Music that makes me smile

Most people know I'm a music-girl. I like all sorts of music, I know a million songs about a million things that are usually totally random and rediculous, but still. In fact, just the other day, Em made up something on Facebook like, "writing my own story", and, believe it or not, I broke into a song in front of her with those exact words. She sat at the table dumbfounded, probably thinking I was making it up as I went or something. I also like to think that her laugh was of sheer joy at my amazing skillz, and nothing whatsoever to do with the dance I broke out into. Whatever that dumbfounded look was for, it didn't go unnoticed. Which in itself entertains me, as I used to think the same thing of my father when he'd sing ridiculous lyrics that I didn't believe were real. And no, I was never laughing at anything he did-- it only encouraged him! ;) (love ya pop-sicle)



I mean, who knows a song about chewing gum that loses its flavour? Well... I do!!! *YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE*



Or, without my father, would I have known a song about playing with a chainsaw? Like this one: *YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE*



Country songs are classic for funny words. Like this one!



Yah. I know songs about blue kleenexes, camels named Clyde, and even 'historical' songs about Colonel Custer! ;)



Some silly songs I relate to times in my life. Some I relate to people. Some songs just bring a smile to my face...

A new song I relish:



*YOUTUBE HERE*

So, when you hear a funky song with recockulous lyrics, just sit back and smile. Think of me. Imagine the dance. You HAVE to imagine the dance.

Tuesday Tunes- They stole a radio AND my sanity!

Although it FEELS like a Monday, (since Canadians had a long-weekend and yesterday was a holiday,) today is TRULY Tuesday. Which, here at the Nine Peas means it's TUNESday.

I'm so music-denied lately.
When the van got taken into the shop to be fixed the other week, they took the radio apart and then found out that there was more extensive damage than first anticipated. So, they needed to order parts that are STILL not here. In the meantime, they gave the van back to us so we wouldn't have to pay for a rental for three weeks plus.

Except-- they didn't put everything back together, and now I have NO radio or CD player or ANYTHING in the van. Which, for a musically-inclined family like mine, doesn't make a big difference for short trips which are usually spent singing goofy songs at the top of our lungs.

LONG trips, however, are tougher. My three little monkeys are fairly good travellers, and can somewhat entertain themselves well. They start yodeling singing. Or they RAMBLE FOR HOURS!! tell stories. And I have driven back and forth to Calgary more times in the past month than perhaps the entire year of '10 combined! Needless to say, I am music-less on those treks. And, even MORE needless to say, I AM GOING BATTY!! Not an iPod, not a radio... NADA!!!

I have only a few songs to share. I'm kinda sad-- I used to come across a LOT of new, good music. But lately, I just listen to whatever the kids are listening to, or whatever is already on my OWN playlists. Hopefully this week, Will and I will get around to replacing the stolen iPod, so I can run and have my music again. These aren't NEW songs, so you may know them already. Whatever-- newer to me.

• In honour of my endearing children, THIS SONG is kinda sweet. (It Won't Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker) No... it WON'T be like this for long-- cuz soon the shop should have my music back into the van! ;)
• The benefit of living with teenagers is being introduced to music you don't already know. Like THIS ONE. (Dear God by Avenged Sevenfold)
• Today I stumbled across this song. I am reminded of SO many people in my life. LOVE IT!!! If you listen to NONE of these, at least listen to THIS ONE!! (We All Need Saving by Jon McLaughlin)

And, as usual, feel free to introduce me and the others (via comment) to songs you're liking right now.

Wanna play along?!

I'm having one of those days.

Technically, this day kinda built up to being one of "those days". And, as much as I should try to punch everyone in the face stay all positive and optimistic, it's just not going to work today.

So, I'm gonna play the blame game. We all LOVE the blame game!

Let's just *starts singing* blame it on the rain (yah yah). Don't think you won't have that song in your head all day! Muahahaha. You're welcome.

It has been raining for two days now. People are getting flooded basements. And last night, as Will was working on the house (can I get a woop woop!?) we realized that our roof has a leak. Good times. And the rain hasn't stopped. So, that leak??? Yah, STILL leaking. I must say, in the midst of all the dirt and dust, the ceiling is starting to look really good though.

Let's blame it on the rain that everybody is tired today. Because, I don't know about anyone else, but I sleep SOOOOO well when I can hear the rain outside. A little white noise or something, and I'm out. Which then turns into "Debbi's sleeping so soundly that she starts to dream really ridiculous things ALL FRIGGEN NIGHT" and thus I wake slightly MORE tired than when I went to bed, I'm sure. Getting out of bed when there is no light streaming through the windows is tough. Getting out of a WARM bed to a rainy day is tougher. Getting out of bed to have to go outside immediately to pick up some daycare kids... REALLY sucky. I got there, and everyone at THAT house had also slept in so I had to help them get ready. Which really isn't that big of a deal to me. I thought I'd just complain about it like it was.

