Bathtub Gin

Whats up everybody

2008-01-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering where to find us, I believe that Windowsill Wendy is blogging at her MySpace account, and I am blogging regularly about music at the Phish blog.

World Series Game 3 Video

2007-10-28T15:20:00.000-06:00

This Sucks.

2007-10-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

For most of the past week, I've spent each day shuttling back and forth to Presbyterian/St. Luke's hospital. Delivering food. Delivering sweatshirts and hats. Delivering some small measure of comfort, I hope.

I work for an organization dedicated to finding cures for blood-related cancers like leukemia. I'm not a doctor, a nurse, a social worker or a healthcare professional. I'm a fundraiser. I put together events to raise money to fund research for better treatments and cures, and to fund patient services programs that help families from diagnosis, through treatment and hopefully into survivorship.

The vast majority of the time, I absolutely love what I do. Even when I have bad days, I can go to bed knowing that I've made some kind of positive impact on this planet. Today is one of the REALLY bad days, though, and it makes me feel a little bit hopeless.

Today, we said goodbye to one of those people who made the world a better place to live. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, the doctors told him he had maybe two years to live. He made it nearly ten. He's been a huge advocate and a tireless volunteer for my organization. He'd impacted the way medical research happens, and he's made life a little brighter for anyone who has eve known him.

Last summer, we thought he finally got his miracle. He needed a bone marrow transplant, but couldn't find a donor match. So the doctors went for a cord blood stem cell transplant, and a match was finally found in Italy. So my friend became known as the Italian Stallion. He survived the transplant and a couple of subsequent life-threatening infections. He even came back from the brink, recovering from another infection that put him in ICU on a respirator. Most people don't come back from that.

But in the last couple of weeks, another infection got him - this time it was fungal. Because he has virtually no immune system, any little germ can turn deadly. We got good news last week - he was recovering from surgery nicely, they thought the infection was gone, and he was able to come off of dialysis. The man's a fighter, we thought, and he's really going to make it.

The infection came back on Monday, though, with a vengeance. Today, they'll be removing all life support and letting nature take over. My friend is gone. And this really fucking sucks.

I know that the work I do is important... that it really does help people. But the thought that what has happened to my friend happens every ten minutes is almost more than I can handle today. It makes me want to throw my hands up and give up - if what I'm doing couldn't help my friend, then what's the use?

But I know better than that. I see it happen every day. I have to keep going and work as hard as I can until this doesn't happen anymore. As horrible - as absolutely, mind-boggling-ly, abyssmally, gut-wrenchingly horrible - as this is, it ultimately makes me even more determined to raise the money it will take to end these diseases.

If you want to help, you can help too. Click here for info.

2007-09-14T13:14:00.000-06:00

CheezLog is back. I’ve been meaning to post a few entries here, but I got lazy. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.

To catch you up, I hit the following shows since we last spoke:
- Siren Music Festival @ Coney Island (Brooklyn)
- Band of Horses @ McCarren Pool (Brooklyn)
- TV on the Radio @ McCarren Pool (Brooklyn)

The Siren Music Festival is an annual music festival that’s hosted by the Village Voice each summer. It’s not a great festival by any means, but it’s fun to attend because it’s at Coney Island and it’s free. One of the stages is literally next to the world famous roller coaster, the Cyclone! This year’s lineup wasn’t too shabby. The highlight of the festival was easily M.I.A. In case you’re not familiar with M.I.A., she’s a British/Sri Lankan MC who's hot in the electronica world right now. Thousands stood shoulder to shoulder for M.I.A.’s afternoon set. People were even climbing fences to catch a glimpse of her performance. It was nuts. In addition to M.I.A., I also caught We Are Scientists, The Black Lips, Cursive, and The New York Dolls.
[Recommended M.I.A. Downloads: Paper Planes, Bucky Done Gun, Boyz]

The next two shows took place at McCarren Pool in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. For those of you who don’t live in the New York area, McCarren Pool is an extremely unique concert setting. It was built in 1936 and is the size of three Olympic-sized pools. It can hold up to 6,800 swimmers, but here’s the catch…it’s currently empty of water. The city closed the pool in 1983 and it sat abandoned for 20 years. That is until someone had the bright idea to host concerts in the empty pool last summer. Now there’s a gigantic stage set inside, along with an adult slip ‘n slide and a fenced-in dodge ball court. This summer, bands like Sonic Youth, Beastie Boys, Feist, Grizzly Bear, Built to Spill, TV on the Radio and Band of Horses performed. On September 22nd, The Chemical Brothers will play there, too. This video will give you a better idea what I’m talking about: http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=e0dc1af27b6f4547a4cced0bd9cad7a76ec477ac

Band of Horses was perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I highly recommend their first CD, Everything All the Time. It’s an excellent, mellow, summer disc.
[Recommended Downloads: The Funeral, The Great Salt Lake, Wicked Gil]

TV on the Radio played McCarren several weeks later. I was looking forward to this show all summer and they didn’t disappoint. It rained most of the day, but the skies cleared when the band hit the stage. It’s always fun seeing a band play their hometown, which for TVOTR, is Brooklyn. Their music is thick with unique sounds, so I enjoyed watching them recreate their songs live.
[Recommended Downloads: Wolf Like Me, Staring at the Sun]

And finally, I can’t leave without mentioning Van Halen’s upcoming tour. I’ve been waiting for this tour since David Lee Roth was kicked out of the band in ’85. VH are easily one of my all time favorite bands, so I’m beyond excited about this. I just hope I can get tix for their Madison Square Garden show. Most of the dates on their tour have quickly sold out.

Here’s a few pics I took at the Siren Music Festival and McCarren Pool:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=147si9ml.46p7nndt&Uy=iuv2gh&Ux=0

Breathing

2007-09-10T20:52:00.001-06:00

Work, work, work...

My busy season is upon me. We hosted our first fundraising walk of the fall on Saturday. One down, four to go, and on September 30th, I'm getting drunk. Stupid drunk. Maybe even whiskey drunk.

The walk was absolutely beautiful. There's just something about a college campus in the fall, framed by the Flatirons, that can't quite be captured anywhere else. I'm bruised and sore from the physical labor of it all, but it was definitely worth it. Our participants had a wonderful evening, and we raised a shit ton of money for cancer research and patient care.

Fall seems to have fallen...

We had a bit of a cold snap over the weekend. It will warm back up in the next couple of days, but right now it feels like football. Makes me want to cook up a batch of chili over the weekend. I wore a sweater and boots today, and I could've used a jacket. I forgot how much I love the fall - and ski season is right around the corner.

Etc.

I saw Wilco at the Fillmore over Labor Day weekend with the Joker and a whole group of other friends. In the Joker's words, "I think my face melted off." What an amazing show. I've loved this band for years, but this was the first chance I've had to see them live. Well worth the $8 beers at the venue, let me tell you. I love me some Tweedy.

Travels...
Once my Walk season wraps, I'm off to Orlando for a training, and then it's my long-awaited trip to Mexico. Ixtapa, to be exact. Land of Coronas and cabana boys. I'll be spending a full seven days sprawled out on the beach drinking fruity concoctions with umbrellas. It can't get here soon enough. Beats the hell out of being trapped inside by three feet of snow. I'm thinking of throwing a weekend in New York or Vegas somewhere in the fall as well. We'll see how it all plays out.

That's pretty much all I've got in terms of an update. I'm still waiting for the Joker to tell us all about getting kicked out of Red Rocks and the three days of STS9 last week...

