1 bus & trailer +
11 superheroes (one of which was Wonder Woman...I'll let y'all figure out who that was) +
12,207 miles gallivanted +
21,954 happy humans +
2,745 VIP humans +
242 World Vision kids sponsored +
120+ hours of Super Smash Bros. +
50+ boxes of Lucky Charms +
1 dead Bambi +
= Friends & Family Tour 2017
That's the 60-second version of our epic six-week tour across the U.S. The six-week version would take up the rest of my life to blog, but I'm going to do my best.
Let's first paint the picture:
Of the 11 humans on the bus, 1 (hey, hi, hello, that was me) was a girl.
Of the 120+ hours of Super Smash Bros. played, I played many. What the guys won't tell you, is that there were also many hours played on Mario Kart, but because I beat them ALL THE TIME, they conveniently left that out. But now you all know the full truth.
Of the 50 boxes of Lucky Charms consumed, 48 were eaten solely by Folabi and myself. Yes, we love them. No, we did not get diabetes. Yet.
Our first chunk of the tour led us out to the West Coast. The shows were great, the weather not so much (although this is coming from a Northerner who desperately wanted cold weather). Green River, UT was the destination for our first off day and wow, was it....interesting. You could see truck stops and gas stations and hotels for miles. And not much else. Except the taco truck we found - David made me try cow tongue and I'm still having nightmares. Some of the guys formed a posse, because what better to do than that in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, and rode bikes up and down the same stretch all day. I found a dinosaur at a gas station. And that pretty much sums up Green River, UT.
We started moving South, toward Arizona and New Mexico. Both of which were still so hot, and I, still so annoyed. On our off day in Lubbock, TX, we did a number of things. Most notable are as follows: "thrifting" at a Good Will that had everything randomly thrown into piles, hanging out at a coffee shop, the first night of tie-dye (Folabi and I are taking orders for $$$ now if anyone is interested) and I had a TV dinner in the hotel room. This was also the night that Lucky Charms first made their appearance, and would pave the way for many boxes after them.
Perhaps one of my favorite off days, was in Waco, TX. As in, the land of Chip & Joanna Gaines. Simon and I looked like children experiencing their first Christmas when we arrived. Judge all you want, but it was very cool. And also hot, which was the worst, but I tried hard to push that from my mind. It's the thought that counts. Right?!
We spent a lot of time in Texas actually and our last two shows there were huge. Dallas was an outdoor show, which was actually pretty sweet. Minus all the bugs at the end of the night...sometimes I still think they're biting me. The next day we were in Houston, and all got to attend church together. Soul refreshing and spirit reviving. It was exactly what we needed. The church also blessed us with an AMAZING meal, which consequently sent me into nap mode, but alas, that could not happen. However, there was a silver lining. We were driving to Nashville that night for a day off and I was SO excited.
When we arrived in Nashville, I got off the bus as soon as I could to head home. Now, I love all these guys, but I was ready for some alone time. One can only hide in their bunk just so long before it gets claustrophobic. I ate lunch, took the LONGEST nap ever, did laundry, repacked, showered, went out for dinner with my roommate and then decided that I'd be a brown noser or whatever and made a loaf of my (famous) chocolate chip banana bread. Andy said, "you shouldn't have." I laughed. And he replied, "no, really...you shouldn't have..." And kept eating it. There was none left in the morning. I guess they liked it. Or else they're all really good liars.
Our day off in Chicago was cold and wet and rather bizarre from start to finish. BUT. I had a great time - and to John and Ray, I thank you again for breakfast. And to Marty, Folabi, Simon, John and Zeek - thank you for letting me tag along and be a semi-obnoxious tourist. I still don't understand the meaning of "the bean" but all the cool kids take pictures with it, so we did and it made this girl muy happy.
The next six days were all show days. And it was crazy. But we pushed through and made it to our day off in NYC. Being two of the few non-married humans on the tour, JoeAngel and I got to spend the day together. First of all - y'all need to understand that JoeAngel is simply one of the best human beings I know and he is a dear friend. And we got to explore and shop and eat through the city all day and it was the best. We started with Stumptown coffee and work so we could 'mostly' spend the rest of the day for fun. Next we set off for ramen and macarons. Wouldn't ya know, we found both right next to each other. I'm embarrassed to say I wore more of my ramen than I ate, but it was still delish. I bought a box of macarons and introduced JoeAngel to them for the FIRST time. Oh and Marty - I'm still salty you ate my macarons. We walked around the city shopping and taking in the sights. Dinner was the AMAZING Cuban restaurant where we ate sandwiches filled with only glorious things. We only used the subway once the entire day, and it was at the end of the night. It was necessary we save our energy for the chocolate bar we found. One word: heavenly.
Over the course of the next few days, some of us got sick, myself included. To the degree that I took a nap on a teeny, tiny couch in the crew room and started taking medicine stronger than Vitamin C the next day. Just my luck I was sick when my mom and sister came down to D.C. to surprise me on our day off. Thankfully it was a low key day of food, coffee, more food (cupcakes) and shopping. It was exactly the day I needed to push through to the end of the tour - the last five shows. The last five were fun, exciting, crazy - the perfect way to end a six-week run. I got to crowd surf on Yurtle the Turtle - and please note, I did not fall off or wipe out. If clarification is needed for that subtle jab, take a peek at Social Club's Instagram for Marty's epic crowd surfing disaster.
NOTE: If my guys are still reading this far, you're going to meet Emotional El.
The last show day was in Fort Lauderdale, right as they were getting hit with a tropical storm. It made for a crazy day, but why not have a crazy last day, right?! I kept my brain focused on work that day so I wouldn't melt into an emotional puddle. Doors opened and chaos entered. I had one (amazing) volunteer which made for a non-stop evening. I think I ate my Chipotle? I can't actually remember. The night was one to remember - poor Yurtle went through the ringer and back. Marty and David survived their wipeouts. It took all of my physical and emotional energy to get through that night. And just when I thought I would be able to push through, John came out to the stand to say goodbye. And thus I turned into a puddle. A sappy, emotional, sobbing puddle.
We made it back to Nashville and as soon as I got home, I crashed. And ordered a pizza. And slept for 13 hours.
I'll end with this. The gents on this tour are class humans and I am beyond grateful for the experiences shared and memories made. I hope they know how much they all mean to me - for taking me under their wings, letting me join in on the fun and making the Friends and Family Tour truly one of the greatest tours ever.
I love and miss you all.
Yuh yuh,
Ellie
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017
24,880 Minutes Down, 33,120 Minutes To Go.
So I'm on the Friends & Family Tour. And while the tour isn't over, I just wanted to share a few musings.
We've currently been on the road for 17 days, and have 23 to go. I've loved every stinkin' minute of this tour - except for the bruises, those I could do without. Every day is an adventure - some are difficult, others are easy. But even on the craziest of days, the people out on this tour make it 37890156 times better. Everyone looks out for each other and does what they can to make the days smooth.
Why did I emphasize the name of the tour? I'm glad you asked. Pull up a chair. Allow me to explain.
Every night on stage, the guys recognize that this is the Friends AND Family Tour. And that it extends to not only the concertgoers, but to our crew as well. I was unsure, at the beginning of this, of how I'd 'fit in.' If I'm being perfectly honest, I don't often (if ever) listen to hip hop.
*SIDE NOTE: I don't think I've admitted that to the guys, so here's hoping my mattress doesn't end up on the top of the bus.*
But anyway, I was (admittedly) embarrassed that I wouldn't fit in, that the artists would do their thing, and the crew guys would do their thing, and I would do my own thing. I could not have been more wrong. These guys are my friends and family. They look out for the interests of everyone on the road, and make it a point to 'touch' everyone they meet. The interactions are genuine and the love is real. I sincerely hope these guys know how much they mean to me. I could go on, but I don't want the guys to think I'm a total mush, so I'll leave it at that and bring out the big guns in 23 days.
