the JT movement

Once upon a time, in my early twenties, a cool boy band came out and caused the biggest stir amongst teens and young adults. I found myself singing along to all their songs and *trying* to learn the dance moves. If they were still a band now, I'd love them just as much. Yup, I'm talking about the talented and high energy *NSYNC. Each album that they released over time, seemed to only get better and better. They definitely ran circles around the other bands/singers (98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, etc), and in my opinion, it was mostly due to Justin Timberlake's talent and appeal. Okay, so I'm totally biased because clearly he was the fan fav. Not long after their success, JT broke off from the group and came out with two successful albums of his own, and recently came out with a third which has him in the spot light once again.

One of my favorite moments from back in the day was being at Jimmy Love's one night with the Fab Four and getting so excited when the DJ played "I Want You Back". At the time, everyone in that dance club was twice our age, so I can imagine what they were thinking hearing that song AND seeing eager young gals so excited over this newly released pop song. Again, keep in mind... people twice our age in this place were more accustomed to grooving out to "Brickhouse" or "September" or "Let's Get it On." 

JT's solo freshman and sophomore albums were a proven success- Justified & Future Sex Love Songs- and I loved them both! A very fond moment from the Future Sex love Songs era was when I had the chance to see him perform at the House of Blues in San Diego. I don't know how we got news of him performing there, but I'm so glad that we jumped at the chance to buy tickets. I'd like to say that Angie, Emy, Hazel & I were very, very fortunate to witness this show. Now that he is blown up and he has "arrived", seeing him at a small intimate venue like HOB is unheard of. No show will ever compare to that one.We were up close and personal with Mr. Timberlake. The singer, the dancer, the actor, the golfer, the philanthropist, the comedian, the NBA basketball team owner, the clothing designer and most recently, the husband. Waaaahhhhh!

With the release of his latest album, I immediately caught on to a few songs that's been tagged as my favs. He's been promoting the release of his new CD (and pretty much himself): Target commercials, his performance at the Grammy's (wow, that was amazing!), appearances and performances on all the talk shows from LA to NYC. I was glued to the TV for weeks when he hosted SNL and then spending the week hosting with Jimmy Fallon. All of it was DVR'd and just about took up all the memory, kicking off other shows that  were recorded. Every song he performed on Fallon, made me fall for him- this boy can move and groove.  This modern day JT has my heart skipping a beat, I feel so silly being attached to him like I was 5 years or even 10 years ago, but how can I not be so fascinated by this walking legend. 

Despite the horrendous traffic and parking issues we will face at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, I'm so excited to see him perform live. This will not compare to the HOB show in SD, but I'm sure it will be up there, especially since Jay Z will be on stage as well. I will check in later next week to report how it goes.

Eeeks, SEXY is SO is back...

ouch!

Training for a summer half marathon is a son of a biatch. It's hot and the heat just makes me want to laze around. As much as I try to get up early on the weekends to run, it is so hard. So the majority of my runs end up being in the evening 3 or 4 times a week. I try to find every excuse to keep from putting on my sneaks and pounding the pavement for a solid hour, but thank God for hubs who pushes me to get it done. Love him!

On a run short run the other day, I took a awkward step and knew at that second something was wrong. Almost like I hyper extended the back of my knee. Not a severe injury, but as any leg injury, it needed to be rested, elevated and iced. I took three days off and decided to try my hand at Insanity. Yeh, total blast from the past, huh? It was so weird how I found those 40 minutes to be an easy, but great work out.

Easy, because I'm so used to hour long barre classes and hour long runs. I haven't had a date with Shaun T. in over a year and he was quite pleasant.

Fast forward to 24 hours later, my calves are killing me!!! Yet, we desperately wanted to get a run in and went to the lake the next day despite being sore. Another 24 hours later, OUCH! It's amazing how a few days of rest and a change in workouts make the biggest difference. 

Despite my ouchies I am determined to keep up with my training schedule...4 more weeks! And check this out...I searched high and low for these suckers and found them for the race. Woo-hoo!

birthday girl

As mentioned in a few posts ago, the little girl turned 4 years old this month and we celebrated very quietly this year, with just immediate family. But it's not really a quiet celebration with my family- we are talking over 25 people. However, a beautiful, warm afternoon in the middle of July, food, a pool, sunscreen, a pinata, a delicious cake and the company of family was all we needed to celebrate this 4 year old. 

And she was just fine with it, it was the perfect pool party!

 

JULY catch up

It's July, which basically means we are half way through the year! Can you believe it?

This means my little girl turns 4 real soon, my hubby is turning another year older, summer is in full swing, lots of upcoming beach, pool and outdoor time and it's going to get hot up in here. Hello Summer!

It's been a few months since I've been here and not a lot of changes, but a lot going on. With pre-school ending at the beginning of June, that brought on the end of the first swim session and dance classes on Saturdays. 

It was the first time CJ has ever been in swim lessons, but because of her love for swimming pools and water, it was no problem for her adjusting to learning and actual instructions. Today she starts swim lessons again for 2 weeks straight, and we hope the consistency helps the learning curve. 

The dance recital took place last weekend and I had no idea how hectic of a day that would be. But at the end of the day it was all worth it! Seeing my little girl on stage pulling off dance moves that she has practiced over the last few weeks couldn't make me more proud. Her class was assigned "Circle of Life" from the Lion King movie, so their outfits were to die for. Nude, long sleeve leotard, nude tights, brown tutu, lion ears made on a headband and a tail to attach to the tutu. The proud mom in me yelled her name while on stage and she stopped in her tracks to look for me and waved at us. A typical 4 year old ballerina moment... and that was my typical (Lion) Mom Pride moment, I just had to. :)

We have been hustling and bustling at work, which is a good thing. Balance between life at home and life at work is not an easy task, but I'm managing. Six months from now will be the good life. I put a hold on my barre classes since I'm training for a half marathon this August, and although I miss it training is more important than pulsing and plies right now. Most running days are great once I get past that 1st mile, but this heat will not be helpful. I just need to suck it up and get it done. In line with my training schedule, my long runs are approaching fast- pray for me!

Lots of party/get together planning over the next two months, but who am I kidding? This will be never-ending! I am looking forward to a fun summer filled with lots of relaxing, BBQ's, beach, pool & sun time, running highs (and lows) and quality time with family and friends. 

Thanks for visiting, I promise I will be back soon and more often!