Saturday, October 25, 2008

A Comedy of Errors?

So, I got my symbicort from the doctor as a sampler. It has a dial on the top that counts down the "puffs" in the cannister. I'm supposed to take two puffs, twice a day. The cannister holds 60. I used it once (2 puffs) and it went from 60 to 25, so I called AstraZeneca. They recommended I not use it and their quality control may want to get a hold of me. She got me to read the numbers and expiration date, so I know where to look now.

Meanwhile, my doctor had already left for the weekend, so the clinic patched me through to another doctor, and a gal there said she found another one for me downstairs. She obviously wasn't a nurse, at least I hope not. Originally she only found one that was 80/4.5 (there are two different drugs in Symbicort) and she wondered if I could just use more. Sigh.... At the least that would O.D. the 4.5 drug fumarate dihydrate. Anyway, she found the correct one, so I decided to pick it up on the way to work.

The first two puffs from the defective cannister actually did some good. After about an hour, I barely coughed for at least 6 hours. It was kinda nice.

So, I got home from work, and tried 2 more puffs a little after 3 a.m. (about 12 hrs.) from the new cannister. It didn't seem to do much good. So, this morning I decided maybe I should check the expiration date (since there was no "dial" on this one I wondered about it.) It expired in June of 2008.

So now what do I do? Just wait until Monday?

I just want to get well. :(

Friday, October 24, 2008

Pertussis? It's not just for kids anymore. ;)

Well, I was sick yesterday and took off work, so I called the doc again. I couldn't get an appointment until this morning. Yesterday afternoon was a little better, so I almost cancelled. I'm glad I didn't because the cough was back full force.

Anyway, what I found out was that my oxygen was better than last time (was 92, now 97) and the doc commented on my cough. I've been sick for more than 3 weeks now. Two weeks ago I was treated for bronchitis with Zithromax. On the 17th, I had a relapse, and was pretty sick over the weekend. The coughing isn't getting better. So, the doc tells me he thinks I had pertussis and that the Zithromax should have taken care of the infection, but the cough lingers due to toxins. So now I have an inhaler. I am more than tired. So, hopefully this will take care of it and I won't be coughing all through my sister's wedding on Nov. 1. That would not be good. LOL

So, now I'm back to trying to figure out if I should go to work. I'm definitely more than tired and I have very little energy. And I'm still coughing. They can't seem to pull up my leave balances. I used to have 90 hours of sick leave until the car accident in May, and now this. :(

C'est la vie. Such is life. And yes, that was in fact redundant.

On the brighter side of things, I thought I had preordered Copeland's new cd, "You Are My Sunshine" and then thought maybe I was mistaken when it didn't arrive. I stopped at my P.O. Box on the way home, and it was waiting for me along with a book I had ordered. So, it was a little like Christmas. :)

Hope this post finds everyone else well. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

Peace out,
--Melanie

Monday, October 20, 2008

New poll out?

O.K. So I am really very tired of being sick. I just started back to work on Friday, and I went in anyway. I figured, first day back on a Friday, when they wanted me to come in Wed./Thurs. as well, and I would be pushing it.

I've been to the doc once and had bronchitis, but after 5 days of antibiotics (Zithromax) things were clearer, but the cough was still there.

Then I had a relapse, and I am really sick. I think Saturday I was running a fever, complete with alternating chills. Today, I feel extremely tired. After I coughed myself silly this morning, I think things are on the upswing. I am seriously considering staying home another day and going in to the doc tomorrow if things aren't at least improving.

So, here is my poll?

Should I attempt work today?

Yes or No

My fate is in your hands. ;) JK

I'm still trying to decide.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Sherwood and Rockband Live

I got the call back to work on October 6. They wanted me to come back on Oct. 15. I had concert tickets for October 15 for Sherwood and Oct. 16 (and plans for the 17th, but they decided that was pushing my luck a bit) so I am headed for work in a couple of hours. Pray for me, I'm not really well at the moment, but I will muddle through.

