The "New" Guys for the "New" Band

So as I said in my last post, 100 Monkeys are no more. This was a devastating blow to all us so called Monkey Junkies. I personally couldn't really react to the news; I was filming on a movie set for my second day in a row. I couldn't cry. Couldn't react at all. And after I got home (at like 3 am), I went straight to sleep. I didn't even let myself process the news of 100 Monkeys.

Rest in Peace
100 Monkeys, Summer 2011

I have to admit, I was numb for a while. I couldn't listen to the guys' music. I couldn't even look at the pictures I had gotten signed the summer before, which might have been the worse part. All of the pictures from last summer are framed and I couldn't avoid seeing the guys.

This phase passed pretty quickly. I started listening to the music again on my way to school and while I did my school work. Life seemed to return to normal.

Until the name got taken away... Which I will not say anything about--it's none of my business anyway.

Luckily the Bens, as we called them, had already found new members to fill the spaces left by Jackson and Jerad. And they had announced a show date along with the live stream.

I remember watching the live stream. I had just gotten home from a day spent in New Orleans-- I had giant ass blisters on my feet, which had bled and caused enough pain for my mom to justify buying me a pair of new shoes that cost way more than any pair I owned. I was slightly sunburnt and in need of a shower. And quite honestly, I had forgotten about the live stream of the show.

Until my friend texted me and told me to tune in... As exhausted as I was, I grabbed my Mac and logged on.

I was expecting much. The guys had gone through hell the week prior to this show and I wasn't sure how that would come across on stage. They really surpassed our expectations-- they totally rocked the show! But something was off.. Mainly with Ben G.

As small as his face was on the screen of my computer, I could tell he wasn't happy. I remember texting my friend, asking her was she seeing what I was. Her reply was as what I expected; she agreed with me, saying that he didn't look happy. Which broke my heart.

He is one of the sweetest guys I have ever met and is usually a very happy person. But that particular night, he looked so sad; I just wanted to reach through the screen and give him a hug. We could all tell that what had happened that week really affected him. And it was coming out on stage, no matter how hard he was trying to hide it.

Rob and Mat
Spencer Bell Legacy
Madison, WI
2012

This was also the first show with the new guys-- Rob Coonrod and Mat Black. And they totally rocked the show!

I was very pleased after watching the show online; I also got very excited because I would be seeing a show with these guys very soon. And though they did not have a name at that time, I was starting to look forward to it.

Then the day came that they announced their new name-- Pink Fuzzy Animals. That was the first thing I saw when I woke up that morning. A random text from my friend with three simple words. "Pink Fuzzy Animals." She followed it up with a "Lord help us."

At first I thought she had hit her head at work that night. Then I realized what she meant. WTF?! Pink Fuzzy Animals? Really.. that was the best they could come up with? 100 Monkeys to Pink Fuzzy Animals. I just couldn't wrap my brain around it. And by no means did I want to be a pink fuzzy ANYTHING.

But like everything else, I got use to the idea. The name, I decided, actually fit the guys and their style of music. With that, I became excited to see the show again.

Finally, after months of planning, packing, and saving money, we were on the plane to see the Pink Fuzzy Animals play at the SBL in Madison. And again.. they totally rocked it!!

Mat
Spencer Bell Legacy 

Not only did they rock the show but I also got to meet the new guys. And I can say that I don't think the Bens could have found a better fit with Rob and Mat. Both the guys are extremely talented and extremely nice.

Now I am can say that I am a fan of a band called Pink Fuzzy Animals...

Jodie. Mat, and I

Rob and I

             

Peace and Love.
<3

Happy Birthday, Ben Graupner

Back in February, I posted a special birthday message for the one and only Mr. Ben Graupner. And about a week ago, I finally was able to give him his birthday presents... only three months late!!

I first gave Ben his birthday card. I made it myself,  complete with a "pink fuzzy" on the front (I know I never mentioned it on here, but 100 Monkeys is now Pink Fuzzy Animals). Ben absolutely loved his card; said it reminded him of some book he use to read as a child, but I have since then forgot the name of the book.

The next picture is of us talking while he's holding his birthday card, though I have no idea what we were talking about in this picture. I do however love his face in this one.

The first thing I gave to Ben was a My Little Pony color book (yes.. Ben is a Brony). He started laughing when I gave it to him and then smiled. "Would it be bad if I told you I already have this one?" was his question. I figured he did (which is what I told him) but I had picked up a long time before we left for the SBL show and wasn't sure what else to get him.. Ben is surprisingly hard to shop for. 

Ben also got a My Little Pony "surprise pony pack" thing. The fun in this type of pony is not knowing which one you will get until you open the pack. Sort of like trading cards but instead of being full of cards, there is an actual pony toy inside. This seemed to be a good present because Ben opened it right away, using his teeth. He asked me what pony it was but I had no clue; why would I have opened his present? I love this picture just because Ben seems so interested in figuring out what pony is in there, that he actually stopped smiling.  

Ben opened the pony and let it fall out into his outstretched palm. Surprisingly enough, he had no idea which pony he had gotten. He pulled out the little paper inside and announced "It's Twilight Sparkle!"

My first thought was "SERIOUSLY?!" Out of all the damn ponies out there, it had to be the "Twilight Sparkle" pony. And secondly there was the "oh crap" moment. I debated for a few seconds on what to say... should I apologize to him, saying that it was a complete accident? Or should I just pretend like nothing happened and hand him the next present? 

Apparently Ben wasn't bothered by the name of the pony because he wrapped his arm around me and turned to my friend who was taking pictures. 

This is Ben, Twilight Sparkle, and I being silly.. well mostly it's just Ben being silly but then again, he always is. 

I had more presents for him but we didn't get pictures of me giving them to him because some rude girls came over and interrupted Ben and I's conversation. After they had left, I handed him the rest of his presents, put the pink Mardi Gras bead around his neck, and gave him a hug. And he walked away to put his stuff up.

It was only about a five minute exchange but it was worth making him smile for a few minutes. After all, it's better to give than to receive, right?

Peace and Love.
<3