NY - Here I Come...

It has been posted on NKOTB's myspace.com page:

TODAY SHOW FRIDAY MAY 8
Come out and support NKOTB performing LIVE on the Today Show, Friday May 8! With Special Guest! Check local listings.

Guess where I'm going?!?!?

And if the Special Guest turns out to be New Edition - AAHHH!

Countdown...

Manchester Show is only ONE WEEK AWAY!

WOOOO!

And in true NKOTB Event fashion, rain is predicted for Tuesday. These events are nothing if not consistent...figures!

Rain or Shine - I'm still extremely excited for the show even though we're doing "normal" seats and even though we still haven't sold our other tickets yet.

I'm only going to think happy thoughts!

Color Me Shocked...

I just found out that ILAA (company hosting the VIP Meet & Greets) has already uploaded the 5* pictures from last night's show in Greenville. LAST NIGHT! AMAZING!

When we went to our 5*, we had to wait almost 2 weeks in some cases. Looks like ILAA has gotten their act together...round of applause.

However, I will say that the quality still isn't the best.

Here are a couple pictures from last night's 5*...I don't know any of the girls, but I just wanted to post them because I thought Joe's outfit was cute & appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.

Plus, Donnie looks hot...no surprise there.

Two Weeks...

COUNTDOWN: Manchester is only two weeks away!

I'm going with Alyson, Moira, & Stacey and I'm so excited. We're just going with normal seats (not 5*) as we're saving up the fun, funds, and energy for 5* for the summer leg!

It's going to be a great night. The guys have mixed up the show just a bit, added a song, changed the beginning. I simply can't wait. We're going to have a good time. And if I can get my track jacket, then I am a happy, happy, NKOTB fan...

The Manchester show has a lot to live up to...Donnie has thrown down the gauntlet. Nashville, Tulsa & Orlando had some of the highest intensity and volumes. We can't have a home-town crowd get lost in the shuffle. We simply can't have that at all...

Maybe I need to sneak in a megaphone...I wonder if they'll notice if I snuggle it under my shirt.

Spring Leg...

The guys kicked off the Spring leg of their tour last night in Hidalgo, TX. Aaaaannnnnd, they changed it up a bit. They have a new opening song, one that makes me so excited as it is one of my favorite songs.

Enjoy (if you want a spoiler)...

Today Show - Take 3...

NKOTB will be on the Today Show this coming Friday (February 20th) to perform their latest single, 2 in the Morning. They'll also be on Regis & Kelly on Thursday. So much for the month long break before they start up their Spring leg.

I can't say that I didn't have the slighest thought in my gut to drive down for the performance and come back. I did take the day off of work even before I knew the Today Show date, so I could go. But they're performing indoors so I wouldn't get close nor would I necessarily be able to hear anything (unless they put speakers outside).

A girl can dream can't she...

Paris Pose Off...

Here are the guys during a recent Pose Off session in Paris. They really have been stepping up their game when it comes to Pose Off pictures while over in Europe. Hell - even Jon's off the ground!

Let's hope they continue they exhuberance when they come back to the States for the Spring leg.

Kilts...

Who doesn't love hot men in kilts?? The kilts made an appearance at their Glascow show and I think they really should be a constant addition to their wardrobe.

You can't go wrong with hot men in kilts!

Announcement To Come...

This is an email I received and can I tell you just how excited, anxious, and antsy I am?!?

Dear NKOTB fans:

Happy Holidays from New Kids on the Block! Stay tuned for BIG announcements to come top of 2009! You won’t want to miss your opportunity for more FACE TIME!!!! ***

SAVE THE DATE MAY 15 – 18, 2009 ***

I wonder what it could be. There are rumors about a cruise with the guys. I have personal reasons to not want it to be a cruise (I'll explain in a later post). I'm hoping more on the lines of a Fan Convention...so we'll see what the announcement is.

Happy New Year from NKOTB...

"Wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year! Get ready for 2009………."

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Recap: Mohegan Sun/CT Show 9/30/08...