October 15, I headed down to Salt Lake City to see Sherwood (w/The Pink Spiders, The Summer Set, The Reign of Kindo and John Allred.) I didn't recall who was opening, so I was happy to hear that The Reign of Kindo and John Allred would be playing. I left late, which probably didn't matter, and arrived a little after 4:30 p.m. I was still the first ticketed concert-goer there. I parked right in front. :) I had a little bit of a delay getting there since I was thinking it was closer to the freeway, and by the time I cut across 4 lanes of traffic to get on the same side of the road as the venue, I would have been past it, or so I thought. As it turned out, I double checked my address and I was not going nearly far enough. Yes, sometimes I'm a total dork. Lauralee arrived not long before doors opened and we chatted in line until time to go in. At any rate, to make a long story a little shorter, John Allred was great, as always.



After the show, John and I talked and I had a photo taken as I missed that opportunity at the Yellowcard show. The Reign of Kindo was a little different, and I loved their set. Afterwards I went and bought their ep. The Summer Set was really a lot of fun, and I enjoyed them immensely. I also bought a cd from them and played it in the car yesterday. The Pink Spiders were pretty good as well, although where I was standing the vocals were a bit tough to make out. I did think it was an odd combo with Sherwood, but they weren't too bad at all. :) Finally Sherwood played and I just absolutely loved every minute of it!!! I took as many pics as I could, but was having a tough time getting a good focus, my continual problem. I still haven't checked pics out much yet, though. Contrary to popular belief, I did put the camera down enough to sing, jump up and down and clap. It's hard not to with Sherwood's music.


After the show I talked to David a little. I said I'd like to hear "The Other Side" and then realized when he gave me a puzzled look, that it had a different title (which I always forget), but I was going totally blank. So I went to the cd table and cheated (the title is Alive, actually.) I saw Mikey at the merch table and mentioned this to him (and razzed him a little for fun) and he made the comment that it was a good reason to name songs after a lyric in the song. LOL We talked a little. Oh, and I had a set list, so I had Joe and David sign it. Then it took a while to get everyone to autograph the set. I hung around for a bit and went back to where the bus was with friends. I was going to get a pic with Sherwood, but we couldn't get everyone together at the same time. Finally, Dan had to leave while we were trying to find Nate, so I have a fuzzy pic of me with Sherwood minus Dan. Next time... LOL Then I headed for the E-Center, while they finished up and headed for an after party.

I had a ticket for Rockband Live (The Cab, Plain White T's, Dashboard Confessional and Panic at the Disco) for the next day at the E-Center, so I just decided I'd spend the night in the lot - and I did. I was a little broke, and I wasn't sure I wanted to use credit (the check deposited, I could have gone to the hotel.) So, I was being cheap. LOL I also thought people might line up early (really unpredictable here.) I seriously thought about the hotels within walking distance, about 2 a.m., but I don't sleep that well in hotels either, so I stayed with the cheaper route. (Next day I saw one of the hotels that you couldn't see the sign for was an Extended Stay, and I would have probably gone if I had known.) Anyway, I woke up about 6:15 a.m. and tried to doze a little until around 7 a.m. when I ate breakfast and got out of the car to look around. At about 8:30 a.m. three people arrived. I found the bathroom in the venue that wasn't locked down yet, and was able to change clothes around 9 a.m. At about 10:30-11 a.m. another gal arrived to wait with us in line. In one of those "it's a small world" moments, she was at the after party with Sherwood. She hadn't even heard them before. She told me who she talked to and I told her their names. LOL Then I went down to my car and got my Zune so she could hear what they sounded like. She liked them, so that was cool. :) At 12:30 another gal from Ogden (you can tell I was remembering names well yesterday) who was a huge Dashboard fan showed up with her brother. So now there were 7 of us. We played the "millionaire" style music game she had with her for an hour or so, and I took a potty break at the local Cracker Barrel. While I was there I ordered a side of their fried okra. It was amazing! And so the day went. A few more people started to show between 3:30-4 p.m. At around 4:30 one of the Rockband gals handed out wristbands for a meet and greet (although it was more of a greet & leave) for all 4 bands. I snagged one and searched for something to be autographed. I ended up with a Plain White T's cd and a piece of binder paper. LOL At about 4:50 we all went into the E-Center and got instructions. I didn't get much in the way of photos there, but I have two autographed posters (Dashboard, Plain White T's) and a piece of binder paper with autographs from Panic at the Disco and The Cab.





We were promised our spot back in line, so I took my things to my car and got back in line. I was first in line, but when the doors opened the gal couldn't get the scanner to work (always, my line, always!) but I finally made it to the barricade
just left of center.

