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Post by celticsweetheart on May 15, 2012 23:46:39 GMT -5
I had a 3 art classes this coming fall semester and one accounting class. I decided to try to continue working and it was a good thing the agency liked my work cause they said the would work around my schedule. Now I'd have the money to go to Atlanta, see the concert and maybe meet all the lads. Life couldn't get any better now all I needed to do was see if I could get some money from the parents to go to Ireland next summer.
The next time the group met for our monthly dinner party the semester was in full swing. I loved my classes even accounting and there isn't a lot to love about numbers except that it was a necessity if I wanted to open my own gallery. I need to know figures if I want to make money. I had a couple accounting classes in high school but this was nothing like those. I wasn't lost so much as confused which meant I'd need a tutor to help me pass the class. I had arrange for a tutor after the second day of class. If I was going to pass I'd need all the help I could get. I could only meet with him on Saturdays because that was the only time I had available.
Before that first dinner party I'd purchased the tickets to the concert and I'd made arrangements for one queen non smoking room and one double non smoking room, arriving on the 14th of November and departing on the 16th of November. A great weekend we would have. Saturday night we'd get to see the concert at the Atlanta Civic Center. Maybe if we were lucky we'd run into them wandering through the downtown area.
Dinner consisted of fried chicken that came from KFC since I was too busy with classes and work. I loved the Colonel especially extra crispy. We had massed potatoes and gravy that came from KFC. There was macaroni salad and baked beans. It felt like a summer picnic even though it was the middle of September.
The topic of conversation was what classes people were taking. I had one class with Tony but other than that I rarely saw him. I only saw Amanda in the mornings during breakfast. Everyone seemed to be just as busy as I was which was great. Amanda was working during the week at the local theater basically she sent out mailing to people who frequented the shows the theater group performed each season. Shelia and Stacy also work at the same theater as Amanda but were concentrating their efforts into performing. Tony worked at a local art gallery as did Kieran. I really would love to work at a gallery but just couldn't see how I would fit in since I wasn't good at moving heavy objects and they already had a receptionist.
October 24th was the beginning of midterms which usually sent the average student into a panic. I wasn't really panicking over my art classes instead I was starting to feel the pressure with accounting though. It was a good thing I had a tutor or I would have dropped the class before the midterm. The monthly dinner would get pushed back when it was time for everyone to take midterm exams. I was always glad when those tests were over because I'd spend the previous week worrying only to realize it wasn't that bad. I'm pretty sure I pass my midterms in the 3 art classes and I was somewhat sure I'd pass accounting even if I got a C on the test.
The week following midterms we had our annual get together which consisted of barbecue beef that I'd purchased from the local restaurant whose barbecue I enjoyed once a week for lunch. I didn't want to keep shelling out money to buy dinner because I would need money for the concert and the weekend in Atlanta. I'd say by the time the concert rolls around we'll all be in need of a break.
- will write more tomorrow its time for me to go to bed, good night.
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Post by celticbear on May 16, 2012 20:39:16 GMT -5
Sounds like everybody has had a full,busy Fall Semester so far! Glad Meg booked the rooms and I know everybody is looking forward to the trip to see CT!
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Post by celticsweetheart on May 17, 2012 23:27:37 GMT -5
The dinner party before heading to Atlanta for the weekend we make a plan of where to meet and who's going to be driving. We decide to take two cars and to meet at our apartment at noon. It would take just over 8 hrs to drive to Atlanta. We would split the driving so no one person had to do all the driving. We made sure that each car had the Celtic Thunder Cd playing as well as other selected tunes plus some snack food and plenty of bottled water to get us through the trip.
When November 14th finally arrived everyone was at the apartment before noon and we actually left sooner then we planned. I took my car and Kieran took his car. There was 3 people in each car which meant the weight was evenly distributed among the two cars. We both had driving directions as well as a map from AAA to Atlanta, GA. The trip proved to take less then the time suggested by Mapquest. It took a little over 7 hrs and we had a total of three stopping points where we changed drivers. We finally arrived at our hotel around 8 pm. We check in and take our stuff up to our rooms.
After putting our stuff in the room and getting settled in, the guys knock on our door to see if we wanted to get a couple pizzas for dinner. Pizza sounded good to meet as did the others. There was a brochure for Papa Johns Pizza in the desk. We decided what kind of pizza we wanted to order before someone dialed them. They did deliver to the Holiday Inn which was great. Kieran called and placed an order for two large cheese and pepperoni pizzas plus a large Greek salad. Total for 25 dollars which was divided by 6 people . It was a good thing we still had plenty of soda in the cars that way we didn't have to order a two liter as well. I went to my car and got the soda and Kieran went to his.
