That's the Ticket (Stub)

Found a batch of missing ticket stubs (there's at least three MIA since my move in August). This is a Mostly `80s mix:

Duran Duran, April 5, 1984 @ Meadowlands, NJ

Thomas Dolby, April 17, 1984 @ Radio City Music Hall, NYC

My cousin Drew (then Andy)'s dad took us to see Duran Duran play at the Meadowlands in New Jersey & then just twelve days later, Thomas Dolby at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  30+ years later & I still thank you, Uncle Eddie Gold.

~~~

Lollapalooza, July 10, 1996 @ Randall's Island, NYC

I'm no fan of crowds or extreme heat, but to experience The Ramones at Lollapalooza '96 on Randall's Island... well, subjecting myself to those two peeves of mine was all worth it.

Zebra, November 27, 1986 @ The Ritz, NYC

During high school, I went to a slew of concerts w/ my friend Eileen Fee w/ Zebra being a band we saw on more than one occasion.  This was their Thanksgiving show at The Ritz (now Webster Hall) in NYC.

~~~

Madonna, June 11, 1985 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

Ahh, the infamous (at least to me) Madonna's concert at Madison Square Garden -- the final stop of her debut The Virgin Tour.  My dad took me & my sister Bonni to see this w/ opening act The Beastie Boys (making their first round around the stadium circuit, as well).  I'd love to say we stuck around for the entire show -- or even the first half... or quarter -- but alas, even the confusion of Madonna-wannabe's when The Beastie Boys took the stage was not enough entertainment for my sister & I, so we begged our dad to take us home.

~~~

Drive Aid, February 20, 1986 @ Radio City Music Hall, NYC

After 1985's one-day multi-country Live Aid was it's lesser-known sibling Drive Aid in 1986 at Radio City in NYC.  Not that memorable of an event for me, except for Joan Jett & Darlene Love, who were two of the three reasons I went -- the third being my friend Susan Hudes who joined me.

~~~

Grateful Dead, October 12, 1983 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

My parents took me & my sister Bonni to a heckuva lotta concerts since we were wee things, many of them being Grateful Dead shows -- this one happened on October 12, 1983.  I'll always remember the dancing Deadheads in the hallways.  Also unforgettable: This was back when smoking was allowed in public places & you could NOT see across Madison Square Garden b/c of the huge cloud blocking the view.

[Psst... wanna take a listen to a taping of the actual show?  It's on archive.org.  Just click the "date" link above.]

~~~

Laserlumia, October something, 1984 @ Hayden Planetarium, NYC

If you were a NYC teenager in the '80s, you more than likely went to a laser light show at the Hayden Planetarium & more than likely it was Laser Floyd or Laser Zeppelin.  Was each ticket labelled LASERLUMIA, or was that the title of a totally different show... beats me.  All I recall is the sight of lights, the smell of pot, & the sound of whippet canisters hitting the ground -- the latter two probably being the reason why the American Museum of Natural History stopped playing them.

~~~

Rocky Horror Picture Show, date unknown @ 8th St. Playhouse, NYC

Something else my parents took my sister Bonni & me to -- even more often than Grateful Dead concerts -- was Rocky Horror Picture Show at 8th St. Playhouse.  First time we went, I was in 6th-grade (Bonni, 5th).  Was this a sane parenting decision?  Not really, but it was darn fun.  This alone deserves it's own blog post, so I shall refrain from writing any further on this topic & move along...

~~~

To Tell the Truth, January 15, 1981 @ NBC Studios (30 Rock), NYC

Here's another that deserves it's own dedicated post, but in a nutshell... Sixth grade was a momentous time for me.  In addition to being introduced to the celluloid version of Rocky Horror (I actually listened to the soundtrack in fifth grade at Jill Roth's apartment), I was an imposter on To Tell The Truth. -- I pretended to be Cara Connery (a kid who compiled celebrities' recipes & created "Cooking With Love," a cookbook whose proceeds went to curing cancer, or something like that).

I was also in the final round -- something special they added to this version's game -- & pretended to be a champion log roller.  I was not that convincing -- being asked by Soupy Sales when I practiced, I responded, "in the summer... & winter," & then when asked how many members were on my team, I answered, "15... or 30."

Oh wait, I said I'd write about this later on.  Lemme stop here & go to the final stub of this post...