The show was really good. The Cab makes amazing use of the stage. I said before when I saw them on the Sept. 18th and I'll say it again -- photographing Alex is like trying to photograph a bullet. LOL But the sound was great, and so was their stage presentation.



Plain White T's played next and did a great set. Tom announced that Hey Delilah was first played in Salt Lake City, which was a bit of trivia I didn't know. The last song was "Hate is a Strong Word" (not sure if that's the proper title.)



Then it was time for Dashboard to set up. Between sets, Rockband had four group winners on stage (2 after Plain White T's and 2 after Dashboard) which was interesting. So we watched a couple of groups play Rockband and then it was time for Dashboard. I have to say, I liked Dashboard's set best. The sound was very good and very polished, and the vocals were outstanding and he made good use of the stage. The one song I really wanted to hear was Stolen, which they did play. It seemed a lot faster than the recorded version, though. I tried to get a set list for Dashboard, (the only band I saw with what appeared to be a set list), but the stage was just too far away, and the Rockbands and emcee were onstage, so it was near impossible to get anyone's attention. :(





Two more Rockband groups played (the last wasn't great, but they were fun) and it was time for Panic.

Panic's set was also very good, and energetic. It was a fairly long set, so the really big Panic fans had to be happy with that!! The stage set up was pretty incredible. They had two big round white daises with "Panic" emblazoned on one and "At the Disco" on the other. The drummer was atop the Panic dais, and the keyboardist was atop the other one. IT was quite the set up. :) One of the songs they performed was Northern Exposure and I thought it was actually quite pretty. (It's also the name of their fan club.)







Most of the night, I was next to a couple of young ladies and their mom. One of them had plans to marry three of the lead singers. ;) She ended up with a guitar pick and a bit of an acknowledgment from the stage, and I'm sure someone just made her whole year! It was sweet.

Anyway, the show did come to an end, as all shows must, and I went upstairs to the merch table. I ended up purchasing The Cab's cd, and also Dashboard's last cd. As I was getting ready to head downstairs and out the door, someone commented on my tee from The Myriad. As it turns out, she was one of the gals from the first Rockband band. She and I really liked a lot of the same music, as it turns out. We chatted, and then I headed outside. I took one look at the traffic and decided to kill some time. I walked around the building just to see if The Cab was around. I didn't expect to see anyone else. A couple of the guys did walk by quickly, but that was about it. A number of people were waiting for either Dashboard or Panic at the Disco. I ended up talking to someone for a really long time. Then Zach (Panic's bodyguard) came up and didn't seem really happy. He wasn't in the best of moods, so we talked about that. Then I finally introduced myself to him and he to me. He gathered everyone from both sides of the bus entrance and told them that the contract with Rockband didn't allow band members to hang out. Also, he said that they would be pulling out in about 40-50 minutes. There was some conversation, and he said that he probably wouldn't even tell Panic we were there because they were nice and might come out, and then Ryan would end up sick and it would be a domino effect. LOL He was kinda funny. I was going to leave, but I was chatting and ended up not leaving quite yet. Then Tom of Plain White T's was standing near us with a crowd, so I walked over just to see who it was, and then I realized who it was and it was friends (I remembered they said Plain White T's had family) so I felt kinda dumb and intrusive. Tom waved at me, I turned to walk away, and the security guy said not to stand in the middle of the street, which I thought was an odd thing to say. I think he just didn't want me bugging Tom, but I was already leaving because I didn't want to bug him, either. Anyway, I was going to leave then, and I was talked out of it. Finally, I did say, I am freezing and I need to leave, so I started back to my car. I should have left the first time so I didn't look like an idiot, and I wouldn't be so sick today. C'est la vie. LOL Live and learn... maybe.

I don't really like waiting by buses unless there is a specific reason (like wanting to get something to someone or seeing if Jon Foreman was going to do an acoustic set or something) even though sometimes I end up there. I never intended to wait strangely enough. It was supposed to be a walk by. LOL At least there was no traffic when I left.

I was a tad concerned about getting back out, but I ended up finding the exit for 215 right away and headed for home. IT was a long night, and even though I ended up sick again, it was mostly fun.

