Catch up and cancer (insert tough guy face)

In November, my two besties - Lori and Brenda - flew out to Colorado to visit. We shopped, we ate, some of us drank :-), we saw The Rouge in concert, we took pictures, we visited my mother-in-law, we facebook-ed, we shopped, we laughed a little (ok, a LOT) and cried a little . . . did I mention we shopped? Mostly, we got to see that we're all so connected at soul level and it's a shame we don't do this more. SOOOOO, we got some hair-brained scheme to do it a month later in San Francisco - which was awesome!!

Sometime after the November visit, we all got totally bombarded with cancer. We think Brenda caught it on the toilet seats in Denver. My sister grew it on her spine and then our other friend and neighbor from 1979-80, Kari, got it. Instead of sitting around crying about it - or I should say AFTER sitting around crying about it, we picked ourselves off, dusted off Denver and got to work. Our friend Kim FN, my wonderful rockstar cousin, Deanna, and many others started fighting cancer with us. We try to keep 'em laughing, shocked, and occasionally use a more scientific approach with Pop Rocks to blow this bad cell crap right outta there!

Thanksgiving at the Chatty-house was nice. Anytime my boys are here, it's fantastical! We ate, some of us drank, but all in all, we got through it without anyone ending up in the backyard singing "Oh Where Are My Pants Now?" Sean had to work (something about keeping the nation secure - whatev) so our dining table included Chatty, the Chatty Husband, The Chatty Baby, Chatty girl-dogs, the Chatty In-Laws, and my hairy nephew, Jakey.

The San Francisco BFF trip was great, may I say? We ate, drank, shopped, laughed, teared up a few times, laughed, computer-ed it up and even got an INCREDIBLE video of BFF Lori doing a very magical rendition of "I'm A Ballerina" with all the dance steps even! This video remains in my *private* collection to only be brought out upon approval of said starlet. Except for the 2 months The Rouge boys had access to it.

Christmas Eve was a plethora of fun at a Chinese buffet in Littleton, Colorado with the Chatty-Step Fam. We enjoyed Beth, Gale, David, Aaron, Amber, Amber's parents and brother, The Chatty In-laws, Chatty (duh!), Chatty Husband and Chatty Baby. (Again, Sean worked. Weird that always happens during family gatherings.) We did a gift exchange and I'm not saying who, but SOMEONE got bike-chafing butt creme from her brother. Hmmmm.

Christmas morning was just the Chatty Fam. We had a wonderful time opening such lovely gifts. Everyone was very thoughtful, but mostly we felt so lucky to have each other for the special Santa-mas Day. The Chatty In-laws joined us later in the day for a nice dinner. We enjoyed a day of movies and music and video games. And we napped. That may have been the Chatty-kid's favorite part!

New Year's brought a great party at the Roger's house. It's one of those places that with enough drinks one could get lost in it. I saw my first game of Beer Pong. I didn't play it tho. It's actually disgusting - but fun to watch! We watched a pool tourney but couldn't tell you who did what or who was best so I cheerlead-ed for both sides. We hung out until about 10:30 pm when the Chatty's were ready to collapse from sheer exhaustion - drinking is tough and tiring! We were asleep before the ball dropped.

Of course January brought some birthday's - BFF Lori, BFF big sis Shelly, Vonda, just to name a couple.

The Rouge boys, of which the Chatty Baby is drummer, continue to succeed in their quest for a great music career! They had a great show in Denver on January 19. They left for tour with Safety Suit and Parachute for SLC and Boise. They were invited to continue the tour through California, which is where they're headed as I write. A combination of huge talent and making great contacts is propelling their career to major success!! GO ROUGE GUYS!!

So, the tumor on my sister's spine has shrunk 70% after 2 chemo treatments. Her 4th chemo (or pole dance, as we call it) is the first week of February. We're crossing everything, hoping for that complete tumor to get knocked outta the block at some point very soon. Enough of this, Universe! I think everyone agrees that hair is over-rated. My cousin Deanna (superstar!) and I already got some hair removed in honor of Jen. She was thoughtful to not request us to shave our heads during winter but we still stepped up to her uh, OTHER challenge.

Brenda's 2nd chemo is on Monday. We're ready. Anti-cancer Ninja's are already at work. Brenda learned last night that my love has no limit. She wanted pictures of me doing cartwheels whether I was dressed for it OR NOT. I believe a few more bad cells died off due to my gymnastic porn. Bring it on, Bren!!

