The Life of a Former Boy-Bander: Nsync Edition

I was in the car on my way home the other day and an old Christmas song from Nsync came on. I admit, I still know the words and can still decipher which one of them is singing...sad eh? This got me thinking though, whatever happened to all the boy bands? Obviously they broke up but I mean, what happened to the members? More importantly, why do I care? I don't know but I'm curious so I'm going to find out where these guys went. We all know that the Backstreet Boys and the New Kids on the Block tried to resurrect their singing careers and bring back their boy bands. To this, a lot of us went "WHY!?" but there were some happy fans out there so I won't criticize...well, not too much. So, what happened to Nsync?


In 2002, they broke millions of girls' hearts when they decided to take a "break." Every girl knows what the words "we need a break" means in a relationship but fans kept hope alive while Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez started their solo albums. That hope was killed when the official website shut down in 2006 and the hope was further stamped on in 2007 when Lance Bass said it was official. Uh duh, they didn't make a CD for four years and Timberlake's career was on fire, of course it was over, but for those few delusional fans with hope it was really really over. Before anyone asks, I lost interest long before this having put my Nsync CDs aside when I started High School (I still listened a bit I will admit but it was then that I became a closet Nsync fan). So where did these guys go? Let's take a look.


The easiest one to track down is, of course, Justin Timberlake.

Yup, that's little Justin when Nsync first started out. He was 14 when the group began. He and Chasez provided the lead vocals for the group so it isn't surprising that in 2002 he released his solo album Justified. After proving he could sell over 10 million copies world-wide on his own there was no looking back. He released Future Sex/Love Sounds in 2006. After selling another 10 million copies of this CD and multiple Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Justin decided to take a break from recording to focusing on his acting. His films have included Black Snake Moan, Shrek the Third, Friends with Benefits, Bad Teacher and the Academy Award Nominated movie The Social Network. He has also become a frequent host/guest star on Saturday Night Live and won the Emmy for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series" in both 2009 and 2011 for his appearances on the show. He also formed "The Justin Timberlake Foundation" which promotes music education in the schools. To say that Timberlake made a name for himself outside of Nsync would be an understatement. He has made sure that people know he is more than choreographed dance moves and spiffy costumes. He is also more than the boy we once knew as the one who wore matching denim outfits with Britney Spears...yeah, I had to remember that moment. He has been dating Jessica Biel for a long time now and dresses much better than he did since that horrible moment. For this we can be grateful. My props go out to the man for making a name for himself when he could have rode the Nsync fame until they vanished into obscurity.

Oh boy, it's worse than you remember isn't it?

Thanks iVillage for the flashback!

Almost 32 years old now, the boy now

dresses better. I am glad he is doing so well!

Next up: Lance Bass!

Remember Lance? Of course you do! He was the quiet, sweet guy in the group that stole many girl's hearts with his deep voice and gentle disposition. What happened to Lance? Well, in 2002 he tried to pursue his dream of being an astronaut and went through cosmonaut training. He planned on attending the Soyuz space capsule but sponsors pulled out and he was denied a seat on the voyage. In 2006, Bass came out to People Magazine with the declaration of "I'm Gay!" To some, this came as a shock. Afterall, he dated Danielle Fishel (Topanga on Boy Meets World) and locked lips with Emmanuel Chriqui in their movie On the Line. For the rest of us it was a "yup, saw that coming" moment. Either way, the boy is gay and he is out. I think the teenage Lance fan in many women cried when they read that magazine. Anyway, Bass hasn't been nearly as prominent as his friend Justin but he appeared on Dancing With the Stars in season 7 and placed third with his partner Lacey Schwimmer. He has also done a few small roles in a handful of movies and tv series but no starring roles since his teen-targeted movie On the Line in 2001. He has been very involved in charities however. The Lance Bass Foundation helps children of low-income families with health needs and he launched "uBid for Hurricane Relief" to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. He also appeared on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and donated money to a camp for disabled Russian children. He also released a memoir in 2007 titled "Out of Sync" in which he addresses his sexuality and his life as a member of Nsync which was a big step for the normally quiet Nsyncer.

