Yes, I am in love with one Mr. Clay Aiken. Who isn't? Seriously. I'm 27 and live in the nice, boring state with plenty of wheat.

Monday, July 23, 2007

3 concerts down, 3 more to go!

After a nearly week long adventure thru Texas and Oklahoma, I grudgingly made my way back to Kansas.

Two week from Friday I will once again Clay trek. This time to Cary, Asheville and Knoxville.

Would you blame me for wanting to see this again?

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Makes Donations to Tornado Victims

On Friday, May 4, 2007 at 9:45pm, the town of Greensburg, Kansas was hit straight on by an EF-5 tornado, destroying over 95% of the town. More than 1,200 citizens were suddenly without homes, belongings, schools, churches and nearly all local business, which meant most were also without employment. Twelve residents of Greensburg and surrounding communities lost their lives.

When The Bubel/Aiken Foundation learned of the tragedy, they contacted the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" and asked how they could help. Within days, 100 blankets and more than 200 t-shirts were on their way to a Jen Layne, the chapter contact, who distributed them to Greensburg residents.

The items were handed out to citizens during the city's first church service since the storm, where more than 1,000 huddled under a makeshift tent and reconnected with neighbors and friends. They were also distributed at high school graduation where everything for the 25 seniors - caps, gowns, diplomas, class rings, and letter jackets, were donated to replace those that were lost. Each graduate received a TBAF blanket that day for which they were very grateful. It was quite a day for them, as their graduation day should be.

Shirts and blankets were also given out during a youth group meeting - all the young teens are members of destroyed Greensburg churches, who, even though they are now living in different communities and attending different churches and schools, come back together weekly for fellowship and strength. Their youth leader told the difficult story of how their newly remodeled Teen Center had been completely destroyed. Like so many others in town they want to rebuild, but they do not know if and when they will find the resources.

It was at that meeting that 15-year-old Payton told the story of how he and his younger sister, who did not have a basement in their home, were told by their mother to huddle around and hold onto the bathroom commode when the tornado hit. Usually the bathtub is deemed the safest place—you learn that when you grow up in Kansas—but they did as she said, and when the tornado hit, it took everything including the bathtub. All that was left were the three of them and the commode—all unharmed.

Another family told TBAF volunteers that all that was left of their home was one yellow wall of their mom's kitchen. They joked that they were going to carry that wall around with them and somehow incorporate it into the new home they were going to build. However, in the end, it was taken with the rest of the debris. That family is now dealing with insurance agents, building contractors, and car dealers and trying not to worry about where they will find jobs. Both were only 8 years from retirement and are now starting all over.

They also found humor. During the first day of digging out, a resident went to check on his neighbors and asked if they were missing a chest freezer because there was an extra one in one of his trees. Another story was told of a bed's mattress that had been in the basement of a home, which was now hanging over an electrical wire more than 40 feet in the air - the rest of the bed, as well as the rest of the home, was never found. Then there was the sheared-in-half vacuum cleaner that somehow ended up inside a minivan. If they did not laugh, they would cry—there were really no other emotional options.

More than 1,200 people lost everything that night, yet smiles on their faces were still readily available. They are finding strength they did not know they had—they are pulling together and are resolved to rebuild Greensburg better than ever before. They are also very grateful for the groups and individuals who stepped forward with donations, manpower, and support. Because of the generosity shown, including that of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the residents of Greensburg are slowly filling their hearts with hope, which will help carry them through the months and years of rebuilding that stretch before them.

To see the beginning of their journey back, click here to see a YouTube video slideshow or to download for better quality, click here.

The members of the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" wish to add our own thank you to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation for helping the citizens of Greensburg begin their journey back. We feel very blessed to have been asked to be a part of this touching experience.

Special thanks to Jen Layne for coordinating this effort and recapping her experiences for us all to share.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Back for more ....

The tour is getting closer and I'm finalizing my plans. Can't wait to see all from friends from the different boards!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

How many times do you have to see him in concert?

I have been asked way too many times "How many times do you have to see him in concert?" with him being .... you know ... Clay!

