I know it's a school night but I went out anyway

Tonight I had the opportunity to go out to the 9:30 Club. I hadn't been there in way too many years and I won't let it be that long again.

Some friends had an extra ticket to check out The Editors and lemme tell ya I'm digging this band.

Three bands played tonight and we missed Ra Ra Riot but we caught Biffy Clyro. Biffy Clyro's first song caught me off guard since they are more of a bang your head type group but they quickly grew on me.

We thought for sure we would be the oldest ones in the place but found we fit in perfectly.

Mother's Day weekend in review

Friday was a jam packed day! After work there was a family BBQ for a little one’s birthday and they had some awesome food. The weather was great and it was nice to visit outside while the kids played.

My sister was heading to The Harp and Fiddle to meet up with some friends and I was going to meet up with some of my friends. This was the first time my sister got to see Scythian live and as always Scythian didn’t disappoint. Just check out the photos.

It wasn’t til later on in the evening I saw the drummer at the bar. Mrs. M and I approached him for a photo op. He said he needed a drink first so we waited... And waited… I said, “Forget it I’m not gonna stand here like an idiot. I don’t need a photo that bad.” Living in DC you do see celebrities every so often and the thought of approaching anyone is out of the question in my book. Liquid courage is the only reason I have gone for photos with Scythian and definitely isn’t my thing to do. I definitely won’t be asking for any more photo ops or worrying about completing the set. Mind you this doesn’t change my status as a fan.

I finally arrived home about 2am after a trip to Tastee Diner. At this point I had been up for over 23 hours and need some serious sleep and sleep I did. I slept til 12:30 the next afternoon. I felt much better.

Saturday afternoon brought a housewarming BBQ for my sister’s at her new place in Glover Park. Her place is great and it just reminds me she isn’t so little anymore. She is 13 years younger than me and the baby of the family. I think Dad has the hardest time with her growing up. They had a great turn out of family and friends. Most of the neighborhood is young and someone is always having a party. I couldn't help but feel bad for one set of neighbors who were trying to have a romantic meal in their back yard and we had this party going on. On top of that the Cornhole game going on in the back alley was getting rowdy because Dad was kicking everyone's ass.

The only pictures I took there were of the mating ladybugs. They had a view of the game and were getting it on. At least sex is happening somewhere.

Must be 18 years or older to view the photo below.
Sunday brought Mother’s Day. Mini Red was brought home early and we fueled the car and picked up breakfast and were on the road by 10am. We made it to Kings Dominion by 11:30 and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. I rode the Hyper Sonic and this is when I realized I should have worn my sports bra because I almost gave a nice view to those cameras they have on those rides. Good thing I brought it along just incase and Mini Red and I detoured out to the car so I could change and we could get on with the rides. She was a good look out while I did my quick change in the back seat. This made the rest of the day much easier to have the pups in check.

The drive back up 95 was slow but in the end we made it home in 2 hours. I couldn’t have asked for a better day and I believe this is the best Mother’s Day on record and I was sure to let Mini Red know. I wish this kinda day for everyone.

It was a great weekend filled with Family, Scythian, Mini Red and roller coasters. Who could ask for more?

TONIGHT!

At Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle!

Dubbed by The Washington Post as "one of DC's most energetic and eclectic bands" Scythian (sith-ee-yin) falls nothing short of a "party band". Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind - to get people on their feet and dancing. The crowd is an essential element of each show and Scythian relies heavily on crowd participation to get people involved and loosened up. As The Washington Post states, their results are always the same: ""the band's enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses." Led by a pair of young raging fiddlers, Scythian has a great respect and admiration for the traditional - the foundation of their music; nevertheless, Scythian is not afraid to wink at convention in search of a little fun, lending them an appeal to young and old alike.

Maybe tonight I can complete the set and get a photo with the drummer????

I know... I'm such a dork!

A sign on the way to Chinatown for Fadó Thursday but in the end the birds are dead

I was so happy when it was time to leave work, on Friday, and just happy to have made it through the day cause I had the hangover stomach thing going on. I didn’t drink that much last night but what I did drink I guess I took it in pretty fast.

Getting through town after work on Friday was fairly easy but I guess a lot of people were already out of town for Easter. There was a fair amount of tourists on their best behavior and we were all getting along as I drove by the Tidal Basin.

I was on Rock Creek Parkway and thinking about the post I want to write about Thursday night with Scythian at Fadó’s.