Poor Lance may never see space.

Lance is now 32 and stepping out

into the spotlight a bit more.

Joey!

Oh boy, remember how often that boy changed his hair colors? Blond tips, red hair, PICK A COLOR MAN! But still we loved him. He was the goofy one and teenage girls loved it. After the break-up, Joey went on to act in a few movies, most notably My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Other than this, and a few titles most of us didn't see, we didn't see a lot of Joey from about 2003-2007 on screen. However, he was on stage in the plays Rent  and Little Shop of Horrors from 2002-2004. In 2007, Joey became a contestant on season 4 of Dancing With the Stars (yup, he paved the way for Lance). He was paired with Kym Johnson and took second place to which I still say, "He was robbed!" but thus is life. Dancing seemed to reignite Joey's on-screen career. He went on to host The Singing Bee, guest starred on some TV shows, made a handful of TV Movies and, as of 2010, he is the announcer on The Family Feud. Putting aside from show business, it is nice to note Joey has had a full family life since Nsync. In 2004, he married long-time girlfriend Kelly Baldwin and they have two little girls, Briahna (age 10) and Kloey (almost 2). It looks like Joey has found a nice balance between a family life and a career. Joey will be 35 in January.

What a cute family!

I still haven't seen anyone

top his Jive!

Chris Kirkpatrick, where have you been?

Who could forget those horrible, HORRIBLE braids? I thought they were horrible even when I was 12 and thought this group was awesome. Don't worry, the braids have disappeared but unfortunately for Chris the photos and memories of that terrible fashion choice live on....anyway, Chris was the member of Nsync that was accredited with forming the group. He was also the oldest member and is one of the harder ones to track down. He didn't launch a movie career but he did do a voice for The Fairly OddParents cartoon. Remember popstar Chip Skylark on the show? Yup, that was Chris. Other than this, we didn't see much of Chris until 2007 when Chris appeared on the VH1 reality series Mission Man Band. Yeah, you read that right: Man Band. The premise of the show was to take four former boy banders, put them together in a house for a month and see if they could create music and a stage presence that would wow people into loving pop bands again.  (Jeff Timmons from 98 degrees, Rich Cronin from LFO (may he rest in peace) and Bryan Abrams from Color Me Badd were also on the show). In January of 2007 the band performed at an Orlando Magic basketball game where they were booed off the court...I guess we know how well the Man Band idea was accepted. Chris was part of another reality music show in 2008 when he appeared on the second season of CMT's Gone Country. The idea of this show is to guide celebrities into a new career path of country music with the help of Big and Rich's John Rich. Chris didn't win but Rich said that he had one of the strongest songs of the season, and a possible chart topper, with "That'll Get Ya By." It also appears that Chris was part of a band called Nigels 11. There is a website dedicated to the band and a MySpace page but the MySpace page hasn't been updated since 2009 and the main website hasn't been updated since early 2010, with no tour dates listed, so I think it is safe to say that Nigels 11 is no more. There isn't much information on Chris besides this. He doesn't appear to be married and still seems to be trying to catch another taste of the fame he had with Nsync. I never watched Mission Man Band but I remember a friend of mine commenting on how much of a douche Chris seemed to be...I might go look at old episodes to see if it's true.

Chris is now 40.

And Finally: JC Chasez

I was a young JC fan once upon a time. When JC and Justin decided they wanted to pursue solo careers in 2002, I hoped that I would enjoy their CDs...I admit that I didn't buy either of their cds though I listened a little on the radio. In 2004 JC released Schizophrenic and the only sales information I can find say that he sold around 170,000 copies...not quite the millions that Timberlake sold. Chasez was also dropped from the 2004 Pro Bowl's half-time performance due to Timberlake's Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" with Janet Jackson. The NFL feared that lyrics from Chasez's song "Some Girls Dance with Women" were too sexual and they were headed toward a terrible repeat. JC began work on a second album, The Story of Kate, but that was never released due to his separation from Jive records. Don't feel too bad for him though. He has gone on to write songs for David Achuleta, Backstreet Boys (yup, the former "enermy"), Girls Aloud and more. He has also been a judge on America's Best Dance Crew since 2008. He has also guest starred on a few TV shows and done a few movies with his most recent one, Red Sky, being in post-production. No plot has been released on IMDB at this time for Red Sky. As for JC's personal life. He's not married, no kids and has recently been battling rumors that he is gay. He claims to be straight and single so there isn't much to know about that. 

