Saturday, June 30, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today was my niece's 5th birthday. She grew up so fast. I remember when she was a newborn and weight just over a pound. I was afraid I'd drop her.

I drove out for her birthday party and Cinderella showed up. Kind of cool! After the party we went to Aunt Helen's to play in the pool.

This is the song that's been playing in my head.

Song of the Day: Friday

I have survived a day in North Carolina. I spent most of the first day at my brother's while he slept in. I seem not to have that ability. Despite the fact that we both went to be around the same time, I got up at 8:30. He slept until 10:30. When we finally left the house, we made the slow progression toward my aunt's house. We started with my dad's house. He and my little brother were happy to see me. But, I have discovered that my little brother is a sexist jerk. He has the habit of trying to tell me what to do despite the fact that I am older and did fine without his help for all of my life before I got to meet him three years ago. (That was my father's doing!)

When we got to my aunt's job I began to serenade her withmy rendition of this song. She move to Baltimore at 16 and lived there for most of her life before she moved back to NC.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

I made it home to North Carolina. It was kind of surreal until I saw my brother waiting for me on the other side of security. I usually see him once, maybe twice a year. So, when I saw his face, even fatigue faded.

But now that I am in NC, it has occurred to me that blogging will be sporadic at best. Not all of my relatives see the need for internet access in the boondocks. Just like not all of the cell phone companies see the need for a cell tower in the boondocks. Luckily there are still landlines.....

Anyway, today's selection is John Legend, who my brother was quick to inform me is not R&B or HipHop, but NeoSoul. Um, okay. I don't really care. I just like him.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today was tough. I was so tired that I almost fell asleep at my desk. So, I went home early. I decided to eat an early dinner and watch a bit of tv. I almost fell asleep in front of the tv. So, at 5:30 I was snuggled in my bed for a nap. I got up at 8:15, but was definitely sure I could have kept sleeping.

I have another early morning before flying to NC. Can't wait. I have so many last minute items to tie together: lease for the apartment, shipping, packing, donating. It will get done, but it's easy to get stressed.

Today's song is "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae. Something about her and her style, I don't know what. I just like her!

Song of the Day: Monday

Monday was a busy day, so I forgot to post. I am in South Bend looking for an apartment. I spent the day driving hither and thither trying to find a place. Calling and talking to people, touring apartments.

My choice was quickly narrowed down for me, though. One company that runs two different apartment complexes hasn't called me back; it's been more than a day since I called. They are off the list. Once place was small, dingy and hot. They are off the list.

That left me with two places that are equidistant from work. When I thought about that fact that for the price of a one bedroom apartment with washer and dryer in one complex, I could get a two bedroom, two bath apartment with washer and dryer in the other complex and still halve my current rent, the choice was clear. I still needed to talk to someone and have them confirm what I knew was true, though. But, I am almost in my apartment. The lease should be coming to me in a couple of days. Now I just need to organize the move.

Anyway, this hunt for apartments and my impending visit to see my family has me in a bit of a maudlin mood. This mood calls for the Dixie Chicks! I like this song.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I'm finally back from SB. Had a great time and am sure I have an apartment. But, one little incident keeps niggling in my mind.

On Sunday I was hanging out with new friends. The flatmate of one showed up. He began to ask me questions about myself in the way that I hate--in which I feel like I am being interrogated. I abruptly interrupted him and told him that for everyone question he asked he had to answer a question. I was a little sharp when I did it, but he was also being a little rude.

When he left the room, his flatmate asked me why I'd done what I did. He thought it might be a southern thing. I indicated that it might be that or a little me. But I also pointed out that it's a little rude. If we are "getting to know each other", then WE should get to know each other rather than someone interrogating me.

I pointed out extreme examples of it where people interrogated me over meals and I never got to eat and they never told me anything about themselves. I indicated that because of how much it happens to me--it happens a lot--that I can see it coming and cut it off at the pass. And, I indicated again that that behavior is kind of rude. They seemed to understand and the guy said he would talk to his flatmate. But I left feeling like a not so nice girl. Which sucks since he was rude! Did no one but me pick up on the fact that he was being rude?!!