The evening started out with a sign: Mrs. M had arrived and was waiting as I ran out of the apartment and hit the button to call the elevator. This elevator is a bit temperamental and will often pass me. The light on the button will go off and the doors never open. Sometimes I catch it and hit the button again and it will open but I missed it this time. Screw it I’ll take the stairs. I get down one flight and realize I left the oven on. I’m not just worried it’s on I KNOW it’s on so I run back up. On my way I notice the button is still lit waiting for the elevator. I run down the hall into my apartment and turn off the oven thanking God the whole time. But it gets better. I run back down the hall to the stairway and notice the button on the elevator is not lit and figured the damn elevator had already passed. Just as I was passing the elevator the doors opened. WTF!? I took this as a sign from the big guy upstairs is telling me to stop worrying about crap cause he’s got my back and I’m not talking about my upstairs neighbor.

We drive to the Metro and got an awesome parking spot and just as were approaching the platform the train arrived. These are all small things but me thinks I should have bought a lottery ticket.

I’ve wanted to check out Scythian’s, “Fadó Thursday” but weeknights aren’t easy. With Mini Red on Spring Break at her Dad’s I figured I should take advantage and a few friends were more than obliged to join me. Mrs. M and I were walking out of the Metro when we bumped into Rachel. The three of us arrived at Fadó’s to find Shortie, PSUAcoustician and WW and shortly thereafter we finally got to meet the ever famous Texpundit. This was my first time at Fadó’s, which is pretty cool and kinda cave like. Shortie and PSUAcoustician tell us the food is good too.

By the time Scythian started we had left the table and moved closer. In no time Scythian got the crowd energized. Many pictures were taken and WW and Tex seemed to really enjoy their first Scythian experience.

So as I’m thinking about this post and driving through Rock Creek these two birds come flying across the street. I have no idea what they were doing be it fighting, playing, having sex, whatever. I didn’t think much of it until I heard a thud!

OMG!

I immediately looked in my rearview mirror and didn’t see the birds. I couldn’t help but think I have two dead birds on my grille. I took my normal route up Cathedral and onto Connecticut. While at the light at the Zoo I was looking around to see if anyone notices the dead birds on my grille. Ok this is a good sign because no one is looking so I’m really hoping there aren’t two dead birds on the front of my car.

Read all about the Guiness Fairy.

First Fergie… Now Alanis. Whose Humps are next?

Did you hear about Alanis Morisette newest song/video? She's the new Weird Al Yankovich or rather the female version.

I was reading CreoleInDC and she found Alanis's newest video on You Tube. So I had to post it too!

First check out the original. I was never a fan of this song.


I was never a fan of Alanis but I like her version much better!


Awesome!

How did you get your green on?

What a day! I didn’t think I would be doing much but Shortie contacted me and said she and her Dude were heading to The Big Jig. Wahoo! I’m in! I should be since I wore a big sticker on my ass promoting the Big Jig last weekend at the Shamrock Festival.

But first I met up with Nicole for a coffee. I hadn’t seen her in so long and she seemed happier than I had seen her in a long time. She’s gonna be in town for two weeks and I’m so happy to see her.

I finished up a load of laundry before heading out to meet up with Shortie and her Dude. The venue was smaller than I had expected and she was quick to point out the mud and suggested I roll up my pants. I got my beer and the three of us headed up front in preparation for Scythian to play again.

It wasn’t long before Scythain got going and some young chickies pushed their way in front of us. No biggie but I believe they had more to drink than I did at this point and they were jumping up and down. I pretty much had my hand in the little bitch’s back trying to keep her off my toes. I do understand the venue and expected crowds but she had a ton of room in front of her. Maybe I’m getting too old for this? Hahahaha.

They started throwing stuff out and I raised my arm and, evidently, smacked her upside the head with my elbow (the good one). Hahahaha I have to laugh at this cause I think she got mad and really was trying to jump on my toes at this point. So I turned around and pushed my ass her way to help her keep her distance.

Soon they were all jumping all around us now and it wasn’t long before a cup of Guinness got thrown in the air and landed mostly on Shortie. HAHAHAHAHAHA

I’m sorry for laughing Shortie but you know it was funny. This was when Shortie’s Dude said, “Lets move out”. Smart boy cause Shortie and I weren’t getting along with these kiddies. So we moved out got Shortie cleaned up and got another beer. We found another spot in the back and had a blast shaking it all up. The people around us were hilarious.

There was a couple in front of us that just couldn’t keep their hands off each other’s butts. Then there was the dude that took to rolling up his pants to a new height and of course the best was the dude with the green Goatee.