Good Times at the Moon Time

2007-08-19T19:02:00.000-06:00

So Lisa finally took me out to the Moon Time Bar & Grill last night. I think I might have a new favorite "regular" joint. And I'm pretty sure I want to marry the DJ. I'm hard pressed to remember when I've heard so many fabulous songs in a row. Everything from The Band's "Up on Cripple Creek" to Jerry's "Rubin and Cherise" to the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer." Nice. But I digress...

Being a single girl again after 7 years or so, I admit that I'm absolutely clueless about the laws of attraction, etc. It's been a pretty interesting year - most of the time I don't think about it or worry about it too much. I figure it's best just to roll with it. I have made a few observations, though, that seem to hold true every single time.

Last night, I didn't go out on the prowl, per se, but the thought did cross my mind that I could potentially meet someone interesting. (Fat chance, I know - it's been months since I met someone who caught my interest. Who was actually interested back.)

Anyway, I think I inadvertently stumbled into one of the Murphy's laws of mutual attraction. See, I pretty much guaranteed myself that there would be no chance of any sort of after-hours activities by doing two things. I shaved my legs, and I wore sassy little underthings. And that's when I remembered the rule.

Preparation eliminates the possibility. The only time I ever seem to really hit it off with someone, I'm scraggly and/or wearing granny panties. Which virtually negates the possibility of a second go-round, in the event that I were to decide "what the hell" and actually indulge in a first go-round.

The rate I'm going, though, I need to lose my razor and stock up on granny panties. And buy a tooled leather bag. I'm letting you in on a little secret here, ladies - that thing is a man magnet.

We had an absolutely fabulous evening, though. I'm pretty sure the bartender is our new best friend, and we fell in with a group of jovial Illinois-ians (Illinois-ites?) toward the end of the night who kept us quite entertained. I'll definitely be back there for Stellas on the roof deck in the near future.

String Cheese Incident Friday Photos

2007-08-12T21:34:00.001-06:00

Trip to Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park

2007-08-05T18:14:00.000-06:00

Windowsill Wendy and I visited Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park this weekend. Here are a few pictures.

Daft Punk at Red Rocks = Mind Blown

2007-08-01T09:17:00.000-06:00

Last night I saw the best show at Red Rocks I have seen this season: Daft Punk. They had the most amazing & original light show I have probably ever seen. Here is a pro shot video from a previous concert:

I have been very busy working at Red Rocks the past couple of weeks. I got to see Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket, Incubus, Modest Mouse, Snow Patrol, Tiesto, Keller Williams, and Bob Weir & Ratdog. My Favorite performances were MMJ, Bob Weir, & Bob Dylan.

Fear and Loathing in Stillwater

2007-07-30T13:00:00.001-06:00

I was somewhere outside of Guthrie, on the edge of Payne County, when the drugs began to take hold...

Well, the Ibuprofin, anyway. Y'know - to help with the hangover from Friday night.

Trips back to Stillwater always feel like going home to me. It's hard to wipe the idiot grin off my face once I take the Highway 51 exit and point my headlights toward OSU.

Saturday afternoon, I rolled into town for a wedding. I promptly installed myself in a chair at the Hideaway, ordered two large Half-Bakeds to go and proceeded to eat an entire Dagwood and some pasta salad, eschewing the fried mushrooms with the greatest difficulty. Best. Hangover. Food. Ever.

After lunch, I had some time to shop, and I have now added two shiny new Koozies, among other trinkets, to my vast collection of orange and black.

Driving back from Stillwater Sunday morning, still half drunk, nursing a burdgeoning Category Five hangover, it occurred to me that I only make it back there once or twice a year, because my liver simply could not survive more than that. See, when we all get together in Stilly, we drink until we can't stand up. That's just how it works.

I forgot how hot and humid Central Oklahoma can be in July - I guess I've acclimated to Colorado after all. Still, the wedding on Saturday was absolutely gorgeous. Plus, it's obviously a successful party when the bride, groom and a third of the guests leave the reception, change clothes, hit the bars on the Strip and wind up drinking warm Bud Light on the steps of the Student Union at 4:30 am.

Because my attorney kept advising me to pour whiskey shots down my throat; because somebody kept passing me Jell-O shots and because it was so hot that I was forced to down cold Newcastle by the pitcherful, the following may not be 100% accurate. That said, here are some highlights:

Windowsill Wendy: "I'm not too sure about taking this shot sitting right here in front of me."
Young Master William: "Nobody said anything about this being amateur hour, Wendy."
WW:*Sigh* "Well, I suppose sometimes you just have to man up."
YMW: "Barkeep! Two more shots, and two more beers!"

San Fran Stan: "Let's get drunk and make bad decisions!"

WW: "Yeah, can I get two shots of Tuaca, please?"
Bartender: *Blank Stare* "Tuaca? What's Tuaca?"
WW: "Dammit - I keep forgetting where I am. Make that two Coronas."
YMW: "Yeah, Wendy. Remember who the audience is. We are beer drinkers."

WW (in Norman, of all places, on Friday night): "Right. These are not my people. My people are sitting on barstools topped with saddles, drinking cheap beer and singing at the tops of their lungs. I need to get to Stillwater."

SFS: "You think you've got problems? I just woke up on a full-sized bed, with two other people, and I'm wearing Jorts*.
WW: "Oh. Right. Yeah - your problems are definitely worse than mine!"

WW (to the bride): "I'm sorry about the 'exploding-beer-in-the-bridal-suite-incident.' I promise not to make that happen again."
Bride: It's cool - no worries. Here, have another Bud Light."

*Jorts: Cutoff jean shorts - an amalgamation of the words "jeans" and "shorts" used to describe what used to be known as Daisy Dukes. Not to ever, ever, ever be worn by tall drunken men. Ever.

Ill be back when...

2007-07-24T10:36:00.000-06:00

...I finish Harry Potter #7. Its taking up all of my blogging time. Seeing Bob Weir & Ratdog (w/Steve Kimock) at Red Rocks tonight.

King of Kong

2007-07-19T14:46:00.000-06:00

This movie looks awesome.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/picturehouse/kingofkong/trailer/

Hello Cleveland

2007-07-18T09:54:00.000-06:00

Greetings, Bathtub Ginners. It’s been a while since I made an appearance on this blog. It’s great to be back. So, here’s the scoop. I’m gonna be your eyes and ears for all good music that’s not jam-based. With that said, lets get started. I caught three shows recently and here's a quick review of each.

Wilco (6/25, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York NY)
Tweedy and company haven’t played the New York-area since their New Year’s Eve ’04 Madison Square Garden show, so it was great to see them again. They played one night in Jersey, one in Manhattan, and one in Brooklyn- all of which sold out quickly. I was lucky to score a ticket to the Hammerstein show since they were gone in less than two minutes. I’ve seen this band close to ten times now and I’m still not tired of seeing them play live. They truly are one of the great live rock bands. Tweedy was in a happy and talkative mood on this particular night which made the show even more enjoyable. They played a solid two hours with two encores and sounded great. Several songs from Sky Blue Sky made it to the setlist, all of which sound better live than on the CD. Wilco’s guitar maestro, Nels Cline, was a crowd favorite and melted faces all night. He’s amazing, yet Nels stands out like a sore thumb from the rest of the band. Due to this fact, I wonder how long Tweedy will keep him in the band. Everyone knows that Tweedy will only allow one superstar in the band and that's himself. Regardless, Nels is fucking awesome. And I can’t say enough about Glenn Kotche on drums. Cheezlog’s rating of this show: Two thumbs up.

