The first time that I saw
your head around the door
'cause mine stopped working.
Happy New Year's Eve!!! I spent this evening ringing in the New Year with several of my girlfriends from high school. I toasted in the New Year with a glass of Olive Garden's house wine-- blush; it was a superb choice! Our dining experienced was excellent for several reasons: breadsticks that keep coming, great wine, terrific entrees, old friends, incredible conversation, laughing so hard you (and by "you" I mean Emily) snort-- "legit", and an attractive waiter. Now, I am not in elementary school, but when someone triple dog dares me to do something, I am going to do it (99% of the time). I am not sure how it happened, maybe it was the wine, but I was dared to leave this message on my receipt: I "heart" you to the max!, and then my name and phone number. You can see why I would be hesitant to fulfill this dare, but nonetheless, I did it. We decided that instead of beginning the New Year with resolutions, I should begin it with a regret. But, it was a moment of immaturity, so it was fun. I don't regret the dare. Kevin T.-- Olive Garden waiter, I "heart" you to the max!
Anyway, I leave tomorrow afternoon for Colorado. I am almost packed. I didn't realize how long I am going to be gone-- the 1st through late on the 7th or early on the 8th. School starts for me two days later, so that should be interesting. Well, I have to finish packing and then meet back up with the girls. Take care and enjoy your last week of Christmas vacation. I hope that all of you have a wonderful New Year's! Count down the last ten seconds of 2004 and kiss someone you love!
Friday, December 31, 2004
What am I darlin'? A whisper in your ear...
A piece of your cake?
Today I learned that I am leaving for Colorado on Saturday, not Sunday. Not a bad thing, just caught me by surprise. I feel a little rushed, but I am thinking I will throw everything warm I own in the North Face and hit the road. I have a fear when I travel that wherever I am going will not have certain essentials if I leave them behind. The first time I traveled to Europe I was so terrified that I would forget something. When I arrived in Paris I realized, hey...they have everything here. Toothbrushes (the thing I generally forget), deodorant, pajamas, etc. I guess I tend to look over the fact that people live there, and those people need the same things I do. All of this to say, I am not worried about leaving things. As long as I have my debit card and my credit card I should always be covered, right? Watch me say that and then something completely unexpected and unheard of happens.
Dakota is back from the vet, safe and sound. She makes me sad because as I type she is laying beside me and whenever she shifts in position she moans; it's pathetic. I realized my dog calls the shots when she was laying on the couch tonight and I actually brought her water bowl over to her and held it where she could drink from it without having to move. I have become my dog's servant. When did this shift in power occur? Oh well, she repays me by keeping me warm with her crazy shaggy fur.
Tonight brought some things in to focus for me. I have always had tremendous respect for young and/or single mothers, but tonight was a complete wake-up call. As a favor to my friend Rachel's family, I watched her three nieces so her family could attend a party. I only had to watch them for two hours, but with a three year old, a one year old, and a three month old, that was long enough. The oldest two are sisters and both of them are just getting over a cold so I was constantly wiping their noses, making sure that if they were on the stomachs in their cribs they could breathe, making them bottles, changing diapers, carrying two kids (one on each hip), peeking in to make sure the youngest one was still asleep, reading to them, trying to decipher what the three year old was saying, wiping more noses, etc. I can't imagine keeping up with all of them day in and day out. They are adorable and I love spending time with them, but it really is hard to keep up. Zoe would be punching buttons on the phone as Eden started going through a make-up bag. Who do you stop first? Zoe is spilling milk down her sweatshirt while Eden is spilling the contents of her mother's purse on the floor. What do you do? Well, after about two minutes of this I placed everything within their reach on a higher surface-- cell phones, dishes, purses, keys. This tackled the primary problem and things were fine. I sat on the couch with both of them in my lap, reading a magazine and wondering how their mother does it when something happened. I realized everything was quiet. Zoe had fallen asleep sitting up but leaning back against my chest, and Eden was laying beside me half-asleep, her right hand playing with her hair, her left hand underneath her back. They were sitting there, curled up in their winter pajamas (the fleece ones with feet), and I realized why all of the chaos their mother deals with is worthwhile. She is the mother of two adorable kids that love her. They say cute things; they play dress-up in her shoes while she's away. And, at night, she can sit in silence on the couch with one of her little girl's hands curled around her finger and the other's head in her lap. I think it must be moments like that, when things slow down, that being a mother is most rewarding.
Today I learned that I am leaving for Colorado on Saturday, not Sunday. Not a bad thing, just caught me by surprise. I feel a little rushed, but I am thinking I will throw everything warm I own in the North Face and hit the road. I have a fear when I travel that wherever I am going will not have certain essentials if I leave them behind. The first time I traveled to Europe I was so terrified that I would forget something. When I arrived in Paris I realized, hey...they have everything here. Toothbrushes (the thing I generally forget), deodorant, pajamas, etc. I guess I tend to look over the fact that people live there, and those people need the same things I do. All of this to say, I am not worried about leaving things. As long as I have my debit card and my credit card I should always be covered, right? Watch me say that and then something completely unexpected and unheard of happens.
Dakota is back from the vet, safe and sound. She makes me sad because as I type she is laying beside me and whenever she shifts in position she moans; it's pathetic. I realized my dog calls the shots when she was laying on the couch tonight and I actually brought her water bowl over to her and held it where she could drink from it without having to move. I have become my dog's servant. When did this shift in power occur? Oh well, she repays me by keeping me warm with her crazy shaggy fur.
Tonight brought some things in to focus for me. I have always had tremendous respect for young and/or single mothers, but tonight was a complete wake-up call. As a favor to my friend Rachel's family, I watched her three nieces so her family could attend a party. I only had to watch them for two hours, but with a three year old, a one year old, and a three month old, that was long enough. The oldest two are sisters and both of them are just getting over a cold so I was constantly wiping their noses, making sure that if they were on the stomachs in their cribs they could breathe, making them bottles, changing diapers, carrying two kids (one on each hip), peeking in to make sure the youngest one was still asleep, reading to them, trying to decipher what the three year old was saying, wiping more noses, etc. I can't imagine keeping up with all of them day in and day out. They are adorable and I love spending time with them, but it really is hard to keep up. Zoe would be punching buttons on the phone as Eden started going through a make-up bag. Who do you stop first? Zoe is spilling milk down her sweatshirt while Eden is spilling the contents of her mother's purse on the floor. What do you do? Well, after about two minutes of this I placed everything within their reach on a higher surface-- cell phones, dishes, purses, keys. This tackled the primary problem and things were fine. I sat on the couch with both of them in my lap, reading a magazine and wondering how their mother does it when something happened. I realized everything was quiet. Zoe had fallen asleep sitting up but leaning back against my chest, and Eden was laying beside me half-asleep, her right hand playing with her hair, her left hand underneath her back. They were sitting there, curled up in their winter pajamas (the fleece ones with feet), and I realized why all of the chaos their mother deals with is worthwhile. She is the mother of two adorable kids that love her. They say cute things; they play dress-up in her shoes while she's away. And, at night, she can sit in silence on the couch with one of her little girl's hands curled around her finger and the other's head in her lap. I think it must be moments like that, when things slow down, that being a mother is most rewarding.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Nothing is taking me down, down, down...
except you my love.
Listening to Damien Rice today.
"Nothing unusual, nothing's changed.
Just a little older that's all.
You know when you've found it,
there's something I've learned,
'cause you feel it when they take it away."
I've been laying low the past few days, feeling kind of crappy after all of the holiday food and weird changes in weather. Something about the holidays makes me want to just lay around and do nothing; I think it's the best idea since flu season lurks outside our doors. Yesterday I really only left the house to work out. Last night I wasn't feeling well, so Elizabeth and I did the take-out Chinese thing and watched movies-- good times. I felt bad because I am sure there are more exciting things to do, but sometimes bumming around is nice.
Today was wonderful! I woke up feeling better; it must have been the Chinese food. I got to see several friends and spend quality time with each one. Lunch and shopping with Rach. Dinner with Jason. Coffee with Emily. I ran into a girl I grew up with at the gym and that was random. It's so nice to see old friends in Abilene, in town for the holidays. Emily and I are trying to put together some plans for New Year's Eve-- maybe kareoke, maybe Cypress Street. The New Year is coming up so quickly, and I leave for Colorado on Sunday. Today I took all of my ski clothes out of a box in the attic and it made me more excited about the trip! Where else can you wear multiple layers that don't really match, several pairs of gloves, and goggles? Not in Texas, that's for sure. Well, maybe the Texas of last week with the freak snow storm, etc.
Tomorrow my dog is having surgery, so I have set the day aside to be with her. Tomorrow night I think I may watch "Garden State" at the apartment with a friend or two. I am trying to get in some good friend time because after the Colorado trip all of my high school friends will be gone and everyone will be heading home, not to mention schedules getting crazy. Emily will go back to Ft. Worth this weekend. Grant will go back to College Station on the 7th. Elizabeth is leaving Friday afternoon to head back to the Metroplex. That just means we have to live it up before the break is over! How can we "live it up" in Abilene? Any suggestions?
