family TIES: part II (alternately titled: the snoop dogg review)

So, Dad and I went to Snoop Dogg on Thursday night.  And, as per usual, it was a scene. 

One of my favorite things about the House of Blues is that if you go there for dinner before the show, you are let into the concert venue before doors open.  While dinner usually ends up being pricy, it is worth it to be able to stake your claim on a decent view before everyone else.  Dad met me after work and we headed downtown to House of Blues.  Of course dinner began with:  

gin and juice.  While at dinner our waiter informed us that Snoop had decided to go to the Cavs game, so instead of going on at 8 PM, he would be going on at 11:20...It was a Thursday!  It was a work night!  But, we were on Eastern Standard Snoop Time, so we had to wait it out.

After dinner we went into the venue.  We found spots outside of the pit area along the railing and decided to perch there.  They showed a short film based on Snoop's new album, Malice n Wonderland.  The opening act was The Constellations.  I enjoy that they refer to themselves as "ghettotech".  They were a good opening act, very eclectic, broad spectrum of sound, and great stage presence.  While this band isn't necessarily who I would have anticipated opening for Snoop Dogg, I'm not really quite sure who I would have expected to...It's kind of a tough act to precede...

In the end, Snoop did not go on stage until 12 midnight.  So, essentially, we waited six hours for the show to begin.  While we were waiting I was blogging in my head.  Would I rant and rave?  Would I smile and say, "Oh, that Snoop, you know how he is!"  Should I have expected it from the beginning?  I mean, isn't that kind of part of the rap game?  The time that we spent waiting felt dangerous at times...People were rowdy and getting impatient.  People had plenty of time to get drunk.  There were people all around us being held up by their friends because they could no longer stand on their own, yet their friends refused to leave and not see the show.  However, it was one of the most diverse concerts crowd-wise that I have ever attended.  All races, colors, creeds, and genders love Snoop.  We had time to make friends with the people around us, as well as time to see some crazy stuff go down.  I was nervous that the venue would exceed capacity and then we would all be forced to leave.  I thought maybe he wouldn't show up at all.  I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed in him.  The perception I've always had of Snoop was that he was the Gentleman G...Sure he was raw, but he was real and respectful...I decided that I would let the experience of the performance determine my reaction.

And, after the performance, I decided it was all worth it.  He played (Who Am I?) What's My Name?  We gave props to Pac.  We dropped it like it was hot.  There were strippers (locals, even...)  It felt like when I saw BB King.  Felt like when I saw Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Felt like when I saw Jean-Luc Ponty.  I was witnessing the person who is the best at what they do.  There is no schedule for that, no time frame.  I was in the presence of greatness with nearly a thousand of my drunkest closest friends...Would I go see Snoop again?  I don't know...But I'm glad that I did. 

                                     

family TIES part I (alternately titled: one reason why my dad is amazing)

One of the most significant ties that binds my family together is music.  For that reason, blogging will be pretty brief today...After work dad and I are heading to the Cleveland House of Blues to see Snoop Dogg.  I am sure to come back with stories :o)

realiTIES

So, for the most part I've never been a huge reality TV fan. At least I don't think so. I remember when Big Brother first came on TV, my dad was obsessed. I was in college when that show started and I remember there being a rule that I didn't call home on Big Brother nights. I'm not sure if it was a joke, but I never tested that theory out, just in case it wasn't.

I was never into the Bachelor or the Bachelorette, the Amazing Race, or Survivor. I just didn't get it. I would watch Dancing With the Stars sometimes because of my girl crush, but I was never a dedicated fan. Even with American Idol, I was never uber faithful. The Sing Off is probably the closest I came to a dedicated reality viewer, but that was mostly because of the Bubs. Love them.

I don't understand any of the shows on HGTV or Style. I did have a brief loyalty to Jon and Kate Plus Eight, but we all know how that turned out. I did love Tool Academy, but I found that it was because I was basically living the show, and when that reality struck I had to look away. That reality show was just a little too real for me...I don't keep up with the Kardashians and now that the girls that used to live next door got their acts together and moved out, I no longer know what is up with Bridget or Holly, though I do try to keep up with that crazy Kendra from time to time. I don't know what the flavor of love actually is, but judging by the premise you should probably get on antibiotics after you taste it...

