Wrapping things up....

I'm just going to go ahead and get this challenge overwith. It's dragged on long enough I think!

day 29 - a song from your childhood.

My Mom sang this to us growing up.......I sing it to my kids.


Pretty much any Carly song reminds me of my childhood - my Mom played Carly all.the.time.


day 30 - a song that makes you want to help the world, help the environment, end poverty, help society...

Duh.

Creative? Who, me??

day 28 - a song that makes you feel inspired and creative.

Seriously drawing a blank here. I don't think I am a very creative person. Okay, well, that might be a lie. I can be creative sometimes, it just depends on what I am trying to do. But I can't think of any song that makes me FEEL creative.

I think I'm punking out on this challenge.......only a few days left. Hopefully I can come up with some answers to the rest of these questions.

One time, at band camp........

Okay, so I didn't really go to band camp. But I was in the band for five years. Which brings me to.....

day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument.

I played the flute. Started in 4th grade and played through my Freshman year. Then I stopped. I had a part time job after school and didn't have time for the practices and all that. I'm sure there were more reasons than that but seriously I'm 34 years old now and I can't remember that far back. ;-)

Here is just one (of the very many) songs I can play on my flute.

When I die, please play

Are you kidding me with this?

day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral.

Really?! Who comes up with this stuff? Who sits around and thinks hey, when I die, I think this would be a great song for people to hear when they come to say goodbye.

I'm sorry. I refuse. Pass on this one.

Ahhhh, to complete the trifecta

day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad.

Okay, well, I don't listen to any song when I'm sad. Purposely? Why would one do that? But immediately right off the top of my head there is a song that makes me sad. A song for my Mom.

It's been a little over 4 years since she passed away and I still miss her so much. They say the pain gets easier as time goes by but I honestly don't feel it. My Mom was the most amazing person I have ever known. I know, I know, almost everyone says/thinks that about their Mom. But she really was. She raised 3 kids, on her own, with no help from anyone. My parents got divorced when I was 4 yrs old. My Dad never paid his child support. He would take us out for lunch/breakfast at McDonald's now and then. He was supposed to take us every weekend but that didn't happen. By the time I was 12 or 13 my Dad was like a ghost.

I couldn't fully appreciate as a child just how much my Mom did for us. Now that I am an adult, with kids of my own, I can really look back and I can see. She made so many sacrifices. She didn't date. She didn't really socialize, no girls nights out for her. She raised her kids. On top of that, she chose nursing as her profession. So, not only did she take care of us all the time, she also took care of post partum women at St. Margaret's Hospital.

My Mom had a hard life. At least I think she did. I often wonder if my Mom was happy with the way her life went. I know she loved the three of us. That has never been a question. But I wish I could ask her if she was happy. If she thinks her life was a good one. I don't know how to explain this. I look at my life right now and I am happy. Truly happy. Yes, we have some major struggles and we have been stuck in this rut for a very long time. But I have to believe it will turn around soon. Even with all of that we are SO blessed. There are so many good things. I have a husband that I adore (yes, he can be a pain in my ass sometimes but what man can't be?!). We have three beautiful, healthy, caring, loving children. We have a roof over our heads. We have food on the table. I have a great job. Things are rough but they could be so much worse. God has really blessed me and I am grateful every day. I haven't had to go through nearly as much as my Mom went through. It makes me sad to think that maybe she didn't feel blessed. But I'll never know because I never asked her. During the last 4 or 5 years of her life I can't imagine she was very happy with the way things turned out. She had moved to Colorado back in 1995. She met a man online and they got married. I'd like to think she was happy for a while. But things didn't turn out so well. I know she wasn't happy in CO. I know she stayed far longer than she wanted to. I think she was sad/afraid/upset that she'd have two failed marriages under her belt. But, she did move back. She moved back in early 2003 into a home John and I bought in Whitman in 2002 (with the help of his parents, again, blessed). I'm pretty sure she didn't want to have to move in with her daughter and new husband (we'd just gotten married in Sept 2001) but she did it. I like to think she was happy there. In our physical house. However, I don't think she was happy with how she had to live. She had health problems in CO. Far too long for me to get into now but when she came back to MA things just weren't the same. She was living on Social Security Disability. She couldn't work. She wasn't living on her own. Yet. But, she did get her own apartment and I know she loved it. She was still unhappy because she couldn't drive or get out and about on her own. That had to be a hard pill to swallow after being SO independant for most of her life. Now she had to rely on me to get things done for her, or take her to the bank, grocery store, hairdresser, etc. You get the gist. I wonder what she thought about at night. If I really allow myself to think about it I get so sad. I wish I could talk to her. I wish she was still here. After she passed away there were so many people that came to her wake. So many of her friends that pulled me aside and said how much she loved me, how much she talked about me. How proud she was. How much she would say I did for her. But do we ever listen to anyone else? I feel should have taken advantage of when she was here. I feel like I should have done more. I still feel guilt, wish things. I know it's not right, I shouldn't have. But that doesn't just wipe it away.