Well, let me assure everyone once is never enough. He'll definitely get you hooked on his music, his humor, his heart and his smile. That is why I am seeing him 6 times this tour. Yes, 6 times! I save up all the time to see Clay and to visit my friends. Put a little back every paycheck and it adds up!

I absolutely cannot wait for "An Evening with Clay Aiken"! Sounds like fun to me.

So ..... Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Cary, Asheville and Knoxville here I come!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Where have I been?

Can I just start this out by saying how much I love my friends?

I went to North Carolina for the first time a few weeks ago and finally got to meet in person, some of the people I've been talking to for 4 years!

I attended the NAG in Raleigh and had a wonderful time.



And who could forget the slumber party the last night I was there at Michelle's apartment? Good times! No pictures. :)

I can see why Clay loves NC. I plan on heading back this summer for 2 concerts. Anyone care to join me?

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Youth Service America

You Can Change the World! National and Global Youth Service Day April 20-22 2007

National & Global Youth Service Day 2007 is April 20-22. If you haven't heard about this amazing event, here is a little bit of info on what this day includes :

Millions of youth will participate in National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world, on April 20-22, 2007. They will tutor young children, engage in disaster relief, register new voters, educate their communities about good nutrition, distribute HIV/AIDs prevention materials and meet many more community needs through their service. National & Global Youth Service Day supports youth on a life-long path of service and civic engagement, and educates the public, the media, and elected officials about the role of youth as community leaders.

Please consider volunteering and you will see what a difference you can make.

For more info on what you can do to help, please click here.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Help Support the BAF!

Kevin Bacon has created a wonderful new Website to bring everyone and their charities one degree from Kevin Bacon -- SixDegrees.org -- where everyone can make badges to promote their causes.

This is the BAF's badge .....




Kevin Bacon is going to match up to $10,000 for the top six badges that have the most donations between January 18th and March 31st at 11:59pm ET.
You must donate using the link on this badge for your donation to make a difference in this program. Your donations go directly to TBAF and are tax deductible.

The deadline is March 31st at 11:59pm ET.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to the Clay Nation and of course to Clay!

This year has been exciting and it can only lead to bigger and better things.

May you have a joyous and blessed day with those you love!

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Wrapping for Inclusion


If you are able to, please volunteer or donate to the BAF by supporting your local WFI booth.
You can find the nearest location to you by going to http://www.bubelaiken.org and clicking on the Wrapping for Inclsusion link. You should be able to spot where to click from there.
Let's make this another successful year!

Sunday, December 10, 2006

It's already been over a week?

It's hard to believe that a week ago today I returned from the first 2 concerts of JNaT 06. It was a wonderful weekend full of crazy adventures, new friends and lots of pretty pictures.

I think Clay better post those dates for the next tour. And please let it include the midwest!

You hear that, Clay?
Look me in the eyes.

Closer.



Okay. What was I asking again?

Oh yeah.

Will you please tour the midwest?



Oh Lord!

On second thought, thank you for giving me at least a few more months to recover.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Clay Aiken - Christmas Waltz

GAH! Would you just look at him?

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving


As we gather together today with family and friends, let us all consider how blessed we are. Not only do we have family and friends at home, but we have the most wonderful friendships in the Clay Nation and the man that brought us all together.
Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Oops!


I am so embarrassingly late on posting another blog here it isn't even funny.

The Symphony Tour is upon us shortly and I will be embarking on another trip. This one will be the first 2 concerts : Waukegan, IL and Merrillville, IN. I cannot wait to meet Marilyn finally and catch up with my many Clay friends.

Wrapping for Inclusion also kicks off this week. If you need more info, please visit
http://www.bubelaiken.org and support the BAF.

