posted by Carolyn Ohme at 11:59PM

"You lose yourself for a minute or two as you stand under the bar lights and the band plays some song about forgetting yourself for awhile" - The Airborne Toxic Event

I pretty much have it great. This is definitely one of those moments where I feel really good about my life. It's not perfect by any means, but it's in a great place. Looking back on what I've accomplished in these past few months makes me proud of myself and left with a feeling of being very blessed in so many ways. I honestly don't even know where to begin to explain why I feel this way, but I will try my best to share with you my small happiness moments that make up my great feeling at this moment.

I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, but it's been super busy in my life. It's moments like these that I look back in my life when I was begging to have something to do. Now I am begging to have a day where I don't have to do anything. Funny how that works out.

So in the past few months, I have had the pleasure of hosting some of my favorite tours. I am so blessed in that way. I have no complaints. All of my tour parties/families have been so amazing! How did I get so lucky to have such a fun job? A lot of my amazing tours happened around the holidays. Even if I can't spend the holidays with my family, at least I have some amazing people to spend them with. A great family over Christmas (about four days), a double great tour including a great family and CK's crew, then AZ and fam over New Years. All in all, a pretty great holiday season. ESPN The Weekend was great times with Michael Kay, Don LeGreta and Jeff/Catie Francouer. I've also had the pleasure of hosting an amazing group, KOL after their show at UCF and heart their security guard - so much fun!

"well the time we spent it was precious to me, but all the while I was dreaming of relvery" - Kings of Leon

I did a TA at the beginning of the year from January through February helping to event coordinate a few events here at Disney, including AIE Premiere, RS and SH D&D. It was an incredible experience that I could never replace. Got to meet Michael Johns, whom I adore. Talked about The Rising with him. Good times! I was nomintated this year for Partners in Excellence at Disney, which is the highest honor you could possibly attain at Walt Disney World as a Cast Member. I was nominated by my fellow cast and it was a great honor just to be thought of.

I must say that this past Rock Boat "Niner" was probably one of the best in my experiences. I got to meet some amazing people, hang out with my yearly Rock Boat friends and introduce the boat to my newbie friends. Got to know some great new bands. I'm so fortunate to have found this amazing vacation opportunity that I take advantage of every year.

So this is my year for being re-acquainted with my past in many ways. Most of them in amazing ways. It's funny how life works out that way. A couple random occurances with good friends from years ago have somehow re-emerged in my life and I am thankful for that. Hopefully it lasts longer this time around. I think I might be growing up. It's a good thing. I think I'm finally understanding what people mean by saying "I wish I knew then, what I know now" That's a sure sign that I am growing up. *grin*

"I wanna fight with you. Make up tonight with you. You're much better. Now I've got some enemies and they're all friends suddenly. BFFs eternally. I'm not bitter." - Jonas Brothers

I've seen a crap-load of shows since the beginning of the year. Let's see if I can somehow highlight what I've experienced. My typical every-week experience with Dukes of Swagger, Matt Mackelcan (full band!), All the amazing Rock Boat shows 2009!, Jon McLaughlin, James Roquemore, Dirty Shannon, Christian Wilson & The Wayward, Plain Jane Automobile, Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel, Thomas Wynn & The Believers, Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Mark & James, Kipp Grange, Butch Walker, Matt Wertz, Michael Tolcher, Randall Shreve & The Sideshow, In Passing, Gary Pfaff & The Heartwells, Big 10-4, Mae, Mark Gaignard & The Also Ran, Tonic, Gin Blossoms, needtobreathe, David Cook, Thriving Ivory, Matt Nathanson, Jack's Mannequin (oh what an amazing night 1 of 2). Went to a random bar & grill and chilled with John from Nathanson and the Jack's boys. I heart Bobby for being amazing! Night #2 with them at Orlando HOB was filled with Raglin Road fun. Mikey, Carly, my crew, Jack's boys, Bobby! And more. Too bad I don't remember past the moment John gave me a clear liquid. Luckily that was later on in the evening. *grin* Tony Lucca, Ken Block (with Dan Verduin opening), Chris D'agnese & the Plain White T's with Days Difference.

I got to see an amazing show of Mikey Sanchez rocking the American Idol Experience and winning the Dream Pass to skip the line at an AI Audition anywhere in the country. AMAZING! He sang "Drops of Jupiter" and had the entire theater chanting his name.

I went with Austin to Enzian Theater in Winter Park and watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off on the big screen. Amazing! It was my first time to the theater and it was a very cool experience. We had warm, fresh out-of-the-oven chocolote chip cookies and Coronas. Good times. Robert Johnson works the bar there randomly so it was great to run into him and re-connect.

In May, had my favorite week of the year with the Florida Music Festival 2009! I volunteered again at Registration for the third year in a row. It was amazing, the best this year I think! Just keeps getting better! "Don't Stop Believin'" Thank you Brook! Liam and Me were one of my highlights, especially since I don't get to see them too often. Amazing band!

I had some pretty bad news hit my family recently. Was definitely a dark moment in my life. One of those moments where you never forget where you were when you were told. Enzian Theater to see Anvil. Or who you were with. ;) (Thank you, btw). And I still can't talk about it so I'll stop there.

God, grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept those I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference. But God, grant me the courage not to give up on what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless.

"What did I do to your heart? What did I do to your heart? Did I break it apart? Did I break it, your heart?" - Jonas Brothers

In most recent events, I attended the Plain White T's show at The Social. Days Difference opened and were really good! PWT's were amazing, as usual! Ran into Duke and Heather beforehand. Dani, Jennie, Austin and myself had a grand time. Katie, Ryan, Dan and Kelly were there in attendance as well. From wrist star tats to The Lodge after-party, it definitely was a life highlight. Tom is pretty much amazing! One of the nicest guys on the planet. The Days Difference boys were pretty great dancers and some of the most fun! Perhaps too many beverages had? *grin* Pics were had. People danced. People sang. Friendships were made. All in all, one of the best nights!

You and me, we should be making a memory whenever we're together. Yeah, you and me, can't you see. We were meant to be, making a memory." - Plain White T's

Life has strange ways of happening. Lots of deaths as of late. One of which that has impacted my direct world the most, Michael Jackson. Maybe it's the fact that he was more well-known. Maybe it's the fact that he, musically, has connected the entire world. Maybe it's the fact that it felt like it came out of nowhere. Not that many people's deaths are more planned, but it didn't seem very likely to be this soon in his life. Either way, I'm saddened by it.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways" - Michael Jackson

On a happy note, lots of new and great music in my world. Ones I would like to highlight:
Rob Thomas - Cradlesong "Mockingbird" & "Someday"
Jonas Brothers - Lines, Vines & Trying Times "Much Better" & "What did I do to your heart?"
The Airborne Toxic Event - "Sometime After Midnight"