Well, I have to take Dakota to the vet at 7:30am, so I better get to bed. I hope all of you have had a good break and that you are feeling well-rested. We only have a little more than a week left, so go crazy!
Listening to Damien Rice today.
"Nothing unusual, nothing's changed.
Just a little older that's all.
You know when you've found it,
there's something I've learned,
'cause you feel it when they take it away."
I've been laying low the past few days, feeling kind of crappy after all of the holiday food and weird changes in weather. Something about the holidays makes me want to just lay around and do nothing; I think it's the best idea since flu season lurks outside our doors. Yesterday I really only left the house to work out. Last night I wasn't feeling well, so Elizabeth and I did the take-out Chinese thing and watched movies-- good times. I felt bad because I am sure there are more exciting things to do, but sometimes bumming around is nice.
Today was wonderful! I woke up feeling better; it must have been the Chinese food. I got to see several friends and spend quality time with each one. Lunch and shopping with Rach. Dinner with Jason. Coffee with Emily. I ran into a girl I grew up with at the gym and that was random. It's so nice to see old friends in Abilene, in town for the holidays. Emily and I are trying to put together some plans for New Year's Eve-- maybe kareoke, maybe Cypress Street. The New Year is coming up so quickly, and I leave for Colorado on Sunday. Today I took all of my ski clothes out of a box in the attic and it made me more excited about the trip! Where else can you wear multiple layers that don't really match, several pairs of gloves, and goggles? Not in Texas, that's for sure. Well, maybe the Texas of last week with the freak snow storm, etc.
Tomorrow my dog is having surgery, so I have set the day aside to be with her. Tomorrow night I think I may watch "Garden State" at the apartment with a friend or two. I am trying to get in some good friend time because after the Colorado trip all of my high school friends will be gone and everyone will be heading home, not to mention schedules getting crazy. Emily will go back to Ft. Worth this weekend. Grant will go back to College Station on the 7th. Elizabeth is leaving Friday afternoon to head back to the Metroplex. That just means we have to live it up before the break is over! How can we "live it up" in Abilene? Any suggestions?
Well, I have to take Dakota to the vet at 7:30am, so I better get to bed. I hope all of you have had a good break and that you are feeling well-rested. We only have a little more than a week left, so go crazy!
Monday, December 27, 2004
Baby, it's cold outside...
"Baby, Its Cold Outside"
I really can't stay (But baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (But baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what's your hurry)
And father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (Beautiful, please don't hurry well)
Maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour )
The neighbors might think (Baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink (No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say no, no, no, sir (Mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (What's the sense in hurting my pride)
I really can't stay (Baby don't hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
I simply must go (Baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no (But baby, it's cold outside)
This welcome has been (I'm lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I've got to get home (Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there)
Say, lend me your comb (It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand (A thrill when you touch my hand)
But don't you see (How can you do this thing to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my life long sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay (Get over that, hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
Where could you be going, when the wind is blowing, and it's cold outside?
Baby, it's cold, cold, outside.
Man, it really has been cold here. I woke up on the 22nd to several inches of snow on the ground. My youngest brother, Mason, was in the backyard throwing snowballs and making snow angels, which was definitely camera worthy. I took an entire roll of him playing in the snow and I am glad I did because how often do we see a white Christmas in Texas?
I cannot believe Christmas has already come and gone. Soon it will be the start of a new semester, new classes, etc. Time really does fly. Next week I will be in Colorado snowboarding, which I am both excited and anxious about. I realized how soon that trip is coming up this afternoon while talking to a friend; maybe I should start getting things packed and ready. When I looked at the calendar before Christmas break I was like, "An entire month off? What am I going to do?", but the days have gone by quickly, filled with road trips and shopping, spending time with my family and meeting friends for coffee. I am sad it is almost over, but I am excited about my new schedule and beginning the second semester of grad school.
Christmas was terrific this year! As always, after opening presents around the tree, we headed to my grandmother's house for more presents around the tree and the ever-anticipated Christmas Day meal. Needless to say, I ate a ton of food and took a long nap (both are traditions for me). This year was different than any Christmas' I remember because for the first time no one in my house was waiting for Santa to come. It is sad not having any children in the house. No one to place cookies and milk beside the fireplace, no one running barefoot through the house screaming, "Santa came! Santa came!" This year my dad did not stick his boots in the soot and ashes to show where Santa had walked through the house, which was always my personal favorite. No questions about Santa and his reindeer. No kids thinking they see the sleigh way up in the sky or hear the bells or footsteps on the roof. I love all of that stuff and I missed it this year. Though Santa Clause is a fictional character, I find myself still wanting to believe in a jolly old man in a red furry suit with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly and that, with the aid of his flying reindeer--- one with a red, shiny nose, can make it throughout the entire world, down every chimney, taking presents to good little boys and girls all in one night. The story of Santa never fails to put a smile on my face, as unbelievable as it is. I am so thankful that we, as Christians, have an even more incredible story to tell, though it seems unbelievable as well. That a virgin-mother gave birth to a baby in a manger one cold winter night. That wisemen from afar followed a star which led them to the baby. That the baby was the son of God. That as he grew to be a man and walk this earth he would go through trials and persecution though he was blameless. That he would be led to a cross to die for all of our sins so that we may live. Isn't that an even better story? Santa eats our cookies and gives us presents. Jesus gives us abundant love and the promise of eternal life.
I really can't stay (But baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (But baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what's your hurry)
And father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (Beautiful, please don't hurry well)
Maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour )
The neighbors might think (Baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink (No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say no, no, no, sir (Mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (What's the sense in hurting my pride)
I really can't stay (Baby don't hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
I simply must go (Baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no (But baby, it's cold outside)
This welcome has been (I'm lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I've got to get home (Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there)
Say, lend me your comb (It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand (A thrill when you touch my hand)
But don't you see (How can you do this thing to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my life long sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay (Get over that, hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
Where could you be going, when the wind is blowing, and it's cold outside?
Baby, it's cold, cold, outside.
Man, it really has been cold here. I woke up on the 22nd to several inches of snow on the ground. My youngest brother, Mason, was in the backyard throwing snowballs and making snow angels, which was definitely camera worthy. I took an entire roll of him playing in the snow and I am glad I did because how often do we see a white Christmas in Texas?
I cannot believe Christmas has already come and gone. Soon it will be the start of a new semester, new classes, etc. Time really does fly. Next week I will be in Colorado snowboarding, which I am both excited and anxious about. I realized how soon that trip is coming up this afternoon while talking to a friend; maybe I should start getting things packed and ready. When I looked at the calendar before Christmas break I was like, "An entire month off? What am I going to do?", but the days have gone by quickly, filled with road trips and shopping, spending time with my family and meeting friends for coffee. I am sad it is almost over, but I am excited about my new schedule and beginning the second semester of grad school.
Christmas was terrific this year! As always, after opening presents around the tree, we headed to my grandmother's house for more presents around the tree and the ever-anticipated Christmas Day meal. Needless to say, I ate a ton of food and took a long nap (both are traditions for me). This year was different than any Christmas' I remember because for the first time no one in my house was waiting for Santa to come. It is sad not having any children in the house. No one to place cookies and milk beside the fireplace, no one running barefoot through the house screaming, "Santa came! Santa came!" This year my dad did not stick his boots in the soot and ashes to show where Santa had walked through the house, which was always my personal favorite. No questions about Santa and his reindeer. No kids thinking they see the sleigh way up in the sky or hear the bells or footsteps on the roof. I love all of that stuff and I missed it this year. Though Santa Clause is a fictional character, I find myself still wanting to believe in a jolly old man in a red furry suit with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly and that, with the aid of his flying reindeer--- one with a red, shiny nose, can make it throughout the entire world, down every chimney, taking presents to good little boys and girls all in one night. The story of Santa never fails to put a smile on my face, as unbelievable as it is. I am so thankful that we, as Christians, have an even more incredible story to tell, though it seems unbelievable as well. That a virgin-mother gave birth to a baby in a manger one cold winter night. That wisemen from afar followed a star which led them to the baby. That the baby was the son of God. That as he grew to be a man and walk this earth he would go through trials and persecution though he was blameless. That he would be led to a cross to die for all of our sins so that we may live. Isn't that an even better story? Santa eats our cookies and gives us presents. Jesus gives us abundant love and the promise of eternal life.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
If you ride in the Jetta you might hear...
In the spirit of John Cusack's character in "High Fidelity", I have created a list of my top ten favorite songs of 2004. This list is dedicated to my soul mate in music, Kris. This weekend, he and I decided to make this the endeavor of the week. We only came up with two rules in listing the songs: 1) the actual album that the song is on did not have to be released in 2004, just the single 2) the lyrics to the song must be posted.
Anyone that has been anywhere with me in the Jetta knows that I have, what I like to call, music ADHD. I listen to a million bands and I am constantly switching out albums (reason #376 why I need an iPod) and skipping tracks, etc. It is difficult for me to think of my top ten favorite artists, let alone my top ten favorite albums, and it is almost incomprehensible that I could even try to narrow the plethora of songs that I listen to down to a mere ten. Nonetheless, I am going to try. This, my friends, was a true challenge, and it hurts my heart to leave several of my favorite songs off of this list.
