Greg

It's nice to be home. Very nice. Hope nothing went to crazy town well i was gone. "Come my baby, Come, Come my baby Your my butterfly, sugar baby." That was possible the worst song of all time. It's at least in the running.

Off to work. Damn work.

Jen

He knows so much about these things
-The Smiths

Mike, since you are king of Milwaukee music venues, is there a way to get into two shows at the Rave when you already have a ticket for one?

Today, David ( a coworker) and I compared the weather of Seattle - a town known for cloudiness and rain - and Chicago - a city that has managed this winter to have 22 days without sun. The really sad thing is that Seattle has nicer weather - and less rain. For christs sake - look at forcast for this Sunday! It looks like an upside down tornado spitting fire! That is our weather!

Well, hopefully it will be nicer in Kentucky where I will be Sunday-Wednesday. Until then, have a nice week.

Mike, Your Guide to Milwaukee Music Venues

Welcome to art class/and yes it does involve shaking your ass

The Rave actually houses two separate music venues - one is probably about the size of the Vic (maybe smaller), and the other is roughly Double Door size. I went to see the Dismemberment Plan, Alkaline Trio, and Promise Ring there a few years ago (the smaller venue), and there was some terrible nu-metal show going on in the bigger venue. Most of the bands took the opportunity to make fun of the nu-metal show, as they should have - the bands had names like "Sorrowtrain" and "Carnival of Thorns" or something equally terrible. Anyway, the most memorable part of the show was some mysterious animal ramming into the side of my friend Dan's car on the way up there. We never figured out what it was, but the show was good.

Jen

You're really growing on me
-The Darkness

I hate to say it. but I'm kinda getting used to this whole hours cut thing. I had yesterday off, and it was so great. I studied my yoga books outside in my back yard, played with the kitty, cleaned up the kitchen and went to yoga. It almost makes me not want to find a supplemental part time job. I haven't gotten my first paycheck with my new shortened hours, so I'm sure I'll get over this whole thing fairly quickly.

Just as an FYI, I didn't not hear back from either job that I applied to, so from now on, I will always make a follow up call.

Hmmm, I may see if I can get some retail job that requires little thought or talent.

It looks like I'm going camping next week here. I'm really excited to get the hell out of the state of Illinois (or the state of depression as I called it earlier today). Matt and I leave this coming Sunday morning and return on Wednesday. I have a print viewing that I have to give on Thursday morning, so I have to be back for that. BOO! (Boo to having to be back on Thursday, not so much to the print viewing.)

My first yoga teaching training session was awesome. I'm really excited about the class. Even this Tuesday, Mary- my usual yoga teacher - was quizzing me and showing me different variations to poses because she wants me "to be a good teacher!"

Anyone interested in me teaching them beginning yoga?

This Friday - The Darkness - The Rave, Mlwaukee, WI. I was looking at the Rave schedule, and appartently, Death Cab is playing at the same time as The Darkness. a) how is this possible and b)how did I miss this? I want to see if I can get into to both shows somehow.

ps. I didn't get a tattoo because the place I was going to go to was closed.

frohliche geburtstag to our blog!

off to london tomorrow. so excited.

Don't worry, OK+3ers, I'm not leaving you.

real squirrels!

Mike

There may or may not be a new link on the right hand column. Boo yah.

Go for the tattoo, Jen. That will last you a lifetime, but rent money only gives you shelter for a month.

I managed to secure a temp job that starts on April 5th. It doesn't pay much, but it'll cover my rent and bills. I may also be teaching children's gymnastics soon, which is quite hilarious.

Jen

That's when the party started as far as I know
-The Dismemberment Plan

After realizing that I have no computer access tomorrow, I have to say happy almost three years of ok plus three! How quickly time has passed. This time in the year 2001, I was working as an assistant in an insurance firm (the same one that sometimes blogger Christie works at now), Beck was well, at her job that she is still at currently, but had no patents to her name, and Greg was doing nothing at a job that he no longer has, so I guess not much has changed with Greg! Kidding!

Greg and Beck are almost married and I'm finally done with school and boy, I don't know. So much has gone on.

Cool.

I may or may not be getting a tattoo tomorrow, even though I have no money to be wasting on such things. I just figured that maybe I'll stumble across a bag full of money and never have to worry about how I'll survive. Or, as I was looking in The Reader last week, there is a need for egg donors and especially from caucasians, which could make me 5 grand richer, even if I have to go through minor surgery!

Tomorrow is my first Yoga Teacher Training class, and I have to say, I'm a little nervous. I'm sure that once I'm there, it will be fine, but right now, I'm stressing a little. I keep thinking that I'll get there and Suddha will ask me to get into some complicated position and I won't be able to do it. The whole class will then circle around me while laughing and pointing "You'll never teach yoga! You can't do anything!"

Last night I had this dream that I was swimming in the ocean. I was underwater and was just about to reach the surface but I was low on air. I finally got to the surface and woke myself up by taking a large gulp of air (this really happened). It was crazy.

Ok, I've got to get back to work. Happy anniversary and happy weekend to everyone else!

Becky

Mother Nature - why do you toy with us??!!

