Humming, all the way to Reno…

Reno, Nevada. “The Biggest Little City in the World”

Reno is…special. Especially the downtown area. I always feel like I’m going to be robbed or something. But, I continue to come back time after time, because wherever good music is, I follow.

Heather & I had a few hour drive from the Bay Area, so after breakfast, it was off to the Silver State!

Once we arrived there, we headed to the airport to pick up Sahra.

We were totally classy and got ready in the airport bathroom. Then, we headed towards the venue.

Once there, we got lucky and someone (no name drops here) let us into the Maroon5 meet & greet because they were feeling generous. OK, lets be honest: between the 3 of us we’ve gone to 294 (!!!) Maroon 5 shows and we deserve it. Wait, does that all of a sudden make us sound insane? Um…

When we walked in, all the boys greeted us sarcastically with, “Who are you? Oh its so nice to meet you.” Handshakes and introductions and all. Dorks.

Usually they sit behind a table and sign autographs and take photos sitting. When we walked up Adam said, “I’m not signing SHIT for you guys!” Buhahaha. I had nothing on me anyway, and it’s not like I needed another autograph! I’ve gotten plenty of those over the last 10 years, thank you very much.

After chatting about how many shows we’ve been to (“96 shows? You’re not putting enough time in…”)  it was photo time! Adam said, “I’m going to stand up and we’re going to take a REAL photo. You guys deserve it.” When he came around the other side of the table he put an arm around Heather and I and said, “My ladies.” Oh God, I love him. When Jesse came around the table, I promptly grabbed him so he’d stand to my right, because I’ve been slightly infatuated with him since the age of 16. No, I don’t pick favorites…

Note James hiding behind me. This is because “I don’t want to be seen in my shorts!” Psssh! We’ve all seen those legs of his before!

This was the first show we attended that Train wasn’t at. But lets be honest: Matt Nathanson & Maroon5? The bands I have tattooed on me? Yeah, OK. Dreams are made of this. I was totally fine with just the two!

After the show, we once again went to say hi to Matt so Sahra could get a photo taken with him.

“Are you sick of me, yet?” I asked Matt. His eyes got wide and he looked at me like I had seriously offended him.

“Am I WHAT?! You know I love you.”

He continued to answer something that Heather had asked him, then turned back to me. “Am I sick of you? Psssh. You’re the best.” Homeboy – YOU’RE the best. ❤

This photo is ridiculous looking.

After Matt-chatting, we headed to Denny’s to once again pancake and caffeinate it up. My poor body.

Then, the God awful 7.5 hour drive to Vegas. I drove from about 1am to 6am and then pulled over in some random parking lot about 2 hours outside Vegas because 1) the sun had risen and 2) I felt as though I was going to die. There is NOTHING between Reno and Vegas. NOTHING. If there were sites to see, maybe I could have kept myself going but I’m glad I stopped when I did.

After a horribly cramped 2.5 hour “nap”, I was awoken by a phone call, we grabbed some coffee and continued our way to Sin City…

Save Me, San Francisco.

After a day off at home to unpack and repack, we continued the fun.

Show number three was in Concord, California (in the East Bay of the San Francisco area).

Before we left for Concord, we finally found some M5 Snapple in stores!

And of course, I caffeinated myself. Okay…when I say “Joslyn” how do you get THIS?

Oh Starbucks. You wonder why I never visit you unless you have Pumpkin Spice…

Somehow when buying tickets online, I ended up scoring the best motha f’n seats in the house. Front row, dead center. Gotta represent the NorCal love with bomb seats, ya know!

I think Matt’s newer band members started giving me the “WTF, creeper” stares at this show. They will learn. I promise I’m not creepy. Sometimes I come to show baring homemade gluten free cookies. You will love me, just wait.

I love when my favorites sing my other favorites. Whats up, Dog Days?

I was honestly in love with our seats and never wanted m5’s set to end. At the end of their set they always take a bow as a band. They all looked at Heather & I in appreciation. Adam blew us kisses & Jesse handed me guitar picks. I love them with my entire being!

After M5’s set, Heather & I headed to find Joy & Eliza, aka the other half of MOSLZ! MOSLZ is a name we made up for ourselves back in 2003. Long story, don’t ask. Anyway, the 4 of us used to go to EVERY SINGLE Maroon5 event together. Over the years we’ve gotten more responsible and have to act like adults, so we can’t always all be together. This was probably the first time all 4 of us had been in the same place together in YEARS. I love you ladies!