I was lucky enough to catch one of Levi Smith's acoustic sets at The Leaf a few months ago. I immediately enjoyed his style and lyrics. He used to be a local artist, but now resides in Corpus Christi. He often travels, playing in college towns in front of crowds of twenty-somethings. This song is incredible-- beautifully simple and acoustic, and the lyrics get me every time.
#10- Levi Smith "I'd Like to Think So"
You were unexpected, but not unwelcome
'cause you can wake me anytime.
When I stumbled to the door—glad to let you in from
the middle of this winter night.
Into my heart and my apartment—a thought crossed my drowsy mind.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
while we watch our feelings grow?
I’d like to think so.
I can’t sleep lately, it’s a problem I’ve been having,
so come on over with your charm.
I’ll keep you calm and you can keep me laughing in the middle of the storm.
Here’s my jacket—you can have it.
It’s not as cold when you are warm.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
while coffee candles glow?
I’d like to think so.
I’m inclined to shy away, but she moves me—without words and without moving.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
how am I supposed to know?
I’d like to think so.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs...hmm...there really isn't much to say about this band. They are strange, so I, in turn, am strangely attracted to their music. "Maps" is one of their catchier tunes that often gets stuck in my head. I was a huge fan of this song this summer and I still love it; for me, that means something. It stands the test of time in my collection-- time being six months.
#9- Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps"
Pack up
I've strayed
Enough
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Wait! They don't love you like I love you.
Wait! They don't love you like I love you.
Ma-a-a-a-ps, wait!
They don't love you like I love you.
Made off
Don't stray
My kind's your kind
I'll stay the same
Pack up
Don't stray
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Wait! They don't love you like I love you
Wait! They don't love you like I love you
Ma-a-a-aps, wait!
They don't love you like I love you.
When I began listening to Maroon 5 it was the summer of 2003 when "Harder to Breathe" was topping the charts. I immediately loved them, but never invested in their album "Songs About Jane"; that turned out to be a grievous error. There are definitely gems that stick out on the album, "She Will Be Loved" being the main one for me. I love the basic concept behind the lyrics, and loving literature and images that paint pictures, I enjoy their imagery very much. I think we all want a love that we are willing to stand out in the pouring rain for, just to say "hey, come with me and you will be loved."
#8- Maroon 5 "She Will Be Loved"
Queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else
I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I've had you so many times but somehowI want more
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
Tap on my window, knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get so insecure
It doesn't matter anymore
It's not always rainbows and butterflies
It's compromise that moves us along
My heart is full and my doors always open
You can come anytime you want
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
I know where you hide
Alone in your car
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all comes back and begs me
to catch her every time she falls
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved.
The first time I heard this song I said "yes"! Edgy, innovative, new style, new sound...I love you Frou Frou! Now, the only problem is deciding what genre of music they fall into. Maybe Frou Frou should form their own genre. This song reminds us to take risks, jump in feet first, because it may be the best decision our lives and if it's not, there is beauty in the breakdown.
#7- Frou Frou "Let Go"
Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you're writing a tragedy
These mess-ups
You bubble-wrap
When you've no idea what you're like
So, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
It gains the more it gives
And then advances with the form
So, honey, back for more
Can't you see that all the stuff's essential?
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later
Now you can wait
You roll your eyes
We've twenty seconds to comply
So, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's al right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown.
I was truly in awe when I first heard Gavin, and more specifically, this song. First off, if you know me you know acoustic singer-songwriters tend to be my favorite genre of music. I guess the genre would be "rock", but give me some guitar, maybe a violin or a cello, and good lyrics, and chances are that artist has won my heart. Gavin won me over in the opening chord of this song and I have never turned back.
#6- Gavin Degraw "Belief"
Belief, makes things real.
Makes things feel, feel alright.
Belief, makes things true.
Things like you, you and I.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me.
Belief builds from scrath.
Doesn't have to relax, it doesn't need space.
Long live the queen and I'll be the king.
In the colour of grace.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me, belief.
I'm going to yell it from the rooftops.
I'll wear a sign on my chest.
That's the least I can do, it's the least I can do.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife, in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me.
And I'll stand by my belief.
Oh, I'll stand by my belief.
This song has a simple rhythm and great lyrics. What can I say, I am a sucker for great lyrics.
#5- Iron & Wine "Such Great Heights"
I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes
Are mirror images and
When we kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate
That God himself did make us into
Corresponding shapes like puzzles pieces
From the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch
But it's thoughts like this
That catch my troubled head
When you're away, when I am missing you to death
When you were out there on the road
For several weeks of shows
And when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay
I've tried my best to leave
This all on your machine
But the persistent beat
Sounded thin upon listening
That frankly will not fly
You will hear the shrillest highs
And lowest lows with the windows down
When this is guiding you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay...
I think I must have played this song over 100 times in the first week I got the album. It's terrific driving music, it's super catchy, and the message is universal: love will come through.
#4- Travis "Love Will Come Through"
If I told you a secret
You won't tell a soul
Will you hold it and keep it alive
Cause it's burning a hole
And I can't get to sleep
And I can't live alone in this lie
So look up
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da- down the mountain
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return
Anyone, anything, anyhow
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
Well I stand at the crossroads
Of highroads and lowroads
And I got a feeling it's right
If it's real what I'm feeling
There's no makebelieving
The sound of the wings of the flight of a dove
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da down the mountain
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return anyone anything anyhow...
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
So look up
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da- down
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return anyone anything anyhow...
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
Love will come through
Love will come through
Love will come through
This is another song where the lyrics just get me. The first time I heard it I just let it soak in and the lyrics made me nostaligic, longing for something I can't put my finger on. I love Keane and the music video for this song is awesome. They're a British band; that should say it all!
#3- Keane "Somewhere Only We Know"
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
So why don't we go
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Her album is incredible, her voice is ethereal, her lyrics are poetic, and I love Rachael Yamagata. This song is off of her debut album, "Happenstance", which I recommend to everyone. I typically don't like to (or can't because of the music ADHD) listen to an album straight through, but I like every track on this album. In listing "Under My Skin", I really just had to pick one because there are several other songs off of this album I would have liked to have listed. Go buy "Happenstance", you won't be sorry.
#2- "Under My Skin" Rachael Yamagata
I hesitate to say I was bait for you
Could that be something that you all would do?
I'd be lying if I did now say I wasn't intrigued
But timing is everything here, and for the moment the "we" is reprieved
But, as I watch the girl unfold before my eyes, I discover
That I like her
Would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance
And you should go
I'm in the dance, and it's a chance
But stay and watch awhile
I'll be singing a tune just for you with a smile
And maybe, if I'm lucky
You'll tip your hat to me, and you'll discover
That you like her
Would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And, deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance
And you should go
Crazy as it all plays out
I think I'm lonelier than I've ever been before
'Cause I was so close
To going through that door
But I don't want to be to blame for them
I don't want to be to blame
Oh, would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And, deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance, and you should go
Oh, would you please get out
I'm not as strong as I seem, but I won't let you know.
I can't say enough about Damien Rice and how his music has changed my life; I know that seems like an overstatement, but it's not. I can count on one hand how many songs affect me to the point of crying or wanting to-- songs that touch me so deeply that it is hard to convey why. Maybe I attach them to certain incidents in my life, maybe I find the blend of strings, piano, and his voice so heartwrenching that it makes emotions rise to the surface. Either way, his album "O" causes this emotional chemistry within me. This song is from the movie "Closer". I heard the song before I saw the movie, but it fits so perfectly,almost as if it was written for the film. I told several friends that if there was ever a song that could make me instantaneously want to weep, it would be this one.
#1- Damien Rice "The Blower's Daughter"
And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...
And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...
Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new
I want to thank all of the artists that I listen to. You all produced really top-notch, superb music, but only a select few could make the cut. I want to hand out honorable mention awards to several songs that almost made the elite cut, but just didn't quite hack it:
The Autumns- "The End"
Damien Rice- Cannonball
Snow Patrol- "Run"
Muse- "Time is Running Out"
Jason Mraz- "You and I Both"
Counting Crows- "Accidentally in Love"
Dashboard Confessional- "Vindicated"
Anyone that has been anywhere with me in the Jetta knows that I have, what I like to call, music ADHD. I listen to a million bands and I am constantly switching out albums (reason #376 why I need an iPod) and skipping tracks, etc. It is difficult for me to think of my top ten favorite artists, let alone my top ten favorite albums, and it is almost incomprehensible that I could even try to narrow the plethora of songs that I listen to down to a mere ten. Nonetheless, I am going to try. This, my friends, was a true challenge, and it hurts my heart to leave several of my favorite songs off of this list.
I was lucky enough to catch one of Levi Smith's acoustic sets at The Leaf a few months ago. I immediately enjoyed his style and lyrics. He used to be a local artist, but now resides in Corpus Christi. He often travels, playing in college towns in front of crowds of twenty-somethings. This song is incredible-- beautifully simple and acoustic, and the lyrics get me every time.
