My personal favorite memories of 2016.

Okay so I know that it's almost the end of January, and the new year is already in full swing. I just thought I'd share with you all my personal favorite happenings of 2016, and maybe reflect on what kind of person I was back then and what I strive for in 2017. I will also mention some of 2015, as I mesh those two together because honestly......my year was full of concerts.

So let's rephrase this-these are my personal favorites of 2015|2016. Sound better?

Let's get moving.

The Symphony of the Goddesses

It was the perfect start for a semi-perfect weekend. This happened in October of 2015, which was followed by Anime Banzai and an entire weekend with my boy. Needless to say it was a really good weekend, especially since at the time there were a lot of changes going on in my life and I honestly just needed to get away from it.

If you don't know, the Symphony of the Goddesses is an orchestra which plays music from the Video Game Legend of Zelda. There was a nice turnout, and honestly the music was so beautiful I couldn't even believe that I was hearing it in real time. I mean when they played the main theme song, I about cried. It was also the first concert, music-related thing I attended with my boyfriend. So it was fun for the both of us. [I think, I don't know-Matt's sort of weird.]

Coldrain with Volumes|Cane Hill|Northlane

If you know me by now, I am a huge fan of coldrain. Which is the main reason why I bought tickets to this show anyways. The date was November 22nd of 2015, and honestly was the best night I had that entire year. Up until this concert I was sort of a casual fan, I listened to them a lot but I was still getting to know them. So when I got to see them, it was really amazing.

The venue was really small, it was like a parking garage almost. It is called the Loading Dock, so it makes sense. It was really cold waiting for them, and it was well worth it! I ran for the front like the little shit I am, and stayed there through the first band's set. And when coldrain came on, I was jumping and singing along to the songs. I was so close to Sugi, I could reach over and touch him. [I didn't of course, it wouldn't be polite.]

To show you how close I was, here are some pictures.

So as I said, I was on Sugi's side and most of my experience watching them is of him and Masato. I honestly don't remember anything Yoko or Ryo might have done. I only remember waving at Ryo, and him waving back. I also did meet Masato and Katsuma after their set. I got a picture of Masato, but unfortunately something happened with the merch that I had to run to the nearest gas station and get cash to even buy my jacket. So that's when I met Katsuma, and he was super sweet.

Seeing them live sort of sprung me further into their fandom and I don't regret it one bet.

the GazettE concert+meeting friends

Honestly I talked about my cali trip already and I already did a recap of the live at the Wiltern. So let's just recap it a little bit. I think what made this fun was the excitement we shared on twitter, as far as like 'oh my god I can't believe they're actually coming' sort of thing. I was honestly so excited to meet my friend Reida, we have been talking for a long time before the World tour so it was really great to know that I was finally get to meet her in person.

When we met across the street from the venue the day before the concert, I almost ran out into traffic [and she did too] to go hug her. I remember walking from the Korean BBQ place to meet her, seeing her across the street, and jumping up and down. My brother had to stop me from running straight into the road.

I don't remember much of what we talked about, although I do remember that I said something about Kai and she turned to me like 'fuck Kai' and I don't know why I remember that. I do.

So the actual concert day and actual concert went by relatively fast. I waited 12 hours in line, with only eating Mcdonald's that morning and a granola bar and some candy a nice fan gave me. Reida's mad at me, because she offered to get me food-but I have a hard time accepting things from people so I just decided to suffer. In all honesty I didn't feel really hungry until after the show ended.

So during the concert there are a few things I remember. I remember Ruki singing the first notes to DOGMA, how he danced on stage. I remember Aoi was blocked by the light from where I was, but when he stepped in front I could see him better. I remember whispering to myself 'he's real'. And I also remember Kai doing this thing with his arms, where he raised his hand above his head and tilted his head up. [?]

And Uruha is a badass, but during the show I got the best views of Ruki, Uruha, and Kai. And a little bit of Aoi, and I only saw Reita briefly.

After the show, I met two girls next to me and we chatted-had fun giggling about the concert. So I made two new friends.

Anyway, I will go on about this live and make myself sad, so moving on.

Warped tour+Meeting Coldrain again

Aside from the GazettE, I always go to concerts and events like these with my brothers. The reason being is my dad is very protective, and worried that I will get killed during these sorts of things. Warped Tour isn't really my favorite, reason being was that my first Warped Tour experience wasn't too great and left a sour taste in my mouth. [The band I went for bailed, and I only liked one band out of the dozens we saw. That band was Crossfaith.]

But concerts are just something that sort of unite me and my brothers in a way.

So I was always on the fence about going JUST for coldrain, because as I said I was always afraid of them bailing or not going for whatever reason. I just bought tickets because why not?

So we got there really early, because Warped doesn't have their schedule up first hand so you have to be there that early incase your band plays an earlier time. And I was right in doing this because coldrain was second to come on at their stage. This time I got a spot in front of Masato, front row again.

[Here's the recap]

After their set I got to meet them, I remember turning the corner to the tent and Katsuma giving me a smile and saying 'hi'. I also remember that Masato said hi to me, but I was so shy I didn't do anything but smile at him. I remember also telling him I saw them back in November, that their show was amazing and Masato giving me a smile.

I got a picture with them, and they signed my Revelation CD. Before I left I asked Katsuma for a hug [I told Reida I was going to, I think] and then Masato was like 'hey' and gave me a hug as well. Then I just hugged the rest. Yoko was so cute, he squeezed me a little and said "Have a good day!" with this biggest smile on his face.

We did other things after that, but I waited to see Against the Current and I was finished. [We saw Yellowcard too, who announced their disbandment.]

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So there is that! All of them are concert related, I'm sorry-but I'm the most happy when I'm at live shows so I don't know what else to say.

I strive for more concerts and to better my own life. I hope to make it to Seattle in April, to spend time with my boyfriend for my birthday and to maybe see Reida again.

I hope you enjoyed reading anyways.