TILT: Good things

So many good things have happened this last week. I bought a vehicle that we are picking up in California this weekend. We released our first "official" music video which you can view here.

 

We are wrapping up the details for our next album. We have booked some fun shows to release and promote the new album. 

And today is picture day for Hayden.

He wasn't too stoked at first. Then he said " Mom. I need to take a shower and you can make me all fancy."

Sometimes

Sometimes people are hurting and never reach out for help. Sometimes you need to take it upon yourself to reach out to your friends and just let them know you're around and you love them.

A person I knew who came to parties, shows, and hung out as a friend took his own life this weekend.

I'm sure his family and closer friends are all asking "why?"  because I know I am.

It hurts my heart to know someone was going through so much pain that they just couldn't handle another day.

My heart goes out to his family and friends.

RIP Mike.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

TILT-While I'm sick.

Hayden came home with some cold that then infected me. The problem with me getting sick is that I first jump to the conclusion that it's just allergies and my sinuses are trying to kill me. So I take some non-drowsy allergy medicine, sleep with the warm humidifier on and avoid all the other symptoms.
Then I get sicker, and sicker, and end up with a temperature of 102 and no energy to do anything but lay on the couch mad at Netflix for not offering more shows and movies I actually want to watch.

I am very grateful to have a partner and a son who don't mind taking care of me when I am out of commission. Brian cooks me food and runs errands for me while Hayden takes my temperature twenty gazillion times and hands me tissues whether I need them or not.

Here are some of the awesome things I love while I am ill.

1. Fuzzy Skull Blanket. (you can find one just like it here) 2. Sweet Apple Chamomile  Tea.
3.Warm Mist Humidifier 4.Practical Magic One of my favorite movies. 5.Microsuede Body Pillow Cover 6. The most comfy sweat pants ever. 7. Potato, Broccoli and Cheese Chowder  8 A giant mug for all the tea and soup .Fiesta 18-Ounce Jumbo Cup

"First Grade is AWESOME!"

That's what Hayden said after the first week of school. I was shocked too.
 This kid who cried hysterically on the first day of school last year was THE ONLY KID crying that day. This kid who told everyone who asked for at least three whole months that he didn't like school at all. This kid who when we asked him what he did during his day he said "nothing" at least for the first six months of kindergarten. This kid who we thought wasn't really in kindergarten but a secret fight club throwing punches with Edward Norton.
He's changed.

He actually LOVES school now. He loves that he knows some of the kids in his class from last year. He loves that his class theme is PIRATES. He loves that he gets to have recess and play with his friends in other classes. He loves that he gets to eat lunch that I make him everyday (which I really love too). He likes the activities he does in class and actually tells us what he does now.
He also likes the after school program where he gets to play games with kids of different ages, and watch the occasional movie.

I am beyond happy with all this. I was worried he would be the kid flipping out in the corner hating everyone because his horrible parents made him go to school with strangers. ALL. DAY.
But he's not. He's doing great and in turn Brian and I are doing great!

The Bitch is Back

As I mentioned before my favorite approach is the direct approach. With work it's become more apparent that I can't ever get what I want or deserve unless I am direct with the powers-that-be and my coworkers.

With my band it's the same philosophy. I am direct with promoters, fellow band members, other bands, and venues on what we can do, what we can't do, and what we will absolutely not do.

I used to be afraid of coming off like a "bitch". It's a harsh label that over time I've come to accept.
Cause as Tina Fey says "Bitches get stuff done."

Here's a great article that I found regarding this same subject:

How Bitches Get Ahead in Business

This is exactly my sediments for work, band, and relationships.