WOW...

That's all I can say.

WOW.

What a way to end my Full Service tour but with a BANG! I went to the Mohegan Sun show on Thursday, June 18th & then the hometown show in Mansfield, MA on June 19th.

Stacey & I went together and did the 5* Meet & Greet because there really is no other way to experience them then through 5*!

Between the two shows I took about 1,500 pictures! 1,500. Crazy! I'm currently in the process of cropping & uploading them now so once they're good to go, I'll definitely post them.

I plan on doing a recap of both shows including the Meet & Greet's but let's just say that I couldn't have asked for anything better! Both Meet & Greet's & concerts were phenomenal! I got some major facetime with Donnie at the Mohegan M&G that the security called it a "lovefest". I managed to get him to sign my soldier tag at Mansfield.

Joe was so sweet to me both nights and he looked hot rocking the new "rocksicle" hair do!

There were so many amazing moments that I'm going to do my best to recount them all because it would be a shame to forget one second. So before I do the actual recap, here's a quick snapshot of what's in my brain that I don't want to forget

Mohegan Moments

• Rain
• M&G with Stacey - had fun despite the disorganization, hung out with "normal" girls & our photo group was cool
• Lovefest with Donnie at Mohegan (talking about my tag, he said he loves me and that I was cute)
• Thanking Joe for selecting me for the bookdrive for Mansfield even though I couldn't participate
• Didn't get to hug Danny during M&G - he didn't get a lot of lovin' from our group
• Our seats were 2nd row center
• missed Donnie introducing Jabbas
• Jabbas throwing their hanky at me for chatting with Stacey
• The Show!

Mansfield Moments

• Rain in the AM but then the sun came out
• M&G with Stacey - a bit more organized but this one had a weird vibe. It was as if everyone wanted to come to the hometown show and everyone seemed to be a Donnie girl
• M&G photo was great - Donnie signed my tag & gave me a hug/kiss thanking me for coming back
• Talked to Joe about bookdrive, and how I brought a lot of books - he was very appreciative
• Asked Jon about my uncles and he didn't really seem to care
• Hugged Danny this time
• Went to hug Jordan but he had a spider on his shoulder so I picked it off and he called me the "spider saver" - he was in a good mood
• Seats were 3rd row center!
• Donnie & Jordan brought Elijah, Dante, Chance & Rob Jr out to introduce Jabbas
• Got lots of face time DURING the show from Donnie - so much so that I thought I was imagining it until Stacey confirmed it
• Hometown show was incredible - very emotional for me
• Cried/teared up several times (opening, IBLYF, One Song, Games, Donnie's talk, Hangin' Tough, and end) and then driving home - 20 years, same venue between shows

Meet and Greet Pictures...

Pics of Meet & Greet from Mohegan:
This displays some of my lovefest with Donnie. Our group consisted of a lot of 5* virgins so they really had no idea what to expect. We lined up and they all asked who we all wanted and it lined up perfectly - there were only 2 Donnie girls! As soon as I got him, I wasn't letting go...and I notice I always go to his right side. He kept whispering things so it made the time so much fun!

Meet & Greet Pics from Mansfield:
I had a very fiesty group who the majority were Donnie girls so I know my chance was limited. I figured that as long as I got my hug/kiss, and he signed my tag then I could share him. And if I can't have Donnie, I'd like Joe please. I chatted with Joe about the bookdrive and how I brought a lot of books tonight. He was so excited and appreciative!

Stacey was extremely happy with Mansfield because being on the end with Jon makes it feel as if it's just the two of them. Plus, it makes for a nicer cropped/zoomed picture of the two of them! Normally, we have to wait almost two weeks to have these pictures posted. But for some blessed reason, each group was posted the night of the show! Talk about being blessed!

DDub Soldier...

Donnie has been asking his loyal fans (who he nicknamed soldiers) to show they're true soldiers when they see him. I tried to think of something clever and came up with a dog tag inspired theme but similar to a M&G laminate.

