Author Topic:   Drive All Night???
MaryBeth posted 06-19-2000 11:14 PM PT (US)   Click Here to See the Profile for MaryBeth  
aka Whould you kill your daughter if...

This is all Tom Wilson's fault! My mother has put her foot down... NO SPRINGSTEEN! There is only one option; say I'm spending the night at a friens house, drive to NJ, take the train to the Garden, see Bruce, back to Jersey and drive all night back to Washington. I should say that I've flown across the Atlantic alone, taken trains across the county alone, been alone at night in DC (a city witch is alot more dangerous then NYC by the way) all with my parent's permission. AND I know NYC and the NJ transit system like the back of my hand. There's only two problems; my car isn't that dependible (neither is my spelling) and my parents trust me. THEY REALLY TRUST ME. I love them and they are my best friends but I really WANT this. And I am really tired of being a Good Girl and doing the Sensible thing. Now after all this jabbering I have two questions for you guys. Don't worry I'm not going to make you decide if I should go or not (BUT Momma, the guys at the Circuit said I should!) I'd just like a little advice and to know: 1) Does anyone have any "wild and crazy things I've done to see Bruce live" stories that might inspire/ discourage me while my id and superego duke it out. 2)If I was your daughter and I decived you so I could drive 6 hours to a major city in order to see a concert what whould you do?

Undecidedly Yours,
MaryBeth

PhillyGirl posted 06-19-2000 11:26 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for PhillyGirl    
I'm not a good one to ask...I'm too lenient! First, why are your parents objecting so strongly? Second, what do YOU think will happen (eg, "punishment")? Third, how old are you? Fourth, Would you make the trip alone?
PhillyGirl posted 06-19-2000 11:27 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for PhillyGirl    
Gotta go watch the end of the Lakers game...be right back!
MaryBeth posted 06-19-2000 11:51 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for MaryBeth    
First of all I have no idea how they whould react! I HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING BAD IN MY LIFE! I don't even have rules 'cus I don't need them. That's why I'm worried... What if I don't go for it? All alwyas regret it and I'll spend my life thinking about the chances I didn't take because I'm a rediculously responsible person. They have even told me that I'm too serious. The only thing that's holding me back is the hurt that my parents whould feel if they knew I lied. We're very close and we do everthing togeather... we're a unit. The only reason they won't let me go is the money. They just can't afford it and they don't like me spending my own money.
deb posted 06-20-2000 12:11 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for deb    
Stay home, Marybeth.

The risks are greater than the reward.

Bruce will be around again.

I'm willing to bet that your parents have lots of reasons other than finances (safety, safety, safety).

I know it's tough to be controlled by parents (I've been there, for sure). But, someday, when you look back on this (it will all seem funny - no, just joking), taking off for NY against your parents wishes will not be something that you will consider one of your finer moments. Trust me, been there too.

MaryBeth posted 06-20-2000 12:35 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for MaryBeth    
I just want to say that the chances of me doing this ar very, very, very slim. This is most likely me dreaming in print. Also I didn't want my parent to come off as controling and uptight, they're not. I have more freedom then just about anyone my age I know, which is why I don't what to decive them.
WhizBang posted 06-20-2000 01:02 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for WhizBang    
The key here is to make them think that you did aresponsible thing. Tell them that you went to NY to be in an "art" film. You were responsible enough to not make the movie and figured while you were in town to check out who was playing at MSG. What the, hey, what do you know, Bruce Springsteen. Tell them you didn't want to drive home in a fragile state of mind so you went to the concert to settle down a little bit.
My serious advice is to sit this dance out. I've got sisters that I wouldn't want on the highway at night (Hell!!! I don't want to be on the highway at night)
If you do go bring a cell phone so you can contact anybody quickly.
Magic Rat posted 06-20-2000 01:12 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for Magic Rat    
MaryBeth,

How old are you? And if you have done all of those other things alone (flown across the Atlantic, been in DC alone) then why do you not have permission to see Bruce? Would one of your parents go with you??? Just a thought!
My advice is DO NOT do this behind their backs but do talk to them about your strong desire to see the Boss! Communication is VERY important....they might just oblige you!! You never know! Being a parent myself (5 year old) I would not want him to deceive me.

brilliantly disguised posted 06-20-2000 05:03 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for brilliantly disguised    
I think you should go--and swing through St Louis on your way and I'll drive us...ha-j/k

I think you are..17-18?? hmm...that's a toughie. Well, if you go, regardless of if you get caught, and Bruce is back out on the road next year, you'll feel silly. BUT...you may always say "what if..." And of course, there are repercussions of getting caught, broke down, lost, etc.

