Long Time Listener, First Time Caller

Let's Except that I am a bad Blogger

2008-04-24T13:53:00.002-04:00

I go through phases of ignoring my blog. It's sad to admit, yet it is true.

The unfortunate thing is that all of the interested and not so interesting things I have to write about happen during times in which there is no time to blog about such activities.

It's a horrible cycle and I'm going to try my best to break it!

I'm a much better at reading other peoples blogs and this gives me both a way to keep with some friends and give me a mental break at work. It also gives inspiration at times.

For example: (the following commentary was inspired by is Maestro and his thoughts on the not so modern thoroughly modern millie.

The BGB's upcoming concert is all show tunes and such things. Fine. Whatever. I can't say I dislike musicals as I do own my fare share of recordings and have played for a number of them, but they should sometimes (more often than not) keep to themselves and stay on broadway.

So when designing the posters for the upcoming concert I couldn't resist the urge to lay it out as a playbill with the title: The Pride of Indy Band Presents Off Broadway: You Know You Love Show Tunes. I mean the concert is for Pride Festival after all and with the exception of Maestro I've not really met any other "family" that doesn't love a good show tune.

I'm slightly jaded about all of this mostly because instead of playing trumpet for any of said musicals and show tune debuts with the BGB or in pits. Instead I've been sequestered to playing percussion. While I typically enjoy playing percussion on the side I must explain that my enjoyment is based on being challenged and or having a good time with the music. Musicals, Broadway themes and show tune compilation pieces for a percussionist may be the most mind numbing task ever to be set out upon. Think of how tuba's and horns feel about marches...their parts are reduced to mere downbeats or off beats. Welcome to my personal hell. I don't think I can ever say that it is fun to play boom chick over and over and over and over....well you get the idea.

Hodge podge

2008-02-04T16:49:00.000-05:00

I feel as though this will be quite the hodge podge of information.

an overview of things to come:

A review of the weekend in Chicago

Reflections on a book I'm reading

Super Tuesday

Boy, oh boy, does my job suck right now

The weekend.

First off, I never seem to go to Chicago when it's not freezing. Saturday was tolerable but sunday the statement that the weather isn't so bad came back to bite me in the ass, not that I could feel it since it was so cold. Aside from the arctic air and flurries the weekend was phenomenal. I know I will get berated for this next like but...Wicked is awesome. I went in armed with the notion that this may not be as good as I think it is. Much to my excitement I was proved wrong, it was excellent. The Costumes, Dancing and in general the entire production is meticulously planned. My only complaint is that I want to run up to the two young ladies who have delved into the roles of Galinda and Elpheba and say, "Don't hold back, let 'er rip, belt it out!", anything to get them to not be so conservative with their voices. They are wonderful actors and truly bring the characters to life, but there are times when I expected and wanted more from their vocal contributions. There were times when they cut loose and it was good enough to give you goose bumps. After a taste of that you want that feeling all the time.

We did a good job of not eating, shopping or doing things that we would normally do here.

We ate at Giordano's (I do love chicago pizza), we walked around boystown, had coffee at places other than starbucks, ate dinner at Petterino's (I highly recommend), shopped in stores that aren't usually found around here, had lunch at the Grande Luxe Cafe (also recommend) fell in love with Argo Tea (I want one to come to Indy) and sought out art and things that you just can't find here. Not to mention becoming master of mass transit.

On to the book I'm reading...

I've never read anything that could both make me want to cry and throw my book all at the same time. There were some passages I read (within the first 2-3 chapters) that made me sick to my stomach and so angry I wanted to yell.

Normally if I was stating the above it would be followed up with a story of how someone did something so completely stupid that I can't even comprehend it.

This is not the case.

I'm reading Comeback, a true story of a mother and daughter torn apart by abuse, miss-communication, drugs, and more drugs. There life is sad, yet comical. There are moments where the authorities the two come across in their life are just appalling! They tell this mother that the best way to deal with her runaway-drug-using-self-mutilating 15 year-old is by letter HER decide what is best. Now I'm not a mother but absolutely not. It's frustrating to the point of anger. Yet time and time again the two overcome only to fall again at the next intersection. The writing is brilliant and is written from both the mother and daughters perspective. I'm not finished yet but I can hardly put it down.