#10- Levi Smith "I'd Like to Think So"
You were unexpected, but not unwelcome
'cause you can wake me anytime.
When I stumbled to the door—glad to let you in from
the middle of this winter night.
Into my heart and my apartment—a thought crossed my drowsy mind.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
while we watch our feelings grow?
I’d like to think so.
I can’t sleep lately, it’s a problem I’ve been having,
so come on over with your charm.
I’ll keep you calm and you can keep me laughing in the middle of the storm.
Here’s my jacket—you can have it.
It’s not as cold when you are warm.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
while coffee candles glow?
I’d like to think so.
I’m inclined to shy away, but she moves me—without words and without moving.
Could it be that these arms were meant to hold her?
Could it be that her head was tailor-made for my shoulder?
Are these fingers designed to be intertwined
how am I supposed to know?
I’d like to think so.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs...hmm...there really isn't much to say about this band. They are strange, so I, in turn, am strangely attracted to their music. "Maps" is one of their catchier tunes that often gets stuck in my head. I was a huge fan of this song this summer and I still love it; for me, that means something. It stands the test of time in my collection-- time being six months.
#9- Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps"
Pack up
I've strayed
Enough
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Wait! They don't love you like I love you.
Wait! They don't love you like I love you.
Ma-a-a-a-ps, wait!
They don't love you like I love you.
Made off
Don't stray
My kind's your kind
I'll stay the same
Pack up
Don't stray
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say
Wait! They don't love you like I love you
Wait! They don't love you like I love you
Ma-a-a-aps, wait!
They don't love you like I love you.
When I began listening to Maroon 5 it was the summer of 2003 when "Harder to Breathe" was topping the charts. I immediately loved them, but never invested in their album "Songs About Jane"; that turned out to be a grievous error. There are definitely gems that stick out on the album, "She Will Be Loved" being the main one for me. I love the basic concept behind the lyrics, and loving literature and images that paint pictures, I enjoy their imagery very much. I think we all want a love that we are willing to stand out in the pouring rain for, just to say "hey, come with me and you will be loved."
#8- Maroon 5 "She Will Be Loved"
Queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else
I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I've had you so many times but somehowI want more
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
Tap on my window, knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get so insecure
It doesn't matter anymore
It's not always rainbows and butterflies
It's compromise that moves us along
My heart is full and my doors always open
You can come anytime you want
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
I know where you hide
Alone in your car
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all comes back and begs me
to catch her every time she falls
I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved.
The first time I heard this song I said "yes"! Edgy, innovative, new style, new sound...I love you Frou Frou! Now, the only problem is deciding what genre of music they fall into. Maybe Frou Frou should form their own genre. This song reminds us to take risks, jump in feet first, because it may be the best decision our lives and if it's not, there is beauty in the breakdown.
#7- Frou Frou "Let Go"
Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you're writing a tragedy
These mess-ups
You bubble-wrap
When you've no idea what you're like
So, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
It gains the more it gives
And then advances with the form
So, honey, back for more
Can't you see that all the stuff's essential?
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later
Now you can wait
You roll your eyes
We've twenty seconds to comply
So, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's al right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown.
I was truly in awe when I first heard Gavin, and more specifically, this song. First off, if you know me you know acoustic singer-songwriters tend to be my favorite genre of music. I guess the genre would be "rock", but give me some guitar, maybe a violin or a cello, and good lyrics, and chances are that artist has won my heart. Gavin won me over in the opening chord of this song and I have never turned back.
#6- Gavin Degraw "Belief"
Belief, makes things real.
Makes things feel, feel alright.
Belief, makes things true.
Things like you, you and I.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me.
Belief builds from scrath.
Doesn't have to relax, it doesn't need space.
Long live the queen and I'll be the king.
In the colour of grace.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me, belief.
I'm going to yell it from the rooftops.
I'll wear a sign on my chest.
That's the least I can do, it's the least I can do.
Tonight, you arrested my mind.
When you came to my defense.
With a knife, in the shape of your mouth,
in the form of your body,
with the wrath of a god.
Oh, you stood by me.
And I'll stand by my belief.
Oh, I'll stand by my belief.
This song has a simple rhythm and great lyrics. What can I say, I am a sucker for great lyrics.
#5- Iron & Wine "Such Great Heights"
I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes
Are mirror images and
When we kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate
That God himself did make us into
Corresponding shapes like puzzles pieces
From the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch
But it's thoughts like this
That catch my troubled head
When you're away, when I am missing you to death
When you were out there on the road
For several weeks of shows
And when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay
I've tried my best to leave
This all on your machine
But the persistent beat
Sounded thin upon listening
That frankly will not fly
You will hear the shrillest highs
And lowest lows with the windows down
When this is guiding you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay...
I think I must have played this song over 100 times in the first week I got the album. It's terrific driving music, it's super catchy, and the message is universal: love will come through.
#4- Travis "Love Will Come Through"
If I told you a secret
You won't tell a soul
Will you hold it and keep it alive
Cause it's burning a hole
And I can't get to sleep
And I can't live alone in this lie
So look up
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da- down the mountain
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return
Anyone, anything, anyhow
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
Well I stand at the crossroads
Of highroads and lowroads
And I got a feeling it's right
If it's real what I'm feeling
There's no makebelieving
The sound of the wings of the flight of a dove
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da down the mountain
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return anyone anything anyhow...
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
So look up
Take it away
Don't look da-da-da- down
If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return anyone anything anyhow...
So take me don't leave me
Take me don't leave me
Baby, love will come through it's just waiting for you
Love will come through
Love will come through
Love will come through
This is another song where the lyrics just get me. The first time I heard it I just let it soak in and the lyrics made me nostaligic, longing for something I can't put my finger on. I love Keane and the music video for this song is awesome. They're a British band; that should say it all!
#3- Keane "Somewhere Only We Know"
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
So why don't we go
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?
Her album is incredible, her voice is ethereal, her lyrics are poetic, and I love Rachael Yamagata. This song is off of her debut album, "Happenstance", which I recommend to everyone. I typically don't like to (or can't because of the music ADHD) listen to an album straight through, but I like every track on this album. In listing "Under My Skin", I really just had to pick one because there are several other songs off of this album I would have liked to have listed. Go buy "Happenstance", you won't be sorry.
#2- "Under My Skin" Rachael Yamagata
I hesitate to say I was bait for you
Could that be something that you all would do?
I'd be lying if I did now say I wasn't intrigued
But timing is everything here, and for the moment the "we" is reprieved
But, as I watch the girl unfold before my eyes, I discover
That I like her
Would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance
And you should go
I'm in the dance, and it's a chance
But stay and watch awhile
I'll be singing a tune just for you with a smile
And maybe, if I'm lucky
You'll tip your hat to me, and you'll discover
That you like her
Would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And, deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance
And you should go
Crazy as it all plays out
I think I'm lonelier than I've ever been before
'Cause I was so close
To going through that door
But I don't want to be to blame for them
I don't want to be to blame
Oh, would you please get out from under my skin?
'Cause I can't begin this yet
And I don't know what my intentions are
They're speaking in a different tongue
And, deep inside, I'm not as tough as I seem
But I won't let you know
Until it's right, I'm gonna stay my distance, and you should go
Oh, would you please get out
I'm not as strong as I seem, but I won't let you know.
I can't say enough about Damien Rice and how his music has changed my life; I know that seems like an overstatement, but it's not. I can count on one hand how many songs affect me to the point of crying or wanting to-- songs that touch me so deeply that it is hard to convey why. Maybe I attach them to certain incidents in my life, maybe I find the blend of strings, piano, and his voice so heartwrenching that it makes emotions rise to the surface. Either way, his album "O" causes this emotional chemistry within me. This song is from the movie "Closer". I heard the song before I saw the movie, but it fits so perfectly,almost as if it was written for the film. I told several friends that if there was ever a song that could make me instantaneously want to weep, it would be this one.
#1- Damien Rice "The Blower's Daughter"
And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...
And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...
Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new
I want to thank all of the artists that I listen to. You all produced really top-notch, superb music, but only a select few could make the cut. I want to hand out honorable mention awards to several songs that almost made the elite cut, but just didn't quite hack it:
The Autumns- "The End"
Damien Rice- Cannonball
Snow Patrol- "Run"
Muse- "Time is Running Out"
Jason Mraz- "You and I Both"
Counting Crows- "Accidentally in Love"
Dashboard Confessional- "Vindicated"
Monday, December 20, 2004
Rod Stewart, the 1970's, and the Alamo...
Hello friends. Gosh, it has been awhile. I meant to catch up on my "blogging" Saturday night, but I ended up making several CD's on Kris' iBook. Good music comes before all else. Well, not really, but it certainly comes before my blog.
