lwoodbloo | Update from the trenches.

I always loved seeing those old movietone newsreels in history channel things about WWII or Korea. I loved seeing the real George S. Patton Jr. or Omar Bradley or Marshall walking and talking. Not that I didn't like George C. Scott, but still.

I digress.

Thanks for all the kind words lately, they're appreciated. Things have been okay, for all of you involved. The funeral was amazing. Why? Because my cousin affected the lives of what seemed like hundreds of people, as a teacher. My cousin was a licensed substance abuse counselor. Now, knowing this and applying it to real life and what he did are two different things. Seeing legions tramp into the funeral home and cry after Perry's memory was the most uplifting part of the day.

His wife was rather upset, still is. She fervently believes that if she'd kept him in the apartment, he wouldn't be gone now. I don't know. I guess I figure that if it wasn't this time, it would have been next time.

My aunt was surprisingly strong. I love my aunt, but I underestimated how she'd handle this. And handle it she did. She was rock solid. She cried a good bit, but for most of it, she was out front taking care of business. A parent should NEVER have to bury a child, but if they have to, they should handle themselves like my aunt iris did.

My dad, as usual, is amazing in these spots. I admire the hell out of him. I know

ladyjendifi and

chelipunkass have met him, and I think

sattruckguy as well. You can't even imagine how good of a man he is in a storm.

I was supposed to see The Black Keys last night at a small venue in the west village, but when i got there it was sold out. VEry distressing. I was feeling all angsty over the last couple of days, and I needed some release. I went over to Broadway station and did some karaoke. I did "I Put a Spell On You" and "Gloria". Both of them screamer songs, anmd today I'm a little scratchy, but boy...did I feel better. I did I put a spell on you all Screamin' Jay style. I can't stand the CCR version, the animals version is okay, and the nick cave version is good, but very strange. But Screamin' Jay, with all the bones onstage and the coffin...and then that voice, rising from the crypt like some foul miasma...those shrieks! I aspire to frontman like Screamin' Jay. They're doing karaoke idol next week, and I'm thinkin' that I might just pull out I Put a Spell on you again.

I'm going to see the datsuns/paybacks sunday. I think i'm working the show, i need to call the lifebeat offices today and find out fo sho.

jenifoto, I think I'll be there for soundcheck and wendy worship. *laughs*