So, hm. John Mayer

Good news! Internet working! Landoverlord installed or plugged in or whatever the wireless router thing. My computer is a little slower than it was, but I am so not complaining. Anyway. I've been wanting to write about this for a little while now, so here it is. A couple of weeks ago, I went to see John Mayer. I went for two reasons (and ONLY two reasons). 1) it was a favor to Tonya. She had tickets, and no one else wanted to go, so I went. Sometimes, I'm a sucker. 2) Colbie Calait was opening. Now, I generally don't like female singers at all, but I have her cd, and I like every song on it, so I wanted to see if she can bring it live. She totally can. I was even more impressed with her live than I was with the cd. She's got a groovy husky voice going on, and she's all of like 19 years old or something. Girl needs to eat a sandwich or twenty, but we'll forgive her. Now. John Mayer. First, the bad. He has a stroke face when he sings. Like, big time. Like, all the time. However, I think he knows it. He said something about not being a concert singer, I think that's what he meant. So, I admit, I giggled more than a few times at his weird facial contortions. Also, when he played those awful over-played radio song I groaned, whined, and sank down in my chair, practically to the floor. Dude, the world is not going to change just because you said so. Take a happy pill. Stop whining. Shit. Now for the surprising good. Boy can play a guitar. For real. There were times during the show when he would practically just sit down on the stage and start playing the blues. In those magical moments it was like no one else was there but him and his guitar. He would concentrate, like he was thinking 'what can I make this thing do' and he would just play and play. If he had kept he strokey mouth shut more and played more guitar, I'd have liked it even more. He DIDN'T play "your body is a wonderland". Big bonus points for that. He took an audience vote, and actually listened to the crowd. Didn't play it. Big plus. He played four covers. This impressed me because he has an extensive lyrical library of his own, yet maybe even he gets sick of his own songs. He opened with "Sweet home Chicago" - not original, but well played. About 1/4 of the way through he played "Free Falling" it was a unique twist on a song I already loved, so cool. A while after that "Crossroads" - blues, perfect, he owned it, telling you the man should switch to all blues (ok, with a few ballads thrown in, I am a girl after all.) The first song of the encore was "Panama" during which JM played his Van Halen red and white authentic, and one of his band members was singing - this was Fantastic. Until. Until the dumb bitch hussies in front of us looked around confused and one of them said "Who's Pamela?" I shit you not. I wanted to hit her just for that. Another big big plus (that, or I'm going soft) is when he appreciated the crowd, which he did a lot, I really felt like he meant it. Not a gee-whiz look at me, now I'm going to go backstage and say how fackin stupid people are, but a real and actual appreciation that he gets to do what he loves and that other people dig it. I really think he was sincere, and he spoke earnestly. Plus - he had no shirt on for the encore. Kudos, Jen, the man is ripped. He closed the show with "Say what you need to say" which is a big theme song in my life right now. I am a huge music lover, and also a devourer of lyrics. This song matters to me. It made me actually contact M&B, instead of just thinking about it. It makes me tell my parents I love them a lot more than I did before. It's making me think about telling a lot of people a lot of things. Plus, I sound g o o d singing along with this one.

Maybe next week

Last night I purchased a wireless router. I walked into the local chain store that rhymes with Test Guy. I went to the computer section, and showed nerdy nerd the text from super awesome step-bro that said Linksys somethin-or-other. I said "Please?". Nerdy nerd puffed up his scrawny chest and walked my damsel in distress ass over to the right thing-a-ma-jig. It was on sale. SO. I know own a wireless router. It's in it's box. In a bag. On my kitchen table. This thing will someday give me back my internet. This thing will someday give me back my blog. We wait. This weekend AG and MenD will be in town. I'm pretty darn excited. Charlie, however, is not so sure about sharing his space. They'll both be sleeping in "his" room.

Bad news Monday

So, the evil landpeople said "Absolutely no way" will I have internet this week. Which means maybe never. I refuse to write this blog on their computer, or anyone else's. That's not how I roll. I do have to take MenD to Starbucks so he can go online this weekend. Perhaps then. Until then..... Big fackin' sigh.

Still.....or again....who knows

SO, still or again, no facking internet at home. Quick recap of my second weekend in the NOrth Woods. It's all about the wildlife. We saw: A bald eagle (AWESOME!!) A skunk A porcupine (we saved it's life. It was the cutest non-cartoon animal EVER) A pair of loons (the real kind, not freaky people) A kingfisher (I'm usually not a bird fan, but this thing was TheAwesome!) Ok, I'm off to harrass and whine at my landtyrants for the millionth facking time. Sigh. AG and MenD are coming to Chicago to tear up the town with me, Shannon, and TheMarty this weekend. Chicago can't handle the truth. *Revision: I did NOT see a kingfisher. I saw a Blue Heron (or Herring) it was huge and still TheAwesome! **Still no internet at home.

