Sherwood, The Fold, Sound the Alarm, Allred

Tooth and Nail Tour photos

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

Health issues

Sometimes I'm rather fond of the old adage, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." This month it has been especially true. Today I went back to work after coming down with the flu on Monday (something I am told I have in common with Bo Bice now), and starting treatment for bronchitis on Wednesday. I'm not getting well too quickly. Maybe it's because I'm older now. However, this is the third time for the flu since the end of September, and twice it has developed into bronchitis. This is not normal for me. Once every other year is more my norm.

SO, today, I finally went back to work. I was fortunate to have a bit of sick leave built up, but I think it's going quickly. I figured I'd better go back today.

I managed to type about 15 documents before I started getting the funny vision. It kept getting worse, and worse and worse until I had to look around blurry, spotty places in my vision to see the numbers I was typing on the documents. I felt a little light-headed once or twice, but I managed to finish the batch, put a second batch I had back on the truck and instruct the back-up lead that I was heading for the nurse's office. She said I needed to be seen, even though it was most likely an ocular migraine, albeit a very bad one. I didn't have a headache yet. She had me call someone to pick me up. It took three tries to reach my husband by phone. He doesn't like to answer the phone, especially if he doesn't know the number (so now he knows what USG means.) I hope my life never depends on him picking up the phone. LOL

This is about the third one of the ocular migraines I've had in recent times. The last time the visual disturbance was almost as pronounced, and a little scary. After about the third day into the headache I finally cried "uncle" and went to see the doctor who gave me Maxtor. It took two doses. This time I got on meds before there was much of a headache. Funny thing is there is a bit of pressure, no headache, and it's still sort of there, which makes deciding what to do with the meds tricky. I'm taking a wait and see at the moment. Hopefully I won't regret it.

Tomorrow I have to go back to work again. My car will be there waiting. My husband will have to take me to work, which means I'll have to walk farther. I could scan him into the lot, but figure I'd better not, since I'm not sure that's technically allowed.

I have tickets to the Tooth & Nail tour on June 11, and was to take half a day off. I can't even get excited about it. A lot of it is being sick. But I guess I have a few days to recover before then. And I will feel badly taking off when I just missed so much due to illness this time around.

Like I said, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Looking forward to hopefully getting over all this.

--Melanie

Bo Bice

Some pics from the concert on Thursday Night. :)

Temptation

Cravings
Pulling me
Whirlwind
Sucking me in
Dying
Trying
Fighting
Wanting to win
This battle

A little slice of my life - What it's like

Last night, or should I say this morning, I managed to leave work somewhere in the vicinity of 1 a.m. I worked 6.3 hours of overtime, and 2 hours of credit. Credit basically means I can use it as time off at a later date in lieu of annual leave (aka vacation time.) I knew it would be a bit of a long night with little sleep because I desperately needed some groceries, dog food, etc., which meant a trip to Wal Mart. By the time I completed my shopping trip, it had to be after 3 a.m. I still had to unload everything, put at least the majority of it away, wind down enough to sleep and let the dogs in to calm down before putting them in their crates. Before I would finally lay my head on the pillow it was around 6:30 a.m. That is all well and good if one does not plan to get up at 9:30 and be to church at 10 a.m. I am very blessed that it only takes about 10 min. to get to church, and we often don't start promptly. Yes, I fit right in there. :)

So, I made it to church this morning somewhere in the vicinity of 10 a.m. and music and worship had already started. I found a seat about 4 rows back and joined in. We sang, the announcements were made, and the pastor acknowledged Dennis and Sandy Zech and let us know that they would be performing their acts of illusion for us at 4 p.m. Dennis and Sandy come to our church about once a year and they are always a welcome sight to me. Dennis has a killer sense of humor, and I consider him the king of the "groaners". He can also imitate cartoon characters. I always appreciate what they have to say Dennis and Sandy, not the cartoon characters ;), and I enjoy the presentation as well. So, while I had planned to shovel the gifts the dogs love to leave me in the backyard this afternoon, seeing Dennis and Sandy seemed a great deal more appealing. :) I saw Sandy and chatted a little bit and purchased a really cool bracelet to support their ministry. I stayed a little after church to chat, and while I was waiting someone showed up with a bounce house that was being brought in for the kids. Then I finally headed for home with a pit stop to Smith's to buy some salad fixings for the big event. I knew I needed to make sure my camera was ready as I planned to take lots of photos.

