expectations can be shattered

        SUNDAY 9/30/18 7:45AM--leaving for my gig with Michelle soon...it's always better to be too early
than late...Rick is not available...dunno which of our "friends" are gonna show up...Arlene has a gig in Laurel later today, I don't expect to see her--or George...Jeff Jones? doubt it...Jeff Karn? wouldn't be surprised...the good news? we should have very good weather...
                  Having Dinner with the ex-in-laws...not really looking forward to that...I've got a "to do" list for tomorrow, not at all sure I'll get any of it done...

9:20AM- other than (apparently) a complete lack of soda vendors here, it’s a good day so far...I’m going to borrow one of Michelle‘s guitars to make things even more logistically simple... I have no idea exactly when Michelle is going to get here; if I was in charge, she’d be here in about 10 minutes-but I’m not in charge…

9PM--Michelle and I did pretty well...we were joined by Jeff Jones...I was kinda surprised, but I shouldn't have been...the three of us did pretty well too...IMO, *I* possibly more than anyone else know how to switch harmony parts if one of the other singers switches theirs...and even though I'd had some chocolate milk to wash down my breakfast, I did get my falsetto back, probably by the second set...I think I made maybe $15 dollars...there was basically nothing for me to eat...somebody was selling pizza, but not slices--that strikes me as being very weird...

             Came home from the gig, took a nap, went to Dinner with members of the Freedman family...it was ok--not great, but ok...I  would like to go to bed at 11, but I suspect I'll get that second wind soon...It's possible that when Dianne goes to bed, I'll watch the episode of Star Trek I recorded earlier...

MONDAY 9AM--went to bed at about 10PM...with the exception of an interruption or two I slept until about 6AM...gotta get bread for Lunch, make a couple of phone calls (really nervous about those) work on the dishes and do laundry--maybe...might go to Gumbo Ya Ya again tonight...

10:42AM--in spite of the compliments I occasionally get for my Musical ability, I still, right or wrong, feel ignored...not so much by the "civilians" but by other Musicians...I don't get it...

TECH NEWS-- it seems that if I listen to Spotify in BT AUDIO mode I CAN see what's coming up next--and that's important to me...

4:44PM--I don't quite feel like going to Gumbo Ya Ya tonight--physically or emotionally...I hope I feel better tomorrow night...

I expected to renew my Medicaid coverage online...I shoulda known better...so tomorrow I'll try using the phone number that allegedly connects me with...somebody...I don't know who or what...

a slave to technology

SATURDAY 9/29/18 9:38AM--I contacted Customer Support for Spotify to solve a certain dilemma...but ultimately I /we did not--yet anyway...a lot (most? all?) of my Spotify Library was borrowed (stolen?) from my iTunes Library...and not all of THOSE songs were bought from Apple--a great many of them were acquired in less than honorable circumstances (downloaded from my own [bought and paid for] CDs or extracted from youTube) and therein lies the problem...apparently there's no (easy?) way to delete the duplicates...oh well...I guess it's better than not having any songs at all...in fact, there are apparently an unknown number of songs that didn't make the leap from iTunes to Spotify...and as far as I can tell, Spotify DOES sound better than iTunes, generally...

          If I don't work in the gizmo Lab this morning, I'll do it Monday...I don't NEED to do it until Tuesday at the earliest, because all my guitar playing activity until then will likely be acoustic...unless I go to the IPO open mic...actually not (yet) looking forward to playing it in those situations...such is Life...

11AM--actually, I probably won't go to IPO because I'll likely be at Crossroads on Tuesday...and hopefully Gumbo Ya Ya on Monday...as for today, I don't think I have anything else going on...and there's nobody playing nearby tonight that I wanna see/hear...

3:21PM--I have to keep reminding myself that today is Saturday, not Sunday...so far, I haven't done much more than sleep...and I might not be done doing that...

4:22PM-still struggling with Technology...would much rather be napping...
4:32PM- I THINK my Spotify library has been updated; instead of 9000+ songs I’ve got about 3000 or so songs in it...but the laptop is pretty screwed up for some reason...I’m gonna leave it alone for about 10 minutes then try yet again to get things back to “normal “ technologically speaking...I DO wonder if having iTunes AND Spotify (even on "standby") is a problem...

    as for this evening, I'm still fairly sure I'm not going out tonight...if for no other reason, I've got that gig with Michelle in Olney...

Still seemingly having a problem with Spotify...one of the problems is I don't know how Spotify works...I THINK "Local Files" is everything you've ever listened to (maybe), "Songs" are just the things you have "saved"...I don't even know how or why I would download any songs, and I dunno where they go...and I dunno what the "Queue" is...I'm not complaining, mind you, I just don't like not understanding stuff sometimes...it seems like I have the option of wirelessly listening to Spotify, that's kinda cool...I guess because Bluetooth is enabled, I can't use AUX to listen to the Spot...I think it still works with iTunes...

making phone calls with/through Bluetooth? too complicated for me...receiving calls? it seems to be easy...

all I need is patience

             FRIDAY 9/28/18 5PM--recovering from last night's open mic...ears ringing, but that's nothing new...voice pretty much gone, a bit of a surprise...I hope Dianne doesn't have a "to do" list for the BOTH of us tomorrow...I have no plans to go out tonight or tomorrow evening either...gotta save myself for Sunday...I am hoping to go to one of the acoustic open mics on Monday, maybe both...

6:50PM--TECH NEWS-I  THINK the easiest way to listen to Spotify on my phone and in my car is through AUX...the best sounding way? I don't yet know...

       One Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza should be enough, right? better for the budget, better for my health...

9:31PM--just trying to stay up until 11:00 or so...pretty sure I'm not gonna make it to Midnight...I think I will be able to work in the gizmo Lab tomorrow for a couple of hours, more or less...kinda getting nervous about it now...

11:40PM--don't know why, but it looks like I WILL make it to Midnight after all...

SATURDAY 12:05AM-- Yep, I made it, for better or worse...hope to be in bed before 12:30...

and the (self-created?) pressure begins

      THURSDAY 9/27/18 7:08AM--after I go to the grocery store and eat breakfast, I'll get started on my homework, and there's a bunch of it...gonna try to work with the gizmo a little before Lunch...I might not have any other time to do it...unless of course I skip the after lunch nap...