However, there is one man whose reality (and fantasy) I am deeply concerned with and dedicated to. He is silly and brilliant and ridiculous and fun and that is why I am in love with Rob Dyrdek and his shows Rob and Big and Fantasy Factory.

He had me from the beginning. A cute boy from good ol' O-H-I-O living the Cali dream. A skateboarding bulldog, a hilarious sidekick, a cousin full of sass, and a pony that could destroy you. Rob has more money than a lot of people would know what to do with, but he figures it out. Sure he buys crazy outfits (super jacket) and ridiculous toys (net guns) but he also does amazing things like building Safe Spot Skate Spots (which are also sponsored by organizations such as Carl's Jr., but he does use his celebrity to promote the cause which is sometimes more valuable than cash), giving away his vehicle, and distributing hobo handouts.

Sometimes he is off his rocker. I mean, time travel? A cursed wooden creature that needs to be put in a chipper shredder? Destroying the bathroom because he thinks there are rats? But sometimes his insanity borders on genius. Or at least good entertainment. Draining the pool results in a pretty sweet mural.  Can an entire episode revolve around a puppy birthday party? Sure can! Who knew that going hunting for a "street turtle" for the turtle races would be fascinating?   But it is.  And he makes it that way.

But my favorite Rob moments typically involve him singing, dancing, or all of the above. He will break into song over anything...And I love it. My favorites include the net gun song and of course Dirty Girl (unless you're in Mexico, in which case it is Muchacha Sucia!) The guy is living life and loving it. In fact, he loved it so much that he had to build a factory to hold it together.

The Fantasy Factory is also a fantastic show that I love to watch. I love Chanel, Jeremy the manager, and seeing Drama grow into his own. It isn't uncommon to see Johnny Knoxville or Ryan Sheckler stopping by to pay a visit, and there is always a new toy, activity, or stunt in the mix. Rob Dyrdek is a branding and marketing dream. I am a 28-year-old girl who has nothing in common with this man excepting that we hail from the same state. In spite of that, he has won me over. His antics are hilarious, his personality is charming, his positivity is addicting. I'd love to work for him, be his personal assistant, keep the organization and flow going so that he could continue to do what he does best: live the fantasy. And because of that, of all of the realiTIES, Rob Dyrdek, you're my fav!

I'm not awesome enough to insert a video, but here is a link to my ABSOULTE FAV Rob Dyrdek moment...This is my go to...If I'm upset, in a bad mood, whatev, this is my sunshine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okafjvbkXic

hair ties

I have a secret.  I was in a relationship.  For several years.  With another woman.  She was the only girl I saw, though she was free to see other people.  But not me, I couldn't.  I was loyal and faithful.  I'm not sure if she would have minded if I saw other people, I mean I could've asked.  But I couldn't have done it behind her back.  She would have known it the second she saw me, it would be written all over my face.  And I didn't need to see anyone else.  She was enough for me.  Always made time for me, always knew exactly what I wanted and needed.  But due to circumstances beyond my control, this relationship has ended.  We aren't together any more.  All those years of time spent together, secrets shared...Gone...And I'm devastated.

