As noted, work has been crazy. With Bad Religion playing Punk Rock Bowling in May, I knew that I needed to get out there and hang for a few days.

May 25th was a long day. I was clear that I needed to be off at 5 from work and was really hoping to hold to it. I was thankfully able to and got on the road for a smooth ride. While grabbing dinner in Kingman, Ronnie hit me up. We confirmed the next few days and I headed north.

I got in around 9:30 which was great. I was staying at the Embassy Suites which was off the strip. I got everything up to the room. I had hoped for a nice room upgrade, but it did not happen. I unpacked everything, fought 2 moths, managed to explode an energy drink all over the room, and then relaxed for a bit. It was a long day and I got to bed around midnight.

I woke up very well rested and relaxed on the 26th. Greg and I had talked about his book signing and I had other things that I wanted to do. I got ready and headed out to do a little shopping. I found a card store with card packs from when I was a kid. I grabbed one, grabbed some food, and headed back to the hotel. I unloaded and then got on my way.

I headed over to the venue but could not find Greg. I did run into Shannon and Ryan which was a hell of a surprise. We said hello, I milled around a bit and then got going. I'd opened up a dinner invite, but it was a bit of a mess with schedules and timing. I headed to a casino to get dinner and texted Ronnie. I knew that rehearsal was happening later but he said that everyone was there. I cruised over, ate my Subway and chilled for a bit.

Rehearsal was great. I got to catch up with old friends and make a new one. Everyone was excited and ready to go. Ronnie and I were able to catch up a lot while everyone else ate. He's a brother to me and I am grateful to have gotten quality time with him. Greg showed up after the singing. The info was wrong and he started much earlier than expected. This is why I did not see him. I watched the guys run through a few songs and headed back to the hotel. It had been a long day I a wanted to wind down. The story of the moth will not be told here, but it jacked up my night.

I slept in a bit and got my stuff ready. I figured out the overall schedule for the night. I started the day with some time at the Pinball Hall of Fame. I was there last summer and really enjoyed it. I headed down kind of early and parked close. I got in and milled around a bit before deciding to head out. I hit up a steakhouse and grabbed dinner. I headed back to catch all of the performances.

I saw Fear and then headed over to The Adolescents. I then headed back and hung with the gang for a bit. I forced an introduction onto CJ Ramone after watching Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. From there, I hung around and just enjoyed the friendship.

Bad Religion took the stage. I got to help a little with the stage set which felt great. The band killed it as expected and the show was amazing. I love seeing my friends out doing what they are built for and having a great time. 75 minutes later, the show wrapped. I hung around and then helped load out. Everyone was headed out for a late night meal. I tapped out and got back to the hotel to rest up.

Sunday, I slept in and relaxed. I needed to make a couple of quick runs and got everything done early. It felt good to just hang out. Around 5, I headed down to the Downtown area again. I saw my friend Greg and caught up with him for a few. It was great to see him. I then headed over to the free outdoor stage and caught The Toadies.

I had a hell of a good time with this show. First, they sound impeccable and just like the album. Hearing so many great songs live was amazing. Second, the crowd was cool. I was in an area where a dad and his teenage daughter were. She was fairly short and as people noticed that she couldn't see, they all moved out of the way until they hit a great vantage point. Third, I saw The Toadies. I have memories of almost 20 years ago where Joe went to visit his aunt, she took him and his brother to a show, and he called me the next day full of excitement explaining the show. Between CJ and this, I finally caught up. I headed out as they wound down so I could pack up and sleep.

Monday was very chill. I woke up fairly early but with plenty of sleep, well rested, and very relaxed. I grabbed the hotel breakfast and sat in the room for another 30 minutes. I ran my stuff down, checked out, and was on the road by 11. The drive back was smooth and clean and a great way to end the long weekend.

I had 5 days of amazing experiences, connections with old friends, great food and laughter, and the break that I needed for life. I thank everyone that was involved and can't wait to see them again soon.