This is seriously one of my favorite adventures of the year.
Dad and I have gone 4 years running now. It all started as a fluke due to he and I being huge Tower of Power fans. We noticed they were playing at something called The Doheny Blues Festival. Sounds fun we thought, local…lets go! It was the day after my brother’s wedding. Tired and hung-over as we were – we headed out. Amazing.
The next year T joined up with us, the 3rd year my bro and his lady joined up with us, and this year we missed T but my friend Tully and Nat joined up with us.
Dad and I are the originals.
I am a huge fan of blues music. I don’t know why, but it gets me. You HAVE to be a brilliant musician to pull of the blues. And what better place to listen to the blues then right next to the beach. This is why I look forward to it every year – I’m never disappointed. Ever. Dad and I have got it down to an art – how we arrive, what we bring, etc. I love it.
So this year:
The headliners were Black Crowe’s and Crosby Stills and Nash – I’ve always wanted to see Black Crowes and Dad and I both had seen Crosby live before – so we opted for Saturday.
I arrived bleary eyed, coffee in hand at my brother’s house a little before 7am. Nat followed suit and the 5 of us piled in Dad Tahoe and headed out. We got there well before 8am, got prime parking and set up our chairs in line – a bit closer then last year! “What time are we let in” Nat asks. “11am” we tell her. She looks confused, but we explain the need for early arrival for good parking and good spot in line – she thanks us later. Out come the newspapers, coffee, snacks, magazines and we camp out. 3 random fellows – 2 with guitars and one with a harmonica start to jam at their car. Our own breakfast set!! They rocked. Sometime around 9:30am we wander up to the line in front to exchange out our tix for wristbands and here is where we find Bob. He now joins our crew. We chat, people watch, become friends with our neighbors in line and all start to move.
The dudes didn’t even look in my backpack…this making me think I can sneak in some food/booze for next year pretty easily. We make the mad dash for a good spot at the mainstage. I’m a little disappointed we’re behind the handicap ramp again, but we make do. We’re here. Event cards are purchased and the 1st band comes on. Lisa Haley and The Zydekats. They were ok. Not great, for sure not bad. Not very bluesy – more folksy. Lisa Hayes sounded like she’d smoked a few too many whenever she’d speak to the crowd. After her set I was starving, so Bob and I got ourselves some amazing bratwurst and some booze. Blackstone Winery was there of course – so that was my frequent stop. I start playing with my fancy camera over booze and food as we laugh and chat and people watch. We notice the family with the zillion kids and crazy kid tent contraptions are in front of us again (3 years in a row now), the drunk dudes with the American flag chairs (2 years in a row) and the crazy lady with the mask (2 years in a row). Too damn funny. Igor Prado fro Brazil with Lynwood Slim start playing on the 2nd stage and Dad and I wander over and watch their whole set. AWESOME. Igor played the guitar fantastically and the bass player never stopped bobbing his head. The harmonica player was decent and they put on a great show. I also found out I have a killer zoom on my camera. Back to the mainstage for The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Kim Wilson – best harmonica player I have ever heard in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He played straight for about 20 minutes!!!! Who has that kind of breathing power!! They rocked. Black Joe and The Honeybears started on the 2nd stage – this was another food/booze run and Bob and I got part of their set – very cool. We also did the free wine tasting with Black Box Winery – a wine I plan to research more. Its boxed wine and it tasted really great! Next on the mainstage was Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band – this was my surprise highlight. I always have one. They were f-ing awesome! Taj Mahal is the epitome blues guy – you blues fans I’m sure know him well. His raspy voice tore it up and they played the blues like their supposed to be played. My favorite of the day. Outstanding musicians, outstanding show, just f-ing outstanding! 2nd stage was Jackin Greene – we listed from mainstage, but he was just alright – didn’t really get bluesy until the last few songs. At this point our friend Nat got quite fried because she refused to put on sunscreen and was our main napper the whole day. Last but so not least – our headliner – Black Crowes. I have never seen them live but always loved their music and they did not disappoint. The took a lot of their hits and funked them out. Took different spins on a few favorites and Chris Robinson was pitch perfect. They had a bit of an annoying light display, but it didn’t distract from the brilliant set they put on.
As we rolled out, I was tired, sunkissed and happy. Another perfect day at Doheny Blues Festival. I can’t wait for next year!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ouch...
Blindsided again.