Peace out,
Melanie

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Million Voices Tour

Lights, camera, action... LOL

Tuesday I had a busy day planned. It was the day of the Million Voices Tour, and things had really gotten off to a slow start. I was working catering as I often do. I really do enjoy working catering for shows as it's a lot of fun. The plan was to start breakfast by 9 a.m. I was still waiting for the menu, as I wasn't the one making the plans, I was just helping out. The night before I found out that the person in charge wasn't going to be there until after noon, and that the shopping hadn't been done yet. I was planning to stop by Wal Mart in the morning, so I volunteered to shop. Eleanor sent me a grocery list. The plan was to leave at 7 a.m., but by the time I got things ready enough to do so (I wasn't feeling too great, so I wasn't really motivated), it was late and I figured I'd better have sleep, so I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. and hoped I could get out quickly. Well.. the best laid plans... I got out of the house a little after 7:30 a.m. and headed for Wal Mart. I managed to get the shopping accomplished, except for ice cream, since I wasn't really too sure about it not melting before I made the 45 minute drive. It was a good thing I was parked close (God saved me a spot, I think. LOL) because I forgot my purse and ads for price matching, so I had to go back out and get them. By the time I drove out of Wal Mart it was almost 9 a.m.

About the time I set out on the road, I got a call from Eleanor and she was telling me she was just leaving. I figured we were in trouble, so I asked if anyone was there yet, and she said that Diana was there. Diana set up breakfast, fortunately, and I arrived to the venue about 9:35 a.m. and set about to unload. I had a little bit of help unloading, and things got put away. Then I started on the potatoes for the potato bar at lunch. (Exciting, huh?) Eleanor actually was able to help a little in the kitchen for lunch and put a lot of the toppings in small bowls while I chopped things up. Another helper (which I feel really bad about not recalling her name) made the soup. It was ready just almost exactly on time, which was pretty cool. Lunch was to stay out until about 2 p.m., so as the time neared we cleaned up and got ready to fix dinner. Lynne had arrived, so we set about to fix dinner. I ended up making a run to Albertson's for ice cream, ice cream toppings, ice, etc. I didn't feel like I helped with dinner as much as usual, I guess lunch was my meal this time around. LOL But I did fix up a great salad. LOL And I was able to help serve, which was a lot of fun.

At about 5 p.m., there was supposed to be an early entry for vip ticket holders and Question and Answer session with Barlowgirl, and I really wanted to go since I actually purchased a VIP ticket, but it was also the time they were supposed to start dinner. I wasn't sure how that would work. As it turned out, quite a few people who had purchased tickets were not there, so there was some concern that they may not have known about the early time (5 p.m.) so they pushed it back to 6 p.m. and the doors to 6:30 instead of 6. I only mention this because I know sometimes people are upset when doors open late, but sometimes there is a good reason. In this case, they were concerned about people, which was pretty cool. So, since they decided to delay the Q&A, I asked if they wanted dinner now, then, and I got a rather enthusiastic response. LOL So, they had dinner, I had something to eat, and
I was able to serve most of the time and still go to the session, so that was pretty cool. I met friends that I didn't know were coming (Gina, Brittny and RaNae.) That was a nice surprise. :) We had photos taken, and I went back to the kitchen to see what I could do until the show started.





Finally, it was time for the concert to begin, and I grabbed my camera and headed for the seat I picked out earlier in the day. Brooke Barrettsmith was just starting her set when I got to my seat. She really rocked it! I enjoyed her set quite a lot.
I took quite a few pics, but still not sure about what I got for her. I was still figuring out the lighting. Next it was time for Jimmy Needham to sing, and he did a great job. He had been sick, and except for one song where it seemed not quite as smooth, you would never have known. At the end his beautiful wife, Kelly, comes out and plays on the violin. I loved that part. I know I got a few got photos of her. :)





Then there was an intermission and a plea for Mercy Ministries, and set up for Barlowgirl began. I went back to the kitchen to see what, if anything, needed to be done. I put a few things away, but most of it was under control. So I went and checked out the merch booths and bought a few cd's, stickers, etc. I bought a program to benefit Mercy Ministries. (After the show, Maryann Barlow was just handing them out, so I ended up with two before I could even say much. LOL)

Soon it was time for the concert to start up again, and Barlowgirl arrived on stage.
My favorite part of the night was probably hearing Never Alone. I so totally love that song. It just gets me every time. The Barlow vocals are always so outstanding, too. Lauren did a few songs away from the drumset center stage, and was generally chatty and funny all night. She did her usual "preaching" which I always enjoy and she joked a lot about being the "baby" and getting her way. Their vocal harmonies are some of the best as well. Can you tell I enjoyed it? In the end, it was also a very moving concert. It gave me a chance to meet the person next to me and pray with her also. There were counselors there to pray with people as well, and I think there was a good response. I think after jumping up and down without a barricade to hang on to, I probably should have asked for prayer myself... am I getting too old for this? LOL






Afterwards, I went back to the kitchen again and did what I could to help clean up and put things away. All but a couple of dishes had already been washed and put away. I slowly gathered my things together.

