getting baked

that title ought to bring out some interesting searches, huh?


not much to report in these parts. We're finally getting back into a routine again. Rhena was off from school for TWO weeks! it was a good two weeks... we had slumber parties, we played games.. did some little 'missions' here and there... but not much else to show for it, I'm afraid. the weather was pretty crappy, so we didn't get down to the botanical gardens yet.. and the strawberries have been delayed cause north carolina had an identity crisis this winter and had some ridiculously COLD weather.

this week has been personally slated as "get my shit done' week. I have been baking, I have boxed up old clothes...

I've also been playing Mafia Wars on facebook like it's my damn job. so addicting! BAD, Carrie!

but yes. doing the baking, doing some cleaning... maybe even one of these days I'll get all my shit written and handed over to troy so the new Stepford site will be up and running. but I have been baking. I really missed that during Lent.

Not that I COULDN'T bake during Lent.. it just seemed pointless if I couldn't TASTE what I was making. so now that the restraints are off again, I'm back to business.

ok! that's that. if anything profound happens, I'll let you know. in the meantime... enjoy this video of danny thrashing ... I mean DANCING... to some tunes while we waited in carpool line for rhena a few weeks ago. Apparently over the break he's decided he only wants broadway showtunes, so this might be the first and last time for a video like this.

Really Rosie

Last night, in the kids' pre-bed dance party, Troy had taken the lead while I could stay downstairs for a few minutes to ensure that the gagillion shows we watch were going to be properly recorded.

When I came upstairs, Carol King was BLARING some Chicken Soup with Rice. To add to the ambiance, the lights were out,and the kids were flickering their $1 barnyard animal flashlights and busting moves like only white people can do.

Maybe it's hormones, maybe it was just the end of a really long and crappy day... but something about hearing Carol King just made me tear up. I wouldn't have said the tears were from joy or sadness... but it truly was this escape of emotion as I just sat, watched, and allowed myself to BE.

I LOVED Really Rosie growing up. I STILL love that soundtrack. What I love even more is seeing Rhena and Danny totally JAM to it, too. I don't think they're at the age where they can really just dive IN to the music and pretend they're there on Avenue P... but maybe.


My folks had gotten me the nutshell library some time back. It's one of my favorite collections. TINY little things... but the memories! I love them. A few times a year, I'll sneak away to my closet and flip through the books. it's so hard to even begin to describe the connection I have with those books... you just have to take my word for it. but it's good.


If you're at ALL familiar with the Really Rosie characters or Maurice Sendak, grew up in the 70's in the NYC metro area, or just plain looking for something cool to share with your kids... then the nutshell library, the soundtrack, the book, and any and all of the associated stuff is just awesome. Though.. truth be told... those nutshell library books are NOT for toddler hands. at least not Danny's. he could probably EAT the damn books if he wanted. Yes.. I would have much rathered.. as a parent... to see them in board books.


and also? I picked up another one of Sendak's books, In the Night Kitchen, one time when we were in the bookstore a year or two ago. hmph. I'd forgotten just how very NAKED the main character, Mickey, gets. and how very DETAILED the illustrations are.


anyways... enough of my reminiscing. It was, is, and I hope will CONTINUE to be a good time sharing things from my childhood with the kids. kinda like when Rhena recently saw the Little Mermaid for the first time, and I was able to pretty much quote every line in the movie. She was looking at me like I was some CHAMPION GOD descendant with inside secrets of Disney. hah. little does she know. LITTLE does she know, I say! But back to my point. That Carol King. I'm telling you.... she gets me every time.



"Believe me!"

Home On The Range

As you know.. my folks were here last week. In between bearing down and getting shit done (doctor appointments and pierogies to name a few dozen) good times were had.


It really got me thinking about HOME. For a long time "home" meant Sayreville, New Jersey to me. it's where my family was, it's where I grew up, and no matter what craziness came about in Daytona, Seattle, and Reno... Jersey was always home. I suppose in many ways it still is.... ask ANY Jersey Girl and she'll tell you something along the lines of being from jersey, despite living wherever now. It's like a little badge of some sorts... like by us telling she's from Jersey, she's letting you know right off the bat that you're PROBABLY going to love or hate her, and she's fine with either one.


My dad sent Troy an article one time about dating a jersey girl. he and I had a few good chuckles on how very true it rang. But all of that is an aside.


NOWADAYS... my home is here in Stepford. well.. not necessarily STEPFORD... cause you CERTAINLY don't see me joining any pageants or flying rebel flags or even worse.. watching NASCAR. No.. by Stepford, I mean where Rhena and Danny and Troy are. THEY are my family now. THEY are my home.

I enjoyed reading some of the comments that went along with the song suggestions. It's interesting getting that tiny glimpse of the wheres and whys of each of you.


So without further ado... here's this week's mix:

Cze-Johnson Fever's Home On The Range Mix:



Dixie Land - by Dan Emmett
Puff the Magic Dragon - by Peter, Paul & Mary
Over the Rainbow - by E.Y. Harburg (and the OTHER version)
Carolina in my Mind by James Taylor
White Wedding by Billy Idol
Golden Slumbers - by The Beatles
Two Out of Three Ain't Bad - by Meatloaf'
Teach Your Children - by Crosby Stills & Nash
Cowboy Take Me Away by the Dixie Chicks
Where the Green Grass Grows - by Tim McGraw
Helpless - by Neil Young
Alberta Bound - by Gordon Lightfoot
Battle of New Orleans - by Johnny Horton
Bohemian Rhapsody - by Queen



The last song by Queen is my contribution. for all my talk about which home is home... one of the most constant things in my life is the process of GETTING home. Whether driving with the kids, or past times of driving with my mom in a car... somehow the journey home is always an interesting (read 'stressful') one, and SOMEBODY ends up crying.


One time in particular, my dad and I reduced my mom to a hot mess of tears and curses on route from Florida to Jersey. It's hard to remember which song in particular it was that set her off... (it was either Led Zeppelin or Queen) but the way that Bohemian Rhapsody is just ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE... it will always be associated with driving home. To this day the song makes my mom cringe. hee hee hee. (LOVE YOU, mom!)


alrighty.... the tunes will be pumped into the player during naptime this afternoon. right now... we're off to do that thing we do.

Happy monday!

The So Bad it's Good Mix

Hey gang! thanks to all that participated in this week's mix tape. Y'all brought the best of the worst out there.

That's right.. I asked you to tell me that one song that you JUST CAN'T stand.... but can't stop singing.

so without further ado... I give you:

Cze-Johnson Fever's So Bad it's GOOD Mix:


See You Again - by Miley Cyrus
7 Things - by Miley Cyrus
Ice Ice Baby - by Vanilla Ice
Hot Dog! - by They Might Be Giants
SexyBack - by Justin Timberlake
Baby Got Back - by Sir-Mix-a-Lot
Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) - by Phil Collins
Piece of Me - by Britney Spears
This Kiss - by Faith Hill
Stronger - by Kanye West
I'm Too Sexy - by Right Said Fred
Without Me - by Eminem
The Choice is Yours - by Black Sheep
Baby One More Time - by Britney Spears
Macarena - by Los Del Rio
Karma Chameleon - by Culture Club
Feliz Navidad - by Jose Feliciano (sorry, Marianna!!!)



ug.... just typing these out makes me a bit ill. but there you have it. Thanks so much to all that played. We missed some regulars this week... perhaps they didn't want to lose clout in the blogosphere by admitting they like crappy music (cough cough Erin Cooks loves Mariah Carey cough cough) but you know.. whatever.. not gonna judge!!! ;)

Enjoy... or try not to. or you know.... at the very least.. put some headphones on!!!

Mixin' it up - Old Skool Style

at last. I know.. this week I suck the big biscuit. and with new commenters, too. (hello and THANKS to Angela's mom! and Amber!! and Cathy! and Erin! and Daddy!!!) yeah. all these new peeps, and here I am, a day late.


say it with me. ME = FAIL.


alright. now that THAT has been said.. let's get the party started and turn up the bass.

Last week, I had some fun and scanned in some old pictures from my college days. anyone who's anyone on Facebook (ok.. anyone who happens to be my FRIEND, is what I mean) had the distinct pleasure of seeing me and my former cohorts in what can only be labeled as a fashion MESS. Of course, much laughing was had. of COURSE much of this was at my own expense. but seriously? after 2 kids... things being at my expense just seems natural to me.


but ANYWAYS. to keep with the fun of the week, I asked y'all to tell me a song that reminds you of college. for the first time ever, I offered a chance for you to pick TWO songs... but only if you swallowed some of your pride and shared a picture of YOU from your college days.


apparently most of my readers have a stronger sense of PRIDE than I do.. cause I only got a few takers. to the takers? Jodes and Hannikins??? and ok, Stace.. cause she's got her own scanner wars from Rutgers going on.... well.. BRAVO my friends. I applaud you in your ability to recognize that things CAN get better in time. and thank GOD for that, right??

ok ok.. enough narration. y'all have certainly waited long enough!



Cze-Johnson Fever's Back-to-School Mix

Last Dollar (Fly Away) - by Tim McGraw
True Faith - by New Order
So What'Cha Want - by Beastie Boys
Tonight's the Night - by Rod Stewart
Little Earthquakes - by Tori Amos
Back That Ass Up - by Juvenile
Polyester Bride - by Liz Phair
No Scrubs - by TLC
Trouble - by Coldplay
The Piano Man - by Billy Joel
Angry Johnny - by Poe
The Joker - by Steve Miller Band
Unbelievable -by EMF
Because - by Dave Clark Five
Crush - by Jennifer Paige
Dominator - by Human Resource
Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
Open Arms - Journey
Mr. Jones - by Counting Crows


ok.. I still need to upload the songs into last FM. from what I can tell, if you hit the 'play' arrow on the widget in my sidebar, you can hear the most recent songs (ie.. last week and this week)


I have to say, I WAS going to share the pictures that were sent by the daring girls mentioned above.... but now.. after watching the rod stewart video.. I realize that NO ONE. and I mean NO ONE can have a more embarrassing documentation of bad fashion choices. THANK YOU, Angela's mom.... if not for the music choice, but for the very needed laugh at Rod.


lastly, as I only have like THREE minutes before I need to wake the kids up... as I sat here doing the links and watching videos.. I have to remark on how very interesting the varying 'college experiences' seem to be. good times, sad times, drinking, love, loss, strength, dancing.... how we each chose different songs, yet probably each had the gamut of experiences. so have a listen.. even if it isn't 'your style'. You might be glad you did.