I'm in the same boat kinda--oh I'm a bit older, live alone, etc...but my problem is work and money. To fly into nyc would cost me 325 minimum , plus the ticket, cab fare, food, one night hotel...looking at 800 i'll bet...for one concert?...after being laid up sick lots last year, i'm caught up on bills, etc..but really trying to save for some recording equiptment for my own music endeavors. I could get enough stuff to really set me up for that 800 bucks.
Not to mention trying to get off work...I already decided if I go, I'm only telling my folks -- everyone will think I'm loony!!! [my folks already know!]

So my solution? I acquired some boots to get my fix, and I'm playing the pick-3 and pick-4 every night! If I win, I'm in...

I only have 2 boot sets so far--I'd be glad to tape 'em for you, or anyone else...for that matter, any trades are welcome...

e mail- Showmepony@aol.com

Oh, and if you were my kid? Well, I'd be a li'l upset,about lying, but as long as you got back ok, inside I'd probably be...well...kinda proud in a way - because I understand the passion you have, and would be glad my li'l girl has the "kahunas" to go for something truly important to her.I don't know your folks, how they would react...but I think deep in your heart you know what you should do, either way.

BillsBruce posted 06-20-2000 06:15 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for BillsBruce    
MaryBeth:
I think you should stay home. I understand how much you want to go (we all do), but if anything were to happen.........

Am I sounding like a parent? That's because I am.

I know it sounds like everyone goes to every concert, but that's really not true. Everyone on this board has missed MANY more shows than they've gone to!!
Personally, I would love nothing more than to be at all ten of the MSG shows, but I just can't (and I don't have to ask my parents!)

You sound like a great kid, and not just becasue you're a Bruce fan!
Take care,
BillsBruce

PhillyGirl posted 06-20-2000 11:58 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for PhillyGirl    
OK, after reading all the advice both ways, here's my take. First of all, my daughter is 19, so I can relate very well. But, I was once 19, too, and a bit rebellious!

You sound VERY mature, and I'm sure you're parents are aware of and very proud of that. The problem isn't that they don't understand. the problem is that they are PARENTS, and they are probably concerned for your safety. I wouldn't have wanted my daughter to go to New York by herself, and we lived in Philly.

I'd say the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to have a plan, and then present it to your parents. They would want to know who you would go with, how would you get tickets, how you will pay for it, etc. It's worth a try. That is, unless you perceive that your mom's "no" really was a final "no."

You can always resort to crying...that always gets to me! :)

Seriously, sounds like you may be deciding to stay home. If so, this is the key.....make your decision, and then don't negotiate it with yourself! Do not torture yourself! This is really important!

Then, plan on getting the boot so you can "be there" whenever you want.

I just remembered (took me awhile!)...I was 17 when I was dying to go to Woodstock. Would have driven from Philly to New York. My parents wouldn't let me go. I regretted it for awhile, but I got over it.

You sound like a great kid, Mary Beth, with a good head on your shoulders. Be true to yourself, and you can never go wrong.

Miami MArk posted 06-20-2000 12:09 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for Miami MArk    
I think you know the difference between what you want and what you can have. Nothing is worse than losing the trust of people who care about you. It may seem very romantic now, but if something ever happened it would just seem stupid. Your parents have obviously raised you right if you are questioning your own desires. If it seems like the wrong thing to do , it is. Stay home and get a good boot, I will send you something. And If you want send me your E-mail and I will review each show for ya. Your parents love and trust will be with you long after Bruce is gone. my em ail is spanjon@yahoo.com And if you were my daughter and went, I would kill you after I found out you were alright!!!!!
Magnus posted 06-20-2000 12:16 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for Magnus    
I remember reading somewhere that Bruce wanted to go to the Montery Rock festival (where Jimi Hendrix would make his big entrance into thee realm of rock n roll) when he was 17 or so, but his parents wouldn't let him because it would mean skipping his highschool graduation. Parents suck sometimes, and my parents are no good at admitting in retrospect when they have been too strict.

You have to make your own decision on whether or not to come to NYC, but if you decide to come, I think the dropline will be one of the safest (and funnest) places you can stay the night in the city.

shortmendy posted 06-20-2000 01:19 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for shortmendy    
As a father of a baby girl my first thought is to stay home. Bus as people have stated we were once rebeilliou.

I remember being 17 when Live-Aid came to Philadelphia and my parents were out of town. We had two tickets and really wanted to go. (We means my older brother 3 yrs.) Anyway we came to the conclusion that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We did not know if our parents would come home on Saturday or Sunday so we LEFT OUR PARENTS A NOTE and went to the shows.
Needless to say they came home Saturday. They were not talking to us for a week but they got over it.
It was well worth it as we were 50 feet from the stage and saw the Led Zepplin reunion.
In conclusion you need to do what you need to do but you also need to be responsible about doing it and willing to deal with the consequences.