Yes I cried. Yes I was hurt. But I'm not going to let it get me depressed, instead I will write a hopefully entertaining bitch blog. So here we go:
I have decided that if you have a penis then I have absolutley no fucking idea what to do with you. I'll admit it - I'm bad at dating. I have no idea what I'm doing. I came out of a very bitter marriage leaving me extremley closed off to the opposite sex. When I finally started actually looking at you boys again, none of you got past my wall. We had fun, then we were done. I did this for quite a while. Then a certain someone shook that up a little. This particular kid (Yes I say kid - your all boys) got under my skin somewhat and we had a really odd off and on whatever you want to call it sort of things. Confused? Join the club. It was never serious - ever - but it was something and of course I didnt know what to do with it. In the interim of course was my usual "have fun then we're done". Then I was set up on a blind date. I of course was mortified. I've never been on a blind date let alone really a date actually...Dude turned out to be alright and in the back of my head is one of my girlfriends screaming "You have to open yourself up!!! Give it a chance!!!" So I went for it. Dude asked to be "exclusive" I guess was the word he used, so I went for it. Sadly we were 2 totally different people. Dude was never an asshole, in fact we're still friends, but we just couldnt work - but hey - I tried for 6 months!!! Record for Miss Jamikat over here. Back to the nothing serious's. I was perfectly fine with this. Then comes along a new one. Feelings. Oh crap. There they are. I actually really like this one. Dammit. So instead of fighting it, I kind of try to see what will happen. Just when I start thinking it may be cool - SMACK - the rug is pulled out from under me - all of a sudden there's a girlfriend. WTF!!! That hurt. So now here I am feeling like a total jackass. And mind you - right back where I started from with you boys - Confused. I dont get it. I dont get you. I dont know how to date. I just dont know. I'm 34 years old. Seriously you think I would have figured something out by now. Nope. Not the case at all. Your all fucking weird and friends wonder why I'm "closed off". Yes yes I know there are successful relationships out there, in fact I think us single people are becoming a minority....but you know what? Those people in relationships - they must know some secret code that I am just not aware of. So you know what I do? I throw my hands up, I walk away shaking my head. I just dont get you fuckers.
Signed
The Future Crazy Cat Lady
Yes I cried. Yes I was hurt. But I'm not going to let it get me depressed, instead I will write a hopefully entertaining bitch blog. So here we go:
I have decided that if you have a penis then I have absolutley no fucking idea what to do with you. I'll admit it - I'm bad at dating. I have no idea what I'm doing. I came out of a very bitter marriage leaving me extremley closed off to the opposite sex. When I finally started actually looking at you boys again, none of you got past my wall. We had fun, then we were done. I did this for quite a while. Then a certain someone shook that up a little. This particular kid (Yes I say kid - your all boys) got under my skin somewhat and we had a really odd off and on whatever you want to call it sort of things. Confused? Join the club. It was never serious - ever - but it was something and of course I didnt know what to do with it. In the interim of course was my usual "have fun then we're done". Then I was set up on a blind date. I of course was mortified. I've never been on a blind date let alone really a date actually...Dude turned out to be alright and in the back of my head is one of my girlfriends screaming "You have to open yourself up!!! Give it a chance!!!" So I went for it. Dude asked to be "exclusive" I guess was the word he used, so I went for it. Sadly we were 2 totally different people. Dude was never an asshole, in fact we're still friends, but we just couldnt work - but hey - I tried for 6 months!!! Record for Miss Jamikat over here. Back to the nothing serious's. I was perfectly fine with this. Then comes along a new one. Feelings. Oh crap. There they are. I actually really like this one. Dammit. So instead of fighting it, I kind of try to see what will happen. Just when I start thinking it may be cool - SMACK - the rug is pulled out from under me - all of a sudden there's a girlfriend. WTF!!! That hurt. So now here I am feeling like a total jackass. And mind you - right back where I started from with you boys - Confused. I dont get it. I dont get you. I dont know how to date. I just dont know. I'm 34 years old. Seriously you think I would have figured something out by now. Nope. Not the case at all. Your all fucking weird and friends wonder why I'm "closed off". Yes yes I know there are successful relationships out there, in fact I think us single people are becoming a minority....but you know what? Those people in relationships - they must know some secret code that I am just not aware of. So you know what I do? I throw my hands up, I walk away shaking my head. I just dont get you fuckers.
Signed
The Future Crazy Cat Lady
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Coachella Ends...
Sunday.
