This weekend was pretty darn quiet. I watched movies. I read. I drove from house to house to house taking care of animals. One would wonder why I am so tired. Mainly it is because I don't sleep well when I am not at my house. I also need a bit of noise when I fall asleep. I have had neither for over a week. If I get 3 hours of solid sleep? I consider it a good night right now. Yes I did go and see some music this weekend. It was the same person both nights.

Friday night I went to Carrollton Station to see Paul Sanchez play solo. Saturday night it was d.b.a and Alex McMurray sat in. I know I have said this before, so I will sound like a broken record. If you have never EVER seen a Paul Sanchez gig you need to check him out at least once. You will either get it, or you won't. Which is fine. I have seen some of the "regulars" show up with someone new to check out Paul's music and more often than not you start seeing those people again and again, and then they start bringing people. Not everyone knows who Paul is, some do and therefore don't want to check him out thinking he is doing what he was doing before. See for a really really REALLY long time, Paul was in the band Cowboy Mouth. A rock-n-roll band. Some people often say a college band. Some people (myself included) started getting bored at the shows, with the same things being said and done over and over. (I know a lot of bands do this so it isn't a dig against CM) You are either really really in the mood for one of their shows, or not. Anyway. Over a year and a half ago Paul left the band among some disputes. I don't know the full story, I don't want to know the full story, I don't NEED to know the full story. There is no law that says I can't enjoy both. Sadly CM very rarely seems to play in town anymore (like a certain trombone band I know) ;) Paul however has taken off with his solo shows. He has played Jazz Fest (okay three and a half songs before the rain forced them to stop) French Quarter Fest, Wednesday in the Square, the upcoming Voo Doo Fest. He is playing all across the country. Sometimes like on Friday night it is a solo show. Just Paul, his guitar, his songs, his stories. (point in case, I know most of the stories by now. Sometimes he gives a bit more information, but I always laugh) Sometimes it is a different musician sitting in. Could be another guitar player, could be a horn player, could be just about anyone. In the past he has had Susan Cowsill, Matt Perrine, Craig Klein, Shamarr Allen, James Andrews, Todd Duke, Alex McMurray, David Torkanowsky, Sonia Tetlow. Sometimes it is a duo, sometimes a trio, and if you are catching a festival show chances are pretty good you are going to see the Rolling Road Show. Now the Rolling Road Show consists of the above musicians, mixed and matched. Whoever is in town. And you know it is going to be an amazing show. Not only will Paul do his own music but he makes sure to showcase who ever is playing with him. Paul is a true troubadour. His songs and his stories are like a warm hug.

Paul and I knew each other as acquaintances before the storm. After the storm I helped gut out his and his wife's home. It was one of the hardest houses to work on. Not because of the muck and the nastiness but because I knew whose items it was I was tossing out on the curb. It was a pretty emotional day for everyone both happy and sad. I rarely miss one of Paul's shows because like I said, it is a warm hug every time. You just need to let the music sweep over you and take you away. Paul knows that I was the local merch person for Bonerama so from time to time he will ask me to sell CDs for him as well. He would often make comments that if he could afford me, he would hire me full time. Paul has found a way to make us both some money, so as of this weekend, I am under his employ. No this isn't something that I can live off of, but it is a start. He gave me a bunch of CDs this weekend and I am going to get them into stores, bookstores, coffee shops, where ever I can. I will get a portion, he will get a portion and the store selling will get a portion. So it is a step in the right direction.

Seeing how the job search isn't going any where fast, it could be the only income I have coming in here. I have been sending out resumes for a month and a half and have only heard back from a Temp Company. That was legitimate anyway. So I will keep chugging along trying to find something. Only a few more weeks to go. Only as slight panic setting in.

So Pete asked me if I did in fact make it out to FQF. I am proud to say that I did. I was a little out of it for most of the day. My body took quite a beating from being on that concrete floor in the arena for so long. My knees hurt, my feet hurt, I had blisters and was over all exhuasted. I didn't want to miss out on the fest however. I was willing to power through it. I was up pretty early on Sunday and made my way to the Streetcar. By the time it got up to Napoleon, the car was packed, yet more people kept getting on. I did run into some friends on the way, so we walked over to Ingrid's set together. Once there we did lose track of each other, but that was okay. Really all I wanted to do was to sit down and enjoy the music. Jessica showed up, and by that time I decided I wanted a Pimm's cup. The line to sit down to eat was out the door, and some people standing in line wouldn't let anyone wanting to go up to the bar and order a drink to go, well go in. Obviously some tourists and I wasn't in the mood to fight it so I wandered across the street and got myself a bloody mary. We went back to Ingrid's stage to catch the rest of her set. We weren't there more than 5 mins when I was called and asked to come and sell Merch for Paul Sanchez's gig. We sold a TON of cds for Paul, Shamarr, John and Susan.

They had a nice crowd gathered around their stage, and everyone did seem to be enjoying themselves.
As you can see here from this pic, I had some extreme bags and dark circles under my eyes, yet I did have a smile on my face. I love the way that the set was advertised as Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road show, yet he gave the stage over to John, Susan and Shamarr so they could do their thing as well. He is a gracious performer. After Paul's set we went over to Jackson Square to catch the end of the Pfister Sisters. If you haven't seen them, you really should. These ladies have some beautiful voices!!
After the set we did finally get a chance to eat (first meal of the day) and I knew exactly what I wanted to get. Vaucresson Sausage. I ordered up a hot sausage po' boy and Jessica got a crawfish sausage po'boy. We gracefully ripped them in half (okay it wasn't graceful) so we each got to try a little bit of each. Of course we had our customary hurricane together. Then it was off to Preservation Hall to see Leroy and Katja.

I was at this point starting to fade fast, so we journyed on back to my house to drop off Jessica's bag then, well it was a trip down to the Maple Leaf so Jessica could induldge in the crawfish boil. We stuffed ourselves with the spicey goodness then it was time to crash. Crash I did. I am still trying to recover. But so worth it.

So as luck would have it, not only is Vday this week, but so is FQF. The only day I will be attending will be of course Sunday. I plan on taking in the Pfister Sisters (NEW cd out NOW go grab it!!) Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show, Leroy Jones, and hell...I don't know who else. I will be wandering trying to get as much in as I can. Or passed out in a puddle of drool.

If I were going Friday and Saturday, I would of course be checking out well just about the entire fest. Some of my favs will be playing. Original Hurricane Brass Band, Storyville Stompers, Rick Trolsen, Bonerama (that is a no brainer for anyone who knows me), Soul Rebels, Tin Men, Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives, Johnny Sketch, Susan Cowsill, Lionel Ferbos, Lars Edegran, Shamarr Allen, Big Sam, Bob French, Gal Holiday, Zydepunks, New Orleans Nightcrawlers.

So if you are going, check out some of these bands. You won't walk away disappointed!!

Ya'll remember how I get to work on the V to the 10th celebration that is going on this weekend? I just got my schedule. It seems from this schedule that I am in fact working in the arena. I will be putting in some looooooong hours there and it will so be worth it. We are talking about 15 hour days at least. See I wanted the Arena. I want to work in the Arena. The Arena is where the performance of Vagina Monolouges will take place. This is by the far the biggest performance I have EVER worked on. I may be having a slight freak out here. I need to get it all out before Thursday because I won't have time. That and I don't want to act like a complete moron and really fuck this up. I don't want to be a babbling idiot in front of some really cool people. I am not just talking about the celebs. (HOLY HELL) but with everyone involved.

