| I handed the box over. I said, “it’s not much. and I hope it’s your style. it’s a little early x-mas gift” he said, “thank you so much” while he was still opening the box. He opened it and grabbed the x-mas card I wrote to him, handed the box to Ken, the booking agent. Mark exclaimed, “oh wow!!! this is TOTALLY my style. I’m totally gonna wear this. Actually, I’m going to wear it right now. It’s cold in here” I smiled, “I hope u really like it” mark replied, “oh yeah, I do! I really like it. like I said, i’m probably gonna put it on, right now” As he was saying that, he opened up my card. I was starting to get REALLY red b/c I did NOT expect him to read it in FRONT of me. So I jokingly say, while looking at ken and mike tremonti, “oh sure, let’s read it out loud so everyone can hear!” Ken said, “you’re not supposed to read cards in front of the people who wrote them” Mark looked at me, “Why? B/c she’s blushing?” And he continued to read. I was blushing HARD-CORE now! Ken then says, “but u see? did u get ALL the guys a x-mas gift?“ I smiled, “ummm..well...” Mark then says, “No, b/c I’m her favorite.” Ken laughs. “You’re her “joey”. “ Mark smirks: “yeah, i’m her joey” I was like “huh?..whatever” I was GONNA say, “don’t make me all out to be this teenybopper” but I held my tongue and smirked. Then I said to Mark, “I met you in WPB but u probably don’t remember.” Mark: “Yeah, I do remember” I look at Ken. “LIES! he doesn’t, he just doesn’t want to hurt my feelings” Ken laughs. Mark looks up at me and says seriously, “No, I DO remember. You and your friend.” I said “yeah! she was going to be here with me today but she had snow problems. she’s in Chicago” Mark: “yeah, I know. my family had problems getting here also.” He finished reading the card. Closed it. “Thank you so much.” And reached out to hug me. “You’re welcome”, as I hugged back. And of course, I couldn’t let this moment pass without me asking, “can I get a picture?” *big smile* “Sure” So I got a pic with Mark. I THINK he has the gift in his hands. Not sure. Kind of blacked out. haha! Mark handed the card and sweatshirt to someone and said “don’t throw this away. put this in with my wardrobe pack” Needless to say, I was riding high. Then Ken started talking about some ping-pong match. Mark was like “you’re on”. Then I blurted, “OH! and that’s another thing, I want a one-on-one ping pong match” Ken said , “uh-oh!” and laughed. Mark said , “Sure, are you any good?” “I warmed up in WPB. I kick ass” haha! he laughed and said “ok”. He asked where the tables were and no one knew. I didn’t know where they were either. Finally, Mark pointed back into the room and said “well, I have to go back in there and take care of stuff..Thanks again..it’s awesome” He just stood there. So I had to do what any hot-blooded female would do. I ran back and hugged him again. haha! i’m a freak. “Thanks again”, he said as I walked away. I looked over my shoulder, “You’re welcome” I walked away. I almost left a poop trail back to the office. So by this time, it was close to doors opening. I headed to the doors. Saw all the people I know. Met some I didn’t know. Got my wristband (just in case). And got ready for some action. I said my “hellos”. Then went back inside and planted my ass against the barricade. In front of Mark’s mic. About 10 minutes later, the rush of GA’ers came swarming in. I was surrounded by BB’ers in like 10 seconds. It was very cool. The concert kicked so much ass. I was truly soaking up every moment, especially b/c I actually exchanged words with the some of the members. Clint looked over and smiled at me like twice. That was cool. i gots much love from Mark. ? That is ALL I have to say. He threw me his first pic. Damn, i’m starting a huge Tremonti collection. and the one of the two highlights was the wink he gave me during “Never Die”. Poop-city. Stapp poured out his heart as always. Brett and Scottie kicked much ass. I have NO idea why I didn’t see Scottie at ALL before the show except at soundcheck. Strange. But anyways... the second highlight of the performance was during “Higher”. That is my song. That is the song that gave me hope when I thought there was none. And this is going to sound stupid. But for the first time, Mark actually “acknowledged” me during Higher. I mean, b/c I go NUTS during that song. I even started crying when the song came on. I’ve NEVER cried! But this time I did. Maybe b/c I knew it was the last time I'd see them in a LONG time. So with tears in my eyes, I sang my heart out. And Mark looked down, smiled and nodded. It was amazing. These words can’t ever express the magnitude of emotion that went through me in those 4 minutes. I will always be grateful for that. The love in my heart for this music is so big, there’s nothing to compare it to. After the show, I said my “good-byes” to everyone. I went back-stage and right away saw Tremonti munchin‘ on some pizza. Dude, my GOD, this guy is EVERYWHERE I go! hahaa! I do NOT mind! It’s hilarious. I don’t see anyone else as much as I see him!... I see him and he turns around looks at me, grabs my hand again... “Hey! What’s going on?” “nothing much, AWESOME show!” “thank you so much” and he just stands there looking at me expecting me to say something...and all I can say is... “and...I don’t know what to say” |