So we shook our toucases and drank a good amount of beer… At least I did. So once I get a few beers in me then I tend to be bold enough to go up to people and ask to take their pictures. There was this stage hand who had some really cool eyes (contacts) and piercings. He looked kind of scary but I knew I could get Shortie to help. This is like the Shamrock Fest where I would have never approached the Mohawk dude but I had a few beers. I have also realized that life is short and I don’t want to regret something as cool as this dude that I could bring to you.

Anyhow, Shortie and I are wandering around while Scythian is on a break. We saw the green-eyed stage-hand but he disappeared. As we rounded to head back into the tent we bump into Leks! Ahhhh. Amazingly Shortie and I were quick on our feet and I threw her my camera and grabbed him for a photo, which seemed fine with him. I told him I loved his crazy hair today. He said he like the color of mine and we were off on our separate ways.

I was tickled to say the least and now I was more ready to get that photo with the Green-Eyed dude. We headed back out of the tent and around and who should we see next… JOE! I completely interrupted his conversation to ask about his stage hand and ask for a photo with him too. Cool!
Joe pointed us back around into the tent to find the green-eyed guy. Thank goodness for Shortie cause I would have missed him. Shortie’s Dude showed up outta nowhere and offered to take the photo so Shortie could get in it too.
Well, we were about done there and we had gotten our drink on pretty good as well as the photos we wanted. We were hungry so we walked towards Fado’s but it looked crowded. I suggested the inexpensive Fuddruckers and all were up for that.

Fuddruckers was a crazy mad house so I’m glad I was in the state I was in or it might have made me a bit crazy. That food was soooo good and after a Lenten Friday I had a hankering for some meat.

I figured after Fuddruckers Shortie and her Dude were heading home and I was heading to meet up with Texpundit and other bloggers. To my very pleasant surprise Shortie was coming with me and her Dude headed home. I didn’t really know where I was going so I was glad Shortie was coming with me.

We hopped on the Metro and headed to Union Station knowing the Dubliner was only a block away but who knows which direction. I hadn’t been to Union Station in years but Shortie seemed to know her way around and got us to the Dubliner in no time.

The line was long but moved quickly. I had no idea what Tex looked like but I knew Scarlett. We didn’t see her anywhere and we searched the whole place. We even went upstairs and as we were looking around a horrible smell wafted through the air. Some freakish dude asked if I shit my pants. I told him I thought it was him and grabbed Shortie and got out of there cause that was some awful smelling shit. Uggggggh.

We never did find Tex and Scarlett and finally heard from him that he had left. Before we left we met Kimberly who was complimenting my hair. Shortie got a photo of Kimberly, her friend and I and I told her I would post it here. It doesn’t do any of us justice but you are an awesome chick Kimberly.
We had an awesome time and here I expected to not even leave my apartment this weekend. I love when things come up out of the blue and those are often some of the best experiences.

My day ended by chatting via IM with a friend I hadn’t talked to in a long time. Thanks Smith!

You can see all the photos on Flickr.

I got my green on at the Shamrock Festival

Had a blast at the SHAMROCKFEST! If you weren’t there then you missed a great time.

We got a bit of a late start but I think many had the same thought. As we were walking out of the Metro Station to the Stadium all the kids were clapping. They were so excited to get their drink on but JT and I just laughed and commented on feeling so old amongst the kiddies.

Since we had VIP tickets we had a separate entrance and flew right through. As they were strapping on my wrist band for my unlimited beer the dude commented on how I look like I’m always ready for St. Patrick’s Day with my red hair. I said, “Yeah but I still need to wear green.”

He said, “What? Are your eyes brown?”

“No! There Greenish! Ahhhh good point!”

It didn‘t take us to long to get pointed in the right direction towards VIP Area #1. Ahhh that first beer tasted so good. We enjoyed our beer and just took it all in. It was amazing how many were drunk already and others had set up a huge flip cup tournament.

We pulled out our schedule of bands and decided to head out and investigate. We found The Connells were playing at the HiBall Events Stage. The crowd was large and we couldn’t get too close but they put on a good show.

We soon finished our beers and headed back to VIP Area #1 for more beer. As we were deciding where to go head to next I saw a familiar face… Ar-Jew-Tino! Ohh and there’s Kassy and I-66. Kassy looks awesome as a brunette but her boobs didn’t look as big as they did in that last Blogger HH photos she was in. I was so excited to see everyone since I haven’t been to a happy hour in so long. Then I saw JOE! It’s Joe Logon… “Dude! I didn’t know you were gonna be here?” So what does Joe do first…? He gathers everyone for a blogger photo.

Poor JT was probably overwhelmed with his first introduction into blogger world but I made sure to introduce him around. Mrs. M felt the same way the first time I brought her into blogger world. He even got his picture snapped and I warned him he was gonna be blogged now. “Uh oh” was his response.

