Well, you may not hate me for this (Erin Wirtz will NEVER hate me, I also note), but sometimes I have a few things to talk about that are on my mind each day. You know, just random thoughts that run through my head at night when I'm trying to get to sleep and whatnot, or perhaps thoughts that are there with me when I wake up in the morning. Enjoy these thoughts if you agree, or burn down my house if you don't.

December 20, 2002

By the time you read this, you will more than likely be at home with your family or whatnot, so I'm glad to see that you made it home safely through out lovely midwestern weather. I will take off for home on Sunday, and they forecast that the roads will be just fine by then, thank goodness. For those of you traveling this weekend for the Christmas holiday, please be carefull, and stay alert on the road. We want to see you back here in January, after all.

Today is the final day of the fall term, and that's nice. I took some time out last night to do some Christmas cards, and hopefully I can catch a few people around here and give them their cards. It's just me to wait until the last minute to do cards, and then end up hanging them out in January because I waited too damned long to give them out. Sara Beck gave me a warm blanket for Christmas, which I used last night as I played Playstation on our couch. Believe me, it's a cold house, and the blanket came in handy.

Phil and Ginger get married tomorrow, and I will be there with music for both the wedding and reception. A cut-down version of Patents Pending will play the dance, and it should be a good time. Come out if you can.

The Year in the Review site should be up by December 26, so make sure you come and check that out. Dano never does a year in review, I don't think, but I'll try to get some of his life in there, too. Expect some stupid stuff in there, as I often let some really strange information out of the bag. There will be some catagories in there about cute girls (this is the kind of crap that Dano and I write about all the time, anyhow!) and stuff about music and all that fun stuff. Hope you enjoy it, I'll try to complete it as soon as possible.

Well, I better get of here, I need to catch Dano before he leaves for the Black Hills. I have his Christmas card, and I won't want him to leave without it. Thanks for a good semester, all, and I'll be adding more to the site come this Sunday night when I'm back in Minot. MSM me with e-mail address dano_cc2001@hotmail.com.

December 16, 2002

It's Monday, and I'm feeling it. I worked last night, and as of the moment, I fell pretty crummy. I must admit that I feel much better now that I did at about 9:45am, but I wish I felt better. Anyhow, took care of my Woodwind Methods test today, and since I have no jury to do today, my day is over. Thank goodness, now I can go home and sleep somemore. Lord knows that I need it.

It's been brought to my attention that we've had a few people offended by the site. Dano addressed that on his "For What It's Worth" entry, so I will add my thoughts here on my own page. First of all, the site is not intended to hurt, anger, bother, or offend anyone. (Well, I take that back, we sometimes want to bother Chaus, but he doesn't really count). Anyhow, the opinions expressed in my entries are honest and to the point. When I write about things that bother me or might be getting on my mind heavier than other issues, I write on my site. It's my way of venting. When I write about situations, I never use direct names in the situations. I'm more than sure that if someone read it, and the subject was refering to them, they would know, but most people would read about an issue, not a person. The things I wrote on the site were things that I had already pretty much said before in private conversation, and I hope that they didn't offend too much. If it did, I'm sorry, and I didn't mean to come off that way. I will not remove my content, as I don't think I did anything wrong by posting my thoughts, but I do apologize for any hurt that it may have caused.

I played my recital on Thursday, and it went pretty well. Plenty of people showed up, and they ate my cookies and drank my punch after, so I called the recital a success. I was nervous, and we had some issues with the man in charge of lights, but these situations aside, I was pretty pleased with the whole thing. Mom and dad came out, and that meant a lot to me. I'm happy, really.

I then went to Minot by plane to play with Roughcut, the Guard Band country and rock group, and that was ok. Mom and dad showed up again for that, and I got to sing Mustang Sally for them. My mom is pretty amused when she sees me singing rock n' roll. I'm glad she likes it. Who else would?

Stay tuned for my end of the year section once again, I promise to fill it with more useless text than I put in my section last year!

Going to get off here, now, I want to find someone to play cards with. More tomorrow, I assume...

December 10, 2002

My God, this week is insane. I have a recital and I have to play in 3,000 concerts. I have to take some tests and I have to go to Minot for Guard this weekend. What's next? Oh, yeah, finals and work. Then, finally, I get to go home for about five days, then back to Fargo to work, do Guard somemore, and then get back to school. Will the madness ever really end? That is the question.

Interesting weekend, went to Grand Forks for a wedding, which was ok overall. Robin came with me and we enjoyed a day away from Fargo, which was well deserved in my opinion. We went to the wedding and dinner and reception, and then visited my friend Becky at her apartment. After that, Robin and I enjoyed some late night chow at the I-29 Cafe. We were wearing all Bison gear in the UND town, and we got some funny looks, but we didn't care. We just ate and joked around and played video games. A great night of sleep followed at Becky's place, and then we returned home, prepared to once again face the world.

We did a jazz concert last night, and it was sad to say goodbye to two of our favorite sax players, Jenn Braus and Jeremy Marquardt. They head off to student teach next semester, and won't have the time for jazz. They will remain in concert band, though, much to our relief, and probably in the area after graduation. We won't let them get away too fast. At any rate, we thank them for their hard work and practice and leadership and whatever else in the world they did besides that! We love you guys.

I did a pre-recital run today with Dr. Thrasher and Dr. Patnode (two woodwind guys who up, how crazy is that?) and it went pretty well. They both think I'm ready to play on Thursday, so I guess we'll jump in head first and do it. I'm pumped to play, and I'm excited that all my friends and my mom and dad will be there.

Not much else to mention yet, Brad Jensen will make his return to Fargo for a few days late tonight, so I'm really psyched about him coming back. I better head to the Emprie and pick up a case of beer, the fun begins late tonight!

December 3, 2002

Well, back here in Fargo again and moving on at the usual pace with my life, and things are alright, I guess. Back to work again, that's not always such a good time. Last night was a huge pain in the ass with drunk people and millions of mistakes made by all departments, it was a challenge to not blow up the building. Also, I realized that it had been a few months since I had spent two nights at work in a row without at least one person coming in for pop and turkey/ham/swiss sandwich. I actually felt a little lonely last night.

After coming back from Minot, I took some time to sort out all of my thoughts over the weekend, and things are sort of coming to together in a real sense of what needs to be happening in my life at this time. I'm pretty happy overall about my decisions, and the time has come to deal with lots of things that I've managed to avoid for the last four years. So many feelings and some pain have found ways to hide in the back of my mind, but it's time to let those deamons go. With a little help from my friends, I should be alright. Thank God for those people. What would we do without them?

The Denver Broncos managed to lose again in overtime. I'm getting weary of our playoff dreams for 2002/2003. The consolation prize of it all is that the Vikings did blow it (once again), so that was fine and dandy. The Packers (9-3) clinched a playoff spot this week, but that's not such an accomplishment considering the competition (the other three teams are all 3-9).

Well, it's snowing out and the roads suck, and I need to go eat, so that's what I'm going to do. More soon.

November 29, 2002

Reporting to you live from Minot once again, here I am, relaxing and doing not a damned thing. I can honestly say that I didn't even step out of the house this lovely cold North Dakota day. I spent some time practicing and playing around on the computer. I watched a movie and listened to some music and watched some TV. I read the newspaper and ate food. I didn't do anything physical, you know, like walk more than fifty feet. Ah, life is good when you go home.

It was nice to be home for a few days, hanging out with the folks and chatting and stuff, but my time in Fargo is important, and I have to get back so that I can come in and train some people on the end-of-the-month procedures during the audit. I'm not excited to do this, as I could've stuck around in Minot for one more day, but it's all good. Then, on Sunday, it's back to the grind again with a long Patents Pending rehearsal and work again. The fun never ends.

A little bird has surfaced a rumor about one of our best friends that has moved away has found herself a boyfriend. Is this true? You know who you are, honey, and I need confirmation on this rumor! Tell me, tell me, tell me!

So, how was your Thanksgiving? Mine was good, I cruised back into Minot around 12:30 and spent some time with the aunt, uncle, cousin, and her boyfriend. Mom and dad did the work on the food while we watched some football and just hung out. We enjoyed dinner, and watched a movie after. My uncle and I watched as the Lions lost (again) and the Cowboys somehow won. Crazy world. The relatives left aroound seven or so, and the rest of the night was just hanging around relaxing. Mom and dad had to work today, so that sort of sucked for them, but that's what happens. I enjoyed today alone, hanging out only with the dog. He's good company, though.

I've been sitting here trying to brainstorm some thoughts for new sections on this site. I need something fun and interesting, but not offensive. I need help with this. I've been going around and looking up lots of personal home pages, and I think I've got some ideas on what we could do. I'm working on my end-of-the-year awards page, and it should be up soon, as we only have one month left, but it really ends around the 15th since finals and vacation follow. Look for some witty and even some serious thoughts and awards on the site. I won't disappoint, I promise.

Did you see that Dorgan asked for support from John Ashcroft pertaining to the NAWS project? Canada filed a lawsuit again the US over the project, and Dorgan wants some support from our Attorney General. We shall wait and see if he helps us, and if he doesn't, I will lambast ole' John once again. Let's see if Hoeven begs for help. I wouldn't count on it, though.

My Broncos need to win. Thankfully, every time the Broncos manage to lose, so do the Chargers, keeping Denver's hopes afloat. However, this weekend features Denver playing San Diego, so root with me for a big win, my team needs it. Oh, and how about them Vikings? That look great as always, don't they? And the Packers? What in the world is happening out there? Sky must be falling in...

I watched Top Gun on Tuesday night, and then watched Hot Shots tonight. Never watched those flicks within days of each other, but I realized just how much funnier Hot Shots was after watching Top Gun. I always knew they were parodies, but never noted the similarities.

Ed keeps buying new George Carlin albums, and I'm becoming addicted to it again. In high school, I listened to Carlin all the time. I stopped for a while, then while in the Army, I started listening again. When I got out, I stopped one more time, but now that I live with Ed, we listen constantly. Funny and logical stuff, I love it, and it's making me into a bigger jerk than before, which is a bad thing, I think? Ed listens to a lot of Carlin, doesn't he?

Coming soon is a Fat Man page on the site. I can't wait to see this. Hopefully it doesn't take up too space on the site. (Ba doom ching)

Ever wonder why they call them hot dogs? Makes you wonder- what in the world are hot dogs made out of, anyhow?

