“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: The ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” -Michael Jackson

So, this has nothing to do with NKOTB.

But it has everything to do with me.

And since this is my blog,

this is where I have chosen to share it!

So, if you've been following this blog,

or if you know me at all,

you already know that, since I was a small child,

I have absolutely ADORED Michael Jackson.

When he passed away last year,

I felt a drive from deep within to choreograph and perform in

a tribute to my dancing idol.

Since January, I have been working on this piece.

And this past weekend, it came to fruition.

I, along with 16 talented dancers,

performed in my 2010 remake of

Smooth Criminal.

So, here it is. I hope you enjoy it, and

I truly hope it adequately pays homage to

the one and only King of Pop,

Mr. Michael Jackson.

Same tune, different story

Warning: Pathetic sob story ahead!

Yeah, I'm sad.

Again.

And of course...

it's because my fave five Beantown boys,

NKOTB,

are doing another awesome show

for their fans...

and I can't afford it!

Now, I have to back up for a second and say...

I don't regret the fact that I'm in graduate school.

I am pursuing my Master's in Secondary English Education.

Yes, I'm going to be a

high school English teacher.

And I couldn't be more excited about that!

I can't wait to

work with students and help them grow into

great readers, writers, and thinkers.

In fact, right now I'm student teaching!

I even taught my very first actual lesson yesterday!

It was amazing.

I can't wait to do more!

But... because I'm student teaching,

I have to really pinch pennies right now.

See, I don't get paid to student teach.

Besides that,

I have to student teach all day, every day...

So I had to quit my full-time job.

Again, I'm not trying to make you feel sorry for me.

Just venting!

And also, of course...

Trying to think of a creative way to get to NYC

on June 18, 2010

to see my boys play Radio City Music Hall!

Maybe another Jordan contest?!

Or maybe, finally, DANNY will do a contest!

(Yeah, that's me LAST JUNE in ATL with Danny!)

Or maybe Ellen will finally answer all my cries for help...

and maybe she won't only send me to see NKOTB...

Maybe she'll actually go with me!

So, this is me....

dancing in the aisles at Radio City...

with Ellen.

(Just imagine the music in the background is

Summertime or Dirty Dancing or something...

Or maybe even old school....

Hangin' Tough!)

Enjoy!

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First her hips don't lie... and now they don't know what they're doing!

So, I've been seeing Shakira perform lately on

lots of awards shows, talk shows, etc.

I still stand my ground that she was 

MUCH better as a 

Spanish language singer

than she is an English one.

(Suddenly, she started singing in English,

and her lyrics didn't quite make sense,

while her voice sounded a bit like she was 

gargling dirty bath water.)

Anyway.

I saw Shakira perform

"Hips Don't Lie"

on every awards show 

for at least 3 years straight.

I promise.

It's true.

And now, I'm not quite sure what she's singing, 

but every performance is exactly the same.

Doesn't she realize

the same people will be watching her?

But what I really want to talk about...

are her new dance moves.

See, Shakira's latest performances look like this:

Ummm. What was that?!

Correct me if I'm wrong, 

but after her transition from Spanish to English,

and the consequent dirty bath water, nonsense lyric singing....

weren't her bellydance moves the 

only thing she had going for her?!

Like I said before,

when Shakira likes something, 

she sticks with it.

So, I've seen this performance 

at least three or four times now.

(Seriously. VMA's. MTV Europe. Letterman. I could go on....)

But I've been trying to figure out 

where she came up with this crazy new dance style

that is frankly just AWFUL.

And here's the recipe I've come up with.

Shakira has taken a little bit of this....

(Go to 0:36 to see what I'm speaking of)

Threw in a dash of this...

(again... just a dash.)

Maybe a touch of this for seasoning....(Go to 0:25)

But what was the main ingredient?

Yes, there were dashes of this,

sprinkles of that,

pinches of whatnot...

But what was I missing?

And then it hit me.

I give you... the main ingredient.

Yep! That's it.

Glad I figured it out!

So... what do you think?

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Just another day... hanging w/ Jordan Knight! (Guest blog by Kristie)

This is a guest blog from my friend Kristie. (Follow her on Twitter @kristie1311.)

I met her in ATL this summer when we were there stalking.... errr.... going to see NKOTB as they kicked off their summer amphitheater tour!

(She's the one who actually got the picture of Candi hugging Joey Mac that I couldn't get!)

Well, this blog is her story of her latest stalking... I mean, adventure! :) 

My favorite highlights are as follows:

1) Jordan Knight is approachable and lovely.

