The One That Started It All (Updated)

I'm still at a loss for words. For those in attendance, no words are neccessary. For those that were New Kids fans, but couldn't attend the concert, I don't know how to sum it up - all I can say is that you really should have been there. For those that were never New Kids fans, I feel bad for all that you missed out on. When I was twelve and so madly in love with this group, there were times I could have cried because of how much I loved them. The songs the sang - they were singing them right to me. Yes, I am your Cover Girl. Yes, I am your favourite girl. No, I won't go, girl. Yes, I really did blow your mind.

My bedroom was covered from floor to ceiling with New Kids posters, banners, newspaper and magazine articles and calendars. Ninety percent of the posters were of my one true love - Jordan Knight. I have always loved men with brown hair and brown eyes...there's just something soulful about them. When Jordan was on stage singing "Baby, I Believe In You" and his white shirt was blowing in the fake wind and his chest was bare, I immediately remembered one large poster I had...it was Jordan leaning back, with a similar white shirt on, opened and revealing his chest. That was the first time I realized that some people grow hair underneath their belly buttons. I learned so much from the New Kids.

Last night, I found myself thinking about the past eighteen years. About who I was the first time I saw New Kids and who I am now. When I was twelve, I liked four things - the colour purple, Sweet Valley twins, New Kids and cats. And that was my whole world. My $12 allowance bought me anything I wanted or needed. My only responsibilities were doing the dishes and dusting the living room. I don't even think I was doing my own laundry at that time. And now...well, now everything is my responsibility. Cleaning and caring for this house, laundry, cooking, working, paying bills, and dealing with mortgage renewals and property taxes. If only I had realized and appreciated how good life really was back then, instead of bitching about acne and not having "cool" jeans to wear. If I could go back in time, I would give the twelve year old me a hefty slap across the face and tell myself to enjoy that time, because it would pass by all too quickly and, before I knew it, I would be sitting and blogging about the good old days.

So, thank you to Jordan, Joey, Donnie, Danny and Jonathan for letting me take a stroll down memory lane and for letting me be twelve years old for a night. The loss of my voice is proof enough that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. What do you say, guys? Same place in twenty more years?

This is a montage of all the video I shot last night. Yes, it is ten minutes long, but I know all you die-hard fans will watch it in its entirety. My favourite part of the concert happens at the 5:00 mark with Joey singing and dancing...I think Jordan may have some competition for who is now my favourite New Kid :-)

Update:

Two additional thoughts: #1 I've decided that the two dances Joey does starting at the 5:37 mark is how I am going to begin each day. There's enough space in the kitchen for me to do it while I'm waiting for my oatmeal to cook...I will sing "And I thank you" and point at whatever cats are nearby.

#2 I've noticed an alarming similarity between the way I scream on rollercoasters and the way I scream when I am in the presence of my former idols. Must just be the excitement factor.