Looking Back--Final Edition

I really debated about what song to end my look back at songs that have been important to me throughout my life. It's a hard thing to do when you're someone like me who loves so many types of music and songs. I thought about going the sentimental route and ending with the song Mr and I danced our first dance to at our wedding. After all, the first time I heard the song I knew it would be played at my wedding. Of course, at the time, I wasn't sure if there would ever be a wedding in my future and I certainly didn't plan on Mr being the one I'd be dancing with. However, this look back is about my whole life, not just my time with Mr so with that in mind, there was really no question what I would end on.

I was a late bloomer in finding AC/DC. In fact, I've been a late bloomer in most things in my life; however, we'll save that for another post! Anyway, as a "good girl" in high school, I didn't listen to heavy metal. "Good girls" don't listen to music like that. They stick with nice, safe artists. At the time, that meant Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, etc. However, when I went to college, all those "rules" went out the window and lo and behold, enter AC/DC and whatever other heavy metal group at the time that rocked it out. However, AC/DC is my favorite band in the entire world.

New groups come, new groups go, but AC/DC remains a constant. I can't hear this song without thinking of all the times that I've sung this song at the top of my lungs--sometimes playing air guitar, sometimes playing a broom, and that one time in Ft. Worth when I actually sang it with a live band--again, a story for another post. To me AC/DC = happiness, good times, good friends, good memories, the quintessential "me".

Looking Back--Part 4

I can't even remember the exact age I was introduced to Janis Joplin by my mom. I just always remember her listening to her. I remember learning the words to this song early on. My love for Janis continued into college where I would listen to her a lot. I've always felt sorry for Janis and the sad life that she led and of course, her sad death. In some weird way, I feel like I'm helping her by listening to her songs.

Looking Back--Part 3

I like to think of myself as the original Cher fan. I used to love watching "The Sonny and Cher Show". I especially looked forward to the end of the show when they would bring Chastity out. Yes, this was a long time ago.

I don't remember my exact age, but I had the cutest, baby blue portable record player. Yes, I'm old enough to remember records, what of it! Anyway, one Christmas I got Cher's new-at-the-time album. It had a beautiful picture of Cher on the front, dressed in an Indian outfit--what would now have to be called a Native American outfit. I thought she was so beautiful--her smooth cafe-colored skin, long, shiny, black hair. I absolutely adored her. I played that album over and over and over. My absolute favorite song was "Half Breed", although I knew every song on that album by heart, and mostly still do. To this day, I love to sing "Dark Lady" at the top of my lungs. Old habits die hard.

Looking Back--Part 2

I decided to continue my look back at music that's touched my life in some way.

Today's edition is rather timely, due to the recent death of Michael Jackson. When I'd heard that he'd passed away, I remembered thinking about "Thriller" and the memories around that song. Then this week, I friended my BFF from high school. During our senior year, she and I used to go back to her house after school, turn on MTV and practice all of the moves from "Thriller". In my memory, it seems like we did it every day. We had it down pretty good. Gosh, it's been a long time since I've seen this video. Think I might just start rehearsals again here in my office!

Looking back

Music is very important to me. When I'm in a funk, my favorite music can pull me out of it almost instantly. When I feel like crap and want to "waller" in it, certain songs can help me waller with the best of them! Today while I was getting dressed, I was listening to my iPod on shuffle and an old favorite played--"Better Days" by Bruce Springsteen. Boy, did this song take me back instantly.

There were many days that I sang this song at the top of my lungs in my apartment, remembering what absolutely shitty times I'd been through...and survived...for the better. There are so many lines in this song that rang so true for me at those times in my life that it makes me wonder if Bruce didn't go through similar things in his life. That's the thing with songs...the words can seem like they were written about me or my life and those are the songs that mean the most to me and truly touch my spirit in a way that nothing else can.

As I listened to it today, it made me remember those tough days again and where I am now. It made me remember the person I was then and the person I am today. I am a different person than I was then, but I wouldn't be this person if it weren't for those shitty ones. Truly, today, I am living in Better Days...and I'm grateful.

Fun at the Fair

Last night was my favorite night of our county fair--the demolition derby. They added a new competition this year--lawn mowers. Here's a few videos I took. What a fun night, plus the funnel cake and Mr. Softee with sprinkles rocked!

My latest and greatest love

Last week I told you about the semi-annual sale that started at Bath and Body Works and the foam burst that you simply had to run out and buy immediately. Today I wanted to let you in on another little gem I discovered. This lotion is ahhh-mazing. The scent takes you right to the islands without smelling like suntan oil and the moisturizing effect lasts for hours. Last week it was half off and it may even be cheaper this week...if you can find it! Our store sold out of it quickly so check your local store. You won't be disappointed!

My Sister Friend

As an only child, I always wanted a sister--an older sister to be specific. I thought it would be really neat to have someone bestow their wisdom to me about boys, dating, makeup, just the general things an older sister would bestow. Of course, having a bad case of the "grass is always greener" syndrome, I never considered that these bestowments would probably also come in the form of harassment, fights, teasings, just the general stuff that comes from a younger/older sister situation.

As I've grown older, I've been fortunate to have many good friends over my lifetime. Some were only in my life for a short period of time. Some have left and returned to my life. And then there there is the one that started early in my adulthood and has sustained throughout. My sister friend.

To me, a sister friend is someone who has been with me through the ups and the downs of life. She is the one that no matter what happens, I know she is there. No matter what I tell her, she's not shocked. When something great happens or when something horrible happens, she is the first one I want to share it with--she's the first call. She's the one that knows my secrets from way back...the one who knew me when. The one who cheers me on when I doubt myself. The one who celebrates my victories louder than anyone else and consoles me after my failures. The one who loves and accepts me--warts and all. And what's more, I do the same for her. She is a sister in the truest sense of the word but the cool thing is I got to choose her.

This weekend is my sister friend's birthday. It's a big birthday...the exact number shall remain unnamed. Right now she is going through a very dark time in her life and because of that we aren't celebrating it right now with the blowout that she deserves. I hope you'll help me wish my dearest sister friend the happiest of Happy Birthdays!

And here's also hoping that all of you have a sister friend in your life.

Small things that make me happy

Today I painted my nails. It was the first time in a long time--probably since the wedding last April. I realized that I love it when my nails are painted, especially if it's been a long time since I've done it. It got me thinking about other small things that make me happy:

1. Receiving a comment on Facebook, MySpace or blog
2. Having a long phone call or visit with a good friend
3. Hearing from someone I haven't heard from in a while
4. Fresh flowers, either bought by myself or even better, given to me as a gift from someone else
5. A card in the mail for no reason that makes me smile
6. Sending a card in the mail for no reason that hopefully makes the recipient smile
7. Watching the snow fall and realizing I don't have to go anywhere
8. Cooking a good meal that Mr really enjoys
9. Finding a parking space up close when it's crappy weather
10. Buying something at a store and when it's rung up, it's even cheaper than the tag says
11. Curling up with a book and reading all day
12. Playing with and snuggling on the couch with my dog
13. Taking a picture that I think is really good
14. Laughing until I cry, can hardly get my breath and snorting
15. Actually getting to mark things off my to-do list
16. Looking at old pictures
17. Sweats
18. Clean sheets
19. Going to sleep each night with Mr next to me
20. My robe