At 4 p.m. I went back to church. I saw an old friend I hadn't seen in a while, ate a barbequed hamburger, salad and some wonderul fruit salads as well. I took a lot of pics as planned. There were games for the children, and some fun relay races with water. No matter how far away I stood, though, my camera and I still ended up dodging the spray. Fortunately, my camera and I both survived. The kids were adorable and fun. Then the big kids (aka the men and dads) got involved in the water fun and lets just say we had a lot of men at the event looking a little like drowned rats for a while. But they did have fun! I watched.

Finally, it was time to see Dennis and Sandy, and I was not disappointed. Dennis and Sandy were funny, entertaining and informative as they always are. One of the main messages that they get across with their illusions is the concept of deception and how one knows if they are being deceived. There is a specific "trick" that they perform where they show how it is done and ask if you can ever be fooled by it again and of course the response is "no". Why not? "Because now you know the truth."


When things began to wind down I was going to call my daughter because we were supposed to go out to dinner and look at her financial situation. I had my cell phone in the car to charge because it was dying. Just when I was thinking I might sneak away I was approached to see if I could get a pic with Sandy talking to the crowd. I said I would try. By the time I finished and got back to the phone it was a bit late, so I ended up meeting my daughter for dessert instead. We discussed her financial situation which seems somewhat hopeless at the moment. Somehow there has to be a way through it all, but I'm not quite sure what it is yet.

Just as we were finishing our dessert the waitress came to our table and said the man in the corner with a bandana wanted to pick up our tab. I wasn't quite sure what to say. That was certainly a first for me. LOL My daughter said, sure. It was very nice, although a little awkward. It felt really weird to leave without paying. LOL We acknowledged him and said thank you, but didn't really go all the way over to his table since he was with a group of people anyway, and I really was speechless (a rare thing.)

So, I headed for home and here I am, blogging, downloading and uploading photos and catchcing myself from falling out of my chair when I start to doze off.

A day in my life.

Peace out,
Melanie

Trying to Capture Beauty

A leafhopper (not so beautiful, I suppose and flowers from my front yard:







I have said before, and it bears repeating, I cannot create a flower, I can only capture it's beauty: even so, I can never capture it all, or fully do it justice.

The Mountains Declare

Here in Northern Utah there is a wonderful view of the mountains. Everyday as I travel to work, I can look ahead and the view is often quite breathtaking, at least when it isn't interrupted by road crews working.

AT any rate, when I see the mountains and their beauty, it's easy to praise God. However, as I was driving a while back, it just really struck me how the mountains themselves are a snapshot of God and his creation, and a testament to who he is.

God is majestic, beautiful, strong, powerful. Likewise, his Creation of the mountains there is great majesty and beauty, strength and power. Everything about the mountains scream a testimony to God and who He is. Yet, even the mountains would move if he just gave the word.

Praise God.

--Melanie

Spidermania

No, this is not a Spiderman review. I haven't seen the movie yet, although it's definitely in my plans in the near future. I'm waiting for things to slow a little in the theaters. I'm thinking an early matinee on a weekday might work. :)

What really caught my attention was at Wal Mart, also affectionately known as "Wally World" to some of us. Last week I walked into Wal Mart and Spiderman was everywhere. First and most obvious, of course, were all of the Spiderman toys, kids chairs, kids tees, bath towels and pretty much anything that advertised Spiderman that would interest a child (and sometimes young men in their late teens and twenties, which aren't so different from children generally speaking.) If that had been all, I don't think it would have been so notable, however.

What really caught my attention was that it seemed nearly everything had Spiderman on it. I saw Spiderman Trix, Spiderman orange soda, and of course Spidey boxer shorts. It would be really funny to give those to someone, but I think I'd be too embarassed to actually try it. ;)

Today, I was at Wal Mart again, and the Spiderman bonanza was still ongoing. I'm sure I missed a few items, like the one that caught my husband's eye, Spiderman cheese nips. Now there is one snack I cannot go without!

