Sunday June 7^th, 2009 

Although my ears were still ringing from last nights performance at the PNC center, I knew today was going to be one I would never forget. It started around noon. The only day Long Island had blue skies and sunshine during the month of June. Not complaining about the beautiful weather just wasn’t a priority on my things I must not forget list…. Like my Halo1 and Halo2 Lp’s that I was getting signed by the band, the photographs, and the confirmation pages printed. Sun block was not even a thought. Hence the sun poisoning!

Got to the venue at noon with a crowd already in line. I had my concerns about Abe (hubby) making it through the day considering he is only a few weeks out of back surgery and it was going to be a very long day most of which was in the heat standing in lines. We were always last in line due to Abe’s condition. The check in went smoothly except they did not have my pre-sale tickets. No biggie others were missing theirs as well and we were assured they would get us new ones printed. Off to another line.

The $300 donors went in first and it seemed like we were just waiting forever and boiling in the heat. We moved into the area and waiting in line there…. Slowly got inside and the $300 donors already had their seats in the orchestra for sound check. We were still waiting for the meet & greet! Turns out the band got to the venue late due to traffic and we were running behind. A group of us received pink sharpie x’s on our palm and were told meet and greet would be after sound check…. Ugghhhh….

Off to the orchestra where my nephew Anthony saved us seats in the front. What an amazing feeling to see the sound check and experience a pre show in the day light. I must have taken 100 pictures all one better than the other. 4 songs and it was just beyond words- Abe stayed in the back a nit and video taped the whole thing. You could not wipe the smile from my face. Yet as I sat there, I could not help but think to myself… I still haven’t met the band and now I am hot, sweaty and beyond sunburned! There goes the picture- The one and only thing I wanted from this day ONE GOOD PICTURE… shot to hell cas’ I look like crap now. Oh well, I’m not gonna let that ruin my day.  It is during sound check I tell my nephew, I don’t think Abe is gonna make the rest of the evening. He was really struggling! Deep down inside, I bet my nephew was hoping Abe wouldn’t survive the remainder of the day so that he could come on stage with me for the show. It was a very laid back environment and NIN sounded amazing. Justin was taking pictures of the crowd and it was just a really neat experience.

Now its time to either watch SSC sound check or head over to the tent for dinner. Due to Abe’s speed and our fear of missing out on the meet and greet- we opted to skip the SSSC sound check and head over to the tent for dinner which consisted of …pizza. We were starving- so it could have been shit on a stick and we would have swallowed it down. As we ate, you could see people setting up a table and chairs outside the tent for the bands meet and greet. We again seemed to be almost the last in line. The nervous stomach on top of greasy pizza and being overheated to boot- I was certain to puke. At this point only minutes before meeting Trent did I figure out what the hell I was gonna say to him, and I didn’t think I would have the nerve so I was just gonna wing it.

 As we approached the table, Rob was first. I was very cool and calm meeting the band- he was quiet looked at the picture signed it we shook hands off to the next guy. Beware of the quiet ones….found out about him later that evening.

Justin was next,  pretty much the same- looked at the photo signed it shook my hand- he stared at the photo a little longer after signing it and I said, “what? You don’t like the picture?” turns out he was just fanning it so the sharpie wouldn’t smear. Me and my NY attitude and accent probably scared the guy. Abe was behind me and I got caught up with Abe and Justin’s discussion.  Justin was genuinely concerned about Abe and asked “what happened here?” and suggested getting him a seat! He seemed very nice but I was trying to be in 2 places at once. Listening to Abe and Justin and then realizing Oh Shit – Trent is next! My nerves kicked in and I believe I hyperventilated a little. My heart stopped and hands began to shake and I felt like an ass!

I took a deep, loud breath (totally uncontrollable) put my hand out to show him I was shaking like a leaf and said’ I’m so nervous.” (Not what I was originally planning to say) snap out of it I kept trying to say to myself. I shook his hand handed him the Pretty Hate machine record to sign and spurted out. “Hey Trent, I burned for you today.”  (again showing him my red arm.) He smiled and shook his head agreeing. And I continued, “Do you think you could sing Burn for me tonight.” He laughed and said “I can do that.”  I then took the signed album and said, “You made a dream come true today!” and he thanked me for donating and Abe was next….

