Chicks with blonde hair and peices of paper

What do these two things have in common? They are what have been the main topics of my past couple of days.

Topic 1: Paramore Concert

Last night, a friend and I went to see Paramore at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. Sidenote: The Tabernacle is a wonderful venue. If you live near the area, you must go there. It is an old church that has been turned into a concert spot and it looks amazing with a very intimate setting. So here is the play-by-play.

It was kinda crappy weather yesterday. But when we got near the place, we saw the long line of kids standing there waiting to get in. Respect to them, but we parked and got something to eat. It was kinda cool though, as we were walking past the kids, Hayley Williams (the lead singer of Paramore for the uninformed) leaned out of a window and was waving to everybody. Respect to her as well. The opening band was The Swellers, who I think I could get into. The lead singer was sick, but still put on a good performance. Hayley came out to help him with one song and got a huge reaction from the crowd. The second band was called Paper Route and, in my opinion, gave an amazing performance. There were like six people on stage and more than that number of instruments (i swear I saw an accordion at one point). They were the kind of band that I didn't mind that they kept going, I was actually interested in their songs. But when they ended and we waited for a set change, the lights went off and Paramore took the stage. For the better part of her career, Hayley has always had some crazy looking hair. But last night it was dyed blonde. I don't know how long that has been going on, but it still looked good on her. I have to say this. Some people are born to do certain things. That chick was put on this earth to be in a rock band. I had an amazing time and strangely didn't feel weird for being a near 23-year-old male standing amongst teenagers and singing along to her songs. At one point, they did a song called "Misguided Ghosts" and pretty much the entire crowd was right there with her, and you could see the smile on her face. It was, overall, a great experience.

Topic 2: Diploma Application

I (finally) registered for my final semester of classes, and in doing so, filled out a diploma application. Now, I know many of you have already done this and now that it has come and gone may not be that big of a deal. But for me, this was huge. I am one of those stories where neither of my parents finished college. I also have two younger brothers and numerous younger cousins who, without filling my head too much, I know look up to me. So for me to be doing this felt like a great accomplishment. I feel like, for all the advice and know all my dad has, I will finally do something he didn't. And that's not an in your face statement, more like a "i'm sure he will be proud of that" kind of statement. And to my younger relatives, I feel it sends a statement of "you can do this too." And for me personally, it just felt good. I have hit some road blocks while I have been here (having to drop classes, failing a couple classes, taking summers off) that has caused me to be on the five year plan. But it's finally coming to a close and I feel I can see light at the end of the tunnel. All this is why the whole time I was filling out the information, I couldn't stop smiling. My advisor said "now you have good news to share with your family over the holidays" and my response was "shoot, i'm gonna call somebody right now" (I called my sister but she was sleeping, so my excitement had to wait). Now I know that a diploma is basically a peice of paper, and it's what you do afterward that matters. And I think that's what excites me the most. I know I'm not going to get it and put it on a wall and smile at it, then go back to my job in high school. (if any of you have done that, no offense... it's just not for me). That's why I had one glitch. It asked for my hometown, and I literally hesitated writing "Daleville" down, becuase I have grown such a distain for my small-town hometown. But then I went on and wrote it down so I can look at it and be like "I came from there" and have it to remind me that I did this so I don't have to go back. I won't go into detail now, but my hometown is the major reason why Thanksgiving has become a holiday I really don't look forward too. But more on that later. For now, I am just basking in the fact that finally my college days are coming to a close. And another smile comes to my face while typing that.

Speaking of school, I will end this post for saying a big my bad on sudden dissapearance from posting and commenting. Things have gotten kinda hectic and I didn't really plan this kind of absence. Not sure how many of you were into the video series, but those should be back up and running soon so we can finish it out with Arizona and California. But I have been busy on other parts of the blogosphere, guest posting on Natalie's blog. Please check that out and tell me what you think.

For now, I'm going to try and get some sleep... at two in the morning. I need to start going to bed earlier.

Random lyric of the day:

But I'm still around. And you would build a ship or pack my parachute in time for the fall.
Yeah, this is love by all means. And I'll continue building with you.
Don't stop, now. Just carry on, carry on, carry on.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Series To Bring You...

