A Week of Goodbyes

We sat in a circle in the old one-room schoolhouse on Sunday picking some old-time music. I never made it to play with these good folk as often as I would've liked. And Sunday was the last opportunity before we move away.

We meandered through all of everyone's old favorites. I picked 'Bury Me Beneath the Willow' and 'Down in the River to Pray' for my last couple of picks. I was thrilled when Herb picked 'Eight more miles to Louisville.' Lisa went against the norm and pulled out Creedence's 'Down on the Corner' since the lyrics are eerily reminiscent of life in Warrensburg.

At the end of it they asked me to share a 'signature' song. So I was able to share Guy Clark's song, 'The Cape' with them. (If you ever get a chance to sing a song in Warrensburg's old, one-room schoolhouse you should do it. The acoustics in there are incredible. Even I sound decent in there.)

We shared, and then we said goodbye.

This week will be full of goodbyes for the girls and me. Goodbye to places and faces we've loved. Goodbye to the sights and sounds of the 'Burg. Every time we visit someone or someplace we'll think, "Will this be the last time?" (Thank God. They have custard shops in Springfield.)

Meet David

If you're wondering why I'm posting this, it's all Jagua Piru's fault. . . .

Most of you have met my husband of six years, David, but I wanted to put his picture up and tell you a little bit about him. For those of you who don't know him, I hope David will have the opportunity to meet you at Lou-and-Mistifest next month.

Last month David graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He has a job next year teaching math at a small high school just outside Jefferson City.

This was David's second attempt at higher education. His first attempt was, well, less than stellar. After that, he worked several years in construction. He hurt his back and had spinal fusion surgery in March 2001, which included the permanent insertion of two steel rods and six screws in his back. He knew his days as a construction worker were over.

His first course was 8 weeks of summer calculus. I think he was pretty miserable, but he stuck it out. His next-to-last semester, he took 20 credit hours so he could graduate in May 2005.

Anyway, after David graduated, we took a seven-day trip to Ixtapa, Mexico (see my previous post today). When we returned, I started a new job here in Jefferson City.

So, that's the story of part of David's life as told by me. I hear people complain about marriage, but I often catch myself daydreaming about how happy and lucky I am to be married to David. He is a gentleman but also a good hunter-gatherer, and his personality complements mine (read: he's neither obnoxious nor bossy). I know he'll make a great father someday if we ever get around to having a real critter and not just a spoiled dog!

Audience Check

I just wanted to post something since it's been a few days since any new musings appeared. I took this picture during the vacation David and I went on last month to Ixtapa, Mexico. David really liked these birds, which have black legs with bright yellow feet.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Paulie Live! At Deja Vu!

Paulie knocked them dead at Deja Vu on Friday.

Here is a picture of Paulie's first heckler. Also, see Travis' review at his blog.


These photos were taken by Rocky.

Big Show Tonight!

We're hoping to see a bunch of you guys tonight! We will be running late. We should be at Flat Branch before 8 pm though. We are going to wait for the Skeeter man. He has to work until after 6.

But we'll be there! And it's going to be blast. The weather is looking awesome. I won't mind if we're on the patio at Flat Branch. Save us three seats!

**UPDATE**
I just read my email. Tammy's Dad suffered a heart attack yesterday. So send your prayers for his recovery. Tammy and Boz will not be able to join us tonight.

Big Show Tomorrow!

Hey guys! Paulie's big show is tomorrow, and it appears that Mr. Weather Maker Man is finally going to give Paulie his big break. Do you guys want to meet at Flat Branch? Does anyone object? Is 7:30 a good time?

Let's say our tenative plans are to meet at 7:30 at Flat Branch. If anyone needs directions go here.

It's going be a blast. The weather's going to be perfect.

I wish I may, I wish I might . . .

On Saturday night as we lay down to sleep, my lovely bride peered out the window.

"A falling star! I saw one streak across the sky! I better make a wish."

I just began thinking how wonderful it is to wish on a falling star when she exclaimed again, "Another one! I saw another one!"

I began to think of MD and his meteor storms. How odd that she could see one of those in the little piece of sky visible from our bedroom window. It seemed a little too fantastic for me.

Then, dejected, my wife said, "Oh no, it was only lightening bugs."