Back to the Woods

My internet at home is not working. A G A I N. I intended to write a post about the John Mayer concert I went to. I intend to still do that. Hopefully next week. I am going back up to Wisconsin in a few hours. Another 6 hour drive. Should be a good trip, just not looking forward to getting back in a car for that long. Tonya did say I get 5 vetos for songs. That should help. Instead of posting the list of songs on the Best of Cheese CD, I've decided that will be the next Name that Tune game. There will be prizes. Just ask BP, Brando and Zelmo about my prize giving abilities. Have a great weekend.

So I slept under a strange man for three nights

Our trip to TheMarty's beautiful North Woods cabin was incredibly perfect and fantastic. The theme sone for the weekend for me was "Sailing" by Christopher Cross. There were many games played: Charades - my favorite one that I got was Man Boobs, and my favorite of all was Daisy Chain - Yahtzee, Hoopla, Catch Phrase (during which I was named "flinchy". This game got heated. Team Wang is a bunch of fierce competitors), and a fun game called Munchkin Fu (which kept us up on the last night until 2:30 am and we got about four hours of sleep before heading home). I go-go danced on the boat to a song that Hil picked out just for that purpose. We were in the middle of a lovely lake when I did it. TheMarty peed off the back of the boat. All of the sudden we hear him say "No! Don't look back!" He was talking to the poor sweet old lady that he was in the process of showing his junk too. She should have never looked back, I blame her. I did indeed sleep under a strange man. Or a normal(ish) man who was a stranger. In A Bunk Bed. (Dirty. Your minds are all drrrrty.) Eric is his name and he is awesome. I also heart my other roomates Lauren and Greg. A lot. Not one of them ever mentioned my snoring. Hil and Dave are extremely fun people. I would have totally hid in their luggage and let them spirit me away to live with them in Boston. I already miss my new friends from Boston. Slow single tear. A moment of silence for the lovely bottle of Petron that was sacrificed for our complete and total merriment. MMmmmmm. Leinenkugel's, Coronas, Freedom drinks, Heineken's, 3 Buck Chuck, Stoli cranberry and Bacardi kept us hydrated from noonish until bedtime every day. I think my liver is tired. Any trip in which "A dingo ate your baby" is a catch phrase is an awesome trip. I've learned to never 'take it outside' with someone I don't know. Who knew Dave had wrestled in school? Oh, that's right - everyone did but me. I got one hell of a spanking. "HellNight" is a fantastically bad horror movie. Linda Blair is in it. I haven't laughed so much and so long probably ever. So, since we didn't get those cheesy plastic covered autograph books for everyone to sign, I'm taking a moment to send shouts out to my fellow Wisconsin travelers: THeMarty: He invited me along on this special trip, and was a wonderful host. He loves it there, and really wanted to share it all with everyone, which was awesome. Shannon: A fantastic cook, marathon driver, and keeper of my best stories and secrets. Like the palm-reader said about 8 1/2 years ago, we were meant to know each other, and be important in each other's lives. Dave: Funny as hell. Kicked my ass. Also the only other person I know who has seen and appreciated "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" (best murderous go-go dancer movie EVEH) Hilary: A kindred spirit. Whip smart and lightning quick with the comebacks. Most contagious awesome laugh. Lauren: Owner of the cutest t-shirts I've seen in a long time. Wicked awesome hair (I'd kill for hair like that). Funny and smart - knows more about books and authors than anyone I know. Greg: I wouldn't want to start a fire with anyone else. Has great taste in music and is awesomely chill. Eric (my bunkmate): Quick with fantastic one-liners, very entertaining. Wears a broken straw hat with mad style. There was much mirth, mayhem and shenanigans. I speak in generalities as whatever happens in Three Lakes should probably stay in Three Lakes. I am totally inviting myself on Shannon and TheMarty's trip to see them all in October.

Post pending

Weekend review is coming. Promise. Trying to put teh awesome to words....

