Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rollin' 5* at NKOTB Palladium!!! 04-18-09
How this all came about...
A few months ago, my girls and I were anxiously awaiting the release of tickets for the NKOTB show at The Palladium in Hollywood. With my recent engagement and job hunt into a new career, I was doubtful that I'd be able to go, unless the tickets were under $90. As soon as the tickets went on sale, and I found out that they were over $100, I said "Nope! I can't make it! Have fun, ladies!!!"
Brenda was calling and texting me like there was no tomorrow. We kept missing each other, so she ended up leaving a message saying "I am buying your ticket. Don't even think aboutpayingme back. Think of it as an early bachelorette party present!" Whaaat?!? Unbelievable! Too sweet!!!
The very next day, she called me again, but I had missed her call because Andrew and I were touring the Queen Mary as a possible wedding venue. So, I called her back when I got home, and she said that she had a "guest speaker." Well, it turned out to be Shala! So, we were talking on three-way, and they're asking me what I'm going to wear to the show. I didn't know! I had only received the information 15 hours ago that I would be going to the concert, which was about 3 months away! Silly girls. They urged me to wear something HOT. Oookay ~ that's a can do! But it was gonna be tough cuz we were gonna have to stand in line for a long time and possibly camp out since it was a General Admission show. Then Shala said "Can I tell her Brenda? Can I tell her?" Brenda told her to go ahead. Shala said in a suspenseful style "Girl, you won't have to stand in a long line all night cuz you're gonna be rollin' in 5-Star!!!!"
[note: For those who aren't in the NKOTB loop ~ 5-Star is 5-Star VIP, and from this point forward will be noted as 5*...it includes a meet and greet with the guys, a photo op, gift bag of goodies, and seats within the first 10 rows.]
5*?!? Whaaaaat?!? I was SPEECHLESS! And I am forever GRATEFUL to my wonderful friends who pitched in on my ticket and gave me this AMAZING experience. I never knew I could have friends who are so generous. Love them!!!
And so it begins...
The card was made by yours truly. It became a "scrapping" project for me, as opposed to using Photoshop. I felt that making it all by hand would make it more personal. The wording came to me one night when I had a bit of insomnia: "To the guys who 20 years ago crooned us and swooned us... and still do today!" After laying that out and printing our pictures, it took me another couple of hours to come up with a concrete design concept. So, without going into more detail, I was up until 5am Thursday night/Friday morning finishing the card. I bled over it, as well, with the paper cutter slicing my finger. mmm...
One More Day!!!
5 hours later, I woke up and got ready to meet up with Brenda, her boys, and Shala for breakfast at Vivian's Cafe in Studio City (my favorite breakfast place here!). After breakfast, we headed over to the Palladium to check out the line and set up our chairs. I had never been to the Palladium before, and couldn't believe it was SO close to Arclight Cinemas, where Andrew and I generally go to for the movies.
The line wasn't very long, and we found out we were the first 5* group there. You may wonder - just as the other girls in line did - WHY were we lining up when he have 5* tickets? Well, even 5* was first come, first serve. Our plan was that we wanted to be one of the first - if not THE first group there - so that we could go in, meet the guys, go straight into the venue and claim our spots in the front row. Our plan worked!!!
The girls on either side of our chairs were super sweet and were cool with watching our chairs until we got back that night. When we returned, our chairs were still there, and new girls were there for their shift. It was a chilly 50-something degree evening, so we bundled up in our blankets and hung out. Thank goodness we didn't have to stay all night! Brenda had to leave around midnight or 1am, so we left with her...and the rest of our group took shifts through the night and next day.
Concert Day!!!
The next afternoon, I met Brenda and Shala at the House of Blues, where the guys were having an after-party. Before leaving, we scouted the inside of HOB. We found someone who works there to ask if we could possibly leave my car there till the evening. Sadly, the answer was "no," so, I was forced to circle the blocks surrounding the Palladium. We gave up after a while and temporarily parked in a shopping center lot, shopped in Rite Aid, then moved our chairs from the line (since they started the 5* line on the other side of the building). Time was ticking, so we had to get changed and glammed up in Brenda's car. Once done, we moved our cars AGAIN.
I found a spot a couple of blocks away in a neighborhood ~ woohoo for FREE PARKING!!! Then skadattled my tooshie to the 5* line. And I was STRESSING!!! The pictures I had attached to the card were falling off ~ the double sided stickers and even Elmer's glue weren't strong enough!!! I had purchased glue sticks at Rite Aid to fix this problem, but didn't know if there would be enough time. I rushed glueing everything on while we were standing in line, with the other girls' help.
Apparently, while we were standing in line, one of the guys - I think Danny - pointed to us girls with the sashes and waved. I missed it...I may not have even been there when it happened. I was too nervous and stressed about getting the card straight (and my toenails painted 0:-)) to care. We were going to see them SOON!!!
The event staff checked us in, and what should happen, but they put us in Group B because a few of us were distracted by talking to one of the staff members. The staff at the check-in table were rude and not helpful at all. When we got inside and up to the mezzanine level, we let the staff member (who we were distracted by) know what happened, and she was totally cool with it, and said to just exchange our Group B lanyards with the girls who got the Group A lanyards, so we could stay with our intended groups. It all worked out!!!
Meandering, we looked down at the stage and noticed that Joe and Jordan were down there. We all yelled out and waved. Jordan waved backas he was leaving. Joe was tinkering on the piano, and the band was there tuning their instruments.
Brenda realized that they hadn't checked our bags for cameras, so she wanted to get her camera back from Shala...who was outside standing in the 4* line (4* = first 20 rows and gift bag). As we headed down, the event staff stopped us and asked what was up. Brenda told the staff member that she had her friend's 4* ticket and wanted to give it to her. The staff member asked who it was and said that she knew who we were talking about, so she'd give it to her. Brenda went on to say that it was actually someone else...and then said that our friend had her camera, too, and she wanted to get that. The staff member said "ohh okay. Well, I'll walk you to the door and wait for you." WHEW!!!
When we returned, the staff member wasn't right at the door. So, we walked a little ways (and gazed at Joe at the piano), and Security (I think Earl) asked "what [we were] doing down there, ladies." Brenda started to explain, then the event staff member said that it was okay, we were with her, and she escorted us back to the stairs. Dang! Security drama!