Let me take you back a bit, not only to calm myself but to give you a background on my theatre history. I really don't think I have gone into it much here, but if I have, bear with me. I vaguely remember being in a play in grade school. I don't remember what it was about or what my lines where, I just remember being in one. And I do remember I enjoyed it. What I really remember was going over to the high school when I was in 7th or 8th grade to see a play that was going on. I don't remember if my sister had friends in it or what, but I remember that it had an impact on me. I really wanted to take drama classes when I got to HS. However, the way my schedule was set up, I wouldn't be able to take a drama class until my junior year. The first class I took was not the performance class. It was just the basics. We performed only in front of the class. It wasn't until the next year when I could start performing on stage. The summer in between my junior and senior I was able to be a volunteer at Music Circus in Sacramento. The show I worked on was "Sound of Music" and I was, I guess a stage hand. We changed all the sets in between scenes. It was a ton of fun. Come my senior year I was in 3 plays, my favorite being "Alice in Wonderland" as the Queen of Hearts. None of these performances were fantastic, I mean they were high school plays but they were a TON of fun. I knew when I went to college that I wanted my degree to be in theatre. I considered a minor in dance since my junior and senior years I had been taking dance (yes I did shut it!!) The summer before I was to leave for college I went back to Music Circus. This time as an intern for college credit. I did everything from painting, working in the costume shop, sound. See the idea was to get you to work on every aspect of the shows. I worked on the following "My Fair Lady" "South Pacific" "Grease" "Annie" "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Man of La Mancha" you were also suppose to get a small role in a show. However the one they had me up for? I was going to be in Montana for orentation. I wasn't overly pleased but then what are you going to do. I ended up working with the sound people the most. For every show I was one of the mic dressers. Made sure everyone was mic'd at the beginning of the show who needed one then would go from exit to exit ripping off one mic and running it to another entrance and getting it on another actor....sometimes in less than 30 seconds (the theatre was in the round...lots of running) By the end of the summer I was getting to mic the leads. It was pretty awesome.

Now we are up to college. I spent two years studying acting because I really thought that is what I wanted. Turns out I didn't. It took a professor telling me this before I realized he was right. One of the associate professors suggested that I look at Stage Managing. Oh what a concept. And now....I am realizing I have talked a bit about the work I did out of college. 7 years straight of back to back shows. It was amazing. It is all leading up to this, I guess. This event is truly the largest one I have ever worked on.....I can't tell you the emotions that are going on here. It is going to be a thrilling ride, these coming three days. If you see me on Sunday at FQF? I will either be asleep on the grass in front of a stage or dancing my ass off.

We are three weeks away from Jazz Fest. One week (and the rest of today) away from French Quarter Fest. What I am wondering is if everyone has gone into training yet for these fests? As for myself I do believe I am in prime form for the fests. Yes, I will be missing two day of FQF (SQUEE!! I start working on VDay in a WEEK!!) however if I had been going to those two days as well, I would still be in fine shape. However, one needs to keep up training so I offer these "tools" for your use.

Yesterday started the spring session of Wednesday in the Square. I have once again signed on to be a volunteer, or a taste tester if you will. I am one of the ones pouring the beers. It is a chance to listen to some steller music, drink some beer, eat some fantastic food (yummy Rotolo's!!) and hang out with some pretty awesome folk. I, however did not get to attend yesterday, as I was babysitting. I do that alot when Bonerama is on the road. Help out where I can. But I will be there next week!! And every week until June 18th. Either back at the beer trailers or selling merch. Check out the lineup and come have some fun!!

Coming up this Saturday is sure to be a lot of fun. It is once again time for the Freret St. Festival and is going to have a lot of great music and food. I grabbed this from my weekly Offbeat email since I can't seem to find a website for the fest: Saturday marks the 11th anniversary of the Freret Street Festival, presented by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans. Music starts at 11 a.m. with Jo "Cool" Davis, and over the course of the afternoon, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers, the Soul Rebels, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Fredy Omar, and Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots will be among the performers on three stages spread out from Napoleon to Jefferson Avenue. The musical offerings also include "An Afternoon of Jazz" with Troi Bechet, Leah Chase, Phillip Manuel (pictured), Gregory Thompson, Sharon Martin and Pearlie Tyler. The free festival will have artists and food vendors, as well as a home ownership fair.

Also happening this weekend is the Old Algiers Riverfest where yet even more music and fun can be had. This will go on both Saturday and Sunday.

So if you are in the mood for a fun musical filled weekend? It is here. Starting off small, then working your way up to FQF then to JF. Seriously love this town.

Hotmail has been down pretty much all morning so I can not get the email I need to send the theatre resume to. It is driving me batty. I guess in the long run it is okay since I have to go home and work on it still.

There is only one downside, and really I can get over it. It runs the same weekend as French Quarter Fest. If I can get this? Kristen will have to be the merch girl for the Bones at their FQF set. Which isn't a problem, she can totally handle it.

Come on hotmail!!