Couple of thoughts

First of all, I had some fun on Thursday. I had a few errands to do after work. I am in an incredibly good mood, so I kinda went everywhere with a grin on my face. Ok, it may have been smirk-ish. But definitely a smile type thing. People really do look at you like you have a secret when you walk around with a smile on your face. I'm going to try it more often. Not because I'll be happier more often, more to watch the reactions of others. Secondly, one of my errands tonight was to get a pedicure. I was feeling very happy. And very daring. My toes are a color called Just Groovy. It's a lovely bright sky blue. Hell yes. Next, a pet peeve of mine came to light today from an unexpected source. Let me just say this: I will have intelligent conversation with just about anyone about just about anything. HOWEVER. Please know what the fack you are talking about. It's cool to have a difference of opinion - keeps things interesting. BUT you need to have an informed opinion. Please don't just spit at me this morning's biased headlines (often inaccurate, as was the case with today's conversation). If you feel strongly about something, care enough about it to do a little research. Don't just spout off some b.s. soundbite you heard somewhere. I expect people to be able to back up what they are saying. Finally, in about 24 hours I am off on a North Woods vacation with two of my most favorite people (duh, Shannon and TheMarty) and 5 of his closest friends. 5 complete strangers. I am excited and a little nervous. I know for a fact I won't be able to sleep tonight. Which is good, because I am being picked up to start this little adventure at an un-Godly hour.

No blog for you

I didn't have time to write a "real" entry for today. Too busy burning the CDs I need for my new friends this weekend. See, 8 people going to the North Woods and we are supposed to bring something for everyone. I created a masterful CD entitled "The Best of.....Cheese". Next week I'll post the songs that are on it. I want it to be a surprise for those getting a copy first. Have a nice day.

SO Happy

Just checked my hotmail. Just got an email from M. From Haiti. He's back in the states at the end of the month and promises to get in touch. I am so happy!

The Question

Today's question for TheMarty: How did you get so awesome? Happy happy birthday. I love ya in a completely non-sexual way.

Delay due to hangover

AKA: 24 Welshman I wanted to kidnap. Whew. What a weekend. It's Monday evening, about 7pm, and this is the first moment I have felt well enough to even switch on my computer. Friday night was SIL1X's dad's surprise birthday party. Good times. Saturday and Sunday I worked at the Folk and Roots festival. Saturday I helped out in the VIP tent, which meant sit there and drink some beer and circle names on a list. The bands were great, I highly recommend some Slavic Soul Party. Not kidding. I headed back stage to hang out with my friends. It was there that I happened to meet some of my new favorite people, the Burlington Welsh Mens Choir. Cuter awesomer thirstier whiter-haired men I will never meet again. Being around these geriatric charmers had me saying "It'll be a great night if I can get 26 Welshmen sleeping on my living room floor tonight!". Loved them. They had performed with Jon Langford, and unfortunately I missed their performance. I got my drink on backstage, and had a great night. Sunday morning I was totally paying for Saturday night's good time. I barely got off the couch in time to get myself back to the fest. I started out the day really well, I drank mostly water. Sunday I was working backstage, serving beer to the artists and staff. All weekend, I had wanted to meet Jon Langford, but was uncharacteristically shy for some reason. I'll blame the hangover. Anyway. I was talking to my friend Sarah, and Jon was right next to her. I said "That's Jon Langford, isn't it?" and Sarah (in her infinite awesomeness) introduced me to him. He was really cool, just a nice chatty normal guy. I love Old Town and Folk and Roots because of people like Jon. Everyone is just so nice and chill. I chatted with Jon for a little bit and got back to work. Sunday's job had me working for T. T is awesome. She's one of my favorite people over at Old Town. I really like her, and it was good to work with her so we could hang out. So, Sunday night I got pretty tired, and I was sober, so D and I decided not to hang out, and we walked over to the bus stop. Welllll - the bus stop happens to be next to my favorite bar. Well, some of my friends were there. Well. 3:30 am came pretty fast. I was SMASHED. I can state for a fact I had 3 shots of Jameson, 2 of Petron, and (ahem) a few Blue Moons. I do remember taking a cab home. Beyond that things get a little fuzzy. Ok, a lot fuzzy. I found out this morning that I sent Shannon a 3am text message. I believe it was 'GO9'. Yeah, not a clue what it means. I also ended up in my sister's bathroom upstairs around 5:45 this morning. So I am told. I guess I had a nice little drunken sleepwalking thing going on. Good thing I had planned to be off work today.