He was so touched by it at the Mohegan show that he held it and kept saying thank you. I was so excited for the lovefest that I forgot to ask him to sign it. So I knew that at the Mansfield M&G I had a very small window for operation autograph!

As soon as my group walked in, I made a beeline to him. We had a small chat, he said it was nice to see me again and I asked if he could sign my tag since I now had one for both Mohegan & Mansfield. He said sure and signed it. And just as he finished security walked over and asked what I was doing.

I played stupid and headed over to Joe...what? what autograph??

That's right - Operation Autograph Complete!

Official Group Photos for Mohegan Sun 11/08...

After almost 2 weeks of 'patiently' waiting, the group photos are up at ILAA's website. Per the other Meet & Greet photos, the quality sucks. And not only that...I'm at the end no where near Donnie, or Joe for that matter.

Stacey looks extremely excited to be cuddly with Jon and Alyson & Joe look damn cute with their hats. But can I just ask...why the hell am I holding my own arse? Shouldn't someone else be doing that for me? All I'm saying that it's kharma that the girl in the blue bubble dress, who pushed me out of the way of my Donnie spot, looks like she has a HUGE ARSE!

And...the pic of Joe & I on the ground was not on the site, as I expected. It was taken by the group's photographer. I've contacted them to see if it's at all possible to get a copy of the picture...obviously you'll know if I did in fact get a copy of the picture!

Patiently Waiting...

Tap, Tap, Tap...

That is me, patiently, waiting for ILAA to post the Official Group pictures from our VIP Meet & Greet last week.

It's been 8 days...what could take so long?

How is it possible that I can upload 400+ pictures to my computer, then upload them to a website, post them on a blog, and send them to friends within 24 hours yet this company can't upload/post about 50 pictures? They even had a few days off this week...what's their excuse?

I don't know why I'm so anxious. I know the one thing I'm really looking forward to won't be there. I know the picture of Joey & I lying on the ground together won't be included. I know that was taken by a photographer for the group. I don't know how to get a copy of that picture.

Guess all I can do is patiently wait...

Recap: Mohegan Sun/CT Show 11/8/08...

I'm sad. My Fall 2008 NKOTB mini-tour is over. I went to 5 shows for 5 guys from the Beantown land... But what a way to go out...5* at Mohegan!

M&G was cool, a different vibe from the first 5* Mohegan, more amped up I think. It was in a different location than before - this time the ballroom as opposed to the Cabaret Theatre. The line was crazy long but it was fun to watch people look for their different groups and then say "oh you look nothing like your picture". It seemed to take a long time to check people in than it has in other M&Gs. The nice woman from ILAA was getting really annoyed with people coming up saying we have 7 in our group/8 in our group because we were making the process longer for her. She even made a comment to us so we promised to make it very easy and not argue with her as some girls in front of us were. We got in (I was with my sister, Stacey & Kelley) and we met 2 girls from NY. (Who later got caught taking video of the show)

We were group J (For Joe/Jon/Jordan). Once in the ballroom they had curtains set up in the back to partion off a secluded section for the group photos which helped make it more private. Good thing was that it was better for your specific group shot to keep it personal but you don't get to catch glimpses of them throughout the time there. We sat at the table and waited for our turn. Robo came in, gave the speech about sitting, cameras, phones etc. People were still using phones but cameras remainded hidden. Then the screaming began as the guys came into the room and poked their heads thru the curtains. Donnie came in, stood on a chair and 'asked' for the screams. He said a few things in the bullhorn but couldn't really hear him. Then they did the photos.

When it was our turn, we got in line and got ready. And for some reason I had huge butterflies in my stomach. I was wearing a "Dot Rat" shirt in the hopes to have a good Donnie conversation. And afterall, I am a true, original Dot Rat. I walked in the curtain and was first in my group. Danny yelled out "DOT RAT" and he held his arms out for a hug. So I hugged him, then hugged Jordan as I wanted to get to Donnie who was next. I went over to Donnie and he gave me a huge hug. He asked how I was doing and said good I see. He winked at me and said that he appreciated the shirt. I told him that back at the Boston CD Signing I told him that from one Dot Rat to another I was proud of him and he said I know (which got me confused) and then he said, because of you I got my own Dot Rat shirt, did you see? I said yes which is why I have mine. He kept saying I got it because of you and that you told me that. I wore it to the show, did you see? At this point I was so confused because I couldn't really believe that he got & wore the shirt because I told him that a fellow Dot Rat was proud. So I hugged him again and he grabbed my hand so hard and tried to put me next to him but I was twarted by another girl! DAMMIT!

