Michiko's space

It's a tragedy: the band broke up. Yeah, the kids just couldn't get along. Isn't that always the way? I've tried to stay out it and let them deal with it as kids do. I figure if I put pressure on them to stay together, they won't just to spite me. And in any case you can never tell. The best thing is that my kids have discovered a propensity towards music that can put them on a pretty exciting path in life. Yeah, I'm a little jealous but I can live. The worst part actually is that I've had to call off my class reunion people search. It sounds stupid but I was looking forward to showing off my musically talented kids to all those bozos from high school. Now there's little reason to have a reunion at all because what's the point of inviting your old classmates over if it's not to gloat and feel superior? Since I've called it off however I feel a little bad about having gone through all those marriage records to find them. I had so much dirt! And now I'll never be able to use it. Ugh, maybe I should start my own band. My kids tell me it helps get out their aggression. I need some of that right about now.

So the party was amazing! The band went over well and my Jello Sundaes went over even better. Which I felt good about (maybe, a little, but the day really belonged to the band). The kids have definitely gotten the live bug. Now they're practicing every day and cold calling venues. It's pretty inspiring to see, although if they do get a gig I'm totally going to run a background check on the owner. Nobody rips my kids off! I've heard way too many horror stories about sleezy club owners and stuff. I'd rather they just kept playing at home for now.

Actually the kids aren't the only ones who've gotten a big kick out of partying; I've been inspired to throw another party, too. This one's going to be a class reunion, if I can find people to attend. It's been longer than I'd like to admit since I was in high school. Do you have any tips about finding your old classmates after years have passed? If not, it's no big deal. I can always throw a different kind of party. God, now I've got the party bug! It is summertime though, so all is forgiven. Bring on the fiestas and the rockin' teenage band!

After many weeks of practicing, the band finally has a gig! Well, sort of. They're playing at my sister's backyard birthday barbecue (a BBBQ!). It's not a paying gig and there aren't going to be agents there or anything, but I think the kids ought to make some noise before a friendly audience before heading out and playing for a disinterested crowd. I still want the kids to think it's a big deal (even if it's not really) so I want to find people to attend. I'm going through my address book, checking out my alumni directory from school, etc. Just regular people. The BBBQ is next month so I have plenty of time to pad out the guest list. I'll definitely be cooking my famous jello sundae for the party! Hopefully the kids have a lot of fun up there, not taking it too seriously. I don't think they should. They're a good band but not all dreams come true. If they get disappointed I'll just show them that there are alternatives to happily ever after. Because there are. Man, can't wait for the party!

Okay, so after that scam artist dropped by last month, it actually got our kids thinking about wanting an agent. I had to explain to them that an agent is something that you get way, way later in your career - like after you've done a couple dozen gigs and writing your own songs. They don't quite get it. They think you can just do a people search for one, since a people search was how I figured the last one was a fraud. I explained that's not how it works, but I'm having trouble convincing them. I search searching for something I could show them to prove it but I just found sure signs you're dealing with bracket guy, which kind of worked, I guess. Now, I just need some help with how to relieve stress.

I mentioned that my kids and my sister's kids and my kids and my step-half-brothers' kids (is that who they are? dear internet, please confirm) are all playing music together in a band. It all seemed like good fun. Then, one day a guy knocked on my door and he introduced himself as an agent/producer/whatever, and he couldn't help but overhearing the noise in the garage - our kids were practicing in there at the time - so he asked if he could just come in to listen to them. He seemed harmless enough, since we live in a pretty nice neighborhood, so, sure, I invited him in. Things started to get a little bit fishy when he was thrilled by their music. He tapped me on the shoulder in the garage, so we went into the living room, and he started gushing, "They're amazing!" he said. "They could be stars!" I asked him for his business card and did a quick people search on him. Sure enough: scam artist. See how useful people search is, being able to do a background search on all sorts of weasels? Hey, did you guys hear about that blogger who pretended to commit suicide? Here's a funny rant to 90 day jane