Life as a Musician...

Life as a musician is NOT always glamorous. Don't get me wrong. I have had many days filled with diamonds, designer clothes, people doting on my every move, private planes, and Penthouse Suites. All unnecessary. But for some of our gigs, that just the way we roll.

But this week, it's been crazy. Monday was full of school stuff. Lots of work, at the DOH, and the hospital. And a last minute flight to Sin City. Followed up with a long rehearsal. I needed to know the music, that I would be teaching. Everyone else had had 8 hours of rehearsal. Yup, I was just trying to keep up! My night didn't end there. Nope. It ended with 2 exams online. And 2 hours of sleep.

Tuesday and Wednesday were fun. I can't help but admit that. Lots of teaching. Spending some quality time with el Maestro. Learning from him, when we weren't teaching. And more rehearsals. But a little bit of the glamour did peek through...

When I wasn't teaching, or practicing, I was enjoying a little bit of Sin City. The amazing food, the glorious Penthouse Suite, and all of my amazing friends. Oh ya! Have I said this before? I get the largest room, and I travel by myself. All by myself. I've asked about this, but no one ever answers me. So I usually let the "Itty Bitties" sleep over. Yes, me and about 10 little girls. Watching cartoons early in the AM! Ordering Room Service full of yummy breakfast treats. Because it's all comped!

Thursday included 6 hours of teaching. Realizing I forgot my bridesmaid's dress. And a mad dash to catch our flight. Back home. Because we were scheduled to perform at 6PM. Rain had a different thing in mind for us. And the Tornado Warning, well that just postponed things too. But we celebrated Little M's 3rd birthday. Enjoyed some cake and ice cream, in one of the ballrooms. Because, we weren't allowed to leave the Convention Center. Not to worry! We could entertain ourselves. :)

Then we played. 2 hours. The rain came. We left. The entire group headed to A's house. About 10 minutes away. To relax. And take everything in. OK, it also included eating. And making fun of one of our friends. He's getting married on Sunday. And was in some major trouble with his mujer.

We headed back to downtown, and we played for about 5 hours. When? At 11:30PM. Because we had to play for El Grito. In the wee hours of the morning, I finally headed to the hospital. To do some work. A few hours later, I headed home. More than an hour away. To shower, grab my dress, and check on my house.

Friday morning, I tried to catch up on Facebook. I was ridiculously behind! I managed to pack my Bridesmaid dress. I even watered my flowers and lawn! Then I met A for breakfast, and we headed out to rehearsal. Oh ya, my car, I haven't driven it since Sunday. I have a sorta major oil leak... :(

Breakfast was extra yummy that day. IHOP. Seriously, I rarely eat there. But those Nutella Crepes, are just like heaven! Our rehearsal wasn't too bad. Or too long. La Senora Adriana was hilarious! As always. And I'm pretty sure she was eying A. Especially when we busted out our fancy dance moves. :)

Then I headed back to the hospital. More work. About 4 hours worth. Then, back to the concert. Where, my friends totally surprised me. With tickets to go see Santana! I LOVE me some Santana! So A and I rushed to his house, to change and head out. Yes, our Compadres bought us tickets, and dinner. As a little Gracias, for being good to their ninitos. :) We've got some incredible friends!

After a delish dinner at PF Changs, we headed off to the concert. Where, let me tell you, we had a BLAST! A and I happen to be, the hilarious 2 of the group. We LOVE to dance. And just have fun. And we did just that. For the entire concert. Santana has still got it!

As we were leaving, we got a call. From our friend and boss. Could we possibly head back to that concert, the one we were supposed to play? Senora Adriana wanted to know what happened to us. And you know, we worked so hard on that dance routine. Seriously?!?!?!

Luckily, we got changed, and to the venue. With about 2 minutes to spare. And the last 2 minutes of the show, some how became another 90 minutes! Have I told you? Los Mexicanos like to celebrate their independencia. But we all had such a great time. It was well worth it.