As the bloggers were dispersing we headed out to investigate. We found VIP Area #2 but it was way more crowded and we didn’t stay long. Just as JT was asking if I was gonna take any pictures I noticed the most incredible mohawk, which stood about a foot high. I asked the dude if I could take his picture cause I loved his mohawk. He said sure but I had to be in the picture with him and giving the finger to the camera.

I’m such a dork I can’t even flip the bird cool like. Hahahaha. The number of Port-A-Potties was impressive as can be seen behind us. If you had to pee the line was never long… Thank goodness. The longest line for a toilet was in the VIP area where they had trailers with running water but even those lines weren’t bad.

Carbon Leaf was playing at 6:10 so we beat feet over there and it was so cool! The crowd was HUGE but we pushed forward. I loved watching people get picked up and all the hands that just carried them up towards the front over top of everyone. They played for only an hour and there was an hour lull before Flogging Molly was to perform. There were so many people so we headed back to the VIP area on the other side. Seems everyone else was to drunk to think of this so we grabbed some seats and chilled out for a while where it was less crazy.

At about 8 we decided to head out to catch emmet swimming who was playing til 9 and Flogging Molly was playing 8 to 9:30. The plan was to catch the end of Flogging Molly but we were having so much fun with emmet that we stayed right there. When they were done the rain was coming down and we were done for the night.

I couldn’t have asked for better weather or better company. It was an awesome day!

Other ShamrockFest Recaps:
Shamrock out with your...
Pot o' gold
Never Have I Ever
Um, they should call it Boozefest Revisited
Shamrock Fest '07 (mohawk)
My interview with DJ AM
Quotes from ShamrockFest '07
ShamrockFest, David Mamet and the Pretty Young Abercrombie Blonde

SATURDAY! SATURDAY! SATURDAY! SHAMROCK FEST!

Maybe you aren’t aware (if you live under a rock) but the SHAMROCKFEST `07 is nearly HERE! This year it’s held at RFK, but I’m sure you already knew that.

Aren’t you excited?!?!?!?!

So many of my favorite local bands in one place! I’m gonna need to clone myself or be running around like a crazy woman to catch them all.

I’ve listened to The Kelly Bell Band out of Baltimore but never seen them. Mrs. M raves about them.

Scythian is awesome! They are at their best when playing Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda. They even encourage everyone to drink Car Bombs and keep count and try to beat it every time they go back to H&F. Not sure what the count is up to. You can’t keep your feet, let alone much else, still when listening to these guys.

I saw Mr. Greengenes years ago at The Clarendon Ballroom and just loved em! Their energy carries out to everyone who hears them.

I've been listening to emmet swimming for at least a decade now. They started while in college at James Madison (I believe) and have several albums out. I’ve met some really freaky guys at their concerts so beware ladies.

Do you know who DJ AM is? Yup you got it he’s the famous DJ from the west who was once engaged to Nicole Ritchie. I like him so much better now that he is making better decisions.

You don’t want to miss Carbon Leaf. A Virginia based band that has been making a name for themselves working national tours. They’ve come home for a visit and decided to play a few tunes.

The headliner is Flogging Molly lead by Dublin born Dave King. What could be better for getting into the Irish spirit for St. Patty’s Day. Everyone will be talking with the Irish accent by the time they leave.

I missed the Mad Mad Mad Genius and the Hottie Von Hotterson

Stewart Copeland is a MAD MUSICAL GENIUS!
Sting is HOT!

I missed the reunion of The Police on last nights Grammys but thank goodness for You Tube so they can bring me/us this:



Seems a tour has been announced. Check it out at Sting's site or even at Stewart Copeland's. Even better yet check it out at it's own site The Police Tour

Maybe they will add DC... Gawd I hope so.

Waiting for my real life to begin

There has been a lot going on in my life lately keeping me pretty busy. Namely, Mini Red and all her activities like violin and swimming. On top of that I finally started taking a college class. One is enough right now considering it’s two hours of lecture, three hours of lab and all in one night. My class is on Graphic Arts and I can’t wait to learn more. It is so much fun and the time flys when I’m there.

This class is the thing that seems to be wearing me out but I am so grateful for it. The day of my first class my company did a third round of layoffs. This one was hard, at least for me, because I don’t think anyone saw it coming. Thankfully, I still have a job and I’m on a new project that is keeping me VERY busy. So to start the class that day is giving me hope for my future so that if I am laid off (heaven forbid) at least I’m finally doing something about it.

Even though this class is wearing on me it is also making me very excited about possibilities. I guess you’re never too old.

