Access Hollywood

NKOTB tribute to Michael Jackson in Detroit

You will be miss Michael by all. Rest in Peace King of Pop!







This on has pretty bad sound...

Watch at 2:46!!!!

I love just how excited the guys are once Jon sings step 5! Love them!

L@@king For Fun in GREEN BAY?

I'm looking for fun in Green Bay for before the show. I hear that people are TAILGATING! I love it. It's what true Wisconsinites would do... thank god I was born and raised there! Maybe the guys will come out for a beer and scarf down a Wisconsin brat! I hope to be there!

Photo: Trisha and Kim waiting on Donnie in Milwaukee

Green Bay Tickets

So I failed to mention that I actually DID get tickets. In fact, myself, Trisha and Melissa will all be together at the show. We attempted to find floor seats, but that was a no go... WTF? But we did manage to get the first section off the stage 210. We're pretty close to the bottom - and on the side that if the guys have a B stage they would run past us. Woot.

Green Bay! Green Bay!

So I tried getting tickets today for the pre-sale that was happening for April 7th in Green Bay. As many of you know that's pretty close to my home town. I don't think all the tickets were released for the pre-sale since I was only able to get sections 210 for two people and even if I tried for a single ticket it was like the last row on the floor. No good. I'll wait till they go on sale on Saturday and try again :)

Holy Craps! GREEN BAY BABY :)

Here's an unofficial list of upcoming dates. Unofficial because they are not listed on NKOTB.com as of this post. Dates in parentheses are the date that they go on sale.

Thu 4/2/09 Moline, IA—iWireless Center (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Fri 4/3/09 Columbus, OH—Nationwide Center (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Sat 4/4/09 Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Sun 4/5/09 Champaign, IL—Assembly Hall (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Mon 4/6/09 Des Moines, IA—Wells Fargo Arena (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Tue 4/7/09 Green Bay, WI—Resch Center (Noon, Saturday Jan. 31)
Thu 4/9/09 Winnipeg, MB—MTS Center (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Sat 4/11/09 Saskatoon, SK—Credit Union Centre (Noon, Saturday Jan. 31)
Mon 4/13/09 Kelowna, BC—Prospera Place (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Tue 4/14/09 Victoria, BC—Sav-On Memorial Center (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31st)
Thu 4/16/09 Reno, NV—Reno Events Center (TBD)
Fri 4/17/09 Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl (11 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)
Sat 4/18/09 Los Angeles, CA—Palladium (10 a.m., Saturday Jan. 31)


There are talks among my Blockhead girls of roadtripping 4/5 - 4/7. We shall see!!!!!

Click x3

So I was told about this Click Pose a few days ago and didn't get around to looking at it... It's great to see how it has changed from show to show. Keep it coming boyz!

I can't embed it into the site, so please go here.

Over due…

I know I know… you want a recap of the St. Paul Show. And yeah, you want a recap of the Milwaukee show where I was 5 star. I know you do. But a girl is sick… and just finally getting back up to speed.

So with out further ado… the recap.

St. Paul first.

Tuesday, October 21st I rolled out of bed to deal with the dog. Since I was up I figured I should check my email. I didn’t get any calls or text from any of the TCBlockheads saying that they were “stalking” Monday night, but you never know when people “bump” into each other. Nothing. Alright. Good. I didn’t miss anything.

I was determined to meet the guys… someone… anyone after missing out on Facetime in Chicago. Then it happened. An email came through from Ashley our adopted TCBlockhead from Canada that there were tour buses outside of her hotel window. She and two of the TCBlockheads (Peggy and Lisa) were staying downtown St. Paul at the Holiday Inn. I on the other hand was still at my house, in my pajamas, not showered, and well not ready at all.

I called my Lisa who had taken the day off of work too to stalk. She was still just waking up and wasn’t ready to start the day. I sent a quick PM to Trisha who was packing everything for her trip to Milwaukee. I told her to time me in the shower so that she has an idea of how fast I really could be, since she wanted to stalk in Milwaukee as soon as I got there. I ran to the shower and was out, dressed and blow dried in about 10 minuets. Sweet.

I checked my emails one last time to find out any details and ran out the door. On my way I stopped at McDonald’s to grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich since I had no idea when I would eat next. I called Alexis (one of the Barbie girls from Project NKOTB) to see if she wanted to hop into my car. She said to stop by her house and that she would drive down since she had baby Barbie and Kim the other Barbie coming to her house. Whew.

We hung out there for a bit. Ends up their friend Becky was coming too… Becky went to the Chicago show with them and rode the MegaBus back with us. She was running a bit late… but finally arrived and we were off like a prom dress.

I got a call from my Lisa saying she was on her way; she didn’t want to miss out! Sweet! We saw Ashley, Peggy and Lisa hanging outside of the Xcel Center near some buses while we tried to find a spot. I got a few texts saying that they hadn’t seen anyone and about other people coming down. We found a parking ramp and of course had to go up like 5 flights before we found a single open spot. We rocked out to Pink’s new song “So What” and well… I totally got it into my head. Sorry guys!

We got baby Barbie’s stroller out of the back and were on our way. We booked it down the street when I got a call from my stepdaughter JST saying that she had BACKSTAGE PASSES for me and another person. Hello! Yes… backstage. Sweet.

My Lisa called me once she got to St. Paul asking where we were. I gave her an idea and told her about the ramp that we parked in and that she should hurry up because I had news for her about the show. She said she would hurry and then zoomed passed us!

We were standing outside of the Xcel. A few tour buses were there along with about 15 fans, including us. We talked with the girls and found out that Joe’s wife and son were out walking around. So that means that Joe is somewhere in the area I guess. Nice.

I let my Lisa in on the news once she arrived about the backstage passes. She was super excited and called her Hubby and her mom to let them know! We were pretty excited. We hung out for an hour or so and then noticed that some of our crew was hanging out next to a building. It was about 20 degrees warmer over there… JEEEEEEEEEEEZE! I became baby Barbie’s bestest buddy when I share my body heat with her. She even snotted on me… lovely.

We stayed there all too long… finally making a decision to go have a drink and some lunch. It was just barely 11am. I wasn’t ready for lunch… so my Lisa and I split some Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Once we warmed up and filled our bellies a bit we went to the other side of the Xcel where all the trucks come in to go under the Xcel. We saw a ton of catering trucks, a few vehicles, but no New Kids. We did however see Joe’s wife and son and I of course snapped a picture!

We got nothing. Nada. No love. I take that back… we did meet Donnie. Donnie Lane that is, the head truck driver of the New Kids. Ugh. That’s it. We were done and the preconcert party time was quickly approaching.

My Lisa and I decided that since we were going backstage that we needed to go shopping. Sure we had our outfits for our seats… but we weren’t going backstage and possibly meeting the guys from there. Off to the Mall of America we went. Yeah… that damn place. I bought an extra battery for my camera, a pair of earrings and a new pair of shoes.

We changed in the bathroom at the mall and were off to Shamrock’s for the preparty. Speaking of the preparty Project NKOTB were the hosts, but yours truly made the lanyards that they gave out to their guests. They made 100 and they were all gone and we had to tell people that they ran out. What a fantastic turn out! I even hooked the girls up with a guest book for the night!

