Devastated

I don’t know how to explain how devastated I am. I never thought I could be so upset about losing something material. I feel foolish- the way I have cried until I gagged. The way I couldn’t sleep and then slept too much. That I’m hungry but don’t feel like eating. The fact that I didn’t go to work today.

Last night I went to the Contemporary Art Museum to see Hafiz and Matt play. I had met them onblog and wanted to support local musicians. When I left around 9, I discovered that my car had been broken into. The small back passenger window had been shattered. A bag, emptied of my liturgical music books, and my black case of CDs had been stolen. Probably around 100 CDs.

Those of you who know me well might understand. Music is all that really matters to me. That collection was a definition of who I am and today, I feel like a part of me is gone. Many of the CDs, I won’t be able to replace. The one a Canadian I met in Amsterdam gave me. The mix CDs made by friends over the years whose artist names I don’t remember and they won’t likely either. The Willy Porter CD burned by my ex-boyfriend with his handwriting on it. And the Javier Mendoza Band CDs- early demos and those autographed by retired band members. Others might be quite difficult, but possibly replaceable. I already paid the library for the Beatles set that was stolen. Painfully, the CDs that meant the most to me will likely be the ones in the dumpster today. The thief is surely disappointed by my musical taste.

Most unfortunately, my insurance (neither car nor renters) is going to cover the CDs. The window will likely cost less than my $500 deductible. Money I don’t have. But a glitch says that if the CD player had been portable, it would have come from my apartment and therefore the player and CDs would be covered by renters. But since it was an in-dash player (regardless of the fact that it was not touched) the CDs are not covered. I would guess that aside from the immense emotional attachment I had to my CDs, they cost easily over $1000. At least.

I will be composing the best list I can of what is lost. I have already called certain friends who I know have artists I like. But I would appreciate any help in burning CDs until I can afford to replace them.

This Land is Whose Land?

My friend Kristi was talking about this cartoon like EVERYONE had seen it. But I hadn’t. It’s pretty damn hilarious.

Short reviews

Calendar Girls was a cute movie- cuter because it’s based on a true story. But it was pretty predictable. A little “roll-my-eyes” predictable. But I’m picky like that. Still really enjoyable though. I had some good laughs. So I do recommend it. Especially to my parents who are just the age of some of the ladies. Ha!

The Sniper’s Wife by Archer Mayor was the typical book on CD that I get for the road. It was enjoyable, but didn’t stand out as a favorite in any way. Of course, I invested less time in it because it was only 8.5 hours instead of the 12-16 I am used to now. The main character was hard to empathize with. The author made him that way- the tough guy and all. But it mattered less what happened to him then, you know? And the end was a bit shaky. It didn’t pull things together as well as I would hope. I didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t recommend you take the time.

Oil Change Gone Bad

The dummies didn’t put my engine oil cap back on. I got the oil change on Monday. After work last night, I am smelling gasoline in my car. At first I think it’s another car. Then I know it is mine, but don’t know what it means, so I ignore it- hoping it will go away. As I run errands, the smell gets stronger and I start to freak a little. I stop to check my gas cap. It’s on tight and there’s no moisture. I call my dad. Next time I stop, I look under the hood. It’s sopping under there. After a couple minutes I find the engine oil cap laying on its side. Apparently, the smell of oil burning on top of the hot engine is somewhat like gasoline. I’m taking the car back to the oil place to have them clean my engine etc. Idiots.

Giggle Giggle

I just went to Off Broadway’s website. So far, all they have up is my name for the Sept 17 release, but I am still giddy. I am e-mailing the planner-lady right now to get up some photos and a bio. Hehe. Hehe. This is just such a long time in coming that I am giggly about it.

No on Amendment 1

Tanya asked me to expound on my request that people vote NO on the upcoming constitutional amendments. First one’s first.

I am against Amendement 1. Since when did sticking a gambling boat somewhere become the answer to everything? Not only does it propagate bad habits in people, but also there are much healthier ways to stimulate an economy. Changing our constitution to allow a gambling boat on the White River is just an open door for more. This is exactly what the casino industry wants.

What most irritates me is the empty promise of money to schools through gambling profits. This is pure crap. I work in a school district. Sure, sometimes the gambling money comes (sort of) but it is only in place of other money that was formerly received from the state. So in the end, education doesn’t get anything more. It’s a smoke screen for voters.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is NOT supporting this Amendment. Please read this article. It explains better than I can. Make sure to note the article’s comments on the way advertisement wording has been manipulated, the empty promises to education and the fact that most casino patrons are in fact locals and not tourists.