This weekend was insane, but incredible! Thursday I drove into Dallas and met up with Kris, Kim, and Tim. We went to On the Border for dinner, which was awesome! While sitting there, a woman came up to our table and asked if we were college students. I said yes, that I go to a small Baptist university in Abilene. She told us that during dinner, God really laid it on her heart to give us money. She gave us $20 and told us to pray for her son that is in Germany, getting ready to leave for Iraq, and then she left. We were all floored, and later that money went to buying a group of poor college kids (us) a late night waffle at Waffle House.
Friday morning we left early to drive to San Antonio for Marjorie's concert. We got there around lunch time and she came and gave us a key to the house we were staying in for the night. The house was enormous and though the owners and their kids were gone at the time, it felt like we were jumping into a family that we didn't know. It was a strange experience, but the family was extremely hospitable and nice, and we were thankful for a place to stay-- even if we were only there for a total of four hours. Friday afternoon we ate at California Pizza Kitchen (mmm...) and then Kim and Kris wanted to go to a cigar store. We stayed there for a while, playing checkers and chess, and giving off the "give us your charity" vibe. I say that because when I walked in a guy, probably in his early forties, asked if I could help him out. I said sure. He had two cigarette cases up on the counter and asked which one I liked more. He showed me each of their "functions" and I picked one out. I said hey, if I smoked I would like it. Anyway, I told him I would grab my friend so he could have a second opinion. I lured Kim out of the humidor room and she came over and said which one she liked (the same one I had picked). He said thank you and asked if we smoked cigars. Kim said she did, I said no, not really. He then said to Kim, let me give you a cigar for your help. Little did we know he was some rich guy with his own lockers in the humidor room chock-full of fancy, limited edition, rare, expensive cigars. This guy even had a box of cubans in there. When all was said and done, Kim had two super-expensive (around $30 a piece) cigars, Kris had what he had brought in with him, and I had a Dr. Pepper. I wish we had been in a Mercedes store and some guy had needed my help. He would have said do you like C230's and I would have said yes and he would have said let me give you a Kompressor for your help and I would have said score! I really think we were giving off a "give us something for nothing" vibe. I wish we could have kept the vibe up, but I guess we have to pass it on to others; we shouldn't be selfish.
Friday night was the concert, which was incredible! Marjorie blows me away! I remember my freshman year when she first got a keyboard. She had no training and didn't know how to play. Now she writes her own music, sings, plays the piano...I even think she's picked up the bass guitar; that is what I call awesome! Her new CD, "The Real Living God", is more edgy than her previous album, and I have really enjoyed listening to it. After the concert we all went out to eat-- all being the members of her band, Lydia, Kim, Kris, and me. Then we proceeded downtown to a club called Pollyesters. This dance club has several different levels with different decades of music. We made our way to the top floor which was hits from the 70's and 80's and we danced the night away to music like "Love Shack" and "YMCA"-- good times. Marjorie and I headed for the bar to order two spiced rum and cokes, and upon approaching the bar I noticed the bartender. Grabbing Marj's hand I said, "Hey, that guy looks like Rod Stewart!" It was uncanny; the bartender was a dead-ringer for Rod Stewart! I will post a photo when I have access to a scanner. Yes, that's right. Marj and I had our photo taken with him; his name is Victor. Anyway, Kris and Kim left early and headed back to the house thirty minutes away. Around 3:30, as we were leaving the club, we were crossing over one of the bridges at the river walk when Lydia realized Kim had her keys; we were stranded in downtown San Antonio at almost 4am. In the time that passed before Kim and Kris made their way back, we were offered cocaine, or "coke" as he called it, and we randomly stumbled upon the Alamo. That was incredibly surreal. There we are, walking around aimlessly, somewhat delusional and extremely tired, when I look up and see the Alamo. All I can think of is that this is the place where a war was fought, where many men died. A place I link to seventh grade Texas History and cannons and Davy Crockett. Now, in 2004, several twenty-somethings after leaving a dance club just happen to walk right up to it after dancing to "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". Strange, isn't it? I am sure Colonel William Barret Travis would be so disappointed to see this landmark smack-dab in the middle of traffic and graffiti and people who forget to "remember" it-- like me.
We got back to the house around 4 am and left to head back to Dallas at 8am; that was a blast. No, not really. Poor Kris was so tired; he got the least amount of sleep out of all of us this weekend. I kept him up playing DJ on the iPod-- I wish that could be my real job. Saturday I just hung out and finished my Christmas shopping. I headed back to town yesterday after picking my friend Keren up from the airport. It is nice to be home.
I am sorry this blog is so long; it was a jam-packed weekend. Anyway, Kris...I will get my list posted soon. To everyone else, I hope you are having a healthy and happy break. I will post again in the near future. Take care.
This weekend was insane, but incredible! Thursday I drove into Dallas and met up with Kris, Kim, and Tim. We went to On the Border for dinner, which was awesome! While sitting there, a woman came up to our table and asked if we were college students. I said yes, that I go to a small Baptist university in Abilene. She told us that during dinner, God really laid it on her heart to give us money. She gave us $20 and told us to pray for her son that is in Germany, getting ready to leave for Iraq, and then she left. We were all floored, and later that money went to buying a group of poor college kids (us) a late night waffle at Waffle House.
Friday morning we left early to drive to San Antonio for Marjorie's concert. We got there around lunch time and she came and gave us a key to the house we were staying in for the night. The house was enormous and though the owners and their kids were gone at the time, it felt like we were jumping into a family that we didn't know. It was a strange experience, but the family was extremely hospitable and nice, and we were thankful for a place to stay-- even if we were only there for a total of four hours. Friday afternoon we ate at California Pizza Kitchen (mmm...) and then Kim and Kris wanted to go to a cigar store. We stayed there for a while, playing checkers and chess, and giving off the "give us your charity" vibe. I say that because when I walked in a guy, probably in his early forties, asked if I could help him out. I said sure. He had two cigarette cases up on the counter and asked which one I liked more. He showed me each of their "functions" and I picked one out. I said hey, if I smoked I would like it. Anyway, I told him I would grab my friend so he could have a second opinion. I lured Kim out of the humidor room and she came over and said which one she liked (the same one I had picked). He said thank you and asked if we smoked cigars. Kim said she did, I said no, not really. He then said to Kim, let me give you a cigar for your help. Little did we know he was some rich guy with his own lockers in the humidor room chock-full of fancy, limited edition, rare, expensive cigars. This guy even had a box of cubans in there. When all was said and done, Kim had two super-expensive (around $30 a piece) cigars, Kris had what he had brought in with him, and I had a Dr. Pepper. I wish we had been in a Mercedes store and some guy had needed my help. He would have said do you like C230's and I would have said yes and he would have said let me give you a Kompressor for your help and I would have said score! I really think we were giving off a "give us something for nothing" vibe. I wish we could have kept the vibe up, but I guess we have to pass it on to others; we shouldn't be selfish.
Friday night was the concert, which was incredible! Marjorie blows me away! I remember my freshman year when she first got a keyboard. She had no training and didn't know how to play. Now she writes her own music, sings, plays the piano...I even think she's picked up the bass guitar; that is what I call awesome! Her new CD, "The Real Living God", is more edgy than her previous album, and I have really enjoyed listening to it. After the concert we all went out to eat-- all being the members of her band, Lydia, Kim, Kris, and me. Then we proceeded downtown to a club called Pollyesters. This dance club has several different levels with different decades of music. We made our way to the top floor which was hits from the 70's and 80's and we danced the night away to music like "Love Shack" and "YMCA"-- good times. Marjorie and I headed for the bar to order two spiced rum and cokes, and upon approaching the bar I noticed the bartender. Grabbing Marj's hand I said, "Hey, that guy looks like Rod Stewart!" It was uncanny; the bartender was a dead-ringer for Rod Stewart! I will post a photo when I have access to a scanner. Yes, that's right. Marj and I had our photo taken with him; his name is Victor. Anyway, Kris and Kim left early and headed back to the house thirty minutes away. Around 3:30, as we were leaving the club, we were crossing over one of the bridges at the river walk when Lydia realized Kim had her keys; we were stranded in downtown San Antonio at almost 4am. In the time that passed before Kim and Kris made their way back, we were offered cocaine, or "coke" as he called it, and we randomly stumbled upon the Alamo. That was incredibly surreal. There we are, walking around aimlessly, somewhat delusional and extremely tired, when I look up and see the Alamo. All I can think of is that this is the place where a war was fought, where many men died. A place I link to seventh grade Texas History and cannons and Davy Crockett. Now, in 2004, several twenty-somethings after leaving a dance club just happen to walk right up to it after dancing to "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". Strange, isn't it? I am sure Colonel William Barret Travis would be so disappointed to see this landmark smack-dab in the middle of traffic and graffiti and people who forget to "remember" it-- like me.
We got back to the house around 4 am and left to head back to Dallas at 8am; that was a blast. No, not really. Poor Kris was so tired; he got the least amount of sleep out of all of us this weekend. I kept him up playing DJ on the iPod-- I wish that could be my real job. Saturday I just hung out and finished my Christmas shopping. I headed back to town yesterday after picking my friend Keren up from the airport. It is nice to be home.
I am sorry this blog is so long; it was a jam-packed weekend. Anyway, Kris...I will get my list posted soon. To everyone else, I hope you are having a healthy and happy break. I will post again in the near future. Take care.