I was on a conference call with some people from California today where they proceeded to tell us how they were wearing short sleeves and sandals and then laughed because as one of them put "I guess I shouldn't rub it in! HA HA HA HA!!!"

I had some Morrocan food last night. It was very Morrocan. I wish it had been Greek, but whatever, I really just love spinach pie. but I did make it home for......

Average Joe: Adam returns!!!

Complete with a showing from the hula hoop guy and tariq (do you like broccoli)! it was fairly amusing so we'll see how it turns out.

3 years, huh? that's sweet!

One more thing - I was just looking and apparently our 3 year anniversary is on March 20.

Greg, Beck - I expect one post on that day for old times, you know?

Jen

I don't want to get back into the ring
-The Dismemberment Plan

I just made a trip to kinko's to buy some nice resume paper. You never really realize how much that stuff costs, especially when you don't want to be wasting money on frivolous things. Anyway, I've been out of this whole job hunt thing for over two years and I feel like I don't know the proper procedure. I submitted two applications through ads in The Reader. Neither ad had a phone number, so do I look up the organization and then call them to see if they got my resume or not? Is that too eager? Anyone know this policy?

Friday was another nice and inexpensive evening in with good old fashioned board games (B and G - I think my house owes you some cash for beer). Saturday, Matt and I bought $2 kites from walgreens and flew them by the lake. It was so windy and cold, but really a nice way to spend the afternoon. Sunday we slept in. No parade, no green river. I 'll have to partake in the green beer this Wednesday. Let's pray for beer specials!

I'm hanging around school right now to meet up with a friend of mine. Damn it's freezing out! Anyway, I'm almost wishing I hadn't made plans because it's supposed to get cooler and maybe snow. When is spring again? How come it's only nice in Chicago when I'm not here?

Mike

We got so drunk that night/We got so drunk that night

I was already down in Champaign when the last Chicago Braid shows were going on, so I only made it to the last last show at the now-defunct Mabel's. I should really get my hands on that DVD when it comes out.

Speaking of DVDs, I recently rented the semi-new Superchunk and Ted Leo DVDs from Netflix. Both are worth checking out, although I don't know if either one has much replay value (which is why I rented them). The Superchunk DVD contains 10 (?) videos, 10 live performances, and a documentary about their fall 2001 tour. Most of it takes place in Japan and Scotland, although there is some footage of a Chicago show I attended. The funniest part of the whole thing for me was some brief karaoke footage from a place I actually go to occasionally, The Hidden Cove. Since it only covers a brief period in their lifespan, the Superchunk DVD doesn't really dive into the bandmember relationships or their evolution over time, but it is a fun watch. Rent it and laugh at Jon Wurster, the funniest drummer in rock. The Ted Leo DVD might be a little more interesting, even though it only covers one show at Coney Island (although there is some additional bonus material). The picture and sound quality are vastly superior, as are the interview portions. We don't get to hear much from the Pharmacists, although that's only because they don't seem like a talkative group. Ted has some interesting things to say, and puts on a rockin' performance (as always).

Fun Fact: Both DVDs feature appearances from David Cross.

Weekend plans? Due to my current state of unemployment, I'll start things off a little early by heading out to see Starsky & Hutch at the Biograph tonight. Tomorrow is my friend Jessica's birthday, so we're drinking at the Lincoln Tap Room. It's not a private party or anything, so feel free to stop on by if you're bored (you = anyone at all). It's on the corner of Lincoln and Wellington. The party continues on Saturday at Jessica's apartment, where brunch is being served. I don't know what I'm doing Saturday night, but I'll probably spend the early part of the evening studying for my upcoming midterm.

Jen

Do you believe in miracles? You won! Yeah, baby. You're money! You're SO money! Rock and Roll Cleveland!
-Pop Culture Trvial Pursuit

So I have applied at two part time positions - one is an art handler in the River North Gallery District and the other is an office assistant at a yoga studio. I just sent out resumes on Tuesday, so I don't expect to hear anything until next week. Hopefully I'll hear anything at all.

I've been a little down due to this whole less hours thing, so I am trying to cheer myself up with copius amounts of yoga and sleep - 2 very free items.

Last night, I had some peeps over (another form of cheap fun.) Scott brought over his pop culture trivial pursuit that has a DVD that asks the question for the pie pieces. The game pieces are also cooler than normal - mine was a mix tape. Anyway, when you win - which was Byron- the above quotes flash on the screen. Really cheesy, but I think I may start saying Rock and Roll Cleveland everytime I get excited.

So, what does the weekend hold for everyone? I think that I may be hitting up the South Side St. Patty's Day Parade. Otherwise, it has to be cheap or someone has to buy stuff for me.

Mike - this may seem like a moot point, but Greg and I were at, what we like to call, "eight hours of Braid." We were at the last Metro Show and then we went to the Fireside afterwards. I was upset that I didn't get to participate in the wheel of Braid and get a bag full of condiments from the tour van. Anyway, my point is, were you there as well?

Becky

Some random thoughts....

