So last Tuesday was the No Doubt concert. H & I got there early and waiting in line with other Tour Club members. We had fun looking at a gazillion pictures of Rpattz that I had hiding on my iPhone, but that’s besides the point. When it was time to go in (1/2 hour before the rest of the concert goers) we had to line up by last name. Based on my last name, and how fast Tour Club rep found my tickets, H & I were the first people into the ACC for this concert. So cool. I totally bought a teeshirt, but was disappointed that they didn’t have a belt buckle.
Moving on… The openers were Bedouin Soundclash (local band, awesome!) and Paramore. They were both fantastic but lets be honest here, I was waiting for the main event. When the lights went down and the show started I think I peed a little. We were so close. I could see the twinkle in their eyes, the sweat on their brows. GAH. There are no words. They opened with Spiderwebs and closed with Sunday Morning. Everything in between made me squeal and jump and skank and scream.
If I could go again, I would. They better get their inspiration for writing a new album on this tour, because they better be back in Toronto one day.
Oh, and one last thing… I was carded 3 times. The last time was a security spot check for the beer I was holding. He honestly thought he’d caught an underaged drinker. Hello buddy, I’m thirty-four. When he figured it out he was like “Good for you” and sent me on my way. I skipped a little lighter for the rest of the night. The lighting must’ve been f-ed.
I am totally peeing my pants right now. I woke up this morning and it hit me, really hit me for the first time. I’m going to see No Doubt tomorrow night. I’ve been such a huge fan of theirs for the past 15 years and never seen them in concert. I’ve seen Gwen solo, but that’s just not the same. I have all their CD’s, boxsets and even some overseas bootlegs. Gwen and the boys basically picked up where NKOTB as far as a music obsession.
I’ll say it loud, and say it proud. I fucking love New Kids on the Block. It’s been that way since the summer of 1989 when my best friend received a copy of Hangin’ Tough from the Columbia House cassette tape mail order thing. I’d heard the odd song on the radio, but I was more caught up in the likes of Rick Astley & River Pheonix at the time.
It all changed that one afternoon. I still remember sitting on the couch in her living room declaring my love. That summer my room slowly transformed, poster by poster, into a shrine of the five bad brothers from beantown land. We went and saw them in concert together, bought t-shirts and I swear it was the most fantastic day ever, up to that point in my life.
I continued on this path of NKOTB-itis for the next 3 years. I went to 3 more concerts, bought many more tee shirts, and covered every bare piece of bedroom wall with pictures of them. I had the bedsheets for shitsakes. (see picture right). I based my real life boyfriend requirements on how he compared to Joey-Joe. Needless to say, much of my time between early ‘91 and late ‘92 was spent single.
I eventually got a boyfriend (who was no match for Mr. McIntyre) and moved on from the boys. The posters came down, the tapes went into storage and I started listening to different kinds of music.
That was until one fateful morning in January 2008. I was bored, surfing the internet and googled their name. I had remembered that there was a fansite for the guys and thought I would check it out, to see what they’d been up to the past few years beyond movie roles, reality shows and 3rd place finishes in dance competitions. NKOTBfans.com was rumbling about a possible reunion. I immediately got teary eyed and freaked out. I sent mr.sidekickgirl into the depths of my basement to bring out the boxes of memorablilia I thought I’d never look at again. I curled up in my pink New Kids comforter and watched all the old videos. It was wonderful, I felt young again!
The rumours eventually gave way to confirmation that the boys were indeed, back in town. There was a flurry of Today Show appearances, website launches and songs about summertime being released. It was suddenly fun to be a blockhead again. I reconnected with friends from my past, made new friends & found out some of the girls that had been a part of my life post-NKOTB were also secretly fans.
When the guys decided to go out on a reunion tour there was no question that I would be attending. I sold my soul to the devil and got my place of employment to let me enjoy the use of their corporate box for the event (little did I know how that would turn out). When the first concert in Toronto sold out immediately, they announced a second concert, two days prior. They had something called a 5* package that included meeting and getting a picture with the guys. WHAT? You mean that I could get premium seats as well as meet the objects of my affections for close to two decades? My 8th anniversary present from my husband was one of those tickets. They announced a third concert shortly after, and I also got tickets to that show, it was the first of their tour and I wanted to be one of the first to see how 20 years treated them.
