Thursday, May 29, 2008

Celebrity.

We all pretty much knew this day was bound to come, but let me officially announce here on thelaze.blogspot.com that I am famous. Well, both Christina and I are famous, but we know which star shown brighter.

Ha!

I made my Top Chef debut last night thanks to the kindness and generosity that my truly famous friend Tina showed upon me back in the fall. We were lucky enough to participate in a taping of the show due to her extra famous connections and it aired last night. The part that was funny (maybe only to me?) is that I hadn't really told any of my friends so they were a bit surprised to see my face show up for the split second that it did, doing a terrifically fake cheers with the other guests at the table. In case you missed it, let me show you. I just happen to have some screen captures.



There we are. "Cheers!"



Here is Christina, rockin' her bob before Katie Holmes even thought it a possibility.
"Cheers!"



And, this is no different than the other shot.. just closer up.
"Cheers!"

So! I'm obviously on my way to culinary stardom and I would like to thank all the people who have helped to get me to this place.

In other less famous news, I feel simply exhausted today. Prior to being on television I was in one of my final classes before the summer and it was tiresome. I will be glad when I have completed my presentation, written my paper, and can just chill for a couple of months.

I declare this a summer of leisure and workin' for the benjamins. I'm going to try to marry those two ideas and see if I can figure that out.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits

This video absolutely blew my mind.



You can fast forward through the talking and get to the dancing.

All I can say is "can I get my moves back?"

So, yesterday evening was perhaps one of the more stressful and ridiculous evenings I have had in a while and I can simply blame it on my bathtub. After work I had to skedaddle (yes, I said skedaddle) down to pick up my scanned negatives from Joe and given the insane wind of the day this was a second workout for me. I was at almost a complete standstill for most of the ride, but I just stood up and pushed through. On my way back the other direction (still against the wind, mind you) I stopped to pick up some Drano because magically that morning my bathtub had not drained and I found that especially odd because it wasn't a progressive problem, it was an all of the sudden problem. I was fairly certain I hadn't clogged it by dropping anything in it, and I'm generally not a hirsute, so it seemed quite weird that it would just suddenly not drain. But I figured this was nothing a plunger and some Drano couldn't help me out with.

Now mind you, this was around 6pm and I had to be at dinner at 8pm and on top of this my dear friends Jen and Alex were coming to crash at my house. I got home and the water still hadn't drained (gross!) and so I poured my Drano Gel Max in and sat and waited for it to work... but after a good 15-20min I saw no movement, so I made the mistake of calling my landlady. Actually, I can't call this a complete mistake because she solved the problem in the end, but when most people would come, take a look, and call a plumber, (comma happy!) said landlady was on her hands and knees in my bathroom with rubber gloves trying to solve the problem. She spent a good long while scolding me for using Drano because it eats the enamel on tubs (ummmm, this tub is old, that enamel is done gone) and she wondered why I didn't call her right away. Well, I didn't want her in my bathroom on her hands and knees trying to fix this problem, but there she was and it was too late to stop her. For the next hour and a half she worked on it. Taking it all apart, bailing out my tub, and convincing me to boil four pots of water as she claimed boiling water would be the only thing to fix it. She also scolded me for trying to plunge the tub as she said plungers don't work on tubs... but LONG story short, with about 10 pots of boiling water and her plunging my tub forcefully, we got movement.

I cheered.

She left.

Jen and Alex came.

I made it to dinner only a half an hour late.

I didn't have to shower with my feet in non drained water this morning. All is well on the home front.

I'm all about Stevie Wonder's greatest hits today. I'm gonna rock it all day long, except I just skipped the "happy birthday" song because that just doesn't seem appropriate.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Invisible Beast

It's as though God knew we'd be back at work today and just to rub salt into our wounds, he has made it a grey, windy, cold day.

Joe just asked me if I had taken a bicycle to work today and I confirmed telling him that I came to the conclusion that I would rather be riding up hills as then I would know what I am up against, but with the wind (which is especially cold and strong today), it is an invisible beast that taunts me.

My coworker told of setting her full cup of Starbucks on top of her car this morning only to have it taken away by the tempest. Ha! It's true.

Memorial Day weekend was all I had hoped for. We really did have wonderful weather and I managed to work in a healthy amount of leisure and productivity. This all culminated with the ultimate Chicago "summer" activity of cooking out, sitting on the stoop, engaging those who pass by. It really was a lovely afternoon that lasted into the early night.

