The Real Relient K Day Blog

Thursday I knew I was in for a long day. I took the entire day off work as I wanted to be absolutely sure I was in the front of the line and I did hope that Relient K would arrive early enough for me to see them a bit. My original plan was to be there by 9:30 a.m. I knew that was probably too early, but thought perhaps I'd find things to do nearby if I needed to for a bit. As it turned out, I didn't get to bed until 5 a.m., so I set my alarm clock for 9:06 a.m. It was close enough. LOL Sleep came with great difficulty, and morning came far too soon. I struggled my way out of bed and set out to get ready to go. I put on my "Just As I Am" tee, and finished getting dressed, finished packing my camera gear, ate a bowl of cereal with blueberries and strawberries, took Mollie out for a brief walk and eventually headed out the door probably a little before 10 a.m.

I had planned a pit stop at Smith's grocery store to pick up some gift cards, and something to drink. I secretly hoped no one else had decided to come so early with a lot of schools letting out already, and said my prayer to just trust God with the timing. (He is good to always work things out as they should be.) Then I realized that I left a camera battery in the charger at home, so I went the mile or so back home to retrieve it. Finally I was on my way to the Murray Theater for real.

It was about 10:45 when I reached my destination, and set about to find someplace to park. Parking turned out to be the biggest challenge. I had been to the venue once before, and parked at the far end of the parking lot across the street. This time I was greeted by multiple signs promising that Murray Theater patrons would be towed ir they parked there at any time. I drove in circles for what seemed like an eternity until I finally found a spot around the corner and down the street. So I walked over to the theater and waited. I easily lost track of time, but probably about 20-30 minutes later, Jeremiah and his son arrived to wait for tickets. The show was sold out, but Jeremiah had driven down with his family from WY in hopes of getting his son in to see Relient K as a belated birthday present. He had been told that some tickets might be at the door at 3 p.m. He said they prayed about it all night and on the way down, as he tried to make some headway with his music contacts. Jeremiah had been the drummer for a band called Weston. The three of us chatted quite a bit as the morning wore on. I told him I bet that Thiessen would probably get them in. LOL A couple of other young ladies arrived that were also told some tickets would be available at the door at 3 p.m.

I don't really recall what time it was, but RK's bus arrived and parked right in front of the venue. I almost parked my car there, so it's probably a good thing that I moved it. The bus driver got off the bus and waited for a taxi, Ethan and a few other guys got off the bus at various times, and Ethan, et al., made a trek down to Starbucks in the Barnes & Noble down the street. After what seemed like another eternity, Hoopes finally got off the bus and we chatted a bit. I mentioned Jeremiah and family to him and Hoopes said he'd get them in the show.

More people began to arrive and line up for the supposed 3 p.m. door tickets.

Lauralee texted me that she would get to the venue about 2:30 p.m. (It was probably closer to 4-4:30 before she arrived.) And I wondered about April and was hoping to see her soon.

I really don't recall what time it was exactly whenI looked up and April greeted me and we finally met face to face. We decided to head over to Subway and split an oven roasted chicken sandwich, which was pretty tasty, btw. LOL I had to have Subway in honor of RK's setlist song about the $5 footlong. :) April and I chatted some more and she finally went over to spend some time at the park down the street, having tired a little of doing the waiting in line all day thing. I can't say I blame her!

The line began to grow, and grow and grow. A good number of people were waiting for the 3 o'clock tickets. The funny thing is that the venue will sell ocasionally sell a handful of tickets at the door when doors open. I think the security guy was getting a tad nervous as a lot of people waiting did not have a ticket yet. He kept saying, "This is not good." I managed to catch Scotty and made sure that Jeremiah and family would be on the list as Hoopes didn't get his name, and Scotty said, "no problem" and wrote it down on blue tape. LOL By about 5 or so, security kept arranging and rearranging the lines trying to figure out how they were going to let people in.

At various times, the guys went in to sound check - Ethan first, Schneck - finally Thiessen, who I think had just awakened. He gave me a "hi five" and said he had to go brush his teeth and sound check and said he'd be back out to chat later. (Later he came out and said he wanted to chat, but he had to brush his teeth. LOL)

Lauralee finally arrived in there somewhere, and April came back from the park. We waited...