9:46AM--just did some gizmo prepping...I'm nearly as ready as I'll ever be...one of the guest singers wants to do DON'T THINK TWICE--like Trini Lopez (yucchh)...I don't think I could be in a band with her unless I made $100 per gig...her tastes in Music and mine are not compatible, as far as I can tell...such is Life...I think I'm getting $50 for this gig...that's better than nothing, right? 

11:53AM--took a break from doing homework to get a pair of Crosby songs...Technically, I stole them--because I'm having trouble BUYING things from iTunes--the plan for sometime Monday is to contact Tech Support...

5PM--arrived at the OTWC at almost exactly 3:00,  followed by Butch, Brian and Stoney...kinda set up the gear, worked on some vocals...I hope to be back there by 7-ish to have Dinner...we're not gonna sound perfect, not even close, but what do ya expect with basically no rehearsal? I'm gonna try TRY very hard to relax...dunno if Xanax will be used to help with that...I expect to be in the shower by 6 and on my way to the OTWC before 7

10:05PM- the house band set went well enough-could’ve been better could’ve been a lot worse… The two female guests-Arlene and Bonn, well we all survived it…

11:05PM-I could’ve done without Jeff Karn taking the stage uninvited…I guess he can’t help himself; hopefully the night will be over in about an hour…

12:05AM FRIDAY-well maybe 12:30 or so... yeah, almost 12:30...

FRIDAY 1:38AM--just got home, $50 dollars richer...raining too hard to bring in the gear or take out the recycleibles...besides, I don't feel like doing either right now...

9:16AM--got the recycle-ables out, brought the guitar in, left the amp in the trunk...went to the grocery store got some stuff...doing laundry--not mine, but it's still laundry...Dinner tonight just might be pizza...a single personal pan Pizza Hut pizza--costs about $6, one should be enough...I could/hope to be back in bed by 1PM...

9:43AM--I was complimented a time or two on my lead vocal skills...I was even told I had the makings of a front man...I couldn't quite hear my vocals, but that's my fault to some degree...I suspect he was holding back, but Barnaby said he was having some trouble hearing his vocals and his keyboard...and we'll get to do it again in about a month...maybe by then I'll want to do it, but this morning I'm not completely sure it's worth $50 bucks...

12:10PM--I haven't heard from OZ lately; maybe I DIDN'T pass the audition after all...I'm actually OK with that...

    i’m not gonna make it to 1 PM… I’m going to try to take a nap NOW... and while I really don’t want her to I suspect the dog will be up here soon to join me in bed which of course wakes me up if only briefly

yet another tech war ?

        WEDNESDAY 9/26/18 7:30 AM--I'm convinced that Apple knows I have flirted with Spotify so they're f**king with me...IF I wanna buy anything, I'm gonna have to contact Support...
         I have to worry about that some other time; I gotta start focusing on tomorrow's open mic...the problem is, I don't feel like doing much of anything yet...
      Apparently, I have to get new glasses--because I can't get this pair clean...isn't that fucked up? *I* think it is...
       It doesn't yet feel like a good day...maybe it will be later, but now? I don't think so...

11AM--not all that good a day yet...a girl I kinda know who wants to be a singer, wants to sing DIAMONDS AND RUST...unfortunately, it's the Judas Priest arrangement...it might actually be easier to play than Joan Baez' version--I think it's in the key of E minor...I guess I'll start on all the homework after my nap...and I GOTTA practice with the gizmo tomorrow...

5:47PM--having meatloaf and potatoes for dinner...not planning on going anywhere tonight, IF there's somewhere to go...the Judas Priest song is coming along...

8:27PM- Bonnie’s Judas Priest cover is coming along,; I have the lyrics, all I have to do is fill in the chords... and I have the lyrics to MY BACK PAGES printed out as well… I am apparently singing the first and last verse... as much as I’d rather not, I will be participating in the midday load in-I guess it’s the only way to guarantee a good spot onstage…  so much for the midday nap... I would probably be too nervous to get any sleep anyway... I'm hoping my lead vocals will be quite a surprise to the audience… Angela might be there; if so, good…if not, that’s OK too...

11:34PM--I thought my worries (mostly regarding Bonnie's songs) were over, but Arlene wants to do three songs as well...I think I'm gonna be busy tomorrow...

I spoke too soon?

               MONDAY 9/24/18 8:33AM--had a bowl of Cocoa Puffs for breakfast...it has caused a (minor?) stomach ache...I'm a teeny bit worried, this could be a symptom of something serious...

12:09PM--let's see what happens with Lunch...I'm hoping to be able to go to CVS later...and to the Gumbo Ya Ya open mic after that...

4:30PM--didn't make it to CVS, I'll go tomorrow...I don't really feel like practicing w/ Lou. but he would be (at the very least) annoyed if I went out tonight but cancelled practice...so if my Dinner agrees with me, I'll likely go out...

5:49PM--I don't think I'm gonna take my guitar, just in case I'm onstage and something goes wrong internally...the Plan is to just hang out, probably alone...IF I go, that is...

8:15PM-Who was I kidding? I played electric guitar behind Gerri...for all I know, I might be finished...and that’s OK-I guess... I forgot how annoying Gerri can be; she’s a bit needier and competitive than I am...she seemingly feels as though she has something to prove, to somebody, I dunno who...

9:30PM- I think I just sang the absolute best lead vocal of my life… I'm surprised at how totally relaxed I was...I hope it turns up on Flakebook...but I don’t think it will... I believe it was the third verse of I SHALL BE RELEASED...I can say yeah I’m glad I came here tonight...

10:55PM--stopped off at the grocery store on the way home...still can't get over how well I sang that one lead vocal tonight...I can't help but wonder if anyone else feels as good about it as *I* do...I'm gonna say they don't...after all, nobody said anything to me when the song was over...trying to re-play it in my head...I just can't believe it was ME...I finally sang as freely onstage as I do in my car...desperately hoping it will become the norm...

