Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Update: Where's My Picture?

Ugh. So after being on cloud 9 from all the excitement Sunday, I go on LashNow's Facebook page to find that they posted the pictures and I don't see mine. I'm devastated. I was counting on that picture because that is the only one I have with Howie and the only one of all three of us together.

Since I always have to attend these things alone, I had no one to take pictures for me while I was up there. I wish I would have asked Howie for a selfie, but I felt like I was asking for too much already.

So, so glad I got the selfie with Nick or I think I might have totally gone ape shit by now. This really sucks. Add it to my list of disappointments. I don't understand what happened with the picture because we were posing and there was a flash. Call me crazy, but I thought I could count on getting the picture so that is why I didn't ask to take another one with my phone. So pissed right now. I'm hoping they'll add more, but I'm not sure. Seems like they are done.

Figures this would happen to me over someone who just was there for the convention. My pictures with BSB mean everything to me so this really is a blow.

If anyone happened to take a picture when I was up on stage, if you could let me know. Thanks. I'm in such a sucky mood right now...still thankful for all that happened that day, but why can't I get my picture like everyone else? Seems like whenever something really positive happens to me, there always has to be a negative. This sucks.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Nick, Howie, and AJ in Chicago!

When I first heard BSB were going to be in Chicago for a cosmetic convention, I wasn't sure it was true. But when Nick verified on his Twitter that he would be there, I no longer was in doubt and had to figure out if I was going to go and how I was going to get inside.


On America's Beauty Show's website, they made it pretty clear that you need a cosmetology license to be allowed inside McCormick Place, but I wasn't going to let a little silly thing like that get in my way of seeing my favorite guys lol. Plus, I figured with three years as a receptionist at a salon and cleaning and operating tanning beds, I was entitled. (Cleaning tanning beds is nasty by the way, but I digress.)

Well, after going back and forth in my mind Saturday night on whether or not I should try to go, I came to the realization that I didn't want no regrets and really needed to see Nick, Howie, and AJ to feel better and get me out of a funk. Plus, Friday and Saturday I felt bored out of my mind so sneaking inside a cosmetic convention would bring some excitement lol. I made the decision to try and go!

Next on my mind was how I was going to pull this all off. I knew as far as transportation goes, I was going to drive to the train station and take the train and then take a cab from Union Station to McCormick Place. I did figure out a way to get to the convention center cheaper, but I didn't want to mess around. The cab ride ended up being $10 both ways and was worth it to get there without any stops and to arrive early. I also saved money on the weekend rate for the train and free parking at the station.

What I was really worried about pulling off was how I was going to get in being as they made it sound so strict that they wouldn't let anyone outside of the industry in. Well, if I was going to do this, I was going to not half-ass it and go all the way. The night before I ended up making a few fake business cards lol. Crazy I know, but silly fun too. What's the harm? It wasn't like I was going to be cutting and dying someone's hair. I used my old salon's info and thought if they wanted to call my bluff and give them a ring, the worse that would happen is that I would look stupid and just walk away.

So after not sleeping too well the night before because I was so anxious of how everything was going to turn out and worried that I would spend money for nothing to get down there, it was time to see what happens.

Here's a sweet picture Nick posted on his Twitter when he arrived in Chicago. He mentioned he was listening to Three Days Grace. I was just listening to them the other day. I had to see this face in person!
"Sitting here listening to some 3 days grace and tweeting fans on my way to the hotel. #fanappreciation #nickcarteralbum #nickcarterfans" ~Nick. Doesn't he just look sexy whenever he wears camo???
Convention Day with BSB!

Before I left for the train station, I stopped at the old salon I worked at hoping that I could get a printout of when I worked there, but I kind of knew that would be a bust because the owner doesn't usually work on the weekends. Sure enough, I waited too late to ask but decided I was still going to go and give it a try, possibly using my fake business cards if I got desperate lol.

I took a 9:30 a.m. train and arrived in Chicago around 11:30 a.m. I quickly made my way out of Union Station and took a cab to the West Building at McCormick Place. I was never there before.

It was the moment of truth.