Back on the mezzanine level, I had the girls sign our card to the guys, and then Joe decided to try out his new song, "5 Brothers and A Million Sisters," on us. We LOVED it! Of course! ;-) LOOOVED the private performance. *swoon*
As we waited, the guys tweeted away backstage. Joe tweeted "It's official. I'm doing a new song I wrote tonight. Just did it at sound check and I'm feelin' it. All acces fans loved it. We'll see=)"
There was also a "private party" for us with a buffet of hors d'ouevres from Wolfgang Puck and drinks. We chugged down a couple of drinks, prettied up, then it was time to line up! Four Altoids later, the guys came up the stairs and into the meet and greet room. We cheered and they waved as they passed by...Donnie decided to make it more "exciting" by picking up handfuls of the wrapped Lifesaver mints and throwing them in the air. Yyyeah. That's Donnie!
A few minutes later, in we went! And we had a plan. Instead of going directly to our guys, we would stop in front of them and say "Hey guys, we have something for you." Katia would take out the award, and Trish was sneaking in the card for me...and we would hand it over. Well, it didn't quite work out like that.
The guys came to US, and as soon as the card and award were handed over to Donnie, Donnie passed it on to the event staff. Boooo!!!
The first New Kid available to me was Jordan. I gave him a hug, said "Hi Jordan! How are you?!" He said "Hiii ~ how are you?" I replied "Good!!! And how are you???" He said "Gooood!" I said "gooood!" again. LOL I think he said something about our sashes, then said "Well, you all look very nice!" I graciously replied "Thanks!" and moved on to Danny.
I hugged and said "hello" to Danny, and he looked at my sash and immediately asked "What's Eurasian?" I proceeded to tell him the European and Asian blood in me. Right about that time, the event staff told us "Okay! Get together for the picture!!!" WHAT?!? I JUST got here!!! WTF?!? I don't even remember how I ended the little "convo" with Danny. All I knew was that I had to get to JOE!
I meandered my way over to him, gave him a hug and said "Hi Joe!" He said "Hiiii..." When we parted from the hug, he took my sash and said "What does yours say?...Eurasian...what's that?" Talking with my hands, I explained "It's a mix of European and Asian. I'm half Filipino and half Canadian, with some Irish, Spanish, German, [a little Chinese?]...you name it, I've probably got it!" I don't remember if I mentioned the little Chinese part. He raised his eyebrows and cocked his head back in surprise and said "Wow! Well, you're one good looking mutt!" I laughed and said "thanks!"
Brenda came in right then to settle in for the picture and said "Actually, we have a question we'd like to ask you." Joe said "Sure, what's your question?" I was supposed to pick it up from there, but I think I was either (a) so enamored by Joe to talk again, or (b) recognized that he was still
looking at Brenda to continue, so I let her. "We were wondering if we could give you a kiss on the cheek for the picture." He answered "Okay. Only because you're SO SWEET!" Before they snapped the shot, I asked "First or second picture?" Although I didn't hear her, Brenda said "First picture, no?" And Joe said "Let's do the first picture." NICE!!! We took our positions ~ lips right on him, and the picture was taken. In between shots, I started to wipe the lipstick of his cheek, and Brenda was doing the same thing! Joe said "Don't worry about it ~ I'll get it later." He was a little scruffy. :-)
Again, after the picture was shot, I have no idea how we left. Goodbyes? Don't remember. I wanted to get to Donnie and Jon really quick, since I didn't get to say "hi" earlier...but Brenda was already at Donnie getting her sash signed. I didn't even know it was her! I just saw Donnie, and saw that he was signing a sash. So, I got to Jon, who was at the end by the door. I said "Hi Jon! I just want a quick hug! Thanks!!!" I got my Jon hug. :-D
When we were out the door, Brenda and I squealed "We kissed Joe on the cheeeeek!!! EEEEEEEEeeee!!!" Yeah, we're grown up, engaged and married. 0;-D
One thing I noticed in meeting the guys in 2-inch heels was that they are shorter than I remember from meeting them at the CD Listening Party! Maybe it was because I was in such shock in meeting them for the first time back then that I just didn't notice... but this time, I really noticed. I spent time talking to Danny and Joe and really stood next to them...that's what it is. It's a good thing I didn't wear my 3-4" heels ~ they REALLY would've looked short!!!
We got down the stairs as quickly as we could in our heels and went straight to the front of the stage!!!
The Jaborwakees from America's Best Dance Crew had set up and were on stage doing a quick rehearsal. What else can I say about them, but yeah, they were fantastic! They certainly pleased the crowd when they did an 80s/90s mix that included "The Right Stuff."
Jordan, surprisingly, kept looking my way A LOT as soon as he took off the sunglasses. Jon with the eye contact - not so much - and we know why. ;-) If he did look at me, it would be for a second or two, then he'd look somewhere else. It's all good. I would have a hard time keeping that eye contact, too...being on the audience side, though, it's easier to hold that gaze. I finally got Donnie's attention when he came to our side of the stage. We locked eyes, I waved, and he winked back. And Joe...the looks continued through the show. *sigh*
The HIGHLIGHT: They started on "Click Click Click"...Brenda kept saying "oh my gosh, look at Joe! Look at Joe!" I'm not exactly sure why she kept telling me to look at Joe because everytime I looked over, he was looking at the stage, tapping his foot or snapping his fingers. I just assumed she was saying it because he was just being himself and cute. Then she said "Oh my gosh, he is SOOO gonna serenade us!!!" Sure enough, as soon as it got to his verse, he came over to me, looked right into my eyes and sang "Damn you look so good, it hurts me / The design of your body is PERFECT / oh oh oh oh yeah...baby / I don't deserve you, girl." mmm...DYING!!! And "baby" was completely ad-libbed.
Jordan came around at one point and touched the fans' hands, and mine was the last one he touched from one round. It was a very firm hand grab!
At the end of the show, Jordan and Donnie went for the touching-fans'-hands again. Donnie got my hand that time around, and he wouldn't let go! THEN he went for and attacked my necklaces! I was SO confused ~ what did he want? What was he looking for? He finally got to my longest and heaviest necklace, which has a Fleur de Lis pendant. He looked at it, his face suddenly changed to one with no stage persona, so real, and like we were old time buddies, and he said "That's so fuckin' COOL!!!" He smiled his huge smile and nodded. I just said "yeah!" and smiled.