Kari has her first chemo the day after Jen's. It's scary, I bet, that first time. But she's ready. She's taking donuts to her nurses so they like her and give her the clean needle! During my workouts, with each strain I just imagine I'm stomping or pushing those bad cells outta her. I won't go so far to say I'm sweating, but when I GLISTEN PROFUSELY, I know it's for her and how can I NOT push myself even harder?

I'm training for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Run in Seattle in June. I'll be raising about $8400.00 toward the research and cure of blood cancers. The organization says that by 2015, blood cancers will be cured or managed. Wouldn't that be cool? I lost my dad to complications of leukemia and now with baby sister and her stOOPid Lymphoma - she calls OJ; I prefer Scaramunga - I gotta fight this fight!! Anyone in the northwest wanna join me in Seattle? I'd love the support of running this 1/2 marathon with you. But anyone who wants to wait for me at the finish line, I'd LOVE that support too! I think I'll put my sister in charge of preparing my Ipod with just the right motivating music and messages to keep me going. It sounds like it will be very cool and I'm planning on using that day to celebrate her REMISSION!!!

All good, positive, energetic, motivated and determined energy to ya! This year 2010 belongs to Jen, Bren and Kari - I love you each and plan to celebrate OUR remissions soon!!

Chatty Kat

I've got a secret.

I have a secret and it's not about who-kissed-who-down-by-the-well. It's BETTER!! It involves The Rouge show this weekend. I can't tell and I sure want to tell but I've sworn myself to secrecy. I don't want to jinx this specialness. But once the secret is out (Friday afternoon) I promise to share!!



It's not the "Don't ask; don't tell" sort of secret. I just can't tell. Almost like I wouldn't tell anyone what my Halloween costume was but then I posted a gazillion pictures of it once I dressed up. It involves hugging, kissing, drinking, taking pictures, karaoke and possibly another romp or two in the Scooby costume. It will definitely include laughing, giggling, pointing, Oh-My-Goshing, and double daring.



And when it's all over, it will most likely be all tears, pinky swears and more hugging. And there will be pictures. LOTS of pictures!! And video footage. And if I'm really lucky, there will be cops. And if I'm SUPER lucky, those cops will be strippers.



And this, folks, is a mystery for Scooby Dooooooo! ('Cept without the camouflaged video projector and Ol' Man Pritchard.)

Happy Birthday to you!

So yesterday was a very important day in the Chatty household! The Chatty-Husband turned 50 years old, to which I cringe as I write. On the upside, the alternative to NOT turning 50 is not so nice, so we'll take it. He took the day off work and spent it with me - ChattyKat.

I did my best to entertain him, although I had a meeting and a doctor appt. During which times, in the interest of keeping him entertained, I left him with a list of things to do around the house. I'm only thinking of him being bored. AND I need to squeeze out as much work as possible before he gets too old to do anything!

The exciting part of our day, besides eating lunch at Guiseppe's Depot was going to Denver and meeting both Chatty-boys for dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Our whole fam hadn't been together since . . . awhile ago when we all went to Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my late birthday. The evening is always hysterical when we're together. We made big plans for Thanksgiving together, which is probably the next time we'll gather as a foursome.

Ron got an apple pie from his mom (YUM!), a Barnes and Noble gift card from his mother-in-law and a video camera from me! It's some minute little video camera that looks like something James Bond might use. And since the Chatty-Husband is known for infiltrating the country's enemies, it may come in handy. Or he can use it to get some great drumming footage on November 6, with the club owner being none the wiser! Oh, we're sneaky-sneaky-no-peaky types.

We had a really great evening on October 19. It doesn't get any better than spending an evening together.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Megan!!

Winter is here WAY too soon!

Yesterday in Colorado Springs was pretty cold. Well, pretty damn cold. My car, which I am unable to park in the garage because we have too much shtuff, was parked in the driveway and covered with snow. I had to (gulp!) scrape my windows. I was not happy about this. Now today the ground is covered with ice. Walking to Starbucks this morning looked reminiscent of a dance step I once used to scale the stairs at Laurelwood (ok, I was tripping and trying not to fall.) This reminds me that on my list of stuff to do before I die, I plan to recreate the Jennifer Grey dance practice down the steps to the LAA Adm. So, charge your video camera's. I'm sure this footage will end up on youtube and POSITIVE it will make the AFV semi-finals. And hoping no one ends up in the emergency room.

