Wow time flys.......I noticed getting older is fun and not fun...Well I dont know if not fun is the word. Its just growing up. I just got done reading a page about my Dad that my brother has on Thegerm.com. I know we all miss him. Jeremy, Chris, Mom, and I. Alot of family does. Everytime I think that I am making a mistake in my life, bills arent paid, or things that Iam slacking on I think of him. What he would say. And then I think of all the things I have done that he would be proud of, but wouldnt say. I could sure play a mean guitar just to show him up if he wanted me too. Ill be married someday and honor him. Have a kid. I just wish he was around for my brothers kids. They are something never to miss out on. He is watching, and my brothers are taking a lot of his roles. They are both the greatest dads in the world. I only hope to be. I have a lot of attitude in me like Dad. A sense of humor ( but how did I get to be so weird at times). Charming!!!! We are all charming. Nice enough to melt your heart. I can honestly say that I looked up to my Dad, and always will. But I look up to my older brothers than anything. I could never express how much they mean to me in my life. Thanks brothers!!!

After the fact of being 3 years deep without my Dad, I have finally looked at life as a life. And when I say that I mean, I have to be my own man. Want kids when I want them, leave town when I want to, play shows even though he hasnt seen one, crush hearts when its not right, but love when time to love. I have to be me. Grow up, but remain part of who I am.

Seeing Tom die in my life was also a trail, after my Dad then a best friend. I come to understand that life is nothing to play with. It is a lot of work. But what you get out of it is adventure, love, family, patience, hurry, and hurt. The hurt comes at times when you lose someone but a lesson, and an adventure. Taking on life without someone for me is hard. I dont know if I will ever come to realize that these people in my life are gone. I just will remember there life, and that smile that kept me moving. The love that they gave to others, and me. The heart to be confident. I will always tell people. Since my Dad died, I have more cofidence in myself. I can take on anything. He would have loved to see that I was more out there. And my final thought. Keep on rolling. Keep being yourself......If love, friends, work, or life is getting you down. Remember your family. They will always have your back. No matter how much life sucks, no ,matter what you do, no matter if you just dont give a crap about anything. Family will be there. Family can be firends if they understand that they are part of it. You just have to get the picture in your head.

I love you family~~~ Thanks for making life a lot easier, and being my inspiration.

Dear Tommy,

Its been a long time since Ive heard your voice over the phone, laughing. Just your laugh made my day, everyday. Just that thought of someone that could understand my goofyness. You would say "Oats you are such a goofy mother fucker. You have given me a name that I am going to live with everyday. You have made me Oats, Sloatis. I remember living together, with Jeff and Jordan. 3 J'S and a T. I remember you and spann running away together, times that we laughed or cried, or didnt see each other but stayed in touch. I think in the past few years before you passed there wasnt a day that I wouldnt talk to you. Though it was a lot on the gay phone. Yeah maybe I dug for a little attention,but you didnt stop calling me slappy.  I remember when you use to leave these voicemails saying Oats Im going to kill you....You gay bastard! I would be so shocked for sometime to hear those things, but had gotten use to the terms...You use to say that one word, that I always said(but cant mention on my space and get so mad at times......I could go on forever in moments staying up late talking and you and them girls.........You would be like "Damn its summer time." Tom you always knew when it was summer time..I just know that I have been truly blessed to be your friend, and to share so much in common. I still have your clothes too. Yeah all the ones you gave me and said they were to big. I told you you would be fat someday. It seems like its all fun and jokes, but there is so much behind the both of us that we really know about eachother. We could look at each other and know when we were no ourselves. I just remember talking to you before not knowing you were leaving, you didnt seem right but said its going to be all right and that you were okay......And when you said that I know how personable you are......Rough times kid....Rough times......but I just want to let you know that I love you, and Im glad all your friends are my friends......I couldnt do it with out them......And that we will in time see you soon. Theres never been a day that has gone by that I havent seen your smile, or a pizza hut pizza. (in good humor for ya) . I miss you brother.....I miss you.....

(I was thinking of doing this, then I saw Jordans and just left me at peace. Thanks Jordan)

I just thought Id post some random pictures....These were some good times.....Im smiley!!!!Its good to look at these when you are thinking about the band!!!! lets pick up our shit and keep rocking boys!

Dave getting Down in Cinnci!

Tree Hugging

The ABW Family......