And if my last blog wasn't enough, even bigger news. I've joined weight watchers! LOL! Yeah, I went to the Dr. a couple of months ago and he wanted me to join. I filed it in the "let me just forget about this" file. A few weeks ago the book keeper at my job was talking about it and then a couple of waitresses. Well, since there was no way in fuck I would go alone, I went with them as a support system. In 2 weeks I've lost 17.8 lbs. The funny thing is I'm not really following their plan. Yeah, I counted the "points" during day one, but once I did that and since I eat basically the same thing, I knew I was cool. It's just common sense stuff, don't eat crap and eat more fruits and veggies. I've even cut back on red meat. No excercise program yet, one step at a time.
I was more worried about losing Abigail! All the times I've lost weight thinking I'll magically get a gal. This time I was thinking the opposite, I'd lose the one I have! But she reassured me she loves me for me, be it I'm big or skinnier.
Myes, I'm still head over heels in blissed out love. We message every day and talk around 3 or 4 times a week on the phone. Her holiday was approved and everything is set for her to visit me for 10 days starting November 4th. I still need to plan on finding a hotel and such. No way my hardcore Catholic sister would allow her to stay here. I will be trying to work on that though.
I'm just continually amazed how everything has fallen into place. Call me sappy, but I believe what ever higher power there is had a hand in this. Or just call it fate. She's my dream come true!
Ah, any long time readers know of my insecurities and depression. I swear my mood is a 100 times better. She is the perfect drug indeed.
So what else is going on?
The Sheckies still don't have a bass player. We just played a show in Brooklyn last Saturday with Shane Problem filling in. And we're still getting show offers. Between Philly Dave from The Slotcars and Shane, we'll pull it off. I really wish we could find a full time replacement though.
Work has settled down somewhat. Elmer and I had a sit down meeting and aired out some shit. I even got a .50 cent raise out of it! Him and Silent Rob are barely hanging on. And them using other people to do their prep and work for them 'coz they don't wanna hang around the kitchen is bound to catch up with them. I ain't saying a fucking word, I'm just doing my job.
That's about it. Now back to my blissed out love thang!
I was more worried about losing Abigail! All the times I've lost weight thinking I'll magically get a gal. This time I was thinking the opposite, I'd lose the one I have! But she reassured me she loves me for me, be it I'm big or skinnier.
Myes, I'm still head over heels in blissed out love. We message every day and talk around 3 or 4 times a week on the phone. Her holiday was approved and everything is set for her to visit me for 10 days starting November 4th. I still need to plan on finding a hotel and such. No way my hardcore Catholic sister would allow her to stay here. I will be trying to work on that though.
I'm just continually amazed how everything has fallen into place. Call me sappy, but I believe what ever higher power there is had a hand in this. Or just call it fate. She's my dream come true!
Ah, any long time readers know of my insecurities and depression. I swear my mood is a 100 times better. She is the perfect drug indeed.
So what else is going on?
The Sheckies still don't have a bass player. We just played a show in Brooklyn last Saturday with Shane Problem filling in. And we're still getting show offers. Between Philly Dave from The Slotcars and Shane, we'll pull it off. I really wish we could find a full time replacement though.
Work has settled down somewhat. Elmer and I had a sit down meeting and aired out some shit. I even got a .50 cent raise out of it! Him and Silent Rob are barely hanging on. And them using other people to do their prep and work for them 'coz they don't wanna hang around the kitchen is bound to catch up with them. I ain't saying a fucking word, I'm just doing my job.
That's about it. Now back to my blissed out love thang!
GK Center, Berryville, VA 1/19/08
Yesterday started off as a real lazy day. After waking up early and writing the previous blog, I went back to bed and slept 'till 12:30. From there it was watching the end of "Terror of MecaGodzilla" that Andy brought on DVD and then watching him play some classic games including Mike Tyson's Punchout on Nintendo 8 bit that Will & Kelley have in excellent condition. Kelley made us a delicious venison roast for an early dinner. They left before us to go see a friend's band in Maryland. Matt had stopped by and rode with us in the van. A decision he probably later regretted! They left us the key, as they wouldn't be returning until the following morning. Again I can't thank them enough for letting us stay here.
When we pulled up to the GK Center Dead Brain Cells and various members of other bands and fans were milling around. After saying our hellos we unloaded the stuff. I would be using Kill The Car's drums again. The place used to be an old skating rink that they converted into various rooms and such. The room we'd be playing in was pretty nice sized. The PA there was amazing. The drummers would be on a small stage with the guitarists out front.
Dead Brain Cells opened up the show. They're almost like a junior southern version of us right down to 2 fatties and a skinny bassist. They play more straight ahead punk with a touch of ska at times. We missed their first ever show last May when we were stuck in the hellacious Memorial Day weekend traffic. I'm glad I finally got to see them play.