I went to all three concerts. I shared my first NKOTB show in 20 years with the husband, and it was fantastic. The following night I met them which was probably in my top 10 moments of all time. After getting a little bit of time with each guy (and some kisses, hugs, etc) I situated myself between Donnie and Joe for the picture. It was my one chance, and dammit I was touching the both of them for as long as possible. We sat 5th row that night, and I took a gazillion pictures.
Jon Knight ended up finding his way into my corporate box on the night of my third concert. My best friend was with me, and as a long time Jonathan supporter was utterly speechless. He was so nice to, first of all stop by, but to also take the time to have an actual conversation with me and take a picture.
At any rate, this is way more srs bsns than I intended to get when I started this blog post. But I’m looking forward to seeing them in concert again this summer. I doubt I’ll ever get the chance to meet them again, but that’s okay. I never thought I’d have the opportunity in the first place. I can’t thank them enough for their dedication to their fans.
… or How Ticketmaster makes us take it up the keester.
So I’ve been waiting my whole life (or at least 15 years) to see Weezer in concert. For some reason I’ve missed them on all previous stops to my fair city. So when I heard that they would be hitting the road with Blink 182 (also a favorite from the ole days) I said FUCK YEAH! Count me in. Presale tickets went on sale yesterday, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to be at a computer when it was time so I missed out. I figured I’d get just as good a seats this morning when it went on sale to the general public.
WRONG! I started clicking right at 10am, apparently with the rest of Toronto because I ended up with 3 lawn seats. After service charges it was just way too expensive, so Steve said to get two instead. That I could go with my brother alone. So I did, and the whole thing was sold out. Luckily I kept clicking and found 2 more, which I purchased. $100 for two lawn seats seems pretty extravagant, but it’s a birthday present for my brother and they are two bands I’d like to see live.
Can you imagine? $100 to sit on the grass, possibly in the rain? about $30 of that is in service charges alone. I really hope the show is good — or I’ll be rioting!
On my drive in to work today I was daydreaming (isn’t that what you’re supposed to do while operating a motor vehicle) about Twilight, and how it was all my co-workers fault that I fell in love with those damn sparkly vampires last summer. It has since consumed a lot of my free time.
I’ve read the books twice, watched the movie in the theatre as well as my snazzy 3-disc DVD. I read fanfiction based on the stories as well as participate in discussions on Twilight based forums. Before you check me for bite marks, I assure you it is all in jest. I am fully aware that these books are geared for teens. I KNOW that Edward Cullen isn’t the perfect man (over protective, stalking, won’t put out and wants to kill you constantly) and I can appreciate that. I like to read fan fic that tries to correct what S.Meyer fucked up in the first place. The discussion forums I participate in are of like minded people. We know Jacob sucks, Renesmee should never have happened and that Bella is a whiny harpy. It’s all part of the fun.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of my obessession with all things Twilight would be my love of Rpattz. My picture folder for him on my laptop has more saved photos than I would ever admit to on this blog. I will admit that he crept up my top 5 list and knocked JT off the #1 spot. I don’t even really like him in the character of Sullen Cullen. I enjoy the bumbling, drunk, messy, hobo of a man. Messy hair? Right on. Three days of beard growth? I’ll show you where to scratch. Wrinkled clothes? Rawr. I’ll watch anything with him in it, read anything about him and not feel at all dirty about the fact that I’m a good 10 years older.
So, if anything, maybe I should thank that co-worker for introducing me to the books so many “new moons” ago (you see what I did there?).
Instead of the term Cougar, I prefer Mountain Lion. It is Edwards favorite snack.
During the summer of 2007 I decided I was going to take up the game of golf. Since mr.sidekickgirl is such a serious golfer, he was right on board. I went out and purchased a nice set of ladies clubs (purple and blue – so CUTE!) some awesome golf shoes and everything else I may need to get started.
