Song Challenge day 29 and 30

I haven't been doing the song challenge the last few days, life has gotten in the way. And I couldn't think of a song from my childhood for a few days. But I did decide on an oldie but a goodie, literally. I used to dance in the backyard wearing a pink leotard with my underwear hanging out the leg holes and a hoola hoop as my prop. I was cla-ssy! And no shame then and no shame now.

I give you the chipper medlies of Surfin' USA by the Beach Boys.

And the last day of the song challenge was your favorite song from this time last year. Ohhh the memories attached with my choice make my heart smile. They make me glow from the inside out.

The lovely musical wonder ofWinter Winds by Mumford and Sons.

Song Challenge Day 28

A song that makes you feel guilty. What? That's dumb. I feel guilty when I've done something morally wrong, or hurt someone. But I generally don't do those things because they make me feel guilty. I also don't listen to music that makes me feel things I don't want to feel. This is a dumb theme for the day. I think the creators where just looking for an extra day and were running out of ideas. I'm not doing this one.

Next...

Song Challenge Day 27

A song you wish you could play. My list for this one is so damn long, but I think it's more like wish I could sing. Dylan, Beatles, Janis, Jimi, Elton, Stevie, Michael, Indigo Girls, Ani. Or perhaps I wish I could be them for a moment. Sigh...

But I went with a fantasitc singer/song writer, the amazingly wonderful and voice like a butterfly, Miss Joni Mitchell and her song /Both Sides Now.

Song Challenge Day 26

A song you can play on an instrument. Sadly, I took years of piano and years of clarinet lessons and haven't really retained much. I own a guitar and my boyfriend can play it better than me, and he's never had any music lessons. Alas, I can play When The Saints Go Marching In on the piano and the very beginners version of it. I sound about as good as the person in the video.

Click the link for the most dull version of When The Saints Go Marching In ever played.

Song Challenge Day 24 and 25

This next challenge was a tough one for me, a song you want played at your funeral. I was going to go with Bye Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers, thanks to the movie Love Actually. But I chose something more comical. I'm a funny gal so I figured I'd leave my life with a little humor.

Behold the comedic genus of Always Look On the Bright Side of Life from the Monty Python movie Life of Brian.

And the next days was a song that makes you laugh. My BFF Ryan introduced me to this song our freshman year of college on the first mixed CD he ever gave me. It makes me bounce up and down with giggles.

Thanks to the magic of Disney, I give you The Spectrum Song. You gotta get to the middle of the video to hear the song, but do it, it's fun and bouncy and surely will make you giggle.

Apparently...

So apparently, according to some 80-something year old goomer, today is the end of the world. Bummer it's so rainy out. If I'm going to be swept into the afterlife without being asked, I'd at least like the sun to be shinning. Would make me feel more angel-esque.

I however, refuse to believe that the rapture is coming until Donald Trump has a certificate to prove it.

Catch the sarcasm. (I've said this before, there needs to be a sarcasm font.)

I've read about an atheist who started a business for those believing in the rapture to leave their pets in good care. He has said that when theses believers aren't swept up to heaven they are going to be twice disappointed, 1. the Lord isn't back and 2. his company doesn't do refunds.

I find this all extremely funny.

I just don't understand how people can be so dumb to believe a supposed religious message written on a billboard. I really think that God is 1. more creative 2. smarter 3. more sneaky than to tell us all when he will end our world. The billboards are so blatantly ridiculous that it's just laughable. I pity those who fall that easily.

Wanna read about the second coming that is supposed to be happening as I write this? Click Doomsday.

Song Challenge Day 23

A song you want played at your wedding. I've wanted this played at my wedding ever since Robert and his wife did at theirs on Everybody Loves Raymond. It's hilarious and hell, my wedding will be a party, just like my life with my partner!

I give you the rocking style of A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley

Song Challenge Day 22

A song you listen to when you're sad. I have music I'll put in to cheer me up when I'm down, but I don't think there is a song I would listen to to keep me in a downer mood. So for today I chose a song that brings out the tears, in a good way.

