Covenant in Chicago: Part 2

After Rotersand was Imperative Reaction. In between they had to tear down the Rotersand set-up and then do IR's stuff. This of course takes time. The DJ once again was kicking it and the floor was packed. CJ and I talked for a little bit, but we really just stood there, waiting, anticipating. I acknowledged the presence of this one girl who had been standing next to me during Rotersand. She'd been there since I'd been there and I wanted to say a little hello. That's what's nice about concerts, you can meet people who like the same kind of music like you and make new friends. The next thing we knew, some girl from behind us tried to start pushing her way in between the other girl and me. At first she was rather sly about it, sliding her arm and hand onto the rail. Slowly she then started to slightly push us out of the way. You know how it happens. "Well if I put my hand here they'll know I'm claiming this spot. If I touch them they'll move out of the way for me." ... That's what people think and do and react in everyday life. This is a concert however honey, and you have no right to be here in the front row. You want front row?... then fucking get here early like the rest of us.

She started talking loud, leaning on the other girl and I. It was quite obvious what was going on. In retaliation we simply pushed back. We were not going to be moved aside for anyone. I stepped it up a notch. I turned the girl who had been sharing the spot with me and I started up a conversation. Mind you, the tall pushy broad was still trying to nudge her way in between us.
Me: "Oh... I really like your dread hair piece. Where did you get that?"
New Girl: "Thanks! I got them from Jaded Dreads.com. You should check them out.... "
And so on and so forth we continued to talk. Her name is Alison by the way. (Not to be mistaken for my best friend Alison from school) While we had our conversation the pushy girl decided to interupt us. She asked since Alison and I were having a conversation and she happened to be akwardly placed betwixt us if she could stand on either side of us. That way we could pleasanlty continue our conversation and she could have a front row spot. Ha! Did she think we were stupid?! We nodded at each other knowing all too well what was going down. Alison then spoke up, "No we're good." Then the tall girl had the audacity to ask us if she could still get into front row. Alison laid the smack down and replied, "We were here first." This really seemed to take the tall girl aback. Alison and I finished our conversation and continued the physical struggle with the tall pushy girl. She squawked loudly about how the two bitches up front wouldn't let her in. Then to add pressure along with her constant nudging, one of her guy friends with his back to mine, practically laid on top of me. He then began to wiggle with the music. I suppose the method was to annoy me so much i gave up my spot or to squish me into non-existance. But Anamoire was not going to have any of it!! I wiggled, pushed, and defended my position with all that was in me. I know the rules and politics of front row, so they can just Suck it! Right before Imperative came on stage, they finally backed off.

Imperative Reaction is always a good show. They rock so much! I remember the first time I saw them. My brother took me to their show in Arlington. It was right after I had met Breck. In fact, he was there. We were on the phone one evening talking and he said he was going to a concert, I said that Sam was taking me to one too. Then I asked him what he was going to go see.. I asked Sam what we were going to see. It just so happened to be the same show. I was psyched. I danced hardcore to IR the first time I heard them and fell in love with them right away. My first IR song was Severed. It's a kick ass song. Wanna dance?.. then put that tune on. The second time I saw IR was in Dallas right before I left Texas. They played with VNV Nation, my favorite band. That had been a great show too. This one in Chicago, just as good as the other two. Imperative always rocks and is always fun to watch and dance to. They are never a disappointment. Plus, the lead singer, Ted, super cute!

Once again after IR there was down time between set-ups. I'm really excited and pleased with the turn out. It makes me happy that there are people who appreciate the music that I love so much. So many people I know don't listen to or have never heard of Industrial type music. Plus, most of these types of bands are not American so unless you're an avid music fan, you wouldn't have gone out of what is played on Local Radio. The energy spiked as did the tension. We were all so excited and pumped, ready for Covenant. CJ, Alison and I gripped the rail and steadied our postions. We weren't going to lose our front row spots. We were going to see Eskal without any hinderances.....

