One Month Down

It has been awhile since I've written anything...I guess I've been kind of busy or nothing interesting has happened lately. More likely than not, the latter is true.

I guess the biggest story is that I've gone one month now since I quit smoking. It has been a tough road at times. Last weekend I went out for a beer with my buddy Gary Demuth, and it was pretty tough not asking someone for a cigarette. That was always kind of my thing with Gary. He only smoked when we went out for a beer, and we'd sit there and talk sports and theater while we drank and smoked. That's probably the occasion I'll miss smoking the most.

I've always loved my nights out with Gary. We used to go out every single Wednesday (used to be Thursdays for several years) night unless I was out of town on business or I had to stay home with one of the kids. That went on for almost ten straight years! Then Gary met Marcia and I met Angelina. Things changed after that. Not that Marcia or Angelina really mind that much if Gary and I go out for a beer together. But I guess we were both a little cautious about pushing our luck with the "once a week" thing. It's funny. When you're in a relationship is really when you NEED that one night a week refuge. Sunday was Gary's birthday, so we were kind of celebrating. I won't tell you how old he is now because he wouldn't like it if he reads this! He doesn't really "celebrate" birthdays anymore. He's so funny about that! Ever since he turned forty (nine years ago or so...uh hmmm) he's never straight with me about his age until I press the issue. I think he was forty some four years in a row! Anyway, Nathan Tysen and Ryan McCall were playing at The Paramount Bar with their band. They're always fun to listen to.

Earlier that night, Gary and I went to see Jordan's play "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940". Jordan played a New York cop trying to solve the murders of some musical dancers which turns out to be several others before the night ends. It was very funny! Jordan is really starting to look so much like me on stage these days. His hair seemed darker on stage. I'll post some pictures when I get them. It was interesting because I played a cop trying to solve a murder in the comedy play "The Butler Did It" when I was also a junior in high school. It's funny how much Jordan's life has imitated mine at times. He's into his rock music and plays in a band....I was the lead singer of 3 bands. He works at a clothing store....I worked in the clothing industry for many years. The girls love him....well...you know. (Just kidding!) He's such a better kid than I was at his age though! I was pretty ornery and got into drinking and smoking at his age. He wouldn't think of it! I hope Shelbi has the same morals throughout high school.

Well...back to fixing the toilet! I hate plumbing work! Randy....where are you!!!

Peace.
Alex

Manhattan Weekend

What a fun weekend I had! Friday night Les had his show for the Beach Museum of Art on the KSU campus. The show was at the beautiful alumni center and the attendees mostly notable and wealthy KSU alums. The most notable was the legendary Coach Bill Snyder. Also in attendance was KSU president, Jon Wefald. My understanding is that these two men are invited to countless KSU events and rarely stay for the entire event (as you can imagine!) However, this night not only did they stay the entire dinner and concert, they stuck around for quite awhile afterwards to visit with Les, my parents and me. They were absolutely the nicest men and said they were in awe of Les's performance! I thought Les put on his best show yet! I was real proud of my little brother.

The next day, we were invited by Tim and Susan Weiser to watch the K-State football game in their private box on the 50-yard line. They were also such very nice, genuine people. I must say I was very impressed with everyone I met during the weekend! Les also made a nice connection at a tailgating party. We were invited to attend the Coco Bolos tailgate party and at the party Les and I were introduced to a group of people including a gentleman (forgot his name) who is the President? (not sure of his exact title) of the International Society of Jazz Musicians? (not sure of the name of the society either!). Anyway...they put on an annual jazz convention where international performers such as Diana Krall and Herbie Hancock will be present, and he wants Les to go with him and hang out with these people. I believe it's in Toronto this year. They were all very impressed with Les's credentials and actually called themselves "Rat Packers". What a great opportunity for him!

Peace.

Alex

Beach Museum Fundraiser

Well...tomorrow I'm off to Manhattan for Les's show at the KSU Alumni Center. Les has asked me to sing "Me and My Shadow" with him at the show. It's a fundraiser for the Beach Museum at KSU. Les went up today and had lunch with President Wefald at the President's house on campus. I used to walk by it every day on my way to class. Guess who else was at the luncheon. You guessed it. Bill Snyder and his wife! What a lucky guy. I thought they might be there. They're gonna be at the show tomorrow night as well. Mrs. Snyder is a big supporter of the Beach Museum. Hopefully I'll get to meet him as well. On Saturday, Les and I will be sitting with Athletic Director Tim Weiser in his cozy private box for the football game. I can't wait!

Until next time.....

Peace.
Alex

One Week Down

Well....I finished my first full week of not smoking! Whew! It seems like a month! But it is getting easier each day. But, I know that at any time I could fall back if I give in to temptation. It's happened before....too often. I can't let it happen this time. I must stay strong at all times. I've thought about going on the patch as well, but it's too late now, I think. I haven't smoked in a week, and starting on the patch would get me back to my nicotine addiction. What I'm battling now, is the psychological addiction. And that's when it gets hard.

K-State lost a nail-bitter to Auburn tonight. It was terrible! I was proud of how well they played though. If it hadn't been for the 15+ penalties for about 150 yards, we would've won, no doubt. We beat ourselves. KU smacked Central Michigan. I don't know the final score, but KU scored in the 50s. I hope we have two real good Big 12 teams in Kansas this year. It looks promising!

Les and I go to Manhattan tomorrow to practice our number for his show next weekend. He's playing at the KSU Alumni Center. It's a benefit for the Beach Museum at K-State. We are doing "Me and My Shadow" again. Then on Saturday, Les and I are going to watch the K-State football game from Tim Weiser's box! Tim Weiser is the Athletic Director at KSU. Should be a blast. Les warned me not to say anything or make any reference to my affection for KU athletics. What can I say...I'm a little confused. I just love any team from Kansas! But lets not talk about my beloved Chiefs....Uuuuugh!

Go Teams!

Alex