Back at the hotel we rested our feet, had some snacks, and changed into our concert clothes. This is real, this is happening, I couldn’t believe it! There were so many ways for this trip to go wrong and the show be canceled. Can you blame me for having crazy eyes?

and tippy taps waiting for the car!

Having heard horror stories about merch and security lines, we arrived early. We had no problems though, so we passed the time admiring the crowd’s attire and taking pictures of the venue. I bought a hoodie and an enamel pin.

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Once inside, we got some refreshments and settled into our seats. They showed music videos for the pre-show. The fan behind me, who had driven down from SF, told me this is pretty standard for Kpop. We both wished that they showed all the videos and in chronological order, instead of a limited random assortment on loop.

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Nope, regular diet Pepsi. Just caffeine and good vibes.

I wasn’t the only one getting super hyped as the time drew near.

Finally, it was time! What a banging way to start the show: the dramatic reveal from silhouettes to live performance of their biggest hit, Wonderland. Yeah, I was screaming too.

My camerawork is crazy for the whole show. I was more interested in watching and dancing and enjoying rather than getting good footage. There’s a wealth of fancams from that night if you are actually interested in watching some. I’ll embed one fancam of the opening number, to give you a better sense of what it was like in person. Sorry if this eventually gets taken down for copyright.

Overall? Amazing.

Great setlist. They performed 27 songs (setlist at the end of this review). Yes, I wish they had included Horizon, Illusion, Twilight, Fever, and the Black Cat Nero. But they did all their big hits, the newest songs, and some that have never been performed on other stages with choreography.

The venue was interesting. It felt intimate despite its size. They had all the effects I had hoped for – lights, lasers, sparks, flames, glitter, bubbles, and confetti cannons.

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As I expected, they were excellent performers. Boundless energy, live vocals, and many dramatic looks served. There were deliciously over-the-top theatrical moments, such as Seonghwa’s sword in Wonderland, the masquerade puppet-dancing intro to Inception, and San’s blindfolded mirror dance for Take Me Home.

The “ment” talking sections were boring to me, but surely a necessary rest for the performers. The fans love the ments for the jokes and flirting. Meanwhile, I took those moments to sit down, take pictures, and yell “Dance more!” at the stage.

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The crowd energy was really something. Lightsticks are a fantastic way to participate and communicate with performers. Sometimes they synchronize lightsticks with the music, so the sea of lights become a part of the show. I never figured out if it was a choice not to do it on this tour, or if the venues here are not equipped for it.

Even without the synchronization, it was beautiful to watch and I’m sure the performers appreciate seeing the enthusiasm through the thumping lights. If you are wondering, they cost about $30 in Korea, but to get them in the US you have to pay import fees. I ordered mine direct for $65 after shipping/taxes/fees. They were for sale at the kpop stores and the concert merch booths for $75.

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The crowd was great. Mostly women in their 20s, but definitely a range of ages and genders. There was at least one child we spotted grooving below us, and I later heard about this 89 year old fan at our show. The fans were polite and organized and helpful to each other. They passed out mini-posters for everyone to hold up for one of the closing ballads. It’s common for fans to bring dozens of “freebies,” trinkets like bracelets and pins that they make to give away.

Here’s some footage Andy took showing the crowd, including the cute child, some of the Fireworks performance, and me shaking my lightstick like a dork.

Toward the end of the show my eyes were watching the crowd and I noticed this set of focused boys who were not cheering like the other fans. I had heard that rookie group, Blitzers, was here to see the show before starting their own US tour. I think I spotted them!

Later I confirmed with other reports that this studious group was Blitzers. The next day they posted an official video about greeting Ateez backstage. They’re pretty good, btw. Their Breathe Again dance practice video was already on my saved list of favorite choreo.

The photographer took the group picture and Ateez performed their final encores. It was time to say goodnight.

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The whole concert passed in a whirlwind of light. It felt like 30 minutes, not 3 hours. I could have stayed and danced all night. Good thing my siblings were there to drag my butt out of the hall and back to the hotel.