The tickets said doors at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m., but earlier in the day, I was told that the doors would in fact open at 7. Finally we were let in the door and I made my way to the stage, left of center. In reality, I think it was closer to 6:30 p.m., but then we waited in the venue a very long time. The natives began to get restless and started chanting, "start the show" at one point. The crowd also got rather pushy and scrunched even before The Classic Crime played their set. I was told I could shoot with my pro camera, no flash for 3 songs, so I tried my best, but three songs with such an "enthusiastic" crowd turned out to be a huge challenge. Most of the pics are not good. I do think I have a few good ones of Owl City, though. And I did get some decent shots of RK with my point and shoot.

The crowd was really ready for a show by the time The Classic Crime took to the stage and put on an awesome performance. April had been next to me and decided she'd had enough of the crazy crowd and headed for the back. We had to really yell at people to let her out. Finally she just said, "look, let me out and all 60 of you can have my spot." LOL It worked.

Owl City set up and their set up really went rather quickly. It does seem that Adam has a few fans in SLC, who knew the music, which was pretty nice, actually. The lighting for Owl City was dark, mostly in blues, and he and Matt played the show in bare feet. With his rolled up pant legs and bare feet, Adam looked like he was ready for the beach. :) Although Owl City is a bit more techno than what I normally listen to, I liked Adam's voice, and the songs were almost relaxing. The backdrops made me think of Jacob Marshall as he had the video behind him with clouds for a good portion of the set. MAE and clouds.:)

Owl City finished up their set and the set up began for Relient K. They put a platform right in front of my face. I know how to pick spots - that's for sure. LOL Sometime during one of the other sets, I had dropped my wallet. I did get some help from the crowd in backing away as a lot of the content had apparently fallen out and was on the floor. I think I retrieved everything. Everything, that is, except the Starbucks card that was on the stage that I had for Ethan. It never turned up during the show.

About that time my friend just behind me said she felt like she might pass out. I could feel the heat emanating off her body, so I tried to get her to put her head down, and I started fanning her with some Batman stickers I brought for Ethan. She started to lose all of her color, and she became unresponsive. Her lips even got pale, and I got a little scared for her. I started trying to see if I could spot Scotty or security or someone to yell at from the stage to get her out, but I couldn't see anyone. RK's came onstage and started playing Devastation and Reform, and Nicole's friend drug her out of the crowd. Fortunately, she was o.k., but boy did she have me worried!!! I was ready to call 911.

I tried my best to take pics, but wasn't having much luck at all with the pushing. It kinda made me sad. But I was enjoying the music too much to be too melancholy. :) After the third song, I swapped cameras to my point and shoot. I had a little bit better luck with it, partly because there were at least a few less pushy moments, and it was just easier to maneuver the smaller camera body with the crowd the way it was.

Relient K's set was going by so quickly, but I was enjoying it all. I think this was their best show that I've ever seen. Their stage presence has improved 1000% since 2003, and the crowd seemed to know the words to every single song. There were raucous cheers for "The Distance" when it was announced. Thiessen told people not to diss his rapping (probably not the exact words, but I have a faulty memory card.)
Before long, they were playing "Be My Escape" the last song on the set list. I knew what was coming next -- Deathbed! The crowd cheered wildly and chanted for one more song. This was my first and only time hearing Deathbed live and I was definitely impressed. It was also pretty amazing that a good part of the crowd knew nearly every word of the saga. Then it was over. :(





I, again, looked for the Starbucks card, with no success, and headed back to the merch table. Ethan was back there, so I told him what happened and gave him the stickers. Then I ended up purchasing three stickers and a Relient K hoodie (very comfy, too, I might add.) Then I went to look for Owl City and The Classic Crime's merch. I found Adam and waited to have a pic taken. Then I found the merch and they were starting to put it away. I quickly bought an Owl City tee. I couldn't resist as it was pretty darned cute. Then I went over to see the Classic Crime and Nicole was there talking to them. She was fine. I ended up buying a cd, but never did get a pic with them.

Then I headed outside to try to talk to Matty, et al. I talked to Hoopes quite a long time. I talked to Thiessen for a bit and had a pic taken with him. He was eating a little pancake and using a little bit of syrup from a tiny syrup bottle. I talked to Warne a really long time about anything and everything. I spoke with Ethan briefly and had a photo taken with him. April found me and said, "guess what I found, and she had the Starbucks card in her hand, as it had fallen in her bag. So I was able to give it to Ethan. I had my pic taken with April, and somewhere in the mix I took a photo of April with her hula hoop.








And so it went... Finally there was a group pic going on, so I went over and snapped a couple quickly (I nearly missed it) and then people began to filter away.

They ended up across the street for Mexican food. I said goodbye to April, and I went into Alberto's to get something to drink as I was exceedingly thirsty. I knew Thiessen would be there, but didn't realize everyone was over there. The place was humming. But I tried to be cool and not bug anyone, bought a Sprite with mostly ice since I'm trying not to drink high sugar drinks and there weren't really any good options, put my camera in the camera bag a little more properly, and then headed for the door. Matty said, "Oh are you leaving" and I said, yea, I am putting it off, though because I hate driving home. Someone tried to give me a churro, and I must have been tired because I can't remember who now, but I'm pretty sure it's not on my diet. LOL Somewhere along the way, Warne said I should drive home with the windows down (can't recall if it was before or after I went to Alberto's) and I said, well, I could put the top down, but not sure about doing that late at night. But I thought about it and decided "why not?" I climbed in my car, plugged in my cd player, put down the top and took off for home.

I got to about where the refinery is and was paying so much attention to the barricade, that I missed the lane was turning right only. So, I inadvertantly got off the freeway. I'm probably dangerous at night. ;) There is no north bound entrance, so I figured I'd hit the southbound entrance and turn around. I wasn't looking forward to backtracking. The entrance was closed. Someone waved me down the road. So I had no idea where I was. But I did encounter the most interesting smells on the journey with the top down. First was baking bread, something floral, then the refinery which was definitely in the "not so pleasant" category. I did smell flowers again somewhere closer to home. But at the refinery, I made a mental note to remember the smells. ;) I got to the end of the road, and turned right and saw an entrance to 215 North. That was a relief. I was back on the road to home again.

I finally made it nearly home and made a pit stop at the post office before heading for home. I was definitely one tired old lady by the time I arrived home. But it was a fun day. I hope the guys enjoyed the stay here and come back soon. :)

Love, peace, and concert sagas...

--Melanie

Relient K Day

Today I went to bed at 5 a.m., got up at 9 a.m.

Then I went to see Relient K, and got to the venue before 11 a.m.

The show started after 7:30 p.m.

In between I chatted a lot, had lunch at Subway, met April for the first time and other fun things.

I had a photo pass, and was told only the first three songs. The first three songs, the crowd was so pushy, and it doesn't look like things were focusing quite right, so they are all pretty much bad and fuzzy. I might have a good one of Shneck in blue and looking a bit like a Smurf.

Afterwards, I took pics with my point and shoot, and those are actually a little better this time. I have a few of Jon, and a few of Hoopes that aren't bad, and a passable shot or two of Thiessen with red-eye.

I tried to upload a few to facebook, but the uploader isn't seeing the new pics - really bizarre.

I am so tired I can't deal with that, so I'll have to try later. I'll also try here. Then off to feed dogs, eat something, take a few ecotrin and go to bed.

More details whenever I wake up. Sleep typing is difficult. LOLLL

Night/Day

This is a video of Mae singing Night/Day in Cincinnati, OH :) Courtesy of Stephanie Miller:


I love these guys!! :)

They have a new site up http://whatismae.ning.com This is my photo album from the
site. Just have to see if this will work here. :)

Find more photos like this on Mae


I have been working on a new poem - rather free verse. It still needs tweaking maybe. I'll post it in a bit.

Now... where was I?

The Crystal Inn, the white car is mine and my hotel room is the second floor above it:

Self portrait in my hotel room:

My comfy bed:


Picking up where I left off last...

