Two Years of Fun: MacPack's Top 12 Moments!

It’s the end of the year, so with classes winding down and being a master procrastinator; I’ve decided to list my top 12 favorite moments of the last 2 years.  It was hard to choose only 12…and then rank them.  I have been lucky enough to have many moments that have turned into fantastic memories…how in the hell do you rank them?  Hope you enjoy them!

12. No Longer A Jordan Girl: Borgata ’08 (Nov. 2008)

About 2 Minutes Before I Became A Joe Girl

            This was my third show of the reunion tour and at that point, it was the closest I had been to the stage.  Being two people away from a barricade was totally different than sitting in the back of the arena (which is exactly where I was for MSG).  I was shocked into silence when they first came out with the steam and “YOU AIN’T GOT NO MONEY!!!” blasting in our ears.  I blew out my vocal cords that night.  No, seriously.  I went to the doctor three days later, because my throat hurt and I could not speak.  I literally popped a vocal cord, because of these men.  It was well worth it though.  That was the night my heart was ripped out by one Joseph McIntyre and placed right in his pocket.  One long, piercing gaze and I was done.  I swear I saw Jesus.  I remember looking around and everyone said, “ohhh that was RIGHT.TO.YOU!”  Well blow me down.

11. Knowing Matt Lauer Has Its Benefits: Today Show (May 8^th, 2009)

            We all know The Today Show is an important part of New Kids history and I was so excited to be a part of that.  One of my dad’s best friends is palsies with Matt Lauer and was able to score three of my friends and I VIP passes, which really just meant being let in fairly early.  We were two people deep with no one behind us, which left us perfect access to the stage and watching them come in and out of the building.  Joe spotted me dancing through the window and started doing the same little dance.  Get the hell out of here, McIntyre.  Donnie, as usual, came out to talk to the crowd.  He headed right for me…then went to the girl next to me.  Not being the quiet type, I called out to him and he came back with a huge fucking grin on his face.  He ended up giving us chocolate that someone gave him and monster hugs.  There was so much energy there that morning, except for Jon during rehearsals.  That man looked like he was going to be sick, but a little Starbucks did his body goooood.  That day was also the day Joe decided to call me straight out on my “Flash Flood” sign (it would take him 6 months to realize what I actually meant…) and proceed to tell me he is too “innocent” to understand what it meant.  *smirks* That jackass.  Watching the sound check was my favorite part, they did the whole set about 3 times and then goofed around with the crowd.  Jordan was “tink”ing and beatboxing (on my na), Danny was break dancing, Donnie was rapping, Joe was jumping into people and knocking them in their face with his shoulder and Jon was…well…being pretty.  It was just a high energy morning and I loved every minute of it.  It was also the day I finally completed my collection of pictures with the group.  Stumbling upon a Jonathan Knight outside of a Starbucks is always a perfect way to end a day.

10. The Beginning of The End (Of My Sanity Anyway): September 2^nd, 2008- TRL/Best Buy

            The day that will be engrained in our minds forever.  The day that lives changed.  The day I will always be grateful for.  The boys were back as men.  Being so young the first time around, I knew I needed to celebrate this day in style.  Why not celebrate it with the men themselves in the TRL studio?  It was the first week of classes, but I really did not care, I was going to be there. 

Just chit chatting.

            The moment the guys came out it became real for me.  They were back…and they looked GOOD!  Now I see it as foreshadowing, but within the first 5 minutes I caught eyes with Joe, winked, nodded and did this pointing thing…this guy did it right back to me (which they actually showed the end of on TV)!  I lost my shit a little and started looking for Jordan.  It was amazing to observe the guys as they watched “Single” premiere on the big screen in Times Square.  Jon was amazed by it and it will hold a special place in my heart.  After the guys segment ended, Donnie was the only one who stayed out to talk to fans.  I yelled out “FACE TIME” with my new buddy, Jess.  Donnie heard it and waved to come closer.  Thinking it was me he was looking at, I walked over.  He said, “No, not you.”  BUUUUUURN! I was sooo embarrassed, but then he called me back over.  I was standing on a platform and as I was leaning over I realized this man’s face was going to be in my boobies.  I was about to get motorboated by Donnie Wahlberg.  Jesus.  I got my hug and tried to pull away, but he pulled me back into him…then the rest of the girls I met joined in and it was a hug fest.  I decided I needed to get my tush to the signing a few blocks over after that moment.