You'd think we were ready to pass out. Honestly, it sure felt like it. But everyone headed back to A's house. We all needed to get changed. And since he lives closest to the airport, that's where we went. Some of the guys grabbed some food on the way. And we all ate and changed. Their wives, girlfriends, and kiddos were all there too. Why? We were all headed to the airport...

At 3AM, we were ready to head out. Straight for Sin City. Pretty much, everyone on the plane slept. Except me. I had my laptop out. Doing homework, writing a paper, and trying to study. You do it when you can. Right? This is when I'm glad, that my professors rarely ever, have us go to class. Usually, I hate them because of this very thing. But this week, it's been nice to just to my work, and get to do my paying job too!

And that's where you find me. Somewhere high above the Earth. Doing homework, and blogging. While everybody sleeps. A is next to me, holding one of our Goddaughters. Both are out for the count! And I'm typing away. About HFCS and I's/O's. I also have to find time for 2 exams today. Wish me luck!

Because when we land, well get a few minutes, to head back to our rooms at the casino. Get cleaned up. And then, we've got some rehearsals and sound checks. It will be the only rehearsal time, with the performers, that we're backing up tonight. We'll quickly go through a few of our numbers. Then off to a fancy lunch. With the "High Rollers" in Sin City.

Later, we'll have a "Fancy Pants" dinner. And of course our show. Which we're all excited about! I just hope, that I don't fall asleep, during any of this. Oh, and our amigos are getting married tomorrow afternoon. The Mariachi is in the wedding, and playing for it! Can you say...BUSY WEEKEND! But I'll finally get to see this guy again! He's back from Spain. Happy Saturday! ♫

Que Viva Mexico!

Today is Mexico's Independence Day. Yes, it is! And all the bad weather last night, well that didn't bother our celebration. No way! We played well into the wee hours of the morning. Yes, it was a good night. Celebrating El Grito!

I'm very proud of my heritage. And the fact that I get to share the gift of music with so many people. To be a part of something fun, uplifting, and enjoyable...well it feels good. Because lately, there has been so many "Debbie Downer Moments" in life. It's nice to forget our problems, even for a few hours, and celebrate an important day.

The celebrating hasn't stopped. And by the looks of our schedules, we'll be playing all weekend. But that is definitely part of the fun. We're Mariachis after all! Now I'm going to go eat something yummy, try to finish up some work stuff, and figure out how to catch a few minutes of sleep...before the celebrations continue. Oh ya, and we'll be doing a heck of a lot of this....



all weekend long! ♫

What I Needed.

Last night, I finally just got "to be." I got to enjoy myself. And really have a good time. It was the first time, in a very long time, that I really got to enjoy myself.

To begin with, our show was a lot of fun last night. Plenty of time to have fun. We saved all our really good stuff, for last night. When we played a HUGE show for a Charity event. We wanted to make sure, that everyone was enjoying themselves. And we weren't going to be happy, until we saw smiles on faces, and people dancing. Simple as that.

But afterward, we, the band, got to enjoy ourselves too. It was time to dance the night away! Yes, we get paid to mingle with the guests. But since the event was by invitation only, it meant, we got to let our hair down, when we were done performing. Something I needed to do.

I don't drink. But honestly, I didn't need to. Not this time around. I just had fun. I had a permanent dance partner in my friend/boss. And he was all for having a great time too! Why? Because he has been working just as hard as we have. The last 10 days, well we've all been going nonstop! So don't judge us for never leaving the dance floor. We were both up to having a good time, and forgetting all of our troubles. :)

Beyond the fact that we helped our friend/boss score an amazing DJ. Well, he knew the guy, but the band was the one that suggested him. We had some amazing music. I swear, you could feel the beat of the music, long after you had left. The dance floor was completely packed! And everyone enjoyed it. Until the sun rose, early this morning. Yes, folks, we enjoyed life a little. Then, we got to watch the sunrise, on the roof of the club we played at. :) Along with a very yummy breakfast!

