Good Things on the Horizon

Well, I haven't done what I set out to do which was blog once a day since January 1. A lot of that has to do with the fact that I haven't had internet access at home since March. A lesser part is that it's hard to be witty everyday, but I'll work on that. Once the move is complete I'll begin anew! A lot has been happening though and so I thought I'd post something.

First, I've been listening to a lot of Phish. I remember being exposed to them back in high school (circa '97) but not really getting it. I have since played music, written music, been in bands and started to develop a style all my own. Somewhere in the process I stumbled back in to Phish and other jammers (read: Gov't Mule, Widespread Panic, Hill Country Revue, Umphrey's McGee, Tea Leaf Green, moe.) and have really started to enjoy the hell out of it. I find it influences my playing a lot. To John Middleton, thank you for reintroducing me and making me realize how great kicking back with a good beer and sharing in the Weekapaug Groove can be. I'm going to miss that.

Second, I've landed a new job with Attwood Corporation. That means that Meagen and I are moving home and closer to our family and friends. This is very exciting news for many reasons (which are far too long to list here) so just know that we look forward to it. The interview was tough but I got through it and scored a job in which I will be getting back to what I really love about engineering: manufacturing and process design. To Justin, thank you for handing my resume off to the right people. This wouldn't have been possible without you. I am so glad we were able to work past the differences a couple years ago and rebuild our friendship.

Last for now, is that I am preparing for my last gig with None Like Us. It has been such a fun ride and I'm walking away from some amazing friends and some amazing music. Who would have thought that the five of us (who are so completely different you'd never think we'd even hang out) could have done what we have. You guys are on your way to some next level, and I wish I could be around for it. Sometimes in life though you have to do things for yourself and this was one of those times. To Jake, thank you for inviting me to the Halloween party 3 years ago and insisting I jam with your band. Who knew I would soon become the rythm player for NLU? To Ian, thank you for inspiring me to become a better musician. It is because of you that I can now rip a lead that will melt the coldest of panties. It is also because of you I have much less money in my savings and much more gear than I need. Between you and I though I don't see that as a problem. You have the blues in you and I hope you find your way back to it some day.

I guess the point of this is that you can make decisions for yourself that affect you, but sometimes you can't do it by yourself. One thing I've learned in my time in Jacksonville is that you have to lean on people with more experience and wisdom from time to time and that is okay. The minute you stop listening and think you know everything is the minute you stop learning. It could also be the minute people begin losing respect for you and respect is a valuable comodity in life. Especially in a bad economy when people are beginning to remember that money isn't everything. Thank you Tim for looking out for me early in my career here. Your wisdom and insight will be invaluable to me as I move forward in life.

It turns out the Beatles were right, sometimes you just need a little help from your friends. I look forward to seeing and reconnecting with many of you soon.

O' Blah De, O' Blah Da

MtR