Journey to the VIP Gold Package

The road which led to the VIP Gold Package acquisition began November 19, 2010 with the announcement of Janet Jackson’s Number Ones, Up Close and Personal Tour. I heard the news the same as everyone else had, Janet in front of a camera, seated, dressed in black, flashing a billion dollar smile in a YouTube video. I was flabbergasted. During an interview with Larry King a couple of weeks prior, Janet said she wasn’t going on tour. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the change of plans. Considering I’d never been to any of her concerts nor anyone else’s concerts for that matter, I was bemused by my excitement over it. This tour wouldn’t be any different, just as I had never been to a concert before, I wasn’t attending this one either. The atmosphere of a concert isn’t for me. The cheering and sometimes erratic crowd, the proximity to others, long lines, parking frustrations and unfulfilled hopes exceeded my comfort zone. Yet there I was, aroused as ever, about a tour I didn’t intend to see. Maybe the knowledge of her plans to perform live or the opportunity for me to see her was the cause. Whatever the reason, Janet was going on tour and I was elated.

As time went on, I frequented her website and twitter account seeking tour dates and cities. She’d asked fans to help her decide which cities by voting and yes I voted once for Los Angeles. From that moment on, I restlessly waited. Finally, on the evening of December 8, 2010, Janet’s team tweeted the first tour city and date: Hong Kong, February 14, 2011. I simultaneously smiled and frowned. I was enthusiastic about the tour materializing and devastated Los Angeles wasn’t chosen first. My frown quickly dissipated as I reminded myself I wasn’t attending anyway. However, somewhere between waiting on a U.S. schedule and frequenting her site, a tiny seed of curiosity and desire to see her perform was planted.

Early Monday morning (1/10/11), that seed was doused with a massive dose of super growth hormones; Janet’s team tweeted, “Janet Brings Tour Stateside”. I achingly wanted to see her in action, but afraid to do so. Aside from my previously mentioned discomforts, I realized what I feared most: the unknown. I didn’t know what to expect from a live performance. I’d watched concerts on HBO and DVD in the past and was particularly mesmerized by both Janet and Michael Jackson’s performances. Their energy alone was mind-blowing. However, her commanding the stage before my very eyes was unthinkable. My inquisitive mind went into over-drive. What if I were seated too far from the stage and I couldn’t see her or an exceptionally tall person blocked my view? What if an annoying person sat next to me? What if it’s too loud, too cold or too hot? What if I get thirsty or need to excuse myself to the ladies’ room? Surely, I can’t pause the show. What if I couldn’t find parking or my show was cancelled? The “what-ifs” were never-ending and it crippled me. I also wondered if I’d be disappointed. Jan said this tour would differ from past tours and all I knew was that I loved the layout from previous televised shows.

Soon after the “Janet Brings Tour Stateside” tweet, the tickets went on pre-sale which further baffled me. What the heck was a pre-sale? I thought, are we kind-of buying tickets since they are kind-of being sold? LOL! Incidentally, I figured out what pre-sale meant after all the dates were sold out. Eventually, second and third shows were added to the Los Angeles itinerary. I missed the affordable seats for those shows as well. It didn’t bother me much; the seats weren’t great and I still hadn’t firmly decided to attend. But then “the team” announced VIP Packages. Now, I’m thinking I’ve got to check this out. Clearly, something wants me to see this show. I hauled ass to her website only to have the wind knocked out of me by those prices. Secretly, I felt relieved. In addition to not having the money, I could finally get off of this merry-go-round of uncertainty. The decision was made, I wasn’t going. So, I decided to experience the tour vicariously through attending fans tweeting their experiences.

Initially, the tour was set to start February 14, 2011 in Hong Kong, but kicked off in Manilla on February 4, 2011 instead. I was pleased with the positive feedback from the Manilla fans. By the time she arrived in Singapore, the fans were already over-stimulated with anticipation. Their tweets reflected the spell she had over them during her ninety minutes performance. In that moment, I knew sharing their experiences wouldn’t be enough. I wanted one of my own. Using my HTC Evo that I share a love/hate relationship with, I went to www.janetjackson.com/tour. I scrolled down to Gibson Amphitheatre and clicked on the VIP Package icon. Keep in mind, I hadn’t decided to go, I just knew for sure I wanted to go. I checked the diamond package, it was still priced at $999. I thought, woman just forget about it, but I couldn’t close the screen without checking the gold package one last time. To my astonishment, the price drop by $250 leaving a price tag of $649. I couldn’t afford that either, however, cheaper is cheaper. I grabbed my computer and hopped online. After all, my phone could have been playing tricks on me. Of course it wasn’t, because the laptop screen revealed the same price. For curiosity sake, I checked the seat availability. Shut the front door and drink a glass of wine, the seat was in the second row!!! Janet can sweat on you from that distance. I’m not crazy about anyone sweating on me, but damn, that’s close. Just between you and me, I wouldn’t make a fuss about her sweat. Before I could talk myself out of buying the ticket, I got my purse and bought it. Naturally, three phantom heart attacks and a mild stroke ensued. I haven’t quite recovered from the “submit order” click, nevertheless, I’m going to see Janet Jackson LIVE in concert!!!!! Now, all that’s left to do is will April here faster.