With all that said Velvet says it’s Bloggie Poetry Day and posted lyrics to a song that define how she’s been feeling lately. I happen to have a song that keeps running through my head especially on the nights I have class.

***************************************************

WAITING FOR MY REAL LIFE TO BEGIN
Colin Hay

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
I'll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down down down, on me

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
But don't you understand
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path, and up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my old footsteps, once again
And you say, just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine, there's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in
Don't you understand I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

The Winter Concert

Ok so I'm a little behind but I've been busy. It this holiday thingy coming up and a big fat man is coming for a visit.

First I gotta tell ya that Aunt Dot is leaving the Rehab Hospital on Friday. I spoke with her today and I was amazed at how good she is sounding. She's a bit confused and asked me what day it is several times but that's ok.

Anyhow, last Thursday (the 14th) was Mini Red's Winter Concert. I was dreading it because it's been a fight to get her to practice her violin and then it's usually a rough start, which involves a lot of ear piercing squeaking.

The 6th Grade Orchestra was to play The Hallelujah Chorus and The Dreidel and they did a fabulous job! There was NO squeaking and I was so proud. These events are getting easier and easier as she gets older and all the kids get better at this. On top of Mini Red playing so well the Chorus was awesome to listen to. My Mom and Sister agreed.

I was dreading going to this concert for more than squeaky playing though:

1. FN* was going to be there with his family. Lately, dealing with him has been ridiculous. No taking or returning my calls and, supposedly, not receiving my emails. Then claiming I told him nothing of Mini Red's events after I have created this very detailed calendar for him to follow all of her events for the year. In short... Fookin frustrating the hell outta me.

Result: He was bearable and I had a nice conversation with his wife about Mini Red. I was thankful I didn’t have to sit with them.

2. The last big concert was last year where the 5th graders came to the Middle School for what is called a Cluster Concert between the schools. I got cornered by the Mother of a girl who had been causing trouble with Mini Red. I'm the type of person to avoid any confrontation and I know my Mini Red and she has a tendency to cause some trouble but this woman went over the line and out came my temper. I got back in her face and assured her she had a lot of wrong information from her Devil Child and that she might just want to recheck her information. Meanwhile FN* was standing nearby at the ready if necessary. Ends up there were a lot of details I was unaware of with this Devil Child but her doped up mother DID NOT have correct information.
Anyhow, there’s been recent activity from the Devil Child where the she punched Mini Red in the stomach. Yeah I know… Can you imagine how livid I was with this information? Seems there was information Mini Red was keeping from me just as the previous time. The Devil Child came back and apologized the next day, but I was bugging Mini Red continuously to make sure she wasn't keeping anything from me just in case the Devil Child's mother cornered me again. I hate being unprepared.

Result: The Devil Child and her mother left the concert early. I think that family is getting a reputation.

All in all I have renewed faith in these events and I was glad my Mom and Sister were there for backup. Don't worry about Mini Red I have encouraged her to listen to her Father and cousin when they give her tips to defend herself and I will back her up.


* Please note: Ex husband hence forth known as Fuck Nuts a/k/a FN.

The Kiss

I recently found the soundtrack to The Last of The Mohicans on iTunes. I was listening to it as I worked yesterday and was just amazed. I burned it to disc so I could listen to it in the car on the way home. I figured with the sound system in my car it could be even more amazing and submerse my whole self into it.

I had no idea it would turn into this amazing experience. Once I got to "The Kiss", by Trevor Jones, I was driving along the Potomac towards Memorial Bridge as the sun was going down. It was a beautiful site the way the light was reflecting on The Potomac with the Memorial Bridge and Monuments in the background. I had chills and my eyes were welling up. I had to listen to this song again and turn it up louder this time and it brought me into my own world of no crazy traffic and everything flowed. My rear view mirror would shake I had it so loud but again it was an amazingly beautiful sound that again gave me chills and welled up my eyes.

I couldn't get enough of this song but knew I couldn't play it again that loud as I drove down Connecticut Ave. The rest of the soundtrack needed to be heard and it lived up to my expectations.

I couldn't wait for Mini Red to hear this. I knew she would love it too if for nothing else than the violin. Maybe it could inspire her? I didn't get to play it for her until we were leaving her swim practice and as "The Kiss" was hitting its climatic part I noticed the memorial on the side of the road for the twelve-year-old boy who had been killed the day before. You can't help but think of your own child when a tragedy such as this happens. This was too much emotion but I couldn't turn off the music. By the time we got home I was exhausted.

I highly recommend this soundtrack or at least "The Kiss".

It'll get ya.