Alyson & I got to Mohegan Sun around 4:30pm and had to figure out exactly where to go once in Mohegan Sun. We walked through the crowded Casino and eventually found the Caberet Theatre. At one point, we saw Rodney (Interscope Rep) escort girls into the venue for the soundcheck and I was so tempted to go in, but I didn't want to miss the M&G opportunity. We get in line and I thought we were pretty far back, but in reality we weren't that far.

Two girls got in line behind us and somehow we started talking. We met two new friends, Melissa & Megan, who are extremely sweet and we hung out with them the whole night. Megan & Mel sat with us and we asked ILAA if we could all be in the same photo group. It was nice to have normal people to hang out with. Plus, we helped guide them through and helped let them know what to expect. And now we have two new friends that we get to hang out with and hopefully get together with in the future! We already know that we'll all be going to the November 8th show so we're going to plan to meet up before the show!

M&G was in the Caberet Theatre which was kind of cool to do it that way - it's a very small venue where you sit at tables and look at a stage. They had the photos taken on stage. There were groups up to Group O/P. We got checked in and got our passes (we were in Group H) and then headed to a table. We got drinks and some food and then waited a bit, but not too long. The ILAA girl explained the set up and then Robo came out and explained the rules. He wasn't in nearly as good of a mood that he was Sunday night in Boston but I do have to say the mood between Boston's M&G room and Tuesday night was completely different. Tuesday was a lot more calmer & subdued...it almost made you think that girls would actually listen and not rush them after. We got into our groups and got on stage to take our pictures. Danny didn't seem that into it, he was texting frequently in between shots. Jordan, for the most part, was friendly but reserved. Joe was Joe and was mingling about, talking to people, giving hugs. Jon was also friendly and giving hugs even though he felt like crap. He was great about asking people what their names were.

Donnie was Donnie! Donnie is the man. Donnie hugged, kissed, and genuinely took his time with everyone. He walked through the entire room and went to every table to make sure everyone got their time. Jordan did a small corner of the room and then left. Joe walked around and signed stuff and took pictures. Danny didn't walk around at first but then he did and got his way into a corner. Jon stayed by the stage for a while but eventually got into the room and took pictures and signed stuff. He had a stack of napkins with him for his nose. Did I mention he sounded like crap?? Joe took off soon after Jordan but he did well with his amount of time there. Danny left next. Jon stayed almost to the end which was surprising but he was very nice. Donnie stayed there until the very end and the Event Staff was getting annoyed because they needed him to go get ready and leave the venue as they had to set it up for something else. But no one rushed him.

When it was time for our picture, we lined up first in our group. I walked up and told Danny that his breakdance intro from Joey got one of the loudest screams from me in Boston because Joey mentioned "Fields Corner Dorchester" where we're from and he was 'oh ok'. Didn't really seem that interested. Then I made a beeline to Donnie because I noticed another girl starting to stand next to him. I asked him how he was feeling and he said like *&*#$. I asked if the doctor helped and he told me not really. He said I was very thougtful for asking. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I tried to stand next to him for the picture but these two older women came over and really did a number of overtaking him. Plus the fact that they had huge womanly assets and used them to push me out of the way didn't help either...I realized I was going to be standing by myself and I panicked. Then Joey stood in front and said "I want a piece of someone, I have no one to hold me" so I jumped out and said "I will hold you!" So he grabbed my hand and we knelt down in front together and I wrapped myself around him and he told me to hold tighter. Okay!!

After our picture, I stood up and gave Joey a hug and told him he rocked it at home and he said "but of course we did, it was home!" Then I found Jon and gave him a hug and told him to feel better. I made my way to Jordan who was quietly standing there so I said "hi, nice to see you again" and gave him a hug. Then I had to go back to Donnie...I just had to. I walked back over and said "thank you" and gave him another hug. I know, I even felt selfish at this point. I told him that I've been in love with him for years and he just smiled that Donnie grin at me. I showed him my hardware bracelet and that I've had it for 17 years because of him. He held my hand, kissed the back of my hand and then he gave me a kiss on the cheek, hugged me and picked me up! He said I was the sweetest little thing. And with that I winked and walked off the stage...