TUESDAY 10:51AM-- Lou is coming over...there are some things I need (or want) to do but they will have to wait until--I dunno when...that kinda sucks a bit...

5:37PM--well, I went back to Gumbo Ya Ya to get the jacket I left there last night...so I accomplished something today...suddenly, I see the Acoustic Open Mic at Crossroads is on for tonight...I really  wanna go, but probably won't...bummer...and no, I don't have a crush on the hostess--not yet, anyway...for one thing, I gotta save myself for Thursday...besides, I think I'm gonna have to put Epi in the shop for real...

I could go either way OR f**k it

SATURDAY 9/22/18 11:48AM--I believe I was personally invited to go see Liz Springer at Hershey's tonight...I might go, after Dinner with the ex-in-laws...but if I'm too tired or sleepy, I'll stay home...and I still don't think going out will make me feel better emotionally...

 3:20PM--I've broken TWO strings in an attempt to re-string the "Strat" XII...so fuck it, for two or three songs? It's. Just. Not. Worth. It. So I guess I'll be using the Gizmo after all...as for the $65 guitar itself, it's gonna gather dust sitting in the corner of my bedroom...fuck...
                           Starting Monday, I'll start working on DIAMONDS AND RUST, the Joan Baez song Bonnie wants to do...it probably won't sound like the record, but I'm OK with that...
   8:50PM—maybe I’ve got “cooties” or worse...A FEW MINUTES LATER-the waitress at Hershey’s was not at all happy with my decision to just have a soda while they/she was still serving Dinner...so I left, and I won’t be back if *I* have my way...maybe it's some new policy, I dunno--but if so, it sucks...
          Something special might be happening soon...11:35PM-just got offstage from sitting in with the Hayley Fahey Trio...my guitar playing got quite a few compliments; I personally thought I did OK...
MIDNIGHT-naturally Angela went to Hershey’s...not that there's anything to BE over, but it's over between us as far as I'M concerned...
SUNDAY 1:05AM--just got in from the OTWC...would be glad I went even if I hadn't sat in with the group appearing there...
9:12AM--been up since about 8:30...with quite a stomach ache...I DID have a grilled cheese samich at the OTWC...I actually remember looking at it and hoping the cheese wasn't stale...it looked funny to me; apparently my instincts were good...I can't go anywhere in this condition...eventually the roomie is going to the grocery store, I'm hoping she'll bring back some cheese baloney and bread...I'M not going anywhere, feeling like this...I mean physically, BTW...emotionally? still feeling so-so...
3:48PM--I MIGHT look into asking Litz to put strings on the fake Strat XII...I KNOW  they'll charge for that, but I dunno how much...or (it IS easier in so many ways) I'll just say f**k it...
         I've decided to go to Giant and get a bunch of soda; I have nothing else to do and there's likely nothing on TV that interests me...got the soda and a box of cereal...
           The roomie is going out to Dinner shortly...kinda looking forward to having the TV to myself...still don't think there's anything on...
   And I dunno for sure, but maybe my body's ready for a plate full of mac and cheese...
8:27PM--so far, my mac and cheese dinner seems to be agreeing with me...I haven't had dessert yet; I'm a bit nervous about it...

soon I start preparing for next Thursday

                FRIDAY 9/21/18 7:47AM--this afternoon I'm gonna try to put new strings on the "Strat" XII...I hope I'm wrong, but I think it's gonna be a Gov't Project...we'll see...the "to do" list is short, as far as I'm concerned...put the strings on and put the dishes away...
                      I don't plan on going out tonight or tomorrow night, but who knows? I dunno what, if anything, the roomie has in store for us...there's a visit with her parents planned for either this weekend or next...I didn't feel that much better being at the OTWC last night than I felt for most of the day...I didn't play very well and I didn't get to sing any back-up vocals for anybody...and I definitely missed not having a drummer...
TECH NEWS--I installed the Spotify app on my phone...now I can listen in the car because of the Bluetooth thing...I dunno how to do too much yet, but I'm learning stuff slowly but surely--on my own mostly, the radio's instructions aren't as helpful as I'd like 'em to be...
10AM--there's a guy here to paint the front door and the shutters...I don't think he will be, but I hope he's gone by Noon...or at least working on the shutters by then, if not sooner...
11:20AM--painting the door took about 45 minutes...he could be done the shutters by Noon and I could be napping by one o'clock...it looks like I'm going with Dianne to have Dinner with her Parents tomorrow...as for tonight, I'm thinking Potomac Pizza...
12:17PM--the painter just left...I'm gonna digest my Lunch a little then go upstairs at 1PM or so...
1:05PM- now that I’ve told Dianne I wasn’t going out (because I was too tired) I feel like I might want to go out later…Although I’m still feeling somewhat neglected by my so-called friends...so why bother going out, right?
4:23PM--still seriously considering Potomac Pizza for dinner...and still planning on staying home tonight...hoping to go out tomorrow night, maybe...although I don't think that will make me feel any better...
6:10PM--dinner is done...I probably should, at some point, work on the kitty litter and the trash...I feel as though I've got lotsa time to take care of it...like I said last night, I get kinda sleepy after a "heavy" meal, and even a small pizza is a rather heavy meal...normally I would say that I MIGHT make it to 10PM, but there's almost always that second wind...

