Show Rat Status

People change. It's a known fact. Some for better, some for worse. I have come a long way to finally be proud of what I am today. Let's jump back to an past time frame; not too long ago, but not long enough for it to be too hazy.
Eighth grade. I was such an influential little boy. My siblings and older friends took care of me though. My sister wanted me to come to Denton for Fall Break. She really took care of me. Took me to my first show. The Good Life, '89 Cubs, and a few other bands that night. She didn't stop there. More shows followed soon after including bands that are now big such as Rilo Kiley and Rouge Wave. I love her for all of that.
Skip forward a wee bit and come to the eighth grade social. This group of four had a little show for the people of Renner Middle School. All covers at the time, but quite impressive. These four have become four of my closest friends. Davis, Marco, Bryant, and Faizan. Then No Comment consisting of four, but now consisting of three. Faizan has gone on to start and Late Crowd, formerly known as The Vents. It was after that show, that I first talked to, my now closest friend, Davis. We've come a long way since then.
A brief history of our time shared throughout the years.
-Skater Punks at Eisenbergs and Allen every week. Started Terracata with David, Tim, and Roger. That lasted a 'long' time.
-Our eighth grade group lasted throughout that summer and we turned into the kids that were at the Stonebriar every day. What a waste.
-Skip forward to Angels and Fucking Airwaves [the first time]. One of, if not, the greatest experiences of my life. We were slowly evolving into show rats.
Back to where I was headed. We started going to shows weekly, planning accordingly. No Comment would also start booking shows which sparked my interest in photography and committing to the job of 'brodie.' This is when I finally looked into professional cameras. Thank you No Comment, you've done wonders for my lifestyle.
I have come to realize I've made one of the biggest changes in my life from seventh grade to present. Hopefully, I am still changing for the better. I used to be claustrophobic. After going to shows and moshing and getting up and close for the bands, I have conquered that fear. I have seen many different artists live and I can openly say I can sit through an entire indie set, and mosh through an entire metal set. From Death Cab for Cutie to Slipknot. I'm proud of where I'm at, and I hope this continues. Me and my main friends have exceeded Show Rat status. We are Music Junkies. I have created a lifestyle based on live music. It's something that will always be apart of me. Even if I'm the skinniest kid in the pit, or the most sober kid at the rave, I'll still enjoy it.