So, that's that. If you have a chance to come to a show, do it. It's crazy, it's fun, and you'll have a FANTASTIC time. (click the link. do it--> https://friendsandfamilytour.com/pages/vip)
Now to determine if I want to check out the hot tub, take a nap, eat or watch a movie. Or maybe I'll just do all of that. Why not, right?!
Who Else,
Ellie
We've currently been on the road for 17 days, and have 23 to go. I've loved every stinkin' minute of this tour - except for the bruises, those I could do without. Every day is an adventure - some are difficult, others are easy. But even on the craziest of days, the people out on this tour make it 37890156 times better. Everyone looks out for each other and does what they can to make the days smooth.
Why did I emphasize the name of the tour? I'm glad you asked. Pull up a chair. Allow me to explain.
Every night on stage, the guys recognize that this is the Friends AND Family Tour. And that it extends to not only the concertgoers, but to our crew as well. I was unsure, at the beginning of this, of how I'd 'fit in.' If I'm being perfectly honest, I don't often (if ever) listen to hip hop.
*SIDE NOTE: I don't think I've admitted that to the guys, so here's hoping my mattress doesn't end up on the top of the bus.*
But anyway, I was (admittedly) embarrassed that I wouldn't fit in, that the artists would do their thing, and the crew guys would do their thing, and I would do my own thing. I could not have been more wrong. These guys are my friends and family. They look out for the interests of everyone on the road, and make it a point to 'touch' everyone they meet. The interactions are genuine and the love is real. I sincerely hope these guys know how much they mean to me. I could go on, but I don't want the guys to think I'm a total mush, so I'll leave it at that and bring out the big guns in 23 days.
So, that's that. If you have a chance to come to a show, do it. It's crazy, it's fun, and you'll have a FANTASTIC time. (click the link. do it--> https://friendsandfamilytour.com/pages/vip)
Now to determine if I want to check out the hot tub, take a nap, eat or watch a movie. Or maybe I'll just do all of that. Why not, right?!
Who Else,
Ellie
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Lions and Scarecrows and.... Flying Monkeys?! Oh My.
I've currently been away from my Southern home for exactly TWENTY-EIGHT days. Granted about half of that was spent at the beach for my pre-planned vacation.
Of course, other things "come up" which generally designate an automatic change in plans. Like the hair appointment I had to make because my stylist of 10+ years is leaving the salon I grew up going to. Like the CrossFit night that my family just couldn't miss because watching athletes do ridiculous things that make every fiber of my being ache when watching is fun and entertaining. Like flying certain days of the week being WAY more expensive than flying other days of the week. Like my Grammy collapsing during a girls day out and being rushed to the hospital. Note: she is doing well and back at her apartment. Seems to be a case of excessive dehydration.
I say all of that because more often than not, our "plan making" is a futile attempt to make life go according to how we want it to go. Sure, a lot of times, our plans go accordingly and those are glorious days. But as {hopefully} we all know, life isn't perfect, and so we aren't always going to have those "according to plan" days and moments in our lives.
The initial "reason" for going home, was to go on a two-week vacation, at the beach. Hallelujah, AMEN. I love the beach. I've grown up going to Bethany - well, it's been a family affair since my mom and uncle were kids. What started as one week, turned into two weeks, because (thank you, Pappy) it was just absolutely ridiculous to pack all of that stuff, drive all that way and turn right back around for only one week at the beach. So two weeks it was, and shall be forevermore. Or at least I'm hoping it's forevermore because HELLO it's the beach. I'll spare you all the details of my two-week vacation, lest I desire my own mob scene from Beauty and the Beast.
Because all of the aforementioned reasons, I keep extending my trip. On one hand, I am more than fine with this, because I've been able to spend extra time with my family and friends. On the other hand though, I'm oddly ready to get back down to Nashville. I'm ready to get back into my rhythm; work so I can make money because I'm about to be SO broke that Saltines are starting to sound expensive.
While I've been home, I was able to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Keller, as well as my Grammy. We took dinner to Grandma and Grandpa and spent a seriously wonderful evening with them. We watched Grandpa's evening primroses bloom right in front of us - I know this probably sounds silly, but it was honestly one of the coolest things I've seen. I talked to Grandpa about his retirement from Transportation for Christ and how he and Grandma have started volunteering at GAIN Warehouse. He makes women's pants and gets to use this fancy machine and he is super proud of himself. He repeated a few stories, and forgot that he had told us, but it was okay, because he would tell the story even more animated than the last time. Before we left, Grandpa was telling us how he wakes up at 2am every night and can't go back to sleep. So he goes to his recliner and "rutches around" until he can get comfy, and snoozes till morning. When my cousins, siblings and I were kids, Grandpa would always take an afternoon snooze. He'd take his glasses and watch off, and drape a handkerchief across his eyes. Right as I said "handkerchief," he pulled his from out under the recliner and was quick to tell me he still does the same thing. It's always amazing to me that even with his memory issues, he still remembers things from 10+ years ago.
When my mom and I spent the day with Grammy, we expected it to be fairly "uneventful." Grammy shook things up a bit though, and passed out in a store. Now, I don't do CrossFit, but I like to think that I still have some upper body strength from my 15 years of dance. After I caught her and the EMTs got her all situated, she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. While we waited in the ER for what honestly felt like an entire day, we played tic-tac-toe and hangman; I showed her funny videos and some from my time on the road. And it was great. Grammy had to be kept overnight for observation, which lead to an eye-roll that would rival even some of my greatest eye-rolls. The hardest part, aside from catching her and seeing her completely out of it, was that she didn't remember going down. Grammy doesn't remember a lot these days. And yet, there are some things that she can remember with vivid detail. We were looking through old photo albums while my mom went for her groceries and she could tell me things that I never would have remembered on my own. The mind is a mysterious thing.
Change is inevitable. It doesn't matter if we're young or old, healthy or sick, male or female, rich or poor. Things are going to change. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. It can follow our plans, or it can completely ignore our plans. No matter what though, it's easier to go with the change and adjust accordingly, rather than to fight it.
As I prepare to go home, I am reminded to make plans, but to also be ready for changes that may come. I can follow the yellow brick road all day long, singing and making friends with scarecrows and lions, but I should also be prepared to meet flying monkeys along the way.
Side note: if that last paragraph made no sense, make some popcorn and watch The Wizard of Oz. It'll clear everything up.
Country roads, take me home,
Ellie
Of course, other things "come up" which generally designate an automatic change in plans. Like the hair appointment I had to make because my stylist of 10+ years is leaving the salon I grew up going to. Like the CrossFit night that my family just couldn't miss because watching athletes do ridiculous things that make every fiber of my being ache when watching is fun and entertaining. Like flying certain days of the week being WAY more expensive than flying other days of the week. Like my Grammy collapsing during a girls day out and being rushed to the hospital. Note: she is doing well and back at her apartment. Seems to be a case of excessive dehydration.
I say all of that because more often than not, our "plan making" is a futile attempt to make life go according to how we want it to go. Sure, a lot of times, our plans go accordingly and those are glorious days. But as {hopefully} we all know, life isn't perfect, and so we aren't always going to have those "according to plan" days and moments in our lives.
The initial "reason" for going home, was to go on a two-week vacation, at the beach. Hallelujah, AMEN. I love the beach. I've grown up going to Bethany - well, it's been a family affair since my mom and uncle were kids. What started as one week, turned into two weeks, because (thank you, Pappy) it was just absolutely ridiculous to pack all of that stuff, drive all that way and turn right back around for only one week at the beach. So two weeks it was, and shall be forevermore. Or at least I'm hoping it's forevermore because HELLO it's the beach. I'll spare you all the details of my two-week vacation, lest I desire my own mob scene from Beauty and the Beast.
