Non-Solitary

        I have never been a solitary person. I have always enjoyed being around people much more than being alone. I have always enjoyed talking. I probably talk too much and about more than I should sometimes, especially when I'm going through tough times, like my divorce (sorry Jim. I know I still owe you therapist fees). And I'm sure I drive friends crazy sometimes, but, thank God, they keep talking to me. This need to be around people is easier to achieve the younger you are. In my school years I always had my after-school friends to hang out with and flip baseball cards, skateboard, bike ride, shoot bow and arrow and BB guns and etc. In my late teens I still had a great group of friends around me, but now I was sexually active, so I also had girlfriends. Some were short term relationships, some were much shorter. Life was great. This continued into my twenties. My early twenties were the best times of my life so far. At the age of 25 I got married. I was married for 13 years and over that time friends go in different directions. And looking back now, I should have done some things different, but I had a wife to keep me company. When my marriage ended I should have spent some time alone, but there was that fear of being alone, so I jumped into another relationship with a co-worker. We lived together for over 3 years and when that relationship ended, I jumped into a relationship with Shelly. I've been single now for almost a year and met some great women, reconnected with ex's and great female friends. I spoke to Shelly yesterday for the first time in a long time. And it was cool! We had a great conversation. I wish her nothing but the best, she deserves it. During my conversation with Shelly, it dawned on me, I make a much better friend than I do a boyfriend.. I started going down the ex road again recently. They are ex's for a reason I guess. Not working out that well. Lol. Getting back to the great woman that I have been talking to, neither one of us are ready to take it to next level. We'll see what the future holds. I've also been talking to a great friend from my past and I gotta admit that I look forward to her phone calls. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I'm not a solitary person. Thanks for listening, Kevin

"Famous" people

           I have another post that I started and didn't finish yet, but I had to do a quick post over something that happened yesterday. I've met a few "famous" people over the years, starting with Kermit the frog when I was just a kid(Ok. Not a person, but Kermit's creator, Don Sahlin, was). I've met local TV and radio personalities and many musicians, mostly local, but I have met a few very well known ones. Most of the "famous" people that I have met have been friendly and gracious, but some not so much. So anyways, I got home from work yesterday and put on the local news. In the opening segment, the meteorologist Erika Martin(Who I always enjoy watching. You'll understand why when you see the pics) announced that she was broadcasting from a garden center only a few miles from my house. So I jumped in my truck and headed to Winterberry Gardens to see her broadcast in person and hoping to meet her. And I did. Now, keep in mind that I looked like some kind of wacko, with my goatee and dew rag that everybody hates. Lol. And she was one of the coolest people I have ever met! She has a great personality and even better looking in person than on TV(If you read this Erika, I promise I'm not a stalker! Lol). We had a great conversation and she asked me if I would join her on her next live broadcast of the weather. Of course I said yes. She told me to call my parents so they would see it and she even got on the phone with my mother(Which, totally shocked her and she told me to never do that to her again. Sorry mom, it was Erika's doing. Lol). So I had my minute of fame on the local news, but more importantly, I got to meet a really nice person. "Famous" or not, it was a pleasure meeting you Erika! Thanks for listening, Kevin

P.S. Here's the video of the newscast. I look like such a weirdo. Notice the newscaster's faces when they go back to the studio! Too funny!

Great Friends, Great Bands, Great Times

                 Well, this past weekend was my third week in a row going out to see some local bands. I hadn't gone out in about two months before that. That time was with my friend Lannie, who came over my house to hang out, she talked me into going out to play some pool. Went to a bar here in town that had some bands playing. Had a great time, even after Lannie hit a motorcycle club member in the back while taking a shot! Glad I didn't do it! Lol. Just kiddin'. He was cool about it. So anyways, jumping to three weekends ago, I went out with my friend Debbie to see Sister Funk at another bar here in town. I've seen Sister Funk many times now(I usually go with Debbie) and they always put on a great show. Full of energy. It's an all female band and I have a crush on the guitarist, Kathy. She knows it and after this last show I may be banned. Lol. Just kiddin' again. I think. I did do some shots, which I never do, but I wasn't driving so I drank alittle bit more than I should have. Hopefully I didn't make too much of an ass of myself!

Kathy from Sister Funk. There's just something hot about a good looking woman playing guitar!

    The following week, my friend Daniele, who lives a couple states away, was gonna be in Connecticut for the weekend. We always try to get together when she's here. She gives me a hard time because I haven't gone out her way for a visit yet. We made plans to meet in the middle, 1/2 hour drive for each of us. The place was packed and the band, Bottoms Up, was great. They did alot of Van Halen songs. The place was located the next town over from where I grew up, so there was some old school friends there. It was great seeing and catching up with them. A couple of Daniele's friends met her there, one of them anti-gun. Needless to say, her and I had quite the conversation! It's all good. I'm gonna change your mind Lisa! Lol. This past weekend was the double-header of bands that I wanted to see. Two different venues. Fortunately, when one was ending the other was beginning. And so, I was off with my friend Joe to the Daffodil Festival to see Last Licks perform in the band shell at Hubbard Park. It was our first time seeing Last Licks at an outdoor venue. I've seen them quite a few times now and it's always a great show. Great musicians and also great guys to talk to when they are off stage. They have a bunch of videos on YouTube.com. Check them out, you won't be disappointed. While I was there, I ran into an ex co-worker and Joe, the drummer from Marshall Law(they were in a past blog).  Joe hung out with Joe and I for the show and in our conversation he said he still reads my blog. I wasn't sure if I believed him, until he said something about how I vent, rant and ramble in my blog. So he does read it! Lol. This blog keeps me out of therapy! Lol. So, as Last Licks was winding down the show, the fireworks started. It was pretty cool!

Joe, my partner in crime that evening!

Last Licks!

Joe makes my blog a second time( he better be reading this! lol )

Learned that it's really difficult to photograph fireworks! Best pic.

     After the Daffodil Festival in Meriden, Joe and I were off to Naugatuck(my hometown) for the second half of our night, to see the band Obsession. Great band from Ct. Been around(off and on) since the 80's and have some albums and cds out there. In fact, this show was the release party for their new cd. They sounded great as always! I think a little to heavy for Joe's taste though. Lol. While there, got to see more people that I haven't seen in awhile and more friends from school. Also got to see my friend Danny, who was also the best boss I ever had. He was working the lights and effects for the show. An ex-girlfriend(who still looks hot!)was even there! Jackie and I dated almost 25 years ago(wow!) and hadn't seen each other since. We hung out for most of the show and did alot of catching up. It was cool to see that not all of my ex's hate me and some are still willing to speak to me! Lol.

Obsession! Too crowded to get a good pic

Danny and I

Jackie and I

     All in all, I had a really good time the past few weeks. It was great hanging out with the friends that I've known for many years, new friends, people I just met and an ex-girlfriend. I had a great time with all of you! I have some great friends! Thanks for listening, Kevin

P.S. I must be becoming a blogger, I brought my camera with me this past weekend! What a dork! Lol