Saturday Finale RCMH/Sunday leaving

Saturday we woke and we were sad knowing this was the BIG SHOW! Tomorrow it will all be over and friends will be going home, including us. We did some more tourist things and decided to do the Radio City Music Hall tour that afternoon so we could hear, possibly see sound check. We went in with no expectations besides knowing the 5 guys were in the building with us. We did the 3pm tour so it was right around sound check. As we checked in for the tour and started within' the first 5 minutes we could hear sound check! EEEEKKKK! The poor tour guide lost us at that moment and for the rest of the tour. I had known Backstreet Boys were the special guest for that night because a friend of mine use to work for them and had found out a few weeks prior. At this point, we heard BSB singing and all was confirmed! The tour guide, bless her soul attempted to humor us by dragging everything out as long she could so we could hear whatever we could. The time had come to go to the observation room and if she hadnt lost us before all was lost now. Not only could we hear what was happening but we could SEE them too! Christina, Liz and I sat at the huge window on our knees (because kids were suppose to be in front) Whispering to eachother about the guys. I don't think I heard a word the poor guide had said in that room. She dragged out that part of the tour for as long as she possibly could before we had to go on with the tour. That was it for us.....no words she was going to say after that were going to matter. LOL! We finished the tour and sound check was still going on but we had to leave the building. We wanted to tweet about our experience as soon as we walked out but didn't want to ruin it for anyone else so we didn't say much because telling the guys that they did great at soundcheck.
After that we went back to our hotel to get ready for the night's shows. We were tired, anxious and sad all in the same moments! Our seats for this show weren't that great, but I kept saying to msyelf this is history in the making Im just happy to be here. All weekend I had to tell myself that. I started this journey when I was in my teens. I believe I was 12 years old. Two years ago I picked up where we left off and look where it has taken me. So loved, so many life long friends, places I've never been and memories I will have for a lifetime. I couldn't be more thankful to NKOTB for all they have given me. Its so much more than music. They came back at a time in my life when a chapter was nearly closing and I wasnt sure where to go. My mom had died after me taking care of her for years and then my Grandma, which I also took care of passed in the middle of this journey. I wasn't sure what direction to go and NKOTB and the people they brought into my life helped me through all those troubled times. So, not knowing if this journey was coming to an end had me emotional.
I thought I would cry more than I did but I had my moments where I started tearing up durning the show. The show was so sentimental and also the guys did such a great job! I feel honored and blessed I could have been part of that.
We decided after the show to go to the Paramount and just hang out and wait for the guys. Maybe we would get to see them one last time. We hung out there for a bit and Danny came in with his girls but didn't stop to talk to us. Rob came by and we went to say hello to him. Danny's Dad came down to talk to everyone. Joe came back but went in the side door so we didn't get to see him. We hung out for awhile and talked to everyone there. Some people had the same idea as us. After awhile we decided we were hungry and went to get something to eat (2am or maybe it was a little later). We went back to our hotel and then to get some dinner. At dinner, we all kinda had the same idea. Donnie should be about done with his after party and heading back to the hotel. Our thoughts were if this is our last chance to get a Donnie hug I wasn't missing it, no matter how tired and emotional we were it was all going to be worth it. Eventually, we saw everyone again, Jimmy, Donald, Kevin, Rob, Earl, Johnny...Donnie apparently went in the side door and never did come out for hugs. But I would have kicked myself had we not tried. Talked to Jimmy for a bit. Earl gave me a half smile (which is BIG news since he seems to not like me much, but as I said earlier blogs we are working on our relationship. ) Talked to Donald because he kept coming in and out. Then Johnny was next to us. awe, Something about this man gets me. yes Im loving him!!!! To me I find him so attractive! And that accent..EEEKKK!!! He talked to me for awhile and I took a picture with him. *sigh* I had one from before but it didnt really turn out. Joked with him for a bit and then he was stressing out again about something so I left him to attend to business. At this point, we decided it was going on 5am and it was time for bed. We had gone back to our hotel to go to sleep because we were leaving NYC the next day.
Sunday had come fast. Liz had left in the morning. Tears had to be fought back. Then Christina and I decided to go to Statue of Liberty. That was great! Met my friend Laura there and had to say our goodbyes! As I said good bye to her I could feel the tears swelling up in my eyes, but it was time to go home. I got home about 8:30pm after an adventure at the airport. I can honestly say, NYC was one of the best if not THE BEST trip I had ever taken.

