Thursday, October 16, 2008
I Hate Thursdays.
It's one of those days that isn't eaxctly the middle of my week or the end of it either. It just seems to be one of those days you just have to "get through". Know what I mean? This is off topic but, I think I'm going to try to stop smoking. I don't klnow if I can do it or not but, I really need to try, at least. The reason for it isn't so much the health factor. I know that should be reason number 1 but, for me, it's about my ability to sing. I was great when I was younger. Really great. Fucking awesome would be one way to say it. However...now...I'm good but that's about it. I just don't sing that often anymore because I'm not as good as I used to be and I get frustrated with myself for damaging the best thing I do. I need to quit for myself. I need to quit for my future. I need to quit for Life. I'm thinking that I might try the "patch". That seems to work for some. Or the gum. Aparently it comes in all kinds of delicious flavors. I used to borrow the gum from my Mom for long plane rides and it got me through, even when I would have a cocktail or three. Of Course, as soon as I got off the plane I was outside suckin' em down. Maybe, I'll try on Monday.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
o.k. so...I'm new to this blogging thing.
My sister Jessie insisted that I start a Blog. I personally thought it might be a bit narcissistic to think people would actually care about what I have to say. I guess time's gonna tell on that one...anyway, I'm calling this my first official entry because the others were just some stuff I wrote a while ago. I write a colomn here at work every month for our newsletter and I write our departments entry of our monthy mass E-mail. I've always enjoyed writing and have been told I have a talent for it. Whatever. I'm going to take a page from my friend Mark Noxon and formally introduce myself. My name is Joe Anderson and I live in Madison, WI. I live near the east-side in a crappy two bedroom apartment with my fiance' Lisa Fish. I just recently asked her to marry me after about five years and we have been living together in sin for about four years. O.K. our place really isn't that decrepped, it just has some stuff wrong with it. For instance, our faucet sprays water in every direction when you turn it on, our front closet door is broken and hanging on by a screw,and one of the flourescent lights just flickers repeatedly when you turn it on. I just recently asked her to marry me after about five years. I fancy myself a musician, I play guitar and piano, but I'm a singer by trade. I chose instruments I could accompany myself on. I really dig the singer-songwriter type of music and that's the kind of stuff I like to write. I can write the music, but the lyrics I have trouble with. Alright, that's it for now. Gotta go take a piano lesson.
work on Saturday
hi everyone,
well, here I am on a saturday morning sitting at work, listening to the 'Once" soundtrack. I watched it again last night before fallingasleep. I really like that movie and it's music. I'm glad I saw itbecause it's really gotten me back into playing guitar. I've got mycalouses back and my chops. I would even go so far as to say I'm better thanI ever was. I'm working overtime today even though the higher-ups don'tapprove. Bethany, who usually works on Satuday is gone today because it'sher birthday.Normally, if I were to work on a Saturday she would ask me to tradesome hours with her but, you know I don't think that's fair. So, earlierin the week when she asked me to work I told her I was unavailable. I lied cuz Iwanted to take her shift this week and really wanted the overtime. but I'messentially doing her a favor. What has she ever done for me? If she wants theday off, she can but, I hate coming in on a Saturday if I don't have to. Iwork 40 hours a week as it is and stretching that over 6 days really is a painin the ass. I'd really like to get paid more for coming in an extra day. Iasked her yesterday what she was doing for her birthday and she said she was" apple picking and going on a hike." sounds fun...like watching chickmovies all day and crying til your eyes hurt. Anyway, that means I'm here. Ithink they're going to try and make me go home early but, I need the Money!So, I'm going to make myself busy so I can get all 8 hours. I rode my bikein today. Frost was on the ground for the first time this season, a definitechill in the air. My hands were really the only thing giving me grief for beingout in the cold. I actually had a beautiful ride in today after my body startedto warm up. The sky was clear and the sun was shining on my back, no wind atall. Lake Monona was like glass and the shoreline fisherman were out infull-force, all bundled up and lining the bike path in front of the Terrace.Further down the path, I come close to the coloseum and the Dairy Expo is beingheld there all weekend. The field behind it is clogged with hundreds oflive-animal trailers and the smell of shit has taken over the oxygen andit's pretty hard to hold you breath on a bike. By the time I arrived atwork, it had warmed up a little. The sun was higher in the sky and my back wassweaty. A unique ride in respect to the time. Well, the point of this e-mail isthat I wanted to stretch my writing muscles a bit. Thanks for reading!
