SYNCING

My thoughts

Thursday July 27, 2006

Song: "It's not so difficult, the world is not so difficult" By Blue October
Mood: Great!
Time: 2:33pm
Weather: Comfy

"Set your goals and hang onto them until you've achieved them and they have become a reality"

It's amazing how some things seem so surreal to me lately. I think I am finally not taking things so for granted. I think I have always been thankful for my life and wonderful opportunities that I have been given, but at the same time, I don't think I have fully understood what I have in my life and much I appreciate what I have. I'm a very fortunate person in so many ways. I was thinking about it yesterday when I was calling my family back home and just knowing that I'm happy doing what I'm doing and the fact that I don't dread going to work every morning (even the earlier mornings *grin*) and that my schedule is flexible enough for me to enjoy my life outside of work as well, those things make me really fortunate.

Cali and I have confirmed our trip to California, which I am super excited about. It was only a mere thought until we bought the tickets last night. Whew. Now I guess this means I *have* to come up with the money. It's about time though, I have been putting off this vacation for a couple of years now and finally it is gonna happen. We are going to Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, their Downtown Disney District, visit Cali's family, San Diego, beaches, visit Julie, Bamboozle Left Festival, etc. I am super stoked! Hopefully, I will be able to catch a few bands out there as well like The Acres, Waking Ashland & Jack's Mannequin.

Things have been going really well so far. I'm glad to have noticed it. Usually, I notice when things were going good, only when things were currently going bad, but not such the case as of now. It's a good thing. Work is good, I have an amazing tour coming up next week. Strange how that happened, but I have been very fortunate with my tours as of late and I'm excited! It's funny how some things just tend to work out. Maybe I will finally be inspired to learn how to play a guitar *grin*.

CCMaD has been going really good lately as well. We have been way more productive and I think more focused on timing, efficiency and goals. We have a lot of August shows coming up so check out our myspace for specifics: www.myspace.com/ccmad. It's so funny to think back when I was living in Atlanta, what seems so long ago is really only 3 years ago and dreaming of living in Orlando and having my own life, never knowing what was to come and living now in this amazing dream booking artists that I never thought I would be meeting in this kind of situation. It's all kinda surreal. I definitely have had my surreal moments down here. Those moments make me smile.

For someone who hardly ever cared about health, calories, etc, sure is funny how I have gotten obsessed with it. I find it interesting how interested I am in the topic now when I never was before. It greatly intrigues me for some odd reason, but I'm glad it does. And I've found a new hobby out of it. *grin* Since April 18th and growing stronger every week!

Not only is my body getting a makeover, but my soul has been under re-creation as well. It's been a major change that I've been attending my church lately. I've known it was there since Christmas, but the 45-min drive is getting easier and easier to drive each week. It's also a good thing. One of my favorite questions as of late was posed to me by 867 "YOU go to chuch?" So funny and shocking that she was so shocked. Maybe I should put that out there more often.

So lots of stuff coming up for me. The Format @ HOB is tomorrow night (happiness...in LOVE with the new album, even better than the first, is it possible?), then Randall Shreve with Plain Jane Automobile at The Social, Saturday is The Rock Bus (wonder who had that idea first? *grin*) with Wideawake & The Zac Brown Band (yay!). It's gonna be a crazy end of the week. Plus my bro and fam are gonna be here so that will add to the craziness. It's a good thing that I don't get enough sleep on a regular basis...I'm prepared for the rest of this week that way.

posted by Carolyn Ohme at 11:59PM

Monday July 23, 2006

Song: "I held my breathe....just taking in everything" By Blue October
Mood: Learning to breathe...literally
Time: 10:32am
Weather: Comfy

*If you don't scale the mountain, you can't see the view*

Going back about a week. It's been crazy as usual. We started off the week with our MaD Monday! at Liquid Cellar with Dave Tamkin & Brian aka "monkeydummer", Tortured Artists Social Club & Kissing Karma. It was a good time. Those kids are hilarious. Good people from Chicago and Ireland. Dan from Big 10-4 stopped by and showed support. Had a lot of friends there. Thanks Tibby and Lindsay! You kids rock! Had a nice long chat with CMac, he cracks me up. All is happy and good, so therefore I am as well. Nothing but good news. The thought of soulmates is pretty amazing to me.