Friday NYC

I woke up so excited and sad on Friday. I knew I had a NKOTB show that evening, I knew I would also see friends I haven't seen in ages but I also knew that after that night there was only ONE more NKOTB show I had to look forward to. I woke up super early and had thought about going to the Today Show in the morning but didnt want to wake up the other girls so I decided to just be quiet. After all of us got up and got dressed we had the Remember Betty luncheon at Hard Rock that day.
First we did a little sight seeing(Rockefeller Center and Times Square) We had got wind where the guys were staying, well Joe, Danny and Donnie so we thought we would find it and check it out. We hung out for a bit and all of a sudden down comes Joe with the kids. Since he was with Rhys and Griff we didnt go up to him but I watched him through the window with the kids since he was just talking to people out on the front of the hotel. After about 5-10 minutes of watching him we choose to leave. I was just going to say a quick hello on my way out the door but as we started to leave Joe and the kids decided to walk down the street. I've never had a better view of his butt as I did then! You want to be respectful but at the same time you want to say hi so it was one of those situations on what do you do?! We got to the Times Square area..Joe and the kids grabbed a table and just sat down. I decided I was going to just go up to him and say a quick hello. Liz didnt want to so she stayed behind but Christina and I went up to him and said a quick hello and looked at Rhys. I was very non-chalent about it and simply said hi and have a great show. I really didnt want to interupt his family time yet would have died to have another picture with him. I think he appreciated the effort of not really hanging out and bothering him and his family. At least I hope he did and hope he wasnt mad.
Of course after that we had the Remember Betty Luncheon which was great. My friend Laura was there and it meant so much to me because I had met her through being Joe Mac fans and hadn't seen her in 10 years so I was glowing at this point in happiness!!!
We went back to our hotel after that and just kinda hung out and got ready for the show. We knew it would be a long night because we also had the after party. We had gone to Laura's hotel because word was that Jordan and Jon were staying there and hung out with her for awhile before heading to Radio City.
The concert again amazing! Our seats were pretty good. This time we were on the other side of the stage so I got to see the show from both sides. Again, the guys were all smiles, including Jon. Danny recieved a big check for the Remember Betty foundation and tears started swelling up in my eyes. I pulled it together and enjoyed the rest of the show.
After the show, we went back to the hotel freshened up a bit and headed to the club for the afterparty. We got there pretty early and had no problem getting in but we also printed our tickets instead of doing will call. As most after parties are the club got packed. Johnny was running around TOTALLY stressed out. I know there were numerous problems at this club and once Donnie arrived I had never seen him with such a pissed off look on his face. He tried everything he could to make it up to the people who had problems. I for one didn't have any problems but was pissed for him that he had all those problems when he was just trying to do something nice for the soldiers. Donnie had gone around the club and hugged as many people as he could. The thing is again non-nk's fans were in the club and some of them wanted attention from him so he couldnt get to everyone. We had decided to just wait outside the club and see if we could get some facetime when he came out (at this point the party was dying down anyway). I talked to Johnny for a bit again since he was outside. Really just wanted to give him a hug because he was so stressed but he was trying his best to make everyone happy. Poor guy!
We waited across the street for awhile and were asked to move. So of course we dont really go away. Donnie eventually came out and hugged a few people and as he started getting into the car I looked at him from across the car and said 'Donnie, a hug please' He looked right at me and got out of the car again and started coming around. (now Im a bigger girl and I really do think he thought maybe I was one of the girls who wasnt admitted into the club, whatever got him to me though Im alright with) So he went around the car on his way to me hugged a few soldiers and got to me. I got the BIGGEST hug he has ever given me and kissed me twice of course there were I love you's exchanged. After my inital shock I turned to Liz, who is extremely shy and has missed a 'real' hug from Donnie too many time and pulled her into him. She wasn't missing this moment. She too got her hug and kiss and was on cloud 9! How does one top that? Im not sure?!? Tomorrow is another concert. Sadly it is the last one but I couldn't think like that!