Train’s set seemed extra fun this night.

I caught an autographed Train beach ball that Pat tossed into the crowd!

And we were all over the big screen! Haha.

Even though it was the last show we were going to that Train was going to be at, we once again skipped out on the last few songs to go say hi to Matt. Sorry, Train. I have Matthew priorities.

While in line, I hung out with way too many awesome people I know! Heather, Dawn L, Tracy, Jenny & everyone else they were with…there were quite a few of us! Can’t wait for us all to be reunited in a few weeks at a Matty show! 🙂

Matt mentioned the Vegas show, and I told him I was going to be drinking and I was afraid of how I’d act, because in all of my 60 Matt shows I’d never consumed alcohol at one of his. “Its OK. I’ll protect you.” Um, what? OK…haha.

Afterwards, we headed out to stay at the graciously hosting Therese’s house. I love free beds. PLUS! She made us breakfast in the morning (drool worthy omelets, mmmm)  and she made coffee! (omg, yes.) You are fabulous, Therese! Fabulous! Totally know your way to this girl’s heart.

Sleepless in Seattle.

Seattle started out amazing.
I scored a free $305 hotel room in the downtown area. Oh hey, Renaissance. Your beds are amazing.

Heather & I woke up, showered (in the coolest bathroom ever; only half the mirror fogs over. What kind of magic is THAT?!) and then headed out to do Seattle-y things.

We were about a 15 minute walk away from Pike’s Place Market, so we headed down there first. Heather had never been to the Gum Wall, so I lead the way to the delightfully disgusting wall. Sadly, they were doing construction in the alley, so access to the wall was limited. Boo!

After we got our dose of breathing bubble-gum scented fumes, we walked along Pike’s Place. I drooled at all the fruit & pastries, but decided not to buy anything because I would have had to pack it into my carry on for the flight home, and that didn’t seem like such a bright idea. Or I could have just eaten it all. Duh.

One goal of my Seattle day was to get coffee from a local Seattle cafe. I found one, and was totally giddy when I realized I got COFFEE ART! So pretty. I almost didn’t want to drink it (but you know my caffeine addicted self inhaled that beverage ’til the cup was empty, right?)

Another goal of mine was to find the Fremont Troll. You are either familiar with the troll or not. I didn’t realize it was in Seattle until my last visit in the city, but by that time we were leaving and I couldn’t look into its living space.

Once again, they were doing construction! Argh! Seattle why must you taunt me with your limited fun?! Regardless, I still got my photo taken with Mr. Troll. So awesome.

After we dusted ourselves off from the troll, we headed down to Auburn for the concert.

When we arrived, they were handing out free Maroon5 Snapple! I was stoked, because I hadn’t found it in stores yet. Way too excited.

Show number two was magnificent.

Matty

Maroon5

Train

Remember how I said I wanted to dance onstage with Train again? Yeah. I did. Haha!

After Train’s set, Matt was signing stuff, so we skipped out on the last of Train’s songs to wait in the forming line. (Which was a smart idea, because that sucker got to be over an hour wait! Woah, baby.)

Matt was happy to see us, and I was happy to see him. Love was shared. “I feel like a douche bag being the only one standing during your set!”

“No! Don’t! I love having you guys up front rocking out.”

After our Matt love, we headed to the car.

Getting out of the venue was INSANE. I mean, pure craziness. We sat in the car for an hour because no one was moving and just chilled. Finally, we made our way out almost two hours later and went to indulge ourselves in pancakes and coffee at Denny’s.

After caffeinating myself with way too many cups, we headed back up to Seattle to sadly drop off the rental car. I seriously pouted. I want that car in my life. I’ll miss you, car that costs as much money as I make in an entire year! Sigh.

Then, airport. It was only about 3am, and our flight didn’t board until 6:20am. I made the decision to just not go to sleep and pull an all nighter. Thankfully I had my laptop and SEA offers free internet, so I just plucked away online for awhile to keep myself entertained and awake.

