My Favorite SF Music Venue

Top 10 Reasons I Love the Fillmore

10. They still have a greeter who welcomes each guest with "Welcome to the Fillmore" and he can point out where the ATM is so you can get cash to pay for your $12 beer.

9. The bowl of the most delicious apples at the front door. They are free, you can take one. Oh but word to the wise you know its going to be a rowdy show if the apples aren't there, lesson learned apples + punk rock fans = Trouble!

8. Chandeliers and red velvet curtains - so classy.

7. That it is perfectly okay to spark up a joint but light a cigarette and you get tackled.

6. The fact that every band I've ever seen play at the Fillmore puts on their best show. They are honored to be a part of history, it is sacred ground.

5. Fillmore Posters - the very best thing! Where else can you go to a concert and walk out with a free original souvenir? A great memory of a wonderful evening.

4. I can walk there from my house.

3. The huge poster of Bill Graham on the way out. He was the one, after all, that started it all.

2. Best sound and lights in a small venue. They really do an amazing job - rock show all the way.

1. Fantastic lineups - they never let you down. From huge acts to up and comers, the Fillmore will never disappoint. If you can't find music you like at the Fillmore, then you don't like music.

A Sappy Post

To be quite honest I think the reason I haven’t been blogging as much is I’m finally settling in to living in the Big City. My new apartment is fantastic, thanks to the keen decorating skills of my Sister. I joined the gym down the street which is walkable to my house (which is the only reason I go). I just signed up for Pilates (so Jennifer Aniston of me, I know). I found a fantastic four mile walking route which takes me from my house in Pacific Heights through the Presidio to Inspiration Point. Here is a picture of the view from there, not too shabby…

My favorite part of this walk besides the beautiful views is I think my IPod is a bit enchanted, while on shuffle every time I get to Inspiration Point…boom a Grateful Dead song comes on. Weird but totally awesome and fitting!

I’ve also joined a book club currently reading, “The Sweet Life In Paris” by David Lebovitz (which is as yummy as it sounds), picked up a class through SF State Extended Learning, met enough new friends to fill my “Grown-Up” studio, figured out neighborhoods and how to get there sans car, stumbled on some fabulous new restaurants, shops and bars, reconnected with old friends, participated in a monthly volunteer project in different parts of the City (the third project this weekend, Landscaping at the MOMA), and gone on countless blind dates. Oh, and I’m kicking ass at work.

Six months ago I was pulling my drunk boyfriend out of bars, while spending money, time and energy to take care of him and his kids and crying myself to sleep wishing I had more in my life. I was living my life for someone else and I had no idea who I was or what made me happy. Now, sometimes it feels like I almost have too much. When I chose to stay at home on a Friday night it’s out of exhaustion not depression.

When I first moved to the City I was literally over-booking myself because I was going through a break-up and even when you break-up with someone who isn't good for you, you still mourn the loss. I hit the bars six nights a week and I won't lie, it was fun and freeing. Mostly after always being "the responsible one" in my past relationship. I think I felt like I never was the one who got to kick up her heels. Now I was. But, bars get tiring and I started to realize over time that I wanted to discover who I was and add things to my life that made me feel authentically good from the inside out.

So, for all of you out there who think change is hard, you are 100% right, it is but it is also SO worth it. In the past six months I’ve changed almost everything in my life, where I live, friends, activities, relationship status and I’ve never felt better…ever. I think I will look back on this time in my life as a rebirth. I’ve never felt more satisfied with who I am. I’m finally doing things for me and enjoying it. I can truly say I’m quite happy right now and it feels great!