Raised Cain posted 06-20-2000 01:51 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for Raised Cain    
As someone else still young enough to be somewhat concerned with whether or not my parents find out the bad things I do..I SAY GO! It's not a sure thing that Bruce and the band will be out on the road again together, and one of the last shows at MSG will surely be something special. Or you could just tell them you're going even if they don't want you to, that way at least they'll know where you are and when it comes down to it, there's really not much they can do about it except chain you up inside your house.
gkid8 posted 06-20-2000 02:01 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for gkid8    
MaryBeth: I would give anything to have the relationship that you have with your parents. Don't throw it away (even if it's a remote possibility they'll never find out) over a concert. If you start to deceive them now, it will be easier next time and so on until the nature of your relationship with them is totally changed. It will not be the same if you deceive them even once!

If you do decide to go, make sure your parents know that you're openly defying them. It is better to rebel than deceive.

gkid8

PhillyGirl posted 06-20-2000 02:06 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for PhillyGirl    
Raised Cain makes a good point...that they really cannot physically stop you.

If it were my daughter, I would want her to tell me, so I could keep in touch with her on a cell phone during the trip. I would be much more disappointed over the lying/deception part than the actual going, since lying and deceiving is a "kid" thing to do, and you seem too mature for that.

You could try telling them that YOU, as a near adult, have made a decision to go, and that you want them to allow you to make a decision on your own, even if they disagree. Then see what they saw. The important thing is the dialogue that preceeds the actual decision. Your relationship with your parents is too important to jeopardize. TELL THEM THAT, as you are explaining your wishes. You don't want them to lose respect for you.

Btw, even if I put my foot down as you say your mom did, I would not turn away from a calm conversation with my child. I suspect she feels the same way? They sound like really great parents.

You have a lot to think about...good luck!

Miami MArk posted 06-20-2000 03:49 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for Miami MArk    
I have to interject. My dad used to tell me "My House,my rules." When you are ready to cut the cord and leave, and not have them feed you, or pay your tuition, or do the things parents do....then it is OK to openly defy them because of.....a rock concert. Think about it. The first time you want go against them....just does not seem worth it to me.
thundrrds posted 06-20-2000 04:08 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for thundrrds    
Marybeth: what show are you trying to make it to from the Washington area (and is this washington state or DC). If it's DC some of us may be able to speak with your parents and help with transportation.
Joanne
tom wilson posted 06-20-2000 11:35 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for tom wilson    
Marybeth I was just kidding, PLEASE do not do something stupid, big difference when you are an 18 YEAR old guy and running off to NYC
and being a young women. Yes i'm a parent and
I would not want my kids running off behind
my back, take Miami up on his offer and turn it up real loud.
tom wilson posted 06-20-2000 11:37 PM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for tom wilson    
PS THis is not the first time it's been "all
my fault" LOL
ktdream13 posted 06-21-2000 01:24 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for ktdream13    
MaryBeth,

At this point in your life this may be one of your toughest decisions that you have made. It seems that you have made all the right decisions in your life so far. I have a sister who is a few years older than you. I know I wouldn't want her going alone. I am that protective older brother type.
I think your parents are only trying to look out for your safety. This decision will be nothing compared to the many difficult decisions that life will impose. If you start falling astray now, it may lead to problems. Granted you are still quite young and you have a good head on your shoulders.
Of course you are the one who needs to make this choice. Yes, there are plenty of G'Lakers who will look out for you in NYC. There will still be a lot of times on that trip that you will be alone. As you can see from the posts above, you can see the ones who are rebels here (I don't mean that in a bad way).
You have a great relationship with your parents. No need to jeopardize that now. I feared my father and I would be nervous of what would happen when I returned. Of course every family is diiferent. Nobody wants you to get in trouble or make a poor choice. But take Miami up on his offer and enjoy his boot. Billsbruce made a good point that we have all missed shows.
Talk to them one more time and get a final decision. Whatever that decision may be, remember it is for the best interest of you. There are thousands of teenagers out there who wish they had a parental realtionship like the one you have with yours. I think The Boss would say listen to your folks.
Good Luck

ktdream13 posted 06-21-2000 01:48 AM PT (US)     Click Here to See the Profile for ktdream13    
Call me Rip Van Winkle. I must have been sleeping because I never saw the post that said you were going until just now. I'm glad that your going. You will have a great time.