You knew it was coming.

9 months. A lot has happened. Almost EXACTLY 9 months ago, something was announced. Something that would make me the most excited and happiest woman in the world. A "REbirth", if you will.... There is too much love, happiness, joy, and interesting experiences to share in only ONE blog entry. Throughout the next few days, you are going to absorb every ounce of my love and every moment I have experienced in the past few years, months, days, HOURS of who else, but the one and only....

Instead of giving a full explanation of my infatuation and fascination with these amazing guys, I thought I would begin by cutting and pasting a little story I wrote that was 2 people away from getting picked to win a radio contest. Yes, I wrote a story about why I love New Kids. I was chosen as a second alternate had 2 of the 5 people picked not shown up. This is what I wrote:

"How do I begin to explain my love for my adored New Kids on the Block. It started as a 5 year old in Kindergarten. My babysitter had a picture and cassette of the New Kids and would always let me listen to it. My parents never bought me my own cassettes, nor would they allow me to attend any concerts. I finally asked for a Joey McIntyre doll for my birthday one year and still have him in my bedroom to this day. However, I never got the excitement of the full experience. After they broke up in 1994 is when my love for them progressed, as I felt like I missed out on a group I cherished so dearly. I contacted my babysitter and begged her to give me the old cassette tape she used to let me listen to. She had, unfortunately given it away. 1999 was a glorious year because my beloved Joey McIntyre released a SOLO ALBUM! I was NOT going to miss out this time! I bought the music video on tape, the "Stay the Same" single, and the entire CD. Joey definitely came a long way from his poofy curly hair and cut-out top hat (which I was super stoked he used on the Today Show!) This sparked a renewed dedication to the group. Since no one I knew kept any memorabilia, I gave in to the power of eBay. I bought 2 lunch boxes (WITH Thermos), a 500-piece giant poster puzzle, a board game, 2 posters, a few T-shirts, etc. When I wore the T-shirt, everyone thought it was hilarious. I always responded by saying, "Why are you laughing? This is my favorite shirt.." It's serious when it comes to these guys. 2003, it was time to attend college. What was the first thing I hung up in my dorm room? Yes, my Joey poster! Was it wrong of me (a 19 year old) to still be in love with a picture of a 14 year old? Of course not! 2004, Joey released "8:09", an album I fell in love with. Soon after the purchase of this CD, we took a family trip to Boston. I made sure to research Joey's favorite places. My parents graciously let me explore his hometown of Jamaica Plain. I won't disclose what all I saw there or how I knew where his house was because I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me. I think I listened to both Joey's CD and the New Kids Greatest Hits CDs the entire time I was in Boston. Fast forwarding a few, still dedicated New Kids years, I finally get a chance to see Joey LIVE at the Dancing with the Stars tour in Dallas. After the show, he SIGNED AUTOGRAPHS! I ran to the other side of the AAC and was number 50ish in line. My heart was pounding the entire time (as it is typing this essay). I was in line with a lot of "old school" New Kids fans who were all about 10 years older than me. How is it that I knew more about Joey and New Kids than them?! I think I was the only one in the line who recognized his WIFE! The moment I met Joey, I could not think of anything to say. I got my picture and my hug from him and that's all I have longed for for 17 years!! Fast forward another 8 months: a rumor of a reunion?! I didn't believe it for a second. Yes, it would be the greatest thing in the world, but would the guys really forgo their personal and professional successes to dedicate themselves to ANOTHER tour?! Uh.. yes! So many people I knew started digging out all their old memorabilia, subscribing to New Kids e-mail alerts. Interesting how all of my memorabilia has been displayed for YEARS and I have always been subscribed to e-mail alerts and message boards. Die hard.. that's all I have to say.

Well I guess I did find the words to BEGIN to explain my love for New Kids. That's just how it began and progressed. I think my friends and family can embellish in great detail about the OBSESSION, as they will say. The only thing I am scared of this go-round is not being able to capture the full New Kids experience. I missed out on so much just because I was too young and vulnerable. I have so much to make up for and you better believe I plan on doing that during THIS reunion tour! My dream is for them to stay around forever, but if this is their last "hoorah", I want nothing more than to be a part of it.. FRONT AND CENTER!!!"

There it is. And I definitely WAS front and center on Friday, October 17, 2008. Well, more front and slightly to the right, but close enough. TO BE CONTINUED....

Here's a preview. :)