Temple of Obama

I hate to say it, but it is my opinion that tonight's speech may be perceived by some as way over the top... The Roman facade that has been built at Mile High is pretentious and scary. Now, I know better...but Americans generally let the media do all of their thinking for them...if you get my drift.

I really hope this spectacle does not backfire for all of us.

Howdy Doody!

That is one homely ass kid. Thought I would share.

Ok, so updates. Happy as a proverbial clam.



I met someone and she has been my constant companion for a few months now. We fit. It's a fit that I probably wouldn't have had earlier in my life, but we all learn, grow and change. We can only hope that we (all of us) end up happy and content. I am, and that is a very good thing. Oh, by the way her name is Heather, sorry.

Kids - Nick leaves for bootcamp August 25th, and I plan on swinging into KC for a going away party for him. The party is the 23rd and if you want to come, let me know. Hmmm, Amber on the other hand is going through a tough time and her Dad is trying hard to get her through it. Who knows, she may end up in Chicago if she is smart and willing to take a risk. Danielle is a Jewish conservative so McBush will have one vote more than I would like him to. Yuck. He is an unpolished doorknob to the past, and I really hate the way he speaks (passive / aggressive). Did I already say yuck?

Band - I am currently making a transition to another project which is more "poppy". We will be more groove oriented covering artists such as: Maroon 5, Tristin Prettyman, Sara Bareilles, Fine Young Cannibals, Sting and Seal. I think you get the drift. I play my last show at the Lodge in Lisle on the 9th. Huge place and we have an opening act. Wow, I know.

Work - good.

That's it I think, at least for this installment.

I'm done...phew.

Click on the image to see the entire Syer arsenal...

2004 Wine Standard Strat

2003 Gun Metal Blue w/ Seymour Duncans

2008 Fender Stratocaster

New one...


The one that was stolen...

I decided to go with the maple neck instead of the rosewood. A little different than the original...but let's face it, it will never be the original.

2000 Epiphone Black Beauty

All I can say is this guitar was purchased in flawlwess condition. It sits safely in the OHSC waiting for a special gig. It is one of the most stunning guitars I own.

Early 90's Epiphone '57 Les Paul Goldtop

Unbelievable find. Produced in Korea at the Samick factory. It has aged just beautifully. The once white bindings have yellowed to give the guitar a very vintage look. The sound is amazing and came stock with real Gibson '57 Humbuckers.

2007 Epiphone Les Paul Classic

Purchased specifically to match the sound of the cherry sunburst LP. It has been to every gig as a backup. GREAT guitar!

2005 Schecter Hellraiser

This guitar was purchased in late Summer 2005. It was one of the first runs of this very special model. I had to wait for it for 2-3 months. Just recently it has undergone some major adjustment and is like "butta" to play.

A review:

The Schecter C-1 Hellraiser is an electric guitar that delivers tones sure to please any metal player. The Hellraiser's mahogany body has an ultra-access cutaway that really lets you get all the way up the 3-piece mahogany neck. The rosewood fretboard on the C-1 guitar has 24 extra-jumbo frets and gothic cross inlays for a dark, sinister look. Active EMG 81TW and 89 pickups deliver crushing electric guitar tone. Now you have more options that ever by activating single-coil sound from the 81TW via a push/pull tone knob.

TonePros tune-o-matic bridge with string-thru-body design makes for stable tuning no matter how hard you play. Binding specifically chosen to complement the finish, Grover tuners, and black chrome hardware round out the Schecter C-1 Hellraiser's killer look. Black Cherry finish has a quilted maple top.

PRS Paul Allender Signature Model

This guitar is OMG beautiful. Plays like a dream. It was just recently acquired and will probably be used quite a bit live. Designed with Paul Allender of Cradle of Filth, it features a quilted maple veneer with a Custom Allender burst, Allender pickups and special bats in flight inlays (these are really cool).

The Bad Boyz of Rock!

Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Signature Model


Epiphone Slash Signature Model


Epiphone Zakk Wylde Signature Model

I have just recently aquired all three of these signatures editions. Hard to say which one is my favorite - probably the Slash with it's beautiful tobacco sunburst...

Epiphone Limited Edition G-400 Custom

This guitar is a replica of an Ibanez SG Custom that I owned back in 1983-1984. I just purchased this newer version recently, and would have to say it's the only guitar I would consider sexy. It absolutely exudes Rock n Roll.

A review:

Elegant and powerful, the classic three pickup SG lives on in new stunning detail even down to the "Les Paul" script at the end of the rosewood fingerboard. This Limited Edition G-400 Custom with Maestro tremolo features three powerful Alnico Classic Humbucking pickups like the original but Epiphone has added even more flexibility with individual bridge, middle and neck volume controls to allow infinite blending combinations. Add to that gold hardware and the vintage Maestro tremolo and you've got a rock and roll machine that looks as good as it sounds.

1970's Fender Stratocaster

This was a real beauty. I bought this Strat around 1982. The finish had cracked like an eggshell. I decided to strip the guitar which revealed a beautiful natural ash. I used tongue oil to give it that vintage glow, added a Floyd Rose trem. I sold this guitar around 1986-87 to a boyfriend of my sister's. I have been honestly thinking about trying to re-create this guitar as well. Fender has just begun manufacturing a '70s throwback line with maple necks and large headstocks. I will most likely have to replace all of the plastic, because these guitars only come in white. 3 knobs, 3 pg covers, a trem cap and pickguard (all black) will run around $30.

1990 Epiphone Les Paul Standard

The above guitar was purchased used from Sound Source in Rochester around 1996. It was manufactured in the Samick plant in Korea and has the standard early bolt on neck. Of all the Les Paul's I own, this guitar is the work horse. Never goes out of tune and the tone is amazing. The stock pickups were horrible and would feedback even at very low volumes. In 2007 I replaced the pickups with Seymour Duncans. The neck position has a Pearly Gates and the bridge is a George Lynch Screamin' Demon. All 4 pots were replaced and the entire guitar was re-wired. The cherry sunburst is absolutely beautiful. The action is low, and I use Elixer nanoweb 9's on it, mostly because of my finger. I play her at almost every gig.

Let's talk equipment...

I have been away for a long time...

I would like to start writing about my love of music and musical equipment that I have collected over the years. The blog will contain all kinds of pictures and info going back to the beginning of my life (whether you like it or not). Above is a guitar that was unfortunately stolen. I am in the process of recreating it slowly, and hopefully will have a replica of this very special guitar soon. The new one will never replace the original.

The aquamarine Fender Stratocaster was actually purchased by my daughter's cousin back in the late 80's. It came stock with three single coils and a solid white pickguard. Long story short, I purchased the guitar from him for my daughter. As she lost interest, I adopted it by default and replaced the middle and neck pickups with Lace Sensors. The bridge pickup was replaced with a vintage '57 Gibson Humbucker. I also replaced the plain white pickguard with a perloid. It had a beautiful tubular Strat sound and almost no 60 cycle hum. It was stolen late Summer of '07. I can only hope that someone is enjoying and taking good care of her.

Blah, blah, blog...

I have been struggling with time lately, and of course the blog is one of the last places I would ever spend said time...BUT, I am at lunch and figured, what the heck.

Ok, let's see... Job is good, family is good, uh, band is good, uh...I am sunburned and peeling like a snake. That's pretty much it. Oh, and I love my new Pilot. It really is a great car, but WOW it really does suck the gas. I would say that I spend double as much on gas as I do my payment. And, my payment really isn't that bad.

Speaking of driving, I will be heading back to KC this coming Saturday. Some to do's that I hope to accomplish while I am there.

