Took Taylor to lunch at Wild Orchid for her birthday this week and did a little Halloween shopping. I am always amazed at how early stores get the jump on holidays. Christmas stuff sold in September. Easter decorations sold in February. Fourth of July in March. It kinda makes it hard to enjoy the here and now when we are always being pushed to shop early, buy now and be ready. WTF.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Attended Robcat's rooftop art party overlooking Wright Park. Local art celeb Teddy Haggarty was in attendance doing portraits and projecting his calming presence. Had the pleasure of talking with artist James Hume about our collective inability to draw or paint spontaneously. Robcat made delicious hors d'oeuvres. The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite. Rosati and I shared some delectable petite syrah, and then Rob and I talked till 2 a.m. 

Thursday. Oct. 13

Went barhopping in Olympia with my dad. Sounds funny, huh? Well, he's a cool cat and doesn't drink, so I had my very own chauffer all night. We started out at the Spar Bar & Café on Fourth Avenue and ended up at the Viking in Lacey. That place had the most diverse crowd I think I've ever seen. There was the Willy Nelson look-alike, the karaoke host who sang like Aretha Franklin, the table of girls who loved new country music, the Tupac wannabe with bling bling, the young white boys dressed like Eminem, a couple of older, retired guys nursing drinks and some soccer moms thrown in for good measure.

Friday, Oct. 14

Karen's birthday party at Hell's Kitchen's Heaven and Hell Costume Ball was awesome. I met up with The Frenchman and Film Club John. Gutbomb tore up the stage. When they ended their set, the crowd cheered for more. Gutbomb came back, rocking out another one. Mongo introduced me to the singer, Russell, who proudly was sporting a pink Crossbones shirt. Steph Dawg, who has never looked better, came down from Auburn for the party. Man, I miss her. Both Naja and Del looked adorable in their outfits, too.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Kate turned me on to this band The Hold Steady during the summer. I went to Seattle to visit The Italian and saw them at Neumo's. They kicked ass. Singer Craig was a bit bruised from the start. Two songs in he announced that the band was now officially drinking onstage (against club policy). Declaring that he loves Jägermeister, Craig led the crowd in many rounds of fast paced mini claps (you know, hands close together, like little kids do). It was hysterical. People kept buying him shots in plastic cups. He'd slug it back and then fling the empties into the crowd. It went on and on till they were told to stop playing at 1a.m. Neumo's patrons weren't having it. They stomped their feet and hollered deafeningly. Craig and keyboardist Franz came out, doing a solemn little number before being joined by the band. Halfway through the next song, Craig threw the mic down and walked off stage. The band shrugged at each other, like this was nothing new, and finished the song without him. And that was that. I loved it.

thursday

del's b-day party

Debauchery, depravity and the good kind of sinning takes place for Del's 32nd birthday Thursday, Oct. 20. It's a trashy lingerie and pajama jam kind of party, so dress naughty. Luscious Najamonique and Hot Murphy host. Glam rockers Come Down Heaven and Paris Spleen play. Karaoke follows.  8 p.m., $3, David's On Broadway, 539 Broadway, Tacoma.

tuesday

the outfit

The Outfit blends Rage Against The Machine, Tupac, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mötley Crüe. In between playing A&R showcases, they'll be in Lakewood Oct. 25 with Lurid and guests. Go get your face rocked off. 9 p.m., $5, 21+, Maggie O' Toole's, 6006 100th Ave. S.W., Lakewood.