Thursday, May 31, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

I have been a bit tired and mopey lately: the anniversary of my mom's death. and general bouts of self-flagellation. But on Monday I read something on a blog that encouraged me and I wrote the author. She wrote me back and asked if she could send me a book. It arrived today!! You'd think I'd never gotten a present before. Or a book. Kinda cool!

Anyway, with the arrival of the book, this song has been on my mind.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I am at the beginning of a few days off from work. Yeee Haw! I'm so excited!

The temperature has been bearable today. Warm but not scorching. Just enough to warm me up after spending all day inside an icebox. This has been the song in my head today.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

It's officially summer. Nothing to do with the calendar. It's the infernal heat that marks it. It was so hot that I couldn't abide the thought of wearing pants. I wore a dress. No hose. I brought a sweater to shield me from the ice box air conditioning on the train and at work.

And, there was a fierce thunderstorm. This is what I love about summer: the storms. I sleep better when there is rain, thunder and lightening. It cools off the night. Hopefully I will be getting a lot of sleep this summer.

Anyway, this is the song that has been in my head. I finally listened to the original version by Christina Perri, but I like Katrina Parker's version better.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

It's Memorial Day. I had been thinking of the Lee Greenwood song, "God Bless the USA" all day today. I had planned to post it to the blog but as I looked at the comments for each video attached to the song, I decided against it. Too much negativity to attach to my blog. However, you are quite welcome to hum along with me since EVERYBODY knows the chorus. It begins "And I'm proud to be an American...."

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

My mom died a  year ago on 27 May 2011. We had a love-hate relationship, never really seemed to get each other. We each wanted something that the other was unable to give. Neither of us could speak in a way that the other could hear the words actually spoken. I was on my way home when she died. I had hoped to have one more conversation to try to bring some understanding between us. Unfortunately I missed her. And, yet, fortunately I missed her.

There aren't any songs that I can think of that address the wounded chaos that was our relationship. No songs that speak of, or to, a dying mother. No songs that convey the depth of pain and loss and love and relief at her passing. No songs that speak to a child orphaned at birth, and more so with the passing of her mother. No songs. None.

But, this Nina Simone song came to mind. While the words don't match the event, the emotion of the song as sung by Ms. Simone, do touch that sensitive chord.

RIP Mom.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Sixpence None The Richer is an angsty band. Or at least that's how they were described to me by someone who assumed that I was so highly uninformed. Oh how those in the throes of artistic angst are so egocentrically misled.


But, my attraction to Sixpence had nothing to do with artistic struggle; for me the struggle was spiritual. And what I liked about listening to Sixpence during this time is that they weren't the shiny happy Christian band. They were, and still are, blessedly melancholy and blue. Even their happy songs are sad. Kinda reminds me of The Smiths without the gratuitous references to suicide.


I am currently refraining from self-flagellation; I keep falling into the same trap. And this song is like a balm. It's the chorus that does it for me: So I'm changing who I am / 'cause what I am's not good / And I know you love me now / But I don't see why you should /And I don't see why you should / No I don't see why you should.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

Still waiting.

I got a call today to tell me that there still was no answer. It'll be another week and a half before they can begin to expect an answer. Nice!

In honor of my wait, here's some Foreigner.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

Still no word. And people keep asking me as if I had neglected to tell them! I am not coy. If  had some news, I would have told the entire world by now. Good news would result in me screaming really, really loudly. Bad news would result in me trying to find a polite way to curse out the people who rejected me (See yesterday's blog post on replacement words)! But, no: no news!

Today at work a colleague told me that she dreamed that I got the job. She affirms the power of her dreams because the only other time she had a dream with a clear sort of message, it came true. In honor of her prophetic dreams, I have chosen this song for Thursday. Her voice is a little annoying, but you get the point.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I totally forgot to blog yesterday. Sorry to my committed follower. I will try to do better.

Anyway, in light of forgetfulness, I thought I'd share one of my favorite songs about forgetting. In truth, CeeLo's "Forget You" doesn't mean "forget you". It is a replacement phrase for something much more powerful. (We used to do it as kids; we used "bump" rather than "forget".) But, I like this song.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Everything is changing. The semester is over and students have graduated. It's definitely spring and hopefully the rain is over. Holidays and vacations abound, hopefully with good results. Lifechanging results. That's what I want.

Here's today's song.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

My infernal relationship with the nook has ended. My current device has died and my extended warranty end early this month. After spending over 5 hours trying to get numerous CSRs to understand and help me, I am done. As a consequence of the loss of my loved one, I am back to reading print.

