There's a lot of hype lately. Widespread Panic just kicked off their 25th Anniversary Summer Festival Tour. After a short break between Spring Tour and yesterday, they played last night at Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores. Thanks to a live stream, folks were able to experience a selection of the bands playing. For some reason, all bands streamed were done in video, but Panic was audio only. Whatever. I was just glad to have something to 'witness.'
In the last 18 hours, I've done a lot of pondering about my favorite band, its habits, its heritage, and my perspective. I am the first to admit that I am a 'Panic snob.' It's not that I don't appreciate everything they do, but I do have higher expectations than most people I'm standing next to at a show. I sometimes have an opinion about a selection that someone else thinks was the highlight of their night.
Do I think that I've earned the right? Sometimes. Last night, while streaming Hangout Panic, I had a couple of head-scratching moments where I couldn't understand why they chose (or didn't choose) a few that they did. I will not go into specific details of last night's show because the details don't matter. However, I woke up this morning, looked at the setlist again, remembered a few highlights of the night, and today my perspective is a little different than it was last night. I'm also sitting here watching (for the 57th time) the Birmingham/Oak DVDs and remembering the big picture of why I love this band.
It is important that I remember that this band appeals to so many people. Different people - with different flavors of musical tastes. The cool thing about Panic is that - in my opinion - there's something for everyone. At every show, there is something for everyone. No doubt that there are shows that are - for each individual - better than others. However, I can honestly say that in 126 shows, I have never left thinking "I should have stayed home." I don't think I ever will.
In the last week, I've read several interviews with band members talking about the 25th anniversary, them taking a break, etc - and the reality of Widespread Panic taking a hiatus is really starting to sink in with me. I've been mentally avoiding the subject for a while, but it is very much in my face right now and I'm scared.
I knew this was coming. When they said months ago that they were going to take a break after this year, I made it my personal goal to see as many shows as I could this year. Between mid-April and July, I will have seen them 11 times. Not as much as I would like, but I am grateful that I can do this much. I'm hoping to see them at least 5 - 6 more times in the fall for Halloween and New Years (hopefully).
2011 has been very good to me so far. I've already made many new friends, went on a solo journey to DC (and had a BLAST), and had a for-the-books Panic weekend with my girls for the first time in way too long. Just thinking about the next 7 weeks (7 shows) makes my heart race. [I'm a lucky girl.]
What exactly am I trying to say? I just need to document (again) that I freakin' adore this band. I think that just like any healthy relationship, there are always going to be things that they do (play) that I'm not head-over-heels for. That doesn't mean that I love them any less. There are most definitely regular occasions where they do things that make me feel like I can fly. They know how to put a big 'ole smile on this girl's face. And I am so very grateful for their eccentricity that allows so many different types of people to enjoy them as much as I do.
Here's hoping that the boys enjoy their break after this year - but not too much. In the meantime, I will most definitely enjoy everything they do. My Panic cup is more than half full - it's overflowing!
My name is Ashley and I'm addicted to Widespread Panic.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Capital Panic Adventures
Spontaneity is not something that occurs often for me - at least not of a large magnitude. However, on a whim in February, I booked a 4-day trip to Washington D.C. because Widespread Panic was playing there. I had been to D.C. the summer before my senior year of high school, but I was definitely interested in going back and seeing the sights (and, of course, Panic). If you know me or have read my earlier blogs, you are aware of 1) my love for Widespread Panic and 2) that I'm not afraid to travel/go to shows alone if necessary. This trip turned out to be another of my solo trips.
And so, this time last Monday, I arrived at the Little Rock airport as excited as a 6 year old approaching the gates of Disney World. The gate attendant kindly asked me if I would be willing to take an alternate route to D.C. to free up a seat they needed for the flight I booked. Given that I have more flying to do this summer and that the attendant gave me a $300 flight voucher, I was happy to go through Atlanta instead of Memphis. I was excited that this was already a good start to what I knew would be a fabulous trip.
Going through Atlanta instead of Memphis, I ended up with a bit of a longer layover than I would have had, so I wandered through Terminal A to pass the time. As the time finally neared for my ATL - DC flight, I made one last run for the restroom. As I approached the women's restroom, I noticed a guy standing near the entrance guarding bags and obviously waiting on someone to exit the women's room. I made it halfway through the entrance myself when I thought to myself - 'that guy looks just like Phil Lesh'! Trying to play it cool, I did a quick turnaround and stood outside the restroom to check this guy out again. As I remembered that Furthur played at the Fox Theater in Atlanta the night before, my heart started racing and I approached him. "I don't want to be 'that person,' but would you mind if I got your autograph?" He looked at me, puzzled, and said "well, I'll need something to write with." As I fumbled through my purse (and my words), I realized that I had no pen. However, I did have my camera (even better). After taking the self-portrait of Phil Lesh and me, we made small talk about the Fox, how awesome it is, and how much he loved playing there. He asked me if I went to the show and I told him that unfortunately I hadn't, but that I was just passing through Atlanta airport on my way to see Panic in D.C.. He said something about "what a great group of guys" and "tell them I said hi," and we went our separate ways. My heart raced and my hands shook for at least 20 minutes after my awesome encounter.
