Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Disappointment is a Tough Pill To Swallow

I have discovered that it is very unusual for me to not have some kind of fall vacation planned. During this time of year you can usually catch me eagerly counting down the days until my next Walt Disney World vacation, or even an upcoming New Kids adventure (which was the case last year). This year, however, I will not be going anywhere. Depressing isn't it? Yeah, I think so too.

I had a great reason for not booking a fall vacation this year. I was attempting to save money for the upcoming New Kids on the Block cruise in May 2010. I missed last year's cruise and really wanted to be a part of this one. I suppose it wasn't meant to be. The entire booking process turned out to be such a mess. I was able to get into the system and enter all my information several times, but each time I clicked confirm I was kicked out of the system and had to start all over again. A deposit for the cruise was even taken from my bank account. I thought that meant that we had a chance, but after speaking with the company handling the cruise, I was told that we did not have a reservation. To say that this entire experience has been frustrating would be a huge understatement. Never in my life did I ever think I could be so heartbroken over something like this. The cruise will continue to remain the one New Kids dream that I could not make come true. It feels like I am missing an important piece to a puzzle I have been working on for a tremendous amount of time. I can see the piece, but I can't seem to get to it. I really wanted to be on that cruise and I know I am not alone in my sorrow. There are others who are feeling just like me and all I want to do is hug them. Disappointment is a tough pill to swallow. :(

I really should not be complaining though. God has blessed my life tremendously. Besides, complaining isn't going to make things any better and it certainly isn't going to make moving past this disappointment easier. To my fellow Blockheads who are dealing with these same feelings right now, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts. To those who were lucky enough to land one of those precious cruise spots, I sincerely hope you have a wonderful time. Please take lots and lots of pictures! I can't wait to see them all when you return. Oh, and if you think about it, would someone please give Jonathan a big hug from me? I know someone has my back on that one. Love you all!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Day the Music Died

I am not quite sure where to begin this blog. Even as I sit here and contemplate what I want to say and the emotions I wish to convey, I find myself in a state of shock and denial over today's events.

Michael Jackson passed away this afternoon in California. His heart went into cardiac arrest and although numerous attempts were made to regain a pulse, he could not be revived. He was 50 years old. It seems so strange to be typing this. I suppose it is because his death was so completely unexpected. You always hear that celebrity deaths occur in 3's, as was the case here also. Ed McMahon passed away on Monday, Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer this morning, and Michael died this afternoon. The world is saying goodbye to three legends at once.

I have been a fan of Michael Jackson's since the age of 5. I can clearly remember fighting with my older sister over her Thriller album. I was thrilled when I received my own Thriller album for my 6th birthday. And, of course, how could I forget the power Thriller gave me over my little brother. The video scared him to death and just the song was enough to send him running. At the age of six, I was convinced that I would one day marry Michael. I loved him. His music has continued to provide a soundtrack for my life. I was listening to, "Lady In My Life", on the drive to work tonight. What an amazing song. You would be hard-pressed to find a song that could even compare. It was one of the very first love songs I knew and it still remains one of the best love songs of all time. Every time I listen to it, I just want to melt. It's powerful. I could go on and on listing my favorite MJ songs, but this blog would go on forever.

Elvis passed away in 1977. I was 4 months old. I don't remember the day he died, or the impact it had on the world. Michael Jackson's death is being mourned throughout the world tonight. It is amazing to see everyone coming together to remember this amazingly, talented man. It gives me perspective on what it must have been like on the day Elvis died. My heart is broken and I am in tears tonight, but I can take some comfort in knowing that Michael will live on through his music forever. He left us with songs that will continue to make our hearts dance. He also left the world with an amazing legacy, which will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to them I would also like to say, "Thank you for sharing him with all of us".

Rest in Peace, Michael.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Is it really already May? I am convinced that life speeds up, as you celebrate each birthday. I can't think of another way to explain the fleeting time. I am really looking forward to May. The New Kids will be on the Today Show on May 8th and the summer tour begins on May 28th in Atlanta, Georgia. Although I will not be able to make it to New York City, I will be in Atlanta for the opening of the tour. I can't wait!

