So it's New Year's Eve today and it fills like the beginning of a new chapter for me. I don't think the new year's in the past have ever affected me like this one has in so many ways already. I have so many things changing for the better in my life, so many more understandings, so many more realizations and confusions made clear that it has forced me to see life changing right before my eyes. I never knew things could be so clear when watching them change immediately in front of you. Things that typically you only notice when looking into the past from what has changed and seen the difference only after the fact, but not the case for me right now. It's pretty amazing and pretty gratifying.

Before I move on, I need to begin with the past, to understand it and learn from it in every possible way. There were many good times with great friends who became my Florida family and there were times where I was challenged and sometimes failed myself and I've learned from them and have moved on. The important thing is now is the time I am able to move into the next year with a clean slate and a new beginning for 2006 with no regrets.

Lately I have been up to way too much for my poor body to handle, but it's all been great things for the most part. Went to celebrate the Christmas festivities a few days before with A Bonds, Steven, Evan, Anna, Laeticia, Matt and others at PI. Had a great time just hanging out and enjoying the randomness of the clubs and definitely toasted to the good times...just a few times *grin*.

I had a day off before the holiday to get some last minute stuff completed and it was a great relaxing day of shopping and preparation. I actually decorated my room to get more in the Christmas spirit. I took Cali and Tony to see the Spectacle of Lights at Disney's-MGM Studios and we had a great time with the snow and lights. Rode Coaster and then headed to Kobe's for our dinner option to celebrate getting ready for the holidays. We had a great time and met some new kids and had a new chef.

Christmas Eve I had a tour at the MK and it wasn't too crazy, thankfully. It was a fairly quick tour compared to what I was expecting and I was free around 2ish to rest and get some cooking done for the following day. I basically made all the foods that remind me of Christmas at home with my family: Chips and French Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, a cheese log, deviled eggs and veggies. So felt like Christmas more after that.

I hung out and watched White Christmas before heading out to my Christmas Eve Service at a church I found that I was very pleased with minus the forty minutes it was gonna take for me to get there. I decided to go by myself for several reasons. I was doing it for me, to bring me back home in a way and to reinstate some things in my life that I noticed I lacked and needed. I arrived at the church just in time after being slightly confused on the directions off mapquest. Will I ever learn not to take those directions as being correct? Parking was simple for such a large venue. It was a beautiful church with high valted ceilings, amazing wooden structures and a great welcoming feeling inside. It reminded me of my home church in so many ways, but a slightly larger building. The people seemed nice enough and I sat towards the back where I could hardly make out the Pastor at the front of the church.

The Christmas tree was identical to the one I grew up viewing in my home church and I smiled at the thought of it. I felt so comfortable and relieved in a strange way. I was able to take communion and listen to the story that made the holiday, Christmas, for me. It wasn't until that moment that it really truly felt like Christmas. It was the 11 o'clock Candlelight service so I didn't end up getting home until 1:30am. I was slightly exhausted, but in a refreshed way if that's even possible, it's how I was feeling regardless.

Got home and K and I exchanged presents. He got me the U2 Vertigo DVD (rock on!) and I crashed pretty hard around 2am knowing I would have to wake up around 5am for work the next morning. Christmas Day, I was originally scheduled to have a tour, but they cancelled so I was switched to work the morning opening the Help Desk for another cast member. To make it short, it felt like the longest day. I had a headache from the beginning and it was miserable. I went home after getting off around 3pm and napped while "The Christmas Story" played in the background. I woke up with the sounds of the movie still going on (since it was a marathon on Christmas Day) and decided to open my presents from my parents. My mom made me the most incredible gift of my family history. I adore it! I got my Felicity DVD that I have been wanting forever! Yay! It was a great thoughful Christmas! Thank you momma and pops! I was glad that I was feeling good enough to see what was going at my friend's locations.

Headed over to Julie's to meet up with 867, Kim and her family (including the adorable little rock star, Syndey), Mark and Julie to enjoy games and good spirits like last year. It was a much more relaxing and fun location to go to and kinda was tradition, but in a way, it was like a make-up year for me.

Got home at a pretty decent hour to watch a bit more of "The Christmas Story" and crash! I was in the DSA office the next day and enjoyed a bit more of the calmness by just being in the office even though it was crazy and kept me busy all day long.

