So some cool and not-so-cool things have been happening to me since my last post. Here's an example of something not-so-cool: Yesterday, I backed my new car into a pole!! #!$!@&! Gah! Gah! It's official: I.Am.A.Total.Idiot. I've been driving since I was 16 years old and this has got to be a first. I was pulling out of a parking spot and heard a big *thump!* I honestly did not see the huge-ass wooden pole behind me! Now, there are a bunch of tiny white scratches on the left side of my bumper. I tried to wax it off last night, but alas, the evidence is still there. Well, on the bright side, there is no dent! *sheepish grin*
So here's some cool goings-on in my life since my last post:
- The hubs and I went to movies for the first time post-baby: We went to see Spiderman 3 on IMAX no less! We had a lunch date the day after our anniversary. We went to eat at Legal Seafoods (no fancy dinner at Bouley like our first anniversary) and then caught the flick. It was a great day --the movie wasn't an A+ but it was still entertaining to me. I can go on and on about how the storyline sucked (I've read my fair share of comic books), but that's a different post altogether. I'm just happy to watch a movie with the hubs! He knows I like going to the movies and that's something we can't do anymore post-baby unless there's some strategic planning involved.
- I'm going back to Cali: San Francisco, to be precise! We're going there for a wedding (wedding number 3 of 7!) and decided just to make a whole holiday out of it. I'll be gone July 6 - July 10th and will be celebrating my 31st birthday over there. It should be fun! The one and only time I went to San Fran was back when I was 14 years old; the only things I remember are going to Chinatown, driving down that crooked road, and my little brother getting chicken pox. This time, I'll definitely take advantage of what San Fran has to offer. The best part is that my friend Karen will be meeting me up there!
- A label is interested in my band! My bandmates and I are so excited because this label "expressed interest" in our band and is inviting us to go play for them. It's an indie label, but a label nonetheless and kind of a big deal for us! Perhaps my dream of becoming a rock star may come true after all *claps-hands-in-glee*...and if that doesn't work...
- We're entering American Idol: The Band! We just recorded a show we did last night and we'll be sending our audition tape to them. Wish us luck!
And last but not the least...
I'm moving! *wink-wink* You'll definitely find out more details in just a couple of days ...so please check back here! Update: Here's a hint...I won't be packing any bags!
In the meantime, I'll leave you with a picture:
Why you shouldn't let your mom cut your hair
Labels: music, musings/personal stories, rockstar baby
a crazy rockstar weekend...
Despite my wanna-be rockstar leanings, I don't actually have a rockstar lifestyle. *gasp* But you all knew that. The past week, I actually had a semi-rockstar weekend complete with coming home at odd hours of the night, getting sick, passing out, and meeting random strangers! Oh. Yes.
Thursday, my band played at the Iron Monkey along with our friend's band, Kilsy. We played at around 10:45 pm and it was a great show. Kilsy, however, totally rocked it as she usually does. Her band is just amazing. Our bands have played together a few times and it's always a fun show. I was even kinda flirting with her drummer (well, flirting for me is saying "wow, you were great!" and then leaving. Ha!) Anyway, I recommend you check her out! By the time I got home, it was almost 2 am and of course, I had work the next day.
Then Friday night, I had to haul my tired-ass to dinner with Eileen Joy, a friend I met on-line back in the day. It was one of EJ's last nights in the city. She just completed her Masters of Social Work degree and was headed back to Cali after her graduation. Congrats!! We all ate at Jeeb (where I had my 30th bday) and then went out for a quick drink afterwards. Well, I got a quick drink (and didn't even finish $10 glass of Baileys on the rocks) and made a mad dash home. I got home at around 1 am, but I was dead-tired from the night before that I was slightly delirious by the time dinner came along. You know how lightheaded you get from lack of sleep? Right?? But I had a lot of fun catching up with EJ, Jason, Gail, and Anna. I really wish I could've stayed longer!
So by Saturday, I just didn't have any energy. However, my family and the hubs' family all met up for brunch to celebrate Mother's Day a day early. We had a good time eating Japanese food at Minado. Rockstar baby didn't have fun though...
Saturday night, I met up with Analyse from France --making this my second "EB" with a fellow blogger. Ana was so cool and chic! She rocked a French accent with her English and Tagalog and we chatted about NYC, the babies, and how neat France is for subsidizing all her baby-related expenses. (Dang, Europe is the shit when it comes to maternity leave!). I really wish I got spend more time with her, but she was only in NYC for a hot minute. I did offer to be her tour guide for the next time she comes to visit.