• See Beth
• Visit with Miriam and Nick
• See Neil and grab my Blue Voodoos
• Stop in to see Seth, Kristy and the kids
• See Lori
• Visit with Fiftal if I can get a hold of him
• See Tom on Monday (weird that he will be in KC the same time I will be)
• Rest alot, and eat alot
• become 46 years old...
• and drink wine, cuz it's good fer ya...

Thas' 'bout it. Same Scott, different day.

When an Aries' looks for work...

Aries (March 21-April 19)
Your traits: ambitious, inventive, confident and independent. You can be impatient, but your creativity and high energy inspire people and make you a natural leader.

Compatible jobs: Look for jobs that allow you to flex your imagination and work either independently or as a leader. Ariens often succeed in creative fields such as journalism, publicity, publishing and advertising. A leadership position in the military or law enforcement is another potential match.

Famously successful Ariens: Leonardo Da Vinci, Aretha Franklin, Thomas Jefferson

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Wants and needs...

Ok, so yes I love the color purple. But, do I love it enough to add another uneeded guitar to my already too big guitar collection? Ah, that is the true question. So, what could I buy for the amount of dinero I would spend on yet another instrument? Let's see...

• 859 individual purchases at The Dollar Store (less tax)
• 6 (approx) round trip tickets to Kansas City from Chi-town
• 1/3 of a night with Ashley Dupre (unless her price has already gone up)
• Pay .0000000001 % of the national debt
• Fill my tank a little over 17 times
• Spend the weekend in Melbourne (FL not Australia)
• 2 years of gym membership plus tanning because I am so fucking white
• 1/5 of a night with Ashley Dupre and then Culver's with 15 friends to celebrate
• A Sabres' game, 2 Labatt Blue and a dozen hot wings from the Anchor (bleu cheese not that ranch dressing shit)
• Visit my mom and buy her something beautiful to wear to the Sabres' game

Life in front on your eyes...

Quick post.

I was just cleaning up from making dinner when I noticed that the sun had broken through the clouds and was just amazing. I was smart enough to have my apartment's deck face the west, because I knew how beautiful my evenings would be when I returned from work come summertime. Anyway, as I stood outside smiling at the sun, I noticed in the backyard of one of the row of homes to the south that there was a man smoking on his deck. What made me laugh out loud was the fact that there was a child looking out through the sliding glass door at this man. The child had apparently learned how to turn the porch light on and off, and was showing off this new found talent to the man. The man showed no interest for a moment and then suddenly turned around "boogieman" style and hobbled (because everyone knows that is how boogiemen walk, which could best be described as Marlon Brando chasing his grandson in the tomato garden in GF1) towards the house. When the man got close to the door, the child ran away, obviously hysterical. The smiling man turned, and walked back out to the edge of the deck.


...within a just a moment the porch light began to flicker again.

Above is a pic from last Saturday night's gig. We had a great time and the crowd was just awesome! I have to say that I came to Chicago with much trepidation. Was really a matter of trying to fulfill some unwritten prophecy I designed in my mind. A lot of it was because I truly felt as if I had wrung KC dry...obviously that isn't true - but just try to understand the mind-set at the time. So much has happened in the last 10 days or so, and honestly all that has happened has set a cornerstone for how I believe I will live the rest of my life. Blah, blah, blah... So instead of continuously pontificating, I will list all the good that is going on 'round hea'...

A little love fest for all to smile about:

