And I've had many years of grace...

**Happy Birthday to Me!**

This week was my birthday week and I had plenty of Backstreet related things going on...plus some not so Backstreet related things that were still fun.  My birthday was actually on Thursday, September 15 but I had a whole week of birthday fun.

I actually got my birthday gift the week before my birthday.  The first part of my gift was a University of Kentucky basketball jersey.  I have been wanting one for several years but I just never had the money and I didn't know what number I should get.  Here is what I ended up getting.

At this time, the number 3 jersey belongs to Terrance Jones, a sophomore forward from Portland, Oregon.  Is Jones my favorite UK player, not really.  But, if you read my blog this jersey may look a little familiar to you...

Yes, this is the jersey that Brian wore during the NKOTBSB show in Louisville that I attended.  Like I said, I have been wanting to get a UK b-ball jersey for years so Brian just helped me to determine which one to get.

My next gift, however, is probably my favorite.  Now, I do not consider myself a shoe person but when I saw these, I just had to have them...

I love, love, love, love these shoes.  I have gotten several compliments on them as well.  I usually only wear them when I am wearing my UK gear.  Don't want to wear them out too quickly.

On Tuesday, I booked my flight for the Backstreet Boys Cruise 2011.  My plan right now is to fly into Ft. Lauderdale the morning before the cruise.  I will then take some type of transportation from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami.  It was cheaper to fly into Ft. Lauderdale and I am taking Southwest, which does not charge baggage fees and does not fly into Miami.  So even though I have the expense of the transportation from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami, it is still cheaper in the end.  Once I find out any information about the event they are supposed to be having the day before, I may decide to change my flight plans and fly in a day earlier.  We'll just have to wait and see though I guess.

On Wednesday, my husband and I went to the Portage Moose Lodge for dinner and cake.  A lot of people bought me drinks and I had to get tickets so that I could get the drinks at a later time because I was driving that night and couldn't drink that much.  I did play "Don't Turn Out the Lights" on the Jukebox though.

My actual birthday was on Thursday.  That day I got to sleep in because I did not have to do my morning shift at school.  I went for a run that day to my BSB Long Run mix.  Later that evening, my husband took me to Red Lobster for All You Can Eat Shrimp.  The last time I was at Red Lobster for this event was after Brian's HHC Event in Alpharetta, GA last year.  That was actually the first time I had ever been to Red Lobster.  So the only thing that would have made that birthday dinner better was if I would have been with Tammy, in Alpharetta, and after spending a whole weekend with Brian Littrell.

Friday night, my husband took me to see The Lion King in 3D.  The Lion King is my favorite movie and I saw it back in theaters when it originally came out.  My husband absolutely hates animated Disney movies so for him to sit through that for me, shows me what a wonderful husband I do have.  However, it would be nicer to have a husband who shared that interest.  You know who does love Disney movies???  Brian Littrell.

Saturday was a busy day and it wasn't necessarily related to my birthday.  The Portage Moose Lodge had a multi-family yard sale as a fundraiser.  Most of the stuff we had is stuff we found in the house we are flipping.  My uncle's table was right next to ours and I noticed that there was a BSB Millennium CD on their table (probably from my cousin who did like them and Nick way back when I used to baby sit her).  If I didn't already have two copies of it, I might have bought it because I hate seeing BSB stuff for sale by someone.  It makes me want to buy it and give it a good home.  Especially, with Millennium being my favorite album.

Later that evening, my dad was having a pork chop dinner as a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and several Moose Lodge charities.  I was asked to waitress.  I was able to make over $30 in tips in the 2.5 hours that the dinner took place.  This money is going straight into my Backstreet Fund obviously.  That alone should buy my University of Kentucky football ticket if I go to a game this season.

Speaking of UK, the day would have gone much better if I would have been able to watch or listen to the UK v. University of Louisville game.  And it would have gone even better if UK actually would have won.  Whenever, UK and Louisville play, they are playing for the Governor's Cup.  For the past four years, the Governor's Cup has been in Lexington.  This year we lost it.  However, UK still wins the series (14-10).

After the dinner, was some karaoke.  I started the night off by singing "I Want It That Way" and "Everybody."  One of the people there told me that she actually likes the songs I sang and that she should have gone to the NKOTBSB shows this summer.  I told her how awesome they were.  I also sang some NKOTB.  I also drank A LOT!  I had a great time and not feeling too hot today.  But I have definitely had worse the day after.

So that is pretty much all for my birthday celebrations.  However, me and my roommates did make a decision on our door decoration for this year's cruise finally.  I am super excited about the idea and it should be much simpler to do than last years door decoration but it will still be cool.  Not going to give any secrets away right now.

So all in all, it was a great week filled with plenty of Backstreet related events!  Oh and I got about $200 from family that will also go into my Backstreet fund.  That is almost enough for a deposit for BSB Cruise 2012 (or 2013 if the rumors are correct).

But I don't know gone without goodbye....