His hair sure was Schizophrenic

in this picture...

JC is 35 now.

So, there you have it. That's what happened to the members of Nsync. Justin kept being a superstar while the others settled into different forms of fame. JC and Joey seem to be living comfortably, Chris is struggling to find another band and Lance has finally begun appearing in public more. Well, that settles the questions that popped into my head...and all because I heard a song on the radio. This launched me into detective mode. Maybe I'll do this again soon with 98 degrees or another boy band that has been lost through the years. Until then, I hope you enjoyed!

The song that started this post.

(And yes, that's Gary Coleman as Santa's elf)

Thanks to these websites for their help with information and pictures:

http://www.people.com/people/justin_timberlake

http://www.williamsbayschools.org/hs/departments/business/images/web/own/2011/nsync/biography.html

http://www.sportshollywood.com/askbass.html

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2007-03-07-lance-bass_N.htm

http://celebritybabies.people.com/2007/10/16/joey-fatone-and-2/

http://celebritybabies.people.com/2010/07/02/joey-fatone-on-starting-over-with-baby-kloey/

www.imdb.com

www.nigels11.com

Starbucks is Getting Me Through Higher Education

Tonight I headed to my last class of my first semester of Grad School. On the way I stopped at the campus Starbucks, got a Venti Gingerbread Frappuccino and merrily went on my way. It was then that I realized this has become a ritual for me this semester. I went to my Wednesday class with a Starbucks in hand. Why? Because my professor was very, very boring! He's a nice man but wow, monotone voice anyone?! After thinking about it, I realized my intake of coffee has gone up quite a bit this semester as compared to my life before I went back to school.

Here I must note that coffee does not affect me like it does normal people. I don't get caffeine rushes and it doesn't keep me up at night. I drink coffee for the flavor and for the warmth (because I am ALWAYS cold). My mom is a 2 pot a day coffee drinker and is the same way. She and I both can have large cups of coffee right before bed and sleep like babies.

So why does coffee make a difference in my school life? I've come to the conclusion that coffee gives me something to do while my professor talks. I sip on my drink and pretend to listen, I enjoy the flavor and it somehow magically transforms the professor into a tolerable man. But I also realized today that I have relied on coffee for much of my adult life.

I've been drinking coffee since I was about 10 years old and I am living proof that it didn't stunt my growth as I am 5'6 but hey maybe I should have been 6 foot ;) I drank coffee during my late night cram sessions for high school and depended on it even heavier for my undergraduate years in college. The Starbucks was my first stop before my early morning classes. Once again though, it didn't wake me up with the caffeine, the heat woke me up.

I even drink coffee when I have a good teacher. I don't drink as often with a good teacher but when I feel the need to have further concentration or warmth. After I graduated college I still drank coffee but not nearly as often. I had maybe a cup or two a day and I was satisfied. I also began drinking more coffee brewed at home. For some reason I would grab a Starbucks instead of making a fresh pot and taking it with me. Why? Laziness? I don't really know. There was something about Starbucks that said, "Ah, you deserve this cup of joy during your long class" that a normal cup of coffee didn't.

Now I make a pot of coffee AND grab Starbucks on most school days. I lost my travel mug...no idea how but I did and so my traveling coffee has been purchased. Either way, Starbucks and coffee in general have fueled my education. But, if not for the awakening powers, why does my coffee intake pick back up when I am in school? I have come to two conclusions: 1.) Coffee comforts me like the security blanket of adulthood. 2.) It provides something to mess with while my teachers speak. This is the only probably causes I can come up with but if anyone cares to add, I would gladly appreciate the comments.

