My Adventures in Fresno

On April 16th, my friends and I drove four hours to the "armpit capital" of California, also known as Fresno! You're probably thinking, "Why on the earth would she go there?" Well, we had our reasons...five very good reasons! Despite this being our first trip to Central California, my three friends and I (my Godsister merely went for the experience) made the trip because we were going to go see another NKOTB concert and were going to meet the guys again!

My Godsister and I actually arrived an hour ahead of my three friends, who decided to take another route. We didn't have much time to relax, so we started getting ready because we needed to be at the venue, located at Fresno State University, by 4:00 pm. Then we had to be in the building by 4:30 so that we could be directed into the VIP lounge. However, before heading over to the venue, we stopped off at BJ's Restaurant and ate some lunch. I was famished, but I only managed to eat like 30% of my salad and french fries. Yes, I believe I was starting to feel a bit anxious as to what was to come.

As we drove into the venue, I noticed all these women standing alongside this little hillside looking down. They were looking down at the tour buses, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the guys. A few people saw Joey and Jordan waved hello to a few fans. I met up with my friend K, who brought her friend B, and then my group of friends (H, K, S and my Godsister) and I gathered together to get in line. A few days prior to the concert, I had read that if we didn't already have a pre-made group of 10 people, we were likely going to be separated. We weren't going to let this happen, so we were fortunate to find three more girls--twin sisters & a younger (younger as in 29 years old) fan. YEAH! We were set!

We were the 6th group lined up, which meant we were Group F. As I stood underneath the doorway of the venue, I started coughing this nervous cough. I was experiencing a bout of anxiety because I was going to meet the guys again. :( Why now?! As we got off the elevator, I finally felt better when we found ourselves a table and started chatting with the rest of the girls in our group. We discussed different aspects of the group, as well as what we all did for a living.

Finally, at around 6:00 pm or so, a rep started talking and began to call out the letters of the alphabet because it was time to get ready to meet the guys! There I go again with the nervous cough. When our group letter was called up, I started feeling weak in the knees. Then as we approached the black curtain, my anxiety woes went away when I saw the guys!

I noticed from right to left were Jonathan, Jordan, Donnie, Danny and Joey. Of course, I went to Jon first and received a great big hug from him. As I tried to make my way to another guy, I remembered what my friend N told me: Stay put where you are and don't leave his side. If there's any time left later, go back and give a quick hug to the other guys. At one point, just before the group photo, I showed Jon what I had found the night before. It was a flier that was passed around my high school in Oct. 1988 announcing a benefit concert the guys participated in near my town. It was the one and only time they were in my area. I showed him both sides of the flier and, of course, I knew he wasn't going to remember. :( This small concert was likely the second one they had ever done to promote their sophomore album, "Hangin' Tough," and occurred immediately after their first, historical show, which was at the Fulton Mall in Fresno in 1988.

Well, needless to say, I stayed put next to Jonathan because within a minute or so, someone called out that it was picture time! We got into our places and they snapped the pic. The entire time I was thinking that Jon didn't look so good. Well, my friend had read Jon's Twitter message stating he was sick with the flu, so you could tell he was not well. Dang, he still looks good, sick or well!! So now I figured I'd have a few seconds to go give Donnie a quick hug and show him the flier too, but the Knight Brothers assistant, as well as a security guard, were rushing us out because they needed to bring in the next group. Literally, we were in the VIP room for 2 1/2 - 3 minutes. :( One funny thing that happened as we left the meet and greet was when my friend K asked if she could get a solo pic with Donnie, which she did! Note to self again: Be more assertive and don't forget to introduce myself next time!

My group of friends and I re-grouped, and we finally received our tickets for our seats. As the usher helped my Godsister and I, we noticed we were sitting in the 2nd row, just steps away from the stage! I was blessed again with such great seats! My friends H and K were about two rows behind me, my friend S was near H and K, and my other friend K and her friend B were just one person away from me! K and B decided to stand right at the corner of the stage, so as soon as the lights went down, we joined them there!

The night was fantastic and I had a great time meeting up and hanging out with my friends! We decided to go to Denny's after wards because we were all (*insert Bostonian accent here*) stahving!

Our final morning together, my friends and I had brunch at the Cheesecake Factory and discussed the great time we had at the concert. I think all of us agreed that we (minus my Godsister, who will be moving soon) can't wait for our next adventure(s) this summer!

I'm Ready for Another Fun Adventure!

Well, I'm getting ready for another fun adventure. This time my friends and I are driving down to Fresno this morning for some FUN, FUN, FUN! In fact, this will be my first trip to Central California. We're going to meet up with a few more friends in the evening and dance, and "rock out" like there's no tomorrow! I hear the weather will be warm & beautiful, so I can't wait! Upon my return, I will let you know all about my little expedition and the five "creatures" we saw!

I am now happy to say that I finally got my promotion! YEAH! I started my "new" job on the 6th. I'm gradually getting into my new position and will welcome the new responsibilities as they come. However, my former boss just hired two new people to take over my old job and now we have a full house!

