"Can I touch your hand?" - Level 42 Concert at The Grove of Anaheim, 7-29-10

Still on a high from the night before, I was very much eager to see Level 42 at The Grove, with my childhood friend, Marnie, who’s also a fan of the group. The previous night, I went with my friends Vanessa and Kyna, who were virtually new to Level 42, so it was a different kind of experience for me. They didn’t share the same enthusiasm for Level 42 as I do. I know Marnie knows them, loves them almost as much as I do, so I was very excited to see Level 42 with her.

Marnie and I before the show started.

The concert was supposed to start at 8pm. Marnie picked me up around 6:30pm, and we didn’t really get to leave my house ‘til 7pm, because she still had to get ready at my place (she had come from another appointment that day). So, we finally left around 7pm, but we were hungry, so we stopped by some Filipino fast-food place and had a quick dinner. We finally left the Cerritos area around 7:40pm. At that point, I was really in no hurry because I thought that they were going to have an opening act. We finally arrived at the venue just a little past 8pm. When we got there, people were still trickling in. We went to find our spots, and found ourselves a couple of feet in front of the stage! We were really, REALLY close! There was a couple, right in front of us, and that’s it! So, I was very excited that I would actually get to watch Mark, Mike and and the boys up close! I made sure that I got my camera out so I can take loads of pictures and try to sneak in some videos as well.

The show didn’t start ‘til about 9pm. The boys came out, and screams erupted from the audience! OMG, Mark King was right there! I ended up standing in front of Nathan King (vocals/guitar/Mark’s little bro) and Sean Freeman (sax), which was just fine (they’re lovely to look at). I must admit, I couldn’t stop staring at Nathan. I just think he’s too cute for words! Yes, I have a tiny, little crush on Nathan (OK, so it’s not “tiny, little”). He’s just too darn sexy playing that guitar. LOL I can’t believe I just said that. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a crush on Mike (my first L42 crush), and Nathan’s big bro, Mark, but they’re both married, so I’ve limited my infatuation with them to a minimum. Nathan, on the other hand, is single (from what I know), so he’s fair game. BAHAHAHA! I’m kidding! Erhmm.. I love his rapport with Sean. Those 2 are definitely fun to watch together! And they seem to have their little secrets on stage, especially, Sean. He kept leaning over, and whispering to Nathan. And they’d smile, or laugh. Cheeky buggers. Haha!

Pete Ray Biggin, their drummer, is a beast on the drums! A beast, I tell yah! He’s insane, he played non-stop! And Level 42 songs aren’t easy-peasy. The drum parts are complicated and high-octane, even with the ballads! By the end of the concert, he was soaking in his own sweat! It was as if someone dumped a bucket of water on him! That’s how soaked he was!

Of course, they did the hits. My new favourite song, however, that I never paid attention to before, is “Dream Crazy”. I love the words, and the way Mike, Nathan and Sean sing the chorus, in their falsettos, is just too sexy! Haha! I love the line, “I love the way you start to glow. I love the way your body flows.” Yeah, I’ve been listening to that song over and over since the concert.

If you’re looking for one reason (besides hearing “Something About You”, “Lessons in Love” and “Running in the Family”) to see Level 42 in concert, then it would have to be Mark King’s bass solo. This man is a legend. He has perfected the slap style of bass-playing. And the speed at which he does it, is mind-blowing! And he sings, and chews gum while he plays. That’s no easy task. Haha I’ve seen a lot of bass-players who sing in my lifetime, but there’s just something about Mark that’s completely different and just awe-inspiring. No one can do what he does and he’s ace at it!

