I thought that I was going crazy, you took me to another place...

Let me start with this preface: I am an AJ-girl, and I always have been. (I mean, what's not to love?) Growing up, my sister was the one with all of the Nick posters in her room. As a teenager, I just wasn't interested in fitting in and gushing over the blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby of the group.

As I have gotten older, and the Boys have become less "untouchable" and more in touch with their fan base, I have had the opportunity to meet them a few times. Nick has always been a mystery to me. At soundchecks, you can always expect Brian to be all over the place, unable to sit still; AJ will oblige any fan and do just about ANYTHING we ask of him (bless his heart); Howie tends to keep to himself, sipping his tea, but chimes in at just the right moment with a corny joke. Then there is Nick. I just can't pin point him. And because of this, I have never known how I really feel about him... until now.

My favorite VIP pic so far... What up, GANGSTA?

This past weekend, Nick took his "I'm Taking Off" tour to Philly. I live nowhere close to Philly, but decided it would be a great weekend get away. My sister and I hopped a plane, bought VIPs and decided to brave the cold to see what Nick was like outside of the "Backstreet Box." We met up with a group of nine other girls (also not from Philly) and camped out before the VIP, getting to know each other as we tried to keep our hands from going numb.

Nick's VIP consisted of him performing two cover songs (Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin"), answering a couple of questions from the crowd (Mary's question about the Twitter app was the best one I have ever seen at any soundcheck. Hey Nick, what was it called??), and taking pictures with each of us. My sister and I ended up toward the back of the pack for the photo op, and I watched Nick Carter greet every female in that room with open arms, followed by a big hug. He spoke to each of us, accepted numerous belated birthday presents (sorry, Carter, I missed the memo that we were bringing gifts; I owe ya one) and smiled relentlessly. During my individual experience, he gave me a huge hug and tried to make the moment personal (something that I, for one, appreciate more than you will ever know). He was genuine, sweet, humble and gracious to everyone who came out to support him. I was completely blown away by my VIP experience; Nick Carter is a FABULOUS man. It's been confirmed first-hand.

He looks like a Ken Doll... =)

I never thought I would say this, but that concert was one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. Nick is amazing as a part of the Backstreet Boys; however, the energy and emotion and connection he has to HIS music is astounding. He made me (as I am sure he did every other fan in that crowd) feel SPECIAL. It takes an amazing artist and performer to have that kind of power. In one evening, Nick Carter turned me into a fan-- not just of the music, or of him as a performer, but also of him as a person.

Credit: EvergreenBSB

I have to dance like a mad woman everytime I hear this song... #blameNickCarter

That Philly weekend turned me into a Nick Carter fan-- not of Nick Carter the Backstreet Boy, but of Nick Carter the solo artist, the entertainer, the vocalist... the PERSON. This weekend also brought a handful of amazing women into my life, who are now a permanent fixture. The time we spent together, including the hours after the show when we laughed until we cried and made memories for a lifetime, was just what my life needed. There is nothing better than making great friends who understand the music that makes your heart dance... it also helps that they are willing to travel outrageous distances and spend their life savings to participate in the same activites I am. The next girls' weekend cannot come soon enough!

Credit: April May
The women who now make me laugh on a daily basis-- THANK YOU. =)

So, thank you, Nick. You turned me into a believer. You are an absolute ROCKSTAR for doing what you do, despite all of the obstacles you face. I, without a doubt, have the utmost respect for you. Now, regardless of what you do, I got you (pun intended).