A horror punk band called The Buried followed them and played a nice set. Us dopes had the third slot. It was pretty funny, Andy was going into his whole intro spiel and I wasn't even ready yet. Next time turn around and check fatty! So after that slight delay, we were off. Man, I couldn't see shit up there thanks to the blinding stage lights. I really couldn't tell if people were getting into or not, but Andy later assured me they indeed were. It was another fun loving VA/WV crowd. We had pits breaking out and a friggin' crowd surfer. We were right in the middle of the set when Penny had some bass trouble, so I suggested Andy kill the time by doing his accapella version of the Sanford & Son Theme to the delight of the crowd. We then finished things up including the ever-popular Andy mooning during "Sorry So Psycho". Afterwards there was a rush of kids buying merch. I friggin' love playing down here, the kids are way into it and always give their full support.
Kill The Car followed us and played another great set of music. I still love all the changes they got going on during their songs. Adventures Of Felix followed them. I dug what I heard but was kinda turned off by a comment they made saying how different they were compared to the other bands including "Ramones sounding" ones. Maybe it was just me, but I thought it was rude, which just happened to be the catch phrase of the night in our best Shane Problem impersonation.
The Mattress Police closed things up with a fun but loose set. After saying all our goodbyes we were friggin' starving and looking for a place to eat. We found an Italian place still open and chowed down. From there it was back to Will & Kelley's where I passed out to the sounds of Andy playing Nintendo.
Thanks again go out to Will & Kelley for letting us crash. Matt for setting everything up and hanging with us. All the bands especially Kill The Car, Sin City Gamblers, Dead Brain Cells, & The Hellgrammites. And of course all the kids and fans who gave their support. It was 2 days of fun! We fucking love this area and can't wait to return!
Set list
1) Girls With Boyfriends
2) She Needs A Psychotherapist
3) Radio Off
4) Cut Marks
5) Never Feel Alone
6) I Don't Wanna Smile
7) I Wish Sheena Was A Punk Rocker
8) Sumpin's Wrong With My Brain
9) Knucklehead
10) Better Than Star Wars
11) Shit Happens
12) Not Gonna Miss You
13) Sanford & Son Theme
14) Janie
15) No Cranium
16) Sorry So Psycho
17) Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio (Ramones cover)
Cookies Lounge, Martinsburg, WV 1/18/08
(written 1/19)
Fun show last night at Cookies. We're staying at our new pals Will & Kelley's condo apartment in Winchester, VA. Yes, it's supposedly haunted, but so far so good! The trip down was pretty uneventful. We got stuck in traffic a couple times, but it didn't last long. We stopped at a Mickey D's in Hagerstown, MD for dinner and got to Cookies around 8PM.
You had to get let in the door with a buzzer, pretty kooky. I met the guys from Kill The Car whose drums I'd be using as well. First time I'd have to switch around a kit from a lefty. We set up the merch and sat around for a bit. Sin City Gamblers showed up to greetings all around. Those fellers are some good people. I had a PBR in my hand in no time thanks to Erik the guitarist. Matt who set this all up showed up not much longer after them. And then our humble hosts Will & Kelley not much longer after that.
Kill The Car opened things up. They got a pretty unique sound with a few intricate changes in their songs. I dug 'em a lot. We followed them after the quick switch around I mentioned earlier. I thought we fucking killed it. The crowd was really responsive and digging it. I was fucking loving the pop of the piccolo snare I was using. I'm really thinking of looking into one myself. We even played a brand new song "Janie" about our pal from The Slotcars. Andy threw a curveball at us with "Donna" as the last song. It was pretty rusty at first 'coz I think the last time we played it was at the WV show last May. We had lots of compliments and handshakes after our set. We moved quite a bit of merch too. Hey. We're all broke and really needed it for gas money.
The Hellgrammites followed us and played a smokin' set. I was really digging their sound a lot too. They're really cool dudes, I know Andy and Penny were talking shop with them. Next up was a Metal band called 2 Sides 2 Die. They kinda stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the other bands, but I though they were alright. Even if they're the ones whose place we were supposed to play at Sunday canceled 'coz of football and the cold.
Sin City Gamblers got stuck as the "deadliner". Which fucking sucked 'coz most of the place cleared out during the last band. But at least we stuck around and were rewarded with a downright killer set of rockabilly inspired punk. They had a dude come up a couple times and switch off on guitar who really played some killer leads. Even Andy somehow wound up with the bass playing on a jam. We gotta get these fellers up to South Jersey!
After wrapping up and saying our goodbyes we followed Will & Kelley back to their place. We had to make a pit stop at a Sheetz store, which is kind of a southern version of Wawa. There was a ton of VA's finest in their Smokey Bear hats giving us the evil eye inside loading up on Krispy Kreme donuts and the like. Speaking of donuts, we couldn't stop laughing over a cup of glazed donut holes that we just had to get. I had to get a roast beef pretzel melt sammich. Why did Wawa stop making them?
Will & Kelley gave us a quick tour of the place then we settled down in the basement where we chowed down. They even had a pool table down there as well as plenty of beverages for us. Real good people they are! There were a few laughs and then it was off to sleep with thankfully no bumps in the night!
