Friday, March 25, 2005 is a day I will never forget!  I was going to be Gunnar’s personal assistant at the Mohegan Sun.  I had been waiting for this day for quite some time and it was finally here.  I was all packed and ready to go when I received a phone call from my dad.  There was a family emergency, but I was assured that everything was going to be okay!
I drove 2 ½ hours and arrived just in time for sound check.  I didn’t have time to check in so I brought all my gear with me, and left it backstage.  I kept wondering what was going on back home and at the same time I was trying to refocus my thoughts for the excitement that was about to take place.  I spotted Tami, and she was standing with Matthew, his assistant Wendy, and Dee.  They all welcomed me and we chatted for a while.  Then I saw Gunnar and he came over to me and gave me a big hug.  (Oh yeah!)  He wanted to make sure that everything was okay at home because I called earlier to let them know what was going on.  He was so kind and understanding. 
They started sound check, and I found it very interesting being that I am studying audio engineering.  There is a lot involved in setting up a stage before a performance.  Wendy and I were busy taking pictures and getting to know one another.  I was glad to be sharing this experience with her.  She seemed to be having as much fun as I was. 
Wendy and I both escorted Matthew and Gunnar to the limo that was waiting for them.  We dropped them off so they could get ready for the show, and we were told to meet them by the elevator in 1 hour.  We finally met up and drove with them to the backstage area. 
Matt handed us the set list and we made sure everyone had a copy.  Wendy and I walked out on stage to set up the towels, water, and set list.  I looked out into the crowd to see what it felt like to be on stage.  It was quite the rush! 
The show was totally awesome, as usual!  After the show was over we helped out with the meet and greet.  It was the longest line I’ve ever seen!  It was cool to hang out with Tami and the boys.  Everyone got along so well. 
After we packed up, we went backstage.  I brought my guitar with me so Matthew could re-sign it.  His autograph got smeared since he signed it back in August.  Before they came backstage I was playing bits and pieces of their songs for the girls in the room.  As I was playing a little bit of “Movin’ On,” Matthew and Gunnar came back to the room.  Gunnar came over, sat down, and asked me if I could show him how to play the song.  I gave him my guitar and he started playing it.  It was too cool!  He also played “Take Me There” and a new song he just wrote that day.  It was great!
I would highly recommend being a personal assistant.  Everyone was so down to earth and really made you feel at home.  It was quite the experience of a lifetime!  If I had one word to sum it all up…priceless!!!