The pizza arrived about 20 minutes later which as great cause we were starving. Before heading back upstairs we got some silverware from the dining area and even some paper plates so we could divide the salad among the 6 of us. It had been awhile since I had Papa John's for dinner. We sat around the living room area talking about our plans for tomorrow. We were all so excited for the concert tomorrow night. We actually were only 5 blocks from the venue which was great but given that it was at 7:30 we decided to call a taxi to take us to the concert it wouldn't cost that much plus we could leave our cars parked in the hotel parking lot knowing they'd be secure.
After both pizza's were gone and the salad empty we decided it was time to turn in cause tomorrow was going to be a big day and I had a feeling we'd need all the sleep we could get.
- with that said i'm going to bed, good night.. i'll write more tomorrow.
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Post by celticbear on May 18, 2012 20:56:31 GMT -5
Glad Meg and her friends made it safely to Atlanta GA! Wow just five blocks from the venue! Something tells me some CT sightings are going to occur tomorrow before the concert!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 9, 2012 0:12:31 GMT -5
The next morning I was up a little after 7 am. I figured if I wanted to get in the shower without being rushed I needed to get an early start. I was the only person in the room who was up and out of the room before 8. I headed down to have some breakfast or at least get a cup of coffee. I wasn't the only member of little group who was up before 8 am. Kieran and Tony were already enjoying breakfast. I joined them after my waffle was finished and I had a cup of coffee.
The three of us worked out a strategy for the day. The concert wasn't until later in the evening at 7:30 pm. We decided that we needed to do a little recon work if the four ladies in the group were going to meet any of the lads before the show. The guys weren't into the lads as much as the ladies were but they would do anything we asked of them. They were also out numbered so they had no other choice.
By the time I get back to the room everyone is dressed and ready to go. I explain what the plan is for the rest of the day. We would take both cars and circle around the venue to see if the buses had arrived at the Fox Theater. If the buses are in the parking lot behind the theater, two people would wait at the Subway nearby to watch for signs life to emerge from any of the buses.
Just as we turned onto 3rd St NE we noticed a group of tour buses sitting in the parking lot adjacent to the theater. Tony and Amanda would then wait at the Subway and would call Kieran or myself if they saw someone exiting one of the buses. We told them to order a sub and a drink cause it might take a while. It was just after 9:30 when we dropped them off.
We arrived back at the hotel just a little after 10. The four remaining members headed back to the girls' room since I decided to bring my laptop just in case it was needed. There is only so much one can do with a cell phone. I decided to check out the CT website to see if anything was happening. Not a lot was going on especially in the chat room. People were talking about going to see them or where they saw them. I mentioned that me and my friends were seeing them tonight in Atlanta at the Fox Theater. I had purchased a new digital camera and had become quite skilled at making excellent pictures with it.
A little before noon, Kieran receives a call from Tony. Apparently, someone had emerged from the buses not more than thirty minutes ago but it wasn't one of the lads at least it didn't appear to be one of them. Amanda kept saying it was one the guys in the band but she wasn't sure which one. She said she would need to get a closer look in order to know who it might be. There were only 3 guys in the band so figuring out which one wouldn't be too difficult she just needed a closer look. Tony then said she wouldn't need to leave Subway cause the guy in question was heading directly toward the restaurant.
We told them to sit tight and we would be there in a few minutes. I heard Amanda say we better get her soon because she wasn't sure how long the guy would be here. As soon as Kieran hung up we were out the door,destination: Subway. I wanted to know who this mystery guy was just as much as the others. I just hoped Amanda used her powers of persuasion on the guy. I didn't expect her to handcuff him to the chair but start a polite conversation with him that was all she needed to do.
When we arrived at the restaurant both Tony and Amanda had engaged the guy in conversation. As soon as I recognized him I knew it was the drummer, Declan. He was a really nice guy to be chatted up by total strangers in a Subway. He had just come over to get something to eat. The others were still sleeping after the long ride from the previous night's concert.
Eventually, he learned that the six of us were going to the show tonight at the Fox Theater. It wasn't really fair to string him along into believing we were from Atlanta when we were from Newport News, VA. He then turned the tables on us by asking us questions. It was weird to be questioned by a drummer but we were fine with it. He asked what we did in Newport News and we told him we were all college students at Christopher Newport University. He then wanted to know what we were studying. It was a combination between art and acting and business.
