Vacations are funny. We can't wait to leave, and then at some point we can't wait to come home. Mostly it's because we miss our "stuff" and peeps. I know I miss my cats too. They do not travel well, even to the vet. I should have been more like my Mom. She took her cat with her everywhere on car rides. The cat liked it so much that she started hanging out in our car waiting for a ride to the store. It was very unusual, but Mom trained her to like a car ride.
This vacation was to the Arizona desert which I am loving more and more with each visit. There's just something weird and wonderful about being there. It's also great to be able to rent a convertible and drive around with the top down in December. Ah....warmth!
I guess I missed the big storm here. A tornado in Aumsville? I saw it on the news in Arizona and couldn't believe it! I guess there's really nowhere in the world where you can go and not have some weather oddity come up every now and then. In fact, this last October in Arizona, they had a hail storm that came up unexpectedly and did lots of damage to cars and homes all over the area. I saw several cars that had not been repaired, and they looked like they had been on a golf driving range. The hailstones were that big. Our friend's metal garage door still has golf ball size dents in it.
So, coming home was sort of bittersweet. I loved seeing friends. My cats were purring and wonderful with their greetings. I had lunch with my cousin and her fiance and that was fun. Did a little shopping. But I have to say that I do miss the sunshine and 80 degrees that I left in Arizona. Ah well, it will be there next time I go.
Upon my return to work, I got a message from a friend of my friend Jay Spell, who I blogged about in 2009. Click here to connect to the earlier blog. Jay's been fighting cancer for a few years now and it looks like the battle is winding down. That just breaks my heart.  He read the earlier blog and emailed me that he was touched by what I wrote about him. I've talked to him one time since then, and haven't been able to get a return call, fearing the worst. I'm glad his friend Shae got in touch to fill me in on what's going on. While I sometimes put off blogging because I have nothing to say, I'm so glad that I was moved enough to write that blog in August about my friend, Jay. So, here's to the internet once again. I'm thankful it's been a way to connect to so many people....and at times just a few that will always live in my heart and soul.Â
With Christmas coming in just a few days, here I am again, being thankful and humbled by this amazing career in radio I've had. I've been so blessed by the people I've met, the stories I have to tell, and the ones I won't tell anyone ever! Those are blessings too, but very private. Yesterday, the last day of my vacation, I was getting a little "Grinchy" but it all dissolved today when I knew I was coming to work. I knew I could rock out, enjoy the music, and connect with people. What could be better?
I loved that movie. There's such classic lines, and who doesn't love John Candy? God, but I miss that big man.Â
Anyway, this blog isn't about the movie, it's about this weird thing that happened to a cruise ship going on that "Mexican Riviera" route out of Long Beach. Here's the story from the Associated Press:
SAN DIEGO â A cruise ship stranded offshore with 4,500 passengers and crew must be towed slowly into a Mexican port and will not arrive until at least Wednesday night, the Coast Guard said Tuesday.
The Carnival Splendor was 200 miles south of San Diego when an engine room fire cut its power early Monday, according to a statement from Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.
The 3,299 passengers and 1,167 crew members were not hurt and the fire was put out, but the 952-foot ship had no air conditioning, hot water or telephone service. Auxiliary power allowed toilets and cold running water to be restored Monday night.
The Mexican Riviera-bound ship, which was drifting about 55 miles off the northern Baja California coast, was in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, which deployed aircraft and ships along with the U.S. Navy and Mexican Navy.
Two Mexican seagoing tugboats contracted out of the port of Ensenada were expected to reach the cruise ship at midday Tuesday and arrive back at the port around 8 p.m. PST Wednesday, Coast Guard Petty Officer Kevin Metcalf said.
Metcalf said the tugs, which will be escorted by a Coast Guard cutter, must move slowly because the ship is so big.
Passengers will be taken by bus to California, said Joyce Oliva, a Carnival spokeswoman. She said she was unaware of any safety concerns from passengers or their families about traveling by bus in Mexico.
Ensenada is about 50 miles south of the nearest U.S. border crossing, in San Diego.
Once passengers are dropped off, the Splendor will be towed back to Long Beach, Calif., a journey that will take days. That's why the passengers will be dropped off in Mexico first.
"They didn't want to keep them aboard any longer than they had to," Metcalf said. "They're running only critical systems as of now."