As was promised, the exuberent water polo crowd calmed down and filtered back into their rooms by 10:30 p.m. Somewhere around 11 p.m. I was back in my room for a little more sleep. I woke up again around 12:30 a.m. One car had pulled into the venue lot. It was still raining - and the sprinklers were on. I watched for a few minutes, and then went back to sleep setting the alarm for 1:45 am. The alarm never went off, but somewhere between 2:30 and 3 a.m. I again woke up. This time I decided to shower and go downstairs for a bit. I got on the computer for a few minutes, then chatted off and on with the gals at the reception desk for a couple of hours. I checked the venue lot twice, retrieved something out of my car, and put something back in my car.. exciting things like that. It had been I think I know the life history of the lobby gals. They probably know a bit of mine as well. LOL I went back upstairs,and went back to bed for a couple of hours and left a message for the gals to call me for breakfast. No changes. It was 7 a.m. before I knew it. Again I checked the venue from the comfort of my room and headed down for breakfast. The breakfast was complimentary with the room, and it was a nice breakfast indeed. I couldn't sample everything, since I am on a low-fat, less sugar diet, but it was all wonderful. There was fresh fruit, a fruit cocktail sort of mix with large pieces of fruit, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs (I had to take off cheese, but they were yummy), bacon, sausage, bagels, cereal, apple/orange juice... and other breakfast foods. I took pics with my cell. :)


After breakfast, I headed over to the venue - about 8 a.m. to be the first one at the door.

The next two people arrived around 8:30 a.m. by taxi cab. They were from SoCal and had stayed in downtown SLC, spotted Paramore's bus and met Haley and Taylor. I chatted way too much about anything and everything. We took turns at the door when someone needed a break. There was one other guy there that had an early entrance/meet&greet for No Doubt who had been in the venue lot for a while. He was waiting in a separate line, but he did come up to chat about his No Doubt obsession with us for a while. (I saw him after the show ... and he was pretty happy about his meet and greet.) After a few more people showed up, I finally went over and moved my car from the hotel lot to the venue lot and used the restroom. I also refilled my cup with hot water for tea. It was a nice, casual sort of day for most of the day, and it was absolutely gorgeous outside.

This is the beautiful, scenic view from the venue doors:

At one point in the afternoon, I saw my friend Amanda with her kids and met her kids for the first time. They were just as cute as their pics. :) Her boyfriend was with her also, and his kids. She was coming back later for the show and had reserved seats.
At around 2:30ish, I think, Lauralee showed up and got in line with me. She's faster than I am, so the plan was for her to go ahead and get a spot for us if I get delayed (and something always happens to me.) LOL A while later a couple of her friends showed. She finally asked everyone in the line ahead if they minded if those friends got in line with us and I guess everyone was ok with it. So, we waited, and waited some more.

An hour or two before door times, they had a portion of the venue blocked so that one could enter the buidling, buy merch and get back in line. IT was genius. :) I bought a Sounds tee, A No Doubt tour tee, and a Paramore wristband. In other words, I think I spent that bonus I'm getting on Monday already. ;)

Finally it was getting close to the time to go in. Point and shoot cameras would be allowed. I was at the front of the line watching, waiting.... Finally they opened just my door, but the scanner wasn't working. I was getting nervous. Then they couldn't get my wristband on. She said, "calm down, you'll get in." LOL I knew I would get in. IT was being in front I was worried about. I don't survive in the middle of a floor show. But I did make it to the front on the far left. The No Doubt fans had early entry, so most of the center stage was taken. I didn't want direct center anyway.

I started to notice I was a little tired... but too jazzed for it to faze me too much. :) The show finally started to much applause. To my surprise, the crowd wasn't too scrunched. The Sounds opened and played a great set. I saw them in 2006 at Warped Tour and they were quite good. The gal does have a certain fondness for a word beginning with the letter "F" (no, this is not Sesame Street folks) and the last song was B.S. Lies (only bs is not truncated.) LOL That only really happened at the very end of their set for this show. I still liked them, though.



Finally it was time for Paramore, and I was ready to be squished within an inch of my life, but it never happened. I have seen Paramore a few times, and I have to say that even though they are always amazing live, they were even better. IT helps that the E-Center has good sound. Haley, just glowed, and the set was well performed and energetic. It was obvious from the crowd response that the arena was full of Paramore fans. Too soon it came to an end, and it was time for No Doubt to set up.




No Doubt's set up took a while. They taped a thin, white mat of some sort to the stage floor. It was interesting to watch. When everytning was ready a sheer curtain drops, and you can see the shadows of all of the hands reflecting back, and NO Doubt took the stage. The curtain falls. It was quite an entrance. Both Lauralee and I were pretty impressed with No Doubt's set and would see them again if they come back to Salt Lake City. They did a lot of old favorites, Don't Speak, I'm Just a Girl, Sunday Morning, Hey Baby. A few minutes before midnight, Gwen brought out her son and had everyone sing happy birthday to him.

