Midlake show. Incredible. I don't know if I have EVER left a show wanting to listen to the band I just heard, right away, but this one (9/27 Great American Music Hall) I did. My back was hurting and my feet were numb by the time they came on (just cuz I'm not 20 and I wanted to be at the front so I'd stood there since 7:45), but as soon as they started to play...I forgot all about my back and my feet! I was just giddy and mesmerized. It was funny to be a little chagrined because I was such an obvious overgrown fanboy, and I look like them...bearded guys in t-shirts with mussed hair, but dammit I've looked like this for like 20 years! And who really cares? So we share an aesthetic that involves both music and grooming; fine.
Harmonies were crystal clear and spot on... Oh so good. Please give this album a close listen. It's subtle, sweet genius. They're all jazz guys with music degrees from the University of North Texas who converted to rock and roll after hearing OK Computer in 1997. There sometimes can be more money in rock and roll than jazz, you know, sometimes. I can so get behind that story.
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So, I've decided not to pursue classroom teaching but instead to try and start making a living as a tutor/learning solutions guy. I'm really good at it; it's my favorite thing I've ever done; people are making a living at it...so why not?! It is very, very frightening to watch the savings dwindle while I do my durndest to build a reputation (because reputations aren't built in a day, dontcha know) but I've found some work that I am enjoying tremendously and my Craig's List ad is getting some hits...So I just have to do my best, take advice, keep my priorities straight and TRUST...
But it's hard to trust. I'm not sleeping well. At some point each day I want to curl up in a fetal position and wimper or else ride that magic BART train to the moon I used to fantasize about when I didn't want to BART into the law firm for another day. Maybe that's what this IS. I'm actually on my BART train to the moon. Bang zoom! Not so much.
So there is great excitement and terror and joy and sadness and gain and loss. If I turn down the drama-phone, it's just good ol' change. I'm keeping anchored in some of the comforts I love best--my SF Jail speaking engagement is now every second Friday and I help return a church basement to its pre-meeting glory every Saturday morning; I've offered to tutor for free at a Bayview school until those hours are taken by paying clients; biking and urban-hiking on alternate days--And service and exercise seem to help with the drama-reduction a great deal.
Not to mention the astonishing, relentless support and care and kindness and love I am getting from Emily--my stunningly gorgeous, brilliant, dynamic, creative and kind girlfriend--who has invited me into her life beyond all possible expectations. And what a wonderful life to join! We make a really, really great team. Mutual admiration society, love, laughter, serious conversation, silence, plans, spontaneity, acceptance....no, not acceptance, genuine cherish-ment of our genuine selves on all sides. And I cannot imagine when I would have mustered the courage to step out of my familiar job into this economic unknown without Emily in my world. Thank you, Emily.
I'm moving to Oakland in October, into Emily's amazing, lovely house. And when she says she wants it to be not her house but our house when we both live there, I believe her. Call me crazy...

I'm beginning to feel less hike-organizery, so if you want to go for a hike but would like to invite me because I know a lot of trails, let's plan it!!!

Cheers all!

Tutoring Promo
For your consideration:
kermitbubbleboy.net/mlmtutor2.wmv

Pass it on!