The New Pornographers/Midlake (7/4, Battery Park, New York NY)
TNP played a free outdoor 4th of July concert at Battery Park in downtown Manhattan. The sold out show was plagued my rain and sound problems, but was a good show nonetheless. The band isn’t currently touring which explained their rusty playing. On a positive note, Neko Case performed with the band which was awesome! Denton, Texas band, Midlake, opened the show. This was my first Midlake experience and I found their music to be bland. Most of their songs sound similar. They were fine for an outdoor concert, since I was able to lie down and take a nap, but their set would be torture at a club. Here’s pictures from the show: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2007/07/new_pornographe_9.html

Menomena (7/13, River to River Festival, South Seaport, New York NY)
I’d been looking forward to this show for several months and Menomena didn’t disappoint. The River to River Fest hosts free concerts each Friday night on the South Seaport docks and manages to bring in a lot of big name indie acts including The National, Battles, and Spoon. It’s a great place to see a show because it’s right on the water with the Manhattan skyline behind you. But back to Menomena. Roughly 1500 showed up for this show, making it the largest audience the Portland, Oregon trio has played in front of. Each band member plays multiple instruments and sings, which was fun to watch. If you haven’t heard Menomena, here’s two videos from the band:

* Wet and Rusting (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxeFBJCP4dM
* Rotten Hell – Great video! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0LIBCw8syA&mode=related&search)

And finally, to everyone who attended the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago last weekend (http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com/), I’m jealous of you. This year’s lineup easily trumps many of the endless festivals that are taking place this summer. Pitchfork has become the premiere festival for cutting edge hip-hop, indie rock, and electronic music. I hope to make it to the festival next year.

Cheers!

Weekend Recap

2007-07-17T11:53:00.000-06:00

Here are the highlights:

I met an Adonis. No, seriously. I met a guy named Adonis.
I also met a Spaniard. Because of the volume of alcohol I spilled down my throat Saturday night, I also decided I could speak Spanish. Fluently. I'm pretty sure Mr. Spaniard didn't understand a single word. But that's OK because I didn't understand him at all, either.
I decided that drinking (with purpose!) was a really, really good idea. I made it my mission to get absolutely obliterated three days in a row. I think I'm over it now. I'm pretty sure my liver is over it now.
I had a four-hour phone conversation with one of my best girlfriends. It was overdue and absolutely fabulous. We are on a path to total world domination, so look out.
I saw the new Harry Potter movie (technically not during the weekend, but who cares). Go see it - Dumbledore is FIERCE.

Trancegression Day 2 Video

2007-07-17T00:38:00.000-06:00

Trancegression Day 1 Video

2007-07-16T18:22:00.001-06:00

2007-07-15T02:52:00.000-06:00

Disco Biscuits, Fox Theater Boulder

2007-07-14T07:42:00.000-06:00

The show was great last night. I drove up to Boulder and saw some old friends & then went to the show. Here is the setlist:

07/13/07 Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO
Set I: House Dog Party Favor(1), Spy, Songs of Joy> Mr. Don
Set II: Crystal Ball> Aceetobee> Pilin' It High(2)> Aceetobee> Crystal Ball, Spraypaint> Lunar Pursuit> Spraypaint
Encore: Morph Dusseldorf

1 preceded by "King of the World" fake-out
2 Perfume version

I am not familiar with tDB songs, so its a little hard for me to review the show other than to say that I thought for a 3 song first set (meaning they jammed a lot) tDB defintley had some great flowing grooves in there. The lights were fantastic and overall I think I would like to listen to the show again. Seems like there were a lot of kids from the East coast that had traveled to Boulder for the show & the Trancegression weekend.

Letters

2007-07-12T21:54:00.000-06:00

Dear Wind,

Today was not the day for you to make an appearance. It is skirt season, after all. Seriously. I'm pretty sure the employees of Colorado Springs Health Partners got a show this afternoon that they didn't bargain for. I am mortified.
Blushing,

Wendy

**********

Dear On The Border Margaritas,

Is there any alcohol in there? Or am I just such a drunk now that tequila has no effect on me? I could teach you a thing or two about what being a quality margarita really means. Come on, now.

Soberly,

Wendy

**********

Dear Wolf Whistlers,

I really don't understand. I've made it almost thirty years without being wolf-whistled-at. Why start now? And on the two or three days when I'm completely fried from an almost total lack of sleep, carrying bags around under my eyes that could pass for carry-ons and not even dressed a little bit sexy. Maybe it's because I'm the only female on the planet who stops for gas three days in a row before five am?

Scratching my head over this one,

Wendy

**********

Dear Mountains,

I miss you. I really, really, REALLY need another weekend of no cell phones, no internet, no TV, no radio, etc. I feel my sanity hanging on by the barest thread, and if I don't get some R & R soon, I think that thread will snap completely. I need starlight, pine trees and camp fires ASAP. Get ready, because you're going to be seeing me very, very soon.

Love,

Wendy

**********

Dear Rock Climbing,

I heart you. No, really, I do. You might have totally kicked my ass on Saturday, but it didn't suck at all. The bruises are fading, the knicks and scratches are healing, and the muscles are mending. I think you and I are getting ready to become quite acquainted. I'm looking forward to it.

Hugs,

Wendy

**********

Dear Work,

You know I love you. I mean, I know I've been a little bit burned out lately, but I'm completely re-energized all of a sudden. When someone tells me I can't do something, it really makes me get pretty bull-headed about accomplishing a task. It's been an uphill battle to make people believe in me for the past ten or eleven months, but I think many of them have started to see the light. With a few lucky breaks, I might accomplish more than I imagined possible six months ago. That's when work suddenly seems like play. True, the long hours are getting to me a bit, and I know I'm staring down the barrel of twelve weeks of complete and utter chaos, but that chaos is going to be organized and methodical. Tell me I can't do something - hrumph. Just fucking watch me. I'll show you.

Kickin' ass and takin' name,

Wendy

**********

Push It

2007-07-12T08:14:00.000-06:00

Last night my band played here. It was a blast.

The best part of playing in a band on a stage, for me, is watching people dance to the grooves that we are building. It was a big added bonus that some of the people dancing were naked in a see-thru shower next to the stage.

I cannot confirm or deny anything else that happened or did not happen last night.

That is all.

The Dude Abides

2007-07-10T08:04:00.000-06:00

Last night I joined 9,000 of my closest friends to watch The Big Lebowski at Red Rocks. It was a perfect night - sold out crowd, big group w/Caucasians, and many festive attendees in bathrobes and other costumes.

Yesterday was the first day at work since I started my new job that I left frustrated. I was kept on the phone by a couple of clients who were upset at their situation and took it out on me. My last call of the day took about 20 minutes longer than it should have, and as a result I missed my normal Yoga class after work. Instead of staying upset about it I went to an alternate studio and ended up not only having a great class, but I also met a cute yoga girl and got her phone number! 2 years ago I would have let it ruin my whole evening, but now I feel much better about knowing how to make the most of situations as they arise and make life work for me.

On The Rocks

2007-07-08T17:25:00.000-06:00

I had another one of those "Holy shit - I live here!" moments this weekend. Saturday morning I jumped on a caravan going out to Golden for a rock climbing experience. I've been climbing around on shit my whole life, but I've never, ever been rock climbing. Or even seen anyone do it. But I think I've found another hobby - another one that requires the purchase of gear.

I absolutely loved it - the physicality of it, the beautiful views, being outdoors - all of it! I can't wait to go again. I have scrapes, bruises, ragged fingernails and sore, sore muscles, but I'll gladly take those in return for such an awesome way to spend a Saturday morning.

Hopefully, by next weekend, the soreness will be gone, and I can convince someone to take me back up for another go-round.

Last week's recap

2007-07-07T09:18:00.000-06:00

It seemed like for me, and probably a lot of people I know, this last week with the 4th in the middle of the week made us have 2 mondays and 2 fridays. Weird.

