janicethemenace

I was flattered to be tagged by Miseryxchord so will attempt to find 8 interesting items about ‘the Menace’ to share.

Thanks to  a journal entry by Panasonicyouth,  and a journal entry by MiseryxChord , I am up at 3am trying to write this... sigh...

 

Here are Mark's rules:

1) Only list 8 facts.
2) You must then list 8 TAGS at the end of the post. This means you must name 8 people on Buzznet who now must do the same blog.
3) Go comment on their profile and tell them to come read yours! I want participation.

With the additional corollary:

Each of you must tag 8 more people and you can't tag someone who has already done one. Make a friend!

I’m starting with Misery’s lead about number 1 fear cause I can’t think of anything else to start with….

1. Swallow Your Fear: I used to be deathly afraid of spiders, even photos, but after being alive for over 50 years I’m officially not afraid of anything.

 

2. “ Janice the Menace” is a nickname acquired in 1973. I was in college and working at a hamburger stand. A little girl in 4^th grade used to come by the burger place everyday and christened me with that name. I didn’t realize for a while that she was a latchkey kid with no key ~ her mom had never given her one and she had no where else to go after school. We were good friends for about 6 months then she and her mom disappeared.

 

3. Stiff Kittens: I also have always had a stray cat, my first lived 20 years ~ 20 crabby, vile years but I loved her anyway. My current furry child was acquired at 1 day old and had to be hand nursed for 2 months. Her name is Miss Murder, she lives only in the house and has no idea she’s a cat.

 

4. Strength Through Wounding: I spent 15 years working as an admin assistant and volunteer program coord. in Hospice. It was work I cherished and it became more crusade than employment. When the program closed in 1999 due to corporate restructuring and a buy-out, I was truly devastated but that was also when my 12 year old son brought home “Black Sails in the Sunset”…. over the next few years the music got me through. I could write pages on what AFI’s music means to me but my current state of addiction is really all the testament needed.

 

5. Why I draw: I also have returned to my art as a result of a challenge from AFI lighting man Alistair. I was trained in art 20 years ago but when both parents died just before graduation, I became devoted to Hospice and followed that career instead. When Alistair called for fan art in spring of 2006 I was inspired to draw my first portrait of Davey and I haven’t stopped since. My love of people drew me to hospice and now by drawing their likenesses I can celebrate each one in a whole new way (and they’re still alive when I get done with this job!)

 

6. What does hardcore music and Boy Scouts have in common? You might think not much but I would disagree! Both are full of dedicated, talented, dynamic young men and they also both have me. I have been an adult leader in scouts for 12 years. My son is an Eagle Scout AND a straightedge, hardcore boy. Some troops are considered hiking troops or camping troops ~ our troop is the garage band troop! I have always loved boys; snot-nosed 6 year olds; rough& rude 9 year olds; mouthy, fart-noise making 13 year olds; and the glorious 16 year olds just coming into their own skin and ready to burst with that “fire inside”! Then I started meeting all the fine young men dedicated to their fierce, ear crunching music and my heart was lost! I had found my next level of boys!

 

7. Boy, Misery hit it right on the nose! I have huge ‘authority” issues too! When that button gets pushed I lose all civility and reason. This may be residual to coming of age in the seventies ~ bucking authority was a given. You might think this would be incompatible with scouting also but the way to avoid being told what to do is to be the one in charge!

 

 

8. The greatest difficulty I grapple with daily is alone-ness though I live in a busy household, bustling community and a metropolitan area of 10 million. It’s not loneliness but the same alone-ness we all suffer from as self aware creatures. I hear this affliction alluded to often in AFI lyrics ~ those boys are so old for their years ~ another way they comfort me.  Inescapably, we are born alone, live alone and die alone ~ and all our life “we’ll be dancing with strangers” …  but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the dance and cherish the strangers.

 

Probably shouldn’t have written this so late at night ~ makes me weird ~ but it’s the only time I have. Not to mention I’ll probably post it wrong ~ if I screw this up Misery, please send advice.