I took this pic after I bought the dress ~ Brenda & Shala wanted to see my outfit!
The After Party
The party wasn't over after the show was over! Thank God for that!!! Brenda's husband, Jason, and his friends had gone to the House of Blues to stand in line for us and buy tickets. I know ~ she has a great husband!
When we got inside, we waited a bit for the guys to perform. We were originally told that they wouldn't be performing, but as our tickets were scanned, and we got wristbands, they told us to "enjoy the show!" Fans were gathered in front of the stage, and there was movement behind the curtain.
I don't know how long it was that we waited, but they finally opened the curtains! Shala, Brenda, another friend - Christina, and her friend - Shannon had found spots by the stairs next to the stage. We were pretty close!
It was a MADHOUSE!!! More so than any other NK event I've been to. Nothing violent, but there was a lot of pushing to get closer, dancing, and nasty sweating.
Only Donnie, Jordan, and Joe were there for the after party, but they rocked it! They performed "Full Service," "Dirty Dancing," and ended with "Sexify My Love" ~ the first time they've performed this in public (that I know of)! It was HOT.
Donnie and Joe decided to go crowd surfing during "Dirty Dancing."
And again, Jordan and Joe kept looking our way. There's no telling WHO they were looking at since there were so many of us clumped together, but at least I know for sure that there was look-age during the full concert! ;-)
We hung out on the dance floor and danced a bit. We laughed at this old man dancing with all the ladies on the floor. And we laughed as girls took pictures with Jason's friends, because they thought the guys were famous!
A trip upstairs to wander was necessary. No one even questioned us or asked to see ID/wristbands/passes to be there. One of their roadies, Kevin was up there (who's been featured in one of their vlogs), and Shala went to go say "hi!" We ended up hearing through the grapevine that Jordan and Joe had left, and that as soon as Donnie was done talking to whoever he was talking to, he was leaving."
So, not too much action that happened afterwards. As we decided to leave ourselves, we heard screams outside, and we followed those screams. Donnie had just hopped into his SUV and took off.
At that, we took a couple of pics, then ended our night at IHOP. Yummy! A nice ending to an extraordinary night. :-)
Thanks to Christina R. for the HOB group pic!
A few months ago, my girls and I were anxiously awaiting the release of tickets for the NKOTB show at The Palladium in Hollywood. With my recent engagement and job hunt into a new career, I was doubtful that I'd be able to go, unless the tickets were under $90. As soon as the tickets went on sale, and I found out that they were over $100, I said "Nope! I can't make it! Have fun, ladies!!!"
Brenda was calling and texting me like there was no tomorrow. We kept missing each other, so she ended up leaving a message saying "I am buying your ticket. Don't even think aboutpayingme back. Think of it as an early bachelorette party present!" Whaaat?!? Unbelievable! Too sweet!!!
The very next day, she called me again, but I had missed her call because Andrew and I were touring the Queen Mary as a possible wedding venue. So, I called her back when I got home, and she said that she had a "guest speaker." Well, it turned out to be Shala! So, we were talking on three-way, and they're asking me what I'm going to wear to the show. I didn't know! I had only received the information 15 hours ago that I would be going to the concert, which was about 3 months away! Silly girls. They urged me to wear something HOT. Oookay ~ that's a can do! But it was gonna be tough cuz we were gonna have to stand in line for a long time and possibly camp out since it was a General Admission show. Then Shala said "Can I tell her Brenda? Can I tell her?" Brenda told her to go ahead. Shala said in a suspenseful style "Girl, you won't have to stand in a long line all night cuz you're gonna be rollin' in 5-Star!!!!"
[note: For those who aren't in the NKOTB loop ~ 5-Star is 5-Star VIP, and from this point forward will be noted as 5*...it includes a meet and greet with the guys, a photo op, gift bag of goodies, and seats within the first 10 rows.]
5*?!? Whaaaaat?!? I was SPEECHLESS! And I am forever GRATEFUL to my wonderful friends who pitched in on my ticket and gave me this AMAZING experience. I never knew I could have friends who are so generous. Love them!!!
And so it begins...
The week comes to get ready for our show. Brenda and I had joined a group formed on the NKOTB Community Board. They wanted to form this group so that at the meet and greet, we would each be able to stand next to our favorite guy for the pictures. They wanted to come up with an idea to make our group stand out from the rest. One of those ideas was to make beauty pagent type sashes. Each one ended up reading "This ____ Girl <3 NKOTB." The blank being filled in with our ethnicity. I worried that I didn't have anything to put in that blank because - what exactly is my ethnicity? I usually check that box that says "other." This Other Girl <3 NKOTB. Awesome. Actually, I considered putting in "Mutt," but didn't like the look of it. Suddenly, it hit me. Duh! When filling out college applications back in the day, I'd always fill in that "other" blank with "Eurasian." This Eurasian Girl <3 NKOTB. MUCH better!
Along with the sashes, the group wanted to give the guys a "fan appreciation award" and card. Sounds cheesy to outsiders, I know. But the trophy looked AMAZING. We left it in the box it came in, and one of the girls printed out a slick poster to go on top of the box, which included our names.
Along with the sashes, the group wanted to give the guys a "fan appreciation award" and card. Sounds cheesy to outsiders, I know. But the trophy looked AMAZING. We left it in the box it came in, and one of the girls printed out a slick poster to go on top of the box, which included our names. 
One More Day!!!5 hours later, I woke up and got ready to meet up with Brenda, her boys, and Shala for breakfast at Vivian's Cafe in Studio City (my favorite breakfast place here!). After breakfast, we headed over to the Palladium to check out the line and set up our chairs. I had never been to the Palladium before, and couldn't believe it was SO close to Arclight Cinemas, where Andrew and I generally go to for the movies.
The line wasn't very long, and we found out we were the first 5* group there. You may wonder - just as the other girls in line did - WHY were we lining up when he have 5* tickets? Well, even 5* was first come, first serve. Our plan was that we wanted to be one of the first - if not THE first group there - so that we could go in, meet the guys, go straight into the venue and claim our spots in the front row. Our plan worked!!!
The girls on either side of our chairs were super sweet and were cool with watching our chairs until we got back that night. When we returned, our chairs were still there, and new girls were there for their shift. It was a chilly 50-something degree evening, so we bundled up in our blankets and hung out. Thank goodness we didn't have to stay all night! Brenda had to leave around midnight or 1am, so we left with her...and the rest of our group took shifts through the night and next day.Concert Day!!!
The next afternoon, I met Brenda and Shala at the House of Blues, where the guys were having an after-party. Before leaving, we scouted the inside of HOB. We found someone who works there to ask if we could possibly leave my car there till the evening. Sadly, the answer was "no," so, I was forced to circle the blocks surrounding the Palladium. We gave up after a while and temporarily parked in a shopping center lot, shopped in Rite Aid, then moved our chairs from the line (since they started the 5* line on the other side of the building). Time was ticking, so we had to get changed and glammed up in Brenda's car. Once done, we moved our cars AGAIN.
I found a spot a couple of blocks away in a neighborhood ~ woohoo for FREE PARKING!!! Then skadattled my tooshie to the 5* line. And I was STRESSING!!! The pictures I had attached to the card were falling off ~ the double sided stickers and even Elmer's glue weren't strong enough!!! I had purchased glue sticks at Rite Aid to fix this problem, but didn't know if there would be enough time. I rushed glueing everything on while we were standing in line, with the other girls' help.
Apparently, while we were standing in line, one of the guys - I think Danny - pointed to us girls with the sashes and waved. I missed it...I may not have even been there when it happened. I was too nervous and stressed about getting the card straight (and my toenails painted 0:-)) to care. We were going to see them SOON!!!
The event staff checked us in, and what should happen, but they put us in Group B because a few of us were distracted by talking to one of the staff members. The staff at the check-in table were rude and not helpful at all. When we got inside and up to the mezzanine level, we let the staff member (who we were distracted by) know what happened, and she was totally cool with it, and said to just exchange our Group B lanyards with the girls who got the Group A lanyards, so we could stay with our intended groups. It all worked out!!!
Meandering, we looked down at the stage and noticed that Joe and Jordan were down there. We all yelled out and waved. Jordan waved backas he was leaving. Joe was tinkering on the piano, and the band was there tuning their instruments.
Brenda realized that they hadn't checked our bags for cameras, so she wanted to get her camera back from Shala...who was outside standing in the 4* line (4* = first 20 rows and gift bag). As we headed down, the event staff stopped us and asked what was up. Brenda told the staff member that she had her friend's 4* ticket and wanted to give it to her. The staff member asked who it was and said that she knew who we were talking about, so she'd give it to her. Brenda went on to say that it was actually someone else...and then said that our friend had her camera, too, and she wanted to get that. The staff member said "ohh okay. Well, I'll walk you to the door and wait for you." WHEW!!!
When we returned, the staff member wasn't right at the door. So, we walked a little ways (and gazed at Joe at the piano), and Security (I think Earl) asked "what [we were] doing down there, ladies." Brenda started to explain, then the event staff member said that it was okay, we were with her, and she escorted us back to the stairs. Dang! Security drama!
Back on the mezzanine level, I had the girls sign our card to the guys, and then Joe decided to try out his new song, "5 Brothers and A Million Sisters," on us. We LOVED it! Of course! ;-) LOOOVED the private performance. *swoon*
As we waited, the guys tweeted away backstage. Joe tweeted "It's official. I'm doing a new song I wrote tonight. Just did it at sound check and I'm feelin' it. All acces fans loved it. We'll see=)"
There was also a "private party" for us with a buffet of hors d'ouevres from Wolfgang Puck and drinks. We chugged down a couple of drinks, prettied up, then it was time to line up! Four Altoids later, the guys came up the stairs and into the meet and greet room. We cheered and they waved as they passed by...Donnie decided to make it more "exciting" by picking up handfuls of the wrapped Lifesaver mints and throwing them in the air. Yyyeah. That's Donnie!
A few minutes later, in we went! And we had a plan. Instead of going directly to our guys, we would stop in front of them and say "Hey guys, we have something for you." Katia would take out the award, and Trish was sneaking in the card for me...and we would hand it over. Well, it didn't quite work out like that.
The guys came to US, and as soon as the card and award were handed over to Donnie, Donnie passed it on to the event staff. Boooo!!!
The first New Kid available to me was Jordan. I gave him a hug, said "Hi Jordan! How are you?!" He said "Hiii ~ how are you?" I replied "Good!!! And how are you???" He said "Gooood!" I said "gooood!" again. LOL I think he said something about our sashes, then said "Well, you all look very nice!" I graciously replied "Thanks!" and moved on to Danny.
I hugged and said "hello" to Danny, and he looked at my sash and immediately asked "What's Eurasian?" I proceeded to tell him the European and Asian blood in me. Right about that time, the event staff told us "Okay! Get together for the picture!!!" WHAT?!? I JUST got here!!! WTF?!? I don't even remember how I ended the little "convo" with Danny. All I knew was that I had to get to JOE!
I meandered my way over to him, gave him a hug and said "Hi Joe!" He said "Hiiii..." When we parted from the hug, he took my sash and said "What does yours say?...Eurasian...what's that?" Talking with my hands, I explained "It's a mix of European and Asian. I'm half Filipino and half Canadian, with some Irish, Spanish, German, [a little Chinese?]...you name it, I've probably got it!" I don't remember if I mentioned the little Chinese part. He raised his eyebrows and cocked his head back in surprise and said "Wow! Well, you're one good looking mutt!" I laughed and said "thanks!"
