So...one year ago today, my life changed completely. Was it for the better? I don't know. I met one of my best friends (Lisa) outside in the muggy Pittsburgh air as it sprinkled and we freaked out over Ace hanging outside of the bus. We both got kind of screwed on our hugs because he was sick (half hugs are always amusing from Ace because he nearly breaks your shoulder). However, you should have heard me scream and nearly rip Lisa's arm off when Bucky told us Ryan was there...Imagine..Ryan Young, in MY city!

And then, later that night, I finally found him. It was dark, Mandisa had just gone on, and yet I still saw him well before anyone else even could wrap their minds around who he was. He clamored down and over four rows of seats (instead of taking the steps), and I was on the phone with Tina...The vomit was rising in my throat. Then came intermission...

I swear, if it weren't for Tina I wouldn't have gussied up and grew the balls to totally fib my way passed security and in to his row to wait for him. Ask Ti, I was in tears! I hung up the phone, swallowed my stomach (which was in my throat) and waited. Then those enormous hands came up on to the bar and he hoisted himself up and over. He grinned in my direction, but I turned to flee. Stupid old man grabbed my pants and told me I wasn't going anywhere after coming this far! I heaved a sigh and then I heard him..that voice...

"Hey! Where you going? You don't have to run away from me." And I turned around, feigning a smile as my stomach wedged itself permanently in my throat.

"You know..I breached security to come meet you. That guy up there thinks we're old friends."

"You did? He does? *gazes up at the security guard who is watching the two of us like hawks* Well then, c'mere. Let's give him a show! *envelopes me in his arms and all I see is a sea of grey chest*"

The rest as you all know...is history.


Thanks Ryan...for all that you've done and for all that you are, and all that you will be...

What she says is true, she almost gave up and went back to her seat way over on the other side. I like that picture of you two. That is my favorite one.

BTW how are your ribs?

And remember I had to pee?? "YOU HOLD IT UNTIL YOU MEET HIM! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO PEE ALL OVER YOURSELF!" And thanks..I still remember that if Jamie (Paetz, Elliott Yamin's GF for those of you who don't know) had managed to get the whole shot you would have seen me with my arms completely around his waist. Like how most of us stand with Ace.



They are tender..but better than dry and overcooked huh? Oxycodone is a powerful drug...;)