All this time though, rockstar baby has been sick. As in mucus-y coughing, continuous fevers, and a total loss of appetite. I was/am a mess. He'd be better and then revert back to being sickly. I took him to the doctor who put him on a nebulizer for his cough, but then his fevers still continued. He actually had a 100-degree fever when we went out to eat on Saturday! So the rest of the weekend was spent at home taking care of him. My mother's day was crap since his fever went up even higher on Sunday and all he wanted to do was sleep and not eat. I have to literally force him to drink a bottle. Once again, he lost a few pounds and looks like a sickly little urchin. Argh.
Here he is managing a smile despite everything...
A sickly rockstar baby makes for a cranky rockstar mom. Yesterday, I came home early from work; he had a fever of 104 at the daycare (he had a normal temperature when I dropped him off, though). Luckily, I had already scheduled an appointment with his doc. So off we went to the doctor for the third time in less than 12 days. This time, he was diagnosed with bronchitis and was prescribed antibiotics. Hallelujah! So I took a half-day off and today off from work to help him recuperate.
I need to catch some ZZzzzzs. This rockstar lifestyle is making me sleepy.Labels: music, musings/personal stories, my friends, rockstar baby
So last night, I got into a car accident with rockstar baby in the car! We were literally two blocks away from our house when I decided to make a left turn at an intersection --from the right lane. You see, we were traveling northbound on a two-lane, one-way street. I was on the right lane, and the car I hit was on the left lane. For some insane reason, I forgot all about the fact that I was on a one-way street. What I did was look for oncoming traffic to make the left, totally forgetting about the other lane next to me! So I turned and smacked into another car. Lucky for her, she saw me in time and swerved. The only point of contact was the right side, tail end of her car against the left front of my car (towards the headlights). Both cars suffered just scratches and no dents. But of course, the whole thing was scary (and could've been much worse. I prefer not to dwell on the what-could-have-been-worse part). Rockstar baby was fine and didn't know anything happened. But I was freaking out on the inside to think of how irresponsible I was. I mean, I've traveled down this same road since 2001 and last night, I just blanked out and made a left turn!
The lady I hit totally yelled and screamed. Even after I said "I'm at fault, I'm sorry. Let's just call the police." I understand the whole yelling and screaming thing. I probably would've done the same thing. However, she started yelling again while we were waiting for the police! She actually approached my window just to yell at me, and while I was holding the baby. Puh-leaze! I had to tell her 5 times NOT to yell and that it wasn't necessary to yell. The whole time, I said about only 5 sentences to her (incorporating the request not to scream at me).
The good thing was the cop who helped us out could totally tell the lady was being such a beeyatch. He even said he talked to her about being more civil and not to worry that much about the accident. It happens, mistakes happen, he says. He was nice, and helped make the whole ordeal easier.
But I must say, it sucks being the one at fault at a car accident. This is my 4th car accident and the first one in which I was at fault (the other times, people hit me). I mean my mind was and is still filled with "I-should've-done-this" scenarios, "what-if" scenarios, and worrying about what a terrible mom I was for putting the kid in danger. I don't care if I get hurt. Now, it's all about the baby. I'm definitely still reeling over this even though I may sound flippant about the whole situation.
But that was that. Later that evening, I actually had to play at a gig. I really contemplated on not going and just mope at home. But I figured I have to move past the accident and that the show must go on. So while I was actually scared to drive, I went and made it to our 10 pm show at The Annex. It went well and we were quite happy with the sound levels in general; considering I was using a 30-watt amp, I thought it came out well.
Also, we actually recorded the show for the first time. You can hardly see our faces, but I'm the one on the left. I was crap and sang quite shittily (is that a word?) but the show must go on... Here are some clips from last night's show:
Labels: music, musings/personal stories
On Friday the 13th, plastiq passion played at The Delancey. It was our first gig with our new bassist Susan (since our old one quit). The venue was great despite being deep into the Lower East Side right by the bridge! I found parking right by the overpass and swear I thought I'd be mugged along the way (but thankfully wasn't!).
The show was...eh. It didn't go well according to my standards. In fact, I was sorely disappointed since a few members (and I'm not going to name names!) messed up some parts. Overall though, we had fun as usual. We also debuted my new song which I like very much (and yes, I'm singing it) and a lot of folks actually liked that one. Maybe because it's a little pop-punkish. Someone even told me it's had commercial-potential (which I took as a compliment). We also had a great turn-out (special thanks to Annie, Phil, and Christina who came out!)
Plastiq Passion at The Delancey
The new line-up
(from l-r: drummer Cil, new bassist Susan, Jes - vox/guitars, and me on guitars/vox)
I think most people in this world either care about music (as in they are passionate and have an opinion about it) or don't (as in they listen to it and know what they like, but that's about it). I fall into the former category. I joined this band primarily because a) I love music and bands, and b) I love music and want to make music reminiscent of my favorite bands (i.e., The Cure, Interpol, The Smiths, etc.) So when we mess up our songs, it's like a terrible personal slight on my part. There are days when I just want to quit the band. I mean, I'm not getting paid for it obviously and I know our sound doesn't appeal to a lot of people. But there are days when I'm just energized and I have all these hopes and the drive and determination to make our band the best it can be.