2) Jordan Knight loves Target... I love Target!

3) Jordan Knight loves Starbucks... I also love Starbucks!

So, without further delay.... Here is Kristie's "Jordan Idol" experience!

Cheers!

Christy

The Jordan Idol Experience.... by Kristie

I’ve been trying to write this blog for 2 weeks, but I’ve had a real hard time getting it started. How do you put such an amazing experience into words, especially when you’re literally just hanging out? Well here is my attempt. J

It all started with a tweet from Mr. Jordan Knight himself saying he was going to go to Nashville for Jordan Idol & to record. 

I’ve been planning to go visit my family & friends who live there for a couple of months, but I didn’t think I’d go until mid November. Well, once I saw that tweet, I knew immediately I had to work on moving that trip up! It wasn’t until the LAST MINUTE that I got the ok from my boss, but I was on my way to Nashvegas!!! 

Unfortunately my cousin @dreaangel and friend @shellygirl75 had to work Monday day & had the Lenny Kravitz concert Monday evening; however, it worked out that my girls from NC, Dannie (@Mcriddlahpants) & Erin (@sweetteach81) were only going to be in town on Monday! So, the plan was to meet them on Monday, and we would start looking around town for JK. Jordan said while in town to "wear something to get noticed & he would be looking for us." 

That is why Erin made us Jordan Idol shirts. 

They also had “From Charlotte to Jordan Idol” on the back of their car. 

We spent all morning/afternoon searching for Jordan, Jason, & Aaron... Looking, tweeting & following Jason’s “clues.” We were sitting in a parking lot of music row about to get out of there when we saw Jason’s magic words: 

“Going to Target.” 

Now we had no clue which Target he meant, but we immediately put it in the GPS and headed to the nearest one. I was getting nervous because the direction we were headed wasn’t anywhere NEAR Target according to my phone... AMEN we didn’t listen to my stupid phone!!!

As we pulled up and were walking in we decided to split up for better results. Well I am a "people watcher," so I tend to look around all the time. When we were walking by the front I looked in where the Starbucks was just as Jordan was turning back to the counter. 

I saw him 1st, and I said “Oh my God.” Then turned back & saw Jason. Then I knew it was them. I told the girls “Oh my God! They’re in there at Starbucks!”

We freaked, but stayed “calm.” Erin and I grabbed each other’s hand as we walked up.  Jordan saw us and laughed and hid behind a pole. He asked how we found him. Jason said he tweeted they were going to Target. He gave us all hugs and told us to sit down.

This is where it gets hard to blog because for the next hour we just chatted. We didn’t just sit there and ask him things about NKOTB. We sat there & talked to him more like it was a group of friends. 

There were times we did talk about the guys. He asked us all what we did. When I said I was  a real estate agent, he said I should sell Jon’s houses. I was like, “OK!” 

I showed him a picture of  me holding the plush Jordan doll. He said, “I hate that f-ing doll. It looks nothing like me!” 

He asked our opinion where he should hold Jordan Idol. At the time, we didn’t realize it was going to be like it was. We thought it was going to be more like just a common meeting place and people just sort of play around sing for him. He explained what he was looking for though. 

We took a couple pictures & he tweeted he “found” us.

 When we saw on Twitter that people were still saying we found him, he was disappointed! 

It was cute because when we took the picture he made a comment about his eyes being squinty. I just find it adorable that someone so hot showed us an insecurity. But that is basically it…We sat around chatting & took a few pictures. We were actually there for just over an hour I think, which was FANTASTIC!

Erin & Dannie had to leave that night because they both had to work the next day. This meant they were going to miss Jordan Idol. 

Jordan said he was going to be recording all night, but he would let us stop by the studio since they were just in town for the one day. We went to Starbucks to hang out until we got the word to come over. Once we got there, we were told to wait on a couch in the waiting room/living room area. Then Jordan came out. He asked if Jason showed us around. 

He hadn't, so he said “Do you want to see the studio.” We were like HECK YEAH!! I’ve never been in a real recording studio!! It was so cool!! 

We got to meet Kendrick (the songwriter), Aaron (the producer), Grant (I don’t remember his role) and Ted (the engineer). By this time we changed into our regular shirts, but brought the Jordan Idol shirts with us. We showed them to everyone.  They loved them! We took another picture with Jordan’s phone, which he lost & Kendrick took a pick with his camera which he said didn’t come out…I scream conspiracy, but whatever lol… We had to leave &  wait while JK recorded. They came out to take a break and chatted for a bit. 