Oh My God my body is screaming, my sinuses are shouting, my eyes are stinging - Jesus I'm old!!! One more day! Woohooo! We can do it! We actually got an earlier start, hoping to beat some of the traffic - breakfast was hilarious. I dont know if I mentioned this but most of the hotel was over-run by Coachellans. J had grabbed breakfast earlier, and T and I were down there for the last bit and looking around was awesome. Everyone - and I mean everyone was tore up. You could tell we were all rollin in to Day 3. I was so great. I forced down some oatmeal, we had our morning cig, got it together and headed out. We noticed another friend of ours had put on his status update parking was easier - so after a txt from him as to where was the best way in, we took his advice and breezed right in! Sweeeeeet! And in a grass lot! Sweeeeter! We had our longest tailgate session due to the early arrival which was really nice and we got interviewed! A lovely little gal from Riverside Press asked if she could interview us. T was thrilled knowing a certain someone who was quite jealous we were there would be reading this very interview. We chatted with her for about 20 minutes or so and she was a blast. Check in was a breeze - this time I think I could have brought in a small pony. J wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel so that was our 1st stop. Motion sickness me waited on the sidelines and took photos. 1st band of the day - King Khan and the Shrines - SICK! Yo Gabba Gabba (whom I just learned is some wacked out kids show) characters came out and danced with the band for a few songs. I loved the little dancer they had in the flapper dress and pom poms - good times. We had a nice gap, so we parked it in the shade in the main Beer Garden again and ate more (I swear I think I ate Coachella this year) and relaxed and chatted, drank, ate and people watched. Time for De La Sol - so awesome!!!!!! It brought back so many memories rockin out to those guys. I think one of my fave moments was when I caught a couple probably in thier 60's rockin out to Me, Myself and I! ha ha! We then scooted over to check out Matt & Kim - so much fun - more happy bouncy music and a chick drummer!!!! J & T hopped on the energy see-saw, then we wandered into the Red Bull tent, the H&M tent and the Heineken tent - nothing too impressive. Found ourselves back in the beer garden for a while. We wandered out and caught Spoon - outstanding. Then to Phoenix - they were great, but it was soooooooooooooo packed. Lockers for warmth then to another food court to eat...shocking I know. We got a good spot we thought for Thom Yorke, but got over-run by people. We still got to enjoy most of his set though, and watching people try to walk into the fence directly in front of me was hilarious good times. We then hit Gorillaz - and I hate to say it, they were a bit dissappointing. I think our expectations were too high. They didnt suck by any means, but just didnt live up to what I was hoping to see. Ah well. We got out with no problems and said our farewells to Coachella 2010.
The next morning, we had our breakfast and slowly packed until the last minute we could until check out time at noon. I think we were all just trying to make it last a little longer. We said our goodbye's to J and T and I headed home. Once I dropped of T, I felt reality starting to creep back in. Thats one of my favorite things about the Coachella experience - your in a completly different world for 3/4 days. I love the desert, I love the music. Its just that - an experience.
Oh My God my body is screaming, my sinuses are shouting, my eyes are stinging - Jesus I'm old!!! One more day! Woohooo! We can do it! We actually got an earlier start, hoping to beat some of the traffic - breakfast was hilarious. I dont know if I mentioned this but most of the hotel was over-run by Coachellans. J had grabbed breakfast earlier, and T and I were down there for the last bit and looking around was awesome. Everyone - and I mean everyone was tore up. You could tell we were all rollin in to Day 3. I was so great. I forced down some oatmeal, we had our morning cig, got it together and headed out. We noticed another friend of ours had put on his status update parking was easier - so after a txt from him as to where was the best way in, we took his advice and breezed right in! Sweeeeeet! And in a grass lot! Sweeeeter! We had our longest tailgate session due to the early arrival which was really nice and we got interviewed! A lovely little gal from Riverside Press asked if she could interview us. T was thrilled knowing a certain someone who was quite jealous we were there would be reading this very interview. We chatted with her for about 20 minutes or so and she was a blast. Check in was a breeze - this time I think I could have brought in a small pony. J wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel so that was our 1st stop. Motion sickness me waited on the sidelines and took photos. 1st band of the day - King Khan and the Shrines - SICK! Yo Gabba Gabba (whom I just learned is some wacked out kids show) characters came out and danced with the band for a few songs. I loved the little dancer they had in the flapper dress and pom poms - good times. We had a nice gap, so we parked it in the shade in the main Beer Garden again and ate more (I swear I think I ate Coachella this year) and relaxed and chatted, drank, ate and people watched. Time for De La Sol - so awesome!!!!!! It brought back so many memories rockin out to those guys. I think one of my fave moments was when I caught a couple probably in thier 60's rockin out to Me, Myself and I! ha ha! We then scooted over to check out Matt & Kim - so much fun - more happy bouncy music and a chick drummer!!!! J & T hopped on the energy see-saw, then we wandered into the Red Bull tent, the H&M tent and the Heineken tent - nothing too impressive. Found ourselves back in the beer garden for a while. We wandered out and caught Spoon - outstanding. Then to Phoenix - they were great, but it was soooooooooooooo packed. Lockers for warmth then to another food court to eat...shocking I know. We got a good spot we thought for Thom Yorke, but got over-run by people. We still got to enjoy most of his set though, and watching people try to walk into the fence directly in front of me was hilarious good times. We then hit Gorillaz - and I hate to say it, they were a bit dissappointing. I think our expectations were too high. They didnt suck by any means, but just didnt live up to what I was hoping to see. Ah well. We got out with no problems and said our farewells to Coachella 2010.
