Filled with love, to last throughout the year...

**Top 11 of 2011**

It is New Year's Eve and 2011 is about to end.  Overall, it was a great year filled with concerts, new friends, my favorite University, and a cruise to top it all off.  It's going to be hard to count down my Top 11 Backstreet/University of Kentucky moments of 2011 but I'm going to try.

11.  My Very Kentucky Birthday - I am clearly a University of Kentucky fan.  For my birthday this year, I received an authentic UK basketball jersey and a pair of UK shoes.  I like to wear them proudly around Northwest Indiana where people give me questionable looks and often don't understand than UK stands for the University of Kentucky and NOT the United Kingdom.  I will ALWAYS be a Wildcat fan and wish more than anything that my husband and I would move to Lexington.

Me and Tammy - Wildcat Fans Forever

 10.  My First Kentucky Win - Going along with my University of Kentucky gifts was my chance to see my first UK win ever when I went to a UK football game with Tammy in November.  Up to this point, we had been 0-4 when we had gone to see either UK football or basketball games.  During this game against Ole Miss, the curse was broken!

All the Girls Minus Tammy and Susan - We missed you!

9.  New Backstreet Friends - This year would not have been the same without meeting some new Backstreet friends.  The daily e-mails were always enough to start my day out on the right foot and after one of us had just gotten done with a concert, the e-mails got even better with photos and videos.  The daily communication was a way to help one another deal with our Backstreet withdrawals...or to make it worse in some cases.  In some cases we were enablers to one another but we were always there for one another.  So, to Laura, Cory, Tammy, Susan, Ashley, and Anne Marie....thanks for filling up my e-mail.  To Cortney and Jen...may we have more time to become even better friends.

8.  The Great Ab Debate of 2011 - One of the many e-mail threads that were exchanged among me and some of my new BSB friends regarded a very important topic...who had better abs...Donnie Wahlburg or AJ McLean?  Yes, here was group of 20-30 something year olds arguing over which Boy Band Bad Boy had the best midsection.  Who needs to debate about politics or religion or education?  Not us, I guess.  This e-mail thread was composed of 51 e-mails between the group, with photos and videos attached to try to prove one's point.  There never was a clear winner but we all agreed that both men were just too sexy for their own good anyway.

Who has better abs? AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys or Donnie Whalburg from New Kids on the Block?

AJ McLean Donnie Whalburg

pollcode.com free polls

7.  The Summer of NKOTBSB - So this isn't really one event per-say.  2011 was the year where NKOTBSB dominated the thoughts of many, many, many girls across the United States.  I was a New Kids fan as a first grader, but I have now been a Backstreet fan for almost half of my life.  What started as hesitation for this tour at first, turned into never wanting it to end.  So, by the end of the summer of 2011, I had attended 6 NKOTBSB concerts (Grand Rapids, 2 Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis) and had wanted to go to so many more.   I went with a different "group" to each concert and realized that the Backstreet Boys do truly bring people together.  I traveled a total of approximately 2,331 miles to see those nine men perform and who knows how much money was spent on concert tickets, VIPs, merchandise, gas, and food.  But every mile, every dollar, every minute of my time was worth the happiness that filled me when I went to those concerts.  The withdrawals afterwards were not so much fun.  Maybe if I ever do go back to grad school for psychology I can do an experiment on how the Backstreet Boys affect their fans similarly to how drugs affect drug addicts.

Wildcat until the day I die....

6.  My Louisville Acknowledgements - During my Louisville NKOTBSB show, Brian ackowledged me, not once, but twice from the stage.  I had to wear my University of Kentucky gear to represent my Wildcats while we were in the nest of the enemy (University of Louisville Cardinals).  Being second row, I also knew it would catch Brian's eye.  He acknowledged me first at the very beginning of the show and then again when the Boys were choosing people for "I'll Never Break Your Heart."  The people next to me said he would have picked me for sure if it wouldn't have been Leighanne's birthday.  I was happy he had laughed at my sign and do believe deep down in my heart that I might have had the chance to be picked.  One day I hope to have that moment.

5.  Crazy for Wylee - I had been to two of Leighanne's Wylee parties during the NKOTBSB concerts, both of which Brian had made very brief appearances.  My third finally paid off when I was able to have a pretty long conversation with Brian and get a photo.  I also talked to his dad and bodyguard that day.  It made me feel like I was a part of something special and I must have been nuts to leave the party before Brian left but I had been on a mission to find him a UK jersey to wear for the final number of the concert.  I returned to the soundcheck with no luck but Brian happily remembered me and thanked me for trying.

Well worth every penny of the upgrade...

4.  My First Platinum VIP - Obviously the Louisville NKOTBSB show was by far my favorite.  Not only had I interacted with Brian during the Wylee party and been acknowledged by him onstage, but this was my first concert with a Platinum VIP.  I had originally won a silver but had upgraded when I thought that Brian might switch with AJ for the backstage tour because he was in his home state.  That was a bust but I had some interaction with Nick and AJ, they sang "Siberia" (one of my faves), I got my first ever solo photo with the group (in front of the barriers), and I got a backstage tour and photo with AJ.  This particular VIP had been well worth it (not everyone has great VIP reviews).

This is what dreams are made of...

