The following are 4 Hanson concert reviews that have been sitting around as text files gathering dust, so I’ve decided to post them in case someone out there finds them useful!

Date: June 5, 2000
Location: Baltimore, MD
Venue: Pier 6 Concert Pavilion

Review: Okay, I’m gonna start from the very top. At 3:30 pm, my brother and I walked to the East Falls Church metro station in Arlington, VA, which was about a half-mile away from our house. We rode the metro to Union Station in Washington, DC, where we met up with my dad (who had just come from work) who would take me on the MARC train to Baltimore, MD. After grabbing some lunch at McDonald’s, my brother headed back home, and my dad and I boarded the 5:23 MARC train. The train ride was about an hour long, and to pass the time, my dad and I tried to figure out a crossword puzzle in some newspaper, but it was surprisingly really hard, so we didn’t finish it. My dad then gave me an extra roll of film and his camera — the cool kind with a 138 mm zoom on it, because all I had was a cheap disposable camera. When we got to Camden Station in Baltimore at 6:40 (the concert started at 7), we had no idea where to go, but since I knew that the Pier Six Concert Pavilion was at the Inner Harbor, and since my dad knew where the Inner Harbor was, we put two and two together and walked the few blocks to the water.

When we got to the Inner Harbor, we found out that we had to walk around the entire thing (which was pretty big) to get to the venue since it was on pier 6, and we were currently nowhere near that. So, we walked. As we walked, we passed Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe, as well as a huge Barnes & Noble and some ESPN building — cool! My dad said that we’d visit them another time (yay). As we neared the venue, I kept seeing more and more signs of concert-bound people. I saw one guy wearing a B102.7 shirt, a little girl wearing a Hanson shirt, and this one teenager who, as she passed by me, said that she liked my shirt (which was a Hanson shirt). Hehe. I inwardly smiled, knowing that we were getting closer to pier 6.

Once we got to our destination — a little white, tent-like place, completely open-air and surrounded by water, I could feel the concert vibe. Before getting in line, my dad handed me $40 for souvenirs and told me that he’d meet me by the gates to the Pavilion once the concert was over. I nodded, handed my ticket to the ticket lady, went inside, and found my seat — row J, seat 17 (in other words, the 10th row, on the left side of the stage). I only had to wait about 10 minutes for the concert to start since I had gotten there so close to the starting time — at about 7:05 (you know how most concerts start late), a radio DJ came out, did an introduction, and told us that Sonique would be the first performer. Everyone cheered and took pictures as Sonique and her dancers came out and sang 3 songs. Then it was Eiffel 65, an intermission with the Baltimore Orioles mascot shooting Cal Ripken shirts to the crowd, Blaque, Vitamin C, and then … it was Hanson’s turn!

It took the stage crew a long time to set up since Hanson were the only ones who actually would be playing instruments, and every time they moved Taylor’s keyboard or parts of Zac’s drums, people would start screaming just because they were touching them. It was crazy! During the break, I went and bought one of “those little lights” (in Taylor’s words), or that little red, green, and white plastic thing that glows in the dark. I wore it as a necklace After about 10 minutes of waiting, a radio DJ came out and said that Hanson would be playing in about 20 minutes after the stage crew finished setting up — which, of course, set off more screaming, me included! 20 minutes later … a radio DJ came out, introduced you-know-who, and before I knew it, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac had run onstage!

I started screaming like crazy, taking pictures, and waiting for them to start. I couldn’t believe I was seeing them live — and so close! After saying hello to us, they launched into an awesome version of “You Never Know.” Next they sang “If Only,” during which Taylor came out and did the harmonica part at center stage before going back to his keyboards. The rest of the songs they sang were “Where’s the Love,” “This Time Around,” “Runaway Run,” “MMMBop” (of course), and “In the City.” Isaac was running all over the place, jumping up on the floor speakers (or whatever they were) at both ends of the stage, and jumping up on Zac’s little platform thing during “In The City.” Taylor … well, Taylor was awesome. He interacted with the audience during every song, either clapping his hands with the crowd, shaking the hands of the fans in the front row, or running around the stage just like Isaac was. During “In the City,” he didn’t play any keyboard at all, and instead, went around the entire stage touching hands and jumping off of the speakers like Superman. Zac didn’t do much interacting since he had to play the drums, but he did play an amazing show and hit his drumsticks together a few times before each song to count the band off.