Tuesday was just as nuts with my DU shift and then rushing home to meet up with K to look at some apartments. Was satisifed with what we had found and he headed off to work while I got ready to go to J Janis' open house. It was so warm and wonderful when I walked in. I heart him. It was an intimate and relaxing group of people just enjoying the environment and hanging out with good food and good company. Just what I needed. A great break from the craziness. J Janis got me a candle that smells like his cologne so that I can "smell him whenever I get in the mood" *grin* And he bought me a gift certificate for music...he knows me so well!

That brings me to Wednesday. Got done with DU and headed home to rest up a bit and then Julie picked me up for dinner at the Ale House and then onto the HOB to see Edwin McCain. On our way I got a call from Matt Mackelcan and he asked "Are you at the HOB?" Random...yes on my way. Good times! Got there and called Matty Matt and he came down the stairs with Dan and Matt from Big 10-4. Well surprise surprise. Met their friend Amber and had a good time hanging out and discussing music per usual. Edwin was amazing for the songs that I knew: "I could not ask for more", "I'll Be" (my favorite) and "Solitude", but other than that I was kinda just enjoying the atmostphere and good company. Dan and Matt were about done with the whole show and I got them tickets from Rob from Leonard Brothers through Kevin to go hang out at PI and we would meet up with them afterwards. I heart those boys. Crack me up. The rest of us enjoyed the rest of the show and then called K to find out where they were at.

Ended up meeting up with the boys at Motions and we danced and had a good time. I met a guy named Mike that was toasted (his 21st birthday) and danced a bit with him while my "big bros" came attacking. It was hilarious. Kevin was just giving me supportive glances while Dan was trying to give Mike pointers and Matt was staring him down with a very watchful eye. It was crazy, but fun. Ran into a couple of my tour guide friends who was with the "Smallville" character Lex Luther. Interestingly enough at Motions. It felt weird that I could dance and they couldn't. Strangely enough.

We closed down PI and then headed to our cars. I drove with Dan, Matt was with Julie and K went solo back to my apartment to hang out for a bit. We had a Big 10-4 listening party and I enjoyed every moment of hearing the new songs. They devoured my dip and apparently enjoyed every moment of it. I love those kids...made me laugh the entire time. So good to randomly run into them and hang out with them for more than a moment.

After a short period of much needed sleep I woke up for a tour the next day. A great tour at the Studios with a cute family and enjoyed a long day at the park. Exhausted and excited, I got home to meet up with K and we headed out to HOB (my second night in a row) to see our friend Jeff Lucero in his band Namedropper. I really enjoyed him as a front man. His style and song, plus playing was awesome. His band was a little less to be desired, but I enjoyed his part in it a lot. The songs were slightly depressing, but I liked a lot of the lyrics he was sharing. Good times on his part. I was exhausted and starving and K wasn't feeling too hot so we headed out after their playing and went to Bennigans to eat. I felt so tired after that and crashed hardcore when I got home.

Got to sleep in on my only day off and had so much to do it was making me uncomfortable. Woke up around noon to meet up with Julie to do our traditional NYE shopping. We got some cute and discounted clothes and were happy with our purchases! I got some promising news from my good friend Libby (I hope it works out too!) and got some major stuff done, but still have SO much to do!

Got done with my errands and such around 5ish and gave a call to Cali to discuss CCMaD duties for the evening. Got over to her house around 7:15 and didn't leave there until 2:30am doing all the things we had to do to prepare for tonight's show at The Social. I am stoked! It's gonna be great, if I can stay up for it. I'm so tired, but it's gonna be a big night for Matt Mackelcan and a huge night for CCMaD as well. I can't wait for the festivities!

I wish I could be one that could list all of the things I did this year that made it a great year, but since I haven't the memory nor the time, please feel free to go back in my journal archives to look at my day to day (or sometimes week to week) activities and see what I've done this past year!

So tomorrow is the first day of the new year. I almost cannot wait. It's gonna be a great time. I have left a lot of hate behind and have discovered that it's better to choose to not worry about things. It's a waste of my time so I just have been letting things go more and more. "I worry all the time, why worry anymore" There is just no point to it. I am looking forward to the better choices that I have been and will be making in the near future. I cannot wait for those things to happen and that is my focus. Things are looking more positive with each new day that comes and I heart that in every possible way!

