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For those that sit in a cubicle all day and have the option to listen to music, I highly recommend Sirius radio. It’s probably the only thing that will carry me through busy season. At first I wasn’t sure how much I needed it, given that I’ve got a massive music collection here on my iPod. But, I always seem to run into trouble trying to make a decision about what I want to listen to. Unless it’s clearly a Billy day or I’m in a Hall & Oats mood.
I’ve developed a little daily routine, much like my old gum chewing ways (cinnamon, green mint, blue mint, fruity, oh my). In the mornings I start off on the Elvis channel. Just to get a little soulful kickstart to my day. I jam to Elvis for an hour or two and then when I’m warmed up, I turn on E Street Radio (aka 24/7 Bruce). I rock out to the Boss for the better part of the day. Usually listen to a concert or two. When I start to get tired mid to late afternoon, I have to switch it over to the 80′s channel. Yahtzee! I’m pumped up again, but more so in a delirious state. The 80′s carry me through dinner and usually the rest of the evening. Sometimes I’ll switch over to Classic Vinyl or the 90′s stations for a little while.
That’s it and that’s all. I attempted to go over to the #1 hits station (the Kiss FM of satellite radio), but I started to feel light-headed so I had to go back. Guess I am an old soul.
Aside from my work mental state being at an all-time high, I do think my productivity has soared as well. The only thing is I really need to watch it on the air guitar. My cubicle wall ain’t that high.
Last weekend, my dear friend from the ATL came to visit the Big D. And I don’t think we were ready for her. No one is ever ready for Jamila. I was set to pick her up at the airport on Friday night and about 25 minutes before her flight was to take off, she sent me a text saying American had lost her reservation. I figure if there is anyone who can talk her way through check-in and security and get on the plane in time, it would be Jamila. Whatever it is, she has it.
The minute I saw her on the other side of the glass in bag claim, it was all laughs. We were standing there waiting for her bag, when we heard this loud squeaking noise coming from the rotating bag claim. We both did a double take when we saw a young guy, pulling off a PLASTIC LEOPARD PRINT suitcase, which was making the noise. Seriously, plastic? Leopard print? We felt bad, he definitely know we were cracking up at his luggage.
We then met Jen at the Oceanaire for old times sake. Our waitress was a mess and the bus boy made the mistake of asking us, “how’s it hanging tonight?”. Pretty sure you should never ask a group of girls that question, let alone at the Oceanaire. Dinner was delicious, we got the brownie dessert, and I almost asked the Executive Chef to refill my water. I just noticed a guy in all white clothes standing at the end of our table waiting for us to finish our conversation before he made his move in. Luckily, I read the words “EXECUTIVE CHEF” on his lapel before I asked for water.
Saturday night, Jen had a group of us over for dinner, drinks and many rounds of Rock Band. Jamila and I were born to play that game. We sang many duets and luckily I had introduced her to Fleetwood Mac way back in the Nortel day, so we could deliver a phenomenal version of “Go Your Own Way”. Not sure Jen’s neighbors thought it was that phenomenal, but we sure did.
The weekend, of course, wouldn’t be complete with out a Tina Turner legs shot.
The weekend also wouldn’t be complete without Jamila introducing us to some new vocab words. ”In your mist” and “cheesin’”. For example, Jen has a lot of guys in her mist right now. And also, Jarad was cheesin‘ when he was talking about his lack of body hair.
One more thing to note… it has been decided that I will venture to the ALT to visit Jam in the year 2010. She has promised me that we’ll go for chicken and waffles. I am not ready.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is turning 25. And in honor of their birthday, they had a two night concert series which will air on HBO on November 29th. Note to self: become friends with an HBO subscriber between now and then. For the mere price of $200, my Mom and I got to be flies on the Madison Square Garden wall to witness a magically musical night. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but roll with it.
Crosby Stills and Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, John Legend, Sting, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Darlene Love, Billy Joel… just to name a few. I will create a playlist of my favorite songs from the concert.
Highlights of the night included:
Tom Hanks being the host.
The energy from the crowd during “Love The One You’re With”. CSN, BR, JB and JT took it on together. Awesome.
