My love letter to 311

So, in anticipation of meeting 311 either tonight or on the 11th in New Orleans, I have written a really cheesy thank you note, just stuff that I know I will be too starstruck to say, but that if I were them, I would appreciate hearing. I'm too chicken to ask Jim if he plans on getting us back stage tonight or just on 311 day, but his last text said this: "you have tickets waiting for you at will call, I'll meet you there." Now, does that mean that he will meet us there at will call in order to escort us backstage before the show, or does it mean, pick up your tickets, maybe I'll see you there? I don't know, I'm just glad I had finished dating before texting took over, because I totally overanalyze every misspelled word and lack of punctuation. Anyway, I'm sooo excited!!! AAAAUUHHHGGGGGGGGHH!!! Dear Chad, Nick, P-Nut, SA and Tim, I feel more than a little silly writing this letter to you guys, but I figure it’s the least I could do for the people who have unknowingly helped, inspired, and given me so many great memories. I was introduced to your music in the first week of my sophomore year in high school, in the height of the blue disc’s popularity. (I know, I know, I wish it were earlier too, I’d love to be able to say I’m a real grassroots fan…) It was love at first listen. I baked pies for my neighbors to earn money to fly home early from a family vacation to make it to my first show. At that show I lost a shoe, and all the guys around me in the mosh pit, made everyone look for it until we found it. It was just such a positive feeling compared to pits that I have since been in. I know you appreciate your fans, but you should know that your fans also appreciate the atmosphere that you guys create at shows with the “take care of yourself & someone else” mentality. Anyway, after high school I started dating my first husband. Not one of my better choices. He was a highly manipulative and abusive sociopath. Five months after we were married I was able to kick him out, and actually had the strength to stick with it. I have a very supportive, loving family who helped me come to that decision, but also, in the back of my head, I had the 311 soundtrack to my life running, telling me that life is beautiful, quit taking myself so seriously, people are generally good, and that there is always much to be grateful for. I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I could ramble on through my life listing the songs that most affected me at various times, the shows I’ve seen and the memories of crazy road trips I’ve taken to see you guys, but that could get a bit lengthy. All I really want to say is that I am so grateful to be where I am today, married to an amazing man who supports me in every way, (including my 311 obsession) raising a beautiful 2 year old daughter who already loves to rock out with mom, and running a growing cake decorating business; all dreams that would have never been realized, had I not had the strength and support to leave a bad situation. And you guys are a part of that. I just wanted you to know. With love & gratitude, Celeste Davis Celeste_Miller@msn.com