***This is my third attempt at posting a blog in regards to my trip to Boston. Here is hoping that this time everything works the way it should and the reflections of my vacation are not forever lost in cyber space.***
I apologize for taking so long to post about my trip. Life has been a little crazy since I returned. I have been completely under the weather for the past week and sitting in front of the computer screen proved to be almost a cruel means of torture. Anyway, I am feeling much better now and I present to you, for your reading enjoyment, an abbreviated recap of my trip to Boston and meeting the New Kids on the Block.
First and foremost, Boston is a beautiful and wonderful city. For an American history buff, such as myself, it doesn't get any better than Boston. You have the USS Constitution (aka "Old Ironsides"), Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Old South Meeting House, the Old North Church (You know, "One if by land. Two if by sea"), Paul Revere's house, the graves of important, historical figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, Bunker Hill, and so much more. I have barely even touched on all the amazing history of Boston. This was a trip I have dreamed of taking for 20 years! Unfortunately, the rain didn't seem to care about my monumental trip. Instead, it rained the ENTIRE time. I am not just talking about a little shower either. We are talking hurricane like rain! The two days that I was able to get out and explore the city, I always ended up completely drenched. That wasn't exactly the vacation memory that I was hoping for. It wasn't a total loss though. Thanks to the Old Town Trolley, I did get to see all the major sites within Boston. I just had to see them through a trolley window. I have no doubt that I will return to Boston in the near future in the hopes of catching some better weather and in hopes of seeing the city in dry clothing. For anyone who has ever considered a trip here, I would highly recommend it. The city is so easy to get around. The "T" (which is basically their subway) is quite safe and efficient, as well. I felt safe the entire time I was there, which is something I actually didn't expect. Not to mention, I met some of the nicest and most helpful people. There simply aren't words to describe the love and pride that Bostonians have for not only their city, but the people from it as well.
I think the best way to tell you all about my New Kids experience would be to break it down a bit. The entire reason I decided to take this trip to Boston was because of the New Kids on the Block. Where could I possibly begin to tell you how much I love these guys and what a vital role they have played in my life? Without their influence and positivity, I can't image how my life might have turned out. The New Kids have brought me through some of the toughest and darkest days of my life. In fact, if it weren't for Jonathan Knight, I would not even be here today. I get quite emotional when I think about everything that he brought me through, so I won't go into that now. But, without a doubt, Jonathan saved my life. He gave me inspiration and strength when I felt like the rest of the world had turned their back on me. Only someone who has been where I have been and experienced the things I have experienced could begin to understand the sadness, fear, and loss of hope that can consume your life. It is a pain that is so intense that all you want to do is just stop...stop being...stop fighting...stop living. When I had given up all hope, God sent a guardian angel my way. Through watching Jonathan face his Panic Disorder and anxiety, I have grown stronger. I admire Jonathan so much for having the courage to tell his story. I never could have guessed that his courage would ultimately give me the strength I needed to keep fighting and realize just how much I had to live for. I still carry a picture of Jonathan in my wallet everywhere I go (seriously...ask me to see it!), as a reminder that I am strong enough to get through all of this. Look at the amazing things that Jonathan is doing everyday! Panic Disorder is a part of me, but I refuse to let it define me or hold me back from doing anything I want to do in life. I am so proud to be able to stand up today and tell the world how much I love being me. I wouldn't trade places with anyone else.
Okay, so back to my New Kids encounter. Here are just a few tid bits about my meeting with each guy and the concert.
Danny Wood - Super nice guy. Danny was actually the first New Kid I met. After a brief hug and hello, I made my way to the next New Kid. I did get a chance to speak to Danny again later on during the meet and greet and he was really sweet. He signed my tour book and had a picture taken with me. The thing that stood out to me the most with Danny was his amazing love for his children. I can't explain the look on his face when he spoke about his kids and when he was with them. You couldn't imagine a father more proud of his children.
Joey McIntyre - Joey was actually the second New Kid I met. In fact, I listed them in the order I met them. Anyway, I have to say that Joey McIntyre is by far, one of the most hilarious guys I have ever met. I don't think that it is even possible to be in the same room with him and be bored. He has an abundant amount of energy. Joey was meant to be a performer. There is no doubt about that. Beyond the performer though is a really funny, kind, down to earth guy. He was so polite and so patient. When we went to have the group photo taken, I am not 100% sure where Joey was. All of the sudden, he just popped up right in front of me (and when I say right in front of me, I mean RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!). In fact, I am eagerly awaiting the posting of the photo online. Although most of that part was a blur, I do remember that there is an excellent chance that I might not even show up in the picture, as a result of being "Joey blocked". The whole thing was hilarious and I couldn't help, but to laugh. It still makes me laugh. Oh yeah...and Joey hugs are pretty great.