3.  BSB Cruise 2011 - I have absolutely no regrets about this year's BSB Cruise.  I set out to do everything that I wanted to do...stay up late, be brave, spend time with friends, relax on a beach in the Bahamas, and have a good time.  I did all of those and had a great time doing it.  After having last year's cruise to compare to, I wasn't sure how this one was going to stack up so I decided that I needed to go in there with low expectations again.  Once again, this cruise blew the little expectations I had out of the water.  I had fun, my friends had fun, the Backstreet Boys had fun...what more could you ask for?  For the girl who told me that she didn't think the cruise was worth the money....I'd say she needs to get over the "I deserve more" complex that some fans (NOT ALL!), I am sorry to say, have.

2.  Say Cheese! - I have been lucky enough this year to get 9 photos with the Backstreet Boys, either as a group or individually.  These include:  NKOTBSB Grand Rapids Silver VIP with group, Louisville Wylee Party with Brian, NKOTBSB Louisville Platinum VIP with group and AJ, Miami Wylee Party with Brian, Pre-Cruise Party at Cameo with group,  80s Night Deck Party with Howie, Prom Night Deck Party with Kevin, and BSB Cruise Group Photo.  Every single one of these moments was special and I am so glad that I have these photos to remember these times when I was in the presence of the men that have meant so much to me in the past 13 years. 

Laura wonders if I love UK or BSB more...

1.  Brian's "Kentucky Girl" - So what can be better than getting 9 photos with the Backstreet Boys in one year?  How about getting a nickname from your idol?  Brian first called me "Kentucky Girl" after a brief talk about UK basketball during the Miami Wylee party.  Yes, I know I do not live in Kentucky, nor have I ever (although I was really close).  However, two of my top ten moments revolve around the University of Kentucky, three of my nine BSB photos (this year) include me in a UK shirt, and my dream city of residence is Lexington, KY....so tell me that I am not a Kentucky Girl at heart and don't deserve that nickname.  I figured that I would just take the name and enjoy it for the night because there was no way I was ever going to be called that again....until he did it again at the Pre-Cruise Party at Cameo later that night.  So he remembered me just hours after seeing me?  It didn't matter....he still remembered me...I had made some kind of impression in the minute or so we had talked at that table at the Wylee Party!  I spent the next two days watching him and the rest of the group entertain us with a Sail Away Party, a game show, a Beach Party, a concert, and two deck parties.  There was no way when I went to go take that group photo on the third day that he was going to remember me after two days of busy work and seeing hundreds of fans.  When the words "Kentucky Girl" came out of his mouth again during that photo and I wasn't wearing anything UK to have triggered that memory, I could have fainted.  He actually remembered me...the girl who people seem to forget about in their lives, the girl who actually only had her first picture taken with him just last October, the girl who doesn't have the money to buy multiple VIPs (one Silver was won this year and the other was an upgrade from a won Silver).  To this day, I am not sure if the Louisville show had anything to do with his memory of me since we had talked UK there as well and I was faithfully wearing my blue and white.  Nor am I sure if my attendance at his 2010 HHC VIP Weekend influenced his memory since we had also talked UK there and I was wearing a UK shirt.  All of those events could have triggered his memory this time, but this Cruise vacation was the first time he had called me "Kentucky Girl."  Will he ever call me that again?  Only he knows.  I would think that if I wearing Kentucky or we started talking UK, then he would.  Would I do that just so he would remember me?  You bet I would.  Until it happens again, I am going to keep it locked tight in my heart that for a brief few days I was Brian's "Kentucky Girl."

I hope that 2012 brings all of this same happiness for me and other Backstreet friends!

If you really like it hot, find someone who hits the spot...

**BSB Cruise 2011 - Day 2 - Beach Party**

if you've missed my previous cruise reviews, check them out:

**2011 Pre-Cruise Wylee Party**

**2011 Hey Sailor Pre-Cruise Party VIP Package**

**BSB Cruise 2011 - Embarkation Day**

**BSB Cruise 2011 - Day 1 - Part 2**

Even though I had very little sleep the night before, I didn't have as difficult of a time waking up on Day 2 as I thought I would.  I was excited to relax on the beach with my girls and my Boys and I was even more excited that we were going to get to see Kevin Richardson reunited with the group for the day.  I felt bad that my friend Tammy had not been able to come on the trip because she is a Kevin girl.  I promised I would take a lot of photos for her but I suspected my camera was going to gear a lot towards him anyway since I had gotten thousands of photos of the other Boys over the past years.  It had been 3 years since I had seen Kevin perform in "Chicago," and even longer since I had seen him as a member of the group during their Never Gone tour.

Ready to hit the beach with the girls

We got into our beach wear and we went to eat our breakfast...but there were no Backstreet Boys to be seen during this meal....or any others while we were on the cruise for that matter.  I know it appears as if we at a lot but when you have 20 hour days full of activities then you need that extra fuel.  Plus I was going to get my money's worth....which came to be my slogan during each meal.  We then made our way to wait for our turn to board the buses to head to the beach.  I vowed to myself this year that I was going to relax more during the Beach Party this year and actually enjoy the beach.  Last year I was so worried about getting a good spot that I didn't get to enjoy the fact that I was on a beach in Cozumel in December.  Nassau was going to be different!  We debarked the ship and were standing in the Bahamas!  What a glorious feeling.  We waited patiently for our shuttle to take us to the beach.   

While the rest of my friends were stuck in the cold weather
I was in The Bahamas!