Paul Simon performing “Here Comes The Sun” in honor of the quiet Beatle. This one made my Mom cry.
Getting 10 good minutes of Stevie Wonder’s back-and-forth head rock while the crew worked out his microphone issues.
Stevie Wonder and John Legend performing one of my favorite songs, “Mercy Mercy Me”. Followed by an MJ tribute in which Stevie broke down in tears halfway though.
Realizing how similar Sting and Stevie sound when they performed “Higher Ground” and “Roxanne”.
The couple that was sitting next to us, who had been standing up dancing all night long, dancing crazy but totally in sync. While the crew was setting up the stage for Bruce, they got into a Long-Island-Iced-Tea-induced argument. One of them even threatened to leave. Twice. But, when Bruce came on, they set their differences aside, put back on their dancing shoes and continued where they left off. Which brings me to my next highlight…
Bruce Springsteen. The E Street Band. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. All of whom played for 2 hours.
I think I fell in love with Bruce all over again as he sang such classic soul songs as “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “De Doo Ron Ron”. It was definitely a happy Bruce and the way he was dancing on stage… Oh girl, I think I have a crush.
Surprise guest #1: John Fogerty.
Surprise guest #2: BILLY FREAKING JOEL.
That last highlight is the point in which I was SURE I had died and gone to Heaven. My Mom and I casually joked all night about the gentleman sitting in front of us who looked identically to Billy. Maybe it was him. When Bruce brought Billy out I threw my hands up into the air like I had just won a Gold Medal. My Mom and I shared a hug and I declared that this was the best moment of my life.
NYSOM.
B2R.
And for the final encore, Bruce brought everyone back out for an incredible rendition of “(You’re Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”. This song almost made my top songs list, and I’m pretty sure after this concert I’m going to have to add it and a couple of others.
The show started at 7:30pm. We walked out of the Garden around 1:30am. Grabbed a pretzel and walked back to the hotel. I was so exhausted (in a good way of course) that I felt hungover on Friday. 28 is starting to feel old.
In addition to the songs mentioned in part 1, there a few that have made the favorites list in the last couple of years. And here they are, in no particular order:
Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen. Well, might as well start it off with the Boss. Born To Run will always and forever be my favorite Bruce album (Thunder Road, Born To Run, Jungleland… perfection). I used to listen to it on my way to the airport when I was taking the red-eye on Monday mornings to get to DC. Perfect album for cold, dark morning drives when you’re still half asleep and depressed about starting another long work week. Jungleland would come on right as I was closing in on the airport and it would get me pumped up. It’s an incredible song… it’s got beauty, guts, and glory all wrapped in one. And when I’m listening to it on the treadmill, no matter how tired or unmotivated I am to be running, I hit the 4:30 mark of this song and I’m magically transported to a runner’s high. In that minute I feel like I could run forever.
Graceland – Paul Simon. No, I did not pick this song for the mere title, although I know when I’m sad or heartbroken, a trip to Graceland would make me feel better, too. ”Losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you’re blown apart, everybody sees the wind blow.” Such truthful, yet beautiful lyrics. Another good one for running.
Caravan – Van Morrison. This song always hits the spot. I love to sing the ” La La La-La La La La’s” and the “Turn it up’s”. And when he sings, “I long just to hooooooold you tight”, I’m not sure I’ve heard emotions as raw through a song before.
Try Me – James Brown. This is Exhibit A of my love affair with old school soul music. Simple, honest and romantic. And definitely a different side of James. I feel transported back in time when listening to this song. And since I feel like I was born a few decades too late for my music taste, maybe this makes me feel a little more at home.
Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. When I was in elementary school, we had to pick a song in music class and write about it. I don’t recall why I didn’t choose an Elvis one, but I chose this song instead. Hearing it takes me back to Bryker Woods, my favorite house, and simpler times. It just makes me feel good.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant – Billy Joel. Tough to choose just one Billy song, but this one is so complex and all over the map, that it sounds like a new song every time. A new song that I already know all the words to and could rock your socks off at karaoke with. When on a long drive, I normally belt this one out once or twice. I love the story telling of Brenda and Eddie. And how it sounds like 3 songs in one. ”Things are ok with me these days…”.