Several things to say. None of huge importance, so its comin' atcha bullet style

* For those of you who have asked to see the pics of Taylor Hicks onstage with Papa Grows Funk, don't hold your breath to see them anytime soon. See my housemate who took the pictures? She has an old school camera. With film. We will be lucky to see the pictures before next Christmas. It is just the way it is.
* French Quarter Fest will be announcing its lineup for musicians and food vendors today. I don't know honestly which one is more exciting. FOOD! MUSIC! 3 days, and it is all free! Okay the music is free. The food isn't. April 11-13th get your dancing shoes ready.
* I hit my head last night. Actually the car door slammed into my head. It still hurts. I wouldn't be suprised if I had a slight concussion. At least I didn't have a swearing fit when in happened.
* Bonerama is playing a really fun gig this weekend so if you are in town and want to check them out for yourself? This is a good one. The new field for Tulane baseball is opening up this weekend and they are having a weekend long celebration, as well as some games. Saturday at 12 noon they are having a block party in which Bonerama will perform and then they are playing the National Anthem. Feb. 29th they will be playing the National Anthem for the Hornets game.

Getting older really sucks. Three years ago, this would not have been a problem. Maybe it is the fact that I am not getting older, but could be that I know more people now than I did then? I am not sure, but I am in a happy exhausted state right now. You know how you pick up a biography on some celebrity or famous person and they are recalling what happened to them when they were still in the womb like it was yesterday? I don’t remember what I wore yesterday. Do all these people have photographic memories? Or is mine like a sieve? I do recall the following bits of information; they are going to come at you in a bullet style, only because that is as much as my brain can handle at this time. I really do love this time of year.

French Quarter Fest was an amazing time of music and friends. Of course of drink.
Favorite set on Friday was John Boutte, Paul Sanchez and Friends
Favorite set on Saturday was New Orleans Helsinki Connection
Favorite set on Sunday was Bonerama. What I remember, it was such a flurry of activity at the merch table that I couldn’t tell you what songs they played or for how long.
I have some pretty awesome friends.
Hoochie Mama Voodoo Pleasure Lounge is the place to be.
Rain doesn’t stop anyone during FQF
I am excited beyond excited for my friends to arrive in town today!!
Tomorrow is the wedding for two of my dear, dear, dear friends.
Friday is the Bonerama cd release party.

And the number one reason that makes me happy right now?? My sister could potentially go into labor at any time. She is starting in on that last 3 weeks, however with the news yesterday? That little girl may make an early appearance and maybe her mom can take note. HA!!!!!!

Last night, Wednesday in the Square. Cowboy Mouth up on stage. I heard the music, it went by in such a blur however I still don’t know if I was really there. I was on one of the Abita Light taps. I killed 4 kegs on my own. It was pour, set on table while the other another is pouring. When I finally got a second to look at my watch? It was 10 after 7. We had 20 minutes left to serve and the line was STILL insane. In all we killed 41 kegs. It was a perfect spring evening here in the Big Easy. It can’t get any better than that!

I just have to make it through the work day today then it is 3 day weekend time for me again, as it is the best festival down here in NOLA. (don’t get me wrong, I have a FANTASTIC time at Jazz Fest) however French Quarter Fest? It is the best. Free music for 3 days straight, about 99.9% local bands, there are a few bands from overseas. No big names thrown in. It is going to be so much fun! I am going to start the day out right starting with the 2nd line.

Red Bull is starting to stack up in my fridge. It has begun!

My sockets are finally feeling better. So much better that I am able to eat solid food a bit better now. This is a good thing. I don't have to feel like I am gumming my food anyore. This month has definetly started out a good foot. I had a fantastic weekend just FILLED will fantastic music. Also spending time with some good friends, some friends I haven't seen in awhile, and new friends. Friday night we saw thePaul Sanchez. Sitting in with him was Susan Cowsill also got up and sang a few songs. Good times were had by all.

I know this month is going to FLY by there is SO.MUCH. going on. This week Kristen's parents are visiting. The music that is happening this weekend is out of control (New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Bonerama, Paul Sanchez) the following weekend it is all about French Quarter Fest, the week after that some dear friends get married, a bunch of friends will be in town, and it is Bonerama's cd release party, the next two weekends after that it is Jazz Fest. It will make for the waiting for my niece's arrival so much easier. For me at least. ;) I really don't think my sister will agree with that. Also at this point I am waiting anxiously to hear when baby Perrine is going to make his appearance. I am thinking today.