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, conducting maneuvers 120 miles south of San Diego, was diverted to help the ship. About 70,000 pounds of supplies, including bread, utensils, cups, milk, canned food and other items, will be flown to the Reagan, where helicopters will transfer them to the stricken cruise ship, Cmdr. Greg Hicks said.
The Splendor's seven-day voyage, which began in Long Beach, was canceled and guests will get refunds, reimbursement for transportation costs and a free future cruise of equal value, the cruise line said.
After the fire, passengers were first asked to move from their cabins to the ship's upper deck, but eventually allowed to go back to their rooms. Bottled water and cold food were being provided.
"We know this has been an extremely trying situation for our guests and we sincerely thank them for their patience," Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill said in the statement. "Conditions on board the ship are very challenging and we sincerely apologize for the discomfort and inconvenience our guests are currently enduring."
I'd be swimming to shore at some point. Seriously. I don't like boats anyway. I know, I know....everyone who I've ever said this to tells me "but it's a SHIP...it's BIGGER." Yeah, and it's still on the ocean. I grew up on the coast. I know the ocean. I respect the ocean. I've gotten caught in the undertow while swimming. I went sailing on Monterey Bay. I've been fishing in the ocean. I've taken the ship that goes the "twenty six miles across the sea" to Santa Catalina. I remember the smell of diesel and the rolling of the ocean. Makes me nauseated just thinking about it. So, when approached by friends with the brilliant idea of "cruising" I tell them that I'll fly and meet them there. It holds no appeal for me at all.Â
I told someone this who believes in former lives and she said I must have been in some kind of catastrophe on the ocean in a past life. I think it's pure respect of the power of the sea. I'm glad that people don't have the aversion to being in boats and ships that I do, or else we would still think the world is flat. Nope, it's round and rolling, and undulating.Â
I seem to watch The Travel Channel a lot. The problem with it is that it makes me want to cash in everything I own, and take off with a credit card and a smile. The good thing about watching is that I get to travel vicariously through people like Anthony Bourdain, Samantha Brown, Adam Richman and now Zane Lamprey. Last night while surfing through channels looking for something to watch I saw a listing for "Three Sheets" as in "three sheets to the wind" which is a term that I am unfortunately all too familiar with in my past.Â
This is a show that my son wishes he had come up with. The host, Zane Lamprey, travels around the world sampling the locally produced alcohol and does a show about it. Seriously?! It's like that episode of "Cheers" when Norm Peterson was hired to be a beer taster and almost openly wept for joy. Like a duck to water.
This show has been on TV since 2006. I had no idea it even existed until last night. It moved from MOJO to FLN and started on The Travel Channel in May of this year.  He also had a show on The Food Network called "Have Fork Will Travel" at one point, and has done stuff for MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central. Zane is a likeable guy. Easy to watch. Doesn't piss you off like Bourdain might, although I adore Tony and his foul mouth and snarky attitude. I adore him from afar. Zane comes across as a guy you would actually like to go have a drink with. There's been 52 episodes of this show so far. Hulu has 50 of them. I must catch up.Â
Last night I saw two episodes. One about Iceland, and the other was Amsterdam. Hemp infused beer. Yep. At the Hemp Hotel. He didn't seem so fond of the taste, but enjoyed the people hanging around imbibing with him. One woman reminded me of the "Mother" character that Eileen Brennan played in the movie "FM" with that very deep voice and a total handle on the whole scene around her. She was apparently the owner of the establishment. Not a bad life choice if you wanted to hang around and smoke pot all the time, I guess.Â
So, there you go. A show that makes me want to travel, sample, and never come home. I'd probably get tired, but it does make me want to go somewhere for about a year. I wonder if checking in at the Hemp Hotel is anything like the Hotel California. "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave...."
Check please! And where is that new credit card and my luggage?
If you haven't already heard about Sammy's upcoming birthday bash at the Cabo Wabo Cantina, I thought I'd pass along the news . I got this email today about the event, the way the tickets will be sold, etc. Here you go:
Greetings!Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Birthday Bash Ticketing Information and Procedure UPDATE
Cabo Wabo Birthday Bash Tickets October 8, 9, 11, and 13 2010Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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This is how the system will work:
Tickets will be sold through Redrocker.com for $55 per ticket.