Set list
1) Girls With Boyfriends
2) Radio Off
3) Cut Marks
4) Stoopid Movie
5) Kelly
6) I Wish Sheena Was A Punk Rocker
7) Brandon Lee
8) Better Than Star Wars
9) Sorry So Psycho
10) I Don't Wanna Smile
11) Knucklehead
12) Sumpin's Wrong With My Brain
13) Shit Happens
14) No Cranium
15) Janie (1st time played)
16) Donna (Richie Valens cover)
Yesterday started off as a real lazy day. After waking up early and writing the previous blog, I went back to bed and slept 'till 12:30. From there it was watching the end of "Terror of MecaGodzilla" that Andy brought on DVD and then watching him play some classic games including Mike Tyson's Punchout on Nintendo 8 bit that Will & Kelley have in excellent condition. Kelley made us a delicious venison roast for an early dinner. They left before us to go see a friend's band in Maryland. Matt had stopped by and rode with us in the van. A decision he probably later regretted! They left us the key, as they wouldn't be returning until the following morning. Again I can't thank them enough for letting us stay here.
When we pulled up to the GK Center Dead Brain Cells and various members of other bands and fans were milling around. After saying our hellos we unloaded the stuff. I would be using Kill The Car's drums again. The place used to be an old skating rink that they converted into various rooms and such. The room we'd be playing in was pretty nice sized. The PA there was amazing. The drummers would be on a small stage with the guitarists out front.
Dead Brain Cells opened up the show. They're almost like a junior southern version of us right down to 2 fatties and a skinny bassist. They play more straight ahead punk with a touch of ska at times. We missed their first ever show last May when we were stuck in the hellacious Memorial Day weekend traffic. I'm glad I finally got to see them play.
A horror punk band called The Buried followed them and played a nice set. Us dopes had the third slot. It was pretty funny, Andy was going into his whole intro spiel and I wasn't even ready yet. Next time turn around and check fatty! So after that slight delay, we were off. Man, I couldn't see shit up there thanks to the blinding stage lights. I really couldn't tell if people were getting into or not, but Andy later assured me they indeed were. It was another fun loving VA/WV crowd. We had pits breaking out and a friggin' crowd surfer. We were right in the middle of the set when Penny had some bass trouble, so I suggested Andy kill the time by doing his accapella version of the Sanford & Son Theme to the delight of the crowd. We then finished things up including the ever-popular Andy mooning during "Sorry So Psycho". Afterwards there was a rush of kids buying merch. I friggin' love playing down here, the kids are way into it and always give their full support.
Kill The Car followed us and played another great set of music. I still love all the changes they got going on during their songs. Adventures Of Felix followed them. I dug what I heard but was kinda turned off by a comment they made saying how different they were compared to the other bands including "Ramones sounding" ones. Maybe it was just me, but I thought it was rude, which just happened to be the catch phrase of the night in our best Shane Problem impersonation.
The Mattress Police closed things up with a fun but loose set. After saying all our goodbyes we were friggin' starving and looking for a place to eat. We found an Italian place still open and chowed down. From there it was back to Will & Kelley's where I passed out to the sounds of Andy playing Nintendo.
Thanks again go out to Will & Kelley for letting us crash. Matt for setting everything up and hanging with us. All the bands especially Kill The Car, Sin City Gamblers, Dead Brain Cells, & The Hellgrammites. And of course all the kids and fans who gave their support. It was 2 days of fun! We fucking love this area and can't wait to return!
Set list
1) Girls With Boyfriends
2) She Needs A Psychotherapist
3) Radio Off
4) Cut Marks
5) Never Feel Alone
6) I Don't Wanna Smile
7) I Wish Sheena Was A Punk Rocker
8) Sumpin's Wrong With My Brain
9) Knucklehead
10) Better Than Star Wars
11) Shit Happens
12) Not Gonna Miss You
13) Sanford & Son Theme
14) Janie
15) No Cranium
16) Sorry So Psycho
17) Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio (Ramones cover)
Cookies Lounge, Martinsburg, WV 1/18/08
(written 1/19)
Fun show last night at Cookies. We're staying at our new pals Will & Kelley's condo apartment in Winchester, VA. Yes, it's supposedly haunted, but so far so good! The trip down was pretty uneventful. We got stuck in traffic a couple times, but it didn't last long. We stopped at a Mickey D's in Hagerstown, MD for dinner and got to Cookies around 8PM.
You had to get let in the door with a buzzer, pretty kooky. I met the guys from Kill The Car whose drums I'd be using as well. First time I'd have to switch around a kit from a lefty. We set up the merch and sat around for a bit. Sin City Gamblers showed up to greetings all around. Those fellers are some good people. I had a PBR in my hand in no time thanks to Erik the guitarist. Matt who set this all up showed up not much longer after them. And then our humble hosts Will & Kelley not much longer after that.
Kill The Car opened things up. They got a pretty unique sound with a few intricate changes in their songs. I dug 'em a lot. We followed them after the quick switch around I mentioned earlier. I thought we fucking killed it. The crowd was really responsive and digging it. I was fucking loving the pop of the piccolo snare I was using. I'm really thinking of looking into one myself. We even played a brand new song "Janie" about our pal from The Slotcars. Andy threw a curveball at us with "Donna" as the last song. It was pretty rusty at first 'coz I think the last time we played it was at the WV show last May. We had lots of compliments and handshakes after our set. We moved quite a bit of merch too. Hey. We're all broke and really needed it for gas money.