During the mingling part, I was able to get my picture with him and he signed my "DOT" sticker. He was incredibly gracious & sweet. I was also able to get my picture with Jon & Danny and Joe signed a picture of he & I from 1999. He looked at me and then the picture and said "what was this 10 years ago? My goodness..." It was so so so good! I can't wait to go back and do it all over again in November!

We had great seats - 7th row dead center so I certainly can't complain as I've been quite lucky. We originally thought we had 14th row (last row in the first section) but it turns out the numbers start off differently in the middle section!

A great show - they guys seemed into it which I was worried since Donnie & Jon were still pretty sick. Jon sounded HORRIBLE in person during the M&G. Donnie said he felt like utter *&@.
The sound during 'Single' was really bad - the mic levels were quiet versus the band. I didn't take as many pictures at this show than I did the previous two and that's probably because I had a very annoying girl in front of me who kept holding up a HUGE-ARSE sign or her hand or her pink phone. I took several pictures of just her arm or hand that I had to delete. She became an annoyance early on.

Show Glitches:

• Donnie screwed up when singing Right Stuff and almost went into his solo part rather than the group and started laughing and couldn't stop. Everytime he looked at Danny, he would chuckle at himself.
• The wind machine wasn't working during BIBIY and Jordan didn't open his shirt until the very end and then he even seemed shy about having it open and kept covering himself.
• During the B Stage songs, Jordan almost fell off the stage when dancing during Tonight, as he lost his balance. Thankfully he got himself but then started to laugh.
• The door didn't open during Twisted and Joe, Donnie & Jordan had to start singing from underneath.
• Jon messed up dance moves during Right Stuff and Favorite Girl and at one point just stood until he could figure out his place.

Overall it was a really good show and the guys seemed into it, however the crowd itself didn't seem that loud but that could be me. Plus, we made two great new friends that I hope we'll continue to stay in touch with and remain friends for a long time.

Recap: Boston Show 9/28/08...

It's hard to describe the overall day because it could very well be one of the most amazing nights of my life! That's certainly not to take away from any other wonderful night - but this definitely ranks up there as top 3! The whole day/night/show was fan-freakin'-tastic! Since it was a Sunday, Dan was all set to watch Alexander for the day. I decided to go in early and met up with Stacey to see if we could catch them &/or the buses. I originally wanted to be in there for 2pm because that's what seems to be a theme for them arriving at venues. However, due to the rain, I didn't get in there until 2:45ish.

Oh did I mention that it was raining YET AGAIN?

Stacey & I hung out on the side. A few buses drove in but parked in the back and girls tried to get back there but a security dude wouldn't let them in. Although girls were asking staff if they were here already, I had a gut feeling that they were as it was a very busy day for them. So I took it as if something happens - great. If not, I'm not going to worry as I do have 5* VIP tonight!

Then as it became time for me to meet up with Alyson and get in line for 5*, what seemed like the entire city of Boston's fire department pulled up. If the firemen didn't get off the trucks and start to set up hoses, I would have thought the boys were going to get off the trucks. For a second I was worried that there was a fire and that the show would be cancelled... thankfully I was wrong but also no boys on the trucks. No such luck... so I met up with Alyson and we got in line for 5* VIP.

As opposed to Friday night, the line was out the door rather than people standing in the hallway. I panicked at first thinking we were so far back but it ended up not being an issue. We got in line and go up to check-in. The Meet & Greet was being held in Legends Restaurant inside so you had to go upstairs, and then go up another flight of stairs and then wait. There was one girl who was quite overweight and at first I felt bad for her because she had to go up the stairs and it was obviously a problem for her but then when Garden security pointed out an escalator and she said no and continued to bitch about walking up stairs and how she was going to have a heart attack, I lost sympathy for her. Before the check-in table is the merchandise table which was causing some confusion for those who didn't want to buy anything. Finally, we get up to the check-in table for our turn.