Because all of the aforementioned reasons, I keep extending my trip. On one hand, I am more than fine with this, because I've been able to spend extra time with my family and friends. On the other hand though, I'm oddly ready to get back down to Nashville. I'm ready to get back into my rhythm; work so I can make money because I'm about to be SO broke that Saltines are starting to sound expensive.
While I've been home, I was able to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Keller, as well as my Grammy. We took dinner to Grandma and Grandpa and spent a seriously wonderful evening with them. We watched Grandpa's evening primroses bloom right in front of us - I know this probably sounds silly, but it was honestly one of the coolest things I've seen. I talked to Grandpa about his retirement from Transportation for Christ and how he and Grandma have started volunteering at GAIN Warehouse. He makes women's pants and gets to use this fancy machine and he is super proud of himself. He repeated a few stories, and forgot that he had told us, but it was okay, because he would tell the story even more animated than the last time. Before we left, Grandpa was telling us how he wakes up at 2am every night and can't go back to sleep. So he goes to his recliner and "rutches around" until he can get comfy, and snoozes till morning. When my cousins, siblings and I were kids, Grandpa would always take an afternoon snooze. He'd take his glasses and watch off, and drape a handkerchief across his eyes. Right as I said "handkerchief," he pulled his from out under the recliner and was quick to tell me he still does the same thing. It's always amazing to me that even with his memory issues, he still remembers things from 10+ years ago.
When my mom and I spent the day with Grammy, we expected it to be fairly "uneventful." Grammy shook things up a bit though, and passed out in a store. Now, I don't do CrossFit, but I like to think that I still have some upper body strength from my 15 years of dance. After I caught her and the EMTs got her all situated, she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. While we waited in the ER for what honestly felt like an entire day, we played tic-tac-toe and hangman; I showed her funny videos and some from my time on the road. And it was great. Grammy had to be kept overnight for observation, which lead to an eye-roll that would rival even some of my greatest eye-rolls. The hardest part, aside from catching her and seeing her completely out of it, was that she didn't remember going down. Grammy doesn't remember a lot these days. And yet, there are some things that she can remember with vivid detail. We were looking through old photo albums while my mom went for her groceries and she could tell me things that I never would have remembered on my own. The mind is a mysterious thing.
Change is inevitable. It doesn't matter if we're young or old, healthy or sick, male or female, rich or poor. Things are going to change. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. It can follow our plans, or it can completely ignore our plans. No matter what though, it's easier to go with the change and adjust accordingly, rather than to fight it.
As I prepare to go home, I am reminded to make plans, but to also be ready for changes that may come. I can follow the yellow brick road all day long, singing and making friends with scarecrows and lions, but I should also be prepared to meet flying monkeys along the way.
Side note: if that last paragraph made no sense, make some popcorn and watch The Wizard of Oz. It'll clear everything up.
Country roads, take me home,
Ellie
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Sunflowers Are the Best Flowers
Sometimes we do things out of a feeling of sadness or anything other than happiness and joy. Like buying yourself chocolate, and strawberries and a single red rose on Valentine's Day because you are just that lame.
Please note that when I say "you" above, I really mean me. Because I did it for the second year in a row this past Valentine's Day.
Anyway..... Most of you know that the job area of my life has been all over the place since April. But recently, there have been some changes, and things are finally starting to look up, folks. And because of that, I bought myself a bouquet of sunflowers today.
My summer has not been "typical" to say the least, but keep reading to see what I've been up to and WILL be up to in the next little while.
Some of my close friends are planning to move, so I was dubbed house organizer/packer/mover. Yes, I am going to move house for my friends and yes, I am only "slightly" nervous about something breaking or getting left behind. But they have ALL the confidence in me, so I can't screw it up. Lord help me.
I am also super excited to "announce" that I will be working with Holt International, starting this Fall. Holt, in the basic sense, is a child sponsorship and adoption agency. For more information though, you can click here. Luckily for me, Holt is a sponsor for WinterJam, which means I'll be back out for both the West and East coast tours this year!
Insert happy dance in my chair as I type.
I'm also super stoked about getting to go to the beach for TWO WEEKS with my family in less than a month! And I will finally have a friend joining, and it just happens to be my best friend I haven't seen in TWO YEARS. Talk about a reunion.
Woo, so many exciting things!
Last night, however, I couldn't sleep and woke up literally every hour. Literally.
So while I couldn't sleep, my brain started bombarding me with a million thoughts. About everything.
When I graduated from college, I had two initial job offers. Both of which were 30 minutes away from home. I didn't work in either of those positions. Instead I worked for Keith and Kristyn Getty. Never did I expect to 1) work for musicians and 2) to move to Nashville, TN.........of all places. I also didn't expect to be closing that chapter after less than two years.
But, God had other plans.
So I moved into the merchandise world and I adopted an appreciation for all my friends (and all the people I don't know) who work in a merchandise role. Being tired and sore doesn't even begin to describe.
Shoutout to my physical therapist.
Having no "real" job during the summer was never on my checklist of things to do. Thankfully, God provided. And now, after I thought I might have to work at a grocery store, I get to go back out on the road, AND work with an organization that helps kids in need all around the world. All in good time.
While I never had a detailed 5, 10 or 15-year plan, I think I always had some idea or hopeful thought of what my life would look like by 25. Which is now. I presumed I'd at least be engaged; working a FULL-time job, which could pay all my bills and still allow me to live comfortably; own a dog that I got from a shelter (maybe silly, but still true). I thought I'd be in SUCH a different place than where I'm at now. Because none of that is true.
What I realized last night, though, during my hours of not sleeping, is that IT'S OKAY. In fact, it's more than okay that I'm single, working odd jobs to help pay the bills and that I don't have a dog yet. I've learned a lot throughout my life, but especially since I moved away from home, and started living on my own. Comparing ourselves to our friends and everyone around us won't help us get to where we'll eventually land. We all have different timelines, and it's okay if our pace isn't the same as everyone else. Recognizing that it's God's will, not ours, will align our perspective and outlook on life, which ultimately will make us happier in the end.
At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you. (Yes this time I mean me AND you). So if that means buying yourself flowers or chocolate or fill in the blank, do it because you're happy and joyful. Or because it will be a reminder of the happiness and joy that will come.
Treat Yo Self,
Ellie
Please note that when I say "you" above, I really mean me. Because I did it for the second year in a row this past Valentine's Day.
Anyway..... Most of you know that the job area of my life has been all over the place since April. But recently, there have been some changes, and things are finally starting to look up, folks. And because of that, I bought myself a bouquet of sunflowers today.
My summer has not been "typical" to say the least, but keep reading to see what I've been up to and WILL be up to in the next little while.
Some of my close friends are planning to move, so I was dubbed house organizer/packer/mover. Yes, I am going to move house for my friends and yes, I am only "slightly" nervous about something breaking or getting left behind. But they have ALL the confidence in me, so I can't screw it up. Lord help me.
I am also super excited to "announce" that I will be working with Holt International, starting this Fall. Holt, in the basic sense, is a child sponsorship and adoption agency. For more information though, you can click here. Luckily for me, Holt is a sponsor for WinterJam, which means I'll be back out for both the West and East coast tours this year!
Insert happy dance in my chair as I type.
I'm also super stoked about getting to go to the beach for TWO WEEKS with my family in less than a month! And I will finally have a friend joining, and it just happens to be my best friend I haven't seen in TWO YEARS. Talk about a reunion.
Woo, so many exciting things!
Last night, however, I couldn't sleep and woke up literally every hour. Literally.
So while I couldn't sleep, my brain started bombarding me with a million thoughts. About everything.
