Two Days of Pure Joy

I have been a very lucky girl lately. It's very unlike me to be so lucky.

I got to see Needtobreathe play two shows two nights in a row. Talk about luck. We (the roommate, Chelsey and I) had bought tickets to see them play in Little Rock back in May. But the roommate entered a contest to win tickets to see them in Oklahoma City, and she won.

Oklahoma City was ridiculous. Standing room only. And we were so close to the stage. I could have touched Bo if he had reached out to the crowd.

I mean seriously. I could have touched him. It was an amazing night. The opening bands were so good, and the energy was crazy.

Leaving OKC and driving the 5.5 hours back to Little Rock was a true test of character. About three hours into the drive home, I was ready to be out of the car. And by the time we got home, we had just enough time to get ready to go eat before the show.

Round 2 was just as awesome as Round 1.

They played "Cops" from their new EP that came out a few weeks ago. I was ridiculous. Jumping. Singing. Screaming. Laughing. You get the idea.

I can't tell you how much I love Needtobreathe. I just can't do it.

I am a music lover. And I have been since as far back as I can remember. My family was always in awe of my ability to memorize song lyrics and melodies at such a young age. And there was a period of time (1998-2000) where I wanted to be a "pop star."

Needtobreathe became my favorite band my senior year of college. All it took was one song. One song started the whole thing. Once I got all their music, I was hooked. Ridiculously amazing melodies. Thoughtful lyrics. And every single album that comes out is just different enough and even more genius than the last. And I like all of the old stuff just as much as the new stuff....and that's not something I say very often.

I have now seen them play live six times. And each time is more amazing the the first time. They are like a fine wine...just keeps getting better with time. Songs become more thought-provoking. Melodies become more ridiculous.

The roommate took some video that I have to share with you. I want you to have the opportunity to see what I saw. To experience the awesomeness that I experienced.

This first video is from OKC. "The Outsiders" is a song off the album The Outsiders. And there is a point in this song where my brain exploded. If you listen carefully around 1:15 you can hear me freak out because of the ridiculousness.

The second video is a new song called "Difference Maker." I had never heard it before they played it in OKC. But the roommate recorded the whole thing in Little Rock. I think we were both in shock and awe mode in OKC because of how awesome it is. And when I watched this exact version in Little Rock, I totally cried. The sounds and lyrics were just too much to handle.

I hope you enjoy. If you are new to Needtobreathe, you should definitely check them out. I can say without a doubt they are my favorite band ever. And those are big words for me.

What is your favorite band/song?

Who was the last band you saw play live? Where did you go to see them?

Zoning Out

I did something kinda dumb the other day. I had to run 4 miles of speedwork. And I thought the temperature was going to stay in the mid 70s. Ummmm....Note to self: Check the weather.

I made the mistake of running in the heat of the day. Now it was nothing like the heat of summer. But still. It was hot. Four fast miles in the mid 80s is tough stuff. (I say fast, but we all know that is a relative term.)

Here are my stats:

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 48:35
Best Pace: 9:23 (no idea how that happened)
Average Pace: 12:09 (much more like normal)
Calories: 443

The miles felt good. Speedwork outside always seems to go by really quick. There are so many things to trick your brain into thinking it's not so bad. I change the pace every minute. I strive to hit 10:30 - 11:00 for one minute. Then slow down to 12:00 -12:30 pace for one minute. Then back up to 10:30 - 11:00 for one minute. Then I let myself walk fast for one minute. I did the three minute intervals for three miles.

I'm training myself to zone out. I want to trick my mind as much as I can for as long as I can. I think it will help me be mentally stronger toward the end of my race. I don't want to be mentally stressing at mile 4 on race day. Talk about a race day downer.

I also wore my Injinji toe socks the other day. And I have to say I really like them when my shoes are on. They feel super weird without shoes. And right before I took this picture I thought people aren't gonna want to see my alien toes. Seriously, they are that long. Disgusting, I know. Don't rub it in.