DU days were productive and full of exciting progress for our Property Tour coming up. I was pleased with the success in contacts that I had made. Good times. On Wednesday night, CCMaD got together at Natura for updates and got a lot done. I'm pleased with how productive we've become and how much we are starting to grow more towards a unified goal. It's a good thing.

Thursday was a more relaxed day. Got to participate in our Summer Enhancement class for DSA and learned a lot of new, cool things regarding our company and our DSA office. It was very useful. I also learned how happy am I that I have been able to grow myself throughout the years and make positive changes in my attitude and make things better for myself. It was a very eye-opening experience to have that class. Amazing what being around other people can do to help you reflect on yourself. It was a great learning experience either way.

Friday, I worked at DSA in the office and didn't cry when I did billing so that was a huge win for me. Usually it frustrates me to no end with all the financial mess it ends up being, but it wasn't too bad that day. Thank the heavens. Whew. Got home and had some time to rest up a bit, exercise, then get ready quickly to head out to Gville. Amy J and Brian were hella early to my place so I picked up the pace and got ready in record time. It was a pretty easy drive to Gville and back. It's funny how it seems to get easier and easier to do the drive. We were heading up to see Berg, Mike, Big 10-4 and Colourslide play at Sidebar. Shannon and 876 were already a few minutes ahead of us to see TASC before the other show. I was limited on funds, so I could only choose one. Got there in perfect time. What a great night. Couldn't have asked for better, to be honest. Joe and Dean were excited to see me. I thought I might be a surprise, but Joe was like "Dean, I told you she would come. We had to get on a show with Big 10-4 to make sure of it." *giggle* I heart those boys.

Mike and Berg were great. Mike is definitely defining his sound a bit more and you can tell he's getting more comfortable being solo on the stage. Big 10-4 rocked it. I heart Dan. He played "Long Distance" for me and dedicated "Walking Disaster" to "the front row". They were great! I loved the initimate setting and the fact that not all the fans were completely intoxicated and falling all over me, although there was one...there is always at least one. I was much happier when she got on stage instead of bothering me, she was bothering the boys. It was humorous.

Got home around 3:30am and crashed hard. I was so happy to not had to have set my alarm on Saturday. What a great feeling. Although I was awoken around 12:30 by Shannon to get my act together to meet up with her for the Park Ave In-store with Say Anything. She was working the event and I was going for support. It was fun and packed! Got to see a lot of emo kids in the same location, I love that. Got home at a good time to rest yet again, eat some food and exercise.

Took a small nap and then got ready for a fun night of music by Randall Shreve and TASC. Randall was playing at a restaurant called Urban Flats. It was interesting, the set-up. It was quiet and there really wasn't a spot for music fans. We obtained a table and rocked out with Randall as much as we could given the environment. Shannon and I danced during "Dancing in the Rain" and I almost knocked her out. Oops. It was fun though. "And I can't believe, those two are dancing" Randall sang to us while we had our fun. I heart him! Matt Mackelcan aka Matty Matt Matt came and we had a good talk at the bar. It was much needed and had been too long. He was tired, but it was totally a good talk. Stayed a bit longer, but then went to meet up with Shannon and 867 at Duke's to see TASC play. They went on really late, but it was worth it to stay and see them. They had gotten even better since our MaD Monday! show. They cracked me up and it was good to hang out with Jenn, Anna, Philip, Shannon & 867.

Sunday, I got up at a decent time to get to church on time. Yay! Finally for once I didn't miss the beginning hymn. It was nice. I needed it. It's good to almost be recognized by the Pastor. It was also cool because I knew my parents were worshipping at the exact same time at my home church in Atlanta so we were kinda "together" and that was a nice feeling. I miss my family.