Eventually, he said he was suppose to take a sub to his mate who was on the bus waiting for him to return. We all suggest he call his friend and tell him if he wanted a sub he'd better come get it himself. A few seconds after he placed the call his friend emerged from the bus and started walking across the street. As soon he walked through the door I knew it was Neil, the lead guitarist. He was handsome and had the most beautiful pair of eyes I'd ever seen.
- Ok enough for now. Sorry it took so long to update. I've been working on a blog about Neil and Ryan which is taking away most of time free time to write fan fiction. The heat has also been a factor since I can't really think clearly when its so hot outside and in. I promise to write more tomorrow.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 9, 2012 11:20:42 GMT -5
Worth the wait! Love the way everybody split up to watch for any of the Lads to appear! Also love how Declan turned the tables on everybody and that Neil showed up!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 9, 2012 21:34:37 GMT -5
- Glad you like the update CB, wonder who else will show up at Subway??? I don't know maybe a lad that fancy's subs.
The group had gone from seven to eight in a matter of minutes. Now that Neil had joined in the conversation, it was getting to be very interesting. He thought it was funny that we'd chosen a Subway as a place for a steak out. He said most usually plant themselves at a Starbucks since that's the place they (the cast and crew) usually visit most often. He said he was wondering what happened to Declan when he didn't come back after 30 minutes. He didn't think it took that long to get a sub.
Neil was pretty cool about our stealing Declan away from him. They were both pretty cool about the whole thing. They gave us a little insider information about the concert later. We told them we didn't have meet and greet tickets to the show. He said if we go wait by the buses after the concert the lads usually come to meet their fans but we had to be patient because it usually takes about 45 minutes for them to get their stuff together and then put on the buses.
They asked us if we had plans for the day prior to the concert this evening. We really didn't have any concrete plans except for trying to meet a lad prior to the show this evening. I said this was the first time I'd been to Atlanta while everyone else had visited here at least one time before. They said they had some free time before they had to start rehearsing for the show. We decided to check out the Georgia Aquarium because Kieran said he use to visit it all the time when he was a kid. At the last minute we decide to go to the World of Coca-Cola which was right next door to the aquarium.
The tour takes about 90 minutes from start to finish which is great since it means the guys from the band will make it back in plenty of time to rehearse before the show tonight. The tour is great and I've never seen how they bottle coca cola before. After the tour we stop in at the Pemberton cafe for a quick snack before returning to the Fox Theater.
We drop the guys off in the parking lot so they can get their stuff off the bus. We told them we'd see them later and thanked them for a most enjoyable day in Atlanta. I have to say the World of Coca Cola was much more interesting than a silly aquarium. We head back to the hotel to get a nap in before heading out to dinner than to the concert. So far this has been one incredible experience for the six of us. Definitely worth every penny but we still have the concert and dinner. Tomorrow, we head back to Newport News, VA and they will head to their next concert venue.
-Will post more tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoys it. I know I did writing it.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 10, 2012 20:08:42 GMT -5
Love how they all ended up spending the afternoon together! Hope they take Neil's advice about how to meet the rest of the Lads!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 11, 2012 0:37:12 GMT -5
We get back to the Regency Suites in plenty of time to take a nap before the concert tonight. We agreed to meet in the lobby at 4 to decide where to have dinner before the show. It would be too late to eat afterwards besides we could always go out for dessert after the show.
By 3:30 people were either coming out of the shower or were getting ready for the scheduled event. I have to admit we were four females who could definitely turn heads tonight. During the summer we'd gone on a major shopping trip to find the perfect outfit for tonight. The weather in Atlanta, GA wasn't too hot or too cold but just right and I'm sure Goldie Locks would approve of our choice of outfits.
It was exactly 4 pm on the dot when we showed off our stunning evening attire to the two guys who looked like they'd been waiting for longer than an hour. When we came into view they both did a double take which I took as a good sign. The guys I had to admit clean up pretty nice especially if they are going to accompany us to dinner. The guys heard from a couple of guests that El Taco was a great place to eat dinner and it wasn't too far from the Fox.
The guys had also checked out the place online which was a good thing because we had a chance to look at the menu to see what would take the least amount of time to prepare as well as eat plus adding time for digesting but still being able to get to the venue by 7pm.