Abe handed him the halo 1 record to sign which Trent looked at for a moment and leaned over to Ilan saying ‘Young man, this is when it all began- how old were you?” Ilan replied, “Not even one.” Hahahha

At some point I handed Ilan a picture of him to sign for me but after meeting Trent it was a blur.  They all seemed very normal, down to earth and nice. It was very quick and I wanted it to last as long as possible …

We went into yet another line where we would take our photos with the band. It’s now around 6:30pm and I am a nice shade of purple with blisters developing from my sun burn! What a lovely picture. I didn’t even care! I was on cloud nine. What a rush it was to meet them. Being on the water as the evening approached the wind picked up and it was getting cold. When it was our turn I was on Trent’s right side and Abe was on his left. Trent had his arm on my back, we took the photo and Trent looked at me and said “you’re warm.” To which I couldn’t even form a reply and I just leaned in and hugged him for what seemed like a really long time- I swear my knees went weak! Sure, I’m warm at this point you could have boiled an egg on me.

You could not wipe the smile off my face. We were told go back to our seats and meet at gate “F” at 7:20. We watched some of SSSC and then waited at the gate where we were to meet and be escorted to the stage. Little did we know the best was yet to come.

Again being the last to get through the gate, security checked our passes and waved us through all commenting on Abe and his condition (you could see he was physically struggling and in pain). Eric who I believe was a tour manager? Told us to follow him it was quicker and easier for Abe – instead of going under the orchestra tunnel to get to the stage we went right up the front steps and beat the crowd. He escorted us near the drum kit and kept saying I have to get you a chair. He questioned a few techs where we could sit that we wouldn’t be in the way and before you knew it we were literally on the stage next to the drum and guitars on the side. Everyone else was escorted to the black netted seats above with limited visibility. I kept calling my nephew to squeal that we were sitting on the stage! This guy Eric was so nice, caring and accommodating I could not believe what he did for us.

Sitting on the stage was very exciting. We watched the last minute stage preparation and kept saying to each other, “I cannot believe we are sitting here!” then….the smoke machine kicked in. I cannot put into words how much smoke we inhaled that evening! We really didn’t realize what we were in for until the show started. Robin practically tripped over us all night- I swear we were in his way, and he was not having a very good night with is instruments. He scares me – and now I will reference the “beware of the quiet ones.” We saw and heard him in action (caught it all on video.) The becoming was the climax of his tantrum. In the beginning of the song, he literally flung one guitar over our shoulders from behind us and everyone knows the “smashing” ending which we have amazing video of…I felt bad for him and admired him all at the same time. During “head like a hole” Trent walked back behind the lighting to embrace Mariqueen who is stunning. It was very cool to see all these things that most did not.We all know this was probably one of the best NIN shows ever- great set list (YES, THEY PLAYED BURN! Merely a coincidence I’m sure) I never thought anything would top the AC House of Blues show in November and now…. How can I ever go to another concert?

All I can say, is this was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. And, I got my picture to prove it ….

To view all of my pictures - here is the link to the photo bucket…

“The Becoming” awesome video we took from the stage

OK so my roses are 3 days old and I’m a little late in posting. I was so surprised to get a delivery at work Thursday and a mighty BIG delivery at that! 4 dozen roses. I can’t say its the first time ever cas’ well.. I have a great hubby and he’s done this before

Here’s a photo of the bunch to share. I know, I’m spoiled.

Love my “Skin Deep ” Set by Technique Tuesday.  I wanted to use the tribal band too but had trouble with the layout- keeping it simple has never been easy for me. I cuttle bugged the white- leaving the middle bare for the sentiment which is actually from Kitchen Sink - 3 step hearts and roses set. The wings are glittery with stickles and the heart is glossy with liqued appliqué. Photos never seem to do it justice. I actually like this years Valentines Day card for the hubby. Its personalized and very rock star

Speaking of Rock Star.. Went to Foxwoods casino this weekend and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this in the window! Had to take a picture - I love BONO!! They weren’t selling the poster in the window only the T-sheets:)

We just returned home from our much anticipated vacation to Grand Cayman. We have been here many times before and knew what to expect, but this place gets better and better each time we go. It is the best place to snorkel and dive with the clearest waters in the world. The above picture is from Rum Point Beach. Just beautiful.

Of course you have to visit Hell while there. Tourist trap but nonetheless you can say “I have been to Hell!” I’m the devil on the left and hubby is on the right Just some really old burnt limestone. It was a fun little stop and we sent postcards to our family from “Hell”

We spent the entire week face down in the water “snorkeling” which is what we set out to do! So many awesome spots to snorkel especially Eden Rock and the Wreck of the Cali, and Cemetery Reef. Oh and all free sights which was great since everything else on the island was so costly!

