Transition, Goo Goo Dolls and Belly Rubs

2011 brought many new things into my life.

I've had a handsome boy move in with me.   I'm the one bringing home the bacon, filling the food dish and cleaning the house.  But I love my morning cuddles, hugs when I get home from work and snuggles at bed time.  (I <3 my cat Hercules)

I also closed a chapter in my life, after six years with one job, I moved on to another.  I don't know how some people can move or change jobs every year.  It's stressful and familiarity makes me feel more comfortable and confident.  I love my new job though and look forward to many, many years there.

I've fulfilled a couple of life goals, even though I don't have the "official" list any more. (It's on the HD of my old computer, too lazy to take it to computer people to retrieve data.)  Those goals include seeing the Goo Goo Dolls live in concert (be still my heart) and making/decorating my own gingerbread house.  So fun!

2011 by me:

3 words: transition, music, belly rubs

Favorites:

TV Show: Big Bang Theory

Song: Unravel, Unwind, The Spring Standards

Movie: I may have only seen one movie in the theatres ... Water for Elephants.  the best pairing of the book and screen.

Book:  I read it twice ... The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Football player: Aaron Rodgers ... that is ... b....who?  :-p

Wine: Angelique, Sparkling Wine from Stone's Throw Winery in Door County - almond flavored!

Gift Given:  Scentsy pot for Erika, I love her reaction to the gift!

Web site: Google Reader.  I have 1000 + posts to read and I know I'll never get to them all, but I can never say I'm bored!

~ * ~ * ~

Overrated:  Planting cacti, there's a reason they're picky, they shouldn't be touched.  Ouch.

Disappointed:  Missing fantasy football .... just could prepare without normal preseason coverage and job transition

I need to work on: sticking to a daily routine   -- This was my goal for 2011, I failed miserably!

Overrated Part 2: NFL Lockout, nearly broke my heart

~  * ~ * ~

Grateful for: good friends and supportive coworkers

Travel: Door County, Baraboo and Madison  AND Dubuque, IA to visit my friend Breanna & her hubby and going to my first Goo Goo Doll Concert!!!

I miss:  not second guessing everything

Somewhat obsessed:  twitter, google reader & you tube subscriptions

Here's to 2012 and all the inspiration, opportunity and possibilities it brings!

Today, was a good day

My emotions have heightened since moving to a new job.  With a four months in, I'm having lots of ups and downs.

I have really fantastic invigorating, mind-blowing days that I learn and create and walk away with such inspiration.  I feel so fulfilled and at home.  This, this is what I've been looking for!

But there are days when I feel so beaten down, frustrated and doubtful about my own abilities.  I want to hide in my office so they don't come banging down my door because the powers that be realized they made a mistake.  Pulled down and behind on deadline, fending off and cleaning up mistake after mistake.

What the fuck was I thinking?!  Sure, I wasn't being paid or couldn't go to the doctor, but at least I knew what the hell I was doing, and considered (somewhat) good at it!

Regardless of the day, I go home to Hercules who greets me with a tilt of the head which means he will be catapulting himself across the floor for a belly rub.

And I'm thankful for my dear friends who remind me I felt similar (and more stressed out) when I started my first job six years ago.  It will get better. It will be more familiar.  And soon, there will be more good days than bad.

Today, was a good day.

This is Halloween

I love Halloween, it used to be my favorite holiday and I'm starting to feel that rekindled spirit.

I think Halloween gives you the most room to be creative.  I enjoy decorating, planning the perfect design for a carved pumpkin, dreaming up and creating fantastic costumes and bringing them to life.  Horror movies give me a thrill and I'm always hunting for the next one that will leave me looking over my shoulder and dashing to get out dark places for fear of things that go bump in the night.

At sixth grade my mom put an end to my trick or treating, and then everything lost it's wonder.  In that age range society tells you to choose more mature ways to celebrate holidays.  I chose to celebrate football Sundays instead.  Oh well.

Recently, I've been going to an annual costume party and it's bringing back all those creative juices.  I carved a starry night pumpkin and created a Mad Hatter costume.  I don't really decorate much ... time, money and a energetic little kitty who would have it all tore down before it was complete holds me back.

Happy all Hallows Eve to all the ghosts and goblins young and old!

Never forget, Forever grateful

I shed a lot of tears today.