• Kristy has chosen to accept me back into her life as a friend. I would write more about that, but just know that it has filled a void and enabled me to have some closure and clarity to a time in my life that I hold very dear. Kristy helped me to make sense of the transitional chaos in my life after I left home. She never took sides, she listened objectively and gave her opinion...she also hugged pretty darn good - and that's always a plus! I will make you proud that you chose to do this. I love you my friend and I can't wait to see you sometime soon...
• Beth and I have chosen to attempt the "long distance thing" again. Beth is a strong, independent and amazing woman. I think we both have decided that our feelings for each other will fill the miles between KC and Naperville. She and I both tried the "dating" thing and it's YUCK! I would rather see her 6 times a year than be with anyone else. She is very kickass don't ya know. I have missed her rugged exterior and her soft emotional side...but not for long - as I write I am making plans to visit KC in the next couple of weeks. Maybe sooner, woo hoo....white pizza and smoothies for everyone barkeep!
• Last but not least is the wonderful and NON-NEGOTIABLE relationship I have with Miriam. She has been there to temper me, laugh with me and share a Corona after all of the years, the ups and the downs. She is just as beautiful today as she was when I met her, both physically and down deep in her heart. We will always be there for each other, and if my actions in life have been questionable - one thing I can be certain of, they never were when it came to Miriam. Poor kid is very sick as I write this, and my prayers and words of comfort are with you honey. I will see you soon to get that yard looking all Scotty Stylie...

Let's not forget a couple more VERY important people:

• Neil, you kicked my ass last weekend. Either you need to get older, or I need to somehow get younger. Next time let's go antiquing, wine tasting and miniature golfing...that's more my speed. (You know I'm kidding - I was really thinking sky diving)
• All the guys in the band, Tom, Mike and Bob. You have all become my very good friends and I love our collaboration. I still think we should wear light blue vinyl suits, but that's just me.

See you don't have to drink to show the love...

Have a GREAT weekend, and kiss someone wouldja?

Ok, ok

I am better now. It is a beautiful day here in Chicago and it's also Friday. And, if you are reading this blog you are breathing. That is a good thing as well.

Happy happy, joy joy

If I were a Disney character, I would have a fucking cartoon bluebird on my shoulder.

Words of advice...

I would like to make this as simple as it can be. My intention was to write a profound statement discussing the many pros and cons of opening up your life via blog. I was going to advise very politely that the venue is for many different perspectives and emotional states. I was also going to share that writing in general is good for the heart, soul, mind and of course - the reader. I am not going to write that post though... I am instead going to say one thing. If you can't handle what I fucking write about...then don't fucking read this blog. If your only purpose for coming to this blog is to gather ammunition or subconsciously prove to yourself that your life is so shallow that you need mine to live vicariously through...then stay the fuck off. I am sick of all the shit I receive from posting on this blog. Get a fucking life or better yet just enjoy it for what it is worth. It is supposed to my place to reflect, and not a place for you to pass fucking judgement.

This is my blog and you are guests here bitches!

Wow...

Every morning at 5:45 my CD clock radio starts my day with Falling Slowly. I hum the song until I eat my cereal usually. If you wish to understand that we all have second chances, and if you want to be swept away by honesty, transparency and fate...please watch Once. I jumped off of my couch when Glen and Marketa won the Oscar for best original song. Nice to have a team that wins once and awhile...

We should all try to do as the Irish Blessing invokes...

"Say little but say it well..."

A tough goodbye...

I finally did the unthinkable and bought a new vehicle. Very sad on many levels, especially when I reflect on all of the memories in my old truck. But, she got me here...and that is all I really ever asked that fateful day I left KC. I'll miss her.

So, as you can see...I went with a Honda Pilot. I was hoping to be more environmentally friendly this time around, but I needed a truck and the hybrids were way out of line. It'll be a good vehicle. Honda's seem to run forever if you take care of them. Has way too much stuff in it. I even have a DVD player. My kids would have loved it when they were younger. Well, there's always grandchildren.


Random thought: When I purchased a Time magazine 2 years ago that had a picture of Barack Obama on it with the caption, "The Next President?"... I never dreamed it would become a reality. I went on with daily life with more of a hope that our country and it's people would begin to wake from this terrible dreamstate and deny the incumbent regime by lobbying, protesting and handing down indictments. But unfortunately at this point in our history, Americans may need a great leader's voice to set them on the right road once again. Show them the light if you will...

I, as well as others believe that voice is here, on this earth, right now. Peace and Prosperity are slowly waking and waiting to come out of a long,long exile...