At this point, I think I'm just typing things to stay awake, as Dano said he would be MSN Messenger sometime tonight, and I just wanted to stay up long enough to chat for a while. He better hurry his ass home. He went out for beers with Chaus and their buddy, Ryan. I wish I had friends. I'd have a beer with them right now if I had any friends. Does anyone feel sorry for me right now? No? I'll buy you a beer if you say you do. (Offer good only tonight)

Ok, more soon, adios.

November 27, 2002

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll have a Thanksgiving report tomorrow, live from Minot, North Dakota!

November 25, 2002

I just finished up a great weekend of being able to sort of do whatever I wanted, and you know what- I loved it. It was nice to just be able to go wherever and do whatever, it was great. I was able to go hang out and have some drinks with the music cats on Friday at Beseler's, and then sleep in until like noon on Saturday instead of getting up for a Burger King breakfast and Dome rehearsal. I got to hang with my old high school buds at their apartment in south Fargo, too. We drank beer and wine, and I couldn't have been happier to be with them since I haven't had any time to see them in months. Sunday, was a little busy with rehearsals and a combo gig at the mall, but overall, I felt so much more relaxed than ever, it was wonderful.

In new news, Patents Pending will be doing a complete overhaul over the next two months, with a new focus on music and the addition of a lead singer. Not sure who that will be yet, but stay tuned, we're doing the auditioning over the next few weeks, and we'll know for sure by the time Christmas gets here. Concert band is going now, and marching band is over, so that makes me incredibly happy. Marching band was starting to eat away at my soul like battery acid on my bare arm. Thank goodness we're done for another 9 months or so. That's long enough to have a baby. I don't know why I just typed that, but I'm not going to delete it.

We're heading into the last few weeks of the semester, and I must say that time has flown by much too quickly, again. Thanksgiving is this week, and I will go home and hang with the family for a few days, while eating all of their food and watching their satellite TV. I will return on Saturday to hang with Robin and enjoy a free night here. Sunday, I start my work week again, and it'll be another hellish week. The end of the week marks a wedding in Grand Forks which Robin will attend with me, and then another free Sunday. That's pretty much my plan for the next week. Why am I talking about this on here? You can tell I'm sort of a boring pile of dung this week. I think I'll stop now. More tomorrow, I'll think of something fun to say then, right?

November 14, 2002

Another day, another dollar. Well, not today, I didn't work, I guess, but you know what they say, right? You don't? Neither do I. I'm trying to think of something funny to put on the site in the next week that might lighten the mood, you know? Suggestions are welcome, of course.

Everyone is sort of cranky today, and to my surprise, I'm not one of those people. The day actually was pretty good overall. I've had a bunch of really good rehearsals, and tomorrow is Friday. I don't work until Sunday night, and all is actually ok, for the most part. A few personal things I need to get in line, but nothing that will ruin my weekend, I don't think.

The UN Resolution and all that fun stuff was accepted by Iraq yesterday, therefor, my brothers and sisters in the US military won't be going to war just yet. Let us all hope that George W. doesn't get a hair in his ass and toss bombs just yet until the UN guidelines are ignored. Pray, my friends.

Nothing else good to say, I'm a boring guy. Talk to you tomorrow.

November 13, 2002

Well, I'm happy to report that I'm not so angry right now, which is a good thing, I guess. My mind has had the chance to cool down, and my anger has creeped back under the floor boards for a little longer, with no clue when it will rear it's ugly head again.

I had a pretty neat weekend out in Houston, Minnesota (not Texas) with the Fargo-Moorhead Jazz Arts Group Big Band. We took off on Friday and played clinics and a show on Saturday night. The trip took us about 1200 miles round trip by bus. Let me tell you, I had a great time with them. The band played well, and it was nice working with really professional players. Pretty neat, and it brought back my faith in playing. It was a kick in the ass that I pretty much needed. Hopefully I can play with them again soon.

The week is speeding by quickly with Monday off for Veterans Day. I played in the Student Baroque Festival that Monday, and the Brass Quintet played very well. Tonight I play at the Doublewood, and tomorrow at the VFW, just keeping busy, I guess. It's nice to play, that's what makes me run.

I sometimes wonder what people think of what I write on this web site, you know? I do pretty much spill paint everytime I write on the site, and sometimes it's not the most pleasent thing you've ever seen. When I'm mad, I share it with the world, and when I'm happy, I do the same. I'm animated and straight-forward, brutally honest, if you will. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I think that's why I have the group friends that I do. I like it that way.

However, sometimes I write something that I wonder if it was ok to write. I got a reaction from someone the other day about an entry I tossed on the site, and it was one of those reactions that I didn't know if they were offended, enlightened, or just confused. Now, rule number one in my site work is that nothing is retracted unless it was directly hurtful. I've only retracted once, and it was for pretty good reason. Anyhow, I apologize for my entry if it touched any wrong buttons, but I think it was sound thought that made sense, regardless if whether I made up the situation or if was real. Hopefully it makes sense. I do love ya, though, you know that, and I didn't mean to be hurtful if that's how it came off. It wasn't supposed to.

I finally went out and got the newest Counting Crows album, and I love it. As always, a fine production. I think it's a better album than their last (This Desert Life). It's got a pretty fresh sound, and I like that a lot. They added another guitar, which gives it a thicker sound, and some of the introductions are very Allman Brothers-like. Can't beat that, really.

It's snowing out, and it's cold. Winter is here once again, folks. I like winter, actually, but sometimes I find a lot of sadness in the season. I'm sure many of you can relate.

Well, gotta get out of here, get to class. More in a few...

November 6, 2002

Anger seems to be the theme of my life these days. I'm going through a moment in my life- call it a pre-mid-life crisis, where I'm prepared to change a lot. So, here are some of my life-changing thoughts...

Well, election day has come and gone, and as pretty much expected, the right-wing conservative force, led by our very own president, has taken over the senate, and taken another forceful hold on the house. This didn't come completely as a surprise, I guess, but I had hope in my heart that maybe we could see something good come of the Democrats that were lobbying for a more open-minded way of thinking. I, of course, was wrong.

I was pleased to see ND send Rep. Earl Pommeroy back one more time. I knew it was going to be a close race, and I was happy to see him head back to DC again. On the other hand, I found it hard to swallow the fact that Norm Coleman took the seat in Minnesota. I have had a hard time stomaching his ads and his general attitude toward his opponents. Many have said that his ads were some of the harshest and meanest ads ever seen in an election, and that has no place in my world. I feel that he depended on his harsh words to counter accomplishments of the late Sen. Wellstone and Walter Mondale. What kind of ass hole does this sort of thing? What are Coleman's big accomplishments? Sure, he was the mayor of St. Paul and did some work there. What about his past? You know what I regard Sen. Coleman as- a jerk. He's a bandwagon-politician who couldn't rely on his own public record as it was seen as not as strong as Sen. Wellstone's, and he smeared his face in all sorts of dirt. Dirty campaigns are not the way to go, and though I do agree with Coleman's more moderate approach to the Republican party, I can not support someone who behaves like a seven-year old on the playground.

As a result, also, of how conservative the government seems to be going, I'm almost ready to declare myself a moderate Democrat. After months of thinking about it, I note that I have always backed Democrats and not Republicans due to their forceful conservative nature. I support a lot of Republican issues, but I can no longer stand the way they perceive the world through their own selfish and self-rightous public policy. In their minds, there is no give or take in their minds about issues, and why would I want to associate with someone who won't take a minute to listen to me? Over the last year, though I have supported our government and the Republicans on many issues, I find myself believing that the strong conservative grapple-hold on the goverment is making our nation look like a bunch of power-hungry war mongers. Sure, America is a strong nation, but what's going to happen when it's just us versus the world. I feel it coming. We seem to stick our noses in everything, and feel the need to threaten to bomb the hell out of everyone (i.e. Iraq, Iran, North Korea, etc.) What ever happened to the great diplomats who strived for peace? What ever happened to common sense approaches? What ever happened to listening to the United Nations when making threat of war? Oh, that's right- we have George W. Bush in charge. Anyhow, though I'm not going to say that I'm not a Republican, I'm really leaning hard to making a switch over to the liberal side of things. I can no longer stand to listen to the closed-minded section of our government that I've tried to understand and stand tall with.

Concert band results are back, and once again, I have landed a second fiddle role in the band. This is further calling to me to quit majoring in music, as I really do believe I am not getting better at it. I try and I practice, but I can't seem to get any better. Experience and work aside, I'm failing. I don't why, but I am. I've put a lot of thought into what I wanted to do over the next few years, and as we trudge along, I'm feeling that maybe music isn't the direction I should be taking. I used to truly believe that music was the answer for everything in my life. I'm not so confident anymore about that, and what's more frightening is that I don't have any idea what is the answer for anything in my life anymore.

Ok, I need to get out of here.

November 1, 2002

Ok, random spurts of violent talk here are being permitted by us, the web masters, so continue at your own risk!

I've been one angry bitch for the last month or so, and though I don't know why, I have been that way and nothing seems to change the look I seem to be putting on life these days. I'm not unhappy with life for the most part, just angry at an increasingly large quantity of small annoyances that seem to be accumulating at a rapid pace. So, I begin to go crazy, all of these entertainment at my expense.

Marching band is a big sea of drama these days. It seems that the snare drummers are angry with the world and the drum majors. The drum majors are angry because people don't watch them in the stands. Some of the marching band personnel are angry because they're cold all the time and because their section leaders can be real Nazi's sometimes. It's fun, I tell you! I like marching the shows and all that jazz, but I almost go nuts being in the stands. The music is fine and whatnot, but I want to watch the football game, not worry about blowing my face out before halftime comes along. I'm all for having fun in the stands, too, but those dances that Tim Smith has invented? My anger for marching band is directed mostly at his dancing that everyone seems to think is so funny. They have got to go! I feel so stupid doing those things during cadences. Have you seem the looks we get from the student section? If not, they're sort of a look of, "Oh look, the band geeks are...picking fruit? Touching the stars? They're all FRUITCAKES..." Oh, and Veggie Tales? Have I got a show for you! The show includes punching out everyone who yells that. Then, I get a talk about being tollerant to that song? Great. I tollerate it, but I hate it and and I want to punch everyone who plays it. How about that? Can they tollerate that?