On the way out of Wally World, my husband quipped, "I'm surprised they don't have Spiderman toilet paper." Now there's a grand idea. You could call it Spidey wipes. (O.K. You can stop groaning now.) To be honest, perhaps there is Spiderman toilet paper. I was almost afraid to check that aisle, so it will have to wait until next time.

In the words of Dr. Otto Octavius: "Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts." Spider mania is here.

Going through Hoops for Hoopes

O.K. My Matt Hoopes inspired limerick is now completed. It's corny, I know, but I suppose that make it very "limerick-like." LOL

Hoopes was a guy who could rock
Though some thought he barely could talk
He kept awfully quiet
Till he started a riot
When he merely just went for a walk.

Creativity?

Someone posted a limerick thread on the "Pictures, Art and Poetry part of the Relient K forums, so I decided to compose a limerick for each one of the guys. I still have to come up with something for Hoopes, but it's late, so it will have to wait. Anyway, here are my limericks for Matty, Jon, John and Dave:

There once was a young man named Thiessen
Who wrote love songs for each passing season
He fell like a cannon
For the fair maiden Shannon
Now he's happy beyond rhyme or reason.

There was a young lad called Jon Schneck
Who went on a very long trek
To each comics store
but he still wanted more
'til he spent his entire paycheck

There was a musician called Warne
who needed a loud ooga horn
He caused a disorder
When left at the border
And now he is sad and forlorn


Relient K's drummer got bored
As history now will record
The drummer called Dave
Thought he needed a shave
Now all of his hair's on the floor

Hmmm... now what can I say about Mr. Hoopes. :)

Another round of concert photos

Concert Photos

Not over Over It

No, I am not simply repeating myself. Over It is the name of a band, and one that I really love to listen to quite a lot. Yesterday afternoon, I headed over to In the Venue in Salt Lake City to see Over It for the third time. I had decided I would leave a bit later than my usual 2 p.m. for the show that started at 6:30 p.m., but then I was ready to go at 2 p.m., and I figured I could sit around and wait at the venue just as easily as at home, I suppose. The even funnier thing is that I made such good time that it was almost ridiculous. So much for being there later.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day outside. It did much to lift my spirits. I am not a winter person. I was born and raised in the Sacramento area. Very hot summers are not at all uncommon in Sacramento, and the winters are mild by comparison to Salt Lake City. I'm not a winter person, and the winters here are often extended. This year winter has not been to bad overall. The last time Over It was in Salt Lake City, they were opening for Bowling for Soup and it was extremely cold. I wouldn't be surprised if that was our coldest day this last winter, so the beautiful weather for this show was quite a contrast!

I was expecting a friend to show up, but I hadn't really connected with her ahead of time, so I had no idea what time she would arrive. So, I waited...and waited. I watched bands during load out. A few of the band members came out to smoke here and there. I had read online that the concert was supposed to start at 6:30, but I decided to see what the time was printed on the ticket said since no one seemed to be showing up. I glanced at the 7 p.m. ticket and noticed that it also said, "Presented by The Truth About Tobacco." I couldn't help but to chuckle at the irony. I decided to call my friend, Lauralee, and I asked her if she liked irony. She thought I said ironing. I'm sure she thought I was crazy at that moment. Who likes ironing? When she finally figured it out, I think she appreciated my obervation. She said she was getting some water and would be there in about 20 mintes.

In the meantime, it was getting just a tad warm out there. I was getting concerned for the chocolate I brought for Seth of Over It. I checked the Hershey bars, and let's just say that they were VERY soft. I saw one of the men with all access passes and asked mentioned to him about having chocolate for Seth of Over It, and I expressed my concerns about it melting. He said, he should be around here somewhere and that he was sure I'd see him. Probably no more than 10 seconds later, Seth came out and sat down; and I was able to pawn off the melted chocolate. Ooops, I mean I was able to give him my well-thought out gift. Actually he appreciated it and found a cool place for it. Then he came back out and we chatted a little. I asked him if he liked irony. Judging by the look on his face, he probably thought I said ironing as well. I pulled out the ticket and showed him. I'm not sure he was quite as amused at the irony quite as was, but he did seem to appreciate it just the same.

