Life is too short.....

Coming to the realization that there are people in my life who I care about exponentially more than they care about me is a very hard reality to accept. I suppose that it’s part of being an adult, and I know that it’s part of being a bleeding heart. I may be tough on the outside, but I have a lot of love and kindness to give to others. While I may take things harder than most people when hurtful things are said or intentions are misconstrued, perception is reality. Lately, my reality is showing me things that I believe I’ve been ignoring for some time, and I am devastated by the thought of what has been unfolding in front of me.

I do know that I have some very dear people in my life who care about me, and I know that they have no doubt about how I feel or the infinite things I would do for them. It’s just that there are some people in my life that I don’t know about, and the thought of going through the motions with a ‘friend’ makes me ill. I am a very honest person (sometimes painfully honest), but you will never find me faking it with anyone. I hope that there are people in my life that – if they are faking it with me – they will do us both a favor and move along. Life is too short for anything less than 100%, and I’m learning that more every day.

As I get older and watch the relationships around me change, I cling tighter to the love that I have in my life. I try not to take anyone or anything for granted, and I want to live each day as if it is my last. I definitely need to do a better job at this.

I encourage anyone who takes the time to read this to make sure that the people that you love know it. Don’t assume it, and don’t let them question the integrity of your relationship. A day will come when you won’t be able to say what you could’ve said today.

The lingering lead in the corner......

Tuesday, August 9 marked the 9th anniversary of the day we lost Mikey Houser.  It always sneaks up on me because Jerry Garcia died the day before and I usually hear the talk of that and forget.  This year rolled around like a freight train, and it's like the loss of all 9 years is rolled into one and I can't seem to get it off my mind and my heart.

I was always a big Mikey fan.  Schools always had his big following, and the I Love JB fan club has never suffered attendance.  Don't get me wrong, I love them all (Team JoJo!!) - but I loved Mikey.  There were times when he would play the intro to Surprise Valley or the gut-wrenching solo in City of Dreams that would make my heart surge and tears burst from my eyes at the same time.

I remember my reaction to the first Mikey critic I encountered - "how could you not love the lingering lead?"  At the time, was a 'noob' so I left it alone.  But I just remember thinking that Mikey WAS Panic.  His sound distinctly defined that band!  Even I knew that!

Though I was first introduced to Panic in 1997, it took a few months and a couple of shows to 'stick.'  I saw them 2 times in 97, 10 times in 98, and the number grew each year from 1999 - 2002.  I met so many people along the way that are now lifelong friends.  I've lost dear people along the way due to the hardships that come with this wonderful life.  Anyone who knows me knows what a tremendous part of my life Widespread Panic has been since our introduction.

I remember the New Years Eve run of 2001 - there were murmurs of Mikey being ill.  The rumors started to soar between those shows and the next time I saw them at Oak Mountain run of 2002.  By that time - rumors abounding, the fans were upset and uneasy.  I don't think the band made an official announcement about his illness until after those shows, but the Oak Mountain run said it all.  It was as if the band took the opportunity to put their 'arms' around the crowd and bring us into the process of losing Mikey.  They played the most heartfelt shows and songs and moments that I have ever experienced in my life.  This would be, hands down, the best run I ever experienced.  I left that weekend knowing that it was not good, and that the future was uncertain.  I was scared.  I saw the band again at the first annual Bonnaroo that year as they headlined 2 nights (keywords:  Dottie Peoples & choir, Tall Boy > Testify > Tall Boy). Hallelujah! I heard my last This Part of Town with Mikey on lead.  The 'event' that was Bonnaroo 2002 was epic in so many ways.  I was surrounded by a very large group of my very closest friends.  Exactly as it should have been.  I did not know that when I saw Panic at Red Rocks the next weekend, that I would not see Mikey on stage again.  Ever again.  I just remember thinking that he was so frail, but he was so determined to play as long and as much as he could.  I would hear my last Mikey-led Waker this weekend.  One of my all time favorites.  Still I feel like I am free.....