            After we got out of the MTV building, I literally sprinted (in 90 degree heat during rush hour in Manhattan) to the Best Buy a few blocks over.  I got the last deluxe edition of “The Block” and a wrist band…it was fate.  It was a long wait, but it was finally time to walk the line.  Who the shit thought it was a good idea to put Wahlberg first?!  Bad idea.  After meeting those five men I knew my world as I knew it had changed forever.  A few days later, after I was able to think again,  I purchased a second concert ticket for MSG =)

9. It’s A Date! Movies with NKOTB

*sigh* Love this goofy fuck.

            No one can tell me that when they were little (or even now) they never dreamed of going to the movies with one member of New Kids on the Block, let alone all five.  The New Kids God aligned again and one of the screenings picked was in Westbury, NY…10 minutes away from my house…at my local movie theater.  I shit my pants when I found out, why that theater?  I wasn’t complaining. 

            Watching the DVD for the first time with those five fools making commentary at the screen was a dream.  I tend to make my own comments to the screen, so it was funny to hear their's.  We were lucky enough to get front row for the Q & A, with my seat right in front of Joe and Jordan’s.  Personally, I think I had the best seat in the house, besides that lucky girl who got to sit on Wahlberg’s lap.  Joe signed the shirt I caught at his NY Joe show, we had a chat and I got hugs with the rest of the guys.  The questions were great, their responses were hilarious and they were just good looking.  It was one of my favorite moments, because it was just so special.  Only a limited number of seats and I’m so thankful I got one.

8. The Flash Floods are Released: Syracuse (March 26^th, 2009)

            I know a ton of people that went to Syracuse University and at one point actually went to school an hour away, but yet never visited the campus.  When I heard these guys were going to be there it took me a while to warm up to the idea.  I didn’t really have the money and I would need to miss more class.  That was until my friend and I found 3^rd row seats for $60…that’s right.  $60.  It was a sign that I needed to get my ass there.  We decided we could make many signs and just put them on 8X11 paper.  That way they would be easy to sneak in and not block views of other people.  We pulled out the big guns for this one, snorkels and a sign that said “Flash Flood”…perfection.  We're we on crack? Maybe, but the guys loved it and one New Kid in particular announced his solo tour would need a “Flash Flood warning”.  Amazing.  The concert was one of the best I had been to...up until that moment. 

            The moment that made me forget my name is when Mr. Joe McIntyre called me to the front of the stage.  WHAT!?  All I remember is pushing people out of the way (while screaming, "EXCUSE ME!!!") and him telling me to “come on back!”  That was one of the best experiences of my life.  It was the first time I really got one on one time with him and it was spectacular.  We joked, laughed and talked flash floods.  That was one of the most embarrassing, yet hilarious moments of my life:

The Two Whitest People on the Planet

Joe: Now explain to me the snorkels and "Flash Flood"
*Friend and I look at each other*
Me: Now Joe, don't make me explain it to you! 
Joe: Is it…diiiirty? *Sticks tongue between teeth and lifts eyebrows* (I was DONE!)
Friend: Wellll…you know how Donnie always talks about moisture? 
Joe: *Laughs!* Ohh got it! We were wondering what that meant.

Excuse me, what now?  Yeah.  That happened.  Then a Wahlberg walked in backstage and screamed, “Your signs were OOOOOON POINT!!!”  Excuse me while I barf into a garbage.  Holy hell.  We asked if Joe wanted to go to Denny’s he screamed, “OHHH THE GRAND SLAM!?!?!” and then politely declined.  We held up a sign to Donnie, because he was preoccupied with other ladies, the sign said “For aftershow eats, come to Denny’s” and that man thought it said “Danny’s” (“Why would I wanna go to DAAANNY’S!?!?”) *face palm* Within that half hour, I think I died multiple times, but not before popping out a few kids.

7. Twitter: It’s Not an Obsession

            By now, if you are a New Kids fan, you are most likely on twitter.  It is a way to stay connected to those five guys in a way like never before.  It was amazing when I saw people I knew being RT’d or got followed.  It’s amazing how a simple tweet can brighten up your whole day.  When Donnie started following fans, it turned into a shit show, but I was right along with the rat race trying to get my follow.  I was so bad, even close friends wanted to unfollow me.  Oops.  I’m not sure why the follow was so important, but I knew I wanted it.  When I finally got one from Donnie, I was ecstatic. 