Since we were in Group B, we were the second group to leave the ship.  By the time we had arrived to Cable Beach, the Group A fans already had their spots staked out by the stage.  There was a large group there and I didn't know how long we would be standing before the Boys actually showed up.  Several fans had set up blankets further back on the beach and that is where we decided to set up camp as well.  Once we had established our spot, the roommates and I decided to get some photos of the beautiful scenery.  Here I was, once again, in paradise about to spend the day with the Backstreet Boys.    Our group then got our lunch and I got my fruity girly beverage to enjoy while sitting on the beach in the Bahamas.  After lunch, some of us relaxed while the others decided to grab a spot closer to the stage.  I was perfectly content where I was so I decided to take a short nap.  I decided that I was more than likely going to stay right where I was when the group showed up because I still had a great spot to see what was happening on stage.  I'm glad we had decided to get a spot further back because the Boys did not show up for several hours.  I knew there was going to be much more cruise to go where we would be standing.  Plus, I am sure it was rather warm in that large group.

Brian's Beads!

Eventually, I began to hear cheering and saw that the Backstreet Boys were coming out of the resort and heading towards the stage.  I counted...one, two, three, four.....four?  No, there should have been a fifth head.  Kevin would follow shortly behind them and all was well with the world.  The first thing the Boys did on stage was throw beads out into audience.  I knew that we were far enough back that we would not get any...unless Brian decided to throw some our way.  The next thing I know, a pair of Brian's bead are flying in my direction!  I had a finger on them and then my friend practically ripped them out of my hand...okay maybe that's an exaggeration but she did end up getting them.  I gave her a playful push and joked with her about taking "my beads."  I am not sure if Brian saw this or not because the next thing I know there was another set of beads flying in my direction.  I slightly stepped in front of another girl and grabbed them.  Now I had my own set of Brian beads!  I know they are just a cheap trinket that can be bought at any dollar store but even something as simple as that can make a grown woman so happy when associated with her favorite Backstreet Boy.  It was the first time I had ever caught anything thrown by any of them and I was on cloud nine.  

Cheers to the return of Kevin

It was actually at this point that Kevin joined the rest of the group on stage.  The five men that had helped me through so much were together again.  Kevin made several comments about how we all looked so grown up now.  I hated to break it to him but we were grown up, although many of us still feel like we are 15 again when we see them.  I guess they help to keep us young at heart.

After the Boys spent some time reuniting, it was time for some Beach games!  I was excited to see what they had in store and was hoping for more than just the same games that they had last year.  it started out on a good note when it was announced that they would be playing musical chairs.  Now most adults would not have the slightest interest in watching other adults play this elementary game.  However, we discovered that AJ did not know how to play the game because of what he claimed to be a "deprived childhood."  He thought that the last person to sit was the person that was out but Kevin quickly set him straight.  The game got even more interesting when it turned out to be a showdown between Backstreet Boys.

Musical Chairs Backstreet Showdown

Backstreet Boys Twister made another appearance during this year's beach party after the warm reception from the crowd last year.  And who doesn't want the butt of a Backstreet Boy sticking up in the air in front of you?  Not to mention the unique positions you discover that they can indeed do.  Nick proved once again that he is the most flexible of the Backstreet Boys...

Nick showing his skills

Backstreet Limbo was next on the agenda and we got to see just how flexible our Boys really were.  The answer was not so much.  Nick and Kevin decided that they were going to hold onto the bar because they were too tall to actually Limbo, although Nick did give it a try at the end.  The only one that really got into it was AJ and Brian decided that we wanted to go over the bar, rather than under.  

Jen, BSB's manager, then announced that there would be a three legged race on the beach off to the side so many fans moved over there.  However, the Boys did not seem to be going anywhere.  They huddled up and remained that way for several minutes.  Jen didn't seem to know what was up at first.  Apparently, they were working on some harmonizing because the next thing we knew, this happened...

"Safest Place To Hide"

If anyone had doubts on whether or not they wanted Kevin to return to the group, I hope that this helped to settle your uneasiness.  I have to admit that I was one of those that wasn't sure about a return from Kevin but after hearing all five guys sing together again, I realized that it would not be a bad thing.  I believe they sound better as five and he appeared to be having a great time with the rest of the guys on the beach.  The Boys seemed to welcome him with open arms and their behavior did not become more reserved like many expected it would when Kevin made his appearance.

It appeared that the Boys were still not quite ready for the three legged race, as some water guns were brought out.  They happily sprayed their fans and then Nick decided that he wanted to have a wet t-shirt contest.  Watching barely dressed girls get sprayed down by the Backstreet Boys is not really my thing...and then it was decided that AJ had to participate because he was in white.  Brian quickly called dibs on spraying AJ down and AJ danced around like he was a wet t-shirt contest pro.

Wet T-Shirt Contest

We even got a little surprise at the end.....our first shirtless Backstreet Boy sighting on the beaches of Nassau!  Thank you AJ.  Nick and Howie were quick to follow.  And as I suspected, no shirtless Brian for me.

