It is a rare instance when I am wakened by my bladder while it is still dark out. It too is welcome.

McBLADDER: McGee, I am full and it is time to write.
McGEE: How dare you. I have a *go-kart to rebuild with my ex-landlord. Anyway, you’re a bladder! What writing is there for you!?
McBLADDER: Hush now. I can make life very difficult for you.
McGEE: Oh, you have, my friend! Oh have you!

It seems to be just as rare for me to fall asleep to the conception of a goal and to feel that goal double-bold in the morning. To keep wanting to do what I told myself to do the night before. To do more of what I started when I was a boy. To write like my life and, moreover, our lives depended on it.

This is the beginning of scratch. Rebooting with little-to-no capital to start with other than my wits and an unparalleled support base. I am proof that being a care-free hobo-poet only expands your reach and name. I never set out to be rich. I don’t know that I ever can be. I really do not care if I ever will be. The more money I have = the more meals I buy for people. This must be my karmic balance to the pantries I’ve raided throughout the world. I despise buying things I don’t need and I do it less and less each year. For my home in Worcester I bought a food processor and rarely used it. Stupid. I bought a website product I will never use. Idiotic. My wardrobe consists of mostly shorts and t-shirts. I despise buying clothes and specifically loathe clothes with any sort of corporate advertising. One can fit more complete outfits in a suitcase when one’s wardrobe is mostly garments of little fabric. In 2007 and 2008, I spent most of my earnings on airlines, restaurants and diapers. Sounds like a fat, jet-setting baby. I must have been. I have the intent to rail against excess, but that is tempered by the hypocritical excesses I dip into from time to time. I am embarrassed by the sheer size of the box I left in Worcester, full of bathroom amenities and products for use by males when bathing and after. These items now fill a zip-loc sandwich bag.

I am on the most interesting path I have ever set foot. This is redemption for me, the writer. An emancipation from the talker I’ve become. There comes a time when a man has to say nothing for a while and simply write it down. I am the luckiest man I know. My brain is incredible. I have been very wise to hang onto it.

And even though we ain’t got money…

When I returned to California in August, I knew that I was embarking on one of the more difficult journeys of my life. Returning to one of the most expensive states in the country, but still my beloved. Returning to a family struggling to make ends meet. Returning to Silicon Valley where art is born, becomes a teenager, then runs away to San Francisco or the East Bay, visits very rarely and never calls home. Returning to a region that hasn’t been very kind in the departments of love and relationships. I think I’ve not been as patient as I claim to women. I think I assumed I was awesome and that the right woman would see that. I now have evidence that they have seen it, told me about it, and I was still oblivious to it.

Freeze/Don’t move/You’ve been chosen as an extra in the/movie adaptation of the sequel to your life

Art is not only alive and well in San José and Silicon Valley, but it abounds and all of the artists I know here are enthusiastic about the changes in this city. There are open mics and showcases of performers all over the south bay. Music is alive and aloved throughout “Tecca.” Audiences throughout downtown San José, in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell are coming out in numbers I have never before witnessed. They are made up of engineers, analysts, and builders from Cisco, Google, Yahoo!, Adobe, LinkedIn, Facebook, eBay, HP, Apple and more. The people seeking artistic outlets in Silicon Valley are also artists looking to be inspired without having to make the 45-mile drive to the greater Bay Area. When I left downtown San José seven years ago to see these United States and to fall in love with Canada, my city was a ghost town that left little reason to stay. It simply could not compete with my wanderlust. Timing is gorgeous. Now I believe the opposite may be true. I dare this burning wanderlust to drag me away from my city. San José is mine and I will always love it. I am so pleased it has been figuring itself out.

Seven years on the road and nearly half a million miles later I am wiser than I expected to be. I left on September 10, 2003 headed for Los Angeles without an escape route, with only a dozen or so shows booked, on a tour that never really ended. I submit as fact: that tour is over now. I am no longer on the road. It makes so much sense that I had to move to Worcester (New England’s answer to San José in so many ways) to learn how to be home. To have Tony Brown and Bill MacMillan at hugs reach. To have Melinda Lee in the room next to mine, so many hours on that wondrous porch! To have Alex Charalambides a phone call away, ready for pho at the drop of a hint. Real talk and cheap tacos with Bobby Gibbs. That knowing look from Sou MacMillan that says, Yep, I get you. You’re family. Myow-myow. Game Nights in The Basement. It all adds up to an experience that readied me for this next chapter in my life. I miss them and love them and they know this and they all understand my needs and wants. It was the only way I could leave them and the best way to end a tour that was probably a year too long as it stands.

To have truly ended my seven year itch with The Oversocial Mofo Revue – a show that was a culmination of every live show I had seen in that time – on September 10, 2010 was apropos.

Day to day/Where do you want to be?

