Hey Jealousy

Well, I discovered the toughest thing about being pregnant recently - missing out on live music (shows). I don't miss most things about not being pregnant. I don't really miss my old coffee habit - I get a little sad at the end of my first and only cup of coffee, but at least I can drink decaf if I really crave a second cup. I don't miss drinking alcohol. I don't even miss my old body that much because I am growing a human being, which is a beautiful experience (okay, after finding an old picture that I used to think I looked "fat" in, I recently told my 140 lb self that should I ever see her again, I'll never take it for granted again, but that's for another blog entry). I have become a home body the past few years, so I don't even miss going out that much most of the time.

However, I really miss seeing shows on occasion; especially when my favorite bands come around to my favorite venues. And mommy blogs and such say live music as long as it's not obscenely loud is probably ok. However, I don't like the word "probably" when it comes to a baby growing inside of me. I also don't really trust being around super drunk people. And you think, well seeing live music can't be all that rowdy, right? Well, unless your flavor of live music tends to be loud and rowdy punk rock, which is the case for me. Even if I sat in one of the few coveted seats in my favorite music venue, there would be the constant threat of jabs, broken bottles, and wayward moshing.

I accepted that I will just miss shows while pregnant because safety is important above all else. It was a personal choice, and I certainly wouldn't judge or begrudge any other punk rock momma who is going to shows still. It was something I discussed with my spouse, and we agreed - we're very paranoid parents already!

Unfortunately, what I did not anticipate is that my favorite music venue of choice has decided to close after being around for nearly 20 years... in my third trimester no less. Now businesses close down all the time, but this is especially brutal news. I have so many beautiful memories at this venue, and so does everyone I know. I'm a deeply nostalgic person. The first time I ever visited this town, I went to this venue. And this venue is also beloved by every band in our area - Now every band that doesn't already have a show booked there has been squeezing in last minute shows in the last month this wonderful venue is open. Including bands that don't play often, or awesome bands that aren't event together currently. Believe me when I say this - Everyone loves this venue. It's the best music venue because it is ran with love by the best people; because it's walls are imbued with the best memories; because it's jukebox is filled with the best music; because it has the greasiest, best food a punk rock club could ever ask for; and because even if you aren't as in love with it as I am, you can at least respect everything this place has done for the local punk rock scene.

So I am jealous of all the friends that will be at this venue for the next few weeks while I am at home, doing safe pregnancy things like going out to eat or watching TV. I'm SO JEALOUS. I feel emotional over it. Of course, while I'm certain that pregnancy hormones are playing their part, I think I would have cried at the news anyways.

Again, the beautiful daughter growing inside of me is well worth all of this... I just needed to get this off my chest. I also needed a moment to say thank you to the Triple Rock Social Club for being the best fucking punk rock venue this old ass punk could ever ask for. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the wonderful music. Thank you for always treating me and my friends like family. Thank you for all the free bacon. Thank you for hangover biscuits and gravy. Thank you for way too strong drinks and and legitimate mosh pits. Thank you for everything.

Side note: I'm totally going there for brunch before they close. So at least I'll get to eat the best food while listening to the best jukebox one last time. <3