Actually, marching band is fine. I love the people (for the most part) involved, and as far as the band family tradition goes, I think it's wonderful. I think Dr. O is doing a good job this year, although this marching around in the cold is so bad for us brass players. But, I can't complain about that without mentioning that the woodwind players are freezing their fingerprints off, too. That does suck. I like my fingerprints, although I am interested in losing them if I rob a bank or anything like that. But back to the real topics, I think the band does alright on their drill and upon watching video, I think we look and sound pretty good. I like that part of marching band. I think we rehearse and play On Bison too much, but that's an opinion expresses solely by Dano and I. I don't really hate the Veggie Tales people, but that song has always driven me up a wall, so hearing it here doesn't please me any more than those old days.

Why does our football team lick? Why are we going Division I? Will the music department benifit from this? Will we get a few descent scholarships for our majors? (The minors get twice the amount majors get, how does that work?) Do you think the Division I changeover had everything to do with athletics and that's about it? With the goal of having 12,000 students at NDSU, do you think someone is going to build some more classroom space and/or housing? There's my NDSU anger. I love my school and have pride in it's accomplishments and it's level of education that the music department and all other departments provide me with, but that the hell is up with the whole Division I thing? I disagree with the move. I don't think there was any emphasis on researching what this move will do for our education. The only thing I seem to be hearing about is that it will raise our tuition and raise our student activity fee. Our education will go unchanged, except for less room in the classrooms because we're all overcrowded already. Punch me out, already.

I hate student government. How can we put so much power in students to take care of crutial activities on campus when over half of the campus doesn't even care about who wins these elections? Seriously, this is a mini-version of our own government in the United States. We put some really questionable people into the student senate, and these yahoos are in charge of our student activity fee money- and that's over a million dollars they get to play with. Much like the usual government, we have a bunch of people in the organization that are only in there to promote and support their own ambitions. Look at the Greek representation in the student senate and what they have done to other organizations in the past that won't Greek or part of sports or athletics. It's a crying shame, and I'm willing to bet that the common student (and there's over 10,000 of them) has no idea what issues are being discussed in our student senate meetings. The decisions they make have varying amounts of impact on all of us, and we have no input on them because we have no idea what the ideas are. Only the upper rung of students get to put in input just because they're part of the "important" organizations on campus (i.e. athletics and Greek organizations). It's like a big high school world all over again, with the cliques and the popular people running the show. And, it's just like real government- the rich and influencing people get all the say and "persude" our government what to do. It's a sham, and it's a crock, and I don't like it. I made a small bid to be a part of the student government as an off-campus student senator, but I guess I didn't meet the "requirements" to get in there. I'm not mad about that, I'm more mad that the student government is making decisions without asking anyone what they think. No e-mails, no phone calls, no visits from our student representative (who the hell is our representatives, anyhow, I've never heard from any of them), no letters in the school newspaper- nothing at all. I told the student government interviewing team that I would listen to students and seek out their thoughts and opinions, which is something none of our representatives do. For that, I was apparently passed over. Screw them. Screw all of them. They can run their own little Communist governent however they choose, because as a student, what can I do to change it? Little or nothing, and that seems to be the bottom line.

Ok, I'm angry enough now, so I've got to stop writting about this. More soon, if I don't peel over from anger and anxiety.

October 1, 2002

Well, well, look who's still alive, huh? I'm still kicking it, whether you like that or not, but I'm still here, and I still do check my site from time to time. Much has happened in a short amount of time (although a month and a half without an update is quite a while), so I shall try to toss around a few things here and there.

For a start, the marching band season is alive and running, and it's been so-so to put it honestly. It's been a little bumpy with the year being set up the way it is, and it's been hard to get into the groove of things. We played a game at the top of September, and then suddenly we were off for like three weeks. This was strange, and getting back into the game this past weekend was strange. It doesn't help that our football team licks to the maximum, I suppose. We've managed to rack up a lovely 1-2 record, with less than satisfying results on the field. The team looks like a bunch of rag dolls out there, really, and each week, something seems to get worse. The offense turns over the ball...a lot. Gorder can't throw a ball! I mean, really. He overthrows all the damned time, and in a haste, he actually throws a pass someone can catch. Unfortunatly, that person happens to be the opposing teams defensive back. I know this is an offense without names like Lewis and Gordon, but this team is the Mighty Bison, and they should be playing that way.

New folks in marching band are alright overall. We've had three parties at the house, and all have seemed to have gone well. I can't complain too much about the people, they're the reason I play in the marching band these days. I hope to be a part of the band next year, but it's a little uncertain for me. I really only want to be a drum major, and I don't want to march too much anymore. I don't know what it is in my that has turned me off to playing in the band so much. I love marching the shows, but so much other stuff gets on my nerves. I love the GSMB and it's traditions, but somehow, I feel really unfullfilled. Perhaps in the next few games I will find what it is I'm searching for.

This year was the first year for a fall wind ensemble, and I managed to audition poorly enough to get beat out by Chaus. I was pretty upset about it to begin, and now that we're into a little bit, I am enjoying the music and the ensemble. I'd obviously rather play my horn on the first book, but I can deal with it. It means I need to practice a lot more now (which I'm doing since I have a recital in two months) so that I can beat the snot out of Chaus and leave no questions in anyones minds! Ha!

However, our of the old comes a few other new relationships which have also surprised us. Chaus is no longer single, and there are rumors about Braus that I can't confirm. No one here seems to want to "kiss and tell".

Relationships have come and gone. Just in the last week we've seen some head-turners come about. This has to have all the other current couples running away mad from the music department so that they don't fall prey to this awful disease. Dano and I are immune, of course, because girls don't like us!

I got the gig back at the Doublewood Inn again, which was great news. I've been putting in various people each week so that the combo is never the same. I love it, we have a great time reading and playing, and I can't complain at all about how well everyone has been doing.

The GSMB heads out to USD this weekend, and we better win or I'll kill the first NDSU football player I see. We need to somehow make up for the mauling that Augustana put on us last weekend. That was our first loss to them EVER. That was our first loss at home in four years.

Well, more to come, I have much to do tonight, including practicing trombone for a lesson and playing clarinet so that I can pass my final playing test tomorrow or Thursday. More soon...

August 16, 2002

I have been lacking in my work on this site, so I've blocked out about four hours of my life to updating the page the best I can. So here, we go with my account of life since I last wrote.

I guess the next thing that happened after I wrote on July 1st was our departure for east coast with the 188th Army Band. It was our annual training period (15 days of fun, fun, fun) for the 2002 summer, and I was praying that I wouldn't want to kill anyone before it was over. I dreaded the thought of going there with the band for some reason (as did Jesse), and I actually sort of just wanted to stay home and relax for once, maybe breathe again. But, we jumped on a C-130J Air Force aircraft on July 6th and took off (literally) for Virgina, thanks for the Maryland Air Guard (thanks for a smooth ride, by the way, or as smooth as a C-130J ride can be). We got out there in about 3 hours or so, and took vans to Ft. Eustis, VA, where we would be staying. It turned out that our homes for the next two weeks would be older WW II barracks (that's World War II, for your young kids). They had AC in them, thank God, but I don't the air filters had been changed in like 30 years or so. After the first night there, we felt it, as we all became sick at one time or another. It didn't help, either, that Dave Thweet, a tuba player in the band, had secretly brought along his bronchitis to share with all of us.

The AT wasn't so bad, I guess, we played a lot in place of the US Army TRADOC Band. Gigs included a pair of ceremonies on the USS Harry S. Truman, a performance in the park in downtown Norfolk, a full pass-in-review ceremony at Ft. Eustis for the 7th Transportation Corps, two concerts at Ft. Monroe (Concert us the Stars), and other various gigs. Our little jazz and rock combo played a reception for the Happy Hooligans at Langley Air Force Base. After it was all over, we jumped in a bus and rode all the way back to Fargo. After 33 hours on the road and 15 days with the band, I was glad to be back.

We got back on July 20th, and I went back to work again for a few days while using some spare time to get the final touches on the Jass Festival. Not a lot went on until Jeremy Middleton showed up on Tuesday, the 30th. After a 16 hour drive, he met me at the Doublewood Lounge, and we headed home. We had some time to hang out on Wednesday, and then he joined Patents Pending on stage at the Empire on Thursday night, which was a treat. He enjoyed his time here in Fargo with a little help from Tim and Ed, who took him out to a couple bars and some parties while I was tied down with work. Then, off to Minot we all went for the festival.

The advance team got out to Minot around noon, and we met up with the staff for lunch at the Truckstop. We met Dave and Erik there, and it was good to see the Stordalens once again. It had been almost two years since I had seen Dave, so it was another happy reunion. We went to the school from there and unloaded the truck and set up for the festival. After overcoming the mystery on how to make our sound system make sound, we went back to the hotels for registration. Everyone made it on time except for Eddie, Nina, and Annika, but they weren't too late, I guess. We enjoyed a short picnic that night, and then a dip in the pool and drinks in the hospitality room.

Sunday was a day of reherasal and lunch and dinner courtesy of my mom, who loves all of my friends more than me. The evening featured a slightly delayed run on the go-carts at Trax +, and then more drinks in the hospitality room. Monday was also a pretty hard rehearsal day, and the evening featured a picnic with pizza and a short performance by Patents Pending at Polaris Park. It was fun to play, and people seemed to like us, so I guess that was all good. Tuesday was our dress rehearsal afternoon. The morning didn't look so well, with clouds everywhere, lots of wind, and the chance of rain at 50%. We watched the radar, and it looked like the rain would miss us. We set up out at Roosevelt Park and dress rehearsed out there, then sent everyone back to the hotel to rest, praying for no rain. I guess it payed off, as no rain fell. It was breezy and cool, and that was nice. The concert went off well, with the only problem coming at the end of the show when daylight faded off and our trumpet players couldn't see their music (on Night Flight, of all tunes!). We had a good show with a nice crowd, and after we tore down, we were able to go over to Perkins and enjoy some chow there. Of course, as always, we reunited at the International Inn for our final party, and proceeded to drink a lot of booze. It was a pretty tame night, except for Ed giving Sara Donat a piggy-back ride...right into the pool at 3:30am. Dave and I drank a lot together, and our friend Jen Teigan joined us for beer as well. All in all, a good festival. I can't complain.

And I guess that brings us back to now. School starts really soon and marching band even more soon. Four engagements came through the wind in the last month, featuring one of my best high school friends, Matt Tompkins and his girl Becky Berg, as well as Teresa Kerner, Jeremy Marquardt and Jess Larson, and Heidi Swenson and her guy, Ben. I'll drink two shots of whiskey for each of these engagements tonight. I better call a taxi in advance.