Anyway, this song by John Legend popped in my head. The only connection is the phrase "I Can Change." The context does not apply to this situation.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

Last night and today I narrowed down my interest in apartments. But, since it is Sunday, most places are closed. So, after making an additional appointment for tomorrow, I started researching cars. Again!

When I move to South Bend, I will have a bicycle. But as the weather gets colder and as I begin to travel to visit my family, I will need a car. I think I have decided on what I want. For today. I may change my mind tomorrow and the day after until I actually purchases something!

Anyway, all of this car shopping has triggered this Smashing Pumpkins song.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

A long day. I got up a little after 4:30 to get to South Bend. I've ridden two planes. Begun to navigate my way around town. Seen a number of apartments that, apparently, aren't available until next year and been fed and driven on tour of possible places to live. And now I am starting to droop.

I can't decide whether my song should be a celebration of leaving or a mournful "don't forget me" song. Really, I think mournful fits my mood better. I love Simple Minds. And I love The Breakfast Club, which featured this song.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

Today felt like the longest and shortest day. I got plenty done, but really I was thinking about getting done so I could get closer to leaving for South Bend. I did find out that I won't have to pay a penalty for leaving my lease early. Yea, for that!

Anyway, here's a song by the Ramones. They say "Let's Go!" a lot and I hear "Blitzkrieg Bop" occasionally, but other than that I haven't really bothered to learn the words. Sad, I know!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

Plenty of stuff happened today. I donned my superhero cape and found a missing book for a professor. I found a mislabeled book while shelf reading.  I had a really great prep for a class to which no one showed. And, I got a letter.

It is official because I have seen it in writing: I am an employee of Notre Dame Law Library as of August 1! I'm so excited. I knew it was coming, but I didn't want to jinx anything so I kept my mouth shut.

Anyway, in honor of my officially new employment, I present the Notre Dame Alma Mater and Fight Song by the Notre Dame Band trumpet section. Kinda Cool!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today was a busy day. I got so much done. I think it finally occurred to me that I have much less than 30 days before my time is done. And, in that time I have two classes to teach. So, I needed to get on the stick and get the work done.

My presentation for tomorrow is pretty much finished. I have a couple of last minute edits before I print it out and teach. The one for July has been revamped a little. While I only want to teach research, I do want to give more substantive information to facilitate the learning. I'm pretty happy with the changes. I just have some updating to do an I should pretty much be done.

Anyway, I've been humming Justin Bieber in my head. A little sad since I am not some teenaged girl. But this song is rather catchy!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Today was a productive day at work. I got a lot done, but still more to do. I'm now on the countdown clock for leaving my job.

I've been on a bit of a Queen jag today. I think it was an email that made me think of this song. I have the audio of a different concert. No matter. Freddie Mercury is wonderful! What a performer. What a voice. I'm actually sorry that I was too young to enjoy him when he was alive.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

So, I quit my job today. Sort of. I officially resigned! It feels a little reckless since I don't have my official letter from my new place, but I have been assured that this thing is going through; the letter will be signed and sent this week. And, I am nearing the 1 month mark before I plan to have my last day of work. So, it made sense to go ahead and resign and trust that everything will work out as it should. And if it doesn't I might have to pull an Erin Brockovich and just show up for work!

Anyway, as I printed and signed my resignation letter, this song started playing in my head. Really kind of funny!

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today was another one of those lazy days. Despite the fact that I have to ship off my apartment in about a month, I spent the day reading in bed. The change-up was getting up to cook a dinner of sorts and eating it front of a tv that I later napped in front of. Oh how productive! I work tomorrow so, it's typical behavior for me.

Bruno Mars wrote a song about these kinds of days.

Song of the Day: Friday

I had Friday off from work. I should have been sorting and purging my stuff. Instead I had a Kosher Chinese lunch with a friend and then came home to watch tv, read on my new Kindle Fire, and drink margaritas that used frozen strawberries as the ice cubes. Not bad.

