The dream is dead.

Bette's last Vegas show has officially been announced as January 31, 2010. It is completely impossible for me to attend now. Needless to say, I am heartbroken. My greatest fear is that she won't do live shows after this. Apparently she is/will be working on an album, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Things are going okay, kind of hectic, and my social life is practically nonexistent. I did just sell a CD on Amazon today, which is a nice little bonus finanically. Not much, but a little.

Lately I've really been wishing our country had some sort of federally controlled recycling program. I feel that a lot of people aren't educated on how to properly prepare items for recycling, and what would really be great is if we had a program for delivery of food to food pantries. Grocery stores and restaurants throw away massive amounts of food on a daily basis, and it's just ridiculous that there's not some way that that food can be picked up and distributed locally. This would not only benefit people in especially lower-income communities, but it would keep these businesses from having to have their trash picked up so often (which they get charged for, I'm pretty sure). How is this situation not a win-win? Of course, some communities probably have something like this set up, but it should be a country-wide thing. If I had any business sense at all, I suppose I could try to start setting up a program like this. Maybe I can someday make the right connections and know the right people to get something like this started, but in the meantime, this is being posted on my blog as of now, so don't steal my idea bitches!

I was given a bootleg CD of the Fleetwood Mac Nashville show that I went to, and I am pretty sure that I can hear myself and my dad in the recording. How awesome is that!?

Oh, and Melissa Peterman made my week. Blonde forever!

I am famous! Okay, not really.

My review of Nashville's show is up on The Nicks Fix! OMFG!

This is equivalent to getting my Ellen letter on Bootleg Betty! So exciting!

Jam #2

Have you ever been to a parade in which there was a marching band? You know how the closer the band gets, the more you can feel the drums, until suddenly the reverberation is so strong that you can feel the beat in your bones and even all the way through your chest? I had a similar experience Friday night at the Fleetwood Mac concert.

The Nashville show was SO much better than the Columbus show. Partly it was because I was closer and able to see things that I couldn't see before. But it was also because Stevie seemed more into it (she even twirled earlier this time, during "Gypsy"). They did the same set list, quite possibly in the exact same order, but I didn't care. I got to watch Stevie exit the stage behind the band every single time. I could see the way that she drummed her fingers against Lindsey's shoulder while they embraced during "Sara". I saw the crew standing at the base of the stairs on the opposite end of the stage wearing cowboy hats and bandanas over their mouths like Western bandits, and I got to see Stevie throw back her head in laughter when she saw them. During Mick's drum solo, I was able to see that Lindsey, even though this was his only break during the entire show, didn't leave the stage; he merely sat down in the front stage left corner of the stage behind a speaker with his legs outstretched. I got to watch the backup singers prepping for their return to the stage after Mick's drum solo by dancing to the rhythm.

I still remember the rush of excitement I felt in Columbus when the lights came up and they started playing "Monday Morning". Nashville left me with a different feeling altogether. During "Dreams", the first song of the evening that featured Stevie singing lead, I could feel her voice reverberating like the drums during a parade. It went all the way up through my toes and into my veins until it made its way right to my heart. I have never felt so emotionally connected to someone before. Where in Columbus I cried during "Sara" and "Silver Springs" because I was so moved by the lyrics and Stevie's haunting voice, in Nashville I felt tears welling up during "Monday Morning" because I could not believe I was there, again, taking in Lindsey's genius and Stevie's ethereal beauty.

I'm sure many of my friends saw what I posted as my Facebook status after the show - that I wanted to lick the heel of Stevie's velvet platform stiletto while she was still wearing it. I know, a little strange. But I cannot explain to you how vibrant and beautiful she was Friday night. Stevie is the only woman who can make wearing so much clothing sexy. When she came out to do "Landslide" wearing this gorgeous deep red dress with thigh high stilettos, I was just totally blown away by her. Even now, I cannot put into words how she made me feel on Friday night.

My only regret of the evening was not going back for my camera. In Columbus they had signs up saying no cameras, so I had to take mine back to the car. In Nashville, we thought we were getting there like thirty minutes before the show so I knew I wouldn't have enough time to take my camera back to the car had I not been able to take it in. But, my dad and I didn't realize that Nashville was on central time and we got there super early. I could have gone back to my car to get the camera, but I had to use the bathroom REALLY bad and could think of nothing else. In a way, not having my camera was a plus because I would have been focusing too much on trying to get pictures and not really experienced the show. But I wish I had some pictures to remember that night. It was the closest I had ever been to Stevie, quite possibly the closest I ever will be, and I wanted to remember it.

