Monday 12/31/2007 (NEW YEARS EVE)

These are some Robert Frost quotes I read that I thought you might enjoy.

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”

“The best way out is always through.”

“The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

“The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work.”

“I never dared to be radical when young
For fear it would make me conservative when old.”

Robert Frost, 'Ten Mills,' A Further Range, 1936

“A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.”

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”

I hope everyone stays safe tonight.  Lots o' drunks on New Years Eve ya know...

"Ya say that you don't love me none and honey that's alright, 'Cause I've got lots of better things that I can do tonight.  Like wondering what became of all the stars of yesteryear, as I watch the angels dancing in the bubbles in my beer."  Bruce Robison from his song, "The Good Life," from the album, "Long Way Home From Anywhere"  One of my all-time favorites.

I just saw Ty Wick.  He got a shave and a haircut and looks 20 years younger.  Uncanny.

Saturday 12/29/2007

Kelle and I had dinner with Big to the Slurp and Amy (going to have to come up with a nickname for Amy, example: how cool would DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince have been if they would have been named DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fred, do you see what I’m getting at here?)  Anyway, Kelle and I had dinner with Big to the Slurp-dizzle and DJ Hypothesis Amy last night.  Yesterday they purchased a house and got engaged to be married.  Congratulations you crazy kids.  I’ll post when they have a house warming party and you’re all invited!  I don’t care what they say!

As many of you know I’m a baseball fan.  My lovely wife gave me a Josh Fields rookie card with the White Sox for Christmas.  It’s in a holder leaning up against my computer monitor.  Kind of saying, “Hang in there Van.  It’s going to be o.k.”  Thank you Josh.

Also, Kelle got tickets to the Rangers/White Sox exhibition game at the Bricktown Ballpark in March for us and my folks.  Really looking forward to that.  One time when I was in Jr High the Phillies played the Cardinals at the old All Sports Stadium at the fairgrounds in an exhibition game and I got Ozzie Smith’s autograph on a baseball card.

The other Jay I know was suppose to fly to Iowa yesterday.  God bless Iowa.

Happy weekend…

Wednesday 12/26/2007

I wrote a little ditty yesterday, but couldn’t get it to post on my mother-in-law’s computer, so here I am.  Couldn’t mend my thoughts back together to get Humpty Dumpty back on the blog wall again so I’m just starting from scratch.  To the nearest of my recollection it was just some random Christmas driven Keen quotes and something about contacting the staff here at vanmarsalis.com (which translates into calling Heath) and putting together a year-in-review.

I watched Superbad tonight.  Moderately funny.  Probably would’ve suited my humor better a few years ago.

I trust everyone had a good Christmas holiday.  The wine kicked in on me before Jimmy Stewart heard the bell ring so I missed Santa, but other than that things were good.  We were at Kelle’s parents’ over in Collinsville and yesterday morning as I was making coffee the sun was rising with this really cool glow over the trees.

Pasting a little Seger to the end of this one.   All evening I’ve been thinking of this song in a smoky bar with an ice cold beer.  It’s the little things you know, I don’t want for much.

Took a look down a westbound road,
Right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler,
I was tired of my own voice
Took a bead on the northern plains
And just rolled that power on

Twelve hours out of mackinaw city
Stopped in a bar to have a brew
Met a girl and we had a few drinks
And I told her what Id decided to do
She looked out the window a long long moment
Then she looked into my eyes
She didnt have to say a thing,
I knew what she was thinkin

Roll, roll me away,
Wont you roll me away tonight
I too am lost, I feel double-crossed
And Im sick of whats wrong and whats right
We never even said a word,
We just walked out and got on that bike
And we rolled
And we rolled clean out of sight

We rolled across the high plains
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally feelin free

Somewhere along a high road
The air began to turn cold
She said she missed her home
I headed on alone

Stood alone on a mountain top,
Starin out at the great divide
I could go east, I could go west,
It was all up to me to decide
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin
And my soul began to rise
And pretty soon
My heart was singin

Roll, roll me away,
Im gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin, gotta keep ridin,
Keep searchin till I find whats right
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We’ll get it right

Monday 12/17/2007

Sorry about the non-posting for a few weeks.  I posted the other day, but my internet was down so I'll repost at the end of this b.s.  I went to Quanah this weekend for my great Aunt Pansy's funeral.  Seems like I only go back there lately for funerals or garage sales and I really should change that.  Wit eludes me tonight.  Dallas lost yesterday and I'm a little upset.  Here's my post from the other night.  Keep a good thought.

Kelle is in Okc tonight and it’s time’s like this when I realize how uninteresting I really am.  I’ve heard all my stories and most twice.  For the love of all that’s pure I cannot get this guitar in tune.  New season on playstation NCAA aught five was boring.  Who can get pumped to play SMU?  I know what I’ll do, I’ll post something witty on my website.  That’s what I’ll do.  No ya won’t, internet is down.  Lupe won’t quit whining.  Maybe that’s because I shut the door between us in hopes that she would go crap on something and forget about me.  Not working yet, at least the forgetting about me part.  I made chicken nuggets.  Not from scratch, just the frozen kind.  Nevertheless, didn’t burn the place down.  Yay Me!

Today I felt out of place at work.  I’m sure we all have those days.  Like Michael Richards at the million man march.

“Most the time I just walk the line wherever it goes, cause you can’t you’re yourself if you ain’t got enough rope.” Chris Knight

Wednesday 11/28/2007

Sorry for the delay in posting.  Truth be known I was just released from the Norman jail this morning.  Who would’ve ever guessed that the officer that gave me that ticket in Enid last spring would be transferred to Norman?  Had an interesting time with Heath down at the football game on Saturday.  OSU didn’t come out that well.  I left the Ron Paul for President tent in worse shape than I found it.  I shook David Boren’s hand, then vomited.  Actually said “Go Pokes!”  It’s really a wonder God has let me live this long.  I feel like I’m pushing Karma’s buttons.

Taking the next couple of days off work to celebrate my 4^th year of marriage to the same person.  Kelle and I are going to Dallas.  The plan is to watch the Green Bay/Cowboys game.  I’m hoping to take my Christmas card picture next to the Tom Landry statue.  I need to buy a fedora.

"If you don't know if your shoes are tied, look at your shoes."  Tom Landry

Wednesday 11/21/2007

Let 'em eat cake!  Let 'em eat cake I say!

For those of you that hadn't noticed, I've taken a little time off from the music business after nearly 7 years of setting it on fire one cigarrette at a time.  I noticed my recent shows becoming more stale than usual.  After the first of the year I'm going to book some stuff and hopefully not suck as bad as I have recently.

Cold front came in, jump back, recognize.

Dallas be playing on the morrow. 

Heath and I are going to the OSU/OU game on Saturday.  We're true friends.  Alums from each school driving from Stillwater to Norman to enjoy the game in harmony.  Really looking forward to the game.  Heath is taking me to a tailgate party where they're making chili.  The weather is right for it.  He said he's taking jambalaya that will literally put hair on the chest of those that eat it.  If I don't get my ass kicked at the tailgate party I'm anticipating a good time.

