My Pea-Size Brain

There is a lot going on in my little pea-size brain today, particularly because of my busy week ahead.

Last night I had to go to a computer lab. I have to admit, I am a geek and I really enjoyed the Microsoft Excel training. I am sort of digging the statistics class, too, even though I want to shoot myself in the foot every Tuesday night, after a three-hour statistics lecture.

Today I had to bid my guitar Maggie May farewell for a few days. Maggie is my Taylor acoustic. She has to go into the shop to get her intonation set. I have had her for almost four years now, and she has never had a proper set-up. I like high action, but my fellow guitar player, Dave, pointed out that her neck is bowed a bit. I have noticed, too, over the years that her intonation is not quite right. I expect that when I get her back, she will be better than ever. Okay, I am a bit traumatized to leave her at the shop, but I trust these men. They are one of the best shops in town. On a high note, all puns intended, I will get to play Ophelia, again. Ophelia is my Ibanez, satin-finish acoustic guitar. Ophelia was my first serious guitar. I bought her back in 1998, and she has toured the world with me. She has been dropped out of third-world airplanes and C-130s. Ophelia has been on loan to my bass player for the past year. It will be good to see and play her again. Why do I name guitars? Guitars are made from wood, which was once a living thing, that is why.

I am a bit concerned about my vocal health. I have been fighting off some sinus stuff for the past two weeks. Now, all the crap is hung up in my larynx. I have to gig for six hours on Wednesday at the Casino. There is a private party from 6-8, then the regular gig from 8-12. It is the band's last Wednesday at the casino, not because they hate us, rather the casino is closing the bar from Sunday through Thursday. Some of our regulars are bringing a cake, so I am sure some of the cake will end up on me.

This Thursday we play from 9-1 at Helen Fitzgerald's, Friday we are at Howard Johnsons lounge--uh--I mean Syberg's, and Saturday is the fun gig in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill. I just hope my voice holds out between the singing and being sick, along with the lack of sleep.

The Duck Room is so much fun to play. It is one of those few rooms where we play for the door, so it could be a good night or a bad night. The question is, will people want to go out the night before the Superbowl? We were thinking about turning the gig into a fan appreciation night and putting everyone on the guest list, so they do not have to pay a cover. The bar cannot take twenty-percent of zero, right?

The other cool thing about the Duck Room is the feeling of intimacy, not to mention all the cool acts that play there. Chuck Berry still plays there once a month. There is a residual energy on the stage from all of the acts that have ever played there. I just worry about the dressing room, being as how Chuck has a history of strategically placing peep holes around areas where girls may get naked, you know what I mean?

I don't mean to ramble, but it may be a few days before I post again, so I have to get it all out now.

Regards,

Jeni