I am currently reading Dostoevsky's "Notes from the Underground." Ugh! I know I am part Russian in my soul, but I am struggling with the writing. I have finally found a line that I like: “I agree that two times two makes four is an excellent thing; but if we are dispensing praise, then two times two makes five is sometimes a most charming little thing as well.” I'm not sure why I like it but I do.


Anyway, this song seems reminds me of this story: it makes no sense, but you can't quite stop reading.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

They say that deaths come in threes. And while people die every minute of every day, I was more concerned about the musicians who were dying. First MCA with cancer of the salivary glands. Then, there was Donna Summer of lung cancer. Today, I discovered that Robin Gibb died of colon and liver cancer. These three were a musical trifecta of my youth. But, Robin Gibb imprinted on me earliest.

I grew up in the 70s listening to some of everything, much to the chagrin of certain relatives. And disco definitely had a place. I don't remember my introduction to the BeeGees. I just remember being in love with the voices and the harmonies.  As I wrote in my post on Donna Summer, disco hasn't died. This BeeGees song was revived in a weird TV series called "The 10th Kingdom." When I saw this scene, along with the others of the trolls singing and speaking of the "Night Fever," I remembered again why I love this band. There is something happy and enlivening about the music.

Robin Gibb: Thank you for providing soundtrack for my childhood and life. RIP.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Day two of the retreat. A lot to process. It all seems to boil down to the question of who is in control of your life? Are you in control or are you following? Makes me think of this song by U2.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

I'm at a retreat this weekend. I didn't realize that part of the time is spent in silence. Like right now. I have three roommates that I'd love to speak to but we are in silence until morning. Sigh!!!

The idea of this retreat of unusual silence (ROUS) brought to mind this song by Paula Cole. Been a long, long time.

Song of the Day: Thursday

Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco, died today of cancer. I grew up in the shadow of disco, so I was familiar with her music. And, as the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt.

But the thing about disco is that it is eternal; it never dies. It get sampled. It gets remixed. It gets refreshed. Here is my favorite refreshment of Donna summer's "Last Dance." Rest in Peace, Donna Summer.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Song go the Day: Wednesdy

I had jury duty today. A whole lot of hurry up and wait. I didn't get selected and I am released for another six years. This is my song.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Tonight I heard this song covered on Glee. The story line was sad but resonated with me: Puck and Shannon dealing with life situations that tell them that they are nothing. That used to be me, but I have changed my address. I don't live there anymore.

So, you have been warned mean people!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

Today on the train to work, I saw a teen who had the trademark Bieberlicious look. Kinda cute, but Justin changed his hair now that he's older. Here's the song.

Song of the Day: Sunday

Another flub. It's getting hard to remember to do a song of the day when I am comatose at night. Since my body wakes me early in the mornings, it would be great to do the post then, but I haven't yet had a chance to have my music choices be influenced by the day. Maybe I can begin to pre-sage my days?....

Anyway, I saw this video yesterday. Made me love Regina Spektor even more.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

It was a hottish day today. So, when I went out to shop and run errands, I wore a skirt. I have noticed that I get more attention when I wear a skirt. But what is a little disturbing to me is the number of decidedly old men who are chatting me up. If I actually looked my age, it wouldn't have been so bad. But I know that I look like I'm in my early 20s. It's like my father (in his 70's!!!) or a grandfather trying to hit on me. Trying not to throw up here!

Anyway, one of my favorite party girls wrote a song about this. I think it's kind of funny when Ke$ha has standards.

Song of the Day: Friday

Yesterday was one of those days that just got away from me. I had the late shift at work yesterday and I took my time getting home. And, as I began my night routine, I forgot that I still needed a song of the day.
Since I am in a holding pattern, here is Friday's song.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

World's shortest work week. I was so tired last night that I fell asleep for a significant amount of time with the light on! I got to work pretty close to on time. I spent the day sharing about my trip, though, and trying to tie up some loose ends. I actually stayed a little late, too! It's nice to have a break.

When I got home I caught up on some of my DVR shows and I finally watched the Voice Finals. I am happy for Jermaine Paul. I am not the biggest fan of R&B/Soul, but I really like him. It's the way that he sings with emotion and passion. Other R&B singers don't effect me as he does. This was his song.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today has been a long day. I began a battery of meetings from 9am to 5pm--most of them with me talking. Good times for the introvert! Compound my day of talking with the fact that I woke up with a headache. Could be that third of a bottle of wine that I drank last night or the fact that I got about 5 hours of sleep before running through the gauntlet. Overall I found the people surprisingly nice, generous and kind--not that I expected them to be mean so you know that they were beyond-beyond!