Monday, December 13, 2004
The rarity of falling stars...
Hello friends. I hope that all of you are enjoying your time at home with your family, eating good food and sleeping in. Things here are good, my schedule is uneventful, but this is a welcome change. Today consisted of getting up, eating lunch and watching television, working out, attentively watching the verdict of the Scott Peterson trial, and eating dinner with several friends that I have not seen in a while. My new roommate is moving in this week, so she has been in and out with her stuff. The past few days have been surreal; I half expect opening Kim and Danielle's door to see their things taking up space, but when I open the door there is just a big empty space on the other side of it. I miss seeing their stuff; Kim's art and Danielle's photos of her and Wayne scattered everywhere. Oh well, time moves on and I am so excited to hear about their new beginnings in different places. The awesome thing is, now I have friends to visit in places more exciting than Abilene. Danielle is now living in Florida, and that means vacations at the beach! In a few months, Kim is moving to New York, and that means vacations in the Big Apple! I really can't lose. I just have to figure out how to fund these vacations. Any ideas?
If it is dark where you are, look out the window. Yes, right now. You may see incredible meteors falling to the ground. As I was driving to my apartment tonight, I saw one bright meteor streak across the sky; it was so beautiful. This is the Geminid meteor shower and tonight is supposedly the peak night to watch. Seeing this meteor reminded me of a poem I wrote my junior year that was published in the 2003 Corral. I thought I would go ahead and post it below, because the experience I wrote about in the poem is such a wonderful memory for me that I spent with my junior-year roommates, Emily and Kimberly.
I hope that wherever you are you are warm and enjoying this time away from the mucky-muck. Have a wonderful night. Sneak out of the house in your pajamas, bundle up, and watch the stars fall. Think about how many beautiful things happen while we are tucked away in our beds sleeping.
The Rarity of Falling Stars
If it is dark where you are, look out the window. Yes, right now. You may see incredible meteors falling to the ground. As I was driving to my apartment tonight, I saw one bright meteor streak across the sky; it was so beautiful. This is the Geminid meteor shower and tonight is supposedly the peak night to watch. Seeing this meteor reminded me of a poem I wrote my junior year that was published in the 2003 Corral. I thought I would go ahead and post it below, because the experience I wrote about in the poem is such a wonderful memory for me that I spent with my junior-year roommates, Emily and Kimberly.
I hope that wherever you are you are warm and enjoying this time away from the mucky-muck. Have a wonderful night. Sneak out of the house in your pajamas, bundle up, and watch the stars fall. Think about how many beautiful things happen while we are tucked away in our beds sleeping.
The Rarity of Falling Stars
The weatherman speaks of the rarity
of stars falling from the sky,
silver streaks on a black ceiling
appearing and disappearing.
Hours before sunrise, miles from the lights
of the city, we stand in an open field
circling in place to see them
fall, trailing their brightness.
We drive home over gravel roads
treading fallen stars underfoot,
the pink hue of the sky marking the end of
a night I will not live to see again.
What if all things this beautiful,
this marvelous, happen while we sleep?
Friday, December 10, 2004
Without you here there is less to say...
Remember earlier when I wrote about having plans to post photos and lyrics to a song? Well, thanks to peer pressure I posted photos earlier, and now...though still apathetic...I cannot go to sleep. Therefore, instead of just looking at my computer screen, I will post the lyrics to the aforementioned song. I am also doing this for symmetrical purposes. I cannot do just one of the things I said I wouldn't get to and not do the other. I should have balance somewhere in my life.
"I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" by Colin Hay
I drink good coffee every morning
Comes from a place that's far away
And when I'm done I feel like talking
Without you here there is less to say
I don't want you thinking I'm unhappy
What is closer to the truth
That if I lived till I was 102
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
I'm no longer moved to drink strong whisky
'Cause I shook the hand of time and I knew
That if I lived till I could no longer climb my stairs
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
Your face it dances and it haunts me
Your laughter's still ringing in my ears
I still find pieces of your presence here
Even after all these years
But I don't want you thinking I don't get asked to dinner
'Cause I'm here to say that I sometimes do
Even though I may soon feel the touch of love
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
If I lived till I was 102
I just don't think I'll ever get over you.
"I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" by Colin Hay
I drink good coffee every morning
Comes from a place that's far away
And when I'm done I feel like talking
Without you here there is less to say
I don't want you thinking I'm unhappy
What is closer to the truth
That if I lived till I was 102
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
I'm no longer moved to drink strong whisky
'Cause I shook the hand of time and I knew
That if I lived till I could no longer climb my stairs
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
Your face it dances and it haunts me
Your laughter's still ringing in my ears
I still find pieces of your presence here
Even after all these years
But I don't want you thinking I don't get asked to dinner
'Cause I'm here to say that I sometimes do
Even though I may soon feel the touch of love
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
If I lived till I was 102
I just don't think I'll ever get over you.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Did someone say photographs?
Okay, due to a request and the fact that I don't think I will have a scanner over Christmas break, I am going to go ahead and post photos from the Thanksgiving holiday. I don't want to get too far behind in posting photographs because I am sure I will have a lot after Christmas and the trip to Colorado. So, here they are, a quick glimpse into my life:
This is my family and me at my Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. You can tell by the look in my eyes that all I really want to do is to sneak out of the picture and go steal a piece of pumpkin pie from the kitchen.
My brothers, Miles and Mason, and me. I know, none of us look alike, but I swear we are from the same family. That, or our parents are keeping some mighty big secrets. Hey, wait a minute.
Miles and me. We decided that in order to maintain a "hardcore" status, one must never smile in photographs. We made a pact that we will never smile in pictures again. No, not really.
This is a photograph of my Grandmother, my cousin Jordan, my brothers and me. This is the formation we usually sit in to watch the big football game after a nice Thanksgiving dinner. We sit like this while we watch so that if at any time someone takes a picture of us, we will always be prepared...or at least look prepared.
My Dad and me. Isn't he the cutest Dad in the world? I bought the hat that he has on while I was in Paris. For the first few months he refused to wear it because he didn't want people to think he supports the French. Yep, that's my Dad! Gotta love him!
Who could forget this part of my family? Dakota told me not to smile in this picture. She likes to pose vogue for all of her photo shoots. My dog is such a diva!
And here are my two roommates, Danielle and Kim, the night we let loose on a kareoke machine. Watch out, when we get together we're crazy. When we get together with a kareoke machine we're...well...just plain crazy!
This is my family and me at my Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. You can tell by the look in my eyes that all I really want to do is to sneak out of the picture and go steal a piece of pumpkin pie from the kitchen.
My brothers, Miles and Mason, and me. I know, none of us look alike, but I swear we are from the same family. That, or our parents are keeping some mighty big secrets. Hey, wait a minute.
Miles and me. We decided that in order to maintain a "hardcore" status, one must never smile in photographs. We made a pact that we will never smile in pictures again. No, not really.
This is a photograph of my Grandmother, my cousin Jordan, my brothers and me. This is the formation we usually sit in to watch the big football game after a nice Thanksgiving dinner. We sit like this while we watch so that if at any time someone takes a picture of us, we will always be prepared...or at least look prepared.
My Dad and me. Isn't he the cutest Dad in the world? I bought the hat that he has on while I was in Paris. For the first few months he refused to wear it because he didn't want people to think he supports the French. Yep, that's my Dad! Gotta love him!
Who could forget this part of my family? Dakota told me not to smile in this picture. She likes to pose vogue for all of her photo shoots. My dog is such a diva!
And here are my two roommates, Danielle and Kim, the night we let loose on a kareoke machine. Watch out, when we get together we're crazy. When we get together with a kareoke machine we're...well...just plain crazy!
You are so beautiful and I am a fool to be in love with you...
...You know the days I am talking about. You got to sleep in so you wake up feeling good. You take a nice, long shower. You use a clean towel that still smells like detergent. Eat lunch while watching your favorite television show. Grab a cold Diet Coke out of the refrigerator. Get ready for the day. You look okay. Your hair isn't doing anything weird and you are wearing your favorite shirt. You feel good, but then boom! The boom is not you getting run over by a bus or hit over the head, it just seems like your mind has hit a impenetrable wall. You're in a funk. All of this to say that today, I am in a funk. I am not sure why. I had plans, big plans. Plans to post photos on my blog from Thanksgiving and lyrics to a song I have been listening to recently, but I am feeling totally apathetic. Maybe it's because tonight is my last meal with my roommates. Maybe it's because I have all of these unresolved emotions towards people in my life that I don't know what to do with. Maybe it's because I stayed up reading C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves when I should have been sleeping. Maybe it's because the premise of that book has had me questioning certain things in my life all day. Maybe I woke up on the proverbial wrong side of the bed, even though I always sleep and get out of bed on the same side and I wasn't in this funk yesterday. All of these are definite possibilities. Do you ever just get in a funk? Sure you do.