Brenda came in right then to settle in for the picture and said "Actually, we have a question we'd like to ask you." Joe said "Sure, what's your question?" I was supposed to pick it up from there, but I think I was either (a) so enamored by Joe to talk again, or (b) recognized that he was still
looking at Brenda to continue, so I let her. "We were wondering if we could give you a kiss on the cheek for the picture." He answered "Okay. Only because you're SO SWEET!" Before they snapped the shot, I asked "First or second picture?" Although I didn't hear her, Brenda said "First picture, no?" And Joe said "Let's do the first picture." NICE!!! We took our positions ~ lips right on him, and the picture was taken. In between shots, I started to wipe the lipstick of his cheek, and Brenda was doing the same thing! Joe said "Don't worry about it ~ I'll get it later." He was a little scruffy. :-)
Again, after the picture was shot, I have no idea how we left. Goodbyes? Don't remember. I wanted to get to Donnie and Jon really quick, since I didn't get to say "hi" earlier...but Brenda was already at Donnie getting her sash signed. I didn't even know it was her! I just saw Donnie, and saw that he was signing a sash. So, I got to Jon, who was at the end by the door. I said "Hi Jon! I just want a quick hug! Thanks!!!" I got my Jon hug. :-D
When we were out the door, Brenda and I squealed "We kissed Joe on the cheeeeek!!! EEEEEEEEeeee!!!" Yeah, we're grown up, engaged and married. 0;-D
One thing I noticed in meeting the guys in 2-inch heels was that they are shorter than I remember from meeting them at the CD Listening Party! Maybe it was because I was in such shock in meeting them for the first time back then that I just didn't notice... but this time, I really noticed. I spent time talking to Danny and Joe and really stood next to them...that's what it is. It's a good thing I didn't wear my 3-4" heels ~ they REALLY would've looked short!!!
We got down the stairs as quickly as we could in our heels and went straight to the front of the stage!!!
The Jaborwakees from America's Best Dance Crew had set up and were on stage doing a quick rehearsal. What else can I say about them, but yeah, they were fantastic! They certainly pleased the crowd when they did an 80s/90s mix that included "The Right Stuff."
The guys (I'm amused with myself in calling them "the guys" more than "NKOTB" or the like) got on stage a little after 8:30pm, and it was cool to see a new song line-up since I had last seen them at Nokia Theatre.
I have to say that the BEST part of being front row was all the eye contact. I think the first definite eye contact I got was from Danny. It could've possibly been Jordan, but he had sunglasses on, so I really couldn't tell for sure. The next was Joe. Brenda had asked me "What is on Jon's belt buckle?!?" I looked over, tilted my head to the side, and made an inquisitive face as I tried to figure it out. Right then, Joe looked at me! Brenda exclaimed "OMG! Joe just spotted you!!!!" Okay, I wasn't imagining it! LOL And everytime Joe looked at me, Brenda couldn't stop herself from saying "You bitch! I hate you! ;-)" She got eye contact, too, though. I wasn't the only one looking hot. ;-)
I have to say that the BEST part of being front row was all the eye contact. I think the first definite eye contact I got was from Danny. It could've possibly been Jordan, but he had sunglasses on, so I really couldn't tell for sure. The next was Joe. Brenda had asked me "What is on Jon's belt buckle?!?" I looked over, tilted my head to the side, and made an inquisitive face as I tried to figure it out. Right then, Joe looked at me! Brenda exclaimed "OMG! Joe just spotted you!!!!" Okay, I wasn't imagining it! LOL And everytime Joe looked at me, Brenda couldn't stop herself from saying "You bitch! I hate you! ;-)" She got eye contact, too, though. I wasn't the only one looking hot. ;-)
Jordan, surprisingly, kept looking my way A LOT as soon as he took off the sunglasses. Jon with the eye contact - not so much - and we know why. ;-) If he did look at me, it would be for a second or two, then he'd look somewhere else. It's all good. I would have a hard time keeping that eye contact, too...being on the audience side, though, it's easier to hold that gaze. I finally got Donnie's attention when he came to our side of the stage. We locked eyes, I waved, and he winked back. And Joe...the looks continued through the show. *sigh*
The HIGHLIGHT: They started on "Click Click Click"...Brenda kept saying "oh my gosh, look at Joe! Look at Joe!" I'm not exactly sure why she kept telling me to look at Joe because everytime I looked over, he was looking at the stage, tapping his foot or snapping his fingers. I just assumed she was saying it because he was just being himself and cute. Then she said "Oh my gosh, he is SOOO gonna serenade us!!!" Sure enough, as soon as it got to his verse, he came over to me, looked right into my eyes and sang "Damn you look so good, it hurts me / The design of your body is PERFECT / oh oh oh oh yeah...baby / I don't deserve you, girl." mmm...DYING!!! And "baby" was completely ad-libbed.
Jordan came around at one point and touched the fans' hands, and mine was the last one he touched from one round. It was a very firm hand grab!
At the end of the show, Jordan and Donnie went for the touching-fans'-hands again. Donnie got my hand that time around, and he wouldn't let go! THEN he went for and attacked my necklaces! I was SO confused ~ what did he want? What was he looking for? He finally got to my longest and heaviest necklace, which has a Fleur de Lis pendant. He looked at it, his face suddenly changed to one with no stage persona, so real, and like we were old time buddies, and he said "That's so fuckin' COOL!!!" He smiled his huge smile and nodded. I just said "yeah!" and smiled.
I took this pic after I bought the dress ~ Brenda & Shala wanted to see my outfit!The After Party
The party wasn't over after the show was over! Thank God for that!!! Brenda's husband, Jason, and his friends had gone to the House of Blues to stand in line for us and buy tickets. I know ~ she has a great husband!
When we got inside, we waited a bit for the guys to perform. We were originally told that they wouldn't be performing, but as our tickets were scanned, and we got wristbands, they told us to "enjoy the show!" Fans were gathered in front of the stage, and there was movement behind the curtain.
I don't know how long it was that we waited, but they finally opened the curtains! Shala, Brenda, another friend - Christina, and her friend - Shannon had found spots by the stairs next to the stage. We were pretty close!
It was a MADHOUSE!!! More so than any other NK event I've been to. Nothing violent, but there was a lot of pushing to get closer, dancing, and nasty sweating.
Only Donnie, Jordan, and Joe were there for the after party, but they rocked it! They performed "Full Service," "Dirty Dancing," and ended with "Sexify My Love" ~ the first time they've performed this in public (that I know of)! It was HOT.
Donnie and Joe decided to go crowd surfing during "Dirty Dancing."And again, Jordan and Joe kept looking our way. There's no telling WHO they were looking at since there were so many of us clumped together, but at least I know for sure that there was look-age during the full concert! ;-)
We hung out on the dance floor and danced a bit. We laughed at this old man dancing with all the ladies on the floor. And we laughed as girls took pictures with Jason's friends, because they thought the guys were famous!