a new beginning ? I think so

                       WEDNESDAY 9/18/18 11:59PM--just got back from my audition/first practice with the Oz Revue...I think I'm in...hopefully next time we (Oz and me) won't get lost on the way TO practice and on the way HOME...
            I'm really too tired now to say more...I'll try again later this morning...
 THURSDAY 8:21AM--The cleaning ladies are coming today, but I dunno when...hopefully somewhere around 3PM...I'm gonna try to just live my Life as if it was any other day...I hope to be napping before one o'clock...
 8:49AM--me and my living areas have been prepped and ready for the arrival of the cleaning ladies...
10PM-they arrived just about 10 minutes ago...I was asleep  when they arrived… I’m gonna go to Giant and buy cheese and milk ...the plan is to go back home in about 30 minutes or so...the girls  should be gone by then...
 10:45AM-I got the groceries...I need to go to the Bank before I go to the OTWC, assuming I'm gonna go...maybe it depends on whether or not Dianne goes out tonight...I suppose I could go and just spectate; then I'd probably wish I'd brought the gear...I know Tish only hosts once a month, but it feels like I'm in a rut...
 3:30PM--I think Angela MIGHT go to the OTWC tonight...maybe MAYBE her friend Ann will go too...but there is evidence that she would rather *I* wasn't there...and no, I'm not being paranoid...My guess is that Angela will go, but Ann won't...because *I* spooked her--it hasn't even been a week since that evening, but it feels like TWO...actually I'm not 100% sure I WANT Angela to go...suddenly *I* barely wanna go...
4:16PM--just entered contact info for the apparent drummer of the Oz Revue into my phone...I DO hope he's better than what I heard last night...personally *I* think the bass player should play keys, but maybe that's just me...
4:29PM--yeah, at this point I absolutely hope Angela DOESN'T come to the OTWC...
7:40PM- going to be an interesting evening at the OTWC tonight--no drums, at least not yet…
 10:05 PM-I don’t know why, but there’s nobody here tonight… looking back on it, maybe I should’ve stayed home… The roomie did;
10:20PM-another hour and a half..UGH...
Midnight- it’s still going… And there’s one more performer left on the list… I will probably be home by 1 AM...
  Nope, it was 1:15AM...

something different? maybe

                         MONDAY 9/17/18 11:19AM--I'm supposed to practice with Lou tomorrow...I probably won't have my Epi, so I'll have to use Butterscotch...In fact, I dunno when I'm gonna get it back...and there are TWO open mics happening on Tuesday, one of which is Acoustic (only?) and I wanna go to the acoustic one...it feels like where *I* go depends on where Jeff goes...or I'll just go to Crossroads and spectate...
                I don't really feel wanted anywhere...
           TUESDAY 9/1/18 9AM--I guess Lou is coming over later...I'd be happier if he wasn't...Just about the only thing I feel like doing besides sleeping and eating is investigating the new open mic at Crossroads tonight...maybe if the weather was nicer, I'd feel better...
           10:39AM--I think Lou will be gone by 2:30, if not sooner...The Hershey's Nuggets haven't awakened me yet...and Lunch will probably make me sleepy...
  3:21PM--my afternoon nap lasted thirty (30) effin' minutes--I dunno why...I THINK Jeff is finished with my Epi; we just haven't decided when to meet up so I can get it back...I was hoping it would be sometime today...
 5:23PM--got my Epi back...I THINK the only problem is that the strings are new...I AM going to the open mic tonight and I AM taking the guitar...I'm not 100% sure I'll bring it in with me...
       9:50PM--so I'm back home...Jackie needs a couple more microphones, but other than that, I had a fair amount of fun...played guitar behind Pete Looney and Mike Taylor...some people seemed impressed, including the open mic hostess...The Epi allegedly sounded good; *I* could barely hear it...again, I think if I use less muscle to play it, it will sound even better...turn it up and be gentle--that should work...
        Unusually, I haven't heard from PayPal or Barry yet...that makes me nervous...
WEDNESDAY 12:24AM--looks like I'm picking Oz up in Silver Spring after all...a bit of a pain in the ass...oh well...
7:17AM--I got the SSA money, but still haven't heard from Barry or PayPal yet...I don't feel the need to call him, at least not today...but I'm supposed to hear from Oz sometime this morning...I might not have to go to Silver Spring to get him after all...that would be helpful to me...
2:55PM--but no, I have to go get him...such is Life...

I think I shoulda stayed in bed

         SUNDAY 9/16/18 9:33AM--I hope I'm wrong, but I think it's gonna be a looooooooooooong day...11:42AM--I watched/listened to a Beach Boys Trib Band video--an acquaintance of Ray's (that I had a crush on) said "Nice!"--well, it wasn't that nice IMO...my hearing may be going, but otherwise I trust my ears explicitly when it comes to what is "right" --whatever that word means...
            4:04PM--I was tagged in an FB post regarding last night's Crimestopper's gig...I removed it...remember, Angela said maybe a half a dozen words to me...Colleen ignored me altogether...thanx to an apparent dearth of photos, I can't even prove that I sang with the band...
           I'm starting to look forward to practice with Oz on Wednesday...I have to meet him at JV's in Falls Church; but that's better than going to Silver Spring to get him...
            4:54PM--BORED...I wouldn't be surprised if I went to bed around 10PM...thinking about having dinner--a bit earlier than usual, but like I said, I'm bored...
          6PM--nope, it looks like I'll be having Dinner at roughly the usual time...mac and cheese, of course...

no better example of "anticlimax"

    SUNDAY 9/16/18 1:01AM--the gig at PJs was IMO typically bad...I made some recordings but I'm in no hurry to listen to them...
       I wanted to be at the OTWC before Midnight IF Angela was still there...she was I made it...I don't think a dozen words passed between us...I met her friend Ann, WE talked a bit more than that...I saw/hugged Jessica...Colleen ignored me--I dunno why...I helped with a harmony part (that *I* came up with I think) on WHEN YOU DANCE; Angela missed it completely, she was outside saying goodbye to Ann...I heard it in the monitor, so I'll assume the audience heard it too...I left very soon after I got offstage; there didn't seem to be ANY reason to stay...I went on immediately after Jeff Jones, but apparently there are no pix of me and the 'stoppers together...perfect...
      Maybe the Universe is trying to tell me something; I dunno what though...

suddenly it was easy

                               FRIDAY 9/14/18 7:42AM--last Tuesday, someone shot a video at the IPO open mic...She apparently couldn't get it onto FB, but somehow (don't ask) *I* did...it's a couple of friends of mine singing a song together...You can't see me, but you can hear me; and that's what matters the most...and I just uploaded it to youTube, rather easily--just don't ask me to explain how...

       I feel as though I have quite a "to do" list in front of me, but that may not actually be true...after I finish the episode of Star Trek I recorded last night, I'll get started on it...I gotta work on the dishes, clean up in the kitchen, and put new strings on Butterscotch...I would like to check out the Gizmo, but that's one thing that might not happen, at least not today...

