There's no place too far, I will always get to you...

**Upcoming Events in the Midst of Cruise Excitement**

In the midst of preparing for BSB Cruise 2011 this week, many new developments have come about concerning new tours and music for NKOTBSB and BSB as solo artists.

Recently, Nick released several US tour dates.  As of right now, there are not very many dates released...just 6.  The closest show that he has released so far is Nashville but it is on a Monday night.  I need one of two things with this tour.  Nick either needs to come somewhere very close where I would only have to miss one day of work (I work an evening shift) or he needs more shows on weekends.  As of right now there are two shows that are on a weekend.  The first is in Las Vegas on Nick's birthday.  The second is in Philly at the beginning of February.  The word is that he will be adding more dates.  The question is...will he be closer to the midwest?  I know that many of my East Coast friends will be going to the Philadelphia show on February 4th.  I have been able to find some pretty cheap plane tickets for this weekend on Southwest and I have a $20 credit to use before next September.  So, do I go to Philly or wait to see what more tour dates bring me?  Either way, I will probably have to miss a shift of work unless he comes close on a weekend.  The pre-sales have already started for these tour dates but I am not a member of Nick's fan club so I have to wait until public sale.....and right now I don't know when that is for the Philly show.  His shows appear to be General Admission so it is not completely necessary for me to buy them as soon as they go on sale.  He does have VIPs available and I would have to debate if I would want one or not....although compared to BSB VIPs, they are "cheap."  That would be the only thing I would worry about if I wait and see what other dates are added.  Oh, and not to mention that flights can always go up at any time and not make it worth it.  I think this is something that I will have to look at again once I get back from the cruise.  I can see what the plan is with the other girls as far as if they are staying in Philly that night, etc.  If flights are still cheap enough then maybe I'll buy me a Philly ticket.  His concert tickets are cheap enough that I could go to more than once show if he then announces a closer show.

The other thing that was recently announced was that NKOTBSB are going to be touring in Australia in May.  One of my dreams is to see BSB in Australia.  I think it would be totally amazing to see NKOTBSB in Australia as well.  However, I can't really afford to take that time off of work since I don't get paid vacations.  Also, that would be a VERY expensive trip since it looks like flights are $1200 alone.  So for now, I will have to keep seeing BSB in Australia on my bucket list.

NKOTBSB will also be touring in Europe this spring.  This also did not work with my work schedule since they don't start touring there until after my Spring Break.  Several of my friends are going to the show in Geneva and I am quite jealous.  You see it is more about seeing NKOTBSB or BSB....it is about the travel as well.  I love to travel and it is something that my husband doesn't really care for.  So, I take these tours as my time to do so.  I guess it will just be awhile before I am able to do these overseas tours.

Howie is currently traveling in South America with Britney Spears to promote his new album.  There is no word yet of a US tour for him.  Nor is there word of any kind of touring from AJ for his album.  I do know one thing...if the Boys keep touring like this and having cruises, I will never be able to afford Mega Tour.

I'd make it so we'd never be apart...

**BSB Cruise 2011 - THIS WEEK!**

I knew I had to prepare for almost no sleep while on the cruise THIS week (that's right, the time has finally arrived for the week of my BSB Cruise 2010)!  However, I completely forgot about the lack of sleep going into the cruise due to the excitement.  While I have been super excited about this cruise, the excitement compared to last year hasn't quite been the same because the nostalgia from last year of it being the first BSB Cruise and my first cruise ever has worn off.  However, I think tonight has been the first night that I have felt the butterflies of excitement in my tummy!  

I have been working on packing for the last two days.  Well, actually I spent the first day trying on most of my cruise clothes.  I knew that they would fit because I bought most of them before I lost my 9 pounds.  I guess I wanted to see how most of them fit now that I have lost that weight.  Seeing them fit better makes me so proud of my weight loss.  This week will be so busy that I am afraid that I am not going to find the time to work out before I leave on Thursday.  Having Thanksgiving this past week sure does not help my case either.  I just need to lose .9 pounds in order to reach the 10 pound loss mark so we'll see what I can do in the next 4 days.

Right now I am currently working on washing all of the new clothes I have bought over the year in anticipation for the cruise.  I have been so afraid to wash or wear any of these clothes for fear that something would get on them or they would shrink or who knows what else.  I figured it was time to take the big step and get them all washed so that I could start packing earlier than I did last year (AKA the night before I was to leave very early the next morning).  I should finish today and be able to start the packing!  There are a few more outfits I need to try on to make sure they are complete and what I really want.