At the end of the night, it was nice to know that we helped score this Charity, a 9 figure donation. Yes, 9 figures!!! All by playing some music, dancing, and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. It was an incredible feeling. Just to know how many kids this is going to help. That right there, makes it all worth it. Every single time!

But the best part for me, was just living in the moment. Having some fun. Dancing the night away. And forgetting my worries. The last few months have been beyond stressful! And I'm so glad that I got the chance to just be me. To live a little. And to enjoy a little bit of life. ♫

Getting Ready for a Long Day...

Today, my MUA and I decided to try a little something different. We wanted to have a little fun. But neither of us wanted to spend hours and hours getting ready. And we needed something that could go from "business attire" to "formal." And quickly.

Mrs. M, well she liked this hairstyle. And it's what we settled on. Along with some "natural" makeup, with a little "twist." I also have 5 outfits for the day. Oh ya, it's gonna be a long night!

But today, we're going to be a part of "history." And honestly, it's going to be so fun! I really do like this annual trip/gig that the band does. We get to be a part of something special. Now I just need to finish getting ready! ♫

Thinking About...

Do I? Or don't I? Cut my hair, that is. M is here and I'm tempted. It's so HOT out here! And I've wanted to cut my hair for a while now. Maybe I'll just go with it. Nothing too crazy. But get some of the length of it off! You know, maybe like this...



What do you think? A little more sassy. More of a style. Honestly, for the last 9 months, my hair is generally up. In some sort of a messy do. Because I don't know what to do with it. And I don't have the time to straighten it every single day! Maybe I need a cut. It would be fun. ♫

Salty, Sweet, Delicious!

Do you see this brownie? Yum! That's all I can say. It's salty, sweet, and so delicious! My mouth is watering...just thinking about it. I might just have to bake some. Sometime today. You know, for all my friends/band mates. Since we're working together. For the next 12 days or so. :)

Because of my niece's graduation, I'm a little late getting to the gig. :( But they understand. And so does my boss. But this would definitely score me some points. Yummy brownies. I think they'd forget all about me missing 2 nights of gigs. ;)

To be 100% honest, I just want some of these brownies. hahaha You know me and my sweet tooth. But these are just extra yummy! I think it's because they're slightly salty too. Anyway that you put it, have a Happy Thursday! ♫

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Cinco de Mayo! We've been working since yesterday afternoon. And we're scheduled to be going well into tomorrow morning. I'm more than positive that Americans celebrate more than the Mexicanos.

Pero, we're having tons of fun! It's not 48 hours straight, of performing for us. But it's a long schedule. We do get to enjoy the yummy comida. And the other performers. Including many of the Mariachi's ninitos. Most are dancers.

We're enjoying ourselves. Being safe. And working. Not much more you can ask for. It's really an incredible event. I really do love this city! And all the cultura that is packed into our lives. Now I'm off to enjoy some yummy birthday cake. ♫

Fiesta Mexicana!

This picture can pretty much sum up my week. It was a good week. But a very busy week! Lots of teaching and performing. Lots of learning. Lots of singing. Being part of this big weekend, well, it takes a lot of hard work.

I had the pleasure of performing for this Big Mariachi Show. Filled with greats, giants, and lots of Maestros. Men that I respect more, than you'll ever know. That have taught me about my cultura, and the musica. That have taken me under their wings, and have shown me the ropes.

Seeing all of my favorite little girls learning, only added to the experience. Seeing them learn about our cultura. Carrying on the traditions. It was amazing. But sharing the stage, was just magical.

This has been a week filled with music. Lots of it. The best of the very best. Lots of trajes. Many Maestros. Everything oozing with the spice of the Vida Mexicana! I enjoyed every second of the week and weekend. Every single second!