 

And I’m tagging….

 

 

 

Well ~ where to begin! I've waited too long and I'll really need to stir the gray matter to get the details right! You would think the experience of 2 AFI concerts in a week would be burned in my memory but events that momentous are almost overwhelming in intensity. Anyway, to begin at the beginning. Two local shows in one month was pretty exciting especially as the Bren Center was so dear to my heart. This was the magical location of our Very First live AFI show in 2003. Although we had been steeped in their music & lyrics for many years, we had no clue what we were in for seeing them live.  The son was still only 14 so we decided to all attend as a family and see where this music was coming from and make sure he survived the pit. As teens in the 60's, we had cut our teeth on rock ~ pop leaned in the Stones/Animals direction while I was the Cream/Zeppelin/Who variety so we sat in our seats as far from the stage as possible thinking nothing could shake our complacency. Warm-up bands ~ not exciting ~ someone unremembered and Death by Stereo. Vigorous but the usual unimaginative screams and foul language (I have since become something of a DBS fan so don't hold it against me ~ course they've improved in 4 years too!) … Then the AFI boys took the stage …

We were aghast! Our jaws dropped, eyes googled, we watched them~we stared at each other~we watched them some more, the opening chant raised the hairs on my neck and when Davey walked out on the hands of the faithful I was hyperventilating. Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of AFI Live!

 …. Good God was I hooked!

Early in my AFI listening I remember thinking "these guys are hotter than Oingo Bingo and ZZ Top rolled together"… makes me laugh now… not even close!

I have one album each from those 2 bands but I currently am the proud owner of 23 copies of the various issues of Sing the Sorrow alone (not counting vinyl)

… and so the addiction began!

 

Tuesday Sept.12th Irvine CA  "The Interview"

Yes! My son was interviewed! And yes, he made it to the DVD! Sooo stoked! He's the last of the Despair Faction fans before Smith. Got his belly tattoos on there too! Thank You AFI!!

I was so excited for him and all the DF friends with him! There's a sad story to tell also. A few days earlier, as we all waited anxiously in hopes of getting the fateful interview phone call, about 20 mins before they called Jon, I got a phone call!

"Hello, is this Jan Nowinski?"

"Yes"

"Hello… this is Kristin"

 (Gasp ~ heart pitter pats!)

"… from National Geographic" ….

Awwwww shucks!!!

I was still whining about that call when the real Kristin called for Jon 20 mins later! Even ranted on the OMB about it! OMB

The fact that Jon got called saved my sanity!

Anyway show day dawns! RockerMom pal Lorra came out from Texas for both shows and we drove over about 10am to park ourselves in line and chat up our DF friends and make some new ones too! Met Heidi and had an all day chat-fest, Stace joined us, met Sophie and Kenesha, saw Raven and Single Second too! Many of the usual suspects were there ~ Ramon, Deseret and more… only at an AFI show can standing in line be fun too!

 

  

 

Kristin and crew showed up and everyone was a-twitter! As the "responsible adult", I got pegged to watch for the 2 no-shows (can you imagine ~ something awful must have happen to them to keep them away!) Things moved quickly then and soon it was time to go in! The Interviewees got "first ins" and being the dutiful son, Jon even gave me his spot on the rail when I got in later … now that's love, bless'm! It was rough from the start, shoving began with the very first band, but wasn't as stifling as the Fonda had been. We were right in front of Jade for the evening and leaning on the rail helped immensely! The pictures speak for themselves!

 

 

More Bren Pics Here

The culmination of Davey's crowdwalk a few feet from us was so very awesome but the crowd surge had us all at a near 45 degree angle ~ if the guy on the end had given out we would have all gone down like a bunch of dominoes… so, so fun!!! Hehehehe!

