Tired, happy and gratefully well!

Just to follow up my last blog, I did make it to the Tooth & Nail concert in Salt Lake City on June 11. I was very glad that I made it after recovering from a bad case of the "blahs". When I arrived at the venue, the MXPX bus was there along with several other bands and trailers. I took one bag of M&M's for each band and spent part of the afternoon looking for someone from each band to give them too. The last band to arrive was The Fold, and they seemed glad (as did the others) to get the goodies. I didn't find anyone from Project 86, so Dani, who I met in line, took the candy to their merch table and gave them to the band that way. At least I was able to give the M&M's all away before the show. I was afraid for a bit I'd have to carry them during the show, which wouldn't have been great. I also took a form to join the MXPX fan club during, which also included a t-shirt and a meet/greet. It seemed like a good deal. Thanks to The Fold, I was able to get a photo pass for the concert and take in my digital SLR. I wish the pics of them would have turned out better, but I did get a few. I was able to meet Mike Herrera, and Tom of MXPX, as well as Dan, Keith and Aaron of The Fold. They are seriously (or not so serious, I suppose) nice guys. Keith and I both like Sigor Ros and good harmonies (anything pretty.) It was a great night, and all my reservations about going just evaporated. I wouldn't have missed it!

I finally made it back to work and survived. I've been a bit more tired than usual, but then my schedule has been rather whacko as well. Yesterday I wasn't at all tired, and felt rested but I was just "spacy". I hope my quality at work doesn't drop as I am a little concerned about that.

Tuesday I went into work very early (10 a.m.) and workd until 2 p.m. so that I could go and see Sherwood, The Fold, Sound the Alarm and Allred. Bethany met me there. She was having a really bad and difficult day but she went, and I hope she at least had a little bit of a good time. I appreciated her coming. It was an absolutely amazing day. I met lots of people, and people who saw me at the Tooth & Nail Tour were coming up to introduce themselves. I met two gals that live near me that saw me in Vegas. I was able to meet most of the bands, and spent a bit of time talking to everyone. The music was amazing all around, and I enjoyed it. I had to put my fingers in my ears a few times because I was so close to the speakers. I need to get some quality ear plugs. I have some in mind, but I've been procrastinating. LOL
At any rate, I made it home around 12:30 a.m. and went through all of the photos I'd taken. I think I was able to get much better photos of The Fold this time around, although I still had a difficult time getting a good picture of Aaron. Next time, somehow, I will!

So much is going on in my life, I often feel like a juggler, and maybe a bit out of touch with the rest of the world. No matter what has happened, I can definitely say that I am undeservedly blessed. I'm definitely not going to complain. I can't believe God continues to be so good to me. I know that things will not always be as they are now. Some of the old stresses will leave, and new ones will take their place. I hope and pray in this part of my life, that I can be at least an encouragement to some and hopefully not a nuisance at all. I have always loved music, and my heart goes out to musicians, especially those that leave a normal life to travel far and wide, often in less than ideal circumstances. They sacrifice sleep, and the comforts of home often because they love to play, and I love to listen. It's not all glamor. So.... if you think of your favorite band, say a prayer for them as they travel and keep them in your thoughts.

As for other things, it's Friday! I am definitely ready for the weekend. :)

God's blessings,
Melanie

P.S. Picture blog to follow