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February 27, 2012 by: Shell

Why I Was an Obnoxious Fangirl

Do you have a band whose music moves you? Whose songs can instantly take you back to the place you were when you first heard the song, whose songs have significant meaning in your life?

For me, that band is Rascal Flatts. So, when I heard that they were going to be performing at Blissdom, I did an actual squee.

You see, way back in 2000, their first single came out. “Praying for Daylight.” I was newly out of college and loved the song. This one in particular didn’t have much personal meaning to me, but whenever I hear it, I’m transported back to being a naive 22 year-old school teacher, who have moved far away from home for the first time in her life.

Prayin’ for daylight waiting for that morning sun

On that same album was a song that later became one that I blasted over and over as I drove away from my ex, with all my belongings crammed in the truck with me. “I’m Moving On.”

I sold what I could and packed what I couldn’t
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I’ve loved like I should but lived like I shouldn’t
I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road
I’m movin’ on

“These Days,” “Mayberry,” (ice cold cherry… coke!), and “Love You Outloud” were all songs that Hubs and I would sing in the car together while we were dating. Neither of us can sing, but we sang these ones so loud together.

We even considered “Long, Slow, Beautiful Dance” for our wedding song. Only ruling it out because there was a line in there about thinking about having a baby and we thought it might give people the wrong idea about why we were getting married. For the record, baby #1 didn’t come til a few months before our second wedding anniversary. But, these lines did really speak to us:

I knew we belonged together the moment my eyes met hers
And I thought nothing lasts forever, but maybe this one will

A deep breath and baby steps
That’s how the whole thing starts
It’s a long slow beautiful dance
To the beat of a heart

“Skin(Sarabeth)” takes me back to one of the many times Hubs and I went to see Rascal Flatts in concert. But, this time, I was pregnant with our second baby, incredibly hormonal, and listening to them sing about a young girl with cancer. Ever since then, I can’t hear more than a note of that song without bursting into tears.

“What Hurts the Most,” “Stand,” “My Wish,”(which should be the mother-son dance at my boys’ weddings someday), “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “God Bless the Broken Road,” and many more…

All this probably explains why I had no qualms elbowing people out of the way so that I could get to the very front of the stage and be this close at the performance at Blissdom:

rascal flatts live

No zoom- I was right there!

Okay, I didn’t actually elbow anyone out of the way. I just spilled my drink on them so they’d have to go clean themselves up.

And when they announced that Rascal Flatts would be around for pictures afterwards, I may have grabbed Vanessa(from the Blogfrog)’s arm and stampeded across the ballroom. And cut in line. And then texted Ashley to run across the room and join us.

rascal flatts

The boys of Rascal Flatts, me, Ashley, and Vanessa

It was an amazing night!

 

Still recovering and catching up after Blissdom.  Thanks to Erie Drive for sponsoring my trip. Lyrics in this post are all from Rascal Flatts songs: silly disclaimer that I’m sure you figured out. And I might be slightly exaggerating how I got to the front of the stage and how I got my pic taken with them. Maybe. 

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Comments

  1. HopefulLeigh says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Elbowing is kinder than spilling drinks, Shell. 🙂 Glad you got to enjoy your favorite band! And I’m extra glad that we finally got to meet ever so briefly. Next time we’re both at a conference, let’s be sure to hang out!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:29 pm

      But I could pretend the drinks were an accident. 😉 

      So nice to get to meet you, too! 

  2. Mrs. Jen B says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    Love it! Wish I could have found you in the crowd, we could have been fangirls together.  I recorded “Bless The Broken Road” – it was on a mix CD (I know, right?) that Rob made for me when we first started dating.  I wish I hadn’t sung along, though.  You can hear yourself much better on a recording than when you’re actually *in* the crowd of screaming ladies.  😉

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:31 pm

      Wish I would have seen you- I wanted to find people I knew b/c I knew I was going to be dancing and singing and maybe b/c I wanted to jump in with someone who had a close spot. Instead, I just made a spot and was a “woo girl” around no one I knew!

      I recorded Fast Cars and Freedom- and yes, you can hear me more than them. Not good. 

  3. Natalie says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I can vouch that you weren’t elbowing anyone bc that was me but I do remember a drink being spilled.

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:32 pm

      Total accident. 😉 

      Actually, I think people would believe the elbows more than that I’d give up my drink just to get a spot. 

  4. Kristen says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Lucky duck!!! They are seriously the only country band that I not only like but love! So happy for you!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:41 pm

      Oh, I’m a total country girl. But Rascal Flatts? One of my all-time faves. 

  5. stephanie @ babe's rockin' mami says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I’m so happy for you!!  I bet you were going crazy on the inside but you look like you kept it together!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:41 pm

      I was totally freaking out. It was so fun. 