Last weekend I saw Feranti & Spearhead + John Butler Trio at Red Rocks. I really enjoy John Butler, I actually think he should have headlined the show. Feranti put on a better show than others that I have seen in the past. In the past I have been annoyed by his overuse of "How you feelin?!???!!!!!!" but this show it seemed like he said that less. I still think that his lyrics are a little too obvious- ("Fire Fire Fire, Light up your Lighter!" really?) but his message of peace and tolerance is genuine and can't be criticized. He has a lot of energy in his performance and can get the crowd moving and having a good time.

On the 3rd I went up to Boulder for a friend's house party. Had a great time- a house party with 50+ people, a keg, ping pong and a bluegrass band is a great time. I ended up getting a little too drunk to drive back to Denver and found myself passed out in my car parked in front of the house party.

This weekend I am taking it easy- this week coming up I am playing a gig with The Mad Scientists and next weekend am going up to Copper Mountain for Trancegression- I will get to see The Disco Biscuits, Umphrey's McGee, Galactic, Lotus, Zilla, and Greyboy All-Stars. We have a condo and it will be a good time for sure.

The 2 reasons to go see Transformers

2007-07-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

What can I say? Its a great summer movie. A lot of fun. Its funny, the special effects are great, the story is good, and yeah there are a few cheesy lines...but I enjoyed it.

What a day!

2007-07-05T10:03:00.000-06:00

Despite the unfortunate fact that it arrived on a Wednesday, the July 4th holiday was just what the Dr. ordered for me. The day incorporated so many of my favorite things and activities, that I had permagrin all day and all night.

The day started bright and early with a four-mile Liberty Run at Washington Park. That place is so beautiful, and the weather was perfect. I felt like the extra exercise justified the eating/drinking that would take place later in the day.

From the park, I headed home for some quality time by the pool with the Lovely Miss B. A good soak in the sun was just the thing - it was nice to relax my tired legs and catch up on some reading.

After a quick trip to the grocery store and a Banquet Beer run, it was off to our favorite neighborhood backyard for a hot dog and hamburger cookout. Almost everything made me so happy - from the delicious peach pie to the ample Banquet Beer to the (hour? half hour?) session of the Grateful Dead's "Eyes of the World" jam. Talk about permagrin! I couldn't wipe the silly smile off my face. Good food, good tunes and great company - what more does a girl need?

Speaking of what the Dr. ordered...

After about three weeks of pain and soreness in my right knee, even after copious icing/Advil-ing sessions and a two-week break from running, I decided it was finally time to have the damn thing checked out. Doc said I have patellar tendonitis and an inflamed IT band - in his words, the result of "overuse and misuse." The good news is that it's not serious, and I should be able to take care of it by continuing the ice/Advil routine and cutting back from 15 to five miles a week. The bad news is that I have put on almost 10 pounds in the past six months. Thanks a lot, Banquet Beer!

Here's hoping the pain and swelling go down in a couple of weeks. I don't like to slow down! Plus, I have to get rid of that 10 pounds somehow.

In Case You Missed the Fireworks

2007-07-05T00:54:00.000-06:00

Fear and Loathing at the DMV

2007-07-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

After seven-and-a-half hours, nearly $500 and three separate government agencies, I am now officially a Colorado resident. Yes, I procrastinated for nearly 11 months, but as of last Friday I have shiny new Colorado license plates, and a shiny new Colorado driver's license will arrive in my mailbox approximately three weeks from today.

The red tape is pretty formidable, but I actually encountered some pretty friendly government employees at the various agencies (Denver Motor Vehicles, Emissions Testing Center and Colorado Department of Revenue). I will say, however, that the Denver Motor Vehicles office smells and feels just like the inside of a laundromat in July. Stifling.

Also, why anyone in their right mind would sign on for a three or four hour wait in a small, cramped government facility AND bring their four small children along, I have no idea. Trust me, people, it's worth a sitter. I felt awfully sorry for some of the moms and dads who were trying to keep their cranky kiddos entertained throughout that ordeal.

I did hear tons of complaining while I was sitting around trying not to die of boredom. I kind of wanted to ask those people what they thought was going to happen, exactly? It is quite a process, after all, and I couldn't imagine that it would be a quick, easy in and out trip. I planned on spending the whole day with my butt in those uncomfortable plastic chairs.

My car looks a little strange without my Texas tags, and it hurt my heart a little to watch the lady punch a hole through the center of my Texas driver's license. I must say I miss my Texas identity a little bit, for whatever reason. The truth is, though, that this change feels right. I'm trying it on, and I think it fits pretty damn well.

Text Messages Saved in my Cell Phone

2007-07-01T12:38:00.000-06:00

Concept shamelessly stolen from Sarah B.

"Be good. Sing loud. Drink like I'm there..."

"Drunk text messaging is always good."

"Woo hoo! Officially a Colorado hippie. Time to sew patches on that skirt!"

"Dudes suck."

"I'm drunk."

"Cute boys :)"

"Fucking right. Gd it. I need a smoke."

"Oh my I spent $30 at Rock Bar? On what?"

"I forgot what we were sayin'?"

"Then I'm taking shots."

"Bad butt."

"Help please come get me!"

Widespread Panic Video

2007-06-28T20:50:00.002-06:00

Sonic Bloom Video

2007-06-28T20:50:00.001-06:00

Sonic Bloom + Widespread Panic Pics

2007-06-28T09:46:00.000-06:00

Approaching the One-Year Mark

2007-06-27T12:52:00.000-06:00

I can't really wrap my brain around it, but I've been in Colorado for almost a year. Ten months and some change, really. I was thinking this morning about where I was a year ago, and what was going on in my life. Standing where I am now, it's pretty amazing to think about just how much water has passed under the bridge.

Last year at this time, the shit was just hitting the fan with The Boy. I was realizing things about him that I didn't want to see - hoped to ignore and they'd get better or go away. It was the beginning of the end, as it were.

I had just begun to entertain the idea of transferring to Denver for the job I have now. It was scary to even think about uprooting and moving out here, but I knew immediately when the opportunity presented itself that I was ready to leave Dallas.

Sometimes, ten or twelve months after the fact, I still can't believe I did it. I really changed many, many things about my life. New city. New state. New job. New life. No boyfriend. No roots. No ties. No obligations. Some of it has been really, really scary. Some of it has been wonderfully liberating. Some of it has been a whole lot of fun. Overall, I think I've made the right decisions.

I've survived:

living in my brother's basement (thank god for my big brother)
apartment shopping in Denver (an exercise in futility)
a massive, messy breakup (exit 7.5-year relationship)
my first couple of forays into the dating world (bizarre, but very fun for the most part)
the sinus/double ear/upper respiratory infection from hell that raged the first two months I lived here and resulted in a pulled abdominal muscle (ouch, ouch, ouch)
an incredibly frustrating "busy season" at work (people here really do hate Texans)
a ski season (no broken bones - yay!)
training for a half marathon at altitude (4,000 feet+ higher than normal)

Nothing that's the end of the world for anyone, but there for a while, it all seemed to pile up at once. I think it's all going to be OK now. I'm feeling pretty settled, pretty balanced and pretty happy over all.

Sonic Bloom + Widespread Panic, Red Rocks

2007-06-25T10:50:00.000-06:00

This weekend was jam-packed with music. Thursday night I headed out to Red Feather Lakes, CO with a good friend to attend the Sonic Bloom festival. Sonic Bloom was organized by Zilla, a side project of the Drummer for the String Cheese Incident.