I have completed and packed my portion of the door decoration.  I won't have to mail it to the hotel after all...at least at this point.  I will have to make that final decision once I completely finish packing to make sure that I, indeed, have enough room.  I am pretty sure that I will be okay.  We never did hear official word about a Door Decorating Contest this year.  We decided to go with a very simple but fun idea for our door this year.  I don't think any of us really expects to win if there is a contest but we all really like our idea.  If they do announce a contest in the beginning of this week, some girls may be upset because they have already left for their vacations.  I know one of my roommates, Laura, left yesterday for Orlando and is spending the week doing many of the theme parks before heading to Miami.  I am quite jealous, as I have never been to Orlando or any of these parks.  I wanted to go so badly with them this year but couldn't quite take that time off of work.

We never quite set out a plan for Miami on the night before the cruise.  We know when we will all be getting into Miami and what time we need to be at the club for the Pre-Cruise Party.  We discussed possibly going to Miami Beach for awhile and just exploring the Boardwalk and such.  And we know we are going to dinner at a local restaurant before the party.  And now there has been a Tweet that there could be a possibility of a Wylee party at some point this evening as well.  Needless to say, a lot is still up in the air for this day.  With as much as I am a planner, I am okay with this.  I have gotten a lot better at going with the flow.  As long as we get to the Pre-Cruise Party on time then I will be happy.  I think I even decided which of my two outfits I bought that I am going to wear.

I still don't know if we're sure what will really be going on during the Pre-Cruise Party.  We've heard that our VIP session and photos will be at 10pm and then the General Admission part will start after that.  I am pretty sure that I am leaning towards taking my photo next to Nick so that I can stand next to Brian for our cruise photo.  We have no idea how long the party will last, how long the Boys will be there, what they will be doing there, etc.  Again, this will be another thing we will play by ear.  Most of our group has decided that once BSB leaves, we will leave as we want to get some sleep before the cruise the next morning.  However, I very much enjoy dancing and all of that good stuff.  There could be a possibility that I just take a cab back to the hotel if I am having too much of a good time to leave when the rest of my group leaves.  It's another thing that will be played by ear.  However, I do have to mention one other thing about this event.  There are many people that I know that think I would do anything and everything for the Backstreet Boys and that there is no amount of money that I would not spend on them.  They are very wrong!  Right after I bought the tickets for this pre-Cruise event, I learned of a VIP table that was being sold for $5,000!  Granted, that money would be split up between everybody who was sitting there but there is no way I can justify spending that kind of money on something that I'm not even sure what you get with it.  Many girls complained that they don't have that kind of money.  However, this is something that I think is a privilege and very special.  If everyone could do it, then it wouldn't be special.  So, if you are someone sitting at one of these VIP tables, congrats!  

I am also getting super excited for my beauty pampering this week, which includes a hair cut, highlighting, eyebrow wax, manicure, pedicure, and massage.  I also have been doing something that I have always said I would never do.  I have been going tanning.  I know the dangers that can be associated with it but I do not plan on doing it after the cruise is over (until the next cruise at least).  I was just not completely satisfied with the spray tan I had gotten as a test run.  So, I broke down and have been doing a variety of tanning beds (regular, stand up, and super) for the past three weeks.  I have to say that I am very happy with my results.  

It looks like we won't do much in Nassau other than the Beach Party.  With the Prom Night theme being the evening we are in Nassau, there are many of us that want to get back to the ship to get ready before we have to go to dinner and the concert before the Prom Night Deck party.  I figure it will give me time to make a hair appointment, which I will have to book as soon as I get onboard because I have a feeling that many of the other girls will think of the same thing.  I just suck at doing my own hair if it involves more than brushing it or throwing it up in a pony tail.  Each of the Boys are going to pick a Prom Queen...I want to have the best chances possible for this.  I wonder if they do makeup on board too?

I have cleared out some room in my iPhoto for all of the new photos I will be getting.  I need to pick up a third battery for my camera and should have plenty of memory since I have two 16GB memory cards.  I will also be taking my computer in case they do get full and I need to clear the camera by downloading the photos.  It appears as if both of my roommates have new cameras this year as well.  We may have to come up with something as far as taking turns recording as the other two take photos.  It would be amazing to have the whole cruise on video!  I know in the itinerary it says you cannot video during the BSB events.  However, this same thing was in the itinerary last year but people were actually bringing in video cameras to the events.  We'll just have to see if they crack down on this for this year.  I think I am the most excited that we all have decent cameras this year so we should have much better photos this year than last.

