Attention Robot Skeleton Army!

I woke up to...rain! It started raining last night and it was still there in the morning. Thankfully, by the time I drove to downtown Los Angeles, it had stopped and the sun was peeking through the clouds. I checked out the historic Angels Flight Railway, touted as The World's Shortest Railway. At 25 cents a ride, the price was right! I rode it up...then down. Next, I went to Hollywood to visit the Museum Of Death. It's a museum that simply deals with death in our society, which is a topic that most people tend to avoid...until they're forced to face it personally. The exhibits tended to be pretty graphic, especially when dealing with criminal cases, but I found them informative. This museum is definitely not for everyone, but give it a try if you find you have a morbid fascination with death...or just want to learn something different!

My big event of the day was attending a taping of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. After a tasty corned beef and cabbage lunch at the Los Angeles Farmer's Market, I drove to CBS Television City. I parked in their visitor's lot, then joined the line of people waiting to get in. While I was waiting, I bonded with a vacationing couple from Calgary, Alberta. When I told them I lived in Bellingham, WA, they both knew where it was, having lived north of the border in Vancouver, BC.

When zero hour came, our tickets...previously obtained via the internet...were collected, and everyone went through metal detectors and bag checks. Next, we proceeded into the building and up to the studio. Initially, I was seated in the last row...and right behind a lady with a big head. But, after they placed other audience members in some unfilled VIP seats up front...me and two guys got moved to 4th row center! A much better view of the stage! We were soon entertained by the warm-up comedian, who went by the name Chucky B. He was hilarious, and was later really good at encouraging everyone on when and how to cheer Craig on.

Finally...SHOW TIME! Craig came out and did a musical number with some backup musicians...well, they were pretending anyway! I would have to say, Craig sings pretty good, even though it was a satiric tune! This was a really big show because Craig's robot sidekick made his debut. Named Geoff Peterson...for seemingly no particular reason...the robot was built by Mythbusters member Grant Imahara and was inspired by Craig's Twitter followers, known as the Robot Skeleton Army. You can read about the construction of Geoff here. Craig included Geoff throughout the show, even when interviewing guests Kristin Bell and Grant. The robot was limited to only 8 canned phrases, but Craig utilized them to great comic effect. In all, it was yet another fun-filled experience, and one I would definitely do again! If you ever find yourself wanting some FREE entertainment, why not give Craig's show a whirl! Oh, and you can always watch him on TV, too...CBS-TV, right after David Letterman!

Easter Sunday drivers

Traffic was light as I left West Sacramento on this Easter Sunday. Looking to avoid the somewhat depressing monotony of Interstate 5, I decided to travel south to Los Angeles via Hwy 99. Unlike the interstate, this road passes through a number of small cities, which in itself makes for a more challenging drive. I've often compared driving the freeways of California to playing an arcade video game. You're going fast, maneuvering around slower traffic and constantly seeking out an open lane in front of you while jockeying for position with your worthy adversaries...in this case, the other drivers. Not only do I enjoy this in a strange sort of way, it helps to keep my mind and body occupied. Ideally, everyone should be driving defensively, but they don't...those are the cars you usually end up passing. One irritating trend I noticed today was the stubborn, discourteous driver. Those are the ones that plant themselves in the faster lanes...and drive slower than everyone trying to get around them! They act seemingly oblivious to the line of cars behind them, and don't even bother to pull over into the slow lane. Why do they do this? And, I saw this A LOT today! Is this a territorial thing, or something they teach in California driver's education?

Being the Easter holiday, I quickly realized my lunch plan was not to be realized. I stopped in Merced, hoping for an In N Out Burger. Closed! I didn't feel like Taco Bell...the drive-through was open...or Kentucky Fried Chicken. So, I just ate the other half of the Subway sandwich I bought for lunch yesterday. As I got back on the freeway, my GPS temporarily went out of its mind...or maybe it was just the voice persona having a brain fart. While I was ON THE FREEWAY, it started instructing me to make turns on a city street! That's the 3rd time on this road trip that the GPS did crazy things! It's enough to make you swear. But, who would I be cursing out...the GPS itself or the voice inside? Oh, in case you were wondering, her name is Mandy. Hmm...it might be time to give Mandy a break and pick out a new GPS helper?