Moving on to Super Tuesday:

I'm not sure who to root for at this point I think I just want to have tuesday come and go so that I can have less choices and dive in to the "real" election. That's all I have on that for now.

* I do find it interesting that there are very few things Clinton and Obama do not see eye to eye on, the biggest of which is the war. I may be tired of something that is thousands of miles away from our country controlling our lives and distracting our leaders from furthering our country.

On the topic of my job.

It's misserable! Silly festival is one month away, excuse me 21 days. I feel sick. I know in the end things will come together but right now it's one pitfall after another. I feel like it's a catch-22, damned if I stay, damned if I go.

Hot Dogs

2008-01-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

So let's talk about the inappropriate use of a meat product: Hot Dogs

There's are great things to be said about an all-inclusive resort.

Free Drinks, all your meals, there's a restaurant open 24/7.

But sometimes people cross the line...

Let's talk about the hot dog.

Here's a food you expect to find at Ballparks, family cookouts and street vendors.

NOT AT EVERY MEAL IN A RESORT.

Tiny hot dogs at breakfast, grilled ones at lunch and dinner, and the worst offense of all...ON A PIZZA at the snack bar.

come on really!!!

Into the City (t may be too americanized for me)

2008-01-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

This evening we traveled into the city to go to the market.

The world may be becoming too americanized.

Example: There are the following establishments here...

Mc Donalds

Burger King

Taco Bell (I have a real problem with a taco bell in mexico)

Carl Jr's

Walmart

Sams Club

Home Depot

Pizza Hut

Dominos

Costco

oh even passed a Dippin Dots Stand!

The city is interesting. It's divided into north and south sections by a river. The north is the more modern section of town and the hotel district. But in downtown there are still cobblestone streets. The market was not as busy as I thought it would be but we did find some cool stuff.

We plan to venture into the older part of town and see the churches and art that it has to offer.

More later

Puerto Vallarta Here We Come

2008-01-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

New Years Day: Depart for St. Louis for an overnight before flying out to Mexico the next day.

First of all who ordered the craptastic weather on New Years Day?!? It was like a snow tornado most of the way to St. Louis. However in the long run the trip was worth it.

Day One, Part One: The St. Louis Airport
Longest Security Line EVER!!! Were talking wrapped 5 times through the lobby. Finally we get to go through the whole unpack your bag, take of your shoes go through the air puffer machine fiasco. Of course it’s obligatory that when traveling in a group at least one person must have their bag searched and one person must step into that little roped off area to be wanded. Today was certainly no exception. Then all we wanted was a wheelchair and one came but oh wait, it was for Southwest customers only and we would have to wait for another one to be brought to us. Are you kidding me, just push us to the gate and you can have your blasted wheelchair back! Normal people arrive to their gate 30minutes to an hour before a flight, we arrived with 10 minutes to spare. Thank god it was a chartered flight and not your typical domestic airline. I’ve been scolded and had late stamped on my boarding pass just for not making it to the ticketing counter to check my bags by the hour prior deadline.

Anyway we were finally up in the air

Day One, Part two: Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Again with the wheelchair. We asked for one to be at the gate for us when we deboard the airplane. The stewardess was kind enough to call for one, yet we were in the back of the plain and when we got to the gate there were three groups waiting for the ONE wheelchair that had been provided. Now in this situation what does one do? Smack the other group with your cane and jump in the wheelchair and make a break for it? That’s what We all probably were thinking. Instead we were asked if the person in our party could walk a little bit and they would get us a wheel chair when we got downstairs. So we walked and arrived downstairs...no wheelchair. But, there was a very dilapidated rolling stool so we used that to go through customs! HA! We did finally get a wheelchair when it was almost our turn at the customs desk.

here's the "wheelchair"

Day One. Part three: Hola Resort and Spa, Puerto Vallarta
IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL HERE!
Ocean view room, all inclusive, pool then beach right there, tasty beverages included. I can’t believe it! It’s perfect.

We checked out the hotel and the pool and the beach. The downside: The ocean is a bit on the freezing side so far as is the pool, but the hot tub is perfect.

We enjoyed dinner on the beach our first night here. We’ve also booked a whale watching excursion for Monday! More to come tomorrow.

Adios

Christmas Time Is Here

2008-01-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

I know that this is a tardy post but the holidays have kept me busy.