We hung out there and grabbed a “Get in my Facetime Burger and Beer Basket” of course it was a New Kids special J I became paparazzi for a bit with their camera since they had to leave for 5 star. A few people recognized me from this here blog – Hey everyone! Some recognized me from the Mall of America… I feel bad for those people. I hope they realize that I was on ZERO sleep and was a total bitch that day. Crazy. I’m a little internet superstar I guess J

So it’s to the point where my Lisa and I decide that we should get our butts to the Xcel. Shamrock’s was providing a shuttle to the Xcel but we wanted to leave earlier incase my stepdaughter could get us backstage before the show. We were talking with a few blockheads who were leaving. Ends up they had their hotel shuttle coming to pick them up and said that we could join them if we wanted. Sweet! (Waving to 100 bucks since I can’t remember her real name and that’s what her name is on my phone and her friend!!)

We arrived safely at the Xcel. In the doors we went. I went to the map of the arena and showed my Lisa where our seats were and showed her where the B stage was supposed to be…. We had great seats for B Stage… for the real stage… not so much… but at least we weren’t in the nosebleeds again…

We sat on the steps next to the TV interviewer that was at Shamrock’s and her camera guy. We saw Alexis and Kim come out from 5 star and headed over to them… little did we know that the reporter and camera guy were following after us! They did a little interview… that you can see here:



We watched them be interviewed and then found a few other TC Blockheads. People started actually lining up so we hopped in line and were ready to go to the show. The doors finally opened and we went straight to the merchandise counter. I already bought my share in Chicago so this was all for my Lisa. Then we hit up the beer chick and headed to our seats.

I made a few calls to find out where my fellow TCBlockheads were… I think Tiff may have even taken our picture from across the way! Peggy and Lisa were in the front row, center stage. Tiff and her group were across the way from my Lisa and me. Colleen and Darcy were right next to the B stage. I’m not sure where everyone else was! Sorry girls.

The show started with Tami Chynn. She sucked… we sat and paid her no attention. Then Natasha Bedingfield came on… I saw her in Chicago and knew a few of her songs… we paid her minimal attention. I do know that at one point my Lisa spilled my drink all over the floor… it tasted like crap so I wasn’t too peeved.

The show started… song after song we danced and sang… and Lisa screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemed. I’m pretty sure she had a great time. I tried getting a hold of my stepdaughter a few times but it didn’t look like it was going to work out for us. We were a little upset… but knew that it’s possible that we wouldn’t be able to go backstage.



I took a few pictures and videos… I even got told by the security guard twice that if I kept taking video that my card would be taken away from me. WTF? So I switched my card right then and there so I wouldn’t loose all the pictures from the day and the beginning of the show.



I remembered a ton of key points about the show from Chicago and remembered when to take key pictures or video. I also took notes for Milwaukee when I would be up close and personal with the fellas. It really was a great time.

The show ended and we hurried out the door. We hurried all too soon because I had to pee… not a good combination! Plus it was starting to rain. It wouldn’t be a New Kids concert without it I guess… We walked down by the underground tunnel again when my stepdaughter called. She was only calling to tell me that they would be exiting out on the main street to a limo. My Lisa and I headed up to see if anything was going on. Nothing.

We walked around back to the front of the Xcel center where fans were still pouring out of the building. We ran into Peggy, Lisa, and Ashley who were talking to Robo, the guys head security guard. Why didn’t we ask if we could get a rid to Milwaukee??? Stupid us.

We needed to find out where the trolley was picking people up to take them back to Shamrock’s. Since we didn’t ride the trolley into the show we were totally lost. Thankfully I was able to talk to someone, Tiff I think, who was able to tell me that they were going to be picking up over on the side where the tour buses were earlier in the day. My Lisa, Peggy and I booked it over there…

We found Project NKOTB plus a few 1,000 other fans that were waiting on the trolley to whisk us back to Shamrock’s for the after party and our cars. The trolley pulled up and boom… who was number one… YOU GOT IT... J LOL. Sorry Alexis!

Back at Shamrock’s we hung out, some drank, some ate fantastic pizza, and some started to crash. That would be me. I knew in only a few short hours that we would need to be up and getting on the MegaBus to head to Milwaukee for the show the very next night. My Lisa left and wished me a happy trip. I was putting Lizzie up in the Hotel Del Thompson for the night so she wouldn’t have to go all the way home just to turn around and head to the bus stop. She and I left to my house eventually. Apparently that was before dancing on the booths… who knew!



We made our way over to our house and I started packing the last of my things. I pulled the laptop out and loaded the pictures and video that I had taken from the day and started charging batteries since every single one was dead.

I hopped into bed and took a brief nap when the alarm went off… UGHHHHH.

Continued in the next post… all about Milwaukee!

Oh my god...

I'm not giving a whole recap. I can't. My body is sore. My feet hurt. My hands are swollen. Everything.

Wow. Highlights:

• St. Paul was off the chain with Lisa.
• We had a blast and only wished that my step-daughter could have hooked us up with the backstage VIP passes that she said she had. :(
• We were pretty close to the b-stage.
• ProjectNKOTB threw a great preparty and post party
• The morning came all to early but we made it to the MegaBus
  
• Comfort was not found on the bus on the way there and I even had both seats to myself!
• The Suite was not sweet
• Trisha, Melissa and I met Donnie (photos coming soon!)
• 5* VIP was fantastic
  
• Bartender John called me a puma
• Danny's "tractor" is not pierced - the rumor is officially dead now since I got it from his mouth
  
• Jon gives great hugs
• Fourth row seats 9 and 10 - not in the center, not on the left.... ohhhhh on the right!!!
• Great time
• I taped the B stage from 2nd or 3rd row AT THE B STAGE
• Dropped battery, found battery
• DRUNK DRUNK DRUNK
• Bus home back row and tuckered out
  

Big Fat Liar...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh here it is... we finally got confirmation that Trish and I have 5* tickets waiting for us in Milwaukee!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEck!


Dear New Kids On The Block 5 Star fan,

Bradley Center, MILWAUKEE, October 22nd, 2008

5 Star Package

Here is the itinerary for the attendee (and their party, if
applicable). This information is REALLY IMPORTANT, so please read
everything VERY CAREFULLY! You are in charge here so please let
everyone in your party know this information as well:

As you requested parking, complimentary parking is in the parking
structure at 6th and State. Your name will be on an I Love All Access
list with the attendants. There is ONE parking space per order.

Please meet your I Love All Access hosts at Gate C- Southwest Entry,
located by the Courtside Club, at 4:45pmsharp! Please bring PHOTO ID
matching the ATTENDEE NAME on the order. Please bring the order
confirmation as well (confirmation page from iloveallaccess.com, or
the confirmation email sent to you, or both!), just in case it’s
needed.

You will be required to sign a waiver, which is available below for
your review. (No need to print and bring the waiver with you).
Please remind anyone in your party who will be drinking, to carry
proof of legal drinking age as required by local law. Hang at your
exclusive pre-show party! There is complimentary beer, wine, soft
drinks, and snacks! You’ll receive your exclusive New Kids On The
Block gift bag! Enjoy crowd-free merchandise shopping! Meet and greet
and photo op with New Kids On The Block!