There will be a two ticket limit per person per show.
Tickets will be non refundable, non transferable and there are NO service charge fees. All sales are FINAL
We will accept Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.Â
Purchased tickets will be available for pick up at the Cantina (2 pm to 10 pm) October 8, 9, 11 and 13th.
Tickets for each show will be available for pick up day of show only.
Ticket purchases will be made through a "PayPal" account similar to the current "On Stage" ticketing system.Â
You do not need a pay pal account to purchase a ticket, you can continue your purchase as a guest. Once you make a purchase you will receive a transaction ID number. You will want to keep this number for your records in case you have any issues. Your name MUST match the name on the purchasing credit card or pay pal account and you will be required to show proper photo ID to pick up your tickets (Drivers License or Passport). NO EXCEPTIONS
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If it's your Birthday:
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If your birthday on either October 8,9,11, or 13th. Simply show up to the Cantina after 2pm that day with your government issued ID (Drivers License or passport) and you will receive an entry bracelet for that day's show.
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Dinner Shows
Dinner shows will be $90 per person  Â
Dinner shows tickets sales will remain as in the past, they will be sold at the Cantina, first come first serve.
Dinner tickets will be sold at noon on the following dates:
October 7th for the Shows on the 8th and 9th
October 10th for the Shows on the 11th and 13th
2 tickets per person, added security will be added to those in line so we will not allow anyone to hold places in line for friends.
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Please note that these will be the ONLY tickets available and no additional tickets will be given away day of show!  Â
The rest will remain the same and the party will be better that ever!
Doors for all shows will be at 7:00pm and show time will be approximately 9:30pm
All ticketing questions should be directed to sales@redrocker.comÂ
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Tickets will go on sale Monday August 2, 2010. The schedule will be as follows, all times are PST (Pacific Standard Time):
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.redrocker.com/redrocker_tickets/
October 8 show will be on sale at 10am
October 9 show will be on sale at 11am
October 11 show will be on sale at 12pm
October 13 show will be at 1pmÂ
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See ya in Cabo!
Now while I'd love to go, I have run out of time for the year and need to do other things with the vacation time I do have, so if you go and attend the birthday bash, take lots of pictures, and call me when you come back. Oh, and don't dance on the tables in Cabo Wabo. We almost got thrown out for doing just that. Gee, I thought it was a great Mexican tradition. Apparently not everywhere.
I love road trips. I've blogged about several before. Usually the trip north on I-5 doesn't qualify as a proper road trip. It's more of a commute. One that goes along just fine until you hit the area between Olympia and Tacoma. Then it becomes a slow crawl until after the Dome. Sometimes it will last all the way into Seattle depending on what time of day I'm on the road.  Friday wasn't so bad. I enjoyed the various shades of green that our wet weather has created in the Pacific Northwest, and the music was perfect.Â
Got to Seattle and had a great visit with my friends. One friend I hadn't seen in decades and I got together for coffee on Saturday morning. We chatted for over an hour, and as the time for us to go on our way approached, I got out my camera and looked for someone to take a picture of us. The man sitting next to us at Starbucks, was looking at the paper, not talking to anyone, and not even drinking coffee. I asked him...very politely...if he would please take a picture of my friend and I. He looked at me as if I had asked him to please yank out some nose hair, and replied...."I guess so." No, "sure, not a problem" or anything remotely friendly. Way to go dude. So, he took the picture and handed back the camera and tried not to look at us. What an ass.Â
I've been asked to take pictures of random strangers since I could hold my little Brownie camera, and I sort of feel honored. Now that we all pretty much use digital I even don't mind taking another shot if the first one isn't that great. When I was at the Huntington Museum Chinese Gardens in September, I took pictures of a little family with several of their cameras and was instructed on just what each person wanted. No problem. It became part of my memory. I even took a picture of them with my own camera.
So I'm thinking that this guy either was having the worst day of his life, or he was just a snobby ass.Â
I went from this scenerio to shopping with my cousin where we were greeted by the most wonderful happy people in the stores.  So it wasn't something in the air. Thank goodness. We were treated to a free hand massage, we sat in a cool Irish Pub and caught up on our family stories, and had a lovely time.Â
There should be some kind of moral to the story, or a point here, but I guess all I want to say is that I just don't understand being sour to people. Is it a way to be "cooler" than they are? Does it make you feel better than them? And also if you are having a horrible moment, maybe doing something for someone else in a small way might bring you out of your miserable self.