 

Friday Sept.15th Long Beach CA  "The Filming"

How could you possibly top the Bren Show? No problem! Time to go to the Long Beach Arena! It was mind-blowing to return to the site of my high school graduation… yes! Long Beach Polytechnic High School used the Long Beach Arena for graduation ceremonies! … even 35 years ago… OMFG did I just admit to that! Jeeebus… I feel old! OK forget I said anything…ahem… so we got there at 10am again… same fun… even more chums! Danni was there ALL NIGHT! Jennifer came down from Bakersfield. Jade came in from San Diego.

 

Stace, of course, was there too and now we're in my home territory… saw at least 10 of my son's friends from school and scouts. Only the best for AFI ~ I know personally of 6 Eagle scouts in attendance! Met new friend-of-a-friend and DF'er Danielle! Of course, Lorra was still with me from Texas but we were also joined by best chum Vickie, Leann (Todd's mom) and Susan (Lindsay's mom) ~ see pic below! Of 10 people, 8 are at least 40 and half again are over 50!).

 

I still can hardly speak of this show ~ I've seen them over 20 times but this night was magical. A sold-out crowd comprised mostly of the "SoCal faithful" and many devoted commuters, the singing was unreal! All Davey had to do was hold up his hands and we did it for him ~ gave me non-stop goosebumps! Can you believe we made it to the rail again! I was so stoked! It was mostly Sue's doing ~ I had waxed eloquent on my crowd experiences and she was determined! Took off like a shot soon as we were in the door and secured as a great spot about 8ft down from Hunter! I kept waiting for the shoving and panting ~ we were braced and ready… Nothing! We were blessedly just out of range of the hardcore mayhem but close enough for some satisfying sweat! Got more good pics and taped the crowdwalk with Miss Murder and the final ovation (unfortunately it's 112 mb but I'll 'yousendit' to anyone who wants a copy). I was as proud and as stoked for the boys of AFI right then as I've ever been for one of my own! So many years of dedication to their art, to each other and to their fans… and we got to give some back to them that night! Incredible!

 

 

More LB Pics Here

Watch the DVD ~ it's all there and then some!!!

We hung around a while after with no luck ~ I was so hoping to add to my 'Adam' signature tattoo ~ it's gonna be a challenge getting the other 3 to sign my arm before they ban me from the pit due to advanced age but I'll go out trying! We continued the party at home with a minor sleepover ~ Jen is a hoot! ~ so all in all it was an amazing week! Thank you boys… Adam, Davey, Jade & Hunter… once again, for keeping that 'fire inside' stoked!

<3Janice the Menace

Oh... those men! What a night!

 

This one's for ~*Silver*~
Current mood: content
Category: Art and Photography

I got a lovely message from ~*Silver*~ today inquiring about art and chatting ~ both of which I love to do! ~*Silver*~ you can friend me if you want to chat ~ would love it! In the meantime, here's the basics I use for portraits as a few budding artists have inquired.

I use Canson paper, charcoal pencils 2B-4B-6B, assorted erasers, stumps even paper towels to smooth things out. I start with a contour sketch then lay in shadows and details slowly layer by layer.

I work large (18x24) so I can get very detailed. I've set-up a little advice photobucket too. The best is working from life as I get to do with Todd but if not make sure the photo you work from is very detailed and a pose you love!

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/Art/Advice/

I don't do portraits for a living (darn it!) actually work in marketing with graphics and websites, but I hope to have time to do more art in the future. Nothing makes me happier than to encourage and assist others in creating their own art so ask away!!!

Take Care ~*Silver*~

<3Menace

Afeemobile 6/25/05
Now this coincidence was almost even too much for me!
Now this sighting was over a year ago but still makes me shake my head in disbelief!!!

Here we are, the Nowinski family plus assorted members of the newly formed "I Am Ghost San Pedro Fan Club" minding our own business, moving slowly down the Pomona Fwy in the Afeemobile... when my son, peering through our tinted windows states "Hey... who's that lady next to us waving the 'horns' at us!?"

I look across Pop out the window to see this hottie in sunglasses in the car next to us waving the horns to us .... when son Jon shouts "Oh My God~ That's no lady... that's Davey!!!"  Well ~ that got our attention!!! I leaned out the window and shouted "Hi Davey!"  (brillant huh?)  