I asked a lady where I needed to go to purchase a ticket. Well, I guess she thought I looked too young, wasn't wearing enough makeup, or out of place because she started to say, "You know you have to be in the..." and I'm assuming she was going to finish her sentence by saying "industry" but then she stopped mid-sentence and asked if I was a student and I quickly agreed lol. She was really nice and told me to get into a line to buy a ticket. Even though the line was pretty long, it went quick. They had people directing on where to go and everyone was buying their own ticket on the laptops provided. I thought, "cool!" I don't have to be bothered with a person. My only thought at this point was wondering if the website was going to stop me at a point if I didn't have certain information, but I was going to see how far I could get.

Well, I kept my student story and tried to get a ticket that way...after all, how could a student have their cosmetology license already? Plus, to make matters more awesome was that the student price is cheaper. I thought I would have to pay $70 to get in but only paid $35. Luckily, I didn't have any problem purchasing the ticket! The second the ticket/badge printed out, I must have said the loudest "Yes!" in my mind to date lol.

This is how I felt at that moment lol...love this movie btw.
I quickly made my way up to the third floor (I think that was the floor) and made a stop at the bathroom before I started looking around. There was so much to look at, but I was just looking for the LashNow booth of course. The funny thing is, I didn't even know where I was going and there was so much to be distracted by, but it was like I was being lead to the booth because I had no problem finding it. At this point, between getting the ticket and feeling like I was being led to the booth, I knew I was meant to be there.

Once I got to the booth, there was hardly anyone there. I asked about the product to look like I care (haha...I wear makeup but hardly any really) but then pointed at their flyer and asked about BSB. Well I found out that to get a guaranteed picture, you would have to buy three mascaras for $75. I ended up doing that because I really didn't think you'd get a free picture with them and I'm glad I did buy it because I don't think anyone got a free picture. I ended up purchasing it from the founder of the product and he asked me if I was a BSB fan and I said yes. At this point, I think he caught on that I shouldn't be there, but he was really nice and didn't care. Plus, I was buying the product so whatever. I ended up getting my receipt signed as proof for the picture and looked around a bit before coming back to the booth. I was hunting for free swag but couldn't find any. I seen a lot of people with free bags and really needed a bag, but no such luck.


Some of the other booths.

Hair demonstration.

LashNow stage.

BSB sign!

The crowd!

Some more booths.

Hair runway show.

Gotta throw in a picture of some shirtless guys lol. Although, they have nothing on Nick and Howie!
Anyway, I made it back to the booth and by this time I was somewhat towards the front. I wish I would have not looked around because maybe I could have been picked to come up on stage and Nick could have applied my mascara lol, but it just didn't pan out that way.

The convention was for three days, Sunday was the second day, and they opened at 9 a.m. and stayed open until 5 p.m. BSB were supposed to be at the booth by 1 p.m. but of course with Backstreet Time it was more like 2-2:30 p.m. At this point my feet and back were killing me but that's what comes with this all. The crowd was really tight and pushy and there wasn't any organization. They did have a good dj from B96 that played BSB music and other good music. Actually, a lot of songs that were played on the last two cruises were being played which I thought was a nice coincidence.

Even though LashNow advertised the whole group being there, I knew via the boys' social media that Nick, Howie, and AJ were in town only. Sadly, no Brian or Kevin.

Nick and Howie Finally Came Out!

I'm pretty sure AJ was in the building, but it was reported in a news article a day later that he was sick from the flu so that explains why I never got to see AJ that day. Before I knew that, I was thinking that there definitely had to be a valid reason because why would he fly all the way out here? Also, I was thinking maybe his Anvil case deal interfered with this in that they wouldn't let him endorse another product via contract constraints and they just didn't realize it until it was too late. I just hope AJ is feeling better now. It did suck knowing AJ was in town and I couldn't see him, but it was just as great seeing Nick and Howie considering I didn't even know if I would see any of the guys!

Nick and Howie ended up talking a little bit about the product on the tiny stage and they announced BSB will be touring in 2016! I'm hoping I'll get to see Nick and the guys sooner than that because of solo albums. We'll see.

I couldn't get a clear shot of Howie.

Nick!

Of course there's a pole blocking my view. My friend even commented on why this always happens to me lol.
They ended up inviting a couple of girls from the crowd on stage to try the mascara product and Nick applied mascara on a lucky convention goer. He was very cute and flirty! Such a cool, nice guy...but we all know how I feel about him lol. At this point, I was wishing I would have gotten picked for that but I was just glad to get in lol.