A trip upstairs to wander was necessary. No one even questioned us or asked to see ID/wristbands/passes to be there. One of their roadies, Kevin was up there (who's been featured in one of their vlogs), and Shala went to go say "hi!" We ended up hearing through the grapevine that Jordan and Joe had left, and that as soon as Donnie was done talking to whoever he was talking to, he was leaving."
So, not too much action that happened afterwards. As we decided to leave ourselves, we heard screams outside, and we followed those screams. Donnie had just hopped into his SUV and took off.
At that, we took a couple of pics, then ended our night at IHOP. Yummy! A nice ending to an extraordinary night. :-)
Thanks to Christina R. for the HOB group pic!Thursday, February 26, 2009
Taking Charge of My Life
This most recent work incident showed that even when I try to avoid it, I somehow place myself in the same situations. My gut tries to tell me that something's not right, I forge on, ignoring my gut, and then I end up being taken advantage of, walked over, a victim yet again. I got kinda pissed thinking about this, and how this could happen AGAIN. So, what to do? Take charge! Aw yeah. Not only did the company's goals not fit with my ultimate goals, but why keep myself in a situation where I'll constantly be on my toes because of a silly girl who can't take any responsibility for herself and makes me look bad? Yeah ~ buh-bye.
My letter of resignation was typed up and delivered to the silly girl who set up my interview, and the other to the owner. Silly Girl was the first to receive my news, as I don't have any way to contact the owner. The letter to the owner got to her by way of a friend going in for the receptionist interview. The letter was in a bag with the owner's tupperware (she had given me food to take home last week). When my friend arrived at the clinic, Silly Girl told her that the owner was unaware that I resigned! She didn't tell her ~ she didn't want to. (What?!? ...I know.) So, she placed my letter into the owner's purse. Did she really? With her track record, I wouldn't be surprised if she put it in her own purse.
Later that evening, I received an email from Silly Girl saying that it's "okay," and the owner said I could come back if I want to. She apologized for "leaving me alone" at the receptionist desk last week without any training. She told me to keep in touch, especially with the owner because she was "a little sad" after reading my letter.
ummm...again, really? Are these some half-truths being thrown at me again?
I do wish their company the best of luck as they grow and expand. It just was never meant to be a workplace for me.
My letter of resignation was typed up and delivered to the silly girl who set up my interview, and the other to the owner. Silly Girl was the first to receive my news, as I don't have any way to contact the owner. The letter to the owner got to her by way of a friend going in for the receptionist interview. The letter was in a bag with the owner's tupperware (she had given me food to take home last week). When my friend arrived at the clinic, Silly Girl told her that the owner was unaware that I resigned! She didn't tell her ~ she didn't want to. (What?!? ...I know.) So, she placed my letter into the owner's purse. Did she really? With her track record, I wouldn't be surprised if she put it in her own purse.
Later that evening, I received an email from Silly Girl saying that it's "okay," and the owner said I could come back if I want to. She apologized for "leaving me alone" at the receptionist desk last week without any training. She told me to keep in touch, especially with the owner because she was "a little sad" after reading my letter.
ummm...again, really? Are these some half-truths being thrown at me again?
I do wish their company the best of luck as they grow and expand. It just was never meant to be a workplace for me.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
At Wits End
Maybe I should've trusted my gut. And all I can say is that perhaps tomorrow will unfold to what it's supposed to be. I hope it does because I am so pissed off right now. I feel like it's one thing after another. It started with a notion of "oh, this is the BEST place EVER!" Really? The expectations of my staying and to be part of a "team!" No. I don't like the pressure. And one statement after another makes me feel like I'm being roped into a cult. "Before you know it, you'll know our language!" Umm...I've been around it my entire life, and I still don't speak it...hello?
What's got me miffed? I was just "informed" earlier today that I was going to be instilled into the position of "receptionist" at the place where I'm supposed to be an esthetician. Oh, I'd still do the esthetician job, AND get paid to be a receptionist. Okay, great that I would be paid for those "services," but I did NOT sign up for this. I am PAST that time in my life to be a receptionist, and while they might throw this "team" business at me, they are NOT paying me enough ~ even commission-wise to consider it! My other job pays significantly more, and I'd rather put in the extra time there OR get hired by my dream job.
It's too bad that I have to go in tomorrow to COVER for the receptionist. Stuck there for 5 hours, disgruntled. I agreed to this before they decided that *I* could be the next receptionist. NO! Ughhhh...
What's got me miffed? I was just "informed" earlier today that I was going to be instilled into the position of "receptionist" at the place where I'm supposed to be an esthetician. Oh, I'd still do the esthetician job, AND get paid to be a receptionist. Okay, great that I would be paid for those "services," but I did NOT sign up for this. I am PAST that time in my life to be a receptionist, and while they might throw this "team" business at me, they are NOT paying me enough ~ even commission-wise to consider it! My other job pays significantly more, and I'd rather put in the extra time there OR get hired by my dream job.
It's too bad that I have to go in tomorrow to COVER for the receptionist. Stuck there for 5 hours, disgruntled. I agreed to this before they decided that *I* could be the next receptionist. NO! Ughhhh...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
New Year's Eve at Disney ~ Where Dreams Come True...
Charlene & Andrew are engaged!!!The story is this. We spent New Year's at Disney. Yes, I had a suspicion that Andrew MIGHT propose that night since he had already talked to my dad, but I didn't know when or how.
We arrived at Disney only to find out that Disneyland was sold out. Andrew was quite determined to find a way to get us in there if it was at all possible! Even to the point of spending $500 to upgrade our annual pass to premium membership, granting access 365 days a year. Unfortunately, they weren't doing ANY of that! But they were granting access to Disney's California Adventure with a discounted annual passholder ticket. It is what it is, and we took it. We hadn't visited California Adventure in a while, and it was still Disney, so, why not?
Andrew had the idea to get professional pics taken for a photo montage to send to our families. "It would be a nice holiday momento," he said. Okay. Yes, it would be great to have shots of us once I have the ring on, I thought. We talked to the photographer at the entrance to inquire about nighttime shots, and she assured us that nighttime photographers would be out all night.
We strolled around the park, enjoyed some Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, and checked out an exhibit of renovations to come at California Adventure, and I must say, the renovations are going to be AWESOME! I cannot wait to see the new, old-time Hollywood entrance with trolley cars and a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre, where "Snow White" premiered. The renovation plan is one that good ol' Walt will be proud of!
