Two Weeks 'Til Party Time

I can't believe summer is almost over.  Damn near feels like I haven't even had one, between the issues we had opening the pool, working what feels like 24/7, and more uncooperative weather than I've seen in years.  At least I've got one more month to salvage what's left of my favorite season.
August will be kicked off with my 30th birthday party - an Italian style cook out with 50 or so of my closest friends, live music, pool volleyball, and most likely late night skinny dipping for those that are brave enough to shed their bathing suits when the sun goes down.
I haven't hosted a party of this magnitude in years.  I'm freaking out just a bit.  Do I make 50 meatballs?  Or 100?  Two trays of sausage and peppers?  My neighbor is going to slow roast a pork shoulder for me as well.  Shit, how many dozens of Serpe's rolls will I need?  Is 30 too old to still have a birthday cake with a photo of 311 and I on it?  (According to my brother, yes.  I beg to differ.)  At least the week before the party I will be home from work by 4 or 5.  No more of this 9:30 shit.  I'll be able to do all of the grocery shopping, cooking and other prep without taking time off.

While most of my friends were/are not too happy about turning 30 this year, I decided to embrace it.  I'm sure there is a small part of me that feels the way they do, but I'm doing my best to ignore it.  It's one of the reasons I decided to have a huge party - to celebrate the end of my third decade and the beginning of a new one.  I've done most of the things on my Dirty Thirty Bucket List - I cruised with 311, I improved my health and self-image, I quit one job and tried another career path.  I like what Tyler responded with when I told him I had made the decision that pharmaceuticals were not for me and I was going back to photography - "You did what you had to do, you tested the waters and learned it wasn't right for you.  You have to do what makes you happy.  It's all about balancing work, life, and the pursuit of happiness."  Ty is one of my dearest friends, and his support of my decision means a lot to me.
So the fact that I can say I've come a long way this past year is a big deal to me.  What better way to celebrate than at home, in my backyard, with people I love, good food, good drinks and good music?

Holy Shit We're In the Second Row

My second 311 show of the summer was at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, about two hours from my house and 45 minutes from one of my best friends who lives in Clifton.  Since VIP packages were not offered for the Philly show, I went scored them for this one and paid out my ass for Platinum VIP tickets for her and I.  Included was a meet & greet, pictures, front row seating and merchandise.
It was the day before my 29th birthday, so I considered this show a continuation of my birthday celebrations.

Jenny and I in the parking lot.

I got to Jenny's early in the afternoon and we headed down to the pavilion to get in some tailgating before the show.  (I was surprised to learn that Jenny really isn't into tailgating, but the both of us had a lot on our minds at the time so it wasn't a big deal.)  It was also one of the hottest days of the year, and I was so paranoid about giving sweaty hugs to all of the band members.

I kept getting more and more nervous as it came time for us to meet the band.  This was the first time I was coming face to face with the people who create the music that has been the soundtrack to my life for over ten years.  I was afraid I would start gushing and not be able to control it, I was afraid of making a fool of myself, even a little concerned that I might throw up.

"Holy shit I can't believe we're about to meet this band!"
"I know, right?"
"I think I'm going to puke."
Jenny looks at me incredulously.
"No, you're not.  But there is a trash can over there."

Tim Mahoney signing Jenny's poster.

The entire time we're in line I'm reminding myself to breathe.  And I'm sweating.  Like a whore in church.  We're all sweating.  I could feel it dripping down my back and between my boobs.  Nice, I'm going to meet 311 and drops of my sweat will be smearing the sharpie ink as they sign my poster.

I had managed to collect myself enough to not act like a fool once I got up to the table.  Surprisingly, it didn't all pass by in one big blur.  I walked up to the table, put my poster down, and just grinned at Tim Mahoney.  He grinned back, but I couldn't find my voice.  How do you tell someone who has no idea you even exist that you adore them without sounding like a weirdo?  Luckily he broke the silence that was about to become awkward.
"Hey!  I'm Tim!"
He holds out his hand and I take it, shaking hands with my second rock legend in less than a week.
"I...I know who you are!  I...I'm Dana!"
As he signed my poster, I thanked him for all he does as a musician and that the band's music has been such a huge part of my life.  He looked up and saw how overcome with emotion I was, then promptly stood up and gave me a huge hug.

Nick, Chad, SA and Pnut.

Nick Hexum was sitting next to Tim, and I told him the same thing, that I can't believe I got the opportunity to stand there and tell the band I love how much their music means to me.
"You guys are what make it possible for us."
Chad Sexton was sitting next to Nick, and I went through the same spiel, thanking him for doing what he does, and grinning like a fool while he signed my poster.
"Your friend said you're going to throw up.  Please don't."
"I think I'll be okay, I've made it this far."
"Ok, good."
By the time I got to SA I was on the verge of squealing like a fangirl.  My face hurt from grinning so much.  I did manage to tell him that my brother and I see them in Philly every summer to celebrate our birthdays.
"That's so cool, when is your birthday?"
"It's...um...Oh my God!  It's tomorrow!"
Yes, I had actually forgotten that my birthday was the next day.  The guys all wished me a happy birthday and SA wrote it on my poster.
I turned to Pnut and he gave me a big, goofy grin.  We shook hands and as he added his signature to my poster I gushed on, again, thanking him for all the band does, the music, the shows, the all-around positivity that they promote.  That's when I started getting emotional and could feel tears welling up in my eyes.  I actually just stopped talking mid sentence, Pnut abruptly stood up and gave me a huge hug.

We then took our places in line again to have our pictures taken with the band.  Since Jenny and I were the second to last for the signing, we were second in line for pictures.  Much to my delight, Tim latched onto me as soon as we walked over.  (I have a special place in my heart for that man.)

Nick, Jenny, Chad, SA, me, Pnut and Tim.

What I call the blooper photo.

As you can tell, I was in Heaven.  I mean, all you can see is my teeth.  It was by far one of the best nights of my life.

Hey! What's going on?

Still coming down from an amazing weekend in Dewey Beach, Delaware.  Luckily I did not get arrested.

Gearing up to see 311 at the Festival Pier on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia on Friday with my brother and *hopefully* a special friend of mine.

Baby shower on Saturday, but the Pack 'n Play that my girl friend & I were supposed to buy already got scooped up, so I need to get the creative juices flowing.  I hate sticking to registries.

Next Thursday is 311 in Holmdel, NJ, and my chance to finally meet this band.

Friday is my 29th birthday, and it's looking like no one is going to be in town.

So that's what's going on, trying to keep busy and working long days at the same time.  It's good for me because the department I'm involved in at the moment is moving forward and I'm blessed to be a part of it, not only because it shows the faith my company has in me, but it's rekindling my passion for photography.