Some days (for those who have on occasion found no reason at all to party really, really hard unintentionally - BUT DO) I'm thankful to wake up in my own bed. We arrived in Dallas this morning. I got home at exactly five twenty-one after dropping Kansas and James at their places. Last night, I got drunk. Not sloppy, but 'rushed words', unsteady steps, and having to sit a certain way and breathe a certain deepness in order not to throw up. (Smiling) Some of you know exactly what kind of drunk I was. We played the Iron Horse in Wichita Falls and the people came out.
The day started in Oklahoma City with a radio interview with Scarlett at KATT 100.5 radio. Scarlett came to the show the night before so it was great to know she'd done her research. JT, Nick and Kansas held down two songs: Where the Wind Blows and Gypsy Woman. The early morning shows are crazy on the voice, but the fellas did great. I'm calling 11AM early. HA!
After the radio stint, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and had lunch with the manager of the radio station and some of the staff. Ten guys in all. I was the only woman at the table. FML? Possibly at this moment. Lunch however, was not bad. Had the fish sandwich and a salad. Jimmy and Kansas picked at their wings like three year olds with brussel sprouts, citing them as "not that good". Nick didn't join us this time, he was having a ball being home. JN made the drive to Oklahoma City and was key in making the radio appearance go smoothly. He works hard for us and I'm always truly thankful for his presence when he's around. Managers are important and those who take care of you without pulling a gun on you are the best.
We got to see Daddy Jay, Nick's father. He looks well and is way more of a joy now. Daddy Jay was pretty much in the hospital for most of our Winter tour battling with his health. Well, he's back to working and is moving with a swiftness that filled me with joy. God bless him. So that was pretty much our day and the ride from Oklahoma City to Wichita was easy and drama-free. We arrived in Witchita Falls ready to do a show and head home . . .
The last time we played Iron Horse the place was packed, but last night was beyond what we've ever had. I can remember when we ate wherever we wanted, when the merch was sold by the side stage, and when the guys could play three plus hours of pool without the pressure of giving up the table. Not last night. AshleeBM and Jared Thomas came out and brought their friend, Jason. I Natalie was a return fan and so was Amy who bought a t-shirt. Jessica saw our first show and hadn't beeen back but wanted two. She brought her boyfriend JD Jr. I met Kyle outside. He was upset because his celly wasn't working and he needed to use a celly outside but nobody would let him borrow their phone, but he had a friend (Anna) who was coming and he would be able to use her phone. I stood in line at the bar with Colin who was already in his green t-shirt for St. Patty's. Slow down Colin. So many people who I was in the perfect state of being to remember and have a great time talking to.
The Effects opened the show and I could see the crowd was held in the same awe that used to confuse me in the past. Now I know it as AWE. When you see live music you can connect to and you're in the process of connecting. The Effects have proven to be a great companion band to JTNL. The guys all seem to like working with each other, despite how hard they banter with each other, and Joel and his guys give with an energy that can't be denied. After a 45 minute set, we took the stage and wore it out. Wichita Falls gave it up and we wore it out. I was sober until the whiskey shot came to the stage. By this time (five songs in) I had three vodka crans, two tall, each with a a different vodka each time - however, I was good! Vodka Cran is my drank of choice right now and when they come right it's like beach lovemaking, know what I'm saying?
Well, long story short, I missed the after meal at Whatburger and almost pee'd on myself when I did finally wake up. I dreampt I had excused myself to go to the bathroom at which time, woke, sat up and realized I was not in a stall. JT was driving and was knocking out some major miles while talking to Jenny on the phone. Jenny is a soldier. Not an actual soldier, but a down ass chick. I still am thankful to her for getting us home from Amarillo back in the day. She can put her mind to something and make it happen. So she kept her man company while we all lay passed out in the van - until I had to pee. We arrived in Lewisville, but I still had to drive to the city. Too much in one night, but not enough.
Oh, and if you're wondering about the cigarette battle, in the spirit of not lying to you, I'm losing. I had bummed so many loosies over the past few weeks from the same folks and decided to buy a pack so folks could bum off me for a change. I gave most of them away, but I did consciously indulge. Today is a new day, however and I owed myself a good night like last night. People are excited about us being on Kimmel and amped for the CD release. Word is out in Wichita Falls.