well, here I am on a saturday morning sitting at work, listening to the 'Once" soundtrack. I watched it again last night before fallingasleep. I really like that movie and it's music. I'm glad I saw itbecause it's really gotten me back into playing guitar. I've got mycalouses back and my chops. I would even go so far as to say I'm better thanI ever was. I'm working overtime today even though the higher-ups don'tapprove. Bethany, who usually works on Satuday is gone today because it'sher birthday.Normally, if I were to work on a Saturday she would ask me to tradesome hours with her but, you know I don't think that's fair. So, earlierin the week when she asked me to work I told her I was unavailable. I lied cuz Iwanted to take her shift this week and really wanted the overtime. but I'messentially doing her a favor. What has she ever done for me? If she wants theday off, she can but, I hate coming in on a Saturday if I don't have to. Iwork 40 hours a week as it is and stretching that over 6 days really is a painin the ass. I'd really like to get paid more for coming in an extra day. Iasked her yesterday what she was doing for her birthday and she said she was" apple picking and going on a hike." sounds fun...like watching chickmovies all day and crying til your eyes hurt. Anyway, that means I'm here. Ithink they're going to try and make me go home early but, I need the Money!So, I'm going to make myself busy so I can get all 8 hours. I rode my bikein today. Frost was on the ground for the first time this season, a definitechill in the air. My hands were really the only thing giving me grief for beingout in the cold. I actually had a beautiful ride in today after my body startedto warm up. The sky was clear and the sun was shining on my back, no wind atall. Lake Monona was like glass and the shoreline fisherman were out infull-force, all bundled up and lining the bike path in front of the Terrace.Further down the path, I come close to the coloseum and the Dairy Expo is beingheld there all weekend. The field behind it is clogged with hundreds oflive-animal trailers and the smell of shit has taken over the oxygen andit's pretty hard to hold you breath on a bike. By the time I arrived atwork, it had warmed up a little. The sun was higher in the sky and my back wassweaty. A unique ride in respect to the time. Well, the point of this e-mail isthat I wanted to stretch my writing muscles a bit. Thanks for reading!
Bored at Work...
so..... how's everyone doing today? Im here at work...again. God, it seems like I'm here 5 days a week! If you have a stock portfolio or a 401k, it might be looking a little better today. The market surged yesterday. I don't personally have any stock but, I think it's good to stay current on those things. For conversational purposes. It's a beautiful day here in Madison. My ride in was pleasent albeit a little cold, at first. I'm usually sweating through my shirt by the time I get here no matter what the temperature. I realize that's gross but, I like to think of it as a clean sweat since I shower right before I leave. Oh, I almost forgot! If you have access to Youtube today, I have a few suggestions; Lucas Cates. Kenny plays with him and they have a few videos that are really cool. Some performances on some southern news shows and a showing on Urban Theatre, which is a local cable show that features some of the areas best acts.Lisa and I have also contracted them for our Wedding. They didn't have a choice since two of his band mates are in my wedding party. Also, has anyone ever heard of a girl named "Julia Nunes"? She is a college girl in New York State who has made a name for herself through YouTube. She is a musician specializing in ukulele and most of her videos have over a half-million hits or more. Her original " into the sunshine", has over a million views. I particularly like her rendition of "Survivor" by Destiney's Child. Never a fan of the original but, she breathes new life into it. I highly recommend it. Also she has albums, merch and she has recently opened for Ben Folds a number of times. If anyone wants to write me back I'll be here ALL DAY!