After what my wife claimed to be an hour of shrieking laughter, I was able to say in the same manner a child talks between sobs, "You . . . . Wished . . . . . On . . . . . a . . . . Lightening . . . . . Bug!" And then another 30 minutes of shrieking laughter ensued.

I guess a few lightening bugs can really throw a Wisconsin girl for a loop. She claims they don't have many up there. I wonder if the Wisconsin readership can confirm this for us. I'm a little suspicious.

I am left wondering what happens when you wish on a lightening bug? Tonight, I'm gonna wish on a street light.

Big Show Friday!

Just a reminder that Paulie is scheduled once again to make his Deja Vu premiere on Friday. I will be going to the show. If anyone else is planning on going let me know. We'll make some pregame plans.

Friday Song

This Friday song is for my wife.

Let Me Walk

Let me walk with you tonight.
Found a gaping hole in the night.
I looked in the book, but the pages were faded.
I hope the music holds the last bit of light.

Write me a poem I can read to myself.
Make me a promise I can keep to myself.

Promises echo
Across mountains and valleys
‘Til they fall
Broken in the dirt.

The shards of the promises
Slice at the feet
Of those
Who already hurt.

Let me walk with you tonight.
Hold yourself steady on my arm.
We’ll pick us some roses with dew on the petals.
We’ll sing us some songs and spin us some yarns.

Let me walk with you tonight.
We’ll find us a soft place to lie.
We’ll hold each other close in the dark.
Comfort each other when we cry.

Write me a poem I can sing to myself.
Make me a promise I can keep to myself.

Promises echo
Across mountains and valleys
‘Til they fall
Broken in the dirt.

The shards of the promises
Slice at the feet
Of those
Who already hurt.

Let me walk with you tonight.
Put our love to the quest.
Live strange places. Love strange faces.
Hold each other when we rest.

Seven Years Ago Today . . .

Seven years ago today, my wife and I started our married lives by hauling MD's ass back to the hotel. (Upon arriving at the hotel, MD had to call his wife and find out their room number.) Thus began the long, strange trip during which we've added a couple of kids and a cat (We already had one cat). We've survived sickness, poverty, a tornado, and an ice storm with only the occasional trip to the emergency room.

Through it all, we've grown. We grown closer to each other. We've grown spiritually. And I think we've actually gotten a little better at this marriage business.

In a few weeks, we're making a bold move. It's one that we think is best for us and for the kids. It may be tough, but we'll make it work in spite of ourselves. (This CD is good for a marriage.)

Happy Anniversary, Shelly!

Mules Again Today

The Mules lost yesterday in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Luckily it was their first loss in the double elimination tournament. They get a rematch with Florida Southern today at 2:30. You can listen here.

The winner will face North Florida in the championship game on Saturday. The championship game will televised on CSTV, ESPNU or Metro Sports for Kansas City viewers.

Big Announcement!

The Big Show has been rescheduled. It will be Friday, June 17th at he Deja Vu Comedy Club in Columbia, MO. The shows will be at 10:30 and 11:30.

Don't miss it! It should be a great show. Paulie recently sharpened his chops at an Open Mike night at Stanford's Comedy Club in Kansas City.

Odds and Ends

I wanted to cover a couple things before I head off to whip Jason and Dale on the golf course this weekend.

1. A couple of contributors told me that they think Sweetlou's post shouldn't be considered an actual post. It's cool to have a party and invite everyone (I'll be there, Lou), but these contributors insist that Lou should provide us with another post. They contend that a real post has some intellectual value. They want a post that provides some insight on a topic or offers up some witticisms. And barring any of that, the post should at least talk about the value of beer or sex. I am inclined to agree with these contributors unless it makes Lou mad enough to cancel his party. In that case, I think those guys are crazy.

2. During the Colorado series I went to bed during the games twice. The Cards came back to win both of these games. The middle game of the series I stayed up to watch, and they lost. Does this mean anything?

3. This weekend I am in the position of having my incompetence at golf pay off for me. And since my incompetence is great, it gives me a better chance. I will, however, still put a whippin' on Dale and Jason since they are just as incompetent as me.

4. The Baseball Mules are playing in the Division II national semifinals tonight at 6:30. They are ranked no. 1 and have already beaten No. 2 ranked Florida Southern and the No. 3 ranked defending champs, Delta State. If you're interested you can listen here. Go Mules!

5. Oops! Never mind!

Have a great weekend!

**UPDATE** I forgot to mention the Mules when I originally posted this.