Yesterday I told my doctor that I had S.A.D.-Seasonal Affective Disorder. He told me that I really have Situational Affective Disorder. Yeah, it has been another weird winter for me, and this rain is NOT HELPING. Not only that, but when I took a vacation in December to Palm Springs, usually SUNNY Palm Springs, it rained like a mother. Then after my hernia surgery we went to usually sunny Arizona, and again...IT RAINED! I've had it! Enough! Yeah, yeah, these places are usually dry and need the moisture, but how about when I'm not there?
Yesterday after seeing the doc, I went shopping on my way home and while I was in the store, a most incredible downpour started. The noise was what got the shopper's attention first. It was like someone was doing the drum solo from "In a Gadda Da Vida" on the roof. All eyes went to the ceiling, then to the windows. It was rediculous how heavy the rain was. Then there was thunder and all that. When I got back in the car, Shannon was playing "Mr. Blue Sky" and the clouds parted a little...a very little...but enough to give hope. Of course that hope was dashed again and the rain resumed.
Yesterday reminded me of a time when I was in Mexico with my friend Chris. It was muggy and hot when we landed at the airport. We got a rental car and drove to the grocery store. I love Mexican grocery stores. They are just different. There are things about it that will gross you out if you are at all squeemish, but I get a kick out of it. Gives new meaning to the term "mystery meat." Also I'm always amazed at how much Spanish I do understand when it comes to food. The story of my life. It's the universal language for me. Anyway, we were in the store, and we heard LOUD pounding on the roof of the grocery store and then KA-BOOM! Thunder...more pounding. We kept shopping and thought that it would pass soon. This happens in Mexico in September. Big drenching rains come and go...all day long. We checked out, took the bags of food to the car, which was in covered underground parking (this is in Puerto Vallarta...very civilized) and started to drive to the road. Road? It looked more like a river! I'm not exaggerating here, it looked like we couldn't possibly drive in this without an amphibious vehicle, and we had an economy rental.Â
My friend Chris is a fearless driver. She's tackled roads in other countries like she was born to drive. The Autobahn (I'm hearing Kraftwerk in my brain right now....), Italy, Mexico, and the other side of the street in the British Isles are nothing to her. She gets in whatever she's driving and just attacks the situation. God help the car. So, she takes off into the street filled with water up past the kick plates on our little car and just decides to pull a Moses parting the Red Sea. She hits that gas pedal and the car actually does forge ahead...of other people pushing their cars in this instant river...of people who were on motorcycles that are now walking beside them. She amazes me and terrifies me all at the same time. I'm such a pussy. I won't even tell you what it was like climbing the almost verticle cobblestone streets to her condo. I pray silently when in those situations, unless I'm driving, and then it's really LOUD! "DEAR GOD PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let us get there.Â
Oh, and while you're at it, please stop the rain for at least a good week here in the Portland/Vancouver area.
Alright, enough bitching about the rain, I need to do my homework and write about prayer.Â
Hey, I think I just did.
It was a lovely little weekend on Mt. Hood. I belong to a group of women who have called ourselves "The Cabin Girls" since 1991. We will always be "girls" and we are not in the least offended by this label. We have tried over the years to make it up to this wonderful peaceful little place at least 4 times a year, but some years it's less due to busy schedules and all that life stuff that gets in the way of fun.Â
We always have a large time no matter what the weather is like. It's not about skiing, which isn't far away from the location of the cabin, but none of us ski anymore. I gave that up after realizing that in 6 years since my initial lessons, I had not improved very much at all, and it took forever to get the gear and all that from the car, to the lodge and then spend the day falling down. As usual I guess if I had cared more, I would have done better. Maybe not. I enjoyed parts of skiing, but also had a huge amount of fear associated with it. I was forever being credited with more prowess by my instructors that I really posessed, and thus getting myself onto runs that I had no business being on. One time I even skiied with the General Manager of Timberline and while he was lovely and kind (Mr. K, I will always love you for those "turns" on the mountain) I was freaking out the whole time that I would embarrass myself.
