Let me guess- Backstreet Boys?

Last week, Abby and I took a quick road trip to Nashville for the New Kids on the Block-Backstreet Boys concert (NKOTBSB). I saw them on the summer concert series on TODAY earlier this summer and recorded it for Abby to see. The performance was SO good and we both got giddy just watching it on TV- while Craig looked confused. We decided to see where their tour would be heading this summer and were excited to find that they would be in Nashville! That was enough for us and we purchased tickets!

The whole way to Nashville we talked about how excited we were, shared about the songs we’d been listening to on our BSB Pandora station, and laughed at ourselves for being so excited. When we arrived at our hotel on Tuesday afternoon, the valet greeted us as we excitedly spilled out of the car. He looked at us and said, “Let me guess, Backstreet Boys?” I guess we gave off the “we’re-so-excited-about-NKOTBSB-concert” vibe. We were not offended.

Our hotel was just a few blocks away from the arena, so we walked and didn’t even care that it was raining. As we got closer, we joined the flock of other women heading to the arena and felt right at home. I cannot even explain the anticipation we were feeling as we got inside and found our AWESOME seats. I don’t think either of us stopped smiling the entire night.

Favorite quote of the night: when the lights lowered and the boys were about to come out and the entire crowd was screaming excitedly, Abby looked at me and said, “I might cry when they come out!” And so began the screaming fest for the night. Yes, we screamed the whole time. The show was AMAZING and I felt like a teenager again as I watched NKOTB and BSB wow the crowd. We certainly weren’t the only ones screaming our heads off. I’ll also admit proudly that we remember all the lyrics. We are true fans.

To top off our AWESOME seats, Jordan Knight came to our seats at one point during the show. Abby recorded it on her phone and I laugh every time I watch it. You can’t even hear what he’s singing for the screaming in the background. Awesome.

They played for over 2 ½ hours. Best concert I have ever been to and worth every penny I paid for my ticket. We got back to the hotel around 11:30 and it took us another hour or so to calm down. I know it was a great time because the show was great, but also because I was with my best friend. And although we are both adults, only my sister could scream like a child with me at the NKOTBSB concert.

The Right Stuff

I Want It That Way

And just to be clear, Abby never did cry. :)

Cooler than the flip side of my pillow--

That’s my husband. Just one of the few reasons I love this guy---when we got home from the river tonight he gave me 3 choices on “the funniest quote from the day.” And gave me options A, B, and C to choose from. They were all hilarious and I was laughing so hard I couldn’t even choose an option. His delivery was the best part. He has a memory like none other, which I love, because I can’t even remember what I had for lunch. . .

Love, love, love the song SMILE by Uncle Kracker. (even if his name weirds me out a little.) We may, or may not have sung along with it on full blast on the drive home tonight. I feel like it sums us up pretty well-

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Oh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you

'Cause every time that I get around you

I see the best of me inside your eyes

You make me smile

Channeling my inner Tami Taylor. . .

Tomorrow I will begin my residency in Instructional Leadership at Bob Jones High School. I will be working with one of the assistant principals for 10 days during summer school. I’ve got my dress ironed, my bag packed, my folder ready, and the coffee pot set. I know what forms I have to complete for each day and what standards I need to make sure I cover. I’ve met with the administrator, and I know where to park and what time to arrive. I’m ready . . . right?

Craig and I love the show- Friday Night Lights. Actually, we became addicted to the show, and when the last episode aired this season, I cried. It was such a real life kind of show, based on a high school football coach, whose wife, Tami, was a high school principal and counselor. Tami is my all time favorite character. Classy, sassy, and always dressed to the nine. I love that she can rock boots with her dress (the show is set in Texas) and that she is a mom of 2 and dedicated educator. She (well, her character) cares about her students and always makes the right decision in tough situations. The way she runs her school and fights for what she knows is right is what I love about her. And I think it’s awesome that she is a female high school principal.

I am completely aware that the show is fiction, no worries, but I love the way she embodies the job of principal. Tomorrow, when I enter BJHS, I will be envisioning Tami Taylor. While I may not be rocking the cowboy boots, I hope to have an ounce of her confidence to get me through the day!