Mr. Monk and the Killer Cat

Tuesday morning I heard an odd noise.  Tap, tap, tap, slide.  Again and again from the basement.

At first I didn't know where it was coming from.  I thought it might have been something off in my dehumidifer.  Or perhaps it was some plant, bush or tree smacking against the house.  I investigated every possibility I could think of.

I opened the door from the kitchen that goes back to the basement and Hercules (my cat) snuck down.  He ran straight to the dryer and then we heard the sound.  Now, I doubt this is what happened, but I'm going to choose to remember it this way.  Herc and both looked at each other, perplexed.

It was getting time for work, so there wasn't much to do but hope it would resolve itself.

I returned home and heard the same sound, again Hercules zipped pass and ran to the dryer.  I had deduced that there was a chipmonk in the tube that connects from the dryer and vents outside.

Now, I suppose I had a couple of options.

1. I could leave it in and have a dead chipmonk in the dryer vent.
2. I could let it out and have a live chipmonk running around my basement.

I guess I figured live was less smelly of two evils.  So I tapped the vent and slipped it off.  I took a quick look in, didn't see anything and went outside to bring in groceries, leaving Herc in the basement.

After around 15 minutes Herc came upstairs and I shut the door leading to the basement.  The night passed and we were getting ready for bed when thought of my furry house guest creeped into my head.  I considered going downstairs, hoping maybe Herc got lucky and killed it so I wouldn't have to set a trap.  In the dark? And risk running across a live Monk?  Ah no.

So I changed into my pj's and realized how cold it was.  I went into the office, shut the window and as I walking back .... a dead chipmonk in the middle of the floor.  Thank god I didn't step on it!

So I have a little Monk Killer who left me a present ... at least it wasn't in the bed!

Feeling like the truth has found you here

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 23: A Song that You Want Played at Your Wedding


Ok .... I got distracted by You Tube Videos ... checking out America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 winners - IaMmE.  They call their style brain bang and it's perfect description b/c it totally screws with your senses as you watch.  (whoohoo Pacman & Moon!)  Aghhh and then check out Urban Jungle and Office Life (also featuring Hok of Quest Crew)!


Wow. Distracted much?


So my initial thoughts for this song was Without You Here by the Goo Goo Dolls.  But, in my pure euphoria in seeing them live for the first time, I posted it on Day 11 as the Song by My Favorite Band.


I don't like most of the sappy, sugary traditional wedding type songs.


So this isn't a traditional wedding song.  It's a little more dark.  But it's more real life--the journey to that day and all the adventures ahead of you is what a wedding celebrates.  And love songs that are all about the high points and fairy tales come true are a lie.  And boring.


My wedding song choice is:

Become - Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls, 2006

It's an amazing song that I feel is better reflection of what relationships are.  It might not be an easy road, but we're on it together.  So let's fight and dream together, even when we're lost.


And, it totally makes me cry--isn't that a qualification for a wedding song??  ;-)


Day 24: The Funeral Song.  One of the easiest for me to choose.

You cross the line and there's no turning back

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 22: A Song that You Listen to When Sad

I'm not sure how I discovered this song.  I remember listening to it at work in college.

I find a hopeless feeling in this song. My initial association links it with the Columbine shootings, though I know I discovered it later.

Youth of a the Nation, Satellite, P.O.D. - 2001

It's a song of failure.

It marks a loss that no one else notices.

It's a haunting cry that no one heeds.

It's a song I listen to when I'm sad and need to dwell.

It reminds me of this painting, that I think I've often seen

30 Day Song Challenge

Day 21: A Song You Listen to When You're Happy

Day 20 I told you I loved listening to the profanity-laced "Shut Up" from Blink182 in the car when I'm mad.  Oddly enough I love listening to Life is Good from LFO also in the car when I'm happy.  When you come down to it, they make me feel the same realm of emotions.  What?  You understand, right?

Life is Good - Life is Good - LFO, 2001

LFO did the kitschy Summer Girls in 1999.  They even released two CD's, and yes I own them. I actually really like almost all of their songs. Being the young rebel I was, they were my boy band of choices vs. Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.

For the most part, they still have their place in my rotation, though not as frequent.  But on a sunny afternoon with the road stretching ahead of me and the window down, Life is Good is the perfect song to blast and sing along to.

