This Song

Let's talk about Blake Shelton's Honey Bee.  Am I the only girl who is in love with this song?  The incorrect grammar doesn't even bother me, and we all know I'm nothing if not grammatically correct.  If some boy threw a few lines of this chorus my way, I'm fairly positive I'd swoon right there on the spot.

Girl, I been thinkin' 'bout us

I know I ain't good at this stuff

These feelings pilin' up won't give me no rest

This might come out a little crazy

A little sideways, yeah maybe

I don't know how long it'll take but I'll do my best

If you'll be my soft and sweet

I'll be your strong and steady

You'll be my glass of wine

I'll be your shot of whiskey

You'll be my sunny day

I'll be your shade tree

You'll be my honeysuckle

I'll be your honey bee

Yeah, that came out a little country

But every word was right on the money

And I got you smilin' honey right back at me

Now hold on 'cause I ain't done

There's more where that came from

Well you know I'm just havin' fun, but seriously

If you'll be my Louisiana

I'll be your Mississippi

You'll be my little Loretta

I'll be your Conway Twitty

You'll be my sugar baby

I'll be your sweet iced tea

You'll be my honeysuckle

I'll be your honey bee

Your kiss just said it all

I'm glad we had this talk

Nothing left to do but fall in each other's arms

I coulda said I love you

Coulda wrote you a line or two

Baby, all I know to do is speak right from the heart

If you'll be my soft and sweet

I'll be your strong and steady

You'll be my glass of wine

I'll be your shot of whiskey

You'll be my sunny day

I'll be your shade tree

You'll be my honeysuckle

I'll be your honey bee

If you'll be my Louisiana

I'll be your Mississippi

You'll be my little Loretta

I'll be your Conway Twitty

You'll be my sugar baby

I'll be your sweet iced tea

You'll be my honeysuckle

I'll be your honey bee

I'll be your honey beeeeeeeeee

Oh, and if said boy was dressed like this (take special note of the Ray Bans, of course) while he sang it, well, that'd be it for me.

Happy Thursday, honey bees.

The Song Remains the Same

Just a few days ago, I finished reading Jodi Picoult's latest book, Sing You Home.  I am a huge fan of Picoult's writing, and, while, for a number of different reasons you can read here, this wasn't my favorite of her books, it still got me to thinking.  One of the central characters in the book is a music therapist, and, during one of her narratives, she writes, "The music we listen to may not define who we are.  But it's a damn good start."  She goes on to ask the reader, "What songs would be on a mix tape that describes you?"
I know this might come as a surprise to some of you--NOT--but I couldn't just read that and blaze on to the next page.  I immediately had to stop and jot down the first few meaningful songs that came into my head, and, by the time I finished the book a few days later, I had my playlist finished, too.  It's, admittedly, a little lengthier than I originally intended, but every song, every piece of music included in this list means something special to me.  It might recreate a memory; it might plant a special person beside me; it might reignite a feeling buried deep inside; it might make me grab my hairbrush and hideously attempt to belt out the high notes; it might drive me straight out of my seat and straight onto the dancefloor.  It might do a lot of things; but one thing's definite:  something will happen for sure.
So, here lies the stuff I can play on repeat.  Here lie the songs I know by heart.  Here lies the music that brings me to life.