The first few times I golfed, I ROCKED. It was like I’d been doing it for years (not well, but able to actually play it). Things started to take a turn for the worse during a game with my (then) boss and his wife. He was horrified at my Happy Gilmoresque swing and thought maybe I was a left handed golfer like he was. I thought “Gee, that could be right! I do write left handed, and catch a baseball like a south paw so it makes sense”, and tried his clubs for the back 9. I was able to swing (still not a pretty sight) and hit the ball, but had no control. The men decided that I was left handed and that some golf lessons would help me out. I sold my left handed golf clubs to the bosses wife and ended my season. Golf Season 2008 consisted of two rounds — both with a hand me down set of left handed clubs, both also consisting of me having a score that was closer to my IQ rather than what would be considered resepectable in the world of golf. I quit golfing. Took my toys and went home!
The only problem with my exit from the sport was that I organize the tournament my company holds every year for the employee’s. I bought my second set of right handed golf clubs this week (pink and gret — SO CUTE!) and headed out for 18 holes of pure torture yesterday. If I hit the ball when I swung it would bounce down the fairway, or go off to the side. IF I hit the ball, that is. If scores were calculated on how many strokes your club actually took, I think I would have been about 5 times higher. Not to mention the torrential downpour we endured from holes 16 through 18 My team ended up winning “Most Honest Golfer” which translates into “You suck so bad, we feel like a cute trophy will stop you from going home and impaling yourself on the sandwedge”. It was a fun day, hanging out with my co-workers, but I definitely think that everyone will be safer in this world if I put the clubs away and take up floral arranging.
You’ve gotta feel bad for the guy. How mortifying is it to have to stand there making faces at 50 different cameras. I’m embarrassed just watching it. I guess that’s why they get paid the big bucks, but I don’t know how he did it without laughing, puking or flipping them all the bird. He does look good though.
1. I pee my pants when I laugh
2. I love turlenecks
3. I met my husband on the internet — and he wasn’t crazy.
4. I love boy bands.
5. I am left handed.
6. My hands look about 10 years older than the rest of me.
7. Natural blonde hair, although I was born with black locks (that fell out shortly after).
8. My eyes change colour with my moods.
9. I’ve got a top 5 list that my husband helped me design and approved.
10. I went to school for ECE, with the intent to continue to teachers college, but never did.
11. I do a job which requires me to be a bitch, but I can’t… somehow I’m still employed.
12. I could be a vegetarian if it allowed me to have gravy.
13. I’m going to stop having birthdays — this getting old shit sucks!
14. I had Postpartum Depression after I had my daughter.
15. I’m not much of a drinker, but when I do — super lush!
16. New Kids on the Block will always have a special place in my heart.
17. My bins of New Kids on the Block stuff will always have a special place in my basement.
18. I love purses and belts.
19. I’ve never watched an episode of Sex in the City.
20. I love going to concerts.
21. I hate fish with a fiery passion.
22. I’m allergic to my wedding rings, but wear them anyway.
23. I’m always cold.
24. I’m only shy until you get to know me.
25. I have an obsessive personality and I am very impulsive.
“This can be a quick one. Don’t take too long to think about it! 10 books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First 10 you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Tag many friends, including me.”
Here are the ones that popped into my mind:
1. Party Monster – James St. James
2. Flowers in the Attic – VC Andrews
3. Lamb – Christopher Moore
4. Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
5. Candy & Me – Hilary Luftin
6. Girlfriend in a Coma – Douglas Coupland
7. Sirens of Titan – Kurt Vonnegut
8. Bloodsucking Fiends – Christopher Moore
9. The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy – Vicky Iovine
10. That Scatterbrained Booky – Beatrice Thurman Hunter
Until i can get all the kinds worked out I thought I’d try and add a little content to get things flowing.
1) What author do you own the most books by? Christopher Moore, Kurt Vonnegut or Stephenie Meyer (and I’m a little ashamed of that)
2) What book do you own the most copies of? I believe I’ve only got one copy of each book. Do I need more? Does that lessen my book nerd factor?
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions? I’ve been out of school, and on the internet for too long. I don’t notice stuff like that anymore.
4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with? If I say Edward Cullen will I be lynched? Because I really want my own 107 year old, teenage, sparkly, stalker-ish vampire boyfriend. KIDDING. I don’t make it a habit to fall in love with people in books.