The next morning, we had our breakfast and slowly packed until the last minute we could until check out time at noon. I think we were all just trying to make it last a little longer. We said our goodbye's to J and T and I headed home. Once I dropped of T, I felt reality starting to creep back in. Thats one of my favorite things about the Coachella experience - your in a completly different world for 3/4 days. I love the desert, I love the music. Its just that - an experience.
Coachella Day 2...
Saturday.
Another slow start. Man, I need my 8 hours of sleep. Body's aching, eyes stingin, that whole age thing is slappin me in the face. We head down to breakfast. Gooooood. Off we go. We head to the same lot, and low and behold - its blocked off. We end up sitting in a line of cars for OVER 2 HOURS to get in. Anxiety is starting to set in a bit. Its not helping that my girls are stressin too, and T's about ready to get out and kill anyone who cuts into the car line. Ugh. We park...waaaaay in the back. The only thing I'm thinking is how awful its going to be getting out. Great. We tailgate - T makes mine extra strong. I try to chill. We head in.
Check in was actually quicker this time, I think security is caring less and less. Hell I could have brought in a gun. We hit the Lockers and book it to see one of T's bands - Girls. They were fun. So glad we made it. We decided to pop a semi-permanent squat in the main Beer Garden since the next few bands we wanted to see were right there. We got a great spot right up against the fence. Got some grub and Temper Trap began. They sounded wonderful. I almost made it thru the whole set but nap time settled in...J and I dozed. Ryan and his crew joined us for a while. They popped down and hung with us through Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - very fun happy music, then for XX - they rocked. Ryan's friend spilled beer all down my back at this point...aaaaahh nice. Time to head anyway - off to Corrine Bailey Rae. She's so tiny!!!!! J and I stayed for her set and she was fantastic, even a killer drum solo! T headed out on her own to catch Hot Chip. We all re-convened at the locker and battled the crowds - I reached my limit. I decided to chill at the mainstage and listen to MGMT while T and J headed off to catch David Guetta. MGMT sounded great, and I enjoyed people watching. Um...Jesus just walked by. The girls joined back up with me to watch Muse - out-fucking-standing. They were my highlight. They sounded so great, they had crazy laser light shooting out everywhere - when he came out and played the piano with some political images playing in the background I was actually brought to tears. I danced, I sang, I cried. They ended up being my favorite of the whole trip. Afterwards we headed over to catch Les Claypool who of course was the bomb - I seriously want to just hang out with him for a while. They we hopped and danced to DJ Z-Trip, one of our all time favorite DJ's. Next was Sia - J's fave - she of course as always was lovely. On our way out we caught part of Tiesto's set. He was great - but I know some better ones....
Getting out was a f-ing nightmare. Just as I had feared. All of us were tired and punchy and for one of the few times in my life I almost took a helper. I cant stand trying to drive with a million cars trying to get to the same gate and trying not to get hit. It was awful. One highlight was the boys in the car in front of us got into some giggle fit which for a brief moment brought smiles to our faces. I finally pulled a dick move - did some off roading and got to the front of the line after an hour and half - I still feel guilty but I couldnt stand not moving. Back to the hotel for our bologna sandwiches.
Some other fun sites that night were some people that had glowy people on thier bodies - so it looked like some wacked out cartoon dude walking towards you, we also saw a dude dressed as a pizza - if he was eating a hot dog it would have ruled - and T says she saw 3 Jesus's. Hmmm.