Then he was so cute and waved at everyone. Even though they played a fairly long set, it didn't seem long at all.





I'm leaving out about a zillion things, but this is already far too long. After the show, Lauralee and I chatted and waited for traffic to die down. She needed to leave, so we said our goodbyes and parted company. I waited in the car just a little longer and headed for home. I think I finally arrived back home somewhere between 1 and 1:30 a.m., tired but satisfied.

And so another saga of concert adventurism, comes to an end.

Peace out,
Melanie

Tour Buses and Water Polo

I am currently at a hotel across from a large concert venue. I am there to see No Doubt and Paramore. The tour buses and venue door are seriously outside my window. Perfect room for me.

I got here about 5 p.m. and the guy at the lobby desk called me by name. I was really surprised. He said his wife's name was Melenie and we have the same last name. So after I was done checking in, I asked him if I was the last one to check in or something; and he told me that I was. I was wondering how he knew my name. That was different. They were actually waiting for me to show. LOL

Anyway, I slept for a while, waking every couple hours, and woke up to voices in the hall about 40 minutes ago. I asked what the group was, and it's a girl's water polo championship. I don't think they won, but I think they had a good time. The should quiet down in about 20 more minute.

I keep watching the window to make sure not too many will beat me in line. It's been raining, so probably no overnighters, I hope. I plan to get ready after midnight and just keep checking. Hopefully I'll have enough sleep.

The hotel is gorgeous. I'll post pics when I'm not here anymore.

Tomorrow should be a long, but interesting day.

Peace out,
Melanie

P.S. Since it is Memorial Day, and I have been reminded, it would be a good time to take some time to pray for the servicemen and their families. I think I will have lots of time in line to do just that!!

Mae Day, the story continues...

After the lines split, the wait almost seemed longer. At one point Dave, Mae's bass player on this tour came out and introduced himself. I asked him if this was temporary or permanent. The answer was that he didn't know, but he had hopes it would be permanent. I really enjoyed talking with him. And even though the last bit of time drug a little, soon the doors were opened and I headed for the stage.. a lot slower than I would have liked. The venue was pitch black. The outside was extremely bright. I couldn't see a thing. Apparently the guy in front of me couldn't either. He started to take off for the stage and went flying into the benches. I'm sure he was sufficiently embarassed. I didn't want to repeat his fate.

I finally found a spot to the right of center. I didn't want to be too close to center and be too close to take photos. That didn't work out. I ended up directly in front of where Dave would stand. Not sure how I managed that twice in a row since he was in two completely different places both times, and so was I. LOL

There was a guy behind me that went to get some of the 3 D glasses for Mae's set and I asked if he would pick up a pair for me. I tried to help keep his spot open. He returned with the glasses and also had a copy of the EP. I was kicking myself and wondering why I didn't see if he would get that as well. I wanted to kick myself even harder after I found out they were sold out 20 minutes into the show.

After a time, the show finally started with the Robert opening and playing a very nice acoustic set. I was a bit disappointed that Tokyo wasn't there, but Robert did a very nice job and I really did enjoy his set.

Next up was Larusso, a local band that I am quite fond of. I always enjoy their music and they played well, as usual.

Barcelona followed Larusso, and I must say that I was completely impressed. The music was actually on the mellow side, and the vocals were completely incredible. The lead singer has an wonderful voice. The gal next to me thought he sounded like Billy Joel. I wasn't hearing it, and I replied that I definitely thought he sang better than Billy Joel. LOL

PersonL was the main opener and Kenny did a good job of keeping everyone interested and getting the crowd going. I had seem them at Kilby and thought they weren't too bad, but it was a little screamy for me. This was not the case at The Avalon. He actually sounded great and I loved the whole set. I thought some of the guitars were a bit reminiscent of old Beatles.

After PersonL's set (if I have the order straight), the venue gave away a guitar signed by Mae. They promised that they would be giving away a guitar at sold out shows. A very happy young lady was able to go up on stage and claim her prize.