Lastly, about two weeks ago, I was on one of those social networking sites checking my e-mail when I noticed my 21-year-old nephew's status: "Just joined the Air Force." :( I automatically started feeling tearful and retrospective. Several months back, he mentioned it to the family that he was considering joining. Well, now it's official. I guess part of me was upset because of the way he presented it and, of course, I don't want to see him go. Later that day, he came over to the house and explained his reasons for joining. He's very excited that he's going to get the opportunity to continue with school and that he'll be able to travel around the world. All I want for him is to be happy and safe. I just pray that he isn't sent overseas.

Stay tuned for a recap of my adventures!

Easter

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter! Cherish the blessings you have and the time you get to spend with your family and friends on this special day.

Perhaps, 3rd Time is the Charm

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but I've had a lot going on that I finally needed to vent some of my frustration out.

Back in January, the assistant to my boss offered me a position in which I'd be working directly for her. The job offer came at a good time because, as a student employee, the pay sucks. I gladly accepted the new position, for which I was to have started in February. Well, here's why I'm frustrated.

The person who offered me the position didn't realize that there was one more step to follow before submitting the paperwork to Human Resources. And because of the problems California is currently facing with its budget, this paperwork also has to go through one more channel: a meeting in which my boss has to attend. Well, yesterday I found out that this meeting has been rescheduled again, which makes this the 3rd time now!

As much as I appreciate the bosses assistant for thinking of me for this "promotion," I'm going to have to keep looking for something better and/or stable. I do realize that it may take a while to find a new job, but I intend to stay positive and I know I will eventually find something I'm well suited for.

Edit: I just got selected for an interview, which will take place next week. I pray that I do well because I've been asked to do a presentation during the interview and I'll admit that I've always shied away from doing public speaking!

Because my focus is currently on school and work, I'm going to need a day where I can just relax and have fun, so that's why a few friends and I are getting together in five weeks and driving down to Fresno to meet NKOTB, again! Yes, hopefully the 3rd time will be the charm and I will put away my shyness for one night so that I can actually have a real conversation with my crush, Jonathan Knight!

For those who have NEVER been to a New Kids show, what in the h*** are you thinking?! Kidding aside, you are totally missing out on two great hours of entertainment! And for those, like myself, who have already been to a few of their shows, well, we/I just can't get enough!

Below is a sneak peek--aka spoiler--of their first 2009 U.S. show from last Saturday! If you don't want to watch it, then turn away now! For the record, let me just say that I absolutely LOVE this song and can't wait to see it performed live soon--sans the thrusting performed in the original video (Video 1)! Enjoy! :)

There's something in the air...

And it stinks! Kidding aside, there must've been a full moon recently because I've been feeling all this negative energy around me. You see, I was the target of some good and bad rage. :(

A week ago, I was trying to catch the freeway on my way home. Mind you, I've always been a very careful driver. In fact, I've never received a ticket in my life! Anyway, I was in the correct lane to make the turn when this person tries to cut in front of me. First of all, she wasn't in the correct lane. Second, I had every right to proceed where I was since I was in the correct turning lane. As we eventually made it onto the freeway, somehow she wound up in front of me in the fast lane. I was pressed for time because I had to get home and eat dinner since I had to be in class in an hour. At one point, the other driver quickly brakes and proceeds. Did she do this on purpose? I don't know. So then I see her looking at her outside mirror and nodding her head. Then I notice that she's looking at her rear view mirror and giving me the peace sign. The two things that I can't tolerate in other drivers is carelessness or ones that don't pay attention. Well, at least she didn't give me "the finger"!

The second incident happened while I was at school. I had just gotten out of my second class and walked to my car to eat lunch since I had to be at work in an hour (I work on-campus). I'm minding my own business when I hear someone honking. I look in my rearview mirror and just ignore it. Finally, after like the third or fourth honk, I roll down my window and some woman is looking at me and says, "I was looking right at you waiting for you to pull out." I thought to myself, "Isn't it obvious that the reason I didn't pull out of the parking space was because I'm NOT going anywhere!" I told her, "I didn't see you and I'm NOT leaving!" She then quickly speeds away to find another parking space. The nerve of her to talk to me the way she did! It's like she wanted something handed to her and got mad because I wasn't going to give in! Unfortunately, the construction that's occurring at my school/work will continue on for the rest of the semester, so it doesn't look like the parking situation will get any better. In fact, it has gotten worse.

I hope the bad rage that so many people have had these days is over and done with because I can't tolerate conflict, especially at work, which is what I'm currently dealing with (another story for another time). 

Ok, so I'm done venting. I will update you with the happenings in my life soon! Have a great weekend!

Happy Singles Awareness Day

Well, I personally wouldn't call it "happy," but others might.

February 14th is a day that I'm sure most single people would soon like to forget. I usually treat this day as just a regular day, but it's hard sometimes because you're constantly reminded that you don't have anyone special in your life. I will say this though: I am very appreciative of my family and friends!

So to all of you women out there, who are married, have a boyfriend or have a significant other: Happy Valentine's Day! And to those single women--like myself--who don't have a husband, boyfriend or significant other: Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday Vira

Today would have been my cousin, Vira's 47th birthday. Unfortunately, she passed away on October 12, 2006 from breast cancer.

Vira, I love you and miss you dearly!