At 3:45 or thereabouts (was I watching my watch? I must have been bored) Lauralee arrived. She brought water and some much welcome company. She stood where the invisible entry "line" would be and waited while I went to my car and brought out the sunscreen. I'm sure it saved me from looking like a complete lobster today. We chatted, and chatted some more. She went to her car and I talked to Nick of Over It very briefly. Time passed and still no one else showed up in line. At 5:30 p.m. we were told we could go in early. It was nice and cool inside and before long people did arrive and it was time for the show to start.

The first band wasn't bad, and I think it was a local band. Lauralee knows the name, but I have forgotten, unfortunately. All in all 4 bands played. Everybody Else played next and they were really very good. I especially liked the drummer. He had his drum kit on the floor in front, which reminded me of Mute Math. Then it was time for Over It to set up. I saw the set list taped to a speaker during load out, so I knew they were playing "Gunslinger" which is a favorite of mine. During the stage set up, I noticed that it was the second song. This gal next to me took out a pen and wrote her request at the end of the set list. It was kind of funny. It wasn't one they were prepared to play, although I they do sometimes take requests. They didn't have their acoustic set up available for the show. Lauralee recorded a couple of the songs and Peter was mugging for the camera. IT was pretty funny. He is very interactive with people onstage and a lot of fun. In addition to some great guitars and just great music, they are all very animated during a performance. The only thing I didn't like about their set was that it was just too short. :(

After Over It finished playing, it was time for Self Against City. I almost felt badly because I think quite a few people were there to see Over It. There were some very enthusiastic guys next to me who were obviously very big fans, so it's possible that my perceptions were wrong. At any rate, they played a good set as well. I liked the very first song the best, and it did seem familiar for some reason. I was taking photos, and at one point the lead singer kinda posed with a funny expression for me. I didn't think it had turned out sharp enough, but it actually work out after all.

After Self Against City finished performing, I went to Over It's merch table and purchased a chain with an Over It pic, and a cd. Then I bought the Everybody Else cd at their merch table. Lauralee bought a tee. We started to walk away and spotted Nick, but then he started a conversation with some guys he seemed to know well, and we just kinda waited around. We had a nice conversation with Nick about music, Relient K, movies and other things, Lauralee took our photo and we headed outside where we found Seth, Peter and Ryan. We spent quite a lot of time just chatting until it was time for them to leave. I had lots of fun, laughed lots, had my photo taken and overall had a great time. I can't wait until we get to see them again. It was a much needed break from the doldrums I've been in lately.

Lauralee stood by our cars and chatted even longer before we headed off to our respective homes. It was a great night full of wonderful memories. It was a great gift and a blessing.

As Mac Powell would say,
Peace Out,
Melanie

Who I Am Instead?

I have been in a deep "funk" for the last 2 or 3 days at least. I can't tell if it's simply that I don't feel well, since I don't, and more physically based, or if there is something more going on. I suspect it's a little of each. Whatever it is, I can't seem to shake it.

Last night I went home from work sick. I was a bit achy, and there was some pressure in my head. It wasn't painful, it was just there, and it was making me feel like I just wanted to just lay on the floor and sleep. I couldn't concentrate, so I finally left. I felt bad about leaving, but I didn't want to try and stay and end up unable to drive home. I went to bed about 15 minutes after getting home, and woke up about 1:30 a.m. which is just about the time I should have arrived home ordinarily. I stayed in bed another 45 minutes or so and finally got up. I still feel tire, and still depressed. I can't shake it.

Does anyone else feel like they aren't really good at anything? I'm not a particularly gifted data entry person. I'm not really that great a photographer (trust me, I see all the originals, you only see some of the better ones.) I'm not a good housekeeper. I used to be, but I can't seem to get anything back under control anymore. I want to be an encourager, but most of the time I feel more like a nuisance. And my walk with God leaves much to be desired. I want it back, and can't quite get it there as it should be. I can't leave myself behind enough most of the time.

