Family Christmas Shotski!
Hello to my two readers of my blog. I am writing this blog on my four hour flight from Dallas, to Calgary, AB, as the trailer park looking couple has decided it was a good idea to open a bag of salt and vinegar chips. Yes, that is right Austin is going international! To that mysterious land rarely ventured to by modern man. The Great Canada, the land of the rising moose.
It has been two week since you last heard from me. In that break, I spent the first week in what has come to be in my heart, a home away from home, Chicago. Then for the second week I jumped over to my Real home, good old GR.believe
After I left boson, A city that I will truly miss and hope to return soon too, I landed at Chicago Midway, for a lovely adventure staying with my dear friend Jessi. Chicago was bitter cold while I was there, but that didn't stop me from walking 2 miles in the wind and snow to a special knitting store to buy yarn. Yes, folk, I am a man with priorities, Fuck the cold!!!! I need Yarn!!!!! Since Jessi had to teach during the day, I was left alone to my own devices. I know what you're thinking, I did NOT burn down her apartment!!......much;). Instead I spent most of my day cuddling with my favorite love muffin, Bella. No, she is not a smoldering Italian goddess. She is a wonderful toy poodle puppy just a little bigger than my hand. I absolutely Love this dog!!!. In addition to puppy cuddling I spent some quality time with Jessi who i love, just not as much as Bella ;). We had a really relaxing time together just eating, drinking and talking just what I needed. I also had the chance to go into work with Jessi to her Pre-K class. I was a lot of fun playing with the kids and just seeing Jessi work. I have never met such well mannered 4 year old. It made me want to be a teacher, but then I remember my Love of the word Fuck and the that thought was blown to bits. Over all Chicago was magical and I can't wait to go back with the show at the end of February.
After my time in that toddling town Jessi and I headed back to Grand Rapids. The ride was fun and snow free. Jessi dropped me off in Holland and Steph (the former roommate) head to Karaoke at the club. Before arriving at the Club we made a quick stop at 80's Night were we met up with two of the most badass women in GR if not the World, Kp & Stef ( to clear up any confusion - Ste(f) = one that used to live upstairs from me and is a sexy badass / Ste(ph) = is one of my best friend and former roommate, also a badass) At 80's night we danced our faces off to awesome songs that can be rocked out best by people who were 4 years old when those songs came out.
After I reattached my face StePH and I went to the Club for some cheap strong drinks and much needed time with old friends like one of my closes friends Catie. I sang all my favorite swinging tunes and I also a rocking rendition of Proud Mary. Durning the song the lovely David Fletcher was providing some nice back up dancing and as we entered the "rough" part of the song who came through the door and helped bring back up dancing to a new level It was badass Kp! After that, the evening was spent singing talking and drinking. Much fun was had by all.
My Xmas was wonderful. There was lots of fun family and friend time. I got some great gifts from the people that I love. I received an external hard-drive and many other gifts from my loving mother. I awesome knitting stuff and an Irish Car Bomb kit from my sis, Jess and her girlfriend Stacy which on Xmas Day Stacy did five car bombs. I got amazing hand made scarf by SteF which I adore and never take off. She also gave me the gift that keeps on giving , The Gift Of Neal (Neal Diamond mix Cd) The man is a musical god. StePH probably gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. She Made a book that each page was devoted to a different city on my tour. On these pages she put photos and wrote facts about each city. Then in the center is a mix cd so then I have a sound track to my tour!!!!!!! I am listening to the Calgary cd right now it is Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue album which is just perfect to write this blog too. I will keep you informed about each CD as the cities roll along. BEST GIFT EVER!!!!!
Also this Xmas my sis and I shared something really special. My gift to her was a tattoo and we decided to get matching ones. So Aaron at Mos Eisley Artfully inked on to both of our left forearms my mom's first purse design of 35 years ago and her logo, kind of like our version of a mom tattoo but better. It was this purse that had provide for my sister and I all our lives. I love my mom with all my heart she is the greatest, strongest woman in the world to me and I'm proud to have this tattoo for her. I'm especially proud to share this same design with my sister. We are not the type of siblings who call each other every day and I know I don't say it enough but I truly I love her so much. Because you can't mess with family!
As I wipe the tear from my cheek I think all and all It was a delightful two weeks. I gathered so many amazing memories and became a little closer to the people I love. Just as cheesy as the movie I truly have a Wonderful Life. Now as the plane descend into the magical land of Canada I am rested and prepared for what the rest of the Chicago tour has in store for me. I hope all is well with the both of you and Happy Holidays.
P.S the couple in front of me have decided to move on to pork rinds.......... God Bless America!
the Tattoo