  6. Jessica says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I can NOT tell you how unbelievably jealous I am! I LOVE Rascal Flatts! They were one of the first groups that I knew all the songs from. Glad you got to see them up close AND get a picture! I probably would’ve died.
    There is NO shame in elbowing or spilling drinks to get people outta your way. If they wanted to be standing where you were then they would’ve made a bigger effort! Bravo girly.
    Glad you had fun at Blissdom.

    Have a great week!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:42 pm

      So true. They could have pushed me or something.

      Can you just imagine that? A brawl at Blissdom. LMAO

  7. Jayme says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    I am not a country girl myself but I do love me some Rascal Flatts! By the way you look hot in that dress girl!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:54 pm

      They are amazing!

      How about Vanessa was in something similar only I have like 10+ years and 30+ pounds on her. SIGH. 

  8. Kristin @ What She Said says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    Very cool! After that history, you deserved your fangirl moment, Shell! 😉

    I love, love, LOVE “Bless the Broken Road.” It reminds me of my husband and I regret not choosing it for our wedding song. This line always makes my throat catch a little:

    “Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars
    Pointing me on my way into your loving arms…”

    I like a lot of their other songs too, but that one holds a special place in my heart. 

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:54 pm

      Love that line! It always makes me think of my husband, too. 

    • Kristen says

      February 27, 2012 at 10:08 pm

      I swear – I didn’t read this before I commented… but i wrote almost the same thing. Guess that is why they are amazing. They write songs for everyone.

  9. Natalie says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    Wow lucky you! Looks like you had an amazing time…and loved you in that dress!

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 9:57 pm

      It really was so much fun. And thanks! 

  10. Kristen says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    I love Rascal Flatts. LOVE them. Hubs took me to one of their concerts way back in the way back. I believe God Blessed the Broken Road was written for us… (well me.) I was in my most serious relationship ever (thought I would marry the guy) just before Ray. I was a broken girl when we met and spent months looking for a reason to bolt. He never gave me one. It still makes my heart melt to think of it. I was sad when I learned everyone was going to Blissdom, but I was ENVIOUS when I hear Rascal Flatts was performing. **sigh** I’m so glad you had a great time. xo Next year.

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 10:16 pm

      So, I shouldn’t tell you that was one of the songs they sang there, right? 😉 

      My husband wanted to go to Blissdom when he heard they were playing!

  11. Angel says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    I would love to see them in concert.. Did you know my son, nephew and I did a cover of Skin on my youtube channel?? It took me a week of practice to sing that song without getting all weepy. My son would do the same, he would hold it till I lost it then be like dagnabbit MOoOOOOMMMM.. I LOVE them..

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 10:17 pm

      I don’t know how you sang it. I can’t get past hearing the first few notes before I start sobbing just b/c I know what is coming! 

  12. Loukia says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    You look gorgeous! I love your dress. And so cool that they were performing… they’re an amazing group. BlissDom must have been a blast! I’ve been to BlissDom Canada twice and it’s been fabulous… xo

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 10:41 pm

      Thank you! 

      It was amazing that they were there! 

  13. Alison@Mama Wants This says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    I’m no country fan but I do have a few favorite Rascal Flatts’s songs on my playlist!

    Lucky you, meeting them! 

    • Shell says

      February 27, 2012 at 10:42 pm

      Most of their songs aren’t really twangy country, so they have a wider appeal, I think.

      Even though I totally love country music. 🙂 

  14. Jessica says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:44 pm

    Oh I was definitely a woo girl too!! Rascal Flatts is my all time favorite band. And I had no problem squeezing my way around people to get in close.

  15. Julie says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    Lucky!  I love Rascal Flatts!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:48 am

      They were amazing!!

  16. Making It Work Mom says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Oh so lucky. When I heard that Rascal Flatts was there I was so regretting not going. Of course if I did my Tween would have been so jealous because she absolutely LOVES them.

    My favorite song is absolutely Skin. Sob, weep, ugly cry any time I hear it especially if I am in the car by myself. I am sure that people driving by must think I am crazy!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:49 am

      Thankfully, they don’t play that one often. I’d be sobbing all the time.

      Your tween wouldn’t have been jealous of Joe Jonas? I sat in the back and complained it was too loud when he was on.

      • Making It Work Mom says

        February 28, 2012 at 10:41 pm

        Oh no! She is totally anti-Jonas and Justine Beiber, also has been. They are so below her. She is really into country music right now and Nikki Minaj and Sara Bareilles. Random, huh?

  17. Kimberly says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    Rascal Flatts sure put on a nice show for us! You totally deserved your spot up front, Woo-Girl! 😉

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:50 am

      You could have used your baby bump to get up front. “Excuse me, excuse me…” no one would think anything of it. 

  18. Leah aka FFPMaMMa says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    So, so, so! Jealous…I’m not much of a concert goer… but if given the opportunity to see them..yes! I would go.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:51 am

      I love going to concerts.