So, this is the real me. I'm tired. Sometimes I envy Rip Van Winkle. A 30 year sleep doesn't sound so bad, except then I'd wake up and I'd still be me.

Hope you all are faring better.

God's blessings,
Melanie

My Thoughts on the First 10 Pages

It was an interesting day today. First of all, I got to work in good time and was even a little early. I always love it when I don't feel so rushed coming in. I went to the table to get a form, got sidetracked, remembered that I didn't have the form yet, and turned around really fast. I clobbered the back of my hand really hard and I think I hit a nerve. I couldn't work my hand right for a sec. I am so very co-ordinated. I went and picked up some work and sat down at my dest and got started. I wasn't typing with a whole lot more co-ordination than when I got the form. It seems like it took me forever, and we are on measured production. But I finally went on to the next batch of work. I got my Quality Review back from last week. There are supposed to be 4, but for some reason there was only one, and it wasn't good. My emotions went into a tail spin. Sometimes I let this stuff get me very down. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm really very good at anything, so my thoughts started travelling in that direction. It can only go downhill from there. I took break just a little early and started reading the book, "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian D. McLaren. I managed to get to about page 10. When lunch break came around, I spent a few minutes writing down my thoughts, and I will share them here:

First thoughts:
I have to admit to being just a litle uncomfortable with the idea that there is a "secret" message of Jesus. I came from a cult and one trait not uncommon to many cults is that there is secret, hidden information, some special revelation or that God's word is somehow not plain. In reality, I think that we are the ones that make things so mysterious by our own unwillingness to listen. It's not that I don't think that there are any mysteries of God, in fact, I believe that there are and Scripture mentions them. But am I wrong in my impression that Jesus revealed them rather than further muddied the waters? Not that we can, as finite human beings, completely grasp the infinite God of the universe, nor will we be able to really get Christ without at least accepting Him as real. How can one begin to understand God if he is only seen as a myth? I guess that would be starting with a faulty premise. And if God is only a myth, what would be the point anyway?

Still, when McClaren says, "A lot of people say, 'It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere.' They're partly right: sincerity is a precious thing, and arguments about who has the correct beliefs have too often led to arrogance, ugly arguments, and even violence. But believing untrue things, however sincerely, can have its own unintended consequences", he really hit on something that I think needs to be said. What you believe matters not only in eternity, but in the here and now. It's somewhat providential I seem to be reading this now after struggling to express that very same thought to someone without being or seeming like I knew it all or was putting them down in anyway. McClaren has a wonderful way with words and with painting word pictures from the little I've read.

So far, I am not sure where this will all take me, but even if I find fault from here on out, at least it will be a challenge to dig deeper and maybe make some changes. And that can't be a bad thing. And for me, I think it's needed.

God's blessings,
Melanie

RK, Mae, Sherwood photo blog

Photos from the 20th in Salt Lake City. More are up here:
http://woman4life.smugmug.com

Relient K, Mae, Sherwood

I had been looking forward to Friday, April 20 since the end of October. Of course, I didn't know the actual date until mid December, but I was very excited that two of my favorite bands were touring together, Mae & Relient K. When the tour dates were finally announced, I was elated to find that they were indeed stopping in Salt Lake City. I'd been looking forward to it ever since.

So, yesterday, I went to bed too late as usual and Daisy Mae (the dog) and alarm clock had me awake and out of bed by 12:30 p.m. I showered quickly, got my things together for the show, and headed off to my daughter's salon. She was going to go, but had an appointment first, so I dropped her ticket off; and she dried and flat-ironed my hair. It turned out pretty good, I think. :)

