Thursday, October 29, 2009

Attention: it is October 29th!

Today is October 29th, I headed to my local drugstore, Bartell Drugs, for Halloween treats. While strolling the aisles, I noticed the music being played in the store. Christmas carols. I do love a good carol, but it's still October. Somehow the chorus of "snowflakes falling" wasn't quite as compelling as I was starring a bags of trick-or-treating candy.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Advice for an Uncle

My uncle often tells a story about the day of his high school graduation. He graduated from high school in the early sixties. As he was walking to the ceremony in his cap and gown, an elderly woman stopped him on the sidewalk to congratulate him. As he thanked her, she offered him a piece of advice. “Savor these times,” she said, “high school was the happiest time of my life.” He remembers mumbling thanks and walking away and then thinking to himself that this is the worst advice he has ever received.

My uncle laughs a lot when he tells this story. He remembers being scared for a second and wondering, “What if this was the best time of my life?” Then he laughs a little more. In his sixties now, he confidently says that each year has been better than the one before. I hope in my sixties I can say the same thing with just as much laughter.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Current Listening

In a few weeks I am going to see David Gray in concert. I have loved his music since I was a barista at Starbucks in college. White Ladder was sold through the Hear Music station in the store I worked in. It was one of the few albums that wasn't painful after the 500th listen. Believe me, there were some bad ones!

I have been listening to the newest David Gray album, Draw the Line, in preparation for the show. I can't quite pick a favorite song, but Jackdaw is in the top three. I love the song opening more and more each time I hear it.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Light Bright

Last spring while shopping at a flea market I bought a giant glass lamp. I was attracted to the design in the glass and was sure it would look lovely when lit up. It was only $20 because the wiring was faulty, also because it weighed a lot and I am sure the seller just wanted to get rig of it. The lady who sold it to me urged me not to plug it in as it would cause the fuse to blow (I think she learned this the hard way). I heeded her advice and was sure my dad could teach me how to rewire it. It only took me about 6 months to buy all the supplies and get a lesson from my dad.

It costs an additional $15 to get the new wire, a more attractive chain, a new plug and a switch. I also had my dad help me hang the lamp to make sure the ceiling wouldn't fall down, but here are the results and I am quite pleased! Not too bad for a $35 investment and a little elbow grease!

Monday, October 12, 2009

I am old

This weekend I went to a housewarming party for some friends. Five young people renting a house with a fire-pit in the backyard, what could be better?

I arrived between 8:30 - 9:00pm; I hung out, ate some delicious food and chatted with people. Finally I started to feel sleepy, it seemed late. The party was still raging and beer pong was starting, but I was driving so I skedaddled thinking it was quite late. When I got in my car and looked at the time I saw it was only 10:30pm. I am officially an old person.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Would You Rather...

One of my favorite books growing up was Would You Rather... by John Burningham. The book is filled with ridiculous dilemmas like, "Would you rather... get crushed by a snake, swallowed by a fish, eaten by a crocodile, and sat on by a rhinoceros?" or "Would you rather... your dad did a dance at school or your mom made a fuss in a cafe?" I found the absurdity of the book hilarious (and still do).

If given a "would you rather" situation today I would be least likely to accept a karaoke challenge. I would much rather be swallowed by a fish. I wish I could sing; I love the idea of being able to hold a tune or have rhythm, but I simply have none. Last night, however, I was listening to an old music mix and I found a song that I think I could do in karaoke. It helps that I listened to this song endlessly in middle school. So without further ado, The Lemonheads. Make sure to note the awesome dancing in this video too.


Thursday, October 1, 2009

Warning

Warning: the below song is a little corny, but I love it! I love the Carter and Cash, via Phoenix and Witherspoon, vibe of the video. Please enjoy!