Not too long into things, I ended up talking with the bass player for Brooke and Jimmy (he did double duty) and he wanted to upload all of my pics. I was nervous about that, because usually some of them are really bad, and I'm very picky, but he convinced me. LOL We had a long conversation about pictures, bands, diet, and other things, and he is supposed to be adding me to his myspace. I hope he does soon, because I forgot his (yes, I am embarassed.)

At one point I was able to see all the Barlow sisters together and we had a short conversation. They were very happy with the way things had gone and were very thankful and appreciative. This is the second time I have had the pleasure to serve them, and BOTH times, they were some of the nicest and most appreciative people around. I hope I get a chance to do so again soon. It was a real blessing.

Oh, and I should mention one other thing and that is prayer. There is only one other time where I felt things really had a sense of peace and calm about all day. The first was when Bebo Norman came and a few of us had really been in prayer all week. The other was Tuesday night when there was a call before the show for prayer, and I heard the Barlows and crew praying early in the day. It does make a huge difference. Everything doesn't necessarily go perfect, but the atmosphere is so different. I need to remember that ALWAYS!! God is the reason, and prayer matters.

As for prayer, I could use some. Between me running out of nexium on vacation and a mess up on the refills, I went some time without and had some acid reflux going on. It caused a little bit of respiratory irritation, and I ended up being sick. IT didn't seem like a cold or flu in the way it came on, so I was thinking allergies plus the irritation. At any rate, I think it has evolved into bronchitis. I'm trying to ride it out, as long as it keeps gradually improving, so all prayers are welcome.

Love, peace, great music, Robitussin and Throat Coat Tea... (seeing how long I can extend this list out. hahaha)

--Melanie

Monday, October 06, 2008

Do You Really Care?

"Do you really wanna know me, do you care what's inside
Can you ever really show me there's no secrets I must hide
If I bare my soul, can you accept it all
My darkest corner's safe behind a wall
Do you really wanna know me at all...."

Alannah Myles

I hope this doesn't seem harsh, it isn't meant to be, but I easily tire of forwards...even good ones sometimes because there is no personal contact. I just received one today, and the message was actually not too bad. This one at least had a generic comment which is better than most which are simply forwarded without comment - sometimes in groups. Still, there was no real personal communication. Nothing about what was happening in this person's life, no "How are you today", just a generic note sent en masse to "friends".

This is why I rarely send forwards and if I do, and send them out in multiples even more rarely (if at all, I can't even recall if I ever have sent out "unoriginal" multiple mailings.) This is why if I ever forward anything to you, it will most likely ask how you are doing, what you are up to, or comment on the fact that I am thinking about you. Instead of just hitting the "forward" button next time, why not interact a little. You're friends will most likely appreciate it. Besides, if you make yourself leave a personal note for every forward, you won't send out 50 at a time. LOL

Love, peace, personal interaction, and a freer e-mail box...
Melanie

Friday, October 03, 2008

Summer to Fall Reading

At the meet and greet with Third Day I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Mark Lee and to talk to him about the book club. This summer he was running a summer reading "contest" and I was participating. I didn't expect to win anything, but I'd been involved in the book club for a while, and it really did get me reading again. For that I am extremely grateful! So I set about to make a summer reading list. I am still plugging away at the list, but not doing so badly. Mark promised to follow up on the summer reading club as it had rather fallen by the wayside. True to his word, he posted the following the very next day:

"OK, so today's mission, if anybody's still here to accept it, is to make your case for why you deserve a prize from the Summer Reading Club Committee. It could be a list of all the books you've read. It could be a GREAT review of one book you've read. You could go the sympathy route and try to get me and my committee to give you a pity award."

Hmmm.. so why should I win an award? I have nothing to compare myself, too, so I will make my appeal as to my accomplishments and let it go from there.

First of all, I had some misunderstandings in the beginning, and started a bit late. We were given the opportunity to write reviews for a book or two before things started, and I did just that, although one of the books I probably was reading when the contest started. This is my blog from June 12 (exhibit 1?) with a list of books and two book reviews (Pilgrim's Regress, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.)
http://woman4life.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-book-club.html

I did fairly well with my summer book list, finishing Pilgrim's Regress, Push My Life Into a Dufflebag, Emergence, Three, Scientific Facts in the Bible: 100 Reasons to Believe the Bible is Supernatural in Origin, and am most of the way through God's Debris (should finish tonight) and UnChristian. I have written three reviews. I really accomplished more than I had first thought. Oh.. and I tried to bribe the judge with a bookmark. ;) (JK) Seriously, for those accomplishments, I would love to be considered as a winner.

However, whether I win an award or not, I have already received a very great gift. Between Mark Lee's recommendations, discoveries while looking for recommended books in the bookstore or online, Jacob Marshall's blog, etc., I have started reading again, and thinking, too. I met an author and bought his book (A Circle of Doors) and may read it next, and I feel my life has been enriched. Thanks.

--Melanie

Tag You're It!

O.K. So Allison tagged me, so it's my turn to spill the beans on six of my quirks. If you are tagged, you're it, and it's your turn now. LOL

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment for each tagged blogger to let them know they've been tagged.

My Quirks...Well, six of them.

1. I have a difficult time leaving without saying goodbye, even when it gets to the point of being absurd. If someone is in a long conversation with someone else, I will hang around until I get to say goodbye until it almost feels rather awkward, but I feel awkward if I leave without saying goodbye. I'm not good at exits.

2. Sometimes when I am nervous or bored, or just sitting for a long time, I will bounce my leg up and down. I haven't done it much lately, but now that I'm typing this out, I am starting to again. LOL

3. I sigh -- a LOT!

4. Sometimes I make weird sounds, too. Boy, I am quirky, and weird. LOL

5. I can't stand to buy something twice. If I buy something and lose it or it breaks it is like pulling teeth to get me to buy it again (unless, or course, it is a Relient K cd? LOL) I can do it, but it drives me crazy.

6. I can't stand to let the telephone ring. I have to answer it. Even when I resist the urge, I am up at the phone picking it up in my mind. LOL

And 6 of my friends are now "it" Your turn:

1. Brito
2. April
3. Dr. Lee
4. Lexidoodlellis
5. Lauralee
6. Jacob

Love, peace and weird human habits...

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Yellowcard Unplugged

Well, fortunately Yellowcard wasn't completely unplugged as it might have been difficult for the crowd at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to hear all of the wonderful vocals. ;) However, the show on Tuesday was incredible to say the least.

It was later than planned, by the time I left for Logan, UT. I wanted to leave a bit earlier and get to the venue by 9 or 10 a.m. After all, I reasoned, Yellowcard is pretty well-known. I was afraid people would be camping out for the general admission floor space. As it turned out, I arrived to the venue a little before ten and spent a good half hour or more trying to find a place to park before 5 if you aren't a student. Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is on the University of Utah campus. I mainly regret two things: 1. Not bringing my SLR and 2. Not stopping with my SLR to record all of the beautiful fall colors in the canyon. 1 would not have been possible without 2. LOL I guess I would have had pics, just not the same quality.

Finally, I found a parking terrace (with a little help for a kind employee of an adjacent lot I could park in for $4 an hour without a permit - kinda pricey) I could park in for $7.50 per day (or free if I left after 9:30 p.m.) It was a little bit of a walk, but not too bad.

Then I proceeded to wait, and read, and wait some more. I kept hoping someone would show up so I could chat, take potty breaks, etc. After about an hour, I realized that I'd left my point and shoot camera in the car. If you know me, you know that won't do, so I convinced myself to hike back to the car and use the restroom while I was at it. IT didn't take that long, and I went back to my spot by the doors and waited, and read some more, and waited, took a few pics of the surrounding area, etc.






Every now and then I would walk around the building and wonder if I was at the right door, or someone would come along and ask where the ticket office was. I saw no one.
Again I needed a potty break, and I was alone, so I went to the ticket office in the building and was able to go. I was surprised at how open everything seemed. So, I asked a few questions at the ticket office and went back to my waiting spot.