"So let's give it up for the New Year!" -Motion City Soundtrack

posted by Carolyn Ohme

So since the last time we met on this thing I call SYNCING, lots of things have happened. I had an amazing first Chachos Session with the crew. The ideas flowed and the creative juices were in abundance. It was a great success and we were able to create a lot of positive advancements from that first session. Rock on ladies..chachos! Met up with Cali the following day to discuss our Street Force preparation and all was very productive and creative. I am hearting this even more now.

Watched Sarah's cats all week while she was in Ohio and learned that I missed having animals around, but did not miss all the shedding. *grin* I heart your kitties Sarah, just not the massive amounts of hair. They were sweet though and didn't hide from me most of the time. Also, went to hang out with Mark to visit with Neo and also pick up the merch for Matt Mackelcan's show with Big 10-4 for Friday.

Last Wednesday, got together with the gals from work at The Ale House to have a "thirsty" night and enjoy some good times and good venting sessions (those are my favorite). It was so good to see them again! It's been too long since I've really been at Epcot, but some things are good for variety purposes.

Right after The Ale House, I went to meet up with Julie at The Social and got there just in time for Cartel (amazing band from da ATL!) and then saw crazy Chris aka Jack Black (that boy is crazy). Had some good times with those kids. Chris bit me...hard. Talked to the lead singer of Cartel and when I asked him his name, he hesitated and then felt stupid for hesitating on that question. Was too funny, he was adorable. He was a cool guy to talk to. They have a song called Honestly and when I asked him if they have heard of the band Honestly, he said that their manager had called them once to see if they would change the name of the song. Couldn't imagine why though, more promotion. Ah well. Just made me sad again to think of Honestly not being together anymore. *frown* Was hoping I would see Matt at that show...was surprised he didn't stalk me there. *grin*

After the Social show, Julie and I were hungry so we went to the second Ale House I had been at for the day and got some food. K met up with us there cause he got off work early and then I headed with K over to Cheers to meet up with some of his new work mates. They were really cool, from what I remember. Some awesome guys to hang out with and really cool girls. Good time, but the next morning was not so good for me. Something I ate at the second Ale House along with some other factors did not make me feel so hot the next day. Ugh. That sucked!

I had Thursday and Friday off (shocked, aren't you?) and so I used the days to catch up on sleep and errands. On Thursday night, JHey, K, Bekah and I went to watch Candlelight at Epcot and then ended up at Margaritaville to visit with Rob and friends. Gino was there with his New Jersey friends. We stayed a bit, but were starving so we went to Bennigans to see some of his work peeps and grab some food.

Friday was my work Christmas party at Julie's house. It was such a nice and fun gathering. I had to leave early though in preps for Matt Mackelcan's show with Big 10-4. Headed down to The Social and prepared the merch table. Got a call from K saying he was off early and on his way. Got a random call from Amanda from WPB saying she was in town and needed directions (yay!) and Katrina, Julie, Kim, 867, Wes, Sophia, Amy J, Shannon, David, Gino, etc were there. It was fun! Matt put on an amazing show and Big 10-4 brought the house down with their welcome home from The Social!

Big 10-4 blew me away with their noticable changes. Their stage show and presence changed for the better. Their songs were shortened and more crisp (although some of them, I like better with our audience live version) and were formed better for radio and cd play. I was highly impressed with their new songs, including "The Irony is Thick" song (which I am trying to quote in the beginning of this blog, but I usually make up lyrics that I hear so don't take them for the correct ones, who knows). Towards the end, I was getting pretty exhausted and not feeling "like myself" and needed massive amounts of water and a chair. It was good to run into the usual Big 10-4 family, Kelly, Babe, Ed, etc. They are good peeps.

Since Friday, I've been crazy busy with tours and trying to get to feeling like myself again. It's quite a strange feeling. Not really sick, but run down, drained, no energy at all (for anything), massive headaches, etc. It's not a cool feeling and I'm "sick and tired of feeling sick and tired" to quote Big 10-4 some more. It's not doing me well during this crazy busy holiday season.

I've been having really great tours though, some memorable ones especially. I had an MTV employee and his family, a very special girl and her family (they were very loving and very strong) and a cool UK family that worked me very well. They have all been very different, but very satisfying, even in the massive crowds at the MK.