This was back in the day before Facebook, so I got most of my news either through phone calls from friends or from Spreadnet - a message board for Panic fans.  I will never forget reading that on July 3, 2002, Widespread Panic took the stage for the first time without Michael Houser.  July 2, 2002 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - would be the last show that Mikey played.  As I sit here and sort through these memories, I am surprised at how vivid they are.  I remember WP playing in Little Rock on 7.16.02 - my first show without Mikey, and it was painful.  On a break between Panic dates, some girlfriends and I went on a camping/float trip weekend at the Buffalo River, so we were "off the grid" for the weekend.  On Sunday, August 11, I remember getting the first voicemail that Sunday when we started packing my van.  Mikey had passed the day before.  It was real.  Jennibette, Joy, and I lay in the back of my van and held each other as we cried.

George McConnell had some huge shoes to fill.  I had always been a big G-Mac fan since also following Kudzu Kings around.  He carried the band for a few years, and for him I was grateful.      Word on the street was that Mikey's dying wish for the band - his friends - was to keep the music going.  They did it.  In late 2006, Jimmy Herring took over the lead guitar and all began to seem right with the world. He was just a better fit for this band.

To date, of the 132 Panic shows 64 of those were with Mikey.  Though it's now slightly under 50% of my Panic repertoire, Mikey's presence has been at every show.  At a recent show in Oakland in the depths of Party at Your Mama's house, I closed my eyes and it was as if Mikey was up there.  I told my friend, "That's Mikey.  I hear it."

I am so grateful for the experiences this band has given to me.  I am happy that my life led me to Panic early enough that I got to 'know' Mikey.  I will never forget the "wizard in the corner" who founded the band that changed my life.  As the band prepares for a bit of a hiatus (the first one since Mikey's passing), I am looking forward to celebrating with the band at Panic en la Playa in Cancun for a 4-night run in January.  Is this a dream?  Yes, it's real.

"The man in the moon is a musician........"

Summer Adventures Abound!

I can't believe that it's been since the end of May since I last blogged!  My intentions from the beginning were to try and blog on a weekly basis, but I've been busy.  In fact, the things that have been keeping me busy will likely be the primary focus of my blog.  I also can't believe that the summer is about half-way over!  While I don't have the fortune of being off work during the summer, there is just something about that laid-back-summer-mentality that I love.  It has been extremely hot this summer in Arkansas, but it does seem that it has been cooler than last summer, which is welcome!

I have been very fortunate to have already had several super-fun summer adventures that are definitely ones "for the books."  Along the way, I've also made some new good friends and enhanced my relationship with my current friends.  Since several of my friends have told me that they "live vicariously" through my travels and adventures, I will try to share the highlights of my summer so far.