The setting was beautiful- a big meadow up in the mountains- and the weather was cool during the day. Friday night we saw a PA set by 3 of the members of Sound Tribe Sector 9- I liked it better than many of the other PA sets I had seen in the past because Hunter was playing guitar. I recognized parts of Somesing, Blu Mood, Lo Swaga, Water Song, and a couple of others.

Friday night was very cold up there, so it was perfect for our costumes. We dressed up as Bert & Ernie and made a lot of people laugh. Pictures to come.

Satruday morning I got up, rallied the troops to break camp and headed back to Denver to catch Widespread Panic at Red Rocks. I got in early and secured a large place via taping down a tarp for my group on row 23 in the Schools Zone.

Here is the setlist:

06/23/07 Red Rocks, Morrison, CO
1: Pigeons > Better Off, All Time Low, Down, Party At Your Mama's House > Blackout Blues, Pickin' Up The Pieces, Airplane > Rock

2: Pleas > Chilly Water, Thought Sausage, Aunt Avis > Second Skin > Greta > Barstools and Dreamers > Machine > Barstools and Dreamers*, Dyin' Man* > Jam* > Drums* > Red Hot Mama*

E: The Take Out > Smoking Factory > Porch Song, End Of The Show

* with DJ Logic on turntables[DJ Logic performed during setbreak; Entire show with Edie Jackson, sign language interpreter]

I loved the whole show. Airplane>Rock was the highlight of the first set for me. The second set was fantastic. I will definitely want to listen to this show a few times- I thought that Jimmy Herring’s guitar work was simply amazing. Huge energy from the crowd in Chilly Water, Greta was a great sing-along, The Barstools>Machine>Barstools sandwich was rockin. JB ended the evening perfectly with End of the Show.

After the show we had some good hangout time/post parties at a friend’s apartment and then some late night pizza and TV at my place. At 4am we watched the documentary Okie Noodling on PBS-wow, what a trip.

Sunday I definitely was moving a little slow, but still made it to the show.

06/24/07 Red Rocks, Morrison, CO

1: From the Cradle, One x One, Who Do You Belong To?, Gradle, Clinic Cynic, Sleepin Man > Stop Breaking Down Blues, Sleepy Monkey > Good People > Wondering
2: Little Kin, Bust it Big > Jack, Diner > Fixing to Die, Space Wrangler, Can't Find My Way Home, Ain't Life Grand

E: Surprise Valley > Morning Dew! > Mr. Soul [DJ Logic performed during set break]

I enjoyed this show but they played a few songs that I don’t listen to very much. More of the southern rock vibe out of this show. Again, weather and crowd was great. I thought the Surprise Valley>Morning Dew encore was my highlight.

In both of these shows I loved Jimmy’s guitar. His tone is powerful and he nails the Mikey written lead lines that are familiar from the records. At times he plays a lot of notes, but overall I love his ripping and the band really moves with him.

Pictures and video to come...

It doesn't suck.

2007-06-22T09:17:00.001-06:00

It's summertime, and the livin' is easy! Happy second day of summer - this is my absolute favorite time of year. Perfect for patios, backyards and cold beers. I'm planning pool parties, road trips and spending lots of time with my awesome friends. I think the drinking has eclipsed "Professional" status and blossomed into full-blown alcoholism. I've pretty much been boozing nonstop since Memorial Day weekend, and the thing is - I have no plans to stop anytime soon. My liver might hate me, but I'm having a blast. And if I'm an alcoholic, I'm certainly a highly-functioning one. Ive been a minimum of 30 minutes early to work all week, and I've actually accomplished quite a bit. Maybe the booze is helping! Either way, I plan to enjoy the hell out of my first summer in Colorado.

**********

I've had to break from the running routine this week due to a pretty sore knee. I feel pretty rested, though, and plan to join a group of people for a training run tomorrow morning. We'll see how it goes, but I'm hoping to log at least six or seven miles. I know I have at least one half marathon coming up in the fall, but if I can keep the workouts up through my work's busy season, I might even attempt to run a full marathon in December/January.

According to my Fitness Horoscope, I need to take up cliff diving and/or rock climbing. Hm.

**********

I don't know about all of you out there, but I'm pretty disappointed in Sir Paul's latest release. I have, however, really been enjoying the "Best of Wilco" mix The Joker put together for me. And I'm also pretty excited that the Traveling Wilbury's stuff is finally accessible. God, I love me some Tom Petty - any way I can get him.

**********

Well, that's about all that's going on today. Overall, life seems to be pretty freaking good. Happy Friday, happy summer, happy weekend.

Commitment

2007-06-21T08:37:00.000-06:00

Now there's a word I've been thinking about quite a lot recently - in several different applications.

My sister-in-law informed me that she thinks I have "relationship issues." I think that stems from a lack of commitment. But then, doesn't everyone have relationship issues?

I've been ridiculously committed to accomplishing some pretty massive goals at work - to the point that work has taken over my life.

I made a commitment to start from scratch and re-build my life when I moved to Colorado. I've succeeded in some areas and failed miserably in others.

Commitment is a funny thing - it seems we are always either over-committed or lacking commitment. How do you find the middle ground?

Interestingly enough, I enrolled a while back in a ten-week personal development seminar (gotta invest in yourself sometimes, right?). Last night was the first session of the seminar. I have been so busy lately that I really didn't pay attention to the title or content of the seminar - just sort of showed up and hoped for the best. Turns out the thing is all about commitment.

As part of the first session, I was asked to begin a list of things I am committed to at the moment. So that all of you out there on the inter-web can hold me accountable, I'll list them here. Here goes...

I am committed to:

making a tangible, positive difference in the world by bringing my fundraising campaign to the $1 million dollar level.
being honest and open and not sacrificing relationships for the sake of being "right."
creating more time to enjoy life in general and engage in the activities I moved to Colorado to pursue.
empowering others to create new possibilities in life.
creating an extraordinary partnership with at least one person in my life.

So that's a start. I look at the list and realize that I have been very committed to some of the items and not so much on others. It's easy to say the words. It's not so easy to muster the courage to carry them out sometimes.

Haikus

2007-06-20T10:36:00.000-06:00

*
you showed up to my
yoga class and performance
i dont want to talk
*
you are like smoking
bad for me but im hooked
quitting you is hard
*
i fell in love but
didnt see it from your side
you threw it away
*
widespread panic with
santa claus on guitar
i think im in love
*
hippie chicks with dreads
its like waking up next to a
brillo pad on me
*

Horoscope

2007-06-19T16:10:00.000-06:00

I'm not normally one to follow my horoscope religiously, but I do check in on it from time to time. For entertainment's sake. Well, The Joker gave me a ripped out section of some newspaper or another one day, and on it was printed the most entertaining horoscope I've ever seen:

Capricorn - December 22 to January 20
It's time to bring back the ghetto blaster. Naturally, you are the person to do this.

Well alright.

The Mad Scientists

2007-06-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

Last night I played at a hole in the wall bar called Dulcinea's on Colfax. I play in what can best be described as an improv group- we don't practice and just get up and jam. We call ourselves "The Mad Scientists." The other members of the band consider this a side project- and at times they seem to enjoy our gigs/practices more than their other bands because everyone has complete freedom to do whatever we want. We do jams that sometimes would put the Disco Biscuits to shame, and other times probably sukk. But we have fun. There were about 10 people at the bar last night, so it was almost like a public practice.

The owner actually double-booked the evening last night. A talented duo from Amarillo, TX- The Fieldside Refugees were there as well. Neither band knew about the other one- but we started talking and they were really cool guys. We ended up all jamming together- they had a huge percussion setup and it was a lot of fun.

