Snow, more snow and movies

I have watched more movies this week than I've watched in forever! The Grinch, Return of the King, Saved (two times), The Spy Who Loved Me and Lemony Snicket's tale. More importantly, I got on skis! Yep, me and my gimpy leg, got out in the 12 inches of snow and tried to ski. It wasn't very pretty. James ended up just pushing me around because he couldn't stand to watch me pathetically trying to move myself up the tiny drifts. I kept sinking too which made things much more difficult. Then my neighbor came out and proclaimed she would not allow me to ski down this little hill next to her condo. I said, "I'm not really skiing anyway." She wouldn't budge since someone had been injured there a few years ago and tried to sue. Are you serious? I thought. Then I turned to the left and psuedo-ski-ed down the back of the hill. NOpe. You can't keep the gimpy one down. I was skiing down the street and back into our court. I was so tired by the time I got back to our place that James had to push me back up the driveway.

So, we kinda got snowed in. By Thursday the snow had stopped falling, the only problem was that the entire Miami County area (where we were to spend Christmas Eve with my parents) was under a Level 3 snow emergency. We could get ticketed for entering the county. By dinner, we were running low on food and decided to make the attempt. If it was too bad, we would turn around. When we got out, there were plenty of people out, going to the grocery, eating at restaurants and finishing last minute shopping. We hopped on the highway and after a really interesting ride on I-75, made it to Piqua. We had a nice time with the family and drove home in slightly better conditions the following evening.

But it's Christmas day and we've had our Christmas already. What now? Oh, well, the movie theater has food, let's go see a movie! We decided to see Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Honestly, I like most everything, but for me, this was a waste of my two hours. The cinematography was pretty good but there were other things that really bothered me. I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you, but I was sort of disappointed. I really like Jim Carrey, but he seemed to be having difficulties getting into the role during the first part of the film. Maybe I'm being so critical because I have been finishing my screen play. I don't know, but I enjoyed the teen flick "Saved" more than this movie. Off to watch "Death to Smoochy."

How was your Christmas?
Rhonda

Ho, Ho Holiday overload

Everywhere you look it's Christmas time. I actually heard Christmas carols at the Sunoco station the other day. It's great that everyone is getting into the spirit of the holiday, but I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Having missed out on Christmas for the last two years, it's really strange to watch all of this going on around me, the lights and decorations, the Christmas sweaters and ornament earrings (are you serious with that?). I'm beginning to understand where Charlie Brown was coming from in his Christmas special. It doesn't seem very special, just wierd.

Though I am truly grateful that I'm not in Methodist Hospital or on so many IV antibiotics that I can't enjoy the wonderful food--I'm not in a wheel chair either, but I didn't really feel anything this year until this Friday night at Canal Street. I bought candy canes for everyone in the crowd and began passing them out after our set. A few folks were stand-offish, but most were thrilled to get some sort of treat, even if blueberry candy canes aren't really the best with New Castle.

We had a great time with everyone who came out--Craig Houston and Stranje were amazing. And the Poor Devils were also incredible--Thadd is so awesome! Will (our new fan from Columbus) agreed. He also brought pictures for us that he took in Chicago at Gunther Murphy's during the Chicks on the Road. It was great talking with him--he Rocks! I also saw Jay and of course Ray, who also came out to see us the following day at Gem City Records. Jimmy (drummer) got some pictures of everyone who came out to hang with us (i.e. Shrug), hopefully we can post those soon.

All in all a great weekend. I'm still recovering and trying to finish all the shopping and such before the fam gets here. The moral of the story is, if you feel like you too are just going through the motions, slow down, take a deep breath and do something nice for somebody else.

Talk to you soon,
Rhonda

The weekend in Review

Sipping coffee, reading books you might want to buy, the smell of fresh magazines, lots of holiday spirit--that's what we encountered at Borders in Deerfield yesterday. We met some cool new friends, Misaki and Miharu Kato, and hung with photographer Scott Preston before the set started.

Also, a big thanks to everyone who came out to the Holy Grail on Friday. Ryan from 500 Miles to Memphis and Wussy drummer, Dawn were both there as well as our good friend Joe Adkins from Wipe Out Beach at Kings Island. We appreciate everyone at the Grail (good hamburgers and good sound) who made our evening a memorable one. And thanks to Whitney B and Arminta for playing great sets. And to Beau Alquizola, Amity Edwards, Jeanine Boutiere and Jimmy King for sitting in. Great job on the Glock, Jeans!

We are looking forward to seeing all you Daytonians at Canal Street on Friday. We have also just booked an in-store appearance at Gem City Records on Saturday. 3ish.

See you there,
Rhonda

Christmas Special

Write a review of Hologram at CD Baby and I'll send you a little special something. When you have posted your review, send me an email at rhonda@palebeneaththeblue.com with your address (physical) and you will soon get a package in the mail.

Also, come out to the Holy Grail this Friday, Dec. 10th and we will be passing out a few presents as well.

Thanks to Kris Neises at Dayton City Paper for including us in this article about the Dayton AFter DArk II Compilation we are on. Be sure to head out to CAnal Street next Friday for the awesome release party. We may have some special guests with us. Don't miss it!
http://www.daytoncitypaper.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1385

The holidays getting you down? You should head out to hear some live music. Just pulling into downtown Cincinnati, I was met with a flashing sign that actually said "Cincinnati Rocks." I was a bit skeptical since everyone I saw walking around was wearing some sort of uncomfortable black outfit--usually with shoes that I could never even stand up in. However, if you had been at the Barrelhouse last night to see us, you would've left with a smile on your face. Everyone was feeling especially sassy and all the bands were met with cheers and rousing applause. Apparently, Cincy does indeed ROCK!

Thanks to Eric Falstrom (sp?) and his band The Hittites for opening at the last minute. And whoa! The Terrors--I really didn't know what to expect. Imagine Cake with Radiohead icing and a little screaming on top. They said PBTB was the best band they had ever played with. I think there name gets them billed with bands like "Body in the Trunk" and "Spit." But they are actually a bit more mellow.

A big thanks to Chicks Rock Fest Jem, who booked us, Jesse and all the folks at the Barrelhouse and my two new friends, Susan and Jen (nurses who spent a lot of time listening to me go on about my accident.) You two are the best. It was so great to meet you.

Hope to see you all at the Holy Grail on Friday. And oops! I meant to give away a few Gogirls Music Fest CDs and I forgot. Come get them on Friday.

Auf Wiedersehen,
Rhonda