It didn't hurt that so many of my friends were here too. Sharing the stage. Teaching alongside me. Laughing. Sharing their families. Enjoying our cultura. It was magical. It was just magical to see how traditions are past from one generation to another. These shows and conferences never get old. Never! Que Viva la Vida Mexicana! ♫

Making Magic

Making Magic. It's what Maestro G always tells us to do. When we are performing. Making the audience "feel" the music. Do more than play your instruments, sing the words, and dance. Make people feel the music. Make them cry. Remember. And fall in love.

Tonight, I take the stage with some of the most amazing musicians out there. Full of talent and accomplishment. On such a big anniversary. I'm beyond excited! And to know, these musicians are also some of my very best friends, I know that I'm blessed!

Now that my "Music Man," S and I are on good terms again, it makes many, many people happy. Por que? We trained together. I learned how to sing with him. We became the performers we are today, by working together. Many days and nights...blood, sweat, and tears...and even broken hearts, got us to where we are. And let me tell you, we know how to put on a show!

For days now, we've been rehearsing. Long after the participants and students have gone to bed, we are on the stage. Working with all the "Maestros." The lighting is perfect. There's not one mistake in the music. Everything is good to go. And in the middle of those "Canciones de Amor," my heart dancing. A feeling that I never thought would happen again.



Did you watch that? From 1:44-2:50, el Maestro G tells us, we can recreate that magic. On stage. For everyone to see. Ya, S gets that "sparkle" in his eye. And I roll my eyes! But tonight, we are pulling out all the stops. For one "Grand Performance!"

I've got my "Music Man" back. Two performers that are destined to perform together. Possibly forever. That part of our story...well it's still left to be written. But the music part, we can't deny that. We are a good team...together.

I can't help but have butterflies in mi pansa! I really can't. And to get to share the stage with all of my good amigos again. That alone is the reason I couldn't sleep last night. Add in my cute ahijadas who are dancing, and we are set for one grand Fiesta Mexicana! ♫

Strawberry Shortcake

What do you think about this costume? A little "racy" huh? I was just doing an innocent search, about a month ago, for a Strawberry Shortcake costume. Not even for me! I was helping a friend. She had 5 costumes to hunt down, for her 5 itty bitties. So I was a little shocked when this popped up, when I typed "Children's Strawberry Shortcake Costume," into Google.

My fellow band members encouraged this purchase. You know, we do perform on and around Halloween. We always dress up. But, I just can't imagine wearing this. Honestly, the only time I really wore a "racy costume," I was in kindergarten. No lie! I was a genie.

Maybe if I was 4 inches taller. Or a few pounds lighter. Heck, if I was just a little braver. But I'm not. Instead, I'm gearing up to be "Little Red Riding Hood." It should be fun. You just never know, I might just leave this on the back burner for now. But there is always next year... ♫

Mixed Feelings

So the real reason I'm here, is to sing for Jav's wedding. We sang for his brother's wedding years ago. And by "we" I mean me and S. Hmmm, it kind of stresses me out. Lots of things have changed. Especially in the last year. So I'm just hoping for a nice day.

In fact, he's not even here yet. S is flying in from Mexico City. And we are supposed to be singing "Somos Novios" at the wedding. I mean we're going to sing other stuff. Almost everything that Jav and his fiance requested, was a duet. But this was on the top of their list.

This happens to be the very first song that S and I ever sang together. And it's probably our most requested song to sing. I know it's the one he enjoys the most. But for me, it's a bag of mixed feelings. I'm honored to get to sing for my friends, but I'm stressed about the whole situation with S.

Well, there's not much for me to do at this point. Except get ready. And to go hangout with my Goddaughters. 2 of which, are in the wedding. :) So I'll have something very good, to keep my mind off of all these mixed feelings that I'm having. Maybe one day, someone will sing this song at my wedding... ♫

Vegas Baby!!!