5) What book have you read the most times in your life? Brave New World or That Scatterbrained Booky
6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old? That Scatterbrained Booky
7) What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year? Breaking Dawn, hands down.
8 ) What is the best book you’ve read in the past year? I really enjoyed Twilight (gag, I know get over it people!!) and Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland.
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be? Lamb by Christopher Moore.
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for literature? Yeah, I don’t care about that stuff. Maybe some chick writing soft porn on fanfiction.net.
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie? Invisible Monsters by Chuck Paulanuik
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie? I dunno… I’d kinda like to see most of the books I read come to life on the movie screen.
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character. Umm….. sparkles, ice cold peen & marble skin. If you know what I’m talking about then you understand. If you don’t…. then move it along.
14) What is the most lowbrow book you’ve read as an adult? I’d have to say perhaps one of Kaitlyn’s books?
15) What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read? Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland was a thinker. I also had a hard time getting through Fool by Christopher Moore because I was constantly trying to remember what happened in King Lear.
16) Do you prefer the French or the Russians? I think I’m missing the real point of this question, but I’ll go french. For their kissing techniques, baked goods, countryside and the fact that I can read a bit of the language.
17) Umberto Eco? ??
18) Roth or Updike? Eh…
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers? Sedaris!
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer? I’m going obvious with this and choosing Shakespeare.
21) Austen or Eliot? If I had to choose, Austen.
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading? I don’t really have a “big gap” other than just not reading for a while. Most embarrassing one would be all 4 Twilight books within a week. Those suckers are heavy and I read them all WAY too fast.
23) What is your favorite novel? Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
24) Play? I don’t really read plays. I only do Rock Opera when I go to see them. Sorry!!
25) Short story? The Body by Stephen King
26) Work of non-fiction? Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture — it is hilarious if you know what “emo” is supposed to be.
27) Who is your favorite writer? Christopher Moore, Douglas Coupland & Chuck Paulanuik ( I totally spell his name differently, and incorrectly every time)
28) Who is the most overrated writer alive today? Stephanie Meyer
29) What is your desert island book? Something trashy.
30) And … what are you reading right now? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
a blog dedicated to all those things i find worth obsessing over in my free time.
i'm a 30-something, canadian, wife and mother of two. i enjoy live music, my iPhone & being sarcastic. I'm fiercely loyal to NKOTB & am also approaching the city limits to cougartown when it comes to my choice in celebrity boyfriends.
H & I are going to be 3rd row. Insane!
I’ll say it loud, and say it proud. I 
The rumours eventually gave way to confirmation that the boys were indeed, back in town. There was a flurry of Today Show appearances, website launches and songs about summertime being released. It was suddenly fun to be a blockhead again. I reconnected with friends from my past, made new friends & found out some of the girls that had been a part of my life post-NKOTB were also secretly fans.
I went to all three concerts. I shared my first NKOTB show in 20 years with the husband, and it was fantastic. The following night I met them which was probably in my top 10 moments of all time. After getting a little bit of time with each guy (and some kisses, hugs, etc) I situated myself between Donnie and Joe for the picture. It was my one chance, and dammit I was touching the both of them for as long as possible. We sat 5th row that night, and I took a gazillion pictures.
Jon Knight ended up finding his way into my corporate box on the night of my third concert. My 
On my drive in to work today I was daydreaming (isn’t that what you’re supposed to do while operating a motor vehicle) about Twilight, and how it was all my co-workers fault that I fell in love with those damn sparkly vampires last summer. It has since consumed a lot of my free time.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of my obessession with all things Twilight would be my love of Rpattz. My picture folder for him on my laptop has more saved photos than I would ever admit to on this blog. I will admit that he crept up my top 5 list and knocked JT off the #1 spot. I don’t even really like him in the character of Sullen Cullen. I enjoy the bumbling, drunk, messy, hobo of a man. Messy hair? Right on. Three days of beard growth? I’ll show you where to scratch. Wrinkled clothes? Rawr. I’ll watch anything with him in it, read anything about him and not feel at all dirty about the fact that I’m a good 10 years older.