Call Me – Blondie. When I hear this song I just want to pretend to be Deborah Harry and parade around onstage in high heels and a miniskirt. Yes, I know that sounds very unlike myself. I guess this song just brings out my inner scandalous rocker. ”Roll me in designer sheets, I’ll never get enough”. It’s about being pampered, perhaps taken advantage of, but not caring because you’re that much of a Bad A.
#41 – Dave Matthews Band. Aside from Elvis and Bruce, I owe a huge chunk of my music appreciating ability to DMB and this song. I listened to this album A TON in high school. And this is my favorite song of theirs. I can just listen and listen and get so lost tapping my fingers and toes to the beats and sounds. I can’t think of a greater feeling of release.
I’ll Be Seeing You – Billie Holiday. Listen to this song and you feel like you are sitting out on a porch swing, on a beautiful night a very long time ago. Her voice is gorgeous and so is this song. It’s so peaceful to me that I could fall asleep on said porch listening to it.
Walk Of Life – Dire Straits. I’m a product of the 80′s and I’m damn proud of it. From the sounds of the first notes on the keyboard, I’m put in a good mood. This song makes the enjoy the walk that is life.
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Elvis Presley. Granted, this is a Simon & Garfunkel song, however I don’t think anyone ever will be able to match Elvis’ voice and passion when singing this tune. On a day when you feel like you don’t have a friend in the world, you can turn this on and you’re comforted. Elvis is your friend.
Central Park West – John Coltrane. This song ended up on a mixed jazz CD Amanda made for me in college. From the first time I heard it I was in love with it. It relaxes me like no other song. A glass of Rosemont Shiraz, a warm bath and this song. All my cares and worries go bye-bye.
Fool Hearted Memory – George Strait. If I’m gonna do any country, it’s gonna be George. Or Willie. Or Johnny. And if it’s gonna be George, it’s gonna be old school, first greatest hits album George. Not sure why, but I’ve always loved this song. ”Nickels and dimes, memories and wine”. It doesn’t get any more country than that.
Taking The Long Way – Dixie Chicks. This song is about breaking off from the rest of the pack, finding your own way through life and being damn proud of it. The rhythm is especially perfect for an open road.
Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse. I love this crackhead. And her music. The sound of this song has a tiny twinge of girl Motown in it, and that’s probably why I love it. When I hear the “He walks away, the sun goes down” part I feel like I’m standing on a busy street corner on a sunny Fall day in the 60′s. Can’t explain it, but I absolutely love the feeling.
The Rising – Bruce Springsteen. Surprise, Bruce again. My Mom and I saw Bruce for the first time on The Rising tour. This was the opening song, and I will never forget the feeling I felt seeing him appear on stage, standing in the dark, both hands raised into the air, eyes closed, singing:
“Can’t see nothing in front of me,
Can’t see nothing coming up behind,
Make my way through this darkness,
I can’t feel nothing but this chain that binds me,
Lost track of how far I’ve gone,
How far I’ve gone, how high I’ve climbed,
On my back’s a 60 pound stone,
On my shoulder a half mile of line,
Come on up for the rising”
It brought me to tears. In a matter of 20 seconds, I was crying at the beginning of a rock concert. Leave it to Bruce to write the most incredible album of hope, faith and love after the tragedy of 9/11. In the midst of the darkness after that day, he was able to provide encouragement to rise up and keep going. This song is about having gone so far, yet still having so far to go, being tired, but finding the inner strength to see things through. Bruce is all about bringing out your inner strength, and that’s why I love him.
In My Room – Beach Boys. When I listen to this song, it reminds me of being a kid. Your room was your safe haven, you could always go there to escape the world and that’s what this song is all about. I just envision laying down on my “bonk beds”, looking up at the glow-in-the-dark galaxy on my ceiling, looking at life through my 10-year-old eyes.
There you have it. Bon appetit.
