Concerts & Growing Older

Something like six months ago, I purchased tickets to go see Metallica as a gift to FryDaddy, who has a metal streak. I've gone to a number of concerts in my day, although metal has never been my style. What the heck, right? I mean, Metallica has been around since the early 80s and - let's face it - to be around in any kind of live performance music scene for the better part of 25 years means that you've grown up and figured a few things out.

Very true for the band. Less so for some of the fans.

Sigh. I grow old.

The show was a lot of fun, after I re-set my brain. It's been a l-o-n-g time since I'd "done" an arena show and I'd forgotten about opening acts (a French metal band? Really? And another whose specialty really seemed to be throat-clearing. I guess I'm just a sucker for lyrics) and the dangerous mixture of overpriced beer, cigarettes, and rednecks with a babysitter watching the kids at home. Before I become too much of a curmudgeon, I must say that the folks in our row were actually fantastic - and even the half-baked fanboys behind us were polite in their own way. Nevertheless, my clothes were in the washer before I dropped off to an exhausted sleep.

But you go to a show for the main act, not the cannon fodder openers. (OK, one day, they might be huge. Don't care. ) Metallica did a great show - high energy, amazing effects that weren't overdone and a highly enthusiastic crowd. And I have to respect not only the band's longevity and three-generation fanbase, but nigh-unbelievable speed and substantial lyrical range.

But I'm older now and the workweek starts early.

Things I've Learned

Okay, I still have a few days of vacation, but I've learned enough to warrant a post today instead of waiting.

First and foremost - do not take work on vacation! I know, I know, most of you are far smarter than Mockingbird and already knew this nugget of information. I thought I'd done pretty well by only working for an hour or two each day, but that time adds up and I woke up this morning with my mind whirling.

Sigh. Completely unable to appreciate the sand and the warm October ocean. I should be ashamed.

Second, but closely related - vacation means "vacating." As in vacating from everyday cares and woes. Have the cream sauce. Go see a matinee of a first-run movie and make buttered popcorn your lunch. Browse the used bookstore (by the way, I tore through some brain candy while I was away. It's useful to clear your head of theory and Grown-Up Things from time to time). Remember that the scorching smell just might be your psychic brake pads warning of imminent disaster and that play serves a serious purpose.

So before FryDaddy and I leave here, I'm going for a last walk on the beach. The work will still be here when I get back and, while I may not know much, I know better than to grade angry. (Okay, so I'm not actually "angry," but you get the idea. Right? Right.)