The Hellgrammites followed us and played a smokin' set. I was really digging their sound a lot too. They're really cool dudes, I know Andy and Penny were talking shop with them. Next up was a Metal band called 2 Sides 2 Die. They kinda stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the other bands, but I though they were alright. Even if they're the ones whose place we were supposed to play at Sunday canceled 'coz of football and the cold.
Sin City Gamblers got stuck as the "deadliner". Which fucking sucked 'coz most of the place cleared out during the last band. But at least we stuck around and were rewarded with a downright killer set of rockabilly inspired punk. They had a dude come up a couple times and switch off on guitar who really played some killer leads. Even Andy somehow wound up with the bass playing on a jam. We gotta get these fellers up to South Jersey!
After wrapping up and saying our goodbyes we followed Will & Kelley back to their place. We had to make a pit stop at a Sheetz store, which is kind of a southern version of Wawa. There was a ton of VA's finest in their Smokey Bear hats giving us the evil eye inside loading up on Krispy Kreme donuts and the like. Speaking of donuts, we couldn't stop laughing over a cup of glazed donut holes that we just had to get. I had to get a roast beef pretzel melt sammich. Why did Wawa stop making them?
Will & Kelley gave us a quick tour of the place then we settled down in the basement where we chowed down. They even had a pool table down there as well as plenty of beverages for us. Real good people they are! There were a few laughs and then it was off to sleep with thankfully no bumps in the night!
Set list
1) Girls With Boyfriends
2) Radio Off
3) Cut Marks
4) Stoopid Movie
5) Kelly
6) I Wish Sheena Was A Punk Rocker
7) Brandon Lee
8) Better Than Star Wars
9) Sorry So Psycho
10) I Don't Wanna Smile
11) Knucklehead
12) Sumpin's Wrong With My Brain
13) Shit Happens
14) No Cranium
15) Janie (1st time played)
16) Donna (Richie Valens cover)
3rd annual Punk Rock Xmas show, Michaels, Wildwood, NJ 12/15/07
It was a pretty fun and wacky night. It was a combo employee Xmas party/show for me. Almost everyone there I knew personally. I felt like the social butterfly trying to say hello to everyone. There was even Christmas cheer and good tidings in the air as Geo and I had bromance! Who would've thunk!
We were providing all the amps and drums for this one. The first complete breakdown of our gear in awhile. So we get over to Michaels and were asked if we brought a PA. Andy said it was confirmed they had a house one. So things got hairy for a bit as Andy and Penny had to head back to the shed to get ours. Luckily we're only 15mins away.
So I got the drums set up and said hello to the bands that were starting to arrive, my co-workers, and the Sheckie kids. It's a shame Matt and Judy had to head out early. Ah well, next time!
From there it gets kinda fuzzy as the alcohol intake was increasing. I just kept walking around greeting everyone and thanking them for coming out. I know all my co-workers got a kick out of my "vagitarian" shirt!
The Slotcars played first and had a great set. Andy kept telling Dave he looked like Uncle Floyd 'coz of his outfit. I think Jeanne broke out a new bass, a friggin' Rickenbacker. Jane was rock solid as always behind the drums. I dug their version of "White Christmas".
WWIX followed and really went over well. They just play kick ass straight ahead punk rock. It was good seeing them again after the fun Halloween NYC gig earlier this year. I'm glad they moved their merch for gas money! Thanks for supporting them!
Big Three & The Push Down Party kept the great music going. Thanks for playing a bit of the Jesus Christ Superstar theme for me fellas and thanks for playing "Balls To The Wall"! I had to join in on some of the vocals for that.
We closed things up and had a great time. I haven't seen a crowd go that apeshit in awhile! I was kinda wound up tight at first, but warmed up as the set went on. We had Wags come up to sing what was supposed to be our first playing of the old "Wagner's Army Theme". (One of our old bands I was in for a bit before I moved to LA. Those guys kept it going for a few years). Problem was Wags kept singing "Shit Happens"! So we scrapped it after 2 tries and did that instead! I had Shane Problem come up and sing "Kelly". Unfortunately there was a problem with him later. I really don't know what the hell happened. It would be cool if there weren't a fight for once! We even broke out a new song, "Close But No Cigar". Penny must of threw out all the disgusting candy from the June '06 Legion Hall show into the crowd somewhere along the line. 'Coz next thing I know shit is flying everywhere! Hope no one ate it! I tried to warn ya's earlier! We closed things up with Neg Mofo and had a bunch of people up onstage singing along. A perfect ending to a crazy night! Thanks to all then bands for playing and thanks so much everyone else for coming out! - King
P.S. - Come out to Philly tonight and we'll continue the fun!
Set list
1) Holly Jolly Xmas
2) Porno On The Internet
3) Girls With Boyfriends
4) Radio Off
5) Cut Marks
6) Brandon Lee
7) Totally Worthless
8) Wagner's Army Theme (1st time played - w/ Jim Wagner on vocals, aborted)
9) Shit Happens (w/ Jim Wagner on vocals)
10) Spoiled Junkie College Girl
11) I'm A Slug
12) Rocket To The Moon
13) Kelly (w/ Shane Problem on vocals)
14) Close But No Cigar (1st time played)
15) Neg Mofo (everyone on vocals)
I guess you can't copy and paste blogs anymore? It's driving me nuts! Anyhoo, Guess you'll have to go to the Sheckies myspace page for furthur show reviews by yours truely.