Anyway, through out the day, this is the song that played in my head as I wandered through the day and I felt myself slumping from fatigue. I found a video of a young Adele singing and playing "Daydreamer" on Jools Holland. Beautiful and refreshing.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

It's been a long day. I got a chance to look around and meet a few people that I wanted, in addition to some of the people that I expected. Really nice group and exciting opportunity. I reviewed my presentation and am now thinking about all of the people that I will meet during the day tomorrow. Ugh! Not enough time to cram all of that information. Hopefully I am capable of charm when the day begins to wane.

As I debate sleep or cramming, this song comes to mind.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

I am out of town on a secret mission. So far, so good. Except that I started to panic a little. Am I doing the right thing? Am I prepared for the change, the responsibility, expectations? Do I even know what I am doing? I called my friend K to have her talk me down. Right after she stopped laughing at me. As.Is.Usual. when I freak out for no reason.

Anyway, as she talked me off of the ledge, this is the song that began to play in my head. (Sting is another man that I'd planned to marry when I grew up, but I'm not sure if I planned to get divorced a lot or have husbands all over the place!) Nice calming music for the highly strung.

Song of the Day: Sunday

Typical me: I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to post. I did my laundry and then spent about and hour sorting and packing a bag for a two day trip. I am currently sitting in bed trying to do a few last minute things before I go. Considering my lazy state, here is my make-up song of the day.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today has been a bit of a mellow day. I slept in a little, but I also stayed up late reading. I went for a walk over the Madison Avenue Bridge into the Bronx and back.  I showered, ate lunch and leisurely got ready to go out. The plan was to shop for a suit that fits. No such luck. The stores that sell the styles that I like and would wear don't carry my size in-store! So, it was away to Lane Bryant which carries my size--sort of! Apparently I am on the small size for Lane Bryant. The size that I purchased is on the low end of what they sell and it's a little roomy. And, no jackets in my size unless I wanted to wear a cream colored cropped-sleeve jacket with my black pants. Or I could wear a size 22. What the hell is that?!? I have never been that big! So no jacket. Today's dilemma, then, is to decide whether I will wear two different shades of black or go all out and intentionally not wear the same colors: charcoal grey and black; or black and slate grey. I felt so much better when I began to think of coordination rather than matchy-matchy!

Anyway, because of the absolute mellowness of the day, this song has been in my head. I haven't heard of the band before or since this song.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

Today an icon in rap music died: Adam "MCA" Yauch of the Beastie Boys.

I grew up listening to the beginning of rap. It was just part of my childhood musical landscape. There was no like or dislike; it just was. But in junior high, I heard the Beastie Boys for the first time. This is the first song that I heard. It was more rock than rap, but I was hooked since I was already a rock girl. I especially liked the rebellion.

MCA and the Boys became part of the soundtrack of my childhood. I didn't follow the Beastie Boys as much as I got older, but I always have fond memories of them. And I stopped to listen whenever a new song played.

Rest in Peace, Adam Yauch. Thanks for the childhood memories!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

I was in the middle of my bedtime routine and this song popped into my head. Cake is a bit quirky but it reminds me of the 90s, when my life seems much less and much more complicated. Some things were just simpler back then. Other things were not. Cake reminds me of those moments of mindless joy!

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I spaced on this one. I was dog tired when I got home. Been working on a reorg of a research guide. I'm happy to do it. The current version is a little stale. And now, after nearly two years of working with students, I realize that there are some things that I assume, presume, about student knowledge that are not quite on point. I want to correct that error.

Anyway, yesterday, I walked around singing this song. I didn't want to put it in the blog because I was worried that it would be a jinx. But, I don't really believe in jinxes, so why not another Florence and the Machine song.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Today was a carryover from last night. Just in the doldrums and disappointed--despite my great news. Luckily my coworker, a great talker, was able to lift me up a bit. It helped to just to get it off my chest and to meander through various topics landing on something that was not that. And, as I worked through the day and made plans for next week's trip, it got better. I am less moody and less likely to cry (yep I cried a bit!), and happier about the future. But there is still a part of me that is disappointed. I am glad that my current response it not to withdraw though. My friends are still my friends. I am now aware that there is possible room for education among my crew, not necessarily these two.

Anyway, this was the song that I had planned to post last night before I made Sixpence into my lullaby. Everyone should have a good  Irish band to make them cry. This is one of mine.

It has Italian subtitles, but the other options available did not include Dolores. Italian it is!