Yes, I know I am like 2 weeks overdue for an update on my birthday celebration(s). Please excuse me… I’ve been actually having to work at work. I agree, it stinks.
For the record, I just want to say how incredibly blessed I am. My family and friends pulled out all the stops to make my birthday fantastic. Even if it was just a run-of-the-mill 28th birthday (gasp!). The fact that they let the celebrating drag on for 3 weeks shows just how awesome they are.
Birthday celebration 1: Dad, ESM, Bruce and Mary surprised me with a dinner in DC at a seafood joint called Blacksalt’s while I was visiting Reston. Um, any place that has fresh seafood on ice, where you can pick which fish you want and how it’s done… yes please!
Birthday celebration 2: Dinner at Cremona with 15 fantastic friends followed by jello shots in the parking lot followed by family karaoke. Perfection. Minus our buzz kill of a waiter who had to calculate the bill by hand, delaying us an hour. Private room karaoke is really where it’s at. Especially when you have friends that pull out all the stops with props (ah, I rhymed) and will sing with/listen to you sing for 2+ hours. Thanks to Baby and Daddy for the Elvis wig, glasses and balloon (may ye rest in peace on the side of Royal Lane).
Birthday celebration 3: Bible Study with my girls followed by $3 dollar glasses of wine at Cibus. A lovely, relaxed evening.
Birthday celebration 4: Dinner at my tied-for-first-place favorite restaurant, Hudson’s on the Bend. Goat cheese salad, venison, chocolate and caramel dipped pecan pie. Oh Lawdy, I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven. Thank you, family, thank you.
I just hope everyone has enough gas in the tank for 2 years from now when we go to Europe to celebrate my 30th birthday. And yes, I’m not that self centered… we can celebrate yours, too. Or whatever birthday it will be for you that year. Tell ‘em to come on!
About 3 years ago, I spent half a day of Nortel “work” putting together a list of my favorite songs. I had nothing else to do that day, so I decided to be productive. Luckily, I was able to dig up this list from my email account to post here. The last few days I’ve been working on this same list and it’s funny how some of the songs have remained on the list, 3 years later. I guess that means they truly are my favorites.
Without further adieu, here are my favorite songs from May 8, 2006:
tired of being alone-al green. this was one of the first songs that
turned me into soul. i remember listening to this song for the first
couple times and wanting to sing it with as much heart and passion as
him.
like a rolling stone-bob dylan. the first couple notes of this song
just want to knock you over. whenever i am in a pissed off mood, i
can turn this one on and sing (scream) it out and when it’s over i feel
i like i just gave whatever was stressing me out a good punch in the
face.
thunder road-bruce springsteen. i never thought anything besides
“born to run” or “dancing in the dark” would ever be my favorite bruce
song. but this song starts out so simply and i can feel the screen
door slam in the first words he sings. and these lyrics just feel so
comfortable:
“Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that’s me and I want you only
Don’t turn me home again
I just can’t face myself alone again
Don’t run back inside
darling you know just what I’m here for
So you’re scared and you’re thinking
That maybe we ain’t that young anymore
Show a little faith, there’s magic in the night
You ain’t a beauty, but hey you’re alright
Oh and that’s alright with me”
last goodbye-jeff buckley. i haven’t listened to this song in a long
time, but it will always be a favorite. when i first discovered the
grace album, this song just moved me.
suspicious minds-elvis presley. i can listen to this song in two
ways. one is where its one of those regular old songs i hear on the
radio almost daily. and two is where i listen to it if its brand new
to me and i am again reminded who elvis was and who he is to me. he
is my number one, he always and forever will be.
mercy mercy me-marvin gaye. i remember listening to this song on two
of the saddest days of my life and it bringing me some sort of inner
peace. i cried while singing along, but it was one of those
inevitable cries that makes you know and feel that you’re really ok.
just like heaven-the cure. this is my happy song. every time i hear
it i can’t help but tap my feet and want to jump up and dance.
ex factor-lauryn hill. this song is just beautiful and painful at the
same time. i could listen to it over and over and over again. in
fact i have.