I think I'll have lunch at Wings To Go.  I'm thankful for Wings To Go.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Thursday 11/15/2007

What What

About 40 degrees this morning in the greater Stillwater metroplex.  I have work to do.

Somebody told me that OSU lost to the Mean Green of North Texas in Basketball last night.  What a ya do?

Kelle was back in the OKC hanging with Linda Cavanaugh and one of the eight Ogle guys last night.  Big to the Slurp took me out for nachos last night.  Thank God for Amy.  He told me that his Cadillac Enchiladas were Cadillicious.

Sunday 11/11/2007

Thank a veteran.

A 2 liter Sprite Zero is 79 cents at Food Pyramid.  In the words of Bobby Hill, “That is one heck of a deal!”  Speaking of the Hill’s, Cotton passed away tonight.  Feels kinda weird.

Different weekend, same story.  Dallas won, OSU lost.

Now all I can think about is Sprite Zero…

TGI-FRIDAY 11/9/2007

That subject line makes me think of fried macaroni and cheese with an ice cold beer.

Listening to a little Dave Matthews on this lovely Friday afternoon.  That acoustic sound takes my mind back to the Woody Guthrie Festival in Okemah.

By the way, I read on the Red Dirt Rangers’ myspace page that KVOO has cancelled Red Dirt Radio Hour on Sunday nights.  As if there weren’t enough reasons to hate radio.  The last original thing left on Tulsa radio that I was aware of.

My dad was telling me that he watched a show on Tom Petty the other night where he was talking about liking pure country music and described today’s country music “LIKE BAD ROCK AND ROLL WITH A FIDDLE.”  Wow!  Dad said the show was 4 hours long and that line made it worth watching the whole show.

“I didn’t see much when I was looking through the windshield, but somehow it’s much clearer staring down this wheat field.”

Monday 11/5/07

I just got done reading my cousin’s wife Courtney’s first ever “blog” on myspace.  If you’re reading, I’m so proud of you.  You too can now use the internet as a rostrum in the cyber-pulpit to vent about anything that you want.  Bill Gates, you stay classy!

Had a wild weekend.  Started out Friday night (as most weekends do…on Friday) I couldn’t find my mic so I picked up the batphone and got Commissioner Clewell on the horn to meet Kelle at DaddyO’s to pick me up a loaner.  By the way, found the mic Saturday in the cd box from Avard.  I will blame Cage for this even though I remember putting it there.  You know I don’t like taking responsibility.  So I get to the gig.  Had a good turnout.  Saw Byron and Savanah.  Also some friends from Stillwater made the trip down too.  Fun time.  Wendy’s cheeseburger off the Kilpatrick Turnpike at 1 a.m. was a little worse than expected (and I didn’t expect much), but other than that it was a good night. 

Saturday I watched ye ol’ Cowboys pull the Texas choke again.  Had a cheeseburger at Rib Crib which kicked the crap out of the one the night before at Wendy’s.  Saturday night I drove over to Mulhall to play at Lucille’s.  If you’ve never been there you really should go.  I think it’s probably the coolest atmosphere I’ve ever played in.  Of course, problems with my lack of equipment preparation continued as my guitar’s battery (pronounced battree in the words of Big Slurpy) was deader than the doornail.  So with a little help from the Unsinkable Dave Beauregard we miced my guitar and did the show “truly acoustic”.  That’s alternative to alternative.  Thanks to Dave!  Played the gig and then headed home where, with help from the fine staff at Lucille’s, I took a bacon cheeseburger which was the coupe de’ gra of my cheeseburger eating experience of the weekend.  Stopped at the OnCue on Lakeview and Boomer to purchase a 7-Up to have with my bacon cheeseburger.  Got home and as I’m eating the burger o’ the gods, I twist the top off of my 7-Up to find that I’ve won a free 20oz 7-Up.  Now is that a great weekend or what?  Make 7…Up Yours!  Those commercials cracked me up. 

Dallas won yesterday to bring me a little bit of joy that OSU took from me.  Yesterday couldn’t of been prettier.  The Reverend Jantzen brought over some Tom T Hall.  Good stuff.  Today was windy.  Happy Monday.

Wednesday 10/31/2007

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  Go Egg Something.

Tuesday 10/30/2007

"Out my door the leaves are falling, a cold, wild wind will come."  John R Cash

What a game on Monday Night Football last night.  That was one of the best Monday night games I've seen in a few years.  Kelle's still grinning.

Had a great time in Quanah this weekend.  Took the nephews trick or treating in Eldorado.  Had a strange incident with some dogs at the Baptist parsonage.  I told those boys that things were only gonna improve with age as far as Halloween experiences with Uncle Van go.  They're going to make me so proud.  Quanah won their football game Friday night 19-0!  Heard the end on the radio at the Shell Station where I stopped in for a six pack of Dr Pepper and some O.G. Big Red you know it.

"You've heard I'm drinking more than I should and I ain't been looking all that good.  Someone told you I was taking it rough?  Well why are they making those stories up?  When I'm over you."

Heard that this morning on the radio and can't for the life of me remember who sang it.  If you know please advise.  They'll be something in it for the first email I get.  Maybe a "HEATH KIRK AUGHT EIGHT" bumper sticker.  Speaking of that, Kelle decided Heath needs a running mate.  So, I need everybody out in cyberland to think on this one and use the email to shoot us ideas.  Further discussion will be held at the first campaign rally this weekend in Yukon.

"It's crazy but God knows I don't act my age.  Like an old Desperado I paint the town beige."  REK

 From Heath:

I think my running mate should be some cute gal. That's really my only requirement.
 
I'm now off to a radio station to speak to the public. We ain't one -n- one a timin' it here, we're MASS communicating.
 
 
Is you is or is you ain't my constituancy.

Heath, "I'd love to get your vote" Kirk

heath@vanmarsalis.com

booking@vanmarsalis.com

Friday 10/26/2007

As my mind wanders and I contemplate the relationship of the sun and the stars I realize that it’s 3 a.m. on a Thursday and the last re-run for the night of the Conan O’Bryan show is over.  I think, “Why am I not asleep?” I woke up from a dream watching myself dabbling in witchcraft.  No more pizza before bed. 

My season on NCAA ’06 with Texas Tech is going phenomally by the way.  My wide receiver won the Heisman Trophy, so I guess there’s always that.

The Rockies are down two games to zip.

“Heading down to lonesome town.” (old Rick/Ricky Nelson lyric)  DJ Jazzy Kelle and myself are heading down to Quanah this weekend.  Meeting up with my folks and sister’s family.  Suppose to be taking my nephews trick-or-treating in Eldorado Saturday night.  I’m both excited and nervous about that.

I was talking to my aunt Janice the other night on the phone and she said something about how I haven’t been writing much on here.  I told her that I hadn’t had a lot of time (everyone’s blanket excuse) and that I had been watching the occasional show on politics and I couldn’t think of much to gripe about lately.  She told me that I hadn’t been paying enough attention.  That cracked me up.  Here it is Thursday, that was Tuesday and it still cracks me up.  Like that episode of King of the Hill where Peggy is making a salad at a salad bar in a restaurant and she starts correcting the guy in front of her about how he’s making his salad and she says, “I made a salad the other night that people are still talking about.  Why, look at us, we’re talking about it.”

