Mr. Shife's March Madness - Day 28

Twenty days ago on this very blog I wondered out loud if I should go to a concert that started at 10 pm on a weeknight. Here is a link if you want to read all about it or you can just read a quick summary below: There is going to be band in town that we both like - Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers if you must know - and thought it might be a good idea to get a sitter so we could go to the concert. I went online to buy tickets. Prices were reasonable but then I noticed that the show did not start until 10 p.m. Are you kidding me? 10 pm!?!? I never ever thought I would type these words but "10 pm is late." I know we are supposed to step outside of our comfort zone every now and then, but if we did this the day after would feel like got we stepped on by one of those great animal migrations in the Serengeti that you see on the Discovery Channel. So it looks like we will just be staying home that night 

Well the beautiful and amazing Mrs. Shife won me over and convinced me that we should go so we are going. And it will be OK. Tomorrow might be a another long day but we will manage and in the long run going out with Mrs. Shife for a fun evening is worth way more than losing some sleep. Plus I re-read a blog post from 2007 about how going to a Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers concert made me feel, and it couldn't hurt to experience some of his concert magic again. And if you want you can read it too because it is right down there. Do you see it? Thanks for stopping by and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Here's to Life 

The world is a tough place. It is cold, callous, unforgiving, and will kick while you are down. It is ugly, painful, scary, and downright mean. But it is also beautiful, kind, and hopeful. Sometimes I lose track of that, and I just focus on the unattractive qualities that can be found on the third rock from the Sun. However, last night I was reminded of the joy it brings me. I saw one of my all-time favorite bands in the world perform live and I got to do it with a lot of friends. I have followed the band since I was in college and their songs bring back so many good memories. Their music makes me laugh, think, cry, but most importantly, it makes me appreciate the people, places, and times in my life.

So thank you Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers for making April 4, 2007 a great day. You guys put on one helluva show as usual and I am so glad I discovered your music.

Have a great weekend, and if you have something out there that makes you happy please focus on it. We all get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that sometimes we forget to step back and exhale. Whatever that thing is … that piece of sunshine or hope that makes you really appreciate life. Whether it is getting ready for your favorite team’s next home game or taking a walk with your best friend just make sure you do it more often than not because I like it when you smile.

P.S. The title of the post is from a song called "Mekong." Before Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, they were The Refreshments, and Mekong is from their first album. The chorus is below.

It's always happy hour here
If it is I'd like to stay a while
And as cliche as it sounds
I'd like to raise another round
And if you bottles empty
Help yourself to mine
Thank you for your time
And here's to life

Tank was not pleased with our decision to go out on a weeknight.

I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream.