The Boys in the Bands Vol. IV

THE CHURCH-Tantalized

I woke up this morning with a burning passion to hear the song "Tantalized." It then occurred to me that I had kind of dropped this lovely feature on my blog and that maybe it might be time to pick it back up again. Which brings us to boy number four, Steve Kilbey of The Church.

The Church hail from Australia and in the early and mid-80's they ranked right up there with Bauhaus and its derivatives as one of my favorite bands. A little more dreamy and poetic, I suppose I would almost classify them with the bands in the New Paisley Underground scene, which I guess is not so new anymore.

Steve Kilbey is the lead singer, bassist and also is responsible for much of the writing, especially the lyrics. Yeah, maybe this band could be a little sentimental at times, but I always thought they were a bit more poetic or romantic than most bands. Most people only know of them from their commercial breakthrough album from 1988, Starfish, containing their most popular song, "Under the Milky Way." However, this was seven albums into their career. I, on the other hand, am clearly a huge fan of some of their earlier work. Originally only released in Australia as Of Skins and Hearts, in 1982 their debut was re-released as a self-titled album. This is the album that contains one of my favorite songs of theirs, "Unguarded Moment." Another of my favorites was "Almost With You" from The Blurred Crusade, also released in 1982. There was an air of vulnerability in Kilbey's lyrics, which is what I think drew me to them. I still get just a little dreamy thinking about them.

They're still around, but seem to get little airplay for their new stuff, and I have to admit, I'm guilty for leaving them. Maybe reality caught up with me and buried the dreamer inside.



THE CHURCH-Unguarded Moment

San Francisco Memories Vol. I

Back when we lived in the Bay Area, our nephew used to come out and stay with us for a couple of weeks each summer. We always enjoyed the opportunity to take him to all the local attractions. One year, we decided to head to the San Francisco Zoo. We saw lots of different animals, but the only one on that trip I remember viewing is the tapir. Now keep in mind that our nephew was about 7 at the time. We're standing in front of the tapir enclosure and our nephew pipes up loudly and says, "Hey, look! I didn't know they had five legs!" I wasn't really paying much attention to the male tapir, but sure enough, 1, 2, 3, 4...Holy Fucking Shit! That ain't no leg! We quickly redirected our nephew's attention to the giraffes next door. I looked back, feeling REALLY sorry for the poor little female in the pen.

Things I'm Going to Do in Two Weeks

1. Get on an airplane and fly far away-It's vacation time! We're going to San Francisco for a visit to our old hometown and our friends that we left behind.
2. Burn books-I'd like to, but given how much I spent on them, I'll probably keep them.
3. Sleep until noon-Granted that I haven't been able to do this in years, I figure there's a better chance to do this on vacation than any other time of the year.
4. Farm out the animals-We have three pets that require daily care, Ed the cat, Mandy the guinea pig, and Grottle the tortoise. I love them all dearly, but I will happily give up their care for a couple of weeks while we're gone.
5. Take a walk on the beach-Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite beaches. I'm looking forward to going for a long walk there when we are on vacation. This is one of my favorite things to do on this earth. We usually follow it up with a seafood dinner at a little dive in Half Moon Bay. Either that, or we'll continue down Skyline and eat at Alice's restaurant in the middle of some huge redwoods.
6. Get overserved three or four nights in a row-We'll be spending a few days with our friends Glenn and Sandra. We used to rent our house from them, but they have become like family to us and quite frankly, are way more fun. Glenn usually opens the bar up at 4:30 or 5:00 and because they live near Napa and Sonoma, there's always tons of fabulous wine around. We all drink until we're silly and play card games. I love it.

7. Listen to loud music-Didn't think I'd have a vacation without at least one show planned? The first night we are in SF, The Methadones will be playing there on tour. They'll be at Bottom of the Hill, one of my favorite clubs there.
8. Read a book or two cover to cover-I've got several books waiting for me to crack them open. With all my school work there hasn't been enough time to read something fun. I started Kavalier and Clay awhile ago, but put it down because class started again. I'm dying to finish it. Anyone have any suggestions for a funny book? Here's a hint, I love Chuck Klosterman and Augusten Burroughs. I love books that make me laugh out loud.
9. Buy some new CD's-Amoeba music is just around the corner from where Sweetness and I will be staying in SF. I never have time to go through the bins like I used to. I plan on spending at least an hour in the store if not more.

