Happy St. Patty's Day

It's time for the wearing of green. Either that or do my laundry. So today the sneaky little Leprechaun came to visit our house! When I went to go eat my cereal this morning the milk was green!! Eric thought it was me, but of course it wasn't. Also, I am teaching school today and all the Kindergarteners were wearing the cutest little green shamrock sunglasses. I am just wearing lots of green accessories and my green shoes. I hope you all enjoy your day of green and have an excellent Easter.
PS. Check out Eric's new song.

Happiness

No Time for Twiddling Thumbs

Saturday was one of the best days we've had in a long time. The day got a late start for half of our family, but when we were both up and fed, there was no stopping us! Since it was 70 degrees outside, we couldn't possibly stay inside and do nothing. And since REI was having a 20% off sale, we went to the outdoors of the indoors and got Eric his new boots.

When we got home Annie needed to go for a run so we got out our bikes, put them on the car and we were off, until we realized eric's seat post was higher than a 2x6 on our covered parking. After one quick trip to Louisville Bike Shop for a new seat, we were off again! Let's not forget Annie is still a puppy and for those who have met her, you can vouch for her everlasting energy; but for once, we actually had to come home early to give her a rest. She was pooped and thirsty after running to keep up with us on the trail. After refueling Eric and I went back out to conquer the trails and roads of Louisville. Long story short, there was a whole lot of stretching and a whole lot of resting when I got home - it was challenging, but really fun.

But the fun was not over yet! For a few weeks now Eric has been wanting to go bowling. I was doing really well at first - a strike a couple of spares. But alas, towards the end of the game, it was apparent Eric was going to beat me, twice. It's o.k. though, because next time, I'll beat him.

All in all, it was a great day. If any of you are looking for somewhere to move (cough siblings cough), Boulder would be a good place. I mean, 70 in March? Come on, you can take that.

Putting the "Service" back in IRS.

My mom recently received two envelopes from the IRS addressed to me in Doylestown, PA. She kindly forwarded them and I got them today.

The first envelope was a check from Lady Liberty for $119.00. Mind you, I have not filed my taxes yet this year (and I better be getting more than $119 when i do).

The second was a letter explaining that I was receiving my 2005 tax refund check again, because apparently it had been 12 moons since they issued me the original check and those suckers expire in one year. The kind folks at the Internal Revenue Service were balancing their check book and realized that Mr. Eric S. Forsyth never cashed his 2005 tax return (because Mr. Forsyth never saw it), "so here's another one. Don't forget to take your money back, mister!"


Even though it was my money to begin with, I couldn't help but rejoice in the fact that this unexpected addition to my checking account made the awesome hiking shoes I bought 2 days ago - unbeknownst to me at the time of purchase - free.


Actually, I got them 20% off. So really, I was paid about $20 to take those shoes from REI. I would have saved more like $22 dollars most anywhere else but Boulder sales tax is higher than a CU Boulder student on 4/20.

Crap. They always get you in the end.

Just such a great evening.

I needed a night like this.

I got home at about 7:45 p.m. I found a surprisingly great jazz radio station on the radio at home, picked up from somewhere in Wyoming and left it on the rest of the night. After an awesome homemade taco dinner Jaime made, we chilled on the couch and extemporaneously began sifting through my two stuffed journals from my missionary time in Germany. Jaime listened as I read and occasionally digressed and she eventually fell asleep after about an hour.

I couldn't stop reading. I laughed and nearly cried as acute memories of individuals I met in Germany came flooding back in. Those 2 years were so jammed packed with experiences of learning, leadership, growth, work and things far too crazy to not immediately write down in a journal. As I sat and read, my loving dog was asleep on the Love Sac she has officially occupied like a victor nation after war, my cute wife was snoozing, draped over my lap on the couch (and she does somehow always look cute when she's sleeping), and I was just remembering my own words and waxing nostalgic.

I really hope I'll be able to take Jaime the Germany soon. I'm only a tad eager because I expect it to be only the first of hopefully several trips to Europe and other places, and I know the later I start, the less the sum of trips and memories will be. There's too much to see anew and new.

It's 1:17 a.m.. I just put my journals back on the bookcase. The Wyoming jazz is still playing. Jaime's my favorite. I'm so lucky. I'll put her to bed now.

Music Box

Crank the wheel and hear music!

I'm posting this here to double up on the player already on the side bar, because on most PC's (Windows) the track listing on the right side of the player is cut off when embedded on the sidebar.
You can still play it, just can't see the whole player. Not a big deal really.

By Popular Demand

My life is also interesting. Just a few days ago I signed onto my computer and instead of my account being available to sign onto, there was an "Administrator" account. But no worries because when Bradley was helping me set up my computer he made me save everything automatically to my C drive, so I still have all my documents, pictures, etc., just no music. Thanks Brad.

On a happier note, I love Colorado! One day it will snow a few inches/feet (like the picture on top) and a week later, there will be no snow (picture below). Isn't that amazing?! If anyone ever would like to visit, we have a queen size air mattress and a really comfy couch, not to mention I've been told I'm a pretty good cook...just give us a call. Speaking of the weather, it has been up in the 40's and 50's this past week and I have been able to take Annie to the dog park after work with all her old doggy friends. There were so many dogs at the park today, I don't think she played with one dog for more than 2 minutes at a time; she's so happy.

Something else that's been keeping me away from blogging is my job. I have been substituting at least two or three times a week, and loving it! It's really interesting to see how different classes act due to the classroom management of their regular teacher - I don't know how some people do it.

Well, I hope to hear from the rest of you soon. Take care and give us a call sometime, we would love to hear what is going on in your lives! Loves.

Hotel Cafe FAQ

I don't particularly want to move to LA. But if I did end up moving to LA, one thing that would comfort me is knowing that Hotel Cafe is there. I've never been to Hotel Cafe, but I know from the wonders of the world wide web that I could consistantly rely on Hotel Cafe to be a great place to check out great music from not-too-hot artists.

I've enjoyed hunting for the good little live music venues in different places I've landed in the last 10 years - and sometimes been frustrated from the lack thereof. I was surfing Hotel Cafe's website today and read the FAQ section. With my smörgåsbord of experiences as an attendee and performer both, i found these FAQ's to be quite entertaining and solidifying of my long distance Hotel Cafe longing. With any insight at all, I hope it entertains you too.

This will make for a long post, but I don't care. Nobody reads this blog anyway. I've accepted that I'm recording as therapy.

Hotel Cafe FAQ:

These are some frequently asked questions, and some frequently given answers to go along:

Q: Can I ask you a question?
A: Yes.

Q: So, where is The Hotel Café?
A: 1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. In Hollywood. 1/2 a block south of Hollywood Blvd on the West side of the street.

Q: What time do you open?
A: 7pm. Sometimes earlier, depending on showtime. Check calendar.

Q: Is The Hotel Café still an all ages venue?
A: No. We are now 21+.

Q: Since you're not an all ages venue anymore, should i call or email to ask if the show is all ages?
A: No.

Q: But i have a friend that will be 21 in two weeks.
A: No.

Q: Do you serve food?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you take reservations?
A: No.

Q: Do you pre-sell tickets to shows?
A: Sometimes, will be noted on the calendar.

Q: If a show on the calendar doesn't have "Tickets Available HERE" or something similar next to it, should I call, email, or come by the hotel cafe to get tickets for a show that is 3 weeks away?
A: No.

Q: If a show says SOLD OUT next to it, does that mean I shoud email or come by to ask how to buy tickets?
A: No.

Q: If I send you a package, can i use Fed Ex or UPS?
A: No.

Q: Regular mail?
A: Yes.

Q: Where can I park when I come to The Hotel Café?
A: Paid parking is available in 2 fairly convenient lots. One just behind the Hotel Cafe and 1 about a ½ block North on the same side of the street. Other lots in the neighborhood are available. Follow signs that say "Parking". Street Parking is also available, but limited.

Q: I’m playing tonight, where do I park?
A: See above.

Q: I’m playing tonight, where do I load in?
A: Load in through the back door in the alley.

Q: I am playing tonight, can my guest list be 50 people?
A: No.

Q: 30 people?
A: No.

Q: 10?
A: Maybe.

Q: 7?
A: Yes.

Q: I’m not on the list, but I am *insert industry related job title here*, can I get in for free?
A: No.

Q: What if I give you my card?
A: No.

Q: It’s a nice card…
A: Yes it is.

Q: It’s got rounded edges…
A: Yes, I see... Very impressive...

Q: So, how about it then?
A: No.

Q: Can I bring in my own beer or wine?
A: No.

Q: What kind of beer do you have?
A: A Bunch...

Q: What kind of reds do you have?
A: A Bunch...

Q: Whites?
A: Yes..

Q: Can I get a Vodka Cranberry then?
A: YES. Yes you can.

Q: Can I book bands for you?
A: No.

Q: Is this thing on?
A: Yes.

Q: Is the plexi-glass around the soundboard bullet proof?
A: No.

Q: So, I do this comedy act…
A: No.

