At age 14, I was a punk. I don’t remember all the details, but the major signs were there. I frequented the Coffee Cellar, read zines and put RAPE stickers on stop signs all over East Memphis. I got my ear cartilage pierced at a mall kiosk on a 9th grade field trip and I threw a punk-tacular fit when my parents held me down to rip it out. According to the millenial punk rating system, the music I like from that era qualifies me as a fifth level punk. So you can trust me when I say the 3rd annual Memphis Punk Festival is worth your attention. Continue reading Punk Fest 2015→
Hail to all the ice storm survivors. As a city, we get the Oscar for most-improved performance in the event of frozen water. Compared to ’94, I’m proud of Memphis and our little-salt-truck-that-could. And after that freeze, everything from here on out is practically spring. In that spirit, it’s time to knock the dust off and get out into the brisk air. A good time to scout for new hangouts, there’s no reason to break the budget before spring official kicks off. Here are my favorite places to find free-ish things happening in Memphis. Continue reading An Unspecified Number of Things To Do In March→
I’m one of three daughters, of course I have daddy issues. It’s part of the birthright bestowed upon repressed offspring of upper middle class baby boomers. That’s just one of over 65 issues I can assign a target to. So naturally a one-man show called Daddy Issues piqued my interest. The impressive figure cut by Peter Aguero in the trailer sold me the ticket. Celebrated host of The Moth, this man is an expert storyteller with years of experience honing the craft. After going up for several Slams last season, I jumped at the chance to participate in his storytelling workshop this week. I am inspired by the phenomenon Leah Keys has created here in Memphis with Spillit. I can’t wait to hear a soliloquy based on the same concept. Continue reading I’ve Got Daddy Issues→
If you’ve read any of the yoga pages I’ve jotted down, you know I live in a small space. I am in the process of downsizing my material possessions. Also, in a way, part of the yoga things. I’ve defeated an incredible number of nostalgia demons and claimed what I can keep. Before I sell/donate/trash all this stuff, I’m compelled to give my friends first crack at it. Continue reading Moving On→
By now, everyone in Memphis should know about the Church Health Center. Their Clinic is “the largest faith-based healthcare organization of its type in the country“. If my translation is correct, that’s code for “we don’t compete with major hospitals.” With extensive support from the local community, the CHC offers a healthcare plan that considers the big picture when it comes to quality care. Because of this, their model is one of the most progressive healthcare innovations in damn near a century. At least, in massively overpopulated first-world nations. Continue reading Getting Started @ the CHC→
I am watching Lost
For the first time ever. That means
No spoilers, dickface!
My favorite character – of course.
Glad that’s covered. I’m mostly watching the series alone because a lot of time and planning went into this experience. I’ve managed to avoid (or not remember) any spoilers for over 10 years and I sincerely hope to keep it that way. There are certain people (and you know who you are) that can sense the chance to spoil something and do it involuntarily. One of those annoying habits like a nervous tic. Or halitosis.
So, I’m percolating over here in a new home where every day is full of new experiences and first impressions. My heart wants to be out in Memphis experiencing everything. Instead I’m staying here to experience this television series for the first time. The newness of my reality is an overwhelming wave of sensation every day. I’m pretty sensitive to start with so I’m just going to hide behind six seasons of exciting escapism on a mysterious Forbidden Island. Fortunately, it’s all in keeping with the spirit of How To Leave Home.
I started this weblog because I wanted to become accountable for my own good time. In 2013, I received treatment for major depressive disorder. It was a long, hard spirit quest that taxed me to my limits. In 2014 it started to pay off. I spent almost the entire year wandering around the city like a mermaid that just got legs. The blog is a way to share the experiences I find interesting. It’s also a good motivator to get out off that comfy couch and go do something.
I’m taking a few weeks to experience my new life. I will post what I can when I get out to do things that I just can’t miss. In the meantime, if anyone wants to contribute to this blog, just contact me for details. I want to make How To Leave Home the be something for the community. Basically you just talk about something you did for the first time. First impressions is a pretty broad category, so feel free to be creative.
If you’re stumped on something to do, here are some suggestions of things I might get out for in the next few days:
♦ Grace Askew at DKDC tonight.
♦ New Wave Rebellion plays at the P&H tomorrow.
♦ Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark comedy at Hi Tone Monday the 5th.
♦ Spillit Center Stage: Survival at Amurica Friday, January 9th.
♦ Thelma and the Sleaze at Buccaneer later that same night.
♦ The Memphis Dawls at Layfayette’s on Tuesday, January 13th.
I’m going back in for more J.J. Abrams action. See you on the other side!
Some might have noticed the lack of activity at How To Leave Home. Never fear, I am still here. Just in the middle of a particularly jarring transition – aka moving into a new home. Due to budgetary restraints, I am without internet for the foreseeable future, so my updates may be further apart than usual. Besides, the winter holidays are traditionally for house parties and family gatherings, so I’m sure you’ll be plenty entertained.
Check back with me in a couple weeks when all the dust is settled and you just might find some new things around here. You can keep an eye on the How To Leave Home facebook page for updates. Also the howtoleavehome Instagram has periodic glimpses of my new life. If you’ve enjoyed the first 6 months of the blog I think you’ll be pleased with what happens in 2015.
Hooray. It’s a holiday week! That means everyone’s got all kinds of time off work and special plans for the week. How fun. For those of us not in that category, here’s a quick glance at some things to do while the masses sleep off turkey dinner. Continue reading The Running of the Birds→
