Trains, townies and yellow brick roads.

This weather... It's been raining as of late and the temperature outside has been right on target for a welcoming harvest season. In short, I dig it. This is my favorite time of year. There is so much to say about this season. And I'll get into that another time. Now, I have some things I need to tend to...

Like most of you, I've been carrying quite the load over recent weeks and months. Challenges, tests, problems that are problems, problems that aren't really problems (but mask themselves as such)... I've met them all head on and I'm working on finishing this year out with a certain bsm* bang or, at least, a bottle rocket-like pop that would make my sister proud.

These things take time.

My plan of attack was blueprinted out during the summer months and my ammunition came in various incarnations and disguises. (not exactly sure where I'm going w/ this) The weapons I chose were my stand-by tools of choice. My pencil, my hands, my sleeve. My battle armor, polished, but wearing the tarnish well. My secret weapons, my goggles, beautifully tattered from the last campaign. (this is starting to sound weird) My boots, my 10/92 Setters, lovingly at my side ready for the gravel road. (ok, this is silly) But I am serious about 99.7% of what was just typed out... And because of a few things I have encountered this year, I feel like there has to be some kind of preparation. (be ready) And because this is my favorite time of year, I have taken measures of ensuring that yours truly will end 2009 in good, if not proper, form. Like most things in my life, it all begins with a song. And, in this case, it began with a comet of a song. Get ready.

Soon.

Some observations and thoughts over the last several days, weeks, maybe months... My super-short list, if you will:

-- Any meal with shrimp in it is usually good.

-- When there is an opportunity for kids to watch the President of the United States on TV during school, take advantage of it. Make arrangements for the kids. Make it a learning exercise, good or bad. Who cares what the topic is about? It just might be about the importance of tree houses and how a simple tree house can solve most of our social and economic problems. Kids should be exposed to our Commander-In-Chief because it does hold hands with academics and recess and sour milk at lunch. Let them learn something new. Sacrifice textbook time for some tube time. Don't project your fears about your own political beliefs and agendas onto your kids. Protect them, we must, but don't steal the remote.

-- I have successfully purchased a stoic wolf pumpkin that I may name soon. He's that mean.

-- The band, KISS, is still relevant.

-- Believeme.Loveme.2009. // Last of the BMLM09 OMS short sleeve t-shirt designs. Available in Onesie (3-6 mo), XS, M (2 left), L & XXL. Faded yellow w/ grey print. Small OMS* logo on left sleeve. Onesie comes in powder blue w/ red print. Toddler 2 yr, S & XL's are no longer available. $14. Long sleeve 2010 version TBA. New designs are being drawn up as we speak.

-- I'm not sure how [scrubs] v.2 is going to work, but I'm not as concerned as I should be.

-- September 17th, 18th, 19th. Portland, OR. I referenced a field trip a few posts ago. This will be explored... Buckle up.

-- Ran a 5K recently where I raised some scratch for an important cause... Interesting and bold messages all around. "Jogging For Jugs." "Racing To Save 2nd Base." Solid. I appreciate the humor and I respect the sentiment. Seriously, it was a powerful event that stood for so much and for so many... I was truly touched by the whole experience. I ran for my Aunt Sally. She was 39. And she was a beautiful soul. She loved Sinatra...

-- Based on certain observations, I'm not sure anyone truly cares about Major League Baseball. I can name 3 people and there names are Paul and Paul and Jeff. This is just my opinion. Or a sign that I may need to expand my network.

-- Scarecrows should never wear a smile on their face... Ever.

-- U2 on 10/12. The 10th time. This should really get its own post on its own day, but it's on my mind now. I'll try to be brief. Because I have seen them so many times, I'd like to consider myself a vanguard kind of critic. They have given me so much over the years and I have stuck by them (even through the weird, ill advised Pop Mart phase). I owe it to them to be the best critic possible and I have been asking them for several years to let go of the idea of the idea of preparing 30 songs for each tour and giving us the usual 20 or 22. What I mean is that of those 30, at least 22 of them have been in the rotation for the last 12 to 15 years. I don't focus so much on the hammy metropolis shout outs, but I do dissect the set list... It has become somewhat predictable and safe, but they did tear through some of their stuff with a new resurgence and attitude. They clearly know what they're doing and they have mastered the art of playing it up for the crowds... I love certain aspects of every U2 show I have had the honor of seeing, but I'm not the typical listener or voyeur. I loved that they broke out "MLK" and "The Unforgettable Fire." I love the "Stand By Me" and "Amazing Grace" snippets and I always get goosebumps inside and out when I hear "Ultraviolet." And hearing it live for the first time since the early 90's was awesome. It's those kinds of throwback songs that make a set. Not hearing "Vertigo" or "Elevation" or "Mysterious Ways" for the 3,487th time. The new stuff sounded road worn and felt right in the mix. Overall, it was a solid set and I loved the show. I felt special just being there... The closer was odd, but it has been a staple closer for them all tour long, so it means something to them... There's no perfect closer for them anymore... Only a true U2 fan will understand that last sentence. They were all "on," however, and it was nice to see them smiling...

-- Listen to your instincts and pay attention.

-- For Halloween… The Hamburglar, Papa Smurf, Tin Man or Mr. Belding?

-- Never underestimate the power of a "thank you" note.

-- Reading from the newspaper is more enlightening than reading from the internet.

-- Seven words. "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin." Alone & intimate on 10/18. Standing ovation for Mr. Hay. I'm still clapping...

-- Did they finally lay Michael Jackson to rest? This is not an illegitimate question.

-- I recently asked someone if they could recommend a menu item for an upcoming pot luck event. This person told me that they only attend such events and participating is off the table. This response came from a person who LOVES to eat. I thought it was odd. I also thought it was lazy. (Important Note: Yes, I have willingly put myself in a place where the phrase 'pot luck' is common. 100% rowdy... I love it.)

-- Witnessing "Slideshow" on 10/14. Just perfect. A big "THANKS" to Fran & Andy...

-- One sip at a time. It's not a race. Enjoy it, will you? I'm talking to you.

Clearly, there's more to say... But I feel like I need to relax and enjoy this rainy weather. My trees are always so happy when it rains on them...

Tonight, let it be Rooster. That one's for me.

Goodnight. bsm*