Q: Abrah Cadab…
A: No.

Q: Do you have a problem with comedians or magicians?
A: No.

Q: I see on the calendar that you have a few TBAs. Can I have the one on the 15th?
A: No.

Q: The one on the 23rd?
A: No.

Q: Any of them?
A: No.

Q: So, I am from Saskatoon Dink, Canada, and I don’t know anyone in LA, and no one knows me. Can I have a headlining spot at The Hotel Cafe?
A: No.

Q: Can I have a residency?
A: No.

Q: Please?
A: No.

Q: Can I play with a Marshall Half Stack?
A: No.

Q: What if I turn it down?
A: No.

Q: But it doesn’t sound right unless it’s really loud.
A: No.

Q: Do you have a piano?
A: Yes.

Q: Is the piano tuned?
A: No.

Q: Do you have an extra 9 volt battery?
A: No.

Q: Can I shoot a movie at The Hotel Cafe?
A: Yes. Click HERE for more info..

Q: Can I smoke in The Hotel Café?
A: No.

Q: Is this The Burgundy Room?
A: No.

Q: Is this The Room?
A: No.

Q: Do you rent rooms by the week?
A: No.

Q: Can I rent a room?
A: No.

Q: Is this even a Hotel?
A: No.

Q: Can you give my CD to Nic Harcourt?
A: No.

Q: Can I have Gary Jules’ phone number?
A: No.

Q: Is Max or Marko here?
A: They might be.

Q: I don’t have a demo, but I’m really good, can you book me?
A: No.

Q: I can play a little right now, sort of an audition...
A: No.

Q: Do you have an open mic night?
A: No.

Q: You should.
A: No.

Q: I am a music reviewer for an online magazine you've never heard of. We get 150 unique hits per day... I don't have a business card, but I would appreciate being on the "House List" every night to photo-review acts that preform at...
A: No.

Q: But I have a camera.
A: So do I.

Q: Do you allow fliming in the Hotel Cafe?
A: Not any more...

Q: Why?
A: Because Youtube video quality sucks... and 30 people holding their damn cell phones in the air blocking everyone elses view of the stage is somewhat annoying...

Q: But i work for *insert pop culture-content whoring giant coorporation here* and we'd be sure to...
A: No...

Q: That seems harsh...
A: That's not a question.

Q: I run an online music site you've never heard of, and we believe your venue would benefit greatly from advertising on our site, which stresses the importance of DIY music. Our ad rates start at...
A: No.

Q: I am playing tonight, can my girlfriend and all of her friends drink for free?
A: No.

Q: I played tonight, and brought 3 people to see me. Do I get Paid?
A: No.

Q: Does this beer taste funny to you?
A: No.

Q: Is a Stella Artois glass smaller than a pint glass?
A: No.

Q: It looks smaller?
A: Yes it does.

Q: Why is that?
A: Physics.

Q: Can I have a job?
A: No.

Q: How about I just leave my resume?
A: No.

Q: What happened to the pool table?
A: It’s gone.

Q: Do you still have the open jazz jam?
A: No.

Q: Why?
A: Because no one in LA appreciates jazz.

Q: That’s sad.
A: Yes. Yes it is.

Rocket Man cover

Because i felt like it. Click on the play button to listen.
Enjoy. :)

everybody's working for the 3-day weekend

Thought I'd take you on a low-rez, built-in Macbook camera photo journalistic journey of what it's sometimes like to work where i work. Sometimes it's awesome. Sometimes I'm tired and it's 8:30 pm and the last thing I need is a construction crew within arm's reach of my desk, raising the decibel level to brave new heights and spitting diesel fumes in my face.





If I was looking for a good excuse to leave and finish up at home, i found it. I stuck it out until the fumes started making me hack. That took 2 minutes. If I develop cancer anytime in the next 75 years, call Erin Brockovich and get me my check.

The humor was found when I remembered a colleague sitting next me told me earlier that day she liked our Miami office better because it's not so disturbingly quiet there. I asked her if she'd care to revise her statement for the record.

The construction is 24/7, but the loud, front end loader stuff is reserved for us oompa loompas working what the rest of the business world calls "after-hours." They're building a mezzanine level all the way around the whole interior of the building to provide twice and many offices and little conference rooms. When complete, there will even be 4 fire poles for quick access to the first floor without having to use those archaic stair-thingamaboogers. Optimistic thinking conjures up day dreams of being placed in one of those offices so I can justify bringing annie to work. It would be fun to chill with her all day if I had an office to keep her exploratory tendancies under wraps.

Alas, I digress. I'm off.