I love Amanda and Andy so much and I’m so glad they shared this night with me. They assured me that it was very interesting and enjoyable for them too.

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The next morning I recounted the ankle drama to Amanda and Andy while we waited for our ride to Korea Town. The area was sort of far from our hotel, but they were game for exploring a new area and soaking in the K-pop vibes. It was exciting for me to see hangul all over. My brain was so distracted trying to translate everything as we walked around. Andy was excited by all the architecture in the neighborhood. Amanda delighted in the cultural change and bought some Korean snacks for her students.

Our first stop was Madang Plaza. Daiso is a fun Japanese home goods store. I got some face masks other toiletries at the cosmetic shop. There was an actual kpop store. I was so curious about these. They have so many albums in stock and most of the lightsticks too. So many posters and stuffed toys and other weird kpop merchandise. Not much apparel though, the only thing I would be interested in buying. They were out of Ateez enamel pins, so I purchased one for Seventeen. There was a Paris Baguette Cafe and a Korean Hot Dog stand. I wish I could have sampled those, but I was saving my appetite for a particular lunch.

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We walked a few blocks north for lunch and found some interesting sites along the way. Andy learned about this strange tarot reading cafe called Cafe Jack. The owner is obsessed with Titanic and built a collection of nautical items to theme the place. Too bad it was closed. We had to make do with peeping over the fence.

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I was absolutely delighted to find this bulletin for calligraphy club. It’s actually a secret ad for Ateez! The QR code takes you to The Real music video. I saw pictures of these in posted in Chicago too. I’m not sure if they are official marketing. Knowing how to labels operate and how the fans self-promote, I’m leaning towards it being a fan creation.

On to lunch! I had set my eyes on Monty’s Good Burgers. They have great reviews despite being a vegan restaurant. Lactose-free cheeseburger and shake? Yes please!

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We took our food down the road toward a “park” on the map, which really was a courtyard in front of some buildings. At least it was away from traffic and had a spot to sit. The food was delicious! I ooo-ed and mmm-ed so much about my shake, saying it was the best I’ve had in years. Amanda tried a sample and informed me that my taste must be ruined, because the shake was very oat-y and had the wrong mouthfeel. That may be true, but for vegan ice cream it gets top marks! It was worth the white, numb fingers that it gave me.

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We continued east toward another mini-mall to see another kpop store. Along the way we admired so many interesting buildings. Andy hunted down the former Brown Derby restaurant. I heard Ateez’s song Deja Vu playing in one of the restaurants that we passed and excitedly pointed it out to my sibs. This was so wild, to see and hear all these things associated with a music scene that I have only experienced online. In Colorado, it’s hard for me to find someone who likes even BTS, let alone any of these other groups that I enjoy. Here in K-town, there are posters, stores, murals, and songs playing on the radio!

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We arrived at the shopping mall and ascended to the kpop store. They happened to be playing an Ateez song at that moment, ha! In the video I’m saying “This is the closing song on the show” (Turbulence).

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The store had some different merch, but again, nothing I was interested in. Like the first store, they were sold out of Ateez enamel pins. It was fun to browse anyway, and they played some other new songs that I enjoy, such as Maverick by The Boyz and Feelin’ Like by Pentagon.

We explored H Mart and Amanda got candies for her students. We decided it was time to call a car to go back to the hotel. We needed to rest up for the big night!

On the way back we caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign.

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On Sunday morning, Amanda, Andy, and I embarked on our first trip ever for just the three of us siblings. Unbelievable, right? We smoothly parked in Amanda’s secret DIA garage area and breezed through security. I enjoyed some knitting and podcasts on the plane, and had a great view of the snowy Colorado peaks and the Grand Canyon. After a short flight, palm trees marked our arrival to beautiful California!

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We stayed at the LAX/Century Blvd Marriott just a couple minutes from the airport. After unloading in our rooms, we met downstairs for an Uber to Santa Monica. We arrived just in time to watch a beautiful sunset from the beach cliffs.