When I graduated from college, I had two initial job offers. Both of which were 30 minutes away from home. I didn't work in either of those positions. Instead I worked for Keith and Kristyn Getty. Never did I expect to 1) work for musicians and 2) to move to Nashville, TN.........of all places. I also didn't expect to be closing that chapter after less than two years.
But, God had other plans.
So I moved into the merchandise world and I adopted an appreciation for all my friends (and all the people I don't know) who work in a merchandise role. Being tired and sore doesn't even begin to describe.
Shoutout to my physical therapist.
Having no "real" job during the summer was never on my checklist of things to do. Thankfully, God provided. And now, after I thought I might have to work at a grocery store, I get to go back out on the road, AND work with an organization that helps kids in need all around the world. All in good time.
While I never had a detailed 5, 10 or 15-year plan, I think I always had some idea or hopeful thought of what my life would look like by 25. Which is now. I presumed I'd at least be engaged; working a FULL-time job, which could pay all my bills and still allow me to live comfortably; own a dog that I got from a shelter (maybe silly, but still true). I thought I'd be in SUCH a different place than where I'm at now. Because none of that is true.
What I realized last night, though, during my hours of not sleeping, is that IT'S OKAY. In fact, it's more than okay that I'm single, working odd jobs to help pay the bills and that I don't have a dog yet. I've learned a lot throughout my life, but especially since I moved away from home, and started living on my own. Comparing ourselves to our friends and everyone around us won't help us get to where we'll eventually land. We all have different timelines, and it's okay if our pace isn't the same as everyone else. Recognizing that it's God's will, not ours, will align our perspective and outlook on life, which ultimately will make us happier in the end.
At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you. (Yes this time I mean me AND you). So if that means buying yourself flowers or chocolate or fill in the blank, do it because you're happy and joyful. Or because it will be a reminder of the happiness and joy that will come.
Treat Yo Self,
Ellie
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Today, I didn't get a job.
And I don't just mean, "another day has passed and Ellie is still jobless."
What I mean is, today I was told "we're going with someone else."
Cue the high pitched girl voice responding, "oh, that's okay," while looking up at the ceiling so my eyeballs don't turn into faucets.
I kept staring at the ceiling after the call ended and I thought to myself, "it's really okay." I said it enough times I started to sound like Dorothy.
But was it okay? I had gotten so excited, perhaps overly so.. I had started altering summer plans and researching options for post tour. I had remapped literally everything, which ultimately lead to getting my hopes up. Twenty-five years old and I still get my hopes up with every single thing in life.
Not really sure of what to do, I texted my family so they knew what the "results" were and I sat in bed with a fresh cup of coffee, watching my beloved Gilmore Girls - in my little world Lorelai and Rory understand my situation and would most likely bring a tub of Ben & Jerry's so I could wallow and everything would be right in the world.
But then I realized, I don't want to wallow. That's a waste of time. It's not going to solve anything.
I decided to not wallow, but I did keep watching GG, because I can and because it's the best.
So yeah, I didn't get a job that probably would have opened up doors galore in the future. But maybe - and I'm pretty convinced of this - this was all a part of God's plan. Perhaps there's something else around the corner.
Now that it's 5pm, I'm over it. Which feels weird. But I'm truly okay.
I still don't know what's next for me. And while on one hand that reality is TERRIFYING to me, I know that on the other hand, God's got it in control and in the words of my OBB friends: "it's gonna be alright."
Be true to your teeth or they'll be false to you,
Ellie
And I don't just mean, "another day has passed and Ellie is still jobless."
What I mean is, today I was told "we're going with someone else."
Cue the high pitched girl voice responding, "oh, that's okay," while looking up at the ceiling so my eyeballs don't turn into faucets.
I kept staring at the ceiling after the call ended and I thought to myself, "it's really okay." I said it enough times I started to sound like Dorothy.
But was it okay? I had gotten so excited, perhaps overly so.. I had started altering summer plans and researching options for post tour. I had remapped literally everything, which ultimately lead to getting my hopes up. Twenty-five years old and I still get my hopes up with every single thing in life.
Not really sure of what to do, I texted my family so they knew what the "results" were and I sat in bed with a fresh cup of coffee, watching my beloved Gilmore Girls - in my little world Lorelai and Rory understand my situation and would most likely bring a tub of Ben & Jerry's so I could wallow and everything would be right in the world.
But then I realized, I don't want to wallow. That's a waste of time. It's not going to solve anything.
I decided to not wallow, but I did keep watching GG, because I can and because it's the best.
So yeah, I didn't get a job that probably would have opened up doors galore in the future. But maybe - and I'm pretty convinced of this - this was all a part of God's plan. Perhaps there's something else around the corner.
Now that it's 5pm, I'm over it. Which feels weird. But I'm truly okay.
I still don't know what's next for me. And while on one hand that reality is TERRIFYING to me, I know that on the other hand, God's got it in control and in the words of my OBB friends: "it's gonna be alright."
Be true to your teeth or they'll be false to you,
Ellie
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Hello, My Name Is _______
Hello. My name is, Ellie.
Well, that's what people usually call me anyway. If you look at my birth certificate, though, it says Eleanor Graham Keller. (We'll skip the section that says "part whale." Sorry, mom.).
Since I got back to Nashville after a much needed break in PA, I've been job searching (with minor success), binging Friends (because why not), and wondering when things will start to look up for me. Because being jobless makes it difficult to pay bills.
Currently though, this is what my Saturday night looks like: 25 year old, single female, eating Spagettios and Meatballs (the "and meatballs" is crucial, because the regular kind is gross) and watching a chick flick. And internally freaking out about leading a worship service in the morning which I haven't done in I can't even remember how long.
Anyway, if I'm being perfectly honest, I think I had unrealistic expectations of what my life would look like post (a 3-month) tour. I figured, a few weeks of down time at most, and then I would have work. Of some sort. I wouldn't be considering if I should move back home so I could live with my parents and not worry about how long I could get by with strawberries and cream oatmeal and Ritz crackers. And yet, here we are. Mom, Dad....you guys spoiled me while I was home.
I guess in this musing, which at the moment feels more like a rambling, I'm trying to figure out who I am. If we were to look at this week, my life would probably read, "Ellie Keller, professional couch potato with a side of job hunting." It all feels like a movie, really. And an embarrassing one at that... I know what I'd like it to say, though I'm not sure I'm ready to say it out loud, for fear of hearing, "really?!" Because chances are, I'd still be eating Spaghettios and Meatballs on that dime. I could be wrong, but I think it's a pretty good chance.
Who knows what job I'll have next, or when it will come. Who knows anything, honestly. There are times when the things we want in life, aren't part of God's plan. And then there are times that the things we don't expect in life, are part of His plan. Unfortunately, I oftentimes focus on the things I don't get. I'm still freaking out about so, so many things. Human nature, I suppose. I was reminded of this promise, though: "And if not, He is still good." The things in our lives may not go as planned, but guys, He is still SO incredibly good. Because it's His plan, not ours.
So, I'm going to finish my chick flick, print my music for church tomorrow (shameless plug - I'll be at The Well in Brentwood) and probably take a super hot bubble bath because #arthritis.
For now, my name tag simply says, "Hello, my name is Ellie." It may not read how I'd like it to right now, but God will provide, in His time. And when He does, it will be good.
Stay tuned,
Ellie
Well, that's what people usually call me anyway. If you look at my birth certificate, though, it says Eleanor Graham Keller. (We'll skip the section that says "part whale." Sorry, mom.).
Since I got back to Nashville after a much needed break in PA, I've been job searching (with minor success), binging Friends (because why not), and wondering when things will start to look up for me. Because being jobless makes it difficult to pay bills.