Thursday NYC

Thursday morning I woke up and had a crazy feeling. Although, I was excited I also had anxiety about the whole trip. My plane wasn't flying out until later in the afternoon and I had to go to my great uncle's funeral in the morning. I've always been nervous about flying. Once Im on the plane I'm alright its the getting to the plane that makes me nervous. As I was waiting for my ride to pick me up Christina had tweeted me Donnie was having an after party Friday night and asked if we wanted to go, which of course I wanted to go. So we got tickets for that before it sold out.
I made it through the airport just fine and Christina met me right after we went through security. We were on our way. Christina and I were flying out of Milwaukee and Liz was flying out of O'hare. Liz was even more nervous than I because her flight got delayed but we all ended up doing just fine and met up in NYC at the airport!
We went to the Sheraton Hotel right away and got dressed for Thursday nights concert. Dressing for that concert was hard because since it was at Radio City we weren't sure what to wear but we figured it out and were off!! THREE nights of NKOTB concerts, how could life get any better than this!
Our tickets for Thursday night were at the very top in the back. We went all the way up there to our seats and an usher stopped us and asked us if we wanted better seats..what kind of question is that, of course we did! They said all you have to do is give us our tickets and they would give us other seats. We ended up in 10th row I think it was! Alright, thats when my 'happy glow' started. I couldnt believe that we had moved from the VERY back all the way to the front!
The show of course was AMAZING but I say that every time. Naughty by Nature was the special guest that night. No one expected it soooo worth it! Being my 4th show this casi-no tour I watched the guys a little more. sometimes I find the awe moment just watching them interact with the crowd and eachother. All of them were nothing but smiles the whole show. You knew they were so happy at the opportunity they were given. Jon made me smile because he just kept smiling and laughing and it warms my heart to see him find his happy place on stage and know he WANTS to be there!
After the show we decided we would go wait by where they would come in. We knew NKOTB wouldnt be going anywhere because the second half of the Celtics game had just started. Along with many other fans sat outside waiting to see the guys. They kept coming to the window and waving down. At one point, Donnie had opened the window and waved to everyone but couldnt get it to close again without a little help. As we all know, the Celtics didn't win so there was no big celebration. The band came out and of course when Rob Lewis came out I had to go and say hello because there is just something about that man that makes me want to be his friend.
The guys snuck out a different door and we attempted to follow the 'white van' on foot but lost them. We were so cranked up though we weren't sure what to do but it was NYC baby and we weren't going home. We hung out in Times Square for awhile. I had never been to NYC so doing the tourist stuff made me happy too. After that, we decided to call it a night we still had two more NK's concerts to go to and I was more than ready!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday Hammond