Continuing our stroll, we stopped by another photographer who stood by the California Zephyr Diner Train to ask of all the photographer locations. He and his photographer partner gave us the rundown and explained how the photo cards worked; that we could use the one photo card and get as many photos as we wanted put onto the one card. We thanked them and moseyed on our way.
Andrew seemed very smiley.
After watching the Bug's Life "It's Hard to Be a Bug" show, we took another lap around the park, and we kept visiting the New Year's area in the Hollywood section. Andrew really seemed to wish there was a professional photographer there. In fact, he talked to one of the Disney cast members just to double check. However, cast members were only working the area and taking pics with the guests' cameras.
We meandered our way towards the front of the park, and as we seemed to be heading OUT of the park, I asked him what we were doing. He asked me where I thought we should have our pictures taken. I was confused because the last photographer had explained to us that we can get our pictures taken anywhere. Why did I need to decide on "the best place"? We ran through the list of locations despite my confusion, and decided that the park entrance with the Golden Gate Bridge background would be the best spot.
Andrew talked to the photographer there and told her what we were looking for ~ multiple shots for a montage, and he wanted a vertical, full length shot, to our shoes. She said she could waist up, but Andrew said "No, I want it to our shoes." She said "no problem," and just as Andrew started to head in front of the camera, I said "WAIT!!! I need lip gloss!" He seemed thrown back,
almost as if he thought we could do it later, and I said "No, we can do it now; I just didn't know we were gonna do the pictures now. I just need a little lip gloss. :-)" We waited for another family to take a picture. Just as they were done, another photographer came in to relieve the photographer we spoke to. Andrew had to explain to him what we were looking for. The guy said "No problem!" We situated ourselves in front of the camera, and the guy asked us to move a little to the right or left, and as the guy instructed us, Andrew started to step towards him, as he asked "Do you have our feet? Do you have our feet?" The guy assured him he did. Smile and click. Okay, what are we doing for our next pose? I wondered. I turned to Andrew, and he was down on one knee, pulling out the box. He asked if I would marry him, I said "yes" (and was a bit teary eyed), he put the ring on, we kissed and hugged, and the photographer captured it all! We also went back to the photographer by the train, who gave us all the info on locations, and we had a couple of shots there, as well, which turned out GREAT!!!Yes, I really had no idea that this was his plan. A plan he came up with an hour before we arrived at the park. Like I said, I really thought we would be going to the photographer post-proposal. Silly me! It's better that way, anyway. ;-)
Ring Specs for those interested:White gold band with a knife cut, 3 stone setting designed by Scott Kay, Echo diamond, round 0.71 carat, E/VS1.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Holiday Updates
Happy Belated Holidays! Hope it was great for everyone! Mine were...interesting to say the least. It started on a worrisome, somewhat down note, but ended with happiness!
On Monday, December 8th, I received news from my mom that my grandmother on my dad's side was just in a car accident with one of my aunts, and they weren't sure if my grandmother would make it. It was her 97th birthday. My mom and a majority of the family headed up to Canada; my dad had already been there for a few days to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. She made it through two surgeries that the doctors said she had a 1% chance in surviving, but even if she made it through the recooperation, they said she would live the rest of her life in pain. She passed away on Sunday, December 14th, after the last grandchild who could make it had arrived. She was a very healthy, strong, alert, and sweet lady. An accident seems to have been the only way to take her spirit to a better place...otherwise, she would've kept going! :-) We'll miss her, but at least she's back with her hubby on the other side.
During all of that, I had headed home to Richmond on Friday, December 12th. Sharon picked me up from BWI Airport, as it's become our tradition, and we caught up on the ride down south. Sharon left the following day, and the stillness of the house had me completely thrown off. I rummaged around my bedroom, looking for my old NKOTB treasures. I found a few things here and there, and while it was EASY to stumble on NK memorabilia I had forgotten about, a majority of what I was looking must certainly be in the attic.
Just as I became comfortable with the silence of the house, neighbors started inviting me out for dinner. I had already gone out with my friend, Brandon for dinner and a grocery shopping trip. I was set with Marie Callendar frozen foods and deli meats until my parents came back! I thoroughly enjoyed the time alone, but couldn't dismiss their invitations. Two out of three of those frozen foods are still in my parents' freezer.
My parents returned on Thursday, December 18th, both tired, but happy to be home. My dad was sick with 3 infections...and I was on the verge of a cold. My mom eventually caught it, but stopped it from getting any worse. It was a cozy, coughing household. ;-) We were all well enough, though, to celebrate Christmas with my aunt, uncle, and cousin from King William.
Andrew came to visit on December 26th. He walked in on a visit from my bubbly, sweet Auntie Melba, Uncle Gerry, and Auntie Lomen. They jokingly called this "The Auntie Inspection." Andrew passed with flying colors. ;-)
The next day, Andrew spent the afternoon strolling in Carytown ~ a charming, historic part of Richmond with unique shops and restaurants. That evening, my parents took Andrew and I out for dinner. While I wanted to introduce Andrew to the yumminess of Maggiano's, we had to settle for The Cheesecake Factory, as Maggiano's had a long wait. Once home, we had more of my dad's apple pie, then decidedly settled to watch episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother." Before I went to get my iPod, Andrew asked me to give him 5 minutes. I knew this was the time. He was going to ask my dad's blessings for us to marry.
I heard him go right in and say that he's never done this before and that he loves me very much. My mom heard my dad reply that I think the world of him, too. And gathering the rest of the story from Andrew, he asked my dad for his blessings, and my dad responded positively, of course. ;-) He said that he had a feeling that it would be coming soon, and he knows that Andrew will take good care of me. He appreciated that Andrew came to him. They continued to talk about marriage in general, living in L.A., and I don't know what else. My mom and I were keeping ourselves scarce and trying to listen in ONLY to hear if they were done "talking."
My mom came up to me after she had finished cleaning up the kitchen and whispered "Are they having a 'man-to-man' talk???" I whispered back "Yes! Andrew's asking for permission to marry me." I went on to explain that he had told me of his plan last February or so, and that he wanted to do this in person, not over the phone. So, I knew that it would be happening during the holidays, but I didn't tell her because I wanted her to be surprised, too.