Billie Holiday:  They Can't Take That Away from Me
Alan Silvestri:  Annie's Theme from Father of the Bride 
Pitbull:  Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor)
Queen Latifah:  When You're Good to Mama from Chicago
Cat Stevens:  Peace Train
Brandi Carlile:  Dreams
Matchbox Twenty:  Bright Lights
Sister Hazel:  All for You
Crash Test Dummies:  Mmh Mmh Mmh
Jerry Goldsmith:  Tryouts from Rudy
Vitamin String Quartet:  Hallelujah
Chris Rice:  Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Honestly Sincere from Bye, Bye Birdie
Sarah Maclachlan:  Song for a Winter's Night
The Outfield:  Your Love
John Mayer:  Edge of Desire
The Beach Boys:  Wouldn't It Be Nice
Robert Preston:  You Got Trouble from The Music Man
The Hollies:  Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)
Black Eyed Peas:  Rock That Body
Pat Green:  Wave on Wave
Phillip Keveren:  A Might Fortress is Our God/Trumpet Voluntary
Judy Garland:  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Lil Jon and LMFAO:  Outta Your Mind
What You Own from Rent
Coldplay:  Fix You
KC & The Sunshine Band:  Boogie Shoes
R. Kelly:  Ignition (Remix)
Stevie Wonder:  Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenowith:  Defying Gravity from Wicked
Girl Talk:  Down for the Count
Otis Redding:  Try a Little Tenderness
Sara Bareilles:  Gravity
The Four Seasons:  Let's Hang On
Train:  Get to Me
The World Will Know from Newsies
Run D.M.C.:  It's Tricky
Dave Barnes:  Until You
John Mayer:  Not Myself
Erin McCarley:  Love, Save the Empty
Reliant K:  Be My Escape
David Cook:  I'm Alive
Haley Westenra & Conventus Choir:  May It Be
Dario Marianelli:  Briony from Atonement
Tim Myers:  Brand New Day
Stevie Wonder:  For Once in My Life
Black Eyed Peas:  Alive
Mamas and the Papas:  Creeque Alley
Nat King Cole:  Smile
The Proclaimers:  I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Chris Rice:  Great is Thy Faithfulness
Brooke White:  Every Breath You Take
Billy Joel:  Piano Man
Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor & Gene Kelley:  Good Morning from Singin' in the Rain
Miranda Lambert:  White Liar
Glee Cast:  Happy Days are Here Again/Get Happy
MC Hammer:  U Can't Touch This
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera
All-American Rejects:  Don't Leave Me
Miles Davis:  It Never Entered My Mind
Kenny Chesney:  The Good Stuff
Elvis Presley:  Suspicious Minds
Consider Yourself from Oliver!
Nick Perito:  The Green Leaves of Summer from Inglourious Basterds
Keith Urban:  Somebody Like You
Fleetwood Mac:  Go Your Own Way
Something There from Beauty and the Beast
Reliant K:  The Best Thing
Train:  When I Look to the Sky
Sonny & Cher:  I Got You Babe
Fergie:  Glamorous
Jay-Z/Linkin Park:  Jigga What/Faint
Franz Liszt:  Hungarian Rhapsody
Lifehouse:  Somewhere in Between
Black Eyed Peas:  My Humps
Jim Sturgess:  All My Lovin'
Out Tonight from Rent
Carly Smithson:  Blackbird
Tag Team:  Whoomp!  There It Is
John Mayer:  Heartbreak Warfare
Ray LaMontagne:  You are the Best Thing
David Elder & Kate Levering:  Young and Healthy from 42nd Street
Itzhak Perlman:  Tango (Por Una Cabeza) from Scent of a Woman
Celine Dion:  A New Day Has Come
Tchaikovsky:  Op. 20/10-Scene from Swan Lake
Barbra Streisand:  I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Happy with Somebody Else) from Funny Girl

So, like I said, I know it's a bit lengthy, but... well, perhaps I got carried away and just couldn't stop.  If you know me well, you probably realize this kind of activity is right up my alley, so my excess playlist shouldn't really come as a surprise.  It was awfully fun, though.  If you have a bit of extra time, try one for yourself.  I'm not laying down a gauntlet or challenge or anything, so don't feel at all pressured to top my 80+ songs, either.  Repeat:  I. Got. Carried. Away.

The Big Chill

I was in desperate need of a weekend where I did nothing.  I got zero rest over Thanksgiving break, had a jam-packed week last week and was exhausted by the time I made it to Friday afternoon.  I was invited to an out-of-town wedding and an out-of-town wedding party, but I just couldn't pull myself together to drive to either one.  Is that horrible? 
Yes, I know it is.  I should be ashamed of myself.
But, like I said, I was desperately seeking a weekend filled with nothing but chill time, so I had to seize my opportunity.
Friday afternoon I downloaded this little wonder from one of my favorite groups, and I spent a good amount of time jumping on my bed and dancing around my room.  If you think I'm kidding, well, you can think what you like.

Friday night I vegged out on the couch watching one of my holiday favorites.  Does it really get any better than a movie featuring Tom Hanks in about a zillion parts and a song about hot chocolate, too?  I think not.

Saturday I was able to sleep as late as I wanted to (how amazing is that feeling when you go to sleep and haven't had to set an alarm?!) and piddle around when I woke up.  Early afternoon, I indulged in one of my favorite pasttimes, picking up lunch and heading to the movies.  (Don't judge me for sneaking food into the movies; you know it's ridiculous to pay $3.75 for a small Dr. Pepper, too.)  I saw Love and Other Drugs, which was so-so; I would definitely recommend waiting to rent it if you want to see it.  You can check out my full review if you're interested, though.

Saturday night I went with my mom to see a local production of one of my favorite Christmas stories of all time.  If you haven't ever read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, run out to get it right now.  Young or old, you will laugh and come to love the Herdman's, I feel sure of it!  Several of my mom's students were in the play, and I had such a great time seeing this favorite story brought to life.

Sunday morning mom and I went to church, and I was so thrilled with all of the wonderful Christmas carols we sang throughout the service.  My pastor is doing a wonderful series of sermons on the roots of Christmas (looking at prophetic passages in the old testament that foretold the events of that first Christmas), and it was such a great and continued reminder of the real reason for the season.
Yesterday afternoon, after braving Wal-Mart (which was, of course, already a full-fledged holiday madhouse), I went to see Burlesque, which was full of glittery goodness.  The singing, dancing, costuming, etc., were really awesome, and it was just a lot of fun.  Again, you can check out my full review if you're interested.