In closing, I wanted to mention the last thing I learned on my journey to the VIP Gold Package. What I truly feared most about attending Jan’s concert was walking away wanting more. A connection with her, a conversation and just maybe, a warm embrace to share my love, affection, and support with her. I don’t ordinarily hug people, because it’s giving them a piece of your soul and can’t just anybody have mine. However, Janet has a place in my heart and my soul and I knew I’d want to share it with her. But, I discovered I can’t only support her in the ways I want to, I must also support her in the way she’d like me to; by coming to her show, accepting what she’s willing to give and not asking for more. So, out of unconditional love and unwavering support, I will.

Note: There’s an update to this story a few posts up, titled I was “Up Close and Personal”.

My 1st Grade Music Teacher

I don’t remember much about her other than she having the most beautiful hands I’d ever seen. Listening to her play the piano made me believe in innocence again. She made me believe in unabused love and kindness. Every key stroke felt as if it was breathing life into my soul. No matter what was happening around me or to me, I knew I’d survive as long as I could hear the music. 

By second semester, we no longer had a music class, but for a short period of time longer, I would still hear and see the music playing. Eventually the music ceased altogether. I now found myself grieving for something that once was my salvation. In time I came to learn that it wasn’t so much about the class or the teacher, even though she’d initially made the introduction, it was about the musical instrument itself. I thought if someday I could own a piano, I’d teach myself how to save myself through music. I’ve since owned various keyboards, but never came close to the beauty of a real piano. I still to this very day go to piano stores browsing a dream I refuse to let fade away. While the sound of her music has long eluded me, I can still see that little girl smiling with every key stroke her teacher once played.

 

Change I Can Believe In

There will never be any real change in this country as long as we continue to have the same selfish, greedy, lying bastards controlling it.

Greetings Keanu Reeves

I watched you on Live with Regis and Kelly this morning. You said “if you want someone to enjoy your meal, call me”.

Ring, ring, ring!

Happy pre-production and directing.

Cash For Clunkers

Keep the money coming! My SUV isn’t worth $4500 which is why I am excited about the cash for clunkers program. My SUV is nearing its 14th birthday. It’s time for a new car. The most important feature for me is the Microsoft sync and better gas mileage wouldn’t hurt. I’m hoping to find an inexpensive reliable car that will take me to 2020. Who knows when I’ll be able to upgrade in the future. With my dream car being out of reach, a practical, as in an affordable one, will do me just fine. Forget just fine, I’ll be over the moon with joy.

Keanu Reeves As Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Congratulations on your new role, Keanu. I bet you are excited and eager to get started. This will be a challenging role for you. I can expect a brilliant performance, because you give your best whenever you are challenged. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the new experience. I hope the director ask for a lot of additional behind the scene footage. I like watching the outtakes on the dvds. It gives a tiny glimpse into what it is like onset. The art of creating a movie is sometimes better than the movie itself. Of course in your case, both are equally spectacular. Seeing how literary hundreds of people can show up, work in harmony with one another, just to catch a few moments of greatness on film is inspiring. Movies are powerful. They bring people together in theaters, in homes and on those not so rare occasions, they bring people together in their hearts.

I imagine being onset is like being in an alternate universe. You’re giving life to imagination and to the most difficult kind; someone else’s imagination. Aweeee, how I so wish to witness the magic of movie making someday. I’d bring baked chocolate chip cookies and truffles to the set at least once a week. I would want to talk to everyone. I have tons of questions about the process. I will be talking from the moment the director says cut until the moment he or she says action. I want to see the different sets being built and taken down. Oh, and I have days of questions for the special effects department alone. For the first couple days, I would be too shy, nervous, and intimidated by the experience to say anything. But, then I’d come out of my shell and soak up everything.

Look at me getting all excited about the possibility. Sure the opportunity hasn’t arose, but I’m optimistic, hopefully not unrealistically optimistic.

Anyway, back to you Keanu or should I say Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?     Have a blast and I’ll see you on the big screen.

A note to the industry: I know we all under-appreciate what goes into making a movie, but thank you all for making them anyway.