Then out to your great seat(s) in the first 10 rows for the reunion
tour of the year!

Doors open to the public at 7:00pm. Tammy Chin and Natasha
Bedingfield open the show at 8:00pm. New Kids On The Block are on at
9:15pm!!*

Just a reminder… These packages are not transferable.

Please don’t bring cameras, recording devices, or any other prohibited
items. Your I Love All Access hosts will shoot the photo op and you
can view and download. They will be posted within two weeks following
your show, and will be accessible for 60 days at: www.iloveallaccess.com/nkotb5star.

Contacts in case of emergency:

Your hosts’ cells: 310 925 2138 and 310 925 2294

Customer service: 888 I LUV AXS (888 458 8297)
Mon-Fri 9:30am – 6:30pm Pacific Time
Customer service is always available on show days from 30 minutes
before 5 Star meeting time until 30 minutes after show starts.

info@iloveallaccess.com

If you are running late or have any other questions or concerns,
please call your host, or us.
Your I Love All Access Team.

*Pre-show activities and times subject to change without notice.

Copy of waiver:

YOU AND YOUR GUEST(S) WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR TICKETS UNTIL THE WAIVER
IS SIGNED ON THE EVENING OF THE SHOW. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND TAKE
ANY STEPS NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER PRIOR TO
THE EVENING OF THE SHOW. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RETURN THIS WAIVER. THIS
IS FOR YOUR RECORDS ONLY. To participate in the Five Star Package,
each participant must read and accept the terms of this waiver prior
to participating in a Five Star Package. This Waiver shall reflect
your rights and obligations relating to your participation in the Five
Star Package. Please read and take any necessary steps to understand
this waiver prior to signing your acceptance of these terms at the
venue. As a purchaser of the Five Star Package, you will receive the
following:

- A concert ticket in a designated area of the venue - An exclusive
gift – A Five Star laminate - A pre-show party – A meet and greet and
photo op - A crowd-free merchandise shopping opportunity. I Love All
Access and/or New Kids On The Block does not guarantee any additional
products or services with your purchase of a Five Star Package, other
than these described above. Every effort has been made to provide you
with the exact package stated above. If circumstances beyond the
control of ILAA, Inc. prevent us from being able to provide the exact
package stated above, a substitute of equal value will be provided.
You agree to act in accordance with the rules articulated to you by I
Love All Access and New Kids On The Block prior to or during your
participation in any activity related to the Five Star Package. You
agree not to engage in any illegal or inappropriate activities,
including but not limited to the use of illegal drugs or contraband
(or alcohol if you are under the legal drinking age in the location of
this show), engaging in acts that are considered disturbing to the
operations of the Five Star Package, or the operations of New Kids On
The Block, ILAA, Inc., venues in which a Five Star Package activity is
taking place, New Kids On The Block or New Kids On The Block’s crew.
You agree not to wander off in any way, or seek out New Kids On The
Block, or their crew. ILAA, Inc. and New Kids On The Block reserve the
right to remove you from the Five Star Package at anytime for failure
to abide by the terms of this agreement or the rules set forth at any
time by New Kids On The Block. In the event you are removed from the
Five Star Package, ILAA, Inc. or New Kids On The Block shall not be
obligated to refund any amounts paid by you to participate in the Five
Star Package.

ILAA, Inc. cannot be responsible for the cancellation or postponement
of a show for reasons beyond our control. In the event that you are
participating in a Five Star Package and a show is cancelled, ILAA,
Inc. will provide you with a refund that represents the total amount
paid to ILAA, Inc. for the Five Star Package minus any non-refundable
costs incurred by ILAA, Inc. As a means of example, non-refundable
costs may include, but are not limited to, costs associated with
amounts paid to secure reservations that cannot be refunded, costs
associated with personnel, and costs of previously purchased
merchandise. In the event that a show is postponed, ILAA, Inc., in its
sole discretion, may either offer the Five Star Package during the
rescheduled tour date or provide a refund representing the total
amount of the Five Star Package minus any non-refundable costs, as
defined above, incurred by ILAA, Inc.

In consideration for participation in the New Kids On The Block Five
Star Package, you thereby agree to authorize I Love All Access to use
your name, voice, portrait and likeness, including, any statements,
interviews or performances of you in any video, recorded, filmed,
taped, and/or photographed material created by I Love All Access in
connection with I Love All Access photographing and producing video
material related to your Five Star Package during the New Kids On The
Block concert tour (the Work). I Love All Access owns the worldwide
copyrights in and to the Work and has the right to use the Work for
any purpose, including but not limited to any related advertisement,
promotion and publicity for I Love All Access and/or New Kids On The
Block, and to exhibit, produce, broadcast, distribute, and otherwise
exploit the Work in whole or in part, through any and all means and
all media, whether now known or hereafter developed, throughout the
world into perpetuity. I Love All Access shall have the right to edit,
modify, add to and/or delete any or all of the material contained in
the Work, including that material which contains your name, voice,
portrait and likeness, in whole or in part. Except as otherwise
expressly provided therein, you shall not receive any compensation
whatsoever in connection with your services and performances in
connection with or as part of the Work, the use and exploitation of
your Work or the exercise of the rights granted to you therein. In
consideration for participation in the New Kids On The Block Five Star
Package, you thereby release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless
ILAA, Inc., New Kids On The Block, NKOTB, Inc., and Frontline
Management Companies, Inc. and their respective parents, subsidiaries,
shareholders, employees, assigns and affiliates from any and all
claims, causes of action, liabilities, costs and expenses (including
reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of, or related to the breach
of your agreements, the Work, or resulting from your participation in
any New Kids On The Block sponsored event or activities associated
with the Five Star Package.

By signing below, I agree to the terms in this waiver. This indicates
that I have read this entire document, understand it completely and
agree to be bound by its terms. I also agree to sign my acceptance of
these terms prior to receiving my Five Star Package tickets the
evening of the show.

I agree to these terms:_____________________________________________

Printed name:____________________________________________________

Date:___________________________________________________________

I lied... here's a post

So I'm still waiting on my concert shirt to arrive for the Milwaukee show... ughhhh... I even paid for quick shipping. Well... it's closer... finally... hopefully I'll get it yet today... if not... it better come tomorrow!!!!

EAGAN, MN, US	10/20/2008	10:12 A.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US	10/20/2008	9:33 A.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	10/20/2008	9:13 A.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
HODGKINS, IL, US	10/20/2008	1:54 A.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
HODGKINS, IL, US	10/17/2008	3:04 P.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
SAN PABLO, CA, US	10/15/2008	2:52 A.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	10/15/2008	2:22 A.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
SAN JOSE, CA, US	10/14/2008	11:09 P.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	10/14/2008	8:24 P.M.	ORIGIN SCAN

No posts this week... I don't think...

I've got a pretty busy week... last night was a blockhead party that was definitely fantastic... we had plenty of newbies there! A few of us stayed out till the wee hours... if you didn't make it... try next time!