Finally, my mom gathered that the conversation had come to its completion. I re-entered the den with my iPod that contained an episode of "How I Met Your Mother." My dad got up for a bottle of wine and wine glasses, saying that we were going to toast. My mom slyly asked "For the new year?" My dad returned, poured our glasses with wine, and announced "Andrew just asked me for Charlene's hand!" Since Andrew had told my dad that we had been talking about marriage for a while now, and that I knew he was talking to my dad about it, the announcement really didn't ruin any sort of "surprise." They welcomed Andrew "aboard," and we toasted. Quite a surreal, milestone moment.
We left the next day for Baltimore to spend time with Andrew's family. Most of whom were sick with the stomach flu or eye infection. Our first night, we had a crabcake dinner at Michael's, where we had our first date 3 years ago. We've managed to visit Michael's each time I've been to Baltimore with him. The following day, we walked around Baltimore Harbor and had Starbucks coffee in Barnes & Noble, located in Baltimore's old power plant. Dinner that night was at the Papastephanou's. The night ended with a meetup with two of Andrew's old friends in Fells Point.
Off to L.A. the next day, December 30th. And while a flight across the country can generally be unexciting...we were bumped up to first class on the second leg of our trip, and it was my first time in first class! My personal highlights of first class perks: warm nuts and a warm chocolate cookie!!! :-P Couldn't end the year better...with the exception of what was to come.
On Monday, December 8th, I received news from my mom that my grandmother on my dad's side was just in a car accident with one of my aunts, and they weren't sure if my grandmother would make it. It was her 97th birthday. My mom and a majority of the family headed up to Canada; my dad had already been there for a few days to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. She made it through two surgeries that the doctors said she had a 1% chance in surviving, but even if she made it through the recooperation, they said she would live the rest of her life in pain. She passed away on Sunday, December 14th, after the last grandchild who could make it had arrived. She was a very healthy, strong, alert, and sweet lady. An accident seems to have been the only way to take her spirit to a better place...otherwise, she would've kept going! :-) We'll miss her, but at least she's back with her hubby on the other side.
During all of that, I had headed home to Richmond on Friday, December 12th. Sharon picked me up from BWI Airport, as it's become our tradition, and we caught up on the ride down south. Sharon left the following day, and the stillness of the house had me completely thrown off. I rummaged around my bedroom, looking for my old NKOTB treasures. I found a few things here and there, and while it was EASY to stumble on NK memorabilia I had forgotten about, a majority of what I was looking must certainly be in the attic.
Just as I became comfortable with the silence of the house, neighbors started inviting me out for dinner. I had already gone out with my friend, Brandon for dinner and a grocery shopping trip. I was set with Marie Callendar frozen foods and deli meats until my parents came back! I thoroughly enjoyed the time alone, but couldn't dismiss their invitations. Two out of three of those frozen foods are still in my parents' freezer.
My parents returned on Thursday, December 18th, both tired, but happy to be home. My dad was sick with 3 infections...and I was on the verge of a cold. My mom eventually caught it, but stopped it from getting any worse. It was a cozy, coughing household. ;-) We were all well enough, though, to celebrate Christmas with my aunt, uncle, and cousin from King William.
Andrew came to visit on December 26th. He walked in on a visit from my bubbly, sweet Auntie Melba, Uncle Gerry, and Auntie Lomen. They jokingly called this "The Auntie Inspection." Andrew passed with flying colors. ;-)
The next day, Andrew spent the afternoon strolling in Carytown ~ a charming, historic part of Richmond with unique shops and restaurants. That evening, my parents took Andrew and I out for dinner. While I wanted to introduce Andrew to the yumminess of Maggiano's, we had to settle for The Cheesecake Factory, as Maggiano's had a long wait. Once home, we had more of my dad's apple pie, then decidedly settled to watch episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother." Before I went to get my iPod, Andrew asked me to give him 5 minutes. I knew this was the time. He was going to ask my dad's blessings for us to marry.
I heard him go right in and say that he's never done this before and that he loves me very much. My mom heard my dad reply that I think the world of him, too. And gathering the rest of the story from Andrew, he asked my dad for his blessings, and my dad responded positively, of course. ;-) He said that he had a feeling that it would be coming soon, and he knows that Andrew will take good care of me. He appreciated that Andrew came to him. They continued to talk about marriage in general, living in L.A., and I don't know what else. My mom and I were keeping ourselves scarce and trying to listen in ONLY to hear if they were done "talking."
My mom came up to me after she had finished cleaning up the kitchen and whispered "Are they having a 'man-to-man' talk???" I whispered back "Yes! Andrew's asking for permission to marry me." I went on to explain that he had told me of his plan last February or so, and that he wanted to do this in person, not over the phone. So, I knew that it would be happening during the holidays, but I didn't tell her because I wanted her to be surprised, too.
Finally, my mom gathered that the conversation had come to its completion. I re-entered the den with my iPod that contained an episode of "How I Met Your Mother." My dad got up for a bottle of wine and wine glasses, saying that we were going to toast. My mom slyly asked "For the new year?" My dad returned, poured our glasses with wine, and announced "Andrew just asked me for Charlene's hand!" Since Andrew had told my dad that we had been talking about marriage for a while now, and that I knew he was talking to my dad about it, the announcement really didn't ruin any sort of "surprise." They welcomed Andrew "aboard," and we toasted. Quite a surreal, milestone moment.
We left the next day for Baltimore to spend time with Andrew's family. Most of whom were sick with the stomach flu or eye infection. Our first night, we had a crabcake dinner at Michael's, where we had our first date 3 years ago. We've managed to visit Michael's each time I've been to Baltimore with him. The following day, we walked around Baltimore Harbor and had Starbucks coffee in Barnes & Noble, located in Baltimore's old power plant. Dinner that night was at the Papastephanou's. The night ended with a meetup with two of Andrew's old friends in Fells Point.
Off to L.A. the next day, December 30th. And while a flight across the country can generally be unexciting...we were bumped up to first class on the second leg of our trip, and it was my first time in first class! My personal highlights of first class perks: warm nuts and a warm chocolate cookie!!! :-P Couldn't end the year better...with the exception of what was to come.
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