Then after a bit of time for set up, Mae finally took the stage. The crowd was very enthusiastic. Dave was in front of me on the right, Robert was on keys a ways behind Dave and mostly in the shadows. Jacob was far back to to the right so that the backdrop where the video part of the concert would be happening was easy to see. Unfortunately, with the angle and me being so short most of the time I could just barely see Jacob behind the drum set. LOL I wish there had been a set list for me to snag so I could recall the order of things. Suffice it to say that they did play, "The Ocean", Suspension, the new songs from Morning and a fairly lengthy set. Afterwards the crowd clamored for more and Dave came out and played two songs acoustic. At one point other members of the band came out and played with Mae. It was sad that it had to end, but I knew that the acoustic set was yet to happen. :)

At the end of the last song I made my way to the back quickly so I could get a good seat for the acoustic set. I went back to the merch table and paid for the acoustic show and tried to unsuccessfully to get the ep. Instead I ended up with a gray Mae hoodie. I can always use those. LOL Then I felt badly that I was out of cash for anything else. Security started asking people to go outside as they were going to empty the venue and then let people back in. I managed to end up in the front and found a good spot once inside. The acoustic set was completely amazing, although I did miss Jacob with his water jug. :) At the end the crowd convinced Dave to play a part of the new song coming out on May 30 called Over and Over. He said it was really more of a rock song, meant for electric guitars, and he agreed to play part of it. I can't wait to hear the complete, recorded version because I really liked what I heard.

After the acoustic set, I went outside and Dave, Dave & Zach visited with fans. I had my pic taken with them all. Jacob was acting tour manager, so he was taking care of business. Zach did go and get him for me (I think it was Zach.. I was pretty tired), though because we had an unfinished conversation from earlier in the day and I wanted to say goodbye and get a pic. I managed to get some friends to take a photo of me with Jacob and when I went to look at the photo, I saw how burnt I really was. Wow, was my face red!!! So, in all of the pics I look something like a lobster (minus the claws, of course.) LOL

Finally about 1 a.m. or so we left and I dropped off Nicole and company at her grandmothers and headed for home. I probably scared them all half to death with my bad driving as I was pretty tired and out of it. LOL They probably won't want to ask me for a ride again! ;) But I did make it home safe and sound, and very tired.

I left so much off this long saga, (like giving Zach his birthday card and gift and getting a chance to visit a bit before the show with Zach & Jacob), but suffice it to say that it was a wonderful day and I had an incredible time. :)

I can't wait until they come back in the fall. :)

Love, Peace, exhaustion and too much fun in the sun...

Melanie


Zach was front right stage, and Dave (bass) was behind him.

Mae Day

I've been anxiously awaiting Mae Day for months now. I bought my ticket for Mae's Salt Lake City show the first minute they were on sale. I wanted to be there early, I wanted to be in the front, I wanted to be able to use my good camera and I wanted to talk to Jacob, Zach and Dave. From the standpoint of meeting those ceratin goals, the day was an awesome success.

I normally work late and last night I stayed after talking to a co-worker for quite a long time. I had plans to get up at 9 a.m. (that I pushed up to 9:30 a.m.), so I probably didn't pick the best day to start a long conversation and get home late. I knew I would be tired. I was and am very tired indeed.

My alarm rang far too soooon, and I quickly got dressed, took Mollie for a short walk and ten headed out to The Avalon. Since it was a beautiful, sunny Saturday, I wasn't sure what I'd find when I arrived. I arrived at 10:45 a.m. and was pretty much alone for most of the day. I finished reading my book, "A Rose from the Ashes: the Rose Price Story", listened to my Zune and waited for anyone to join me and keep me company. At one point a guy on a bike stopped to talk to me for a really long time. He was a 58 year old, Vietnam Vet, who was couch hopping. After a while, he left and I was on my own again. A feww people came and went... looking for tickets, trying to see when Mae would play their acoustic set, etc. A group of girls showed up, peeked into the building and left but said they were coming back later for the show. Right after they left, Mae showed up. I went over and talked to Jacob a bit, and then Zach. I gave Zach his birthday card and gift and we exchanged hugs. We now both have vowed to see the new Star Trek movie. :)

I was expecting oothers to show up at the venue as well, and Nicole and company showed up around 3:15 or so. They held my spot while I went across the street and bought lunch and took care of other business. Slowly people began to arrive. At about 4:30 or so, Miss Corey came and brought me a yummy homemade oreo cookie. I am off chocolate and all but a small amount of sweets, but since it was a special ocassion, I decided to go for it. It was really, really good. :) Shoot, I should have taken a photo of it.