            After the Donnie follow, my friend prayed to the high heavens that Joe never followed people, or I was first, because she knew I’d hurt myself.  Seriously, no idea why I wanted follows so bad, seems kind of silly now.  One faithful night (November 13^th, 2009 to be exact), Joe was tweeting about some nonsense and I jokingly sent out, “@joeymcintyre How about a follow, since you jacked my name and all?”  I did about 3 different versions of that tweet, not thinking anything of it, while talking to Jess.  All of a sudden my phone went off for an email.  “Joey McIntyre is now following you on Twitter”…..ummmmm excuse me?  I stared at my phone and just said, “nooooo….nooooo….noooo.”  Then I blacked out a little.  This man wasn’t following fans.  I ran to my computer and checked his follow list.  There I was.  Top of the page.  WHAAAAT!? This is how my friend remembers it:

“I went to MacPack’s for envelopes for a project we were doing, and I decided to stay for a little while. We were just talking and all of a sudden Joey tweets. She starts to tweet him a few times but I thought nothing of it. Well… All of a sudden MacPack drops her phone on the couch and goes, “No, No, No. Wait, no.” At this point I have no clue what the hell was going on. I look at her dog and we have an eye conversation. All I knew was if this chick lost her mind I was grabbing her big ass dog and leaving. While she kept saying no, she was checking something on the computer and then her eyebrows raised up off her head. There’s one thing you need to know about MacPack is that her eyebrows are like a dog’s tail, you can tell every emotion she is feeling by just looking at her eyebrows. Now she still hadn’t said anything about what was happening, but her eyebrows said she was happy and maybe a little deranged. She finally let out, “that mofo followed me!” I knew right away she was talking about Joe. I was still scared, because at that point I think she was so excited that she would have bit the head off a bat. She was literally her own 12 step program, going from happiness, sadness, denial and every emotion under the sun. She just kept repeating the same words and rubbing the tops of her legs and sort of rocking. Her dog looked at me shrugged and I swear she barked that bitch is crazy. Finally she was able to maintain sanity and I left her there to stew in what just happened.”

That is EXACTLY what happened.  I finally started to calm down, when 15 minutes later this man blasts it.  I reverted back to not being able to speak or function properly.  My phone was blowing up with emails and texts from friends.  With the little bit of hate that I got from that, the love conquered all.  My heart still burst when he calls me out for things I say, simply RTs me or recalls things that have happened when I see him (luuuuuurkerrrrrr!!!). 

            Eventually Jordan joined the MacPack train, because he didn’t want to be left out (obviously kidding…) and so did a ton of other people.  That’s the best part of twitter, making new connections and friends.  I was lucky enough to find some of my best friends from twitter.  It is amazing how sending out one tweet can help you find something, put a smile on your face or make you laugh so hard you pee your pants…that last part has never happened by the way.  So thank you to the people who care about what I have to say and find me entertaining.  I love you all.  

6. 3 Nights of Magic: Radio City Music Hall

<3

            What a weekend.  When the first date was announced I was pumped.  It was going to be a magical night…and then 2 more dates were added.  Ok, so it was going to be a magical weekend.  Immediately we got to work on hotels, gift ideas and anything that would go into planning a weekend with the Kids.  Tickets went on sale and it was madness, but I was happy to hear most of my friends would be there!  I was just excited to see everyone!

            Now that it is all said and done and it really was a magical weekend.  I ended up with great seats all 3 nights and was shocked at how I was seated next to people I knew from Twitter.  Small world, huh?  Jen and I had 2^nd row, which we made 1^st for a few songs, the 2^nd night and it was fantastic.  At the end of that show, I had a little meeting with McIntyre at the front of the stage and it was pretty fantastic.  Nothing like a little eye sex all weekend to remind you why you keep coming back for more.

