Tedster Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Hey, a longer than natural (again) pause from Chipster. Or did I miss some of his posts? Chip...everything okay? (Stupid question)...okay, let me rephrase that...everything not [i]overwhelmingly[/i] depressing? Talk to us, dude... "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gus Lozada Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 He posted [url=http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003197]TODAY[/url] at George Massemburg's forum. I guess he's ok. Músico, Productor, Ingeniero, Tecnólogo Senior Product Manager, América Latina y Caribe - PreSonus at Fender Musical Instruments Company Instagram: guslozada Facebook: Lozada - Música y Tecnología www.guslozada.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Tedster: [b]Talk to us, dude...[/b][/quote]I'm barely here. Since ... I'm so tired my memory is playing tricks on me, which for me is really saying something (I think?) uhmm. about 2 weeks ago I've been leaving straight from work to this office strip complex where I'm renting an office with 3 other guitar teachers to run a "music school" - problem is: I had to unscrew about (literally) 1,000 screws from some gigantic shelving units at the old store I used to work at, in order to take the wafer board and 2x4's to use to wall out the office we're moving into. Disassemble about 20 sheets of wafer board, cut into oddball shapes, plus oddball lengths of 2x4's and so forth.. That took about 3 days of work AFTER work. Haul all of it over to the new place. Tear out a wall. put up a new wall with the assorted donor bits. Reroute wiring, put up another wall, take out another one, frame another... plus try to deal with making oddball pieces of wood work, unpacking a storeroom full of scrap lumber to get more wood, fill it back up, take it back out because something else was needed behind 2 hours worth of junk to be moved, repeat, just an infinite variety of hassle ... One of the teachers can't really nail a nail. The other one - well, he's put in about 6 hours of time involved in mostly loading the wood up and moving it in his truck. Has to be home with his kids he says at night,.. (?)... So basically, for about 2 weeks: Teach guitar from 1:30 to 7 Stop at fast food place and scarf down something scary Go do construction from 7:30 until about 2 am (what time is it? ah...)... I took a break uhm... wednesday night, because a friend died of cancer. The following day had to get up and go to the funeral in another state at 8 am, then go to work, then go do construction until 2 am again.. Meanwhiule, one of the other guitar teachers - who used to be a student of mine, a friend since 5th grade - freaks out, calls me everyname in the book for about 2 hours on the phone, because I don't have 3 rooms all of equal size- that, eventhough his room at the new place will be larger than what he had at the store to teach in, it's not quite as large as what I'll have, so I'm being unfair by not letting him have the slightly larger room, I'm an asshole, (this is after he had already seen the room and agreed it was big enough) then he sees the room for the second time and says "yeah, I guess it's bigger than I thought", then he freaked out again and demanded he not pay as much rent, then .. there's a numnber of fun sidebars like that going on, then..(whatever0 Took a break last.. sunday night, no, wait, worked all day sunday there, just didn't work that night because my mother went into the hospital to have surgery for breast cancer last monday, so I basically stayed up all night sunday after that and since she had to be at the hospital at 6 am just stayed up until.. well, I stayed at the hospital monday night with her (masectomy, hadn't yet spread to the lymph nodes thankfully), uhmm. stayed up all that night since she had to basically have help all night, so I went to work tuesday (hmm.. that was 2 nights in a row without sleep after working all day sunday, 15 or so hours saturday, hmm) anyhow, Got to have the place ready for students by monday. Still have to put up a window in one room (parents have to be able to look in), hang a door, cut out a sill for ANYHOW, I'll be there until 1 or 2 tomorrow night, probably all day sunday and sunday night, and I'm hop9ing that will be enough because I'm beyond exhausted. Things just keep happening that seems to compress my life into an impossivble situation. I mean, tomorrow I have to teach from 10:30 oto 7 pm, a marathon, and I get home to see my room mate - who is supposed to be moving out this month HOPEFULLy, is having a yard sale tomorrow, AT 6:00 AM, which means he'll be up at 5 which means I'm not going to be able to sleep while he's hauling all this junk out of the house tomorrow morning, I mean, it just goes on and one. One thing happens after another that makes my life that much more copmressed into an impossible state. When i'm I supposed to sleep?I'm skipping meals to make up for time, I've got a power bill in front of me I' haven't had time to take care of, No, I did take time to pay it online (when I made the reply in George's forum), I haven't paid my isnurance, frick, and I've also got to get a phone for the new place, and a banner since we don't ahve a sign yet and Just on and on and on, and that's only