I first started listening to punk when I was in 10th grade.  It started out with MP3s.  The first one that I ever downloaded was Green Corn by NOFX.  From there I downloaded everything that I could find.  At the time, MP3s were very uncommon, and it was especially difficult to find punk.  Soon after I met a kid in school named Beau, who introduced me to a whole new world, Pop-Punk.  I started talking to him one day and we quickly became friends.  I used to talk to him every day about different bands, many of which I had never heard of.  Eventually, he left me borrow a couple of CDs, I still remember what they were, 1. Connie Dungs - Self Titled 2. Groovie Ghoulies - Re-Animation Festival 3. Huntingtons - High School Rock, fuck I forget the fourth, one, well I thought I remember them.  Anyways over time I was introduced to many other bands, went to a lot of shows, gone to some pretty crazy places, met a lot of interesting people, and most importantly had a lot of fun.  Some of the more memorable trips that stick out in my mind are...
 

Anyways, back to my story.  Pop-Punk.  Pop-Punk was what kicked it all off for me becuase I could really relate to it, moreso than than Oi or Streetpunk because Im a middle class kid who never had to live on the streets.  To me songs about beer and girls just made sense.  Well Ive since broadened my tastes, I can really appriciate some non pop bands.  Rancid is one that comes to mind, definately not pop, but they are a great band with great songs, no, forget songs, they are anthems.  The new album is amazing, Rancid re-defines punk.  Before I get off subject, Im going to get to the point.  Ive seen a lot of my friends go through this punk phase.  This isn't a phase, sorry mom and dad.  I love everything about being punk, I love listening to bands that only a handful of people have ever heard of, I love driving 4 hours by car to some hole-in-the-wall bar in another state to see my favorite band, I love walking down the street and having people look at you with a puzzled, concerned look on their face, and I love the fact that the rest of my family doesnt agree with the things that I do.  Sorry