Honestly, it was just a great girls’ weekend.  All my favorite people were in one place and that one place was my hometown.  I got to spend time with some quality time with one of my favorite NorCal hunnies (Liiiiinda…come baaaack, ok?), a Virginia Lover (Jen, you are the best concert buddy…next time, we get the damn hat!) and even a Texas lady (Mel, thanks for being the best big bro ever!!!).  Even though the guys were in town, this was the first time where it was truly about the friends I made.  There was no “stalking”, we just hung out, talked and joked the whole weekend.  Truly the best way to start out any summer.

5. Blizzards Won’t Hold Us Down: House of Blues Weekend

Merry freakin' Christmas, Kerri

            How can I even describe this weekend?  Looking back on it brings tears to my eyes.  There was something in the air of Boston and it wasn’t just snow.  As Jordan would say, “It’s magic! *cheesy grin*” This was another weekend where friends were the main focus, although Wahlberg kept stalking my life…and I’m ok with that!

            The fan meet-up was fantastic.  I loved meeting tons of girls that I have been talking to for ages.  We ate, chatted and did raffles…until Wahlberg showed up.  I will love him forever for taking time out of his busy weekend to come say hello to us.  He is amazing and truly loves his fans. 

            The day of the show was a long one.  Waking up after a few hours of sleep we were just lounging, till we heard we needed to get to the HOB for wristbands.  Pulling up to find Donnie was a pleasant surprise.  He let a group of us stay inside all day till show time, sooo nice.  Being 2^nd row was amazing and everything I wished for.  This was one of the first times Joe literally yelled “HEYYY!!! MACPACK!!!” from the stage, grabbed my hand and winked at me.  Those are the moments I will treasure forever.  Christmas came early and it will always be my favorite.  Good times, good food, great pals.

            Plus, watching Jordan dressed as Santa…what could be better?

Perfection

 4. Vouging with Jordan

            The best encounters are the most random.  Who knew going to the city for the Joe Show would lead to one of my favorite pictures ever taken with Jordan?  Not this girl.  Some of the girls I was with all weekend and I got done with dinner and decided to go frolic in Times Square and celebrate Joe RTs of our Voguing session with our waiter. 

JK & The Blockettes...or assholes.

Since it was raining, we decided to hit a bar near the hotel some of the girls were staying.  Little did we know stepping into this little bar would lead to one of the sweetest, down to earth times I have ever encountered with a New Kid.  Let alone have that time be with Jordan Knight.  We chatted, joked and made fun of each other.  He’s one goofy mother fucker and I can watch him laugh forever.  It was time for him to go to sleep and he asked if we wanted to take a picture…abso-fucking-lutely!  After we took the normal one, we asked if he’d vogue with us, it was incredible.  He ripped off his bubble vest and started practicing poses to make sure he had the perfect one.  Gooooof! 

I am now currently looking for an agent. ;)

Adorbs!

3. Who wants to be in the Joe…ummm and Eman Show(s)?

            Yes, I grouped all of these together.  Judge me.

            Being too young in 1999, I missed all Joe’s solo shows, but I was more than old enough to travel in 2010 and that I did.  The Boston show was special; it was the first time I actually got to see Joe perform as a solo act.  That was also the day Joe said, “put it in your mouth” to me and I lost all active brain cells.  Now, he was referring to the infamous snorkel, but still when Joe McIntyre tells you to “put it in your mouth” what the hell are you supposed to do? *takes a minute of silence to breathe deep* Little did I know, that was only the beginning.

             Two days later at the New York show, I was surrounded by people that I love and had a great time.  My pal Jen and I jumped on the chance to give Joe exactly what he wanted, a Waffle House jacket!  Earlier in the day, he sent a tweet saying he needed to get the jacket, even if it was from the stage!  That he did!  He brought the bag of goodies onto the stage with him and that moment was phenomenal.  Never did I think he’d actually OPEN the damn bag in front of everyone.  I wimped out and began bawling.  Why?  No idea, but I sobbed my way right through “Stay the Same”.  So sweet.

            The Joe Shows in January of 2010, were some of the best.  There was a really raw quality to them, something new and electric.  You could really tell that Joe was having the time of his life and so proud of those songs that he wrote.  