I also drink coffee when I write but this is purely a coffee pot dependency and I drink about 3 times as much. Does sipping my cup of deliciousness make me think clearer? Why do these two tasks call for two different forms of the same thing? I think it's because the coffee in my house is here and I don't have to leave my computer for long to grab it while I write. Either way, I thank coffee for propelling me forward.

So given that Starbucks has fueled my education, don't you think they could make it cheaper? I think the price has raised since my undergraduate degree by at least a dollar and Grad or Undergrad, money doesn't grow on trees! (The price could also be a reason why I am brewing so much lately) Wouldn't it be nice if Starbucks had a student discount? I don't see that happening but next semester you will probably see me in the campus Starbucks once again!

Top 10 Movies to See in 2012!

Every year is filled with movie releases and we all have films that we want to see. Here is a list of the Top 10 movies I want to see in 2012. I don't want to put them in order of how much I want to see them, because that would be hard to chose, so they will be in order of release dates.


1. Beauty and the Beast 3D

Release Date: January 13, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Alright, "Beauty and the Beast" is not a new movie but it's one of my favorite Disney movies and it's coming out in 3D! I'm not a huge fan of 3D, I know I'm a freak. I think it is most likely because there are SO many movies in 3D these days that I miss the good old fashioned ways of movies. PLUS most 3D movies I have seen in the past year aren't really 3D, they just add a few tricks in to make a couple extra bucks. However, I am excited to see one of my favorites back in the theaters and I am hoping they do some great 3D work with this one that doesn't make me feel it is completely done for money.

2. This Means War

Release Date: February 17, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Romantic comedy meets spy movie. This sounds fun! Romantic comedies often have two men fighting over one woman. This movie promises that the men are actually fighting in a hard core spy way as Chris Pine and Tom Hardy's character's vie for Reese Witherspoon's heart. This won't be an Academy Award Winner but it looks fun! If all else fails, it has Chelsea Handler and she is hilarious!

3. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Release Date: March 2, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Um, it's Dr. Seuss...need I say more? If so, it's from the creator's of "Despicable Me," which was an awesome movie, and it's animated! Some of the live action Seuss movies had parts that disappointed me. I think Dr. Seuss books should be animated. "The Grinch" was great but "Horton Hears a Who" was better. Also, Danny DeVito and Betty White are part of the cast of voices, what could be better?

4. 21 Jump Street

Release Date: March 16, 2012

Why I Want to See This: I don't usually look forward to remakes. In fact, I usually view them warily until they prove that they at least have some of the merit of the original. This one looks promising! Channing Tatum and a newly slim Jonah Hill star in this remake that once starred Johnny Depp. I can't wait to see if this is as funny as the trailer makes it look! 

5. Mirror Mirror

Release Date: March 16, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Yes, it's yet another re-imagining of a classic fairy tale but it looks like it will have a special charm and humor to it that will set it apart from a long list of remakes. The main reason I want to see it though? Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen! I haven't seen Julia Roberts in many movies in the past few years and I always enjoy seeing her and she will be evil, something she usually doesn't play. This excites me for reasons I can't explain. If that isn't enough to convince you, Nathan Lane plays the Queen's servant and he is pure awesomeness!

6. American Reunion

Release Date: April 6, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Those kids who made us laugh with their hilarious quests to lose their virginity are back and they are all grown up...kind of. The gang is back to reminisce at their high school reunion and lots of quirky, humorous antics are bound to follow. The best part is that they got the entire original cast back to make us laugh! Yes, that includes Jim's dad and Stifler's mom and it looks like something is going to happen there. I can't wait!

7. Marvel's The Avengers

Release Date: May 4, 2012

Why I Want to See This: 2012 will be a year full of comic book hero movies. This one combines everyone's Marvel favorites, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and more! The movie has an all-star lineup! The only recast from the previous films is Mark Ruffalo will replace Edward Norton as the Hulk. I think he will do an excellent job. It will be exciting to see how they meld together all the heroes to make one giant franchise film that mirrors the comics!

