Head-nodder's Ball

I think I'm gonna have to lay down some randomness for you today since it's been almost a week since I've written a full-fledged post.

-Laziest Memorial Day weekend ever. About the most constructive thing the lady and I did was meet Em, of Joe's Used Toy Emporium and Wigshop fame, for a few beers at Barley's. I did my best to embarass myself by acting generally shifty, as I am wont to do when meeting new people, and by spilling a $4.50 beverage all over myself after being somehow surprised that the nacho plate was scalding hot. I still say they're supposed to warn you about things like that.

I actually have met Em before, but I'm happy to say that this time she didn't make me do sit-ups and push-ups until I nearly puke. Good thing, too, considering the beer and nachos. No, this time we all sat still and enjoyed the beers we didn't douse ourselves with and some pleasant conversation and sunshine. She brought us fresh-picked strawberries, too (which were awesome, Em, by the way.)

-My lady and I also got out and inexplicably played tennis three out of the four days of our weekend. I say our weekend even though mine is technically limitless in my currently unemployed state, and Courtney had Friday and Monday off because she's cool like that. We both pretty much suck at tennis and are playing with borrowed rackets, but we are also extremely white, so we have that going for us. The court we play on is seriously ghetto, though. There are two courts, and one of them is covered in broken glass and when the ball rolls into the corner of the fence you have to dig it out of the discarded Krystal boxes, drink cups and beer cans. We'd probably fit in better there if I brought my water bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag.

-Went and saw Over the Rhine last night at the Bijou on my lady friend's dime. I was a little worried about going to a concert where the crowd remains seated for the duration and claps politely at the end of each song. I thought I might have to come home and clean out my ears with some Pantera so I can continue to uphold my young and rockin' self-image. Except Pantera is rather dated, just like me.

Anyshwoo, the concert was really good and I'm a better, more rounded person for having gone. Over the Rhine is kind of soulful, swingin' jazz, and the singer has one of the best voices I've ever heard. The drummer was incredible to watch as I've never really appreciated the kind of playing that requires anything other than bashing the shit out of the kit. His precision, touch and coordination were a sight. Plus, his name is Mickey.

I'd also like to add that the 99-year-old Bijou, apparently renowned for it's acoustics, is a gorgeous theater and the sound was in fact superb. I look forward to going to more shows there.

I still may pop in some Pantera today. My ears could use a little bleeding.