You Say He's Just a Friend

whooooo nelly! looks like we had a good turnout this week! Seems like everyone has some good memories with their friends.. so thanks for sharing them.

Thanks also to Suser and Hännikins for pimping out the mix! Speaking of the mix.. looks like we've added some new contributors, so welcome to Caroline Bender, Leslie, Amara's Mom, and Tara! Thanks for joining the fun this week; hope to see you back again! And Jenni?? much appreciation for the band name for Jaime's song choice. you saved me a LOT of time with that!


ok.. so without further ado; plug in your headphones and have a listen. and while you're at it; call your friend or someone you love. I bet they'd be happy to hear from you.


Cze-Johnson Fever's "You Say He's Just a Friend" Mix:


Fishin' in the Dark by The Nitty Gritty Band
Tighten Up by Archie Bell and the Drells
Dancing Queen by ABBA
Fields of Gold by Sting
Hey Mama by Black Eyed Peas
D'yer Mak'er by Led Zepplin
Summer Nights from the Grease Soundtrack
My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Danger! High Voltage by Electric Six
In My Life by The Beatles
I Feel Home by O.A.R.
Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-Lot
Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Dirt Off Your Shoulder by Jay Z
Regret by New Order
All For You by Sister Hazel
Black Betty by Ram Jam


_________

so a few notes. first off; I'm not playing favorites for Erin... I listed both of her songs on this list because as it turns out... Hey Mama is not available for playing on LastFM, and as such will not be in the streaming audio. but since it was her first song, I put it on the list... cause that was her 'official' submittal.


MY choice is on there now, too. Black Betty. LOVE that song; reminds me of cutting out of school and driving down the shore with my girlfriends. ALSO happens to be a fantastic memory of Troy doing a dance on the halloween he dressed up as the flapper girl. aaaah. LOVE that song.

________

STILL having issues with Last FM and the playlist. apparently it's created.... but I'm not finding the code to embed or play. grrrr. mondays are evil to me.


________

one last edit and I may just quit on this subject for the day.

I am working on embedding something in my sidebar. and now suddenly the player I posted LAST week is playing the new songs, too. and now it's the full-length versions, instead of the 30-second preview. *sigh* really. I need to just walk away already!

leave me a note if you can see the player in my sidebar and it works for you. If it works, then I'll just keep it there and forget about trying to re-post it each week.

or not. cause I'm crazy like that... and the sheer frustration of not getting it to work will make me try until I can figure it out.

Music To My Ears

Well, here we are at the ole mix-a-roni corrall.

I'm pleased to say that we got a lot of good songs. I'm ALSO pleased to say that I found a site that allows me to create a playlist and embed it here.. AWESOME!!!! unfortunately, one of the selections was not available on the site, and you DO need a minimum of 15 songs (so I added 2 more songs of my own after my initial suggestion of Rob Zombie)


for now... because it's late on delivery... I bring you STRENGTH... in musical form:

(for the full-song mix online... just click here)


Cze-Johnson Fever's "Strong" Mix:

'Dragula' by Rob Zombie
'In My Arms' by Plumb
'All Fired Up' by Pat Benatar
'Heroes' by David Bowie
'The Show Must Go On' by Queen
'Shine' by Rollins Band
'Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue' by Toby Keith
'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor
'Bad' by U2
'Stronger' by Kanye West
'I'm Every Woman' by Chaka Kahn
'Strength Courage and Wisdom' by India Arie
'Suddenly I See' by KT Tunstall
'Survivor' by Destiny's Child
'Dream On' by Aerosmith



as you can see, I also have the links to the lyrics and videos.


THANK YOU ALL for participating, and again.. for all the wonderful comments, e-mails and thoughts of encouragement for Danny. I'll update what the specialist says on wednesday afternoon/evening sometime.


walk strong, my friends.. walk STRONG.

The "Back-At-Ya" Mix

As Promised... here is the list of songs I have put together for YOU, my friends.

again.. having issues with the muxtape... but that will be my homework this week.


The purpose or the idea behind THIS mix list is that I said I would dedicate a song back to each of my contributors. The dedicated song would be one that in some parts reminds me of that person; regardless of what they said was their favorite .


For those of you who like to just get to the point, I will list the songs (and applicable links) first... then go on to explain why I chose each song. so. without further ado... here it is.