      Even though I truly hate crowds. But, I try to get over that part to go to the concerts!

  19. Sarcasm Goddess says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    I am so jealous. I LOOOOOVE Rascal Flatts.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:52 am

      Highlight of the conference, for sure! 

  20. momof12 says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:23 am

    That is so cool! So glad you are having a great time! Maybe next year…
    Sandy

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:55 am

      It really was a blast! 

  21. NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurs says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:20 am

    Oh so very jealous! I go back and forth between loving and hating them, but it is mostly the radio station’s fault for playing one their songs every third song.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:56 am

      Overplay always kills it a bit for me, too. But, since I’ve been a fan for over 10 years now, I still love more than hate. 

  22. Oka says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:27 am

    Sounds like fun!  Get any numbers 😉

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:57 am

      Ha! I texted my husband the picture and he asked if they were grabbing my ass. 

  23. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:52 am

    I feel the same way about Bon Jovi, but my seats, when I went last year, were too far up for elbowing…someone, probably me, would have fallen to their death!

    Yay for meeting your favorite band!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Now, I do love some Bon Jovi. Especially since they go even further back in my life. 

      I went to a Bon Jovi concert when I was in 6th grade. LOL 

  24. Blond Duck says

    February 28, 2012 at 7:08 am

    I met Rascall Flatts once!  They were so nice, but so tired….it was backstage at a rodeo.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 11:59 am

      I bet! Performing has to be exhausting!

  25. The Mommy Therapy says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:12 am

    So fun! Glad you were able to enjoy it, regardless of what you had to do to get to the front! 🙂

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:00 pm

      I may have been a wee bit determined. 

  26. Jenny says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:17 am

    Love them! They are one of my favorites. Will used to go to sleep to them when he was a baby. Sometimes on a long drive, i just turn them on and Will is out! Love your dress by the way!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      My oldest was like that with Kenny Chesney!

      Thanks! It was a fun dress. 

  27. Cindi says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:24 am

    Glad you had a good time and met your favorite band. Next year: sponsorship for cage wrestling? (LoL)

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      Ha. Well, if they want to pay me, sure.

  28. My Inner Chick says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:26 am

    Shell, you are so freaking adorable. if you weren’t nice, i’d hate you. just kidding. Xxxx Great photo!!! WOW.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      LMAO

      I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.

  29. MiMi says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:14 am

    That is SO cool!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:04 pm

      It really was. I never thought they would do photos!

  30. Kir says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:18 am

    OMG!!!!! you met them too…..I HATE JURY DUTY…hate hate hate it.

    But I am so happy you got to meet the group and look so amazing doing it. 🙂

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:06 pm

      Ugh. How awful. I really wish you could have been there! 

  31. Shannon from mynewfavoriteday says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:33 am

    How fun! I am not normally a huge fan person but like you I love RF and I’m Movin On was one of my first songs from RF that I played over and over! So glad you got to seem the live and since you were at a concert spilling drinks and moving toward the front are both completely acceptable behavior! 🙂

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:07 pm

      Total accident, of course. 😉 

  32. Emmy says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:22 am

    How awesome that they did pictures after! And yea, we all know how ruthless and crazy you can be 😉 I am a country fan so I would have loved that concert.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:08 pm

      I never thought they would do pics afterwards.

      Joe Jonas did them and he was on before them but I was like yeah, but they are RASCAL FLATTS. 

      I was so ridiculously excited. 

  33. Andrea says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:48 am

    Sounds like a blast and I’m so jealous! 🙂 And cuteness that is you in that picture! OMG! Miss you, mama! Looking forward to seeing you again sometime soon (TypeA?).

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:11 pm

      I’ll be at Type A for sure!

      Some of the girls at Blissdom were talking about a Raleigh meetup, so maybe sooner!

  34. bjyork says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:50 am

    this is the song that i heard and I have stuck to it.   The grief i am going through it through a friends journey after losing her husband suddenly – leaving 4 young children behind.  I send this to her
     often
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5gBxKEgZqM

    I am not a RF fan – but this song is so apropos.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:18 pm

      Oh, that’s a good one, too! 

  35. Charlotte says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Awww, you look so beautiful! Sounds like a great time and go you for cutting the line, spilling drinks, and whatnot to get your photo taken with him 🙂 Hey, a girl’s gotta do… 😉

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:18 pm

      I would have regretted it if I hadn’t! 

  36. angela says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    They’re not “my band” like that, but I love for you that you were able to see them up close and personal and meet them and have a photo taken.

    And wowza gorgeous ladies! Rascal Flatts should feel lucky to have a copy of the photo with the three of you.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:31 pm

      It was so much fun!

      Hubs was asking if they were grabbing our asses.