SO I went to hug Joe & Jon and then I heard Robo say picture time. I, again, was not standing next to a guy. I panicked. I went to look for Joe because I saw Donnie had two girl clinging on to either side. Then I saw Stacey standing next to Jon who had no one else with him, so I jumped at the end next to Jon. Who by the way smells very clean and his sweater was very cozy to hug.

The picture was over and I saw Stacey telling Jon about the twix gift she left for them and he said "oh thank you so much". Then Joe goofily collapsed on the floor. I asked Jon if he was going to make it to the show and he said "yeah, he's just being a goof". Then you heard Jordan on the bullhorn "And ladies if you look to your left you will see Joe McIntyre passed out on the floor". So I went over to Joe to help him up. I gave him my hand and said I'd help him up, but he pulled me down on the floor next to him. WELL HELL YEAH! I wasn't going to pass this up. I laid down next to him and put my head on his shoulder a bit and said 'well this is comfy'. And he said "I never laid down with a Dot Rat before". And then the ILAA photographer came over and took our picture from up above. It was quite fun & cute!

Then all the groups when through and Joe & Donnie poked through the curtain and thanked everyone. They used the bullhorn and thanked us as they know a lot of us have come to multiple shows/M&Gs and that they appreciate it. Then Joe said it was time for them to 'blow our asses up'.

And that was it- no mingling, individual pics, etc. They were running really late so we figured that there wouldn't be any of that. And that was the M&G...fun, entertaining, confusing, quick

The show was of course fantastic...We had 7th row and despite being behind a jerk-off and a hoochie-mama it was so much fun! However, the security in the arena really is pretty bad. They gave me a hard time for having the bottow piece of my ticket missing that says 'no cameras' and almost wouldn't let me to my seat but then they'll let EVERYONE and their Mother's down to front row and just stand in the aisles and try to get in your seat.

I've decided that I've already recapped the show and know just how great it is that I'm not going to recap to discuss the annoyances of the night. No need to ruin such a perfectly good memory/evening with them! Plus, I got to hang out with friends during the night and also meet up with new friends, Megan & Mel! You can't beat a night out with friends who all enjoy the men from The Block just as much as you do... It was a great night!

I took a lot of pics so I'll post those when I get them up. Summer '09 can't come fast enough...

Mohegan Sun/CT 5* Meet and Greet...

Here are our "official group pictures" from the CT 5* Meet and Greet. I made every attempt to stand next to Donnie again but I was thwarted but the two shorter, older women who are in between Donnie & Jordan. They used their womanly assets to make their way in and I got pushed to the side. Thankfully Joe was standing in front and said he had no one to stand with and grabbed my hand and we knelt down in front. Besides the fact that I look like I'm throwing myself at him, he doesn't appear to be grossed out. And technically this could count as my picture with Joe since it doesn't look like I'll get it on November 8th.
















I like the fact that with these pictures, we got our new friends in there with us! Shout out to Mel & Megan! Mel is between behind/next to Donnie's arm and Alyson and Megan is making a sexy lady sandwich with Alyson for Jon! Her little hand on the hip ... like check me out!

Oh, and why do I look pregnant? That was not a loose shirt...

Boston 5* Meet and Greet Pictures...

These are the pictures I snapped from our Boston 5* VIP Meet & Greet at the Boston Garden. We had Front Row Center for this show - it was unbelievable! Such an incredible day & show!
Donnie didn't walk around & mingle because he was going to see a doctor (he was really sick). Jon also didn't mingle because he was probably the one who gave Donnie his flu/cold. Jordan literally did one lap around the room - I didn't see him stop to take a picture or give autographs. Joe was great and walked around, gave autographs and probably posed for pictures. Danny didn't walk around but he did sign stuff and pose for pictures in the little group up front.