My 100th post! After a slow start back in late April, I feel I have gotten things going and have started to come into my own so to speak. How to celebrate? By thanking you guys. Let's face it -- people start off not caring about followers. But it happens. You start to connect. Then you want more. And when certain posts only get 1-3 comments you start to wonder "what have I done?" I once saw a blogger (Mr C) who when he reached a milestone gave a shoutout to, if I recall correctly, 100 of his readers. Now, I only have 41 followers, so it won't even be nearly that many. But shoutouts are necessary. Especially to the ones who have contributed and have helped to keep this going. How am I going to give shoutouts on this celebratory 100th post? If you guessed with song links, then you know me too well. It's the only way I can express to love and respect to my favorites. So if I have singled you out, hopefully you are ok with the song I selected. If some of these people are unfamiliar to you, this is your chance to change that.

Just a note. This is in no particular order. In fact, I'm just going to do it alphabetically. And if you are not on here, just stick around a while. When I reach 200, that will be your day to shine :)

*Something Corporate - My Konstantine

This is one is going to be for Al at just putting it out there... pretty much due to the fact that she loves piano and when I think of piano, I think of this song. A few weeks ago she put out a list asking for her people's favorite songs of all time to add up to "what songs we should hear before we die." I am still waiting for the results, but happy for her getting her license back ;)

*30 Seconds to Mars - The Kill

One of the most entertaining bloggers I have come across, this one goes out to the Caped Tirader with a blog by the same name. It's hard to casually read his posts because there are always nice lil links that help with the distraction process. When thinking of a song, I was going to go with AC/DC because of a post from a few months back, but I am really digging his 31 Days of Halloween countdown going on right now. A few posts ago he mentioned the shining, which made me think of this video, which made me start liking this song again.

*Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl

Going out to Cassie at Southern Domestic Goddess, one of only two bloggers I know outside of the blogosphere. Why Rick Springfield? Because when I first got into this, she was having a contest to give away a cd of his. So it's just kinda stuck with me.

*Taking Back Sunday - Cute Without The 'E'

This a relatively new blogger, well at least for me. Her name is ArabianMagic at Confessions of a Cocktail Napkin. The song is chosen for her because not only is it one of my favorites, but it contains the line "a thousand clever lines unread on clever napkins" so hence the connection.

*David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust

While this one goes out to the girl with the pink teacup, you will notice there is no link to click on. I'm sure I don't need to explain it to anyone of you because half of you are here because of her awesome "bilf" blogs, but she has sadly retired from the world of blogging. Now, it looks like we can catch her doing random guest posts, but for now we have the memories, like fascination with her tattoo artist and this song.

*Taking Back Sunday - There's No 'I' In Team

The one who got me started blogging in the first place, this is a special song for ___j at this is me; consequently. I still remember when jme called me and told me I should get on here to help me out with my journalism. While it may not seem like that has happened, I feel, if anything, it has helped me find my "voice." Jme is that rare best friend that you just know you still be checking in on each other at 70. Also that rare best friend that asks you not only to come to her wedding, but to be in at -- as a "bridesman." This song is from our favorite band, one we saw in June and will see again in November, that is about best friends who have kinda strayed, but we twist the song for ourselves with the line "if we go down, we go down together."

*Our Lady Peace - Whatever

This song goes out to Jaime, who has a cool way of spelling her name, at What Do You Say? She is probably the closest distanced blogger to me, residing in Atlanta, the city I often visit for concerts and such. One night I went there for an Incubus concert and she was attending an Our Lady Peace concert the same night, in the same city. That's why I chose the band. But I chose the song because it used to be the entrance song for a wrestler, and I am no longer hiding my wrestling fanhood.

*Meg and Dia - Monster

Oh man, where do I begin with Jeanette from Cooler Ranch of Nacho Cheese? Since starting this blog, she is the one I would say I have made the most of a connection with. The kind that if I had to quit blogging for whatever reason, I know we would still be in contact due to the book of faces. She is a really cool chick with really really good tastes in music, helping contribute new cds, and new bands, to my music library. In fact, there are many I could have went with here, including her favorite Paramore, but I chose Meg and Dia because she is the first person I have met to really like that band.

*No Doubt - Just A Girl

Kacy at so give me something to believe... is another new blogger to my feed, but she is fun to read. And she apparently likes the office, so that's a win. The song was chosen because a line from it is written on her page. And that's about the only reason you need for No Doubt.

*Coldplay - Green Eyes

Coldplay fan? Check. Cali native? Check. Fantastic blogger? Check. That is an accurate description of Lisa from A Day in the Life. Lisa in of those that I look forward to getting comments from and look forward to reading her posts, though they are sparse right now due to her having to take care of other things. I was fortunate enough to guest post for her when she was on vacation to San Francisco and it was pretty amazing. Hopefully she will enjoy when the road trip series comes back and finally makes its way to Cali.