Eye Candy for Us All

Anything after that was kind of a jumbled mix of events as the Boys left the stage and I stayed right where I was.  Nick eventually made it into the water, followed by hundreds.  Kevin started signing autographs.  The Boys took a break for lunch and started to take photos and sign autographs.  Several my my friends got photos with one or more of the guys.  I'm not sure if the three legged race ever actually happened.  It was announced that Brian and Howie were going to go play volleyball while AJ and Nick decided to ride some jet skis.  I heard Brian and volleyball in the same sentence and off to the volleyball court Laura and I went.  I missed out on this last year and I was not going to miss my chance to try to play volleyball on the beach with Brian this year.  Many girls were busy watching Nick and AJ out in the water on their jet skis so Laura and I got a prime spot next to the volleyball court, which people (a mix of resort stayers and Backstreet fans) were already playing on.  I wondered if their game would finish by the time Brian came over or if they would be kicked off.  I saw Brian heading over and I knew I had to try to get on his team.  As he came closer I simply put my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eye, and told him that he had to pick me for his volleyball team because I was good (not to toot my own horn or anything...).  I told him to just trust me on that and Leighanne said that she would remember the girl in the green coverup.  I thought I might actually have a shot of being picked!  Unfortunetely, Brian, Kevin, and Howie just joined in the game that was already being played.  I still got to be right behind Brian as he served and I loved watching him in action.  Kevin was also good but Howie can definitely work on his skills.  Maybe I should just set up my spot on the volleyball court next cruise....playing volleyball with Brian would be a dream come true...not that I don't mind my current team.

Brian playing volleyball on the beach

It was announced that those from Group A had to start boarding the buses.  I was glad that we were in Group B because we got to hang around just a bit longer to get a little more Backstreet action (if you were in Group A you didn't miss much).  I had been in the first group last year and had not wanted to leave the beach knowing the Boys had still been there.  Not long after this announcement, Howie left the game.  Soon after, Kevin left....but we knew were going to be seeing him that evening (they had announced earlier that he would be joining us at the Prom Night Deck Party).  Then it was time for Brian to leave.  We held back for a few minutes because we didn't want it to appear that we were leaving just because he was.  We found the rest of our group and then made our way to the buses.  it had been an amazing day and I realized that we still had our concert and a deck party to go to still!  It got very windy and cold on our way back to the ship and we knew we were in for a windy, cold deck party that evening.

Next Up:  **BSB Cruise 2011 -  Day 2 - Group B Concert**

Every move that your body makes only makes me want you more...

**BSB Cruise 2011 - Day 1 - Part 2**

It took me almost a week after being back to unpack my Crusie suitcase.  I think that by unpacking, I thought my Post Cruise Depression would just get worse...it did.  Plus I had not been feeling well since I got back and a cold took over....which eventually turned into pink eye which I am currently fighting.  The Backstreet Boys said we can blame them if we got sick so I am doing so.  I got sick by a Backstreet Boy... I am sure it had nothing to do with the very little sleep, being surrounded by thousands of fans on the ship, or coming back to 20 degree weather after having been in 80.

In Part 1 of my Day 1 Review, I left off with the end of the amazing Sail Away Party.  We were officially on our way to Nassau in the Bahamas!  The Backstreet Boys couldn't go anywhere now.  After the Sail Away Party, we had some time to kill before Group B's In It To Win It Game, which we would be going to before dinner.  My roommates and I decided to grab a quick bite to eat before changing for the game show and dinner.  We headed to the grill to grab some chicken tenders and fries and saw that the booth that Brian just so happened to be sitting in earlier that day for lunch was open.  We happily and excitedly sat down...pathetic to some but exciting for us.  We ate quickly and went back to the room to change for the first time that evening for In It To Win It and Dinner.  

We were not too worried about getting into the lounge early because we knew we had our assigned seats, which were 6 rows back and very close to center.  We did know that Rose Tours tended to go out into the audience for volunteers before the events but we weren't too worried about that.  None of us knew what to expect for the game show.  Some had guessed that it would be like "Minute To Win It" but others had researched and saw that there was a British game entitled "It It To Win," and it sounded very confusing.  It turned out to be like "Minute to Win It," with The Boys breaking up into two teams and having two fans on each team.  Howie and AJ were on the yellow team (Team Pee Pee) and Nick and Brin were on the Blue (Team Blue Balls).  The 9 games included in the Group B "In It To Win It" were:

1.  Nervous Nelly - Players use 4 pedometers attached to the arms and legs to score as many clicks as possible within 60 seconds.

2.  Nose Dive - Players must transfer cotton balls, one at a time, from one serving bowl to another using only petroleum jelly on their nose.

3.  Orange Pass - Using only their chins, no hands allowed, players must transfer all the oranges from one bowl to the other.

Orange Pass (Group B) - In It To Win It - BSB Cruise 2011

4.  Coconut Smoochie - Using a coconut placed at their midsection, players must work the coconut up to their mouth without using their hands.  This was my favorite game of the entire night!  It was at this point that I wished we would have gotten their earlier to try to get picked by Rose Tours.  I have to admit that I was quite jealous of Brian's girl...

Coconut Smoochie (Group B) - In It To Win It - BSB Cruise 2011

5.  Wreath Relay - Without using their hands, players transfer a wreath to each other using only their bodies from the shoulders up.
6.  Laundry Day Relay - Using the clothes in the basket, one team member must dress in all the items, run to their teammate, who will then remove the clothes and put them on.
7.  Mini Bikes - Players race mini bikes relay style through a tropical obstacle course.
8.  Balloon Pop - Without using their hands, players must pop as many balloons as possible in 60 seconds.
9.  Flip Cup - Players will drink the contents of a cup, place it upside down on the edge of the table, and then flip it to land on the other side.