Well, any other thoughts or whatnot that come to me, I'll try to get them in on Monday. I'm feeling a little strange right now- not happy, not sad, not mad, just feeling sort of neutral. I better consult Dan again, ha! Laters, folks...

July 1, 2002

I think you should go dance the lambada on the salad bar at Ponderosa!

Ok with that out of my mind, let us get back to the usual events in life.

Got back from a National Guard drill yesterday, and needless to say, I was so very happy to be home. The band went to Strasburg, ND, and it was truly like hell on earth. It wasn't because I was hating the town or their 100th Birthday there, but because it was hot as hell. The temp unofficially reached a lovely 117 degrees, and I guess if you were to figure a heat index, it would've been like 130 or something like that. The band marched a 2-mile parade, and played a lovely hour-long concert. Not so much fun due to the heat, or course. We ended up leaving a little early and not doing the Roughcut gig that night, and we came home Saturday night to air conditioned goodness.

Patents Pending played another great gig last week at The Empire. We played with our usual lineup, minus Dano. Nate Mattison came in and did a sensational job with playing and reading, and on top of that, soloed real well through the night. Josh Harty joined us for a handful of tunes, and were happy to see some of our founding supporters- Brooks West and his girl along with Josh and his friends. I was happy. Everyone was happy. These are good things. Now, the band takes a month break while everyone runs around all over the nation for differant purposes.

Jesse and I take off for Virginia in less than a week for a 2-week annual training period. Jesse wants to shave his head. Support him on this decision.

More to come tomorrow, I've got lots to do tonight before another lovely night at work. Hockey kids (and parents) made last night not good at all. Most of them will be gone, thank God, tonight. Perhaps I can get my work done and still retain my sanity before it's all over. We shall see. Laters...

June 20, 2002

I had a strange dream last night. It took place back in lets say 1930 or so, and I was a hit man for the mafia- a bounty hunter, if you will. I had a girlfriend (I'm not going to say who it was, but a select few of you know who that probably was), and she was upset and pleaing with me to stop being a hit man. She kept saying, "If you love me, you'll get out of the 'business' and stop endangering our lives". So, here I was struggling with a decision, the lady of my job. Anyhow, I apparently had a huge hit coming up, and I didn't know what to do.

I apparently called Steve Wirtz up and he went to the site for the hit. It happened to be a wedding of all things, where the hit would take place. He positioned himself right down the isle, which of course could only be logical in a dream. I came into the church and plopped down next to him and gave him the money I had been given to do the hit- $40,000. I remember this because the money was in a plastic bag, and it said, "$40,000" on the bag. Cute. Anyhow, I gave him the money, and then told him my situation about how my girl wanted me to quit this madness. I was half expecting him to say that Erin was telling him the same thing. Anyhow, after listening to me and still aiming down the isle, he looked at me, pulled the $40,000 out of his pocket, gave it to me, and then said, "Go, man, and be with your girl". I got up and ran out and hopped on a train. It took me to Bottineau. Not sure why, but it did. I met my girl there, and then I woke up. Someone please define what this dream may have meant!

June 13, 2002

Last night was a good night, as a few us who were adventerous enough or not too busy with other crap went out to Thunder Road. Tim, Freido, Chaus, and I went out there and rode the carts quite a bit, basically slamming into anything that got in our ways. We had the honor of racing with a bunch of high school punks, also. I was sure I was going to kill all of them, honestly. My rage got higher and higher like a Colorado wild fire, and I was pretty pissed. I turned one of the kids around, and he tossed out some random cuss words at me. I asked him if he kissed his mom with that mouth, and he just swore some more and took off. What a punk. If I ever see him again, I'm going to kick his ass, no if, and's, or but's.

Anyhow, we went to the Windbreak after the fun and got beer. We ran into a girl who had been working at Thunder Road, and she was pretty cute. We talked to her for a brief moment, and then went to listening to the band and drinking more beer. Eventually, Chaus got the chance to talk to her and "bond", for a lack of a better term. He eventually got to dance with her after last call. The rest of us three decided to leave the two alone for the night, and we took off. Chaus would later call me and thank me for our "smooth moves". I should've thanked him for his, ha!

June 12, 2002

From both Dano and myself, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Rob Spry and his family. Rob's father passed away this past week. Rob is a member of the NDSU Music Program, and is a member of the Jass Festival. Hang in there, bud.

Patents Pending plays tomorrow at the Empire (or, the "E" as I like to call it). We'll be in there from 9-12:30, so come here us or we'll ring your door bell at 3am. No joke- there's 8 of us who can do a lot of damage.

I've gotten a few e-mails on my "For What It's Worth" section pertaining to my music department drama and movie entry. Look for more on that soon.

Who in the world is Kirk's Lady Two? I'm lost for words. Who are you?

June 6, 2002

It's been a week, and since then we have seen some interesting political moves on TV, more attacks in the Middle East, both Tim and I got older by a year, and Patents Pending got demos out to the bars. Eventful in my own little world, I guess. I like to think that I'm keeping busy.

Not a whole lot is really new. The Fargo AirSho is in town (yes, that is the correct spelling) and so is the Rib Fest. Of course, I'm working six out of the seven days in this week, but I hope to get out and eat ribs and see really expensive air craft do dangerous things. The Blue Angels are here, and are in fact staying at my hotel for the duration of their stay. I talked to a handful of them, and they seem to be squared away Navy and Marine Corp officers. Talked to their commander, and he was one of the most straight-laced folks I had ever met.

On the horizen, I see the National Guard Band getting ready to ride a bus out to Virginia in July. Also, I have a wedding to attend in Minot next weekend. Time to see another friend off into the married world. Man, I'm happy, but I'm lonely. Grrrr.

Dano and I will be having our own little conference to talk about life issues on Saturday. Sometimes I think I should marry Dan. Well, not exactly, but...nevermind. (No, I'm not homosexual)

Summer Band started here at NDSU, and I gotta tell you, we need trumpets and horns badly. If you know how to blow into the correct end of a brass instrument, come to a rehearsal, you will be of help.

I go to the Eagles concert in just over a week. I'm pretty excited, I never thought I would see them play. Should be a good time. My mom and her friend are also going, and will be sitting a few rows down from me. The ticket was a birthday gift to me from mom and dad. They kick ass.

Well, that's about all I have for the day, hope all is good, and WRITE TO ME! I need more e-mail. Christopher@danoandchris.com

May 30, 2002

It's been a really long time since I even took any time to write in this section of the page, and that's not good. Even Dan has written since my last entry. Heh! Well, a lot has happened in the last few months. Plenty has happened as a matter of fact. I'll try to touch on what I can.

Well, for one thing, another of our favorite young ladies fell off "the list", as we call it. Erin Wirtz, the former Ms. Handy, has gone off and gotten married to our friend, Steve Charles Wirtz. Yes, our cute little Erin Marie has grown from a young bird, and has flown away from us, leaving Dan and I behind. A sad day, indeed. Well, actually, we're pretty happy for the two of them, really. This was my first set of instrumental cats here at NDSU that got married, and it was pretty strange to me. I don't like weddings all that much to start, and to say that I enjoyed the wedding would probably be a lie. I mean, everything was nice about the wedding. The music was wonderful, the decorations and flowers looked very fitting, and everyone involved in the wedding looked good. The wedding went off without a flaw to my knowledge, and all was good. I have to admit that for just a split second after they introduced the couple, I was kind of jealous that they had just gotten married. It wasn't a mad kind of jealous, just a split second wishing I was as lucky. But that passed in seconds like it always does. To be real honest, I just don't feel so wonderful at weddings. Anyhow, all that aside, despite not liking weddings, I was happy to be there to witness the joining of Erin and Steve.

A quartet played at the reception, composed of myself, Jesse, Russ, and Tim. We had a nice time playing at Oxbow, a pretty fancy country club. We played in a balcony above everyone, and the sound sort of filled the building, and I really liked that a lot. We enjoyed a pretty good dinner, and played some nice music. After all that was done, we went home and had some old friends over. Bryon and Chrissy Wirtz dropped in on the house and visited for a few hours, along with some of the old gang, including Sara Dau and Dano. Bryon showed us some of the aspects of his new life, featuring Nautica shirts, khakis, and loafers. He educated Russ and Dano on the finer points of cigar smoking. He showed me how he had moved on from Morgan Silver to more expensive Vodka. It was educational to say the least, and it was good to catch up with the guy, because underneath all that sophisticated business man bull shit, there was Bryon! As for Chrissy, she's still the same wonderful person she was before, and it was nice to see her and that red hair that we miss so much (seriously!)

Of course, the release of Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones was a major moment for Dano and I, and we both attended viewings of this fine movie at seperate times. From me, it gets a couple of thumbs up, of course. I really did enjoy the film, and despite all of these critics out there bitching and moaning about how it's too much of a love story, not exciting enough, and whatever else they could bitch about, I found the movie to be exciting and well produced and directed. Yes, there was a love story, but for any hardcore Star Wars fan, they had to know it was coming, really! Anyhow, I plan on seeing it a few more times before it goes away again.

My combo started playing at the Doublewood Inn Lounge in late April, and we had a lot of fun just hanging out and playing. The group featured Ed, Jesse, Russ, Tim, and myself. We managed to get in six gigs before getting canned for the summer. From most reports, we heard that we were doing pretty well, and that the music was fine, but due to the road construction and poor business that resulted, we were doomed from playing any longer. Anyhow, we hope to be back on Thursdays at the Doublewood, keep your eyes glued here.

Patents Pending is coming along slowly, but surely. We rehearse every week now, and we're playing at the Empire on June 13. This should be a good test for the band. We recorded a demo a few weeks ago, and we hope to get another demo done sometime in June. To have a full disc of our work would be the goal, featuring lyrics from all of our singers and an array of instrumental leadership from the horns. I still have pretty high hopes for the coming fall, and we'll see what we can do with it. The band has a lot of potential, we just need to get everything together and rolling, then we'll be "money".

School came and went, and we saw a handful of our favorite friends head home. I was most sad to see Michelle and Annika go, to be honest, Michelle was the giver of many hugs and giggles, and Annika was the giver of just as many hugs, along with back rubs and stuff like that. She was my wine drinking partner, too. Well, neither lives too far away, so no big deal, I can go see them sometime this summer, and soon, Jass will be here and I'll see both of them anyhow. I miss you two, along with everyone else who went home.