Just a few days after my last blog, I was blessed to have my favorite band (Widespread Panic) come to my hometown and headline the Friday night Riverfest show.  While they have played in Little Rock several times in the past (at Robinson Auditorium, Riverfest Amphitheater, and Alltel/Verizon Arena), they have never played Riverfest festival.  This year, WP played a "festival tour" in May where they played several music festivals - primarily around the Southeast.  There is nothing better in my book than having WP play in Little Rock.  Hometown Panic makes my heart very happy!  That particular day was one of the best days I've had in a long time.  I had a new friend from South Carolina come to Little Rock to hang with me for the Panic weekend.  We started the Panic celebration with a huge pre-show gathering at my long-time favorite Rivermarket bar, Sticky Fingerz.  It's been too long since Panic played in Little Rock (which always includes Sticky Fingerz events), and so I was very excited just to pre and post party at Stickyz.  To add to the sweetness, I was completely surrounded by at least a hundred people who I haven't seen in forever.  There are so many people that I've met through the Arkansas music scene and through the Panic music scene, so the pre-show, the Panic show, and the post-Panic show were all like a huge family reunion of people that I love.  Some that I see regularly, some that I haven't seen in years, and even a few that I've met through WP related Facebook groups but had never met in person.  It was absolutely wonderful and I was in heaven.  The stage that Panic played on was on the Little Rock side of the river and faced the Clinton Library.  The weather was perfect, the crowd was awesome (especially for a festival crowd), and I was surrounded by some of my most favorite people in the world.  As if life wasn't already great enough that day, my friend Chris Kotoun surprised me with an extra backstage/VIP pass that allowed us to hang backstage during the show and watch the concert from an elevated reserved area on the side of the stage.  After 140+ shows, I've never had the fortune of going backstage or even meeting a single band member, so this surprise was one of the most exciting things that has ever happened to me!  Chris and I were backstage before the show, and while we didn't get to go into the band's lounge area, we were literally at the foot of the stage when the band exited their trailers to head to the stage.  Of course, I was dressed in my alter-ego 'costume' which is basically a platinum bob wig that makes me feel very rockstar-esque and I have SO much fun when I wear it.  As the band walked towards the stage and past Chris and me, most of the band members weren't paying any attention to us, but Dave Schools (rockstar extraordinaire) pointed at me and mouthed "rockstar" at me.  There are no words to describe the pride I felt by his simple words and acknowledgement.  We watched over half of the show from the elevated viewing area on the side of the stage (see pictures for view), and it was completely amazing to see the boys so close and, even better, to get to view the crowd from the band's perspective.  During the show, I floated back and forth between the backstage area and the spot where most of my crew was hanging on the lawn.  The viewing area we hung out in was on Jimmy's side of the stage, so I was essentially facing Schools all night.  While it may sound like an exaggeration, I know for a fact that Schools on several occasions made eye contact with me and gave me the raised eyebrow right before he dropped a huge "bass bomb" as if to say 'watch this.'  I felt like he was playing for me, and I have no doubt that he could sense my awe and love for the band.  I was grinning from ear-to-ear all evening.  I am forever grateful and forever indebted to Chris for sharing his extra backstage pass with me.  I will never forget the experience, and to have it all happen in my hometown just makes it seem like a dream.  After wrapping up the evening with an awesome post-Panic show by Weakness for Blondes at Stickyz, we headed for my house to get some rest because we had a big day ahead of us the next day.

Saturday morning came and we trekked to Kansas City to see Panic in the only non-festival venue of that tour.  Though I had been to KC several times for work, I'd never seen Panic in KC and have always heard wonderful things about shows they play in KC and about how super the Midland Theater was.  We made it to town in time to have some local barbecue at Arthur Bryants (awesome).  We were lucky enough to have a hotel that was literally a block from the Midland Theater.  The boys played a smokin' show in KC that night, and I left town the next day feeling really satisfied and so glad that we made the trip.  Memorial Day weekend was definitely one I'll never forget, and there's nothing I would do differently.

The best way to avoid "post-Panic depression" is to have future plans to look forward to when returning from a good Panic weekend.  Fortunately for me, I had a big one to look forward to after the LR > KC weekend:  Red Rocks.  Though 2011 would be my 7th year to see Panic at Red Rocks, it had been since 2006 that I'd seen them there and it felt like forever.  I made the trip with my awesome sister and met my friend Richie in Denver.  However, there were several (10+) people staying at the same hotel as us that I have met recently through Panic, so it was awesome that we got to hang with some of those good people.  Additionally, we spent some good time with my new friends Mac and Chance, some fellow Arkansas boys who love Panic like I do.  Once again, there were so many people in Denver that I knew and though they played 3 nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), there were quite a few people that I either didn't get to see at all or didn't get to spend the amount of time that I wanted to with them.  That seems to happen everywhere I go.  Panic has always played excellent shows at Red Rocks, but I knew that this year would be extra special because 1) it's their 25th Anniversary year and 2) they're taking an indefinite hiatus after this year.  They have been 'breaking the rules' and playing songs that have never been played before, so I knew we were in for quite a treat at Red Rocks.  I just had no idea what a treat they had up their sleeve.  While Friday and Saturday nights were great shows, the Sunday matinee show was hands down one of the top 5 shows I have EVER seen.  I don't say that often, but I mean it when I say it.  The first set was all original Panic songs and the second set was all cover songs.  And not just any cover song.  Every single song they played in the second set were songs that I "chase" for months at a time.  The second set of Sunday night was one that I don't think I could have even dreamed up.  And if I did, it would have been just that - a dream.  I never in my life thought that I would witness a set such as this.  And to make things even better, Sunday night was the night we chose to do the "tarp run," which scored us second row seats and put the icing on the cake.  "They" always say 'never miss a Sunday show,' and "they" are so freakin' right.

