It's that time of year again. Music festivals are right around the corner. You and your friends have decided which festival you want to go to and you're beyond excited as you should be! You've never been before, but you've seen the lineup and there are so many artists you love! So many people have gone and you hear them rave about it upon their return . . . now it's your turn to experience it all!

Well before you go storming into the music festival world, let this be some full knowledge and disclosure for you. I've been to three music festivals so far and have seen a few common factors throughout. To give a clear view of what's in store for you, here are some thoughts that I have had and I'm sure most people have had during their own music festival experiences.

1. "Are they going to put that sign of Macaulay Culkin down?'

Huge cardboard signs with celebrity faces on them are a popular accessory at most music festivals and here is one in particular. Home Alone's adorable Macaulay Culkin, but on the opposite side is the scary modern day Macaulay Culkin! Funny, but come on! It's blocking the view.

2. "I think my lungs have to be pitch black from everything I'm breathing in"

With every jump and every rush forward you can be sure there will be a cloud of dust and debris kind of like this one swarming through the air. But don't worry, it doesn't last long.

3. "The things I would do for water right now . . ."

Water is something most of us take for granted and while you may not fully appreciate water now, go to a summer music festival and I guarantee you will leave with a new found appreciation for H2O. And even when you do have water the questions just begin,

"Do I chugg it? Save some for later? Sip every few minutes? Or do I pour it on my burning hot screaming body? And lastly, do I really need to share?"

4. "Hold on (rubs eyes) . . . $10.00 for a cheeseburger?"

The food at music festivals is sure to be delicious, but you'll quickly notice that it's not for a small price by any means. When you're hungry those prices seem more doable, but to help out your wallet and your hunger, bring your own food to the festival and eat before the concerts!

5. "Alright, l'll just be in and out, hold my breath, and hope for the best. READY GO!"

Some don't mind porter potties. However for those who do, understand this is a very real, serious, and sometimes only option for you at music festivals. You will stand there outside waiting for a stall. Finally, you see a door open and out steps the largest and sweatiest man you've ever seen. There's no way you're following in after him so you wait a bit longer until the time is right.

6. "There's actually a 200 pound man crowdsurfing my way. It's game over."

Here they come! Person after person crowdsurfing and right towards you. You start thinking "What have i done to deserve this?" You have three options now. Hold them up, let them fall, or (if you're paying attention) get hit with a whole human body. I suggest the first option. Nobody gets hurt and after all you're helping someone check off crowdsurfing from their bucket list.

7. "Is there a line for EVERYTHING?"

You name it. The ride in, to buy food, to use the bathrooms, to shower, to refill your water, and even to get into the concert venue itself, there is a line. But talk with friends, meet some new people and the lines should seem to move a little smoother.

8. "Oh! That wasn't a tan-line, just dirt on my body?"

Maybe not on your hands and arms, but you can be sure you'll have a layer of dust and dirt somewhere on your person. Like me I thought I had a flip flop tan line until I took a shower and saw the dirt wash right off and down the drain.

And even with all of this I INSIST YOU GO!

Seriously! Even with these thoughts going through your head, they will pass and in the end it's worth it. It's all worth it. Why? Because you're not the only one dealing with these struggles. It's all a part of the experience! And you get to meet so many amazing new people who are all there for the same reason you are - THE MUSIC!