The lights dimmed. The electronic lights set in the back of the stage began to dance around. Flash Flash. They're coming... They're coming! Cheers and whistles from the crowd thunder up to greet Covenant, welcoming, beckoning them to the stage. Flash Flash. Lower light.. still lower. Flash Flash. Then an explosion of yells as Covenant steps out onto the stage. There are three guys. The lead singer Eskal, a keyboardist, and a mixer/sound effects dude. All three are wearing black slacks, a colored button-up, and dark ties. Nice. We jump up and down in excitement. We move and sway and rock to the beat. Many of us sing along, fans hardcore. Our arms are lifted up in expression of pleasure, happiness, and total exhilaration. It doesn't get better than this.
There were two encores. Two! Yes, that's how much Covenant rocks. They played all my favorite songs by them, even the first song I had ever heard and recognized as a Covenant song, "Dead Stars". What was awesome was when they came back out and played "Happy Man."
Eskal: "You people are so sweet.. so we're going to play you a sweet song."
Guy Behind Us: "I Feel Like a Teletubby!"
"Happy Man" is such a random song, but I love it. Covenant has these really heavy and intense songs. Then there is "Happy Man." It's so light. It makes me think of Cool Whip sitting softly on top of Pumpkin Pie, like in the commercial! It's great! (the song)

It was getting late and sadly after the second encore, the show was over. There was a post show party downstairs of the Metro, but CJ and I needed to get back to Urbana. I had class the next morning and we had a 2.5 hour drive back from Chicago. I stopped by the merch table to get myself a Covenant T-shirt and say hi to the Imperative guys. It's funny, two years ago I would have never done that. I would have never just started talking to people from a band or whatever. I'm usually so shy and assume they don't want to hear anything I have to say. But Ted and the guys were very welcoming. I got their autographs and let them know I hoped to see them again soon.

Getting out of Chicago at 1 in the morning should be easy right? There should be no traffic and you should be able to just whiz out? That's logical. That's how it would work in Dallas, oh but waitl, this isn't Dallas. Once CJ and I found out way to the highway, we proceeded to sit in traffic for an hour. And I mean, sit in traffic! We literally sat there, for an hour without moving an inch! Not that it really mattered at first. We were so hyped up about just having seen Covenant. I was bouncing all over the car. I even stuck my head out of the sun roof to have a nice gander around the rest of traffic. Oh man, this is Anna Marie on caffiene. Beware!!! I'm not responsible for my actions after two coffees! lol. We eventually saw movement. But the wierd thing was that the cars were going the opposite way. They were all turning around. "Can you do that?" we asked each other. But soon a construction worker or whatever was telling us to go back up the highway. We did what we were told. That is the wierdest feeling in the world, going up against traffic! Wow!
This wasn't really a great option thoughl. CJ and I got tottally lost in South Chicago. We were driving down dark and dangerous roads. I was freaking out and trying to get him to drive in better lit areas. After what seemed forever, we finally found the part of the highway we needed. It was open road, clean and clear, a straight shot back to Urbana-Champaign. As soon as we hit it, I passed out.

I don't remember much of the drive back. I drifted in and out of sleep. I awoke to sip my water. After the show we both were incrediably thirsty. Dancing will do that to you. I awoke to change CD's and to randomly say things to CJ. Checking to make sure he was still ok to drive. We didn't get back until 5 in the morning. I tell you, nights like that make you thankful for your soft, warm, comfy bed. It's a pitty I only got about 3 hours of sleep that night. But it was well worth it. It was definately a show to remember.

Heh.. that's the end of that adventure. I hope that you all are having some of your own. So till we meet again, I'm off to curl up in my rather soft, warm, and comfy bed. Good night my lovelies.

Covenant in Chicago: Part 1

What a rocking concert! Last night was the Covenant, Imperative Reaction, and Rotersand show in Chicago. I've been waiting for this concert for weeks.. if not, months! There had been rumors floating around that they were coming to the U.S. but it took forever for the dates to post. I was even uber afraid that I was going to be busy and occupired with a show. But thankfully, I was able to get the evening off.

The Ceej and I headed up to Chicago at about 3 pm or so. I was hopped up on coffee and I though that with my excitement and hyperness, CJ wasn't going to be able to take it and push me out of the car. This, however. did not happen. I read him the final Act of Richard III, voices and all. That seemed to calm me down and entertain him as well.

We got into Chicago at around 6 and pushed our way through traffic, searching for the goth shops and such off Clark and Belmont. Parking was actually a breeze. We did not however anticipate the extreme change in temperature. Back in Urbana-Champaign it had been rather hot all day. Imagine if you will, a third floor apartment sans air conditioning in an 80+ degree temperature. Yes.. that's how hot it was. But like I said, there was quite a difference in Chicago. We stepped out of the car and were blasted by a foul chill wind. They don't call Chicago "The Windy City" for nothing. While we had been going down Lake Shore Drive, the waves in the lake were crashing up against the highway. It was actually pretty amazing and fun.