We had so much fun, in fact, that we are playing there again tonight- with the same band. They were in town for a couple of days and so we said what the heck.

Yoga

Since I started my new job downtown I have been riding my bike to work every day (at least on the sunny days, a couple of times it rained & i took the bus) and then have been going to Yoga after work 4 days a week. I have been doing that for about 3 weeks solid now, and I feel great. I can really feel the difference and am really getting into it. It is also cool to slowly see my body change, I am glad I have finally found a routine that is getting me back into shape after years of supporting Wendy's.

The other afternoon when I was walking into the yoga studio & checking in at the front desk, one of the teachers commented that I had become "quite the regular." I smiled & let her know that I had started a new job close by and I was doing my best to come 3-4 days a week after work. The owner of the studio was sitting next to her and perked up when he heard me say this. Dave is pictured on the website- and can be best described as a dashing South African with flowing hair.

Dave: "If you do yoga 3 times a week consistently, it will change your life."
The Joker: "Will it put hair on my chest?" (Dave had his shirt unbuttoned)
Dave: "Possibly. But I have also seen a lot of yoga take the hair off of people's chests." (referring to the men at the studio who groom themselves & hog the mirror)

One thing about working in a corporate environment is that everyone feels the need to comment on something really obvious but is a little bit out of the ordinary.

Case in point: my yoga mat. Every day I walk into the office with my yoga mat rolled up on my backpack. I work in a large office, so I suppose everyone has not noticed that I have a yoga mat on my backpack every day.

But I know when they notice.

"Is that a yoga mat?" "Do you do yoga?" "Are you going to take a nap later on that mat?"

The answer to the quiz questions: Yes, Yes, and maybe I should.

I love drunken Sundays.

2007-06-18T11:04:00.000-06:00

How is it that lunch with the girls can suddenly turn into an all-out drunkfest? Well, it's like this:

Bloody Marys with Lunch > More Bloody Marys > A Few Stellas in the Sunshine > Decide to go to Sancho's (five hours after sitting down for lunch) > Grateful Dead Songs > Cocktails > Beers > Shots With The Barback > Loss of Multiple IQ Points > Require a Ride Home

The weather here is gorgeous. Very conducive to sipping/gulping drinks on the patio. Thank goodness for my girlfriends - I don't know how I would possibly manage without them! We had such a great day yesterday, relaxing, catching up, enjoying the sunshine and - oh yes - drinking heavily. I haven't laughed that much in quite a while. It was an awesome day.

Weekend Recap: My face melted a few times

2007-06-18T09:33:00.000-06:00

Definitely action packed.

Friday night I saw Toubab Crewe at Quixotes and Particle at Cervantes. These 2 venues in Denver have the same owner, and are very jam-band friendly. I rode my bike down there with a few friends and saw both bands.

I enjoyed Toubab Crewe. I had never seen them before, but had always heard good things. They incorporate African instruments to their instrumental grooves. I found them enjoyable, some people REALLY loved them.

Particle has not been the same for me since about ’04. I think the last amazing Particle show I saw was at High Sierra ’04. They replaced their guitar player and now the new guitar player sings. I am more a fan of their older material- the stuff that has Steve Molitz turning knobs and melting faces. UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ. Still, this was a pretty good show. I danced a bit and wandered around the venue when the guitar player sang. At times it almost reminded me of an old Galactic show when I would dance my ass off and then take a piss break whenever The Houseman came out. This was the same- piss break when the Particle guitar player sings.

Saturday morning I woke up early. Even though I was out till nearly 3am the night before, I was up at 7:30am on a Saturday. The new house gets light through the windows and I suppose my body is on a 8-5 work schedule. But I had to be up early anyway because the Comcast Cable guy was scheduled to come over and install TV and Internet from 8-10am.

Comcast. Does anything ever go right with the Cable Guy?

The guy they sent out was nice enough. But he took a while to get started. It was 11am and he was getting close to being about halfway done.

Then he spilled a paint can in the utility room.

He played dumb, like there was suddenly paint that appeared on the floor and he had nothing to do with it. I got understandably upset and told him to clean it up.

Of course, like any good slacker would do, he acted like he didn’t know how to clean it up. So I had to clean up a ½ gallon of dark green paint spilled on the floor while he finished getting my internet hooked up. My complaint to Comcast is pending.

Saturday afternoon I rode my bike over to the Highlands Street Festival. I love street festivals. I sampled the beer and funnel cakes and margaritas. I was wasted by about 6pm when we decided it would be a good idea to get out of there. My friends J & J suggested we go to a friend’s house where the UFC fight was happening.

Throw the bikes in the back of the pickup, go see a UFC fight. I am not a huge UFC fan, but I seem to be guilty by association. By about 10pm J suggested we ride our bikes home; both of us were going down hill pretty fast and thought we had done enough partying for the day. The bike ride home was adventurous for me- There is nothing like riding a bike through the cool Colorado air with a stomach full of margaritas. I got home safely and woke up Sunday morning still wearing my clothes on my couch.

Sunday morning I spent most of my time setting up my newly assembled entertainment center. I was able to hook up my TV to my computer and watch the Bonnaroo webcast though the TV and stereo system.

My face was pretty much melted by Wilco>The White Stripes>Widespread Panic. Holy Shit.

Wilco did a GREAT set. The band sounded great and I dug the new songs off of Sky Blue Sky. I hope I get to see them this summer. Nels Cline is one of the best guitarists that no one ever talks about.

Jack White rocked out next. He played the raw rockin White Stripes catalog in an all red stage setup and wore red head to toe. What a rockstar.

Widespread Panic’s set was massive. Here is the setlist:

Disco > Traveling Light, Machine > Barstools and Dreamers, Smoking Factory > Surprise Valley > Protein Drink > Sewing Machine, Im Not Alone, From The Cradle > Chilly > Visiting Day > Chilly, Tickle the Truth, Fairies Wear Boots > Jam > Wrangler > Drums > Don't Want to Lose You > Henry Parsons Died, Driving Song, Postcard > Driving > Jack > Chainsaw City > Fishwater
E: Crippled Inside, Heaven, Action Man
[First 'Fairies Wear Boots' (Led Zeppelin); First 'Crippled Inside' (John Lennon)

Jimmy Herring is my hero. The man looks like he a 60 year old Santa Claus up there, but he SHREDDS. Schools must of eaten an extra large pizza topped with indie rock posers cause he laid it down thick. John Bell sounded great too. What a monster set! I was dancing and throwing water during Chilly in my living room; I can only imagine how people were raging at the ‘Roo. I called my Vegoose buddies Aaron and Lissa who were at the show- I caught them as they were exiting the field and they were PUMPED. I am now looking forward to the Red Rocks shows- I am going to Sonic Bloom on Thurs and Fri nights, then hopefully will be able to make it to Red Rocks on Saturday and maybe Sunday.

I have a problem.

2007-06-15T15:06:00.000-06:00

One that makes me drink heavily and often. It's called "Men."

Fukkers will lie to you - about major stuff.

~~They will date you for a few months and suddenly decide you are "on a break," but fail to clue you in on that fact and simply stop returning phone calls/texts/e-mails.~~ Update: Or, they will just decide to end it by telling your friends that you are no longer attractive, and hope that your friends do the dirty work for them.

They will act completely interested in you one day, and convince you the next that they can't stand the sight of you, only to act interested again the day after that.

They are impossible to read, impossible to figure out and impossible in general.

They fully expect you to be absolutely fine with all of the above. And in spite of all the frustration, they are ridiculously fun to play with.

The last time I dated, when The Boy and I got started, I was 21 years old. Maybe that has something to do with it. I hate "games," and I hate being jerked around. Sometimes I think I am Man-Repellant.