**Remembering 9/11**

I know I have not written in a few weeks but I thought today needed an entry.  Everyone knows that today marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon, so I thought it appropriate it write in remembrance of all the lives that were lost on this tragic day 10 years ago.

I believe that almost everyone who is old enough to comprehend what was happening on that day remembers where they were and what they were doing when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower at 8:46am on September 11, 2001.  I was in my senior year at Hobart High School and in first period, Music (either history or appreciation or something along those lines).  We happened to be in the computer lab next to the library that day doing research for a project.  We, of course, actually missed the first plane hitting the tower because we did not find out about it until after it happened.  The computer technician came into the computer lab shortly after it happened and told the teacher, who immediately turned on the TV.  Needless to say, not much work got done after that.  I just could not believe what was happening.  Who would do such a thing?  How many people were going to lose their lives because of this?  How will it affect people across the United States and the world.  My mind was going a million miles a minutes and I am sure I was not the only one that was confused about what was happening and why it was happening.

I found this video on YouTube that I had never seen before.  It is actual footage of Flight 11 hitting the North Tower.  I don't appreciate some of the comments that go with the video but it appears to be one of the only videos that shows the plane hitting the building.  All others that I have found just show the smoke and fire after the building has been hit.  The plane actually hits at about minute 1:28.

Video from ALexM615 on YouTube

By the time the bell rang for second period (we had 90 minute class periods), every teacher at Hobart High School had their TVs on.  For once in their school careers, students rushed to go from one class to the other, for fear of missing any of the news coverage.  The South Tower was hit at 9:03 by United Airlines Flight 175, just after second period started.  My feelings changed once again when I realized that it was not a reshowing of Flight 11 crashing into the North Tower, but of another attack on the South Tower.  This footage is a compilation of many of the new channels footage of Flight 175 hitting the South Tower.

Video from aaroman01 on YouTube

At that point, I wondered what else could be happen that day.  Could it possibly get worse?  The answer - YES.  At 9:37am, American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon.  As I was searching for video coverage of this, it was amazing at how many people believe that it was not a plane that flew into the Pentagon, but a missile instead.  Not sure why people are so bent out of shape on conspiracy theories of 9/11.  People lost their lives.  If you believe that 9/11 was an "inside job" then you can believe that but don't try to change my opinion that this was truly a terrorist attack on our nation.

Video from dave46563 on YouTube

At 9:59am, things got worse.  After burning for 56 minutes, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

Video from Xenomorph911WTC on YouTube

At 10:03am, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA.  It is believed that the intended target of this plane was either the Capitol Building or The White House.  However, the passengers of Flight 93 fought the hijakers and after the terrorists believed that the passengers might regain control of the plane, they intentionally crashed it.  

Video from  CBS on YouTube

The North Tower of the World Trade Center would then collapse at 10:28, after burning for 102 minutes.

Video from environmentalist21 on YouTube

Debris from the North Tower collapse fell onto the nearby 7 World Trade Center Building.  This damaged it and started fires.  The fires burned for several hours and compromised the building's structural integrity.  The 7 WTC building collapsed at 5:21pm.  

Video from Xenomorph911WTC on YouTube

It was just such as sad day and other events seemed to be a blur.  Everyone's eyes were glued to the TV set the entire day and a sense of patriotism spread throughout the United States.  There were a total of 2,996 casualties resulting from the multiple attacks.  This number includes the 19 hijakers, 246 passengers from all four planes (no survivors), 2,606 in New York in the towers and on the ground, and 125 at the Pentagon.  Over 90% of the deaths in the Towers were workers and visitors who had been at or above the point of impact.  At least 200 people fell or jumped to their deaths from the burning towers. 411 of the deaths were emergency workers who responded to the scene, trying to rescue people and fight fires.  The city has only able to identify remains for 1,631 of the World Trade Center victims.  It was estimated that about 17,400 civilians were in the World Trade Center complex at the time of the attacks so most people did make it out alive.  However, over 3,000 children lost a parent in the attack and many health issues have resulted from the toxic debris resulting from the collapse of the towers.  Because of these attacks, the War in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom began on October 7, 2001 and have lead to thousands of injuries and deaths among the troops who have fought to protect the freedoms we have as Americans.

So on this day, I would like to remember those victims of 9/11, as well as all of those Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom and any soldier that have lost their lives in the battles since then.  All of the family and friends of all of these people are also in my prayers.