Speaking of next time... on Tuesday will be ProjectNKOTB's preshow party at Shamrocks. And that night the St. Paul show.... then Wednesday I get to jump on the MegaBus once again this time with a large group of Blockheads from the Cities and head to Milwaukee for the show there. WHEW! That's my big finale show where I'll be 5*. WOOOOT!

You see why there may not be a post from me then, right? Busy busy busy. Blocktober is coming to an end... but I'm going out with a bang!

Chicago recap...

So Friday morning, not so bright but awfully early I met Tiff at the Mega Bus stop in Downtown Minneapolis. She was decked out in her pink NKOTB hoodie and ready for her 5* show in Chicago. Jerome and her hubby Chris met and then Chris was off to work. Mine on the other hand stuck around until our bus pulled off...

We hopped on the bus and managed to snag one of the two tables on the entire bus. It was great and ideal. We were lucky to have no one in the seats next to us and were about to pull off... yep... Tiff got a person sitting next to her. Booooooooooo :( Then we went to the 2nd stop in the Cities at the campus and I got a seat buddy. Ughhh...

We were still okay... we talked and played a couple of games of Kings in the Corner. Yes, Kings in the Corner... sad... I know... but I can never think of a game to play that I remember half of the rules to besides that except for "two pairs of three and one pair of four" (hahaha Trish - wtf is that game called?). Tiff busted out her mp3 player and took a nap eventually... but I just couldn't fall asleep. Ugh.

We stopped at a really great truck stop just off the road near Madison. By great I mean the worst of the worst. Really... who thinks that Taco Bell is a good idea for people who are in a small confined space? Really? Yeah, we had the choice of that or Subway. Too many people opted for Subway though and by the time I decided that I would get Subway they were out of Turkey... yeah... TURKEY. WTF? Seriously... we are in the Midwest... if it's not Turkey it's ham... and my guess is that they were really close to running out of that too. So, I opted to get a pack of turkey from the gas station that has been sitting there for who knows how long and a single strip of Ritz crackers that had dust on the box. Yum-o. Ugh. We boarded back onto the bus after Tiff played a video game in the trucker shower area and the reek of Taco Bell, Tuna Fish (yep... that was Tiff... lol) and my slab of Turkey took me over. Ish. Never again.

We continued on our journey with our driver Bill, an older guy who was calm and too himself... except when we got closer to Chicago. Ends up once we left the two Milwaukee stops that he took us way out of the way. Now, I wouldn't have noticed this... except the time was ticking and I had a train to catch to Melba's house for the night. Well, that and the fact that there was this lady who jumped on the bus from Milwaukee who knew the area and knew that we were heading way out of the way. Not good.

Round and round we went. Finally we reached our destination. I had about 15 minuets to get to the train station, buy my ticket and board the train. Mind you I have no idea where the train station is and I have to get my bag out of the bottom of the bus yet. Whew. I got my bag and booked it down the street hoping that the person who told me it was two or three blocks down the street in some direction wasn't fibbing. Off I went.

I made it to the train station and stood in line for all of two minuets when I overheard a conversation between a local and and a non local. They were saying if your train is any time between now and 10 minuets you should go board your train and purchase your ticket on there. Off I went again... searching for a train. I found it... claimed my seat and calmed the heck down. I made it. I was on the Metra... by myself. Whew.

Melba made this train thing to sound like the only thing worse than death. She was so wrong. It was clean, people were friendly, I didn't get the itchy scratchies when I sat down and pulled my sweatshirt off exposing my precious arms to the elements on the train. It was fine... really.

I called Melba and told her I was on my way shortly. She said she would be leaving to the station soon. And since I made the express train I should be arriving about the same time I would have if I had made my original train... I guess I should be happy about that.

When I made it to the correct stop, I grabbed my stuff and rolled on out the door. I searched for Melba but couldn't see her. I gathered my things and started walking and started my phone call to her... there she is... on the other side of the train, couldn't see here when I first got off because the train was still moving past me! I walked over, gave her a big hug and tossed my stuff in the back of her car. I met Nicole, the cutest little allergic peanut you will ever meet and we were on our way.

I specifically told Melba that I was game for going out that night but that "Homegirl needs a shower and some food" and then proceeded to tell her about my lunch at the truck stop. She agreed! We arrived and I was shown my cute room in her house that was equipt with my own "guest box" that held my towels, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. So cute... why didn't I take a picture of that?

We ordered from a fantastic place, Melba... what's the name... of course I want to give it some props for the best damn Pepperoni pizza, Fetichinne Alfredo and nummy nummy nummy mini calzones. Either I was extremely hunger, which I was, or this food was damn good, which it was.

After dinner we got ready and headed to the local bar where John, not Jon, was are trusty bartender serving us $5 tall glasses drinks. Now these drinks were LOADED. Only need two and I was in the bathroom every two minuets because I broke the seal. Jesssssssus. Anyways... they were fantastic... Melba... you best ask for a Melba Toast the next time you are there... lol :)


We were there for a bit, I finished off three of those bad ass drinks and then we headed for home. I told Melba goodnight and promptly passed out once my head hit the pillow.

I awoke at 6:30. Remind me to kick my husband and yell at my pup for that, they wake me up Monday - Friday at that time... ugh. I got a text from Peggy who was wondering if I had my mind right... if only she knew what I drank the night before... it was so not right. LOL.

I turned the TV on in the room and loaded my photos onto my laptop. I pulled out my clothes for the show and for the day. I packed up the rest my belongings since I was staying at the hotel Saturday night after the show. I heard Melba waking up her daughter and opened the door.

We chatted a bit and then decided that we were meeting her mom for breakfast. Fun... I wasn't planning on seeing her while I was down but it was a nice surprise. We packed up and headed out to breakfast and then to Kohl's.

While I was in Kohl's with them I started getting text after text asking me when we were going to be making our way down to Chicago. Ughhh... Colleen just met Joe. My heart sank a little. Then I started getting phone calls. Oh boy. Melba and her mom started asking me what was going on. Mrs. Popularity I told them... and then told them the truth.

We left out of Kohl's and were on our way home. Melba called her hubby to try and entice him to come home earlier so that we could leave. No go. So... we stopped at the Jelly Belly Factory for a quick pit stop.

Once we arrived back at Melba's house I got a phone call from Tiff that was very very hard to hear. All I really got out of it was that she and a few others had just met Donnie. That Jon was around the corner and Joe was driving a golf cart. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... again... missed. I told Melba and I could see that she was sad too... dang hubby!

I told Melba that we should get ready so that as soon as her man walked in the door we could leave for the arena. I was of course ready in about 10 minuets flat since I picked everything out that morning. Melba on the other hand... well... let's just say was starting at square one. I helped her pick an outfit and then she wondered what to do with her hair. I've always loved afro puffs... and she could pull it off. Besides... it was a NKOTB concert we were going to after all!

Her hubby came home and started unpacking his truck. Whew. I brought my bag down and set it in the entry way... ready to go. I asked what vehicle we were taking just to be sure... tossed my stuff in the back of the truck and was sitting there ready to go... one thing... I forgot Melba. LOL.

