Lou Pickney's Online Commentary
Heading West
Friday
May 4, 2007
"MySpace is turning into eHarmony!"
-Dunski, this past weekend in the Bulldog Room
I've been in Nashville (technically Smyrna, in Nashville's eastern suburbs) for almost two weeks now, and this is my first post since my move. Why? I've been busy, for sure, but a whole new living arrangement has changed many day-to-day habits.
The biggest thing keeping me away from the computer is the fact that the big TV downstairs is a great drawing card, and particularly with the NBA playoffs being in full swing, there's something good on just about every night. Plus, unlike Alabaster, there are actually people around here to talk with, giving me reason to not stay cooped up in my room all of the time.
Living in a house with my brother Matt and our friend Dustin has been fun so far. It's been a bit of a change as far as doing dishes, sharing food costs, etc., but overall it's working out well (and it's definitely more cost-effective than living on my own.) I think Matt was a bit peeved about my boxes initially taking up room in the Bulldog Room (downstairs computer room common area), though that was a temporary issue as I've since put some stuff into storage, other stuff into a Goodwill box, and broken down the remaining boxes (which went out in today's trash.) Hopefully I'll have the remaining filler out of the way and have the room back to how it was before I moved in here.
I joined a nearby gym (Fuel Fitness), and I worked out Wednesday and yesterday for the first time in forever (more like Labor Day, but it might as well have been forever.) I forgot how good it feels after a workout, exhaustion tempered by a unique physical high and an adrenaline rush.
They have several Precor machines at the gym, which is the machine I loved to use for cardio in college. With my iPod hooked up, several TVs available, and the Precor machine in motion, it's not a bad setup at all. Plus the gym is only two miles or so from where I live, so it's a convenient situation.
Driving in Rutherford County is risky business, as the police here are hardline ballbusters about speeding. I know people here who have been ticketed for going five miles over the speed limit, and I received a warning in La Vergne during a visit earlier this year, so I've learned to be careful.
I'd compare it to "restrictor plate" racing in NASCAR, as on the wide-open Sam Ridley Parkway and Old Nashville Highway, I put my car on cruise control to stay at the 45 mph limit. With a five lane road, the temptation is there to fly, but reinforcing my decision to play it safe was seeing a guy who sped past me on ONH end up being pulled over by an officer this past Sunday.
This weekend I'm heading to Memphis for the big Memphis in May Beale St. music festival. It's been probably eight years since I've been there beyond an airport layover. I'm going to miss out on the Friday night bands, but that's okay. There is a tremendous triple-bill on Sunday, with Guster, Barenaked Ladies, and the Counting Crows performing in succession on the Cellular South Stage. Plus, I hope to get to see some of Papa Roach's set (they go on at the AutoZone Stage thirty minutes before Guster starts, according to the schedule.) I saw them with Ludacris and Eminem in August 2002 at the Ice Palace in Tampa in one of the best concerts I've ever attended, and they certainly rock.
I've never seen Guster or Barenaked Ladies live, so that should be fun. I've seen the Counting Crows 3 or 4 times (it blurs together after awhile), but every show they put on is a unique, fun experience. With this being a one-off concert (as opposed to part of a tour), it will be most interesting to hear what they play. I can't wait.
Matt should be home from the office soon. He's put in marathon hours for months and months, and Adenus moving to its new building has not changed his work hours (it simply gave him a much better commute.) I'm taking Monday and Tuesday off from work (my first vacation/personal days for 2007, I might add) and I'm looking forward to some time to relax. But in the interim Memphis awaits. Beale Street, here I come.
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