Things are good here. I am loving my schedule. Really enjoying my mentatility and focus. I'm in the process of restoring my soul, helping my heart recooperate, getting my body into shape and getting my mind working full speed. It's a good process and things seem to be working just fine. I'm happy and getting happier as time goes on.

I had missed Matt Mackelcan's birthday. So Happy belated (July 8th) to Matt Mackelcan! Hope it was amazing!

Things are coming up...good things. So look out for them!

It's been awhile. I kinda just get caught up in life and forget about writing about it, which to me can be a good thing. Sometimes you just need to get caught up in life...in a good way. So much has happened since I last wrote.

On July 3rd, I celebrated July 4th at Red, Hot & Boom with Shannon, 867, Big 10-4 and a few of my closest Orlando friends. It was packed! I was so proud of Big 10-4 playing such a big and important event for them. The fireworks were long and very cool, but really not much in comparison to the amazement I see everyday at Disney. I'm so spoiled. *grin* It was really fun rocking out to Big 10-4, although I didn't like being so far away from them. They were in a lake...well, in an amphitheater that was in a lake. They were too far away, but we were first row regardless. We wanted to jump in the lake, but we reconsidered. Oh well. Rick said they could certainly see us from the stage, so we did our job. *grin*

I had the most amazing tour last week. I had a photographer that was humble, down-to-earth and amazingly nice. She had three assistants with her, all who were wonderful. Paul, Rick and Nick. I must say that I had so much fun with them. I got to spend an entire day with Jonathan Frontado whom I adore and had a blast with. Such a great tour! We had fun and a great experience. I'm very fortunate that they are gonna be coming back several times so I will get to see them again soon! Happiness!

Had a great weekend including a birthday party for Tommy at the amazing Rockstar's home mixed with Disney and music. My kind of home. It was great! We had a blast and it was fun to just hang out and relax for a bit with friends!

Went and supported DLB at The Social, where he rocked it and had the most support there! It was a fun show. Got to spend some extra time with Wes and relaxed a bit that night. Just took a night off from everything. Sometimes you just need to do that.

I had a return tour and I asked Gustavo to join me on it. They were amazing and very exhausting. We were working 14 hour days for three days, but it was worth it. Totally fun and easy-going. We covered a lot of full service restaurants those days as well, which wasn't wonderful for my nutrition plan, but I am currently back on track and getting better. Life happens.

Cali and I went to show support to Randall Shreve at Tatame on Friday night. He rocks my socks off. He's such an amazing preformer, person and rockstar! Jsun (from Jsun & The Congregation) was there randomly and he remembered me. Came up and we started talking his new CD release so we shall see about that in the future. Maggie came and visited for a bit, so that was complimenting.

Happy Birthday Amy J! Happy Birthday LJ! Happy Birthday DLB! So many birthdays this weekend. Got to celebrate Amy J's on Saturday with our acoustic showcase at Natura. CCMaD had an event that featured the Tortured Artists Social Club, Dave Tamkin & Ron Irizarry last night. It went really well. Had a big crowd and people were happy. Great music all around! I heart music and friends. Berg came all the way from Gville to spend time with us. He's the best!

My current quote standing in my mind is as follows: "What happened is in the past and while I can't change yesterday, I can change tomorrow."

Wednesday was our CCMaD meeting at Natura. It seems that things are a-changing, but in most respects, I think it's for the best. Most of the time, I prefer change and enjoy it, but sometimes it hurts and it's hard. This is one of those moments. We've had another kinda unexpected, yet sorta expected management change in my company, but things will always be okay and all is well in both worlds so that is what is good. It's gonna be a positive thing, just shows that we are willing to do anything and everything we can to stay afloat and thankfully we have been successful so far with the help of our community. It's all chachos...always!

Thursday was G's birthday! Happy Birthday my coaster! I was busy all day running errands, working out and then heading out for a late-starting tour. It was a return tour from my early days of touring. It was good to see them again. I definitely recognized them right off the bat. It's amazing that it's been almost three years since I've had them last and it seemed like yesterday. Craziness how time flies. I'm realizing it more and more. It was a long day, but a good one. We started at DAK and ended up at Epcot, watched the fireworks and enjoyed the day.

