Photos: http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/Feathah/NKOTB%20Today%20Show%20Redux/
Sometimes life is actually really great. And just when you think it couldn't get any better it does! It's nice o have that outlook instead of the opposite.
As detailed in my previous blog postings, the Today Show cancellation was very disappointing. But then Joe McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, and Danny Wood came out to the line to meet and greet all the us fans that had been waiting for days to see them. They hugged us, took photos, signed autographs. And that was a priceless experience that never would have happened otherwise. Then in the following days, my dream of meeting all five New Kids, particularly Donnie Wahlberg, came true at their signing at Best Buy. And Donnie was so over-the-top amazing that it was more than I could have ever hoped for!
What could possibly happen next?? Well...
The day the Today Show was canceled, al list made its way down the line where we were all supposed to write our names and email addresses. The idea was that if the Today Show could do anything for all of us who camped out they'd be able to reach us. I figured it was a long shot but gave my info anyway. You never know! As it turns out it was great idea. A day or so later I got an email from The Today Show. It stated in part: "The boys are back. They will be performing on our plaza on Thursday, September 4th. Due to your loyalty in waiting outside (some of you camping for days) to see the New Kids, we would like to ensure that you don't have to do it again. We will be putting all of your names on a special list so you can be in the front pen for the concert."
WOW! The Today Show and the New Kids really came through in a big way! Unfortunately, Katie (the biggest New Kids fan I know) had to work! Boooo! And Kim went back to Texas. Awww! So I was on my own. But then found out my new Canadian friends who we had camped out with were driving back down to do it all again! (Hi Sarah!)
The Today Show let us in around 6:15am and gave us our VIP passes. We felt special! Then they led us through a building and as we approach the doors to the plaza I look outside- and who is standing there on the stage a few feet from the door? DONNIE! He was taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. I couldn't believe it! He was right there!!!
I was much more composed than at Best Buy. No crying, screaming, declarations of love, etc. But I was still excited and somewhat nervous. Donnie being so close I immediately reached for my camera. Fumbling, I manage to trun it on and the screen says "No memory card." OH NO! I had left it in the card reader at home! Then I remember I have the memory card from work because I had to upload merchandising pix. I deleted all the product shots as quickly as I could and started snapping away.
Donnie broke away from the crowd for a bit, testing mics, playing a little keyboard - he seemed very involved with all aspects of the performance. He then returned to the edge of the stage and I finally - FINAL LY! - got to take my picture with Donnie! (Thanks you Sarah!) He seemed very tired but was very sweet and friendly with all the fans. My mission was complete! YAY!
Now not only had I met all five, taken my picture with them , but I was about to watch them perform just a few feet away from me!They performed "Step By Step" and "Single" (with Ne Yo.) And they performed them so many times - between soundchecks, rehearsals, etc - that I wasn't even totally sure which was the actual televised version! Haha! Donnie and Jonathan hung out outside for most of the morning. And all five were on stage almost the whole time! They would kid around with each other, Jordan danced a lot, Joe cracked jokes into the microphone. This was more than I could have ever hoped for.
Between rehearsals, Donnie was off stage standing behind the barricades taking pictures with more fans. Sarah suggested taking a picture with him together. He smiled and was very friendly and we took our picture. He started to leave but there were more girls coming over. He said "I'm so tired. But it's ok." Girls started screaming "Face time!" and "A million hugs!" - things he posted in his blog and s aid on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrmhljJaaYE He shook his head and laughed a little and stayed. I felt bad for him! I was close enough to say "Bet you regret saying Face Time!" But he responded "No no I meant it." What a gracious and patient man.
Jonathan made the rounds as well and Sarah took her picture with him. It's funny that the one known to to the most reclusive has been spending so much time with the fans. A bunch of girls at the center of the stage were screaming and Jonathan said "Hi! Haven't seen you since yesterday!" HAHA! With all the New Kids events all week there were a lot of familiar faces.
Al Roker wasn't there so Chris Cimino was doing the weather. As it turned out he filmed a lot of the report right by us. So Sarah and I were in a lot of the shots. Right before one of the reports I asked him "Do you like the New Kids?" just to be goofy. He said "Uhhhh..." I prompted " YEAH ya do!" And he said "Yeah I do!" Then I told him I loved the weather as much as the New Kids and that the weather rocked. Just to be dumb. And wheree did we end up during the weather? Right behind him. HA! During one report th ey went from the live shot to the weather map. And while Chris Cimino continued doing the weather, Donnie came out and was right behind us We didn't know where to look! I mean we were on TV - but Donnie was right behind us! So the shot returns to Chris and the crowd behind him and we have our back to the camera because we are looking at Donnie instead! Then we spin around - and just in time - because Chris is asking us some goofy question about Willard Scott being the sixth New Kid or something.
Donnie stayed and stayed, taking photo after photo until everyone there had some "face time." As I stood there taking pictures, watching all of this go on, I had to pinch myself. This entire experience fulfilled every childhood wish, dream and fantasy.
So the performance is long over and Donnie finally about to leave. He is still in the crowd among the fans with their bodyguard, Robo. Then Robo asks "Is that gate behind you open?" referring the barricades. I tell him they are locked. He talks to some Today Show people so they can get the gate open and escort Donnie out. Robo says "Can you be cool?" Of course I'm nodding yes, all nervous. Robo then wa lks Donnie through the cowd and steps away for a second to open the gate. And now Donnie is standing directly in front of me! I had to seized the moment and say "Thank you so much for coming back!" And Donnie said " Thank YOU for coming back" And makes a kiss face!!!! AAAAACK! I was dying! And then he left.
It was the perfect ending to a crazy, whirlwind, dream-come-true week! I said good bye to all the friends I made and headed to work where reality awaited. :)
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