5-31

Another week, another weekend. Ahh.

My uncle Joe celebrates his acquisition of a fancy schmancy hard earned Master's degree today. It's kind of a big deal because it's taken him a long time to get here, but he made it. Oh yeah, and he's blind. Karen seemed to think that this was a really big deal- because I don't know, maybe in her world people who can't see don't get educated. I don't see it as a big deal because he's one of the smartest people I know. He does everything that anyone else does, usually a little faster.

Ok, so he doesn't drive. You wouldn't want him to.

I remember when I was a kid, he would come over and ask to play my violin. I would give it to him, along with some basic instructions about how to hold it, where to put the bow and fingers, etc. It used to bother me that he did this, because I was afraid he would break it. Apparently my juvenile mind equated blindness with clumsiness. That couldn't have been further from the truth. In fact, it didn't take long before he had mastered the basic principles of violin playing that most third graders struggle with. I was impressed. He continues to impress me, even though his violin playing days have gone the same way mine have.

Congrats, Joe.

Scarlett does Tom

No, it isn't porn.

So what do you all think about the Tom Waits cover album Ms. Johansson did? Am I missing the brilliance? Perhaps judging her too harshly as yet another actor turned musician? (because that so rarely works out. Exhibit A: Keanu Reeves. Nevermind that he has a shitty acting career too, lots of people like him.)

My take:

All hype. Maybe because she's hot, I don't know.

I heard so many great things about the album before it came out- just glowing reviews and stunning admiration that the girl so famous for her body parts could be good at something else. I heard the songs, though, and all I heard was far too much sound engineering and a sterilized alto voice that could have been so much better left to its own warbling inadequacies. So yeah, i'm disappointed.

If I missed something, by all means- enlighten me. I wanted to like it, really.

5-21

School is back in full swing...T-3 terms and counting. I would have liked to have more than a week off between terms- it was such a fast week- but i'll take what I can get and count down until the next break in twelve weeks.

I have a market research class this term, which I have been really excited about. Unfortunately, it's chock full of group projects. Trying to coordinate a group project between 7 people in different time zones with different schedules is hell at best. Add to that, people who just don't give a crap and it's a recipe for disaster requiring multiple martinis at the end of the day. I better stock up on the Luksosowa and olive juice.

5-17

The Hard Lessons played a great show last night. Sadly, the audience consisted of about ten people, two of which were barflies who just happened to be there. The set was short, but the music was great.

Their promoter needs to be shot. There was next to no advertising for the show- even the venue posters of upcoming events failed to list their show. They likely won't be back to Phoenix, opting for Tucson instead. I don't mind Tucson shows, but it just sucks because Phoenix is a huge city. A touring band should be able to play for more than an audience of ten here.

5-7

This is all over the place. Just a warning.

I had a lovely afternoon with my friend Dee, who hails from TN and has a fantastic little accent. An overpriced, mediocre lunch at the Phoenician (where she was staying), a sweaty hike up Camelback Mountain, and chocolate and espresso gelato at Arlecchino. Perfecto! (minus the lunch, if i'm being honest)

Never having been to the Phoenician before and only having seen it from the top of Camelback, I wondered- what exactly does one get for $400 a night besides a really neat pool and a bed? I found out today. $400 a night buys you real hand towels in the lobby bathrooms, with a little wicker basket to put them in after use. Oh, and a bird's eye view of the Red Hat society tea party. Hoo boy!

It seems as though the Man Flu has settled here again. May it pass quickly and silently.

Mom started radiation today. This will work. This will work. This will work. Come on, say it with me. At this point, that's all i've got.

She got a really random letter from this incredibly annoying former neighbor today. It blathered on about believing in God and everyone's limited number of days and all sorts of other depressing useless shit. Neighbor woman was always weird and oddly childish at inappropriate times, but the thing that got me was that the letter came at all. Mom's name was spelled wrong, the street name was spelled wrong, the city was spelled wrong, and the zip code was only remotely correct. (Hey, 3 out of 5 numbers isn't too bad- it would win you a buck or two in the lottery, I guess.) I know- lots of people can't spell. I shouldn't chide her for that, right? I'd agree with you, if she weren't a former school teacher. Seriously. The former 6th grade teacher couldn't spell the word Mesa. Good thing she doesn't teach anymore. Our schools are in trouble as it is.

In other news, a pleasant surprise came my way today- I have a week off between classes! This is great, because I thought they were back to back. A week is far too short, but i'll take it.

The Hard Lessons will be in town next Friday. Should be a great show!

Good god. Cary needs to get that dog a friend or give him Zoloft. Poor Brian.

Almost forgot- I have a question....

Why the fuck does the Olympic flame need to go to the top of Mount Everest?