The show ends, and we linger inside the theater for a bit, hoping they’d come out. But security started shoo-ing us away, so we had to leave. We got to the car, and I was telling Marnie that I would really love to meet them, but it looks like they weren’t going to come out. We sat in her car for a bit, and looked at the pictures I took from the concert. Then, we finally decided to leave. As we were about to leave the parking lot, I noticed a group of people had congregated behind the venue. I told Marnie to turn around to see what was going on. We got to the back of the venue, and I saw their TOUR BUS! OMG, am I really going to get to meet them?! As soon as we parked, we ran to the wired fence that enclosed the back area. We waited a good while, and it was getting really cold until who emerges from the back door?! MIKE LINDUP! My mind started racing, I was thinking of things that I wanted to say to him. We were at the end of the line, so I thought, I had enough time to think of what to say to him. Finally, he reached us, and he was right in front of me, smiling! I didn’t know what to say, or do! I reached out my hand and I shook his, and all I could muster was, “I’ve loved you since I was 7 years old.” He smiled, and said that was sweet, and then we asked him for a picture with us. He leaned over to me, and I could feel his chin resting on my head. Haha Mike was my first L42 crush, and now he had his arm is around me! I was just star-struck and flustered, I didn’t know what else I said to him. My mind turned into goo, and my mouth felt like it had cotton-balls in it. I felt like a complete doofus! And what’s worse was that, I sort of ignored Mike, and stared at Sean Freeman, who finally came outside. He actually started at our end of the line, instead of at the beginning, where Mike started, and he kinda hung around with us for a little while. But yes, I kind of ignored Mike, I felt so bad! But before he walked away, I managed to muster up a “thank you for coming to the US”, and for letting us have our picture taken with him. And he smiled and walked away. Seriously, I’m still kicking myself for not being able to speak to Mike at length. *sigh* I wish I get another chance, next year.

With the lovely Mike Lindup. I was so intimidated by him, I didn't know what to say!

Sean (sax man) was a doll! He was so adorable, nice and friendly! I didn’t really get to say much to him, he did most of the speaking (haha!), and I just hung back and listened to his gorgeous accent. He said something like, he lives close to Scotland, which is why his accent has kind of a lovely Scottish lilt to it (I love the Scots and their accents! The thicker the accent, the more charming I find it.)! Marnie and I asked if he could pose for a pic with us, and he gladly obliged, then he put each of his arms around Marnie and me! *insert fan-girl squee* He gave us each a kiss on the cheek and moved on to the next person.

Something that Sean did/said kinda struck me as a bit odd, though. When he came over to us, I said “Hi, I’m Aura.” and shook his hand. He then said, “[I'm] Sean. And it’s nice to meet you…..FINALLY.” and then he smiled. That took me by surprise, then I said, “Finally?! What?” because I wasn’t sure what he meant. Even Marnie looked at me, confused as to why he said, “FINALLY”. But he didn’t say anything, he just smiled. :-/ I’m still a bit puzzled about that one, to be honest.

With the adorable Sean Freeman.

We waited a bit for Nathan, who haven’t quite reached us because a bunch of people kept cutting in front of us to talk with him. He finally got to us, and I just… I just… I didn’t know what to say. I shook his hand, introduced myself and then we asked for picture. He spoke to my friend Marnie at length, because she asked him what part of England he’s from and if he knew a football (soccer) player, who happened to be the father of Marnie’s brother-in-law. So, they spoke about that for a little bit, while I chatted up with other fans that were waiting outside.

With (my future hubby) Nathan King. Hah!

Then, Pete Ray (drummer) came along and joined Nathan, Marnie and I in the conversation. They were discussing how Marnie didn’t look like she had a 15 and 12 yr old. Then, Pete Ray asked us what our nationality was. Marnie said we’re Filipino. He said that his first girlfriend was Filipino, and that she was great, and sang really well. Boy, did that ever make my night! Marnie told him and that she and I both sing. Anyway, so we posed for a pic with Pete Ray, and Nathan. Then, after that Pete Ray moved on.

With the phenomenal Pete Ray Biggin (and Nathan King).