Such a cute moment! Lucky non-BSB fan lol.
My Time With Nick and Howie!

After Nick and Howie signed some autographs, they told everyone who has a ticket for a picture with BSB to line up on the side of the stage. Well, that was a joke. No organization, but I made my way pretty close to the stairs up to the stage and eventually got up there. This was before some ladies were mad that they couldn't stand next to their friend even though there was a spot to move up. I just guess it wasn't big enough for their butts lol. When it was time for the one friend to go up and get a picture, the other two were able to go through. I didn't see what the big deal was, but one of them ended up calling me "a little bitch" and I was ecstatic! I never was called a "little" bitch before...I am losing weight! haha! Anyway, I finally got rid of their attitudes and got more room and before I knew it, it was my turn.

The founder of the product recognized me and said "there you are" and I quickly put my purse and coat on the side of the stage.

I was first greeted by Nick! I was so happy to see him! I've been going through a lot of difficult crap lately so it is always nice to visit with him to make me feel better. He has that power lol. I said hi and he said hi and then asked me how I was. I got the impression he recognized me so that was extra special. I went in for a hug and wish I could have held on longer, but I always feel so rushed. It was a terrific hug regardless. I leaned in and told him that I snuck in here and he said "I know" which made us both laugh. Then I said hi to Howie and gave him a hug! So nice to see Howie. I also discovered I can't handle even two BSB at once lol. Too much excitement haha! A photographer took a picture of all three of us (still waiting for that to be posted on LashNow's Facebook page because that's the only picture I have of Howie and us as a group).

I can't remember which came next, but at one point I asked Nick if I could take a selfie with him and he obliged. It was funny though because I just bought my first smart phone and was so worried I wouldn't take the pic right that I said I didn't know how to work this thing and that he should take it LOL. Well, Nick was such a sweetheart and took the perfect picture! He even clicked twice to make sure it would come out. I thought that was silly of me to say I didn't know how to work my own phone but I really did just get it haha.

Yay!
I think it was after this point that I did something I thought I would never do, but couldn't help it. I looked at Nick and blurted out "I love you!" lol. I was kind of embarrassed but it just came out. Nick was so nice about it though because he gave me a big smile and hug. I really think I couldn't hold it in this time because of how hard it's been for me lately and I don't think that's the worse thing I could have said, but I just didn't want to ever totally fangirl in front of him like that. I really do see him as a normal, down-to-earth guy but with all the anticipation that leads up to the moment and the rush of it and lack of time with him, it gets the best of me I guess. I find it funny, embarrassing, and kind of cool all at the same time.

At this point, I wanted to give Howie another hug and did. Then I handed Nick a letter I wrote him that I had to tell him it was for him because at first he thought I wanted him to sign it. I really just enjoy the chance to be able to spend a tiny bit of his time with him over all that stuff. Before I left the stage, I gave Nick another hug. He really is the best guy to be a fan of. So nice, genuine, interesting, fun. Basically every good adjective you can give someone.

Here's video Nick posted on his Twitter of the event. Just look for the pole and you can see me behind it lol.

I wish I would have thought to ask Howie for a selfie...but duh me. Also, I had wanted to talk to Nick about his solo album and same with AJ if he would have been there, but all that flew out of my head when it was time. I wanted to sing to Nick, "She's got a booty like...woah" lol. I'm sure that would have made him laugh!

So just the fact that I didn't think I was even going to be able to get in, everything went perfect! I was so ecstatic and happy! I really did need this moment. This was also the first time for me where I was able to instantly share on social media. It was kind of fun to be able to do that. My brother says I'm getting addicted to it lol. He was also the one saying I was crazy for going. He didn't have nothing to say when I showed him the picture of Nick and I haha.

I ended up hanging out for a bit with another BSB fan who managed to get in before I headed back to Union Station and got some food. The train ride was relaxing and this event was perfect that it was during the day and I didn't have to ride the train alone at night.

It was such an awesome day! It was the happiness and excitement I needed. I concluded I need a BSB fix at least every five months lol. Make it happen, Nick!

