ClayManiacs

Hey there, :wave

It's PhillyluvsClay AKA THERESAK923 or Philly for short.

So, let's begin recapping. :slick

I'm going to start at the very beginning, including heat and humidty that greeted as I waited for my pass to the meet & greet. ( The founder of Philadelphia decided to put us between  two rivers, so, go figure!) And of course I had such a chuckle looking at that pass!

This is how it when between the time of 5:45 P.M. and 6:10 P.M.

Sweating while looking at my watch...

Sweating while looking at my watch...

Sweating while looking at my watch...

Um, did I mention I was sweating?  No one came to get us.  An event staffer came to the gate and told us we had to over through the main gate.  We went through the main gate and still didn't see anyone.  Luckily, I saw Jerome and we ran over to him.   He smiled, " There are my ladies" And he counted us and led us to the back  where there was nice patio furniture and us to stay right there while he got everything prepared for us. He chuckled " I have to closed a few doors."

We decided to sit on the patio furniture and within a few moments, Jerome came back and led us through the back of the Mann center to a beautiful room with luxurious brown leather sofa and two matching chairs and a covered piano, a great spread of food and beverage. The room was nicely air conditioned.  Gwenn and myself were seated at the leather chairs. One of the other contest winners sat at the piano chair while the others sat on the sofa.  As Gwenn said, Jerome gave us the no hugs rule and told us Clay would be in five minutes. But in the same breath also said " It was more likely about another fifteen mintues"

During this second period of waiting we all was relieved that all of us were nervous wrecks and joked about that Clay was probably still sleeping on the bus. And also the room was partially mirrored,  looking in the mirror, we redid our makeup too! ( anything for Clay, right?)

Finally, at 6:50  Jerome entered again, followed by Jaime and Clay!   :bouncy

When Clay enters the room his smile electrifies everything that touches it's path!  He was humorous from the very begining! He immediately snarked at Jamie. " Where is my seat?"

Then Clay grab the end table and said "It's okay, I'll sit on this"  I sat to the right of him.. :wow  He started with me ask where we all lived.. :wow After we all told him where we lived , he immediately pointed to the meet & greet pass that was on my shirt and said " We decided start with this particular pass with the Philadelphia group. That is my grandfather's tractor and I took that picture on his farm"  Then He looked to see that everyone and their pass on, and one of us didn't and gave the teacher look.  She did quickly put it on.   

Then he as if we go on the internet and if we knew each other. Both Gwenn and myself raised our hands, and said we knew each other, then Gwenn said "Clay, my very first phone call about you was from Theresa.  Then Clay snarked me. " Did you know her before you called her about me?"  I shook my head no and then gave me very snarky look and said " So you just randomly dialed 10 digits?"  I laughed, and basically said "yes"  :lol

Clay did say he arrived on Monday, and mention how awesome thought the Mann orchestra was and marvel at the sax player that he was really good.  Then I can't remember who asked if Clay visit the King Tut exhibition that is currently in Philadelphia? He said "No.'

Then he asked us to blog and sent out the message that he wanted the next meet & greet winners to wear purple tops, he was very curious if we could get the message out.

At this time Gwenn's cell went off and Teacher Clay gave her a look, we all laughed and said we turned our phones off,  then  Clay said his cell would probably go off too and it did and we laughed.

He also talked about a nasty letter a fan gave to Quianna, and whispered a cuss word ever so slighty, and he plan to read the letter tonight, I wonder if he's going to use that letter through the concert tour.

Then Clay mention his favorite song to sing on this particular tour was " These Open Arms" And then he turned to Jerome and asked if what was his favorite song? Jerome replied "The Way." He also said " He never get tried of singing Invisible"

Then I meekly raised my hand to ask a question . (Yes, I know everyone would be highly amused me being meek, Ha!) As everyone knows, I have often written about my sister Cathy who is mentally retarded and has cerebral palsy.  So I asked  "Will the BAF, branch out to offer adult programs?"

Clay replied, " At this present time no, but as Michael Bubel progresses to adulthood he wanted to the BAF to grow with him in the future and provide work programs for adult inclusion."