Who is going to be shocked by this? I STILL have not received my title to the car. They sent it certified mail. My address has been verified with the TX legal aid several times. They are the only people that I can not get mail from. Does anyone else have that going on? Mail service has been pretty good here as of late....
Our water/entergy issues are pretty much resolved. We went from the $3000.00 water bill to a $400 and the entergy is around $500.
With the above mentioned bills, and my wisdom teeth coming out on Friday and that costing a fortune guess who will be eating ramen and peanut butter for the rest of their natural life?
I am going to have a call going out to anyone who reads this in NOLA. Someone is putting together a great thing, and needs help. Once I get my thoughts organized on that, I will put out the call, I know Lisa will be as well. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
French Quarter Fest finally put up their schedule and I am finally happy. It is going to be another great fest!!

I can barely function today. My eyes are so heavy and just want to close for several hours. But once again it was so worth it. I will put up some pics in the next few days. There will be a nap this evening before we go to d.b.a. to see Rick play. Since my brain can not form full thoughts, you get bullets again just some highlights

Beautiful sunny weather
Running into the same people at every stage.
When the NOLA "locals" start to recognize you and talk to you.
Helping Barney Floyd win battle of the bands with the rest of the Arabi Wrecking Krewe.
Hurricane Brass Band....they are so much fun.
Meeting wonderful new people.
Wandering all over the quarter.
Watching the Mayoral results come in at Lafitte's
Hearing Lillian Boutte sing.
To walking past a stage and seeing Matt Perrine up there.
Not sipping slowly, but rather sucking down.
Craig really should be mayor, he does know EVERYONE!!!
Seeing Rick and Steve on a random stage.
The crowds, it was so crowded it was wonderful
Seeing the Rads, they sounded so good.
That's all I got for now. I am gonna attempt to wake up a bit since I have to go deal with some $$ here at work. Need to be focused for that!!

Dancing in the rain....we were under severe thunderstorm watch all day yesterday. It decided to rain at the New Orleans Nightcrawlers set....a few of didn't seek shelter and just danced.

To not sipping slowing!!
Craig changed the lyrics to "oh margy" to "oh stacey"
All the yummy yummy food
Listening to Rick sing
drying off from said rain in only like a half hour
listening to good music on Bourbon street instead of the canned music normally pumped out of the businesses
only ONE person out campaigning yesterday.
The Bonerama set. It seemed way to short but maybe cuz I didn't get to pay attention to it so much cuz I was too busy selling cds!!!

handing two cds to Craig for him to sign from my sister and him handing them back like 5 mins later, with all the guys siggies.

No sunburn
Getting voting advice from Michael Mullins. (he is 5-1/2) then later a big hug from him.

The hours are slowly ticking away. I am just 2 hours and 40 minutes away from having another 3 day weekend. And I dont want to work. I so have spring fever. I just want to go lay in the sun and nap. Maybe even clean up a bit around the house and do some laundry. You know the real exciting stuff. However? After tonight? Chaos kicks in for the next 3 weeks and I could not be more excited. French Quarter Fest starts tomorrow, goes all weekend. Next weekend? Jazz Fest. Lots of stuff in between the fests as well. Not to mention the week between Jazz Fest weekends....then I go to NY to see Harry on Broadway....celebrate my mom's birthday.....then I think I will have a few days rest.

Man this is so freakin boring and lame. I apologize. I need to be doing something right now while covering the phones so I don't keep staring at the clock and wishing it would jump to be 3:25 rather than 1:25.

