Wednesday night was such a blast. I was running late for the event, but I got to Cali's to pick up the CCMaD merch stuff and then picked up Shannon to head downtown for Matt Mackelcan's show at the Backbooth. Met up with G and Katrina and set up the merch table the best we could with hardly any "supplies" and obtained the Dirty Shannon and Pete Woj merch as well. It was a pretty good crowd with special appearances by the Big 10-4 boys & Kelly, Rob of (formally Spacebar) Murphy Project, Charlie from Murphy Project *grin* I'm calling him Charlie from now on, John Frank, Julie, Vic's brother John (who cracked me up), etc. It was a great night with tons of band boys and good times all around. I heart Vic from Dirty Shannon. He's just adorable! I'm so excited that they are going on the boat....cmon kids, we are so taking over The Rock Boat 2006!

The next night, Cali and I headed over to the Orlando Science Center to check out a band then went straight to our meeting after that. It was a crazy packed night of events, one right after the other, so we were quite drained by the time we did everything. I rushed home after the meeting to meet up with K for my birthday surprise. He could only get a late reservation at 10pm at the "secret place" so the only things I knew were to dress fairly presentable, the fact that I had never been there before with him, to be hungry and it was gonna take about thirty minutes or less to get to the place. After driving around a couple of restaurants to throw me off, we finally parked and I began following him to the destination. We finally got to The Melting Pot! Happiness. It was such a nice surprise! He got a bottle of wine and the full meal. It was *so* good. The booths were such a cool shape and it was like we were the only two in the restaurant. It was very enjoyable and boy were we uncomfortably full when we left. Such an awesome surprise! Thanks K!

Next morning, woke up in pretty good spirits for my tour day. Had an amazing family at the MK and enjoyed every minute with them. I love those tours where you are so excited to show them the next thing because you know that they are super excited as well. It's a great partnership when everything works out like that. Got done around 4ish, just in time to head home and get ready for the evening's activities, which I was looking forward to all day.

Julie met up at my apartment and we went to pick up 867 and then we were on our way to Seminole to see Plunge's full band and electric show. I was stoked mostly because it's been over a year since I had seen a full band electric show, not to say I didn't fully LOVE the acoustic mini-concert we were so fortunate to have received, but I still was yearning to rock out at their show. It took forever to get there. Probably due to anticipation, excitement, Bon Jovi and President being-in-town traffic, construction, it being *in* Seminole, but either way it took forever! Finally, we got there and in excellent timing for the event so we went to the bar next to the venue and got a pitcher and played the jukebox to get ready for the exciting evening of music we were about to encounter.

We were going around the building to the front door of the venue that was next door when I noticed the bus driver "Lambchop" sitting in the bus and the "Lambchop" puppet, that had brought back childhood memories for me just days before that had been hanging on a hook at the front of the bus that the bus driver's daughter had given him, was gone. So I tapped on the bus and got his attention and he told me to open the door and I asked him where it went and he went into the story of how someone stole it that night after we left when they went to the other bar to party, people were on and off the bus and someone took it. Not cool kids, not cool. After he told us this sad news, he con't to share sad news by telling us the club overbooked that night and Plunge was no longer playing. WHAT? Ugh, we were so looking forward to it and were pretty devastated and upset that the venue was so stupid. I felt bad for Plunge because it seemed like all of the Florida venues were disorganized and rude to this wondeful national touring and professional band. Makes me not want to say I live in Florida.

So we met a couple, Chris and Ashley that were there to see Eleven 54 (the band who was on tour with Plunge) so we bonded with them and "Lambchop" invited us to go see the guys at the restaurant they were all eating at. We followed him across two major highways contiunously thinking that it might have been a bad idea to do so, but regardless we laughed it off and kept going til we found the Chinese restaurant that they were having a good time in. I think we might have freaked them out a bit showing up like that and I retreated to the bathroom immediately partly out of embarrassment and mostly because I really had to go and then came out to a friendly group of guys joking and having a great time. Got my spot and started downing the bowl of dry noodles in front of me. Mai-Tai's were in abundance throughout the table and these kids were cracking us up. Favorite parts: Jason acting like and interacting with the fish in the tank, Shawn and Mac doing Sesame Street music, and Mac just being Mac. Crazy kids. Was informally introduced to the hilarious Eleven 54 kids and began feeling at home among the band boys.

Moved to the bar, where I had to prove a comment that I had made to Mac about drinking anything that is put in front of me (drink wise, of course) so Mac got me a "cement mixer" and I took it like a champ. Good times....but began a quick downward spiral. It was grand. Stayed at the bar for a bit before heading over to our cars and trying to fit about eight band boys into three cars was good times. Then, headed over to the Friendly Tavern for some good ole karaoke. I felt like we totally became family with most of the "regulars" that were at the bar, although some were a little bit too friendly and too blunt at times, but then again everyone was just trying to have some fun so it all worked out. Mike sang "I want you to want me" and "I'll be" which were both awesome. He also sang "Picture" with a "regular" from the bar. It was too cute. Chris, Shawn, Mac ("Plush"), Jason ("Barely Breathing") and Ronny all got up to sing as well. They were so much fun! At the end, all of the members of both bands sang "Bohemnim Rapsody" and it was hilarious! Those kids were so fun. It was a great option even if the show was cancelled. Fun kids...and a great night. Mac and Chris both loved playing DJ in my car and it was hilarious to see what songs they chose. Mac was super excited about my variety in music and picked one song that he "loved". What song you ask? "Confessions of a broken heart (daughter to father)" by Lindsay Lohan. I heart Mac. When it was Chris' turn to play my Ipod, he proceeded the song with a "This is my JAM!" and it was The Fray's "Over my head (Cable Car)". How cute is he? Good times.

After the good times in Seminole, we headed back for the less hectic drive home and it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. I love driving over the long bridge with water surrounding us and the peacefulness of that was really relaxing. I was exhausted, but the high that I had from the evening was enough to keep me awake, well that and my music. Good times!

posted by Carolyn Ohme

So my birthday celebration began on Friday when I joined up with Cali Mari and Shannon at Cali's house to begin our roadtrip to Gainesville for Big 10-4. Got to the outskirts of downtown gville and found Eddie C's. My first time there, but it felt like home. Most of the Big 10-4 kids were there to support including our friend Mike and some gville kids, Joe and Alex and of course we met up with Julie and 867 there. It was good times before the show even began. Was able to finally congratulate Jimmy in person for Stella and got to see pics (SO CUTE, big chubby cheeks). It was good to hang out with the boys again. Matthew was in good spirits and seemed excited to be there, which makes me happy and I couldn't wait to hear him play with them. He was adorable in his white belt and white shoes, size 12 *grin* Shannon enjoyed that. Joe hung out with Cali and I for a bit and was enjoying the company. He's good people. And I heart the new name *grin*

Dan looked all worried when I was greeting him after we arrived and asked me if he had missed my birthday cause people were already commenting on my myspace wishing me a Happy Birthday. He's too cute. I heart him! At the stroke of midnight, I got Happy Birthday sung to me in Italian (thanks Shannon!) in Spanish (thanks Cali) and then in English (thanks Shannon and Cali! *grin*) and a Happy Birthday hug from Dan. What more could a girl ask for? I felt loved!

We got our drink on and finally after two bands played, it was time for our boys so we got our front row spot, which apparently is a hot commodity cause Julie was offered $20 for her spot. She declined. Good girl! *grin* A gentlemen was assisting Jimmy with his drum equipment and he called Jimmy "Jr" and I questioned the title and he said "he's my son" awww makes sense! He looked really young to be Jimmy's dad. So cute though...I heart supportive parents for this line of work!

There were so many "fans" in the crowd it was unbelievable. Big 10-4 certainly is making their way out of Orlando (even if we did travel from there to see them). We rocked out to an amazing show and the boys were amazing. You can tell they have improved and tightened up as a band and it was cool to see Matthew with them. He looked like he was enjoying himself and he sang along at the parts he knew. Cali and I were trying to assist him with backup words so he could get to know them. It was good times. Poor Julie had to put up with the consistent "Where's Roy" questions on her side of the stage. The crazies who kept trying to push past us (no where really to go) were driving us nuts, but that's all apart of being in the front row of an amazing show, so it's a high compliment for the band, therefore I didn't mind too much...and I never minded when Rick made his way up to dance and sing with us.

I heart "The" Big 10-4 *grin*

Got a text from K! *smile* CHACHOS! Left gville really late after hanging out for awhile. Shannon is a rockstar car passenger. She stays up forever. I hearted it....Cali passed out in the back (which she was rightfully allowed to do cause I owed her) and Shannon and I spent the hours chatting it up and reminising on the night. It was *so* cold when we stopped to refresh on gas, coffee and donuts at the service station and I couldn't get the stupid gas pump to work. We were freezing and having issues and it was about 4am and annoyed, but it was funny afterwards. We locked Cali in the car and attacked the sarcastic gas attendant and tried to make a simple request. He basically took the opportunity to make fun of us and *then* assist us. We ran next store and got the largest coffees ever and donuts to feed an army. Good times.

Got home about 5am to crash in my freezing cold bed and wake up at 9:30am for my meeting with Cali's tax associate. I was doing pretty good for myself when I woke up. Didn't have enough time to be too sleepy so I got over to her place and we headed for the meeting. It was short and sweet, which was nice, but somehow made the thought of getting up early for that a very unhappy thought. We ran some errands and then headed home to get ready for my birthday "open apartment" that was planned.

Got a call from B and Jess stating they had arrived in Orlando and I went to pick them up. At that point I was kinda stressed with all the things I had to accomplish by a certain time that was creeping up quickly, but things worked out just fine and there was no need to hurry on my part. It was so good to see those kids again! They sang Happy Birthday to me very loudly when I picked them up so that all the strangers at the airport could hear. Silly gals, but thoughtful. Headed home and chatted it up with the kids. It was great to have a piece of home with me on my "special day".

Got everything set up and just began the "hanging out" process with B, Jess, LJ and Cali until more people randomly came. A little later I had quite a few visitors and they stuck around. I heart them. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, called, texted, myspaced (comments and messages), emailed, etc. You guys made my day perfect and reminded me of what wonderful and thoughtful friends I have! What a great day!

After lots of "partying" and fun, things had to come to an end at the apartment so I began to get ready for the evenings activites. I was prepared for a few of my friends to not be attending the Butch Walker show, but it was my present from Shannon and I was stoked about it. B and Jess rode with Shannon and I to the venue in hopes of finding extra tickets and how perfect did it work out, if I do say so myself. I was looking for two tickets and the minute we get in line to get into the social, one of my friends, Lisa calls out my name from behind me. She and her brother had just gotten there and I wished her a Happy Birthday as well and randomly asked if she had any extra tickets and SHE DID. Sweet! There's one...and very easily obtained. Happiness on that part. Then, Amy J was parking with Brian and I was still searching for one more ticket for Brian and some wonderful girl came over to me and said "Did I hear that you were looking for a ticket?" and I said "yes, we are" and she had one...how perfect!!! So as Amy J is walking up, I call her and let her know that we are in and happiness is here!

Everyone got in The Social and I got to see Jody for the first time in about eight or so years! It has been too long my friend! I had missed her!!! So good to meet Matt and hang out with them for a bit. It was super busy in The Social and hard to travel around the venue, but so good to see all the people that made it out to my birthday show! Thank you all for that! Headed straight to Wes, who was at the back bar and began my "birthday tab". The minute I get my drinks, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw a familiar looking couple. It was some friends of a tour that I had last Night of Joy. How random was that? They are adorable and it was so great to run into them like that. I'm really surprised that they recognized me, but so happy that they did!

Summer Obesession opened for Butch and I enjoyed them, but mostly enjoyed the company of my friends and hanging out with everyone. It was Beth, Jess, Shannon, Amy J & Brian, Liz and friend, Lisa and her brother Mark, Jody & Matt, Julie, Kim, 867, Nikki (Happy Birthday to you too my friend!), Katie!!!, Chris Floyd was there, my tour buddies Kevin and Emily, WES!, Amanda (who is my new favorite show promoter and supporter!) and so many other Butch friends! Great times!

I heart Wes! Got in the photobooth with Shannon and my favorite bartender. Took forever for the dollars to be accepted, but finally was able to take photos. Good times! Wes definitely kept his word on having me "crawl out" that night. He's the best!

Butch is the nicest guy by the way. He was super friendly and super approachable. B and Jess were at the bar just chatting away with him and he said to put a drink on his tab for me for my birthday. I heart Butch. Got our pic with him and I was happy. That's where I ran into Amanda randomly and about the same time I began my kissing renegade. Everyone got kisses. *grin* I heart all those kids, what a great night! Good times!

Thankfully, Shannon drove and we all stumbled in her car. I take loads of pictures when I get happy so I was entertaining myself all throughout the car ride while the gals passed out in the backseat. We stopped and got a "late night fast food binge" at McDonalds for some french fries, which was an excellent idea at the time. So much for fast food diets when you are hungry at 4am. Ah well.

Passed out and didn't have to wake up the next morning until I got up. Jess and B passed out on the big comfy couches (and floor-Jess!) and we leisurely got ready to hang out the next day. Decided on Downtown Disney for the day and headed to the AMC for a possible movie. It was freezing! One out of two of the coldest days of the year...and we felt it. Watched Brokeback Mountain, which was okay and then headed to Raglan Road for some yummy soup. They have really good potato soup, but not a friendly waiter. Still had a good time with the gals and headed to Ghiradelli for a free sample of dessert. B's friend Matt came to meet up with us and we walked around for an hour or so before we had to head out back to the airport. It was sad to see them go in such a short period of time, but it was so good to see them again! I'm really glad they decided to come visit me!