The 2 nights at the Warner Theater only strengthened my love for Panic. They were solid as gold both nights, and Jojo got several opportunities to show out (which I LOVE). I left the show the second night feeling more elated than I've felt in a very long time; thankful to the boys for showing me a good time, and thankful to myself for following my spontaneous idea of getting my DC Panic on.
I have the fortune of jumping back on spring tour next weekend as a few of my best girls and I head to Oak Mountain - a venue that is a very special place for Panic fans. Several of the most memorable shows I've ever seen occurred there, and one of the last times I saw Mikey play was at Oak Mt.
Can't wait to see all of my fellow spreadheads in the upcoming shows this spring and summer tour. The boys are on fire and I'm ready to witness some of that heat!
"I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill..........."
And so, this time last Monday, I arrived at the Little Rock airport as excited as a 6 year old approaching the gates of Disney World. The gate attendant kindly asked me if I would be willing to take an alternate route to D.C. to free up a seat they needed for the flight I booked. Given that I have more flying to do this summer and that the attendant gave me a $300 flight voucher, I was happy to go through Atlanta instead of Memphis. I was excited that this was already a good start to what I knew would be a fabulous trip.
Going through Atlanta instead of Memphis, I ended up with a bit of a longer layover than I would have had, so I wandered through Terminal A to pass the time. As the time finally neared for my ATL - DC flight, I made one last run for the restroom. As I approached the women's restroom, I noticed a guy standing near the entrance guarding bags and obviously waiting on someone to exit the women's room. I made it halfway through the entrance myself when I thought to myself - 'that guy looks just like Phil Lesh'! Trying to play it cool, I did a quick turnaround and stood outside the restroom to check this guy out again. As I remembered that Furthur played at the Fox Theater in Atlanta the night before, my heart started racing and I approached him. "I don't want to be 'that person,' but would you mind if I got your autograph?" He looked at me, puzzled, and said "well, I'll need something to write with." As I fumbled through my purse (and my words), I realized that I had no pen. However, I did have my camera (even better). After taking the self-portrait of Phil Lesh and me, we made small talk about the Fox, how awesome it is, and how much he loved playing there. He asked me if I went to the show and I told him that unfortunately I hadn't, but that I was just passing through Atlanta airport on my way to see Panic in D.C.. He said something about "what a great group of guys" and "tell them I said hi," and we went our separate ways. My heart raced and my hands shook for at least 20 minutes after my awesome encounter.
And so, Day 1 of the trip, 4 hours in - my karma was definitely paying off.
Because this particular week in DC is also Cherry Blossom Festival week, I was unable to find a hotel in downtown DC for less than $300/night. So, I opted to stay in Alexandria and rent a car - which was still MUCH cheaper than staying downtown would have been.
Monday night, I had dinner with my cousin Holly whom I haven't seen since the last time I was in DC in 1997. We had a lovely dinner and catch-up convo, then I headed toward downtown DC for a spin. I watched the sunset while sitting at the Washington Monument and enjoyed the opportunity for some prime people-watching.
After a good night's rest, I awoke Tuesday ready to get out and see as much as I could. Unfortunately the weather had different ideas. Not only was it pouring rain, it was about 45 degrees outside and I was NOT prepared for cold weather. Since I had a car, I took advantage and drove around downtown DC familiarizing myself with the area and checking out some of the must-see things that I wanted to come back to.
When the rain dried up, I parked the car and began my trek. I was completely amazed at the beauty of the cherry blossom trees that lined the many streets around the Capitol Mall area. I visited the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Monument, and Vietnam Memorial. They are all wonderful sights, and though I'm not a big American history buff, I did enjoy seeing the assorted 'tokens' of American tribute and pride throughout the city.
The primary place that I intended to visit was the Holocaust Museum. The Holocaust is something that has always amazed me in many ways, so I reserved the entire day Wednesday for this very special place. The museum is free, but they hand out tickets for specific tour times for crowd control purposes. When I got my ticket, I had 90 minutes to spare, so I headed first for the children's exhibit. David's Story, as the exhibit was called, was based on a book written by a man who was a Jewish child during the Holocaust and amazingly survived. The exhibit is written from the perspective of a child and for the understanding of children. I left that exhibit in tears and with a very heavy heart.