During “Runaway Run,” Taylor and Isaac shared a microphone near Taylor’s keyboards and sang a few parts together, which was one of my favorite moments. There was also the part where Taylor waved his arms in the air during the beginning of “This Time Around,” and the part where Isaac had jumped up on the speaker on my side of the stage and started smiling and shaking his head from side to side as he played, I guess from having so much fun. I also think that during one of the songs, Taylor came over to my side of the stage and looked straight at me — I dunno if he was really looking at me or just looking in my direction, but it was still cool. I’m never gonna forget that night! It was just so awesome. After Hanson had finished, I raced out of the Pavilion and ran down to the place where their tour buses were, even though Jessica Simpson was supposed to be performing next. I didn’t care, I just wanted to see Hanson! Hehe … and I did.

First, I just saw their backs from behind the fence that kept their buses safe from fans, but then a few minutes later, they walked right up to the fence! Everyone was screaming like crazy, and I even got squirted by Zac’s super soaker that he had brought out from the bus! I was literally 5 feet from them (even though I couldn’t see them that well because of all the people in front of me), it was so amazing. A few minutes later they went into their bus. Some people thought that they wouldn’t be coming back out, so they left, which was good for me because now I was pressed up against the fence — with no one blocking my view! Two seconds later, the door opened, and out stepped Isaac! Everyone screamed, and he waved to us before walking to the back of the bus and jumping up on some concrete thing to talk to someone. He waved at us again when he came back and went inside the bus. Then the security guards yelled, “30 feet back! 30 feet back!” and started pushing us back with those metal barricades and caution tape because they were going to be opening the fence to let someone leave. Everyone thought that it was gonna be Hanson, but it wasn’t … they were still inside the fence going in and out of their bus every few minutes. After waiting for a really long time — which was about an hour (during which the lucky backstage fans left), Hanson finally did leave, but not before all of the other performers did and the roadies had gotten everything done. Hehe, even when the lights of Hanson’s bus came on everyone went crazy. A few minutes later, the bus started to move.

I stood up on the barricade (even though we weren’t allowed to), and watched the bus go as the crowd went insane. Hanson stood in the front of the bus and waved to everyone. I couldn’t believe it, I was practically 10 feet from them! I screamed and waved as they passed, and then ran after the bus and around to the front of it so that I could see them again. I saw Taylor holding a video camera recording us, and I even think he got me on it! The security guards were yelling at us to stay away from the bus, but no one really listened — or cared. After seeing Hanson again, the bus turned, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up with it, so I just went back to my dad and figured out what we needed to do.

We walked a few random blocks before finding a taxi to take us to Penn Station, where we learned that the 11:58 Amtrak train (the one we were taking) was 10 minutes late. But that was a good thing, because while we were waiting for it, I met these 3 girls from the concert that had gotten to go backstage and do an interview with Hanson, as well as record the first 60 seconds of every song. I even got to see a little bit of their tape — one glance of Taylor clapping his hands to the music, and one glance of Hanson being interviewed by one of the girls. They were really nice, and they even gave me a Hanson poster and a Power Bar from the guys’ dressing room as a souvenir. I was speechless — I was holding something that Hanson had actually touched! Hehe … but the poor girls (I’m guessing they were either high school seniors or college freshman) had to stay in the station until 3:30 am because they had missed the first train back to Pennsylvania by 3 minutes. Now that was bad.

When the 11:58 train finally came, I waved goodbye to the girls, and my dad and I boarded. What was weird was that I hadn’t been tired before when I was in the station, but now I just wanted to fall asleep in my seat. Since the ride was only 45 minutes long, though, there wasn’t much point. Once we were back in Union Station in Virginia, we took a cab to where my dad had parked our van near his office building, and then we drove home (listening to B102.7 on the way, of course). When we got to our house, it was 1:30 in the morning (and I didn’t get to sleep until 2), but that didn’t really matter to me — the concert had been worth it! That had been one of the best days of my life, and I’m never gonna forget it. Hanson forever!

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Date: August 9, 2003
Location: Towson, MD
Venue: Recher Theatre

Review: I got to the venue around 6:30 pm after a 1 1/2 hour drive. After finding parking and meeting up with Heidi and Christina, we wait near the front of the line ’til 7 when the doors open. When they do, a lot of people start pushing, but not too bad (especially with the security yelling at us). We get in after about 5 – 10 minutes.