If any of you read my stuff a few months ago, you heard of me struggling with an issue about a girl. Well, I sort of tossed all that aside, as I just can't quite come up with the courage to go after her. I don't know why, but I'm just too damned afraid of rejection, and to hear her tell me that she's not interested would be like a kick in the teeth, and I can't handle that sort of thing at this time. What can you do? I admit it- I'm a wuss, but that's the way it is for now, maybe in time, I can change it. Stay tuned.

Dano and I managed to become section leaders in marching band. Dan takes up the job for his second time around, and this will be my first time with the tubas. I was disappointed to not see Dan get a drum major slot, as I really did think he did well. I think there was some nice work on the auditions, but in my honest musical opinion, I think Dan deserved to be on that ladder. What is it that they say- you can't fight city hall? Well, you know what- you sure as hell can burn it down!

Speaking of burning city hall down, have you guys seen this guy who's running for city commisioner or something like that? His main goal is to get rid of Chris Magnus. Now, I don't even know who this guy is who's running, and he may be one of the biggest morons ever for all I know, but if he wants to take Chris Magnus down, he's got my vote. I love cops. Just not Chris Magnus.

On that note, I'm out for now, more in a few, probably next week...

April 2, 2002

Well, back here in Fargo again, the weather of North Dakota has struck again with snow and ice and more. Coming back from Bismarck last night was a struggle, with lined up traffic and back road conditions, but we made it with the skilled driving senses of Dano Johnson. Had a descent time in Minot and Bismarck. Enjoyed a wonderful meal with the family and friends at Uncle Jack's, and had good visiting time with all there. I spent some time at Dano's with his family and Tim Johnson, then we went out with Erika Beseler and Michelle Wirtz. Ended up hanging with them and one of Dan's friends, Ryan, which was ok. Jenn Braus made a short stop to visit, too. We ate some food and goofed off at Perkins, then Michelle and Erika took some time out to take pictures of Ryan and I eating tacos in 3 or less bites. Ryan managed to do it in 3, I did it in a record-breaking 2.
I'm proud. So, back here in Fargo again, doing nothing really interesting, and just trying to get back in line again. I think everything is back on course now, and I feel pretty refreshed and ready to tackle the world. We shall see. More in a few!

March 31, 2002

Happy Easter!

March 30, 2002

Another day passes here in the life of Chris, and I find myself somewhat relaxed here in my parents home. I was fed eggs and toast this morning, which was something I usually don't do at my own home. I got to sleep in and even in my own queen size bed, which I still have yet to move to Fargo. I took a nice long shower and have been relaxing in front of this computer for some two hours now. My parents bought me some shirts and some mac n' cheese along with an entire case of raman, and life is good. The dog has followed me everywhere for the last day and a half, and I'm happy to be loved by another creature, even if it is a dog. Dogs are loyal. I have now decided that I want a dog. Well, not now, but when I grow up.

In my comfortable sleep last night, I had a strange dream. But then again, aren't all dreams sort of strange in some way, shape, or form? Anyhow, in this dream, I remember driving a pickup down a basically endless road. The sky was clear blue and not a cloud out there, and riding shotgun with me was Jenn Braus. Everytime I looked over at her, she smiled in this dream, and always touched my hand for a brief moment, then went back to whatever she was doing in the passenger seat. I remember that happening a number of times. The odd part was that I woke up in the middle of the night, and then fell back asleep again, and the dream started back up again. We met Dan in a small town for knoephla. I remember that really well, too. We sat there, and I guess the three of us talked. Then, we got back in the truck, parted ways with Dano, and left again. That's all I remember. That's a lot for me to remember in any dream, but for some reason, it's really vivid to me. I have no idea where we were going, where we stopped, or what we were driving. I just remember what I wrote. It renews my wonder in whether dreams mean something for the present, future or the past, or what kind of signifigance dreams play in our lives. At any rate, for some reason, I've had Jenn Braus on my mind all day on and off. My mind is a strange sphere of strange uncertainty, take it from an expert on Chris Hanson. Well, maybe I'm actually not. Whatever.

Well, time for bed. Hope everyone is having a good night, and I'll have more when I get back on Monday to Fargo. Laters, folks...

March 29, 2002

Here I am, back in Minot again. I rode back this morning after work with Jesse K. It was a peaceful trip, as I slept most of the way back. I was pretty tired after a long week of work, so it's good to be home. Mom was here when I got here, on her lunch break. She's since gone back to work, and now I have 4 hours until anyone comes home again. I intend on taking a nap, too, but for now, I thought I would log on to my folk's computer and get some time in on the site. I always seem to think a little clearer when I'm away from my "real life".

I popped in The Police in the CD player, and I'm listening to Roxanne. I bet Dan is singing as I write this. He and Tim Smith are hanging in Bismarck, and on Sunday, I'll be there with them. We'll talk about goofy crap and play some Hearts. Should be fun. Then, we'll come back to town on Monday. Perhaps I will get a hold of the Beselers and we can play some pinochle. That would be nice, too.

I'm looking back at this past week, and I'm realizing that it pretty much sucked all the way around. I mean, there were points of grace, but most of the week was a drag. A few hugs made it better and a few musical points also made it nice, but I can honestly say that this week just sort of sucked in so many little (and the occasional big) ways. The week is over, though, and I'm home with the family and the dog, so I think things will get better.

I met Nina's boyfriend on Friday. He seems nice.

What else do we know here? Well, whoever said that Fargo has the worst wind in the state was wrong, it's pretty bad up here. I got out of the car this afternoon and damned near got taken back to Fargo. The snow is gone here now much like in Fargo. This spring day just seems a little strange to me, and I don't know why.

I'm trying to write a song for Brev's. I want it to be a little angry, but I want it to sound happy, too. We're also doing Sell Out for a song, the classic Reel Big Fish tune. We will make the crowd squeel like pigs. This is my promise. Also, Michelle Wirtz is working for Campus Attractions now, so hopefully we can get a good placing in the Battle of the Bands this April. Watch out, we're about to get in your damned face.

Ok, I need to get a nap in. More to come in a few...

March 28, 2002

It's been a few days again, so now another update. Dano managed to get Ebola of the leg again a week ago, and was out of commision for a few days after the tour. He got help right away this time, and get the right drugs and stuff to heal him. He made it back to school by Friday.

Let's see, what else can we talk of. I managed to miss half of a brass ensemble concert at the Plains Art Museum. This marked the first time I have ever done that sort of thing, and to be honest, I'm still feeling pretty bad about it now. I should, too. I hate to let people down when it comes to music, and I don't want people to look down on me. However, I deserve it for that stunt, and I promise it won't happen again.

Dan left for Bismarck already. I leave for Minot tomorrow morning, and I'll spend a couple days there. We'll head to Bismarck for Easter on Sunday, and I'll be staying with Dano out there that night to come home the next day to Fargo again, just in time for a 2-hour sectional with the jazz bone section. We're hurting, and Dr. Mack is pretty mad about how we should. I plan on fixing that on Monday. We must restore the trombone pride within the section again. Beware of the lashings.

Two parties happened while I was on my work week to my dismay. Michelle Wirtz had a birthday, and I missed that party at Beseler's house. Chaus had a little part in honor of nothing last night, and I missed that, too. In the great words of Dave Jensen, "Sad..."

Well, that's all I've got for now. More to come when I get home.

March 19, 2002

So, it's been a while, so I shall try to update this site as much as I can. We just got back from tour, and it was a good time and a bad time. I can't say that one made the other better or worse, but I will say that there were both good and bad times. With that said, let's get into the details.

Leaving on Tuesday was a bit of a hard deal. I worked on Monday night, and got off work at 7. I went home and packed the finals stuff up in my bag, and came to the school. Steve Wirtz and I hooked up a CB in the 24-foot truck we were to drive, and then sat around for a while. We had a concert band rehearsal that no one wanted be at around 10am, and I made it through without falling asleep and stuff. Lunch was the next deal, when I took off with a bunch of girls (lucky me) and ate at Arby's. Then, back to the school to load and get on the road for the tour.

The van got a CB radio in their ride as well, and Chaus took a hand-held on the bus. I departed in the truck with Steve driving, as I wanted to rest since I had worked all night. We took the trip out to Monticello, MN, and played a concert there. The night wasn't too exciting, just a few of us having a few drinks, and going to bed. It had been a long day, and we didn't want to get off to a bad start right away. Nothing exciting to talk of that day.

The next day we took off for Eau Claire, home of Eric and Sean Solberg. I drove the truck through the Cities and on toward to Wisconsin. We ended up having some truck problems on the way and had to stop. Also, we lost the van once and the van riders were pretty ticked off about that. I heard all about it, and apologized a number of times until we were all cool. Anyhow, after fixing the truck (more like it just started working again) we headed out the rest of the way into Eau Claire. We played our concert there, and then the Solbergs came back to the hotel to party down for a while. There, we enjoyed a light party with my roommates and a few others who weren't too tired to hang for the night. It was good having the Solbergs around. Nina and Michelle were our favorite party girls of the night, and those two beat the hell out of Brad with pillows and whatever else they would find to assault him with. It was funny. I ended up with no pillow. John Sobtzak decided not to sleep in our room. He was still angry that he got "stuck" in the "party room". Whatever.

Here's where it gets a little interesting. We packed up the bus, van, and truck and took off for Mt. Horeb, WI to play a morning concert. We drove through some questionable weather, and got to the site. We unloaded as we always do and played. We re-loaded and went to lunch at a buffet. (Hey, that sounds like a song) We left there and arrived in Whitewater for a concert there. We unloaded, and guess what- I was missing a bag. Yeah, no kidding, the one with all my clothes and stuff. That included an ATM card and a credit card, a phone charger, some change, a pair of shoes, 4 decks of cards, poker chips, and more. We searched and searched and came up with nothing. What a deal. Upon calling all of the Mt. Horeb High School and the Comfort Inn in Eau Claire, we found nothing. It simply means that someone left it somewhere, or someone did something with it.

Anyhow, trying to make the best out of the crummy day, Brad and Kelly along with myself got the chance to do a homestay with a music major. Our host was great, he took pretty good care of us. We caught the end of a school presented rock concert, and then hit a sports bar downtown and had a few beers. After a long brisk walk home talking about the issues in our lives- both musical and personal, we arrived at his apartment around 2 and proceeded to attempt to go to sleep. Of course, as always, that didn't happen. Kelly, Brad, and I managed to get into some goofy conversation, starting up the ever famous laughing routine that we do when we're too tired to just stop listening.