So yesterday at practice, I told my bandmates we're all going to have to shape up. I said "I don't care if you fingers bleed or your arm falls off. We're playing all our songs to perfection and we're writing new songs that are GOOD. Not just OK." I hope it works. I myself do not have a lot time (like I did before) to work on songs so it takes me a long time just to create one. I love arranging music. When I think of a new song, I think of it from start to finish: bass line, rhythm, lead, etc. I can't just have one part. When I make up a song, I record each part separately and it's a tedious, laborious process since I'm only working with two ghetto tape recorders. So it's hard when I envision a song and the execution doesn't meet up to my standards. *Sigh* Isn't it funny how some of our hobbies take up so much time and money?
Our next show is on Wednesday, April 25th at The Annex. Holler if you're in the NYC area and would like more details.
*this is a line from a Cure song.
Labels: music, musings/personal stories
so apparently, i'm raising a vampire...
Rockstar baby bit two (2!) kids this past week in daycare. One boy and one girl (I guess he doesn't discriminate) within 2 days of each other. The kids were fine. The daycare director spoke to me about how he should be reprimanded at home and gave me an article as to why some kids bite. The article stated how some kids bite because they are either overstimulated/understimulated, angry, frustrated, etc...etc. It offers parents advice as to how to show their kids to express their emotions, yadda yadda yadda. But I'm like, hello! Rockstar baby is not even 13 months old yet. He's obviously still teething! I know we can help him control who and what he bites; we tell him "No!" when does something wrong (and sometimes, I even put him in a corner). But like I said, he's still very young and still doesn't fully grasp this whole "No!" concept. He understands we're not happy, but then he looks at us and starts giggling and then goes off his merry way. Either that or he gives you a hug and a slurpy kiss to make you forget that you're mad at him. Smart, huh?
Man, this is just the beginning of upcoming parenting woes....
Oh, and can I just say that within the first 2 weeks of starting daycare, rockstar baby was bit on the arm by some baby? I understand that babies are just being themselves and things happen, but maybe the daycare needs to be more vigilant in watching these kids, no?
behind the music
Have you seen those 'Behind the Music' VH1 shows where they do a short documentary of a band and how they split up/come together/reunite/etc? Well we had our own "Behind the Music" experience several weeks ago. After our last gig in late January, our bassist Matt walked out on us. He had some beef with our lead singer Jes (aka the band leader because she started the band). Basically, Jes's brother told Matt that he had a shitty personality, and the shit hit the fan. Matt was pissed, looked to Jes for some mediating, but Jes ignored it all. So Matt talked back, made other people angry, and then officially quit the band.
Well the Monday after that, Jes and I met up along with our drummer Cil. I told Jes that since we're looking for a new bassist, we might as well get one that had good vocals. Jes was silent and clearly did not like that idea. She said, "No, we're fine as it is." Then Jes started telling us that she'd like us to start practicing 2-3x a week and that we needed to get our act together. Cil and I said "No way! We're not practicing that much a week!" Jes pretty much said "Ok then, if can't do it, then there's no point for all of this." She then packed her shit up, and then left the studio just like that! Cue voiceover: And on February 19, Plastiq Passion broke up....
Cil and I were aghast. I mean, who walks out on people without talking about their problems? We're not in high school anymore, right? Bottom line: We were able to talk later on and all's well and good. But really, it felt like we were straight out of an episode of 'Behind the Music.'
And we're still looking for a bassist. Know anyone?Labels: motherhood, music, musings/personal stories, rockstar baby
Notes from Backstage
Originally uploaded by katdlr. I went to a concert at Central Park last night to see Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, with opening bands Takka Takka and Architecture in Helsinki. The show was dynamic, the bands all sounded amazing, and best of all, I got to go backstage! I got to go to this show courtesy of my friend Julie whose boyfriend is the drummer for Takka Takka. These three bands are on tour together for the next few months.
Takka Takka has only played nine shows (in their current line-up) but you wouldn’t even know it since they sounded obscenely tight and crisp. In my opinion, their sound is reminiscent of early R.E.M. with dashes of They Might Be Giants and The Proclaimers with some indie-folk influences thrown in. Very different and unexpected. And their drummer Conrad rocks!
Takka Takka live!
