posted by Carolyn Ohme at 11:59PM

"I always tell the girls, never take it seriously. If ya never take it seriously; ya never get hurt. Ya never get hurt; ya always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, just got to the record store and visit your friends." Penny Lane from Almost Famous

Happy Birthday momma! I love you!

Ya know how life can make so much sense in a split second and then the moment you blink, it gets all confused again? That's where I am at currently. I have had a lot of fun with my friends as of late and also had a lot of time to think. Probably more time than I would like to be honest.

Going back a bit for review purposes. I went to support some friends playing at The Social a couple Saturdays ago. Mr. Gary Pfaff from Atlanta along with Dirty Shannon were rocking out that night. It was great fun and got to spend some quality time with Gary before Big 10-4 stole him away *grin*. It was a great show and Dirty Shannon keeps on rockin better and better as time goes on. They rock my socks!

Sunday night was open mic at Tanqueray's again organized by Jae from Kissing Karma, although he has yet to bring anyone. Knick and 101 Standard came again as well as a surprise visit from Pete Woj and friends (the cute emo crew, Nancy and friends). It was great fun! I heart all those kids! 867 and I hung out with everyone for a bit then headed home to crash. I love random nights of fun.

Monday night was an organized get together with Cali & Tony, G with Chris Mac and 867. We all headed to the Blue Martini in support of Fish. Great show as usual, but more awkward than others. Mostly due to the fact that Tom Sartori, who hardly ever actually acknowledges us, came to the table to greet CMac and out of a strange courtsey felt the need to say hello to us all and I can't deal with fakeness so I was less than amused. Typically, I try not to be outright rude to people who are making an effort, but I hardly saw that as making an effort so I was rude. Granted, I did feel guilty about it afterwards and have agreed not too be that obvious in future moments like that, but it still rubs me the wrong way the way he isn't real at all. Moving on, the night was fun and I enjoy the band and the music, yes even the originals created by Tom himself. He's an amazing musician and a great lyricist. Just wish he was nice, but that must be too much to ask.

Tuesday and Wednesday, I took it easy and concentrated on getting some rest before the craziness of the coming weekend. Thursday was venue shopping with 867. We traveled to the basics around downtown and got a few good leads, which made me happy. Headed to Backbooth in the evening and grabbed our VIP seats in the loft to observe the crowd below. Five Star Iris was in town from Atlanta and I couldn't miss an opportunity to rock out with them. Robby Rob makes me happy. It was a great time to hang with him for a bit since there wasn't an entire boat full of people attacking him. *grin* The show was just what I needed to think about some things and finally figure out what it is that I want in some aspects. I had a great feeling leaving that show and heading out to McCraney's Tavern. Ryan Morris totally made an effort and came out to the show. Missed the band, but the effort was totally noticed and I appreciated that more than he knows!

Headed to McCraney's Tavern just in time to listen to the drunk sounds of John Frank accompaned by C Floyd who did not know JF's songs at all. It was very humorous and good fun. 867, Tony and I were highly entertained. A lot of our friends were there and it really is like Cheers, everyone knows your name and it's such a good feeling just to walk in the doors. Dan, Kelly, Pete Woj and more were in attendence and you definitely feel loved being with your friends.

Was on a three-day tour with an awesome family from Texas that impressed me by having a great, easygoing and uplifting attitude about all that we were doing. They were fun and probably one of my more fun tours. It certainly wasn't perfect. Lots of rain, cooler weather, we dealt with some downtimes and cancellations, but all in all they were amazing and I think, had a great time! Good people Texas has!

This past Saturday (3rd) was my parent's anniversary and a very memorable day for me in general. It was a *cold* day on tour and even colder night. I was considering the option of bailing on the evening's activities, but really only even thought of it for a second and dismissed the idea. I am an AMF (avid music fan) and won't ever stop. I had several options to attend shows that night. Cityful was at Underground Bluz (super far away unfortunately and costly), The Murphy Project at Devaney's Too (super far away and costly) and then to brave the cold out on Wall Street for Matt Mackelcan and band (free before 10p). So free and closer, I took Wall Street. You know how things are just meant to be sometimes...I totally believe in that. Just a mention....

The night started off super slow while 867, Nikki and I froze outside of The Globe, yet enjoying some coffee, soup and good laughs. It was good to catch up with Matty Matt Matt, C Floyd, Luke, etc. The band seemed in good spirits despite the weather. The night seemed to flow very well into a big crowd of friends soon after. I hardly noticed them all arriving, they were all just kind of there. Dan, Kelly, Brian (Big 10-4 fan), Paulie (in a suit no less), Kevin (yep, my roomie) and his friend Brian (from Tampa), John (Joe's bro) with Joe and Amanda with friends, and more. We got made fun of for being cold by some Illinois hometown boys, Bryan and Joel and began a friendship on Wall Street in the freezing cold. They were good guys and very entertaining. I honestly could have talked with them all night and it kinda seemed like we had. It's amazing how well you can get to know someone, or feel like you do, in about an hour or so time. Hopefully they will keep in touch.

I was off the next two days and kept low-key for most of it. I definitely needed a couple of relaxing days off of my feet. I watched the Superbowl (no lie - initially for the commercials and entertainment of the anticipated half time show, but actually turning out enjoying the game itself more than the others). The game was actually entertaining to me and I got more into it than I had imagined. Kevin (the only boy in the apartment) and LJ were both laughing at me. Ah well. It was good. My dad would have been proud. *grin*

After the much-needed rested days off, I was back to work on Tuesday at DU in excellent spirits and was very productive. I began taking airbourne then cause everyone at work was coming down with something and low and behold...today I feel achy and gross. Not golden at all! I have been trying so hard to not get sick. I hate being sick. It's horrible because even though people get sick they (including me) feel like they still have to attend work...which get's other's sick and is not a good idea in the long run, yet I understand the conflict and do the same.

Regardless, I have been pretty achy and have not been in the best place feeling-wise, but have gotten a lot done lately and feel good about that at least. There have been lots of positive things occuring on the CCMaD side lately, which only makes me smile and also stress, but nothing but good stress! I feel good about all things up and coming!

867 and I went to support Dirty Shannon at our new "dark and secret" acoustic place, Rhythm & Flow, in downtown Orlando. It's a simple and hidden little spot that Doug Money is promoting like no one's business and will be a grand hang out soon! Excitement!

It was so good to hang out with the poor sick boys of Dirty Shannon and see Dougy as well. There was an initimate, but amazing group of people there supporting, including a couple of great artists in a band called Revery, who we will be seeing a lot of, Chris and Michael. Was good to hear a few songs from them and meet to chat about possible future dates. Good times!

Today was super busy at DSA, which was kinda stressful, but amazing still the same because the day flew by and I got a lot done. Very productive day, but I'm glad that I'm there the next two days to finish up some of the tours I started.

Got home and have been consistently working on personal finances, CCMaD bookings, etc. and getting important things done before this crazy weekend begins! Whew...it's a whirlwind currently, but that's my life! Welcome to it!