10:10AM--I think the "to do" list is done...new strings are on Butterscotch, clean dishes put away, dirty dishes in dishwasher, the cat food is now where IT is supposed to be...all that's left is the kitty litter...actually I dunno how securely the new strings are attached, but as Butterscotch is now the spare guitar, I'm not gonna worry as much...

11:12AM--as I often do at about this time, I'm starting to get sleepy...I gonna try to hang in there until 1PM...dinner tonight? I'm thinking Wendy's burger...
 6:37PM--went to KFC instead...it was just OK...

SATURDAY--there was a thing I couldn't do with the Gmail phone app...accidently I figured out how to do it...sometimes it's the little things that make one happy...As far as I know the roomie is picking up some groceries for me...but *I* have to go to CVS and get my drugs...probably do that after I switch the laundry...
         The equipment test I was gonna do this morning I might do right before I pack the car...besides Butterscotch is currently the spare guitar;  if there's a (minor) problem with it, I don't think that will make using it impossible, if I have to use it at all...
                    The Plan for today is to be completely ready to go to PJs by 5:30...I hope to leave Wendy's by 6:15 at the latest, which should put me at PJs by about 6:30, if not sooner...it shouldn't take an hour to set up my stuff...gonna try TRY really hard to have fun and ignore all the mistakes, etc.
         3:21PM--debating whether or not to try to make it to the OTWC after the gig, mostly to possibly see Angela and partially to hear the Crimestoppers....I'd like to be there before Midnight, but I think it would be a minor miracle if I could make that happen...the debate comes from whether going to the OTWC makes me look pathetic or not...If we stop playing at exactly 11:30 if not sooner, and I can get packed up in ten minutes or less, then I'll most likely make the attempt...
          I'm gonna go have Dinner at PJs...a 10" pizza...gonna start packing at 5:15, leave the house by 5:30...I should be there in 15 minutes or so...at any rate, I wanna be all set up and ready to play by 7:15 at the absolute latest...
               

               

now I wonder

                 THURSDAY 9/13/18 8:30AM--being referred to by someone as their "friend"--the quotation marks in this case denote sarcasm--actually hurts quite a bit...it makes me wonder who my real friends are...and if anyone thinks of ME as their friend...and of course, I've been struggling with the definition of the word "friend" for years...

                   9:09AM--going to Victor Litz to get a G string (.023) for Epi, a set for Butterscotch and a set for the "Strat" XII...Maybe I shouldn't have, but I took a Xanax...I'm REALLY concerned about this clumsiness...I dunno, maybe it's the beginning of Alzheimer's...in any case, it makes me VERY angry...and that's why I took a Xanax...

              12:06PM--so now Epi has six new strings on it, and Butterscotch will too--tomorrow...the XII string will have strings on it hopefully by Lunchtime Monday...

                 3:30PM--I think I'm meeting Jeff (and Michelle) at the OTWC tonight...I'm bringing Epi for Jeff to work on...and I'm bringing the "Tele" too...Jeff is thinking about buying it...

               5:33PM--Angela made a reference FB to not having anyone to snuggle with during a snow event; so either she doesn't know how (I think) I feel, or she's holding out for someone more handsome or whatever...

             6:07PM--Oz just sent a song list; there's more songs on it than I've ever heard him sing...I dunno if he has a keyboard player, but sure hope he does...I wouldn't mind a rhythm guitarist either...otherwise it's just me a drummer and a bass player...I don't now and never have wanted to be in a trio...

7:45PM- hanging out here at the OTWC nervously waiting for Jeff and Michelle to arrive...

11:29PM- for better or for worse, Jeff has my Epiphone… I don’t think I’m going to see it until next Tuesday; I’ll keep my fingers crossed...I hope he can do a good set-up...

live and learn, right? yeah, maybe...

TUESDAY 9/11/18 5:24PM--so I'm not taking the Epi out tonight after all...oh well...I'm gonna TRY to be mellow and quiet...who knows? I MIGHT be able to pull that off...I guess I'll go...somewhere and buy a string for the Epi...

11:47PM--someone I know (but sometimes find hard to like) is gonna take a look at Epi; I just dunno where or when...the IPO open mic was not all that crowded, especially listener-wise...Michelle Jeff and I did (IMO) a stunning version of IF I NEEDED YOU, a song I did back in the LCB days...there is a video, but I don't think it's on FB yet...the videographer sent it to me as a text message...that'll have to do for now...

WEDNESDAY 9/12/18 9:27AM--it felt like it took hours and don't ask me how I did it, but *I* managed to get Lyndy's video onto FB...it doesn't surprise me too much that one person hearing the video apparently didn't realize there are THREE people singing onstage...or she detests me...oh well...in other video news, a video shot awhile back at Smokin' Hot, with me Dave and Paula in it, that *I* thought was lost has been found...and saved--on my FB page...I DO wish Colleen had put it on youTube, then I could have extracted the audio and put it in iTunes...

 I tried to put it on youTube myself, but as far as I can tell, I failed...such is Life...FWIW, I don't plan on going anywhere tonight...I'm so tired or sleepy, I might have an early Lunch and be back in bed before 1PM...

2:48PM--and that's what happened...kinda have mixed feelings about staying in tonight, it helps to know that I might be going out tomorrow night...

8:28PM- in other Tech news, something has apparently gone wrong with my Calendar-that is, the one that came with the phone, not the Google Calendar...I can no longer refer back to past events to find out when they occurred… maybe I will start using the Google Calendar exclusively… I don’t think a trial run is a bad idea; SLIGHTLY LATER- it’s quite possible that the Google calendar has retained past events, for instance the time I spent housesitting for Mike- and Linda…

a new beginning

         MONDAY 9/10/18 7:50PM- I just talked to Oz Smith… My first rehearsal with the Oz Review is scheduled for next Wednesday at 7 PM, in Falls Church Virginia... and he’s given me two of John Donovan’s songs to learn YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT and LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH... I expected something like this to happen; I knew it would feel weird, and it does… If the Review  is busy enough, I can easily give up my position with the Combustibles...
        Oz  doesn’t seem to play in Montgomery county very often; I am going to ask him why that is…

          I’m not sure what’s wrong with my Mail app, but I’m considering replacing it with the official Gmail app… But first I’m going to go to the Verizon Store and check with them-hopefully they’ll know what to do... it’s STILL very very frustrating to me...