Then I asked a lightheart question.  Well, first I must mention that being born and raised in Philadelphia, I know one of two things, We basically vote Democrat and we're addicted "Tastykakes"  Yes, this is our way of being addicted to refine sugar.   :lol   So, I decided before the meet and greet that I would give Clay "A Taste of Philadelphia" and give him a basket of "Tastykakes"  So, getting back to my light hearted question. I asked Clay, "Have you ever eaten a Tastykake before?"   He look down took a big gulp and said. "No"   Then I gave him the basket and said "Here's your opportunity!" He sternly looked at me and said "You know, I'm allgeric to Chocolate and Tree Nuts , did you look at the fine print?' And I said "There's no chocolate or nuts in there"  Then he went through all the cakes checking the labels, he said. " You know it's by law that a factory must list all the ingredients of their packages, you really have to check the fine print" Then he show us this does state it may have peanuts in their product, but he said he could eat it becuse he's not allergic to peanuts. Then he handed the basket to Jamie.  :bigsmile

Then it was time for signing our one item, I choose my "official" Clay Aiken Club picture from year one, I was the last one to have it sign and I said " I'm Theresa with a "H"
As Clay signed my picture I nevrously mumbled out I had two pictures of my sister and article I had written about her, He told me to hand it to Jaime and he would read it on the bus. :smile

Then after everything was signed,  He popped out and said "Time to take our prom pictures ladies!!"  :lol

I was the third one,  I place my hand in his, and melted like chocolate, he does have the softest hands and we were cheek to cheek too. * Thuds*

Then after all the pictures were taken, He thanked us all and then quickly shook our hands!

I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to meet Clay personally and share it with Gwenn, it was beyond perfection!

And inclusion, I would like to say..." Yes, I think Clay Aiken's tractor is pretty darn sexy!"

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/PHILLYLUVSCLAY/OUR%20FAMILY%20ALBUM/mannmusiccenterjuly17th.2007002.jpg)

Love ya

Philly








 

Theresa
What a wonderful time you had.
I enjoyed reading your M&G.
I am glad you got to talk to Clay about Cathy.   Interesting  answer about adult inclusion programs.

 :hugg

Great recap, Ms Philly!!  :clap :clap :clap

Thanks for sharing. :hugs

Theresa, that was an amazing recap!  So glad you got your moment with Clay, too! 

Great recap Theresa.  After meeting you oh so many years ago I applaud you my friend. :clap :clap :clap :clap  You were such a lady. :lol :lol :lol :lol  So very happy that you finally got that close to our honey. 

Hugs
Rainey

 :clap :clap :clap I'm so happy that the Meet and Greets are finally as they should be - what a great opportunity - and how wonderful for you to be able to share it with Gwenn- something you will never forget! Great recap!

Theresa with an "H"!!  I am soooo happy for you!!  That was a moment you will never forget!!!

Mah Philly girl :hugg :hugg you are one special lady!!!  I read your re cap with such delight, how neat to mention Cathy and inclusion Theresa, I know how very close to your heart that is :hugg
So glad you and Gwenn got to share the Clay love together, a moment in time dear lady that you will never forget :hugg

Philly!   :hugg

I loved your recap.  What a magical day for you.  The Tastykakes were a great idea.  I bet he loved them.


Don't you just love snarky Clay!  :lol

Thanks so much for sharing with us.   :smile

Philly, anyone from Philly should have won and I am so glad you did!!!!  It is such an experience to meet with Clay.  He is snarky, cute and always a step ahead of you when you are talking.   He always has the answers!! :lol   I loved the Clay pass you girls wore.    He must have loved that!  You are a true fan, Philly, and I am sure you will never forget the day you met Clay Aiken up close and personal.   Good job!!!

THERESA- WHAT A GREAT RECAP!! IT MUST HAVE BEEN FUN TO TALK TO HIM ONE ON ONE. I LOVE HIS SENSE OF HUMOR~!

Philly this is wonderful.  Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!! 

Debbie

Thanks for the recap, Philly!

You're still floating, aren't ya? :wink

Philly it sounds like a wonderful, wonderful night! Thanks for the recap hon!