Finally 6am came, we boarded and I was passed out before we even took off the runway! Slept like a baby on that flight! Sleep is so underrated. It may be one of my favorite things in life. Besides coffee. Or Matt Nathanson. Or Maroon5. Or food…

Canada, eh?

Hi CB-readers!

I’m back from my week long trip of semi-stalking Maroon5 + Matt Nathanson 😉

FUN is unqualified for describing my week. BEST WEEK EVER is probably more like it. Even though, you know, that’s still not very descriptive or anything…

The first show on the list was in Abbottsford, BC. Canada, what up!

Sunday night, I had gone to stay in San Jose at Cindy Lou and Jaelynn’s place, since my flight was at 6:40am Monday morning, and CL was being amazing and taking me to the airport. Its God awful awakening before the sun does!

After probably looking like a freak sitting in the airport alone and giddy giggling for awhile, we boarded the plane, I tried to stay awake but decided to take a little snooze. When I woke, we were landing in the wondrous city, SEATTLE. I love Seattle. I’m moving there when I retire. You and me, Seattle. Four decades. Get ready.

I took a shuttle to go and pick up my rental car, (holla, free upgrade to a Ford Fusion! That baby drove smooooth) then swung back by the airport to get Heather. Then, we were off! AHH, dreams come true!

From Seattle, it was about a two and a half hour drive. There was a lot of nothing to look at. Trees. Round-a bouts. Cows.

Highly caffeinated, we arrived, after having a really rude woman ask us twenty questions at the border. I understand its your job lady, but you don’t need to be snippy and roll your eyes at me. Whattabitch.

We headed over to the venue and realized it was at a college. We literally had nothing to do so we drove to Wal-Mart because Heather had forgotten to pack some stuff and we had a few hours to kill. Enter more rude people here.

Afterwards we headed back to the venue and had a “sit on the trunk of the car and try not to look creepy cause we’re parked really close to the tour buses” photo shoot. Pure boredom at its finest, kids!

Finally it was time to go in and start the magic. Oh my heart, be still.

When Matt walked out onstage, we were literally the first thing he saw. The look on his face was almost priceless. I love that man. I love his music. I love his live shows. Love! Everything! Oh, except for a douche bag security guard who asked during his set, “Do you girls have seats? Why don’t you learn to use them, right now” because we were standing and singing and enjoying ourselves. Eff. Yew. Guess who didn’t sit? 😉

Train went on next. I definitely had more fun watching their set this time around, because after seeing them in July I obsessed over their CD so I was familiar with all their music. Pat Monahan…you are a strange little man but I enjoy you nonetheless.

Then, Maroon 5 time! Enough said. I freakin’ love them.

After the show we were going to stick around to try to say hello to the boys, but I was disappointing. Tired, cranky, hungry, and having to drive back to Seattle to our hotel I just wanted to bounce. At least on the way back into the US Border we had a nice person! God Bless the USA!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Part 5

Parachute!
I honestly adore these kids.

I got to attend two shows in one week. Between dates on their tour with Goo Goo Dolls and Michelle Branch, they played a free radio show in San Jose & a headlining show in Fresno. Sadly, I couldn’t attend the GGD shows because of steeeep ticket prices, so I was thankful for these two!

Mix106.5 is probably my favorite radio station, ever. They know how to put on a good, free show. They always pick my favorite artists. I am always happy. #endshamlesspromo

I went to the show with my friend Jaelynn, who pretty much knew nothing about the band, but was won over by the end (or by Kit’s good looks! Ha!)

We got to say a short hello, and was told by Nate, “I stayed up reading the book you recommended to me until 3am this morning!” Gotta love it.

Afterwards, we met up with Jaelynn’s roommate/my “twinsie” Cindy Lou for some hang time.

We had lunch together, and then we headed back to their place for what ended up being a couple of hours of Wii playing time. Before that, I do what I do every single time I’m in San Jose/Bay Area…took a trip to Philz Coffee. (Honestly, it’s the best coffee in the whole entire world and I wish there was one in my city! Gah! An hour and a half away is not cutting it for me!)

Mint Mojito Iced Coffee. Mmmm…

I had to work the next day, so I couldn’t stay very late, but it was fun seeing (the boys &) girls for the day! 🙂

A few days later, the kids were back in my parts of CA (sorta…it was a 2.5 hour drive…) Fresno is a little ghetto and I prefer to never go there but…where good music is, so am I!