I spent another hour in another temporary exhibit that was based on Nazi propaganda and the role that it played in the Holocaust. It was very interesting and a very good segue into the main exhibit. I ended up spending about 3 hours in the main exhibit - contemplating every word, every picture, the lives that were taken. I left the place with more questions than answers, but I knew I'd been exposed to something that would impact me forever.
One of the common phrases stamped throughout the museum/exhibits is something that really stuck with me:
The next time you witness hatred
The next time you see injustice
The next time you hear about genocide
Think about what you saw
Just a few pictures of the families that were torn apart. There are several hallways throughout the museum that have pictures from floor to ceiling of impacted families.
Piles of shoes that were stripped from the victims before they entered the gas chambers. They were told that they were going to be given an antiseptic shower for good health.
Panic Time
On a less somber note, I had 2 wonderful nights of Panic in a historic theater that holds 1200 people. I had come a long way for these 2 nights, and I thought I was going to burst before the lights went down before the first night.
Tuesday night was the first show. I think that at peak volume that night, there couldn't have been more than 60% of the seats occupied. I took advantage and sat on the 2nd row of the balcony and looked down on the boys. I don't think there is a bad seat in that place, but I really loved my spot. The place was so beautiful and intimate - it was a venue that is definitely not the typical Panic venue, and I was soaking up every moment of it.
My highlights of Tuesday's show:
- Solid Rock
- Who do you belong to (always a favorite)
- B of D
- Gimme (included a nicely modified lyric to honor the band's recently deceased long-time equipment manager Garrie Vereen - "gimme a lift here Garrie")
- New Speedway Boogie (never thought I'd get to hear that one!)
- Junior
I met a couple of really cool guys from Atlanta on the first night who I hung out with both nights. I didn't get their last names, but Mark and Brian were both super cool and I'm sure I'll run into them again someday.
Highlights of Wednesday night's show:
- Help Me Somebody > Saint Ex > Second Skin > Ophelia > The Shape I'm In > Porch Song (WOW)
- Postcard (this town is nuts, my kind of place......)
- Last Straw (sandwiched strangely in the encore between Up All Night and Give - 2 of my least favorite songs; at least it salvaged what would have been a terrible encore, IMO)
There were quite a few more people at Wednesday night's show than there were Tuesday's. And the crowd was really rockin' Wednesday! I met quite a few people from various states in the northeast. Most of them hadn't seen Panic more than 5 - 6 times, but in talking to them during and after the show, I was certain that it wouldn't be their last. Most people I encountered were astonished that I had come all the way from Little Rock, AR - by myself - to see this band. I was happy that people could tell how much I loved this band.
This fella's shirt was getting a lot of attention. He said he made it himself. I think the shirt speaks volumes for how many fans feel about Panic.
Groovy crowd
The 2 nights at the Warner Theater only strengthened my love for Panic. They were solid as gold both nights, and Jojo got several opportunities to show out (which I LOVE). I left the show the second night feeling more elated than I've felt in a very long time; thankful to the boys for showing me a good time, and thankful to myself for following my spontaneous idea of getting my DC Panic on.
I have the fortune of jumping back on spring tour next weekend as a few of my best girls and I head to Oak Mountain - a venue that is a very special place for Panic fans. Several of the most memorable shows I've ever seen occurred there, and one of the last times I saw Mikey play was at Oak Mt.
Can't wait to see all of my fellow spreadheads in the upcoming shows this spring and summer tour. The boys are on fire and I'm ready to witness some of that heat!
"I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill..........."
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Excitement in the form of Panic
I'm one of those people who loves Sundays. To most people, Sunday represents the end of the weekend. You don't get to stay up late on Sunday like you can on Saturday because you have to get up early to start the first day of (for most) a 5-day workweek. Any chores that didn't get done on Saturday must get done on Sunday so you can feel like something was accomplished this weekend. Oh, dreaded Sunday.
But wait.....
Today, I didn't get out of bed until 12:10. I made my way to the couch to wake up with a cup of coffee. I came across the first 15 minutes of Avatar. I am one of the 2% of the population who hasn't seen this movie. Though it was not typically something I would like, I was completely amazed by the graphics as well as the interesting story.
2 hours later, I'm still on the couch. Unable to find the motivation to get up and do the things I didn't get done yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I made progress yesterday. But there are a few critical things that must get done before my head hits the pillow tonight.
What are these critical tasks that I can't get motivated to do?