But I had to show you the socks. Over the past year or so, I've gotten blisters on the tip of my second toe on my right foot. Random place to get a blister. But I've noticed when I wear these socks I don't get a blister or add to the callus on the tip of my toe. I also like the thickness of the socks and the fact that they wick away a lot of moisture, which was good since it was a sweat fest of a run.

Yesterday was my off day. So I didn't run. But I did get to see Boom Kinetic play outside in the middle of downtown Little Rock.

It was the perfect way to spend an off day. I'm super pumped for their new album to come out. "City Ocean" is my new favorite Boom Kinetic song. So if you are in the Northwest Arkansas area or the Little Rock area, be on the lookout for a Boom Kinetic show. The band is full of cool dudes who love to play great music. Definitely check them out. So. Much. Fun.

Who's running today?
This girl. Three miles. Long run tomorrow with my mom. Yippie.

Weekend plans?

The Day I Lost The Book

I don't know about you, but I have a book where I write things down. Most people would call it a planner or a date book. I call it The Book.

The Book is vital to my daily life. I use it all the time. It keeps me organized. Yesterday my good friend called to ask what I was doing next weekend. I said I'd have to check The Book. I started looking for it, but I couldn't find it.

You wanna talk about a panic attack. Well I'm pretty sure I had one. I frantically searched for the book while trying to talk to her on the phone. I bound down the stairs and out to my car. No book. The book was nowhere to be found. Which was weird because I had used it that day.

Then I realized I left it sitting on my old desk when I went to visit my fabulous co-workers. And I basically had another panic attack. What if someone took it? Who would take a very used day planner? Y'all, I was terrified.

See...it's not just any ole day planner. It brown and cream giraffe print with a green trim. Very cute. Who wouldn't want it? Especially for free...

I was seriously sweatin' over this dang planner. I guess I'm just sentimental. I've had it since college. And you just take out the planner when the year ends and put in a new one. But the cover remained the same. I mean it's my book.

How pathetic is that? I was basically mourning the loss of my book. I called all my co-workers and asked them to look for it on my old desk. And at 7 a.m. I got the best text message saying that the book was safe and sound. The sky opened, angels sang and beams of light from heaven shined down on my book.

I think part of my paranoia came from my late night run and inability to fall asleep. Hoot owls got nothing on me. Ain't even funny. At 2 a.m. I was convinced I could break into my old office and get my book before the cops could get there. Hello, crazy!!!!!! (Although I did set the alarm off once when I worked there and the cops never came.)

Day 3 of half marathon training:

A three mile tempo run.

Here are my stats:
Distance: 3.0 miles
Time: 37:45
Best Pace: 11:00
Average Pace: 12:35
Calories: 321

This run looks a lot like my speedwork from Tuesday. So I think that means I need to set it up and kick my butt a little bit more that I did this week.

The three miles went by a bit slower than Tuesday's run. I felt sloshy. Seriously. My stomach made sloshy noises. Probably from the six tons of water I drank in preparation. Note to self: Sloshy stomach makes for an uncomfortable run.

I'm super thankful today is my off day. I am going to the Gallery of Hope to support the Bit. And after that, it's Boom Kinetic time.

Full Boom recap tomorrow....if you haven't been before you should definitely check them out. Too much fun. Too much good music. Party on!

Four mile long run tomorrow....who's in? Pretty soon they will be much longer than four miles....so run with me in these early days, please!!!!!

Ting's Mom wrote an awesome post about Asher!!! THANK YOU KAREN!!!!! If you haven't checked out Karen's blog, definitely pay her a visit. She is pretty amazing!!!!

Hope you peeps have a fabulous weekend!!! Party on!

Sounds Like I Feel

I've been listening to the same song for three days. I don't really know why, other than it's how I feel right now.

"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" has been my go-to song for the past few days. The solo part sounds like I feel. If you can't understand that, I'm sorry. Just go with it. It's the most ridiculous sound I've heard in a long time. And I've heard it a million times...even live once. It was glorious.

And this version is my favorite. Listen. Promise you will listen.

In other news, I made a wreath for my mom for Mother's Day. It's pretty. I like.