The Boston Garden letters were on the original building - they just put them in the Legends Restaurant inside the new Garden. Cool...

Boston 5* Meet and Greet...

Here are the "official group pictures" of Alyson & my's group shot in Boston on September 28th. At least I'm next to Donnie and my head is not cut off like I anticipated it would be.

So while I'm not at all happy with the quality of these pictures, I am happy to have them. And I'll crop, tweak, and edit them to see what I can do with them to make them my own.

But at least I got my Donnie love & facetime...despite his cold.















The girl in the white shirt & gray hat was PISSED that I was standing next to Donnie and not moving. She was the one who knocked the bottle out of his hand.

Here is a picture that the ILAA host took of Alyson & I, it's actually a cute picture.

And then here is a pretty goofy picture of me after I won my fancy 6" button. That's right - I got me a big ole button.

Boston Meet and Greet...

To help promote the release of their new CD, "The Block", NKOTB had 5 CD signings scheduled the week of the release. Of course they were doing a Meet & Greet at home in Boston! And that meant I was going to be there! I got to Newbury Comics at 4:25am even though the guidelines said "not to line up before 5a". Shortly after I got there, my sister & cousin joined me in line and then the rain started. And it was pretty heavy for a bit. It probably rained consistently until about 6:30am or so. My sweater was soaked even under my running jacket. Guess that wasn't waterproof.

Did I mention - it was a New Kids On The Block event so of course rain was required. All I want to know is who pissed off the weather gods so that it always has to rain?! It was so foggy out that you couldn't even see the top of the Clock Tower. About 750 people turned out and the line was all the way around the corner and down the street!

The first 3 1/2 hours went by a lot faster than I expected. The line to buy the CD started moving around 7:40am or so and we had our CDs in hand by 8am. Then we moved over to the autograph line and got ready to wait for the next phase. A lot of people walking by asked us what we were waiting for...sometimes we told them the truth, other times we played with them by answering "Neil Diamond". The expressions were priceless no matter what.

Here we are hanging out in line - we don't look half bad for girls who stood in line for 10 hours while wet, hot & sticky.

And this picture of me has quickly become the favorite solo picture of me - thanks Moira!

At about 12:50pm, the blue van pulls up and Donnie, Danny, Jon & Joe get out of the van. Jordan got out of a Cadillac Escalade soon after they did. So they were all there for 1p. Of course people swarmed the streets to try to get a shot of them coming out of the vans so then when they got back in line things were a bit crammed in. Thankfully the rain had gone away but the mugginess arrived. Needless to say, we were all wet from the earlier rain, and then sweaty & gross from the humidity. These poor men were going to have to hug 750 wet, sweaty & smelly women. ick.

Finally the line began to move.

They let us in in groups of 10 and the staff kept saying "no hugs, no cameras and no leaning on the table" but we all knew that wasn't true! The girl who counted the groups would say it because she had to but she knew it didn't mean anything. Finally, it was our turn to get sent in...the butterflies really started to kick in. We walked upstairs and immediately the AC & fan really helped cool us down. Jordan & Jon's mom & sister were hanging out in the corner. Their mom looks amazing!!!! And she was so friendly too.