Cze-Johnson Fever's Back-At-Ya Mix:



I'm a Woman by Peggy Lee (dedicated to Erin Cooks)

Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford (dedicated to Christi)

Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show (dedicated to Annie)

Beautiful Stranger by Madonna (dedicated to Carrie)

I Couldn't Sleep at All by Joey Ramone (dedicated to Jaime)

Join in the Chant by Nitzer Ebb (dedicated to Topher)

New York by MCL (dedicated to Steve)

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash (dedicated to Angela)

Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen (dedicated to Stacey)

Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin (dedicated to Jodes)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper (dedicated to Tara)

Proud to Be an American by Lee Greenwood (dedicated to Marianna)

Goodbye Earl by Dixie Chicks (dedicated to Jenni)

For Good from Wicked (dedicated to Suser)

Sleep Through the Static by Jack Johnson (dedicated to Christie)





ok. hope y'all enjoyed those. now..... if you're curious as to WHY I picked each song....


Erin - Not only does she bring home bacon and cook it up in the pan, but she takes awesome pictures of it and blogs for the world to see. And her blog has something so very classic and classy about it; while I know the song itself has be performed by many women, I think the nod to Peggy Lee and her ability to stand the test of time represents how timeless Erin is.


Christi - Christi is one of those multi-faceted women; (aren't we all?) but no matter how up on current music she may be, I see her soul as a classic rocker-gal. She's tough and can hang, and probably COULD kick Lita Ford's ass.

Annie--- *sigh* I love Annie. She's young, she's edgy, and just SO COOL. when I see her I remember me from 100 years ago. When I hung with the skater kids and listened to groups like TMBG and Dead Milkmen. Of course, NOW I STILL listen to TMBG... on the disney Channel, though. Time Warp is for Annie.


Carrie - Carrie is new around these parts.. at least to ME, anyway. hence, the stranger reference. BUT... after reading some of her entries, I really dig her. She's got her shit together (LOVE her deep thoughts on how proper bargaining chips for her son) similarly, when madonna was releasing music during "beautiful stranger' days.. i thought she kicked ass. she was long, strong, and was ready to take on anything.


Jaime - Jaime is also kinda new to me, so it's tough picking a song. after going to HER blog, I see she's been having sleep issues with her daughter. I was GOING to pick "up all night" by slaughter, but slaughter is totally trashy. not that Joey Ramone ISN'T, but at least in this song, there's no cursing. I think Jaime's a good girl, so no cursing should be associated with her.


Topher and Steve - while they each have their own song, these guys come from close to the same place in my heart. it's called Daytona Beach, and it involves a cage, thursday nights, and a club called the Coliseum. ok, it also involves a closet, a radio station and so much MORE..... but I think I've said enough for them to know where I'm at. love you guys!

Stacey - my partner in crime is a fellow jersey girl, and a total beach girl. of course, she's also from SOUTH jersey, so I couldn't think of anyone better than Bruce. I'm totally gonna miss you, momma.

Jodes - no... I'm not hitting for the other team. BUT.. Jodes' is a friendship so true and deep that she DOES touch and lift the heart. I could say the 'natural' is also a jab at her crunchy organic side, but honestly, the song is just a testament of how good of a person she is, and what a positive impact she has on others.


Tara - sorry, but you started it with the reference to MJ. that, and you DO use the word SIKED a lot. not to mention you TOTALLY busted me on the SJP pre-nose-job picture... so... "girls just want to have fun" it is.


Marianna -- YES.. you are ALSO proud to be a Greek girl, but your patriotism and dedication to respecting the military and ALL those who serve in the armed services past and present is of the highest level I've seen in many people, both online and in 'real life'.

Jenni- ok, so Goodbye Earl was one of your subsequent choices... but I have to admit it suits you. so Dixie Chicks it is!

Suser - Funny thing about this song is that Suser said that this song reminded HER of ME a while back. I was in a bit of an angry state at the time, and was only focusing on certain things, then along came Sus with this suggestions, and my eyes and ears were opened in a new way. The song STILL brings tears to my eyes, but for many many good reasons. Susie is indeed someone who has changed me for good.

Christie - I had never even HEARD of Jack Johnson before a few months ago, but I have been smitten with his music ever since. He's got a laid-back, folksy sound about him, but yet he makes strong statements through his music. Christie comes across as very laid back, but she's very politically minded. I like that about her. and yet, unlike a LOT of political blogs out there, she presents her ideas and ideals in a respectful, factual and non-threatening way. Even if she doesn't agree with something, she has a way of doing so without ever getting nasty. like Jack Johnson, I feel that Christie makes me think.

anyways... there you have it. whew! that was pretty exhausting, and I have to say I'm glad more people didn't participate.

but next week... game on! I've got a few 'themes' in mind, so this could be fun to help pass the summer. tune in thursday night/friday morning to see what the next 'tape' topic will be!

in teh meantime.. keep rockin' it.

The Just-One-Song Mix

ok.. CLEARLY we have an issue on my blog of following directions. HAH!


