The Jo Dee Messina Show...

What a weekend in Ellsworth, WI

Friday: June 27, 2008
My day starts at 2:00pm
Gather final items needed for show and tickets with Tommy - DONE
Verify stage construction and audio set-up is on-time – DONE (in record time I may say)
Lower stage roof and wait for Jo Dee's stage items to arrive Saturday morning- DONE
Finalize Saturday staff & crew responsibilities – DONE
Verify for final time power supply is secure and ready for Saturday- DONE
Listen to Ellsworth Boy Scouts complain about the Popcorn machine…. Oh yeah.. If we let them use the old time popcorn machine and warms no show Sat.. - DONE
Listen to Ellsworth planners tell the Boy Scouts they will get there money back for the vendor spot.. PRICELESS!!!
Finally leave grounds for the day 12:00am

Saturday: June 28, 2008
Day starts at 5:00 am after getting about 3 hours of sleep
Return to grounds for the day 7:30- DONE
Verify stage is still standing and crew arrives at 8:00am to prepare and wait for Jo Dee Messina and crew - DONE
Jo Dee Messina arrives at 9:15- DONE
Breakfast catering arrives at 9:30 which is 30 minutes late- DONE
Messina crew sits down for Breakfast 9:35 – DONE
Ship two band members in limo to local gold course for 18 holes at 9:30- DONE
Ship bus driver to local hotel in limo for a day of sleep 9:30 - DONE
Messina semi truck doors open for unloading 9:55 – DONE
Start setting up 400 chairs for VIP seating at 10:45 – DONE
Catering arrives with lunch for crews 11:45 – DONE
Thunderstorm rolls into area with heavy rain, winds, and funnel clouds… ohh and LOTS of rain 11:45 – NOT PLANNED but everything gets covered in time. No damages.
Messina management concerned with stage stability 12:30 - DONE
Meeting planned and takes place to correct issues 12:45- DONE
New stage stability finished as stage is finished being set- for the show 3:00 - DONE
Sound check takes place with Jo Dee on stage 4:00 - DONE
Final stage prep takes place and final check of equipment is completed 4:30 – DONE
Volunteer and security meeting takes place giving final instructions 4:30 - DONE
Opening act arrives for set-up and line check 4:45 – DONE
Set-up complete for opening act 5:30 – DONE
Security staff meets with Messina's road manager 5:30 – DONE
Security staff in place 5:55- DONE

The moment of truth hits as the gates open at 6:00 - DONE
Catering arrives with dinner 6:00 – DONE
Tommy & I hit stage at 6:00 to intro opening act and use t-shirt cannon… Ohh yeah and I get mobbed by people as I give away four backstage passes - DONE
Opening act hits stage at 6 to 6:45 – DONE
Opening act returns to stage 7 to 7:45 – DONE
Stage hands mop stage and final prep takes place for Jo Dee Messina to hit the stage 7:45 to 8:15 – DONE
Jo Dee's Meet and Greet – 8:00 to 8:30 – DONE
Tommy & I hit stage to intro and interact with crowd, then into Jo Dee Messina 8:55 – DONE
Jo Dee Messina finally hits the stage at 9:00 – DONE
Run to front of the stage on the ground to handle security for the show 9:00 - DONE
Jo Dee Messina leaves the stage and loads bus at 10:40 – DONE
Local crew who are all volunteers return to take down Jo Dee's equipment and front of house 10:50 – DONE
Jo Dee Messina's crew finishes loading semi and leaves the stage at 11:50 – DONE
Arrange final local crew who can still walk to help take down remaining stage and audio at 11:50 – DONE
Escort Jo Dee Messina's bus to main road at 12:15 AM – DONE
Finalize remaining staff and close-out remaining issues then leave grounds for bed at 2:00 AM – DONE!!!

Sunday: June 29, 2008
NOTHING BUT SLEEP!!!!

OK… That's the most I remember…. But what a great weekend.. I learned a lot and can't wait to do it again next June in Ellsworth, WI at the Cheese Curds Festival!!!

2008.... The Year of Dan

Well here we are another year has begun and I only hope it’s better than 2007?
Some of you know that 2007 was not a great year for me personally… I lost friends, love, and even my home, and the worst yet…. Confidence in myself. I will NOT let 2008 be another 2007!!!
When it comes to friends I’ve lost a few, reconnected with others, and even made some new friends.
The Tuesday Crew was a group of friends I spent just about everyday with for just over two years. There are individuals I miss seeing and sharing a drink with, but others I don’t and they are the reason I have walked away. I’ve always said every rock band needs to take a break from the road to re-group, so I left the road and the Crew to re-group and take control of my life. There are times I wish I was still on the road, but then I realize this is the best move for me.

When it comes to the love I lost…. WOW… This is a tougher thing to put down in words..

I've changed the presets in my truck, so those old songs don't sneak up
But they still find me and remind me of you
I've never been know to order new things off the menu, that I never tried cause you didn't like them, but two drinks in you were by my side
I've talked to friends
I've talked to myself
I've talked to God
I prayed liked hell but I still miss you
I tried sober
I tried drinking
I've been strong and I've been weak
and I still miss you
I've done everything to move on like I'm supposed to
I'd give anything for one more minute with you
I still miss you.... I still miss you baby

We still share time together as friends, and we even agreed NOT to fall in love again with each other. I’m sorry to say but I think we have both failed at this promise. Are the good times worth fighting for??? Only time will tell if she is ready for that and if she’s ready to fight for my heart and love. Does my heart have walls around it??? YOU BET!!!! If someone walks into my life do I go for it?? YOU BET!!!!
Jude, I love you but it’s time for you to step up to the plate and take a swing… If not; it’s strike three and the game is over. Swing away!!!! I know you have the power and strength to fight.. Please look deep down inside..

Now the living situation… I’m pre-approved and I’m ready to start applying for the different programs I need to make the offers I want. I hope to be in the new home but mid March. The town home I was renting from my sister is getting ready to hit the market, and I’m still held up here at the parents place trying to live life and prepare for the next bachelor pad. J