Put it on my Tab was playing as I was standing waiting to go in...I was getting really nervous because I knew this was my moment to get some Face Time! I was standing ahead of Alyson & Moira and I could hear them talk to each other wondering if I was okay. I turned around and told them I'd be okay. Although my eyes were tearing up so I think I was trying to convince myself. I knew that Alyson couldn't look at me because if I started to cry, she would too. I hand my camera to the staff and ask her to take a picture of me when I'm with Donnie... I got the thumbs up so I felt confident. I stood there patiently waiting for my turn. Rachel (my line buddy) was talking to Donnie so I wasn't going to interrupt her. Finally she moved on to Danny and I kind of stood there. Donnie had the left hand on the wall and the right arm stretched out. I stepped up and he said "Hi beautiful". I just about died. I leaned in and he gave me a HUGE hug with just one hand. I gave him the hug back, kissed him on the cheek and then said "Hi, thank you" in his ear. He replied back with a soft "no, thank you gorgeous". I was so caught up in that moment. I could have stayed there for days just whispering to each other in our ears. I told him I was so excited and happy and he replied back with "I'm glad". This whole time we are hugging and talking into each other's ears. Then I said "Can I just say from one Dot Rat to another Dot Rat, I am extremely proud." He hugged me harder and said "thank you that means so much". He stepped back, signed my CD, smiled and just stared at me and smiled. *SWOON*

I said thanks again and went to go to Danny. He was smiling at me and saying "hey how are you". I was trying to reply with "thanks" but my voice was cracking so Donnie looks at me, smiles and says "it's okay sweetheart" as he rubs my cheek!

I just about died.

I moved to Jon who signed it and gave it to Joe. I said thanks to Joe and he was like "Hey no problem". He's so nice. Jordan signed it and smiled but he really didn't seem all that into being there. While I was standing there I thought it would be perfect to use my Dorchester line again. So I said the same thing to Jordan & Jon about being from Dorchester. And Joe says "what no love for JP?" And I said "Sorry man, I grew up in Dorchester" Joe said "it's all good" and I said "actually I grew up a street over from Jordan & Jon..." and Jon perked up and said "where" as if to test me. I told him the street and he was like "oh cool" Jordan asked which direction. I told him Fields Corner here, your street, then my street. And he was "oh it was parallel, right" and I said yes and he gave me a big smile.

I walked downstairs completely satisified.

Went to lunch with my sister & cousin to cool off and then I met with up with some of the ladies I had met to see how there experiences went...We sat there for a bit shared our stories and I explained I was going to go back and watch them leave. Hey - why not! We all headed back over and prayed for no rain. It did sprinkle as expected.

They had the van & the Escalade parked waiting. Robo came out and said "okay ladies, you can stay where you are and take pictures just don't rush them or the van when they come out." We were good and stayed put...Danny came out first. He waved and said thanks and got into the van. Joey came out next, waved, said thanks and then said "hey 15 years ago you would have been all over this van...you're old!!" then he got in the van. Robo got into the van and they drove away. Jordan came out and got into the Escalade and they drove away. No Jon or Donnie. The staff closed the doors so I figured Jon left another way so he didn't needed to be hounded.


Donnie probably had to go out another way so obviously it wasn't meant to be...So time to go home. Stacey & I decided to make a stop at the bathroom before heading to the garage. We went up to the bathroom right by the Newbury Comics entrance on the 2nd floor. As we're coming out there is a very small group going down the stairs in front of us. Donnie was one of them!! I think I hit Stacey and pointed Donnie out to her. We went down the stairs rather quickly to catch up to him. We weren't going to be rude or interrupt just say Thanks and keep going. We got right next to him and I said "Thanks again Donnie" and started to walk towards the door. He stopped, put his arm out to stop me, and then put both arms out to give me a DONNIE HUG and then leaned in and gave me a kiss on the lips. I just about died right then & there. I said thanks again in his ear and he hugged me a bit more. Then he hugged & kissed Stacey!! I felt so incredibly lucky & thankful.

We walked out the door because we didn't want to harrass him after all he had done. Why we didn't ask for a picture I'll never know but hey I got a kiss on the lips!!

Stacey & I walked back to the garage in awe, screetching like teenagers. Stacey, I'm so glad we were able to share that moment together. And I'm so happy that after 20 years, I was able to spend a quiet, intimate and personal moment with Donnie.

He didn't have to stop but he did...
he didn't have to hug, but he did...
he didn't have to kiss us, but he did.

God, I love this man. I will be 85 years old and someone will say "Donnie Wahlberg" and I will be giddy as a school girl.