I finished off a wonderful weekend by watching Amazing Race (do y'all love this show as much as I do?) followed by Holiday Inn, one of my all-time favorite Christmas classics.  Bing Crosby singing, Fred Astaire dancing, huge musical productions--I was in heaven.  Did you know the song White Christmas actually first appeared in this movie, not the movie White Christmas like most people think?  I'm not sure where I picked up that trivia gem, but it's a good one to have in your back pocket if you're ever involved in an intense game of Trivial Pursuit.  Stash it away, in case you ever need it.

My weekend was just what I needed, and, although I was one thousand percent lazy, I'm kind of glad I spent it this way.  The holidays get sort of out of control sometimes it seems, and before I know it they're over.  I'm glad I took this weekend to slow down, chill out, and soak up a little of the season's magic.

The Sound of Music

Tonight I am thankful for music.  Don't you think it's amazing how there's a song or piece of music to fit every situation in life absolutely perfectly?  I love finding the perfect song, and I love when I can impeccably match my mood to a song.  Music makes my life better, and I honestly can't imagine my life without it.  I can't really imagine getting ready to go out on a Friday night without some great rap jams in the background; I can't imagine Christmas without the wonder of Christmas music; I can't imagine getting my heart broken without wallowing around in my bed crying and listening to sappy love songs.  Seriously, music makes my life better.  Right now I'm listening to the Walk the Line soundtrack, which is one of my favorite go-to selections, and it really never gets old.  Music brings my emotions and feelings and experiences and memories to life, and it can instantly transport me back to another time or place.  Personally, I think that's pretty cool.  And, let's be honest, singing at the top of my lungs in my car or belting out an old favorite into my hairbrush is just plain fun.

Lone Star State of Mind

Dallas was awesome.  I loved every minute of the trip, and I had the best time with some crazy fun people.  I have lots of pics (of course) which I hope will be up very soon, but for now I'll just share with you a few of my favorite things about the trip.

The Top 10 Things that Made Dallas Awesome

10.  Yogurt.  I don't remember the last time I ate so much frozen yogurt, and I know for a fact I've never had any like this.  It was seriously the freshest, most amazing thing I've ever put in my mouth.  OrangeCup and Yogalicious are divine establishments.

9.  Solving all the world's problems.  Becca and I solved the majority of them on the drive to Dallas and, with some help from Kathleen and Anna, had them all solved by the time the weekend drew to a close.  If the world would just give us fifteen minutes and a bull horn, we could have it all set straight.  Easy enough, right?

8.  Becca's numerous traffic-related anxiety attacks.  You haven't lived until you've seen Becca have a freak-out meltdown in the middle of traffic.  It's classic, really.  There were several throughout the course of this weekend, and one or two even took place while Becca wasn't even the driver.  Oh, yeah, and there was the time she made us park in the next-to-last spot of a huge lot just because "driving around the whole place just isn't worth it."  Um, speak for yourself, Bec.

7.  Living through a visit to Sam Moon and the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster ride from hell it took to get us there.  I thought on numerous occasions that I was going to see my lunch reappear, yet no one else in the car took me at all seriously.  (Probably because most of the attention was going to Becca... see #8.)  I risked my life and rolled down my window in a particularly seedy part of the ghetto just to gasp in the cool air.  And don't even get me started on Sam Moon, this mega-store jam-packed with discount purses, jewelry, etc and about a zillion people scrounging around for the most sought-after bargain.  I wanted to start pushing people down and run for the exit more than one time while I was there.

6.  Liar's Den.  This bar had it all.  A dance floor where Kathleen could cut a rug, a rooftop bar with an amazing view of the skyline where Becca and I could make new friends, and a staircase connecting the two that Anna could run up and down eight million times. 

5.  Four inches of snow on the ground and not one article of appropriate clothing.  Friday when a lady told us it was supposed to snow the next day, we walked out in the 75 degree sunshine and immediately proclaimed her insane.  The next day, however, when running through the fattest snowflakes I've ever seen dressed in the heaviest pieces of clothing we brought (mere cardigans), we thought perhaps we should have paid her a little more attention.  Saturday night I slept under four blankets (one of which was a bedspread), and Anna's dog was dressed more warmly than me.

4.  Meeting a sweet boy who reminded me that all men are not, in fact, neanderthals.  My faith in the male race has been marginally restored, at least temporarily.

3.  Problematic sleeping arrangements.  One night I slept upright like Abraham Lincoln.  Becca spent a night on the hardwood floor, waking up saying it felt like "a bed of nails on concrete."  Anna curled up in the tiniest ball ever imagined and perched on the end of the couch.  I could feel the cold air of the snow coming in through the window even underneath my scores of heavy blankets.  Kathleen, however, somehow managed to end up in the warm, comfortable bed every night... how did that happen, Kat?