Sadly, the lead singer, Rich Cronin died in 2010 at only 36 after losing his long-time battle with leukemia. Thanks Rich, for your goofy lyrics, New Kids on the Block references and Boston accent.  <3

I think it's time that I should leave

Day 20: A song you listen to when you're angry

I must admit, I love me some angry songs.  It really does the trick to get that release.

Sometimes I just need to crank up the music when I'm all alone in the the car and belt out lyrics littered with F-bombs.

And this song is perfect for that ... because most of the time, I end up smiling.

Shut Up - Take Off Your Pants and Jacket - Blink-182, 2001

In a different time or place the words would make more sense

30 Day Music Project - Day 19: A Song from Your Favorite Album

My favorite album is When Your Heart Stops Beating from +44.  It's the only CD I've listened to for 11 months in my car without changing the CD.

This is huge, typically I can only listen to something twice before I take it out and put something else in.

+44's music is fast with hard beats and lyrics with quick wit.  And when I say fast, this song was named because it has 155 beats a minute.

155, When Your Heart Stops Beating, +44 - 2006

All I see ahead of me are glistening lights

Day 18: The Song I Wished I Would Hear on the Radio

Talk about long titles.  No long title for the song I wish would be on the radio though.  I first heard this song at a local concert.  It was good, but in that moment, it didn't strike me as special (maybe it was the March blizzard outside that dampened the mood?).  But, the thing about good musicians who choose to play smaller venues, they love to share their music ... even for free.  So I signed up for a mailing list and got a half a dozen of Joey Ryan's songs.  This one, is my favorite:

Broken Headlights feat. Sara Bareilles - Kentor Canyon - Joey Ryan, 2010

The more I listened to it, the more I loved it.  This is quite normal for me ... does that happen to anyone else?  Sometimes I need some time to fully appreciate music.  Other songs I know instantly if I love or hate it.

I love songs that have really smart lyrics. I'm talking beyond the simple rhyming every other line.  Ryan crafts a beautiful picture with his intricate styling of words, and then peppers them out in such a way that to anyone else it might seem like a tongue twister.

You have to check out Joey Ryan--he's fantastic (and tall too!)

It's that race that took over, it controls you both

Day 17: A Song You Often Hear on the Radio

I very rarely listen to the radio, but I can hear it from the reception area in the office.  As everyone can relate, the radio has their playlist on repeat, and I ignore most of the songs.  But my ears always perk upwhen I hear this song.

Love the Way You Lie - Recovery - Eminem Ft. Rihanna, 2010

I've always liked Eminem and I loved the collaboration with Rhianna.  This video is good too.  My how our little Merry has grown up. :-)

I'd love you like a fire red, now it's turning blue

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 16 - A Song You Used to Love but Now Hate

I don't hate this song, I'm just sick of it.  I don't want to listen to it any more.

Apologize - Dreaming Out Loud - One Republic, 2006

It was in the rush of Grey's songs and anything that sounded like that style.  I think I over did it.  Now, it's an automatic skip.

If I could go back

I once wrote a paper in high school that was supposed to reflect a vision for my future.  I wanted to live without regrets, and I was told that would be impossible.

Until now, I've done a good job of not missing the big things ...

Something I can't explain in the core of me says I missed out.

Let this be my proclamation to the universe... I wish I would have said yes.  Please don't let it be my only chance.

It's freezing in the corner of my mind

Day 15: A Song that Describes You

I poured over my song library searching for a song to describe me.  I listened to every station I have on Pandora.  Unfortunately no single song jumped out ... I had a list of eight songs.  I suppose that's a good sign, it means I'm multi-faceted and complex, right??

I decided on this song, because there are quite a few lines that I relate to ... and, well, I feel describe who I am.

Ain't that Unusual - A Boy Named Goo - Goo Goo Dolls, 1995

Specifically ... "there's something I wished I said, but I don't think it'd rhyme" and "freezing in the corner of my mind."  I feel as though I very much live in my head ... sometimes a good thing, but it also holds me back.

I'm going through a phase, one that I've felt before, where I feel as though other people are defining who I am, labeling me based on the surface.  And I'll admit it, my surface isn't all that good most of the time.  It's a challenge for me to be there -- complete and my true self in each moment.