Our children have a future again...

Love is not always a choice, but...art is.

Great artist here: Kris Lewis As you can see from the example.

Daughtry Watch

Meds aren't working...

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Danielle Jacqueline Syer will be 30 years old tomorrow. She is successful and extremely happy (at least 20% of the time...just kidding). I love her and miss her terribly. Happy B day sweetheart!


Ok, I am officially a clothes horse. I went to Macy's and went nuts buying dress shirts. Some as low as $9. Also picked up some new dress pants at BR which is really just Ambercrombie for old folks like me. New duds really lift the spirits, now I see why so many depressed people are always shopping for clothes...or crack. Now, the bad news is having to rid myself of all of the old stuff. I need someone to come in and euthanize my wardrobe. I don't want to see it happen...just hire a closet executioner to do the deed. Quick, painless and with dignity - that's all I ask.

Now, I am a Patriots fan but I must say that I cannot be happier for the city of NY. Even a devout fan of any NFL team must have felt a rush of adrenaline when you saw Peyton cheering Eli on. I changed sides immediately! Great end to a great season. But I truly feel badly for the Patriots players (not Belechick, he's an ass). Whether or not you love or hate the Patriots, just remember how much they have contributed to really sending NFL teams to a new level of execution on the field. Reminds me of the SF 49'ers with Montana and Walsh. They set an example of how the game can be played in a more "smart" and strategic way. The NFL is not for dummies anymore thanks to the Patriots and all of the other teams that have contributed to the evolution of the game. But, I am still glad that Giants won. And NO, I won't take my Giselle poster down.

LA was a blast. I could never live that lifestyle though. The trip was long so I will describe some high points in YES, A LIST!

• Had dinner at IVY and no unfortunately we saw no stars. Had a kickass 3 course meal though with some great company and way too much wine.
• Went to Universal Studios and took the backlot tour. Saw sets for: Desperate Houswives, The Grinch, Pyscho, King Kong and I also saw the Delorean from Back to the Future. Was big one fun and again we drank too much.
• Went to Elevate Lounge for Sushi and ridiculous views of the city from their ginormous and glamorous outer patio and seating area. Very foo foo place that I would never go to unless I was with Paris Hilton or any big city fagioli. Was fun, but when the Trance (featuring the 12000 watt bass) kicked in, I was outta there. Went back to the Biltmore (when you say Biltmore, you have to say it like James Mason would) and again drank too much.

Let's see, what else...

• Beth will be in to visit next week (she is super wonderful and I am so glad that we are friends).
• I have a training that I am delivering next Tues, Wed and Thu.
• My band has it's first gig on March 8th. Website is 80% complete. I will give all the details via Myspace and of course here when it is up and running.
• It is snowing here.
• I dream too much lately.

So far so good. Trying to keep the integrity level up and have fun at the same time. Miss my kids and miss my many friends.

Ok scram.

I really miss my friend...

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I
Tears stream down your face I promise you
I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I

The Girls...

Oh no! Amber has TR!!!

Redundancy is the best policy.

Just let Chiqui in, and I know there is no way in hell I can sleep right now. Been a very eventful day that's for sure. Landed safely last night. I was able to sleep on the plane the whole time jamming out to my old favorites, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater. Ok you caught me...I was bad and broke my vow at a little tavern at Midway and drank two Killian's waiting to board. One was actually out of necessity (I was soooo thirsty) and the second was to toast my next adventure.

But, back to today...

My whole reason for coming back to the "redneck capital of the world" was to see Nick wrestle. My disappointment was tangible when we received a phone call early this morning from Nick telling us he did not make weight. He was over by one pound. ONE pound! I kept my cool, but I was devastated. For those of you with children, I'm sure you are empathetic. But, you have to remember, Nick is it for his Mom and I. No more school sports for us to rally for. No more to feel that pride and supportive weightlessness that only accompanies watching your child score a touchdown, throw strike three or catch a high fly in right field. Okay, of course, as time goes on we as parents find other avenues to support our children in...but for some reason I can't help feeling badly about today. Hmmmm. On a good note though, the afternoon gave Nick and I some "quality" time to discuss HIM. I am very happy that he opened up to me about school, and his future. He is a great kid and I love him very much.