Before Nathan walked away, I told him that I really thought he was a fantastic guitar player, and that I couldn’t stop staring at the way he played the guitar. I told him that I tend to watch intently, and learn technique from guitar players, since I’m a frustrated guitar player myself (I can play, a little.). He got all shy and said thanks, but said that it was just all “smoke-and-mirrors”. But I told him, it wasn’t. He was really, really good. I totally forgot to mention that I thought his work on “Heaven in My Hands”, and “Something About You” was outstanding! The guitar riff during the chorus of HIMH, and during the bridge in SAY, are quite distinct and iconic, almost. Alan Murphy and Boon Gould set the bar quite high for me, so when Nathan was able to pull off those 2 particular riffs in those 2 songs, I was quite impressed! But of course, I forgot to mention that to him. Anyway, he thanked us for coming, and we thanked him for coming to the US. He gave us hugs, and kisses, and then went to their tour bus.

Finally, the moment I’d been waiting, dreaming, hoping for, has arrived! Meeting Mark King! I thought I would be very intimidated talking to him. But he was just the sweetest, nicest, most lovely man you’ll ever meet! He’s so down-to-earth for someone who’s such a gifted musician. There are people who act modest and nice, but you can still sense that slight hint of arrogance. With Mark, there was none of that at all. And I half-expected he wouldn’t be very approachable, but he was the complete opposite of that! Not one arrogant bone in that man’s body. I was incredibly surprised at how warm, friendly and approachable he was. I introduced myself, and shook his hand, he pulls me to him and gives me a hug and a kiss. Seriously, it was hugs and kisses everywhere! We asked for a picture (which is just too epic in itself). Then, I told him that I wish they’d played “Seven Years” from their “Guaranteed” CD. He said that it was a great tune, but there were just too many awesome tunes that he wanted to include but couldn’t, due to time-constraints. Marnie told him that they should do a 3-hour show! The look on his face was just classic when he heard that and then he touched his throat and said that he didn’t think his throat could handle it. I told him that I loved him and that we’re glad they’ve finally come to the States after so long. He thanked us for coming. I asked him if I could touch his hand, he said to “have a go at it”. So, I did! I held his hand for a bit, with both my hands. I caressed it, squeezed it, massaged it for a bit. I wanted to savor that freakin’ moment! He didn’t care, he just let me do whatever I wanted with it, didn’t even try to pull it away, while he was talking to other fans. I finally let go, because I was getting carried away. Haha! I thanked him, then he gave us hugs and kisses again! He’s sooooo lovely! Before he left, he said that they will definitely be back next year! Ahhhh!!! I can’t wait!

With the amazingly talented, Mark King!

It was quite an evening! One that I won’t forget for a very, very long time!

"Livin' it up, livin' it up. I can feel it"... My very first Level 42 concert, EVER! (The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA 07-28-10)

My friend Vanessa and I drove down to Oceanside around 2pm, where our friend, Kyna lives, and where we would be staying for the evening, after the concert. We arrived around 3:30pm, relaxed and got ready. Had dinner, then, headed out to The Belly Up in Solana Beach, which was 30 minutes away, where Level 42 would be playing that night. I had been waiting for that night for about 7 months, and couldn’t believe that it was about to come to fruition!

Just to give you a little bit of a background on my fandom: I’ve loved Level 42 since I was 7 years old. Yes, 7 years old. I believe it was “Love Games” that was on the radio at the time, and I absolutely loved it. Flash forward to 1985, “Something About You” came out, along with “Lessons in Love”, and I was done! I saw the video for SAY, fell in love with Mike Lindup, thought he was the most adorable thing and just absolutely went nuts for the song! I was 10 years old. As the years went by though, I sort of lost track of them. It wasn’t until May of 2000 that I was re-introduced to them, thanks to Jeff Thacher of Rockapella. He put in his bio (that the Rockapella fan club used to release) that Level 42 was one of his favourite groups. When I saw that, I thought to myself, “Level 42?! Oh my, I haven’t heard of them in a while.” So, I proceeded to look them up on the internet, and there I found out that they were still an actively touring group, but was sad to find out that only 2 of the 4 original members were left. As I found out more and more about them, I started buying their CDs off of Ebay. Discovered the older stuff, and fell in love all over again. At the time, I was also working at a law firm, where I worked with Ed, a paralegal, who turned out to be an absolute Levelhead (who’s also a gigging musician)! When he found out that I had just re-discovered Level 42, he offered to lend me his video tapes, “Fait Accompli” and “Live at Wembley 1986”. That’s when I fell in love with Mark King, and his incredible talent! The man is a bass-playing fool, with unsurpassed talent! I told myself that one day, I would love to travel to the UK just to see them play live, whatever configuration they may be in at the time. I didn’t think that they would ever come to the US to do concerts. Back then, it seemed like it was highly unlikely they would.