Oh yeah. Cold. Colorado Springs. So, we've cranked up the heat and we're waiting for a landscape-y guy to come blow out our sprinkler system (which sounds way dirtier than I hope it really is.) We're prepared to bundle and hibernate. Course, it's Colorado and it will probably be in the 70's in a couple weeks.

I hate the weather here in Colorado. We have two seasons and they are usually both in the same day. But as long as the Chatty-boys live in Colorado, well, here I'll be. I do like driving west toward the base of Pikes Peak. That's a pretty great view. When you can see it. We're totally overcast right now, but I must admit that while we only have two seasons, we have sunny skies nearly year round.

'Scuse me now. I must go iron my white high-waters and dust off my Keds. I have some dance steps to practice. Spotter anyone??

A Little Behind

It's been awhile, I know. Let's see . . . a bunch o' crap happened at work. I left work. Got a new job. Love it! The Chatty #1 son is doing well (altho suffering from side effects of stupid flu shot as I write) and was recently promoted in the Air Force. The Chatty #2 son is doing spectacular as well. The Rouge is getting signed soon. Offers are being offered and lots of thinking/talking/meditating. I'm as proud as any chatty-mom could be! Chatty husband is doing lots of home renovations right now. The Chatty's moved into a house in July and (TG) don't live at my old job anymore. What a nightmare that was!

My sister has shamed me into updating this blog and I really hate not keeping up. So, maybe I can be a little more update-y for the future. (Here's wishing . . .)

Oh, and today is The Chatty-friend, Elliot's birthday. Happy Birthday, birthday-guy!!

My Sister Made Me Do This AGAIN!

1. What’s the first thing you wash in the shower?
   my face
2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
   white - it's the only one I own now
   
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
   yes
4. How are you feeling right now?
   tired and a little overwhelmed right now
5. What’s the closest thing to you that’s red?
   cracker jack bag in trash (NOT mine!)
6. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
   something depressing that had to do with work, I think
   
7. Did you meet anybody new today?
   nope
8. What are you craving right now?
   melons - every color
   
9. Do you floss your teeth?
   twice everyday - I feel dirty if I don't
   
10. What comes to mind when you hear “cabbage”?
    Patch Dolls?
11. Are you emotional?
    yeppers!
    
12. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
    no but I smell a challenge!
13. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
    spoon and lick it
    
14. Do you like your hair?
    mostly no
    
15. Do you like yourself?
    am I s'posed to?
    
16. Would you go out to eat with Oprah?
    no way - she'd find all sorts of stuff wrong with me and I'd become her mission project that's just depressing to think about
17. What are you listening to right now?
    Drop Dead Diva - GREAT show!
    
18. Would you go sky diving?
    I'd sooner swim with sharks - and I'd NEVER swim with sharks (on purpose)
    
19. Have you ever met a celebrity?
    Does Jackie Mason count? And does it count if I just stalked him but didn't formally introduce myself?
    
20. Do you rent movies often?
    no
21. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
    my ring
22. How many countries have you visited?
    one outside of the US that I was sober enough to remember
23. Have you made a prank phone call?
    It's been many years, ok??
24. Do prefer brown or white eggs?
    everything white is CLEANER
    
25. Do you use ChapStick?
    only out of desperation - it belongs to Sean
    
26. Do you own a gun?
    Ron bought me a pink pearl handled one but it didn't load right and I've never gotten it fixed. I don't even know if we still have it (locked in a gun safe)
    
27. Can you use chopsticks?
    no and I have no desire to learn
    
28. Who are you going to be with tonight?
    Sean and Shelby
    
29. Are you too forgiving?
    not terribly
    
30. When was the last time you cried?
    only moments ago . . .
    
31. What was the last question you asked?
    "Can I please help??"
    
32. What is your favorite time of year?
    Fall
33. Do you have any tattoos?
    two and I love them
34. Are you sarcastic?
    Can I get you cheese with that whine??
    