And...we also saw Cloverfield.

If you are a sci-fi fan, enjoy being scared and can handle the "Tilt-a-Whirl" at your local carnival or County Fair...this movie is for you. I liked it - ALAWT, however - I can see how it will be loved and panned by the bastard critics. I say F'm, what do they really know anyway? Hmmm...well, they did get Juno and Little Miss Sunshine right. Bastards.

Let's see, what else...

Tomorrow is dinner with Beth and some friends. I will hang at Beth's until Monday. I am not seeing anyone else on this trip home, and honestly am not sure when I will be home again. Speaking of which... What the hell is home for me now anyway? In KC, I always made reference to Rochester as "home", but now in Chicago, I refer to KC as "home." It's all very confusing, and I am very glad that I watched Joe Dirt today to gain insight in regards to this very dilemma. There is a scene when Joe is speaking to a very inarticulate (sp) gentleman from Baton Rouge. The man offers Joe a statement in reaction to Joe's feeling of displacement. He says to Joe, "Home is where the heart is." Joe of course, walks the 1500 miles back to the west coast and begins life anew... Good for Joe. Blah blah. But, obviously in order to find a place where your heart truly "is" can sometimes be a quest. I believe it has been a lifelong one for me. But, I am seeing that my search may be coming to a close once and for all. Mostly because I have chosen to be happy wherever I land.

On that note, just recently I was reading about relationships. There was a paragraph that discussed people that are or were never satisfied with anything about their lives. It was very interesting, and contemporary to me - because the article also discussed addictive behaviors of certain people that can never really commit to anything because they may have a belief that there is always "something better" just around the corner. Their MO is to forever hold a "get out of jail free" card in their posession (just in case). I know about people like this, because I am one. The other issue that was discussed was that these specific type of people also resort to emotional slavery. Because they never let the people in their past relationships just move on. To detach completely would mean that there would be no backup plan. I also know about this as well. The biggest detriment regarding this type of behavior is; that a relationship cannot thrive if one or both of the participants feels they are only in it for the short haul. Anyway, for those of you that truly know me...this is a big deal for me to realize and act on this critical flaw.

Ok, I'm heading up to the air mattress. Oh, I start school on the 28th and will have my Associates Degree next September. I will have my BA in Business and Marketing in Fall 2011. I am excited and ready. Ok, go to bed...stop reading this blog - you have to get up and give your kids a hug and a nice breakfast. Tell Brett he represents every blue collar family in America - SO KICK THE SHIT out of NY!

Night.

Daughtry couldn't have said it better...

Heading home for the weekend AND have a busy, busy (Did I say busy?) schedule. You may never know where I'll turn up though...so be aware (NOT "beware")!

Speaking of Daughtry, I have noticed that Chris has unfortunately aqcuired the terrible Tongueoutofmouthis Ridicularum. The below images (NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH!) show evidence of the disease and others who share in Chris' plight. God bless you Chris Daughtry and good luck with the treatments.

Crumpled $20 for your thoughts...

Have you ever read something and found yourself shaking your head in a positive way saying things like: "That is so true?" and/or "Wow, I wish I had said that..." I read something like that today.

I believe that way down deep there is at least one thing in life that we would take back if we could. I have about fifty of them (maybe 60). I don't dwell on them like I used to. I leave that for others. I have sinned and made horrible mistakes, but I have tried to move forward and learned very difficult lessons in the meantime. Lessons that haunt me, challenge me and motivate me every single day to be a better person. I will continue to do all of the above I am sure (I will make mistakes)...but I have survived. And, believe it or not - so has everyone else around me. Sometimes "meant to be" means exactly that.

