. The day care workers changing the diapers of kids that are not their own, nursing home workers changing the diapers of parents that aren't their own for that matter.  So I know how damn good I got it.

That being said... let me kvetch just a little bit....Last night we went and saw Calexico. It was lovely for the most part.  The musicians were amazing.  Gregory Alan Isakov makes me want to cry he is so good.  But in the middle of his set this stupid girl starts screaming "oh ma gawh how did your Saturday night end up"... oh seriously honey... no one in the room really gives a rats ass.  You are literally in the front of the room yelling over Denver's probably best singer songwriter belting out brilliant tunes of heartache.  No one really cares.  Shut up.  We wanted to kill her.  Or stuff a ball gag in her pie hole and get her to shut up. It was awful.  I know you paid to see Calexico probably but still... be courteous. Another observation was the amount of cellphone texting going on in the middle of the show.  One girl had her cell phone out the entire time.  Not only was it also completely distracting she had this really creepie look in the blue glow of the phone.  I dont understand that.  Nothing in this world is that important to text in the middle of something like that the entire time.  Go home and pick up the phone, or go outside, but don't ruin it for me because you need to text.  So I moved away from her then she proceeded to move next to me again.  That was in fact really funny.  I didn't see an old friend that I was hoping to but it was a really crowded room and didn't want to look too "stalkerie" even though F made fun that I kinda did.

Thank you Gothic Theater as well for the Coat Check.  That was the most amazing part of the whole night I have to admit ambiance wise. The bartenders sucked but the coat check and the girl at the coat check amazing.  I stood waiting for 2 entire songs with a 20 waiting for attention for the gal bartender to stop talking to her friend, the guy washing the glasses said he was too busy to help me and the other guy bartender walked by me over 7 times, found time to clear the tips off the bar, but not get me a beer to earn another one.  I mean come on, alcohol sales are your bread and butter... cut the crap and serve your customers.  I left a shittie tip which I didn't even want to do because JUST as I was about to turn and walk away the gal says... oh hon what can I get for you. Then she charged me five bucks for a diet soda.  That is bullshit. The diet soda with vanilla vodka earlier was 4.50 this was no booze? What the fuck.  I didn't feel like arguing and just wanted to get back to the show.  I usually tip a buck a drink no matter if you tap the beverage gun or pop a cap off a beer. This cow got fifty cents.  She was lucky at that. Its a shame that I felt obligated to tip them at all. I need to get over that.

I also think that I really need to get another Vetrinarian for Herschel. I am just really not happy with the guy I go to now.  Dr. Steve is a nice enough man I am sure, but I just didn't like the way he spoke AT me yesterday.  There was nothing proactive or postitive about the way he talked to me and about the fact that Herschel is starting to age a little bit.  He has the beginings of a heart murmur which isn't a big deal at this point but then he goes on and on about open heart surgery and this and that but doesn't tell me anything in the interum about what we can do to manage the situation and make sure my puppy is ok.  What to look for, how to check to see he is ok... just one extreme to the other.  Its a shame because I like to be loyal but I don't feel like he understands that I am able to process and remain calm.  It is like he wanted me to freak out.  I didn't.  I got angry at him.  Tell me what to do I say... he doesn't tell me anything except surgery for repair might be an option.  Nope, not doing that, it is completely unnecessary at this point, this I know.  Calling my Mom's puppy doctor next week to see what he says.  I can get copies of his records transfered if necessary.  I am done. 

Listening to bootleg Tom Waits this morning. Its just what I need.  I think.  Just enough grangly love song action for me.

I had a terrific weekend. One that hit all the right notes.

Friday at work I just didn't keep myself busy enough. I tried really hard, but I set myself up for knowing what I will do this upcoming week which will probably be even a little slower since there is the holiday and all the big kahunas are out of the office. I am actually a little excited about the idea of having the time to do what I have to do to get my desk and cubie thing all cleaned out.

When I came home I got all sorta spruced up. I met up with F and his friends D and L (and for a brief moment a flash...D) for a little snackie and beer at Sputnik. I ordered the arepe's but I realized I made a dining faux paux and should have ordered the mac and cheese. Oops. Didn't see it on the menu, didn't look down far enough. So corn cakes with spicy meat it was.