Shit. I'm way off track here. Talk about a tangent. I'm going to stop here. Too much to tell and this post is supposed to be about a song.

This song was played at my Mom's wake. The funeral home made a DVD that played on repeat throughout her wake. I still cannot listen to it without crying. This song absolutely, 1000% describes my mother and the way I felt about her. My Mother was absolutely and will always be, my hero.

If I'm happy and I know it....

day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy.

Of course. Yesterday was angry, today is happy. Very original. So, some happy music. Now that I'm sitting here I can't come up with a. thing. I don't specifically listen to anything when I'm happy. I just turn on the radio or my ipod. I guess when I'm in a good mood I'll put on music and i'll put on three specific songs because my kids LOVE them. These songs definitely make me happy / laugh because they dance around the playroom whenever I put them on. So those will be my choices for today.

Aidan loooves this song. He has for a long time. He kind of trots around the room to the beat and it cracks me up.



This one is for Ryan. This is "his" song. He jumps up and down, runs around and sings it with a BIG grin on his face. Love.



And last, but certainly not least. Erynn. The fact that she is 3 years old and this is her song may be a bit disturbing but it's not like she knows what it's about. The best part is when she "lip syncs" to the song and tries to look like she is singing. HY-sterical. (we listen to the clean version at home)

Who's angry? Me?! Noooooo....

day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry.

Hmmmm. What DO I listen to when I'm angry. Most of the time I'll just put on my ipod because music can help to get me out of any funk I'm having. If I'm really in a pissy mood I'll definitely gravitate to the rock songs. The blood pumping, drum banging, guitar wailing type songs. The ones you have to thump your foot along to, you just can't help it.

Clearly this song fits the bill. It's a good angry rock tune. Limp Bizkit is pretty damn perfect for when you're in a foul mood.



Another band that fits the bill. Good stuff.



CLASSIC. I love me some Rage. These songs bring me back to "The Ranchhouse" in Marshfield. Going to see ItchyFish play. Loooved that band.





So there you have it. Angry songs from this currently-not-so-angry chick.

WAIT - I forgot two. Very important.

Hello, the song says Fuck you. Clearly a good song for angry people.


and, last but not least.... have to balance out all of this testosterone with an angry chick. Hell yes.

What's with the favorites??

day 19 - a song from your favorite album.

I don't have a favorite. I don't like these questions because there is no such thing as favorite for me. I have songs that are my front runners at any given time. I can't remember the last time I even listened to a full album. I download my songs from youtube or iTunes when I hear something I like. (gotta love that video converter, THANK YOU ANNE!!!)

I'm skipping this one. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

I wish I may, I wish I might

day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio

This song was one of my Mom's favorite songs. Her email was created from it, she loved to listen and sing to it. She'd crank it up every time she heard it. I wish they played it on the radio (more often because I do catch it ever once in a while) because it brings me happy thoughts of her.



Another song is from a band called The Swell Season. I stumbled across them this weekend in a movie I watched. I was telling someone how much I loved hearing an irish brogue and he recommended this movie to me. The movie itself was just eh. B movie rating in my opinion but the music was SO good. I immediately downloaded a handful of songs from iTunes later that night.

