Day 5: A song that reminds you of someone
Oh Lordy... this post could go on forever. I have hundreds of songs that remind me of my dearest friends. So lets just get on with it:
Leland: He introduced me to the German version of "Major Tom (Coming Home)." I loved the English version, but adore the German version.
Kasey: I can't count how many times we sang this together in the car/dorm room/while walking around the UMASS campus.
Chad: I could pick tons just for him. I almost went with a Chaka Khan song, since we saw her live together, but nothing reminds me of my Chad more than songs from the film/musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." If you haven't seen this film, rent it!!
ITS A CAR WASH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!
Dustin: I'm not quite sure how this became one of our songs. It just happened and BOB-FM plays it quite a lot (because he plays everything), so I'm constantly reminded of my bestie.
and last but not least...
My PANDA!!! We went to see this film at the Tallgrass Film Al Fresco one night and were confused, yet thought it was hilarious!! RASPBERRIES!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge Day 4
Day 4: A Song that makes me sad.
"But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights. The shades and shadows undulate in my perception. My feelings swell and stretch; I see from greater heights. I understand what I am still too proud to mention... to you."
I'd like to see Rebecca Black or Justin Bieber drop the word "undulate" in one of their songs.
If you don't own Fiona Apple's album "Tidal," you need to hop on iTunes, Amazon.com or head to your nearest Best Buy and get it... NOW. This album came out when I was 13 years old (1996) and it wasn't until I was 16/17 that I was introduced to her and fell in love. This album defined the summer before my junior year of high school. My first serious relationship had ended the fall before in epic tragedy (i was cheated on for the first time) and I was deep into another one... who would end up cheating on me later (all because at 16, I wouldn't put out. I have morals, go figure).
Listening to Fiona again makes me miss the 90s and the amazing music it gave us, especailly from women. It was the age of Lillith Fair and Sarah McLachlan brought together some of the most amazing women artists of the time: Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Queen Latifah, Diana Krall, Indigo Girls, Jewel and Martina McBride, to name a few. Where else would you get this eclectic mix of female artists? We were introduced to the estrogen angst of Alanis Morissette and while women celebrated... men were nervous. It was a fantastic time to be a woman.
But I digress...
This song is about insecurity, trust and expectations. The lyrics are extremely powerful and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. I understand the hurt and insecurity at the beginning and the realization of strength at the end. I understand it more than I would like to admit.
It did take me a while to choose this song. I'm generally a happy person, so finding a song that makes me sad was a) difficult, and b) not really something I want to do. But while searching, I did find a few that made the short list. These songs don't necessarily make me cry or bum me out, but it strikes a chord in me... insecurity (like above) or yearning for something in my life.
Honorable Mentions:
"I Want Love" by Elton John. Amazing lyrics and a fantastic video.
"Someone Like You" by Adele. If you have a heart that has been broken, or regret a decision you made in love... this song will hit you. This would have gotten the #1 slot, until I found Fiona's song. Fiona's song has been with me longer. Adele's new album "21" is another you need to go buy right now.
"The Steward of Gondor" feat. Billy Boyd. Know by about 5 other names, this is the official title from The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Soundtrack. Amazing lyrics and the scene is so powerful. Can't put the video here, but take the minute to watch a brilliant bit of film making. Better yet... just watch all 3 extended editions.
"But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights. The shades and shadows undulate in my perception. My feelings swell and stretch; I see from greater heights. I understand what I am still too proud to mention... to you."
I'd like to see Rebecca Black or Justin Bieber drop the word "undulate" in one of their songs.
If you don't own Fiona Apple's album "Tidal," you need to hop on iTunes, Amazon.com or head to your nearest Best Buy and get it... NOW. This album came out when I was 13 years old (1996) and it wasn't until I was 16/17 that I was introduced to her and fell in love. This album defined the summer before my junior year of high school. My first serious relationship had ended the fall before in epic tragedy (i was cheated on for the first time) and I was deep into another one... who would end up cheating on me later (all because at 16, I wouldn't put out. I have morals, go figure).
Listening to Fiona again makes me miss the 90s and the amazing music it gave us, especailly from women. It was the age of Lillith Fair and Sarah McLachlan brought together some of the most amazing women artists of the time: Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Queen Latifah, Diana Krall, Indigo Girls, Jewel and Martina McBride, to name a few. Where else would you get this eclectic mix of female artists? We were introduced to the estrogen angst of Alanis Morissette and while women celebrated... men were nervous. It was a fantastic time to be a woman.
But I digress...
This song is about insecurity, trust and expectations. The lyrics are extremely powerful and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. I understand the hurt and insecurity at the beginning and the realization of strength at the end. I understand it more than I would like to admit.
It did take me a while to choose this song. I'm generally a happy person, so finding a song that makes me sad was a) difficult, and b) not really something I want to do. But while searching, I did find a few that made the short list. These songs don't necessarily make me cry or bum me out, but it strikes a chord in me... insecurity (like above) or yearning for something in my life.
Honorable Mentions:
"I Want Love" by Elton John. Amazing lyrics and a fantastic video.