It's almost 5pm and its really time to get out of here. I have all 6 tickets in my purse. I double check to make sure they are still there before we head out for the night. Its a good thing that cabs are waiting outside the hotel because that's one less thing we have to do. We pile into the cab and tell the driver to take us to el taco at 1186 N. Highland Ave NE. Within minutes the cab is pulling away from the hotel headed toward of destination.
My stomach is rumbling I guess I should have had something more to eat at the Pemberton Cafe than just ice cream. I think I'll order the green chili chicken enchiladas when we get there. Eight minutes later we are pulling up to our distention. We pay the driver and ask if he would be able to pick us up when we were through, he gave us his business card with his cell number on it. We said we should be done by 6:30. He said he didn't think it'd be a problem but to call him when we were done.
We quickly enter the restaurant which is really eye catching. Apparently Kieran called the restaurant before we left so we didn't have to wait long for a table. As soon as we were seated I did a quick glance of the menu to make sure what I wanted was still there for me to order. Everyone was drinking Coca Cola which was great I didn't want to see what anyone in the group looked like drunk besides we still had the show to go to after dinner.
As soon as the waitress brought us our drinks along with the two orders of chips and salsa for the table we were all ready to order. Everyone seemed to be ordering things that wouldn't take long to prepare which was great cause the sooner we got done eater the sooner we could get to the fox. After all six orders were taken we started munching on the chips and salsa while discussing what happened earlier in the day.
We all agreed that it was definitely a once in a lifetime event that may never be repeated. I did really enjoy myself today which was great because this semester I had some killer courses. I was so excited about this trip because I really needed to get away for the weekend and this was the perfect excuse.
We talked over what Neil's suggestion for after the show. We all agreed, that is the four of us females agreed it would be in our best interest to wait for the lads by the buses afterwards. It was sheer coincidence that we met both Declan and Neil this afternoon but now we were going to meet the rest of the group. I for one really wanted to meet Ryan, he was my favorite. Amanda was interested in Keith, Shelia and Stacy both fought over who liked Paul more while the guys were more interested in the women of Celtic Thunder. Everyone agreed that George was everyone's favorite.
Before we knew it our dinner was heading toward our table. We'd finished all the chips and salsa while holding a lively conversation about CT and the fall semester. Our plan was to leave the restaurant by no later than 6:30pm which would give us plenty of time to make it to the theater on time. It was just about 6:30 when we got the bill for dinner. After the bill was paid and a generous tip left I called the taxi driver to see if he would be able to pick us up at el taco. He said he'd be there in five minutes which was great. We waited outside for him and traffic didn't appear to be really bad which was a good sign.
The taxi pulled up and we piled in. I gave him the address to our next destination which was the Fox Theater. There was a lot of traffic around the Fox, so instead of dropping us off in front of the theater we him drop us off across the street. We paid him and then I asked would he be available after the show that's if we didn't find another way back. We'd definitely be done by at least 11:30 pm but I wrote the general number for the taxi company just in case he wasn't available. He told us to enjoy the concert which we quickly replied we would.
- tomorrow will be the concert for sure. hope you enjoy this update.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 11, 2012 20:52:05 GMT -5
Glad the boys checked out the restaurant online and called ahead for a table! Looking forward to the next update!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 12, 2012 0:05:52 GMT -5
As we crossed the street we couldn't help but think what an amazing day we've had. The night was definitely looking to be pretty awesome as well. Dinner was oh so yummy and now we were going to see Celtic Thunder at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA. Life couldn't get any better than this well it could but I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch.
We entered the theater and promptly found our seats. I could only find four seats together and not six so the guys were sitting in the row behind us. I think they liked it that way. They were in the company of some lovely females, so I didn't feel guilty about making sure we had the better seats. Our seats were amazing, not front row but we had an awesome view from where we were seating. We were left center which was pretty good view of the stage.
The show started at promptly 7:30 which was great not many things in life happen on time except CT concerts. The whole first half was amazing. I especially liked Ryan's solo while I had to listen to Amanda gush over Keith's solo which were OK but just didn't tickle my fancy. Everyone sorta went crazy over Damian he was just so adorable. But for some reason I just couldn't take my eyes off Neil.