Just like Christmas, I can't believe NYE is tomorrow. Sunday? A whole new year. Brand Spankin New. Sparkly, Clean, and packed full of possiblities. I know I am not alone in saying I am ready to kick 2005's ass on its way out the door. Not that ALL of 2005 sucked ass. Just a few months right towards the end. In fact the whole year was pretty damn good until August 29th. Just think, only 6 more months till hurricane season starts up again. Instead of the "resolutions" I am going to say the things I am going to be looking forward to in the year 2006:

I turn 31. Not as scary as 30
I get to see Harry Connick Jr. on Broadway in the Pajama Game. Most likely on mom's 50th bday as she wants to go as well.
In less than 2 weeks I am going to be flying to Philly. Will see Marisa and Lisa there, and some boy's in a band called Bonerama. Marisa, Lisa and I will then head to NYC to hook up with the rest of the girls for two nights of fun and craziness with Bonerama.
A tribute show for Brian O'Neill at Tipitina's
The month of Feb packed with Bonerama shows, every Friday night at the Maple Leaf.
Mardi Gras. Mardi Fuckin Gras in New Orleans. With all my crazy friends.
Helping out the Arabi Wrecking Krewe.
Jazz Fest.
French Quarter Fest.
Satchmo Fest.
Hurricane Season
Possible trip back to Cali.
Possible trip to Montana to see some family.
Those are things I KNOW of. But there is much, much more that I am not even aware of yet. 2006? Will you kick 2005's ass???

Today has been a good morning so far. I didn't throw the kid off the street car when he kept kicking my seat, although I really really wanted to. Its sunny, its a payday, its Friday, I was informed by two co-workers that the Fed Ex guy has a thing for me, Nicolas was JUST on the radio (WWOZ) talking about the Ascona jazz fest, he is the one that was at dinner on Sunday night, and what else? Did I say pay day? I also changed the appearance of this here blog.....trying some new things with some hosting.....its not working yet, but I will figure it out.

Oh one thing I remembered from this past weekend French Quarter Fest madness was that I saw Travis of Better Than Ezra!!! He was walking through the Coors Light Stage area during Ingrid Lucia's set, he was with his wife.....he smiled at me!! I thought for half a second that he was walking up to me, but I so imagined that....I never know who may "know" who I am anymore. I had several people tell me "I have heard your name for years" after being introduced to them. I don't know if that is a good thing or not.

Oh my jeez. I really really need to go home and get some sleep. I feel like crappola with the cold and the lack of sleep. I do have ot say it was the best weekend. I did keep pretty much a permanant buzz on so I wouldn't feel sick with the cold. It helped. However I don't think I can do that today.

