Solo Mission

I grew up with 3 brothers and overprotective parents so I was never alone. This is still true of my life today. I rarely do anything alone. I never felt confident enough to walk into a bar alone or grab a nice dinner by myself. I was always worried people would think I was alone.....random, considering I am alone.

So......last night was a breakthrough for me. After being let down for the last time, I was stuck holding 2 really good tickets to the Rise Against/ Lagwagon show in Long Beach. I have wanted to see this show for awhile now and because I was supposed to be there with HIM, it didnt seem right to scramble to try to find a replacement. So...... I just went,
I got in my car and I drove to Long Beach and I went......... ALONE.

I guess when you go to a concert by yourself people feel bad for you or something because everybody gives you stuff. It was weird. Free parking, free beer, free wristband for the mosh pit, free backstage pass.... I didnt even ask for any one this stuff. People just offered.

There is something about the people at a hardcore show. The people are there for one thing- the music. Guys don't hit on you. Girls don't throw galnces. People don't get into fights. It was amazing being in the center of the floor- elbows flying everywhere, drenched in my sweat and other peoples sweat, blood on my shirt from someone I never met, tattoos, piercings and random lost shoes tripping people up- but amongst all the chaos there was a sense of brotherhood that you don't experience often. I know it sounds cliche and cheesey- but it's true. Random strangers protecting me from the few out of control people, guys all jumping into a pool of elbows and knees risking bodily harm in order to pick up a complete stranger who fell and was getting trampled. Complete respect for the the guy you just threw across the pit. Complete respect for the blonde girl alone in the middle of a sea of sweaty men. Not one guy grabbed me boob or said anything offensive to me. These punks showed more respect than any mercedes driving newport beach "professional" mf'er that I have ever met and that is the guy that tries to put them down.

Rise Against and Lagwagon- you killed it. Thank you for a great night and for giving me the courage to stand alone.

Going to a show alone is an experience everyone needs to have.