And, oddly enough, the surface of this song seems sort of depressing, but I've never felt that way.  It makes me feel hopeful.

There's something cold and blank behind her smile

Day 14: A Song No One Would Expect You to Love

I'm not sure I should assume what people would expect of me ...

But, the most off genre artists that I choose to listen to would have to be Marilyn Manson.  I've always been slightly fascinated by him--but can only listen to his music in small doses.

I think Manson is brilliant in the way Tom DeLonge wants to be brilliant.  He has captured what it is to be an icon, to create a brand, persona or caricature that is instantly recognizable and revokes a reaction.  He's no different from the Lady Gagas, Katy Perrys, etc, etc. in mainstream culture.

I love watching his videos and really appreciate the art he makes with different uses of symbolism, commentary on society and pushing the envelope .... even if it's just to push the envelope. (Oh, and Grey's fans, Lexie is in his Tainted Love video)

Coma White - Mechanical Animals - Marilyn Manson, 1999

Shortly after I first watched this video, there was a special marking the anniversary of JFK's assisnation. It gives me goosebumps just for that.

Day 15: A Song that Describes You

All eyes on me

30 Day Music Challenge -- Slightly prolonged due to life ... but back again!

Day13: The Song that is Your Guilty Pleasure

I generally embrace the music I listen to, and can defend the merits of any choice.  I walk off the beaten path musically, so in most instances people don't share my musical ear anyways.

However, there are two songs in my library that I'm embarrassed for people to see.

My guilty pleasure:

Circus - Circus - Britney Spears, 2008

I get she's a pop princess celebrated by the likes of Glee.  But she represents the mainstream blah that spawned mediocrity for music.  She's a top performer, I'll give her that.  Though in this video you can tell she was coming off babies, rehab, head shaving and god knows what else.  Lots of face shots and far camera position on the dancing.

This song isn't good; necessarily, but for some reason, I like it.

Day 14: A Song No One Would Expect You to Like

It's made me all who I am inside

Day 12: A Song from A Band You Hate

Other than favorite song, this may have been the easiest to choose.

I hate Angels & Airwaves (AvA) because it's the band Tom DeLonge formed after he disbanded from Blink-182 (bitter much? yeah I know). He had a bit of a mental breakdown (my opinion) and thought he was changing the face of music with his miniseries-movies-trilogy-event.

AvA's music was heavily played on my punk Pandora station. And there was plenty to play, they released three albums between 2006-2009.  Most of the songs  borrow the sound, rhythm and riffs of Blink.  They aren't just similar--I swear "Everything's Magic" is the same song slightly reworked as "Anthem Pt. 2" from Blink's Take off your Pants and Jacket.

So Tom, if you're creating this epic new experience than why are you recycling old tunes?

But that's not my favorite AvA song ...

Rite of Spring - I-Empire - Angels & Airwaves, 2007

I like this song even though it's in Tom's monotone, droning voice.  Every time I listen to it I have to grit my teeth at the few friends still last lyrics.

But, it's honest and emotional ... and the story not only of Tom's life, but of growing up and living with how the choices we make shape our world.

Day 13: My Guilty Pleasure 

A moment in your arms became the reason why

Day 11: A Song from Your Favorite Band

I had to do some minor soul searching when it came to this post.  My favorite bands are Goo Goo Dolls, Blink 182 and +44.  And in different periods of my life I listened to each heavily.  Goo was my teenage years, Blink was my early twenties and +44 captured 25+.

So which is my favorite?  I think I own just as many CDs from the first two and the third only had one. But I think it has to come back to the Goo Goo Dolls.  There are just too many fantastic songs that I will always love.

And, this is a perfect day to write a post about my favorite band.  Because I just got back from seeing them in concert.  I totally held my shit together too, I was impressed with myself.  I wasn't that crazy girl who was crying and draping herself over the stage (she was there though).

I must admit, when Iris started, my knees sagged and it was really all I could do not to cry.  It was one of the moments that the universe gives to just you, even though there are hundreds of people in the room.

So, there are probably 5-10 songs you know from the Goo Goo Dolls.  And they're great.  But there at least 10 more that you haven't heard that are fantastic, just simply beautiful.