 

I still get a wide, silly grin on my face every time I think of Davey's comment shouted out his car window, "Hi...Hey... Nice car!" pointing at our AFI Wings! As we were both stuck in the same traffic jam, we continued to shout back and forth a bit. Davey asked where we were going and we said the Glasshouse for the I Am Ghost show ~ he replied "Oh me too! I have a friend in that show"
At this point traffic started to move (darn!) so we waved bye and followed a while but tried not to look stalker-ish! In fact, tried so hard we went the wrong way and had to retrace a bit.

 

Then at the Glasshouse, amazing I Am Ghost show by the way, the kids were, of course, on the floor and knew Davey was in back watching. I was inordinately pleased that the kids managed to not molest him too much while he watched the show. If I had known however, I would have been on him like flies on a picnic! At my age I don't miss any chances if I have a choice! So, fortunately for Mr. Havok, I was too mesmerized by the show to turn around and spot himself standing there!  
For months I wondered who in IAG he was coming to see then when looking at old pics taken at show I realized openers were "Take the Crown".... ohhhhhhh... got it! Did not know those boys at the time but months later had been to 3 of their shows so recognized them right away in hindsight! This was later confirmed by a question Davey answered for me on the OMB;  http://board.despairfaction.com/showthread.php?t=56675

Anyway, this bizarre cosmic alignment still kinda freaks me out... but hey I'm not complaining! This one's burned in my memory for eternity ~ or onset of Alzheimers ~ which ever comes first!

With much love, Menace

Sorry for length of this but it was just too much fun!

Just home and recuperating from spectacular AFI tripleheader! House of Blues shows on 8/6 & 7, then Phoenix on 8/8!  We stayed at the Mandalay Bay for better observational opportunities and even kitten came along for the ride!  By the way, her new name is Miss Murder ~ I had to wear black net sleeves all 3 days due to the number of bite marks and scratches but she's still so very cute! Stan & I along with Jon, Kara & kitty hit the road at 9am Sunday.

  

Soon as we arrived txt messages were flying so we could all meet up ~ Lorra from Houston, Jade & Sandy and bosom buddy Vic & her BF Paul. We were all headed to AFI show together!... the spunk contingent! (senior punks)

Best part of evening was getting my camera in past security! Got a few good souvenir pics and a vid of Summer Shudder before being hauled out by security (palmed the memory chip just in case!). Ha! it really freaked out my fellow oldsters who don't do shows often. I was back at the rail singing along in less than 5 mins... so worth it!  Just cost me 2 bucks to get camera out of hock! Show was great as always and was so tickled to bring new folks who had never seen an AFI performance! They are Afi-Virgins no more!

 

Monday night was also wonderful!  Brought another dad who had never seen AFI. His sons are huge fans.. I told him.... Phil...you need to understand who your boys love and why.

We had some lovely sighting of the boys... only one we missed was the lovely Mr. Havok (sigh).

Jade ~ Sunday night at the hotel coffee shop: he was waiting at slots for a table, we said hi & thanks for great shown and he was kind but looked quite tired and was with Marissa so we waved bye. Later as they were called to a table he was circled by 6 young fans who had to have pics & autographs but he accommodated all of them. We ended up seated at table next to him but left him in peace for his meal. Only one other couple stopped him in the middle of his eggs ~ bad form on their part but understandable.

Hunter ~ we rode up to the 22nd flr with Hunter next day. Poor baby! As we all piled in elevator you could tell he was well aware he was trapped with 4 rabid senior fangirls! He practically had beads of sweat on his brow! We, however, were impeccable ladies and said nary a word ~ just enjoyed his company all the way up!... then giggled hysterically soon as he departed!

Adam ~ ran by us near elevators on the way to Monday show, we yelled hi and told him ~break a leg~ he waved and smiled then ducked into snackshop. At this point, I am like 'wait a minute... I've got something to share!'   I followed him in and proudly showed off his signature from Houston now tattooed on my shoulder (see Houston Warped blog). He suspected I was nuts before... now he was sure!  I thanked him for great shows and said he looked tired but knew he was working hard for us fans!  He was kind as always and we bugged off to leave him to his business!