The Sheckies
A wacky night in Philly for sure!
The Sheckies
A wacky night in Philly for sure!
(I tried posting this yesterday, but it wasn't working)
Finally, a chill in the air and it feels like autumn! We had 3 record-breaking days of heat earlier in the week. There's something wrong with it being in the upper 80's in my neck of the woods this time of year. Fall is my favorite season, not just for the shoobies finally leaving us but also for the cooler temperatures and the fall colors. I'm just gonna soak it up..
Things have been pretty quiet in my personal life, but isn't that always the case? At least the band is back practicing and planning our future moves. We played a private gig in Philly last week that wasn't a true Sheckie gig in the sense that Penny had to work and Dave from The Slotcars sat in. It was still a great time where we got to meet Kitty & The Kowalskis and I got to hoist many a PBR. We're playing in Philly again tomorrow night and have a NYC gig coming up later in the month. We're still waiting on the EP as we have to do some photo re-shoots and Mass still has to send Cabana 1 the mastered CD. Hope it can still come out in December. I'm still sitting on some potential major news come January 'coz I'm still unsure if it's really happening or not. I'm still at the "I won't believe it 'till I see it" stage. We'll see huh?
I'm trying to get back on a diet again. Yeah, I fucked up and after I was doing so well. At least I didn't gain back what I thought I did, but it's still a step back. No more "feasting Fridays" for me. Andy was the one who really inspired me. He's at the fed up stage. Sadly, I didn't get there myself, but I need to do something.
I'm excited that Martha is coming up for a visit again. She'll be here 11/1 'till 11/8. The main reason for her journey is to go see The Black Crowes with me in Philly on the 2nd & 3rd. I'll also be meeting 2 long time Zep buddies John and Larry. The latter I haven't seen since Page/Plant in '95. I'll also be meeting my Internet pal John, better known as "Titzy" for the 1st time. I've been talking to this dude on Zep/Crowes message boards for damn near 6 years now and he's shared many a live Zep show with me. It's also his b-day on the 2nd so it's gonna be some friggin' party! I'm just hoping we get some decent shows 'coz the set lists on paper hasn't been inspiring of late. I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised however.
I'm also hoping to take Martha to South St. and the museum of art. I was hoping to get a hotel room nearby, but don't know if I'll be able to pull it off. Either way, it will be nice to have her company again.
I recently wrote for the 1st time in nearly 4 years. Instead of sharing it here, I sent it to the person who inspired it. It's frustrating because words seem to fail me now. Women and the broken hearts they create has been my greatest muse. Also it's the women I can never have as well. It is rather sad because I know my best work is behind me but did I ever create. Sonja was the greatest muse. I never enjoyed a more creative period than the time I knew her. Andrea brought back the spark if but a brief and powerful surge. Ever since then, I've abandoned it. I guess I used my words as a form of seduction thinking it would win their hearts forever. And when it proved me wrong, well. But, what's done is done. And I still thank those from the past that inspired me.
I'm coming off rather pretentious aren't I? Back to the fuck, fuck, fuck, happy go lucky me. Speaking of happy go lucky me, I love the movie "Pecker"! I've finally seen the unedited version thanks to on demand. "Full of grace! Full of grace!" I also recently got to enjoy a "Sheckie movie night" when the 3 of us were the only people in the theater for "Superbad" a few weeks back. Awesome movie! We had to hit up Chen's buffet afterwards. "Oh no, here they come! Those fatties"!
What other notes of assorted randomness? Oh, any Metal fan NEEDS to pick up "Heaven and Hell: Live at Radio City Music Hall". Cripes, it blew me out of the water! Now I'm kicking myself I missed the show in Philly, but at least I got this. Let me pour fuel on the fire and say yes, the Dio years were more metal! Of course I'll always love the Ozzy years better, but it was more blues based doom rock. The Dio era was very underrated! And if you think that's something, I still think "Born Again" with Ian Gillian is a classic! Wish they would go back and re-mix it!
I also picked up the new Rush album. It's very good as well. The reviews were right, best thing since Moving Pictures!
Miss Pamela Des Barres has a new book out "Let's Spend The Night Together". Her books are always a good read. I'm still searching for my own groupie as well. She's right though groupie isn't a dirty word. They helped inspire the music. Sigh, where's my muse to inspire me?
Well, this mixed media review is over!
There's nothing else but the usual Internet and Madden to keep me busy. Fantasy Football is in full effect and my team is suddenly failing me. My real team the Eagles are as well. Ugh! At least I hit the work pool a couple weeks ago hence my mixed media frenzy!
Next up, Nikki Sixx "The Heroin Diaries".
Finally, a chill in the air and it feels like autumn! We had 3 record-breaking days of heat earlier in the week. There's something wrong with it being in the upper 80's in my neck of the woods this time of year. Fall is my favorite season, not just for the shoobies finally leaving us but also for the cooler temperatures and the fall colors. I'm just gonna soak it up..