This is when Jordan signed our Jordan Idol shirts. They say the same thing. 

Mine: “To Kristie Great to hang out Love Jordan K” *Swoon* 

While they were upstairs getting coffee we  realized it was late, and they still had an 8 hour drive home! Once Jordan came downstairs we told him we had to leave. He walked us out & gave us the biggest hug ever!!! When I hugged him I wouldn’t let go! I said something like “I don’t want to go!” He just squeezed me harder. He was such a gentleman and so welcoming. It was definitely the greatest experience of my life! Hopefully they’ll come to Atlanta for Jordan Idol & the hunt can begin again! Wooooo!!! 

** As a postscript, I must note that Jordan is in ATL this weekend for Jordan Idol, which is tonight (11.21.09).

Yesterday, Kristie used her "skills" and located Mr. Knight... AND Donnie Wahlberg, who had his big party in the ATL last night!

Some of her highlights... documented from her Twitter account:

Jordan remembered me from target. It made my day :-)about 21 hours ago from Tweetie Wow!!!! What a fabulous morning!!! Such a great start to the weekend! I'm uploading pics now. I didn't take any at wh tho.about 21 hours ago from webMe & @DonnieWahlberg outside @Q100Atlantahttp://twitpic.com/q8m5jabout 20 hours ago from TweetDeckMe & @jordanknight at @Q100Atlantahttp://twitpic.com/q8meo he was asking where @McRiddlahpants & @sweetteach81 were lolabout 20 hours ago from TweetDeckOur table is right by the stage! @donniewahlberg kissed me on the cheek. Shouldve gone for the lips hahaabout 11 hours ago from Tweetie

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I can't deny it... I still wish I could CRUISE!

Yes, it's true.

I'm not going on the NKOTB Cruise...

AGAIN.

Why? 

Well, for one, I've got about 

A MILLION AND A HALF 

things going on right now.

But on an even larger scale...

I have to be a responsible adult

(boo.... hiss...)

and save money right now!

See, I'm in grad school majoring in 

7-12 education.

As my final requirement to 

graduate and become certified,

I have to student teach.

For free.

For 18 weeks.

5 days a week. 8 hours a day.

Now, I'm not asking for pity.

I am excited about 

becoming a teacher,

and FINALLY 

starting my career.

But I was just hoping...

Using "The Secret,"

or "the power of positive thinking,"

or whatever you'd like to call it...

that somehow,

I'd end up on that cruise ship this year!

And what's worse,

Several of my fellow Blockhead friends 

are going!

So, not only am I missing a whole weekend 

with my favorite 5 bad boys from Beantown,

but also with several girlfriends

that I never get to see!

I wish Ellen would make me do some

stupid human trick,

like wear a sumo suit and 

hum my ABC's while 

eating peanut butter...

or something.

I'd even work for it!

I'll be the "special fan commentator" 

for Ellen!

Or, I can be the opening act...

I'll bring my middle school dance team!

I can even be the 

"official SS NKOTB onboard personal trainer."

Or teach group fitness classes to

Hangin' Tough!

I'd really do just about anything...

Sigh.

Ok, that's my sob story for the day.

Thanks for listening! 

Jordan is following ME!

Sorry.

This will be short but sweet.

But today, I got this notice in my e-mail inbox.

Hi, Christy80.

Jordan Knight (jordanknight) is now following your tweets on Twitter.

A little information about Jordan Knight:

55323 followers 1651 tweets following 97 people

Now, I must say... 

I've been trying to figure out how to get him to follow me for days.

I made up silly songs for him.

I dressed my dog in my Jordan Knight circa 1989 t-shirt

(and honestly, she really did like it)

I did a slew of other things

that are probably too embarrassing to mention.

But what finally did it...

Was asking Ellen DeGeneres to follow Jordan

and have him on her show!

So, in a roundabout way,

Ellen actually did help me get through to NKOTB,

like I've been asking her to do for so long!

SO....

I've got a renewed sense of HOPE and CONFIDENCE...

Ellen! 

Mrs. DeGeneres!

I am not giving up.

I still have faith that somehow, someway...

you are going to get my girl Leslie and I

on SS NKOTB

in 2010!

We'll be 30 this year.

A year of renewal...

rebirth.

What better way to celebrate than

with our childhood idols?!

The Block is Back in 2009.

And

You Can't STOP the Block

in 2010!

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This Is It

It opens today!