I am working on many things today.
I have projects closing in.
I am keeping my eye out for the UPS man who will bring me this:



because I am obsessed with video lately. I know I am bit late on the trend, but it occupies my thoughts quite often and Franc said that Ira Glass said that this was the camera to have, so, I bought it.

Ok.
It is 11:09am. Let Monday begin. *sigh*

(ps. I know it's not really Monday.)

Friday, May 23, 2008

Three day weekend.

It is Friday before a three day weekend and I feel simultaneously tired and excited. So much time to do life things!
What will I do?
The oppotunity!

I had a lovely little lunch with Tina at Mitchell's.
I ate a veggie breakfast sandwich and she had grilled cheese and soup.
Our waitress looked like she was still in the running toward becoming America's next top model.

My fellow Oberliners are all headed back to our alma mater for a little reunion this weekend and I have decided not to return. Not this time around.
I feel a little weird about that because I don't like the thought of such dear friends having fun and me choosing not to participate, but I just didn't feel quite ready for that place.
Five years is a while and a lot has changed, but maybe not enough for me to return to that environment. I need a bit more space and the travel timing didn't quite work out anyway.
So, give me another five years and I'm sure to be there.

For now, I can't wait to hear the stories of relived debauchery.

Happy Memorial Day dear friends.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Exposed

I just finished reading this ridiculously long article by Emily Gould, former editor of gawker.com.
Fascinating stuff I say.

I find my generation's ability to talk about itself so interesting.

I mean, that is what this blog is. I just talk about myself publicly and that is sort of silly and unnecessary, but there is some sort of gratification in doing so.

I think what complicates it more is how blogging isn't honest. It's not a diary, it is a public log and it has no true merit as a life document, more of a "this just in" sort of deal. Whenever I begin to writing about things that are current I find myself questioning my authority and ability to say what I think, so I revert back to being the authority on myself.

But my approach to writing my blog is that I want it to be entertaining for me to be writing and also entertaining for whomever to read. So, that is the tone I will continue to take.

I feel antsy today. I'm not doing a great job of accomplishing things this week and I think it has to do with the impending three day weekend as well as my late start to the week. Rather than feeling rushed to get things done, I just feel like it is too late to get things done so I will piddle away the week.

Memorial Day always takes me by surprise. It doesn't feel like a real holiday to me. As if it wants to be the fourth of July, but hasn't got the heat to keep up.

I have good plans for the weekend though, and I hear the weather will be sweet.

(note: "Sweet" is a new adjective for me. Never used to use it, but now I can't stop. It's kind of 90's, no?)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

21 Jump Street.

I realized yesterday that I have not had a night at home in nearly three weeks, so I took advantage of this opporunity, skipped the gym (poo poo to me) and spent the evening at home tending to things. I actually was headed to the gym, but it began to rain after work so I just high tailed it on my bicycle homeward.

In place of the gym I actually made my way over to the grocery store (canvas bags in tow) and purchased some good produce for the week. I brought home some organic tofu that I am marinating in jerk sauce, cause that seemed like an interesting experiment.

I spent some time sorting negatives as I have scans to make this weekend and watched episodes of 30 Rock, which I have heard much about but had not taken the time to watch. It is actually really hysterical. I had some really nice laugh out loud moments.

In less Mundane news, Johnny Depp is in a movie that is going to be filmed less than a block away from my work. It is a Dillinger movie, I hear? I just wrangled my coworkers into going and exploring. I kept thinking I would be yelled at, but I was not. I declared I was definitely going to be leaking images to the internet... so here we go.



This is fake brick they have put up over some of the buildings.



This used to be a place called Fiesta Mexicana, but now it is a fake jewelry store.



This is my favorite. That is Qdoba behind there! Ha. burritos hidden by this fantastic facade.



This is Subway. Ha.



All fake.



The biograph gets a face lift.

And finally...



That is McDonalds. As you can see, my coworkers dress much nicer than I do.

I'm looking forward to being blocks away from Mr. Depp. I plan to stand outside the set and yell "JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYY! 21 JUMP STREET! I REMEMBER!"

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Annnnnd he's back.

Oh, ladies and gentleman I am back and my eyes are about to fall shut because I am so very tired. I have been working hard today to catch up with the little things I missed while being gone yesterday and now I have hit an afternoon lull where sleep calls me.

But I resist!