Without You Here - Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls, 2006

So, let's dish about the concert.  Sadly, they didn't play this song.  It was way too short (even though it was a little over an hour and a half?). Robby sang like three songs (two I liked, which was a blessing) and he wasn't wearing any shoes.  We were in the standing mezzanine level, which was an awesome view.  Speaking of which, Johnny was on in the yumminess factor, but was wearing a red baseball cap. So disappointing!  He had a black longish sleeve shirt, khaki pants and older vans style shoes.

I had on a fantastic outfit with light purple shirt with black and white scrolling flowers up the side, black cover up and my awesome purple shoes.  I broke out the Johnny necklace and my Gutterflower emblem and wore earrings in every hole (which I very seldom do anymore), patterned after Johnny's piercing (So, can you believe I wasn't that girl who was crying and making a fool of herself?)

Thank you to Breanna & Robert for inviting me, it was a great night and I wouldn't have wanted to share it with anyone else.

I'm going to send you a song from my heart

Day 10: A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep

I've known about this artist for about two years now, which seems almost impossible.  I've seen her twice in concert and hope to see her again this summer.

This song could make me fall asleep because evokes such a serene mood.  It's light and happy and the perfect tempo to just let go, close your eyes and dream.

The Bird Song - Chameleon - Victoria Vox, 2008

You have to check out the video, it's so clever and cute - perfect for the song and Vox's style.

I love love love Victoria Vox and it's even more exciting because she's from Green Bay.

When you need a little time to unwind, just turn to the uke, songs in French, mouth trumpets and creative socially conscious lyrics.


Day 11: A Song From My Favorite Band -- what a perfect day for it too!

Always on my mind like reflections on my shades

Day 9: A Song You Can Dance To

I don't really dance.  At least not in public.  I wish I had skills, but alas, uncoordinated white girl here.

If I were to dance, I would totally kill it during this song.

Fighting for Air - Free Wired - Far East Movement, 2010

I discovered FM through following members of Quest Crew on Twitter (@thequestcrew, my favorites: @hokutokonishi and @victorquest).  The Asian Invasion is strong in the LA arts/dance/music world and the really talented ones (that catch my eye at least), seem to be friends.

You probably know Like a G6 (yes, it's about a plane) and you should check out Rocketeer feat. Ryan Tedder, the lead singer from One Republic--the video's awesome too.  I loved Like a G6 and started hearing more songs from Free Wired from the twitter peeps, so shortly after it was released I picked it up.

I'm not the dance club kind of girl, and I typically don't dig this type of music.  Black Eyed Peas is the closest I get to dance-pop. Fighting for Air sort of reminds me of 80's Madonna-driven dance music.

Fighting for Air is the song that gets me refocused when I'm working out. Free Wired always gets me energized and ready for anything.

Day 10: A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep

In moderation, this sensation would be fabulous

Day 8: A Song You Know All the Words

I have an uncannily ability to identify songs -- especially songs I love -- by the first few notes.  I can sing half the song in my head before the opening even starts.

I also discovered I still know the words of songs I haven't listened to in years.

Who knows what it is.  I have trouble memorizing just to memorize.  I'm not musically talented, but I could give you a list of 100 songs I know the words to.

But you're not interested in that, so I'll just choose a fun song you might not know, but should check out.

Washin' & Wonderin' - Nasty Little Thoughts - Stroke 9, 1999

It has a couple of tongue twisters, so I think its the perfect choice for today.

You know Stroke 9 -- they wrote Little Black Backpack off this album. Also a great song, but just the tip of the iceberg.  You should also check out Vacuum Bag from Rip it Off.

Day 9: A Song You Can Dance To  (hmmm...popping bottles in the ice?)

I need your grace to remind me how to find my own

Day 7: A Song that Reminds You of an Event

This event was a very sad day for many of our friends.  In fact,  things would never be the same.  Some were able to rise above the challenges that followed, while other crumbled ... and laid on the bathroom floor.

Is it a cop out to post a song from something that didn't happen to me ... or in real life?

Nevertheless, I will never be able to hear this song without picturing the night Denny Duquette died.

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol - Eyes Open,  2006

I think I'll always remember Izzy laying on Denny's death bed, dressed in her pink prom dress with her forehead pressed against his neck.

It's quite interesting that the moment that will always stick with me is with the character I liked the least.  I'm still sorry she didn't die, but it's probably better that she healed and left Alex.  Shows her true character.