It's amazing what can happen with burlap, fake flowers and a wooden letter. Do you like?

I think it's very elegant. And I'm thinking my door needs one, too.

Tell me something good. 

End of the Week Rants

1. Today's high is 77 degrees. In February. The month of the worst weather Arkansas ever gets.

Seriously. I don't understand it, but I love it.

2. I still feel like death. This dang cough won't go away. I'm pretty sure my chest is broken from coughing so much. I tried take a teaspoon of honey as a cough suppressant, and it worked pretty well. Good ole home remedies do the trick, although I fear nothing will get rid of this cough any time soon.

3. I went to bed at 9:30 last night. And I work up at midnight, 2 A.M. and 4 A.M. Then my alarm went off at 7 this morning, and I instantly wanted to pull the covers over my head and ignore it. All I wanted was a good night's sleep. Sigh. I'll try again tonight.

4. Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 11. Keep in mind that is three weeks away. Crazy how time flies. It seems like we were just falling back.

5. Grad school is stupid. And I'm trying really hard for it not to take over my whole life. These past few weeks has felt like I can't get caught up, even though everything gets done. Girl can't get ahead to save her life.

6. Easter candy is out. Dove dark chocolate eggs have won my heart. Need I say more.

7. I'm currently obsessing over these two songs by Ben Rector.

"White Dress"
I was actually there to hear this exact version.

"She Is"
And it's just piano. I swoon.

8. Reason 948279878797923429123 for why I love Needtobreathe.

And this.

And that's all I have to say about that.

I hope everyone has a safe and merry weekend. I'll be seeing you on the flip side. Now go outside and scream.

The Chorus Sings. This is Home.

Y'all. I absolutely cannot handle Needtobreathe. Absolutely cannot handle it.

I know I've said this before, but I don't think you understand just how incredible they are. I mean the music, melodies, voices, drums, piano, lyrics. All of it is too good. But before I regale you with stories of the band's musical genius, I must tell you about my day yesterday and why Needtobreathe can cure whatever is ailing you.

Yesterday was all around weird. I felt bad, as in sickly. And to top it off, I was a bottomless pit. I could never get full. Salads just don't do it for me. After work, I met the roommate for coffee at the favorite Starbucks. I got a little pick-me-up with the coffee and because I asked them to put it in a mug. Look at me reducing waste.

The whole way to Searcy I was in a funk. I didn't feel good. I was coughing all the time, or it seemed like it. And I found out one of my favorite people of all times is moving to Illinois for her job.

But by the time I sat down in my seat in row W, I felt more like myself. Ben Rector played, and he was amazing. But we all know the real reason I went. Needtobreathe.

I started out in the back with the roommate, Chelsey and her sister. It was good. I was singing. But the crowd was just stiff. Not interactive. Quiet. So Bear told people who couldn't see to move up to the front...

So basically we moved from the back to the third row. So close I could see the sweat on their faces. So close I could see all Bear's facial expressions in detail.

He sang with all this heart and soul. It's truly something amazing to be in the presence of such an amazing talent. The music in itself was incredible. Just crazy good melodies. And they changed up the arrangements to make it just different enough to completely blow your mind.

I can't tell you exactly how I felt. It's not like any other feeling. It's like being overcome by complete sensory overload. I've seen Needtobreathe live four times now. And each time has been different and better than the last. That's how I know they are doing something outrageously awesome.

I truly wish everyone will have at least one experience where they are completely overcome by the music. If you've already had one, keep enjoying the music to its fullest.

If you haven't, I challenge you to let yourself be open to the opportunity to feel the music deep down in your soul.

If you're wondering how to even begin to do that, start with a song that catches your attention either by the melody, lyrics or both. Think about what caught your attention, and why it caught your attention. And then listen to the song again. And feel the music. Feel the beat. Let the lyrics roll through your head. And find a place in your life to put the words and sounds. And just let it be. Allow yourself to feel the musical genius. Just allow yourself to have that moment.

I hope you have that special moment. But if you don't, I'm just happy you'd allow yourself to try. It's a foreign concept to most people, but it's something so special it should be shared with everyone.

I leave you with this.

It gets me every time.

I Swoon Over...

Yesterday was a big day. The reason behind that is The Fray's new album "Scars and Stories" came out.

Before yesterday, the band released to singles "Heartbeat" and "The Fighter." And let me just say I've worn both those songs out (but still absolutely love them).

But something happened on my drive to work this morning. I had a musical epiphany when I heard the song "Rainy Zurich." Not kidding. A musical epiphany. It is the most beautiful song. And I love how it makes me feel. I can't even begin to explain it. Just listen.

"I'll keep you warm dancing in downpour. And I will hold your body slowly turning. I'll keep you warm dancing in a downpour. Breathe it in, take it off and soak our skin."

I am in love with this song. So deeply in love with it.

Basically I'm telling you to go buy this. And listen to it on repeat. Forever.

Before the musical epiphany in the car this morning, I had a moment while getting ready for work when listening to Dave Matthews Band. "All Along the Watchtower" is definitely something to swoon over. Cannot. Handle. It. Ever. Not. One. Time.

Music is something I love. And awhile back, I updated my Facebook profile's "About Me" section to being about music and melodies. Sometimes melodies say more about me than I could ever say about myself. It's hard to explain. But if you get it, you get it. And I feel sorry for the people who don't get gooey feelings in their stomachs over an amazing lyric or a musical riff.

Does anyone else feel this way about music?

What lyrics or melodies define you?

Ashten, Plain and Tall

I'm not sure what kind of day this day will be, and I say that because I spent 20 minutes looking for a jacket that was hanging in my closet and spilled coffee three times in a matter of 30 minutes.

Have you ever spent a ridiculous amount of time looking for something you couldn't find, and then you find it in the exact place it should have been? I swear I looked in my closet for the jacket three times. Never saw it. I touched every piece of clothing. Didn't see it. Looked again for the fourth and final time, and there it was just hanging in my closet.

How did I not see it? Maybe it was adjustment? (Have you seen The Adjustment Bureau? If you haven't, rent it tonight.)

As for the coffee spillage, it's the story of my life. If I had a dollar for every time I spilled coffee on me or in my car, I'd be a millionaire. End of story.

Switching gears: My mom came to Little Rock to visit me...well really for a dentist appointment...but I like to say to visit me. We go to the same dentist. I just went on Monday for a teeth cleanting and check-up. And yesterday was her turn.

So we had dinner at Cafe Prego, a little Italian place in the Heights. And while we were talking, she told me about the dental assistant asking about who I was and what I looked like. Now keep in mind, my mother has looked at me for almost 24 years now.

Per my mom's description: Well Ashten is very little. Like teeny tiny. And she has long brown hair. Like really long brown hair.

....cricket...cricket....

I sat there waiting for the rest of the description, but that was it.

Could I BE any plainer? (Friends reference...If you don't get it, I'm sorry for you.) I was instantly reminded of the book Sarah, Plain and Tall, which I read in elementary school. I feel the need to teach my mom some adjectives to help her out next time.

I'm not upset about her description because what she said was all true, although I don't think I'm teeny tiny...I would prefer just the right size for me. But I do find it interesting that I'm put in such generic categories. Tall. Long, brown hair. Skinny. Blah. Blah. Blah. Boring. Blah.

When it comes to describing someone, we always go for the looks first and personality traits second. Not saying it's a bad thing, but it's something. I find it really interesting that we don't really get creative with our descriptions of others.

I mean really. Think about it. Think about someone you see every single day. How would you describe that person to someone who has never seen them before? Your mind automatically goes to looks first...Unless, on the rare occasion, a personality trait stands out stronger than any one physical feature.

I didn't mean to get all psychological on you. I just really think it's interesting. I'm totally ok with my generic description. Tall. Long, brown hair. Teeny tiny. Whatever, whatever.

In the words of the great Boom Kinetic, "Ordinary people. Ordinary people. Doing ordinary things. It's not good enough for me. I am extra ordinary. Extra, extra ordinary."