2.  The most awesome concert ever.  I was beyond pumped to see the Peas, but I was just pretty pumped to see Ludacris.  Let me tell you, Luda blew it out of the park.  He was unbelievable, and his back-up dancers shaking their moneymakers would blow your mind.  The Peas were just as off-the-charts amazing as I had hoped they would be, and I never wanted the concert to end.  I've never really understood watching a concert on DVD, but I wish I had a recording of this one I could watch over and over and over again.

1.  Laughing my head off.  Whether it was the car that smelled like a frat house, the inappropriate things we seemed to constantly be saying, the recaps of the night before, or Becca's outfit on the ride home, we were constantly in stitches.  I know the people around us wished we would pipe down and chill out, but we just couldn't do it.  We were just having too much fun.  I can't wait to go back to Dallas again soon and laugh until I can't breathe all over again.
 

Gimme a Break

Ok, so I love late night television.
This is a totally new thing, as I am usually reading or sleeping during these shows, but, as of late, I can't miss my late night favorites.

I enjoy Jay Leno, and I think he's pretty funny a lot of the time.  I especially love Headlines, and he's crazy funny with his guests. 
My real love, though, is Jimmy Fallon.  Jay is really just a gateway to Jimmy, for I cannot miss him these days.  He is the biggest goofball most of the time, and he is incredibly awkard a lot of the time, too.  He breaks character and laughs his way through sketches all the time, and I think it's hilarious.  All of it.  I scream with laughter on my couch watching him almost every night (all three weeks I've been watching him religiously, mind you).  He is really a total idiot with his guests, and he thinks he has this great singing voice that he always wants to show off.  He calls everybody pal and he asks the most awkward questions and he plays the most asinine games with his audience.  I adore it.  His thank you notes practically knock me out of my chair I'm laughing so hard, and his impersonations and voices are a total scream.  I am ridiculously obsessed love him.  Obviously.  Plus I think he's a doll.  I have absolutely no business staying up until 12:30 every morning, but I can't miss any of Jimmy's hi-jinks and shenanigans.  He's just too funny.  I'll have craters under my eyes in the morning, but at least I'll go to sleep laughing, I guess.

In other news, it's spring break... whoop whoop.
Spring break is definitely one of the perks of still being in school at age twenty-five and an even better reason to pursue a career in education.  Spring break for life?  Don't mind if I do.
Tomorrow morning I'm headed to Dallas with some insanely fun ladies--Becca, Kat, and Anna--for a fun visit and the Black Eyed Peas concert.  I'm sooooooo sooooooo excited, and I know we are going to have the best time!
Those of you that are on spring break:  I hope you've had an amazing week.  Those of you that aren't:  er... sorry.  If it were up to me, there'd be spring break for all. 

One Week of Life

This past week has been a really great one.  I was planning to write this post over the weekend (yes, I sometimes often plan my posts...), but I was too busy doing fun stuff to stop and compose my thoughts.

I'll start with last Tuesday, when Lindsey and I headed to Birmingham to see John Mayer.  We started off with an amazing sushi dinner at Sekisuri Pacific Rim in 5 Points.  I love that neighborhood, and our sushi was delicious.

After dinner, we headed to the concert, which was so, so good--just as I expected.  I saw John Mayer in Memphis my freshman year, and he was just as fabulous as I remember him being.  Yes, he makes a lot of weird faces while he sings, and, yes, he has lots of tats, but I don't care.  I think he's gorgeous and super sexy.  I think he has mad, mad guitar skills.  I think his concert is the perfect chill concert.  In addition, he was super sweet to this couldn't-have-been-more-than-twelve-year-old girl who was front row center.  He kept talking about how cute she was and how she was singing along with all the songs; he gave her his pick, and he edited one song a little bit, saying, "I'm not gonna curse in front of you, cutie."  Although he didn't sing a few of my favorites, I found a fell in love with a few new favorites, namely Half of My Heart.