The show in Atlanta was actually Amber's idea. She was tired of YouTube revealing all of the concert secrets. This way, we will be the first ones to see the show and therefore, there will be no spoilers. I am really glad she suggested it. It will give me the opportunity to take my best friend, Jennifer, to her very first New Kids concert for her birthday. She is a new fan. I honestly don't even know when she became a fan of the group. It seem like she became more excited about the group after our February beach trip. I kind of forced her to listen to "The Block" on the way home. I didn't know that the stinker was actually enjoying it (although, how could she not enjoy it???). I am wondering how Jennifer resisted the New Kids charm for so long. I have been a fan since 1988. Jennifer and I met during our freshman year of college in 1999. She and I even lived together in college and I never could convince her to give the guys a chance. I never could have guessed that the New Kids would work their magic once again and this time I would be able to share it with my best friend. She used to tell me that she would go to a New Kids concert the day that pigs fly......better watch the sky. You thought bird poo was bad!!!

I will actually be going to four concerts this summer...Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Virginia Beach. Amber and I have decided to call our mini tour the "Oh Snap! Find my Panties, Like Whoa!" tour. I know what you are thinking, "I want to be on that tour!". Well, we might consider letting you join us, but there will be an intense interviewing process. Not everyone will be chosen. Do you have what it takes to make the cut? :)

I am so excited that it is finally spring again! I spent my birthday weekend planting new flowers and they are already coming up. I can't explain it, but gardening does wonders for my mood. There is nothing better than being outside in the sunshine and planting flowers. Maybe I sound like a bit of a nerd, but everytime I see the flowers, they put a smile on my face and give me a sense of accomplishment. There is only one drawback to gardening and that would be my irish skin. I could be outside for only 30 minutes and when I come inside, my face is as red as a lobster. I burn way too easily. I suppose you learn to take the good with the bad though.

Anyway, that is what is happening in my life right now. I feel very blessed.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I told you I would forget

Wait a minute! I have a blog?

I knew that I would forget all about it. Sorry! So, what has happened throughout this past month? LOTS!

The New Kids concert in Greenville, SC was amazing. Talk about having the luck of the Irish! This will be the St. Patrick's Day I will remember for a lifetime. I got to hang out with my bishes, which was a blast. I am always so nervous about stepping out of bounds and not following rules. These girls are slowly, but surely, teaching me to push my limits a bit. Some really great things might happen as a result. So, back to the New Kids, Amber and I went and did the whole ILAA thing. We had a wonderful group! We were group "S", also known as the Sexify My Love group. Jordan and Joey could not have been any cuter or sweeter. We had a blast. It wouldn't be a New Kids party without Amber screaming, "I LOVE DONNIE WAHLBERG" at some point, while with the guys. This time she chose to do it when they were taking the picture. This confused Jordan, as she had already professed her love to him. Poor Jordy. Oh, and I should mention that you know I couldn't leave the guys until I had been all wrapped up in Jonathan's arms. He has amazing hugs! After the meet and greet, we received our tickets. At first glance, we were all excited because we thought we had gotten second row center. After a second glance at our tickets, we discovered we were FRONT ROW CENTER!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! Yes, I did wonder if I would be able to keep it together and enjoy the show. Let me tell you, it was tough. All that hotness right up in your face can be dangerous. The show was completely amazing. Being in front row center was a dream come true. What an amazing blessing!

My nephew, Evan, turned 16 on April 1st. I think that officially makes me an old fart. I swear, I was just holding him in my arms yesterday. Now he towers over me and looks like the hulk (well, except for the green). I love him and I am very proud of him. I am so proud of all my nieces and nephews, although at times I wish they made better choices. No matter what though, I love them unconditionally and would be there for any of them in a heartbeat. Today is my older sister's birthday. We had a pretty rough start when I was younger, but now that we have both gotten older, she really is like a best friend. I love her so much. She is an amazing mother, sister, teacher, and soon to be wife (she is getting married on June 20th). I am very blessed.