Intermission
I was elected to go to the concession stand and get four bottles of water plus I needed to use the restroom as well. While waiting in line for the ladies room I over heard a couple ladies talking about having a run in with George at Starbucks. Interesting I thought, we were not the only ones to meet someone from CT today. I kept my mouth shut because I was really interested in using the bathroom before intermission was over. Good thing I was in and out the restroom in plenty of time. From the bathroom I headed toward the concession stand closet to where I was siting.
While waiting in line at the concession stand I over heard another group of ladies talking about meeting Ryan by accident. He was running and not paying attention when he ran smack into one of the ladies standing in front of me. He said he was sorry and that he didn't see her but would be more careful next time. It was really kinda funny but I bet it hurt when it happened. One them also mentioned they were staying at the Regency. It was at that exact moment that I interrupted their conversation.
I told them about meeting Declan, the drummer and Neil, the lead guitarist. I then said the seven of us went to the World of Coca Cola exhibit. I then mentioned that we were also staying at the Regency as well, the six of us not the two guys. I think I kinda lost them when I said we spent the day with two members of the band. Generally the band isn't as exciting as the singers but in this case they were the exceptions to the rule. I got my bottles and went back to my seat.
It seemed like my three friends had decided they might as well go to the ladies room as well. I noticed the merchandise as we walked in. I didn't want to purchase anything just yet maybe on the way out. I wanted something for the lads to sign. The tickets didn't offer much room for five signatures. While waiting for my friends to return I started chatting with an older couple sitting directly to my right. They were from Alabama and this was the first CT show they've been to. I replied that this was my first one as well and that me and my friends came from Newport News, VA.
I asked them if they were enjoying the concert so far which they were, that's always a good sign when people in the audience enjoy themselves. They told me that this was their wedding anniversary. I thought to myself what a lovely gift to give someone a weekend away from life's hassles. My friends made it back just in time. The chimes rang out that intermission was over. Everyone else had returned to their seats.
- Ok enough of the show. I'll write more tomorrow but just a bit of teaser. The second half will take place tomorrow along with meeting the lads afterwards.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 12, 2012 20:48:31 GMT -5
Great update Colleen! Love how Meg had her own CT encounter story to tell those waiting in line!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 12, 2012 23:49:39 GMT -5
Second half of the show was amazing. I'm not sure what part I liked best but I have to say it was definitely the best show I've been to in quite a long time. I'm pretty sure I won't forget the concert but the night isn't over just yet. Before I returned to my seat I got the name and number of the ladies who were standing in front of me at the concessions. They said they were going to wait for the guys out by the buses after the show.
The six of us headed toward the merchandise because I along with my 3 friends wanted to make a purchase before going out by the buses to wait. I had already looked at the merchandise before taking my seat so I knew what it was I wanted to buy. I was gonna get the program guide for the concert because it had more than enough room for signatures from each lad. Amanda bought the calender and a Keith shirt. Shelia and Stacey both bought a calender but they each chose to purchase a Paul shirt. The guys weren't so into the merchandise but did purchase the key fobs with the CT logo. I must say those were some pretty snazzy key chains.
We exit the way we came into the theater by the front doors, heading left to the area where the buses are parked. We basically follow the crowd of people heading toward the stage door entrance. We decided after hearing Neil's suggestion that we'd do exactly what he said. They say if it comes from the horses mouth it must be true and in our case it definitely was. There was a huge crowd waiting for the lads but that was no surprise to anyone else because the theater was practically packed probably sold out but the signs out front didn't suggest it.
Neil said it usually took about 45 minutes for the lads to come out to the buses because they needed to make sure they get all their stuff packed before leaving. Neil said there was a lot of guys in the crew who were responsible for making sure all the set got disassembled and repacked into one of the semis that followed the buses on tour. The band just had to make sure all their stuff was packed as well because they couldn't risk leaving anything behind. Neil sure is cute. He was all I could think about while I was taking a nap this afternoon. He invaded my shower as well. I could have sworn he was watching me get dressed as well. Oh well a girl can dream.
Well we finally see signs of life emerging from the theater. Wouldn't you know it was Keith and Damian. The crowd goes crazy and I hear "We love you Damian" from a group of young girls waiting near my entourage. Next came George and Paul. More screams of love for Paul this time. Finally, Ryan comes out and the crowd goes wild. I've been patiently waiting for Ryan to come out.
As each lad comes toward us we seize the opportunity for an autograph and a photo. We bought each one a gift card for Starbucks, which we know they will use at some point during the tour. The last one I get an autograph from and a picture with is Ryan. He's just so photogenic its amazing how much the camera loves him. He's got this amazing smile and I talk to him a bit. I mention visiting the World of Coca Cola exhibit with Neil and Declan. As soon as I mention their names out they come or rather out Neil comes. I have him sign my program as well and have Kieran take another picture for me this time with Neil.
