Four Things I Learned at the Usher Concert Last Night

I don’t normally write about my record company days. I’m not sure why. Maybe because it feels like eons ago, but for the first half of my professional career – pre-kids, when I was youthful in my 20s – I was a publicist for LaFace Records and spent my days scheduling and accompanying artists to photo shoots, magazine interviews, award shows and television appearances. Usher was one of those artists. I’ve walked that boy down many red carpets and have watched him grow not only into a superstar, but into a wonderful young man. So, when my girlfriend, Lisa (she still works at the label) offered me two tickets to his concert last night I quickly said yes. Usher always puts on a hell of show.

Me, Usher and Lisa in 2000

It’s been 10 years since I left the industry and truth-be-told I don’t go to many big concerts anymore, so last night I got an education. Here are four things I learned …

I’m OLD. Ok, that might be a little harsh, but at 39 I’m definitely a little more seasoned than I was the last time I attended an Usher concert. I knew the words to all the songs, even to that little cutie Trey Songz who opened up for him, but I’m not quite sure I was dressed appropriately which leads me to my next discovery.

The FREAKS come out at night. Or, apparently to a Trey Songz/Usher concert. There was more booty bouncin’ than I thought Phillips Arena could handle. Thigh-high boots, tights and barely-covering-that-ass skirts were all the rage. Hoochies Ladies were definitely dressed for the club, or the after-party, or maybe I’m just old.

A SISTERS night out is still fun. My sister, Nicole, and I left our husbands at home with the kids and braved the cold and the freaks together. We had a blast, and a beer, ahem, and a great time discovering we're old rediscovering our youth.

All bundled up. It’s COLD for Atlanta.

In between sets. We both stood out because we didn’t have any skin showing – gasp!

“Peace Up, A-Town Down.” See, I still know the cool lingo.

Usher should be in my running PLAYLIST. I worked several of his records but still forget how many hits he has. OMG. DJ Got Us Fallin In Love. Yeah. Caught Up. U Remind Me. You Make Me Wanna. Bad Girls. The list could go on.

Anyone else have Usher in their playlist? ... Or, discover they are not as young as they used to be over the weekend?

Winks & Smiles,

Half Marathon Checklist: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

No, I’m not getting married again; I’m running a half marathon. You mean this saying only applies to weddings?

I’m officially counting down to The Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving morning and making sure I’ve got my necessities crossed off my list.

Something Old
I will be running in the same kicks running shoes I wore a few weeks ago when I ran the Marine Corps Marathon.

They’re old, but they not that old; they still have plenty of mileage left to carry me 13.1.

Something New
I’m going for a PR. Running a marathon right before you run a half gives you lots of confidence, a strong belief in yourself that you might not have had before. Since my last half marathon time was 3:01 I’m pretty sure I’m going to knock that out of the park beat that, but will I pull out a 2:30 like I hope? We’ll know on Thursday …

Something Borrowed
My playlist. You lovely people gave me an awesome playlist that I didn’t use, gasp, during my marathon. I’m sorry, I was busy tweeting, picture taking, chatting, oh, and running. This time I’m running by myself so I will be rockin’ the tunes. If you have any other must hear songs please do let me know in the comments.

Something Blue

Ok, so it’s black with blue trim but I’ll still be one Badass Mother Runner wearing this motivational technical long sleeve tee. Those fabulous Run Like A Mother ladies did it again with their line of shirts. It’s a toss up - this one and “Are My Kids Still Chasing Me?” are my faves.

So, I think I’m ready … for everything but the rain. There’s a 50 percent chance on Thursday. Anyone got some good moves for my rain dance?

Winks & Smiles,

Play That Funky Music Wifey

“Play that funky music Wifey, play that funky music right. Play that funky music Wifey, lay down the boogie and play that funky music ‘til you die.”

Yes, I’m showing my age and channeling my inner KC and The Sunshine Band. Be glad this isn’t a vlog. Ahem.

I’m less than a week away from running in my first marathon and its time to make sure I’ve got everything I need to get me through 26.2 miles. That includes music. When I run alone my music is a must. In my former life (before kids) I was a publicist for a popular record company and one of my favorite things was listening to new music and helping pick which tracks should be the next single. Although that seems like ages ago, my passion for music is still there; and my taste in music is quite eclectic – hip-hop, R&B, pop, jazz, Disco, 80’s, rock, alternative I’m open and into everything.

During long runs with my running group I’ve stayed unplugged because we were always chatting, but who knows what will happen on marathon day. I’m sure I’ll want to soak in the sounds of the crowds but there might be some miles when I want hear a little Alicia Keys to keep me moving. With that said I’m working on my power playlist and would love to have some suggestions. What music gets you moving?

In the words of the almighty Jay-Z – Holla!

Winks & Smiles,