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Most of the shops were closing soon, but we popped into a few for fun. Andy really enjoyed seeing the architecture. We each found some yummy food to take back to our hotel rooms for dinner. I couldn’t wait, and got a jump start on my japchae bowl from Bibibop while waiting for taiyaki. The taiyaki from Somisomi were delicious too, and I wish I had more room to eat them all! My favorite filling was the seasonal special hotteok made with brown sugar and nuts.

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Back at the hotel, we bid each other goodnight to rest and eat. I, of course, caught up on new kpop videos posted that day. Here’s the choreo I was watching – part of the setlist for the concert, and some of this crew toured as back-up dancers for our show.

I also stayed up watching twitter updates on the concert happening that night. Even at this point, I wasn’t sure the concert was really going to happen for us. I was alarmed to read that one of the members who felt ill earlier in the day and missed a fansign, left the stage mid-show. Eventually the twitter users let us know that he had hurt his ankle and would sit out the rest of that show. Phew. I was worried it was contagious illness that would cancel our show. Just a minor injury that needed rest. Indeed, he was back for our night. We got all 8 members and the injured one only sat out one number towards the end.

My (current) favorite kpop groups are Seventeen and Ateez. In November, Ateez announced that they would resume their world tour that was postponed in 2020, including the US. This would be one of the first kpop tours to comeback since the pandemic started. Most fans held on to their 2020 tickets and could use them now. The tour was sold out, but there were plenty of seats on the after-market, either from people who could not attend the new dates, or scalpers. I seriously considered buying a ticket, was tracking prices, and nearly bought a couple of times when I saw them for less than $450. But I was nervous that the tour would be canceled due to covid rates surging, or the group would get sick and cancel, or I would get sick and not be able to attend. With a reseller ticket, I would have no refund option. Nevertheless, I found myself daydreaming of a California getaway, a quick trip to take a break from it all and dance my heart out with my favorite idol group.

Omicron cases continued to soar through December. So I was very surprised when they announced that, due to overwhelming demand, they would be adding an extra day to the tour. A new date in Los Angeles! The closest and safest venue, and with an original ticket that would have cancelation protection! I couldn’t believe it. I had to try.

If only I had a friend to go with me. Ben assured me that he was NOT interested, plus getting childcare would be very difficult if he came too. I have no friends who like kpop. But . . . I have adventurous siblings. On a whim, I texted Amanda and Andy:

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(Spoiler: the yarn shop was closed during our trip.) (Yes, those are all Ateez gifs.)

I was so hyped. I even took a selfie, since I happened to be wearing my homemade Ateez sweatshirt that night.

A while later, after working on details and, sadly, cancelling our plans to meet-up for Christmas, we gathered by phone to try to get good seats. Andy got through the Ticketmaster queue first and scored excellent seats right where I wanted – front row of the first raised tier! Woot! And for a much more reasonable price than resale, $128 after fees/tax. Flights and hotel were quickly settled. My excitement grew and grew.

For the next month I sent Andy and Amanda educational emails about Ateez. It was fun for me to write up these letters about why I love this band so much. I also gave updates on the tour progress. Our concert was going to be the last night of the tour. I was so sure that it would be canceled. The letters were a way for me to exercise my excitement and follow the tour events. I hope they helped Amanda and Andy know what they were getting into too 🙂

If any of my readers care to educate themselves too, I copied all my emails to a document and shared it here.

On Saturday January 29 Sam was baptized. We got permission to have a very small program with only family, the Bishop, and the primary president. Everyone participated in music or speaking. It was short and sweet and memorable (we made the water too warm, and Sam’s clean pants to change into afterward accidentally got soaking wet – whoops!).

Our bishop also allowed us to have Jack ordained to the priesthood during the program.

I’m so glad everyone came together and we were able to accomplish these ordinances.

