2015 was certainly better than 2014 and 2016 is shaping up to be a great year with what I already have planned. In 2015 I reached a goal that I had set back in 2010. I published my U2 memoir On the Road with U2 – my musical journey – and people seemed to like it! Apparently people enjoyed reading about my adventures and travels to 75 U2 shows between 1992 and 2011. Not only did I publish my U2 memoir, but I was able to give it to Larry and now he has a copy.

I added 15 more U2 shows this year on the iNNONCENCE + eXPERIENCE tour including the opener in Vancouver. In Denver, I met Larry again (first time since the Elevation Tour in 2001) and gave him a copy of my book – and then he signed a copy of my book for me. Bono also signed the copy of my book – I hadn’t gotten his autograph since the ZooTv Tour. That same day I also got my picture taken with Edge, which was a first for me. Later that night in concert, Larry sought me out to give me his drumsticks – and I didn’t even ask. He must have liked my book. I spent 10 days in Chicago seeing 5 U2 shows and another U2 dream of mine was realized. I finally got my picture with Larry after 23 years of touring. I also got Adam’s autograph, which was a first for me. I met Larry again before the first show in New York, which was also the day I met and became friends with Vicky.

My 2015 was pretty much consumed with U2, but I did manage to do a few other things. I saw NKOTB in DC. I saw three Grizzlies games: in Brooklyn in January and in Philadelphia and DC in December – and I got a selfie with ZBo in Philly. I went to a handful of Orioles games, including Opening Day, Social Media night, Cal Ripken’s 2131 20th Anniversary game and the final game of the season on my birthday. I saw Shannon Sharpe at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, but I didn’t get to meet him – although he did tweet me while we were there. I drove out to Cleveland for the weekend going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Broncos – Browns game, which was my reason for going to Cleveland. I went to the movie theater to watch the Back to the Future Trilogy (yes all three movies) on the date Marty traveled into the future, October 21, 2015. I flew to Florida to surprise my dad for his 70th Birthday. It was a blast – haven’t been there in about 10 years or so. My blog, this blog, was voted Runner Up for Best Personal Blog at the Mobbies by the Baltimore Sun. I went to Orioles FanFest and met Brady Anderson again and got my picture with him again.

2015 was a great year, and 2016 looks like it is also going to be fun. I already have many things planned. In January, I am going to the Elvis tribute show at Maryland Live Casino on Elvis Presley’s birthday weekend. In February, I am going to see Ryan Bingham at the Fillmore in Silver Spring. Also in February, I am going up to New York City to see my Grizzlies take on the Knicks. I have never seen them play at Madison Square Garden, so I’m quite excited – plus there is the whole Matt Barnes – Derek Fisher controversy. In April, I am going to see Duran Duran in DC. I haven’t seen them since the Ordinary World tour in the early 1990s when I met John Taylor and Simon LeBon. Also in April, I am going to see A Streetcar Named Desire at the Everyman Theater in Baltimore with my Aunt. In May, I am going to Memphis for the Beale Street Music Festival and hopefully a Grizzlies playoff game. Unfortunately I didn’t make my annual trip to Memphis in 2015, so I am quite excited to visit again. In July, I am probably going to the 25th anniversary of Lollapalooza in Chicago assuming I like the lineup. I have already booked my hotel just in case. In September, I am seeing Maroon 5 in Baltimore – assuming my best friend is taking me. I am not a fan, but I got her tickets for Christmas and her birthday. In October, I am sure I will do something fun to celebrate my birthday. I don’t have tickets to any Orioles games yet, but I am sure I will go to a few. I am sure I will get to at least one Broncos game in the Fall and a Grizzlies game or two if they play in DC, Philly and NYC. And if U2 releases their new album in the Fall as planned, I will be out on tour again at the end of the year. As always, this year I will try to be healthier and make a dent in my 200 plus books on my kindle.

Check back here (and on my Twitter @DeenasDays) to follow my adventures throughout 2016. Have a Safe and Happy New Year!