I don't really know how to do this. But it sure is fun to try.

Paddlin' Around The Tub Again

2007-06-15T14:09:00.000-06:00

Well, since the Joker is bringin' it back, I figured I might as well jump on in. It has been three years since I have posted anything here on the Gin, and quite a bit has changed for me as well:

I got fired from my job at the Advertising Agency of Death.
I started working in nonprofit as a fundraiser and event planner.
I moved to Denver in August to run my organization's fundraising Walk program in the Rocky Mountain chapter.
After seven years, I finally realized things with The Boy and me really weren't working out. I broke up with him in October. I might be a slow learner, but I'm not stupid!
I've run two half marathons (does that count as a full?) at 13.1 miles each - one in Nashville and one in Oklahoma City.

Anyway, I'm happy to be back at Bathtub Gin! We're going to brush off the dust and spruce things up a little bit around here.

Lets Make My Intentions Clear

2007-06-13T09:09:00.000-06:00

I firmly believe that words and thoughts shape and create my reality. For a while earlier in the year I carried around a card that had things on it that I needed to remember and things that I wanted to create in my life. It said:

My World is full of love.

I make a difference in people’s lives.

Women want to date me.

I love to exercise in the morning.

I produce at the Million Dollar line.

*****************
The first 2 were great. I thought that and said that to myself several times a day and that reality was created.

The Third, “Women want to date me.” Was also created. However, I discovered that i really didn’t want a bunch of women to date me. In fact, if found that it was a lot of trouble and work if too many women want to date me. But it was fun for a while.

“I love to exercise in the morning” was ok for a little while. I found that really at my core I do love to exercise, just most of the time not in the early morning if I have to be at work early as well.

...and “I produce at the Million Dollar line” scared me to death. It was a work metric referring to my commissions as a stockbroker. I only did it a couple of times, and most of the time it depressed me that I was not producing at the Million Dollar line.

So

I have moved to a new city, started a new job, and my relationships are different. I feel like i can accomplish anything that I want...

...but what do I want to accomplish? What kind of a reality do I want to create?

Right now I am pondering this. I am going to write down my intentions today and start creating it. But I promise to only use my powers for good. As of now, here is my new list. I will write them on a business card and get them laminated and carry it in my pocket.

I am present. Now is exactly where I need to be.

My world is full of love.

I make a difference in the lives of my friends and co-workers.

I am wildly successful in my organization.

My yoga practice enriches my life.

My relationships are fulfilling.

Jeff Tweedy writes some great f#cking lyrics

2007-06-11T12:43:00.000-06:00

He gets me.

Or at least I get him.

from "Either Way", on Sky Blue Sky (2007)
"Maybe you still love me
Maybe you don’t
Either you will or you won’t
Maybe you just need some time alone
I will try to understand
Everything has its plan"

from "At Least That's What You Said" on A Ghost is Born (2004)
When I sat down on the bed next to you
You started to cry
I said, maybe if I leave, you'll want me
To come back home
Or maybe all you mean, is leave me alone
At least that's what you said

from "Poor Places" on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
There's bourbon on the breath
Of the singer you love so much
He takes all his words from the books
That you don't read anyway

brilliant stuff, Jeff.

Rebirth

2007-06-10T20:49:00.001-06:00

It has been over 2 years since i have blogged regularly at this site or anywhere else. In that time i moved from Dallas, Texas to Boulder, Colorado, started a new career, went on Phish tour, attended 2 Vegooses, 1 Bonnaroo, saw countless shows at Red Rocks, skied a lot, got my heart broken, and generally had a good time.

I now have a great new Apple laptop and have started a new job in Downtown Denver. I live in a house in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver and ride my bike to work every day. I re-discovered Yoga and am recently out of a relationship. Sounds like a good time to start up the ‘ol Bathtub Gin again!

2006-07-30T15:01:00.000-06:00

Flaming Lips- Red Rocks 7/29/06 -Intro

2006-07-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

Ween - Red Rocks - 7/29/06 - The Mollusk

Ween- Red Rocks, CO 7/29/06
Golden Ear
Baby Bitch
Spinal Meningitis
Light Me Up
Happy Dead Marbles
Take me Away
The Grow
Even If you Dont
Waving My Dick in the Wind
Voodoo Lady -> Jam
Exactly Where Im At
Bananas & Blow
HIV
Buckingham Green
Intro>Come Down>Jam
The Mollusk
Chocolate Town
Tried & True
Mutalated Lips
Jonny on the Spot
Dr. Rock
Puerto Rican Power
Can't Put My Finger on It
Wishing Man
Reggae Junkie Jew -> Jam
One Day Soon
e: Blarney Stone

2006-07-30T14:54:00.000-06:00

Flaming Lips Red Rocks- She Don't Use Jelly 7/29/06

Flaming Lips 7/29/06 Red Rocks, CO
Intro>Space Ball>
Race For the Prize
Bohemian Rhapsody
Free Radicals
Yoshimi Pt 1
Yoshimi Pt 2
Vein of Stars
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Song
**Not sure?Mystics? They dont see it rise?
She Don't Use Jelly
Do You Realize?
E: War Pigs

2006-07-24T19:49:00.000-06:00

Blue Indian- Widespread Panic, Winter Park

2006-07-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

Widespread Panic, Winter Park- Ain't Life Gr

Sound Tribe Sector 9 Las Vegas Setlist

2005-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

STS9
House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
10/30/05 ~1:30am to 5:20am, which was actually 4:20am

-I-
new/improv
Murhpy
Glogi
Ramone
Peoples
Grow
Untitled ("Instantly")
new/improv
Open E

-II-
Orbital
What is Love?
Evasive > (long version)
Kamuy
Move My Peeps
Arigato
Tokyo
Tap-In

-E-
Roy G Biv
Monkey Music >
Moonsockets

2005-10-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Cows get a package

2005-10-31T15:48:00.002-07:00

Vegoose

2005-10-31T15:48:00.001-07:00

The great pumpkin exhibit

2005-10-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mushrooms

2005-10-31T15:47:00.002-07:00

Fellow UPS driver gets a package

2005-10-31T15:47:00.001-07:00

Papa Smurf gets a package

2005-10-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Papa Smurf gets a package

2005-10-31T15:46:00.002-07:00

Ferris Wheel

2005-10-31T15:46:00.001-07:00

The Snake Eyes Stage

2005-10-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is how you earn your merit badge in Ghetto Blastin'.

2005-10-31T15:44:00.001-07:00

Bumblebee gets a package

2005-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Super Mario Bros. gets a package. I think they found the magic mushrooms.

2005-10-31T15:43:00.002-07:00

Wayne! Wayne! I have a delivery for Mr. Wayne Coyne!

2005-10-31T15:43:00.001-07:00

Wayne gets a package

2005-10-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

Wayne gets a package

2005-10-31T15:42:00.002-07:00

Wayne gets a package

2005-10-31T15:42:00.001-07:00

Vegoose Sunset

2005-10-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

the package

2005-10-31T15:41:00.003-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:41:00.002-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:41:00.001-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

Singer Wayne Coyne gets into a giant ball and walks on the crowd

2005-10-31T15:40:00.002-07:00

Wayne in the Ball

2005-10-31T15:40:00.001-07:00

Wayne in the Ball

2005-10-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:39:00.003-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:39:00.002-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:39:00.001-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:38:00.001-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:37:00.002-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:37:00.001-07:00

Flaming Lips

2005-10-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

the Ref from Ft. Collins gets a package

2005-10-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Vegoose at Night

Vegoose Day 1 update

2005-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

There are too many stories and not enough time, but here are a few highlights and pics:

BECK fukkin brought it last night. He and his band dressed up as a boy scout troop and the stage set up had a camping/campfire theme. Its hard to describe, but just imagine a bunch of Boy Scouts in Chaos onstage with a dome tent next to the drum kit next to a plastic deer and fake campfire. It was very clever and funny. Beck ran through material from all of his works fairly equally and gave us the Merit Badge in Ghetto Blasting. Definitely one of the best shows that I have seen in 2005.