     And now I am beating myself up over the selection of the Epiphone as my new acoustic guitar...Surely I’ve learned  my lesson…All of this anxiety over a hasty purchase...my own impatience is to blame...knowing that makes me feel worse...It IS  easier to play, and from what I can tell, it sounds good amplified…and, as I noted earlier, Lou says it sounds good  un-amplified... there really is no use crying over spilled milk...to some degree, I have to force myself to wait until Wednesday before I go to the Verizon store...very frustrating...

   8:52PM- -slowly but surely I’m starting to think about possibly being a permanent member of the Oz review...that’s rather exciting…

11:10PM- due to unforeseen circumstances, Lou had to cancel…So I probably will go to the Verizon store tomorrow morning-and hope for the best...

TUESDAY 7:50AM--undecided about going to the IPO...or at least which guitar I would take with me...I want Eric to check it out...very nervous about going to Verizon...I will try not to let them talk me into doing something I don't really wanna do...

11:52AM--went to Verizon...installed the Gmail app onto my phone...don't EVEN ask me how, but I ultimately sent the MSR recording into my iTunes Library...

12:59PM--made the CD for Michelle...dunno if it works yet...LATER-yeah, it works...
3:40PM--broke the G string (.023) on "Epi"...don't have a replacement...I'm kinda sorry I didn't keep the Crafter...well, now I know what I'm taking to the IPO...
 

modern technology? you can have it

SUNDAY 9/9/18 4:32PM--I used to be able to send myself iPhone recordings...today, I can't...that's SUPER frustrating...can't make a CD until I mail it to myself and download it into my iTunes Library...I have no fucking idea how to fix the problem...SUPER DUPER frustrating...

5:47PM--using the Lou and Scott recording from last Thursday I was able to mail it to myself  FINALLY!!!
But I still can't mail the MSR recording; and I still dunno why...

6:56PM--just killing time until I go to bed, sometime before Midnight perhaps...I think I'll be recording an episode of Star Trek in awhile...will likely watch it when the roomie goes to bed herself...

MONDAY 9/10/18 3:26PM--put three new strings on the Epi...it was a bit of a Gov't Project, glad I didn't bother with the "bottom" three...Lou is coming over tomorrow at Noon...and yet I plan to go to the IPO o.m. after Dinner...there's an open mic tonight, probably the closest one to where I live...I might go, but I dunno if I'm gonna take the Epi...putting a .010 on the high E string hasn't yet put a stop to the problem I'm having near the twelfth  fret...

4:50PM--somewhat reluctantly having (1) Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut...and an order of mozzarella sticks...In part because Lou is coming over tomorrow, I probably won't go out tonight...of course in the morning I may wish I had...I dunno for sure, but I don't think the Monday open mic has caught on yet...

6:31PM--Dinner is history...I have two leftover slices of pizza in the fridge--dunno when I'm gonna eat 'em...I'm about 90% sure I'm staying in tonight...

The things we do for music

     SATURDAY 9/8/18 4:40PM- after WAY too much discussion and volleying back-and-forth, it looks like Rick Kanton is going to do the gig with me and Michelle... I am picking him up at the Glenmont Metro; and, I believe, Michelle is bringing him back after the gig… I’ll definitely feel a little better once he’s actually sitting in my car-of course I won’t be able to do this… so I’m sticking to my original plan to go to Seibel‘s and have dinner; Rick says he’s already had dinner and isn’t hungry and will worry about food later…

         Speaking of food, I stopped off at Linda’s and fed the cat; on the way to her house I nearly got  into a car accident--twice...

      I’m pretty sure the three of us are going to sound really good, but it sure has been a major Government Project to make it happen… if the gig ends when it’s supposed to, and I can figure out how to get there, I just might go to the OTWC...

4:55PM- I can’t believe it...it’s actually gotten a little bit chilly and breezy-and I’m wearing shorts… I hope we don’t play outside, besides which it’s trying to rain;  Rick told me that he’s bringing his electric guitar; does that mean he’s bringing an amplifier to? I sure as hell hope he doesn’t... on the other hand, I can probably guarantee that he doesn’t like the way an electric guitar sounds coming through the PA system…

       and now I feel really stupid for wearing shorts… Plus, it’s starting to drizzle a bit;

10:50PM-after the MSR gig, I went to the OTWC to see Angela, who went to see The Magical Mystery Girls...I saw her, she saw me ...now what?

SUNDAY 2AM--just got in from the OTWC...had an OK time...I don't regret going there--yet...
12:53PM--now that I've had some time to reflect...I picked Rick up from the Metro at about 5PM and we arrived at Seibel's thirty minutes later...it turns out our soundman was Brent Ruggles...I had (still have?) a crush on the woman who is now or soon will be (I believe) his EX wife...not once did I think about that last night...MSR sounded pretty darn good considering we had NO rehearsals before the gig...there were some rough spots but generally IMO we did better than we might have done...

              I heard from OZ...he hasn't come out and said that I'm in the Band permanently yet but he's working on scheduling a rehearsal in the near future...I suspect it may depend on how good the 10/6 gig goes...at least that's what I'm telling myself...

hey it's good, to be back home

      SATURDAY 9/8/18 11:47AM--it sure feels good to be back in G-burg...in thirty minutes, more or less, I'm going upstairs to take a nap...for how long, I'm not sure...I don't think I'm leaving for Rockville (to feed the cat) until about 4:00, which means I need to be outta the shower by 3:30 or so...I hope to be at Seibel's by 5:30 if not a bit sooner...and frankly, it would be easier on me if Rick doesn't do the gig...

