June 30th, 2009- I woke up around 9:30. I had slept on an off throughout the night as the Del Taco from the previous night gave me a pretty wicked stomach ache. I started to gather my stuff as it was strewn about the room. I opened the shades and discovered that the day was bright and clear. I grabbed a quick shower and texted everyone that I was heading over to the venue. I cruised up to the lobby and met up with Brooks. We did some grocery shopping and headed over to Cricket Pavilion.

We pulled in and unloaded everything onto the bus. It was Cathy's birthday and she wanted Taco Bell as her birthday lunch. I took everyone's order on the bus and made my way over to the NOFX bus. I said hi to Smelly and Jay and took their orders as well. I grabbed our Taco Bell and headed back to eat.

Around now, things started to get hectic. I gave Brooks a ride to the hotel so that he could hang out. My friend Rob showed up so I was trying to coordinate with him. My phone was also blowing up with people asking me to get them on the list, get them backstage, get them on the bus, etc. I decided to hang on the bus for a while and catch up with my peeps. I milled around outside for a little while, chatting with Rugly and Limo. The day was quickly slipping away and I had more stuff to do.

I made a quick run and got Brooks. I brought him back and went out looking for Jeska and Gabby. After a while, I had to pick up Greg, so I made my way back to the bus lot and made another run. We got back just in time to drop off our stuff and head to the stage with NOFX.

NOFX is a fantastic band and I was happy to see them again. I talked to Melvin for a while about the brutal AZ heat. He, like everyone else, couldn't understand why I was wearing jeans. They took the stage and started tearing through their set. One third of the way through their set, Fat Mike told the audience how it was 107 outside and that they got a four thousand dollar bonus because of it. He explained that they did not want to play in any unbearably hot places and had brokered a deal with Kevin Lyman that they would get paid more if the temperature was over 100. They played a few more songs and then Kevin Lyman took the stage. He explained to the crowd that NOFX is a band of the people and that they wanted the crowd to have their bonus. At that point, members of BR and the NOFX crew took the four thousand dollar cash bonus and began throwing it into the crowd. The played a few more songs and then left the stage. It truly was a sight to see.

There was another band on between BR and NOFX, so I went back to the bus for a while. The Arizona heat is brutal and can really tear you up if you don't keep an eye on it. I chose to not get heat sick and played it safe all night. It was almost time for the BR set. I headed over to the stage and ran into Jeska, Gabby, and their two gorgeous friends. We climbed up on stage and took our spots behind Brooks. BR took the stage in the waning Arizona daylight.

The band was out to have a great time and it showed. They had a forty minute set mixed with a little of the old, a little of the new, and a little of the in between. Even in the heat, the band pushed and put on a highly energetic performance. Let The Eat War was on the list and I was able to do the rap part in it again. After the song was over, Greg thanked me for the performance and plugged WorldofEd.com. It was pretty hilarious. They continued through the set and then bidding the crowd farewell.

I took a quick walk back to the bus and got the food that the runner had delivered. We had cake for Cathy's birthday and spent a while more hanging out. It was very fun and relaxing just talking to the BR and NOFX guys on the bus, reflecting on the day and sharing stories.

A little past nine, I decided to head out. The buses were leaving at ten and I did not want to get stuck behind them all. I came home, unloaded everything onto the computer, unpacked, and then sat here. I was still too hyped from the day, so I met up with Jeska and Gabby for a while, finally calling it a day at 1:30.

I have some really great friends. I truly do appreciate their hospitality, generosity, and advice (couples therapy!). Thank you to everyone who made these two really great days for me.