So, two songs from that movie that I wish I heard on the radio.

Turn up the volume, they're playing my song!

day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio.

Well, this one should be relatively easy. In all reality I could turn the radio on right now and just put that song here. But I'm not near a radio. Unless you count the iTunes I have playing in the background........but that's not radio so I guess that is cheating.

Sheesh, I'm getting off track. Okay, a song I hear often on the radio. Let's see if I can't pick all different arenas, shall we? I have some time tonight, why not. I'm only going to pick ones that I don't mind hearing on the radio. If I picked the ones I did mind hearing I'd be here all fricking night and I'm not looking to devote my friday evening to my blog. Sorry folks.

Looooove this song. I hear it on two different stations. I switch stations in the morning quicker than I switch lanes on the highway. That's just the way it is.



Another good one. Again, only on one or two stations. I love me some Irish men....swoooon.



This one is played on many many stations. Which is a good thing. You'd think I'd get sick to death of it BUT my kids looooove this song and they sing along with it. That alone makes it worth listening to in my opinion. Hearing a 3,5 and 6 yr olds version of this song is quite entertaining, let me tell you. (I haven't seen the video until now. I'm not really sure what to think.)



This song is only played on country stations but I'm happy to flip to those as well. As I've mentioned over and over and over again, music tastes = varied. No surpise that country would find it's way in here as well.

I love you! No, I hate you!

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate

I loved this song back in the day but I find myself changing the station every time I hear it come on now. Shockingly, it still comes on some of my stations a lot!



I don't know that I ever really LOVED these songs......but I absolutely 100% can't stand either of them now.

What the eff ARE apple bottom jeans anyway?!



You know what Bruno? There are a LOT of people who have lazy days. You aren't special. Nice hair. Thug monkeys that dance. Really??



aaaand no list would be complete without some Gaga. Seriously though, every time she comes out with a song it's played 3x an hour. I get that she needs airtime but when I get sick of a song in a week that's just not a good sign.



I'm sure there are many many more but, really, I'd be here all freaking day and I need to get some work done. Until tomorrow.

If I were to describe myself in song.....

day 15 - a song that describes you

I must admit, this one is a toughie. How does one use a song to describe oneself? I don't think I could be tied up with a neat little bow in just one song. Then again, when I have listened to the "one song" rule......sure as hell not going to start now. I'm trying to be original. My friend is doing this challenge as well and she is a few days ahead of me.........unfortunately she took most of the songs I would have used lol. (Damn you Apryl!)

So, in no particular order....songs that I would use to describe myself

This one is good. By Your Side. If you are in my life, friend, brother, sister, husband, child, anyone.....you are in my life for a reason and I will always be by your side. You need me, you call me and I'm there no matter what.



Who Says........who says I'm not perfect? Well, really, I'm not perfect. But you should love yourself first. I'm working on it. I really wouldn't want to be anyone else. That's the truth.



I know this is true. I've been a hero to my Mother. I've been a hero to my sister, my brother. I'm a hero to my husband and children. Do I *feel* like a hero? No, not nearly. But I know that to others I am / have been so it's worth mentioning.



Yes, absolutely. No matter what I'm going to get up and just keep on going. I know I'm a strong person and I'm going to keep on being that way. "You may fool me and I'll fall, but I won't stay down long."



Cheesy as this may be......this song does describe me. My mindset. Everything happens for a reason, even if we don't know what that reason may be. It will be okay. I tend to try not to get worked up about things. I try to be rational, work things out. I trust that everything is going to work out so I try to let it flow.

Just when you thought you knew me....

Today's song challenge comes out.

day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love.

Hmmmm, good one! I have a few that I do love that I don't think people know about. Let's get this ball (or song) rolling, shall we?

I don't know what it is about this song. It doesn't remind me of any person, place or thing. I just really like it. I get goosebumps when I hear it. Which, admittedly, isn't that often.



This is definitely one that would be unexpected. I've always loved the melody and I recently discovered there were actually WORDS. Imagine that. Her voice is haunting. It's a beautiful song.