I was pretty exhausted by this point, but super excited about what the night held. I was all ready to see Plunge with Julie and 867. I had been waiting for this night for a long time. What an amazing birthday weekend this was turning out to be. As Julie said, "You are a lucky *****" *grin* I heart you too! So, I got ready and headed out into the cold to travel all the way to podunk Colonial and this hole in the wall bar & "grill", Island Oasis, which by the way I would never order any food from this crappy place that doesn't even have a readable sign. I got stuck in traffic due to the po-po blocking off the entire road and making us travel some random back road. Frustrated and annoyed, I received a call from Julie telling me that they had just arrived, paid the unholy amount of money to get in, told them they were there to see Plunge, and they just saw the band packing up their things because they had just finished playing. Mind you, the time was at that point 8:20pm. What bar puts on a nationally touring band before 8pm and doesn't advertise as such. Julie and 867 had even planned ahead and called the bar prior and they had "no information" to give them so we thought we were allowing enough time. Grrr.

At that point, I just wanted to turn around and get back home to the warmness and comfort of my bed and drown in the sadness of missing Plunge that evening, BUT as Julie was explaining it to me and telling me to come anyways and we will figure out what to do for the rest of our evening, I hear her in the background "I can't believe you guys already played" so I listen patiently knowing that she ran into a Plunge-r and was finding out some information. All I hear in the background was a guy's voice saying something along the lines of "no worries, we are gonna give you your own show" Happiness. I wasn't taking that too much to heart, but I liked the idea and thought behind it so Julie just tells me to get there and call her when I do.

I was forewarned about a few things. Hardly no sign, small and scary parking lot, tour bus in the lot along with a dog barking in an attacking tone in the back of a pickup truck. All these things were completely true and had it not been for the large tour bus parked in front of Island Oasis, I would have missed it completely. What a horrible location. Got parked and walked briskly to the door as Julie was calling me. I was getting my ID checked and asking the door amount and putting Julie on hold cause I couldn't hear a word of what she was saying due to the loud music in the bar. I questioned the $10 request by the rude door man and as I was getting out the money a band boy came up behind me and asked "Are you Carolyn?" Yes...."Follow me to the bus, I have a couple more to get" umm Okay.

Apparently Julie was trying to tell me not to pay and that she saw me walk up and to come outside, but she sent a cute band boy to come get me so all was well AND I didn't pay which made me extremely happy and the door boy very unhappy. *grin* I hopped on the large tour bus, which got me to the venue in the first place and immediately saw Julie and 867 all snuggled in the benches. All I could do was smile out of shock. Saw Mike from Plunge a second after and just smiled. This was already turning out better than I had expected from the news I had gotten before.

Mike welcomes me and apologizes for the venue's miscommunication and I was floored from that point on. It certainly wasn't his fault, but he looked upset about how everything went down. I hearted him already. They invited us into their turf for something they couldn't control and on top of that it was Mike's birthday and instead of partying it up inside the venue, drinking and having a good time, he invited us to a private show on their tour bus to make our night better. Amazingly selfless and endearing. The band boy that had rescued me brought three other girls onto the bus to join us and one of them was Amanda! How random! They were all at the Butch show the night before as well. Small world in the band world...I love it. Mike grabbed the acoustic and came to sit next to me in a free spot and began taking requests.

We all mentioned how amazing the Butch show was the night before and he started off the "mini concert" with a sing-a-long of "Mixtape" It was so cool to sing along with Mike and the drummer to that song and our tiny group of friends. He then played "Heaven" for me and I missed my cue, I suck *grin* and then a couple of songs that are on myspace, "Everything you are" and "Back home" (I think those are the names) and they were both amazing! I just kept looking over at Mike, the drummer and his drum "pad"-very adorable (he cracked me up), Chris (the guitarist) and the other boys hanging out on the side watching. I couldn't tell exactly who the bass player was, I think it was the boy that came and got me, but wasn't official introduced. The bus driver came on randomly to see what the game plan was, he was cool-had Lambchop in the front of the bus (brought back some childhood memories for me), "That's Lambchop! What show was that?" Mike looked at me like I was crazy and said "Lambchop" *smile* Oops.

Mike took a few questions from Mare who was on the bus with us and while he answered them he let us in on a few future things coming up for Plunge. He was talking about the band name and how it had changed from 3rd Degree to Plunge and Julie asked if that was a boyband, "3rd Degree, that sounds familiar, either that or I've heard of you" and I about pissed in my pants from laughing so hard. The way she said that was the funniest thing I had heard all day. It felt so comfortable just being with the guys and hanging out with them. "We know that at every show we are gonna have *at least* FIVE people there" Mike is adorable. I liked being a part of that five for the Winter Park show. He wanted to give us a sneak preview of a video that will be available for purchase soon enough and as we were watching it, I noticed something a bit different about it, cracked me up. Not going to give it away incase they include it on the "buyable" copy, but it was hilarious and occurred every two minutes or so. They are funny kids.