For about a little over an hour Ceej and I walked around downtown Chicago and di some window shopping. I have forgotten how expensive clothing in Chicago can be. It was still fun though. I got myself another coffee because I haven't been sleeping well lately, and I was starting to drag. At about 7:30 we arrived at the Metro, parked, changed, and got into line. We were some of the first few there, probably about number 9 or 10. I was so excited! I was jumping up and down everywhere. Also, it was really cold and it was a good way to keep warm. Come on.. I was wearing one of my short skirts and a corset. I was freezing!

At 8pm they opened the doors and started letting people in. They asked for our ID's and I figured we'd get in right away. But of course that did not happen! When I handed the guy my Texas Driver's License, the guy held it for a couple minutes, asked one of his buddies to look at it with him and then wandered off to have it checked out. I was livid! They just kept letting people in, passing me by. I had gotten there early and waited in line in the cold to ensure that I'd get a front row spot and instead, all these other people were getting in ahead of me. But after about 10 or so minutes, the guy came back out and handed me my card. I stood there for a second, waiting for him to say something. He didn't, so I started to walk in. He then asked if I was 'o.k.' or something. I let my anger be known. I told him that i thought it was stupid and ridiculous to have made me wait. And then he got mad at me in return and said I should thank him for letting me in. Pht.. like he's doing me a favor! I have every right and legality to be there. So I curtly thanked him, fucker, and walked in.

Though we got in later and after a bunch of people had already gotten in, there was still a perfect open spot up front waiting for CJ and me. We snagged the spot and waited. The next hour was filled with us talking, standing uncomfortably, and being forced to listen to crappy hip/hop music. I have no idea what the DJ was thinking. The Metro was filling up quickly and the energy was starting to grow. Eventually the DJ finally figured it out and switched to some Industrial music. Before too long the crew had finished setting up, the lights came down, and the first band, Rotersand, came on.

I didn't think I had heard of Rotersand but after the first couple songs I realized I did know them. Subversion plays their music on occassion and I'm sure Sam has played a couple of their songs for me. They were kickin' it pretty good too. The lead singer guy was very excited, dancing around, kind of intense and creepy, but very energetic. At one point he even jumped out into the crowd and started dancing with all of us. It was awesome! They were definately a good band and a great opener for the night.

My New Piercing!!

Went out the other night and got my eyebrow pierced finally. I've been wanting to get it done forever but my brother got it done first! I couldn't have possible have gotten it done then because my parents would have thought I was just trying to copy him. My friend Brandon took me to get it done Tuesday night. It didn't hurt too bad. Though I was squeezing his hand pretty hard!



It looks good! I was worried it was going to either be distracting and clash with my glasses. But instead it fits perfectly! It looks like it was made just for me and really compliments my features. I love it! However.. because it's so perfect, no one has noticed.

Shattered Dreams...



What is this picture exactly? It's from a newpaper back in Texas. Who are they? Breck ... and his fiance.

...This used to be us....

Evening with Tom
Current mood: Triumphant

Did I mention that Tom invited me to go to a party? We were walking and talking after a bus ride and he had finally successfully asked me for my number. At which point he then invited me to a party he was having Friday evening. I informed him that I had small group, but when it was over, I'd be more than happy to make an appearance.

Friday quickly arrived, small group ran smoothly, and before I knew it I was calling Tom to get the last minute details. He invited me over to his place where a couple of his friends were gathered. Upon arriving Tom made me a chocolate martini. It was rather strong, but yummy, and having not eaten all day it hit me sooner than I expected.

I got to meet Tom's best friend Sara and his other friend Cooper. Apparently he was on a secret mission to set the two up together. They were both rather cute and I was hoping it'd work too. They were friendly and I felt like a part of them right away. It being Sara's birthday, it was up to her to decide what we would be doing. She wanted to go to the Firehaus on Green Street. The four of us piled into Coopers truck and zoomed off.

Deep down I was not excited about this choice, I did not want to be around a lot of people I did not feel comfortable with and in a crappy bar like the Firehaus where only the preps and frat boys hang out. I was going to stick out so bad. But I sucked it up and reminded myself that this night was about Sara, not about me. Tom was in his element. He's quite the social butterfly and was really working it. He introduced me to everybody, most were very receptive. I didn't know what to say or what to do. I talked a little with some of the new folks, but for the most part I just stood in the background. Tom caught on to my discomfort and took me to a less crowded area, bought me a drink, and he, Cooper, and I talked.