http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20110626a.asp

I was completely exhausted after traveling and 3 intense nights of Panic, so I really was looking forward to going to our family's lakehouse the following weekend for the Fourth of July with my favorite girls - my mom, my sister, and my niece.  It was a nice relaxing weekend and I got to spend some great quality time with my family.  Every time I am around my niece, I fall more in love with that child and I would do anything in the world just for a sweet smile of hers.  The long weekend at the lakehouse was just what I needed to re-energize for what was to come on the following weekend.  :)

I have never been to California before in my life.  The opportunity presented itself and seemed like it was meant to be because 1) Panic was playing a 2-night run in Oakland at the Fox Theater, 2) I have a good friend who lives just a few minutes from the Fox Theater, and 3) I had a Delta travel voucher for a free flight that I hadn't used.......yet.  So, I had the fortune of traveling to San Francisco for a 3-day weekend and got to visit my friend Richie while also seeing Panic 2 nights in Oakland.  Though I knew 3 days would fly by, we were able to squeeze in a few touristy things and saw enough to know that I definitely want to go back when I have time to do all of the wonderful things that the SanFran area has to offer.

Returning home from California, I was absolutely exhausted.  I was honestly a little glad that I didn't have anything planned travel-wise (at least anytime soon) and could just look forward to being at home and relaxing.  Don't get me wrong, I would always love to be on Panic tour, but a good part of me also just wanted to be a homebody, stay home with my dogs, and just relax and enjoy some "me time" by the pool.  And that is just what I intend to do.

Though work has been keeping me very busy (and stressed) in the last couple of weeks, I am trying to focus all of my efforts and energies on doing things that make me feel good, productive, and relaxed.  Even if it is as simple as sitting on my deck with ice tea and a good book, it is an indulgence that I intend to pursue.  There is some serious "downtime" that is long overdue, and I plan to get caught up on it.

Just reading through all of the fun things I have done recently makes me tired.  And so, I will wrap up this blog entry by saying how grateful I am that I have the means and motivation to do such fun things.  I love and appreciate all of the people that I have spent time with in the last 2 months.  I appreciate that I have a job that allows me to take time off to do the fun things that I do, and I don't take any of what I have for granted.

I am very excited now about the relaxation and productivity that this weekend holds.  I think I'm gonna turn off the phone and the alarm clock for the weekend and just breeze through the weekend without regard to what time it is and any place that I'm expected to be.  Just let me make it through the workday tomorrow and all will be well with the world.

I hope everyone has as great of a weekend as I plan on having!  Peace and love to all!.......

A chilly breeze has blown my thoughts to what's to come......

There's a lot of hype lately.  Widespread Panic just kicked off their 25th Anniversary Summer Festival Tour.  After a short break between Spring Tour and yesterday, they played last night at Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores.  Thanks to a live stream, folks were able to experience a selection of the bands playing.  For some reason, all bands streamed were done in video, but Panic was audio only.  Whatever.  I was just glad to have something to 'witness.'

In the last 18 hours, I've done a lot of pondering about my favorite band, its habits, its heritage, and my perspective.  I am the first to admit that I am a 'Panic snob.'  It's not that I don't appreciate everything they do, but I do have higher expectations than most people I'm standing next to at a show.  I sometimes have an opinion about a selection that someone else thinks was the highlight of their night.

