Yesterday during lunch, my brother and I were having a discussion about treating your girl friends when you guys are out. He contended that it isn’t necessary and doesn’t feel obliged to do it just because they’re girls. To a point I agree with him. It isn’t necessary but, I do anyway because I want to. There’s the operative phrase, I want to.

When I’m with my girl friends I occasionally treat them out because I want to. I do not do it out of some obligatory rule of chivalry (though many men should learn about this word); nor do I do it because it is expected of me. I will do it because I think that the person I am with is special and deserves the best treatment I can give her.

I’ll be lenient a bit and say that there are exceptions to this. On dates I still think guys should pay for their partners. It is only but gentlemanly, however during any ordinary time it isn’t required; that is the sole exception (for now anyway). As long as I see my girl friends as important (when won’t I), and for as long as I have the means, I will not hesitate to pull my wallet out and reach for the check.

TITLE: ALWAYS YOUR WAY – MY VITRIOL

I have this favorite shirt that I use only at home (pambahay) that my mother, come to think of it everyone, thinks is worthy of being a rag. It’s full of holes, tattered in some areas, thin enough to see through it. I just love the shirt. It fits on me almost like a second skin. I’ve had this shirt since high school (when it was still new) and have worn it to sleep since. I know the end of this shirt is near. It’s more ratty than even. Soon it might not even be worth keeping as a rag. Only if there was a place to buy stuff like this.

TITLE: TORN – NATALIE IMBRUGLIA

I’ve waited over a week (two if you think about it) before I wrote this entry. After more than two and a half years of playing there, we closed Yaku down last January 26. It was both a very fun night, and a sad one. A lot of the people that helped make Overtone what it is now were all there. We even did three sets just because it was a special night.

Yaku holds a place in my band life that probably won’t ever be matched. I’ve met some of my closest friends there. Friends who are so a part of my life now that I incomplete when I’m without them (down to the last night we had a little row going on between us, but we quickly got out of it). From the very friendly staff that served the band dinners and drinks, the occasional joke; to owners who’ve made us a part of their family and made Overtone feel at home and special; they will all be missed.

We did have another “closing” party the following week, but it wasn’t the same. It was a “by invitation” sort of thing that to us, didn’t really count.

Thursdays will not be the same. We have moved to a new Thursday home at Il Ponticello. Hopefully we’ll have as much good times there as we did in Yaku. If last Thursday is any indication, life goes on.

The new owners of the place formerly known as Yaku have contacted us to play there again, but on Wednesdays. We’ll see how that goes.

(see pictures from that night by visiting my multiply account at beingfrank.multiply.com)

TITLE: CIRCLE OF LIFE – ELTON JOHN

Have you ever wondered about the choices you’ve made in the past? Specifically the turning points in your life where you know you decisions will take you one way and away from another? Once you go down one path, there’s no coming back (well there are extreme cases where you can). I just end up quoting a famous bunny by saying “I should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque” when that happens.

I’ve been thinking about that and the choices I still have to make. Even the small things these days seem to be major forks in the road. Thinking about it can really drive you nuts. I’ve got to be less uptight about it (but not less responsible). Relax. Learn to go with the flow. Let go of my conscious self. I’ll be a much happier fellow.

TITLE: CROSSROADS – ERIC CLAPTON

I’m having fun. Don’t know the last time I felt this way. For once, I actually feel special. I could be thinking too much and imagining, most likely. But for the moment, all is good. Alas, I know it is but temporary.

TITLE: SPECIAL - GARBAGE