Basically, that was one of the most fun nights I have had at a "show" and they surprised us with an amazingly special, what I will call a magical moment that I will never forget. I really didn't know how to thank them, saying thank you just didn't even seem to express how wonderful that was, but maybe to them it wasn't such a big deal, but it meant a lot to the few people they made the effort for and will be appreciated forever. These are kids that actually care about the people who care about them, guys who got the extra step for pleasing people who support what they do for a living, guys that seem to enjoy their lifestyle and sharing it with their fans. I heart them because of their talent, their songs, their music, their personalities, their smiles and their uplifting spirits. They were the most welcoming and appreciative people....I heart Plunge and I have a shirt now that states that! *grin*

After our Plunge experience, the girls and I were starving so we headed to TGIFridays to have some dinner and hang out for a bit since it was so early. We spent a good while on the bus with the boys, but since we got there at 8:30, it was still early...for us :) Anything earlier than 2am is early for our crazy schedules. Our waitress was less than helpful and seemed to not want to be there, but we made up for the lack of service with good company within ourselves. Good times.

Headed home with a happy feeling inside and listened to "Wasted on your love" while catching K up on my evening plans. He was going to Margaritaville and I was headed home for bed. Got a note when I woke up that said "8:45am. Just got in, long story. I turned up the heat a bit so you wouldn't be too cold when you got up" Aww...crazy kid, but sweet! Headed to work a mid shift at the Help Desk, which turned out to be not such a bad day. Got to hang out with Anne and Randy so that made my day. Then, rushed home to change for my final birthday celebration plans with Fish, John Frank, K, Gino, Shannon and Cali at the Blue Martini. Fish was playing with the Tom Sartori band that night so we headed over in our fashionable outfits. So good to see Fish again, it had been too long. John Frank came to join in, which was surprisingly sweet of him. *grin* We had a good time hanging out, listening to the band, meeting more PI guys and then seeing CK's entire crew walk in, but no CK. I saw the bodyguard, Antiqua guy, Eric, Tim, etc. The entire crew, but no CK. Interesting. They were having a VIP birthday party for someone, but it was so crowded, you could hardly tell what was VIP and what wasn't at points. We had a great time dancing with Fish and singing along with the DJ's crazy choices. The DJ certainly wasn't the best and I didn't fully understand what he was trying to do, but we shrugged and tried to enjoy the mix. Our waitress was adorable and treated us like VIPs, I enjoyed her. Probably the nicest service I have ever had there, which really isn't saying a lot, but it's enough.

That was a longer night than expected. So much for leaving early, right Cali? It was great times though with good friends and fun dancing time...I have missed that! Woke up hurting the next morning, but had a great day at work for the beginning of my Valentine's day. What turned out to be the worse Valentine's day I have ever had and pretty close to the worse day of my life (see Feb 14 post below).

Today is better though. I'm feeling better and just knowing everything is okay makes me feel very relieved and very thankful. I can't stop being thankful. I honestly don't know what I would have done if anything worse had occurred. I have been better about not trying to analyze every moment of what happened, but the situation hasn't completely exited my thoughts as of yet. I'm still reeling from it and trying to learn something from it to help me put what happened in perspective. I'm just so very thankful. So very thankful. I can't say it enough.

Thankfully, I have no plans for today other than work and sleep at some point. I need some rest and come down from all these things that have happened recently. To just sit and do absolutley nothing. I can't wait for that.

posted by Carolyn Ohme

I had all the intentions of blogging tonight about my amazing and fun-filled four day birthday celebration in crazy detail for all of you who read this journal to share in my activities, but instead something happened tonight that controls all of my thoughts right now. The only way I know how to deal with things is to vent about them, talk about them, write about them, think about them. I can't just let things go like they never happened. I can't just stop myself from going over the event over and over again in my head, in my thoughts. It's just the way I am. I originally started writing in my journal to keep up with friends that I had made that moved to different locations and for them to keep tabs on my life as well as me keeping tabs on theirs, then my journal moved into a collection of memories because my memory tends to fail me a lot of the time, but now my journal has become a venting post, a healer, a way to get my thoughts out of my head. I can't even sleep until I write this down. I need to get it out.