Group B In It To Win It Games

Overall, I was very satisfied with this event.  There were times that I could not stop laughing and I thought that Brian was particularly funny and amazing during all of it.  Sometimes I wonder why Brian is not  more girls' favorites with his antics...but I guess that means more for me.

Brian's Silly Ways

The other Boys were funny too and it was just a great event overall.  I did find out that they did slightly different games in the A Group and they selected different girls for the different games, which allowed more fans to be able to interact with them.  I guess they realized in our group just how long only those four girls got to be on stage with them.

Our group then made our way to the dining room and spotted the merchandise store right next door in the library.  It was packed since those in early dining had just finished and those in late dining were waiting to be let into the dining room.  I picked out the merch that I wanted but realized that the line was just too long to try to get through and get to dinner on time.  I set my pile of stuff down on a chair and just walked out, hoping it wouldn't be as crowded after we were done with dinner.

I didn't know what to expect for dinner this year.  Last year we were spoiled with appearances by the Backstreet Boys during the dining entertainment.  This year, we didn't even know if they would be eating with us, if there would be assigned seating, etc.  There was not only an early dining and late dining, but two dining rooms that fans were split amongst.  It would be unfair if the Boys decided to eat with the fans during either early or late dining and only be in one dining room.  So we were not expecting much in the way of Backstreet interactions during dinners.  However, as soon as we were seated for dinner, who do I see?  Brian Littrell just calmly eating his dinner with his wife, friends, and security.  No other Boys were in sight so they were either in the other dining room or chose to eat at the Buffet or get room service.  There was no entertainment during dinner on this cruise so there were no Backstreet shenanigans at dinner.  Brian was simply able to eat his meal and then get to the A Group's In It To Win It Game.  It appeared as if fans left him alone while he was spending that time with his group, which I am always happy to see.

When we were waiting for dessert to come, a few of us decided to sneak away to the merchandise and buy what we had been wanting to buy.  It was completely empty because Group B was in dinner and Group A was in their event.  My pile of stuff still happened to be sitting there on the chair where I had left it so I was in and out of their even quicker.  Even though I didn't care for the half naked mermaid logo on the merchandise, I still bought it....because I am a sucker for the Backstreet Boys and hoodies.....and it is even worse for Backstreet Boys hoodies.

Kisses for Brian

Before getting ready for 80s night, we made our way down to the life size cardboard cut out of the Backstreet Boys that welcomed us aboard.  One of the good things about this being a full charter was the fact these these types of things would stay up the entire time.

We then got ready by getting into our bright colored leggings, miniskirts, off the shoulder shirts, legwarmers, slap bracelets, and side ponytails.  We were ready for Sphynxter 80s night and reliving our childhood (although we were all REALLY young in the 80s).  I couldn't wait to see the Backstreet Boys dressed up in their Sphynkter get up....but I knew it wouldn't be the same without Kevin.  Believe it or not, I think I have readers who are not really Backstreet Boys fans (thank you to my non-Backstreet fans but read this because they like to hear about my crazy adventures) and, therefore, may not get the reference to Sphynkter.  Check out this music video and it will make so much more sense...

Just Want You To Know - Backstreet Boys

Sphynkter finally made their appearance out onto the Lido Deck and we jammed out to 80s songs all night.  It was nice to hear something other than the popular dance songs they played over and over again on the cruise and many of the songs they played that have always made me think of other events and people (i.e. anything by AC/DC used to remind me of my husband, Pour Some Sugar on Me used to remind me of my sorority formals) will now remind me of the Backstreet Boys.  The Boys had some problems with their wigs and the wind....now they know how we all feel.

I noticed that this deck party was quite different than last years.  Last year, the Boys spent the majority of time on the "stage" and sang and danced along to the songs that were being played.  This time they were trying to interact more with the fans.  Brian, Howie, and Nick played some beer pong with the fans, AJ made his way through the crowd while taking an occasional photo,  Nick and Howie hung out at the bar, and both Brian and Howie began taking photos with those next to the stage.  It was nice if you happened to be one of the girls that got a photo or were able to interact with them.  They just weren't always the center of attention for everyone like they had been last year.  For some, this made it no where near as much fun as last year's deck parties.  I did like just hanging out with my girls though.

Eventually, the Boys left one by one until it was only Howie left.  Eventually, he disappeared for some time as well.  Laura and I were the only ones from our group still up at this point (about 2:30am) and we decided that we needed to do some exploring around the ship.  Last year, the Boys would often go to the casino or dance club after they were done at the deck parties.  Those were going to be our first two stops.  And it just so happens that we happened to run into a certain someone rounding the corner of the casino...

Me, Howie, and Laura on 80s Night

By that point it was 3am and it had been 6 hours since we had eaten.  We decided to grab some pizza and none other than Nick Carter happened to be sitting at the bar just a few feet from us.  He wasn't taking photos but girls were still just standing there around the bar watching him just sit and talk with his security (although other girls were getting a little to friendly with his security in my opinion).  We just sat back and watched as we ate, as there was no point going up to the bar to stand with him.  As much as I love watching the Backstreet Boys, sometimes you just feel awkward.  Nick eventually left and his security guard came back without him, our indication that Nick had gone to bed.  Laura and I had to walk back across the Lido deck to get back to our room and Howie was still out there partying hard with what seemed like no intention of slowing down anytime soon.  We figured that we already had our photo so there was no point in staying up any longer.  It was my second night of staying up super late...this night until about 4:30/5am.  The next day would be Beach Party Day!

