Five Friday Fundamentals - August 22, 2014

i. Listening:  I have a new appreciation for Tori Amos now that I've seen her in concert. So, I've been listening to her a little more than I usually would. Also earlier this week I was perusing my last.fm account and came across some artists that I haven't listened to in a while. The Dresden Dolls being one of them. I've been listening to "Dirty Business": "To the ones who hated me the most, a toast! - you really had me going, for a second I was nervous." And "Coin-Operated Boy" which is one might think is cute at first, but then you focus on the awesome lyrics, and realize that it's not so "cute" after all. The other resurrected group that I've forgotten about are the wonderfully wicked gals in the group The Pierces. I've blogged about them before, back in 2011 (why does that seem so long ago!?). 

ii. Reading:  I'm still plowing through Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, although I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like. Before bed I've been exploring little snippets of Philosophy, which seems like an unusual thing to read before bed but in fact it makes sense to read a non-fiction book before going to sleep - that way I won't stay up all night trying to finish a book I'm completely invested in.  I've also been doing a bit of research on a topic slash life-change that I'm considering, but I'm not ready to make it public yet . . .  

iii. Wearing: Today is black and red day. Black jeans, black and white polka-dot top and red pumps. I've had this outfit planned since Wednesday and I really wish I had plans after work because I feel this is a really fun Friday night outfit. But alas ... this cuteness will only be seen by co-workers, unless plans to go out happen within the next 3 hours, which actually ins't all that unlikely.  I love spontaneity. Also can I just say I hate humidity - can I please wear my hair straight one of these days?    

iv. Watching:  The ONLY thing I've been watching lately is West Wing. I'm just about halfway through Season 4, and I only have two questions I want answered right now: 1) Why did Sam leave!? 2) When are Donna and Josh going to just admit they love each other?  I already have an idea of writing a post about my favorite West Wing episodes coming up after I finish the series.  So, stay tuned . . . . 

v. Wanting: A fresh start. I want a redo in more than one area of my life.  Recently I've been thinking about where I see myself going and I'd really like it if I could undo some of the things I've done and make different decisions. However, every day is a new beginning ... so why look back when I can look ahead. Maybe some really wonderful things are on the horizon and I have no idea.  

Tori Amos Experience

It's official - I made it!

Well, it's been a week. I think enough time has passed for me to write an official post about my first Tori Amos concert experience.  If you don’t already know - and how could you not - I’m a huge fan of Tori Amos. Since I first heard her cover of Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit” when I was in high school and after my purchase of Little Earthquakes, I can easily say I haven't been the same. As a person who has always loved music, I don't think I had ever heard or connected with such a musical artist until I listened to Tori. Every song somehow speaks to me in a way that I can't even try to explain. 

I'm ready for my date with Tori

It’s not surprising to think that I haven’t seen Tori Amos in concert until now, mostly because I was a lone Tori fan in my circle of friends. None of my friends knew who she was … let alone wanted to see her in concert.

However I did meet a fellow Tori lover in college, I’d call her more of an acquaintance than a friend.  She even provided me with bootleg versions of Tori’s live concerts; but I wasn't close enough with her to be like “hey, let’s go to a concert.” 

It wasn't until I met my cousin’s now wife that I found my “kindred spirit”. She’s just as big of a fan as I am - if not bigger. She’s always told me that seeing Tori live in concert would change my life, and indeed it has.  When we learned that Tori was touring this summer we immediately agreed to go. Mind you, said “kindred spirit” was pregnant with twins at the time, but this would not stop a Tori fan … except that it did. 

So, I was left with a pretty expensive ticket on my hands, to a show that I figured no one would want to go to.  I had it set in my mind that I would be going alone … until I wrangled my dad into joining me for the evening.  As a  music buff himself (and the person I get all my music knowledge from) I knew he would enjoy a live show, but I was hesitant about exposing him to such a femmy and angsty artist, and showing him a part of myself that not everyone sees. 

Tori Amos is easily my most played artist so I didn't change any of my habits leading up to the concert.  I would stalk her twitter feed after every show and check out the set list, even creating my own “ideal set list” that I’d like to hear on August 7^th at Cain Park, Cleveland, Ohio. In anticipation of the concert, I made sure to listen to zero Tori songs all day ... because I wanted a fresh perspective the night of the show.

The day of the concert I felt like a kid on Christmas!
See evidence below. 

I had a seminar for work from 2-3:30 pm, which allowed me to work from home the rest of the day. So I was conveniently able to calmly (but excitedly) get ready without feeling rushed. When my dad called me to ask me what time I would be meeting him at the house, I told him that I was “primping” and “I feel like I’m going on a date with Tori tonight.”  I wanted to be sober for the concert so I could remember EVERYTHING and I wanted to be completely immersed in my experience, but I did have a glass of wine while getting ready … and my dad and I “cheers-ed” to Tori with a beer before she took the stage.

It was my first time at Cain Park and I was blown away by the venue. It’s a very intimate setting and our seats were perfect! We were on the left side in row K, so we had a great view, especial during her dual piano playing! When we got to our seats I was sitting next to 3 gals about my age, who were such pretentious Tori fans … I felt at home.  We talked about our favorite albums, how “old Tori” is better than “newer Tori stuff”, but that her “latest album has a hint of old Tori”.  I kind of left my dad to himself for a couple minutes as I’m sure he had no idea what he was getting himself into with this conversation. 

note the red nervous blotches on my neck

The opening act was pretty bad (in my opinion). The folky male and female duo sounded like they played the same song for 20 minutes.  Nothing varied and it wasn't anything that put me in the mood for Tori ... but then again, what could? Instead my anticipation grew even MORE and I started to become anxious … my red blotches are always evidence of my nervousness. Also, the guy who would come out and polish her piano keys must have done this two or three times and I just kept wondering … “OK, how much longer are you gonna make us wait, Tori?!”

The other thing that irritated me about this wait were the two girls in the row ahead of us, who were flirting with the security guard – and probably 3 songs into the concert he allowed them to move up to one of the first rows.  I said to my dad, “I’m cute and pretty, and can flirt too … but I’m with my dad, so I won’t!"  I wasn't too upset though because I paid for some pretty damn good seats.

Finally around 8:40 pm Tori fluttered onto the stage.  The next hour and an a half went by in a blink of an eye, but I took in as much as I could. I love the connection that Tori has with her fans. She feeds off the energy of the crowd ... off their excitement ... their rowdiness ...all the "I love you, Tori!" shouts. 

The experience from what I can remember is as follows: 

I of course found myself getting teary-eyed during Northern Lad, "I thought we'd be OK, me and my molasses"; I got chills and threw my hands in the air at the first key strokes of Spark, "if the Divine master plan is perfection / maybe next I'll give Judas a try"; during Mother I was pretty entranced (probably with my mouth gaping open) and I remember staring at her wondering how any one human can be so amazing: "tuck those ribbons under your helmet / be a good soldier"; I smiled during the crowd favorite Cornflake Girl; finally, and maybe my favorite of the night, Precious Things during the encore, "I wanna smash the faces of those beautiful boys / those Christian boys". 

It was MORE than I could have ever asked for! At times I leaned over to my dad and said “this is my favorite” and his response was, “I thought they’re all your favorites.” This is kind of true. *shameless* As we were walking to the car, after the concert my dad broke the silence with this statement, "All I can say is she's INTENSE!" I think he enjoyed himself and may have possibly walked away a teeny-tiny Tori Amos fan. In my case, I walked away from this experience as an even bigger fan than I was before. Thankfully I had Friday off (which I totally planned) because I knew I would have an emotional / Tori hangover ... 

Thank you for making my year, Tori. You are a legend in my book.  Until next time . . . because there will hopefully be a next time.  

Cleveland, Ohio set list (8/7/14)

Putting it to the test: Susan Miller's Astrology Forecast (July 2014)

Is astrology real? Does the alignment of planets and the rotation of these celestial bodies have any real bearing on human lives? When Mercury is retrograde are communications more scattered? When Venus is retrograde is there really an emphasis on revisiting / reflecting on past relationships?  

I have been interested in astrology since I was teenager. I've enjoyed reading my horoscope and I have described myself to people as a "true Gemini" and have meant it in the most honest way.   

Every month I look forward to reading Susan Miller's astrology forecast. I've been an avid follower of hers for the last 4 or 5 years. As I was beginning to read Gemini's forecast for July 2014 I couldn't help but agree with a lot of things that she was referencing for the first part of 2014. So, I thought I'd explore this in greater detail and see if maybe my reading these at the beginning of each month is helpful or  . . . if Susan Miller is full of shit.   

Susan Miller writes: In so many ways, July marks the official start of 2014 . . ."  

I say: I definitely feel this is a true statement. Since the end of June I've felt more like myself, been rejuvenated and have had a fresh perspective on where I'd like the next part of 2014 to go. The beginning of the year felt so muddled. I think Susan Miller explains why this was so. 

Susan Miller writes: When the year started, Venus, planet ruling love, fun, beauty and some degree, money, was retrograde from December 21, 2013 to January 31, 2014. Then, almost immediately after Venus regulated her orbit, Mercury, planet of communication, negotiation, commerce, and contracts, went retrograde, from February 6 to February 28, 2014. There was to be no relief for you (or the rest of us), because on the heels of Mercury turning direct, Mars, planet of action and energy, the booster rocket to all major initiatives, went retrograde March 1 to May 19."

I say: I think this gives a great summation of the first part of the year, for me specifically.  

• December 2013 and January 2014 the relationship I was in started to experience complications.
• Which led to a lot of communication issues in February - which resulted in the ultimate breakup. 
• And pretty much March through the middle of May I felt worn out, exhausted and defeated.

Susan Miller writes: So if you felt like you were walking through glue in the first six months of 2014, you know why. You still could have made progress on many fronts, but it took all the strength you had to do so, and you may have been able to score a few victories in spite of the lack of help from those planets. It's been a trying six months.
I say: YES!  Indeed, it has been a very trying six months, so I'm glad to hear that July will be a fresh start. 

Susan Miller writes: While you have Venus in Gemini until July 18, spend a little time improving and refreshing your looks . . . you can about changing the way you wear your hair or improve it's color.

I say: July 12th I had a hair appointment where I increased the brightness of the color and had several inches cut off.  I really did start to feel refreshed and more like "me" again.  

Susan Miller writes: This year you will be in a role that allows you to use your talents to your fullest extent and push the boundaries of all that you've done in the past to new heights.
I say: This year - more so than any other year, - I've felt as though I'm finally in a place where I can shine. I look forward to seeing what's next on this front.

Susan Miller writes: July 24th is the luckiest day of the year!
I say: This day did not stand out for me and I don't recall it being very special or lucky.

Overall, I can see some general similarities, however I wouldn't say it's spot on. So ... final summation - astrology is somewhat real, right?  

What I can say with complete confidence is that I will continue to read Susan Miller's astrological forecasts on a monthly basis.  As a matter of fact, I need to investigate August's right now.