STS9 had a great show at the House of Blues late night. Fri night we saw Dave & Tim and then a late night Trey Anastasio show...Trey showed some old greatness during a set ending Mr. Completey and a First Tube encore.

check out Pauly's site for some more updates and pics.

Changing of the Seasons

2005-09-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

I can't beleive that summer is already over. Im looking forward to the changing of the season, though. We have had some beautiful and cool days here in Boulder, and I always have loved Fall. I hope that the changing of the season will bring a much needed recharging of my energy- I've been working hard this summer and I am looking forward to having some time this weekend to chill out. Im leaving this afternoon to go to R$'s wedding up in the mountains outside of Winter Park. It will be very good to get away for a little while.

Im making a lot of progress at work and there are 2 things that i am really excited about. First, next week my new assistant will be starting. She is young, smart, and attractive, and I think she will bring some positive energy to my office and make me more efficient. Second, I am starting to have art showings at my office beginning in September. I have photographers lined up for Sept and October, and they have some really cool stuff to show. My idea is for them to show their art and have a opening/closing party during the month and hopefully sell some art and help me meet some more people. I am very excited about it and think it will be a win-win for everyone involved.

Without stating the obvious, Im glued to CNN and the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I, along with many others, have had special experiences in New Orleans and cannot fathom what has happened to that city and how they will recover. Also, as a music fan, New Orleans has produced some of my favorite musicians and is very important to the music history of the country. Again im stating the obvious, but ive donated some money to the relief effort and i encourage you to do as well.

2005-08-15T13:15:00.003-06:00

Trey- Red Rocks. also check out Pauly's blog at mcgrupp.blogspot.com

2005-08-15T13:15:00.002-06:00

Trey- Red Rocks

2005-08-15T13:15:00.001-06:00

Trey- Red Rocks

2005-08-15T13:15:00.000-06:00

Sound Tribe Secor 9- it was drizzling most of their set.

Muggle Music at Hogwarts

2005-07-23T19:32:00.000-06:00

After reading book 6 of the Harry Potter series, I am convinced of a few things:

First and foremost, Ginny Weasley is a big Phish fan. No doubt she went through a brief Dave Matthews Band phase, and will always love "Under the Table and Dreaming", but she fell in love with Big Red (Trey) a few of summers ago when she apparated with her brothers Fred and George to a trio of shows at Deer Creek. Fred and George were selling all sorts of stuff in the lots (no doubt some of their famous Polyjuice Potion treats, among other things) and loved the music, but the the Moby Dick show on 7/11/00 really blew Ginny away- it linked up her love of Led Zeppelin with Phish. Phish will always be her favorite, but Post-Coventry Ginny has has been getting into STS9.

It should not surprise you that the Weasleys are all really into the Jam scene, with the exception of Percy, who doesn't "get it". Ron Weasley loves Mule and the Allmans, as well as Widespread Panic, but still is somewhat skeptical of George McConnell. Arthur and Molly Weasley were big Deadheads in their day. Arthur is still a little spaced out by all the acid he took in the 70's, and Molly could make a mean space cake. No doubt strange acid trips with Muggles started Arthur's fascination with simple muggle artifacts, like a rubber ducky. Arthur has repeatedly asked to use Dumbledore?s pensive to relive (or remember) some stellar shows from '77, but Dumbledore is more of an Elvis Costello fan and doesn't understand why someone would want to listen to so many noodling guitars anyway. Bill Weasley thinks that the jam scene is good- I mean, he was raised on the stuff, but Grunge hit while he was at Hogwarts and to this day he is a huge Pearl Jam and Nirvana fan.

While Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were on Dead Tour, Sirius Black and James Potter were at Hogwarts listening to Zeppelin and Pink Floyd while breaking the rules smoking out on top of the castle. Where do you think Sirius got the idea of turning into a Black Dog? Lily was more of a Joan Baez and acoustic Dylan fan. Harry shares a lot with his father's taste and is also into Zeppelin and Floyd, but now has become a huge Radiohead fan. Harry really loves the live performances and moodiness of Thom Yorke. He also likes some darker songs by the Cure, but OK Computer and Kid A are tops with Harry.

Hermione, being Muggle born, has a knack of uncovering new bands all the time. She was the first to bring Bright Eyes, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Wilco, Deathcab for Cutie, and Rilo Kiley into the Gryffindor common room. She will also always love Joni Mitchell and is a huge U2 fan. Hermione loves to get behind a good cause, and so does Bono.

Few people realize how big of a Metal fan Neville Longbottom is. Neville really has a lot of rage inside him but doesn't have a lot of confidence, and for some reason Metallica really speaks to Neville.

Hagrid is a big ZZ Top fan. 'Nuff said.

The Slytherin house has never been that musically inclined as far as taste goes. Snape doesnt listen to music at all. The Slytherin girls really like the Pop of Britney Spears, J-Lo and The Backstreet Boys, which somehow seems to fit. Malfoy has never been one to buy a cd, because we all know he despises Muggles, but Crabbe and Goyle have turned him on to a few Creed and Limp Bizkit records.

2005-07-13T20:35:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to raft

2005-07-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

One of the Collegiate peaks 7/9/05

2005-07-13T20:34:00.001-06:00

Slim M and T$, getting ready to raft 7/9/05

2005-07-13T20:34:00.000-06:00

Camping 7/9/05

2005-07-13T20:33:00.001-06:00

The RV at Red Rocks before String Cheese, 7/2/05

2005-07-13T20:33:00.000-06:00

hey clark! nice RV!

Panic Red Rocks...fun party, music...meh

2005-06-25T11:47:00.000-06:00

06/24/05 Red Rocks, Morrison, CO

1: Travelin' Light, Weight Of The World, Little Lilly > Ride Me High, North, Travelin' Man, Rebirtha, Dyin' Man, Holden Oversoul, Chilly Water

2: Papa Johnny Road, You Should Be Glad, Don't Wanna Lose You, I Like The Things About Me, Expiration Day, Fishing, Counting Train Cars, Drums, Monstrosity, Run For Your Life, Good People, Thin Air (Smells Like Mississippi)

E: Goin' Out West, All Time Low, Henry Parsons Died
[Acoustic 'Expiration Day']

This was what I would consider a "good" show. Not bad by any means, but definitely starting out easy on the first night of a 3 night run. The last time I saw panic was in Dallas before the hiatus, and i must say that George "Deedle" McConnell has come a long way. Much less deddle guitar and more good jams. Still, this show didnt blow me away. I thought that the Dyin' Man was the best of the first set; Chilly Water closer for the first set had a lot of energy from the crowd. The second set was solid but again nothing seemed to catch my ear as being amazing. As always, though, a great party at Red Rocks. I wont be able to catch the next 2 nights, but glad I got to see this one.

Sometimes I go to shows thinking that I have seen it all before...In many ways I have, but last night I saw something new- 2 guys, 1 girl, all 3 of them 17, carrying around a sign that said "Flips 4 Tips". One of the kids did a back flip for your spare dollars. He was making a killing- in about 10 minutes while he was by us in the lot he must have collected $20 easy. He could do it all - even flip over his girl...

back flips for your $tips$