No Day But Today from RENT

Song Challenge Day 21

Today's challenge is a song you listen to when you're happy. (Isn't that the same as "a song that makes you happy from earlier in the challenge? But whatevs.) I freaking love this band, they are funky and dance-a-licious! I shake my goove thang every time I hear them! I put them in when I'm happy and it surely ups my mood.

I give you the totally rad Bump and Sway by Deep Banana Blackout!

Song Challenge Day 20

A song you listen to when you're angry. I'm not too proud of this because Fred Durst is an ass, but the lyrics are angry and fit an angry mood. And P.S. I haven't listened to this song in a few years, haven't been that angry.

And a little disclaimer, the lyrics are offensive. Apologies if you're offended. Here is the angry song of Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit

Song Challenge Day 19

Today's challenge was a song from your favorite album. I don't think I've ever thought about the possibility of a favorite album, I have favorite songs and favorite artists. But I choose an album from my collection that I think is good all the way through. Guns 'N Roses Appetite For Destruction. It's a solid rock album, it's tight, it's pissy, it's drug induced, just the way rock should be!

I give you Welcome to the Jungle by the rough around the edges, Guns 'N Roses!

Song Challenge Day 18

A song you wish you heard on the radio. Ani DiFranco doesn't get much radio time no matter what station you listen to. But she freaking rocks. She uses her guitar like a weapon, she writes lyrics from deep within, she wears her life and her stories as a cape. She is just awesome. I would like to hear any of her music more often, but I picked this song because it's one of my favorites.

You had Time by the wonderous Ani DiFranco

I knew it!

I pulled out my dictionary today to look up specifically the difference between an amphibian and a reptile. And then like always when I open my dictionary, I wind up flipping through and reading definitions. And I read something that made me feel totally vindicated!

According the the Concise Oxford American Dictionary, the plural version of octopus is OCTOPUSES! Not that dumb octopi! I've been saying that for years, you can't end a plural version of an English word with an "I."

Even an editor at Merriam Webster will tell you what the dealio is.

Song Challenge Day 17

Today's challenge was a song you hear often on the radio. Funny, it's the same artist as yesterdays choice for a song you used to love and now hate, Adele. She is talented and a new fresh voice on the scene, but I'm going to really not like her really soon, if I keep hearing the same 3 songs from her.

Rolling in the Deep by Adele.

Song Challenge Day 16

Today's choice was a no-brainer, a song you used to love but now hate. When Adele first came on the scene I was all about her! She was fresh, could actually sing, had an individual look about her. But now, if I go months without hearing a song by her it will be too soon. She is at the top of the list of overplayed. Talented, yes. Overplayed talent, absolutely.

I used to love it, but not so much any more. Chasing Pavements by Adele.

Song Challenge Day 15

A song that describes you. This one was tough. It seemed so final. But then again, it's just a list, I can change it at any time. I thought of going with Ani DiFranco's 32 Flavors, but that seems so cliche. Chuck mentioned American Woman, but no. And then jokingly, he sung "She's got legs! She knows how to use them!" I laughed. I played along and sung back "Dude looks like a lady!"

Anywho...

One of the first songs that came into my head was the one that I went with in the end. It's by a Scottish singer named Paolo Nutini, it was on his debut album. The song makes me happy and I chose it because it really is something as simple as a pair of new shoes that make my day. Enjoy the simple, chipper beat of New Shoes by Paolo Nutini.

Song Challenge Day 14

A song that no one would expect you to love. I'm not a big fan of rap, it's just not my thing. But I think Eminem is one talented fella. He actually tells a story with his lyrics and he doesn't have to make up words to do so. In order to appreciate Eminem you really have to listen and listen well, he's telling you something interesting.

Lose Yourself by Eminem. Go ahead and bob your head, it's got that kind of beat.

