Letting It All Hang Out at Blue Man Group

Hi all!

A couple people have asked about the audience participation at last night's show, wondering why Justin would feel inhibited with his mama being there with him. Fortunately, he already knew the premise of the show, having seen it before. The theme of the show is "How to be a Megastar", pretending to go through "steps" to become one. It's equal parts comedy and music-making, quite family-oriented. The 3 Blue Men are bald-headed, totally blue except for the eyes, which they use to express themselves, mostly like, "What is going on here?" expressions. As far as the band goes, they were fantastic, great percussion, my favorite!

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At points the audience is encouraged to act like we're at a rock concert (excuse me, we're already there!) and we are "taught" to clap, bob our heads, wave our arms in the air, hold our open cell phones up when prompted, and so on. The only thing I didn't do, and we are all glad about that, was the jumping up and down routine. I thought it best......

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It looked really cool when we did the cell phone thing, arms waving with the little glow of the phones---it looked like fireflies in the darkened arena. Justin participated as much as I expected he would have anyway, and I restrained myself from participating too much! (Make no mistake---it's heck to get old!!)

Again---What a Difference a Day Makes!

..."God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged.." Gen. 8:1
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God is doing it again today, a great wind is passing over the earth, at least our part of it here, and drying up the water. The river is behaving as though it doesn't know which way to flow--trying to come toward me, with the wind moving it away. On days like these, I am glad I'm not driving a semi!

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As my sister, Lynn, would say, "We got cows!" (from the movie, 'Twister'). Driving home from a meeting at church this a.m., I was dodging branches and garbage cans and plastic bags. The weather on the radio says the gusts are up to 45 mph, which, when you drive that speed, it's not so fast. But to just walk around in that high wind--well, it's hard to keep your dress from flying up over your head!!

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While writing I am enjoying some potato leek soup Jo-Ann left for me after dinner Thursday night. Oh, my, it was delicious and just as good the second time 'round. She does catering part-time and is an excellent, creative cook. Guess you can't be considered a chef unless you do it full time. Jo used to work in Pam's real estate office but now has a job downtown somewhere, which makes these monthly dinners that much more vital for keeping in touch.

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Justin and I had a marvelous time at the Blue Man Group, once we finally got there. It was dreadful driving to his place in the pouring rain, but he took the wheel for the ride downtown. He does alright, he does alright....glad he knew where he was going because I sure couldn't figure out where we were.

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We arrived at the Arena as the doors opened, so didn't have to stand in the rain. We got some sodas and went to find our seats. The Arena itself was empty!!! Where was everyone? Justin was thinking this Group would never come back to Jax again if we didn't have a better turn-out than this. Of course, at show time it was jam packed with people, so no worries about filling seats in Jacksonville.

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Our seats were four rows from the front, close to the stage but not floor level. Even though the place was nearly deserted, we still found two people in our row -----and knew them!!! Pete and Mary were there and what great fun to run into them at this social outing! Pete is a therapist who had tried to help me, but to no avail.......after one of our sessions, he said, "Why don't you come back when you need me?" He fired me!!!

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Justin and I see Mary regularly, and they've been to my home. One reason he fired me was so we could socialize freely. I also bought and subsequently killed his jet boat (actually Hurricane Jeanne killed the boat) back in 2004. You may have seen my license place which reads: N Nigma.....Pete used that word to describe me during one of our sessions way back when, and I loved it! Enigma: something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained. Pete Prange disagreed with the other Pete's assessment, however, as he was of the feeling that, with me, what you see is what you get. I'd like to think both Petes are correct---and now I'm totally confused!! Kim and the jet boat ( R. I. P. )

Mike, who was supposed to attend this concert with Justin, was actually there anyway, working his job as Security Guard at the Arena. While we were talking with them, Justin got a text message from Mike that said: "Your mom always find someone to talk to..". BIG BROTHER could see me standing there, talking to people!! Apparently he has to watch some monitors in his office in the rafters and could spot us. Busted again! Justin enjoys this couple and the catching up we all did. But, we were there for the concert, right? Not just to talk with people all the time!!

What a difference a day makes!

Wow, what a wild weather day it turned out to be. Quite the contrast from yesterday's lovely day. Areas around here experienced tornadoes, wild winds, pouring rain, lightning, the whole works going on around us. Fortunately Clay County was spared the majority of it, with Justin and I managing to get together for lunch at Koko's between rain drops.

Yes, it was supposed to be MRI day but Justin really, really felt that he'd not benefit from having the test and wants to just forget the whole thing. That test was mostly to determine that nothing else was going on inside his head which might affect his hearing, and he's thinking he doesn't want to know any more than he does right now. I have reserved the Right as Mother to reschedule this test at a later date, perhaps after seeing Dr. Green later this month. Justin wants to blow that appointment off, too, but I can't let that happen. We need to hear it from the doctors' mouth---may I re-phrase that?--I need to hear it from the doctor's mouth, what the tests show and what the options are. Yes, it would be for me, as if the ears are mine!