about 2%, literally, of what's going on... I have one payment left on my stupid car, and my clutch is going out, I can't shift into 3rd and 4th sometimes,.. there was this pretty artist that asked me to come to one of her shows last.. friday()?) I couldn't because I didn't have time, there's about 10 other things i had to let go, not to mention what reeally kills me is that I haven't had the time to spend with my mother while she's been deathly ill, not to mention all of this happens (FATE:" hey, the place where you run your business is closing so you'd better find another place to work... oh yeah, by the way, your mother has cancer. " (among like I said a lot of other things I'm forgetting about because I don't have room for them in my nbrain right now), anyhow, I have to put on a happy face for my mother, but of course she knows I'm in a screwed up situation, then I'll shut up. I've been working about 12 hours or more everyday (aoround 16 on saturday and sundays) for over 2 weeks now, and the rest of the time dealing with a bunch of other things that is just a grueling hassle of screwed up coincidence (friends dying of cancer, my mother, problems with my father, friends freaking out, best friend basically betraying me, another set of friends acting weird at a really bad time (mad because I dont' have time to do anything, when it's obvious I REALLY DON'T???), car breaking down, geez, the highway I take to work is being repaired this week, takes an extra half hour to get to work on a road that normally takes about 5 minutes, room mates computer breaks down, wants me to fix it since I'm the computer guy, I DON'T HAVE THE TIME, mad at me for that, mad because instead of doing exactly what I told him to do as far as .. anyhow, just and endless menagerie of unrelated problems happening all at the same time) . I don't know if I'm "here" or not. The funny thing is, my body feels totally exhauseted, and sometimes I see spots and get dizzy, but my brain is wide awake. My medium term memory is shot, that's a curious thing. Hammering nails forever and sawing is ruining my picking technique I've noticed at work. I'm just numb, MAN, I haven't even seen Attack of the Clones yet! Unreal, it's been out what, for over a week now??? that's really sad to me... I remember saying something to Lee about coming up to Atlanta and seeing the Dogtown documentary, but that's right when things started getting out of hand, I can't remember when that was... I'd better stop and try to "sleep", I have a fun filled day of around 16 hours of work to look forward to. Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 no, wait, I'm not finished (g) (I know I should be after that) FOR INSTANCE... the notion that it looks like this place is closing up shop; and I'd like to try to archive some of the things I've posted here, but of course right now - I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR ENERGY... I also forgot, in the other room I have a brand freaking new custom made guitar by John Suhr. Had it for 3 weeks now. I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO PLUG IT IN AT HOME YET. The post about Wolfram's book I made (was that today? SEems like yesterday) caiught my eye while I was trying to eat a powerbar for breakfast/lunch before i went to work because I've been thinking about the nature of one's physical interaction with "the Universe In General" relative to strange attractors and probability curves being applicable on a macro scale instead of limited to just closed systems, and I found it amzingly coincidental (amonhg apparently everything else in my life right now) that post was sitting at the top when I pulled it up... I'd love to read that book, but I don't have that kind of money for it, and ha... outside the time I spend glancing through here at lunch (and after checking email at night) when I'm I going to be able to read anything at all? Whatever. Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobro Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Chip you are in desperate need of a good woman...maybe you should reconsider scoffing at my suggestion that you grow some Don Juan mustaches! Eh, it's just begun- soon you'll put your experiences into music and be laughed at for being "pretentious" because bourgeois mediocrity, comfort and conformism is god. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Sorry to hear you're in one of those deep chasms of coincidental garbage, Chip. Hope the storefront comes together ok. As for your friends that are PO'd because you have no time for them; Suggest they help a brother keep his life together by grabbing a hammer and meeting you at the work space. Even one more set of hands will make a huge difference in everything from speed of completion, to ease of work, to getting each portion correct the [i]first[/i] time you do it! :D I feel for you, regarding your hands. I've been filling time working at a scene shop here in Nashville. The work is, "easy," but boy it takes it's toll on a body. My hands are so achy from gripping heavy platforms, scenery, etc. that I have little desire to pick up my guitar. Have to find some work that's as enjoyable but lower impact on my body. I sincerely hope you find a better balance between the work situation and spending time with your mom. Is