For those of you who participated in my requests for songs.. THANKS! I'm sure it was difficult to come up with just ONE song for many of you. ok, I KNOW it was, cause SOME of you listed more than one.

First off.. let me say this.. GREAT songs!!! MANY of them brought smiles to my face... so I think the world shall now benefit from the idea of this collaboration of tastes and music genres.

I also want to thank Erin for the link to Muxtape. I had every intention of creating today's mix-tape and making it available for all of you to listen to... alas... copyright protection is putting the screws to me. I was only able to upload files in MP3 formats, and while I COULD use my zune pass to listen to each song suggested... I was unable to convert them to MP3s for sharing with you. hmmm. so I'm unfortunately still trying to figure that out.

The GOOD news is that I've decided to make the mix a weekly habit. but more about that in a little bit.


As for today's mix.... see below! Links to videos and or lyrics are given when possible. If you do not see the other 1 or two (or more!) songs you suggested... tsk tsk!! I said ONE SONG! In cases where more than one song was suggested, I took the FIRST song listed. Think of me as the Richard Dawson of musical requests. I HAVE to take the first answer given... but try to take some comfort that subliminally you probably wanted that song the most cause it was the first you chose to write.

Cze-Johnson Fever's "just-one-song" Mix:

Glory Box by Portishead (submitted by Erin Cooks)
Yummy by Gwen Stefani (submitted by Christi)
Basket Case by Greenday (submitted by Annie)
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley (submitted by Carrie)
The Joker by Steve Miller Band (submitted by Jaime)
The Fall by Ministry (submitted by Topher)
Temptation by New Order (submitted by Steve)
Feel This by Bethany Joy Galeotti and Enation (submitted by Angela)
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin (submitted by Stacey)
Gracie by Ben Folds (submitted by Jodes)
Thriller by Michael Jackson (submitted by Tara)
It's 5 o'clock somewhere! by Alan Jackson (submitted by Marianna)
Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill (submitted by Jenni)
I'm Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys (submitted by Suser)
Chan Chan by Buena Vista Social Club (submitted by Christie)



ok.l AS you can see.. for each song, the first link is the video, and the second link is the lyrics.


I have about HALF of the songs I would dedicate back to y'all figured out, but I have shirked my parenting duties too long this morning already. so the "Back at ya" mix will be posted later today.


As previously mentioned, I am going to make this a weekly feature. so if you missed the opportunity to get in on this, or I brazenly cut your other favorite songs cause you didn't listen.. cough cough.. I mean, because you put more than one song... then fear not; you'll have a chance to suggest other fabulous songs to the small world of the Fever Readers again VERY SOON.


Here's how it'll work. Every Thursday Evening, I will post a new topic for a mix tape. You will have all day friday and the weekend to put your suggestions in. On monday, I will post the collaborated list, as well as any possible links to videos, lyrics, or downloads for your musical enjoyment throughout the week.


I will continue to work on the MuxTape concept. I'd REALLY like to get that shakin', cause face it.. randomly requested streaming audio is awesome.


alright. happy monday, gang... may the music get you and keep you going this week.

Long live the Mix-Tape

I firmly believe that anyone born AFTER 1965 and BEFORE 1990 knows the power of the mix-tape.


sure, it's a mark of my age, but in MY world.. when you like someone... you make them a tape.

of course, now in our digital age of mp3 players... kids today probably don't even KNOW what a cassette tape is. Or have no respect for John Cusak and the movie High Fidelity. or have NO idea how funny "what's a happenin hot stuff?" is when spoken by a certain Long (Duck) Dong. but again.. I date myself.

So.. yes. nowadays.. not so much on the mix-tape. However... it appears that the SPAWN of the mix-tape... the highly transferrable, won't melt-in-the-summer or get jammed in your player PLAYLIST is the key to my dedicating happiness.

yes... the playlist is now the fancy of all portable players. and I like it. in fact, just the other day, Hannikins suggested a kick-ass work-out mix. THEN.. like the magical woman she is.. a day or two AFTER she shared, she ftp'ed me just about the whole list. mama say, mama sah, mama's a rock star!


so now... on the eve of a nice long weekend.. I turn to YOU, my readers. I'm sure you've all been asked this question in varying forms before, so you should at least have an idea of what your answer would be....


WHAT is your all-time favorite song? I mean.. if you KNEW you were never going to hear music again, and you could only listen to ONE MORE SONG... what song would you choose?

please share! for anyone reading that does NOT share their favorite song... please know right now, I will find out where you live, and reprogram your home so every noise-making machine will play songs from Glitter, and ONLY Glitter.

(That's RIGHT, Erin.. I know you like MiMi... but even YOU know Glitter sucked. )


Anyways.. DO leave a comment. tell me your tune! I'll share the list (and downloadable files when possible) on monday!

Also, as an added bonus, *I* will dedicate a song to each of my commenters. It shall be a song that makes ME think of YOU, no matter WHAT your ass says is your favorite.

so DO play along.. it'll be fun, yes?

have a great weekend, everyone. let freedom ring, and all that shit.