No one could ever possibly understand the way I feel about Stevie Nicks. She and Bette Midler are so much more than just singers to me. Maybe my love for them borders on creepy. I guess other people would know that more than I would. But to have someone love you (indirectly, obviously; I may be delusional but I'm not crazy) unconditionally and with no bounds, without the fear of ever being rejected, you cannot know the overwhelming feelings that that creates. If only someday I could ever have someone love me the same way that I love them...

Attention boys and girls!

I have decided to go see Fleetwood Mac again!

They've extended their tour and are going to be in Nashville on June 19th. Since I'm not going to be able to afford to see Bette this year, I decided I totally have to go see FM again. My seats are much closer this time (something I am paying a pretty penny for) and I'm really excited about going again. I can't get their songs out of my head!!

I'm also going to see Blondie and Pat Benatar in Cincinnati in August. This will be both mine and my sister's third time seeing Blondie. The concert is the day after my birthday and the day before our King's Island trip at work, so it looks to be a pretty great weekend. Other good news includes rumors that Bette may be extending her Vegas contract, which gives me more time to go see her! Yay!

My jaw's all fucked up, and while it doesn't hurt, I'm basically chewing sideways so it makes eating very difficult. And I am so hungry. :(

Fleetwood Mac recap

I'm sure many of you are just reeling to hear about Saturday. Personally, I'm still a little in shock that it happened. I'm going to try to give a quick rundown of the day, but I can't promise it's going to be very interesting.

I got an early start on Saturday, finishing some cleaning and running a few errands. My dad got here early and we just sort of chilled out for an hour or so and left for Columbus around 2:30. The drive up went pretty fast. We listened to Fleetwood Mac on the way then stopped about forty-five miles outside of Columbus at KFC for a bite to eat. Unfortunately it was a KFC/A&W, and even though the sign showed mashed potatoes in the combo that we both ordered, we got french fries. :( We got into downtown Columbus right around 6:30. (The show was at 8.) They had lots of roads blocked off for traffic flow, I guess. There was a Columbus Clippers game going on literally across the street, so it must have just been a busy night.

Waiting was horrendous. They didn't open the doors until 7 (and cameras weren't allowed, sadly) so we just stood out there semi-patiently. We headed straight to the merchandise stands at 7, and I got a T-shirt, a poster, and a keychain. Once in our seats, I could not keep still. My leg kept involuntarily tapping furiously. I would realize it and make it stop, then it would start right back up again moments later. People started pouring in about a quarter till 8, and the lights went down about 8:15. My dad spotted Mick coming up onto the stage first. I kept watching and watching (I figure out which side they would be coming from early on because of the way the sides were set up.) and finally I could see her. My heart jumped into my throat.

They opened with "Monday Morning" and then went right into "The Chain" and "Dreams" (of course). The order of things is a little blurred after that, although I do remember what songs they did. The only Christine-penned songs they did were "World Turning" (the first encore, in which Mick did a kickass drum solo), "Don't Stop", and "Say You Love Me". The first two are ones in which she split vocals with Lindsey anyway, so those didn't seem much different, but it was really cool to have Stevie split lead with Lindsey on "Say You Love Me". Everyone looked and sounded great. Older, but still great. The guys did "Oh Well" which was a total surprise but also incredible. It's very blues-heavy (from the time Peter Green was with the band in England) and there were these really hilarious moments where they showed Mick's cheesy grin on the screen. They also did "I Know I'm Not Wrong" from Tusk, which I'm sure over half of the people in the crowd didn't know. There was also "Big Love", "Go Insane" (although not the acoustic version that Lindsey usually does live), "Never Going Back Again", and "I'm So Afraid" (which was the one my dad wanted to hear most).

But, most importantly, I got to hear the songs I most wanted: "Gyspy", "Second Hand News", "Sara", and "Silver Springs" (the final encore and the second song to bring me to tears that night). Stevie also did "Storms", which was beautiful, and "Stand Back". That was her solo song of the evening, since Lindsey got to do "Go Insane".

The first time I cried was during "Sara". Stevie walked over to Lindsey and they put their heads on each other's shoulders. I was blubbering like a baby. Even after the show started, every time I stood, my knees were all wobbly. I felt like I was hungry and hadn't eaten all day or something, but after the show I felt totally fine. That's when I realized it must have just been all the excitement I was feeling.

