Shake It Up

Ahhhhh.
Nothing like a little earthquake to make your day interesting.
Yesterday we had a little shaker here that was just enough to make you wonder, is this the big one?
It happens about every ten years or so and it’s a very strange sensation. At first, with me anyways, I think I hear something. Then I realize that it’s the creaks and squeaks from the building I’m in doing the shimmy-shimmy. Then the floor begins that rolling motion that reminds me of waves on a lake or ocean. That’s about the time I notice the filing cabinets banging against each other and my monitors are swaying back and forth on my desk. And I wait. Waiting to see if I need to dive under my desk. Luckily, I’ve never had to.
I’ve been through at least 3 major quakes and several smaller ones and after a while, you get used to them. Reactions among most of the people who grew up here go like this:
“So, whaddya think? A 4 maybe 5?” (Richter scale measurement)
“Nah, couldn’t been more than a 3″. And then we go back to business as usual.

P.S. I wanted to do this post yesterday, but after being at work for 13 hours I went home and went straight to bed. I don’t think I even turned on any lights when I got home.

Unmasked!

I just found out on Saturday that I am on YouTube. Needless to say I was somewhat shocked.

Back around mid-April I was invited to a party being thrown by the same musicians I’ve been playing with in the church band. This was the first time meeting these people and also the first time I’ve performed in front of an audience. Turns out they were a great bunch of people to hang with and I had a really good time. Every few months or so they get together and throw a party and salute a singer/songwriter. This time it was a salute to James Taylor. I like a lot of his material so I went. After some coaxing and a few beers I was persuaded to play on one song. I was nervous as hell! (I showed the video to my co-worker and she said I look bored. I told her that is my “I’m scared to death and I’m trying to concentrate” look.) But it felt so good and I think it was at this point that I decided to join the church band. Now, I’m not going to directly link to the video because I’m not the type of person to blow his own horn. Although…if I could, I probably wouldn’t leave the house. Heh.
Anyway, I think I’ve left enough clues for anyone interested, but I’ll leave one more and that is I play on the song Secret Of Life, which is one of my favorites. It’s a pretty mellow song so don’t expect drum solos or anything. And I screwed up the ending but hey, it was my first time. Cut me some slack!
P.S. I’m also in the background on a few of the other songs. I had to watch all of the clips before I posted this just to make sure I wasn’t picking my nose or anything else.
P.S.S. We just had another party this last weekend and we tipped our hat to the Beatles. THAT was a blast. This time I was chosen for 5 songs: Old Brown Shoe, I Am The Walrus, I Saw Her Standing There, Lady Madonna, and Hey Jude. No video this time though.
Next one is in another couple of months. I’ve heard we’re doing Springsteen.

Summer Fun

It’s going to be close to 114 frickin’ degrees today and I’ve got a bucket-full of ice cold water balloons. Who’s next?

Grand Ol’ Flag

I think my patriotism is growing.

Have a kick-ass 4th of July everybody!!

Remember When?

I swear, gas prices have got me driving like a senior citizen. I used to drive around 5-10 miles an hour over the speed limit. Now I’m all the way to the right-hand side, driving 10 miles under the limit, trying to get the most mpg’s.

What’s that? You say you’re hot and want to turn on the air conditioning? Fuhgetaboutit!

And since we’re talking about driving, today is July 1st and a new law has taken effect here in So. Cal.. It is now against the law to talk on your cell phone while driving. If you have a hands-free device, then you’re safe. But no more holding your phone up to your ear while you attempt to navigate the freeways, find a radio station, brush your hair, eat lunch, or read.
Oh, but if you want to dial your phone, or text someone, that’s ok. Just no talkie.
How much sense does that make?