#wheninvegas (AKA: The Time I Kissed a Backstreet Boy)

Sometimes in life, the spontaneous decisions end up being the most memorable. I'm not talking about going out on a whim and doing something stupid without any wisdom (i.e. the YOLO mentality that so many teens have today), BUT sometimes a little adventure with wisdom is worth it all.

It all started when I went to go see the Backstreet Boys reunion tour this May. I've been a huge fan of them since I was like 7 yeas old, and I even went to see their reunion tour (the one without Kevin *tear* back in 2009). It just didn't do me justice. As soon as I heard they were coming back -- WITH Kevin -- I knew it would be epic. To put it simply, the show was amazing. Everything I could have hoped for. But for some reason it wasn't enough. At the end of the concert as we were leaving we saw this sign for an after party with the boys for $75. I think we were all so out of it/ tired/ on a high from the show that none of us really made a proactive decision to go to the party. The day passed, I go back to work; back to reality. For some reason that Tuesday at work I just had an itch. I wasn't done and wanted more BSB (cue my inner jr high fanatic, but that's what I felt!). Anyways, I randomly decided to check their tour dates that were still to come. Lo and behold, they were headed to Vegas for a show Friday and Saturday night. Mind you, I had never been to Vegas either and it was kind of like the stars just aligned -- I. Had. To. Go. Hand shaking, I took out my phone and texted a few of my girls to see if anyone would even be remotely down to join me on this adventure. After a few "are you crazy's?!" one of my really close friends texted back with a simple "YES." And the rest is history.

My friend Sep and I embarked on this entire fiasco, staying up til 1am that Tuesday night, booking tickets/ picking hotels/ dying of laughter at our spontaneity. Friday couldn't come any faster, but as soon as I got out of work that evening, it was on. We flew out and the plane ride itself was the beginning of a story that seems like it was almost out of a movie.

We ended up upgrading our seats a few rows so we moved up quite a bit. As soon as the plane was about to take off this woman comes rushing in, trying to catch the flight. As she's catching her breath she realizes her seat's been taken (right across us). Funny enough, the seat next to me was empty so she takes it. We don't talk the entire flight but as soon as we were landing, I peered out the window and was admiring the lights on the Strip. She asks, "Oh is this your first time in Vegas or something?" And I replied and told her surprisingly it was. She proceeded to ask if we were going to see any shows while there and I said, "Yeah, don't judge us but we're actually here to see the Backstreet Boys tomorrow night." She laughed and said, "Wow same here. I actually was just at their other show in the Bay Area last weekend too." Right then, Sep and I knew we had found a friend. Another believer, if you will ;) We went on to have a little bonding sesh and then found out the good stuff -- drumroll please -- she ended up being best friends with the Backstreet Boys' head of security. The second she said that I was like, ok this is it. We have to make something happen right now. Sadly she didn't offer any backstage access or a chance to get in the concert for free or any of my other fantasies so I gave up. We get off the plane, head out, and that's that. Suddenly, she asks us if we want to share a cab since our hotels were so close. We said sure and get in the cab. During the drive I noticed her texting a LOT. As soon as we were about to arrive at her stop, she turns to us and says, "What are both of your full names?" *Cue stars in eyes.* She goes on to say, "It's your first time in Vegas, I want to make it memorable — I'm getting you meet and greet passes to their after party tonight.

I kid you not, we were both like kids on Christmas morning, shocked with no words to express our joy. As soon as she got out of the cab and left, I started screaming like a true 11 year old girl. Our driver got back in the car and had to ask if everything was ok. LOL. We were beyond giddy. Now mind you, we had bought tickets to their concert and after party for Saturday night but this was Friday. So it wasn't even on our agenda but we just went with it. (In addition, we didn't even have a meet and greet ticket, just access to the party party, which we both had no idea what it would entail).

Even more funny, we come to realize that this after party is being held in our hotel. The hotel we randomly decided to pick out at 1am a few nights before. We check in around 11pm, get ready in a hurry, and rush over to the club. The line was out into the casino floor, but we went up with confidence and poise. In that moment I felt like true VIP royalty. As soon as we mentioned our connection's full name (after a minor glitch), it was like we were Obama and the First Lady. They opened up the velvet ropes, gave us every VIP/ backstage ticket possible and led us up the stairs through the elevator to the roof of the club.

And then it happened -- we met the boys. They walked in and for a second it almost felt like just seeing your friend out at a club and reconnecting. They were so friendly and down to earth that it seriously felt like we knew them. In that moment all I could ask myself was, "Ok what do you say to BSB?" And we just walked up to them as if they were our best friends -- "Hey guys!" -- to which I was greeted back with a "Hello beautiful" from Howie D. We took our photos, had a few moments with them (which of course, I couldn't contain myself long enough and blurted out a "I've been in love with you since I was 8" to Kevin).

