Kathy Griffin Show

On Thursday, my sister and I saw Kathy Griffin live at the Weidner Center. Kathy is one of my favorite comedians, if not, the favorite. I had not seen her live before and was super excited to go.

The only downfall to the night was that they didn't have a screen up behind her like most concerts/shows I've been to. Our seats were pretty high up, so we couldn't really see her face that well. But we could still see her, and more importantly, hear her.

The two reasons I love Kathy so much are that she is so honest and super vulgar. As someone whose favorite word is "fuck," I can absolutely appreciate a person who has created their livelihood around this word and other vulgarities. She tells everything just like it is with zero filter. She doesn't embarrass easily and turns otherwise shameful moments into bits to make her audience laugh. Anyone who has the first televised pap smear sure has a lot of ovaries and that is something I respect. Thursday's show was not much different. She did a couple of bits that were, as she called them, "shame based."

If there is anyone I love more than Kathy, it is dear Maggie Griffin. Kathy's "93 year-old alcoholic mother." Kathy's impressions of Maggie are so hilarious they leave me rolling with laughter every time I hear them. During her show, Kathy told us Maggie's reaction to Miley Cyrus's VMA performance, her objections to moving into an assisted-living condo and, naturally, her warnings to Kathy to behave in Green Bay. "Behaving" to dear old Maggie meant not swearing on stage, not disrespecting the Church and not giving the Griffins a bad name. Not one of these things happened and it was brilliant. I laughed at all of Kathy's punchlines, but I think I laughed the hardest at the Maggie jokes.

If there is another thing that makes Kathy such a great comedian, it's that she has a ridiculous amount of energy. She brings so much energy and enthusiasm during her entire show, from the moment she runs on the stage to the moment she runs off. If you haven't watched one of her shows on tv or live, I mean literally running back and forth. I am half her age and just the thought of that makes me tired. Needless to say, I am not a runner. With such strong enthusiasm, the audience stays entertained and engaged throughout the whole show. You can tell she loves every moment of what she does and truly enjoys being on stage performing.

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful night. Go watch some Kathy videos on YouTube.

Sucky and Super Monday

It's been quite some time since writing one of these, so let's recap, shall we?

Sucky:

• My bodily ailments have been flaring up like nobody's business.
•  My allergies have been the worst I can ever remember all summer long. I've had to spend countless gorgeous days locked up inside with the air on instead of being able to enjoy the outdoors. I have never wanted to scoop my eyeballs out of their sockets or rub my nose off so bad in my life.
• My back hurts so damn bad I don't even know what to do anymore.
• My stupid leg just won't let up. I was camping Labor Day weekend, just minding my own business when Mr. Painful McAss Face Leg decided "hey let's totally interrupt her perfectly good weekend and cause her a sudden, excruciating amount of pain." In the middle of everyone, I just started bawling uncontrollably. How embarrassing.
• Recently, there has been some passive-aggressive tension among some people very close to me. It's just fucking stupid. I'm sure it will eventually blow over, but until it does, there is unnecessary drama, finger-pointing and hurt feelings.

Super:

• I got a surprise visit from Former Roomie! I had absolutely no idea he was coming in to town and was told to wait at home for a package when he just showed up at my apartment. It was the greatest surprise I could ask for and we got to hang out twice while he was home. We ate at Margarita's one night, which still manages to be our go-to restaurant. His last night in town we hung out at my and Man Friend's place watching a Packers pre-season game, drinking and watching stupid YouTube videos. It's amazing how you don't see each other for six months and you can pick up right where you left off as if a day didn't go by. 
  
• The same week, I got to see my favorite munchkin two separate days. I love the kid so much and like to think of myself as a surrogate auntie. We had so much fun playing, she and Man Friend got to meet, and I also got to catch up with her grandma, my Mom Friend. She decided she loved Man Friend right away because he let her climb all over him. 

• Little and I attended our first BBBS Match event. There was a picnic for any Green Bay matches who would like to attend. It was super cool getting to interact with other matches and see how many people were part of the program. Also, I had no idea there were so many people in their 40s, 50s and 60s who were Bigs. I was really impressed by that. After we ate (Little's idea of dinner consisted of half her scoop of pasta salad, three cookies and a handful of pickles), we chalked, played balloon toss, got her face painted and then joined in the Bigs Vs. Littles softball game. Little kept saying "The Littles are gunna kick the Bigs' butts!" To which I had to be honest and say "Yes, I'm sure that is accurate." And sure as shit, she was right.