Speaking of politics, we here at vanmarsalis.com have decided (like any other left of center, democracy supporting, cult-like group) to endorse our own candidate for the up coming presidential election.  (Strategic Pause)………..HEATH KIRK ’08!  That’s right internet users!  Heath Kirk.  I said it and I’ll say it again.  Heath Kirk.  Our one and only music reviewer!  The official music reviewer of vanmarsalis.com.  Ah the naysayers (ye sayers of nay).  I can hear you now!  You’ll say, “He’s from Kansas.”  “He doesn’t know a thing about politics.” “He’s from Kansas.”  “He’s not that smart.”  “He’s from Kansas.”  “He went to OU.”  “Presidential candidates are suppose to be attractive.”  “He’s from Kansas.”  “He drinks beer.”  “He’s from Kansas.”  But we here at vanmarsalis.com are prejudice to no man or Kansan. I think Heath would do as good a job as anyone I’ve seen.  Ron Paul has the “Rev-a-LOVE-a-lution”, we have HEATH KIRK AUGHT EIGHT!  Gonna put the Swordbird in the White House.  Sha-Sha-Sha-Shaaaaaa

By the way Heath, I probably should’ve ran this by you first, but I didn’t figure you’d be up right now.  That’s what you get for sleeping.

First stop on the campaign trail is next Friday, November 2 in Yukon at the Horseshoe Bar, then Saturday, November 3 where I’ll be spreading more of this b.s. at Lucille’s Restaurant in Mulhall.

“Again, the coward’s heart of fear and hate, the coward’s lust for one-way killing, murder without danger to himself, the rat’s salvation from the shipwreck of his self-esteem – armed with a gun now, clothed in khaki, riding the horse of his authority, as here.  Three boys, all employed by the contracting company, are walking after supper on the borders of the flying field in the waning light of evening, coming dark.  They are walking down near the water’s edge, across the flat marshy land, they are talking about their homes, the towns and cities they have known and come from, their colleges and schools, their plans for an excursion to the beach at the week-end, when they draw their pay.  Without knowing it, they have approached a hangar where one of the new war-planes with which the government is experimenting has been housed.  Suddenly, the soldier who is there on guard has seen them, advances on them now, one hand upon the revolver in his holster, his little furtive eyes narrowed into slits.  Face of the city rat, dry, gray, furtive, postulate, the tallowy lips, the rasping voice, the scrabble of a few harsh oaths, the stoney gravel of a sterile, lifeless speech:”  Thomas Wolfe

Friday 10/19/2007

The one and only red-headed sweetheart hit town yesterday.  Gonna burn this place down and smoke 'em out to quote Gilliland.  WHOO!!!

GO OSU!!!

Wednesday 10/17/2007

I read that Patrick Crayton of the famed Dallas Cowboys told the Ft Worth Star Telegram that New England’s defense is “not that good and not the real deal.”  What a genius.  What another great example of outstanding wit from a Dallas Cowboys’ receiver.  They make it hard to be a Dallas fan sometimes.  I couldn’t stand Michael Irvin, Pee-on Deion Sanders still makes me ill to my stomach, T.O. there’s not enough gigakilabytes on my computer to corral my thoughts on that dumbass, and now we have another to add to the list.  And it doesn’t end there, the guy went to Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva.  Go Rangers!  You moron!  Terry Glenn comes back and you’ll be riding the pine again.  Ride Ranger Ride!  Patrick Crayton mouths off about New England after the Pats kicked the proverbial crap out of them for the first time ever in Texas Stadium.

I feel better.

Other sports news I’m looking forward to a Colorado/Cleveland World Series.  Matt Holliday = NL MVP

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS!    Didn’t play ‘Gravity’s Gone’ but it was a rockin’ show.  The girl bass player drank enough Jack Daniels’ to float a small battleship.  It’s uncanny how much Mike Cooley looks like the new bearded Ty Wick from a distance and Patterson Hood could pass for a thin version of Bruce Robison.

Tomorrow I pick up the Steve Schultz and girlfriend at the Tulsa Airport.  Speaking of the Tulsa airport, The Notorious BIG Slurp-dizzle headed out to Las Vegas today.  Bright light city gonna set his soul, gonna set his soul on fire.

Tuesday 10/16/2007

“So I’ll meet you at the bottom if there really is one they always told me when you hit it you’d know it.  But I’ve been falling so long it’s like gravity is gone and I’m just floating.”  DBT

They’re gonna be rocking the Cain’s tonight in Tulsa.  I can hardly sit still today.  I feel like that scene in ‘Elvis: The Mini Series’ when ‘That’s Alright Mama’ first hit the radio and he’s at the dinner table and can’t quit shaking his leg.

Saturday 10/13/2007

“I’ve got a bad idea again, I’ve got a Halloween Head!”  Ryan Adams

“How ‘bout Richardson?  Richardson’s a nice town.”  Me

Welp (Cage-ism), I can’t sleep.  That would explain why it’s five freaking fifteen in the a.m. on a Saturday that I don’t have to work and I’ve been up since 2:45.  Funny, used to I’d just be getting in bed by now.  “I guess we’ve come full circle, we’re strangers once again.” REK   I’m a quoting machine this morning.  Look out world!  This guy I know from work ordered the OSU/Nebraska game on pay-per-view.  Suppose to go over there about 11.  My luck I’ll fall asleep about 10:30 and miss it.  However, if they fold like the proverbial cheap suit that was the Texas A&M game then I won’t feel bad about it.  I watched “Man On The Moon” with Jim Carrey a little bit ago.  I think the real Andy Kaufman would’ve annoyed me.  Trailblazer, yes; funny, not as often as annoying (opinion).

I've been thinking of converting the Yeeper to a monster truck.  The only thing holding me back is enthusiasm.

You can now email vanmarsalis.com's sexiest music reviewer at heath@vanmarsalis.com.  Single Ladies: Please send picture of bass boat.

Chik-Fil-A has a chicken biscuit that really turns my crank.  I didn't think I'd like them at first, but now I honestly beleive I'd commit heinous crimes for one dependant on the circumstances.  Lupe whines as I pine for coffee.  But I can’t make any because the *(&^%$# (*&@!#$ %^&*$# #$5^7**()_+=”:;^%$#$* machine beeps.  Then I’ll wake up you know who and we’ll just leave it at that.

Wednesday 10/10/2007...evening

I really hit the ground running this week at work.  Dig three day weekends, but four day work weeks are like jamming five days worth o' crap in to four.  By the way, for all my legions of fans (not sure if 'legion' has a plural) don't come to Noble this weekend unless you just enjoy random trips to Noble.  The famed Dutch Oven Cook-Off isn't going to happen to my knowledge.  Or if it is I won't be there.