Sometimes I am just TOO nice

    THURSDAY 6:18PM-  dinner was just… OK; I volunteered to play tomorrow’s gig for free if that’s what it takes to get Rick Kanton  and/or the sound guy on board... having Rick involved would make Michelle and I sound a lot better, but it would create a logistics challenge ... I THINK if Michelle doesn’t have to worry about the sound equipment, she can help with the transportation situation...

7:15PM- for better or worse, the living room TV is on the fritz… Something must’ve happened while I was at dinner... so now I’m downstairs… So far the downstairs TV is working fine with the exception of that low-volume hum… I talked to Linda about the upstairs TV, she said Mike knows how to fix it, but he was at a conference… thankfully, it’s my last night here;

10PM- thanks to Mike and Linda, the upstairs TV is working again... I think I’ll be watching TV for another couple of hours; and then at midnight I will go upstairs and try to go to sleep… on the other hand  I’m hearing the rumble of thunder, rather often...and it IS raining, if lightly...

SATURDAY 9/8/18 8:50AM- well, I’ve started the clearing out procedures;  not necessarily in any specific order…  my amp is already in the trunk, and the trash and kitty litter have been taken care of…

10:16AM--back in G-burg, yaaay! don't yet know if Rick is in or out...I think I could go either way...In fact, *I* think Michelle should get him TO the gig and *I* should take him home...but I'm not in charge...

So it took about a week

         So it took about a week to spend the money I earned housesitting for Mike and Linda... I would say most of the purchases were necessary… The book I bought? Not exactly necessary—I’ve been looking for it in the thrift shops for a couple of months now… today’s breakfast was relatively expensive; my dinner plans have changed because of my financial situation-no pizza tonight…

12:10PM- all of a sudden I am very very tired, can barely keep my eyes open…  i’m going to be napping somewhere before 1PM...

2:50PM- again I got a little bit of a nap, not as much as I wanted but still… I’m looking forward to a rather full evening of TV watching... if the various TV shows (MASH, Star Trek, Friends) don’t get me to 11 o’clock or midnight I have a book to read…as for dinner, the pizza idea went out the window… Instead I’m going to Wendy’s for the chicken fingers; and I’ll eat ‘em there...

a major change

       WEDNESDAY 9/5/18 11:50PM- through less than ideal circumstances, I may soon become a member of the Oz review...I might already have a gig with him on October 6th in Waldorf, for $125...I’ll know more tomorrow and let him know whether or not I can do the gig…

THURSDAY 12:10AM- now my brain is racing a bit … I HATE when that happens;  aside from whatever “to do” list Dianne has cooked up for me, I think I need to stop off at Guitar Center...I’m rather disappointed with Victor Litz Music... and, of course, a little bit mad at myself for being so hasty- maybe I should’ve done some more shopping for an acoustic rather than buy just about the first one I tried out...it sounded really good coming thru an amplifier, but it sounds to me a little weak unplugged… Which is actually the opposite of the Crafter guitar that I had...I do wanna find that stomp box that’s missing-it’s a graphic EQ...I get the feeling I’m going to need it…

8:47AM--I found the stomp box! As soon as I started looking for it...it needs a battery, but I've got (at least) one already...boy, was I shocked...

12:20PM- I’m really wishing I had taken more time to think this through… I THINK the strap I bought this morning will work just fine-although I did have to cut it, quite a lot… I also bought another set of strings, slightly heavier I think… I will probably put those on tomorrow… there is the possibility that the string winder I need is in the case that I gave Victor Litz... in which case I need to buy another one...

4:30PM-I guess  I have to admit, at least to myself, that I made a mistake…I’ve never missed an instrument after getting rid of it, but now I kinda miss the Crafter... Will I ever learn my lesson? *I*  wouldn’t bet on it…

6:15PM- it took pretty much a whole hour to go from Rockville to the Music Cafe in Damascus... (whew) And  it has occurred to me that I am back to not having a guitar worthy of my abilities IMO; the Epiphone is a  beginner’s guitar...

8:22PM- The Lou and Scott set went well enough; my guitar sounded good through the monitor and it was easy to play although I think I need to raise the guitar strap up a little bit and replace the three top strings with a thicker gauge... Lou tried it out before we got on stage he said it sounded good and felt good-that’s good enough for me… I think generally it could’ve been louder in the mix…

11:50 PM- I’m going to stay up long enough to digest the two ice cream sandwiches I ate a few minutes ago… In my mind I’m hungry; but the reality of it is I really don’t need to eat anything else tonight… I had a half a dozen mozzarella sticks when I was at the music Café in Damascus... I REALLY shouldn’t eat anything else tonight…

 An old friend of mine showed up rather late in the evening… It was rather  hard to keep my hands off of her, married though she is... she’s not at all voluptuous, and has a run of the mill ass in my opinion ... and yet I’ve always thought of her as being quite sexy… oh well…

          I haven’t finalized my plans for Friday yet;  I might clean up around here and pack up as if I was going back to Gaithersburg… I have to be here Saturday morning to feed the cat and again at 4 o’clock to feed the cat-after which it will be time to go to the gig... I guess I’ll be leaving from here,  which is closer then leaving from Dianne’s house…

FRIDAY  12:20AM- I’m seriously considering NOT changing the strings on the Epiphone...the strings that are on there are just now getting broken in… Again, it’s a matter of learning how to use a lighter touch... I hope to use the chorus pedal at the gig with Michelle, and possibly the EQ pedal as well- better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it...

9:45- I think I’m going to go over to the music and arts center; mostly, I’m just killing time; but I might buy some guitar picks and or a string winder-because I don’t want to have to go back to Victor Litz and get whatever stuff I may have left in the Crafter guitar case… And I’m not sure I got such a great deal from Guitar Center either… I’m running out of places to buy musical stuff... I might go to Barnes & Noble booksellers because they’re so close and I still have some time to kill before Lunch...

I did it again, didn’t I?

  WEDNESDAY 9/5/18 4:35PM- I think I did it again-- I made a decision too hastily… The Epiphone plays more easily than the Crafter, but that’s partially because of the extra light gauge strings… I have to either develop a much much lighter touch or use a slightly heavier gauge of guitar string, heavier than .009-.047... I hope I can find such a set...