Oh yeah sure, I used to wish for time to come back (knowing what I know now) and let me make the right choices. But what exactly were the "right choices?" Today I remember all of my mistakes with every choice I make going forward. I used to try to be perfect for those around me. Now I find perfection in just knowing what I need to improve upon every day. And the people who love me see me for who I am way down deep inside. Those people I cherish and thank for letting me "have it" ( ...to the MOON Scotty!) when I needed it, and also for shaking their head in a positive way when I do the right thing.

Anyway. Today is an awesome day. It's warm. I am alive and loved...and that is what I need to remember. I am also eating a kickass pizza while I write this...

I hope someday I can have one wish though. I pray for it all the time.

Tea and edamame make Scott a good boy...

Uh, let's see...

My truck broke down again, poo. And, as I write this I am smiling and happy because it was only a small fix this time. But, as far as economics - there is really no such thing as a small fix when it comes to an old girl like my '97 Ford F-150. I LOVE my old truck, but I also know that she is slowing down now and ain't what she used to be. I must be losing my mind, because every time she starts, I rub the dashboard and say thanks. I am also calling my truck "girl" which is another sign of imminent senility.

I am drinking some wonderful tea right now. I can thank Beth for that. She played the part of Mrs. Claus and gave me a tea infusion ball. It kicks ass. I also received some whole teas to fill the infuser with. I believe I am drinking a Chinese OOOlong tea. I find that I am drinking at least three cups of tea a day. Two cups at work and one before bed every night. Settles the soul and is a great distraction to coffee (which I only drink on the weekends now). Beth and I continue to remain GREAT friends. She is a wonder and I am so blessed that she listened to my story and has elected to stick around when others walked away. My resolutions keep me on my toes. And '07 taught me who I do and do not want to be. I will stumble I am sure, but I will recognize my trips and falls and get back up to live a better life the next day.

Heard some disturbing news about an old friend today. Initially, I felt how overly testosterone laden men always feel. Shining up the old fist, gritting teeth...you get my meaning. But, I have to believe that some people will always be burdened with addiction, mental instability and depression. You can't solve anything by feeling contempt for those people. I am in Chicago now. I have done all I believe I was capable of. The burden is on him now. I am sorry but, good luck and good riddance. Someone did that to me once and it has been what I needed to change my life for the better. Maybe it will be enough for him as well.

Ok, enough downward spiraling...

As usual I love lists, so hear goes another one.

Things that I am absolutely digging right now:

• This OOOOlong tea yo!


• My wonderful friendship with Beth


• Naperville's Riverwalk


• The little City of Naperville


• My job


• My new Dell Inspiron laptop


• Nick, Amber and Danielle


• BBC television


• My new band and bandmates (Tom and his family had me as a guest New Year's Eve - they are wonderful people)


• My waistline (high five!)


• Chavrie goat cheese and jalapeno jelly on crackers


• Hugo's Frog Bar


• That Illinois passed a smoking ban in all restaurants and bars (YAY!)


• Jeff Loomis and Chris Broderick (check this out: OMG! )

...more later.

So, my AFC team (The Pats) and my NFC team (Seattle Seahawks) are both in the playoffs yo! Pats are going all the way, that is a no brainer. But, the Hawks have to get through Brett Faaaaavre and the Packers next week. Gonna be a tough one for sure. Especially because it'll be in Lambeau. I could get there in 4 hours if I felt like paying the nosebleed price of around $500 for a cold seat. Ahhhh, I don't think so. Wisconsin is so close I can almost smell the cheese from here. Was in the big W over the Summer (seems like a lifetime ago) and it truly is beautiful. Too many drunks though. Well to be fair, there are drunks everywhere.

Except for the person on the other end of this post. I gave it up (except for a glass of red wine every day for my diet). Ok, sometimes a drink two...how did you know?