We're done with the crazy performing. Well, at least until tomorrow. And we're on our way to Vegas. Yes, Las Vegas! We're not going to talk about how we almost missed our flight. How there were at least 20 mariachis, with family in tow, running to the gate. :) Or how I still have a full face of makeup on, my big earrings, and these roses in my hair. I did manage to change into a pair of sweats though. But we're flying. Right now. Headed west.

For 2 reasons I came on this trip, to play a concert, and because a friend is getting married. I wasn't going to come. I just couldn't afford it. But when Jav begged me to come and sing for his wedding, well I couldn't say no. I didn't hurt that he called me every single day for 2 weeks! And because he's teaching at the conference, he gets a free hotel room. He said I could have his room, because he lives in Vegas, and he didn't need it. Maestro G also came to the rescue by getting me a ticket with his "Frequent Flyer" miles. So I got a room and a flight for free. :)

It also didn't hurt, when the guys asked me to play the concert with them, on Saturday night. So I get to make some money. Actually, a really good check! And I get to hangout with some friends, listen to a nice concert tonight, and go to Jav's wedding. I'm a pretty lucky lady.

All this, and I don't have to spend any money. I'm not missing any school or work. I think it's a total score! It also doesn't hurt that A is sitting next to me, with Mi Princesa fast asleep. Yes, we are good Godparents. Keeping track of our little princesa.

So you can see, I couldn't say no. I get to spend today and most of tomorrow watching Mi Princesa dance. And My Care Bear and Big M. I get to hangout with some good friends. And enjoy a little bit of the city. But for right now, I'm going to take advantage of our time in the air. And I'm going to join the rest of the cabin in a nap. Talk to you when we get to Vegas. ♫

El Grito

Yes, I'm working all day today. Performing. For "El Grito." Or Mexico's Independence Day. It's a HUGE one too! It's their bicentennial.

Even with all the violence across the border, there is a HUGE celebration planned. And we're working it. Lots of gigs. As in, I don't expect to go home at all! We're leaving for the airport after our last show. At 3AM!

But these are always fun events. We're playing it safe. And staying on the USA side of the border. But we have a mass amount of gigs planned. I'm perfectly fine with that! I need the money for school. I just hope that people go to have fun. And not be stupid.

So folks, I'm going to be performing. Lots of playing, singing, and dancing. But I'm happy to do it. And to be able to be around my friends all day long. There are so many reasons why I love Mariachi. This is just one of them. Now it's time to hit the road...south I go. ♫

Earning My Pay

Take a mix of these 4 videos, add in a little Juareno style, OK a lot of Juareno style, and you have what me and A are working on. For what? An upcoming show for El Grito.













And how did this happen you ask? Well, S and I always used to dance at our gigs. "La Chiquitita" became known for it. And after the organizers of this gig, found out that I was playing, well they asked me to dance. Because S now lives in Mexico City, I needed a new dance partner...in walked A.

Because our Goddaughter, Mi Princesa, dances folklorico style, we had a shoe in. A sweet talked her teacher, and she helped us put together a nice polka. Just with a lot more Juareno style to it. You know how they dance. Do I really have to describe it? I mean, I'm sure at some point or another, you've seen a Mexican couple dancing.

Let's just put it this way, I was a little embarrassed when Mi Princesa was watching us. Oh, and after the first rehearsal, I couldn't look A in the eye for at least a week. Ya, we were THAT CLOSE! I'm sure we now have a complete and honest idea of what each other has. But that's how the people dance around here.

I'm personally more used to dancing to this type of polka. Just a lot faster.




But we are definitely going to be earning our paycheck on the day of El Grito. Playing, singing, and dancing. Oh boy! I hope I survive the 2 day celebration. :) I think we're playing a total of 36 hours in 2 days. Something insane and crazy like this. And this, it happens to just be 1 of the many dances that A and I are adding into our shows. ♫

I Ruined My Dress!