Also, Clay's birthday is next week. Happy birthday to the man who brought us all together! May we have many more years of fun and memories!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Meesa Goes Hollywood

Monday, September 25th
After a nice sleep on the hard floor of my cousin Matt's apartment, Matt's wife Melissa woke me up to get ready to head out to the airport. Matt had worked late, so it proves how much he loves me that he drug himself out of bed early just to take me to KCI. What a lovely drive to KCI in rush hour traffic! Matt and I had a nice discussion. Usually he picks on me for liking Clay and by the end of the drive, without me even saying anything, he wanted to beat up anyone who picked on Clay. I arrived at KCI two hours before my flight and had no problem checking in my 2 suitcases (one was shoes ... no I am not kidding!) and took my burberry bag and purse to the terminal. I tried to call Beverly to see where she was. She was going to her boss's house. Her boss was flying to LA on the same flight for other reasons. I finished an entire book while I waited for Beverly and her boss to show up. A flight left for Denver and then it was just me and some people who obviously didn't listen to the "Don't leave any of your belongings/luggage unattended" message. Alas, Beverly showed up and we squealed like the fangirls we are and talked about how much we missed Clay.My phone rang as we were getting in lines to board. It was Audra. She was already on the plane, about 50 feet from the door and we kept losing our connection. Hilarious! I boarded ahead of Beverly and found Audra. As soon as I dropped my things on the empty seat, we had to hug! We hadn't seen each other since Kansas City JNT 05 last November. Finally we prepared for take off. We knew the others were in route as well. A little over 3 hours, a Southwest packaged snack pack and gross cup of coffee later, we were finally in LA. I watched some clack on Audra's laptop on the way there until the battery died. We got off the plane, headed toward baggage claim and saw Lauren holding up a sign for Audra that said "STLClaycrazy". We also found out due to some sort of a power problem (or something) Sarah, who was supposed to have been at LAX before us, was in Las Vegas. While Audra and Lauren tried to find out what was going on with Sarah's flight and find Carolyn, Beverly and I took her boss with us to get the rental van. We found the van, dropped her boss off and headed back to pick up everyone. Audra called and said she found Sarah.It took us driving around the LAX terminal area twice to get to where the rest of our group was standing. Thank goodness Beverly was driving! We packed all the luggage in and headed to the hotel using directions from the general manager there. Before we got to the hotel, we realized it was getting late and we hadn't had lunch. Lauren had been craving Jack in the Box and there was one on the way. I had never had anything there before. Not too bad! We all ordered and sat down, but not before Carolyn tried to pay with her Canadian money. Bwah! The cashier looked confused.My cell phone rang. Clay was singing "Right Here Waiting" to everyone and I saw on my caller ID it was Clandy (ILClaymate). She said Clay was sick and cancelled his KTLA interview and I really thought she was joking. Why? She was laughing! I think all of the people in the eating establishment thought something was wrong with me because I practically yelled "You're lying!" I told the girls what Clandy said and we started worrying. We didn't fly halfway across the country and in Carolyn's case, over the border, to miss this opportunity.We packed it back into the van and made it to the hotel. Now, the hotel was just gorgeous! Here was the view from our room.


After a quick call to Virgin, we found out that there were nearly 50 people already in line to get wrist bands.We decided quickly to shower, grab any clothes we would need for the next day and head to Virgin. Everyone showered and Johanna (Clayharmony) met up with us at 7 p.m. We all packed into the van and I rode with Johanna. We stopped to get gas in her car and at a drug store for snacks and chairs. Audra and Lauren bought pink soccer chairs and Sarah got a UCLA chair. We headed on past Rodeo Drive and to our destination. We parked at the Kodak's parking garage and set up our place in line. Bev and I went across the street for supper with Johanna at the Hamburger Hamlet. Not at all a fast food place and wonderful food. We had a nice talk and then headed back to the line. Johanna headed home and we sat in line so the others could go eat.I got to meet plenty of people. Some I had seen at previous Clay gatherings, concerts and parties. People slowed down and asked what we were waiting for. We proudly told them Clay would be there tomorrow to sign autographs. People were amazed that we were there already. Virgin played Clay songs for us while they were still open, had a sign promoting the appearance ...

(I took this pic while laying on the sidewalk.)
and Clay posters everywhere!