Jordan Knight - I think people are too quick to judge Jordan. Even I was a little apprehensive when meeting him. I had heard some pretty scary stories. I completely threw all of those stories out the window when I met Jordan. He is a really nice guy. I do believe that he is a bit more shy than all the other guys, but you can't really hold that against him. He hugged me and said hello. It was really great to meet him. Beyond the New Kids on the Block, I am a huge fan of Jordan Knight's music (don't get me wrong, I love the other guys' solo stuff too. Jordan's just speaks to me more). Ask my friends, I have made many of them listen to my Jordan Knight cd's (including Jennifer during our LONG drive to Florida). Anyway, Jordan was a really nice guy. Don't be so quick to judge him by everything you read. Make your own decisions. I think you will be surprised.
Donnie Wahlberg - I love Donnie Wahlberg. I am a Jonathan girl 100%, but there is just something about Donnie. I should start by saying that the famous Donnie hug is absolutely everything people have made it out to be. You know how some people kind of half hug you and slap you on the back? That isn't the case with Donnie. Be prepared for a full, sincere bear hug. Donnie hugged me so tightly and when I backed up he grabbed me again and said, "No...come back! I want more, more!". The love that Donnie has for all the fans is by no means an act. He means everything he says. You can tell that he is genuinely thankful for all the love his receives from his fans and he really wants all the fans to know that he loves them also. Trust me...his hugs will say it all. I can't wait to hug him again in Charlotte, later this month.
Jonathan Knight - I had to save the best for last. Meeting Jonathan was everything I had imagined it could be and then some. Even though he was sick, Jonathan really took the time to talk with me and you could tell that he was really listening to everything that I was saying. He was like that with each person he met. He was completely there and in the moment. Most of the girls in my group knew a little bit about why Jonathan was so important to me. One by one, they each made it a point to re-introduce me to Jonathan (although I had been sitting there talking with him the entire time). It got to a point where it was actually fairly funny. But every single time someone told him that I had an amazing story for him, he hugged me and continued to hug me again and again. I never did get to tell Jonathan, "Thank you", tell him my story, or give him my card. Just hugging him was the best feeling in the entire world. Not many people actually get the chance to meet their hero. I met my hero and although I haven't yet told him everything on my mind, I feel like those hugs said more then I ever could. Jonathan is extremely nice and easy going. I am hoping to give him my card and tell him my story later this month. I would hate to think that I never did, when I clearly had the chance. I know that I would want to know, if I had made such an impact on someone's life.
The Awesome Girls of Group B - Robin, Kathy, Anna, Leia, and Jean...you girls are amazing! I was blessed to have such an amazing group of women to experience this journey with. I have no doubt that I have formed lifetime friendships with each of you. Not to mention, our NKOTB moment together is captured on film forever!
The Concert - Okay, you are going to think that I am completely biased right now, but this is the best concert I have attended in my entire life. I am not just saying that because I am a huge New Kids fan. The show is so full of energy. You can't help, but to have a great time. The guys do a great balance between the new and old songs. The dancing is also completely awesome. I wish I still had the energy that they so clearly still have. Danny even broke it down with some break dancing!!! Bottom line, if this show is heading your way anytime in the near future, get a ticket (if there are still any available)!!! You won't be sorry! Best concert ever!!!
Robin - What an adventure!!! Thank you for helping to even make this trip possible. Despite the rain, we still had a great time. We will definitely have to return in the near future! I will never forget "our luck" with different things...TGIFriday's, strange buses, getting lost and ending up where we wanted to be anyway (TD Banknorth), crazy Boston drivers, Dunkin' Donuts (complete with excellent Boston Celtics Donuts!!), Newbury Comics, Riding the Red Line with a video camera, and my favorite, "You have reached your destination. WHAT??? NOOOO!". I love you, girly! Let's do it again soon!!
Okay, I have left out plenty of things, but all in all, I think that this is a pretty good overview. I had a wonderful time and came home with someone's cold. Yep, this vacation will go down in the memory books as one of the best ever! It will forever serve as proof that dreams do indeed come true. You just have to believe and have faith.