This is the Dream, It's All I Need...

This year, instead of making a New Year's Resolution, I set a goal. I never would have thought that in pursuing this goal, I would make so many others, discover my true purpose in life, and make so many amazing new friends.

That goal was to meet the Jonas Brothers. I didn't care what it took or what I had to do to make it happen. I was so determined to meet those boys and tell them just how much their music changed my life. World Tour dates came out, none were close enough to be worth the effort or time to travel to. Besides...I didn't have any Jonas friends. Who would I drag along with me? Then FFE comes along and I meet Sam and am thrown into this crazy mix of people that actually get it. My music, my movies, my life. For the first time in a long time I felt like I belonged.

Taylor Swift announced tour dates & the second show of the tour was half an hour from my hometown the day after my birthday. How could I say no and not BEG for tickets for my birthday?! I called up my friend April & had one of the best nights of my life. I stood on the rail behind the sound booth in front of Taylor's small stage and we totally shared a moment during "Fifteen." I think it was then that I was finally bitten by the concert bug.

There's something about going to a concert and the rush you get being there with 10, 100, 100000 fans...something about hearing everyone sing the same song like their life depends on it. Unless you've gone there's no way for me to really explain the feeling, you just know it. I became addicted to that feeling. It was like getting high without the effects of drugs or the hangover the next day. I love that feeling. Maybe that comes from the way I connect with music. Maybe it's because I've seen these musicians grow so much in the last year. Something about it just makes me want more. Makes me want this life sooooo bad.

Grandpa decides he wants to go to Vegas and asks if I want to go. My only stipulation? We HAVE to stay through the beginning of August so I can see Honor Society. A few weeks later, my grandma that lived in Vegas at the time, called and said that I was getting tickets for not only Honor Society, but Jonas, Jordin, and Wonder Girls. Really?! My dreams were starting to come true. The one goal I had set, though changed a little, was getting ready to be crossed off my list?? I couldn't believe it.

So I sat in the nose bleed seats and had the best time of my life. This small town southern girl never thought she would get to see her biggest heroes in concert. I didn't get to meet them, it's still one of my goals one day, but just being there with 55,000 other screaming fans was amazing. To hear Nick sing "A Little Bit Longer" live & hear that speech...I cried. That boy & that song got me through one of the roughest years of my life. Thank you will never be enough, but it's all I can say.

August turns into September and school is starting. I spent the year here at home & it's definitely been different, but I wouldn't change the time I've had with my family for anything. I've spent my weekends in bleachers watching football games and marching contests. I'm not kidding when I say music is my life. I don't care what kind, it's what keeps me going on a daily basis. I can't wait to work with some amazing artists for the rest of my life. it's gonna be a crazy roller coaster ride & it's starting RIGHT NOW!!!

October I was on the road again. Man..I'd love to know how many hours this year I've spent on the road in order to see a band. Not that I mind, it's just getting me more prepared for a life on tour. :P Tulsa...what can I say about Tulsa? The rain, the friends, Honor Society. After that show I've completely given up on huge, big name concerts. What fun is it to stand in a seat for 3 hours and then just go home? No meeting the band, no talking after the show...no thanks. Mike, Alex, Andy, and Jay are 4 of the nicest, sweetest, most down to earth guys I've ever met. They truly care about the fans and love the music. I can't believe I actually got to tell them that they are the ones that finally made me take the chance and put all my faith in the music & everything the industry could offer. That it was bands like them that I wanted to spend the rest of my life promoting.

It's these stories that I love to tell people. I mean, what kind of story is it to say "yeah, I went to (insert musicians name here) concert last night. it was cool. good music. then we went out to eat & came home" what kind of story is that?? I'd rather spend $25 for general admission and get to hang out with the band...all night. The stories I have, the memories I've made this year, I can't replace them. I can't wait to get out of school and do this all the time. After last weekend in Oklahoma City, I'm more determined than ever that this is where my life is suppose to go.

Thanks to all of you that have supported me this year. It's been an amazing journey, huh? I can't wait for next year to come and share more of it with you. Until then, I hope you guys have a very HAPPY holiday season! I know I will!

<3 Jen

P.S. what's your best concert memory from this year?