The last few days have been incredible.

Thursday night I went to the Folk Festival with my dad and his co-workers. We ended up with really decent seats... not quite half-way up the hill, just to the right of the sound tent. I'd never been to the Folk Fest before Thursday and had a great time. We walked in just as Harry Manx's set was finishing. What I heard from him I enjoyed... just basic blues music but it was well done. The next act, Waldemar Bastos, was really good... a mix of latin/african jazz. Then came Alpha Blondy and The Solar System... a really amazing reggae group.  Note to Dave (if you still read this): you need to check these guys out, you would love them.  They were really tight and I enjoyed them immensely... however, I would've enjoyed them a lot more if the sound guys could've kept the feedback in check. Luckily , the feedback faded as the lady I went there to see took to the stage: Loreena McKennitt... she was unbelievable. It was one of those performances that's so good it makes you cry. The sound was amazing considering it's an outdoor venue and also considering the extensive amount of musical instruments played: cello, violin, keyboard, viola, various percussion instruments, a drum set, bouzouki, hurdy-gurdy... while Loreena switched instruments throughout the show starting with an accordion, then a harp, then a beautiful grand piano. I've never heard such a rich overall sound. The entire thing was also quite spectacular. Her set started just after sunset and we sat under the stars for most of it. I grew up listening to Loreena (thanks to my dad), so I knew and loved every song she played... with the obvious exception of the two new, unreleased tracks she performed. I was ecstatic to hear the she is back in the studio working on another album, considering she hasn't performed or released any music in seven years. Apparently, the long break was due to her fiance being killed in a boating accident. She had sworn off music when it happened; she didn't believe she could ever play or write music again. I'm so glad she's changed her mind. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to see her.

I find it interesting how my dad's behavior towards me has changed since Nick left.  He is actually acting like a father, instead of a friend who is financially invested in me.  During the Folk Fest he was far more affectionate that he usually is.  I've always thought that my dad found me overly affectionate, so him cuddling me was really surprising.  He was also speaking to me very differently... though it's really hard to explain how.  He seemed to be listening differently as well... like he actually wanted to hear what I had to say about things.  He must be realizing that his kids are growing up and going off to do their own thing and is therefore appreciating the fact that I still live here.  Anyway, I had an amazing time with him. 

Yesterday, I went to New City with Ivy, Cindy, Steph, Laura, and her friend, Mike.  On the way there, Steph and I ran into Aaron and Chad from high school.  They were on their way to the Folk Fest, but they decided to come to New City with us instead.  I got pretty intoxicated... after having many highballs (cuz they were on for $3.25), Josh made me a drink he calls the "Hit & Run".  I don't know what went in it, except I saw him pour in Red Bull.  Now, I've never had Red Bull because the warning on the label that describes how dangerous it is to mix it with alcohol kept me scared of it.  Stupidly, I drank this "Hit & Run" at about midnight and I was wired until 4:30AM.  The only reason I was able to sleep was because Steph and I smoked a joint at her house and I fell asleep while burning out.  Steph's family was up and making lots of noise at 8:30AM.  I'm the type pf person who can't fall back asleep after being woken up, so I really didn't get to sleep that long.  Stupid, stupid Kimmy does not feel too well today.  I did, however, have a great time.

Today, Ivy and her dad bought our tickets to Nine Inch Nails.  Floor seats sold out in about 5 minutes, but we were able to get some.  I am absolutely elated.  I have no idea how I'm going to make it to November 16th without first having a heart-attack.

I spent most of the morning/early afternoon on the patio drinking coffee and eating watermelon with Steph, which was lovely.  I went to Amber's after and picked up my mac mini... cutest computer ever!

Plans for the rest of the weekend: 1) attempt to disassemble old computer and set up my mac, 2) try like mad to finish reading Harry Potter.