Do I think that I've earned the right?  Sometimes.  Last night, while streaming Hangout Panic, I had a couple of head-scratching moments where I couldn't understand why they chose (or didn't choose) a few that they did.  I will not go into specific details of last night's show because the details don't matter.  However, I woke up this morning, looked at the setlist again, remembered a few highlights of the night, and today my perspective is a little different than it was last night.  I'm also sitting here watching (for the 57th time) the Birmingham/Oak DVDs and remembering the big picture of why I love this band.

It is important that I remember that this band appeals to so many people.  Different people - with different flavors of musical tastes.  The cool thing about Panic is that - in my opinion - there's something for everyone.  At every show, there is something for everyone.  No doubt that there are shows that are - for each individual - better than others.  However, I can honestly say that in 126 shows, I have never left thinking "I should have stayed home."  I don't think I ever will.

In the last week, I've read several interviews with band members talking about the 25th anniversary, them taking a break, etc - and the reality of Widespread Panic taking a hiatus is really starting to sink in with me.  I've been mentally avoiding the subject for a while, but it is very much in my face right now and I'm scared.

I knew this was coming.  When they said months ago that they were going to take a break after this year, I made it my personal goal to see as many shows as I could this year.  Between mid-April and July, I will have seen them 11 times.  Not as much as I would like, but I am grateful that I can do this much.  I'm hoping to see them at least 5 - 6 more times in the fall for Halloween and New Years (hopefully).

2011 has been very good to me so far.  I've already made many new friends, went on a solo journey to DC (and had a BLAST), and had a for-the-books Panic weekend with my girls for the first time in way too long.  Just thinking about the next 7 weeks  (7 shows) makes my heart race.  [I'm a lucky girl.]

What exactly am I trying to say?  I just need to document (again) that I freakin' adore this band.  I think that just like any healthy relationship, there are always going to be things that they do (play) that I'm not head-over-heels for.  That doesn't mean that I love them any less.  There are most definitely regular occasions where they do things that make me feel like I can fly.  They know how to put a big 'ole smile on this girl's face.  And I am so very grateful for their eccentricity that allows so many different types of people to enjoy them as much as I do.

Here's hoping that the boys enjoy their break after this year - but not too much.  In the meantime, I will most definitely enjoy everything they do.  My Panic cup is more than half full - it's overflowing!

My name is Ashley and I'm addicted to Widespread Panic.

Capital Panic Adventures

Spontaneity is not something that occurs often for me - at least not of a large magnitude.  However, on a whim in February, I booked a 4-day trip to Washington D.C. because Widespread Panic was playing there.  I had been to D.C. the summer before my senior year of high school, but I was definitely interested in going back and seeing the sights (and, of course, Panic).  If you know me or have read my earlier blogs, you are aware of 1) my love for Widespread Panic and 2) that I'm not afraid to travel/go to shows alone if necessary.  This trip turned out to be another of my solo trips.

And so, this time last Monday, I arrived at the Little Rock airport as excited as a 6 year old approaching the gates of Disney World.  The gate attendant kindly asked me if I would be willing to take an alternate route to D.C. to free up a seat they needed for the flight I booked.  Given that I have more flying to do this summer and that the attendant gave me a $300 flight voucher, I was happy to go through Atlanta instead of Memphis.  I was excited that this was already a good start to what I knew would be a fabulous trip.