I go straight to the merchandise table and buy a poster, shirt, and the acoustic CD (a good thing because the line was so long afterwards), and then get a place by the stage on Zac’s side, about 4 or 5 rows back. I was so close! We wait another hour for the opening artist, Teitur, to come on, and he was good, but he wouldn’t tell us his age! LOL anyway, he plays for about 30 minutes, and Hanson comes out about 30 minutes later. Yay!

I was so happy to see them, it’d been way too long since my last Hanson concert. The guys were psyched too, it was obvious. Zac’s shirt was awesome — it said “lettuce entertain you” Taylor had on a wifebeater with “the music lives” written in red capitals on it, and Isaac had some sort of suit on. They all looked great. I’m not sure of the set list, but I’ll mention the highlights. Zac had a solo on the piano (probably his first?), which was really sweet, but you could tell he was nervous. He kept giving little smiles to the fans. I also loved Isaac’s solo “Being Me” … I hope it gets released, I could really relate to it. The way he sang it was just perfect. Another perfect moment was the guys’ a cappella performance of “Teach Your Children.” Their harmonies were blended exactly right, and Zac and Isaac had small solos. I knew the song from school, so I was singing along with my lighter and just enraptured in the peacefulness and calm of the moment. The whole atmosphere was so personal and intimate, it was hard to find an imperfect aspect.

Other songs they performed were “This Time Around,” “Rock ‘N Roll Razorblade,” “When You’re Gone,” “Underneath,” “Penny and Me,” ” Hey,” “Rip It Up” (Little Richard cover), “MMMBop” (the encore), “River,” and more that I should remember but don’t lol. Hanson played for about 1 1/2 hours … and thanks to Heidi, I now have a set list!

1. Strong Enough to Break
2. River
3. Deeper
4. Runaway Run
5. Rock ‘N Roll Razorblade
6. Lulla Belle
7. Teach Your Children
8. When You’re Gone
9. Need You Now
10. Underneath
11. Crazy Beautiful
12. Being Me
13. Penny and Me
14. Misery
15. Hey
16. Rip It Up
17. Lost Without Each Other
18. This Time Around
19. MMMBop (encore)

I also need to comment on “Rip It Up” and “This Time Around” … they were done in classic Hanson style. Taylor was doing tons of interacting, telling us to snap our fingers, clap, wave our arms, sing in rounds (sort of), and take off our clothes — a joke, of course! He then held the microphone out to us, we sang along (like we’d been doing the whole show), and even shook a few hands. Oh how I wanted to be in the front row.

Unfortunately, Hanson couldn’t play forever … but that’s okay ’cause I had the best night. The guys were so nice and generous to the fans, I was reminded all over again why I still love the music after 6 years. The long wait has definitely been worth it, and I hope another 6 years are in store! That way I’ll have more time to actually meet Hanson — it seems I’ve done everything but! I’ve had to pass up previous opportunities due to other commitments, which wasn’t easy. But ah well, what can you do? We’ll see what happens. On the way home, I listened to the acoustic CD over and over

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Date: October 17, 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Venue: Birchmere

Review: Brian and I got to the Birchmere around 6 pm, when I thought the doors were opening. We later learned that this wasn’t the case — the doors were actually opening at 8:30 (when I thought the concert was starting) and the band (with no opener) would come on at 9:30. That would’ve been fine, except waiting for 2 1/2 hours out in the cold and rain is not fun. But besides that, the night was awesome!

First off, I saw Christina and her friend Zhiela there, and as soon as we started talking we got 3 more people, Caitlin, Natalie, and her friend, in on the conversation. To pass the time ’till 8:30, we talked, picked up our tickets from will-call, made random food runs to Popeyes, and tried to devise interesting ways to escape the weather, including hiding out in the bathroom. But enough of that

When 8:30 finally came, it took us awhile to get in the door, probably because we were about 3/4 the way back in line. It wasn’t too bad, though. Once in, we take in the awesome atmosphere of the place, find ourselves a table (yes, tables at a concert — cool, no?), order drinks, and explore: I went to the merchandise area and bought myself the blue Hanson tour poster and a Birchmere shirt. Then, believe it or not, it was already almost 9:30. Hanson time!