Even though it seems like I have a lot of things done off of my to-do list now, my anxiety is picking up.  That is one of the reasons it is 2:30am and I am sitting here on the couch and typing this.  I am so afraid that I am going to forget something even though I have a packing list.  I know that if I do forget something I can always buy it in Miami, on the boat, or borrow it.  All I really need are my cruise documents and passport and I should be good.  But, that is not how Generalized Anxiety Disorder works....you still get anxious about stuff you shouldn't be anxious about.  It is times like these that I wish I were still on medication...

Cuz good times will come again...

**BSB Cruise Itineraries Are Here**

It is official...we have our BSB Cruise 2011 Itineraries!  While, I am very happy to know now what we will be doing, I also see a couple of things I am slightly disappointed with.  I kind of knew I would be because 1)The cruise is a day shorter which means less time for activities and 2) The Cruise is a full charter instead of a half charter so the Boys have to do everything twice, meaning less activities.  And all for about the same price we paid last year.  The itinerary is as follows (I am in group B)...

There were a couple of things that I noticed right away...

1)  The Backstreet Boys do not have an event while Group B is eating dinner on the first night.  This could mean that they may eat dinner in one of the dining rooms at this time.  However, each group will be split among two dining rooms, where we were all in one last year.  So, if they do eat in one of the dining rooms, which will it be?  If they eat in a dining room at all.  On Day 3, Group A has this same scenerio.

2)  The events are assigned seating once again.  This is good because we can focus on other things, such as getting ready or just hanging out, instead of having to wait in line for the events if they had been general admission.  The seating chart is set up a little differently on the Imagination than it was on the Destiny.  Check out Laura's Post on the Seating Chart differences between the two ships.  Unfortunetely, we will not know where our seats are until we get our wristbands at check in.  We booked pretty early so I'm hoping very close to the front!  There are also two different types of seating on the Imagination, rows and round booths.  I think I would rather be in one of the rows than at one of the round tables.  Although, I think with the round tables you may be more likely to meet new fans because 10 people are seated to a table.  We'll just have to wait and see on December 1st where we will be sitting!

3)  I am guessing that the In It To Win It will be a game show of some sort.  Last year we have Family Feud and The Dating Game.  So it looks like we will only have one game show this year.

4)  Group B should have plenty of time to get ready for the Sphynker 80s Night Deck Party, which does not start until 11:30.  We can take our time during dinner and this night should not take a lot of prep work.

5)  There is an Open Bar during the cocktail party during the first theme night.  Last year, the cocktail party was 1 hour.  The itinerary does not give an ending time for the cocktail party this year.  Whatever time length this year's cocktail party may be, I am taking full advantage of it!  Last year I was double fisting it but because we arrived to the Cocktail Party later, I actually didn't drink all that much.  And I was never once drunk the entire cruise last year.  I would like to enjoy myself this year in that respect at least once.

6)  Group A will be leaving for the Beach Party first.  Based on the times that each group will be leaving the party, we should leave the ship for the Beach Party about an hour later.  I like the fact that I am in the later group this year.  Last year, I was in the first group that left.  When he had to board the buses to come back to the ship, the Backstreet Boys were still at the Beach Party.  They had also arrived to the Beach Party after the second group had done so.  Therefore, the second group got much more Backstreet time at the Beach Party last year.  We will have some time after the Beach Party before we have to be back on the ship for dinner.  I have suggested to my group that we look at cab prices...for a number of reasons.  If the Backstreet Boys are still at the beach when Group B is getting ready to leave, I want to stay there.  We can then take a cab back to the ship when we are ready.  The other possibility is that we take a cab over to the Atlantis resort and walk around that before we have to be back at the ship.  This way, we get to enjoy Nassau a little more.

7)  Why in the world would they have the Prom Night Deck Party on Beach Party day instead of the Day at Sea???  That does not make a lick of sense to me.  Especially for this reason...Group B has dinner at 8:15.  We then will pretty much go straight to our Concert.  Right after the concert is the Prom Night Deck Party.  So, unless we come back to the ship right after the Beach Party and wear our Prom Night outfits to both dinner and the concert, we won't have much time to get ready.  I was hoping to have my hair done for this but I would have to do it after the Beach Party.  I also wanted to explore Nassau a little more.  Guess I will really have to chose one or the other.  I really don't want to wear my dress to dinner and the concert though...it's a pretty big dress.  I guess I will just have to examine this a little more.  Group A has dinner at 6 and then nothing until the deck party at 11:30.  Bet you any money, the Prom Queens are going to be from Group A...