Things have been pretty quiet in my personal life, but isn't that always the case? At least the band is back practicing and planning our future moves. We played a private gig in Philly last week that wasn't a true Sheckie gig in the sense that Penny had to work and Dave from The Slotcars sat in. It was still a great time where we got to meet Kitty & The Kowalskis and I got to hoist many a PBR. We're playing in Philly again tomorrow night and have a NYC gig coming up later in the month. We're still waiting on the EP as we have to do some photo re-shoots and Mass still has to send Cabana 1 the mastered CD. Hope it can still come out in December. I'm still sitting on some potential major news come January 'coz I'm still unsure if it's really happening or not. I'm still at the "I won't believe it 'till I see it" stage. We'll see huh?
I'm trying to get back on a diet again. Yeah, I fucked up and after I was doing so well. At least I didn't gain back what I thought I did, but it's still a step back. No more "feasting Fridays" for me. Andy was the one who really inspired me. He's at the fed up stage. Sadly, I didn't get there myself, but I need to do something.
I'm excited that Martha is coming up for a visit again. She'll be here 11/1 'till 11/8. The main reason for her journey is to go see The Black Crowes with me in Philly on the 2nd & 3rd. I'll also be meeting 2 long time Zep buddies John and Larry. The latter I haven't seen since Page/Plant in '95. I'll also be meeting my Internet pal John, better known as "Titzy" for the 1st time. I've been talking to this dude on Zep/Crowes message boards for damn near 6 years now and he's shared many a live Zep show with me. It's also his b-day on the 2nd so it's gonna be some friggin' party! I'm just hoping we get some decent shows 'coz the set lists on paper hasn't been inspiring of late. I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised however.
I'm also hoping to take Martha to South St. and the museum of art. I was hoping to get a hotel room nearby, but don't know if I'll be able to pull it off. Either way, it will be nice to have her company again.
I recently wrote for the 1st time in nearly 4 years. Instead of sharing it here, I sent it to the person who inspired it. It's frustrating because words seem to fail me now. Women and the broken hearts they create has been my greatest muse. Also it's the women I can never have as well. It is rather sad because I know my best work is behind me but did I ever create. Sonja was the greatest muse. I never enjoyed a more creative period than the time I knew her. Andrea brought back the spark if but a brief and powerful surge. Ever since then, I've abandoned it. I guess I used my words as a form of seduction thinking it would win their hearts forever. And when it proved me wrong, well. But, what's done is done. And I still thank those from the past that inspired me.
I'm coming off rather pretentious aren't I? Back to the fuck, fuck, fuck, happy go lucky me. Speaking of happy go lucky me, I love the movie "Pecker"! I've finally seen the unedited version thanks to on demand. "Full of grace! Full of grace!" I also recently got to enjoy a "Sheckie movie night" when the 3 of us were the only people in the theater for "Superbad" a few weeks back. Awesome movie! We had to hit up Chen's buffet afterwards. "Oh no, here they come! Those fatties"!
What other notes of assorted randomness? Oh, any Metal fan NEEDS to pick up "Heaven and Hell: Live at Radio City Music Hall". Cripes, it blew me out of the water! Now I'm kicking myself I missed the show in Philly, but at least I got this. Let me pour fuel on the fire and say yes, the Dio years were more metal! Of course I'll always love the Ozzy years better, but it was more blues based doom rock. The Dio era was very underrated! And if you think that's something, I still think "Born Again" with Ian Gillian is a classic! Wish they would go back and re-mix it!
I also picked up the new Rush album. It's very good as well. The reviews were right, best thing since Moving Pictures!
Miss Pamela Des Barres has a new book out "Let's Spend The Night Together". Her books are always a good read. I'm still searching for my own groupie as well. She's right though groupie isn't a dirty word. They helped inspire the music. Sigh, where's my muse to inspire me?
Well, this mixed media review is over!
There's nothing else but the usual Internet and Madden to keep me busy. Fantasy Football is in full effect and my team is suddenly failing me. My real team the Eagles are as well. Ugh! At least I hit the work pool a couple weeks ago hence my mixed media frenzy!
Next up, Nikki Sixx "The Heroin Diaries".
I've been doing a whole lot of nothing lately, but then again, that's usually the case anyway. The band hiatus is almost over, thank God! We'll be practicing strong starting next month and already have 3 shows for October in the works. Our 7 track EP is set to be released on Cabana 1 Records late fall. Mastered by Pop Punk legend Mass Giorgini.
My days are wasted with the usual internet searches, trinkets and whatnot. Am I the only one to be overwhelmed by all the SG's of late? I'm not complaining at all, don't get me wrong, but it's hard to try and look at every set. I kinda miss the old days with one girl every day. Ah well. And keeping up with people on here? Forgettabout it!
Besides my usual time wasting on the ol' intranet (you porn...highly recommended. you'll never go back to The Hun again!), I can be found playing Madden 2008 and watching tv on demand. I rarely leave the house besides work and sometimes lament the fact that I hardly have any "real" friends these days. Oh sure, quite a few loose associates thanks to my standing in the band and my space, but hardly anyone that wants to hang out. My fear of driving long distances alone kinda puts a damper on things as well.
