I don't need to move to the UK now

The new ELBOW album is finally released Stateside!!!  Yes I am a bit excited. I have already listened to it 3 times. It is an amazing album and will be one of my favorites for years to come.

For those of you who are fans download it from iTunes for only $7.99. For those of you who are not you should be.

Road Rash

DISCLAIMER....If you are at all queasy at the sight of blood, DO NOT look at the pictures below. I feel that they aren't that gross but then again I have never had a problem with it.

I awoke this morning with a long to do list and I was positive that I would get it all done. It was going to be a great day!

The DI truck is here and I was planning on cleaning out the shed and my closet to give away some of the stuff that is taking up space. I need to go grocery shopping, clean the bathroom and the rest of the house. Get my car washed and peruse a book store.

But first I was going to exercise. Yes, I needed to get out in the fresh air and work off the cheese sticks I ate last night.

It was going so well, I even started running! Those of you who know me well know that I can't run. I was and it was enjoyable.  I had been gone almost and hour and decided it was time to return home. I decided to take a detour and run past my favorite little park, just for a reward. As I was descending down the hill at a great pace, I turned the corner towards the park and my foot stepped on a small branch in the road.

I was going down and there was no stopping it. I skidded across the asphalt, my sunglasses flying of my face, water bottle flinging in to the dirt. I fell hard and fast.

I stood up realizing two things 1. No one was around to see me fall (Phew!) But no one was around what if something is broken (OH NO!) 2. I don't have my cell phone (arrggh!) I can't call any one.

I looked down to see the damage. It wasn't pretty. Both hands were bleeding, my arm is scraped up and bruising quickly, I check my knees, they seem to be OK just scraped a bit. Pride..hurt, I was just two steps away from being on grass.

The walk home was long. I was pretty far considering my condition.

Thank goodness A-Gril was home, she is a star! (even though she doesn't like the sight of my blood, which she has seen a lot of lately, darn knives)

Cleaning the wounds hurt more than the fall or the walk home. There was dirt everywhere. The shower was more difficult than it should have been and when it says it is not going to sting, it LIES.

Nothing is broken, at least I don't think anything is. The injuries are:

Right Palm-Cuts and scrapes

Right elbow-scrapped up

Left Hand-Really big scrape and cut on the palm, cut just below the pinkie, and scrape and bruise below that.

Left Forearm-Huge scrape and bruised

Left Shoulder-Scraped

Right Leg- Knee Bruised and scraped a little

Left leg- Several bruises, scraped knee and cut just below.

So instead of getting anything done today, I am sitting with several ice packs watching stupid Saturday TV, while hen pecking my way thru this post.

Lessons learned:

1. Take your cell phone

2. Take a buddy

3. Watch your step

4. Plans change

5. Try not to injure both hands at once.

6. Roll, roll, roll. Don't fall flat.

7. Despite convincing myself to the contrary, I really am a klutz.

Things I am grateful for:

1. A-Gril and her awesome first aid kit. ( I have been the only one who has needed it so far)

2. Being right handed, it helps that the left took the brunt of the fall. 

3. Nothing is broken

4. Ice Packs

5. Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam. My ultimate comfort food.

Now for the pictures....They really aren't that gross and don't do the injuries justice.

Must Have More!

Dave had no clue what kind of day I was having when he sent me this link. It was the perfect stress reliever! I am obsessed with bubble wrap as it is. Now it is at my fingertips when ever I need it. 

As Dave said "I just can't stop", neither can I. Is that saying something about me?

Thanks Dave!

My Luck has Run Out

I have been a registered voter since the day I turned 18. I have lived in many places making me the "new kid" in town.  I have not once been called to serve jury duty. I considered myself lucky.

The luck has run out. I received my summons today and it is for the day my parents arrive. Double Whammy.

Since I live in Oakland the likely hood of a short trial is slim to none. It will probably be a gang related shooting, always a fun time.

I am going to postpone. Thank goodness for that option. I am not going to make my parents delay their vacation on the possibility of jury duty. Next year I won't have the option, I may just have to move.

Summer was here for a moment...

It was a beautiful weekend! Upper 80's. Now it is back to the low 60's.  It only made me long for the lazy days of summer.

La blogotheque

Vincent Moon has created a site where filmmakers like himself can create their own mini movies with passing thru bands. They ask them to perform in interesting places and situations in cities such Paris. My Favorite is Arcade Fire in an elevator. The fact they actually could fit the entire band plus instruments is short of a miracle.

He has filmed several of my favorites: Okkerville River, The National, The Shins, Grizzly Bear, REM, Loney Dear and much much more.

You can spend hours watching. 

So check it out here you won't be sorry.  You can also subscribe to the free Podcast, but the website has more. 

Shh I'm Reading

 

Pop art from Elloh I found her at Etsy here

The one on the right reads "Once upon a time there was a girl who loved to read". I thought this was perfect for me. There was a period in my life, late teens early twenties, when I begged my parents to never buy me a book again. In fact I think I told them that I hated reading. It was because I disliked reading "Church Fiction". You know Charlie etc. Those were the books that I would get.  

I think they realized that I do love to read and started giving books that I would actually read.

I am a sucker for bookstores (except Borders they are expensive!) and love spending time browsing the shelves for something new to discover. Rarely have I left a bookstore without a book in hand. There are a couple of independent bookstores a few blocks away that I enjoy visiting. I soak in the cramped shelves, the dusty smell of books and the creaking wood floors. I enjoy the passion and at time snobbery from the employees when they are determined to get you to pick up that "perfect book".

 This month alone I have read: Suite Francaise, Book of a Thousand Days, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Princess Academy, The Goose Girl, I am finishing Wives and Daughters and starting Enna Burning. 

I have a hammock or had one. It is currently being stored at my parents house. It used to be one of my favorite places to read. I miss laying under the canopy of trees with the music of the birds in the background. Now I have a red chair, it is not the same but it will do for now. It is the perfect spot to revisit my favorites by Salinger, Austen, Bronte, Sedaris, Wilde, Gaskell or meet new favorites Hale, Froer, Vowell, Rowling, Meyer.

So send your literary suggestions my way, I am always looking for something to read.

Get Well...

Today just wasn't the best day for my Mom and my darling niece Alexandrea.

My mother broke her foot. Now she gets to spend time in a lovely boot. She is so disappointed that she is going to miss her water aerobics.

Alexandrea is currently under the knife. She had to undergo emergency appendectomy. Yes that useless part of her body started giving her fits a couple of days ago. What a miserable way to spend Spring Break.

Use your recovery wisely,  get plenty of rest, read lots of books and let others dote on you. I would if I were around.

I love you!