Architecture in Helsinki is an (8-member) Australian band whose sound is very eclectic and quirky. They remind me of The B-52’s for some reason, (as well as The Rapture), with a lot of electro and folk-pop thrown in. They had a lot of energy and you can tell they had a great time onstage –almost as if they were throwing a party. They were a lot of fun!
CYHSY is a well-known band but I haven't really listened to them. I’ve only heard their songs briefly, but remember liking their melodies. These guys sound amazing live –their songs really come alive onstage (and listening to their album on CD does not do them justice). Their music is very upbeat, happy, and makes you clap your hands (really). How apropos, no?
I had a very fun time backstage taking photos of everyone. But the problem with being backstage is that you get the view of a lot of people’s backs!
A view of the stage | The guys of CYHSY take the stage |
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A view of the show from back stage:
Ah, the crowd!
Chilling after the show:
I didn’t really schmooze with anyone since I didn’t want to be a poser and act like I knew all about the bands (which I didn’t). However, I did go around and told band members that they played a great set. I was more of a fly-on-the-wall taking candid pics, but then this jerk made a comment about me being a “shutterbug” so I stopped taking pics after that.
In any case, it was great to see the inner workings of a big concert. It made me all wistful and pretend that one day, I could be up there complete with roadies and everything! I also got to meet some really cool people (like the members of Takka Takka, a singer from Architecture, and the drummer from CYHSY).
The last time I scored backstage passes was at a Metallica/Guns-n-Roses (combo) concert when I was in high school. But we only had limited access and didn’t actually see much action (we just had access to the catered food and not Lars Ulrich). So this was quite cool indeed.
Special shout-out to Julie and Conrad for making it all happen! Thank you!
Labels: music
Music, Mommyhood and Mohawks --Oh My!
A Rockstar Moment: My band Plastiq Passion played 2 shows within a week. Last Monday, we played at the Iron Monkey in Jersey City, NJ. The Iron Monkey was a very cool venue since we played at their rooftop bar. Tons of Jesica's friends came out (but none of mine! then again I don't expect them to come all the way to JC) and it was packed! We played with our friend Kilsy who is such the rockstar!
At the Iron Monkey - photo by Stacy Moore
And then on Sunday, we played at the Trash Bar in Brooklyn as part of the "Pussy Rock" show --featuring bands with female frontmen and female members. The Trash Bar was another cool venue and I had a blast despite the fact that we got bumped to a midnight slot! (Heck, I didn't get home until 2 am and had to wake up at 6 am because the baby woke up early). I was so sleepy while waiting to go on, but got all energized again once we got on stage. Our set was smooth and I felt we played a very good show. Some guys even came up to me and said "great performance!" Little compliments like that mean a lot to us because they come from perfect strangers and I feel they are genuine. I t's always a plus to hear positive feedback. So if you'd like to give us some feedback, please check out some of our tracks HERE. We are currently working on our EP and these are just the (unmastered) instrumental versions. But please let me know what you think!
We have a very cool gig lined up this coming September 16 as part of the Film Music Fashion & Babes Festival (as well as celebrating the end of FASHION WEEK!!) We hope for a good turn out for this show, so if you are in the area, please stop by!
At Trash Bar with:
Matt - bass; Jes - vocals/guitars; Cil - drums; and Me - guitars/vocals
I Miss My Little Guy: So rockstar baby started daycare last week. On his first day (Aug. 21st), I dropped him off around 9 am and stuck around for only 10 minutes or so. I swear, I felt my heart breaking into a million pieces when I left him, but at least none of us cried. He's a pretty friendly and easy-going guy so when I left him, he was playing away and didn't even miss me! When I picked him up, he was all smiles and gave me a huge grin! Everyone says that daycare is a lot harder on the parents than it is on the child. It's all so true! But I worry so much about him --whether he's napping enough, or getting enough stimulation or eating properly. All these things run through your head! Gah! And how am I supposed to concentrate on work when I start next week?! I suppose you get used to it. At least his daycare gives you a little 'report card' of sorts at the end of the day chronicling how much he ate, when his diapers were changed, how many times he poopied, napped, etc. But it's not the same as being with him! *sniff*
First Day of School
Rockstar Baby got a Mohawk: The hubs decided to shave rockstar baby's head last night. We've been meaning to give him a little trim since his hair got long (again), and we've always talked about giving him a mohawk. So after his dinner (of green beans) last night, we gave him a buzz. Bad mistake since he was really sleepy and cranky. He was just not cooperating as his dad shaved his head. It took us a while to finish this very messy endeavor since he wailed, howled, and was just mad at the world and his mean parents. In the end, his hair sort of looks like a mohawk but we still need to trim the sides and the top. Otherwise, it's not too bad looking. I'm sure it would look even cooler with some hair gel! But no products for him yet!
Frontal View
Side View
Labels: motherhood, music