Pack. And not even for a dreaded work trip! I'm packing for a mini-vacation to our nation's capitol. And not just for a tourist visit (though I'm sure I'll get my share of that too) - for 2 (count it, two!) nights of Widespread Panic at the Warner Theater in downtown D.C. Friday night marked the opening show of a 2-night run in Louisville, KY. They play tonight in Indiana, PA and take Monday night off. And then, they're bringing the heat to the District of Columbia!
I spontaneously booked this trip about 5 weeks ago, anxious to do something different. Took care of the travel arrangements and bided my time whittling the days away until I make my 2nd annual Ashley's Solo Panic Tour to a Random City I've Never Been to Before. I went to Chicago for 4 days at the end of August in 2009, and while I got to the shows and hung out with people I knew, I still went alone.
I lot of people think it's weird. I think it's awesome!
Don't get me wrong, I love when I can do trips with my friends! I have 2 really awesome trips on the books with some great friends in the next 2 months.
But I also LOVE going on trips/tour with myself. I remember a time in 1999 - I had an itch to go see Panic. They were playing in Chattanooga the night before Thanksgiving, and I wanted to go. With family commitments, none of my friends could make the trip. I decided that I wasn't going to let that stop me. So I drove to East Tennessee by myself. I found some random fun people to hang out at the show with, and after the show, I drove back to my Mom's house with plenty of time for rest before Thanksgiving lunch.
Now here I am, almost 12 years later, excited like a child on Christmas Eve. I am so excited about seeing all of the history in the capital of our United States. I am also very hyped about seeing Panic in a historic theater 2 nights in a row. I am anxious to enjoy Panic with a different flavor of fans. I am thrilled that I get to roam the city and do anything and everything that I want to do. I would have been just as excited if I had a travel partner, but there is certainly a unique excitement that comes with doing a solo vacay.
The thing that puzzles me at this point - why can't I get motivated to get it together? I have my list, but I have been deferring all day to actually make it come to fruition. After all, it's just PACKING!
I have an idea.
http://panicstream.com/streams/wsp/2010_04_20/player.html
Widespread Panic
04/20/2010
The Warner Theatre
Washington, DC
http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20100420a.asp
Hope everyone has a great week - I know I am!
But wait.....
Today, I didn't get out of bed until 12:10. I made my way to the couch to wake up with a cup of coffee. I came across the first 15 minutes of Avatar. I am one of the 2% of the population who hasn't seen this movie. Though it was not typically something I would like, I was completely amazed by the graphics as well as the interesting story.
2 hours later, I'm still on the couch. Unable to find the motivation to get up and do the things I didn't get done yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I made progress yesterday. But there are a few critical things that must get done before my head hits the pillow tonight.
What are these critical tasks that I can't get motivated to do?
Pack. And not even for a dreaded work trip! I'm packing for a mini-vacation to our nation's capitol. And not just for a tourist visit (though I'm sure I'll get my share of that too) - for 2 (count it, two!) nights of Widespread Panic at the Warner Theater in downtown D.C. Friday night marked the opening show of a 2-night run in Louisville, KY. They play tonight in Indiana, PA and take Monday night off. And then, they're bringing the heat to the District of Columbia!
I spontaneously booked this trip about 5 weeks ago, anxious to do something different. Took care of the travel arrangements and bided my time whittling the days away until I make my 2nd annual Ashley's Solo Panic Tour to a Random City I've Never Been to Before. I went to Chicago for 4 days at the end of August in 2009, and while I got to the shows and hung out with people I knew, I still went alone.
I lot of people think it's weird. I think it's awesome!
Don't get me wrong, I love when I can do trips with my friends! I have 2 really awesome trips on the books with some great friends in the next 2 months.
But I also LOVE going on trips/tour with myself. I remember a time in 1999 - I had an itch to go see Panic. They were playing in Chattanooga the night before Thanksgiving, and I wanted to go. With family commitments, none of my friends could make the trip. I decided that I wasn't going to let that stop me. So I drove to East Tennessee by myself. I found some random fun people to hang out at the show with, and after the show, I drove back to my Mom's house with plenty of time for rest before Thanksgiving lunch.
Now here I am, almost 12 years later, excited like a child on Christmas Eve. I am so excited about seeing all of the history in the capital of our United States. I am also very hyped about seeing Panic in a historic theater 2 nights in a row. I am anxious to enjoy Panic with a different flavor of fans. I am thrilled that I get to roam the city and do anything and everything that I want to do. I would have been just as excited if I had a travel partner, but there is certainly a unique excitement that comes with doing a solo vacay.
The thing that puzzles me at this point - why can't I get motivated to get it together? I have my list, but I have been deferring all day to actually make it come to fruition. After all, it's just PACKING!