*Muse - Time Is Running Out

I have thrown out the word "favorite" a lot, but seriously, if I had to make a top 3, Lola from Lola Lakely: Life, Love, & The Pursuit of Insanity would be there. Her blogs are amazing and she always leaves random questions that are fun to answer. Song choice is simple: one of, if not her #1, favorite band is Muse. This is my favorite song by them. My dull weeks are always brightened from this self proclaimed "Naughty Redhead."

*The Killers - All These Things That I Have Done

You never forget your first. And besides my two blogger friends from "real life," Melissa at Meme Love was my first follower. She always has fantastic entries and is a great storyteller. She has been kind of MIA lately, which sorta makes me sad, but last I heard she was attending a Killers concert, and as you guessed it, this is my favorite song by that band. Looking forward to some new posts from her...

*Death Cab for Cutie - Grapevine Fires

I have a confession. I have a thing for accents. Sure, Megan Fox was hot in (THE FIRST) Transformers, but who really grabbed my attention was the actress whose name I don't even know. I just know she was blonde and had my attention everytime she spoke. Even if Miss*H from The World According to Miss*H hadn't of posted some youtube videos of herself and made me pay full attention, I would still love her. One of the reasons? She does Music Sundays, and one of those Sundays featured Death Cab for Cutie. While this may not be my favorite song, the link goes to one of my favorite videos.

*Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower

In the blogosphere, you have to have a personality. And I don't think anyone has one quite like Mr. Condescending at Advice and Humor from Mr. Condescending. Not only does his blog feature "Losers as Art" but he has on more than one occasion, posted an entire blog while driving. I kinda feel like he is a blogging celebrity so I feel like a cool kid anytime he stops by. The song was chosen because a while back he gave me some artists he listens to and Jimi was one of them. This song may have gotten played out over the years, but that doesn't mean it's not great.

*The Shins - Caring is Creepy

I have never been to New Jersey, but I already associate a few things from there. Jon Stewart, Bon Jovi and the movie Garden State. But now, add Natalie from Growing Up A NJ Wife to that list. The song is actually from the Garden State soundtrack, hence why it was chosen, a post which produced the most comments I think I have ever received. I feel Natalie would be the kind of friend who would tell you to your face if your outfit was hideous or if you breath stunk, and the world needs more ladies like her.

*Cobra Starship - Kiss My Sass

Sas' Magical Mystery Tour sounds like one of the wildest rides you can go on. And it is fun. From seeing videos of birds mating with guys to her WTF Mondays, this blog is mucho entertaining. Song was chosen for one simple reason: her name reminds me of it.

*Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven

Who doesn't love combining Soda and Candy? Well it may be the ultimate sugar rush, but if you need some awesome distractions, head on over to Soda and Candy Stories to take care of that. Her features are always great, such as "Original Drafts" which once featured the song above.

*Judas Priest - Painkiller

What a way to finish this off. Like I said earlier, most of you were sent here from the girl with the pink teacup. That same post featured Tennyson ee Hemingway at andy warhol goes shopping. His is a blog I have come to look forward to reading and he is a blogger who I have come to enjoy dropping by. He has, by far, been one of the most consistent commenters during this whole road trip so major thank you for that. However, aside from being a great source of reading material, dude is also a drummer. And thanks to Rock Band, whenever I think of drumming, this song comes to mind.

Well that closes this blog out. Next week I have a check-in past and the week after should finish off the series. Look forward to you guys joining me for another 100!

Calibama Road Trip Videos: Part 12 - Two Part Check In

*The following are videos we took from our road trip back in May. It consisted of traveling from Alabama to California and back, hitting various cities in between. Some of these videos may be "documentary style" and some may be just random videos along the way. Most will not have an explanation because the video should speak for itself, but for the random ones a lil explanation will be included. I know on the surface these are kind of lame, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel like you were a part of a cross country road trip. If you just feel like you are watching some random kids in random videos, well I hope you enjoy that too.

**I know most of you check blogs at work and can't see videos, but please try to watch these later as the videos speak for themselves. The first one is actually at a good angle and you can see and hear us clearly, and while the second one is dark, it gets the story across. If you can't see the videos or don't understand what happened, I will explain on Friday's post.




And the results...