New is Old and Old is New

I know.. me and my repeating title posts are getting annoying. what can I say... it's just a mark of life these days. lots of going in circles and repeating myself!



so.... as you can see.. I've changed the layout and did up the blog summer-style. Suser joked that I was channelling my inner Rhena, but the truth is, it's getting to be that time of year when I think about how I need to get my ass in gear (literally) and start prepping for the walk.


I actually started my training a LOT earlier this year, but lo and behold.. the toe and the shower door put a kibosh to that and I really haven't been to the gym since april some time. yikes! Today, I went, and it was as if I hadn't been in 3 years. but hey.. if sweating like a pig is the new HOT, then I was SMOKIN', baby! but man.. 12+ hours later... I feel OLD. but I went, knocked off 2 miles in just under a half hour ( please... don't kill my thunder; I know I'm a slow ass cow.... but seriously! 2 miles! out of the gate! for ME?? that's an accomplishment.)


Anyways, thanks to the loverly Hannikins, I've got some great suggestions for some hard-core music. gotta get those on my zune, and get to gettin'. I STILL don't know how I'm going to block off 8 hours so I can do a full-scale simulation of 26 miles... much less 2 back-to-back days of training walks so I don't repeat my failure last year... but I suppose getting past 2 miles without my foot throbbing will be a good place to start.


what else.... feels like the same shit... but I know it isn't. I'm dealing with Danny a lot lately. he's been... how shall I say this to avoid making him sound bratty??? hmm.. well.. he's been a brat lately. tantrums. kicking. yes... KICKING.

me.


yeah... during some tantrums, this child is getting SO keyed up that it is nothing but some animalistic WAILS with lots of kicking and thrashing involved.


I KNOW that it's because he's at that age when he wants to do things, is learning and excited that he knows he wants to do things, but gets extremely pissed off at his own inability to do said things or communicate his desire to do said things... but GOOD LORD it is hard.

It's HARD to be the adult. it's HARD to remain calm and not raise my voice. It's HARD to take a kick or two to the collarbone and keep poised as I firmly repeat that we do NOT hit or kick in our family. I have a feeling that what danny is doing to me now is the physical equivalent to the emotional punches I will surely be blown during the defiant teenage years.

but we're pressing on. The good news is that eventually Danny DOES realize that I'm not fucking around and I will not give in to him carrying around a basketball net, climbing on a table, playing near the oven or stove or utensils drawer or WHATEVER unsafe action I am stopping him from doing. or you know.. that he will leave the house or store or yard or wherever when we do. THOSE times are the toughest, cause I'd be a liar if I didn't say I've had ally-mc-beal moments of picturing me leaving him wherever he's thrashing and kicking to stay.


I TRY to remember that Rhena went through this too.. right around this age... and that it WILL pass if we push through. but again. this shit is old. I mean, it's NEW for danny, but WAAAAAY old on my time. NEXT!


hmmm.. I guess I really don't HAVE a next, as it were. Truth is, I'm pretty beat. after being on people-hiatus last week, we've hosted playdates at our house 2 days in a row, have had un-synchronized naps, and a shit-ton of thunderstorms that has rhena as edgy as a crack head.


but anyways.. I'm here, posts will be posted again, and I'm thinking pink. also thinking I have to upload pictures, but Troy is finally home, and it's TV time.


happy july, gang.

For Good

ok... first and foremost... I have to THANK everyone who has seen the show of Wicked for NOT telling me a thing about it. Even though I have read the book and have listened to the soundtrack all of about a million times.. I feel like I was able to see the show with fresh eyes. so again.. thank you all for not telling me what to expect!!!


I had such a wonderful time last night. I really did.


The show itself I loved. The lead actresses were Katie Rose Clark and Carmen Cusak. Not sure just how many of the cities they are starring in, but each had a wonderful tone. I was drawn more to Cusak... one, probably because of her character.. but I just liked her voice much better. In starring as Glinda, Clark has that higher, almost opera-like. (yes, I know that in opera there are different types of singers ranging from soprano on down to bass... I just mean... in my most non-american-idol-pseudo-judging-way that sometimes some parts of the songs came off as operatic vs broadway.)


bottom line, though.. there's NO way I could ever sing like they do, and I was truly impressed.


I was NOT impressed with charlotte's audience, however. the outfits worn by my fellow citizens ranged from theater appropriate to frumpy and trailer-park ratty. and don't get me started about intermission. no LESS than 20% of the sold-out audience did not make it back to their seats in time for the second act, and caused such a commotion that the house turned the lights on for these rude people to be able to find their seats faster. Admirably, the cast kept on with the show despite the audience, but I was embarrassed for Charlotte to be so uncouth. and we wonder why it takes forever to get big-name shows here. sigh.


but... that hiccup aside.. the evening was wonderful. I kick myself in the ass for not telling my mom just how important and how special I felt to be having an evening with her, and just her. I thought about it throughout the show, and ALMOST said something a few times, but started to choke up and chickened out.

but it's true. As an adult, I have learned a whole new side of my mother that I appreciate and respect SO MUCH. and having friends that have parents that are either aging or passed on.. I want to make sure I'm absorbing as much of her as I can. and having a night with just her and I was special on so many levels... most of which I can't explain.. other than "good".