So there are a few relationships in my world that are sacred. These relationships include, but are not limited to:
* One's relationship with his or her parent(s)
* One's relationship with his or her sibling(s)
* One's relationship with his or her Best Friend
* One's relationship with his or her SO
* One's relationship with his or her hair dresser
Ya. That's right. I said it. One of the most sacred relationships that I have in my life is with the girl who colors and cuts my hair. I should actually say was...See, my fantastically amazing hair dresser has decided to go back to school to pursue education for an awesome career change, and continuing to do hair just wasn't conducive to her schooling. I can't say that I blame her, nor can I say that I didn't see it coming. I mean, she's been doing my hair for years and in that time I have had the privilege of getting to know her.
She has been there for me through relationships, joy, sorrow, job interviews, job changes, crisis, anger, anxiety, love (falling in and falling out), lust (falling in and falling out), travel, and just day to day life. We had a standing every five-and-a-half-weeks appointment. And I learned about her life, too. I knew about her parents, her boyfriend, her dogs, her housing situation. I knew that she was considering a career change. I knew her fears, goals, and aspirations, just as she knew all this about me. Our sessions always began with a quick overview of what I wanted done. This conversation typically ended with “do whatever you think." And I meant it. It wasn't apathy, it was confidence. I could walk in, tell her to do what she wanted, and I knew I was in good hands. I have been blonde, light blonde, dark blonde, red, almost brown...And I have loved every single moment. After the business end of things, we could catch up on life from last that we saw each other. And it was fabulous. It wasn't just getting my hair done. It was a once-a-nearly-every-six week therapy session that ended with new hair and a new attitude. She's not just good at what she does. She's amazing. She made my hair stylish without being overly stylized. She gave me highlights that were flattering and showed off the cut. She just knew what she was doing. And then she had to go.
I will never forget the day that I got the call from the salon that she worked at informing me that I still had an appointment available, however it would have to be with someone else. I was devastated. Like I said, I knew this day was coming, but I just didn't know exactly when. Heartbroken doesn't even come close to explaining it. Ever the journalist, the first thing I did was contact her to verify that it was true and to see if there was any alternative. I'd pay her $100 to come to my house, could she recommend anyone, did it have to be this way!? It was the worst break up I had experienced in the longest time. It was an "it isn't you, it's me" in the truest sense. It wasn't personal, but oh how it hurt. And after that I came to the realization...This was the kind of relationship that I needed. I needed to replace her. I couldn't live without someone filling that role. And so I did it. I saw someone else.
And I felt guilty and dirty the whole time. Sure, I felt like I was in capable hands. I could tell from her touch that she had done this before. Her initial eye contact and the way she shook my hand let me know that she was on to me. I was speculative and suspicious. Would she know what to do? Would she know what I liked? Would I be satisfied? I mean, I've known the best. I've had the best. Anything else is just settling.
So for the time being I stand at a crossroads. I am due for another cut and color in a couple of weeks, and I'm weighing and considering my options. Whenever I see a cut or color that I love, I ask the fortunate person who his or her stylist is and if they would recommend them. When people have a sacred relationship with their hair dresser, they are happy to recommend them. Sometimes I believe that in relationships like these, people don't want to share the information. However, with sacred hair dresser relationships, we want our stylist to be successful. We want to give them the praise and credit. Sure, it's my hair, but my hair is nothing without my hair dresser. So I'm looking. I mean, I'm in a relationship, but it is complicated at best. Once you have that taste of freedom, you have to see what is out there. But I'll always remember what she and I had...
What ties do you have to those once-every-five-and-a-half-weeks people in your life? Who are the people that matter to you through those peripheral relationships that matter so much? I know I'm not the only one who considers the hair dresser relationship sacred, but I know there are others out there as well. What is your hair tie?

tying up loose ends

So the theme for the month of February through the fabulous people of NaBloPoMo is ties. When I read this topic back in January I was super excited, creative, reinvigorated, and ready to get back to blogging. Today is now February 15 and I, obviously, have not participated at all. However I have high hopes for finishing off strong.
Because of this, my topic for today is tying up loose ends. I feel one blogging shoe has fallen to the floor, and I'd like to recollect myself before the other shoe drops as well. I am very much a creature of tying up loose ends. I do not like to leave projects or work unfinished. I would rather stay at work late to finish up what I am doing than to file it away and trying to get to it tomorrow. When I would write a paper or work on a project for school, I was far more successful when I would plug away at it than complete it bits at a time. I figure that while you're in the mode, why not just go for it. While attitude does ensure that work gets completed, I do wonder if this philosophy might not be detrimental in other ways...I'm not sure that I always appreciate the process, acknowledge milestones, take time to reflect, or really involve myself in the process. I want to finish one task so I can begin the next. I'm not necessarily the kid in class who rushes through a test because I want to be the first one done, but I am the one who wants to do it, do it right, and do it right now so that I can say as much and move on to the next thing.
Because of this typical mode of operation, I am disappointed in myself that I let go of the blogging. I really enjoy it and like having the outlet. So I'm going to give it a go again. I have lots of ideas and lots of stories to share, so hopefully that will keep me going. I definitely have some loose ends to tie up, and the tying starts today.