Tonight, I wore a lot of dresses. We do quick changes backstage. Thank goodness for my 2 friends that help me! The minute I leave the stage, my shoes go flying off. We have this fabric tube like thing that I crawl into and I start taking off whatever in the heck I'm wearing. C gives me my next outfit. And I climb into it. I usually have them drop the tube thing I'm in at about this time. C will zipper me in and get my next pair of shoes on. While I'm changing jewelry. M fixes my hair and makeup. Then I'm running back onstage.

Over the years, we've gotten good. So good, a quick change is somewhere between 2-3 minutes! That is what it was supposed to be like tonight. Supposed to be. I don't have a picture of my dress, and I'm not about to take one now. I might cry. These were the closest I could find online. But my dress was made out of a beautiful satin. Not the cheap kind that most wedding dresses are made out of. But a gorgeous and rich fabric. The kind that is a few $100 a yard! My dress had a rather deep sweetheart neckline, and hit somewhere between mid-thigh and my knee.





This was not the first time I wore this dress. In fact, I've had it since October. The last time we came to NC. I have the dress in about 8 colors. It was custom made. After my boss saw something like it, he had C hand make these dresses. Yes, more than one. The white one, somehow was my boss' favorite. And that was what I was supposed to wear tonight when we sang 1 of our duets. With the Christian Louboutin shoes. What the heck! This outfit costs more than my tuition for a semester! We're not even going to talk about the jewelry I was wearing. There is a reason why I have a bodyguard...

Just as M is doing the finishing touches on my makeup. Shoes are on and I'm heading back to the stage, I feel a trickle. A trickle of blood coming from my nose. OMG! I had the worst nose bleed ever tonight! My boss sees me. Arms covered in blood. He picks me up and takes me to a couch in my dressing room. I lay down. And for 30 minutes my nose bleed! I don't know what the band played. But whatever, they know enough songs without me!

The entire front of my dress was covered in blood. I'm not sure if it's the change of climate, the crazy weather here, my allergies, or the heat in the club. But it was pretty bad. At one point, my boss called Dr. P backstage to take a look at me. I think they were all getting concerned. And as quickly as the blood came, it stopped. They gave me some juice, I took one of my iron pills, and Dr. P took my vitals. I was OK.

So I cleaned up and changed into a red dress. Identical to the white one. My boss and I made it to our spots. The lights went off, and we carried on with the show. At the end of "Need You Now" my boss gave me a big hug, a kiss on the check, and managed to whisper in my ear. I didn't take his offer to bow out gracefully and take the rest of the night off. I was there to work. And I finished the show with the band. Nose bleed free. Now I'm off to sleep. Because I'm exhausted! ♫

Up On the Ridge

This song is AMAZING! One of my new favorites. I just like Bluegrass music in general. Just the raw emotion of the music. It's fun. Just like this song! And let me tell you, this is one of the bands favorite songs to play! I just LOVE that!

We're getting ready for some big gigs. I'm so excited!!! And this song, it makes my toes curl. I really can't wait to hit that "Good 'ol Carolina Stage." Seriously, these are some of our favorite gigs. EVER!

And pretty much, from now until the end of May, I'm not getting much of a break. But I can't complain. I get paid to hangout with my friends. To jam. And to perform some really fun music. Now I'm off to listen to Dierks some more. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE his music? :P ♫

She's Country

She's country. Who you ask? Me! I somehow survived yesterday. It was so much fun. But a heck of a lot of work! 12 pairs of boots, 5 racks of clothes, and who knows how much makeup later, we got our pictures.

Now it's on to work on playlists for the gigs. N will do his work with the pictures. He's amazing at what he does! In about 3 days, we'll get the negatives back. B (the leader of the band), my bosses and I will decide on what we'll use. These pictures are for promotional stuff like posters and flyers. They'll also print a few group shots, our head shots, and who knows what not all. We use these for our appearances and VIP events. That's what we sign. Which I'm still not sure about. Who really wants my autograph?