On the road...to rest

For the past couple days, I have been so caught up with doing my groupie thing and blogging into the wee hours of the morning, my sleep has suffered. I think I've only gotten 8 hours total. To make matters worse, I had a LONG 9-hour drive from Portland to Sacramento today. Why aren't I in San Francisco for tonight's Five For Fighting show, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. I got to sleep around 3:00 am this morning, and got up at 7:00. It would have taken me 10 HOURS to drive to San Francisco! That's not counting rest stops, lunch and a gas fill up. Yeah, I could have made the show. But, what condition would I have been physically? And, I certainly wouldn't have been at the venue early enough for get my primo spot at the stage. So, I weighed the benefits and opted out. I figured, I'm going to 5 shows anyway...6, if you count Pet-a-Palooza, too. So, I could afford to skip a show. Besides, John needs a break from me anyway, right?

My drive today was fairly routine and uneventful. Oh, unless you want to count my GPS letting me down in Medford, OR! After filling my gas tank, I wanted to return to the freeway. I followed my GPS instructions, and it directed me to...a freeway onramp that DIDN'T EXIST! It took me to the freeway, but there was NO RAMP! I had never had THAT happen before! Ultimately, I just retraced my route backwards from the gas station...I didn't need my GPS to help me do that!

Tomorrow, I travel to Los Angeles and The Wiltern show on Tuesday. I'll be doing tourist stuff the day before...I'll be blogging about that later. Today, I saw more sun than I have in who knows how long. Such is the life of a Pacific Northwest dweller...lots of cloudy days! I'll be looking forward to more sunny days on the rest of my road trip!

Right place, right time...and a little luck!

I woke up this morning a bit bleary eyed. I didn't get bed till 2:00 am, and had problems falling asleep. Too wound up from yesterday's excitement, I guess! As I left the Best Western Loyal Inn...there, I revealed the hotel with the stuffy front counter guy...it was raining. It continued all the way down to Portland, with wind added to the mixture. I swung by the Crystal Ballroom...the venue for the night's Five For Fighting concert...at around 12:30 pm, but the bus wasn't there yet. I hung around for about an hour, then decided to check into my hotel.

My accommodations in Portland were a lot nicer than usual, at least for someone as thrifty as myself. I usually stay at the two star hotels, like Days Inn, Econolodge, and the before-mentioned Best Western. Since I wanted to be as close to the venue as possible this time around, I looked over the AAA offerings...and went with the Marriott! Now, you would think a place like this would be expensive, it usually is. But, as a AAA member, it was downright reasonable, albeit about $20-30 more than my usual type of hotel. As soon as I approached the front door, I knew things were going to be different! There were door guys, and valet parking. The front counter gal was VERY pleasant, and immediately checked me in, even though it was only 1:30 pm! I unloaded my bags from the Blazer, and the bell hop/door guy accompanied me up to my room. I admitted to him that I was a newbie when it came to the Marriott, so he showed me the room's amenities. As he left, yes, I tipped him!

After grabbing a quick bite to eat, and freshening up, I made the 10 minute walk to the Crystal Ballroom. At 4:30 pm, no one was waiting in line yet...and the tour bus was parked out in front. But, shortly after I arrived, a couple showed up, and said they were there for the radio station K103 soundcheck meet and greet with Five For Fighting. Now, I had entered the drawing for this, and had high hopes, but I didn’t win. As we waited and talked, Greg Suran got off the bus, and I asked him if he tried my cookies. He said he had, and they were good…he specifically mentioned eating a peanut butter one! A little later, Joe Karns walked up, and I asked him the same question. He also said he enjoyed the cookies, and I thanked him for the compliment!

After a little while, the guy working at the venue told everyone that they would be going in about 5:00 pm. I told him I was just waiting to be first in line for the concert itself. He then told me I could go in with them! I wasn't sure this was right, but he assured me it was okay. At that moment, I thought fortune was smiling on me! Shortly after that, John Ondrasik got off the bus, and made his way toward the entrance. As John walked by, he spotted me, and I told him I got invited to the party. He looked a little surprised, but said that was nice.

When the radio station people arrived, I got the bad news. They had a list, and the venue guy was mistaken about allowing me in! Oh, well. The radio guy started reading off names, and several people did not answer. One of the winners thought that maybe I could go in after all! I didn’t think so. Suddenly, a family who won a different contest…that included meet and greet AND show tickets…said that they were allowed 5 people in their party. Not only did they only have 3…they invited me to join them! How cool was that? I thanked them for their generosity, and rejoined the group. Talk about luck! It was almost too good to be true! But, we all went in, and I soon found myself upstairs, where John and the band were already doing musical exercises with their instruments. John asked everyone what they wanted to hear. Someone suggested The Taste, but John had to decline that one. He did agree on the next request, Angels and Girlfriends, followed by Superman. Then, John and the band did the customary meet and greet thing...photos and autographs.