feelin’ the same way-norah jones. it’s not so much the song that moves
me, it’s that i have one memory of listening to this song and its as
real as anything. my dad and i were in the car headed to the airport,
just having left my aunts house in georgetown after a visit. it was a
rainy morning and i remember being in one of those sleepy states that
the rain and a car ride can bring on. and it just felt really good
listening to this song.
your smiling face-james taylor. i had heard this song before, but it
wasn’t until i saw james taylor live, that i realized this was one of
his songs. i downloaded it the next chance i got and i literally
listened to it on repeat for days. it just makes me smile.
gypsy-fleetwood mac. i love every song on the rumours album to death,
but its a homemade fleetwood mac cd i made that i always listen to and
every time this song comes on it just feels right. i love the beat, i
love stevie’s voice, i just love this song’s sound.
rainy days and mondays-the carpenters. you can dog the carpenters all
you want, but i think they are great. and this song feels like a warm
blanket to me. i don’t know if it’s the sadness in her voice or that
she is singing about the blues, but it makes you realize its ok to be
sad once in a while. and yes the rumors are true, there is a copy of
my rendition of this song floating around on a tape recorder somewhere
out there.
in my life-the beatles. the beat, the lyrics and the voices make this
song what it is. picking one beatles song was the hardest for me on
this list, but i realized it was ok to narrow it down to one, because
in my life, i’ve loved them all.
so far away-carole king. the tapestry album would be my number one
pick for being inside on a cold, rainy morning. unless it was a
monday, because then it would have to be the carpenters (see above).
saturday in the park-chicago. this is my life is good song. i get in
a good mood every time i hear it because it reminds me of summers as a
kid. not that this song was popular when i was a kid, obviously i was
born too late for most of my music tastes, but still.
midnight train to georgia-gladys knight and the pips. a great song.
i don’t know why i love it, but i do. i could sing along to it
anytime.
a whiter shade of pale-procol harum. i can’t say i honestly know what
this song is about. all i know is every time i hear it it takes me to
another place. or it just takes me back in time.
try a little tenderness-otis redding. this song is just sweet. its
passionate. it’s about love and loving. and if you are in love, it
just has to make you smile.
the sounds of silence-simon and garfunkel. when i hear this song, i
have to stand still. and i have the two of them singing in my head.
it’s haunting, its sad, its powerful. i can be mad when i listen to
it, or i can be sad. and either way, the glove fits.
the weight-the band. the one song that always makes me relaxed and
feel good. “take a load off fanny, take a load for free, take a load
off fanny, and and you can put the load right on me”.
walk on-u2. when i worked in dc and i would have a 15 minute walk to
work, i would listen to this song almost daily on my ipod. it was a
powerful way to get my day started. this song is about everything
that haunts us from our past, but its the things we can’t shake and it
gives us the strength to keep going. the words “walk on” have a whole
new meaning to me now.
P.S. Sorry, I guess I didn’t believe in capitalization back then.
The other night over wine and cookies, I was inspired to start creating playlists for different things. Days, feelings, situations, genres, seasons, moods, the list goes on. One of my favorite things in this world is allowing myself to get absorbed in my music. And so, I think I’ll be making regular blog updates with different playlists.
The first one was easy to come up with since it’s been raining nonstop for almost a week. Rainy day music. Songs that are low-key, simple, deep, and make you want to curl up on the couch when it’s raining outside. I’ve tried not to get too obscure so my fans will recognize the tunes.
1. Round Here – Counting Crows
2. Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Warning Sign – Coldplay
4. High and Dry – Radiohead
5. Smoke – Ben Folds Five
6. White Ladder – David Gray
7. Soul Meets Body – Death Cab For Cutie
8. New Slang – The Shins
9. Never Know – Jack Johnson
10. Young Bride – Midlake
11. Stop This Train – John Mayer
12. Vienna – Matt Costa
13. Nightswimming – REM
14. Feelin’ Good Again – Robert Earl Keen
15. Mr. Bojangles – Jerry Jeff Walker
16. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
17. Strawberry Fields Forever – The Beatles
18. I Am A Rock – Simon & Garfunkel
19. Under My Thumb – The Rolling Stones
20. Pride (In The Name of Love) – U2
Playlist suggestions? Beam me up, Scotty!