She finally came out and we were on our way. I was DJ and navigator, she was the driver. We put in the Greatest Hits and were jammin all the way there. Unfortunately the video that I took of us was deleted by accident... honestly... it was cute. We were completely excited and ready to go.

We arrived in the area and I told Melba to circle around the arena so we could see if they were still around... which I doubted...but thought perhaps my Blockhead friends would be spotable. Not so much. We headed to Target and parked the car. I talked to a few of the girls who were in the area and we decided to go see the people who were heading to 5* in our group...

When we were done there Melba and I headed to my hotel so I could drop off my stuff so we wouldn't have to deal with that after the show. We went to Chipotle for dinner with Colleen and her Hubby. My phone was blowing up still... and there were NKOTB fans everywhere. We took over the city. In Target, in Chipotle, in Krispy Kremes, in the hotels... everywhere... why didn't I take a picture of this???? Ughhh.

When we were done eating we took Melba's hubby's truck back to my hotel to park for free. We then took our time and walked to Target. We ran into Kim and Alexis on the way which was pretty crazy. God love them. Into Target we went, and around the line of the women's bathroom - yup... all NKOTB fans. I figured we may want a sweatshirt for standing outside... awww heck... who was I kidding... I am a hot body I didn't need one.

When we left we walked out to see a sea of people in all kinds of lines. I noticed that one had just a few people in it and we headed for that one. Oh my... Melba... why did you ask if it goes all the way around the arena? You nearly gave me a heart attack. Thank goodness it didn't... and amazingly enough brought us right to a merchandise station.

I picked up a tshirt and a program. Apparently I bought the last size in the shirt that Melba was also going to get. I didn't realize it. Until she said we could go. What... you aren't getting anything? Yeah... I felt bad. I told her we could go to a different one since they had three others in the arena. She decided she didn't need it and we were off to find our nosebleed seats.

There we were... waaaaaaay up on top of the arena... behind the stage. But we could see the stage. And we could see the screen. Just not the screen behind the stage since we were parallel to that. Yup... seats officially sucked. But what could we expect for $35? And only a metal bar separating us from $55 seats?!?!?! Yes... we were on the isle. Lucky us!

We sat thru Colby O'donis, who I didn't know who he was until he started singing and I knew almost every song he performed. And we stuck it out thru pocket full of sunshine Natasha Benningfield. Then... it started.

We could see the guys before anyone else since they were getting ready to get onto the platform that raises them to the main stage. We screamed and darn near cried. That... right there... was worth it.

The show was great. We could see Tiff and Katie in the front row with their great seats. I'm glad I confirmed with Tiff that she was taking pictures since my camera died about 3/4 way thru the show... and I was nosebleeds. We were thankfully on the side where the guys would run into their dressing room too!

The show... was great. I'm not going to go into details, since some still want to be surprised. Let's just say I was texting, calling and getting calls from people while snapping all the pictures that I could while dancing and telling Melba which songs were new or old.

And then it was done. The show ended and I met up with Janna and Nicole along with Melba. We walked out together. I headed to the liquor store for a 2 liter of sprite and some Mike's Hard Lemonade.

We got to the room, I jumped in the shower since I didn't know what we were going to get into... going downtown, stalking the bus, hanging out in our hotel. Not a clue... I just knew that I had to take a shower since I was a hot mess. Got out of the shower put some new clothes on and was cool to do whatever. After looking thru pictures of the night Melba took her butt home to her hubby and baby.

We got a text saying that the guys were staying at a hotel that wasn't too far away but far enough away that we weren't walking. Thankfully Lisa drove her car! Off we went, Lisa, Tiff, Janna and myself. I was the navigator with map in hand that I drew out. Thank god for free internet service!

We arrived at the hotel but no one was around. No bus. No guys. No fans. We headed back to our hotel. On our way back we got a text from Melissa who always has the best information. The guys were at a different hotel. Crud.

We checked on Lisa's phone where the hotel was, downtown... boooo :( We weren't going there. It was too far, too late, and we were done. Back to the hotel we went. Lisa went to her room, Janna, Tiff and myself to ours.

I hoped online while the other two were getting ready for bed. Wait a second... that hotel is RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE WE WERE! Go ask Lisa if we can go back... nope... she's already crawled into bed, Tiff's already put pjs on and took off her makeup and Janna... well I think I could have twisted her arm if we only had a car!

It didn't happen. No facetime for me. I crawled into bed, phone in hand, under the covers because the screen is so bright. Texting Melissa. She saw the guys but didn't get to get near them.

We awoke early in the morning. We were trying to go to brunch with Kim and Alexis but never got a response as to where we were going until it was too late for Janna to go there and come back for her flight. We opted for Ihop. Let me tell you... NKOTB fans were in full effect. The three of us went plus Lisa. Nicole and her friend met us at Ihop a bit later.

We ordered and were chatting about the show. The waitress said something about one of the guys being there earlier this morning. Instantly we wanted to know who... here it was Joe and we were awake in our hotel room just a block away :( Still no facetime :(

It was nice to chat over breakfast about our night. About peoples seats and about Tiff's 5* experience. I can't wait for mine in Milwaukee, in only a week.

Janna went to the hotel to pack up her items and head to the airport... we were slowly disbanding. Tiff and I packed up our things and were heading out. We knocked on Lisa's hotel door but she had already left. Tiff and I waited for the shuttle to take us to the airport so that we could catch the blue line downtown.

Tiff, being the chit chatter that she is that we love, made friends with a few of the girls on the shuttle. They were at the show last night and were talking to her about 5*. I on the other hand was falling asleep. Yeah... great company. LOL.

They too were taking the blue line to downtown to go shopping. So we were with them the whole time. Tiff talked, they listened, I slept. At one point the train was out of service and we had to carry our luggage down stairs to a bus stop. Get on a bus. Get off a bus. Carry luggage down more stairs to get to the train. And I thought that was the bad part. Boy was I wrong.

Once we got to our stop we jumped off the train. No elevator, no escalator... only stairs heading UP :( Yeah... we had to carry luggage up 85,000 stairs to get to street level. Then we were looking for the MegaBus stop and it started raining. (I know it's like a bad movie.) Here we are... walking around downtown Chicago with luggage in the rain hoping my laptop stays dry and Tiff's autographed program. Yeah... fun. And I'm sleepy. And I have to pee.

NOTE TO SELF: always pee before you get on the blue line... you won't see a bathroom for hours.

We finally find the MegaBus stop and Kim and Alexis along with their friends Birdie and Becky are there. We see a bus approach and out from under the bus stop cover we go running 1/2 a block so we are first on the bus. Not our bus. This happened a few times and then Alexis and I decided that we weren't going back. We would stand in the rain... it wouldn't be that long, right? WRONG. Our bus was an hour late. But we were first in line.

We got the two tables. We were good to go. We warned the group about the truck stop from the way to Chicago... and you bet we stopped at the same one. And yes, they were still out of turkey. We had super star Barbie singing and driving us the whole way home. Let's just say she had her own little sound booth in the front of the bus and she won't be getting a record deal any time soon.

Thanks for the adventure girls... can't wait for the next one!