At 2:30 p.m. I heard drums - yes drums! I went to the side of the building to the right of the doors and could hear perfectly. Jason Reeves was doing a sound check and played a few songs. It did sound very good indeed. Then it was quiet once again. Not too long after a couple of girls came by to check out the doors. Their mom had driven them all the way from Reno to see Yellowcard. They had a mission - front and center for the show. We shared a common goal. LOL They had been waiting inside the building since 11 a.m., about 1/2 after I had arrived. At about 4 o'clock or therabouts, Yellowcard began to do soundcheck and rehearse. They probably played 4 or 5 songs, which I could hear perfectly. It was getting closer.

At about 5, I met the promoter and asked him about cameras. He said he was o.k. with it and the band was, but he didn't know about the venue. He said he didn't know so mine was o.k. he didn't know about anyone elses that came after me. LOL

By the time 5:30 rolled around, the line was getting rather lengthy. At about 5 mins. to 6, security decided to inform us that we couldn't bring in any bags. Now, my car was not close, and I waited all day to be in the front and I have to walk blocks to put things away? I was not a happy camper. Fortunatly, Nancy, the mother of one of the girls from Reno, put my bags in her car, which I REALLY appreciated!!! 6 o'clock came and went and the crowd got a bit antsy. At last the doors finally did open, and we made the made dash for the stairs, down the stairs and in front of the barricade. I was nearly center.

After the usual wait for showtime to come and go, John Allred took the stage. John Allred is a local and very talented artist. His set was really good, and it was clear that many in the audience did know him. John did a medley of different cover songs, including Bubbly and Ocean Avenue (Colbie Callait - Jason performed onstage with her and of course, Yellowcard.) He also did a number of his original songs, ending with Parades, which was a big hit with the audience, or so it seemed. :)




After Allred, Jason Reeves came on stage. He had a keyboardist and drummer onstage with him. Jason was quite engaging and very good. I really liked his set as well. At one point a couple of gals next to me were yelling for Jason to sing "Gasoline" and he didn't have time for the whole song, so he did a little part of it for them. I thought that aws pretty cool.




After Jason's set it took a bit for the stage to be readied for Yellowcard, but finally things were ready, and Yellowcard took the stage and never turned loose. :)
Some of the songs they played were Rough Landing Holly, Only One, Lights and Sounds, and, yes, Ocean Avenue. Yellowcard did a wonderful job engaging the crowd, encourging audience participation, and even a sing along with background vocals. The crowd was pretty crunched, but also very enthusiastic. They chanted one more song for the longest time. Usually you can tell by the lights (or a set list if you can read it from where you are) if they band is finished, but the lights weren't giving us much of a signal. Finally, it was clear that they weren't doing an encore. However, Sean came down to the barricades and started doing autographs, and getting photos. After a little longer, Ryan Mendez (guitarist) came out and talked, gave autographs and posed for pics as well. Then just a short while later Ryan Keys came out and did the same.




I tried to get the set list and had my eye on it, but then I was so tired I zoned out for a minute and another guy got it. I saw another one under a guitar case, and asked Sean for it. He said it was gone. I looked up and a stage guy was taking it to some security gals backstage. I forgot to ask the guy if I could get a pic like I usually do.



Anyway, after the show, I went to the merch tables and bought a couple of cd's. I said a brief "hello" to John Allred, but couldn't wait for a pic as the people with my belongings in their car were heading for the elevator. I didn't want to make them wait, so I tried to hurry. As it was, they were waiting downstairs. We went outside and saw Sean (he told them he'd be down there) and we talked to him. I missed my photo op with Sean at the barricade, but I did get my photo with him outside, and my new friends as well.


Then Nancy, Rachel, and Gabby headed to their hotel, and I headed for the parking garage. Man, did my feet hurt!! Then I walked up the stairs because I figured I'd find my car easier. I was wrong. I got totally turned around. I could have just walked straight down the street I was already on. As it was I got turned around and ended up walking a long way past where I needed to be in the wrong direction and had to walk back again. I did finally find the garage and my car and headed for Burger King (at least I remembered how to get out of there ok) and then for the hour and 15 min. drive home. I was tired, but it had been a fun night.