This was my idea of a perfect show, though. Small, intimate crowd. Cute venue. Good opening act. Got to hang out with one of my BFF’s, Lisa ❤

All was well until a very obnoxious whoo-ing drunk girl got in front of me and proceeded to harass the band during their set, and continually bring one more drunk friend up at a time. It killed the mood for me for a while, and I had to separate her in my mind away from the show so I could continue watching the boys and not punch anyone in their face.

After the show we chatted it up with the boys for a bit, and then I got all geeky on them and pulled out my Harry Potter notepad and asked them to participate in my Rock N Read segment. They were totally down for it, so I’m glad! I think it’s going to be awesome 🙂

Afterwards, I headed back home, and then talked to Lisa for a bit because her drive was almost twice as long as mine! Yowsa! I think I went to sleep close to 3am?!

I cannot wait to see these boys again come November! 🙂

Kicking the bucket, Harry Potter style.

A few months ago, I accomplished a goal on my bucket list: I visited Hogwarts. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to be exact. I had been dying to go ever since it opened last summer, and on May 3, that day finally came!

HP is located in Universal Studios “Islands of Adventures” in Orlando, Florida. Along with HP, with your ticket price ($82) you get to go to other “lands” such as Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park, & Marvel Comics. Stepping foot in, I knew I was headed straight towards Potter-land. (If I had a Nimbus 2000, I would have flown over the other lands to get there quicker.) I could hardly wait!

Halfway into the park, I could see the Hogwarts castle appearing in the distance. This is when it finally hit me. I WAS AT THE HARRY POTTER THEME PARK. I was with my friend Lisa, also a HP fan, who kept laughing at me because I was starting to make non-comprehensive words because I was so full of excitement.

Then, we turned a corner. “Oh my gosh. Are we here?” Lisa asked.
YES.
There, right in front of me, was the entrance. “Welcome to Hogsmeade” a sign read.

I am not ashamed to admit, that even though I am 26 years old, I cried.
Harry Potter was a huge part of my growing up years. I have been a fan for a decade of my life. I started reading the books when I was in high school, and continued reading until it ended, at age 22.

Now, years later, I still feel just as attached and mesmerized by them, as I was as a young teen. And here it was, something I had loved for so long, right in front of me.

It was REAL.

I could LIVE it

SEE it,

TASTE it. Also a big fan of the movies, walking into the park is almost like stepping foot onto the set!

After gaining my composure, I nearly ran in. As soon as you step in, the Hogwarts Express is on your right in all of its glory. Zonko’s & Honeydukes greets you to your left, and as far as you can see (well, not really, HP is comparable to being the size of Toon Town in Disneyland) is the Hogsmeade village adorned in snow topped roofs.

Everything you could wish for in such a small space is there: Olivander’s Wand Shop, The Owl Post, Dervish & Banges, Hogs Heads Pub, The Three Broomsticks Tavern, (where you can order a glass of the famous butterbeer, frozen or regular: go for frozen!) And of course, probably the most important thing: Hogwarts Castle.

So, lets start with Hogwarts. Words cannot express how amazing it is. The ride inside the castle, “The Forbidden Journey” honestly makes you feel like a student on the grounds of the school. From Professor Sprout’s greenhouse, to The Dining Hall & the Sorting Hat, to Dumbledor’s office…walking through the line is an adventure itself. (Note: No cameras or bags are allowed on the ride, but you can take a “walking tour” of the castle if you want to take photos and not ride.)

The next ride I went on was “The Flight of the Hippogriff”. In line you walk through Hagrid’s garden (complete with his hut!) and there is a life-sized Hippogriff (you know, if Hippogriff’s were real…)
The ride is extrememly short (I feel like its a rollercoaster for the little-fans.) I still had fun.

Ah. The last, Dragon Challenge, is for those who like it their rides fast (60 MPH!), and who like it upside down (5 times!). I’m talking about rollercoasters, people. Jeez. Get your minds out of the gutter! 😉 This is pretty much like Goblet of Fire come to life. From GOF banners cheering on the candidates, to the crashed flying Weasley car (whose horn beeped! and lights flashed!) to riding those ridge-backed dragons…this was DEFINITELY my favorite. I had half a voice this day, but still managed to scream my face off and laugh the entire time. Easily, you find yourself upside down a half dozen times. More easily like myself, you find yourself having the time of your life.