Check me out... I'm on ProjectNKOTB.com, again! Thanks Kim and Alexis... that was a great trip home with Sheneneh...

We back...

Yup... I'm back from the Chi but I'm tired as all get out and my Hangin' Tough arm still hurts. I'll post more details soon - probably not today.

But... for those of you who can't take it... the show was great... our seats sucked in the nosebleeds and "behind the stage" sucked with the only highlight being that we could see the guys go into their dressing room and all the behind the stage mechanics like when the guys get onto the hydraulic platform on stage.

My pics are crappy since I was zoomed in by 4000 but I'll post the ones that did turn out soon. I personally didn't meet any of the guys but a few of my fellow TCBlockheads did those with 5* and those that did not.

There's a whole story about the mega bus trip there... and a whole better story about the ride back... let's just say to watch out for Ghetto Barbie - she drives a bus and thinks she can sing... she's just waiting for her big break where she not only is the opening act but also the tour bus driver. It's hard out here for a pimp.

I had a great time with Melba... and only wished we could have made it into Chicago... I mean Rosemount(?) a little bit sooner. Not your fault Melba, I know! I'm glad to say she is a born again Blockhead thanks to one little night with me!

One week from now

I will be puttering on the bus to Chicago to meet up with Melba Duke for the night. One week and one day from now... I will be watching the guys perform their first show for me... yeahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Updates

Well, I've updated the side bar with new images of the guys... the header was done a little ways back and now I just updated the playlist with some of the news songs off the new album!

Katie's was at the show last night, still waiting to hear from her on how it was... what am I talking about I know it was fantastic! LESS THAN TWO WEEKS and I'll be able to say I saw the guys... from a distance... but saw them none the less!

SPOILER - Opening from TDot

This is one fantastic video. The only video I will be watching from now until Chicago of performances. Of course, I'll hear all about stuff... I just don't want to SEE anything more. I want a surprise!

If you don't want to see it... don't click play. If you do click play... watch it in high quality!

What did you do on 08.08.08?

I know, I know... it was a week ago... what do I care what you did. Well my intention was to get this up a lot closer to 08.08.08 but it didn't happen. I suck... get over it. I also know that not all the images are included... I've got to get to my scanner... which requires me to have time... which I've been lacking for a bit. They will come soon... I hope...

So now... with that out of the way... let me start my post.
*****************************************************

I know you can just guess what I did... and yes, it's true... but let me back up a bit....

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I headed out Wednesday night to meet up with a few fellow blockheads who arrived from out of state at the mall to meet them, have a little dinner and see if we could find out any information from them or anyone who would talk to us. We were watching for glimpses of the guys... but it didn't happen.

Thursday, August 7, 2008
I headed to work like any other day... with the exception of that I was cutting out a little early. That magic hour of 4pm clicked and I was off... come to find out none of my co-workers knew why. So I had a brief moment with them explaining just why I was leaving early and that they should watch the news tonight or tomorrow because they should see me on it... either for getting arrested or for being in the front row... little did I know...

So I hopped on the light rail and rode over to the Mall of America to meet up with Tiff at Best Buy.

INSERT PICTURE OF LIGHTRAIL STUB

She had been at the mall a bit and was shopping for some flats... silly Tiff... don't wear heals when we are trying to power walk! I ran over to meet her at Nordstrom's Rack when boom... I run into the girls that I met up with on Wednesday. They were running drills... yes drills. Seeing if it was quicker to take the elevator or the escalator. I said hey and headed over to meet Tiff and let her know the news.

So... we started... 4:30pm Thursday night. Tiff started talking to security guards after security guard, best buy employees, and everyone in between. She got some good information... but not quite what we wanted. We headed down to look at the stage to see if it was set up yet and Tiff managed to talk to the guy who was setting the stage and was able to see the layout map of it. Sweet... we had 1/2 a second saved for knowing where the entrance was to the rotunda maze!

We were happy with our findings and decided to head up to the food court to grab some dinner. I called Trish to find out where she was as she was coming from Wisconsin all by herself and chat. It was so loud it was hard to hear her... but she was doing fine.

Tiff and I headed to my house after dinner around 7pm so that she could program her Garmin and find her way back to my house some time around 9-9:30. I jumped out of her car and ran in the house. I had so much to do... find a bag, pack a bag, grab some snacks, find an outfit for the show, find an outfit for being in all damn day and get my camera and charges... Holy crap. Well it ends up that I didn't wash what I thought I did... off to Wal-Mart I go... and I picked up some snacks while I was there. I returned home only to have Trish and Tiff pull up right behind me basically. Sweet!

Tiff did a quick fashion show for us since she picked up a shirt at the mall today... Jerome even helped her to decide. What a guy. We made a pot of coffee and were off like a prom dress. I kissed Jerome goodnight and told him I would call him if I knew we weren't coming back... since I was pretty sure we were going to be kicked off of mall property right away.

We headed to the mall in Tiff's car and parked in the West parking ramp in Arizona. The Best Buy store is right inside of the skyway in the middle of the ramp... this is where we were going to be in line. We took Trisha in and gave her the tour as to where we would be and when we would be moving... and our idea of how we were going to get there. We walked to the other side of the mall and they were still setting up parts of the stage. We hung around... listening trying to hear anything that we could. Tiff freaked out a little so we left back up to Best Buy.

We sat out in the hallway... minding our own business. When Security Guard Coleman approached us. Oh oh.... actually... it was a good thing. You see... Coleman was the head of security. She had the answers... and I was taking notes. She told us we could stay in the mall until 2:30am... and at that time we would need to leave the premises so that security could do a sweep of the mall and parking ramps. Fine by us... at least we aren't outside. She said we would be able to line back up at 4am. Fine and good.

Trish and Tiff went to move Tiff's car at this point because Coleman informed us that it had the possibility to be towed after 12 midnight. They went to the car and packed up our stuff to bring in to me. I was going to stay and "hold down the fort". I waited for them to return and when they came in with the backpacks the Events personnel came up to us telling us we had to leave. WTF. We just talked to Coleman. We kinda made a deal and just went outside to the skyway... still numbers 1, 2, and 3. Trish and Tiff then went to move the car.

They thought they would take Coleman's advice to move it to the North lot, next to IKEA... but it said that it could be towed. Ughhhh. So off to Ihop they went. They got their cardio in for the night I think. I was telling the few fans that came up to me that the line starts behind me... but there are two people before them. They were cool with that. And the line started. I got to texting Lisa from TC Blockheads to let her know to bring in the troops since she had been asking for updates almost every hour or half hour!

Tiff and Trish arrived back to the skyway with a story to tell... about the sign and heading over to Ihop instead. There was a casual meet and greet between the two of them and the others who had joined our madness. Game on... or off. Security guy Johnson came out to tell us that he had been informed we were starting the line by the Events folks (who were the ones to kick us out of the mall). He stated that we could not start now and that we had to be off of mall property until 4am. Ughhh.

I stated that we had talked to security guard Campbell (yeah... wrong name but I have my reasons why I said it in my own brain!). That she said we could be here until 2:30 am... it was only around midnight. He stated that she (Coleman not Campbell) was his superior and that he would go and talk to her... that we could stay until he returned.

