Touch Me I'm Sick.

Started my new job today. My back is killing me. Nothing like a good dose of manual labor to make you feel old. I didn't sleep too well last night 'cause I was anxious about today. Everything went weller than expected. I outperformed my expected limit....or so says my new boss. What happened to my old, stressful job? I knocked it on the head. Granted, I kinda did it the wrong way. I'm not gonna go into it 'cause this is a public blog and i'm sure some of the people I used to work for look at this. I gave my notice and I was promptly fired. I didn't do it in the most friendly way and I probably deserve it in some way but at least I still have half an ounce of confidence left. I 'spose I had enough to leave. Now we get into the struggle part of our show. Taking this new job is not going to be a breeze. I'm gonna have to tighten the financial belt for awhile. At least I really like my new boss. Maybe I won't be so depressed and i'll start blogging more.

This past Friday, I went to visit my friend Steve who's better known as Mr. Entertainment in the clubs. We were messing around trying to see if we could write a song together. On the way to his house, I got some words in my head about the mystery of songwriting and how you have to try to unlock some hidden door to let it all out. I brought that in and we tried to chisel it into shape but it proved too wordy and we abandoned it for something a little more light-hearted and then it just flowed. That was fun and such a release. I used to write a lot and I haven't done it lately 'cause I haven't had the time and now I know I need to make the time. I'm really tired right now but i'm feeling good knowing my first hard day is behind me.

Shunday.

My voice is even worse now. I blame it on Nowhere Man. Today, I got to spend some quality time with Miss Jojo. We had a real fun lunch at Friendly's where she insisted I call her Micky as in Dolenz. I love my one-on-one time with her. She's so funny. As promised, the family showed up at Elwood's. We played Sleepwalk and Wipeout for my Mom and we mangled Under The Boardwalk for my Aunt and Uncle. They danced on the sidewalk and that was cool. We played our little hearts out and nobody cared. Oh, well. I spoke to the guys about rehearsing for the NAEMI show and we're gonna try sometime this week minus Pete. It looks like we're gonna rehearse with him the day of the show. A little while ago, Jojo woke up and told me she liked my playing tonight. She's so sweet. I can't wait for the day where i'm in a club somewhere supporting her musical dreams.

S Hatterday.

My voice is FUCK ALL today. Three gigs later, it's a chunky goo. Yesterday, we went to dinner with my Uncle Rick and Aunt Carol and family. Then we had to race home so I could take the usual five hours to get ready for the evening's programme. O'Hara's. I was told ahead of time that some Art Festival was happening downtown so some of the streets were blocked off. Somehow, my lack of parking luck was all cashed in 'cause I got a great spot. Musically, we were pretty good. There were mostly tourists in the joint so they laughed heartily at all our 10 year-old jokes. Nothing like a new polish on an old turd.

I met some people from Scotland (pronounced scoot-land...go ahead...say it.). Glasgow (pronounced glazz-goo... go ahead...say it.) to be precise. They seemed to like us and one gentleman kept saying we were very tight (pronounced tait...go ahead...say it.)(i hope he meant musically!). I think they might have had a pint (pronounced paint...go ahead...ah, for fuck's sake...forget it) too many. Nice folks. I saw Pete in there somewhere but he was off like a shot and was gone when I was searching for him a little later. The evening wound up with five very tired Funkabillies grasping for something to play for the few stragglers left. Both mine and Chuck's voices were gone so I thought to end with The Train Song which is an instrumental. At the end, Chuck and I tried to dissonantly out-skronk each other. Easily the best musical moment of the night.

Frieday.

Last night, we were at Alligator Alley and Ed O'Brien from the Eat and John Mahoney (from Mr. Entertainment's mob) showed up. That was a pleasant surprise. The few people who were there really seemed to enjoy it and the gig went great. There were a few Spoon Benders in the house as well. I wasted about 20 dollars in sticks as the splinters went flying. Today, I have to run around to get some stuff done. I'm having my band pants altered again. The first time I went to have it done, the lady couldn't believe I wanted my socks to show and I think she took matters into her own hands. Sheesh. My Uncle Rick and Aunt Carol came in from New York so I imagine we'll be having dinner with them at some point. In the past few days, we've lost the ultra-soulful Buddy Miles and the ultra-soulful Mike Smith from the Dave Clark Five. People don't really mention his keyboard ability. He could rock the Vox as well as anybody. And there's no way you can't tap a toe to Can't You See That She's Mine! As for Buddy....Who Knows....that's all I can say.

Thirstday.

Last night, we were at the Quillo Theater in WPB throwing it down for no more than a few people at a time. I 'spose I should explain the second picture...Out in the street (which was blocked off for Clematis By Night), there was this standard poodle (y' know...one of those huge bastards) laying on the ground so I joined him. Rick's friend Jim joined us on the Beatle tunes and relieved me from singing the Paul parts. Tonight, Alligator Alley. Tomorrow, the World (actually, stinky old O'Hara's).

Only I'm Not Sleeping.

Well, I wish I could report something but they didn't tell me anything. I got there a bit earlier than the appointed time so they filled that time with more questionnaires and rights-waiving papers. I was WAY tired from the lack of caffeine so I was ready to sleep as soon as it was allowed. I took some pictures and read a bit till I had to have the electrodes connected. Can't say that was comfortable. I had to do some testing to make sure the shit worked ("roll your eyes left..right..left...now wiggle your toes...") and read some more. I was nodding off something fierce when the time came for lights out (like prison). At that very moment, I ceased to be tired and tried to sleep (with wires hanging out everywhere). I felt myself wake up at least four times and had a little of the itching fits that I'm so used to now. I have to say it was weird sleeping by myself. Not something i'd like to repeat anytime soon. Next thing I remember, I was woken up by the intercom telling me to keep my eyes open. More questionnaires. Great big chunks of leg hair ripped out with frightening speed during the electrode removal (that'll wake you up!). I got dressed and split. They told me i'd have to talk to my doctor for the results. Kinda anti-climactic if you ask me. I returned to my beloved caffeine.

I'm Only Sleeping Part 1

Today, I have a fucking BITCHIN' headache that won't go away. Why? I couldn't have caffeine today 'cause i'm having my sleep study. I gotta go real soon. I guess they'll be able to figure out why I wake up a zillion times a night. Wish me luck. I may sneak the camera in and document myself in lurid poses with electrodes hanging off. Sexy? You betcha! Stay tuned.