Last night was the finish of the “first leg” of Warped Tour. We’ve decided it has 6 legs. (10 days each) Like an insect. It was the first time all 17 of us sat down together, shared a meal, chatted, and had a good time together. We went over everything we’ve been doing, what else needs to be done, etc... Then our van proceeded to sleep in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Haha. When I went in at 2 in the morning to use the bathroom there were families with young children coming out from doing their shopping. I was a little confused. Then there were people in their cars watching me walk back to the van. That was fun. It was a completely dangerous and not so smart situation but for some reason I was okay with it. Mostly because there was an RV next to us but also because I’m with 5 other people who are in it with me. Woke us this morning just fine, had a pseudo shower in a bathroom stall consisting of baby wipes, got into some clean clothes and proceeded to our 14 hour drive from Dallas, Texas to Indianapolis, Indiana. We stopped at a Truckstop just over the Arkansas border and I had never experienced anything like it in my life. It’s the first time I really heard the southern drawl. (side note, we’re currently driving through Hope, the birthplace of President Bill Clinton) Anyways, the things they had for sale at the truck stop were completely ridiculous. Everything having to do with hunting and the confederate flag. Picked up some postcards that some of you might be receiving if I can figure out a way to send them out.
Tour’s been going well so far. Not gonna lie, there’s been points where I’ve wanted to come home but I’m pushing through. I can’t decide yet if the good times are equal to the not so good times but they’re making up for it so far. I really believe in the band that I’m traveling with and starting tomorrow I’m kind of taking over the position as their ass kicker on this tour so it should be interesting. I’m starting to get more responsibilites because I’m the only staff who’s here for the whole tour. So I’m taking over what everyone else is doing that needs to be done on a regular basis. I think having more responsibilities and being more organized will make everything a little easier actually. I’m starting to fit into a role and it’s getting better. The worst parts of the tour really are the heat, lack of sleep, lack of food, and just all around drama. But the best parts are waking up in a new place everyday, seeing different parts of the country, seeing the different kinds of people all over the country, and getting to see bands everyday that I love. And just being a part of this is amazing. Traveling in a van with these boys can be good and bad. haha. The other girl I’m traveling with is leaving tonight and that leaves me as the only girl in the van for now. Don’t worry mom, I’m a professional. Haha. All the guys I’m with are great.
Currently I’m listening to the new All Time Low album. Doesn’t come out until tomorrow but I’m awesome. I’ve seen the Gallows everyday but one because they went on before I checked the schedule. But don’t worry, I learned from my mistake. I watch Thrice when I can and they’re having some awesome sets. Chiodos just joined the tour so I’m checking them out. I think they’re a band you need to see in a small setting though. I will have a conversation with Craig Owens by the end of this though. Haha. I hear Underoath almost every day. One of my favorite parts of all of this is seeing the different crowds for all the bands in each city. I’ve always wondered what the crowds were like for different bands in different places because I’ve only ever seen them in California. And now I get to see that. It really is cool.
I can’t decide yet how to part out the tour so that it goes faster. Whether this whole 6 legs thing will work well, or if I should judge it by days off, etc... Not that I want it to end, but it is greuling. I’m excited for what’s to come. There’s gonna be good days and bad days but it’s gonna be fun. The worst parts of the country should be over...although we still have to go through Florida at the end of this month... Phoenix was nothing compared to the humidity we’ve been through so far. And Florida will be way worse. The band I’m with is from Florida though so it should be cool.
Anyways... Long updates won’t happen often so enjoy. No time!
