Feed the Birds

Ever tried to sprint into a 20 mph headwind in order to escape a bird trying to tear through your helmet and eat your brains? (Or protect its fledglings, depends on your perspective).

It's hard.

Really hard.

It hurt. A lot.

But I escaped. Hopefully without bird flu.

This Weekend DaVinci Cried

Rennaisance Faire from Gary O'Brien on Vimeo.

Got the father of the year nomination when at the Renaissance Faire I borrowed money from my daughter to buy beer.

When you watch the above video you'll understand why.

Oh Yeah

Passing Strange soundtrack is out. Go buy the "pre-release release" from iTunes. (Warning: Will launch iTunes.)

It's pretty darn good. Having issues with hearing other people singing with Stew's phrasing and rhythms. I'm used to Heidi doing it, but hearing another guy doing a Stew turn of the phrase is just weird.

I have to admit that the ending surprised me. Having not seen the show, it's hard to actually know how it resolves (nor should you tell me) but the way it ends is an interesting choice.

State of the Union

Not riding nearly enough because of work and weather. Compared to last year my fitness sucks. Granted, it's better than average, but still.

Then, today is the last day of Kindergarten. Can't believe that.

And in less than a month a teenager will be living in this house. Wow. When I started dating her mom she was just about to turn three. It's been an interesting decade.

You Brush Your Teeth

Brush Your Teeth from Gary O'Brien on Vimeo.

Gert's way in the back. Third to last when they leave the stage.

My Stupid Brother Part II

Jeff Tweedy
Originally uploaded by scifitwin

So we all went to see Wilco on Friday night. Of course, anyone who knows me knows I love Wilco. Listen to their music constantly, have all the albums, all the b-sides, all the single tracks from soundtracks and on and on and on (which that's even a Wilco reference).

My big brother got me into the after show thanks to Jeff's Aunt. I had the opportunity to talk to Jeff for a few minutes about music, he thanked me profusely and kindly and patted me on the back. Probably because he thought I was a total farb. Actually, I told him I didn't want to be a total Clark Griswold and I wouldn't take up too much time, which he thought was funny.

Still, it was a thrill for me. But probably not as thrilling as it was for Jeff to meet me, of course. Who wouldn't be thrilled to hear me mumble something incoherent, stutter and ultimately say something stupid.

Talked to Nels Cline about his bag and his shoes for a bit. Turns out we have the same taste in shoes, and he has narrow feet. Nice guy, but he's an odd man. Of course, I'm the one who brought up the shoes.

All in all, great show and amazing after show experience. The next morning, while riding my bike and battling a raging headache from lack of sleep, I kept thinking how weird it was that I had actually chatted with Jeff Tweedy the night before. I know he's just a guy, but seriously, he has a few of those songs that I play in my head as my personal soundtrack. So it was a mixture of an honor and a surreal moment.

Thanks to my brother and Jeff's aunt!

My Stupid Brother

Met Jeff Tweedy last night.



Why didn't I go to the Thursday night show with him?