8. The Amazing Spider-Man

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Let's face it, Tobey Maguire was getting a little old to be Spider-Man and, after the horrendous third movie, they needed to start over. This film will bring Spider-Man back to his younger days and his origins. Andrew Garfield looks like a promising new super hero and he has a great cast to back him up with Emma Stone, Sally Field, Martin Sheen and more. Admit it, Spider-Man looks pretty bad-ass! Let's hope he is!

9. The Dark Knight Rises

Release Date: July 20, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Anyone who knows me knows that Batman is my all-time favorite superhero! I have all the movies (yes, even the "bad" ones) and I have loved Batman since I was young. If I had to choose the movie I was most excited to see next year, it'd be this one. Christian Bale is back for the last movie in the trilogy and he will be battling Anne Hathway as Catwoman and Tom Hardy as Bane. The movie looks like it will be as amazing as the others and I am anxious to see how they end the series.

10. The Hobbit

Release Date: December 14, 2012

Why I Want to See This: Most "Lord of the Rings" fans will be flocking to see this prequel to the films. I have never seen any of the "Lord of the Rings" movies (I know, I am weird) but I have started reading "The Hobbit" and the entire series has been on my list of books to read since before my accident. I will be excited to see how the book is portrayed on screen after I have finished reading it. I have heard that the entire series has been true to the books, something very important to me, so I look forward to seeing this film.

So ends my list. There are many more movies that I want to see next year but these are definitely the Top 10. What movies are you most eager to see?

My Christmas Letter

This Christmas season has been a busy one so far and I don't see it getting lighter anytime soon so I have decided to blog my Christmas letter. People will get cards, hopefully everyone since I don't have everyone's addresses, but they won't include a letter. So this year's Christmas letter will be a Christmas blog. Enjoy!


To my Family, Friends and Readers,


This year is quickly coming to a close. It's been a busy year and I have a lot to report. As most of you know, I was accepted into the Graduate program for Library and Information Science at Long Island University, CW Post, at the beginning of the year. Since then, Bill and I have relocated. Before the relocation however, a lot happened.


I helped plan my sister Kristin's wedding and it went great! Kristin and Jason were married on June 4th and the wedding went smoother than I could have hoped. I spent the months before the move planning and going to doctors. I saw a brain specialist, pain specialists, chiropractor and more for months. I finally was cleared to go to New York after months of procedures and shots. I still see a chiropractor and have pain daily but I'm learning to live with it and things are getting better.

Me, Dad, Kristin, Mom and Sarah at the wedding.

The happy couple.

The Happy couple and

my two nephews, Gabe and Addison.

Also in June, we added a new member to our family: Oscar! He is a happy little Corgi and is already 8 months old. Time has flown by! He is happily roaming around the apartment looking for fallen food as I speak.

Oscar with his giant cookie!

In July, mom and dad packed us up and we left Colorado for New York, stopping along the way in Iowa to see family. It was great seeing everyone and I miss them already! We got to New York in August and moved into our apartment. Dad and mom carted the U-Haul as we made our way across the country. I'm so grateful they were there to help! 

Camping with the family on the way to New York.

Grandpa was the only one who noticed the camera.

Me, my cousin Megan and Bill.

Bill and I at the Field of Dreams.

We stopped there on our way to New York.

In August I started working for the first time in almost two years. It's been difficult to work through the pain but I am getting more used to it every day. Working retail around the holidays has been interesting (see the blog posts on it) but it's great to be working again.


In September, Bill and I celebrated one year of dating (we celebrated one year of knowing each other in July). We are very happy and I can't imagine my life without him by my side. He has made life so much better since my accident and he reminds me every day how lucky I truly am.

Bill and me at the zoo.

Bill and me at my first Jets training camp.

(Broncos are still my number 1 team!)

Also in September, I officially started Grad school. This semester has been long but it's been great to be back in the classroom. I've had to do some adjusting in my studying because of my brain but it is worth it. I am just glad I haven't had tests yet because my memory still isn't the best. The semester is almost done and I can't wait for next semester when I get to actually take some classes geared toward my future profession: Children's Librarian. I have one more paper to write and then I am on my way.