Friday, I got up early for my dentist appointment over at Celebration. They were quite slow at getting me in and I was there for an hour and a half just for a 15 minute review of my teeth with the dentist, but it was informative and productive in the long run. The basics are I have to get a crown and all four wisdom teeth taken out asap. Great. My August and September days are full of appointments now. Ugh. Ah well. It happens, right? Friday was also our CCMaD Acoustic Showcase at Natura. It was a great success! We had Mike (formally of Agent 99), Berg and Randall Shreve preform. A lot of friends and community peeps came by, we felt very supported! Thanks to all of you who came to support! We all had a great time and I think Natura enjoyed us being there as well!

Saturday, I worked at DSA and got back into the groove of things there. Had to catch up on some tour stuff and then enjoyed being with Robby Rob and Pammy-Jean all day. That was good times. Had a chat with Tim and all was well. Sometimes things are just meant to be and it's the way it is. I'm happy with the result and content with the way things are. It's a good thing. After work, I went to meet up with Shannon at HOB to obtain our Edwin McCain tickets. We walked around DTD for awhile and then met up with Berg, Mikey, Vic and his wife Michelle, their friend, Bain Maddox, Coop and Susie, etc. It was a great time! I needed that night. Edwin's voice just soothes me. It's such a happy environment. I have never laughed so hard in my life, by the end of the night, I was practically on the floor laughing at Berg and Mikey. They were cracking me up with their craziness! Good times.

Sunday, I was on tour again with my return family. It was a crazy day, but we got a lot done and finished up with a very rainy afternoon. They had to head back home on a flight so we got them where they needed to go and I headed home to get dry and catch up on a few needed things. Got caught up and that made me happy.

Monday, June 26th (yesterday) was JJanis' birthday! Happy Birthday JJanis! I was on tour with a family from NY at MK, finished around parade time and headed home to get some errands done and then get ready for the birthday activities for the evening. We were taking JJanis to one of his favorite restaurants, Season's 52, which I had never been to. It was super good and not that unhealthy for ya, believe it or not, so I didn't feel too guilty leaving there with a full tummy. It was Kambria, Kelly, LJ, JJanis and myself so you can only imagine how much we laughed. Good people, good times! The waiter was crazy and lost my cc for about 20min, but thankfully found it. Whew. Close call! Almost ruined my night, but it was quickly recovered.

Tuesday, I worked at DU and was productive in getting all caught up on things, which makes me happy. Sometimes when I feel that I'm not in the different areas that much, that I get behind with things and can never really catch up. I am good for now, which makes me smile. I got off a bit early and had plans for my meeting and DLB for open mic night at The Haven. Mike and Berg are accompanying me. Gianina showed up as well, which was great because she had never seen DLB with a full band. It was a really good show. There were some harder bands there, but a couple of great acoustic musicians as well, like Emily Stein. She was really good. I think Mike was in love. *grin* It was great to go and support DLB, he rocked it!

It's amazing how some things can be so life-changing that your mood changes, your outlook changes, everything changes. Music, for example, can change my entire mood and outlook on life. Randall Shreve is a life-changing moment. Jack's Mannequin is one as well. My dietary and exercise programs have both changed my outlook on life indefintely I believe. Craziness. It's a strange thing. I guess getting older has it's moments where it teaches you lessons and encourages you to focus on certain things that you may never have focused on before. I'm seeing that a lot right now and for some reason, these lessons are hanging around. Was just thinking randomly and something popped in my head about today's date. It's strange how that happens. I know it's for a reason. It's another one of those lesson's in life. Something I don't believe is a regret, but a definite learning experience. I feel really weak at the moment though because of it. My mind is strong, but my heart is weak. It's not even that important, but just a reminder of something I try to forget everyday. Sometimes I wish my memory wasn't always as good as it's becoming.