  

  There's something so powerful and therapeutic
  about a balloon release.

• I participated in my fourth-annual Suicide Prevention Walk. I very actively fund-raised this year and raised more than any of my previous years for a total of $270 in donations. A total number hasn't been released yet, but more than $7,000 was raised just in online donations. Day-of donations and earnings from the raffle and silent auctions have not been included. Participating in the walks gives me such a sense of pride, and knowing I'm helping make a difference is so incredibly, overwhelmingly powerful. The growing success of the walk is the definition of bittersweet. It's so amazing seeing such a strong amount of awareness and support of people who truly and genuinely want to save someone's life.
  There is such a stigma attached to mental illness and suicide that it's never talked about, but that's entirely why the suicide rate is so high. With organizations like the Be the Light walk, we can help those in need and I am so proud to see the group exploding every year. But the growing number of people every year is heartbreaking. That means that more people are still taking their lives and we are still losing so many wonderful people. 
• I received some amazing news a few weeks ago. There is a possibility a wonderful change may be coming my way, but I can't post about it just quite yet. I know this is such a teaser, but I've been super amped, and feeling way more positive about myself. Hopefully more news to come soon.

Songs of My Youth

Whether it's from knowing me in real life or just reading these posts, I'm sure it's pretty easy to tell what a large part music plays in my life. Since before I could walk, listening to music was something that I had a deep connection to. I've been told my whole life that my mom used to lay baby-me down in between the speakers, throw on some AC/DC and jam out. I apparently never even fussed. This was the start of something wonderful.

I have listened to a lot of different genres and artists throughout the years, but I have felt personally connected to every one of them. Looking back on my childhood, there are a lot of songs in particular that I had a strong connection to. Some of the songs had super relatable lyrics or mirrored an exact struggle in my life at the time. Some of them were just what was popular and I sang and danced to them with my friends. Some songs hold very specific memories. No matter what the reasoning, from infant to graduating high school, my youth was flooded with meaningful songs:

• Thunderstruck - AC/DC
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Elton John (from Lion King)
• Shiny Happy People - R.E.M
• Man on the Mon - R.E.M
• Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
• I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boy
• As Long As You Love Me - Backstreet Boys
• Back Here - BB Mack
• Wannabe - SPICE Girls
• Spice Up Your Life - SPICE Girls
• Bye, Bye, Bye - N*SYNC
• Lady Marmalade - P!nk, Christina Aguleira, Lil' Kim, Mya
• Waterfalls - TLC
• No Scrubs - TLC
• Just a Girl - No Doubt
• The Boy is Mine - Brandy and Monica
• Jumpin Jumpin - Destiny's Child
• Independent Women - Destiny's Child
• Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
• Slide - Goo Goo Dolls
• Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
• What's My Age Again - Blink-182
• All The Small Things - Blink-182
• Anthem pt. 2 - Blink-182
• Fat Lip - Sum 41
• Little Things - Good Charlotte
• Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous - Good Charlotte
• Sonny - New Found Glory
• The Great Houdini - New Found Glory 

  

  Me at the height of my pop-punk days. And yes, I am wearing a
  self-created t-shirt for a Good Charlotte/New Found Glory
  concert, complete with safety pins and metallic paint.

• Minority - Green Day
• American Idiot - Green Day
• Swing Swing - All American Rejects
• Dirty Little Secret - All American Rejects
• Drawing Board - Mest
• Get the Party Started - P!nk
• You Make Me Sick - P!nk
• Nookie - Limp Bizket
• Pretty Fly For a White Guy - The Offspring
• Why Don't You Get a Job - The Offspring
• Flavor of the Weak - American Hi-Fi
• My Own Worst Enemy - Lit
• Dare You to Move - Switchfoot
• Wonderful - Everclear
• The Real Slim Shady - Eminem
• My Name Is - Eminem
• Without Me - Eminem
• Complicated - Avril Lavigne
• Broken - Seether
• Last Resort - Papa Roach
• The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
• Meet Virginia - Train
• It's Been a While - Staind
• Youth of the Nation - P.O.D.
• Silence - Mudvayne
• Happy - Mudvayne
• Headstrong - Trapt
• Rest in Pieces - Saliva
• Always - Saliva
• Cold - Crossfade

If I Could Have a Super Ability

I'm sure everyone day dreamed as a child what kind of super power they wish they had. I am no different. Somehow, I haven't managed to shake this fantasy even though I'm, you know, 25. I'm not even ashamed to admit how much thought I've put into this.