I finally left the salon around 2 p.m. and headed for Salt Lake City. I arrived at 2:35 p.m. I was trying to get there before 2:30, but that plan was "derailed" by a long, slow moving train; but I did finally arrive, parked, got my things together again and saw Lauralee pull up beside my car. We headed across the street and into the line. There were two other very excited gals in front of us. So, we waited, and I chatted, and waited and chatted. Then I saw Rob and Jacob and said "hello". I told Rob I had something for him, and he accepted it gratefully and took it back inside the venue before heading off to Starbucks. Then on the return trip we talked again and they posed with people for photographs. I was going to, but the batteries in my camera were dead. I knew they were about gone (the non-rechargeable type) and had recharged ones somewhere, but I didn't want to delay them so I asked if they'd be around after. I think they were around between band sets, but we never connected. But I think they'll be back, so next time. It was good to see them again. I saw Zach a few times as well, but we never really got to talk at all. I said a quick hello to Benji. They kept him pretty busy, I think. :)

Over the course of the afternoon I was able to chat with Hoopes and Jon Schneck briefly. Jon was off to the bookstore. On the way back, I gave him a tee I had for him (a Batman tee). I hope it's not too huge, but when I went to order there were no smalls. I'm o.k. with baggy tees, but not sure they are too much the "in" thing anymore. LOL

After what seemed an eternity, the doors finally opened, I got my photo pass and headed towards the stage. I was looking for someone to find the rules for the camera, but never saw the person I was looking for. I just figured if I couldn't take pics for Sherwood, I'd hear about it. I knew Mae didn't mind, but I hadn't asked them for an actual pass and they have to submit it ahead of time. Next time I'll know. LOL At any rate, I was in front, just to the right of center. It wasn't too bad during Sherwood's set. Sherwood was on the stage at 6:15, and their set seemed all too short. I really enjoyed them quite a bit. I had pre-ordered their new cd, and while I don't know all the words yet, I did recognize some of the music.

After Sherwood, the stage was rearranged and set up for the next band, Mae. Now I am a big fan of Mae, so I was very excited. Apparently so were a lot of other people because the venue became one giant sardine can. It was difficult to even move, except for the bit of jostling that was going on. I was able to get some pics, but most were not real sharp. Afterwards the security guard was getting me the set list and another guy got Dave's attention and since Dave didn't know what the guard was doing just finished taking it off and handed it to the guy. But I did get a photo of it, so I have a copy. LOL Us old people need the reminders, you know. Then it was time for the stage to be set for Relient K.

I tried to get out of the crowd behind the barricade for photos, and the security guard had to pull me out. It took two of them and my knees got stuck on the barricade a couple of times. We are talking seriously packed folks here. LOL

I went to Jon's side of the stage and checked out the lighting. I was having a bit of a difficult time getting co-ordinated and staying out of the way of security. I went to Matty/John Warne's side of the stage once, and felt too much in the way. I thought maybe there was a three song limit because of Tuesday, but wasn't sure. There was another gal there taking pics as well, and I still saw her there on the 4th song, so I stayed. But then I didn't see her a little bit afterward, so I headed back to the far side of the stage. There were other people there, so I thought that was probably about as far as I was going to get unless someone helped me out. No one said anything. At one point a security guy came from behind and thought he wanted me to move back, but then he was just trying to get around me. So, I stayed put. Anyway, I still took a few more photos from there. And I also clapped a bit, sang along to the music and had a great time. Forgiven was definitely amazing to hear live. I also loved RK's rendition of Sloop John B. I actually heard it and Devestation and Reform twice since I could hear them at sound check. In fact, I think that was probably the best show of Relient K's that I'd been to! They actually played a pretty good set, but it was over in what seemed like the blink of an eye.

After the show, I headed for the merch tables and bought a Sherwood tee and had my photo taken with Sherwood. My daughter came to her show with her date, and met me at the merch tables. Her date said that Relient K was good (smart man.) Then they left and we waited so that I could buy a couple of Mae stickers, and I could get Lauralee a tee in exchange for a ticket I bought from her. We finally made it outside, and there was a group of people waiting by the buses. After quite a long while, the security guard went back and told RK about the fans outside, and Dave, Hoopes and eventually Warne came out and talked to everyone. Sherwood hung and talked to people quite a while as well.

All in all it was a really fun night, and I can't wait until next time.

Peace out,
Melanie