I have an idea.
http://panicstream.com/streams/wsp/2010_04_20/player.html
Widespread Panic
04/20/2010
The Warner Theatre
Washington, DC
http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20100420a.asp
Hope everyone has a great week - I know I am!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Walking on Sunshine........
What a week!
As defeating and horrendous as work as been this week, there have been enough bright spots in my week to totally outweigh the work crap. So today, I am focusing on the positive.
Around mid-February, I had an "aha" moment and decided that I was going to change my lifestyle health-wise. I joined Snap Fitness gym on March 1 and have been going around 4-5 times a week, which is a major accomplishment for me. After working my ass off at the gym, choosing healthy food comes naturally. I'm not wasting my time working out to blow my efforts on bad choices, and so far, everything has fallen into place fairly easily.
Getting back in the habit is the hardest part. I am one of those people who either does something 110% or not at all. Up until this point, my health focus has been 'not at all.' It's been so easy for me to get back into focusing on living the healthiest life I can.
This past Tuesday, I started a 6:00 a.m. boot camp class. I won't lie - it's very challenging. But it's even more rewarding. I'm very excited about having exercise and strenuous activity as a part of my everyday lifestyle. The trainer/instructor of the boot camp class is awesome, and I can foresee myself being active in the class for a long time to come.
After this morning's boot camp, I went to work feeling like I was unstoppable. Several situations at work threatened my euphoria, and just as I was near giving in to the negativity, I was reinforced. I scored tickets to go see my favorite band - Widespread Panic - at my favorite venue in the world, Red Rocks. Making the trip to Red Rocks this summer wasn't something that I had decided for sure that I was going to attend, but I went ahead and purchased the tickets (and have since decided for sure that it's on my summer agenda).
Most of the people I know weren't able to score even one (if any) tickets for the three-night run. I was fortunate enough to get several sets of tickets for all 3 nights. Enough to cover my friends going with me. Tickets went on sale at 11:00 and were sold out by 11:03. I acknowledge how lucky I am.
While the crap continued to pile on for the rest of the day, I couldn't be brought down because of how excited I was about my ticket acquisition.
And best of all, I have one more day of work (tomorrow) until I am off for 4 days next week to go on a solo trip to Washington DC to see the boys (Panic) for 2 nights and do all the fun touristy things that DC has to offer.
To Tomorrow, I say - bring it on! You can't bring me down, because I'm walking on sunshine.
I hope everyone has as good of a Friday, weekend, and next week as I will be having.
Peace and love!
As defeating and horrendous as work as been this week, there have been enough bright spots in my week to totally outweigh the work crap. So today, I am focusing on the positive.
Around mid-February, I had an "aha" moment and decided that I was going to change my lifestyle health-wise. I joined Snap Fitness gym on March 1 and have been going around 4-5 times a week, which is a major accomplishment for me. After working my ass off at the gym, choosing healthy food comes naturally. I'm not wasting my time working out to blow my efforts on bad choices, and so far, everything has fallen into place fairly easily.
Getting back in the habit is the hardest part. I am one of those people who either does something 110% or not at all. Up until this point, my health focus has been 'not at all.' It's been so easy for me to get back into focusing on living the healthiest life I can.
This past Tuesday, I started a 6:00 a.m. boot camp class. I won't lie - it's very challenging. But it's even more rewarding. I'm very excited about having exercise and strenuous activity as a part of my everyday lifestyle. The trainer/instructor of the boot camp class is awesome, and I can foresee myself being active in the class for a long time to come.
After this morning's boot camp, I went to work feeling like I was unstoppable. Several situations at work threatened my euphoria, and just as I was near giving in to the negativity, I was reinforced. I scored tickets to go see my favorite band - Widespread Panic - at my favorite venue in the world, Red Rocks. Making the trip to Red Rocks this summer wasn't something that I had decided for sure that I was going to attend, but I went ahead and purchased the tickets (and have since decided for sure that it's on my summer agenda).
Most of the people I know weren't able to score even one (if any) tickets for the three-night run. I was fortunate enough to get several sets of tickets for all 3 nights. Enough to cover my friends going with me. Tickets went on sale at 11:00 and were sold out by 11:03. I acknowledge how lucky I am.
While the crap continued to pile on for the rest of the day, I couldn't be brought down because of how excited I was about my ticket acquisition.
And best of all, I have one more day of work (tomorrow) until I am off for 4 days next week to go on a solo trip to Washington DC to see the boys (Panic) for 2 nights and do all the fun touristy things that DC has to offer.
To Tomorrow, I say - bring it on! You can't bring me down, because I'm walking on sunshine.
I hope everyone has as good of a Friday, weekend, and next week as I will be having.
Peace and love!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Can you see the sun from where you're standing now......