As all this was going on, I hung back and let everyone enjoy the moment. After all, I had already done it all the previous night. I ended up talking to opening act Matt Wertz's drummer, John. He appreciated my compliments on their music. When I finally got a chance, I asked John if he had tried my cookies. He replied with some resignation that he was on a "tour diet," which accounted for his slim physique! I told him that he was too thin, which he thanked me! I also got to talk to Randy Cooke a little more. I asked him what his cat's name was...Mac. I also asked who was taking care of him while he was on tour. Randy said that his next door neighbors were tending to Mac. I love people who are cat lovers! In all, it was fun being at a soundcheck. I wouldn't mind doing it again, though!

As I exited the building, I once again took up my position as first-in-line. Soon, a couple showed up to join me. Turns out they were at last November's show at The Aladdin...closer to the front of the line then me for that one! We had a nice conversation talking about John and his music...they were pretty knowledgable! Several more people joined us, waiting in the chilly wind for the doors to open. Suddenly, the same door guy I talked to earlier told everyone we could wait in the cafe inside, to get away from the weather! How nice! But, it turned out to be not the best deal for me and the couple...at least at first. Without us knowing it, when it got close 7:00 pm...the official opening time...people who were waiting in the bar started lining up at the staircase to the ballroom! We were now no longer first. In fact, there were about a dozen folks ahead of us! I could see the quest for a front and center spot at the stage going down the drain! When the time came, I went up the stairs with a mission...run if I had to! Turns out it wasn't necessary. Most of the people in front of us ended up going for the balcony seats! I had my perfect spot after all! Whew! Strangely enough, I was joined by 4 other people who I had met at the November show...a lady and her daughter, and a guy with his young daughter! One would say small world, but I would reply...fellow Five For Fighting fanatics! I was now in good company!

Because the ballroom was a bigger venue than the Seattle club show, Matt's music didn't seem quite so loud. But, it was still great! And, the same could be said of John and the band. The night's set list was as follows:

World
Chances
The Riddle
Devil In The Wishing Well
65 Mustang
Easy Tonight
NYC Weather Report
Superman
Two Frogs
Freedom Never Cries (solo)
If God Made You (solo)
Augie Nieto (w/Greg on acoustic)
Disneyland
Slice
100 Years

Encore: Bella's Birthday Cake, I Just Love You, Hope

I need to make special note of lighting director Don Weeks' fine work. The lights were just awesome...they made for some pretty sweet pics! One thing I forgot to mention in the last blog. At one point in the show, John complimented the parents who brought their kids to see him. Then, John focused on one small boy...a 7-year-old named Tyler. He didn't have the greatest view of John because of the huge piano on the small stage. John thought that he should have a better seat...so he invited him on stage to sit with him at the piano! John then proceeded to perform Superman, with the thrilled child next to him! Well, John did the same thing tonight, with a 12-year-old girl named Abbie. John never ceases to amaze people with his kindness and thoughtfulness!

After the show, John and the band made themselves available for autographs and photos. While I waited to talk to John, I perused the merchandise table. Hey, new stuff! I ended up buying a hooded sweatshirt and a T-shirt. I can never have too much when it comes to Five For Fighting apparel! When the line finally petered out, and John and the band started to leave, I wished them all a Happy Easter and told them I would see them at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. Randy wanted a good bye hug, which I was only to happy to give him!

So, that concluded another event-filled day for this Five For Fighting groupie. While John does another show in San Francisco tomorrow night, I'll be making the long drive to Sacramento, followed by another half day of driving to L.A. In reality, it will be a few days of rest for me. Right now, it's 1:30 am, and I still have my personal journal to finish before hitting the sack. Sweet dreams await!

Magic in Seattle

Just got back from the Five For Fighting show at Neumos. Like usual, John and the band were just awesome. But, the day didn't start out that great. When I left home to start on my groupie road trip, it was raining lightly on and off...not good! I didn't envision myself waiting outside of Neumos and getting wet! It cleared as I reached Seattle. But, before starting my vigil at the venue, I decided to grab an early lunch since I had no breakfast. I stopped by a local Seattle institution, Dick's Drive In. Cheap and quick, but it certainly doesn't compare to In N Out Burger!

