End o' Week Musings

It's sooo quiet in the office today, which is good because I'm in a very introspective mood. But looking back, I had a pretty OK week.

Friday I went to Arcadia Blues Club (http://www.arcadiabluesclub.com/ ). First up was Bobby Bluehouse. If you're in a band, that's cool, but it's even better when you own a club, as you can guarantee your gigs. No attitude here, just kudos, as Bluehouse's band was tight and spilling out a repertoire sweet as any blues joint. They offered up some mainstreet stuff- "Georgia," "Route 66" - and a nice smattering of true blues in good porportions to keep the crowd's attention. You may be planning to go to ABC to see the headliner, but I suggest you go early and enjoy Bobby Bluehouse... plus you'll get a good table.

Next up was Joe Walla Band. I've been a fan of this group for years and am never disappointed at any of their shows. The rhythm boys, Rich and George, keep things together, as madman guitarist Joe lets his emotions fly through his strings.... and his vocals are pure Amercian rock. It was a great performance and rumor has it they've been asked back to the venue... can't wait!

Finishing out the night was Michael Burks. I'm reading the anthology, "Delta Blues," right now and I hear his songs as I turn the pages. Burks is full of live and energy, yet deftly channels the souls of old bluesmen. He is one to watch and someone I'm sure will make a solid mark in the genre's history.

Sunday I went out to Pasadena with my friend Angela to watch the weekly softball game. It was hot, but we found a nice spot under the trees and were doing well with our tall lemonades in hand. There weren't many players, although the few were the mighty, having a fun time. Later we went to Zendejas in San Dimas to catch House of Rock ( Covina Fret House's kids' bands) followed by Electric Soul. Those children are surprisingly talented and Electric Soul was wow!- worth making a date to see.

The remainder of my week was full of interviews and writing. And working out...

This Sunday I'm going with my friends Carin and Megan to the Dodgers game. It should be a good time. After the game, we'll go back to Carin's house to sit in her Flamingo Lounge and Tiki Bar, then soak in the hot tub -- I'm so spoiled!

More adventures to follow in the week, which I will share with you later.

In rotation this week: Beat Union, Carbon 9, Celine Dion and Sting.

Photos we got 'em: Some amusing pet pics from the usual Web places and a photo of me in my new glasses... so do guys make passes at grrls who wear glasses? Post your thoughts!

Thought o' the week: Some things aren't good for you. As I said, I've been very introspective this week. Maybe it's because I now have to wear glasses all the time or maybe it's because of my impending birthday, but I've been looking over my life and trying to figure out how to get what I want.

I needed something from another department yesterday and when I walked in, I saw my co-worker kneeling on the floor. She was doing some filing stuff and I teased her in my usual way, "Praying again?" She said that she prays a lot, but it doesn't work. I responded that perhaps she's praying for the wrong thing, as God knows what is best. We laughed, although it may be true.

Whether you pray or try to get something another way, sometimes you just can't achieve your goal. It's frustrating, but maybe it just isn't meant to be or perhaps it's not on target- you have the right idea for the wrong reason or the wrong approach to the right thing.

I have a very specific goal in my life right now, one I have been harboring and working on for the past couple of years, unfortunately I don't seem to be getting any closer to it. I've been pondering on this a lot recently and I'm just not sure what I need to do-- change my tack, give up and let it be or pursue it harder. My fear is that this goal is becoming too consuming and that I'm missing what's in front of me.

I'm going to be taking some time off of work next week, so during my quiet moments I'm going to review the steps I've been taking and see if there is a better approach. ... Or perhaps it's just not the right goal for me. Is there something it your life that you're focused on, but isn't quite right? Pause and rethink it, but don't let it overtake all the joys around you.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie