Washington, DC - N.K.O.T.B.S.B..baby!

************START OF AN ADVENTURE************

On June 2nd, My sister Grace, and my other Blockhead sisters Angela and Crystal had been planning this since November of last year when we heard about the tour. We couldn't wait to go. We couldn't believe that we would see them in 24 hours. Per our typical NKOTB adventure, I began driving the car to Washington, DC. All of us settled in, and we knew that we were in for a ride, and of course we would make our standard stops at each state line, North Carolina and Virginia. We even managed to stop at South of the Border (NC Border, that is).

Once we arrived in Washington, DC. We couldn't sit in our room, we decided to go looking for the White House. We were in the Chinatown district of D.C., so we had a few blocks, but it was a cool night, and not many people, so we took advantage and saw the Washington Monument and the White House.

On June 3rd, we all went to the Jack Diamond Show at 4:45am to see Brooke Ryan. No one was there yet, but we were dressed in our NKOTB garb as well as one my TWIX dresses. It is hard to not make a comment when I wear it, and of course, the inevitable question is why TWIX, and I always say because of New Kids on the Block and Jordan Knight. NKTWIXGIRL is my alternate identity in this world, and I love it.

The Jack Diamond show was fun. We met Jack, Ally, and Jimmy. Angela and I got to play a game and win tickets and get on video feed. We met Aisha Tyler (formerly on Talk Soup and Friends). Santa Clause was even in the studio audience. Jack busted me and Angela for texting, but we couldn't help it. I had a blast promoting New Kids!

When the show was done, I got asked to go on another radio show. It was a sports show, and they had to ask me why I was wearing a TWIX dress, of course.

We managed to get to Georgetown with one of the best cabbies ever. He was so funny. We had to get to DC Cupcakes (featured on TLC), and the line was already long, and they weren't open yet. Grace managed to place an order, but we had to wait, so we walked around, and of course, again, you can't miss a gold TWIX dress, so there were plenty of cat calls and necks jerking around.

We finally got back to the hotel, and I thought I could take a quick nap, but instead, we decided to go to Union Station just in case the guys were going to hop a train from the performance from The Today Show. Unluckily for us, they weren't there,so we headed back to the hotel, but we did at least get to ride the DC subway.

************THE MEET/GREET************

Now, I haven't seen the guys 5* since Tampa as a non-TWIX fan, so I have seen some of the guys in my TWIX outfit (Jordan, Donnie, and Jonathan), so I was apprehensive.

In typical fashion, I walked in with my basket of Twixes. Most of the NKOTB fans got it. In fact, I met Martha again, who I had previously met at our Houston adventure. She is from Mexico. The BSB fans did not get my outfit, and I was getting some evil eyes, but I didn't care because I wasn't wearing the dress to impress them.

My sister Grace and I were waiting to get our information, and our seats. We were so excited when we found out that we were going to be the front row on the "shaft". It is the penis stage after all. Hey, I never labeled it, that's just what it's called. We got into the area, and several people wanted to take my pictures. We were looking for our F group. Luckily, Rachel (@belarach) found us and organized the group into how and who we were going to stand next to for the two pictures. I didn't care but I knew I had to stand next to Jordan in one.

They called our group, and my hands were sweating. There were 3 rules, don't bring the presents inside, don't bring a camera, and don't bring anything to sign. People's items were being confiscated; however, I happened to walk in with my basket, and they didn't say anything, not even Earl, the bodyguard. Now Earl and I get along since the Ddub birthday parties, and he thinks I'm hilarious. He always shakes his head and chuckles whenever he sees me. I let out a breath.

It was like the chorus of angels because all of our F group was already talking to them, and when I walked in. Everyone said OOOH! Jordan started chuckling, and he goes, My twix girl. (Inside, I'm about to fall out and say Why, yes, yes I am). He hugs me and kisses me on my cheek (did I say I was about to pass out?), but I managed to kiss his neck (yes, I could've died then). I hand Jordan the basket of twixes and he laughs and says thank you...technically it was for all of them, but hey, whatever! I could only find the Java, Regular, and Peanut Butter ones, but it wasn't from lack of trying. Additionally, I had a mini sign that says Have a TWIXted Tour, and a thank you letter commenting on how much they meant to me, especially during my treatment.

Joey then says Jordan man, you've got to get the girl on stage and eat her. All I could muster up is OOOOH...(the appropriate response would be Now that would make me have an O face, which is one of Jordan's songs on his New Single Unfinished - Did you like how I incorporated that?!) Then I said you guys stepped it up this tour, so I did, too, and I hit my button, and my dress lit up. They start yelling OOOOH!

Jonathan wants to hug me because he thinks it is the most hilarious and is literally laughing the whole time. Donnie says hey Twixie come here and give me a hug, which I do. He tells me he likes my dress. Then they start yelling to get into the picture, so I do. I run to Jordan and they click it, then everyone starts saying get by your other person, and I end up going to Joey Mc, since I was assigned to him, but Jordan said where are you going, and I said I had to (trust me I kick myself because I should've stayed). Joey says I want a light up outfit, and I said hey DM me NKTWIXGIRL, and I'll get you the information.

Then it was over, but Jordan puts his arm around me (yes, I could've died then too), and he says you're taking a picture with me, so I said okay. Jonathan then says, me too, and Donnie goes, uh the whole group. They start yelling for Joey who is occupied with a fan, and the ILAA folks are telling us to wrap up, so they said let's just take the picture with the 4 of us...so they did. I was so happy then. I asked Danny I know it's not healthy but do you like the dress, and he says No I love it. YEAH for Chocolate caramel goodness everywhere! Jordan says I'll see you out there and gives me one more hug, and I said Thank you so much (yeah dork), and I proceed to hug everyone again. Earl is yelling Twixie quit taking up so much time, so I said okay, I'm going but had one more hug from Jordan (YES LORD)! At this moment, it literally was the guys and me - PURE CARAMEL BLISS, I tell ya.

I walk out, and high five Earl, and he just starts laughing at me. I jump up and down high fiving my sister (Earl said hurry up to her, and she said I'm just waiting on my sister, and he said, you were separated at birth, you can be separate now!). I am literally shaking now just from the adrenaline and pure joy of it all. The dress it worked! Now there were several folks also from other countries, and they were excited to take a picture with me (now that's a twist of fate!). As I was walking out, I saw Ethan Farmer (Bass Player for NKOTB), and he said oh TWIX! I said hey check out the new and improved dress, and I turn it on for him, and he said That's so dramatic. HA!

Of course now, Grace has tweeted and Facebooked my "WIN" because I was truly #WINNING!

************THE CONCERT & POST ************

What can I say? The opening opening act was Ashley something or another. She was NOT good. She tried to be Lady Gaga and Britney and failing miserably at all. Jordin Sparks opened the show, and she rocked it out...thank goodness.

NKOTBSB show was remarkable. I was skeptical about the BSB portion as well as the mash up. Yes I would've liked more NKOTB stuff like Click Click Click, but overall it was a good show. And yeah, they could've used some light up outfits.

My dress was "ON" the whole time. AJ, Brian, and Howie would look over and just have these puzzled faces. But my dress does say NK, not BSB! When Jordan finally saw me, he pointed me out, and thankfully, my sister got that picture. I was pretty happy.

After the concert, I sat myself right across the street so when the buses pulled out, they would see me because my dress was "on". The first bus was Joey's, and he opened the window and said TWIX GIRL, TWIX GIRL, I Love you...Guys come up here and see the TWIX girl. Now, I don't know who guys he was referring to, but I was about to bolt. The bus stopped and I almost ran after it because I thought it was for me. HAHA! It wasn't. The 2nd bus was Brian Littrell and he pointed to me and shrugged his shoulders but smiled anyway. There was another bus, but no one seemed to be on it. I could only assume it was Howie since he was traveling with his family including a newborn. The last bus was the baby daddy bus. Donnie was waving, but he did not see me, so I ran after the bus, and the bus slowed down. Donnie opens the window and he puts his hand out. He looks over and tells the driver open the door (yes, I would've gotten on - you don't have to ask me twice!) but two fans also came up, and he said hold on. He shakes my hand and says it was good to see you TWIXGIRL!

Now, I'm completely happy! The concert was jamming, and I got my experiences truly to last me a lifetime.

******CLOSING IN ON THE END OF THE ADVENTURE******

On June 4th, My sister had to leave early, so she left at 4 in the morning. When we finally got up, we met with my friend Jenny Wade (friends since 8th grade) who lived in that area. We went to Georgetown for shopping and then ate at Serendipity for the legendary frozen hot chocolate. Then we went sightseeing at the Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial. Jenny is the best tour guide ever! We went to eat at Raku and walked around Dupont circle. We had different varieties of Vodka at the Russia House, the bartenders are cute!

As we were leaving, Angela and Crystal went to get their picture taken and asked a young man in a blue blazer and a button down and a Congressional Pin to take their picture. He proceeds to get in their picture and starts trying to maul Angela. I start running over since I saw a black Suburban pulling up. Thankfully, they got away.

We get back, and we take a quick chill before we start getting ready to go to the District on 18th st. We were supposed to meet Brooke, but she got tied up with the Kenny Chesney concert. This club is set like an apartment loft, and it played all types of music. This night was an adventure itself. All records were broken because I got hit on by men, women, and couples. I got asked to dance with someone for $1000 and diamonds, and no, I didn't because I don't know what type of dance he had in mind. HA! Another guy who was dancing with me almost had a happy ending, seriously, mini Vin Diesel, learn to control it!! AND I managed to get money from a bouncer who was so cute. We were crazy heading back and we seemed to perk the interests of Fire Truck #3, who hit the siren for us, Fire Truck #6 who kept flashing their lights on us, a guy who wanted to jump in our cab, another creepy guy who tried to stalk us at our hotel, and our cab driver who wanted kisses instead of payment.

All in all, it was a fun night.

The next day, we were exhausted, but I still wanted to see my Brookie, so we met her at the District Bar and Grille. Food was yummy, and we left DC by 1pm.

Chalk up another great adventure!

11 MORE DAYS

The anticipation keeps growing. I have been reading everyone's accounts from the cruise, and truly my love for the fans grows every day. For the most part, these women and some men are truly so remarkable and so giving. We truly are a different type of family. I have been looking at the pictures and just keeping up with the daily tweets from the guys. I can't wait...I have nervous energy, and I can't keep from smiling just thinking about what new adventures I'm about to experience with my sister Grace, and my other BH sisters Angela and Crystal. Every year, it's like a reunion to meet up with previous concert goers and to meet new ones. I am about to reveal a new TWIX dress. The guys are stepping up their game, so I figured I would, too.

Missing the Boat

So a little sad that in 21 days, I will be missing the boat in Miami, as another cruise passes; however, 2 weeks after that, I will be in DC with my 3 other sisters and watching the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys tour. I'm very excited and I will unveil my new dress. Then 3 weeks after that, I plan to be in Atlanta!! We'll have to check funds, but I hope to be in Greensboro in July, so I can't wait!!

I hope to see some new friends as well as ones that I have met through this NKOTB journey. Sure, there is a certain sense of competitiveness when it comes to vying for one of the guy's attention; however, there is a certain LOVE that is all encompassing that people who are not true fans can't understand, and that's alright because I understand it, and I will bask in it...to hold me for another year.

MUCH LOVE to the BH army, Bloquitas, etc. etc.

Anxiously Waiting the Block

It's the CasiNO tour...it's not a tour, but I started feeling the urges to see them again. I'm in a good place now. I got my first "normal" result, and I'm on my way to remission. I want to celebrate, and who better than with the five guys who helped take my mind off of my illness. The only feasible way for me to go is if they make it to the South. Imagine my surprise to know that they were going to have a kick-off concert before the cruise in Miami, FL. I contacted AMEX for the pre-sale, and they sold all the reserved tickets. At the second selling, I missed it, too. I can't believe it. I just have to believe that the tickets I'm supposed to get will come to me. I'm not upset, but just needed my "shot" of the Block. With any luck, I'll get the three other guys to tweet me, and I'll be sitting there cheering them on, and hoping they know how much they mean to me.

My Love For the Block

I guess I really don't have the stories that everyone has. The first time I ever heard of "The New Kids on the Block," was when I was visiting my cousin in San Francisco. I was heading back to the south, and I had experienced so much in California that I didn't want to leave. I heard Joey McIntyre sing "Please Don't Go Girl" on a radio station called KMEL. My heart went pitter patter, and I thought to myself I need to find out who this group was because they were singing my song. I wasn't ready to leave California.

When I came home, I went to read up on this group. I thought what a bunch of cute guys and also thought they sounded like "New Edition" or "Jackson 5". I loved those groups. I was already older, so I didn't quite get the crushes that everyone else had, but Jordan Knight did catch my eye at least a few times. Then my college roommate asked me if I was interested in going to a New Kids concert. I thought great in Columbia, SC. I thought that was great since it was my first concert. I was in the nose bleed seats, and I believe a column was blocking most of my view, but it was fun, but I couldn't hear much afterwards. I still followed them, and their songs found a way to my mixed tapes...ahh, yes, the proverbial mixed tape. The angst of young love and the pain of sorrow and betrayal of a tender age.

I still followed their individual careers. I saw Donnie Wahlberg in "Ransom," and I heard him produce his brother Mark. I saw what a true brother he was. I watched his movie career and was in complete joy at his breakthrough performance in "Sixth Sense." I thought there is no way they would ever come back. I listened with joy at the new bands like N'Sync or 98 degrees, and was estatic when I saw that Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre were doing their own solo singing careers. I loved their singles, and I saw that they all were growing up to be handsome men. I cheered Joey on during Dancing with the Stars, and I even voted most of the time. I laughed at Jordan while he was trying to dance with Charro on Surreal Life. People made fun of me because I watched them, but I didn't care. I thought it was sweet, and then I watched in horror when Donnie got chopped up in "Saw" but applauded that his character was misguided because I believed it, and I continued to watch the replays of "Band of Brothers." My grandfather was in the Philippines in the Bataan Death March in World War II, so I had respect for that time period, and I loved that everyone else did too in that movie. I also saw Jon Knight on Oprah, and my heart broke for him. I just wanted to wrap him up in a steel blanket and let him know that he was loved and that no one would ever want to hurt him. I loved that Jordan was there supporting his brother Jonathan.


Flash forward 15 years later. I hear inklings that "New Kids on the Block" were planning to reunite. I set my tivo to record. I watched it over and over again. My eyes did not deceive me. They aged so well...I was taken aback. They were coming back to perform new songs. I was scared and anxious. Yes, I did it. I went online and heard some of the leaked tracks, and I was excited. Would they be accepted again? I scoured youtube for some videos and saw some rehearsal videos and watched every E! News network biography. I knew alot of the fans had a few years on me, and they had the dolls and the sheets. I had to catch up! I stayed home from work, and I watched them perform. I still have that on my tivo, and I was excited. I played it for my daughter, and she loved them too. My younger sister got swept in the mania as well...we were all a collective now.

My sister won tickets to the Charlotte concert. I watched their AOL video to see if I could catch some of the dance moves. The seats weren't great, but 2 friends and us were waiting...and the first notes were playing and the nostalgia video began. My heart was racing. And you couldn't keep us in our seats. After that concert, we went to see if we could spot them in the buses...and it was the "After Show Get Down". The security folks could not hold back the power, and it went charging. I got nervous looking for my sister when I saw a couple of girls fall. I didn't have to worry because she was stuck to Jordan. HAHA! And the mania took over. The guys still seemed gracious and looked like they were having fun.

We had bought tickets to the Tampa show a couple days later. We were staying at a hotel, and I see a glimmer of Zack, and I realize that they are staying at the same hotel. My heart skipped a beat. I got to 5* in Tampa, and I was nervous trying to figure out what to say. I thought I had it down, but when it was our group's turn. I froze. I got pushed to Danny, who was so sweet with his warm and strong hug. He talked to us, and I remember saying something about Lupus. Danny didn't say anything, but I could tell he was wondering what I was talking about. My sister was talking to Jordan, and I finally had the courage to turn around and face him. It was picture time, and I had to remember to turn sideways. I was standing behind Jordan, and I couldn't figure out what to say. I do some training at work, and I was frozen. I managed to say Thank You for this to Danny, Jordan, Donnie, Joey, and Jon, and everyone thanked me back and hugged me tight. Jon was the last to hug me, and that hug was so heartfelt, that I could have died then completely satisfied. My sister and I had front row tickets, and I danced and had the best time. We tried to catch them afterwards, but everyone was heading home to vote. It was going to be monumental but for another reason.

I thought I have had my fun...then in February 2009. I got devastating news from my doctor. I was asked to return after some tests. They would not talk to me over the phone, and my heart froze. The word Cancer came out of my doctor's mouth, and I knew that my outlook was imperative to my prognosis. Although I had family that loved and supported me, I couldn't think of them during this time. Whenever I thought of my daughter, the images of her not having a mother to teach her what moms should broke my heart to the point of non functioning. I knew I didn't have time for that, so for every treatment and every test. I listened and watched old videos, and I looked through and relived my memories of New Kids on the Block. I laughed when I watched the Youtube 2 Girls and a Cup...every time Danny laughed...it would just make me laugh, and the look of horror on Jon's face made me forget why I was there on the table to begin with. I laughed when Jordan and the rest of the guys pulled out their Twixes during the Twisted song via youtube.