We get up to the table and I keep saying in my head "please be Section B, that's all I ask, Section B". We sign in, get our tickets, laminates, and goodies and I step to the side and immediately check my tickets. OH MY! I start to freak out a bit and Alyson just looks at me as if I'm lying. She gets a bit worried at first but then she knows exactly what I'm holding. Crazy! YUP - that's right, we are now the proud owners of FRONT ROW CENTER seats. How we got so lucky is still a mystery but one I'll gladly accept! We kept looking at our tickets as if they were going to change back to what they really were. But nope - front row. We would look at each other and just laugh. And then while sitting there we would just say "Front Row - we have Front Row".

Then it's time for the actual Meet & Greet (M&G). Robo (their bodyguard from even back in the day) comes out and gives the rules (no rushing the guys, no taking pictures from your own camera when up for the group photo, no blocking them as they walk around, etc) and he seems to be in a really good mood. He explains that people should stay in their seat. Did they?? NOOOOO! Why won't these women realize they need to act their age?

The guys come into the room and although Donnie is sick, he comes running in. With no hat - nice! They're all in good moods and seem really happy to be back home!

They line up the groups and take the photos. It's our turn and and we're standing first in our group ('N'). I realized that being first has a huge advantage as you can say Hi, take your time and then just stay put with where you want to stand for the picture. I say Hi to Danny and give him a hug - he was very sweet and thanked me for coming. Next was Donnie. I walked right up to him, gave him a hug and we gave each other a kiss on the check. I told him I was just going to stand here right next to him and for him not to let go and he said "but of course". Then I told him when he mingles if he could come over to the side and he said he couldn't promise because he has a doctor coming after the photos. I apologized to him for not feeling well and he said it's "okay baby, I feel good now that you're here." I could have melted. He started to hug other girls but kept one arm around me. Some girl gave me a very, very dirty look. She knocked the bottle of water out of his hand, so I reached down to get it and Donnie kept his hand on my lower back the whole time. sigh. Then it was time to take the picture and Danny was trying to pull me closer to him and said you gotta let the girls in. I said "Sorry Danny but I can't leave Donnie" so he said "sure thing they can crouch down" and he put his arm around me too! Not a bad combo if you ask me! I got on my tiptoes to make sure I was in the picture and then they took the picture. I gave Donnie another hug and told him to feel better. Then Joe was standing directly in front of me (it made me wonder if he was actually in the picture). He said "hey how are ya doing". I said good and told him that he looked good and I loved his scarf. He said "why thank ya". Then I told him we were in front row so I expected him to rock it. And I got a thumbs up. Before we were going to get pushed out, I made my way over to Jordan and gave him a hug and said Hi, thanks. He said Hi and that was about it. Last hug was Jon. He was too busy checking out this girl and her shirt (she was very pretty), then he turned around and said "thanks for coming" and we hugged, I said Thanks and I went back to my seat. I was very happy!

As for the mingling, I knew Donnie wouldn't be around so I just sat back and relaxed. Jordan walked by quickly but no one really knew what he was doing so he didn't get hounded. He plays the confusion card well. He did a circle around the place and then he left by the side exit. Jon left pretty much immediately but did sign a few autographs on his way out. Joe definitely stayed the longest. He walked around the whole room and he signed stuff as he walked. He was very nice & friendly. Danny started to go around but signed stuff and then left by the side entrance. Overall, even though Donnie didn't walk around, it was definitely still worth it.

Then we got to our seats and the whole night started to sink in. While Natasha was on a SLEW of kids came up and stood in front of us against the barrier. One of the girls was very sweet and told me that they were only staying during Natasha as they weren't allowed to be there during New Kids. She told me they were Joe's nieces and nephews. There was a ton of them! But she was quite sweet. Then after they left 3 women snuck in and stood at our place on the barricade. I heard her say "there's no way in hell i'm leaving here". It was going to get ugly. They were friends of the family so I know they shouldn't be there as they were already backstage. She was saying how she got her picture taken with Jordan. Thankfully security went down the row and asked everyone for a ticket and since they didn't have one they were told and then forced to leave. Okay, security checked for tickets because I asked them too...hahaha!