At the concert, however, I saw some funny stuff.  High school girls are funny to me.  First off, they were everywhere.  They practically ran over Lindsey and I walking into the coliseum, and I truly thought they were going to push us down getting inside.  Also, they were wearing the most fantastic clothes and taking millions of pictures with their Nikon/Canon super-nice cameras.  Seriously, when did this happen?  When did high school girls turn into sophisticated, self-assured, polished grown-up women?  My inner high school girl, complete with frizzy hair, ill-applied make-up, uncoordinated outfits, and nonexistent self-esteem, still cowers at the sight of them.
After the concert we had a little snafu finding the way home, for Bernice--my GPS--was determined to send us awry.  We outsmarted her, however, and finally got started in the right direction.  After stopping at a super scary, super ghetto gas station, we finally arrived home about 2:30 in the morning.
Wednesday morning I was blasted out of bed by the upstairs neighbor playing Pretty Fly for a White Guy at earsplitting decibels.  He becomes the bane of my existence more and more everyday.  The day was quickly saved, however, when I watched the most amazing episode of Criminal Minds, where Hotch pretends to beat the snot out of Reid so that they can distract an un-sub and Reid can shoot him between the eyes.  Wednesday night I finished the most amazing book, Garlic and Sapphires, and finally watched a true classic of American cinema, Rear Window.  Both were seriously awesome.
Thursday the talk was all about the weather.  Snow was expected for Friday, possibly ice, as well.  Of course, Friday morning dawned with no snow, which further solidifies my belief that meteorology is more a game of chance than a profession.  There was a little bit of snow midmorning Friday, but hardly even enough to make a proper dusting.  I did, however, manage to snap a few quick snow pics, just to document that we got anything at all.

Friday afternoon, I went to see Valentine's Day, which, for the most part, I really enjoyed.  After the movie, I was pretty much glued to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which I simply couldn't get enough of.  I am not too proud to admit that I might have sobbed cried a little while watching it...

Saturday morning I headed to Columbus for the night.  I started off my visit with a manicure at Eden, which I thoroughly enjoyed because it was almost completely silent.  I am not one of those people who wants to chat with their manicurist, I just want to relax in silence.  Is that weird?  I followed that up with a fun lunch with some of my favorite hometown ladies, solving all the worlds problems and causing a scene in the restaurant, of course.  Saturday night Lindsey, Hope, and I went to an unbelievably fun engagement party for Florence and Mark.  The food and drinks were fabulous; the house and flowers were gorgeous; the company was spectacular.  I had an absolute blast.

Sunday mom and I went to a very nice shower for Florence, and I enjoyed a quiet Valentine's Day glued to the Olympics--my newest obsession.  I don't really understand myself, for I hate sports and have never really been immersed in the Olympics like this.  I just can't turn it off, though.  I have major crushes on Apolo Ohno and Graham Watanabe, and I'm sure I'll find a few more Olympians that catch me eye, as well.  I don't really understand why there are so many soul patches, though?  In addition, I wonder if there could be a more unflattering, unattractive costume outfit uniform for a woman to wear than thecomplete-with-hood unitard worn by speed skaters?  It is truly unfortunate.

Dude, what a random post.  

Happy Monday; hope you all have a great week!

Music & Lyrics

I have adored Michael Buble since the moment I first knew of him.
Well, almost.
There was that time when Lindsey first mentioned his name to me, and I said he must be a tool because his name was ridiculous.  She also made it sound like all he did was play the piano, and I wasn't sure I was all about that.  I was an idiotic college sophomore at the time, however, so I don't really count that as my first meeting with Michael.  This whole side story is irrelevant, actually.
Anyway, I now truly adore Michael.
I own all of his cds; I have made my mother realize she loves him, too; I have seen him in concert.  His voice is totally dreamy, and he's pretty easy on the eyes, too.  Ah, swoon...

...And I'm sidetracked again.
Where was I?
Oh, yeah.  Michael.  Michael's music, rather.
Specifically, Michael's latest single, Haven't Met You Yet.
Have you heard it?  If you haven't, I would highly recommend taking a listen.  It's divine, really.
This song says perfectly what I have lately come to realize in my life, and it says it in an upbeat, positive manner, which is so the direction in which I'm trying to follow.
It's even better with the music, but here are the lyrics:

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I've stopped keeping track
Talk myself in
I talk myself out
I get all worked up, and then I let myself down.

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought I thought of every possibility

And I know that someday it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet.

I might have to wait
I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are
Whenever it's right
You come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love it gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And I know that someday it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet.

They say all's fair in love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that someday it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet.


You may think it cheesy, but, for me, it rang true.  I believe he's out there, and, when God's timing is right, he'll fit into my life like a puzzle piece. 
For now, though, I'll just keep laughing through life.

Today is My Birthday

Today is my twenty-fifth birthday. 

That sounds so weird. So mature.  So established.

I have to admit, I think I am having a tiny bit of a quarter-life crisis (which I know is absolutely ridiculous...), so, instead of being a big baby even the tiniest bit sad on my birthday (becuase who wants that?), I decided to look back.

Entering the world twenty-five years ago were Mandy Moore, Jena Malone, America Ferrera, Scarlett Johansson, Avril Lavigne, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Sabrina Bryan, and Prince Harry.  Leave it to me to be born in a year when there were seemingly no boys born on this continent.

People were funny in 1984.  They were doing the worm:

wearing Day Glo:

and these t-shirts were all the rage:

There was also the Miami Vice look, Guess jeans (stone-washed denim, of course).  The Vanessa Williams Miss America scandal shocked the nation, and who could forget Courtney Cox dancing on stage with Bruce Springsteen??