My Trip to Door County
An Essay by Joseph Anderson
When I was asked to accompany the New Horizon Band for their Door County weekend, I’ll be honest; I wasn’t too thrilled. The prospect of driving a rickety old van four hours to Door County to listen to band music all weekend didn’t sound like my cup of tea. As the time to leave drew near, I started asking Peter Ziegler questions like, “What exactly is my job when I’m there?”. He told me I was there to “be available”. I wasn’t really sure what that meant. I left Ward-Brodt Thursday afternoon in the pouring rain in an ’85 Chevy Van, loaded to the top with about 300 pounds of percussion instruments, luggage, a bike and my directions to Bailey’s Harbor. It took a while to get used to the van but, after about an hour of driving, it felt like I had been driving it for years. It was raining in Bailey’s Harbor and my arrival was wet, cold and frustrating since I had put my luggage near the center of the van, I was forced to take a bunch of instruments out to free my bag. I reserved a room at the Square Rigger Motel because registration was early on Friday morning. My room was a typical motel room except for the unbelievable view I was greeted with the in early morning. By then, the sun was rising over the waters of Lake Michigan and the sky had cleared and it would stay that way for the whole weekend.
Arriving at Bjorklunden Retreat Center, I was immediately struck with memories of summer camp. Everybody arrived around the same time with all of their luggage and smiles on their faces. The retreat center was an immense and beautiful building furnished with a predominately Scandinavian theme. The rooftops were adorned with dragon heads in the style of old Viking ships. The inside was wood decorated with large, framed posters from Sweden, beautiful armoires and hutches. My room was the last one on the second floor and to my surprise, it was huge! I had four beds to choose from! I picked the one near the window. After unloading the van, the band room was set up and rehearsal began at noon. I took some time to get to know the area a little bit by taking a bike ride into town. I returned to the sounds of sirens behind me. Had I been exceeding the speed limit on my bike?! It turned out that one of the members had severe chest pains in the middle of the very first rehearsal! An ambulance took him to the nearest hospital in Sturgeon Bay and the rehearsal continued after a short break. Apparently, this was the first incident in about 14 years. It turned out he was O.K., but a lot of people were pretty scared. The town of Bailey’s Harbor was pretty much what I expected. One main road lined with shops, restaurants and motels. All of the towns look the same up there and it’s impossible to get lost because everything is connected to hwy 57. I never made it to “ the end of the world”, but I went to Fish Creek and Sister Bay, which is where I ended up having dinner by myself right on the shore of the lake during sunset. Both of these towns would have fit perfectly into any touristy area. I kept myself entertained for a good portion of the time I was there with bike rides, my guitar and general exploration of the area.
Saturday night, everyone had dinner at Florians, an old supper club straight out of the ‘60’s, right down to the cheesy lounge singer in the bar. Dinner was served under a domed glass patio overlooking the lake. I sat with some of the younger members of the band, and by younger, I mean they were in their sixty’s. Conversation centered around me mostly. They asked to regale them with my youth so I told them I was going to buy an engagement ring, which turned the conversation to the topic of marriage and then politics. I was surprised by the amount of profanity the topic of politics can produce. Then again, everyone was pretty snockered near the end of the meal. Dinner was over and the party began with a jam session of various band instruments. Everyone trading solos on clarinet, sax, banjo and even piccolo. I could appreciate the musicality but the music itself wasn’t exactly for me. The party continued into the night from what I understand. I actually ended up back at Bjorklunden early and went to bed.
The next morning I woke around 8:30, went to town and grabbed some delicious coffee at the Espresso Café. When I returned the band was rehearsing for the last time and they sounded great. It’s amazing what an intense weekend of rehearsal will do! At noon it was all over. I packed up the van, said my goodbyes and headed south, back to reality. I really enjoyed meeting all of these new people and the time I spent in Door County. I really hope to do it again sometime.
When I was asked to accompany the New Horizon Band for their Door County weekend, I’ll be honest; I wasn’t too thrilled. The prospect of driving a rickety old van four hours to Door County to listen to band music all weekend didn’t sound like my cup of tea. As the time to leave drew near, I started asking Peter Ziegler questions like, “What exactly is my job when I’m there?”. He told me I was there to “be available”. I wasn’t really sure what that meant. I left Ward-Brodt Thursday afternoon in the pouring rain in an ’85 Chevy Van, loaded to the top with about 300 pounds of percussion instruments, luggage, a bike and my directions to Bailey’s Harbor. It took a while to get used to the van but, after about an hour of driving, it felt like I had been driving it for years. It was raining in Bailey’s Harbor and my arrival was wet, cold and frustrating since I had put my luggage near the center of the van, I was forced to take a bunch of instruments out to free my bag. I reserved a room at the Square Rigger Motel because registration was early on Friday morning. My room was a typical motel room except for the unbelievable view I was greeted with the in early morning. By then, the sun was rising over the waters of Lake Michigan and the sky had cleared and it would stay that way for the whole weekend.