  37. julie gardner says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    I love Rascal Flatts, too.
    Not as much as you, though…I would have let you spill your drink on me so you could have my seat.

    But all I keep thinking now is “Good grief! They get that dressed up for Blissdom? I can never go.”

    Still, I’m so glad you had a great time.
    And I had a two-month-old baby on my first anniversary, so.

    🙂

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      It was so much fun.

      Not everyone gets that dressed up. There were plenty of people in jeans. And the last night is a pajama party(which does not mean what my husband wishes it did- but is all about comfort). I simply like to dress up b/c I very rarely have reason to be in anything other than my yoga pants. 

  38. Teresa says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Oh i am very jealous. I enjoy their music so much! I am happy for you tho!

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      I love them! It was so amazing that they were there! 

  39. Ali says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Looks like a great time! I hate that I missed it. You look beautiful by the way. 

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      Next year! 😉 

      Thank you! 

  40. JamieAnne says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    It looks like you had so much fun!!!!

    How exciting that you were right up front and got a picture.

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      It was a total blast! 

  41. adot says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Rascal Flatts is one of my favourite, too. Except they lose ‘cool’ points for having a song with Justin Beiber and Natasha Bedingfeild…

    • Shell says

      February 28, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      I was majorly confused by that pairing! 

  42. Galit Breen says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Sounds like you had a completely fabulous time, Shell!
    And I love that you got to see, hear, and be photographed with a band that you love so much!!

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      I was so excited to find out they were going to be there! 

  43. Kimberly says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    I am not a fan of country music but I totally get the starstruck of it all. I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan…don’t judge…and I’m sure I’d be a hot pile of lovey goop if I ever met him.

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      Oh, I love them, too! 

      It’s MY LIFE!!!!

  44. Natalie @MamaTrack says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I’m so bummed we had to leave before the concert! Sounds like it was lots of fun. 

    Great seeing you this weekend!

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      Too loud for baby track, probably. 🙁

  45. Aramelle {One Wheeler's World} says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Hi there. 🙂  I just recently found your blog, and I suppose I’ll keep reading, despite the fact that one of the first posts I read made me hate you a little bit. 😉  I love Rascal Flatts, and would terribly disappointed in anyone who wasn’t willing to become an obnoxious fangirl when given the opportunity at their show.  Totally jealous that you got to have a picture taken with them! 🙂

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      LOL 

      Well, welcome. And glad you’ll read anyway. 😉 

  46. Sela Toki says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Who wouldn’t kick, push and shove to get a picture taken with Rascal Flatts. One of my favorite bands too. I’d have to say the song that takes me all the way back though is “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter. Every time I hear it, I’m seventeen all over again. Oh to be young and innocent again…LOL.

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      There were people who didn’t care to go get a pic taken. Crazy, I tell you.

  47. DB Landes says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    I can completely relate because I was the pregnant one in the black dress with her elbows on the stage half the time standing next to you.  It was beyond fabulous!

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      Well, I’m glad I didn’t elbow you out of the way. 

      Even I have my limits. 😉 

  48. Jessie Powell says

    February 28, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    How awesome to get to see a band you love in a setting so intimate. And the picture after? ZOMG!

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      It was amazing! 

  49. JDaniel4's Mom says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    I love them too. The Broken Road is our unofficial theme song.

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      Such a great song.

  50. Leigh Powell Hines (@Hinessightblog) says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    What a great night for you.  I bet it was great. 

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      It was so much fun, for sure! 

  51. Carolyn says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    Spilling drinks? Brilliant 😉

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      Had to think of something! 😉 

  52. Ashley {at} My Front Porch Swing says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    It really was amazing. So, so, amazing. AND I’m so glad you texted me. So worth it xoxo

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      So much fun! I’m glad they didn’t make us go as a group of 6! 

  53. Megan - Best of Fates says

    February 29, 2012 at 9:16 am

    That is SO cool! What a fabulous addition to a blog conference. And not just the part about getting to throw drinks on people, though that is my New Year’s Resolution this year.

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      It is sort of fun to throw drinks. You really need to get on that resolution.

  54. Tonya says

    March 2, 2012 at 12:18 am

    You my friend are awesome!

    Great pictures.

    I love Rascal Flatts too. 🙂

    • Shell says

      March 2, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      The concert was one of my favorite parts of the conference. 

  55. Robin | Farewell, Stranger says

    March 3, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    Totally worth it, I’d say. I’m not a huge fan, but I do like their stuff. God Bless the Broken Road is one of my all-time faves. I stayed long enough to hear it and then this tired girl went to bed. But well worth it, and very cool that they performed. 

Trackbacks

  1. Soundtrack of the Year says:
    May 17, 2012 at 7:02 am

    […] will come as no surprise to those of you who heard about my fangirl/stalker moment earlier this year, but I had to throw in a Rascal Flatts song. This one is perfect because despite […]

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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