So in March when I heard they were coming to Greenville, I made the conscious decision to be noticed...so I thought it over and made the Twix dress. Who could miss a gold candy bar?! It worked. Jordan pointed me out and even Joey made a comment. It was done. My new identity was born as the NKTWIXGIRL. I changed my twitter name, and began to get new followers that were blockheads. It opened a dialogue and I met so many wonderful people. I was still going through treatment, New Kids was my outlet, my own private Idaho. They were my island...tbey made me laugh when things weren't laughable...and they were there with me even though they didn't know it. I went to my surgery knowing I had met another one of the five...Donnie. He was very nice in Greenville and showed complete love for the fans. My love for the guys deepened. I read the twitter updates, and I was inspired every day. I even got retweeted by Jordan, and I almost fell over. I saw them in Atlanta, but I couldn't get a hold of them, but I was still in pain from the surgery, so I wasn't quite up to speed, bu the Twix dress was.

I knew I had to go to another concert, so I had tickets to Charlotte and Raleigh. I had a plan and everything, but my heart broke, when the venues were cancelled. I wanted to thank the guys just to let them know what they did for me, so my local BH army, my sister Grace, my friends Angela and Crystal took a road trip from Charleston, SC to Houston, TX. 22 hours later, we arrived, and we were tired, but that morning 3 hours later, we were jumping out and scrambling when we saw Jon's tweet. We figured out they were at the venue, so we were there, hugging and crying with Jon, who was so nice to every one. I wanted to thank him for overcoming his anxiety because New Kids would not have been the same without him, and would the dynamic be the same? I'm glad we didn't find out, but as everyone became emotional...I didn't know if I needed to heap on another layer to Jon, so I couldn't say anything. The good thing is my sister, a Jon girl, got a chance to take pictures with him. We just forgot his gift.

The Houston concert was nuts...so much love. Tears flowed down my face too. Was it over? Would I ever get a chance to say thank you. We tried to wait, but security made us leave after the concert. We went to the after party at Club Hush, but it was just too many people. We had a blast.

Then my moment came. No one was going to be able to come with me to see Donnie at Club Life in Atlanta, but I was going since he and Jordan started this whole ride. I needed to say something to him. Then to my surprise Jordan Idol was coming to Atlanta, so I took it as a sign and went to see them. 2 days before my trip. Jordan followed me on twitter, and I kept reviewing with my own eyes to make sure I wasn't sleeping. It was the world telling me to go, so I got two other Twix shirts done, and I was ready to go. I loved Donnie's set, but then I planted myself until I could talk to him. No one was letting me through. Donnie was gracious and I felt him lift my chin up a few times. It made me happy, and Jordan smiled at my dress. As Jordan was heading out, I was left with a dilemma, to chase Jordan or to say what I came to say. After much waiting, Donnie went to hug a girl behind me. I finally got the courage to say thank you and semi-explained to him why I was saying thank you. He bowed his head and said thank you to me, and that it is people like me that inspire him. I was trying to keep it together. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He took my camera and took a picture, and then I remembered I needed to get my sister's birthday present signed, so I asked him, and without hesitation he did it. I got a tweet later on that night about going to the party, but I couldn't go. Tears were streaming down my face because now, he knows, a representative of the group knows what he/they did for me. I'm still fighting, and some days are tough, but those tweets...those pictures...it helps push me through.

Yes, there is something special that each brings. The inner strength and deep passion that Danny has. His dedication to his regime and the power behind his dance. The sweetness of a new Daddy and complete humor that Joey brings. He is the second Chairman...the teasing that Jonathan brings, and give me a break...the man looks good...who else looks good in a wetsuit with a cast? He keeps complaining about him being old, but can I look that good too? Then there's Donnie. He brings sensuality to a new level, but truly cares about his soldiers. He is the general except he fights in the trenches with us. And Jordan who teases and titillates with his dimples and winks and laughs.

I love them all for what they did for me...they may never know, but they helped move me at the time that I needed...I met some lifelong friends like Angela, Crystal, Michelle, Anja, Jo, Amber, Kristina & her sister Courtney, and many more in the Tweetworld and Facebook world. It is even more amazing to me to see stars that opened for them become even bigger like Lady Gaga, Jabbawockeez, Natasha Bedingfield, and Jesse McCartney. I see how giving they are of them, and truly how happy they are when the others succeed. Could any other group do this? Maybe...but I haven't met them. I know the group didn't reunite just to help me out, but forces aligned, and I couldn't be happier that they helped "walk" me through this path.

I could never heap the thank you's, write the thank you's...it will never be enough. Although I get teased at work, I take it in stride, but no one talks badly about them in my presence. Their gift to me is too valuable. And though I may not ever be able to truly hang out and just talk to them and let them know how wonderful and beautiful people they are, I just hope that they get the message somehow.