The Bird and The Bee Sides

Long ago, in a time far away, I preordered a copy of The Bird and The Bee Sides. The purpose of preordering is two-fold: 1. Support the band; 2. Get the cd the day it comes out without worries that it won't be in the local store. So, I pre-ordered The Bird and the Bee Sides, Revelation by Third Day and Kutless' new cd.

Then I waited... and waited...

Finally it was the middle of July, and I went to Musichristian.com to look at my account. It said it was processing. Then I saw a pop up (normally they are blocked) telling me that if I preordered that all cd's would ship the day of the last release date - not until well into August. Now I wanted to listen to The Bird & The Bee Sides (hereinafter referred to as TB&TBS - abbreviations are the American way, after all) on my trip to Creation NW, so I asked to have my order split. I was assured that was quite doable for a $2 fee. It didn't arrive in time, but I did receive an e-mail saying that it was shipping on July 22. At least I would have it for the trip up for the Boise Warped Tour.

I was wrong again.

What I failed to notice was that the shipment didn't mention WHICH cd, and the notice was for Revelation not TB&TBS. So on July 29, Revelation came. No TB&TBS in sight. I did get the invoice and $2 shipping fee for splitting the order, though.
So, once again I wrote to MusiChristian.com. I threatened to cancel and buy it at Wal Mart. They apologized, said it was being shipped expedited at no extra charge and I was given a $5 coupon code. I just wanted my cd.

So, I waited some more. Finally, well into August, I get an e-mail saying my order shipped. So for less than a week, I have finally been able to listen to TB&TBS.

Today, I went to church, and as is my habit, I stopped at the P.O. Box to check my mail on the return trip. In my P.O. Box was a bubble envelope from The Effect Radio.
I had given them a small donation out of appreciation and because it was obvious they care about the music and artists there, and they were very hospitable to me when I went to see the Fold at the end of July. I opted to not receive any "gift" with my donation. So imagine my surprise to get a cd from them in the mail. I open it up wondering what they sent and you'll never guess what it was. Oh... you figured it out? TB&TBS. So now the woman who couldn't get one copy, now has two.

And I couldn't stop laughing hysterically the rest of the way home.

Have a blessed Sunday,
Melanie

Another story - Creation NW or bust

My plan for Creation NW was to arrive about 10:30 a.m. on July 23, set up my tent and get to the line at the gate as soon as possible. It's usually too hot to wait in my tent anyway. From the Motel 6 in Ontario, OR to The Gorge is approximately a 6 hour drive providing I don't stop or get lost. Both scenarios were unlikely. I did stop a few times, and I did get lost. I wasn't hopelessly lost, actually, I just wasn't clear on a turnoff or two. Fortunatley I passed one and just had to turn around. The other wasn't totally clear and for once I picked the right direction. LOL I probably only had about 5-1/2 to 6 hours of sleep, so by the time I arrived (which was closer to noon) I was ready for a break. It took a while to get my tent spot and to get set up, but I finally made my way to the gate to wait, wait and wait some more. I was pretty close to the front. A lot of people were hanging around in chairs by the gate and didn't seem to concerned about their position. I suppose if you aren't headed for the main stage it wasn't such a big concern. I was headed for the main stage. I took my place at the gate and waited to meet Bri. We had hoped to hang out for the whole Creation fest, but she ended up getting a job. The funny thing about jobs is that they rather expect you to show up. LOL Still, she was able to come and meet me there and to see one of her favorites - Hawk Nelson. We had a decent time visiting with one another and hanging out. Finally the time for the gate to open became nearer. I was at the front of the line. At Creation, everyone goes through security and the gates, and lines up in front of a line of security guys holding tape. The goal is to make the long trek down the hill towards the main stage without anyone running, pushing, shoving, etc. (nice goal - easier said than done.) I was at the coveted front... but I would still have to make a run for it once we reached the stage area. They always tell people not to run. I try, but people always to, and I always have to try and keep up. This year the crowd was pretty pushy going down the hill. I lost my water bottle, and I didn't dare stoop to pick it up. At last we made it down the hill, and the race for prime real estate for the night commenced. I found a decent spot on the barricade to the right. Bri and I were separated. Most of the rest of the night we ended up just texting one another here and there. Flyleaf was set to play first and they really were everything I had hoped and then some. I enjoyed their set immensely. For a real contrast, Leeland played next and as always was definitley worth hearing. Leeland and a wonderful voice and heart for worship. Hawk Nelson (who Bri come to see most) was a lot of fun as always. Once Hawk Nelson's set was over, Bri ended up leaving to meet up with them, and had a great time. I stayed in the crazy crowd. LOL I was really rather sad that we didn't get to actually say goodbye in person. Texting isn't the same. Finally Kutless played and put on an awesome concert. Night one ended, I picked up a little bit of trash along the way and I headed off for some much needed sleep.