           However, adding Emanuel into the mix is an undeniable chemistry that no one can stop.  Getting tickets to the "One Man Show With Two People" was one of the most stressful ticket buying experiences ever, but soooo worth it.  When these two assholes get together (especially in those fucking bow ties) it’s like a comedy hour, they are two of my favorite people on the planet.  The highlight of the night was when Joe looked directly at me during "One" and sang my name.  I hear it, other people may not, but in my mind and my heart he did. ;) The shit talking, getting drunk and playing great music was absolutely worth getting home at 4:30 am on a weeknight.  I’ll be looking forward to more of these dates in the future! ;)

2. It’s the Baby Daddy Bus!

            What do I say about this day?  Standing outside of the arena for 9+ hours waiting for the buses was well worth it.  I just wanted a hug, but that “FACE TIME” sign brought me all the luck in the world that day.  I’ll never forget that bus rolling into the parking lot and taking a dead stop.  There were about 20 girls outside, remember it was right at the beginning of the tour, and I got called onto the bus.  Say what now?  That was the most nerve-wracking walk I have ever taken.  Spending a little quality time with Donnie and Danny was absolutely amazing.  Breaking out the box set of “Boomtown” was nothing less than mortifying, but I am going to say that was me losing my mind for a second.  

            After the bus, Donnie invited us to watch soundcheck and that was incredible.  My friend and I were the only two fans in the audience for a while, it was surreal.  Donnie played the drums (which caused us to lose our shit), talked on the phone and yelled at me (YES!) for watching the tron while he was singing “Single”.  He didn’t want me to lose that element of surprise!  After a little while more girls came in and we all got closer to the stage.  Everyone was trying to get Donnie’s attention, that they didn’t notice Jordan come out to sing “If You Go Away”, so we just stood there (mouths open) and watched.  It was beautiful.  He came down to take pictures with everyone and at that moment, it was the highlight of my life.  We thought we missed Joe, because he ran off during soundcheck, but we caught him while he was walking backstage.  That was the one and only time I have yelled out, “Joey Joe!”…how embarrassing!

This was just a moment that really started everything and made me realize if I believed in myself, good things would happen. J

1. Meet & Greets, Small Talk and Front Row…Oh My! Atlantic City ‘10

The end of May was a special time in my life.  I finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree and couldn’t be more excited.  As a present, my aunt decided she would fund my first and only (to this day) meet and greet, believing I worked hard enough and should be able to celebrate with a bang.  Too bad it wasn’t a bang I’d have liked! ;)

He looks so gooood.

The morning of I was extremely nervous, jittery, and my friends wanted to kill me.  There was just something about walking into that room with all 5 guys there that freaked me out a little bit.  I walked into the room and yelled “HEYYYY THERE EVERYBOOOODY!!!” without anyone turning their head, I felt like an asshole.  Although, I don’t think anyone heard…at least that’s what I like to tell myself.  Dork!  Once I sidesaddle in between Joe and Jordan, I was more at ease.  Joe did a double take and quickly yelled “HEEEYYYY!!!!” and gave me a huge hug.  That alone was worth my $300, but because he is amazing…there was more.  I handed him his own MacPack card (a little card Jen made up of the “snorkel” pic we took with my own little saying on the back).  He loved it and asked if he could be my #1.  Ummm…I wouldn’t have it any other way.  We took our pictures and I went to go talk to the other guys in the .2 seconds I had left, but I was stopped by a hand on my wrist.  Joe.  He began chit-chatting me up about graduation, my thesis and life in general.  Did he have to do any of this…no.  Am I happy he did? You betcha!  That little 3 minute conversation made my life.  HE was the one that inquired about MY life.  That blew my mind.

Who needs the zoom button?

After collecting my limbs from around the room after McIntyre karate chopped them off with just his words, I was able to claim my front row spot.  Till that day I had never been front row for an NKOTB show.  Ever.  I thought I was ready…until the guys came out.  I lost my mind.  Legit…went looney.  At one point, I believe it was after Joe looked at me during that fucking solo, someone behind me told me I had to breathe.  Yes, I forgot how to breathe.  When I think about that day, there is nothing else I can do, but smile.

Looking back over the last two years, I have realized I am pretty damn lucky.  If this all ended tomorrow, I would be sad, but I would also be at peace.  I have had experiences people would only dream of and will never look back and be ungrateful.  New Kids on the Block, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Always and forever.  These past 2 years have also brought a TON of people into my life, both good and bad.  Learned a lot about people, as well as myself, makes these two years worth it.  If you are reading this, I thank you.