8)  While Group B gets the Game Show and the Concert first, we get the second time slot for the Group Photos.  By then, the group will have taken hundreds of photos.  Group A will get fresher looking Backstreet Boys for their photos.  Photos will be taken with groups of 8.  I think we have our group figured out.  We had talked briefly about who we all wanted to stand next to but that may change now that some of us are doing VIP for the pre-cruise party.  Originally, I had wanted to stand next to Nick int he photo because I do not have any photos of me standing next to Nick.  However, now I will get two photos on this trip.  So, I can stand next to Nick during the pre-cruise party photo and next to Brian in the cruise photo.  I am the only Brian fan in my group so I think the odds of this happening are good!

9)  There is Karaoke again this year and it will be on the Lido deck so no one will miss any great renditions of songs if there happen to be any.  Rose Tours has sent an e-mail asking cruisers to submit their names and top three song choices if they would like to participate in Karaoke.  My friends and I are trying to decide some good songs to sing.  I think it will be hard to top "Baby's Got Back" from last year.

I guess that is really it for all of my observations.  Now that I have the itinerary I can start looking more closely at my packing list.

You did reach out Your hand...

**Brian Littrell and Rebecca St. James - The Christmas Tour - 12/9/2006 - Evangelical Free Church - Naperville, IL**

After an amazing trip to Toronto in November 2006, I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away from Brian Littrell for long.  Not long after this Toronto concert, it was announced that Brian would be doing a Christmas Tour with Christian artist, Rebecca St. James.  Luckily, a show was announced in Naperville, IL...not terribly far from my hometown.  There were only 8 shows released for this Christmas Tour so I knew I had to take the chance and run with it.  The show was on a Saturday, which made it even better.

I immediately contacted Megan, Tammy, and Tara to see if they would be interested in going.  Megan did not get to go to Toronto with us and Tara had taken her place.  These three girls were now going to be my new go-to BSB girls.  When tickets went on sale, I had not heard back from Tammy nor Tara as to whether or not they wanted to go.  Megan was in.  I decided to take a chance and get four tickets.  Shortly afterwards, I discovered that Tara could not go and Tammy had a already gotten tickets to go with her best friend.  I hoped that I would have luck in finding someone to buy the two extra tickets before I went, but that turned out to be a negative.  They actually had a "Meet and Greet" option as part of the tickets but I decided not to purchase it.  After all, I had already met Brian...why bother?  These days I'm singing a different tune apparently.  I guess as a college student with more limited funds, you think more carefully about these things.

Hobart, IN -> Naperville, IL - 66.3 miles - 1 hour 24 minutes

Megan and I left early enough that night to find the venue and then go get a bite to eat.  It was chilly....it was December in Chicago, after all.  I remember that Megan thought I was crazy because I was just wearing a sweatshirt, hat, and gloves but no jacket.  I guess I was used to the Chicago cold after having grown up and lived in it for 23 years.  I also remember there being a lot of mattress stores...they were everywhere in Naperville.  Those people must love to sleep.

We stood in line to wait to get into the venue for awhile and talked to a mom and her daughter.  It got brought up that they still needed to purchase their tickets once they got in the venue.  Oh look what I have here....two extra tickets.  The problem?  Mom didn't have any cash.  She thought about running to an ATM and then she remembered that she had some cash that she had to give to her brother.  She could use that and the go to the ATM after the show to replace the cash.  The problem?  Not enough to pay full price for the tickets I had.  I was willing to take a small loss and gave her the tickets for what she had.  It was better than not finding anyone to buy them.

The concert was a mix of each artist singing some of their regular, non-Christmas songs, each singing some solo Christmas songs, and then them doing some Christmas songs together.  Brian eventually came out in a Santa jacket, which was adorable.  Unfortunately, the pictures are not so great.

There is one memory that I will NEVER EVER forget during this show.  It was a moment that changed my life and a moment that I still need to thank Brian for.  As I have written in my past posts, I had been exploring the idea of God more and more since buying Welcome Home, attending two of Brian's Welcome Home concerts, and hearing personal stories of how God played a part in Brian's life.  I just hadn't taken the last steps to become a full believer.  I was more open to the idea but was just waiting for that last extra push.  

