July 19th - We saw inception on our day off and it blew my mind. I loved the whole thing. Never have I seen a movie that pushes the limits of the subconscious mind as this movie does. I loved the concept of planting an idea at its very basic level deep within one's subconscious so that the idea can grow into inspiration and result in a decision through inspired action. I found this relevant to a book I recently read titled "The Traveler's Gift" about seven decisions for personal success. I would highly recommend the book as it is a personal favorite and a positive life changer. The underlying theme was that we make decisions that govern our future and by choosing to be a person of action, choosing today to be the day that you are happy because happiness is a choice, and choosing to seek wisdom; we provide the framework for a desired future. We can do nothing about the past besides accept responsibility for it and realize that keys to the future exist in the decisions of the present.

July 15th - We were having a conversation in the van today about management companies and judgment via association. We wondered if being on tours with bands who are relatively new and who have gained recent and quick stardom is good for us. Sure its awesome for the growth of our fan base as well as our finances to be playing packed shows every night, but I wonder if those shows are the "right" shows for us to build and maintain sustainability as a band over time. What I mean by "right" shows are ones where kids are there for the music, the experience, and the performance not because it is the cool thing to do. Our Last Night is not a trendy band. Its not the way we're designed. I question whether the tours we are getting are setting us up to be a band with longevity or a band with with a relatively short life-span. I wonder if it would be more beneficial to surround ourselves with those who have achieved the success we seek. We feel as though we would have a better chance and longer life-span as a band if we were to tour and become associated with bands who are established and have been for some time. In a conversation I recently had with my father, who is a very wise man, he told me that in order to better achieve our goals we should associate and surround ourselves with those who have achieved the success which we seek. This made me think of touring and being in a band because if you associate and surround yourselves with bands who have been established and continue to be successful then you have a very good chance of becoming the same way through association. This might not always happen, bands do make it big for different reasons and through different methods but friends certainly take other friends on tour so it couldn't hurt.

July 14th - The Buff Chick tour began today! Unofficially because the first show fell through but we're back in the van together and on the road so its tour. I'm quite happy to be back in the van with the boys. We're down a guitar tech Alex Kendrick Perkins (who is dearly missed) but we are ecstatic to announce the recent acquisation of our boy Ian (who already feels like family). Ian fences, yes, he can wield a blade and he will make you pay for thinking otherwise. He will be excepting duels for the rest of the "Buff Chick" tour so come out and challenge him. However, if he is busy you will be fencing me. I do not know how to fence but I had a quickie run down with Ian in which he taught me everything he knows. I can't wait to officially kick this tour off. It was supposed to happen in Pittsburg but the promoter for the show cancelled last minute because he didn't think anyone would come, total facial right? I mean have some damn faith or something, don't shamelessly degrade us the day before the show. Anyways, we're cruising to pick up our merch at the venue in Pittsburg then driving to see our infamous friend Shmeric from D town for some festivities and great times. The tour will now start in Michigan on the 15th and it couldn't come sooner. We played Detroit a little over a month ago and it was nothing short of a wet dream (a.k.a. exhilaratingly good time).

-Our day was spent driving to multiple FedEx locations in attempts to piece together our merch order. We seem to be slowly and painfully etching the phrase, "if you want it done right do it yourself" into our minds. Spending an afternoon in bed with traffic would make anyone weary of the reason they're there, especially when your that deep under the sheets. Its frustrating when you feel like you must hold someone's hand to walk them through something in order for that something to be done right. There is only so much hand holding that should ever be necessary. Look at it this way, no matter how badly you ever have to hold someone's hand to guide them, at some point your going to have to go to the bathroom. In which case you should not have to guide them through wiping or shaking after they've done their business. My point is that no matter what there is going to be a time when you have to trust that things will be done right and taken care of, you shouldn't have to hold ones hand when wiping or shaking, that is private time. Oh and guys need to shake but remember "No matter how much you wiggle and dance, the last few drops always end up in your pants."