Kelle bought Ryan Adams' new cd 'Easy Tiger' for me.  At least I think it's new.  I've had it for about two weeks which means he's probably released two or three more since then.  Anywho, it's good stuff.  Tune on there called 'Halloween Head', 'tis the season.

Cage emailed me saying that Shanon has live footage of the show Saturday.  I'm pretty anxious to see it.  Since I'm on my big "I can do the website all by myself" kick  I'm thinking of trying to get that up when I get it too.

"If I could I'd fold myself away like a card table." Ryan Adams

Wednesday 10/10/2007

The Avard Festival couldn’t have gone better.  We had a great time!  Thanks to all that made the trip.  It’s always great to see so many of the people I knew growing up.  Saw some of our good Ponca City folks.  Heard a lady named Marty Sheets do some cowboy poetry that was pretty entertaining.  Super Dave Bogard, Ty Wick, and Jake Walker all played great.  Always good to get to jam with Cage as well.  Dave took some pictures that as soon as I figure out I’m going to post on here.  Also have some pictures of this year’s Dwight Boekman Music Fest and Woody Guthrie Fest.  Speaking of WGWOF Aught 7, Sneaky Heathy has a  review that I’ll try to post soon.

I was off on Monday to celebrate Columbus Day.  I did my part by taking a quiz on msn (in which I got 5 out of 8 and was told “Good Job” by the computer), also watched a show about him on OETA.  Did I just say that?  Yes, yes I did.  Then I went and took my dentures out.

Dallas shouldn’t of won.  OSU should’ve.  Cubs and Yankees are out.

Tuesday 10/2/2007

I was just sitting here looking at my fishing license and thinking how I want to go fishing.  Then I started thinking about if I was Irish I would've said "...looking at me fishing license."  Heard a guy use an Irish accent on Mind of Mencia tonight.  That show can be funny, but I've only heard him do culture jokes.  He makes fun of every culture so I think anyone would be narrow minded to be offended, but it just gets old for me.  There's more things to poke fun at it, especially if you're getting paid to be a wise ass.

Speaking of t.v., Jes won (or lost) the heart of Bret Michaels on Rock of Love.  Still trying to wrap my mind around that one.  I guess every rose has it's thorn.  (who didn't see that one coming, weak I know but it's late).

Randy Brunken is suppose to be in town next month. 

I heard that on oktravel.net (not sure about that site, but it's close) that they're going to be talking about the Avard Fest this week.  I think Donna Schmitt is going to be on there.  I found out that this weekend is the same as NWOSU's homecoming.  How cool would it be if there were more people at Avard than the ballgame.  Wishful thinking I know, but I can tell you which one I'd rather be at.  I went to NWOSU and I've been to Avard.  But I've never been to Spain.  I've met some real a**holes this week, looking forward to Avard.  Had to go back and throw in some asterisks, sometimes Mom reads.

There is a ziplock bag of matches sitting literally inches from my hands...tempting.

My foot is asleep.  I hate that.

Cage, I forgot to mail that cd.  I suck.  For that I'm going to go poke my sleepy foot with this nasty BancFirst pen that Laubach gave me at Willie's.  That will teach me.

Monday 10/1/2007

Happy 1st day of October friends.  For some reason I've been sneezing for like the past 15 minutes.  Maybe it's this room.  I'm sitting between golf clubs and an electric guitar, neither of which I know how to use to their capabilities.  There's a tie-breaker game on tonight between the Rockies and Padres.  Tied at 6 going into extra innings I tired of it.  Monday night football was on ESPN but I dropped off as a fan of that sometime in the late 90's.  The other day something was said about me getting 'i.d.ed' and this 22 year old dude that I work with said "I'll bet that made you feel good."  What's that about?  He thought I was in the mid-30's.  I'm going to retaliate by going to the boss and saying that he made a pass at me.  I know what you're thinking and I'm not too proud.

I hate sneezing.  This could possibly be my last post on the web o' world wides.  Kelle will find me sometime in the morning after she lets the dog out.  I'll be lying in here, dead of hayfever.  My cold dead fingers will have to be pried from the neck of my electric guitar and my last words will be "ONE SCALE, WHY DID I NEVER LEARN JUST ONE SCALE?"  And then that will be it.  I can hear it now.  Kelle will come in and say to herself, "Why does he have the guitar?  He was much worse at golf."

Good night Stillwater.  I'm going under...

Wednesday 9/26/2007

Things are shaping up quite nicely for the Avard Festival.  I visited with my main man Cage this evening and he said he’s been caressing the Taylor to find that oh so sweet action which lies within.  If that didn’t sound Mr. Miaggi-ish with a side of creepy, then I don’t know what does.  (Editor’s Note: the “Taylor” is his guitar) 

The Unsinkable Ty Wick will be performing, along with Jake Walker (Stillwater’s premier up and coming songsmith) and a special guest appearance by Super Dave Beauregard, stuntman extroidonaire and writer of the local hit “Cherokee Princess.”  Dave’s not much to look at, but he makes up for it by being slender.

I feel a lot of Swordbird in the air for this one.  An ominous vibe, if you will.

“Hey Avard!  Are you ready to folk rock?”

Tuesday 9/25/2007

Gig was a little slow at ye ole Townsite last Friday night, but I had fun.  Friday night fall gigs are always tough in small towns with high school football teams.  Tests your endurance.  How bad do you want to play music?  My ol’ pal Jake Walker and his wife came up.  People like her and Kelle really deserve prizes for putting up with people like Jake and I.

The Tech/OSU game was quite a barn burner.  Mike Gundy made national headlines and moved up on my list by leaps and bounds.  Not that he cares what I think of him, but I was extremely impressed.  He had more fire at that press conference than I saw out of him in the Troy game.  Go Pokes!

Cristy and Kelle and rode along with the fuzz ‘til 4 a.m. Saturday night.  I’m glad I didn’t.

Sunday I had ribs and fried chicken with the original recipe used at the famed Jay’s Chicken House of Marshalltown, Iowa in the early 90’s.  Stopped back by BWW for intelligent conversation with The Randy Laubach and one Patrick Jantzen.

I found out my brother-in-law Thad was in a skybox for the Bears/Cowboys game at Soldier Field Sunday night.  That would be like me getting to go to the National Dairy Convention in that I could drink beer there and find something to entertain myself, but at the end of the day Thad’s going to enjoy it more than me.

"Come after me!  I'm a man!  I'm 40!"  Mike Gundy

Thursday 9/20/2007

Happy Birthday to my sister Kenni.  Hope you had a good one.  I threw you a great party, only you were in Lubbock and the party was in Stillwater.  I do hope you enjoyed that new Cindy Lauper cassette tape I sent.  I can say stuff like that because she never reads this anyway.  I think to her the "internet" is for kids.

The Commodore tells me that yesterday was National Talk like a Pirate Day.  He had to go cause somebody was walking the plank.  Arg.  Yar.  That's really all I got.  It's funnier to say it.  Somethings lose so much when read.  Take Playboy magazine for instance. Enough!

Tomorrow night at the Townsite.  Ponca City, 7-10.  Fresh pizza, pungent music.  Then Texas Tech rolls in to town to take on your OSU Cowboys.  Guns Up Gundy.  You have the best offense of all time...

Monday 9/17/2007

Thome hit his 500^th homer yesterday at U.S. Cellular.

Dallas won, OU won, OSU…didn’t.  Had a great time in Norman.  Thanks for the invite Heath.  I met Dean Blevins protégé, I pictured him taller.

Watched The Godfather again yesterday.  That’s a movie I just don’t get tired of.

Thursday 9/13/2007

Happy Rosh Hashanah.

I hate Ranger games at Oakland.  They don’t start until 9 p.m. here. 

Heath is taking me with him to watch OU on Saturday.  I’m pretty stoked about it actually.  I know I’m an OSU guy, but we still can’t compete with the atmosphere in Norman on gameday.

Tuesday 9/11/2007

Cage is here!  We have been jamming like the ol' days and listening to Bob Dylan. 

"I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from."  Bob Dylan

Monday 9/10/2007

Had a good time in Ponca Saturday night.  Met a nice couple from Stillwater.  ODB rode up there with me in the Yeeper.  Yesterday I spent glued to the tv.  Packers, White Sox, BMW Championship, Bears, Cowboys.

The Nick Squires is suppose to be in Stillwater today.  Look out ma, there’s a K-DOT truck coming up the river…

Thursday 9/6/2007

“I’m not ashamed of what I got, I’ve seen better days but who has not.”  Dylan

Ponca City Townsite this Saturday night.  I’ll be playing there from 7-10.  No Justice is playing in Stillwater on Saturday for their CD/DVD Release Party.  I’m thinking about billing the Ponca gig as the No Justice CD/DVD Release Pre-Party.  Except No Justice won’t be there and I don’t have any copies of their CD/DVD to sell and they haven’t endorsed nor are aware of my idea.

Tuesday 9/4/07

Rally cap didn't work.  Rangers lost 8-1.

Monday 9/3/2007

Just paid my cell phone bill with AT&T, formerly known as Cingular Wireless, which I set up the account with when AT&T Wireless switched me to Cingular, then to Alltell, then back to Cingular and apparently because “the man comes around” it came full circle and I’m now back with AT&T.  Free Enterprise.

Hope everyone enjoyed a nice Labor Day Weekend.  Happy Birthday to my Dad.  He turned 60 yesterday.  Also happy birthday to my Grandmother Marsalis who turned older than 60 on Saturday.  Not polite to discuss a woman’s age you know.  Unless you’re R Kelly, then its court ordered.

Friday night I went and jammed with KevMo at The Horseshoe in Yukon.  Thanks to everyone who came out.  I had a great time.  Especially thank you to my mother-in-law for letting me take her pick-up.  The Yeeper got a well deserved rest.  Spent the night with my folks in the OKC.  Got to their place about 1:30 and DOH!  Forgot to pay Kevin.  Meet up with him at the Mercy Hospital parking lot the next day.  Messed around in the City for a little bit.  Talked to my Aunt Janice on the phone (hope you had a good trip back if you’re reading).  Head back to Stillwater and watch the game with some friends of ours.  By the way, who was the genius that puts on OSU’s website that the Cowboys were the most explosive offense in the world???  How about next time we just post nude pictures of the opposing defenses' mothers on the website.  With a tool like that for motivation what does the other team’s coach even have to say?  Watched a lot of sports this weekend.  College kick-off Saturday, one of my favorite days of the year.  For a guy like me the next two months are usually great.  The weather is cooling off a little, but still not cold, football is starting, and major league baseball is getting down to the exciting stuff.  Watched Texas Tech and SMU tonight.  Looked like OU barely edged out North Texas.  Heath and Toby Keith should be happy.  The Rangers are losing 4 to 0 to the Royals in the 7^th right now.  Rally cap time.

Gotta go, happy 4 day work week.

Friday 8/31/2007

Yukon tonight.  Should be a hoot...

Tuesday 8/28/2007

Ah, my nephews.  If not for them my wife might want to have kids.

Nice to be back in Oklahoma.

Thursday 8/23/2007

Chicago, my kind of town.  I can see how a fella could derive a lot of pleasure out of being there.  The Sox lost in a close one to Kansas City.  Josh Fields did however hit a homer in the ninth, but not enough to rally.  Game ended on a Konerko strike-out.  Still had a great time though!  Weather couldn't have been nicer.  Got to eat lunch at Giordanno's.  Stuffed cheese pizza.  Kelle and I were the first two seated, I was a little anxious.  Also went to the John Hancock building.  Some people headed to the top, with my fear of heights, I just sat at the bottom and signed my name a bunch.

Back on the farm now.  My oldest nephew has a football game this afternoon.  There's a pizza place over in Rockton called Sam's that I'm going to try to talk the tribe into eating at.  All the pizza I've had over the past several days it's possible that I'll have a heart attack before I get home, but oddly I'm o.k. with that.

I have to go load hay now.

Tuesday 8/21/2007

Yesterday I drove four-wheel drive Ford Tractor from my brother-in-law's farm to Pecatonica (little over a 2 hour drive in a tractor).  I hadn't lived until I crossed I-90 in that thing.  Went tearing through a residential area too.  I love being anonymous.  Even thought about flipping off some kids.

Last night I watched my nephew Cole play football.  He's going into the 4th grade and that kid is a marauder I tell ya.  He's a defensive lineman and I was trying to get him to talk trash and intimidate the other team, but he wasn't having it.  He did hurt a kid though.  Even by marriage I was glad to claim him.

Staying up by Milwaukee tonight, then taking the train in to Chicago tomorrow morning.  The White Sox snapped their losing streak last night against Kansas City after the Mariners made them wear dresses in Seattle over the weekend.  They'll play again tonight, then tomorrow afternoon at 1:05.  That's the one that Kelle and I have tickets to.  It's been raining every day since I got here, so I hope the game doesn't get rained out.  Then I might have to find a pub.

"Run down beer joint, stop signs with no point, Topaz City tonight."  Max Stalling

Saturday 8/18/2007

My plane didn't crash, so I've got that going for me.  Landed in Chicago about 8:20 this morning.  I've had about 7 hours sleep in the past three days and am tossing around the idea of taking up cocaine.  Thank God for Kelle's ipod, helped me make it through another flight without totally losing it, as it was I just teetered on the virge.  We flew with 18 Air Force soldiers that were coming home from Iraq.  Looking at them really makes our problems seem small.

Cool time in OKC the other night.  Redhawks won.  Happy Birthday Kelle!

Gotta go. 

More later.

Thursday 8/16/2007

Happy Elvis Disappearance Day!  Thirty years ago today the King past away or went in to hiding.  Just as the world may never know how many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop.

Next week I'll be in Chicago, watching the White Sox and eating pizza.  The time spent at the farm with my brother-in-law will probably be the most manual labor I put in all year.

Happy Birthday to my lovely wife Kelle.  Tonight we'll be down in the OKC for Elvis night at the Redhawks game.  Everybody is invited.

