i have just returned home from my fourth trip to the desert for the coachella music festival in indio, california. i was originally not going this year... with a new baby, one income and a lack of funds... it just didn't seem like it was going to be possible. i willingly decided to not participate, knowing that going wouldn't be the wisest thing to do with our already lacking funds. however, as the event was drawing near, i became increasingly more depressed. seven of my closest friends were going to be making the annual pilgrimage to hear the finest in indie music, while i stayed at home with my new responsibilities. it felt like my family was going on vacation and i was the only one left home...alone. anyway, long story short... two wonderful people decided that i should still get to go. my sweet husband made it possible by working from home and driving lily to sitters, as well as having her for an entire weekend by himself. he is incredible. the other person, single-handedly paid for the trip. they are always so generous. thank you both.don't get me wrong, it was incredibly hard for me to leave tom and lily, but honestly, i was thankful for the break. it felt nice to finally feel like "me" again. for five whole days i was only responsible for myself. when tom and lily (doggies too) left me at the airport i cried and cried. i felt guilty for leaving. before i closed the car door, i reached into the back of the car and "stole" lily's blanket. i needed (and wanted) to bring something (other than my breast pump) with me to remind me of her. it still had her sweet baby smell on it, which brought me comfort during the entire trip.i had a blast. kristen and i went to the "tonight show" while the rest of the group went to a taping of "ellen". not only were we able to meet keifer sutherland (aka jack bauer), but we were seated in the very front row! perfect placement for when the baby otters jumped out of their glass tank during the animal segment!!
the desert was h o t. not quite as hot as my first year when we were camping (never again). luckily, there wasn't any humidity, so it didn't feel as suffocating as florida. one of the girls on the trip hooked us up with a condo at a marriott vacation club resort. it was beautiful and über comfortable. a perfect oasis for resting after a long day of heat, loud music and freaks.
the music was great. the highlight for me was seeing travis. i knew almost every song and the musicians were so humble and genuinely seemed excited to be there. other acts which were so much fun... cornelius, mika, and the teddybears. what made these bands so much fun to listen to wasn't just the catchy tunes and lyrics, but rather the company i was experiencing them with.
the coachies are made up with some of the best people i've ever met. they are so much fun to be with and really make me feel good about myself.
(ladies first, of course.)
stephanie - never one to stir things up, she is so easy going and all around lovely. with her subtle comments cleverly placed in the conversation here and there, you would find that she is an incredibly funny person. she is wonderful to have around.
kristen - probably my oldest and dearest friend. without her, i never would have gone to coachella in the first place. she fits in with the rest of the florida coachies perfectly. the experience wouldn't be the same without her, especially while expressing breastmilk in a portable bathroom.
devan - the nicest person to share a good conversation with. a wonderfully sweet and genuine friend. also talented at pointing out the weirdos nearby or the girl that needs to pull up her pants while dancing. being from the "d" ain't all that bad!
s o v (aka kelly) - don't let her deceive you by her outward appearance. she may look like a cheerleader and be a true class-act, but inside she is 100% f r e a k ! winning the contest of my favorite dancer to watch this year (yes beta, she beat you even without holding a bowl of pan-asian cuisine), she has a contagious spirit and energy to her. she is also lady sovereign's doppleganger, i'm sure.
betamike - whether its concocting the perfect escape route for when zombies or rage infested concert-goers attack, or his love for all things kitschy...beta adds the perfect amount of zip to the recipe that is coachie-stew. (especially when he's in his tighty whiteys)
britton - too cool for words. hilariously funny and unique...always willing to be the daniel to your carla by breaking out with his killer impersonation of a retarded giovanni ribisi. you make baking in the hot sun worth it.
james - such fun to be with all the time. great for a meaningful conversation on a long flight home, or for just playing along in a silly voice. james, you've added much to my life. without you, i'd have 1 less 1 less reason to smile.
thank you coachies, for memories i'll always cherish...even when i'm rockin' it out to mika after lily's stuck me in the nursing home*.
(listening to "Love Today" by Mika)*don't worry, devan. i'll make sure that i keep my disease carrying old people fingernails far away from you.
last week, while visiting family in cincinnati, i decided to get two more tattoos. i now have a fleur de lis which commemorates the birth of lily, and cherry blossoms which i just enjoy because they are pretty and cheery. i had thought about both of them for a long time, trying to decide the perfect placement, etc. i'm so pleased with how they turned out. see below for pictures. 
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