Ok, getting doused in radio-active chemicals
would kind of suck too.  But who's counting?

Ever since watching Alex Mack, I've always wanted to be able to turn into a silver puddle of goo and slide all over the place. I'd even take plain old invisibility. I'm nosey as shit and I'd love to be able to eavesdrop on people all the time. Plus, if I was invisible, I could make stuff just fall over or fly through the air. I would particularly like to freak out the people I don't like. However, my eavesdropping would probably backfire and I'd hear something that I really wouldn't want to. I'd probably wind up really hurt or really angry with someone I wouldn't want to be. Ok, so scratch that.

I also think it would be pretty awesome to be able to fly. You can get anywhere super quickly. No waiting for traffic, no road rage, no spending gas. Plus, you can just freely float through the air like a boss. But what if I flew right into a bird? Like an eagle. That would be pretty intimidating. Or what if I got shot at by the military or some UFO-crazed lunatic? Or got swept away by some storm? Alright, I guess this needs to be scratched too.

The one thing I would really like isn't really a power persay, so much as it is just an ability. And this is my genius idea, so I don't want some whacko scientist taking it from me. If I see this in a sci-fi movie or some lab somewhere, I will find you and cut you. Anyway, I want to be able to push a button on your chest or wherever, and be able to suck a limb inside you (think retractable dog leash) until you need it again. So here's the deal. Every single time I am cuddling with Man Friend, the arm closest to him just gets all in the way. I never know where to comfortably put it. Even though I've been living with all of my limbs for the past 25 years, somehow I still haven't figured out how to control them. Also, I really like to sit pretzel-legged all the time or in my half moon chair from my dorm days. Unfortunately, this either puts too much pressure on my bad leg or said leg is pushed into the edges of my seat. If I could just suck it right in, the problem would be solved.

I'm pretty sure this is the most brilliant idea I've ever had. Now if only I could find someone to master this technology, I would be comfortable and filthy rich for the rest of my days.

Rock Fest: Part Two

Aside from the shows, the next best part of Rock Fest is the people there. Whether you're spending your free time at your camp site with friends and/or family, or you're walking around people watching, there is no shortage of interaction in the days at the Fest. This was my third year going with my aunt and uncle and staying with not only them, but their friends. We had a really small group this year: only 9 people total. Even though I really like the party factor of having such a large group to camp with, it was also nice having a small group. Every year there is always at least someone new. This year it was a couple who are friends with one of the other yearly couples. Of the New Couple, the girl had previously been but I had not met her in my previous years. It was her boyfriend's first year entirely. We have a Fest Virgin every year and he was It for us in 2013. Because the group was so small, we got to chat a lot and have some good conversations. I got to know the New Couple pretty well, which I doubt would have happened in a larger group.

One of the greatest reasons why I love camping with my aunt and uncle is how attached I have grown to their group. Every single person has welcomed Man Friend and myself into their Rock Fest family without any questions. I am not just Aunt and Uncle's young niece to them and they treat me the same at 24 that they do their friends in their 40s and 50s. They all fell in love with Man Friend right away and he is only known as Big Red. It's also pretty cool hanging out with Aunt and Uncle at more than just family functions. While it's great catching up at holidays and birthday parties, there's just something extra awesome about rocking out to great music together.

For those who don't know me well, or at all, I am a huge people watcher. I am so fascinated by everyone around me at all times that I cannot help but stare. Sometime I get caught and I have to super awkwardly dart my eyes or quickly turn my head away. Maybe it's because before everything else, I am a writer. Being a writer isn't just about jotting quick words down or coming up with stories. It's not just a profession or an action; it's a feeling. It's an entire way of life. I am this to my core.