Currently though, this is what my Saturday night looks like: 25 year old, single female, eating Spagettios and Meatballs (the "and meatballs" is crucial, because the regular kind is gross) and watching a chick flick. And internally freaking out about leading a worship service in the morning which I haven't done in I can't even remember how long.
Anyway, if I'm being perfectly honest, I think I had unrealistic expectations of what my life would look like post (a 3-month) tour. I figured, a few weeks of down time at most, and then I would have work. Of some sort. I wouldn't be considering if I should move back home so I could live with my parents and not worry about how long I could get by with strawberries and cream oatmeal and Ritz crackers. And yet, here we are. Mom, Dad....you guys spoiled me while I was home.
I guess in this musing, which at the moment feels more like a rambling, I'm trying to figure out who I am. If we were to look at this week, my life would probably read, "Ellie Keller, professional couch potato with a side of job hunting." It all feels like a movie, really. And an embarrassing one at that... I know what I'd like it to say, though I'm not sure I'm ready to say it out loud, for fear of hearing, "really?!" Because chances are, I'd still be eating Spaghettios and Meatballs on that dime. I could be wrong, but I think it's a pretty good chance.
Who knows what job I'll have next, or when it will come. Who knows anything, honestly. There are times when the things we want in life, aren't part of God's plan. And then there are times that the things we don't expect in life, are part of His plan. Unfortunately, I oftentimes focus on the things I don't get. I'm still freaking out about so, so many things. Human nature, I suppose. I was reminded of this promise, though: "And if not, He is still good." The things in our lives may not go as planned, but guys, He is still SO incredibly good. Because it's His plan, not ours.
So, I'm going to finish my chick flick, print my music for church tomorrow (shameless plug - I'll be at The Well in Brentwood) and probably take a super hot bubble bath because #arthritis.
For now, my name tag simply says, "Hello, my name is Ellie." It may not read how I'd like it to right now, but God will provide, in His time. And when He does, it will be good.
Stay tuned,
Ellie
Monday, April 3, 2017
We Did It, Eh!!
46 shows. 3 months. 22 states. 1 bus. 11 guys.
This was my life since January. And while I've slept less than ever before, gotten more colds than I thought possible, acquired countless mystery bruises and have eaten more than 15 funnel cakes, it was the best three months.
While driving home from unloading the trailer one last time, I found myself suddenly full of every emotion. I audibly "woo-hooed" in my car, fists in the air, punching a little too hard, and I now have a new bruise on my knuckles.
Then I realized WJ truly was over. Now don't get me wrong - I am BEYOND thankful for this next season, which hopefully will include some much needed rest. But, everything I've known for NINETY DAYS is suddenly over. The people I've spent countless hours with, who knows when I'll see them again. Just like that my "woo-hoo" was replaced with unashamed tears rolling down my face.
What in the what?!
WinterJam is over.
We made it to the end, and now it's done.
Am I supposed to feel something specific? Because even though I loved every second of my 4-hour nap today, I'm sad that I won't be procrastinating on my laundry and trying to bake 6 loaves of banana bread the same day I have to load the trailer and catch the bus.
I suppose that's why the term "bittersweet" was invented. It IS sweet to be done, to have a break, to get rest, to go home. But it's also bitter, because what I've known for the last three months is suddenly no more. And the people, my FAVORITE people in the world...I don't know when I'll get to see a lot of them again. So for whoever reads this, know that you all have made such an incredible impact on my life and I have much love for all of you.
Okay, sad sappy stuff over.
My team - Russ, Corey and Adam was the best team ever. Russ is and was the most incredible boss and friend, and he led our team to sweet, sweet victory. Corey may have tackled me a few times and made me the butt of her jokes, but I am so lucky to have been on tour and worked side by side with my BEST FRIEND. Also, quick note: CONGRATULATIONS TO COREY AND ANDY ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT. I could not be more excited for what God has in store for the two of you!!! Adam, who was a late addition to the team, was the best addition. His ability to kick butt and give us all time to rest and even shower was amazing, not to mention he's one of the funniest people I've ever met. Anna, thank you for sharing him with us for the last month. I love you guys so much and couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with on this crazy tour.
My other team can't go unnoticed either. Each day, I assisted with volunteers, as did Jonas, Mike, Laurie, Russ and Drake. Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day, you all brought much laughter and happiness and I am so thankful for all of you. Also, to Paul and Courtney - this tour could not have happened without you guys. Your hard work was not overlooked and we are all so lucky to have had you both on this tour.
This next group was perhaps one of the best parts of this tour for me. I was lucky enough to travel with 11 of the greatest guys I've EVER had the privilege of meeting. From "tea parties" (there was no tulle or pink flowers) to late night movies (Mighty Ducks 2 was a real winner), I loved every minute of my time with those guys. They'll only know if they read this, but I will be forever grateful for their friendship, for sharing life with me and welcoming me with open arms. And even though I couldn't get them to put the seat down in the bathroom, I still love them and wouldn't change a thing. So to my guys, thank you. Y'all will never truly know how much you mean to me, and how thankful I am for all of you.
So now that it's over, I truly have NO idea what's next. In fact, the most productive thing I've done since I got home today was take a 4-hour nap. But, I know that God will provide. In the meantime, I'll continue catching up on sleep, sort through everything that I acquired over the last 3 months and hopefully get my bedroom back in order.
To ALL of my WJ friends, thank you for making this one of the best tours I've had the privilege of working on - I can't wait to see y'all again!
Bus 9 Forever,
Eleanor
This was my life since January. And while I've slept less than ever before, gotten more colds than I thought possible, acquired countless mystery bruises and have eaten more than 15 funnel cakes, it was the best three months.
While driving home from unloading the trailer one last time, I found myself suddenly full of every emotion. I audibly "woo-hooed" in my car, fists in the air, punching a little too hard, and I now have a new bruise on my knuckles.
Then I realized WJ truly was over. Now don't get me wrong - I am BEYOND thankful for this next season, which hopefully will include some much needed rest. But, everything I've known for NINETY DAYS is suddenly over. The people I've spent countless hours with, who knows when I'll see them again. Just like that my "woo-hoo" was replaced with unashamed tears rolling down my face.
What in the what?!
WinterJam is over.
We made it to the end, and now it's done.
Am I supposed to feel something specific? Because even though I loved every second of my 4-hour nap today, I'm sad that I won't be procrastinating on my laundry and trying to bake 6 loaves of banana bread the same day I have to load the trailer and catch the bus.
I suppose that's why the term "bittersweet" was invented. It IS sweet to be done, to have a break, to get rest, to go home. But it's also bitter, because what I've known for the last three months is suddenly no more. And the people, my FAVORITE people in the world...I don't know when I'll get to see a lot of them again. So for whoever reads this, know that you all have made such an incredible impact on my life and I have much love for all of you.
Okay, sad sappy stuff over.
My team - Russ, Corey and Adam was the best team ever. Russ is and was the most incredible boss and friend, and he led our team to sweet, sweet victory. Corey may have tackled me a few times and made me the butt of her jokes, but I am so lucky to have been on tour and worked side by side with my BEST FRIEND. Also, quick note: CONGRATULATIONS TO COREY AND ANDY ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT. I could not be more excited for what God has in store for the two of you!!! Adam, who was a late addition to the team, was the best addition. His ability to kick butt and give us all time to rest and even shower was amazing, not to mention he's one of the funniest people I've ever met. Anna, thank you for sharing him with us for the last month. I love you guys so much and couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with on this crazy tour.
My other team can't go unnoticed either. Each day, I assisted with volunteers, as did Jonas, Mike, Laurie, Russ and Drake. Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day, you all brought much laughter and happiness and I am so thankful for all of you. Also, to Paul and Courtney - this tour could not have happened without you guys. Your hard work was not overlooked and we are all so lucky to have had you both on this tour.
