I think the most upsetting news I've heard in a while is that Mitch Hedburg died. I still refuse to believe it isn't just some april fools joke, but I suppose if his mother's reflecting on his life, it's probably real. Anyways, we had a memorial for him the other night. Actually, we just watched the Mitch DVD while getting drunk. There is this design I found of a Koala eating Eukalyptis on a tree-branch, that I'd wanted as a tattoo. I think I might get it, as an hommage to Mitch's joke about a Koala Infestation.

Lately I've been feeling quite nostalgic. It's probably one of my favorite moods to be in, even though it somewhat makes me feel sad. I can't stop thinking about the fireworks last year. It was just one of those nights that feel like a movie, where everything goes perfect. I mean, it really was classically scripted.. At the time was dating Laurie, and it was my first time going to our town's fireworks, which I guess are a big thing in the south shore.

I was afraid everyone there would generally be people I don't know or like, so initially I was skeptical on even going. We arrived and put down our stuff next to a couple on a blanket, kissing. Toward the carnival all the lights were an old-timey yellow, and within minutes it seemed like everywhere I turned was some person or another who all apparently knew me, and liked me. It was one of my first dates with laurie, really, so I was pleased to feel so popular, as I usually don't. We kept sharing laughs and the entire time she was all smiles, and completely wide eyed. She says "Win me a prize!" and I nervously agreed, as I've never really won anything at a carnival before. So we sit next to a row of kids at that game where you squirt water into a bullseye and it makes your player race across the track. I won on the first try, and we picked out her prize, which wound up being a gigantic Panda bear. Then I made her play the game where you throw darts at balloons. I purposely screwed mine up, and helped her learn to throw, and she won on her first try. We went and got some fried dough and sat to watch the fireworks. They were so beautiful, and it was even more amazing because we were dangerously close to them. During the finale, she kissed me, and after that everything was warm for the rest of the night. I can't remember if she slept over that night or not, but it was all just the moment.. the fact that it felt like a real thing. Listen to "Beautiful Moment" by Rosebud if you really want to know what it felt like.

That aside, the split's all recorded. Brian's working on the album art, and I think Kris is finishing up the final mix. I promised I wouldn't give out any MP3's until the cd was at least released, but I've been sending this one to everyone. It's just too exciting, not to. Then comes august with the tour, which is just going to be increadible. There's nothing I'd rather do with my life than be on the road with some people I love and care for.