What's your generic description?

How's your day going so far?

To Make It Count

Lots of really great things happened yesterday. To keep everyone sane and to help me not ramble on, I'm going to group the happenings into three different sections. Get. Ready.

Happy Birthday to me! Yes, I know my birthday isn't for another few weeks, but my mom kinda surprised me with tickets to see Needtobreathe in Searcy. I say kinda because she told me had tried to get them, and then she sent me an e-mail confirmation saying the tickets have been purchased. If I could scream, I'd still be screaming with excitement.

She not only got me a ticket, but she also got the roommate a ticket. It's not a birthday celebration unless the best friend is there. In six long short weeks, I will in a room with Needtobreathe yet again. Let's all take some time to remember how I got to meet them and see them twice in one week. 

In other news, I ran yesterday with the roommate for the first time since what seems like October. It was a cold run because we started out running into the wind, but I knew once we warmed up and turned around out of the wind it would be flaming hot. And it definitely was.

Yesterday's run was a lot better for me than the last one. I felt strong. Like I could have gone for miles and miles. And I was just shy of my 33 minute goal time. I will get there soon. I'm determined. 11-minute-miles here I come. Here are the stats:

Distance: 3.00 miles
Time: 34:22
Best Pace: 8:56
Average Pace: 11:27
Calories: 356

I felt really good after the run minus the fact that I freeze to death if I can't change clothes right after a run. Literally freeze to death. I did have some sharp knee pains after I quit running, just another sign for saying I need new shoes. More on that later.

I've been working on a Mother's Day art assignment for work. Basically, I have kids draw a picture for their moms, and I have to send them in to headquarters in Kansas City for some massive project. Out of what seems like millions of drawings, two stood out to me for different reasons. Now keep in mind the assignment was suppose to be a cheery drawing for their moms.

I am completely in love with this little girl's drawing. It is so sweet and colorful. Exactly what I want to send to Kansas City.

Now, this little boy needs to see a therapist. But I can totally relate. For the majority of my childhood whenever I could get in trouble, my mom would go from the fun, sweet, loving mother to "Dragon Momma" in about 4.25 seconds. So I can see why this kid might think it's appropriate to draw a dragon in a forest. In all honesty, I love this drawing just as much as the first one, but I can't send this to Kansas City for review.

One day, a long, long, long time from now, I hope I have a kid who blesses me with such creative artworks.

What are you excited about this week?

Which artwork do you like best?

A Boom Kinetic Day

Greetings Friends. Today I'm thankful for this blog because I have lots of stories, and no voice to tell them. Why don't I have a voice, you ask? Well, I sang my little heart (and apparently voice) out during Boom Kinetic's show at Sticky Fingers on Friday night.

But before I get into all that, I have to tell you about the two miles I ran without stopping in the freezing cold Friday afternoon.

I tried out my new compression socks my dad got me for Christmas. And I honestly don't know if they did anything different since I only ran two miles. But I'm hoping to see some differences once I work up some higher mileage.

I was really the most excited to be done with the run because my throat was seriously hurting, and I felt like I could barely breathe the entire time. And it shows in my stats.

Distance: 2.00 miles
Time: 24:10
Best Pace: 11:00
Average Pace: 12:06
Calories: 222

I'm looking for a redemption run tomorrow afternoon.

But back to Boom Kinetic. I was at the very front and center the entire time. I got a picture of the set list, and I have made the most awesome playlist in the history of all the playlists. Two songs you need to get right this very second are "Electric Feel" by MGMT and "Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun.

"Electric Feel" by MGMT

"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun

And just so you know how amazing and excited I was about the whole Boom Kinetic show, I'm going to show you this.

I am the girl just to the right of the guy singing. This was taken by Boom Kinetic's drummer. And I sang every word to every song for three hours straight. And they will be playing in Little Rock on my birthday weekend.

And we (Jodi, the roommate and I) may or may not have talked to the lead singers of the band after the show was over. And now they know who we are and that it's my birthday the next time they come to play in Little Rock.

How was your weekend?

