Giving Praise for #BestWeekEver

Last week I celebrated my #BestWeekEver and was on cloud nine the entire time! Let me briefly break it down for you:

Friday, April 17th - My friend Kinsey flew into town from Seattle and we got together at Freddie's house with some friends for some drinks and conversations.

Saturday, April 18th - Freddie and I woke up early and celebrated Record Store Day with my friend Jason where we bought Record Store Day exclusives from Revolver Records, Zia Records, and Stinkweeds.

Sunday, April 19th - I babysat Madeline in the morning, Freddie and I got some brunch, we filmed Low Roar for an Underground Alt session with Kinsey and Paul, we went to Marquee Theatre to see Hozier perform live (me, Freddie, Kinsey, Spike, Jason, Derek, Gabe, my dad, and Jaelene), and then a few of us went to Casey Moore's afterwards with Low Roar.

Monday, April 20th - I met up with my friend Spike at Crescent Ballroom and we saw Phox perform.

Tuesday, April 21st - I saw my therapist who refreshed my mind. It was my only night to really relax, so I stayed home and did laundry and caught up on my rest.

Wednesday, April 22nd - One of the two bands I manage, Speak Easy, played a show at Rhythm Room. It had been a while since they played so I was excited to see them get back up and perform.

Thursday, April 23rd - The second band I manage, Harrison Fjord, performed at one of two nights at the MIM Theatre with Alpin Hong. Afterwards, Kinsey and some friends and I met at Casey Moore's.

Friday, April 24th - Harrison Fjord played their second night at the MIM, which was followed by an awesome after party at Freddie's house where the Fjords, Kinsey, Jason, Blake, Georgie, John, Zach, Taylor, and some friends of the Fjords joined us.

Yes, the dates and the events and moments were important, but it's also the people I spent those magical moments with that are important too:

My Family:

Casey Kimes is the best because, since I was a baby, he has ALWAYS been there and never left my side. He's my ultimate biggest fan and is there to help me no matter what. He jams out to music with me, works extremely hard at his job and at home, loves his kids, is working towards his dream of owning a brewery, and supports everyone in his life no matter what.

Madeline Kimes is the best because of the way she looks at me with her big green eyes and says "SISSIE!" when I enter the room. She knows when Sissie is leaving, when she's doing laundry, when she has food, and is always there to watch her do it all. She's the best dancer when Sissie puts on her music and giggle uncontrollably when Sissie plays with her.

Jaelene Smith is the best because everything she does is successful. She works her ass off in everything she does to provide for her kids and provide for her own happiness and is always my encouragement and when I need a gentle kick in the ass. She's my best lady friend and I'm so lucky to be living in her home. 

My Grandparents are the best because, even though I live my life differently than how they want me to, they still love and support me and never leave me.

My Friends:

Kinsey Heath is the best because she and I can discuss music, relationships, our dream lives, and other ridiculous nonsense from hundreds of miles away. And when we reunite it's like we picked back up where we left off.

Mark Gabriel Laos is the best because he has always treated me with respect, both professionally and in friendship. We exchange mixtape ideas and creative ideas and his new adventures in Philadelphia are only going to launch him further.

Chuck Morriss III is my true homie; he can distract me with his imagination and tour antics, as well as provide insight and smiles from miles away.

Freddie Paull is the best because he is my constant support, my number one fan, and is always there to remind me to "keep my chin up". He is the best half to be whole with, the best person to do business with, and the best person to jam out to music with.

My Capslock Crew:

Spike Brendle is the best because we get excited about the same music, he's the best concert buddy, and we can discuss music ideas for hours. He's also always down for trivia or a party and is the ultimate music festival professional.

Derek Cooper is the best because he is the most understanding and helpful person when it comes to understanding the way a person acts or how their brain works. He also helps distract me from the bad by going off the deep end with hysterical jokes and can always recommend great music to listen to. Jason Shoff is the best because he's always quick with a joke or an opinion on music, knows everything when it comes to trivia, and is relatable when it comes to family issues and music issues. Also, he's down to join a party, an event, or a hangout. Just tell him when and where.

My Speak Easy Boys:

While they all continue to impress me, George Chadwick, Ryan Kluge and Blake Mitchem have been solid buds who have been there for me in some of my worst times and some of my best times.

My Harrison Fjord Boys:

Dallin Gonzales is strong-willed and has beautiful words and even more beautiful dance moves.  

Jacob Lipp is determined and fun to converse with about life and where he's at and where I'm at (an eight year difference!)  

Kevin Mandzuk is silly and just about as adorably awkward as me and is so much fun to watch perform.  

Taylor Morriss is like a brother and is fun to discuss music business with and is willing to learn and always able to put a smile on my face.

Jon Sheldon is forward-thinking and can pull off a hat with his long locks perfectly.  

Matt Storto is my stubborn son, but only because he likes to push my buttons, as well as encourage me. 

Mario Yniguez is fearless and passionate and focused and I love watching him get excited about music.