I had a wonderful weekend in the Big City and I feel equally tired and rejuvenated. I believe it makes me have better energy for my own city when I get a weekend in NY and this trip was no exception. Milan was a kind host and the city was alive with spring and my willingness to consume. Literally. I was such a consumer, it was quite ridiculous.

Upon my arrival on Saturday we spent a little time getting settled, then may our way into the city to traverse SoHo. I purchased jeans like I've never purchased before and although I know their price was/is somewhat ridiculous, I can say I don't regret them for a second. Friday evening was homemade dinner and me watching people play video games that I just don't understand. (I think I missed the video game gene)

Sunday, Paul and I explored the Whitney Biennial and the Mapplethorpe Polaroid exhibit. This turned out to be quite an undertaking as the Biennial is video intensive and required quite sometime... and although I found some of the concepts behind the conceptual art a bit tiresome, it was enjoyable overall. We then attempted to get a bite to eat by the Whitney, stopped into a deli, sat down, saw a $22 grilled cheese sandwich on the menu, and left. Ha! That cheese bettah be sent from heaven for $22... or I better be able to wear it and show it to all my friends.

After some more wandering and chatting we met up with Paul's friend Tim, had dinner got splashed by a car driving through a puddle (frealz!) and then made our way (wet, mind you) to a magazine release party. Afterwards we made our way to a birthday party and then called it a night.

Monday was a bit more low key. Paul and I did some picture taking and then Milan and I did some last minute shopping (must. spend. all. money.) and Milan showed me his fancy life style of working in chic loft spaces.

Grabbed a falafel sandwich, packed the ridiculous amount of things I bought into my bags and headed to the airport.

Now, I'm back.
Back to life.
Back to reality.
Filing cabinets sitting behind me.
Getting ready to make my way to the gym.
And I have that thing where I get a scratchy throat after flying? I hate that.





Soaked from our dirty puddle splash.



ummm?












Friday, May 16, 2008

Sigh of relief.

I completed the recording session last night and finished the season with the William Ferris Chorale. It was actually a nice end to a full and productive year. I am so glad this week is over though because if it would have lasted much longer I would have had a bit of a breakdown.

I honestly think the only reason I got through it is because I have been eating really well and working out everyday... and can I just say that within two weeks of doing this I am actually feeling quite different? I don't know why this bandwagon is so hard to get on, because once you do, it is quite a nice ride. Don't get me wrong, I still loathe the gym, but overall it feels really good to know that I have done something for my body and it makes me more conscious of what I'm eating because I don't want to negate the work that I have put in.

Last night at 10:30pm I took a pair of clippers to my head.
I just needed a trim on the sides and given my recent misadventure with the Barber I decided to take things into my own hands (as I all too often do). The cut is actually quite good, but I did have a moment of realization in the midst of it all.

I am really going grey. There are a bunch of white hairs poking through on the sides of my head. More than I actually knew about, and although I realize this point is lost on a number of my friends who are reading this and also have grey hair, it made me stop for a minute and think "whoa".

It is not even about the grey, I think it is this idea that my body is changing and will not being going back to the way it was. This was also inspired by my search for Tina's birthday pictures and realizing how different I look just within the past few years. My hair in particular is much different than it was and I have also been thinking about this having broken my elbow and trying to get it back to working order. It will never be the same. It will always be slow... and I might get arthritis in it and I am only 26 but these grey hairs poking out the sides of my head freak me out a bit. Age is happening and I have no choice but to be ok with it.

In fact, if you pressed me on the issue I am somewhat excited to be grey. I think it is distinguished, especially if it is just the sides of my head. That seems chic, but it will take some getting used to, and the transition seems awkward.

Lookout Anderson Cooper. There is a new Silver Fox in town.

In other news, we have a fancy Mac in our office now and I find photo booth all too irresistible.



Check out that haircut!
Oh and those filing cabinets. Now, that is chic.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

More, on wind.

Once again this morning I found myself riding head on into the wind and really I was just too tired. It all seemed like to much as I rode over the small man made hill (bridge) on Fullerton, went under the over pass and came upon Clybourn. Then, it was as though God shed His/Her very own light on my situation. I looked up and there was the British Petroleum sign stating that unleaded regular gas is $4.39 and I thought "Thank God I am on my bike!"

Last night was a blast as we celebrated Ms. Tina Marie's birthday at the Lincoln Lanes. Like a dumbbot, I forgot to bring along my camera so I have no record of the event, but it was good to see a lot of people that love her in an old school bowling alley eating delicious cake.

