The week leading up to my departure for the "Suck It and See" tour was a whirlwind of activity. Each day seemed to blur into the next as I rushed to prepare, crossing items off my never-ending to-do list. Despite the chaos, there was an undercurrent of excitement that kept me going.
Monday was all about logistics. I confirmed my flights and hotel reservations, triple-checking every detail to ensure there would be no last-minute surprises. I also scheduled a meeting with Mark to go over the final itinerary and discuss any last-minute changes. He offered a few words of encouragement, reminding me that this was a huge opportunity. His confidence in me was reassuring, even if I still felt a pang of anxiety about the whole thing.
Tuesday, I focused on research. I dove deep into the history of Arctic Monkeys, re-reading old interviews, watching performances, and taking copious notes. I wanted to be fully prepared, armed with all the background information I could get my hands on. The more I learned about the band's journey from high school friends in Sheffield to international rock stars, the more intrigued I became. Their story was compelling, and I was determined to do it justice.
Wednesday, I started to gather my gear. My trusty laptop, several notebooks, pens, my digital recorder, and a good camera were essentials. I also invested in a portable charger and a sturdy backpack. I needed to be ready for anything, whether it was an impromptu interview on the tour bus or capturing the perfect shot during a live performance.
Thursday, I spent time brushing up on my interview techniques. I practiced framing questions that would elicit more than just the standard responses, aiming to dig deeper into the band's thoughts and feelings. I reached out to a few industry contacts for advice, gathering tips from seasoned journalists who had covered major tours before.
Friday was a flurry of last-minute tasks. I picked up my dry cleaning, stocked up on snacks for the road, and made sure my apartment was in order. I also spent some quality time with friends, knowing I'd miss them during the weeks ahead. They were excited for me, and their enthusiasm was contagious. We laughed and joked, and for a little while, I managed to forget about my nerves.
Saturday, the day before my flight to New York, I woke up early and took a moment to breathe. I went for a run along the lakefront, the cool breeze and rhythmic sound of my footsteps helping to clear my mind. By the time I returned home, I felt more centered, ready to tackle the final preparations.
I spent the afternoon packing my suitcase, carefully choosing outfits that were both practical and professional. I had to be ready for anything—interviews, concerts, long hours on the road. I threw in a few personal items too—a book for the flight, my favorite scarf, a photo of my family. Little pieces of home to keep me grounded.
As evening fell, I made a simple dinner and sat down at the table, staring out at the city lights. Tomorrow, I would be in New York, diving headfirst into the chaos of the tour. It felt surreal, the culmination of a week of frenetic preparation. I was as ready as I was going to be.
I checked my email one last time, finding a message from Mark with a final piece of advice: "Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to take risks. You've got this, Lana."
I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude. I had a great support system, both at work and at home. And despite the challenges ahead, I knew I could handle it.
With everything in place, I took one last look around my apartment. It would be weeks before I saw it again, but that was okay. I was ready for the adventure, ready to dive into the unknown.
Tomorrow, it all began. And I was ready.
*
The piercing sound of my alarm shattered the pre-dawn silence. I groaned, fumbling to silence it, and glanced at the clock. 6:00 AM. Despite the early hour, a mix of excitement and dread churned in my stomach, propelling me out of bed. Today was the day I left for New York, the first stop on the Arctic Monkeys' "Suck It and See" tour.
YOU ARE READING
Do Me a Favour - Alex Turner
Fanfiction"Do me a favour and tell me to go away" - 2011 - Lana Harper had always been an ardent fan of indie rock, but she had never taken a liking to Arctic Monkeys. It wasn't the music; it was the persona of their frontman, Alex Turner, that irked her. She...