35. Have you ever walked into a wall?
    ya mean today?
36. What’s your favorite color?
    green - many shades
    
37. Have you ever slapped someone?
    no but I ran over one of Stephen's friends once
    
38. Is your hair curly?
    wavy - I brush the wave/curl out every morning
    
39. What was the last CD you bought?
    The Rouge, “Heat & Light”
40. Do looks matter?
    looks ALWAYS matter - do you want cheese with that whine?
    
41. Is your phone bill sky high?
    With 5 phones on our cell bill, I spend more on AT & T every month than most people spend on their car payment
    
42. Do you like your life right now?
    with one exception
    
43. Do you sleep with the TV on?
    every once in awhile
    
44. Can you handle the truth?
    yes
45. Do you have good vision?
    it's ok - could be worse
    
46. Do you hate or dislike more than three people?
    easily
47. How often do you talk on the phone?
    I tend to e-mail or text more often than I talk on the phone
48. Who was the last person you held hands with?
    Ron
49. What are you wearing?
    tshirt/jammie pants
50. What is your favorite animal?
    Shelby
    
51. Can you hula hoop?
    with practice
    
52. Do you have a job?
    Yes
53. Have you ever crawled through a window?
    Yes
54. What was the most recent thing you bought?
    Landscaping

The Rouge Rocked it!!

Last Night's Show: The Rouge at Red Rocks

By Kiernan Maletsky in Last Night's Show

Wednesday, Jul. 8 2009 @ 8:55AM

Kiernan Maletsky

Imagine that you are a member of the Rouge. You've just completed your first tour. One of the stops was at L.A.'s Knitting Factory, where you played for six labels and a couple of them showed interest. Less than a week later, you come home and play Red Rocks, which I hear is a big deal.

Imagine the feeling of stepping onto that stage, hollowed ground, only a couple years removed from living in a tent in your friend's backyard in Baker. Can you imagine what that would feel like?

These guys aren't too cool to enjoy this. Not even close. There's a wall backstage where bands have signed. The Rouge signed somewhere between Coldplay and the Beatles. They cried, all of them, when they stepped onstage (it's worth noting here that they had to tell me this later. It's not like they were bawling through their introduction.).

I should be clear: the members of the Rouge have no grand delusions about what's happening here. They understand they're opening for a comedian who's opening for a Bugs Bunny cartoon, which is opening for Jaws. Bassist Jack Egan said after the show he was surprised at how supportive the crowd was. And I pretty much agree with him. I mean, it was a rock and roll show where everyone was sitting down, so that's not perfect, but the people down front were treating the guys like bona fide stars, and even the stragglers in the back were tapping along or swaying contentedly. But that's gravy. At this point, just being here is unbelievable enough.

Kiernan Maletsky

I've never seen the Rouge before, so I don't know if Josh Vaught has always thrown his arm into the air every couple minutes or if that was his way of expressing his euphoria. Either way it was a fitting gesture, his index finger extended like they just won a damn championship. I don't think I've ever seen a drummer smile as much during a set as Steve Voss did last night. They were playing hard, sure, but that wasn't going to stop guitarist/keyboardist Adam Call from mugging for the photogs crawling all over the stage. They've got this androgynous slink to their stage demeanor; a little glitter on the drums, a lot of exposed chest, and Vaught cocking his hip to belly-button height. Yet there's more than enough stubble and sweat to go around. It's all rock and roll.

We like this band at Westword, and I get the sense that our enthusiasm is waxing. The addition of a third guitar, handled by Mike Griffith, allows the band to drape even more warm harmony on their songs. Vaught has the sort of voice that fills your head, the sort that earnest songwriters have been using for years to make people believe, not just pop music but the inherent goodness of humankind. They've told us before that they're out to make people feel better about things.

Unsurprisingly, the big fancy sound system at Red Rocks suits the Rouge. It makes heady music headier, it gives the swells drama and the a cappella breakdowns echo. A guy sitting near me, who has been ready on every fill with his air drum kit, yells a request, "Six Shooter!"

Half the band looks in his direction and points. This is too much. He gets his request one song later.

The set ends with the title track from their EP Heat & Light. The sound in Red Rocks falls back to chatter, the dealings of the hemp ice-cream vendor, the wry MC. The Rouge go to work breaking down their equipment and manning the crowded merch table. They spend the next hour signing autographs and hugging fans. Don't be surprised if their debut LP isn't self-released.