Lets see Friday, as soon as it hit 5:00, I ran out of the building crying "free! free at last!!" okay maybe not yelling....but I thought about it. I walked out to the river where Bonerama was going to be playing, Mark had asked me to be there at 6:20, and since I was walking over from work, I was a little early. I grabbed a burger and a beer. After I ate, some of the guys had showed up, so I chatted with Matt, met his son Ben and his wife, talked to Bert and Brian. Soon after Mark showed up with the merch, pretty soon the fun and the madness behind the stage hit a high, and the Bones took the stage. From where I was standing next to the stage, I couldn't actually see them. So I would run over to where Kelly was standing with the boys and catch a quick glance. I do know that it was a fantastic, tight set. WAAAAAY better than the Tips show. However, I didn't get to catch much of it as I was busy selling the CDs. And that was just fine and dandy with me. I love doing that and getting to talk to so many fans, its awesome!! After the show, Mark came over and was signing CDs, most of the guys had to take off for other gigs. I counted up the dough and than ran over to the stage where the Nightcrawlers where playing. By the time I got there, they were already onstage, and I had no idea where the CDs were. Craig mentioned them at one point, but he didn't see me standing at the side of the stage, so I had to move around to stand right in front of him to get his attention. Turns out the CDs where ON the stage. I had the stage manager run up and grab some, and then we were in business. I sold about 10, which isn't fantastic but Craig was happy with it. After the show Donna and her mom came up to say hi to Craig, and they were trying to decide whether or not to go to dba to see the next Nightcrawlers set. Craig told them not to, to go get some rest, that it wasn't their kind of place. Then he looks at me and says "but Stacey is going because its her kind of place" Um what does that mean Mr. Klein??? ;) He was of course a gentleman and waited for me to finish talking to Donna and her mom, then we headed over to dba. I only stayed for the 1st set, and then took off. It was a great time, and the crowd really seemed to be into the music. How in the world they all fit on that stage, I don't know. The next morning I was up and out to Jackson Square at 11 AM to watch the Storyville Stompers. Donna and her mom showed up, after the Stompers second line we headed down Decatur and went to Fiorella's for some food, then to the Mint to listen to some Zydeco music. After lunch we headed out to Bourbon to see Leroy and Katja play. Doug Belote sat in playing drums, I think I hurt his feelings because I was so suprised to see him there. Carol and I sold all but 2 of the New Orleans Helsinki Connection CDs!!! That was awesome. Donna and her mom had left at the break to go see Craig play, so I went to go and catch up with them and saw the last half of the last song. I couldn't find Donna or her mom, but figured they were going to the back to meet Mark Braud who was playing with Craig. Apparently they had talked to him BEFORE the show. I was deemed the official Craig Klein stalker, taking the title away from Elise. Elise and her husband Roger are at all the Bonerama shows. I decided at that time to run home and change clothes then it was back out to the fest for a bit, then out to Donna's. And who should walk out....but Doug. He is playing drums for Leroy at Donna's for most of April. Very cool. It was a fun gig, but a lot of people didn't seem to be paying too much attention. Its all good. At the end of the night, I was asking Craig about the CD selling on Sunday. I said to him "Do you still need me?" His response as he gave me a giant hug was "I always need you!!" Awwww that made me feel better. I didn't want to seem like I was well...really stalking him. LOL Then I said, "So what time do you want me?" And as Donna, her mom and Craig just looked at me...I realized what I said and then added quickly "there" they started cracking up. Donna and her mom took off, and I followed shortly after. Well it was 3:30 when I got home. Back out there yesterday for Ingrid Lucia's set and part of Bucktown Allstars. I then headed out to Bourbon for Craig's fantastic set. Sold almost all of the CDs!! Craig was very happy. I also did a plug on Nola.com after the set, Craig, Leroy, Katja, Carol and I headed out the this little wine bar, just down the street on Orleans. It is actually owned by the same people who own Tropical Isle. A few random musicians came and went, including Craig. To end the night, Leroy and Katja took Carol, Nicholas (who helps organize the Ascona JF) and myself out to a great dinner. I am now just going to wait for the temp agency to call back and say they have someone then I am going to go home.

Its a Monday. Its sunny, the time has sprung forward, and I am already ready for the weekend. This weekend had some major ups and downs. Friday I didn't sleep very well. I was absorbed in watching CNN to find out if the Pope had passed away. I did fall asleep around 10, which is early for a Friday night. However I started waking up like every hour on the hour. And wouldn't be able to fall asleep again unless I turned on CNN to find out what was going on. Around 7:40 AM the cats had me up for good. Rudy, my roommates cat has taken to wanting to be in my room. Could be because that is where Liza hangs out, but also because my roommate is usually at his girlfriends. So they were playing and being really loud, and running over me. Why don't I close them out you ask? Because they sit outside the door trying to get in is why. Anyway, I finally left the house after 1:30, turns out that soon after it was announced the Pope had passed. I didn't find out till much later. We ended up going to Freret street festival. It was small and cute, and a lot of fun. We listened to a lot of bands, had some beer, and an overall good time. Later I went out to Donna's and heard the fantastic Leroy play. Craig was giving me a hard time, saying he was going to go to connick.com and post that I was yawning while they were playing. I didn't mean too....but I was tired. As I was leaving, he asked me if I would sell CDs for New Orleans Nightcrawlers on Friday night after the Bonerama show, also to sell his solo CD on Sunday. So I am now selling CDs for Bonerama, NONC, NOHC, and Craig during FQF. I can't wait!!! Its such a great way for me to meet people, and help out my friends, and show my support in a different way. The streetcar ride home took forever, as the time change happened. So the streetcar pulled up and the driver said "there will be a half hour wait so we can get back on time" um...what? I think he just wanted to stand outside and talk ot his friends. So I ended up getting home close to 5 AM. Which would have been 4 AM. So needless to say, I slept in a bit. As much as the kitties would allow anyway. I ended up going out to the Quarter and watched the "Stella" yelling contest, part of the Tennessee Williams Fest, went to the church for a few minutes, harrassed my friend Eric for a few minutes then headed home and crashed. I need to save up all energy for the coming weekend.