I might also add that I won the bowling game. My score will not be conveyed because that is not the point... the point is that I won and let's just say I did better than Mr. Obama.

Tonight is my final recording session for the week.
I will be glad to walk away from there having completed what we needed to complete and having some extra $ in hand for this weekend in New York.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

No Thanks.

Well, no thanks to any of you I found out that if the winds are northeasterly it means they are coming from that direction, making my bike ride to work hellish. I'll keep that in mind for my future cycling.

I'm terribly busy, friends. Really busier than a guy should be.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have all been nonstop until the wee hours.
Recording with a choir is terribly difficult undertaking as there is so much possibility of error. Voices are undependable at best and putting a group of them on creaky risers for three hours at a time whilst hoping for a perfection... it is just tiresome. But! As I've said before, I's works hard for the money and I's like to make the art for the money.

I will write on the topic mentioned in previous blog, but I thought today would be a good day to do a little tribute to a friend who is celebrating a birthday today. I wont tell you the age she is celebrating because she wouldn't want that, although I've been known to do many things she didn't want before, but today I will be kind.

Christina Marie Fox ... or TINA as I call her.

She's a pretty sweet friend. She'll do things like dress up like the Orbit Gum girl for Halloween.



She's also been known to get sweaty and dance with me at weddings. Yes, multiple weddings.





She tries out beds in NYC with me.



She's walked the lonesome roads of Oklahoma with me.



She also falls asleep in fun places... like bars.



Most importantly, she takes my picture once in a while and I can't say no to a friend like that.



and again...



She even makes me put on face masks sometimes.



Although, maybe she should do something about her teeth.



Just kidding!



But, I mean most of all, she makes me laugh a lot.



I am thankful she is around for the next year.

It'll be a good one.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Northeasterly winds.

I have a question.

If the radio personality tells me that there will be northeasterly winds, does that mean the winds will be blowing in that direction or coming from that direction?

The reason I ask is because I felt quite relieved this morning when Ms. NPR told me there would be northeasterly winds, which quite suits my bicycle ride to work, but I found myself riding up against what felt like a wall. It really is the most work, when trying to make my way to work in the morning and the wind is competing with me. I find myself sighing and cursing loudly until I finally make my way there, but this morning I just felt upset with Ms. NPR. Northeasterly? What does that even mean? This wind was against me.

This weekend feels like a whir that I don't quite remember.

You know, I have to say (and this is not me complaining, but rather illuminating a fact) that being a musician is sometimes difficult and kind of lonely. I often find myself in odd places singing for or with people I don't necessarily relate to or have want to relate to for that matter. It's just odd overall because so much time is spent in transit or rehearsal, and when you are doing either of those things you are not really communicating with anyone, but rather, participating in a process. I do enjoy the process, but sometimes it wears on me because the financial results aren't really that advantageous.

This weekend for example I made my way to the northern burbs for a gig that involved two confirmation services at a gigantic catholic church. I just wonder how many other people, like me, are spending their Saturdays making their way to the northern burbs for wealthy catholics? It's odd when I put it in context. But, I don't like to say no to these opportunities because you don't ever know where they might lead.

The rest of this week I will be making a recording (each night until 10pm) with the William Ferris Chorale. This is a taxing process.

On a personal note, (wait, this is all personal) I feel proud of myself for a couple of things. I was rather consistent about gyming it last week (and I will do the same today) as well as bringing my food with me in my little tupperwares. Last night on my way home from rehearsal I brought along my little grocery bags and stopped at whole foods (whole paycheck) to pick up some produce for the week. I shopped exclusively organic and I think I came away some good things. I even spent some time before I went to bed marinating some tofu in peanut sauce so that I can grill it for lunch. These are the types of things that are making me feel productive in the midst of a busier than busy schedule.

I want to write tomorrow about belief in the ability to be an artist.
Remind me, please.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Yeayuh!

*does money dance*

The US Government came through for me today and gave me my much anticipated stimulus package. That sounds so dirty, right? Well, it is.

It's all rather weird that this $ just pops up in my bank account and it is my job as a tax payer to spend it in an effort to stimulate our down trodden economy... and you know what? I will. I'm going to buy myself a plane ticket and some clothes I don't need. The truth of the matter is, I have put a little toward debt (because I would feel guilty if I did not) but the cost of the plane ticket I will be buying is so much (because of gas prices? and? and?) and the dollar is just the weakest of little men right now (see blog: buying shoes from London) that this stimulus aint very stimulating.

