Thursday, March 16, 2006

Something Cool

So how exactly does one attempt to pull oneself out of a funk?

Strategy #1:

Seek the support of those who understand exactly what you're going through.

Check.

And thank you.

Strategy #2:

Do something really cool with your kids during your son's "spring" break.

Well, a trip out of town just wasn't a good option (aside from the whole paying for said trip, it's snowing like bejeezus outside).

There was always indoor mini-golf, bowling, games of chess, checkers...

Fun? Yes, absolutely.

But-- Really Cool?

Uh... no.

We had to do something, because I did not want the visit with the endo to be the highlight of Joseph's vacation. Sure, we spent the rest of that afternoon at a bookstore.

But come on.

Soooo, here's what I came up with:

Take the kids to a local bar to see a rock concert (now that's something we've never done before).

At 11:30 in the morning.

Some might wonder who would play at a small club at such an early hour.

And really, who would Evan enjoy seeing (besides the Wiggles)?

Heck, who would Joseph like to see at his very first rock concert (besides Green Day or The All American Rejects or Fallout Boy)?

Bo Bice, that's who.



All right. Yes, I admit it. I watch that damn TV show.

For the last two seasons I've been totally sucked in. Though never satisfied with who "America" picks.

Yeah, I wanted Bo to win it. Probably best he didn't though, because then he'd likely never play a venue as small as the one we visited today.

Of course, the kids love the show. You should see Evan cheering on her favorites (Bo last year, this year it's Chris-- man, she just loves those rockers).

Anyhow, the kids were ecstatic when I proposed the outing. And happily, the bar was only 15 minutes from our house, thus the journey through all that snow was not bad at all.

The only tough part was wondering if we'd get in.

Waiting in the bar's vestibule, hoping to be lucky enough to get a seat inside.



And yes, we were very lucky-- bar stools above the dance floor less than 30 feet from center stage. How cool is that?




(Note the "cheese curds" on the "Bo Bice Lunch Menu"-- a nice Wisconsin touch. And no, we did not partake.)



So, how was Mr. Bice?

Well, the man was all right (she types with a smile). Just a really fun show. A very tight band. And yes, this guy can sing.



I only wish I could have gotten snaps of the kids rockin' out, but I was too busy rockin' out right along with them...

I ask you, does it get any better than a wad of gum and your first concert t-shirt?



Postscript: To the many Bo Bice Fans who've found this entry.

Thought ya'll might like to know that fame has not gone to the man's head.

Before the show yesterday, in the midst of a snowstorm, Mr. Bice stepped off his tour bus (wearing a short leather jacket and a knit hat) with his dog, and traipsed across the club's snow-covered parking lot.

For several minutes he stood out there, just waiting for his dog to do his business.

Didn't send a roadie to do the job. Did it himself.

19 comments:

Scott K. Johnson said...

Oh man - your kids are just awesome! I bet they had a blast.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your Bo Bice concert experience! It's so great to see people of all ages enjoying Bo Bice. He's so geniune and you can tell he loves music.

Anonymous said...

So glad you shared. Beautiful children, beautiful BO!

Anonymous said...

What a cool mom! I hope you and your kids had a blast. Isn't Bo the best?

Natalie said...

Hi,

I've been reading your blog for a while. I just wanted to de-lurk to say that I love your blog and I realy admire the way you are handling the diabetes situation. I also wanted to say your kids are gorgeous and you're an awesome mom :)

Natalie

Anonymous said...

What? Not cheering for Elliott to win this year? He's an insulin pump wearing diabetic! Come on!

Sandra Miller said...

:) Yeah, I know.

I would like to see Elliot go far for exactly that reason-- because you know that if he does, the potential to increase Type 1 awareness will be huge.

However, while I think he's very good, (sadly) I don't believe he's the best singer. Most of his performances have been a little boring for me. Though I'm hoping that will change...

But hey, why didn't you mention the other Type 1 in the competition?

Kevin.

Ah, but surely you're rooting for young Kevin ;)

Major Bedhead said...

I have no idea who Bo Bice is, but your kids sure look happy to have seen him. What a cool mum!

The Dog of Freetown said...

I echo what Nat said. And if I do but half the things you've done in your profile I'll be very proud of myself.

Anonymous said...

I admit- I've never watched that show... except when that William Hung guy was on. I probably should because I hear that the singers are really talented.

I am so glad that you all had a great time! What a cool mom!

Shannon said...

I don't know what happened to my comment I thought it went through.

Anyway, that is so cool that Bo was local! What a neat thing to do with the kids.

We all watch American Idol as a family and it's funny to hear the kids' assessments of who was good and who should be voted off.

Nicole P said...

You are the coolest, Sandra. And, your kids even think so -- quite a feat.

Oh, those rockers are sometimes totally amazing men. Evan and I have something in common -- that weak spot for a boy who can play a guitar and sing like he really, really means it. It never goes away. My first true crush (at around 7 or 8) was on Joey Ramone. I graduated to Mike Ness, Henry Rollins... etc. And my boy is the "King of Rock n Roll" - at least on our planet - which makes me the "Queen..."

So cool.

Jess Riley said...

That sounds like so much fun! (What a cool mom you are!!!) :-)

Have a great weekend!

Jamie said...

Sounds like fun Sandra! Looks like your kids had a blast - my husband cheered on Bo too, too bad he wasn't coming here for us to rock too as well :)

You really know how to have a great spring break without leaving town!

Rock on!

P.S. Your kids are gorgeous!

Penny Ratzlaff said...

I don't usually watch AI, so I've never heard Bo Bice sing before. I have watched a couple of episodes this year mainly because of Kevin and Elliot. Also, Chris Daughtry's grandparents live near here so I've been watching for him too.

I'm glad you were able to take them. You sound like such a fun mom. Both of your kids are very lucky to have you.

Johnboy said...

I admit it...I watch "that damn show" too from time to time! Sounds like a blast. You are sure a fun mom to those kids!

Kerri. said...

A first concert ... very very cool experience to be able to share with your kids. And to see the man who walks his own dog? Double points!

Andrea said...

I'm guilty as charged, I watch it too :o). I'd like to see Elliot in the finals and, also, Chris Daughtry (sp?), I think he's one of the better singers. As for Kevin, well, can't say I'm a fan, lol.

I really like Bo Bice... I think he's very talented and he seems to really enjoy what he does. Also, seems like he's very down to earth. It's good to see that IDOL hasn't gone to his head and he's still the same person he was before the show. I think that's an awesome treat for your kids and I'm sure they had a great time. :)

J said...

That is the coolest, Way to go MOM!