~~~

The Morning Show, October 18, 1980-something @ ABC (Studio 14), NYC 

Without a full date listed on the The Morning Show ticket, no recollection if Regis Philbin's co-host was Ann Abernathy or Kathie Lee Johnson (later on Gifford), & not being sure if that's Eileen Fee's or Loretta Jandrisevits' handwriting (Regis Rules), I can't tell what year this is from (definitely btwn 1984 & 1987).  See, back then I was an art major at LaGuardia High School & what was considered a truant.  Thing is, I didn't cut school to hang out at Sheep's Meadow.  If I wasn't hiding out in the library reading etiquette books w/ Eileen (it was hard to leave the school premises once inside), I was hanging out at the ABC Studios.

Not only did we go to tapings of Regis' show, we'd also wait outside the studio of All My Children to get autographs of the cast (Laurence Lau & Melissa Leo come to mind).  Not sure where those are, but I'll keep an eye out while unpacking & post when/if I find them.

& That's it for my look back in history via ticket stubs... till I find another set.

Back in My Day...

Maybe writing off the '90s as complete shite was too harsh b/c "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" was pretty amusing when it came out 15 years ago & it's still funny as heck now:

Just Another Wanna-be Fly Lady

The kid's away at sleepaway camp & Carl left this morning for a 4-day work trip to TX, so I'm flying completely solo at home till Thursday.  Suffice it to say, I'm giddy w/ excitement & filled to the brim w/ ideas of what I shall clean, organize, create & achieve -- making sure to take advantage of this special "Me" time.  I'm also realistic to the fact that I'm a creature of habit & my back-monkey is being laziness...

I've already begun ignoring the dishes in the sink, piling laundry in bed for me to sleep by &, if I feel motivated enough to put pants on, I'll go across the street to pick up a pint of ice cream to chase the bowl of LIFE cereal cut w/ Rice Krispies that I already had for dinner... in bed (near the laundry).

Still, I did get this new post up on my blog, so... umm, yeah.  Go, me.

365 Days Later

It's been a year (almost to the minute) since my last post & you'd think that I'd be better prepared w/ something insightful & informative to share, but nah, I've got bubkis.

Miss me?

So Melancholy

It's been two months today since my dad died.  I can't shake this sadness in me & it seems to be getting worse, not better.  On top of missing him, the whole mortality thing has really done a number on my mental well-being.  Yep, I can feel myself spiralling into another midlife crisis as I type -- can I get a sarcastic "yay," please?  Alas, instead of me kvetching about my woes, I'm going to listen to some Joplin & ponder if "Kick-Ass 2" will be a decent enough movie or not...

A Very YouTube Passover

Well, the seder at my mom's been cancelled tonight, so I'm doing what any good jew would do instead... scour YouTube for Passover-related videos, such as these gems:

Bob Marley performing Exodus live in concert


Aretha Franklin's cover of Elton John's The Border Song


Los Diez Mandamientos (a.k.a. The Ten Commandments)

Hello to my 3 Subscribers

Haven't posted in awhile.  It's not like I'm wallowing away in grief over the loss of my dad & avoiding all outlets of communication -- that's so February of me.  I've just been steering clear b/c I've been so busy w/ volunteer work at Claire's school & only finished clearing out my dad's apartment last week.  (BTW, I'm working the Scholastic Book Fair at PS 196Q all week long, so stop by if you're 'round.)

Any old ways, I missed "Shameless" last night to watch "The Walking Dead," so I'm gonna post this now, so I catch tonight's airing of the show.

While I'm gone, enjoy the theme song of "Shameless" by the High Strung, "The Luck You Got."

Just the first set of photos of my dad to share

I can't scan right now, so I'm relying on photos my dad & I had on Facebook to share w/ Bonni.  I'll add more here n' there.

 

I miss him.