I have just enough energy to decorate my room for Christmas and get me in the spirit. I am booked solid until January for tours through the holidays, but at least I can be in the spirit right?

posted by Carolyn Ohme

It's so funny how someone can say something that you never thought would come out of their mouths and have it have such an impact on your life. It happened last night. But let's back up a bit first. Wednesday was such a day that I needed. Had a good time at work with my work buds, Kimbr and Bob. Got out at a decent time and went to meet up with Julie and 867 at The Social for some of Brad Feschetti's 111 bands and I fell in love. First up was Thin Dark Line, who were very good and cool guys. Brian cracked me up. So random and wanted to show us his cat. Gotta love him. Mikey was awesome as well, he's a huger. *grin* Rookie of the Year was up next and blew me away. What a great band! I loved their live sound and wasn't really paying attention to their live shows because of all the action around us, but just listening, I was hooked. After their set, I was by myself at the bar while Julie and 867 went to the merch table and it was pretty busy at the bar, but there was an opening by me so Ryan (Rookie of the Year lead singer) popped in to order a drink. I told him what I thought about his band and he sat down and was so interested in chattin it up so we did and I now adore him even more for that. Photos were taken all over the place (I was in the mood) and the entire 111 crew rocked! Mashlin was amazing as well, but more of my focus was placed on the fun boys we had encountered and were hanging with. I heart them!

Got done at The Social and randomly decided to stop by and visit with Sean Fernandez at The Blue Martini. I got their first and hung out with him while I got John Frank on the phone to try and help solve Sean's bass speaker issue and Julie and 867 showed up, but Jennie still didn't have her ID back from the Backbooth so they would not let her in. We said our quick goodbyes and headed out for the night. Ah well, we tried.

Worked the Help Desk on Thursday and had a surprise when I first got to work. My Disney friends, John and Becky from Mass., came to visit me and brought me a t-shirt from their hometown. They rock and it was good to see them again! Got to meet with Coop, which was way overdue, but went very well. Got a lot of things done and had a good night at Epcot and one of my last one's for awhile.

Got up leisurely on Friday, which turned out to be around 10am (oh I miss those days I could sleep in until noon with no problem), and headed out to get my passport ordered. Had to go downtown to the courthouse (for the second time in two months) to try and order my passport before it got too late. I am cutting it close, but hopefully I will get it before I head out on The Rock Boat! *crossing fingers* After that, I headed to the grocery store to start my healthy kick that I have going and I even stayed within my budget, I rock!

Went home and got ready for work. I had a tour that evening at the MVMCP at the MK. It was good fun. Had a wonderful family, who had requested me from a friend that I had toured around. MVMCP was so much fun....such a cool feeling to be in the parks during the holidays. It's so pretty and comforting in a way. I love the music, the embiance, the cast members (for the most part) and the overall feeling. We were headed up to Aladdin's Carpet Ride and I was holding one of the little girl's hands and taking her up to the ride when a cast member passed and stated something familar and it was Aaron. I was shocked that I actually ran into him so it was alarming, but in a funny way. It was good to see the kid in "real life". Funny how that happens. The parade was amazing and fun! The family wanted to extend for the next day at Epcot and since both of us (two tour-guided tour) were off we decided we would do it since we loved the family so much. We met them at Epcot the next morning and had a great day. They were a wonderful group.

Got out from the tour earlier than I had expected and was able to get a bit of shopping done before the yearly Decemberween at Amy J's. I got a couple of extra things that I needed for my costume as The Mighty Isis (silver version-mind you) and headed home to put on a fashion show for JHey. Shannon arrived shortly after and we determined that since I was in all white and she was in all black that I was "kinda good" and she was "evil". We had our theme and headed to the superhero party. I was driving us and had my tiara in my hair, we had come to a stop light and I turned to look at the car next to us and noticed the woman in the passenger seat was mouthing something to me and told me to put down my window, I did and explained "I'm going to a costume party" before she could get any words out and then she said "We took a wrong turn, how do we get to Disney" and I felt like a retard, but told her how to get to the Magic Kingdom and she told me to have fun at the party. I'm such a dork, but apparently the girl in the tiara should know where everything is "They must be locals" *grin*

Got to the party. Such good fun! We were a bit late, but made it in time for food, drink and presents! Gianina was adorable as Penny from Inspector Gaget and Jenica's Army girl costume was hot! Amy J looked hot as usual in her regular She-Ra costume and everyone was well-dressed for the event, it was cute! The presents were hilarious this year and the party had grown from last year, glad to see it's catching on! Batman and Robin were there, The INcredibles made an appearance and there were some random ones that I didn't recognize. See pictures on myspace accounts. *grin*