Soon the crowd that was once there is gone and its just my entourage along with Neil and Ryan. It's getting late but I along with my friends could stay a little longer but it has been a long day. It is definitely a day I'm pretty sure I'll never forget but I'm certain that I'm not the only one who feels that way. Neil asks me if maybe we or maybe he just asked me to go with him and couple others from the band for a celebration drink. I was game as long as everyone else was. No one wanted to turn him down so we accompanied him onto one of the buses.
The CT band isn't that large only about 7 members which was great. I for one didn't like large crowds but it wasn't that long before some of the lads hopped on the band bus to join in the celebration. It's a good thing I don't drink that often but occasionally I do have a beer. Everyone was talking about the show and how amazing the crowd was tonight. It was getting late and we had to get back to our hotel before it got too late. We were heading back home tomorrow and the guys and gals were leaving tonight for their next destination. We said our good nights and thanked them for a most enjoyable night.
I called the taxi to come pick us up, he said someone would be there in 15 minutes. So when it came time we told everyone good night and we exited the bus. I was the last person to leave the bus and as I was getting ready to head toward the waiting taxi I was stopped by someone who place their hand on my shoulder. I usually don't scare that easily but there is always a first for everything. I turned to see who was stopping me and would you believe it was Neil. He then gave me one amazing good night kiss. Not sure how long it lasted though all I could hear was a horn honking in the distance. Wow what a night. I told him good night and ran to the taxi getting in before he disappeared into the night.
- ok hope that was a good enough update. i think im getting jealous of meagan and her adventures. a good night kiss for neil and he's just in the band. i guess we'll have to see if he remembers her in the spring?? what an amazing day for a group of 6 college students from Newport News, VA.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 13, 2012 21:12:07 GMT -5
Remember Colleen! MEG is YOU! This was the best update yet! Would love to have Keith kiss me the way Neil kissed Meg!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 13, 2012 23:49:26 GMT -5
Well I had an interesting night, one that I will never forget in a million years. I wonder if anyone else saw what happened out by the bus. When I got in the taxi no one said anything to me and not one word from any of the girls when we got back to the room. Was it my imagination or did it really happen and no one else saw. I'm too exhausted to tell them what happened so I change into my night clothes and crawl into bed.
The next morning I'm up at 7:30. I want to be first in the shower plus I wanna go get something to eat before all the good stuff gets gone. I do love hotels that serve an amazing continental breakfast. I see Kieran eating breakfast all alone so I join him after fixing myself something to eat.
Apparently, Tony is still sleeping off last night which is understandable since he had more to drink than me or Kieran. I asked him what he thought about the show last night. I wanted to get his opinion of the performance. He said he really enjoyed the show but that he wished he could have met the ladies of CT. He did like meeting them on the bus after everyone else had left. He then mentions the kiss, I'm glad someone else saw what happened because I thought I was dreaming. I kept seeing that image in my head while I was sleeping though it never caused me to wake, it was just something I couldn't explain.
I said I was glad someone else saw what happened because I was starting to think it was a dream. He said he was maybe 10 ft from the bus when he turned around and saw Neil plant a kiss on my lips. At that moment I'm pretty sure I was blushing because he asked if I was OK. I was fine but like I said this was definitely a night I won't ever forget.
The rest of the group joined us for breakfast around 9 or so. Breakfast usually lasted until 10 or 11. We were the only people having breakfast which was nice, we had the place to ourselves. Pretty soon we'd be packing up and heading home because we all had class tomorrow. I for one couldn't miss my first class on Monday because it was my most difficult class this semester. The plan was to leave by at least 11 so we'd get on the interstate before folks got out of church.
During breakfast Amanda mentioned the kiss as well, that's when the other girls chimed in. They all wanted to know what I had done to charm Neil. I didn't do anything as far as I knew maybe I was being overly friendly. Shelia said, "Meagan didn't you notice the way he kept looking at you this afternoon. I swear every time I looked over at him he was giving you this sad puppy dog look. Then last night on the bus, he couldn't take his eyes off you. That guy was so taken with you no wonder he gave you that kiss. He didn't want you to forget him." She was right I would never ever forget that kiss but as for the other stuff I wasn't really paying much attention. I guess Shelia was a bit jealous but I really didn't do anything to warrant such attention from this guy from Ireland that I may not see for a while.