From there we went over to the Pepsi Center for Coldplay. Now here is the deal. My boss (who left the company in August bought the tickets but since he left I inherited them. I was a little excited about the idea of going to the big rock show. Seriously it was entertaining. The neon confetti leaf things (oops the article says they were butterflies, which when they came out of the machines were magical) were honestly my favoritest moments. My least favorite moment... the super sticky floor, seriously that was nasty. F and I walked out of the venue amused and entertained which was the total point. There were alot of people who probably got much much more out of the show. One thing that I also enjoyed was the band walking out into the audience and playing in the "bleachers". It was charming (which is a word I used more than once this weekend).

We were going to go to a party but because it was about 11:30 decided to just come home. I stopped at the liquor store for some beers (at the total last minute) at the place over on Evans and Colorado Blvd. The guy yelled at me "hurry up we are closing" as I walked in the door. OK OK gosh. But I knew the six pack of Heineken was all I needed. Stood in line behind a couple of kids buying Vox Lemonade and Sprite. It sounded like a nasty ass mix but they invited me over to their dorm. Hi, and no, I have my man waiting for me at home, can't.

Came home had some beers and F showed me some nuances of my new camera which was rad. Showed him the "through the lens" action with my arrow. It was fun to share something funky with him technique-wise.

Saturday we went for burgers to Five Guys. It was packed and busy and delicious. I really liked how I made my burger and the fact that they pack the bag with French Fries. Phew on ordering only one order. We had a great lunch. It is also really good to know it is delicious because it is so close to my office.

Saturday night there was alot going on. Met F up at the Meadowlark for the Jason Cain CD Release (he is the singer of Astrophagus, who are terrific, but didn't get to see him unfortunately). Saw Elin Palmer and The Beebs and had to jam over to the 3 Kings for the Velvet Cash show (which I promised to shoot some pictures at, they really should update that shot... lord knows I have taken more recent ones than the one they have up there... bygones). Then cruised back to the Larimer Lounge for Dead Confederate which was surprisingly good. I got to shoot a little bit and it was so great. I got a little geeked out and I really appreciate F not making too much fun of me. Chatted with some people after the show and Brian asked me if I was F's other half... uh.... ummmmmm..... huhhhhh.... yeah? It was awkward. But I kinda liked saying it.

Came back home and lounged around in bed all morning. It was terrific.

And today I ran over to the mall to pick up Calexico tickets for tomorrow night. Its is actually ok to pay for a show now and again. I would have waited until tomorrow night but I was worried it would sell out and didn't want to walk up and see the "sorry sucka" sign. Walked through the mall which was really busy actually. I walked through a couple of stores and was largely disappointed by the stuff stocked. I am at a huge loss for some of the holiday gifties I need to work on. Yikes. I just don't want it sneaking up on me and getting stuck with something really bad.

I am hoping that this week I can get over the end of this cold and stop coughing, its really f'n annoying.

Ok... off to get stuff ready for the work week and to finish up on a little tv now that it is 10:00. Hope your weekend ruled as much as mine did.

watchout I am full of asides....

So Thank you Steve From Vancouver for your suggestion to not miss Of Montreal whilest talking between Bambi Lee Savage, beers and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.  I wish I had bought you more than one beer, seriously, or at least gotten your email address, because you were awesome.  I had no idea.  First of all I like the 80s disco pop its a guilty pleasure.  Kind of like my appreciation for Howard Jones... see 80s disco. Anyways... I know I loose a little punk cred but fuck it... Always...give me a chance to shake my booty and I will, just ask those that saw me shake it at the Meadowlark Friday...I could have done it all night... but we cruised to the Larimer Lounge (I did get to see SlakJaw again  nothing like seeing a guy play a gutbucket bass and play it damn well...but that wasn't booty shaken stuff as much, but the point was proved during O'Death that dumbasses will mosh to anything).  Ok back to my love of the big show:  add theatrics to the thing and seriously I am down.  Whats even crazier is only now I am beginning to process what the f' it was actually, maybe about.  I know that there was a story line in there (besides the pig masks, buddah, ninjas and hanging... I know it).  Anyways it was a great show and Steve From Vancouver... I hope you had a great time at Sigour Ros because I had a great time at Of Montreal. And thanks F for getting me in, and thanks Scott for letting F in.  How about that for a little gratitude chain of joy?

See I am not a completely ungrateful bitch. 