the space finished enough to give lessons now? If so, let the clientele know that family obligations will delay finishing although lessons will go on. I know you have to work to survive, but, do your best to get more sleep and more time with her. You'll remember that down the road. Good luck. It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wewus432 Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Hey Chip: Good to hear from you. You seem to have an extra gear that most people don't have. I'd like to get a sample of your DNA for study. Don't blow a gasket, man. Take some vitamins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sylver Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Hang in there Chip, it will level out soon. BTW, great news about your mom, once the big C gets to the lymph system, treating it becomes much more difficult(as I'm sure you are aware). As for all the work you're doing, keep your eyes one the prize, I'm sure it will pay off. I really don't know what to put here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted June 15, 2002 Author Share Posted June 15, 2002 Don't be afraid to prioritize. Your Mom...as much as you can. You also need to take care of yourself. Once in awhile giving it up for the Gipper is okay...but, if it leaves you in shambles it sucks. Then the job. A job won't do you any good if you're in the hospital due to exhaustion. Good luck, keep us posted! And don't be afraid to use the immortal words "Fuck off" for those that insist you pull superhuman feats of stamina. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
not coaster MODERATOR Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Ya know Chip, the good thing about these marathon binges is that they DO end sooner or later. I've been through a few of them in my life and one thing I can say is how good you feel when you look back at all you accomplished in a very short time. It's very stressful knowing if YOU don't make it happen then it won't happen. But you'll be a much more self-confident person as soon as this settles down and you get a rest. Are you guys using nail guns or hammers? As for your mom, be brave--and I'm sure you don't mind if your Dogtown Bro in spirit prays for her. You're doing a good thing Chip. Don't quit now. Always your friend, Cereal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Wing Posted June 15, 2002 Share Posted June 15, 2002 Someday your strings will always and forever be in tune. Remember you can pick better than any of those other 1352 guitar players can. Things will get better. There are two theories about arguing with a woman. Neither one works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted June 16, 2002 Share Posted June 16, 2002 Hey, wow, thanks everyone... just got in from putting up trim in a hallway, resurfacing a section of paneling in said hallway, cutting trim pieces to frame 3 windows (with a plastic mitre box I had to hold with one hand while sawing with the other.. ahgg), put up a small sound barrier/wall next to a heater/ac unit to try to isolate it in a utility room so another teacher can worrk in there, hauled about 30 sheets of panelling out of a storage room not only AGAIN, but 3 times, hung a door - after having to chisel out a very green 2X4 nailed into a cement foundation, then rewire romex, cut more studs, .. just on and on and on and on. Covered in saw dust, ceiling spackling, fiberglas, No nail guns. Trying to learn to hammer with my left hand when my right arm cramps up, but it doesn't work too well. The weird thing is - I slept maybe an hour before I HAD to be awake thanks to my room mate's yard sale... then off for 9 hours of guitar lessons prior to going to the "construction job".. actually felt like I was getting sick, like the flu around about 10 pm, but that passed and right now I feel basically like I feel around maybe 6 am normally. This is actually sort of bothersome because I SHOULD be much, much more exhausted. I was fighting nodding off sitting in my car once I parked at the new office, but that passed - and now I'm .. sort of "dull" feeling, but not as tired as I felt BEFORE I did all of the construction work tonight. That doesn't make sense. I've got more stuff to do tomorrow STILL... trim around the door, panel around the door, install a window in that room, hack a hole in the wall in the other room, route an A/C duct to said hole in the wall, frame out the window going in a door to said utility room, uhmm.. about 15 other miscellaneous fairly-major jobs. THEN paint, THEN clean. Hopefully in time for lessons. Still have to get a new phone. Banner for a sign. I've still got to pay my insurance. Haul stuff from the store to the new place My car doesn't go into 3rd gear now, I've got to take care of that. plus 50 other things . Still hope to get some sort of computer going for my mom so she can get online. Need to go over there tomorrow night. Ahg, then the A/C in my parent's car has been broke, I've got to take care of that "somehow". Then.. It doesn't stop. Sooo much stuff is piled up, my brain is clogged up, I'm not thinking properly. I hate this. Thanks everyone, sorry I don't feel up to discrete/individual replies... Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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