Today, being Valentine's Day, I was getting a lot of wonderful emails, myspace messages, myspace comments and phone calls wishing me a happy Valentine's Day. One of the later phone calls that I received was from my brother Richie. He told me I was on speakerphone with the kids in the car and I immediately wished them a Happy Valentine's Day, in which I got a wonderful wish in return from my neice Sean and my nephew Evan, who were in the backseat of my brother's moving truck. Their question for me was regarding what was real and what was not real. Their discussion was based on the topic of Mickey Mouse and they wanted to know if my boss was real. I, of course, let them know that Mickey Mouse was indeed real, that he is my boss and is as real to me as he could possibly be. Richie took me off speakerphone and we proceeded to have a conversation for a few seconds before I heard a loud crash noise on the other side of the phone.

I heard my brother's voice in the background faintly saying something along the lines of "MAN! Are you guys okay?" and I heard my neice's voice say in a very slow tone "yeah". I knew something had happened and something was wrong, but all I wanted to know is if they were okay. I kept asking in the phone "are you guys okay?" over and over again, but I knew I was just listening and they couldn't hear me at all. After a few seconds of agonizing silence, my brother's voice came over the phone and told me "we've just been in a massive accident, I have to go" and I asked again "are you all okay?" and he said "yes, bye" I couldn't breathe. I know that my brother is just as bad as I am when I say I'm okay, that doesn't always mean that I'm okay.

Fast forward through mulitple phone calls and break downs with my family members back and forth from the hospital and a few hours of waiting, my brother got hit head on by a drunk illegal alien guy in a large utility van/truck and took all of the impact himself. My neice and nephew got away without a scratch. My brother was examined and although had immediate numbness on the left side of his body, he's okay and at home resting with soreness, arm pain and glass still in his arms and legs. I have never been so scared in my life. I don't know what I would do without him.

I know that accidents happen everyday and I've known people that have had these horrible things happen to their family members. Bad things happen everyday. But bad things don't happen to me or my family everyday. It's sad that something has to occur to people personally for them to finally relate and feel like they've been there and know what it feels like for them to have a care. I've always been able to provide sympathy, but never really empathy for this kind of a situation. I have never felt so out of control and helpless before. The only thing I could do was wait and inbetween waiting, break down. I've been analzying the situation all evening and trying to think of what if's. What if I wasn't on the phone with him, would he have had more time to avoid the accident or would it have been worse? I don't want to think about these things anymore.

I am thankful every second that I know he is okay and my neice and nephews walked out without a scratch. I am so thankful I cannot even put it into words. This Valentine's Day was going pretty well in the beginning and was suppose to be a fun single night out with Shannon. This is definitely a day I will never forget.

I called my brother as soon as I knew he was okay and heard his voice and was able to get the information for what happened. Just hearing him talk made me feel better, but I wish I was there with him right now to support him. That's what he needs right now. Someone to finally support him after he's been supporting himself and everyone around him for so long. He doesn't have that right now from anyone except his family. I want to be there. I wish I was there.

My eyes are so sore and puffy that I can hardly see the computer screen any longer. I needed to get that off my chest. That's the only way I know how to try and get it all out of my head. I hope it worked.

posted by Carolyn Ohme

"you walked for miles down the shores of california to the coast of Mexico where you could hide and no one had to know, you can breathe, you can breathe now, but the air is running out" -Jack's Mannequin

"We could be stuck in Mexico, guess that wouldn't be too bad. We could stay here, I'll teach you Spanish, we could have kids..." I don't want kids. "Well, would you pop out a couple for me?" For you, sure. "See, it wouldn't be so bad" I miss him.

I am ALL set for The Rock Boat! Thanks to Mindy, we are booked and ready to rock! Thanks girl! I cannot wait! Shannon, Mindy and her friend Jill are my roomies and Cali and Tony got their room as well! It's already beginning and I cannot wait until next January. Words cannot express my excitement! I need to calm down, but it's gonna be a hard year to get through...at least I have something to look forward to!

I had already begun to get really exhausted by Monday, but I had to prepare for the crazy week of work and shows practically everyday. Started with the Leonard Brothers at the Blue Martini. Goodness, what a fun night. I texted some peeps and got a few people to come and support the kids. Little did I know, it was also apparently a "Go Active" event, which cracked me up. I was the first of my crew to arrive so with only about ten people in the entire venue, I was approached by a gentleman who wondered if I was apart of this "group". I giggled and immediately texted Jenica assuming it was a ploy to get me involved. *grin* I also somehow tend to attract middle-aged men more than others, which makes this night even more so interesting.

Jenica finally arrived right after I met some nice convention Guests from Alabama. They were very nice and southern gentleman who offered to purchase me some wine so I took them up on it. Tiffany & friends, Chris Mac, Aaron, Rebekah, Jessica, Sophia and friend (I think Brian, but I kept calling him David) all came and rocked out with me. It was a good time with people I haven't really gotten to hang out with lately. Rob almost stole my drinker buyer from me (grr), but thankfully the gentleman was just really friendly and generous with everyone. Happiness! I should remember from open bar weddings that wine messes me up more than any other drink, but I was in the presence of friends and having a good time so it was worth it.