It’s going to take me a while to gather photos and write up the Los Angeles trip. So I need to share this video right away. I found it on my phone and it turned out so great despite my erratic camerawork. It’s hard to let loose with dance while filming. Wave is one of my favorite Ateez songs and there’s so much joy in this video!

What a great night!!

What an amazing day! I’ve been fantasizing about doing this for months. I can’t believe it happened! I’m on such a high. I wish the night never ended!

These kind boys took a video of us:

And they took a picture too:

I’m on Hongjoong’s shoulder! AAAAAAA!

ATEEZ PRESENT!

Ben and I wanted to do something special for the kids for Christmas. They’ve been cooped up for months on end, turning down invitations from friends, staying sheltered at home. They finally got their vaccines and we wanted to celebrate their success in staying healthy through the pandemic to that point.

Jack was very excited for the latest Spider-Man movie, but resigned to the wait for streaming. For Christmas we came up with a way to take them to the theater with minimal risk.

We picked a matinee, weekday showtime, hoping it wouldn’t be a full theater. Then we bought our tickets in the last row so no one could sit behind us. Then we bought the seats to the side and in front, to guarantee some distance between us and other guests. It worked!

The kids were so excited when they opened the envelope of tickets and we explained the plan. They had a great time at the movie.

We made them keep their masks on, so no snacks or drinks. Don’t worry, we pre-tipped our server generously and told him to get lost 😉 We treated the kids to Culver’s burgers and shakes on the way home to make up for missing the full Alamo experience.

Jack said it was the best movie ever. There were so many surprises. I don’t think we could have made it to streaming release in February without spoiling a lot of it. I worried Sam was too young, but he loved it too.

It was a very merry celebration!

I have Raynaud’s disease. When we learned about it in nursing school in 2009, I suspected that I might be in the early stages. My hands would get cold and pale from time to time. By 2016 my hands looked like classic Raynaud’s, and my PCP officially diagnosed me based on this picture:

She ran some tests to see if there was an autoimmune origin, but they all came back negative. She said the only treatment is blood pressure medication, but if it didn’t bother me much, then just try to stay warm.

So that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s gotten worse as I get older. I have assorted microwave rice packs, heated blankets, special gloves, and all sorts of other aids to try to prevent cold attacks. Some situations almost always cause an attack – the grocery store frozen aisles, an icy Diet Coke with a cold turkey sub (my favorite lunch), driving in the car in winter, and vacuuming in the evening. But they occur other times too, with no apparent cause.

My blood pressure already runs on the low side of normal, so we were hesitant to try BP meds. We tried sildenafil (Viagra) prn last year and I thought it might have helped, but it didn’t seem to make a big difference.

This year the attacks were especially intense and frequent. I don’t know if my recent weight loss affected them, or if general aging is to blame (I will hit the big 40 next month). I was spending an unreasonable amount of time managing my cold hands, trying to coax blood return while strapped to electric hand warmers and being buried under blankets.

I decided it was time to try the calcium channel blocker. I wanted good data so I would clearly know if it was helping. I started tracking my attacks in December before calling my PCP for a prescription. She started me on a half dose of amlodipine. After a week I was seeing such good results, I asked her to let me have a full dose. Look at this chart!

The attacks are milder, shorter, and less frequent. There were a couple times this week that I thrust my hands at Ben and bragged “Feel them! They’re kind of warm!” Icy fingers are my normal state. Warm hands felt so bizarre!

I’ve been tracking my blood pressure too and haven’t seen any big change. It still ranges 92-105 systolic. I only have to be careful about standing up quickly. There have been a few woozy times, but no actual fainting.

This is amazing. I hope it continues to work. I hope I can take a med break from medicating in summer, when the attacks lessen naturally. I wonder if the Raynaud’s reaction is partly psychological, and if I can train my body to stop overreacting to cold/vibrations in certain situations while on the med. That would be awesome. For now, I’m just happy that I’m not spending 75% of my day with my hands stuck under a heater anymore. Science and medicine!