In November, I decided to do some big things concerning my writing career. First, I self-published an ebook, a short story, with the help of my editor, Kortnee. "Trapped" is now available for purchase and has recently been re-priced at $0.99. (I am still playing with prices to see what works). I also participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and finished a novel in 23 days. It is currently being edited by me before I send it to my editor. I'm also working on a short story to release for December. The goal is to release one a month. I'm also having one of my children's books illustrated to put on Nook. I'll be keeping everyone updated on my blog.

Now we are in December and things are finally starting to die down after a rush of homework. I'm working a lot because Christmas is rapidly approaching. I'm enjoying all the Christmas lights that are going up and hope to get my tree up this weekend. I also hope to get my cards out, presents wrapped and last school paper done. Maybe I'll find time to see the tree at Rockefeller Center since I've never been there...if not, there is always next year. It will be a busy month but it will be worth it. This will be my first Christmas without my family and I miss everyone terribly but I will be home in January to visit! I can't wait to see everyone! 


I guess that sums up the year. I hope everyone follows my progress on here concerning my writing and everything else in life. Thank you to my family and friends for their love and constant support and thank you to my readers for following me through this year.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Jilly

Happy Holidays from our house

to yours!

Top 10 Toys (from my childhood)

Christmas is coming! I keep seeing children walking around my store, asking for toys and their parents' response is always, "Christmas is coming. You might get that." I remember this all too well. I have never been good at waiting for Christmas and I probably never will be. This is my favorite holiday and I love it! I love the lights, the music and the decorations! I love going to church, buying presents and watching Christmas shows. Now, I'd be a dirty liar if I said I didn't like getting presents for Christmas...who doesn't like presents? So, in honor of Christmas and those children who are asking for gifts, I have decided to take a stroll down memory lane. I now present the Top 10 Toys from my Childhood! This is in no particular order and, yes, I know there are many more fun toys than this but this is my list so enjoy! :)


1. The Barbie Car!

More specifically, the pink, convertible Barbie Corvette! I loved this thing! Now, the picture above is the best one I could find because mine was from around 1990 so just take my word, it was awesome! Yes, I liked Barbies and I was proud to ride in that Corvette. I had a phone which I called Grandma with, the hood popped up so I could check my engine and it drove in reverse...What a life, what a life! I drove this car until I was much too big to shove my little legs in it and I was sad to see it go. It was my first taste of driving and I was horrible at it, ask my dad who has me on film running into him then driving away cackling. This was an awesome present! These days I would never drive a pink car but back then, I WAS AWESOME!

2. Nitendo!

My sister's Nitendo looked like this. I have never seen a kid freak out like she did. She tore the paper, screamed and flung around like a moron (I mean this in the most loving way). We played that Nitendo constantly! Who could forget the wonderment that was Paperboy!? Yes, children, we pretended to be paperboys and threw the papers but no we didn't have motion sensors to do it...I know, we were deprived. I miss the old school Nitendo. I loved the Super Mario Bros and Duck Hunt. Those were the good old days!

When I was 12, I got the Nitendo 64 and I think I was nearly as bad as Kristin was when she opened her Nitendo, but much less spastic and completely cool. ;) My dad and I spent MONTHS trying to conquer Mario 64. This was the new thing back then, man I feel old! Making me feel even older is remembering the Sega and Gameboy we had to take along with us. Remember those things? They were so thick you could use them to prevent a mugging! One hit from them and bam, you are safe!

3. The Sit N' Spin

Ah, the Sit 'N Spin! Remember that thing? I think they are selling them again but I will always remember them as being from "my time." I'd wrap my chubby little legs around that sucker and spin as fast as my little arms could take me (YES KIDS, I spun myself!) Those things were great. I'd spin until I felt nauseous...then I'd do it again. Good times, good times!

4. The Easy Bake Oven!

Now, I can't remember if this was my sister's toy or mine but I loved it! I could bake my own little morsels of goodness and decorate them and eat them, all without my mommy's help! I felt like a big kid when I pulled out the little chocolate cakes that I made myself, from a nice packet of powder and water. Thinking back, those cakes had to be horrible for me but so delicious! I was my own baker, bow down to the amazingness of my scrumptious cookies! If only baking was so quick and easy these days...sigh, I miss that little oven.