Sunday 8/12/2007

I went in to work a little bit yesterday morning and on my way home sitting behind a blue dodge I noticed that the bumper was bent, then remembered that I knew why the bumper was bent.  I actually was there when it happened.  Not sure I’m happy living in a town small enough to know that stuff.  When I was in college here I could pretty well maintain my anonymity unless at a bar.  The profession I have now that’s not as easy. (yes I have a day job and I’m sure those that didn’t know were surprised and thought I made a living playing 3 gigs a month),  Anyway, I’m just socially retarded enough to not be entirely comfortable with being active in the community.  For instance, what if I wanted to streak.  Used to people would’ve said “Hey honey, look at that braying jackass streaking down McElroy.”  If I did that now they would say, “Hey honey, you think we should get a car loan?”

So on my commute back home from work and the Food Pyramid (the grocery store formerely known as Albertson’s, which is another thing that I’m a little down about because I’m fond of the Albertson’s coffee, just a fading memory now), while driving Kelle’s car that has radio capabilities I heard that Nickleback song about everybody wanting to be rockstars and the part when he says “asshole” they bleep hole but he says ass.  Then later in the song there’s a part where he just says “ass” and of course they don’t bleep it.  Not that it offends me or anything, I was just kind of surprised, I would’ve thought that it would be the other way around.  That FCC, sharp folks.  You can say ass, but you can’t say asshole.  There will come a day when they bleep mother out of, well you know.

Did you hear that the Simpsons t.v. show is coming out with a movie?

Gilliano tells me that Bucky Covington is looking for a President for his fan club.  I would suggest changing your name, then you may find the search easier.  I just noticed that I wrote that like someone named Bucky is reading this.

Just finished watching Elvis ’68 Comeback Special on the TV Land.  Kelle’s birthday is this coming Thursday.  Also the 30^th anniversary of the passing of Elvis.  We’re going to Elvis night at the ballpark in Bricktown, and yes I’m dressing up.  Lawdy Lawdy Lawdy Miss Clawdy…

Wednesday 8/1/2007

Is it Wednesday already?  Man this week is flying by.  Well I got a sweet internet connection at home so now I can put my thoughts down here instead of trying to rush it so...if there's one thing I hate it's a rushed thought.

I read that Nicole Richie is pregnant.  That's gonna look like a chickens neck with a basketball in it.

There's been a lot of major league trades this week because of the trade deadline and I haven't liked any of them.  If I hear that the Rangers or White Sox are trading for "potential" anymore I'm switching it back to the golf channel.  Things haven't gotten bad enough to watch CMT yet.

Dwight Boekman Music Festival went great!  The turnout looked good to me.  Got to see a lot of my friends that it's beginning to seem like I see once a year.  Jory didn't make it this year so I played with Shane and Kevmo.  I bought a battery for my guitar when we left Stillwater and totally forgot about changing it until a minute before we started and this horrific sound was coming from the monitor and it was my guitar.  Then it dawned on me "Oh yeah, I was suppose to change the battery."  Bo let me borrow his guitar and it all worked out.  Thanks Bo!

A little slurpy tells me that Scott Miller and The Commonwealth AND The Drive-By Truckers will be in Oklahoma in October.  Heath, I smell another road trip.

Kelle is leaving this morning for Sacramento.  Back to Cally, that's how she rolls, got her ipod in on the seven O fo.  That's some sweet rhymes off my new rap record.  It's called V to the double dog d.  That's street talk for double dog dare.  You know, what happens in school right before you put your tounge on a metal pole outside on a cold day.  Perhaps around Christmas even.  Why do I suddenly have the urge to shoot a Red Rider BB gun?

"You remember that one time at that party when you drank too much and I caught you in the bathroom being bulemic."  Jermain from Flight of the Conchords

Wednesday 7/25/2007

This morning I saw a dead fox on the road by Mister Muffler.  It made me sad.  I like foxes.  I guess that's because I'm crazy...like a fox.

Friday 7/20/2007

9:10 a.m.   8 hours left until the weekend starts. 

Tomorrow night I'll be at the Ponca Townsite in Ponca City.  Show starts about 7, play til 10.  Hope to see you there.  Gonna try out a few new tunes.

Thursday 7/19/2007

Sitting in a meeting yesterday morning and the age old question was raised about winning the lottery.  This set my thoughts in motion.  If I were to…I would make DaddyO’s Music a record-setting sales day, buy Patrick a super value pack of nicorette, prank call all my friends, buy a house on a lake, a bass boat, a pontoon boat, an air conditioned house in Okemah to be used once a year, and a brewery.

Took Mom out to eat for her birthday last night in Oklahoma City.  Didn’t see any goats in Dodge Neons on I-35, so that’s always a good sign.

Tuesday 7/17/2007...later

http://www.dbmusicfest.com

https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=477

Courtesy of JP.

Wednesday 6/27/2007

Both the White Sox and the Rangers have won two in a row this week.  Things are turning around.  I can feel it coming in the air tonight.

Chatted with Heath a little on the tele last night.  Gearing up for WGWOF '07.  I quit shaving yesterday.

Getting ever so close on It's Never Too Late.  Couple bass fills and one last mix.

"Hey Hey My My Rock and Roll will never die, just hang your hair down in your eyes you'll make a million dollars."  Todd Snider

Tuesday 6/26/2007

It's raining again.  I feel like buying a flannel shirt and starting a grunge band with this whole Seattle vibe happening.  Wick, if your listening, I expect a phone call.

More mixing tonight.  When we're done I think I'm going to have this one mastered.  Maybe get an infomercial and sell it.

Too broke to drink.  There's a country hook if I ever heard one.

Kelle's going to LA in a couple weeks.  I'm going to Okemah.

I'm becoming addicted to HBO programming.  Decent drama and occasional nudity.

"Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright."  Bob Marley

Sunday 6/24/2007

Had a nice time in Yukon Friday night.  Thanks to all those who came out.  Especially Savanah, Jenny, Heather, Jason, Matt, and Robert.  The music was sub-par but the conversation was nice.

In the crosstown classic my White Sox are down 2 games.  Today is the last game.  On a brighter note Josh Fields has a had a good series.  We're suppose to be going to Chicago in August.  I love it there. 

Today they're having a golf tournament where I live.  I'm actually in the building where the clubhouse is and can hear the golfers' banter.  (pulled that word out of the air...hope I used it right)  I'm a horrible golfer, so it goes without saying I'm not going to play today, but on my way in here I saw a sign that said unlimited BEER, and BEER was in all caps on the sign, wasn't just me emphasizing it.  So, what I'm thinking is lurking around and grabbing a few here and there when nobody's looking, then heckling the players as they play around the course with witty sayings such as, "Nice shot Francis," "Are those girl's clubs or boy's clubs," "Do they sell men's drivers where you bought that?" "Fix your skirt Alice."  Some of those were courtesy of Heath Kirk.

I watched a dvd this morning that I borrowed from my dad on Al Capone.  I like gangster stuff like that.  They have a bus tour you can take in Chicago that goes through Cisero and some of Capone's old haunts.  I think I'm going to google it when I'm done with this.  Actually now that I've got myself thinking about it I can't think of anything more to say here so I'm going to google it now.