Arriving at Bjorklunden Retreat Center, I was immediately struck with memories of summer camp. Everybody arrived around the same time with all of their luggage and smiles on their faces. The retreat center was an immense and beautiful building furnished with a predominately Scandinavian theme. The rooftops were adorned with dragon heads in the style of old Viking ships. The inside was wood decorated with large, framed posters from Sweden, beautiful armoires and hutches. My room was the last one on the second floor and to my surprise, it was huge! I had four beds to choose from! I picked the one near the window. After unloading the van, the band room was set up and rehearsal began at noon. I took some time to get to know the area a little bit by taking a bike ride into town. I returned to the sounds of sirens behind me. Had I been exceeding the speed limit on my bike?! It turned out that one of the members had severe chest pains in the middle of the very first rehearsal! An ambulance took him to the nearest hospital in Sturgeon Bay and the rehearsal continued after a short break. Apparently, this was the first incident in about 14 years. It turned out he was O.K., but a lot of people were pretty scared. The town of Bailey’s Harbor was pretty much what I expected. One main road lined with shops, restaurants and motels. All of the towns look the same up there and it’s impossible to get lost because everything is connected to hwy 57. I never made it to “ the end of the world”, but I went to Fish Creek and Sister Bay, which is where I ended up having dinner by myself right on the shore of the lake during sunset. Both of these towns would have fit perfectly into any touristy area. I kept myself entertained for a good portion of the time I was there with bike rides, my guitar and general exploration of the area.
Saturday night, everyone had dinner at Florians, an old supper club straight out of the ‘60’s, right down to the cheesy lounge singer in the bar. Dinner was served under a domed glass patio overlooking the lake. I sat with some of the younger members of the band, and by younger, I mean they were in their sixty’s. Conversation centered around me mostly. They asked to regale them with my youth so I told them I was going to buy an engagement ring, which turned the conversation to the topic of marriage and then politics. I was surprised by the amount of profanity the topic of politics can produce. Then again, everyone was pretty snockered near the end of the meal. Dinner was over and the party began with a jam session of various band instruments. Everyone trading solos on clarinet, sax, banjo and even piccolo. I could appreciate the musicality but the music itself wasn’t exactly for me. The party continued into the night from what I understand. I actually ended up back at Bjorklunden early and went to bed.
The next morning I woke around 8:30, went to town and grabbed some delicious coffee at the Espresso Café. When I returned the band was rehearsing for the last time and they sounded great. It’s amazing what an intense weekend of rehearsal will do! At noon it was all over. I packed up the van, said my goodbyes and headed south, back to reality. I really enjoyed meeting all of these new people and the time I spent in Door County. I really hope to do it again sometime.
CD Review
Over the weekend my family and I ventured to our cabin in the north woods of Upper Michigan. My brother-in-law, Brandon couldn’t stop talking about the soundtrack to, “Into the Wild”, a recent Hollywood film following the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man fed up with his life in the real world; he decides to make his way through the Alaskan wilderness on his own. No food, no map, no plan. The songs are a poke at the materialistic world and wanting more than you need, which makes the marriage of the story and the film so fitting. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam scores the film with little more than an acoustic guitar and his voice, empathizing with the main character with songs like, “Society” and “Long Nights”, the music is simple, yet powerful and really paints the picture of being alone for years in the woods of Alaska. Vedders soulful and biting lyrics guide us to the world McCandless saw and the hardships he endured. Surprisingly kid friendly, the soundtrack does not contain anything parents might find offensive. While the themes are a bit heavy, a more down-to-earth, philosophical perspective could intrigue some younger listeners.
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