Another slow start. Man, I need my 8 hours of sleep. Body's aching, eyes stingin, that whole age thing is slappin me in the face. We head down to breakfast. Gooooood. Off we go. We head to the same lot, and low and behold - its blocked off. We end up sitting in a line of cars for OVER 2 HOURS to get in. Anxiety is starting to set in a bit. Its not helping that my girls are stressin too, and T's about ready to get out and kill anyone who cuts into the car line. Ugh. We park...waaaaay in the back. The only thing I'm thinking is how awful its going to be getting out. Great. We tailgate - T makes mine extra strong. I try to chill. We head in.
Check in was actually quicker this time, I think security is caring less and less. Hell I could have brought in a gun. We hit the Lockers and book it to see one of T's bands - Girls. They were fun. So glad we made it. We decided to pop a semi-permanent squat in the main Beer Garden since the next few bands we wanted to see were right there. We got a great spot right up against the fence. Got some grub and Temper Trap began. They sounded wonderful. I almost made it thru the whole set but nap time settled in...J and I dozed. Ryan and his crew joined us for a while. They popped down and hung with us through Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - very fun happy music, then for XX - they rocked. Ryan's friend spilled beer all down my back at this point...aaaaahh nice. Time to head anyway - off to Corrine Bailey Rae. She's so tiny!!!!! J and I stayed for her set and she was fantastic, even a killer drum solo! T headed out on her own to catch Hot Chip. We all re-convened at the locker and battled the crowds - I reached my limit. I decided to chill at the mainstage and listen to MGMT while T and J headed off to catch David Guetta. MGMT sounded great, and I enjoyed people watching. Um...Jesus just walked by. The girls joined back up with me to watch Muse - out-fucking-standing. They were my highlight. They sounded so great, they had crazy laser light shooting out everywhere - when he came out and played the piano with some political images playing in the background I was actually brought to tears. I danced, I sang, I cried. They ended up being my favorite of the whole trip. Afterwards we headed over to catch Les Claypool who of course was the bomb - I seriously want to just hang out with him for a while. They we hopped and danced to DJ Z-Trip, one of our all time favorite DJ's. Next was Sia - J's fave - she of course as always was lovely. On our way out we caught part of Tiesto's set. He was great - but I know some better ones....
Getting out was a f-ing nightmare. Just as I had feared. All of us were tired and punchy and for one of the few times in my life I almost took a helper. I cant stand trying to drive with a million cars trying to get to the same gate and trying not to get hit. It was awful. One highlight was the boys in the car in front of us got into some giggle fit which for a brief moment brought smiles to our faces. I finally pulled a dick move - did some off roading and got to the front of the line after an hour and half - I still feel guilty but I couldnt stand not moving. Back to the hotel for our bologna sandwiches.
Some other fun sites that night were some people that had glowy people on thier bodies - so it looked like some wacked out cartoon dude walking towards you, we also saw a dude dressed as a pizza - if he was eating a hot dog it would have ruled - and T says she saw 3 Jesus's. Hmmm.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Coachella Begins....
God love you if you actually read through all these...I'll only get one up tonite - but I love you my blog readers who actually read my ramblings!!!
Here goes:
Thursday night, headed out just as the sun was setting for my 3 day trek to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. As I drive by myself through the desert my mind wanders to childhood memories of my grandparents desert place and all the time we used to spend there. Night falls. I'm almost there. I get a twinge of excitement when a SUV passes me w/Coachella 2010 painted all over their car. Its here!!! I pull into Embassy Suites - we did it a little swanky this year - where T greets me at the entrace. Her and J have already been here all day and are just arising from a disco nap. (See prior blog) We head to the room where I get settled and the girls pour me a glass of red. We laugh and chat and I start to finally decompress, letting it all go for at least a couple of days. When you come out here you come to another world. Line-ups and highlighters out, we begin the process of trying to plan out what bands we're going to try and see. We head out for a few errands and the annual drive by the grounds. Not all the lights are on this year, and the car camping line is scary as hell. Somehow we end up on the patio of the hotel discussing the Jewish Sater and the Fecal Man. Yup. The Coachella weekend has begun.
Friday morning.
I have 3 gripes about the hotel. WiFi is way overpriced, so bringing my lap top was pointless. There were these weird green flashing lights in both rooms...random and we had an issue with our coffee maker. But - our gal Brittany was the bomb and took good care of us.