Unlike most shows, Hanson came out by just walking down a hall to the right of stage in plain view of everyone. Speaking of everyone, our table was also behind many of Hanson’s family and friends, which was a nice, laid-back change. Song-wise, we got “Rip It Up,” “Rock ‘N Roll Razorblade,” “Crazy Beautiful” (which Taylor dedicated to his wife — aww), “MMMBop,” “Underneath,” “Deeper,” “Penny and Me,” “Where’s the Love,” “Being Me” (one of my favorites), “This Time Around,” “With You In Your Dreams,” “Lost Without Each Other” (the encore), “If Only,” etc. It was great — and Brian agreed, thus making him a new fan! Here’s the complete list (courtesy Heidi):

1. Strong Enough to Break
2. If Only
3. River
4. Runaway Run
5. Rock ‘N Roll Razorblade
6. Tightrope
7. Need You Now
8. With You In Your Dreams
9. Underneath
10. Ain’t No Sunshine
11. Being Me
12. Crazy Beautiful
13. Penny and Me
14. Where’s the Love
15. Deeper
16. Hey
17. You Never Know
18. MMMBop
19. Rip It Up
20. This Time Around
21. Lost Without Each Other (encore)

After the 2 or so hours of bliss, my group (minus Caitlin) wandered outside by Hanson’s tour bus in hopes of getting autographs, or even catching a glimpse. Christina was the expert on meeting Hanson, and as the minutes dragged on, tried to predict the future: Zac wouldn’t come out at all, Isaac would just because it looked good, and Taylor definitely would because he is so awesome and amazingly nice. And that turned out to pretty much be the case!

Once the security guards were sure that we wouldn’t push, they came out! This being my first time to see Hanson in person for more than two seconds and less than a mile away, I was excited, so much that the cold didn’t bother me anymore. Zac did come out, but it was only for a little bit, and soon he stopped about halfway down the line (thus missing me) and went away. But next was Taylor, and I knew he’d come. I held my Underneath CD out to him from the second row, said a few small words like “hi” and “thanks!”, and even asked for and got a hug! That was cool, though at first he was confused because I was holding my CD out and shaking my head to say, “no, you already signed it!” LOL … but he figured it out. Then came Isaac with his faux-hawk and crazy personality (even more apparent in person). He signed my CD in a less personal manner and declined my hug offer, but that’s okay! Less than two feet away from 2/3 of my favorite band: can’t complain.

So that was amazing — finally meeting them after 6 years. Now I just gotta track down Zac. Speaking of which, after I left, Christina and Zhiela met him anyway. Just my luck, huh? Apparently he did come out again … I guess a few fans were lingering, and for some reason he started signing autographs and taking quick pictures with fans. Grr — despite having won the guys’ autographs from the MS Raffle, it’s just not the same.

But no matter what the setbacks, my 5th Hanson concert was quite the adventure, especially with meeting Taylor and Isaac. In fact, meeting them was just the icing (and very good icing at that) on the cake. Hands down, it’s all about the music

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Date: July 8, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Venue: Warner Theater

Review: This was the first Hanson concert that I didn’t get to early lol. After a quick dinner at John Harvard’s Brewhouse underneath the theater, Brian and I arrived at the Warner Theater at about 6:30, right when they started to let people in. We walked all the way to the back of the line (around the corner), and 15 minutes later were in and listening to Michael Tolcher! While Brian went to find our seats in row M, I bought a tour book and black Hanson shirt. I really wanted the poster of the guys in leather, but didn’t have the money or enough room on my walls, so it wasn’t too bad of a tragedy. Michael was actually pretty good, so after the set I bought his CD and managed to get the free poster that came with it autographed.

The second opener was Maria Mena, who was okay, but not really my cup of tea. She sang for maybe 30 minutes, then graciously turned the stage over to Hanson!