One interesting point to note. The person who sat next to me... yeah, the very large, overweight girl who complained earlier in the night. She was so large, she took up her seat, 1/2 of mine and 1/2 of the other seat. Before the guys came on, I was sitting down next to her and she stood up and I literally was bounced out of my seat! Alyson & I had to look away from laughing outloud. It was so funny yet sad all at the same time.

Another thing I don't understand is why girls would get SO drunk. The majority of girls attending are girls who are DYING to see them perform again and you're so drunk that you can't remember your own name, you fall down, or you vomit on yourself. How is that a fun evening if you can't even remember the show!? Yeah, that's why I'm not a fan of drinking...We had a couple drunkards and one of them just stood at my seat and wouldn't leave. A couple people tried to get her to move but she was so gone she couldn't even understand what people were saying to her. Charlie Brown anyone? WAHH WAHH WAHH WAHH.

Enough of that craziness...The actual show was amazing. I have to say I was so much calmer and more relaxed once the show started than I was Friday night when I was further back on the floor. I just kept taking a step back and taking it all in and actually WATCHING them perform instead of jumping to see what they were doing or watching the screen. What amazes me is that even though I actually WATCHED the show I still managed to get over 350+ pictures. And this is all while watching the show...

There were so many points in the show where Donnie was on the extended stage RIGHT in FRONT of me and would look down. It was a dream come true to be that close as he performs. Several times during the night, I'd put my hand up in the hopes he'd (or anyone) would slap it but nothing until the very end during Hangin' Tough! Then I got my Donnie-hand-slap!

At one point at the end of the show, (I think during Summertime) Joe was dancing in front of us and he was smiling & winking at some one. I thought to myself "whoa - that's cool if you can get that connection with Joe". And then it hit me - Joe's smiling at ALYSON. I look over at her and she's smiling back and says to me "oh yeah, it was with me". Too funny.

The guys were incredible, the show was incredible, our seats were incredible, the night was incredible!

A few little bloopers that were quite entertaining:

• Jon forgot some dance steps and Joe saying "come on buddy" and they were chuckling
• Jordan missing a few words during GITY
• Joe & Donnie bumped into each other and Joe couldn't stop laughing

I never would have picked up on these little things if I was not so blessed to be in the Front Row. Believe you me - I understand just how fortunate & lucky I am for what happened and I'm so thankful. The whole show was amazing even without an appearance from Paul Pierce. To top it all off, VH1 was there broadcasting the first 3 songs LIVE and when I got home I turned on my DVR and watched it all over again! And the coolest part is that you can see Alyson & I!

Alyson & I are going on Tuesday to CT (5* again) so hopefully Donnie's feeling better so I can get a picture and then be in my blissful state...

Recap: Boston Show 9/26/08...

The show was unbelievable. There was not one moment in the show where I thought "yeah, they could have done without this". They performed for 2 hours without stopping. Donnie did have a few breaks where he talks to the crowd - but that's his thing. If he didn't do that, it wouldn't be a New Kids show!

I got there earlier to see the buses, etc but by the time I got there I was convinced they were already inside so I decided to go meet up with my friend Stacey and wait with her for her 5* VIP. We stood in the area and just checked out the scene. She was looking to see if she could get in with a crowd that wouldn't have a Jon fan so she could stand next to him in her photo. It was time for her to go upstairs and have her fun begin so I met up with Alyson & Moira.

We went to the Greatest Bar beforehand and it was like a New Kids convention. It was fun yet funny all at the same time. They had the Greatest Hits DVD playing on the screens and there were some ladies who dressed like they did in the '80s. That was a bit much, but that's just my take...and there were some ladies who were already drunk or close to it. Why spend money on a ticket when you're going to be drunk off your arse?

Did I mention that it was raining? SHOCKER, I know (sarcasm at it's finest)...

Chris met us at our seats as she had a previous engagement and was probably for the best that she missed the crazies at the bar. But she didn't pass up the opportunity to laugh at me when I showed her my "Property of Donnie" tshirt I just purchased.

I'm not going to lie - I cried few times because the whole thing of having the boys reunited and performing in Boston was a dream come true. I was very emotional and at one point really just stood there taking it all in because it was so crazy. Their opening really hit hard with me... the "they walked away" part (gulp)


Because I'm only 5'2", Alyson took my camera and took the majority of the pictures - collectively we took 455!!! CRAZY! I've been widdling thru them and I'm down to 342, still crazy. Imagine the shows when I have 5*?!

I really don't know what my favorite part of the show was. I've been trying to figure this one out from the moment it ended and I really can't figure it out. And as I look through my pictures, that doesn't help because I keep thinking how much I loved the whole show.

We had decent floor seats but even better seats for then they come back to the small stage! On the way back Danny & Donnie hit my hand...I made sure to get Donnie!

Having Joey say "Right down the street from Fields Corner" when Danny finished break dancing made my sister & I go into fits of excitment as that's our neighborhood!

The tribute was so sweet & special! There was actually a picture of a kid I went to school with on there - I went to elementary school with him and his family. I grew up with his sister, Melissa.

Right before Hangin' Tough, the other most amazing time of the night was when they were showing logos of Boston things on the screen (Red Sox, the "T", Celtics, Bruins, etc) and then there were also putting the letters N-K-O-T-B up there quickly flashing and then it all started to flash quickly and this is what it turned into:I'm blowing this up and framing it as it encompasses all of my passions: New Kids, Boston, Red Sox, Celtics! You can't get better than that.

Paul Pierce coming out with the trophy was fan-freakin'-tastic! The whole place was electrified even more than usual.

Another moment for me from the evening... getting my picture taken with Jimmy Wahlberg and then riding the elevator back to our car with Robert Wahlberg - he was with his family so we didn't say anything to him.

The whole night was amazing and I'm so glad I'm going back Sunday night and even better with 5*!!

Overall a fantastic night and I loved every second.

Tour Set List...

Here is a copy of "The Block" New Kids on The Block Set List for Fall 2008:
(Tour kicks off Thursday, September 18th, 2008 in Toronto)

• “Single”
• “My Favorite Girl”
• “(You Got It) The Right Stuff”
• “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)”
• “Valentine Girl”
• “Please Don’t Go Girl”
• “Grown Man” (With Nicole Scherzinger)
• “No More Games”
• “If You Go Away”
• “2 In the Morning”
• “Dirty Dancing”
• “Tonight”
• “Twisted”
• “Baby I Believe in You”
• “Give It To You”
• “Stay the Same”
• “Cover Girl”
• “I’ll Be Lovin’ You (Forever)”
• “Click, Click, Click”
• “Summertime”

Encore

• “Step By Step”
• “Hangin' Tough”

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.

Stress of Tickets...

I knew from the moment they announced the reunion that I would be attending a show. Knowing me, I also knew that it would most likely be more than just one show. Afterall I can't have my boys be in the "area" and not go. It was the same mentality as when I knew they were home back in the day, how could I not go check them out?
A reunion tour would be no different.

When they announced tour dates & ticket sales I was very excited & anxious. I felt like that 17 year girl all over again who would have to have multiple people trying to call ticketmaster on a Saturday morning to try to get tickets. There was even one show (Nov 25th, 1989) where we physically camped out at the Garden to try to get better seats (which we got 3rd row right on the side of the stage so we didn't do that bad). I panicked thinking there is a chance we won't get tickets and I'd be devastated!

And to complicate matters further, I discovered that no only were tickets going on sale but there was a VIP package you could purchase which guaranteed you a seat in the first 10 rows, a Meet & Greet with photo op, a laminate & gift. I thought to myself this is crazy ... I shouldn't be spending the money on this now that I'm an adult raising a child. I decided to ask people their opinions to see if they thought I was crazy...and I was under the impression that once too many people told me it was stupid that I would just go for normal seats.

HOWEVER - every person I asked told me that it was a fantastic opportunity and I'd be stupid if I didn't do it! Well that summed that up. I decided that I would get the 5* VIP package for the Boston show. Alyson was also IN for the VIP ticket package and seemed almost as excited as I was...if that was possible. I knew Alyson, Moira & Chris wanted to go to the Boston show ... so the plan was to try to get 2 for VIP and 2 regular seats and if the VIP sold out - I'd get 4 regular.

Tickets went on sale on May 5th @ 10am. I had a meeting in work but told them I would be late due to a previous meeting. I had my websites ready to go for VIP as well as normal seats. It was 9:20 in the morning and I was freaking out. I called my mother at work because I was a nervous wreck. I couldn't sit still, I couldn't focus and I certainly couldn't do work. I just kept hitting the refresh button on the web page. I was praying that no one would come to my office to ask me an important question!! My mom chuckled at me more just because she thought it was cute than it was ridiculous. But I seriously couldn't breath at one point.

Then all of a sudden at 9:35am I refreshed the page and the VIP packages said "NOW AVAILABLE"!

what?

but it's not 10:00am yet!

I freaked out!

I hit the Click to purchase and selected 2. I got into the next screen and it was asking for a show password!

PANIC!

I didn't know the show password. I knew the password to the VIP tickets was 'nkotb' but that didn't seem to be the same thing. Then I didn't know if AMEX had their own passwords as this was for AMEX pre-sale cardholders. I filled out info but then after 3 minutes (I checked the clock), it booted me from the page saying time alloted expired. I wanted to cry! I kept refreshing and trying again and I would get "SOLD OUT" or "NOT AVAILABLE". I truly wanted to crawl under my desk and cry.

I tried for the next 20 minutes with no luck.

nothing.

Finally at 10am, I went to ticketmaster and bought 4 regular seats for the Boston show. If I couldn't get VIP then I was going to be there somehow and I wasn't going to let that pass me by. I was pretty bummed the entire day.

The entire week - actually.

I tried to convince Alyson to go to NY or NJ with me for the 5* VIP and she was okay but hesitant with the idea. Then she told me not to get them and that we would figure something out. Part of me was thinking that she already ordered them and maybe it was going to be a Mother's day present. Then Mother's day came and nothing. I tried not to be bummed.

I would tell myself that at least I'm going to see them and we have decent floor seats. Then on Friday night, I was driving home and Joe called into Kiss108 with an announcement. He said because tickets went so quickly for their Boston hometown show, they've added a second date!

I don't think I could have driven home fast enough! I got home, flew in the house, blew by my family, and turned my computer on.

I opened the website.

5* VIP - Boston show on 9/28 - AVAILABLE

I clicked purchase and selected 2.

I filled out the info and found out I didn't need the password to continue.

I clicked 'confirm order'.

CONFIRMATION!

*SIGH*

Huge relief that I had my VIP tickets. And not only that, we were going to be going to both hometown shows in Boston at the Garden! It couldn't get better than that!

Well it did actually.

We also decided to buy tickets for the Mohegan Sun show on Sept 30th in CT. And since we were going to go to CT, we might as well go big and get the 5* VIP treatment. Afterall, we are superstahhs.

Then the RI show was announced. This time I couldn't justify doing a 3rd VIP so we got 'regular' seats. And then I made a comment/joke that as long as they performed in New England that I would go.

And wouldn't you know it ... the posted a 2nd show in Mohegan Sun.

Can't go out without a bang, right?

Yup - we got 5* VIP to that one too.

5 shows for 5 guys ... I mean how could you do it any other way? Oh by sprinkling in VIP throughout our Fall 2008 mini-Tour!

Let's Get This!