Going through Atlanta instead of Memphis, I ended up with a bit of a longer layover than I would have had, so I wandered through Terminal A to pass the time.  As the time finally neared for my ATL - DC flight, I made one last run for the restroom.  As I approached the women's restroom, I noticed a guy standing near the entrance guarding bags and obviously waiting on someone to exit the women's room.  I made it halfway through the entrance myself when I thought to myself - 'that guy looks just like Phil Lesh'!  Trying to play it cool, I did a quick turnaround and stood outside the restroom to check this guy out again.  As I remembered that Furthur played at the Fox Theater in Atlanta the night before, my heart started racing and I approached him.  "I don't want to be 'that person,' but would you mind if I got your autograph?"  He looked at me, puzzled, and said "well, I'll need something to write with."  As I fumbled through my purse (and my words), I realized that I had no pen.  However, I did have my camera (even better).  After taking the self-portrait of Phil Lesh and me, we made small talk about the Fox, how awesome it is, and how much he loved playing there.  He asked me if I went to the show and I told him that unfortunately I hadn't, but that I was just passing through Atlanta airport on my way to see Panic in D.C..  He said something about "what a great group of guys" and "tell them I said hi," and we went our separate ways.  My heart raced and my hands shook for at least 20 minutes after my awesome encounter.

And so, Day 1 of the trip, 4 hours in - my karma was definitely paying off. 

Because this particular week in DC is also Cherry Blossom Festival week, I was unable to find a hotel in downtown DC for less than $300/night.  So, I opted to stay in Alexandria and rent a car - which was still MUCH cheaper than staying downtown would have been.

Monday night, I had dinner with my cousin Holly whom I haven't seen since the last time I was in DC in 1997.  We had a lovely dinner and catch-up convo, then I headed toward downtown DC for a spin.  I watched the sunset while sitting at the Washington Monument and enjoyed the opportunity for some prime people-watching.

After a good night's rest, I awoke Tuesday ready to get out and see as much as I could.  Unfortunately the weather had different ideas.  Not only was it pouring rain, it was about 45 degrees outside and I was NOT prepared for cold weather.  Since I had a car, I took advantage and drove around downtown DC familiarizing myself with the area and checking out some of the must-see things that I wanted to come back to. 

When the rain dried up, I parked the car and began my trek.  I was completely amazed at the beauty of the cherry blossom trees that lined the many streets around the Capitol Mall area.  I visited the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Monument, and Vietnam Memorial.  They are all wonderful sights, and though I'm not a big American history buff, I did enjoy seeing the assorted 'tokens' of American tribute and pride throughout the city.

The primary place that I intended to visit was the Holocaust Museum.  The Holocaust is something that has always amazed me in many ways, so I reserved the entire day Wednesday for this very special place.  The museum is free, but they hand out tickets for specific tour times for crowd control purposes.  When I got my ticket, I had 90 minutes to spare, so I headed first for the children's exhibit.  David's Story, as the exhibit was called, was based on a book written by a man who was a Jewish child during the Holocaust and amazingly survived.  The exhibit is written from the perspective of a child and for the understanding of children.  I left that exhibit in tears and with a very heavy heart.

I spent another hour in another temporary exhibit that was based on Nazi propaganda and the role that it played in the Holocaust.  It was very interesting and a very good segue into the main exhibit.  I ended up spending about 3 hours in the main exhibit - contemplating every word, every picture, the lives that were taken.  I left the place with more questions than answers, but I knew I'd been exposed to something that would impact me forever. 

One of the common phrases stamped throughout the museum/exhibits is something that really stuck with me:

The next time you witness hatred

The next time you see injustice

The next time you hear about genocide

Think about what you saw

Just a few pictures of the families that were torn apart.  There are several hallways throughout the museum that have pictures from floor to ceiling of impacted families.

Piles of shoes that were stripped from the victims before they entered the gas chambers.  They were told that they were going to be given an antiseptic shower for good health.

Panic Time 

On a less somber note, I had 2 wonderful nights of Panic in a historic theater that holds 1200 people.  I had come a long way for these 2 nights, and I thought I was going to burst before the lights went down before the first night.

Tuesday night was the first show.  I think that at peak volume that night, there couldn't have been more than 60% of the seats occupied.  I took advantage and sat on the 2nd row of the balcony and looked down on the boys.  I don't think there is a bad seat in that place, but I really loved my spot.  The place was so beautiful and intimate - it was a venue that is definitely not the typical Panic venue, and I was soaking up every moment of it.