At one point, Brian was offstage and it was Rebecca's turn on stage.  She started talking about forgiveness and how God forgives us all.  She started to read a passage from her Bible and invited anyone who had questions about God, those who felt they needed more in their lives, and those who wanted to know more about Jesus to step forward.  This is when something happened and to this day I still have a hard time explaining what I felt.  I felt the sudden urge to stand up myself and walk forward to the stage, a sense of peace and calm, a sense of belonging.  However, I did not do it because I was so scared.  I didn't know what was happening.  I was there with my friend Megan, but what would she think if I just got up and walked towards the stage?  I thought that Tammy would know what I was going through since she had recently found God that May with the influence of Brian but she was sitting several rows behind me.  I now know that moment was God finding His way into my heart and opening it to Him.  That was the moment I decided that I was going to be faithful to God and become a Christian.  I think the thing that scared me the most was that I was 23 years old and had not been raised with church or the Bible in my life.  Where was I going to start?  I didn't even know the basics.  I had so much catching up to do.  But, I knew it was what I had to do.  God was telling me at that moment that I was ready to accept Him and that He would guide me in my journey.  That wasn't the end of it though.

After the show, Tammy pulled me to the side because she said that she had to talk to me and that what she needed to say was out of the ordinary and that she didn't want to freak me out.  She told me that at that time during the show when Rebecca was giving her message, she felt the strongest urge to come to me because I needed her to help me go up to the stage to accept God.  I told her that I didn't think she was nuts because I had hoped that she would come up to me at that time to help me take that first step.  Not only had God found His way into my heart, but He had told Tammy how much I needed her support at that time.  I see why she probably did not approach me at that time.  She knew that I had been more open to Christianity but also knew that I wasn't quite there yet.  I am sure that she thought she would scare me off if she had done so.  However, I would have gladly accepted her company.  She then put her hands on my shoulder, looked me straight in the eye, and told me everything was okay.  She told me that Jesus was waiting for me as she hugged me.  I started to cry and so did she.  On May 2, 2006, God had used Brian Littrell to bring Tammy to faith.  On December 9, 2006, He used Brian again to show me the way.  He has a plan for us all and it is when you least expect it that He works His magic.

Now, some of you may be saying that it was actually Rebecca St. James that helped bring me to faith.  You are partially true.  It was her on that stage, reading from her Bible, and inviting the audience to come forward.  However, it was Brian's messages on his CD and during his previous concerts that allowed me to even think about accepting God in the first place.  I would not have been at that concert if I would not have been there to see Brian.  He is the one that brought me there in the first place.  Therefore, I always say that it is Brian that is the one who influenced my faith.  One day, I would love to tell him this story so that he can see the influence he had on me.

While it was December 9, 2006 that I decided that I was going to become a Christian, it took some time before I could technically call myself so.  I officially became a Christian on February 24, 2009 when I was baptized at the Charlestown Road Church of Christ in New Albany, IN.  Yes, it took some time but the important thing is that I did it and there is not a day goes by that I am not thankful for that day in Naperville.

Many people think that I am just a fan of the Backstreet Boys for their music, their looks, their personalities, or what have you.  Those who really know me know why I am a fan.  I am a fan because of moments like I had at this concert.  I am a fan because they made a difference in my life and because they made a difference in the lives of many.  

Anyway, back to the more light hearted stuff.   I was happy that I did not end up purchasing a Meet and Greet ticket.  Apparently, there was some miscommunication somewhere along the line and Brian was not actually at the Meet and Greet.  It did not matter.  This was another Brian Littrell show that I had a plan waiting for me.  At the first concert I went to in Grand Rapids I had met Tammy, who has become a great friend and who I can have so many fun times with.  She is the person that I have shared my journey to God with.  At the second show in Toronto, I actually got to meet Brian after so many years of him being an influence in my life.  Finally, the most important show was this one...for it brought me to God.

So Brian, if you ever happen to read this.....Thank You.

I can't get you out of my head...

**BSB Cruise 2011 - More To Do List Updates**

With less than a month away, things are getting more real with each passing day.  I am starting to get the same excitement of last year's first time cruise.  These past weeks were big weeks in planning for me.