In fact I really do think I am the complete opposite, I am just a little put off by a couple of minor little things from the last couple of days.  But that is as far as I can go or will go.  See a little self-censoring goes a long way. Its kinda hitting me from all directions and I am having a really hard time  biting my tongue but know that it is best that I don't say anything and get the fuck over it. Oh hell... I am not... changed my mind....

I thought that it might be that I am just ill equipped to deal with crowds, but that isn't it at all...because Sunday night at the show I had a great time smack dab in the middle of the crowd. Had a great time.  Maybe it was because the people at the concert were there to I DON'T KNOW enjoy themselves and not be a pretentious fucker?  No one stood there and talked about the cultural significance of the pig head ninjas, but certainly they could have and it would have meant something. 

But earlier Sunday night no, and last night no, not so much.  But I think it really comes down to people who think that they are so brilliant and smart and interesting when really... not so much.  Sunday standing in line for popcorn for F, I had to listen to these people jabber on about how important a director so and so is.  Seriously?  Shut up, no one really cares that this guy could "be the next George Lucas" that I seriously find doubtful.  Then the festival gal shlepps a ticket holder line totally through the middle of the concession line which was unbelievably rude and unnecessary considering she made that line go through a set of doors further away from where the ticket takers were.  Then the concession line moved like molasses as it was and this little detour made it worse.  It was awful and I missed the beginning of the film I was there to see.  For a five dollar bag of fucking popcorn peicelets (but refils are free!).  Then last night.... oh last night.... Don't get me wrong, Denver is getting to be far more culturally significant than it was say even five years ago, but asshole loud talker guy, you are standing inthe alcove to buy tickets to see the same damn Wesley Willis documentary, Joyrides as I want to see so shut up, this movie isn't going to turn the axis of documentary filmmaking on its ear. I promise you.

Wesley Willis was a schizophrenic who happened to have a recording deal and got some time on MTV, sure interesting and amazing stuff but I doubt you spent any time with him.  I did.  Not a lot and I don't claim to have any more insight than the next person that knew Bill and hung out with him and Wesley Willis when he came through Denver and played at the Lions Lair and The Raven, but seriously... shut the fuck up loud talker guy you know nothing.  He actually thought he was still alive.  Really.  It was aggravating. Then I don't get in.  I sat out in the alcove waiting for F, for a half hour, don't get my ticket because like a dumbass thought he wanted me to wait for him and the damn movie sells out so I don't even get to see the one doc at the festival this year I really wanted to because he was already in line and didn't get me a ticket.  Trust me it isn't a big deal, I doubt I missed that much, but I did have to listen to that schmuck for a half hour talk out of his and smoke like a chimeny.  F did try to give me his ticket but I was bent enough (there was even a guy with a sponsor laminate (THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE) that was willing to give me his ticket, but F said "its ok dude...we are ok" um... what wait?  what? I would have bought that guys ticket... we are not ok here... So that twisted me more, so I made him keep his ticket and see the film and cruised, talking to myself as I walked away from the theater... whose crazy now?) it was best that I didn't stay, I was pissie.    The festival people this year are assholes.  Not like last year, where I sat next to the lady in The Outsiders of New Orleans and had a great time and went and kibbitzed with after and she offered to teach me how to knit.  Everything I have seen this year has been full of pretentious yutzes. 

I will give this years festival one more shot, maybe.  I am about to hit the "purchase online" button (which I should have done for the movie last night... but for some reason really just assumed incorrectly that I would get a ticket in queue... I should not have waited...or assumed we'll meet out here meant  anything other than buy your ticket and get in line without me, ok? I am getting bitchy and I mean it to be amusing I swear)....I just think I have enough piss in my sails that I will wait until these show up on cable and not go.  I just have this sourness. 

Ok so here is the round of of what I am thinking about considering going to see that hopefully will redeem the festival in my eyes (maybe one of these three can turn my sourness around):
Happiness is a Warm Gun - remember hearing about this?  no? really?  huh....
Life.Support. Music - This actually looks a little more affirming than what I missed yesterday and I should be able to leave the office early on Thursday to make it in time since it starts at 6:15
Surveillance - does Jennifer Lynch have the knack her dad does?

But I don't know if at this point it is worth it. Honestly. I might find more value going and chasing down a couple of movies online or even retail. I don't think it is.  I wanted to give it a shot this year... but too maddening and not in a good way.  I might just go and see Rachel Getting Married for the same price and get popcorn included (and Jonathan Demme is a culturally significant director maybe). This really honestly is the way I going. I will get a canned but warm welcome to the theater from some random employee before the movie which I actually think is kinda charming.  I think I just talked myself out of the remainder of the fesitval.  Wow that wasn't really all that hard.