In the world of literature, it appears to have been a bit of a scant year.  A few of the highlights include:  Cold Sassy Tree, The Color of Money, Hotel du Lac, The Hunt for Red October, Ramona Forever, and The Witches of Eastwick.  Good thing it seems I would be content with picture books for awhile.

Care Bears, Cabbage Patch Kids, Dungeons & Dragons, and Transformers flooded the market twenty-five years ago, and Sony introduced the first CD player.  Also, Apple introduced the world to the Mac for the first time.

Then:

Now:

In the world of the small screen, MTV first held the Video Music Awards, and shows like Kids Incorporated, Jeopardy, Punky Brewster, The Cosby Show, Who's the Boss?, and Miami Vice ruled, and the world said goodbye to Happy Days, Three's Company, and Dallas.

At the movies were now-cult-classics like The Never Ending Story, Revenge of the Nerds, The Karate Kid, Gremlins, and Ghostbusters.  There were also legendary action movies like The Terminator and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  Finally, the iconic Footloose and Sixteen Candles were released twenty-five years ago--two of my personal favorites.  Here's my own sixteenth birthday, at which time I was kidnapped (wearing one of the most hideous outfits I owned, mind you) and taken to a great surprise party.

 

Finally, in the world of tunes, there were some dynamite hits twenty-five years ago.  Madonna was singing about Lucky Stars and Holidays, and Michael Jackson debuted Thriller.  Stevie was Just Calling to Say I Love You.

  The Pointer Sisters wanted you to know they were So Excited, but they were also commanding you to Jump (as was Van Halen, actually).  Mike Reno and Ann Wilson thought they were in Almost Paradise.

Ray Parker, Jr. was askin 'who you gonna call?' (Ghostbusters!); Lionel was saying Hello and letting you know he could go All Night Long; and Bruce Springsteen was Dancing in the Dark.  Cindi Lauper was first telling the world that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Tina was asking What's Love Got to Do with It?, and Kenny Loggins was telling everybody to cut Footloose; Kenny and Dolly were going on about Islands in the Stream; and Chicago was singing about Hard Habits to Break; Billy Joel was looking for an Uptown Girl. 

  

Finally, Corey Hart was wearing his Sunglasses at Night

and Deniece Williams was pumping up men everywhere with Let's Hear it for the Boy.

Twenty-five... still sounds weird, but I know I'll get used to it.  It's a whole new world of possibility and who knows what's still to come.

On a Day Like Today

I loved today.
First, today was the first day of December, my without-a-doubt favorite month of the year.  Now that the weather has gotten frigid drastically colder, it really is begining to feel a lot like Christmas!
Also, today was a huge day for me school-wise.  After getting up at 4 AM to finish one of the three huge projects I had due today (in addition to a final), I am somewhat in shock that I'm not catching some serious zzzzzzzzzzzz by now.  I think I'm just on a momentary high due to the completion of my two hardest classes for the semester.  Always love that feeling.  I'm sure I'll be sawing logs sleeping peacefully as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Today's greatness continued when I got this little gem in my inbox.  I loved every minute of this video, but the part where the girl tells about the love letters is my favorite.

PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God from Frank Warren on Vimeo.
If y'all haven't jumped on the PostSecret bandwagon, I would highly recommend it.  I read the blog on Sundays, I have the books, and I get Frank Warren's emails; I think PostSecret is fabulous and unendingly fascinating.  Becca is also convinced that I send in my own secrets because I just "seem like that kind of person" (I'm not sure exactly how to take that... insult?  compliment?), but I don't know what secrets she thinks I have because I'm always spilling my guts to y'all. =)
Another reason today was great is that, after my final this afternoon and before my night class, I spent the afternoon in one of my favorite ways--curled up on the couch with a great book and a great cup of hot chocolate.  Does it really get much better?
Today did, actually, get even better.
Tonight I went to the Starkville Symphony/MSU Choir concert, which was beyond phenomenal.  For the majority of the time I felt like I was at some extravagant ball at Pemberly, hoping Mr. Darcy would come whisk me away for a waltz (that's a Pride and Prejudice reference, for those of you are not gaga crazy in love with the work of Jane Austen).  (On a sidenote:  who knew harpsichords still existed?  I thought they had gone the way of the lyre and other extinct musical instruments, but I am no longer living under such misconceptions.)  Anyway, as I said, the whole program was wonderful.  I find symphonic music so dreamy totally romantic and altogether swoon-worthy.
Anyway, speaking of great music, have y'all started listening to Christmas music?  It's practically all I listen to these days.  What are your favorites?  Here are my top 10 favorite Christmas songs of all time:
10.  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Bing Crosby
9.  Christmas in Killarney:  Bing Crosby
8.  When a Child is Born:  Kenny Rogers
7.  Because It's Christmas:  Barry Manilow
6.  Hanukkah Song:  Adam Sandler
5.  Kentucky Homemade Christmas:  Kenny Rogers
4.  All I Want for Christmas is You:  Mariah Carey
3.  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas:  Judy Garland
2.  Song for a Winter's Night:  Sarah MacLachlan
1.  I'll Be Home for Christmas:  Josh Groban (complete with the voiceovers from soldiers currently serving overseas; I've heard this song about 59 times, and I cry every time)
********I have to give special recognition to the entire Hanson (yeah, like as in "Mmmmmmbop") Christmas CD, Snowed In, which is without a doubt my favorite Christmas album of all time.  Don't hate; it's awesome.
********I also have to clarify that I really do have good taste in music, but I blame my mother for my undying love for the dorkiest Christmas music on the planet.  Y'all know Christmas music is hokey by its very nature; don't act like you don't love Bing Crosby.
Oh, yeah, and there's one other song I'm really loving this holiday season.  It's pretty new, so you may not have heard it yet.  It goes something like this...