Michael Jackson's 

This Is It

is in theaters for two weeks 

starting today.

If you've been reading this blog,

or if you know me at all,

you know how much I completely 

worship and adore

everything Michael Jackson ever did.

He was a talent beyond recognition.

He was intelligent and truly gifted.

He was unique, innovative, and inspiring.

Quite simply,

he was like no other.

He was the one and only 

Michael Jackson.

And it's strange....

 I woke up really early this morning 

and realized that I was

simultaneously excited for the movie,

yet sad for his loss,

all at the same time.

So, since I didn't know what else to do,

I decided to search the Internet

for responses to the movie 

(since it opened at midnight last night in most cities).

And I found this...

Posted on Twitter by the beautiful, the incomparable

(and longtime friend of Michael Jackson),

Elizabeth Taylor.

This is just what I needed to read this morning, 

and I'm sure it is for many others as well.

Thank you, Ms. Taylor.

I was honored with the great privilege of seeing "This Is It" last week. I was sworn to secrecy, but now I can let you know about it.

It is the single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen. It cements forever Michael's genius in every aspect of creativity.

To say the man is a genius is an understatement. He cradles each note, coaxes the music to depths beyond reality.

I wept from pure joy at his God given gift. There will never, ever be the likes of him again.

And we have this piece of film to remind us forever and ever that once there was such a man. God kissed him.

God blessed him and squandered nothing, but loved it all. Michael knew how to put together every tone, every nuance to make magic.

To say he was a genius seems so little. I wish my vocabulary encompassed what I feel.

You owe it to yourselves and your loved ones to see this again and again. Memorize it and say to yourselves, "I saw genius in my lifetime"

I loved genius in my lifetime. God was so good to me. I will love Michael forever and so will you, if you don't already.

I hope I don't sound condescending. I'm sure you already know what I'm talking about, but go to see it again and again.

I meant to repeat myself. I love you. I remember Michael loved you. He was totally up to now and the message of today in all his songs.

If you listen to his lyrics they are those of a modern day prophet and it beseeches us to listen to him and what he sang.

I won't use words like preaching because that is off-putting, but listen. Listen to his messages.

From "Black And White", "Man In The Mirror". The inspiration behind "We Are The World". We must take his words of responsibility seriously.

We cannot let his life be in vain / and always done with love. Remember that. Remember him and thank God for him and his genius.

Kenny Ortega did a masterful job of directing the process that goes into making a complete show before hitting the stage.

From A to Z you get Michael's input on every level. Michael's genius at work with the dancers. Mr. Ortega catches Michael in his every mood

You see in front of your eyes Michael's genius blossoming on this piece of film thanks to Kenny Ortega and his crews.

I truly believe this film should be nominated in every category conceivable.

- Elizabeth Taylor

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Yee-Haw! Jordan Knight is coming to Nashville!

Jordan Knight

is heading up a talent scouting excursion

that he's calling

Jordan Idol.

So last night, I wasn't on Twitter...

because I was at the 

So You Think You Can Dance concert

in Atlanta!

(Yes, it was amazing!)

But several of my tweeps were 

buzzing about it,

and when I checked my phone, my girl Desiree

(Desir80s on Twitter)

had sent Jordan the following message:

@JordanKnight if you go to nashville..we are the girls u want! @DreaAngel @NerdyBrownie @Kristie1311 

@McRiddlahpants @christy80

(She's very thoughtful... she included me, even though I wasn't Tweeting!)

So of course, I'm like...

"What?! What's going on?!"

And apparently...

Jordan is bringing Jordan Idol

to The Grand Ole' Opry,

my very own state capitol of 

Nashville, Tennessee!

He even confirmed it himself:

@jordanknight: Yeah, Jordan Idol is going to Nashville!!! 

Who's gonna be around next week? I wanna hear you sing!!!

So this morning, when I finallygot wind of all of this...I sent the following to Mr. Knight himself:
christy80 Hey @jordanknight... I can't sing, so this Jordan Idol thing isn't for me. But I can help you judge. Or I could tryout to backup dance. Yes?

So Jordan... if you're reading this...(and I sure hope you are)this could be the shot to help my NKOTB Backup Dancing Dream come true!(Check out my facebook group for this, too.)
And in case you're curious, Jordan, JK, Mr. Knight, Knight Rider, the Dark Knight(or as I like to refer to you... Mr. Bringin' Sexy Back)...Here's a little sample of what I could bringto Jordan Idol! 
HOLLA!

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