He knew that we weren't trying to cause problems... that we just were given too many different stories. He also let us know that the security guard was Coleman... not Campbell. Once he returned he let us know that yes, we did have to leave at this point in time... and to return at 4am. We asked how he liked his coffee... Large and Black he said... (note in all of our heads!).

So, we packed up our stuff and were on our way to Ihop to get Tiff's car since Johnson let us know that it would not be towed tonight. Sweet... off we went. When we got there the girls that were #'s 4 and 5 were right behind us... yet they parked at the entrance of the lot instead of the closest available spot... yeah... they were going to drive up instead of walk up. Up to them!

The rest of the TC Blockheads started to arrive... of course... calling us to find out exactly where we were... it was kinda funny... talking on the phone directing them since we could see them but they couldn't see us. We had Peggy, Lisa, Nicole and her son Q, and Katie show up within a matter of seconds of each other. Guess that phone tree works even if we didn't start the way we had planned.

I called my Lisa to let her know we were starting the line outside basically... she rolled over and went back to bed I'm sure... LOL. Melissa showed up and we were all accounted for those that said they were ready to camp for the night. Once our group was there (minus those who weren't showing up till later) there was a run for Security Guard Johnson's coffee... Yep... we actually did it. I tried to catch some z's knowing this would be about the only time that I could... but no such luck.

As Tiff, Lisa, Trish and Q headed over to the ramp to give Johnson his coffee I stayed behind. When all of the sudden Trisha was coming back. Oh oh... I thought there was some drama... I wasn't sure but it didn't look good. Lo and behold, Trisha spotted Vicky from the Today Show (first in line there) waiting patiently with Kristi sitting at the edge of the lot and came back to tell me. I've been chatting it up with her for the last few months and decided to walk over and introduce my "person" to her instead of my screen name.

I only said two words to get her attention.... INTERNET SUPERSTAR. She whipped her head around so fast... LOL. She knew exactly who it was PamperedKIM :) We chatted it up for a bit then the girls and Q came back from the coffee run and chatted along too... The other group of gals that I had left back towards the entrance came down for a bit too.


Then I spotted it.. a dark blue mini van. It was SL and crew who I had met up with the previous night. The barricades were up to prevent people from going up the ramp... but apparently not her... she drove around it and was promptly told I think to come back down. She drove over to us and cranked up NKOTB music. Most of my crew headed back to our cars except for Trish and me. We were still chatting it up with Kristi.

I got a call from one of the girls saying we were going to breakfast to get over to the cars. I pulled Trish up and off we headed to Ihop. I got the low down in the car as to what was going on... apparently Johnson gave our Coffee Girls a little insider information. Yes, we were going to Ihop... to grab a quick bathroom break and park our cars. But then we were walking over to the mall and lining up early! He told our girls that we could start at 3:30am but had been telling everyone else 4am. Woooot woooo. What a guy! I guess coffee does work!

I texted Kristi to let her know the plan with my slow ass texting skills that I just acquired I passed my phone off to Lisa to wrap it up. We headed over to the mall after getting some to go boxes for our breakfast. We walked over to the mall in our speed walk mode... and then a run. Crazy. We stopped just short of the stairwell that was away from the skyway.

Once everyone got to the same location we started looking for which way we were going to go up. I decided to go over to the stairwell that we were closest to to see if anyone was in there. I heard the tip toes of feet behind me. It was a stealth move. Up we went... Von Trap family style... climb every mountain... as I peeked over each and every level until we got to level three.

Once we were on three it was on. We saw the stantions with the rope maze... We were a pack... it was crazy. I felt like Michael Jackson in the bad video.

It was silly. So there we were... going thru the maze like little mice. Oh snap... a security guard on a bike... everybody duck. Ummm he saw us... but went on with going down to I assume the first level to remove the barricade.

We were in.

The Events staff noticed us right away and told us we were early. They wanted us gone so bad.Ughhhh... we of course named dropped Johnson and Coleman and stated we walked here and got here earlier than we had planned that we were sorry. Out came Johnson and we claimed our spot... woooot wooooooooo!



We stayed there from 3:15 am until 5:00 am. People were chatting it up enjoying one another. It was nice. People were happy to be in line. Around 4:40am people started standing up. I wasn't sure of the time and asked around... yeah... a security guard even came and asked me to move so he could unlock the door that we were at. How silly.

5:00 am the doors opened and we went into the 2nd weave of the day in front of the new Bust Buy store. We walked thru some people were high fiving each other... kinda fun :) Here we sit like bumps on a log until 10 am.

Yeah, we were only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom or get something to eat/drink. What fun... not so much... I managed to cop about 30 minuets of shut eye... which was interrupted when "Mr. Best Buy" came over to our group and everyone was talking to him. I figured everyone could handle it... but I was up... so I took his picture. Tiff had actually talked to him the day before around 4:30pm. Wonder if he recognized her?

Lisa M showed up around 7am, bring in a nummy coffee for me and donuts for the whole group... man that was nice of her... and well... she was going to go and head to the back of the line... I told her nah... you can come in by me... there is no way you're going to sit out in the sky way by yourself... and I wasn't leaving!

Around 9am or so Magic Johnson was in the new Best Buy store. They give a pep talk each morning and he gave one that day. He was actually part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and was giving a speech to a bunch of kids in the rotunda after it. We tried to take pictures of him in Best Buy but it was reflecting off of the glass for most of us... perhaps someone else got a picture?

10am came quickly after that... and you know what that means... time to purchase our cds. Yes, waiting in line to preorder The Block to get a wrist band that gives us access to the rotunda floor. If you were in the first 500 you received a lanyard that the New Kids would sign during the autograph session. We had planned to purchase more than one cd on a transaction to save time and get us to the rotunda quicker. I was in charge of buying mine, Lisa's and Elizabeth's. I was only suppose to get two lanyards because there was only two of us present... but... being the first one there... the messed up. I got three cds, three wristbands and three lanyards! Woot wooo... Elizabeth was in for the autograph portion.

Lisa and I headed to the rotunda to stake claim on our seats. We had checked out, and walked... quickly but not running by any means to the rotunda. I remember to check my cell phone to see the time... 10:09 AM. The Best Buy folks seemed happy to know we were here and ready to get the party started, but Magic was doing his speech for the kids in the rotunda so we laid low.

Eventually the crew showed up and we were allowed to go thru the rope maze again... we were the first group... wooot! We remained calm and listened to Magic wrap up. When he was finished the workers cleared out the chairs and set up the final rope maze.

While we were waiting on the stations to be put in place we chatted it up with some cutie patootie girls who were right behind us... they were all around 11 or 12. They were going ga ga over these five little boys who had been upstairs earlier. Come to find out they are Maurice Starr's new group the Heartbeat Boys.

