Okay, so I’m finally making my way over to the encounters section to share my story of the Saturday trip to see DMD and meet Van.
For some reason, my dogs decided to have a joint barking fit at 4:30AM and woke me up. I spent the next hour or so staring at my ceiling. Was it excitement or the simple fact that once I wake up from taking my sleep meds, I’m pretty much awake? Not sure, probably a combination of both. But I ended up getting out of bed around 5AM. And Tom was supposed to pick me up at 8.
Did you notice the “supposed to" up there? Well, he was a half hour late! But, according to all of our mapping sites, it still should have gotten us there in plenty of time to be in NYC and meet up with the group in time to go to the cube. Unfortunately, due to (as Tom put it) people driving a $70k Mercedes on a two lane highway at 35mph, we didn’t make it in time to go to the cube. During the ride down, Jammi and I spoke on the phone so I could tell her I had picked up the bag for Jake’s gift and that is when we decided for sure to get the rubber bands for Van’s bag. We debated as to whether or not to put a note on them about them being more “sanitary” than finding them on the street, but, decided to see if he caught on as to why they were in the bag. Did he? Well, watch the video again and you tell us!! J
So, we finally arrived at the theater and found a parking garage right on the same street, which I was surprised it was that easy. (Okay, maybe it wasn’t so easy because with all the one way streets we had to go around in circles just a little bit before we actually got to the parking garage bus SHH don’t tell anyone). I called Jammi and Shirphie to let them know we had arrived, but, since neither phone worked, I assumed they were under ground and left a message on Shirphie’s phone and Tom and I stopped at a café nearby and grabbed some coffee. By the time we got our coffee and headed back to the theater, everyone was waiting there.
The first person I met was Shirphie and then I spotted and headed straight to Roger and since I’m 5’1”, I immediately felt like a munchkin when he stood up to greet me. I tried to make it around to meet everyone, but, Jammi and I were also trying to get the gift bags for the guys organized. I think I did managed to meet everyone after the bags were set and I gave out the soap…err fudge that I had made.
We all chatted for a bit longer then headed into the theater and eventually down to our seats.
During the first show, Tom and I were in the second row and at a perfect spot to see some of the more…”interesting” moments of the show (the lamp, the couch, Lance’s face at Tony Parker’s crotch). Just…WOW!!! Van’s face was absolutely priceless when we gave him the standing ovation. Just watching him scan from one side of the audience to the other and then the smile and blushing…it was too cool. The group met up outside by the door that the performers would leave at and we caught Van for a few moments before letting him leave. Jamilla told him that some of us would be back after the second show and before he left he kind of confirmed that we would be back He also asked us if we were from…and before he got an chance to finish his question, he was told that we were from the fan site, but, what he was asking was about PHS and before he left he thanked us for it. He also said once again (as he has told others) that he is going to blog about PHS when he finally gets a chance to blog.

It wasn’t until after seeing the first show that Tom and I decided that we were staying for the second show so we made our way upstairs and to the box office where we purchased the tickets. Now, this time the seats weren’t second row, but, the theater is so small that it didn’t really hurt that much.
We went to dinner at a little diner between shows and if you’ve read Peter and Tom’s recaps you know about Tom’s attacking Jake’s package. J I knew once Peter used the words “Jake’s package” that Tom would have some reaction. He did not disappoint.
We went back to the second show and ended up having five board members sitting together in the back row (Lyndsay, Joanna, Tom, myself and Shirphie). In some ways, sitting in the back was better as far as watching the whole show goes instead of just paying so much attention to Van. During the first show, it was like every once in a while I had to remind myself that there WERE other’s on the stage besides Van. Don’t get me wrong, Van was my primary focus the second show as well but, it was easier to notice the others from the back row.
What stands out the most for me during the second show is the moment that those shorts that we’ve been hearing about for so long were finally revealed. Despite having just seen Van in them a few hours earlier from much closer to the stage, Shirphie and I both gasped when they were revealed during the second show. Then we both looked at one another and started to giggle. I can only imagine what the couple sitting on the other side of Shirphie was thinking. LOL
So, after the second show we found ourselves one again waiting to see Van.
I can’t say enough about how amazing he was to all of us. There was someone that said how nice he seemed in the video and wondered what he was like when he wasn’t being recorded. I have to say, he was just as nice when he wasn’t being filmed. He was so patient with everyone taking so many pictures, signing so many autographs. I hope he never looses this part of himself if and when he moves on to bigger and better things. But, since it seems to genuine, I don’t think he will. After taking care of everyone’s requests and opening his gift, it was time for Van leave, but, he gave everyone that wanted to hug him a hug before he left. J
Since both Tom and George mentioned our ride home to Boston, I won’t go into much detail, just to say that it was interesting even if Tom did repeat some of the same stories to George that I heard on my way to NY on the way home. I finally arrived home at about 3AM. I was so excited and though that it took me until about 5:30 to 6 AM to finally get to sleep. When I woke up a few hours later, I remember looking around and vaguely thinking, “Did I really meat Van last night?” LOL, yes, I’m pathetic that way. But, all I had to do was look on my computer desk and saw the picture he signed for me. OH, speaking of the picture, that was another funny moment for me. I handed him the picture and he asked (rather loudly) where the picture was from. We were telling him about the Up Close and Personal Thing in SID and how it was photo shopped to take out the writing, but, he just kept looking at it. He started to say that he didn’t remember…and stopped and I said “taking it?” He said no and then said they put his head on someone else’s body. Um, sorry Van, after seeing the play and seeing so much of your body, even seeing you in a picture like the one you signed, I know it’s your body. LOL I almost said it to him, but, behaved so I didn’t embarrass him.
So, since coming back, as you all know, the plans for the luncheon or should I say the reservation list for the luncheon has blown up. I am so looking forward to another vh.net group adventure. Not only another chance to see Van close up, but, to be able to spend time with all of you that are joining us. I can’t wait until April.