Time wore on and we talked and talked and listened to Clay. Sleep was out of the question for me since I had nothing to lay on but my burberry bag and Hollywood Blvd.

Tuesday September 26th
People can be idiots. Someone drove by and threw eggs at some people in line. Then there was the guy in the 80's pants and fake black leather USA jacket. He carried a display for an energy drink and talked to it. Then he talked to some of the people in line who didn't hear a thing since they were asleep. Thankfully he didn't come near us.
Most people were asleep, but not us.


All the Clay fans took turns going in groups to the bathroom, so we wouldn't be alone. And wouldn't you know it? Starbucks and The Coffee Bean were closed! We had to wait until 6:30 for more caffeine. Since it was readily available and we were together, Bev and I posed with our boyfriend.


To be continued ....

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Clay on the Radio!

The Clay Nation braced itself as news came that a radio station that streamed (WSRS FM - Worcester, MA) would be playing "Without You" today. I have never seen so many "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" 's on a board in my life! And you know what? I cried. There in the middle of my office, 15 minutes before I headed home for the day, I cried. It's so great to hear Clay on the radio again!

We're getting closer!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Decisions Decisions!


I was on the phone Wednesday with Audra and jokingly we talked about going to LA and seeing Clay on Jimmy Kimmel.

Fast forward two days ....

Bev e-mails me and asks me a question about fundraiser for the BAF. Then she casually asks if I'd be interested in going to LA to see Kimmel. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Of course! I got tickets for the mini concert. Called Audra. Called Bev. E-mailed Bev. Checked flights.

Fast forward to today .....

We are definitely going. I will see Clay live for the first time since Kansas City JNT 05.

Can I start packing now?


I get to see the hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Clay doing "special" performances?

Suppose Clay will let me sing to him at one of these "special" performances?

*clears throat*

You've given me a true love
and everyday I thank you love
For a feeling that's so new
So inviting, so exciting
Whenever you're near
I hear a symphony
A tender melody
Pulling me closer
Closer to your arms
Then suddenly,
I hear a symphony
Ooh, your lips are touching mine
A feeling so divine
'Till I leave the past behind
I'm lost in a world
Made for you and me
Whenever you're near
I hear a symphony
Play sweet and tenderly
Every time your lips meet mine now baby
Baby, baby
You bring much joy within
Don't let this feeling end
Let it go on and on and on
Now baby, baby
Those tears that seem my eyes
I cry not for myself
But for those who never felt the joy we felt
Whenever you're near
I hear a symphony
Each time you speak to me
I hear a tender rhapsody of love now
Baby, baby
As you stand holding me
Whispering how much you care
A thousand violins fill the air
Now baby, baby
Don't let this moment end
Keep standing close to me
Ooh, so close to me, baby, baby
Baby, baby
I hear a symphony
A tender melody

Accompanied by the symphony of course.
*g*

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Here I am!

I've been so neglectful of my blog these past few weeks and a lot has happened! We had a press release complete with a set list, a hot new pic and more!

Real life has kinda been tough lately, but you all don't want to hear about that. Onward and upward to the land o' Clay! I love love love the new pic! The song list has me intrigued. Also, that CD release party in Kansas City will be amazing! I'll be taking plenty of pictures.

Only 37 days 8 hours 42 minutes and 45 seconds until ATDW is in my hot little hands!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Smiling

Clay's blogs yesterday warmed my heart. And it's only appropriate that I include the gorgeous montage my wonderful friend Jen made to WISYS last month. Does she have ESP? *g*

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Clack Day!

We had a Clack day yesterday and a new person joined us. I'm sure I looked like a total idiot with my mouth hanging open because, while she is a definite Clay fan, she had not seen anything concert related since NAT! We enlightened her on the Jukebox Tour. We watched the entire Indy concert (even more educational since it was Audra's videos!) and a little bit of JNT 05. She LOVED it! Hopefully she'll go to a concert on the next tour with us. She sure is looking forward to the CD (as we all are)!

And here's a pic of my friend Carol's seven week old puppy ..... Raleigh!