Blame it on the rain that I have been feeling really self-conscious lately. Just the thought that I can't fit into ALL of my pants a certain pair of pants. The thought of seeing someone beautiful and wishing you had her lips, or her eyes, or her butt! Not that I was checking out some girl's butt.. I mean... uh... just sayin'...so... uh..yah..

Blame it on the rain that I feel VERY house-bound, which in turn, makes me feel very small-town-bound and a tad resentful of the community that I live in. Which is a good community. But grrrrrr to not being able to walk through a dry, warm mall and windowshop just to get out of the house.

Blame it on the rain for crappy messages from people. Or for my inability to get over the messages. Or for Mimi breaking my wall clock by accident. Or for kittens crapping on my floor behind my sofa. And stinking up my house-- one of my BIGGEST pet peeves.... I hate stinky houses.

Blame the rain for the possibility of snow, and the fact that I have to drive my kids to Calgary tomorrow to see their Dad for the first time since MARCH! And, you know, not to complain or anything, but I'm SO SICK of hearing about "Chris Daddy", and how much they miss him. I have to stay neutral and pleasant, but I just want to shout SHUDDUP ABOUT DADDY CHRIS ALREADY!!! I don't want to hear about him. Not because it hurts, or because we're angry at each other, or because the kids have said certain things, but because I just don't have the energy to deal with them missing him so badly. To put them to bed each night and answer "I don't know" when they ask when they'll see him again, and to see the hope in their eyes die a little each time I answer. And I don't have the energy not to snap at Chris himself because of how much him being gone hurts the kids... even though him being away isn't really his fault. Although they are definitely bonding more to Will, often just referring to him as "Dad" (instead of "Will" or even "Daddy Will"). Them missing their Dad is something Will OR I can't replace. And my heart hurts for that.

Blame the rain for my frizzy hair. I dyed it last night. Well, I taught Em how to dye it. RED. Because I think red hair is fun, and feisty and I was ready for a bit of a change. I'm not used to looking in the mirror yet, and if I don't like it after a week, I can always change it back. But Will likes it. It's like he's sleeping with THIS: (who doesn't wanna channel their inner Bree Vandecamp anyways?! ;) I mean...uh...what I was trying to say was...um...yah...I think I hear my Mom calling... I've had fun being several colours ;)

(the blonde a.k.a Summer me)

(the dark a.k.a Winter me)

(the red a.k.a.FIESTY me)

Tuesday Tunes- New To Me

I love good songs. And lately, I've been big into new music. Well, at least, new to me. THANKS for some of my blog (AND IRL) friends, they've introduced new music to me.

I went for a run this morning-- the brisk 6 am air in my lungs. The road to Waterton was quiet, nothing but the sounds of birds and the occasional mooing of a cow in the background. The mountains, perfectly snowcapped against a bright blue sky, and it was so peaceful. BUT, it was a little more quiet than I prefer. I found it hard to stay on pace. I sure miss my music on the iPod that was stolen in the van in Vancouver.

Music touches the soul. That's not news to anyone who reads this blog (or Daisyhalos). I really react to a good melody with poignant words, or a beat with a catchy chorus.

So, if you need a few new songs, or a refresher on a few ones I like listening to lately, click on a few below!

Just Let Me Cry- Hilary Weeks. Thanks, Suze, for sharing on your blog. Hilary Weeks isn't new to me, but I've never heard this song. I LOVE IT! I think I love it because it brings back so much of how I felt in the years past. I really feel like she took my heartwords from 2 years ago, and put them into perfect harmony with a tune that I adore! I can't help but think of Claudine or Alison, two girlfriends currently going through their own divorces. Girls, I'm living proof that it does get better!!

Money Is Not A Thing- The Mile After Just a new-to-me band I like.

Colder Months- Alpha Rev, If A Song Could Get Me You- Merit Larsen. Courtesy of RamSam. :)


And, of course, a song to run and dance to.

Hello, Good Morning- Diddy. It sounds like Carry Out with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake, but still, I like it.

Anyways, off to the mountains to help Will with some painting, to spend some time with three little munchins (Mimi, my niece and my cousin's kid), and await the impending arrival of my sister's baby.

I Could TOTALLY be a backup dancer to, like, Wierd Al or somethin

You know how on some days, when you're just full of wicked awesome ideas for blog fodder and you're totally itchin' to get on the keyboard and oust all your insecurities and humourous anecdotal thoughts and, heck, maybe even your opinion on something far too ris-KAY that you inevitably KNOW will be followed with an onslaught of personal attacks in the comment section, but you go ahead anyways, because, so help me, I'm frikken a genious of literacy and intellect today!?

Yah. TOTALLY NOT ME TODAY AT ALL!

So, we're gonna play. Play the fun things we all need to play.

Like, duck duck goose. Or hopscotch. Or, what the hey, maybe even sardines. Something we can all play together. ...

Word Verification isn't until tomorrow. And, might I slightly add that not many of you played last week, so be sure to play tomorrow! And Tuesday is SUPPOSED to be musical.

ooooh, musical chairs would work, but it's hard for us all to play that.

Cards is a big one lately 'round these parts.
........hmmm.....
nope. Won't work.


Well, when I ran the dayhome, when the kids were bored, we'd turn on the computer and crank it to some good ol' youtube tunes, and then we'd boogie like there was no tommorow.

So, let's boogie. All of you, up and at'em. Groove for a song or two. You'll end up smiling, and you'll be glad you did!

Brad Paisley says it best!

Tuesday has occasionally been my Tunesday. Where I share music I love.

Which, today, is slightly changed.

"Santa" got me a guitar for Christmas. I have only ever learned how to play three chords-- a lullaby my mom used to sing to us that we all sing to our children. So, those three chords (D, A and G) and the finger-picking technique I know all because my sister, CC, taught them to me YEARS ago.

Now that I have a guitar, I'm learning LOTS of new chords and words. What on earth did people do BEFORE the internet had 'cheat sites' like chord-reading helps and guitar-for-dummies. Honestly, the internet is teaching me everything! it's awesome.

So, I'm sharing with you a few of the songs that I'm learning on the guitar. They're not 'rock' songs, no, because, believe you me, me + rock does NOT equal cool. More like trying too hard! As Brad Paisley said,"Guitar playing isn't for everybody". But it's starting to be for me.

I shared Brandi Carlile with you guys last year, but here's the song I play the most. (click for youtube)
The Story

And, although this song makes me a bit reminiscient of sadder days, I love singing it, and the chords aren't too tough..
Stay

This one's tougher. I haven't figured all of it out yet, but it's coming.
The Call

Another aboslutely awesome song to sing. The guitar is tricky, again, so I'm QUITE far from mastering it. Ha. Who am I kidding? I'm not mastering ANY of the above songs! lol
Gravity

This is a soft one.
Oh Boy

And, I know, you've been introduced to pretty much all of these songs already, but this one is worth sharing again.
Arms Of a Woman

And.. to end it off, a bit of Disney! Love me some Toy Story 2!
When Somebody Loved Me


There's church songs, and folk and country songs (One Tin Soldier, I Told You So, Don't Close Your Eyes).

Hopefully, anyone out there who plays guitar, you can introduce me to a few other songs I may not have on my list yet. And the rest of you can just imagine me strumming away magically. :)

Year At A Glance 2009

I was supposed to post this on the last day of December, and kinda did. For those few of you who noticed, Daisyhalos had a new post on December 31, as I had semi-finished this meme and preposted it so that I'd have it done by that day. Obviously, I forgot about it, and it showed up, half finished, on the blog. So, after deleting that one, here's the REAL one.

And, in previous years, I've done this meme and it's always fun to look back on. Next year could be fun to see too.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Got Divorced

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions. Every day should be a new attempt at being better, not every year. A few goals that I DID make throughout the year didn't come true, and a few ones DID. Like, I didn't ever run a marathon, let alone two, but I did find true happiness and I did figure out what I want re: religion.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
At my age, EVERYONE is giving birth. Amazingly, it was a year where NONE of my siblings gave birth. I have friends who did, and I love them (and their darling babes) to pieces, but no immediate family members. Interestingly, having babies has been a conversation Will and I have entertained, but with a sort of "If We Won 100 000 000 000 Dollars, Let's Talk About How We'll Spend It" type of mentality. It's fun to imagine, but highly improbable.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
luckily, no. Not that I recall. I think only Will's Aunt, whom I didn't know.