Coming up next: Day 8: A Song that You Know All the Words

Crack of dawn, all is gone except the will to be

On to Day 6: A Song that Reminds You of Somewhere


When I was in high school and part of college, I worked at a local bar/banquet hall with my mom.  We would go in at 4 in the morning to clean the bar, dining hall and dance hall.

I'm not a morning person, and my mom knew that from the one syllable grunts she got for the first two hours we were there.  Thankfully, she let me bring my CD Player and let me listen to music.  Because we were the only ones there, it also meant I could listen to it as loud as I wanted.

This actually turned out to be quite inspiring for me.  I can't even count how many columns for my high school and college papers I outlined on napkins when the right thought and construction of words hit.  Something about moving very methodically and focusing on the music must make my brain synapses fire.

Each day I would make my way to the dance hall to mop.  I'd start it while Mom finished up whatever she was doing in the kitchen and dining room.  I would clean about half the hall before she'd make it in, giving me plenty of time to enjoy the notes bouncing off the various acoustic boards installed to make it pleasing for weddings.

One song in particular gave me extra pleasure ... even more so when I knew my mom had over indulged that night before (I'm a horrible person, aren't I?)

For Whom the Bell Tolls - Ride the Lightning - Metallica, 1985

I always enjoyed how the bells reverberated off everything.  It really gave me a spark as my energy started fading after a couple hours of work.

Especially when I cranked up the volume.

Next: Day 7: A Song that Reminds You of  A Certain Event

You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

30 Day Music Challenge - Day 5: A Song that Reminds You of Someone

So, initially the only songs I associate with other people are for negative reasons.  I don't use this as a forum to air my dirty laundry, so I couldn't choose them.

Then, there was a song I think of because a friend loves because it reminds her of her childhood ... and that just didn't seem right, it wouldn't have been my song.

I continued to ponder, and Pandora gave me the answer.

Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" played on "My Favorites" station.  Big thumbs down! I really don't like this song.  It's good, but just not my cup of tea for general listening.

But it makes me smile and think of Hokuto Konishi, because of this piece he choreographed to capture the essence of the fuzzy feeling you get when you're falling in love.

Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble - Crazy Love, 2009

You can find the full song or Buble's video if you want.   But when I hear it, all I see is Hok dancing (and his perfect heart at :14 seconds).

And it makes my heart smile.

Swirling Clouds in Violet Haze

30 Day Music Challenge - Day 4: A Song that Makes You Sad

I'm not the type of person to listen to songs that make me sad.  Most songs I enjoy with that undertone usually end in hope.  And I try to listen to more upbeat music when I'm sad ... so I struggled with this day.

I went through my music files and came up with eight songs.  Three songs were from musicals, so context is pretty important to lend the emotion and that's a little bit of an unfair advantage.

But one shone over the others whenI realized that I sometimes skip this song because of how melancholy it makes me.

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) - American Pie - Don McLean, 1971

Vincent is McLean's stirring tribute to the artist Van Gogh.

I've always admired Van Gogh's most well known painting, Starry Night. (I saw it at the MoMA and used it as inspiration when I painted my bedroom.)

But I began to notice often the things I found beauty in were subjects of Van Gogh's art: sunflowers, deep blues and purple, soft greens and finally, my favorite flower Irises.

I'm not sure what exactly the paper was about, but I had to write a persuasion paper for an English class, and I chose to center it around Van Gogh.  At this point, I discovered the song by McLean.  Since, Josh Groban has covered it, also a fantastic version.

It makes me sad because so many are inspired by Vincent's works now.  But he found very little success or praise when he was alive.  Vincent barely made a living and was often tortured by various afflictions of mental illness.  I think everyone can relate to not being appreciated or understood, and McLean captures the anguish we all feel in this song.

Tomorrow: A Song that Reminds Me of Someone ... I had one picked out ... but changed my mind!

I only want to be part of your breakdown

30 Day Music Challenge - Day 3: A Song that Makes you Happy.

This is not easy at all!  What a task to think through the thousands of songs I enjoy to choose one worthy enough to place here.

