Run run run!

After many weeks walking with a boot and/or cane, I completed my first run today. The last time I ran, 117 days ago, was in the Rock n Roll Marathon on June 1st, in which I placed 76th in a time of 2:56.18. Since then I have been hobbled by at first a stress fracture and later by a tendon problem in my left foot. My run today was a 20 min run through Balboa Park on the grass and trails. Though terribly out of shape, I was so happy to be out there. Cross your fingers that my foot holds up.

My Morning Jacket

9/25/08

My Morning Jacket show. I bought two tickets about a month ago in anticipation of this show. As the show approached, I had casually asked a couple people to go to the show with me, but none of them could. It got down to crunch time and I tried everyone I know in San Diego, and few outside of SD. I went to the show hoping that I could maybe sell it, or even just give it away.

When I got the the Open Air Theater (or as Jim James called it - with a reference to Wilford Brimley - “the OAT”), no one seemed to be buying, and by that point I was happy to just give it away. But even then, no one was interested. So I left it at the counter at Starbucks after getting a cup of coffee. I can't say that I didn't get anything for the ticket because the guy behind me in line thought it was cool and gave me props.

The irony in the whole thing is that I could have had a free ticket because MMJ donated a portion of their ticket proceeds to the Foundation For Change, the non-profit on whose Grant Making Committee I sit. So it goes.

I had never been to the OAT before – it's right in the middle of SDSU's campus – and as the name suggests, it's an outdoor amphitheater. A really wonderful place to see a show; I doubt there is a bad seat in the house. Weirdly enough, it backs right up to the library (you can see the stacks through the window). I could see a loud rock-concert being somewhat disturbing if you are trying to study... good thing this is SDSU.

I noticed that there were two mini stuffed bears with dresses on on either side of the stage – quite curious. One of them came into play towards the end of the set, when the aforementioned James puled it over and played some strange stringed instrument that was on top of it.

I actually got chills during this concert. The only concert that I have seen that comes close to this was when I saw Fishbone at the 9:30 club in DC 10 or 12 years ago. And I think this show may have topped that. Two and half hours of straight rock n' roll!!! Just amazing. He (James) is quite the performer. Loved his dance moves (reminded me a bit of my own, I'll have to say) and the leg kicks. Though, from my perspective he looked a bit like a cross between Rob Zombie and Cactus Jack. Regardless, I thank you Mr. James for the best live musical performance I have ever witnessed.