Just found a way to possibly add the Gigbot Calendar to my google calendar too.  Sweet.

I have been listening to some stuff I downloaded.  Basically it is like 200 versions of Ring of Fire.  Since going to the roo bar on Sunday I realized it is the one song from the jukebox when they were in Cherry Creek I missed hearing ( the Stan Ridgeway version)  it, so found a collection. So found it but in a collection of like 200 other versions, but surprisingly...not bad. 

Oh and by the way its noon... and grrrrrrr. 

That is all.

I survived. I wasn't sure if I would, but I did.

I thought I was going to make myself completely crazy, Saturday, but I survived and I am totally proud.

Halloween we went over the Hi-Dive for a couple of really great bands. I didn't costume it, but Dave K made me "dark side of the moon" which was magic. I think I pulled it off and the Root Beer Vodka cocktail helped. Don't you dare mock, because it was delicious. Walked by BW's old house, forgot the good times there. As we were walking by I thought of Star Wars sheets, freezing my ass off having to crash wearing mittens, and great closets. Saturday we went out not to a nightclub but to a bar which was really actually pretty fun. We had a chance to chat, not about anything heavy which was totally great. Just nice chit chat and came home. Last night we went over Angelos for pizza, it was like a time warp, nothing has changed since I was a young girl and we went there for dinner. I had a first date with S there when I was 15. And last night it kind of felt the same. It was fun. Then we went to TV on the Radio at the Ogden. It was so good. The Dirtbombs just kicked my ass. To the very last minute they pounded those drums. Then TV on the Radio knocked me out. Took some fair pictures. Not the best, but we made fun of the guy using a flash for every shot unneccesarily. Saw the pictures today...over shot dude. Drop that flash down, you can adjust it. I of all people shouldn't be the one to tell you that. Besides you are getting paid for your pictures probably or didn't have to pay to get in, which I gladly did by the way.

I had no trick or treaters. It was kind of a drag.

Catching up on tv tonite and getting through all my magazines and to do list.

My friend got engaged over the weekend, and the flickr post of the proposal just made me absolutely cry. It was brilliant and so funny. I am so happy for those to wackie kids I can't stand it. Now I have to come up with an appropriate engagement present. Don't judge, but I might see about a set of these.

OK back to watching tv.

Denver Arts Week - Nov 14-22

Ok so I have been feeling largely inspired by several things (obviously wanting to upgrade my camera was a kicker... and thanks Bro for the sage advise and backing me up on the J&R... that will be sweet)  and in my email this morning and yesterday too I am flooded by media.  Its a very very good thing. 

I am hearby putting all you Denver Readers on notice.  I want to have you have to participate in at least ONE event during Denver Arts Week.  Do one thing please.  I never ask you to do anything. Have I ever? I don't remember. Anyways.  Plenty to do around here during this time that is for sure. In fact it even really starts off the week before with First Friday on November 7th.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

I am still compiling the list of the movies / er...films that I want to see at the Denver Film Festival this year.  A couple were actually brought to my attention that I missed when glancing through the schedule yesterday so maybe I will get a list of the things that I might see together today, it might be tomorrow.

I am struggling though to keep busy at work right now.  I know that there are tons of things that I can get done but whoa nelly I am hardly motivated.  Taking the couple hours yesterday morning for a little mental health break was warranted I think for sure. I am glad I did it.  I should have taken the whole day off but just couldn't. 

And in other Dumb Ass moves yesterday... put my mp3 player on my IPhone and it made the thing go all wonkie (well the screen at least) and finally had to reset it which was a pain in the ass.  But its fixed which is really a nice thing but it had me really annoyed for about 10 minutes thinking I totally jacked it up. 

So today I am going to go and vote, get a new radio/alarm clock for the bedroom (the alarm isn't working anymore ... thus waking up late yesterday and sleeping with one eye open this morning waiting waiting waiting but having nothing happen), return some stuff to amazon (they are super cool) and see Velvet Cash tonite. If'n you want discount tickets for the door, email me and I will send you a ticket to get you in for two bucks.