Sunday came around....I wasnt sure I was even going back for the show but somehow found myself on the freeway heading back to Hammond. I knew I couldnt stay away. I was going to the concert by myself which isnt something I usually do but who am I kidding when the guys are on stage I dont know who is around me anyhow! LOL.
I met Liz and we hung out for awhile since she was going alone too. There really wasnt much going on Sunday before the show so we just had dinner and then went to the concert.
Another amazing concert in front of my eyes. Donnie came into the crowd and was in my row but the next section over. Joe also was in the section over towards the top. I was pretty calm and collective and just decided to watch Donnie perform. Sometimes I like to just sit back in awe of him with the fans. He truly amazes me sometimes. So as everyone rushed to be by Donnie. My thought was stay where you are because Joe has to come down. Joe was on his way back down but everyone was so wrapped up in Donnie that as he turned I was right there so I got a HUGE hug!!! OMG, Joe was giving me attention again! I needed that!
After the show, word was out about Donnie's after parties in the lobby so we decided to just hang out and wait to see what happens. I wasnt going to miss him again. yes I had work in the morning but who cares its a NK's weekend. Donnie did come out after a long wait and did a few songs, took pictures, hugs, autographs. I was too far back to get any loving but me and Liz decided to go up to the parking structure where he would come out and wait!
My usual spot but this time word was getting out and more and more people knew about it. Not too many fans were out considering I thought there would be more. We waited for a bit and then there he was Donnie Wahlberg again. We were on the side he started at and he said no pictures in the beginning so I wasn't even going to ask. He got to me and gave me the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek and whispered in my ear in his sexy R&B voice I love you. OMG, that was better than anything I ever had in my life! As he went through the line he started taking pictures with people. I wasn't about to push my way back because picture or not he just made me the happiest girl in the world. Driving home at 3am was a breeze after that!

Saturday Hammond

Saturday morning came around and we had planned on going to the BH lunchoen. We went and had a great time meeting so many new friends and seeing many old friends all at the same time. Michelle and I's friend, Christina whom I had been trying to talk into coming for weeks and she just didnt think she could called us and said she was on her way. I knew she couldnt stay away from a whole NK's weekend. Rumors were flying that Donnie may show up but he never came, which was fine with me because the rooms were full with my BH family.
After the luncheon we went to the venue. Played a little on the slot machines and just kinda hung out. We decided to go back to the parking structrue where we know they came in at after Donnie sent a tweet out about a licencse plate he saw. We figured if was out and about we could at least catch a glimpse of him walking back in. That wasnt the case but we did see Jon outside for a long time just hanging out. Trying not to look like all we do is stalk the guys I took a few pictures and then we went inside to the concert.
The concert was great. Our seats were pretty far back but Donnie had come into the section next to us. Joe was on the top at the other side and then ran along the top. Seeing Im a Joe girl I thought he had intended on coming down that side so after gracefully going over a few rows of chairs and making it to the end he changed his mind and went back to the otherside. Damn you JOE!!!!! I dont care how many times I've seen NKOTB in concert it is always exciting to me and I just cant get enough of it.
After the concert Michelle and I planned on going home. I was still debating if I was coming back to the concert on Sunday but I knew Michelle couldnt so we started heading home.
We were about 35 minutes on our way home (I only live about an hour and half from chicago) and we got a phone call that Donnie did a little after party in the lobby. After, about a minute of debating I was jumping off the freeway and turning the car around. (yes, crazy I know) Since Christina had not planned on coming she had a seprate car and had turned around as well. We were about 5 minutes from the venue and we got a phone call that he was done. We figured since we were so close we might as well just go back and see if we can get a hug as he was getting into the 'white van'. As I was pulling into a parking spot, we heard screaming so we jumped out of the car and ran to the spot just to miss Donnie get into the van and start pulling away. Being as crazy as we were that evening we decided to follow the van. We did for awhile and lost him but found it again at the Ramada Inn. Again, I parked and jumped out of the car. Apparently he was just dropping someone off and then going out again. He saw me and waved but never got out of the car. AGAIN, Michelle and I run to my car and go to follow the 'white van'. At this point, Christina is just about to pull into the Ramada and says 'I see a white van that just pulled out'
we yell turn around it's Donnie!!! LOL. We lost track of the van but I had thought I saw it pull on a freeway entrance. We drove around for a bit and then decided we were going to go on that freeway entrance and see where it takes us. Well, we ended up at the Ameistar Casino and Hotel. (funny thing is, it was one of the hotels I had debated on staying at and choose a different one instead). So, we park and decide to walk around. I hadnt met Michele (@DdubsIndygirl) and I know she was staying there so we went in. As we walked in there was the precious WHITE VAN! I went up to it and it had a sticker in the front that said 'special event parking The Venue' I KNEW Donnie was there somewhere!!! He wasnt getting away from me this time! So we went into the hotel part and went up as far as we could. Not really having a plan but knowing we needed to do something. I called Michele and she came and met us. We decided to go into the casino part and had gone up a set of stairs and then there was a break and another set of stairs. We all were kinda doing our own thing. Michele walking ahead, Michelle talking to Christina and I was on my phone. So, we ended up just kinda going off to the side while we regrouped. Low and behold I look up from my phone call and it's DONNIE WAHLBERG walking right down the hallway I was next too. Not totally knowing what just happened I waved at him to come by me and started to walk towards that hallway as I look up I notice its the men's bathroom so I stopped. LOL!!! Good thing I did cause I spotted Earl coming towards me and let's just say Earl and I are working on our relationship! Its a work in progress!!!
We decided just to hang out there for a bit. Donnie eventually came out of the bathroom and went back to a resturant and was saying good bye to people and kinda eating at the same time. Then I saw him look at Earl and say 'let me go say hi to these girls' as he started walking over to us!!!! He gave us hugs and took pictures with us. I of course ramble because Im excited and exhausted all at the same time. I started talking to him and then also said 'I just want to give you a proper thank you.' He said 'you already have' and I said 'no really....' and kinda went on about what I went thru and how he helped me. This is the moment I had waited for. Ive had a few other encounters with Donnie but in those I always felt rushed and I never got to make eye contact and really talk from my heart. This time I did and he listened. LOVE THAT MAN!!! He said hi to a few more others there and then went on his way.
We started heading back to Wisconsin again for the second time with the biggest smiles on our faces. Who cares if the sun was on its way up and we hadnt gone to sleep yet. We got facetime!!!