It's been a while since I've blogged - lately I just haven't been in the mood. Until today.
I've had one of the best days today that I've had in a while. That's not to say that I haven't had some good days lately, but from the time I woke up this morning until this very moment, I've had a smile on my face and in my heart.
I awoke this morning to my sweet girl (doggy) Sydney cuddled up next to me in my bed. She never gets in bed with me, so I put my arm around her and savored the moment. I got out of bed, took coffee on my deck to relax and listen to the neighborhood (and the lovely singing birds) wake up.
First stop was the gym. I've made it my number one priority to get in shape and have found a gym that I love. 1500 calories down, I left the gym with the natural high that always comes after a good workout. What a great start to a day that would only get better. I headed home to shower before my lunch date, but not before spending a few minutes happy-dancing around my house when an irresistible Michael Jackson song came on.
Next up was a lovely lunch with my best friend Jennibette. She had yet to experience Yaya's in west Little Rock, and as perfect as the weather was, I thought it would be great to enjoy a lunch on the patio there - I was right! We enjoyed some tasty sangrias, wonderful salads, and even better - each other's company. We've both been so busy lately and we had much to catch up on. It was a really fabulous lunch.
Moving on, we headed on to a bit of girl-pampering and got pedicures. Girl talk, getting my feet rubbed, and uncontrollable giggling (as a result of my VERY ticklish feet being scrubbed) resulted in me leaving that place feeling completely revitalized and on top of the world. My plan was to go home and spend some time on my deck lounge chair reading a book and possibly taking a nap.
However, I got home and decided I'd like to go see a matinee. When I discovered that the movie I really wanted to see started in 20 minutes, I darted to the movie theater and enjoyed "The Adjustment Bureau." This movie deals with the basic question "Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us?" I won't go into my opinion on this matter, but I will say that I enjoyed the movie overall. It really forces you (or me, at least) to ponder certain questions, although it did end on a bit of a cheesy note. I do think it's worth watching once.
Last stop was my obligatory weekend trip to Kroger for some produce and sushi. A couple of episodes of Glee and a spicy tuna roll later, I'm just about ready to call it a wrap.
From start to finish, this day has been downright awesome. Full of fun, good weather, and simple pleasures. We may 'lose' an hour tonight with the time change, but I feel like I've gained something timeless today - joy.
I hope everyone out there had at least half of a good day as I did - that makes it swell!
Until next time......
I've had one of the best days today that I've had in a while. That's not to say that I haven't had some good days lately, but from the time I woke up this morning until this very moment, I've had a smile on my face and in my heart.
I awoke this morning to my sweet girl (doggy) Sydney cuddled up next to me in my bed. She never gets in bed with me, so I put my arm around her and savored the moment. I got out of bed, took coffee on my deck to relax and listen to the neighborhood (and the lovely singing birds) wake up.
First stop was the gym. I've made it my number one priority to get in shape and have found a gym that I love. 1500 calories down, I left the gym with the natural high that always comes after a good workout. What a great start to a day that would only get better. I headed home to shower before my lunch date, but not before spending a few minutes happy-dancing around my house when an irresistible Michael Jackson song came on.
Next up was a lovely lunch with my best friend Jennibette. She had yet to experience Yaya's in west Little Rock, and as perfect as the weather was, I thought it would be great to enjoy a lunch on the patio there - I was right! We enjoyed some tasty sangrias, wonderful salads, and even better - each other's company. We've both been so busy lately and we had much to catch up on. It was a really fabulous lunch.
Moving on, we headed on to a bit of girl-pampering and got pedicures. Girl talk, getting my feet rubbed, and uncontrollable giggling (as a result of my VERY ticklish feet being scrubbed) resulted in me leaving that place feeling completely revitalized and on top of the world. My plan was to go home and spend some time on my deck lounge chair reading a book and possibly taking a nap.
However, I got home and decided I'd like to go see a matinee. When I discovered that the movie I really wanted to see started in 20 minutes, I darted to the movie theater and enjoyed "The Adjustment Bureau." This movie deals with the basic question "Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us?" I won't go into my opinion on this matter, but I will say that I enjoyed the movie overall. It really forces you (or me, at least) to ponder certain questions, although it did end on a bit of a cheesy note. I do think it's worth watching once.
Last stop was my obligatory weekend trip to Kroger for some produce and sushi. A couple of episodes of Glee and a spicy tuna roll later, I'm just about ready to call it a wrap.
From start to finish, this day has been downright awesome. Full of fun, good weather, and simple pleasures. We may 'lose' an hour tonight with the time change, but I feel like I've gained something timeless today - joy.
I hope everyone out there had at least half of a good day as I did - that makes it swell!
Until next time......
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Accentuate the positive?!?