At the end of the day I did not want to leave. I’m glad I got the opportunity to go, and highly recommend going if you get the chance!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Part 4.

Like I’ve mentioned before, Matt Nathanson pretty much holds my heart for the title of  “favorite musician ever”. So of course, a weekend chock full of Matt shows makes me happy!

First up on the list was a private radio show in San Diego. Yes, within a two week period I drove to Diego, twice. Might I add its a 7 hour drive? My poor car. She’s a trooper!

Heather, Lisa & I headed downtown. Matt played on the rooftop of the W hotel in the “beach” area. Man made beach? Sun? Free show? I’m down.

After a few songs they gave out a rad prize – a guitar and a private lesson from the man himself…and Heather won. Heather, who has only seen Matt live once. Myself, who has been to over 50 Matt shows & friggin’ has his lyrics tattooed on me jealously really wanted this for myself,  obviously. I’d be lying if I didn’t push Heather playfully and jealously call her a bitch, but I’m glad one of my ladies won at least, because we all got to sit in on it!

We were escorted to “Matt’s room” and we sat and talked for a bit about the upcoming shows we were seeing him open for Maroon 5 & Train in September, and other shenanigans. Then, it was lesson time!

BOMB. Sorry for my extremely lame comments. Someone please learn how to play this and then come and serenade me. I have no talent in the guitar playing business.

Afterwards we kept running into Matt. In the hallway. In the elevator. Outside. “Are you stalking us?” I joked. (Then we talked about real stalkers; someone got his phone number and kept calling him, I had a creepster starer at my library.)

We said our goodbyes, and then we were off to find a taco shop that Lisa and Heather had seen on Man vs Food.

OMG BEST TACOS EVER.

There was also this cilantro sauce that I just wanted to bathe in. Honestly, I could have probably just drank it straight up.

If you ever find yourself in San Diego, you MUST find this place! I dream about going back.

Next on the Matt weekend list was a taping of Jay Leno. Between SD & Leno, there was lots of hang time happen-in’. A trip to the gym, a walk on the beach, this might have happened:

Hells yes, blueberry bread stuffed french toast! And coffee. Lots of coffee…

LENO.

Leno day was SO. LONG. Heather and I woke before the sun did, to hop in line at 6am to get tickets at 8am. It was hot as balls (Heather’s words) and I think I nearly died waiting in line. Once in the studio we froze thanks to the killer AC, but otherwise it was fun! Ryan Reynold (holy hottie!) and Sheryl Crow were the other guests. It was fun seeing Matt play Leno for the first time! Good job, kid. Way to rock it.

The next morning, Matt played a show for myFM 104.3 in Los Angeles. I had gotten sick sometime between waiting in line for Leno and that morning, so I was feeling a little miserable, but once Matt started playing I trooped it out and acted perky (when in reality I wanted to nap in the room they had the show in…the floor was full of pillows and I layed down during half of the show, haha!)

We went to say what up, and have our obligatory photo taken. Honestly, I don’t know why he lets me take photos with him still…I have way too many!

“I’m seeing you later, right?” Yes, sir.

When we were in San Diego, I had asked Matt how long he was playing in LA. He thought I meant a taping of George Lopez they were doing, which I wasn’t even aware of!
“I don’t have tickets to Lopez…”
“Don’t worry about it” Matt says, “you’ll be on the list.”
Thank you, Matty Nay!

So, I ended up going to Lopez alone (what up, repeat of my solo Kimmel trip!) but I still had a ton of fun. Lopez Tonight has an awesome staff. The warm up guy was AMAZING! He juggled, balanced things on his forehead, was comedic, made fun of me, made me sing KISS songs into the microphone for the whole studio…it was the greatest time I’ve ever had at a TV taping. And I’ve been to DOZENS! Sadly, Lopez Tonight got canceled two weeks after I went to my taping, so I won’t be able to go to another. Wah!

I ended up being on the “VIP” list and got seated front row dead center. Ah, my homie George. You are wonderful. Kathy Griffin was also on the show and I love that crazy bitch, so I felt I got my comedic dose for the day.