10. Spend some quality time with my daughter-Sweetness and I are flying out two days ahead of the boys. We're staying at the Stanyan Park Hotel, which is right next to Golden Gate Park and near where I used to live in The Haight. Two years ago we spent a long weekend in New York and it was the best time and money I've ever spent. Life is so fast and furious that I feel like we all disconnect sometimes, so this our chance to spend time together with all of life's pressures removed. Even if she wasn't my daughter, I would want to know her. She's a smart, interesting, and funny person. I can't wait to spend time with her.

Who Said It Had to be Fair?

Have you ever had that feeling of righteous indignation? I get it all of the time. Got it right now as a matter of fact! How dare my professor assign a paper to be due over Memorial Day weekend! That ain't right. I am slightly cheered by the fact that I think I'm writing an "A" paper, but this cheer is offset by my feeling of irritation and anger at having to do this on a beautiful sunny day when the rest of America is barbequing and making merry. I'm not making merry. I'm writing a case study.

Overachiever

OK, so there's this semi-meme going around about picking five songs from the year you turned 18. Five? Really? Just five? Why stop there? Here's 75 from 1983 and my thoughts about all of them. This is why you love me.

1. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls-Didn't fully appreciate this gem until 1984 when I went to my first gay bar.
2. Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners-This is Lulu and my theme song, sort of, well, we're nostalgiac when we hear it.
3. Flashdance (What A Feeling) - Irene Cara-Makes me wanna rip up some sweatshirts and take off my bra while I am still wearing said ripped up sweatshirt.
4. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson-Tigers and dancing. Oh my!
5. Wanna Be Starting Something - Michael Jackson-Pre-nose job. Remember when he was almost normal? What happened in that oxygen chamber?
6. Electric Avenue - Eddie Grant-Reggae for new wave fans.
7. Rock The Casbah - The Clash-Starter Clash for many, sell out Clash for some, still a pretty cool song.
8. Bang The Drum All Day - Todd Rundgren-I hate work. I like this song.
9. You and I - Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle-ick
10. Ain't Nobody - Rufus and Chaka Khan-Chaka can be cool, but not on this one.
11. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Journey-World's worst video ever, song isn't much better either.
12. Kiss The Bride - Elton John-Huh? Who sings this song?
13. Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh La, la, La) - Kool and the Gang-Not cool.
14. **1999** - Prince-Fucking awesome! Purple power1
15. I Melt With You - Modern English-And so does cheddar cheese.
16. Down Under - Men At Work-That guy should have seen someone about his strabismus.
17. Beat It - Michael Jackson-Still almost normal.
18. We've Got Tonight - Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton-I'm coughing up a hairball.
19. Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye-Heal me, baby. Great song and great tragedy.
20. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me - Culture Club-No, but I wanted to be as androgenous as he was.
21. Rock of Ages - Def Leppard-Only metal act of the '80's that I might admit to liking just a little.
22. (She's) Sexy and 17 - Stray Cats-Why did I think they were British? Commercial, but cool.
23. Candy Girl - New Edition-Too bubblegum for an 18 year old.
24. Little Red Corvette - Prince-Sang this loudly in line at Great America.
25. New Year's Day - U2-Remember when U2 was good? Remember when they were interesting?
26. Tonight I Celebrate My Love - Peabro Bryson & Roberta Flack-I'm not a slow dancing kind of girl.
27. Photograph - Def Leppard-Ditto previous comment.
28. Faithfully - Journey-Lame, lame, lame.
29. True - Spandau Ballet-Fancy, but I kind of liked it.
30. Inside Love (So Personal) - George Benson-Huh?
31. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Ritchie-Oh God, no!!!!!! I hate this song with a passion that burns like 10,000 suns. Apparently, the crappy radio station in Grand Rapids, Michigan used to play this song at the same time every day, because it used to wake me up for weeks, launching me into one foul mood for the first several hours of the day.
32. Pass The Dutchie - Musical Youth-Hee, hee. What the heck are they talking about?
33. Safety Dance - Men Without Hats-Odd, but fun. No offense to our Canadian friends, but you all are weird.
34. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top-Rock you can boogie to. If you like that kind of shit.
35. Boogie Down - Al Jarreau-It's almost smooth jazz.
36. Our House - Madness-This song gives me happy feet.
37. Mr. Roboto - Styx-This song reminds me of Advanced Chemistry and my prom date. I'm not sure why.
38. White Wedding - Billy Idol-I was young, he seemed naughty. I liked it.
39. I'll Tumble 4 Ya - Culture Club-Again, such cool clothes. I didn't like boy George. I just wanted his clothes. Well, I liked him a little.
40. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All - Air Supply-Double hairball.
41. Mornin' - Al Jarreau-OK, dude has a good voice, but again with the smooth jazz.
42. Rockit - Herbie Hancock-Pretty damn cool for jazz dude.
43. Tell Her About It - Billy Joel-Last I checked, it wasn't the '50's.
44. Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler-Overblown operatic bullcrap.
45. The Look Of Love - ABC-Slick appealing Eurotrash. Mmmmm.
46. Shock The Monkey - Peter Gabriel-I'd like to shock the monkey. I love this beyond words.
47. Let's Dance - David Bowie-Sell out to many, happy '80's memory for me. He could sing commercial jingles and I'd melt.
48. Just Be Good To Me - S.O.S. Band-Not my groove.
49. Every Breath You Take - Police-CP's favorite song. True fact. I had this on a tape in my Walkman and would play it EVERY morning when I first woke up. Really.
50. Rio - Duran Duran-Pretty boys, must listen.
51. I Like It - DeBarge-Sicko in this band messed with one of my friends. True fact.
52. Freak-A-Zoid - Midnight Star-OK, I don't think I've ever heard this.
53. Bad Boys - Wham! U.K.-Oh George, I was young and I loved you.
54. She Works Hard For The Money - Donna Summer-Chicks rule. Song's pretty cool too.
55. Gimme All Your Lovin' - ZZ Top-Boys with beards find schtick that sells lots of albums. Lucky break for ugly dudes.
56. Just Got Lucky - JoBoxers-There's good Brit Pop and bad Brit Pop. I don't like this, so I'm calling it bad.
57. Uptown Girl - Billy Joel-Why?
58. Stray Cat Strut - Stray Cats-Cool, daddy-o.
59. She Blinded Me With Science - Thomas Dolby-This is one of the songs that will forever remind me of senior year in high school. Kind of goofy tune, but I think it captures everything that is cool about "New Wave."
60 Cum On Feel The Noize - Quiet Riot-Not quite my cup of tea, but at least it was loud.
61. Maniac - Michael Sembello-Yikes. Crazy bad.
62. Puttin' On The Ritz - Taco-Cliche' piece of garbage.
63. The Monkey Time - The Tubes-Cool as hell band. Where'd they go?
64. Love My Way - Psychedelic Furs-This is when I started to turn. I heard this and it felt like the inside of my head.
65. Change - Tears For Fears-You know, they were a pretty decent band.
66. Radio Free Europe - R.E.M.-Perfection, and possibly the best song on this pathetic list.
67. Let Me Go - Heaven 17-I give it a 7. It had a good beat and I liked to dance to it.
68. Goodnight Saigon - Billy Joel-More? Why?
69. Reap The Wild Wind - Ultravox-I LOVE this band. They were cool and I really like synthesizers then.
70. Burning Down The House - Talking Heads-I thought they were weird and incredibly cool.
71. Too Shy - Kajagoogoo-OK, am I the only one who thinks that Limahl looked like some sort of bird?
72. Jeopardy - Greg Kihn Band-Remember when MTV only owned like 20 videos and this was one of them? It was a Kihnspiracy!
73. Holiday Road - Lindsey Buckingham-Huh? Not on my radar at all.
74. One Thing Leads To Another - the Fixx-Pretty cool. Saw them at Wrigley Field, but even hobbled at the knees, Ministry stole the show.
75. A Million Miles Away - The Plimsouls-Classic.

See? Wasn't that more fun than five? I tag...whoever. It's late and I need to go to bed.

If...

I've always been interested in tattoos. I've been stopped more than once from getting one in haste, and have always been glad I hadn't. I've thought of several different ideas for what I'd like, but have never been able to settle on any one thing that I felt I could carry through my life, that would remain unchanged to me in meaning and importance. Maybe because I'm getting older, I can see more clearly now what has meaning to me. I can tell you that it is not the lizard that I once wished I had tattooed on my body.

Lately, I've been thinking about this a lot more than usual. I think I feel like I'm approaching the "either I'm going to do this or not point" soon. As I've thought about my life, I've considered my values and what has stayed with me throughout my life. Sure I love music, but my tastes change. I love my work, but don't feel like literally wearing it on my sleeve. It's what I do, not who I am. The answer I kept coming back to time and time again is my faith. I identify myself as a Christian and I openly admit my belief as well as draw strength from it. It is the aspect of strength that I feel is most important to me. I don't see my faith as a sign of weakness in mind or body. I see it as the source that I pull my strength from, making me stronger in this life. Maybe this is the secret sauce behind the Tenacious in Tenacious S.



In Judaism,Rastafarianism and Christianity the symbol used for strength, power and wisdom of leadership is the lion. The Lion of Judah crosses boundaries in all three of these faiths to represent not only strength, but hope. Bathed in Messianic symbolism, the Lion of Judah represents the Messiah and His ultimate power to release us from our human bondage. To me, this is freedom and the hope of justice and peace. These are the values that are my foundation in life.

If I were to get a tattoo, I've decided that it would be the Lion of Judah. My strength in life, my hope of justice and peace.

It's Friday (BFD)

Woohoo! It's Friday! I've been doing homework all morning and will do more when I get back from work! Friday rocks! So, yeah, here's the Friday Random 10.

1.Managua-Naked Raygun
2.Fascination-Human League
3.No Myth-Michael Penn
4.When The Light's Go Down in the City-Journey
5.By You-Fugazi
6.Ex-Girlfriend-No Doubt
7.Show Me the Top-World Party
8.She Sells Sanctuary-The Cult
9.Since You're Gone-The Cars
10.Pickpocket Song-The Ponys



The list is as scrambled as my brains are right now.

I Fought the Law

This is what has been running through my brain a lot lately. Don't know what that means, but I'm passing the infection on. I am uncomfortable in my own skin these days and have this general sense of uneasiness going on. Change is coming. I can feel it.

Rock and Roll Treason

Last night's show left me with a few mixed feelings. I loved The Head Cat. Seeing Lemmy, Motorheadless or not, was one for the history books. While the band was not particularly tight, the combo of Lemmy's bass and the upright bass had the floor vibrating. Slim Jim Phantom was playing the standard whittled down rockabilly drum kit. But it was Lemmy I couldn't take my eyes off of. His unusual style of playing chords on his bass lends this dense layer in the lower mid-range of the music. It was fascinating to watch and listen to how it transformed a song when he jumped in. Considering the band also had an upright bass player, the sound was definitely bottom heavy.

Then there's Lemmy's unmistakable voice. Gravelly, with vocal chords that I guarantee are full of nodules, give a roadhouse feel to every song he sings. And they did some classics last night. Spanning more than rockabilly, some of my favorites of the evening were "Not Fade Away" by Buddy Holly, "Bad Boy" by Larry Williams, and "Crossroads" by Cream (a natural choice for a bass player like Lemmy, especially given his style of playing). To my astonishment this morning, when I did some fact checking, I discovered that Lemmy is 61 years old. I don't know why, but I thought he was about ten years younger. He looks great, well, for being Lemmy, he looks great. He is one of the characters in rock that is larger than life and certainly a legend to many.