5. What countries did you visit?
Canada and the US.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A finished home with Will. With an uncarpetted kitchen, of course.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
LOL.. Well, OBVIOUSLY September 7, my wedding day. And June 5th, Will's divorce day. June 12th. January 26th (day I met Will)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Marrying a man who loves me what feels like as much as I love him. Starting a life I knew I wanted to have.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I'm not sure, but I would venture to say that sometimes I've treated someone unfairly, or I've gotten angry or bitter. Not often, but it is definitely a trait that I would like to further overcome. Sarah's been a constant struggle for me, because of how hurt I felt, but I'm working on that slowly. Will and I have had some aruguments that I would like to go back and 'edit', but thankfully we're both learning how to better deal with our emotions from our previously hurtful relationships.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing big, no. A few colds don't count.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Bought? Wow. I don't think I've bought much worth sharing. My wedding shoes. I know, you're all tired of them, but they made me feel sexy and sassy and I love them.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My children's. All 7 of them have been good to each other, been accepting of each other, and have welcomed the new dynamics of our family with fairly positive attitudes. We still struggle individually and as a team, but on the whole, they're well-adjusted kids who have had to deal with so many things and are still amazingly stable, given the circumstances.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed?
Sarah's. My own.

14. Where did most of your money go?
To the wedding, mostly. And second place is clothing. Christmas wasn't too cheap either, but thankfully the Deer Incident wasn't more costly.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Marrying Will. Duh. :)

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
TOO MANY! I have almost a song-a-day kind of life.
Definitely "Fire Burning" by Sean Kingston, as it was our 'family' song and the song we heard most of the time being together, "I've Got a Feeling" by The Black-Eyed Peas, because it was the song we came out of the chapel to, dancing. And "Have You Ever Been In Love", by Peter Cetera..Will's and My song that we danced our first dance as a married couple to.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? a bit fatter. The past 3 months have put on a new 10 lbs that I plan to eliminate soon.
iii. richer or poorer? richer in life, my pocket book's a bit lighter though.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
working out, playing with my kids, travelling, eating healthier, camping, journal writing, blogging, taking pictures

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I felt so busy this year, I don't know what I could have done LESS of. Maybe staying up so late.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Well, 2009 Christmas was spent in a million places. Christmas morning was spent at home, with all the kids and Will's parents, opening stockings and presents. 2010 Christmas could be spent anywhere, as we don't have the kids this year, so maybe we'll save up and go away somewhere.

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Yes. And then some. I've fallen in love in ways I've never fallen before. And, most excitingly, this one is for the last time.

23. How many one-night stands?
HAHAHAH. Seriously!? This questions makes me laugh every year.
None. I only dated Will, and Will alone. And there were NO one-night stands. There were a few nights where there was no SLEEPING, but I wasn't standing up. (at least, not the WHOLE time! :O )


24. What was your favorite TV program?
Survivor and Flash Forward, shows that Will and Em and I watched weekly. I was definitely a fan of Russell from Survivor.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. I don't 'hate' people. I only STRONGLY dislike one person but naming her is redundant.

26. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read many books this year, but I did read the Twilight Series. So, they'll do.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Secondhand Serenade was introduced to me by Will.

28. What did you want and get?
Personal clarity to find happiness, a happy relationship, a home closer to my parents.

29. What did you want and not get?
marriage in the LDS temple

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Out of this list I haven't seen many films of 2009. FAVOURITE?? UP. I absolutely love the humour in that movie, but above it, I love the "love story". I teared up in that movie. I have seen: The Proposal, which comes in a close second place. District 9. Final Destination 4, Couple's Retreat, Law Abiding Citizen, This Is It (Michael Jackson), Bride Wars, The Hangover, Shorts

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I trick-or-treated with the kids. Then we went over to Kay and Jim's house, where we played some games with another couple. I turned 29.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Really, there is nothing.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I don't know that my style changed much. Will and I bought some clothes for each other, but in general, I'm about the same. I did add Crocs to my shoe pile. *grudge*

34. What kept you sane?
My friends. My family. Will.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
i don't like celebrity/public figures like that. But Michael Jackson's passing sure made me appreciate how incredible of a performer and musician he was.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I think the recession is something we've ALL been directly 'stirred' by, in one way or another.

37. Who did you miss?
My 8GVs. Friends in my old ward in Cranston. Dayhome families.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Will. Without question.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
What happens in our lives is probably 90% because of what happened in someone else's.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

To Get Me To You- Lila McCann *click for YouTube version*

Well I, I still can remember times
When the night seemed to surround me
I was sure the sun would never shine on me
And I, I thought it my destiny
To walk this world alone
But now you're here with me
Now you're here with me

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you

Well I, I still can recall the days
When I had no love around me
Makes me glad for every day I have with you
And I, I look in your eyes and know
I'm right where I belong
And I belong with you
Always belonged with you

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to go through
To get me to you
To get me to you

And if I could I wouldn't change a thing
Wouldn't change a thing baby
Because your love was waiting there for me
Waiting there for me baby

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you