Afterwards, I parked my car just down the street from Neumos...and waited for the tour bus to arrive. But, just as it did, a dark cloud passed overhead and the skies opened up. The timing couldn't have been worse, as the crew had to unload the trailer. And, about the time they got done, it stopped raining. A portent of things to come? I hoped not! I soon found out that John and the band were not on the bus. I seemed they were already relaxing at their hotel. Since there was no sense hanging around, I made my way to my accommodations. Turns out I had a heck of a time getting a room. It was about 1:30 pm, which was not an unusual time for me to be checking into a hotel. They usually have no problem finding a room for me...one hotel checked me in at 11:00 am! Well, things were different at this one, which will remain unnamed...for now. As soon as I told the desk guy that I had a reservation for the night, he immediately stated that check-in time was 4:00 pm. Talk about a lack of optimism! I tried explaining to him that I almost always checked in earlier than the official time...I actually did a couple years ago at that very hotel! But, no, he stubbornly insisted that it was not possible. Exasperated, I finally asked him what was the earliest I could POSSIBLY get a room before 4:00 pm. At this point, I think he began to sense my frustration...and maybe losing a future customer. He checked the progress of the housekeeping, looked in their system...and low and behold, there was a room for me. Satisfied, I can say now that there is no hard feelings...but, I might mention my experience in a future AAA review!

After freshening up, I called my friends who were to meet me at Neumos...they were well on their way. With everything now going smoothly, I returned to the club. I got there about 4:15 pm, with the intent of being first in line to get the primo spot at the stage. I know, it's early, but what can I say? I'm a groupie! Of course, there was no one else there yet, and there wouldn't be for another 2 hours! My friends arrived before everyone else, too, and having someone to talk to made the time go by faster. Around 5:00 pm, a car showed up carrying bass player Joe Karns and guitarist Greg Suran. Joe quickly went inside the building, and I greeted Greg...he remembered me from the last acoustic tour. Now, where was John and drummer Randy Cooke? I later found out when I heard John's voice and the band doing their soundchecks inside the club. Huh? How did John get in without me seeing him? Oh, well. I should be able to see him after the concert, like he has been doing for the duration of the tour so far. Not long after that, Randy came out of the building. He made eye contact with me, and I called out to him. But, I almost didn't need to...it seemed like he recognized me, even though our only previous correspondence was by email. Maybe he's seen some pictures of me somewhere? I introduced myself, and Randy cheerfully shook my hand.

At this point, I mentioned something that I had asked him about a week ago. Wanting to give a special treat for him and the whole Five For Fighting crew, I suggested baking them cookies. Randy was agreeable to that, so I spent all afternoon yesterday baking chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, and brownies. I told Randy that I had the cookies, and I was hoping to get them on the bus for everyone to enjoy later on. He suggested checking back after the concert. Then, a surprise. John suddenly showed up from seemingly nowhere. He saw me and I greeted him. Before he got in the bus, I handed him a gift I was hoping to give to him. Inside a plastic bag was a T-shirt, one I thought would be a perfect gift for John. It was grey, with the image of a hockey stick and puck, and included the word "Superman" and the Superman logo gracing the puck. John accepted the offering, and entered the bus. I planned to ask him later about the shirt when I saw him again.

At 7:00 pm, the box office opened, and I got a ticket to the night's concert via guest list. Because John canceled his Seattle show last November, those who hung onto their tickets were put on a special list for admission to the spring show. When my friends and I entered the music hall, we made a beeline for the spot right next to the piano...and in front of the microphone where John would do his guitar thing. The crowd initially seemed a bit sparse, but that wasn't too surprising. People often show up later because they aren't that keen on opening acts. In this case, Matt Wertz was entertaining and played well...but, was a bit loud for my taste. Normally, I wouldn't show up at a Five For Fighting concert wearing ear protection...John just isn't THAT loud! But, Matt's electric guitar work had my ears crying for help. Of course, it might have just been the venue. Neumos is a VERY small club, with a small stage, and the loud tunes really have nowhere to go. Nevertheless, I'll be going to the next 4 shows with ear protection on hand for Matt...just in case.

As the crew set up for Five For Fighting, the crowd got bigger and moved closer to the stage. They were there for the REAL show! Then, John and the band came out, and immediately started into their set. Here is the setlist for the night:

World
Chances
The Riddle
Devil In The Wishing Well
65 Mustang
Easy Tonight
NYC Weather Report
Superman
Two Frogs
Freedom Never Cries (solo)
If God Made You (solo)
Augie Nieto (w/Greg on acoustic)
Slice
100 Years

Encore: Bella's Birthday Cake, Disneyland, Hope

John sounded great with his voice at full strength, unlike last November when illness affected his singing. And, the boys in the band were equally terrific! Nothing beats John performing his songs live. After the show, John and the guys made themselves available for autographs and photos. My ex-military friend Gerry brought a CD for John to sign. I mentioned to John that Gerry was a vet, and John made sure he got the latest CD For The Troops that they had available for military folks like him. After John signed Gerry's CD, I took their pic. John asked me if I wanted a photo, too, but I told him I would wait for everyone else to have their turn. After waiting at the back of the line, it was my turn, I asked everyone to sign a copy of the set list, which I managed to grab from the stage after the show was over. My other friend Andrew then took my pic with Greg, Randy and Joe. Then, I asked John to sign his Slice CD for friends taking care of my cat Kimi while I'm on my road trip. Randy overhead me talking about my cat, and I asked HIM who was taking care of HIS cat while he was away. Randy, being the funny guy said that he just put out a great big bowl of food for his cat! Too bad I didn't think to ask him about the litter box! I asked Andrew to get a pic of me and John together, and John suggested the whole band. I really couldn't turn down that suggestion, so I got the group shot. I then insisted on another photo with just me and John, for which John kindly obliged. Before leaving, I asked Randy and Greg about getting my cookies on the bus. They told me to just ask one of the crew guys to take it on board. I wasn't sure if they would trust me with such a request, but Randy and Greg assured me that it would be OK. Sure enough, after retrieving the 3 big containers of cookies from my car, I asked Don, the lighting guy...who I spotting walking toward the bus...if he could take the cookies. And, he did! Now, I just hope everyone likes them...it was sheer aggravation making those Toll House cookies! Oh, I almost forgot! As John was signing my stuff, he thanked me for the T-shirt...he thought it was pretty cool! So, now, will I ever see him wearing my shirt? As the song goes...you gotta have hope!

And, so it begins

This is it! Tomorrow, I start out on my Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip 3! First stop... Neumos in Seattle! I'll be doing my usual groupie thing. You'll get the details of my day after the show. And, I'll be doing this after every Five For Fighting show I'll be attending. For the record, I'll be following the tour from Seattle to Ivins, UT, minus San Francisco. I'll also see John Ondrasik at Pet-a-Palooza in Las Vegas on April 10. So, that will officially be 6 shows in 10 days.

My groupie mobile is packed, and I'm in the process of prepping my all-important laptop computer for the trip. Last night, I punched my road trip itinerary into my Tom Tom GPS. It will make things SO MUCH easier for me! I love how it talks to me, and I can never get lost!

Will I be able to even sleep tonight? At this point, excitement seems like an understatement! Stay tuned!

Oh, happy day!!!

I spent yesterday and today preparing my beloved groupie mobile for the big road trip. Wash, wax and detail. I always do this when I'm following the Five For Fighting tour. After all, you never know when John Ondrasik might be within eyeshot of my ride. And, if I'm lucky, I get a photo of him with it (see "John, you're the greatest!" blog). Maybe someday I'll actually get him INSIDE! I'm also quite proud of my Blazer. It's in excellent condition for a vehicle I've had over 10 years, even with 161,000 plus miles on the odometer!

In my last blog post, I lamented the fact that I lost access to my website builder. Everyday since then, I continued to log onto my web host site, hoping beyond hope that the situation would resolve itself. I had a small bit of optimism because the site builder icon was still present in my access panel. Then, when I checked again tonight...low and behold, I was able to get into my site builder! Needless to say, I scrambled to update my fan site, which really didn't take long because there wasn't a whole lot to update. So, I feel a LOT better now. It was really bugging me that my site was frozen in time. Eight more days to Five For Fighting's Seattle show...and the start of my road trip!

Five For Fighting Fan Central in limbo land

I didn't need this...not now! If you were wondering why my Five For Fighting Fan Central website hasn't been updated lately, here's the reason why. Earlier this week, I found out that I couldn't access my website site builder. You know, the software I used to build my website. It's one of the features that my web host supplied that I decided to use to construct my website. It was simple enough for a novice like me, so I went with it. Everything was hunky dory until my web host decided to upgrade their password system. Turns out the site builder that was so easy to use is now considered a "security threat" because its password system is incompatible...or something like that. In other words...I can't use it now! Which means, I can't access my website to make updates and changes! Talk about frustrated!

So, what does this mean? I need to find another site builder and basically create my site all over again. Well, maybe not all over again. I'm going to try...emphasis on TRY...to recreate what is currently frozen in stasis. The web host tech that I spoke to recommended a web design software that looks promising. I have some time to work on things before my big road trip. But, if it appears too daunting a task to finish quickly, you won't see the results until after I get back from my trip and have a chance to work on it some more.

In the meantime, all is not lost. You will still be able to visit my current website...it's not going anywhere until I get the new site up and running. As for new information on John Ondrasik and Five For Fighting, I'll be posting things on my Five For Fighting Fan Central MySpace page and Twitter. And, of course, at this blog! You'll be able to catch every exciting day of my upcoming groupie road trip...that will be starting April 1st! Mark your calendar!

What better way to spend Oscar Sunday?

Some people might say Five For Fighting has the misfortune of doing a show on the same day as the Academy Awards telecast. If I had a choice, there would be no question...Five For Fighting all the way! And, I applaud everyone making that choice tonight...you can't go wrong seeing John Ondrasik and the band rock the house! Really, what is more exciting? Watching the Oscars on TV, or seeing Five For Fighting live in concert?

I've been noticing a lot of folks looking for the Slice Tour set list. Well, thanks to Five For Fighting drummer Randy Cooke, here is the set list for tonight's show in Westbury, NY. It should be good for the other shows, too...just keep in mind there might be a different song or two depending on the venue.

World
Chances
Bella's Birthday Cake
The Riddle
65 Mustang
Easy Tonight
NYC Weather Report
Superman
Two Frogs
Freedom Never Cries
If God Made You
Augie Nieto
Slice
100 Years
Disneyland
I Just Love You
Hope

A big THANK YOU to Randy for sending me the set list! As for everyone experiencing the magic that is Five For Fighting on this tour...you have great music taste! Thanks for supporting John!

The Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip 3

Yes, it time again! Time for me to make my faithful pilgrimage from state to state, following the only artist who could inspire such adoration. Once again, it's time for...The Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip! This is the third time around for me. The first was back in April 2007...5 shows in 7 days. It was tiring but fun! I reprised following John Ondrasik last November...only 3 shows this time around. There was supposed to be a 4th, but John had to cancel due to laryngitis.

Knowing John would be touring again early this year, I saved up a lot of vacation time. Even though I had to decide what time period I wanted off for 2010 last December, fate was on my side. The Slice Tour coincided with my reserved leave perfectly. I waited as the tour schedule manifested itself and when it was finalized, I immediately saw its potential and made my plans. Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ivins, UT. San Francisco is right after the Portland show, but it would mean a 10-hour drive. It's possible, but it would also mean a pretty exhausting day...I decided to pass. Besides, 5 shows is plenty...more than most people. Or, everyone, most likely. ARE there any other Five For Fighting fanatics out there? I would sure like to know!

I didn't have any problems getting tickets for all the shows I plan to attend. Well, almost. Seattle was already set...my ticket for last November's canceled show is still good. Everything else went according to plan...except for the Ivins show. Tickets on sale Friday turned out to be the day before...unannounced and unexpected. I probably lost out on front row because of it...which REALLY ticked me off...but 2nd row center is still okay. Just as long as a tall person doesn't sit in front of me! So, this time around, 5 shows in 9 days...awesome!

Like my previous road trips, I plan things to death. I actually find pleasure in the planning...where to sleep, where to eat, where to have fun, etc. When I'm on a road trip, time tends to be precious, so the more I plan ahead, the more time I have for other things. My journey will actually be in two parts. The first half will be my groupie adventure, and the second half, more standard road trip.

Just when I thought everything was all set...road trip route laid out, hotel reservations made, tourist spots selected...John threw a small wrench in the works. Even though the Slice Tour will end April 9th with the Ivins show, doesn't mean he doesn't have more performances ahead. Turns out John will be doing a charity event in Las Vegas the next day. On April 10th, Five For Fighting will perform at Mix 94.1 Pet-a-Palooza, a fund-raising festival to benefit local non-profit animal groups. I looked over my plans, and decided seeing John yet one more time was more enticing than Zion National Park. So, in actuality, I'll be seeing John not 5 but 6 times on this groupie road trip! Sometimes, things just go your way!

At this time, Five For Fighting has already done 3 shows. Which means 17 more between now and Seattle...26 days and counting! And, believe me...I'm counting those days! I can't wait to hear John sing Two Frogs!