I was becoming good friends with my co-worker Dawn, but now she's leaving and who knows if and when we'll hang out again. Her going back to her idiot of a boyfriend kinda restricts things too. But if she's happy, what can ya do? This is the guy who wanted a friggin' cheesesteak while we out having sushi at the Japanese restaurant. But she's young, dumb, and in love (I am name checking a Lovegutter song BTW). At least she went with me to see the Black Crowes at the Borgata in AC on the 12th. Her first real rock concert and she really dug it. But with her working at a new job and being back with said idiot, that will probably lessen any time for hanging out.
Miss Tina and Margaret are still in the picture with random visits every now and then. But no offense to them, I need some new blood if you know what I mean. I kinda even blow them off lately. Something I'm not proud of I must say. But I question my friendship with them sometimes. Have you ever been in a situation like that? Someone has all these memories of you, but you can hardly recall a thing? Shallow? Self centered? Sure, lay it on. But if you know me by now you should know I beat myself up far more than anyone else could. Sometimes I think this is my karma for never meeting anyone new. Maybe I should cut all ties off or at least make it with a strict no tomfoolery rule involved. I don't know. It is kinda hard to say no when someone's saying yes.
Martha is really going thru a tough time. One of her good friends just died from cancer after a long fight. I somewhat lifted her spirits when she called. Roz was a pisser, truely one of a kind. I had her thinking of the good times. I know mourning is a must, but try to remember the positive times. I'm used to this process by now with all the death I've been surrounded by all my life. I'm glad her and I have gotten closer over this year. The future is still uncertain of course, but our friendship is stronger than ever of late. Our long distance marriage arrangement is still working no matter how strange it seems to most.
Miss Cindy is pretty much a stranger these days. I rarely hear from her even by email of late. I guess she still feels she would keep Martha and I from getting back together even though I've explained many times that's not the case. I miss her friendship more than anything. The realization that her and I would never be together sank in last year. I still loved hearing from her with her cute accent and the friendship felt strong as ever. That just isn't the case these days.
I did meet a cool new chick thru my space, Sharon, but of course, she's married. Everytime I meet someone cool they're already taken. Rinse, lather, repeat.
My brother Mikey is down for his B-day visit. Does anyone like riding roller coasters? Thanks to my girth let alone fear, I can't go on them with him. I was pondering putting that on my space. Sissy will pay for your ticket, just ride the coaster with him. Him being autistic might throw people off though. People always fear what they don't understand.
I'm kinda stressing about work with Dawn leaving, but what can you do? Overcome and adapt. It's gonna be a rough stretch 'till things settle down. September is booked, October isn't much better. C'mon November!
That's about it. Everything is up to date if anyone even reads this. Laters!
My days are wasted with the usual internet searches, trinkets and whatnot. Am I the only one to be overwhelmed by all the SG's of late? I'm not complaining at all, don't get me wrong, but it's hard to try and look at every set. I kinda miss the old days with one girl every day. Ah well. And keeping up with people on here? Forgettabout it!
Besides my usual time wasting on the ol' intranet (you porn...highly recommended. you'll never go back to The Hun again!), I can be found playing Madden 2008 and watching tv on demand. I rarely leave the house besides work and sometimes lament the fact that I hardly have any "real" friends these days. Oh sure, quite a few loose associates thanks to my standing in the band and my space, but hardly anyone that wants to hang out. My fear of driving long distances alone kinda puts a damper on things as well.
I was becoming good friends with my co-worker Dawn, but now she's leaving and who knows if and when we'll hang out again. Her going back to her idiot of a boyfriend kinda restricts things too. But if she's happy, what can ya do? This is the guy who wanted a friggin' cheesesteak while we out having sushi at the Japanese restaurant. But she's young, dumb, and in love (I am name checking a Lovegutter song BTW). At least she went with me to see the Black Crowes at the Borgata in AC on the 12th. Her first real rock concert and she really dug it. But with her working at a new job and being back with said idiot, that will probably lessen any time for hanging out.
Miss Tina and Margaret are still in the picture with random visits every now and then. But no offense to them, I need some new blood if you know what I mean. I kinda even blow them off lately. Something I'm not proud of I must say. But I question my friendship with them sometimes. Have you ever been in a situation like that? Someone has all these memories of you, but you can hardly recall a thing? Shallow? Self centered? Sure, lay it on. But if you know me by now you should know I beat myself up far more than anyone else could. Sometimes I think this is my karma for never meeting anyone new. Maybe I should cut all ties off or at least make it with a strict no tomfoolery rule involved. I don't know. It is kinda hard to say no when someone's saying yes.
Martha is really going thru a tough time. One of her good friends just died from cancer after a long fight. I somewhat lifted her spirits when she called. Roz was a pisser, truely one of a kind. I had her thinking of the good times. I know mourning is a must, but try to remember the positive times. I'm used to this process by now with all the death I've been surrounded by all my life. I'm glad her and I have gotten closer over this year. The future is still uncertain of course, but our friendship is stronger than ever of late. Our long distance marriage arrangement is still working no matter how strange it seems to most.