It was a nice Easter weekend here down south. Having the house to oneself is always nice. I sat outside at the park reading for a bit on Friday afternoon....watched a few movies, and then got ready for the Bonerama show. Mark had asked me to be there at 10:30, and they would go on at 11:15. I got there at 10:28 PM as the streetcar was taking its time...and then I had to walk part way. The first band came on right after I got there, I said hi to Bert, Doug, and a few Bonerama fans that I have gotten to know at the gigs. Mark and Kelly came in well I don't know what time it was....I didn't talk to Mark till after the show, although he and Brian waved from the stage when telling people to come see me for the merch. LOL I got to hang with Kelly for a long time, she came back behind the counter and hung out. She told me about her fasination , rather obsession with football. She again had me in hysterics. Too bad Mark wasn't in the mood to play after the show when he called looking for her. Tracey Freeman was in the crowd as well....Kelly pointed him out and after the show he was in the dressing room talking to Craig when we went up. It was a great show....they all did seem a little tired though. I am really looking forward to the French Quarter Fest gig, it should be fun one! Saturday I didn't move until almost 1:30. Then all I did was go grocery shopping, and got caught in a downpour. I didn't even go to Donna's!!! Yesterday I did go out to the Quarter and saw the Easter Parade. Pam who owns Tropical Isle/Funky Pirate was on one of the floats and she threw me some bunny beads and a stuffed bear. And right behind their float was the Storyville Stompers. Nothing like listening to the Stompers on a sunny Sunday afternoon!!

Its been a trying week. Well more like just half a week. A few different things have happened to make my emotions ride a roller coaster. First work has been insanely crazy but that is a good thing. I like being busy at work. Now that Matt has taken on more accounts, I have become swamped. I now work on every account that we have here at Publicis. Now if we could just win a few of the big pitches we are working on!!

Next one of my most favorite co-workers is leaving. Tyson is one of the best people you could ever want to meet/have in your life. I am gonna miss having him around. He just has a wonderful quality about him....I couldn't bring myself to go out last night for his "farewell" drinks. Today we are taking him out to lunch. I think I can handle that. I think over all more than a co-worker, he has become a good friend and those are hard to come by. I know I will still get to see him, but now just not on a daily basis.

The most powerful blow this week happened during my regular eye exam. I have a new doc (the old one no longer uses my insurance). Dr. Kelly is young and very good looking. However...he did find a, I guess the best word to describe it, is a problem. My eyes have a abnormal amount of fluid in them. It is causing my retina to "wallpaper" such as when you wet some wallpaper and it bubbles. It will eventually lead to a retinal tear/detatchment which almost always leds to blindness. Not fun. About 5-8% of people with nearsightness experience this problem. I have had noticed a lot of "floaters" and a few flashes as of late, but for some reason didn't think much of it. Now I realize that these are symptoms of this. Everyone has floaters now and then...spiderwebs/black spots, ect. that look to be floating in front of your eyes. It is however floating in the gel like area behind the eye and in front of the retina. I have to go back in on Tuesday for a consultation with one of the surgeons. They will determine if I need a laser surgery to seal off the retina. Not something I was expecting.

Alas this has become the focus of the lovely $$ issues. Not really clear yet as to how much I will be paying and how much Blue Cross with be paying. I won't be getting to FQF this year like I had been planning. And it will definetly make my move to NOLA take a little bit longer. But none of that matters, what does is taking care of this problem so I can continue to see.

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras. The last day to just let it all go crazy before Ash Wed. I keep getting phone calls from all my friends who are down there right now. On one hand it is soooo nice and I love it. But on the other hand...it makes me so sad too because I am not there. I keep hearing a lot of "we miss you's" But I think the one that got me was the one this morning..at 2:00 AM or so. Kristy put Mark Mullins on the phone and we talked for a few minutes. After a perv comment of looking down her shirt...(wouldn't be mark with out a comment like that) he said "We all miss you and wish you could be here" then proceeded to say that he would see me tonight at the ball because he knew I wouldn't want to miss that. Well. He was half right. I don't want to miss it. But I am. Oh well. I am going to New Orleans for either FQF or Jazzfest. I have to. I need to be there again even if its just for a few days. I know I shouldn't...but I just have to.