We roll out of bed and start the slow process of getting moving. We make coffee and start to putter around. "What time does the free breakfast end?" J asks - T looks at our little cards. "9:30". Its 9:27. Shit!!! A mad dash downstairs and make it just in time for some yummy breakfast. I'm not much of a breakfast person, but still stuff my face knowing I have a long day ahead. Coffee outside with a morning cig and we head back to get ready. The normal routine takes place - showers, back packs packed with sunscreen, cameras, cigs, bandannas, etc. We pack our evening wear into J's winter bag, grab our cooler of tailgating goodies and head out. Us 3 girls have a very strange way of traveling perfectly together. We're directed to a small parking lot and breeze right in. Nice! Peanut butter crackers are a staple. We lather up on sunblock and T makes some yummy strong vodka drinks in our "to go" cups. Day 1 has begun. We only park for a half hour or so as we are anxious to get in. Check in blew. We waited around 1 hour and half or so to get our 3 day wristbands (Not to be removed...real fun in the shower btw) and have our stuff checked - twice! We finally get in and head to our locker where we unload all our crap. Here we go girls!! 1st stop is the T-shirt stand - must get our Coachella stuff. Not as good of a selection this year, so I go for a simple black tank with Coachella painted across my non-existent breasts. We of course hit the porter's since J and I have the bladder the size of a pea - very well kept up this year. We have time to hit 1 beer garden before our 1st band. Beers for the girls - vodka drink for me. We chill a while and then head off to Sleigh Bells. We stood off to the side and danced a bit to the fun-ness that was Sleigh Bells. Back to the Beer Garden, where we decide to cop a squat and listen to YeaSayer since they were directly across. They start rockin out and low and behold - Gorde waltzes in front of me! We hug and chat, we meet all the friends - of course I'm "Shane's sister" to all. We hang for a bit and they are all off to see another band. This was also the brief moment the heat got to me - MUST HYDRATE. I recovered and we headed over to Aeroplane - in the tent we bounced a bit, but still a bit woozy I napped outside the tent while the girls danced a while longer. We headed off and past Ruth Chris steak house tent! OMG!!! Sliders for me! So f-ing good!!! We found a spot in the food court and listened to She & Him while chowing down our meat. Zooey is so cute!!!! I just love her so! Next we wandered over to the Mainstage to here some of the Special's - bounced a bit to some Ska like fun. I thought of my bro. Back over to the Outdoor Stage for Passion Pit - great band, bad miking. The sound was just not there friend unfortunatley - we didnt make the whole set. Sun is setting now and getting a bit chilly, we head to our locker and put on our "night clothes" then chill at Mainstage listening to Them Crooked Vultures...whats up supergroup! They of course rocked. LCD Soundsystem followed them - a band I was not familiar with until this weekend and they became my highlight! So great!! Next up was Vampire Weekend - one of my faves. They of course were fun as hell. I bounced and sang along. I f-ing love them. Sadly the crowd was just too much, and I was realizing this was going to put a damper on the weekend a bit. This year 1 day passes were not and option, only 3 day and they sold 15k more. This making a total of 75k people. Sold out. It was just too damn many, but we did make do. The 3 of us then started to wander around and check out all the night art, I played with my night vision on my digital and got some fun fuzzy shots which I always love. There was a great giant oragami lookin thing you could chill under with a budda floating inside. Giant lighted things, a huge tube that fire shot through, glowing land sharks that cruised around the grounds. All kinds of crazy shit as usual. Some of the randoms in the people part - lots of chicks in just bathing suits, sometimes underwear, a group of fellas with british cop helmets with lights on top, A hot dog eating a pizza, people pretty much having sex and much much more. Jay-Z was the headliner that night, so we did want to stay and at least see part of his set to see what he was all about. He was great - very entertaining. Live band and a total rockstar. We left before the end, but I actually probably could have stayed for the whole thing. I did get a major foot cramp at this point - I think thats the 1st time I scared T. That was good times. There were also kids...not a lot but a few. That was odd...just not a place I'd think to bring a little one. We also started a new game called "Man? or Woman?"...you get the idea. Getting out of the lot was a breeze. Back to the hotel with a bit of body aches, but had a good day one!
Here goes:
Thursday night, headed out just as the sun was setting for my 3 day trek to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. As I drive by myself through the desert my mind wanders to childhood memories of my grandparents desert place and all the time we used to spend there. Night falls. I'm almost there. I get a twinge of excitement when a SUV passes me w/Coachella 2010 painted all over their car. Its here!!! I pull into Embassy Suites - we did it a little swanky this year - where T greets me at the entrace. Her and J have already been here all day and are just arising from a disco nap. (See prior blog) We head to the room where I get settled and the girls pour me a glass of red. We laugh and chat and I start to finally decompress, letting it all go for at least a couple of days. When you come out here you come to another world. Line-ups and highlighters out, we begin the process of trying to plan out what bands we're going to try and see. We head out for a few errands and the annual drive by the grounds. Not all the lights are on this year, and the car camping line is scary as hell. Somehow we end up on the patio of the hotel discussing the Jewish Sater and the Fecal Man. Yup. The Coachella weekend has begun.