Up next was surf rock legend, self-proclaimed "King of the Surf Guitar", Dick Dale. I don't know what I expected. I absolutely loved the first four or five tunes. They sounded like every bad biker bar I've ever been in. I appreciated that these songs that were inspired by sunshine and waves really actually take on a whole new meaning in a dark smoke-filled club. Dick Dale is clearly a virtuoso. Then it happened, about half an hour into his set, I got bored. Sometimes virtuosity turns into noodling and egos stroked too often turn a performer into an inflated showboater. That was the feeling I started to get. I appreciated that Dick was out there doing what he loved, but felt like he loved himself a little too much. While Lemmy was more down to earth in his banter, Dick was downright chatty at times, but pretty egocentric. That kind of stuff wears on me really quick. Add to that the fact that it was starting to feel like a bad frat party because most of the crowd was overserved by then, and you got my reaction. I left early. I almost never do this. I consider it to be similar to getting up and walking out of a movie before it's over. I'd had it. The set went on too long and I was bored to tears. I know some of you will think this treason of the highest order, but I couldn't help it. For me, virtuoso or not, Dick Dale couldn't hold my interest. I'm glad I saw him and I certainly respect his originality and skills, but it was not my favorite show. Now The Head Cat...I'd go back to see them again and I hope next time they'll be the headliners.

You're Invited!

Lulu and I will be going to see The Head Cat and Dick Dale on Monday at the Double Door. If you live nearby, drag yourself on down. We'd love to see you and might even buy you a beer!

Victory Lap

In my job, most victories are small quiet victories. Sometimes the victories are silent. Today the victory was a little larger. I'm not at liberty to discuss details, but it will give two small children a better chance at having the best life they are capable of having. I look forward to the day when I stop counting one by one and can easily say that about all the kids I work with. But the system is broken and until it is fixed, we will fight and win one by one.

I wouldn't do what I do if I didn't think it made a difference. My first client is now in Jr. College. The perception of a majority of the population is that children with autism are hopeless causes. I've had people who should know better tell me that they believe all children with autism are mentally impaired. It's not true. And even if it was, don't they deserve to live the fullest richest life possible? In the long run, proper early intervention saves those concerned most about money lots of money. I'm sick of watching some of my clients stagnate in special education programs that are little more than crayon colored warehouses. Once you give up on a child they fall further and further behind with the bar being raised higher and higher each year. It makes me sick. There is legislation headed for the Supreme Court soon that could possibly force children into subpar programs and wait for failure before other options are made available. It seems absurd, but hey, we're only toying with someone's life. Why not?

With an epidemic proportion of the population of children being diagnosed with this disorder, it's time to start thinking about how we can best serve this population. Sure, researching the cause is great, but the real financial need in this country right now is treatment. The insurance system is broken, the education system is often broken, and the taxpayers backs are going to be broken. It's time to stop arguing about who is right and who is wrong and collaborate and sort this out.

Tonight I will rest well knowing that two boys have been given the best chance they have at being the best people they can be. I wish it wasn't so difficult. I wish a lot of things were different, but they aren't. I will practice within the system and offer help to the system and support the kids I know and love. Everyone deserves and has a right to an appropriate education under the laws of this country. Kids are not one-size-fits-all and their education can't be either.

Hair 911

OK, so I wasn't drunk and I didn't get my hair stuck in the door, but the effect was the same. Today I win the Dork of the Day Award. I believe Beth is the originator of this dubious distinction, but today I get the prize.

I was in a hurry to get to work, running late. I decided to speed up the process of doing my hair, which was the fatal flaw. I have really fine hair. It is delicate. I have to be nice to my hair for it to be nice to me. I know this. What do I do today? Why, I throw caution to the wind. I turned my blow dryer on high and pointed the sucker at my soaking wet hair. Apparently this is more than my hair could take.

As I'm drying the back, my brush seems to be stuck. I pull a little harder still blasting the poor stuff with the blow dryer when magically *bing* the brush comes free. Then the horror, the horror. I look in the sink and wonder what is going on? What is that in the sink? What is that smell? OH SHIT! It is my singed hair. A large clod of it from the back of my head. I start feeling my hair and can feel that there is a spot towards the bottom in the back where I have handily burned out a patch.