A little less than a month ago, I published a BSB Cruise 2011 To-Do List and the about two weeks ago a BSB Cruise 2011 - To Do List Update.  I am getting closer and closer to completing these lists.

1)  Lose Weight - I have been doing this pretty well.  The last time I wrote about my weight loss, I had only lost .3 pounds since I started my Lose It All Weight Loss Competition with my cruising friends back at the end of April.  However, in the last month I have lost 7 pounds.   I have reached and surpassed the 5 pound mark that I had set for myself at the beginning of October.  My new goal is 10 pounds before the cruise.  With a little over three weeks until we set sail, I believe that losing one pound a week is very attainable.  I would be happier with even more though.

2)  Finalize Travel Arrangements - This is done!  I have arranged for my ride to and from Midway Airport in Chicago on my departure and arrival days.  We of course need to look at the specific times of travel but at least I know I have someone to take me and pick me up.  As far as our Florida travel - Cory and I will be taking a shuttle from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown through SAS Transportation.  After the cruise we will be taking a shuttle right from the Port of Miami to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport through QLS Transportation.  We are not taking the same companies because of the prices.  Each is cheapest for the direction that we are taking it.  The only thing we absolutely have to finalize is our rental car situation.  We need to find out if we need 1 car or 2 based on if we have 5 girls or 6.  As soon as we hear from our 6th girl, we should be able to finalize this aspect as well.  Although, I will be just fine with lap sitting if we want to cram 6 girls into the one vehicle!

3)   Packing List - I have found my packing list from last year...now I just need to edit it.  I do know that my "prom dress" will fit now but it means I will have to check my bag.  I know I can begin to edit the list now but I don't want to finalize my packing list until we get our itineraries.  At this point, I will have a better idea of the outfits I need to pack.

4)  Theme Night/Special Occasion Outfits - All theme outfits are complete.  However, I still have to finalize my Pajama Theme Outfit.  I had ordered two pairs of pants and two shirts.  I did narrow it down to my favorite option of these but I am still not 100% satisfied with it.  There is one more option I want to try to see if it will work.  I should also probably try to try on my "prom dress" and my 80s outfit.  I am pretty sure the "prom dress" will still fit, as I am actually a bit lighter now than the last time I wore it.  If I lose the weight that I want to, then I will actually be thinner.  I know one aspect of my 80s outfit fits but I haven't actually tried it all on together to make sure it works.  So I still need to do that.  I also received my BSB Cruise shirts in the mail recently.  I will, of course, be wearing the pink returning cruisers shirt but I wanted the black 1st time cruisers shirt as well.  I am waiting on two items that my friends had made for their pajama night outfits.  Since I am going a different route for the pajama night, I won't be joining them but I still wanted the items to have to wear around the house and such.  I also purchased two outfit choices for the Pre-Cruise Party so I have to decide which to wear.

5)  Door Decoration - I have gotten most of my part of the door decoration done.  I need to do a bit more but I should be able to complete that in one day with the help of my students at school.  I need to still make the title, some signage, and get the background paper.  I need to finish this with enough time to mail it to the hotel so that I do not have to worry about traveling with it on the plain.

6)  Buy Pre-Cruise Event Ticket - They finally announced what the pre-Cruise event will be and I am excited to say that I am attending the Backstreet Boys Pre-Cruise Party as a VIP.  That's right...they FINALLY announced that the pre-cruise event will be a party at a local Miami Beach dance club called Cameo.  Tickets went on sale Thursday at noon (CST).  I was able to get in right away, buy my two tickets, and have no problems with check out by 12:01:35.  After receiving my confirmation, I went back and checked...VIPs were sold out within that minutes and a half.  There were three of us trying to get set of tickets for our own respective groups.  I was trying for one of my cruise roommates and myself while my other cruise roommate was trying for herself.  Another friend was trying for her roommate and herself.  I received notice that neither of these girls was able to get a VIP.  I felt so bad that Laura and I would be going in our group and no one else.  But, I have learned from the past...do not give up as they will occasionally release more as time goes on.  I was bound and determined to try to help my friends get VIPs as well.  I went back in and occasionally some VIPs showed up.  However, when I tried to add them to my cart, a sold out message would come up.  This happened to me at least a dozen times.  However, I was trying to add three to my cart (one for Cory, Anne Marie, and Jen).  When this just wasn't working, I decided maybe to just try adding one for Cory.  She was my priority since she is both my cruise roommate and hotel roommate.  I was eventually able to get one in my cart!  I texted Cory quickly to see if she had gotten one yet.  When I didn't receive a text back right away, I figured I would just buy it anyway.  I knew I would be able to sell it to someone if she had by any chance received one.  Once I got the confirmation I called her to inform her that I was able to get her a VIP!  I heard that only 100 VIPs (maybe just a tad more) were sold.  I am not sure how many general admission tickets were sold but my roommates and I will be partying it up Backstreet VIP style!  Now the only question is what am I going to wear and which Backstreet Boys am I going to stand next to in my photo?