My highlights of Tuesday's show:

• Solid Rock
• Who do you belong to (always a favorite)
• B of D
• Gimme (included a nicely modified lyric to honor the band's recently deceased long-time equipment manager Garrie Vereen - "gimme a lift here Garrie")
• New Speedway Boogie (never thought I'd get to hear that one!)
• Junior

I met a couple of really cool guys from Atlanta on the first night who I hung out with both nights.  I didn't get their last names, but Mark and Brian were both super cool and I'm sure I'll run into them again someday.

Highlights of Wednesday night's show:

• Help Me Somebody > Saint Ex > Second Skin > Ophelia > The Shape I'm In > Porch Song (WOW)
• Postcard (this town is nuts, my kind of place......)
• Last Straw (sandwiched strangely in the encore between Up All Night and Give - 2 of my least favorite songs; at least it salvaged what would have been a terrible encore, IMO)

There were quite a few more people at Wednesday night's show than there were Tuesday's.  And the crowd was really rockin' Wednesday!  I met quite a few people from various states in the northeast.  Most of them hadn't seen Panic more than 5 - 6 times, but in talking to them during and after the show, I was certain that it wouldn't be their last.  Most people I encountered were astonished that I had come all the way from Little Rock, AR - by myself - to see this band.  I was happy that people could tell how much I loved this band.

This fella's shirt was getting a lot of attention.  He said he made it himself.  I think the shirt speaks volumes for how many fans feel about Panic.

Groovy crowd

The 2 nights at the Warner Theater only strengthened my love for Panic.  They were solid as gold both nights, and Jojo got several opportunities to show out (which I LOVE).  I left the show the second night feeling more elated than I've felt in a very long time; thankful to the boys for showing me a good time, and thankful to myself for following my spontaneous idea of getting my DC Panic on.

I have the fortune of jumping back on spring tour next weekend as a few of my best girls and I head to Oak Mountain - a venue that is a very special place for Panic fans.  Several of the most memorable shows I've ever seen occurred there, and one of the last times I saw Mikey play was at Oak Mt.

Can't wait to see all of my fellow spreadheads in the upcoming shows this spring and summer tour.  The boys are on fire and I'm ready to witness some of that heat!

"I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill..........."

Excitement in the form of Panic

I'm one of those people who loves Sundays.  To most people, Sunday represents the end of the weekend.  You don't get to stay up late on Sunday like you can on Saturday because you have to get up early to start the first day of (for most) a 5-day workweek.  Any chores that didn't get done on Saturday must get done on Sunday so you can feel like something was accomplished this weekend.  Oh, dreaded Sunday.

But wait.....

Today, I didn't get out of bed until 12:10.  I made my way to the couch to wake up with a cup of coffee.  I came across the first 15 minutes of Avatar.  I am one of the 2% of the population who hasn't seen this movie.  Though it was not typically something I would like, I was completely amazed by the graphics as well as the interesting story. 

2 hours later, I'm still on the couch.  Unable to find the motivation to get up and do the things I didn't get done yesterday.  Don't get me wrong, I made progress yesterday.  But there are a few critical things that must get done before my head hits the pillow tonight.

What are these critical tasks that I can't get motivated to do?

Pack.  And not even for a dreaded work trip!  I'm packing for a mini-vacation to our nation's capitol.  And not just for a tourist visit (though I'm sure I'll get my share of that too) - for 2 (count it, two!) nights of Widespread Panic at the Warner Theater in downtown D.C.  Friday night marked the opening show of a 2-night run in Louisville, KY.  They play tonight in Indiana, PA and take Monday night off.  And then, they're bringing the heat to the District of Columbia!

I spontaneously booked this trip about 5 weeks ago, anxious to do something different.  Took care of the travel arrangements and bided my time whittling the days away until I make my 2nd annual Ashley's Solo Panic Tour to a Random City I've Never Been to Before.  I went to Chicago for 4 days at the end of August in 2009, and while I got to the shows and hung out with people I knew, I still went alone. 