The crazy thing was, maybe 2-3 people after us, they decided to shut down the photo taking since it was taking too long. The line still had maybe 50+ people in it. Again, divine favor or WHAT?! From that point on, the guys were literally partying with us in the club. We stayed out until 3am, watched Nick Carter DJ, and danced the night away. Which of course included following them around til we got a selfie with each and every one of them. And of course, I went in for the kiss with Kevin. Mind you, interesting point to note is that I was actually air kissing him but he leaned in for complete contact. [I can die happy.] It was epic to say the least.

We were on cloud 9. And this was only night one. Way to enter Vegas with a bang right? The rest of our trip consisted of hotel admiring, walking, pool lounging, eating, napping, and even me reuniting with a really good friend that I hadn't seen in ten years since our 8th grade graduation. It was perfect. The next night we went to the concert which was almost even better than the first one I went to. YET AGAIN, our lives were made when AJ decided to run off stage during one of their songs and run into the audience. Which row does he run to? Of course us. We were two away from the aisle too so he legit was in our faces, singing .. and holding the girl next to me. Like, I couldn't write this if I tried -- it was so so meant to be for us. And I'll leave it at that.

Finally, the last part of the whole trip -- which makes the above occurrences so much more worthwhile was when it was time to head to the after party (this was the one we actually had tickets for). We ended up making a stop at another club before the party, thinking it would be fine since the night before they strolled in around 1am. Long story short, we get back to the after party and see a pretty empty club. Barely any action and a slump in the all-around mood. We find out - they came for ~20 minutes, took a few photos, and left because it was their "mellow night" and they were tired of partying from the night before. No Nick DJing, no selfies with AJ, no kissies with Kevin. Imagine our dismay. Here we were, so confident from the night before, ready for part 2 with our boys -- and they were gone! All of these girls who had tickets to the after party were standing there in disappointment. I was on the edge of tears but kept telling myself, "Wait. Last night happened to you. Remember that."

And with that, we realized how kindred our decision to take this trip was. Everything that happened from start to finish was golden. It will seriously be an experience I treasure for a lifetime with a friend that was the perfect travel partner. In a sense it brought us even closer to share a memory like this together. It was seriously perfect. And while I'm pissed I had paid for a ticket to a party when they barely even showed up, the spontaneous memory I hold of how Friday night went down is probably one of the best moments I have to cherish. And makes for an epic story too, right?

The cherry on top of all of it was the way my cousin put it, "Imagine if you told 8 year old Naseem that this would happen to her one day." And that kind of just let it all sink in. As sad as one might think it seems, it truly was a "dream come true" in a sense. I wouldn't trade it for anything :) :)

#90s birthday party

Last week or so was my 24th birthday. Why does writing that make me feel suddenly old? Lol.. Sorry to everyone taking offense to that but just thinking of myself as 24 feels so odd. Back in the day I always thought "I'll be married and have a home at 24".... Oh how different life has turned out [in a great way].

So blessed with how much of a whirlwind the past year has been [yes, since turning 24 I've made a pact with myself to look at everything positively ;) ]. But really though, it's been so eye opening and I've changed SO much even in a year .. Looking back at 23 til now I feel like so much has changed about me, even mentality wise and how I look at things.

I'll leave the personal self-reflection for another post, but onto more exciting things to share -- I had an AMAZING 90's birthday party this year. It's been a dream of mine since I was a teenager to throw an all-out themed party -set in the 90's if course.

If you want to know anything about me, one of the most important things is how nostalgic of a person I am. Especially if it's a time / memory that I really loved, I'll continue to try to make that moment live on for as long as I can. Which I've actually learned can be somewhat of a depressing thing/ the dangers of living in the past too much.... But, hey, you live and learn.

Anyways, the 90's will always be perfection to me. The music, the TV, the childhood memories I personally had, junior high (yes, I'm one of the few who actually loved my junior high years)... The pop culture, the movies, all of it. Even the style.. I see so much 90's making a comeback now it's amazing.

With the help of a few of my dearest friends we brainstormed and came up with the most amazing party. I was so excited to whip out so many posters I had kept from the 90's til now. I have a trunk full of spice girls clippings and all these Tiger Beat posters/ Bop Magazine. The goods ;)

We had it all -- Beanie Babies (looking at you Pegah!), Spice Girls Barbies, my old 90's album covers hung across a chandelier, old VHS' like Drive Me Crazy & the making of BSB's music videos. I even had my old sticker books on display. Yes I collected like no other.

Anyways, I'm so so happy I can look back at these photos later in life and reflect on how perfect the party turned out and how creative my friends are. The geometric party theme? Courtesy of my bestie, Amanda, and her amazing party planning skills. The dessert table and photo booth were all her and they were seriously breath taking. I remember walking into the house and seeing all of it, so surprised, and so in awe at how it looked like it was straight out of Pinterest.