 

 

 

Another Chance to Remember Norman Fisher

On Wednesday, February 27th, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, there will be a memorial service at the East 55th Street Conservative Synagogue to celebrate my father Norman Fisher's life w/ the lives he touched throughout the years.  The complete address is:

308 East 55th Street, NYC
Between 1st & 2nd Avenues

Not that my dad was a conservative, but as I've written on this blog before, my dad was a very active, long-time & proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, so immediately following Templeton's AA meeting (or really 15 minutes after it ends) at that location, the service will be held.  If you would like to attend the meeting before the service, that begins at 6:15pm.

Also, as a reminder, a memorial fund was set-up under my dad's name to go towards Partnership at Drugfree's The Hope Share program.  To donate or for more information, go to Norman Fisher Memorial Fund.

Please spread the news to friends & family.

Thanks.

[Update, 2/27: For more photos of my dad... http://itskitti.blogspot.com/2013/02/just-first-set-of-photos-of-my-dad-to.html]

Where is My Mind?

Two weeks-&-a-day since my dad died & I thought I totally had it together, but when push came to shove, frazzled-mindless'ness won over.

Gotta focus on getting organized & back to reality.  I mean, sure, I'm allowed to grieve, but I've still got commitments, like the Parents Association & the Putch.  And, now, I've got to make sure that everything gets taken care of w/ my dad, in terms of finances & what to do w/ his stuff.

Thankfully, I have very supportive friends & family.

Stop & Shop to the Rescue

I didn't have time to bake n' frost 36 cupcakes for Claire's birthday celebration at school today, so instead I ordered up some tye-dyed ones from the Stop & Shop, which I picked-up & dropped-off already.

We're going to do a whole bunch of celebrations for her birthday, so I'll whip-up some cupcakes then.

Double 1's for the Putch

My sweet, sensitive girl w/ the sense of humor of a college fray-boy turns 11 today.  She's had quite a year at 10 & I hope this one rocks even harder & better than before for her.  She's got a style of her own & I'm so proud for everything she believes in & does.

Below are a couple of pictures of her & my dad when she was just months old.  It was her first trip to Florida.

 

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, CLAIRE

Saying Goodbye to my Dad, Part II

I'm flying down to Miami w/ my family in a few hours.  My dad's funeral is tomorrow some time, not sure when.

I have been floored by the condolences & support of everyone.  There were 200 people at my dad's memorial service in Jersey this Thursday -- I expected less than 50.  & the calls, emails, cards & posts have been overwhelming.  Wow, before I start crying again, I'm going to just post this & send my love & appreciation.  Thanks.

My dad's NYC memorial service will be some time at the end of this month.  As the details emerge, I'll share them w/ all.

The Norman Fisher Memorial Fund

As many of you know, I suddenly lost my father Norman Fisher this past Monday.  And, if you knew my dad, you'd know that he was a proud & active member of AA.  It was his 25+ years of work in AA that made him able to become a devoted & generous father, grandfather, family member and friend.  He was also a fantastic speaker & sponsor, sharing the joy of his life in recovery, and lots of heartfelt humor to reflect on how he got there.

In light of that, we have created The Norman Fisher Memorial Fund (http://www.drugfree.com/NormanFisher), which will benefit The Hope Share iniative of The Partnership at Drugfree.

Please consider giving to this important cause & spread around the news.  Pretty darn much, it's people sharing their stories in hope to inspire others, especially the young ones, to stop drinking or drugging.  As quoted from their site:

<<< By sharing your addiction and recovery stories we BREAK THROUGH the stigma and discrimination that people with drug or drinking problems face. This campaign will let young people and the families of teens and young adults who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction know that they can share their story or show support for someone else’s story. >>>

My World is Completely Crushed

It's weird... the best person who could do a eulogy for my dad is my dad.  He was always amazing when I saw him speak/share at his AA meetings.  (BTW, I know that there's the whole anonymity thing, but let's be honest... my dad was so proud to be a 20+ year friend of Bill W & cherished the relationships he made at his meetings throughout the years/decades.)

Unfortunately, he's not here to help me write one.  So, while I try to figure out how I'm gonna craft up something read at the funeral w/out it involving me pleading for him to come back, I decided to go on youtube & find some music to play that I know my dad would appreciate & would soothe me -- I can start writing tomorrow.