Friday 6/22/2007

Cubs At White Sox this weekend.  Starts at 3:05 p.m. today. I hate work.

Yukon tonight.  Mr. Gilliland will be traversing with me.

Watching a Fergie video this morning I got to thinking about being an acoustic rhythm player for someone like her.  Wouldn’t have to sing and the scenery would be nice.  My kind of gig.

“I’m gonna hit this town til it’s teeth come out.”  Todd Snider

Tuesday 6/19/2007

My nephew Caden now has email.  He's been cracking me up.

My Mom has moved to OKC officially.  We went down there to see them this weekend for their 40th Wedding Anniversary.  I think they enjoyed the first 12 years the most, then there was me.

I'm going to Nate's tonight to hear some more of the works.

Yukon this Friday night.  Horseshoe Bar.  Coolest place in prime time.

Friday 6/15/2007

Went to Nate’s last night to finish up some mixing.  We’re really close to being done.  It’s a lot more rock-n-roll than anything I’ve ever done.  I’m digging it.  It’s never too late…wink wink nudge nudge.

Happy Weekend.

Thirsty Thursday 6/14/2007

Happy Flag Day!

"We were standing on a mountain top where the cactus flowers bloom."  REK

I would enjoy a gringo honeymoon.  I told Kelle via the text messages that what I wouldn't give to eat at a Cantina Laredo in Dallas this afternoon.  Not far enough south to count as an official gringo honeymoon, but to me anything south of Stillwater counts.

Wednesday 6/13/2007

Happy 30^th Birthday to my cousins Jeff & Justin.

I saw on the news this morning that some areas of north central Oklahoma were under an “Urban Flood Advisory”.  That term was a new one on me.

I would talk more if I had anything to say, but I don’t feel that funny and I haven’t gotten any tickets lately.

“As I went walking I saw a sign there, And on the sign it said “No Trespassing,” But on the other side the sign said nothing, That side was made for you and me.”  Woody Guthrie

Saturday 6/9/2007

This is my first Saturday posting.  Folks we’re breaking ground.  I was going to post yesterday, but as my friend Jay says yesterday was like an enema with pot of hot coffee.  So, I collected my thoughts and am posting today.  On my way in to town this morning I stopped at the OnCue on the corner of Boomer and Lakeview for gas and a colossal cup of coffee.  The girls working there told me that Whataburger had the best biscuits and gravy in town.  Who knew?

Went to softball games the past two nights.  Met a guy named Larry Thursday night.  He made up 50% of the pandemonium in the bleachers.  I made up the other 50%.  Last night I sat with Stillwater’s own Cristy Morrison.  We heckled enough that now we’re on the Parks and Rec no fly list.

“I don’t care what they say about us anyway”

It looked like they’re having a rod run (car show for the non car people) at the Elks Lodge today.  I love Stillwater on Saturday mornings.  Like a Norman Rockwell picture.  Stillwater reminds me a lot of Waynoka where I grew up, except with people and stuff to do.

“I don’t care about that”

94.7 the Buzz is the best radio station in Oklahoma in my opinion.  I hate K101, or as Cage used to say “Gay 101”.  That Cage is funny.  If you’re reading this I’d like to take you to the zoo.  Kelle and I went one time early on in our courtship.  Way too many kids for my taste, but I had several chuckles.

“Don’t look now but I lost my shoe”

I think I’m going to play golf this morning after I work my way through this OnCue coffee.  Then I think I’ll eat lunch at Wings to Go.  It’s a new place here in town.  It’s kind of like the MiniMe of Buffalo Wild Wings.  Pretty cheap, three tv’s, works for me.

“WeeOoo I look just like Buddy Holly.  OhOh and you’re Mary Tyler Moore.”  Weezer…all the quotes

Well, this was fun.  Long live the queen,

Van

Thursday 6/7/2007

Paris Hilton is out of jail.  I’ll bet she really learned her lesson.  I’m wondering how many tattoos she has now.

War is Hell.

Stillwater is very green right now.  Like Scotland in the fall.

I talked to Randy Brunken last night.  He was informing me of Phil Mickleson Tarzan-like physique.

Somebody needs to bring suspenders back.  I met a guy today that had them.  Dude also had a ton of moles all over his neck.  My knees got weak.  I’ve always had this weird feeling come over me when I see stuff like that where my feet are crawling up my legs.

As of yesterday I've been at my current job 2 years.  Thought you wanted to know.

Wednesday 6/6/2007

Watched a documentary called "Kurt & Courtney" last night about the conspiracy theories surrounding Kurt Cobain's death.  A little creepy.  It's hard to tell who's telling the truth and who's just talking for a spotlight.  Murderous or not, all I concluded is that I'm glad I'm not married to Courtney Love.

"Here we are now, entertain us."

They interviewed the girl that "About A Girl" was written for.  That was interesting.

"Love myself better than you, I know it's wrong but what can I do."

The place where I work is overran with gnats.  They are driving me out of my mind.

My mom has started her new job in OKC and is doing well.  I figured that it might be a little bit of a culture shock going from a town of about 1,000 people to the city, but I think she likes it.

I went to a movie last night and got there so late I had to sit in the second row.  That sucked.  My neck felt like somebody put a rubberband around my forehead and heels.

Tuesday 6/5/2007

I just received an email that people from Regions Net Online have reason to believe that my banking security could've been accessed by a third party.  If you receive this do not give them information.  Tell everyone you know.  In my opinion, there is a special place in hell for the people that are associated with scams like this for identity theft.  May they die slow and painful deaths.

Monday 6/4/2007

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

I played golf with Slurp dizzle yesterday.  First day the course was open after Flood '07.  We made the news on Friday for the flood in Stillwater.  I was at the stoplight at Main and Hall of Fame Friday night, looked west and saw a trash can floating down the street.

I have to go win friends and influence people now.

Hugs not Drugs...

"I want a girl with a short skirt and a long jacket..." Name that tune

Friday 6/1/2007

Friday!!!  Going to see my mother-in-law for her 39th birthday this weekend.  I really hope she's reading this.

This week has sucked.  My mom hates that term, but it was the nicest I could think of.

God Bless, Van

Thursday 5/31/2007

Got to chat with my old friends Heath and Cage on the way to and from Waynoka this weekend.  Nice to hear the witty b.s. from those two.  It's sunny today which is a welcomed change in my opinion.  Poured yesterday.

"In the eyes of the confessor."  Joe Walsh

"Life's been good to me so far."  Also Joe Walsh

I have a rocking chair now.  Put it together twice last night.  The first time I put the springs in the base on the wrong way so it set with the back pointing forward like a handicap lift chair.  Took the base off and turned it around.  Sat in it just long enough to see on the news that the White Sox lost again.  Got swept by the Twins no less.  Could anything go right yesterday.  I drove Cameron's Mom's Lincoln Navigator the whole time thinking, if she'd known my luck today she'd have never let me behind the wheel.