The best part of the day, was definitely the shots with Mr. Blue Eyes. He is so goofy! And the only "real professional" of all of us. Because, he actually does this professionally as part of his job. The rest of us, well we do it for gigs. That's it. You can actually see him on tv and in print ads. But we had fun music blasting the entire time! And it was just about us having fun!

The wild west shots were hilarious. Mostly because I was having wardrobe issues. Talk about malfunctions in my costumes! But we managed to keep it light and fun! Because that's how we roll. You know, the band is like a bunch of brothers. They are sincerely my big brothers. And together, we're all just about having fun.

Happy Tuesday! And take a looksy at the video. This song always puts me in a good mood! Mr. Blue Eyes even managed to get some video of me dancing to the instrumental break (after 2:10) in the song. It was really kinda funny! ♫

Sign, Seeled, Delivered

The BBs (the band I'm in) and I signed contracts today. Looks like we're headed to Sin City (Las Vegas) next week. It's pretty exciting! Not only do I get to work, and hello, make some money! But I get to spend time with my friends. And enjoy some fun events. Hello, Sin City! I'm ready for you. I hope you're ready for the BBs!

My boss, Daddy Warbucks, is very excited. He's already buying some of my costumes for these shows. Makes me laugh! But my friend who works for him, she's been on buying trips for weeks already. I guess DW just knew we were going to say yes to this gig!

But I'm really excited. We always have a lot of fun going to Sin City. My favorite things to do while I'm there...they include the lush suite I always get, the mini wedding cakes, and the outlet shopping. I'm not much of a gambler or drinker. But we have a lot of fun! Now, I can't wait to get to work! ♫

Getting Ready for a Gig

When I heard this song...I should have known I was in trouble. You would think I would have learned something by now. No such luck! I was working at J's house earlier. Trying to get paperwork done for this weekend. And the payroll started. And I heard this song...

What does that mean? It's time to sign some contracts. Literally, Mr. Blue Eyes, Daddy Warbucks, and B come into my office. We start signing contracts for our NC gig. The one in May. When we're go for 2 weeks. Good money! But it's all the other stuff that we have to do, that I don't like.

I have to start eating better. Because I need to lose a few pounds. I workout every single day. At the gym...with Steve. My crazy trainer. It's a requirement for my degree. But I like it a lot! It's the eating part that's my downfall. Because I don't eat but maybe once a day. Sometimes not at all. I'm just busy. And like any other college student...poor as dirt. But for the next 2 months, I need to change that. Thank goodness we get half of our pay now. :)

Why? In about a month, we'll do a photo shoot. Promotional pictures for our gig. One of which, I have to wear a bikini and boots. They're having an event at the club were playing at...the "Boots and Bikini Contest." I'm not going to be in it. But that's one of the pictures. The rest, well they're our typical promotional stuff. The band and I. Mini skirts, boots, and tank tops for me. Don't forget the John Deere! And all the head shots that we sign. You would think we were famous or something.

See our gigs aren't just about playing. But we get paid to make appearances, to do "Meet and Greets," and to hangout with the VIPs. So I need to slim down. Being 5'0" tall...5 extra pounds on me look more like 20. So I need to start eating. So I can lose weight. Crazy, I know! But remember, I study nutrition. So I know these things. Oh, and I've done this more than once.

Let's not forget the outfits that the bosses brought. Including the black bikini with skulls on it. So cute! But so small. Oh ya, I don't wear bathing suits! But for at least an hour, I'm going to have to. With red cowboy boots no less! The other outfits weren't too bad.

And this song you ask? It's Mr. Blue Eyes and N's doing. Last Spring, we were getting ready for the same gig, I show up on the morning of the photo shoot. They're blasting "I'm in Miami Trick." I wish I was lying. But I'm not! So this is the song they play while I awkwardly try to strike a pose. This is the part of performing that I don't like. But it's probably the most important part. Please pray for me! ♫