When Your Heart Stops Beating - When Your Heart Stops Beating - +44, 2006

I discovered +44 through Yahoo! Music by chance.  A very poor quality video played as I listened to the song.  I noticed the bassist stance was familiar, but the drummer's style was unmistakable. 

On to Google and Wiki I went. +44 was formed by Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus of Blink182 in 2005 after the split up.  What?! I missed that memo (and people, this was a full year or longer later--where was I? I felt unworthy to call them one of my favorite bands).  I was sad to know there wouldn't be any more Blink music, the last release was so different than what they had done in the past.

As my shocked faded my new love for +44 grew.

I think I bought the album that day or very soon after.  I listened to it at least 8 months straight in my car.  This is unusual for me as I change CDs at least twice in any trip over 15 minutes (if I'm not listening to sports talk radio), and at this time my total daily commute was around 40 minutes long.

So why this song?  I love the melodic repetition.  The hard beat. I love how the lyrics punch through the air.  The video is average--and compared to Blink videos, a disappointment.  But you gotta give Travis credit ... he broke his wrist in the filming and just kept drumming.  

Every time I hear this song, I cannot help but be energized or tap my foot.  It brightens my day without fail.

As much as I was disappointed Blink was gone, I was even more devastated when they reformed.  I want to know what's next in the +44 chapter.

Day 4: A Song that Makes You Sad  ... I have a list of eight, now I just need to narrow it down.

Oy Vey - Turn it Off !!

30 Day Music Challenge: Day 2 - Least Favorite Song

This was a hard one. The thing is, I don't listen to music I don't like.  I generally do not listen to the radio because I cannot choose what I want.  I like listening to lots of different kinds, and try to give most a fair shot.  But there are some songs that I know instantly--I'm never going to like it.

So given any number of days, I could probably create a list of at least 100 songs.  Since I only had one day, I decided to choose between the two that jumped out at me as I was looking through some music sites and my own CD's.

The honor goes to ....

 Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche) - 98 Degrees - Revelation, 2000

I really don't recommend that you watch that video.  I muted the computer so I wouldn't hear it when grabbing the link.

I own the first CD from 98 degrees, and liked them generally better than the other boy bands of their era.  This came from a third album (I guess they count the Christmas one as #2?).  Something happened between 1997 (first one) and 2000 (Revelation) that ruined their sound.  Maybe it was the insanity create by 'NSync's pop dominance. (Maybe it was Jessica Simpson.)

Anyway, this song makes my teeth hurt.  I can't tell you exactly what is horrible about it because I haven't listened to it in 10 years and I'd rather not revisit it.  At one point, a cousin locked me in the car when this started playing just to torture me with the horrible, horrible song.

On to better things! 

Day 3:  A Song that Makes You Happy  :-)

Closest to Heaven that I'd Ever Be

Just saw a friend post a video for his Day 1 pick of the 30 Day Song Challenge.  I found the full 30 Day list via search here.

I was just thinking about writing about music and how diverse my tastes have become, so this is perfect.

Looking at the list, it's actually going to take a lot of thinking, and may be a little harder than I first thought.  Regardless, what a fun challenge, and hopefully I get to share some great music that you might check out.

So Day 1: Your Favorite Song.

Now, I don't listen to this song as much as I used to, but whenever it comes on the radio or pandora  I pause, take a breath and smile.

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up the Girl (written for the City of Angels Soundtrack), 1998

This was a confusing time for me musically.  I had grown up with country and Disney musicals.  But now, I was listening to Top 40 radio on the bus.  I knew the music of my childhood wasn't going to cut it, but the new music wasn't that thrilling either.

But then came Iris, which was so dynamic and different from late 90's pop; I loved it instantly.  Legend has it, Lead singer John Rzeznik was suffering from writers block when he was asked to write a song for City of Angels.  He saw the movie and wrote Iris immediately after.  It was their breakthrough single to mainstream radio, and set records for the time of being number one for 18 weeks.

So I looked into the band and I discovered that a couple of the songs I liked from the radio were from the Goo Goo Dolls.  And, as with all things I love, my interest certainly didn't stop at Iris.

Oddly enough, years after I fell in love with Iris and the Goo Goo Dolls, I saw City of Angels.  I dislike Nicholas Cage and didn't enjoy his performance.  The movie was good but I think I only watched it that one time.