It has come to my attention today that I am the only fully employeed blogger (unless Christy jumps back it), which is strange as I have considered many times quitting and looking for a new job. So I will have to hang on for now I suppose......

Not that anyones counting, but tomorrow will be -4 months until the wedding which is a little freaky.

I ordered my Chicago Card yesterday and I feel that I might be coming close to greg's CTA obsession - its just so cool to never have to worry about $$ for the El again!

The dollar/pound exchange rate is 1.84 ouch - Jen how did you do it?

The guy who played Eldin the painter on Murphy Brown just died apparently of a drug overdoes. I guess he never got over the show being cancelled.

More later if time permits.

Mike

I'm a ghost/I'll be fading with the light

Welcome to hell, Jen. Finding a job seems to get harder every day, even though my salary requirements and desired working conditions get lower and lower all the time. I know I haven't been unemployed very long, but I've been through this cycle before.

Did anyone make it out to Crapple on Friday? I was only there until about 11:15. I think the appeal of Crapple is gone now that everyone and their cousin knows about it. The place was much too crowded, and we only won a few items.

Of course I want you to take the full-time job, Jen, but that's just selfish old me not wanting to see any friends leave the Chicagoland area. Even though we only seem to see each other about once a month, it's nice having you around. California may be cool, but Arnold is governor. Don't forget that.

As for the whole Braid reunion dealie, I think it's a terrible idea...but I'll probably go to the Chicago show(s). I was at their very last show in '99, and it was a blast. I think you might even be able to see me in that "Killing a Camera" video/DVD, but I never bothered to check it out. Can anyone out there really name a totally successful reunion? The recent Soft Boys album was decent, but it doesn't come close to touching "Underwater Moonlight." Wire supposedly still tears it up onstage, but "Send" was (to my ears) unlistenable crap. The Breeders tour/album were both supposedly very limp, although I have no direct experience with either. Television's 1992 reunion album was garbage, although I've heard good things about more recent live shows. There's some hope for the "new" Mission of Burma album, although that consists mostly of recently recorded versions of older songs. The one MP3 available from that album doesn't sound promising at all. Newer Go-Betweens material is so-so. The Bell Biv Devoe reunion album was, obviously, the best thing ever.

Today is the start of spring break at NIU. I'm taking off my top and applying some Coppertone right now!

Jen

We fall into patterns quickly.
-The Owls

Well, I had a wonderful time in England. It was really great seeing friends, going to familiar places and especially getting a pint of "The Boy" (aka John Smith's)

Of course, with all good things bad things seem to follow. I am being paid off the part time budget here at work and well, it's running out of money. So, my hours have been cut from 30 to 25 a week, which leaves me very little to live off of. The good news that followed that is that I have been offered a full time position. Bad news: It will start in September after I had planned on moviing to California.

In the wise words of The Clash, should I stay or should I go? I have until June to decide about the full time position. In the meantime, I will continue to work here but I am looking for part time employment to add a little to my pathetic income.

So, Mike, I have jumped on board of Greg and your ship of unemployment (of sorts). I hope my added weight won't make it sink.

Oh yeah, so what's this I hear about a Braid reunion tour?!? I know, I'm behind the times. Note to self: Must check other blogs more regularly. Anyway, I'm excited about it but at the same time, I thought that I went to one of the last shows which made it feel, well, more special. What is everyone else's thoughts?

Mike

Flies the size of cigarette packs/I tried to pay with Camel bucks

I hope you're having fun in England, Jen, although it may be a little late to be saying that. I'm having fun with my unemployment, staying up until 4 or later every night/morning, and sending out tons of resumes. Accountemps came *this close* to offering me a job yesterday, but basically said "Psyche!" at the last second (bastards!). My "friend" Corey (not to be confused with the good Corey) from my bowling team moved to Peoria without really telling anyone, leaving us with an open spot for the next few months. Hopefully my friend Carrie can fill in. It's always nice of people to not pay their league dues for weeks and weeks, and then decide to leave the city permanently. Really, it's great. Other than that, everything's good in the hood. I had this amazing dream a few nights ago that involved my high school track coach and a Twizzers factory, but I don't remember how it ended. I broke my "no CD or alcohol purchases until I find a job" vow yesterday by picking up the new 90 Day Men album and a sixer of Amstel Light. Both are quite tasty. Hopefully all of you employed people out there are enjoying your paychecks. While you're busy sweatin' for the man, I'm busy boosting the sagging "Texas Justice" and "The View"* ratings. We all have our little roles in life.

* I don't actually watch "The View." I'm not up that early in the morning, silly. Besides, they never give enough screen time to Star Jones.

ok plus three

well, I am travelling this week (surprise!) but I was able to catch the finale of Average Joe 2 Hawaii.

Let's just say Gil is a huge idiot. but she chose him anyways. then they went to Mexico for a vacation and she told him that she used to date Fabio. then he freaked out and broke up with her. poor Larissa....

sorry average joes you lose again!

enjoy england Jen!

I just spent 12 hours writing a paper for my Monday night class. It's 4 pages long.

I am the king of awesome.

Crapple this Friday, folks - maybe I'll post more tomorrow, but I'm off to bed now.