So this whole bar scene... I dont know. I have discovered that it is very difficult to talk to a person while in a bar because it's so loud. But a bar is for drinking really and so you get loud drunk people talking and walking around. For me, give me a dance floor. There, I don't have to talk to anyone and I can have fun. I'm in my element when I go dancing. I am free and I don't care. Had there been dancing involved, I would have been happy and fine. Tom did however do his best to keep me entertained.

We started having a deep conversation about who we are and where we were. He seemed to like me but was sheltered and holding back. I was having a really hard time reading him. I made gestures to touch him, to hold him, to rub up against him. While he would respond a little, it lasted only seconds and then he'd run away.

The evening started to wind down and we went upstairs where Sara had been, flirting with some other guy. We talked with some people for a while, Sara and I talked theatre. Then!... this uber drunk dude tripped and totally fell, taking me down with him! Tom saw it happening but could not get to me in time. But Cooper had been right behind me and caught me before I totally kissed floor. Rather embarrassing I must say, but at least it wasn't my fault.

Cooper, Tom, and I called it an evening swiftly after that. Cooper drove Tom and I home and he headed off to visit another friend. When we got in, Tom's roommates were home and they were watching some BattleStar Galactica! I got uber excited and started talking with them. There was an obvious change in my personality and I immediately opened up in this smaller and quieter environment. But at the same time it was akward between Tom and I. I wanted to be close to him and talk with him, but I wasn't sure if he wanted me to leave or stay.

After talking with the guys and watching some BSG I walked into Tom's room and planted myself on his bed. I sat there and waited to see what Tom would do. Finally, he came in and closed the door behind him. He sat down and we started talking. Like I've said, man can Tom talk! But this was different. I was able to talk back and hold a real conversation. We made ourselves comfortable while talking and slowly we moved closer and closer together. Tom stopped fighting and pulling away and finally gave in to me.

The atmosphere of our conversation changed and Tom opened up. He held me close and spoke with me. He commented on how I wouldn't look at him in his eyes. He came so close to kissing me several times, our lips mere millimeters apart. It was intense! The energy and want was there, but neither of us impeded right away. Tom was wearing a button up shirt with a black T underneath. I coily unbuttoned his shirt. He laughed and asked what I was doing. I told him that I wanted to see his Tattoo (do I have a thing for Tats?.. um.. yes!). As I fingered the inky lines on his arms he stared at me. When I looked up at him he asked, "Why me?" I was rather taken aback by this question, but answered as best I could.

Once again he moved closer to me, holding me tightly in his arms. His breathe brushed warmly against my face as we watched each other, anticipating what was about to come. His eyes closed, my eyes closed and we lay in that instant, waiting, welcoming, wanting. Ever so softly he kissed me. It was gentle and delicate as though I were a fragile flower that he might crush. Our first kiss was amazing and I absolutely melted.

We fell asleep in each other's arms that night, quiet, content, and calm.

Glares and Stares
Current mood: Beautiful

For the past couple weeks I've been a little more adventurous with my wardrobe. Well.. nothing crazy really. I've simply been opting to wear short skirts. Normally I wear knee length to floor length skirts, and if I did wear a short skirt, I'd wear it with capris or pants. However, I've been wearing my short skirts sans pants. What has brought the sudden change and more femme style? Well... it's warm enough to be able to do it and cool enough as well. It's perfect temperature to be sporting my beloved plaid/pleated skirts, as well as my short jean skirts. I feel really great when I wear them. I have these killer legs that most people have never seen. It's time to break these babies out and give them some air. They're just too pretty to constantly hide beneath fabric. Plus, I get constant compliments from my friends and co-workers. I have some really cute skirts that have been sitting in my closet not getting any love and attention. Sadly though, winter is just around the bend and soon I'll be putting the short skirts away to be exchanged with pants, tights, and the dreaded.. layers. I gotta live it up while I can!

Despite my obvious enthusiasm about my new style, not everyone agrees with my fashion choice. I see the looks I get from other girls. They glare at me and stare as though I'm comminting some sort of fashion faux-pah. I'd say they're just jealous but many of them have nice legs just like me. And what are they so upset for? There is nothing wrong with dressing up cute. It sure beats walking around campus all day in dingy old sweat pants. If anyone needs a good kick in the fashion rear, it's them. Who was the idiot who decided that matching sweat suits were a good idea? What man wants to take his girl out to dinner while she wears one of those baby pink numbers?