I'd gotten him tickets to go see the "Blue Man Group", taking his friend/roomie, Michael, but this afternoon Mike called to say he had to go to work. Justin was disappointed and tried calling some other friends to go with him. All had plans so guess what---his mama is going with him! I know it will be a wonderful show, he enjoyed it last time, but it requires some audience participation. He says he'll be inhibited with me there, which is why I hadn't planned on going anyway. Now he's stuck with me! I'll try to keep myself from participating, which would be worse than him being inhibited!

Do to this rather abrupt change in plans, I am going to drive to his place and we'll ride together from there. He thinks it will take only a few minutes to get to the Coliseum from there vs. him driving over here and then both us going in my car, all the way back here and then him driving home again....after he'd already been to this side of town for work this morning. It's 30 minutes door to door without traffic but I am planning to head over there as soon as this is complete. The good news is that I get to decide when it's complete.....bye!

Basking in the sun

What an absolutely lovely day it is today! A few clouds dot the sky which is cerulean blue (a little art class lingo there) and the sun warms my shoulders. I can hear workmen banging and pounding at the Clubhouse as they are adding a porch and balcony on the south side. Should be quite nice when it's completed. I don't mind that sound at all, especially since it's not taking place overhead anymore. The fifth floor renovations are nearly completed, just in time for the elevator to be re-done. It would be impossible to have material deliveries and such with no elevator.

The radio brings news of a blast taking place in New York City near Times Square. I guess it sounds worse than it is, although people in area hotels felt the impact. Everyone had better behave themselves when Justin and I are up there. He's already cautioned me about smiling too much---no one smiles in NYC! Except for me, much to his chagrin....

In a little while the housekeepers will be here to tidy things up, vacuum, dust, polish, and refresh the bathrooms, in time for the dinner tonight. Our fare is Irish-themed foods, with the way the menu is shaping up, all should be well fed, plenty of choices. I feel sorry for the cleaners when they come because the room with the worst mess is the room they can't do much about---my bedroom office! I like the kitchen counters to be left almost bare, my tables have their appropriate decor and nothing else, but the desk and table in my room?? Four inches of papers and such where only God, and sometimes, me, knows what's in these stacks.

Hey, here is Big News, a major accomplishment---are you ready? I sang the entire "Jerusalem....." last night without one tear finding it's way down my cheek! There is no explanation other than perhaps I've gotten it out of my system, or that I am trying not to "read" the words as I sing them...anyway, the first time without choking on tears, a "Golden" moment.

Lynx just knocked over a binder I had standing near my feet and she freaked herself out. Now she's shaking her head and acting like that was meant to happen. Just like people, having to act like nothing happened.....or that it's someone else's fault!

Tomorrow is Justin's MRI over near Regency. I'd like to go with him but have a concert to attend with a few folks from church, which was planned prior to the MRI. I can leave early from the concert, which is at 11:00 a.m. I know he doesn't really need me there but I think he'd like it anyway if he knew I was waiting for him. A book with me, my new one about traveling for a year might be good company. The details for tomorrow will be worked out later today.

We finally get to see the hearing specialist after Easter. Just thinking about that meeting makes my heart pound, wondering what Dr. Green will have to say about this. Yesterday's tests were auditory again, one where electrodes were applied to Justin's head and he had to sit as calmly and peacefully as possible while the machine took some readings. The machine picked up better when Justin would doze in the exam chair, but as soon as he'd nod off, he'd jerk himself awake and start to slide down the chair. A nice table would probably work better, especially for a guy as big as Justin! He said he was too tall for the chair to start with and then to slide down, not good. The worst part for him was that some goo was in his hair from where the electrodes were attached and he hated that! I couldn't really see anything but wouldn't anyway being over a foot shorter than he!

We had a late lunch at McAllister's Deli where I had a pot roast loaded baked potato. I brought nearly the entire thing home with me, as it was far too large to eat in one sitting. Our meal had to move quickly as he had to get to class and I had an appointment with a financial guy here at my house, so we said our good-byes and I headed for home. Someday I'll know that part of the world like the back of my hand but until then, I'll turn around and go back the way I came until I find the way to Orange Park! Hopefully Justin won't read this and find out I got turned around yesterday--that just freaks him out!

It's a blessed day! And a sad one, too...

I just got the wonderful news that Lisa (my niece) and her family are coming down for a vacation in August. It will be bloody hot when they are here but that sounds welcome compared the winter they've had this season. Yippee!!!

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Lisa and Noah would like to take Gabe and Manny to DisneyWorld, and I have to decide whether or not to join the fun...it will be sooooo hot! I'd also like them to visit one of the water parks, either in Orlando or the one on Beach Blvd. here in Jax. Gabe isn't crazy about water play but he might have a good time anyway. First to the Magic Kingdom, then go play in the water and get hit with waves. A trip to the beach might be in order...oh, the plans!

