I realize that last week I turned 28 and I haven't really been feeling any different. Not feeling like I am "pushing 30" or "getting up there", no none of that nonsense for me. Until last night ... or should I say this morning.
Last night Mason and I had what can only be described as a fabulous, decadent and indulgent dinner courtesy of our friends, Alana and Jacob. After dinner we headed into DC to the 9:30 Club to attend a concert. We arrived about 7:30 pm when the doors opened, the opening band came on at 8:30 pm and then the feature act, Train, came on at 9:45 pm. First let's talk about the opening band. Now, I am not fond of openings acts in general. Too many Scorpions and Def Lepard Concerts with horrible opening acts like Edgar Winter have left me sour on the experience. So, I was not expecting much when Blue Merle took the stage. A lively little group of players with interesting instruments including a fiddle and a mandolin. What struck me the most about this group is that they really seemed to be enjoying what they were doing. Last night was their first night on tour with Train and they just seemed tickled pink to be out on the road, playing the music they love. Let's here it for good old enthusiasm! Their website was supposed to be coming up last night and I will try to remember to post a link a bit later so everyone can check them out.
Ah, Train. Thinking back on the Scorpions and Def Lepard concerts I, over time, have become accustomed to bands that sound quite horrible during live shows due to the monumental amounts of alcohol they have been consuming back stage. Now, I can't speak for Train's drinking habits, but I can say they were one of the best live bands I have heard in quite awhile. Of course, we did see Norah Jones in concert just last month and she was also wonderful. So, ok the past two concerts I have seen have been unusually well performed. Being in a great environment like the 9:30 Club where we were literally standing just a few yards from the stage certainly helps. The only problem with last nights show was the extreme humidity which made me feel as if I would pass out right before the end of the show. Luckily, I made my way to the back of the crowd and found a great little seat where I could cool off and enjoy the rest of the set.
Now where was I? Oh yes, feeling old. Train finished up around 11:30 pm and we headed to the Metro station to get home. Total trip home took about one hour. Not bad. We were home by 1:00 am and after showering to remove the cigarette funk from my skin (I miss California and their no smoking laws) I was happily in bed at 1:30 am. Wow when the alarm went off this morning at 5:30 am, I thought I was going to die. The age factor set in and I could barely force myself to roll out of bed. Being that this is my second week at my new job and my first day teaching my own class, I felt it not in my best interest to call in sick. So, here I am. Class has just finished and I have no desire to go over to the gym for 40 minutes on the elliptical trainer. A nice afternoon nap with the dog sounds so much better.