Another thing.. don't glare at me like I'm some sort of hussy. What is revealed by my wearing a short skirt is nothing compared to you in your tight designer jeans. While wearing my skirt all you see is the shape of my legs and probably the width of my hips. When a woman wears pants, her entire body is on display. You can see everything from the curvature of her rear, what type of underwear she's wearing, and straight down into her obvious camel toe. It leaves nothing to the imagination. What you see is what you get.

A part of the disdainful glances might also have something to do with the fact that my hair is different, my jewelry is spikey, my make up extreme, and colors more or less are black. From the outside I'm your typical Goth Girl. Watch out.. she might cast a spell on you! ... oh please. Let's look at my style and compare it with the wonderful creations give to us by God.

My hair tends to be spiked up, in pigtails or a mohawk, depending on my mood and time availability. What's so wrong with that? You think it's unnatural? God bestowed upon the beautiful Cardinal, male and female, a mohawk. Do you hate the Cardinal for its auspicious hairdo? God surely doesn't. He gave horses beautiful tails of hair that we mimic everyday. Because I wear two, does that make me bad? As for spiked hair, have you never seen the purple sea urchin? Their whole body is covered in spikes. If the sea urchin can decorate itself thusly, why can't I?

If you know me well, you'll know one of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my spiked bracelet. All I can say to that is, "Every rose has its thorn." You'll also know that I paint my eyes with eyeliner, deep and dark. So did the Egyptians. Would you go up to Cleopatra and tell her that she looked like a moron for elaborately coloring her eyes? Would you stare her in unbelief because she was making some sort of make-up mistake? No! Cleopatra was a beautiful, powerful, and exotic queen. The Egyptians themselves were a great civilization. By me taking their beauty techniques, I'm honoring a once awesome society.

Finally... I do wear a lot of black. Does this make me evil? Does that mean I'm melancholy? No. God never says that it were forbidden to wear black. Black is a color and if you know anything about color, Black is a combination and conglomeration of all colors. My fashion style and my fashion taste is not what it is that you make it to be. It's me honoring and acknowledging all the beauty that God has given to all of us.

Taking Charge
Current mood: Powerful!

An old buddy from Texas and I have been talking recently. Just keeping in touch, talking about nothing, and discussing relationship issues. It's been fun. It's a shame I didn't get a chance to know him so well while I was in Texas. Nevertheless, our conversations are always good and meaningful. I learn a lot from him and I hope I help him out too. I think I do. Because of our conversations, I feel encouraged to take a little more charge and not to be so passive when it comes to want I want in a relationship. What is it that I want? I want to be friends again with Joe. To really be friends and to not care or think about us ever being more. I want to go have coffee with Tom, the Bus Guy and get to know him better. I want to talk to EB and find out what is really going on. (There are some things I haven't asked, but am curious to know.)

Last night after church I had a talk with Joe. I told him I was angry with him and like most men, he didn't know why exactly. I was angry because while we had agreed to be friends, I'm the only one who makes an effort. He then informed me that his lack of action is because he doesn't really know what to do about 'us.' In his mind, if there is going to be any type of friendship or possible romantic relationship he wants to be the one to take initiative and whatever. .... I love that idea! I encourage him to take charge and lead. I want him to do that. But the problem is... he's not doing that! And from the world I've come from, if the man isn't going to lead, move over buddy and hand me the wheel! I get that from my mother.

Now that I know that's how he feels I totally relinquish any initiative towards that aspect of our friendship. However, he has to invite me to stuff, call me on occassion, and for goodness sake.. say hi to me at church! Because if he doesn't, how else am I going to know? So the Joe situation is wrapped up in a nice neat little package. I hope.

As for Tom, I seriously had no i dea when if ever I would see him again. After talking with Luke (my friend from Texas) I was concerned I might have given him the impression that I was not interested. That of course is not the case at all! In my mind I therefore concocted a plot that the next time I saw him, I'd be sure to really let him know and invite him to coffee or something. .... that opportunity came earlier than I expected. This morning as I was getting on the bus, Tom magically appeared out from inside the Bus Stop! I was so excited. Again we began to talk through a sea of people, making anyone within our vacinity very uncomfortable. But screw them, I was getting to talk to Tom. We talked about our busy weekends where I mentioned that I spent all of Sunday at church. A part of me really wanted to see how he'd react. Happily, he professed that he was a Christian as well and too enjoyed the Vineyard. We will be getting coffee soon, but before we could exchange numbers or concrete plans the bus arrived at my regularly scheduled stop. I should see him tonight though on the ride back home.

The EB situation is a little more complex and will have to wait for another blog. Till then, adieux my beloved readers. Fare thee well in all they endeavors.