The Below pictures were taken with my new underwater digital camera the Sealife “Ecoshot” You just never get good underwater pictures with those throw away cameras and whats a few more bucks when you spend this much on a trip to the Caribbean! We took tons of awesome underwater shots but only hubby and I will enjoy viewing all the fishies. I probably didnt eveb choose teh best sample to dispaly below but it is what it is…BELOW: top left was a HUGE turtle we swam with at Cemetery reef, the Sting ray on the top right is from Sting Ray city, and the fishes on the bottom right are surrounded by frozen peas- we were told they were used to being fed and were very friendly. I FREAKED out because we were swarmed and they were slapping against me and they were big and hungry- and too friendly for me! (Hence the bagful of peas)

I loved Sting Ray City /Sand bar! Hard to believe these things could actually kill because they were just so soft and lovable. I really surprised myself when I agreed to hold one! Proof is in the picture:

What a great time and relaxing fun filled vacation. It is so hard to come back home after a trip like this. I don’t think we will be going back in the water at Jones Beach for a long time after going into Cayman waters where you can see so clearly no matter how far out you were. This was a much needed fun trip- Hope you liked a sneak peak at our little journey.

If hiking the Grand Canyon wasn’t enough….

We registered to ride the NYC 5 borough bike tour. 42 miles through Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, & Staten Island! (even over the Verrazano Bridge!) We waited 5 months for the date to arrive and due to crappy weather, couldn’t really train. Still in pain from the Grand Canyon hike..I had my concerns.

We ride on average 24-26 miles per day (in season) to the beach -but never 42 miles in one day. Hey, it couldn’t be worse than the Grand Canyon…but- I had my concerns….

A record 37,000 cyclist from all over the world arrived to ride. It was sooooo cold and windy we were freezing! The ride started off slow with several breaks and stops to allow for crossing pedestrians and traffic and even a parade….but then we started to move once we got to Central Park. Top speed about 15 miles. We were excited and starting to warm up and have fun….

5 miles into the ride…and it was over for us!

Another cyclist decided to take a photo while riding through Central Park and stopped dead in front of my hubby. To avoid killing him, hubby slammed on the breaks and took a nasty spill. Bike was twisted and so was my hubby! Someone then proceeded to ride over his hand while he was down and not one person stopped to see if he was ok!  We ended up in the Hospital and a few stitches later, and several spots of nasty road rash. ….we called it a day. A disappointing one at that!

Poor Hubby- broken…..

All I can say is, although I had my concerns prior to the tour, I never considered one of us would actually get hurt and we would not be able to complete the ride. I am just thankful it wasn’t worse because he could have been much worse. At least we tried ….

Fortunately the organizers of the road did the right thing and offered us free registration for next years tour. So we just may give it another chance.

I spent my Birthday in Las Vegas and we drove to the Grand Canyon for 3 days. We actually hiked the South Kaibab Trail on day 1 for only 4.5 miles and then did the Bright Angel trail to the Indian Gardens which was a total off 9.5 miles (took us 8 1/2 hours to hike it!) It was truly amazing and exhausting! Every step up and down hurt but what an accomplishment! I could have never done this last year 50 pounds heavier!

We encountered 2 Rams (photo of the scary one below) or Mountain sheep on the path which scared us half to death,. It was the first time I had enough energy and adrenalin to RUN up the trail! there were the trail mules, a few elk, many aggressive hungry squirrels, a few chipmunk and lizards and even some dear! There was plenty of mule poop yet stepping in it brought me no luck in Vegas…. The sights were incredible and the sunset just breathtaking as seen in the blow shot (one of about 400 that we took)

The weather was so drastic there- it would be in the twenties and thirties in the morning and the lower into the Canyon you hiked the hotter it got- Was 97 at Indian River and I was so over exerted and sunburned I was almost purple Was a once in a life time experience though  and only 10 percent of the visitors to the park actually hike it! What a trip!

Hope you enjoyed the few pictures I posted-I have tons more so it was hard to narrow it down …Thanks for looking

 this is a more recent photo from march 07″

I started on WW on 3/11/06 and have lost 50.2lbs so far. What a struggle it has been. I didn’t take a before picture when I started but the one above is close enough taken on my 10th wedding anniversary in Nov. 06. The photo on the right isn’t quite the “after” shot per say, I would call it the “during” photo since I have more to go. That picture was taken on my cruise in Dec 06.

I think I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life! I go to the gym 6 days a week and actually look forward to working out. I especially like my boxing classes.

Check this out- That is ME ON THE ROCK CLIMBING WALL! Such a thrill since I have a fear of heights! If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything!