yes, its official – i own a carhatt jacket. never thought i would see the day... (old myspace blog re-posted here)

I would have thought hell would have frozen over before I would have gone and made such a purchase. However, I somehow found myself wandering through a Carhartt Outlet Store (I know, I know I bought it at an Outlet Mall! Isnt that just fitting?!) and I stumbled upon a jacket that I *gasp* actually liked. First off, I wasnt expecting to even find something in this store I was remotely interested in owning. Second, I was expecting said item to be on sale. And everybody knows a girl can not turn down a sale so I seemed even more justified in making such a purchase that is radically different from my norm. I thought that maybe I could let this little secret of mine slide into secrecy but Brian put an end to that immediately. Literally as soon as I had one foot out the door with that Carhatt bag in hand, he was dialing people to spread the news of my purchase. So I might as well come clean and acknowledge that yes, it is true. However, my only saving grace is that it is a simple black one without a hood. Brian on the other hand purchased an over the top, not one bit subtle, totally hicked out Carhatt jacket in camo print. I am still not that country! And before he starts calling people again: yes, I will admit that I told him he looked good in it and yes, I liked it on him. But I didnt buy it so it doesnt count!

Since I am already letting people know about the jacket, I might as well be honest about the concert. *sigh* I went to my first country concert, Jason Aldean, on Saturday and I had a blast! However, there are some very huge differences with not only country concerts as compared to every concert I have been to before, but also huge differences in a small town concert as say compared to the gorge. Let me explain. You know how when you go to the gorge or huge arena and there is traffic, long lines to get in, security checks through all your belongings, water bottles are emptied out, and everywhere you go is cramped for space? Not here in Alabama! The concert was at the National Peanut Festival Grounds (just the name of it makes me cringe and laugh all at the same time!) where there was absolutely no traffic, no lines, and no security checks. People brought in coolers of beer and there was obviously underage kids drinking Bud Light all around. Also, here in Alabama, people want to be polite so even though everyone wanted to be in the front row, if you just pushed your way to the front, they would let you in. There were inches of space around you at all times as not to invade in your personal space as compared to a Seattle mosh pit where you could be trampled to death. I actually really enjoyed the atmosphere and being able to lie in the grass, watch the sunset, and just relax while listening to the music.

As this being my first country concert, as I mentioned before, I noticed differences between country artists as well as all the other concerts I have been to before. For one, Jason Aldean did a lot of cover songs, which Brian said is actually pretty standard for a country concert. He covered everything from the Steve Miller Band to Alabama, from Guns N Roses to Lynard Skynard. Of course I enjoyed the cover of Paradise City and Sweet Child of Mine and was rocking out probably more so then anyone else in the audience (excluding the drunk 40 year old guys up front LOL). I even caught the guitar pick Jason Aldean threw out in the audience after his encore (which of course was Sweet Home Alabama) and that was a first for me. Lastly, another difference I found with a country concert is many people stick around afterward because the artist often stays late after the show to sign autographs. If that happened at Rock Shows, you could be damn sure I would have stayed around to meet Blink 182 (and hopefully then be invited back to the bus!). Anyway, Brian and I stayed around for about thirty minutes with about thirty other fans and ended up not only meeting Jason Aldean but also getting his autograph. I got my tank top signed to mail to Josh Trick (he will appreciate it WAY more than I will) and Brian got his brand new cowboy hat signed. Brian was so happy that it in turn made me pretty excited. It was a great experience.

Also, some great news to share: I did get the job as Yoga Instructor at Golds Gym (a few blocks from my house)! I am so excited for this opportunity as it is something that I have wanted to do since high school and will end up giving me great experience that I can take with me back home that will increase my chance of getting a job as a yoga instructor in a bigger city. I wont be teaching too often, maybe a few weekends or nights a month so the income wont be that substantial, its more about the payout in experience. The gym also wants to train me to become a Spinner Instructor (the cycling cardio classes) which would be fantastic because again, that type of class is hugely popular in larger cities and the experience would be crucial. I am really looking forward to see where this might go.

Last and probably least, I just thought I should share the good news: I am currently the reigning female dance competition champion at the Club Bistro. I know, I know dont be jealous. It was stiff competition: I was competing against a larger women who loved to shake her big ol booty and a drunk middle aged woman who fell over on stage while trying to take off her pants. You may ask why would you even bother to enter such a contest?! Well its simple. The winner received a paid bar tab and my friends and I could certainly use the help that evening as we had been drinking for a few hours. I am honored to say I have won but dont think I will bother to defend my title next week. I think the drunk 35 year old deserves a chance.