Christmas was good. The Saturday before was spent with my family and then Christmas eve with Shelly’s family. Christmas with my family is interesting to say the least. The usually gifts for grandkids and such and then the adults do a white elephant exchange. This usually is a hoot and tragic all at the same time. This year was a bit time. Almost everything entered into the exchange was somewhat useful and tasteful. Huh...

This entailed Christmas Eve service at her moms church. Shelly’s mom is a Methodist Minister at a small church in the Haute. I nice and brief service complete with a rousing chorus of Oh Holy Night (which btw, probably shouldn’t sing the other three choruses because no one knew the words). But it was fun(ny).
Then we went to her sisiter Susan’s house (greeted as always by the angry tiny dog). So family and friends gathered and what did we do...watched videos of the Parke County Police learning how to use a Taser and taking turns getting tasered! WHAT?!? It was pretty funny.

It was good times and the next morning I spent with my dad and my step family. Christmas at my dads can be summed up by the following two statements: 1. It’s the only time you will see 3 months of work destroyed in 5 minutes flat and 2. It’s like Christmas from a mail order catalog, what you ask for is what you get. Not that that’s bad, just kind of funny sometimes.

Ahh Christmas Time....

Laura Blake
Event Coordinator
Music for All, Inc.
39 W. Jackson Place Suite 150
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

www.musicforall.org

Direct Line 317-524-6227
Phone 317.636.2263
Toll free 800.848.2263
Fax 317.524.6200
Laura.b@musicforall.org

Music for All's mission is to create, provide and expand positively
life-changing experiences through music for all.

Bands of America and Orchestra America are programs of Music for All, Inc.

Parties and Such

2007-12-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Now I'm all for hanging out with friends, having a few drinks and being social. Heck, I even enjoy hosting these events. But for some reason that past few times large groups have gathered I just find myself annoyed.

Now the evening started off with a bang as the surprise portion of the party went very well. The guest of honor was indeed sufficiently surprised and the party commenced. What more could one possibly want...

I want people to not be bitchy and ignorant. Further more complaining and talking bad about one or more of your hosts friends is completely unacceptable behavior.

MAJOR buzz kill for me.

I find that in moments like this I just want to ask people to leave. However, it's not really my party so who am I to cause a scene. Yes it was at my house but not my party so I stewed quietly and prayed for them to leave sooner that later.

It was later...way later.

the next party I'm posting signs that read if you talk about my friends get the hell out and if you talk about the BGB for more than 5 minutes you owe my a dollar for every minute you talk.

Parties are there for people to socialize if you have a problem with someone or something go to a bar, that seems to be where most of the gossip and bitching happens anyway, let's keep it there.

and now I will step down from my soap box and return to our regularly scheduled program.

Office Holiday Parties

2007-12-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

Now most people know that when discussing the my place of employment the conversation usually comes with its fair share of rants, raves, stories and bitching.

Well last night was our office holiday party. It's the first year it has NOT been hosted at our CEO's house since I've been employed here. Yes there has been nostalgic talk of days when we were taking to a nice dinner and there were company wide gifts showered down on the employees or bonuses, but none of that since i've been here. Well the first year there were some small move, gas and iTunes gift cards spread around. Typically it's been a set of the most recent Grand National Championships and the years Holiday Ornament, which, incidentally arrive after the holidays usually. Now I can be a really big band geek but I do not want Marching Band DVD's for a gift and I will not hang ornaments on my tree that are from my place of employment.

Back to locations of our parties...

The last two holiday parties have been somewhat awkward and the location has been far away which is unfortunate for three reasons. 1) it takes forever to get there and back and 2) it's far enough away that unless you are going to commit to staying for more than a few hours you have to limit yourself on how much you can drink because of reason number 1. which brings us to problem number 3. In order to make the environment tolerable you feel the need to consume a number of beverages but you can't because of reasons 1 and 2.

Needless to say I and many others were relieved to find that this years party would not be at the previous location. In fact this location offered a lot of freedom because it was only blocks from our office, there would be no hour commute one way, which offered the ability to consume more beverages and in less time which ultimately means that all involved are happier.

Problem one: Bad location - solved new improved location

Now about the gifts.