Also, special shoutout to my girls [Yasmin](http://yasella.com/) and [Cheri](http://cheriroohi.com/) for documenting these amazing photos of the night <3

Enjoy! I know I did. Now the only thing left is to too this all for the big 2-5 next year ;)

#speakup

I think it's good to sometimes take a breather from the day to day and focus on the little things that make us happy. I've been thinking a lot lately about how consumerism has had such a hand in changing the socioeconomic status of our present day and age. There seems to be no work/life balance at the office — instead, it's looked down upon if you want to leave work early to go spend time your family. We're forced into this bubble of conforming to what's considered the "norm" and we stay silent and simply, "go with the flow." Why? It weirds me out that we're so often too timid to question the societal norms that are already in place. We justify it by seeing that everyone else is going along with it and no one's complaining so hey, looks like we're all on board. When in reality how many people are actually feeling the same way I do inside but no one's bold enough to voice it? Not sure where I'm going with this but woke up this morning with a deep frustration for the intimidation/ fear traps we box ourselves into.

Cool segway into the new music I'm listening to because ironically enough, the album I'm most excited about this fall is M.I.A.'s "Mathangi." Call her what you will (and I do admit she can go way over the top sometimes), but one reason I respect this artist SO much is that she isn't afraid to speak her mind. In the midst of a media culture that's entrapped in the "twerking culture" and hoping to get 5 min of fame by performing like a stripper at an awards show (Miley, here's looking at you), this girl is standing firm for what she believes in and calling out society for exactly what it is. It's funny because when I started listening to her back in 2005 I was a freshman in high school. I can't begin to say how much she's opened my eyes to since then. It's funny because for some all it takes is something small to do so. And for me, it was the amazing music of this talented artist who not only mixed some of the most unique sounds -- but also sang about something ACTUALLY important.

Sometimes it's only 1 line from her songs that challenges me for an entire day to stop and think:

"Your shoes could feed a village; you should think about that."

I feel bad for people who even waste their time sucked into the music on the radio these days because the value of the lyrics they're listening to is quite frankly, garbage. [And hey, guilty as charged, I'm the last to talk because I'm sucked into it daily as well -- it's literally like a web you can't get out of. And half the time we're completely dazed as to how/why we even got there in the first place].

Of course, in no way am I saying we should buy into every conspiracy theory out there or become an anarchist by any means; those are way too extreme. What I AM saying is we should be challenged to do our own research daily and call things out when they need to be. Not sure where you stand politically? Do your research. Not sure if you agree with a certain war or why we're forming alliances w/ said nation -- research. Don't just go with the flow of what the media tells you is appropriate to believe. After all, the media is at the top of the hierarchical pyramid of institutions that are more censored and more biased than you would EVER think.

Not sure why I got on this rant and it's random of me to even go this deep into it on a random Wednesday morning, but hey, gotta keep it true. Once I start writing it just flows out like floodgates.

Happy hump day. Oh, and look for MIA's album released in early November :) meanwhile, half the track list has been leaked via soundcloud so take a listen.

#chromatics

freshly squeezed: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jBWfQ6C1qY&w=420&h=315]

The original is 17 minutes long, but just as worth it if you're looking for a new jam. Perfect song to get the day started.

Twin Shadow

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruHzYtq0oRU&w=560&h=315] If you haven't checked out Twin Shadow already, do yourself a favor and take a peek at his new album, Confess, and enjoy. (http://www.twinshadow.net).

I had the luxury of seeing him perform live n SF in August, which was literally fate because it was right in the peak of when I began my obsession with him. He was so meek and innocent.. just standing there playing his instruments and communing with us the whole time. His music is a mix of 80's/pop/rock= New Wave. And I am a hugee fan.

Excuse me while I go rock out!

jessie ware

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5yP9jM5DE&w=560&h=315]  

What's good right now? Jessie. Ware.

Finally out with her debut album straight from the UK, Jessie truly has delivered. One thing that sets apart a one hit wonder from a true artist is if they have more than 1-2 good songs on their album. Um, Jessie BLEW me away.

I was a huge fan of "Running" when it first came out and then I kind of forgot about her because it was out this February. It wasn't until I heard "Sweet Talk" on a blog this last month that I realized it was the same person. I recently bought her new album, Devotion, and it has been on repeat in my car everywhere I go.

Her voice is the perfect mix of Sade and a little bit of Florence Welch. I love the new wave/ 80's feel to her voice and the sound she delivers in every song. I can't even pick a favorite because the whole album flows together SO nicely.

I've always been a fan of young women in the industry who deliver something original and meaty.. And wow, in a sea of "artists" like Ke$ha, Lana del Rey, and Kreayshawn's (no offense to anyone!)... Jessie truly stands out. Not only does her voice SHINE, but she also doesn't feel the need to play up to this persona of being dressed super wild/ have an alter ego. She is herself, and you can tell how truly comfortable she is in her own skin. She's my artist of the month. Cannot get enough of her.

Oh and for all my Tupac fans, make sure you check out her cover of, "What You Won't Do For Love" for a sick take on it.