Past Blast

Last weekend the BFF and I went to a massive boy band reunion concert to relive our 4th grade dreams. (Thanks L!) It was absolutely amazing and about a thousand times better than I was expecting. After all the New Kids on the Block are not new kids anymore. They sang, they danced and they really looked like they were having a blast. Instead of taking themselves too seriously, it felt as if they truly appreciated the opportunity to give this entertainment business one more go decades later. I found myself rooting for them as we gave homage to the songs that back dropped my early adolescence. For two hours I was transported back in time, a simpler time – no really, things were way easy back then. After the concert L and I talked about the memories that came flooding back. Please Don't Go Girl still gets me every time. It was pretty awesome to relive those crushes for an evening.

About a month ago, I saw a lovely little movie, Midnight in Paris. It was charming, funny and the final message was sweet and poignant. Without giving away too much, it was about not obsessing in the past. Instead we cherish it and use what we have learned to embrace the future. I love that.

For a few moments during the NKOTBSB concert, I felt that urge to go back. If only I could be there again, do it all over or just stay there forever. After the encore, the confetti settled and the lights went up, I returned to 2011 with a heavy sigh. Truth is life is not perfect today and I think sometimes if I could I really would like to do things over. Reminiscing in the 'good ole' times often makes my present heart ache and it takes a moment to remember there is no accounting for the path already taken. There is no telling what could or might have been and most of the time that is the point. Today is today, yesterday is gone and I only have tomorrow. It is with my past, I make the best of my future.

Now, can anyone tell me why there were 14 year olds at this concert? Seriously, I'm really baffled. I have NKOTB shirts older than them.