I now own all of their CD's except for the first release, self-titled.  The Goo Goo Dolls are THE band that shaped my teenage years.  Listening to their music is coming home.

Day 2: Your Least Favorite Song ... what will I pick??

Horrible Hobbies

I am horrible at having hobbies.  Picking new things to explore is easy.  Sticking with them enough to accomplish something is where it all goes wrong.

As a child I think I may have taken up nearly every hobby a normal kid tries ... collecting stamps and coins, ice skating, rollar skating, guitar--not piano although I always wanted to try. I've done crafts, had a scrapbook, painted and took up drawing.  I even learned to cross stitch and knit.

In a matter of time I lose interest or reached a plateau of learning where to get better would take an act of god or coupious amounts of practice.  Which, I get it, practice is a good thing and that's how you get better.  But aren't hobbies supposed to be fun?  Not work?  Maybe that's where I go wrong.

The thing is, the only thing I've ever been naturally good at is drawing and writing.  I don't think my drawning skills are above average, though I do love to draw.  It's good, but not great.  Where writing is something I think I can feel proud of.

My idea of hobbies are something to do in your spare time that you love.   Now, there are a lot of things I love, but I don't think they are very good hobbies .... if they are hobbies at all.  Saying I cyber-stalk Dooce might be a hobby, but it's also a little creepy. Watching television, you tube, playing online games and reading might be hobbies, but they're also pretty dull.  

The issue I run against is that I get bored or disinterested pretty easily.   I love to cook, drink wine and try new foodie things -- but if I'm not in the right mood I could care less.  Hard to keep up with anything that way.

Maybe a part of it has some to do with my lack of ambition with goals and dislike of competition.  Even writing horrifies me because I'm afraid this quality of mine will be my ultimate downfall.

Inappropriate Exchange

Dear Smoker in the Car Ahead of Me,

I understand that your vehicle is one of the few places where you can suck on that tube of dried out plants.  Maybe that's why you have such a look of ecstasy that I feel inappropriate even witnessing this exchange of oxygen for carcinogenic.

Right now, I will not protest that you're killing yourself and the people--like your family--who are around you most often.

Let's not bicker about how awful you smell when you enter a room after you "indulge."

In this moment, I'm honking at you because you're flirting with that puff instead of being aware of traffic signals, and that precious green arrow just turned to yellow.

So here we sit.  All because of your damn cigarette ... while you're at it, turn off your cell phone!

Ouat and Abouat at Tim Hortons

When G.W. was elected to his second term, my democrat friends and I joked that moving to Canada was the best option for all of us.

Now, with a looming NFL Lockout and the destruction of democracy in Wisconsin ... Canada seems to have a lot going for it.

Hey, I already like hockey.  If I lived there, I'm sure I could become as passionate about it as I am football.  Universal health care?  Sign me up ... wait, ha! Already taken care of!

Plus, I already know what Tim Hortons is and I'm really polite.

So the only thing that has me a little leery is ... how many months of the year is sandal weather in the Great White North?

Living in a Nightmare, Looking for a Dream

Since the summer, at least once a month I have a nightmare so vivid that I wake up, heart pounding.  The dream is different each time, but terror, pain or threat is always a recurring theme.

Sometimes a family member is the victim of my twisted subconscious.  My loved ones are kidnapped or killed.  Often its a very grusome murder that I'm forced to watch, knowing that I cannot save them and I'm next.  I've also been helpless at the scene of horrific accidents and have to endure the feeling of the life leaving them.

I don't always sacrifice my family in dreams.  There are times when I'm the only one in the hell my mind has created.  When I'm the victim, the dream starts always right after the death blow is inflicted.  I'm shot, stabbed, straggled ... whatever it is.  I feel that first piercing, hot pain then the agonizing process of death starts.

But the most terrifying is the dreams that I'm in a situation where I know I'm in trouble, but whatever it is hasn't happened yet.  There's no escape.  Someone is stalking me or breaking into my house.  These always wake me up and leave me terrified in real life.

While all warm and cozy in my bed, I hear sounds ... making me wonder if my dream filtered over into reality.  Needless to say, I make double damn sure my doors are locked before I go to bed.

These dreams are always interrupted.  I wake at what I believe is the apex of the terror.  In my gut I feel as though it can't get any worse--or maybe I just tell myself that because I can even comprehend the pain coming next.