Miss Cindy is pretty much a stranger these days. I rarely hear from her even by email of late. I guess she still feels she would keep Martha and I from getting back together even though I've explained many times that's not the case. I miss her friendship more than anything. The realization that her and I would never be together sank in last year. I still loved hearing from her with her cute accent and the friendship felt strong as ever. That just isn't the case these days.
I did meet a cool new chick thru my space, Sharon, but of course, she's married. Everytime I meet someone cool they're already taken. Rinse, lather, repeat.
My brother Mikey is down for his B-day visit. Does anyone like riding roller coasters? Thanks to my girth let alone fear, I can't go on them with him. I was pondering putting that on my space. Sissy will pay for your ticket, just ride the coaster with him. Him being autistic might throw people off though. People always fear what they don't understand.
I'm kinda stressing about work with Dawn leaving, but what can you do? Overcome and adapt. It's gonna be a rough stretch 'till things settle down. September is booked, October isn't much better. C'mon November!
That's about it. Everything is up to date if anyone even reads this. Laters!
Well, my "cheap thrills" vacation with Martha came to an end yesterday. We still had fun, but the band stuff and working 3 of the days kind of put a limit on things. That and kinda being in the poorhouse as well.
The show last Friday went really well. My fears of a low attendence came true, but the small group that was there was very enthusiastic and had a lot of fun. Martha and I did as well, up front and dancing the whole time. The afterparty at Jen's was fun too! The next day I took Martha and Jackie (whose b-day it was) to the "whale of a day" festival. You know, the one with the suspect entertainment and cheap gifts, LOL! I had funnel cake, so I was happy!
Later that evening we had dinner at the Morency's with Johnie 3 and then we all went bowling. I bowled a 77 and 89, LOL! Martha was the best bowler on our team of me, her, Andy, and K. Johnie 3 had the 3 of them plus the drummer's GF. They whupped us! We then had a small party back at my house where I was imploring everyone not to wake Jackie! Luck was on my side fortunately.
Work took up the next 3 days. Although Martha made me a spaghetti and sausage dinner that Sunday night. Monday found us having ice cream at Little Danny's after work. And Tuesday had us picking up burgers at Five Guys and watching "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny" over at Andy's.
Wednesday was supposed to be an action packed day. After breakfast at Uncle Bills, we headed into Cape May where my worst fear was founded. Absolutely no parking in a town overrun by shoobies! I avoid the resort towns like the plague in the summer, but I did want to entertain Martha. We wound up going to the Physick Estate where horror of horrors, it was friggin' kid's day! Luckily all the little brats were well behaved and we got to tour the house no problem. I wanted to go to the boardwalk that night, but there was a threat of severe weather so we ended up watching "Sin City" over Andy's. Dawn stopped by and we finally got to show her her Nintendo Mii character.
Thursday was spent rushing around getting Martha to the airport. Didn't get that long to say our goodbyes, then it was on our way. I had Dawn play chaffeur for the trip. Her and I ended up eating lunch at the Indian restaurant and I had a soft serve cone by her house when we got back.
Now it's on to my Sheckie summer vacation with nothing planned as far as any band stuff 'till September due to Penny's busy work schedule. At least I had my fun for the summer!
The show last Friday went really well. My fears of a low attendence came true, but the small group that was there was very enthusiastic and had a lot of fun. Martha and I did as well, up front and dancing the whole time. The afterparty at Jen's was fun too! The next day I took Martha and Jackie (whose b-day it was) to the "whale of a day" festival. You know, the one with the suspect entertainment and cheap gifts, LOL! I had funnel cake, so I was happy!
Later that evening we had dinner at the Morency's with Johnie 3 and then we all went bowling. I bowled a 77 and 89, LOL! Martha was the best bowler on our team of me, her, Andy, and K. Johnie 3 had the 3 of them plus the drummer's GF. They whupped us! We then had a small party back at my house where I was imploring everyone not to wake Jackie! Luck was on my side fortunately.
Work took up the next 3 days. Although Martha made me a spaghetti and sausage dinner that Sunday night. Monday found us having ice cream at Little Danny's after work. And Tuesday had us picking up burgers at Five Guys and watching "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny" over at Andy's.
Wednesday was supposed to be an action packed day. After breakfast at Uncle Bills, we headed into Cape May where my worst fear was founded. Absolutely no parking in a town overrun by shoobies! I avoid the resort towns like the plague in the summer, but I did want to entertain Martha. We wound up going to the Physick Estate where horror of horrors, it was friggin' kid's day! Luckily all the little brats were well behaved and we got to tour the house no problem. I wanted to go to the boardwalk that night, but there was a threat of severe weather so we ended up watching "Sin City" over Andy's. Dawn stopped by and we finally got to show her her Nintendo Mii character.
Thursday was spent rushing around getting Martha to the airport. Didn't get that long to say our goodbyes, then it was on our way. I had Dawn play chaffeur for the trip. Her and I ended up eating lunch at the Indian restaurant and I had a soft serve cone by her house when we got back.
Now it's on to my Sheckie summer vacation with nothing planned as far as any band stuff 'till September due to Penny's busy work schedule. At least I had my fun for the summer!
MAY 2009
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APRIL 2009
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MARCH 2009
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FEBRUARY 2009