"Someone Like You" by Adele. If you have a heart that has been broken, or regret a decision you made in love... this song will hit you. This would have gotten the #1 slot, until I found Fiona's song. Fiona's song has been with me longer. Adele's new album "21" is another you need to go buy right now.
"The Steward of Gondor" feat. Billy Boyd. Know by about 5 other names, this is the official title from The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Soundtrack. Amazing lyrics and the scene is so powerful. Can't put the video here, but take the minute to watch a brilliant bit of film making. Better yet... just watch all 3 extended editions.
Friday, March 18, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge Day 3
Day 3: A song that makes you happy.
A little girl stands alone on a stage. Her bee costume shimmers in the single spot light. She begins to tap dance. She finishes and gives a low bow to the crowd, extremely proud of herself. The crowd doesn't applaud, just laughs. She runs away crying.
Thus starts The Bee Girl's search for acceptance.
How can you not love Blind Melon's "No Rain?" The song's lyrics are simple and the guitar riff is upbeat and can only make you smile. To me, its about relishing in the little things in life and also being yourself, regardless of whether people think its odd or not.
The video is a perfect reflection of that. Bee Girl runs around the city, dancing for anyone who will watch. They think she's a little odd. But at the end, she finds the field of Bee People dancing and enjoying the sun. She has found acceptance with others.
Maybe one day, we can all find acceptance.
A little girl stands alone on a stage. Her bee costume shimmers in the single spot light. She begins to tap dance. She finishes and gives a low bow to the crowd, extremely proud of herself. The crowd doesn't applaud, just laughs. She runs away crying.
Thus starts The Bee Girl's search for acceptance.
How can you not love Blind Melon's "No Rain?" The song's lyrics are simple and the guitar riff is upbeat and can only make you smile. To me, its about relishing in the little things in life and also being yourself, regardless of whether people think its odd or not.
The video is a perfect reflection of that. Bee Girl runs around the city, dancing for anyone who will watch. They think she's a little odd. But at the end, she finds the field of Bee People dancing and enjoying the sun. She has found acceptance with others.
Maybe one day, we can all find acceptance.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge Day 1 and 2
I don't blog enough. Really, nothing exciting has been happening. I've been sick. I've been packing and trying to move. I haven't been working out due to said sickness. The End.
So for the next 30 days, I decided to participate in Facebook's 30 Day Song Challenge. Not really much of a challenge, but its a fun way to explore my love of music and my tastes.
Since I technically started yesterday, here are Days 1 & 2!!
Day 1: Your Favorite Song
How can one put in to words the love of a song that has changed your whole outlook on life and can instantly change your mood and perspective? That is what U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" does to me every time. I never really listened to U2 much before, probably 2007. I knew their radio hits. I liked them. Something happened after I moved back from Boston, though... I became more in tune with The Edge's delayed arpeggio at then beginning and end, the throbbing bass line (thank you, Adam) and Bono's passionate plea to find that place and to go there together. We can find transcendence, peace, and love.
Day 2: Your Least Favorite Song
I despise this song and everything it stands for. I'm irritated by the lyrics and the video (which I saw for the first time today). I thought maybe my tastes would change 7 years later, but NOPE! Still can't stand the song. It was a toss-up between this and "The Girl from Ipanema," but I found a youtube video of Andy Williams singing it and didn't hate it so much. I then watched the "Redneck Woman" video and was annoyed, so it won the title of my Least Favorite Song. In 2004, this song had every bleach-blonde, Coach-purse wielding, Carey Bradshaw wanna be all of a sudden screaming "hell yeah!!" I'm sorry, ladies, you can't be both. Getting dolled up in cowgirl chic when you decide to hit a country club is a personality... redneck is a lifestyle.
and if you want to see what made me change a 28 year old opinion of a song in less than 2 minutes:
Stay tuned for the next 28 days to see what other gems I can come up with!!
So for the next 30 days, I decided to participate in Facebook's 30 Day Song Challenge. Not really much of a challenge, but its a fun way to explore my love of music and my tastes.
Since I technically started yesterday, here are Days 1 & 2!!
Day 1: Your Favorite Song
How can one put in to words the love of a song that has changed your whole outlook on life and can instantly change your mood and perspective? That is what U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" does to me every time. I never really listened to U2 much before, probably 2007. I knew their radio hits. I liked them. Something happened after I moved back from Boston, though... I became more in tune with The Edge's delayed arpeggio at then beginning and end, the throbbing bass line (thank you, Adam) and Bono's passionate plea to find that place and to go there together. We can find transcendence, peace, and love.
Day 2: Your Least Favorite Song
I despise this song and everything it stands for. I'm irritated by the lyrics and the video (which I saw for the first time today). I thought maybe my tastes would change 7 years later, but NOPE! Still can't stand the song. It was a toss-up between this and "The Girl from Ipanema," but I found a youtube video of Andy Williams singing it and didn't hate it so much. I then watched the "Redneck Woman" video and was annoyed, so it won the title of my Least Favorite Song. In 2004, this song had every bleach-blonde, Coach-purse wielding, Carey Bradshaw wanna be all of a sudden screaming "hell yeah!!" I'm sorry, ladies, you can't be both. Getting dolled up in cowgirl chic when you decide to hit a country club is a personality... redneck is a lifestyle.
and if you want to see what made me change a 28 year old opinion of a song in less than 2 minutes:
Stay tuned for the next 28 days to see what other gems I can come up with!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Have you ever had your ears vacuumed?