Cowbells ring, are you listening?
Down the field, Dixon sprinting...
A beautiful sight, Rebs crying tonight,
Walking with the trophy in our hands.
Ran away with the Egg Bowl,
Don't feel bad for the Rebs soul,
A beautiful sight, when the dawgs bite,
Walking with the trophy in our hands.

Pretty catchy, huh? =)
How. bout. them. dogs??  Am I right??
I'm still loving the sheer butt-whipping awesomeness that was the Egg Bowl 2009.  
So. much. fun.
Anyway, hope you all had a great day, too!  Happy December!!  

Undecided

So, here's what's on my mind:
Music, particularly rap music, that reinvents a previously released song.
Friend or foe?
Honestly, I really cannot decide which way I'm going to go here.
You know the songs I'm talking about. We're talking catchy tunes like Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life and the current radio submersion Flo Rida's Right Round. These types of songs seem to be everywhere right now, and I am totally riding the fence.
After doing a little research at work this morning, I discovered that these recycled bits of song are apparently called samples. (Perhaps everyone else already knew this?) In addition, it's not just limited to a previously used rhythm, word, or tone; it also transcends to sound effects, spoken words, and even lines from televison or movies.
No way?
Way.
So, I got to thinking, is a sample the same thing as a remake?
For example, I consider The Fugees Killing Me Softly to be a remake of Roberta Flack's 1973 hit, which was actually a remake of Lori Lieberman's 1971 recording. However, there is some heated controversy out there, for some call The Fugees version merely a sample of the previous versions.
Confused yet?
No?
Pressing on, then.
After doing a little more research (e.g. Googling my fingers off), I realized that, according to the infinite wisdom of Wikipedia, Google, and the host of other information on the world wide web, almost every modern-day song contains a sample of some other song. It seems everything old really is new again, which means that what we all thought was new isn't new at all. It's just been tossed in the microwave for a minute, spooned onto a new plate, and served up "fresh."
Hmph.
Well, I say call it whatever you like--samples, remakes, even do-overs, if you want--I still don't quite know how I feel about it. I suppose I'll just have to judge these masterpieces on a case-by-case basis.
Oh, let's be honest, most of the time I don't even realize I'm listening to something that's been done before. Sure, I get the link between Queen's Under Pressure and Vanilla Ice's Ice, Ice Baby, but usually the parallels go over my head. I'm probably too busy screaming "OhmygoshIlovethissong" and ratcheting the volume up to ear-splitting decibels.
My mother tells me I'll be deaf when I'm 45. She's probably right, but at least I'm enjoying the music while it lasts.
Another thing I don't really get is Twitter. Oh, yeah, that and backing into parking spaces..., but I'll put those on the shelf for another blog, another day.

Thank You for the Music

So, yesterday Rachel had a great post about musical confessions, and I thought it such a great idea that I had to immediately follow in her footsteps. The result: the following musings, confessions, and thoughts, all with the common musical theme. Thanks, Rach, for the constant inspiration.

One of my favorite things to do is turn on my iPod and hit "shuffle songs." With close to 6,000 songs stored, there really is no telling what tunes will come through those speakers. For example, this morning while I was getting ready I heard Ludacris, Ray Charles' Georgia, a Christmas song (I'll Be Home for Christmas, I think...), Jack Johnson's Crying Shame, and Billy Joel's Big Shot. Incredibly random and lovin' it.

I really love concerts, and I wish I went to more of them. I'm so excited to go to Memphis in May (James Taylor, Amos Lee, All-American Rejects, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Matt Nathanson, and so many more) this year, but I'm even more excited to see Elton John and Billy Joel's Face 2 Face tour in DC in July!