I have a healthy amount of respect for Ms. Hood. I gave her the "s" in the spelling instead of a "t" because it's like she has a personality that way. She's been very moody on days...dumping snow until I couldn't find my car, much less drive the thing down the road...or not having enough snow and my skis looked like they had been used in a grocery store parking lot.Â
Weather happens fast on Mt. Hood. One time I was at Timberline Lodge on June 1st, and we got out of the car in lovely warm sunshine. While having bloody marys (which Timberline Lodge does very well...) waiting for our lunch to arrive at the table, it started raining. As we ate lunch, the sun came out again. Then while we were thinking of dessert, it started to snow. By the time we went back to the car, it was sunny again, but windy. All within about 90 minutes.Â
One time at the Cabin, down the mountain on Still Creek, there was a freaky wind storm. We saw that the wind was coming up and thought we needed to get out of there. After loading our cars and cleaning up, this loud crash sounding like an explosion came from outside. A tree had fallen on the cabin next door. We were all getting ready to leave and heard another BOOM. A tree was down on the cabin on the other side of us. I was now in full blown panic. Two of the girls, Ann and Becki were just slightly concerned. I was screaming and hugging what I thought would be the most secure place in the little cabin...the fireplace.  I'm pretty sure Tina was with me on that one. Finally I got out to my car, and tried to leave, but there was a tree across the road. The next attempt out, there were men with chainsaws making room for cars to pass. Here's the really weird part: on the way down the mountain, I expected to see trees and power lines down, devistation, roofs blown off...but there was virtually no other areas than the little pocket that we were staying in that was affected. Damn moody mountain weather system, anyway!
This weekend it gave us a little sun, and rain. Ann's car battery died before she left, and I missed the big event of the flatbed truck trying to get down the tiny windy driveway because I had already headed back to civilization. I'm sure it was interesting watching him back out. That's what was going on when I called.Â
We even got to watch the last quarter of the Blazer game on Saturday at the Rendezvous Tap Room. There's no TV in the cabin. ON PURPOSE! So if we want to watch a game, we have to go out. It's better that way. It was nice to see them win. Now, if they can pull off another one in Phoenix! Go Blazers!
The mountain adventures of "The Cabin Girls" are always interesting. Sometimes scary, other times very peaceful. No matter what happens, we seem to take away great memories, several laughs and stories to tell. I'm not rested this time though. Not enough sleep. I guess we should work on getting to bed earlier than 2:30am. We just lose track of time up there in the evergreen scent and darkness.
Writing class tonight. No rest for the wicked.
If you are a musician who has dreamed of recording at Abbey Road Studios in London, playing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, and sharing the stage with the likes of Bill Wyman, Nick Mason, Todd Rundgren, Slash, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Mick Ralphs, Alan White, Kip Winger, etc...then your fantasy is actually possible. Let's see, you'll need a passport, and around $10,999 to apply. It's an extra $1,999 to play the Liverpool gig. If your significant other wants to go along (hey, you'll need a groupie, right?) it's an extra $2,199 for them.Â
Now, if you think about it, this is an amazing thing to do. I know it's a bundle of money but what a once in a lifetime experience for someone who plays music, but maybe has another career that they do extremely well at. Like a doctor, lawyer, stockbroker, business owner, sports figure, or someone who can afford the fee, and fulfill a dream.  Since I can't play a lick, I would not be even tempted to put up the money for this. But I know there's lots of people who are REALLY talented and just do something else with their day. Like cure cancer. My doctor, Will Winter, plays guitar and could do this and hold his own, but he's got a medical practice, and a band who has been recording and playing, N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) the Band. His rock fantasy is pretty full right now.
If you want to go, and need more details, click here to go to the site.
Now, there's also something local which is a different kind of Rock 'n" Roll camp. It's the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls. They teach great things to young girls...like team building, song writing, playing instruments, singing...all of it. It's really a great organization with a wonderful group of people who teach and do the administrative tasks.Â
They also have a Ladies Rock Camp going on May 21-23. In that length of time, you form a band, write and rehearse a song, and then on the last night, you perform the song at a club in front of an audience. Some of the ladies have never played an instrument..EVER! I would have said that this takes big balls, but we're talking about women. Moxy? Yeah. All instruments provided.Â
There's another session in October for the ladies, and I'm considering participating in that one. However, that being said, I get a horrible stomachache just thinking about the final night and performance. SO, maybe not. But it would be a great way to step out of my comfort zone and do something wild. It's good for the soul. While you're in the process, the brain keeps asking "why the hell did I sign up for this?"  But it's been my experience that once said performance (of any kind) is over, there's an extacy that just washes over you.