I lot of people think it's weird.  I think it's awesome!

Don't get me wrong, I love when I can do trips with my friends!  I have 2 really awesome trips on the books with some great friends in the next 2 months.

But I also LOVE going on trips/tour with myself.  I remember a time in 1999 - I had an itch to go see Panic.  They were playing in Chattanooga the night before Thanksgiving, and I wanted to go.  With family commitments, none of my friends could make the trip.  I decided that I wasn't going to let that stop me.  So I drove to East Tennessee by myself.  I found some random fun people to hang out at the show with, and after the show, I drove back to my Mom's house with plenty of time for rest before Thanksgiving lunch.

Now here I am, almost 12 years later, excited like a child on Christmas Eve.  I am so excited about seeing all of the history in the capital of our United States.  I am also very hyped about seeing Panic in a historic theater 2 nights in a row.  I am anxious to enjoy Panic with a different flavor of fans.  I am thrilled that I get to roam the city and do anything and everything that I want to do.  I would have been just as excited if I had a travel partner, but there is certainly a unique excitement that comes with doing a solo vacay.

The thing that puzzles me at this point - why can't I get motivated to get it together?  I have my list, but I have been deferring all day to actually make it come to fruition.  After all, it's just PACKING!

I have an idea. 

http://panicstream.com/streams/wsp/2010_04_20/player.html

Widespread Panic
04/20/2010
The Warner Theatre
Washington, DC
http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20100420a.asp

Hope everyone has a great week - I know I am!

Walking on Sunshine........

What a week! 

As defeating and horrendous as work as been this week, there have been enough bright spots in my week to totally outweigh the work crap.  So today, I am focusing on the positive.

Around mid-February, I had an "aha" moment and decided that I was going to change my lifestyle health-wise.  I joined Snap Fitness gym on March 1 and have been going around 4-5 times a week, which is a major accomplishment for me.  After working my ass off at the gym, choosing healthy food comes naturally.  I'm not wasting my time working out to blow my efforts on bad choices, and so far, everything has fallen into place fairly easily.

Getting back in the habit is the hardest part.  I am one of those people who either does something 110% or not at all.  Up until this point, my health focus has been 'not at all.'  It's been so easy for me to get back into focusing on living the healthiest life I can. 

This past Tuesday, I started a 6:00 a.m. boot camp class.  I won't lie - it's very challenging.  But it's even more rewarding.  I'm very excited about having exercise and strenuous activity as a part of my everyday lifestyle.  The trainer/instructor of the boot camp class is awesome, and I can foresee myself being active in the class for a long time to come.

After this morning's boot camp, I went to work feeling like I was unstoppable.  Several situations at work threatened my euphoria, and just as I was near giving in to the negativity, I was reinforced.  I scored tickets to go see my favorite band - Widespread Panic - at my favorite venue in the world, Red Rocks.  Making the trip to Red Rocks this summer wasn't something that I had decided for sure that I was going to attend, but I went ahead and purchased the tickets (and have since decided for sure that it's on my summer agenda).

Most of the people I know weren't able to score even one (if any) tickets for the three-night run.  I was fortunate enough to get several sets of tickets for all 3 nights.  Enough to cover my friends going with me.  Tickets went on sale at 11:00 and were sold out by 11:03.  I acknowledge how lucky I am.

While the crap continued to pile on for the rest of the day, I couldn't be brought down because of how excited I was about my ticket acquisition.

And best of all, I have one more day of work (tomorrow) until I am off for 4 days next week to go on a solo trip to Washington DC to see the boys (Panic) for 2 nights and do all the fun touristy things that DC has to offer.

To Tomorrow, I say - bring it on!  You can't bring me down, because I'm walking on sunshine.

I hope everyone has as good of a Friday, weekend, and next week as I will be having. 

Peace and love!