Nostalgia and reminisence

I have been feeling incredibly nostalgic lately. It's gone kinda like this - I'll randomly have a dream about some guy from my past. It's always a very vivid, odd dream (minds out of the gutter, friends!) and it stays with me for the whole day, sometimes longer. Then, I think about the person in the dream for days on end. There's one guy I'm pining for because of these stupid dreams, but I won't be writing about him. At least, not today. So, last night I have a whole new dream, and another big wave of nostalgia. I've been grinning all day remembering these two. Yep, I said TWO. Twins, actually. Back in the day I was awesome enough to have had flings with a set of twins. Here, we will call them M & B. Some back story: I met M & B at a fine arts camp I went to. Best. Camp. Ever. I hit it off with M & B right away. As the oldest group of campers both boys and girls shared a unit, and we all did all of our activities together, and hung out at night. I went to that camp each summer for three years. I had a huge crush on B for a long, long time. He was one of the first guys I kissed. He was also my junior prom date. Every summer at camp we had to do a talent show. My second summer B organized all of the older boys and they sang a song to me. The boys were all up on the stage, and B said "Von, This one's for you." and they proceeded to sing to me. I was so the envy of every girl at that camp!! At some point (much later down the road) I had a crush on M. What never turned into a defined "relationship" was still something unique and meaningful at the time. I don't know how we managed it, but B was totally fine with it, and we were still all good friends. My friend Laura and I spent a lot of time with M & B for a while. One of my favorite memories is hanging out at M & B's with Laura. We drank coffee that M called orgasmic coffee. (This was before Starbucks was all cool and everywhere, so awesome coffee was a pretty cool thing) I think that night Laura and B actually sang for us. Laura being a mezzo-soprano with years of training, and B being a tenor, with years of training. I remember feeling so grown-up and content. I remember hoping that my evenings as an adult were as awesome as this one was. Good coffee, fantastic music, sexual tension..... I don't really remember why I lost touch with M & B. I vaguely remember M moving away when he transferred colleges, and he definitely took a little piece of my heart with him. About the same time, B was busy with his life, he was seeing someone seriously, and was pursuing his greatest passion - singing Opera. I hadn't thought about them in years, quite honestly. Then, that stupid dream last night that they were both in (AGAIN, minds out of the gutter). So, of course, I googled them (God bless the Internet!!) Holy Shit. M is now DR. M and a professor of anthropology at a very respectable university. He's kinda far away. B is a professional opera singer. He's living his dream, and sharing his incredible talent with the world. And as far as I can tell, he's still living in the Chicago suburbs. I totally dug a little deeper and found some email addresses for them. I don't know if they are even good, current addresses for them, but I sent them both emails. I think life is too short that if you want to reconnect with someone, there's no time like the present. I have nothing to lose really. Fingers crossed I'll hear from at least one of them. I'd love to tell them how they made me grin like a 14 year old for an entire day without even trying.

Winners All

And the winners are: First Place: Billy Pilgrim with 11 correct Second Place: Brando Third Place: Zelmo Please get in touch w/ me so I can send you your prizes. BP, if you are coming to Chicago in August with AG and MenD, your prize can be 3 beers payed for by me!! If you are not coming, I'll figure something else out. Brando - you have won a Starbucks gift card!! You might need it, with Libby keeping you up and all.... Zelmo - You have won a lovely Chicago knick knack!! Now, help me figure out how to get your info to send you prizes?

Call and Answer

So, there are only 3 remaining songs that were not guessed. They are: #4 "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood #7 "Kids in America" by Kim Wilde #14 "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye There were also two themes. The first was: Songs with USA or America in the title. The second: Anti-war songs. (Yes, "What's Going On" is absolutely an anti-war song, I looked it up) So, It's my contest, and my rules. What I'm going to do is this. There will be prizes for first, second, and third place. First place goes to commentor who had the most correct guesses. Second and third prizes will be determined by names drawn out of a hat. Winners will be posted later today. Thanks for the awesome responses!! I am going to keep running a Name that Tune every so often.

Okey dokey weekend.