I really think rhena would have loved the show.. except for some of the parts in which she would have had the shit scared out of her (she's a little fragile and jumpy when it comes to loud noises) but I think when she gets a little older she and I will have to get season tickets. and who knows.. maybe Wicked will be this era's Cats, and run long enough for her to see someday, too.


in other news, I did NOT make it to the gym this morning. oops. maybe saturday I'll go. but for sure I'll be back on track soon. having my folks here has allowed me to do more snacking, and I noticed the scale creeping up a little. I'd love to say that it's cause I'm building leg muscles, and everyone KNOWS that muscle weighs more than fat... but I'm sure it has to do with the ice cream, the doughnuts, and other assorted chocolates (like my failed attempts at petit fours from the bake sale) I've been eating.


oh, and tonight is date night. troy and i are going here with another couple tonight. wouldn't have been my first choice... but hey.. we're getting out. I've been there a few times before, and it's OK... again.. not my favorite.. but it'll do. still would have liked it if troy and I were going to Del Frisco's... but 131 Main is cheaper. and closer. again.. night out. and that'll be good.


ok.. that's all for now.

Something Wicked this way comes

tonight!!! I will be popular! I shall defy gravity! I will be changed for GOOD!!



yes.. tonight is the opening night of Wicked's run through Charlotte, and my mom and I have tickets. GOOD tickets, too, but who's bragging?


I'm very excited.



I'm ALSO very excited that I am done with the dentist until september some time. I had 4 (count 'em.. FOUR) cavities taken care of today. at 7:30am. gah.. what a way to start the day!


but that's ok.. I'm slowly regaining feeling back in my mouth, and I will make some coffee later so I can actually stay AWAKE through the show tonight. I won't be a TOTAL geek with the souvenir shopping tonight.. but I do plan on getting a program and at least a christmas ornament. ok, and maybe a shirt that says "I saw it before you did!!"... but probably not.

anyways. I'm excited.

Dark Beat

I am happy to say that I cut 2 minutes off my time on the treadmill this morning.


not saying I did the elephant walk for 2 less minutes.. I'm just saying that I reached my goal distance 2 minutes earlier than I was hitting it last week. I thank the 2nd disc of Ultra Dance 03 for providing me the music today... the song Dark Beat came on right when I needed it, too. some songs just get IN to me and take over. Dark Beat is one of those songs, and whooo-boy... it came on the the legs went on auto-pilot. good stuff.


I think I had other stuff to say, but right now I'm drawing a blank.

I'll probably post more later.

SO Applicable, it hurts.

as I said in an earlier post, I've been listening to the soundtrack to Wicked lately. one, because my mom and I are going to see it when it comes to Charlotte. (we have opening night!! I can't wait!)

two.. cause I was pretty sick and tired of hearing the soundtrack for Joseph, and thought Rhena could use a different tune to sing all day. every day. day after day. oops, sorry... I thought I was Ben Stiller there for a minute.


anyways... sometimes when you're going through life, you come across a song that hits the spot. whether it's a love song, a break-up song, WHATEVER... just sometimes you get lucky and find a song that you just connect to given the circumstances of your life.

I'm REALLY getting the song "Defying Gravity" right now. like REALLY getting it. like brings-tears-to-my-eyes GETTING IT.

I'm really hoping I'll be over this emotional attachment before the show. I'd hate to be snotting all over myself in public like that.


in other news, I hit and passed my 10% goal. total weight loss since Jan 1st is 14 pounds. I'm going to see if I can lose another 2 pounds or so, then I will stop focusing on weight loss, and put more effort into getting in shape. I don't want to get my ass kicked by the walk again this year.

tonight is CCD, and Troy will not be able to watch the kids, so I'm in for an interesting evening, considering Danny has found a new penchant for screaming/crying like a madman when I'm not around. yeah. good times. I may just dedicate the whole class to praying for my sanity tonight.

Difficult

So I noticed something interesting the other day.


I was writing out a birthday card for someone, and I noticed... hey... this writing thing is HARD.