Anyway, Rock Fest is one of the greatest places to people watch because there is such a huge variety of attendees. My very favorite person to watch caught my eye at every show. A little girl around 9 or 10 went through the picture line over and over with her dad. She rocked out just as hard as people twice or three times her age without batting an eye. I was in front of her in the picture line for a show at the beginning of the weekend and I overheard her say, "Dad I wish every day was like today!" One of the days they had a little boy with them, presumably her younger brother. She carried him piggy-back through the picture line at least twice during one show. That girl was so awesome and I so badly wanted to high five her dad for being the coolest parent I've ever seen.

Every year, I see people of all ages. This year the youngest child I saw was still in diapers and the oldest was jamming out in her wheel chair. People there were of all races and from all parts of the country. Some even came across the border and joined us from Canada. People dressed up in full KISS attire, in concert tees for every band playing, bikinis and stilettos and Mardi Gras costumes. One show I stood behind a couple obviously new in their relationship or had just met. Their over-the-top amount of playful flirting and teasing eventually turned into full-fledged making out. People were poorly dancing, drunkenly stumbling or barely keeping themselves together. And let's not forget this guy:

He must have a lot of balls shoved into that tutu

In the last three years, if there's anything I've learned from attending Rock Fest, it's this: "you come for the shows, but keep coming back for the people." The four days packed full of concerts is the most fun part, but creating memories with the people you're there with make it even better. I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the weekend.

Sitting in the King Chair

Our custom-painted fire ring. Note the Big Red.

Now Dance, Fucker, Dance

I sure hope that some of you dear readers recognize today's title. If you don't, I'll help you out. It's from The Offspring's song "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid." And this is important, why? you may ask? I'll tell you why. Because I just came home from the 20th anniversary of Rock Fest, where they happened to be playing. That's why. The five days for the Fest are the only days of vacation I get and I still don't get paid days off, but it couldn't be more worth it. I spent the entire time not worrying or stressing about anything, getting to see a great line-up and spending time with wonderful people. 

Is there anything greater than spending your vacation next to the love of your life?

The only qualm I had with the whole trip was that almost all the bands that I wanted to see were packed into Thursday and Friday's line-up. That still left Saturday and Sunday and there were few bands I was actually eager to see. I know that they have to comply with different generations and different style bands, but I really wish the modern bands and the hair bands were spread apart a little. I'm not exactly a huge 80s hair bands fan and although each band did have songs I enjoy, I would far rather see the newer groups. Frankly, I would rather see a band that plays more of a variety of songs. So many of the older bands have only been playing their hits from 20 or 30 years ago and no new material. Doesn't that get old? Because so much of Saturday and Sunday's line-ups were bands I wasn't interested in seeing, I skipped many and left others early. I was kind of bummed to spend so much time in a row not at the shows, but at least I got to spend most of the last two days simply relaxing with Man Friend under a canopy.

I don't find KISS to be the most talented band I've ever seen,
but at least they are good performers.

Even though the majority of Saturday and Sunday weren't my cup of tea, I don't think I could have enjoyed the first two days more. I was really looking forward to seeing many of the bands; in fact, three of them are in my top five favorite bands. (The other two played last year. Hell yes.) I had already seen Seether three previous times, Halestorm and Theory of a Deadman once each, and Three Days Grace twice (though not yet with the new singer) but I enjoy them all so much that I was still quite eager to see them again. The first three are from the top fivers, if you already didn't know. I had not ever seen The Offspring, but have loved them since elementary school and had not seen KoRn, but figured they would have a good show. I was happily surprised that I was rather impressed with The Offspring. Ok, actually, it was one of my top shows of the weekend. They played a good mix of their old and newer songs, had amazing energy and played mostly upbeat songs to keep the crowd jumping and dancing the whole show. I was also impressed that Three Days Grace still had the same energy and stage presence as they did the last time I saw them and the vocals weren't terribly different either.

The Offspring

More Offspring

I just love Lzzy Hale. She is so damn talented.

Three Days Grace

Theory of a Deadman

Tyler Connolly. What a babe.