I try really hard to be a positive person as much as humanly possible. Sometimes the odds are against me and it's just impossible.
In my current job, I do application support for a system that is the heartbeat of a life insurance carrier. I was originally assigned to the "project" of selecting a vendor/system, then continued on the project as a Business Analyst, working to learn and configure the system to meet the needs of the business. After it rolled out in summer of 2009, our roles started changing and I eventually found myself in an official role of production support.
I started working for this company in 2003 as an executive assistant and managed to work my way up to a manager before I got tagged to be on this project. I was honestly skeptical when I first was assigned to the project, but looking back now, I am so grateful for the experience and knowledge that I've gained. What began as a project has turned into a whole new career path, and I've learned more about system architecture and configuration than I could have ever imagined. Don't get me wrong, I had some serious low points during the "stand up" phase of the project. Working 70+ hours a week for almost 2 years, going through a divorce in the meantime, understaffed and overworked. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. It has been a long but rewarding ride.
Having never worked in an IT role before, I guess I was oblivious to how challenging (for lack of a better word) users can be not only with a new system, but with systems in general. On a daily basis (and several times a day), I am dumbfounded by some of the things I encounter. Makes my goal of positivity really hard to achieve. I have failed miserably the last two days.
More importantly than anything, I love my team. I mean, really. I am on the greatest team ever! Though technically there are 2 teams working on this system, we work together like one team and get along like family (keeping in mind that families sometimes have their hurdles to overcome). We help each other out and achieve the impossible (or at least the very difficult). My team is the motivation for going to work every day. I mean, I do like my job, and I love the company I work for, but the daily grind can really get frustrating. I am so glad to have my peers.
Tomorrow is a new and better day!
GO TEAM COMPASS!!!
In my current job, I do application support for a system that is the heartbeat of a life insurance carrier. I was originally assigned to the "project" of selecting a vendor/system, then continued on the project as a Business Analyst, working to learn and configure the system to meet the needs of the business. After it rolled out in summer of 2009, our roles started changing and I eventually found myself in an official role of production support.
I started working for this company in 2003 as an executive assistant and managed to work my way up to a manager before I got tagged to be on this project. I was honestly skeptical when I first was assigned to the project, but looking back now, I am so grateful for the experience and knowledge that I've gained. What began as a project has turned into a whole new career path, and I've learned more about system architecture and configuration than I could have ever imagined. Don't get me wrong, I had some serious low points during the "stand up" phase of the project. Working 70+ hours a week for almost 2 years, going through a divorce in the meantime, understaffed and overworked. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. It has been a long but rewarding ride.
Having never worked in an IT role before, I guess I was oblivious to how challenging (for lack of a better word) users can be not only with a new system, but with systems in general. On a daily basis (and several times a day), I am dumbfounded by some of the things I encounter. Makes my goal of positivity really hard to achieve. I have failed miserably the last two days.
More importantly than anything, I love my team. I mean, really. I am on the greatest team ever! Though technically there are 2 teams working on this system, we work together like one team and get along like family (keeping in mind that families sometimes have their hurdles to overcome). We help each other out and achieve the impossible (or at least the very difficult). My team is the motivation for going to work every day. I mean, I do like my job, and I love the company I work for, but the daily grind can really get frustrating. I am so glad to have my peers.
Tomorrow is a new and better day!
GO TEAM COMPASS!!!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In the easy chair with my boots on.....
Today, I am excited about........Spring Tour! And by that I mean Widespread Panic spring tour. After 14 years and around 125 shows (wow, that makes me feel old), I still get just as excited today as I did when I was 20 and still getting my Panic feet wet. I guess you could call my following of Panic a hobby. I've certainly dedicated lots of time off, money, and airline miles to seeing them anytime I can.
Though it is a little fuzzy, I can still remember my first show (7/18/97). It was the summer after my senior year in high school and several people I knew were going to see this band I'd never heard of at Mud Island in Memphis, so we tagged along. My friend and I got a little too intoxicated, so I spent most of the show helping her and not really absorbing the music and the crowd. After starting college at Hendrix, I was lucky enough to see Panic again that fall of 97 at Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock. By this time, I'd familiarized myself with their music, so it wasn't so foreign to me. However, I was not prepared for the vibe in the show. I was completely sober and was able to make my way to the front row in front of the bass player, Dave Schools. I was so amazed in watching the crowd and how into the music they were. This was something I needed to be a part of.
After seeing 2 shows in 1997, I saw 10 shows in 1998, 10 in 1999, and even more in the next few years. The Panic took me to states that I may have never gone to otherwise. And best of all, I've met people from across the country that I've made friends with.