I think I'm forgetting how to WRITE.


well.. not really, but seriously... I rarely write things out any more. I have never been (nor do I see myself being in the near future) a note-taker or list-maker. Paying bills? pretty much all online. Communication? e-mails, IMs, text messages and phone. I even do all my birthday invites for the kids on the computer. and christmas cards are all pre-printed and envelopes done on the computer, too.


this is definitely a symptom of the times.. but as I was addressing the card, I was thinking about how *I* like to receive mail. like REAL mail. an honest-to-goodness-I-took-the-time-to-show-you-I'm-thinking-of-you piece of mail. so as I put the stamp on the card to my friend, I hoped that she, too, would have a small joy on her birthday, knowing that effort was made to not only pick out a card for her, but to pause my day long enough to scribe a good wish.

and this is not to say that an e-mail, a genuine to-you-and-only-you email.. not a FWD!!! or FILL IN THE BLANKS!!! Again.. I'm not taking away from the time and effort it takes to compose a direct message through e-mail. I for sure find those more enjoyable than the mass forward or general addressing text messages.

oh, and to be clear.. I am not absolved of the forwards or general announcements. I do them, too.


but the hand-written note. I'm beginning to think it's a lost art. Ask anyone who gave my kids a Christmas gift and is still waiting for a thank you note. they'll tell you just how lost the art is on me. *sigh* but I digress.

So last night I started composing an e-mail to a dear friend of mine, and I stopped. I think I'm going to take pen to paper tonight and write out my hellos instead.

This little act might not change the world, and it certainly won't change MY daily habits. I'm still going to blog, still going to send e-mails, do my banking online, and the occasional text message will come from my old-school flip-phone. But it sure won't hurt if I spread a little sunshine before spring officially hits.

well, except my hand. given my penchant for gab and my lack of practice physically writing things out, I'm sure my hand will cramp up after half a page.... but that's another story.


_____________

today's inspiration? the soundtrack for Wicked. I finally got rhena to listen to a song from something OTHER than Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. (never mind that the song is from another broadway musical... I still consider it progress) Anyways... rhena finally changing up her music selection inspired me to think of things that I can still do (send notes to friends) but change it up a little. (write them by hand instead of e-mail) Hooray for little changes! Spring is on the way!

This joint is jumpin'

whew! hump day already!!!


busy day planned with errands and playdates. oh, and consignment stuff. gotta finish everything up so I can drop it off tomorrow while rhena's at school.


of course.. we need to have a block of time set aside for some jumping.


Danny's newest most favorite thing in the world to do is jump.


ok, so maaayyybe 'jump' is a generous term, as the moose's feet don't actually leave the ground. but don't tell him that. he thinks he's jumping.


of COURSE this has created a new passion for all things leaping with Boogie. she CLAIMS she's helping to teach danny how to jump, but I think she's looking to put me out of commission. if she's not lining things up on the ground to jump OVER... then she's typically climbing to new heights to perform her very own Jimmy "the Superfly" Snuka off the couch or bed or chair or... you get the idea.

seriously people.. my worry-wart heart can't handle this shit.


Ask my brother's RIBS what happened when *I* used to Snuka on HIS ass when we were kids.


I mean... Danny's solid... but Rhena... she's BONEY!!! and bones BREAK.


so to be a little pro-active with the what can only be a ticking time bomb... I mean.. Rhena's jumping..... I'm trying to set aside a part of our day when we get our jump on.


any good suggestions for jumping songs? clearly we have used Van Halen and House of Pain. I THINK I have some old club music kicking around with lyrics claiming to "jump jump.. a little higher.. jump jump.. til you get tired" (NO idea what song that is, btw??) ****


but yeah. suggestions for a jump track are welcome. ESPECIALLY if it's not on the Lion King or Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat soundtracks.



_____________

edited to add: **** JUNGLE BROTHERS! of course!!! song is "I'll House You". This was a staple song throughout many of my teen years, so it's no wonder the lyrics were creaking around in my noggin. aaaaah.. good times!

uhhhh?

yeah. so Live Earth?


is it me, or am I the only one wondering what in HELL Kayne West was doing up on stage with the Police?



ugh.

Men in Skirts

It's not that I *WANT* to be drunk in the House of Blues in Chicago listening to Gaelic Storm.... but right now.... watching them in hi-def on the monster TV, with that damn coffee finally kicking in....

right now.. I'm feeling my Irish roots.

happy belated St Patty's Day, gang!!!!

The song remains the same

ahh yes. same shit, different day.

actually, I lied. It's raining today, so TECHNICALLY it's not the SAME shit.


had another appointment today. gaining weight like Mariah Carey cancels concerts (refer to MiMi's latest here...) and the cervix remains on the lock down. repeat... NO SIGN OF BABY HERE!!!!


The good news is that the doc today said they won't let me go past 2 weeks overdue, so WORST case scenario, I'll be popping this muffin out the week of thanksgiving, and won't be expected to entertain anyone. HAH!

oh well. whaddaryagonnado? Again.. I have my 'drop dead' date in my head, and although it's horrifyingly like a month away... I have to believe that if I focus on that late date, then at some point along the way, I'll be pleasantly surprised by the One Within no longer being within.

Of course, the astrologically inclined side of me is almost hoping for the late date, cause that would mean we would then have THREE saggitarians in our house, vs two sags, a virgo and a (shudder!) SCORPIO.

but in the long run a scorpio would probably be better than that later date, cause who knows who's gonna get hurt if my mom ends up staying til then. KIDDING! ok, but not really. I honestly don't know if the ole lady's knees can handle Rhena til then.


but whatever! today is friday and I have chocolate in the house. that has to count for something......