jeffbalke.com - words.pictures.music

I was thinking to myself yesterday that I am always at my best at the beginning of anything - a job, a relationship, a project. I’m gung ho. I’m full of self confidence and completely focused. Then as my enthusiasm wears off and the grind of the day-to-day sets in, I forget […]

It has been a very busy couple of weeks for Jeff and his house of merriment. Last week was full of rehearsal, work, photo gigs and more work. The week before was similar and included all kinds of nutty stuff, meeting great new people and…um, work.
So, by Friday, I was looking forward to […]

This is the last photo I have of myself with my dad - taken Christmas 2006 by Katya. Our last Christmas together was spent in the hospital, so 2006 is the last time we celebrated.
Happy Father’s Day, dad. I miss you.

The above is a screencap of the toolbar at the top right of my computer screen. Below are the explanations of each numbered item. Number 4 explains why I am the way I am.
1. iTunes Controller
This is used to fast forward through dozens of songs until I can find exactly the one I […]

Yesterday, the band played in the 2008 Houston Art Car Parade. I’ve been to the parade several times, but never been in it. First, to the right, is a photo taken by Jason McElweenie that has now become among my favorite photos taken of me performing ever (I cropped the original a bit […]

Here are some random thoughts about songs that popped up on my iPod when I hit “Shuffle Songs” and went for a run.
Jellyfish - All Is Forgiven
When the singer from this now-defunct band growled the words, “Though he shelters himself in the shade of the wings of a stool pigeon, all is forgiven,” I’m thinking […]

Look, I know that my posts are generally of the “ha ha” variety, even if I’m the only one laughing. I don’t intend to change that, but sometimes you just gotta talk about some deep shit, know what I’m sayin’, hoss? Of course you do. So, if philosophy doesn’t mix well with […]

My new favorite bumper sticker: “YEEHAW!” Is Not a Foreign Policy
My new favorite joke: He’s so UGLY, when he lays on the beach, cats try to bury him.
In a Lifetime movie that includes a characterization of me, I will apparently be played by Ian Ziering.
Daylight Savings Time SUCKS and it makes everyone drive like morons.
The […]

I know, I know, I’ve been MIA. After scattering my dad’s ashes in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, my heart hasn’t really been in posting witty repartee. I get about one good line a day and that’s it.
I’d post it here, but then I’d have nothing funny left to say today and […]

There is a great Ben Folds song with the same name as the title of this post. It’s about the ex of the singer (I don’t like to assume it is Ben because stories are sometimes just stories and not necessarily formed from personal experience) who was clearly very depressed and was always propped […]