So, some of you may be saying..."Finally, something not related to BSB."  Think again.  I think you will find I can relate almost anything to them and this is no different.  Most people are surprised to find out that Brian Littrell's wife, Leighanne was supposed to be on Flight 11, the first plane that crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  The Boys had been in Boston for a show during their Black and Blue Tour and Leighanne was supposed to be flying back to the West Coast for a dental appointment.  On September 10, she told Brian that she just had a bad feeling and should not get onto that plane.  She stayed with Brian and was spared her life.  I believe God spoke to her and being a devout Christian, she listened.  The Backstreet Boys did lose a stage crew member, Daniel Lee, who was flying back home to the West Coast because his wife was having her second baby.  Here is a video I found of Brian talking about Leighanne's fate on that tragic day:

Video from BriansBabyDuck on YouTube

The bad thing is that I did not even know that Leighanne was supposed to be on that place until I saw Brian during his Welcome Home Tour in Toronto in 2006.  Remember that these events took place in 2001, the time when I decided to let the Backstreet Boys go from my life for a brief amount of time (read about it here).  When Brian talked about it during his Toronto show, my heart just sank.  I had become more open to the idea of God and Christianity when I purchased his Welcome Home album and had seen him in Grand Rapids.  This news edged me even closer to becoming a believer.  Only God could give someone feelings that deep down to save them from tragedy.  Here is a video of Brian talking about it and his song "Gone Without Goodbye," which discusses the tragedy in the first verse.

"Gone Without Goodbye"

November 4, 2006 - McVety Center - Toronto, ON

Video from michibelle on YouTube

The day is drawing to an end and I was unable to watch any of the 9/11 specials on TV.  I am sure that they did justice to the fallen.  I hope that no one ever forgets what happened on that day.  I know Brian took part in a ceremony yesterday but I am not sure where.  Here are the photos that he has on his Facebook page.

The Littrell Family - One that would not have existed if Leighanne would have  gotten on  Flight 11

There was one flag for every casualty.  I believe he is carrying this one for Daniel Lee.

So I wrap this post up with a prayer that God helps to heal the wounds caused by these attacks.  I am proud to say that I am an American and appreciate all of the freedom that I have because of those that fight for that freedom.  God Bless.

I miss you so much, I don't know what to do...

**Back in My Life**

So what do I miss?  Nothing now because today is a wonderful day.  Why?  University of Kentucky football has started!!!

Brian and me showing our Wildcat pride

Now, some of you may be asking...why are you writing about the University of Kentucky in a Backstreet Boys blog?  Those of you who are actual fans, know the connection.  For those of you who are not and are reading this because you know it makes me happy, I will explain....Brian Littrell is from Lexington and is a UK fan.

Now, I know I have written about this before, but in case you missed it....I am not a UK fan just because Brian is.  As a matter of fact, I was a Kentucky fan before  knew who the Backstreet Boys even were.  I honestly don't remember when I became a fan, but I have been one for as long as I can remember.  There are a few funny aspects to my fandom though:
1)  I was raised in Northwest Indiana - 336 miles and almost 6 hours from Lexington, KY.  Indiana is Big Ten country, and most people could not tell you more than one or two teams in the SEC.  Therefore, UK games that are on the SEC or Big Blue Network are not aired.  This means I became a fan in the few games that are aired on ESPN.
2)  No one in my family is a Kentucky fan.  They were mostly Indiana University fans and anti-Purdue.  But there was totally no influence from them on me becoming a Kentucky fan.
3)  I had never even been to Kentucky until the summer of 2003.  This means that no trip to Kentucky influenced me becoming a fan.

So why did I become a fan?  I have NO idea!  But how can you not appreciate the legend that is University of Kentucky men's baskeball:
-  All Time Wins:  2052 (#1)
-  All Time Winning Percentage (#1)
-  7 NCAA Championships (#2)
-  10 NCAA Championship Game Appearances (#2)
-  17 NCAA Final Four Wins (#2)
-  33 NCAA Elite-8 Appearances (#1)
-  42 NCAA Sweet 16 Appearances (#1)
-  51 NCAA Tournament Appearances (#1)
-  105 NCAA Tournament Wins (#1)
-  151 NCAA Tournament Games Played (#1)
-  59 Total Postseason Tournament Appearances (NCAA and NIT) (#1)
-  100 NBA Draft Picks (#2)
-  52 All-Americans (#1)
-  82 All-America Total Selections (#1)
-  91 Total Winning Seasons (#2)
-  4 Total Coaches with a NCAA Championship (#1)

So maybe those are some of the reasons that I became a fan?  There is no denying their greatness.  It was UK basketball that made me become a fan of the school, and therefore, other UK sports....hence the UK football excitement.  The football team has made it to a Bowl Game every year for the past 5 years and has won 4 of them.  They just don't have the same greatness that the basketball team has.  But, I will continue to cheer for them through the good times and the bad.

Hoping to be bak here in October!

Before I moved to the Louisville area in 2008, I had never attended a University of Kentucky sporting event.  Now, I have been to 3 football games and 1 basketball game.  My spectator record shows that maybe I should not attend anymore:  0-4.  Regardless, Tammy and I are hoping to make it to a football game this season in October.  Those events will be reviewed once I get to them in my timeline of reviews.  Because Brian is also a Kentucky fan and is from Lexington, I will always associate my University of Kentucky activities as part of my Backstreet world...even though UK came before BSB.  Plus, many of our UK games were preceded by a little site seeing and some "historical tours."

By the way, as I write this, it is now half time and Kentucky is up 7-3!

Thumbs up for Kentucky Football!