This in no way counters one of my most absolute truths: Everyone should travel. No exclusions. The one exception to this rule is that any of the Everyones that claim to be artists – especially those of any solid, honorable repute – should travel and bring a whole lot of their art with them to share with the people they meet. Go and learn and meet and love and despise things. Just be sure to be there. Like, actually. Be there times 3. Don’t expect to make any money. See the world. Laugh and cry because you’ll need it.

She thinks she missed the train to Mars…

You have not. You cannot. You are the conductor. Set that schedule and abide. Not seven years. Not even one. Two weeks or a month should suffice. Keep your job just in case or be ready for a new one when you return. Go, because you have to. Because the view from your window hasn’t changed in years. Because it will destroy you to wonder any longer. If you set out for seven, I’m sure we’ll run into each other on The Road at some point. But no matter what, be sure to stop by San José in your travels. It’s full of good pho, salsa, computers and me.

I recently saw a crazy man flailing and dancing, singing along to something as I passed him on the street. One of those moments when a guy like that is making his way toward you and his presence causes you reconsider your destination. You have to pass him to get where you’re going and it could go poorly. He could make eye contact and start talking crazy to you or just punch you for being a two-legged moose that looked at him wrong. Maybe he’ll accuse me of stealing his beard or god. But, as I got closer, I saw the headphones hanging from his ears and the iPod in his hand. He wasn’t insane, he was just crazy for music and unafraid of showing it to the people of downtown San José. I think that is probably a good outlook to have in life. I find myself dancing way more often now.

I am also on a mission to produce 1,000 pages of writing by September of next year. Stories, poetry, screenplays… 1,000 pages. 1,000 pages. 1,000 pages. Maybe more. More posts here for sure.

*for my fellow Hedberg fans.
———
Word to the nerd.

I will just use Fridays as a link day, sending people to sweet websites, and balance it with a short, personal update. Weekends are generally lame for posts, but since I am determined to post daily, I want to have content for each day of the week.

CHICO, CALIFORNIA
Performed at Chico State last night and it went well. The best part of my stay in Chico was surely my time spent with Kyle, Heather, Lor, Sarah, and Tazuo. It was good to catch up with them.

The gig was fun. It felt like impromptu stand-up comedy. I went mostly humorous and felt the audience riding along with me.

Chico’s a cute town. I enjoyed my time here, but this is not a place I could settle in. The summers in this region of California are blazing hot and humid. Makes me feel gross.

Tazuo’s doing an invitational slam on June 10. Should bring more quality spoken word to Chico. Not sure where it’s being held, but there will probably be information at ThePoetTazuo.com

YESTERDAY’S POST ON HEALTH
Been getting tremendous response to my post on better health and developing a healthy living regimen. I really appreciate everyone who’s chimed in with advice and personal accounts.

I’d like to clarify that when I said I was developing a 7-year plan, I think some people took that as I planned to wait for 7 years to be healthy. No. Sheesh. I just meant that I should be wholly different and at peak health by the time I am 41 years old. These new habits should be normal within 7 years. This plan started yesterday. I’ve already doubled my water intake. I’ve also been sleeping a lot more, not pushing myself to stay awake. Seven hours of sleep as opposed to 4-6.

I’ve talked to a lot of people and I don’t want to worry so much about my health at 40. If I do this right and pace myself, I should be fine. I have accomplished a lot more difficult things in my life. I can do this.

I am also now convinced that a Master Cleanse is not for me, plus, I feel pretty cleansed whenever I eat right anyway.

I just have to stay set on my sights. I think if I can drop 60 pounds, I’ll feel pretty damn good.

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE POETRY SLAM FINAL
I am hosting the Slam Free Or Die Final on Saturday night.

It’s going to be rad. More info here…
———
Word to the nerd.

I will just use Fridays as a link day, sending people to sweet websites, and balance it with a short, personal update. Weekends are generally lame for posts, but since I am determined to post daily, I want to have content for each day of the week.

CHICO, CALIFORNIA
Performed at Chico State last night and it went well. The best part of my stay in Chico was surely my time spent with Kyle, Heather, Lor, Sarah, and Tazuo. It was good to catch up with them.

The gig was fun. It felt like impromptu stand-up comedy. I went mostly humorous and felt the audience riding along with me.

Chico’s a cute town. I enjoyed my time here, but this is not a place I could settle in. The summers in this region of California are blazing hot and humid. Makes me feel gross.

Tazuo’s doing an invitational slam on June 10. Should bring more quality spoken word to Chico. Not sure where it’s being held, but there will probably be information at ThePoetTazuo.com

YESTERDAY’S POST ON HEALTH
Been getting tremendous response to my post on better health and developing a healthy living regimen. I really appreciate everyone who’s chimed in with advice and personal accounts.