If you have a daughter who wants to rock, then you should definately consider sending her to the summer session of Rock Camp for Girls. As camps go, it's really affordable, plus there are some scholarships available.Â
But if you're a doctor who wants to rock with the stars, go to London for that gig. Abbey Road. What a rush!
Headline from The Desert Sun on Tuesday December 8, 2009- "Record rainfall soaks desert. Â Power outages, street closures reported across Coachella Valley." Â Leave it to Oregonians to bring the rain on vacation. Â I thought I had packed well. Â The first sign that we were going to be missing things was when we were at the airport and discovered that we had the iPod dock, but not the iPod itself. Â Then I remembered that I had forgotten a stack of DVD's that I was going to bring. Â Oh yeah, and a sweatshirt. Â Hey, we were going to the desert where it's usually in the low 70's this time of year. Â How bad could it be? Â
"According to the National Weather Service, 1.12 inches of rain was recorded at the Palm Springs International Airport as of 8pm, surpassing the previous 1992 record of 0.90 inches on the same day. Â Monday's precipitation almost doubled the total amount of rain the valley has received all year." Â Did you get that? Â On one day it absolutely poured, and we were there. Â We were not only just there, we were out in it. Â Hey, just a little rain, let's go somewhere! Â Like shopping. Â We discovered very quickly that we also forgot to pack an umbrella. Â Being Northwest people, not a big deal. Â Being in the American Southwest, a very big deal since they also don't believe in rain gutters on their buildings. Â Going in and out of stores, we were soaked as the waterfalls poured off the tile roofs. Â Okay, enough of this we thought. Â Let's go back to the place where we were staying. Â
When it rains this much in the desert, there really isn't a lot of places for the water to go. Â That's why there are washout areas left vacant all over the place. Â Before it reaches the washouts, it floods the streets, where we were driving. Â In fact we had just gone down Ramon Road right before they closed it due to high water. Â It also snowed in the upper elevations, and then at night, the rain stopped, and the wind started blowing. Â That whistling, howling, blowing sound that you hear in scary movies about haunted houses. Â I put in ear plugs and went to sleep. Â
The next morning we woke up to sunshine, and snow on the mountains. Â It was beautiful. Â I resumed swimming for the rest of the vacation. Â Read three books. Â Lounged. Â Rented movies since I had forgot the ones I was going to bring along, and drove around the Coachella Valley in an amazing rented luxury car pretending I could actually afford to live there. Â I know, not very green, but boy, it was fun! Â
I think vacations are about pretending. Â Relaxing of course, but pretending is part of the experience for me. Â Wherever we go, I always get those local real estate pamphlets and look longingly at the pretty pictures of modestly huge estates (there is such a thing as too big...really) Â and pretend I've just won the lottery. Â I have a very fertile imagination. Â Not very original I know, but fertile. Â I also buy them mentally for friends and family. Â My fantasies are generous. Â Isn't that what drives us to buy the dollar ticket on the way out of the grocery store, or to the casino? Â The idea that it could happen. Â My dad says that the fantasy is worth the dollar a week. Â Investment companies tell you that the $52 per year invested and compounded would help when you're old and don't give a crap about going on vacation anymore. Â Thank you Suze Orman. Â Go bust someone else's bubble. Â
So, we're back now and missed the record cold here in the Portland area. Â For that I'm very grateful. Â And the rain is back, which is par for the course.
While looking at information on Abbey Road Studios, I found this incredible site about recording studios around the world. I'm such a studio geek. I love the equipment, even if I don't know how to use it all, I love it. I love how it looks, how it glows, and mostly what it can do. I used to have a huge fear of screwing things up and being yelled at by technical wizards such as our own amazing Bob Brooks, but after many years of not abusing the equipment, and actually being the one who cleans the board in our own studio, the fear has subsided...a bit.