We were kind of far from the stage, but I had a clear trajectory to Stevie the entire time. I was the only person in our section that stood for the majority of the time, until the encores, so I didn't have to worry about anyone obstructing my view or anything like that. I almost wish we had been on the floor, but I wouldn't have been able to see then anyway.

My dad had a really great time and kept saying how awesome the show was. As for me, I was in heaven. I didn't want to leave. I could have stayed there all night listening to them play, and I want to go see them again! Seeing Stevie and Lindsey together like that has been the greatest moment of my life so far. Now I almost don't want to go see Bette this year just because I don't want it to overshadow my experience from Saturday. Seeing Fleetwood Mac is an experience I want to remember for the rest of my life, and just like all important things that have passed, my greatest fear is forgetting.

Here is a setlist from the opening night show Fleetwood Mac did for the tour. It was all the same songs, just possibly in a slightly different order:

- "Monday Morning"
- "The Chain"
- "Dreams"
- "I Know I'm Not Wrong"
- "Gypsy"
- "Go Insane"
- "Rhiannon"
- "Second Hand News"
- "Tusk"
- "Sara"
- "Big Love"
- "Landslide"
- "Never Going Back Again"
- "Storms"
- "Say That You Love Me"
- "Gold Dust Woman"
- "Oh Well"
- "I'm So Afraid"
- "Stand Back"
- "Go Your Own Way"
(encore)
- "World Turning"
- "Don't Stop"
- "Silver Springs"

In less than twelve hours...

...I'll be on my way to Columbus. I've sort of developed a little wish list in my head of songs that I hope they do. Of course, "Dreams", "Rhiannon", and probably "Gypsy" are on there, but they are givens to a tour professing to consist only of the hits. Word is they're doing "Sara", which will be thrilling. However, the song I really want to hear is "Silver Springs". I will die if they do that song. "Second Hand News" is also way up on my list, and "I Don't Wanna Know" would be a nice treat, but that one's a shot in the dark. I am just sooo excited about later. I can't even sleep.

We're leaving Lexington around 2:30, and I have tons to do before then. Gotta vacuum, return some stuff to Wet Seal, clean out my car, buy soap. It's going to be a busy morning leading up to a marvelous day!

The world is coming to an end.

Why didn't anyone tell me that Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson broke up?? I will be lost without them!!!

Things are going well today. I'm in a good mood and work hasn't been unbearable. In fact, job #1 was swell today. We weren't all that busy and I actually got to relax and take my time doing my work. It was nice.

I went back to the oral surgeon this morning and he doesn't seem too concerned about the feeling of swelling that I still have in my left cheek. My mouth wasn't sensitive on the inside, so he thinks any infection I may have had must be gone, but wants to see me in two weeks just in case there are any flare-ups.

It seems like there was a reason I decided to post a blog today, but I can't think of it now.

Eight days until Fleetwood Mac!

grumblings

Alright, so my gums/jaws still hurt occasionally from getting my wisdom teeth out. I really don't want to go back to the oral surgeon about it, but I may have to. Apparently different people have different healing times, but it's been three weeks. I just don't want to deal with another infection. I can't afford to buy any meds right now.

The job's going well. Over the past three days, I feel like I've really gotten the hang of things. I'm getting better all the time.

Three weeks and one day until Fleetwood Mac!

cubicle #6

Mister D is going to provide the link to my Ellen letter to Bootleg Betty readers this weekend! This is a HUGE deal. This is the Bette website. It's not her official website, but it's better! This is the one that all the BetteHeads read to get the most up-to-date info. I'm super excited! 8 comments and counting at this point. Hopefully I can get a few more. I really appreciate everyone's help so far!

I've made an appointment for Monday to consult about getting my wisdom teeth cut out. I have one already, and now another one is starting to poke through. They're really starting to cause me some pain. I can feel the tightness in my mouth. My mouth is so tiny I can barely fit all the teeth I have, so you can imagine that getting more is slightly painful. This could be contributing to all my neck and jaw problems as well. Fortunately, I have quite a bit of money in my FSA account, and it should pay for most, if not all, of the procedure. Yay! I guess my crappy health insurance is at least good for one thing.

I still haven't gotten a power cord for my laptop. I guess I need to do that soon. Oh! But I've already pre-spent my tax refund. I'm taking my dad to Columbus to see Fleetwood Mac in April! I was going to go anyway, I had already decided, but I am taking him as an early birthday present. He turns fifty this year, so I thought something big (a.k.a. expensive) was in order. He was worried about the drive, but I told him it wasn't a big deal. Driving three hours to see the greatest band of all time? That's nothing! It ought to be a great show.