So, since classes were over except for finals this week I have been reading everything I can get my hands on because I actually have time to read what I want. This week I have read collections of Billy Collins' poetry, as well as some C.S. Lewis. It is so nice to be able to sit down without having to read a certain amount. That is the travesty of English classes. I am a Literature grad student obviously because I love literature, so the teachers take that love for granted and they say, "You love reading so much we are going to make you read hundreds of pages a night of crappy books like The Autobiography of Henry Adams, but that's okay, right? You like to read." See, they take our love for granted. I actually made the statement earlier in the semester after reading a bunch of crappy novels that I hate to read. I cannot believe I said that. I really love reading, but why can't we read what we want and report on that. I am sick of teacher's thinking I will enjoy books like The Writings of Benjamin Franklin. They could not be further off. I don't think they have ever heard of modern literature, or God forbid post-modern literature.
Anyway, I will probably not post anything this weekend, seeing as how it is going to be absolutely crazy-busy. I guess I have nothing more to add today. There don't seem to be any words coming to mind, just emotions and they are hard to convey through typing on a screen. Language is limited in that way I suppose. I will, however, post a poem by Billy Collins. Here you go:
"Nightclub" by Billy Collins
You are so beautiful and I am a fool
to be in love with you
is a theme that keeps coming up
in songs and poems.
There seems to be no room for variation.
I have never heard anyone sing
I am so beautiful
and you are a fool to be in love with me,
even though this notion has surely
crossed the minds of women and men alike.
You are so beautiful, too bad you are a fool
is another one you don't hear.
Or, you are a fool to consider me beautiful.
That one you will never hear, guaranteed.
For no particular reason this afternoon
I am listening to Johnny Hartman
whose dark voice can curl around
the concepts on love, beauty, and foolishness
like no one else's can.
It feels like smoke curling up from a cigarette
someone left burning on a baby grand piano
around three o'clock in the morning;
smoke that billows up into the bright lights
while out there in the darkness
some of the beautiful fools have gathered
around little tables to listen,
some with their eyes closed,
others leaning forward into the music
as if it were holding them up,
or twirling the loose ice in a glass,
slipping by degrees into a rhythmic dream.
Yes, there is all this foolish beauty,
borne beyond midnight,
that has no desire to go home,
especially now when everyone in the room
is watching the large man with the tenor sax
that hangs from his neck like a golden fish.
He moves forward to the edge of the stage
and hands the instrument down to me
and nods that I should play.
So I put the mouthpiece to my lips
and blow into it with all my living breath.
We are all so foolish,
my long bebop solo begins by saying,
so damn foolish
we have become beautiful without even knowing it.
So, since classes were over except for finals this week I have been reading everything I can get my hands on because I actually have time to read what I want. This week I have read collections of Billy Collins' poetry, as well as some C.S. Lewis. It is so nice to be able to sit down without having to read a certain amount. That is the travesty of English classes. I am a Literature grad student obviously because I love literature, so the teachers take that love for granted and they say, "You love reading so much we are going to make you read hundreds of pages a night of crappy books like The Autobiography of Henry Adams, but that's okay, right? You like to read." See, they take our love for granted. I actually made the statement earlier in the semester after reading a bunch of crappy novels that I hate to read. I cannot believe I said that. I really love reading, but why can't we read what we want and report on that. I am sick of teacher's thinking I will enjoy books like The Writings of Benjamin Franklin. They could not be further off. I don't think they have ever heard of modern literature, or God forbid post-modern literature.
Anyway, I will probably not post anything this weekend, seeing as how it is going to be absolutely crazy-busy. I guess I have nothing more to add today. There don't seem to be any words coming to mind, just emotions and they are hard to convey through typing on a screen. Language is limited in that way I suppose. I will, however, post a poem by Billy Collins. Here you go:
"Nightclub" by Billy Collins
You are so beautiful and I am a fool
to be in love with you
is a theme that keeps coming up
in songs and poems.
There seems to be no room for variation.
I have never heard anyone sing
I am so beautiful
and you are a fool to be in love with me,
even though this notion has surely
crossed the minds of women and men alike.
You are so beautiful, too bad you are a fool
is another one you don't hear.
Or, you are a fool to consider me beautiful.
That one you will never hear, guaranteed.
For no particular reason this afternoon
I am listening to Johnny Hartman
whose dark voice can curl around
the concepts on love, beauty, and foolishness
like no one else's can.
It feels like smoke curling up from a cigarette
someone left burning on a baby grand piano
around three o'clock in the morning;
smoke that billows up into the bright lights
while out there in the darkness
some of the beautiful fools have gathered
around little tables to listen,
some with their eyes closed,
others leaning forward into the music
as if it were holding them up,
or twirling the loose ice in a glass,
slipping by degrees into a rhythmic dream.
Yes, there is all this foolish beauty,
borne beyond midnight,
that has no desire to go home,
especially now when everyone in the room
is watching the large man with the tenor sax
that hangs from his neck like a golden fish.
He moves forward to the edge of the stage
and hands the instrument down to me
and nods that I should play.
So I put the mouthpiece to my lips
and blow into it with all my living breath.
We are all so foolish,
my long bebop solo begins by saying,
so damn foolish
we have become beautiful without even knowing it.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Could have been your statue, could have been your friend...
It's finals week: 0 down, 3 to go. This year is different than all of my undergrad years because during that time I usually had classes that were horribly challenging, seeing as how I am extremely left-brained, such as Biology or Geology. Those finals always tripped me up, but now it's just a lot of literature finals, which are right up my alley, so I am not too terribly worried.
This past weekend was awesome! We had Kim and Danielle's going away party, featuring kareoke, daiquiris, and desserts. I was excited about the group of girls that showed up: Sarah, Cara, Jeannie, Rachel, Ashley, Shannon, Ashleigh, and later Carrie and Marissa. We had a blast laughing and singing and dancing around. I put up a Christmas tree, so of course we had to take pictures beside it. Hopefully I will get some of those posted soon. Good times!
This week is kind of crazy with studying and random parties and getting ready for a big weekend. Tomorrow night is Rachel's birthday party, which should be a lot of fun. She will be excited when she realizes it is a candles and coffee party. Just the other night at her parents house she was saying how she wants to buy candles but needs to save money since Christmas is coming up. Little does she know that she will be receiving many candles tomorrow! She is also a crazy coffee drinker, so I guess this party will feed the addiction. Thursday night is "roommate" night. I think the girls and I are going to go eat dinner somewhere and then hang out together. I cannot believe they are leaving in a few days-- for good. Okay, this is me not thinking about it and moving on. Then, on Friday, Cara, Rachel, Tighe and I are going to see a movie and out for dinner. I am very excited about hanging out with these girls because they are terrific and I have such a wonderful time with them. Saturday is graduation. Kim, Danielle and my mother are graduating, so it's a big day! (Sidenote: I am so proud of my incredible mother. Three kids and a husband to take care of, a house to clean, a 40 hour a week job, and graduating with a 3.9! You go Debbie Mac!) Saturday is also the day Kim and Danielle are moving out. I am a little stressed about having to cram everything in that one day: Graduation, lunch with the family, saying goodbye to the roommates, helping them move everything out of the apartment, saying goodbye to a few other friends that are leaving on Sunday, and hanging out with friends that are in town for the weekend. Craziness. I know I will wake up to a peace on Sunday morning, but I am not sure if I will see it as a peace or an emptiness. I will get back to you.
Anyway, I think that's about all that's going on. I guess I will sign off with the lyrics to a song I have had stuck in my head all day. Have a great week and good luck on finals.
"One of These Things First" by Nick Drake
I could have been a sailor, could have been a cook
A real live lover, could have been a book.
I could have been a signpost, could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock.
I could be
Here and now
I would be, I should be
But how?
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
I could have been your pillar, could have been your door
I could have stayed beside you, could have stayed for more.
Could have been your statue, could have been your friend
A whole long lifetime could have been the end.
I could be yours so true
I would be, I should be through and through
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
I could have been a whistle, could have been a flute
A real live giver, could have been a boot.
I could have been a signpost, could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock.
I could be even here
I would be, I should be so near
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
This past weekend was awesome! We had Kim and Danielle's going away party, featuring kareoke, daiquiris, and desserts. I was excited about the group of girls that showed up: Sarah, Cara, Jeannie, Rachel, Ashley, Shannon, Ashleigh, and later Carrie and Marissa. We had a blast laughing and singing and dancing around. I put up a Christmas tree, so of course we had to take pictures beside it. Hopefully I will get some of those posted soon. Good times!