The panic sets in. I throw my hair in a ponytail and race out the door with no makeup, because I've now wasted my makeup time freaking out about my hair. I get in the car and speed dial Art and Science (my hair gurus) and explain my pathetic situation and begin to beg for an appointment with my girl, Alice. Fortune smiled upon me and I was able to get an appointment.

It was like the walk of shame as I walked up to Alice as she is saying, "Oh honey, what happened?" We both end up hysterically laughing and Alice claps her hands with glee and asks, "Oh goody, can we bob it?" So, long story short, I have a groovy new haircut. I really like it and I used to have my hair bobbed years ago. I'm calling this divine intervention through human fallibility. Yeah, that works for me. That way I don't have to admit I am a total dork.

The Week (in which I contemplate the fact that I am the parent of a teenager and all that this means)

I felt as if I handled my fortieth birthday quite well, and the two following, but now I have run head on into a wall so solid I cannot see my way past it. Sweetness turns thirteen this Wednesday. That single fact has made me feel older than the hills. I will be the parent of a teenager in just a few short days. It seems incomprehensible, inconceivable even. This is all offset by the joy that is Sweetness.

If I got to pick a child out of a catalog, I'd pick one just like Sweetness. She's smart, funny as heck, and incredibly creative. When she's awake, she lives to create. She's an elusive creature, hiding in her cave both during waking and non-waking hours these days. When we are fortunate to be graced with her presence, she brings laughter and a sense of wit and whimsy with her. I often feel like I won the lottery when I think about what a (mostly) delightful child I have. Then I need to remind myself that I do get to take some of the credit. I hope she feels as fortunate that I am her mom.



Sweetness and Bink-Summer 2006

Just yesterday she managed to maneuver her way through a social minefield with the ease of a seasoned veteran. She was invited to the Bat Mitzvah of a casual friend. While this friend is a lovely girl, some of her friends are not so lovely. Sweetness usually prefers to just avoid the whole scene, but knew it was important to her friend that she be there. She wore a respectful, but creative outfit, so that she fit in, but didn't compromise. She later attended the party portion where she was again forced into contact with people she'd rather avoid. I was concerned as I drove up to pick her up. Worried that someone had hassled her. As I was walked through the party scene to find her, I was pleasantly surprised at what I found. In the back room, Sweetness and a few friends were bouncing around singing "Panic" with The Smiths cranked full tilt. What a wonder she is.

Truth Be Told

A big thanks to Lulu for coming up with some questions that made me think about myself a bit. Hey, I'm a Psychology student. Analysis is the name of the game.

1. I posited to CP recently that we are who we were in high school. In what ways are you the same person now as you were as a 15-year-old?

I think in a lot of ways I am the same person that I was when I was 15. Lulu leaked this question to me last night on our way to the gym, so I've had some time to think about it. When I was in early elementary school, I was what I guess some people would call one of the popular kids. I was invited to all of the parties and the "queen bee" was my supposed best friend. I also learned pretty early that popular does not mean nice and that most of the girls I hung out with, my BFF in particular, were evil climbers willing to step on anyone in their way. I wasn't one of them. I wanted to be one of them, but I knew I could never be, because I am too nice. Maybe this is where part of my overdeveloped sense of justice began to kick in, but I couldn't stand to see these girls be so mean to other people. They were awful.

Fortunately, at the beginning of seventh grade we moved. I had a chance to start all over. I don't know if I consciously did it or not at this time, but I managed to choose much nicer people as friends. Slowly, because I was an overinvolved overachiever I managed to make a lot of friends, both popular and unpopular. I was one of the only people who would talk to the mentally impaired girls in our PE class, but I also was on athletic teams and in student council, so I knew a lot of the really popular kids.

When high school started, all bets were off. You end up having lunch with random people and not necessarily with your friends. I was invited the first few weeks of school to eat with the popular girls. I hated it. Just like I had remembered from earlier in my life, they were awful shallow evil people. One day I just stopped going to lunch with them. No goodbye, no reason. I remember walking into the cafeteria and thinking to myself that I would sit with the first person I knew that wasn't part of their group. I ended up sitting with someone who is my friend to this day. A smart girl who could have cared less about any of the goings on at our high school.