We pretty much closed the place down and when the band stopped playing and the DJ came on, I was pretty much done. Aaron followed me home safely and I crashed hardcore only to wake up a few hours later for work. Good times!

Had a good day at work and got home just in time for a small nap before heading out for the evening again. Almost ended up sleeping through my alarm, but showered and headed out to meet Shannon for a night with the amazing Murphy Project. I heart them! They were playing at Backbooth and this was their last show for a bit so we couldn't miss it. We got there just in time to see a bit of an amazing preformer (I will get his name soon-Louis something, sorry I suck), who totally called Shannon and I out immediately when walking in cause apparently we weren't in his line of vision. "You girls may want to move over here, cause I'm not looking over there....seriously". He cracked me up and was a really captivating and moving artist. I appreciated his raw, deep, sometimes cracking voice. It was really strong and memorable. I enjoyed his preformance. He was a musican and comedian mix, which I throughly enjoy.

Saw Dan, Matt and Kelly, Vic and Paulo from Dirty Shannon and Rob formally of Spacebar. "Who are you here to see?" I'm such a moron. Hope it's for The Murphy Project since you are playing with them now...dumb Carolyn strikes again. *grin* I heart them all and it was so good to hang out with them again. It's great to have fun people pop in and out of places without knowledge. It's good times in Orlando and I love it!

The Murphy Project came on soon after and were amazing! I love them with a full band and acoustic mix. Really works great for them either way though! Jason who I will now call "Charlie Murphy" since I am in the "know" now, is adorable and such a sweet guy. I love it when he jumps and looks slightly self-conscience, but feels the music and keeps doing it. Entirely adorable! Brock rocks and cracks me up and I will continue to think he's Jack Black's brother. Rob did an amazing job drumming for them. He keeps surprising me with his talent.

Overall it was a great evening full of great music and awesome friends! Tonight is Kobe night and then Blue Martini for Ian's going away get-together. I'm very sad about it though....don't want him to move to Cali, but then again, I will be visiting soon so it's all good! I'm gonna have tons of people to visit in Cali...good times ahead!

Oh! AND...I'm even more excited about The Rock Boat cause EVERYONE is going....we are taking over the boat kids....GOOD TIMES ahead!

"sometimes perfection can be perfect hell" -Jack's Mannequin

posted by Carolyn Ohme

Well, I'm moved in. All that stress and worry. Whew. Totally justified, but annoying. "I worry all the time, why worry anymore" -All American Rejects. Thankfully, everything worked out just fine. It was all last minute, which sucked, but I am now officially moved in, organized and happy. Worth it!

I was moving in the weekend after getting back from The Rock Boat, so I was pretty sick and on top of that my family was visiting. It turned out to all work out though. I was feeling better by the weekend and went to pick up my Aunt and Uncle, whom I haven't seen in a few years. It was good to have them on this side of the country (they are from Oregon) finally. We met my parents at the resort and headed to dinner. After I dropped them off, I headed over to meet Aaron to go to The Social for The Upward Trend's debut at The Social. It was so good to see them again. They are the sweetest guys and quite the talented as well! Make sure to check them out at www.myspace.com/theupwardtrend.

After the show, I got home to meet up with Cali, JHey, LJ & JJanis to assist me with moving and they rocked it. We got about 75% of it done before 12:30am. So nice! The next day, I spent roaming the parks with my family and having a nice time. I was beginning to feel less sick and better about everything. Less stressed and having more days off from The Rock Boat benefitted me in quite a few ways. Every night after leaving the fam, I would move in bit by bit and then spent all of Saturday (about nine FULL hours) of finishing up moving, organizing and cleaning. It was an exhausting day, but a very happy day!

Began getting back to work again and it was strange to be back. I felt like it had been forever since I last worked. It was needed though. It was a full week of shows for me right after the fam left as well. Had a meeting with Matt Mackelcan downtown on Wednesday. Got some stuff discussed and it was good to have a meeting, it had been awhile. Shortly following after, he and I grabbed some amazing tacos at Tijiana Flats and then practically ran over to meet Shannon for my much anticipated show at The Social with Need to Breathe! I did NOT want to miss them! Matt headed home from that point and Shannon and I stepped in The Social JUST IN TIME for Need to Breathe to take the stage. Grabbed my drink from Wes (I heart you!) and then headed to join the three other fans on the floor. There were quite a few people there, but only three on the floor that actually knew and adored the band as much as I did. Rock on! They were amazing! I heart them big time! They, of course, blew me away again and I enjoyed their set the most. Got to talk with them a bit after the show and I accidently called out Adam as the "merch guy" instead of the tour manager....oops. I remember the location where I met him (the merch table) more so and it slipped. Sorry!!! *grin* They rock...and Seth is amazing for the CD...and Beau rocks for remembering me! I heart them!