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We will have to have a get together with the Middleburg family as they haven't even met Manny yet.....this is so 'citing! Wait a minute---yes, they did meet Manny, when they were here for Justin's graduation. He's more fun to play with now, nearly three years old...oh, my, where did the years go???

Here is a picture of Manny sitting in a treasure chest

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The sad news is that Brett Farve has decided to retire from the Packers. I can't say that it's a surprise but it still is a huge disappointment, the end of an era which was 'Favre'.......When I heard the news from Lynn, my sister, I tore my robes and put ashes on my head. But when I got home from the booty shop, Lisa had sent me a Comment telling about their vacation plans!

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It's starting to lightning so am about to shut this machine down but want to mention that Justin has more tests tomorrow for his ears, and an MRI on Friday. After that, we can meet with the specialist to see how to proceed.

I'm too tired to write...

...just when you thought you'd heard it all---she's too tired to write!

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It's nearly 10:30 pm and I'm ready for bed. It was such a busy day, starting with some computer work at church, Bible study, lunch with Justin, painting class, and then Ladies' Group, getting home about 9:30 tonight. Whew! First weeks in the month are always jam packed with meetings and activities, and this is going to be one of those!

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Tomorrow morning brings a sort of telephone meeting with the Planned Giving counselor at Synod so I'll have to be sure I'm up and dressed nicely for that phone call! We tried to get together when he was here in Florida a couple weeks ago but our schedules didn't match. In the afternoon I have a hair appointment and then nothing until dinner with my friend, Martie, before heading over to our Art Guild meeting. Wednesday brings some more hearing tests for Justin in the afternoon and then worship followed by choir in the evening. Gets to be a late night since church starts at 7:30 pm with Fellowship and finally choir rehearsal. Another whew is in order!

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One more thing to do before bedtime and that's to send out a reminder notice to the Thursday night group about our themed dinner--Irish fare this month. I am making corned beef, my first time, so wish us well on that. Good night all and pleasant dreams!

Sunday morning at home

"I woke up, it was a Chelsea morning and the first thing that I heard was a song outside my window....." Actually I heard geese honking bright and early. Hardly Chelsea-sounding, at least not with traffic sounds as the song (by Joni Mitchell) goes on to say. But I do share some of the colors she mentions: "Blue, red, green and gold to welcome you, crimson crystal beads to beckon"

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Justin and I are going to Palm Coast to visit Tina, my niece, and her daughter, Maya, later this a.m. We worshiped and communed at Victory last night. Usually I go again on Sunday at Good Shepherd but today we're heading out earlier than church would allow, particularly on a communion Sunday. One reason to go earlier was so that we could spend time with Keith before he went to work, but Tina told me last night that now he had to work all day and we'll still miss him.

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We have Maya's CHRISTmas presents yet and it's nearly Easter! Justin will most likely see them up here at Easter, since Harv and Barb will be coming down for a visit and will have a feast (I'm guessing anyway) at his dad's house. Marian and Biff, Tina's parents, are planning to come up from Davey when Harv and Barb are here, but that remains to be seen, depending upon their health situations.

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What an awesome afternoon I had yesterday---one for the record books! Dee, my friend at Great Hang Ups, had encouraged me to work with acrylics and gotten me started on a painting of irises. Well, as always, I thought it looked like Armageddon, the flowers not even resembling irises. Instead, at my Monday art class, I sort of played with it a bit, and told Christine (my lady friend, fellow artiste(little French lingo there) and writer) I was going to tear it up into little pieces and throw it out the window on the way home. I didn't, of course, and my biggest critic, Justin, saw it in the back of my car and said, "That's nice." Wow! I played with some more colors after Bob, my art teacher, gave a lecture on the proper mixing of paints to avoid getting muddy values (a little artist lingo there...).

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One day I showed it to Dee and she saw a couple salvageable areas on the canvas, offering to cut it up for me. Not for the same reasons I wanted to cut it up, she does lots of collage work. When I got to the shop yesterday she showed me the cut portions, from which we laid out a "relief" exhibit for me to enter in the 3-D show next month! Dee knows how to affix the pieces permanently and will frame it for me. Another masterpiece! I expressed concern that it would be juried out of the show but all three ladies said, "No, it won't!" Do they know something I don't? Obviously they know more about that stuff than I ever will. My niche seems to be non-representational art (a.k.a. "this woman has no idea what she's doing!).

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Because of going to Victory Lutheran last night, I had to pass up a dinner offer from the Rosses but we are getting together for a bite tonight. Jen has a hankering for a steak, which means we'll probably dine at Longhorn. We all love it, but guess what---I order the chicken fingers there! And I'm a steak and potatoes girl! I love their fingers at Longhorn!