I rock out with my Black out!.. :)

Hey everyone, sorry it has been a while since I've written. My life has been crazy busy, while also being very uneventful all at the same time. Don't ask me how, but it's true. Last everyone knew I was getting really excited to see my favorite boys, The Black Apples, as they came through town on their spring tour-like trip on April 24th. It was totally awesome, as always, to be reunited with them. :) This time around, it was the first time I went to one of their shows alone, until later in the night when Kendrie could join me after getting off work, so that in itself was a big step. All my life, people have been protective of me, and not wanting me to go into certain settings by myself, when really, anything could happen to anyone going into situations every other day of life... So, I was really happy to say that I could add this on to my "steps toward independence" list of life. Anyways, the night was pretty fun! Every time they come back into town is extremely memorable worthy, but there were a couple things that stuck out differently special than other times, (besides their record release in July being announced.) There was this crazy chick fan there, who thought she could out-scream me in cheering for them, but guess what? I won! :) A lot of people don't know the story of how I came to know the boys, and once they do, they understand why the boys will always be close family to Ziggy and I, so in turn I would like to believe that we know them fairly better then most people that show up there...JK! :) They are like the additional brothers I never had. We shared a duplex apartment together, in the purple house apartment that I lived in, before I moved to where I am now. I lived there for two years and nine months, and they moved in the last year I was there. I lived in the basement, and they had the upstairs. We never knew each other beforehand, but now looking back, I could never imagine my life without them having been a part of it. :) They are truly great and genuine people. They automatically accepted me for who and or how I am/was, without ever once questioning my disability, that just never was a mattering factor to them at all. They always looked after Ziggy and I as well. :) I never once had to go to one of their shows while they lived here, because I always got a free concert when they were home practicing, so that was always neat. :) To this day, their beats still calm Ziggy when I play their songs. :) So I guess in a long story, already shortened as much as possible, with our lives indirectly intertwined, they're like family to us as I said, and that is also why I call them "My boys". ♥ We (Ziggy and I) love them for who they are, and for what they have brought into our lives unconditionally, no matter what. And yes, they already know this, so they won't be embarrassed or surprised if they read or hear of this...lol... Love you guys! :) That leads me to my second favorite memory of the night, after out-cheering that girl... And that is that they openly shared with people that they saw me as their "number 1 fan" (which of course I am), but it was nice to see that they acknowledged that as well. I never knew just quite how they truthfully viewed me until that moment. :) It truly is an honor. ♥ I told the newest band members, Jason and Nick, "welcome to the family" and I meant every word. :) I am very proud to be their #1 fan, as well as their local PR and advertiser, while they live in L.A., so I guess that would leave me to my last matter on this subject... If you ever would like to meet amazing, honest, and truthfully genuine people, along with hearing some rockin' music all at the same time, come to the next Black Apples show the next time you hear it's on the circuit. :)

The other most recent things in my life have been fairly good. My driving ventures still continue to be a work in progress. Unfortunately, there's not really much new to share about it, as much as I would like there to be. I have been getting better in most of the areas I previously had trouble with, but it is still not great. So; as soon as I feel like things are looking up, more things are added, and it just sends me two steps back, after I feel like I've only taken three in the first place. We are discovering that my vision may be more of an issue than it was believed to be, so I just hope and pray it doesn't throw too much of a wrench into the works. In the world of my PT, I am down to my last two visits in the next two weeks. As I get closer to the end, they have weened me down to only going once a week. As I have said before, I am excited for, and proud of myself for choosing to go back into it last August. I just hope I can keep the good progress with the home stretches and fitness plan at the gym. So on both these matters, I ask that you please keep me n your prayers and good thoughts.

I just want to share this brief story.- A couple weeks ago, I helped two friends with their year end projects, which they did on CP. One was at FRCC, and the other one was at UNC. I really enjoyed doing them both, and was honored that they both chose CP, and asked for me to help. I live for that kind of stuff, I love advocating, because I often think, "if I'm not able to, who is?" Anyways, the one at FRCC went off without a hitch, including the Q&A session, which also went very well. Two days later was UNC's turn. everything went really well as well, even the point of the most awkwardness I've experienced in a very long time. I told everyone that I was open to answering anything, so to feel free to asking anything. Then it happened... I got the same basic questions everyone always asks from the students, and then all the sudden the TEACHER of all people asks me about my SEX life...!!! I then actually said, "well, that leaves the book wide open, now doesn't it?!" lol. I felt I needed to stay true to my word, and answer all the questions, so I did, with as much composure I could muster up despite all the humorous shock I was feeling. So, the next time you think something is awkward, just think of this story, and nothing will seem as bad...especially from a professional boundary standpoint. :) I laugh, and would just like to think that things like that just come from living a day in the life of being Mandy, and say, "Oh well", and or "it could be worse!" lol. :)

I believe that is all I can think of, to catch everybody up on from the last month or so, so I hope that something I said was able to bring a smile to your face, or make you laugh. :) One last and final note though... My good friend PJ of the last 7+ years or so, just recently joined the Marines, and headed off to basic training last weekend. I ask that he be kept in your thoughts and prayers as well, that he is watched over, and kept safe enough to come back to us, and that he is given the courage and strength to stay brave and always smiling, I miss him bunches already! :)

***ONLY 43 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE PREMIERE!!!*** Do you have your tickets ready?! I do! :) I got them the second they went on pre-sale on May 14th @ fandango.com! Eclipse was my favorite book of the saga, so I plan on seeing it a bunch of times if it's not butchered from the book, but we'll see!!! :) As for now, I am signing off with love, and hope everyone is dong very well! :)...♥