Make sure to check out my BSB Cruise 2011 Video on my YouTube channel.  You can also check out the rest of my photos from this day in my I Survived BSB Cruise 2011 Facebook Photo Album.

And I can't take the day without you by my side...

**BSB Cruise 2011 - Embarkation Day**

if you've missed my previous cruise reviews, check them out:

**2011 Pre-Cruise Wylee Party**

**2011 Hey Sailor Pre-Cruise Party VIP Package**

It seems like so long ago that I was waking up to get on a Carnival Cruise Ship with the Backstreet Boys, when in reality it was only 6 days ago.  At least last year, we suspected that we would only have to wait one year to cruise with the Backstreet Boys again.  Now it seems like we will have to wait a year and a half instead.  Some of my other friends are going to Europe and will see NKOTBSB while over there.  At this point, I want to go to a Nick concert but am waiting until he releases more dates until I made a final decision as to which one.  Other than this, I don't see any more Backstreet in my near future.  Here is to hoping that they record and get their next album out quickly!  Until then, I will have to use my photos, videos, and this blog to help ease the Backstreet Boys depression I often get after an event.  

So we woke up early on Friday, December 2nd so that we could eat breakfast and get to the port a little earlier so that we would not have to wait in lines to get checked in.  We would rather have sat and waited than stood in the lines.  Plus we hoped we might catch a glimpse of the Backstreet Boys going into the VIP check in.  Our group was together and I was meeting some of them for the first time after months of exchanging e-mails.  There were going to be seven of us all together hanging out because we were in the same group and I was so happy to finally be able to meet these girls that I had grown so close to.  There was usually not a day that had gone by that one of us was sending a photo, video, news, etc. of the Backstreet Boys.  Three of us had even competed in a weight loss competition to lose weight for the cruise.  

As we were waiting, we saw the Backstreet Boys trickle in one by one.  AJ, Nick, and Howie walked right by us to get to the VIP check in.  I saw Brian but he had gone in through the back way.  Soon, Nick had come back out so that he could use the restroom.  Several girls stopped him for photos and Laura was able to shake his hand on his way back.  I don't even think it mattered to her that we had learned last year that Nick doesn't always wash his hands after using the restroom.  Howie also eventually walked by to use the restroom.  We had gotten a good spot to see the Boys come out of the VIP room and board the ship but were shoved over so that the staff could make a barrier for them to walk through.  Last year this had already been set up.  We had front row as they walked by us to board.  By this time most of the fans had gotten there and were able to see this as well.  It was nice to have that little bit of time before hand to see them with not a lot of fans there.  But don't think I'm going to give the secret away as to what time we got there!

This was it!  It was time to get on the ship with the Backstreet Boys.  The waiting was over.  I was with a great group of girls and had promised myself that I was not going to hold anything back this year.  I was going to stay up later, relax on the beach more, and use the time to make some great new friends as well as see some old ones that I had not seen in awhile.  Everyone in my group had ordered the Cruise shirts that one of the fan club members had done and we decided that we needed to take the embarkation photo together.  It turned out so great that several of us had to buy it.

Front Row (Left to Right):  Cortney, Cory, Ashley
Back Row (Left to Right):  Chrissy, Anne Marie, Laura, Jen

We grabbed some lunch and I had the perfect view of Brian in the buffet as I was eating.  It was becoming more real by the second.  Soon we would be sailing away and the Backstreet Boys would be trapped on the ship with many fans with no where to go.  I have to admit that these guys are very brave.  After lunch, we went back to our room to see if it was ready to put our luggage in. It was and we still had some time to put up our door decorations before the Lifeboat Drill.

Cabin M46 Door Decoration - "Color My World"

Our door, entitled "Color My World" after one of the Backstreet Boys unreleased songs,  used photos of the Backstreet Boys that you could color with the crayons that we provided.  We also had coloring/activity books for fellow fans to take home with them. We got a lot of compliments on the door from other fans and we only had slight vandalism of people drawing inappropriate things.  That I just do not understand, as we were a ship full of fans.  Why would  anyone do that to a photo of a group that they love?  While I had never expected to win, I hoped to at least get an honorable mention because I thought that the door was quite creative.  When we originally thought of it, we thought that it would very much appeal to Brian and Howie because of their sons.  I heard that Rose Tours didn't even make it down to the lower decks to look at the door decorations but I am not sure how true that is.  There were some other doors on the lower decks that were great as well so I think that there might be some truth in it.  We did notice that Rose Tours does seem to like doors that are 3D in some way so we may have to remember that for next time.

We were lucky enough to get our door decorations up before the Lifeboat drill so we headed to our station.  We knew we wanted to get back to the Lido deck as soon as the drill was over so that we could get a good spot for the Sail Away Party.  Luckily our lifeboat station was not too far from the Lido deck and we scored front row for the Sail Away Party.  I made sure I had my Umbrella Drink in hand and I was ready to get the party started with the Backstreet Boys!

Almost as soon as they got out to the stage, Brian jumped up on the chairs in front of us and started shaking hands with the crowd.  At some point most of them came up on the chairs.  When that happen sometimes I just have to pause and think about how lucky I am to get to do stuff like this and how when I first became a fan I never thought I would ever be that close to them.  The Sail Away Party was filled with the Boys just being them...there was singing and dancing and Brian jumping all over the place.  The Boys would play songs for one another.  They played "Masquerade" for Brian because they know he hates it.  They played Britney Spears for Howie since he has been touring with her and he showed us some moves he had learned...at least he thought he was.  