Song Challenge Day 13

A song that is a guilty pleasure. The phrase "guilty pleasure" says you're ashamed of liking it. Me? Not so much! Once again, no shame in my game! I freaking LOVE this song!

If you listen to this song and don't feel the need to shake what your mama gave you, I need to crack you outta shell, cause shaking it to this song is freaking AWESOME!
Don't Stop Believing! by Journey.

Minnesota Senate = Appaling

Really Minnesota Senate? Really? How pig-headed, rude, unfair and absolutely ridiculous can you get? I am usually proud to be from this state, but today I am utterly ashamed. You need to realize that love and politics don't mix and to keep your ugly nose out of other peoples hearts.

It makes me sick to my stomach that someone thinks they deserve more than someone else. This is one reason that I will leave the state. I can not be a part of a community that makes it a law that one person can not love another. It's bullshit. Plain fucking bullshit.

Our senate needs to
1. Pull their head out of their own asses and realize there are more important things to fight for.
2. Pull their head out of their own asses and realize that there is more out there than their own ignorant beliefs.
3. Notice that this doesn't put a ban on marriage but instead it puts others a step below everyone else. This is NOT equal rights.
4. Open their eyes inside and out and notice that they are hurting people. Imagine being told that the one person you love more than anything has no legal say in your life. You and your partner can not take the final step in solidifying your relationship. Imagine a group of the population saying you are not worthy. It's awful.
5. Realize that you aren't just messing with grown adults who have thicker skin and hopefully know their place in the world, but you are messing with the future of young kids. Kids who, right now, are trying to figure out who they are, and with this news making the headlines, would you want to be open and out?

If you haven't heard or seen any of the It Gets Better Project, please click and support. We all need someone to stand behind us, and here is a whole community that stands behind choice.

Song Challenge Day 12

Today's challenge was a song from a band you hate. It took me about half an hour to find an artist that I don't fully like. There are songs that I hate and ones that I think are crap musically. But an whole band or artist? It took some thinking. And then BING! like I was hit on the head with a brick. Stupid Miley Cyrus. She is untalented, obnoxious and so damn irritating I would be just fine if she just disappeared.

Listen if you must, but I would recommend it. She stinks.

Song Challenge Day 11

A song from your favorite band. I love love LOVE Dave Matthews! And this song just makes me smile inside and out. Listen to the lyrics, Dave does tend to mumble so look 'em up if you have to, they are brilliant.

Behold the wonderful musical stylings ofTwo Step by my beloved Dave Matthews.

May this song convince you of DAVE's wonderfulness!

Hey MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!

You're fantastic and I love you for everything you've taught me, everything you do for me still and for making me a strong, happy woman!

You're the BEST!

Song Challenge Day 9 and 10

I missed yesterdays song challenge, I was busy being pampered and then going out like a rockstar at night!

But day 9 is a song you can dance to. Really? Just one song?! That's ridiculous! I can dance to thousands of songs, and have! but since I have to pick something, Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel is surely in the top 5! I love Michael! That man made good music!

A day 10, a song you can fall asleep to. I can fall asleep anywhere. When I'm tired I go to sleep. (Thanks MOM!) But again, since I have to choose, Vivaldi's Four Seasons comes to mind. I love every season and they are just lovely to soothe one to dreamland.

Song Challenge Day 8

A song you know all the words too. I know the words to lots of songs but this one was literally the first song that popped in my head. It's also one of my karaoke songs and the bars love it!

Go ahead and sing along, to 9 to 5 by the fabulous Dolly Parton!

In the running would also have been Mercedes Benz by Janis as well and Me and Bobby McGee. Just about any song from the musical RENT. I think I could do all the words to We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel and I know lots of words to songs by the Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Dave Matthews, Poison, Guns and Roses and many other 80's hair bands!

Song Challenge Day 7

A song that reminds you of a certain event. Even says to me something that more than one person is in attendance, perhaps it's an annual thing. But my choice is more personal. This song reminds me of a very specific moment in my life. I cried and I turned a metaphorical page. And that's all I have to say about that.