So, in celebration of getting nothing done, here is Friday's song.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

Today I was reminded of a lesson I've known for years: never tell your broken family secrets to people from nice, normal families. They don't get it and believe that you either are horrible person  or a liar who doesn't appreciate the god-given gift of family. Either way, you always come out on the bad end of the stick.

I just found this song by the Raconteurs.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today is the Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua. He is the patron saint of finding lost things. That I knew so I prayed the novena and moved on. But today I discovered that he is also the patron saint of single women who are called to marriage. Seriously, I did not know that. And guess who's been praying about marriage during the St. Anthony novena?

So, in honor of St. Anthony's matchmaking intercession, there is this song.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Despite the fact that the doctors cannot find anything wrong with my brother, he is still in the hospital. This is day 4. He's ready to go home. Actually tempted to walk since his house is only two miles from the hospital. I know how he feels. But, I get it from the doctors' perspectives too: No one passes out in a dead fall and cracks open their head, losing three hours from their day, for no reason. He called me to chat.

This song is for my brother, based on our convo.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

I've been humming this song tonight. I'm not sure why. But, I watched the video and I'm not sure what that says about me.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

It's been pretty quiet around here. I've been recycling magazines left and right. I texted my brother but haven't heard back from him. I'll have to call him in the morning. But, I also found out that my niece graduated from high school yesterday and if it hadn't been for a high school friend who teaches at the school, I wouldn't have known. This, my friends, is indicative of how close I am to my sister an her girls.

Today's song is "It's Oh So Quiet" by Bjork. This song was my introduction to this quirky Icelandic singer. Since this song is so upbeat and mainstream despite Bjork's accent, I was surprised when I heard the rest of her music. But I like it.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today has been pretty low-key. I spent the morning apartment ticket hunting. I went to a friend's for pizza and I came home. I just found out that my brother--the oldest one who helped raise me--passed out today for an unknown reason. He's being kept overnight for observation. I'm not nervous yet.

Today's song is "Save A Prayer" by Duran Duran.

Song of the Day: Friday

So I forgot to post again. But there is a reason.

On Monday I got a really great offer. On Thursday I officially accepted although there was no doubt from the beginning that I would. On Friday I talked to my big boss (BB) and decided that it was okay for me to start telling people at work.

And, in the course of telling people, I found out that my BB, who suggested that I not tell anyone about the prospect until I had a tangible offer, had spilled the beans in a meeting. And didn't tell me. Didn't acknowledge the mistake. Possibly suggested that people pretend that they didn't know. So, as I made my rounds telling folks one of the persons let me know that he knew it was a possibility and when I pressed, indicated that it had been spilled in a meeting. But, he said that he respected me too much to pretend that he didn't already know of the probability. Because the BB let it slip in a meeting.

This begs the question of who else was in the meeting since these meetings usually entail more than two persons. I have a guess of at least one person who most likely was in the meeting who pretended not to know. And it also undercuts the stern lecture that the staff got a few weeks ago about the hurtfulness of gossiping. Because I know these people well enough to know that it almost definitely a full-on discussion that followed the slip of the tongue.

So last night I was a little bitter and having a carbo-fest with sangria to make myself feel better. Lucky me that all that I ate Friday night came off in the morning!

I can understand the need to share my potential news with the higher-ups for planning purposes.  But it would have been nice to have the BB come clean about the issue. I would have respected the BB more even if I was hurt by the breaking of a confidence that she encouraged. Mistakes are forgivable when confessed, even if "no one will ever know." But to pretend or cover up--especially after advising me to say nothing--is an issue that I will remember for a long, long time. I may never say anything. I, hopefully, will not behave differently.  But I will always know. And I will struggle with whether I can ever again trust you with my secrets.

Anyway, rather than go the route of torching this b*tch (and how does one do that on a blog?!!), I thought I'd instead select an Adele song about rumors. I love Adele. When one looks at her, her voice is so unexpected. And, after she is done singing, one doesn't expect such a strong Cockney accent. But I love it! And I love her!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

It's almost 100% official. Just need paperwork to move things along. My friends wanted to include me in their get together to celebrate. Awkward!!! One guy decided that his response to me was that it was a big move. When I asked why he answered that he didn't know. For me some things just are and you don't make them bigger than they need to be or you get swallowed whole. Let's just say that interaction did not go over well.