So, back to the question. Yes, I am still that girl. I mistrust people who are social climbers and I have no patience for social games. I don't want to be part of their group. I make no pretenses about this in my life. I live on the fringes of the playground, avoiding all "those" people. While I realize that some of them are probably nice enough, I just can't play the games that you end up playing to be part of that group. I suppose this is all what laid the groundwork for my life as an alternachick. I prefer my friends to be smart, funny, and passionate about something. I can't say that I'm necessarily a fuck authority person, but I am probably a fuck society person. And, yeah, I think I was that way at 15.

2. Which blogger do you most want to meet?

Since I've had the fortune to meet many of my fellow bloggers, the person I would most like to meet is Echo. I'm not sure if we were seperated at birth, but I'm pretty sure that our iPods were. Echo seems like a smartass music lover, which are traits I place high on my "want to get to know you" list. He is also a parent and we have discovered that we have similar childrearing theories. Mind you, they are only theories, because those little buggers can ruin anyone's best laid plans.

3. Your children are highly entertaining. What is the strangest thing one of them (or both) has ever done?

I'm not sure if this was the strangest, but it was certainly the most embarrassing. We were at a family function (with lots of people watching and listening) and Bink, who was about 4, decided he wanted to climb on top of a balcony railing. I quickly told him "no" and that he would surely fall to his death. This is when Sweetness, who was about 7, pipes up. "Yeah, and Mommy and Daddy can't have any more kids because her eggs are all rotten." Clearly she had heard us have the conversation about not having another kid and feeling older, but come on! There were several gems that came out of this period, when she began to ask questions about the birds and the bees. I have been told that I will NEVER have grandchildren and the moment she put 2 and 2 together and realized what it took to have a kid, she said, "Couldn't we just touch elbows or something?"

Bink's defining moment actually occurred when I was not present, but Lulu was. They had gone to get ice cream and Bink was in his Mr. Roboto phase, dancing up a storm in front of the Dairy Queen on a pretty busy street. Apparently, Sweetness was expressing dismay at his conduct, which prompted him to chant, "We share DNA!" at her over and over again. Delightful little buggers they are.


4. Music is an obvious theme in your life. What music did you listen to in your younger days that thoroughly embarrasses you now?


From the moment I got my first radio, I was an addict. I would lock myself in my room hour after hour listening to whatever I thought was the most wild thing I could get away with. Sadly, this occurred in the mid-seventies and I don't have to tell you what was on FM back then. Sure, I was real badass with my love of bands like Foghat and Aerosmith, but I also can sing all the lyrics to many '70's gems like "The Year of the Cat," "Dreamweaver," "Let Your Love Flow," and my personal sing-along favorite "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc. Sadly, I can't remember a damn thing these days, but these songs are etched into my memory for eternity. I graduated from the pablum to real rock and roll somewhere around eighth grade. I can proudly say that I never really fell victim to the clutches of disco. I was already a loyal WLUP (The Loop) listener and was digging The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. At one point in my life I had decided that if I saw all three of these bands live, I could die happy. Two thirds of that came true, and we held tickets to a Zeppelin show that was never to be. Curse you John Bonham! I will die unfulfilled.



5.What overused cliche or quote do you find to be true in your life?

Overused quote of choice for me is, "Everything in moderation." Except music. I am neither too clean or too messy. I drink, but not too much. I enjoy food, but try not to overdo it. I exercise, but am not freakish about it. I am a parent, but it doesn't define me. I could go on. I think life is about finding the balance that works for you. If I find myself tilting the scales too far one way, I end up being really unhappy and usually try to take steps to correct the problem. As an adult it can be hard trying to find the balance between the things you HAVE to do and the things you WANT to do. I'm still learning. And there's another quote that I'd bring up."You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I find that to be a really depressing quote. I refuse to believe that we are incapable of change. If that's the case, then I am in the wrong field and there is no hope for humanity. Anyone can change. You have to want to and it takes a lot of work. Sometimes you even need a refresher course along the way, but we are all capable of being better than we are today.