Listen to Time by Tom Waits.

Song Challenge Day 6

Today's song was one that reminded me of somewhere. I don't really associate many songs with places, more with feelings or a moment in time. But with this choice I think of my beloved childhood summer camp, YMCA Camp Ihduhapi. We sung songs at every meal, and every night at the camp fire. This was one of my favorites. And I do think of camp every time I hear this song. And it warms me, makes me smile and brings me back to some of my favorite memories from childhood.

A wonderful song,Puff The Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

And I'm sure many others have memories attached to this song too. It's a good one.

Song Challenge Day 5

Day 5 - A song that reminds you of someone. I do a have a few songs that stick out in my mind for a few different people. But my choice was almost no contest. Not just because of the song or who it reminds me of but because when I hear it, it takes me back to a fantastic time in my life. I used to go out with my wonderful friends to the gay bars all the time, we had a karaoke night for every night of the week. And my BFF Ryan would sing this song, especially if I requested it and sing it so well. It made my heart smile every time!

Hearing this song, not only reminds me of my friend but reminds me of a time in my life when I had the closest knit group of friends I could have asked for. I was young and carefree and my biggest decision for the weekend was what bar we were going to go to. Ahhh, memories.

I give you My Maria by B.W. Stevenson, but in my mind it will be Ryan Gustafson singing.

Song Challenge Day 4

A song that makes you sad. There are songs that make me cry, but today's choice literally breaks my heart. It's from a musical called The Last Five Years. It's a wonderful 2 person show about a husband and wife. She starts the show at the end of the relationship and he starts at the beginning. And the song I've chosen is (spoiler alert) where he is singing about cheating on his wife. It's soft and lovely music but the lyrics just hurt my heart.

On that cheery note, take a listen to Nobody Needs To Know.

And then go find a video to make you laugh.

Oh wow

I need to let the news of tonight sink in before I write about it. But let me just say holy-crap-shut-up-no-freaking-way-and-hells-yeah!

In conjunction with tonight's amazing news, if you haven't seen the President's speech from this year's Correspondent's dinner, you should watch it. His writers are witty and his delivery is priceless. Watch it, laugh and be proud.

A brilliant 18 minutes from our President.

Turning the leaf

I was going to post something about how much it sucks that someone I considered a good friend a few years ago got married yesterday and I wasn't invited. Not only wasn't I invited but I can't get her or the rest of those friends to get back to me in any form of communication no matter what I do. They seemed to have thrown our friendship out with last years fashion and it makes me sad.

But this blog is about finding the awesome, so I'm going to turn the leaf over and look at what is rocking in my world right now.
1. Still being able to turn on the heat in this weather and after taking a swim in a chilly pool and having no hot water to shower in afterward. But my slippers, a sweatshirt and the heat from the vent helped.
2. Taking a nap with my man, his sweet 9 year old and sleepy 2 year old while watching the Princess Bride. We flopped over each other like puppies.
3. Having the relationships in the book I'm reading starting to come together after many fiction years of no contact.
4. Playing chase with my cat. If you hide and occasionally peak out so he'll see you, he will totally stalk you around the house. It's fun.

This is what I saw playing chase today.
5. Getting good gift ideas for others. I got a good one today and I'm going to make it happen!
6. Loving lazy Sundays in this house. We are good at doing nothing. Cause there is a huge difference in having nothing to do and doing nothing. And on Sundays we excel at the latter.

What's awesome in your world today?

Song Challenge Day 3

This day's challenge is a good one, a song that makes you happy. I have many songs that make me happy but this one surely came to my mind first. I do a happy dance ever time I hear it and it's an infectious tune so anyone with me usually hops right on the happy dance bandwagon.

Ladies and Gents, let me introduce you to the happy happy joy joy song of The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti and Spearhead.

If you didn't get a little bob in you head or a skip in your step, I think you may need to see someone about your lack of chipperness.

I may have to listen to it again. And again. :-)