The trip out towards Chicago was alright, although we think the bus got lost for a while. We drove quite a ways up the freeway through bad traffic only to turn around and come back about 15 miles to the correct exit. Chaus blames the maps. Anyhow, we headed into the New Trier High School concert and played two performances there, and then off to the big city to have a good time. We braved the downtown traffic of Ohio Street, and I almost caused a huge traffic jam in front of the hotel (it's on video tape, order your copy from Kari Natvig).

Chicago was a blast. Sara, Brad, Jenn, and I went to this great wine joint and had some good wine and fine food. It was a little expensive, but nothing crazy. It was neat to be all dressed up and eating and stuff. We then went to the Chicago Symphony, which really was like nothing I had ever heard. I had always wanted to hear them play, and finally, I did. The hall was amazing and the orchestra sounded perfect. After that, back to the hotel, and a bunch of us hit O'Tooley's right across the street. Great beer and good times. We went back to the hotel at 12:30, and began the big party of tour, where we had many friends in and out of the room while we enjoyed drinks made out of our bone' case o' booze. It was a great chance to get together and get to know some of our fellow GSB members. We hung out until damn near 6am, and finally went to bed. Getting up in the morning was tough, but we were destined to make it.

We managed to get up around 11 with the aid of Nina and get out on the streets in search of the parade and the green river. We did see the green river right away, but finding the parade was another story. We ran all over the damned place looking for it, and after walking for almost an hour, we did find the tail end of it. We only stayed for a bit because by then, we were just too hungry to be sitting there. So, we walked for another six years, and found the House of Blues, which we couldn't get into, and then finally went to this steak house that cost a billion dollars for a steak, but man, what a good steak it was. Michelle's skillet was good too, and so was Jenny's turkey club...

After Chicago, we went back north to Onalaska, WI, and did a concert there. They fed us spaghetti. How nice. It was actually pretty good. Then, we did rookie night, and I'll leave the details for most of that off here, as we wouldn't want to share those events with prospective rookies next year. I can say that Dan and I did the tour song, and the lyrics will be available soon on this site. We think we did a good job. After rookie night, we went back to the hotel, had a great night of swimming and stuff with all the kids, and then a few of who had the motivation had a few drinks that night, and went to bed late.

The final day was the most tiring, of course, and we made a trip to Rochester and played there. Bryon and Chrissy Wirtz showed up, and that was the highlight of the day. It was good to see them, Bryon with his beard and Chrissy just being hot like always. Our final concert was a short distance away in Owatonna. On the way back to Fargo, in a regular act of fate, the truck broke down, and in addition to that, we almost ran out of gas. How fitting of a way to end the tour. We nursed the truck back into Fargo, and tour ended.

Overall, things were pretty good, except for losing that bag. We had a good time, and it was the last tour I was to have with Brad Jensen and Sara Dau. We did the best we could to party and have some fun. By no means are we back to the way things used to be in the GSB, but by God, we're working on it. More to come.

March 3, 2002

It's been a few days since I've had the chance to write in the old journal page, so I guess I should do something about that. Not a lot going on here, as life has been uneventful. Rick moved out of the house on Saturday, and it was pretty strange. I walked in and the kitchen table was gone. I looked in Rick's old room, and it was empty and clean. It was very strange.

Dawn Mosbrucker came to town yesterday, and it was good to see her. We hung out, did dinner, went to the bars, and had a pretty good time overall. She left this morning. Sad. I wish she lived closer or something. I will look for a position for her here in the FM area. You know- at Meritcare. I'll see what I can do!

Chicago is within my grasp. We leave on tour in a week and a day. It will be good. I need to get the hell out of this town. Brad and I have plans for the trip. It will be good. Beware, band people.

Man, am I ever boring. More to come tomorrow when my brain isn't fried.

February 22, 2002

Another day here at the old school, I came in to just see Bud Herseth speak a little bit, I had to go into work for a while, so I didn't get to catch the whole thing, but I'll hear him tonight, and that will be enough there. All the trumpets were there, as expected.

One of the choir people's boyfriends bothers the hell out of me. I just wanted to punch him today. I don't know why, but it's this strange tension that's building up inside of me, and that's really strange. I just think he's an ass hole. I hope she never marries him. But he will (see my section on "The Life and Times of Chris Hanson).

In just two hours, I will go see Ron Wilkins playing and doing his clinic in Moorhead. I'm really excited to see him again, and I'm even more excited to hear him play.

I'm hungry. I have some money, but no one to go eat with. I will hunt someone down and make them go. This will be my finest day.

Dave Broman is here, and I will have dinner and beer with him this afternoon. This will be a highlight of my day, and it will be good.

Wow, I just realized just how boring these entries really are. I will stop now. I wonder if Dan will write this weekend. I hope so.

February 21, 2002

For those who are curious, no, the credit card number on the "Mike Vacha's Credit Card Information" page is not real. It does indeed look like a Visa number, but it is totally fake, so quit asking and quit trying to use it to buy books, CD's, and/or pornography. It won't work.

I decided not to pick on Mike today, while on that note. Just today, though. It will be a Mike Violence-Free Day.

For those in the loop, I have made up my mind to the 85th percentile that I will no longer consider going after my thoughts for this month. I may talk to the subject about it still, but I don't know if it's worth the possibility of things being awkward in the case that my words didn't strike true harmony, so I may leave it all for now. We shall see. It hurts to an extent, but a small amount of hurt may be better than what kind of hurt could result later on down the road if things don't go how I wish they would. Keep your ears open. Funny, only three of you out there really have any idea what I'm talking about. Well, maybe four. It just depends.

Big concerts this week and recitals on the future. Brad and I will be doing a recital this spring sometime. Two tunes for him, two for me, and a couple trombone ensemble/jazz things. It will be fun. Coming up soon is Ang Hennegir's recital, which all should see. She's fun, and her voice is great, so we should all march over to her senior recital and enjoy it. Bud Herseth is here tomorrow. JAG features San Antonio trombonist, Ron Wilkins. There's a big saxophone quartet deal going on at Concordia. Yup, it's a busy one. Next week, it's Festival of Bands here at NDSU, along with the Lab Band/Varsity Band gig and the Combos Recital. Busy, busy, busy for music majors. Check it out.

I should get to Lab Band now. Must play piano and voice nice chords. Hope that all is good, I hope to get a hug from Jenn Braus and Sara Dau again today, those were the best things that happened all day yesterday, and I just want to repeat that today. I don't need it everyday, but these two days would be good. More in a few...

Ok, back again, just in from concert band, where the rehearsal was alright, I guess. We're getting better, but we still have a ways to come on some of those songs. Too bad the Festival of Bands is in like a week. We better high tail it into gear, huh? I think we'll be alright, the heat is on, and we're working toward tour. It's going to be fine.

Speaking of tour, that's something I'm aiming for right now. I just need to live long enough to get to tour. That's all I'm asking for, really. I just need to survive and get to Chicago for a good time. Beer is calling my name from a distance, green beer, that is. Brad and I have great expectations for the upcoming trip, and I promise that we will fullfill those expectations, even if it kills us. This is Burns's last tour, so we need to make it the best for him (and other seniors) as we can. That includes Sara Dau, now that I think of it.

Not much else to talk of, no sectionals tonight, and the night is mine to enjoy. However, I don't know what I'm going to do, and I don't really think I have anything exciting to do. I also have no bread, so that's no good. I do get paid in the morning, but that's still 14.5 hours away, so that does me no good at all. This is life, and I'm living it. More in a few...again.

Here I am again, it's about 10:25 in the PM and I'm back here at the school simply because I have nothing to do. I tried calling around to some people, but all are out and about. Dan is at the musical. Not sure where Jenn is at. Tim is at the bar with Pink. Dave Broman, old friend, is in town, but with his friends at a hotel. Chaus is playing a gig. So, I'm pretty much alone here in the lab typing up on this site again. Nothing really new to report, honestly. Tim and I went to the Concordia Jazz Concert tonight. The bands sounded pretty good, the top band sounded tight, but Russ admitted that they've been playing some of this stuff for a few years now. Nate Mattison sounded great as always, though, I have to add. Good solos, always a good sound.

Did I mention that I can't wait for tour? I just want it to get here and I just want to get out of this town, out of the same old deal that I'm always doing. Either I go to school and hang out here and go home at night, or I go to school and then to work all night. Somethings gotta give sometime soon or I will go nuts. I gave a little thought today about re-joining the army, which was sort of scary, I haven't given that a single thought since I got out. I just miss what I used to do in San Antonio. See more of that on the "For What It's Worth" page.

Tomorrow will be an eventful day. Bud Herseth to start the day, followed by Ron at the clinic in Moorhead. Dave Broman is to meet me at the OB for a beer and some good food, and then there's the concert with Bud Herseth there. I work after that's all said and done. Good times, I'm sure it will be a wonderful day, actually. Today wasn't too bad, really, I had a really good lesson with Dr. Mack, and he instilled some hope in me that I can sort of play trombone descently. It was nice, even though I didn't play well, but he certainly gave me some words that will hopefully carry me on through the year.

Ok, this really is it for the day, I swear. I gotta quit adding to this day. It's strange to make the internet your journal for expressing thoughts, but when there's no one else around, I guess that's what you gotta do. Laters, kids.

February 20, 2002

You know what I noticed? My friend Jennifer Fluhrer noticed, too. Dan puts two paragraphs in on this site every three or four weeks.

This day has felt like a Monday. I got here, it sucked. The jazz band didn't play well. That sucked. I even brought in a tune to play, and Dr. Mack, despite loving tune, decided we couldn't play it. That sort of sucked, too. Combo II was a mess, and that sucked. Concert band was sort of interesting, it went better than usual. However, Brad and I are still in limbo about who our roommates are going to be on tour. Seems that everyone else went ahead and got their roommates early, so we sort of got tossed aside. But, that's ok, we'll survive. Kelly is in there now, and as long as the fourth isn't a lemon, we'll be fine. Screw everyone else. Hee hee...

I may sound really bitchy, and that's because I sort of am. I need one or two days of that every other week. This is my first in this series. You know which two people made me feel pretty good today? Jenn Braus and Sara Dau. Let me tell you what- a big hug can go a long ways in this world, and that made this day all worth it. See you tomorrow.

February 19, 2002

Another day in school, another day without any money, the days seem to all run together as usual. Came into school, can't seem to find Dan, sort of like last night, a continuation, if you will. He was hiding out last night, and I imagine he's in class right now. Anyhow, it's really warm outside again, unusually warm for a February day. It's 35 out with a bit of a wind, and will reach 40-43 before the day is over. This nice winter weather can mean only one thing- that we will get a storm like you wouldn't believe sometime in March. Hopefully not over tour, that could be real bad. You just know it can't stay this way too long, it's North Dakota, the great midwest and all.

I see that in my NWC Fantasy Racing league, I have dropped one spot after the first race of the year in Daytona. Not a big deal, my good racers had a bad day, but will rebound as we move on to the Rock next week. My powerhouse kid, Kevin Harvick, got taken out by that bastard, Jeff Gordon, so I'll have to wait a week to see some progress. Mark Martin was my big gain, so hoo-ray for him. You can always trust a guy who's sposored by Viagra, after all.

More to come later on in the day when something actually happens...

February 18, 2002

Well, here we are on a lovely day off from school, and where am I? Yeah, I know, at school. Another interesting weekend, I guess. SAI/TBS Formal on Saturday night, I showed up to see what was happening, and had one dance with Jenn Braus. I was just in a strange mood that night. I felt bad, I should've stayed a little longer, but there were a few things buzzing through my head that night, and much to my dismay, I was sort of unable to ever resolve those thoughts through the weekend, although I have begun to sort them out. Anyhow, had a little get together at the house, about 20 people showed up. It was quiet, and I guess given my mood, I didn't mind too much.

It was good not to work this weekend, and a lot of me doesn't want to work anymore, at least not at those hours. I am scheduled at this time to work over tour, and obviously, I can't do that, so we'll see what happens with it. I hope to be able to make some sort of arrangements to keep my job there, but if I can't, I will change jobs and move on and such. We'll see.

Daytona 500 was a disappointment yesterday. Kevin Harvick got knocked out by (of all people) Jeff Gordon. Dale Jr. had all sorts of problems, too. Not a good day for my Chevrolets. Oh, well, what do you do? Better luck at the Rock next week. Of course, that race (to be exact, today) marked/marks the one year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona.

T-minus 10 days to Rick's departure from our house. I've chosen not to worry about it so much up until now, but I guess the money issue is catching up with me right now, and I'm finally starting to think about what to do about it. Keep posted, we need a roommate!

Add to the engaged list, from my hometown, high school friend Adriana is getting married in June. I will be performing at that wedding, now. Also, here at school in the choir kids, Josh Grover will be getting married sometime in the future.

Not much else to report, hope all is good in your neck of the woods, Happy President's Day, I guess...

February 11, 2002

The new week, not counting today, I hope will be better than last week. Today started off alright, but a couple of things sort of bumped down the status as we went along throughout the night, but what can you do? Rehearsals were ok, I guess, and the lessons I taught tonights seemed satisfactory. Jazz band was a little tough with reading possible tour charts. I got a somewhat angry e-mail from a friend after asking him about an idea I had thought of over the weekend pertaining to my band, and he replied telling me basically that I was a bastard for interfering with his gig. I wrote back and told him it was just an idea, and not an official act. I never even talked to the powers that were running the dance, I thought I would be nice and ask him first, but I guess I was even wrong to interfere. Anyhow, no comp gig for the dance, but that's ok, I suppose. I'll just hang out with the rest of my single friends. I sort of wanted to go, but the person I wanted to ask to the dance got asked by someone else. Bummer. This is life, the early bird gets the worm..., I guess that goes for both my suggested band gig and the date.

February 9, 2002

So, while doing some laundry at a nice quaint little laundry place on University, I called Ben Cory and we talked about many issues, and I feel a little bit better once again (we're building bridges with little bits of progress, folks). Ben's a good listener. He should stop being sick and get back to Fargo. Yup.

Work last night was long and painful. The hotel was slow, and I assume it will get slower tonight with the weather the way it is. We've been waiting for this so called storm to come rolling in here for the last 12 hours, but nothing has happened yet. It's really windy out there, so all that it's going to take is some snow to come out of those clouds, and we're screwed. Hopefully Tintes and company get back from Sioux Falls today safely. They went to the Arturo concert. I'm jealous as hell, of course. But, someday I'll get to play a gig with him, then I can make fun of everyone else. We'll it's fun to imagine, anyhow. By the time I amount to anything (if I do), he'll be long dead.

Jenn Braus stopped by the house last night, and we hung out and shot the breeze, then watched the Olympic Opening Ceremony with Timmy. Exciting. Saw George Bush there. Ick.

I started writing a big band chart. I won't tell you the name of the song or anything about it until I think it's good enough to play. That may be a while, too.

Not much progress made on that girl I like, I don't think, Ben.

I need to go practice. More in a few...

February 8, 2002

It's a new day, and the warm air and nice weather (for the moment, there's a winter storm warning out for the evening) are making me feel better. I took a long walk last night after I got done on the computers here at school. It was a fairly long walk, about 2 miles or so. It was a beautiful night, and it helped cool me down a lot about things on my mind. The weeks events (most of which I was pretty vague about talking about), big and small, all sort of made a little more sense, or at least I was able to calm down and sort out my thoughts. To end the night (and my week of being off from work), Tim and I went over the Doublewood and enjoyed some brews. Meeting us there was Ryan, Beseler, and Ed. Amanda, my favorite server, and Josh, my favorite bartender, were both there, and the night was good.

Now, by no means have I found any clousure to any of the thoughts I tossed around in yesterdays entry (see below). However, I am more accepting, and more open to positive thought. Hopefully this coming weeks length of work will help me out in my thinking. I think it will.

Holy cow, I still need to pay rent. So does Rick. So does Tim. We're a bunch of bums. I sort of like it that way, though.

Apparently it's going to storm this weekend. I sort of like the idea of that. I mean, I've enjoyed the warmth that we've had here for the last few days, which was nice. However, some snow would be great. I'll play in the snow. That would be fun.

I am troubled by some new thoughts today, but I won't put much thought into them for now, I have to see what direction things go in the next few weeks, then I will decide if I should talk to people about these thoughts. I don't like to be vague, but I guess if others can play that game, I mind as well take advantage of the new rules. All I know is that I'm troubled and I feel pretty badly about what has happened in the last few weeks. I feel like I've been down this road before. Life has a funny way of repeating itself, usually not on a happy note, might I add.

Anyhow, I should get out of here. Intersting quote from one of those online e-mail surveys you get from your friends, this was an answer to "What do you look for in a true best friend?", submitted by a friend of mine from North Dakota...

"A true friend is a friend
who will trust you with his or her
secrets, no matter how sensative
they are..."

Have a good Friday, all, and thank you, Ben Cory, for the call last night, I'll get back to you when I'm not drunk. Heh heh. Get well, bud.

February 7, 2002

Alright, I'm not going to try to rationalize my bitchiness of today to reflect upon anything that is going on around me with any of my friends, because it's not that. I'm just in a rut in thinking that everything is wrong and that I need to change direction (again). This is the same feeling I got when I was in the army, and here I am again at a smaller version of the same intersection I was at not too long ago. Simply put, I have found myself questioning everything that has led me to where I am, who I am, and what I have in store for the future. What a deal. I don't know why I end of feeling this way, but it's like a big one-way dead-end road on a video game where you have to reset the game and start over because you know you can't fix things without starting again.

And so, there I am. I've begun to question the feasability of me ever actually making it in music. A while ago I wanted to teach it. Then, I wanted to perform, with an education degree as a backup. Now, I'm not so sure I really can make it that way, either. I feel immense frustration right now about the way I play, and I feel like my lack of skill and whatever other curse I have keeps me from really getting a chance to show what I sort of have, or what I think I have to bring to the music world. It's not that I think I suck, because I know I don't. I love jazz, and for all the practice I've done in my life on it, I better have gotten somewhere. I know that my legit playing isn't that great, but if I spend a little time on it, I can do that, too. I sometimes wonder if they really mean it when they say that it's a political reason that I got section leader. Or, I guess it could be read that he played a better audition and is a better player, but didn't get the top spot because someone favors me. If it is the latter, I feel that he has indeed been cheated, and he should hold the spot, not myself. He said it himself that he really thought he deserved the section leader spot. In my heart, I really thought that I played a good audition, and that my musical experiance and leadership were good platforms. This puts all of these thoughts in doubt, and that bothers me to a high extreme.

I brought myself down about the attempted demo recording for Patents Pending. I went in there with very high spirits, and came out of the listening session with my head hanging low. It wasn't just the fact that the horns didn't sound very good, it was the fact that I really feel like I'm such a Busch league player and singer. I feel like I've been working really hard on this project of getting a band together, and it's going no where. I wrote out lead sheets, I printed out lyrics. I wrote all the horn parts, and I try to lead the band. I did up the promo pack and planned the mini-demo. I felt like there was enthusiasm within the band. But, what happened on the demo? Does everyone in there truly share that enthusiasm? I know that it's hard to get a band started, especially here where there are lots of fish in a small pond. I find myself questioning if we have the motivation to go to the next level. I know that my motivation certainly took a shot last night, and Tim agreed after the listening session.

Of course, the story couldn't be complete without talking about girls a little bit. There's a girl I like here. But, she's sort of a hard one to understand, and I'm just a big wuss and can't find the courage to even ask her out for coffee or something. I fear rejection more than an Anthrax shot. I haven't gone to anyone to ask what they think, because to be real honest, I know what they'll say, and I want to do what I want to do, not base it on everyone else's possibly bias opinion. It's been over two years that I haven't seriously dated or whatnot, and there have been a few attempts here and there, but my fears sort of spoiled it all. I know what I need to do, and I'm ready to start things out, even if they have to be slow, I don't mind. But, I fight with myself day and night, and it really is driving me crazy.

Anyhow, my mind is a whirling mess, and it's actually making me feel physically sick today. My stomache hurts, and my head is starting to hurt. God help me, I need some answers.

February 6, 2002

Lots of stuff has happened in the last few weeks. I've watched all my picked teams get eliminated from the Super Bowl, played with some really good jazz cats from well respected big bands, and been yelled at for making fun of flute players being out of tune. Those are just a few of the things that I've seen, good and bad. So, on we go.

