Backstreet's Back, Alright!

Hi friends, 

I’ll be honest, it seems to me that I’m in a perpetual state of “going through it” these days. I wish that I could clearly describe all that’s been going on and what I’ve been learning from it, but I can’t. Right now, it just feels like a random, jumbled, unclear mess – no pretty bows in sight. So, instead of regaling you all with a confusing roller coaster of thoughts and emotions, I decided to continue the last two parts of my celebrity series for a little light-hearted reprieve. Let’s get into it. 

A couple of years ago, I went to New York City to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Now, travel is really telling – especially when you’re traveling with relatively casual friends. Sometimes, you travel with these kinds of people and your relationship deepens so much that you become best friends forever, regularly reminiscing about the adventure you shared in your younger years that brought you so close. And, other times, you realize that it was nice knowing them while you did, but it’s time to move on. The story I’m about to tell you represents the latter. 

I love New York. I’ve been there several times and I always feel safe, comfortable, and seen as soon as I touch down. I’m a city girl. Always have been, always will be. I’ve also had good luck on the celebrity front in New York – the year before this particular trip I had stood next to Gwyneth Paltrow in a customs line. 

Anyway, when my friends and I decided to head to NYC for a little late summer getaway, I was pumped. And, because we pooled our resources, the whole trip was a steal. Being the girl that I am, I meticulously crafted a seven-day menu that highlighted all of the best places to eat (including some repeats of my personal favs from previous visits), taking into consideration my two friends’ dietary concerns and flavor preferences. You better believe this food tour through New York included three square meals a day, plus snacks. 

My first sign of trouble was when the friends I was traveling with started rejecting the exquisite food wonders before them by using meaningless excuses like “I’m not hungry” or “I think I’ll watch some HGTV in the hotel room instead.” 

I’m sorry, what?! 

First, when you are in one of the best food cities in the world hunger (or lack thereof) is not a limiting factor.

You make room.  

And second, actually never mind... I won’t even waste my words on the preposterous second statement. [Disclaimer: No shade to HGTV, but like... you can literally watch it any time].

I guess there are two types of people in this world... the ones who want to eat the best vegan po’boy there ever was or will be and those who... don’t? 

I digress. 

However, my soul-deep recognition that certain humans are not compatible began when I learned that the VMAs would be filming just a few blocks away at Radio City Music Hall while we were in town. When I shared this with my friends, they were mildly (another red flag) excited but disappointingly wishy-washy about whether or not they would join in on the fun. I remember one saying, “but I need to call my brother.” I’m sorry – brothers can wait.

Meanwhile, I was counting down the days. 

The day of the VMAs arrived and I carefully structured my itinerary to accommodate my attendance at the red carpet entrance. I planned on arriving about 7pm for the 8pm filming but realized while I was walking past the venue post-dinner with my counterparts that the street was already buzzing. 

When I saw this, I turned to my friends and told them that I was going to head over and asked if they wanted to join. And with a one-sentence response, the demise of our friendship became evident: “We’re going to go to M&M World instead.”

EXCUSE ME?!?! M&M WORLD?!?! A MEDIOCRE CANDY DESTINATION THAT CAN BE FREQUENTED AT ANY TIME?!?!

I correct my previous statement – the two types of people in the world are those that, when presented with the opportunity, will go to the VMAs and those that will go to M&M World instead. I’m pretty sure they invented the phrase, “I can’t even” for moments like this. 

However, despite their foolishness, I was undeterred in my quest for celebrity connection. In both literal and symbolic senses, they went their way and I went mine. After a quick stroll, I took my rightful place on the sidewalk directly facing the iconic Radio City balcony, joining the crowd of enthusiastic fans waiting to see what was to come (Ugh, remember when sweaty crowds were a thing? I miss that).

Time became a blur as I watched black, tinted SUVs arrive, no doubt filled with my favorite musicians. Soon, I started to hear rumblings that someone would be performing on the balcony for the pre-show. 

I continued to listen as rumors swirled through the air until finally the rumors were confirmed as fact: the Backstreet Boys would be performing but a stone’s throw away from where I was presently standing. O.M.G. 

AND, not only would my beloved BSB be belting for the masses with me as a witness, but so would Bazzi and Bryce Vine – the VMAs “ones to watch.” 

I stood paralyzed in complete disbelief of and gratitude for the musical greatness I was about to witness and the serendipitous timing of my split from those that I not-so-affectionately thought of as the M&M World people.  

For the next hour or so, I stood beneath the camera lift (vision only slightly obscured), totally entranced by the wonder that was “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by the Backstreet Boys, “Mine” by Bazzi, and “Drew Barrymore” by Bryce Vine. 

During filming breaks, I admired from afar the steady hum of celebrity arrivals on the red carpet. 

I also got to see Nicki Minaj’s butt in the flesh, so there’s that. I felt honored. 

Afterward, I walked back to the hotel in a state of pure bliss. When I returned to our room, I found my two acquaintances, each with a bag of M&Ms, watching HGTV... what more could I expect?

They asked me how it went and let me tell you, I did not hold back. At that moment, I was deeply committed to making sure that they knew the error of their ways. I told them everyytthhhiiinggg, including that one of the greatest boy bands of all time had done what they do best directly before my eyes.

I’d love to say I wasn’t totally riding the “take that!” wave and instead that I was offering them valuable wisdom for how they could make more fruitful decisions in the future, but that would be a lie. 

This duo and I enjoyed the rest of our trip together (though I still held on to the resentment of their preposterous choices) and then, in time, moved forward separately. It was the right choice for all of us. 

I sincerely hope they both are enjoying miniature chocolate morsels and watching a home get remodeled together as we speak. 

A year later, I would see my dear friends the Backstreet Boys again. This time, in concert (it was incredible, obvi). 

I will carry these magical encounters with me always and be thankful for the chance circumstances and timing that made me so happy. I will also perpetually be grateful for the lessons learned about being wise when choosing who you travel with ;) 

With love, 

Abbey