Howie's 30 Birthday - 8/22

5th Anniversary of my first BSB concert (plus meeting Nick, Kevin, & Brian) - 8/29 *TODAY*

5th Anniversary of Howie & I - 9/4

5th Anniversary of Caroline Cochran's death (from Lupus) - 9/12

5th Anniversary of the day I met my cousin for the first time (and found out she has Lupus) - 12/27

No one ever said that all anniversaries had to be joyous occasions, especially the last two, but they mean so much to me.

Today is the 5th anniversary of my first Backstreet Boys concert. I had already been a fan for a little more than a year when I went to it. It was at the Continental Airlines Arena, or the Brendan Burne Arena at the time. August 29, 1998 was the night I knew I was going to be a Backstreet Boys fan forever.

It started out like any 14 year old girl's dream...her first concert starring her favorite singers. For me, it was the experience of a lifetime. I would consider myself lucky with what happened to me that night.

As any normal girl would do at her first concert, I'd buy my first piece of concert memorabilia. It was a backstage pass laminate for $15. It was expensive I'd have to say, but well worth it. Then when my mother, sister, and I went into the arena...I decided to look around.

I got more excited as we walked down the stairs, realizing our seats were really close. Our seats were section 105 row 2. Near section 105 was the hallway to backstage and there was a blue plastic curtain hanging around a little section of the hallway.

There was commotion going on behind the curtain and I was soooo curious to find out what it would be. Thank goodness no one else was around. I wanted it to be my piece of the action. Sure enough the curtain opened and Brian Littrell walked out. He was wearing a KY shirt, jeans and a KY hat. I can remember what he looked like clear as day. I was so excited because he could be my little secret. I motioned for Brian to come over and he did. Note: I was leaning over a sloping railing so I was at least eye level with him (cause of how far up I was standing). I told him it was my first concert and how much I enjoyed their songs. Brian said thank you and he gave me a hug. Then someone called out and Brian said, "I have to go, but please enjoy the show." He smiled at me with just the cutest smile and his Kentucky accent is burned in my brain.

I knew though that this wild trip would not end, so as the arena started to fill, I watched patiently with my eyes focused at the blue curtain. A few times it opened just enough for me to see who was there. I saw a bit of AJ, a couple of stylists, but that was all. Then Kevin walked out and he's just dreamy...but at the time he was my sister's favorite. He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, a KY hat, blue jeans, and sneakers. He looked like any normal good-looking guy. He was in a rush from what I saw, but I yelled his name, he stopped, looked over and then waved to me. I got out a quick, "I love you Kevin" and he said "I love you too." Then he smiled and waved again.

I knew that after having two great things happen in one night, nothing else could top that...I was sooooo wrong. I went back to my seat just as Aaron Carter took the stage. He was soooo adorable. I think he was 11 at the time. His performances were so high-energy. They were great. I think while Raquel was performing, there was a bit more commotion than before at the curtain, but this time it was the screams of a lot of teenage girls running over to the curtain. I bolted out of my seat and ran over to the rail. There was Nick Carter. His biggest mistake was peaking his head out of that curtain. At least 20 girls ran over and it was out of control. I watched it all happen.

When security finally got the ordeal under control a bunch of girls decided to start fighting and all the girls got pulled away. I knew that it was my chance to meet Nick. So I confidently wore the "backstage pass" around my neck and slipped under the rail. I made it look like I was supposed to be there...and no one stopped me.

I walked right up to Nick and said hello. He just calmed down right there. Yeah, I'd be afraid too if 20 screaming girls started storming up to you. It was only me, and I knew I was harmless. He said hello back and flashed a cute smile. Plus, he told me he really loved my eyes. I asked him if I could hug him and he said, "Sure!". As he was bent down to give me a hug, he kissed me on the cheek. I was shocked and on cloud nine. Then he asked me if he could even it up and I said, "Okay!" so he kissed me on the other cheek. Then he hugged me. We started talking about what we like to do in our spare time. It seemed to go quick because Nick got the call to be prepared to go on stage.

As I slipped under the rail on my way back to my seat, I smiled so much. I looked back and Nick was standing there, waving to me. Of course by the time I finished talking to Nick, I thought I was screwed. The guards noticed me and I said that I cut through to get to my seat faster and the actually bought it.

So as I made it to my seat, I just kept thinking about what just happened. It still doesn't click in that it was all real. Sometimes I treat it as a dream...but I know it was real!! The only mistake on my part was the fact that I didn't have a camera. I read the ticket and knew cameras weren't allowed...but I didn't know people still bring them anyway. Well next time, I'm gonna plan it out sooooo well.

THE NEXT CELEBRATION IS MY 5TH ANNIVERSARY WITH HOWIE. MY FRIEND AND I ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A BOOK OF MEMORIES OF HOWIE AND I SO IF YOU WANT TO WRITE A MESSAGE FOR THE BOOK, JUST E-MAIL ME AT SpanishEyesHD822@hotmail.com AND PUT "HOWIE BOOK"

My D-land readers, I hope to hear from you.

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

Backstreet hugs & Howie kisses,

@->--

last & next
So Sad... - December 28, 2004
After Christmas Sadness... - December 27, 2004
Thanksgiving Break Update... - November 26, 2004
School Update... - October 17, 2004
I'm lost... - August 25, 2004