Friday, November 9, 2007

An ode to my favorite artist


So on Tuesday, I went to the Vic and saw my umpteenth Tori Amos show. It's never a tough decision for me to make when it comes to seeing my absolute favorite singer in the world in concert. This however was a special occasion because after all the theatre shows, I was being treated to an intimate show at one of my favorite venues in Chicago. Tori came out dressed as the character "Pip" from her most recent release, American Doll Posse. I hadn't been keeping up with reviews from this tour so I had no idea she was going to come out as anything other than "Tori." What a great surprise. Pip came out in an outfit similar to this and ripped through a bunch of killer songs, like "Cruel" which I LOVE and I don't think I've ever heard performed live. The band really makes this sound complete, they are so in tune with what Tori is doing on stage. After a few more songs that really sting, (Waitress, an instrumental-psycho knife/gun wielding Pip performing Me and A Gun, and some songs from the new album), Pip left the stage for what seemed like maybe 10 minutes? And then the band just played over the song Professional Widow while Tori did a costume change. She then came out as "Tori" in the long red wig and this crazy Studio-54 looking outfit with just one sleeve. Then we were back to the happy Tori again. I really felt like I got two shows in one here! What I really love about Tori is that every single show is completely different. The catalogue that Tori now has is SO wide and so different that you will never see the same show twice. I guess that's why I keep going. It's funny, every time before and after I go to a Tori show, it's all I can think about and it's all I can listen to. I have had her on constant repeat now for about 3 weeks straight. I don't know anyone else whose lyrics affect me so immensely. I saw this really great interview last weekend with Tori on this channel called Ovation and it really opened my eyes even more to some of her lyrics and how she is so in tune with her surroundings.
Anyway, I guess this is enough for my ode to Tori. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet this woman and I will forever treasure the impact her music has had on my life.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Baby, Baby...




















So, this past weekend we played host to Matt's brother & his wife and their family. It was a lot of fun, and I'm so glad they could come stay with us for the night. We hung out and watched TV Friday night and then Saturday it was off to Daley Plaza for the Halloween Event downtown where they have a circus show, pumpkin decorating and various other activities. We had a lot of fun. Being with them for longer than just a few hours in Kokomo was a nice treat. Their parents definitely love them and are doing an amazing job of raising those 3 kids.
It always takes me back to my own life and how I'm living it here in the big city.
The whole "kids" discussion always seems to make me think at times like these, and what works best for some does not always work for others.

I read a lot of "mommy" blogs because I have a dear friend who is a mother and has a popular blog that links up to other blogs that I'll check out from time to time. I enjoy peeking into these women's lives, wondering what I would do in their situations. Now, granted, it is not a "I wish I was a mom like them" thing or a biological clock sort of thing, it's more just curiosity and a time-killer for me.

The past few years have really shaped who I am and who I want to be. I have never been one of those women who says "I've always known I wanted to be a mom" or "I can't wait until I have kids so..this or that..." I just think I must've been cut from a different cloth, because I seriously teeter on this issue more than any other in my life. If there's ever a major life decision other than buying a home, or choosing a career, it's the kids issue. Is it for me? I don't know yet. I'm 30, and still don't have the answer to that question. I think I always thought it would happen one day, and it still may. But for now I'm just loving my life the way it is. I love having the chance to meet up with friends after work, go to dinner, a concert, a play, a museum, shopping, whatever, without having to think about anyone else first, except my husband of course, but he's usually with me! I really do applaud all moms for all the hard work they do though, it is definitely not an easy thing to be a parent. I think because I KNOW that, I question if it's right for me. I think because I'm putting off even getting a dog (!!) I question if it's right for me. I think because I still have things I want to do in my life, I question if it's right for me.

I know this is a never-ending debate, but being around children is at the same time uplifting and inspiring and then again, so very all-consuming of your energies and efforts. I guess I still have some time to decide. What's the rush? For now, I just enjoy being Auntie and that's good enough for me.

Friday, October 26, 2007

In Rainbows

Seriously.
If you have not heard this album yet and you love Radiohead, it's really your own fault. In case you haven't heard, the band is offering this album on the web and you can find it at www.inrainbows.com. You can put in your own price to download it, whether you pay nothing or pay a lot is up to the listener. I've had this on constant repeat for the past couple of weeks. It's a lot more tame than some of their more recent albums, and a lot of the strings and really great subtle instrumentation that we got to know on OK Computer is back. My personal favorite track is "All I Need." There's still this darkness, this sadness to some of the songs, and I can always appreciate a well-thought out love track. The album itself is just gorgeous, perfect for a long car ride or just relaxing at home as I've listened to it both ways now and it is really that versatile. The final track, "Videotape," is also quite good, but then again I tend to cling to the slower, more mellow Radiohead. Anyway, it's definitely worth a listen and I think everyone can find something to enjoy in its beauty.

Hello!

Hey everyone,

So I've started my own blog page, as I got tired of posting blogs on My Space and I would rather just have one set location for all of my thoughts, ideas and concerns...

Hope you enjoy reading!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jen Kanable