Because my aunt and uncle are awesome and have connections, they got us in to the VIP access area for KoRn and KISS (but really, I just cared about KoRn). KoRn is one of Man Friend's top fivers and he was so pumped to be able to see them so close. The VIP picture line is even more amazing than the general admission one; you get literally right in front of the stage and are at the same level as the band. In the general admission line, you are quite a bit lower than the stage and you can't see much when you're right in front. Man Friend and I each got a ton of pictures, many of them pretty good quality. I didn't know a significant number of their songs, but their entire show was amazing. I was not disappointed at all and it was fun being able to sing along to the songs I do know. It is so unbelievably cool being so close to the singers and being able to see them "in person" without the jumbotron screens. Sitting in VIP was easily one of the best parts of the weekend. Man Friend and I were also particularly excited because KoRn is Man Friend's best friend's absolute favorite band. Not only do we get to tease our friend that we got to see his favorite band and he didn't, but we also get to further add salt to the wound that we were right in front of the stage.

Since we had enough free time Saturday afternoon, my aunt, uncle, Man Friend and I took a trip to Chippewa Falls to check out and shop at the Leinie Lodge. Preface: Leinenkugel's is my favorite beer and a major preference for much of my family. The Leinie Lodge is attached to the brewery, though we decided no to tour. Inside the store was more clothing and merchandise than I could have imagined. I picked up a shirt, a bottle coozie and some post cards for the Rock Fest scrapbook that I'm making. The coolest part, though, was the section with the history of the company. There were displays of cans throughout the years, a timeline of all the beers the company has ever made, pictures of employees and the building and newspaper articles. It was particularly interesting to see the clippings from the end of Prohibition. I can't even imagine the fear that era struck in companies that solely made their living from liquor. Not counting speakeasies, of course. I also had no idea that Leinenkugel's once fell victim to a devastating fire. In 1948, the brewery was struck by lightning, which started a fire that caused $30,000 in damage. $30,000 in 1948? Holy. Shit. That would probably be millions now.

Beer tap handles for all Leinie's flavors

More about the Fest will probably come later this week, but for now, I leave you with one final picture. Rock on, dear readers.

This year's camp group

Fear

Hello, dear readers! Last week I got my hair done at a completely new salon with a new stylist. At one point during our consultation, in reference to her style and approach with clients, she said to me "Conservative is not a word that is ever used to describe me." Readers, do you know what is never used to describe me? Risk-taker. In fact, I don't think this sentiment has ever been used with my name in the same sentence. Never ever. I am not even close to being adventurous. I over-think every decision I ever make. Every. Single. Decision. Also, I'm really scared of a lot of shit. I'm actually so scared of so many things and so unwilling to take any kind of risk that there have actually been several times I've missed out on something because fear has held me back. Somehow, though, I've got the ovaries to share all sorts of my misgivings to the world and the Internet. So, in true Mon fashion, here are the things I'm either scared of, won't take a chance at or both:

• Heights. You have no idea.
• I actually would love to sky-dive and I've always wanted to. But I know myself and there's a higher chance of the Bears winning next year's Super Bowl than me getting in one of those planes. Rock climbing is out of the picture. Looking over any railing or stairway gets me about two seconds away from peeing myself.
• The dark. What? There's scary shit out there.
• Deep water. Ok, any water that comes higher than my belly button.
• When I was just a little nugget, I nearly drowned. Since then, I've been absolutely terrified of being in the water. This has resulted in so many times of not joining in pool parties and water park festivities. When people joke about or threaten to throw me into a pool, I actually get near panic attack anxiety. Anything exciting like tubing, boating jet skiing or going on a cruise? Forget it.
• Getting hurt. Physically, that is.
• I am such an unbelievable klutz. I fall all the freaking time. Last summer when we went swimming at The Falls during our Rock Fest trip, we had to cross a path of rocks to get to the swimming area. I was so terrified of falling down the rocks that I just stood there and wouldn't move. I actually contemplated not crossing and staying by myself while everyone else had fun.
• Getting in trouble
• I constantly worry about getting in trouble from any kind of authority. Are we being too loud? I don't want the neighbors to get mad. Will they call the landlord? Will the cops get called on us for being too loud outside? Or shooting off fireworks? Are we supposed to be in this part of the store? I think it's just for employees. Are we supposed to park here? What if we get a ticket? What if we get caught downloading music? I don't want to go to jail. 
• Getting in a car accident
• I've gotten into two weather-related car accidents and I am absolutely terrified of getting in another. Both times I was very lucky to have not been injured in the slightest, but I always know I could be. Not to mention, I am broke and cannot afford any major repairs. Driving in winter storms gives me an enormous amount of anxiety that I don't think I will ever get over.