Well... they were standing next to the stage and walking our way. I finally asked Maurice for his autograph... I figure since I didn't get Dick Scott's while he was alive that I would be getting his. He came over and was a little flabbergasted by my request. I said to him, "It's been awhile since you've had to do this, huh?". He replied with "Yeah... I can't believe all this!". He was really nice and even had the Heartbeat Boys come over and chat it up with the little girls. They were freaking out hardcore... and it made us laugh... knowing we were that age going that crazy for NKOTB who were in the same exact age range as the Heartbeat Boys. It was surreal.

insert pictures of Maurice, autograph and the Heartbeat Boys

Then, it happened. They were finished setting up the stantions. We were in the last rope maze for the day. We had complained to the Best Buy staff that we did not expect to have to go all the way to the end of the front row rope line since we had been here the longest. They stated that we could allow others to go in front of us if we chose to let them go. Oh man... seriously...

Well, thankfully the girl who was leading us thru the maze stopped just short of the edge of the stage. WHEW! She said she would work something out that we deserved our spot. Yeah... well... we were there. Front row. All of our work had paid off. We made it... some of us... well... I'll let the picture speak for itself...

We took a seat... it was around 11am... and then it started...



Ughhhh... I was so sick of Summertime by the 45,645,795,161,050,612 time it was played before the show that I could have puked. I hoped and prayed that the guys would not be performing this song because I didn't want to have to boo them! Then it stopped... only to have Dave Ryan come on the stage to tell us that they guys were running late... start up the music again :(

By this time I was completely agitated. That song, the heat, no sleep and a few crackers and a sub without lettuce or cheese for lunch wasn't cutting it. Yeah... I was pissy. I decide I needed to get out of my funk... so... what do I do.. a freakin interview!



Being first inline gets you these things... and my group had been doing some earlier in the night and even some when we were waiting inline at Best Buy that I chose not to participate in because I was all the above. I'm sorry to all those who were around me during my crabby pants streak. Really... I'm sorry!

Then... it started. Holy crap. The guys came up from Under Water World to the Rotunda. I stood on the metal gate that was holding us back from the stage to get a shot of the guys walking (or at least I tried). Then... they did the unthinkable... they performed Summertime. But, it was like the 7... yes s-e-v-e-n hours of listening to the same song never happened. I was so excited to see them... and they were right there. My mom was no where around telling me to come up to the balcony to be safe. They were right in front of me... and my crew.

Here are my videos:



Just before Tonight started Trisha's camera died. She pulled me over since I was the other videographer for our group. During Tonight, Danny Wood came over to us and the two of us both reached up to touch his hand. It's at 1:44 if you care to look for us!





In between each song the guys talked to the crowd and practiced (you can check out all the videos on YouTube under 2008Blockhead, yeah, that's me!) We had a great time during the show!

But then, it was over... just like that. Three songs and the guys were off the stage. I know I was ready to pack up my stuff and leave. And then, they came back out! Oh yeahhhhhhh, we have an autograph session now! How could we forget?

So we kept trying to talk to Best Buy folks to remind them that we were first in line... that we should be the first ones in the autograph line... didn't happen :( I was kinda pissed and kinda cool with it at the same point.

The guys first went to chat and autograph in the handicapped section. It was so neat to see them interact right in front of us with people. And, well for some reason I bolted over to the edge when I saw Donnie giving someone a hug from "our side" of the fence. I got up in his face with the story from the paper that the entire front row was in. I told him something like it's all about you and your fans... and the entire front row from today's show. He took the paper and headed for the stage.

I returned to my crew and almost died. The girls said my face was priceless... I bet it was. Donnie was on the stage with my paper... swinging it around... using it as a weapon as each of the guys came up on stage. Wow. But where was Jon? JON JON JON JON!



He was still down in the pit talking with folks... was a sweetie!

As we walked around the last portion of the rope maze we ran into Security Guard Johnson. He had the biggest smile on his face for us. He thanked us for being the first people there and for not causing issues. He said we were very respectful and also had the most helpful questions. Trisha gave him a big ol hug. Little did she know, that wasn't going to be her last hug of the night!

We approached the stage and I started climbing the stage... my legs got a little weak. I grasped the railing and noticed that I was "white knuckling" the bar. Nervous much? We had put everything into our bags that was shot around the stage in baskets... kinda like an airport security check point. We couldn't take our cameras, just our trusty lanyards. I was first. Holy crap.

There was a group of people huddled in front of the table. I wanna say some photographers and a video guy... and then a really tall body guard (you can see him in this backstage video). Why when he put out his hand did I shake it instead of handing him my lanyard? Crack pot.

Jordan was first... he signed it and passed it on... no chatter came from him, especially since I was kinda held up by the body guard. Next was Joe... those eyes...oh my god. I saw them for the first time and it brought me back to why I loved him first. I said something to him like, "Joe... can you get that paper that Donnie had earlier that's behind your chair?". He asked me what it was and I told him... the entire front row is a group of girls that gets together here in the cities. We made the front page because we get together and talk about you guys.

At this point Jon chirped in saying that was really interesting and that he wanted to read the article. Joe slipped the paper under Jon's chair (now if they picked it up when they left, I don't know!). Joe flashed me a smile and thanked me for coming as did Jon. Then, Donnie was next. He saw me and said, "Are you okay, are you really okay?". I must have looked like hell... I was hot and bothered... and I'm sure my cheeks were flushed. He took my hand in both of his and tried to calm me. I was good I kept telling him. He signed my lanyard and I was onto Danny. Wow... he's much better looking in person :) He shook my hand and thanked me for being at the show today.

Then I started to walk off the stage. It was done... that's all that I came here to do... over 24 hours prior. I stepped down the first step and looked around - seeing exactly what they saw, took the second step and looked up to the other floors. I was amazed with how many people were there. Then I was done... walked over to pick up my backpack and was ready to leave.

Oh... not so fast! I turned around when there was some hooting and hollering... Trisha was HUGGING DONNIE! What the heck?!?!? Where's my camera... scramble scramble scramble... shoot. I missed the hug... but I got her and the rest of the crew while they went thru the autograph line.

We gathered just outside of the Rotunda to freak out together and state that we needed a drink... off to Friday's a group of us went for a drink and some real food. After dinner, Trisha, Lisa, Tiff and I headed back to my house... I went straight to the computer to load the videos and photos... Tiff and Lisa headed home after seeing the first viewing and Trisha headed to bed. I stayed on that stupid computer until 1:30am... when I finally went to bed and crashed so hard. So hard in fact that I didn't notice my hubby come home and crawl into bed... or even out of bed.

I awoke at 6am on Saturday and freaked out... I had no clue that Jerome had even come home. I immediately called his cell phone only to find him outside with our pup. Awwww what a guy! I grabbed the laptop and started telling him everything that happened.

I wanna give a quick shot out to all the great people we met... Security Guard Coleman and Johnson, Vicky and Kristi from Toronto, Alexis and Kim from ProjectNKOTB, and all those other crazy NKOTB fans... well... and hell... I thank the guys too... even though they were late, and even though they played Summertime I had a great time with a group of girls (Trish, Lisa M, Tiff, Elizabeth, Peggy, Lisa D, Nicole, Melissa, Katie) I'm glad to have met... girls... thanks for bringing me along for the ride!

Of course... there are tons of pictures... eventually I load up a fantastic slider for here of the best ones... but as it is this took me a week to post!