Friday Hammond

Where do I begin? I picked Michelle up early Friday morning so we could do some early 'stalking' adventures. Since Michelle has been out of comission for a few months we HAD to go back to the good old days. I think in the beginning I was just more excited I was going to hang out with old friends meet new friends and see NKOTB in concert again. I haven't seen the whole group in concert for nearly a year and I was having TERRIBLE withdrawals. We arrivied in Hammond around noon, checked in to the hotel and went straight to the casino/venue.

Once we got there we were unsure where to go. I meet a few new friends and then officially met Dena (@blondie2015)! So excited since her and I have been to ALL the same shows but never officially met!!!

Michelle and I decided to do a little walking around the casino to see if we could find anything or where the guys might arrive. We ran into some of the casino security and he got to talking to us about how his son goes to school in Milwaukee so I asked where the guys might arrive. He gave us a little tip that it is the 3rd floor of the parking structure and then we were off!!!

Yes, we hung out at the 3rd floor for sometime, a little over an hour. The band then arrived. Phish, Rob, Donald... Rob was on the phone so I said 'Hi, Your on the phone I dont want to be rude." He siad Hi and continued on his way. A little while later they came back out talked and took pictures with Michelle and I. I love Rob. Really one of the sweetest men out there! I never really have had the chance to talk to Phish until that day but he is so sweet as well!

After that we were told that we couldnt stand there anymore. Michelle and I backed up into the elevator entrance and just waited. Soon Jon, Jordan, and Danny arrived. Seeing Michelle and I were the ONLY TWO there we walked over to them. They all said Hi to us but wouldnt come over for hugs or pictures. Made us happy and sad at the same time seeing we were the only two girls there. Then security and Earl made us leave the floor all together before Joe or Donnie arrived. We had tried to go to the other floors and look down but security kept yelling at us so we decided to just go get dinner before the concert.

When we went back up to The Venue for the show I ran into more people I had meet along the way of my NK's adventures and I LOVE that it's like a family reunion going to the concerts. Then we went in for the show!