I am hoping F comes through with tickets for Monday... all of a sudden, kinda totally into it.  Hmmmmm.  Ok off to get some workie mcworkerson things done so that I can justify leaving to vote! Yay go me.

There are certain things in this world that are neither earth shattering nor shocking.  But soul shaking.  I sit here in my bathrobe fresh out of the shower (which was too hot for this climate as it is starting to get really dry again) and I realize... I am a huge dumbass. Yep. Dumb. Ass.  Why? Well... here it is... simply and straightforward like... I bought the wrong camera. 

Now don't get me wrong, I love my camera.  It has brought me great joy over the last 6 months or so. Seriously.  LOVE IT.  See how easy that is to say?  LOVE IT.  LOVE YOU CANON S5 IS LURVE YOU... but... still it is the wrong camera.  I can't even remotely do what I need to with it.  When I bought it I was trusting that when the guy said I could buy lenses for it and could get an adapter ring which would then fit any lens that I want to buy later I believed him.  Straight up. Didn't question it. Didn't assume he didn't know what he was talking about...but... when I look up to get a low light lens I find... that wow...he lied. 

So now I am pondering something very wonderful, what camera do I invest in so I have the right one?  I  don't know.  I am actually very excited by this prospect.  I have to be honest I am.  I find that I am looking up cameras and camera bodies and am thrilled about it.  I feel very punk rock about it too.  I feel like I am giving the big ole middle finger to the economy, the political system and wallstreet spending money right now.  I been rocking the overtime the last few months and honestly now I know it is worth it because I have a small little surplus o' cash and can spend it how I wish.  Sure I could go and buy some clothes (not that I have any room in my closet), thought about buying some snazzy boots but I have some (and again... closet space it at a serious premium), I have bought the birthday presents and other gifts that are necessary and given with care, but...now... I think I am ready to upgrade again. 

Ready as I will ever be actually. 

Besides this camera thing is now giving me something to obsess about other than some things going on in my personal life.  Stupid shit that has me all twitterpated and whiggie but in a good and interesting and fun way in my head that is. Things that I didn't ever anticipate thinking about ever... so now that I am, its weird.

I was looking up some places online to potentially buy cameras, found some super cheap places, but whoa do a little searching on customer experiences and you would be shocked how awful these places are written about.  One of the places is a total bait and switch joint out of the 100 maybe people posting only one had anything positive to say.  I will be buying from Amazon for sure.  I am ok giving Jeff Bezos my dollars.  I am down with that. 

ruminations from Monday morning....

Last night went to a private show with F. We went to see the Drive By Truckers at the Bluebird (sorry I didn't fill out the linking agreement... I saw it and if you find this Jack Daniels brand... sorry you don't need my information, but I am not disparaging your brand or the event. So please don't sue me....Hell I had fun, after too for the record).

I am really super duper proud of myself for staying away from the swag. Normally I like that, its fun to see what marketing stuff gets put out there. I like the tchotchkes. I like it normally and will usually pick at least something up. I usually live for that crap but honestly for the first time EVER I just said no. Gave F the guitar picks, he got the tshirts and baseball cap. And not to say that I am ungrateful for the plentiful amount of swag they had but I am really proud of myself for saying "no thank you". The show was really great. I knew nothing about the Drive By Truckers before walking in outside of the fact F wore a tshirt of theirs once when I was at his house. So I was pleasantly surprised. They were awesome. Its a really great promotion. And the promo girls there were friendly and not snobby at all, for the record. Having been friends with my share of alcohol promo girls, I know there is a heirarchy and the girls can be um... snooty. Not so yesterday. OOOOOHHHHH I do have a question Jack Daniels promo folks... where did you get the personalized polaroid film? That shit was kicken. I am just sorry I was a jack ass because the picture would have been awesome. Should have found the girl to do another one.

So this morning it was tough shlepping out of bed, but I had to get into work. I am glad I didn't stay at Fs like I was thinking I would. I was comfortable there but holy start of the work week I knew I had to come home. If I didn't have an event tomorrow I probably seriously would have called in.

I have seriously been kicking out the great music today too. There is this downloadable Indie Rock playlist (shout out Criznittle) that monthly just rules and I finally am getting through December 07s. Hello Kate Nash.

Also on the radar for this morning when I have sometime... Denver International Film Festival Schedule is out this today. I haven't had much time to actually go through it but there are some interesting things. I will post more this afternoon after I have had time to digest the offerings. I am just excited that the schedule is up.