Most of the guests had already left by the time that Matty Matt called to see if there was still "a party" and they decided to be on their way to Amy J's. About ten minutes later, Matty Matt, Pete Woj and Matt from Big 10-4 come strolling in the door. It was an awkard combination of worlds for some people I think. Gianina, Jenica and I were completely at home (because we all have two separate worlds for the most part), but there were a few uncomfortable people and soon the member number decreased. By about 11:30 the party was going again with hilarious conversations and "girl talk" coming from the most unexpected mouths. It was an open forum until some discussions were closed and others reopened. It was a fulfilling evening with friends, deep conversations, meaningful moments and hilarious chat. It was an enjoyable way to end the evening and when it was time, we all strolled out with a relaxing frame of mind. I got the opportunity to listen a lot yesterday to things that I had never heard before from these people and it was an interesting beginning.

"Everyone's looking for the same thing, we just all go through different paths to get there" Matt Verduin

posted by Carolyn Ohme

Over the weekend I participated in the Chicago Cubs Event. It was such a fun event! I got to hang with the likes of Jody Davis (my tour), Gary Matthews, Ernie Banks (Hall of Famer), Fergie, Lee Smith, Bill Buckner, Michael Barrett and Billy Williams. These guys were the most down to earth, fun and good spirited guys we've ever had for an event. It was an event for the fans and boy are they good to them. There were breakfast events, luncheons, dinners and desert parties, etc. Such a good time. And inbetween all the events, there was golfing. Dewey (Ernie's friend and golf professional) was teaching me at the events how to hold a golf club before even getting out on the green. I knew three different positions before holding a club. I heart him.

I was roped into going golfing for the afternoon with "the boys" and learned how to drive and chip from the best of them. I almost took out my tour though the first time I swung. I actually surprised myself and enjoyed the day. It was slightly relaxing and quite fun. There might be more golfing in Carolyn's future. Good times.

The weekend was spent gaining tons of amazing stories that I am sure these baseball heros have told a million times, but it was the first for my ears and was so fun to take part in. Ernie cracked me up and was one of the most positive people I have met. What a friendly and nice guy. He had a shirt that he took with him that said "I live for this" and it showed. He was so great!

That night, K's family was coming into town so I went to go meet up with them for a bit. I headed to All-Star Sports and met up with K, Robin, James, Connor and Dylan (the cutest boys), They are the coolest and sweetest family, I heart them and it was so good to hang out with them again. They had a curfew so it was a short visit, but totally fun.

I took a work break in the middle of the weekend to have some fun at Pleasure Island with Shannon, Anna and Nikki. It was good times. We had some fun with some boys thanks to Nikki's crazy characteristics. She cracked me up! Lon was there and played all of our requests (I heart him) and Harry Dash rocked the Beach Club. Lon personally thanked "Shannon and Carolyn for coming out tonight" over the PA cause no one was there. Saw C-mac for a minute before he headed home to Rowan and Jamie *grin* and also got to meet some band members. It was a good time.

I wasn't feeling too well that night, but it seems after a shot was purchased and I felt so inclined to accept it, I felt a bit better. Strange how that works out. Got home and got to sleep in for a bit the next morning before heading into work. Finished the event and took my cub to the airport. It was sad to see him go, such a GA boy and he cracked me up.

I got up early on Monday to meet up with K and family to get them into the park for the day. Hung out for a bit then headed onto work. That night, I planned to see Fish at the Blue Martini and Shannon and Cali were all for it. I headed to Cali's for some dinner and chats and then we headed on to meet up with Shannon. We had such a good time. Fish is such a sweetie and such a good dancer *grin*. I ran into Tim House and David from Marketing. They are adorable. Lots of hugs! The Tom Satori band members are adorable and so happy. They were having a great and fun night and it was good to see that and no drama. We just had a great time and danced the night away. "Get down girl, go ahead and get down" My legs were aching so much today and I was hurting, but it was totally worth it!

Got home from DU today and crashed for several hours having the strangest dreams. Odd. Probably won't get to sleep into later on this evening because of that, but ah well.

So random mention. There is a song called Carolyn. The only other song I knew that had my name in it (my real name, not Caroline) was "I got a glimpse of Carolyn's bootie as I was getting dressed for work in my room" by the President's of the United States of America, but it wasn't ever on a cd or anything, it was a complete random song and only had it once and somehow I have lost it. So this song is GREAT and now I have it on cd. It's by a band called Zox. And the lyrics are as follows:

posted by Carolyn Ohme