July 28, 2010. The day, I thought, would never come. I found myself getting ready to see my musical loves. My musical heroes, if you will. I was beside myself with excitement, but I tried not to show it. I didn’t want my expectations to be too high, only to be disappointed in the end. I had also heard, from other people who had already attended the shows in the East coast, that the band does a meet-and-greet after the shows! Whoa! Would it really be possible for me to meet them?! The thought was just too hard to fathom. When I talked to Jeff Thacher in San Juan Capistrano, after one of his gigs with Rockapella, about wanting to meet Level 42, he kind of discouraged me, and just said to just take as many pictures as I could. I hate to say it, but he burst my bubble. So, I went into the Level 42 gig at The Belly Up with very low expectations. My only consolation was that I had 2 concerts to go to. Anything more than that, would be a lovely bonus.

We got to The Belly Up a little before 8pm. As soon as we walked in, I got excited and nervous at the same time, something that one would feel going on a first date. Yup, that’s how I felt about seeing Level 42 for the first time. It felt like I was meeting them on our first date. Haha I noticed the long-time fans were already positioned in front of the stage. I knew I had no chance of getting up close and personal with my boys, so I opted to stand about 10 feet away from the stage. Unfortunately, being a 5-foot-tall Filipina, that wasn’t very ideal. It didn’t help that the 6-foot burly guys in front of my friends and me weren’t budging and would not let us go to the front, even though they knew that they could see above us just fine. Despite the fact that I was annoyed at those guys, I just let it slide because they were fellow Level 42 fans, and I wasn’t about to ruin my night just because of their lack of generosity.

Their opening act was called The Earful. Similar style of music as Level 42, but they had no vocals. They were pretty good, and the lead sax player, was definitely HOT. My friends and I called him Orlando Bloom, because he had similar features, which is definitely MY type. Hah! After their set, while the roadies were setting up for Level 42, some older guy stood behind us with a friend of his. He struck up a conversation with me, asked me if I was a fan of the band, and said that he used to work with Level 42, 25 years ago, as their chef. Hmm… And he proceeded to tell me that he’d buy us drinks, if we wanted, and perhaps meet the band later on. SUSPICIOUS. I tried to avoid him as much as possible, just as a precaution, because you never know what kind of agenda he had. Oy.

Finally, Level 42 takes the stage! They started coming out, one by one: Mike, Pete Ray, Mark, Nathan and Sean. I didn’t know who to look at first! My head was swimming! It was just all too surreal! Mark picks up his KingBass, and that was it! I think my head exploded!

I couldn’t see well where we were standing, so my friends and I decided to just go to the back, and look for an empty bench by the bar. We finally did find a spot, all the way at the back, across the bar, I was sitting at the very end of the bench. It was a nice little corner-spot that I found, I took the opportunity to sit on the railing instead, to elevate myself and get a better view of the stage, above the crowd, and it was awesome! I partied my heart out, sang along to all the songs, screamed at every opportune moment, and I was dancing in my seat! I was having a blast! Even though, I wasn’t up close, I had the best time (low expectations, remember?).

They sang the hits – “Something About You”, “Lessons in Love”, “Running in the Family”. They also did the lesser-known (in the US), “The Sun Goes Down (Living it Up)” – which I claim to be my song, because of the line, “There’s a girl at the back, making eyes at me. And her hair, long and black, it’s a sight to see.” I have very long, black hair.