So glad you had your moment with Clay!  :purpbana :hugg

Great recap, Phillygirl!!  So many great details!  I'm not sure I would be able to remember past the first 5 minutes.  :lol  I'm very happy that you had this once in a lifetime experience.  :goo

PHILLY, your recap was worth waiting for, excellent job!!  I can feel your heart pounding  :lol as you were writing this.  I am so happy you had this opportunity and will have these memories forever!   :hugg

Philly honey!  :thud :thud :thud :thud :thud

 :wow You are a lucky lady and I am so happy for you. I could almost feel his hand as you were describing the scene.  :clap :hugg Cheek to Cheek!  :thud Love ya and you so deserved this!

Shaikey

Philly, your recap is great!

But the glow on your face was what really said it all!  :wow   I just feel honored to have been there with you, and to touch the hands that touched Clay's, and then touched me.   :blush  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/thcowboy.gif)

PHILLY !   Oh, I loved your M & G encounter with Clay!  Your recap described the location, expectations, and then the arrival of "The Man"!  Your conversation sounded wonderful.  I was thrilled for you when you announced that you had "been chosen" for the M & G. 

Thanks for taking us with you!  :hugg

Philly,

Great recap of your M&G.  I'm so happy for you!  I can't wait to see your picture with Clay!

Hugs,
Prissy

eeeeeeee! Philly I love you -- you finally posted it :lmao awww thats sooo cute! TastyKakes are now sold up here. I remember we had this kid from NJ one year and he was shocked we had never heard about them :lmao I'll have to try one sometime!

Philly!    :hugg

Awesome recap!  Were you giggling?  I bet you were giggling!   :roflmao

I'm very proud of you!  You got out an intelligent question!!!   :clap  Much better than, "I wanna play with your hair.  Is that wrong?"    :lol

Doesn't he have the most beautiful eyes?   :wow

Thanks for sharing your precious time with us!  I'm so happy for you.  Can't WAIT to see your pic!!!!  (You smelled him, right?  Tell me ya remembered to smell him ... cuz  :thud )

I wanted to thank everyone for all the well wishes and great comments...

And here's my meet & greet pic with my boyfriend um, Clay... :bigsmile

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/PHILLYLUVSCLAY/MORE%20CLAY/DSC00499.jpg)

 :thud :thud :thud :thud

Oh  Kris, I will explain my clever way that I smelled him over at the BLPT! :slick

Love Ya

Philly

Philly you were the first person I ever talked to from the site too.  Remember?  Loved the recap and couldn't of happened to a better two girls from Philly. 

Maybe I will get so lucky someday.  Hope you are still flying.  We are headed to OHIO tomorrow morning.  For our second round with the MAN!!

Love Ya,

Terry

PHILLY, LOVED YOUR M&G RECAP--YOU ARE SUCH A SWEETIE I AM GLAD YOU GOT TO MEET OUR GUY.  GLAD YOU GAVE  HIM THE ARTICLE YOU WROTE ABOUT YOUR SISTER.  I AM SURE CLAY WILL BE TOUCHED & INSPIRED JUST BY READING IT   :bigsmile

Philly, way to go girl !! I am soo thrilled for you and your moments with Clay. Great re-cap and your prom pic is adorable !!!

 :jaw

You have to explain how you smelled him on the BLPT?????    :lol  And we didn't have to bail you out of jail????  I mean, I touched the man's hair, WITH his permission, and Jerome was ready to tazer me and send my big butt to GitMo with the other terrorists!!!  And I didn't have to describe that on a thread for grown ups!   :para 

Can't wait to hear this one!   :bigsmile

Love your pic!  You and Clay make a cute couple, almost as cute as he looks with me.   :wink  Seriously though, I love the adorable look on your face.  You look awesome and he looks totally edible.   :yum  Congrats!

PhillyPhillyPhillyPhillyPhillyGIRL!!!

What a CUTE photo of you and Clay!! (eeeeeeee!)  It's adorable, I love your expression, I love his smile :bigsmile and just the whole kit and kaboodle. 

Your story about your experience is great - you remembered LOTS! So, how did you do that?  Hee!  I'm so happy for you and Gwenn and Prissy I could just bust.  Oh, and Kris...and Frankie...and Lorraine...and Woody...and Marion...and I shouldn't have started this 'cause I know I can't remember everyone who has met The Man.  Eep!

Well, I'm just happy for all of you!  :wheee 

Theresa - LOVE THE PROM PICTURE - could the smiles get any bigger!!!   :roflmao

Philly,

Great picture of you and Clay!  Wonderful smiles!!

Hugs,
Prissy