Friday morning.
I have 3 gripes about the hotel. WiFi is way overpriced, so bringing my lap top was pointless. There were these weird green flashing lights in both rooms...random and we had an issue with our coffee maker. But - our gal Brittany was the bomb and took good care of us.
We roll out of bed and start the slow process of getting moving. We make coffee and start to putter around. "What time does the free breakfast end?" J asks - T looks at our little cards. "9:30". Its 9:27. Shit!!! A mad dash downstairs and make it just in time for some yummy breakfast. I'm not much of a breakfast person, but still stuff my face knowing I have a long day ahead. Coffee outside with a morning cig and we head back to get ready. The normal routine takes place - showers, back packs packed with sunscreen, cameras, cigs, bandannas, etc. We pack our evening wear into J's winter bag, grab our cooler of tailgating goodies and head out. Us 3 girls have a very strange way of traveling perfectly together. We're directed to a small parking lot and breeze right in. Nice! Peanut butter crackers are a staple. We lather up on sunblock and T makes some yummy strong vodka drinks in our "to go" cups. Day 1 has begun. We only park for a half hour or so as we are anxious to get in. Check in blew. We waited around 1 hour and half or so to get our 3 day wristbands (Not to be removed...real fun in the shower btw) and have our stuff checked - twice! We finally get in and head to our locker where we unload all our crap. Here we go girls!! 1st stop is the T-shirt stand - must get our Coachella stuff. Not as good of a selection this year, so I go for a simple black tank with Coachella painted across my non-existent breasts. We of course hit the porter's since J and I have the bladder the size of a pea - very well kept up this year. We have time to hit 1 beer garden before our 1st band. Beers for the girls - vodka drink for me. We chill a while and then head off to Sleigh Bells. We stood off to the side and danced a bit to the fun-ness that was Sleigh Bells. Back to the Beer Garden, where we decide to cop a squat and listen to YeaSayer since they were directly across. They start rockin out and low and behold - Gorde waltzes in front of me! We hug and chat, we meet all the friends - of course I'm "Shane's sister" to all. We hang for a bit and they are all off to see another band. This was also the brief moment the heat got to me - MUST HYDRATE. I recovered and we headed over to Aeroplane - in the tent we bounced a bit, but still a bit woozy I napped outside the tent while the girls danced a while longer. We headed off and past Ruth Chris steak house tent! OMG!!! Sliders for me! So f-ing good!!! We found a spot in the food court and listened to She & Him while chowing down our meat. Zooey is so cute!!!! I just love her so! Next we wandered over to the Mainstage to here some of the Special's - bounced a bit to some Ska like fun. I thought of my bro. Back over to the Outdoor Stage for Passion Pit - great band, bad miking. The sound was just not there friend unfortunatley - we didnt make the whole set. Sun is setting now and getting a bit chilly, we head to our locker and put on our "night clothes" then chill at Mainstage listening to Them Crooked Vultures...whats up supergroup! They of course rocked. LCD Soundsystem followed them - a band I was not familiar with until this weekend and they became my highlight! So great!! Next up was Vampire Weekend - one of my faves. They of course were fun as hell. I bounced and sang along. I f-ing love them. Sadly the crowd was just too much, and I was realizing this was going to put a damper on the weekend a bit. This year 1 day passes were not and option, only 3 day and they sold 15k more. This making a total of 75k people. Sold out. It was just too damn many, but we did make do. The 3 of us then started to wander around and check out all the night art, I played with my night vision on my digital and got some fun fuzzy shots which I always love. There was a great giant oragami lookin thing you could chill under with a budda floating inside. Giant lighted things, a huge tube that fire shot through, glowing land sharks that cruised around the grounds. All kinds of crazy shit as usual. Some of the randoms in the people part - lots of chicks in just bathing suits, sometimes underwear, a group of fellas with british cop helmets with lights on top, A hot dog eating a pizza, people pretty much having sex and much much more. Jay-Z was the headliner that night, so we did want to stay and at least see part of his set to see what he was all about. He was great - very entertaining. Live band and a total rockstar. We left before the end, but I actually probably could have stayed for the whole thing. I did get a major foot cramp at this point - I think thats the 1st time I scared T. That was good times. There were also kids...not a lot but a few. That was odd...just not a place I'd think to bring a little one. We also started a new game called "Man? or Woman?"...you get the idea. Getting out of the lot was a breeze. Back to the hotel with a bit of body aches, but had a good day one!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Napping...