Wednesday was my day of work and my night of rest. Oh happy day. I had a pretty productive and crazy day at DU. Went home quickly and fell right into bed. I meant to only sleep for about an hour and a half, but my alarm didn't do much for me when it went off at 6:30pm so I kept sleeping until about 8:30pm, but it was needed. Got up, ate an amazing dinner and then headed to do an amazing workout. I had obtained some mucho energy from my nap and dinner so I ended up working out a lot more than typically. It was great! Worked a lot on CCMaD promo when I got home and then crashed for a good night's sleep. Woke up about 7am and did a mini-workout. I found out I will a bit exhausted from the night before and my crazy workout then so I did an easier workout than usual because of it. It did wake me up though *grin*.

Worked at DSA on Thursday and then headed home to get things ready for the Acoustic Showcase that night. It was our first show at Studio Cafe and it was a hit! When we got there, Brendon Thomas and Joe Wilson were sitting outside with their crew. Nice to be early! The music was amazing, the crowd was plentiful (it even spilled outside and in the Band room) and people were having a great time! Berg showed up shortly after and rocked the rest of the night out. We had many friends out and it was great to have that support. Thanks for everyone who came out including Shannon, 867, Gino, Elizabeth, Jenica, Pete Woj, Brian (aka David *grin*), Tony, Rick, Courtney and friend, Angela, etc. It was great to have that community support! CCMaD loves you guys!

Friday was DSA overtime day and very productive at work. Got home just in time to workout, nap quickly and then head down to meet up with the crew for Big 10-4 at The Social. I was well rested and feeling good about the night. Ran into the rockstar himself, Mr. Randall Shreve, among other rockers in our community, Matt Mackelcan, Chris Floyd (who con't to hug me thinking I smelled good enough for him to "wake up to that every morning"), Pete Woj, Berg, Gino, Shannon, 867, Kelly, etc. Saw Wes (he makes me smile!) and he tried to remedy my drinking "issues" but was unsuccessful. I heart him. *grin* Got through The Samples' set barely and then rocked out in the front row with my good friends! Matthew dropped me his pick (I heart him) and it was an amazing show! By the end of the show though it was getting way to annoying near the front with too many crazy drunks trying to have too good of a time on and against me so I headed back towards the bar to enjoy the musical experience from afar. It's a different, yet still amazing experience. I heart my Big 10-4 boys. Look out kids, Walking Disaster is hitting the airwaves very soon!

Yesterday turned out to be an inpromptu relaxing girls day. Cali and I had made plans to meet up with Mindy in Daytona while she was visiting, but turned out the race was that day and there was no getting through traffic so we gave up really early into the drive and headed to my pool instead. We relaxed, laid out and swam. It was so nice! After a couple of hours doing that, we went and changed to head over to do some shopping and bought some shirts. After some shopping, we went to see "The Devil wears Prada", which was quite stressful at first, but good in the end. Headed back home to get ready and take a quick rest for the evenings activities.

Last night was one of the most amazing shows I have ever been to, and believe me, I have been to quite a few. Met up with Amy J, Brian and David to watch Blue October. Now, I have had both CDs and been a fan of the group of awhile now (thanks to Amy J) and I had assumed that it would be a great show on their part, but I never thought it would be that amazing. I was totally in awe for most of the experience. The lead singer disturbed me, but in a very positive way, believe it or not. He had broken his leg a few weeks ago while on tour and hobbled on stage during the first few notes. He sat down on a stool and began to shake a bit. You could tell that he was recovering from a few different habits. It was amazing to see him vocalize all of his passions and torture througout the night in the amazing songs that they have created.

After the amazing experience of Blue October, I headed home to crash for another crazy and tiring, but wonderfully productive day. Sunday, I got up super early and went to St. Luke's for a much-needed church experience, then headed home to workout and get ready for work. Headed to the Help Desk and had a very busy, crazy help desk shift, but it did end up being pretty fun with my one-on-one. He's so much fun!

Good times....onto more good times. Today, I actually got to sleep in without a worry of an alarm clock, it was so nice. I still woke up earlier than attended, but it was nice. Got up and headed to the grocery store then headed to workout a bit. Watching Dodgeball and about to go layout. It's a nice day off from work. Much needed and totally worth it!