 

Onward to Phoenix!

Tuesday was a hellacious drive ~ lots of construction, heat, Az Hwy Patrol, upset tummies all topped off by downtown Phoenix ~ extra hot, all oneway streets and construction barricades! Miss Murder held up well to all the traveling, used her box properly, ate off a plastic spoon and kept herself well groomed! Jon & Kara were a great help keeping her entertained!

The Dodge Theater was huge! Pit area was huge! ...but didn't seem particularly full! It was only Jon and I so we went for the rail and were only one person back & right in front of Jade. It was wonderful!!! I so missed that amazing adrenaline rush of the pit experience by having seats in Vegas.. just not the same feeling! It was a wonderful way to close out the tripleheader! The boys did a great job with all songs ~ great mix of old and new!!! The only fearful moment was Daveys godwalk.  He was only about 3 ft to our left... he popped over the barrier, the crowd surged up under him, he stretched his legs out and stood up and started to sing....  then started sinking down. He did his planned escape move and fell on his back but was just out of reach though Smith and security were frantically grabbing for him. At this point he was just swallowed up in the crowd...  so scarey!

Smith dove in after him and shortly Davey reappeared pushed out by Smith and friends and handed to security. He made it back to the stage but had lost his suspenders, his shirt was pulled out and ripped under his arm. He still put on a good face and politely asked for Smith to be returned to them and the crowd dutifully spit him forth sans shoes. But really this is getting a little too scary! Daveys crowdwalks are absolutely spiritual nirvana and I would hate to think I would never see that spectacular sight again but I would gladly give it up forever to know he was safe.

Almost forgot a really special moment! As a prelude to Monday's show, the slide show of fan art solicited by AFI's lighting man was presented and the picture that got me started drawing the boys, (first one I had ever done and just for gothlampy's project), made it too the screen! I was so tickled and grateful! Many nice pieces were shown and also some unpolished  offerings but you could still tell they were all done with great love! 

The trip home was uneventful and the return to a mountain of laundry, an empty frig and a 8am due time for work next day was a harsh contrast to high I had been on for 4 days... but hey you can only have so much fun... right ?....................... nahhhhhhhh!

Check out pic links ~ next stop Irvine! (unless I runaway from home to SF! Hehehe!)

Take Care All and prayers for our wandering boys in the land of the rising sun!

Love, Menace

HOB show ~ includes Summer Shudder vid

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/AFIVegas/

Phoenix ~ funky disposable but oh so close...

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/AFIPhoenix/

Family & Friends

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/0 Family/AFI Tripleheader Aug06/

 

I always met to share this story as a fan letter ~ may still ~ but a little girl on myspace (myspace.com/janicethemenace) asked about our pictures with the boys because she wants to meet AFI very much. Just because she was kind enough to ask I took the time to finish writing about our adventures. Unfortunately there's no magic answer to meeting the boys (took me 5 years to meet Adam) ~ we've always run into the boys mostly by accident. We have been devoted AFI fans for about 6 years. We also like a lot of the same bands they do, ( Jpns fav is hardcore, I like the thumpy industrial and pop likes psychobilly) so we go to some of the same shows they go to and have the good fortune to live in LA where lots of opportunities just happen ~ though some of our run-ins seem rather cosmic. I wish I had magic advice to give to help folks connect with them as the boys really are as nice as they seem and lovely to meet ~ persist in your desire to meet them, it's so worth it!

VNV @ the Avalon, New Years Eve 12/31/04~
Were big VNV fans (especially me!) and got tickets for both shows since one was 21. This was the first time I met any member of AFI. It was at this show that I actually had the audacity to poke Davey in the arm and introduce myself as his oldest fan. I had watched him do some fine dancing for about an hour before finally sucking up enough courage to bother him. At my age I've learned the hard lesson that you always regret things you dont do and seldom regret what you do! And VNV Ive had few experiences as moving as hearing the entire audience sing Beloved acapella with Ronan! What a way to start the new year!