Afterwards I was crazy once again and drove the 5 hours home. I think I passed out the second my head hit the pillow. I ended up being sick for about 2 weeks after this trip. Too much fun? Never!

Longing…

for Seattle.

Oh Seattle.

I cannot wait to be reunited with you in one week!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Part 3.5

After awaking the morning after the Chula Vista show, we headed out the door and on the road for 5 hours to get to Paso Robles, CA.

This time around it was myself, Heather & our friends Joy and Morgan. (Love you, ladies!!!)

  The show was at the California Mid State Fair, so we wandered around for a few hours & did random fair things. You know, doing things like eating nasty fair food? More specifically a Cookies & Cream Coffee Blast Milkshake, which wasn’t worth the $5 I threw out for it? Yeah. Sounds about right. (Milkshakes are meant to be made with ice cream, not just ICE…)

We ran into Gavin while looking at rabbits and then stumbled into the path of Mickey & Jesse a bit later.

Since the tour is co-headlining, Train & Maroon 5 switches off who closes each night. Since Train had closed the show the previous night, Maroon 5 was the last act this night.

The line-up may have been a bit different, but one thing was not: another show, another front row ticket.

Yes, we are spoiled. 😉

Gavin.

During Train’s set, they always pull a few girls up during “She’s On Fire” to sing and dance onstage. This time around, Morgan & I got chosen! (See, it pays to be front row!)

It. Was. So. Fun.

Can I do it again, please?! I love dancing and singing and making a fool out of myself in front of 12,000 people!

Here’s a little video for your viewing pleasure:

Then, Maroon5 ❤

Afterwards I sadly said goodbye to my girls and headed home. It was only about a 100 mile drive, but I was on a major adrenaline rush, and didn’t go to sleep until nearly 4am. Yeah, what? Lets just say the next day I stayed in bed pretty much the en.ti.re day! Exhaustion!

Ah. Updating about these shows makes me miss the boys (and my girls!) a lot. Good thing I have a whole weeks worth of shows in about 8 days! Huzzah, roadtrip! Expect lots more summer M5 fun updates then!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Part 3.

Maroon 5.

I could write an entire novel about Maroon 5. They were the first band that I started to travel far distances for. The band I met my best friend through. The band whose logo branded I myself with (what up, m5 tattoo?!)

Maroon 5.

Almost ten years later, I am still just as madly in love with them as I was in year one.

This summer marked a new tour for Maroon 5, this time co-headlining with Train.

The first date of the tour was in Chula Vista, CA and I was there, a smile plastered on my face and lungs full ready to sing my heart out.

I went to the show with my friends Heather and Aveen. Before heading down to Chula Vista, we  stopped in La Jolla, to get SPRINKLES. I will always, always, always splurge for Sprinkles Cupcakes. ALWAYS.

I try to gracefully eat them with a fork, to make them last longer, otherwise I shove them in my face and they’re gone within seconds, like this:

My gaaawd, their black & white cupcakes are the most amazing thing I have ever consumed. And their Red Velvet…and the Mocha…Oh man. I’m gad the closest Sprinkles is 1.5 hours away from me, otherwise it’d be bad news bears for my ass!

ALSO! We met up with my bestest, Nicole, who I hadn’t seen since OCTOBER! Major best friend fail! But living 420 or so miles from one another is tough! After desert we went to lunch (because everyone knows that desert first is the way to go!) and hung out for a bit. Sadly she couldn’t attend the show that evening, but it was so good seeing her after so long!

I love her! ❤

After hang times, we headed to the show! Front row, bitches. Front row.

Showtime!

Gavin Degraw was opening for the first half of the tour. (Yes, this was pre-getting wasted and beat up in NY, them stumbling into the street and getting hit by a taxi incident. Oh Gavin…)

Then the loves of my life came on. M5 ❤

After my loves, it was time for TRAIN!

It was an awesome way to start the tour! I almost didn’t go to the CV show, but I’m glad I did!

After the show we were driving back to Heather’s house, and her warning light for low air pressure came on. None of us had ever put air in our car tires before (hey, we’re girls, we get it done for us!) so we had an adventure in the middle of the night at a random gas station…while wearing a dress. In the end, I think I did a good job, because the light went off! Yay, I fixed it!

We went to sleep soon after arriving home, because we had to get up semi-early and head out to Paso Robles for show #2!