After the concert, we lingered around to see if they were coming out to meet the fans. While waiting, I went to look at the merch table to see if I can score some items that I didn’t have yet. I was hoping that they would have the 30^th anniversary boxset (which they sold in PA, a couple of nights prior), but the guy said they didn’t have it. Bummer. So, I ended up just buying their “Live in Holland 2009 DVD” (which turned out to be AWESOME!). I asked the guy at the merch table if the band was coming out to meet with the fans. He said they weren’t. I asked him if he was sure, he said he was. My friends and I tried to linger a bit more to see if they were coming out, despite what the guy said. However, it was getting late, and we had an early the next day, so we headed home. Later on, I found out, through Twitter, from another long-time Level 42 fan, Carl, that the band did come out and meet with the fans and took pictures! However, I was long gone when they did! I was absolutely bummed, and couldn’t sleep that night because I missed, what I thought was, my only chance to meet them. I wasn’t expecting to meet them at The Grove the following night because it was a different type of venue, not an intimate one.

Anyway, despite some setbacks, I managed to really have fun. And I think my friends, who were new to Level 42, enjoyed watching me have fun! My first ever Level 42 concert was definitely what I expected, and more! Thank you for coming to the US after 23 years! The wait was definitely well worth it!

Rockapella Concert - The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA - April 15, 2010

I went to my first Rockapella show of the year, last night, at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. It was my first time seeing Steven Dorian since he joined the group, which was towards the end of last year. I had very high expectations of him, since he had quite big shoes to fill. However, as soon as he hit the stage, all my expectations were met, and exceeded! Steven is fantastic! He’s such a great performer, with great presence, and not to mention, he’s easy on the eyes. I’m very excited and happy that they’ve chosen him as Kevin Wright’s successor.

The show, like Steven, was fantastic as well! The guys were looking good in their new suits. I loved the black and purple theme – stick with it, guys! Their new songs sounded great, their choreography and just the overall production of this show was outstanding. For me, it was like seeing Rockapella for the first time, all over again! New member, new group dynamic, new energy. It was a joy to see.

Geo sang his new song, the name escapes me at the moment (Sherry, help me out. LOL). It was a very nice tune and at one point, I thought Geo and John (a.k.a. JKB) were about to take us to church! Can’t wait to hear it on the new CD! By the way, during the beginning of the show, I noticed that Geo’s fly was unzippeed. It must’ve been around the 2nd or 3rd song. I was hoping that the girls who were sitting closer to the stage than I noticed too and let Geo know that his fly was open. It turns out that both Sherry and Karla noticed and even made a sign in an attempt to notify Geo of the “fly” situation. After the show, we asked Geo when he realized his fly was unzipped. He said probably during the 3rd song into the show. We asked him if he noticed the sign the Karla was holding up, letting him know that his fly was unzipped. He said he didn’t notice. He wouldn’t have anyway because it was hard to see anything from the stage, and that he was in the zone to even notice anything at all.

They sang “California Sad Eyed Girl”. That’s when it hit me that I miss Kevin. For me, it will always be a Kevin song. But, Steven did it justice.

John was sweating like nobody’s business! Poor thing was drenched up until the part where Geo did his “Whitney Houston” spiel. JKB managed to change shirts during that time, which was sort of a mini-break for them. However, he drenched that shirt as well! Ah… poor John.

Yes, Sher. Scott was wearing very tight and shiny pants. I’m glad that he’s recovered well from his accident. He was able to do all of his crazy dance moves. That man is resilient! I’m glad he’s OK.

By the way, the new CD is coming out in about a couple of months, according to Scott. A new CD with new material after about 8 years or so? Absolutely exciting news!

Met Steven after the show. I introduced myself and asked if I could have my picture taken with him. Sherry took about 10 pictures of us (I exaggerate, of course) with my iPhone. I don’t want to swoon, but he’s just soooo swoon-worthy! (OK. That’s enough, Aura!) He is very nice, and very easy to talk with. And he is very handsome. (OK, I’ll stop!) He is originally from Worcester, MA, but he now resides in Orlando, FL, just like Geo and JKB, and hangs out with Geo at the house of the Mouse. He occasionally plays, Simba (that was who he was probably referring to when he said he plays the “prince”) in “The Lion King Experience” at Disneyworld. And Geo plays his “daddy” (Mufasa). LOL I “LOL” at that statement because of the conversation that he, Sherry and I had about that. Sherry asked him if Worcester is anywhere near Dorchester. I can’t remember if he said it was, but Sherry asked him if he knew any of the New Kids on the Block. He said that he and Marky-Mark were homies. OK, so he was just kidding. He didn’t know any of the New Kids, nor their siblings for that matter. But he did say that Dorchester was indeed a rough neighborhood (which Sherry and I knew already, being the big New Kids fans that we are).

Found Jeff and Scott talking to some fans and people who came to watch the show. Waited to talk to Scott because I wanted to lecture him about the hazards of hanging Christmas ornaments on rooftops. However, when I finally approached him, it dawned on me what had happened to him, and I immediately felt bad for even thinking to lecture him! I sheepishly gave him a hug, but not too hard because I didn’t want to break anything again! And all I could say to him was “please don’t go on anymore rooftops”. He smiled and proceeded to show me the scar on his wrist, where he shattered some bones, they had to be replaced by a metal rod. So, I suppose now, he gets frisked at the airport for setting off the metal detectors. LOL I gave him another hug and left him with other people who wanted to meet and talk to him.

I waited for Jeff to finish what he was doing on the business end of things. After he was done, he looked at me, I waved at him, then he wraps his arms around me and gives me the biggest, tightest, longest hug I’ve ever had from him. Then, he asked me if I had been at the 2 previous shows (I’m thinking he was talking about Lafayette and SLO). I told him that that night was actually my first show of the year. He said something like, “Oh, that’s good because I would’ve hated to have missed you.” He said all this while I was wrapped up in his arms. Yes, I’m still squee-ing right now. *sigh* I asked him if he got his iPad yet (which he wrote about wanting to get on his blog on Rockapella.com), and he said that he’s ordered the 3G version and it’s going to be shipped next week, I think. He seemed very excited about that purchase because he can put all of his reading paraphernalia and music in the iPad, as opposed to bringing a whole bunch of books and magazines and CDs on the European tour. He’s just wondering about the cost of WI-FI on international flights. LOL

That conversation ended as he said “hello” to those who were waiting to meet/talk to him. Somehow, I ended up standing behind him, stuck in this small area right by the front entrance of the venue, behind the ticket booth. It was a very small space, and I wanted to get back to the dining area where Sherry, Wendy, Linda and Mox were. But the only way to get to them was to get past Jeff, which was not going to happen because he AND Scott were both blocking the only way to get back into the dining area. I tried a couple of times to find a little opening between Scott, or Jeff, and the people they were talking to, but to no avail. So, I just hung out behind them, waiting for an opportune time. I guess Jeff realized that I was still standing behind him, so he turned to me, pulled me to him, put his arm around me, AGAIN, and asked me how my life is, how I’ve been doing, what I’ve been up to. I told him that life is good, and I’m pretty much just busy with work. He asked me if there was anything fun coming up for me. I told him that I will be seeing a certain band that he and I both love, in a couple of months. Then, the conversation went on from there. I won’t get into detail on what we talked about anymore. And that’s that.

We said our goodbyes to both Scott and Jeff as they went to the dressing room to gather their things. Then, Sherry, Wendy, Linda, Mox and I went outside after that and ended up sticking around a little bit more, just chatting away as, one-by-one, the Pellas started to leave. I will never forget what Sherry did right before Jeff left! That will go down as a classic! Forgive me for being a little vague about it, but it’s just one of those things that you just had to be there for! LOL And now, I’m terrified more than ever before!

Thus, ends my first Pella tale of the year. It will be awhile ‘til they return to So Cal, but I’m sure they will. After all, we’re great people.

Me and Steven Dorian (a.k.a. “Flirty Eyes” according to Sherry)

The one where I'm updating from my iPhone

Just love how I can update my Blogger, Wordpress & Livejournal simultaneously from my iPhone.

In case you're wondering, yes, I am bored. I'm updating my blogs in bed, about to go to sleep. I'm such a nerd.

OK, off to dreamland to rendezvous with one (or all) of the following:

David Tennant
Orlando Bloom
James McAvoy
Hugh Dancy
Damian Lewis
Ioan Gruffudd
the Fiennes brothers


-- Posted from my iPhone

The one where I'm about to burst from so much excitement.

It has finally happened! One of my favourite bands from the '80s, Level 42, are coming to the US shores for a series of shows in mid-July! Needless to say, I'm absolutely excited about this. It's been 20+ years since they were last in the States, and in my case, I have not seen them live at all, so this is quite the news! I hope they hit LA. I'm sure they will. But regardless, I will fly anywhere in the country to see them.

The one where I wonder about Vegas.

I think I'm the only person I know that doesn't consider Vegas as a place to go to when I want to get away. It wouldn't be my first choice as a holiday spot. I've done the clubbing thing, I've done the shows, the buffets. I mean, what else is there to do? Maybe a once-a-year trip is feasible for me, but to go more than once in a year? I can't imagine myself doing it, nor wanting to, really, unless I have a valid reason to go. I don't know. I suppose Vegas just isn't my thing.

The one where I saw a hobbit, a pirate/commodore, and Shakespeare.

Went to PaleyFest 2010 last night, for the "Flash Forward" panel at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Not surprisingly, I got there late. What else is new? I left work later than I wanted to. Then, it seemed like all of Los Angeles decided to be on the freeway at the same time I was. I was driving about 2 miles per hour as soon as I got on the 10 Freeway. Really, people? Really?!

It took forever, but I finally got there. Found Sherry & Mox. Panel was fun. Jack Davenport (Commodore Norrington in "Pirates of the Caribbean") and Dominic Monaghan (Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck in "The Lord of the Rings") were such cut-ups! They were cracking jokes, left and right. I had totally forgotten how funny Jack Davenport could be. Which reminds me, I should start wathing "Coupling" again. John Cho was surprisingly charming, and Joseph Fiennes ("Shakespeare in Love"), is, well, FINE. There were lots of talk about kangaroo poo, grabbing asses, porn names and Jack doing 9,000 sit-ups for his shirtless flash-forward scenes. Seems like a fun group of people. Sherry refrained herself from screaming at the sight of Joe (she's in love with him), and I had to restrain myself from running down the aisle and jumping into the laps of both Jack & Dom.

Didn't get to meet any of the cast. I wanted to, but I didn't want to elbow my way through the crowds. Just as well, because I would've made a complete fool of myself, especially with Dom Monaghan. My hobbit-love runs deep. I would soooo embarrass myself.

Here are a couple of pics I took from last night.

The one where my nose and upper lip are sore.

I've been sick for the past few days. It started on Friday night, and it quickly progressed to the point where I was running a fever and was all stuffed up Sunday morning. I still have the colds, but no fever anymore, thank God! My co-worker/nurse said it's probably a combination of my allergies and an actual cold. Anyway, my nose is sooo red and raw from blowing snot out (sorry, TMI) and so is my upper lip, it's actually cracked. I'm a rotten sickie. I act like a defiant 3-year-old when I'm sick. I need a vacation from this cold. I'm totally over it. OVER, I say!

As a result of my sickness/allergies/whatevertheheckitisthatimsufferingfrom, my taste-buds have been completely out of whack. I cannot appreciate the taste of food, nor know what I actually want to eat. My appetite hasn't been that great. The only time I ate really well was last Sunday night, at my niece's 8th birthday celebration, only because they have beef kaldereta on the menu. That was the only thing that my taste-buds actually enjoyed, especially because it was slightly on the spicy side, which I like my kaldereta to be, every single time. So, I was happy. :)

OSCARS: I thought Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a great job, but they didn't get much air time. Their opening shtick was enjoyable. "There's that DAMN Helen Mirren" said Steve. Alec corrected him and said, "it's DAME Helen Mirren". I almost peed my pants. Neil Patrick Harris was a surprise! He did the opening number, where the host usually sings about the nominees, et al. He's adorable. :) I wish I'd seen him play Mark in "RENT" on Broadway, eons ago.

The LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) danced to/interpreted the nominated songs. That was amazing! I love, LOVE them! I found out the name of the main guy who always does the crazy solo isolations ("robotic moves" for non-dancers out there). His name is Madd Chadd (Chadd Smith). Yes, I'm crushing, BIG TIME. Deal with it. Catch the online series coming out in May 2010. It's Heroes-meets-Flashdance. EPIC. Oh, and Harry Shum, Jr. is part of it. Yes, Michael Chang in "Glee". So, Gleeks out there, check out The LXD series.

Loved that Mo'Nique won. Haven't seen the movie, "Precious" yet, but will queue that on my Netflix once I reactivate my account. Kate Winslet was gorgeous as ever. Have I mentioned how much I love Colin Firth?! If I haven't yet, consider it mentioned. Tom Ford is one gorgeous man. I'm not sure if this is true, but I read a tweet that said Ryan Seacrest asked Tom Ford who he was wearing. I commented that I hope RS was kidding, otherwise... DUH! Who would you think Tom Ford, the designer, would wear? I just thought that was funny. I wouldn't put it past Ryan at all though. OK, enough of my Oscar commentary.

Oh yes, I turned 35 approximately a month ago (2/11). It seems 35 is/will be a significant year for me. I've noticed that people I know are venturing into different things and adventures. I keep asking the Lord if I'm next. My mom and I have been talking about a lot of things lately. I'm surprised that my mom and I on the same page this time. I don't know. She and I are doing a lot of praying and listening. As long as God's will prevails, that's all that matters.

Goodbye, Doctor #10. :(

My thoughts on Ten's swan song. Fair warning: It will not make sense if you haven't seen it. ;)

Loved all of it! His moment with Rose (10's first companion) was the most poignant and it was proper that his last moments were spent with her.

I did, however, bawl when all he could do was watch Donna (3rd companion) get married from afar. For me, it's really sad that Donna never got a proper "goodbye". She will never remember him. Rose got to say goodbye and even got her own version of the Doctor (10.5) to grow old with. Martha (2nd companion), also had closure, and has done something of herself. She has become such a powerful and brave woman because of her time with The Doctor. But Donna. Poor Donna. Everything was wiped clean. No memories of her time with The Doctor, her best friend. I know that she can never remember him, otherwise her mind will burn and she will die. But somehow, I wasn't satisfied with how it all ended for her. I know that The Doctor made sure she was taken cared of (lottery ticket) before he left. But still, I just feel sad for Donna. I guess the fact that the other companions get to have and keep their memories of The Doctor and she doesn't, is really, really heart-breaking.

Anyway, David Tennant's scenes with Bernard Cribbins were lovely and heart-wrenching. John Simm, as The Master, was brilliant!

The scene that started the waterworks for me was when 10 was strapped onto the chair, after being captured by The Master, and he said something about Donna being his "best friend" and how he wouldn't let her be without a defense (or something like that). That set off the waterworks for me, The Doctor calling Donna his best friend. Sad. :(

Looking forward to how Matt Smith (#11) will do as The Doctor. Seeing his first few moments as 11 was a bit strange. It felt like he was forcing himself to act like 10. But, I have high hopes for him and will continue to watch (if they show it on BBC America), and would love to see what he'll bring to the character.

Long live, The Doctor!

10th Doctor on Doctor Who Wiki

Companions:
Rose Tyler on DW Wiki
Martha Jones on DW Wiki
Donna Noble on DW Wiki
Captain Jack Harkness on DW Wiki
Wilfred Mott on DW Wiki

Enemy:
The Master on DW Wiki

9 and 10...

This is EPIC! Nine and Ten, together waaayyyy before DW!