And then there was my group of Italians who consistently asked two questions: "Did you tell your boss yet?" and "Are you happy?" The happiness question might have to do with the strength of their command of English. The other is a quirk of Italy in which a boss is not told until the last possible minute. I get it, but all of it is a little too weird a convo to be having starting at 10:00 at night since my Italian friends don't do anything earlier than that.

Anyway, as I headed home trying to process these encounters, and hoped that I wasn't too much of a b*tch tonight, this is the song that played in my head. I know it from "O Brother Where Art Thou" sung by the Statler Brothers. But, this version is nice.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Long day. Had a good talk with my mentor and a good talk with my predecessor. Still inordinately tired from last night. This is the song that currently is playing in my head. My kind of country.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Tonight was the annual dinner for my professional association. The two most dangerous words of the whole night?: open bar. Moreso when I got comped to attend! Three Bogka drinks before we sat down to dinner. My preference is red wine.

I got chewed out by a Moldovan about speaking Russian! (minchia!!!)  Nothing I initiated but I still had to defuse the bomb. He came back and apologized, but still!! And all before the after party in Antarctica. Somehow I never got to buy any of the drinks put before me!

But, interestingly enough, I was told by the grandson of immigrants that he is more patriotic than me. Really?!! Seriously?!! I hope that was the alcohol talking since he doesn't know me. Thankfully he said patriotic--which could actually be true since I am still salty about being born the day AFTER Independence day--and not American. He was gracious, and smart, enough to concede that I was more American than he, even though there might have been some aspect of servitude to his ancestors stay in the Americas. My ancestors shed blood, sweat and tear to build this country, brought here against their will many, many generations ago, and made citizens without their consent. Glad to be an American, but you could at least ask!

Anyway, after that convo, this is the song that has been in my head. Not quite on target with the topic, but you get the picture!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

Today was weird. First day back after a four day weekend. I had trouble getting to sleep then trouble waking up. I had a bit of a headache and nauseous all day; taking meds only made me sleepy. So, I went home early and got some interesting news.

Anyway, this is the song that's been in my head this evening. It seems to fit my mood since it's a little odd. I first heard of Moloko when I was Austria for a course during the summer after my first year. I don't remember what song or album it was that I heard. I just know this wasn't it. But, strange as it is, I like this. My favorite line? Singing a song about nothing/talking through my belly button.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

I am a sucker for happy endings. It's what I like about romance novels and adventure movies--the ones that end well, that is. It touches something in my heart. My eyes get blurry. A few tears leak. My nose starts to run. Good times!

Anyway, I saw this video today. It's a live lip-dub of "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. I have to admit that I was a bit weepy, and sniffly, at the end. Good job, Isaac!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

I got home late today. Every couple of months my gang of Italians and I get together for dinner and beautiful social time. It's kind of crazy. Growing up we weren't allowed in the kitchen when someone else was cooking unless we had business in the kitchen. And there was only so long that we were allowed to stay. Italians are different.

The kitchen is chaos. Everyone in and out, whether or not they are cooking. And even if someone is not cooking it does not mean that they won't comment on what's being cooked or season something that doesn't taste just right. Apparently this is what Italian families are like. I'm so not used to this, but they are breaking me in.

Anyhow, at the end of the night, when everyone was lazing around waiting for the dishwasher to finish, my friend ST turns to me and begins singing a country song that I introduced her (and my suite mates) to a couple of weekends ago when we shared a room at a retreat. I was amused and impressed. She said it got so stuck in her head that she looked it up on YouTube. My plan to corrupt Italians is working! Here is the song.

Song of the Day: Friday

I once said that I wanted to rule the world through libraries. This is still true. I just forgot that I said it.  Until yesterday. I know: It's a little Pinky and the Brain. But it is true.

Anyway, here's the song for today, following the same theme.