After set-up by the crew and various chants of “Hanson! Hanson!,” it was time! Waves of screams passed through the crowd as Isaac, Taylor, and Zac casually walked out and took their positions. It was great seeing them again. And though I don’t remember much about each song, I do have a set list thanks to Heidi:

1. In the City
2. Dancing In the Wind
3. A Minute Without You
4. You Never Know
5. Strong Enough to Break
6. Deeper
7. Lost Without Each Other
8. Being Me
9. Underneath
10. Love Song
11. Hand In Hand
12. Where’s The Love
13. Gimme Some Lovin’
14. Man From Milwaukee
15. Penny and Me
16. Crazy Beautiful
17. Look At You
18. If Only
19. MMMBop (encore)
20. Hey (encore)

One of my favorite moments was Isaac’s “Being Me.” Alone onstage with just a guitar and lyrics that could come from nobody but him is just amazing — and the resulting effect is no different from when I heard it the first time on August 9, 2003: a mixture of love, awe, sadness, and dedication since singing something as personal as that over and over would definitely be hard for me.

Other noteworthy songs include “Gimme Some Lovin’” (yay for covers), “Lost Without Each Other” (slightly related to Brian and I’s recent 2-year anniversary), “Where’s the Love” (what else makes the world go ’round?), “Man From Milwaukee” (gotta love Zac’s Baby Bird), and, of course, the famous “MMMBop.” Each had its own spark of rock ‘n roll, and the audience (including Brian) loved every second of it.

The only thing I was worried about was Taylor’s hands. They seemed to be hurting, and he kept shaking them out after every song. I hope he’s okay.

Now, you’re probably wondering what the icing on the cake was? Not like there needed to be any, but you know what I mean. Taylor stood up from his piano bench and kicked it away behind him early on, Isaac dropped to his knees at center stage halfway through, and to conclude the evening, Zac climbed a tower of speakers. We had to leave right after ’cause I had to get up early the next morning, but since I’d already had my waiting-for-Hanson-forever experience at the previous concert, it wasn’t a big deal. I hope Hanson never, ever, ever stop playing

I got to see Hanson for the 8th and 9th times a couple weekends ago, and it turned out better than I ever expected (DC also wins the best-concert-ever prize)! Here’s a quick recap of each show:

Baltimore (at Sonar):

- Taylor fell off the stage at one point ’cause a fan pulled him too hard … but it was funny, all of sudden he goes *plop* and disappears from view

- Got my first picture with Zac, and my new Hanson.net member CD autographed! Plus, Taylor hadn’t seen it before and was like “wow cool, sorry it took so long to get sent out to you guys.”

- And the set list:

1. Great Divide
2. Hey
3. Can’t Stop
4. Been There Before
5. Crazy Beautiful
6. Hole In My Life (Police cover)
7. I’ve Been Down
8. Go
9. MMMBop
10. Strong Enough To Break
11. Never Been To Spain (Three Dog Night cover)
12. Blue Sky
13. A Minute Without You
14. Runaway Run
15. Got A Hold On Me
16. Penny & Me
17. Running Man
18. Let Love Rule (Lenny Kravitz cover)
19. This Time Around
20. Lost Without Each Other
21. Something Going Round
22. If Only (encore)
23. The Ugly Truth (encore)

DC (at the 9:30 Club):

- While passing Starbucks on the walk, Taylor yells out something like “400 cups of coffee please” on his megaphone.

- Got my first picture with Taylor (with a little help from TOMS Shoes and Mike’s tallness)!

- 3rd row (closest ever)!

- Got one of Locksley’s set lists! They’re awesome, by the way.

- Zac messes up during “Running Man,” and Ike looks at him and starts laughing.

- After “Call Me” (I think), Ike reaches into the crowd, grins, and freakin’ gives me his guitar pick! At this point I’m like omg, I’m not supposed to be that girl … but apparently Mike had been occasionally pointing at me throughout the show, trying to catch Ike’s eye when I wasn’t looking (aww) … and I guess that’s just what Ike decided to do

- I wanted to see if there was any chance to get both Locksley and Hanson’s set lists, but the 9:30 crew kept telling the group of us who wanted them that they weren’t giving them out. Eventually the group dwindles down to just me, Mike, and another fan, and I was determined on staying — even if I didn’t get a set list — just to see what they planned on doing with them. Then the other girl leaves, and minutes later the very same guy who’d been saying no all night walks up to the stage, peels Ike’s off the carpet, and is like “here, you can have this if you leave now and don’t tell anyone.” Um, yay!

- Hanson recognized Mike when they came out after the show; Zac even remembered what color shirt he’d worn the night before

- Got my mini-poster signed, and my first picture with Ike!