The crowd continued to grow and at 5:15, the lines were separated into will call and hard copy ticket holders. I think that was around 5:15... less than 2 hours to showtime.

...to be continued. I'm falling asleep. Stay tuned: same bat time, same bat channel. LOL

Laughter Does a Heart Good Like Medicine

Take your medicine and watch this! :) It isn't even a bitter pill to swallow. I quite literally laughed out loud numerous times. :)

Revive!

I had put in to get the day off work yesterday so that I could see Revive in concert.
I was denied. I normally help out in the kitchen for concerts at this venue with this promoter (People for Christ Ministry) so I offered to help until I had to leave for work. I not so secretly hoped the band would be timely and that sound check would be early. :)

I had my alarm set for 7:40 a.m., but I probably woke up hourly for some reason. It was rather annoying as I really needed some sleep. But finally 7:40 came, the alarm went off and I dragged my tired (and rather sleepless body) out of bed and proceeded to get the day going. I said a few prayers along the way.

I cleaned up a little, got dressed, took Mollie outside, and loaded the car.
The plan was to be there at 10 a.m. Then I was going to make homemade potato soup and get a few things ready for lunch. There as much to do as Subway had donated sandwiches for the event.

I left the house by 8:30 and headed for Smith's to get gasoline. Then I had to go inside and get two bags of ice because the one outside their gasoline area hadn't been restocked. This is what happens when one is in a hurry. LOL. Then I realized I had forgotton a pan I needed, so I drove the mile or so back home, got the pan and headed out to Salt Lake City. There was traffic, but it was moving well, and I arrived 15 minutes early. When I arrived I was really excited to see the bus had already arrived, so I figured they were all at the hotel. One wish fulfilled, one to go. :) Then I parked and started unloading my car.

Then a few others began to arrive. Eleanor started some Bear Creek Chicken Noodle, Paula diced an onion for me, and I peeled and cubed 10 lbs. of potatoes ,and started them boiling. Paula set up the tables and fruit bowls. I cut up seedless watermelon. IN the interim my pastor showed up and said he couldn't stay and asked if I'd pick him up a cd, so I said I would. The sandwiches arrived about 11:30. Things went rather smoothly, and everything was ready on time. About 12:10 we started to serve lunch, pretty much one or two at a time. Everyone was taking the chicken noodle. I tried to give it away. Ty (or was that Rich? I can't recall) came back and had some later in the afternoon. I hope he liked it. I think he had some just because he said he would, so that was pretty nice of him. LOL

Then something amazing happened... wish no. 2 was fulfilled. The started sound check. I didn't bring all my camera gear, just a point and shoot (and I hadn't had a chance to charge the batteries) and I ran to the car and grabbed it. Then I went in to listen. Let me say that Dave has an absolutely beautiful voice, and their harmonies were spot on. I know it was probably nothing compared to the actual show, and it was still excellent. I couldn't really get any pics without flash, so I asked if the minded if I took some pics, and was told no, shoot away. The camera wasn't co-operating too well (not focusing and long delays - should have changed the batteries after all) but I did get a few. They all posed for me. It was kinda fun. LOL I asked if I could get some merch and bought a cd bundle for me and the newest cd for my pastor and a sticker.

Then I went back in to see if there was anything I could do to help with dinner. All I really was able to do was chop a bit more watermelon, and put some noodles in boiling water. Still.. I guess I did my part. LOL I think Lynn was fixing Chicken Alfredo - lots of garlic, and it smelled wonderful.







I finally headed for work a little later than planned as I can get a bit gabby at times, and figured it would be close but I might make it. The longest part was waiting at the two lights between the venue and the freeway (who timed those things?!) and the traffic accident about 20 minutes from work. I ended up being 12 minutes late. :( Not good. But no one seems to upset with me yet. I did call to let them know when I got stuck in accident traffic. It was already off the road or it might have been worse.

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL I wonder how much soup was left over and what happened to it. LOL Stay tuned... or not. I can see ya'll are on the edge of your seats.

Till next time....

Peace out,
Melanie