       Looks  like Bruce can’t make it to band practice; but we’re going to go ahead and practice anyway-I dunno why...but if I’m going to waste an evening of my time, playing music is just about the best way to do that... I am trying not to let my opinion of the Combustibles bother me...or more specifically, the idea that I am alone in feeling the way I do, that the band pretty much sucks...

   Angela  is “interested“ in seeing Michelle and me at Seibel’s... I think I’d like to see her there; there is the possibility that Rick will be joining us, but I haven’t heard anything lately…

11PM- The Combustibles rehearsal went as badly as I thought it might… Either Barry doesn’t like to be told what to do (by me) or he likes to fuck with me…I find  it hard to believe he hasn’t learned how to sing certain phrases properly… we’ve been doing SURRENDER by cheap trick for what feels like a few years now  and he still can’t sing a certain phrase correctly...maybe he doesn’t care or  he thinks no one in the audience will notice- that strikes me as being  ridiculously  condescending…I  wouldn’t bet that no one would notice the mistakes we make- and we make so many…

     On the other hand, I just heard from my friend Oz...sad to say, I may be his new guitar player… his current guitar player, a good friend of mine, has been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer; As  far as I can tell this is really bad news...

a hectic couple of days

          TUESDAY 9/4/18 7:51AM--I'm here in G-burg having cereal for breakfast; after which I'm gonna prep the trash and possibly set it at least part way out...that includes the kitty litter...some of the stuff I was gonna do while I was in the neighborhood is gonna wait until tomorrow...I plan to come back here tomorrow morning, wash the rags and make mac and cheese that I can have for dinner tomorrow...

           As for this evening, I'll likely go to the IPO open mic...I don't expect to see Angela there, but Michelle said SHE would be there...

 5:47PM- having dinner at Wendy’s on 355 not too far from the IPO…  Lou and I got together this afternoon to practice; we got some work done…  tomorrow I’m going to Gaithersburg to wash the rags and make tomorrow’s dinner…

8PM- The open mic was canceled due to a lack of air conditioning… So my host (Eric) and I started talking about acoustic guitars… Before you know it we were at Victor Litz and I was laying the groundwork for a deal to be made tomorrow after lunch...I would like to discuss the details of the deal, but I’m suspicious-I don’t want to jinx it…I should say no more... I just hope I can get some sleep tonight...

9:40PM- I’m willing to say this much-Acoustic music might be more important to me in the future if things go according to plan…

10:30PM- for the first time since I started have house sitting here, I cleaned out the cat's litter box- it was easier than I thought it was going to be…  trying to stay up until midnight, only because I don’t want to wake up at five in the morning…and of course, I’m trying not to think about my visit to Victor  Litz...

WEDNESDAY 9:30AM--in G-burg, washing the rags, cooking my Dinner...doing stuff...trying to be calm--yeah, right...

10:39AM--gonna eat Lunch soon, drop off the package I forgot at Parcel Plus, then go to Litz...rumor has it that there's band practice tonight; I hope not...it doesn't make a difference--am *I* the only band member who knows that? Apparently...

11:12AM--unfortunately there IS practice tonight...

12:53PM- well, I KNEW that the deal that I started last night was not going to be the deal that I went with this afternoon...I did NOT trade even up one guitar for the other but I only had to put out $100 and I got a gig bag...the guitar I bought wasn’t going to fit in the case  that the Crafter came in... and I know pretty much for a fact that Little is going to sell the crafter for at least $400... so, I think, I gave lips a guitar for free plus $100 and in exchange they gave me a guitar that they probably paid maybe $150 for and a gig bag… Financially they did way better than I did; but I got the acoustic guitar I wanted…

dividing my time

MONDAY 9/3/18 NOON--as I write this, I'm in G-burg, but I will be leaving for Rockville somewhere around 3:30, more or less...dunno if I'm gonna get or even take an afternoon nap...but I strongly suspect that after helping the roomie with outdoor chores, I'll NEED a nap...

4:10PM- actually, the roomie’s Government Project went rather quickly… I had lunch and then took  a little nap... so now I am back in Rockville, prepared to do pretty much nothing this evening except watch TV… I am expecting to see Lou tomorrow, and we’re going to practice here in Rockville starting at noon… I brought my acoustic guitar here from Gaithersburg; and tomorrow, although I’m not sure when, I intend to pick up my amp and “eBay” in case I want to go to the IPO open mic tomorrow night...what else is there to do?

7:30PM- getting sleepy or tired… I’m sure I’ll wake up in a few minutes and then I’ll be wide-awake at that point in time when I want to go to bed…whenever that will be...

going to have to go retail, I guess…

   SUNDAY 9/2/18 8:40AM- I am at Unique Thrift Store...I DID find two pairs of dark cargo shorts that fit, but I did not find a two-piece suit… So I guess I’m going to have to go to retail for that; unless I have one at home that I forgot about…

  9:03AM- I am finished shopping, she is not yet, but will be soon... I wish there was a way I could get out of going to see the play in Olney ; I’m very tired or sleepy or something… I think I’m going to need M&Ms and Dr. Pepper... The play is two hours and 45 minutes long, with a 15 minute intermission…

7PM- there was a  some sort of incident at the Olney  theater--I’m not sure exactly what happened, but we were instructed to wait outside the building for about 30 minutes...there’s nothing like fresh pizza, and that’s not really what I had for dinner…

I should probably go to the grocery store tomorrow morning before I go to Dianne’s to do…whatever  it is we’re going to do;

9:05PM- The good news, if you want to call it that, is that I’m watching TV in the living room of Mike and Linda’s house--the downstairs TV where I was starts making a scary noise after a few hours of use... The last time I did this house sitting gig for them I messed up the living room TV in some manner; but that was many months ago, and it seems to be working fine now... there is a MASH marathon on now and another one starts tomorrow on another channel... I MIGHT have set the DVR to record a few episodes, but I’m not really sure…

9:45PM- this is day two of my eight day house sitting gig, and I’m already almost wishing it were over... but I’m not complaining, at least not about the money…

10:10PM- well, I will probably make it to 10:30… But I don’t think I’m gonna make it to 11 o’clock, much less midnight…