Thursday was my first day off from all the craziness and the first day I had to relax a bit and do whatever I needed to and wanted to do. It also was the mock tour for our newest VIP Tour Guides. I was able to set it up so that Big 10-4 (Mike replacing Jimmy for the day-Jimmy has Stella to be with! Congrats!) could do a tour and then K, Cali, Aaron and Tibby could go with me on a tour as well. Everyone met up here and we headed to the Studios. It was a fun two hour experience. The park was really slow so we were able to do a lot more than expected which was nice. We rode the Rock and Rollercoaster twice, Tower of Terror, Narnia attraction and The Great Movie Ride with a bite to eat inbetween. Good times! Plus, we got to meet Mickey (yes, my boss) and have our photo taken. He wouldn't let go of Cali and I. We were each on a side and he would not let our arms go. So cute! I heart Mickey. Met up with the boys to see how their tour went and they had a great time riding the Tower of Terror continuously. They headed onto DAK and we headed home for K to get to work and such. I went and met up with the boys at DAK and made it just in time to ride Expedition Everest with them. Celine Dion's party was about to ride after us, which was cool to see my friends with them. I was impressed with the backwards part of it and the height (beautiful view!) and it was cool to experience something new on property. We headed over to the Safari and saw some animals right before the park closed. It was good times. "If I were to sync, it'd be about you!" There ya go! I heart the Big 10-4 boys.

Friday night was Sister Hazel with Shannon and the beginning of our ROCK BOAT experience. We got up to the front row, thanks to Shannon's expertise. We had the best view ever! Seeing the boys again right after the Rock Boat was somewhat familar and soothing. I guess cause I go through such dramatic post-Rock boat withdrawal, it helped to see them again! Ken and Jett just make me smile! I get a call from Valerie and let it go to voicemail cause I wouldn't be able to hear her if I tried, and after about four calls from her with messages, I started to get worried. When I went to listen to the voicemail, I heard it was songs from a show and I couldn't figure out what show she could be too. Later when I went to discipher the songs and see who it was, the first song was "I'm happy". She was at the SAME show. We need to communicate better! *grin* We met up afterwards to say hey. So funny! Also, during the show I got a text from Dan "You have a good view, look up" and there he was. He always shows up at the most random places. *grin*

Saturday, I picked up Julie at her apartment and we headed down to University Ave to the Liquid Cellar where our friend in Words Now Heard, Chris Martin, was playing. He is the funniest kid ever! I heart him! It was getting to be much later than expected for his slot time and we were getting itchy, but he did play and rocked out. I loved his backing track, so 80s. He kept introducing his "band", cracked me up. We met a few people at the bar and it was a nice vibe. The owner was really cool and cracked me up. Look for updates on Liquid Cellar info SOON!

Nina was visiting so I randomly got to see her at Epcot the other day! It was SO good to see her! SO glad you came to visit and that things worked out so I could see you! MISS YOU ALREADY!

After Chris played, we booked it to head down to PI to catch Kevin's band, Quick Shot Paulo at the Rock and Roll Beach Club. On the way, we met some boys in a black truck who were "all about it" and we started "communicating" all the way down 417. They cracked me up and at some point they were trying to pull us over and that's when we realized we needed to book it to PI to make it in time. Got to PI a little later than expected and the lines were hella long, but it moved pretty fast and we got in before 11:45 and rocked the house down with the band. They were a breath of fresh air for the RRBC. I heart a few bands that play there like 80s All Stars and Harry Dash. Of course, The Leonard Brothers are cool too, but Quick Shot Paulo really amazed me for the cover band they were being. They had a great set list and maintained the original beat, but threw in their sound a bit too, which was a refreshing change. I had a great time. Jenica, David, Lia, Lisa, Cindy and friends, Julie and I rocked out. Julie and I got to dance with Techno Larry which was a life changing experience and LON was there. I HEART LON! He makes me smile and he was adorable as usual. He played some amazing songs like he knew exactly what we wanted to hear. A mind reader I tell ya!

Apparently I have a full calendar of shows for this week as well. Leonard Bros at Blue Martini, The Murphy Project at Backbooth, Kobe night with friends, Big 10-4 in Gville, Butch Walker on my birthday!!!!, Plunge in Winter Park, Fish at Blue Martini, it's gonna be CRAZY!!!!! Wish me luck on not falling over!

posted by Carolyn Ohme