I Guess This Is Growing Up

So, it’s another day in the office and today’s agenda calls for a 45 minute interview with Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 to talk about his upcoming tour, album, and current season of Hoppus On Music. Before I got to Fuse, I expected I’d see Mark around the building being he has his own show on Fuse and all. What I didn’t expect was to get extremely nervous and awkward anytime he is around. I have seen him around my floor a few times now, but have yet to speak to him. I usually just keep staring at my computer and pretend he’s not really there as I proceed to blush. That changes today. Today our host Juliya will be asking Mark questions that I wrote, to be included in a future show. I will get to meet him today for real. I’m dorking out hardcore and I guess I have my reasons…

Blink 182 became the first band that I obsessed over (followed by Green Day and then followed by the metal phase…). Once I moved on from loving the Backstreet Boys, I replaced BSB posters with Blink ones. Blink was there at the beginning of my adolescence. They’re rebellious attitude and pop punk vibe were exactly in line with the 13 year old Melanie. Peggy Sue became my first AIM name and Adam’s Song truly made me believe that 16 would hold better days. I was all about Blink in every way. I wore my “Loser Kids” t-shirt to school at least once a week. And my journal was plastered with Mark, Tom and Travis photos.

When they went on tour around the time I was 14, it was before we had internet so my mom got on the phone with Ticketmaster. She tried and tried to no avail. Tickets had sold out and I retreated to my room for cryfest of the year.

I was in love with Blink 182 before I even knew what love was. I could sing every song by heart, and I knew every useless fact there was to know. I remember rushing to turn on the tv when I got off the bus to catch the 57^th day of watching “All the Small Things” on TRL. And begging my Mom to take me to best Buy the Day Take Your Pants And Jacket came out. My love for Blink ran deep.

Then AFI took over my heart, and like an old boyfriend, I left Blink 182 out to dry. I listened to them once in awhile, but AFI resonated more with the 15-16 year old Melanie. (And the 24 year old one, might I add)

So, given that I haven’t been Blink 182’s number one fan for ten years, I didn’t think I’d be nervous to meet Mark (who, by the way was my favorite member of Blink 182. He’s the reason I got a bass guitar) But, I am.

He was my favorite member of my first favorite band and today I get to meet him and watch him answer questions I wrote. It’s a weird feeling. Definitely a cool one.

If someone would have told me a decade ago that I’d be in this position today, I’m not sure if I would have laughed or cried. For today, I am just plan excited and proud to be here, damnit.

I guess this is growing up.

Getting Into the Groove

I have been in NYC for almost a month now, and feel like I am finally adjusted. Between going to Texas and Bonnaroo and with Shane coming here next week and me going to New Mexico for Warped Tour soon, life has been busy but I've got it all under control. I thrive on being busy.

Shane and I had a great time for his birthday weekend, but it was definitely too short a time. We certainly made the best of it though. Shane will be coming to the East Coast for a good week and a half next week though, and I can't wait. he's coming up for a wedding, but mainly to spend time with his wonderful wife. Duh!

Bonnaroo was a fucking blast. I definitely worked a lot, but got to catch some amazing shows (Mumford & Sons, Robyn, Matt & Kim, Eminem, etc.). Speaking of shows, my first Top 20 aired on Tuesday. Here's the proof:



Ah yeahhhhh.

It was awesome to see how a show comes together and just how many people and processes are involved. I love my job and I couldn't be happier.

The highlight of Bonnaroo? Being front row in a crowd of 80,000 people for Eminem's set. I never considered myself a huge fan, but I admit I left his show with a slight crush. Eminem's mere stage presence and the fact that he nails every word without taking the time to breathe is truly fascinating. That dude deserves all the props he's been getting.

As does the Fuse Top 20 Countdown. We scored an exclusive interview with Mr. Mathers himself, that was picked up by dozens of other news sources- including MTV, The LA Times, the Wall Street Journal and Perez Hilton. It was very cool to be the only interview Em did. Hollllller!

It's Friday, and I'm about ready to leave work. I think I'll do some shopping. I mean, the nine-floor Macy's happens to be a block away from my office.

Off to Jersey this weekend for Father's Day and to visit my Gma! And, to hopefully catch up on some zzz's because I've been running on empty.

All good though.

To Texas Tomorrow

After a 5 day weekend in honor of Memorial Day, I felt completely ready and refreshed to head into work yesterday as my first day as the official writer for Top 20. So far, things are going well. I am already done scripting my questions for the artists we hope to speak to at Bonnaroo, and am starting to work on other aspects of the show now. For the sake of Fuse’s (and my) best interests, I’ll have to refrain from mentioning any talent involvement until it’s already happened. All I can say is, I am so excited for next week!

But right now, what I am most excited for is my weekend trip to Texas for Shane’s birthday. This will be the first birthday out of the four we’ve been together for that I will get to spend it with him. Here’s a quick overview of what the problem was for Birthdays 21-23:

21: A big fucking mess that involved puking, crying and brownie throwing

22: Shane was in lame Missouri for training and I was in Jersey

23: Shane was in Afghanistan and I was in Texas.

So finally, I will get to be with my baby on his birthday. Shit, it’s about damn time!

So, every day in the Big Apple has been a big adventure. A few noteworthy tales include my accidental detour to Queens, going to a bar where gay men sing show tunes, talking to a man on the subway who told me how cool New York used to be (he used to go to parties at 6am, to return home at noon), going to Dylan’s Candy Bar (amazing!), learning where Mark Hoppus hides when he’s not in the Fuse building, meeting the owner of the bar where Goodfellas takes place, and more I’m sure.

It feels like I’ve been here way longer than two weeks already, and as much as I love the city and my new job, I am so excited for my little Texas getaway. I mean, Shane's there so duh- it's the only place that feels like home .

So, to Texas from Friday til Sunday, and then to Tennessee Wednesday til the following Monday! Hectic! Just the way I like it!