Why do the long weekends go by so damned fast?? It was a good weekend, more or less. It was a little more quiet than I would have liked it to be, but not shabby. On the Fourth I went to my parents' neighborhood for the "big" parade. It was interesting. I always see a lot of people I grow up with. Some I'd rather not see, but whatever. I made a stop over by SIL1X's house to visit with her and her family. After that I went to my stepbro's house. There was a ton of food, lots of drinking and some Texas hold 'em. Good times. I had to go home pretty early because Charlie doesn't like the fireworks, so I had to take care of him. Saturday I called up Tonya at the last minute. We went to play miniature golf first, and then went to the h o r r i b l e Cheeseburger in Paradise. We went to have some chocolate nachos. We ended up sitting in the bar area, and there was a pretty interesting group of people sitting at the bar. They seemed to be regulars there. Now, I have a bar that I frequent, where most of the people who work there do know my name, but it's definitely not a bad chain restaurant with a tiki from hell theme and overpriced crappy tropical beverages. We could not stop watching them, they were fascinating in all of their white trash splendor. From there we went to this scary little dive bar in the middle of the woods somewhere. Ok, the woods of Des Plaines, but the woods no less. There was a lovely couple sitting next to us. He had long stringy blond hair and missing teeth. She had a matching mullet and a really awesome smoker's voice. She was also quite a bit older than him. There was a third woman with them. A fatty who thinks it's a good idea to wear a tank top. Bleh. Anyway, the fatty went to leave and mullet man walked her out while his old hag girlfriend stayed at the bar. I told Tonya "Oh, they for sure are making out!" Tonya agreed. An interesting cast of characters came and went throughout our few beers. Not long before we were getting ready to go, Serial Killer dude walked in. He stood directly across from us at the bar. He never sat down. He had a beer, and just stood there and kinda stared at us. I never finished a beer so fast in my life. Serial Killer man left, and we hauled ass out the door. We jumped in her car and left. Well, being that we were in the middle of the dark woods, we convinced ourselves that Serial Killer man was following us. We turned the wrong way on purpose. Tonya dropped me off at my car and I sped away, back to the safety of Chicago. Sunday was a day of rest, much needed.

Name that Tune, this time a theme or two

So, I'm sure none of you are really working on Thursday. So, for your distraction, Name that Tune, again. This time around, there's a theme. Ok, there's two. There are also two songs that are specifically for two people (I'm looking at you, BP and TheMarty). All are welcome to play, even my Canadian friends ;). Rules: Again, there are none. Just please don't cheat. I will admit this time I had to get some Google help, but that was due to the theme, and the request for longer lyrics. A refresher: There are twenty song lyrics. Try to name the title and the artist. Bonus round: Name the two themes. If all 20 songs are named, there will be valuable prizes. Answers will be posted sometime next week. Play on, players:

1. Far - We've been traveling far - without a home - but not without a star
2. Devil without a cause - and I'm back with the beaver hats - and Ben Davis slacks - Thirty pack of Stroh's
3. It's just a small step for him - It's a nice break from Vietnam (filmed in a factory)
4. If tomorrow all the things were gone - I've worked for all my life - And I had to start again - with just my children and my wife
5. Come back home to the refinery - Hiring man says "Son if it were up to me" - I go down to see the VA man - He says "Son don't you understand"
6. Terrorists your game is through - 'Cause now you have to answer to - America, Fuck yeah
7. Bright lights - the music gets faster - look boy don't check your watch - not another glance
8. Colored lights can hypnotize - sparkle someone else's eyes - now woman, I said get away
9. Laughing on the bus - playing games with the faces - she said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy
10. I can't see myself at thirty - I don't buy a lacquered thirty - caught like flies - preserved for tomorrow's jewelry again
11. Yankee dollar talk - to the dictators of the world - In fact it's giving orders - and they can't afford to miss a word
12. As I was walking a ribbon of highway - I saw above me an endless sky - I saw below me a golden valley - This land was made for you and me
13. Oh I've been smiling lately - dreaming about the world as one - and I believe it could be - some day it's going to come
14. You see, war is not the answer - for only love can conquer hate - you know we've got to find a way - to bring some lovin' here today
15. Tell us commander, what do you think? - 'Cos we know that you love all that power - Is it on then, are we on the brink? We wish you'd all throw in the towel
16. How many times must a man look up - before he can see the sky? - Yes 'n' how many ears must one man have - before he can hear people cry?
17. In the locust wind comes a rattle and hum - Jacob wrestled the angel - and the angel was overcome - you plant a demon seed
18. 99 dreams I have had - in every one a red balloon - It's all over and I'm standing pretty
19. It's just a rumor that was spread around town - a telegram or a picture postcard - within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyards
20. How can you say - no child is left behind? - we're not dumb and we're not blind - they're all sitting in your cells

I'm no hypocrite

Because Julia called me out on this: There was another Crosstown Classic this past weekend, whilst I was in MI. The White Sox swept the Cubs. That's one way to look at it. Another: Between the six games played between these two Chicago teams, an even split. I'm saying it now: See you in October, South Side. (I myself will be far far away from Chicago should that happen. The city will Implode.)