What can I say? Those that have seen a show already understand there truly are NO WORDS for the show. AMAZING pretty much sums it up. We were the 7th row floor on the side. Not the best seats but not bad at all!!! When Tonight came on I was paying more attention to Joe at the top of the Venue and Donnie in the crowd because it was all I could see. At some point I had looked over in my row and there was Jordan in our row!!! AHHHHH! I pushed Michelle that way but he was just out of reach! Then I looked over my other way and Jon was coming back to the stage right next to me! (I like to give Jon his space during that always have since I know it isnt his comfort zone) so I didnt even reach out for him but just stood there and watched that sexy man walk right pass me!

Then it was Joe's solo. I was lost for words. I took a few pictures but honestly, couldnt really function! I knew I'd have issues and attempted to prepare myself for his solo weeks prior so I could get through it alright but when the moment came. I couldnt! HOT DAMN that man is sexy!!! I couldnt even function after his solo. I know Jordan came out after that but honestly couldnt tell you anything he did! LOL.

After the concert Michelle and I ran up to the parking structure to watch the guys leave again. As we got up there they all had just got in the van so we waved and got some waves back. We had attempted after that to find where the guys were staying because Hammond really isn't the best area but couldn't find them so we ended up just turning in and going to bed (at 2am). Tomorrow was going to be another New Kids show! Could life get any better? I think not!

Joe After Party

Words can't explain how I feel about New Kids On The Block, especially the youngest memeber Joe McIntyre. After two concerts I was off to the after party. I wasn't sure what to expect since I hadn't been to any of the after parties NKOTB has done. And I didnt want to spoil anything before we left so I didn't watch or read anything about any part of Joe's tour.

We got to the Underground, this is were I met Donnie Wahlberg and memories started filling back into my heart. I was hoping to get another picture with Joe and if not at least a hug but like Donnie's party, it was packed! We waited for awhile and had a drink or two while waiting.

Then there he was JOEY MCINTYRE!! aka JOEY JOE, when I get excited it's what I call him for some reason:) He got up and sang. Then sat down for a bit. All of a sudden he went out the back door. About 20 mintues went by and we figured Joe probably left. I told Liz and Christina I was going outside to see what I could find out. Before I could go outside, Ethan came around and I danced with him for a minute or two just enough time to get a pic with him since I missed a pic with him in Detroit.

As I was outside talking to security and other fans, they told me Joe probably did leave for the night so I engaged in conversation..assuming Joe was gone for the night. (like I said I didnt know what to expect from Joe, so wasnt sure if he had really left but figuring he was exhausted he might very well be). About 15-20 minutes went by and I decided to go back inside and find 'the girls'. As I walked back into the club everyone was rushing to Joe who happened to be out on the floor and standing right where we were!!! My only thought was 'damn how could I miss my chance' So, I rushed over there. Joe was RIGHT in front of me everyone had there macpac cards out but of course I didnt have time to get mine out of my wallet. I kept touching him because people would push him into me but he just wouldnt give me a hug..finially I got eye contact with him and asked 'do I need my macpac card out for a hug?'

Joe 'no'

'well, then may I have one' I said as he wrapped his arms around me!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!! I know it sounds funny but I loved his sweater. it was so soft! :)

After my hug I went around the other way trying to find 'the girls' they had moved so I stood on the bench and followed Joe around from the other side taking pictures of him as he hugged people. Posted some pictures on twitter in the hopes that people find themselves next to Joe because if I had that moment I wished someone would take a picture for me.

Joe then sang a little more and then said thank you. He actually was there til about 1:30am, which I didnt think he would be there that long.

Seeing we had been going for 2 days straight we ended up going back to the hotel to sleep. I guess Joe went out for pizza afterwards because he had some friends in town. Glad he seemed to end his tour on a great note! My Joe adventures are the best! He inspires me so much. Love him!

Chicago

Chicago is my kind of town......

I have been traveling to Chicago my whole life. Being from Milwaukee it is an easy day trip and the city is just great! But as much as I have gone to Chicago there is nothing like going there to see a NKOTB concert for this matter Joe McIntyre!!