This video pretty much provides a great overview of some of the shenanigans that went on during the Sail Away Party.  Some singing, dancing, rapping, and other silliness are all included.

However, one of my favorite parts of the deck party was the following (sorry about the camera flip at the end but I thought my camera automatically corrected it)...

I'm not sure why I liked this so much but I did.  I think it is because he is just crazy off the wall fun.  You never know when he is going to do something, which is why I am always so upset when I miss something on video or with a photo.  And it is why I am almost always focused on his with my camera.

I just realized that if I continued reviewing this day, this post would be SUPER long....so I'm going to break for a bit and come back later with my review on the In It To Win It Game Show and Sphynkter 80s Night Deck Party.  Until then be sure to check out the rest of my BSB Cruise 2011 Videos and Photos.  

Next:   **BSB Cruise 2011 - Day 1 - Part 2**

You keep on doing all the things I like...

**2011 Hey Sailor Pre-Cruise Party VIP Package**

If you missed it, check out my previous reviews of my Cruise trip:
**2011 Pre-Cruise Wylee Party**

After an amazing Wylee Party we were on our way to party with the Backstreet Boys at the Cameo Nightclub.  We knew we had to be there at 10 and that with our VIP we would get an indivdual photo with the Boys.  After that, we had no idea what to expect.  How much would the group interact?  How long would they be there for?  How was the club set up for the event?  We just didn't know what to expect.

We knew we had to grab a quick bite to eat before we headed to the club.  The problem was that only three people in our group had VIPs and had to be there an hour earlier than the other two we were with.  We didn't want to eat something super heavy but it was dinner time.  So we found a local sandwich shop and had a quick bite to eat.  We arrived at the Cameo slightly after 10 but the line did not look like it was going anywhere anytime soon.  We always know that the reoccurring theme with Backstreet Boys events is "Hurry up and wait."  At least the weather was a bit warmer than last year.

 Me and Laura - Freezing Our Butts Off

Eventually, they split the line up into two...one for VIPs and one for General Admission.  It appeared that even though we had VIP, General Admission would get into the club and get their spots while we took our photos with the Boys.  I wasn't going to complain too much since I was one of the lucky ones to get a photo.  We got sent to a VIP area overlooking the club and it was freezing.  I don't even think Chicago was this cold while I was gone!  We somehow survived and we noticed that the Backstreet Boys were taking their photos on the second floor that overlooked the rest of the club.  Therefore, those who did not get VIP were able to see them and occasionally get some interaction in between photos.

We got in line for our photos.  All of the guys were looking pretty good that night.  I had learned that there really was no use trying to come up with something to say to them because VIPs are usually so rushed.  I saw that they weren't giving hugs either.  I was the first in line of my group and Brian was the first one in line.  When he saw me he said, "Hey, it's Kentucky Girl!"  Granted I had only seen him several hours before and I was wearing the same outfit, but this still made me so happy.  Maybe he was starting to recognize me after the last two years of events after all.  I wasn't going to complain.  The rest of the Boys I just said hi to and then thanked them.  I had planned on standing next to Nick in the photos because he was the only group member that I did not have a photo next to.  Luckily, he was in the middle so my photo wouldn't look too lopsided.  I stood between him and AJ and just hoped the photos would turn out alright...just like I do with every photo next to them.  I think it turned out great!

Now we needed to figure out how this Pre-Cruise Party was going to work.  We found a spot on the dance floor and waited for the rest of the photos to finish.  They finally finished and turned around to get the party started.  They commented on how AJ was going to get married in two weeks and how he needed to go down and dance on the pole as part of his bachelor party.  That is when we got our first surprise of the night.

AJ Pole Dancing for the Fans

Nick walking away after standing next
to me for several minutes

We eventually decided to go up to the second floor so that we could see a little better, as we could stand next to the railing and not have to look over anybody.  At one point some spots opened to our right and a friend told us to move down so we could be closer to the stage.  The next thing I do is look over and see Nick heading our way...which explains why the spots had opened up.  Apparently, he saw the opening next to me and slipped right in.  Nick Carter was standing next to me!  I had to hold onto the railing for dear life because I thought we were going to get pushed right over.  He stood there for quite some time and I didn't even think about trying to get a photo with him because I was so surprised he was there.  By the time I thought about it, he had moved on.

Unfortunately, Laura was not feeling well that night and most of my group left earlier than I wanted to.  I was having a great time and had one person to stay back with me (you rock Kim).  I didn't want to miss anything!  Nick and Howie did a little DJing for us.  Howie spent a good amount of time dancing in the crowd and taking pictures.  The fans seemed to be pretty calm for the most part which allowed him to stay out.  Nick trying this was another story, however.  He only spent a brief time dancing on the platform because he was being pushed off.  I think this goes to show people that if you can just be cool, calm, and collected, the Backstreet Boys could spend so much more personal time with the fans.  Brian did not really come out at all during the party and stayed back in the VIP area.  I could see him occasionally between all the people but he didn't stay long.  He did stay longer than I had expected him to but I wished he would have come out and interact a little more.  He never does afterparties but I figured since he was there and loves to be the center of attention, then he would have.  Oh well.  We did have another surprise from AJ and Nick eventually though...