Calibama Road Trip Videos: Part 11 - Santa Fe

*The following are videos we took from our road trip back in May. It consisted of traveling from Alabama to California and back, hitting various cities in between. Some of these videos may be "documentary style" and some may be just random videos along the way. Most will not have an explanation because the video should speak for itself, but for the random ones a lil explanation will be included. I know on the surface these are kind of lame, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel like you were a part of a cross country road trip. If you just feel like you are watching some random kids in random videos, well I hope you enjoy that too.

**This is going to be a picture heavy post because Santa Fe was a beautiful place. Before we went on our trip, a co-worker of Frisco's said to go there and they turned out to give some of the best advice ever. Seriously, if you are driving though New Mexico, do yourself a favor. Stop for a couple hours and just walk around Santa Fe. It is truly an experience. For those who probably never will, here are some pictures (and a video of when we first arrived there) for you to enjoy. As the video goes, I'm sorry it was really windy but the point of it was that we were in this nice place and we were wearing gym shorts and DC clothes. But it worked. Enjoy.

The first piece of art we saw when we arrived

Two more random pieces of art

Just a guy and some balloons

Money Fence

The most expensive cat I have ever touched

Indian on bingo cards

It was hard to follow directions...

Cool painting

They mean business in New Mexico

Street Life

Bronze Bears

Tom Sawyer???

Pointing to the Heavens

Running with the wolves

This Chapel contained a famous staircase

Seen here

But it also had some cool art as well

We just really liked this picture

My biggest catch of the trip

So while he is chllin at this moment, the next minute he was gettin bit up by the ants that were also on that tree

Calibama Road Trip Videos: Part 10 - Nothingness of New Mexico

*The following are videos we took from our road trip back in May. It consisted of traveling from Alabama to California and back, hitting various cities in between. Some of these videos may be "documentary style" and some may be just random videos along the way. Most will not have an explanation because the video should speak for itself, but for the random ones a lil explanation will be included. I know on the surface these are kind of lame, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel like you were a part of a cross country road trip. If you just feel like you are watching some random kids in random videos, well I hope you enjoy that too.

The "Welcome" building when we entered New Mexico.

Our view for the entire drive through New Mexico

One of the few other cars we actually saw on the road

I'm not exactly sure, but I wanna say that there is snow on the mountain. I could be wrong.

**Like one of the previous videos, I apologize for it being zoomed in so you can barely see in the car. However, you can clearly see outside of the car. And if you stick around till the end, you will what our sense of humor consists of.

Calibama Road Trip Videos: Part 9 - Craziness In Lubbock

*The following are videos we took from our road trip back in May. It consisted of traveling from Alabama to California and back, hitting various cities in between. Some of these videos may be "documentary style" and some may be just random videos along the way. Most will not have an explanation because the video should speak for itself, but for the random ones a lil explanation will be included. I know on the surface these are kind of lame, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel like you were a part of a cross country road trip. If you just feel like you are watching some random kids in random videos, well I hope you enjoy that too.

**Today's pic is some family pics. After a brief stop at my grandparents on our first night, this was our first stay over at a big family's place. My Lubbock family, who before this I hadn't seen since 2001, welcomed us with open arms. It was a great experience. So while there are no actual road trip, these are some family photos, along with a video showcasing the insaneness of getting a big family together.

My cousin Kayla, who is the closest in age to myself (I am the oldest of all the cousins in our family, and she is one year and one day behind)

And this is me with one(!) of her two kids, which makes it feel kinda weird to be older than her

This is a group pose with my Aunt Kim, cousin Spencer and Uncle Reg

This is me acting like I didn't a thing about video games and getting Spencer to teach me (while Kayla's other kid is trying to get him with a coat hanger). Little did I know that my cousin would embarrass me in video games a few minutes later.

This is Frisco with my family's new dog. Who is playing with a toy more than three times his size.

My cousin Alicia, who freaked me out by growing up so much in the 8 years since I had last seen her, stopped by to say hey, which I thought was real cool

So we did some posing

Then got laughed at for doing some posing

Then we finally got it together and did the Texas Tech salute

***Here is our current route:

And here is the video:

Calibama Road Trip Videos: Part 8 - Two For The Post of One

*The following are videos we took from our road trip back in May. It consisted of traveling from Alabama to California and back, hitting various cities in between. Some of these videos may be "documentary style" and some may be just random videos along the way. Most will not have an explanation because the video should speak for itself, but for the random ones a lil explanation will be included. I know on the surface these are kind of lame, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel like you were a part of a cross country road trip. If you just feel like you are watching some random kids in random videos, well I hope you enjoy that too.




And the result...