But, who am I to complain?
Nope.
nada.
Show me da money.

I have a concert tonight.
If you love choral music (and I am 100 percent certain that you all do) you should come by.

Silence And Music

"Our season finale features unaccompanied sacred music by outstanding American composers including William Ferris, Paul Nicholson, George Rochberg and the world premiere of Egon Cohen's Stabat Mater."
Mount Caramel Church
708 West Belmont Avenue
8pm

I have to say that some of this music is really stunning. I mean, I think choirs are boring in general, but I think that if you feel like being patient you might really enjoy this.

This weekend is a busy one.
No rest for the wicked.

Oh, and I have registered for my classes. I am over the fact that my life will be the same for two more years because, well, my life is pretty good and I can just deal with that. I will also be taking a short class this summer... provided the instructor allows me to overenroll because now it is full.

I will beg.

Bon weekend, dear friends.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

I aint gonna lie.

I'm freaking out right now.

After some careful evaluation I see that if I work my ass off for the next year and a half I will complete my degree by March of 2010.

MARCH 2010.

I realize this isn't that far away, but in my mind this feels like a big committment. I've know this all along, but to see it mapped out on a page really brings it home. The school committment doesn't bother me as much as just the life committment. What this actually means is that until March 2010 I will be sitting in this chair, and writing a blog that reads strikingly similar to the one you've been reading. I will probably still be riding my bike to work in the morning and complaining about the cold and then the hot. I will be drinking the same coffee from either home or my "easy easy" lady at Dunkin' Donuts. I will also still have my crazy landlady and still have most of the same furniture and clothing because frankly, I wont have the money to buy new. I will probably be a bit smarter, but yea... it all seems daunting.

Maybe I can find a way to actually be out of debt.
Maybe it is March 2010 that I will have a new degree, a new knowledge set, and fiscal freedom? Maybe I will also be terrifically fit and disciplined in my life style.

I mean really, I should see this as an opportunity to dig in and get things right. That is the difference between being in school and in real life, you know? You set times on yourself when you're in school. You constantly adhering to deadlines and although we do that some in real life it is not the same so maybe I should embrace the deadline. Suck it up and get it done, Davin.

It just scares me.
I know no decisions are permanent, but you can't get your time back and so that's why I feel nervous about it.

Hillary - Drop out.

I'm amazed by the way in which the media is pressuring Hillary Clinton to pull out of the race for the democratic nomination. I think the media has been against Clinton for quite some time, but now it seems the pressure is really on.



I can't say I don't agree, I just am amazed at how news media biases are so obvious in situations like these.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Summer class or no?

I'm trying to decide whether to do course work this summer or not. A part of me wants to have a break from being busy and a part the other part of me doesn't want to be a student for 10 years.

I mean, summer breaks are a thing of the past anyway, so I think I should just bite the bullet and take something.

I had a late rehearsal last night and then a bike ride home.

I slept terribly because I have back pain like nobody's business.
I'm going take a break from the chiro. I don't think it is helping. I just want the massage.

I also plan to start every sentence in my blog with "I".

I will only write about me me me me.

Oh!

I also went to the gym last night and I have done very well at not eating out and bringing my foods to work in tupperware.

This is it for today.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Correction.

Jessica tells me the horse was put to sleep.

But, it had to be put to sleep because it broke both of its ankles.

I say that is still kinda messed up.

$39.99 a pound

Does anyone else find this picture problematic?



Actually, not the picture but the subject matter. I mean, this horse freaking died immediately after the race? Gimme a break. And all the money was still won?

Also, (on a completely different pictorial note) have you all ever seen these types of mushroom before?



They are Morels I believe? When I was home, my cousin came over with her husband to walk through the woods and find these. I remember eating them as a kid, but when I saw them on Saturday they looked so alien. Like little pieces of rubber that I couldn't imagine ingesting. She told me that they sell them for $39.99 a pound at the farmer's market, which seems like a ton-o-$ but when you consider the time it takes to find each mushroom it makes sense.

Tonight begins the next two weeks when I have not a single night free until I return from NY on the 19th. Then life will be easy, breezy and beautiful. I have a William Ferris Chorale concert this friday and then next week we will be recording a CD which will take up most evenings (plus class) until the following week.