Then to do a complete 180. Like I've said before, my music tastes are widespread. There is no rhyme or reason. I make no excuses. What can I say. Best of both worlds......nice slow melody and then kick ass metal.



I love driving with this on the radio, I love singing to it at the top of my lungs.



Yet another genre....shocking. This song reminds me of good times with the girls. Going out dancing. Having fun. It always brings a smile to my face.



And one more for the sentimental. Sort of. Maybe sentimental is a bad choice of words. This song is kind of like my eff you for the people who said John and I wouldn't last....it's me flipping the bird. Yeah, sentimental may be pushing it. Just because a person gets engaged after only three months of dating doesn't mean that the marriage won't last. We're coming up on ten years and I'm happier than the day I married him. He's my perfect match (just for putting up with me alone the man deserves a medal!) and my best friend. I love this song because it describes exactly how I feel. Life is good.

Bust out the Aquanet............I'm guilty!

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure.

There isn't just one song........there are many, many songs. I have a whole category of guilty pleasure songs. Songs sung by 80's Hair Bands. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these are my guilty pleasures. Mock me, poke fun, laugh hysterically - it's all good. But I do love me some 80's big hair bands.

You know you love them too........keep your foot from tapping, keep yourself from humming along......you can try, but you will fail.

Classic. Big hair, men with perms, long leather jackets, deep, soulful looks at the camera. What's not to love???



Another classic by Whitesnake......Tawny Kitaen rolling all over the hoods of cars . Yes, that makes perfect sense to me. (and did anyone else catch the full boob shot when she is hanging out the window of the car? Wonder if that was shown on MTV back in the day)



Clearly I can't talk about 80's hair bands without bringing up Poison. These guys wore more makeup than I did as a teenager. Hell, Brett still wears more than I do now! But, make up faux pas aside, this is still a kick ass band.



Another good one........Great White. I think me and my girlfriend had a dance made up to this little ditty. I definitely remember playing the cassette single while dressing her little cousins up in dresses. Yeah, they were boys.



This one reminds me of my first boyfriend. We were obsessed with Skid Row.



I'm just noticing now.....ALL of these guys had big, blonde hair. I wonder why that is. Maybe it's why I never had a thing for blondes. ;oP I also think these guys could be singlehandedly responsible for the damage to our Ozone layer. Seriously.

I've got absolutely nothing.

day 12 - a song from a band you hate.

ACK! I'm sitting here with my brother and brother in law and CANNOT come up with a band that I hate. Honestly. Not a single one.

There are bands I don't know. There are songs I don't like. There are bands I prefer not to listen to..........but I can't think of one, single, solitary band I HATE.

I'm taking a pass on this one too.

Better luck tomorrow.

May I have the envelope please?

Today's challenge.........day 11 - a song from your favorite band.

Well, this will be rather disappointing. I do not have a favorite band. I really don't. I could never narrow my musical palette down to just one. I don't have the foggiest idea how to do that.

I'm pleading the 5th on this challenge.

Better luck tomorrow.

Is it naptime yet?

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep and feel relaxed

Well, immediately this song comes to mind..........but it's clearly just the title.




I think anything by Enya would do it for me. That was always the music du jour when I went to get a facial or massage back at Elizabeth Grady.......definitely makes me think of relaxing which makes me want to cuddle under the covers which makes me want to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

One, two, cha cha cha

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

Um, wouldn't that be ANY song out there? Hello? What kind of questions are these?

I'm going to take this literally. Here is a song I can dance to.......the specific dance it asks for. HA!

I hear the ticking of the clock.....

I know, I know, I'm a few days behind. But we were camping all weekend and I wasn't near a computer. So let's just pick up where I left off.

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to.

Hmmm, I know all the words to a lot of songs. Let me just pick a random one for variety's sake. I'm trying to not use the same song more than once lol.

Okay, this one might make me blush a bit because it's old schoool and cheesy. My Mom loved this band and she played the tape, yes, I said TAPE, all the time. I still love this band. Still love this song.

May 1996

day o7 - a song that reminds you of an event.

This is taking it waaaay back. This song was my Senior Prom song. That was an event for sure!