As I've said before, I love musical theater. Performing in my senior play, Footloose, is one of my favorite high school memories (although the person who gave me a solo needs to have his head examined. Seriously, I have my strengths, but singing is not one of them, as the video will forever illustrate.) I do also love going to any Broadway musical, and belting out showtunes alone in my house or car is one of my favorite pasttimes.

I took piano lessons from the time I was in first grade until I graduated from high school. My grand piano is one of my most prized possessions, and I still love playing when I'm at home; I can't wait until the day I have a real house, so I can take it with me. I owe my mom a big thank you for never letting me quit (and you better believe I used to beg) and forcing me to practice (which I would sometime do almost anything to get out of).

I am constantly patrolling for new music, and I love when iTunes totally gets it right and recommends a great artist I've never even heard of. I am a total iTunes addict, and there is no telling how much money I have spent there in the last 5 years.

Last July, I started taking violin lessons. I have wanted to learn to play since junior high, but I never imagined how hard it was going to be. I'm getting to where I can actually play real songs now, and I am loving it more and more.

I played the trumpet for two years in junior high. I can pretty safely say those two years playing that trumpet were some of the most mortifying of my life. (No offense to anyone who plays the trumpet, it just wasn't for me.) It wasn't so much the music that I hated, it was things like emptying my spit valve (sick... I know) and marching around the football field all day in the blazing August Mississippi heat practicing our halftime show, which I dreaded having to perform over and over again at each varsity football game.

The first CD I remember owning was Ace of Base: The Sign.

The most recent CD I bought was probably Taylor Swift: Fearless. Weird... and embarrassing. I know.

I love it when Ben uses his cool New York vibe to bring awesome new music into my life, like months ago when he introduced me to MGMT.

It is my personal opinion that musicians (like moviestars) should stick to what they do best: in this case, singing. I feel they should leave their political opinions and their causes off the stage and out of the limelight.

I love movie and TV show soundtracks, and it is not uncommon for me to love music from a movie I didn't really care for.

Embarrassingly, I love David Cook. I feel the need to watch every performance, appearance, and interview he does. His season is, oddly enough, the only season of American Idol I've ever watched, so maybe that explains my uncanny attachment.

Why is it that when 80s music or an 80s band is playing the party just gets started? Turning on 80s music is like plugging people into an electric socket or something.

I am more likely to buy (or at least remember) a product if I like the song played in its commercial. Commercials are also great places to discover previously unknown music.

Whoever invented the concept of a piano bar or dueling pianos should be given a big high five every day, just for being awesome.

So, tell me if I'm alone in this one: some songs completely transport me to another place and time in my past, complete with sounds, voices, sights, and even smells. Anyone else?

XM Radio changed my life. I know that may sound extreme, but, seriously, sometimes it blows my mind. I feel almost as strongly about Pandora.

I would be hard pressed to narrow in on the best concert I've ever been to. The Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer with Maroon 5, Michael Buble, and, surprisingly, Linkin Park with Hoobastank, P.O.D., and Story of the Year were all pretty amazing. (Seriously, the last one was so, so good.)

I can, however, say, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst concert I've ever been to: Jessica Simpson. Ryan Cabrera's opening was the only saving grace of that abysmal experience.

I always love to find a song that has eloquently incorporated interesting or intelligent vocabulary into a seemingly commonplace song. For me, that's like finding the prize at the bottom of the cereal box, a hidden treasure that I was almost certain wouldn't be there.

Play a Simple Song

Right now at violin I'm learning to play Minuet in G. It is also affectionately referred to as A Lover's Concerto, but I prefer the title Bach rightfully gave it.
Call me old-fashioned.
Everytime I'm practicing it or my teacher and I play it together, there is one thing and one thing only that pops into my mind: the episode of Saved by the Bell where "the gang" is playing this song in band. When the teacher is in the room, they play it all slow and off-key, but when he leaves they get all jazzy and start having a great time.
Of course, as in typical Saved by the Bell fashion, the whole "gang" is in the band, and the only other people in the class are people we've never seen before, and we'll probably never see again. Without Slater, Jesse, Zack, Screech, Lisa, and Kelly, the band, like the cheerleading squad, drama club, glee club, track team, football team, student council, volleyball team, homecoming court, school store, and every other student activity at Bayside, would not be able to sustain activity. During this short, five minute scene, Jesse battles some unfounded neuroses; Zack reminds everyone that he's the lovable troublemaker; Slater (wearing a tank top/muscle shirt, of course) makes some wise crack at which no one laughes but himself; Kelly starts a sentence with "Oh, Zack" and follows it with something senseless; Lisa... well, Lisa does nothing, like always; and, Screech holds onto the position of village idiot.
If you don't have any idea which episode I'm talking about (because let's be honest, they're all pretty similar), rest easy. I found a posting of the whole episode, and the specific part I'm talking about starts at 4:21.
And yes, this is, in fact, the most random post ever.