Off day...

I've been having an awful time sleeping lately. I'm usually just not tired or there a 1,000,001 things on my mind. I usually toss and turn, watching a variety of shows, including Drake and Josh or Phineas and Ferb. Yup. Normally, I can just get by on a few hours of sleep. But, lately, I have felt incredibly miserable - stressed out about life and little sleep is not a good mix, in case you were wondering.

I've finally been able to get some sleep this week, but last night, I woke up around 4:30 a.m. I was just sort of worried when I woke up and then I have a hard time falling back to sleep. I was nervous about today, because I had to do an interview for the newspaper, and I was just hoping everything went okay...You know, the usual. I walked out to the living room, because my cat was crying, then watched TV for a bit, then finally fell asleep awhile later.

I finally got up around 10 and got ready. Around noon, my aunt came over, then my mom and I had lunch with her. We still had enough time after lunch that we decided to go to Home Goods and a couple other places. I was starting to get anxious about making sure I had everything ready to go, and was just in the right mindset, so we headed home. We watched TV for a bit, I made sure my phone had plenty of space to record audio and just tried to relax as much as possible.

Finally, it was time to go. My mom and aunt were going to run a couple errands, so they just dropped me off. This was something definitely out of my comfort zone, as the show was at one of our local bars. I felt so awkward walking into this totally new place, but met the band, who was huddled at a table. I met with their manager and they figured out a spot for us to chat in an office, so I could record it.

It was interesting, that's for sure. What I love about being a "journalist" is that it allows me to meet so many different kinds of people that I might not be that familiar with, but might be curious to know more about their lifestyles. I'd probably never meet them otherwise. I look at each of the interviews I've given over the past couple years as a stepping stone. I'm also trying to stop putting so much pressure on myself, so that I can learn from my mistakes. It's better that I make them now than once I'm in the "business," even though I'm going to make them there too. Once I just accept that fact, it's a lot easier to move along in life.

I talked with SomeKindaWonderful for about 30 minutes and stuck around a few minutes after just to scope out the venue, since I couldn't stay for the show. I kind of felt like I was doing an interview for "Rolling Stone." Hard core, right? Yeah...That's me ;) JK! Not at all. But, it was a learning experience.

My mom and aunt picked me up, then we went to Sonic to pick up some drinks. My aunt left a few minutes later, then I caught up on my TV shows, like Girl Meets World LeAnn&Eddie. Good times.

I feel like I was just "off" all day - totally out of the norm circumstances and lack of sleep. Not a good mix! But, I think it all turned out okay in the end.

You live and learn.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

Some Things Never Change

It has been 13 years since the last *NSYNC album, "Celebrity," was released.

And what do you know? Out of the clear blue sky, the group's record label decided to drop another CD in 2014. It has a collection of hits, special edition tracks and some unreleased songs. It's basically a gift to fangirls everywhere and is something I won't be getting over anytime soon. Is this not the greatest surprise ever?!?!

I mean, after the little reunion *NSYNC did with Justin at last year's Video Music Awards, it felt like the start of something new. The band even created a Twitter account shortly after the show. But, then it was pretty clear that it was just a one-time thing and Justin would continue to be the amazing solo-artist that he is, while the others try to live up to the boy band fame they once had or focusing on the new projects they've had in the works. After countless rumors about new albums and going on tour, it was pretty clear that this was it and maybe it would have to be enough to pull us through.

Either way, my love for these five guys has never wavered. And I will probably be the 80-year-old in the home wearing an *NSYNC tshirt, blasting "Bye, Bye, Bye" or "Tearin' Up My Heart," talking about the good 'ole days (aka the 90s).

Here are just a few of my memories:

Autograph

*NSYNC did an autograph signing in my city, but I was, like, in Kindergarten when they came. So, my parents didn't let me skip school, but my mom's friend from work got my friend and I these cool autographs. It's amazing that I've had this after all these years, because I'm constantly losing things. 

Later on, my mom's same friend had tickets to the *NSYNC concert in LA...For whatever reason, we didn't go...and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen sat near where our seats WOULD have been. I was saddened by this. 

*NSYNC concert in Las Vegas

This is still one of the highlights of my life...But, my friend and I dressed up in these snazzy *NSYNC inspired outfits (pleather jackets and pants) and throughout the night got asked if we were twins. No, aside from not looking alike...She was turning 15, and I had just turned 10 a couple months before LOL. I'm still sad that we thought we couldn't have our cameras, but when we got to the MGM we found out you could bring cameras. I still remember the Chili's commercials they played all night long, since the guys were sponsored by the restaurant, and them coming super close to us on the floating stage/catwalk thing. I couldn't tell you the setlist from that night...I just remember that I was sharing the same air as Justin and JC; that seemed to be enough for me. I was finally seeing my favorite band/artist live and I couldn't believe it.  I also remember walking past the New York, New York ride and thinking that if *NSYNC were to ride it with us, I would totally go on it. Obviously, that never came up, so I didn't have to be brave. But, it's still nice to think back and smile about. We joked about who we'd ride with if the opportunity did present itself. I think I might've chosen JC. 

All weekend long, we searched the strip high and low trying to casually run into at least one of the guys. Our moms were such troopers following along with and going wherever we "thought" they might be. We walked all through the casinos and shopping areas, just hoping for a glimpse. Our eyes were peeled everywhere. We were going to eat in the MGM's Studio Cafe, but decided not to...come to find later on, after talking to a guy and his family, they had run into JC in there about the time that we would have been eating there. BUMMER! We were hardcore, though.

More recently, last year at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party, JC Chasez was there. I called his name, he turned around/smiled and waved. My little 10-year-old self (who am I kidding, my 21-year-old self) was pretty happy about that. I should have been interviewing him this month for the "Jesus Christ Superstar" show when they came to town, but then the tour was canceled. I was extremely heartbroken. But, maybe there will be another time in the future. I can only hope. 

*NSYNC....Still one of my main obsessions. And I have no regrets.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)