In Record Time

I'm a very lucky girl.

Last week Carl gave me a record player! I have always been so fascinated in record collecting, and i've grown fond of laying around while the pops and cracks of vinyl spin away in the background. Last night, we brought over the remaining component, and he surprised me with his copy of Lemuria's- The First Collection, as well as two 6" s: Sundials- First 3 Songs, and a Friendly Fire/ Tenement split!

I can't wait to get it all set up and start my vinyl collection.

Dino-score!

What a fun week!
Last Monday, I rushed home after work to find my well traveled beau home from tour. It had been 3.5 weeks since I'd last seen him, and it is safe to say that I missed him! So this week we have been catching up on some summer fun times. Adventures to the river, Maymount and lots of tour stories.

Friday was my day off and we went on a little road trip! While he was on tour we started a list of things to do when he got home. One of our ideas was to go to Dinosaur Land! For those who don't know, Dinosaur Land is kind of the best/tackiest/funnest place ever. It is a small park close to Winchester featuring upwards of 20 hand made dinosaur structures. Needless to say by my mention of the word 'tacky,' but the dinosaurs are far from accurate interpretations. While we were there we found out that Dinosaur Land was built in 1964 (!!!). Such a fun time.



After Dinosaur Land we drove to Lovettsville VA to have dinner with his family (boy was I nervous!). What a gorgeous place and a great family! I had tons of fun, and felt very welcome. After dinner we took a look at his Mom's boyfriend's collection of vintage cars (*jaw dropping*) and watched Shutter Island. It was nice to get away for a bit, and I can't remember the last time I've had that much fun. I am one lucky girl.

Where Did the Posi Go?

After the happenings at this weekend's favored West Cost fest, it's forcing me to question why we are supporting/ allowing things like this to happen? When was it that our punk family tree was infected with testosterone fueled violence?

For those who don't know, this past weekend in Santa Barbera, CA, the Sound and Fury hardcore festival played out. The line up included bands such as Sick of it All, Cold World, The Rival Mob, Bane, as well as many other Richmond natives (congrats BTW, boys). On Sunday night, in the middle of a set, someone rolled in through the crowd on a motorcycle putting many in harms way and wrecking tables of the touring bands' merch (aka band's meal tickets). This situation escalated quickly as multiple brawls broke out simultaneously in response. As VCStar.com reported, many of the patrons found the disturbance thrilling and thought it a triumphant end to the fun packed weekend.

Are you kidding me? When did riots become cool? What has created such a violent scene? Is it the context of the songs? Is it a tough-guy complex? Is there something to prove? And if so, who are you trying to prove it to?

I doubt it.

With popular hardcore bands out there like Pulling Teeth who sing about social change, such as combating homophobia, or other bands like Earth Crisis, promoting veganism and making others aware of animal cruelty, why is the scene still so ignorant in common sense? It makes me mad to no end that I know that when I return home from a hardcore show I will be a few bruises richer. That being said, I'm not a stage diver, not a dancer, in fact, no where near the pit; i'm just a 5'2" blond girl who happens to get a thrill from heavy bass riffs, fast, throaty vocals, and have been known to silently head bang to a breakdown or two. For others, broken noses fingers, and black eyes? - Just another day at the office.

Having friends in touring bands, they are always shocked to report that other scenes ( whether it be in a different state or attendance at a more mixed genera show) are so much more respectful, supportive and not nearly as coldly aggressive.

During the height of their hardcore/punk scene in the 1980s, DC was churning out bands such as Bad Brains, Fugazi, Dag Nasty, and Minor Threat. The enthusiasm that this scene exuded to the rest of the country was astounding. One of the first, and most influential punk movements of the century, and these bands are still holding strong and staying current. The scene then was far more peaceful then the imagines we picture when someone says 'hardcore show' now. So much respect.

It's frustrating because the impression modern punk and hardcore gives people turns even some of the most faithful DIYers and punk enthusiasts off. Many old school patrons have stopped going to shows because they don't want to deal with the abuse and find militant crews unnecessarily proud, and rather annoying.

Call me a hippie, I don't care, but having come from the DC area to a more macho scene the difference is disappointing. It's safe to say that I would be much more apart of the music scene if things were different. The mentality of the scene isn't enough to turn me off though, and I will not stop showing my support for many of the talented bands out nowadays, I just want to understand so I can do what I can. There is no reason that we can't spur a social change within our scene. PMA and posi are all apart of my life, and it's a shame that our scene is losing integrity because of a few bad seeds.

Sound and Fury Articles can be found here:
http://www.punknews.org/article/39199

And here:
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jul/26/no-headline---nxxsoundfury26/?partner=RSS

Summer

There is no doubt that it is officially Summer time. Richmond's infamous heat and humidity have struck us with record-breaking highs, making the mean temperature in my house 88+ degrees.

I don't do heat.

Hearing my somewhat defeated tone, my Dad texted me one morning, "I'll be in Richmond at 2pm with 2 new a/c units, where will you be?" Amazing. If there was a father of the year award, he would win it, hands down. By the time I got home, the house was cool and he had cleaned my apartment. With all that is going on, it was so nice to be taken care of for a change.

So now, my outlook on the rest of Summer is much more positive.

I have the best family ever.

P.S. I am going to have to change my motto, no longer a Successful, *Single*, Sober girl. Just Successful and Sober ;)

How can you tell if your car is dying?

Does it develop a nasty cough? Does it become lethargic and tend to sleep a lot? Or does it come in the form of omens when 3 people in 4 days speak randomly about how your car is on borrowed time?

With all my misguided quirks, i'm assuming the latter- thus, being thrown into Super-Thrifty Catie mode. The majority of my expendable income will soon be making it's way into my savings account/ emergency I-need-a-new-car fund. Which, will be hard considering I have just accepted the fact I MAY have shop-a-holic tendencies. Luckily, the car that I'm intending on purchasing after my beloved Volvo's demise is typically under $9000 used for a decent year's model.

Kind of funny how in the last 6 months i've moved to a salaried position, starting paying for my own health insurance, and started talking about buying my own car (again). When did this surge into adulthood take place? I sure don't feel like an adult.

Truths XXIX

Missing someone is a really good feeling.

Moving Along

Needless to say, i've been running at full speed for the past couple weeks, and it has started to catch up with me. I believe the proper term would be 'burnt out.' Feeling a little down and homesick, my Dad came to visit me yesterday before he embarks on a week long trip to visit his brother. Even though at some points throughout the day I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open, he told me that he hasn't seen me this happy in a long time, and I would have to agree with him. Making progress at work, sunshine and some special people in my life are making all the stress accompanied by rebuilding a store just something in the background.

I am so looking forward to this summer.