We have had now showering of gifts of any sort so far. No bonuses. (I almost laugh to myself every time I type that.) No gift cards. No promises of band DVD's or holiday ornaments left on my desk after the holidays. (I'm actually o.k. with this one). I'm not sure where this leaves us. I believe our gift is that we get a holiday party. It's a bit of a conundrum.

Problem two: Bad gifts - well sometimes nothing is better than a lump of coal.

This years party was under new management and offered some new experiences for us.

The Bad Holiday Sweater Contest and the Bandee Awards.

Now let's address the bad holiday sweater contest first.

We have a rather unique office environment as it is. We all spend a great deal of time with each other and for the most part all have a pretty good time when it comes to laughing and being bitter and jaded about our jobs. With most things around here we take what liberties we can get our hands on to the nth degree. This is no exception as you will see in the photo below.

While we know it's tacky we did get some good laughs out of it...

Bad Holiday Sweater Contests gets a thumbs up for bringing some laughter to the office.

Now on to the Bandee Awards...

First of all this comes with the disclaimer that a good majority of our office are HUGE Office fans. We have various paraphernalia from the show around, calendars, Schrute Bucks, bobble-heads even one person who really could be our offices Dwight Schrute. The Bandee Awards are a spin off of the Dundee awards from The Office.

Such awards Presented were:

The Mollie Ringwald "Pretty in Pink" awarded to Travis (EC) for his use of pink in his outfits.

The Fluffiest Hair Award, The Biggest Collection of Colts Flare Award, The Funky Wardrobe, The "No, my mom does not pack my lunch" Award, The Most Proactive Dish Washer awarded to our COO, The Golden Credential Award, The Back That Thang Up awarded to My Boss for her skill in backing in our truck, The Sarcastic T-Shirt Award to our IT Manager, The Most Likely to Use Speakerphone Award to Cam, The Hottest Baby Momma Award, The "My Other Client is the Met" Award, The Biggest Belch from a Tiny Person Award, The Most Likely to Loose His Box Award, The Most Creative Use of Puppets in Video Conferencing Award, The Best Radio Phrase of the Year, "Oh Crap" awarded to me, The Best Ethnic Impersonator Award, The Most Likely to Make Fun of Everyone Award, The Biggest Diet Coke To Go Cup Award, The Kickin' It In Since the 90's Award, The Employee of the Month ...ONE Month Award, The DCI Fountain of Knowledge Award, The Most Color Coordinating Outfits Award, The Human Shield Award, The Most Original Composer of One Word Songs, "Blah, Blah, Blah" awarded to our CEO, The Abe Lincoln Canadian Diplomat Award, The Most Likely to Become a Beet Farmer Award, The MVP and Mother Theresa Patience Award, The Wildfire Expert and Honorary California Firefighter Award.

Let us not forget the annual white elephant gift exchange. This event has brought us such gifts as the sponge bob boxers, lots of booze, multiple starbucks gift cards, fake floral arrangements, car survival kits and other such quality and tack gifts.

This years high lights include the Light up Angel complete with fiber-optic color changing wings, the Chia Pet, the Scantily Clad yet Autographed Colts Cheerleader Calendar, The Beef Stick Gourmet Box, and yet again more booze.

All in all the new format of the office holiday party was a success. Special thanks to the SAC Committee (Social Activities Committee) for all of their hard work.

Note the title of this blog...

2007-12-11T16:14:00.001-05:00

Blogging is one of those things that I've never considered doing however, I'm no stranger to blogs. I do read my fair share of friends and public blogs. I view blogs as the modern day journal, only now it's actually okay to read about people's inner thoughts and happenings. In fact it's almost a challenge to see who can get the most people to read their scribbles.

I think this will be an interesting task for me. I'm getting to the point where I have so much going on sometimes that I think it would be nice to download some of the things in my head. Not to mention an opportunity to share some of the funny, strange and ridiculous things that happen during the day. Consider my place of employment, my social life and other things like the BGB that take up a good portion of my time; I should have a wealth of entries to post!

Although, I am a bit intimidated by my lack of writing experience (compounded by my ineptitude for typos and changing tenses as I write) I hope that at least some people (even just 1) will find this Blog somewhat amusing...if not I'm sure I'll look back through my posts and find enjoyment as I reflect on all of the things I hope to have written about.

If nothing else...it will amuse myself and that's all that matters..