Any new songs I need to know about?

A Momentary Lapse of Love and Reason: A Musical Tribute

Today's the kind of day that warrants a little tunage to calm my soul.

Last night the roommate found a video of Needtobreathe covering Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks," and I fell a little more in love with Needtobreathe and Bear's voice.

I. Simply. Cannot. Handle. This.

His voice, the ponytail and hat combo, the open shirt, the sound of the guitar. I swoon.

If I had been there in real life, I'm pretty sure I would have passed out from the sheer genius of the sounds. Even when I watch it, my palms get sweaty and my heart races. Clearly I have a problem.

Other songs I can't get enough of right now:

I was actually in the audience when this song was played. "The Reckoning" was written to be the anthem of this time in my life. I cannot handle the drums and piano sounds right after the first verse. I can't handle any of it really.

Dude can sing. And play the piano. And make my heart flutter. Watch it all the way to the end to get the full musical experience.

"And we are living, living for a moment, a moment. A momentary lapse of love and reason." Nuff said.

Gotta love "Kids" for real. Too good. Too good. And don't mind the weird video...just listen. And I dare you to try not to move and dance around...It's impossible.

Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" has been played out by the radio. But I still love this song...which hasn't really made it to the radio yet. This is another that you can't help but move to. Try it. You'll like it.

What songs do you love right now?

What I've Learned in the Past 24 Hours

Christmas light-up pens are the bomb.com.

It snowed last night. And this morning.

I ran yesterday in the 30 degree weather. I basically put everything I had in my closet on my body.

My alma mater UCA was featured in Self magazine for its leading health experts.

Ginuwine's "Pony" was written in 1996. And it's still as crazy good as I remember it. A little old school hip hop for you to enjoy today.

And after I rediscovered my love for 1996 Ginuwine. I found this.

Now this takes me back to 10th grade in my silver Alero bumping up and down Main Street in the Sugtown. #straightgangsta #istillloveit

What songs take you back to the "Golden Years" of high school and/or college?

Let Us Love Like We Were Children

Good Mornting Blog Friends. I hope you guys had a spectacular weekend. Friday night the roommate and I went to Fayetteville to watch Needtobreathe for the second time in one week. Of course, it was life changing.

We were very happy campers. So much closer to the stage than the last time. And the acoustics of that tent thing we were in were out of this world amazing.

They totally sang my favorite song on their new CD. "The Reckoning" was one of their encore songs. So of course I acted like a total freak when I heard the first cords being played. Go listen to "The Reckoning" the song right now. Do it. Listen to the drums and piano sound after the first verse. #cannothandleit

While at the concert, I did a lot of people watching, which brings me to the next talking point.

New Relationships
Everyone knows the feelings you get when you start a new relationship with someone. I can really only speak about this from a girl's perspective, but I think I can get it right. It's that rush of intense emotion. It makes you nervous and excited and terrified all at the same time.

As I was people watching, I noticed a lot of young couples and the way they acted toward one another. Boyfriends would take their girlfriends hands and lead them through the crowded narrow aisles.

Boys placing their hand on the small of a girl's back while talking to other people. Such a small gesture, but probably one of my most favorites.

There are lots of little gestures boys can do that can cause serious heart palpitations for us girls: Brushing the hair out of our face, the lean in for the hair smell, the whisper in the ear in a crowded room, simply holding hands, the hand on the small of the back (I swoon), cheek kisses, thoughtful text messages or phone calls....I mean the list can go on and on when it's someone you really like.

I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with all this. But I think I just needed to tell everyone who has this already to cherish those moments. Those little moments are the ones that build a relationship. I've seen it happen time and time again with my friends, and I've experienced a few of those moments myself.

But after a while, we all tend to take those little gestures from our boyfriend or girlfriend for granted. It becomes something you expect the other to do. And that's where the beauty of the relationship gets lost.

You can call me a hopeless romantic, and I would say that is accurate. Do I believe everyone deserves those little moments and happy gestures? Yes, of course I do.

Everyone needs to know what it feels like to have their breathe taken away by having their hand held by their special someone. For their heart to race when opening a text message that simply says "Have a great day!"

On a more personal note: I've been praying a lot about this recently. Not asking God to give me the perfect man with the perfect life. More like asking God to give me opportunities to meet new people. Reconnect with old friends. Help someone I don't know. Give back to the community. Just praying for opportunities in general.

I felt like my prayers were too specific. Too much to ask for. I found myself getting frustrated when God didn't answer my specific prayers. For almost 24 years, I've been praying these specific prayers.

And then I realized that I had been doing it all wrong. I shouldn't be asking God to make things happen for me. I should be thanking Him for the opportunities He provides me every single day. I've been taking the opportunities for granted. Beautiful, small gestures for granted. God-given opportunities for granted.

So I work on this every day. I pray that God will provide me with opportunities and give me the strenght and understanding to take those opportunities. I'm a work in progress. We all are. And it's a beautiful thing when you think about it that way. He's making me a better person for the man He has chosen for me. #excitingrealization

I thank you so much for reading about this little part of me and where I am in my life. Sometimes I need to just put it out there and see what happens. And it's been a post that was a long time coming. God has been telling me for a while to be more open about where I am in my life so I'm taking that opportunity. Only He knows where it will take me.

Be loving you guys.

You'll Never Make It to the Great Unknown

Last night was amazing. If you have a true love of music, you will understand when I say I can't put into words exactly how I felt last night to watch my favorite band ever play on a huge stage and know I would get to meet them after the show was over.

I'm going to do my best with my descriptions, but I can't promise I will be eloquent and charming with my words today. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

After an hour of sitting at our favorite Starbucks, the roommate and I decided to head toward Verizon Arena. As a avid Needtobreathe Twitter follower, I know they always tweet about buying the CD at a certain merchandise stand and getting a pass to meet them after the show.

As we turned by the baseball field, I saw this.

Yet we did not have the tickets with us. My mom had them in the car with her. So we had to wait. And while we waited, we prayed a lot. I mean who wouldn't want to see this face up close.

After what seemed like an eternity, the tickets were in our hand. We made it through the gates. And we were standing right in front of the merchandise stand outside section 115. We waited in line. A very long, slow-moving line. I was shaking. And praying.

And then it was my turn. I showed the man the tweet and asked if I was in the right place for the meet and greet pass. He said yes. He turned and came back with two CDs and two passes. And that was the moment the roommate and I exploded for the first time last night. I'm not even going to try to lie and say I didn't cry. Because I did let a few tears of excitement go.

Then the show started. I'm pretty sure the girls sitting behind us were pissed because we didn't sit down or stop screaming until Needtobreathe was over.

The playlist was: Keep Your Eyes Open, A Girl Named Tennessee, Drive All Night, Something Beautiful, Lay Em Down and Let Us Love.

Hearing Bear's voice live and the melodies of songs I love was what made my brain explode for the second time. Again, if you are a true lover of music, you will understand what I mean by that. There is something so precious about the moments between one song and another. Like the anticipation and joy collide to make something completely and outrageously wonderful.

Then T. Swift did her hair flipping, hand waving, crowd hugging thing.

And then it was over. And the moment I have waited for, yet never thought would actually happen happened. I was in a room with Needtobreathe. Just a few feet away. I got so close I could have touched their faces, but I didn't so I wouldn't get arrested and ruin the moment.

I snuck these pictures before the Rent-A-Cop saw me. And then it was my turn. I had to think of something meaningful to say to my most favorite band. All I could think of was the way the drums and piano sound in the song "The Reckoning," and I had to tell them. So I did just that.

I told them I loved what they were doing. And that nobody understands it (in a good way). They said thank you numerous times. And Joe the drummer told me the drums in that song were made up by him, Seth and Bo.

I made eye contact with Bear and forgot how to think and speak. Seth was very quite, and Bo looked me in the eye and thanked me for coming. It was one of the best moments in my life thus far.

I got to listen to Needtobreathe live and meet them and get their autographs and tell them a very small bit of my great love of their music. Be still my heart.