On my way to work this morning, I heard a clip of Mario Lopez on Ellen Degeneres’ talk show. He shared with Ellen and her audience that his first kiss happened when he was 10 years old and an actor on the show, Kids Incorporated.

I knew he was on that show – I watched it faithfully during a “we have cable” phase of my childhood. What I didn’t know is that Kids Inc. featured several other now-famous entertainers, including the Black Eyed Peas’ own Fergie – also known as Stacy, Mario’s first kiss.

Did you watch this show? I loved it for the singing and dancing, and if I remember correctly (and Mario’s interview says I do), there was even a little pre-teen romance going on. You know I loved that. Some things just don’t change.

In addition to Mario Lopez (who, you have to admit, is easy on the eyes, even if he is a jerkface) and Fergie (who, thanks to her annoying songs as a soloist, really gets on my nerves), Kids Inc. also starred Martika (of Toy Soldiers fame) and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

What lost or forgotten shows did you watch as a kid? (Popular and well-remembered shows like Diff’rent Strokes and Punky Brewster don’t count here!) Did any of them star actors that are now better known for other shows, movies or musical performances?

The Little Gymnast was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I read it several times, imagining what it would be like to be young Anda, a talented gymnast whose parents didn’t have enough money to continue her lessons. (Don’t worry – there was a scholarship.)

Later, of course, I would know exactly how that felt, when my parents could no longer afford to pay for my dance lessons. Well, except for the part about being talented. I’ve got rhythm, but I don’t really think I would have been a SYTYCD contender.

I did take gymnastics when I was 4 – before I read this book a dozen times. The girl who lived across the street was a cheerleader, and she taught us how to do cartwheels and backbends in her parents’ basement. Every time I hear Toni Basil, I think of those lessons.

Of course, I was quick to abandon my gymnast dreams when my parents said the next summer, “You can play t-ball or take more gymnastics lessons. It’s one of the other.” So, T-ball it was.

But two years ago when I volunteered to do some PR for Dragon Gymnastics (home to 2004 Olympic gymnasts, Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool) and the 2006 US Classic, I was reminded of my young love for gymnastics. I loved being a part of the world of vaults and mats and chalk and beams, if even for a brief time and behind the scenes. What those girls do is amazing!

And yes, Chelley, I will give Iowa props for sending Shawn Johnson to the 2008 Olympics. I was rooting for Kansas City’s own Ivana Hong, but Shawn was amazing in China. And I know she did Iowa proud!

Speaking of me being emotional (see previous post), I ran across this essay today. It’s a well-written piece by a woman who cries a lot. As in, maybe even more than me. I liked what she had to say about crying:

It is a sign that I crave understanding,
that I feel frustrated by my own shortcomings,
that I have an uncommon devotion
to worst-case scenarios and sadness
because, more than anything,
it is a sign that I am a drama queen.

Anyone else identify with that? Or is it just me?

For a story that will renew your faith in mankind, check out my friend Amber’s blog. Maybe I’m emotional (maybe?), but it almost (almost!) made me a little teary-eyed.

Mainly I thought it was awesome how God has continued to confirm her (and her husband’s) choice to move all the way across the country for jobs and ministry. (I say “ministry” because they are professors, and I know they’ll be ministering to their students throughout their careers!) Cool stuff.