This week is kind of crazy with studying and random parties and getting ready for a big weekend. Tomorrow night is Rachel's birthday party, which should be a lot of fun. She will be excited when she realizes it is a candles and coffee party. Just the other night at her parents house she was saying how she wants to buy candles but needs to save money since Christmas is coming up. Little does she know that she will be receiving many candles tomorrow! She is also a crazy coffee drinker, so I guess this party will feed the addiction. Thursday night is "roommate" night. I think the girls and I are going to go eat dinner somewhere and then hang out together. I cannot believe they are leaving in a few days-- for good. Okay, this is me not thinking about it and moving on. Then, on Friday, Cara, Rachel, Tighe and I are going to see a movie and out for dinner. I am very excited about hanging out with these girls because they are terrific and I have such a wonderful time with them. Saturday is graduation. Kim, Danielle and my mother are graduating, so it's a big day! (Sidenote: I am so proud of my incredible mother. Three kids and a husband to take care of, a house to clean, a 40 hour a week job, and graduating with a 3.9! You go Debbie Mac!) Saturday is also the day Kim and Danielle are moving out. I am a little stressed about having to cram everything in that one day: Graduation, lunch with the family, saying goodbye to the roommates, helping them move everything out of the apartment, saying goodbye to a few other friends that are leaving on Sunday, and hanging out with friends that are in town for the weekend. Craziness. I know I will wake up to a peace on Sunday morning, but I am not sure if I will see it as a peace or an emptiness. I will get back to you.
Anyway, I think that's about all that's going on. I guess I will sign off with the lyrics to a song I have had stuck in my head all day. Have a great week and good luck on finals.
"One of These Things First" by Nick Drake
I could have been a sailor, could have been a cook
A real live lover, could have been a book.
I could have been a signpost, could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock.
I could be
Here and now
I would be, I should be
But how?
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
I could have been your pillar, could have been your door
I could have stayed beside you, could have stayed for more.
Could have been your statue, could have been your friend
A whole long lifetime could have been the end.
I could be yours so true
I would be, I should be through and through
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
I could have been a whistle, could have been a flute
A real live giver, could have been a boot.
I could have been a signpost, could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock.
I could be even here
I would be, I should be so near
I could have been
One of these things first
I could have been
One of these things first.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
But I want, want, want to be your love...
Okay, so quick sidenote. I finished The Liars' Club: A Memoir by Mary Karr and I cannot really express my sadness in turning the last page and realizing it is over. If you haven't read it, you should. It is heartbreaking and hilarious, brilliant and poignant, sassy and sharp...I could go on and on. The only consolation I have is that she wrote a sequel entitled Cherry: A Memoir which I have asked for for Christmas. I am sure I will devour it in a day and I then I will just sit and cry because she hasn't written anything else.
This past weekend, after Thanksgiving, Grant came in town to visit. I was so very glad to see him on my doorstep, just like old times. When we got back together it seemed just like no time had passed since this summer, only it was freezing cold. He came in on Saturday afternoon and we spent the afternoon eating good food at Texas Roadhouse and doing some serious geocaching, which I miss desperately since he moved out. Saturday night we ate dinner at Rosa's and rented Cold Mountain, which we thoroughly enjoyed. He made my favorite drink, BBC's, and since I hadn't had one in months I loved it that much more. It was wonderful just to sit and talk with him, catching up on his life, and planning our snowboarding trip this January. Sunday morning we got up and went to Jack n' Jill's for coffee and doughnuts and then got ready for my mom's birthday lunch at Abuelo's. At lunch, Grant sat next to my Uncle David and they talked about "guy stuff" the entire time, so I was kind of out of the loop, however my ears perked up when they started talking about shotguns because I am going target shooting with David over Christmas and I am excited about that! After lunch, Grant and I made a stop by the Ford dealership because we wanted to check out the beauty that is the new Mustang. Oh my goodness. I don't typically like American made cars, but the 2005 model has the body style of the 1969ish model, so it is absolutely fabulous. We stood out in the cold circling the car until I couldn't take the teeth-chattering anymore and we went back to the apartment. I miss that guy, and I am so excited about spending a week with him this winter! Hmm...maybe I should include a photo of the new Mustang. I am bored at work, so I think I will. The new Mustang GT is truly incredible!
Okay, on to the bigger and better. I turned in my final research paper today and now all I have is finals and I am finished for the semester. Finals will not be a big deal, so basically it's just graduation parties and dinner parties and Christmas parties and birthday parties...a lot of parties. That also means a lot of presents. Maybe I should get started on that. Tonight I need to do some shopping for decorations since we are having a graduation party for Kim and Danielle tomorrow night. I cannot believe they are leaving; it's kind of surreal. I walked in their room last night, covered from wall to wall in boxes and my heart just sank. I know I am going to miss them so much. No two girls make me laugh like those girls, and they are two of my very best friends. It reminds me of the lyrics to a Caedmon's Call song, "So you're gone, but I know you're not so far away. You're a call on the phone or a ride in a plane, but that just isn't the same." It isn't the same. I will never live with two of my best friends again, but what a blessing that I even had the opportunity to live with them for so long. God is good and He has provided me with such a terrific group of friends to lean on that provide me with support and love, but still...Kimberly and Danielle will be missed.
Now, on the music scene...you simply must check out Rachael Yamagata's album 'Happenstance'. I have been listening to it quite a bit recently, and I love her. Her song 'Worn Me Down' was on the O.C. last week, so you know she's up and coming. My favorite song is called 'Be, Be Your Love'. I am going to post the lyrics. Okay, I need to go read now. I hope you all have a terrific weekend!
P.S. Remember to pray for the troops. I talked to my friend Mike today and it was a reminder that it is easy to forget as we sit in school and hang out with our friends that the troops are in Iraq fighting a war, a very real war. Sometimes I just need a reality check, because it is so easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of everyday life and forget the people risking their lives for our country.
"Be Be Your Love"
If I could take you away
Pretend I was queen
What would you say
Would you think I'm unreal
'Cause everybody's got their way I should feel
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
Want to be your everything
Everything...
Everything's falling, and I am included in that
Oh, how I try to be just okay
Yeah, but all I ever really wanted
Was a little piece of you
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
Everything will be alright
If you just stay the night
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
I want to be your love, love, love
This past weekend, after Thanksgiving, Grant came in town to visit. I was so very glad to see him on my doorstep, just like old times. When we got back together it seemed just like no time had passed since this summer, only it was freezing cold. He came in on Saturday afternoon and we spent the afternoon eating good food at Texas Roadhouse and doing some serious geocaching, which I miss desperately since he moved out. Saturday night we ate dinner at Rosa's and rented Cold Mountain, which we thoroughly enjoyed. He made my favorite drink, BBC's, and since I hadn't had one in months I loved it that much more. It was wonderful just to sit and talk with him, catching up on his life, and planning our snowboarding trip this January. Sunday morning we got up and went to Jack n' Jill's for coffee and doughnuts and then got ready for my mom's birthday lunch at Abuelo's. At lunch, Grant sat next to my Uncle David and they talked about "guy stuff" the entire time, so I was kind of out of the loop, however my ears perked up when they started talking about shotguns because I am going target shooting with David over Christmas and I am excited about that! After lunch, Grant and I made a stop by the Ford dealership because we wanted to check out the beauty that is the new Mustang. Oh my goodness. I don't typically like American made cars, but the 2005 model has the body style of the 1969ish model, so it is absolutely fabulous. We stood out in the cold circling the car until I couldn't take the teeth-chattering anymore and we went back to the apartment. I miss that guy, and I am so excited about spending a week with him this winter! Hmm...maybe I should include a photo of the new Mustang. I am bored at work, so I think I will. The new Mustang GT is truly incredible!
Okay, on to the bigger and better. I turned in my final research paper today and now all I have is finals and I am finished for the semester. Finals will not be a big deal, so basically it's just graduation parties and dinner parties and Christmas parties and birthday parties...a lot of parties. That also means a lot of presents. Maybe I should get started on that. Tonight I need to do some shopping for decorations since we are having a graduation party for Kim and Danielle tomorrow night. I cannot believe they are leaving; it's kind of surreal. I walked in their room last night, covered from wall to wall in boxes and my heart just sank. I know I am going to miss them so much. No two girls make me laugh like those girls, and they are two of my very best friends. It reminds me of the lyrics to a Caedmon's Call song, "So you're gone, but I know you're not so far away. You're a call on the phone or a ride in a plane, but that just isn't the same." It isn't the same. I will never live with two of my best friends again, but what a blessing that I even had the opportunity to live with them for so long. God is good and He has provided me with such a terrific group of friends to lean on that provide me with support and love, but still...Kimberly and Danielle will be missed.
Now, on the music scene...you simply must check out Rachael Yamagata's album 'Happenstance'. I have been listening to it quite a bit recently, and I love her. Her song 'Worn Me Down' was on the O.C. last week, so you know she's up and coming. My favorite song is called 'Be, Be Your Love'. I am going to post the lyrics. Okay, I need to go read now. I hope you all have a terrific weekend!
P.S. Remember to pray for the troops. I talked to my friend Mike today and it was a reminder that it is easy to forget as we sit in school and hang out with our friends that the troops are in Iraq fighting a war, a very real war. Sometimes I just need a reality check, because it is so easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of everyday life and forget the people risking their lives for our country.
"Be Be Your Love"
If I could take you away
Pretend I was queen
What would you say
Would you think I'm unreal
'Cause everybody's got their way I should feel
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
Want to be your everything
Everything...
Everything's falling, and I am included in that
Oh, how I try to be just okay
Yeah, but all I ever really wanted
Was a little piece of you
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
Everything will be alright
If you just stay the night
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
And everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
I want to be your love, love, love
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