This next group was perhaps one of the best parts of this tour for me. I was lucky enough to travel with 11 of the greatest guys I've EVER had the privilege of meeting. From "tea parties" (there was no tulle or pink flowers) to late night movies (Mighty Ducks 2 was a real winner), I loved every minute of my time with those guys. They'll only know if they read this, but I will be forever grateful for their friendship, for sharing life with me and welcoming me with open arms. And even though I couldn't get them to put the seat down in the bathroom, I still love them and wouldn't change a thing. So to my guys, thank you. Y'all will never truly know how much you mean to me, and how thankful I am for all of you.
So now that it's over, I truly have NO idea what's next. In fact, the most productive thing I've done since I got home today was take a 4-hour nap. But, I know that God will provide. In the meantime, I'll continue catching up on sleep, sort through everything that I acquired over the last 3 months and hopefully get my bedroom back in order.
To ALL of my WJ friends, thank you for making this one of the best tours I've had the privilege of working on - I can't wait to see y'all again!
Bus 9 Forever,
Eleanor
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Make Lemonade
I don't know about y'all, but I'm a sucker for fresh squeezed lemonade. Like the kind you can get on the boardwalk at the beach. There's something about the combination of cold, fresh, sweet and sour all in one. Just so good. Unfortunately, life isn't always lemonade. Sometimes it feels like you're drinking straight lemon juice while simultaneously getting pummeled in the face with lemons.
I've recently been facing the latter.
It's hard to have everything figured out. No matter how old or young you are. Sometimes we have things more together than we realized, and other times, the complete opposite. Lately, I've been in the boat of "I totally know what's going on, life is good...oh wait...no, not the lemons!" Blinded by the lemon juice in the eyes and battered by the flying lemons to the face.
Growing up doesn't necessarily mean that things get easy. It doesn't mean they don't get easy, but no one has everything figured out. I sure don't. And at some point, everyone gets a lemon or two in the face. Or in my case a whole bucket.
It is hard, though, accepting what's been coming my way. And beyond accepting it, overcoming it.
In the mixture of everything I've been dealing with, whether emotional (you're welcome Kleenex for being your #1 customer), or physical (thanks a lot, arthritis) or lack of sleep (so much snoring on that bus)... I haven't been good at hiding my emotions. In fact, I've been wearing them head to toe. And while I'm not proud of it, everyone has those moments in life where trying to keep all the emotions hidden is just impossible. That's me right now.
So during these off days, I'm focusing on me, on getting sleep (hallelujah, amen), on diving into the Word and spending time with Jesus, on eating healthier (or at least attempting to), on spending time with my friends.
Of course, it's easier to stay in bed or on the couch, thinking on every detail of what went wrong, or what could have been better. And if I'm honest, I've been tempted to do just that.
But that's not going to help. Promise.
As we've gotten older, my sister and I have gotten so much closer. Our sibling relationship growing up when we were younger was the typical hot mess sister relationship. Thank goodness we've gotten through and past that. We now can talk about anything and everything, both giving each other advice. And lately, she's been the one giving me advice.
Last night she told me this: keep praying bold prayers.
Whoa.
Keep praying bold prayers.
I don't know that I've really been praying boldly lately. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I did.
Maybe that's the point of the recent lemons to my face. I've been lazy in my walk with Jesus, and when I want something, I just kind of expect that because I want it, it will happen.
ERRRRRR WRONG.
So wrong.
That's not how it works. At all.
Now being bold still doesn't mean that I will receive everything I ask for - God isn't a genie in a bottle. This isn't Aladdin. But being bold means asking that the desires of our hearts would be granted. And it's not easy, but that's what He wants us to do - to bring our prayers and petitions to Him. More importantly though, if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Delighting ourselves in the Lord means doing things that please Him and putting His law in our hearts. And I think part of that includes patience.
*external sigh*
If any of you know me, you know that patience does not come easy. And as I get older and see the things I desire for my life happening to everyone but me, being patient becomes even more difficult. So that's my first bold prayer: to be granted patience as I wait. And in addition to that, peace. Because [the good] Lord knows I need that, too.
So, I have no idea what's next. There's no chapter title to give me any clues. But I'm praying to be okay with that. To fully trust in His plan for me and fall in His arms, knowing full well that He will catch and guide me. And hopefully hit some of those lemons out of the way.
Time to make some lemonade,
Ellie
I've recently been facing the latter.
It's hard to have everything figured out. No matter how old or young you are. Sometimes we have things more together than we realized, and other times, the complete opposite. Lately, I've been in the boat of "I totally know what's going on, life is good...oh wait...no, not the lemons!" Blinded by the lemon juice in the eyes and battered by the flying lemons to the face.
Growing up doesn't necessarily mean that things get easy. It doesn't mean they don't get easy, but no one has everything figured out. I sure don't. And at some point, everyone gets a lemon or two in the face. Or in my case a whole bucket.
It is hard, though, accepting what's been coming my way. And beyond accepting it, overcoming it.
In the mixture of everything I've been dealing with, whether emotional (you're welcome Kleenex for being your #1 customer), or physical (thanks a lot, arthritis) or lack of sleep (so much snoring on that bus)... I haven't been good at hiding my emotions. In fact, I've been wearing them head to toe. And while I'm not proud of it, everyone has those moments in life where trying to keep all the emotions hidden is just impossible. That's me right now.
So during these off days, I'm focusing on me, on getting sleep (hallelujah, amen), on diving into the Word and spending time with Jesus, on eating healthier (or at least attempting to), on spending time with my friends.
Of course, it's easier to stay in bed or on the couch, thinking on every detail of what went wrong, or what could have been better. And if I'm honest, I've been tempted to do just that.
But that's not going to help. Promise.
As we've gotten older, my sister and I have gotten so much closer. Our sibling relationship growing up when we were younger was the typical hot mess sister relationship. Thank goodness we've gotten through and past that. We now can talk about anything and everything, both giving each other advice. And lately, she's been the one giving me advice.
Last night she told me this: keep praying bold prayers.
Whoa.
Keep praying bold prayers.
I don't know that I've really been praying boldly lately. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I did.
Maybe that's the point of the recent lemons to my face. I've been lazy in my walk with Jesus, and when I want something, I just kind of expect that because I want it, it will happen.
ERRRRRR WRONG.
So wrong.
That's not how it works. At all.
Now being bold still doesn't mean that I will receive everything I ask for - God isn't a genie in a bottle. This isn't Aladdin. But being bold means asking that the desires of our hearts would be granted. And it's not easy, but that's what He wants us to do - to bring our prayers and petitions to Him. More importantly though, if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Delighting ourselves in the Lord means doing things that please Him and putting His law in our hearts. And I think part of that includes patience.
*external sigh*
If any of you know me, you know that patience does not come easy. And as I get older and see the things I desire for my life happening to everyone but me, being patient becomes even more difficult. So that's my first bold prayer: to be granted patience as I wait. And in addition to that, peace. Because [the good] Lord knows I need that, too.
So, I have no idea what's next. There's no chapter title to give me any clues. But I'm praying to be okay with that. To fully trust in His plan for me and fall in His arms, knowing full well that He will catch and guide me. And hopefully hit some of those lemons out of the way.
Time to make some lemonade,
Ellie
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Sentimental Sally
Okay y'all so we've just passed the halfway point of WinterJam and I am stoked. Mostly because it means I'm that much closer to a celebratory vacation in Florida with my best friend. But also because it means I'll have some normalcy in my day to day life.
If I'm being perfectly honest, not every day is a walk in the park. Some nights you get next to no sleep, other nights you get a lot because of ridiculously long drives. Some days you get to shower, other days you don't and you learn about the importance of baby wipes and deodorant. Some days fly by and others seem to go on forever.
