Playing Catch Up

Well, it's been a long time since I posted last, so here's a quick(ish) catch up on what's been happening.

First of all, the main reason I haven't updated is because my computer got a virus a few weeks ago. So that shut things down for about a week. Then we bought the latest Kaspersky virus protection, which protects your computer from all kinds of bad stuff and comes with the added feature of slowing your computer down to a snail's pace. It's still not 100%, but it's usable.

Okay, that happened, and kind of put me in a bad mood, which was only made worse by the general public, particularly the ones at my job. Everyone has those days (weeks) where they can't stand their job. You know those days where every little thing annoys you and you don't even have a reason? I got there for a while. It seemed like every part of my job was a chore, even the easy stuff that I normally don't mind a bit. My frustration level with the customers was at an all time high. I actually was angry with people just for showing up. Most people who work with the public go through this from time to time, and lately it's been my turn. Now, I never exploded at work (a small miracle), and I'm pretty sure nobody at work had a clue. The fact remains though, that I was in a funk from about 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. every day.

But then I had a good week. July 15th was our 2nd anniversary. We didn't celebrate until the next day, which I had off. Valerie and I went to an early dinner at Yaccovelli's (the site of our wedding rehearsal dinner) and went to see a movie. Having a child hampers your ability to go to the movies, so what used to be a fairly regular and easy date becomes something special. And what did Valerie want to see on this romantic night? Hellboy II! Why? Because a). my wife is awesome, and b). we saw the original on one of our early dates so that made it appropriate (good flick, btw, complete fantasy and a touch long, but cool).

July 18th was my birthday (neat how that works, huh?), and we went to dinner again (at Lonestar steak house, so, y'know, nothing special-but steak!). After dinner, we met up with the guys in my band at The Brewhouse, to see Men Without Rogaine play. For those who are unaware, MWR are an acoustic cover duo comprised of my good friend and best man (tying the anniversary back in) Tim Heeley and all around good guy Lee Nix. After the first set, and a few drinks, Tim asked if we'd like to play a song. Yes, please. We had to improvise a little, not having our own instruments and being an electric outfit, but we were grateful for the opportunity and rose to the occasion. We wound up doing two songs, one in each set, and were well received. Blue Tattoo has had their first gig, impromptu though it was, on my birthday. That's cool.

My birthday was celebrated again the next night with family from both sides, giving everyone an opportunity to give me presents and visit with 3 month old Tessa. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that the 15th was Tessa's three month birthday. Not that we made a big deal about it, but it's another thing that happened that week. Kinda interesting, at least to me.

So I guess the point is that as frustrated as I get with the mundane day to day stuff I deal with, my life is actually really good. Things seem to be going in the right direction for Blue Tattoo, I have a happy marriage with a beautiful daughter, and a family that loves me. Overall, I'm a pretty lucky guy.

Okay, that got long. I'll be back soon with a bunch of ranting (and Carlin quotes) like normal.

Bye