I’d like to clarify that when I said I was developing a 7-year plan, I think some people took that as I planned to wait for 7 years to be healthy. No. Sheesh. I just meant that I should be wholly different and at peak health by the time I am 41 years old. These new habits should be normal within 7 years. This plan started yesterday. I’ve already doubled my water intake. I’ve also been sleeping a lot more, not pushing myself to stay awake. Seven hours of sleep as opposed to 4-6.

I’ve talked to a lot of people and I don’t want to worry so much about my health at 40. If I do this right and pace myself, I should be fine. I have accomplished a lot more difficult things in my life. I can do this.

I am also now convinced that a Master Cleanse is not for me, plus, I feel pretty cleansed whenever I eat right anyway.

I just have to stay set on my sights. I think if I can drop 60 pounds, I’ll feel pretty damn good.

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE POETRY SLAM FINAL
I am hosting the Slam Free Or Die Final on Saturday night.

It’s going to be rad. More info here…
———
Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

It’s out here, people. Come to it. Hit the road. Summer of Love II, I’m telling ya.
———
Word to the nerd.

I also love the city of Denver. The poet’s who come from here, who found their voices here. There’s some goodness based here. I could live in Denver, but it would be more out of necessity than out of desire; I got someone pregnant, or HAD to be on the Denver Poetry Slam Team. Neither of those are going to happen, so I guess I’ll just keep visiting Denver as often as possible. This city is such a comfortable hub to stop and hang in.

My ex Maranda lives here, and I always see her when I come through. She’s grown so much. We broke up in 2002 and she’s my favorite reason of all to come here. Wish I coulthe airport and go say hey to her right now.

Love ya, Maranda!
———
Word to the nerd.
Bunny up.

I also love the city of Denver. The poet’s who come from here, who found their voices here. There’s some goodness based here. I could live in Denver, but it would be more out of necessity than out of desire; I got someone pregnant, or HAD to be on the Denver Poetry Slam Team. Neither of those are going to happen, so I guess I’ll just keep visiting Denver as often as possible. This city is such a comfortable hub to stop and hang in.

My ex Maranda lives here, and I always see her when I come through. She’s grown so much. We broke up in 2002 and she’s my favorite reason of all to come here. Wish I coulthe airport and go say hey to her right now.

Love ya, Maranda!
———
Word to the nerd.
Bunny up.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

TO-DO LIST THIS MONTH
I’ve gotten one check so far from a school gig, and it clears this afternoon. I will pay some February bills and begin paying back the first several loans via PayPal. I get home on Sunday and have a few weeks off before I hit the road again. I will receive two more school checks this weekend and should be able to pay back all of the loans by 2/15/10. I am stoked.

1. Pay bills/some loans.
2. Begin a daily yoga regimen.

NOTE: Thanks for asking, Stefan, about my goal to lose weight. Two of the the most difficult eating habits to break that I’ve found are portions and timing. I rarely have much of an appetite in the morning, then I am hungry late into the night. I generally snack a bit until evening, then eat ONE very large meal at night, then continue snacking until I fall asleep. I believe I am mostly overweight due to the fact that I fall asleep with so many unused calories still being digested. It has nowhere to go. I am forcing myself a smart breakfast within one hour of waking and I am limiting my eating to sundown. The only snacks I will allow myself when it is dark out are a limited amount of nuts and vegetables. No full meals after dark. No more fast food. Limited breads. A short exercise program before bed and upon waking. I think this is a good start. I love food, I just need to eat it between sun up and sundown, then actually use the energy.

3. Write my children’s story, send to artist to begin project. It’s gonna be sweet!
4. Begin screenplay. Have 40 pages by March.
5. Compile poems and things for second book.
6. Plan tour with Ellis, Maziar, and hopefully Michael Roberts. Links for all of them can be found at my website.
7. Organize and prioritize all my projects for the year.
8. Book travel for March.

INTERNET AND ORGANIZATION
I am getting better with posting my performance dates. Having a date with the internet every day is helpful in compelling me to get more and more work done. I almost have to force myself to get online when I am on the road, then it all comes in waves and I become way more productive. The few friends I know who really use to-do lists seem to get work done a lot more efficiently and are much more focused individuals. I can see the benefits already. I am pretty organized, but why not be the most organized person I know. It’ll be tough since I do know Simone Beaubien. Few come close to her organization skills.

I have streamlined my website and have been using Eventful.com (click for my page) to get my performance dates online in a cohesive listing. Not only does it “calendarize” my dates and info, but it adds the dates to the common event listing for anyone to find. It also automates widgets for each performer, which are on my website, and fans can add a “demand” widget to their sites so others can click to demand a performer to come to their area. It lets me know weekly how many people want me to tour through their respective cities. I like it so far.