Hey, Andy are you goofin’ on Elvis? Hey, baby, are you having fun?
This morning I got in my car to go meet Laurie at White Rock for a run. As I was sitting down, I placed my purse on my lap and then I turned the car on. Well, in the process of sitting down somehow I turned on my iPod and the screen lit up, which was easy to see given that this was 6:20am and pitch black out. I looked at the screen and saw “Man on the Moon”, which refreshed my memory of yesterday and how I was listening to REM. And then, after 3 seconds go by, it dawns on me that that is what is playing on my car radio right then. Too cool for school.
Here’s a little agit for the never-believer. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah…
There have been many days in my long-lived (at least it seems like it’s been long) accounting career when I lack the motivation and focus to do my job, let alone anything else. Some days I just feel like surfing the Internet but even that gets old. And I can only check the email on my iPhone so many times. I can get so far down into my unmotivated groundhog hole, that it nearly takes a miracle to get me to come out and see my shadow. And in said long-lived career, I’ve discovered there’s really only two ways to get me out. One is to put on Stevie Wonder, the other is Billy Joel.
And when I start to hear them through my earbuds, I start getting pumped. Not really pumped about work, but pumped about feeling motivated for something. And those days are what we call a Billy or Stevie day.
Back in my Nortel life, my fellow friend, LC, and I used to inform each other of said days. I’m calling her LC for two reasons: her name is Lauren and I got her hooked on Laguna and the Hills. And yes I take pride in the latter reason. (You are welcome, Lauren). She knows the power of Billy and Stevie and even when we stopped working together, we’d always IM each other just to say, “It’s a Billy day”.
You should try it.
Billy suggestions: “The Stranger” album. Also, “We Didn’t Start The Fire”, “My Life”, “Big Shot”, “Allentown”, “You May Be Right” and “Don’t Ask Me Why”.
Stevie suggestions: “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”, “Sir Duke” and of course, “Superstition”.
That’s just what Bruce did in Austin.
Sunday night was my fourth time to witness the heart-stopping, pants-dropping, Earth-quaking, booty-shaking, history-making E Street Band. And let me just say, the show only gets better.
For my Dad’s “50th” birthday, I gave him a ticket to go with me to the show. My Mom and Dan also came along… I don’t think Dan knew what he was in for. Bruce started off the show at 8:15 and didn’t stop rockin’ until 11:15. THREE HOURS!! Definitely the longest of any of his shows I’ve seen. I think he was digging the crowd, because we got more songs than the prior cities, and songs that weren’t on his original set list for the night.
April 5, 2009
Austin, Texas
Frank Erwin Center
Badlands
Outlaw Pete
My Lucky Day
Prove It All Night
Out In The Street
Working On A Dream
Seeds
Johnny 99
Youngstown
Working On The Highway
Sherry Darling*
She’s The One
Because The Night
Waiting On A Sunny Day
The Promised Land
The Wrestler
Kingdom Of Days
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
The Rising
Born To Run
Hard Times
Jungleland
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
I’m A Rocker*
Land Of Hope And Dreams
American Land
Glory Days
*Spontaneous requests Bruce took from the audience. One of them was on a bubblegum wrapper. Tight.
Thanks to the prayers from Bible Study, we had amazing seats. I only wish our section could have been a little more animated. I don’t think the guy to my left moved once the entire time. Which of course makes me feel awkward when I can’t keep still. I’ve either got to stand and clap, or sit down and tap my feet, all the while singing every word. Cause that’s just how I roll.
If Bruce does add another U.S. leg to his tour and comes to Dallas, I’ll be there. And I really want to get General Admission tickets to stand in the Pit. I feel like that’s one thing I definitely need to experience in my lifetime. It probably would feel like a little slice of Heaven.
The only bummer is that we got Glory Days instead of Dancing in the Dark. But, I’m pretty sure that getting Prove It All Night, Jungleland and Born to Run made up for it just fine.
Oh and don’t worry. I got my $45 t-shirt.
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