Yesterday was a mixture of those. I got a fair amount of sleep and I got to shower, but the day seemed like it was never going to end. It was just one of those days. The evening brought on some stress, and I wasn't sure if my emotions were going to stay in tact much longer. That changed though, when one customer came up to my table and asked for a lumiton. (A lumiton is a light up glow stick thing). I asked how I could help him and he said he needed to buy one lumiton because the little boy sitting in front of him had nothing, meanwhile all his friends had bags of merchandise and every light up toy known to this tour. Call me sentimental, but that warmed my heart and almost brought a tear to my eye. He had no idea who this kid was, but took it upon himself to make sure that the little boy could enjoy the night as much as his friends.
Sometimes it just takes the little things to put it all in perspective. It shouldn't matter how tired or (unfortunately) smelly or frustrated we are. We all have those days. What should matter is looking beyond our own needs and wants, and instead, focusing on furthering the Kingdom. All it takes is putting "me" aside, and investing our time and love into everyone else around us.
After tonight's show, we only have 19 shows left. Still over a month till it ends, but only 19 chances to be the hands and feet of Christ to the people who walk through the venue doors. I know I'm going to have days when this is easier said than done, but I hope that I (and whoever else reads this), can make it my goal to really focus on the people around me, whether they're my colleagues or the people coming to the concerts.
Now it's time to find something to eat before I fall over from a caffeine overload. Also, I wish you were warmer, Memphis.
Thank ya, thank ya very much,
Ellie
If I'm being perfectly honest, not every day is a walk in the park. Some nights you get next to no sleep, other nights you get a lot because of ridiculously long drives. Some days you get to shower, other days you don't and you learn about the importance of baby wipes and deodorant. Some days fly by and others seem to go on forever.
Yesterday was a mixture of those. I got a fair amount of sleep and I got to shower, but the day seemed like it was never going to end. It was just one of those days. The evening brought on some stress, and I wasn't sure if my emotions were going to stay in tact much longer. That changed though, when one customer came up to my table and asked for a lumiton. (A lumiton is a light up glow stick thing). I asked how I could help him and he said he needed to buy one lumiton because the little boy sitting in front of him had nothing, meanwhile all his friends had bags of merchandise and every light up toy known to this tour. Call me sentimental, but that warmed my heart and almost brought a tear to my eye. He had no idea who this kid was, but took it upon himself to make sure that the little boy could enjoy the night as much as his friends.
Sometimes it just takes the little things to put it all in perspective. It shouldn't matter how tired or (unfortunately) smelly or frustrated we are. We all have those days. What should matter is looking beyond our own needs and wants, and instead, focusing on furthering the Kingdom. All it takes is putting "me" aside, and investing our time and love into everyone else around us.
After tonight's show, we only have 19 shows left. Still over a month till it ends, but only 19 chances to be the hands and feet of Christ to the people who walk through the venue doors. I know I'm going to have days when this is easier said than done, but I hope that I (and whoever else reads this), can make it my goal to really focus on the people around me, whether they're my colleagues or the people coming to the concerts.
Now it's time to find something to eat before I fall over from a caffeine overload. Also, I wish you were warmer, Memphis.
Thank ya, thank ya very much,
Ellie
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
25 Years Down, Who Knows How Many To Go
On Sunday, I turned 25. I was also working at the WinterJams in the middle of nowhere Peoria, IL.
When I uttered the words "I'm 25" that morning, I suddenly felt old. In five years, I'll be 30, and to be honest, that does not sound appealing to me in any way, shape or form. I was talking to my friend Creed about this who felt the same thing when he turned 25. But he told me not to think about it because 30 is still five years away. I sighed and decided he was probably right, so I went back to selling shirts and glow sticks and didn't think about it again.
[keep this first paragraph in mind - it'll come back into play down below. somewhere.]
This was quite the unconventional birthday. I'm not sure I can say that I ever expected to wake up on a tour bus and work a 14 hour day on my birthday, but I did. So there's that. The odd thing - at least to me anyway - was that I wasn't bothered by this reality. Of course, I could have done with maybe a little less physical exhaustion, but that's the name of the game. And sure, I wasn't home to be with my family, but, I WAS with family. Even with more than 150 people out on this tour, so many of them have become dear friends. And when you combine that many friends together, you become family. I'm not sure how many of them will ever see this, but for those who do, I'm so very thankful for you and your sweet friendship.
I should note, that I also share a birthday with Adam, a friend and fellow bus mate. So before I got off the bus at the crack of dawn - at least that's what it felt like - I left a wee note on the bus wall wishing him a happy birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln, and reminded my dear boys to lock the doors, lest they wanted Abe to haunt them for keeping it unlocked.
After the morning and early afternoon had passed and everything was ready for the concert, I got "ready" for the night. Which meant brushing my teeth again, slapping on some deodorant, trying to make my hair presentable, and putting on clean clothing. I found my way to the volunteers, where I was given a delicious birthday coffee, was sung to by all of the volunteers (thank you Russ and Jonas) and subsequently turning bright red. I also got to quickly FaceTime my sweet boy Judsen (my 4 year old boyfriend back home) and listen to him sing to me while trying to play golf at the same time.
Doors opened, we started selling, I ate cotton candy dippin' dots (never again will I do that) and my sweet friends brought me a cheesecake with a candle and sang happy birthday. They all signed a card and wrote sweet messages and it was all I could do to not cry. I saved that for later when no one was around.
After the end of the night, I went to my bus to find all of the guys waiting with pizza and cake and a card wishing me and Adam a happy birthday. And again, I had to keep myself from crying since I'm on a bus with a bunch of dudes. They wrote me a punny card as I have done for them, and left sweet messages with terrifying pictures of animals inside and somehow it was one of the best cards I'd ever been given.
The oddities of the day added with being out on the road with family truly made for one of the best birthdays yet. And the wishes from back home filled my heart to the very top. I am so thankful for everyone who celebrated with me, in person, in text, via Facebook - from the very bottom of my heart, thank you.
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about being only five years away from turning 30 - to be honest, it still kind of freaks me out. But, I know that God has a plan and He will provide. Maybe not when I would like, but things will come to fruition in His timing. I just have to be patient.
So here's to 25 - I pray that I will continue living this beautiful life God has given me to the absolute fullest, following His plan along the way, chasing after my dreams even more and eating way more cake. Because cake is good.
Four score and seven years ago,
Ellie
When I uttered the words "I'm 25" that morning, I suddenly felt old. In five years, I'll be 30, and to be honest, that does not sound appealing to me in any way, shape or form. I was talking to my friend Creed about this who felt the same thing when he turned 25. But he told me not to think about it because 30 is still five years away. I sighed and decided he was probably right, so I went back to selling shirts and glow sticks and didn't think about it again.
[keep this first paragraph in mind - it'll come back into play down below. somewhere.]
This was quite the unconventional birthday. I'm not sure I can say that I ever expected to wake up on a tour bus and work a 14 hour day on my birthday, but I did. So there's that. The odd thing - at least to me anyway - was that I wasn't bothered by this reality. Of course, I could have done with maybe a little less physical exhaustion, but that's the name of the game. And sure, I wasn't home to be with my family, but, I WAS with family. Even with more than 150 people out on this tour, so many of them have become dear friends. And when you combine that many friends together, you become family. I'm not sure how many of them will ever see this, but for those who do, I'm so very thankful for you and your sweet friendship.
I should note, that I also share a birthday with Adam, a friend and fellow bus mate. So before I got off the bus at the crack of dawn - at least that's what it felt like - I left a wee note on the bus wall wishing him a happy birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln, and reminded my dear boys to lock the doors, lest they wanted Abe to haunt them for keeping it unlocked.