Get Another Boyfriend/Bad Boy

Nick played some more songs and Kim and I decided that we probably were not going to miss much more and we needed to get some kind of sleep before we set sail with the Backstreet Boys the next morning.  We arrived back to the hotel at about 4:30am and I pretty much passed out.  I figure it was a good thing since I hadn't slept much previously because of all of the excitement.  We wanted to get up early so that we could head to the port to avoid the lines.

You can check out my other Pre-Cruise Party videos on my YouTube channel and see more photos on my Facebook if you are my friend.  You can add me as a friend but make sure you comment that you read my blog or I may not add you!

Next:  **BSB Cruise 2011 - Embarkation Day**

Time has come for us to reunite...

**2011 Pre-Cruise Wylee Party**

I am back from BSB Cruise 2011 and I don't even know where to start!  I have to get photos onto Facebook, videos onto YouTube, and review the best four days ever.  I am so glad that I took today off because I needed the break!  Most of my travel mates had to go back to work today and I truly feel for them.  After four straight nights of 2-4 hours of sleep and standing on our feet for hours, I know I had reached the point beyond exhaustion.  And even with 14 hours of sleep last night, I will be doing all of my computer work right from my comfy bed today....which is not swaying nearly as much as last year.  

So many amazing things happened on this trip and I don't want to forget any of it.  I know there will be so many reviews out there and mine will be yet another.  I'm not going to review every little detail...just the big stuff and the most memorable for me.

I flew into Ft. Lauderdale and had to wait about and hour and a half for Cory's flight to land.  I couldn't believe I had made it to Florida and that I was going to spend four days with the Backstreet Boys.  With the cruise being one day shorter this year i was going to make every moment count.  Cory landed and we caught our shuttle to Miami.  Laura, Anne Marie, and Jen were going to be driving down to Miami from Florida, where they had just spent the last five days at Disney.  Cory and I walked down the street to McDonald's and had a quick lunch and then explored the shopping area and the art exhibit by our hotel.  The girls finally arrived and it was time to finally start getting ready for the night of festivities.  We would start by attending the Wylee Party, grab a quick bite, and then go to the BSB Pre-Cruise Party so we knew we had to dress in our best clubbing clothes before we left.

Waiting to Meet Brian Littrell at the Wylee Party

I had lost about 8 pounds for the Cruise and don't normally get super dressed up but I decided to go all out for this.  We got to the Eden Lounge a few minutes later than we wanted to but still had to wait for the Wylee Party to officially open.  We saw Brian through the glass and couldn't wait to get in.  There were a few Hold It bags that I wanted to buy for the cruise and I couldn't wait to see Brian.  There were not as many girls there as I expected but I doubted he was going to be able to mingle much even though the security guard said they would be around to.  Brian, Leighanne, and Jodi were frantically selling the Wylee merchandise in the dark and the "line" was moving so slow due to the fact that girls would buy their merchndise and then stay at the front to talk to Brian and get photos.  I hoped I would be able to buy my merch.  I eventually got up to the table and new exactly what I wanted.  Leighanne was the one to help me.  I was able to purchased my Leigh Leigh Hold It but the Danny Hold It had been sold out.  So, I decided to buy the Vintage B shirt instead, which I had been debating buying since it came out.  I had my wallet out so that I could pay and realized that I needed to show Brian because it was University of Kentucky.  He slightly walked over to me and complimented me...but it wasn't on my Uk wallet....he complimented me on my necklace (thanks to the girl at Body Central who helped me with that one)!  He said he also like my wallet.  I told him how upset I was going to be because I was going to be missing the UK v. UNC game on Saturday (those were the teams ranked #1 and #2 in case you didn't know).  He said that he was also going to miss the Georgia championship game.  I have to remember that he lives in Georgia now but he will always be a Wildcat in my eyes!  While I was paying Jodi for my purchase, I heard the security guard tell them they would have to shut down in 30 minutes and then they would do photos.  As soon as I paid I let the girls that we could not leave until this happened.

Eventually the shut sales down so that Brian would be able to get photos with everyone there!  I had never been a Wylee Party where there were that many girls there and he was going to take photos.  I was in heaven.  We were towards the back of the line and I prayed that they wouldn't cut the line off before we got to him.  He looked good that night and I was dressed to impress.  He had already complimented me and it looked like he was giving hugs to every single person that he was doing a photo with.  I was totally going to ask for Huggie Pose because I wanted to be extra close.  As I walked up to him he said "Hey Kentucky Girl."  That totally made my day even though I had just talked to him only thirty minutes or so earlier.  The fact that I had made that impression on him made me so happy.  I asked for Huggie Pose and he gladly obliged.

I love being in this man's arms...

This was already turning out to be a great night.  I knew I had at least a photo with the Backstreet Boys coming up at the Pre-Cruise Party but I didn't know what else to expect at the party.  Whatever it was, I was going to enjoy it and make the most of it.  We had left the patio portion and then realized that we didn't get photos with Leighanne.  We tried to go back in but were stopped by security.  It was worth the try.  The University of Kentucky game against St. John's was on so I watched part of that as some of the girls said their goodbye's to others.  Brian and a game in on night....i'll take it!

If you would like to see more photos from this then you can become my friend on Facebook.  Please be sure to put that you read my blog in the comments or I may not add you.

Next - **2011 Hey Sailor BSB Pre-Cruise Party VIP Package**