 

VNV @ the Fillmore, San Francisco 1/6/05~
Six days later, we were on the road to San Fran and hoping to get across the grapevine through the storms. We left a day early and stayed in the lovely Buttonwillow Wednesday night ~ drove into San Fran Thursday and checked into our hotel about a block from the Fillmore. My son went down to get in line about 4pm and he was so early he got to start the line! We returned to the hotel to get my camera and couldnt find it so the hub went to the car to check for it. When he returned and got in the elevator who should get in with him but Ronan! Of course, if he hadnt gone to the New Years concert ~ he would never have recognized him! He introduced himself, said we were there from LA to see them tonight and had enjoyed their New Years show. He also said how sorry his son would at missing the chance to say hi as he was already in line. Ever gracious, Ronan offered to meet Jon if he would come to the hotel lobby at 6:30 just before he and Mark left for the venue. A cute group of kids from Modesto held our place at the front of the line in exchange for an autograph (we had all our VNV cds with us for driving music and Ronan signed 3 covers for us). We all met and had a lovely visit ~ such nice people ~ just like AFI! After they left, it was time to go stand in line, which we did for the next 2 hours. We were still 1st in line, thanks to our new little Modesto friends, so soon as they opened we headed to the door. At that exact moment, a car pulls up and who should pop out but Mr. Havok AND Mr. Puget!!!! Since my son was bothering Davey for pics, I decided to assault Jade ... it was a pleasure and huge personal thrill to shake his hand! So beautiful in person. The show was spectacular as expected ~ Jon and friends hugged the front rail and got to touch hands with both Ronan & Davey during Beloved ~ I lost 5 pounds in sweat alone dancing! What a night!!!

VNV Formation Tour 5/19/05~
We also went to see VNV at the Avalon in May! It was Girls Night Out ~ Me, Vickie and Leann (and our bodyguard ~ Cale) and guess who shows up again! We were so excited! Davey & Ronan did a lovely duet of Perpetual!

The Next Big Thing!

VNV DJ Set with Ronan next Saturday 7/15/06 at the Cyberball in LA! See VNV site for details! Im so there!!

Finally starting my entries as this was one amazing weekend! Began Friday with AFI show at the Fonda thanks to Lacey, Stacey, Smith & the Five Flowers! The opportunity to be up front was too tempting so Jon and I, and the girls went for the barricade while Leann, Cos & Kristin sat in the balcony. All the Carpe Diem boys were there but only saw them at the end (heck! I didn't see anybody all night but the 10 fans squished around me!). Met the lovely Major Tom next to me ~ so the waiting time passed quickly. Take the Crown and The Dear & Departed did a very nice job of opening the evening to a stiffnecked, diehard AFI audience ~ brave boys and girl!

Of course, when our boys took the stage it was pandemonium ~ and rightly so! It had been so long but all the awe and ferocity came back instantly and struck me anew. Why on earth was I standing in the middle of this heaving mass of insanity ~ all I had to do was look up to know.

Survived the evening only slightly bruised and mussed but so so pumped! Staggered out, soaking wet, ordered my copy of DU, chatted with Nick & Tony then loaded all in AFImobile to head to Tucson!  Enjoy!

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/AFITucson/

 

 

This was our first road trip of the summer, my son and I, and we were feeling fancy free as he just escaped high school. We decided to avoid the more urban signing hoping for a smaller mob. We made the 2 hour drive the day before and found we had lucked out big time as the Econo-lodge I had booked us in was NEXT FUCKING DOOR to the record store! Could hardly sleep from anticipation (and also due to train tracks across the street!). After the 3am train rumbled past, I rolled over to go back to sleep just before hearing cars doors slam in the parking lot! Ahhh the first early arrivals ~ 5 kids in black could only be AFI fans! So at 3:30 am Jon hustled down and staked out our place in line. Soon as the coffee store opened at 5:30, I joined him and about 30 other diehards to begin our wait. First line was to purchase album, the first 500 of which came with a wristband securing the chance to get items signed at AFI's actual appearance that evening. Time dragged but new good friends were made ~ AFI people are always the best!!! Like draws like!!! Finally store opened and goodies were secured. Store clerks said to return in the afternoon but many were unwilling to leave and made a day of it. We hit the local Target and bought a boom box and returned to the record store and our new friends. We proceeded to party all afternoon playing new AFI, old AFI, live and demo AFI ~ played it all and sang along!