After the morning and early afternoon had passed and everything was ready for the concert, I got "ready" for the night. Which meant brushing my teeth again, slapping on some deodorant, trying to make my hair presentable, and putting on clean clothing. I found my way to the volunteers, where I was given a delicious birthday coffee, was sung to by all of the volunteers (thank you Russ and Jonas) and subsequently turning bright red. I also got to quickly FaceTime my sweet boy Judsen (my 4 year old boyfriend back home) and listen to him sing to me while trying to play golf at the same time.
Doors opened, we started selling, I ate cotton candy dippin' dots (never again will I do that) and my sweet friends brought me a cheesecake with a candle and sang happy birthday. They all signed a card and wrote sweet messages and it was all I could do to not cry. I saved that for later when no one was around.
After the end of the night, I went to my bus to find all of the guys waiting with pizza and cake and a card wishing me and Adam a happy birthday. And again, I had to keep myself from crying since I'm on a bus with a bunch of dudes. They wrote me a punny card as I have done for them, and left sweet messages with terrifying pictures of animals inside and somehow it was one of the best cards I'd ever been given.
The oddities of the day added with being out on the road with family truly made for one of the best birthdays yet. And the wishes from back home filled my heart to the very top. I am so thankful for everyone who celebrated with me, in person, in text, via Facebook - from the very bottom of my heart, thank you.
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about being only five years away from turning 30 - to be honest, it still kind of freaks me out. But, I know that God has a plan and He will provide. Maybe not when I would like, but things will come to fruition in His timing. I just have to be patient.
So here's to 25 - I pray that I will continue living this beautiful life God has given me to the absolute fullest, following His plan along the way, chasing after my dreams even more and eating way more cake. Because cake is good.
Four score and seven years ago,
Ellie
Monday, January 16, 2017
The Winter Jams Have Begun
Well guys, I thought it might be time for a little bit of an update.
At the beginning of the month I began my new job: selling merchandise at (and for) WinterJam. Now I'm sure you must be thinking "oh that sounds fun!" To which I would reply "of course, it absolutely is!" However, let me just tell you this: even after dancing for 15 years, playing basketball in high school and going to college for 5 years, I have managed to pull more muscles, acquire more bruises and take more baby-wipe-showers than I care to admit all in the last 2 weeks more than I have in my 24 years of existence. Last night I just sat on the floor, crawled under a table and was about to lay down, but was quickly reminded that the floor was disgusting. And then I started laughing. I think perhaps I have a case of hysteria. Or a lack of sleep. Probably a lack of sleep and a touch of hysteria. We call this having a case of the winter jams.
All that said, I'm having a blast. I get to travel and work with some of the absolute best humans I have ever met. These are seriously super awesome sauce people. And who knows how they feel about me (remember that whole baby-wipe-shower thing), but I'm stoked to do this and work with them for the next 7318913287956 days. <--- exaggeration for dramatic effect, but that's how it actually feels.
I'm writing on this on the bus back to Nashville - our drive was from pretty much the bottom most part of Florida, so I thought, I've got a few too many hours to kill, let's blog about it. I've only seen one other human awake on my bus this morning, so either the guys don't want to see me (impossible, right?!) or they're just taking advantage of sleeping until we get back to Nashville. Which won't be for 8 years. All of this isn't too terrible though, because I currently have the front lounge to myself. More importantly though, I have a couple of chocolate chip banana bread slices in front of me (made by yours truly).
Let's talk about that for a hot sec. So I was dubbed the title of "bus captain" - which basically means I make sure we have everyone when we need to roll, and I check on bus needs. That kind of thing. But further than that, I think I subconsciously took on the roll of bus mom and feel this need to take care of my guys. So, the first week I made apple chips and peanut butter-honey-oatmeal squares. This week I made a loaf of bread - big winner too, they asked if I could make more. I'm thinking one loaf won't cut it though, so I'll probably need to make 8, because that sounds logical. We'll see if I have enough bananas for 8 loaves.
This weekend was all in Florida, which was welcomed after the sub-zero temperatures we had our first weekend out. Unfortunately, this weekend is over, and our next run is in PA and OH. Oh yeah, I'm coming to PA this week! So y'all should come to Reading or Pittsburgh. Or Penn State, but that's not for a few months. Check out the schedule here if you're interested: http://2017.jamtour.com/
We leave for Reading, PA on Wednesday, and so basically that drive is going to be super long. So long. So me and my guys are gonna have brinner on the bus (breakfast for dinner) and watch movies the whole time. My guys are pretty awesome and they may not admit it, but I'm pretty sure they think I'm awesome too. I can hope anyway.
5-second version: WinterJam is awesome, I'm not sleeping but I have chocolate chip banana bread and I love my job.
I think that gets us all caught up. Hopefully the guys wake up soon; I'm starting to get lonely up here. Stay tuned for more updates - I've got 2 and a half months to go, so many stories to follow.
Gotta catch 'em all,
Ellie
At the beginning of the month I began my new job: selling merchandise at (and for) WinterJam. Now I'm sure you must be thinking "oh that sounds fun!" To which I would reply "of course, it absolutely is!" However, let me just tell you this: even after dancing for 15 years, playing basketball in high school and going to college for 5 years, I have managed to pull more muscles, acquire more bruises and take more baby-wipe-showers than I care to admit all in the last 2 weeks more than I have in my 24 years of existence. Last night I just sat on the floor, crawled under a table and was about to lay down, but was quickly reminded that the floor was disgusting. And then I started laughing. I think perhaps I have a case of hysteria. Or a lack of sleep. Probably a lack of sleep and a touch of hysteria. We call this having a case of the winter jams.
All that said, I'm having a blast. I get to travel and work with some of the absolute best humans I have ever met. These are seriously super awesome sauce people. And who knows how they feel about me (remember that whole baby-wipe-shower thing), but I'm stoked to do this and work with them for the next 7318913287956 days. <--- exaggeration for dramatic effect, but that's how it actually feels.
I'm writing on this on the bus back to Nashville - our drive was from pretty much the bottom most part of Florida, so I thought, I've got a few too many hours to kill, let's blog about it. I've only seen one other human awake on my bus this morning, so either the guys don't want to see me (impossible, right?!) or they're just taking advantage of sleeping until we get back to Nashville. Which won't be for 8 years. All of this isn't too terrible though, because I currently have the front lounge to myself. More importantly though, I have a couple of chocolate chip banana bread slices in front of me (made by yours truly).
Let's talk about that for a hot sec. So I was dubbed the title of "bus captain" - which basically means I make sure we have everyone when we need to roll, and I check on bus needs. That kind of thing. But further than that, I think I subconsciously took on the roll of bus mom and feel this need to take care of my guys. So, the first week I made apple chips and peanut butter-honey-oatmeal squares. This week I made a loaf of bread - big winner too, they asked if I could make more. I'm thinking one loaf won't cut it though, so I'll probably need to make 8, because that sounds logical. We'll see if I have enough bananas for 8 loaves.
This weekend was all in Florida, which was welcomed after the sub-zero temperatures we had our first weekend out. Unfortunately, this weekend is over, and our next run is in PA and OH. Oh yeah, I'm coming to PA this week! So y'all should come to Reading or Pittsburgh. Or Penn State, but that's not for a few months. Check out the schedule here if you're interested: http://2017.jamtour.com/
We leave for Reading, PA on Wednesday, and so basically that drive is going to be super long. So long. So me and my guys are gonna have brinner on the bus (breakfast for dinner) and watch movies the whole time. My guys are pretty awesome and they may not admit it, but I'm pretty sure they think I'm awesome too. I can hope anyway.
5-second version: WinterJam is awesome, I'm not sleeping but I have chocolate chip banana bread and I love my job.
I think that gets us all caught up. Hopefully the guys wake up soon; I'm starting to get lonely up here. Stay tuned for more updates - I've got 2 and a half months to go, so many stories to follow.
Gotta catch 'em all,
Ellie
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