Transition Team? and other random thoughts

I'm sitting in my living room watching the snow fall this morning as I write.

I am a victim of the global economy, working on finding my next opportunity. It is a challenge to manage in these times, to be sure. Some days are better than others. There are enough glimmers of hope that I can keep moving forward, but it is not always easy.

I am encouraged that a new administration will be coming to Washington, but I worry about unrealistic expectations placed upon them. There is only so much an individual and administration can do right out of the gate. I expect big differences in how we view the world, and, by extension, in how we are viewed.

My worry is that the transition team seems to be all retreads of people that have been there before. Is this really "bringing change"?

In the meantime, the snow continues to fall, and the landscape is beautiful. The dogs are sitting with me, looking out the window to make sure we are safe. The kitten has eaten breakfast and is out prowling the neighborhood.

Thanksgiving is next week. I do have a lot to be thankful for, even yet. Family will get together, and we will enjoy each others' company.

Time passages

Someday I'll compose a list of some of my favorite quotes and quips. It's a habit I've had over the years. Most of my lists are gone, but I have several that I've stored on my Palm Pilot. Sample:

Instant idiot.
Just add alcohol

They may not appeal to many, but they've tickled my fancy.

Anyway, today's thoughts are about aging and getting older. I've had several events this Fall that are putting some perspective on life and the passage of time. One of my best friends is having knee surgery today. Add to that the travails of Michael and Kathy, Janeway, family, and it becomes an impressively long list.

Just a quick note. More later.

2 points to anyone who recognizes the source of the subject line.

Too Old to Rock and Roll?

In the case of Jethro Tull - Yes.

This has been the summer of nostalgia concerts (for me). They've been new for my spouse.

First saw REM at the Mann Music Center in June. REM is one of those groups I discovered late in (their) life, and enjoyed them. I debated long and hard about whether I really wanted to go. In the end, a decent deal on eBay convinced me. Concert night was a challenge. I had to stay late at work (7:45 for a 7 pm show), and had decided to skip it when we realized there were 2 opening acts, so figured we'd get there when we get there, and see what's left to see. despite horrendous traffic on the Surekill, we arrived in time to hear the 2nd act finish as we walked across the parking lot. Michael Stipe and guys took the stage around 9:30 pm. At this point, I regretted my tickets. We were in the balcony, which is much higher up than I recall. The sound was mushy, which was a grave disappointment to my "concert trained" ears. I also realized that I knew very little of their repertoire, so it was an evening given to wondering what I had been thinking. It was enjoyable nonetheless. When the encore started, we beat a hasty retreat to the car and to beat traffic. To our astonishment, the sound outside was much better than where we had been sitting. We enjoyed walking to the car as "Losing My Religion" played loud and clear.

The second show of the summer was the Eagles "Farewell Tour VII" at the Wachovia Center. I had seen the Eagles at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, NJ back in the mid-70s, so wondered how they would compare. The show started about 15 minutes past the announced start time of 8 pm, which was fine, as there was no opening act. They came out in dark suits with white shirts and ties, which surprised me. They played some 'new' stuff, then quite a few hits, including some things that went back to the first couple of albums. They were tight as a band, and the old feelings returned as I watched Glenn Frey and Don Henley go through their tunes, along with Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmitt (whom I remember as a member of Poco). They are obviously older, but they are also wiser, as they can still play. Joe Walsh is an old favorite of mine, and boy did he deliver when they played all of his big numbers (Rocky Mountain Way, Seems To Me, etc.). They played all night, except for a 20-minute intermission. We left our seats at 11:40 pm.

The third show was a return to the Mann to see Peter Frampton and Jethro Tull. The wife had somehow morphed the show into Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull. Try to wrap your head around that combination. Peter Frampton was surprisingly good. I figured he would be OK, and I would recognize a number of tunes. He has some excellent material from over the years, including some recent instrumental work which was really enjoyable. The funniest part of the evening was that they all seemed to change guitars after EVERY song. It became humorous to watch. To their credit, the stage hands were superb in managing the show.

The highlight that I anticipated - Jethro Tull, whom I have seen four times previously - was a big disappointment. The simple problem is that Ian Anderson can no longer sing. He has gotten old, and has not figured out how to pull off the runs that once were so amazing. The band remains strong, but gone are the lyrical runs and the stage show. I so wanted to see a zebra pass tennis balls again, as I had seen at Madison Square Garden in 197x. Alas, it was not to be.

Memo to Ian - drop 'Too Old to Rock and Roll' from the repertoire. It points out in gory detail how long it's been.

See you next time . . .

Another Chapter ends

With the conclusion of the Lititz Summer Showcase, I believe my involvement with youth soccer has come to an end. It started in 1994, when my older son was playing intramural soccer, and I volunteered to be an assistant coach. I believe it was within 10 seconds that I was promoted to head coach.

It's been a long, fun ride since, until today as my younger son finished playing.

We have been to many places, met many wonderful people, and even got to enjoy more victories than defeats. While that was never the end goal, it sure made it easier to follow.

I always asked my sons 2 questions after their games:
1) Did you have fun?
2) Did you try your hardest?

If "yes" was the response to each, then nothing else really mattered.

I will miss it, but I look forward to having those days back now for other adventures and activities.

-- That's pasoc's View.

Wow

Well, it's quite a while between entries. Much is the same, much is changed.

Michael W. now has a new blog, which reminded me of this one. Check it out at beatthereaper.
Bob H may have TMJ, Dan F has a new gig, Kris is dumping the old ball and chain (finally), and Margaret's roomie has finally been busted and is now on house arrest.

T is working for the summer, J is thinking about colleges, and B is STILL writing.

See you round . . .

Greetings

Well, here's a start. It's an idle weekend with all of the usual project ideas and varied goals flowing through my head. T's in Vermont, B's writing, and J's perfecting his mad madden skillz.

Shelby's down for the count soon, jan's a wreck, and Cody's all over Sherlock's bad ear.

All for now.