- Set list, of course:

1. Great Divide
2. A Minute Without You
3. Can’t Stop
4. Been There Before
5. Crazy Beautiful
6. Hole In My Life (Police cover)
7. I’ve Been Down
8. MMMBop
9. A Song To Sing
10. Call Me
11. Never Been To Spain (Three Dog Night cover)
12. Blue Sky
13. Hey
14. Got A Hold On Me
15. Penny & Me
16. Running Man
17. Let Love Rule (Lenny Kravitz cover)
18. This Time Around
19. Lost Without Each Other
20. Something Going Round
21. Rock ‘N Roll Razorblade (encore)

So yesterday, out of the blue, I get an email from a freelance reporter asking for permission to use one of my photos from the DC Hanson concert (and for a fast reply since the article’s running in less than 12 hours). Needless to say, I say yes, and wake up to an awesome review — and my first reaction is hey check it out, there’s my name!

The real credit, however, should go to Mike, since I’m almost 100% sure he took it … I was originally gonna ask them to credit him, but then misunderstanding ensued and my name’s there and I feel slightly guilty, even though he says it’s no big deal. I mean, I don’t call myself a photographer in any way and he’s the one getting photo passes at the House of Blues. So yeah … meh.

In other news … concert reviews will come, but only after my site stops hating me, even though I did nothing to make it randomly break in the first place. Not to mention no one helping me on the WordPress support forums, and now the Enthusiast forum, and the people at A Small Orange either not knowing what the hell was wrong or making things worse and not telling me *sigh* If you’ve tried to visit in the past 24 hours and were greeted with a lovely error message, sorry — hopefully more won’t be on the way.

Finally went skydiving again this weekend, and it was frickin’ amazing Did another tandem yesterday, and since my instructor was Bobby (Mike’s friend from college), I got to do 180s and forward motion in freefall, pull the ripcord, and steer the canopy a little before landing! I also wasn’t as nervous, which made the whole experience that much better. Both Mike and Bobby said I basically did an AFF 2 jump, which means when I actually start AFF (in the spring?), the first level or so hopefully won’t be that bad. Meh, I wish the skydiving club at JMU hadn’t fizzled out so quickly … if so many other colleges have one, why can’t we?

Mike’s weekend ended up great as well — he’d arrived without his reserve repacked and didn’t know you had to preregister for the seafood dinner, but somehow everything worked out: a 2nd pilot randomly showed up so Keith, the regular one, had time for repacking (all the other certified people were busy), and that afternoon he was in earshot of someone saying they needed 2 more people for dinner, so he quickly went over and signed us up. I admit I initially wasn’t too excited about fresh crabs and fried catfish being on the menu, but after smelling the crabs cooking and tasting the catfish, I knew I’d be okay. Maybe my seafood phobia is slowly going away? Things were pretty much awesome from that point on … the weather cooperated by not raining (though we could’ve used the temperature a few degrees lower), Mike jumped twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday (including the load I was on), and got 6 free jump tickets for the group of tandems his friend brought, plus me.

Now I’m on the skydiving “high” and can’t wait to go again, though it probably won’t be this year since it does cost a lot at first, plus starting AFF at the “end” of the season at a place that’s 7 hours away (if I go through Richmond first) isn’t the best plan. But oh well … it’ll happen eventually

Why is Drew Carey replacing Bob Barker on The Price is Right? After Whose Line and whatever other comedy-related things he’s done, I just can’t see him doing something semi-serious, not to mention almost famous/legendary …

I found a staple in my bottle of Allegra this morning. Granted, there was only 1 pill left and I noticed it before anything bad happened, but just think what would’ve happened to CVS if that bottle had found its way to someone less careful with taking their medicine.

I’ve finally started Harry Potter. And no, not the latest book that’s mentioned everywhere you turn — book 1. Don’t know why, but I think after so many people bugging me about reading it and how great it was (especially Mike and my boss), I guess I just caved and decided to give it another go. Over the weekend I visited Myrtle Beach, experienced book 7′s midnight party, and borrowed the first 3 books from Mike … and I have to admit, 100 pages in, it’s not that bad. It kinda sucks being so far behind and subconsciously comparing everything to the movie … but oh well. I keep being reassured that the more I read the better it becomes, so for the sake of not being clueless anymore and so Mike has someone to talk to about it, I’ll push through Who knows, I might even become a convert!