5.  Super Soaker!

Who can forget the Super Soaker? I remember saving my money to get the biggest Super Soaker I could, just so I could spray and torture people...I mean, have fun with them. These were the ultimate water fighting weapons. You'd pump the gun until it couldn't possibly be pumped anymore due to the pressure then spray! Pumping this much made it shoot far and hopefully soak your victim. What a wonderful invention!

6. Troll Dolls!

Ah, Troll Dolls. They were plastic little naked creatures with wild hair and bejeweled tummies...and we wonder why my generation went on to dye their hair wacky colors and pierce their belly buttons (and other things)? Just kidding. These things were a craze! I had the little ones, like above, and a giant one that I could dress and brush his hair. I honestly don't know why these things were so popular now that I look back but they were still one of my favorite toys.

7. The Furby

This toy is one reason this list is titled "Top Toys from my Childhood" and not, "Still My Favorite Toys from my Childhood." I was so excited when these came out. They talked to you, blinked and their mouths moved so you could "feed" them. They were awesome...until they started talking to you randomly at night when you were trying to sleep! I don't care if Furby is hungry, Jilly is sleeping! They also had their own weird language so we have no idea if they were being nice or if they fuzzy little demon was plotting to conquer the world. It was really cute, at first. I think my dad was happy when I stopped playing with it and realized it was not the most amazing toy ever. Still, my parents waited in line for that little creature and I loved him for a long time. It's not their fault that he was semi-satanic when the batteries ran low.

8. Puppy Surprise

The surprise was that your stuffed puppy gave birth on your table. Put that image aside and we will now go to the awesomeness: You not only got the stuffed dog but you got her puppies! I was so excited when I first saw this commercial. The dog would give birth to a random number of puppies, somewhere between 3 and 6 I believe, but you wouldn't know until you opened her up and pulled them out. Yeah, wash that weird image from your head and imagine you are a seven year old girl who wants a puppy very badly and it makes it all better. I named my dog and all my puppies and happily played with them. However, it's not really a shocker that I haven't seen a birthing dog on the shelf since then.

9. Beanie Babies

Who could forget the craze that was the Beanie Babies? Those small little stuffed friends made people go nuts. I knew people with hundreds of them. They were cute, they were small and they could go anywhere with you! They also came in all your favorite animals and colors and had names and little fun descriptions about them. My first one was a white seal, Slippery I think was his name, and he started the love for me. I had a bunch of these little guys, though not hundreds, and they lined the shelves of my bookcases for years.

10. Skip-it

The Skip-it! You put the plastic ring around your ankle and swung it around and jumped over it while it counted your jumps. What fun! You didn't even care when the miraculously heavy hunk of plastic on the end hit you in the ankle or the shin...let me tell you, that thing was built to last and it left bruises to prove it! Still, my sisters and I would spend hours taking turns on that thing to see who could get the highest count. It was a toy that kept you active without shoving us in front of a television, what a miracle.

So, while I was writing this, I realized I have way too many favorite toys. I included a few up top that I loved when I was younger though they soon revealed themselves to be ridiculous. Due to my need to comment on their absurdity, I had to leave out a few so here are some pictures of the honorable mentions!

For Sarah: Rainbow Brite and Friends! (I stole these a lot)

Tamagotchi- Another way to have a digital pet! Mine died a lot...                                            

For Bill: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! I never had any of these but my friend's brother did and we stole them all the time. The turtles were awesome!

The Pogo Hopper! Both of my sister's had these. I loved it, though I had no balance. 

And Muppet Baby toys! I had some from Kid's Meals and some that you bought in the store. I loved these things! They went along with one of my favorite shows. Good times!

Thus ends my list of fun toys. You may not recognize them all and you may not agree that they all needed mentioning...that is why this is my list. :) I know I forgot a bunch of them so I will ask this: What was your favorite toy, or what toy do you remember because it was absurd? Please comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!