On the way up to the room everyone kept asking what my secret was and really I didn't have one. I just find that being honest and understanding is the key to starting a good relationship or friendship. I've never had any luck with relationships they always tend to end badly. Instead I've found its easier to start a friendship and build from there but so far I'm too busy with my classes to build on any of the guy friendships I have. Most of the guys I'm friends with are strictly off limits mainly because most are in a relationship already.
We checked out around 11:45 and headed straight for the interstate. The plan was the same as when we left home on Friday morning but this time we were leaving from Atlanta instead. Three stops and three different drivers for each car. We'd be back in Newport News before nightfall. I for one would miss Atlanta. Looking back I really enjoyed myself. The only thing I had to look forward to now was my 9 am class on Monday morning.
Finally, we made it back to campus and back to the real world. I dragged myself along with my luggage and my laptop back to my room. I didn't want to unpack my suitcase tonight instead I took out my laptop to log on to the Celtic Thunder website. I wanted to go into the pub and chat. I wanted to tell people about my experience and what it was like to meet the guys. Before clicking on the tab for the pub I went to check out the tour and noticed that the spring/fall 2009 tour dates were listed. There was going to be a concert in Norfolk, Va which really wasn't too far from Newport News. The show was on a Sunday which was cool we wouldn't have to worry about making hotel reservation anywhere just leave really early and hope for the best.
I finally went into the pub, which was really a cool place to talk about the CT Lads. I told everyone that I along with five good friends went down to Atlanta, GA for a weekend retreat. I mentioned meeting Declan and Neil. I also said we went to World of Coca Cola exhibit. The concert was amazing but afterwards was awesome. Then I mentioned the kiss from Neil. I swear the pub went dead silent. First time since I've been coming to the pub. About 20 minutes later someone replied with OMG. Most people wanted to know how it happened and with that I was a loss. I said I didn't know how it happened I surely wasn't aware he was apparently eyeing me all day and night.
I signed out of the CT website and checked my email to see if I got information about going to Belfast next summer. The lads would be home during the summer of 2009 so we'd have a good chance to meet them on their home turf. I'd set up an exchange fund at my bank so I would be able to save some money to use while in Ireland. Everyone who was going had submitted their application and received an acceptance letter. We were all planning to see if our families would help out as well plus we were going to see about getting financial help as well.
Monday morning things went back to normal. Classes, lunch, classes, dinner and study time. The group did go back to our monthly dinner parties. It was a great way to break up the monotony of classes and studying. Our first one took place on the first Sunday in December. The fall semester was almost over with. There was just Thanksgiving to get through again before the semester came to a close during the first weekend in December. Again I'd made no plans to return to Knoxville for the holiday. I had better things to do with my time. I was still working but this time I was working at the art gallery on a PT basis because I couldn't temp anymore because it would interfere with my classes.
In December we discussed the Celtic Thunder show that we went to in November in Atlanta, GA. Everyone was still talking about the kiss, the one I didn't ask for but it apparently left a lasting impression with my friends. I had to admit that I thought about the kiss like a million times, trying to figure out what I did to warrant such a kiss from this guy who I admit is pretty hot. I wasn't wearing anything too revealing that afternoon and what I'd wore to the concert might have turned a few heads but it wasn't sluty. Stacey said that its the way I carry myself that men are attracted to. She first noticed it during the summer at the beach. Apparently, I was turning heads in my unsexy one piece swimsuit.
After hashing up the concert I mentioned that the group was coming to Norfolk, VA in the spring of 2009. I mentioned it was a Sunday performance and we wouldn't have to get a hotel room we could just leave early and hang out somewhere before the show. Everyone liked the idea of seeing them again this time the guys wanted to get a photo opportunity with the ladies of CT. I said if were meet them I would definitely make sure they got their picture taken with each one.
I took my SD card to get the pictures from our time in Atlanta and from after the show developed. I made sure that everyone got a copy of a picture they'd taken with one of the lads. I just wish someone had taken a picture of that kiss. I said I remember the kiss like it was yesterday. Amanda told me I'd probably never forget it but I'd have to wait until March of 2009 to see if he remembers me.
- ok enough for tonight. i'll write some more tomorrow. next event March 29, 2009 in Norfolk, VA. Will Neil remember that kiss and will he remember Meagan.
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