My 32nd birthday is quickly approaching also on April 20th. I am thankful to be celebrating another year of life. This past year has been amazing. It is insane to think that I almost wasn't here to experience all of the wonderful things this past year has brought forth. I can't wait to see what blessings this year has in store for me. God is good...ALWAYS!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wow! Seriously?

Nineteen years ago, on this day, I was at my very first New Kids on the Block concert. It was in Greensboro, NC. I will never forget that day, as long as I live. I was the happiest 12 year-old in the world. That was an amazing show! Jonathan waved to me that night and you would have thought that he had asked me to marry him. I was such a goofy girl. Who am I kidding? I am still that goofy girl.

Today has been a rough day. I haven't had any sleep and I am working tonight. Things should get pretty interesting around here at about 3:00am. I brought a project to work on though, so it's all good.

It's almost time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the New Kids on the Block and my bishes! After the trials and tribulations of today, it can't get here quickly enough.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Just For Fun! :)

I found this in the Jonathan forum of the NKOTB community. It looked like fun, so I gave it a try. Some of them were crazy. You can't cheat! You have to list them exactly as they appear. If nothing else, this will give you a good laugh.

Erin


SET YOUR IPOD OR MP3 PLAYER TO SHUFFLE AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN SOME CASES IT'S WEIRDLY ACCURATE. HAVE FUN!!!!!

How am I feeling today? Take a Picture - Filter

Will I get far in life? Dancing in the Sheets - Shalamar (This is a little concerning)

How do my friends see me? When Did You Fall - Chris Rice

Where will I get Married? Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

What is my best friend's theme song? You're Not Alone - Danny Wood

What is the story of my life? You Were Loved - Whitney Houston (Wow...how I wish this were true)

What is/was high school like? Spinnin' Around - Jump5

How can I get ahead in life? Crazy For You - Madonna

What is the best thing about me? This I Promise You - *NSYNC

How is today going to be? To Da River - T-Bone, Zane, Montell Jordan

What is in store for this weekend? Red, Red Wine - UB40 (LOL! Yeah, right!)

What song describes my parents? Someone to Love - Jon B

To describe my grandparents? Why Can't We Be Friends - Smash Mouth

How is my life going? Somebody's Baby - Jackson Browne

What song will they play at my funeral? Open Arms - Journey

How does the world see me? Superstition - Stevie Wonder

Will I have a happy life? If I Had No Loot - Tony, Toni, Tone

What do my friends really think of me? Hold On - En Vouge

Do people secretly lust after me? Popsicle - New Kids on the Block

How can I make myself happy? I Believe In You - Joe & Duet with *NSYNC

What should I do with my life? NYC Girls - Joe Mac & Eman

Will I ever have children? Stare At You - New Kids on the Block

What is some good advice for me? Reflection - Christina Aguilera

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Expect the Unexpected

Yes indeed, friends, it does snow at the beach. Mix that snow with some very cold rain and strong wind and you have our beach trip in a nutshell. Aside from the weather, we really did have a fun trip. The good thing about Myrtle Beach is that there is always plenty of things to do indoors. We went to the Ripley's Aquarium, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Hard Rock Cafe, the movies, shopping, and my new favorite place ever...The Burro Loco (translate that and you will have some idea why I have fallen in love with this place). I would be willing to take another trip to the beach in the winter. What are the chances that it will snow again?? Hmmm...expect the unexpected.

During my beach trip, the New Kids were on Jimmy Kimmel. Of course I had to watch it. During the performance of "2 In The Morning" the local television station ran an emergency test, so I could see them, but all I heard was beeping. Then, the performance of Step By Step and The Right Stuff was cut off because they ran out of time. Needless to say, I was a little annoyed. I hear the performance is on YouTube now(isn't everything?), so I guess I will head over there and watch it this weekend. The guys looked hot, from what I saw of them. They could probably be covered in chicken feathers though and I would drool. I am an idiot like that.

Oh yeah, I need some help from one of my bishes. I am a little worried about making my t-shirt for Greenville, SC. I am just not talented at all when it comes to the printing and ironing on with shirts. Will somebody help me?