Suppose to be rain again tomorrow so Kelle's softball game might be cancelled.  There was a chance that they were going to be shorthanded enough to have to have me play, so the pending rain might be a sign.

Kelle borrowed Cristy's "Pirates of the Caribbean" DVD for us to watch tonight.  I like the Caribbean Jerk sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings so I'm guessing I'll probably like the movie too.

I'm thinking of running for president...bring the White House to Stillwater.  Can I get a what what...what does that even mean?

Wednesday 5/30/2007

Been catching some little league baseball action on weeknights.  Austin's games are cheaper than the Redhawks.

I don't remember seeing this much rain since the mid 90's.  Back when a coke was still cola...

I've heard that Lethal Heathal has some new reviews ready to post.

"It's not dark yet, but it's getting there."  Bob Dylan

Friday 5/25/2007

Happy upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Heath Kirk is my homeboy.

I will raise my goblet of rock.

Screams out in defiance.

Someone just told me that their sanity is resting squarely on my shoulders.  If that’s not scary I don’t know what is.  As Hank would say about Dale, that’s putting undue strain on a structure that wasn’t up to code in the first place.

Donella is supposed to cut my hair at 2 today.  She’s in a new place next to Hastings called Looking Sharper.  How ironic is it that I’m going there?

Allison Kraus is my favorite female singer.  Gillian Welch is a close secondOf all the American Idols, Tayler Hicks is the only one that I would go to see in concert.  And wouldn’t pay more than $5 for him.

“There’s a stranger here looking back above the bathroom sink.”  Ryan Adams

Wednesday 5/23/2007

Well, I tell you what...

The weekend was pretty entertaining.  My new friend Bobby Dee hooked me up with a sweet U-Haul Trailer for the ol' Yeeper.  The place we played in Childress was 8 miles off the main road.  A little scary at first.  Had a cheeseburger that was amazing.  As many of you know I'm a sucker for a good cheeseburger.  Cage rubbed off on me.  They were playing a game outside throwing a cornbag into a hole on a ramp.  The ramps each had the emblem of a college team on it.  Texas Tech, UT, and A&M, I was depressed to see that OSU didn't make the cut.  I know it's not the same state, but give me a break.  It's at an FFA function and who contributes more to the ag sector than OSU.  Find the ag department in Austin and get back to me on that.  In all honesty, they were some of the best people I've worked with in a long time.  My ol' friend Rodney Black down there played the best practical joke on me ever.  I got him a few years ago and he didn't forget.  I'll have to go in to more detail on that when I have time.  My sister told Rodney to be careful because I "spook easy".  As the old saying goes I'm not paranoid, but that doesn't mean they're not watching us.

Last night I was humiliated by a 10 year-old at an elementary school library.  I must have a sign on me lately.  All the jokes I've pulled in my day are catching up with me.  I went to State Night at Westwood Elementary where each student gave facts on different states of America.  My friend Bryan's son had Alabama and was dressed as the legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.  About a week ago I made the comment to Austin that my great Uncle Jack had played for Bear at Texas A&M.  So, last night Don Rickles Jr points me out in front of God and everybody in the Westwood Elementary library during his presentation that my uncle had played for him.  So, now I've got a score to settle with a 10 year-old and I'm not too proud to settle it.

My friend Jay might have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The blinker is still out on the Jeep.

I haven't been stopped for it.

I won't drive it through Enid.

I believe in buying American.

Toby Keith plays a Takamine guitar with an American Flag on it.

I don't believe in Toby Keith.

I wish he wasn't from Oklahoma, or that I wasn't because he is.

Have you ever seen Dallas from a DC9 at night?

Monday 5/21/2007

Not a lot of time for small talk today.  Shows went well this weekend.  Special thanks to Russell Graves and the Childress FFA.  They were great to work with and we had a groovy time.  I will talk more about that trip at a later time when I have my feet under me.  Jeep pulled like a champ (as if you had doubts).

Sox won yesterday, but lost the series.  Congrats Pop.

"When you're in with the lord there's just one reward, and you just as soon make it come true."  REK

Friday 5/18/2007

Really been slacking on ye ol' diary this week.  Mantz you were right, my blinker was out.  Funny enough because the damn back door doesn't open I can't get it fixed.  Pulling the trailer this weekend to Childress so the Jeep shouldn't need no stinking blinker.  Looking forward to the show.  Dustin Dunbar is going to sit in with us on bass in Josh's absence.  I told the guys to bring ipods and any reading they want to catch up on since there's no radio in the Jeep and I only have enough stories to get us to Lawton.

Cubs and Sox this weekend.  Series starts at 1:20 today and I am going to have a hard time keeping myself from pulling into a bar with the game on between here and there.  Buerhle's pitching for the Sox.  My dad is a die hard Cubs fan and I've always loved the White Sox.  Go figure?

Went to Kelle's softball game last night.  Free entertainment, and it was worth that.

Go to Kelle's garage sale tomorrow if you're in Stillwater.  My goal is to not have a storage unit in two months and you can make that happen!  Good credit, bad credit, no credit at all.  Have a quarter, need a priceless treasure? 

Go Sox!

Friday 5/11/2007

My blinkers on the Jeep blink so fast it’s like they’ve had an energy drink.  They’re off the hook.  I don’t know if people still say that, but then again I don’t care.  My blinkers are off the hook I tell you.

Heading to Childress then Alva next weekend for the shows.  I’m looking forward to that.

Not a lot shaking this weekend.  Might play a little golf if the mosquitoes are bearable.

“I swear we would’ve made it if it wasn’t for the shine ‘cause I got sick about the time we crossed that Kansas line.”

Wednesday 5/9/2007

I noticed that the LA fire is near the Griffith Observatory.  That was the observatory that they were at the James Dean movie 'Rebel Without a Cause'.  I hope it misses it.

Got an email from Heath this morning.  A guy at the newspaper in Hutchison wrote a story about his parents.  I'm going to put the link up on here and hope it works.  Very good article.

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/regional/stories/kirks050807.shtml

Tuesday 5/8/2007

Sometimes I think my personality would best be utilized in the corporate world as a greeter at Wal-Mart.  Just a thought.

Added some dates to the calendar.  Had to blow the dust off that page.

Heath sent me a picture of his bedroom in Greensburg.  Please continue to keep those folks in your prayers.

Monday 5/7/2007

$2.97/gallon is what you can purchase gas for at the OnCue on Lakeview and Boomer.  Thanks.

Heath's parents live in Greensburg, Kansas and their house was hit by the tornado.  Please remember them in your prayers. 

I went to the OU-OSU game yesterday in Bricktown and think that I’m banished not only from the ballpark, but also any future functions of the Stillwater Young Professionals.

I’d like to party with the main character from the “Feed Jake” video.

Driving to the hospital last Wednesday on NW Expressway in Ok City (pronounced Oak City) I saw a bunch of flags on the light poles with the Oklahoma Centennial Logo.  That’s about the only thing I’ve seen about the centennial other than the t-shirts at the new Wal-Mart.  Go Oklahoma