Now, since Paul Butterfield Blues Band's East/West album was a staple in our family's listening library (& b/c I couldn't find the full album on youtube) when I was just a wee one, I'd like to share this:

Paul Butterfield Blues Band's Born in Chicago from East West


Kinda funny... all these years I thought it was my mom who was the big Beatles fan while I was growing-up & it was actually my dad.  He was playing the White Album last time Claire & I were in his car.  I'm going to miss that.  Not the driving part b/c I always felt like he could swerve or crash, but the listening to music all the time.  In the car, in the apartment... I don't like the silence.  So, w/ that said:
 
The Beatles' White Album (full album)


This one's for Bonni.  She always played it for our dad at Bar Mitzvahs & celebrations.  (Does anyone remember seeing him play this on either Mike Douglas or Merv Griffin?  I do.)

Patrick Hernandez, Born to Be Alive


Holy jeez crap.  I do miss my dad.  This dying shit is really knocking the ass out of me.  Gosh, I didn't plan to write anything & just post some songs, but lemme tell you... I feel like I lost my best friend, idol, biggest fan & supporter all at once.  66 is just too young to go.  I just feel like he had so much more to experience & live.  Sucks.

& w/ that said.  Good night.  I'll just post more music tomorrow or one of these days.

Gonna wallow in my misery & then get to sleep b/c I've got to leave for the funeral home in Jersey at 7am.  Good times coming up.  Good times.

Today is a crappy, no good day

Just gonna lay it out... my dad passed away from a massive heart attack this morning at work.

I'm going to take a break from this blog & all things social media for awhile to take time & reflect.

Till then.  There's no videos or songs to share.  Just silence.

[Update, 2/3: I forgot to update that the cause of my dad's death is not for certain.  It could've been a heart attack, but it also could've been a blood clot, annuerysm (sp?), stroke... you-name-it.  We didn't do an autopsy, so it'll just be the Great Mystery to us all.]

This Middle-Aged Girl's Gone Rockin'

Carl's still out & Claire's finally asleep after watching "Pitch Perfect" (fun movie) & singing along to "Les Mis" songs on YouTube (I still choked-up, but didn't cry this time).  So, what's a gal to do on a Sunday night at almost 11pm at night?  Watch "Adult Swim" on Cartoon Network & search YouTube for full concerts that are new to me, like, these two from 1966 (3 years before I was born):

The Beatles in Japan


Thelonious Monk... somewhere (Doesn't seem like Japan to me)

I Joined the Masses & Bawled My Eyes Out

Yesterday, I finally saw "Les Miserables" w/ my dad & Claire after weeks of waiting & boy howdy, I cried like a baby throughout the entire movie.  I mean, I knew that I'd cry a bit b/c I always did when my dad & I would see "Les Mis" on Broadway, but man-oh-mammy, I didn't expect the tears to flow even after the movie ended at just the mention of a scene or humming of a song.

At least I'm lucky enough for Claire to not have her ipod touch w/ her on the walk home on Austin Street b/c I really don't need something like this going around of me:

0 to 66

Being the good daughter I am, I skipped ImprovEverywhere's "No Pants Train Ride" mission today to celebrate my dad's 66th birthday w/ Claire, Carl, Bonni & her family.  We had lunch at the Green Kitchen & then went swimming at the pool in my dad's building.  A not-too-shabby & relaxing day -- even better... no real traffic to & from Jersey.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

No NYCTF For Me

Well, I've kinda known for awhile, but, haven't shared yet the news that the NYC Teaching Fellows rejected me.  At least they were polite enough to send a stock email response that says I can re-apply come this fall.

Note to self: If I re-apply & get chosen for another interview, I promise to create & present a kick-ass lesson plan & not come across as an incompetent flake.

I gotta admit, I know I was really nervous about having to go back to school if selected, so this should come as a relief to me, but I'm actually bummed.  I was looking forward to becoming a teacher, so I may pursue that road despite the lack of NYCTF love.

We'll see.