The Patriots won the Super Bowl. I didn't like either team in the big game. I was sort of hoping the game would go to overtime (which it did) and that neither team would score in overtime, therefor, creating the first tie ever in a Super Bowl. That would have been satisfying. The next best thing was for the Patriots to win a close one. They did. I guess I can survive. Go Broncos.

Jazz Festival was a good time, with some good high school bands out here. My picks for the top bands would have to be Fargo South I and Bismarck Century. The performers that played with the NDSU band were great, Lynn Seaton, Jim Rupp, and Tom Fergueson were all great. I got a chance to solo off with Dr. Mack, and also a chance to solo with Chaus, and both were good times. I think we all played pretty well overall, with the exception of where the band sort of got lost in a tune. Thank God for Al Berg, Russ Pfaff, and Dr. Mack, or we wouldn't hurt.

We had a pretty kick ass party that night, also. Lots of beer and whiskey. Trust me, I know how much there was, I cleaned up the house when it was all over a day later. Four full garbage bags full of bottles and cans. Empty bottles of Jim Beam, Limon, and other various liquors. It was amazing, I was proud to play host to another fine get together at the Stine/Gion/Hanson home.

Speaking of which, we're in search of a new roommate, with the doors opening up in March. Rick will be leaving us, so we need someone to join in the partying tradition. Taking all applicants, please come by and get an interview scheduled. Be prepared to drink a beer during this interview. Men and women both accepted, coincidentally.

We played for our Patents Pending demo last night, and we listen tonight to see how things sounded. I think they went well, and a couple others who listened thought it was alright, so it should be nice.

The flutes and I have reached a truce. The flutes were tired of being mocked for some tuning problems they were going through. The low brass and trumpets were sort of guilty of laughing from time to time and even making jokes out loud in rehearsal. Well, the straw that broke the camels back was when someone said something about the flutes sounding like a squeeky hinge, and they didn't appreciate it at all. I was approached three times about it by three different pissed off people, and none of them were too happy about it. Funny thing was it wasn't even me who said it, but I'm notorious for making back-row comments, so I was the man. After a day to cool off, I was able to make ammends with the flutes, after telling my section to shut it down. Not sure if the trumpets talked of toning down, but the flutes have my word that the trombone will no longer comment in class.

January 23, 2002

It's another day here in the life of Chris Hanson, and the week has seemed long and annoying for some reason. Little things are really getting to me in a hurry this week, and I don't know why. I really don't know what's going on, but I've got to enjoy the rest of this week as long as I can before I return to work for a week again. Put some hope in me, I think I'll be alright.

Patents Pending played last night in perhaps the most live room I've ever been in before. It was like playing in a high school gym, except smaller and louder. There was no acoustic value to put on this place, and it was a monster to sound check or even really play in. With guitar amps turned down and hot sticks used on the drums, we reluctantly played a pretty laid back show. It went well and we had a descent turnout for the the first Talent Tuesday gig, but a word to the wise for them, they need to get some sort of advertising going on. Putting up posters 45 minutes before the show is not the way to get people there. I saw nothing in the High Plains Reader or even the Spectrum, where you can advertise your gigs FOR FREE. I think the staff and student workers at the Union have a great idea, they just need to market it much better. I hope they learn.

Jazz Festival is creeping up on us as we speak, and things are starting to sound alright for the most part. There are a few mistakes that shouldn't be there anymore, but we're going to make it work, believe me. Dr. Mack will just threaten us with our lives.

Jess Larson is in here (the computer lab). I think she's cute. So did Adam Senykr.

I had a crazy breakdown moment in the lounge today where I wanted to suddenly beat Tim up. It was sort of crazy, so if anyone is reading this that was in the lounge at the time, I want to tell you that Tim and I made up and stuff, and I'm ok now! I swear!

Ok, more to come, I gotta go to concert band...

January 18, 2002

So, another set of days has gone by without an entry from me, and I need to get updated in here. Here we go, I guess.

Not a lot really new as of the last few weeks, honestly. Work and school have been the focus of the last handful of days, and getting back into the swing of things hasn’t been too hard, overall. The jazz band retained most of it’s original shape for the most part, bringing in a few new faces to the mix (Ed Schwind, Rick Stenberg, and Tim Smith). We parted ways with Sara Dau, who will be student teaching this semester, but she was replaced in the section with the experienced Ed on lead alto. Ed just came out of the Marine Corp, and in a previous lifetime, Ed and I played together in Minot, Valley City, Fargo, and the Peace Gardens. It’s good to have him here again, and he brings more color to the music department (figuratively, that is).

Patents Pending is sort of shaping up a little more each time we play and rehearse. Tim and I have come to an agreement that we should be using the horns all the time, and in order to do this, we’re both vowing to write three million charts for the section. It’s been sort of fun, and it keeps me awake at night when I’m at work. For the most part, they seem to be sounding good despite my work without a piano, so I can’t really complain about that. We’ve added a chart that includes some help from Michelle Beyer, who is perfect for the part that she’s singing. It’s a cover of an old Reel Big Fish song, and I’m digging it a lot. We’ve scored up a few chances to start playing for people, too. Tuesday night (January 22), we play the newborn “Talent Tuesday” over in the Union. It’s a free gig, but it’ll be a chance to let our friends hear us play again, this time with more horn charts and whatnot. It’ll be another chance for our underage friends to see us, since we’ll be primarily aiming at landing gigs at bars. The rhythm section will be playing for the Guard Band on Saturday night at the Legion. We’re going to take care of the last set of the evening, giving Roughcut (the Guard Band’s country group) a little break and a chance at the keg(s). It should be a nice chance to play for the guys and gals in the band, and a chance to show them what rock is supposed to sound like. Hopefully, no one from the Guard Band is reading this addition to my page.

The Wild Card weekend in the NFL went completely the wrong way, with losses by all the teams I was pushing for. My favorite NFC team, Tampa Bay, took a pretty tough loss to the Eagles, and all those dreaded teams I’ve always disliked won (Packers, Ravens, and Raiders) again. This is shaping up to be like last years playoffs to me, or at least it looks a lot like it. All of my teams fell in the first round, and it was just pure garbage from there. My only wishes are that the Raiders and the Ravens get killed from here on out. I’ll cheer for Pittsburgh for now, as they’re the only team I remotely like at this stage of the playoffs.

Speaking of football, are we all watching the coaching shuffle since the end of the regular season? The best news of the year was the firing of Dennis Green, and even though I don’t like the Vikings at all, I was happy to see him go. Jim Mora was fired, too, and I was pretty sad to see that, I enjoy coaches with an attitude, and he had one, indeed. Then , of course, in the travesties of all travesties, Tampa Bay fired Tony Dungee, and to me, that was the biggest crock of crap ever. He’s a great coach, and it’s sad to see him go. I hope Tampa Bay returns to their old history of 2-14 seasons now that he’s gone, it’s a sham (sorry, Brad).

Only a month to the Daytona 500. Go Dale Jr.

Let’s see, what else can I gripe about? We had more engagements over the break. I think Julie is getting married now, and Kate, too. The pool is decreasing. We will see Ginger, Erin, and Ang join the “untouchable” list this spring and summer, too. Only good thing is the prospect of possible gigs coming out of these events, but even that’s small consolation to the fact that I’m pathetic!

I may have pissed off a faction of the religious folks here in the music department this week, I guess. I made a comment about people who went to church everyday, and now I’m labeled as some non-religious guy who’s going to hell. I apologize to those I may have offended, and I admit that religion is not a topic to get into with me, I have my religious beliefs and follow them accordingly as the bible states the best I can, but it’s an argument that I could argue out until the cows come home. I have strong beliefs on the front that religion should be kept to ones self and that it should be a private matter practiced in historically “old-fashioned” ways. Too many people have tried to wipe off their modernized potent religious thoughts on me, and I have greeted them with a kick in the ass like no ones business. Balancing religion, the constitution, and modern beliefs have become a teeter-totter ride in life, and so I leave that paragraph with an open-ended closing. Did that make sense? Didn’t think so, I’m confused, too.

Did anyone see Dan’s opening quote for his first entry of the year in his “Dan Tries to Whisper” section? Interesting. I agree with the quote, honestly, but I don’t understand why it was printed as his opening thought for 2002. Nothing really wrong with it, just curious. I am a curious soul, if you will.

Did you know that neither the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey are official animals or symbols of those respective parties? I didn’t know that until I turned on the TV tonight and saw it on some quiz show. Also, did you know that George Washington never actually chopped the cherry tree down, he just hit it with an ax a couple of times?

Barry Bonds signed with the Giants for a lot of money for a lot of years. How old is that guy, 40?

Phil Hansen retired. To the former Bison linesman, much love and respect.

Did you see that Bison hotshot running back Mr. Gordon is being looked at by the Broncos? Could he be the next Davis, Gary, or Anderson, all drafted in the late rounds of the draft in different years? I see another great unknown brewing to be on top of the game in a few years…

After just two weeks of concert band, I see great things coming up for the tour. Keep your eyes peeled (or, “Stay tuned…” as Dr. O always says).

January 8, 2002

So, what do you say? It's a new year, 2002 to be exact, and here I am back at school once again. Today was my official first day back, with yesterday being our big audition day. It's worth noting that Dano is the section leader for the trumpets in both concert band and jazz band, and I am the same with the trombone section. We intend to follow in the great footsteps of our predecesors, Jesse and Bryon. However, both of them are married to hot girls, and neither one of us are. We'll try our best to sort of be like Jesse and Bryon, I guess.

The regular football season is over, and the Minnesota Vikings did pretty badly. I'm happy to see Dennis Green gone, and perhaps with the help of a new coach and the acts of getting rid of Randy Moss and that exceptionally terrible quarterback, Spergon Wynn. What a pathetic showing last night, with the only highlight being Moss's pass completion, and even that wasn't all that exciting. I have more fun picking out socks in the morning.

Apparently I'm in trouble at work again. It seems that when I had my little party on Sunday night in the honeymoon suite, I messed the room up too much. The hide-a-bed was out and had covers and blankets on it. The bed wasn't made. There were three pizza boxes on the floor. There were quite a few beer bottles in the room. There were towels on the floor. Well, apparently this was enough to deem my room "trashed" by housekeeping and they wanted to yell at me and cause me heartache. Once again, a new flame is lit for me to find a different job, but we'll see. If every department gets that anal, then I guess I'll have to see what I have to do. Only time will tell.

Dan Johnson
Chris Hanson
Chew both of us out at the same time

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