JJ Pays Us A Visit

Things aren't going too badly for JJ at The Churning but like a trooper, he finds something to grieve about.

My annual list of grievances is brief and yet so frustrating. I entered 2008 with so much free time. So much to do and all the time in the world to do it. That feeling sure faded fast. There are various reasons for this.

My responsibility level at work has increased dramatically. My salary has not. So I'm busy. I know - boo hoo, I'm sooo busy. Still. It sucks.

In addition to the added duties and extra hours at the office, I'm trying to keep my bandmates motivated in our efforts to record our first CD. It's just like having a second job. Admittedly, that second job that involves getting drunk at least once a week at rehearsal and getting completely shitfaced and playing rock music at bars once a month or so.

Then there's the random bullshit that happens. The economy sucks donkey dick. My car suffered "catastrophic engine failure". Blah blah blah.

Then there's real life. All the work and playing music and blogging - all of it has been put into perspective in recent months. I care about those things, but not nearly as much as I've learned to care about family.

I got married in August. My wife and I bought a house. And now we have a kid on the way. All the other shit I was whining about a second ago suddenly bothers me just a little bit less. Life is pretty fucking good.

2008 has been a huge. Now if only I could swing a raise at work and pull fewer hours....

Happy Festivus!

Your friend,
Jason

Comments

[Assman]

You know, I think most people fail to understand just how much work goes into keeping a band functional.

It looks like its all beer and music and fun, but between all that, you've got to massage egos, keep unstable people organized and manage to have some sort of functionality and credibility in an arena where nihilism is considered the gold standard.

If you're doing that and working more at work, I feel you, brother.

[April]

YAAAAY!! You're having a baby! That's so awesome, JJ. Congrats!

I've had some serious problems happen with my car too, causing severe financial distress. I've been so devastated because I just can't seem to get caught up. I've given up on getting ahead, for the moment. Right now I'm just working on getting even. But my son and boyfriend have really helped me to put things into perspective. Without them there'd be no silver lining.

So yeah, like you said, family helps keep things level.