Thank you to Nick and Howie for being such sweet human beings. I'll say it again lol...."I love you!"

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Nick in the Recording Studio!

It’s been awhile so I wanted to do another blog post as sort of an update of what’s new with BSB and my own life. I’ll start with BSB first.
 
After Nick posted a dangerously sexy picture of him sun bathing (which I was extremely jealous of living in cold Illinois), he posted a picture of him in the studio recording for his solo album. It’s so good to hear he is working on some new songs and that his next solo record will be rock pop. I think that’s a good fit for him and it’ll be great. I absolutely love any music from him! It was also nice to see him in the studio with Natasha Bedingfield. I wonder if they will be doing a collaboration together because she has a great voice.
 
Sunshine never looked so good.
 
"In the studio writing with and . Wrote a sick song." ~Nick
 
Another cool thing that is happening in BSB land is AJ is also working on his solo album and will be having a video shoot this Saturday in Cali where fans can be a part of the video. I really regret not going to Nick’s Tennessee video shoot for Burning Up and it would be cool to be in a music video, especially one by your favorite artist, but there’s just no way on such short notice and needing to save up for the trip. I really wish I could go and never been to California so that would be an event in itself lol. I wish everyone that is participating a great and safe time. If you would like to donate to AJ’s charity and get a t-shirt from doing so, go to http://livetogetherfoundation.org/. There’s also a spot to register your email for updates and news on how to participate in the video.
 
So there’s something possibly very exciting going on regarding BSB that I might be able to attend. Supposedly, BSB will be at a cosmetic convention in Chicago this month. I say supposedly because it seems too good to be true…unlikely, and to be honest, beneath them. They are supposed to be doing a meet and greet. The catch? No one can get in unless you have a cosmetology license. The other catch? It costs $70 to get in. I did work in the salon industry for about two years, so I was thinking of using my old paystubs as proof lol. Also, part of me thinks they would just take the $70 bucks.
 
Anyway, I’m debating if I should go all the way down there and risk being turned away and getting nothing out of it. It would be just like the time that I went to a Wisconsin school to see Nick’s Now or Never tour because the school won a radio contest and I couldn’t get in at all and didn’t even get to see Nick come out of the building. That was totally disappointing, sucked, and I practically got arrested for arguing with the cop that wouldn’t let me get in while he let everyone else go in. I can laugh at it now, but was really disappointed then.
 
But back to this possible upcoming event. I’m wondering if they will be taking pictures. If they stick with asking for cosmetology licenses, my guess is that no one will really be diehard BSB fans and would just want a picture with them for the hell of it and I think that would be pretty boring for the guys. It would also be interesting to know the backstory to this. Are they doing this because the company is paying them a lot of money or is it some sort of favor to a friend? The whole thing I find odd, but I won’t complain…unless I don’t get in :P We’ll see what I end up doing. It'll just be great to see them all again and will lift my spirits!

I got my BSB sweatshirt and BSB the Movie merch in the mail the other day so I could wear it to the event if I end up going.

My sweatshirt says it all :)
Now onto what’s new with my life. Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. She would have been 64. It was a hard day and I’m still having a very hard time dealing with it all. It just sucks, plain and simple. I’m glad that my mind goes to the good times we had instead of the bad times.
 
Nothing really new with me. Just working and trying to keep up with home stuff and continue progress on my weight loss goal (I lost 50 lbs. so far and I can’t believe it considering I’m kind of in a bad place).
 
I did end up trying online dating lol. Not having too much luck with that, but I’m not giving up just yet. There are some really, uh, “interesting” characters out there so I’m trying to be careful. A lot of liars, which sucks. What would really be ideal would be to meet a nice guy via a friend, but not really any luck there as of yet. Not totally giving up hope yet and I’m still conversing with a few guys and got one date out of it so far. We’ll see. It’s kind of like a mini adventure. If it doesn’t work out, I think I’ll just get a puppy haha! Like this one…
 
Awwwie! Hot dog!
So after looking at so many dating profiles and seeing this picture of Nick becoming a meme, I had to make my own…
 
The dating world sucks!
Hope everyone has a good weekend coming up and a lucky St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll be making some corned beef and cabbage with rye bread. Yum! We’re all Irish on St. Patty’s Day!