7)  Book Appointments - On the day that the Pre-Cruise party went on sale, I booked a bunch of appointments for my "beauty treatments."  Two days before I fly out, I will get my hair cut, get my first ever highlights, and get my eyebrows waxed.  On the day before I fly out, I will get a manicure, my first ever pedicure, and a massage.  I want to go into this vacation feeling relaxed, rather than having to use precious time to get relaxed.  I did go and try out a spray tan, as I don't want to take the risks associated with a tanning bed.  I just didn't get quite as dark as I wanted to with the spray tan.  While, I could just get several coats done, it would be way more expensive than just doing the tanning bed.  I figure I won't be doing the tanning bed all the time so I am going to risk it.  I need to go in to set up a package and hope I can get the tan I want to for the cruise.

New Items:

8)  Get itinerary - There is not much I can do about this right now since we have to wait on Rose Tours for this.  However, we should be getting this next week!  At that point, I can delve a little deeper into my packing and see if a Nassau excursion needs to be booked.  I also want to see about getting my hair done for Prom Night so I need to see if there is time to get that done during the day.

9)  Get the camera ready - I received a new camera for my wedding anniversary back in May.  It took amazing photos and video at the NKOTBSB concerts I attended this summer.  I have two batteries for it but I think that I might want to get one more.  I usually had to switch my first battery out towards the end of the NKOTBSB shows.  I want to make sure I don't miss any opportunities.  I will also be taking my laptop so that I can backup my photos during the cruise.  However, the space in my iPhoto is currently limited.  I need to go ahead an backup all of these photos (including the Cruise photos from last year) so I can get them off of the computer.  This way, there will be plenty of space for this years Cruise photos.

I think that might be it for now!  Still so much to do with so little time!

Time, look where we are and what we've been through...

**October BSB Moments in History**

October has come to an end and as the month occurred, I thought of how many Backstreet events have happened in past Octobers.

October 3, 1971 - Kevin Richardson was born in Lexington, Kentucky.  This year, Kevin turned 40 years old.

October 3, 2000 - "Shape of My Heart" (Black and Blue) is released on radio.

October 5, 1999 - I attended my first Backstreet Boys concert during the Into the Millennium Tour at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL (Chicago).

October 9, 2010 - I was able to get my first picture with Brian Littrell during his Healthy Heart Club VIP weekend.  Actually, I got four photos on this day.  The day included an event entitled "A Fair to Remember" during the day.  Brian showed off his handy art skills, took photos in the photo booth, took on his fans in some basketball, and sacrificed himself in the dunk tank.  That evening was the "Hoe Down of Splendor," where Brian, Baylee, and Leighanne performed and we were taught some old fashioned square dancing.

October 10, 2010 - Leighanne had her largest Wylee Party yet.  Held at her friend's art gallery, Leighanne had a ton of Wylee merchandise.  Brian and the rest of the Littrell family freely roamed around and mingled with the fans who were waiting on their customizes Wylee bags.

October 25, 2010 - An announcement on Ryan Seacrest is made, stating that Kevin Richardson will be joining the Backstreet Boys for the Beach Party on BSB Cruise 2011.

October 30, 2001 - The Hits: Chapter One is released.

October 30, 2007 - The Backstreet Boys release Unbreakable.  This is their first album after Kevin leaves the group.

October 31, 1999 - Halloween is a time of costumes and trick or treating.  This year I went with two of my best friends as "Backstreet Boys fanatics."  Okay so I know it wasn't much of a costume.  We wore our Millennium tour shirts, wrote the name of the Boys all over our bodies in markers, and used the Into the Millennium "grocery" bags as our trick or treat bags.

October 31, 2009 - University of Kentucky v. Mississippi State football game.  I had to make my fellow Wildcat, Brian, proud.  To show my Wildcat spirit, a UK pumpkin for the porch.