That's all for today.
Dead horses.
Morel Mushrooms (My mother says Mushroons. It drives me nuts.)
Busy weeks ahead!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Big Ambitions

Every time I go to and return from Michigan I have big ambitions. It doesn't matter how short my time was there, something just happens when I remove myself from my current life and return to my childhood life, I am reminded of all the thing I have done and all of the things I want(ed) to do. Currently this includes a few things in particular:

Make Art
I think this summer I will take somewhat of a creative vacation. Spend some time in Michigan (cheap) and just make music and take pictures etc. I think I need to do this periodically and

Get it shape.
Yea, yea, I know this is typical blog fodder and how many times have I said this before? BUT I really want to get in shape. I don't think I need to lose weight, but I need to not always be a tall mess of underdeveloped blubber. I am actually currently inspired by my dear college friend, Lydia who is undergoing a total transformation in an effort to become a real roller girl (not the Heather Graham type.) You can read all about it here.

Eat better.
This I am actually starting on today. Yesterday I made my way down the street (with my canvas grocery bags - see next goal) to get some produce and some Tupperware (also see next goal). This week in particular is very busy for me and it is difficult to bring both lunch and dinner with me everywhere I go, but I am going to try and do it in an effort to be more fiscally responsible as well as just generally healthier.

Finally, I really need to quit being so wasteful.
This morning I brought my coffee to work in a thermos, which I intend to do daily. As much as I love my Dunkin' Donuts coffee on the way to work I have two problems. One is the foam cup it comes in and two is the fact that I can't exactly carry it while riding my bike. So, the answer is this little thermos I've purchased and making my coffee at home. Also, I want to start actually using my own bags for groceries etc. I have attempted to do this in the past but I never stick with it. If you see me walking down the street with a plastic bag, please heckle me. I will add some more elements to this in future days, but I won't bore you now.

The weekend flew by as I tried to cram so much in, but it was all good. Friday after work I headed downtown to catch my train to Michigan, which left and arrived on time (applause). The remainder of Friday and Saturday were good family times. I took my parents for a walk in the woods and my father reminded me of where a natural pond exists that I always seem to forget about.














Oh! The gluten free cupcakes were a hit. My mother said she had not eaten a cupcake in two years and couldn't help but eat one for breakfast on Saturday morning.



Ha!

After our time outside, my mother and I did some thrift store shopping. Which, by the way, thrift stores in Otsego, MI rock. They are so far superior to thrift stores in Chicago because (dare I sound like a snob) people in Otsego don't know what they're looking for... or wouldn't be looking for the same things that I would be... but I came across some sweet finds.

Saturday evening we headed to my sister's new home, which made my quite proud. I see that they have worked so hard and put so much effort into building this house that they have earned the old fashioned way.

Then back to Chicago for a late night (MUCH DELAYED) train ride.

Sunday was a lovely sunny day of good food and good people. Have you been to Eleven City Diner in the South Loop? It was really yummy.

Ok! this is too long. I have to work.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Stiff upper lip

I don't think that Amy Winehouse picture makes everyone else laugh as much as it makes me?

To be perfectly honest, I feel terrifically surly today. I think it is a combination of the grey Friday morning and the on again off again TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR that I had to walk through and the fact that my back simply does not want to sit at a desk all day long. This is not me saying this, it is my muscles. The chiropractor helps, but this office job does not.

Stiff upper lip. Stout fella! Carry on 'ole chum.

I feel off my game. Things aren't going wrong, I just don't feel like I have the time to stay ahead. I headed home last night to make dinner and get a few things done before I met a couple of friends whom I had not seen for a while for drinks. What actually happened was that I made a pathetic dinner and didn't accomplish much of anything before it was time to go. I realized I hadn't even been home before 10pm one evening this week. This is my own doing, but I need to set more home time aside. There is so much to do and so little time I say.

Anyway, seriously, I'm annoying today.

I am headed to Michigan this evening to spend a day with the parents. I with I were able to spend more than one night and day, but it is all I could drum up right now so it will be good to get some down time on Amtrak and then just catch up with family. My sister has moved into her new home and I am looking forward to seeing how it has come along. I also was hoping to take some photos in the woods with the newly bloomed trees, but I wonder if the rain might inhibit that plan. I also found some gluten free cupcakes at a the fancy cupcake shop down the street from work, so I am excited to take those along to my gluten allergic mother.

Speaking of blooming trees, isn't it incredible how quickly spring is upon us? I mean, I know I've been calling her name for months now, but it is amazing how the air gets warm and then the flowers bloom. Bam! and then just as quickly they are gone. It is magic I tell you, and I can't believe it happens every year... but thank God it does.

bisous!