Hanson has finally released dates for the first leg of their tour! They’re even coming to Baltimore and DC back-to-back, on a weekend no less, and I feel a little weird not having Baltimore tickets yet. The pre-sale started on Monday, but I haven’t been able to make myself buy a ticket ’cause of the price (which can get expensive when you’re going to multiple shows) and the fact that the drive is long and in unfamiliar territory (like that’s stopped me before). And I’m sure my Hanson fan friend, Christina, will be at every show she can afford, so it’s not like I’d be alone … meh. Maybe I’ll just suck it up and do it. I’m definitely going to the DC show … and then there’s a show in Richmond, but it’s on a Wednesday night in October and ever farther than Baltimore, so I’m leaning towards no on that. Part of me is really holding out for a Myrtle Beach date on a weekend that Mike’s friend Dave has access to, but I know that’s a long shot Hmm. Well, I have ’til Saturday (the general onsale day) to decide on Baltimore, and if I’m lucky secure a spot in DC, so I guess I’ll update you all then.

Had a funny AIM conversation with Brad at work … thought I’d share:

Brad: wtf, it’s showing your name as “how’ “
Brad: lol
Me: wtf?
Me: lol
Brad: not kidding
Brad: Brad: wtf, it’s showing your name as “how’ “
Brad: lol
how’: wtf?
how’: lol
Brad: not kidding
Brad: yeah
Brad: wierd
Brad: heh
Me: haha no idea why it’s doing that
Brad: me either

Brad: haha, wtf, it even lists you as “how’ ” in the contact list
Me: lol hopefully it’ll be back to normal tonight
Brad: maybe i’ll have to just saying “sup how’?
Brad: oh, there we go
Brad: i think i fixed it?
Me: that’s good?
Brad: huh?
Me: so you did fix it?
Brad: I don’t know
Brad: keep iming me for a min
Me: okay
Brad: again?
Brad: (one word is fine)
Me: blah
Brad: and again/
Me: spoon
Brad: LOL
Brad: Brad: i think i fixed it?
who?: that’s good?
Brad: huh?
what?: so you did fix it?
Brad: I don’t know
Brad: keep iming me for a min
where?: okay
Brad: again?
Brad: (one word is fine)
when?: blah
Brad: and again/
how?: spoon
Me: omv
Me: omg
Brad: hahaha
Me: are you serious?
Brad: yes
Brad: are you on trillian?
Me: that’s the funniest thing ever … no i’m on AIM at work (on a mac)
Brad: ah
Brad: when you’re on trillian – right click someone’s name and then you can “rename” that contact
Brad: lol
Brad: i just found out

Got sunburned at the fair on Saturday ’cause I thought it was gonna be cloudy and cool all day and it wasn’t. My shoulders are the worst, followed by my chest and back. Face is fine ’cause my face lotion has SPF 15 … I even brought my regular sun lotion home, was just stupid and didn’t think I’d need it. Now doing anything with my arms hurts, especially sleeping and getting dressed, and don’t think I’ll make it to the gym for a couple days either Oh yeah, and I can’t use the shoulder strap on my purse, so I have to carry it (kinda like my dad who defeats the purpose of a backpack by never actually putting it on his back lol). The redness hasn’t subsided as far as I can tell, and even though I don’t really like that blue aloe vera sunburn relief gel, I’m thinking I’ll get some anyway — who knows, I might find a brand I like.

Besides the sunburn, the fair itself was pretty cool. First we saw Sister Hazel, who I’d seen at the fair 4 years ago with Brad and Erica. Brian didn’t like them for some reason, but they played all the songs I knew plus some brand new ones, so that was cool. After that we wandered around the booths, watched a martial arts demonstration, won a stuffed clown fish/Nemo from a dart game (where Brian yelled at the staff for a few minutes ’cause it cost $40 to win an extra large prize … they eventually let him have it for $20), went on 4 rides (ferris wheel, “Flying Bobs,” swings, and the “Fire Ball”), saw the petting zoo pack up their animals (aww to the llamas, camel, mini goats, and baby ducks/chickens), wandered around the booths again, ran into Brian’s dad and his friend at the government center, watched the fireworks, and concluded with a concert by Scott Norris (who Brian liked way more than Sister Hazel).

Didn’t do anything on Sunday besides play the Sims 2 (I figured out how to woohoo in bed!) and recover from the fair … today will most likely be the same