I love naps.
I'm a huge fan of naps.
I'm particular smitten with warm afternoon naps. Its late afternoon, you sprawl out on your bed, the cool breeze blows gently through your window slightly ruffling your hair, the only sound outside is maybe the birds chatting in the distance. So peaceful. For a few moments.
Now I'm not a 1- 2 hour napper. I'm more of the 20-30 minute girl.
So many different versions.
- There's the power nap - the nap you need after workin all day and have plans or rehearsals in the evening. You get home from work - throw your crap to the side and dive on top of the bed for a quick 20 minute power nap to give you the energy to get through the rest of the night.
- There's the disco nap. This is very similar to the power nap. This usually involves a party weekend of sorts. Your worn out from partying the night/day before and you'll be partying again that night but your feeling the effects. (Especially if your over 30) so you take a quick disco nap to replinish a little bit of energy to keep the party going. I recommend a 30-45 minute nap in this case. These are also very helpful after a champagne brunch.
- There's the weekend afternoon nap. These are my favorites. These usually happen after you've been running around trying to get all your weekend crap rammed into one day and 3 or 4 o'clock rolls around and your a little tired and still have the weeknight ahead. For some reason lately these fall right when its nice and quiet outside - warm outside - cool breeze rollin in through the window. So perfect.
- There's the must nap now nap. These happen when you have completely over-done yourself, whether it be working, excersising, partying, what have you - but you reached a limit of sorts and you must have a nap to continue functioning. These sometimes can turn into an hour nap.
I have my fellow nap fan friends. My old roomate was one. Especially if he had a show. "I'm gonna take a nap before tonite babe!" he'd shout and off he went. He is a pretty serious napper. He'll strip down to comfy sleep clothes even, and he can be out for hours. I usually took these moments to grab one of my quick naps as well because it'd be so quiet. Mitzy is another nap fan. I think every time we've traveled together we always schedule in nap time. I did have a fellow I dated who said he never took naps, and was quiet surprised at what an advocate I was. Well....let me tell you - there was one afternoon when he and I spent the day walking the Spectrum then overdosed on Cold Stone Ice Cream. It was a warm summer afternoon. We came home and I suggested we have ourselves a nap. "Well, I wont fall asleep but I'll lay down with you". We didnt even shut the door - just sprawled out on my bed and what do you know - out. We had a very satisfying 30 min nap. He is now a huge fan as well.
So to all my readers out there - make time for naps. They are healthy and lovely and keep you rested and always ready to go!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Craptastic with a good end....
You know when you have those days where everything just blows?
Work sucks, everything goes wrong, people piss you off.
Your cranky. Stomach matted with irritation and anger and your wondering if you have a stomach ulcer.
Nothing goes right.
That was today.
Then it turned around. Text from T. Happy Hour?
Lovely conversation with one of my besties. Wine. Cornbeef Tacos. Cigs. Silly conversation behind me.
Driving home there it is - the moon. One of those nights when she's huge and beautiful and looking down on us. I swear I can touch her. I want to keep driving towards her and see if I can actually reach her - she's that close. No lights needed. She lights up the night sky like a beacon of hope. Stunning.
I pull in my driveway - waltz inside and drag my mom out to look at her glory.
Then hot tub time with good conversation with mom. Laughing. Forgetting the drama that we're currently dealing with.
Now early to bed, I'm sleepy and happy. All the bullshit that went on today is forgotten. I love a happy ending.
Work sucks, everything goes wrong, people piss you off.
Your cranky. Stomach matted with irritation and anger and your wondering if you have a stomach ulcer.
Nothing goes right.
That was today.
Then it turned around. Text from T. Happy Hour?
Lovely conversation with one of my besties. Wine. Cornbeef Tacos. Cigs. Silly conversation behind me.
Driving home there it is - the moon. One of those nights when she's huge and beautiful and looking down on us. I swear I can touch her. I want to keep driving towards her and see if I can actually reach her - she's that close. No lights needed. She lights up the night sky like a beacon of hope. Stunning.
I pull in my driveway - waltz inside and drag my mom out to look at her glory.
Then hot tub time with good conversation with mom. Laughing. Forgetting the drama that we're currently dealing with.
Now early to bed, I'm sleepy and happy. All the bullshit that went on today is forgotten. I love a happy ending.
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