The whole way from Detroit I was so excited. I knew we would get there early enough to get ready and go to the fan meet up. Then after the concert we were going to the after party with JOE!!!

We got to Chicago and got dressed and headed to the fan meet up. Seems no one was there though, later to find out that a good group got into the venue early. We are blockheads though and in it for the long haul so we stayed and waited to get into the venue, although, thought I might lose a few toes while waiting I knew in the long run it would be worth it. I meet some new friends in line. There's just something about BH's. Once you meet them your instantly connected and from this point on it's like a family reunion at all New Kid's events. It's probably one of the things I love most about this whole experience as I age. We are old enough to understand how precious these moments are and we find life long friendships.

We got into the venue and ended up about 10 rows back. Which all in all wasn't bad. Joe's show was outstanding yet again but I never had any doubt. Liz had asked him in Detroit if he could sing Moon River and he said no it was clubby enough for his set. So, we didnt think he would do The Difference. To our suprise he did!!! Love that song and the emotion he puts into it..heartbreaking! I decided to video a few songs in Chicago and of course I wanted Im waiting...so I was recording it and at the end of the song he threw his shirt into the crowd...the person kiddy corner from me caught it. So when you watch my video on youtube thats why it just stops taping. LOL !!!

Then it was on to the afterparty!........

Detroit Show

I feel so blessed I get to do the adventures I get to do and with all the great friends that I have made throughout this WHOLE process.

Detroit was an added concert for us. We had only planned on doing Chicago but once Michigan was announced we decided what is one more day. So, we bought tickets not knowing eachother bought tickets we ended up with 2 extra. Christina and I, orginally were only going together but then Liz came on board since she missed HOB and I sold the other ticket. Although, with last minute plans we we accidently forgot about the time difference.

We figured we wouldnt get to the show til about 7:30pm, so we knew we wouldnt be up front. Figuring we would get good seats in Chicago we were okay with that because we were going to see Joey McIntyre!

I have loved Joe McIntyre since I was a young girl. I have followed his career from NKOTB to solo stuff back to NKOTB and now back to solo stuff. Although, until this past July I have never met him. Joe's solo shows are my favorite! I LOVE them. So, for me to see Joe no matter where I was standing meant the world to me and to being doing this with Christina and Liz, two people that understand where Im coming from means even more.

With that being said...we got into the venue and ended up on the second level center. Pretty good seats considering how late we got in line. We waited for what seemed forever for Joe to come on stage but when he did it was worth every minute. The show was AMAZING!

Knowing there was no after party, we stood out by the bus with our MacPac cards in the hopes to see Joe. Also, I really wanted to meet Rob Lewis. It was on thing I wanted to do this summer but every concert I had been to we always seemed to miss meeting eachother.

The band went by us...Donald, Ethan, Alex....talked to all of them. Love the band. They are so nice. We continued to wait and then I heard Rob's voice coming from behind me. I wasnt missing my chance so I stood over by him and finially my chance came. Such a very sweet guy. He gives the best hugs and had a very nice chat with him.

We let Rob go on his way because I knew there were more people out there wanting his time. So, again we waited in the hopes Joe was going to come out. After waiting for awhile, Johnny came out and said for anyone with MacPac cards to line up by the bus. My first thought was 'I'm going to get my hug'..then realized Joe was letting us on the bus! OMG, I was so excited!! I was going on JOE MCINTYRE'S BUS!!!!!! What was I going to say?? I have always got anxiety on not knowing what to say to him until I get to him then I dont get nervous at all.

So, they were letting people on the bus 2 by 2. It came up to me and Christina. Christina thinking I was nervous started talking to Joe...a few seconds went by and I realized I havent said a word. So I then budded in the conversation so I could get a few words in. Then, Joe took pics with both of us and we were done.

OMG, I was so frickin happy!!! Joe's eyes get me everytime!!!! That in itself made it worth the whole trip! But we still had Chicago to go! :)