Random James Taylor blog

Driving into work today I heard a newly recorded version of James Taylor's Fire and Rain (sorry I didn't catch the artist). It's not all that different than James' recording, in fact, in my humble opinion, not as good...so I wonder why they just don't re-release the old version...but I guess that's not how it works in the music biz. On the positive side, I guess there's a bunch of young folks that will hear the song (great lyrics...for those who don't know the song was written by James when he learned that one of his friends had died...either a suicide or accidental OD. JT was in London at the time recording at Apple studios--alongside the Beatles)

So anyways, listening to the song stirred some random thoughts (like those above) that I thought I'd share....

James Taylor in promo shot for Fire and Rain, 1970

I realize that Fire and Rain was recorded over 35 years ago. Last night Joel & I watched part of a JT concert on public television (that my daughter alerted me to). As JT sung You've Got a Friend Joel commented that he doubted JT imagined he'd be singing those songs for so many years. Nope, probably not, since in the early years he was a heroin addict.

I also realize that most adults my kids ages (early twenties) don't really know James Taylor or his songs. Yikes, I'm getting old! (for the record I was tuned into JT at an early age by my oldest bro. Thanks Phil!). But my kids know JT! Ana will call me if there is something JT related on tv. Cy's middle name is Taylor (yup, for that reason). Music can be one of those fun things you share with your kids.

Another random JT note: Last night Ana asked me how many times I have seen JT in concert. Three. Should have been four, but there was that night in 1987 when her dad didn't come home to watch her and her bro so I could go to a JT concert. That's the night I stopped being his doormat! So you see, lots of James Taylor woven into the fabric of my life.

O.K. one more random JT note: James Taylor turns 60 on Wednesday, March 12. Happy Birthday, James! (Yikes, JT is an AARP member!)

Weekend

It's been a nice, sort of relaxing weekend. I'm almost afraid to say it, but finally, I think my mouth may be on the mend. It was still quite bothersome last week, so I went back to the dentist for another check. He thought the infection was under control, but I was healing slowly.

Friday I was exhausted. It had been a hard week at work and my mouth was still bothering me. Date Night was pretty much a dud, but sometimes that's just the way things work out. I was so tired that I didn't even go out with Joel to run errands. I hit the hay early.

Since I was such a bore on Friday, Joel and I headed to the Mpls Institute of Arts on Saturday. The MIA is one of my favorite places to visit, especially when I need some inspiration or comfort. Saturday I was seeking both.

I spent a little time at my studio when we returned. Later in the evening my daughter, Ana, and her boyfriend, Adam, came for dinner. Today I spent some time at the studio and then went to do a little shopping (for "diet" food). I came home and made quiche. Now I'm caught up in a CSI (Las Vegas) marathon.

Boring, but relaxing.

I like that.

Mondays

It's been a long day. I'm never really fond of Mondays and I start the work week by being on "coverage" Monday morning. That basically means I need to be at work to cover any emergencies or in some cases, just be an extra set of hands/eyes, whatever...usually there aren't any issues, but I need to be there just in case. It's not a big deal, but it's not my favorite way to start the week either.

My goal this week, first and foremost, is to feel better physically. I was still feeling pretty cruddy this weekend and it seems like the antibiotics are slow in working. Today was the first day I did not need to take pain relievers at the beginning of the day...thank god, the pain relievers have been playing havoc with my gut (plus the constant achy pain in my mouth was making me crabby).

It was an intense and emotionally challenging day at work. Because of confidentiality, I can't really write about the specifics...but one of our families is going through more tragedy than any family should have to bear. It makes no sense...and I'm at a loss in regards as to how to understand it. I guess some life events never really make sense. I do know that it's important to savor every day we've got on this earth...and even the mundane stuff is worth treasuring.

But on another front...

Today I was determined to follow through on pursuing another goal. It's been hard to keep the weight off this winter...actually this past year. I can really tell that my metabolism is slowing down as I get older (I guess that makes sense...everything is slowing down). I've tried to "diet" on my own, but it's not been working. Even being sick these last few weeks I haven't taken any weight off. So today I did what I knew I needed to do, what has worked in the past...I joined Weight Watchers.

5 years ago I joined Weight Watchers and lost around 30 pounds. I kept that weight off for over 3 years, but the last 1-2 years that's been harder. Yes, I want to lose the weight so I look good. Like everyone else trying to lose weight, I have those skinny jeans I want to fit in. But I also want to lose the weight to improve my health. I'm a Type II diabetic, have arthritis and other aches and pains...and the extra weight doesn't help. It's time to take some action.

It's not rocket science...I need to eat less. Especially less chocolate and other treats. Weight Watchers teaches you all the basics, but what I really get from the plan is the pat on the back when I do well and the gentle kick in the pants when I could be doing better.

So I went to my "first" meeting tonight. I don't like the weight I'm starting at (no, I'm not going to reveal what I weigh), but I'm not planning to stay there for long.

The throbbing continues...

I headed back to the dentist today...I have not been healing from the tooth extractions and I'm tired of feeling miserable. I knew I had to either go back to the dentist or see a doctor and thought it better to start with the dentist. He thought it looked o.k., but there is definite pain in my sinuses, so he decided with my diabetes that it was worthwhile to try some antibiotics. YES. I'm hoping this will take care of the pain in my head.

a throbbing pain in my head

Man. I went to work today and only made it half a day. My tooth was throbbing and I felt like I needed a nap. It's throbbing again tonight. If I'm feeling like this tomorrow, I'll be giving the dentist a call. I'm a little worried that I have an infection started there. The dentist put in one HUGE stitch and I managed to get that out tonight...it was driving me crazy!

And I am still diet coke free!

48 hours and...

NO DIET COKE. I had 2 teeth pulled on Thursday morning and the recovery has been a little slow--hence, no diet coke. I still don't even want it. My stomach has been bothering me, my heartburn has been over the top of late... so I'm thinking this would be a good time to cut back on the caffeine. I'm going to try to be strong this weekend and not drink any diet coke. It will actually be much harder when I'm feeling better.

One day at a time...

"Vacation"

I am "on vacation". It's not so much a vacation as a break from my regular "9 to 5" job. Originally Joel & I planned a short 2 day trip to Chicago, but we decided to shelve that plan till there's warmer weather (and baseballs flying). Now we're staying put at home and I'm scheduled to get a couple of teeth pulled (again) on Thursday. My son has been sick with a wicked cold, so I've been playing nurse as well. (Sounds like a vacation to me)



Still I'm looking for a little fun. I really wanted to spend lots of time at my art studio this week painting. I've been doing some of that, but feel like I need to venture out for some creative inspiration. I think I know what is ailing me.


I'M SICK OF WINTER AND COLD WEATHER!!!


It feels too cold to be out traipsing around, but I'm tired of sitting home because of cold weather. I'm tired of white and gray. I'm tired of temps that never get above freezing.


So in the next few days, I'm going to be thinking warm thoughts, imaging bright, vivid colors. These pics from this past summer might help.