Finally, it was time to line up again and wait another 2 hours for The Boys! Excitement made it fly by though and the cheers went up when we spotted Smith, knowing they would not be far behind.

Now at this point I must say that I had hoped at my age I would be less of a dizzy fangirl but alas no I made a giggly idiot of myself yet again when actually confronted by those dear boys! The boys were lined up behind a counter and we were all routed by them. I cant remember if I said anything intelligible, I fear I mostly mumbled and stuttered! Met Adam first, said I was so glad to meet him finally as he was the one Id always missed before. I mistook his outstretched hand as a request for goodies needing to be signed and jammed said cds in his palm then realized he was offering a handshake. I tried to recover gracefully (unsuccessful) and did shake his hand (dear boy!). I had brought 5 or 6 things for signing then realized if 500 fans did that it would equal 3,000 signatures each ( so I reduced to 3) and that after they had been at Tower Records for 3 hours with 1000 fans the night before!!! Such devotion! Said a nice hello to Hunter (I think) then got to Davey and barely remembered to give him the envelope with my fan mail for the band, then said Hi to Jade and thanked him again for humoring me in Tucson. Said bye to all and floated out the door on Cloud 9. As I met my son he looked me over a minute then said...

~aaaa ~ wheres your stuff?

OMG! I had left all my goodies behind!

I trotted back in the door and up to the counter. GAD! there are Davey and Jade each holding some of my forgotten items and looking at each other like What the fuck?! What idiot left all their CDs behind? ~ ehhhhh That idiot would be me...hehe...sorry! They each gave a benevolent smile, humoring the crazy lady (sigh) such an idiot fangirl! Guh!

Now that was waaaaaaaay too long but heres a pic link to make up for it! http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/Ged-San/AFILous Records/

Go ahead Jade... laugh with me not me! Sweet boy!

 

Where to begin? Well the best place to start is to thank my benefactor for asking me along otherwise this magic event would have passed me by! Thanks so much Hon!!

It was an such a pleasure and a privilege to see the boys perform for the MTV cameras and the glitzy audience ~  it was not a pleasure to be at the mercy of the "MTV Nazi-bitch from Hell" (to quote my benefactor). Our audience wrangler left no doubt in our minds that our collective asses were totally in her possession ~ how astute it was of them to place AFI as the grande finale being well aware that the most fanatic, devoted and vocal members of their collective pit audience were the AFI diehards and that we would surely walk as soon as our AFI needs were satisfied. This was a REAL test of fan devotion ..

8 hours on our feet

Rude MTV pit bosses

No water

Jessica Simpson

No restrooms

Truly pitiful video shorts ....yada, yada, yada

....but BOY! Was it all worth it!!!! AFIs performance was glorious! So SO much better in person then after MTV got done processing it (still great but in person was downright spiritual ~ or maybe it was the dehydration setting in?... no definitely spiritual!!) The glitter was fun but I was really worried Davey would choke on it as it was quite thick at times and he was screaming his little heart out. I stuffed some in my bra as a keepsake! Man, did that itch!!! Then Marks stage dive was right over our heads so that was the icing on the cake that turned the evening from a MTV event into a bonafide AFI event! Kudos to all ~ Mark, Ramon, Shane & Andrew!!!

All in all a remarkable night that I'll keep in my treasured memories forever (along with my bag of silver & black confetti!) In photo below, I think I'm just behind Daveys knee ~  ahhh what a night!