19

My dear friend Amanda and I went to see the band Guster about two weeks ago. A former fellow Ogle, she now goes to Emory and it was their Homecoming weekend. Apparently, they have a rocking entertainment board, as there was a very professional looking stage, a very professional sounding band, and free pizza and beer, not to mention the Indigo Girls the next night.

Again, I wish I'd gone to Emory. But we digress.

We met at this kick-ass Starbucks on campus about an hour before show time, to chat and catch up and be general nerdy kids and talk about books, opinions, and current events. There's no one quite like Amanda; with whom else could I talk about Sex and the City in one breath and Obama in the next, all with a healthy dose of Ogle-gossip?

We made our way across campus, almost getting lost since neither of us have ever had any reason to go near the sports center (where Guster decided they wanted to perform); upon making our entrance, THERE WAS NO ONE THERE. Literally, maybe 20 people had shown up to see this awesome band. Naturally, we then smartly made our way to the front of the stage. Now, I've never been on the front row for anything, ever. I was suddenly very glad that I had brought my Nikon, even though it was super heavy and made the strap of my purse cut into my shoulder.

The crowd arrived around the same time the band did. People pressed in from all sides, jumping up and down and singing along and dancing. I was so close I could hear them talking between songs; I could hear their guitar picks hit the strings; I could see their expressions and their eyes.



And it made me think.

I know what it's like up there. I don't think many people in that audience could say that. Most people only know what it's like to stand in the crowd and look up...only a few of us can say that we've been on the stage looking out. I know what it's like to stand behind the microphone and pour your heart into it. I know what it's like in front of those stage lights, all bright and hot; you can only see the first few rows of people. After that, they're all a blur. When you're on, it's one of the best feelings in the world.

Tonight, Ryan and I went to his bandmate Drej's house, where we proceeded to spend two hours in the music room, jamming. I got behind the drums for the first time ever; I was scared at first, and a little intimidated. But by the time we were through, I was feeling good. I love being a musician, I love being able to go into a room and play any of the instruments. I love learning new things. I love being around people who love the same things I do.

It's John Lennon's birthday today, folks. Remember, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." It's the best thing I can tell anyone. Don't waste your life. Appreciate your friends. Do something new. Play some music. Sing some songs.

That's all for this week.