As my group of friends has grown older, gotten married, and had children, their ability to see as many shows as I can has been restricted. Though I love going to shows with my "crew," I decided that I would not let my friends' ability to go (or not) keep me from going. So, I've been to several shows solo - which is a lot of fun - in a different way, but fun.
My Dad always asked me when I am going to grow out of this "Widespread Panic phase," but I think he has finally started to realize that this is not a phase. It is really a big part of who I am. I mean, I've almost been seeing them every year (on average 8 times per year) since I was 18. That's almost half of my life! It is in my blood now, and I have no intention of quitting them anytime soon.
People often ask me why I would go and see the same concert over and over. Please let me clarify that no 2 shows are the same. Every show is different, and they never play the same song within 3 shows. There are no costume changes, no fancy acrobatics or pyrotechnics. But the music makes up for all that "fluff" that is not there. The music, to me, is spiritual. I leave most shows feeling like I've just encountered the divine.
Panic has been touring for 25 years this year, so there are rumors that they are taking 2012 off to take a break. With that in mind, I am trying to see as much of them as I can this year. After 9 years, the band is returing to Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham, AL in April. I booked my hotel room today, so the excitement is starting to set in.
So why did I write about this today? I wanted to express my "Panic experience" because a lot of people have either never heard of the band (they're not really played on a typical radio station) or they have misconceptions about the band. While there are a few "bad eggs" who attend shows, most of the fans are people just like me. We have good jobs, homes, we're responsible adults who enjoy the good music and the friends that come with the experience. We pay taxes, we take showers, and we need a break from the same old same old. You may go to every Razorback game (or otherwise) - I just prefer to go to Panic shows.
If you are interested in their music, I would highly suggest you check out http://www.panicstream.com/ to enjoy many of their live shows that are available for streaming. They have many studio albums available, but the essence of Panic is in the live music.
So here's to 25 years, and hopefully many more!
Though it is a little fuzzy, I can still remember my first show (7/18/97). It was the summer after my senior year in high school and several people I knew were going to see this band I'd never heard of at Mud Island in Memphis, so we tagged along. My friend and I got a little too intoxicated, so I spent most of the show helping her and not really absorbing the music and the crowd. After starting college at Hendrix, I was lucky enough to see Panic again that fall of 97 at Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock. By this time, I'd familiarized myself with their music, so it wasn't so foreign to me. However, I was not prepared for the vibe in the show. I was completely sober and was able to make my way to the front row in front of the bass player, Dave Schools. I was so amazed in watching the crowd and how into the music they were. This was something I needed to be a part of.
After seeing 2 shows in 1997, I saw 10 shows in 1998, 10 in 1999, and even more in the next few years. The Panic took me to states that I may have never gone to otherwise. And best of all, I've met people from across the country that I've made friends with.
As my group of friends has grown older, gotten married, and had children, their ability to see as many shows as I can has been restricted. Though I love going to shows with my "crew," I decided that I would not let my friends' ability to go (or not) keep me from going. So, I've been to several shows solo - which is a lot of fun - in a different way, but fun.
My Dad always asked me when I am going to grow out of this "Widespread Panic phase," but I think he has finally started to realize that this is not a phase. It is really a big part of who I am. I mean, I've almost been seeing them every year (on average 8 times per year) since I was 18. That's almost half of my life! It is in my blood now, and I have no intention of quitting them anytime soon.
People often ask me why I would go and see the same concert over and over. Please let me clarify that no 2 shows are the same. Every show is different, and they never play the same song within 3 shows. There are no costume changes, no fancy acrobatics or pyrotechnics. But the music makes up for all that "fluff" that is not there. The music, to me, is spiritual. I leave most shows feeling like I've just encountered the divine.
Panic has been touring for 25 years this year, so there are rumors that they are taking 2012 off to take a break. With that in mind, I am trying to see as much of them as I can this year. After 9 years, the band is returing to Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham, AL in April. I booked my hotel room today, so the excitement is starting to set in.
So why did I write about this today? I wanted to express my "Panic experience" because a lot of people have either never heard of the band (they're not really played on a typical radio station) or they have misconceptions about the band. While there are a few "bad eggs" who attend shows, most of the fans are people just like me. We have good jobs, homes, we're responsible adults who enjoy the good music and the friends that come with the experience. We pay taxes, we take showers, and we need a break from the same old same old. You may go to every Razorback game (or otherwise) - I just prefer to go to Panic shows.
If you are interested in their music, I would highly suggest you check out http://www.panicstream.com/ to enjoy many of their live shows that are available for streaming. They have many studio albums available, but the essence of Panic is in the live music.
So here's to 25 years, and hopefully many more!
RIP Mikey.
Peace, love, and Panic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)