Hey all --

Today I woke up early without my alarm clock. I do that sometimes. I got SO much sleep last night but I am still extremely tired and yet I can’t go back to sleep. We are in Cincinnati, Ohio for Warped Tour. The weather here is better than a lot of weather we have encountered on tour. I remember this venue from last year. The set up is nice. Our stage is in the amphitheater right next to catering. Our tent is set up in front of our stage. That’s awesome because now our merch girl, Hannah will be able to listen to our set.

Breakfast was some sort of health food cereal, soymilk, and blueberries. That’s what I like about the tour. They promote a healthy lifestyle in so many aspects. They always have healthy choices at meals along with all the sugary treats that I can’t help but indulge in every once in a while. Our stage manager, Bobby, had breakfast with us this morning. I like him because he believes in us and he is always asking us, “Now, why aren’t you guys on this TV show? Or that radio station?” He is kind of cute like that. He makes me smile.

After breakfast it is time to set up the equipment in our designated area. I always engage in conversation with Ben, who is a tech for The Matches. That band is always a hoot to watch live. They have so much energy and presence on stage. I gave Ben a CD of ours since he gave me The Matches new album last week. It’s always flattering when someone you work with wants a CD (although I wouldn’t consider what I do work)!

I ran down the grassy knoll surrounding the catering area to rescue Hannah. I knew she would be half way up the hill by now. I could picture her struggling up the hill step by step but her pride and perseverance would never let her stop and rest. I found her smiling and giggling in polite conversation with a mystery man pushing the majority of the load behind her. Upon reaching them I thanked the man for his assistance but told him I could take it from here. He modestly refused my offer and continued huffing and puffing up the hill with a grin. “No, we’ve got a system going on here,” he said with a chuckle. When we got to the tent and our mystery helper had gone I turned to address Hannah, “So, who’s that guy?” “I don’t know,” she replied, “I was pulling the load up the hill and all of a sudden everything got really light and I turned around and there he was.” People are really helpful and nice on the tour. It’s all one big cooperative effort.

That’s why Warped Tour rules!!!

-- Meg