Cause its an interesting experience.
Back to my ENT for a followup. Infection is a bit better, as it should be after 5 days of double antibiotics. There is still fluid in my ear, causing the ringing and hearing loss. He took a sample of the junk in my ear to send to the lab for testing and then he vacuumed my ear... yes, vacuumed. I don't know what was in there, but obviously it was awful enough he had to suction it out. I was almost curious enough to ask if I could see what it looked like. I was honestly hoping he'd hoover around for a bit then VOILA!! My hearing would be restored.
Nope. Not that lucky.
If its not better in 1.5 weeks, then I have to go in for tubes... which is not a good thing. It will relieve the pressure, but I don't want tubes in my ears.
I have a chiropractor appt Friday to see if she can crack my bones and relieve some of this fluid. *sigh* here's hoping!!
Back to my ENT for a followup. Infection is a bit better, as it should be after 5 days of double antibiotics. There is still fluid in my ear, causing the ringing and hearing loss. He took a sample of the junk in my ear to send to the lab for testing and then he vacuumed my ear... yes, vacuumed. I don't know what was in there, but obviously it was awful enough he had to suction it out. I was almost curious enough to ask if I could see what it looked like. I was honestly hoping he'd hoover around for a bit then VOILA!! My hearing would be restored.
Nope. Not that lucky.
If its not better in 1.5 weeks, then I have to go in for tubes... which is not a good thing. It will relieve the pressure, but I don't want tubes in my ears.
I have a chiropractor appt Friday to see if she can crack my bones and relieve some of this fluid. *sigh* here's hoping!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I seriously feel like I cannot catch a break...
I've been sick in some way for almost a month.
First, it was a sinus infection that decided to show up the Saturday before Valentine's Day. That's right... 2 days before a "romantic" holiday (and the first one in a while that I've been in a relationship during)... I snag a sinus infection. Theories vary from grilling in the cold for 6 hours for charity the day before, to working Saturday in floral and being around pollen I'm not 100% used too... or a combination of both. However, whatever the case may be, I had a wicked sinus infection that lasted 3 weeks.
Then last Wednesday came.
With my sinus infection almost completely out of the way, I was optimistic, dare I say, even excited to get on with the week. I started running again. I was looking forward to packing up to start my move on Saturday and anxious to get something productive done at work. Alas, that is when my sinus infection decided to join forces with the evil Streptococcus to attack my poor, defenseless right ear.
After a night of agonizing pain and maybe 3 hours of fitful sleep, I made an appointment with an ENT. I went to work and tried to organize some paperwork, knowing I would be gone through the weekend. The ENT quickly deemed it "one heck of a nasty ear infection," gave me oral and ear drop antibiotics, pain meds and set me on my way. That was Thursday.
So here we are on Tuesday. No change whatsoever in my ear. I can't do much of anything; the pain is too much. If I take a pain med, I fall asleep for a few hours. I have a follow-up appt Thursday with the ENT, but I think I'm going to see if I can get it bumped to tomorrow. At least I'm sleeping well.
I just hope something can be done. I've had ringing in my ears for almost a week and it sucks. I would not wish an ear infection on my worst enemy.
I'm off to take a nap. My ear hurts.
First, it was a sinus infection that decided to show up the Saturday before Valentine's Day. That's right... 2 days before a "romantic" holiday (and the first one in a while that I've been in a relationship during)... I snag a sinus infection. Theories vary from grilling in the cold for 6 hours for charity the day before, to working Saturday in floral and being around pollen I'm not 100% used too... or a combination of both. However, whatever the case may be, I had a wicked sinus infection that lasted 3 weeks.
Then last Wednesday came.
With my sinus infection almost completely out of the way, I was optimistic, dare I say, even excited to get on with the week. I started running again. I was looking forward to packing up to start my move on Saturday and anxious to get something productive done at work. Alas, that is when my sinus infection decided to join forces with the evil Streptococcus to attack my poor, defenseless right ear.
After a night of agonizing pain and maybe 3 hours of fitful sleep, I made an appointment with an ENT. I went to work and tried to organize some paperwork, knowing I would be gone through the weekend. The ENT quickly deemed it "one heck of a nasty ear infection," gave me oral and ear drop antibiotics, pain meds and set me on my way. That was Thursday.
So here we are on Tuesday. No change whatsoever in my ear. I can't do much of anything; the pain is too much. If I take a pain med, I fall asleep for a few hours. I have a follow-up appt Thursday with the ENT, but I think I'm going to see if I can get it bumped to tomorrow. At least I'm sleeping well.
I just hope something can be done. I've had ringing in my ears for almost a week and it sucks. I would not wish an ear infection on my worst enemy.
I'm off to take a nap. My ear hurts.
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