WIKI PROJECT
If you’ve done any amount of wiki editing, understand the protocols, coding and formats of a wiki, and are interested in a project I have started, please contact me and let me know, maybe with links to show what you’ve done in the past.

VIDEO LIST
I am looking to add every video of me online to my site. If you have time on your hands and like to search for things on the internet, would you mind posting the URL for any videos you find with me in them. My video page is here, so please don’t add the links already listed: http://www.mikemcgee.net/?page_id=35
———
Word to the nerd.
Bunny up.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

The sun looks like it wants to stay out. It’s telling me to hit the road, but I’m way ahead of it. I know the title of this post is cliche, but it’s all true.

Alone at the Riddle house last night, I spent most of the day writing about Gabs. I took a few phone calls, specifically one from RC Weslowski. A delightful call. Full of love.

I published my post and had some toast. I attempted to watch Amelie, which I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I simply adore that style of filmmaking. At about seven and a half minutes into the DVD, there’s a shot of a bunny cloud in the sky. Nice coincidence.

I fell asleep probably 20 minutes into the film. When I woke at midnight, the house was dark and quiet, aside from some strung up Xmas lights in the dining room. So subtle and warm. Little lights are always welcome to my eyes. Waking up to nightlights is like a visual version of: ‘No worries, bud. Go back to sleep. We got everything under control.’

I fell right back to sleep and woke at 4am. A bit sore from couch tossing, I knew I needed another hour or so. I showered and planned my travels to Portland. I had bought my ticket online two days ago, for travel yesterday, but decided to take’er easy and wait. I am glad I did, I just hoped it wouldn’t cost me to much to change it for today.

At 6:30am, feeling the need to sleep some more, I laid back down on the couch, this time, sleeping for 3 more wonderful hours. I woke feeling ready for the day. Much, much needed sleep. I love to nap. Anyone too busy to nap is going to regret it by the time they’re my age.

I put on my shoes and headed out the door. My phone rang as I exited the building. It was Knowles, calling to check on me and to give me audible hugs. She’s great. I walked to Brew’s Brothers for a small coffee, then off to Greyhound.

I am half way now to Portland. It’s a good day. Eirean Bradley is picking me up. Gonna meet up with a few fellow Write Bloody authors and have myself a nice little poetry slam feature. Tonight, I will have a beer for me and Gabs. Tonight I will look a stranger in the eye and hope they see love coming right at them. Tonight I will hug many and be hugged back. I love this life. I love this world. So immensely.

As C.R. Avery once said, “Quit your fucking day job and hit the road.”

This bus is rolling fast, headed right for the sun. The west is calling. Here I come.
———
Word to the nerd.

The sun looks like it wants to stay out. It’s telling me to hit the road, but I’m way ahead of it. I know the title of this post is cliche, but it’s all true.

Alone at the Riddle house last night, I spent most of the day writing about Gabs. I took a few phone calls, specifically one from RC Weslowski. A delightful call. Full of love.

I published my post and had some toast. I attempted to watch Amelie, which I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I simply adore that style of filmmaking. At about seven and a half minutes into the DVD, there’s a shot of a bunny cloud in the sky. Nice coincidence.

I fell asleep probably 20 minutes into the film. When I woke at midnight, the house was dark and quiet, aside from some strung up Xmas lights in the dining room. So subtle and warm. Little lights are always welcome to my eyes. Waking up to nightlights is like a visual version of: ‘No worries, bud. Go back to sleep. We got everything under control.’

I fell right back to sleep and woke at 4am. A bit sore from couch tossing, I knew I needed another hour or so. I showered and planned my travels to Portland. I had bought my ticket online two days ago, for travel yesterday, but decided to take’er easy and wait. I am glad I did, I just hoped it wouldn’t cost me to much to change it for today.

At 6:30am, feeling the need to sleep some more, I laid back down on the couch, this time, sleeping for 3 more wonderful hours. I woke feeling ready for the day. Much, much needed sleep. I love to nap. Anyone too busy to nap is going to regret it by the time they’re my age.

I put on my shoes and headed out the door. My phone rang as I exited the building. It was Knowles, calling to check on me and to give me audible hugs. She’s great. I walked to Brew’s Brothers for a small coffee, then off to Greyhound.

I am half way now to Portland. It’s a good day. Eirean Bradley is picking me up. Gonna meet up with a few fellow Write Bloody authors and have myself a nice little poetry slam feature. Tonight, I will have a beer for me and Gabs. Tonight I will look a stranger in the eye and hope they see love coming right at them. Tonight I will hug many and be hugged back. I love this life. I love this world. So immensely.

As C.R. Avery once said, “Quit your fucking day job and hit the road.”

This bus is rolling fast, headed right for the sun. The west is calling. Here I come.
———
Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

If you’re in Portland, Oregon and on Facebook, feel free to add yourself to the event (login required):

Portland Poetry Slam Event on FB
———
Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.